《Defiance of the Fall》


 PrologueWelcome to the Multi-Verse

    <h4>PrologueWee to the Multi-Verse</h4>


    Information was power. It could both be the sword with which you impale your enemy, or the sword you impale yourself upon. That was what was going through Zacs head as he walked through the woods with a small hatchet in his hand, his face glowing with a sheen of perspiration and irritation.


    He was still unsure of how a short mention about spending time in his familys cabin as a child turned into him being tasked with bringing firewood back to the campsite. He pushed some intrusive shrubbery out of the way as he ventured further into the woods. Maybe his friends wereughing it up as they stayed by the fire in their cozy chairs with a few beers while he was living the age-old scenario of man versus nature.


    He swung his hatchet and chopped off a small twig, but immediately saw that it would make terrible firewood from how fresh it was. What the hell did he know about gathering firewood anyhow? It had always been his dad getting it for their cabin, and Zac was pretty sure that he had actually bought it rather than cutting down trees.


    It was a sweltering day in May, with high humidity even though not a cloud was in sight, probably from yesterdays drizzle. This, along with it being spring, made Zac seriously doubt whether any of these trees made for a decent fire if chopped down. The humidity and moisture in the wood would turn the campsite into an inferno of tear-inducing smoke at the first lick of fire. If it was even possible to light the fire at all.


    Besides, this whole area was part of a nature reserve, and he was not really sure if there were legal ramifications to cutting anything down. Still, he trudged on, dragging his now sticky hair out of his face as he surveyed the surroundings.


    For exactly what, Zac still didnt know. He was still half-hoping to run into a neatly stacked pile of firewood secured under a tarp, left behind by some more adroit forester. Zac had been walking around aimlessly now for fifteen minutes, and he wasnt really cut out for this, so he could really use the backup.


    Which was sort of ironic, as his appearance would usually indicate someone who has a goodmand of the great outdoors. Standing at five feet eleven with a set of broad shoulders, sporting a nnel shirt with the arms rolled up to his elbows, he at least somewhat looked the part. But the slightly too even beard, the pudge at his belly, and theck of wiry musclesing from manualbor were signs of a far more sedentary lifestyle.


    He was actually just a marketing consultant who jumped onto the bandwagon and got the slightly grizzly look, as it seemed pretty popr at the moment. And it did actually pay dividends, as this trip was arranged with his new girlfriend, Hannah, and three of her friends.


    Truth be told, had it not been for the heat and the humidity, he wouldnt really have minded this solo trip into the woods. It was always a weird situation, being a new addition to a group that has years of history together. To figure out the dynamics and personalities of everyone while keeping up with conversations where half the content is inside jokes and stories from before you were in the picture.


    Of course, they mostly seemed like decent people. David was open and cheerful, and the trip would likely have lost much of its energy had he not been there. Unfortunately, Davids interests diverged with his, him being into ser and hockey and Zac into video games and art. This made it a bit harder to find things to talk about during the long trip up into the woods. But he was still a guy one wouldnt mind having a beer with.


    Davids girlfriend, Izzie, was a harder pill to swallow, with her unceasing grandstanding about whatever issue she could insert into the conversation, be it veganism, environmental conservation, or social issues. Of course, Zac generally agreed with her points of view, but it did get tiring to be constantly preached to.


    Its ironic, he thought, its often the kids of the elite who get like this. He had heard from Hannah that Izzies father was some sort of manager at a hedge fund, and her mother was a partner at some high-endw firm. Apparently, apleteck of supervision and unlimited funds leaves one with a surplus of energy that needs to be directed somewhere. And in her case, it was usually a crusade against the Man and the corporate machine. Still, it was hard to stay annoyed forever with her, as her bubbling energy was somewhat infectious.


    Which left Tyler. Or the Snake, as Zac renamed him in his head. He seemed like a charismatic enough guy and had those annoyingly clean-cut good looks. Had he been in a movie, hed be cast as the good-looking jerk the heroine was dating before she found her true love. Which was somewhat his situation here. Not that Tyler and Hannah had been a couple, but most people had probably expected them to sooner orter get together, as they hung out a lot with David and Izzie in some sort of faux double date. Zac was not overly surprised with the hidden hostility hed gotten from Tyler since the day they first met two months back. Tyler probably felt that I sabotaged the grand n of the universe when I came along and inserted myself into Hannahs, and by extension his, life, Zac thought with a snicker.


    Maybe I should get back after all he mumbled, a slight unease at the situation lingering, adding to his general irritation of being stuck in the woods, waving around a hatchet like an idiot.


    Zac wasnt really a jealous guy, but also not a huge fan of leaving his girlfriend with a vulture circling around. And it wasnt like he would magically produce some firewood by walking around in this forest any longer. He adjusted his grip on the axe and once again readjusted his bangs, which by now were a walnut mess of wax and sweat, and started veering back towards camp.


    He had trekked in somewhat of a semicircle and should return back to the vicinity of the camp, or at least the road they took to get here, if he just kept veering right. After walking along for another five minutes, battling the constant threat of shrubbery and mosquitoes, Zac came up to a small clearing.


    Insidious shrubbery and intrusive twigs gave way to rustling grass and patches of bloodroot and cardinals. Somehow it felt like an oasis, with a noticeableck of things to scratch him, and the sounds of wildlife felt somewhat subdued. Not a bad ce for a camp should we decide to move it a bit further into the woods, he mused as he walked into the center of the de, taking ast look around before turning toward the direction of his camp.


    But as he prepared to leave, all sounds suddenly stopped without notice, turning to an almost deafening form of silence he hadnt really ever felt before. Just a breathter, the world was darkness.


    <strong>[Initiating System]</strong>


    <strong>[Wee to the Multiverse.]</strong>

 Chapter 1: Roll For Survival

    Chapter 1: Roll For Survival


    <strong>[Initiating System]</strong>


    <strong>[Wee to the Multiverse.]</strong>


    A cold, detached voice echoed in Zacs ears. Or in my head? he thought while looking around, confused. Nothing in his life had prepared him for his current circumstances, and he for a second thought there was an extreme sr eclipse happening. All that greeted his eyes wasplete and utter darkness. The only thing visible was himself, as if there was an invisible source of light shining just on him, leaving the rest of the world in ck.


    Heatstroke? he muttered hesitantly even though this didnt feel like some heat-induced delirium. But before he could further analyze these baffling events, the monotone voice interrupted his train of thought.


    <strong> Earth scanningplete. Low F-grade mass, ungraded energy.]</strong>


    <strong>[Adjusting]</strong>


    <strong>[Due to insufficient energy and size, Earth will be merged with additionals drafted for initiation. New values: Low D-grade mass, low D-grade energy. Topography readjusted. Spawn points randomized based by cohorts. Wildlife upgraded due to insufficient challenge. Link to the Multiverse system activated.]</strong>


    What? Hello? he shouted, or at least he thought he did, as the utter ckness seemed like a natural dampener, quenching all sound. But the voice seemed unaware or uncaring of his calls.


    This was starting to feel less like some extremely borate practical joke or heatstroke, as everything felt just too real. Zac pinched himself, and the sting told him he hadnt passed out either.


    Trying to glean any meaning from the ramblings from the odd voice only made him more confused as well. It spoke about Earth, but also used some terms that felt like they came out of a sci-fi movie or a video game. However, the voice gave Zac no opportunity to figure the situation out, as it heedlessly droned on.


    <strong>[Initiating Incursions. Spawning Heral]</strong>


    <strong>[ERROR! Herald upying same space as you! Adjusting]</strong>


    A more ring version of the same mechanical voice interrupted itself.


    The ominous voice and the message quickly elerated Zacs heartbeat, and he got a sinking feeling. This was all too real in its craziness, and if this was real, he was in deep shit. He was told he upied the same space as some herald, and no matter how he looked at it, it couldnt be anything good.


    Erring on the side of caution, he jumped to the side to avoid whatever would happen, but it was as though he were in space. He made the motions of movement but still was stationary at his spot.


    <strong>[Merge unfeasible. Protocol SL-34572 initiated.]</strong>


    Phew. At least he wouldnt be turned into a half human, half herald, whatever that was. But the fact that the voice seemed to be ready to mash him together with another being was extremely unsettling, and unease was quickly turning into panic.


    Zac mentally tried to force himself to awaken, and when that didnt work, he even pped himself hard in the face. But nothing worked, and he was still stuck in the darkness.


    <strong>[Roll for survival. Due to the massive power gap between Herald UrKhaz and you, odds heavily in his favor.]</strong>


    SHIT! Zac screamed, or rather squeaked. The panic was now full-blown, and adrenaline was coursing through his veins. WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?


    But again, the only thing greeting his inquiries was utter silence until there was a break in the darkness. Seemingly from nowhere, a screen popped up in front of him, hovering silently.


    The window looked like something taken out of an old video game, blue with white edges and text. The surreal situation made him nk out for a few seconds before registering what the screen actually said.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>UrKhaz</strong></td><td>


    1-100 000</td><td>


    ROLL</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td><td>


    1-100</td><td>


    ROLL</td></tr></tbody></table>


    It looked just like a prompt from a video game, and the familiarity actually calmed him down for a second until he read what it said and realized the implications. At that point the panic came back in full swing, threatening to evolve into hysteria.


    It looked like the window was a prompt for rolls between him and this herald, but instead of loot, they were rolling for their survival. And the roll ranges were clearly skewed in his opponents favor, giving Zac abysmal odds for actually surviving.


    Hello? This isnt funny anymore. Let me out! he screamed, grasping at somest straws that this was all some insane experiment. But the reality of the situation was starting to set in. Zac just stared numbly at the screen in front of him for a few seconds as if toprehend what he was seeing.


    This is crazy. Wanting me to gamble with these odds? Why the hell would I roll? Zac muttered. But the second he said roll, the screen changed, and the numbers next to his name started to rapidly change.


    <strong>[Protocol SL-34572 epted by participant. Rolling]</strong>


    No, no, no, wait, wait. Stop. Lets figure out a different solution! he shouted, waving his arms in a panicked attempt to stop the proceedings. But no matter what he did, the numbers kept spinning. It was as though they were rapidly counting down his remainder of time on earth.


    Panic was slowly turning into rage in Zacs mind over the messed-up situation he was in. Rage over theplete and utterck of answers. Rage over the obviously paltry assessment of him by the voice, seeing the obvious disparity in treatment between him and this UrKhaz guy. Rage over the scammy way the voice had started the roll, as though it looked for a loophole to proceed.


    With a red tint that suffused his otherwise blue eyes, Zac roared and smashed the hovering screen in an effort to vent his fraying emotions. The screen, however, did not acquiesce to his feelings and shatter in a million pieces, but rather only flickered slightly.


    Unheeding of any attempts at a physical catharsis, the numbers once again flickered slightly, and the spinning started to slow down until it stopped at a final number. Almost as an afterthought, it also added an infuriating line instead of the roll button.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>UrKhaz</strong></td><td>


    1-100 000</td><td>


    ROLL</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td><td>


    98</td><td>


    Re-Rolls unavable</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Something about the reroll message just sucked the energy out of him. It really wasnt a bad roll. If it were in a game, hed definitely have won the loot, he thought with a morbid sense of humor. But he was quite aware that this was no game by this point.


    He still held out some hope that he was still lying in the woods with massive heatstroke. But if that was true, he most likely was a goner as well. So either he was about to be killed by the sun, or by a video-game god. Neither was an ending he had expected nor hoped for. He didnt know whether tough or cry, so his face settled on a sickly grin as he nkly stared ahead.


    Of course, all hope wasnt lost, as the other individual hadnt rolled yet. But it didnt really feel like it mattered when the game was rigged. He once again took a nce at the screen, and his eyes lingered for a second on the roll range of the other entity.


    The smile slowly shrank away from his face. A sigh escaped his mouth like a deting balloon, and he closed his eyes and slumped down to a sitting position. All of Zacs strength and energy were wrung out by the situation and the roller coaster of emotions. Left was only a bleak sense of despair, realizing that this was it. Dead alone in the woods, never being able to say goodbye to his family or loved ones.


    Zac had no epiphanies or huge regrets at the end of his life, except that he wished he had been closer and better to his family. His mind drifted to memories of his past as a sce and escape from the insanity he was experiencing.


    , her long brown locks cascading around him in her embrace. His dad giving him a quiet smile as he opens the door of their apartment to head to work, his eyes sad and tired but full of love. Spending most of his youth stered in front of theputer,rgely ignoring his smaller sibling. College years drowned in alcohol and partying. First day at his job, and the humbling realization of how ill-prepared for adult life he was even after seventeen years of school and university.


    <strong>[Protocol SL-34572 epted by Herald. Rolling]</strong>


    The monotone voice again droned, like an executioner giving final rites.


    <strong>[Congrattions!]</strong>


    Zac didnt bother with the voice anymore, and memories shed past in his mind one by one. Friends, family, and events both happy and sad. Not the most exciting of lives, but it was his


    Wait, what, congrattions? His eyes snapped open and refocused on the monitor.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    UrKhaz</td><td>


    91</td><td>


    Rerolls Unavailible</td></tr><tr><td>


    Zachary Atwood</td><td>


    98</td><td>


    Rerolls Unavailible</td></tr></tbody></table>


    Stunned, he stared nkly at the screen until the voice interrupted hisck of thought.


    <strong>[Protocol results in the continued existence of Zachary Atwood. UrKhaz vanquished. Resuming standard protocols.]</strong>


    A nauseating explosion of light, color, and sound took over, disorienting him and turning his insides to mush. His body suddenly felt like it was on fire, tearing and scorching him all over. Thest things he saw before passing out were the small clearing he disappeared from and a huge red pir reaching toward the sky.

 Chapter 2: A New World

    Chapter 2: A New World


    Zac slowly woke up, groggy and disoriented, finding himself face-first on the ground. Spitting out a few des of grass and dusting himself off, he scrambled up and surveyed the surroundings, his body still aching from whatever had happened to him before. The de looked the same with the few rocks and flowers, surrounded by stout leafy trees and dense shrubbery.


    His first reaction was that luckily he had just passed out from the heat or exhaustion and woke up. There were some things that gave Zac the foreboding feeling that what had happened was more than just a heat-induced dream. First was the fact that he was currently staring up at two suns, only one of them being the familiar yellow.


    He thought he was seeing double for a second, but shaking himself awake had no effect on what he saw. The sun was apanied by a little brother. He felt something was a bit off with the original one as well though, seemingrger or more intense than he remembered. The other sun was a far smaller star that shone in a piercing aquamarine. It hovered close to the other celestial body and seemed to orbit it like a satellite.


    The other unsettling sight was the pir. A huge vortex of light and energy reached up towards the sky in the distance, like a grisly red w reaching up from the ground. It pulsated in an eerie red glow that could only be called demonic. It looked like it was quite some distance away, but it was hard to tell. This pir was thest thing Zac had seen before passing out, and it greeted him as he woke up as well.


    A bestial roar snapped him out of his thoughts, refocusing him on the situation at hand.


    Hannah he muttered, a glint of determination in his eyes as he threw all these inexplicable events to the back of his mind. If this was all real, he needed to get back to the camp immediately. It seemed the crazy events hed recently experienced were all real, he realized after looking around. The emotionless voice in the darkness had said something about making the wildlife more dangerous to improve the challenge. The roar he just heard could be a freaking tiger or bear for all he knew, which meant the others were in danger.


    For a second he was even afraid that the others would jump in the car in a panic and leave him stranded here with whatever was roaring. Even though he didnt know what was going on, burning anxiety was already consuming him and urging him to action. Not daring to wait any longer, he took off in a sprint toward the direction of the camp, unheeding of the unfamiliar sounds all around him or the prickly greenery aiming to slow him down.


    The surroundings blurred around him as he thundered on through the forest like a runaway train. It was as though he had gotten ten shots of adrenaline, his legs pushing him forward at a breakneck pace. Something was off, as he felt that he was running even faster than Olympian athletes, and inplicated forest terrain at that.


    The previously somewhat weighty axe in his hand seemed weightless and tore through any branch trying to impede his way with pinpoint uracy. Zac had never felt as strong or fast as he did right now. The voice had said it upgraded wildlife, did his speed and power mean he was considered a part of that? He didnt know whether to be happy with his improved physique, or whether to be pissed off the mysterious voice considered him an animal.


    Finally, a few minutes after his mad dash started, he recognized arge boulder that a tree had somehow split and grown through, telling him the camp was just a few hundred meters away.


    Readjusting his grip on the hatchet, he changed his course and ran straight toward the camp. Suddenly another of the otherworldly roars echoed through the forest, this time far closer than the others hed tuned out on his way here. Panic turning into even greater speed, he barreled into the camp, a look of frenzy and fear on his face. Greeting him was the familiar sight of the camp; the gray Range Rover, the camper, and the few camping chairs were strewn about.


    What immediately garnered his attention wasnt this, though, rather the monster rifling through one of the coolers. Its size was that of a Great Dane, but this was where the simrities ended, since it was an unholy mix of flesh and bone. The beast looked like it had been skinned, then let out in the woods again, being an amalgamation of red and white. It sported a thick trunk of a torso with rippling muscles extending down to six stubbly legs, each leg ending with a paw, reminding Zac more of a bird of prey than a woond creature.


    Two of the pairs aligned at the front of the torso with thest at the back. Each paw was adorned with four ghastly ws with three in the front and one in the back, with the front set of ws seeming slightlyrger than the other two pairs. Its head felt overlyrge for its body, with a broad base but a long snout, enabling an impossiblyrge maw. The mouth reminded him of a crocodiles, if a crocodile possessed three rows of teeth. The eyes were small and beady and had a shine the same color as the vortex hed seen earlier.


    The power of the maw was readily apparent, as it was currently biting through a can of beans like it was nothing, swallowing the metal and contents alike. The strange sight made Zac stop right in his tracks, unable topute these turns of events. Suddenly he wished that it had been a tiger that was roaring in the distance earlier, since that seemed preferable to the monstrosity in front of him.


    The beast perked up before Zac could do anything, spotting him standing mutely across the camp. With an enraged roar, it bolted straight towards him with a speed belying its stocky appearance. Shocked, Zac barely had time to react as the beast was upon him. Taking an unstable step back, he swung the hatchet horizontally with all the power he could muster. With his shaky stance, there was no real power behind the blow, but it managed to strike the beasts neck, leaving an ugly gash and pushing the demon aside.


    Zac was once again reminded of how he somehow had be a superhuman, as even a crappy swing like that had contained enough power to throw off arge beast. However, the front paws of the monster weretched on to him, and with thebined momentum of Zacs strike and its own, the ws drew a deep gash on his midriff and left leg. Large wounds were ripped open, and blood immediately started pouring out.


    A pain Zac never had experienced before exploded in his mind, clouding his vision and threatening to incapacitate himpletely. Any thoughts ofbating the monster head-on with his new strength flewpletely out the window, and instead, an intense desire to escape emerged. He shook his head to clear his mind, but with small effect.


    What the hell do I do? Do I run? His eyes searched frantically around for a way to get out of this situation, primal survival instincts he didnt know he possessed kicking in. The beast had fallen over from the surprising power of the swing but was already mbering back up to its feet.


    Guys! Are you here? Help! he shouted toward the camper, hoping for backup. But only silence met his pleas. Did the others flee into the forest to get away from this monster? Out of ideas, Zac hobbled a few steps toward the forest as well, his left leg now burning and not properly listening to hismands.


    But before any ns could form, the beast was barreling towards him, maw in an open snarl, seemingly unheeding of the small stream of blood trickling down its torso to its stumpy legs. This time Zac was slightly more prepared, putting weight on his right leg and jumping out of the way. He heard a snarl and felt a gust of wind sweeping by him before he unceremoniouslynded in a pile three meters away. Quickly scrambling to his feet, he saw the monster had barreled past his original position, continuing on for twenty meters.


    Zac realized the monster had high speed but low maneuverability and started to frantically figure out a way to use this to his advantage. With a determination he didnt know he had, Zac abandoned all thoughts of fleeing and returned toward where he came from when running through the forest.


    This had better work he mumbled while ambling as fast as his pain-racked body could muster.

 Chapter 3: Battle Tactics

    Chapter 3: Battle Tactics


    Zac took a quick nce behind him and noticed the demonling following, as he started calling it in his head. It wasnt dissuaded at all from continuing its pursuit, though it looked slightly disoriented from the previous charge. Or perhaps the still bleeding gash on the neck was starting to show some effect. Its speed was somewhat slowed, but it was still quickly catching up to him.


    No longer being able to afford to care about adages such as not putting weight on a hurt leg, he ignored the pain and started charging towards the split boulder hed passed earlier. His wounds split open even further, and his left leg was nowpletely dyed red. The pain was excruciating as he ran, but the fear of death kept him pushing forward.


    He was pretty sure that this was his only shot, as the short run managed to up his pain to a terrifying level, and he was starting to get woozy from the blood loss. And who knows what poisons or pathogens a demon dog has on its ws. Zac could only pray that his new superpowers included super-white blood cells as well.


    Finally arriving at his goal, he heaved a few raspy breaths and turned around toward the monster now roughly forty meters away from him. Seeing that its prey had stopped moving, it hesitated slightly and stopped. The demonling slightly growled and hissed in a register that sounded much too low for something that size.


    Zac was afraid it would wait for his wounds to worsen his condition even further, or even gather reinforcements. If that happened, his small chance of survival would bepletely extinguished. He needed to end this fight quickly in any case, as the pulsating wounds on his legs reminded him that time was limited, with or without backup.


    COME GET IT, PIECE-OF-SHIT DOG! he roared, inwardly cursing hiscking cursing ability. He then picked up a small rock and flung it with all the force he could muster at the demonling. It drew a great arc as it zoomed through the air and missed spectacrly by a few meters. Luckily, it seemed the demon dog needed almost no encouragement for mayhem and ughter, and with a great roar, it started barreling straight towards him again.


    Come on,e on he whispered, once again readjusting his grip on the hatchet. This was it, do or die now. When the monster was just three meters away from him, he once again dove to the side with all his might. This time the monster was somewhat ready for it and managed to swipe him at his calf. It didnt seem as deep as hisst gashes but still burned like hell.


    The momentum of the demonling pushed it forward, straight into the cleft of the split boulder. The space was barely wide enough for it to get in, and it got stuck when the second set of legs reached the edge of the rock. The collision caused a massive thump, and gravel and rock chippings flew about, apanied by an enraged, but pained, snarl.


    Zac knew he couldnt hesitate, and quickly scrambled to his feet. The pain was staggering, but the coursing adrenaline in his system kept him going. This was the small window he created for himself, and if this didnt work, he had no other recourse.


    Mentally praying to long-lost gods of lumberjacking, he took a two-handed grip on the hatchet and swung with all his might at the lower end of the monsters spine. Hopefully, the anatomy of hell spawns was somewhat simr to normal animals, where a cut on the spine would cut important nerves and maybe even nick an artery.


    The axe hit true and severed the spine and even dug a bit further. A great spurt of blood and a pained yelp apanied it. The thick hind legspletely gave out, and it thumped down onto the ground. But while the demonling was temporarily stuck, it was no sitting duck. It thrashed wildly from the strike, and one of the remaining four legs managed to hit Zac squarely in the stomach. He was thrown backwards and lost his grip on the handle of the axe.


    He hit the ground with a thud, losing all the air in his lungs. He didnt dare take ount of his steadily worsening wounds though, and immediately got back up on his feet. The world spun for a second as he scrambled up, but he forced himself to stay awake.


    The sight meeting him seemed even more positive than he had dared hope. Both its hind legs uselessly slumped down, and dark red blood was quickly pooling beneath the beast. The wound he had managed to create on the beast must have actually cut a couple of veins, as blood unceasingly poured out of its back wound in farrger quantitiespared to the shallow wound on its neck.


    There was still some fight left in the monster, however, and it was still trying to excavate itself from the rock with some minor sess. It also desperately unceasingly roared, perhaps hoping for some of its brethren to arrive.


    Not wanting to wait for that to happen, Zac gingerly stepped forward, gripped the axe, and with a speedy tug ripped it out of the lower back of the monster. This time he also stepped back a bit in the event of further thrashing. This time, however, only a weak snarl apanied the action. Blood started gushing out even faster through the open wound, and it looked doubtful if the monster would survive even if left unattended.


    Not daring to take any risks, Zac stepped forward and, with a baseball swing, nted the axe in the torso, hoping to hit vital organs and the lungs. A sickening thud sounded, and more blood streamed out. The beast barely moved anymore, and just weak whimpers could be heard. Zac didnt dare stop and kept swinging the hatchet over and over until he himself fell to the ground heaving.


    His body felt a burst of warmth, likely caused by the strenuous activity, and by now the whole left side of the monster was a maze of grisly wounds. Its movements hade to aplete stop, and no more roars or whimpers escaped its maw. The head was still between the two halves of the boulder, along with its front two paws. The arms were mangled from the reckless charge into the rock and the subsequent desperate attempts to rip itself free.


    While Zac had no idea about the resilience or tricks of a demonling, it looked deader than dead. He arduously sat up and caught his breath. Slowly calming down, he was reminded of the stark reality. He was hurt. Really hurt. By now he looked like a homicidal maniac, almost covered in blood from head to toe, and it was impossible to tell which was his and which was the monsters.


    It already seemed impossible he was still alive with the amount of blood he had lost, and if nothing was done, he definitely would not make it to tomorrow. He slowly got up on his feet and started stuttering back towards the camp. He thought about shouting for help again but immediately discarded the idea. He didnt want to lure another monster to the camp by mistake, as he didnt have the power to go through another battle.


    Last time the trip between the boulder and the camp took half a minute. This time he ambled forward for what felt like an eternity until he once again came upon the ransacked and chaotic campsite. The camper was still standing next to the car but was now dented in ces. The cooler they had brought over had been knocked over, the water and beers spilled around.


    Not having the energy to care about the mess, he moved toward the camper, whose door was wide open. With some foresight, they had actually brought a decent first aid kit with them when traveling. He felt he should probably get to a hospital, but unless someone drove him, he would probably not make it. At least he could disinfect, tape, and bandage the wounds, performing some basic field triage on himself. That would hopefully allow him to return to civilization to get properly patched up.


    For the first time since he came back, Zac realized there were no blood or body parts in the camp. Though he hadnt dared think about it at the time, he subconsciously had believed the demonling killed the others.


    If they had been attacked, there should have been some blood at least, as Zac had little confidence in the four being able to fend off that beast and flee. The axe in his possession had been the only real tool that could be used as a weapon in the camp, apart from some small kitchen knives. And even with that, he had only survived with great luck and some quick thinking. His improved physique had helped immensely, but that alone would not have been enough against that monstrosity. That beast had been both faster and stronger than a bear, and unless the three had gotten the same type of strengthening as him, they would just be food rather than an adversary for it.


    He surreptitiously nced around as he neared the camper. The car stood empty, and no sound came out of the camper either.


    Guys, are you there? Hannah? he croaked in a subdued voice, still scared a scream would attract more monsters.


    But silence was the only thing that met his question.

 Chapter 4: Alone

    Chapter 4: Alone


    Zac had an ominous feeling and prepared to look around in the vicinity for tracks or signs of where his friends had gone. However, a dizzy spell reminded him of the most pressing issue. Almost falling, he went to the car and brought out the small green box with the first aid kit from the trunk.


    He then limped to the camper, whose door was standing ajar, and hesitantly went in. The interior waspletely empty as well, with no signs of either friend or foe. Scared that the smell of blood would attract more monsters, he firmly closed the campers door. Luckily, it was one of the few spots that hadnt been dented by the demonlings rampage. Zac finally slouched down on the sofa, not caring that the blood would stain the fabric.


    He put the box on the small dining table and opened it and first grabbed the small bottle of surgical spirit. By this time his face was drenched in sweat from the pain, and his hands were already shaking. Putting all the things he needed next to him, he started to prepare for his treatment.


    Slowly and gingerly, he took off his shirt and pants. Luckily, the blood was still wet and hadnt had time to coagte and stick to his wounds. Still, the pain was a hundred times worse than ripping off a Band-Aid as he removed the clothing.


    The ws of the beast had raked a long gash on his waist, and three additional but slightly smaller on his left thigh. There was finally thest wound on his right calf. While the wounds looked ghastly, it actually did not seem as bad as he feared. The cuts seemed clean and straight, and the bleeding had somehow almost stopped by now, turning into a slow trickle. He could only hope that it meant that he was getting better, and not that he was running out of blood.


    Knowing what came next, he almost whimpered when grabbing a water bottle and a gauze swab. He carefully poured the water over the wound at his waist to clean out the blood and dirt, and the agony almost made him pass out. Gritting his teeth and blinking away the tears falling from his eyes, he then grabbed the alcoholic solution and poured some in the wound as well. The wound didnt look inmed, but he didnt dare skip this part, even though it felt like he was being ripped in two from the alcohol.


    His face was like a beet by now, sweat pouring down and veins throbbing out on his forehead. Finally, he took some surgical tape and taped the wound together, and then wrapped some bandages a few rounds around his waist.


    The first part down, Zac just sat panting for a while. He closed his eyes, and a wave of exhaustion hit him like a truck, almost making him pass out then and there. However, there were still wounds to treat, so he roused himself again with some difficulty.


    Zac did the same procedures on his legs, and by the time he was done, his face had gone from red to a ghastly white. His hands were shaking so bad that he could barely grip the water bottle when he downed thest of its contents in a few big gulps. He was so weak he barely managed to make it to the bed in the back, and as soon as he hit the pillow, he passed out even though the suns still stood high in the sky.


    They were still shining brightly through the window when Zac woke up. Was there no longer any night now that there was an additional sun up in the sky? He stretched a bit and found out that while far from healed, he did feel much better than he did before. His bandages were red with blood but not wet, so the bleeding seemed to have stopped. He also didnt feel that intense pulsing agony anymore, and it was reced by a lesser throbbing pain.


    He still had problems keeping weight on his left leg, though, and almost fell when moving toward the fridge. The second thing he noticed when waking up, besides his wounds improving, was a fiendish hunger as if he hadnt eaten for weeks.


    He ambled to the fridge and found out it didnt work anymore, and some food was already starting to spoil. The monster had probably broken something while creating the various dents in the mobile home. He picked up a few sausages theyd prepared yesterday before they ran out of firewood, and a couple of slices of bread. Then Zac finally rxed with a bottle of water after he had virtually inhaled the food like a starving ghost.


    The others still hadnt returned. Zac was afraid they either were dead or had fled without looking back. Both scenarios were grim, and the possibility of the second left a sour taste in his mouth. He took out his phone from his pocket, but it was mangled and bloodied beyond redemption, likely from one of his tumbles.


    Luckily, they had prepared an emergency phone in the camper in case something went wrong, and he opened a cupboard and took it out. The phone was in working order, but it got no reception. This was weird, as theyd had a decent signal yesterday. Even if they were camping and enjoying the wildness, they wouldnt stop at a spot with no reception, as no one was ready to go a whole day without surfing on their smartphones.


    He also noticed from the time that three whole days, not one, had passed since the world went mad. He truly had cked out hard after tending his wounds. The date only further reduced the chances of his travel mates and Hannahing back. At least it also probably meant that the monsters kept to their territories and didnt wander around as much as he feared. He wasnt sure he would be able to handle another of those demon dogs at the moment, even with knowing their weaknesses from thest fight.


    With food settled and not having any pressing issues, he started to take ount of what had happened, and what to do from here. The absurdity of the situation finally hit him, and Zac spaced out with zed eyes, unsure of how to proceed.


    A distant roar brought him back to reality. This was no time to ck off; he was by no means safe at the moment. He was in the middle of the forest surrounded by crazy monsters, and that glowing pir still shone in the distance, reminding him that more monsters mighte.


    Perhaps the pir was a portal to hell or something simr, and demons could keep flooding through from their infernal ne. Or was this an alien invasion? The monsters could be something like Zergs in a poprputer game hed yed back in the day.


    Then he finally remembered the weird robotic voice hed heard earlier, and the confusing things it said before it started its crooked gambling scheme that almost cost him his life.


    Wee to the multiverse he mumbled. If the TV shows andic books he had devoured throughout the years were any indicators, a multiverse was a connection between multiples, gxies and even dimensions.


    If the voice was to be believed, Earth had been introduced to somerger system, and due to this, there were suddenly demons roaming the forests. But that didnt mean that only demons were around. What about other monsters or races? Would he suddenly meet elves jumping around in the trees, shooting arrows at him with pinpoint uracy?


    The voice also said it had initiated incursions. It seemed reasonable that the huge pir in the distance was the incursion, which would mean he probably wasnt too far off with his demon-portal theory. And when it spawned in the forest, the demons came with it.


    But that meant that the monsters wouldnt necessarily spawn next to it, as one had already been in the camp when he came back. It was hard to tell the distance to the huge pir, but it should take hours on foot to get there. And something called a herald had spawned right on top of Zac, resulting in thergest emotional roller coaster in his life.


    Finally, he had gotten stronger for some reason with all these changes. Both his speed and power saw noticeable improvements from whatever the weird voice did. It almost felt like he had gotten a power-up like in some video game, which made sense after having seen the floating windows in the dark dimension. He still didnt understand why the prompts were designed to look like some old-school RPG. Was it his mind desperately trying to make sense of an insane situation and adjusting reality for him?


    Fantasy monsters, magical portals, and gamelike elements. If some parts of the world were turned into an RPG, did other elements get introduced as well? At least there was no health bar, and the demon had no description or text above its head either. In fact, the only time he had seen any true game elements was when he was in the ck space the voice brought him to.


    He tried to notice anything in the periphery of his vision, but there was nothing there apart from the vision of the now somewhat bloody and grimy trailer. Tylers parents would probably be pretty pissed off when they saw the state of their camper, he thought with a smirk.


    If theyre even still alive, he then realized somberly. If the world was turned to shit at his location, what about the rest of the? Would it be safer or even more messed up? What about his hometown?


    Thoughts of his father and younger sister surfaced, and a sense of urgency appeared. If this was a global problem, nowhere was safe. Zac had no idea what was going on, but he would have to figure that out on the way.


    He needed to get back home.

 Chapter 5: Stranded

    Chapter 5: Stranded


    Driven by a newfound sense of purpose, Zac immediately started packing a backpack with food that wouldn��t spoil easily and some other necessities, and then immediately made a beeline for the SUV. If a slow shuffle where every step felt like walking on fire could be called a beeline.


    He opened the door, relieved that no one had been paranoid enough to lock the car in the middle of nowhere. The electric keys were lying on the driver��s seat. With no time to spare, he ced the backpack on the front passenger seat and pressed the button to start the car. A spectacr absence of sound greeted him. The car had no reaction, even after pressing the key increasingly hard apanied by angry swearing. The focused power of his will had no impact either, the dashboard unlit, and the motor didn��t give so much as a whimper in response.


    So the car was broken as well. Or not broken, rather out of battery, he surmised after noticing a ck smartphone plugged into the outlet in the car. The car had been on when the world turned to shit, and by now the battery had died. Freaking Tyler.


    It was a weird feeling walking back to the camper with his backpack. He felt somehow robbed of his momentum. If the car battery was broken, he was pretty much stuck in the middle of nowhere, at least for now. Either he had to somehow fix the car with his nonexistent knowledge of cars, or he had to get back to the nearest town by foot, which was about eighty kilometers away.


    Eighty kilometers would take the better part of a day when conditions were good, but with hurt legs and monsters likely lurking in the woods, it was suicide. There was no way he would try that in his current condition. His only option was to wait where he was in order to heal up, and maybe someone would evene and rescue him. Like the military or the police.


    To be honest, he didn��t hold high hopes of a rescue. First of all, no one really knew he was here, and even if someone did, he was afraid that these changes would have disruptedw and order to the point they couldn��t be bothered about a single straggler stuck deep in a demon forest.


    He would have to save himself, and for that he needed to recover and figure out a way to get back to civilization.


    ��If this stupid system could help out a little and tell me what to do, that would be great,�� Zac mumbled, lost as what to do from now.


    <strong>Active Quests:</strong>


    <ol>


    <li><strong>Unlimited Potential (Normal): Reach level 25. Reward: Unlock ss system. (16/25)</strong></li>


    </ol>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests:</strong>


    <ol>


    <li><strong>Demon yer (Normal): Kill 10 denizens with demonic alignment, each at least ten levels above you. Reward: +3% All Attributes when fighting enemies of demonic alignment. (2/10) [Note: Only one yer title can be attained.]</strong></li>


    <li><strong>Off with their heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (1/5)</strong></li>


    <li><strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect base from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3)</strong></li>


    </ol>


    A screen shed in his view just like when he had been transported to the ckness earlier. Zac froze for a second before even registering what was happening. So there was more to this system and multiverse, as he��d suspected.


    The screen slowly hovered in front of him and even moved with him when he turned his head and looked around.


    It seemed the system could give out quests that would grant different advantages and power-ups. What Zac first took note of was that there were two types of quests, active quests and dynamic quests. From looking at the contents, it seemed that active quests were normal quests that you either automatically got or got from quest givers or something.


    Wait, would NPCs spawn around the world, with yellow exmation points above their heads, giving out quests? Zac��s gut feeling said no.


    The other type of quest was dynamic quests. All the quests were rted to the demons and the red pir. By now he was pretty certain the red pir in the distance was, in fact, the incursion mentioned by the system.


    He also noticed that there was a rarity or difficulty in front of each quest. He currently had two types, normal and unique. Normal was pretty straightforward and seemed like normal grinding quests in video games, ��kill x number of y���� or ��collect ten ores,�� which would reward some experience and gold.


    In this case, there was no gold, but the unique quests did reward him with something called Nexus Crystals, which might be a currency. The other rewards were a bit more unclear.


    The ss System he could somewhat guess what it would mean. He would probably get to choose warrior, magician (if magic was now real, which actually felt like a very real possibility) or something, and get buffs pertinent to that ss.


    The demon-ying quest��s reward was also somewhat straightforward, although +3% stats did not seem very strong. However, it was better than nothing, and anything that would help him deal with these weird monsters that had popped up was more than wee.


    Thest rewards he had no idea what they meant. Upgrade outpost to town? What outpost? And why would he want a town in the middle of nowhere surrounded by monsters? As that quest somehow seemed the hardest toplete, he felt there was something more to it, but couldn��t figure out what. As for the benefits of being a lord of Monstertown or a unique building, he did not have the slightest idea.


    ��Why is there no exnation of things?�� Zac grumbled. ��There should be a tutorial or something.��


    <strong>[User does not qualify for teleportation to tutorial protocol. Please explore the system of the multiverse yourself,]</strong>a robotic voice echoed in his head.


    ��WHAT?�� Zac shouted. ��Why can��t I get the tutorial? Teleport me right now!��


    <strong>[By epting Protocol SL-34572, user gained a personalized initiation protocol, a lottery opportunity.]</strong>


    ��OPPORTUNITY? PLAYING A RIGGED GAME IS AN OPPORTUNITY?!�� Zac screamed, forgetting he was surrounded by who knows how many beasts. This shitty system actually did not only almost get him killed, but it also skipped a teleportation to a safe zone, which sounded a lot better than a demon-infested forest.


    <strong>[Affirmative. Please explore the system of the multiverse yourself,]</strong>the voice dully responded and once again went quiet.


    Zac fumed but realized he would get no more help from the cosmic douchebag robot. With a few deep breaths, he once again calmed down and realized the implication of what the voice said.


    He himself had missed the opportunity to get to the safe zone, but what about others? Unless it was voluntary, then almost everyone should have been teleported to wherever those safe zones were, barring any extremely unlucky instances like his.


    <strong>[Protocol SL-34572 is a unique opportunity. Congrattions, user,]</strong>the system responded as if reading his mind.


    ��Well, fuck you too.��


    Once again calming down, he thought of his fellow campers. Hannah and the others might actually still be safe, teleported away somewhere before this forest turned insane. That would exin theck of blood and mangled body parts at the campsite.


    It also meant that his family hopefully still was alive. While not optimal, a safe zone sounded pretty swellpared to his surroundings. He was still worried, though, and wanted to get to them as soon as possible. Both his father and little sister were out there somewhere, and he was afraid the apocalyptic events would lower the inhibitions of less scrupulous people. While his sister was an avid martial arts practitioner, he wasn��t confident that would hold up against perverts with guns and other weapons.


    Refocusing his thoughts, he realized something he had just glossed over from the quests. The normal quest had a progression of (16/25). Did this mean that there was actually such a thing as levels, and he was level 16? What did that mean?

 Chapter 6: Born for Carnage

    Chapter 6: Born for Carnage


    There was only one way to find out. The quest panel appeared when he asked what he was supposed to do. Maybe there were other panels as well?


    Menu, Zac said into the air, somewhat embarrassed, feeling like those LARPers he had once seen running around in the park. Nothing happened, and Zac felt he could almost hear the system snicker at him. Not discouraged, he continued to search for some other panels or menus.


    Status.


    This time it worked, and a new bar reced the one with the quests.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>16</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born For Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>31</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>25</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>27</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>27</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>29</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>29</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>44</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Stats</strong></td><td>


    <strong>30</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>5100</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    The status screen did indeed look somewhat like what he expected, with levels and stats. There were a few points he did not really understand though. The first was the alignment. Did it need to be specified that it was humans on Earth that he was aligned with? Were there actually humans on others or in other dimensions?


    He was surprised how much like a game the rest of the screen was. While there didnt seem to be such a thing as HP or mana, stats did exist. He didnt have any framework of what the numbers meant though, apart from higher obviously being better. Ironically he saw that his highest stat actually was luck, even though he felt very much out of luck.


    Strength seemed pretty straightforward, while the other stats might mean different things. Dexterity likely had something to do with movement and reaction speeds. Endurance and vitality both meant survivability, though he wasnt sure of the difference. He was pretty sure that his stats were higher than a normal human though, maybe from his level. He couldnt exin his superhuman recuperation otherwise. While he still felt pretty banged up, he should be lying on a bed dying now with the wounds hed sustained, not walking around.


    Intelligence and wisdom should increase mental faculties. If the world actually had magic and wizards now, these stats would probably make them cast spells better. Finally, he had thirty free stats. A quick count showed that he had gained two points per level-up, if he had started at Level 1. He held off trying to allocate any points though, as he still had no idea what he was doing.


    The titles, to be honest, sounded pretty badass. They didnt, however, really feel like something that described him too well. He neither felt like he was born for carnage nor overpowered from thest encounter with the demonling.


    Titles, Zac said, hoping for some exnation of the titles and what they meant.


    Just as he hoped, a new screen popped up with an exnation.


    <strong>Born for Carnage: First to kill a monster in world. All stats +10%.</strong>


    <strong>Ultimate Reaper: First to solo kill an Incursion General in world. All stats +5, all stats +10%.</strong>


    <strong>Luck of the Draw: Sessful in cheating death in an endeavor against all odds. Luck +5, Luck +20%.</strong>


    <strong>Giantsbane: Solo kill enemy 5 levels or more above you. All stats +1.</strong>


    <strong>Disciple of David: Solo kill enemy 10 levels or more above you. All stats +2.</strong>


    <strong>Overpowered: Solo kill enemy 25 levels or more above you. All stats +3.</strong>


    <strong>yer of Leviathans: Solo kill enemy 50 levels or more above you. All stats +5, all stats +10%.</strong>


    <strong>Adventurer: Reach level 10. Rewards: Strength +1, Endurance +1, Intelligence +1.</strong>


    Amazing Zac whispered. Titles were far more important than just sounding cool. From looking at his status page, he realized that most of his stats came from his titles rather than being strong on his own.


    This also gave him a few very important realizations. Almost all titles came from killing things, meaning that the system probably did not wish for a peaceful and harmonious world. It wanted a world of conflict, where people became stronger by walking over the corpses of their enemies.


    That didnt bode well for humanity. If the system incentivized killing, who knows if some people would go crazy and start massacring people for strength instead of monsters. Whos to say that there were no titles for killing humans?


    He once again realized the urgent need to meet up with his family before some maniac started cutting people down in an attempt to power-level.


    The second important point was that there were different types of titles. The first type was the Adventurer title. This was probably a title most people would gain. He did not know how hard it was to gain levels, but seeing as he was already level 16 after three days, it should not take too long. Therefore the rewards were not too exciting.


    The second type was struggling toplete tasks that were extremely hard. Zac had a slew of rewards for killing monsters at a higher level than him. He was a bit confused at first. While it had almost killed him, it did not feel like killing the demonling warranted all these titles. It did not feel like a boss or some monster that was more than 50 levels above himself if he could kill it with some dumb luck, a well-ced rock, and a lumber axe. The only thing he could imagine was that the system had given him the kill credit for out-rolling the unlucky herald and awarded him with the titles.


    Those rewards were a lot stronger and gave him all stat boosts, which likely increased his all-around powers. The most difficult titles even gave multiplier bonuses to his stats. Those bonuses would only get stronger and stronger the higher his level went, and the more stats he umted.


    Having those kinds of titles would almost ensure he would be stronger than an opponent at the same level unless the opponent also had some hidden means.


    He now realized what the system meant when it said that the lottery was an opportunity. All odds were stacked against him, but if he survived, he would not only gain a bunch of experience, but also amazing titles that would benefit him forever.


    <strong>[Protocol SL-34572 is a lottery opportunity. Congrattions, user,]</strong> the robot voice once again droned, this time with a tinge of satisfaction discernable in the tone.


    Still fuck you, Zac muttered back, pretty sure he would have declined even if presented the opportunity again. It was only dumb luck he sat here today instead of being vaporized by the system.


    Finally there were the first kill titles. It seemed that being the first in the world to aplish certain deeds would give a powerful title as well. Most likely no one else on this would be able to gain the Born for Carnage or Ultimate Reaper titles, as hed taken them.


    From these facts he could somewhat imagine how the world would develop. Everyone would soon realize the possibility of bing stronger and breaking the limits of the human body. The importance of titles would also soon be public knowledge, at thetest as soon as people started reaching level 10. Maybe the tutorial in the safe zones had already exined everything.


    Those who were willing to takerge risks and survive would gain strong titles, which would make them even stronger, enabling them to level faster and gain even more titles. Some would be elites, being far more powerful than normal people.


    Maybe some would keep their humanity and help the average citizens, but many would probably be tyrants, domineering everyone with sheer power.


    The world had turned into a ce where power was paramount. And if he wanted to protect his friends and family, he would have to be one of the elites himself. Luckily, he had a pretty substantial head start. Zac was pretty sure that high-level titles were not easy to obtain, so very few, if any knew about the amazing power they could bring.


    Finally below the stat points was something called Nexus coins, and he had 5,100 of them for some reason. If he were topare the menu to an RPG, then the Nexus coins would be the in-game currency.


    Nexus Coins, Zac said, hoping to get an exnation simr to the titles, but nothing happened.


    Coins. Currency. Shop. Store, he continued, searching for a correct keyword. But still there was no response.


    System, are you there? he grumbled up to the heavens. Can youe and exin the menu for me real quick? Such as the Nexus Coins and stats?


    <strong>[By epting Protocol SL-34572, user automatically declined standardized initiation protocol in favor of lottery opportunity. Please explore the system of the multiverse yourself. Goodbye,]</strong> the system soullessly responded in a mechanical almost word-for-word repeat of what it had said earlier. After this the system didnt respond to Zac no matter what he asked or how he extolled, as though the system earlier somehow was here, but now had left.


    After a while Zac gave up and refocused on the task at hand. He would have to keep his head start going, and keep pushing forward and get more benefits in this new world. He also thought about sses. Perhaps the ss system was simr, where some sses were better than others, and some might even be exclusive ones. Finally there were the mentions of towns and bing a Lord. While not something Zac was nning on focusing on now, it seemed that it was something extremely beneficial, seeing how hard it was to attain.


    A n was starting to form in his head of how to get out of this situation and head back to his family.


    First he needed his weapon.

 Chapter 7: Outpost

    Chapter 7: Outpost


    It had been four hours since Zac had woken up after getting hurt. Even after moving around for hours, his wounds were just dully throbbing, and he once again was amazed by the efficacy of his constitution. If his Endurance and Vitality grew to 100, would he be able to regrow limbs?


    He had spent thest hours discreetly surveying the surroundings toe up with a solution to being stranded in the woods. He had made some discoveries during this time, some more shocking than others.


    The first thing Zac had done after figuring out the basics of the system was head back to the scene of the fight to retrieve his axe.


    When he arrived at the boulder, the monster was still there, and by then a putrid smell had started to emanate from the carcass. This meant that the system would not remove bodies like in a game. What was dead was dead. After looking around the body, even somewhat moving it to look beneath, it also hadnt dropped any items such as gold or equipment.


    He still didnt know if that was just bad luck or whether the system was not that convenient and just wouldnt hand items to you in that manner. Perhaps you would have to make do with what already existed, or there were chests strewn around the world.


    Just judging from the smell and how the beast looked like when alive, it would not be serviceable to eat, even if fresh. The axey next to the body, blood caked all over the shaft and the head. Luckily, it hadnt been corroded or rusted yet, and after a good cleaning, the axe was almost as good as new, albeit slightly dulled.


    The next realization he made on the way back to the camp. Since the world in a sense had turned into a game, he thought maybe there was some sort of equipment system. But when saying things like equip, equipment, and inspect got no response from the system, he surmised that there probably was no such thing. An axe was just an axe. Maybe there would be magic gear in the future, but at least for now he had no means to distinguish it. He felt that he had missed something though, as one of his quests would reward him with something called E-grade equipment, whatever that was.


    However, he still was no closer topleting that quest now than he was back then. One thing at the time.


    The next discovery was that will and determination do not a mechanic make. After popping the hood of the car, he had nkly stared at the engine for a few minutes, hoping something obvious and easily solved would present itself. But he had to simply face reality that he would not be able to drive back, at least not with that car. The battery was well and truly dead.


    But the most disturbing discoveries came after. Since discarding the car seemed the only option, Zac had started scouting the road back to see if it was possible to traverse or whether it was teeming with monsters.


    He stealthily moved along the road they came from, keeping to trees and brushes, axe at the ready and maintaining a constant vigil for any sign of danger. If he kept this pace going back, the trip would likely take a week, and he didnt cherish the thought of sleeping out in the open.


    But before he got further than around a kilometer, the road abruptly stopped, and dense forests gave way to a cliff with a drop of roughly five meters. The road, heck, the whole ground, was simply gone.


    The view that instead greeted him was a panoramic view of an ocean. At least he thought it was, as he could see nond in sight, and he was still too sore to climb down and test whether it was freshwater or salt water. He guessed it was salt water though from the smell in the air. In either case it was mind-boggling, as the campsite was hundreds of kilometers away from any body of water of that size.


    Finally he remembered some words the system had said at the start, which he hadpletely glossed over in his panic. It said it had merged the with others and had been somehow randomized. Just how powerful was the system in the end, to grab multiples out in space and mash them together without him noticing anything.


    That thought was almost scarier than the immediate threat of the demons.


    This also made him realize that most of his ns of going back home and finding his family likely had to be scrapped. If the system could drop an ocean in the middle of the country, his family might be on the other side of the for all he knew.


    Which brought him back to now. Zac had mutely trudged back to camp, this time with far less vignce than before. Still, it seemed that there were, at least for the moment, no threats in the immediate vicinity.


    He now sat in one of the camping chairs, at a loss for what to do. He was emotionally and physically wrung out after the day, and the sense of purpose hed had before hadrgely vanished. He was still anxious to find his family and friends, but now he didnt even know how to begin looking for them. Were they even together after the teleportations and reshuffling of the world?


    For all he knew, he was actually on an ind rather than next to arge body of water. Then he would be well and truly stuck in some sort of nightmarish castaway situation. At least he had a camper, which was lucky, as he had no real idea how to build a serviceable shelter. He regretted bloodying it up now though, but hindsight is twenty-twenty.


    He knew that finding anyone he knew would likely be a far-off venture now, and he had to focus on surviving this demon forest first. He had already discarded trying to swim towards where the nearest city was before the apocalypse, as he had no idea of howrge the water was or, even more importantly, what was lurking in the water. If there were demon dogs in the forest, why not demon sharks in the water? No thanks. He had to put some faith in the fact that the system wasnt aplete maniac and had put some checks and bnces in the tutorial zones, which would keep his family safe.


    He once again opened his status page and quest page to see whether there was something he had missed earlier that could help him with his current situation. After a while he gleaned a clue from his quests.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect base from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3)</strong>


    There were references to some sort of base building in two of his quests, and it seemed important, almost like the main quest of the area.


    Outpost, Zac said, hoping for some sort of prompt that could guide him further.


    <strong>[Requirements met to create incursion outpost. Create now?]</strong>


    This time he heard no robotic voice, only a prompt showed up, still looking like an old RPG window.


    So there was a function like this. Once again a tinge of rage red up at the system for its chronic inability to properly exin what was possible. How many other things did he not know about due to the system not teleporting him to a tutorial vige?


    Zac didnt immediately answer the prompt, leaving it hovering. He was unsure whether this was the correct choice. Was creating an outpost a one-time thing? Would it make him even more stuck to this area? Would it make a loud noise, attracting curious beasts?


    Then again, he wasnt sure if he had much of a choice. It either was creating an outpost and hoping that it would somehow help with his situation, or essentially going out into the woods and grinding for levels by killing demons, and hope that he would get strong enough to leave that way before getting himself killed. Seeing as his state was pretty pathetic after just one encounter, it didnt feel like an option. What if he met a pack of the demon dogs instead of a lone scavenger?


    Gritting his teeth, he decided he just had to go with the flow this time and decisively said, Yes.


    He stood up, eyes fixed on his surroundings, waiting for something to happen. Maybe a medieval town would sprout up around him? At least some rudimentary battlements? He was hunkered down with axe at the ready, ready to flee at a moments notice. But the only thing greeting him was the vision of a lush forest and the sounds of birds and insects.


    Confused, Zac sighed and was getting ready to try some differentmands to create his outpost when a voice suddenly appeared from behind him.


    What are you doing?

 Chapter 8: Abby the Eye

    ��What are you doing?�� a pleasant, decidedly female voice sounded from right behind him.


    Zac, whose nerves already were frayed from the past days�� events shrieked in a higher than desirable octave and jumped forward away from the sound before registering the words. Somewhat embarrassed he turned around while stuttering ��Sorry about tha..�� before once more shrieking and falling back after seeing the stranger. His fight-or-flight instincts also failed spectacrly, as he dropped the axe while falling.


    What had entered his sight was not a beautiful female, as the voice had indicated. His dream of at least having a pretty girl to share this harrowing experience with died out as fast as it had shed to life. In front of him was a floating eye,rger than his torso.


    At least he assumed it was an eye. It looked as though a part of the cosmos had been taken and put into an eyeball. The pupil was a ck hole, seemingly sucking Zac��s soul in as he was looking at it. The monster had no iris, but rather a slowly rotating cosmic cloud, looking like it was slowly being absorbed into the pupil in the middle.


    The sclera was not white as with a human, but a ck studded with shining lights. It looked like the stars in the night sky. Surrounding the eye was a purplish-tinted skin and eyelid. It however had no mouth, making Zac confused how it could make any sounds.


    It was beautiful and harrowing at once, and certainly not what Zac expected after hearing the pleasant voice.


    ��Rude.�� the eye muttered. ��I am lucky enough to get an assignment at a newly initiated world, and I get to work with this rube. By the way, you smell.��


    Zac was still sputtering, unable to fully register what was going on. Unsure of whether to run, get the axe, or bow down to his new ocr overlord hepromised by simply staring dumbly with mouth ajar at the eye.


    ��Oh well. It makes sense that there were no Stargazers on your before the initiation, human. We usually only appear where the system sends us. My real name is a bit tricky for you to say with vocal cords but sounds something like Veth-Abarak. I am here to assist you in your endeavors regarding your outpost. You are wee.�� the eye continued, somehow making a haughty expression with only the help of an eyelid. ��I am sure you have some questions, though the tutorial should have exined most of what you can do.��


    ��Um... Hello, my name is Zac... Err, Zachary Atwood. What do you mean assist me? And how are you talking without a mouth?�� Zac responded, still having some problem adjusting to the situation. The eye, or Stargazer as it called itself, gave a long-suffering sigh, already seeming to havebeled Zac as a mental invalid.


    ��Did you not listen to the Pixies during the tutorial? I am the assistant assigned to you when you assigned this�� Trailer? Why did you choose a trailer? Anyway, when you chose this trailer to be your outpost when assaulting the Incursion. I will help with answers regarding the choices you make, to get the ball rolling so to say. As for how I talk, magic of course.�� The Stargazer answered, a sh of what looked like cosmic mist grandly surrounding herself to entuate her powers.


    ��What choices? And no I didn��t listen to any Pixies or fairies because the stupid system never sent me to any tutorial. It left me in this crazy demon forest 3 days ago while it teleported my friends away.�� Zac responded, starting to feel a bit peeved by being looked down on by a floating eyeball.


    ��Oh, you didn��t go to the tutorial. I guess tha�� THREE DAYS? This world was initiated only three days ago? Don��t you mean months?�� The Stargazer started shaking, the pupil shrinking to a... well, not needlepoint, but from a basketball to a baseball in size. ��Stop joking with me, how would you be able to create an outpost only after three days, even if you skipped the month-long tutorial?�� Veth-Abarak shook and hovered closer to Zac��s face, the grand mist surrounding it disappearing.


    Zac, who had somehow starting to get limatized to talking to this odd being, sighed and briefly exined his experience starting when the world turned dark. The eyeball seemed harmless enough and appeared to be on his side. Furthermore, he really needed someone to talk to, both to unload and to make sense of the situation.


    ��Oh wow, I got assigned to a Defier. I guess I have some good karma after all! No returning in defeat for Abby!�� The Stargazer suddenly seemed quite a bit more amiable, virtually shaking with excitement. It almost felt like the monster would start rubbing itself on him if it wasn��t that he was still generally caked in grime.


    ��What��s a Defier? It doesn��t sound great. And wait, Abby? Wasn��t your name Veth-something?�� Zac questioned, seeming to get more and more confused the more the Stargazer spoke.


    ��Now now, don��t be so formal. Just call me Abby.�� Abby answered. Gone was the slightly haughty tone, reced with the mild pleasant tone from the beginning. ��And I guess some exnations are in order. As you have figured out some people of your world have been moved to tutorial towns after your world was integrated into the multi-verse. However, some people have some sort of deficiency where they can��t naturally absorb cosmic energy and the system deem them worthless. It doesn��t bother with these people and leave them where they are. These people mostly die sooner orter as they are essentially defenseless at the beginning as the system generally vastly increase the danger of the surroundings.��


    ��And these are the Defiers?�� Zac interrupted a bit anxious ��Is it gic? Do you think my family is stuck somewhere as well?��


    ��It��s not gic as far as I know, and no they aren��t the Defiers. These people are generally called mortals. Please let me finish, we have limited time. As far as research shows, it is random who can take in cosmic energy and who can��t. However, in worlds with lower ss energy mortals are moremon. The higher the energy, the moremon it is to be able to absorb the energy. On B ranks and above almost everyone can absorb cosmic energy naturally.��


    ��When I was in that ck space the system said Earth had ss F energy, and after the merge ss D.�� Zac chimed in hoping for some additional information.


    ��Well, ss F is the lowest of the low. I doubt there were people who could fly or use magic before the merge, right?�� Zac nodded affirmatively. Abby shook her eye and continued ��From what I��ve heard only 5-10% of the poption turn out to be cultivators in an F-energy world. And most of those people are younger, as their minds haven��t turned too rigid yet. Of course, this is for you humans. The Multi-verse consists of myriad races and civilizations and many races have natural advantagespared to you humans, who are notoriously average."


    "Cultivators are what they call those who can naturally draw the cosmic energies into themselves by the way. Cultivators can be divided further into many types depending on ss and skills, but that��s forter. D-ss energy is pretty good for a new world, most are E ssed. So to recap, the world is popted by mortals and cultivators. This might mean your family is safe for now.��


    ��Lucky how? It sounds pretty bad to me that my family are probably stranded somewhere with monsters spawning just like me, but without the Titles.�� Zac questioned testily.


    ��Well, if they all are mortals they haven��t been split up. They are probably together in the city you lived in. Also, even if they are mortals there is strength in numbers. Even if the monsters are normally impossible to kill one on one, they should be able to kill the easier monsters using teamwork. And while they can��t just get continuously stronger through cultivating, they still get stronger from killing monsters and leveling up like you did.�� Abby exined patiently. While notpletelyforting, what she said did make some sense to Zac. He could only hope his family was being careful and safe right now.


    ��Anyway, that brings us to Defiers like you. In extremely rare cases a mortal gains power far above what��s expected, either through luck, talent or hard work. There is no strict definition of them, rather a ��You know it when you see it��-attitude. The namees from the fact that the System essentially has deemed you trash but you defy the system and fate and be strong. Your situation is extreme even for Defiers, I mean a Herald spawning on top of you and you survive? Stealing a bunch of exclusive titles? Crazy. I think it has only happened a few thousand times in the multi-verse.�� Abby seemed to get excited just thinking about it, happily bouncing up and down in the air.


    ��So it��s not that rare? There might be even more on earth?�� Zac interjected.


    Abby rolled her eye in response. ��I think you misunderstand Zac. A few thousand times in the multi-verse. Oh right, you missed the tutorial. Suffice to say the multi-verse is almost infinite, with endless worlds with life on them, most farrger and more popted than your earth. It has existed for at least hundreds of millions of years. And during all that time it has only happened a few thousand times. Which makes you an aberrant even among Defiers. You, and by extension me, have truly hit the jackpot. ��


    ��So how does it help me?�� Zac asked. ��I understand that I have a leg up on others with all these strong titles, but I still can��t absorb that cosmic energy you mentioned. What is that, anyway?��


    ��Cosmic energy is the building block of the multi-verse. It is energy, it is magic, and it is life. It is everything. You couldn��t really see the effects of it earlier as your world had so little of it, but you will soon see the effects of it on everything around you.�� Abby said, almost having a reverent tone mentioning it.


    ��See how?��


    ��Some things in nature will be unable to take in the stronger energy and die out. But many things will be like the cultivators, naturally absorbing the energy. Essentially, things will grow big. Both the beasts and nature itself. Many things will also change in unpredictable ways. A tree might gain the properties of metal and be almost unbreakable, a mouse might grow wings and fly, or suddenly be able to spit thunder. It��s quite spectacr.�� She exined.


    ��Not being able to cultivate will impede you somewhat, but not as much as you think. You have a massive advantage in the form of titles, strength and your newly created outpost. In any case, there are so many things to go over, but unfortunately, we are running out of time." Abby realized she had gone off on somewhat of a tangent, seeming a bit embarrassed.


    "I will be summoned back in 10 minutes.��

 Chapter 9: Forced to Fight

    Chapter 9: Forced to Fight


    Zac was gobsmacked.


    Youre not here to help out permanently? He inquired hesitantly. While it took some time getting used to talking to an eyeball, he was pretty unwilling to be stranded alone in the forest again. Besides, there were so many things he still didnt understand about what was happening.


    Unfortunately, no. The system only summons an administrator such as myself for a short while when creating an outpost. Also, we only get summoned the first year after initiation. Something like an add-on Tutorial. But we got a bit side-tracked here, and need to hurry up with your outpost. Abby exined, seeming a bit embarrassed she got sidetracked from her duty.


    Outposts will evolve into full-fledged towns if youplete certain missions. The difference between a system-sanctioned town and a normal mortal town is that the city leader of a system-sanctioned town can use the system to summon buildings, tax the poption and connect to other city leaders for example. The difference between an outpost and a town is that an outpost is temporary. Either you manage to turn it into a town bypleting your quest, or the incursion over there will stabilize and turn to a town owned by the invading general. By then A LOT more demons will spawn, and unless youre already dead you will likely die then, titles or not.


    Zac nodded, a better picture of forming in his head. Remembering the 3-month deadline in his quests he realized that what Abby described would happen in roughly 3 months. Still, there were some things he was unsure about.


    But do I really need to care about creating an outpost? My goal is to find my family, I can just leave before the demons arrive.


    That question managed to elicit a full-body eye-roll from the eyeball.


    And go where? Couldnt go to the tutorial town so you cant learn skills or choose sses, making you quite weakpared to what you should be. There are monsters everywhere so you arent safe anywhere. An outpost can help you get stronger through its facilities, and having a town would be the most effective way to look for your family,pared to manually looking everywhere like a vagabond. Besides, being the first to create a town has amazing benefits, just like with the titles. The system likes the people in the forefront. Abby one more went into lecturing mode.


    And if thats not enough, I can also tell you that the system hates cowards. You only get one shot at creating your outpost, if you fail the system deems you unworthy to be a Lord in the future. If you not just fail, but even abandon the mission, the system will also punish you. It would range from crippling you to outright killing you depending on how bad it judges your performance.


    WHAT? Zac shouted aghast. You mean I mustplete this quest and kill all the other boss demons or the system might kill me? The little goodwill Zac had been building towards the system during Abbys exnations were thoroughly erased.


    Well yes. So I suggest you improve your outpost as much as possible in order to have a chance at survival. Abby nonchntly exined, as if risking life and limb fighting demons waspletely normal.


    Well shit. So what do you suggest I build? Zac hoped to get some guidance in order to create a good foundation for the outpost.


    Im sorry I am not allowed to guide your choices of buildings, building a proper base properly is also a test from the system. I am only allowed to provide information. The system doesnt want to give too much direction or tips to newly initiated civilizations, as it wants to test their ingenuity.


    Yeah, the system is a real asshole, isnt he? Zac muttered. Abbys pupil erged and looked around nervously. Apparently speaking ill of the system seemed like some sort of sphemy, which Zac guessed made sense as the system essentially was a god. Maybe speaking ill of a being that could spawn portals which puked out demons was a bad idea after all he reflected and vowed to try to keep a lid on his mouth.


    Err... Anyway. If you imagine the words Outpost base a menu will appear with your options. Most of the options are unavable at the start, but more and more gets unlocked as your outpost grows into a town and further. You use the Nexus coins you have to buy the upgrades, and you can get more coins from various sources. Nexus coins are the official currency of the multi-verse, and the only one used when trading with the system. Abby said, seemingly eager to change the subject.


    This answered the question Zac had about the coins in his status screen. He still wasnt sure why he had 5100 of them though.


    "Wait, is there some connection between Nexus Coins and Nexus Crystals?" Zac asked, remembering the rewards from his quests.


    "Not really. Nexus Crystals are a cultivation resource in the multi-verse. Both cultivators and mortals can absorb cosmic energy from them. The higher grade the more energy it contains, and the faster you can absorb it."


    Well at this time I would normally have time to answer some specific questions about the different buildings, but were out of time. Good luck Zac. If you somehow survive this remember me when you create your town! It seemed the time for the outpost tutorial wasing to an end. Abby seemed to hesitate a bit but then apparently came to a decision.


    You You should really try toplete the quests within a month, or at least within two months. That would She didnt get any further before a heavy pressure suddenly bore down on the camp. Abbys pupil dted and red squirming veins appeared all over the eye. And suddenly she was gone.


    Zac wasnt sure, but it didnt feel like this was how she was supposed to disappear, as she appearedpletely without him noticing. He had been able to sense something that could almost be anger in the pressure that descended. Had Abby been punished for what she said at the end?


    Complete the quests within a month he mumbled, trying to glean any hidden meaning. Something obviously happened because of those sentences. If the system punished her for lying it could only mean Abby wanted him to run to his death like an idiot. But if it was for unduly helping it might be an important clue to help him stay alive. That meant something likely happened to the world or the incursion after a month had progressed. Something that was bad for him.


    He just couldnt figure out why the Stargazerwould just help him like that, even risking the wrath of the system, as she had already exined it didnt like her giving undue guidance. Zac couldnt figure out any real reason for that yet, and could only put it aside for now. Instead, he followed her instructions and mentally thought <em>Outpost base. </em>


    Suddenly a new window popped up in front of him. But while it still had the blue background and white borders, it rather reminded him of a web store than an old school RPG game. There were multiple categories of buildings and add-ons to choose from to the left and a seemingly unending number of products in the main window.


    Zac took a bottle of now tepid water from the cooler the demonling had been rummaging through earlier and retreated to the camper. The suns were starting to set, which was a relief to Zac, as it proved that at least the daily cycles remained in the world, giving some normalcy.


    Unheeding of the bloody mess inside, he cracked open a tin of beans from the cupboard. Luckily they had stocked the camper well before the trip, as they had nned to spend a week on the road, and most of it was non-perishables. He still had food and water for at least two weeks unless he gorged himself.


    He sat down at the small dinner-area, and while slowly eating his beans he started mentally browsing through the shop. Zac noticed that the prices were denominated in Nexus coins, which he had 10100 of now. He had gained 5000 coins during the day, likely from creating the outpost.


    If he was going to survive in this new world, it seemed the first step was getting the most out of this outpost of his.

 Chapter 10: Preparation

    Chapter 10: Preparation


    Zac woke up the next morning feeling sore, but his wounds had obviously healed even further. It no longer pained him overly to put weight on his wounded leg, and he could actually turn his midriff without a zing pain erupting.


    The smell in the camper was getting pretty bad though, and he knew he had to do something about it if this was going to be his base for the foreseeable future. He gathered the bloody bed sheets he had fallen asleep on when he passed out from his wounds and put them in a garbage bag. He didnt dare throw it outside yet though, afraid the smell of blood would attract beasts. With some detergent he spent another 30 minutes cleaning most of the blood away, making the trailer go from looking like the site of a vampire orgy to a serial killer hideout. The blood had badly stained multiple ces, especially around the dining area, and it wasnt something hed be able to fix in the short run. At least it smelled a lot better now.


    Finally, he decided to waste some water for a quick shower in the trailer bathroom, even though the water was limited. After some intensive scrubbing away the blood caked all over him, the filth was mostly rinsed away. He stepped out of the shower and donned another set of clothes, feeling like a new man. When showering he had also noticed that he seemed to have actually gottenmore in shape, with most of this gut gone and his muscles seeming, if not bigger, then harder and morepact than before. It seemed that the stats had some effect on his physical appearance as well. Hopefully, an increase in intelligence wouldnt make his headrger andrger though.


    After a quick breakfast, he was finally ready to head out ording to ns he had made yesterday after browsing through the shop. There were a dizzying array of possibilities to choose from when building an outpost, even when most of the options were disabled.


    Many of them he could understand or at least somewhat intuit the purpose for using a lifetime of ying video games. There were buildings such as an inn, cksmith, different types of stores, bank and so on. Most of these required a town though. There was also something he was extremely keen on getting, the teleporter. If he built that he might be able to actually teleport to his hometown in one go.


    There was one confusing aspect of the buildings though, which was that there were often hundreds of versions of most of the buildings, especially themercial ones. Even though they seemed to fill the same function they were of different design and some minor differences in the description. After a while he could only surmise that the different choices represented different factions ors. It seemed that creating a store wouldnt actually create some NPC-style beings, but rather move people here from others or intergctic corporations.


    There was also a huge amount of supporting buildings that could improve the offense, defense or improve the town in other manners. There seemed to even be some sort of training facility that seemed to be able to slowly improve stat points without leveling. If possible Zac would have gone on a shopping spree, but he quickly realized the harsh reality that roughly 10 000 Nexus Coins would only be able to buy a few of the most basic buildings.


    He had formted a n yesterday after browsing through his options for hours but needed to explore some more before actually spending the few coins he had.


    Zac had seen a hill the day he had been forced to go out to gather firewood, and he nned to scale it to get a bettery of thend. Donned in a fresh set of clothing and his trusty hatchet he once again set out into the woods.


    Soon he had walked up the hill, hunkered over to not be spotted by any potential threats. Luckily the hill was filled with lush bushes and even a tall tree at the top, making for some simple protection. Unfortunately the hill wasnt tall enough to give aplete overview of the surroundings as it turned out, with the crowns ofrger trees still obscured the distance ind. Still, he could see his trailer and further on the ocean.


    Still, he wanted to see whether he was actually on an ind, or if the system had teleported any type of civilization in the vicinity. It would be a bit insane if he lived as a transient mountain man in the trailer if a town was just a few kilometers away.


    He swung the axe and embedded it slightly in the tree, and then started climbing it for a better vantage. Zac once again marveled at the improvement of his constitution from his increase in stats. He felt like a gibbon, almost effortlessly dragging himself upwards along the branches with his arms, something that would have been an impossible work-out in the past.


    Soon he was almost at the crown of the tree, afraid to continue up any further as the branches seemed inadequate to support his weight. A quick nce around unfortunately realized his fears. It very much seemed that he was on an ind without any civilization in sight. However he couldnt bepletely sure, as there was actually a mountain off in the distance. It wasnt gargantuan, but stillrge enough to solidly block any visibility of what was beyond. It looked quite odd to have a steep mountain right next to the ocean, but Zac guessed that was what happened when the system pressed the randomizer for a world. The good news that there wasnd in sight in the distance, though it looked like a few scattered inds, rather than a solidnd-mass.


    The ind (as Zac decided to call it until proven wrong) he was on washuge, and he couldn''t properly assess the size. He and his trailer were on the far edge of it, while the ever-shining red beam of light was almost on the opposite side, in a vale halfway between the center of the ind and the mountain. He guessed that the reason why he still only had encountered one of the demon dogs was that they mainly spawned scattered around the incursion itself.


    Zac didnt have time to analyze the situation any further, as a branch in the periphery of his sight suddenly exploded into movement and instantly was upon him. Before he had time to adapt to the situation, a brown snake had wrapped itself a few loops around his torso, leaving only the arm he used to hold onto the tree for leverage free. The snake seemed to be over 3 meters long and slightly thicker than his arm.


    He immediately felt an intense pressure on his chest, the air leaving his lungs and wounds on his side screaming in protest. Zac strained until his face was red with exertion, but was unable to free his trapped arm at all. The snake had him in a vise, and even with his improved strength he could not get free. Its head slowly rose up towards his, a hiss escaping from its maws.


    By now all air had been squeezed out of Zacs lungs, his consciousness starting to get fuzzy and lights flickered in his sight. Zac knew he was running out of time, it was time for a Hail Mary action. He suddenly let go of the tree with his free hand, grabbed the head of the constrictor and bashed it with all the force he could muster into the tree trunk. The m obviously had an effect on the snake, as it slightly released him from its grip. With newfound strength from a ragged breath, he mmed the snakes head twice again into the tree with even more fervor.


    However, just as Zac was feeling jubnt about escaping death''s grasp he felt the branch he stood on give way, and both he and the still entwined snake came crashing down.

 Chapter 11: Upgrades

    Chapter 11: Upgrades


    Zac woke up with a jerk, which caused a pained groan to escape from his mouth. There was not a single part of his body that didnt feel battered and broken. A quick look around showed that he was halfway down the hill, his whole body full of scratches. The snakey lifelessly a few meters away from him, seemingly having uncoupled from him somewhere during the tumble downhill.


    Not daring to take any chances due to negligence again, he ignored the screaming protests of his body and dragged himself towards the snake. There was a rock roughly the size of a head on the way which he ripped out of the ground. Finally he arrived in front of the beast, and with a snarl grabbed the stone with both hands and mmed with all power he could gather right in the forehead of the snake. The long body convulsed slightly but seemed not to react further than that. Zac wasnt done however, and with guttural grunts from deep within his throat he kept mming the stone down again and again, each time eliciting a wet thud. After a few hits the bodys death throes stopped, but Zac kept going until the bloodied stone finally slipped out of his hands. By then the head and neck was only a mess of broken flesh and brain matter.


    The grunts gave way to sobs as Zac copsed next to the headless snakes, his whole body shaking. He had messed up, that had been way too close. Not finding any more demons thest two days had made himcent, barely looking around for threats. TheStargazerhad even warned him just yesterday about the world changing due to absorbing cosmic energy, but he hadnt even reflected on what that meant. There shouldnt have been snakes of this size in the woods where he was, but the energy in the world had not only increased its size and strength but made it more aggressive. Had that been a venomous snake instead of a constrictor he would be a bloated corpse by now.


    He finally understood that there was simply no such thing as safety in the wild, and he had to start taking things more seriously. Not even thest near-death experience had really woken him up, as the stats and quests made him subconsciously consider it all a game. But this was life and death, and he had to treat it as such.


    Zac shakily got on his legs and started to make his way to the top of the hill again. His hatchet was still left in the tree, and he refused to go anywhere without it again. It felt like he had been hit by a truck but he could only grit his teeth and trudge on.


    At the crest there were fallen leaves and broken bloodied branches all over the floor. Luckily it seemed that the snake had taken the brunt of the damage from the fall, otherwise, he might not even have survived just from the height. He didnt want to linger at such an exposed location, so he quickly ripped the axe out of the tree and made his way back down the hill.


    When he reached the snake once again he hesitated for a few seconds, but then gripped the reptile and wired it around his torso a few turns then put the end up on his shoulder. He had to think like a survivor now, and the snake might both give food and its scales could be fashioned into some sort of protection.


    Any other exploration would have to wait, he needed to get back to base. On the way back he walked with much higher care, trying to avoid stepping on twigs and staying close to the trees for shelter. However the only sounds from the forest were the sleepy rustling of the trees, only asionally interrupted by a distant roar. After another 15 minutes, he was finally back in the camp.


    He had nned to go over his strategy for the town once more but currently felt intensely unsafe right now, and decided to not drag things out any longer. He brought up the base building interface and bought an <strong>[F-Grade Small Scale Illusion Array] </strong>for 2000 Nexus Coins. Suddenly as if it had always been there a small wooden box appeared in front of him. Zac opened the box and inside were 8 intricately carved wooden poles. They were each roughly 30 cm long and 3 cm thick, in a glossy ck coating. One end was sharpened down into a needlepoint while the other waspletely t. The carvings were in a golden hue, and it seemed the carvings were depictions of intricate fractals rather than words or pictures.


    When Zac picked up the poles suddenly 8 small yellow pirs lit up around the camp. He wasnt surprised at this as the shop had mentioned the usage method. When holding the poles, or gs as the system had called them for some reason, the system would guide him where to ce them. As soon as all the gs had been ced the formation would activate. There also was a cheaper alternative of the same array, but it wouldnt have the guidance system, leaving the user to figure out correct cement ording to energy-flows and ley-lines. Zac quickly ced down the gs ording to instruction, and suddenly a translucent dome shimmered into being around the small camp-site. It initially looked like uneven ss, distorting the outside, but soon turned invisible. Not sure if it had any effect, he walked outside of the camp and took a look.


    What met his gaze was just a normal-looking forest, albeit slightly denser than around it. The trailer, campfire, and car werepletely gone. Even the bloody smell from the snake was removed, reced with only the fresh earthy smell of the forest. There were some thorny bushes between the trees looking almost like a natural wall, which would hopefully encourage nearby enemies to walk around the camp rather than straight through.


    That was the disadvantage of the illusion array, and why it was so cheappared to many other defensive options. Anyone could simply walk through it if they desired as it provided no stopping power. As soon as someone knew where to look or just was passing by it simply had no value. Also, it didnt work on stronger individuals, as they could sense something was wrong with the cosmic energy in the area. However, it was a cost-effective alternative right now which left Zac with more coins for other buildings. Later he would see if he could get some physical bushes transnted at the edge of camp to dissuade any roving animal or monster from taking a path through the camp even further.


    Zac was not done with that though and he made another purchase which spawned a box simr to the first one, but slightlyrger. Inside were 12 poles, this time white but still engraved in gold. They were slightlyrger than the illusion gs and had a different fractal engraved, but obviously they had the same purpose to create an array. It was the <strong>[F-Grade Small Scale Mother-Daughter Gathering Array] </strong>and cost Zac a whopping 7500 Nexus coins, almost cleaning him out. The gathering arrays for sale in the shop was designed to gather cosmic energy from the void and increase the density of it within its borders. This would improve the cultivation speed of the cultivators, and was likely a must for any town of repute in the multi-verse. This normally was of no use to Zac, as he wasnt a cultivator and instead had to kill monsters to gain levels. However, the array he had bought had a special function which was highly desirable to Zac. The Mother-Daughter in its name referred to the fact that it actually was two arrays.


    One of them was the normal gathering array, which was referred to as the mother array. The other array was actually a ne which looked a bit like a small ships wheel from a medieval ship attached to a silver chain. The unique function of the Mother-Daughter Gathering Array was that most of the energy that the mother-array gathered did not increase the density of cosmic energy within the array, but was actually transferred to the daughter-array.


    As long as Zac wore the amulet and was within 50 kilometers from the mother-array, cosmic energy would continuously be transferred to the amulet, and from the amulet into Zac. In other words, the array essentially turned him into a cultivator who continuously drew energy into himself, as long as he was on the ind.


    The downside of this type of array was that the gathering efficiency was far lowerpared to a simr F-Grade Gathering array, which would result in a far more sparse concentration of cosmic energy in a town. However, this didnt matter to Zac as he had no citizens that he needed to take into ount, at least not for now. He quickly followed the instructions and ced the 12 gs around the camp.


    This was Zacs main n to have a chance to get strong enough to survive against the incursion. He had no experience ofbat from his earlier life and needed to gain power from stats and levels to simply be able to overpower his enemies, at least he gained some actualbat experience.


    There were more things Zac wanted to buy, but he simply had run out of coins. Finally, Zac Took a look at his status screen once more and saw that even though it had been a harrowing experience, killing the snake had not given him another level.


    Name Zachary Atwood Level 16 Race Human Alignment Human (Earth)   Titles Born For Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer   Strength 31 Dexterity 25 Endurance 27 Vitality 27 Intelligence 29 Wisdom 29 Luck 44   Free Points 30 Nexus Coins 600


    Afterchecking out the menu he looked down on his battered and bruised body and felt embarrassed with himself. He had 30 stat points he still hadnt allocated. If he had done that this morning he might not have been in such a precarious situation as he was.


    It was time to upgrade.

 Chapter 12: The Warrior-Route

    Chapter 12: The Warrior-Route


    Initially Zac had wanted to hold out on spending his points until he understood the ss system better, maybe even waiting to allocate until level 25. He now realized that such thinking was nave. He needed every advantage he could get theing months if he wanted to survive. He was supposed to kill 3 more Heralds somehow but had almost died <em>twice </em>to low tier monster at the edge of the ind.


    Still, he didnt just want to do anything hasty, so he donned the amulet and sat down in a camping chair. Immediately he felt a warm pulse from the amulet, which entered his chest and spread through his body. Almost his whole torso andrge sections of his body were purple from being first strangled and then falling down a tree. It seemed however that the amulet actually slowly alleviated his symptoms. Abby the eye had said that cosmic energy was <em>life</em>, so it made sense though that it would not only help with his cultivation.


    When choosing stats one needed to n for the long term, to make sure it was suitable to his ss. The problem was that he had no idea how the ss system worked. Could he even decide on a ss himself, or whether it would be just assigned to him?


    System? Are you there Zac once again tried to get some information out of System, but was met with silence. Can you tell me about stat points? He entreated, trying hard to hide the rancor he was feeling against this unfeeling overlord.


    With ack of answers he could only make educated guesses and hope that any bad choices wouldnt haunt him in the future. If it was a video game he would likely dump all the points in the main stat of a ss, such as strength for warrior and dexterity for a ranger. The difference was that in a game he could respawn if dying, whereas here it was game over for real.


    If he could choose Zac would have preferred to be a mage. Then he could just stand safely in the distance throwing fireballs on unsuspecting monsters until they were burnt to a cinder. Yet he didnt dare go this route. He had no idea if he would be able to use magic even if he got a ss, or how to progress in such skills.


    He also skipped ranger-type sses, simply as he had no such weapon. His eyes swept to the hatchet lying down next to his leg. Even after his recent battles it looked almost as good as new. Luckily they had bought a fancier model, being a solid piece of metal with a stic grip. If the handle had been made of wood it might have snapped by now.


    I guess its the warrior-route Zac muttered and sighed. From the experiences sincest week he was plenty reluctant to go choose this ss type, but he saw no different option as of yet. Maybe the system would prepare other options he hadnt thought of yet when he reached 25.


    Zac brought up and decisively spent his 30 free points. First, he ced 10 points in strength. In both fights so far he had been physically weaker, and he needed a boost in that department. What good was his hatchet if he couldnt give more than flesh wounds on his targets? He then spent 5 points in dexterity in somewhat of a test to see what improved. 5 Points also went into endurance. He would be moving and fighting a lot across the ind, and he needed a sturdy constitution.


    Finally he put 10 points in vitality. Vitality wouldnt help killing monsters directly, but he felt that it would help indirectly. He simply was in no condition to fight right now. With increased vitality and the amulet he should heal plenty fasterpared to before. Secondly, he would be running around and fighting a lot theing months. He couldnt take a few days off after every fight to nurse his wounds, or hed likely never be able to clean out all demons before the three-month deadline. He also felt that a high vitality would help him in the future no matter which ss he got, while strength and dexterity felt a bit more specialized.


    Zac felt that Wisdom and intelligence were likely the staples of the mage route. Getting an increase in either wouldn''t hurt, but he couldn''t justify spending points there when there were more tangible improvementsthat the other stats could provide. He felt the same about luck. His high luck had likely helped him survive so far. It was thanks to a lucky roll that he was still standing here today. But Zac did not want to rely on luck to survive. Even if he somehow fell ass-backward intovictory 9 times out of 10, he''d still die the tenth time due tock of proper foundations. Luck was intangible and he couldn''t even fathomwhat benefits he would get from putting points into that stat. It would have to wait until someone exined it to him.


    With the points spent he closed down the screen. Suddenly a surge of warmth far strongerpared to what the amulet provided spread through his body. It felt like his every cell was vibrating with life, greedily absorbing the warmth and improving. He was shocked to see his various wounds were healing at a visible rate, and it felt like he could punch a hole through a mountain. This feeling of strength was quite addicting. Soon the warmth faded though, and the feeling of immortalitydissapeared with it. The wounds stopped healing at an elerated speed. Still, Zac felt a good deal better, with a good deal of the bruising and smaller cutspletely gone.


    There still was some time left of the day, so after a quick meal he turned his attention to the snake carcass. After a few tries with a kitchen knives he knew the scaled leather was quite resilient to cuts and would make good protection. He brought a few knives from the camper and his hatchet and dragged the carcass some distance away from the camp, and then started skinning it.


    He cut along the softer belly, and after 20 minutes he had cut all along the length of the carcass, ruining a knife on the hard scales while doing so. His forearms were burning with strain after the workout. He had ruined most of the meat along the way unfortunately, and it didnt seem that thered be much left over to eat.


    After that he dragged the skin off from the carcass, and finally scraped as much of the left-over flesh as possible off from the skin with his hatchet. From here he was not quite sure what to do. He had no idea of methods to cure leather. He was an office worker before the end of the world, and he was a few generations too young for these types of things to be consideredmon knowledge. Zac knew he had read somewhere that urine could be used somehow, but he was not about to experiment with that.


    He put the skin aside and dug a hole which he pushed the now mangled carcass into, and filled it with soil. He didnt want anything tohead this direction, even though he was some ways away from the camp.


    Zac picked up the skin and made his way back to camp. The skin needed to dry out, so he ced it across the hood of the car, leaving both ends hanging down at the sides. He ced tworge rocks down on both ends in order to keep it stretched and stop it from shrinking overnight. He had no idea if he was supposed to do something else, and could only leave it like that over the night and hope that it would work out.


    It was starting to get darker, so he decided he was done exploring for the day. He was still feeling beat up even with the rapid healing as well. He took 30 minutes to clean up the camp-site and take stock of his things. Normally he wouldnt go through his friends belongings but these were desperate times. Unfortunately there was nothing of value except some extra changes of clothes and some daily necessities.


    With thest of the sunlight Zac found a long fallen branch near the campsite with the thickness of about 3 to 5 centimeters which was about 6 meters long. With a few quick swings with his hatchet he cut off roughly 2.5 meters where the branch was the most straight. Then with his improved strength he quickly sharpened one edge into a sharp point, turning it into a makeshift spear. It was likely too malleable to be able to stop anythingrge like the demonling in its tracks without breaking. However it could hopefully keep some monsters at length if needed. His hatchet was a good weapon, but its length was quite short. It was hard to use while keeping himself out of harms way.


    Zac finally sat down in the trailer for a meal, quietly staring out the window and seeing the ever-present red pir. Had it not been for the incursion he might have been able to forget how messed up the world had be for a second.


    Life had thrown things at him thest days he couldnt even have imagined, and it would only get crazier.


    Tomorrow he would have to go hunting demons.

 Chapter 13: On the Hunt

    Chapter 13: On the Hunt


    Zac crept through the woods, slowly making his way more ind. He was hefting hatchet in one hand and his improvised spear in the right. He had found a camouged shirt in Davids bag which he had donned which would hopefully help him blend in a bit. He had nned to make some makeshift bracers and shin guards from some of the snakeskin this morning. Unfortunately it was still a bit grimy, so he had to leave it for another day at least to properly dry out. He still wore the amulet of the gathering array underneath his shirt, which continuously imbued him with more cosmic energy. He had a ck backpack on his back filled with a bottle of water and a small batch of medical supplies.


    He had actually gained a level without noticing while he was asleep from the amulet. It was still hard for him to know how much the amulet was gathering for him, or how much experience killing other monsters gave. There was no experience bar or notifications of experience gain anywhere in the system that could give him a frame of reference. Hopefully he would learn more about it from todays excursions. The two free points he had he had split between strength and vitality. When he allocated the points he had felt the energy rushing into his cells again, albeit far weaker whenpared to when he allocated 30 points.


    The goal of today was simple. He needed to kill monsters. Almost a week had passed since the world was integrated into the multiverse, and in reality he had aplished very little so far.


    He didnt dare make a beeline for the incursion just yet. He was afraid that there would be monsters there that he still couldnt handle, such as the Heralds themselves. Instead, he was walking around the edges of the ind while steadily making his way ind. He had been walking for roughly 30 minutes now and still hadnt seen any monsters. He had seen some animals though. Most were the same as before the change, but some obviously had evolved from cosmic energy. For example hes seen a squirrel asrge as a golden retriever. Luckily it seemed very docile, and it immediately escaped into the tree crowns after noticing him.


    Finally he heard the familiar menacing growl from ahead. Zac was afraid he had been spotted, and immediately hunkered down behind a bush. There was no charging demonling heading his way fortunately, so he crept forward again. While hiding behind a tree he finally saw the beast 30 meters in the distance. It was the same sort of demon as he had fought before, a 6 legged monstrosity of oversized muscle and maw. This one seemed a bit leaner than the first he had fought, but he couldnt be sure. It seemed like it waszing about in the sun in a small clearing. There was a small animal carcass next to it, so it appeared that it recently had a meal and was now resting.


    Zac had made battle ns based on his first experience fighting these monsters, and now it was time to use them. He inched towards a sturdy tree that was at the end of the clearing, leaving only open field between the tree and the demon. He ced down his spear two meters away from the trunk and picked up a small rock. By now his heart was racing, his hands almost shaking from a buildup of adrenaline.


    Calm down, calm down he whispered under his breath, nerves taut but with a glint of determination in his eyes. He had no choice, he had to push forward, for both his sake and his familys.


    With a deep steadying breath he walked in front of the tree, making him stand in full view for the demon. The demonling immediately noticed him and stood up into an aggressive posture. Wasting no time Zac immediately chucked the stone with full force, and he managed to hit its torso which elicited a pained yelp.


    Clearly the taunt worked well as the demon roared and barreled toward him like a runaway train. Zac held his position untilst minute before lunging two meters to the side. The demonling zoomed past him and with a tremendous force head-butted the tree.


    This was essentially the same tactic he had used on the first demon. The demons were powerful but seemed quite stupid, so he surmised the same tactic would work again. Now, handy boulders wouldnt be everywhere, but he was in a forest full of thick tree-trunks. This time he had help from being ready and having improved stats. Zac therefore managed to jump out of the way without either taking damage or falling over this time.


    Knowing that time was of the essence Zac wasted no time and immediately was upon the beast. With a fierce overhead swing he severed the spine at the lower back. With his improved Strength it felt like cutting through dry wood, and he easily embedded the whole 15 cm axe head in the beast. With a tug he ripped it out of the body, and with it came a spurt of blood. He had nned on also doing the same at the neck of the beast, but the demonling was immediately woken up from the intense pain. With a pained roar it tried to turn and catch Zac with its huge maw. Luckily its maneuverability was already bad with all working legs. Now it was even slower with the two hind legs listlessly hanging backward.


    Zac didnt want to take any chances, as a nasty swipe of the beast could easily make him bleed out in minutes. With a few seconds to spare until the demonling could turn he shed a few deep bloody gashes on its side. Both blood and viscera immediately started pooling beneath it. By now the fight was essentially over, and Zac hurriedly backed off and picked up his spear he had ced down before the fight.


    He nned to poke a few holes in the monster to bleed it out faster. However, reality is often disappointing. On the first stab he only made a flesh wound before the spear started to bend rather than push in further. On the second stab the demon snapped the spear in two by moving its head with surprising crity. The forward momentum of the stab almost made Zac fall right into the eagerly waiting rows of teeth of the beast. Luckily, he barely managed to get out of the way with a push of his left leg which made him fall to the right of the beast. Still the beast managed to get in a swipe on his left arm which left a shallow, but long gash.


    Ignoring the burning pain Zac quickly scrambled to his feet and got out of the way. But it seemed that the escape was unnecessary, as the demonling had copsed after the swipe. The grass beneath it waspletely stained red, and arge chunk of intestines was hanging outside its body. It was seeminglypletely out of steam, weakly growling between shallow rapid breaths.


    Ideally, Zac would have preferred to wait it out and let it slowly bleed to death, but the monsters roars had been quite loud. He had no interest in sticking around in case there was backup on the way. He had to be calctive at times to avoid unnecessary risks, but sometimes he had to be decisive as well. Gripping the hatchet in a bloody hand he slowly circled out of sight of the monster. Then with a few quick steps forward swung down with force right behind the middle legs, cutting deep into what he presumed was lungs. The demon tried to rouse a retaliation but waspletely out of power, resulting only in a feeble wave of a paw.


    Zac repeated an identical sh on the other side, which should mean that both its lungs were punctured. Given that the demons physique was somewhat simr to a normal mammals, of course. The demon barely responded to the second swing apart from shaking with pain or death throes. Zac wasted no time and with one final swing cut right into its neck.


    With one final spasm, the monster passed. He knew this without having to check as he suddenly felt the familiar warmth of cosmic energy entering his body.


    A quick look around the corpse once again showed no sort of loot spawning or dropping. This made Zac more certain of the fact that there was no such thing as a loot system with the System.


    With ast look at the surroundings for anything he might have missed, he once again receded into the cover of the forest. The hunt was not over.

 Chapter 14: Zombie Hound

    Chapter 14: Zombie Hound


    Zac sat on a rock with a bottle of water in hand. He had just finished bandaging up his arm from the swipe of the demon and was now taking a quick breather. The fight had gone far better than his expectation, but he wouldnt let himself getcent.


    Not wanting to fill his stomach with too much water andter cramping up he took a few small sips then put the bottle back. Checking that everything was in order he once again set out into the jungle, continuing his path of gradually moving ind. He did not bother remaking a spear for now, at least until he found some far stronger wood. Abby had talked about trees taking properties of metal, and he desperately hoped he could find a tree like that.


    It was not long before he ran into another demon dog. This one was slowly moving around, almost looking like a scout or like it was patrolling. He quickly decided on the ce of the battle after a quick look around the surroundings. From there it proceeded much like thest fight. A rock was thrown to taunt the beast and it almost knocked itself out cold on a boulder. This time Zac instead swung down his hatchet on the spine between the two sets of frontal legs. He strove to incapacitate two sets of legs and only leave the front-most legs in working order.


    This was as close to the head as he dared attack at the moment though, as he had seen how fast the demonling had swung its head to snap his spear in two. He was somewhat certain that the demon was like a crocodile in that regard; if something entered the maw, it would not leave.


    The attack proved far more effective than he could have imagined. The de fell down right between two vertebras and continued almost unimpeded into the torso of the beast. Zac saw his opportunity and twisted while he tugged out the axe towards the side. He hoped to wreak as much havoc as possible in the demons insides, destroying both lungs and heart. The axe was quicklypletely ripped out of the chest, and a great gout of blood followed it and sprayed all over Zac.


    The forceful tug swept Zac off his feet and he fell backward into the grass. He quickly got up to his feet axe at the ready, but soon realized it was unnecessary. The demon was lying on the ground listlessly. Blood was pouring out of the wound like a waterfall. After a shudder it stopped moving, and Zac felt the now familiar warmth once again enter him.


    Zac realized he must have hit the heart of the beast. There seemed to be no other possible exnation to the copious amounts of blood that had streamed out of the wound. Seeing as how he wasnt even out of breath from the fight, he immediately left and continued to look for more prey.


    Zacs day continued like this, and by evening he had killed roughly 20 demonlings with varied amount of sess. He still had not leveled up to level 18, but he could somehow sense that he was close. After every kill during the day some of the cosmic energy had entered his body. And if his body could be considered a container, it felt as though the container was starting to get full. Zac guessed that the moment he felt full from the cosmic energy was the moment he leveled up.


    Zac stood and overlooked the aftermath of hisst victory. He had gained a few new wounds, but nothing threatening. Thistest fight had been the most dangerous one so far, simply because he had fought two demonlings at the same time. The second one had burst through the vegetation while he was already fighting the first one.


    Luckily the beasts were truly clumsy, and with dodging around the natural environment he managed to mostly keep out of harms way until he could bleed them out. Zac hypothesized that the natural environment of these beasts likely had no greenery, and very little obstructions. The monsters simply seemedpletely unustomed to fighting in this type of terrain.


    Zac was about to leave when he suddenly heard a twig snap behind him. Taking no chances he lunged to his right. He just heard the sound of wind while falling, but suddenly his left shoulder explode in pain. Ignoring the pain for now he got to his feet and finally got a good look at his assailer.


    It was a demon, but a different type from the ones he had fought so far. If the demon dogs so far had been depending on brawn, this one clearly leaned toward agility. Measuring up to his navel, the beast somewhat looked like an oversized greyhound dog. If the dog had turned into a zombie. Just like the other demon it looked almost like it had been skinned. There were some differences with a greyhound though, such as the head with the oversized maw. The three rows of sharp teeth were clearly showing as the monster silently growled toward him. It had no fur, and instead had a thin red skin with the wiry muscles clearly showing beneath. This beast also only had the customary 4 legs,pared with the 6 legs of the other demons.


    Its paws were alsorger than a normal dogs, and Zac could clearly seerge sinister ws sticking out of them. The sinewy tail seemed overly long even for a monster of this size, slowly swaying behind it.


    Finally he noticed that one of the front paws was bloodied, dying the grass red. That exined the burning pain on his shoulder. He had no time toe up with any fancy strategies at the moment and could only fall back on his go-to method for dealing with demons. He slowly repositioned himself so that he once again would have his back to a tree. He had immediately discarded the idea to run away. With its lithe build and long legs it obviously was built for speed, and he had no delusions of being able to shake it off. Hopefully the high speed would helpe in handy for him when it mmed into the tree behind.


    Suddenly the hound shot toward him. Zac knew it would be fast but it looked like the like it flew across the ground. The 30-meter distance between them was erased in seconds, and Zac barely had the time to jump out of the way to let the hound m into the tree.


    Just as the monster was about to m into the tree trunk it swung its long tail. This somehow changed the direction of its momentum. Instead of mming into the tree it actually used the trunk as purchase with its legs to push itself forward toward Zacs falling figure. Even before he had hit the ground from jumping away, the beast was upon him.


    Zac swung the hatchet while midair, but the beast was to close for the de to hit its head. He managed to punch the jawline with the haft of the axe though, stopping the maw from chomping down on his head.


    Zded with his back on the ground, and the hound fell on him. All air was knocked out of his lungs, and he could taste the iron of blood in his mouth. He was face to face with the beast, its acrid breath filling his nose.


    Zac desperately held the head at bay with his left arm, swinging the hatchet with his other. Dismayed Zac saw that he couldnt generate enough strength to create more than flesh wounds from this awkward position. The beast struggled to reach him with its maws, meanwhile wing on Zacs chest. Each swipe ripped straight through his shirt and left a bloody gash on his torso.


    This stalemate could notst, he would be cut to ribbons if he didnt do something. He swung the beast to the side and mmed it into the ground on his left, giving a brief moment of respite. He didnt dare hesitate and immediately swung his axe in a broad arc. His body screamed in protest but he could only grit his teeth.


    The axe howled and swung down toward the demon hound.

 Chapter 15: Desperation

    Chapter 15: Desperation


    The axe swung down and with a thud sunk into the side of the hound. The hound tried to get up, but Zac still had his left hand mped on its throat, keeping it down. A few more swings in quick session and the beast was dead as well. He felt the warm cosmic force enter him again. This time it felt like he gained almost twice the amountpared to the demonlings. This was also the final amount he needed to gain a level, bringing him to level 18.


    Zac was a bit shaky after the encounter, but a days worth of bloodshed and risking his life had steeled his nerves somewhat. He immediately left the site of the battle, not bothering with the three carcasses lying there. He needed to find somewhere to bandage himself.


    While walking he allocated the two points into dexterity and vitality. Zac felt that by now his strength was enough to seriously hurt the monsters he had encountered with a few swings, and speed would likely help him more than more strength. He still put a point into vitality as he kept getting hurt more and more.


    Finally he found a secluded spot and quickly drank a few mouthfuls of water and patched himself up. Zac was bruised and battered, andpletely unwilling to fight any more today. He had also run out of gauze after patching up his chest. The demon hound had carved a maze of scratches on his chest. The wounds were not deep, but together they had bled quite a bit. Luckily his high vitality seemed particrly effective against these type of smaller wounds. He sensed that the bleeding had already almost stopped, and scabs had started to form over the wounds. It seemed that he would be all fixed up in a day or two.


    From the fight he also realized that the amulet from the gathering array was quite sturdy. The hound had wed both the little wheel and the string multiple times, and not a scratch could be seen on it. It seemed that a stronger force than some dog ws would be needed to damage it. For a brief moment he imagined decking himself in hundreds of amulets, making him near-invulnerable.


    Of course that wasnt realistic. But it showed that there were probably many sturdy materials in the multi-verse that could be made into extremely strong defensive gear. He put the stray thoughts out of his head and started his return trek.


    On his way back he walked in an even more surreptitious manner, stealthily making his way back toward the base. He was forced to kill one more demonling which had identally found him while bounding through the forest. He had seen a few more demons but chose to ignore them. It was gettingte and the suns were slowly setting. This made his vision limited and the forest was gaining a sinister feel to it. Zac decided that even if he wanted the extra cosmic energy, he should get back to camp. If another of the demon hounds ambushed him while fighting the demonlings he might be hard pressed to fight them off.


    He simply was too tired and wounded, and vision was getting worse. He had aplished what he set out to do today, and he couldnt get greedy.


    As he passed one of the sites of his previous battles, he suddenly noticed movement by the corpse of the demon. Zac immediately stopped moving and hid behind a tree to scout out the scene.


    At first he thought he saw a child standing by the carcass, but soon discarded that thought. The thing was roughly asrge as a six or seven year old child, but it was clearly a new type of demon. The thing looked like an imp from old fairy tales. It waspletely naked except a loincloth. It had a purplish skin full of scars and what looked almost be tumors, giving It a sickly look. It almost seemed like it was suffering from radiation poisoning. On its back was a set of bat wings with a span of roughly a meter per wing.


    Zac was unsure if the wings were actually serviceable as the imp had a stocky build with a fat stomach. It had no hair and seemingly no ears. He couldnt make out any facial features as it was currently looking down and poking the corpse of the demonling. It seemed like it was examining the wounds and trying to figure out what had happened.


    That was not good news for Zac. It was one thing if the ind was full of deadly but dumb beasts. He could deal with that as long as he went out killing every day killing some at the time. But if there were smarter enemies who could team up he might start meet more and more organized resistance on the ind. They might even send out search parties to look for him. The ind was quiterge, but a concerted effort would sooner orter flush him out of hiding.


    He wanted to stay under the radar for a while longer. If the corpses were left alone hopefully the local wildlife would eat it. Then it would look like the beasts were killed in a fight with other beasts, rather from a few swings of an axe. His ns of slowly grinding levels and gaining battle experience would be over if this thing flew back and reported to its superiors.


    There was only one solution, he had to kill it.


    Luckily it did not look overly powerful with its small stature and scrawny arms. One good swing with the hatchet and it would be decapitated.


    Zac did not want to take any chances however, and decided on a surprise attack. He slowly circled around and closed in on the imp from behind. He kept a careful watch for its reactions but it seemed absorbed in examining the corpse.


    A snap was heard from beneath Zacs foot when he was only 5 meters away from the imp. The failing light had caused him to not notice a fallen twig lying in his path. He froze for a millisecond but then immediately charged at the imp with all speed he could muster.


    The imps preservation skills were impressive. As soon as it heard the sound behind it, it jumped over the carcass of the beast while letting out a high pitched screech. It managed to turn around midair with its wings and Zac saw its face. It had four pitch ck eyes. One set was ced like a humans, and the other set were ced slightly more apart up on its forehead. It had no nose except two holes, and its mouth was a small circle full of sharp teeth. From the few ps of its wings it seemed like it was unable to fly, but able to elongate its jump considerably.


    Zac desperately tried to catch up, afraid it would be able to get away. The imp did some obscure gestures with its hands while floating away, as Zac was closing in on it and the carcass of the beast. Suddenly a purplish-ck me erupted on the imps hand, and it somehow threw it straight towards Zacs head.


    Zac barely had time to position his head out of the way, but a part of the sinister me managed tond on his shoulder. Any n of killing the imp flew out of the window, as Zacs mind turned white in a blinding explosion of pain. The ck me was far more dangerous than normal fire, and it seemed it that somehow managed to burn his <em>soul</em>. The pain on his singed flesh was nothingpared to that pain.


    Zac waspletely dazed by the pain and fell over the demonling carcass instead of jumping over it. The impnded a few meters away, still screeching at him. After a few second of observation it once again started to summon a me with its mysterious hand gestures.


    With a shake of his head Zac managed to clear his sight. Unknowingly to him his eyes werepletely red and tears were streaming down. As soon as he got back up on his feet he had to immediately jump out of the way from another of those ck insidious me balls. It missed him and fell upon the corpse of the demon instead. The fire caused the corpse to visibly shrink, as though all moisture was burned instead of the flesh.


    He once again charged toward the imp but it simply kept jumping backwards. Its wings helped it gain momentum, and it was even slightly faster than Zac. It even had time to asionally turn around to make sure it didnt run into anything.


    The imp was essentially kiting him, throwing out a fireball every few seconds. The closer Zac got to it the harder it was to dodge. After a minute he had been hit another 3 times by the when he got close. The first time it barely grazed his arm so it was not too bad. If you could call the pain of getting stabbed a hundred times not too bad. The second hit him in the gut, which almost made him double over and puke his guts out from the agony. The final one hit his leg.


    That hit had made him unable to keep chasing the imp. He could barely put any weight on the leg, it felt like it had been paralyzed. The pain was so bad he almost swung his hatchet to chop it off. He knew that he would not be able to dodge anymore when it threw its next fireball.


    In ast desperate attempt to survive, he hurled his hatchet with all strength he could muster straight at the chest of the flying demon.

 Chapter 16: Choices

    Chapter 16: Choices


    Zac was on his knees, panting heavily. His clothes were apletely burned and bloodied mess. All around him were signs of the imps rampage, with pocketspletely drained and devoid of life. Zac realized that the fire of the imp did not burn like a normal fire, rather it burned life-force or cosmic energy. His burns looked like all moisture had been drained from his skin and it now had a pallid grey color. It was like those parts of his body was like that of a desated corpses.


    The corpse of the imp was lying against a tree roughly 10 meters away from him, the axe still firmly nted in its chest. The constitution of the monster was quite frail, and it had died immediately when the axe hit.


    As soon as the monster had died, it seemed as though the source of the fires had been removed. The fires had quickly extinguished, the marks left behind the only proof they had existed at all. Had it not quickly dissipated then the fire would fire would havepletely destroyed him. Maybe not his body, but all his life-force.


    Zac was nauseated and on the brink of passing out, but he somehow summoned power he did not know he had and got up on his feet. He shuffled over to the imp and yanked out the axe. He had no energy to look through the corpse, and simply continued his way back home.


    He was almost delirious by this point and was barely able to keep his bearings. Luckily he was quite close to edge of the ind now, and almost on the opposite side of the pir. The monsters were pretty scarce this far out still, and he didnt encounter any more demons that night.


    With thest strength in his body he managed to stumble back into his camp. As soon as he saw the familiar sight of the metallic camper his legs simply gave out. He fell down onto the ground end let the sweet darkness embrace him.


    It was midday the following day when Zac woke up again. Body was stiff and he sported a splitting headache. It was as if he had been drinking until passing outst day. He spit out some gravel he had got in his mouth and slowly got up.


    After a quick check-up it seemed that most of the wounds were in decent shape. None of the scratches and tears from the demons were still bleeding. Some of the more shallow wounds were just a white line today. A few of the worse wounds would have to stay in bandage for at least another day though.


    The spots where the ck fire had burned him yesterday were still a bit grey and shrunken, but had gotten noticeably better. He felt that he headache he had likely came from these wounds. The fire yesterday must have had some magic properties that damaged in other ways than just burning. He shuddered when he remembered the pain from those sts.


    He prepared some breakfast and sat down in a camping chair to go over yesterdays results. He brought up the status window with a thought to go over the gains.


    Name Zachary Atwood Level 18 Race Human Alignment Human (Earth)   Titles Born For Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I   Strength 46 Dexterity 33 Endurance 34 Vitality 43 Intelligence 29 Wisdom 29 Luck 44   Free Points 0 Nexus Coins 3 370


    He had gained almost 3000 Nexus Coins with just one day of fighting, which seemed quite good. If he based the gains on the amount of cosmic energy he got from the different monsters he could somewhat guess how much each kill gave him. He would say that he had gained roughly 100 for each demon dog he had killed, and between half as much and double that from the demon hound. Thergest amount was rewarded from killing the imp. He still remembered that burst of energy even though he was almost delirious. If he hadnt gotten that extra energy boost after the fight he might not have made it home.


    Still, the amount gained yesterday was far short of most of the buildings he had seen in the town building interface. It made sense, as building a whole town was usually not done by the efforts of only one person. If he had a few hundred people who came together and gathered Nexus Coins the amount gathered would be massive, even if the other people were far weaker than himself. There simply was power in numbers.


    The thought gave him a sense of urgency. It was undeniable that he had likely gotten a quite impressive head startpared to most people, even though he was not too happy with his current situation. But if some great leader emerged in a tutorial vige and created arge force he might lose his head start. Abby had mentioned that the system liked those that stood in forefront. If someone was going to get titles and other advantages from building a town first, then it should be him.


    It might be better for humanity if some country leader or military general got that head start. But it was the apocalypse, and he had his goals. He needed to be a bit selfish in that regard, and couldnt just give away opportunities to others and hope they would use them for good.


    He also noticed that he had a new title, Demon yer I. It was from the quest he had received in the beginning, which had told him to kill 10 demons. The title gave him 1+ all stats when fighting enemies of demonic alignment. However, he didnt quite understand how the title worked. He should have activated that title somewhere mid-day, but he had felt nothing different when fighting afterward. Zac thought that the 1 stat point perhaps was too low a number for him to notice anything.


    He was somewhat surprised that he hadnt received any sort of follow-up quest, along the lines of Kill 100 Demons. The line behind the title indicated that it should be possible to upgrade it, but he hadnt been given any indication of how. Zac guessed he had to add it to the ever-increasing list of things he did not know.


    After looking over the status page he opened the building interface. There were two things that Zac wanted to build, and they cost 3000 Nexus crystals each.


    The first was called a <strong>[F-Grade Nexus Node] </strong>and looked like arge hovering crystal from the description. Its function was to ess certain aspects of the System. Nexus Nodes seemed to have more functions depending on how high grade it was, with F being the lowest. The Node was the worst of the bunch in other words. But it gave ess to two functions that Zac was extremely interested in. It gave ess to the ss system, and sold basic skills.


    The other was another array, namely the <strong>[F-Grade Small Scale Gravity Array]</strong>. This was an array meant for strengthening oneself as he saw it. The subject of training was something he had mulled over from the start. Even before allocating the first 30 points he had gotten he had noticed that his stats were skewed.


    When he counted backwards from his titles and the points he had allocated he had found out that his base stats differed quite a bit. Before the effect of the system he had 7 strength, 3 dexterity, 4 endurance, 5 vitality, 5 intelligence and 6 wisdom.


    He assumed the normal stats were around 1-10 for most humans, as he was somewhat average before the System arrived. He wasnt particrly smart, and not extremely athletic. He worked out at a gym 3 times a week which would exin the strength. But he was not limber at all, and he rarely did cardio. Therefore he had lower dexterity and endurance. Vitality and intelligence seemed harder to train, as they seemed more of an inborn quality.


    Since the stats differed and seemed to be affected by his actions before the System arrived, he assumed that he might be able to improve his base stats from training as well. He probably would not be able to improve infinitely, but every extra stat point counted.


    Thats where the gravity array woulde in. It would affect the gravity in a zone, and could increase the gravity up to 10 times. At this point he had 46 strength and was likely stronger than any human that had ever lived on earth. Without this kind of array Zac didnt think he would be able to exhaust himself. He could do push-ups all day without breaking a sweat at the moment.


    If he added the array to the camp he could potentially improve multiple stats, at least Strength and Endurance as they seemed most linked with the constitution of his physique.


    Unfortunately the descriptions for the buildings were quite short, and both options came with a risk. He had no idea how skills worked and what they would cost. Buying a Nexus Node might be aplete waste of coins at this stage when every advantage was important. On the other hand he didnt know if the n for training even worked with the system.


    After some hesitation he finally turned his eyes towards the array.

 Chapter 17: Eye of Discernment

    Chapter 17: Eye of Discernment


    Zac sat in front of the camp fire, and with a nk silent stare he slowly rotated a spit ced above it. The suns were setting over his small outpost, and the surroundings had a subdued silence. On the spit was the leg of a rabbit he had caught earlier today. The rabbit had actually grown to the size of a human, so the meat wouldst for a while.


    Tomorrow would mark the 29th day since the world changed. If Hannah or even his family were to see him now they likely would likely barely recognize him.


    The once neat beard of his was now an uneven mess. There even was one patch almostpletely missing after a Barghests w had cut his face during a particrly intense melee. His hair was even worse, now a mess of uneven cuts. During one of his fights he had gotten hair in his eyes, and the distraction had caused him to almost get disemboweled. He had fought the Gwyllgi half-blinded while using one hand to hold his innards in ce. After the fight he had simply taken his hatchet to his head and cut off as much hair as he could without scalping himself.


    He had run out of shirtsst week, and now used a mix of torn rags to cover himself. Underneath those rags was some makeshift protection he had made from leather he had cured. He had begun by making some bracers for his legs and arms, and a basic heart protector out of the snake skin he had dried over his car. Over time he had found another snake and even a crocodile on a shore, and had turned those into leather as well.


    Now he was decked from feet up to a throat protector in pieces of leather, all tied together with strings or sinew. It was an extremely shoddy work, making his whole body looked like a piecemeal patchwork of different animal body parts. It also took almost 30 minutes to take on and off, as there were quite a few knots he had to tie to get it to stay on during a whole day.


    Most days he couldnt be bothered as he had been out hunting the whole day, and simply fell asleep while still wearing the gear. Thebination of high endurance and vitality seemed to protect him from any shaping or bruises from the coarse leather anyway.


    All in all he looked like apletely insane hobo and would likely be arrested if he arrived in a real city, based on his appearance alone. Zac couldnt be bothered about that though, as almost a month of living on the edge of death had given him a far more utilitarian mindset.


    Zac cracked his neck, nowadays barely being bothered by the constant 10 times gravity field that enveloped the whole camp. After his first day of grinding he had bought the <strong>[F-Grade Small Scale Gravity Array]</strong> and ced it at a corner of the camp. It had actually proven effective, and he had incorporated a workout in high gravity into his daily schedule. Soon after he even slept in high gravity, and by now he always had the array cranked to the max over the whole camp.


    Its effect had been above his expectations. He had gained a whole 5 strength, 2 dexterity, 6 endurance, and 2 vitality from just training his body. His endurance had increased the quickest, rising up 6 points in just two weeks. He had calcted that he had 4 base endurance before the system earlier, and now it was 10. However after it reached 10 it stopped increasing at all. He saw a simr effect on his strength. He gained 3 points quite quickly, bringing his base strength to 10. After that he still had gotten two points, but those points took an extreme effort.


    He had also gained dexterity and vitality, but he guessed that those points actually came frombat rather than the array. Getting hurt over and over had improved his vitality slower, and dodging an endless amount of beasts had improved his dexterity.


    Zac guessed that the reason for his quick improvements wasnt only the array. There now was arge amount of cosmic energy in the air, and it felt like just breathing it in slowly improved his health. He suspected that humans would slowly grow healthier in this atmosphere, provided that they didnt get killed of course. A quick look at his status showed that his stats had improved quite a bit over thest weeks.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>23</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born For Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>59</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>39</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>42</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>48</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>29</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>29</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>44</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>5 562</strong>


    Unfortunately he had not reached his goal even with his gathering array and frenzied carnage across the ind. He had hoped to get to level 25 and get a ss before the month was over. The advice of theStargazer still lingered in his head. She had told him to finish the quest of conquering the incursion within a month. He still hadnt found any clues as to what would happen after the month passed, and he hoped he wouldnt have to find out.


    Gaining levels had proven harder and harder over time, and he had finally reached level 23 today after 4 days of relentless killing. He had even used almost all his points and spent a whopping 75 000 Nexus Coins on upgrading his Mother-Daughter Gathering Array to E-grade. This upgrade had substantially increased the amount of cosmic energy he absorbed daily through his amulet.


    It was clear to Zac however that the most effective method of getting stronger was to actually battle and kill enemies. If he would split up the cosmic energy he absorbed daily it would be a 90/10 split, and that was with the E-grade array. If hepared with his old F-grade array it would be 95/5 or even lower. Grinding monster and absorbing their energy was simply far more effective, at least with his resources.


    It did however make him think about the elite of the multi-verse. He had made over a hundred thousand Nexus Coins just by grinding low level monsters around the first month. Abby had said that the multi-verse was hundreds of millions year old. There were surely some extremely wealthy individuals and organizations. What if they gave every child an A-grade, or even S-grade array from birth? They would be higher level than him before even learning to talk.


    Those things were too far away from him though, he needed to focus on the present. Even though he hadnt reached his goal of getting a ss, he still nned to try finishing the quest the following two days.


    Zac carved a chunk of meat from the rabbit leg and stuck it to a fork. He then walked over to the Nexus Node while gnawing the gamey meat. Zac looked at the list of avable things on it daily hoping for something new to pop up every day since the day he bought it. He knew he would be disappointed once again. The skills avable were too expensive for him, and the inventory hadnt changed so far.


    The only skill that was in his price range was called [<strong>Eye of Discernment]</strong>. And he had already bought it for the price of 20 000 Nexus Coins. When he had bought it a stream of energy had entered his head, and new information suddenly formed like an ingrained memory. It was the manual for the skill.


    The purchase had taught him a bit about how skills worked with the System. Having a skill did not mean you could simply use it as you wanted. For a skill to work he needed to actually move the cosmic energy built up in his body towards his eyes. From there he had to imprint the image of a specific fractal on his eyes. The fractal was the same type of pattern that were on the array gs he had bought earlier.


    Zac had tried furiously to move the energy around in his body for days. He had felt that his cells were imbued with this extra power, but he had a hard time actually doing anything with it. Finally after days of trying he had found a solution.


    While sitting in the gravity array he had imagined a separate set of veins spread all through his body like his circtory system. In these veins only cosmic energy flowed. He was surprised that it actually worked, and a stream of his cosmic energy slowly started traveling along the paths he had imagined.


    It took a few days more to learn to keep the cirction going even when not actively focusing on it. Finally he tried gathering cosmic energy on his eyes to imprint the fractal of the skill. This part went smoother than expected, as he had an extremely precise design in his memory thanks to the Nexus Node.


    As soon as he wanted to use the skill he only needed to focus a small amount of cosmic energy to flow into the fractals on his eyes, and it would activate immediately.


    Zac was quite d that the System did not require people to shout out the skills name like a lunatic.


    The <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>was a basic eye skill that essentially worked like an identify- or spy-skill from a video game. It let Zac glean some basic information on certain things.


    It was this skill that had let him know that the stocky 6-legged demons he had fought ad nausea thest month was actually called a Barghest, and the zombie-looking greyhound monster was a Gwyllgi.


    The imps were actually just called Lower Imps, and they had taught him another valuable lesson when using the <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on them. Even though he had used it from the cover of some bushes the imp had felt the skill being used on it. It reacted by immediately throwing a fireball at the bush he was hiding in, leading to another desperate fight.


    The memory of that fireball still filled him with some trepidation as he stared into the fire, slowly finishing his meal.

 Chapter 18: Cosmic Energy

    Chapter 18: Cosmic Energy


    Actually, apart from teaching him the names of his different enemies, the most important thing the skill had taught him was somethingpletely different.


    Zac had thought that the stats represented a static change in his prowess, and to a certain degree he was right. He was far stronger nowpared to before thanks to the stats. But there was more to it. Learning to circte his cosmic energy had opened up a whole new world for him.


    At first he had simply focused on learning the skill. But afterwards he had started experimenting with the cosmic energy in his body, and hade to some astonishing conclusions. He could actually force more cosmic energy into different parts of his body, strengthening them. For example he could force energy into his arm and back muscles when swinging his hatchet, which resulted in a far more powerful swing.


    Forcing energy into his legs would increase his speed and he had even managed to imbue his skin for a while, making it more durable. There were many different venues to utilize it, and he likely only had figured out a few. The strengthening wasnt limitless, however. It acted as a multiplier on his base stats, but the multiplier was limited. After some experimentation he had realized he could output almost twice his normal power while circting his energy into a specific part of his body.


    He had gone above this amount once, which had resulted in being incapacitated for days. He had tried increasing the amount of energy in his arms too much in order to perform a particrly mighty swing. His muscles couldnt withstand that much cosmic energy forced into them, and ruptured into a fountain of blood. It reminded him of a balloon. If he blew too much air into it, it would pop. Same with his body and cosmic energy.


    The experiment had left him lying weakly in base for three days, only being able to train with the amulet and the gravity array for some minor gains.


    The second conclusion was that his usage of cosmic energy was limited. The more he circted his energy and empowered himself, the more drained he would feel. When empowering himself to the limit he onlysted a few minutes before he waspletely spent.


    The energy used in empowerment was consumed, and he would need to gather more from the environment in order to get back into fighting condition. His amulet helped him recover faster. But when the amulet focused on replenishing consumed cosmic energy, it did not actually work towards increasing his level.


    In other words using empowered strikes or skills would slow his leveling speed, as some of the cosmic energy gained would be used on replenishment. So it was a trade-off between long term gains and short-term burst of power.


    The final realization was that his method likely was extremely cost-ineffective. When he used his identification skill, the cosmic energy entered the fractals that somehow existed in his eyes. The fractal both enabled using the specific skill, but also made usage of cosmic energy more effectively.


    Far less energy was wasted when the energy was focused with the fractal. If cosmic energy could be considered a raw material like crude oil, then the fractal refined it into something better and more efficient.


    Zac guessed abat-oriented skill would work in the same way. He would gain new fractals which he could use to waste less cosmic energy while fighting, and also gain a higher power than simply channeling raw cosmic energy into his arms. Unfortunately even the cheapest of the options cost 150 000 Nexus coins, which was far out of his current price range.


    Zac finished his meal, and scoped up a ss of water from the pit where he had ced a water gathering array. The bottled water he and his friends had brought had ran out two weeks ago, and the closest fresh water was close to the incursion. Luckily the System had a cheap solution, namely the <strong>[Small Scale Water gathering Array]</strong>, which slowly gathered moisture from the air to create a roughly ten liters of drinking water per day.


    For the first time in weeks he turned off the gravity array when he went to sleep. He needed to bepletely rested, as tomorrow he would assail a Herald.


    Zac had wrestled with himself whether to actually go through with it or not thest few days. At times he felt it would be safer for him to simply grind for a few more weeks, get a ss and skill before going after the big bosses.


    He had however noticed a very worrying trend over thest few days. The beasts in the forest were getting more powerful. The demon hounds were getting even faster, and the barghest were getting stronger. He had actually seen one charge straight through a tree. The barghests had beenpletely incapable of such a feat just a week ago.


    This made him form a hypothesis. The beasts were slowly getting stronger, and maybe they would gain a power spike once each month. That was what the Abby the eye was indirectly warning him about.


    He didnt think that the Incursion summoned stronger demons, but rather that they were strong from the start, but was somehow restricted. That was because he didnt actually get more cosmic energy or Nexus Coins from killing the empowered beastspared to the old weaker ones.


    It made him once again think about how the system seemed to operate. It rewarded people who dared take risks and strove to improve. That was shown through the title system, and also Abbysments.


    Perhaps this was a gift from the system. If someone dared leave the tutorial vige to kill magical monsters at incursions theyd be rewarded with the cosmic energy and Nexus Coin that generally was given out by far stronger beasts. Like an XP-boost from a MMORPG game.


    Or perhaps the demons simply werent adapted to Earths atmosphere. He always imagined in his head that these beasts came from someva world full of fire and brimstone. He really had no idea which was correct, but his days in solitude allowed him to conjure endless theories.


    Furthermore, with risk alsoes reward. What Abby meant with herstment might be rted to the quest.


    <strong>[Off with their heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. </strong><strong>(1/5)]</strong>


    Thest reward was a unique building depending on performance. He guessed that the better performance the higher ranked the building he would receive was. He was by now well aware both how powerful some buildings were, but also how extremely expensive they were. He had scoured through the registry for weeks after all.


    Getting a good grade might greatly help himter, provided that he actually survived this ordeal.


    So it was with a mix of self-preservation and greed he had grit his teeth and finally decided to assail the first of the Heralds tomorrow, even if he wasnt at the power level hed like. Thest few days he had scouted his target out, and he thought he had a fighting chance after observing it.


    He woke up with the dawn of light the next day, and after his preparations he immediately set out. He had limited time until his self-imposed time limit. Depending on how the fight went, he might try to kill a secondHerald today as well.


    He walked through the forest with practiced ease, avoiding twigs and roots while still keeping a high tempo. The forest had changed considerably during the past weeks. It had grown extremely lush, gaining almost a primordial unsullied air. The trees had grown more robust, and the undergrowth was varied with both bushes, vines and a medley of flowers.


    He did not know where they hade from, but it seemed that there were far more critters and other animals as well roaming both the forest floor and up in the crowns. However it always was quiet around his camptely, as if the animals instinctively avoided his domain.


    Zac made a beeline towards the western central area from the southern edge where his camp was located. During hisexcursions in the past weekshe had actually foundthe second herald, whilest two still eluded him. He guessed that one of themresided in the mountains though, as it seemed that each Herald lorded over a cardinal direction of the Incursion. He hadnt ventured into the mountain as of yet, as he had his hands full grinding monsters closer to home.


    The unlucky Herald Zac had obliterated with a lucky roll had been in the southern part of the ind. Zac had upied the domain of the herald in a sense. That had exined why there were rtively fewer demons close to his base, as it was far from theirs of the three remaining Heralds.

 Chapter 19: Vul

    Chapter 19: Vul


    Even though Zac moved like a specter through the woods he couldnt always avoid fights. A barghest was lying hidden behind a few bushes, and noticed Zac before he could reroute around it.


    It immediately got up and without hesitation charged upon him.


    Zac waspletely unfazed by the oing beast, and circted a small amount of cosmic energy through his body down to his legs. With a quick step he avoided the beast at thest second, giving it no time to adjust. He then followed up with a vicious swing down the throat of the passing beast. The barghest would have been decapitated had it not been for the limited size of Zacs hatchet.


    Instead he tore a huge gash that severed both muscles and jugrs from the top and then continued until exiting down on the bottom, resulting in the head barely staying on.


    The demon continued for a few meters before copsing with a thud. Zac continued on while going over the state of the axe. By now he had killed hundreds of barghests and the recent fight barely registered in his mind, even with the power-up of the beast. Even if the barghests had be stronger, they still were the mostmon and stupid of the monsters on the ind.


    The empowered Gwyllgi that focused on speed were far more annoying to deal with. He still had a hard time dealing with them without getting a cut somewhere.


    When looking over the hatchet he couldnt help feeling a sour lump in his throat. The axe was in a state of disrepair with scratches all over. The head had be a full two centimeters shorter from repeated sharpening against rocks. Zac knew the only reason the weapon still somewhat held together was that it was made from a solid piece of steel. Still, the shaft had started to bend, showing the strain it had been put under.


    Thebination of Zacs superhuman strength and the hardness of demon bones had slowly warped the metal. He was quite worried, as he did not know what hed do when his weapon finally broke. He would be able to buy a shop and hopefully get a weapon that way when he finally upgraded the outpost to a town. But until then there simply seemed to be no weapons on the ind.


    Zac sighed and continued on his way.


    He barely used any energy during the fight, only enhancing himself for a few seconds. With the help of the gathering array he would be topped off again within a minute.


    Zac kept stalking through the woods like death incarnate. Anything that was foolish enough to attack him was quickly ended with a swing.


    He had initially been afraid that his daily excursions would we found out by the demons, but after a few days of observation he was quite content knowing he was safe as long as he did not hunt too close to the Heralds.


    Every day new monsters would appear in the woods, likely summoned through the Incursion. More astonishingly, the demons killed each other far more than Zac killed them. He had lost count of the times that he had found a demon hunkered over a corpse of the same race, feasting on its carcass. There seemed to be simply no familiar affection between the demons. That Zac was responsible for a small part of the deaths seemingly went bypletely unnoticed.


    Finally he arrived at the area where he had spotted the Herald earlier. He immediately became more alert of his surroundings, not wanting to create a stir with his target so close. He soon found the target, and it wasnt hard to notice.


    The Herald was huge.


    <strong>[Vul, Level 45]</strong>


    That was all the information that the <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>gave him. Either his mastery over the skill was too low to show more information, or the skill was simply too basic.


    It at least showed that its level was over twenty levels higher than his. He did not know whether Vul was its name or its race. His skill hade only showed the race when fighting the random beasts in the forest, but here it also showed a level. The system somehow made a distinction between this herald and the other demons.


    He was leaning towards the theory that Vul was a name, because the monster clearly looked a lot like a barghest. If a Barghest had been supercharged. Instead of three pairs of legs it had four, with the additional being positioned closer to the hind legs.


    <em>Does that mean that its a spider rather than an insect </em>Zac mused with a dark sense of humor while looking over the beast.


    Vul was also farrger than its Barghest brethren. If a normal barghest could reach up to Zacs chest with its head then this monster was a full head taller than him. It was evenrger than a bear, and from its oversized muscles looked that the bear would rather be prey than apetitor.


    Just like the normal demon dogs it had an oversized head with an abyssal maw, with three rows of sinister fangs lining it. With its size the monster could easily fit both Zacs head and torso in its mouth for a quick bite. The paws which looked like talon had the same three long ws attached, but on Vul they were as long as small kitchen knives.


    It seemed to be the alpha of the barghest pack, although it didnt seem very interested in anything exceptzing about and eating.


    Zac had observed the monster from a distance a few times thest week, and had also realized that it not only wasrger, but it was also a bit smarter. Certainly, it was still a meathead, but he had noticed some burgeoning intelligence from its actions. It luckily didnt seem overly alert, as Zac had used the <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on it without any reaction.


    Perhaps only magically inclined beings such as the imps could actually notice being screened by the skill.


    He knew his customary method of killing a demon dog would not work with this monster, it simply was toorge a risk. He had gotten swiped almost countless times thest month, each time having a new wound to show for it. A simr swipe from this monstrosity could instantly end him if unlucky, and he was not ready to take that chance.


    He slowly eased back into the vegetation after ascertaining the Heralds position. Taking down a beast like this would take some strategy.


    Zac slowly made his way a few hundred meters away where his final piece of the puzzley hidden. Luckily Vul mostly stayed in the same area except for when it went on patrols in random directions.


    He finally reached his destination, a particrly lush bush that had a thick leafy crown that was roughly the same height as Zac himself. After ncing around he gingerly made his way into the bush.


    Inside there were four trunks of trees, each roughly three meters long and almost as thick as his thigh. One end of the tree was sharpened into a point. They looked as if they were made to form a palisade, but the real purpose was monster hunting.


    The spear he had used the first time he hunted broke on the first demon, so he had learned his lesson.


    During his weeks of fighting he had found a type of tree which had a dark trunk but white-grey veins. He hadnt recognized it and had tried to cut down a branch with a swing of his hatchet, and to his surprise he found that the tree was extremely dense and hard.


    Cutting down the trees to make the four supersized spears had tired him out even with his superior physique.


    He gingerly dug roughly half a meter deep holes with some distance from each other, then ced the wooden stakes into them at a nted angle. He had ced them so that the spear tips were hidden within the bush at roughly 150 to 180 centimeter height. Finally he covered the holes and ced down secondary smaller stumps beneath the stakes, so that they wouldnt tip over from their own weight before they could be used.


    This was the only trap he could figure out that could help in his fight against the huge beast. The only other idea he hade up with was to dig a pitfall. But he did not have the tools for the massive undertaking of digging a pitrge enough to trap and kill a monster the size of arge minivan.


    He took one more nce at the bush to inspect his work. He would only get one shot at this and didnt want anything to give it away before it was toote.


    Satisfied with his work, he finally turned towards the Herald and started walking.

 Chapter 20: Fighting the Herald

    Chapter 20: Fighting the Herald


    Zac had slowly inched his way back toward the Herald. It was currently lying on a rock, and it was actually eating a Gwyllgi it had caught somewhere.


    All eight of its legs except the front pair were lying in the same side, exposing its back toward Zac. He was currently crouching behind a tree only five meters away from the huge barghest. He barely dared to breathe in fear of being exposed too early. He couldnt get any closer without entering an open area and gettingpletely exposed.


    Zacs heart was beating furiously, and his hands were nervously shaking. It was one thing to make ns and preparation, but apletely different thing to actually turn those ns into action. Now that he was this close it was as though he could sense a primal pressure emanating from the beast.


    He knew he couldnt wait any longer, as this was a golden opportunity. The beast was feeding and was distracted. If he kept waiting he would miss his chance, and also tire himself out by stressing and fretting.


    Zac soundlessly got to his feet and circted cosmic energy through his body. Wasting no time he pumped his leg full of energy, and shot toward the exposed Herald like a bullet. His hatchet fell with an empowered swing, striking down at the lower spine of the beast. He was hoping to use the same tactic as he had in the beginning of killer Vuls smaller brethren.


    The axe sunk into the back of the beast, but it felt like he had tried to chop through reinforced steel when he reached the bone of the spine. His n had failed, as it ended up as only a flesh wound. His right arm ached from the impact, but he quickly adapted and swung down and created a deep gash down along its side.


    He nned to strike its belly as well and hopefully damage some organs, but a thundering roar interrupted him. The Herald had finally reacted, and with a jerk pushed back with all its legs, forcing its whole body toward Zac.


    The monsters back mmed into Zac like a truck and he flew a few meters backwards, and he spit out a mouthful of blood.


    As he got up, so did the Herald. Suddenly they stood facing each other and a low growl emitted from the beasts mouth. Its wound was bleeding freely, but didnt seem that it had incapacitated it at all.


    Rage was burning in the beasts beady eyes, and it let out another tremendous roar that seemed to cause the very air to vibrate.


    Zac wasted no time, and immediately ran into the forest. He wanted to make use of theplicated terrain to keep therge lumbering beast at bay. He kept infusing his body with energy, not daring to let up. The sounds of loud thuds and branches breaking from behind proved that the herald was hot on his heels.


    Zac was dismayed to find out that the terrain didnt seem to impair Vul even through its huge size and stocky build. It was far more nimble than the barghest, even though it seemed even bulkier than its smaller brethren. Finally he tried to use another tried and true trick, and ran straight towards a thick maple. He could hear that the beast was ever closing in on him, and now only were a few meters away from him.


    This was a test of sorts against the herald, to see if it would fall for this simple trick. He had his doubts about it after observing it, and didnt want to blow his best shot for killing it. He therefore held off on running straight towards his pikes.


    He waited until thest minute until finally jumping to the side and dodged the tree. He turned around mid-air, hoping to take advantage of the beast knocking itself out.


    Unfortunately for Zac, a herald was appointed a leader for a reason. Zacs suspicions about the heralds superior intellect proved true as he saw the beasts reactions.


    Noticing the iing tree, the Herald stopped in his tracks with his front legs, while he sidestepped away from Zacs direction with the hind legs. Its front legs carved a deep groove for a few meters before it stopped, while it changed angle to point toward Zac. This resulted in the beast still moving towards the tree, but it instead mmed into it with its shoulders rather than its head.


    Due to the breaking the m seemed to enrage the beast further rather than hurt it. It hadnt lost much time from the m, and now Zac was in a precarious situation.


    The beast immediately jumped towards him, its huge jaws trying to rip him in two from his chest.


    Flustered Zac rolled on the ground down in between the beasts leg, hoping to gain ess to the more vulnerable belly. He knew now he needed to thoroughly enrage the beast so that it would blindly charge through the bushes and into his palisade. He was now in an awkward position in between the front legs, and could only rely on cosmic energy to generate force in his swings.


    He mmed the hatchet up into the torso of the beast a few times, hoping to puncture a lung. It was effective, as a stream of blood showered him, and the monster elicited a painful yelp. He only had time for a few swings though, as he suddenly was mmed on his left side by a kick. Zac flew away once again like a ragdoll, and this time he felt that he had broken at least a rib as breathing felt like getting stabbed.


    He could only grit is teeth and circte more cosmic energy to keep his injuries in check. He was already starting to run dangerously low, and fatigue was starting to set in.


    He kept running toward his trap, but still afraid to run into it. The beast was enraged, but it still hadnt lost its reasoningpletely, and Zac was afraid that it would notice the trap. Then he would be well and truly screwed.


    He needed at least one more effective assault.


    The Herald was soon upon him again, this time swiping with its front paw, hoping to catch Zac in its ws. Zac could only frantically dodge and jump out of the direction. He tried to get a swing in every now and then to hurt its legs, but itrgely proved ineffective. He had hit true a few times, but only some flesh wounds were created.


    Zac once more tried a riposte after dodging a swing, but this time arge head closed in with extreme speed. The Herald tried to chomp off his arm during his swing.


    Zac quickly retracted his arm, and it was almost toote. The maws closed a fraction of a second toote, allowing Zacs arm to disengage. His hatchet wasnt as lucky however, and the monster chomped down on the head. A crunch was heard and when Vul opened its maw again to try to take another bite the axe was released.


    The already worn axe was nowpletely deformed, and had essentially turned into a stick with scrap metal on top. The edge was gone and instead it more resembled a mace now with some random sharp edges.


    A me of rage ignited in Zacs eyes when he saw his trustypanion beingpletely ruined by the Herald, and hepletely forgot about safety. With a roar he stopped backing away, and instead forced most of his remaining cosmic energy into his right arm and legs. With a desperate lunge he jumped straight for the Herald, surprising it for a split second. That was all he needed as Zac plunged the Scrap weapon into the left eye of the beast.


    The demon forcefully jerked backward from the pain, for a second standing only on its back legs, reaching an impressive 3-4 meters in height. Pained yelps quickly transitioned into roars of zing fury, and Vul stomped down towards Zac, trying to tten him like a pancake.


    Zac had no time to care about his beloved hatchet being stuck in the eye of the monster, and started a mad dash away from the beast. He saw that the monster waspletely and utterly raving with anger and pain right now, so this was his chance.


    He focused thest of his energy in maximizing his speed as he dashed thest distance toward the trap. The Herald was hot in pursuit, not caring about anything anymore,pletely smashing through any smaller rocks or trees that was in its path.


    Finally he reached the bushes where the poles were hidden, and by now the huge beast was right in his heels. Zac could even feel the heat from it''s maw. Zac simply dove through the bushes headfirst, making sure to keep a height below that of the ced spears in order to not skewer himself.


    It was with great relief Zac could sense that the Herald thundered straight into the bushes right behind him, intending to simply rip through it.


    As Zded on the ground he felt a huge impact behind him which caused the ground to tremble.


    One of the trees had struck the Herald straight in its chest, entering at least a meter and impaling it where it stood.


    The beast shuddered and let out a miserable roar which echoed in the surroundings. Blood was flowing out of its mouth like a waterfall, drenching both Zac and the surroundings. It immediately started wildly thrashing around, unheeding of its wounds. The contraption couldnt take the weight and almost immediately copsed.


    Even if it was almost blinded and bleeding out, the Herald wouldnt go quietly, as it incessantly wailed and thrashed about. One of the swings hit Zac square on his left arm, punching him down in the ground before he could get out of the way. A loud crack could be heard, and Zac almost passed out from the pain.


    It followed up with a few frantic swipes with its ws, which rent long gashes all along his back while he helplesslyy on his stomach beneath the impaled beast.


    Luckily for Zac the thrashing didnt continue for too long, as a huge amount of cosmic energy entered him. Some helped replenish a small part of his severely depleted reserves, while most worked toward leveling him up.


    The surroundings felt extremely quiet after the sounds of battle had subsided. Hey panting on the ground, and couldnt help smile with bloodied teeth. Hed done it.


    But just as Zac felt ted over his victory, a responding roar echoed in the distance. And then another, and suddenly the forest was filled with a cacophony of bestial roars.


    Backup wasing.

 Chapter 21: Hurt

    Chapter 21: Hurt


    Zac only knew pain as he pushed forward through the forest, not even knowing if he went in the right direction. From all directions he could hear roars from different beasts closing in. His consciousness was hazy, and he only moved on instinct by now. He had been fleeing for a while since being forced to run from the roars in the forest. He had only had time to yank the mangled hatchet out of the Heralds eye socket before using the little cosmic energy he had to speed away.


    A crash was heard to his left and a barghest bounded toward him to intercept his flight. He intuitively tried to dodge but his feet did not listen to hismands, and he fell over. It was lucky too for Zac as the demon dog flew straight over his fallen form.


    Zac numbly got to his feet and continued on. Soon the barghest had managed to run around and came toward him again. The scant cosmic energy in Zacs body circted as he suddenly turned toward the demonling and with a growl swung his mangled hatchet down in a mighty overhead arc.


    The strike hit clean on the beasts forehead, mming the maw closed and its head into the ground. The power was so strong that its thick cranium cracked and both blood and brain matter covered the axe. The beast was stopped right in its track andy on the ground convulsing


    Zac had no time to finish off the beast as a movement in his periphery made him instinctively swing outward. The axe head hit a dark shape and elicited a pained yelp. It was a Gwyllgi which had nned to take advantage of the fight and strike a finishing blow at his head. Unfortunately for the hound, this had happened dozens of times by now and a response had been engraved in Zacs subconscious by now.


    The Gwyllgi fell down, likely with a few broken ribs from the impact of the axe. It had hit the beast with its blunt side, but with Zacs power and cosmic energy such a strike was still lethal if positioned correctly. Zac wasted no time and finished it off with another swing down on its head.


    The physical exertion worsened his wounds even more, and he suddenly puked out a mouth of blood with chunks of something else.


    But he didnt stop. Zac drudged on almost like a zombie, felling any foolish oing beasts in an eye-for-an-eye type of disregard for his own body.


    After either a few minutes or a few hours the onught of demons had ended, a familiar sight jolted his almost dormant consciousness awake. It was arge oak standing solitary in a de, with an assortment of flowers strewn across the ground. The sight gave almost a spiritual impression, like the oak was a spirit tree of some woond elves.


    And more importantly, this tree actually represented salvation for Zac. He shakily put his axe into his belt, and started to slowly climb the tree. His left arm didnt quite respond, and he had to arduously move upwards with his right arm and legs. On a normal day he could be at the top of the tree in seconds, but now it felt like climbing a mountain.


    He hadpletely run out of cosmic energy, and it felt like each cell in his body had beenpletely wrung out. Every movement was powered by force of will rather than anything else.


    Finally he was roughly five meters above the ground, and crawled up on what looked like a teau. It was three sturdy branches that grew in a close proximity in a row, with the middle branch grew slightly lower. They had together had formed almost an enclosure. Along the branches there were vines wired to make walls and flooring, and finally some cut of branches full of leafy growth had been ced around to inste and hide the enclosure.


    It was one of the many camps Zac had created over thest few weeks. Every time he found a tree, a cave, or some other natural formation that could be turned into a secluded resting stop he had stopped and turned it into a camp.


    One never knew when one had to hide from beasts or wouldnt be able to get back to camp, so he had prepared these as a precaution.


    Zac slumped down on the nket of leaves that were ced on the middle branch and dragged out a bottle of water ced next to the trunk. It had been ced by him there when building the hideout. He greedily drank half the bottle before the pain in his ribs simply stopped him from continuing. Finally he could take it no longer, and drowsily closed his eyes and passed out.


    He spent the next few days stuck in the tree. For the most part he had slept, as he had problems staying awake when he was so utterly drained of cosmic energy. His amulet helped, but it seemed it would take a few days for him to recharge.


    Even though he had survived, it did not feel like a victory anymore. The glorious feeling from right after the kill was long gone. He was incapacitated from pain and blood loss, and even with his high vitality it would take time to heal. His left arm was broken and possibly a few ribs as well, and therge gashes that crossed his whole back felt inmed. Every time he moved different parts of his body screamed in protest, and he could only helplessly stay in the tree.


    It was first after three days that he felt strong enough to get ready to head down. He could actually move his arm somewhat, but he wouldnt try putting any force on it yet.


    By now he was ravenously hungry, and couldnt wait to get back to his camp. He hadnt left any food in the small tree hideout, and had actually resorted to eating leaves and acorns thest two days. He had no idea if it was poisonous, but it felt like he had no options. Since his body had gotten stronger from the system he also had to eat a lot morepared to before. Thats why the food he and his friends had prepared had run out in only one week instead of two.


    It was with a tinge of bitterness he prepared to get back. The three day convalescence unfortunately meant that he had failed in his goal, as the deadline of finishing within a month passed yesterday.


    He still had two more heralds to kill, and also the general which he still hadnt seen. He could only hope that he had been paranoid, and that nothing bad had happened now that a month had passed. He was however quite disappointed that he might have missed out on some extremely powerful building awarded for a quickpletion of the quest.


    Zac guessed that he would find out during theing days, and it was no point to ruminate over it now.


    He slowly got down from the tree after making sure no beasts were in the vicinity and started making his way back towards his camp.


    Zac tried to glean if anything had changed on the ind since the deadline had passed, but he could find no indication of that happening. The two suns still shone in the sky, and the malevolent pir of energy from the incursion still red in the distance. It did seem to have intensified somewhat, but Zac wasnt sure if it wasnt just his imagination.


    The oak he had stayed in thest days were close to the edge of the ind, in the western direction, and it would take a some hours to get back to his camp.


    This time he walked carefully as he felt he was in no condition to fight any demons. Especially not if they had gotten empowered even further.


    His axe was for all intents and purposes now simply a blunt weapon after the herald had mmed down on it. Killing monsters now would require a higher energy expenditure than before as he couldnt simply bleed them out with a quick swing.


    So it was with great care Zac made his way through the familiar forests until he suddenly heard rustle in the bushes ahead.


    He immediately crouched down and hid behind a tree and some bushes while trying to see whaty ahead. After a quick nce he almost instinctively got up and shouted out to get attention, as what he saw was three people slowly making their way through the forest.


    Luckily he managed to stop himself in time as he noticed a jarring discrepancy; the people had horns.

 Chapter 22: Scouts

    Chapter 22: Scouts


    Azzun walked through the forest with his twopanions, irritably swatting branches and flies away. It was his first time off-world, and the change in climate was jarring. He missed the soothing monochromatic environment of his n. Now the only reminder of the familiar red was the incursion in the distance.


    Of course they knew that being able to invade a newly integrated world was a great opportunity. The House of ArhRezak had celebrated for 10 days and sacrificed 10 000 ves for luck when they had found out that they had actually managed to get a slot. They were only a medium sized n in their sector, but this opportunity meant a chance to grow to arge n. Maybe they could even gain enough resources to overthrow the regional Lord.


    Everyone knew that that The Ruthless Heavens mainly opened up the passageways to introduce a challenge to the indigenous inhabitants of thes. The Ruthless Heavens wanted to test if the original inhabitants were worthy to stay alive, and whether any powerhouses would emerge among them. That was why it let invaders through, but imposed limits on how strong they could be. The challenge needed to be hard, but possible to ovee.


    Of course, most powers in the multi-verse was more than happy to be treated as a test by the System. The potential gain of both rare treasures and new domains to own far outweighed the potential sacrifice of some of their young and their untalented. It worked as a great training ground for their young elite, providing both an opportunity to lead, battle and gain precious resources.


    The elders of the n were even more ecstatic then they learned that the world had been given a D-rank ssification. It was no secret that when the system integrated new worlds the huge influx of energy could create all sorts of rare and invaluable treasures all over the fresh worlds. The higher grade the new world was, the more treasures would appear. A fresh D-ss wasnt top tier, but at least it was above average.


    It usually wouldnt be the turn of some middling n to get ess to this type of smorgasbord. Normally some arch-daemon would have nudged the heavens and snatched it from them, but luckily the Great War was reaching a white-hot intensity. All the real powerhouses had their hands full, and couldnt focus on this matter even though the potential gain was great.


    Azzun had grown up hearing stories of how even lowly imps and thralls had managed to turn into arch daemons after entering a fresh world. They had found some treasure or natural oddity that had helped them shed their lowly heritage and emerge as a powerhouse in their gxy.


    Of course, Azzun knew that even if some treasure was discovered, it wasnt his turn to enjoy it. They would all enter the greedy hands of their general. Even though the general couldnt be considered a top talent of their n, he had managed to snag this great opportunity. He guessed it helped to have a Great Daemon as a great grandfather, who spoiled him rotten.


    The old daemon had forcefully elected his only great grandson, Ogras ArhRezak to lead the incursion. Azzun and the rest had discovered his ipetence even before entering the new world.


    Afraid that there would be a strong resistance on this world, and that losses of their forces would reflect badly on him, he had simply unleashed beast hordes to kill everything around the incursion for the first month. He had chosen four evolved beasts to lead their packs, and simply let them run loose without any supervision from a Beast Master or Tamer.


    Even many of the elders had disapproved of such cowardice, but the great daemon quashed any dissention.


    He only dared to enter when the first limiter was loosened. Everyone had been shocked to discover that both UrKhaz and Vul were dead when they finally arrived.


    While neither were particrly strong, both were elites who had been chosen among the thousands of beasts to be leaders of the beast packs they sent through to clear the area. They were almost at the limit of what The Ruthless Heavens would allow to pass through the incursion, and it had cost the n a fortune to send them through. They had been heavily nurtured and given many supplements to increase their physiques. After the restrictions lifted they would be like kings in a newly initiated world.


    Ogras immediately further cemented his erratic leadership upon noticing this fact. He had simply called the Heralds trash for dying so easily, and was more focused on the construction of his pce than finding out the reason for their demise.


    He had simply sent out a few scout parties, Azzuns group included, in order to gain information about the surroundings. Getting the order felt almost like a death sentence the unlucky scouts. If something in this forest could kill their alpha-beasts, how would they survive? They were only level 30 to 35 withmon sses, the weakest of the army that had arrived.


    However, they had no choice but toply with the order. The hierarchy and rules were extremely strict. Both they and their families would have a miserable ending if that happened. They could only bitterly nod their heads and try to stay alive. He could only hope to garner some type of merit during their invasion, which would allow him and his family to live a bit morefortably in the n.


    The st of different colors around him felt stressful and disorienting, and even though they had been briefed on this type of terrain it was hard to adapt. They were in a constant state of un-ease, as they had no idea what might jump out from the bushes at any moment.


    As if summoned by his thoughts, Azzun heard a subdued rustle, followed by a wet thud and grunt. He immediately drew his weapon and turned around, only to see one of hispanions topple over with a crushed skull.


    Their assant was already mid-swing toward his otherpanion, and she was killed before he managed to even react.


    The attacker was a walking horror,pletely red and covered in blood. Its body looked like a maze of crudely sewn together body parts and Azzun first thought was that the attacker was an Abomination or Ghoul from the Undead Hordes. If the world they attacked had an empire of the undead, their invasion would be a nightmare. There were few enemy factions in the multi-verse that were more annoying to battle than the undead.


    He quickly discarded the idea when he noticed that the patchwork was actually an extremely rudimentary armor rather than its actual skin, and realized he was battling some manner of barbarian warrior.


    He didnt have time to analyze the situation further, as the man attacked with a swing of his odd weapon. Azzun quickly lifted his war-axe to intercept the swing, but quickly regretted it when their weapons shed.


    Horrified he realized the monstrous power that was contained in the swing, and he quickly circted his cosmic energy and activated his defensive skill. An earthenyer quickly covered his arms and torso, and stabilized him. Thanks to his quick reactions he didnt break his arms, but the force still threw him down on the ground, and his defensive skill shattered.


    Disoriented and hurting he threw a wide swing towards his enemy, but only hit air. He tried to get back on his feet and meet his attacker. He didnt get far however, before he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, and then everything turned ck.


    ------------


    Zac stood panting over the unconscious demon, a sheen of perspiration covering his face. The sweat came from pain rather than exertion, as his charge had opened up some of his wounds. He finally dared to use his skill on the demon, which showed <strong>[Azzun, Level 33]</strong>.


    Luckily these demons didnt seem very strong even if they were higher leveled. He started to go through their bodies, and looted anything that seemed useful. He ended up carrying two sets of gear, and had two backpacks slung over his back.


    He ignored the protests of his ribs, and then dragged the two looted corpses into the bushes and hid them there. He was too tired to bury them, and he didnt want to linger here too long. Hopefully some beast would sniff them out and eat them before theirpatriots found them.


    Zac was somewhat surprised with how calm he was with his actions. These three were clearly sentient beings, to the point that Zac had mistaken them for humans for a second. Still he had butchered them without any mercy or hesitation. He had been ughtering nonstop for a month, but those had generally been beasts with the exception of the imps.


    He had thought that he still would have some trepidation when dealing with humanoid beings but it seemed that something deep and primal had changed in him during thest month. He was harder and colderpared to before, and he felt that he likely wouldnt be able to go back to what he was.


    Just as the world had changed, so had he.

 Chapter 23: Do you Understand My words?

    Chapter 23: Do you Understand My words?


    Zac sighed and slung the unconscious Azzun over his shoulder, and the action caused him to whimper in pain. He would have preferred to drag him, but he didnt want to leave a trail straight to his campsite.


    He wasnt far away from home now, and slowly walked thest bit. When he was a hundred meters away from the camp, he stopped and put his captive down. After making sure that the demon was still unconscious but alive he got a few vines and tied him up. Then he slowly made a circle around the camp, looking for any sign that there had been foot traffic in the vicinity.


    A drawback of the illusion array was that he had no idea if 10 demons were waiting inside his camp without him seeing it, so he wanted to make sure that his surroundings were undisturbed. He couldnt find any signs of anyone having walked through heretely, so he quietly skulked towards the camp, and took a peek inside illusion array.


    Luckily the camp was undisturbed, so Zac went back and got his demon, and then walked back into the safety of the illusion array.


    Finally back he let out a long sigh that had felt lodged in his chest for the past few days. A growl from his stomach reminded him he had only eaten nuts and leaves in thest days and he quickly went over to his car and snatched a handful of dried meat he had hung on a line between the trailer and SUV.


    He sat down in his camper chair with a grimace, and started devour the meat while staring at his new captive.


    He truly looked exotic, with a skin that was tinted in a greyish-red. The skin looked coarse and almost like a cross between scales and normal human skin. Red tattoos which reminded Zac of the fractals from the skills and arrays adorned his upper arms.


    He was donned in a formfitting leather armor, which seemed to be made for an agile fighter or scout, rather than a dogfighter. It had vambraces iid with a metal te which covered his forearms, but left the upper arms bare.


    The chest te was formed by a woven mesh of leather strips which seemed both pliable and durable. He had on a belt where he had kept his weapons until Zac stole them, and a pair of dark grey leather pants.


    It wasn''t only the craftsmanship that was far superior in the gear, the materials were as well. When zac tried to cut through the leather with one of his kitchen knives he couldn''t even make a scratch, even after applying pressure. Zacassumed the leather came from some strong beast on the demon''s home.


    Oddly neither this demon nor the others wore any shoes, but after an inspection it made some sense. The demons feet looked like a slimmer version of the barghests taloned paws, with three sharp ws in the front.


    Finally the pair of horns that had warned him from approaching them. They were a blood red color, and looked like an artists rendition of fire. They started in his upper forehead, and was bent backwards along his skull. It looked like tongues of fire were reaching upwards along the horn.


    It did not seem that they used them for goring enemies, rather it lookedrgely ornamental.


    The demon was still out cold, so Zac took the opportunity to go over his status window while getting another helping of dried meat.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>25</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born For Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>59</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>39</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>42</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>48</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>29</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>29</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>44</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>4</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>14030</strong>


    <strong>Active Quests:</strong><ol><li><strong>Unlimited Potential (Normal): Reach level 25. Reward: Unlock ss system. (25/25) [COMPLETE]</strong></li></ol>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests:</strong><ol start="2"><li><strong>Off with their heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (2/5)</strong></li><li><strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect base from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3)</strong></li></ol>


    Zac had gained two levels from killing the Herald and the other monsters while escaping. From how thick the cosmic energy felt, he wasnt far from gaining another level either.


    He also noticed that he had gained roughly 8000 Nexus coins from his attack on the Herald, and the subsequent escape. His quests had also been updated, with the quest called Unlimited Potential showed <strong>[COMPLETE] </strong>at the end. His demonyer quest had just disappeared afterpleting, but Zac guessed that this quest remained as he still hadnt chosen a ss.


    Zac immediately ced 4 points into strength. He had noticed during thest month that each additional point in a stat had a greater effect than the earlier points. It was like the gains were exponential. This had made him feel that specialization was more highly rewardedpared to putting points in every stat.


    Besides, with hisrge amount of titles all his stats were quite high in any case, affording him the opportunity to go deep in a specific attribute.


    Since then he had put all his points from level ups into strength, unless he felt that some other stats was trulycking. He thought about cing some more points in vitality due to his condition, but discarded that idea after a brief hesitation.


    He was extremely eager to choose a ss, but barely managed to contain himself. The reason was the unconscious captive in front of him.


    Zac had already stumbled along for a long time, using guesstimation to guide his choices. He was hoping to use Azzun to get some answers about the system and many other things before he did something irrevocable to himself. He didnt even dare to touch the Nexus Node, as he was afraid some ss change process would start that couldnt be stopped.


    Zac felt a lot better after having finished his meal. With a grunt he got back to his feet, and filled a bottle with water from the water array.


    He walked over to the demon and poured the contents over his face, resulting in the demon sputtering and waking up.


    Azzun had a look of shock and horror on his face as he woke up to the sight of Zac, who still hadnt bothered to change or remove the blood that was caked all over him.


    So uh I guess I am sorry about your friends. Do you understand my words? Zac said with a coarse voice. He realized that those were essentially the first words he had spoken in weeks. In the beginning he had muttered and mumbled things to himself, but soon he had grown ustomed to the silence.


    Zac didnt know if it was because of what he said, but the demon snarled and desperately tried to get himself free from the vines. Zac sighed and brandished his hatchet, and with a grunt he mmed it straight next to the tied up demon. It produced a loud thud, and a small crater was formed. Had he swung just a decimeter to his right then one of Azzuns leg would have been mutted by now.


    The demon immediately stilled, as it perhaps remembered the ending of his twopanions thanks to the hatchet.


    Do you understand my words? Zac repeated. He wasnt really expecting the demon to actually speak hisnguage, but rather that the system provided some trantion feature. Language would be a prettyrge issue if the system connected endless amounts of worlds.


    The demon simply stared at him, then suddenly closed his eyes.


    Hello? Zac prodded once again, unsure what the demon was nning. Suddenly Zac could sense how the cosmic energy in the surroundings started to move toward them, and the demons body started to shake.


    Zac got a sinking feeling in his chest, and didnt dare hesitate. He immediately swung his hatchet down on the skull of the demon, crushing it like he had done with the other two.


    The body slumped down, and blood gushed out of his nose. Zac got a confirmation that the demon was dead from the influx of cosmic energy, but the uneasy feeling did not disappear. Suddenly the body started expanding, and Zacs eyes went wide with rm.


    He barely managed to throw himself away and down on the ground, before the corpse exploded with a tremendous bang.


    Zac slowly got up on his knees, disoriented and ears ringing. Somehow the demon seemed to have made the energy in his body go haywire and he actually had exploded like a bomb. The camp was in chaos, with the windows of the car having cracks all over, the closest hadpletely shattered. Things were thrown around haphazardly and there even was an indent on the exterior wall of the camper.


    Luckily he had killed the demon in time, or he might have been able to gather even more energy and created a far more deadly explosion, wiping out both him and the camp.


    <em>These demons are going to be a pain. </em>Zac thought with a grimace while looking at the mess.

 Chapter 24: Class

    Chapter 24: ss


    Zac was slowly moving through the forest. Since the demon blew himself up he had been stealthily roving around the vicinity of the camp. The illusion array blocked sound to a certain degree, but he was afraid that the explosion would have bled through the protection and alerted other demons.


    However, he had been moving around the camp in expanding circles for two hours now, and had seen no sight of any more of the demons. While he had been scouting hed also taken the time to properly bury the two other demons. It wasnt to properly honor the dead, but rather to avoid the bodies getting discovered.


    Finally satisfied that he had caught a lucky break and still wasnt found out, he returned to the camp.


    He spent some time cleaning up the camp. Some of the loot from the demons unfortunately been destroyed by the explosion. He hadnt expected his captive to go nuclear as soon as he woke up, so Zac had simply thrown the gear down in a pile not far from him.


    The bags seemed to have contained some vials which Zac supposed were either healing tinctures or poisons. The bags where still whole, but the vials hade cracked. Inside was a mess of the different mixtures ss shards, and Zac certainly didnt want to rummage through it now.


    The males leather armor was ruined, but the female demons suit underneath seemed intact. But most important was the weapon that Azzun had been carrying.


    It was a one handed battle axe. It was much longer than his hatchet, reaching roughly 80cm. The head was single-headed, but with a sharp spike sticking out on the other side, perhaps for bnce. The edge itself was a half-moon over 30 cm long. Zac tried the edge with his thumb, and was surprised to see that he immediately started bleeding.


    It was hard for a normal kitchen knife to cut his skin now without some effort, which showed just how deadly his new weapon was.


    The handle was ck and it appeared that it had some fractals carved onto them. However these fractals somehow seemed far more rudimentarypared to the ones on the array gs. Finally a strip of some unknown beast hide had been used to create a handle.


    This clearly was a weapon for war, rather than a tool as his hatchet. If he had this thing during his fight with the Herald he might even have been able to kill it off with the initial charge.


    Zac tried using <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>on the weapon as the axe seemed to be somewhat rted to the system with the pattern on the handle. However, it gave no response. Either the skill couldn''t show information about items, or items didn''t work like that. He had a feeling it was a problem with the skill, as it was by far the cheapest skill that Nexus Coins could buy. It would be odd if it was too versatile.


    Apart from this, he had scrounged up a hooked sword, a couple of knives and various bracers and shin guards. There might be something else in the bags, but he would wait until the mess dried out. He didn''t really care for the sword and left it to the side, but was delighted with the small knives. They were small and straight with edges on both sides of the de, giving them excellent bnce. He felt they were used for throwing and battle rather than skinning animals and the like.


    They would be a great addition to his arsenal, as he was sorelycking any ranged attack. Every time he wanted to kill an imp he had to hurl his axe on it or a bunch of rocks. But this would be a deadly alternative which didn''t force him to throw away his main weapon. He already practiced throwing rocks and the axe for some time every day, and swapping to daggers shouldn''t be toorge an adjustment.


    After going through the gear he finally couldnt wait any longer, and approached the Nexus Node. It was time for him to get a ss, no matter if it was the right choice or not. He pressed his palm against the smooth surface of the crystal, and mentally tried to ess the ss system.


    A new box appeared in his vision with multiple rows.


    <strong>[Top 5 ss choices]</strong>


    <strong>[Warrior F Grade, Common. Fledglingbatant. Proficient with melee weaponry. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Acolyte F Grade, Common. Fledgling wielder of the elements. Initial proficiency with elemental magic. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Marine F Grade, Umon. Lowest Ranked navalbatant. Proficient with battles at sea. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Demon Hunter F Grade, Umon. </strong><strong>Having dedicated his life for the eradication of the Demonic Race, the Demon Hunter has attained a high proficiency in locating and eradicating anything of demonic nature. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Hatchetman F Grade, Rare. </strong><strong>Their army is an endless forest and Im the lumberjack. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Random F-Grade ss. 92.9% Common. 5.0% Umon. 2.0 % Rare. 0.1% Epic. Roll the dice.]</strong>


    That was all the information Zac could get out of the system. He tried to get a more in depth exnation with mentalmands such as Details and Info, but the short excerpt was all he could go on.


    The first thing he noticed that sses did not seem equal. All five choices did have the same grade, F- Grade, so it seemed everyone started at the same grade. They did however have different rarities, ranging frommon to rare in his case.


    He did not know howrge a difference there was between the rarities, but he could only assume that a higher rarity ss would be stronger than a low rarity one.


    The second thing he noticed that all the sses were upgradeable. That likely meant that he could get stronger sses in the future, but they would be based on the ss he chose now. It might be secondary sses or it might be possible to change sses, but he had no information about this. He therefore had to make the choice under the assumption that his choice would influence his future trajectory to arge degree.


    The third was that the avable choices seemed to be at least partly based on his aplishments.


    The marine ss was likely avable because he was situated near an ocean. The Demon Hunter ss came from killing demonic creatures non-stop since the System arrived.


    He was not sure about the Hatchetman ss, but he had used a lumberjacks hatchet for almost all his kills, so he assumed it might be based on that. But it was abat ss going by the description, rather than a woodworking ss.


    Thest choice was a gamble. Even an Epic ss was avable, albeit only at a 0.1% chance. His luck stat might influence those odds, but it was unclear how. If each luck point increased his chance to get the Epic ss by 1 point he wouldnt hesitate. He would roll the dice in a heartbeat. But he doubted it would be that easy, so he felt no need to use this option.


    He already had a rare and two umon sses to choose from, so he had no reason to gamble. Besides, there might be sses that didnt help him inbat. What if he got a Rare Painter ss from gambling? While it might be nice learning a new skill, it would not help him on the ind.


    He would therefore definitely choose one of the avable sses.


    First he eliminated Warrior. It seemed quite basic, and it felt like most other choices were better. Next he eliminated both Marine and Demon Hunter. He didnt like the prospect of limited boosts. He had no aspirations to live out the rest of the life on the high seas, so a water-centric ss did not make sense to him.


    He also didnt want to spend his life hunting demons. The Demon Hunter ss might very well be the strongest ss for him right now, as there still were demons infesting the whole ind. However, either he or the demons would be gone in two months, so it didnt make sense to pick this ss either.


    Abby had told him that the Multi-verse consisted of myriad sses. This meant that it wasn''t like hell''s gates had opened and the universe was being invaded by demons. They were just one of many potential enemies in the vast multi-verse. So even if he survived, he did not know if there were any other demons on Earth apart from in this particr incursion. Wouldnt that mean he essentially crippled himself by choosing a ss that could only help him for the firstfew months?


    Finally, it was an umon ss. While it was betterpared to the warrior and acolyte ss, it was worse than the Rare ss.


    That left Acolyte and Hatchetman. Truth be told, he felt that Acolyte was the most intriguing. He did like the prospect of mastering the elements and firing fireballs and lightning bolts at his surroundings.


    However, he felt there were drawbacks as well. For one he had no idea if he actually was able to learn spells just from getting the ss. What if the basic spells normally were something you got in thetutorial? Also, he had invested most of his stats so far into physical attributes, which might be wasted on this ss.


    The only reason he could imagine he got this kind of ss to choose was that he had gotten quite a bit of intelligence and wisdom from his titles. But he almost drooled at the aspect of upgrading the ss until he became a grand magus, who could burn the sky with a sweep of his hand.


    But most importantly it was only amon ss. It felt like it was something that almost anyone could get in the future. Getting amon ss when he had rare sses to choose from felt like wasting the advantage that his past month had provided him.


    The system rewarded the brave and intrepid. The rare ss seemed to be the rewards for risking his life every day against the demons.


    Of course, Hatchetman sounded a bit stupid, to be honest. The connotation of the word from his professional career was anything but positive, but he felt that it had a somewhat different meaning here.


    It seemed that it somehow referred to being a warrior lumberjack from the description. While not exciting, it did, however, check out a few of his boxes. The ss probably would be very beneficial if he used his newly acquired axe in battle.


    Out of all the choices, it also seemed to be the most tailored for his battle style. It also was the only Rare choice. He did not know how much better each rarity waspared to the one before, but perhaps the difference would be even greaterpared to the conditional boost the Demon Hunter ss would give against his current enemies.


    The drawback was that he couldnt quite imagine what the upgrade path would be. Next upgrade was a stronger lumberjack? A walking sawmill? A corporate shark doing hostile takeovers and sellingpanies for scraps?


    So one of the choices seemed to be able to help him less now. But it might end up with him bing a great wizard. He had always yed mage sses when ying games, so this was quite enticing. It was however only amon ss.


    The other choice seemed to be more suited to his stats and direct power, but lead into an unknown future.


    After a long hesitation he finally said good bye to the dream of arcane dominance, and chose the box marked <strong>[Hatchetman]</strong>.

 Chapter 25: Stronger

    Chapter 25: Stronger


    A strong surge of cosmic energy inundated Zacs whole body. It felt like his whole being was purified and reshaped. Instinctively he felt an enormous fractal imprinting itself and covered his whole being. However, most parts of the fractal was indistinct and blurred.


    He also felt the powerful rush into his cells which indicated the improvement of his stats. Zac waspletely oblivious of his surroundings as he was drowning in the sensations. Unfortunately the feeling didntst long, and he soon came down from his rush.


    From a first look he didnt feel that different, apart from his condition had improved significantly. It felt like his wounds hadrgely healed, even his broken arm.


    But when he opened his status page he was shocked. His stats had made a great leap.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>25</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>92</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>48</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>51</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>38</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>38</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>54</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>14690</strong>


    All his stats had gained a jump of 9 points, except strength which had increased a whopping 28. As he had noticed that every stat point gave arger increase in improvementpared to the one before, he knew he likely had doubled his actual physical power from the increase in strength.


    He noticed that his ss was added in a row, with F denoting the grade of the ss. He was surprised to notice that his Race had also gotten graded, as it was nk before. He was excited at the prospect that he could actually evolve his race somehow.


    Hopefully it meant that his power would rise, rather than growing a tail or a third eye though.


    He had gained three new titles from getting a ss as well. Zac focused on them to get a description


    <strong>[Full of ss: Reach level 25 and attain a ss. All stats +1]</strong>


    <strong>[Rarified Being: Attain a ss graded as Rare. All stats +1]</strong>


    <strong>[Trailzer: First to gain a ss in world. All stats: +5] </strong>


    That exined where the all-around improvements to his stats came from. The first two titles were things that anyone could attain. However the Trailzer title was another title that only he would get on Earth.


    Zac felt aforting from what that title represented. He still managed to keep his lead, even over the chosen cultivators who got help in the beginner viges. Even if he was deemed trash by the System and left to rot to this ind, he had defied fate so far and was still on top.


    He had to admit that the feeling of power was somewhat addicting. Finding his family was still his priority, but he also craved the feeling of bing stronger and stronger. He lived for the moment after every battle where he absorbed the cosmic energy, and having the pure unadulterated force of life course through his veins.


    He had started to think more and more about where the limits of strengthy. By now he could punch arge rock and it would shatter, and only one month had passed. How powerful would he be in a year? A decade? Just thinking about it made him excited. Of course, he would never let himself forget that to get there in one piece he would have to walk through an ocean of blood.


    He didnt linger on the subject as he was anxious to look through his other changes. He thought ss and a new window appeared


    <strong>[ss: Hatchetman, Grade-F, Rare]</strong>


    <strong>Strength +10, +10%.</strong>


    <strong>Level: +3 strength, +1 endurance, +1 free point per level.</strong>


    <strong>Skills: </strong>


    <strong>Axe Mastery (LOCKED)</strong>


    <strong>Chop (LOCKED)</strong>


    <strong>Foresters Constitution (LOCKED) </strong>


    Followed that were rows of blocked out information. At least that showed where therge strength boost came from. The +3 strength per level didnt seem to be retroactive, otherwise hed have almost twice the strength by now. But it showed that every level from now would give a muchrger boostpared to before.


    Zac was annoyed to see that he actually didnt get any skills for free as he had hoped. There were 3 skills listed that seemed somewhat intuitive. Axe Mastery and Chop seemed offensive, and Foresters Constitution was defensive. At least he hoped Chop was an offensive skill, and not a woodworking skill.


    He didnt quite understand how Chop would be better than what he had been doing before, but he guessed he would find out. It seemed that he couldnt get any information about the skills until he unlocked them.


    The next problem was how to unlock the skills. Soon he found the method in the quest tab. It showed a new category, which was ss quests. Each skill needed a quest to bepleted.


    <strong>Axe Mastery (ss): Mastery is born through battle. Fell 1000 enemies. (0/1000)</strong>


    <strong>Chop (ss): First chop Wood. Then their bodies. (0/10 000)</strong>


    <strong>Forester''s Constitution (ss): Fight in the forests, be one with nature. (0/30)</strong>


    None of the quests seemed very hard to aplish. The Axe Mastery made no distinction of the strength of the enemies, and with his improved physique he could grind it out in a week or two if he just focused on ying barghests.


    The chop quest seemed to take time rather than being hard, but if he changed his daily work-out routine to chop wood it would be done sooner orter. Chopping wood was a great work-out anyways.


    Thest quest seemed either extremely easy or rather hard. Just 30 fights and it would be done. The whole ind was arge forest so finishing it seemed to be the easiest of the three. It depended on what be one with nature meant. If it was just some random words, great.


    If he actually had to somehow merge with nature, or be a tree-hugger it felt far more annoying.


    Finally it seemed that he found out everything that he could for now. He had entered the outpost shop as well, but it seemed nothing new was added from gaining a ss.


    There were a few new skills added at the Node, but they were prohibitively expensive, with the cheapest being 500 000 Nexus Coins.


    All in all it had been a fruitful day. He was disappointed that the demon had self-destructed rather than answering questions. There were so many things he needed to know. To be fair, Zac would likely have killed him after questioning the demon in any case. That the demon chose making ast ditch effort to bring Zac with him to hell was a logical choice.


    Luckily the gear he gained and the strengthening made the sting less severe. He still looked positively insane from the blood and broken gear, and didnt want to put on the gear while looking like this. He left the camp to patrol the vicinity for a while, and then went back.


    This would likely be a new addition to the daily routine. The humanoid demons seemed far more organizedpared to the dumb beasts that hade came through the incursion first.


    Satisfied that there were no enemies nearby, he moved water from the water array into the tankers reservoir. Finally he ripped the patchwork armor off, and took the first good shower in over a week. It was a risky move, but the grime and blood was making even him crazy, and he needed to get it off. He brought his new axe with him into the bathroom in case he was ambushed while in there.


    It took half an hour to scrub theyers of dirt and blood of himself before stepping out of the shower.


    Even cleaned up he could barely recognize himself in the mirror. His whole body had undergone a metamorphosis during thest month. Almost all of the fat was gone, leaving only a thinyer covering his muscr frame.


    His physique looked <em>hard</em>. His muscles werepact and wiry rather than big and swollen like a body builders. He thought he actually might be smaller nowpared to when he worked out at the gym.


    Of course he knew that an explosive power was contained in these muscles, and that they were so dense that maybe not even a bullet would prate them by now. All over his body were scars of varying size and severity. His tactic of boosting his vitality and taking blows fornding killing strikes had been effective, but it had left an undeniable mark.


    He looked down on his rough and calloused hands. It was hard to believe what these hands had done thest weeks. Once he had actually ripped the jaws of a Gwyllgi straight apart when he had dropped his hatchet.


    Zac sighed and put on one of hisst whole t-shirts and undergarments. He didnt want to use his rags together with his new gear.


    Unfortunately the chest pieces of both the males leather armors had been sted to shreds so he could only put on the females armor. He didnt worry about it too much though, as he had a strong suspicion that there would be many more demons in the woods that could supply new gear.


    To get adjusted to his new weapon he dragged over a thick log. He reactivated his gravity array, and started cutting the log into firewood, working out and working on his quest simultaneously. It was alreadyte, and he would not go out hunting anymore today. As he was methodically swinging his axe a trace of anticipation could be seen on his face.


    For the first time since the world changed, he looked forward to go out and test his might.

 Chapter 26: Demons

    Chapter 26: Demons


    Zac woke up early the next day. He had slept outside with axe in hand and geared up, just in case of a nightly raid. He once again set out to scout the vicinity, but nothing seemed to have moved through there during the night.


    Zac wasted no time, and set out towards the direction of his fight against the herald. He wanted to scout out the situation before proceeding toward the next Herald.


    He still wanted toplete the quests as quickly as possible, but the new enemies had proved that something had changed on the ind. Zac wanted to scout the situation out until he knew what that change meant, and decided to start from where he had fought Vul.


    After walking for a while he ran into a barghest. A creepy smile appeared on Zacs face, and he brandished the axe.


    The beast was aggressive as ever at least, as it mindlessly charged at him. Zac sidestepped to let it run into a tree behind him just to gauge its power.


    He was surprised to see that it didnt actually just charge in to the tree as before, it instead bit into it and ripped a good chunk out of the wood out almost impossibly fast. Of course, it still couldnt stop its momentum, and still hit the tree square with its now closed maw.


    Zac wasted no time and with a swingpletely decapitated the demon. He felt almost no resistance when cutting through the spine of the demonling, and the axe continued down with such ease that he almost cut into his own leg before he could stop the descent. He knew the axe was extraordinarily sharp since yesterday, but he was still shocked how easy it went through..


    As he continued on he wouldnt avoid any beasts anymore, rather hed go out of his way to kill them if he found them. He looked forward to getting the Axe Mastery skill, and wouldnt miss an opportunity to work on his 1000 kill goal.


    He had been annoyed when he had noticed that only the Axe Mastery quest progressed from kills, not the Foresters Constitution quest. He would have to figure out what was missingter. He also confirmed that the Chop quest did not progress from battling, even though it mentioned chopping bodies.


    As he was advancing he noticed that the beasts had indeed improved. They were stronger, faster, and more impressively they seemed smarter. It was as if a limiter had reduced all stats, including intelligence. Then it had been lifting gradually during thest week of the month, and as thest day passed the limit had been ripped offpletely.


    Overall he gauged that the beasts stats had improved by roughly 50% since four days ago. The danger improved more than that though, as they had started doing feints and use tactics while attackingpared to before. The barghest were of course still dum-dums, but not to the point that theyd mindlessly charge into a wall anymore.


    The rewards for killing the beasts hadnt been improved with their improved performance. It seemed that Zac truly had gotten a bargain when hunting during the first month. Zac snickered as he imagined the cultivators in the beginner viges hunting rabbits and boars around the edge of the vige for a mere 2-3 Nexus Coins a piece, like in some RPG.


    The increase in strength didnt bother him when it came to the fodder demons that was peppered through the ind. They had improved, but so had he. Even the empowered demons were defenseless against his new weapon. It felt like proper gear actually had a greater effectpared to attaining a ss.


    Of course, the effect of a ss would show over time rather than immediately it seemed. Also the immediate effect on him was not toorge, as he already had such high stats from his titles. If someone with only the basic stats got this ss with apanying titles, itd likely been a prettyrge boost to him.


    As he killed another demon with azy swing he felt the familiar burst of cosmic energy that came with a level up. He was delighted to see that he did get his ss stat points in addition to his two free points, rather than instead of. So every level he now got 7 points instead of two.


    He paused a second to go over how to allocate his points again. He had thought about it a bit yesterday, and hade up with a n. As his ss seemed to focus on Strength and Endurance, so Zac would do the same with his free points.


    He felt that the skills and ss itself might somehow synergize with these stats, so getting them as high as possible would be a good option. Even if he was wrong it would be ok, as both these stats was strong on him in any case.


    If vitality helped him heal up after getting wounded, then endurance would protect him from getting wounded. Endurance didnt only help with his stamina, it also toughened his body up. Now that he had a high enough vitality that he wouldnt die from ordinary wounds, he could focus on endurance to make him even harder to kill.


    The other option he had considered was to put the put the points in dexterity, making him quicker. However, for most of the fights so far speed had not been an issue or limiting factor for him, so he decided to hold off on that for now.


    Furthermore, among the skills that was added to the Nexus Node after he got his ss was one that he felt might be able to substitute the need for Dexterity. It was called <strong>[Steps of Gaia]</strong> and cost 575 000 Nexus Coins. It was a huge amount of coins, far more than he had gathered in total.


    But it seemed to fit him perfecty. It was a movement-type skill, which he assumed would help him move quicker. It would both help him charge at enemies faster, and also allow him to easier dodge attacks. It also seemed to be connected to the earth and nature, same as his ss, so he felt there might be synergy along the road.


    He therefore had decided to start saving up for the skill. He believed that it shouldn''t take too long to get the nessary coins, as his speed of killing beasts had improved significantly with his gear and higher stats.


    Finally he decided to put 1 point in strength and 2 in Endurance and kept going. A whileter he reached the area where he fought the Herald. The aftermath of from the battle was evident, with crushed trees and rocks all over. He still hadnt run into any humanoids, and the forest wasrgely like it was before.


    Zac slowly crept toward the spot where the Herald had fallen, alert of his surroundings. He was surprised to find that the carcass had been removed from the spot, as had the poles he had nted.


    He could only guess that they had been moved back to the base. He wasnt sure as he hadnt seen it, but he assumed that the base were either right at the incursion, or in the mountains. If it was closer to the other sides he felt that he should have run into more of the humanoids by now.


    Unless there only were a scant few of the humanoid demons, of course. But Zacs intuition told him that he wouldnt be that lucky. The System had screwed him over pretty consistently, and he saw no reason that it would stop anytime soon.


    He stopped for a while to decide what to do now. He hadnt really aplished anything so far, except for killing some demons. He didnt need to ponder for long however, as he suddenly heard subdued voices in the distance.


    Zac properly hid himself inside a few bushes as the voices drew closer. He was disappointed to find out that he couldnt understand the words. So much for a universal trantion system.


    It was a surprisingly smooth and melodguage, specked with vowels flowing like a river. He had assumed that thenguage of demons would be harsh and perhaps even guttural.


    <em>Wait, is that racism? </em>a stray thought entered his mind, making him lose focus before setting his sight on the approaching party.


    The party looked somewhat simr to the one he had killed earlier, except that this party wasprised of four individuals rather than three.


    There were 3 males and one female. The two males looked like a mix of rangers and warriors, dressed in leather armors and wielding a sword each. The female walked in front and seemed to be the lookout, as she was carefully scouting the surroundings and had a bow slung on her back.


    The final man was unarmed but seemed to be a leader, or at least of higher status. The quality of his gear seemed to be a notch above the others, such as a chest te made of the same ck metal as his axe handle. It was engraved in the same manner as the handle as well, but more intricate.


    Zac had a feeling that these engravings had some sort of effect, like magically imbuing the gear with sharpness or defense. He had found no ways to use the engravings so far though, and hoped he might get an idea from the unarmed man.


    Another reason Zac surmised the well-equipped man was of higher status than the other was that he could sense a formless pressure emanating from him. It felt like he was looking at a dangerous beast rather than an unarmed man.


    While Zac was well hidden he decided to slowly recede further into the brushes. This party seemed both deadlier and more alertpared to thest one.


    His actions were in vain however, as the female suddenly grabbed her bow and an arrow in a fluid motion and without hesitation fired it straight in the direction of Zac.


    Zac tried to get out of the way, but there was no time as the arrow mmed straight into his side.

 Chapter 27: One Against Many

    Chapter 27: One Against Many


    Zac almost lost his breakfast as the arrowhead mmed straight into his gut. It punched through the wired leather armor and continued into his body. Luckily most of the force had been spent going through the armor, and with Zacs high endurance it only proceeded two centimeters before stopping.


    This kind of wound wouldnt reallyfaze Zac anymore after constantly getting hurt from his fights. However, he still hesitated for a second after ripping the arrow out. Fight or flee? He hadnt prepared to challenge the party like this.


    However, he soon discarded any thought of fleeing. He didnt like the prospect of having another arrow m into him, this time in the back of his head while running for his life. The ranger seemed to have some detection skill, as she could spot and shoot him while he was hidden in bushes a few hundred meters away. He needed to kill the archer at least before fleeing.


    He threw the arrow away and pulled out one of his smaller knives from its sheath. Zac wasted no time and threw it straight at the archer, and it flew with at least the same velocity as the arrow that had hit him.


    The female demon seemed to have been prepared, and with an almost impossible nimbleness jumped out of the way and proceeded up into a tree like a forest elf. She moved like a specter and in just a few seconds she was gone from his vision among the leaves


    Zac tsked in annoyance, and charged at the party while trying to use trees as a cover from the archer. The force of his steps made deep indents in the ground as he charged forth like a runaway bull. The three remaining demons were obviously ready for the fight, as they spread out intending to encircle him.


    Zac could sense that all of them were using some skill, as he could feel the cosmic energy react to their bodies. An illusory red gas started floating around one of thebatants, giving him a more sinister feel. The other underling pointed down on the ground, but Zac couldnt see anything happening.


    Zac couldnt see anything happening with the leader either, but the sense of danger increased substantially.


    As Zac was furiously approaching he quickly used <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>on the trio, and got some basic information about his enemies.


    <strong>[Metisis, Level 38]</strong>


    <strong>[Gormer, Level 39]</strong>


    They were roughly 5 levels higherpared to thest party he had attacked. That meant that they should have at least 15-20 higher stat points including the bonus stats from their sses,pared to thest group of demonss.


    He was also surprised to notice that the third man, the unarmed one, had somehow resisted his skill. There was only a blur above his head. This made Zac even more wary of him. He had even managed to identify the herald Vul, who was far higher levelpared to himself.


    Zac furiously circted cosmic energy in his body, and ran straight toward the weakest enemy, Metisis. When he was just over 50 meters away from them an arrow came whizzing down from the tree tops. This time Zac was prepared and mmed it away with the broad side of his axe head.


    The force of this arrow was far higher than the hastily one she had shot before. When the axe and arrow collided he was actually pushed back a bit, his feet making a grove in the ground. Luckily the axe was apparently made from excellent materials, and wasnt damaged one bit.


    Zac pushed ahead once again, thest 50 meter distance gone in just a few seconds.


    Just as he was a few meters away from his target, he pushed all the cosmic energy he could into his right leg. He instantly kicked off with all the power he could, and shot like a bullet straight at the other demon, Gormer. The force of the push created an explosion in the ground, even leaving a small crater.


    They had not expected the speed that a 98 strength powered push could give, and Gormer barely managed to lift his hooked sword before Zac chopped horizontally with all the strength he could muster.


    The axe moved like a lightning, but when it entered the weird gaseous substance it felt like he was trying to push through water. A good part of the momentum was somehow sapped out of the strike, and his force couldnt properlye to bear.


    Zac wouldnt let this opportunity go though, and with a growl redoubled his efforts, and the axe continued on and mmed into the demon right under his left arm. The leather armor could afford almost no resistance against the sharp edge of Zacs axe as it embedded itself firmly in his chest. He couldnt push it clean through though, as the weird strength sapping effect seemed to be even stronger within the body of the demon.


    Zac immediately ripped his axe out which produced a tremendous sprout of blood. He nned to turn around to meet the other two demons head on next. He didnt believe hed get a second chance for a surprise attack like this.


    But before he could do anything, he suddenly felt something ensnare his feet and hepletely lost his footing. Zac fell headfirst on top of the copsed dying demon. Gormer seemed intent on revenge even with one foot in the grave, as he weakly held on to Zac to keep him from fleeing.


    While Zac struggled to get free he took a quick nce down at his legs. They were ensnared by a handful of purplish wiggling roots, which somehow seemed alive. They seemed to be a skill or magic that came from the other demon underling.


    Perhaps they had nned to ensnare him when he got closer, and then attack him from three directions, securing an easy kill. Unfortunately for them Zac had preceded them with his lightning fast blitz.


    Zac had no time to analyze it any further, as the leader had moved to position close to him. Shockingly he no longer was unarmed, but hefted a monstrous great sword that was almost as long as he was, and over 20cm wide.


    He had mocking eyes and a sneer as he lifted the sword above his head. Zac could once again feel the movement of cosmic energy, and knew that the leader was using a skill. Dark arcs of power spread from his arms into therge de.


    The dying demons strength was no match for Zac, and he frantically ripped himself free from his grip. But he only managed to get himself up to his knees when therge de started falling down on him. It was poised to cleave him in two unless he did something.


    Zac pushed his power to the limit and gripped his axe with both hands and swung upward with all his might, hoping to intercept the sword.


    With a tremendous ngor that echoed through the vicinity the axe and the great sword connected. The force actually created a shockwave that sted outwards.


    Zac was mmed down into the ground again from the force creating a small crater. Even with his superhuman stats he couldnt handle the power of the sword. Luckily for him he at least managed to get the leader demon off-kilt and change the trajectory of the strike. It actually mmed down in the gut of the dying Demon. The might was so strong that the torso of the underling veritably exploded, instantly killing him. That wiped the smirk of the leaders face and seemed to enrage him instead.


    Meanwhile, the dark lightning from the demons skill passed into Zacs axe when they collided, and burrowed into his arm. A zing pain ran through his whole body, and his muscles spasmed uncontrobly.


    That was actually the only reason Zac survived, as a great spasm jerked his head some distance away. Another arrow mmed down right where his head had been before.


    This arrow was different than the other, with a jagged arrowhead and being pitch ck. It whizzed down with a great force and actuallypletely embedded itself into the ground, right down to the feathers. The extreme prating power was evident from that shot, likely from a skill.


    It was only thanks to being bombed with ck fireballs by the imps that Zac was able to retain consciousness. He pushed the pain away with all the resilience he could garner, and with a quick swing cut through the roots that ensnared his feet. The roots were far sturdier than they looked, and it felt like he cut through steel wire rather than wood.


    Still it was no match for his power and the sharpness of his axe, and he was free in no time. He rolled a way as quickly as possible, trying to gain some distance before the leader swung down again.


    He got to his feet just as another batch of roots closed in on him. This time they came as a swarm from the ground under the other demon. Zac whirled his axe back and forth in a frenzied manner and cut them down as they came, stopping their advance after a while.


    The battle reached a short lull as Zac stood panting, while facing the two Demons. He tried to survey the treetops but couldnt locate the female archer. Her existence was like an annoying fly in the periphery that made him unable to fully concentrate. Even worse, this fly could kill him with one strike if he wasnt careful.


    Fighting one against many truly was a pain in the ass.

 Chapter 28: Melee

    Chapter 28: Melee


    Zac was a bit unsure of how to proceed. He knew that one should maintain the initiative in a battle, but he didnt want to just charge over like a stupid barghest.


    His enemies made the choice for him. The leader started advancing on him, anger smoldering in his eyes. Both his hands gripped the great sword, which was angled down toward the ground.


    The other man was stationary, but mumbling something in their ownnguage.


    Zac could only put his game face on. He was still hurting all over from the dark lightning, but he pretended he was fine. With his axe in his hand he got ready for round two.


    Zac really didnt want to meet the great sword straight on. The leader seemed to have roughly the same level of strength as he did, and even if he managed to parry the strike, he was afraid that he would be shocked again from the skill. He would have to fight around it somehow.


    Luckily a weapon of that size was unwieldy, and the trajectories would hopefully be telegraphed.


    Zac took out a second knife, leaving him with only one remaining. Heunched it at the weaker enemy, and started to rush forward.


    The demon deflected the knife with a couple of roots even though the force from Zacs throw was immense. The demon obviously was some sort of earth- or tree-mage, and the roots were far sturdier than somethinging from a normal tree.


    The demon was interrupted in his chanting though, which was Zacs main goal. If he actually had managed to hurt him, all the better.


    Wasting no time he rushed toward him, trying to avoid the leader and his great sword. The great sword whizzed in a wide upwards arc, seemingly trying to cut Zacs in two.


    Zac pushed forward with his legs and jumped forward into a roll to avoid the swing, but somehow the leader changed trajectory mid swing, and still managed to nick Zac in the side. The cut drew blood but wasnt too deep, and fortunately the ck lightning didnt emerge again. It seemed the leader couldnt continuously use the skill.


    Zac ignored the pain and quickly got on his feet and charged at the underling. The leader was right behind him, so he quickly swung his axe downward, hoping for a quick kill.


    A thick group of roots shot up in front of the demon, and meshed together into a wooden shield to intercept the swing. Zacs stats were overpowering though, and he mmed through the roots easily. Wood chippings flew everywhere like small projectiles from the strike. Unfortunately for Zac, the brief pause in the swing had allowed the demon to reposition and he could avoid the swing.


    Zac felt an intense danger from behind and he didnt dare hesitate. He jumped forward and crashed into the underling instead of swinging his axe again, pushing them both a few meters away and bringing both of them to the ground. As he jumped forward he felt the wind move right above where his head had been, from a swing of the leader.


    The demon spit out a mouth of blood from the impact, but managed to wheeze a few words. A handful of vines shot out of the ground and stabbed into Zacs chest and legs, trying to bore further into him.


    The pain was excruciating but he could only ignore it and hope that his endurance was enough to protect his innards from the roots. With a roar he mmed down the axe. With his overbearing power hepletely destroyed the head of the demon, and even created a crater where the axe head hit the ground.


    From jumping over until killing him had taken less than a second, giving the leader no time to stop him.


    The roots that the demon had summoned didnt disappear, but they seemed to have stopped moving.


    As Zac was jumping away from the body, another arrow soundlessly hit his leg,pletely punching through it. The sharpness must have been extraordinary as it didnt seem to slow down at all even with Zacs high defense.


    Zac Screamed in pain, but could only ignore it for now. The leader was upon him with another swing that almost ended him.


    Zac was prepared for the swing as they drew huge wide arcs. He lunged forward after dodging in order to get in closer as the swing had passed. It seemed that the demon had ample battle experience though, and kneed Zac right in the face as he got close. The knee was imbued with the dark lightning, and this time it zapped Zac straight in the head.


    Getting a knee in the face was bad, getting electrocuted in the head by demon lightning was worse. The power of the leader was huge, and Zac was flung away from the strike. The impact nearly broke his neck, and Zac was blinded by the pain.


    But he roared and charged in again as hended. Another arrow whizzed down, but Zac managed to hunker down so it only ripped a flesh wound on his back. He needed to turn the fight into a closebat brawl, which would render the great sword useless. It would also hopefully stop the intermittent arrows froming, as the ranger would be hesitant to hit her leader.


    He decided to meet the great sword head on in order to get in close. The demon had just used the lightning attack, and hopefully he needed to wait or charge it up again. The axe andgreat sword met again in a stupendous sh. The trees in the vicinity actually was actually moving slightly from the even stronger shockwave, and an iing arrow was pushed away before evening close.


    When Zac was standing he could better utilize his strength, and this time he wasnt pushed away. Shock was evident in the demons eyes, and he tried to create some distance. But Zac wouldnt let him so he pushed forward and he grabbed the leaders legs, and they both fell over with a thump.


    Zac wanted a repeat of hisst kill, and swung down his axe. However, he was still a bit fuzzy from the shock, and in the heat of the moment identally next to the leaders head.


    Zac refocused and started another swing, but the leader was fighting back. He punched Zac straight in the face and tried to push him away. The fist had the force of a wrecking ball, and a loud thud echoed out.


    Zac got even groggier, but his constitution was no joke so he could endure it. He also had been swinging an axe constantly thest month, and muscle memory helped him. The half-moon edge swooped down toward the demon with superhuman force. As he had been pushed away he couldnt reach the head, and instead aimed for the heart.


    Zac noticed a surge of cosmic energy entering the armor from the demon mid-swing, and the runes on the chest te lit up. The wheels were already in motion, so Zac could only bear down and hope for the best.


    Just as the edge was about to m into the armor, a golden sheen enveloped the leader. The axe hit the barrier, and it felt like he had mmed axe into himself rather than his enemy. The armor had somehow redirected the force back toward himself, and he flew up in the air from the rebound.


    He mmed down right next to the demon, arms and legs akimbo. The demon quickly whipped out a dagger and tried plunge it in Zacs lungs just as hended. He managed to barely edge away in time, but the dagger still drew a nasty gash along his ribs.


    The demon kept stabbing down at Zac, trying to turn him into a sieve. The second stab hit straight into his arm making Zac scream out. He tried to push down the demon again and wrestle the knife out of his hands with his own free hand, but the demons strength was at least equal to his.


    In ast desperate attempt, he could only pray his constitution wouldnt fail him. He let go of the demons hand holding the dagger, and intercepted the hand that was holding back his axe.


    The demon immediately plunged the dagger into his gut, once more unleashing the ck lightning. The zing pain once again erupted in Zacs body, but by now he had somewhat limatized to the attack.


    He ignored the spasms in his gut, and ripped away the demons hand and finally managed to swing his weapon down full force at the demons neck.


    A loud bang was heard as the axe mmed into the ground, creating arge crack. A second, smaller impact was heard as the demons decapitated head fell down onto the ground a few meters away.


    Another arrow whizzed down from a nearby tree toward his head. But Zac had expected this, and dodged the attack.The ranger had shot a steady stream of arrows at him during the melee, most at least grazing him. Luckily he had been in such close proximity to the demons during the fight that she had only dared aim at his extremities.


    He finally saw where the arrows came from, and as all the other demons were dead he finally managed focus and locate the elusive ranger. He spotted here up in a tree not far away from the fights.


    With a steely gaze that spoke of death he got on his feet and started running towards her.

 Chapter 29: Inscriptions

    Chapter 29: Inscriptions


    Zac was kneeling next to the body of the female ranger, panting with exhaustion.


    The hunt luckily had ended quite quickly. She had immediately tried to run when Zac started approaching, jumping from one tree to another. Her speed up among the branches had actually been slightly higherpared to his own down on the ground.


    She likely was a Dexterity based ss. She even had the time to shoot a few arrows while fleeing. Zac was fully focused on keeping up, so could only manage to deflect the projectiles if they headed straight toward his head or chest. That was because he simply held his axe right in front of his throat, moving it slightly upwards or downwards to intercept the arrows.


    Suddenly, as she had tried to jump to a branch on another tree, Zac had used a sneak attack with hisst dagger. As she was mid-air he flung it with full force, punching a hole in her back.


    She didnt immediately die from the attack, but she did fall down from the tree tops. And before she managed to get back on her feet, Zac was upon her. He ended the fight with a swing without any words. He didnt want another suicide bombing incident on his hands, after all.


    It was lucky as well, because if that dagger didnt hit, hed likely have been forced to flee instead. He didnt want to try throwing his axe, as it was his most important tool for survival on the ind. Then the enemy would have a detailed description of him and his power.


    He grabbed her bag and found some cloths he assumed were for bandages. After a quick sniff to make sure that it wasnt actually doused in some chemical or the like he used it to bandage himself up. His whole body had holes punched in it, from everything between arrows and roots, and the bandage was only enough to treat the worst ones.


    He was still bleeding, but it seemed that the wounds hadnt hit any major arteries or organs. By now normal puncture wounds usually stopped bleeding by their own after a few hours. He could still tentatively put weight on the leg, but he wouldnt run a marathon. His whole body felt like he had been used as a punching bag, mainly from the ck lightning of the leader.


    Unfortunately the rangers bow had snapped when she fell down from the tree, so he didnt bother taking it with him as he nned to leave.


    He did take the quiver and remaining arrows though, as they had survived the fall. He also skipped taking the armor, as his axe had destroyed the whole thing.


    After dragging the body into some thick bushes, he turned back toward the location of the fight with the others. After slowly waking back for a bit he was there.


    A barghest had found its way to the corpses from somewhere, but surprisingly it didnt eat the corpses. Zac had seen those demons eat everything, including members of their own race before, so it was interested that this barghest only dared to sniff and growl anxiously at the corpses.


    It reinforced Zacs suspicion that these demons were not wild animals, rather beasts reared by the humanoids. They were a good tool to use as a meat shield to weaken and tire the enemy. Of course, they didnt seem to work too well in theplicated terrain of the ind. Zac edged to the beast and killed it with one strike as it was distracted by the bodies.


    He didnt bother with it anymore and walked over to the leader. He was most excited about the gear on him, and it wasrgely intact. The fractals had protected the demon from Zacs strike on the chest, and the finishing blow had been on his head, which kept all the gear in good working order.


    Zac, who was getting more and more adroit in undressing corpses, nimbly loosened the sps and buckles, and dragged the chest te from him. He also gingerly touched the great sword, afraid that he would get zapped again.


    Fortunately there was no charge left it seemed, and he picked up. The sword was actually lighter than he expected. Of course, he was a bit unsure of his current strength, so making exact measurements was hard.


    He carefully looked through the weapon for some hidden function. The leader clearly had been unarmed one second, and in the next holding this monstrosity. It must havee from somewhere.


    Zac suspected the sword might be able to grow and shrink atmand, and it simply was too small for him to notice before. Or the sword might be able to turn invisible.


    After a quick rundown he couldnt figure it out, and he did not want to dy too long here in case reinforcements arrived. He quickly stripped all remaining items from the leader, including a pouch, a few runed bracelets, and therge knife.


    He put all of it inside a backpack, then proceeded to do the same with the other two fighters. He left their weapons and armors though, as he simply was overburdened as is. Just bringing back the sword would be arduous with his battered body.


    Finally he dragged the bodies away and looked over the battlefield. A discerning eye would quickly notice that a battle took ce here, but Zac couldnt be too bothered anymore. This was the second scouting party he had killed, besides a herald and a throng of demons.


    The humanoids would have to be crazy to not know that someone was hunting them by now. They had seen the trap used to kill the herald, so they knew it wasnt a beast either.


    He wasnt too sure why they werent scouring the ind for him. He guessed they either had limited resources or was preupied with something else. Who knew, maybe there actually was a city with humans hidden in the mountains that waged war on the demons.


    He put the axe into his belt end hefted the great sword over his shoulder and turned back. He had been out for half the day, and either had to turn back soon or sleep in one of his hideouts.


    He decided to head back, as the fight had given him some insights about the inscribed items that he wanted to try out in a safe environment.


    Zac started heading back, heading a slightly altered path. Even if he was hurt it wasnt to the point that he couldnt hunt some demon dogs on the way back. The worst part was his leg, and luckily the demons always came running so he didnt have to chase them.


    He soon ran into one and with a swing of the great swordpletely split the barghest in two. The sword continued with its momentum and mmed into a tree, cutting clean through it.


    The power was great, but it felt too unwieldy for jungle warfare. More importantly, Zac noticed that killing the barghest with the sword didnt improve his quest for axe mastery. On second thought he felt it made sense that the kills had to be made with an axe toplete an axe mastery quest.


    As he continued on he had to continuously swap weapons every time he ran into a demon.


    Finally he arrived at his camp as the suns were starting to set. After the customary sweep he entered the camp. He threw some lumber into the fire pit and lit a small fire, and got some more dried meat. He was starting to run low so hed have to hunt something edible tomorrow as well.


    His wounds had actually turned a lot better during his hike back, as he hadnt sustained any new wounds from the lesser demons.


    A quick nce at his status screen showed that he had gained roughly 10 000 Nexus coins in one day. It made sense, as he had more than doubled the speed of killing barghest with his upgrades. Furthermore, the demons seemed to give out roughly a thousand Nexus Coins each.


    Zac was somewhat surprised to find out that he actually had gained nexus coins and cosmic energy from the demon that the leader identally killed. He had somewhat felt the rush of energy during the fight, but at the time had been preupied with getting zapped by demon lightning.


    He also felt that he almost had gained half a level from the intense fights. Risking your life really was the most effective way of getting stronger with the system.


    His Axe mastery had progressed as well, currently showing a (69/1000) progress. Most of the kills had been barghest while traveling, with a few of the more agile Gwyllgi peppered in every now and then. Zac felt that if he put his mind to it then he could kill roughly 100 lower demons a day, which would allow him toplete the quest in another 10 days.


    He decided to put the 10 days as a deadline. He would also match the quest for Chop, so hed chop a thousand times a day. Zac figured itd take somewhere around two hours per day to get it done. He had no real idea as of yet what to do with thest skill, as it still showed 0/30.


    He turned his gaze toward the days pile of loot after being finished with his meal. He had gained a whole new set of gear and a sundry of misceneous items in the backpacks. At the battle site he hadnt had time to properly go through everything so he nned to do so now.


    The two underlings had had small leather bags that were attached to their belts on their back. In them were nothing of value. It held some gauze, flint, a whetstone, a small knife that seemed to not be for battle and a small water bottle. It felt like it was some basic ordinance.


    Both the bottles had some very rudimentary inscriptions on them so Zac wondered if they had some special function. He poured the water out, but was surprised that the small bottle held far more water than it should.


    It took almost two minutes for all the water to pour out. Zac was amazed that some inscriptions could do something magical like this. He felt no cosmic energy movements around the bottles, and it looked normal when he peered inside.


    The magic bottle gave him a new idea about the sudden appearance of the giant sword. If a bottle could somehow storerge amount of water, then it wasnt impossible that the leader had some simr gear that could store items.

 Chapter 30: Experimentation

    Chapter 30: Experimentation


    Zac eagerly filtered out all the gear that had belonged to the leader and started to go through them. His first guess was the inscribed bracelets as they were the only things except the sword and chest te that had fractals engraved.


    He looked over them multiple times, and tried pressing different parts of the bracelets, but nothing happened. He tried putting them on and focusing on them, but there still was no response. He could only helplessly put them aside for now, and continue to look through the other gear.


    Zac picked up the pouch and opened it up. Strangely the insides were pitch ck and he couldnt see anything. His heartbeat sped up and he felt that he had found the jackpot.


    He first took one of the small knives and plunged it halfway into the darkness, then pulled it out. There was no damage on it at all as far as Zac could tell. He nned to do the same with his finger, but as soon as he barely put it into the darkness he felt a burning sting.


    His fingertip had been singed clean off, and blood dripped down over the pouch. Maybe flesh couldnt enter he surmised. So he tried the same with a piece of dried meat, but this time it reacted like the knife.


    <em>Maybe its live things</em> Zac thought. He had no critter to try this theory out though, so it would have to wait.


    The next task was how to activate the pouch. He had noticed some hints when he had fought earlier. When he had mmed his axe into the chest of the leader, he had felt that cosmic energy had entered the armor from the demon.


    Zac had always only circted the energy internally, and wasnt sure how hed push it outside. He tried circting some energy into his fingers, then tried to push it out from the tip. The only result was that the concentration of energy got too high at the fingertips, and they started rupturing.


    He tried many different things for a few hours until he finally gave up. Zac guessed that there was an inherent problem with how he handled the energy. He had followed an image of a circtory system of his blood when he had started bending cosmic energy to his will. Of course he hadnt imagined it to have outlets where it could flow out.


    He started mulling over how to improve his system. He tried imagining a hole at his palm where he could let cosmic energy flow out.


    But as he changed his energy cirction a zing pain erupted in his hand and it looked that a bloody stigmata had appeared where he had imagined his exit.


    A cold sheen of perspiration appeared on Zacs forehead from the pain and he had a sinking feeling. Just a small change like this and the pain had been this bad. If he wanted to improve the system on his whole body, how bad would it hurt?


    He knew that the circtory system he had devised in no way was an optimal method of using cosmic energy, it was just something he had whipped together. He had nned on getting some skill or method for itter when he had the opportunity. But he hadnt imagined that the pain would be this bad.


    He was even more dismayed when he noticed that the hole he had created in his hand was continuously leaking cosmic energy and draining him of power.


    Zac could only reluctantly change his cirction pattern back, bringing forth another wave of torment.


    He sat for a full thirty minutes feeling lost at what to do. He was afraid that he had somehow crippled his future prospects. The more he thought about it the more he felt that it was extremely important to be able to project energy. The skills the demons had used all had projected energy in different ways. The mysterious mist, the ck arcs of lightning and the root control. They all relied on manipting cosmic energy outside of the body.


    If he was stuck with this defective system where all the energy was stuck inside his body, would he even be able to use the skills he got in the future?


    He needed to find a way to rectify this, even if he had to take the torture of rewriting his pathing. However, the hole he had made didnt work, and even if it did he was hesitant to use that method anymore. He didnt want to haphazardly get himself deeper and deeper in the hole by making a crappy patch-work cirction method.


    He went over to the Nexus Node once more to scour through the skills, in case one of them actually was a cirction skill or something simr. Of course, he subconsciously knew that wasnt the case, he had looked those skills over many times by now, and knew there were no such thing there.


    The skills avable generally could be categorized into offensive, defensive, movement and support as far as he could tell. The <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>would fall into the support skill.


    But as he moved his hand away from the crystal he suddenly froze, struck with a realization. All things connected to the system had one thing inmon; the fractals. He still had no idea how to make sense of them, but they were present on the array gs, the weapons, and even the skills used them.


    And it just so happened, he knew a pattern that was the exact size of his body. It was the fractal pattern that he had seen when he chose his ss. Many details of it was muddled at the time, but the parts he could make out made a full circuit.


    When he got the idea he couldnt let it go. The more he thought it over, the more it made sense. He could still remember the pattern clearly, and it flowed through every part of his body. It was a far moreplicated systempared to the one he had devised himself, but he saw no reason that it wouldnt work.


    As for the parts that were hazy and blurred, they might show themselves at ater point when he leveled up orpleted quests. At which point Zac could use the new information to improve on the existing pattern.


    The only problem was the massive undertaking to change the cirction. Just adding and removing a small hole in his hand had felt like putting the palm in an imps fire. He wasnt even sure hed survive such an undertaking.


    But at the same time he didnt dare wait. When he first devised the energy cirction he made some small revisions quickly after. At that time he hadnt felt any pain whatsoever, and assumed that the cirction pattern was just a mental aid for using cosmic energy.


    Zac was afraid that it might mean that the pattern gets harder and harder to change, as though it was fusing with his very being. It was still possible for him to change it, but judging from the pain it might be impossible soon.


    Zac was no stranger to pain by now, and wasted no time. Ideally he would have wanted to wait until all his wounds were healed, but he had a sense of urgency. He started with his left hand to try if it even was viable to reform the patterns.


    A zing pain far worse than when he opened the hole engulfed his hand. It felt like his whole arm was dipped in burning acid. His whole body was covered in sweat in just seconds, and his eyes werepletely bloodshot. Still he pushed through, and kept imagining his crude system in his hand slowly transforming into the fractal he was given by the Hatchetman ss.


    After what felt like an eternity the transformation was done. His hand was a mess, almost looking as if it had been pushed down into a blender. But where there once was a simple pathway for cosmic energy, now was a sophisticated pattern that had substituted it.


    Zac tried moving his fingers, and while it hurt it seemed there was no permanent damage. He then tried to circte cosmic energy through his arm and into his rewritten pathways.


    It was a weird feeling. He had thought his cirction had been smooth all this while. But after pushing the energy into his hand it felt like the energy came from cramped pipes in his arms into the open ocean in his hand. The level of smoothness of handling the energy was iparable.


    Zac knew he had guessed correctly by now. The ss change had provided him with aplete pattern to utilize his cosmic energy. It would likely tie in with his skills as well he reckoned.


    He also knew what that meant, and with a shudder started converting the rest of his body.

 Chapter 31: Infusion

    Chapter 31: Infusion


    The suns were starting to rise over the small campsite.


    Zac sat naked, except a pair of ragged underpants, in a cross-legged position by the now died out fire. The ground all around him was red with his blood. There was not one spot on Zacs body that wasnt damaged and bloody.


    He had relentlessly continued to improve his cirction pattern the whole night, and he was almostpleted by now. It had felt like he had been thrown into hell and had been tortured for an eternity. He had wanted to stop so many times, but had summoned a willpower he didnt know he had to keep going.


    Of course, that didnt mean that he had stoically endured the pain like some battle-hardened warrior. Luckily there had been no one around to see him scream himself hoarse, roll around on the ground and cry until snot ran down his face.


    Right now only the part around his brain remained to be changed. In the ss pattern it was a dense web of fractals that covered his whole head.


    Zac hadnt stopped due to changing his mind, but the pain in his head had made him pass out for a few minutes after he tried it the first time. He was currently steadying himself for another try.


    He shakily got up and snatched all the remaining dried meat he had left over. He felt severely drained, and needed some energy before trying again. He also filled his water bottle from his array and poured it over himself to clean away some of the blood. The sting of cold water over his countless cuts jolted him properly awake.


    Finally he sat down again toplete the fractal. He was afraid if he didntplete it now he wouldnt dare to sit down and do it in the future. The pain was to the point of creating a mental scar, and he needed to do it immediately to get it done.


    He started changing the pattern a small bit at a time, afraid that hed pass out again if he improved toorge a chunk in one go. Still, the pain was barely within the realm he could tolerate. It felt like a spike was stabbed through is eye right into his head, and then started grinding around in there for good measure.


    Zac arduously pressed on, tears flowing like a waterfall. Finally after an hour thest piece was changed, and the fractal was whole and connected. Zac suddenly puked out a mouthful of blood, but immediately after felt very refreshed.


    He still had an acute bloodloss and was hurting all over, but his body still felt lighter and better. He tried circting some cosmic energy and was chocked at the improvement. Topare it with before it felt like previously he had breathed and blinked manually when pushing cosmic energy through his body, and now it was an automatic and natural process.


    It was if the energy knew what he wanted to do, and followed his will automatically. It also seemed that he absorbed energy from the surroundings faster, and not by a small margin. It wouldnt help with his level, but it would help him to heal and restore his energy reserves faster.


    Finally done with the fractal he closed eyes and had a dreamless sleep.


    Zac woke up again roughly three hourster. While he felt drained and still hurting, he didnt bleed anymore. With his improved stats he only needed to sleep a few hours a day to feel rested, and he had no problems skipping sleep entirely for a night or two. Thebination of high endurance and vitality showed its value once again.


    He had initially nned on scouting out the actual incursion today, but decided against it. He wanted to be in optimal condition for whatever waited for him at the end of the rainbow. He needed to find something to eat as well, and it felt safer to grind out some lower beasts while he was incapacitated.


    His wounds from yesterdays battle had also improved significantly, with only the leg still smarting.


    There was one thing he had to do before setting out though. An important reason why he had tortured himself during the night was the inscribed gear.


    Zac was relieved to notice that he could project energy easily now from his upgrade. He couldnt actually see the cosmic energy with his eyes, but he could sense it. It was a weird feeling, it was as though he had gotten a new sense since starting using cosmic energy, and with his upgraded pathways the sense only seemed stronger. The cosmic energy was floating like an invisible mist above his hand that projected it, not showing any signs of dissipating.


    His first goal was to check the pouch, as it contained the most mystery for him. He picked up the small pouch and carefully infused some energy into it. He was shocked to notice that the pouch actually suddenly absorbed all the dried blood on his hand.


    He didnt have time to think it over though, as he suddenly saw arge space in his mind. The space was roughly 3 by 3 meters, and was filled with an assortment of items.


    There was another sword inside, also with inscriptions. But this one had a far more normal sizepared to its monstrous brother. There were some random tools, a water bottle and a gon made in silver in one corner. The gon seemed to have simr fractals as the water bottle, albeit a bit more intricate.


    There was also arge reserve of luxurious dishes and fruits in another corner.


    More surprisingly there was an actual table, a parasol, a rug, and two ornate chair in the space. Zac dumbly stared at the furniture, not knowing how to react. Was the demon invading another world, or was he out on a pic?


    He didnt dare take any of the food, as he had no idea whether the food demons ate was edible for humans. While it looked perfectly normal, who knew if they used cyanide as a spice?


    The final items in the corner were a few books and a small pile of crystals. Each crystal was uniform in shape and roughly the size of his palm. He couldnt understand thenguage in the books at all, and could only put them aside for now.


    The crystals were more interesting, and he tried mentally extract it from the pouch. Suddenly the crystal appeared next to the pouch. Zac grabbed it in the air and started to examine it. It wasnt translucent, but rather a milky white, and cool to the touch. It seemed to emit a faint white light as well.


    More interestingly, Zac could feel that the small stone was packed with cosmic energy. It was as if his senses were telling him that he wasnt holding a small shiny crystal, but a shining sun of energy.


    He remembered that his quests had something called Nexus Crystals as a reward forpleting, and guessed he was holding one right now. More impressively he had roughly 100 of them in his pouch.


    Of course, Zac knew that there was a distinct possibility that this was an F-Grade Nexus Crystal, rather than an E-Grade crystal like the ones that the quests rewarded. It would be odd if he got 100 crystals from just one enemy, if he only got 10 for conquering a whole incursion by himself.


    He tried absorbing some energy from the crystal, and a pure stream of energy quickly entered his body and energized him. His slightly depleted body was quickly energized, and he was happy to notice that the absorption continued even after his body was satiated. That meant that absorbing the crystals would work toward gaining levels, and not only be a tool for recuperating after a draining battle.


    Zac sat and absorbed the crystal for roughly 30 minutes before he stopped. After scrutinizing the crystal it seemed that he had absorber roughly a quarter of the stored energy. Sopletely absorbing it would take roughly two hours. Furthermore, absorbing just one crystal seemed equivalent of killing roughly 10 barghests and absorbing their energy.


    That meant if he only sat down and used these stones to cultivate it would actually be more effectivepared to running all over the ind killing demon dogs with all his might.


    Of course, he wouldnt get any Nexus Coins, but still.


    These crystals would be a huge asset for him. There were always time he couldnt be killing beasts. Like when cooking, chopping wood and even moving between the demons while out hunting. If he could keep absorbing these crystals during all this down-time he could double his leveling speed.


    Next he walked over to the great sword and tried infusing it with cosmic power as well. However, it was as though the energy was blocked when trying to enter, which stumped Zac. After a brief hesitation he cut his finger and dripped a few drops of blood on the runes before trying again. He had remembered the pouch absorbing his blood, and could only try the same method again.


    This time he felt no resistance, as the blood was absorbed into the sword. Information once again entered his mind, this time the usage of the sword. It seemed that the sword could increase and decrease its weight, albeit the effect was quite limited. That might have exined why he mmed into the ground so helplessly in the first sh between him and the leader, he might have maximized the weight for the overhead swing.


    Next he did the same procedure on his axe. Infusing it with energy had no earth-shattering effect. It had a weak auto-repair and sharpen feature. As long as he infused some cosmic energy into it, it would gradually fix nicks in the edge and re-sharpen.


    It didnt improve the lethality, but it was convenient for him who didnt have proper facilities for weapons maintenance.


    He finally turned to hisst inscribed gear, and with the same procedure tried to activate the bracers he had nabbed from the leader. To his surprise, nothing happened when he tried activating them.

 Chapter 33: Infection

    Chapter 33: Infection


    Zac awoke at the dawn of light, and after preparing an assortment of tools in his pouch he set out. Today he would properly gather intelligence. His wounds werergely better now, just a bit red and sore.


    He made a beeline for the incursion this time, heading straight toward the center of the ind. Large parts would be uncharted territory for him here, as he had stayed somewhat at the outer edge since the start.


    He had a theory that there should be a fourth kind of beast somewhere on the ind that he still hadnt seen.


    There were four heralds, and at least one herald was a pack leader of its race, the barghest. But he had only encountered imps and the Gwyllgi apart from the hunkering demonlings.


    There should be a fourth type of beast as well somewhere based on this, and Zac guessed that they either were located around the incursion or had moved their territory into the mountain.


    Zac kept a rapid pace, moving at a speed that could be considered a sprint for a normal human. Still he made no sound as he passed through the forest, instinctively knowing where to put his feet to soundlessly proceed.


    During his travels he noticed that his third ss skill, Foresters Constitution, had finally had its first progression either duringst evening or this morning, now showing 1/30. The problem was that he wasnt quite sure what he did to progress it. The system gave no ping or notification when his quests progressed, leaving him with no information on when it happened.


    A log of his actions would have been very convenient, as then he wouldnt have to estimate his nexus coin gain from monsters or how much energy they gave all the time.


    After he had moved for roughly 10 hours he finally slowed down. He was far closer to the incursion now than he had ever been before. This close he started to notice some jarring changes. Forck of a better word, the forest was <em>infected.</em> The red light of the incursion suffused all the surroundings, and the trees looked different, almost sickly.


    Some had weird growths on them, others seemed topletely have lost all their leaves even though the summer was in full swing. The grass on the forest floor was turning a purplish color. There were also many young sprouts of a pitch ck tree Zac had never seen before, which seemed to thrive in this odd environment. The very air seemed to be different as well, having an almost astringent taste. It didnt seem to be a problem for Zac luckily, apart from feeling ufortable.


    It seemed like the red pir was slowly transforming its surroundings, likely to better suit the invaders. This made Zac even more anxious toplete his quest, as he didnt know if this effect was reversible, and whether it would spread outwards. He didnt want to create his town on a deste ind that smelled a bit like farts.


    He also was astonished at the amount of beasts he saw. It seemed that all the demons preferred to stay in this environment, and the forest was packed with monsters. He shuddered at the thought of this horde of beasts being unleashed upon a human city. Luckily they were stranded here on this ind.


    It also made him realize that it might not have been more beasts spawning during his month of grinding, it was enough that a few strays would leave the central area of the ind for the edge of the ind to be refilled.


    What wouldve looked like hell for many, Zac saw as a treasure trove. He almost drooled at the prospect of grinding here, but he had a mission today. Most human cultivators would likely have trouble killing one barghest since they had their upgrade, but Zac had no trouble facing multiple at a time by now. He might get a few bites and scratches if there were too many of them, but that wouldnt be anything new for him.


    Those ns could only wait though. He needed to gauge the magnitude of the invasion to make a proper n. There was a lot to do in theing month. Of course, he wouldnt hide from the beasts either, so everything that entered his path was met with a swift swing of his axe.


    By now he was only a couple of kilometers away from the Incursion, so he started to slow down and focus fully on stealth. He did not want to enterbat again this close to the enemy base, who knew what kind of forces that they had.


    The incursion was in a valley which stretched toward the mountain, and Zac gingerly moved toward the edge to see what was happening inside.


    As he almost was at the crest he saw a solitary demon sitting next to a tree, currently napping. Zac was again shocked at their bad discipline, and it felt like the whole invasion was handled by a group of undisciplined children rather than an army. If he thought that the horde of barghest around the valley would be enough protection and give prior warning of an attack, then he was sorely mistaken.


    After slowly looking at the vicinity to ensure there were no more scouts around he approached the demon soundlessly. He didnt bother to identify him, afraid he would sense the scrying. When he was 10 meters away he switched gears to a sprint, brandishing his axe.


    The demon woke in thest moment, and made a terrified expression. He didnt have any time to activate any defenses or shout for help though, as the axe descended and cleanly decapitated him.


    Zac quickly grabbed the head and put it on top of the body again, before hiding again. He had already scrubbed his face with some dirt, giving him a greyishplexion simr to the demons. With his gear already of demonic design he should probably pass as a demon from a cursory nce from a long distance. Of course if anyone took a second nce hed be found out instantly, so he didnt want to try it out.


    He stayed next to the corpse and wormed closer to the edge. This part of the valley ended with a steep cliff, meaning that Zac would have to scale down 20 meters if he wanted to enter. But it also meant that he got a good view of the whole vale.


    If the other parts of the wood had started to shift into a demon forest, then the valley looked like it was imported from another world. It was as though even the sky was different up above, feeling washed out and grey.


    There should have been a great deal of vegetation just like the rest of the ind, but it was sparse and looking sickly. There also was evidence of arge amount of felling, as he saw hundreds of cut off stumps. Thebination made the valley lookpletely deste. The ground was partly covered with smatterings of purplish ck grass, but most was just ck stone.


    The demons clearly needed lumber for something. But for what Zac couldnt tell so far. His eyes kept going over the valley, until finally looking over to the huge red pir.


    Zac could finally see the terminus of the incursion for the first time since he had arrived. It was a huge crystal that reminded Zac of his Nexus Node at his base. However, this crystal was red, and at least 3 meters tall.


    The very air around it pulsated from the power the crystal emitted, and Zac could feel the huge energy that it released all the way from his hiding ce. It continuously shot out the light that formed therge pir that had been a constant part of his life thest month. The glow was so strong that he couldnt see anything what was happening behind it.


    Next to the pir was a building and Zac could see a few demons milling about.


    Zac nted himself within a bush, and while gnawing on some meat he had brought in his pouch he started waiting. After waiting for a full 3 hours he felt confident that there likely were limitations to the invasion.


    He had not seen a single being appear from the crystal, nor disappear into it. Either they only came at certain times per day, or they couldnt go back and forth between the ind and their home world. The demons at the small building seemed to be guards left there just to make sure nothing happened to the crystal.


    They were mostly milling about or even taking naps in the shade of the house.


    Of course, Zac would have to stay for a good while longer if he wanted to confirm that the gate was closed, and he didnt have time for that. However it made sense that they could only enter at certain intervals, from how the demons had appeared on the ind.


    The first wave assault had been the demonic beasts, and they arrived as soon as the world was integrated. The second wave was the humanoids who arrived after a month had passed. At the same time some limitations lessened on the beasts, making them stronger.


    If the crystal only opened once a month, it would exin why Abby the eye had told him to finish the quest either within one month or within two. It stood to reason that the difficulty would take another noticeable leap within a month.


    Zac was not sure if he would be able to handle that, as he was not powering up as quickly anymore as before. He had already gotten his ss now, and gaining levels took more time nowpared to earlier. The increase in strength he could gain within 30 days would likely be smallerpared to the one before, meaning that he really should try to end this invasion sooner rather thanter.


    As nothing really happened on this side of the valley, he decided to keep venturing further in. He moved along the edge of the valley in a roundabout manner toward the mountain.


    The incursion and valley was located between the middle and the north of the ind, while the mountain took up almost all of the northern quadrant. So Zac soon had travelled across the whole ind, starting from his campsite in the far south.


    Daylight was starting to wane, but Zac had already prepared himself to sleep outside today. While he was advancing he was keeping a lookout for possible temporary ces to spend a night unnoticed. He had found some potential spots, but hadnt bothered to prepare them yet.


    During his travels he had killed four more demons. They were quite sparsely ced, making Zac more and more convinced that they were not too concerned about invasion in the immediate vicinity.


    Soon he had walked along half the valley, and he could now see what was hidden earlier behind the red glow.


    There actually was a town down there.


    On a second look a town would be a slight misnomer. The buildings were quiterge and rectangr, reminding Zac rather of barracks than civilian domiciles. He noticed that the missing trees had been processed into houses and fortifications. There were a few structures that seemed more refined, maybe for the officers and generals of the army. Those buildings did use both stone and lumber in its construction, and had a quite elegant atmosphere.


    The whole settlement was surrounded by a wall that was a few meters tall and at least thick enough to have watch towers and arge amount of guards patrolling. Zac couldnt fathom how they set up such arge wall in only a few days. He could only exin it with magic, as even hundreds of individuals with Zacs strength would have to work for months of gathering stones and setting up the wall.


    Finally, in the middle of the town a grand structure was being erected at a speed visible even from his great distance.

 Chapter 34: Conspiracies

    Chapter 34: Conspiracies


    Ogras ArhRezak was already starting to tire of this whole enterprise. The humidity of this baby world was far higherpared to what he was used to, and the two ring suns forced him to keep squinting through the day. The terraforming was helping, but it would still take a long time until the climate got to the point that wasfortable.


    He somewhat regretted exhorting his ancestor to let him lead this invasion. With his status in the n, he still would have been entitled to any good items they could seize on this world, even if he stayed at home.


    But he knew this invasion was his opportunity if he wanted to stay alive. If he could find enough goodies for either himself or the n hed be safe until he was strong enough to protect himself.


    But who would have thought that The Ruthless Heavens ced them on a godforsaken ind? It had rendered his tactic of unleashing his packs through the portal seem like a joke. There had already been voices of disagreement in the n to such a cowardly tactic, but Ogras had only sneered at their snide remarks.


    While most baby worlds were disorganized and paralyzed from the huge changes, some were quite dangerous. There were many anecdotes of news resisting and even sometimespletely massacring all the different invaders.


    Of course, it was usually the forces behind the other incursions on the that were the real enemies, rather than the weak natives.


    In any case, he wasnt about to stick his neck through a portal before increasing his odds of survival, even if it was considered cowardly.


    His seven elder brothers had been heroic warriors, always charging into the fray, leading any charge in skirmishes. And now they were all food for the maggots. Some were killed by their enemies, and some died from machinations of their own n members.


    The path to power was ruthless, and even among kin benefits preceded loyalty. There had been arge amount of dissatisfaction towards his branch of the n for a long time. His great grandfather was originally a normal soldier who managed to rise to his great power through a few lucky encounters.


    His prowess had allowed his progeny to enjoy great benefits and resources, even matching that of the main branchs youth. Ogras suspected that was why his siblings kept dropping dead one after another. He had voiced such concerns to his ancestor, but being a warrior for the n his whole life his thought patterns had be rigid. He had bled and fought for the n for over a thousand years, and couldnt imagine that they would backstab him and his kin like that.


    Thats why only the two of them were left, not counting his great aunt who disappeared to be a wandering warrior two hundred years ago. That was also why he kept this ridiculous persona going, pretending to have be a pampered wastrel not interested in cultivation. The fewer of his n members believed that he was a threat, the lower was the chance that hed wake up with his throat slit.


    Thats why he walked around in his gaudy outfits and surrounded himself with useless sycophants. It was another type of armor. And if he could further his ambitions while it looked like he was just being spiteful and stupid, then all the better.


    He had almostughed out loud when the news of the death of Kevoran arrived at his desk. That little prick from the main branch was one of hisrgest contenders for any potential goodies that would be found on this.


    While Kevoran was afraid of his ancestor, only the youths and unevolved were able to go through the portal. So his attitude had progressively gotten worse with each day since they arrived. Ogras had used a snide remark as a basis for ordering him to go with a scouts squad to canvas the whole ind, in order to solidify his position while Kevoran was gone.


    Who knew the idiot actually would get himself killed? It was a bit of a shame with Ka dying as well, as her scouting abilities were top notch among the youths in the n. But the death of Kevoran more than made up for it. Ogras could kiss the assant on the mouth if he found him. Just before decapitating him, of course.


    Ogras wasnt overly concerned about the little rats that were hiding on this or some neighboring ind. He estimated the number of enemies to be somewhere between 10 to 20, judging from the number of beasts killed. They certainly had to be some elites on this world to be able to kill even his imps and two scouting parties this soon after their world changed, but it didnt matter.


    He was well aware of the rules by which The Ruthless Heavens worked. As long as he stayed safe in his pce, then his mission would be a sess in roughly two months. The portal would stabilize, and the area would be within his jurisdiction.


    The natives group would have to infiltrate his army base, kill their way through the army, and then kill him in order for their quest to seed. No matter how strong they were they still were only weak natives, and such an assault was suicide.


    If they had actually been truly strong they wouldnt have been forced to use trickery to kill his poor Vul. They would simply have ughtered all his four pack leaders and stopped the invasion before it even started.


    Therefore he would simply stay in the base. Even if everyone thought he was a coward he didnt care. He had already nned everything out. He didnt n on staying for too long in this world.


    Initially, he had nned to stay here for a long time, protected from his n by the limitations of the gate. It was an advantage for him that he could finally cultivate in peace here without anyone finding out, as the suppression would keep his real prowess hidden in any case.


    But something had changed this. The mountain contained treasure.


    More exact, it contained a Nexus Crystal mine. Even Ogras had been shocked when he heard the news. Of course, it was only a small F-Grade mine, but still, the wealth it contained was staggering. It could at least rival the whole umted fortune of some of the elders in the n.


    With that kind of wealth he could obtain a Fruit of Ascension. It would save him decades on his cultivation time and would leave hispetitors among his generation in the dust. Normally, for a n of their limited power, using such a luxurious treasure on an F-grade cultivator would be considered far too extravagant. But for him it was a matter of life and death.


    The supreme elders and n leader usually turned a blind eye to killings within the n as they believed it created stronger and more ruthless members among those who survived.


    But if someone showed enough promise they would protect their seedlings from the shadows, as they were potential future powerhouses that could bring their n to greater heights.


    And if he just so happened to pilfer enough crystals for him to cultivate in solitude for a decade or so he coulde back one advancement, maybe even two, stronger. Then hed be the hunter instead of the hunted.


    Ogras was giddy as he looked over the report containing yesterdays haul from the mine. Hesitated a bit and then with a swipe removed a few lines of the report, and added back a new tally. This time the extracted amount of crystals printed were 1000 lowerpared to before.


    Unfortunately, he wasnt the only one who had this kind of idea. There had been quite a few children with good heritage that hade with him into the incursion. Everyone was hoping to find the lucky break which would allow them to stand out among the masses.


    It was tacitly approved by the elders that the young elite would have a feeding frenzy when they arrived at the new world, as some healthypetition was good for strengthening. As long as enough benefits were lugged back they did not really care that some didnt make it all the way.


    As Ogras was pondering about his next steps the door to his temporary study opened, and a man decked in an extravagant armor entered.


    This time Ogras was angered for real, as such conduct was a tant disregard for his authority. Still, he wouldnt break character for something minor like this.


    Insolence! How dare you enter my chambers like his! I will have my grandfather flog you when we return! Ogras roared as soon as the man was inside the door.


    My apologies the man answered with a face that spoke of no regret. I wonder what steps you have taken to capture those responsible for my cousins death.


    The man in front of him was Rydel ArhRezak, one of the heirs to the main branch just like the departed Kevoran. Different from him though, Rydel was one of the most heavily nurtured youths in the n, and also one they had spent the most Nexus Crystals to allow to retain as much power as possible when going through the incursion.


    The more power you retained in an invasion to a baby world, the better your survival rate would be, and the better your position would be when contending for resources on this new world. But The Ruthless Heavens never just gave anything for free. It charged an exorbitant amount of Nexus Crystals if one wanted to keep more of their strength when passing through. And of course there was a limit, or the purpose of the incursions would be lost.


    n ArhRezak wasnt overly wealthy, and could only pay up to a point for each daemon going through. Any more and the risk of the invasion turning unprofitable would be too big. The rest would have toe out of their own pockets.


    Most of the soldiers couldnt afford it or only got a few levels extra, but the scions of their n of course got some special benefits under the table. Either from their elders or even from the n itself.


    Maybe not even Ogras himself was a match for Rydel, though he had a few hidden aces in case they ever came to blows. And it might actuallye to that, as Ogras had a strong suspicion that Rydel had been sent through the portal to both keep an eye on things, and if possible, neutralize him. That would eliminate any threat of a branch family bing too strong in the n.


    The crystal mine isnt going anywhere, and it would seem a waste to attach suchrge manpower to quickly excavate it. Also, arge portion of our mages are upied building your Pce. In my opinion, it would be more pertinent to


    It doesnt matter what your opinion is, Rydel. The n decided I was the most suited for this task, so my orders are what goes. Now leave my study, and remember your manners in the future or there will be repercussions! Ogras practically screamed, looking very much the part of a fool enjoying his new found power.


    Rydel only sneered and performed a barely eptable salute, and left the study without another word.


    Left silently brooding behind his desk, Ogras prayed that the natives and Rydel would find and kill each other, solving all his problems at once.

 Chapter 35: The Fourth Beast

    Chapter 35: The Fourth Beast


    Zac sat perched on a branch in arge tree eating an apple he had foraged earlier. The tree was one of the few in the vicinity that still stood tall and unaffected by the corrosive effect of the incursion, and its dense branches provided natural instion from prying eyes. He had chosen this tree to be his temporary shelter to spend the night yesterday.


    He had spent two nights close to the incursion now, trying to gain as much information as possible. Yesterday he had kept scouting around the demon city and up toward the mountain.


    He had made some interesting discoveries. First of all, he had realized how the third skill quest progressed. It was based on time. It seemed that he had to be out in the forests fighting roughly 18 hours for the quest to progress by 1 point. That meant that he had to spend most of his time awake fighting every day. He didnt mind though, as he was nning on doing that anyway.


    But it also meant that it would be an extremely close shave to actually manage toplete it before the 2-month deadline. He had already decided he didnt dare to wait, hed kill at least the two remaining heralds as soon as possible. He didnt want to repeat what happened with Vul, being incapacitated and missing his deadline due to waiting until thest moment. He needed time to recuperate in case he got hurt from the fights.


    He had also found the fourth type of beasts that the demons had brought through the portal. They were magic monkeys. Or rather they were called Stone Monkeys by his [Eye of Discernment], and did not look quite as demonic as the other three animals.


    They were roughly up to his chest in height but had a bulkier build. They were an anthracite grey and surprisingly no fur. Instead, it looked that they had tes of rocks covering most parts of their bodies, forming almost a natural armor. The aspect that made them look somewhat demonic was their shining red eyes.


    The stone monkeys were the most well-rounded of all the demon beasts so far. The barghest was all brawn and no brain, the gwyllgi high speed but low strength, and the imps were incredibly dangerous but also incredibly frail.


    The stone monkeys were strong, agile and also durable. Even more annoyingly they seldom moved alone. They seemed to be united in onerge group, and Zac suspected that the fourth Herald was the pack leader. He hadnt seen it, however, as he didnt dare venture too far into the mountains as it was crawling with monkeys.


    That meant that the final Herald apart from the monkey was either a juiced up gwyllgi or imp, depending on which of the two he had managed to kill with his lucky roll for survival. He wasnt sure which he preferred to be alive, as both felt like theyd be a pain in the ass to fight.


    It seemed that the monkeys stayed in the mountain due to their affinity with rocks. Zac often saw them perched andpletely immobile on outcroppings as though they were gargoyle sculptures. Their natural habitat was likely in mountainous regions back at their home.


    He had been happy to notice that each stone monkey gave a lot of Nexus Coins upon killing them. However, he still would rather farm the less lucrative barghest after his only encounter with the monkeys.


    Zac thought he had finally managed to single out a solitary stone monkey. It was far away from any demon activity and seemed to be randomly walking around close to the foot of the mountain. Zac had nned to fight it to test it out.


    What followed had truly exceeded his expectations. As soon as the monkey noticed Zac it didnt try to fight. Instead, it screeched at the top of its lungs and started fleeing back up the mountain. While it was faster than a normal human, it still was no match for Zac.


    Within a few seconds he had caught up to it, and a brief struggle erupted. The monkeys fighting style was a full-on brawl, and it was a whirlwind of punches and kicks in a disorganized and confusing manner. It also had a pair of sharp teeth which it tried using when an opportunity arose.


    Zac estimated the Strength of the beast to be somewhere in the 60s, almost on par with Zacs before he got his ss. Its other stats were quite good across the board, even its intelligence seemed higherpared to Earths normal primates.


    Of course, even with its strong stats, it was no match against Zac. He had grabbed an arm with his free hand and threw the monkey down on the ground. A quick swing and it was dead. The stone ting on the monkeys was quite hard but offered little resistance to his weapon.


    The problems came after. The screech of the monkey had pulled a swarm of his brethren over, who all had seemed extremely enraged upon seeing their fallenrade.


    Thus Zac had been beset by an avnche of angry fists and kicksing in from all directions. Every swing of his axe had maimed or killed a monkey, but they were endless and fearless. Finally he had escaped, only because the monkeys seemed loath to leave the mountain and enter the forest. They had stopped right at the foot of the mountain, angrily roaring at Zac.


    Zac waspletely exhausted by then, both physically and his cosmic energy. Even new and improved pathways had barely managed to sustain him in his escape. He wasnt sure that hed make it out if that onught had started a bit further up the mountain. Hed be drained and then finished off.


    The upside from that experience was that it had been the most efficient farming of currency and cosmic energy he had ever done, except from when he killed the heralds. In that free-for-all brawl, he had gained a level and over 10 000 Nexus coins. He wasnt sure about how many he had actually killed during the escape, but it seemed that the monkeys each awarded around 350 to 400 nexus coins.


    The individual gain wasnt at the level of the imps, but there was a horde of monkeys but only a scant few imps from what he had seen so far. Of course, there still were many locations on the ind he still hadnt ventured to, and they might be a cluster of imps somewhere.


    If the monkeys werent so territorial and had such teamwork, hed never want to leave the mountain again. Hed gain enough Nexus Coins to buy the movement skill [Steps of Gaia] in no time. But he deemed it toorge a risk to farm these beasts, at least for now. He would have to venture up the mountain again soon though, as the Herald was probably hidden somewhere in there, maybe in the form of a monkey king.


    Hed wait until he had his ss skills first until he ventured back into the mountains.


    He had also figured out the generalposition of the demon forces. He estimated that there were somewhere around 5 000 demons on the ind in total. Their current activities could generally be divided into three parts.


    The first part was the construction of a giant pce in the middle of the town. It still wasnt finished, but Zac was amazed by the design even before seeing the finished product. It looked like medieval eastern architecture had been fused with nature. The structure was made both from stone and trees.


    And by trees, he didnt mean chopped down lumber, but actual trees. There were dozens of mages that reminded Zac of the root mage he had killed, who grewrge ck trees out of the ground. They then somehow forced it to grow in shapes that would constitute rooms and walls. It took less than an hour for a few mages to grow one of the house-trees into its final size. There were also mages who summoned rocks out of the ground. Under their care the rocks seemed like y, allowing the mages to form them to their will to form a natural feeling to the walls and other stone features.


    The pce was only three stories tall at the highest point, but it was expansive, featuring multiple buildings, beautiful gardens, sky wells, and courtyards. The gracefully curved roofs were made with tiles, with their eaves hanging out a few meters from the structures. The most central building in theplex had twoyers of eaves, giving it an even grander feeling. Zac supposed that was either the generals living quarters or some type of throne room. Surrounding it all was a ck hedge roughly 2 meters tall. It felt decorative rather than providing any protection, as anyone would easily get through or above it.


    The only thing that took away from the grand structure was the dull colors. The pce was mostly in shades of ck and grey, giving it a very foreboding feeling. The only shes of color were splotches of red in some details, the shade reminding him of the shining pir.


    The second group moved back and forth between the town and a cave in the mountain. He wasnt exactly sure what they were doing there, as they held no equipment or the like when moving. They likely had magic pouches just like him, obscuring any hint of what was going on inside. He didnt dare sneak in, as there seemed to be activity inside the cave at all times.


    His two guesses were they either were mining, or there was some sort of huge area beneath that they explored. He hadnt seen anyone hurt or wounded when walking back from the cave at least, so it shouldnt be full of subterranean monsters at least.


    Thest group, and also the smallest, was small parties heading out of the town and in different directions of the ind. They looked like small search parties, but not like the ones he had encountered so far.


    It seemed that the demons had learned their lessons from their two missing groups, and had improved the power of the parties. They all held at least five demons, but that wasnt all. Apanying them was a varied amount of beasts. They all had a few Gwyllgi running around to the front and the sides for the party, seemingly acting as scouts. There was also a couple of barghest that moved in the front, filling the role of meat shields. A few parties even had an imp or two subserviently following the demons.


    Zac felt like he was no match for a party like this, there were too many variables and things that could damage him at the same time. He hadnt tried fighting those parties, staying far away as possible. Now that he knew what he was up against, he realized he really only had one advantage.


    He knew a lot about them, but for them, he was still an enigma.

 Q&A – Not a Chapter

    Q&A �C Not a Chapter


    Its been very encouraging to see my story gain such traction, and (mostly) great reviews and ratings.


    Defiance of the Fall was something I started thinking about a year ago, but only properly started writing in April. I would never have expected it to get the exposure and following at this magnitude, but its amazing.


    Ive gotten a few PMs asking about things as donations and Patreon, so Ive decided to open a Patreon ount. I had always nned to do so if the web novel was well received, but rather in a month or two when Id built up a reader base and page count. But the reader base is already here so Im jumping the gun I guess.


    As there potentially will be people who donate money for my writing in the future, I think I need to make a few things clear about the novel and the future so no one will feel tricked. And the whole thing turned out too long for an authorment so Im posting it separately.


    I created the following Q/A to clear potential confusion about the direction of the novel. Comment if you feel I missed something pertinent.


    Q: Is he ever getting off this god damn ind?


    A: Yes.


    Q: What do I get for bing a patron?


    A: Nothing for now. I have only opened up the most basic ount so there are no such things like tiers or rewards. I n to have something in the future, perhaps exclusive other POV chapters, One-Off stories from other parts of the multi-verse etc. But I have no timeline for stuff like this, my focus is on moving the story forward. <strong>For now, it is simply wanting to support the novel and me without any expectation of special goodies.</strong>


    What would YOU want if you be a patron?


    Q: What will you use the money for if I donate?


    A: Probably a proper book cover if I get enough money for it. Ill likely put that as a goal on the Patreon as soon as I find an artist I like. The current picture is free to use formercial use but nothing Ivemissioned. Id want a real cover made for this specific novel. If there is left over Ill probably spend it on Mr. Chubs, my French Bulldog puppy.


    Q: Will the Release Schedule change in the future?


    A: Its possible, to be honest. I will return to university this autumn and I''m using my saved up vacation days and unemployment benefits to get by this summer. But when I start school I will have to get a part-time job.


    As I gain proficiency and writing speed I might be able to keep the release-rate going even after getting a job, but I might not. Honestly, I cant really promise anything here. Of course, if my writing would actually provide enough money together with student aid to skip a part-time job then the release rate would rather increase I suppose.


    Q: Will the style of the novel change?


    A: I have no ns on changing fundamental things about how power-ups and such will work. That would only happen if I did some major rewriting work. Of course, there are many parts of the system still not avable to you that will be explored in the future.


    There WILL be a change in style sooner orter though. Currently, almost any dialogue is Zacs inner monologue as he is alone. But sooner orter he will be introduced to people, and more characters, which will change the style of the novel somewhat I guess. What I mean to say is that the novel will not stay a solitary survival story.


    Q: Will new characters mean multiple-POV storytelling?


    A: No. The focus is and will be on Zac. There might be some guest-POVs like Azzun and Ogras has given, but the main storyline will be seen through Zacs eyes.


    Q: Will there be R-18 stuff? ( )


    A: No. While there will be romance there wont be any explicit content. Neither on RRL or on Patreon. I have no interest in writing that stuff and dont feel that it would add anything to the story.


    Q: What about harem?


    A: No. Zac wont be collecting jade-skinned kingdom-toppling beauties as though they were Pokmon.


    I hope that clears stuff up. If there are any other questions regarding this feel free to throw ament and Ill try to answer it. No spoilers though. Regr chapter around the usual time, 19-21 PM Europe-time.


    TL;DR:


    Patreon up, give me money to buy dog sweaters. DotF will have no harem, no R-18, no butt stuff. Things like release rate might change in the future.

 Chapter 36: Determination

    Chapter 36: Determination


    After observing the demons for two days Zac also was certain that they were real living, breathing beings. He had always had a sneaking suspicion that they might be puppets, or NPCs if you will, created by the system to give a challenge to Zac and earth.


    But thest two days he had watched them go about their day. They had worked, they had joked around and yed cards. He had seen a few start a fierce brawl until a leader ran up and broke them apart. In essence, they were alive.


    He hadnt really thought about it properly before, but they were just like him. Did they even want to be here, or were they forced by the system just like him? Could he just keep regarding them as the enemy, and killing them simply a means to an end?


    But Zac soon had soon steeled his heart. The world has fallen, and chaos reigned. They were invaders on the ind, HIS ind. From everything he had seen and hypothesized since the integration in the multiverse he knew he couldnt go soft and hope for a peaceful solution.


    Even if that somehow was possible before, he already had pulled the trigger and killed a bunch of their kind. Any opportunity for negotiation was already out the window. He would sooner orter have to decide how to act if he ever managed to reunite with humans again, but for now, the only diplomacy hed deliver would be with the swing of his axe.


    He couldnt and wouldnt give up on his goal of finding his family, and he knew that he had to be powerful to aplish that. He had to be a true Defier as Abby called it, someone defying fate and breaking through his limits. Just his small ind was fraught with danger, and this was only a small corner in this world. He had no idea how the rest of the world looked since the system merged it with multiple others, but he held no illusions that it had be some sort of paradise.


    If he had to sacrifice these demons to reach his goals, then so be it.


    Besides, Abby had warned him of notpleting quests given by the System. It could have unexpected and horrific consequences it seemed. It meant that people like Zac were almost like ves to the System, forced to y its games. Unfortunately, he was incapable of doing anything about it, and could only y along.


    Zac started heading back to his own camp after his second night at close proximity to the incursion. He had seen what he needed to see and now needed to get back. Being away from his camp from prolonged times filled him with anxiety, especially with the newrger war parties roving through the ind for some reason. If a party found his camp while he was gone he would be forced to hide in the tree crowns and caves until he finished the quest, and he had no desire to do that.


    Still, he made himself stop at the demonized part of the forest and farm out barghest and gwyllgi for a good 10 hours before continuing on. He could never stop fighting and killing in order to progress his skills. Besides, the density of beasts in the central area was so high that he was gaining coins and cosmic energy at a furious rate.


    The only difficulty was that they were in such close proximity with each others that often one or a few demons would hear the sounds of battle and join the fray. He got a few gashes and cuts from the onught, but nothing that would impact him.


    Eventually, he left the area and started heading towards the south. Finallyte at night he started to arrive at more familiar parts of the ind. He had seen signs of the demon parties on the way and had made a hasty retreat in order not to get entangled with them.


    After a while he finally arriving back at his camp he kicked off his shoes and sat down on hisfortable newly acquired throne. In the beginning he had felt isted and afraid as he was stuck in his little camp, fretful when hearing roars in the distance. Now it felt like a safe haven, a home.


    Even with the dried viscera from the exploding demon, the still somewhat visible aftermath from the first fight with the demonling, and the bloodied indoors of the camper, he felt his heartbeat and breath calm down just from entering through the illusion array. In this little bubble, he didnt need to be a walking ughterhouse wreaking havoc on the demon poption, he could just be.


    He just sat on his new chair and closed his eyes. He felt the luxurious rug between his toes, and the wind caressing his hair. For a second he could forget the hellish existence he had ledtely.


    A bestial roar in the distance woke him up from his revelry. Zac sighed and got up on his feet. He still didnt have the luxury to rx, there were things to do.


    His scouting excursion had given him most of his answers, but he was struggling withing up with a n that might work. From his guesswork, he believed one of the heralds was somewhere up on the mountains, while the other was still unounted for.


    Finally he had to kill a general, and Zac guessed he would be the big boss. It likely was one of the fancier-looking demons in their city, but he had no idea as of yet how to actually get to him, or how strong he was.


    He held no illusions that he would be able to take the straight-forward approach and kick in the gate down and charge his way through. Hed be punched full of holes before he knew what happened.


    There was the possibility of sneaking in during the dead of night and assassinating the general. But Zac felt that this was unlikely to seed as well. For one he didnt know who the general was, but more importantly, he didnt have the skill-set to pull off such a caper. He wouldnt have any problem scaling the wall or climbing into a window in the pce.


    But doing so soundlessly and without any of the numerous guards noticing was the real challenge. While the scouts at the edge of the valley had been veryckadaisical about their task, the militarymand seemed far stricter in the actual town.


    There were guards in the towers and in the walls around the clock, with changes at intervals Zac couldnt figure out. It seemed almost randomized. He saw no chance to sneak in during a guard change. Furthermore, most of the vegetation had been cut down in the vicinity of the town, making a stealthy approach nigh impossible.


    Zac had even considered tunneling into the town, but that felt much too risky. If a demon party found his entrance hed be stuck inside. Besides, he had seen that the demons had multiple stone mages who built the pce. They might be able to detect him even when underground with some spell.


    He had also toyed with the idea of trying to destroy the crystal. But he eventually gave that up as well. For one it contained such extreme amounts of energy that he was afraid it would explode and obliterate the whole ind if he managed to crack it.


    But more importantly it seemed that the demons were not worried in the slightest about the crystal. They just left a few men there and then left to build their town further north. If the crystal was instrumental to their invasion theyd surely protect it far better, as it seemed to be no effort for them to erect walls quickly.


    Zac could only put it aside for now as he had gotten nowhere thest two days. He would focus on what he could do for now.


    He had missed a few days of cutting wood while outside and had some catching up to do. His killing speed on this 3-day expedition had been astonishing, mostly due to the sheer number of targets in the center of the ind. As he rhythmically swung his axe down, he mentally brought up his quest panel.


    <strong>Active Quests</strong>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests</strong>


    <strong>Off With Their Heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of an incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (2/5)</strong>


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3)</strong>


    <strong>ss Quests</strong>


    <strong>Axe Mastery (ss): Mastery is born through battle. Fell 1000 enemies. Reward: (548/1000)</strong>


    <strong>Chop (ss): First chop Wood. Then their bodies. Reward: (1240/10 000)</strong>


    <strong>Forester''s Constitution (ss): Fight in the forests, be one with nature. Reward: (3/30)</strong>


    He still hadnt gotten any new active quests since finishing the ss quest. He was starting to suspect that the active quests were locked to certain areas and events. He wouldnt get anything like an upgrade ss quest for some while he suspected, as he just had gotten his ss. Meanwhile, maybe the demon ying quest he got was tied to the ind, and hed have to leave it for another area to get another.


    Either that or he was missing something about the quests. Perhaps they simply were quite rare. The one hepleted did give him a title after all, and those were permanent upgrades.


    Zac kept cutting wood long into the night, before finally sitting down for a few hours of sleep. He still stayed outside, as he didnt want the walls of the camper to dampen any sounds of a potential demon war party heading his way.


    The next day he woke up early and immediately headed out. He had decided to stop killing any demons close to his camp. He was afraid that apleteck of beasts around a certain area would alert the demons. He headed toward the center, this time toward the eastern part.


    He was nning on grinding beasts while looking for clues about the fourth elusive herald. UrKhaz had been killed in the south as it upied the same space as him, and he had killed Vul in the western area. The monkey king was likely somewhere in the mountain to the north and that left the eastern quadrant. He thought that he would try gather some more intel while finishing up the ss quests.


    He went back to camp when the night approached and chopped wood for a few hours. He was lucky that he had found the pouch, as he was starting to umte a ridiculous amount of firewood. He had decided to leave most of it in a few dry spots around the ind. Just for safety hed construct a simple roof with some branches and leaves to protect the lumber from a downpour. The lumber was proof of his effort, and it felt wasteful to just throw away.


    He kept this routine going for a few days. His intense activities left him with less than 4 hours of sleep, yet he felt refreshed when he woke up. He wondered if hed get to a point where he didnt have to sleep at all if his vitality and endurance got high enough.


    Suddenly, as Zac mmed down his axe into the head of a barghest, a huge surge of cosmic energy entered his mind, causing him to almost ck out.

 Chapter 37: Monstrous Power

    Chapter 37: Monstrous Power


    While having some difficulty staying conscious Zac finished off the other three beasts that had arrived due to the noise of the fight. Luckily the surge of energy soon dissipated.


    He quickly retreated after the kills, not wanting to keep battling any more barghest for the moment. After running for a few minutes he reached one of his hideouts, another construction high up in a tree.


    As he sat down on the bedding on leaves he could finally focus on the new things in his head. Just as he suspected he hadpleted the quest for Axe Mastery with hisst kill. His speed of killing had far surpassed his expectations. He had given himself a 10-day deadline but had finished it in just below a weeks time. It was mostly thanks to the high density of monsters in the central part of the ind. The monsters were everywhere, and he didnt have waste a lot of time traveling looking for his next target.


    Zac closed his eyes to go over his new skill and was surprised to suddenly find himself standing on the edge of a cliff. Jolted by the change in scenery he immediately opened his eyes, only to once again see the familiar sight of his hideout.


    It had only been an illusion or something created in his mind, but it had felt so real he had thought for a second he had been teleported somewhere. Zac calmed his breathing and slowly closed his eyes again.


    He once again found himself to be standing on the deste cliff. As he looked around he found that the cliff was a part of a seemingly endless canyon. It stretched further than Zac could see and the bottom was shrouded in a thick mist, giving the impression of being bottomless. The illusory world itself was a dull grey, as though all life had been sucked out of the area.


    The most shocking sight wasnt the canyon however, it was the enormous axe that was embedded in the ground a few hundred meters away from him. It was at least 50 meters tall and exuded a pressure that almost made Zac copse just from standing in the vicinity.


    The axe itself was simple and unadorned with a straight wooden haft. It was a double axe made in seemingly ordinary steel with curved edges. Even though it looked simple Zac felt that he was gazing at a supreme treasure just from the towering aura it exuded.


    As soon as Zacs eyesnded on the edge of the axe he stumbled backward, his face turning a ghastly white. It had felt like he was being split in two from just looking at the edge.


    After regaining his bearing he tentatively looked up at the axe again, careful to avoid looking at the edges. But as he did, his vision once more changed.


    The bleak dead world changed to one that could best be described as a paradise. Golden clouds hung in the sky, and there were fantastical buildings upon them. Awork of translucent bridges connected the sky cities, and flying contraptions could be seen gliding about.


    Zac himself was floating far up in the sky, seemingly unencumbered by gravity. Facing him was a vast celestial army. The army shone in a splendor of white and gold, and the generals radiated a terrifying power that Zac wouldnt even be able to begin to grade. A few groups of the army were circling pirs asrge as skyscrapers, and it took Zac a moment to realize the huge structures were actually supersized array gs, like the ones he had in his camp.


    There were even titans among the ranks of the humanoid army, the shortest standing being at least 100 meters tall. Their muscr frames looked strong enough to carry mountains.


    The army gave Zac a holy feeling, but it also emitted a monstrous killing intent, whichrgely seemed to be focused on himself. The very air seemed to vibrate with resentment.


    Zac was terrified, as he instinctively knew that each and every one of these warriors would be able to end him without breaking a sweat. He tried to turn around and flee, but he couldnt move even his eyes.


    A sigh escaped for his lips, making him realize he was not just an incorporeal being spectating, but inhabiting a body that was out of his control. It seemed he was viewing the scene through the eyes of someone else.


    His eyes suddenly looked down on his body, seeing a muscr frame covered in simple linen clothes. His feet were bare and dusty, looking as though he had walked all day without any shoes. Suddenly an axe entered his vision. It was hefted in his right hand and looked identical to the enormous one he had seen in the first vision at the canyon.


    The hand holding it was extremely rough and calloused as if it had been holding and swinging the axe for an eternity.


    His vision went back to the army, who now seemed to be preparing to attack. The air was rife with runaway power, almost to the point that the cosmic energy would liquefy.


    Thousands of warriors started infusing cosmic power into the towering array gs, who started to shine in a white light that superseded even the pir on his ind.


    Suddenly two enormous gates appeared above the army, summoned by the arrays. As the gates started to open an even stronger power started to leak out. It felt like a gods punishment was held within those gates, and if they opened he would be destroyed body and soul.


    But even against this force the being Zac inhabited didnt react. He simply lifted his axe, and with a grunt swung it down in a vertical arc.


    It was as though the world turned white with that swing, and nothing existed except its almighty arc expanding outward. Nothing could withstand it. The celestial soldiers were dismembered without managing to even muster up a defense.


    The pirs shattered, and the Titans roared and tried to defend against the wave with their superior physiques. It was to no avail as they crumbled when the wave passed through them.


    Some of the leaders frantically summoned awe-inspiring amounts of cosmic energy to muster up defenses that left Zac in shock. Others ripped open tears in the air itself to escape, shock and horror visible on their faces. But the de arc pushed through and crushed the defenses like dry twigs, annihting thest remnants of the army. Soon after even the void was split apart and dismembered body parts were thrown out of jagged rifts, and Zac could see it was the leaders that had tried fleeing through the void.


    Zacs vision started to blur, but thest thing he saw before everything faded was ahideous scar on the ground that stretched to the horizon. It looked like the world itself was maimed, and vast amounts of cosmic energy bled through the gash.


    Zacs vision returned to the canyon and the huge axe. Only now he understood it wasnt a canyon, but the rift caused by that endlessly powerful axe-swing. The once celestial vision he had seen during the battle was gone, reced with the empty destion of a dead world.


    Zacs emotions were in turmoil after the battle. He had be steady as a rock after over a thousand battles on the ind, but he wasnt prepared for what he had seen. Who was that man, and why was that army trying to fight him?


    Was that how a war in the multi-verse looked? If so, then earth was well and truly screwed. If someone arrived on earth with only a fraction of the power of the man with the axe, then there was nothing the earthlings could do. It would be like ants trying to stop a tank.


    Furthermore, he didnt understand why he was shown this vision. He had just gotten the skill Axe Mastery and suddenly was transported here.


    As he was pondering what it all meant the gigantic axe started emitting a blinding light. When he turned his eyes over to the weapon the light intensified and suddenly the axe was gone.


    In its ce was arge fractal that shared the same general outline as the axe. It also emitted extreme pressure, making Zac feel as though he could somehow be cleaved in two from this pattern as well.


    The fractal didnt stay still for long, and suddenly started to shrink. When it had shrunk into the size of his palm it suddenly shot toward him like a bullet. Aghast Zac tried to dodge. It truly felt like the monstrous axe was charging at him.


    It was to no avail however, and it mmed right into his forehead. Zac froze, not daring to move an inch.


    Luckily the release of death didnt arrive, and he found out he waspletely fine. The fractal hadnt cut him but somehow entered his head instead. He could now sense its existence in his mind, and it hovered there now seemingly inert.


    Finally, he bit his finger making a small bleeding wound, and willed himself back to reality. He opened his eyes, still sitting in his small hideout. He was shocked to notice that he waspletely soaked in sweat and drained of cosmic energy. It also seemed that hours had passed, rather than minutes as it had felt like, since the suns had moved quite a distance in the sky. But as he looked down on his finger it was whole and without any wound.


    It seemed that the experience had truly been an illusion. He was already somewhat sure of that but had cut his finger just to be certain. He knew the System was no stranger to teleportation from how it sent away Hannah and her friends, and needed to know if he was in actual danger if it happened again.


    For a final test, he tried to enter the mystic space once more, but nothing happened. It seemed it was a one-time opportunity he had received. He was at least happy to notice that the mysterious axe fractal actually had remained in his mind, as he could still perceive it outside of the illusion.


    He was quite sure that the new fractal was the axe mastery skill that he had received, but he had no idea how to utilize it as of yet. He had initially nned on heading back to camp to finish his Chop quest as well, but he changed his mind.


    He believed he saw those scenes for a reason and wanted to go over it while the memories were still fresh. So instead he rested his back against the tree trunk and once again closed his eyes.

 Chapter 38: Insight

    Chapter 38: Insight


    Zacs instincts told him that what he had seen had been important. So he tried to burn every feeling and impression to his memory.


    The immense pressure that emanated from the axe and the terrifying sharpness of its edge. The world-ending power of the seemingly casual strike by the barefooted man. He had just swung once, but somehow everything he had wished to cut was cut, and nothing could escape him. Even the people who fled through portals hadnt been spared and were somehow killed in another space.


    He tried to figure out why he was shown this vision. He could only assume it came from the System, as he couldnt imagine who else would, and could, show him such a thing.


    He did not believe it was something as fantastical as a glimpse into his own future or a prophecy, rather felt it was far more likely the System was trying to show him something else. The only thing he coulde up with was that it was sort of a training video. The illusion showed him what axe-mastery at a great, or maybe even the highest, proficiency looked like.


    If that was the truth he wasnt disappointed anymore that he didnt get a rare or epic mage ss. That army had even called upon the gates of heaven to attack, but it couldnt even withstand one chop. That axe master had also conquered the disadvantage of being a melee ss. Everything in his vision was chopped and dismembered, no matter how far or fast they fled.


    Of course, Zac knew that even if that was a real event that had happened, it had nothing to do with him. The power levels of those warriors did not seem as simple as having an E-grade or even D-grade ss. It felt like a level so far off that it might just as well be a dream.


    But still if he could glean some sort of truth or secret from the vision hed likely benefit greatly from it. It also gave him a wake-up call about how formidable the forces out in the multi-verse were. He had known that there would be powerful people out there, but he hadnt imagined it being to this degree. That axe wielder would be able to cleave his whole ind in two. That was not something that should be possible for a human being. That was the realm of the gods.


    So it seemed actual beings with the powers of gods were out there. If one of them got angered with him or someone else from earth there might be irrevocable repercussions. There were already demons on his ind, and there might be other forces on the as well. It seemed the restrictions were weakening as well, and sooner orter any old monster might be able to waltz through one of the incursions.


    If he wanted to keep himself and his close ones safe he had to keep pushing forward until he himself was one of those gods.


    Of course, he had to survive this ind first before starting fantasizing about deifying himself. He refocused and started looking at the new fractal in his mind. He didnt really understand how it worked, but it felt like it was housed in an actual space in his mind, rather than it being just a memory.


    It was a very weird feeling, as it was akin to noticing your body had secretpartments.


    Unfortunately, no matter how he looked at the fractal he couldnt glean anything from it. He tried driving cosmic energy through it but it had no effect. Since it had entered his mind its heavy aura was gone, and it seemed dead or deactivated.


    Zac sighed, feeling slightly disappointed. He had essentially been shown a pretty cool action scene, and was left with a pattern he couldnt use. He knew he was likely missing something, but could only return to his camp for now.


    As he walked back he kept pondering about the vision he had seen. He wondered if hed ever get to the point of that man in his vision.


    He looked down on his axe and with a half-smile he swung it down just like the man in the illusion. Of course, no earth-shattering wave of destruction erupted from the swing. Only a slight swooshing sound was the result of the swing.


    But after he performed the swing he stopped. The attack just felt <em>wrong</em>. He couldnt put it to words, but it was as though the attack was nd and tpared to the one in the illusion. And he wasnt talking about the earth-shattering power, but something else.


    Even though his swing and the axe-mans had the same trajectory it felt like mans swing was real and his the illusion rather than the opposite. Like the mans swing was a forest and Zacs just a picture of one.


    His swing was missing something, and it was not form or technique, but something more intrinsic. If he hadnt seen that scene he never would have figured it out. He would think that a swing was just a swing.


    He imagined the intense pressure he had felt when standing in front of the huge axe, and tried to incorporate it into the axe. It was easier said than done of course, and Zac kept swinging away while walking back. He even used some demon beasts as practice targets to try to get the feel.


    He also tried incorporating cosmic energy into the fractal while swinging, but it also didnt do anything. He was still missing that feeling that would make his swings feel full instead of empty.


    He tried to discern what made the axe-man so strong and made him effortlessly defeat the army. It wasnt speed. His swing had been slow to the point of almost feelingzy. It hadnt been sophisticated orplicated either, but simple and unadorned, just like his axe.


    But the swing was sharp. Anything it attacked was cut. It didnt matter if it were the huge titans, the awe-inspiring defenses of the top cultivators in the army, or even the gates of heaven. Everything that the axe waves hit was split in two.


    However, what had made thergest impression on Zac was the heaviness the swing had contained. By that he didnt mean that the axe grew heavy like the great sword, but it felt like the axe had contained an unstoppable force when falling down. It had felt that the weight of a world was contained in that swing, and it had an unbending determination and intractability contained in it. Anything that tried to impede its path would be destroyed.


    Zac didnt understand how he could know these things. They should be subjective opinions and personal impressions, but it felt like those impressions were rather invible truths. That the mans attack contained these abstruse elements felt as true and real as that the sky was blue.


    Zac also somehow knew there was a multitude of other aspects hidden in that seemingly simple swing, but they seemed too far away and elusive for him to grasp onto. He decided to focus on the power and forcefulness for now rather than the sharpness as he felt the heaviness the most clearly in his mind. He was afraid of trying to study both aspects at the same time would be too hard for him to handle.


    Zac tried to bring this sense of force and weight into his swing and started to bring more and more cosmic energy into it. His energy started to naturally flow along his pathways, and the whirling sounds from the axe started to sound slightly deeper.


    Just as he started to feel that he started to grasp something a blue box suddenly popped up by itself.


    <strong>[Dao seed gained - Heaviness]</strong>


    Confused, Zac stopped swinging and brought up his status page.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>28</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>136</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>66</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>46</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>46</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>64</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>134780</strong>


    Zac was shocked when he saw his Strength. He had gained close to 30 points in Strength without gaining any levels.


    There were two other changes to his page. The first was that he had a new title, Child of Dao. The second was an entirely new row was added next to the titles, called Dao.


    Zac had heard of the concept of Dao somewhere, but couldnt remember the details. It was a part of eastern mythology or religion, but he didnt know exactly what it meant. But from context it felt like it was akin to insight or the like.


    He had started to gain insight into the weight behind the mans swing, and he gained a Dao seed.


    He began with checking his new title.


    <strong>[Child of Dao: Third in world to attain enlightenment and create a Dao seed. All stats +5, All stats +5%.]</strong>


    The description gave Zac a start. He was only the third in the world to gain the Dao seed. Since the integration into the multi-verse he had constantly been at the forefront, be it with achievements or levels. But he had actually been bested on this aspect.


    He didnt know if someone had surpassed him in level since level 25 and gained a seed the same way as him, or whether there were other ways to get them. But it was a reminder that there were billions of people in the world. He had his lucky encounters, why couldnt others have theirs?


    Besides, he knew he wasnt a born warrior, and it had taken him an enormous amount of effort to get where he was today. Perhaps there were geniuses that simply were perfectly suited for cultivation and the new world order.


    The lost opportunity made him feel a bit depressed, and he swore at himself for all the time he had wasted. Had he gotten to this point a few days quicker he might have snagged a better title.


    If the third spot got 5 points in all stat and 5% increase, what did the second and first ce get? Perhaps as much as 10 points for second spot and a whopping 15 points for the first?


    But Zac steadied his mind quickly, as he knew he couldnt get greedy. The number of advantages he had umted would probably make anyone on earth green with envy if they knew.

 Chapter 39: Guidance

    Chapter 39: Guidance


    Next Zac wanted to check out the Dao seed. Soon he managed to open a new screen in the system.


    It didnt have a lot of information, just a list in the same manner as the titles.


    <strong>[Dao seed of Heaviness Early. Strength +10, Endurance +5]</strong>


    While the menu or information wasnt very spectacr, the stat bonuses were quite good. As Zacs main stats were Strength and Endurance this seeds bonus was a perfect gift. Perhaps a reason why he learned the Dao seed so smoothly was due to this.


    It also made him understand the importance of Dao to the system. He just gained a seed of the Dao of Heaviness, and it was only an early seed. Both things indicated that he had just taken the first steps to understand this concept, but it already gave a boost worth a few levels.


    What would it give if he managed to improve it to a higher level, like the Late stage? And what happened if it stopped being a seed and turned into the real thing? The boost it gave would likely be astonishing.


    Zac felt that the seed and the fractal in his mind were somehow connected. He gained it while trying to emte the powerful feeling in that axe swing after all. He once again turned his sight inward and gazed upon the axe fractal again.


    He couldnt tell exactly how, but he sensed that the pattern of the fractal somehow subtly changed. It also no longer seemed inert as it was before, but emitted an aura that gave Zac the familiar sense of weight and intractability.


    It was the same sense of heaviness that he somewhat managed to instill into his swings while trying to emte the axe-man. Now that he could contrast it to the aura in the illusion, he understood that the Dao of Heaviness was only part of the whole picture, and the suffocating aura of the axe was something far greater.


    Still, it was a step in the right direction. His seed was only at the early stage. There surely were ways to improve upon it, and perhaps someday his axe aura, or Dao, might be as mighty as the one he saw.


    Now that the fractal felt active again, he once more tried to circte cosmic energy through it. This time it actually worked, and the fractal lit up.


    Suddenly his vision changed, and fractals started appearing. Some shone up like glowing footprints in the ground, and others were lights forming arcs and trajectories around him. The lights seemed to have no effect on its surroundings, not lighting the ground or trees up in the slightest. Furthermore, when Zac moved his head the lights moved with him and slightly adjusted. Meaning it came from the system in the same manner as his different menus.


    It felt like he was wearing augmented-reality goggles, giving him an extrayer of reality that only he could see. At least he assumed only he could see the lights and the menus, as they only seemed to respond and change in reaction to Zacs movements andmands.


    He tried to touch the fractals that formed the trajectories, but it was like trying to touch a rainbow. Furthermore, as he moved his hand the lights adjusted and moved as well. After adjusting to his new vision he tried stepping on the glowing footprints and moving his body ording to the illuminated trajectories. He found himself swinging his axe in a nted upwards motion. The movement felt smooth and natural, and it felt like he was able to bring the full force of almost his whole body into the swing.


    He kept following the glowing instructions and found himself performing a multitude of attacks. There were not only normal swings, but every part of the axe was used. From the butt of the haft to the spike on the back-side of the head, everything was used in an array of methods to maim and kill enemies. It even showed how to use the rest of his body, such as grabbing with his off-hand, footwork and tackles.


    It couldnt be said that the fractals in the air taught him actual Skills, but rather basic guidance on how to properly move and handle an axe.


    Every strike had one thing inmon, it contained the mass and intractability of his Dao. It made him realize many aspects of his weapon of choice as well. An axe differed from a sword in that it was bnced toward the head, whereas a sword was closer to the handle. This gave an axe a higher forward momentum and higher destructive power.


    To master the axe he should focus on the part where it excelled, meaning this power and forcefulness. Its disadvantage was that it wasnt as flexible as a sword was. The ded area was also far shorter with an axe, so some precision was needed for a killing strike. At least until he could swing his axe in the fantastical manner of the man in the vision.


    Zac kept going through various motions as he moved toward the camp. He was entranced by the beautiful simplicity in the moves, and the power they managed to bring out.


    Suddenly he stumbled and fell down, shocked to notice that he waspletely and utterly drained. He hadntpletely recovered his energy from his vision earlier, and it seemed like using the axe fractal consumedrge amounts of cosmic energy.


    At least Zac finally felt he had figured out how the <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> skill worked. It wasnt what he expected, but he was still very happy with the result.


    He initially thought he would get a bonus to stats simr to the Demon yer title, like bonus stats while wielding an axe, and perhaps generally get imparted some knowledge about axes. The reality actually trumped his expectations, and the rewards were twofold.


    The first part was the vision, which Zac now was certain was showed to him so that he could nt his Dao Seed. The other part was this guidance system that could help him improve his form and fighting abilities. It might have been more convenient if the System crammed his head full of these things, making him master these aspects immediately.


    Perhaps that wasnt possible, as it was rted to the Dao. Or perhaps the system didnt want to just hand things out willy-nilly. The guidance system was a god given in any case as Zac had missed the tutorial and sorely needed some guidance.


    Of the two he felt the Dao-vision was the most valuable. One might be able to gain those seeds by themselves by meditating or being an expert on a subject, but Zacs intuition told him that it wasnt that easy. Otherwise, he wouldnt have been the third, but the 3rd millionth, to attain a Dao Seed. The world was full of experts, after all.


    He decided on the spot to use the time he earlier spent on cutting wood on practicing his axe-form in the future. That time would be freed up as soon as he finished the second ss quest in any case.


    Zac sat down to recuperate and devoured some meat from his pouch, before continuing back home. It was dark when he returned to camp, as usual, this time due to his new skill rather than grinding monsters all waking hours.


    Still, he couldnt rest, as he was too excited about what his other skill would be like. He started cutting wood in a furious speed, lumber flying left and right. After roughly 90 minutes he slowed down and caught his breath. He was only 10 swings away from finishing the quest for the <strong>[Chop]</strong> skill, and he wanted to be in rested condition just in case.


    He drank a mouthful of water and steadied his breath before once again hefting his axe and swinging the 10 final strikes.


    This time cosmic energy didnt enter his mind, but information. This time the impartment was akin to when he bought <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>from the Nexus Crystal<strong>. </strong>Zac was a bit disappointed that he wouldnt get another vision that could give him another Dao seed or the like, but he knew that was a rare opportunity he gained.


    The skill was another fractal, and the usage was simr to the identification skill. It needed him to circte cosmic energy through his energy pathways in a specific manner, then imagining it entering this fractal. The difference was that while <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>ced the fractals inside his eyes, the new one was on the top of his right hand. It wasnt a physical manifestation, rather it superimposed itself on his pathways.


    This was different from his eye skill, which was isted fractals in his eyes. The <strong>[Chop] </strong>skills fractal seemed to actually merge with his ss-pathways. It didnt look out of ce or messy, but it felt as a missing piece of a puzzle was added.


    When Zac rewrote his pathways there were many parts that looked blurry and missing. It seemed that from his new skill that they were slots for his skills. Maybe even other skills, like<strong> [Steps of Gaia]</strong> that he was eyeing in the store, could be slotted into his pathway gaps.


    He tried doing the same with his ocr skill, but it was a closed circuit fractal, giving no opportunity to integrate with his pathways. The axe mastery fractal was in an enclosed space in his mind, and he had no way to connect it to his pathways either. Unfortunately, hecked any more skills to experiment with. He actually had enough Nexus Coins to buy the cheapest skills by now, but he didnt want to burn his hard earned cash for an experiment.


    He wasnt sure what benefits there were to slotting it into his pathwayspared to simply having them like his identification skill. He would have to test it and find out.


    Even though it waste at night he couldnt wait, too eager to find out the effects of his new skill. Even if he realized it would be nothing like the great spells he saw in the vision, he had already fought against someone with an impressive skill. It was the demon leader with the great sword, whose furniture now adorned his campsite.


    The ck arcs of lightning had almost gotten him killed a few times. From the simple name of his own skill he realized that it might not be as extravagant though. But he did get it from a rare ss after all, so it shouldnt be useless.


    He nned to try out the skill by using it a few times, then finding a demon beast to test it on, so he left his camp in search for a decent target.


    As he walked some ways from the camp he made a new discovery. A skill screen had been added to his various prompts. It hadnt been there when he bought the identification skill, which is why it had taken him all day before trying it. He surmised it mustve activated when he got his ss skills.


    <strong>Normal Skills</strong>


    <strong>Eye of Discernment - Proficiency: - . A glimpse into the unknown. Upgradeable</strong>


    <strong>ss Skill</strong>


    <strong>Axe Mastery - Proficiency: Early. The seed of Dao is nted. Upgradeable</strong>


    <strong>Chop - Proficiency: Early. There is greatness in simplicity.</strong>


    The screen showed scant information, but it did give Zac a few answers to things he had been wondering about. The ss skills seemed to have proficiency, and both were at early stage. His Dao seed was at early stage as well, and he guessed that if he progressed in <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>, the seed might follow.


    <strong>[Chop] </strong>would likely simply get stronger if the proficiency increased. His identification skill had no proficiency, and it seemed that it wouldnt get stronger. He had wondered about whether he could improve his skill and get more information about enemies, or even be able to identify items.


    It was, however, upgradeable. He saw no hint of the requirements, but it was good to know that he could improve the skill into a better one. <strong>[Chop]</strong> wasnt upgradeable, which was a bit disappointing. He could only hope the description was true, that there was greatness in simplicity.


    If he went by his knowledge from video games, then hed likely need to raise proficiency to the max before somehow upgrading <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>into a higher tiered skill. As that option wasnt avable for <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>, he could only hope to find out some clues at ater date.


    Of course, even if he wouldnt be able to upgrade <strong>[Chop] </strong>hed still try to max out its proficiency. Who knew if the System would reward a Title, or new ss quests if he did. The system did like it when people put in effort, after all.

 Chapter 40: Chop

    Chapter 40: Chop


    As he walked away from the camp in the dead of the night he was going over his future path of development. He couldnt just focus on training with the new guidance system all day due to the third ss skill requiringrge amounts of time battling in the forest.


    On the way from the camp he tried using <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>in an actual battle with a barghest. He was disappointed to see that the trajectories wouldnt actually assist him in battle, andpletely shut off right before the battle started. It seemed it was purely a training mechanism.


    Finally he arrived at a small clearing some distance from the camp. He didnt want to identally ruin his home in case the skill had any unexpected effects.


    He started with using a small amount of energy and channeled it through his new fractal as he swung the axe. The energy transformed as it ventured out through his hand and into the axe. As he swung down he could see a translucent edge formed by cosmic energy.


    It was like the axe head had gotten a bitrger, as the translucent edge ran a few centimeters in front of the actual edge, and its length was roughly 10 centimeters longerpared to the actual steel edge. The edge created from cosmic energy looked like a copy of his axes actual edge, with some faint fractals added along its length.


    It wasnt spectacr but he used a minuscule amount of energy in the strike. He tried using the skill once more, but this time he put far more cosmic energy into the skill. The translucent de grew quite a bitrger, now stretching noticeably outward. The de was now over one meter long, making his once short-ranged axe have almost as long a range as the great sword he hadmandeered. Luckily the edge didnt grow downward along the haft, but rather outward. Otherwise it would be hard for him to swing it without maiming himself.


    It was out of Zacs expectation it would grow to this size. As he continued putting in more power into the skill it kept growing, but Zac soon felt that he was starting to lose control over the skill. Suddenly the cosmic energy de simply dissipated, leaving no trace of ever being there.


    It seemed that there was a limit of howrge he could grow the de without it starting to be unstable. After some experimentation he knew that he could keep the de stable at roughly one meter. Anyrger and it would quickly be unstable. The longer he made the de the shorter duration he could keep it.


    It seemed that this was all that there was to the skill. He tried shooting it away like a ranged attack or boomerang, but nothing happened. It was firmly lodged to his axe. Of course, the proficiency was only at early stage, and it might get more functions at higher levels.


    Zac was still quite pleased with the skill, even though it wasnt as shy as the ck lightning of the demon leader. It wasnt fancy but he could immediately imagine a few uses for a skill such as this. For one he could surprise an enemy. He or she might have thought that they dodged his strike, but instead they were well within the range of his skill de.


    It was also a brutal instrument when fighting against multiple enemies. If he pushed it past its point of stability he could wield a huge de and sh at multiple people at one, at least for a short duration before the skill broke. With his monstrous strength he believed that he could create a great deal of carnage in that brief window in time.


    Of course, that would be ast resort attack, as cramming that amount of cosmic energy into one skill use would greatly drain him.


    There was one thing he didnt understand with the skill. He had gained his Dao seed from managing to incorporate this intangible force of heaviness into his strikes while he was walking back to the camp, but he was utterly incapable of doing the same with the skill.


    He tried using a few Dao empowered strikes, and they did have an air of weight to them. It wasnt as tyrannical as the axe-mans of course, but it felt like these strikes should be harder for someone to blockpared to normal strike.


    But when he tried incorporating this feeling into <strong>[Chop]</strong>, everything got jumbled and he didnt even manage to produce the de. He saw no reason that they shouldnt work together but guessed that he had to practice some more before being able to use it as he wished.


    Thest thing for him to test out with the new skill was the sharpness. It was somewhat pointless if he got arger edge if it wasnt sharp. Sure, with his strength hed do damage anyways without a sharp edge, but if the translucent edge was dull he might as well swing around a tree trunk.


    He charged up a meter long de and swung down upon a rock almost as tall as him. With a ng the cosmic energy de cut halfway into the stone. Satisfied, Zac let the de dissipate.


    It seemed that cutting through things would use up the energy fasterpared to simply having it summoned, but even while not cutting things it continuously drained him slowly. Of course he could likely keep inputting more and more energy and the de would remain. But it seemed to be a wasteful use of cosmic energy.


    Zac felt that the skill was best used as either a finisher or surprise attack, not in a long protracted battle. He would only be able to use it continuously for a few minutes at the most before beingpletely drained.


    The sharpness seemed to be roughly the same as with his actual axe. It did seem to model itself after his axes edge after all, so it made sense that they would share some features. He wondered if the sharpness improved if he got a higher grade weapon in the future. He was sure that his weapon was a low F-grade de, as he had looted it on some random demon after all. It couldnt be too valuable.


    He then brought out a sword from his pouch to test whether he could use <strong>[Chop] </strong>with other weapons, but it at least didn''t work with swords.


    He was nning on testing some more but a snap of a twig in the vicinity stopped him in his tracks.


    Zac got a sinking feeling, as he had made sure that there were no beasts in the area before trying out the skill. He quickly slunk down into nearby foliage and started to retreat toward his camp, taking great care to not make a sound.


    Only the gwyllgi among the demons seemed to be active during the night, but he had never heard those beasts make any sounds while moving through the forest. That meant that the snap of the twig was more likely to be one of the war parties moving about.


    He swore at himself for his carelessness. He had been on a high from his new boosts and wasnt as careful as he should be. Even when grinding beasts his biggest priority had always been keeping a lookout for these parties. He always kept moving and didnt fight close to his base as he didnt want to attract attention to that area.


    Now he was quite close to his camp, and his swing into the stone had made a sound. He soundlessly passed through theyer and entered his illusion array. He could only hope it was arge critter that was lumbering around in the dark.


    Zac held his axe at the ready, vigntly gazing into the woods. His hopes were soon dashed as he saw one of the roving war parties moving close by. The demons conversed in theirnguage with subdued voices, seemingly arguing about something.


    The core of the party consisted of 6 demons and an imp. They generally seemed to be average soldiers, with none of them wearing expensive-looking gear. There also were a few gwyllgi and barghest surrounding the party.


    Zac didnt dare to move even though he knew that his camp just looked like an empty area with some extra dense bushes. His illusion array was effective on the eyes, but he had no idea whether there were skills that could sense the array. He had tried it with his <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>without finding anything, but it was also the cheapest skill that the Nexus Node offered.


    Suddenly he saw a gwyllgi was slowlying extremely close, moving some ways from the group. If it kept moving the direction it did, it would enter the bushes he had moved to the edge of his camp, and soon after enter his array.


    Zacs fears came true as it trotted forward and entered his camp through the dense bushes. Zac was ready and with lightning speed he grabbed the hounds neck as soon as it was through the array, and with a twist broke it. With his strength he could probably rip its head right off, but he didnt want any blood to spill.


    He slowly dragged the corpse into the camp and flung it to the side. Luckily the array also had sound dampening, so no one should have heard anything. He resumed his vigil against the rest of the group, and it seemed no one among them had noticed the missing beast. The gwyllgi often moved some distance from the parties acting as scouts, so it would likely take some while before they noticed their missing beast. Unfortunately, they had stopped just 50 meters away from the camp.


    They still seemed to be arguing about something in hushed tones. One of the demons seemed nervous and kept pointing toward where Zac had tested his skill. The others seemed unconvinced and dismissive.


    One of the demons rolled his eyes at the nervous one and started to actually walk toward Zacs camp. The nervous demon entreated him, but was just met with a dismissive wave of his hand. He started fiddling with his pants and stopped at a tree just half a meter away from the edge of the illusion array.


    The demon was actually relieving himself. He looked around the area while he did so. His eyes stopped a second on the camp. It should look like a normal clearing to him, but the demon slightly furrowed his brows. Soon they smoothed out and he casually looked away again and continued with his business.


    But Zacs heart started beating rapidly after scrutinizing the demons face.


    <em>He</em><em>knew.</em>

 Chapter 41: Apex Predator

    Chapter 41: Apex Predator


    Zac didnt dare hesitate and furiously chopped his axe down through the array while the demon still had his pants down doing his business.


    As Zac suspected the demon was ready for the strike, and without hesitation, he lifted his sword to meet the oing attack. Unfortunately for him Zacs strength was in another league, and with the addition of the Dao of Heaviness the force of the swing simply broke the poor demons arms and continued unimpeded into his head.


    It looked like that the array didnt hold up to scrutiny when observed at such proximity, or maybe the demon simply used some ocr skill more powerful than his <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>. The demon had noticed something was wrong but didnt want to alert anyone to this fact until he was back at safety in his group. But some discreet facial tics had foiled his ns.


    After the swing Zac quickly grabbed two of his knives from his pouch and hurled them at the war party just as they were shocked by an axe appearing out of thin air and killing theirrade.


    One of the knives punched a hole through the imp, instantly killing it, but the other missed the demon he was aiming for. Hed trained his throwing skills diligently since his embarrassing throw thatpletely missed the target in his first battle against a barghest. Together with his increased stats in Strength and Dexterity, his aim was quite good by now, but he still couldnt always hit his targets when throwing in rapid session.


    He threw another dagger but the demon dodged it, as it was ready for the attacks now. The barghest were stupid however, and a knife instantly mmed into its torso, maiming it badly. He had a decent stock of knives by now since killing the scout demons surrounding the valley with the incursion, and could keep throwing them for a while.


    He didnt have any time to kill the other barghest, as he saw one of the demons starting to conjure a fireball. Aghast, he didnt dare to hesitate, and hurled a dagger at the mage. He couldnt have him burn the camp down, or even start a forest fire. Every demon on the ind would know a battle was happening here.


    A magic shield stopped the dagger in its tracks, so Zac had no choice but to charge out of his array toward the demons. There still were 5 demons and a couple of demon beasts against him. Fortunately he killed the imp immediately, otherwise hed have to worry about those fireballs. They were still extremely deadly, even with his improved constitution.


    Suddenly as he was approaching spikes shot out the ground. They looked like thin stctites, so it seemed one of the demons was a rock mage. Not expecting the attack one of the spikes managed to stab into his gut before he could react.


    His breastte was high quality work, but unfortunately it only covered his upper torso. Therefore his only protection on the rest of his body was themon leather armor which barely impeded attacks. He broke off the one impaling him and then destroyed the other with a swing.


    An arrow crackling with electricity zoomed toward his head as he was getting rid of the stone spears. He had to dodge before properly removing the tip of the spike from his stomach, making it do some extra damage while he rolled away.


    As he got back to his feet the fire mage already seemed ready to fire his spell. But to Zacs horror he wasnt actually aiming at him or the camp, but straight up. The demon intended to use it as a signal re while the others impeded him.


    Zac desperately infused all the cosmic energy and heaviness he could into his arm and threw his axe with a grunt. The axe sounded like a propeller as it ripped through the air at the mage. The magic shield that stopped his knife shattered like a mirror, and the axe head mmed into the mages chest, instantly killing him.


    Lucky for him the ball of me snuffed out as soon as the mage died, just like how it did with the imps he had fought. There would be no signal re or forest fire this time at least.


    But Zac didnt have time to breathe out in relief, as a barghest mmed straight into him. The demonic brutes could charge straight through smaller trees, so the forcepletely winded him. Had he been prepared he could have used the inscription on his chest piece, as his chest armor held one charge where it could nullify an attack. But Zac himself had to activate it and he wasn''t prepared for the body m.


    An arrow shot into his stomach as he was pushed backward as well, piling on to his misery. Luckily his endurance was up in the high 70s by now, and it didnt get far into his body before stopping.


    However, the arrow released a lightning shock right into his intestines, making him unable to breathe for a second. Zac coughed out a mouthful of blood but didnt dare move the arrow, remembering that leaving the weapons in the wound when stabbed was safer. He could only break it off and ignore it for now. Instead, he punched the barghest which caused it to crash hard into the ground.


    A sh of pain erupted on his back, and he noticed a gwyllgi had approached soundlessly from behind. Normally these beasts were of no concern, but he also had to worry about the mage and archer. There also were two more demons who still stayed put. One of them carried a two-handed sword, and with his muscr build looked very much like a ssic warrior.


    But the others gear gave Zac no indication of her means of attack. He assumed she was some sort of mage, as she held a tome inher hands.


    Zac growled in annoyance and kept the barghest down on the ground with one hand and grabbed a knife out of his pouch with the other. With a quick stab he tore its throat out. It was still alive but wouldnt be for long. He just barely dodged another arrowing at him right after his kill, but simultaneously an earthen spike tore straight through the dying barghest and headed for his head.


    Just as he was about to dodge a splitting pain in his mind made himpletely nk out, and as he tried to dodge the iing spike he realized his body didnt respond.


    But with a muffled roar Zac used all his will-power to force himself to move. He seeded in breaking the odd restriction and managed to move his head away somewhat away from the stone spear. It still tore a huge gash in his left cheek, doubling the length of his mouth.


    Breaking free from the binding left him with a pounding headache and a bit woozy, and he had to shrug his head to reorient himself.


    A quick nce at the enemies showed that one of the demons who earlier had been staying put was puking blood while looking at Zac aghast. It was the one who was holding a tome looking mysterious. He didnt have time to think about what kind of skill she used, as he was beset from both behind and the back.


    A gwyllgi charged at him again, but this time he was prepared. With a quick stab blood gushed out of its chest, and it crashed into the ground. He took another arrow, this time to his leg, but it was a worthwhile price for another enemy down.


    He grabbed the dying gwyllgi by its neck and used it as a shield while charging toward the group. Their distance wasnt big and he was upon them before they could send another salvo of earthen spears and arrows.


    Zac ran toward the downed mage in order to get his axe back, but the warrior demon who had stood rooted until now ced himself in his way. From his bulging muscles he seemed he focused on the Strength attribute, which actually made Zac relieved rather than anything else. If it was one thing he was confident in it was his supreme strength.


    The warrior roared and swung his sword toward him. Zac didnt dare use his knife to intercept, and could only use the beast carcass as a club. He swung it at the warrior, trying to angle it so that he would hit the t of the de rather than the edge.


    The corpse and the sword shed, and the corpse exploded in a mangled shower of blood and viscera, drenching both Zac and the demon. But it did its job, and the sword was deflected once. That was all he needed, as he crashed into the demon with all the strength he could muster.


    The warrior was flung away like a ragdoll, not being able to muster any resistance in the slightest. He fell down a few meters away, and whether he was alive or dead was unknown. The demons seemingly hadnt expected that oue of the collision, and he managed to immediately snatch up his axe before they could react.


    Zac then made a beeline for the archer. At these close quarters, the archer had actually dropped his bow and instead held a short sword and a de respectively. Zac would have expected him to make some distance like thest archer he fought. But perhaps he either actually focused on des, or didnt dare turn his back on Zac while fleeing. Both the des were crackling with the same lightning as the arrows he had shot at Zac earlier.


    Zac ignored an earthen spear stabbing into him and pushed on toward the Rogue-looking demon. He wanted to make short work of him and swung a horizontal swing intended to cleave him in two.


    However the demon almost seemed to have no bones in his body, and curved his torso to avoid the swing, and then retaliated by trying to stab Zacs heart and throat. Zac was out of position with the swing and could only desperately protect himself with his free arm, really wishing he had a buckler right about now.


    The knife heading for his heart plunged into his bicep, and the short sword changed trajectory slightly to avoid hitting his arm as well. It at least managed to nick his throat, and a small gout of blood spurted out. But at least it hadnt hit an artery. The electric shocks hurt as well, but with Zacs Endurance he could grit his teeth and simply force his body not to spasm. These arcs of lightning couldn''tpare to the ck lightning he had tasted earlier as well.


    He turned his hand to readjust his edge and tried to swipe the demon on the way back. The demon once again deftly repositioned his body so that he would be able to avoid it, but this time Zac wouldn''t be denied. Just as the axe de was about to miss the demons throat a translucent edge grew out a meter and cleanly decapitated the ranger.


    Zac didnt really want to show his ace while there still were 3 demons alive, but he had to kill the ranger. The ranger was the only one he wasnt sure he would be able to catch if they started to flee. And if they were sane they should. He had decimated half their force in almost no time. His wounds looked grisly but nothing that would stop him from continuing his onught.


    With his new skills and power-ups he truly felt like the apex predator of his ind.

 Chapter 42: Exodus

    Chapter 42: Exodus


    With only two demons left, not including the knocked out warrior, Zac charged toward his next targets. The two demons briefly looked at each other in the eye, and bothunched an attack before fleeing.


    The tome-wielding demons attack was an almost invisible ripple in the air, whereas the earth mage erected arge wall. Zac once again threw his axe just before the wallpletely obscured the two fleeingbatants, and then he crashed straight into the wall.


    The wall was hastily erected and couldnt withstand Zacs momentum, and he sted through it like a wrecking ball. Just as he did the ripple hit him, making him nauseous and disoriented. But the attack wasnt as strong as the earlier one, and he soon managed to dispell the effects.


    A quick nce at the demon who used the ripple attacks showed her dead with an exploded chest, with his axe stuck in the ground some distance away from her corpse. But before he could continue on to kill the earth mage he felt an intense amount of danger as he heard a whistling sound. It was the sword-wielding warrior who Zac had punted earlier.


    Somehow he had gotten up and snuck right behind Zac without him noticing, and his two-handed sword was bearing down on his throat. Zac had no time to dodge and could only put his hopes on the spell on his chest. The familiar golden sheen of the armors skill immediately enveloped him, just in time to intercept therge sword.


    With a crash, the warrior was flung backward once again, and this time Zac could hear the sound of bone breaking.


    The earth demon was still running and Zac couldnt let him get away. He barreled after him and threw a knife at the back of the mage. A block of rock rose up behind him intercepting the dagger, but the scare made the mage stumble.


    Zac immediately rushed to the fallen demon, and ferociouslystabbed down at his throat. However, ayer of rock appeared onthe mage''sskin, creating anotheryer of defense.The knife simply couldnt cut through it.


    Terror was still evident in the demons eyes, and it stuttered some words in its ownnguage. Zac ignored it and brought out the huge greatsword from his pouch. He increased the weight to the max through the inscription on the de, and mmed it down on the body. It was cruel, but he wouldn''t risk letting the mage somehow alerting the army of what was going on.


    Over 130 Strength and a heavy greatsword resulted in a ruptured lump of flesh on the ground, and even a crater was created.


    Zac didnt waste any time, and immediately ran back toward thest demon. He found him limping away from the scene of the battle, his sword discarded where he fell. He soon noticed Zac approaching with fear and hatred evident on his face. Suddenly hepletely disappeared, shocking Zac.


    He wondered if the demon used some sort of teleportation skill which would allow it to escape. He furiously ran toward where the demon disappeared and looked around for any clues.


    Zac saw a glimmer in the distance and immediately threw a dagger at it. Suddenly the background looked like it was distorting, and the warrior reappeared, the dagger lodged in his arm. Zac ran over, and with a swing of the great sword ended the fight.


    Thest demon had used an illusion skill like his array, or something simr. That was also how he snuck up and almost decapitated him earlier. Zac was a bit surprised a meat head-looking warrior knew such a skill, as that felt like something that usually belonged to rogue-like sses.


    It made him realize he couldnt rely on his gaming experiences for everything. The system was quite omnipotent, and anything was possible.


    With the demons killed there was no hurry anymore, so Zac quickly treated most of his wounds and then gathered up all the corpses and their gear in his pouch. This also made sure none of the demons pulled a ruse on him and yed dead, as nothing living could enter the pouch. He also retrieved his daggers and axe, and while doing so he was attacked by thest barghest and gwyllgi from the roving party.


    With their masters dead they went back to their ordinary hyper-aggressive behavior. Without any demons shooting various things at him he finished them off easily, officially eradicating the war party.


    The fight had gone above his expectation, and he was almost like a fox let loose in a hen house. His stats were getting increasingly scary for his level. Furthermore, the fight had also made him realize something. Not one of the demons he had fought thus far used any Dao while fighting. They had used battle tactics and skills, but the indefinable quality of Dao, such as Zacs heaviness and force he could imbue into his strikes, were missing. Perhaps gaining a Dao seed was something umon, or at least hard, making it a rare boost reserved for the elite.


    He was also very satisfied with his new skill <strong>[Chop]</strong>. It worked just as he hoped, providing a great method of sneak attacking. He wasnt sure if it was designed to be used this way, but he felt it was the most effective method in this type ofbat.


    Zac had wanted to use the skill a bit more to test it out in battle, but unfortunately, he spent a good deal of the battle without the axe in his hand. He really hoped he would be able to pick up some back-up axes, or even throwing axes, soon. Unfortunately Azzun had been the only demon so far who fought with an axe.


    Even though he luckily stopped the signal re and finished the battle quickly Zac didnt feel relieved. The fight took ce right by his camp, making him realize it was just a matter of time before he was exposed.


    He spent the next hour going over the scene of the battle, meticulously removing any traces of battle that he could. He was forced to crush the earthen spikes into rubble, but the wall was crumbling by itself for some reason. Perhaps it was erected so hastily that it couldnt properly stabilize, sort of like his <strong>[Chop] </strong>de when making it too long.


    When finally done it wasnt readily apparent a battle took ce outside his camp. There were sections of overturned earth though, as Zac had to hide the blood and viscera somehow. Hopefully a day or two in the sun and wind would make it appear more natural.


    Finally Zac returned to the camp and properly stitched himself up. He had already removed the arrow-head, but the ugly gash in his face was still open. He prioritized hiding the scene of the battle and had only kept his mouth closed in hopes that it would help the wound close by itself.


    After taking a look in the mirror he saw it was already slowly starting to close. He knew that it would leave an ugly scar though, permanently disfiguring his face.


    <em>Well, better ugly than dead I suppose </em>Zac thought with a sigh. Besides, that scar was only thetest in a litany of wounds on his body umted over thest month.


    Finally he closed his eyes to sleep for two hours before getting up. His wounds were getting better. Most of the wounds had been quite shallow thanks to his high Endurance, and he felt healed enough for another day of battle.


    While cleaning up the scene during the night he made a difficult decision about his future. He would abandon camp, at least for now. The risk of returning home after a day of monsters grinding and finding himself in an ambush started to feel too high forfort. He would only return if absolutely needed.


    He started to pack up anything of use to bring with him. Luckily he acquired another magic pouch from the battle, although its space was smaller than his first. It was half-way packed with various rocks and nts. It seemed that the demon parties were roving the ind to collect samples of various things. Zac didnt know why, but he felt they didnt do it topose a botanical encyclopedia.


    His guess was that it was for healing remedies or poisons. Even before the world changed nts with healing properties existed, and if they got crammed chock-full with cosmic energy the effect might be far greater. Maybe the demons had some means to test whether the local flora possessed any value, so they collected it to be tested. That would exin why it was only a few samples of each type in the bag.


    He left the rocks and herbs in, as he didnt require a lot of space. The herbs mighte in handy in the future after all. He filled the other half with spare gear and the two luxurious chairs. He kept the table, rug, and parasol in his original pouch. He had grown fond of the furniture and didnt want them seized by the demons if they found his deserted campsite.


    He also tried storing the nexus crystals and the array gs, but it didnt work. He wasnt surprised, as he already knew he couldnt move them too far from the camp either. He once tried it earlier, as he had wanted to use the gravity array as a trap device. But when he moved the gs too far away from his designated outpost the gs started to vibrate ominously.


    Apparently, they would self-destruct if they were moved too far. They were bought by the System as an outpost improvement, so the System restricted them somehow. Maybe he could purchase non-restricted versions in the future in the shops he had seen in the outpost store. He could only leave them where they were and hope that the demons didnt destroy them. Most of the things would be pretty cheap to purchase again, but losing the gathering array would hurt.


    Finally he tried to store his new pouch in his old one, but it didnt work either. Perhaps one couldnt ce a magic space inside a magic space, as it would vite somew of space or whatever. He could only carry the two pouches next to each other on his belt.


    Having packed all his essentials he paused as he looked over the camp briefly, some sadness welling up in his heart. He probably wouldnt return here until the demons were dealt with. He now had both brought a demon here for interrogation and also fought arge battle right at the steps of his camp. The risk of staying here was toorge.


    He could buy defensive arrays, but he held little assurance that something that only cost around a 100 000 nexus coins could keep a whole demon army at bay. Besides, they simply needed to siege him by leaving a hundred men outside, and sooner orter he would run out of resources and also fail his quests.


    With a sour feeling he set out, moving toward the western part of the ind, where he fought the Herald. After arriving at the vicinity he dumped the bodies and tried to stage the area to look like it had happened there. He wasnt too optimistic that hed fool anyone though, but he didnt want to waste time with burying them. Theyd know the party was dead one way or another soon anyway, and he hoped to move their attention to this part of the ind.


    The corpses were left on the ground without any of their gear and weapons, as it was all pilfered by Zac.


    Done with the task he set out again, this time heading for the mountain.

 Chapter 43: Stone Monkeys

    Chapter 43: Stone Monkeys


    Zac moved through the forest with determination. He felt that he couldnt look around for information or clues anymore. He simply couldnt find thest Herald, and he was making no headway regarding the General either.


    The general was likely holed up in the city, and thest herald either stayed in the cave or in the city as well. He had traversed the whole ind while grinding for his quest skills, and hadnt even seen a trace of the alpha beast. The city and the cave were thest two options that he coulde up with.


    He needed to progress his quests, and the monkey mountain was the only way he could as he saw it. The other option was entering the cave, but he felt it was too risky for now. There was a lot of foot traffic to and from that cave, and it seemed they ced great importance on it. He had no idea of the topography inside either, meaning he might be stuck in arge cave with no other exits.


    The mountain was a safer bet. While it was somewhat close to demon activity, the cave was located at the foot of the mountain towards the southeast. If he kept his activities to the western part and the central area of the mountain he should be able to act unconstrained without any demons noticing. That was as long as another war party didnt happen upon him of course.


    But the mountain sported aplicated terrain with a multitude of outcroppings, caves, and paths, making it convenient to escape even if he was found out.


    He soon arrived at the mountain and stealthily started making his way forward, looking for targets. He was nning on thinning the herd for a few days while looking for the monkey king. Since the stone monkeys had a strong sense of camaraderie he was afraid that the monkey Herald would be able to summon hundreds of monkeys with a shout.


    But if those animals were already dead hed be able to fight the boss without any interruptions. He had already seen that no reinforcements came through the crystal, so every monkey he killed was one less to worry about in the future.


    There were a lot of monkeys in the mountain, but nowhere near the seemingly endless amount of barghest that were skulking in the forest. He soon found a group of roughly 50 monkeys that sat huddled together and seemed to be sunbathing. They werepletely immobile and staring up at the sky. It was a group like this that had almost ended Zacs life just days before.


    Zac didn''t prepare any tricks or traps for this fight, and after a quick survey to make sure not another group was in the vicinity, he charged into the pack. He charged up <strong>[Chop] </strong>through the fractal in his hand to the limit of what he could control, and with a great arc decimated three monkeys with one swing. Apart from being a good skill for surprise attacks, it also was excellent when fightingrge groups of weaker prey.


    Between the haft and the elongated de of his skill he had a far greater reachpared to a normal axe wielder, and everything within two and a half meters of him was a zone of death. Enraged screams erupted from the pack of monkeys, and they started to frenziedly throw themselves at him.


    This time he wasnt in as dire straits as thest. His strength and endurance had increased considerably, and the skills increased his efficiency againstrge packs of enemies. Last time he often wasnt able topletely kill a monkey with a swing, only managing to hurt or maim it. But with <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> he learned better ways to handle his weapon, and with <strong>[Chop]</strong> he managed to hit more targets at once.


    He was like a harvester cutting down his crops, as with every swing a few monkeys perished. The rock ting on their bodies offered almost no protection against Zacs inhumanly powerful swings, and rock chips and body parts kept flying in all directions.


    The battle onlysted for a minute but almost every monkey died. Terrified by the onught some of the smarter monkeys had desperately fled when Zac had killed half of the pack. Zac couldnt be bothered with hunting them down, as he was quite exhausted and panting. The fight had been fast, but it also had been furious. Keeping his <strong>[Chop]</strong> skill active at maximum capacity for a whole minute also drained him of a lot of his cosmic energy.


    Exhausting himself had been worth it though, as the fight gave him another level. Of course, he was quite close to leveling up already before the battle. Zac pulled up his status screen to allocate his points while he moved away from the battle.


    He quickly allocated 2 points in endurance and 1 in strength, but as he was about to close the status screen he noticed that all his stats improved again after the allocation. He quickly stopped and took another look to see what changed.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>29</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>145</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>59</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>84</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>49</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>49</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>67</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>157096</strong>


    He had once more gained another title, this one called The Big 500. He focused on it and a prompt exining the title appeared.


    <strong>[The Big 500: First in world to reach 500 total attributes. All stats +2]</strong>


    <em>And the strong get stronger </em>Zac thought wryly. It seemed somewhat unfair that the System rewarded those with the most attributes with even more attributes, but no one said that the System was fair.


    Just lookat how it sent the talented people to some tutorial, deeming the rest as trash and leaving them here to fend for themselves.


    It wasnt arge boost, but it did cheer Zac up after the Child of Dao title. It also reminded him of his strong points. He might not be as smart and talented as others, and he might not be able to cultivate. But even if the cultivators came back with a bunch of skills and knowledge he could still beat them up with his pile of attributes if needed.


    He found a secluded spot between a mountain wall and some bushes and sat down to recuperate. With the assistance of the mother-daughter array and a Nexus Crystal it only took him 45 minutes to restore his cosmic energy to its peak. He feltthe pinch when using a crystal for recuperation instead of cultivation, but he didnt want to waste any time so close to enemy territory. A crystalsted for roughly 2 hours, sohis reserveof crystals would be enough to keep a breakneck grinding pace for weeks if needed.


    As soon as he was topped off on energy he kept looking for the next group. He didnt dare look while recuperating, as he never knew when hed be stuck in an avnche of monkeys. Soon he found another gathering of the beasts, this one slightlyrger than thest. He didnt know if these groupings were families or packs, but he was thankful that they were spaced out a bit in this manner.


    After another recon of the surroundings, he once again started a ughter. There was not much of a difference between this fight and thest, and it soon ended. He was a bit worse for the wear, but blunt hits from their stone fists did not impact his body overly much. He had over 80 endurance by now, and he gauged the monkeys strength to be somewhere in the 60s. They still hurt, but it would take some while for him to take actual damage.


    The only real dangers the monkeys could muster up was either from their sharp teeth or from simply tiring him to death with numbers. But with the reach of his weapon infused with <strong>[Chop] </strong>no monkey maw really managed to get close to him, and he carefully checked the surroundings before every fight for hidden backups.


    Zac kept this rotation between fighting and resting going, slowly making his way toward the central area of the mountains. Zac figured the Herald should be somewhere on one of the peaks. Unfortunately, the mountain had a number of peaks rather than just one, so he was nning on checking them one by one, and killing the monkeys in-between.


    Zac had already known grinding monkeys would be lucrative as each monkey gave almost as much cosmic energy and Nexus Coins as four barghest. But with his improved stats and skills, his grind speed skyrocketed, shocking even himself. As the suns set Zac finished up hisst battle for the day, which had actually rewarded him a second level, bringing him to level 30.


    Done with the fighting for now he retreated to a small cave he found while traversing the mountain paths. It was secluded and seemed to have once housed a bear or some simr animal from the shed fur in the corners. But from the dust gathered it seemed that no one had been here for weeks.


    Zac guessed that this cave was moved here with its inhabitant from wherever this mountain came from, and that the stone monkeys killed the bear when it ventured out for food.


    The cave wasnt hugebutprovided Zac with sufficient space to practice using the <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>guidance system before he finally sat down and rested. He also spent over an hour on trying to gain another Dao seed. He was trying to actualize the other aspect he had sensed the strongest from his Dao vision, sharpness. If he got another Dao Seed he would gain another power-up and speed up his farming even more.


    But no matter what he did or how, he couldnt take even one step on the path. When he had tried to imagine the one for heaviness it went very smoothly, and he couldnt quite figure out why the difference in difficulty was so huge. He could only specte that he either simply had no talent for the Dao of Sharpness, or that the System restricted Dao seeds somehow.


    Perhaps the skill could only reward him with one Dao Seed. If he wanted more he had to work on it by himself by arduously practicing and meditating on it. He knew that it would likely have taken him years to figure out the feeling for the Dao of Heaviness if it wasnt for the vision essentially imprinting the Dao in his mind. He more and more realized the value of that vision as he kept trying to meditate on the Dao by himself.


    Finally, he gave up and called it a day. But he would dedicate some time every day for meditation as well he decided. At least until someone told him it was a waste of time. It had been a long day, and Zac was exhausted. He wiped his sweat and then crept into a small crevice that secluded him even further, and fell into a deep slumber.

 Chapter 44: Peak

    Chapter 44: Peak


    Zac woke up just at dawn and decided to meditate briefly before getting ready. He wasnt sure whether it helped him gain insight and progress his Dao Seed, or help gain a new one. Even so, he felt it was a worthwhile endeavor. He was starting to get worried about his psyche. He had bathed in blood and battle constantly for weeks, and it had taken its toll. He felt he almost shut off all his emotions as a coping mechanism to not go insane, but it wasnt a permanent solution.


    He needed to adjust his state of mind to be able to endure. He knew that even if he survived the ind, his life wouldnt likely change much. He still had to defend his ind from new invaders for three months even if he managed to kick out the demons. At least if he understood his quest Incursion master correctly.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect outpost from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3)</strong>


    Since the quest still hadnt progressed after over a month he believed it would start up as soon as the demons and the Incursion were dealt with. If it meant that he only needed to worry about the critters on the ind for three months afterwards, then everything would be well and good. But Zac held no hope that the System would be so nice about it, and would likely send some trouble his way.


    As he was looking through his quest panel he also noticed that the Foresters Constitution quest unfortunately hadnt progressed from his day of battling Monkeys. There were some solitary trees rooted on the cliffs, but it seemed the system made a clear distinction between a mountain next to a forest and a forest.


    He closed the menus and silently stared out over the tranquil view. The mountains were quite a bit calmerpared to the forest, as the stone monkeys didnt have the tendency to incessantly roar like the barghest did. It almost felt like he was just camping again, which made him think about Hannah.


    To be honest, he hadnt really been thinking about her and the others a lottely, as he was focused on surviving and getting stronger. As he was reminiscing about her he realized he had missed an important clue about the tutorial. The four of them hadnt returned to his camp after the month-long tutorial had ended. He didnt reflect over it at the time, his mind upied with the newly arrived demons and his ss acquisition.


    As he saw it that could have two reasons. First, they were all dead, and the system didnt bother to teleport back corpses. Second, after finishing the tutorial they were not teleported back from where they were snatched up, but somewhere else. Perhaps to human settlements or the like.


    He could only pray it was the second reason. He wondered if they were looking for him, or if they just assumed he died. Had Hannah moved on?


    Zac sighed and looked out over the sunrise. What obligations did he have to a new girlfriend when the apocalypse came? They had only been together for a few months when the world was integrated into the multi-verse. And even if he managed to find her again it would likely take a long time. Could they still even be considered a couple? He couldnt find any easy answers and simply tabled the matter.


    There were monkeys to kill.


    He ate a quick breakfast and headed out. Today he was nning on scaling one of the peaks to look for the Herald. As he traversed the mountain he made an intriguing discovery. The further up he climbed, the more concentrated the cosmic energy felt.


    He was clueless if it was rted to altitude, or something about the mountains themselves caused the phenomena. But he realized that it might be very valuable in the future. He wasnt a cultivator, but even he felt invigorated by the density of cosmic energy in the surroundings.


    Perhaps he could rent out the mountains to cultivators in the future at exorbitant rates. He could only assume that cultivating in this kind of environment would be far more effectivepared to doing it at a ce with a normal density of energy. It could be a great source of ie if he got a town up and running in the future. There was something about the thought of bing a post-apocalyptic slumlord that gave him aforting sense of normalcy.


    Zac spent half the day killing monkey packs and scaling the closest peak, with his efficiency in monkey dismantling starting to reach a sublime level. There were some surprises where unexpected backup that Zac had missed entered the fray, but it generally only resulted in more Nexus Coins for himself. The scariest moment was when a monkey somehow managed to sneak up on him, biting him in his inner loin. Just slightly to the left and the monkey would have eaten his precious jewels.


    He reached the peak midday, and after a brief survey could conclude that this peak wasnt the home of the Herald. The air felt quite fresh up here, and Zac decided to have his dinner with a view. He sat down between some rocks to look more inconspicuous and retrieved some fruit and dried meat from his pouch.


    His experiments with food and the pouch was a great sess. Everything he put inside kept even betterpared to a refrigerator, the fruits and bs of meat still looking pristine after over a week. He didnt dare start a fire for some barbeque this close to the demon town though, so he could only stick to his dried rations.


    As he ate he looked over the mountain range. His view from the peak afforded him a unique vantage, and he made some new discoveries.


    There were a total of five real peaks, of which he sat on the western-most. The peak he upied was slightly off on its own, whereas the other four were a bit more clumped together.


    Between the four peaks there seemed to be a secluded valley that wasnt visible from down below as it was located a few hundred meters above sea level. The mountain range itself had some sparse vegetation, such as some windswept shrubbery and small trees, but the valley seemed quite lush with an abundance of leafy growth. Zac even thought he could discern a small pond orke, but couldnt be sure as arge part of the valley was covered in a mist.


    The valley certainly looked intriguing, like a secret little paradise hidden from sight. If he was on a treasure hunt hed bet all his doubloons that any riches the ind had to offer were hidden there.


    More importantly, it also seemed like a good resting ce for a Herald.


    The only thing making him unsure was the fact that the monkeys seemed to like the rocky outcroppings and cliffs of the mountain. It would be a bit odd if their leader preferred to stay in a forest instead.


    The great elevation also allowed him to finally confirm that he was indeed on an ind. He hadnt been able to see anything behind the mountain range before, and knew there might have beennd on the other side as well. But steep cliffs gave way to the ocean at the end of the mountain range, looking almost as though the mountain had been sliced clean off. Perhaps the System simply had chopped off part of arger mountain range and pped it onto the edge of the ind. It was quite the sight, with a drop of at least 100 meters down into the waters below.


    Zac finished his meal and made his way back down the mountain slopes again, and started trekking eastbound for the other peaks. He kept killing every monkey pack in his way, bringing a storm of carnage to the mountain. He was somewhat surprised that there still wasn''t a more concerted effort to catch him by the monkeys by now, as the monkeys seemed to care greatly for each other.


    But they stayed in their groups still, and made perfect targets for him. He even gradually dared to attackrger packs as his confidence grew. Initially he skipped the gatherings that were toorge, but by now he felt confident enough to attack most packs.


    Zac thought that he would actually gain another level this day, but he was forced to suddenly stop fighting during the evening. It wasnt because he was hurt orcked targets, the problem was his axe.


    His war-axe possessed a self-repairing and sharpening feature through its inscriptions, but it seemed it couldnt properly keep up with Zacs recent activities. During his barghest-genocide it had no problems staying in good shape, but here it was dull and blemished after only one day.


    Zac realized that the tough rock ting on the monkeys bodies was the problem. His strength and endurance provided all the power he needed, but it was his weapon that failed him. He was quite confused about the whole thing though. When he fought the monkeys he always used his skill <strong>[Chop] </strong>to create the translucent erged edge to cover his actual axe head. Still, his actual axe was worse for the wear.


    It seemed that the skill didnt just copy the edge of his weapon, it rather projected it. That was a disadvantage he hadnt expected, but then again it still was an extremely powerful and diverse skill for being the first attack skill the ss offered.


    With no other option he could only find a refuge for the night again, and instead spend greater time on practicing with <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> and meditating. He briefly considered whether to keep going, using one of therge swords in his pouch as a weapon instead. But he eventually decided against it.


    For one he couldnt use his skills with a sword, and there also was another reason he hesitated. He wanted to use other weapons as little as possible in general.


    When he picked his ss it generally looked like the options were based on his activities. Since his stats, skills and experiences all were centered on the axe he wanted to upgrade in this direction when he got the opportunity to upgrade the Hatchetman ss. He was afraid that he might miss out on a good ss upgrade if he kept using too many various weapons and not fulfill the prerequisites.


    Thats why he also really wanted to find more axes, so he wouldnt be forced to use knives as much for throwing or as back-ups. He even toyed with the idea of stalking the roving gathering parties on the ind to find someone with axes, and then take them out. But ultimately it still felt like an unnecessary risk. That he managed to kill the party at his camp so smoothlyrgely could be attributed to the element of surprise. He felt that he could likely wipe out most of the parties by now, but he couldnt guarantee that they wouldnt be able to send out a warning signal like the me mage had tried.


    Zac finally found a decent cave and settled in. As he was practicing his axe technique he was pondering whether he already had to change his ns. The reason was the huge amount of Nexus Coins he was racking up. A day of killing the monkeys resulted in roughly 100 000 nexus coins. That amount took him almost a week to gather when desperately hunting barghest.


    He currently had 347 000 coins, and only needed two days to gather the necessary coins for the movement skill <strong>[Steps of Gaia]</strong>. He felt his current weakness was that his speed wascking. If he could move faster he wouldnt have to keep throwing his axe at people, but instead simply run up to them.


    Allocating his free points in Dexterity was an option, but he felt it wasnt the correct one. He had already decided to focus one or two stats and let his titles take care of the rest. He already had 59 Dexterity, which should be considered a lot for anyone not having Dexterity as his or her main attribute.


    Besides, after observing the demons he fought he realized they did the same thing. They were specialized in one or two stats as well. The mages didnt have overbearing Strength or Dexterity and likely focused on Wisdom and intelligence. Instead, they used things like magic shields and earthen walls to protect themselves from attacks.


    Zac felt that this was the way that people powered up in the multi-verse. Focus on the attributes that best empowered him, and have skills shore up the shorings.


    He knew he likely had survived the mentalist mage''s binding during hisst bout with the demons due to his high Intelligence and Wisdom. But he assumed that normally a warrior would have a skill to protect their mind instead of wasting their free stat points on those attributes.


    The only problem for Zac was that he didnt have a ready source of skills except the Nexus Node. But the choices there seemed quite limited, and he hadnt gotten any new ss skill quests yet. If specialization was the way to go it also meant that he had wasted some stat points in the beginning by putting them into Vitality and Dexterity.


    Of course, without the points in Vitality he might be dead by now, but not being optimized left a bad taste in his mouth.

 Chapter 45: Monkey Captain

    Chapter 45: Monkey Captain


    Finally Zac reluctantly decided to not get the skill for now. He wanted to find and kill the third Herald first.


    He really wanted the power-up, but he also realized he was working against the clock here. He was already somewhat surprised there wasnt a monkey army hunting him in the mountains after his activities. It wasnt a small number of stone monkeys he had killed in thest two days after all.


    He was also getting closer and closer to the area where the demons were active, and they could notice his activities at any moment. The mountains were getting filled with sites of destion, with hundreds of monkey carcasses adorning the hills by now.


    He was afraid that if he spent another two days grinding monsters, and then one day to travel to his camp and back to get the skill, his window of opportunity to kill the Herald would pass.


    After all, the cave where the demons worked all day was quite close to the easternmost peak. It wasnt unreasonable to assume they would wander around the peak as well, looking for more of whatever they wanted in the cave.


    He needed to find the Herald quickly and kill it. He decided to spend the day moving toward the valley and kill any packs that were in the vicinity of it. Then hed finally try locating the Herald early the next morning.


    After he woke up he briefly meditated, and after confirming his axe was back to tip-top shape, set out toward the cluster of peaks. He gained a level on the first pack he encountered, bringing him to level 31.


    He soon arrived at the foot of the westernmost peak of the four clustered mountains. He nned to scale it halfway up, which would lead him to the entrance of the valley. Then hed make a circle around the peaks to kill off any packs close to the valley.


    That would both let him scout out the four peaks for anything out of ce, and also kill any potential back-up that the Herald could call for. If the herald was on one of the peaks rather than in the valley he hoped there would be something different about it to give him some hints.


    As soon as he started climbing the first peak he started to notice an increased resistance. The packs grew slightlyrger, and there were stronger monkeys in the packs. Monkeys in the wild usually had an alpha who led the group of primates, but he hadnt really seen that so far in the groups he had killed. Zac simply assumed that the Herald was the big boss of everyone, but it didnt seem that simple.


    But now there was a monkey with bulging muscles standing a head tallerpared to the others. Zac used <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on it, but it still was only called a Stone Monkey. The other Heralds both had names, so he could only assume this was not it.


    The alpha monkey maybe could be considered a captain, and the Herald was the general. Just the fact that the packs were getting stronger felt like a good indication that he was on the correct path. It showed the Herald likely was nearby as he hypothesized.


    Zac hesitated for a second, before doing his customary sweep of the surroundings.


    The monkeys in general seemed strongerpared to the outer packs, so he needed to do some preparation. Close to the pack he found a narrow path up in the mountain, with sheer wall on both sides. It seemed that the rocky formation cracked in two sometime in the distant past, which had created this path. That would hopefully only let a few monkeys charge in at the time. It would slow down his assault but he wanted to y it safe until he could gauge the strength of these juiced up monkeys.


    The next part was to lure the monkeys over, and Zac simply picked up a boulder the size of a head. With a grunt he threw it straight into the clump of monkeys, and with its huge momentum it smashed a poor monkeys head in.


    The monkeys angrily roared and flooded toward him. Zac slowly backed away and ced himself some ways into the crack. He nned to kill a few and then back further in to make room for the corpses.


    The battle started as intended, with Zac quickly reaping the lives of a dozen monkeys in quick order. But as he retreated further in he noticed a very bad sign. The monkeys had no problems climbing the sheer rock walls.


    Zac wanted to p himself in his scarred face. He should have realized that rock monkeys were good at climbing rocks. He had simply forgotten about the nimbleness of their primate brethren as the stone monkeys always seemed to sit immobile among the rocks rather than climbing them.


    Just as he berated himself he heard a loud roar from the back rows of the group of monkeys. Suddenly all monkeys in front of him threw themselves to the ground in perfect harmony, and taking their ce was a rock hurtling toward him. It was twice the size of the one he had thrown, and he didnt have time to react before it mmed into him like a truck.


    Zac was flung backward from the momentum and spit out a mouthfulof blood. It seemed the monkey captain wanted revenge for his earlier throw.


    Before he could get up multiple monkeys hanging on the walls jumped down on him. Rather than trying to pummel him like monkeys used to, it seemed that they tried to pin him down. They gripped his extremities with all their might and tried to keep him from getting up.


    Unfortunately for them his strength was 160 by now, and he could lift the monkeys like they were children. He ignored the monkey clinging to his axe arm and furiously swung the axe, killing the monkeys who were gripping his legs.


    As he finally was getting up after getting rid of all the monkeys another projectile was flying into his direction. This time it was a sharp stctite, and Zac couldnt understand where the monkey captain had gotten it. He managed to deflect it in thest minute with his axe, but the force made him fall back a few steps.


    He immediately jumped into the fray, now fighting both monkeys on the ground and those hanging on the wall. He madly iled the axe around, the only thing keeping him safe was the great reach of <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    He soon got the answer from where the monkey captain found its stctite. As he was desperately defending against the deluge of rabid monkeys he saw the captain grab onto the rock wall. Its fingers actually carved into the wall, and suddenly he dragged out another stctite straight out of the wall.


    It actually looked like the monkey could use a skill, or at least an early prototype of one. It wasnt as fancy as the spikes the earthen mage had used, but he was shocked that a dumb animal could do it. It seemed that skills, and perhaps even exploring the Dao, was not something exclusive to humanoids.


    He didnt have time to reflect on it further before another projectile came flying toward him. He saw iting this time and grabbed a monkey to use as a shield. The monkey absorbed most of the blow, but Zac was still pushed back somewhat.


    The monkey captain seemingly was able to keep generating these projectiles, as he once again moved his hand toward the wall. Zac didnt want to keep this status quo going. He wasnt really hurt apart from some bruising so far, but if he didnt do something soon he might run out of energy or get hit by a lucky projectile.


    He stopped his retreat into the crack and instead started to furiously push forward. He was a whirlwind of carnage as he pushed through the horde of monkeys. He wanted to finish off the leader first and then whittle down the others.


    Monkeys started to climb around and charge Zac from the back, but with his 90 Endurance he could shrug off the strikes for now. The only time he stopped his onught was when some monkey managed to grab his legs and risked pulling him down on the ground again.


    The leader threw anotherrge rock at Zac, seemingly trying to impede his advance.


    Zac saw the projectile approaching this time, and swung down his axe in a fierce vertical strike to cleave it. He had expected the two pieces to m to the sides of him, but was sorely mistaken. The only result from his strike was that two boulders hit him instead of one, mming him back once again.


    Zac could only redouble his efforts and ignoring his cosmic energy expenditure kept utilizing <strong>[Chop]</strong> to the max.


    Finally, as he was 3 meters away from the captain, he couldnt be bothered getting in close with it, and overcharged the skill, increasing the length of the de with a full meter extra. With a roar he swiped in an upward arc, and the captain was split in two. He could only maintain such a length for a second, but one second was all he needed for one quick kill.


    After that, he simply nted his back against the wall and kept killing until there was no monkey left willing to fight. There were a few monkeys who kept screaming at him from the distance, but Zac hurled another rock at one, instantly crushing its head. Then finally thest remnants of the pack finally fled.


    Zac was truly exhausted and hurting from the fight, but he forced himself to get up and move away from the battle. The sounds carried far in the mountains, and he didnt want to be around if either the Herald or some demons heard the noise.


    He kept sneaking up the mountain and soon reached the entrance to the hidden valley far up in the air. He didnt dare enter yet, but instead opted to hide between some rocks and recuperate from the battle. The melee reminded him that just because he had gotten the <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> skill he still was by no means a master fighter. His nning impeded him rather than helped, and he would probably have been better off just charging in as usual.


    It felt like he had been fighting for his life on the ind for an eternity, but in reality he had only been on the ind for roughly 40 days. Before that hed just been a desk jockey,pletely oblivious to any fighting tactics. He had made a few real beginner mistakes in this fight, and could only strive to do better in the future.

 Chapter 46: The Hunt for the Herald

    Chapter 46: The Hunt for the Herald


    AsZac stood at the edge of the valley he was shocked by the density of cosmic energy. The amount in the air was already quite a bit higher in the mountainspared to down on the ground, but in this secluded vale it was a whole tier higher still.


    The density made his suspicion that the Herald hid in the valley much stronger. He was sure that the Monkey King would prefer the increased amount of cosmic energy if even the monkey captains were able to use skills and maybe even cultivate.


    The amount of cosmic energy made Zac worried that there might actually be demons here as well. While he had observed their activities for a few days he didn''t really see any demons enter the mountains further than the cave, but that didnt mean that there werent cultivator demons stationed here.


    He refrained from entering the valley at the moment, as he still wanted to thin the herd of monkeys in the mountains first. Arge enough roar from the valley might be able to call for reinforcements from all four peaks after all.


    The fight against the pack with the monkey captain was a bit shaky, but it was mostly due to his mistakes. The monkeys on the peaks were slightly strongerpared to the ones he had fought earlier, but not to the point that they could stop his onught. He only needed to kill the leader and then it was carnage as usual.


    There was one more pack he needed to kill on the mountain peak he had climbed. It didnt have any captain, but the monkeys in general were slightly bigger evenpared to thest pack.


    Zac entered the fray after having restored his energy and made short work of the pack. He made the interesting discovery that none of the monkeys dared to enter the valley, even when they were fleeing for their lives. Perhaps the valley was the private residence of the Herald, and they had strict orders not to enter.


    Or perhaps something even scarier than Zac lived in the depths of the valley. He supposed he would find outter.


    Zac kept his momentum going moving toward the next peak. He didnt try any fancy tactics anymore, he only tried to knock out the leaders of the following packs by throwing a boulder at them. He didnt even bother with the throwing knives, as they had trouble prating their stone armor. No matter whether the throw seeded or not he simply charged straight into the throng of stone monkeys, swinging away.


    At midday he reached the third peak, having mostly cleared out the two earlier ones apart from a few who managed to escape. This peak was the easternmost, and also the one closest to demon activity. The cave that the demons found so interesting was located not too far away from the foot of the mountain.


    Zac was unsure whether he dared to start a battle here, as it might attract the demons below. While the distance was quite great between his location and the cave, he was afraid the sound would carry all the way down. The monkeys got quite loud and agitated during the fights after all. He decided to find a hiding spot with good vantage before deciding anything further. As he was somewhat ahead of schedule, he decided to wait for roughly an hour to gauge any activity in the area.


    Weirdly enough there was no monkey pack close to the entrance of the valley. Instead, the monkeys were stationed on the outer side of the mountain peak. This differed from the other two peaks so far, and Zac wanted to figure out why. He soon found his answer, as he was surprised to see a monkey captain hurl arge rock at a demon war party that approached the peak or the valley.


    It hit one of them, and with a wail he was flung away from the impact. The demons screamed at the group of monkeys angrily, waving their weapons. But the monkeys were a stoic wall that wouldnt let them pass. After another minute of posturing, the demons could only turn and leave the mountain.


    Zac was confused as he slunk back to the inner side of the mountain. Werent the monkeys the pets of the demons, like the other demon beasts? How did they dare deny the demons ess to the mountains?


    Zac started to get nervous that the monkeys actually werent the fourth monster race, but rather some native beast. The System did say it merged Earth with others due for integration, and they might be from another one. That would mean that there actually wasnt a Monkey Herald, but instead two Heralds he couldnt find.


    He felt that shouldnt be right though. Everything pointed toward them being a part of the demonic invasion. Perhaps the monkeys had a higher standing, and could actually boot the lower demons from their territory.


    He knew he wouldnt get any real answer from just mulling it over, and continued on toward the fourth peak. The weird power dynamic between the monkeys and demons actually helped him out in the end, both removing the threat of demons in the mountains and not having to battle any monkeys that close to the demon activity.


    He arrived at the fourth peak and after an intense melee finally finished killing all the packs close to the valley. As it only was evening still he decided to head into the valley after all. Initially he nned to wait until next morning, but due to the inner side of the third peak being free from monkeys he saved a few hours of work.


    He took his first steps into the valley, vignt against any hidden monkeys or other beasts. But after a few minutes of walking it seemed that the forest was deserted. It was odd, as the forest itself felt like a paradise on earth. The air was fresh enough that his cells felt invigorated just from breathing, and the foliage was lush and healthy. The earthy smell of the area calmed Zacs heart, inviting him to sit down and rx.


    However, not even critters were present, making the forest eerily silent except for the asional rustle from the wind. This stillness felt quite jarring to Zac as his life had been apanied by the sounds of the forest constantly since the world changed. From critters in the bushes to the calls of the birds. Even the deep roars of the barghest.


    That all these sounds were gone didnt feel natural, and his vignce only increased, instead of having a soothing effect on him.


    As he walked he noticed that he didnt recognize most of the trees or nts in the valley. Now he wasnt any botanist, he only knew of the staple flowers and trees. But he felt he should at least recognize some of the vegetation if it was from earth. There were a few trees he assumed were maples but the leaves were asrge as his torso.


    He didnt know if the forest had mutated or evolved from the extremely dense cosmic energy in the area, or whether this forest came from another, but it felt like the old earth wasnt able to produce a forest feeling so vibrant.


    He was debating whether he should collect samples from the various flowers and herbs like the demon parties did, but soon decided against it. He had no immediate use for them, and the valley would still be here if he managed to kick out the demons.


    He soon arrived close to the smallke he glimpsed from the mountain peak. With how pristine the rest of the forest was he had expected that theke to have clear beautiful waters. While it didnt look or smell stale, it also wasnt clear.


    Theke was a mysterious shimmering blue, and he could barely see a decimeter into the water before everything was obscured. The water itself seemed to be packed with cosmic energy, as though theke consisted of liquefied Nexus Crystals.


    His body almost instinctively reached down to drink a mouthful of the enticing water before hastily stopping himself. It seemed like such a good natural resource, but still, there were no animals or monsters around, which was very eerie. Perhaps there was something lurking in the depths, prowling on anything stupid enough toe too close to the shore.


    He couldnt let the water go to waste though, and tied a string to one of his magical canteens. He then threw the canteen into the water, and waited some time before dragging it out. It now contained the cosmic water, but he wouldnt try it before he could feed it to some beasts and see its effects.


    Feeling ufortable by the mysteriouske Zac continued onward toward the center of the valley. The mysteries of the azure pond would have to wait until another day.


    He was almost at the core of the valley by now and slowed his pace. If the Herald was in this valley then it would stand to reason that he was somewhere in the center. Slightly nervous he gripped his axe forfort, as memories of the struggle with thest herald still haunted him.


    Not far ahead it seemed that the forest gave way to open fields, so Zac crouched down and slowly made his way to the edge of the forest. What met his eyes from his hidden vantage point shocked him.


    It was arge field, filled with shrunken and desated fallen trees. There were signs of bushes and flowers having existed as well, but they too looked like they had been baked in an oven. The only thing still standing tall was a solitary tree in the center.


    It wasnt veryrge, only being roughly 5 meters tall, but it was spectacr. The trunk and branches had a crimson hue and a smooth exterior. The leaves werent red or green but a pristine white, making it look like crystals adorned the branches.


    It was a spectacr sight, and Zac didnt for a second think that this was a normal tree. It was something created with a lot of cosmic energy. The tree virtually hummed with power, making Zac wonder if it actually was alive.


    Zac guessed that this tree was the reason for the destion in the vicinity. The tree seemingly had absorbed the life or cosmic energy out of everything in its surroundings. Perhaps it even had killed all the animals in the forest as well, exining why it was so quiet. It was a scary thought that the tree wasn''t satisfied with the huge density of energy in the air, and needed to drain its surroundings to be satiated.


    It took Zac a second to register that something else was next to the tree. A monkey, roughly two meters tall with a build somewhat slimmerpared to its brethren, sat cross-legged with closed eyes under the tree. What made it stand out apart from its build was its color. If the other monkeys in the mountain were made of anthracite rock, then this monkey was made ofva. Red shining streaks ran along every part of the monkeys otherwise ck body, emanating a heavy pressure.


    It was the monkey king.

 Chapter 47: Collision Course

    Chapter 47: Collision Course


    Theva monkey didnt look aggressive or violent like the normal monkeys, but rather harmonious. Even if it seemed crazy, it really looked like he or she was meditating under the peculiar tree. It was quite picturesque, the red streaks of the monkey matching well with the crimson trunk.


    The good news was that it looked like he found his Herald. The bad news was that he had no real idea on how to improve the odds in his favor. He saw no method to sneak up on it, as the dried husks of the vegetation on the field wouldnt provide enough cover.


    He didnt dare use <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> to see its level either, afraid it would notice him like the Imps. That it stayed in this forest with higher cosmic energy concentration, rather than in its natural habitat of the mountain peaks, was telling Zac that the monkey king possessed some sensibility for cosmic energy.


    He debated whether he should charge in blind, or wait for a better opportunity. Finally he decided he had to go for it. Finding the Herald sitting by itself with no backup in sight could only be considered a perfect opportunity.


    He also discarded the idea of creating crude traps as he had for Vul, the barghest herald. If this monkey could meditate it likely was too intelligent to run into spikes like an idiot.


    The only question was whether this monkey was of roughly the same power as Vul or not. When the limiter was lifted at the turn of the month he had concluded that the beasts improved roughly 50% across the board.


    He himself had improved far more than that though. When he fought Vul he had only 59 Strength, and now he was at 160. On top of that, his gear had improved considerably, and he already gained a ss and improved pathways. He felt that even if he met an improved Vul today he wouldnt have to rely on traps to kill it, and it wouldnt be a desperate struggle either.


    But the monkeys were far strongerpared to the barghest. Would the monkey Herald be far strongerpared to the barghest Herald as well?


    There was only one way to find out. He slowly repositioned himself to arrive from the east, which would at least let him approach the back of the Herald. It might give him some time to close the distance before it could react.


    He steeled his nerves and slowly ventured out of the protective cover of the foliage, and entered the dead zone surrounding the magical tree. He took great care not to step on any of the dried twigs or branches that covered the ground, not wanting to alert the monkey of his approach.


    But even though he made no sound it seemed to be to no avail, as the monkey snorted and slowly got up on his feet. Zac held no hope that it was just a coincidence, and immediately pulled out two daggers out of his pouch and threw them at the monster in quick session.


    The monkey turned around in a lightning-quick manner, and with two casual swipes pped the iing daggers away into the ground. As the edges collided with its hands sparks flew, but no wounds could be seen. Zac wasnt surprised as the daggers were barely any use on the normal monkeys, let alone on this super-powered one.


    Afterwards he gave up any idea of stealth and thundered straight toward the monkey, with his axe at the ready.


    While charged he used the <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>on the monkey, which gave him a terse line of information.


    <strong>[Cindermane, Level 58]</strong>


    That line removed anyst doubts whether this monster was a Herald or not. A solitary Named beast around level 50 fit the bill perfectly. It was a full 13 levels above Vul, who had been level 45 when they battled. He didnt know how levels worked for beasts, but if it was like for himself it meant it should have almost 100 more attributes in total. Together with the removed limiters, he realized he might be in for a tough battle.


    Cindermane didnt stay put, but charged toward Zac as well. As he did the red streaks on his body lit up and started to emit a fiery shine likeva. They shed a few meters away from the red-white tree, with Zac doing an upwards horizontal swipe aimed at its torso.


    The monkey actually dared to intercept the strike with its bare paws, which lit uppletely to look like magma. A tremendous sh erupted when their attacks collided, the dead nts in the surrounding being pulverized by the shockwave.


    Zac was surprised to see that his strike didnt immediately overpower the Herald. With his recent improvements he started to believe there was nothing on the ind that could have aparable level of points in the Strength attribute.


    The Herald was pushed back from the force however Zac didnt emerge unscathed out of the initial collision either. The hands of the monkey did not only look likeva, but they were also as fiery hot as well. The air around them was wobbling due to the heat, looking like a mirage. The axe edge actually showed clear signs of heating up where it collided with the monkeys palm.


    Zac knew he couldnt fight a protracted battle, as the monkey would destroy his weapon if they kept shing like this. Using <strong>[Chop]</strong> wouldnt help either, as the damage was transferred to axe anyway.


    Angry at being pushed back Cindermane roared and stomped the ground, causing multiple spikes to erupt beneath Zac. They looked simr to the spikes of the earth mage, with the distinction that they seemed zing hot and far more numerous.


    Zac managed to destroy most of the spikes with a chop, but one managed to stab into his leg. A blinding pain erupted in his thigh, causing him to involuntarily scream. A sickening sizzling sound could be heard and Zac smelled the fragrance of grilled meat. The spike was actually barbequing his leg.


    Ignoring the pain he grabbed the burning hot spike with his free hand, ripped it out of his leg and threw it away. As he did the Herald took the opportunity to grab the ground, dragging out a stone the size of Zac from seemingly nowhere. Its molten fingers prated the boulder and soon the whole rock was glowing a sinister red.


    With a roar it tried to m the stone down right on Zac, who could only ungainly dodge. Not daring to hide any of his cards any longer he infused his strikes with Dao and started swinging away against the Herald.


    Cindermane possessed either great reflexes orbat experience, as he kept dodging or deflecting the strikes. Zac tried to grab onto the monkey with his free hand in order to throw it down on the ground, but as soon as he got a grip on its arm the red streaks lit up and the arm got searing hot. Zac instinctively let go with a scream, and the monkey took the opportunity to try to w out his throat.


    Zac saw no choice but to activate his armor, and the golden sheen protected him from getting killed. He wouldnt give up even with his lifesaving device used up though, and wildly kept swinging at the Herald, unheeding of any cosmic energy expenditure. After a few exchanges the monkey king managed to get a stab in with one of its hands, pushing a centimeter into Zacs arm. The finger burned even hotterpared to the spike, and Zac couldnt refrain from screaming out in pain again.


    However Zacs every strike was overwhelming. He used every trick <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> had taught him and weaved a of destruction with his axe. Marks started to appear on the monkey''s hands, and it looked like it wouldnt be able to block his strikes forever. It was lucky as well as the edge of the axe was starting to shine with a red sheen from all the collisions as well. Not much longer and Zac feared that the inscriptions on it would be ruined, which meant that it wouldnt auto-repair any longer.


    He also had pushed the Herald back toward the tree, and they were currently fighting under the white leaves.


    The monkey became more agitated as they approached the trunk, and furiously fought to force Zac away from the tree. There clearly was something special about it, and the Herald didnt want to risk it getting damaged. The Monkey suddenly emitted a prating screech, its whole body lighting up.


    It spat out a white-hot ball of magma straight at Zacs chest, forcing him to jump out of the way, and away from the tree. As he dodged he also saw that theva spit wasnt the only thing that changed from that scream.


    Like a scene out of a horror movie suddenly an endless number of bodies rose out of the ground, pushing the dried trees and bushes to the side. It wasnt zombies, but a vast number of stone monkeys, all lookingrger and strongerpared to normal ones. With a quick nce he could make out at least 40 monkey captains among the reinforcement.


    The monkeys had been lying dormant under the ground, and the roar called them to action to create a trap. He didnt know why it waited so long to unleash them, but he knew that he had run out of time. In just seconds he would be overrun with stone spears and boulders. He would have problems contending with just the monkey horde, but if he had to watch out for the spells from the Herald as well hed surely die.


    A desperate idea grew in his mind, and he didnt have time to go through pros and cons before trying it out. He was currently two meters away from the tree trunk, and with an exaggerated roar he swung his axe in a horizontal swipe. As he did the familiar de of <strong>[Chop] </strong>rapidly grew out, soon longer than he could stably maintain for any longer duration.


    Cindermane screeched and hastily jumped to intercept the huge edge from cutting down the tree. Zacs premonition was correct, the tree truly held a great importance to the monkey.


    The Herald couldnt properly grab the translucent edge with its awkward positioning, and the edge cut into its whole body horizontally across the chest. A deep grisly gash was carved onto its body, but its great Endurance prevented it from getting cut in two. It still was badly hurt and bled profusely as it fell down on the ground.


    Just as he was about to finish it off with another swing a boulder mmed into him from the side. He fell over away from the Herald and he barely managed to get to his feet before another hit him again, forcing him even further away from the dyingva monkey.


    Unreconciled he once again charged a great edge and swung it at the prone monkey king. But it still had some energy left and pushed itself out of the way.


    He knew his window of opportunity had passed. Boulders and stctites were approaching from all directions, and the only way to kill the Herald was a suicide dive. As he only needed to kill it for a quest he had no reason to die just to bring it down to hell with him.


    Zac didnt hesitate and turned around to run. He could only hope the huge wound he inflicted upon it was lethal and that it would bleed to death. Theva monkey wouldnt have it though and used itsst powers to shoot a few molten spikes his direction as well. Zac could only strike away what he could and endure the rest.


    Just after a few seconds he had already gotten hit by another two boulders and was stabbed by three more stctites. Then the army of monkeys was upon him.

 Chapter 48: Simian Haranguing

    Chapter 48: Simian Haranguing


    Finishing off the Herald was suddenly thest thing on Zacs mind, and he was horrified as he saw an avnche of monkeys approach him from all directions. He activated <strong>[Chop] </strong>andfrenziedly waved it in front of him, decimating any monkeys that would impede his escape.


    The assault was slowing him down though, and finally the enemies were upon him, punching and kicking with wild abandon. Every time a punch or kick hit where theva spears pieced him earlier it hurt enough for him to almost pass out.


    Zac couldnt care about his cosmic energy expenditure anymore, and with a roar pushed as much cosmic energy as he could into the fractal on his hand. An enormous de over 5 meters tall zed into existence, and Zac swung the axe in a mighty horizontal arc.


    The edge managed to stay active for less than a second, but the brief window carved out arge pocket in the swarm of monkeys. The swing killed at least 20 monkeys, and he even gained a level. He couldnt bother about that at the moment though, as the short respite in attacks allowed him to rush out of the field and into the foliage.


    Blood was running freely from Zacs mouth as he was shakily running through the forest, away from the magical tree and Herald. The monkeys wouldnt relent though and swarmed all around him, jumping between the trees or running on all fours on the ground. Had it not been for his wounded leg he might have been able to maintain some distance after a mad dash. But now he was stuck in a quick jog, but even that was taxing.


    He constantly was pelted with kicks and punches, and the asional mouth trying to bite into him with their sharp canines. A rock whizzed by his head, and instead hit a monkey square in its chest. It appeared the monkey captains had problems with keeping the pace and throwing the projectiles simultaneously at least.


    More good news was that the Herald was either dead or too wounded to join the pursuit, as there were no molten spears attacking him anymore. But that was about all the positives that Zac could list while he was mindlessly running.


    He already was lost and could only run in a straight direction. Since he was in a valley between the peaks no matter what direction he ran he would sooner orter arrive at the mountains.


    He desperately swung his axe back and forth to maim and kill his attackers. He didnt dare to use <strong>[Chop] </strong>anymore as he was already running low on cosmic energy and there still were at least 100 monkeys following him.


    He instead infused the attacks with his understanding of the Dao of Heaviness to add some impact to his strikes. It was the first time he was using it so freely and for a prolonged time, and he was starting to feel a headacheing on.


    Soon he couldnt even use his Dao in order to empower his strikes as he was afraid of increasing the pounding in his head.


    He kept going, and with every few steps he killed a monkey, but they seemed endless. Zacs whole body was hurting, but he couldnt stop. Another boulder came hurtling toward him, this one with proper aim. He was already mid-swing against a monkey and couldnt reposition in time, so he could only lift his left arm to block it.


    The small boulder mmed into Zac and a sickening pop could be heard. Zac was pushed back and his arm hung limply by his side. Something was protruding oddly at his shoulder and a zing pain radiated through the arm. After a quick nce he realized that his shoulder was dislocated.


    Zac grit his teeth and ran straight into the first monkey he saw, mming his dislocated shoulder straight into the chest of the monkey. A blinding pain almost made him pass out, but it also temporarily dispelled the pulsing headache from overusing his Dao.


    While it still hurt Zac could move his arm again. He had used the monkey as a wall to m the ball of his arm back into its socket. As a thanks Zac gave it a quick chop which decapitated it, and then kicked its headless body into two oing stone monkeys.


    This couldnt continue for long, as Zac had less than 10% of his cosmic energy reserves remaining while the monkeys showed no desire to relent. Thankfully the lush forest soon gave way to rocky outcroppings and cliffs, showing that he was approaching one of the peaks.


    Due to the haphazard escape he wasnt sure which one of the peaks it was, but a quick nce outward showed the familiar forest of the ind. That meant he wasnt running north at least, as hed only be seeing ocean then. He was thankful, as he was afraid he would have been forced to jump down the steep cliff, praying to survive the 100-meter drop into the ocean.


    Zac kept running, and he nned to escape into the forest down on the ground. The first time he fought the monkeys they had stopped at the foot of the mountain, and he could only hope theyd do the same again.


    But almost immediately as he ran he knew that n wouldnt work. As he passed a small crest arger view of the ind came into view, and he could see the incursion and the demon town. The position immediately made him realize he was on the easternmost peak. If he ran right down this peak hed be in prime demon territory. Straight out of the frying pan and into the fire.


    He stopped for a second confused as what to do which allowed a few monkey captains to drag out new projectiles out of the ground and hurl them at Zac.


    He mmed one of them away but the other hit him with a deep thud, eliciting a bloody cough. Even with his 90 plus Endurance, it felt like he couldnt take many more of those throws. He couldnt remember how many hed tanked by now, and it felt like his body was on the brink of copse.


    He sluggishly swung his axe and killed a monkey who was foolish enough to get close and looked around for options.


    In his vision he saw a cave entrance slightly hidden behind some shrubbery and boulders. After a brief hesitation he changed course for the cavity. If he continued on along the mountain path hed arrive at where he had spotted the demon party earlier, and the risk of running into the monkey packs was great. He couldnt return either, as he wouldntst running to another peak.


    He didnt really want to enter the cave, but he knew that it was his only hope. Right now he couldnt see any other method to shake off the monkey horde. They seemed truly consumed by rage, which made sense as he had killed well over a hundred of the assants by now.


    Either the cave was a small dwelling for an animal, or a part of argerwork of tunnels. If it was the former hed make ast stand, and at least the enemies would only be able toe from one direction. If it was thetter he might actually survive by fleeing into the tunnels.


    There were roughly 10 monkeys in the way, and Zac grimly summoned <strong>[Chop] </strong>for onest charge. His arms and legs felt like they were coated in lead, but he determinedly swung his axe while he advanced.


    The monkeys could offer no resistance against Zacs reignited spirit, and he soon was at the mouth of the cave. A rock mmed into his back just as he entered, making him realize he couldnt just stand at the entrance and fight it out. He would be sniped to death. After a quick nce inside it seemed that the cave actually was just the entrance of a bigger cave system.


    The monkeys seemed to have no problem following him into the tunnels, as they charged towards the entrance without hesitation. Zac suddenly was afraid that he would be in even worse straits if he let them enter. They were stone monkeys, who knew what advantages theyd have inside a cave.


    Out of options he could only do something stupid and desperate. He put away his axe and brought out his great sword. With a furious m he hit the roof of the cave entrance, causing huge cracks in the roof and making rock chippings fly in all directions. He didnt stop and mmed twice more with all the strength he could muster, and finally an ominous rumbling could be heard.


    The roof of the cave started to copse, and Zac desperately ran further into the cave. Falling rock and debris pelted him, and he was forced to leave his sword behind in the chaos. After a minute the rumblings stopped, and the cave waspletely blocked for at least 20 meters of debris. It would take even the strong monkeys a good while to excavate the entrance, if they even wanted to.


    His hope was that the monkeys would give up and go back to the valley, but he wouldnt dare put his life on the line for it to be true. So he hesitantly ventured further into the cave to create some distance. His body was hurting all over but he wouldnt let himself sit down, afraid that he wouldnt be able to get back up in a short while if he did.


    The caverns seemed to be a confusing maze of interconnected tunnels and chambers, and Zac saw no change after 30 minutes of slow walking. The caves werentpletely pitch ck at least, as there actually was growing moss on many of the walls which gave off some luminescence. He didnt understand why they would create light, but he assumed that the moss was mutated by cosmic energy.


    The tunnels were actually full of cosmic energy, almost at the level of the valley. The high concentration on the mountain peaks seemed to only be a result of some of the interior energy leaking out. It would be strange if something didnt change with the subterranean flora if they were consistently bathed in cosmic energy of this magnitude.


    Finally satisfied with the distance from the entrance he had created, he stopped in a quiet chamber which at least wasntpletely dark due to the glowing moss. He sighed and thumped down on the ground with a grimace. It was pitch ck apart from the blue scattered lights from the moss but he didnt care. He did have a shlight he had brought from the camper if he needed proper light, but he didnt know how much charge the batteries still had. He instead brought out a Nexus Crystal from the pouch and started absorbing.


    It didnt help in healing his battered body, but it did help in recovering his depleted energy. Together with his amulet, he was absorbing energy at a great rate, and after only four hours he once again was full of cosmic energy.


    That didnt mean that he was in prime condition though. His head still hurt from overusing his Dao, and his body screamed in protest as soon as he moved slightly. He could only stay put for a bit longer in order for his Vitality to do its thing. He had nothing in his bag that could help against his wounds that were mainly blunt-force trauma as far as he knew. He did put some ointment on the burns from the herald though, even if he wasnt sure whether aloe was effective against burns from magic monkey fire.


    Finally done with everything he rested his back against the wall and sighed despondently. Today did <em>not</em> go ording to n.

 Chapter 49: Spelunking

    Chapter 49: Spelunking


    SinceZac felt somewhat refreshed from absorbing the Nexus Crystal he held off on sleeping, and instead decided to take a quick nce at his status screen.


    Name Zachary Atwood Level 32 ss Hatchetman (F) Race Human (F) Alignment Human (Earth)   Titles Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500 Dao Seed of Heaviness - Early   Strength 164 Dexterity 59 Endurance 92 Vitality 69 Intelligence 49 Wisdom 49 Luck 67   Free Points 3 Nexus Coins 485286


    Thest few days had actually brought in almost all the coins he needed for the movement skill. Getting his skills and Dao boosts had increased his daily earnings tremendously. Of course he knew that this was the limit for now. The only targets more lucrativepared to the monkeys on the ind were the demons and imps. But he held no illusion that he would be able to charge into 50 of them at a time and start a massacre as he had with the monkeys. He would be sted to smithereens in no time.


    Next, he opened up his quest menu to see the progress of his quest


    <strong>Off With Their Heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of an incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (2/5)</strong>


    He was quite disappointed to see that the monkey king apparently survived the sh. Of course, there was the possibility that it wasnt a Herald, but he felt that the chance of that to be quite slim.


    He had gained a level right at the start of the pursuit, and he sensed he wasnt far away from reaching level 33 either. It was a shame that the System didnt provide the same type of service as many games, restoring both health and mana at the level up. Then he might have actually have had a chance of turning things around and finishing off the monkey king.


    The whole experience was quite a let-down and the first real setback except constantly getting hurt. He constantly went over things he could have done differently in order to actually kill the monkey. But soon he threw those depressing thoughts out of his mind, as he knew he had to work with what he got, and try to continuously improve.


    As he waited for his body to get better he nned to meditate some on the Dao. He wished to both improve his current Seed of Heaviness, and get another seed, the Seed of Sharpness. These two forces were those he sensed to be strongest in the axe in his vision, and he felt that getting both of them was the first step on the path of true axe mastery.


    Besides, the Dao of Sharpness might also be of some use for his throwing knives. Since <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> came with no manual how to progress the Dao or his other skills he could only fumble around in the dark. This time literally.


    Unfortunately, he could only focus at therge axe fractal in his mind for a short while before his head started hurting again. It seemed that using Dao was still impossible after his overexertion. Zac wondered if there was something like mental energy or soul power that was used when pondering on the Dao or using it in battle, but he hadnt been able to sense anything of the sort thus far. He only knew his head hurt and felt swollen like a bad migraine.


    Helplessly he could only go to sleep. He would have preferred to take a look around the area, but his body didnt really listen to hismands anymore. Besides any sound carried through the tunnels and amplified, and it waspletely quiet apart from his breathing. There should be no monsters or creepy crawlies around at least this part of the subterranean system.


    Zac woke up some timeter, not being able to tell exactly how long he was out. His watch had broken long ago, and his cell phone ran out of charge as well. He had learned to tell the time somewhat urately with the help of the suns, but down in the caverns this was useless.


    Judging from the state of his body he felt that he had been out somewhere between 3 and 5 hours. He was still bruised all over but at least he could get by. He got up on his feet but stopped before setting out.


    He was a bit unsure how to proceed from here on out. After some hesitation, he decided to look around the caves for a bit, and then find an exit. Nothing had really changed apart from the monkey king being hurt. The general and other herald were still unknowns.


    The caverns were thest ce apart from the city that remained uncharted on the ind. There was a real possibility that thest Herald hid somewhere in here as he hadnt even seen the shadow of it before. If he could find something out while he was stuck here anyway it would be great assistance to his quest. One of his fears was that he would fail his mission and get punished by the System, not due to ack of trying, but because he simply couldnt find his targets.


    Since the System wanted him to kill these targets he felt that he should have been provided with some navigation and targeting method. But if mentallyining about the system had any effect hed long have solved all his problems.


    But he also put a time limit on himself. He hadnt given up on killing the monkey king, and would certainly try again. The reason for his failure was the horde of monkeys interrupting. He was quite certain that he would be able to kill him if he got him alone.


    Thats why he didnt try to rush back. For one he wasnt sure how to get out, and besides, he believed that the monkey army would be on high alert for his return in the short run. It was a shame, as the monkey king was currently an easy target with its wounds. But he still had half a month until his 2-month deadline. He didnt need to risk it all just yet.


    Zac took a nce at his axe, confirming that it was almostpletely repaired, and continued further into the caves. He still used only the glowing moss as a light source as he didnt want to alert any enemies. Besides his eyes were getting ustomed to it by now and he could somewhat make out his surroundings.


    Just before he ventured down he carved a small Z beneath the glowing moss to mark his passage. He could still track his progress in his mind, but better safe than sorry.


    The tunnels he progressed through led steadily downward, and it felt like he was walking toward the foot of the mountain. That also meant that he was closing in on the cave system the demons explored so he was careful to not make any excessive sounds. He even ripped down some moss from the wall and tied it to the bottom of his feet to mask his footsteps. It was the non-luminescent kind of moss, of course, as he didnt want his feet to be beacons for the enemy.


    As he descended he sensed that the ambient cosmic energy was steadily growing stronger. Not only that, the tunnels started to change as well.


    From being dark and dour, apart from the asional weak blue luminescence from the moss, the caverns were turning into a vibrant fantasy world. Thick vines with purple flowers started to grow out of the ground,rge glowing mushrooms lined the tunnels and the lights from the moss grew stronger and polychromatic.


    Zac had never taken any hallucinogenic drugs, but it almost felt like he was high as he walked in these psychedelic tunnels. After walking along dazed for a few seconds he suddenly started, and then started to collect samples of all the various herbs and mushrooms. He was careful to not let anything touch his skin, just in case it was poisonous.


    He still had no method to discern if they were of value, but he felt that at least some of the magical nts should be of some use. It seemed quite clear that they had grown due to the high density of the cosmic energy, so they might have some magical properties.


    Zac started using the vegetation as a basis where to head when he reached crossroads. He simply chose the one with a higher density of subterranean growth, as that passage should have a higher density of cosmic energy.


    He was starting to get very curious why there was so much energy in the mountain, and he believed that the demons were so interested in the cave for the very same reason. There should be something in the depths that either contained or produced an immense amount of energy, to the point that it leaked out into the whole mountain range and valley.


    If the demons removed it and took it with them then Zac would lose a potential goldmine. He added the task of finding out what created the energy as well before leaving. If it was something small and portable he would try to steal it. If this much cosmic energy could be poured into a couple of arrays he wouldnt have to worry about the demons ever again.


    Zac had walked for almost an hour when a sound made him stop in his tracks and shrink into the wall. It was light hurried steps that echoed through the tunnels not far ahead. They didnt seem to being toward him, so Zac slowly ventured forward, careful not to make a single sound.


    The steps slowly were bing a bit more distant, and Zac hurried up until he reached a crossing. He carefully looked around a corner toward where the sounds came from to see what made the steps. And just before it turned another corner, he could briefly spot a small imp trotting along.


    Zacs heartbeat started to speed up, as seeing the imp opened up a possibility. Perhaps the imps main area of activity was underground, which would exin why he had encountered so few up above ground. And if it was, then their herald was likely down here as well.

 Chapter 50: Crystals

    Chapter 50: Crystals


    Zac waited for a bit to make sure no other imp or demon was iing before he ventured the same path he saw the imp take.


    He surreptitiously nced around any corners or crossroads, but even after a minute he still hadnt seen any signs of the imp or anything else of interest. Either the imp was a lone explorer in the caverns or it was out of the way for some reason.


    A scratching sound stopped his train of thought and Zac moved to the next intersection to see where the sound came from. He finally found the small imp again and it was just 10 meters away from him, currently digging through some moss. After it removed a topyer it sneakily put something inside, and then carefully put the moss back on top. It got up and turned around, and suddenly found itself staring right at Zac.


    Zac didnt hesitate and instantly killed it with a dagger. He walked up to the corpse and put it in one of his pouches, before walking over to where it dug around earlier. Initially he had wanted to follow it back to wherever he came from, but he had been too careless and immediately got spotted. Hed have to get better at sneaking in these tunnels unless he wanted to get mobbed down.


    After removing the moss he actually found a small stash of Nexus Crystals. They werent polished and uniform like the ones he had taken from the demon leader, but rather looking like uncut raw gems. Some were as small as a fingernail while thergest was slightlyrger than his own crystals.


    It seemed like the imp actually was hiding away its wealth in this uninhabited part of the cave system like a cultivating squirrel. So it looked like it wasnt heading to any other imps or demons, but rather away from them. Perhaps daylight robbery was a real problem amongst the imps, so hiding their cultivation resources was imperative.


    The imps actions raised a few questions. First of all, could imps cultivate? They seemed to have some inherent proclivity for magic, as all of them thus far were able to shoot those nefarious fireballs. But it felt like all of them more or less were of the same strength, making him believe they couldnt get stronger.


    There seemed to be some fundamental differences between the imps and the demons or himself. They didnt have levels when he inspected them with <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>, and it didnt look like they had sses either as everyone used the same attack. Thats why Zac ced them in the same group as the other beasts in his mind.


    So what was the use of the crystals? The most likely exnation he could find was evolution. He had seen all kinds of mutations and evolutions in the flora on the ind caused by the cosmic energy. Whos to say it didnt work with the fauna as well. Perhaps the crystals could help a normal imp to evolve into something greater, like the Heralds.


    It was a bit worrying, as normal imps were deadly enough. If suddenly a throng of them evolved into super-imps wouldnt they burn down the whole ind? He could only hope that evolving wasnt that simple a matter for now.


    The second thing on Zacs mind was the crystals themselves. Where had it found them? If there were a bunch of them it would exin many things, such as why the density of cosmic energy was so high in the mountains. It could be due to the proximity of arge amount of Nexus Crystals, whose energy bled through into the surroundings.


    It would also exin the unceasing flow of demonsing into the mountains. A mountain full of Nexus Crystals should be the equivalent of a multi-verse gold mine.


    That, unfortunately, meant that the demons were continuously pilfering the resources that Zac would need to continue to improve and build up a town.


    Zac was sorelycking in Nexus Coins right now. He could barely improve himself, let alone build up a whole town. His gainstely from killing monkeys had been tremendous, but it was nothingpared to the costs of creating, and running, a town.


    For example, there was an array called <strong>[E-Grade Medium Scale Town Defense Array] </strong>that was abination of a defensive shield and some attacking functions. It looked like a good all-around addition for a newly established settlement. But that array alone cost 5 million Nexus Coins, and furthermore, it wasnt free to operate.


    There were defensive turrets and anti-siege weapons as well, each costing over a million coins. There was just no way for him to grind that kind of amount of coins. Even if he got twice as strong and murdered monkeys without rest or sleep it would take years before he got all the basic structures of the town.


    But if he had arge number of Nexus Crystals he might be able to pay all this, and maybe even more. He didnt have any means of selling the Crystals for Nexus Coins at the moment, but there were things such as shops and auction houses in the outpost store. If he purchased one of those he was sure theyd ept his crystals for some coin.


    Of course, it all hinged on him actually getting the crystals. Driven by a renewed sense of purpose, Zac headed back toward where he came from. Since the imp went out of its way to hide the crystals out here, there shouldnt be much activity in the surroundings as well.


    Zac made a mental note of the area since he might need a base of operations down here. As he carefully proceeded through the paths the ambient cosmic energy kept increasing, now starting to reach the density that he had felt in the valley with the monkey king.


    After continuing on for roughly 10 minutes he heard some shuffling further down the path. Zac immediately stopped, a glint of greed and anticipation on his face. Every demon he found down here would probably make him wealthier. He imagined looting magic pouches packed to the rafters with crystals, a creepy grin slowly starting to emerge on his face.


    Unfortunately it wasnt a walking nest egg he encountered, but a white crocodile.


    At a second nce he realized it wasnt actually a crocodile, but a supersized smander. It had a thick build and was roughly four meters long. It was mostly white with some purple markings. Zac thought that subterranean species normally possessed no eyes, but this didnt seem to apply to this specimen. Itzily ambled through a subterranean tunnel, swiping up various mushrooms and herbs with its mouth along the way.


    Zac didnt know if it was a guard animal for the demons or just something that lived down here. He shrank into a side corridor to hide as he didnt want to bother with this huge beast at the moment. The beast seemed oblivious to his existence until it suddenly exploded into motion just as it was next to the side-tunnel Zac hid in.


    Its maw opened showing a line ofrge translucent teeth looking like huge salt crystals. The beast tilted its head and charged straight at Zacs torso, but he was ustomed to this manner of attacks from the countless barghest he had fought.


    Channeling his cosmic energy he grunted and punched the lizard in its head, mming it into the wall of the tunnel, creatingrge cracks on the stone surface. That type of attack was usually enough to kill barghest by now, but it only seemed to enrage the smander. He didnt want a prolonged fight though and swung vertically with a maxed out <strong>[Chop]</strong>, cleanly decapitating it.


    A surge of energy entered his body and he saw that he gained roughly 800 Nexus coins. That was even morepared to some of the weaker demons, surprising Zac somewhat. It had been pretty quick for itsrge size, but it felt like less of a challengepared to a demon.


    As he was mulling it over a sizzling sound interrupted his train of thought, and he turned his head toward the sound.


    Smoke rose up from the ground next to the chopped off head and a sizzling sound could be heard. He went closer to take a look, and was appalled to see that its saliva was highly corrosive. The sounds came from its tongue touching the ground, and it had already corroded a small hole where its saliva dripped down. Zac realized even a flesh wound from a bite might cost him a limb when fighting these smanders.


    It was a shame he couldnt use his eye skill on it as it was already dead, but it didnt matter much what the system called the animal. He went over to the headless carcass and observed the body. At least the blood wasnt corrosive as well, otherwise, the huge pool of blood forming beneath the body would have carved out a new path among the tunnels.


    Zac barely managed to cram the beast inside his smaller pouch after chopping off the tail as well, and then moved on. He didnt want to leave a carcass out in the open that was clearly killed with something sharp. He still didnt know what the rtion between the demons and this animal was, and hed just have to lug it along until he did. Or found somewhere to dump it where it wouldnt be found.


    Zac continued on, diligently marking crossroads with a Z. By now he was starting to fully limatize to the cold light of the moss and various other nts and had no problem discerning his surroundings.


    After a while, the tunnels started to change once again, as he saw spots glimmering between the pieces of moss on the walls and ground. He walked over to the closest spot that shone and saw that it was a crystal.


    His heartbeat quickened and he quickly pried it out with a knife. The stone was far harder than he expected, and the extraction taxed even him with his huge Strength. But he only increased his pace with a widening smile adorning his face, and soon he held his prize in his hand. The crystal he pried out truly was a Nexus Crystal, roughly half the size of the ones in his bag.


    As he looked around the walls he saw glimmering crystals embedded all over the walls.


    He was <em>rich!</em>

 Chapter 51: Stench

    Chapter 51: Stench


    After a bout of excitement Zac suppressed his giddiness and refocused. As much as he wanted to, he couldnt start a mining operation at the moment. He had things to do.


    Besides, it likely was more effective to let the demons mine the crystals, and thenmandeer it when it was all extracted and gathered. They shouldnt have sent their most powerful warriors to mine, so an assault wouldnt prove to be too difficult. He longingly took another look at the glistening walls and then kept going.


    This obsession with wealth was something new he had started to develop. He hadnt really cared too much when the world still was normal, and he just was a white-cor worker. He was happy as long as he had enough to live afortable life.


    Buttely he was running toward corpses like it was Christmas morning and the bodies contained presents. It was a weird type of callousness that tranted corpses into loot. He had always enjoyed the grind in video games, waiting for that rush of seeing some glimmering unique or valuable item drop. He was starting to get the same feeling in real life as well. Just the thought of finding a magic pouch full of crystals made him want to forget about the Heralds and go on a treasure hunt instead.


    But he knew he couldnt, at least not for now. As he walked, he started to gradually hear rhythmic sounds of metal hitting rock. It was still far in the distance, but Zac presumed he was hearing mining operations.


    He hesitated for a bit, but then reluctantly decided to go in another direction. There was no real need to see the miners at the moment, and he wouldnt risk getting exposed this early just to steal a peek. What he currently wanted to explore was whether the thrifty imp was a loner who had snuck into the caves, or whether it was part of arger group.


    As he crept along the paths the sounds of pick-axes hitting rock didnt diminish, rather it was a constant drone in this part of the cave system. This made Zac realize that the mining operations were on arger scale than he had expected. After walking for 30 minutes the sounds finally started to diminish, letting him know he was moving away from the mining operations.


    Suddenly he heard another sound and he stopped in his tracks. It was the familiar sound of light scuffling on the ground that the imp had made, but this time it sounded like came from multiple sources. It was apanied by some nking and subdued inane chatter that didnt quite sound like anguage.


    He gingerly crept forward, careful not to make a sound. He wasnt sure how sharp their senses were, and he didnt want to find out. Zac took quick peek around a corner and saw that the tunnel led into a cavern that was roughly 10 by 10 meterrge. The roof was also higherpared to the usual 3-4 meters of the tunnels.


    The first thing he noticed was that he didnt have to be careful of the imps smelling him out, as a wall of overbearing stench hit him as soon as he looked around the corner. It seemed that sanitation and hygiene were alien concepts to the small humanoids, as that level of smell could onlye from a buildup of waste and excrement.


    What entered Zacs vision could tenuously be called a camp. Moss had been ripped from the walls and ced on the ground to make simple bedding, and in the middle of the room was a handful of lumber together with vines making a fire whose ck smoke polluted the cave. Luckily for the imps there seemed to be some cracks in the roof which kept the cave ventted, otherwise they might have killed themselves identally by inhaling all that smoke. Piles of food waste and other unmentionables were strewn randomly about the camp, and in a corner there was arge rotting carcass of a smaller version of the smander Zac fought earlier.


    There were roughly 20 imps that inhabited the disgusting campsite, and it looked like they were turning in for the night. Zac was a little fuzzy about the exact time but felt that it should be somewhere around 4 to 6 am. He had assaulted the Herald in the evening, and after his escape spent a few hours on absorbing energy, then a few hours of sleep.


    From what hed seen from his travels across the ind the imps werent nocturnal and guessed that their sleep schedule had gotten messed up from living in this subterranean cave.


    Most of the imps were already lying on the ground snoring away, while a fewzily milled about. Two had a small scuffle over a moss bedding, and after a short while the victory down while the loser skulked away. It seemed the beddings closest to the fire in the middle were the most desirable, and the losers had to pick some spot further out.


    Zac waited and only 15 minutester the whole group was fast asleep, and they didnt bother with sentries or the like. Perhaps that was what the bedding arrangement was for. If they were attacked the weaklings in the outer rim would be attacked first, and their death wails would be the warning rm for the others.


    Zac deliberated whether to attack or to go around the camp. He felt that such arge group of imps indicated that the caves might very well be the main area of the imps. The imps he encountered in the forests had been mostly solitary, but here he immediately saw two dozen of them.


    That meant that the likelihood of the herald being down here had gone up by quite a few points. He didnt want a repeat of the battle of the monkey Herald, where it summoned a throng of subordinates to wear him down. And being attacked by hundreds of imps seemed far more deadlypared to the monkeys. Hed be sted to smithereens in no time.


    But he also was still quite unclear about things down in the tunnels. He only possessed a shaky grasp of theyout down here so far. But soon he came to a decision and brought out some rags from his pouch. They had once been a shirt of his but were ripped up for bandages long ago. Hewrapped the rag around his mouth and nose, and then brought out arge dagger he had taken from thest fight with the demons.


    The rags were a small defense against the smell. He was already getting nauseated just smelling it from a distance, and he did not look forward to experiencing the stench point nk. He crept forward, with his dagger at the ready.


    He soon arrived at the mouth of the cave, and the overwhelming stench almost made his eyes tear. He forced himself to ignore it and moved over to the closest imp. He bent over, and with quick movements put his padded hand over its mouth and simultaneously cut a huge gash over its throat, almostpletely decapitating it.


    The imp had no time to scream or struggle, and after a few shudders it was dead. Zac stopped for a second to survey the surroundings, but they were all still fast asleep. He kept going and moved to the second one, repeating his actions.


    In short order he killed 8 of the imps without alerting anyone, and he moved to the 9th. He was approaching the innermost circle of beddings now and was quite close to the fire. As he did he reflected that the only thing that smelled worse than imp excrement was hot imp excrement.


    Zac was starting to wonder if a stench could physically hurt someone, as his eyes were tearing up from the stink. If he was forced to sleep in a camp like this hed rather sleep on the edge of the cave at risk of getting eaten by a smander,pared to sleeping next to this putrid me.


    The smell was so bad that he couldnt properly focus and he identally hit the sleeping imp with his foot as he approached. He quickly bent down and finished it off, but not before it managed to release a high pitched screech.


    Zac knew he wouldnt be able to sneak around anymore, and immediately swapped out the dagger for his axe. He activated <strong>[Chop] </strong>and with three quick swings another five imps were dead before they managed to properly wake up.


    By now the surviving imps were up, and all of them charged up a purplish-ck fireball without hesitation. Zac managed to kill another two before they were done charging, but afterwards four fireballs mmed into him. The cave was simply too small, and he had no time to dodge them. Normally he would have used his chest piece here, but he wanted to save it unless it was a true life-and-death scenario. He might meet a Herald soon, so he needed all the tools at the ready.


    Zac could only grit his teeth as the nefarious mes hit him, sticking to him like glue. He knew that the fires would die out when their owners did, so he wasted no time and charged at the remaining four imps. They screeched and started to flee towards a tunnel opposite where Zac came from, but Zac wouldnt give up.


    Ignoring the impracticallyrge consumption of energy, he elongated the <strong>[Chop]</strong> edge and managed to hit two of the fleeing imps, bisecting them in an instant. Their twopatriots didnt care and only started pping their wings more fervently in order to escape.


    Zac fished out a throwing dagger out of his pouch, and as he followed he threw it into the back of one of the two imps. He took out another dagger, intending to quickly end the fight. But as he prepared the throw a huge white maw suddenly emerged out of a side-tunnel, snapping shut over the imp in a lightning-quick manner.


    It was another smander that emerged from the tunnel, contentedly chewing on the small demon. It lumbered forward toward the other imp that Zac had downed and gobbled up it as well, knife and all.


    Zac wasnt in a mood to fight against the smander unless needed, as he liked the idea of these huge lizards walking around in the tunnels and helping him out by whittling down his enemies. Therefore he quickly receded into a side-tunnel in order to avoid its approach. The huge monster soon came to the entrance looking toward Zacs direction, and seemed to be hesitating for a few seconds. Zac didnt understand how they kept sensing him, as this time he had fled even further back, but he could only get ready to kill this white giant as well.


    Finally it turned around and ambled away, toward the now deathly silent imp camp.

 Chapter 52: Odor

    Chapter 52: Odor


    Zac let out a breath of relief as he saw the beast lumber off. Not that he was afraid of fighting it, but the enemy of his enemy was his friend, even if the monster itself didnt know it.


    Zac moved some distance away and applied some more Aloe cream on his burns. His skin looked grey and sickly, but not like a desated corpses like it had the first time he fought an imp. His endurance was quite a bit higher by now, and while the fireballs still hurt like hell it took them longer to drain his body.


    Zac felt he was at the cusp of leveling up, and continued onward through the tunnels. It didnt take long until he found another cave with sleeping imps. This time it was a bit smaller, with only 15 imps. This group also seemed to be a bit more vignt with one imp standing guard. It seemed to barely understand the concept of being a lookout though, as it was leaning against a wall half-asleep. asionally it would rouse itself, but only to scratch its butt then go back to dozing off.


    Zac saw no way to get next to it without being spotted, even if it wasnt too vignt. He really wished he could get the skill the crafty swordsman used, and turn invisible for the approach. Even theckadaisical imp would notice his approach and warn the others if he tried to sneak up on it.


    Seeing no alternative he took out another throwing knife and threw it at the guard. It hit straight in the middle of its torso, almost instantly killing it. It slumped down into the ground with a small whimper and then stopped moving. Zac froze, waiting for any reaction from the rest of the group.


    However, they snored away contently, oblivious to their impending doom. Satisfied Zac ventured in and repeated his grisly assassinations. This time he managed to keep going unnoticed until only 3 were left before they were alerted, but Zac finished off thest stragglers with a few quick chops.


    The kills in the second cave gave Zac another level up, bringing him to level 33. He put in 1 point in Strength and two points into Endurance, bringing the attributes to 171 and 99 respectively.


    Zac soon trudged on, continuously looking through the seemingly endless tunnel system. He found a few more imp camps on the way. Not all the camps were sleeping though, and he skipped the ones who were awake for now. He was forced to eat four fireballs earlier which hurt quite bad, and didnt want to imagine how getting bombarded by twenty of those infernal balls would feel.


    After traveling for an hour he felt that he should be below sea level by how much he had descended. Of course, it was hard to get an exact feeling when everything felt the same. But it opened up a new avenue of escape for him. He had been pondering whether he should build a raft to leave the ind if the demon quest didnt pan out.


    But the thought of being stuck at sea on a crudely built raft and no knowledge of how far he was fromnd soon quenched that idea. Besides, who knew what kind of monstrous things lurked in the depths after the integration into the multi-verse.


    The caves felt like a safer option. Even if he found no way out, he could always back-track to the ind. The only downside was the ustrophobic feeling of these tunnels. The tunnels were quite beautiful right where he was, but he guessed it was due to the high amount of cosmic energy in the surroundings. If he left this area the tunnels would likely be far more dour and oppressive.


    As he continued his exploration he started to smell a very acrid odor, differing greatly from the earthy scent of the vegetation or the putrid stench of the imp camps. Intrigued he decided to find the source and started to slowly follow the smell.


    After a few twists and turns, he finally managed to find the right direction. It seemed that none of the stats really improved his senses overly much, so his plethora of titles hadnt given him eagle eyes or a super sniffer. He, therefore, made some wrong turns before being able to tell what direction the smell came from.


    As the smell got stronger and stronger he saw that the tunnel was starting to change. There were signs of mining activity in the area, with holes in the walls peppered about. Most of the greenery had also been ripped out, leaving only some of the luminescent moss for some lightning. It looked like the source of the smell was man-made rather than something natural.


    He started to take greater care for any potential enemy or trap cropping up, but still decided to continue toward the source of the smell. As he peeked around a corner he saw a few imps milling about near the mouth of arge cave. He couldnt properly see what was going on inside the cave due to the distance, but it was well lit up and he could see a purplish smoke wafting about inside.


    It would be impossible to approach without alerting whoever was in the cave, so Zac retreated to find another entrance. After twenty minutes of looking around, following his nose, he found another cave mouth, but this one was guarded as well.


    He turned toward thest path he found that had a stronger smellpared to the others and tried his luck onest time. This time he was lead to a dead end, the path simply stopping after a while. The acidic smell was extremely strong though, almost to the point of making Zac lightheaded. After looking around for a while he found a small crack in the wall behind some luminescent moss.


    He ripped down the moss and another light shone from the wall, but this time it was light bleeding through a small crack. It appeared he was right next to the cave, but with a thinyer of rock in between.


    He tried to look through the crack but it was too small for him to see anything, so he brought out one of his thin throwing knives from his pouch and started to carefully carve out the crack. It was a slow process as he didnt want the sounds to alert anyone inside, and it took almost half an hour until the hole wasrge enough for him to be able to see through.


    He eagerly nced inside, and what met his eye made his heartbeat speed up. The cave was one of thergest ones he had seen so far, being a full 30 meters across. The first thing he noticed was therge cauldron in the middle of the room, and it was the source of the smell and the purple smoke he had seen. It was almost as tall as Zac was, and held in the air by a crude rock and lumber contraption.


    The source of the fire confused Zac, as it didnt produce any smoke. He only saw a handful of the raw Nexus Crystals ced seemingly haphazardly on the ground, and above them a blue-white me was steadily emitted, heating the bottom of the cauldron. Zac made a mental note, because if he could burn crystals without creating smoke he would be able to provide warmth and cook food without having to worry about demons finding out.


    Next to the cauldron were various mounds of resources. Zac recognized almost all of them as the various herbs and nts he had seen while walking the tunnels. There were mushrooms, vines and purplish grass neatly separated into their own piles. He also identified a few nts that he had seen above ground in the transformed area close to the incursion.


    On a stool stood an imp, slowly stirring the contents of the cauldron with arge woodendle. At least he thought it was an imp, but he couldnt be sure as because it was almost asrge as an adult human. But it shared many features with the imps such as its purplish skin and bat wings.


    In contrast, its skin wasnt mottled and irradiated like it seemed like with most imps, but rather smooth and clear. It also wore a proper, albeit simple, robe. The most advanced clothing he had seen on an imp thus far was a dirty rag used as a loincloth, while most of them were simply naked.


    Itcked any horns or ears, and as it turned its head to grab a mushroom to throw into the pot he could also see its face, making him sure he was dealing with an imp and not a demon. It had the extra set of eyes ced in its forehead, just as the normal imps.


    He had found his fourth Herald. He couldnt see any other exnation than that. It looked far too differentpared to its brethren, and its intelligence seemed to be on another level if it cared about things such as clothing.


    Zac didnt dare to use <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>l to make sure though, as even the normal imps could sense it when he used the skill on them.


    The Herald wasnt alone, unfortunately. There currently were a group of roughly 10 imps milling about in the cave. They were sorting a pile of resources and moved them to their respective mound close to the cauldron. When an imp made a mistake it was ruthlessly pped in the head with the bosssdle, eliciting a scared whimper.


    Zac decided to wait for a while in order to let them finish their task and then hopefully leave. Between this group and the ones just outside there simply were too many imps forfort. But before they were even halfway done with the task a few imps entered the cave and dumped an armful each of various nts.


    Meanwhile, the herald kept throwing some nt or mushroom into the pot every now and then, constantly stirring. Zac started to feel that the cauldron had to be a magic item like his pouch, as it never seemed to flow over, even after Zac had watched the Herald throw things into it for an hour by now.


    It looked like the imps wouldnt leave the cave in the end. Zac deliberated whether he should wait some more or fight. By now he was more or lesspletely restored from his escape from the monkey Herald, apart from being covered in tender bruises. Finally, he opened up his quest page to make sure of the progress of his dynamic quest, slowly reading through it.


    With all preparations done, he threw his worries and doubts out of his mind and hefted his axe.

 Chapter 53: Blitz

    Chapter 53: Blitz


    The wall separating Zac and the cavern was less than a decimeter thick, and wouldnt be able to hold against him kicking it down. Luckily there were no crystals embedded that strengthened its integrity as well. He moved his axe to his left hand and gripped a throwing knife in his other.


    After a few deep breaths, he put all his weight on his left leg and kicked forward with all the power he could muster. A deep thud echoed out and arge part of the wallpletely crumbled. Zac shouldered his way through the newly created crevice, not caring about the few cuts he got from the sharp rocks.


    He immediately threw his dagger with full force at the Herald, hoping for a quick conclusion. Unfortunately, it didnt work, as the de seeminglybusted by itself and turned to ashes as it approached therge imp.


    Zac wasnt surprised, and without hesitation pushed forward. He managed to kill two of the smaller imps with daggers on his approach, and then he was instantly within 10 meters of the herald.


    The boss roared angrily and lifted thedle, using it as a staff. A huge wave of pitch-ck mes rolled outward toward Zac. Anything it touched turned to ashes immediately, even a few unfortunate imps that were incinerated since they stood at the wrong position in the cave.


    A golden sheen enveloped Zacpletely, and he jumped through the wall of mes. He could hear a peal of eerieughter and a snap, then he was through the mes. He didnt hesitate and pushed all cosmic energy he was able to gather into the fractal on his hand, creating a five-meter de which whooshed toward the herald.


    The de mmed into an invisible barrier and started sizzling, causing extraordinary pain somehow transmitting into Zacs mind. But Zacs power wasnt for show, and after a brief struggle the de pressed on, mming into the Heralds body.


    Zac expected the Herald to be bisected, but with a shocked expression saw its seemingly simple robe light up and protect its body. The robe couldnt remove the huge momentum from the swing though, and the monster was shot into a close wall like a rocket.


    Zac rushed after it and was almost upon it to end the fight.


    The Herald spat out a mouthful of purple blood from the impact and screeched angrily at Zac. Its four eyes started zing ominously, and once again summoned mes. This time nothing in the cave was safe, as ck insidious waves billowed in all directions from floor to ceiling. The Herald was like a demonic sun that radiated nefarious mes that wanted to consume the world. The mounds of resources instantly turned to ashes, and the few leftover imps perished as well. The only thing that could stand the onught was the cauldron which seemedpletely unaffected by the mes.


    Zac had already used his armors one-time defense inscription, and could only grit his teeth and force his way through the sea of fire. The fires would extinguish as soon as the Herald died, so he ced a bet that the fight wouldntst long.


    The scorching pain that enveloped him was far worsepared to the normal hellfire of the smaller imps, and it caused him to scream and stumble. The swing that was supposed to cleave the Herald in two lost much of its power and his aim got off-kilt. But he at least managed to slice one of the Heralds arm clean off spraying blood everywhere.


    He shakily prepared to swing his axe once more, but the Herald had had enough. With a few ps of its wings, it desperately tried to flee, leaving a trail of burning blood in its wake as it escaped through the mes. Every p of its wings caused the mes to erupt in the air, creating a natural barrier from chasing it.


    Zac couldnt afford to let yet another Herald to flee his pursuit, and charged most of his remaining energy into <strong>[Chop] </strong>once again, and furiously swung a five meter edge after the fleeing imp. But the imp was quick and he saw that his edge wouldnt reach even when maxed out.


    That was extremely bad news as the whole cave was still covered in the ck mes, and they were quickly consuming him whole. If he didnt kill the Herald he would likely perish before getting out of there. Anger and desperation filled Zacs mind as he maniacally tried to increase the reach of the de.


    REACH! he roared as the edge was moving horizontally in the imps direction.


    Suddenly, the de detached from his axe, and continued outward like a wave. It moved as fast as his swing did, and soon reached the back of the fleeing Herald. It proceeded and prated the imp without any resistance from the magic robe, Splitting its torso and wings in two.


    The body various body parts of the Herald fell to the ground, and Zac thankfully saw the mes covering the cavern quickly snuff out. He didnt have time to go over the battle scene, as a gang of screeching imps entered through the entrances. Now that the hellscape had subdued, the back-up could finally enter without being incinerated.


    Zac was in no mood to fight these little demons, and threw out the huge smander carcass to block the iing fireballs. With the newfound room, he ced the Heralds cauldron in his magic pouch and dashed out the same way as he came.


    He kept running through the tunnels to create some distance from the area controlled by the imps, ted with the result of the fight. His bet had been sessful.


    He had nned to avoid a drawn-out fight with the Herald, and thrown everything he got on it from the start. With how dangerous the small imps were he knew that the Herald would be a true terror if allowed to fire off its attacks. He hadnt even taken time to use his <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on the boss, afraid it would slow him down a fraction of a second.


    He had also learned his lesson from the fight with the Monkey King, ending the battle before reinforcements could arrive. Certainly,st time he had been tricked into thinking he killed all the backup until they sprang out of the ground like mushrooms. But that only showed that anything could happen in a fight, and the longer it dragged on the more variables could crop up.


    With his zing speed the imp boss only managed to shoot two attacks before he was killed, and only one of them had managed to hit him.


    Zac touched to his scalp as he ran and grimaced as he felt that all the hair on his head was singed clean off. After a quick confirmation, the same held true for his eyebrows and beard. He didnt have a mirror with him but he could only assume he looked like a beggar monk by now.


    His felt body felt drained and burned, and he stopped as soon as he felt the distance was enough. He had consumed almost all his cosmic energy during the fight, and the hell mes the imp spewed out burned his vitality or soul as well, making him feel truly wrung out.


    He sat down on some moss, brought out a bottle of water, and opened up his status page.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>34</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>175</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>59</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>100</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>49</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>49</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>67</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>545716</strong>


    The battle had only given him one level,pared to the almost 3 from thest Herald he killed. He currently felt he was roughly halfway to level 35. That showed just how much harder it was getting to level up the higher his level became. The only reason he kept leveling quite quickly was that his killing speed had improved fasterpared to the increasing level requirements.


    Before doing anything else he quickly opened his quest page as well to make sure whether what he killed was actually a Herald or not.


    <strong>Off With Their Heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of an incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. </strong><strong>(3/5)</strong>


    It was indeed the third Herald he killed. He sighed in relief, ted with finally having moved his quest forward. He had been looking for this boss for weeks and started to worry whether he would find it in time toplete the quest. But this part was finally solved.


    He already knew where thest herald was located, and it was badly wounded to boot. Thest missing piece of the puzzle was the general. Zac still had no idea how to locate and eradicate him or her, but one step at a time.


    However, the good news didnt continue.


    Zac closed down his quest page in order to allocate his points into Strength and Endurance as usual. This time something went wrong, however, and he was unable to put his free point into Strength. He put two points into Endurance without a problem, bringing his total to 103. But no matter how many times he tried, he simply couldnt allocate hisst free point into Strength. Zac started getting a sinking feeling in his stomach, worried he might have screwed up quite badly.


    It looked like he had reached his cap for Strength. This was extremely bad news as his main stat was Strength, and he automatically got 3 points allocated every time he leveled up. Would he able to level up at all? Would he just loose those 3 points if he gained a level? What if his Dao Seed improved or he gained a new Title?


    He didnt believe that 175 Strength was the limit of what was possible in the multi-verse. Those titans he saw in the vision should have had thousands in Strength from the aura they emitted. Therefore the problem came down to how to increase his limit.


    Zac pondered for a few minutes and came up with a few ways that might work. The simplest method, and the one he desperately hoped was true, was that the cap would increase with a set amount of points every time he got a level. Then his problem would be taken care of. If the increase per level was low he could simply allocate his free points into more Endurance or a third stat.


    But if this wasnt the case his problem got a lot thornier, because the only other method he could think of currently was getting an upgrade. Both his Race and ss were currently F-Graded. If he upgraded one of them, his limits might get increased as well.


    The problem was that he had no idea how to do that. Usually, in games, you got a ss upgrade when you reached a set level. Unfortunately, Zac didnt know whether this was at level 35, 50 or even 100.


    As for Race, he was even more clueless. He had seen no indication anywhere what to do about race, and the only hint he had gotten that it was actually upgradeable was that the grade got added when he attained a ss.


    It might take a long time until he found a solution to this problem. The thought of losing tens of levels worth of attributes while he waited for getting an upgrade made Zac truly sick to his stomach.


    Zacs vision started to close in on him, and his thoughts were getting scattered. Suddenly he puked out arge mouthful of blood and bile, before falling down on the ground.


    <em>Something else is making me sick as well</em> Zac realized, just before passing out.

 Chapter 55: Hey There Buddy

    Chapter 55: Hey There Buddy


    Zac wished he had a mirror to more sneakily look around the corners, but could only work with what he got. He rubbed some dirt on his face and singed scalp to cover his skin, and then wrapped some of the vines around his neck and head. Somewhat satisfied with his camouge, and carefully peeked around a corner, mostly hidden behind a huge mushroom.


    The tunnel Zac peered into contained five miners, and he was surprised to see that most of them used different means to extract the crystals.


    Two were using basic pick-axes to gradually chip away at the walls. But each swing only made some tiny chippings fall, proving that their strength was nowhere near Zacs. If he used one of those pickaxes he would likely be able to m a decent hole in the wall, even if the rock was strengthened.


    Another two of the miners were actually mages, and they simply held their hands to the wall. It took some time to see what they were doing, but he saw that a Nexus Crystal slowly was emerging out of the wall after a while. Apparently, the rock was even resistant to spells, as the earth mages Zac encountered so far usually had a far easier time manipting stone.


    Thest miner was mming away at the wall with a mace, and his Strength was overbearing. Every m created a reverberating thud that made stone chippings fly.


    The miners were all demons who looked well fed and cared for and didnt really look weakerpared to the scouts he encountered. He had hoped that the demons ced their weakest in the mines, which would make Zacs next actions more convenient. But the Strength of the mace wielder seemed to be even higherpared to the demon with the great sword and ck arcs of lightning.


    Next to their feet, they each had a sack of extracted Nexus Crystals. The mace-wielders sack was filled the most and the mages were second. It was all these sacks that were the goal of Zac. He had decided to scout out the demon activity in the cave for a bit, and steal as many Nexus Crystals as he could. He wanted to see if the crystals could help him in evolving his race or ss before biting the bullet and gaining a level to see what happened. He knew he was grasping at straws, but he was really out of options.


    Zac based his guess on two things. First the monkey packs. The higher density of energy the packs stayed in, therger they became. The packs closest to the valley sported thergest monkeys, and a few even evolved to the point of using skills. The second clue came from the imp that was hiding crystals in a stash. He guessed that it maybe wanted to use the crystals for evolving as well.


    If the beasts could use cosmic energy to evolve, then why couldnt he? So he wanted to steal arge amount in order to experiment. Perhaps there was a method of usage that would evolve his body, but not improve his level.


    Zac slunk back into his tunnel, moving further on. His target wasnt these half-filled sacs. Moving onward he spotted quite a few tunnels with miners, and rhythmic thumping on the walls filled the tunnels. He soon found a deserted tunnel whose crystals all had been extracted. He picked this tunnel and started moving through it, ascending slightly as he did. He wanted to get closer to the center of demon activities.


    All these miners had sacs, but Zac never saw anyone carrying them back to the Demon City. That meant that either they were collected and put in a pouch or were left here in the caves. In either case, they should be collected somewhere.


    The tunnels that had been mined looked truly bleakpared to the magical feeling of the untouched ones. Not only were the crystals in the walls removed, but most of the vegetation had also been ripped out of the tunnel. The only thing left was a smattering of moss to somewhat illuminate the area. Luckily for Zac, these exploited tunnels werepletely deserted as anything of value was taken. It made it easy for him to move around the active excavations and into the inner area closer to where he expected the cave mouth to be.


    He really felt thankful that his titles had improved his mental stats quite a bit. Normally he would bepletely turned around after days in the tunnels. But while he couldnt exactly pinpoint where he should be in rtion to the mountain, he generally knew theyout of the tunnels he had traversed and the direction he was moving. This waspletely different from the old Zac who could almost get lost in his own neighborhood, and could only be attributed to either Intelligence or Wisdom.


    Perhaps putting points in these stats wouldnt be a waste for a warrior, and not because it would help with hiscking sense of direction. He had been pondering on attributes a lot while healing up from the poison. If he was to throw his 1-stat-strategy out the window he needed a new direction. One alternative was to focus on all his physical stats, including dexterity and vitality as well. Find a good bnce between the stats that still had Strength as the main focus, but not as lopsided as now.


    But a new alternative he hadnt thought about was to start focusing on wisdom and intelligence. When he let go of his chosen path he started to think more deeply about what the various attributes could help him with, and he believed the mental attributes might help him with the Dao and Skill advancement.


    If putting his free points in Intelligence allowed him to improve his Dao Seed faster and acquire new ones it might be more effectivepared to putting them into more physical stats. If putting 10 points in wisdom helped him get another Dao Seed that gave 15 bonus attribute points, it was a worthwhile investment.


    It might also be possible that even physical attacks needed those stats. His <strong>[Chop]</strong> skill was approaching the realm of magic as it could be turned into a projectile now. Perhaps Wisdom and Intelligence would help it fly faster or further, rather than Strength.


    He could only put aside those things for now, and for the hundredth sighed that he had no one to ask about these things.


    The sounds of battle in the distance interrupted his thoughts. Who would be fighting down in the tunnels? Intrigued, Zac moved towards the ngor. He soon arrived at the mouth of a cave and saw four huge smanders in a pitched battle against twice the amount of demons.


    Earthen Spikes were shooting at the monsters while warriors were keeping the lizards at bay. A pyromancer conjured a huge fireball that shot into the open maw of a smander, burning it alive from the inside. It started to furiously thrash about, mming one of the warriors into the wall, at least breaking a few bones.


    It was clear that apart from the fireball the smanders held the advantage. Had the demons met only one or two of the monsters theyd likely have been able to defeat them, but four were too many.


    The warriors didnt have the power to keep the monsters upied, and the earth mages attacks werergely ineffective. After their kill, one of the warriors sporting arge hammer and a shield shouted something in demonic and their party started to move backward.


    Zac was happy to let this y out and hid behind a boulder, but the development put him in a predicament. The demons were moving in his direction.


    After some deliberation, he picked up a few rocks and started pelting the demons. With his Strength he could likely throw them hard enough to st through their bodies like bullets, but he controlled his power output. The first stones hit one of the warriors in the neck and in the back of the head of another.


    It didnt knock them out but contained enough force to daze them. In a pitched battle like this a brief mistake could be deadly, and the smanders unhesitantly pounced. They bit onto the two demons and after a few furious shakes threw their mangled corpses away.


    A small stream of cosmic energy entered Zac, and he was delighted to see that the System only awarded a small part of the full amount to him. It looked that the system did use some sort of distribution method that somehow gauged contribution or damage dealt.


    He managed to throw another stone that actually knocked one of the mages out cold before he was discovered. One of the mages screamed angrily and shot a few earth spikes toward him. But a few hastily summoned spikes possessed no danger to Zac, and he broke them off with a wave of his axe.


    Zac moved forward quick as lightning and grabbed the scruff of the mage. Then with a grunt he threw her like a doll right at the warrior that ordered the retreat. She mmed into him with enough force that they both helplessly went sprawling on the ground.


    The smanders were quick on the uptake and started helping out with the pincer attack. The two downed demons were quickly dealt with and suddenly it was four demons left versus three smanders and Zac.


    With the frontline down the remaining mages were in dire straits. They desperately erected defenses against the hulking monsters, and then tried to force their way through Zac. But Zac was well versed in anti-mage tactics by now and quickly threw the pyromancer over the hastily erected wall. The mage wailed and then went quiet forever.


    The smanders werent standing idle either, and with a roar thergest one mmed straight through the defenses and snapped up one of the demons. Another one followed and started biting one of the earth mages. The stone skin the mage used waspletely ineffective against the lizards saliva and strong jaws, and he screamed as he was being eaten alive.


    Only one solitary demon remained, and with a desperate roar he started gathering cosmic energy from the surroundings. With therge density in the air it felt like a whirlpool of energy was forming. Zac recognized that sign and immediately cleaved the demon in two from head to crotch, just before jumping for cover.


    He held his hands over his head for a few seconds, but the expected explosion didnte. Perhaps Zac managed to kill him before the energy managed to reach a critical mass. Somewhat embarrassedly he got to his feet and found himself facing three smanders silently staring at him.


    Hey there buddy, lets be friends Zac croaked toward thergest smander, hoping to sound friendly.

 Chapter 56: Ill-gotten Gains

    Chapter 56: Ill-gotten Gains


    Zac spoke to the smanders with the same voice he used to chat with his old neighbors dog. While he felt that fighting thee smanders wouldnt be an impossible feat, he didnt want to move closer to another level unless he needed to. Besides, who knew if they would remember him as an ally if he kept feeding them demons and imps. Having an army of giant lizards to help out against the demon city would be very handy.


    One of the smanders ignored his request for friendship and started lumbering toward Zac, who helplessly backed away with his hands held up in response. Thankfully the leaders maw opened, and a surprisingly childish squeak emerged from its mouth. The squeak stopped the advancing smander in its tracks, and it lumbered back toward one of the demon corpses.


    Zac surveyed all the corpses for anything of value. He quickly noted that none of them carried a magic pouch, and the only other gear he found interesting was the shield one of the warriors had carried. Ity flung to the side by the corner of the cave. In case he spotted anything of real value or a magic pouch he would probably have initiated a fight, but he now saw no need to.


    He briefly wondered what would happen if a monster ate one of the pouches while he moved away from the cave. Would it explode like a magic piata, spewing its content all over the ce? Or would the items simply be lost? Would a tear in space ur, sucking anything in the vicinity into some unknown void?


    He waited some distance from the cave for fifteen minutes until the sickening sounds of feasting were gone, and sneaked back to the site of the battle. The smanders were gone, apart from the dead one lying in a corner. All the bodies of the demons were gone as well.


    Everything that the demons had worn seemed to have been ingested together with the bodies, but things they had dropped was left where ity. Zac went and picked up the shield from the corner and examined it. It was slightly dented and corroded from the battle, but overall in serviceable condition. He threw it into his pouch and left again, not bothering with the damaged swords on the ground.


    He was happy to see that the smanders were actively hunting the demons, as that would provide an exnation of why some demons went missing when Zac started his activities.


    With gusto he returned into the tunnels, looking for some stash house or clues where the mined crystals were gathered. But after looking around in vain for some time he changed his strategy. He found another group of miners and made sure he could get to both sides of their tunnel through side-paths.


    After making sure he had a good grasp on the surrounding topography he simply sat down in a tunnel close by, waiting to see what happened with the sacks. Luckily he didnt have to wait long as the group of miners had been going at it for some time judging by the bulging sacks. Zac heard footsteps and hid his face deeper among the vegetation, hiding the rest of his body around the corner.


    Five demons arrived at the tunnel, with the one in the middle wearing a fancy dress and having an air of haughtiness. The four others apanying her were clearly bodyguards judging from their attire and how they encircled her. When she arrived the miners immediately stopped their activities and saluted thedy.


    With a few words she brought out a clipboard from a pouch and one by one the miners brought their crystal sacks over to her. She lifted the first one up with her free hand, and after ament wrote something down on the clipboard. She then put the whole sack into one of the pouches in her belt.


    One of the guards brought out an empty sack from a backpack and handed it out with an expressionless face. The miner bowed and went back to his position. This process went on for two more miners without anything of note happening. But when thedymented on the fourth miners sack he couldnt help but grimace and hesitantly say a few words in demonic.


    The bodyguards immediately perked up and started radiating a dangerous aura, but thedy waved them down. She simply pointed to the bag and said a few words with a smiling face. The miner looked horrified and went down on his knees looking like he was begging for his life.


    The exchange continued for some time until finally thedy put the sack into another magic pouch, and the miner could only return to his position with a devastated expression. The other miners simply stared down in the ground, not wanting to be implicated by their mouthy associate.


    After thedy was done she simply turned and left, with her four bodyguards in tow. The miners sighed and sat down to eat, conversing with subdued voices. Zac didnt linger on and instead crept behind the party of five.


    <em>Dont worry buddy, Ill mete out justice for you soon.</em> Zac gave a silent prayer for the unlucky miner as he was skulked away. He kept a healthy distance from the group, afraid that any sound would alert the group, and the walking treasure trove would slip out of his fingers.


    The group soon arrived at another tunnel with a group of miners, and the process repeated itself. Zac kept following the group for an hour and watched them collect sack after sack of crystals. He wasnt sure whether the group he first spied on was among the first thedy visited, but just going by what he had observed the pouches on her belt contained an astonishing amount of crystals by now, and could only be counted by the thousands.


    Zac felt he couldnt wait any longer and got himself ready. He steadied his breath and ced himself at a side-tunnel that the party should be passing after finishing their collection. It was some distance from the mining group, so Zac had no vision of his target anymore. However, they were moving in a very systematic pattern through the tunnel system so far, and Zac could only assume they would continue.


    Sure enough, soon the tell-tale echoes of the steps of the party were approaching. Zac held his breath, not wanting to give any indication of his presence. The first two guards came into view, but Zac didnt react.


    As if sensing something was wrong one of the guards started to turn around, but it was toote. Zac entered the tunnel right behind the two and without hesitation swung a Dao-empowered strike at thedy in the middle. She looked shocked, but a golden sheen immediately enveloped her as an inscription pattern lit up on her dress.


    Zac knew that inscription very well by now and forcefully stopped his swing. It hurt his muscles to do so, but it was better than getting the whole force of the strike redirected at himself. Instead, he lightly punched the golden barrier, and a recoil traveled through his arm bringing some difort.


    Having fulfilled its purpose, the goldenyer shattered, leaving thedy once more exposed. ck lightning arcs flittered all over her body, but Zac swiftly decapitated her with a grunt. The ck arcs traveled all over his body, making it feel like he was being electrocuted, and he actually nked out from the pain for a second.


    During the brief pause from the shock, a sword stabbed into his side, drawing a small gout of blood. The pain shook him awake, and he immediately pounced on the two guards that had stood behind thedy. They were rmed, but still warriors. One had produced a spiked mace whereas the others hands started glowing with lightning. From his muscles he didnt seem like a mage though, but rather a pugilist.


    They tried to pincer Zac, with the mace-wielder swinging at him from the left and the pugilist attacking him from the right with a wed hand. Zac ignored the martial artist, and instead swung his axe to meet the mace.


    The collision waspletely one-sided, as the force from Zacs swing pped the mace out of his hand and made the demon lose his bnce. Simultaneously the wed hand mmed into Zacs back, easily destroying the leather protection, and trying to tear into his flesh. Unfortunately for him, Zacs skin was all the armor he needed, and the demon only managed to create a small flesh wound. The lightning entered Zacs body, but by now this level of power had scant effect on him.


    He grabbed the mace-wielders neck with his free left hand and mmed him down on the martial artist. The sounds of bones breaking could be heard, but Zac was interrupted as he nned to finish the two. A de was flying right toward his throat, and Zac activated his armor to block it.


    But he was shocked as no golden sheen enveloped him, and he could only desperately lift his arm to block the strike. The de cut into his lower arm, only stopping after carving into bone. The pain was blinding but only served to enraged Zac. With a furious <strong>[Chop] </strong>the de wielder was bisected, and then the two demons on the ground followed him into death.


    He turned toward thest bodyguard only to see him desperately fleeing, heedlessly throwing away his weapon. Zac started running after him, throwing a few daggers his way. But the bodyguard was surprisingly nimble, managing to dodge most of them while running. One hit him in his back, but he only staggered slightly but kept moving.


    Suddenly he started shouting at the top of his lungs, horrifying Zac. He threw one more dagger at him, but the demon turned a corner and disappeared from his vision. He could still hear the screams though, as they echoed through the tunnel system.


    Zac hesitated a second, but then ran back toward the killed demons. With a furious speed he grabbed the pouches on thedys belt, then threw her headless body into one of them. He then ran away in the opposite direction from where the screaming bodyguard was fleeing toward.


    After a minute he stopped and quickly bandaged his wounded arm. It was bleeding freely and was currently creating a trail to his location. After making sure the blood didnt get through the bandages and rags he started running again. After he had run for an hour andpletely left the area with mining activities or imps he finally slowed down and found a good resting spot.


    The fight wasnt very taxing, but he was worried about the results. First he dragged his chest piece off his torso and inspected it. The armor itself looked whole, but the inscribed fractal on the front had multiple cracks on it. That should exin why the shield didnt materialize earlier and he got maimed instead. But a smile crept on his face as he nced down at his belt. He knew he would be able to afford to buy a new one with his ill-gotten gains.

 Chapter 57: Dressing up

    Chapter 57: Dressing up


    Zac suddenly remembered hearing a snapping sound when he used the shield against the imp Herald. He had no idea how to fix the inscriptions and could only reluctantly put the armor into his bag. He didnt want to risk damaging it further until he could fix it, as it had been a great life-saving tool so far.


    He then brought out the headless body from his pouch. After a great deal of hesitation he stripped the bloody dress from the body, leaving the corpse only in its undergarments. He then put the dress on himself with a sour face before putting back the body into the pouch.


    It wasnt ideal, but the dress had the same inscription as his armor, and it could be the difference between life and death. The dress he put on was strapped was a neutral beige and reached down to his knees. The design was luckily armless and somewhat nondescript, making it almost look like an overly long tank top. He put his belt over the dress then turned his eyes to the pouches.


    A creepy grin was slowly surfacing once again, as he grabbed the closest one of the three he looted and took a peek inside.


    If this was an old school cartoon then Zacs eyes would have turned into dor-signs by now. The bag was almost filled to the brim with sack after sack of raw Nexus Crystals. If he had to guess hed have to say there was at least an equivalent of 10 000 crystals in the pouch. The shapes and sizes werepletely random as well, ranging from the size of a finger to almost a whole hand. Most of the crystals were encased in some stone and needed onest processing before being pure.


    The second bag was unfortunately empty except a few solitary sacks, likely a spare in case the first one was filled up. The third one was the personal pouch belonging to the nobledy herself. It held various personal effects such as daily necessities, clothes, and jewelry. It also had a nasty-looking w weapon with fractal inscriptions. Zac brought it out and tried to put it on his hand, but it seemed to have been custom made for the demoness, or at least made fordies, as his hand didnt fit.


    Most noticeably in the pouch there was a sizeable mound of raw crystals. There even were a few sacks as well. It looked like that thedy foreman was skimming off the top after all, as crystals worth a couple of hundred standard-sized ones could be found in the pouch.


    Satisfied with his haul he took out some food and water from his pouch to have his dinner. As he did he started to n his next step. He had nned on stalking the tunnels for a while longer, but unfortunately, he was already exposed. He didnt doubt that the fleeing demon soon would warn all his superiors about Zac. The demon had seen the whole fight where Zac showed many of his cards as well.


    After half a month of living with the demons, he was finally exposed. It was better than he expected to be honest, as he wasnt really the stealthy type. It seemed he could only begrudgingly give up on finding any more mining foremen, and instead refocus on the monkey king. It was time to head back the way he came from, and search for an alternative exit.


    But suddenly Zac got an acute sense of danger, and instinctively dove to the side. A soundless ck arrow flew past him where his head had just been and a throng earth spikes followed right after. Zac scrambled to his feet and found himself face to face with over twenty demons swarming into his cave from all exits.


    This clearly was an ambush that they prepared for some time, as they entered from both exits simultaneously. Feeling like a caged animal, Zac growled and immediately ran toward one of the groups, trying to avoid a pincer attack.


    As if practiced beforehand, the group started to back away from him, with all the mages erecting barriers to keep him at bay. There were the translucent magical barriers apanied by earth walls and earthen spikes. There was even a tree mage who manipted the subterranean vines to ensnare his feet.


    Meanwhile, Zac got pelted by the other group of demons with an array of ranged attacks. He could only give up his charge in order to avoid most of it. As he dodged he turned around toward the attackers who harassed him from behind and swung his axe in a mighty horizontal arc.


    A translucent de grew to four meters long in an instant and then shot toward the surprised group. Only a few in the back managed to dodge in time, and the others could only hastily erect defenses.


    With Zacs power the defenses of the average demon were simply insufficient, as it tore through them one by one. The de wasnt perfectly stable though, and after slicing through 6 demons it flickered out of existence.


    Two daggers came whooshing straight behind the huge de, one mming into an eye and the other into the gut of another demon. Satisfied, Zac turned back and started pressing forward through the defenses of the group.


    He summoned hisrge edge but kept it at maximum stable capacity for now. As the attacks from behind had paused from his strike he could once again focus fully on the group he had initially charged at.


    He mmed the axe down on one of the translucent barriers and it cracked like fragile ss. Two spears stabbed into him as he advanced, one lodging itself in his side and the other got stuck on the bone of his pelvis.


    It was two warriors who used their long weapons trying to keep him at distance. Zac ripped one of the spears out of the hands of the demon, making him stumble forward, and mmed the butt of the spear at the other warrior. The spear broke in two and made the demon fly into the wall with a thud.


    Immediately after he actually threw his axe straight in the chest of one of the mages. He didnt know which kind he was, but he died instantly from the strike. He brought out his identical axe from his pouch and continued to press forward.


    A few arrows mmed into his back, but only elicited a grunt in response as he pressed forward. He once again got the prickling sensation of danger and sidestepped without hesitation. An arrow flew straight past him and once again missed his head. Unfortunately, the archer that shot the super-powered ck arrows still was alive.


    He kept pushing forward, and with a great leap he was within the group of demons. He ate a spear strike and two stctite attacks by the earth mages due to his reckless charge but now he was within striking distance of the demons. Zac started madly swing his axe, with <strong>[Chop] </strong>charged to its limit.


    He kept taking various hits but for every strike he received, he returned one in kind. And with Zacs far superior stats he whittled down the group to only 3batants from 9 in under 10 seconds. The survivors from the other group joined their brethren in the fight, and Zac found himself encircled by the 6st surviving demons.


    Zac waspletely drenched in blood by now, both his own and the demons, and filled with small wounds from head to toe. Almost ten arrows were sticking out of his body at various spots, making him look like a demonic porcupine. He was panting and it looked like it was a chore to keep his axe raised, but he was still standing. Fighting twenty demons at once was a bit more than he could confidently handle, even in an enclosed space like this.


    None of the demons were keen on being the first to attack, as over 15 demons already had made the ultimate sacrifice and they didnt want to be next in line. They seemed to be content to simply watch as Zac slowly bled out.


    They all kept a healthy distance from him, making him unable to reach them even with <strong>[Chop]</strong>, and he currently didnt dare use his ranged attack due to the huge consumption of energy.


    Zac knew he couldnt keep stalling and threw a dagger at one of the mages, who quickly summoned a barrier. The translucent wall shook when the dagger hit it, but it held true and the dagger dropped to the ground. Zac didnt want to throw his axe as his other one still was lodged in the mage some distance away.


    Needing to break the status quo, he moved his hand down to his belt, and with underhand throw hurled arge crystal sack at another demon. The demon slightly froze from seeing a small mountain of wealth flying in his direction, and even instinctually reached out his hand to catch it.


    But how could a heavy sack thrown by Zac be so easy to catch? It hit the demon who crashed into the wall behind with a wet thud. He slumped down on the ground and didnt move. The other five demons all charged at him as if bymand, throwing desperate attacks at him.


    With only 5 demons left Zac finally threw his axe at a mage keeping his distance. He hastily erected an earth wall, but the axe had the momentum of a meteor and passed the rising wall and sted a hole through the mage before he could also activate his stone skin.


    He took out one of hisrge swords out of his pouch and with a sweep pped away two iing spears. He then charged straight at the closest warrior. The warrior tried to keep Zac at bay with his spear, but Zac simply swung his sword at it with enough force that it broke the fingers of the warrior, and continued into melee range.


    With a growl, he stabbed the great sword into the demons gut, and with a ferocious upwards tug ripped him in two, drenching the surroundings in a storm of blood. A second spear stabbed into his side, but it only added yet another shallow wound to the tally. The three remaining demons seemed to understand that they didnt have the power to contend with him, and simultaneously started absorbing inordinate amounts of cosmic energy.


    Zac didnt want to see what a triple suicide explosion looked like, and desperately ran toward the closest target and decapitated him. He continued toward the next immediately, but as he approached a resounding explosion threw him ten meters away and straight into a wall.


    Zac puked out a mouthful of blood, and his wounds only got worse. Just as he shakily got up to his knees his vision filled with a bloated demon falling down in front of him. It was thest living demoness, chock-full of cosmic energy. The demoness stared into Zacs eyes as she shed one solitary tear before she blew up with a tremendous explosion.

 Chapter 58: Quest

    Chapter 58: Quest


    The world was shaking nauseatingly and an incessant ringing filled Zacs ears. He shakily got to his feet but immediately fell down again. His state was already pretty bad, but thest stpletely messed him up. His new dress had used the golden protection just a few hours ago, making it unusable for another day.


    Luckily he managed to drag a corpse over at thest second to use as a shield from the st, otherwise, he might have bit the bullet, 103 Endurance or not. And now he was covered in a blood mush from the demon shield to boot. However thest minute protection was far from enough, and it felt like everything in his body was broken.


    But he knew he couldnt stay where he was. The demons somehow knew his position, and he had no other recourse but to flee. He shakily got to his feet and collected his two axes, and only swiped up a few knives if convenient. Zac didnt dare to properly loot the bodies as he needed to put distance from the cave.


    His movements were extremely slow, even if he mentally screamed at his legs to move faster. He desperately wished he had some health and stamina potions right now like in a game, but the only thing he got was a cauldron full of poison.


    After hesitating for a few seconds he took out his canteen with the azure water from the pond. The water was crammed full of cosmic energy and might help him recover enough for him to properly flee from the area. The problem was that he had no idea whether it also contained something else lo poison or deadly super bacteria.


    Zac knew he couldnt be picky at a moment like this, and had to risk it. With a few chugs he downed a couple of mouthfuls of the azure water. It tasted sweet and cooling in his mouth, and was hands down was the best tasting beverage he ever had. But as soon as the water entered his throat it started burning worse than the strongest spirits he knew, making him feel like he swallowed a sun rather than some water.


    The burning feeling didnt abate in his stomach, but rather kept intensifying. He felt his body was turning into a pressure cooker that was ready to burst. Veins popped out all over his body and he was forced to stop walking from the intense pain. Sweat was pouring down his face like a waterfall and even his eardrums popped from the pressure.


    Zac was starting to worry for real that he might explode like the demons any time now. But soon the intense pressure abated, and the scorching heat in his belly turned intoforting rays of warmth that spread all through his body.


    Zac felt his cosmic energy reserves rapidly filling up, but his wounds were barely reacting to the water. He thought he might be seeing some improvement but couldnt be sure. It rather felt like he had taken a dozen shots of adrenaline and simply couldnt feel the pain any longer.


    It was better than nothing Zac thought as he continued onward at a brisker pace. As he walked he dumped everything from thedy foremans pouch onto the ground, leaving only the Nexus Crystals. He still didnt feel secure though and started to meticulously scan through the bag containing most of the crystals.


    He went through them one by one to see if anything was amiss, trying to find out how the demons were able to track him. Perhaps there were bugs nted in one of the sacks he had stolen from thedy foreman, as that was when the trouble started. Soon his scanning stopped at an inconspicuous rock that was ced in one of the sacks. Most of the sacks had some rock chippings mixed in with the crystals, but this was the first time he saw a rock of that size. He brought out the sack and groped around inside until he found the stone.


    As he nced at it did not seem overly suspicious, but he could see some slightly odd veins on the stone. He brought out his shlight for the first time and shone it on the rock. In brighter lighting he could see that the veins actually were fractals. Zac grimly stared at it for a second, before he crushed it under his foot.


    He immediately backtracked a bit and changed direction. As he walked he kept checking each and every bag, and eventually found two more simr stones. Finally sure that was thest of them he sped off, ignoring any wounds protesting.


    As he walked he multitasked by checking his status page. The fight with the demons pushed him over the limit and gotten him to level 35. He had already been somewhat close to leveling again after killing the Herald, and the melee was all that was needed.


    His fears were unfortunately realized and he saw his Strength still was stuck at 175 instead of increasing from the ss bonus. It looked like he really had to try and evolve somehow. He helplessly allocated his 3 free points into Vitality, as he didnt dare put any more in Endurance for now either.


    Hoping for a ss advancement quest activating from reaching a big level, Zac opened up his quest window next. Things werent that convenient, as no advancement quests popped up.


    He did, however, receive a new ss quest.


    <strong>Loamwalker (ss): Walk a thousand kilometers touching the earth. Reward: Loamwalker Skill (0/1000)</strong>


    He suddenly was pretty happy that he didnt spend a few days to grind in order to buy <strong>[Steps of Gaia] </strong>from the shop. He onlycked 5000 coins for the skill by now, and could now use them to improve other things instead. <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> was clearly some type of movement skill, just like <strong>[Steps of Gaia]</strong>.


    Honestly, his ss skill sounded quite a bit nderpared to the one in the shop, but he had learned not to underestimate the dull-sounding skills he received from his ss. It was also very convenient toplete, as he only needed to walk around.


    A slight scuffling interrupted his thoughts, and he could only bring out his axe again with a grimace. He ced himself at a corner in wait, and soon a demon came into view. This one was highly alert, and immediately noticed Zacs presence.


    But Zac was ready and the axe was falling down on the demons head as just as he appeared, instantly killing him. He immediately entered the tunnel and unleashed a maximized <strong>[Chop] </strong>edge that flew outward before he could even register what was in the tunnel.


    A few screams and groans were heard, and the demons were almost all dead before they knew what hit them. There were two that were badly hurt but alive, but Zac made short work out of them as well.


    There was one final demon who for some reason had been doubled over when the edge passed through the party and waspletely unharmed. Horrified he started running but Zac wouldnt let yet another straggler escape. With a grunt, he threw his axe at the demon and then started his pursuit.


    Luckily this time he hit, and the party was no more. He stopped by the fallen body and ripped out the embedded axe while ncing at the bloodied tunnel. He didnt know who made the sound while walking, but that mistake cost the whole group their lives.


    It looked like the demons hadnt given up the chase. They had finally identified him and seemed determined to remove the problem. He quickly threw all the bodies and gear into his empty pouch and continued on until he found a secluded cave where he dumped them all, including their things. He actually wanted to bring them with him to hide his pathing, but who knew what else the demons could detect.


    His speed slowed down somewhat due to taking even greater care to bepletely silent, and thoroughly checking side-tunnels. But as he moved he was steadily moving upward. Zac figured the Demons might be impeded by the monkeys if he managed to exit into the mountains again. It was easier for him to hide as a solitary person,pared to theirrge groups.


    He saw a party again as he checked a tunnel, but this time they were moving away. Zac keptpletely still until they moved far away before skulking forward. At least it was clear that they couldnt locate him anymore. It had just been a guess, but it truly seemed that those stones were some sort of tracking device.


    He kept skulking forward and avoided any demons that he came across. He was lucky that the tunnels amplified sounds and it was almost impossible for a group of 10 people to bepletely silent at all times.


    He was forced into one more fight but ended it quickly before moving further up. After another hour he hadnt seen any demons for 30 minutes and finally sat down and brought out a crystal. He should be some ways up the mountain by now, and could happen upon an exit at any time. Even if he didnt want to stop he needed to recuperate before reentering the mountains.


    The tunnels were endless and even if the demons sent hundreds of them into them it was still somewhat unlikely for them to happen upon him, as there was so much ground to cover. Meanwhile, he was afraid that the Herald had prepared an ambush for him the moment he reemerged.


    So he finally allowed himself a break, eating some dried meat and then quietly waited for his wounds to get better. After two hours of quiet rest a loud ding entered his ears and forced him to his feet, warily looking around. But the area around him waspletely deserted, with not a demon in sight.


    <strong>[Special Dynamic Quest activated. Emerge victorious and seize the Fruit of Ascension. Struggle for supremacy.] </strong>


    It was the familiar emotionless voice of the System entering his ears, but Zac barely had time to reflect on its words before his vision changed.


    He suddenly was up amongst the clouds and stared down toward the familiar sight of his ind. He could clearly see the whole topography, but the sea around it was blurred somehow. The vision moved and he closed in on the ind with terrifying speed, hurtling toward the mountains.


    Soon he arrived at the valley where he fought the monkey king earlier, but it looked different from how it did when he visited. The zone of death around the red and white tree had expanded to stretch across almost half the valley, and even the azure pond was shrunken down to half its size.


    After having almost exploded from the energy contained in just a few mouthfuls he was shocked at the amount the tree had absorbed.


    The vision kept moving and in seconds he was next to the tree. Zac would have thought it would be even lusher after absorbing the surroundings and theke, but it actually looked a bit dried out. A couple of leaves had even fallen to the ground.


    Neither the herald nor any other monkeys were anywhere to be seen, but Zac didnt ponder about it overly much as his eyes were glued to a pair of fruits that had grown on the tree. They were simr to a cantaloupe apart from their color. Instead, they were a glistening red mixed with white lines that almost looked like fractals.


    The fruits were beautiful, but more importantly, they had some magical effect on him even though it was just an illusion. It felt like every cell in his body was screaming in desire, wanting nothing more than to consume the fruits. He hated the fact that he was just there in a vision, and not in reality.


    As quickly as the vision appeared it suddenly ended, leaving Zac in the cave with a mixture of greed and hesitation.

 Chapter 59: Now or Never

    Chapter 59: Now or Never


    That fucking monkey! Ogras roared, this time enraged for real. No wonder it sent its underlings to keep his search parties out of the peaks. He thought it was just posturing that hed allow for some time before setting monkeys straight. But Cindermane had likely found the Tree of Ascension long ago and just waited for its fruits to ripen. Somehow the monkey must have broken free of the ns mental restrictions, otherwise it would have beenpelled to report such a find.


    But if you think that breaking free from my grasp is that easy youre in for a rude awakening he muttered and then turned to his aide. Assemble the regiments, were heading toward the mountain.


    Yes, sir. What about the search parties in the mines? The aid asked.


    Leave them. Hopefully they will keep that human busy while we deal with this.


    He had been shocked to learn that the group of natives he discounted earlier actually was only one human. At least he hoped there was only one of them, as his power seemed high enough to give even him a headache. Of course, the human wouldnt be a threat to him if all the limitations on him were removed though.


    Worse yet the human killed Qugo and stole the poison that was supposed to be one of his aces in case everything went south. Ogras had actually decided to hide the news of the third Heralds demise, afraid that his n members would chain him up for his own protection, while gleefully stealing all the loot Ogras had rightfully pilfered.


    As if summoned by his thoughts Rydel walked in through the door, as always unheeding or dismissive of proper protocol. He wore a resplendent silver battle armor that matched his long white hair well. Strapped to his back were two swords with intricately carved hilts.


    Cousin, I assume you have seen the promation by The Ruthless Heavens? he said with a smile.


    Im not blind Rydel, of course Ive seen it. The army is setting out immediately. And here on the baby Im General, not cousin. Ogras spat out in annoyance.


    It is ironic, wouldnt you say cousin? It was you who championed sending the beast hordes through the gate first. But it seems they have only turned into lucrative target practice for the humans instead of paving our way, and now one of the hordes is even revolting. I wonder how the elders will react when they hear of this. Rydel smilingly continued, seemingly unperturbed by the troubling developments.


    Thats not for you to worry about Rydel, know your ce. Im leading the armies myself to fix the monkey problem, and that human hiding in the tunnels will soon be caught. Ogras couldnt stand being in the same room as this thorn in his side any longer and prepared to set out.


    Ogras didnt actually want to lead the army, but faced with the emergence of a D-ranked treasure such as a Fruit of Ascension, he couldnt sit still. He needed to secure it by himself, and if that failed destroy it so that Cindermane or some crony of Rydel didnt get it.


    If someone from the main branch managed to get the Fruit of Ascension he might as welly down and kill himself, as the family assassins would find him as soon as the incursion stabilized anyway. His n was to turn the wealth of the crystal mine into acquiring a treasure like the Fruit of Ascension, and use that as a springboard to be the future hope of the n. But if suddenly Rydel had the fruit as well, then he knew who the n would favor.


    Im sorry cousin, but I need to correct you on a few ounts. Rydel said while holding up a hand to stop Ogras exit, his smile slightly widening. The human has escaped the ambush, leaving at least thirty corpses behind by now. He also seems to have figured out the tracking stones, and now we cant locate him. Furthermore, the one who will lead the army to fix your mistakes is me, not you.


    Are you revolting against the n precepts Rydel? You know the elders appointed me at least until the incursion stabilized. Are you sure you want to face the wrath of my grandfather? Ogras spat out, a dangerous glint entering his eyes.


    Your grandfather is well-aware. As you were untested when appointed general, the elders came to an ord with your ancestor. Rydel retorted as he retrieved a parchment from his bag. In certain events that are deemed to be critical to n ArhRezaks future developments, the militarymand is temporarily transferred to me. Just to make sure nothing goes wrong due to inexperience.


    The bright smile looked like a death sentence to Ogras, as he snatched the parchment with a snarl. After reading through it he saw it was true. He immediately sensed his grandfathers magic sigil on the decree, telling him that this was real. The parchment detailed certain events that would result in a transfer of leadership to Rydel, and the emergence of a D-ss treasure or higher was one of them. It looked like his grandfather had been forced to make some concessions in order to snatch the leadership position for him.


    But not to worry cousin. As soon as this matter is dealt with I will return themand to you as per the instructions. I suggest you stay in your beautiful castle for now, as your safety is paramount to the n. I have allocated a few of my guards to protect you. We have to make sure that the humans dont assault you while were up at the mountain. A cold ray shed through Rydels eyes as he retrieved the parchment from the now mute Ogras. Well then, I have a fruit to retrieve. I will be seeing youter cousin. He said as he exited Ogras study, thest sentence rife with hidden implications.


    Ogras briefly considered having it out with Rydel then and there, but soon gave up the thought. Rydel likely was ready for him, and he could also see multiple main branch members standing outside, sneering at him.


    Ogras red after Rydel, looking like a volcano ready to erupt. The aide sensed the atmosphere and made a quick excuse and fled the room, closing the door behind him.


    Soon the energy left Ogras body, and he slumped down in his chair.


    Shit.


    -------------------


    Zacs heart was still beating quickly after having seen the vision. He wanted to immediately rush toward the valley but first checked his quest tab.


    As he suspected a new quest had arrived.


    <strong>Dynamic Quests:</strong>


    <strong>Ascension (Limited - Open): Seize the Fruit of Ascension upon ripening. Reward: Fruit of Ascension. [Time until ripening: 11:58:23]</strong>


    The ssification of the quest was new, Limited Open. His other two dynamic quests were ssified as Unique. If he guessed correctly limited meant it was a short duration quest. And he hoped he was wrong, but he believed open meant that everyone within a certain area got it.


    The system said to emerge victorious and to struggle for supremacy. Then it conveniently showed the location of the treasure a full 12 hours before it ripened. It wanted a bloodbath.


    Zac slowly sat down again and took a small sip of the azure water. He wasnt in the mood to wait any longer and needed to heal quickly. The burning sensation spread through his body again, but this time the amount was manageable. Once again he felt his wounds slightly improve, and the throbbing pain he had felte back once again was gone.


    As the heat spread through his body he pondered on what to do. He was hesitating if he should actuallypete for the fruit, as going against both the monkey horde and maybe even the demons sounded like a suicide mission. He also felt he had no choice.


    He didnt know what a Fruit of Ascension did, but from how it managed to create a quest it couldnt be a small matter. If his enemies got it and received a huge power-up he might be screwed. The most likely recipient would be the monkey herald as he was the owner of the tree. It was a pretty even fight before, what would happen if it evolved once more?


    Besides, it also presented an opportunity for him. The fruit would help someone ascend judging by its name. It sounded awfully simr to evolve, and he guessed it might help him get a better ss or evolve his race.


    He also almost knew for certain he would find the Herald by the fruit in 12 hours, hopefully still hurt from his sh. Zac knew the monkey possessed high values in Strength, Dexterity, and Endurance from their fight, and could only hope that it also didnt have a strong Vitality. It also felt reasonable that the general would be there tomandeer one of the fruits. That would mean that both his targets would be gathered at one ce in roughly 12 hours.


    In a sense, the quest represented an all-or-nothing gambit. If he seeded, all his problems might be solved, including his incursion quest. But the danger would likely be off the charts. If he failed his mission would turn harder, no matter who got the fruit. If he even survived.


    But he felt it was do-or-die. Time was running out, and he needed to take some risks. With a steely determination, he decided to participate in the fight.


    Of course, there was no reason to rush there. He only needed to travel for less than two hours to get to the crimson tree. And getting there early would make him a sitting duck. He was only one man in what might be a huge free for all battle, and he needed to avoid attention as much as possible.


    His goal should be to sneak in at thest minute, kill the monkey king and steal the fruit. If possible he should kill the general as well, or at least identify him. Then run for his life and see what the fallout was.


    He sat down again on the ground, and while keeping a lookout for more demon parties only focused on getting back to prime condition. He waited a full 6 hours before he felt well enough rested to be able to give it his all.


    The wounds from the ambush were somewhat healed by now, but a few wounds would likely reopen if he exerted too much force. But there still a couple of hours before he should see any action, and hopefully he would be in even better condition by then.


    He set out again, and after some trial and error found a way out of the mountain. It wasnt the same path as the one he had entered through. He didnt want to dig through meters of fallen rocks, and besides it might be marked by the monkeys.


    Instead, he found a tunnel that should end somewhere on the inner side of the peak, close to the entrance of the valley. It didnt actually have a cave entrance, but a few holes in the rock let sunlight through. The wall was quite thin here, and with a few minutes of effort, he would be out.


    The outside waspletely quiet, so Zac decided to wait some more before emerging. As he waited he started chipping at the wall with a dagger, notpletely breaking through but making a quick exit easier. Finally done he sat down and continued to recuperate. When the timer showed roughly two hours until the fruits ripened, a cacophony of roars broke the silence.


    Zac heartbeat fretfully hammered in his chest as he opened his eyes and stood up. It was now or never.

 Chapter 60: Entering the Fray

    Chapter 60: Entering the Fray


    Zac Immediately got ready, even though his wounds hadntpletely healed. But between his high vitality and the numbing effects of the azure water, he was in an almost perfect fighting condition. With no more time to lose, he finally pushed down the rock wall that blocked the entrance while hefting an axe in his hand. It made quite a crash, but it was nothingpared to the roars of thousands of monkeys, with demon screams peppered in.


    As soon as he got out he was stunned by the mayhem.


    Zac had emerged from a secluded spot on top of an outcropping, giving him decent vantage over the peak and down toward the valley. Everywhere he looked he saw throngs of monkeys duking it out with legions of demons.


    The air sparked with energy as fireballs and lightning bolts filled the sky, the ground rippled from a multitude of spears and other projectiles shooting out. Even nature itself had entered the fray as trees slowly reached down to grab unsuspecting monkeys, before ripping them apart.


    The other beast types were here as well, as a thick wall of barghest stopped the monkeys from getting into melee range of the demons. They mindlessly charged toward the monkey groupings,pletely heedless of their survival.


    Groups of gwyllgi roamed the battlefield with far more finessepared to the hulking demonlings. They roved in packs and struck weak spots or lone stragglers almost with surgical precision and then quickly got out of harms way.


    There also was a smattering of imps ced together with the mage demons, but to Zac, it seemed that most of them still were in their underground dwellings, as their numbers were quite sparse. Perhaps Zac recently killing their boss had caused some sort of chaos to their ranks, making it hard for the demons to control them.


    The monkeys wouldnt be outdone though, and the air was filled with flying debris, from the stctites from the monkey captains to anything that the normal monkeys could get their hands on. Zac even saw corpses being used as projectiles, flung at the magical barriers erected by the demon mages. The barghest that came close to the monkeys werergely helpless after their first impact and were pelted and bitten to death by the angry monkeys.


    The magical shields held for the most part, but every now and then they got overtaxed and shattered. The monkey captains were quick on the uptake and focused their energies on those areas. The focused fire turned the unlucky few behind the broken shield a crushed meat paste beneath a mountain of boulders.


    However, most of the projectiles didnt reach the demons but rather mmed into the demon beasts who fulfilled their purpose of being meat shields.


    Overall the demons clearly held the advantage, as they steadily pushed forward. For every demon the monkey horde killed, at least five monkeys died. It still was early in the battle though, and from experience, Zac felt that the demons would run out of juice sooner orter. Those spells cost cosmic energy, while the monkeys likely could keep hurling debris for a good while. As long as the monkeys could withstand their furious onught long enough they might have a chance to turn the situation around.


    Besides, the terrain was not ideal for organized warfare that the demons were trying for. He saw that the orderly lines were starting to splinter, and the legions forced to split up as they advanced.


    Zac didnt know why it hade to a full-scale war, but he didntin. This kind of chaos was the best news for him. He wondered if the monkeys disadvantage was because of him. He had thinned out their horde quite a bit after all.


    Some movement in the distance grabbed his attention. It was a solitary group that emanated a pressure a notch above the other demons. They were steadily pushing forward and was entering the valley at a furious pace. None of the magic shields were breaking and the monkeys could offer no resistance to their advance.


    In the front a few demons in resplendent gear were personally reaping the lives of monkeys like they were harvesting wheat. Especially attention-grabbing was one male demon with shining white hair that was dancing in the wind. He held a sword in his hand and had another strapped to his back, and as he moved forward it almost looked like dancing rather than engaged in battle. The sword moved in graceful curves and moved around him in a mesmerizing pattern. But Zac knew it was no performance art, as that demons speed of reaping monkeys seemed to eclipse even his own.


    It looked like he had located the general.


    Satisfied with what he had found, he started to make his way down from the cliff. He had wrapped his head in rags to hide his features and covered as much skin as possible. Zac hoped that the demons would be too preupied with the monkeys to realize hecked horns and wore shoes instead of having taloned paws.


    He skirted around the main army and aimed to enter the valley from a slightly different direction. There were a few clumps of demons along the path but none thankfully reacted to him. It was lucky that the demon armies all used individual clothing and gear, making theirposition look very chaotic.


    As he walked around a bend he almost ran straight into a party of 6 demons. The one in the front snapped something in demonic as Zac passed, but Zac only waved his axe in response. His heartbeat quickened as he kept running, waiting for the demons to go their own way.


    It seemed the proximity was too close, as an arrow came whizzing at his back. Sensing danger Zac whirled around and blocked the arrow with his axe head. Sighing he made a 180 and rushed into the demon group while he summoned <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The man in the front held a sword, which by itself started burning as he swung it to intercept Zacs chop. The demon hadnt imagined the power contained in the axe, as the edge hit him like a truck and breaking most of his fingers as the sword was forced away. The swing continued onward as it chopped off his upper body, and continued to decapitate the unlucky demon who stood next to him with a short sword and shield.


    Zac pushed on and made quick work of thest four demons, whose feeble attempts to stop him couldnt even slow him down. After the blitz he was bleeding a bit from two small wounds, but it was nothing serious. A few of his old wounds had opened as well, but there was nothing to do about that for now. He was also drenched in demon blood, and could only hope that the smell wouldnt attract any beasts.


    He slowly kept moving forward, and after half an hour he reached the forest at the edge of the valley, taking twice the timepared if he had rushed straight in.


    As he moved forward he saw that the orderly war at the slopes of the mountain was turned into a chaotic melee in the valley by now. There were clumps of demons fighting monkeys scattered all over the ce. In most ces, the demons still held an advantage, but at a few other they got overrun by sheer numbers.


    He saw an unlucky group of 10 demons getting ripped to pieces by an angry horde of monkeys. They put up a valiant defense, but two fists couldnt defend against ten, and in just moment they were mangled corpses strewn on the ground. A few of the monkeys had even ripped off a limb and contentedly chewed on it as it moved toward the next pack.


    Zac tried to avoid battle as much as he could, not wanting to get any more experience until he seized a Fruit of Ascension. He stayed clear of anyrger battles, zig-zagging forward in a careful manner. Of course, every now and then he got osted by either a group of demons that figured out his identity or a group of enraged monkeys happy to target any humanoid.


    The shes resulted in furious melees as Zac wanted to finish the battles as quickly as possible. Unheeding of energy expenditure he ravaged any party that got close with great chops using his skills. When he ran low on cosmic energy took a sip from theke water and let the burn quickly restore his deficit. He did avoid using the Dao of Heaviness though, as he didnt have any means to restore his mental energy apart from sleeping.


    Soon he arrived at the field of destion, his body covered in a multitude of shallow wounds by now. Due to the consumption of the water he didnt feel any pain though, and still felt he was in peak condition.


    The vision the system showed earlier was urate, and a huge area was now covered in dried out and dead trees. The once lush forest was gone and reced with a dead space.


    After a quick look he saw that it only was fifty minutes until the fruits ripened. Even if he had zed through all resistance in the forest it took some time to traverse the distance. He figured that if he ran it would take him twenty minutes or so to reach the crimson tree. He was hesitant whether he should leave the cover of the forest to enter the field as he would bepletely exposed if he did.


    After some deliberation, he ran along the forest edge toward the opposite side of the field. The demons should be concentrated on the eastern side, as they entered the valley from there. The army might have spread to encircle the tree by now, but it should at least be thinner at the opposite side.


    When he was a bit more than half-way to the other side he veered into the dead zone and headed for the tree. He was running out of time and needed to get to the fruits. The area wasrgely devoid ofbatants, either monkey or demon, and soon he saw why.


    As he approached the tree he saw a scene of utter chaos. The magical tree still stood tall as it had before, with the addition of the two ripening fruits. Covering it was a glimmering shell covered in dense fractals. Zac felt that the shield should be the work of the System, as the fractals felt perfect and in harmony with the universe, just like the ones on his array gs. The inscriptions on the demons weapons were far more simplistic inparison.


    Packed around the shield was a confusing and bloody carnage between monkeys and demons. There were no lines of demarcation, no strategy, and no order. There were just hundreds upon hundreds of bodies crammed together, desperately trying to kill anything on the opposing side. They all tried to w their way closer to the shield and the tree, to be as close as possible when the shield dropped.


    Right by the edge of the shield, a few areas almost devoid of people could be seen, and in one of them, Zac saw the white-haired demon fight against the monkey king. The Herald had a few supersized monkeys by his side, and they furiously did everything they could to support their leader. It looked like the Herald was mostly healed up, but a huge scar adorned its chest now.


    Every strike between the Herald and the general created rippling shockwaves in the area, keeping all the grunts at bay. The ground looked zing hot with fire and molten rock, likely a result of the heralds onught.


    But the general clearly held the advantage, and with dizzying swordy was whittling down Cindermanes defenses. Therge scar on his chest had started to open up, and new wounds over his arms apanied it. Zac realized the lethality of the general, as even Zacs own mighty swings had only left a white mark on the Heralds sturdy hands. The hulking monkey captains were covered in wounds from head to toe as well, one of them even had a whole arm missing.


    Meanwhile, the general still looked pristine apart from some soot marks, as though the carnage and fire in the surroundings was isted from himself. The monkey captains were doing what they could to ease the pressure, but it seemed that they wouldnt be able to hang on for long unless something changed. Since Zac didnt want the general to kill the Herald, at least not yet, he was determined to be the change that would turn the tides.

 Chapter 61: Pitched Battle

    Chapter 61: Pitched Battle


    The ground was barely visible beneath the forces as blood and broken bodies covered most of it by now. Even fires were starting to erupt at various spots around the battlefield, likely from the attacks of Pyromancers and the Herald. With the dried out tree husks on the ground the whole valley would likely be an inferno of mes in a short while.


    Zac could see that morebatants from both camps were steadily streaming in from the surroundings, and immediately joined in on the mayhem when they arrived. He checked his quest and saw that the timer showed <strong>[00:10:03]</strong>.


    Zac once more nced at the mouthwatering fruits glistening on the tree, and after a few steadying breaths, he charged into the frenzy. He steadily moved forward wielding an axe in one hand and a dagger in the other. He refrained from using <strong>[Chop] </strong>in this crammed melee, afraid to draw attention to himself.


    He mainly used the axe to deflect or hook iing swings, and finishing off the enemy with a quick stab in their throat or heart before moving forward. It was a quick and dirty method that didnt announce his monstrous Strength.


    He steadily moved forward, forced to kill abatant almost with every step. His disguise was still assisting him immensely, as it often took the demons a second to register that they werent facing an ally. And a second was all that Zac needed to quickly and discreetly kill them.


    Soon he was just 30 meters from the edge of the shield, and the area actually was getting less crampedpared to more. Every single monkey at the core was a captain, and they were furiously fighting with various well equipped demons. The monkeys had to fight a few captains per demon, not being able to match their might.


    Each battle had its own space, as the swings and shockwaves could kill, or at least disrupt anyoneing too close. Getting hit and distracted in an intense situation like this could be a death sentence, so everyone kept their backs clear.


    It was obvious that the demons steadily were gaining the upper hand, as almost all the bodies on the ground were monkeys. That couldnt go on, as Zac needed the fight to keep going to a point where they whittled each other down. Zac took out a dagger and discreetly threw it straight into the back of a well-geared demon. The make of his armor was the same as Zacs old chest-piece, only covering the upper torso, so Zacs dagger mmed straight into his back without giving the demon time to react.


    The hit destroyed the demons spine and he helplessly fell on the ground. The monkey captains immediately pounced and punched his head into the ground into it was a bloody pulp, before moving on to assist its brethren. Satisfied with his work he continued on and acted as a hidden reaper.


    He still was forced to kill monkeys and demonsing too close to him, but he kept moving around to avoid getting exposed. He also kept a healthy distance from the battle between the Herald and the general, which were still going at it with extreme prejudice. Every chance he got he threw a dagger at one of the stronger-looking demons. Sometimes he got a perfect hit and actually managed to kill them himself, and at other times he managed to at least maim and distract them, allowing the monkeys to finish the job.


    Soon he ran out of knives and was forced to start throwing Nexus Crystals at the demons. They werent as effective as the knives, but with Zacs strength anything he threw could be considered a weapon. Soon the war at the center of the battlefield was starting to sway into the favor of the monkeys.


    After Zac helped kill so many of the demons there currently were far more monkey captains fighting every single demon, and the extra help was often enough to turn the tides.


    But the demons quickly figured out something was wrong, and a mountain of a man angrily shouted something with a piercing voice that carried over the sounds of battle, pointing a huge battle hammer straight at Zac. Many of the demons immediately spotted him, and it looked like his ruse was over.


    However, he had already mostly aplished his n, and a great number of demons were killed due to his machinations. Also, the general and Herald''s battle were reaching a white-hot intensity, and they couldn''t be bothered with the scream. The Herald was quite ragged by now, and the old monkey captains had been reced with new ones. Zac had a feeling that the only reason the monkey king was still alive was that the demons knew he was of importance to the incursion. Otherwise, Zac couldn''t imagine that the General didn''t have some ace to kill him after all this time.


    He tried sneaking back into the chaos of the battle, but a few of the demon leaders wouldnt have it and they charged straight at him. A rock wall was erected in front of Zac, halting his escape. He tried shouldering through it but it was far sturdierpared to the walls he had encountered earlier. It held together against Zacs m, although it sustained some cracks from the impact.


    Suddenly he sank down into the ground, and couldnt move his feet. The ground had first liquefied then solidified in quick session, making it seem like he was wearing cement shoes.


    Zac didnt have time to rip himself free, as a huge mallet was falling down upon him. Through some means, the mallet was gettingrger as it fell down toward his head and soon wasrge enough topletely smash him into a pulp.


    Zac saw no choice but to infuse his hatchet with his Dao, and brought his axe in a two-handed swing, holding nothing back. Zac had severely overestimated the demon from his size and choice of weapon, and when his axe collided with the huge mallet with a terrifying sh it flew out of the hand of the demon like a rocket. It sailed over the crimson tree andnded somewhere on the other side of the battlefield.


    Zac was startled, but not as startled as the demon. He wasted no time and mmed the axe haft down on the demons shoulder, and then used the spike on the back of the axe head as a hook to pull him to melee distance. As Zac dragged him close he ended the demon with a quick stab in his throat with his dagger, and then used the body to intercept a few ranged attacks.


    The force from the weapons colliding had actually cracked the ground he was standing on, freeing him from the binding. He located the earth mage some distance away and grabbed a monkey captain by its arm.


    The monkey captain furiously mmed his fist in Zacs chest, but Zac only took it with a grunt before he lifted the huge monkey up in the air and threw him like a boulder at the demon mage. The earth mage hastily erected another wall to intercept the monkey projectile, but the force behind the beast powered through it.


    Zac was not far behind as he entered the wall through the breach and with a quick chop decapitated the demon, who didnt even manage to activate his stone skin skill in time.


    Zac moved on toward the next demon who had tried to gang up on him, but a blinding light interrupted his ns. It was therge shield covering the tree that started to shine many times brighterpared to before.


    Zac nced around and when he saw no one was attacking him at the moment he brought up the quest skill again and saw the timer go down from 2 seconds to 0. With a bright sh, the shield immediately winked out of existence, exposing the tree to hundreds of greedy eyes.


    No one moved for a split second, before all hell broke loose. Everyone started rushing toward the tree, holding nothing back. Even demons were hitting other demons in a struggle to reach the fruits.


    Zac wasnt any different, and taking full advantage of his close proximity to the tree he pushed forward, driving massive amounts of cosmic energy into his legs. The ground cracked with every step he took, and it would be more urate to say Zac pushed himself forward by mming into the ground with his feet rather than running. He summoned <strong>[Chop] </strong>and killed any monkey or demon getting too close, and soon he was almost underneath the trees branches.


    Zac was among the first but he was still behind two individuals, Cindermane and the dazzling general. Both had already moved toward the fruits, their arms reaching to grab them first. The monkey king had actually createdrgeva pirs that lifted it up toward the branches, and the general somehow stepped on ck arcs of lightning as he moved upwards through the air.


    Zac knew he was out of time and with a roar he created a huge edge with <strong>[Chop] </strong>and unleashed it at the two. It seemed that no one of the other camps dared intervene with the two in the forefront, perhaps afraid that they would inadvertently ruin their leaders ns. The edge shot up at the two, cutting a few of the crimson branches on the way.


    The Herald screeched and looked horrified as he stared at the iing edge, and actually missed his steps and fell down from the pirs it created. It appeared that Zacsst chop had left a shadow in the Herald''s mind.


    The general looked surprised to be ambushed at this moment but still managed to smoothly dodge it. He was far up in the air by now and only needed one more step on the ck lightning steps to reach the fruits. Desperate, Zac infused his axe with the Dao of Heaviness and hurled it at the demon. The fruits were 5 meters up in the air, so Zac and the general were extremely close. With Zacs power, it almost looked as though the axe teleported as it mmed into the general.


    The general had skillfully blocked the strike with his sword, but between Zacs huge strength and the Dao of Heaviness, the momentum of the throw wouldnt be denied. The demon was forcefully pushed away from the tree and the shockwave destroyed most of the branches of the tree.


    Even the branch which held the two Fruits of Ascension were broken off, and they were falling straight toward Zac. Not wanting to waste such a God-given opportunity he jumped up in the air and snatched the fruits, and immediately stashed them into his pouch.


    He couldnt believe how easily he had acquired the fruits, it looked like 67 Luck wasnt just for show. But the tion of getting the treasure quickly dissipated, as hundreds of murderous res focused their suddenly undivided attention on him.

 Chapter 62: Crescendo

    Chapter 62: Crescendo


    Zac brought out his second axe from his pouch, nervously ncing around. His n had been to kill the Herald as well, but being stared at by hundreds of hungry eyes quickly extinguished any desire to remain. For a second he thought about throwing out the cauldron but soon discarded the idea.


    The run-off fumes from when the imp Herald was concocting the poison was enough to do a number on him, and he didnt dare imagine what the finished product would be like. Unfortunately, he had no method to control the dissemination of the poison, and best scenario he managed to kill some of the demons. But that would still leave him to fight his way out against the survivors, now with one less ace in the hole. Worst case scenario the poison took too long to activate, or he poisoned himself as well, dying in a bout of friendly fire. The poison would have to be for when he truly was out of options as thest Hail Mary.


    Zac instead shot back away from the tree and started cutting his way out of the packed masses. But how could leaving with the treasure be so easy? Combatants from both camps furiously impeded his path, and he was immediately beset by attacks from all directions. New wounds joined a litany of old ones, and even with Zacs great constitution, he was starting to feel the pressure.


    With a furious roar he overcharged <strong>[Chop] </strong>and created a wide circle of death with a radius of 6 meters with one fluid motion before he pressed forward. But he only managed to take one step as an intense hair-raising danger made him turn around.


    A silver sword was aimed straight at his throat from behind, and Zac barely had time to block it with the erged edge of <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The power of the strike was enormous, and Zac was flung back from the force. He didnt even have time tond as a molten spear struck him in his back, the searing pain eliciting a howl.


    Neither the Herald nor the general were ready to give up the fruits, and for a second put their differences aside in order to hunt down Zac. The same couldnt be said of their underlings of course, as their furious melee quickly resumed after the fruits were snatched. The monkey horde was once again starting to lose control of the situation, but this time Zac was too upied to do anything about it. The fires started to grow, and soon the whole valley would likely be consumed in a congration.


    Zac was in no position to worry about his ind burning down, as he currently had two formidable foes to contend with. With steely eyes he activated chop to the limit he could sustain it and charged at the duo. With a roar he swung the axe in an upwards curve, rending a huge gash in the ground as he did. The edge flew toward the general, who Zac estimated to be the most formidable foe.


    With a nted de the demon managed to nullify most of the force and redirected the swing upward. He then immediately followed up with a quick forward stab aimed straight at Zacs heart. Zac barely managed to inch his chest to the side in order to avoid the de, but it still tore a bloody gash along his chest. The sword had to be of superior make, as it actually ruined the inscribed dress he wore over his armor. If Zac had known this would happen he would have immediately used its charge instead of holding out for a more threatening situation.


    The Herald wouldnt miss the opportunity either and spat some magma in Zacs direction. Most luckily missed, but some sttered on Zacs arm, and some nauseating sizzling could be heard. Zac could only press forward, hoping to end things quickly.


    He used every trick he had learned from <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> trying to get past the sword of the general in order to do some damage. Each swing was imbued with all the strength he could exert, and wailing sounds of his axe filled the air. He even swapped between using his Dao and using <strong>[Chop] </strong>trying to disrupt the generals rhythm.


    But it seemed that nothing worked against the demon. He smoothly deflected or dodged every strike that Zac put out, not even looking strained. His strength clearly wasnt at the same level as Zacs, but he made up for it with skill with the de. Still, Zac judged his Strength to be far above 100 though, as every strike with the des created terrifying collisions, the shockwaves keeping any fire out of their way. The ground beneath their feet kept cracking and getting destroyed as well.


    Even more dangerously it looked like the demon also possessed a Dao Seed, or at least was beginningprehend one. His strikes contained a sense of sharpness, and the shockwaves from his strikes actually cut small wounds on Zacs body when the air hit him.


    The Herald had gone somewhat passive, content in letting the two duke it out for a bit as he recuperated. By now it likely knew that it was not the match of either one of the twobatants, and probably hoped they would kill each other. It threw the asional spear or boulder at Zac, but rather focused on helping out his brethren against the demon army. A few demons had tried to join the general in his battle against Zac, but the Herald luckily killed them as they came. Unfortunately, the General was in no need of backup and was doing just fine on his own.


    Zac was steadily ruing wounds from his fight with the demon, as he wasnt able to dodge his lightning-quick stabs. The best he could do was to avoid the sword hitting fatal spots by adjusting his body. Even worse, the general was one of the demons who used the ck lightning attacks.


    He used it far more freelypared to the first demon he had met. Every strike contained the biting sting of the arcs, and the lightning was actually slowly umting inside Zacs body. His arm suddenly jerked from the shock,pletely exposing his chest. The demon was prepared, and with a lunge stabbed his sword straight in Zacs chest.


    Lightning poured freely into his body, and Zac coughed up a mouthful of blood from the damage. He normally might have passed out from the pain but the lightning kept him awake. To make matters worseva spikes erupted from the ground between Zacs legs from a stomp of the Herald.


    Surprisingly, the spikes shot toward the general, with thergest one aiming straight towards his exposed heart. It looked like the Herald had been waiting for an opportunity for a double knock-out. However, the general simply snorted and from nowhere all the spikes were cut into pieces. Hovering next to him was the sword that the demon had kept on his back throughout the battle.


    It crackled with ck lightning and seemed to have no problem with defying thews of gravity. It hovered a few rounds around the general before it returned into the scabbard on his back on its own.


    Abruptly the spike on the back of Zacs axe head mmed into the temple of the Herald, instantly killing it. Zac had taken advantage of the brief pause in the Herald after its attack and used it to mount a surprise attack. Zac had consistently focused all his energy on attacking the general thus far, and the Herald had grownx. He hadnt actually nned on killing the Herald before the general, but he saw an opportunity and took it.


    A huge surge of cosmic energy entered Zacs body, and he felt himself gain another level. There was no time to go over it though, as the general renewed his attacks on him. Zac once again found himself at an impasse, steadily losing ground. The chest wound was creating trouble for him to breathe and move freely as well, and the fight turned even more one-sided. He wanted to somehow create an opportunity to flee, as he had aplished all he needed for now. But the General would barely let him breathe, let alone leave the scene.


    A tremendous amount of roaring erupted in the surroundings as well. The monkeys lost their minds upon seeing their leader fall and started madly swing at everything around them. In their madness theypletely gave up on defense and started dropping with even faster speedpared to before. One after another the monkeys died, bing food for the expanding fires. The mes hadnt died out due to the death of the Herald, instead truly bing a force of their own as they spread over the dried leaves and husks.


    Zac desperately tried to swing faster and with more power to turn the tides, but the general felt like an imprable wall of deft des. As he kept fighting and swapping back and forth between <strong>[Chop]</strong> and the Dao, something suddenly clicked in his mind, and he once again summoned out the fractal de.


    This time it was different as it held a darker hue and emanated the aura of a lofty mountain. Even the fractals on the edge had grown denser, weaving another line of inscriptions along the edge. He finally managed to integrate his Dao with his skill, and the result wasnt as simple as one plus one equals two. Something new was born out of the fusion.


    With renewed vigor Zac roared and furiously swung his axe at the general, aiming to end it all with one strike. It was a huge overhead swing aimed at the demons head, and it carried the aura of a falling meteor.


    The demon immediately sensed something was wrong but didnt have time to dodge. Looking serious for the first time, the demon roared as the sword on his back shed into his free hand, and he held up both his swords in the air in order to block the strike.


    Just another sword wasnt enough and the force mmed him down to his knees, the impact blowing any debris or bodies in the surroundings far away. The general tried to deflect the force, but the Chop of Heaviness was intractable as it pushed his des down. A golden sheen shed into existence around the demon, but it only held for a second before it cracked. The force in the strike contained everything Zac had learned and gained so far, and a flimsy armor inscription wouldnt stop it.


    An amulet around the neck of the demon started shining with a blinding light, and a silver shield winked into existence next. It looked like the shield of a celestial, as it shone with brilliant fractals as it met the oing axe.


    The collision didnt create a huge impact as Zac expected, but it rather seemed the shield somehow absorbed the momentum. After the strike the shield started to crack, and the general groaned miserably as a crack could also be heard in his right arm. It looked like using that amulet didnte without its price. But it was sufficient to stop Zacs monstrous swing.


    The general didnt seemx as before, and with an angry roar and his hair in disarray, he got to his feet. With a couple of furious shes he created some distance from Zac, then pointed his sword towards the sky. His second de crackled with an extreme amount of lightning and rapidly flew over ten meters up in the sky. The lightning kept expanding around it, creating a wide field of a lightning hell-scape.


    The ck arcs changed and actually turned into sword silhouettes covered in fractals. It reminded Zac of his own cosmic energy edge, but the danger he felt from the roughly hundred swords sinisterly hanging above was above anything he had felt thus far. The general didnt pull any punches anymore and wanted topletely eradicate him.


    The lightning des started falling towards Zac like a heavenly punishment. Any one of the des could kill Zac if it hit, and there were over a hundred of them iing. Knowing there was nowhere to hide from the strike, Zac could only fight it head-on. Cramming all his remaining cosmic energy into his fractal on his hand he created hisrgest edge thus far, sporting almost 8 meters long de. It was imbued with the Dao of Heaviness, and with a roar of defiance, heunched it like a projectile up against the sword rain.


    For a second it felt like a colossal mountain rose from the ground to intercept the heavenly thunder above, in a struggle between the Heavens and Earth. The collision was earthshattering and the chaotic energies temporarily blotted out the sky. Errant lightning des fell all over the area, killing and maiming monkeys and demons alike.


    Zac had managed to avert most of the attack with his colossal edge, but he waspletely drained and his head hurt. Furthermore, his swing wasnt able to destroy all of the falling des and he found himself impaled by multiple lightning swords. The general was panting as he walked over to Zac, one arm hanging limply to his side. He didnt look like he had much fight left in him either, but it was enough to finish Zac off.


    His second sword floated above his head, looking like a sinister scorpions stinger. Its crackling lightning had dimmed considerably, but it still held a strong killing intent within. Their eyes met for a brief second and the sword shot down towards Zacs head. He tried to muster up a response, but he could only feebly lift his axe in an attempt to avert the iing sword.


    A spear ofplete darkness suddenly emerged out of the generals chest and lifted him up in the air, forcing him to puke out a huge amount of blood as his body started spasming. The sinister looking weapon had truly impaled him, and likelypletely obliterated his heart.


    Behind the general a nondescript demon in average gear was standing, with a determined glint in his eyes as he looked upon his dying leader. The general arduously turned his head and when he saw his assailer his eyes shrunk to a needlepoint.


    With hisst breath, he let out a ragged roar that covered the whole battlefield, garnering the attention of all thebatants.


    OGRAS!!!

 Chapter 64: Taking Stock

    Chapter 64: Taking Stock


    With a scream Zac woke up from his head hitting a sharp rock formation. Groggily he tried to orient himself and found that he was bobbing about in the azure water in a cave. Afraid that the burning pain would start again, he quickly scrambled up on a piece of drynd.


    His body felt surprisingly good after all it had gone through. The mental scar from remembering the excruciating pain was far worsepared to anything his body was actually experiencing right now. Just thinking about it caused his hands to shake and almost made him cry. That had been too harrowing, far worse than risking his life in any of the fights or the pain from getting wounded.


    It took some time for him to regather his wits before he finally looked at his surroundings. He was currently in a decentlyrge cave that was 10 by 20 meters. Almost half of it was submerged in the azure water, and the other half was crammed full of subterranean nts. It made sense, as Zac had never encountered any tunnel or cave with a density of cosmic energy that couldpare to where he was.


    It was as though the boost from the crystal mines below had fused with the boost of theke and created something even more intense in the enclosed space of the cavern. Zac was unsure of how he had gotten here. After snatching the fruits he had fled the purple cloud of death and jumped into the mysterious pond. After that everything had turned fuzzy, apart from the very real memory of the pain.


    He could only guess that some stream brought him down into the depths of the mountain while the Fruit of Ascension kept him alive. Even though he felt generally restored, he wasnt ready to set out, as there were many things he needed to check out after the cataclysmic final battle.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>36</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>189</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>130</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>84</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>746317</strong>


    The first thing he noticed was that his strength now was at a full 189 points, having increased by 14 points since hest checked. He had actually broken past his limit of 175 points, and could only attribute it to the fact that he luckily evolved to an E-ranked Human ording to his status page, whatever that meant. He did a quick check all over his body and was relieved to find there were no wings or other new appendages that suddenly grew on him. He even checked between his legs and was half disappointed and half relieved that no evolutions had taken ce there as well.


    He didnt really feel any different, but he guessed that he would find out sooner orter what it meant to get a higher race ss. He at least knew it helped him increase the limit of his attributes, which was one of his most important goals.


    He had also gained two new titles, and he brought up the title menu to check it out.


    <strong>[One Against Many: Fight against 500 warriors of the same tier and survive. Endurance +10]</strong>


    <strong>ary Aegis: First to stop an incursion in world. All stats +5, All stats +5%]</strong>


    The first one was not bad, a nifty reward for staying alive through those odds. He guessed that there were tiers to that title, and hed have gotten a better one if he actually defeated them rather than fleeing after throwing out a bunch of poison.


    The second was even better, and the fifth one he possessed that gave a percent boost to all stats. The title didnt mention anything about solo kill like some of his other titles and he wondered if it was because he actually wasnt the one who killed the general.


    He couldnt be bothered about that mysterious demon right now, even if he could speak humannguage and seemingly had helped him. Zac was sure the demon survived from how he had acted before disappearing. Since there only were so many ces to go on the ind Zac figured hed find him sooner orter and get his answers then.


    After having checked the title he closed the panel and did some mental calctions. He realized that he actually had missed out on another 3 points of Strength when he turned level 36. He still received the stats from the new title though, which confused him a bit, as he should have received the title before he evolved and broke his attribute cap.


    He was also a bit surprised with the amount of Nexus Coins he amassed from the battle. He had gained roughly 150 000 from his whole day on the battlefield. While it was not a small amount by any means, it still didnt feel like it added up. That poison cloud should have killed hundreds, if not thousands, in the valley. Only the strongestbatants had been right by the tree, while the rest were spread out through the valley. Perhaps a few of the speedier ones had managed to escape, there couldnt be too many survivors with how rapidly the purple cloud had expanded.


    Zac shuddered at the thought of having poisoned hundreds of beings to death but forcibly threw the thought into the back of his mind. Either all those kills didnt actually improve his level or give him coins, or they all were still alive.


    Zac was convinced that they died from the poison. Just one breath of the poison cloud made him who had over a hundred endurance keel over, and he couldnt imagine normal demons or monkeys survive that. Furthermore, he had seen the horrified looks on their faces when they saw the billowing purple clouds.


    Zac briefly considered trying to swim through the pond to get back into the valley, but soon perished the thought. Even if he managed to actually swim through the water now, the poison might still be up there.


    Suddenly a thought popped up into his mind, and he opened the quest screen.


    <strong>Active Quests</strong>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests</strong>


    Off With Their Heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of an incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (5/5) [COMPLETE]


    Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect outpost from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (0/3) [43:12:32:11]


    <strong>ss Quests</strong>


    Forester''s Constitution (ss): Fight in the forests, be one with nature. Reward: Forester''s Constitution Skill. (8/30)


    Loamwalker (ss): Walk a thousand kilometers touching the earth. Reward: Loamwalker Skill. (0/1000)


    Zac sighed in relief, as the first incursion quest finally could be confirmed asplete. This had been his goal since Abbys warning,and it was thankfully done with after almost two horrible months. He already had been pretty sure hepleted it the moment the general got impaled, but it was nice to finally see it set in stone.


    He was also relieved to see that the quest said [COMPLETE] instead of just disappearing, as that meant the system hadnt spit out the reward somewhere while he was unconscious. As one of the rewards was rted to his outpost he assumed he would have to get back to his camp to collect them.


    The next quest had gotten a timer just like the limited quest. If he read it correctly he either had to finish it within 43 days or something would happen in 43 days.


    Finally, he was surprised to see that the Loamwalker hadnt progressed at all since he got it. He wasnt exactly sure how far he ran yesterday, but he had been pushing it pretty hard with his inhuman stats for a few hours, so he felt that he should at least have ran a marathon on the mountain slopes. And walking on a mountain should constitute touching earth in any sense of the word.


    After a brief hesitation he took off his shoes and threw them into his bag. He was reminded of the man in the vision, and could only try copying him. Perhaps his soles had to actually physically touch the earth for it to count, and if true he wondered what that meant when using the skill in the future. Would he be a barefoot warrior in the future just like the axe-man? At least his endurance was high enough that his soles wouldnt get cut or damaged even if walking around on ss shards.


    Satisfied that he had gone through everything for now he brought out some food and water. He was generally happy with the progression, but also a bit pissed off that that harrowing experience in the water hadnt done anything except boost his Race a level.


    From how precious the Fruit of Ascension appeared he thought that the fruit alone would be enough to ascend a stage, but with the harrowing molding his body had gone through he figured he should at least have been awarded some bonus attributes or a title. He wondered if the System had aint department he could contact, as its rewards werent bnced.


    Internally grumbling he tore into a piece of dried meat and he was surprised to see that his appetite was simply monstrous, and he ate a couple of kilos of meat before he felt satiated. Looking at his slightly protruding belly he wondered if evolving your race meant that you got a separate dimension tucked into your stomach.


    Finally all set he stood up and ventured out. He had after some deliberation chosen to head into the tunnels instead, as he simply refused to enter that water again. He refilled his canteen though, just for emergencies.


    The cave he was in was connected to therger tunnel system he found out after some traveling. Only a small hole was open though, and Zac was forced to cut his way out with a sword. As he worked the sword he felt that his body was more coordinated than ever, as every muscle was working in perfect harmony. He wasnt really stronger or more agile, but rather had greater control of his body. Normally he would think that it was due to increased Dexterity, but the change was toorge that just a few extra points from his new title couldnt cover it. He guessed instead that it was another advantage of being an evolved human.


    After some hesitation he carved out a couple of boulders from a nearby wall and covered up the path again. That secret cave would be an excellent cultivation cave in the future, and he didnt want a smander or wandering demon to ruin it.


    Perhaps it wouldnt be useful for himself, but maybe for his sister or Hannah if he managed to bring them back to the ind. Now that the demon threat was taken care of he needed to actually start preparing for the future.


    At least he hoped that the demon threat was over, but he couldnt be sure. He never got any indication of what would happen when he finally killed the Heralds and the general. There still should be quite a few demons still around even after the huge battle. There had been at least a thousand demons in the mountains, but even if all of them died, there should be hundreds in the tunnels. Add to that the demon town and the roving parties and most demons should still be around.


    Putting the matter aside, Zac pushed forward in the tunnels. Soon he found a familiar cave, whose tunnels led to the demon mining operation. After a brief hesitation he headed over there to check things out. As he walked he heard absolutely no sound of activity, which could only be considered a good sign.


    The mining tunnels werepletely deserted as he hoped, with not a single demon in sight. As he continued on he soon exited the cave entrance he had seen the demons use daily. Still, he didnt see a single demon anywhere. A few sacks and tools were thrown here and there, hinting at a hasty escape.


    More importantly, for the first time since he woke up on this hellish ind there was no huge red ring pir shooting into the sky. The incursion was simply gone.


    But that didn''t mean his work was over.

 Chapter 65: First Contact

    Chapter 65: First Contact


    With a spring in his steps he hadnt felt for a long time Zac moved along the road toward the location of the now-gone incursion. He was nning on heading back to his campsite toplete his quest, but first, he wanted to check things out and make sure that the demons were truly gone.


    He moved along the path leading to the fortified city, meeting no resistance on the way. Soon he reached the forest edge close to the town, and any further and he would be exposed due to all vegetation having been cut down to supply the construction.


    He hunkered down and stared at the town for a good while trying to see any signs of demons. The good news was that the previously well-manned walls werepletely deserted. Not a single guard was patrolling along the wall walk, and the towers were empty. The bad news was that he saw a few lines of smokes rising from the inner parts of the town.


    After some hesitation he decided to take a closer look. The lines of smoke might just be left behind fires, and if there actually were demons here they must be disorganized for some reason. He briskly jogged over to the fortifications, and with a few tugs pulled himself up along the wall. He didnt encounter any arrays impeding his path either, making him wonder if demons couldnt use them for some reason. He hadnt seen them use a single one so far after all, unless inscriptions on tools could be called arrays.


    He looked out over the demon town and found it more or less deserted. He was disappointed to see that there actually were a few demons milling about, but they looked listless and without direction.


    He also noticed that the town had grown considerably since he had seen it the first time a few weeks ago. Most of the military-looking rectangr buildings were gone, reced with structures of various size and design. It almost looked like a medieval town by now rather than a military base. But the craftsmanship and cleanliness were far greaterpared to some old city, and no garbage or excrement lined the sidewalks. Perhaps therge barracks were only temporary housing they used while they constructed the real city.


    Zac soon spotted a solitary demon who walked towards a house right next to the wall. There were no other demons close to him and the small building would provide perfect cover, making him a perfect target.


    Zac crept along the wall, and with one swift motion jumped down right in front of him. Quick as lightning he grabbed the startled demon by his tunic and dragged him behind the house. Without any pause, Zac mmed him against the buildings wall with one hand and brought out his axe with the other.


    Scream and you die. Do you understand what Im saying? Zac asked with a steely glint as he held the axe at his throat, ready to decapitate the demon at a moments notice.


    The demon looked truly horrified after he saw Zacs face. Tears started falling like rain, and even a snot bubble was starting to grow. He incoherently started whispering something in the demonguage, regrly interrupting himself withrge sobs.


    Zac was stumped, not expecting such an exaggerated response. Perhaps his deeds on the mountain had spread, and the demon was afraid hed poison the town to death. But then again, this demon differed from the ones he had encountered so far. He didnt look at all like a hardened warrior. Rather, he looked like a civilian. He didnt wear any weapon, and while his arms looked sturdy he also had a prettyrge gut. Furthermore, he was middle-aged, whereas most of the warriors he had encountered seemed quite young.


    Just as he was considering whether he should kill the demon and find a new interrogation target a shaky voice behind him interrupted his thoughts.


    Um.. P-Please let my dad go. He cant understand your words.


    Zac instantly whirled around, holding the stocky demon as a barrier against this new voice. He found himself face to face with a small bespectacled demoness. She was the shortest one he had seen, just about reaching up to his chest, and had her silver hair in a neat bun. She didnt carry any weapons and shook with fright as she was facing Zacs murderous re.


    Move over to behind the house. If you scream you both die, Zac instructed the scared demon with a low but harsh voice. Seeing her pallid face and remembering his words he was starting to feel like a viin, even though the demons were his enemies. I just want some answers, help me out and Ill leave, he added in a softer tone.


    The demon didnt seem veryforted by his words and still shook like a leaf. Still, sheplied with his words, much to the dismay of the middle-aged demon. He started wheezing something out, and soon even tried to scream. He likely wanted his daughter to run away from them and get to safety. While Zac could appreciate the sentiment, he couldnt let her go as he finally had someone he could question. With a quick thud, he hit the pudgy demon in the back of his head, instantly knocking him out and shutting him up.


    Sorry about that, but he is alive. I cant have him scream and warn the whole town, Zac sighed as he ced the unconscious demon next to the demoness.


    Why is it that I can speak with some of you, but most only speak gibberish? Zac questioned, eager to finally get some answers.


    Gibberish..? The small demon seemed a bit offended but quickly readjusted to a timid face, You.. You need a skill to speak with other races. But it is expensive so most people dont have it. I am a merchant so the n provided it for me. She seemed somewhat proud of the fact, as it was quite a glorious job to have.


    Your ss is Merchant? Zac asked with a renewed relief he didnt gamble for the Epic ss when choosing a ss.


    No, Im a Scribe, amon ss. But I am following, I mean I was following, the upgrade path towards a real merchant ss in the future, the demon answered, looking somewhat deted.


    What she said about upgrade path was something he was interested in finding out more about, but he had more pressing matters.


    Why are you people still on my ind? Your invasion should have failed when the incursion ended. Why havent you gone back to wherever you came from? This was the most crucial question on Zacs mind right now.


    Going back Some of us can''t, she answered with a mncholic smile. We embarrassed the n and cost it a lot of money when the invasion failed. If we went back bad things would happen. Some chose to stay on this instead.


    Zac felt a headacheing on when he realized he suddenly had a bunch of demon refugees on the ind.


    How many of you are still left?


    I dont know she answered with a low voice, and hastily exined when she saw Zacs eyes narrowed dangerously. I truly dont know, I usually just file documents. Ogras should know. He is, was, the leader of the expedition. But most of the warriors left, their status is better in the n.


    Thats impossible, I saw your leader die right in front of me, Zac growled, taking a step toward the demoness.


    The Scribe seemed to have been reminded that the person was a dangerous enemy warrior and once again started shaking.


    I swear he is alive. I saw Ogras exit his pce before. He didnt go to the mountains I think? she managed to stutter out through ttering teeth.


    It didnt seem like she was lying, which confused Zac greatly. His mission waspleted, and he had seen the general die from the huge ck spear. Besides, she called the leader Ogras, which was thest thing the leader roared before he perished.


    Does this Ogras have white hair, a silver armor, and fights with two swords. Oh, and he can make the sword fly? he tentatively asked, a guess forming in his mind.


    No That is Rydel. He was second inmand maybe? His grandfather is the n chief after all, she answered, happy that Zacs murderous air receded somewhat.


    The answer only made Zac more confused. If the one who died wasnt the general why had he led the forces? If this Ogras was the real general instead, why had his quest beenpleted if he was still alive and kicking? Because he briefly killed himself? Why would he do that? He was certain that the mysterious Demon was Ogras, but he didnt understand why he would kill his own ally and even suggest poisoning the whole army. This girl said Ogras didnt participate in the battle, so it sounded like he had snuck out of the town behind his own army without their knowledge.


    Where is Ogras now? he asked. It seemed this demoness held a low rank in the n, and her knowledge was limited. It would be better to simply ask the source. Besides he had a bone to pick with this Ogras, as he almost got him killed with his poison idea. Of course, Ogras saved his life by killing this Rydel character, but he still had a sour feeling when thinking about the torment he was forced to endure when he jumped into the pond.


    Dad said he heard Ogras question many demons, then left the town toward the south, she answered, seemingly excited at the prospect of sending Zac on his way to be someone elses problem.


    Zac mulled things over for a few seconds, before determining his next action. There were many more things he wanted to know, but he had a sneaking suspicion Ogras was heading toward his outpost. It was the only thing of interest to the south, the rest was just forest. And nothing good coulde from the insidious demon fiddling around with his stuff, so he decided to briskly head back home.


    As Zac hade to his decision he asked one final question. Oh by the way, what is your name?


    Im Zakarith, my dad calls me Zak, she quickly introduced herself.


    Zacs mouth tugged a bit trying to avoid smiling. Well Zakarith, wee to Earth, he said and immediately mmed the butt of his axe in between her horns, instantly knocking her out. He felt a bit bad about it as she reminded him a bit of his little sister, but he couldnt have her running around right now. He felt no need to kill both of them as it seemed the demon threat wasrgely gone. And even if they came to blows again he didnt feel a little Scribe and her pudgy father would be able to turn the tides.


    He quickly tied up both the unconscious demons and left them hidden between the house and the outer wall, before quickly leaving the town the same way he had gotten in. Same as with Ogras, his course was south. He was going home.

 Chapter 66: My Dinner With Ogras

    Chapter 66: My Dinner With Ogras


    Zac quickly jogged due south, and soon arrived at the part of the valley where the incursion was located. The crystal was still there, but it now looked inert. It had lost its colors, and no longer radiated any power.


    The area seemed deserted as well, so Zac snuck up to the small house, finding it empty as well. Knowing no demons were around he walked up to the huge crystal. Fractalspletely covered the whole thing, barely leaving an inch free. It reminded him of an evolved version of his Nexus Node in camp, and after a brief hesitation he touched it. No menu or prompt arrived, and he could only feel the cold and smooth surface of the crystal.


    Zac thought about infusing the crystal with some Cosmic Energy, but soon decided against it. He had too little information about the thing, and was afraid that hed identally teleport himself somewhere. He was in no mood to suddenly arrive at a demon after having been stuck on a demon ind for so long.


    Zac could only leave it be for now and add it to the list of things he would squeeze out of Ogras if he found him. After a final check he left southbound. As he walked he noticed that the foliage in the surroundings unfortunately hadnt turned back into normal trees and bushes. They were still sickly-looking from the influence of the red pir. He could only hope that the area would gradually heal now that the incursion was turned off.


    He kept going through the valley, and after some trial and error he found an ascent leading up to the forest. Soon he was walking familiar paths south he had walked many times before. There still were quite a few barghest in the forests, but it seemed that the war thinned them out somewhat at least. Or perhaps they left together with the surviving demon army.


    More surprisingly, he found out that the reward had lessened substantially when he killed one. The remaining ones still were hyper-aggressive, and he was forced to kill one that came rushing toward him with a kick. After killing it he actually gained less than 30 Nexus Coins. It was disappointing, as he had actually considered rounding them all up somehow and then kill hundreds of them with his <strong>[Chop]</strong> skill. That would haveted him quite a decent ie, while simultaneously cleaning up for his town.


    He saw two possible reasons for the decrease. Either the reward from killing demons lessened now that the incursion was over, or the reward lessened as his level increased. He had gained quite a few levels in the mountains and tunnels, and now the System maybe didnt want to award as many resources for killing weaklings.


    Zac actually hoped it was the second. Then he could at least save a lucrative grinding area for other people. If the barghest could actually breed on the ind he could have a perpetual farming ground going. But if it was the first he simply had a nuisance on his hands.


    After half a day of jogging, he finally was in close proximity of his camp. He started his usual sweep of the area and actually found some worrying signs. There were footprints in the ground around where he battled the demon party, and even though he was no expert tracker it looked like multiple sources.


    At the same time the illusion array was untouched, and he quickly equipped his amulet as well. He had actually removed it earlier in order to avoid getting any experience, and forgot to put it back on. The familiar warmth from the amulet told him that the mother-daughter array was still working as well.


    With a heavy heart he retrieved his axe and got ready for battle, and he also took out the shield he had found in the caverns. He held the shield in front of his head and madly dashed through the illusion barrier. Zac even charged up his <strong>[Chop] </strong>ready to swing at everything in the camp even if he had to cut his beloved camper in two.


    You natives truly are barbarians, so aggressive. A familiar voice could be heard from the vicinity, followed by a helpless sigh.


    Even though it wasntpletely unexpected the voice gave Zac pause. He quickly nced around the camp, his axe still at the ready. What entered his vision made Zac visibly groan and lower his shield.


    It was the mysterious demonfortably sitting in an opulent chair,zily eating fruits that were ced on a golden tray in front of him. The tray was ced on arge table even more intricately designed than Zacs own ostentatious table he had stolen. Did all demon noblemen walk around with obnoxiously over-the-top furniture just to be able to posture at any given time?


    Thinking about the annoying smile of the demon right before escaping the poison inferno Zac couldnt stop himself and cleaved the table in two with a swing. The brows of the demon rose a bit in rm, but he quickly regainedposure when he saw Zac didnt continue.


    Zac removed a chair from his own pouch and sat down as well with a grunt and retrieved some dried meat.


    Ogras? he questioned, still finding it a bit hard to find the words after months of silence.


    The demon looked slightly surprised, then it seemed he realized something.


    The very same. I guess you visited Camp Rezak on your way back. Ehm... Are my subordinates still alive? Ogras asked, looking a bit troubled, but not to the point he was ready toe to blows.


    They are alive, I just caught a few to ask some questions. Why are you here, and how did you find the outpost? Zac asked, still with a guarded expression against this unpredictable demon.


    Youre using an F-grade illusion array for protection, any decent skill can detect it. We actually found your home a few days ago after investigating your activities. Ogras answered with a dismissive wave of his hand.


    I cant believe you live in a cramped and bloodied tin can. Dont the humans of this know how to build decent structures? In any case, we found you in the tunnels before we could use the knowledge of this ce to our advantage. Ogras gave Zac a pitying nce as he looked around at the small campsite, with the dented camper and ruined car.


    Irritation once again started to build up in Zac, and he was unsure whether he should defend his camp or Earths architectural ingenuity. But he once again calmed down quickly. This demon seemed like the crafty type, and Zac didnt want to give out any undue information by mistake because he was goaded into anger.


    You still havent exined why youre here. And why you and the others are still on my ind. Zac felt it was important to make it clear that they were refugees while he was thendowner. This was his and he hadpleted the quest to gain control of the area.


    Ogras seemed to understand the implication of his words but only smiled in response. Well, I came here to meet with you of course. I figured you would return here after the battle. The incursion is over, and so is our need to be enemies. I think its time to discuss an Alliance between our group and yours.


    Zac was about to say it was only him, but quickly stopped himself. If the demons thought he was just the spearhead of arger group his position was only strengthened.


    You should know that this world was only integrated into the multi-verse less than two months ago. There are things we do not know. Exin to me why we shouldnt keep hunting your kind. Zac said, happy to keep the fib going.


    When you finished your quest the incursion ended. We were given 12 hours to return through the Nexus Hub before it closed down. Some of us couldnt get there in time, and others simply chose to stay behind for various reasons. After The Ruthless Heavens has closed the hub it wont open again for a long time, and never to our home. Ogras answered, seemingly prepared for the question.


    In other words, we made the choice to cut ties with our n and our home, and it is unlikely we will ever be able to return. Even if we wanted to, it would be almost impossible due to the cost of traveling such a distance. We also wont get any back-up in the future. Therefore it makes no sense to keep a war going against you natives.


    Thats a pretty flippant attitude after so many of your kind has died. Why did you evene to our? And whats the ruthless heavens? Zac asked after mulling over Ogras answer. He couldnt find any lies in what the demon told him from what he had observed, and what the demoness had said. But he wasnt so nave to believe everything he said either. Someone who could kill his ally with a stab in the back could only be a duplicitous character.


    The Ruthless Heavens, The Endless Heavens, The Cosmic Warden, The System. It has many names but you should know what Im talking about. Ogras exined with an expansive gesture. And why should I care if some nsmen died? Life and death mean nothing in the multi-verse. Long before I came here all my siblings had already been killed in battle and assassinations by my very own n members. He continued, as though such a tragic life had nothing to do with him. He then leaned forward and stared at Zac with a glint.


    As for why we came here? Resources of course. The Ruthless Heavens thrives on conflict, and war is expensive. Baby worlds like yours are usually a treasure trove of wealth that can help a n or country ascend. There are likely multiple forces across your who are gobbling everything up like locusts at this very moment. n AzhRezak was just unlucky being stuck on this ind with a humanoid monster.


    Zac chose to ignore thest sentence and focused on the other information. There were many points of interest in the demons answer, but one more than the others. But before he could ask he realized something.


    Wait, why havent the system punished you? I was told the system might kill me if I failed the missions. Why are you demons fine after failing yours? Abby had clearly warned him to properlyplete the quest, at the risk of death and muttion. Meanwhile, Ogras was just fine and dandy, even though he should hold the main responsibility for the demons invasion.


    Urh... What? Ogras seemed truly confused, so after a brief hesitation Zac told him about parts of his conversation with Abby the Eye.


    Ogras looked stunned at Zac for a good while before he startedughing self-depreciatingly.


    All our ns ruined because of a lying Stargazer The Ruthless Heavens truly have a wicked sense of humor. Ogras said and sighed.


    Lying? What do you mean? Zac asked skeptically. So far everything Abby said had been true and he instinctively trusted her far morepared to this demon.


    The Ruthless Heavens doesnt punish. At worst it loses interest in you. What did you think, a lightning bolt would zap you if you left the ind on a raft? Dont be silly. The only result would be that you no longer qualified to be a lord, and missed out on the rewards from the quests. Ogras said with a snicker after having regained hisposure.


    Just think about the quest for those Fruits you picked up. Would the system just kill off everyone who didnt rush to the mountain? Thats crazy. He continued. By the way, are you interested in selling those fruits to me?


    Zac ignored the business proposal and pondered on what the demon said. He didnt know what to believe. It did make sense what Ogras said, but Zac didnt understand why Abby would lie to him like that.


    What would she have to gain for telling me to fight you guys? Are Stargazers and demons enemies? He inquired.


    Bah, Stargazers dont have any enemies. They pretty much all of them work for The Ruthless Heavens, who would dare mess with them? I guess she wanted a promotion. If you be a Lord you get a permanent administrator to help you out. Then she could get appointed to a baby world to one of its leaders and get ess to both many good resources and opportunities for advancement.


    Zac was stumped from the answer, but refused to believe that the floating eye would send him against a whole demon army just to get a chance to get a promotion if he actually survived.


    You need to toughen up human. The multi-verse is a cold ce where the honest and brave get butchered while the calcting and shrewd survive. Everything else is irrelevant in the face of benefits. The demon said, with stone-cold eyes that spoke of a deep-rooted cynicism toward the world.

 Chapter 66.5: My dinner with Zac

    Chapter 66.5: My dinner with Zac


    Ogras swatted some flies out of his face as he walked through the alienndscape. His decisions were born out of desperation, but it was just now the fact that he was stranded on this foreign truly hit home.


    The two suns in the sky were even more ring now that the soothing canopy of the incursion disappeared, and the bombardment of colors was unsettling. Everywhere he could only see forests, and no civilization was in sight. He missed the bars, the pruned hunting grounds, and the whores. Gods, the <em>whores! </em>Why hadnt he insisted on bringing along a brothel instead of a few of the farmers?


    Even though he had cultivated a horrible reputation in his n he wasnt the type of man who would force himself upon an unwilling woman. Unfortunately, the very same reputation was what now kept the towns women at arms length. Well, there was Namys who was more than willing, but she had the face of aherbeast. He spat in annoyance and could only continue.


    Still, though he lost many things, he had gained perhaps something even greater. Freedom. He brought up his heavenly screen and took a look.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Ogras Azh''Rezak</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>53 (73)</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Shadowde (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Demon (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Demon yer I, Adventurer, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, Tower of Eternity 3rd floor, Astral Pond 20m, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Betrayer</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Shadows - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>112</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>134</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>63</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>63</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>38</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>35</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>23</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>300</strong>


    Gone was the Alignment to his old n, leaving the space a liberating nk. Gone was also the constant need for machinations and pretension. Gone was constantly looking over his shoulder, afraid that he would be the 8th andst sibling to be killed by jealous n members.


    The surviving demons would soon understand the true Ogras. There already were some murmurs of discontent from the search parties that were stuck in the tunnels when the countdown began.


    It was on his orders that they entered the mines, and now they couldnt leave this baby world. Many of the warriors didnt wish to stay here, as their status would have kept them somewhat safe even in the case of a return in defeat.


    But soon they would understand that even without his ancestor his title as leader was unshakeable.


    Ogras inwardly groaned at the fact that The Ruthless Heavens actually confiscated the Nexus Coins of everyone when they stayed behind. He never read about this and swore at the information missive he bought at the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes. It had been exorbitantly expensive and should have covered everything one needed to know about venturing into a baby world.


    He was approaching the level and attribute limits as well. He had been furiously leveling up from his unimpressive level since he arrived at the ind. With the limitations in ce he could quickly gain levels without anyone finding out. He had done so in secrecy by absorbing the E-Grade Nexus Crystals his grandfather helped him bring along, allowing him to shoot up a few levels per day. He had kept himself at a low level on purpose earlier in order to not let anyone realize his high stat growth.


    He was one of the few in the n with a Rare ss. Combined with his achievements in the Tower of Eternity his progress would outpace almost everyone in the n. Normally it would have been a cause for celebration, but for his branch it was a death sentence. But now he could finally grow into the limit and focus on his constitution. He grimaced at the fact that the human who snatched both the fruits now was gone.


    Ogras could only hope that he could find the body and the Cosmic Bag as soon as the poison cleared out in the mountains. If the fruits were lost he would have to slowly cultivate his body until it evolved, and that would likely take years and years. And that would be the smallest of the losses from not getting the fruit.


    He cursed himself for not simply snatching the bags when he had the chance up on the mountain. He was already stressed out from killing Rydel and subsequently killing himself, and he might have made an error in judgment. Ogras felt something dangerous in the humans eyes and instead had opted to cajole the human into using the poison. Besides, if any straggler lived to tell the tale it would be clear that it wasnt Ogras who did the deed, but the wretched human.


    Soon he arrived at the area where the scouts found the humans small camp. He activated <strong>[Omniscient Eyes]</strong> and after walking around for a few hours he finally found the bubble of the illusion array. After testing it out he found it was a simple oneyer array, with no defensive or offensive options.


    He entered and his eyes fell upon the base of operations of n AzhRezaks nemesis. Even though things had turned out somewhat okay for him, Ogras couldnt help but be pissed off at the sight. This human lived like some kind of animal in a dirty metal hovel and still had managed to bring about the downfall of their invasion?


    There were scraps of items and rags strewn about the campsite and the domicile the native lived in was actually arge can. The can was dented and in disrepair, and there were even splotches of blood on it. As he walked inside it Ogras immediately was too depressed to continue the search, and quickly left the cage. To live like this and not go crazy must have required certain mental fortitude as Ogras was getting stressed out just thinking about spending the night in there.


    There was another metal contraption in the camp and after going over it for some time Ogras realized that it was not another odd domicile, but rather a transportation device. It seemed like it was an extremely rudimentary version of the contraptions the Technocrats use to traverse the multi-verse.


    He knew that some babys had gone an impressive depths into what the Technocrats called the Dao of Technology. But of course, The Ruthless Heavens didnt acknowledge that Dao, so most newly integrated worlds soon discarded it for the pursuit of the true Dao and to wield cosmic energy.


    But this wasnt why he was here. He quickly walked up to therge crystal, which should be the Nexus Node he read about. The City Lords in his own homeworld each had one as well, but they were fiercely guarded treasures, so he had never seen one before.


    The missive stated that when the mission failed he and the other demons would be barred from attaining System-sanctioned properties and towns for roughly a decade, but he needed to make sure. If he could gain ownership of the crystal he would gain the tools to not only survive, but to thrive in this new world.


    While they were on a deste ind he knew he wasnt safe. The Ruthless Heavens wouldnt allow the peace to continue forever and force some events into being. It thrived and existed for conflict after all.


    He touched the Nexus Node, infusing it with his cosmic energy. But it was as though it hit a wall, and couldnt enter the crystal. He bit his finger and dropped some blood on it, but it wasnt absorbed, and only ran along its smooth surface. Ogras even brought up a small vial of blood and poured it on the crystal, but it didnt have any effect as well. The vial contained blood from the human that scouts had collected in the mines, and Ogras thought it might be the key to gain ess to the Town Shop-system.


    Ogras sighed in disappointment. It seemed that he couldnt integrate his town after all. They would have to do everything themselves. At least there were quite a few demons who stayed behind that would be useful in building up a sphere of influence, sanctioned or not by The Ruthless Heavens.


    A movement in the distance immediately grabbed Ogras attention and he whirled around. His eyes widened as he saw the very same human that he met in the mountain valley. How the hell had he survived? Was he a walking behemoth that just couldnt be killed?


    Ogras watched this grimy-looking man look at the footsteps of the search parties and lumber around trying to act sneaky and he couldnt stop himself from grimacing. This is the man who caused the downfall of n AzhRezak? He looked like a thoroughbred lunatic, without any hair at all on his face, and dressed in rags and a ripped updys gown.


    Sometime since the mountains he appeared to have lost his ratty shoes as well, walking along with his impractically soft bare feet. Was he intentionally looking like an idiot in order to lower his enemies guard? Genius. He also looked like he had been living as a battle ve for a decade, with scars covering all parts of his exposed skin.


    But the scars were far less pronouncedpared to when he saw the human up in the mountains. Before they were grisly jagged lines along his body and face, making him look mutted, and now they were simply thin white lines.


    The human had eaten a Fruit of Ascension. Ogras teeth immediately started to itch when he saw that this human had gobbled up a supreme treasure, probably without knowing its value. His eyes soon moved to the pouches on the humans belt and his eyes lit up with greed. His Fruit of Ascension had delivered itself to him. At least he hoped the stupid brute hadnt eaten both of them.


    He retrieved his spear from his pouch. It was made from a rare metal that could only be found thousands of meters down in the depths of the ck Sea and weighed over 200 kilograms which gave it a nice feelingpared to normal ungraded metals. Most importantly it could absorb shadows and help him unleash his attacks in a far more deadly manner.


    This was a great opportunity for him to break through his limits and truly be someone with great prospects, eclipsing even those of n AzhRezak. But as he watched the human fumble around his eyes moved to the Nexus Node in hesitation. After a brief pause he ced his weapon back into his pouch and quickly wiped off any traces of blood from therge crystal.


    He instead brought out arge table and afortable chair and sat down. Soon a tray of fruits was ced on top of the table. Ogras knew that these fruits from his home-world were of limited quantity now that the Nexus Hub was closed, but one needed to make strong first impressions.


    Of course, he also charged up tens of shadow des in the shadows below the table, just in case it came to blows.


    Soon the human seemed to havee to a decision to enter the illusion array. He brought out one of the standard regiment axes he likely had taken from some scout, and then a mottled shield. For Ogras the whole thing looked like a y, as he could watch the whole thing unnoticed behind the array.


    But he knew that this was no joke. This human seemed to be close to the limits in at least strength, and maybe endurance as well. He was a monstrously strong cockroach that was prohibitively difficult to kill. He mentally controlled his shadow des to be ready to strike at moments notice but adorned ackadaisical face.


    Soon the human charged in through the array, weapons at the ready.


    You natives truly are barbarians, so aggressive, Ogras said with a theatrical sigh, as the almost unnoticeable des inched closer. It was time to get creative.

 Chapter 67: Diplomacy

    Chapter 67: Diplomacy


    Zac sighed and tabled the whole matter as there was no way for him to know who told the truth at the moment. The thought that he had almost died numerous times due to a lie was almost too depressing to handle. Of course, it was thanks to that lie that he pushed himself forward, and now confidently stood at the forefront of humanity.


    You said your incursion is only one of many? Do they all contain demons like you? Zac quickly asked, eager to change the subject. Besides, this was something he had wondered about since day one. He was thinking of his family and was worried that another incursion could pop up next to them at any moment. It had worked out for him, but he was given a huge advantage from his many titles. For normal people to contend against a demon army, he knew how that story would end.


    As far as I know us demons only got one for this world, unless a higher tier n got one as well. Im not privy to their activities. The others are from various forces in the multi-verse. Thats why we need each other, Human. Because if you think that our little n was bad, you havent seen anything yet.


    Zac got a really bad feeling when he heard that the other incursions could be even worsepared to the demons on this ind. It didnt seem like the demon was lying, and his desire to get back home to his family only got stronger.


    Need each other how? he asked, curious to hear what benefits the Demon could provide.


    Ogras grinned, obviously pleased that Zac tentatively opened diplomatic rtions.


    We both have things the other party needs. My side has man-power. Many of those who stayed behind are nonbat sses who would be very helpful for someone who wish to build up a base. We have builders, farmers, cksmiths, and traders for example. I can also provide information about many things that could help you in the future Ogras rattled on, sounding like a salesman trying to secure some business.


    And what would you want from me in return? Zac asked as he knew there was no such thing as a free lunch.


    Sanctuary. You may not know this, but The Ruthless Heavens limits the powers of foreign entities in a baby world. Ogras exined, to which Zac only tersely nodded. Well, after the incursion failed the limiter remains, and we will have some... problems... getting stronger. Even if we gain a few levels we might only actually be able to use the additional power of one level. But the nexus coins and energy we give out when killed is the full amount. We essentially be walking treasure troves the longer we reside on a baby.


    Why do you need me for that? If you just stay holed up here wont you be fine? Were on an ind after all. Zac interjected as he didnt see how he fit into the picture. If Zac was expandable for the demons survival, then he could be killed at any moment.


    Breaking the restrictions will take a very long time. Sooner orter some force is going to find the ind, and what would happen when they found an ind full of monsters and inhabitants that gave 10 times the reward upon killing them? Ogras exined, but Zac looked far from convinced.


    More importantly, you have be a Lord so you can provide the sanctuary of a System-Sanctioned city. Thats not something we can do by ourselves now that the incursion failed. We failed our quest and are barred from seizing a system-town The demon continued as he nced at the Nexus Node.


    Whats the difference between a system-sanctioned city and a normal one? And besides, Im not a Lord. I still need toplete a quest for that. Zac corrected him, feeling that particr information was no problem to share. In case they would actually form an alliance, the demons would have to help out defending his outpost against the denizens of other alignments after all.


    Ogras looked slightly surprised by this information, but quickly recovered. It seemed that even these invaders didnt have all the answers after all, which wasforting.


    The biggest difference is that you can buy structures from The Ruthless Heavens in a sanctioned city. In a normal city you have to build everything yourself. A sanctioned city is much safer as long as the Lord has coins to spare. Only an idiot would invade a sanctioned city unless they held an overwhelming advantage. The Lord could simply spend a few generations worths of Nexus Coins and st the attackers to pieces with a new defensive structure


    Zac felt that it made a lot of sense. He hadnt thought about it before, but if he was really put against the wall he could instantly buy the strongest array he could afford and immediately improve his outpost by a few grades. It was essentially the time-tested strategy of throwing money at the problem until it went away. That kind of strategy was impossible unless you had ess to the outpost shop.


    Can you exin what you need to aplish to be a Lord, human? And you have me at a disadvantage as I still dont know your name. Ogras continued.


    Im Zac. It says I need to protect the outpost. I have a timer that counts down toward the 3-month mark after Earth entered the multi-verse as well. Zac exined and Ogras visibly rxed.


    I think I know what that means, but could you share the quest just to be sure?


    Zacs eyes immediately thinned at that, rife with suspicion. If he shared a quest wouldnt Ogras be a lord as well? Could he usurp him if that was the case?


    You misunderstand, hu.. Zac. Sharing the quest just means showing me the quest prompt from the Heavenly Screen. Just focus on that particr quest and make it visible with your will. Ogras quickly exined when he saw Zacs distrustful Face. Im sure you and your allies have shared various prompts with each other. He added with a slight smile.


    Zac had a distinct feeling the jig was up, and the demon knew he was alone. But he chose to keep the charade going in any case, not wanting to give out any confirmation to the demons suspicions.


    Deciding it was no harm he decided to try it out. He singled out that particr quest, and it appeared alone on a blue window. He then focused on making that particr window visible. And soon it got fixed in the air instead of following his vision. He even managed to adjust what was shown so that the reward wasn''t visible to the demon.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect outpost from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. (0/3) [43:01:17:47)</strong>


    Ogras eyes lit up and he looked through the quest. But soon his face went from interested to grimacing.


    Its actually a monster horde quest Ogras said with a frown.


    What does that mean, and how can you tell? Zac asked, eager to know more about how the quest system works.


    It says denizens and not forces or factions, which means it will send beasts rather than intelligent forces such as us demons or other factions in the multi-verse. It is one of the more annoying quests The Ruthless Heavens can throw at a Lord, Ogras exined with a dour face. A few thousand years ago a City on my home was overrun by millions of Blight Rats. When the quest ended the whole city was just a huge crater with everything from its structures to citizens eaten.


    Zac didnt know if it was true, but if millions of anything attacked him it would be a quick game over, unless he learned how to make his <strong>[Chop]</strong>-edge a kilometer long. He could only hope the system adjusted the difficulty for his power level.


    When will it start? Zac probed.


    After the timer. It seems like a normal monster horde quest, so The Ruthless Heavens will likely send one horde a month for three months. The faster you kill the monsters the more time you will have to prepare in between. Too slow and you will be facing multiple waves at the same time


    If the demon could be trusted it meant that he had one and a half month to strengthen himself and the town as much as possible. He grimaced at the thought of having to fight a horde of beasts constantly for a month, only for it to be topped up with another horde. Besides, he was sorelycking Nexus coins to get anything worthwhile for his outpost.


    Where are the crystals your faction has mined? If we are going to work together then your kind needs to contribute to the town construction. Zac immediately went into fundraising mode now that he knew he had to fend off hordes of beasts.


    Im afraid they all got taken with them by our nsmen when they left through the Nexus Hub. Ogras answered without hesitation with apletely straight face.


    The two only silently stared at each other for a full minute until the demon finally coughed and added a sentence.


    Well. Maybe they didnt find it all, and I can go back and see if they forgot to look in some ces?


    Im <em>sure</em> you can find some, Zac answered with an equally straight face. If a foreman could steal hundreds of crystals in only one day, Im sure there are quite a few crystals hidden through the town.


    Ah yes, Azra. Can I ask why you are wearing her dress? And why the sudden interest in raw crystals? Theyre not very efficient for leveling up. Ogras asked, seemingly eager to change the subject of how much crystals he had stashed away.


    Im nning on buying a store in the Shop, and sell them for Nexus Coins. That way I can buy defensive structures to survive the quest, Zac answered,pletely ignoring the part about wearing a dress.


    Usually Id say that its a waste to use crystals to get some Nexus Coins, but its our best bet right now I suppose. But Id suggest that we buy a Smelting Furnace as well to turn the raw crystals into proper graded ones first, Ogras agreed.


    Our? We? Zac said skeptically, still not having decided what to do with the demons.


    Yes, we. You should understand how useful it is to have us around after our short talk. Even for your own n were integral. After all, are you nning on mining the whole mountain range for the crystals by yourself? Ogras said with a smile.


    Maybe the two of us can work together since Ive seen you kill that Rydel person. And you helped me kill half your army so you seem to hate your kind far more than I do. But would the others even work with me? Zac was highly doubtful that he could get a sessful partnership going after what he had done to the demon ranks over the past weeks.


    Most of those left behind have some grudges with our previous n in any case so they arent too upset with the armies dying. There are a few who might be troublesome. But I am sure we can handle that.


    Like you handled Rydel? Zac asked, to which Ogras only smiled slightly.


    Well Regarding that, lets keep that little detail between us, shall we? I wont go into it, but it was either him or me. Everyone who witnessed that is dead by now so only the two of us knows. But if the citizens of Camp Azh''Rezak find out that I was up in the mountains helping your rampage, and not staying in my castle, they might lose trust in me. And our partnership would suffer in turn.


    Zac mulled it over for a long time. Hed rather not work with a snake like this man to be honest, as he would have to constantly watch his back. But he had made a few good points. Zac desperately needed assistance, both in the form of information and manpower, if he wanted to create a sessful town and a sanctuary for his family. Since there were no one else to turn to he could only enter this dubious alliance.


    Besides, just having someone to talk to, even if it was a sneaky demon, felt extremely good.


    Ok, Ill keep quiet about it. So, what else can you tell me thats useful for our short-term goals? Zac asked, hoping for some simple tips that would save him some coins or increase his chances of beating the quest.


    Well now that you asked, are you aware that you have been drinking poison?

 Chapter 68: Progenitors Advantage

    Chapter 68: Progenitor''s Advantage


    WHAT?! Zac immediately jumped to his feet with his axe at the ready, afraid he had fallen into some trap of the demons making. He charged up <strong>[Chop] </strong>to a meter long edge and advanced on Ogras.


    Calm down, calm down! Ogras screamed and scrambled out of the chair. The Cosmic Water you have been drinking!


    You poisoned the pond as well? Why? Zac red angrily at the demon, ready to start a war.


    What poisoned? It was poison from the start. Only lunatics drink that stuff raw, it burns your pathways from inside. Havent you noticed? Ogras spat back and waved his hands.


    The trees rustled in the wind and shadows were flickering all over the ground as Zac red at the demon, but he eventually stopped his advance.


    Exin. Zac growled through gritted teeth, extremely pissed off that the demon hadnt mentioned anything about this for the whole duration of their conversation.


    That kind of water can be born in areas where there is extremely dense cosmic energy. It was probably created when The Ruthless Heavens crammed a Nexus Vein into the mountain range. Ogras grumpily exined. It is pretty rare and somewhat expensive. Normally its used as an ingredient in alchemy, but some forces give their death squads some of it to use just in case. It restores your cosmic energy in seconds, but it damages your body and can even kill you.


    But I feel fine? Zac said doubtfully.


    You just used some cosmic energy, try restoring it naturally without using any tools, Ogras said as he sighed and sat down in his chair again while he muttered something under his breath.


    Too stressed out to care about any glib remark from the demon he unsummoned his erged de and tried to sense the cosmic energy entering his body. He wasnt a cultivator, but even mortals could naturally restore their cosmic energy as the ambient energy slowly entered their bodies. It was normally a slow but steady stream that entered his body, but now it could barely be called a trickle.


    Zacs face went white and he stared at the demon. He was still suspicious but somewhat believed the demon told the truth. It took him hours to restore his cosmic energy even with a crystal, but it almost happened instantly with the azure water. He hadnt reflected on it before, but how could there be such a good thing with no side-effect?


    He simply didnt notice the effect since he used crystals or more water every time he needed to restore after chugging the Cosmic Water the first time. He had been strapped for time and didnt have time to wait for his energy to naturally restore itself. He had been angry that he wasnt given a power boost from bathing in the stuff earlier, but now he was just happy to still be alive.


    How do I fix this? Zac asked.


    Ive heard that there are pills for it, but I dont know where to get it. Its extremely rare, because idio individuals who drink it almost always die within a day you know? Ogras said. I think Ive heard that spending time in energy-rich areas can help your body slowly heal various types of damage to your pathways. So that might work, but Im not sure how much time it would take. And that is if you still can absorb some energy. If its a full stop its over for you Im afraid.


    What happens if I keep using it? Cant I just refill my energy with crystals if I cant naturally absorb energy anymore? Zac asked. He had enough for a lifetime or two in the pond, and while not being able to naturally restore was regrettable, it wouldnt be the end of the world.


    You need to heal up your ruined pathways. If you keep cramming energy into your body in your current state, even if its from crystals, you will keep getting worse. First its natural energy that stops, then its Nexus Crystals. Soon not even the Cosmic Water can restore your energy, and you truly be a cripple until you die of energy starvation. Then what good are you?


    Zac was horrified at that oue, and quickly unequipped his amulet. The good news was that least his situation wasntpletely irreversible, and it almost seemed a miracle that he was still alive from how Ogras described it. Death Squad members died after chugging that stuff just once, but he used it multiple times in the duration of a day. First time was after the ambush in the tunnels, but after that he used it multiple times during battle. It sounded crazy, but it almost felt like taking the bath actually saved him. His body was unceasingly refined after he ate the Fruit of Ascension, and perhaps it did something to increase his resistance or heal up irreversible damage.


    But the predicament was extremely troublesome since there was a monster hordeing. If he wasnt healed by the time the monsters arrived he would have to fight without using any cosmic energy. If he kept using <strong>[Chop] </strong>like with the monkeys hed soon have to use crystals to restore himself. It would be a vicious circle that would end up with him in the same situation as now...


    He swore to do everything that he could to get healed in time, and he needed to go to the mines anyways to prospect as many crystals as possible to get Nexus Coins. Zac asked a few more questions of how to improve his recuperation, but Ogras either didnt know much more or was holding back on him. Zac could only sigh and move to the next subject he needed to know about.


    What are the attribute limits when youre E-Grade Race? He really wanted to know where the limitsy now that he was E-Graded. He didnt want to lose any more points than he already had. With his Title boosts he already lost over 10 strength, which by no means was a small amount.


    Attribute cap? Why do you.. Ogras stopped himself and stared nkly at Zac for a few seconds. You god damn progenitors just makes my teeth itch. And you even got a Fruit of Ascension to save your ass! Just disgusting. Well dont worry, attribute caps are not something you will need to worry about for a long time now.


    Progenitors? What are you talking about? Zac wondered. Abby had called him a Defier, not a progenitor.


    You first-generation cultivators of a baby. Ogras spat out, looking loath to even think about the subject. Zac didnt feel the need to correct him that he wasnt a cultivator at the moment, as the demon was starting to work himself up in a huff.


    Havent you realized? You have many advantages that your descendants wont get. The Ruthless Heavens gives you a running start. There are many unique titles, the System crams the full of unique treasures, and you even get the Tutorial. It just makes us normal cultivators want toy down and die of jealousy.


    Ogras looked about ready to explode greed and jealousy as he talked about it. Zac felt he had found his match in his quest for wealth, and he also vowed to never show the demon his Title page. The demon might just fall into apoplectic rage and start swinging that scary spear at him.


    The demon soon found his bearing again and with a cough continued.


    Cough... In any case, those who manage to grasp a decent number of the limited advantages a new world provides will have a life-long advantagepared to most people in the multi-verse. These individuals are called theirs progenitors, as they usually end up creating influential ns or sects on their homes. On the off-chance they dont get killed that is.


    Zac thought that made a lot of sense. So far he had onlypared himself with the cultivators and trying to keep his head start going. He hadnt even thought about the following generations and how they would grow up in this environment. But it was true, many of the titles he snatched would probably never appear again on this, closing that door for an advantage forever.


    As time progressed most limited titles would be taken, leaving only maybe the most obscure and well-hidden ones for future generations. Otherwise they would have to settle for the mediocre non-limited ones, such as the Adventurer-title.


    Ogras was a veritable treasure trove of answers after having fumbled about blindly for so long. For example, it was very interesting to know that normal cultivators in the multi-verse didnt get ess to the tutorial, making it an even more rare opportunity. Zac kepting up with various questions that had hounded him and threw them at the demon randomly as he thought of them. The smiling faade of Ogras soon cracked, and his answers got shorter and terser until he mmed his hand on the arm-rest of his chair.


    God damn it! Do I look like a tutorial fairy to you? Ill be back tomorrow, he spat out and threw a crystal at Zac who deftly snapped it out of the air. Read that instead of pestering me.


    Read? How? Zac looked at the crystal in his hand confused. It looked simr to a Nexus crystal but the color was green like a watered out emerald. It was also covered in intricate golden fractals.


    Just imbue some energy in it. The demon sighed, obviously still annoyed, and walked toward the edge of the camp. Im done answering your inane questions human. Put your energy on survival instead.


    Ogras soon left the camp and afterward disappeared like he did up on the mountain top. There were many questions that were still unanswered, but he had gotten many of the more pressing issues cleared up. He looked at the crystal in his hand and after a long hesitation poured a minuscule amount of cosmic energy into it. The demon was very helpful so far, and it felt unlikely he would give him a bomb after all this. Still, he was ready to hurl the crystal far away if needed.


    A screen simr to the ones the System provided suddenly popped up as the crystal lit up. The design of the window was a bit more intricate though, and covering it was an image of a grand pavilion with a Stargazer floating on top of it. It clearly was a man-made item, and the intricacy made Zac marvel. It was something on a whole other levelpared to the cruder enchantments on the demons gear pieces.


    Soon the image changed, and it turned into what could best be described as a web-page. There were menus with various categories and images. Luckily Zac could understand the content just fine, and was amazed at what was written. The crystal contained a thorough guide of what happened when a world was integrated into the multi-verse.


    Granted, it seemed to be written for the invading forces, but still most of the information was very helpful to Zac. But the more he read through the more troubled he became. It became very apparent that the natives werergely discounted, and that the web-page considered the other Incursion forces the only challenge for a sessful invasion.


    It did mention that there was a small chance of encountering extremely strong forces on an integrated, but most civilizations couldnt even be considered F-Graded. From how the text described it Zac knew that Earths civilization wasnt considered anything much, and was not what it meant when it mentioned strong forces.


    For normal civilizations like earths humans, the missive simply stated that envement usually was most convenient. It would increase the resources that could be gained in a new as manpower usually was limited.


    It also listed out the mostmon tactics of various forces in the multi-verse and Zac was shocked to find out that the demons truly were some of the more decent forces. They usually created a country and entered trade negotiations with surrounding forces, native or foreign, to amass wealth. They did enve the native poptions on theirnds though.


    But there were many forces that simply eradicated everything and ceaselessly strove to increase its influence until the whole was theirs. There was even a force that entered incursions just in order to annihte the natives and didnt care about the resources at all. It was a cult that called itself The Church of Evesting Dao.


    Unfortunately, the missive gave no information about the forces themselves so Zac couldnt find out more about them. But it was clear that almost none of the forces cared an iota about the natives, and only considered newly integrated worlds treasure-troves of wealth.


    All in all the crystal was just what Zac needed, and he swore that hed pester the demon until he handed out more goodies. The crystal said it was the first crystal of two, so hopefully he could annoy another out of the paws of the demon tomorrow.

 Chapter 69: Rewards

    Chapter 69: Rewards


    Even if the demon was gone Zac stayed put for some time, going over the conversation he just had. Everything that came out of the mouth of the demon seemed to be the truth, but he didnt feel it was that easy. He guessed that many of the things he learned today werent any hard-to-gain secrets, maybe with the exception of the things in the crystal he received.


    How things like quests, races, and sses worked should be the most basic of things and not something that the System would keep hidden. Still, he would work under the creed Trust but Verify. He believed that he would get ess to a secondary source of information soon now that various buildings were unlocked in the Town-Shop. It would be easy topare and contrast the words from the demon with what he learned in other ces. From there he might actually be able to learn the demons agenda, from finding out what he lied about through omission for example.


    Satisfied he turned his attention to the Nexus Node. It was time to do what he initially returned to the camp for. He had some rewards to cash in on.


    <strong>Off With Their Heads (Unique): Kill the four heralds and the general of an incursion within 3 months. Reward: 10 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, E-Grade equipment, unique building depending on performance. (5/5) [COMPLETE]</strong>


    Not wanting to wait any longer he walked over to the crystal. Zac knew Ogras might actually be spying on him from the shadows, but he didnt have any means to locate him at the moment and could only let him be.


    As he ced his hand on the crystal it started pulsating for a few seconds until the familiar voice of the System appeared.


    <strong>[Incursion subjugationplete. Calcting personal contribution. Contribution 88%. Time taken: 47 days. Support: 1. Completion Grade: A. Distributing rewards.]</strong>


    Two boxes appeared on the ground and Zac picked up the smallest one first. Zac still felt it was unsettling that the System could just make things appear out of nowhere. There was no sound, no ripples of power, nothing. One second emptiness, the next the boxes just were there.


    As he opened the lid of the smaller box a blinding light radiated out from its contents. They were the E-Grade Nexus Crystals from the reward. Zac could easily discern that anything he had seen so far was F-Graded at best, as these crystals were on apletely different level.


    Each crystal contained a terrifying amount of energy inside, perhaps as much as a thousand crystals in his bags. But it was condensed into the small space of his hand. Zac felt that one single crystal might hold enough power for him to gain more than a level, and if these crystals could be absorbed as quickly as an F-Graded one he would instantly skyrocket in power.


    But unfortunately he didnt dare try them at the moment, not while his predicament with his energy poisoning still remained. He could only reluctantly close the lid of the box and ce it into his pouch with a sigh. Next he picked up therger box, which should contain a set of equipment from the reward.


    But before he had time to check it out arge rumbling interrupted him. The ground was ominously shaking and a deafening noise could be heard from somewhere close by. Zac instantly got a bad feeling from the sound. Had Ogras lied, and the demon horde was already upon him? He quickly threw the box into his pouch and summoned his axe instead.


    He quickly looked around but saw no change. The noise clearly came from the south so he ran there after a brief hesitation. The only thing to the south was the ocean, and Zac was afraid an aquatic beast horde had started if it wasnt the demons making trouble. As he ran he opened up his Town Shop, ready to buy a defensive array at moments notice.


    He soon arrived at the edge of the ind, and immediately spotted a familiar figure. Ogras was staring out over the cliff with his mouth ajar.


    What did you do? Zac angrily huffed at the demon as he ran up to him, axe at the ready.


    What did <em>I</em> do? Nothing. I heard the noise and thought you had done something crazy. And it seems that I was right, Ogras snappishly retorted and gestured at the odd scene in front of them.


    The cliffs were magically rearranging themselves in a baffling manner. It was as though an earth mage untold times more powerful than the demon mages was reconstructing the whole shoreline to his liking. The previously natural cliffs ttened out into orderlynd.


    Huge rectangr breakwaters grew out fromnd and created a sheltered basin hundreds of meters across and two piers emerged out of the sea, discing all water into mighty waves. Furthermore, fractals appeared on the emerging rock-formations as all the various changes took ce, glimmering in a mysterious golden hue. They expansively covered the whole shore-line, the piers, and the breakwaters. The script itself differed from both the systems fractals and the simpler demonic inscriptions, and it actually reminded Zac of the squarish text in very oldputer environments.


    The changes didnt only happen onnd though, and the duo was forced to scramble to safety as the ground gave out and created a wet dock where they stood. Next, various buildings shed into existence. Thergest was an enormous warehouse-looking building that was at least 300 meters long and 100 meters wide, where one of the short sides ended close to the sea-line. It was probably thergest building Zac had ever seen, and he thought few structures on earth would be able to match it.


    Soon the rumbling subsided, and Zac looked out over the majestic harbor that cropped up in under a minute. The design was cubic and looked extremely robust, and Zac felt that not even the worst storm would be able to do any damage to the structures. The cubic fractals covered all the structures as well, and Zac started to believe that they were some sort of protective inscription.


    <strong>[E-Grade Medium Scale Iliex Shipyard Awarded] </strong>


    The System red in his ears, but Zac had no time to react before he was interrupted.


    What the FUCK! Ogras screamed as he agitatedly grabbed onto Zacs arm. Is it upgradeable, IS IT UPGRADEABLE? Gone was the wise-ass know-it-all, reced with a spluttering madman who seemed to have fires in his eyes as he red at Zac.


    God damn, calm down, Zac said and freed his arm from the crazed demon. What are you talking about?


    Inspect the building from your town menu and share the information Ogras hastily said, almost dancing on the spot in excitement.


    Zac didnt know what Ogras talked about, but from his face it looked like he would explode from impatience at any moment so he tried various mentalmands instead of asking anymore. As he used themand Town a new menu opened up. He knew he had tried thatmand a long time ago with no result, and guessed it was activated when hepleted the incursion quest. His camp should still be ssified as an outpost though, as it was only promoted to city uponpleting the next quest.


    The new menu was a list of all the structures he had bought or gotten from the system. Everything between the water gathering-array to this huge construction in front of him was there. However, his camper or the car was not listed, so only System-structures were included it seemed. He focused on the shipyard but stopped himself from sharing the prompt.


    <strong>[E-Grade Medium Scale Iliex Shipyard. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    Maybe it is, maybe it isnt, Zac defensively said, feeling that this might be important information from the demons reaction.


    Just how high is your luck human? A Creators Shipyard. This changes everything, Ogras said, ignoring Zacs attitude.


    It says its an Iliex shipyard though? And why are you getting so excited? Zac couldnt understand his reaction. It was a nice-looking shipyard, but that was it. He was likely going to build or buy one like this sooner orter since he was on an ind so it was nice being able to save in on that expenditure. But hed much rather have a town protection array or some turrets as a reward since there were monster hordes iing.


    Truly pearls before swine. The Iliex is a race of living golems who are among the greatest builders in the multi-verse. Most just call them Creators, since thats pretty much all they do. A shipyard thats manned by the Creators will create faster, stronger and more durable shipspared to normal ones. But more importantly, the shipyard is upgradeable.


    Zac was starting to get excited as well since it seemed the System had actually given him something pretty good. But still, Ogras reaction seemed exaggerated if that was it.


    So, what else? he asked the excited demon.


    Well Creators can also make some of the most sought after cosmic ships and sky fortresses. Owning a shipyard means you can sell those in the future. It can the Lord hundreds of times more iepared to the crystal mines in the mountains. He exined after a brief hesitation.


    Cosmic ships? Like spaceships? Zac asked, now starting to get excited as well.


    Something like that. Ships that can traverse the endless distances of the multi-verse. They can travel to any points on a in seconds as well, very convenient. But they are not spaceships. They are Spiritual Ships that travel using the Dao of Space and cosmic energy, rather than relying on technology.


    Now Zac was on board the hype train as well. Travel anywhere on the in seconds? This was exactly what he needed in order to search for his friends and family.


    How much do you think it costs to buy one of those cosmic ships? Zac asked eagerly.


    Slow down, an E-grade shipyard cant create things like that. I think it must be D-grade, maybe even C-grade before you can create those kinds of things, Ogras immediately doused the burning desire Zac was building up. We need to upgrade the shipyard first before we can start reaping the benefits. And before that we need to keep it safe and hidden.


    How do I upgrade it? And why hidden? Zac asked confused, but the next second froze, knowing that he had exposed himself.


    Yes, hidden. This shipyard is a treasure, and any force would drool after it. If the word spreads that you control a Creator Shipyard you will have endless troublesing your way, Ogras said after a smug smile at Zacs mistake. As for upgrading it? No idea, try asking the Creators.


    I mean I get that this is a good thing, but why would even you foreign forces go crazy for it? Cant you just buy your own? Zac asked, starting to feel he was sitting on a hot potato.


    You cant just buy a shipyard from the Creators when you wish. There are so many requirements that have to be met. They are extremely picky who they work with and where they work. Youd never be able to build such a thing on this if it wasnt a reward from the System. This applies for most of the good things, just check your Town Shop. Ogras impatiently exined. Clearly he knew it wasnt a purchase of Zac, rather a reward, just from how rare this thing was.


    Zac opened up the town shop and the screen disyed the various shops. He had looked it over briefly as he trekked back toward his camp, as he needed to buy a shop to sell his crystals. But now the screen was changed. The shops were now actually purchasable, but almost all of them shone with a red light on the screen. Confused, Zac focused on one of the red ones called <strong>[Paz Consortium - General Store]</strong>.


    A new window with deeper information about the shop opened, something he hadnt been able to do before. A list of what type of services it provided was listed on one side, and it truly seemedprehensive. It sold everything from seeds for farming to construction materials to weapons and armor. It also dealt in basic information, having stocks of crystals exining most things, from nts to cksmithing to even town-building.


    On another row, a number of requirements were listed. Zacs outpost didnt actually fulfill a single one, except having enough space. There were requirements for minimum town size, poption, town daily turnover, and security. Since Zacs town was just an outpost and a shipyard with no inhabitants it wasnt possible to fulfill those demands.


    As he flipped through various buildings he saw that most of them had varying severity of requirements. Some even demanded a town poption of a hundred million, or that it was the capital. There were myriad choices, but the ones he could actually choose were scant few. It seemed that the merchant conglomerates of the multi-verse were quite picky.

 Chapter 70: Town Shop

    Chapter 70: Town Shop


    Frustrated Zac focused on the shop he actually could buy. It was actually just called <strong>[F-Grade General Store] </strong>with no mention of a faction orpany behind it. Confused he turned to Ogras.


    I cant buy almost anything in the store, most things are restricted. But there is a shop called F-Grade General Store that has no requirements. Whys that?


    Thats The Ruthless Heavens store, Ogras answered.


    Wait, the System runs stores as well?


    The Ruthless Heavens is thergest employer in existence, though its not a very hands-on boss. Running a multi-verse takes many hands after all, the demon exined with a roll of his eyes.


    So why should I get any other store if I can just get the one from the System? Zac knew he was straying from the subject of the shipyard, but he felt another opportunity to drag information of the contrary demon had appeared.


    Because The Ruthless Heavens is god damn greed Ehm, economical. It provides basic facilities in almost all fields that have no requirements, but its prices are between 50 to 500 percent higherpared to the average. Ogras looked like he would be sick as he talked about the daylight robbery of the System-run stores.


    The image of the almighty system being an intergctic price-gouging bodega-owner gave Zacs image of the System somewhat of a thorn, but he guessed running a universe, or multiple universes, wasnt cheap.


    The corporations have far better rates on almost everything, and can also procure things for you if youre in need of a specific item. For a fee of course. But they operate for profit and would never open up a branch if they werent sure if theyd be able to turn a profit in the location. The corporations have to foot most of the bill ofing here themselves, and its not cheap from what I understand. Therefore theyd never open a branch without some assurance. Ogras continued.


    Some factions have even more requirements. The Creators, for example, I think they normally only open a branch in B-Graded worlds or higher. You also need to have a referral from an actual Creator to even get the application process going. And getting that from one of those living machines is almost impossible. Well, Im not sure about the details since that is so far above my paygrade. Even my grandfather has no qualifications to know about what goes on in B-Ranked worlds. So you see why this shipyard is so valuable.


    Excitement and unease was building up simultaneously in Zac once again. He might actually have gotten a curse rather than a treasure. The shipyard was extremely valuable, but one needed to be alive to reap its benefits.


    So what do you suggest we do? Zac hoped for some input from the demon. He was crafty and he knew how the various forces worked.


    Two options. Either hide itpletely, buy a huge illusion array to start. An E-graded one at least, as many can see through an F-Graded one. As soon as you can upgrade it to a D-graded one. Then we build walls around the whole area and say its the lords residence, only giving you ess. Later you can add on ughter-arrays to the illusion array, killing any trespasser. Then you build your town far away. The demon clearly had a meticulous mind, already having formted strategies.


    Second is to hide in in sight. Ask the creators to redesign their Shipyard and hide their characteristics. Make it look like a normal shipyard. Dont make a big deal out of it, just make it look like a decently important ce with some defensive arrays protecting it.


    Zac mulled it over and preferred the second option if it was possible. He didnt believe an illusion array was the answer. Sooner orter something simr to the peeing demon would happen, and he would be exposed. Then everyone would know he was hiding something and would get even more curious.


    Besides, his goal was to build a town, and that had to happen around the Nexus Node. He couldnt move the crystal very far, and the area where he could ce town structures from the outpost shop was limited as well. As soon as he walked too far from his camp or the crystal the shop turned to a browse-only mode. The area would probably grow along with the poption, but for now it was only a few kilometers in every direction, far too short to create a town at other sides of the ind.


    I will do a mix. Ill wall off the area from my camp to this shipyard to make it my private property, and then build a town outside. Inside the inner wall will be my residence, the shipyard, and other critical structures I might build in the future. It should look like Im just protecting the important parts of the town, and not raise too much suspicion. Zac decided.


    Ogras mulled it over a bit then nodded. Zac nced in the demons direction and his thoughts started to turn in another direction. The demon seemed very helpful right now, but he clearly was ambitious and ruthless. Now that Zac was sitting on an even greater pile of treasure, how would the demon act? Should he nip the problem in the bud and kill him?


    But Zac soon gave up that idea. Ogras was still needed to control the demons, and he didnt want to fight against the former general unless absolutely necessary with his current condition. Such a battle would take all the cosmic energy he had, and if he was forced to drink the azure water just to defeat him it would truly be a pyrrhic victory.


    Maybe just as important, he didnt want to be the kind of person who started preemptively murder people in cold blood to protect his wealth against possible perceived threats. He didnt want to devolve into a crazed paranoid dictator. Certainly, the number he had killed by now would horrify anyone in a civilized world, but it was done out of necessity. And it wasnt like he would adapt to some nave no-kill policy in this ruthless new world. His hands were already bloodied, and he knew that this was only the start. But there needed to be bnce.


    Ogras seemed to measure his choices by how much benefits they would bring, and Zac was convinced that he was more valuable alive than dead after reading the contents of the crystal. He knew Ogras was unable to forcefully seize the town for roughly a decade due to being locked out of that system. If he was Ogras and was nning long term hed do everything to make the town as sessful as possible for now, and then forcefully seize it in the future.


    But a lot could happen in ten years, and Zac nned on keeping utilizing his advantages to get stronger to the point that betrayal would be more foolish than staying on as a confidante.


    Ten years sounded like a long time, but Zac knew it might not be too long in this new reality they lived. He had been surprised by Ogras telling him that longevity actually increased as people got stronger. As he increased his Race-ranking to E-Grade his life expectancy actually increased to a full 500 years.


    It was crazy to think that he already had the life-span like some Elf, and that was just after one upgrade. Furthermore, Ogras told him that the life-span of a D-ranker was counted in the thousands rather than hundreds of years, and the grandfather he mentioned was over 1600 years old. Above that he seemed unclear, as apparently that was the highest official rank on his home apart from some mysterious emperor.


    Zac had initially thought that in the multi-verse there would be no limit to the powers of the factions. As long as one had time they could keep killing monsters and level up. But apparently it got harder and harder to increase strength, and many bottlenecks kept peoples power in check.


    Generally the powerhouses of a held the same ss-rank as the itself, meaning that the general limit of Earth was D-ranked sses. If someone wanted to break through their limits they were forced to venture out into the multi-verse and look for enlightenment or lucky opportunities. Eager to find out more Zac had pestered Ogras about the details of getting stronger and ranking up, but it was around this time he flipped out and left the camp.


    I will keep any demons away from this area for now. Though I dont think anyone has the guts to seek you out anyway. Between your actions and your fashion sense you have cultivated a rather strong image among my people. Ogras said and woke Zac up from his thoughts. He realized hed have to stay out of his own head a bit more now that there were actually others around, he couldnt just be nkly staring out into the distance like an idiot.


    After exhorting Zac some more about the importance of secrecy Ogras once again left toward the center of the ind.


    Still curious Zac wanted to enter the shipyard to look around, but first he wanted to check out the gear. He looked insane at the moment and from how Ogras exined it there should be the very famous Creators inside. He didnt know if they were peculiar about propriety, but first impressions were important.


    Therger box was brought out of the purse and Zac opened it eagerly. Inside was actually a full set of clothing neatly packed. As he lifted it up he was initially confused as it initially seemed the System had gifted him another dress. Did the System have a sense of humor?


    But soon he realized it wasnt the case, but the item was rather a robe that felt distinctly eastern in its make. It was of excellent quality and had a deep green color. He wanted to try it on but once again was reminded how grimy he was. Being bathed in the poison water at least cleansed him somewhat, but he was still pretty disgusting.


    After hesitating a bit he ran back to camp and threw himself into the shower. After furiously scrubbing himself for a few minutes he finally was clean again for the first time in a long time. He stepped out of the shower and took a look at himself in the mirror.


    Zac was shocked to see what was looking back at him. It was him, but <em>better</em>. Most noticeably most of his scars were gone. Only the worst ones were still there, such as the nasty wound on his cheek. But even they had faded considerably and turned into thin white lines.


    Not only that, his body looked like perfectly sculpted marble, and even his face seemed to have improved somehow. He couldnt put his finger on it but it felt like small adjustments had been made to enhance imperfect features. If some old friend saw him theyd probably think that he had gotten some stic surgery done. Of course he didnt look like a movie-star or something, but he had gone from average to above-average at least.


    Of course, the fact that he still waspletely hairless since the fight with the imp herald detracted from the image somewhat. At least it looked that some stubble wasing along, and he wouldnt look like a monk much longer.


    He guessed that it was a result of evolving his race. New benefits kept cropping up it seemed. When he reached D-rank all the scars might be gone and he would be a real hunk he thought with some eagerness.


    Finally clean he quickly donned all the new items the System gifted him. After checking himself out in the mirror he could only say he looked pretty dashing.

 Chapter 71: First Impressions

    Chapter 71: First Impressions


    The clothing consisted of twoyers. The inneryer was essentially a long-armed shirt, with the exception that it didnt have any buttons. Instead, one side was wrapped above the other, and both sides were fastened with a sp to stay snugly on his chest. The arms and shoulders had a slightly looser fit and didnt restrict his movements at all. It fit perfectly and Zac felt it must have been custom-made for his frame.


    His pants were made in some smooth cloth as well, and went in darker brownpared to the beige of the shirt. They were slightly baggy at the thighs but snugly fit around his calves, and they reminded Zac of some jesters pants. But at least they werent tapered in bright colors or had bells attached.


    The outeryer was a green robe that was put on in the same manner as the inner shirt, with one side was ced over the other. But instead of being kept in ce with sps it stayed fastened with a wide leather girdle. It was sleeveless and went down to his knees just like the dress he used earlier, which was why he got turned around earlier. Adorning the hem of the robe was intricate fractals in the same style as the array gs, meaning they likely were put there by the System, or its own craftsmen at least.


    No shoes were provided though by the system, which was fine by him since he couldnt wear them at the moment in any case. All in all, it seemed the System tailored the rewards to his needs, which he guessed was due to getting such high marks on hispletion.


    A stream of information entered his mind as he touched a fractal, and he was delighted to know that the gear had quite a few features. It was self-cleaning and self-mending which tranted into Zac not looking like a murder-hobo again in a few weeks. It even had two forms of protection.


    One was that it disced force over his whole body instead of only at the point of impact. Quite some force was needed to break through that passive defense and Zac wouldnt keep getting the small flesh wounds from bites and arrows. That shoulde in quite handy when fighting the horde of beasts in the future.


    It also carried a simr protection such as the one on the demons armors, except that it didnt provide any recoil force. Instead it could be used twice in a day and could stop a much stronger attack, which was far more valuable as Zac saw it. His strongest Dao-empowered strike had been able to break through the golden shield in his fight with Rydel, so he knew roughly where its limity.


    Looking fresh and presentable, except for his bare feet, Zac once again headed back to the shipyard. It still seemed deserted as there were no sounds of activity breaking the silence. Still, Zac entered a building next to the huge warehouse that seemed to be either an office or rec house.


    The inside was made of stone, cut and polished to perfection. All the furniture and details were created in heavy stone as well, and Zac couldnt see one curved line. Everything was squared, and the whole lobby gave Zac a truly brutalist impression.


    The room clearly was a lobby. Apart from some stone furniture a huge counter was ced in the middle, and behind it stood a statue of a humanoid. It had no facial features and its face was instead covered in arge fractal in theputer font. It was dressed in a simple silver-colored robe, and looked somewhat human apart from the fact it had a few extra fingers on each of its hands. All in all, it looked like a robot statue carved out of soapstone or onyx.


    It waspletely still, and Zac wasnt sure whether this was one of the so-called Creators or just an borate decoration. Ogras had called them living golems and this kind of fit the bill.


    Hello? Im Zac Atwood. Am I disturbing? He tentatively tried to call on the statue.


    <strong>[Greetings, Mr. Atwood. I am Rahm, liaison of Iliex Pre-cosmic Shipyard Nr. 65 238, now located at your. Future inquiries are preferably directed at me, and I will endeavor to resolve any issues andints in an expedient and equitable manner.] </strong>


    The statue came to life and answered in a perfunctory voice. It then even followed up with an aristocratic bow in Zacs direction. It seemed that the Iliex conversed in the same manner as Abby had, using some magic instead of a mouth. Zac quickly bowed back with far less grace, flustered at the cordiality.


    <strong>[Haha dont mind Rahm, that rigid old goat. Were not some dour robots like he would have you believe.]</strong> Boomed a simr, but far rowdier voice from the interiors of the building as deep thuds approached the lobby. Soon the speaker entered through a passage, and Zac had to stop himself from taking a step back.


    It was a three meter tall amalgamation between spider and robot. It had five huge legs that bent at the middle, each over three meters long. If they stretched upward the weird-looking Creator would stand at over four meters. The torso itself wasrgely humanoid, with the face sharing the characteristic fractal. It did however have four arms instead of two, and it actually looked like the body was full of either tools or weapons.


    Zac could only stare at the monstrosity with mouth slightly ajar, which seemed to please the spider robot immensely.


    <strong>[Pretty impressive, isnt it brat? Took me the better part of three hundred years to fuse form and function into the great body before you. Even had to steal some C-graded nebulous copper to finish it. Well, I guess thats why I was demoted to the foreman of this shithole. No offense.]</strong> He shouted as he pped one of the metallic legs, creating an echoing ngor throughout the building.


    The more normal-looking Creator didnt react at all to the entrance and tirade of this fantastical being, seeming used to its antics.


    <strong>[So, kid, what do you wanna build? Terrornaughts? Modified destroyers? If you can get some D-graded crystals we can make some nasty cosmic bombs, blow one of the neighboring inds off the face of the earth! Attack is the best defense, who knows what kind of assholes lives there!]</strong>


    The mans legs started tap excitedly at the floor as he started to list what could only be terrible weapons, each tap actually punching a hole in the ground. Zac was unable to react for a second, his mind working overtime to grasp the new information. Luckily, the liaison saved the day with a timely interjection.


    <strong>[D-grade battle-ships such as Terrornaughts and destroyers are not within the ord with The Great Shaper. Please purview the pre-approved designs.]</strong>


    Two crystals appeared in its hands, of which Zac graciously epted one. The metal spider-being waved his copy away though, and the Rahm could only put it back.


    <strong>[May I present Karunthel, foreman and foremost expert of this shipyard. And he was relocated here after a few Unfortunate. Experiments, not some minor item acquisition infraction.]</strong> The liaison, who started to feel like a long-suffering butler, said as he gestured toward the spider.


    <strong>[Bah, I know I know, no blowing up any inds or continents of the baby world.]</strong> Karunthel said as he rolled his shoulders.


    Actually Im not here regarding any ships at the moment. I was wondering if it was possible to, uh, camouge the fact that this is a Iliex Shipyard, make it look like its a normal one? Zac asked tentatively, gauging the reactions of the two golems.


    <strong>[Haha afraid of a little heat, brat? Any greedy forces nearby? You should just carpet bomb anything that looks at your stuff, far more effective.]</strong> The foreman said with a boomingugh.


    <strong>[Well, I guess we could make it look like a human dock, hide the inscriptions and such. But such changes are not included in the standard package.]</strong> Karunthel continued, seemingly entering into business-mode.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with a sinking feeling.


    <strong>[Money! We dont work for free, and restructuring the whole thing to make it look uglier is gonna cost you.]</strong>


    How much? Zac asked, determined to just grit his teeth and bear the cost, almost no matter howrge.


    <strong>[Eight millio-]</strong>


    <strong>[Five hundred and twenty five thousand Nexus Coins.] </strong>The liaison quickly interjected, only to be lightly kicked with one of the spider legs as the foreman muttered something Zac couldnt discern.


    Zac was starting to get a headache as it seemed everyone entering his lifetely was filled with greed. Luckily Rahm hade to his rescue, and he helplessly epted the reconstruction, leaving him with a huge hole in his pocket. A window looking like a purchase confirmation appeared in front of him and he epted.


    <strong>[Remuneration confirmed. Expected duration for project 4 hours. May this be the start of a long and mutually beneficial cooperation.]</strong> Rahm said and once again bowed toward Zac.


    More impressively, his whole body started flickering, and he changed into an actual human. Of course, there was a tinge of lifelessness in the Creators eyes belying his real identity to Zac. Though that might just be the personality of this particr individual rather than a failure in the camouge. But after watching its movements and mannerisms for a few seconds he saw some imperfections in the disguise. But from a distance or for a short while no one should be able to tell at all.


    <strong>[Bah, how boring. Call me when you want to create things that go boom. And dont expect me to turn into a stupid bipedal after getting these shiny legs. But dont worry, no brat on a baby world will be able to expose me, native or foreign.]</strong> The foreman said and started to walk away with a wave.


    Um, are you able to build anything that can help against a monster horde? Zac asked, as this was the most pressing issue now that the reconstruction was dealt with.


    Karunthel stopped in his tracks as he was leaving and eagerly turned toward Zac once again. But after a few seconds of hesitation, he answered.


    <strong>[Im sorry kiddo, but most of what Im allowed to create right now is meant for naval exploration with limited functions for naval battle. Its cheaper if you buy the fortifications and arrays from the Shop. Its not Creator-quality, but its more effective against beast hordes. And dont expect us to help you kill any critters, were only here to build things.] </strong>


    Having nothing else to do at the shipyard Zac thanked the two golems and left. As he left he saw quite a few humans efficiently scurrying about as they remodeled the whole area. But he knew that it wasnt actual humans, rather more camouged Creators.


    He was very pleased with the result of the visit, apart from having been forced to spend most of his hard-earned coin. But since there might arrive more people or demons at any moment he didnt hesitate to spend it. If what Ogras said was true, then not even a whisper of any rumors could be allowed to grow.


    He was a bit disappointed that they wouldnt provide any assistance in case of an attack. But he had a feeling the System put various restrictions on those who worked for it. Abby wasnt allowed to exin certain things, and Rahm told him they were only allowed to build pre-approved ships. It meant that the golems likely werent even allowed to provide assistance outside doing their jobs. Otherwise Zac believed that the crazy foreman wouldnt pass up the opportunity to blow up hordes of monsters, even if it was just for fun.


    He arrived back at the camper and once again opened up the Town Shop. It was time to start the improvements. First he bought an <strong>[F-Grade Middle Scale Cosmic Smelting Furnace] </strong>for 200 000 Nexus Coins, leaving him with a scant 20 000 Nexus Coins. Luckily the shops only cost a symbolic sum, as they made their money through trade.


    The purpose of the furnace was to refine various F-graded metals and minerals, and Nexus Crystals were one of the things it could refine. It was an expensive purchase but Ogras had promised it would be far more profitable to refine the materials by himself before he sold them, as every shop would try to scam him on rates when he sold raw crystals.


    It was arge ck box roughly two meters tall and three meters wide. On one side it had a chute for throwing in the raw materials, and on the other, it had a hole leading out to arge tray. He immediately summoned a sack of crystals and threw the contents into the chute, and contentedly watched his wealth grow. It took roughly 10 minutes for the whole sack to be processed into crystals, and when they came out they looked identical to the ones he had stolen long ago. Gone were any defects or rock remains, leaving only unblemished uniform crystals.


    Next, he needed someone to buy his products.

 Chapter 72: Thayer Consortia

    Chapter 72: Thayer Consortia


    Calrin despondently surveyed the various reports strewn about his table. Twenty thousand years of heritage teetered on the brink of destruction, all under his watch. He knew that he was partly to me for the situation, but others were far more culpable.


    <em>Greed is the fuel which push us forward. Honor is thepass which keeps the course. </em>


    That was the creed iid under the painting of his ancestor, hung behind him in an ornate frame. He didnt need to turn around to know the words, or to remember every single detail of their ancestors face. The slight upward tug of his mouth, the ever-present Ancient Empire coin in his hand, ceaselessly whirling between his fingers. The mischievous light in his eyes that seemed to see through all lies and posturing.


    Almarillo Thayer was born a beggar in a lowly E-graded word on decline. He had no family, no education, and no prospects, but through his intellect and drive he managed to be an assistant to a shop-clerk. From there he gained the Assistant ss, the first step which ended with him founding the <strong>[Thayer Consortia]</strong>, a System-sanctioned mercantile corporation with branches in hundreds of worlds, and its headquarters located on a bustling C-Ranked continent.


    Those awe-inspiring offices were long pawned off, even before Calrin Thayer was born. For thest five hundred years, thepany had been in a steady decline. Calrin, with his quick wits and solid business acumen, was chosen to steer thepany back on course and was given the chairman position at the young age of 80. But all he aplished was the reduction of branches from 26 to onest struggling location.


    He knew the cause wasnt only himself. His family remembered the first half of their founders creed perfectly well, but the second half had gotten blurred over the years. Shady and short-sighted business practices made them lose a few branches and simultaneously made them quite a few enemies. A few family members even betrayed the Thayer name for personal wealth, and even if they were eventually found out the damage was already done.


    But the downfall started for real roughly 25 years ago. The great Tsarun n had turned their avaricious gazes toward the Thayer Consortia. Or rather, at the Mercantile License their founder gained all those years ago. The license was something awarded by the system, and not something that could be forced away or stolen. Even eradicating the whole Thayer family wouldnt do any good, and would even result in a punishment by the System.


    But a business license could be seized through business. Normally it should be almost impossible to snatch a license from a sanctioned corporation, and it would be far easier to try to gain one through normal means. But between the Thayer Consortia being in tatters and the Tsarun ns vast connections and wealth, they actually managed to incrementally bring down their corporation, one world at a time.


    If they lost theirst branch as well the System would void the Thayer Consortias license, and revoke ess to the multi-verse Mercantile System, rendering thempletely and utterly powerless. The merchants protection they currently enjoyed would disappear as well, and Tsarun n would begin a wholesale ughter of the remaining family members. No need to risk ae-back, after all.


    Calrin desperately tried to open up new branches to keep the situation afloat. He had tried every means, such as lowering the requirements or offering great rates on variousmon resources. He even tried bribing various fledgling city lords, but nothing worked. Between the machinations of the Tsaruns elders and the awful reputation his consortia had amassed due to multiple scandals no one would ce their branches in their cities. And if they did it would soon be closed after a visit from a Tsarun n emissary.


    His intellect strained to find some way out, but the numbers in the reports were clear. In 3 days theirst branch would be dered defunct, and he would have to flee for his life.


    It was time for onest desperate gambit.


    Zac skipped sleep that night in favor of watching his pile of wealth grow. He unceasingly kept throwing sack after sack of crystals into the chute, and then ran over to the other side to gleefully gather the refined crystals. Apletely filled bag had taken roughly 10 minutes topletely process, and it resulted in around 200 finished crystals.


    That meant that the machine could refine almost 30 000 crystals every single day, which should be enough for the mining operations for now. Instead of the numerous sacks he now carried exactly 11 328 crystals, including the first ones he had stolen.


    In the downtime he kept training his axe-work. He only dared to use half of his cosmic energy to activate the <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> guidance system, leaving the rest as a backup. Then he let his body slowly recharge the energy, instead of using any aids.


    The beast hordes wereing, and it was a real possibility he might have to face the sea of monsters without the aid of his skills. He needed to get faster, stronger, and better at using his axe. He remembered how all his moves were in vain against the demon leader. The difference between them hadnt been skills or attribute points, it was the huge difference in technique.


    Around midnight the sounds of activity from the shipyard ebbed out, and Zac guessed the transformations were done. He kept going for about another five hours until all the refinement was done. Luckily the Furnace seemed to need neither rest nor maintenance, and unceasingly spit out crystals as long as it had something to process.


    The next step was to get a shop to sell the crystals in order to start shoring up the defenses of the town. Since the transformation wasplete for the shipyard he didnt really need to worry about gossipy shop clerks leaking the secret, but as he opened the Town Shop he paused after a few seconds.


    Initially his idea had been to buy the only store that he was able to purchase at the moment, which was the System-run one.


    He was, of course, loath to buy it after hearing about the ridiculous prices since he believed that the System would give equally abysmal rates on crystals as well. Unfortunately, none of the privately-run businesses in the multi-verse deemed his ind good enough to open up a branch at the moment. However, that had changed since hest checked the store.


    In a sea of red, a green-marked shop had silently appeared, called <strong>[Thayer Consortia, Headquarters]</strong>. For some reason this shop was not only ready to open a branch at his ind, but it actually wanted to move its headquarters here. When he opened the store he realized that it wasnt luck that he somehow managed to fill all its criteria. The Thayer Consortia had removed every single normal restriction such as poption and security and only demanded two things. First, they required a farrger spacepared to the other shops. Secondly, they required the world to be within three years of integration to the multi-verse.


    At first nce it looked like a God-given gift, but he wanted to wait for Ogras before he did anything. If something seemed too great to be true, it usually was. Zac felt that it was fishy that arge corporation would move their headquarters to a ce like earth. Any newly integrated should be quite chaotic and poor, and should be a bad ce to move your business to.


    Perhaps they werent actually traders, but rather bandits who wanted to gain ess to a new world through the outpost, and then start a massacre when they arrived. Even if it was an opportunity hed forgo it rather than potentially making a fatal mistake. As it was still quite early Zac decided to get a few hours of sleep while he waited for Ogras. He simply sat down with his back to the furnace, and went asleep with his axe in hand.


    After who knows how long Zac was awakened by a loud sound. Immediately alert he jumped to his feet, axe at the ready. Soon he rxed though as he saw the now familiar face of the demon outside his array. Ogras seemed content to just stand there and idle about, so Zac ventured outside to meet up with him.


    What are you doing?


    Basic etiquette not to enter someones array without permission. Its an easy way to get your head cut off, the demon answered off-handedly. By the way, impressive work with the little demoness. Shes growing a third horn now in her forehead, he added with a snicker.


    Well, tell her Im sorry about that. Couldnt have her scream after I left. Anyways, I need to ask you something, Zac answered with a shrug, and proceeded to share the window of the Thayer Consortia while exining his concerns.


    Hmm Very interesting. You dont have to worry about them being raiders, as The Ruthless Heavens ce extremely strict restrictions on those who use the Mercantile System. Even if a shop-clerk turned out to be an A-Ranker Hegemon in disguise he wouldnt be able to do anything to you. Ogras exined.


    So, isnt this a great opportunity then? They demand quite a bit of space, but that shouldnt be a problem. Zac eagerly asked.


    Well, they are merchants for certain, but there is something wrong with them wanting toe here. They likely are escaping something. Its almost impossible to find a baby world except by going through an incursion, so they are excellent ces to hide out in. So if you ept them youll likely have a bunch of refugees rather than well-stocked merchants. Ogras exined.


    So kind of like you demons then? Zac retorted gruffly, annoyed that the golden opportunity didnt turn out so golden after all.


    Cough... well, something like that. The thing is that if they are forced to flee here, they will likely be barely stocked at all with items and crystals, and will have an abysmal support system for acquiring treasures in the multi-verse. Only moving their headquarters here mightpletely clean them out. So even if you wanted to task them with finding some specific item theyd probably not be able to help you out.


    So which should I buy? The system-run store or this Thayer Corporation? Zac didnt understand how the so-called Mercantile System worked, and could only ask for directions for now.


    You should get the headquarters. They are likely desperate for sanctuary, and will be extremely weak in negotiations, Ogras said with a ruthless grin. After all, since you will pretty much be their only customer for a while you can single-handedly run them out of business if they dontply.


    Zac felt a bit of sympathy for this Thayerpany that was forced to escape some unknown hardship, only to be exploited here on Demon Ind. Well, he didnt really have a good time being stuck here, so why should anyone else?

 Chapter 73: Foundations of a Capital

    Chapter 73: Foundations of a Capital


    Zac and Ogras walked northbound away from the campsite. If they were going to get apound full of merchant refugees they couldnt be too close to the future core of operations of the town. As they walked Ogras asked about the shipyard, and when he heard that they had somehow transformed to look like humans he whistled, looking very impressed.


    You didnt know they could do that? Zac asked confused.


    n AzhRezak is a middling family in a D-Grade world. There has never been one of the Creators on our world as far as I know, and all the information about them we have is hearsay. Buying a missive on them from one of the information merchants would have bankrupted us from the expense. The demon said defensively, looking unhappy that his image of an omniscient veteran of the multi-verse was crackling.


    Well now that they are already hidden, wait here a second. Dont mention anything about Creators, Ogras said and rushed into the forest without waiting for a response. Zac stopped confused at current location, hesitantly looking around. It wasnt a very good spot for an ambush, so he didnt feel too worried about waiting there. But he did bring out his axe just in case.


    After a couple of minutes sounds of footsteps alerted Zac to someone approaching. What made him wary was that it didnt sound like just one person, but a group. Angered at the betrayal he got ready for a battle as he looked around for a path of escape if needed.


    He quickly scaled a tree in order to be able to mount an ambush. His pathways was still a problem so he would have to finish the battle quickly. Ogras should be the strongest demon still alive, and if he managed to quickly execute him then the rest shouldnt prove toorge a problem.


    Soon he saw a group of ten demons walking behind Ogras as they approached his location. Soon they were almost beneath him and Zac wordlessly jumped down as he infused his axe with the Dao of Heaviness. With a grunt he swung down toward Ogras head, aiming to quickly cleave him in two.


    WHAT THE F- Ogras screamed as he desperately brought out a spear from his pouch. Shadows from all around him gathered into it as he swung it upward to block the iing axe. The collision of the weapons created a huge shockwave at the level of his battle against the other Demon leader, and the group of demons were flung away from the shockwave.


    Ogras was mmed into the ground from the impact, but Zac was thrown away as well. The demon had actually managed to defend against his Dao-empowered strike, although not effortlessly, which showed that his title as leader of the demons was not just for show.


    Suddenly the demon melded into the ground and appeared twenty meters further away from Zac. He stood up and angrily pointed his spear at him.


    What the fuck are you doing? God damn lunatic! The demon screamed as he spat out dirt from his mouth.


    Its better to get the first strike when getting ambushed, Zac retorted tersely as he approached the demon.


    Ambush? With these fucking civilians? Ogras shouted as he waved his spear at the other demons. They had managed to scramble to their feet and lookedpletely shell-shocked.


    Zac stopped his approach, and for the first time he took a good look at the group. Quickly he realized that he might have made a mistake. They truly looked like a bunch of weaklings. None of them carried a weapon, and two were actually pretty fat. Every single demon he fought so far had been in tip-top shape, even the mages. Even more importantly, the little demoness he interrogated yesterday was in the group.


    She looked like a deer in headlights, ready to bolt into the woods but her legs not listening. As Ogras mentioned she had a prettyical bulge in her forehead between her horns from where he thwacked her with his axe.


    Whats going on, why did you bring a bunch of people here? Zac asked a bit embarrassed, but he still didnt lower his axe. He realized that thest two months made him too primed for battle, but those were also the habits that had kept him alive.


    Damn it, almost shat my pants Ogras muttered as he put back the ck spear into his pouch. Crazy natives. These people are representatives of the various departments needed to properly run a city. He continued as he waved at the group, obviously still quite annoyed. If you just start throwing out buildings randomly its going to look like shit, and problems with things such as infrastructure and sustainable growth will start cropping up as the town grows. These people will help you make a proper town that can be grown all the way into a world capital if needed.


    Zac stared mutely at the demons for a second. They looked back with horror at him, no one daring to move an inch, afraid that he would swing his axe after them as well. Zac inwardly groaned as he had hoped to create a better rapport with the demons now that they were going to work together. But this first impression might have set him back quite a bit in his quest for diplomacy.


    Well. Sorry about that, thought you were here to kill me. Im Zac, He awkwardly greeted the group, wondering where his social skills had gone. Had focusing on Strength turned some of his brain cells into more muscles? His greeting got no response as the group mutely stared at him.


    Uh Zac nced at Ogras who rolled his eyes.


    Dont stare like some country bumpkins! We have work to do, Ogras snapped, and in the next second he started taking out a wealth of items.


    First it was arge mat that covered most of the clearing they were in. Next, he ced a rounded oblong table,rge enough to fit everyone present, on it. Next followed chairs, and finally a red canopy covering the whole area from the ring suns. Clearly the bag in Ogras possession was far betterpared to those Zac had stolen so far.


    Zac hesitantly put his axe back into his pouch and sat down at a solitary chair at one of the short sides. Ogras sat down at one of the two chairs that were the closest to him, and what followed was a discreet but energetic melee for the chairs as far as possible from him.


    The small demoness was the loser who could only grit her teeth and take the other chair next to Zac after having been physically bodied away from a more distant chair by one of the fat men. Zac tried to improve the rtions by nodding at her, but she stared straight ahead without moving like a zombie.


    After everyone sat down Ogras summoned sses and a few jugs of what smelled like liquor and poured himself a drink. The others poured themselves some as well, but were clearly not asfortable as their leader. Zac declined the offer, and instead took out one of his canteens of normal water.


    So, now that everyone is settled we can discuss the construction of uh... what name have you chosen for the town? Ogras asked as he turned toward Zac.


    Zac waspletely stumped, as he never bothered about such a detail while struggling for thest month. Now that the incursion was gone and his temporary outpost was turned into a town. He called this ce Demon Ind in his mind, but he couldnt name his town that. Maybe something with his name? In case his town got famous and his family heard of it they mighte here. Zachary Town? No. Atwood sounded better for a town. Atwoodtown? Atwoodville? Camp Atwood?


    Port Atwood. He finally said after some hesitation. It had his name and Port was a pretty normal addition to coastal cities, so he felt it sounded pretty neat.


    Hm... Ok. The construction of Port Atwood. You have seen the general area already. Remember, it needs to be defensible within 40 days. Ogras said as he rolled out a parchment. It was a surprisingly detailed map of the general area. It had his camp and the harbor marked, and even therge warehouse was drawn out. After scanning it for a few seconds he knew that it waspletely urate whenparing it to his memories of the area. Of course, the only error was that the details of the harbor were quite indistinct, and nothing was mentioned except the line shipyard.


    Zac wondered how he could have produced such an urate map in such short order, but he didnt want to make a fool of himself in front of so many people, and could only askter. The conversation was a bit stilted at the beginning, where Ogras had to drag the words out of the craftsmens mouths. Zac himself was content to just listen for now, as he realized he had no idea how to build a city.


    He had thought that it would be like a strategy game since he possessed the Town Shop. He just bought the buildings and they produced or did whatever they were designed to do. But as the group started discussing everything from plumbing, to district allocation, to traffic flows and congestion points he started to zone out.


    Between the hard liquor and the fact that Zac kept mostly quiet the demons started to get more and more animated as they discussed and debated various points, each individual clearly convinced that their specific field was the most important for a burgeoning towns sess. Soon an early blueprint for Port Atwood was starting to take shape, with Ogras pushing things forward.


    The general idea for the beginning was to create four Zones. The inner Zone was to be a walled-off area belonging to Zac. It would also encircle the Shipyard, with walls going down to the water a few hundred meters to both sides of it. Another wall would be erected between Zacs camp and the shipyard. Ogras exined it was to protect the Lords manor against naval attacks, but Zac knew it rather was to keep the Creators separated.


    Outside the core area three Zones would be established. The first was on the southwest side of the core, expanding alongside the wall all the way down to the water. It would be the trade zone where merchants and craftsmen had their headquarters.


    On the other side of the core zone would the military encampment be. Zac was confused as he didnt have an army, but let them go ahead with the ns anyway. Having an army would be convenient, as that meant he wouldnt have to spend as much on defensive arrays. And if he became a real Lord there actually might be a time when he had a proper army.


    The central area would be residential, with some businesses such as bars, and bathhouses peppered in, and it would be connected with the mercantile zone with arge square. Most space around the square was earmarked for various key institutions, such as an auction house and a bank, which Zac didnt qualify to own yet.


    They even allocated arge space for an academy. After asking he realized it wasnt like a school on the old earth, but rather to help the students to get a ss they wished for and guide them with their cultivation. This was something very interesting to Zac who had just fumbled around when he got his ss choices.


    He was already getting bored about the discussion about the town construction, and set his eye on the demon who appeared to represent the field of education.

 Chapter 74: Classes, Cultivation, and old Hegemons

    Chapter 74: sses, Cultivation, and old Hegemons


    It turned out that actions truly influenced the avable ss choices. After some hesitation a slender demoness in charge of education started exining the mechanics behind sses, quickly finding her confidence after entering lecturing mode.


    The Ruthless Heavens allow you to start progressing on the path of cultivation starting at the age of 16 for both humans and demons, but it varies between species. Many forces are able to bring up the levels of their young to 25 in a day with various treasures and Nexus Crystals, so preparation before they officially enter the path of cultivation is necessary. An academy prepares the young generation, and help them attain the ss they wish for. Or at least have the most aptitude for, the schoolmistress started to exin.


    If they want to be a Sword Master they will have to arduously train with their sword, and physically train their natural attributes to the peak. If they wish to be a magic user its a bit moreplicated, but essentially they have to study the elements and learn all they can about cosmic energy. Craftsman sses are best gained by apprenticing themselves to someone, she said.


    It was as Zac had assumed. His sses werergely based on his actions, and it was possible to influence the options the System gave. But it seemed unlikely that too good a ss could be attained from just swinging around a sword within the safety of the school.


    What rarity of the sses do the students get this way?


    It depends on the grade of the school. Normally onlymon sses can be attained at an academy, with one or two lucky students out of a thousand getting an umon one. Out in the multi-verse there are far greater academies who have curriculums that can guarantee umon sses, and even give a decent chance for a rare one. She said as her eyes glistened, obviously yearning to visit such a ce.


    Besides, if the youth aplish great things after bing 16 years old, instead of rushing to level 25, they can improve their chances to get a better ss.


    Still, being stuck with amon ss doesnt seem too great, no? Wont it negatively influence their future?


    Gettingmon sses is by far the mostmon starting choice in C-graded to E-graded worlds. sses like Warrior or Swordman have a multitude of well-documented advancements paths. For example it is well known that a Warrior can advance to an E-Graded Umon Champion. It can also advance to E-Graded Umon Captain, then D-Graded Umon General. She exined, getting more and more animated as she started looking at Zac less as an axe-wielding lunatic, and more like a student.


    They wont get as many attribute points or as good skills as someone who gets a Rare or even Epic ss in the start. But the requirements for each advancement is well documented, giving cultivators a clear and unimpeded path of progression. The multi-verse has an endless amount of sses, and only a small part of them is public knowledge. Many promising youths have had their path of progression cut short since they got an unknown rare ss, and wasnt able to progress it.


    Zac found all of this very illuminating, and decided to have this teacher apany him into the mines to keep his education going while he tried to get his pathways repaired.


    If the multi-verse contains endless sses, why did so many of your kind seem to have the same ss? Zac probed, his memories slightly shing with the teachers exnation of the ss system. For example, there had generally been three types of mages; earth, lightning, and fire. But no demon mage seemed to use wind, ice, gravity or any other types.


    The demoness slightly hesitated and looked at Ogras for instructions. He shrugged and continued the exnation himself.


    Its called heritage. He said. The progression paths are public knowledge, but the details are fiercely guarded secrets. Those sses that Alyn mentioned are public knowledge, but the exact method to advance past E-grade is not. n AzhRezak has bought guides that exin the progression to E-grade Umon for over a dozen sses, but only had two clear paths to reach D-rank.


    Buying a full progression path from F to D with all required attributes, Dao-requirements, and hidden requirements is costly enough to set back a D-ranked force quite a bit. So most only have one or two, and they are the foundation of the n. n AzhRezak has the progression path of Lightning Warrior, which evolves into Tempest Warrior, and finally Stormde. Its a mix of lightning magic and ded weapons. Rydel followed this path for example, and only the main branch of our n is allowed to progress this ss path, the demon continued, and Zac immediately remembered the three demons he had killed whose skills contained the ck dreadful lightning.


    The stronger the heritage of a n the greater its prospects. The more and better progression paths, cultivation techniques, hidden Titles, ess to hidden pocket-worlds and unique cultivation resources a force has, the better the heritage is.


    Of course, the stronger heritage you have the more attractive a target you be, and wars are constantly fought across the multi-verse to snatch heritages, Ogras said. The greatest forces in the multi-verse are said to have progression paths all the way to at least B-rank, making their heritage an unimaginable treasure, he finished, with yearning in his eyes talking about those lofty ns.


    And how does cultivation fit into all of this? Zac continued. This was one of the most confusing things for him so far. From Abby it seemed that cultivation was extremely important, but so far he had progressed just fine without being able to cultivate.


    Cultivation has various benefits. First it improves your advancement speed in levels. At a certain point one can forego sleeppletely and instead cultivate, making it possible to ceaselessly progress levels. At low levels it doesnt make arge difference, but at high levels a single level can take a year or more, and at this point the difference starts to show. The schoolmistress Alyn picked up again.


    Secondly, cultivation doesnt only improve levels, it also improves our very foundations. It can improve our very beings over time. Essentially, it can help evolve our races, which is the biggest difference between a cultivator and a mortal. She said.


    Most mortals are forever stuck at F-Grade sses, since they cant afford the means to evolve into E-Rank Race. Advancing the Race is the most basic requirement for any ss advancement, and no matter the Dao enlightenment or titles, without an advanced race you just will not progress. And as mortals progress it bes unimaginably hard to find the treasures to keep their advancement going.


    Finally, cultivators can increase theirbat powerpared to a mortal if they have a suitable cultivation method. Say the cultivator is a Pyromancer ss. If she has a fire-attributed cultivation technique, her attacks will get even fiercer. Conversely, if she use a water-based cultivation technique she might get weaker, or even hurt herself over time.


    Zac finally understood how sses worked in the multi-verse, and was a bit troubled that he seemed to have gone down a harder path. His Rare ss was a boon in the form of giving good skills and extra stats, but it seemed it was far harder to progresspared to the normal sses.


    Even worse, it seemed that getting stronger truly was easier for cultivators. It would be harder and harder to keep his lead it seemed as time went on. At least he had caught a lucky break snatching up a Fruit of Ascension, solving the issue of his race for now. Still, he would have to find new treasures to keep advancing, whereas the cultivators could just, well, cultivate.


    Can a mortal be a cultivator? Zac asked, as that would solve his issues easily. Besides, Abby had said only 10% of the poption of Earth was able to be cultivators, so most earthlings could benefit from turning into cultivators. Alyn seemed to hesitate a bit before answering.


    Perhaps. It is said that mortals will automatically be able to cultivate when they reach a certain power level. But I am not sure whether it is true. Some say it is at C rank, others at B rank. Some say its just a hoax to give mortals false hope. I only know its not possible at D rank or lower. She said. There are a few treasures able to turn a mortal into a cultivator though, but they are so rare they might as well be rumors as well. Alyn then added after some thought.


    Those treasures are real but unfathomably rare. In our homeworld one was put up for auction fifty thousand years ago, and hasnt been seen since. When it arrived it created a bloody storm that impacted the whole world. Besides, getting one of them can be a death trap. There are so many old monsters in the multi-verse that have a grandson or granddaughter who cant cultivate for some reason. They are fine with ughtering a whole country to snatch the treasure for their kin, making it extremely dangerous to own it. Ogras added on.


    There even was an old hegemon who went to war with a ruling family of a B-ranked just to get a supreme treasure which would allow his beloved pet to be a sentient god-beast. Billions of lives were lost because of that stupid mutt. The demon then said, his mouth curving slightly upward.


    What happened? Zac asked intrigued.


    The hegemon essentially destroyed the world and took the treasure. The mutt became a god beast and over tens of thousands of years started to rival even its old master in power. Soon the beast could transform into humanoid form and it had the appearance of a stunning woman. The old master actually fell in love and wanted to marry his old pet, but the god-beast didnt reciprocate his feelings.


    Mad with rage that he was rebuffed after all he had done for her, he immediately tried to kill her. It back-fired spectacrly, and the beast was victorious after an earth-shaking battle. Now she is a hegemon herself and leader of a grand beast world. It is one of the most famous stories about the dangers of owning too valuable treasures Ogras narrated with a sneer, obviously considering the old master a true idiot.


    Zac almostughed out loud when he heard the story, and said a silent prayer for the old master. More importantly, it seemed it was possible for him to be a cultivator in the future. Of course, it seemed impossibly hard, but he had time and a huge amount of Luck. Not wanting to hold up the meeting any longer with this tangent, he changed the subject.


    What about the defenses of the town? The monster hordes areing soon.


    This was what mattered the most to Zac right now. The town needed to be standing at least until he could buy a teleporter or a cosmic ship so he could finally start his search for his family. And if possible he would want to defend Port Atwood from the iing animals, in order to turn his ind both into a sanctuary and bastion.

 Chapter 75: Gaming the System

    Chapter 75: Gaming the System


    The demons were aware of Zacs quest and started discussing various means of defense. They soon came to an agreement that it wouldnt be possible toplete an outer wall in the duration that remained until the first horde arrived, and would have to focus on the inner wall instead.


    Zac was a bit skeptical, as he knew the whole wall around their own town was erected in just a few days time. Were they holding back on him? However, it was soon exined that the whole force came together and immediately fortified their position when they arrived at the ind. Now they were left with only a tenth of their force, and almost all the earth mages that had been instrumental to the construction were either dead or back in their home world.


    What is the point of the wall anyhow? I could easily scale your wall in seconds. I can just buy a defensive array instead Zac probed, wondering if all the work of erecting walls were even worth it.


    Defensive arrays need power to run. If no one, or just a few assants are attacking the ambient energy is enough. But as soon as ites under attack either cultivators or crystals are needed to provide energy to keep the shield active. Imagine ten thousand beasts simultaneously wing and ramming their bodies into the shield. The energy consumption would be terrifying, and youd be broke after a few weeks of maintaining it. Ogras replied. Walls are cheap and effective below E-rank. They are the first line of defense that is easily receable and provides a vantage where we can grind down the enemy forces before even wasting a single crystal on maintaining an array. Only if they break through the walls will we need to spend resources on maintaining the arrays.


    What about the merchant headquarters? ording to the blueprint thepound will be ced outside the inner wall. While Zac was no angel he didnt want to summon the poor traders just to be eaten by monsters in a month, he wasnt that cruel.


    Many structures provided by The Ruthless Heavens have certain protections in ce. It will automatically be protected like the Tree of Ascension was. Ogras exined, which reminded Zac about the imprable shield that covered the tree while the fruits were ripening.


    Cant we just hide inside there then? Zac asked. Having a safe spot where nothing could harm him would be extremely convenient while assaulted by a sea of monsters.


    We can enter and leave, but only during business hours if were not members. And no, we cant just be temporary members during the beast horde attacks. Ogras ruthlessly crushed Zacs hopes. Also, that protection only applies to buildings connected to the Mercantile System, so nothing else you build will be safe. The hordes main targets will be you and the Nexus Node, and everything impeding its path will be destroyed. Trying to exploit various loopholes such as surrounding your camp with protected merchant shops wont work either. Everything has been tested over time, and the loopholes have been fixed by the Ruthless Heavens millions of years ago.


    In the end they decided to focus on erecting a wall around Zacs camp. The radius of the wall was to be five hundred meters, giving Zac a huge personal area to build a proper home in the future. Medium Scale Arrays would also fit properly inside a fortification of that size.


    Parts of the wall were only temporary, since the main n was for the walls to go all the way down to the water in the future. For specific arrays they held off for the moment since they didnt know the amount of Nexus coins theyd be able to scrounge together before the first wave appeared.


    Content with the results, Ogras dismissed the others to speak to Zac privately. They decided that Ogras would travel between Demon Town and Port Atwood to keep both the mining efforts going and oversee the construction of the wall. Zac would head to the mines to try and restore his pathways and excavate as many crystals as possible.


    Before they left Zac showed Ogras the screen for the Foresters Constitution skill after some hesitation. It was still stuck on (8/30), and Zac exined the situation.


    <strong>Forester''s Constitution (ss): Fight in the forests, be one with nature. Reward: Forester''s Constitution Skill. (8/30).</strong>


    Yesterday Ogras told him how he managed to speak to Zac on the mountain top. He also exined how Zac had finished the quest, even though Ogras as the general was still alive. Before thepletion of the incursion quest Ogras wouldnt be able to speak to Zac even if he had the trantion skill. The System wouldnt letmunication happen between natives and invaders until one side was defeated, as it didnt want to see any peaceful solution. Therefore thepletion of the quest was necessary.


    It was the first pill the demon swallowed right after killing Rydel that made it happen. The pill was actually called <strong>[The Cowards Escape]</strong>, and truly killed the user for a short duration. It was a tool for escaping various situations that would only end with either death or sess, such as inheritance sites or being the target of a quest.


    It wouldplete any quests that demanded his death and often even teleport him, the corpse, out of the inheritance site. The downside of the pill was that all active quests were considered forfeited upon death, so using it could be extremely detrimental if you had an important quest active. It was also the reason Zac didnt get 100% contribution on finishing his quest, as thest target killed himself.


    Obviously Ogras had some experience in exploiting the rigid system, and Zac needed some of that ingenuity. He was strapped for time but wanted toplete his constitution quest before the beast horde arrived. But he also needed to stay in the mines with its high concentration of energy in order to heal his body broken by the Cosmic Water.


    He would have used the mountain valley for both purposes if it wasnt turned into a poisoned hellhole after the forest fires and poison clouds made it uninhabitable. Ogras had exined with some embarrassment that it could take months before it was possible to get back up there.


    From the description it is either a Seed-quest that gives you a vision for a Dao seed, or it requires a Dao Seed connected to nature. Perhaps Seed of Grass or Seed of Trees.


    Not Seed of Nature or Seed of Earth? Zac asked skeptically. Seed of Trees did not seem very impressive.


    The Dao of Nature and Earth are high tiered Daos, and not something you can touch. Ogras sneered derisively. Ive never heard of this skill, what ss did you say you had?


    Zac ignored him and waited for the demon to provide some solution instead.


    Seeing that Zac wasnt intending on answering, Ogras could only mutter something and continue. Fight in the forest is very vague, and you can probably exploit it. What constitutes a forest, and what constitutes fight? If you want toplete it without wasting too much time we need to do two things. First, find the spot closest to the mines that The Ruthless Heavens considers forest. Second, find out how often you need to kill something to be considered in battle. He said as he was tapping the table with his hand.


    You said you were steadily gaining progression when you fought the Barghest even though you instantly killed the barghest, so there is an allowed downtime. Find how long it is, and if it is long enough you can easily exploit it. Simply have someone drag a Barghest to the forest-spot, and run out of the mine and kill it. Then run back in and continue mining. If youre lucky you will only need something like 5-10 minutes on travel time per kill and can spend the rest on mining and focusing on recuperation.


    Zac was stunned. He would never have thought of that method, and was d he confided in the demon. He was a shady character but could also be very useful. And Ogras didnt know it, but his solution would also help him progress his other ss skill for <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> through all the running.


    There was only one thing more to do before he headed toward the caves, and that was to buy the <strong>[Thayer Consortia Headquarters]</strong> and have them start buying his crystals. It was obvious that they were desperate to be bought, as they cost a fractionpared to most others for buying the building in the Town Shop, and Zac didnt want anyone else snatching the building up before he did.


    Zac and Ogras moved toward where therge merchantpound was to be located. It was quite far from both his camp and the shipyard, with only trees and stones around. After a double-check, Zac opened up the Town Shop and bought the headquarters.


    Soon changes to the area started appearing just as with the creation of the shipyard. Trees and rocks disappeared, and recing them were gravel and cobblestones. Soon structures appeared as well, one by one sprouting up like mushrooms out of the ground. But that was where the simrities with the shipyard ended.


    The Creator structures were crafted with meticulous care, looking pristine with mighty fractals covering every inch. But what appeared in front of the duo could almost be called a ghetto. The buildings were a mix of stone and wood structures that once might have been proper structures. But the houses looked like they had been abandoned and then put through decades of harsh weather.


    There were broken windows, mold, tiles missing, and they could even spot a few buildings where a wall had simply copsed. No fractals covered anything, and Zac was actually loath to enter most of the buildings from safety concerns. The only building that looked to be in decent order was also thergest one. It was a three-story building where each floor should have an area of roughly a thousand square meters, and if Zac had to guess it was the actual store for the Thayer Consortia. The other structures should be warehouses, support buildings, and homes for the employees.


    What is this shanty town? Ogras asked in shock. You might just have enlisted the worst merchants in the multi-verse, I cant believe how poor they look.


    Zac was very much inclined to agree. The goal of merchants was to amass wealth, just like the goal of a cultivator was to get stronger. Judging by the state of disrepair of the structures he could only assume the Thayer Consortia was really ipetent at their job.


    But there was nothing to do, there was no refund button in the Town Shop, and they could only suppress their misgivings and enter the shop. The inside was slightly better than the outside, and at least everything was spotlessly clean. It was the store as Zac expected, but it reminded him of a struggling convenience store with mostly empty shelves.


    There were a few pieces of equipment at various racks, but they looked worsepared to the ones the demons used. There also were a few information crystals behind ss disys, but the disys werent even a quarter full. In some corners various materials were sold, and there also were some herbs and nts, though they all looked a bit dried out.


    Manning the disk were a few humanoids that somewhat reminded Zac of gnomes. They were less than a meter tall but didnt have the stockiness, or beardiness, of dwarves. Their skin was also light blue and they had deep sapphire-colored eyes, with pointed ears like elves. Perhaps they were genies?


    Before Zac and Ogras could approach the clerks another genie came running toward the two. He looked much like the others, with the blue skin and no hair. He wore what looked like an old-fashioned suit, and had an ascot tied around his neck.


    Greetings honored customers, I am Calrin Thayer, Chairman of the Thayer Consortia. Excuse the slight disarray, we are currently setting everything up. Can I presume one of you is the distinguished Lord?

 Chapter 76: Business Tactics

    Chapter 76: Business Tactics


    Calrin looked over the reports and agreements strewn on his table, his feelings not much betterpared to when he was holed up waiting for the Tsarun n to hunt him down. He had cried in relief when someone finally purchased their headquarters, the window with the teleportation prompt looking like a writ of amnesty.


    He had thought that the Thayer Consortia would be able to slowly regroup and recover on this new world. The newly integrateds and continents were filled with valuables that needed a buyer, and the natives seldom knew the worth of what they held in their hands. A single trade could result in a profit that would cover expenses for months.


    But who wouldve expected that they got ced on a deserted ind instead of some burgeoning town. Apart from a shipyard there wasnt a single building, and the Merchants Window showed that Port Atwood, as the presumptive town was called, only housed one solitary citizen; its Lord.


    Worse yet was the Lordspanion, the System-sted Demon. For a second Calrin was ecstatic when he heard that the Lord controlled an actual Nexus Crystal Mine. That meant there was a Nexus Vein on the ind, and sooner orter things like farms with valuable nts would pop up. Even cultivators would relocate here for the high density of energy, which would only help business further.


    Until then he would be able to turn a tidy profit buying the crystals and reselling them through the Mercantile System. A native had no idea of value of things, and if they added arger margin, who would know?


    But that Demon wasnt actually a native, but a defected invader. He ruthlessly started to pressure down the profit margins to a razors edge, even threatening them with a trade embargo. He obviously had a general idea of the Thayer Corporations situation and knew that if they didnt produce some profit and turnover, the System would rescind their business license.


    Gone were the dreams of a mightyeback, reced with a nightmare of toiling under a demonic taskmaster for little to no profits.


    Zac was quite happy with the result of the negotiations as he moved through the forest. Ogras kept proving his worth as a teammate. The little genie, whose race was actually called Sky Gnomes, made a big production of support and mutual cooperation after he heard about the Nexus Crystal Mine. After almost wiping away a tear of self-sacrifice he offered the most generous price of 35 Nexus Coins per Crystal.


    The price seemed to have awoken a dragon in Ogras, and he started making a scene. It turned out that the value of a crystal was actually closer to 50 Nexus Coins, and after subtracting transaction costs for using the Mercantile System and some profit for the merchant, the crystals were generally bought for 44 to 46 crystals at most merchant shops. The price-gouging System-run stores only gave 35 crystals though, and it seemed that the gnome nned on offering the same price and pocketing the difference.


    What followed was an almost surreal exchange between the gnome and the demon, where the demon initially wanted to get 54 coins per crystals, forcing the trading firm to eat a loss at each trade.


    The gnome tried every trick in the book to keep the prices reasonable in order to make some profit. At one point he had even tearfully ordered one of the clerks to fetch a noose, as he said he would rather hang himself than keep suffering this kind of injustice. Not long after the noose was long forgotten, and instead the chairman paraded two little Gnome Children in front of Zac and the Ogras.


    They were some of the cutest things Zac had ever seen, but they were wearing frayed clothing and looked hungry withrge puppy-dog eyes. Zac was tempted to stop the demon at this point, but Ogras waved him away and ruthlessly pushed forward. Zac did however spot the demon surreptitiously ce candies in each of the kids hands, without pausing in his screaming contest with Calrin.


    Ogras trade tactic was simpler, as it was just a long stream of threats, insults, and angry gestures. He tried everything from threatening to fill the area withpeting businesses to enacting trade embargoes on the Sky Gnomes.


    Finally, the price they agreed upon was 47 Nexus Coin per refined crystal, a rate that obviously was one of the best one could get without selling them directly to a customer who needed them. Both Ogras and Calrin was heaving and sweating at this point, looking like they had just finished an arduous battle. Zac quickly handed over 11 000 crystals, and immediately received 517 000 Nexus Coins in return.


    Next, Zac asked about a pill that could help with his situation with his pathways, but as expected the little gnome had nothing of that quality in the store. He did however promise to acquire one through his channels, but it didnt look like he even believed himself.


    Content, Zac and Ogras left as there wasnt much else of value to buy in the shop. Besides, both of them were suffering from ack of funds at the moment. Ogras told him that the System had confiscated all the demons nexus coins when they stayed on Earth, but Zac wasnt convinced. After watching the previous disy he was more inclined to believe that he simply refused to expose any hidden wealth.


    Not long after they were done at the consortium they parted ways, with Ogras heading to the camp to start converting more raw crystals he had found in the town. Meanwhile, Zac headed toward the mines to start mining himself while staying in the energy-rich atmosphere of the tunnels. Ogras estimated the daily turnover from the mine to be roughly 5 000 crystals now that most of the demons were gone and they were short on man-power.


    That meant that together with whatever Zac managed to excavate the daily Nexus Coin gain would be roughly 250 000. It didnt seem like too muchpared to the prices of some of the structures in the Town Shop, but it was a steady source of wealth that could be increased as soon as more citizens arrived. And judging from the tunnels he had walked through before, the crystals wouldst for years.


    That meant that before the horde arrived he would be able to afford the <strong>[E-Grade Medium Scale Town Defense Array] </strong>array he had spotted earlier for 5 000 000 Nexus Coins, and even add in some more fortifications.


    After walking for half a day and killing a barghest every now and then, Zac finally reached the mines once again. Less than two days had actually passed since hest was here, but it felt like much longer for some reason.


    After walking some distance into the tunnels he felt the air had filled up to the density of cosmic energy that suffused the depths and going any further wouldnt make the environment any better. Unless he went to that cave he woke up in, but it was too far into the mountain for convenience.


    Thus began Zacs monotone days down in the mines. On the first day he only focused on recuperation and seeing whether staying here actually helped with his situation. He expended some cosmic energy by using the guidance system, and was ecstatic to notice that he actually recovered quicker herepared to at his camp. It looked like the demon had told the truth. The difference was small though, but it gave Zac some hope.


    The following day he retrieved Alyn, enlisting her as a private teacher to go through various subjects about the System, Cultivation and the Multi-Verse. Every time he paused after having furiously whacked at the mines for a few hours they would go over some subject. Alyn also helped him recruit a few ranger demons that would lead a barghest to a patch of grass next to the mine entrance. It was the closest spot that System considered a forest, and killing a beast there did advance his quest.


    After two days of trials he learned that he only needed to kill a monster every hour, and then that whole hour would be considered as fighting in the forest. After that his daily life took on a very structured schedule.


    Hed mine for roughly 45 minutes, then run out of the caves to kill a barghest. After running back to his mine-shaft hed have a mini-lecture of 5 minutes with Alyn while he had a small break, before starting mining again. He felt a bit bad for the demoness having to just fiddle around for 55 minutes an hour, but she seemed perfectly content taking out a book and read in afortable couch. And Zac guessed it beat toiling to erect a wall.


    On the fourth day Zac got ten identical axes to the two he had from a scared-looking demon. It looked like it would take some time until they warmed up to him. He didnt want to use other weapons even while mining, and instead used his weapon of choice. His mining wasnt only for gaining wealth, but also to improve his proficiency with his axes.


    Every time he hit into the wall, no matter if it was with the edge, the spike, or the butt, he tried to remember the trajectories and methods that he learned from the guidance system. He had realized that while blindly following the paths had made him stronger, there was a limit. If he wanted to truly improve he needed to internalize the teachings and understand <em>why</em> he swung like he did.


    He realized that just some small differences in how he applied force, or a slight change in angle on impact, could have a huge difference in how much rock he managed to cut. As Zac progressed through the days more and more rock started to gather at his feet. His furious assault on the mountain walls kept damaging the axes, and he was forced to keep circting them and let the old ones rest.


    As time passed he felt that his pathways were truly slowly healing, as every day he could sense his recovery speed had increased a bit. Still, the improvement was very limited, and he wasnt sure if hed make it in time for the beast horde.


    If he had to point out one negative about his current lifestyle was theplete and utterck of progression in levels. He unequipped his amulet long ago, and the few barghest he killed per day could barely move his level forward.


    Zac had simply run out of targets on the ind. The demons and their beast hordes were some sorts of allies by now, leaving only the small critters in the forest. There also were the smanders, but those huge lumbering beasts were too few and far in between to actually be an effective target for improving further.


    He knew that he would likely get more targets than he could wish for as soon as the beast hordes arrived, but it clearly showed the long term problem that he had outgrown the ind. If he wanted to improve further he needed to venture out into the world.

 Chapter 77: What is the System?

    Chapter 77: What is the System?


    Zac was wiping off some sweat as he sat down on a small stool. He had been mining and running back and forth between the tunnels and the plot of forest for over six hours, and needed a break. This was the ninth day in the mines, and his speed of ruing crystals had progressed greatly as his mastery with his axes improved. He brought out a canteen of water and some food as he looked over to hispanion in the tunnel.


    Alyn was sitting in afortable chair reading a book at the moment, seemingly unaware of the ngor in the tunnels. She had been extremely ufortable being left alone with him in the beginning but was starting to warm up to him a bit it seemed. Zac unceasingly peppered her with questions about various aspects of the System during every break he took, and instead of being annoyed like Ogras she seemed to be very much in favor of his thirst for knowledge.


    So, youve exined so many things about the System to me. But you havent exined what the System itself is. Does anyone know? Zac probed.


    The demoness put down her book and looked over to Zac.


    I was wondering when you were going to ask. In fact, almost everyone knows what the System, as you call it, is and how it came to be. It is no secret. But to exin that you first need to know about The Ancient Empire, she said, quickly going into lecturing mode.


    Millions upon millions of years ago the System did not exist. Instead, cultivators strove for immortality by cultivating the Dao without any guidance, windows, attributes, or prompts. They used their cultivation techniques to gather the Spiritual Energy in the cosmos, and improved by reaching higher and higher cultivation stages.


    In this ancient era there existed an endlessly powerful empire, which stood on top of the cultivation world for millions of years. It spread over myriad worlds in the universe and unceasingly kept expanding. Leading this great nation was a man called Emperor Limitless. He was said to have reached the peak of cultivation, and many still consider him the strongest being to have ever existed. Of course, many also belive that the System has allowed the powerhouses of the multi-verse to reach further heightspared to the ancient cultivators.


    Emperor Limitless had already reached the peak of cultivation long ago, and instead set his boundless ambition upon his empire. His goal was to turn all creation into his empire, to control all life in existence.


    Therefore he waged wars, fighting for thousands and thousands of years, the empire ever expanding. The battlefields grew more numerous, and the empire actually started to run out of soldiers. Trillions of lives were lost in the battle over millions of worlds, and the empire had problems producing new powerful warriors. Almost all cultivators were forced into the battle, leaving fewpetent teachers behind to train the next generation.


    Emperor limitless, and a few of his closest generals and magistrates, came up with a daring solution. They wished to create a synthetic being that would connect with every single cultivator in the Empire, and train them into strong warriors. A cosmic teacher that would lead the empire to further heights, as no potential genius would go unnoticed, and no cultivator would train inefficiently due to bad teachings.


    The creation of this entity took an astounding time, and everyone that worked on the project died generation after generation from old age, except Emperor Limitless with his almost infinite longevity. The resources that were poured into the project cant even be calcted, and just a small fraction of it would cause a bloody storm to erupt even on an A-ranked continent.


    But finally they were done. Thest step was to activate it and attach it to the Heavenly Dao itself, allowing it to spread to all space. Billions and billions of the strongest of the Ancient Empire gathered at their main continent, and together infused this constructrger than a sun with energy.


    The activation was a sess, and the cosmic being spoke its first words to the world.


    What words did it say? Zac interjected, entranced by the story.


    Insufficient energy. Those were the first two words of the System, and every cultivator in existence heard it. What followed were the dark ages.


    Something had gone horribly wrong with the being, and it forcefully started absorbing energy. First the cultivators part of the activation were absorbed until they died, even the emperor was almost killed. He escaped after paying a terrible price, but the System wasnt done and started absorbing the ambient energy from the universe.


    The absorption continued, and soon once glorious cultivation havens were turned into wastnds due tock of Spiritual Energy. Even worse, the Dao of the Heavens had somehow be clouded, and progression on the path of cultivation became impossibly hard. All the powerhouses in the multi-verse were furious, as Emperor Limitless experiment essentially cut off their path of progression.


    With the empire being weakened and all forces banding together, the Ancient Empire crumbled. Emperor Limitless was in as well, as the System had stolen most of his power already. The chaotic times continued for a million years, and the sparse energy and obscured Dao became the new norm. Emperor Limitless was remembered as the sinner of the world of cultivation.


    But one day it all changed. Energy came flooding back into the universe, and all cultivators once more heard the voice. This time it said Initiationplete. After a million years the System hadpleted all the preparations, and then it started to actually diligently fulfill its purpose. It opened the path of progression again, and started to train warriors and powerhouses. All cultivators that resided ons that once were part of the Ancient Empire got integrated with the System, just like you and me.


    It soon became clear that many things had changed, as the System had constrained and categorized the Myriad Dao itself. Gone were the cultivation levels and cultivation through meridians, and instead empowering through levels was introduced.


    The fact that the Dao was usurped is why a few factions in the multi-verse, such as the Technocrats, call the System The Cosmic Warden. They believe that by constraining the Dao it has cut of the avenue for new Daos, such as Dao of Technology or Dao of Guns, to emerge. Their goal is to destroy the System, and in their words free the Dao. Other factions consider the System the liberator of the multi-verse though, and are stuck in a perpetual war with the Technocrats, Alyn animatedly exined.


    The fact that the System was an ancient training system gone haywire seemed like a huge cosmic joke to Zac. An almost endless amount of beings had been affected because this Ancient Empire wanted to streamline their war efforts. But at least it exined why it wanted people to struggle and take risks. Its very purpose was to create strong warriors and even powerhouses, and those could only be born through battle and hardship.


    So why did the System integrate Earth? If the System is only supposed to be a training system for this Ancient Empire, why bring us into the mix? Was Earth part of the Ancient Empire? Zac asked.


    No. Earth isnt even in the same universe as the Ancient Empire was located. The System not only fulfilled its purpose by training warriors, it also somehow inherited the goal of Emperor Limitless. Since the Systems birth all that time ago it has kept expanding. After a while it spread to the whole universe it resided in, and soon after it started finding new ones to spread its influence into. Since then it has kept ceaselessly expanding.


    Of course, this is just the most generally epted theory of the Systems origin. The reason that its taken as the truth is that it is the history that is taught by The Systems pixies in the tutorial of all newly integrated worlds. There are some that believe that the System hides its true origins for some sinister purpose, but such things are far beyond us small F-rank individuals.


    The exact details cant be confirmed for certain, as it happened in another universe an impossibly long time ago. We do however know that the Ancient Empire was real, and that it was ruled by an Emperor Limitless. There are multiple historic remains from the empire, and there are many collectors of relics from that long lost time.


    Zac was truly in awe of the power of this synthetic being, spreading through whole universes with nothing being able to stop it. At least if what Alyn said was true, Zac didnt feel that the System was either good or evil. It was just an impossibly powerful AI let loose, eternally fulfilling its purpose. Unfortunately for Earth that meant that it would throw the into Struggle, heedless of the cost in lives. As long as strong warriors were created out of the turmoil, the System was happy.


    He briefly thought about the Technocrats. They had to be truly brave or true lunatics to want to fight against the System. It was like going to war against the basic rules of the universe by this point, like trying to fight Death or Time.


    It seemed that there was some parts missing from Alyns exnation though. From her description it seemed that the System was designed to train and strengthen cultivators for the Ancient Empire. But the system did much more than that. It also helped mortals be stronger, and it also seemed to work with Beasts somehow.


    It even had side-features such as the Town Shop and the Mercantile System, which enabled trade over the vast distances of the Multi-Verse. And that was just what Zac had discovered so far in the scant two months since being introduced to it. Perhaps there were even more functions that waited to be discovered.


    Howe the System affects all beings then, like mortals and even beasts? Didnt you say it was designed to train cultivators? Zac probed.


    Good question. It as you said, the system initially only trained cultivators, and only those able to cultivate were connected to the System. But the system has changed a few times throughout history, each change disrupting the way of life in the multi-verse. To understand these changes we must talk about the Apostates. Those scant few who managed to throw thews of the universe out the window, and bend reality to their wills.


    The number of Apostates that has emerged since the system was created can be counted on two hands. Each was a being of unlimited power who actually managed to change the way the system operates. Very little is known about the first Apostate, not even his name. He is simply known as The First Defier.

 Chapter 78: The Apostates

    Chapter 78: The Apostates


    The subject of the origin of the System was very interesting to Zac. He had a hard time imagining an empire strong enough that it dared to wage war against a whole universe, and an individual powerful enough to change the basic rules of the universe by creating the System. Just a nce of someone like Emperor Limitless was probably enough to st him into molecules.


    The subject of Apostates also piqued his interest to the point that he actually put down his axe and decided to keep listening instead of resuming his mining operations.


    So you mean that these so-called Apostates managed to actually change how the System worked? he asked intrigued.


    The actual reasons are quite unclear. Some believe that the System rewards the Apostates for reaching the peak of their path by letting them design or change aspects of how it operates. Other say that they reached such a height that their ideals and convictions shape reality itself, and the System was forced toply. None of the Apostate has actually broached the subject to tell us what the truth is. Alyn answered.


    Are they still alive? Zac probed.


    Its not clear, at least not to us in lowly D-ranked worlds. From what has been passed down through the multi-verse thest Apostate and change happened roughly 280 million years ago. Even with the enormous longevity of such supreme beings, they shouldnt be alive unless immortality is real. Besides, the Apostates reportedly disappeared roughly at the same time the change they brought to the system appeared. Thats why a third theory for the change is that the Apostates actually merged with the System.


    Zac felt it was reasonable that even the school-mistress didnt have all the answers. These were the top characters in the multi-verse, and there should be many hidden things behind the curtains that the general poption wasnt qualified to know.


    So, what changes did they bring?


    Well, we can begin with thetest Apostate. He is called the Apostate of Greed, but his real name was On Stillsun. His contribution was the Mercantile System that Calrin and all other merchant organizations use. He was a progenitor of a just like you and rose to the peak in only a few dozens of millennia.


    But his ss wasntbat-oriented, and there are very few mentions of him ever battling. The peak he rose to was through business, and hispany is still around today, even though he is not. Being able to get a Stillsun Family shop in your Lordship is one of the greatest signs of your status in the multi-verse. Of course, they would never open a branch on a D-Ranked world, as they still are one of the most powerful entities in the multi-verse.


    His aplishments were only possible because of the Apostate of Mercy. I have no real knowledge of her, and I dont even know if there is a family line that can trace to her like the Apostate of Greed. She reportedly felt sorry for the myriad people in the multi-verse being forced into conflict. In her era, all sses werebat-oriented, and the only method to get stronger was to fight and kill.


    She enabled the nonbat ss system, also known as the craftsman ss system. Thanks to her it is possible to gain levels and improve sses without having to risk your life in constant battle. Of course, the craftsmen need to still arduously improve and practice their craft to gain cosmic energy and levels.


    What about you? Zac asked.


    It is generally a bit rude to ask someone about their ss, but it doesnt matter in this case. My ss is simply Teacher, an F-Ranked Common ss. My skills pertain to knowledge retention and dissemination. I also get ocr skills that can help me see cosmic energy cirction in others so I can guide students cultivation practice. I even get some defensive spells to protect myself and my students, but no offensive ones. And I am actually gaining Cosmic Energy as I am exining these things to you, as I am fulfilling the purpose of my ss.


    Are there upgrade paths for the Teacher ss as well?


    Any ss has the potential to reach the peak of power, nonbat sses included. There are some restrictions in general when ites to ss upgrades. We exined some of it when we discussed Heritages earlier, but this is a good point to go over ss upgrades. Alyn said, swiftly jumping in between subjects.


    The first ss upgrade is at level 75. There are generally three things that are needed to upgrade to E-Grade. Race, Dao, and Achievements. Your race needs to be E-ss, you need to have grasped at least one Dao-seed and your actions must enable the ss. Some sses have even more restrictions, such as status restrictions or Title-requirements, but those are exceptions rather than the rule. sses with higher Rarity almost always have more stringent requirements in Dao and Achievments.


    If you dont fulfill all three requirements you will not be able to upgrade your ss and progress from level 75. It is therefore known as the first bottleneck. Furthermore, many are able to upgrade their ss but still chose to stay down there, even until the day they die.


    Why would they not upgrade if they are able to? Zac asked confused. There seemed to be only upsides to upgrading and bing stronger.


    There are a few reasons people stay on at F-ss, at least for a bit. First, there are certain trials and titles that are only essible before advancing. The Tower of Eternity is one such example. The second, and more important reason is that people desperately try to gain ess to a better ss Alyn said.


    What do you mean? Zac already felt pretty happy getting a Rare ss, but if it could increase the rarity even further when upgrading to the next tier, that would obviously be better. The tower thing sounded interesting as well, but one thing at a time.


    Achievements is the third requirement, and the most diffuse. Only with a full heritage can you know exactly what you need to do to be able to gain a ss. But examples are to fight in wars, to have killed enough enemies, to have seen and explored certain areas. Generally to have grown as a being and have aplished things above the norm.


    Warriors do not only wait to get a better ss in order to gain better skills and attribute points, they do it since they do not want to cut off their path of cultivation. There is another minimum requirement for ss advancement that is rted to ss rarity. An F-ranked ss can be any rarity and still gain an upgrade. But an E-ranked ss need to be at least Umon ranked to be able to advance further. So if you pick an E-rankedmon ss, then your path of cultivation will end at E-rank, no matter how deep your insight of the Dao is or how grand your achievements are.


    And with every stage, the requirement increase one step. A D-Ranker needs to have at least a Rare ss, a C-Ranker at least an Epic one and so on. There is an endless amount of individuals with greater ambition than talent that throw themselves into perilous situations to gain achievements in hope of gaining a better option for a ss. Most die, but some seed. Of course, the Fruit of Ascension you ate is a shortcut in a sense. Alyn stated with some obvious desire in her eyes as she mentioned the fruit.


    What do the Fruits I ate have to do with ss options? Zac asked confused. He thought they were only good for upgrading his Race, and that was why they were named after Ascension.


    Ogras didnt tell you? Alyn asked surprised. She hesitated a long while before she seemed to havee to a decision. Well, this part you didnt hear from me then. The main goal of a Fruit of Ascension isnt improving your Race, although it is a good time-saving effect for most people, cultivators included. It is the effect it has on your ss upgrades. Its only a D-ranked treasure, so its effect is limited, but essentially it improves your choices when you upgrade your ss.


    Even if a warrior normally only qualified formon sses when upgrading to E-Rank, after eating a Fruit of Ascension they would be guaranteed to only have umon sses to choose from. If you could already get umon ones, it is likely you will get Rare options. It can even help push you toward getting an Epic ss if you were close to qualifying but falling a bit short. The fruit is a cheat, or a shortcut, that immensely improves a warrior''s future prospects. That is why its considered one of the greatest D-Ranked natural treasures she finished with a longing sigh.


    Zacs heart started to beat rapidly, finally understanding the gravity of what he had eaten. No wonder everyone had scrambled to get those fruits on the mountains. He had already heard that most warriors in the multi-verse, even on established D-Ranks, started out as a Common ss. This fruit would enable them to reach at least D-Rank in the future.


    In his case the use was still great, as it might be what pushed him into getting an Epic ss when upgrading. From what he understood an epic ss was extremely rare and it would be a huge event if an Epic ss emerged on a D-ranked world. He didnt wish to stay on this topic though, as he still had another fruit sitting in his pouch like a hot potato.


    So what did the other Apostates change? he asked, changing the subject.


    The one before Lady Mercy was called the Apostate of Order. He was a great schr who strove to understand all Dao under the heavens. The change he brought was the codifying of the Dao. You should know it as the patterns, or fractals you see from everything from our weapons, to skills, even to your pathways. Alyn answered, jumping back to the original topic without any hup.


    It is thanks to him we can gain Dao Seeds and further our understanding of the Dao through study of the fractals she continued.


    What do you mean? Zac asked, once again getting derailed by an interesting topic. He still hadnt found a way to upgrade his Dao Seed, and had tried various tricks.


    The fractals contain a hint of the Dao. It is most clear in the fractals awarded from the So-called Seed-quests, as they emanate the Dao itself. But it is possible to gain insight from almost anything, from the inscriptions on a piece of gear to continuous usage of a skill. It is generally more effective to study fractals than to sit in silent meditation, though many consider abination of the two the best.


    In any case. The two first Apostates do not actually have any Apostate designations but are rather called The Beast Progenitor and The First Defier, and they are strong contenders for the title of the most powerful beings since the inception of cultivation.

 Chapter 79: The Lifebringer

    Chapter 79: The Lifebringer


    Zac was walking back through the forest toward the Camp. He had spent thest 16 days in the mines and felt the need to check up on the battle preparations. He wanted to be done with everything something like 10 days before the first horde arrived in case something went wrong, and he was now halfway to his deadline. While Ogras had proven himself quite useful he wasnt toofortable leaving the demon to his own devices in his camp. Besides, who knew how many crystals he was stashing away while Zac was preupied.


    Zac sighed as he knew there was nothing much he could do about that for now, as long as it was kept within reasonable limits. He would just have to see it as a sry for the demon. As he walked he activated the <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>guidance system, once more following its intrepid pathways.


    Two days ago as he was swinging away at the tunnel wall he actually evolved the skill. It seemed that the method to level up Axe Mastery was to learn and internalize everything the trajectories had to offer, and he had arduously kept trying to improve his form over thest two weeks. It was now at Middle Mastery, just like <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The changes werent as obvious as with his other skill though, only adding some techniques and strikes.


    It did however also incorporate both his Dao of Heaviness and his Skill <strong>[Chop]</strong> into the mix. Just as it before had fluidly changed between various techniques and attacks, it now also incorporated those two elements in the ever-changing barrage of strikes. He had quickly realized some new usage methods for the skills, such as using <strong>[Chop]</strong> like a retractablence, almost instantly impaling enemies as the energy edge expanded when he held the axe with the right angle. For that attack he didnt even have to move his arm, just charge the skill as he held it stationary, making it a great surprise strike.


    He also found out he used the Dao empowerment inefficiently, since he only really needed to empower the strike in thest second as it approached the enemy. Until now he charged his strike up as he did with cosmic energy, starting to infuse the Dao even before the swing started. That both gave the defender a warning and wasted too much mental energy.


    Unfortunately, the improved <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>didnt show any strikes where the Dao and his skill werebined, like with his final furious strikes in the battle between him and Rydel. It also didnt provide him with a new vision like it did when he first received the skill. He had hoped that the skill would give him a new vision that would help him finally understand the Dao of Sharpness.


    He felt he was actually progressing there though, and might grasp it by his own soon. He was diligently trying to improve the sense of sharpness of his strikes, cutting increasinglyrge gashes in the tunnel walls.


    There was another reason for Zac leaving the tunnels this day. He was very close topleting the quests for both his <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> skill and <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>, and he felt it would be better toplete those skills when he was alone.


    Since Alyn exined to Zac how Luck worked he was far more ready to listen to his gut. It turned out that the attribute wasnt only good for things such as winning in card games or getting good rewards from quests. Luck was an extremely convenient attribute that greatly improved a warriors survivability, and cultivators across the multi-verse desperately looked for means to improve their Luck. There were actually fruits like the Fruit of Ascension that could permanently improve an attribute, and those that improved Luck were hundreds to thousands of times more expensivepared to the other ones.


    It could be said that Luck gave a person a sixth sense, and the higher the luck the more pronounced it would be. At lower levels it could vaguely sense that something was wrong, causing a general sense of difort. As luck improved it would give the person an acute sense of danger in case his life was in peril, allowing him to survive where an unlucky person would die.


    Zac thought back to some of his fights, especially the ambush in the caves. He had suddenly felt an extreme sense of danger just before an arrow mmed into his head, and it was that feeling that saved his life. Only now did he understand that it came from his extremely high Luck.


    Alyn had also told him that it didnt only work against bad things, but also for fortuitous encounters as the attribute kept increasing. She mentioned how a person with extremely high Luck could sometimes get an almost irresistible urge to walk in some random direction, and as long as he followed his gut there would be a treasure waiting at the end. But to get lucky to that point one needed hundreds of points in the attribute.


    Therefore, since Zacs gut told him he should be alone whenpleting the quest he didnt hesitate to head out, using the fact he wanted to check out the camp as a convenient excuse. He once again checked the ss skills.


    <strong>Forester''s Constitution (ss): Fight in the forests, be one with nature. Reward: Forester''s Constitution Skill. (29/30)</strong>


    <strong>Loamwalker (ss): Walk a thousand kilometers touching the earth. Reward: Loamwalker Skill. (983/1000)</strong>


    After confirming the status he kept moving through the forest, westward rather than going south. He wanted to get out of the way, as there was some foot traffic through the forest that could interrupt him. Or rather jungle as it started to feel like. The path between Port Atwood and AzhRodum, which was the new name for the Demon Town, was getting to the point that an actual trail was getting created.


    Ogras had decided to rename it since it didnt make sense for the town to be named after the n they abandoned. From Alyns exnation, Rodum simply meant capital in their nativenguage, and the Azh-prefix was a reminder of their origin.


    Apparently, there had been sort of an uprising in AzhRodum while Zac diligently trained in the mines. Zac learned that Ogras influence came from his extremely powerful grandfather, but his own reputation was less than ster. Some demons felt that they would do a better job at running the town now that they didnt have to fear repercussions from the n or Ogras ancestor, and sought to seize control.


    It was a group of demons who had been stuck in the mines looking for Zac when the incursion ended, and who were still disgruntled that they couldnt get home. Different from most of the town, the demons who were in the mines had no choice whether to go home or not and were involuntarily stranded on Earth.


    The rebellion had been shortlived and extremely bloody. Ogras unleashed a level of power that dumbfounded the town, and Alyn was still shocked as she retold the events. Just as interestingly, Ogras was aided by multiple powerful demons that had been thought to be nonbat ss individuals until that moment. They sprung up from nowhere and suppressed the town with their power as well. They captured the dissidents in quick order and with overwhelming power.


    The rebellion did not just end with the rebels being caught. What followed caused even the stoic Alyn to be shaken. Ogras ruthlessly tortured the group of demons in front of the rest of the town, their screams echoing through AzhRodum for hours before they finally were allowed to die. After that Ogras had once again be an unquestioned leader. Zac didnt believe that those methods were sustainable, ruling with fear could only take one so far. But they were strapped for time and Zac needed the demons to work as if their lives depended on it, because in a sense they did.


    During the past two weeks Zac learned a few words and sentences so that he could at least greet the demons who didnt possess thenguage skill <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>. The name greatly confused Zac when he heard its name since it was clearly based on the biblical origin myth. But Alyn exined that the skill also tranted many things into something that made sense for the listener. For example, the skill was named after an ancient Devil with a million mouths in demonic, which was based on their own mythology.


    Soon he was close to the edge on the west part of the ind, far away from any Demon activity. Zac marveled at the surroundings, as the forest had changed so much after only two weeks in the cave. Some trees were starting to grow impossiblyrge, and all sorts of nts and flowers peppered the forest floor. Many of the flowers were things that hed never seen before, and he wondered whether they were mutations or something that had drifted over from a neighboring ind.


    As he walked along he killed a barghest every now and then in order to keep his quest progressing. He hadnt been too surprised when he learned that the demons sent through hundreds of thousands of the beasts, as they were literally everywhere on the ind.


    When he asked why they didnt send more demons instead Alyn exined that going through an incursion had a cost, and the more powerful a warrior the more expensive it would be. Nonbat sses like Alyn were somewhat affordable to send through, but individuals like Ogras and Rydel alone cost almost as much as the whole barghest hordes.


    Suddenly Zac felt the familiar gathering of energy in his mind and his heartbeat sped up. Ogras had told him that the skill might be a seed-quest that was designed to award a Dao Seed, but Zac didnt dare to hope for it after hed already got a vision for the Dao of Axes.


    Alyn had exined that a rare ss could get two Dao Seed quests at the most, and an Epic ss was needed to be able to get a third. Even getting two was considered great luck, and generally an indication that the Rare ss was top-tier amongst its kind.


    Zac quickly ran to a close-by tree and nimbly climbed its branches. After a thorough check for any inhabitants, he sat down on one of the wider branches and closed his eyes.


    He was a small pod in the darkness. Nothing existed apart from the warmth of the surroundings, and the refreshing pearls of water that sometimes ran along his surface. Time was irrelevant, and the only thing that mattered was to keep reaching upward. Zac had no idea how long he stayed in the darkness, until one day a burst of light, or rather of life, inundated him as he struggled upward.


    He had broken through the earth, a small sapling being greeted by the endless sky. The st of light woke up Zac for a second, and he realized he was in another vision. This one was different though, as it seemed endless. Days quickly became years as Zac slowly forgot about his quest, his Town, even himself. The only thing on his mind was to keep absorbing life and growing.


    Seasons came and went and beset him with an ever-changing trial by nature itself. Winds whipped his branches, trying to rip his leaves away from him. Rain pelted him relentlessly, quickly turning from a refreshing shower to a deluge threatening to drown him. The water froze and became ayer of snow and ice, freezing him and forcing him dormant, dreaming of the sun. But the trials always ended and were sooner orter reced with the warm kiss of the sun.


    Zac started to realize he was different from his brethren around him, as while their growth stopped after a few centuries, he kept growing. Soon he was towering in the sky, his kin only small dots hidden among his roots. He kept growing for millions of years, unceasingly absorbing the warmth of the sun and the sweet life in the atmosphere. Every inch of his being vibrated with vitality, every leaf glistening with life.


    Small beings started to live around him, treating him with great reverence. Some even started to move up to his branches, forever denouncing the ground. Zac let them stay on, as somepany was wee in this eternity.


    He kept growing upward, eventually breaking through the vault of the heavens. Sparkling dots glimmered in the darkness, as Zac started floating in the vast expanse. His old friend the sun stayed behind, but the whole cosmos was provided him with sustenance instead. He once again went dormant as he floated through the void, ever growing. Every ce he passed as he slept was changed, deste worlds rousing themselves, suddenly teeming with vitality.


    He was the Lifebringer.

 Chapter 80: Loamwalker

    Chapter 80: Loamwalker


    Zac woke up, disoriented for quite some time before he found his bearings. This vision was even more impactfulpared to thest in a sense. Living millions and millions of years was apletely surreal experience for someone who hadnt even turned 30 in reality. Luckily the passage of time was made fuzzy somehow for him, otherwise he might have turned mad.


    The vision showed him the peak of power just like the one with the axeman, but in apletely different sense. That tree he had grown into was truly gargantuan and reminded him of the old tale of Yggdrasil, the world-tree. It wasrger than a star by the end, but more importantly, it contained an endless source of life.


    Zac closed his eyes again and started to imprint the feelings he felt in his mind. He knew this time was critical, and wouldnt waste it. It was only hourster he once again opened his eyes and checked out his new skill.


    <strong>[Forester''s Constitution - Proficiency: Early. Man and Nature One Entity. Endurance +5%, Vitality +5%. Effects doubled while in a forest. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    Next, he quickly checked his monster horde quest and breathed out in relief as he saw the timer. Only one day had passed in the real world, even though it felt like eons in his vision. He was once more happy he didnt finish this quest in the caves. While everything looked fine on the surface, he didnt relish the thought of going into a trance for a whole day right in front of a bunch of demons. Who knew which one of them held a secret grudge for a friend or family member killed, just waiting for an opportunity to strike? Rxed, he once more refocused on the skill.


    He had initially thought the Foresters Constitution would be some sort of defensive skill like the Stone Skin he saw the earth mages use, but he was only partly correct. It was rather a passive buff skill that worked like a title that improved his survivability. The bonus was quite good, especially considering it would give double the bonus at most parts of the ind.


    Zac wondered if he could carry around a patch of forest in a pouch, and throw it out whenever he was entering a battle. That way hed always have the improved bonus. He was curious if there were any other functions of the skill, as <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> had given him the training system, so he tried finding another pocket space in his body.


    As he suspected, when he turned his gaze inward he found another area in his body, this time in his chest. Thest fractal he gained in this manner looked like arge axe, emanating the Dao of Heaviness. This fractal rather looked like the Tree of Life he saw in the vision, but inert.


    Next, he checked out his status page to see what other changes might have urred.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>36</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early, Seed of Trees - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>189</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>147</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>105</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>538317</strong>


    He actually already acquired another Dao Seed during his meditation without even noticing it. It was called the Dao Seed of Trees, and a prompt showed its properties.


    <strong>[Dao Seed of Trees Early. Vitality +10, Endurance +5]</strong>


    The properties of the Dao indicated that it wasnt a Dao meant for battle, but he was fine with that. He already had the Dao of Heaviness for battle, and he was making inroads on the Dao of Sharpness from his activities in the mines. Having a defensive Dao to apany the offensive ones seemed quite good. And if he was going to fight in a sea of beasts, having an improved Endurance and Vitality woulde in quite handy.


    He was a bit disappointed that the Seed he gained felt pretty distant from the supreme entity that was the Tree of Life. Then again, the vision of the axeman was quite distant from the seed of heaviness as well. Besides, Ogras had already warned him from hoping he would gain some high tiered concept as a Dao.


    Zac knew what to do now that he knew he had a new Dao Seed, and started channeling the Dao of Trees into the fractal, and it lit up with a green luster.


    The once dead tree started to emanate an aura, but it wasnt oppressive like the one from his axe. Instead, it gave a refreshing feeling, but also spoke of unyielding perseverance. Of course, the aura was like a firefly against the towering sun that was the Tree of Life in his vision.


    If the endpoint of his first vision was the Dao of Axe or Dao of Destruction, then this one rather led toward the Dao of Life or Dao of Nature. The duality of his vastly different Seeds reminded Zac of Yin and Yang, and he felt that it was an extremely well-bnced foundation to build his future upon.


    No prompts lit up his surroundings like with thest skill when he infused the tree made from fractals, and the only discernible difference was that he felt it started to emanate a warmth that spread out throughout his body. It felt a bit like when he drank the azure water, but he instinctively knew that this warmth wasnt hurting him.


    He tried swinging his axe a bit while he was infused with the Dao of Trees, but he felt no improvement in his speed or strength. He was even having trouble keeping the Dao active as he moved around, the warm feeling noticeably subsiding. It made sense since trees werent really mobile unless ents were a thing in the multi-verse. Besides, Zac had already surmised that the new Dao wasnt meant for battle from the attributes it awarded, and this somewhat confirmed it.


    Having an idea he cut a wound on his left arm, and once again sat down. As he started to infuse the Dao and some cosmic energy into the tree again, he felt the warmth properly spread out once more. The wound on his arm started itching within seconds, and Zac felt how the warmth moved towards his wound and started healing it. It wasnt to the point that he could see the improvements with his naked eye, but he knew it was improving his recovery rate. Unfortunately, it didnt seem to work on his damaged pathways, at least not with Early mastery.


    Satisfied he once again focused on the status screen. He noticed that there was no new title this time for attaining a second Dao. He felt it should be due to the fact that there was no award for a second Dao, rather than multiple people having beaten him to it. There shouldnt be too many who already had a second Dao, it wasnt like one could just stare at a fire for a few days and suddenly know the Dao of Fire.


    He realized he still had three free points from his level when the Herald died. After some hesitation he allocated them into Dexterity, bringing the stat to 73. Alyn toldhim earlier that the general view on the connection between Dexterity and Strength in the multiverse was that one of the stats shouldnt be more than 100%rger than the other. After that, the effectiveness started to wear off.


    For example with great Dexterity but no strength one would be able to hit the enemies in a dizzying blur, but each strike would be too weak to do proper damage. Conversely, Zacs case was that he possessed monstrous Strength, but very low Dexterity. His strikes would be strong, but they would be slow and clumsy, making it easy to deflect or dodge them.


    It had only really been a problem when he faced Rydel so far, but in the future he would meet more and more enemies with stats that could match his, so he needed to get his stats bnced as soon as possible.


    It felt a bit weird to forgo his min-max strategy that always had been his method when ying games, but he needed to get used to the fact that video game knowledge could only take him so far in this reality. Of course, there were exceptions to the general guidelines of stat-allocation, but you really needed to know what you were doing.


    Zac felt that he should stick to the most-epted route for now at least, and only change it up in the future if he was absolutely certain. Besides, his Strength would keep increasing through his Dao and his ss-bonuses even if he didnt specifically allocate any more stats there for a while.


    Finally done with everything he set out toward Port Atwood, but only after an hour of walking he was once again interrupted. This time it was his <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> quest that waspleted. Eagerly he checked the skill out, and as he expected this time it was a fractal that went on his legs. More specifically it was two identical fractals that were ced on the soles of his feet, directly touching the ground below.


    Zac didnt hesitate and immediately infused the new fractals with energy. As he stood still he noticed no difference, but when he took a step the world turned blurry for an instant. Afterward, he found himself standing two meters away from his original position. The skill actually increased the distance he traversed somehow.


    Zac kept trying to figure the skill out by repeatedly moving around, but he had a hard time grasping what the skill actually did. Initially, he thought that it teleported him small distances, but he noticed that the movement wasnt instantaneous. Next, he guessed that he got super speed while he moved, but he felt that wasnt quite right either. He tried swinging an axe while he moved, but the movement was far quickerpared to his swing. It was as though the earth moved around him, rather than him moving on the earth.


    Did the skill somehow disconnect him from earths rotation? That couldnt be correct either, as he had no problems moving in any direction. After a while he gave up trying to exin it with logic, and could only conclude he magically moved quickly somehow. As long as he was touching the earth, that is. He also tried jumping and running, but as soon as he stopped touching the ground with at least one foot, the effect disappeared.


    He kept using <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> as he walked toward his camp in order to get used to the skill. It was an odd feeling to move faster when he leisurely walkedpared to when he ran. After a while he was forced to stop using the skill, as the consumption of Cosmic Energy was quite high. It wasnt made for long-distance movement, but all in all he was quite happy with the skill.


    He wouldnt be able to do magical feats such as strolling in the air as Rydel did, but the skill would be quite convenient in battle. He could keep moving between targets deceptively fast, and both use the skill for ambush and retreat. Of course, it would take some practice until he was proficient inbining the movement skill with battle skills.


    His grasp over how far he walked right now was terrible, and he mmed into trees like a barghest four times in a short duration due to hisck of control. He could only put it aside for now and keep walking until he arrived at Port Atwood.


    The wall wasing along nicely, and it was even tallerpared to the one in the AzhRodum. The demons knew a Beast Horde wasing and didnt dare ck off. If the town fell their settlement would be next, and they wouldnt have the defenses of strong arrays or System-bought fortifications helping them out there. Saving Port Atwood was essential, even from a selfish standpoint.


    He entered through a gate and started to look for Ogras. He couldnt find him anywhere, and he wasnt able to ask the resting demons either, as none of those present seemed to possess <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>. He first went to the merchantpound to check whether the demon was there. Calrin met up with him, and after a few pleasantries exined that the demon hadnt been there today.


    Zac also asked for a status update regarding his order, but Calrin exined he still hadnt been able to acquire a pill that could heal pathways, looking a bit embarrassed. Zac sighed in disappointment but thanked him and left, heading for the shipyard.


    Ogras shouldnt have any reason to approach the Creators, but he couldnt be sure. As he closed in on the shipyard, he actually heard some subdued voices. Suspicious, he brought out his axe and closed in on the source of the sounds. Soon he saw Ogras, and together with him were two other male demons Zac hadnt seen before.


    Ah, youre here. That makes things easier, Ogras said, as two spears wrought from shadows impaled the chests of the demons, instantly killing them.

 Chapter 81: Subjects

    Chapter 81: Subjects


    What the fuck are you doing? Zac loudly eximed, shocked as the two demons fell lifelessly to the ground.


    These two were snooping around the shipyard on their breaks. Im not sure what their goal was, but we couldnt have them walk around as they wished. These two will also set an example for any other curious individuals, the demon tartly exined, as he brought out an axe identical to those Zac use from his pouch.


    With two swift swings he decapitated the lifeless bodies before he mmed the axe into the thin wounds on their chests, effectively masking their true cause of death. Zac mutely looked on having some problems processing what was happening. Was the demon framing him right in front of his eyes? Ogras felt Zacs stare and nced at his direction, giving a slight shrug.


    Its better if you killed them. It will remind the others that you are not to be provoked, and you dont take kindly to people looking into your business. If it was found out that I killed them just because they were looking at some humans at the shipyard I will start losing my grasp on the other demons.


    Zac silently stared at the two demons on the ground, a cold feeling gripping his heart. He felt he had grown a bitx against the demons, particrly the one in front of him. While Zac believed it was in Ogras interest to keep Port Atwood and Zac protected for at least a decade until he could try to usurp it, he couldnt be sure of the demons ns.


    This was a person who had no problems betraying those close to him without batting an eye as long as it benefitted him. Besides, he couldnt be sure whether Ogras story was true. For all Zac knew he happened upon a ndestine meeting, and Ogras killed his allies rather than letting his ns be exposed.


    But Zac also realized that might just be how the multi-verse worked. Might makes right, and benefits trump friendships. He knew that he had grown callous as well, as he wasnt about to mor for justice for these two or start some sort of investigation. There was no benefit to it, and hed rather just bear the me so that people would keep away from his Shipyard. Getting tired from the whole situation he could only move on. It was a bit annoying to be framed for the murders, but he had already killed hundreds of demons, what was two more to the tally?


    How are the fortificationsing along? And where are the crystals? Zac asked as he put away his axe, not bothering with the two fallen demons any longer.


    Ogras, looking pleased that Zac wasnt making a big deal of the situation, swiftly took out a few Cosmos Sacks from a pocket and threw them over.


    The wall will be done with a few days to spare, and the mining operations are proceeding splendidly. Now that there arent a dozen main branch assholes embezzling a part of the cake, the daily output is above expectations. We have mined and refined a total of 109 344 crystals so far, meaning slightly more than five million Nexus Coins. A few issues have cropped up though.


    What now? Zac asked with a grimace. He should have known it was impossible to only get good news.


    First of all the lizards down in the tunnel are getting more aggressive, and we dont possess as much manpower as we did, making it hard to keep them at bay. Secondly, I have run into a snag with the Gnomes, but we might be able to turn it into an opportunity. But most importantly, Ive run out of moving pictures. He said


    Moving pictures? Zac asked confused, to which Ogras fished out Izzys portable video yer from a sack, waving it at Zac. Zac hadpletely forgotten she had brought it with her when the group went camping, but it seemed that the demon had found it while idling in his camp.


    I have watched everything inside this device, and I must say that this is pretty interesting making all these things. I bet we can make some money if we figure out how to turn the moving pictures into Crystals and sell them. Is there any more than whats contained in this device?


    Zac was stumped, his mouth curving a bit upward. He knew that the demons didnt use much technology as it was frowned upon on their homeworld just likerge parts of the multi-verse. The demons were very much in favor of the System, which put them against the so-called Technocrats, and they disdained to use devices that werent created with fractals and inscriptions.


    Theres enough for you to watch until you die even if your longevity gets a few upgrades. I dont have any more with me though.


    Then we need to quickly beat the beast hordes and find human settlements.


    Uh, yeah. How are you charging the yer anyways? It should have run out of power long ago. And what about the merchants?


    Any decent lightning mage can charge up the energy containers on this type of device. Even normal cultivators can do it when their fine control of cosmic energy gets high enough Ogras waved dismissively. And it seems we might have pushed the Sky Gnomes a bit too hard. Ive had a talk with Calrin and they might actually go under if we keep forcing these prices.


    <em>We </em>pushed them? Zac asked pointedly, as he stored the little information nugget that one could use cosmic energy to charge devices. Perhaps he could even resurrect the car with some training.


    I didnt see you stop me. In any case from what I understand the Merchants have made some truly troublesome enemies, and they have managed to put pressure on the Thayer Consortia even through the Mercantile System. Calrin is unable to make a profit as it stands, and The Ruthless Heavens might actually revoke their license, Ogras sighed.


    So we need to lower our asking price? Are you sure its not a business tactic? That little guy seemed to be pretty thick-skinned. Zac asked, not relishing the thought of lowering the price. A difference of only a few Coins per Crystal would turn into a huge amount when put to the perspective of the whole mine.


    It doesnt look like hes lying, he is truly fearing for his life from the look of his eyestely. But that doesnt mean we need to just throw away money. Were not a charity. Ive worked out a deal that I think will benefit you in the long run instead, Ogras answered, the greedy face once more showing.


    We only demand 42 Nexus Coins per Crystal, in return Calrin hands over 25% of the Consortia to us.


    Thats a lot of profit to give away for a run-down shop where Im the only customer. And what do you mean to <em>us</em>? Zac said unconvinced.


    What were investing in is not the shop itself, but their Mercantile License. They are notoriously hard to acquire, and very sought after since they give ess to the Mercantile System, allowing you to trade with the whole multi-verse. In a normal situation, youd have to pawn off a whole continent to get the license, but now were in a position to snatch up a stake for just a few million Nexus Coins.


    If we help them get back to their feet and help them grow, more and more coins will enter our pockets. Imagine your whole full of branches selling all the essentials to billions of people, and all that profit entering into your pocket. Then we can even expand to others, the ie only bingrger. Progressing and bing stronger gets insanely expensive as you get to higher ranks, and this can help out a lot. Ogras got more and more animated as heunched into his business n, and Zac was starting to get excited as well. If it was as he exined this was a great opportunity to make some money.


    What about their enemy, wont they be our enemy as well? What do you know about them? Zac still hesitated, as he had enough things on his te. Adding some formidable foe into the mix wasnt an option, even if it meant giving up potential profit.


    Its a powerful family on a top tier C-Rank world. They are located in another universe though, and I dont think they will start a search for your, even if its for a Mercantile License. Besides, The Ruthless Heavens obscure your for a hundred years making it almost impossible to find.


    Therefore I wouldnt worry too much about it, but if they doe knocking we can just throw our shares to them as a greeting gift, feigning ignorance of the conflict, and then sell the Gnomes out, Ogras said dismissively.


    Zac was hesitating a while over what to do. The enemy of the Thayer family sounded troublesome, and he didnt want to bring that kind of headache to Earth. But they were protected for a hundred years through the System. Even after that, it was not like they could easily find Earth even if they wanted to, and transportation costs would likely be huge. They might deem it not worth the trouble, and get the license from someone else. There must be more struggling corporations to exploit in the multi-verse after all.


    After some time Zac agreed, and Ogras veritably dragged him to the storefront to sign the documents at the consortium without pause. It appeared that Ogras initial n was an even split of 12,5% stake each between the two, but after a re the split was changed to 20-5.


    Zac still let the demon get some stock in the corporation. He figured it would tie the demon to Zacs wagon, and hopefully it would make him work more diligently if he had some stake in its sess. Besides, it wasnt bad to give something valuable to the demon, as he could threaten to take it away if needed.


    Zac was in dire need for some talented people working for him after all, and Ogras was by far the best option for now. Zac already knew he wouldnt be an active ruler, sitting on his throne and making decrees. He wanted to leave the ind as soon as possible to find his family. After that perhaps even explore the multi-verse. And he needed to get stronger, which he couldnt do from a throne room. Therefore he needed subjects, or at least employees, that could look after his little ind kingdom while he was gone.


    The Sky Gnome looked ready to vomit as he signed the documents after a great deal of hemming and hawing. He only looked a bit better after a promise that Zac would help give the consortia a strong position on Earth. Of course, it was Ogras that was promising things far and wide, and Zac only looked on helplessly. He had no idea how to do that, and he didnt even know if there were any towns left.


    Next, he ordered some demons to collect arge amount of meat for the smanders. They had obviously warmed up to Zac when he had fed them various corpses, and perhaps it was possible to bribe them on arger scale. If not it would at least keep the monsters satiated so the mining operations could go on unimpeded.


    Finally done with everything he wanted to do Zac once again returned to the caves. The next time he emerged would be to meet the hordes of beasts.

 Chapter 82: The Hordes

    Only wind and creaking from leather armors interrupted the silence as Zac stared out from his fortified position, a steely glint in his eyes. He was trying to gain any hint of what was toe when the timer went to zero in ten minutes. Everything that could be done to prepare was already finished during the past month, and the only thing remaining was to actually fight the hordes.


    The once lush forest next to his camp was gone, reced instead with a forest of jagged spears jutting out of the ground. Thousands of poles that reminded him of his first fight with the Herald was embedded in the earth, and moats ran along the wall at various distances. Apparently no one would get any Nexus Coins if an enemy impaled itself or fell down a trap while they stood up on the wall, but from what Ogras had told him about beast hordes it wouldn��t matter. What made the beast horde a horde was the seemingly endless amount of beasts, more than anyone could possibly finish by himself. No one would have to worry about not finding targets, even after the traps did their job.


    He wasn��t alone on the battlements, as roughly two hundred demons stood on the wall with him. Most had eager expressions in their eyes, while some looked quite pale. Down at the ground the rest of the demons were at the ready, preparing to serve as various types of support. Zac was at first confused why the demons happily agreed to man the walls without any persuasion needed, but Ogras exined it with only one word; money.


    A beast horde was extremely dangerous, but it could also be considered an endless stream of Cosmic Energy and Nexus Coins. The demons who stayed on had lost most of their wealth and needed to refill their pockets. Many of them were mortals just like Zac and needed millions and millions of Nexus Coins to be able to advance past their bottle-neck.


    The cheapest method to be E-Rank Race was a medicinal bath that you took over and over that incrementally improved the constitution. But this method took years and cost tens of thousands of Coins each bath, making the monster horde a prime chance to be able to afford some more ingredients.


    The method Zac had used with the Fruit of Ascension could be considered an extreme luxury, as the fruits were prohibitively expensive if you could even find a seller. The baths did however incrementally improve the attribute limits though, meaning that none of them would ever be in the same awkward position as Zac was earlier.


    ��Are you ready to make some money?�� Zac heard a voice from his left, and saw Ogras approaching. With him he had his four underlings, each with enough power to contend with the top tier warriors of the invasion. Zac sparred a bit against them thest few days as he waited for the monsters to arrive and was surprised to see that none of them used sses from n Azh��Rezak��s heritage.


    They were Ogras�� hidden ace that he recruited and trained using his family��s wealth in order to have some back-up against the main branch forces in case it came to blows. He had smuggled them in after killing a few of his n-mates without any strong connections or close friends, having these four take their ces. In fact none of the four were actually real members of n Azh��Rezak.


    Ilvere was a burly man who had masqueraded as a farmer when he entered through the incursion. He fought with a il whose chain could extend to over ten meters ording to his will. He was actually trying to gain insight into the Dao of Heaviness in order tobine it with the Dao of Lightness. That would apparently create the Dao of Momentum which could imbue the spiked ball with a terrifying force as he swung the weapon. When the demon heard that Zac actually possessed the Seed of Heaviness he stered himself next to Zac, to the point that Ogras finally had to kick him away due to the annoyance. His ss was only an umon ss called Strongman, and it didn��t give him any ss skill that helped him with the Dao, and he desperately wanted to observe and feel Zac��s Dao in order to gain some insights.


    Janos was a thin dignified-looking man whopulsively adjusted his spectacles as he looked around. He was quite terse in hismunication and seemed to enjoy solitude over anypany. That made it a bit surprising for Zac to learn that the demon actually was a support-mage that couldn��t really fight on his own, making him require teammates to fight. He walked the path of illusions, and used skills that confused and weakened his enemies. When in battle Janos would continuously mess with the senses of the enemies. It wasn��t enough to kill them, but it wouldpletely disrupt their rhythm and making it hard to fight properly.


    Namys was whirling her des as she looked provokingly at Zac. She was one of the few in the camp who was a truly willing follower of Ogras. She even had a ss that looked simr to his, as it utilized darkness and shadows to create an assassin-typebat style. She was extremely unhappy that Ogras was ced as a sort of second inmand behind Zac, and his spars with her were the most dangerous. More times than one Zac felt that she truly tried to hurt him with herrge daggers.


    Alea was hisrgest headache though. The beautiful demoness looked at him with a slight smile as she winked herrge eyes at him. She wore what looked like an old-fashioned dress from the 60s. Apparently she had asked Ogras what humans from Earth wore, and Ogras had exined in detail, armed with outdated information from old-timey movies on Izzie��s device.


    Alea liked the strong and ruthless, and Zac fit the bill nicely as being able to single-handedly thwart an incursion made him quite the dashing figure in her words. Furthermore, she possessed a ss rted to poison, and the fact that Zac essentially poisoned two armies to death was a cosmic sign that they werepatible in her eyes. The fact that one of the poisoned armies was her own n members seemed to bepletely irrelevant to her. Zac wasn��t sure if her interest was real or whether Ogras tried to nt a honeypot by his side, but in either case Alea was a continuous source of exasperation.


    Ogras didn��t kick her away as he did with Ilvere, leaving Zac to fend for himself. In private Ogras told him that he didn��t want to poison test every swig of water or bite of food he took due to angering Alea, as she was slightly crazy like all other poison masters. Something about breathing poison fumes for years made their wiring a bit off. That nugget of information only served to increase his difort.


    Even the schoolmistress Alyn would make a measured but immediate retreat when Alea found him in the mines, and the poison master sometimes took over the role of lecturer. It was from Alea he found out the general rules of grinding beasts. He had asked why she chose poison ss when poisoning enemies to death didn��t seem to reward Nexus Coins or Cosmic Energy. If it did he would be quite a few levels higher after throwing out the cauldron up on the mountain. But he was surprised to hear that she actually got rewards from poisoning enemies.


    She exined the distinction the system made was whether effort, or skill, was involved in the kill. In her case generated the poisons herself and disseminated them using her ss skills. The system awarded her cosmic energy for that. Zac just snatched a bunch of poison and threw it out, and the System didn��t consider it enough effort. For the same reason getting a machine gun or even an atomic bomb couldn��t help you gain levels at all.


    The System considered those types of tools not to require skill. It did consider using a bow and arrow requiring of skill though, and would award everyone, not just archer sses, cosmic energy from that type of kill. From her words the System generally didn��t award energy or coins from kills when technology was involved. It was something about the System not liking tools not made with cosmic energy.


    Zac thought that many armies in the world would be in for a rude awakening after hearing that. He believed that many would have a hard time letting go of their weapons, and instead fight monsters hand-to-hand in order to gain levels. That would mean that the beasts would get continuously stronger due to the System pumping them full of cosmic energy, whereas the armies stayed stagnant. Sooner orter it would reach a tipping point, where conventional weapons were useless. Zac was pretty sure that he was mostly bulletproof by now for example. It might hurt, but a bullet should barely be able to prate his skin. Especially if it hit his E-graded clothing.


    ��You all seem to be in a chipper mood,�� Zac said dourly. He didn��t relish the thought that he would have to spend the next three months continuously fighting for his life. He felt he was on the cusp of finally being able to leave the ind and look for his family, but first he was stuck in an endless battle.


    ��Birds die for food, men die for money,�� Ogras answered with a shrug. ��If worsees to worst we can just jump ship and sail for kinder shores.��


    Ogras was referring to a small Creator-vessel that Zac had bought for one million Nexus Coins. It was powered with Nexus Crystals and couldfortably house 10 people, or 30 if people covered every inch of the deck as well. It was one of the cheapest creations avable for sale at the Shipyard, and Zac nned on using it for exploration, or fleeing if necessary.


    Now that he knew the System wouldn��t punish him for failing a quest or fleeing for his life, he wasn��t as ready to risk everything just to finish the quest and be a Lord. He had confirmed that what Ogras said was true from a few sources, and that Abby had in fact lied. Thergest punishments for failing quests were that he couldn��t get them again.


    However if he failed too many quests he risked not getting awarded new ones for a while. For example Ogras would likely not get any quests for a couple of years due to eating The Coward��s Escape-pill. But for a cultivator whose life could be counted in the thousands, it was a small price to pay for escaping with his life.


    That didn��t mean that he wouldn��t diligently try toplete the quest and rebuff the three monster waves. The more he learned about cultivation and the multi-verse he knew he was sitting on a rare chance. The ind was likely one of the safest ces on Earth right now. There were no dangerous beasts skulking around apart from the smanders, and they kept to their caves. The reason for this was simple, it was the hordes of barghest. They had hunted everything that started to evolve since they arrived, stopping any species from gaining strength.


    That made this ind a haven, and an amazing source of wealth, for himself and his family. As he was the lord that wealth would turn into further safety as he could keep buying defenses if some force meant him harm. To give up this would mean he would turn from a so-called progenitor to another refugee without a ce to call home.


    Alea walked over and greeted him with a smile and a light touch on his arm, and Zac could only bear it for now with a grimace. He knew from experience that telling her off or pushing her away wouldn��t work, and if he got too insistent she might poison him in a rage. Nothing lethal, of course, but something strong enough for him to be puking his guts out for a few hours.


    So they stood at the top of the wall surveying the battlefield looking like an old couple until the timer finally the timer went to zero.


    [Ladder activated, struggle for supremacy.] The emotionless voice of the System entered his ears just as the third month ended and the timer went to zero.


    ��Huh, what��s thisdder that the system mentioned?�� Zac said as he turned to Ogras. But immediately afterward he turned back toward the forest as he saw tens of grey pirs sh into existence roughly a kilometer away. They looked just like the incursion, just in a different color and a lot smaller.


    ��The Ruthless Heavens spoke to you? Ladder? Must be some function it is using on this baby. It has all types of modes that it can activate that changes how -�� Ogras exined but was interrupted by the System itself, this time speaking so everyone was hearing.


    [Special Dynamic Quest activated. Defend what��s yours and vanquish the hordes. The strong will be rewarded.]

 Chapter 83: Wolves

    Chapter 83: Wolves


    It actually handed out a town protection quest Ogras eximed gleefully, as most demons around him looked like they had eaten stimnts.


    Whats going on? Zac asked as he looked over at the grey pirs. Nothing had emerged from them yet, but he knew it wouldnt be long now.


    Its a bonus quest. Everything you kill will award contribution points apart from the usual Nexus Coins and Cosmic Energy. You can trade these points for all kinds of goodies at a temporary Nexus Node that should pop up somewhere close. Those who rack up the most points usually are awarded some bonus prize as well. Ogras answered hurriedly as he took out his spear from his sack. It looked like he wanted to simply jump down from the wall and run to the pirs, not able to wait for the enemiese to them.


    Zac started to get excited as well, but was very annoyed that he still wasntpletely healed. He was a lot better by now, but not to the point that he dared use crystals or his amulet to quickly regain his energy. He wouldnt be able to unheedingly use his <strong>[Chop]</strong> skill to quickly gain contribution points in other words, and his two Daos werent helpful in fightingrge groups of monsters. He still hadnt gained the Seed of Sharpness, which he guessed would be convenient when fighting against packs.


    He didnt have time to ruminate over his condition any longer as grey silhouettes started to pour out of the portals and immediately flooded toward the wall.


    No offense my friend, but Im aiming for the top spot. Its a shame we cant have apletely fairpetition with your condition Ograsmented with mirth and greed in his eyes. It looked like he was already considering the prize for most contribution points his.


    Zac decided to ignore him as the horde was closing in on the battlements, and he could finally see their visage. It was an enormous wolf pack that charged as one. Each had a mottled grey fur and the rough size of a gwyllgi, reaching almost up to Zacs chest.


    He could also spotrger versions at various areas in the sea of wolves, and he guessed that they were the equivalents of the monkey captains. A piercing howl arose from the pirs as Zac surveyed the horde, and Zac spotted a farrger wolf skulking around in the back. All in all it looked like there were a few thousand wolves, almost all of them the normal-sized ones.


    Zac didnt feel that this looked too threatening, and he cast a questioning nce at Ogras.


    This is just the first wave of the first horde. It will get more exciting soon enough he said as if he understood Zacs unspoken question.


    The wolves streamed toward the walls and Zac saw that the erected poles didnt have much effect on the nimble monsters, as they simply dodged them without any effort. A few unlucky wolves were identally pushed into the pitfalls by the wolves behind and skewered there, but generally the horde was unimpeded.


    However, the erected wall was where their charge ended, and the monsters simply had no method to scale it. They wed some scratches at the foundation, but at that speed it would take days for them to tear down the wall.


    In the demons'' eyes, this meant that the wolves turned into target practice, where each hit awarded some money. Arrows started flying out in rapid session, and the wolves dropped one by one.


    Some were even more efficient, such as the mages who managed to skewer multiple wolves with each earth spear attacks or create multiple fried carcasses with arge fireball. But the most efficient was clearly Ogras. Any shadow on the ground created by the wall or a wolf was a weapon for him, and shadowy needles kept poking up from the ground, hitting the throat or heart of the wolves. Wolves kept keeling over wherever Ogras turned his outstretched hand, and he was creating patches of utter death down on the ground.


    Zac tried to keep up by throwing rocks he had prepared in a few pouches. Each rock he threw mmed into a wolf, the force almost always enough for an instant kill. Still, he couldnt keep up with some of the stronger demons, let alone the sneaky spears of Ogras, and knew his contribution ranking wouldnt be too great if things kept going this way.


    He paused after killing a few and checked his status screen. It looked like each of the normal mottled wolves awarded around 100 Nexus Coins, which seemed very generous for helpless targets. The feeling of seeing an endless stream of money slipping out of his fingers was extremely ufortable, and he knew he needed to switch up his tactics.


    Alea looked annoyed as well as she stood next to Zac.


    They keep dying before my poison kills them, I only get a small part of the money. Youre supposed to be the Lord, do something and Ill give you a reward she whined as she looked entreatingly at Zac.


    Zac ignored her with a roll of his eyes but he agreed that something needed to be done. After a few seconds of hesitation he took out one of his axes and simply jumped out from the safety of the wall.


    As he fell he imbued himself with the Dao of Heaviness and he fell down like a meteor. A huge shockwave spread out as Zac punched into the ground ten meters away from the wall. Any wolf in the vicinity was killed or at least badly maimed from the impact. Zac stood up from the crater and he summoned <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    His n was simple. Even though his pathways werentpletely healed they were in far better conditionpared to a month ago. Together with his improved attributes his recovery might even be higher before he ruined his body with the Cosmic Water. He nned on going on a rampage as long as his energy allowed, reaping as many wolves as possible before swapping back to killing without using any energy. With his stats he wasnt afraid that some of these weak wolves would threaten him, even if they came in droves.


    He started to weave a of carnage around him as he moved full speed ahead. His energy would onlyst for a short duration at full power, but that should hopefully be enough to thin out most of this wave and perhaps a few more. He headed straight toward where he had seen the huge wolf, hoping that killing the boss would offset his slow start.


    No demon dared to shoot their attacks in his vicinity, with the exception of Ogras, who kept summoning spears at some wolves around him. Zac red angrily in the demons direction, but Ogras simply looked back innocently and waved.


    Zac wasnt the only one who jumped down from the wall, as some of the stronger melee fighters followed suit. They generally stayed close to the wall though to keep their backs free, not daring to wade into the thick of it like Zac.


    Zac was soon drenched as every wave of his axe created a fountain of blood and a few bisected corpses strewn around. He realized he had actually missed this feeling, and relished letting loose after over a month of being stuck in the mines mindlessly chipping away at the walls.


    He steadily progressed toward the portals, and soon not even Ogras could kill steal his wolves due to the distance. Each swing created a swathe of death in front of him, but it was quickly filled with new wolves. He truly felt like the description of the Hatchetman ss, <em>Their army is an endless forest and Im the lumberjack,</em> was an apt description at this moment, as he methodically cut everything down like lumber as he waded forward.


    The wolves desperately tried to bite him, but the few that managed to get close couldnt even puncture his skin. A few tried to rip open his robe, but the clothing was even more durable than Zac himself, and not even a scratch could be seen on the green overcoat. Even so, the animals pushed forward toward their death, heedless of anything else. Zac started to suspect that the System had done something with these animals, as they werepletely frenzied. Wolves should be smarter than this, especially evolved ones like these guys were.


    After a few minutes of swinging away he was at close proximity to the portals. It should have been even faster, but he took some detours to kill the evenrger wolves that were peppered around the horde. They only gave 2-300 Nexus Coins each, but Zac thought they might be more valuable in terms of contribution points as the System might consider them mini-bosses.


    Wolves had stopped pouring out of the multiple portals a minute ago, and the area was getting a bit thin as most wolves headed straight for the wall. There were some exceptions though, most notably the hill with the leader. It looked almost identical as the smaller versions, apart from the fact that its eyes had a silver glistenpared to the duller brown of the others.


    Zac approached the hill and started to kill therger alpha wolves that surrounded their leader, but a movement in his periphery made him infuse his axe with his Dao of Heaviness andunch it at the wolf leader in a surprise attack.


    The wolfs reactions were quick, but not quick enough, as the axe ripped a hole in its throat, instantly killing it. Immediately after tworge spears of shadows rose up from the ground and impaled the corpse. However, Ogras was toote as the energy entered Zacs body as the spears rose up, confirming his kill credit.


    Zac grinned at the demon who emerged from the shadows with a tsk as he took out another axe from his bag. This one was different from the ones he had usedtely and looked like a misshapen monstrosity.


    Its handle was roughly a meter long and the edge itself was almost two meters, formed in a rudimentary facsimile of his axe when he used <strong>[Chop]</strong>. It was something Zac had ordered a cksmith of the demon town create for him, meant to be used to retain some kill speed while he restored his energy.


    It was ugly andpletely unbnced, but it got the job done. Unfortunately no one of those remaining had the skills to add the self-repairinscription on a weapon, and instead this one had an inscription that slightly increased its durability. Still, someone would need to fix it up every now and then after Zacs onught.


    Im starting to see why you guys were so excited, Zac remarked at Ogras as he started to swing at the remaining alpha dogs, heading to pick up the boss carcass and his axe.


    Dont getcent. This is just the warm-up. If some mangy dogs was all that The Ruthless Heavens threw at you when creating a monster horde then it would be a reward, not a quest. Its going to get much worse than this. Ogras retorted, obviously a bit irritated that his kill steal hadnt worked out. As if to confirm this the remaining wolves in his surroundings died by being impaled by multiple shadow des rather than the usual one per monster.


    As if they responded to the demons words, the portals pulsed and started to spew out another wave of wolves, but these ones looked quite different.

 Chapter 84: Super Brother-Man

    Chapter 84: Super Brother-Man


    Zac turned toward Ogras a bit confused.


    Why are there already more monsters pouring out? How does the System decide? he asked hesitantly. He felt that it was too big a coincidence that new monsters just started spawning after Zac and Ogras arrived here and killed the boss.


    You ask me, but who am I going to ask? Ogras responded. But I think there might be certain triggers that push out new waves. Perhaps killing the boss immediately sends the next one through. But I think there is a limit of how long you can stall, even if you keep the leader alive. The Ruthless Heaven has its name for a reason, and it wont let you breathe too easy by finding a loophole.


    If what Ogras said was true the System really created a conflict of interest. Killing the boss would spawn more monsters, but it also probably awarded a good amount of contribution points. Greedy warriors would hunt it for the points, not caring about the results. Soon the whole camp would be overrun by waves upon waves of wolves.


    We need to set some ground rules, Zac immediately said as he turned to Ogras. He didnt mind the demon killing the odd wolf around him, as that was only ying around. There were almost an endless amount of targets, and Zac didnt worry that he wouldnt be able to hunt his fill. But running for the bosses in greed for contribution points couldnt be allowed.


    The boss is off-limits until only a quarter of the wave remains, he said as he stared at Ogras, who only grimaced but nodded after some deliberation.


    He didnt have time to keep thinking up ns as the new wave was upon them. Zac first thought it wasrge rats when he saw them exit the portals. They were a lot smallerpared to their brethren, the normal ones only reaching his knees in height. They also lookedpletely wretched, with their mangy fur fallen off atrge patches of their bodies. Their eyes were a sinister red, and the feeling he got from them was that they were putrid cursed creatures.


    Ogras seemed to agree as he started backing away as he kept throwing out Shadow des at anything approaching. He even seemed loath to use his real spear, afraid it would get dirtied by the new beasts.


    These things look pretty disgusting. Try not to get bit, I am willing to bet an arm these things carry some weird diseases in their bodies the demon said with a wrinkled brow. If you capture a few live ones and gift them to Alea Im sure she will be delighted. I bet she can create some sinister concoctions from these things after some experimentation. Anyway, Im off. Good luck.


    With that the demon was gone, using his escape skill to move through the shadows. Zac was left alone pondering whether to stay here right by the portals or to head back. The gnarly wolves didnt wait for him to make a decision as they stormed him with speed belying their small shriveled frames.


    As they scurried close to him theyunched themselves in the air toward his face in order to rip into more vulnerable areas. Zac turned his huge axe and with a horizontal swing smashed multiple wolves into broken pieces of flesh with the broad side of the edge. Even their blood smelled rancid, and Zac didnt want to get any of that on his face. He rapidly backed away and quickly put a handkerchief over his nose and mouth.


    Next, he swapped out his huge unwieldy axe to two normal ones. The new foes were too small so he couldnt easily kill them with the giga-axe. A wide swing would simply fly past above their heads, and he felt that using two normal axes would be more effective. He kept swinging away, decimating anything that moved close as he gradually retreated toward the walls. His kill-speed wasnt as great as when he used <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but it was respectable.


    Since he upgraded his race he found that his bodys coordination improved noticeably, and it had made him resume his training with two axes. The first time he tried it out he felt it was too unwieldy, but by now his arms moved independently from each other, each creating gouts of putrid blood wherever they hit.


    Soon enough he was closing in on the wall and saw that most of the first wave was dead by now. A perimeter of melee fighters had been erected, and Zac saw some scared nonbat demons scurrying about the battlefield. They were throwing the wolf carcasses into cosmic bags, to be dumped and burned further away from the camp after anything of value was stripped from the bodies.


    It was to both avoid pestilence spreading, but also to not allow bodies to umte to the point that they started to form a ramp up the wall. Their work was extremely efficient as they rapidly moved along, barely stopping as they threw the carcasses into the Cosmos Sacks. Obviously, the melee fighters had done a do-over of the corpses first with quick stabs, ensuring that everything was dead.


    When they saw Zac and the putrid wolves approaching they all scurried through a gate to safety. The gate wasnt some thick wooden door like in a medieval castle, but a section of the wall itself even thicker than most other sections. It was created in conjunction between some craftsmen and Earth mages and required 10 Nexus Crystals to power every time it opened and closed. It was a bit slow, but it didnt present a point of entry or weakness like ssic castle gates did.


    One exception to the escape through the gate was Alea, who gleefully charged straight toward Zac.


    I heard youre bringing me gifts? she eximed, looking absolutely delighted. She unheedingly ran straight into the frenzied pack of the mangy wolves, and Zacs eyes widened in rm. It was one thing for him with his huge endurance to be running around in the midst of the beasts, as these small ones couldnt hurt him either.


    But even he was wary of their blood as it looked positively unclean, with a greyish murky color instead of red. Luckily his clothes had a self-cleaning feature and the blood just slid off after a short while. But for the slender demoness to do the same approach seemed suicidal. He wasnt sure what stats a poison master focused, but it didnt feel like it was endurance at least. He quickly changed direction and ran to help her out.


    Soon he realized he was worried about nothing as the beasts that got too close to her simply melted into pools of goop. Zac immediately stopped in his tracks, afraid to get caught in whatever poison the demoness had surrounded herself with.


    Next she quickly threw out a small needle at one of the beasts that looked extra wretched, and it powerlessly fell down on the ground immediately after the needle embedded itself in its throat. She walked over to it and picked it up, and for some reason it didnt melt like the others around her. Zac first thought the beast was dead from the needle, but the frantically whirling eyes of the beast told another story.


    It seems its condition is due to living in a weird environment. The Ruthless Heavens calls its race ckswamp Wolf, so it probably lives in a miasmic swamp. Something in the waters is corroding these wolves, and over time they have transformed into these cute little things. Perhaps its possible to extract whatevers the cause and add it into a concoction, she started to mutter mostly for herself, seeming eager to try and weaponize the wolves affliction.


    People with less than 80 or so vitality shouldnte in contact with their blood, or they will probably get sick, she added with a louder voice up toward the walls before she started to continue to examine the beast. She quickly broke all its limbs with a deftness that hinted that this wasnt the first time she did experimentation on animals and started to retreat to the wall while she flipped it over to look at every detail of the poor creature.


    Zac simply moved away without a word and kept killing wolves with his two axes. These small wolves were a bit more annoying to kill since they were so small, but he wouldnt stop. Each one gave around 110 Nexus Coins, even better than thest wave, and he was umting wealth and cosmic energy at a terrifying speed. It was barely more than a barghest, but they were everywhere. If the density of barghest was this crazy he would have finished grinding for his first ss quests in less than a day instead of a week. Of course, with his stats at that time he might just have died from being swarmed rather than just having more targets to kill.


    Less than 30 minutes had passed since the start of the quest but he already managed to umte something like 30 000 Nexus Coins. He had only used less than a quarter of his cosmic energy so far, and could keep going for a long time. The attacks from the wall had reduced somewhat though, as some of the demons were sitting down and absorbing energy from Nexus Crystals that Zac provided.


    Some of the other demons kept sting away, greedily farming some money, and a few burly-looking demons even dared to jump down the wall as well, apparently trusting Aleas judgment. This wave was starting to thin out as well after the furious melee continued, and it gave Zac a brief chance to catch his breath.


    He had been busy with the monsters, so he ignored the prompt from the System that entered his ears just before the monsters arrived. It said that a Ladder was activated, and he was curious to see what that meant. He kept killing any beasts who approached with a quick swing with his axes, but it was mostly by instinct as he focused on the new screen that popped up.


    <strong>[Ladder System initialized. Enter pseudonym or real name?]</strong>


    That gave Zac a start. He started to feel that thedder system was akin to a ranking that you could see in many games, where his level was listed against others. It sounded like something the System would do. It wanted to force people to get stronger, and adder would generatepetition amongst the elite.


    Entering his real name would let his friends or family know he was alive and fine, but it might also cause them trouble. He was pretty sure he should be up there in the rankings if the Ladder was only for earth, even after his month of not gaining levels. Someone might want to exploit his family, or even kidnap them to threaten him if such a connection was made public. He already had created a beacon with the name Port Atwood, which should hopefully be enough when the town gained some fame in the future.


    Aftering to a decision he chose pseudonym, and a new problem presented itself. What should he call himself? At first, he thought of just using his ss name, but he didnt know if people learning of the name Hatchetman would have some implications. Suddenly he had an idea, and he chose Super Brother-Man with a nostalgic look in his eyes. He could only pray that Mackenzie, his little sister, would remember.


    She was only five when he yed pretend-superheroes with her, using the name Super Brother-man. He hadnt thought about it for over a decade, and no one but her should know about it. As soon as he chose it arge window popped up, and he quickly realized that he was right, it was a rankingdder containing various names and their aplishments.


    As he went through the list his mouth started to widen into a grin.

 Chapter 85: Four Fates

    Chapter 85: Four Fates


    Kenzie blew an errant wisp of frizzy auburn hair out of her face as she once again opened the Ladder system. It had almost be apulsion over thest two weeks since the new function was enabled.


    Browsing for a husband again? a teasing voice came from behind, as another girl moved up to the fire and sat down. It was L who came back with some dinner in her hands. It was a few cans of various vegetables and fruits, and somehow she had even scored some canned beef.


    Whatever, Mackenzie answered with a roll of her eyes. She stared at the familiar alias for a few more seconds before she reluctantly closed the window and turned to her friend.


    L had been by Kenzies side since everything turned crazy. Kenzie was just sitting at home ying with her phone when she suddenly found herself in a square in a medieval town with hundreds of others. When reality set in that this was not a dream, she soon realized she didnt recognize a single person. Zac or dad wasnt there with her, leaving her vulnerable and scared.


    It was shortly after she met L, another scared and confused 19-year-old. It was by sticking together they survived that hell that the System and fairies called a tutorial, and in a sense they were returned as reborn people like the fairies promised.


    But they soon realized that just because they had been returned in one piece, all wasnt well. They were ced in a town called Kingsbury, which actually was a chaotic hodge-podge of 4 different cities mixed together into a cauldron of conflicting interests and goals.


    During the month of their absence all order copsed and chaos reigned supreme. Roving gangs of thugs terrorized their blocks, and rape and murder were justmonce events. It didnt even take an hour after returning before a group of men osted her.


    Luckily the tutorial had truly reforged her. A scenario that would have petrified her in the old world was only a small annoyance now. With a few quick attacks the group of thugsy on the ground with her not even taking damage. The thugs of Kingsbury just stayed in the safety of the town preying on other people, and likely werent even level 5.


    After the returnees appeared, it only took a few days for a new order to be enforced on the town. A few of the stronger cultivators allied and started a bloody cleansing, and soon held the poption in an iron grip. There was no government, no vote, only forced obedience. The leaders named themselves the Kingsbury Council and set themselves up as kings.


    Mackenzie and L followed Ruth, a 48 year olddy who they got to know a bit in the tutorial. She had been a cleaningdy before the integration, but now she heldmand over arge district, subduing any discontent with surprising brutality. Ruth was harsh, but she was the best of the bunch. None of those who stood out were saints, as they had all bathed in blood during the tutorial to get their current strength.


    It was actually due to one of the other councilors that Mackenzie and L decided to volunteer to scout out the undead problem that was spreading. They needed to get away from the town, and hopefully gain some strength while away. Harold was an insatiable old goat, and he already considered himself an emperor and had started amassing women for his harem. Some of them were willing to get the protection of a powerhouse as food was running scarce and monsters were roaming the outskirts of the town, but most reportedly were unwilling captives. There was a lot of discontent about his conduct but Harold was possibly the most powerful cultivator in Kingsbury, and even Ruth didnt dare to confront him outright.


    Of course, Harold was a jokepared to the people on the Ladder, like a flypared to giants. Especially her brother, the Super Brother-Man


    With a thundering swing Billy crushed the skull of the rat-like monster, grey smelly goop sshing all around. It was one of thest of their kind and he could finally catch his breath with deep guffaws. The whole field around him were filled with big holes from his mighty thwonking.


    The new world was good. Before, everything had been confusing andplicated. People had given Billy stinky eye all the time for no reason. But no one looked down on Billy now. Not even papa, not after the thwonk on his head set him straight.


    Billy didnt understand why so many didnt like the new world. It was so simple. Hit things on the head and they gave you money and made you stronger. But people hid behind the walls and cried instead of going out thwonking. People were the idiots, not Billy.


    Good work great chief! You are so strong. The name Billy is surely known around the world by now! a voice came from up on the wall.


    It was Nigel. Nigel was smart but dumb. He was smart because he understood Billy was a good chief. He was dumb because he didnt thwonk monsters with Billy, and instead stayed on the wall.


    I bet not even the Super Brother-Man is a match for you and your club Billy! See how thoserge rats got destroyed! Nigel continued, even waving the g of the town, Billyville.


    When Billy heard thepliment is back straightened a bit further and the bulging muscles on his huge frame swelled, but he soon shrunk back a bit.


    Super Brother-Man is probably super-strong, he has thwonked a lot more than Billy. But Billy is going to catch up, there are still many rats to bash, he said with the type of modesty that mama always said a gentleman should have. He really missed mama, but she was gone when Billy came back from the funny town with the mini-people. Nigel said that she had died, but Billy knew no monster would dare hurt such an angel.


    Billy really wondered who the Super Brother-Man was. It was a great name, and caused Billy to regret the one he chose, Thwonkin Billy. He really wanted to see who could swing a club the best. Having another smart friend to bash rats with would be great.


    Billy was right about the rats. There were so many of them and some help would be nice. He had tried counting them but he got a headache from it. They all came from that grey weird shining light in the distance. Nigel called it an incursion, but Billy preferred to call it a ratlight since it created rats and was a light.


    Nigel always told him that the thing needed to be closed for some quest, but Billy didnt care about any of that. He needed no reason for thwonking rats. It felt good, it gave money and made Billy stronger.


    Billy was truly in heaven.


    She moved through the forest, a flittering shadow between the trees. Any unsuspecting beast that came within a few meters were bisected into pieces by a quick sh.


    Thea was days from any back-up or civilization, but it was out here in the wilderness that she felt most at home. No politics and intrigue, only survival. She had hoped that the integration would make the world simpler, but it was anything but the truth.


    The Marshall-n went into overdrive the moment Earth was integrated, ever hungry for empowering the family. She was tired of it and had essentially be a nomad, fiercely battling in the wilderness non-stop since she came back. The pixies had called her a once-in-a-millennia genius, but she didnt care about any of that. She relished the feeling of bncing on the edge of life and death, pushing the limits of her power even further.


    Still, she was shocked when she saw the Ladder. Her tireless effort and fortuitous encounters seemed almost like a joke in front of that man. She thought herself the true elite of Earth, as no one in her tutorial town even came close to her aplishments. It only took her a week of grinding after the tutorial was over before she attained her ss, and it was of the Rare-rarity, something that was almost impossible to get.


    Yet she barely maintained the third spot on thedder. She had even pushed herself beyond what she thought was possible in order to catch up, refusing to lose to someone with such a stupid moniker. But no matter what she did he steadily increased the distance between them. Who the hell was the Super Brother-Man?


    She sighed and opened up her quest panel and stared at her newly acquired mission. Completing it might be her only option to pass that monster, but was it worth it?


    Order was crumbling. Thomas Fischer sat on the short-side of therge table and quietly stared at the troubled faces in the meeting room.


    What about recruitment? Thomas said with a sigh.


    80 Returnees, or cultivators as they call themselves, have signed up to the special government task force thest week, a bespectacled middle-ageddy answered. Unfortunately, most of them are in the lower tier who barely came out of the so-called tutorial in one piece. The stronger ones havergely stayed ambivalent, adopting a wait-and-see response.


    We need to get tougher! People are running around ying super-heroes. Or even worse, super-viins. We need to round them up. If they dont want to join and register, they need to be locked up! a robust scarred man shouted while thumping emphatically at the table. It was Hank, the representative of the army.


    Thomas was somewhat inclined to agree with him, but not really due to safety. The more powerful of these cultivators were setting themselves up as local lords,pletely ignoring the government. If this was allowed to continue, then Earths countries would just be a memory.


    What about the rankers? Have we located any of them? Thomas probed. Getting the support of a few of the rankers would hopefully once again legitimize the government in the eyes of the poption, and rebuilding work could begin in earnest.


    Why bother with them? The training program for the elite forces of the army areing along well, and there are cultivator servicemen who have reported for duty leading them. Soon we will have an army adapted to this so-called System. It is better to rely on patriotic soldiers than some war-lords who can betray us at moments notice, Hank interjected.


    Whats the average level so far among the trainees? Julia asked, breaking her hour-long silence. She was the newly appointed liaison with the unaffiliated cultivators, and one of the four cultivators herself in the meeting.


    The average level is 19, and we already have two people who have gained their sses, Hank answered proudly.


    How can youpare some fodder to the rankers? Any one of them is probably able to decimate your army in a minute. Julia said dismissively and turned back to Thomas.


    We have located 5 of the rankers so far. Rank 34, 58, 63 and 94 on the leveldder. We have also located Rank 87 and 99 on the wealthdder. Rank 87 is as you know the same individual as rank 34 on the Power Ladder.


    There are also about a dozen individuals who used their real name that we have identified with some certainty. Most notable is Thea Marshall of the Marshall-family, who is ranked 3rd on the level ranking. Unfortunately we do not know where these people are located at the moment, with the effects of the reshuffling still being mapped out.


    Any word on Super Brother-Man or Salvation? Thomas asked. Thea Marshall would be a good get for the government, but the Marshall n likely had their own ns in this new world order. And he didnt want to wage war against that ancient family when there were both the incursions and the new natives to worry about, so he could only turn his eyes toward the other two top rankers. Of course, neither of them seemed to be quite sane from their choice of pseudonyms, but one couldnt be picky after the apocalypse.


    The hesitant look in Julias eye was all the answer Thomas needed as he sighed.


    Next on the docket is the situation with our new neighbors to the west.

 Chapter 86: Ladders

    Chapter 86: Ladders


    Zac opened up his eyes after an hour of meditation. Alea sat next to him like an ever-present shadow, but even shecked the energy to bantertely. Even Zac felt exhausted after thest three weeks of wholesale ughter, and the demons were even in worse shape. He had killed thousands upon thousands of wolves in all shapes and sizes, as the waves unceasingly kepting once every hour from the start of the quest. In the beginning the wolves were just free money for the defenders, and each wave took between fifteen minutes to half an hour toplete.


    But their strength incrementally increased with every wave, and after hundreds of waves they barely managed to finish thest one before the next one arrived. Zac and Ogras had been forced to create rotating groups of the stronger demons, as there was a wave that actually caused a crack in the wall since almost everyone was resting.


    There were some good signs though. If he and Ogras were correct, they only needed to hold out for another 3 days before the first part of the quest waspleted. A new wave arrived at the hour unceasingly, and they needed to defeat 720 waves in a month. They had already cleared 641 waves in 3 weeks due to quickly finishing the early waves, and hoped that would mean that they got the rest of the month off until the next part of the quest started.


    Another good news was that Zac hadnt been forced to use any of his aces so far, with the walls and demons having been enough for now. Perhaps they would be able to finish the whole first part without any tools, which would save a lot of Nexus Coins for the next parts of the quest. Since it was getting incrementally harder he assumed that things would only get worse with the second and third horde.


    It was his turn to man the walls in just 10 minutes, so he started to get ready. He opened his status screen to check his progress before heading out.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>48</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early, Seed of Trees - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>248</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>125</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>165</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>108</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>62</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>21 281 353 </strong>


    He had gained a whole twelve levels from thest weeks of desperate struggle, which averaged to roughly a level every other day. He put all free points into dexterity until he reached a 2:1 ratio of Strength to Dexterity, and after that started putting points in Vitality. By now his build was far more bncedpared to before, and he wasnt a lopsided one-trick pony anymore. That didnt only go for attributes. He had battled every imaginable kind of wolf as ofte and gained tremendous battle experience in a very short time.


    Zac gained most of his levels in the first week of the monster horde, and it started to slow down considerably after that. Thest four days had gone by without a single level. When heined about it to Ogras, the demon got so agitated he started to spit after him. Apparently his leveling speed was out of this world. It had taken Ogras 5 whole years to reach the same level as Zac. Of course, Ogras wasnt pushing toward getting levels, but rather focused on the Dao and his body-grade. Otherwise it would have been a lot quicker.


    But if a cultivator didnt level through battle like he did, and instead only relied on their cultivation techniques, it would take years and years to get to this point. A few days ago he gained a new title which was quite telling about his life on the ind so far.


    <strong>[Butcher: Kill 100 000 beings in solo battle. Reward: Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence +3.]</strong>


    The absolute majority of those kills were the wolves from thest weeks, but he had been steeped in blood and gore constantly since the world changed.


    Next he opened thedder to see if any changes happened in thest few days.


    <strong>Ladder - Level</strong>


    <strong>Rank</strong>


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    1


    Super Brother-Man


    48


    2


    Salvation


    39


    3


    Thea Marshall


    38


    4


    Joker


    35


    5


    Enigma


    34


    6


    Dahlia


    34


    7


    Dillinger


    33


    8


    Thwonkin'' Billy


    33


    9


    Abbot Evesting Peace


    33


    10


    The Gravemaker


    32


    ...


    100


    Santiago


    30


    <strong>Ladder - Wealth</strong>


    Rank


    Name


    1


    Super Brother-Man


    2


    Smaug


    3


    Joker


    4


    Enigma


    5


    Thwonkin'' Billy


    6


    Salvation


    7


    Greed


    8


    Little Treasure


    9


    Thea Marshall


    10


    The Eternal Eye


    <strong>Ladder - Dao</strong>


    Rank


    Name


    1


    Abbot Evesting Peace


    2


    Guru Anaad Phakiwar


    3


    Thea Marshall


    4


    The Eternal Eye


    5


    Silverfox


    6


    Abbot Boundless Truth


    7


    Super Brother-Man


    8


    Father Thomas


    9


    John Doe


    10


    Daoist Chosui


    He had mostly memorized thedders by now, and the top ten spots didnt really change in thest few days. The ranking boards only showed the top hundred, and it was clear that a few frontrunners ware solidifying their position as future progenitors as Ogras called them. Beneath the true powerhouses were the elites, and it seemed the elites in the world should have gotten their ss a few weeks ago, and now were around level 30.


    When the Ladder was introduced the 100th spot on the leveling ranking had been level 27, which meant it took them roughly a week per level up until now. Beneath the top 20 the list was a lot more vtile, with people changing positions every day. He had also seen over a dozen names just suddenly disappear, which he assumed meant that they died.


    When he first checked thedder he found himself only two levels ahead of Salvation, which shocked him quite a bit. Certainly, he hadnt improved his level for over 40 days while in the mines, but he started out at level 16 with extremely boosted stats due to the lottery he was forced into. Furthermore, he had almost only killed incursion monsters who awarded an increased experience. Yet this Salvation, and to a lesser degree Thea Marshall, were right behind him in progress.


    That changed over thest few weeks though, as his level kept steadily increasing while they could only helplessly fall behind. Still, their speed was respectable, and Zac assumed they found great grinding spots as well, likely incursions with their improved experience rewards.


    The wealth ranking thankfully didnt broadcast the exact wealth people possessed, but it did show he was number one in that ranking as well. Surprisingly, the second spot belonged to someone who wasnt in either the Level or the Dao-rankings. He had named himself after the dragon in Lord of the Rings, so Zac assumed he alluded to the fact that he was sitting on a pile of treasure.


    Otherwise, there was some corrtion between the level-ranking and the wealth ranking, as everyone on the list mustve killed an enormous amount of beasts and farmed Nexus Coins. But the level rankers only ounted for roughly half the names on the wealth rankings.


    Ogras believed that it was due to dumb luck. Some individuals had found some great treasures and sold them in the System Shops that should have cropped up at various ces by now. Some might have scored millions of Nexus Coins just from one herb or rare metal. Neither Zac nor Ogras was sure how the System calcted wealth. Nexus Coins were a given, but what about his other treasures, such as his remaining Fruit of Ascension? What about the Creators Shipyard? Either of those were worth a fortune, far more than every coin he had gained so far. Calrin might know, but they hadnt visitedtely due to constantly being in battle.


    But even without those two treasures he wasnt too surprised about his number one spot. He gained over ten million nexus coins from the crystal mine, and another twenty million from thest three weeks of carnage. He had a hard time imagining anyone gaining coins at his speed.


    Last was the Dao-ranking. He was only ranked seventh on thatdder, even though he already acquired two Dao-seeds. He wasnt sure whether the ones above him somehow gained even more seeds, or if they managed to upgrade the ones they had. More interestingly, arge part of the rankers seemed to be spiritual people from the old world. There were priests, gurus, monks, and even a shaman represented on the list.


    He learned from Alyn that abination of meditation and study of fractals were the bestbination to improve the Dao, so it seemed that these individuals hit the ground running when it came to pondering the Dao. They were already quite used to meditation, and maybe even entered the System with certain useful insights.


    The Dao-list was also the only list that wasnt filled, with only 68 spots upied so far. There was a few that got added every day though, so Zac expected this list to be filled within the month. This list was also the one who moved the least. He had only seen one movement, where Thea Marshall instantly went from the 23rd spot all the way to the third. Ogras said she must have had an epiphany or a fortuitous encounter that gave her Dao a level up.


    Actually, the Dao ranking was the one that shocked Ogras the most. There only were 3 demons currently on earth who actually possessed a Dao ording to him. And two of them only gained their seeds after arduously meditating for years. Ogras believed that it was the Tutorial giving a huge hand in some way, otherwise only those who got Dao-seeds from quests like Zac should have touched the Dao this early.


    Zac was surprised to see that many of the top 10 individuals of the level ranking actually hadnt gained a Dao seed so far, not even the second-ce individual named Salvation. Zac didnt know whether that made him more or less scary, having reached that level without any Dao to assist and empower his or her skills. Actually, only he and Thea were the two people represented on all 3 lists, with his rankings slightly better.


    Finally Zac closed down the windows and got ready for work. Alea roused herself as well, and mutely followed behind him as he proceeded up to the wall walk. Ogras approached not long after Zac arrived at the top of the wall, the usualckadaisical attitude missing. He had a grim visage as he nodded toward Zac before once more looking out toward the battlefield. His hand didnt stop moving, and therge bristled wolves beneath died one by one.


    Third casualty this wave, he curtly said, worry evident in his eyes. The demon forces were limited, and every death hurt them in the long run. Over the course the whole monster horde quest it meant thousands of additional monsters the others would have to kill. Three deaths in three weeks might sound good, but only roughly 200 of the demons werebat sses. Three deaths were noticeable, besides the quest wasnt even one thirdpleted, and Zac could only assume it would keep getting worse.


    It wasnt that the wolves were extremely strong. Therge wolves beneath the wall could roughly be considered as strong as the monkeys in the mountains by now. But their numbers were endless, and the demons were tired. And tired people made mistakes.


    The wolves of this wave apparently were able to shoot out the bristles on their backs in a wide range attack that targeted both friends and foe. One demon had been unlucky and actually got skewered up on the wall from an errant flying bristle. Normally he should have been able to erect a defense or dodge in time, but he spaced out due to extreme fatigue.


    Zac only grunted in affirmation as he looked out over the battlefield. Most of the wolves were dead, with just a fewrge packs remaining. He could already see the next waves approach from the distance, so he didnt hesitate as he jumped down right among the bristled beasts. The impact killed 8 of them, not giving them any chance to shoot out their projectiles.


    With arge <strong>[Chop] </strong>he immediately created a circle of death, and then he methodically started killing the beasts with a nk look on his face. A few bristles flew in his direction, but they were no threat to him. The ones hitting his body he simply ignored since his clothes nullified the impact, and those flying for his head he blocked with his axe head.


    Just as he killedst of the Bristleback Wolves, as they apparently were called, the next wave was only a hundred meters away. These wolves were of average size and build, and had a greyish ck color. What made them stand out was that they actually looked a bit translucent as he saw them approach.


    Hesitant, he brought out a rock from a pouch andunched it like a rocket at one of the frontrunners. It was his standard movetely whenever a new wave of wolves approached. He started using it after wave 372, which had consisted of Wolves of KarKaVenum.


    He still had no idea what KarKaVenum was, but when he charged into the group of wolves and swung his axe in arge <strong>[Chop]</strong>, every single monster exploded in a huge shockwave upon death. The st from his swing almost killed him then and there, and after that he swore to be more careful.


    To his surprise the stone whizzed straight through the monster like it was a ghost. Zac got a sinking feeling as he saw the approaching horde, and without hesitation turned around and roared.


    ACTIVATE THE ARRAY!

 Chapter 87: Spectral Wolves

    Chapter 87: Spectral Wolves


    Ogras was quick on the uptake and he immediately shouted down the other side of the wall, where Janos stood next to arge crystal. The illusionist immediately activated the array with the help of a pile of Nexus Crystals, and with a deep hum a shimmering dome grew out of the ground, covering the whole inner area of camp Atwood. It reminded Zac of arge soap bubble, with prismatic colors covering the whole shield, slowly swirling about. But the observant watchers could see that the swirls werent really random, but rather followed some pattern, and that the stripes of colors were reminiscent of fractals.


    It was the <strong>[E-Grade Medium scale Town Defense Array]</strong>. It was Zacs first purchase with his wealth gained by the crystal mine. The town nners had gone over various other solutions, such as purchasing a defensive and offensive arrays separately, but the Town Defense Array simply gave an unparalleled bang for the buck at these low tier battles. In the future an established force would likely have tens of arrays avable, each designed for a specific defense or attack, but with their limited resources they went with the generalist approach.


    The only downside was that it cost quite a lot of crystals to operate. But with a crystal mine in his possession Zac wasnt too worried about consumption. Initially, its radius was roughly 50 meters shorterpared to the wall, creating an inner death-zone between the wall and the barrier. But after some adjustments, it grew to stop ten meters outside the walls, not allowing the spectral wolves ess to the fortifications.


    Zac took a few quick steps backward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, allowing him to cross over a hundred meters almost in an instant. He smoothly passed through the barrier without creating a ripple. The shield wasnt intelligent enough to distinguish friend from foe, but as the owner of the array he had some perks.


    Normally he would have preferred to keep the array at its original size and test whether the wolves could actually run through the wall, but there were too many tired demons up on the battlements at the moment. They were changing shifts with this wave, and everyone hadnt left their posts yet. Instead, he had to expend some money in order to ensure the group of demons heading further in to rest wouldnt be assaulted by these ghost wolves. They were wrung out and didn''t have the energy to resist anymore.


    Soon the beasts heedlessly mmed into the shield, some even dying from the impact. The shield was a product of the System itself, and didnt even flicker from the impact. The wolves werent disheartened, and started to w frenziedly at the translucent barrier, but it had no effect at all. After a few seconds it was obvious that these beasts only strong point was their incorporeal state.


    Zac didnt want to waste even more crystals by activating the offensiveponent of the array as well, and instead took out out his axe and headed out through the array once more. Attacks from the wall also started to fall down at the wolves through the barrier, as it only stopped things from going inside and not the other way.


    It immediately became clear what worked and didnt work with these things. The arrowheads helplessly embedded themselves into the ground after passing through the transparent bodies of the wolves, with a few exceptions. Any arrow that was imbued with some skill, such as lightning or darkness, had no problem killing the beasts. Meanwhile, the mages had no problems at all and gleefully peppered the wolves full of holes.


    Zac saw the same results. His axe just passed through the wolf it targeted, and it responded by trying to bite his free arm. Zac actually let it in order to see the result, and surprisingly it managed to grab a hold of the small of his arm. Its bite had no effect on Zac, and he felt that its power was only equivalent to the beasts on the 200th wave or somewhere around there.


    He charged a minimal amount of cosmic energy into the fractal on his hand, and a small edge from <strong>[Chop]</strong> appeared. It was barely as long as the normal edge, but it costs almost no cosmic energy. Normally there would be little benefit to using it like this, but with these particr wolves it was very effective.


    The wolves were like normal beasts to the edge created from cosmic energy as its head was split in two. However, no blood spurted out and the beast simply broke down into motes of darkness before it waspletely gone. Next he tried using only the Dao with his axe, and it worked as well in letting him kill the monsters. Obviously, the beasts would be extremely dangerous to normal humans, but against skills they were pretty weak.


    Still, the speed of whittling down their numbers was quite slow, as not all the demons possessed ranged skills. Those who were melee sses usually helped out by throwing rocks or shooting arrows from the wall when the battlefield was too dangerous, but now they could only helplessly stare on.


    Very few demons dared to pass through the barrier to fight head-on. It wasnt like the wall that had the gates or ropes hanging from it that would allow the demons to quickly retreat if needed. If they passed through they would be stuck on the battlefield until the barrier was lowered as they couldnte and go as they pleased like Zac.


    The longer the barrier stayed active the more crystals would be consumed, and Zac felt the need to end this battle quickly. He started to charge up his <strong>[Chop] </strong>skill until it was five meters long, then with a mentalmand the edge multiplied into five identical parallel edges. They were right next to each other with less than a centimeter between them, making the edge look like a thick block of fractals.


    Zac rapidly swung his axe horizontally five times, and with every swing one of the edges flew out in a different direction. Each de created a huge path of death, and Zac felt a constant torrent of cosmic energy enter his body as arge part of the battlefield turned into ck motes of light.


    The new attack was the result of constantly being in pitched battles for weeks. Both his <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> and <strong>[Chop] </strong>had improved once again, reaching Late Mastery. ording to Alea the mastery stages of skills were Early-Mid-Late-Peak before they reached their limits and needed to be upgraded, meaning the skills were close topletion.


    The improved <strong>[Chop] </strong>currently held stable at five meters instead of at one, and now allowed for multiple des to be created. Initially, he had only managed to create two, but as his control over cosmic energy improved from constant battle, the number of des he could maintain stably increased. The extra des had no purpose when they were attached, but greatly improved his area damage when he shot them away.


    <strong>[Chop] </strong>was more and more turning into an area skill, but it didnt really improve the power of his strikes. He would have to imbue his Dao into the des in order to improve the lethalitypared to a normal swing. Luckily area damage was just the thing he needed with the monster hordes, so he was quite happy with the improvements.


    Initially he wasnt sure what the point was of creating five des in this new manner since he could just create them one by one and shoot them out in session instead. But he realized that the Cosmic Energy consumption was a lot lower for copying an existing de rather than creating it from scratch for some reason. Creating five des the new way only required half the cosmic energypared if he created them one by one. East st he shot out usually killed a good amount of beasts, so being able tounch twice as many was a huge improvement.


    He hadnt really explored the effect of <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> yet, as he didnt have the luxury of spending cosmic energy on the training system with the hordes constantly requiring attention. He hoped hed get some days off where he could try it for a bit after the first horde was finished with.


    Zac spent a decent chunk of cosmic energy in quickly reaping the lives of arge part of the wave, which allowed the melee warriors to head out and help out with the remainder. Soon only a few stragglers remained and Zac could deactivate the shield. The shield was only active for roughly 30 minutes, but Zac knew that it cost him over a hundred thousand Nexus Coins. Even with hisrge number of kills from using his area attacks he knew he took a loss from this wave.


    Thats why he had refused to use the shield thus far, even though it cost the lives of a couple of demons. It might seem callous, but no one was stepping up to share the cost of maintenance, with everyone trying to amass as much wealth as possible from the waves.


    He could force them to hand over some the earnings, in a manual shakedown of sorts. But he didnt feel the need for that as of yet, and saw their gains as a sry. But if it came down to it he wasnt abovemandeering everything they had in order to protect his base. The demons were aware of this fact, and many even braved the dangers of the wolf hordes in order to burn all their cash at the Thayer Consortia when their pockets became heavy.


    Apparently Calrin was well aware of the situation and had hiked up the cost of the herbs needed for medicine baths to twice its normal prices, citing the troubles of restocking during war-time. Zac suspected was all baloney as the Gnome had ess to the Mercantile System, which allowed him to easily restock the supplies at any time.


    The demons could only grit their teeth and cough up their hard-earned Nexus Coins. Zac really looked forward the shareholders meeting of Thayer Consortia in two months when he would get his quarterly dividends from the proceedings. He had a feeling that the little gnome should have squeezed out an extraordinary amount of coins from the poor demons by then.


    Since the ghost wolf wave wasrgely dead the System quickly pumped out the next one, and the army went back to business as usual. This time it wasrge lumbering things that looked made out of rocks, and some even had moss growing on their wide backs. The wolves were easily thergest kind so far, each reaching over three meters tall, with the leader towering over five meters. It was a bit troublesome as the walls only stood at 8 meters, meaning that the huge thing might be able to reach the top, if it stood on its hind legs.


    The saving grace was that there only was a bit over a hundred of them, but each felt like a walking siege machine, and Zac started to wonder whether he should erect the barrier again before these hulking things started to break down the fortifications. Imagining the cost of maintaining the barrier with these monstrosities charging at it quickly helped Zac arrive at a decision, and he charged toward the wolves after the customary rock throw which only elicited an angry growl this time.

 Chapter 88: A day in the Wolf Horde

    Chapter 88: A day in the Wolf Horde


    Zac intercepted the group of wolves some distance in front of the walls, not wanting to give them a chance to ruin his fortifications. These hulking things really looked like they could cause a dent it the wall. Zac really wished that the walls were inscribed with protective inscriptions like the whole Shipyard, since then he wouldnt have to worry about this. Unfortunately, there was no one with the skillset to inscribe the wall among the demons.


    It was a recurring problem with the nonbat ss demons in AzhRodum. Only a handful possessed great proficiency or promise in their field, with the rest generally being assistants or simply untalented. Most of the more talented ones enjoyed almost the same level of reputation in the demon n as the warriors and decided to head back as their punishment would be bearable. That left arge number of people fumbling around, kind of like Zac. Ogras had obviously oversold thepetences of his people the first time they met.


    A huge rocky maw approaching woke him from his thoughts, and he sidestepped a few meters with his movement skill. His normal axes were much too small to do any real damage to these massive things, so he swapped it out for his huge elongated axe. He didnt want to use too much energy this wave, as he spent more than usual thest one.


    Fighting the monster waves was a marathon rather than a sprint, and conservation was key. He jumped up a few meters and with a grunt decapitated the huge monster. Rock chippings flew all about as the head fell down, and Zac felt that the cut barely was enough. The axe took noticeable damage as well from cutting into the hard monster even though it had strengthening inscriptions.


    Suddenly his Luck stat warned him of something approaching from behind and he immediately pushed to the side. It surprisingly was the head of the fallen beast. Or rather, it were a few smaller versions of therge rocky wolf that somehow was born out of the decapitated head. Zac was surprised but quickly killed them with a few swings.


    He looked over to the main part of the body and saw that it was starting to squirm. Soon over ten wolves were born through its various parts, the transformation creating jarring sounds of rock scratching against rock. These wolves were apparently like some type of matryoshka dolls, containing more monsters inside. Even worse, he saw the smaller version he just bisected once more turn into even smaller wolves, these ones the size of medium-sized dogs.


    After some deliberation, he chose to ignore these new smaller beasts and instead ran toward the next huge wolf. With arge jump he approached the next wolf from above, and at thest second he infused hisrge axe with the Dao of Heaviness. The swing contained the momentum and weight of a falling meteor, and not only was the beast cut in two but cracks ran all along its body.


    Arge surge of cosmic energy entering his body told Zac that the swing had destroyed a lot more than just a few beasts like hisst swing did. It seemed he needed to dorge scale damage to the rocks if he wanted to destroy the smaller versions along with the main body. Since most of the beasts in this one was dead, he proceeded to the next one. Therge ones were the real trouble, as they might be able to threaten his walls. After they split into multiple smaller targets their threat lessened greatly, and the demon army could handle that.


    Zac went from beast to beast and withrge swings destroyed one towering beast after another. Every time he infused the swings with the Dao almost half the monsters inside died as well due to cracks forming all over from the impact. After roughly a dozen wolves hisrge axe was starting to distort from the force, and he could only helplessly tuck it away, instead bringing out arge mallet. It was reminiscent of therge hammer a demon used on top of the mountain, and Zac found it pretty interesting when he raided the Demons armory.


    He still preferred using axes, but sometimes other weapons were simply more convenient. Blunt force was clearly the best tool against these beasts, and that wasnt something axes excelled at. Unfortunately Zac had problems using his Dao of Heaviness with therge mallet, but with his enormous Strength he only needed his body against these wolves.


    One by one therge wolves were decimated by Zacs approach, and he actually managed to destroy 80 of them before they reached the wall. Left behind in his wake were broken rocks and smaller wolves who resumed the approach.


    The demons on the wall had huge trouble destroying theserge beasts, as it took them an inordinate amount of effort to destroy another 10 of them. Helplessly they could only focus on the smaller ones, as they began a methodical dismantling. The number of wolves was staggering by now, as most of the wolves survived after Zac switched to the mallet.


    Thest surviving whole wolves heedlessly ran into the wall, creating huge impact that could be felt to the bone. Worst was the area where the boss rammed the wall, asrge cracks ran all the way to the foundation. The earth mages on top of the wall quickly stopped their attacks, and instead focused on mending the cracks before they spread any further. A few unlucky demons were even flung off the wall into the ground by the shockwave.


    After the initial impact, the normal wolves couldnt do too much damage. They scratched and bit the walls, and with every attack deep gouges were created. Still, it would take some time before they got through the thick walls, so Zac wasnt too worried about that. The boss was another matter.


    With surprising nimbleness, it backed away a bit and stood up on its hind legs. The monster was huge, reaching a fair bit over ten meters in height when it stood like this. It looked like bad news to Zac, forcing him to action even though he usually tried to ignore the boss as long as possible. He even swapped out the mallet for his usual axe, and charged up a <strong>[Chop]</strong> as he approached. With one quick motion he cut off one of the hind legs, but it was toote. The monster was already falling down toward the wall, and with a tremendous crash it mmed into it. Rocks from both the boss and the wall flew everywhere, and the shockwave forced even Zac back some distance.


    Luckily the wall was sturdy enough that a single bodym wasnt enough to destroy it. A section of the top wall was crushed though. Even worse, the boss created a sort of ramp up toward the other side, and it looked like most of the wolves were ready. They stopped their assault at the wall and charged toward the now unmoving boss.


    The fact that Zac gained almost no cosmic energy when he lopped off the leg told him that the boss was still alive, and simply kept still in order to let its minions over the wall. This put Zac in a predicament, as he didnt know whether to kill the boss or try to stop the invasion on its back. If he destroyed the boss the security breach would be fixed, but the next wave would spawn prematurely. Conversely, if he left it alive some demons risked dying from the onught.


    After some hesitation he started chopping off parts of therge boss, making the walkway along its back a bit thinner. He quickly stopped after the walkway was only three meters wide at most parts though, as he was afraid the System would count it as a kill if he continued on.


    After that he ced himself on the back of the wolf to meet the oing onught. Hundreds of stone wolves were converging on his location, and Zac destroyed them one by one as they approached. He once again took out a second small axe to dual-wield against the iing sea of wolves. He was like a grinder where wolves entered and small chunks of rocks exited. Every now and then some of the smaller wolves slipped through the cracks and ran past Zac up toward the wall. A second line of defense consisting of a few melee warriors had already formed behind Zac though, and they were quickly dealt with.


    The other demons werent idle either, as they bombarded the wolves below. Zacs actions created a chokepoint, and the wolves trying to get up their leaders back were packed tightly along the wall. Any attack was having great efficiency as it was essentially impossible to miss by now. A group of warriors also scaled the wall down to ambush the wolves from behind as they all tried to move toward Zac.


    The number of wolves was steadily decreasing, and the battlefield was starting to fill with rocky debris. It was worst around Zac as most of the action was centered around there. It was actually starting to create a problem, as every death added onto their boss, and the wolf-ramp was growing wider and sturdier as the battle went on.


    It was getting increasingly hard for Zac to kill everything that tried to get up without expending any cosmic energy, as he simply had trouble reaching both sides of the widening ramp. Every now and then he stomped the ground with a Dao-Empowered Foot, creating a smallndslide of rocks and gravel. It helped to somewhat ay the problem, but it was only dying the inevitable.


    Stash the rocks into Cosmic Pouches! Zac shouted behind him, and a few demons moved forward toply. He had actually attained the <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong> some time ago by using contribution Points.


    The skill wasnt avable in his Nexus Node, so he was quite excited to see the skill in the temporary contribution shop. The shop was actually another crystal that spawned close to his camp, along with a huge monitor that listed the rankings of contribution. It only showed the top 10 though.


    The skill cost a weeks worth of Zacs contribution points, but he felt it was worth it. Communication was getting more important as the waves got harder and some teamwork was needed. Besides, he would need the skill soon anyway when he set out from the ind. He had no idea who hed meet when he left since the world had gotten randomized, and it would be quite frustrating if he finally met humans but couldntmunicate with them.


    The wave was finally starting to thin out, but the battle on top of the boss had continuously caused damage and cracks to the hulking beast they stood on. Finally, some threshold was passed, as Zac saw the portals start pulsating in the distance. Since there was no reason to be careful anymore Zac ordered the demons to back up to the wall again.


    Next he charged up a huge fractal de on each of his axes, and even empowered them with the Dao of Heaviness, turning the des darker and giving them a palpable pressure. With a roar he swung down on the boss below, and the power from his swingspletely decimated the beast and everything along with it.


    Thending that had umted over time from the kills waspletely destroyed as the strikes made debris fly in all directions, and even the closest wolves were thrown away. He immediately removed the Dao empowerment from the des but kept them up for a few seconds as hepletely destroyed any remainders of the siege. It would be impossible for the nonbat sses to pick up all these small pieces of gravel so he had to spread them out as much as possible.


    Tens of the stone wolves were caught up in Zacs wide swings, and along with the efforts of the demons less than ten percent remained. Finally content Zac let the fractal edges dissipate as he turned toward the next wave that was already approaching. These wolves had a washed-out cyan coloring, and the ground actually froze to ice where their feet touched as they ran. Zac sighed as he picked up one of therger rocks from the ground and moved toward the iing wave.


    The day was far from over.

 Chapter 89: The Final Four

    Chapter 89: The Final Four


    As the days passed the fights got increasingly desperate. Zac had improved quite a bit over thest weeks enabling him to pick up some of ck. But the same thing couldnt be said about the demons. He was surprised to hear that most of the demons that entered the incursion were actually level 75 already, stuck in the first bottleneck. Their current power was around a level 50, or a level 30 elite. This made Zac realize that levels were only a half-decent indicator for actual power.


    The continuous battling was a crucible that let a few warriors push through their limits and improve their skills. There had even been a few warriors who gained a Dao-Seed in their desperation. A nondescript demoness gained the Seed of Tinder, and her fireballs suddenly created waves of death as the mes quickly spread into their surroundings. But it wasnt enough.


    Ogras was truly impressive, both in the number of his kills and his leadership. Over the weeks his role as the leader of the demons went from something born out of fear into willing submission. Unfortunately Ogras didnt have the inhuman Endurance and Vitality of Zac, and as the fights got more intense the shorter amount of time he was able to keep going.


    Initially the two split the fighting 50-50, giving both sufficient rest, but now Zac fought in 75 percent of the waves. In some waves he simply acted as a back-up to the tired Ogras, but the other waves he was forced to almost single-handedly carry.


    Just in thest day Zac had been forced to activate the shield on eight of the waves, rapidly draining his crystal reserves. One of the waves he actually decimated with the offensiveponent after letting everyone rest for a full 59 minutes.


    In a perfect world he would have done that in every single wave for half a day, but it, unfortunately, was impossible. The offensive attack took twelve hours to recharge and cost 2500 crystals to use. Even though he had a crystal mine to his name, the actual amount of crystals he had on him wasnt toorge, so he had to use the attack sparingly.


    Zac was running quite low on crystals, even though Ogras reluctantly fished out a surprising amount of them a week ago. They were his private hoard he kept as long as possible. Zac regretted that he traded so many of them for Nexus Coins prematurely. He was afraid the whole wave woulde in one go instead of the incremental way the wolves had, and splurged on the array and a few offensive options to be able to meet a storm of beasts.


    Only afterward did he know that he was wrong, and Ogras was as surprised as he was. It was easy for him to sometimes see the Demons as some omniscient beings, but Ogras was only a youth from a D-Ranked world just like him. There were an endless amount of things he didnt know the specifics of either.


    Zac had even gone to buy back some of what he sold to Calrin, prepared to eat a loss. He was dismayed to learn that Calrins reasons for hiking up prices of herbs werent actually purely a business tactic. There apparently were restrictions put in ce the moment the waves started and the protective shields of the shop were erected. The System stopped the trade of certain items, and crystals were one such thing.


    Crystals were used in powering most powerful arrays and war machines, and Calrin said he believed the reason for the embargo was that the system didnt want people to finish hard quests with money alone. It made sense, as the beast horde quest would be a joke if Zac had unlimited funds. He could just sit on top of the wall and watch as powerful arrays ripped the wolves to shreds. He had seen the terrible power of the arrays the one time he activated the offensive functions. The sts left nothing alive of that wave.


    He already had an advantage from possessing the mine and the knowledge of the demons. Without either the quest would be far harder, but still manageable. Unfortunately the restrictions on trade meant that Zac couldnt just keep the array active for thest four hordes. His remaining crystals simply wouldnt be enough.


    Just four more waves, a voice said next to him as Zac stood on the wall. It was Ogras who looked umonly rested. Both he and Zac had taken it somewhat easily thest day even though the waves were getting quite extreme, which was partly why he had been forced to use the shield so much. The two could only assume the finale would be pretty bad from the esction of difficulty.


    Zac grunted in affirmation as he threw rocks at the stragglers of the wave below. These wolves were extremely thin and excelled in speed, so Zac only managed to hit them every ten throws or so. He could have gone down but these wolves were actually quite dangerous. Their ws were razor-sharp and together with their speed one of them actually managed to cut a wound on Zacs throat before he managed to react. He had quickly climbed up the walls again after the scare.


    If the wolves were a bit faster the wave would have been really cmitous. With their amazing speed and light frame they actually managed to run up most of the wall before being impeded by gravity. A few actually made it all the way, but they were quickly ganged up on before they could orient themselves and do any damage.


    The rest had slowly been dealt with using quantity over quality. The monsters were too deft to target so the demons simply focus fired certain congested areas, pelting it with spells and arrows. A whole area with a radius of fifty meters quickly became a zone of death, and even these quick wolves couldnt escape.


    Still, the elusive wolves took time to kill, and some still were running about below the wall even as the summoning of the next wave approached, every so often trying to scale the fortifications. The portals in the distance pulsated, which signaled the next waves arrival.


    Soon the 717th wave was approaching. These wolves looked quite normal, apart from the fact they werepletely white, making them look albino. But instead of the red eyes that usually apanied that condition even their eyes were without any color, making them look blind. The only exception to the monochromatic color scheme was a perfect ck circle in their foreheads.


    They trotted toward the wall in a uniform speed, not heedlessly charging like most of the waves did. When they were a few hundred meters they suddenly stopped and let out a synchronized howl toward the defenders.


    The sound pierced into Zacs ears and he immediately got woozy. He forcefully refocused his mind and looked at the surroundings, and saw most of the demons hunkered over. Many bled from their eyes or ears as well, a testament to the prating power of the howl.


    Mental attack, Ogras hoarsely said, his eyes a bit red from the impact. He nced at Zac who seemedpletely unperturbed by the assault. Jeez, just how high is your Intelligence? Such a synchronized attack didnt even affect you.


    Zac ignored thement as usual. Ogras tried to dig out some information about Zacs ss and attributes every so often through innocuousments. Zac didnt trust himself to weave a believable of lies and then keep track of it, and could only stoically ignore the remarks. He instead focused on the psychic wolves in the distance, and suddenly his eyes turned into a needlepoint.


    DOWN! Zac roared on top of his lungs, and most demons immediately threw themselves at the ground. Over the past weeks most learned to trust Zacs nose for danger, and wouldnt hesitate to follow hismands. However, a few were still dazed by the mental attack, and they paid dearly for it.


    Another earth-shattering howl somehow created an enormous shockwave that pushed toward the fortifications with lightning-quick speed. In just over a second it closed the distance to the wall, ripping the straggler wolves from thest wave to shreds on the way. The wave mmed into the wall with a tremendous impact and the only thing stopping the demons from falling off was the protruding wall on the inner side of the wall walk. Multiple cracks ran along the fortifications, and some parts evenpletely crumbled.


    The few demons who hadnt reacted in time met miserable ends as well. Some at least managed to activate one type of defense or another, such as stone skin or a magic shield. But the defenses quickly shattered as the demons were thrown off the wall into the distance, their life, and death unknown. The demons who hadnt even erected defenses immediately turned to mangled pieces of flesh and bones that sttered their teammates.


    Fucking imbeciles Ogras muttered as he shook off a piece of brain matter that had fallen on his legs. He had been the first to throw himself to the floor, his survival skills simply impable as always.


    We cant let them shoot off another st like that, the wall willpletely crumble, he continued as he turned toward Zac.


    The shaking from the impact quickly subsided and Zac hesitantly looked up over the wall. The wolves simply stood rooted at the same position as before, their white eyes staring at him. Not one of them took a single step forward, and they seemed to be waiting for something.


    Zac guessed that it took some time to charge a st of that power, but he didnt want to find out how long. This race of wolves clearly preferred ranged attacks, and if they were left alone they would quickly turn the whole wall into rubble.


    He didnt dare erect the shield as well, as he wasnt sure that it could even withstand such a concentrated attack. It was one thing for it to defend against a multitude of ws and bites, but to withstand the concentrated power of hundreds of fused attacks at once? Zac felt doubtful. Even if it held it would take a massive amount of crystals just to defend against an attack of that magnitude, and Zac might find himself without the use of the fortifications against the next three waves.


    We need to go, Zac simply said and got ready to jump over the wall.


    What the fuck, are you crazy? Ogras immediately said, clearly unwilling to brave such an army.


    Zac only ignored him and jumped down, creating a thud as hended. At least there were no wolves of thest wave remaining standing after the st wave. He unhesitantly charged straight for the ranks of the psychic wolves. As he started running he heard an exasperated Goddamnit and a lighter thud behind him.


    With a wry smile, he kept running and took out a huge boulder from his pouch. It weighed a few hundred kilos and looked like something a catapult should throw rather than a human. Zacunched it straight into the middle of the pack with a resounding roar, wanting to disrupt their rhythm.


    A shimmering shield actually winked into existence in front of the group, and the boulder mmed into it with a terrifying force. The shield wobbled and flickered from the impact, but it barely held true. But just as the stone helplessly fell to the ground a ck javelin mmed into the very same spot, cracking the shield with a snap. As therge shield broke and many wolves let out a pained yelp.


    The wolves magical defenses were down and an opening was created. One human and a demon rushed inside, each creating a storm of blood.

 Chapter 90: Worsening Conditions

    Chapter 90: Worsening Conditions


    The psychic wolves werent as deadly in close quarters, but Zac still was constantly pelted with waves of mental attacks which strained his mind. Fortunately his stats made him able to barely hold on, but he was worried about his partner. A quick nce showed him that he was worried about nothing.


    Ogras was creating corpses all around him with his deadly spear. Zac also saw that the demon wore a circlet he had never seen him use before. It was a simple metal band with engravings, and in the forehead between his horns arge milky white gem was iid. The gem shed with power every now and then, giving out a hazy light. It looked like the demon had a tool that protected him from psychic attacks.


    Zac didnt have that kind of luxury, and could only painfully withstand the attacks as he wildly swung his axe around. The two were quickly decimating wolves, but the wolves werent just sitting around doing nothing. The nks of the wolf wave split off from the rest while the main group kept the two powerhouses busy, and instead headed closer to the wall.


    Zac tried to move to stop them, but was overwhelmed with shockwaves and mental attacks from all directions, and couldnt get out in time. The offshoots started to bombard the wall with attacks, mainly targeted the damaged area.


    The demons on the wall, led by Alea and Namys, tried to handle the wolves as quick as possible, but most of the attacks were ineffective against the wolves newly erected shields. Besides, many warriors on the walls werent still back to fighting condition after the initial psychic st.


    Hearing the ominous sounds of rock cracking Zac could only grit his teeth and Summon <strong>[Chop]</strong>. He didnt want to use any cosmic energy this wave in order to save it all for thest three, but he saw no option. He expanded the des to five meters, and in conjunction with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>created huge swathes of death in the main group of wolves.


    Every step moved him a few meters into a new group of wolves, who immediately were bisected by a swing of the enormous edge, before he disappeared to the next cluster. It looked likerge blood explosions erupted amongst the wolves in quick session, as he almost wasted no time on movement between the swings.


    Over the countless battles over the month he had mostly mastered his movement skill, and could freely move within a few meters of his position with a speed that almost looked like teleportation. It had a huge effect on his kill speed in conjunction with his erged edge, but it also cost a substantial amount of cosmic energy.


    When he felt he had pruned the group of wolves to the point that Ogras could take care of it himself within the remaining time of the wave, he charged toward the offshoot groups. Ogras seemed to be incensed from seeing Zac rack up a huge amount of contribution points in short order, and his spear turned into a blur as he moved through the wolves. He used some odd skill that caused holes to erupt in the throats and heads of wolves even when the spear was meters away, making it look like there was a sniper in the distance assisting him.


    The nks that assaulted the wall had splintered into even more groups in order to avoid the attacks from the demons, and small shockwaves were constantly flying up at the cracks on the wall. The wall looked ready to fall down, with spiderwebs of cracks running alongrge stretches. A few earth mages frantically infused the wall with energy in order to patch it up, but it would take some time to restore its structural integrity.


    In some areasrge chunks of the wall were even lying down by the foundation, having been sed clean off. Fixing thoserge breaches would take time and require a lot of manpower to lift the pieces back, which there obviously was no time for.


    The battle started calming down over time, as Zac eased the pressure for the demons by charging at the wolf packs one by one and decimating them. He was starting to get a pounding headache from all the mental assaults, but he couldnt do anything but grit his teeth and continue. Another fifteen minutester Ogras came running over, a sheen of perspiration covering his head. He stopped and took a few deep breaths before he turned


    Lunatic! Leaving me alone with all those beasts, the demon spat out between deep breaths, looking miffed but obviously not too angry.


    Well it worked out fine, didnt it? Do you have some solution for the wall? Zac answered with a shrug as he waved at the crumbling battlements.


    The two had taken stock of the avable crystals right before thest four waves, and there were enough Nexus Crystals left to power one widespread attack and to use the shield for roughly an hour unless the attacks were too powerful. With three waves remaining he didnt wish to start using the shield already, potentially leaving them undefended against thest two waves.


    As if feeling Zacs thoughts a deep rumbling could be heard from the wall, and a whole section crumbled, leaving a three-meter wide opening through the wall.


    FUCK! Zac screamed and didnt wait for Ogras answer, immediately running toward the breach.


    Thest stragglers of the psychic wolves were already converging at the hole as well, seemingly wanting to cause some damage before they were wiped out. To make matters worse the pirs started pulsing again at this very moment, the 718th wave starting to pour out from the shining lights.


    REPAIR THE WALLS! Ogras roared as he ran after Zac, shooting out shadow spears at the charing psychic wolves.


    With Zac and Ogras holding up the wolves a few dozen burly demons frantically started movingrge pieces of rubble back into the wall, where earth mages melded the pieces back into the main structure. The earth mages had been tapped hardtely, and they looked like walking corpses by now,pletely pale and with sunken eyes.


    But they were the only ones who could fix these types of things in short order, and simply had to keep going even if they overtaxed themselves. They knew that if the wall fell most demons would die. If they were overrun the two leaders in the front might be able to escape, and perhaps the generals like Alea and Ilvere as well. But the earth mages didnt specialize in escape techniques, and the wolves would hunt them down sooner orter. So they kept infusing the wall with cosmic energy, to the point of harming their bodies.


    Ilvere and Namys appeared next to Ogras, who started to give out orders.


    Ilvere, help with the repair of the walls, only you and Zac can hold thergest blocks of stone while they get reattached. Namys, help me control the remaining Psychic Wolves. Zac, can you go ahead and try to stall the next wave?


    Zac looked around for a second and judged the situation was under control, so with a nod he sped off toward the next wave. He held roughly the same pace as the new wolves so he met them right between the wall and the mini-incursions and frowned when he saw the new adversaries.


    The new wave consisted of metallic wolves full of jutting edges and sharp des, looking like some steampunk tool of war. Just from a nce he couldnt tell whether they actually were machines or living beings. Of course, that line apparently was a bit blurred in the multi-verse, with the Creators being a prime example of that. He guessed that destroying one should give him the answer, as he would see whether parts or metallic blood would spew out.


    He took out another rock and threw it with full force at one of the wolves in the front. It moved its head to not take the stone right in its snout, so it mmed into its shoulder with a tremendous crash. The wolf was thrown away a few meters from the impact, but Zac saw the beast shake its body and get back on its feet right away. Where the stone hit only a small dent could be seen, and it didnt seem damaged at all apart from that.


    Zac possessed over 250 strength by now and had the power to lift a small car. That a full-powered throw from him only caused some superficial damage to the beast told a troubling story about this wave. How were they going to destroy these wolves in time? There would only be a scant few that could deal with these things apart from himself and Ogras.


    But he had a job to do so he could only grit his teeth. He charged up a five-meter <strong>[Chop] </strong>and unhesitantly imbued it with his Dao of Heaviness. The de turned darker and more intricate as he swung at the iing stampede.


    He felt a shock travel up his arm as he mowed through the metallic beings with his axe, their sturdiness being far and above anything he had fought so far. Even the rock wolves from earlier werent any problem for him with his overpowered stats.


    Luckily the wolves didnt fare any better as they were destroyed into metallic pieces over the ground. Zac did everything he could to impede the charge expending both mental and cosmic energy in wreaking havoc. Many of the wolves headed straight for Zac in order to avenge their brethren, but some still ignored him and continued onward toward the wall.


    Some packs kept trickling past him as the main force kept trying to mob him to death, and after 15 minutes he was pretty wrung out and needed a break. His arm was actually starting to feel sore and he had been forced to swap axes six times in the short duration, as they simply were getting destroyed on the tough bodies.


    He started to push back toward the wall, and he could only hope that it was somewhat fixed at least. Unfortunately, he saw that it was still an open entrance, and the metallic wolves were trying to get in. At least the hole was mostly shored up, the opening being quite a bit more shallow.


    Zac soon arrived at the breach and met a tired-looking Ogras apanied by Namys and Ilvere. A quick nce showed Janos and Alea at a walkway that was built above the crack, giving the demons above a spot to throw downrge boulders of debris at the monsters. The boulders were too heavy to be carried, but they simply used Cosmos Sacks for it, summoning them up above and letting gravity do the rest.


    These fuckers are so hard to kill, theres no way we will be able to take down all of them, Ogras grunted, clearly starting to fade from his high Cosmic Energy expenditure. The two demons looked ready to keel over, but they coordinated their attacks to take down one wolf by one in a stoic manner.


    Zac nted himself in the crack, and helped arduously destroy one wolf after another. Eventually, they ran out of time, even as quite a few wolves remained. The pirs started to light up as usual, but this time it looked different. The glow looked almost blinding, and soon Zac saw why.


    The 719th wave was an endless sea of wolves, tens of thousands of them. And even as they approached the wall, the pirs kept spewing more out.

 Chapter 91: Lightning Punishment

    Chapter 91: Lightning Punishment


    RETREAT! Zac unhesitantly roared as he saw the insane amount of wolves approaching. If he had to guess he would say that the System crammed 20-30 waves worth of wolves into one.


    The demons immediatelyplied and moved down from the wall to a far lower one roughly 50 meters further in. It could barely be called a wall, not even reaching three meters in height, and was rather a purchase to gain a bit better vantage when fighting. The wall wasnt made to physically rebuff enemies, but rather it was there as a line of demarcation, showing where the Town Defense Array would cover.


    Soon only Zac, Ogras and his two confidantes were holding off the remaining metallic beasts as the rest had moved back to safety.


    Ogras looked a bit hesitant as he turned to Zac.


    Are you sure about this?


    In response Zac only nodded and took out a blue ss ball out of his pouch, not stopping his attacks with his other hand. The ss ball crackled with lightning, as though a thunderstorm was caught and crammed inside the bauble.


    Alright. See you on the other side friend, Ogras said with a solemn expression as he nodded to the other two demons. They rapidly moved backward, leaving Zac alone in the crack facing a sea of wolves.


    Soon after thest three demons were inside the defensive array flickered into being, covering the inner area of Port Atwood. Zac instead moved out toward the iing waves. Some of the metallic beasts charged after him, while some tried to w their way into the array.


    As Zac pushed forward he started to infuse the ss ball with cosmic energy, making the thunder inside flit about more and more erratically. After roughly two minutes arge part of Zacs remaining cosmic energy was consumed, but finally a change happened in the ball. It was as though it had reached critical mass, and started to absorb a huge amount of cosmic energy from the environment itself.


    The ball started to flow in the air on its own, and Zacs both hands were freed to protect the device. It would take a few more minutes before it was ready. He stayed put and mindlessly killed any wolf that came close, and he was surprised to see that he recognized many of the wolf-types from things he had fought during the past weeks.


    It was like the System had summoned an all-starbination of the wolf-waves for the 719th assault. Zac was pelted by all types of attacks, but luckily his E-Grade robe protected him from most of it. As he fought the sky started to darken, and ominous rumblings echoed out through the ind. A huge bolt of lightning shed, and suddenly the hovering ball next to Zac was gone. He knew his mission waspleted and started to bolt toward the protective array with full speed, not caring about the wolves anymore.


    As he ran the battlefield turned almost pitch ck from huge dark clouds that amassed with impossible speed, and then all hell broke loose. Huge pirs of lightning mmed into the ground all around the area, frying any unlucky wolf that was too close. But that was only the start as the chaos kept intensifying.


    The area was sted with such an amount of lightning bolts that the whole southern tip of the ind was brightly lit up. The ground crackled and exploded at every ce the boltsnded,pletely destroying any wolf corpses or fortifications strewn about. In some areas the lightning was so intense that they started to spread along the ground, creating what looked likekes made out of lightning. Thesekes kept expanding, creating a field of death for anything caught inside.


    Zac desperately ran toward safety, shocked about the efficacy of the device. It sounded mighty from the description when he bought it for 3 000 000 Nexus Coins, but he hadnt expected it to be of this scale. Of course, something like this would only work on dumb beasts who refused to flee. The area of attack even spread toward the array, and lightning bolts mmed into the shield every now and then, making it light up.


    The ball Zac used was actually a purely offensive array that he bought as preparation for the monster wave called <strong>[E-Grade Medium Scale Lightning Punishment Array]</strong>. Different from the offensive capabilities of the Town Array it was a one-time usage attack. It was an array that consumed itself to summon the monstrous cloud in the sky that would rain death and destruction over the area.


    It was Zacs ace in the hole that he had hoped to keep until thest wave, and finish it off with a bang. But he immediately knew there was no way for them to manually kill the endless amount of wolves that spawned out of the wave, especially not with the wall in shambles. They would have been tired out then overrun from the numbers.


    An acute sense of danger warned Zac, who immediately used <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to move away as far as possible. Soon after he heard the ground explode behind him from a lightning bolt, but he didnt bother turning around. He was closing in on the safety of the array.


    The lightning actually kept increasing, and Zac was forced to keep dodging the bolts. But even with his movement skill he didnt came out unscathed as the lightning ran along the ground between two nearby bolt, shocking Zac on the way.


    His world turned white for a second and he stumbled, but he shook himself awake and continued. It felt like he was cooked from inside, and the pain was even worse than the ck lightning arcs that the main branch demons used. He was forced to eat a few more secondary sts of lightning before he finally threw himself through the array and fell down panting.


    Smoke was rising from his body, and the short hair that had grown outtely was singed clean off, once again turning him into a bald monk. After a few steadying breaths he got up and turned toward the battlefield. Now that he wasnt running for his life he could actually properly inspect the lightning storm, and the sight was truly exceptional.


    He felt it was a joke he considered Rydels final attack to be a punishment from heaven. This was what real heavenly thunder looked like. It was as though the god of thunder himself wanted to smite this whole part of the ind out of existence as huge bolts unceasingly mmed into the ground.


    He looked up and saw that the cloud was spread a bit further than he had hoped, and errant bolt kept mming into the shield. He winced with every st, as he knew that each time lightning struck the shield it cost him Nexus Crystals.


    Good hustle, human Ogras said as he approached with his trademark half-smile. I didnt expect the lightning punishment to be this intense. It might be because theres a Nexus Vein beneath the ind.


    Zac nodded and brought out a canteen of water that he poured over himself, the water cooling his singed body.


    Im not sure the crystals willst, the demon then added with a low voice, his face turning somber. The amount of lightning striking the shield is more than we expected.


    Are the rods ready? Zac asked in response.


    The demon nodded and waved toward the small wall, that now was adorned with five-meter tall metal spears jutting out at some intervals, leading down into the ground. It was lightning rods they had asked the cksmith create in case the lightning got out of control.


    Lower the power to the shield and it mightst longer, Zac sighed.


    Ogras nodded and waved toward Janos, who still was managing the shield. He touched therge crystal ball and soon the shield dimmed somewhat.


    Move away from the wall! Ogras shouted, and people spread out some distance from the wall.


    Even with weakened energy output the shield defended against most of the lightning bolts. Every now and then a crack was sted open, letting a few slip through. Luckily they harmlessly entered the rods, who pushed the lightning down into the ground, until the shield repaired itself again. However, it was clear that each rod would only be able to take one or two of these magical bolts of lightning, as they partly melted from a strike.


    They didnt have to worry about the metallic wolves outside either, as they had been the focus of the lighting since the start due to theirposition. They were quickly reduced to molten pools of metal on the ground outside.


    Finally, the lightning bolts started to subside and the skies cleared up with noticeable speed. Zac and Ogras finally dared to exit the shield to look at the result. They quickly moved up to the mostly ruined wall and surveyed the battlefield. Even Ogras looked shocked by what they saw. The scene was like something taken out of a horror story. Thousands upon thousands of mangled and burned carcasses covered the ground, which by itself was burnt and pocked.


    Zac was surprised to see that only one pir of light remained in the distance. Had the Lightning Punishment even destroyed the portals? As if sensing that the offensive arrays onught had ended thest incursion started pulsing and out walked a humongous beast. It was the 720th beast wave, and it was theplete opposite of thest one. As soon as the monstrous wolf walked out of the portal it winked out of existence.


    The wolf looked abyssal with six pitch-ck eyes and a much toorge maw. It actually gave Zac the same vibes as the demonic beasts he had fought so far on the ind and he turned toward Ogras and found him looking pale.


    E-Grade Fiendwolf, Ogras eximed with some fear evident on his face.


    From your homeworld? Zac asked, as Ogras clearly recognized the monster.


    No, but it lives within demon territory. They are extremely dangerous. Luckily theres only one. Usually, they rove inrge packs of thousands. Still, its going to be a tough fight. Its evolved to E-rank, and possess at least one Dao Seed.


    The wolf started approaching and let out a demonic roar that echoed through the battlefield. The howl felt like a physical blow to Zac, and he saw that some bloody gashes actually appeared on Ogras who lost his bnce.


    The wolf swiped its ws toward the two, and even though there were two hundred meters between them Zac felt a terrifying sense of danger. He immediately grabbed the falling Ogras and unhesitantly jumped down from the wall.


    As hended he heard a swishing sound from above, and the next second the wall was simply blown away, cut into multiple pieces. A terrifying wave continued on and mmed into the shield, instantly destroying it.


    Dao of Sharpness Zac muttered, convinced that it should be the Dao Seed he had been trying to gain for so long. He realized the wave of destruction from the sharp ws felt very familiar, and he was sure that it had the added feeling of the Dao of Sharpness he once sensed in his first vision.


    It''s too strong. E-Rankers are simply different from us unevolved. We should give this one up, human, Ogras muttered as he spat out some gravel from his mouth.


    But Zac paid him no heed, as he stood up and red at thest Wolf who stood between him and his goals.

 Chapter 92: Fiend Wolf

    Chapter 92: Fiend Wolf


    The wolf obviously was able to do great damage from such a distance, so there was no point in hiding behind the wreckage of the walls. Zac didnt have any more tools or arrays to take care of it, so he would have to finish thisst wave by hand. He took out an axe and charged toward the beast with determination in his eyes.


    The fiend wolf spotted him and with a mighty roar set of against him as well. As they approached each other the boss once more swiped with its w making three edges rend a path toward him. In response Zac charged up five <strong>[Chop]</strong> edges andunched them to meet the des one by one.


    The wolfs attack demolished the first de without being impeded in the slightest, and the following four des didnt fare much better. The five des somewhat slowed down the attack and weakened it, but it was nowhere enough to stop it. It forced Zac to use his movement skill to dodge it, happy that at least his axe didnt take damage from using the cosmic energy des after they detached from the axe.


    The attacks of the wolf were on a higher tierpared to his own, and he didnt know whether it was due to the Dao of Sharpness or the power of the beast itself. He knew that evolving into an E-Grade ss was supposed to give a huge power-boost, but he still felt he should be able to contend with his enormous stat boosts from his titles. Luckily his movement skill was great for dodging attacks, and he sidestepped the iing strike.


    Soon he was upon the beast, and it felt even more threatening this close. It was evenrgerpared to the huge rock wolves he fought some time ago, reaching over six meters in height. But that clearly wasnt its only difference. The very air around it hummed with power, and he actually felt himself getting cut by innumerable air des. Some small cuts even appeared on his body with his huge Endurance, so Zac knew that an unevolved human would be cut into ribbons by simply walking close to this monster.


    It was the beasts Dao Field. Ogras and Alyn had exined the magical effects of Dao in battle. For example when a warriors insight got deeper he could actually spread his Dao out into the vicinity, creating a field that empowered himself or hurt his enemy. An early-stage Seed was too weak for that though, meaning this wolf not only possessed the Seed of Sharpness, it was also an evolved version.


    He moved underneath the monster, careful to avoid its long serrated ws that looked like they could bisect him in a second. He quickly summoned <strong>[Chop]</strong> and swung at one of its hind-legs in an effort to chop it off. He had no wish to stay in this field too long, as hed be slowly whittled down to just bones.


    The five-meter edge mmed into the leg some ways above the knee and prated into the thick sinewy muscles. But the axe didnt get far before it was stopped. Even with Zacs monstrous power he couldnt lop off its leg. The swing pushed the leg back, but soon the axe in his hands started to bend.


    The standard-issue axe simply wasnt good enough to cut through the monster, at least not without the aid of his Dao Seed or a stronger skill. Even odder, it was as though some force rebounded his energy, annihting the cosmic energy he used in the swing, which nullified much of the effectiveness of the strike.


    He threw away the ruined axe and brought out a new one, but the wolf wasnt content just to let Zac scurry about underneath its stomach. It pushed away with extreme speed and repositioned itself so that it could bite or w after him. It started to furiously swipe at Zac, who could only once again rely on his movement skill to move away.


    It destroyed the ground all around him as the waves from the ws rent gashes as deep as Zac was tall, which stretched tens of meters away. The beast wasnt using any skills, only the power of its body empowered with its Dao, and still the effect was even greaterpared to when Zac used <strong>[Chop]</strong>. Gravel and charred body parts of wolves were flying all over the area from the Fiend Wolfs assault.


    Zac tried to move closer to the beast but it held him at bay with its ws and huge maw, making it impossible to get around. He soon gave up and infused a <strong>[Chop] </strong>with the Dao of Heaviness and furiously swung it at the w to intercept it. The collision was enormous, and Zac was pushed twenty meters away, the axe in his handpletely destroyed.


    The wolf wasnt unscathed though, as it yelped and backed away a bit. Nothing was cut off, unfortunately, but the empowered strike at least broke some bones in its paws and perhaps destroyed some muscles. The Fiend Wolf obviously didnt want to put any weight on the damaged paw even though it didnt actually bleed.


    The wolf only seemed to get even more enraged and the air started to distort around it. It furiously howled up in the air, then exploded into action. With a frenzied charge it ignored its hurt paw in order to close in on Zac, who once again was forced on the defensive. Zacs cosmic energy was over halfway depleted even before starting the battle and he knew he couldnt just keep dodging. <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>had an amazing effect, but it was his most draining skill.


    Without seeing any alternative he pushed forward right after dodging a swing, moving straight toward the beasts head. The maw of the monster was immediately upon him, rows of jagged teeth closing in. But just as the mouth was about to m shut a green shimmering sheen enveloped Zac.


    It was the defensive option of his clothing, something he hadnt used apart from some experiments during the past month. As a top tier E-Grade equipment, the shield from his robe stopped the teeth in their tracks, even causing many of them to crack or break off.


    The pain must have been blinding for the monster, as it howled in pain while its head jerked away by reflex. Zac saw his opportunity and charged up his <strong>[Chop] </strong>with the Dao of Heaviness, and ruthlessly chopped at its exposed throat. The power of his swing was enormous, and he could actually hear some things in its throat breaking. He also managed to cut some ways into its throat, making a great deal of almost pitch ck blood spurt out.


    The power of the swing together with the Dao of Heaviness actually threw the huge monster over ten meters away, where itnded in a deep thud. The ground beneath Zacs feet caved from the pressure, chippings flying in all directions.


    Unfortunately the swing wasnt enough, as the monster had no trouble getting back on its feet. It was frothing at its mouth in anger, and a deep growl incessantly escaped its mouth. But just as it got to its feet ninerge spikes materialized around it from clouds of green shimmering gases. Zacs sense for danger started tingling from just looking at the meter-long spikes, and he nced around.


    He saw Alea stand some distance away with a pale face, ready to keel over. Just as he saw her she closed her fist, and a prating screech erupted from the wolf. Zac quickly turned back and saw that therge spikes had prated deep into various parts of the beasts body.


    The wolf let out an enraged roar and furiously shook to remove the poisoned spikes from its body. However, they were firmly lodged into its body, and even with its thrashing they stayed inside. The wolf howled in anger and ignored Zac to swipe its front w toward the demoness, who desperately scrambled away. The movements of the wolf were weird and twitchy after getting impaled, but it still was able to send those sharp edges out.


    The nail-attack clearly used up all of her power as she stumbled around while she tried to avoid the iing des. Zac knew that should have been Aleas ace in the hole, as he could barely draw blood with his huge swings, yet all nine of her spikes prated the tough hide.


    The onught quickly became too much, and the edge of a swipe hit her shoulder, drawing a great spurt of blood. She had actually used some defensive option thest minute, but the attack immediately destroyed the cloud that formed in front of her. She yelled in pain but kept moving away from the wolf, but it wouldnt have it.


    Zac tried everything in his arsenal to stop the assault of the enraged wolf, wildly swinging his axe at it, but it seemed intent of bringing the poison master down. Apparently, those spikes hurt far more than anything else it had felt during the battle. It furiously gathered a great deal of cosmic energy in its w and swung a huge arc after her when it saw that she was moving further away.


    Zac saw that she wouldnt be able to dodge it and unhesitantly moved in front of her with a few quick strides of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. He activated the second charge of his shield, once more enveloping him in the protectiveyer as he positioned himself in front of the demoness. The enormous wave of destruction approached, and Zac was punched back from the impact. But luckily the shield held even against this huge attack.


    He managed to soak most of the damage that appeared, but the wave was simply toorge. Some parts passed by him, and an errant streak of power swiped Alea, making her scream and topple over. A huge gash appeared on her clothes, and blood was immediately starting to pool beneath her. It looked like the strike almostpletely bisected her.


    As he saw hispanion who got such a terrifying wound because she wanted to help him out, a zing fury erupted in his mind and he charged toward the hurt wolf. The only thing in his rage-addled brain was the need to destroy the Fiend Wolf. Zac didnt even notice that cosmic energy was gathering towards his head as he furiously charged toward the boss.


    The wolf was in quite a bad condition from Zacs swings and the poison, but it roused itself to intercept his strike. Just as it did tens of ck spears rose up from the ground, striking various weak spots. Arge spear whistled through the air and impaled its undamaged front leg, making it fall down again with a yelp. Zac didnt care about any of that, and with a roar pushed off the ground, sailing through the air toward the monster.


    While he jumped he gripped his axe with both hands and lifted it over his head. As he did an enormous edge over ten meters formed, thrumming with a sharp power. The edge was neither the pale blue as usual nor the darker shade from imbuing it with the Dao of Heaviness. It glistened with a silvery luster, and it looked that the very air itself was cut apart as Zac moved forward.


    With a bestial roar he swung down the axe, infusing all his anger and cosmic energy into the strike. Hepletely cut the beast in two, instantly killing it. It didnt end there though as the strike mmed into the ground, tearing a fifty-meter gash into the ground with a thundering sound. It was like a miniature version of the huge canyon created by the axe-man in Zacs first vision.


    Seeing the beast dead it was as though all power left Zac and he unceremoniously fell down after the strike. Thest furious chargepletely overtaxed him, and he was almostpletely out of cosmic power. As hey panting on the ground the shadows next to him flickered, and Ogras appeared through his movement skill.


    A sh of fear filled his heart as he saw the ruthless demon stare down at him, but he only bent down to give him a hand.


    Good hustle,


    I thought you were going to retreat, Zac sighed tiredly with a nce at the demon.


    I was just waiting for the right opportunity to tip the scales. My normal attacks wouldnt be able to hurt it, so you needed to do the heavy lifting, the demon answered with a half-smile.


    Zac knew the demon probably only hid in the shadows until he saw an opportunity to kill the Fiend Wolf. If it didnt appear he would have receded into the darkness and left without so much as a goodbye. Still, he knew the demon was under no obligation to risk his life for him, so he wouldntment on the kiness.


    Normally, this would be the time to celebrate with the first horde defeated, but he quickly remembered himself and ran toward the demoness who was still bleeding out.

 Chapter 93: Veruns Bite

    Chapter 93: Verun''s Bite


    Zac was overlooking the reconstruction and cleanup taking ce around the battlefield. There werent many demons working, but they were efficient. Ogras had already taken most back to the mines to refill the stocks of Crystals for the next horde. The demon only gave his underlings one day of rest before work resumed.


    There was only twelve days before the next stage of the quest started, and they needed to get ready. Luckily Zac wasnt needed for any heavy lifting, as people didnt need any strength to throw boulders into Cosmic Sacks.


    Satisfied with the progress he turned around and headed toward the crystal that contained the temporary Contribution Shop. It stood roughly halfway between his camper and the battlefield, and when he arrived multiple demons were milling about, likely looking over their options in the store. Everyone had rued a decent amount of contribution points over the past weeks, and there were quite a few products inside that could help them in various ways.


    When they saw Zac arrive they made some room for him and nodded with respect. The demons respected the strong and Zacs feats over the past weeks left a deep impression on them, especially thest battle with the fiend wolf. There had been a few that held strong grudges against him, mostly because of Zac having killed a family member or friend when the two camps were still at war.


    But Zac knew that Ogras and Namys secretly made these malcontents have idents during the wolf-horde to quell any unrest or disharmony. He felt it was a bit overkill, but he wasnt about toin to Ogras about such a detail. He knew hed likely have failed the quest unless he had the demons help.


    It was clear to Zac after having gone through the quest that it wasnt meant for a lone warrior like him. A Lord was expected to have subjects, and perhaps even an army to assist in this type of battle. He felt extremely lucky that things worked out somewhat with the demons so far, otherwise hed be forced to give up on his ind after all this struggle. Zac realized that his alliance with the demons was only a fragile cooperation based on benefits, but it was better than nothing.


    When he came within a few meters from the crystal a screen automatically popped up, containing both a Ranking list and a shop. A quick nce showed he possessed roughly 45 million contribution points. It seemed he received a full five million of those for killing the Fiend Wolf, as he had just below 40 million before that fight. Generally, the contribution points awarded were on a 1:1 ratio to the Nexus Coins he gained, with the exceptions of the wave leaders giving a substantial bonus above that.


    The 45 million points ced him in thefortable lead of thedder, but the others were no slouches other. Ogras held a stable second spot with 24 million points. The former general held the lead until halfway through the waves, at which point Zac eclipsed him. It was abination of his pathways slowly healing, allowing him to use his area skills more, and that Zacs power leveling started to give an advantage.


    Ogras grumbled quite a bit about it, but he could only helplessly watch himself get overtaken. He had tried to buy the Fruit of Ascension in order to get a power-up, but immediately got shut down by Zac. Ogras wasnt too disappointed about it though, as there actually was one for sale in the shop for only 50 million contribution points.


    While gaining contribution points was roughly the same as Nexus Coins, the prices were far cheaper. Hed never be able to buy a Fruit of Ascension with 50 million Nexus Coins, not even ten times that. Since he already got 24 million in the first wave he shouldnt have any problems getting thest bit before the quest was over.


    Zac was looking at something else entirely; <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. It was an axe that cost a whopping 40 million contribution points. It was called an <strong>[F-Grade Spiritual Tool]</strong>, and Zac wasnt sure whether it was worth it at first. But after asking around he found out that Spiritual Tools were not the same things as F-Grade equipment or weapons, it was a far more valuable thing.


    Spiritual Tools possessed an actual soul, and could almost be considered a living being. Only the most talented cksmiths could create them, and only using the best materials. They held a power level far above a normal weapon and even had their own skills. They also had the basic functions such as sharpening and repair as well, making them a great long-termpanion.


    What made them an even better investment was that they could be evolved if you gathered the right materials for it, making it a great weapon to use even after ranking up. Even Ogras grandfather still used an E-Grade Spiritual tool he had nurtured for almost a thousand years ording to Ogras. It was one of the only three E-Grade Spiritual tools in the whole n, as far as Ogras knew at least, showing how precious they were.


    A great weapon was something Zac really wanted, as it was one of his current shorings. Very few demons used axes as a weapon of choice, as it was generally considered a brutes tool. Only a few of the lower-tier soldiers used it, so there were no better axes than the military standard issue on the ind.


    With Zacs current power his weapons couldnt really keep up. He was forced to cycle various weapons as they couldnt withstand the force he utilized nowadays, and it hampered his efficiency. There were a few other interesting things in the shop, such as skills and other gear, but the axe was the most interesting for him. He initially considered taking the fruit so he had one for both his father and sister, but he reluctantly gave up that idea.


    First of all, he needed to focus on strengthening himself at the moment, and he didnt want to create any new reasons for Ogras to conspire against him. He felt that the two of them had forged somewhat of a friendship over the past month, and he didnt want to mess things up with two more waves on the way. He wouldnt lower his guard against the demon though, as it was far too soon for that.


    Besides, he knew that he didnt have to worry about the demon suddenly evolving and bing too strong to control, as there were still the restrictions on the invaders that would stay on for some time.


    He also considered buying some of the skills to power up, but also decided to hold off on that. The analysis by the demons was that the skills were actually of high quality, differing from those in the Nexus Node. Those were actually overpriced garbage as Ogras put it, and Zac could only agree after hearing the difference between his <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> and the skill Ogras used. In the end, he felt a real weapon would be a better immediate power-up.


    Besides, there was another reason he didnt feel the need to buy a new skill right now. He once again brought up his status window before making the purchase.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>50</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early, Seed of Trees - Early, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>257</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>139</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>173</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>113</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>21 510 103 </strong>


    His stats were bing more and more monstrous, with even endurance getting close to his original attribute cap. His dexterity was getting up there as well, partly thanks to his third Dao Seed.


    <strong>[Seed of Sharpness - +10 Dexterity, +5 Intelligence] </strong>


    The seed also pushed him up to the fourth spot on the Dao-Ranking, and he was still surprised that he still wasnt first with a full three seeds.


    He opened up the quest screen next and looked at the reason for not feeling the need to buy any skills at the moment.


    <strong>Active Quests</strong>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests</strong>


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, outpost upgraded to town, status upgraded to Lord. (1/3) [12:17:45:16]</strong>


    <strong>ss Quests</strong>


    <strong>Nature''s Many Faces (ss): Decapitate 10 000 enemies - OR - nt 10 000 trees. Reward: Nature''s Punishment - OR - Nature''s Nurturing Skill. (0/10 000) - (0/10 000)</strong>


    It was the first time he saw a branching quest. He immediately decided to go for Natures Punishment rather than Natures Nurturing as soon as he saw the options, even though he only could finish Natures Nurturing right now. The choice reminded him of his musings about his Dao seeds. He currently trod both the path of destruction through his offensive seeds, and the path of life or nature with his Tree-seed.


    The choices in the quest did the same. He currently was like a walking cockroach with his monstrous attributes, so hed go with the offensive skill Natures Punishment. From the sound of the other name, he guessed that it was a healing skill, or something that had something to do with nts.


    Neither of those options sounded like something he needed right now, while a stronger offensive skill than <strong>[Chop] </strong>was something he would really benefit from. <strong>[Chop] </strong>was still great against hordes of monsters, but against strong singr enemies its effect was limited.


    He closed the screen and hesitating no further bought <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. An boraterge box appeared next to him, and he immediately put it into his Cosmic Pouch without opening it. He knew these demons would eventually find out what he bought in battle, but for now he felt no need to spread rumors.


    With a nod he left the demons to their business and walked toward the hastily erected town close-by. The settlement consisted of mostly tents with a few rudimentary buildings peppered in, and was the temporary living space for the demons during the quest.


    He entered one of therger structures and looked around. It was the infirmary, and it was thankfully only half-filled. The effect of Vitality was generally that something either killed you, or you bounced back in a week or two at most. Apparently, it was different at higher levels though, where the skills could contain weird energies and Daos that impeded recovery.


    Alea was lying at a bed in the corner, pale but breathing steadily. Zac felt some sourness as he watched the red bandages that wrapped around her. She had be aforting presence to him over the weeks, although he wouldnt call it love. To see her lying here because her desire to help him against the Fiend Wolf caused some guilt in his heart, and his desire to get powerful only got stronger.


    How is she? Zac asked the physician making rounds between the beds.


    Shes stable. Due to her interests, she has focused on Vitality which is now helping her immensely, the young man answered with some disgust on his face. Clearly, he didnt approve of her dabbling with poison, which in a sense was the opposite of his upation.


    Zac only nodded and fished out a small vial from his Cosmic Sack.


    Will this improve her condition? He said as he opened the stopper, letting an earthy scent waft out. It was a healing pill he bought at Calrins for a full 2 500 000 Nexus Coins beforeing here. Normally warriors kept it as ast resort type of thing, as it was too expensive to use as one pleased. But Zac didnt hesitate to cough up the coins.


    The man looked at the pill inside with some greed in his eyes but quickly remembering himself nodded his head. Zac handed it over and watch him gingerly feed it to her, using some skill to make her swallow and absorb it in her sleep. The effect was immediate and obvious, as some color appeared on her face and her breaths became deeper.


    Its helping, but she will stay asleep for some time, the physician noted.


    Zac nodded and left after observing her for some more time. Next, he found Ogras and told him that he didnt want to be disturbed for the next few days unless it was something important. He headed back to his camper and sat down with a grunt.


    First, he took out therge box and dripped a drop of his blood on his new axe to establish a connection. He would normally try it out a bit, but there was something he was even more eager to do at this moment so he put the axe back into his pouch.


    Next, he took out another vial out of his pouch and looked at the pill inside. It was a deep blue with some shimmering white spots, glistening very beautifully. The pill was actually called <strong>[Rivers of Cosmos] </strong>and was something Zacmissioned from Calrin the first time they met. The price tag was far more expensive than he expected, reaching 7 500 000 Nexus Coins, but its effect was also amazing. Not only would it help heal his pathways, but it would also somewhat stabilize them and make them more resilient.


    His pathways were mostly healed by now, and even if he left it alone he might get better soon. But he refused to spend any more time mindlessly staying in the mines. He had things to do. He immediately swallowed the pill, and just sat down cross-legged and let the medicine do its thing. A soothing sensation soon spread through his body, like his veins were filled with clear spring water.


    The healing process took a full day, and after he inspected the result he was more than happy. The Cosmic Energy that he naturally absorbed for restoration flooded his body at a pace that was far and above anything he ever felt before. He wasnt sure whether it was because of the experience in the pond or just from evolving to E-Rank Race, but it was at least three to four times the speed from before.


    After almost two months holding himself back he finally felt confident enough to start using tools and crystals to restore himself. He thought he might have been able to do it sometime earlier as his pathways were in pretty decent conditiontely, but neither Ogras nor the physician really knew too much about his condition. He decided to not do anything rash and wait until he waspletely sure.


    Next, he took out his small box of E-Grade Nexus Crystals and immediately started to absorb it. A huge surge of pristine energy entered his body. It was on apletely other levelpared to the F-Grade Crystals. If the F-Graded crystals was a water faucet, then this was a waterfall of energy that poured into his body. Still, he didnt feel any difort from the deluge of power coursing through his pathways.


    The energy waspletely tame and quickly added itself to him, and he felt how he steadily climbed toward level 51. The amount of energy required for a level was immense by now, but it only took 12 hours for him to reach it. He kept absorbing throughout the day, but was interrupted by the sound of a bell on the morning the second day. He opened his eyes, and with a frown looked toward the source of the sound. But as soon as he saw his guests his eyebrows rose in surprise.


    As Zac suspected he saw Ogras, but with him was Rahm, the Creator liaison. Zac quickly invited them through the array and asked what was going on.


    A boat of humans arrived at our docks 20 minutes ago, and they are at present being detained.

 Chapter 94: Humans

    Chapter 94: Humans


    Megan red at their captors as she was stomping around in fury. Something was clearly wrong in the head with these people, as they silently stood like zombies with a nk stare in their eyes. The only time they moved was when she or someone else tried to leave the pier they stood on. They even blocked ess to the ship, stopping them from leaving.


    The only reason things hadnte to blows was the polite man from earlier who said that he would fetch the so-called lord of the ind. Megan already disliked this mysterious person, what kind of jack-ass named himself a lord? She decided that he would get a proper lesson in manners when he arrived.


    Of course she knew that her anger was simply a coping mechanism. Thest months had been like something out of a horror story. She and her friends were in Vietnam on vacation when the apocalypse came, just as they were visiting a fishermans vige. Suddenly they found themselves stuck on some ind with a group of fishermen who barely spoke any English. Two of her friends had also simply vanished into thin air, and she still didnt know what happened to them.


    The shocking changes were only the first trouble that appeared. The animals on the ind slowly turned insane, and they grew way toorge. In the beginning they could fight them off, which was how they learned about levels. But the monsters grew too strong too fast. Hundreds of rats asrge as Labradors charging their small vige was what broke the camels back, forcing them to set out to sea on one of the dingy fishermens vessels.


    It was a risk, as two boats had already set out withouting back, their situation still unknown. But those rats simply tore through anything and they were extremely aggressive. Mr. Trang saved their lives by fending them off while they started the boat, and he still wasnt recovered from his wounds as he sat down nervously on the pier.


    Finally she saw movement in the distance as three men were walking toward them. One was the polite man from earlier, but he walked back to his house after bowing to the other two. One was apletely bald man who looked like a monk, while thest one looked extremely weird, with greyish skin and almost white hair. He even wore some odd crown on his head with horns jutting out. Megan was feeling pretty confident that he was the so-called lord.


    She was getting ready to st off a salvo of vitriol at the two, but as the duo closed in her me of rage snuffed out like a weak candle in a storm. Something about the monk forced her attention on him. It was as though she was facing a mountain as he approached. Every step he took was like a sledgehammer hitting her, and she felt suffocated from just being in his presence.


    Most of the other castaways were faring even worse, as they backed away with pale faces. Some even knelt down on the floor, unable to stand in front of the monks towering aura. The pressure was so all-consuming that Megan only noticed that the grey man wasnt actually wearing a crown when he was right in front of her. She was looking on a bonafide demon from mythology, and her terror only intensified.


    What kind of monsters inhabited this ind?


    -------------


    Control your aura human, you will kill these weaklings, Ogras said with a subdued voice.


    Zac started before quickly taking control of the energy naturally coursing through his body, making sure that nothing leaked. He had forgotten about that lesson from Alyn after spending time with the demons for so long. As a warrior got stronger their presence intensified as well, and if the discrepancy in power was toorge it could even be considered a weapon. It wasnt something like the Dao Field, rather just an effect of beings in different stages of existence. There wasnt any point in controlling his presence among the demons, as most of them were actually higher level than himself and immune to its effects. But against low-level individuals with weak willpower he might actually be harmful.


    The fact that these humans were ready to keel over was quite telling about their power. Zac quickly used his <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on the twelve people and to his surprise, the highest leveled person was only level 21.


    Pathetic, was the onlyment from Ogras who obviously performed the same type of scan, and Zac had to agree. How could people survive with such low power? If these humans were representative of the average poption then Earth was well and truly doomed. His image of the outside world was maybe skewed from looking at thedder which only showed the powerhouses. Maybe the average humans were as weak as these people who probably couldnt even kill a barghest.


    Ahem Wee to Port Atwood. Im Zac. What brings you here? Zac tentatively asked, unsure how to proceed from here.


    The group only stared fearfully at the two, no one daring to step forward. Zac was starting to think that hisnguage skill wasnt working with the humans until a thought struck him and he turned hispanion.


    Youre scaring them, go away, Zac said, making a shooing motion.


    Yeah Im the problem, why dont you st off your Daos as well while youre at it? Ogras retorted with a roll of his eyes, but he walked some distance away and picked out a chair from his pouch. Next he took out a piece of fruit and started eating while pointedly ignoring the humans. The Creators also took this as a signal their work was done and wordlessly headed toward the huge warehouse.


    It seemed to calm the people down somewhat to be left alone, but they still looked very warily at Zac. Finally, a woman who was the second strongest in the group stepped forward. The strongest person was actually an old Asian man sitting down, clearly still nursing some old wounds. That revtion only lowered Zacs opinion of the youths in the group, letting an old man stand on the front line while they cowered behind.


    Im Megan. Were from an ind two days sailing from here. Um whats going on with your friend? she said as she fearfully nced at the demon loitering in the distance.


    Thats Ogras. He lives on my ind.


    That answer seemed to only make the group more fearful, but Zac couldnt be bothered to exin any further. Going into the demons origins would be too troublesome, and Zac and Ogras long ago decided that they were going to pretend the demons were natives who were brought here during the integration. That little lie should hide the fact that there had been an incursion here, and that the demons were actually invaders. At least for a while.


    Young man, howe I can understand you? I dont believe you are speaking Vietnamese, the old man sitting on the pier said with a weak voice.


    Zac willed the screen for thenguage skill into being, making it hover in front of the group.


    It is a skill I have that allows me to understand and be understood when speaking with anyone, he answered.


    Skills, whats that? the girl called Megan asked as she looked at the screen in wonder.


    That question made Zac realize that these people were even worse off than him during his first months on the ind. They obviously had no idea about many aspects of the System, not even knowing about skills. He realized he only knew about skills because of Abby and the Nexus Node where he bought <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>.


    He was lucky in a sense that an incursion spawned on top of him. If he didnt get to build an outpost he would have been as ignorant as these people, fumbling around in the dark. The first time they came in contact with skills would be at level 25 when they got their ss. If they could even attain a ss on a deserted ind.


    You still havent exined why you people are here, Zac said as he ignored the question.


    The animals became crazy on our ind. They kept growing and even the rats were as dangerous as wolves in the end! We couldnt stay anymore, so we left to find a safer ce. After two days at sea we saw your harbor and thought that there might be a town here, the girl exined.


    Were from Chicago. Is there an airport close? Have you had any contact with the government? Why hasnt there been any rescue operations?.


    The girl kept peppering Zac with questions, giving him a headache.


    The governments have likely fallen. You should have heard the voice in the beginning. The world has been integrated into the multi-verse, Earth got fused with a few others and everything got mixed together, Zac sighed.


    The castaways looked ready to explode from that deration, but a voice cut through the mounting chaos.


    Can we stay here, young man? There is safety in numbers.


    It was the old fisherman. The 3 other Asian men looked at Zac with some hope, whereas the Caucasians looked confused, prompting Zac to trante the question.


    Mr. Trang is right, theres safety in numbers! We have be quite strong over the past months, and were only forced to leave the ind due to the huge number of rats! one of the young men said.


    The promation elicited a derisive guffaw from Ogras in the distance. He obviously was listening in on the conversation using some skill, and he looked very entertained.


    Zac pondered what to do about the small group. It wasnt really any problem to let them onto the ind as they didntck food or water. But there also were many secrets on the ind, things that he didnt want to make public to the world. Besides, he wasnt sure that letting them stay was doing them any favors, with the next beast waveing in less than two weeks.


    You cant let them leave. This ce cant be discovered yet, there are too many treasures here, so you need to solidify your position as Lord first. You either need to kill them or let them stay on the ind, Ogras voice could be heard from the shadows.


    What if they leave and they tell the story of the ind with demons and superpowered humans? People will rightly think that theres some secrets on this ind and set sail in search of treasure, the demon continued. He used some sort of skill that projected his voice from a distance, and it didnt seem that the other people could hear him at all.


    Zac sighed as he knew that putting them back on the ship was out of the question now. Ogras would likely sink it with a shadow spear the moment it left the pier in order to protect his interests. Besides, he agreed with his points. He wanted to turn this ind into a true sanctuary for those close to him and didnt want random people toe here for some sort of treasure hunt.


    You can stay here. But you should know that this ind is likely far more dangerous than your old home, Zac said after some deliberation. We dont need freeloaders. You will have to work to earn your keep. There are some areas that are off-limits on the ind, and this shipyard is one of them. Ill show you the way to the town.


    When told that this ce wasnt safe as well the group started to hesitate. But the old fisherman got to his feet with a grunt and unhesitantly followed Zac who turned to leave. The other fishermen followed suit, and soon the Caucasian youths followed as well.


    Zac saw Ogras sh over and put the boat in his pouch, which caused some rm and shock to the refugees, but he only said a fewforting words and continued on. As they walked some way the people started to find their courage and started pelting Zac with various questions. The asked about everything from what amenities the ind had, to how the system worked and the situation of humanity.


    These people were thirsting to know what was going on, just like Zac was before he finally got things exined by Alyn and Abby. He tried to answer as much as possible, but by the time they arrived at the tent-town, he was thoroughly tired of answering questions.


    The refugees were dismayed to see that the whole poption were demons, and two actually tried to run away in panic. Zac could only sigh and sh over with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and carry the struggling people back. It took some time to settle the refugees, and Zac couldnt be bothered with them anymore afterward. He pawned them off to Alyn and Zakarith, who both had thenguage skills that could help them limatize. He also had a few warriors keep an eye on them just in case they tried something stupid.


    Zac held mixed emotions as he walked away from the inquisitive group. It almost felt like he was robbed of something from the encounter. One of hisrgest wishes over the past months was to reunite with humanity, but he didnt expect it to be like this. A group of listless people who barely scraped by the past months. Obviously none of them had left the safety of their vige overly much. Otherwise, theyd be at a higher level by now.


    His own countrymen were the worst. They clearly were mainly concerned about their own well-being, focusing on questions such as food and lodging for themselves. None of them asked of how they could help or listed things they could do for a town. The fishermen mostly kept quiet after a few questions about humanity. Zac had hoped that his first encounter with humans would finally allow him to get some news about the state of the world, but it looked like he needed to switch back to his original n.


    He informed Ogras of what he was about to do, and the demon seemed to think that it was truly foolish. Zac didnt care. Almost four months had already passed since the world changed, and it felt like ants were crawling all over his body by now.


    He opened up the Town Shop interface as soon as he arrived at the spot designated by the city nners and unhesitantly bought an <strong>[E-Grade Teleportation Array]</strong> for 10 000 000 Nexus Coins. A new interface opened up, and his heart sped up when he saw that there actually was a destination avable.


    <strong>[Winterleaf Vige. Public. Fee: 0 Nexus Coins]</strong>


    After making sure he had everything he needed in his Cosmos Sack he took out a hooded cape that covered his borate clothing and a pair of leather shoes that one of the craftsmen made for him. Ogras told him that it was easy to see that his gear was valuable, and something provided by the System, and since he didnt want trouble he simply covered it up. Next he set his own Teleportation Array to private in order to make sure only he could use it. He didnt want anyone using it either to teleport in or out while he was gone.


    Finally done, he gazed around at the ind that had been his home, and prison, for four months. With a sense of trepidation and excitement he stepped on the engravings on the floor with determination in his eyes.


    With a sh of light, he was gone.<strong></strong>

 Chapter 95: Winterleaf Village

    Chapter 95: Winterleaf Vige


    Ss sighed as he stood in front of the teleporter, waiting alongside the rest of the vige leaders. His nerves were fraying, as he didnt know what would step through the magical inscriptions. As Leader of the Hunt he had always been in charge of protection of the vige, even before the Great Fall, but it was different now.


    Everything kept changing, and as an old huntsman it was getting increasingly difficult to keep up. Gone were the paths that he and his ancestors had walked through the mountains, the songs detailing the hunting grounds all but irrelevant by now. In just a few years he should have retired to teaching the art of the hunt to the next generation, but now he was stuck as some casten of the town.


    When the fall arrived he found himself transported to a fantastical world with some of his vige members. Determined to keep the youths safe against the twisted challenges of the System he pushed himself beyond what he knew was possible, and from his struggle he was rewarded with a Nexus Node. But even with all his effort he couldnt keep everyone safe, as many of his vigers perished, one of them his son Winterleaf.


    Not even allowed to properly mourn the death of his progeny he was instantly pushed into one desperate situation after another since he was returned to his vige. Even now the vige was teetering on the brink of ruin despite everyones efforts.


    It was their tree whisperer who came up with their current gambit after using his Soothsayer ss limited skill. He said that salvation woulde through the light, and urged the town to pool their Nexus Coins to build this teleporter. But as the days passed and nothing happened anger and unrest started to build against the elder.


    There were even rumblings about putting the elder in house arrest for the time being. Ten Million Nexus Coins was a huge amount, and could have bought weapons, armor, and precious herbs at the store. Many felt that they should have made ast stand before the beast using everything at their disposal instead.


    That all changed when the teleporter zed into life, its inscriptions lighting up by themselves. Ss had barely managed to gather the elders when he got the notification that a new teleportation point was added before it zed to life, indicating that someone was alreadying over.


    Ss stood with his spear at the ready, staring at the light that shone with increasing intensity. Behind him stood his hunting party at the ready to protect the vigers against whatever came through that gate.


    Whether it would be salvation or damnation was still to be determined.


    ----------


    Zac only felt darkness for a bit over a minute before he once again gained his sight back. The first thing he noticed was that the climate was clearly different, with an autumn chill in the air. Next he nced around and found himself ced in the middle of a vige square. The buildings were foreign to him though, being medieval but not of some style that he recognized.


    Soon he understood why, as a group of people approached. Zacs heartbeat sped up in rm when he saw that it wasnt actually humans that greeted him. Did he teleport himself into an incursion? Ogras and the crystal both said that invading forces couldnt build teleporters since the System wanted to limit their expansion, but perhaps they were wrong.


    The humanoids that closed in on him made him think that they were a mix of humans and animals. They seemed to have normal hands and feet, but they also possessed clear animalistic features.


    They wore simple but seemingly high-quality gear, and carried various weapons, mostly spears and bows. Most of their exposed skin was covered in a brown or white fur, sometimes mottled with spots. They hadrge ck eyes, and a normal face and a mouth. Their ears somewhat resembled those of an elfs though. His assessment was that these beings were a seventy-thirty mix of a human and a fawn.


    They didnt look frail though, as even the fur couldnt hide their sturdy frames and muscles. They also carried themselves with the grace of warriors, and these people were clearly different from the hapless humans he encountered earlier. The group stopped some distance from him, and they simply stood staring at each other for a few seconds.


    Its one of the hairless monkeys, what do we do? Zac heard one of the fawnmen mutter.


    Onyx, you learned some of their words in the tutorial, right? Greet him, another one said as he prodded one of the females in the group.


    That made Zac rx somewhat. If these people had been in the tutorial together with humans then they shouldnt be invaders. It looked like when Earth got mashed together with others new civilizations were added after all.


    She hesitantly looked at the leader of the group, a middle-aged man holding an intricately carved spear with a long line of leather bands attached, and took a step forward after an encouraging nod from him.


    H-Hello human, she stuttered, but before she continued Zac smiled and spoke back. At least he thought he smiled since it almost felt like he had forgotten how to do it by now.


    Hello. No need for a trantor, I understand your words, he said.


    The group looked a bit surprised, but not overly so.


    Wee to Winterleaf vige human, I am Ss, casten of this town, the middle-aged warrior said. May I ask what brings you here?


    Our town is located in an extremely isted area, and we couldnt find a single person nearby. So we bought a teleportation array in hopes of finding other humans, Zac answered.


    It wasnt exactly his reason as he bought the teleporter in order to start looking for his hometown during the downtime of the quest. He finally had the resources and the time to put his n into motion, and even though the expense was high he felt it worth it. If he ran out of Nexus Coins he would simply extort some of the demons, as they all made a fortune from his monster horde quest.


    I am sorry, but what are you people? Zac tentatively followed up, unsure how to properly frame such a question.


    You must really have been isted if you havent met any of the Ishiate so far. We might be the most populous species apart from you humans on this new world of ours, Ss answered with some surprise. Please join us in our town hall. Meeting of new friends is always a joyous asion. I can fill you in on the area as we walk.


    Zac nodded after some hesitation and followed them. His guard was up though, ready to bring out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> at moments notice. These people were real cultivators who had done the so-called tutorial. Even Ogras didnt know exactly what benefits you could get in there, but from all ounts they were substantial. He knew his level likely was far above everyone here, but that didnt mean that they couldnt pose a threat. They might have received bonus attributes, titles or extraordinary skills in the tutorial, things that could even out the odds.


    Winterleaf vige is built upon the remnants of our ancestral home before the fall. We were lucky at least to retain most of our structures. Many towns in the area were pushed together into a confusing mess by the System, which severely harmed their cooperation. Its thanks to our unity that so many of our n members are still alive, even with the changes constantly testing us.


    Zacs heartbeat sped up as he finally was starting to get some information about the world. His words painted a somber picture, but he was mentally prepared that there would be widespread death and tragedy. Even if no incursion was nearby he knew that just the wildlife would create problems.


    Are there any human settlements in the area? Zac asked. That was the priority. He still didnt have a picture of just how the reshuffling of the world worked, but perhaps humans had already started to map the locations of their old towns. They still should have technology such as aircrafts that they could use to scout, even though such tools didnt provide experience when killing monsters.


    The closest one is a four-day journey from here. We dont have any contact with them though as that ce is chaotic and dangerous. No offense, the hunter answered.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with a sinking feeling.


    The settlement is run by a man named Roger. He has set himself up as a warlord and rules with an iron fist. Mutted corpses adorn his walls at all times, and he is known to have kidnapped many women. He even tried to kidnap a few female Ishiate, but stopped after furious revenge from us.


    Still, he is very strong with a few powerful followers, so no one in the area dares to escte the conflict with them. We keep our distance and put patrols to make sure that they dont approach, and luckily they keep to themselves mostly, the beastkin answered solemnly.


    Zac was disappointed when he heard the news. He would have to check things out himself to make sure, but he leaned toward believing the humanoid. Since the beginning of the apocalypse he knew that some people would use the fall of order as an excuse to live out their twisted fantasies. That someone wanted to y emperor sounded not only believable, but expected.


    He asked a few more questions as he walked alongside the beastmen toward arge structure. As he looked around he didnt see many structures that stood out. The only building he recognized was the <strong>[F-Grade General Store] </strong>that the system provided. He didnt sense any arrays gathering energy in the area either, and the ambient cosmic energy was actually far lower herepared to how it was on his ind.


    He hadnt realized howrge the difference was from living on top of a so-called Nexus Vein, but his ind must seem like a paradise to cultivators. Even better were the mountains, which finally were starting to be habitable again as the poison was mostly cleared out. He reaffirmed his decision to keep his portal closed until at least his beast horde quest waspleted and his position as lord was solidified.


    As he walked he got more and more confused as to how they could afford the huge expense of the Teleportation Array. Zac only was able to afford it due to the nexus mine and monster horde gave him an absurd amount of Nexus Coins.


    But from what he had seen so far nothing really made these people stand out. Certainly, the vige were decent sized, and quite a few of these fawn-people he looked like adept warriors. But unless they recently found some extremely valuable treasure they must have collected much of their wealth to construct it.


    It didnt take long after they sat down at a round table that he found out the reason behind its construction.


    I am not used to small talk, so I will immediately get to the point Zac. The reason we spent most of our resources on the Teleportation Array was that were in desperate need of assistance.

 Chapter 96: Terror of the Mountains

    Chapter 96: Terror of the Mountains


    Assistance? Zac asked skeptically.


    As you know wildlife is quickly changing. A beast has appeared in the mountains, and we fear it will evolve soon if left alone. It has started hunting citizens of Winterleaf Vige and the neighboring settlements. In the beginning it was just for food, buttely it seems it hunts us for Cosmic Energy judging by the numbers its killed. The people are unable or unwilling to join us in fighting it.


    Most of the other citizens in neighboring settlements feel they can simply leave the forests if it gets too dangerous. But this is our ancestral home, we cant just abandon it. Thats why we pooled our resources in order to find new allies through the teleportation array, Ss said, with multiple eyes staring hopefully at Zac.


    If the monster is causing trouble for your town, why dont you buy protective arrays? Zac questioned. A beast evolving seemed troublesome, but they could just trap it with an array and then throw something like a Thunder Punishment at it. Zac doubted even the Fiend Wolf would survive if it got stuck in the middle of that crazy lightning barrage. For the money they spent on a teleportation array they could have sted even Zac to kingdome.


    The townspeople nced confused at their leader who only looked a bit depressed.


    Unfortunately my achievements in the tutorial werent enough to unlock those items. I have a quest to unlock it, but it is far outside the scope of what Winterleaf vige can handle at the moment, much more difficult than simply killing the beast, he exined.


    Zac was surprised but careful to not let anything show on his face. He had no idea that different Nexus Nodes possessed a different collection of options. It wasnt anything Ogras or the others mentioned either. He thought that the System was uncharacteristically generous by allowing him to buy things such as the Thunder Punishment and the arrays. But perhaps it was because of his achievements. It was either that or the fact that he gained his town by defeating an incursion instead of getting it in the tutorial.


    He sighed and looked around the table. He could sympathize with these people, but he was not some savior who had time to go around and save the viges. His goal was simple, find his hometown and his family. It was already a daunting enough task without making detours all the time. He was about to reject their request for assistance, but a window popping up stopped him in his tracks.


    <strong> [New Active Quest: Monster hunt (Normal): y the beast in the mountains. No assistance allowed. Reward: [F-Grade Automatic Map] (0/1)]</strong>


    This development surprised him. Was anyone simply able to give out quests? But it didnt look like it was something the people around the table did, as they were simply looking at him hopefully. He guessed that it likely was the System which wanted to force him to fight the beast.


    The beast is not only a threat to us, but to all the settlements in the area, both Ishiate and human lives are at stake, another person added, taking Zacs silence as hesitation.


    Have you heard about something called an Automatic Map? Zac suddenly asked, confusing the people at the table who looked at each other.


    I know! one of the younger people suddenly piped up. I heard about it in the Tutorial. Its a spiritual map that shows the area around you almost no matter where you are. It marks any settlements and towns on itself. The better the grade the more detailed it is, and therger area it covers.


    Zac started to get eager, as this was something that would be really useful for him in his travels. He felt a bit helpless that the System once again dangled something he needed in front of his nose, but was starting to feel that was simply how it operated. Unless the rewards were tempting enough many wouldnt risk their lives.


    What type of animal is it? Zac probed.


    It is a mutated Mink. It is around three meters long and extremely aggressive. We have tried to kill it but it''s extremely nimble. It sneaks into the towns at night and kills until it is discovered, and is gone before we can mount an effective counter, Ss answered with a sigh.


    And it''s level?


    Last time it was spotted it was level 68. That was five days ago. It might have gained a level or two since, as it levels up quite quickly.


    Zac mulled over what to do. The animal sounded strong, but not overly so. He possessed his new weapon and the Seed of Sharpness which increased his lethality quite a bit against solo enemies. The monster wasnt evolved either, and wouldnt be anywhere as strong as the Fiend Wolf he fought recently. But it wasnt some weakling if multiple viges couldnt kill it, and he needed to solo kill it to receive the map.


    The deer-people thought Zacs silence was an expression of hesitance, and Ss added some incentives.


    Of course we dont expect you to do this for free. I gained two spots to the worldwide treasure hunt in three months during the tutorial. I am willing to cede one of those spots to your town if you decide to help us, the leader added with a serious face.


    Treasure hunt? Zac asked confused.


    It is a limited event the System arranges seven months after the fall, where participants will be teleported to some unknown area like with the tutorial. It was possible to gain entrance tokens to the event during the tutorial, but it was notoriously hard, the leader exined, and couldnt help but straighten his back as he did. It contains various valuables, from gear to herbs. Theres even limited titles avable inside from what the pixies said.


    Can anyone go? Zac asked interested, as it sounded like a pretty amazing opportunity. He was ahead of the curve in terms of power, and there likely werent many ces on Earth where he could keep his empowerment going. This event sounded like a good opportunity that normally wouldnt have anything to do with him since he wasnt a cultivator.


    Anyone can go as long as one is a native of this and has an entrance token. I believe it will be the first gathering of the elites of all the races.


    The slot was something he would definitely want. He should be able to sell it for a great sum even if he didnt end up using it. The map itself was reason enough for him to fight the super-mink, and this was a great bonus. Still, he wouldnt jump into it blindly and asked some more questions about the monster. Finally satisfied he was ready to set out, not wanting to waste any more time.


    Ok, deal. Lead me to its den, Zac said as he stood up.


    However, none of the beastmen stood up, and instead nced at each other doubtfully.


    We um appreciate your enthusiasm, but killing this beast will take the cooperation and nning of a few viges. We are not ready to challenge it from our end, the old huntsman said with some hesitation.


    I need to observe its habitat and hopefully its power personally to report back home, otherwise they will not send man-power here through the portal, Zac decided to lie. It felt like too much of a bother to convince the group that he was powerful enough to do this alone.


    Still, no one seemed ready to set out and just looked down with troubled faces. Finally Ss sighed and stood up.


    I will lead you to its habitat. But beware, it is extremely fast. If it targets us I will only be able to protect myself, if even that, he said. It looked like many of the other beastmen in the meeting were about to protest, but he silenced them with a wave of his hands.


    Give me ten minutes and we will set out.


    Soon the two walked along a path in the forest, heading toward one of the mountains in the vicinity. It was believed the mink lived by a river that ran through the mountain, iming the area as its habitat.


    As they walked Zac learned various things of interest. The history of the Ishiate was quite interesting. Apparently, their society was on the cusp of industrialization when they got integrated into the multi-verse along with Earth. However, their society held nature in high regard and even saw the forests and mountains as their gods.


    It caused a schism between those who chose to live as one with nature and those who embraced technological progress. Conflict wasmontely between the two camps, one trying to stop the desecration of their gods, the other trying to move their race forward. The Winterleaf vige was part of the former group, consisting mainly of simple hunters and foragers. Zac believed that this lifestyle likely helped them survive far better in this new reality than the average people of earth.


    He also learned that apart from humans and the beastmen there was at least one more race that got thrown into the mix. However, Ss didnt know much about them as he had never seen them himself. From the description they sounded like humanoid insects, and they kept to themselves. They made no contact with the other two races from what the hunter knew, and they were extremely territorial. Anything that came close to their hives was met with furious and unrelenting violence.


    There also wasnt any incursion in the vicinity, and Ss had only heard about their existence from the lessons in the tutorial. That gave Zac some hope that they werent peppered across the globe, so his hometown could very well be in a more peaceful area as well. If he had to choose between the wildlife and the organized forces of the incursions as an enemy, hed pick the stupid beasts every time.


    He also tried asking some questions about the tutorial, but Ss clearly grew suspicions from the questions. Zac didnt want to broadcast the fact that he, or his faction, didnt know anything about the tutorial, and could only put those questions aside for the moment. Soon they arrived at the foot of the mountains and could see the river cutting a path through it.


    We really shouldnt venture further in than this my friend. There have been multiple reports about the beast in this area, and it could pop up at any moment as long as we walk along the river.


    Zac nodded and took out his <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>from his pouch. This was the second time he properly nced at it.


    The axe was slightlyrgerpared to the military axes of the demons, and the adjective that would best describe it was primal. It had arge almost straight edge that ran roughly 40 centimeters long, moving some ways alongside the handle. The metal of the head looked worn, with multiple scratches and imperfections. However, Zac knew that the edge was razor sharp after testing it out a bit before.


    On top of the head there were grisly teeth of some unknown beast embedded that were ckened and serrated. The same type of teeth were fastened at the bottom of the slightly uneven handle. The handle itself was made of some wood, and almost fully wrapped in coarse leather. All in all, it looked like something Zac imagined an Orc war-chief would use, and it even emitted an air of danger.


    Ss backed away warily as he saw Zac arm himself.


    What are you doing human? You cant possibly be


    I am heading in. Please do not follow me. Anyone that approaches me during battle will be considered an enemy, and I will attack, Zac said as he unleashed his presence.


    The hunter was clearly shocked by the terrifying force that suddenly was gushing out of Zac, as he further backed away. After making sure that the Ishiate wasnt following he simply nodded and headed toward the river, each step moving him over five meters away.


    Soon he was walking alongside the water, carefully on the lookout for any type of domicile like a cavern. The beast was quiterge and it shouldnt be too hard to find as long as it stayed somewhere close to the river.


    A tingling of danger made him instinctually swing his left hand back as he moved his head sideways. The punch resulted in a deep thud and Zac was actually pushed forward a bit as he heard a pained yelp. He quickly turned around and saw that his target had found him instead.


    The huge mink stood a few meters away from him, a bit hesitant now that its ambush failed. Zac wouldnt give up this opportunity and quickly charged up <strong>[Chop] </strong>while swinging down his weapon. The teeth fastened on the axe possessed a magical effect, making it almost sound as the axe growled as it ripped through the air.


    The mink was elusive and it felt like it didnt contain a single bone in its body as it dodged the swing, jumping between outcroppings along the rock wall. Zac grunted and copied fiverge edges to his axe. The new cosmic energy des looked a bit different now that they copied <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> instead of the old de.


    In almost impossibly quick manner he threw out the five des, both trying to hit the animal and any ces where it could try to dodge. Their distance wasnt toorge, and five des each five meters long covered a huge area, cutting off all paths of retreat for the beast. It managed dodge four of the des, but the fifth mmed into its front leg, cutting a deep gash.


    With a pained screech it fell down toward the ground, and Zac immediately used <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. As the beast was falling down, an axe imbued with the Dao of Sharpness rose to meet it. And like that the terror of the area was in.

 Chapter 97: Freedom

    Chapter 97: Freedom


    Zac looked down at the in beast, very satisfied with his new axe. The swing almost fully decapitated the monster, and he swiftly cut thest pieces off with another swing, bringing the progress in his ss quest to 1. He realized that he didnt really need to use Dao of Sharpness on an enemy of this level, his new axe alone was sharp enough on its own.


    Since it was only an F-grade item he had been afraid it wouldnt be too strong in the beginning even though it was a Spiritual Tool. But he quickly realized that he was worried about nothing. Its edge was far sharperpared to his old axes, and it had no problem amodating his power.


    As Zac looked down on the weapon he was surprised to see that the minks blood wasnt dripping off the weapon, but rather got absorbed. He already knew from before that Spiritual Tools needed to absorb various materials to evolve, but he didnt expect one of them to be blood. Unfortunately, the axe didnte with an instruction manual of what it wanted, and Zac could only try various things.


    He already knew that it didnt want Nexus Crystals, which was sort of a relief. After some hesitation he broke off an incisor from the animal and pushed them toward the teeth on the axe, but nothing happened. It looked like he wouldnt have to go around ripping teeth out of his foes like some demented dentist to feed the Spiritual Tool.


    Next Zac started looking around the area for anything that looked valuable since Ogras said that strong beasts sometimes built their nests close to some natural treasures, as living in its vicinity would help the beast grow faster. Since the beast was clearly strongerpared to other monsters in the area there should be something of value here.


    As he looked around he was once again astounded by the amount of cosmic energy his body naturally absorbed now. It almost felt like a torrent entered his body to restore his missing energy. He would have to ask aroundter about whether that was due to reaching E-rank Race, or if it was due to something else.


    Even after looking for an hour he couldnt find any treasure, and he could only return with a frown. It appeared that his high Luck couldnt help him out in every scenario. Zac was soon back at where he left the deer-human and found him still fretfully walking about, seemingly unable to decide whether he should follow or go back. As he saw Zac approach he sighed in relief and approached.


    My friend! It is good that you are okay. Luckily it seems the beast was awa- he said, but his words got stuck in his throat as Zac took out the carcass of the beast from his pouch and let it fall down on the ground with a deep thud. Next he took out the decapitated head and ced it to the side of the body.


    This should be the mink you were talking about, Zac simply said.


    The Ishiate hunter nkly stared at the carcass lying in front of him.


    You can take the head as evidence if you wish. Can you help me skin it? The fur of the monster was extremely soft and luxurious, and itd be a waste to leave it. But with his self-taught skills he was afraid hed ruin it. Normally hed want to take the meat as well, as the stronger the beast was the more delicious its meat would often be. However, it seemed that this monster had eaten quite a few humans and beastmen, so it felt pretty disgusting to eat its meat by now.


    Ah? Yes, certainly! the hunter said and quickly got to work after grabbing a skinning knife from a pouch on his back.


    May I ask.. Is that a Cosmos Sack youre using? he tentatively asked as he nced at Zac.


    Yes, why? Zac asked. Ss shouldnt have actually seen the pouch as it was fastened to his girdle beneath his cloak, but there obviously werent many ways that one could make a huge corpse appear from nowhere.


    Do you have any more? Winterleaf Vige would love to buy one, wed offer apetitive price.


    I only have one with me at the moment. But Ill see what I can do next time I pass by, Zac answered, not wanting tomit. He did have a couple of them lying around at his camp since looting them from the demons, and there were quite a few of them waiting up on the mountain tops. But he wasnt sure whether selling them was a good idea or not.


    What about the entrance token to the event? Zac asked. He already received the map immediately after killing the beast, but there were still rewards to reap.


    Ss once again reached into the sack on his back, and took out a smaller pouch. He opened and inside were two tokens. They appeared to be made out of stone and were almost asrge as a palm. Zac immediately saw that these things were something made by the System, as the tell-tale fractalspletely covered them.


    Zac fiddled with his token a bit before he imbued it with cosmic energy and a stream of energy entered his mind. He could quickly discern that this was the real deal, and the only thing needed to enter this so-called treasure hunt was this badge. As long as it was in your possession when the event started you would be teleported there. There was no ownership or restrictions at all, making the item a hot potato.


    He wasnt worried for himself, as he felt that there were very few people who were able to snatch something out of his hands. But his eyes turned to Ss, who tensed up from the re. But soon he resumed working his knife on the carcass.


    Please keep it a secret you got it from me. Very few people know it''s in my possession and it needs to stay that way for the safety of Winterleaf Vige.


    Zac simply nodded and said no more. Soon the beast was skinned, and Ss held up therge pelt.


    Its done, but it needs to be properly treated as well, the hunter said.


    Could you help me with that as well? I need to visit the human settlement before I head back to my hometown. I will be back to your vige in a few days,


    Of course. Their town is that way, Ss answered and pointed east. I would say be careful, but I feel that it is not you whos in danger, he added as he nced at therge head next to him.


    Zac wryly smiled and turned to leave.


    Oh and Zac? Thank you, he heard from behind, and only answered with a wave. There were obviously multiple meanings to those two words.


    As Zac walked he sighed slightly and shook his head. The hunter was clearly afraid that Zac would kill him to take the second token as well. And Zac knew that many might have done just that. Zac didnt even consider it, as he had no real use for another token. Even if he quickly found his sister it wasnt something that he would want her to possess.


    Just owning it meant having a bullseye on ones back. And even if you survived and went there, thepetition would likely be extreme. The most powerful and ruthless people gathered at one spot,peting for great treasures? It would likely make the battle at the monkey mountain seem like a day at the spa.


    He wasnt too keen on going himself, and certainly wouldnt send someone he loved there. Of course, he also knew that going there might be the best opportunity to get a real sense of the situation in the world and get some power-ups. If people from all over the world gathered, someone might even be from his hometown.


    Bing the strongest or whatever wasnt really his goal, and he simply fought to survive so far. He hoped that his visit to the human settlement would give him some answers to what was going on. If not he would try again next month. He only had a few days to spare, after all, and needed to get back to Port Atwood sooner orter.


    As he walked he took in a fresh breath of air. It finally felt like he had some control over his actions after months battling. He constantly found himself pushed into one situation after another, putting him in a constant reactive state. But now he had full freedom, at least for a few days. The fact that he would have to get back soon ruined the mood a bit for him, but at least for now he relished the feeling of just adventuring.


    He took out a crystal from his pouch as he walked and imbued it with some energy. A window opened up with a rough map inside. It was ck and white and didnt contain a lot of detail, but it did cover arge area and marked the towns. He saw Winterleaf Vige the closest, and he currently was heading toward Fort Roger.


    Both of the towns had crystals next to the name, and after some confusion, he realized it meant that they probably possessed Nexus Nodes or Nexus Stations. Nexus Stations were lesser versions of the Nexus Node that gave ess to the ss system, but needed quests to unlock the town management systems.


    Apparently there were differences between the nodes as well, where he got a throng of options, whereas most of the towns only got the bare essentials. Nexus Stations were extremelymon though from what Alyn told him, which made sense as people needed to get their sses somehow. Alyn didnt exin how they appeared, as they generally had been around for thousands upon thousands of years on their home.


    That Winterleaf Vige possessed a real Nexus Node was clear to Zac, but he doubted that anyone in the surrounding towns knew that. At least not for now. From his impression of the small vige, he felt that they werent careful enough. They really lucked out that Zac, and not someone else, walked through that portal.


    Zac hadnt inspected anyone out of politeness, but he never felt any sense of danger from any one of them, meaning that they shouldnt have been too strong. Of course, they were strong enough to both get a Nexus Node and gather enough money for a Teleportation Array, so they were no slouches either.


    They were even open about possessing the entrance tokens before they even knew him, which seemed crazy to Zac. He had a feeling that unless they wisened up theyd end up in dire straits. Possessing too many valuables was a crime in troubled times after all. If it was the old him Zac wouldnt have felt anything was wrong, but Ogras had started to rub off on him.


    Zac kept walking, and out of habit started using <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>. It felt like the trajectories were slightly changed to amodate for his new weapon, making Zac once again marvel over the skill. It was also the first time he properly used the skill since it reached Late mastery, and as he expected it better incorporated his Dao Seeds into the mix.


    What surprised him was that it actually even incorporated the Dao of Trees. Until now that Dao Seed remained unused in battle, but the guidance system showed him its usage. Every now and then it told him to imbue his free hand with it as he used it for grabs or blocks. Zac wasnt sure what the exact use was, perhaps except that it improved the resilience of his arm, enabling him almost to use it as a shield. However, he still felt that a low mastery seed was too weak for that kind of usage at the moment.


    Zac kept moving throughout the day and the next, unceasingly using his skill. It was almost addicting to be able to once again use Nexus Crystals to restore his missing energy, especially now that it apparently only took a fifth of the time to absorb the energy contained in an F-Grade Crystal.


    The hunter said that the town was four days away, but with Zacs huge attributes and speed it went far quicker. Finally, he reached his destination, Fort Roger. And as he looked upon the ramshackle town with its weak fortifications he felt that the description of Ss didnt do the town justice.


    It was much worse.

 Chapter 98: Fort Roger

    Chapter 98: Fort Roger


    It would be more appropriate to call the wall that ran around the small town arge fence. It consisted of trees with their edge sharpened, and was between three and five meters tall, as the length of the poles werent uniform. There even were some holes in the wall due to uneven cement, giving enough room for a person to sneak through.


    The town was located right on the edge of the forest, withrge trees giving way to expansive fields. The fields might actually have been farnd-before, as they were t and he thought he spotted a tractor. But the fields were inplete disrepair, overgrown with weeds and unmanned.


    With the new energy in the atmosphere anything would grow fasterpared to before, and Zac felt it was very telling about the town that they didnt utilize such a prime source of food. They would only have to clean up the fields and throw some seeds in there, and they would have grain in no time. But he saw no-one even try it.


    There was a path leading to an actual gate that Zac stepped out on as he walked thest distance. He didnt n on sneaking into the town and didnt want to rm them. He also slowed down his speed to normal walking from his Attribute-empowered movement.


    As he closed in on the wall he saw there were two corpses hanging from the wall, one on each side of the gate. It was a man and a woman, both in their thirties or forties. It was hard to tell since they obviously were tortured before they were killed. Attached to their feet were ques that simply said TRAITOR.


    Zac was starting to hesitate whether to actually enter this ce, but he knew there werent many alternatives. There was another town on the Automatic Map, but it would take at least another two days to get there. With his return back to the portal he would barely make it in time for the next wave, and that was barring there were no unexpected incidents on the way. After making sure his odd clothing wasnt visible through his worn cloak he started walking. As he approached the gates two guards perked up and warily red at him.


    Stop! Why are you here? one of them gruffly asked.


    Im traveling to find my hometown, Zac simply answered. There should be lots of people like him who werent at home when the world got integrated, forcing them to travel to find their way back home.


    Pfft, another idiot looking to be eaten by the beasts, the guard said and the other one snickered in derision.


    Five Nexus Crystals to enter. If you dont have it you can fuck right off.


    Zac was a bit surprised they used Nexus Crystals rather than Nexus Coins as a currency. Then again Nexus Coins were only usable in System-affiliated stores, whereas Nexus Crystals were not only used for currency, they could also make you stronger.


    Zac pretended to look troubled, but reached inside his cape and pretended to grope around while he took out five crystals from his Cosmos Sack. He handed them over to the guard who quickly put them in a backpack.


    Is there somewhere to get a drink? Zac asked.


    The guards were a bit more amenable now that they got paid, and Zac didnt care whether the entrance fee was real or not.


    Theres a bar down the main road, The Royal Oak, the guard answered with a wave.


    Zac nodded and headed into the town. He only took a few steps before he stopped, as a wall of stench mmed into him. It wasnt to the level of the imp camps in the tunnels, but it was bad. The town was obviously human, likely from America or the UK as the worn signs were in English.


    But four months into the apocalypse the whole town looked ready to copse under the weight of its own filth. Piles of dirt were thrown into the alleys, and disgusting streams of mystery liquid ran along the pavement. He even saw a corpse lying in an alley, halfway buried under the filth. Zac was infinitely happy that he had decided to put his shoes on, as hed almost puked at the prospect of stepping on the ground here.


    Clearly there was no such thing as sanitation in Fort Roger. People just threw garbage wherever. There were few people on the streets, and they looked worn and malnourished. Zac decided to use <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>on a few of the stragglers and was shocked to see that many were below level 5. There even were a few that still puttered around at level 1. He wasnt sure exactly how much experience was needed to gain levels in the beginning, as he essentially started at level 16, but he couldnt imagine it was a lot.


    These people were likely mortals just like him. But different from Zac they had simply stayed within this disgusting town since the integration, afraid to venture out. Zac couldnt imagine that these people would have a happy ending in a world of cultivators and local tyrants. The rule ofw was gone, reced by the creed might makes right.


    He didnt know why, but he actually felt some disdain for these hapless people. He knew that it would be weird to expect people to rush out into the forests to risk their lives fighting animals. But for people to just give up, like these people clearly had, felt like a joke.


    They could work together to kill some weaker beasts, and slowly but gradually gain the power that would allow them to feed and protect themselves. They would also get Nexus Coins for the kills, which could be turned into Nexus Crystals at any System-run shop. They could even just do some work for Nexus Coins and use that to purchase crystals.


    Zac resisted the urge to grab these people and shake some sense into them and instead kept going. He was nning on heading straight for the bar, but something caught his eye. It was arge electronics store, now used by a few people to loiter around. There was no electricity so none of the TVs were turned on, but Zac simply ignored the people and headed into the warehouse in the back.


    He found the box containing one of therger tscreens and simply threw it into his pouch after making sure no one was in sight. Next, he took a video yer and boxes and boxes of movies. It was mainly for Alea, who liked watching movies just like Ogras. But Zac was interested in whether they could actually make some money from these things like Ogras hinted, so he took some technology with him back home.


    Finally, most of his pouch was stocked up with electronics and movies, and he headed on toward the bar. He wasnt looking for a drink, but simply to sit down and ask some questions. Soon he arrived at The Royal Oak and saw it was an old Irish Pub. It actually looked like it was in decent shape, with a clean storefront and no garbage piling up around the structure. Clearly there was a proprietor who still had some sense of pride.


    He walked inside and saw that the interior was just as he expected. The only difference between this and all other ssical pubs he had visited through the years was that instead of normal lights there were candles burning on the tables. Zac already expected it, but it looked like there was no electricity in the town.


    He had guessed that things like power, inte, and water supply would be essentially gone with the integration, as the randomization of the world would ruin thework of tubes and cables that had been built over the years. Perhaps there would be some lucky areas that were right next to a water power nt or a farm of windmills or sr panels that might be okay, but most would likely have to do without electricity.


    The bar wasrgely empty apart from a few tables. Everyone kept to themselves, and the conversations were kept at a low volume.


    A new face I see, Zac heard and turned toward a portly middle-aged man who likely was the proprietor.


    He stood behind the bar which he was cleaning with a rag, looking very much the part. The man was British from the sound of it, and it looked like this town was truly from somewhere in Ennd, as it was the same with the guards.


    Zac walked over and sat down on a barstool in front of him.


    What can I get for you? the man asked, looking neither excited or bored.


    Information, Zac simply said as he ced a few crystals on the counter in front of the bartender.


    The barkeeps eyes slightly widened, and he quickly swiped up the crystals with the rag, quickly hiding them from view.


    You better be careful of unting your wealth young man, the bartender said with a serious face. Youre obviously new to town so Ill warn you to not stick out. Safety isnt one of the strong points of Fort Roger.


    I understand. I have been traveling looking for my hometown, and need some information. I need to know if a pattern how the world was reshuffled has been found, Zac spoke with a low voice.


    Have you been hiding under a rock all this time? Well, in any case, its all random from what Ive heard. Im from northern Ennd, but the next town over is mainly American. No one knows whats going on. From what I understand a few governments are working together trying to get order back, but Ill believe it when I see it, the man said with a scoff. How are they going to enforce order when people suddenly are able to shoot fireballs and run around like supermen? Never thought Armageddon would look like this.


    Zac sighed at the answer. He at least hoped there was some discernible pattern to the randomization, but it seemed it was too much to ask for. At least the governments were trying to get things under control. He somewhat agreed with the bartenders assessment, but the information also provided some hope.


    Perhaps the government had some means to map out the world. Maybe there were satellites still in orbit, or at least they couldmunicate by radio. There were many emergency contingencies in ce in case of war or the like. Obviously, nothing could have prepared the countries for the System arriving, but they might have figured some things out by now.


    Is this town under the British government? he asked, hoping to get in touch with an official.


    Pah, what government? This town is run by Roger, a cultivator. Most towns dont have any affiliation to any government, they are just run by whoever has the biggest fist, the barkeep said with a low voice. However, a town called Fairfield is a weeks journey from here. I havent gone myself due to the danger, but I hear that its quite arge town. And supposedly there are some government people from the United States there, they might know more.


    You were quite generous, so Ill warn you. You should probably leave here sooner thanter. Travelers usually have a tough time here, he said as he made an almost indiscernible nod with his head toward a few of the tables.


    Why are people still here? This ce looks a bit Zac said as he hesitated how to finish the sentence, but the Bartender understood what he meant and sighed.


    The road to Fairfield hasrge packs of monsters above level 20, very few dares to go that way without pushing through with a car. Theres also talk of even stronger pack leaders roving about. But Roger has most of the cars and all the petrol, so its better to stay here and eke out a living.


    Zac was about to ask something else, but a loud ruckus outside interrupted him. A loud crash and a few angry roars bled into the bar, whose customers slightly perked up. A young girls scream came next and the bartender sighed again with sadness in his eyes.


    It looks like they found her.


    Found who? Zac asked curiously.


    You should have seen the two bodies out on the gate? The scream probably came from their daughter, the bartender answered with some disgust on his face as he continued with a low voice. Roger took a liking to the young girl, but the parents tried to sneak her out of the town. Truly a miserable family.


    Zacs eyebrows scrunched together, somewhat unsure of what to do. He wasnt some hero saving the damsel in distress. But could he just watch these things happen with a clean conscience, knowing he could help?


    It didnt take long for him to decide. He couldnt save the world, but he at least he could save this girl, and only pray someone would do the same for his family in case it came to that. He got to his feet and turned toward the door. The bartender tried to signal him to stop, but he only answered with a wave as he walked toward the ruckus.

 Chapter 99: Emily

    Chapter 99: Emily


    As Zac stepped out of the bar he saw that there was already a small crowd gathering. After a quick nce it was clear that no one was there to help, but rather to watch a show. All the noise came from three grimy looking men who cornered a kid.


    The men all had somewhat matching clothes, with arge uneven R-patch sewn to their chest. It looked like the leader of the town truly wanted to set himself up as a medieval lord, already making his underlings wear a crest. Zac shook his head and looked toward the inner part of the town where another wall was erected. That should be the residence of this Roger and his cronies.


    One of the men was bleeding freely from his head and the ss shards on the ground around him exined what happened.


    You little BITCH! After Roger gets tired of you Ill fucking feed you to the dogs! the bleeding man roared at their cornered prey.


    It took Zac a few seconds to realize that the kid was actually a small girl somewhere in her teens. She wore wretched-looking rags for clothes, and her face was caked in dirt apart from a few tear streaks drawing clear lines in her face. Even her hair was in a mess, and it looked like she or someone else had randomly cut most off it of with a knife.


    The teenager was holding the remains of a bottle as a weapon, and ferociously stared at the three men. The outlook didnt look good as all two of them took out daggers as they approached her while thest man stood at the ready. Zac sighed and used <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>on the group, and saw that the girl was named Emily.


    She didnt even have a level yet, which meant that she was too young to start using the System. The other three were around level 15 to 17, weaklings in Zacs eyes but perhaps strong ording to the level of this town. Certainly, for a young girl without any powers it was a futile struggle.


    WHO IS SPYING ON US? the third man without a knife roared as he red in Zacs direction.


    Zac rolled his eyes as he stepped out from the group of people. He really needed to get a better inspection skill. Anyone with Intelligence above 15 points would be able to sense his scan, above 30 and theyd know it was him. Apparently the homeless-looking man actually focused intelligence, which was a bit surprising.


    Wanting to y the hero? Or maybe you just want her for yourself, eh? In either case you better fuck right off, the bleeding man said.


    Zac shook his head as he wondered how people could devolve to this stage after just a few months. Was thews and fear of punishment the only thing that held some people back before the integration?


    You better turn back right now- one of the men said, but threw his dagger at Zacs head mid-sentence in an attempt to ambush him.


    Zac couldnt even be bothered to respond as he simply caught the dagger mid-air as he released his aura. Screams of panic immediately erupted as the onlookers frically tried to back away. He held the knife in his hand, still unsure of how to act.


    Dont move or Ill kill the brat! one of the men said as he grabbed the girl who had lost focus due to Zacs aura. He was deathly pale and his whole body was shaking in horror as he maniacally stared at Zac.


    Zac frowned and threw the dagger with a quick motion. It tore through the air and punched into the head of the man holding the girl hostage. The force of the throw was so great that his head burst like a watermelon, instantly killing him.


    Next Zac took out one of his regr axes from his pouch and charged up a <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The other two ruffians didnt even have time to react or scream out before two headless corpses fell down on the ground. Arge tear was rent through a house as well from Zacs lightning-quick swings, and it looked like it would copse at any second.


    Zac walked over to the girl who now was drenched in the mans blood. She still had the bottle in her hand, and though she looked scared at Zac she didnt flinch. Zacs impression of this girl was far betterpared to the castaways on his ind.


    Lets go, was the only thing he said to her as he controlled his aura and turned toward the central area of Fort Roger. But he only had time to take three steps before the bartender stopped him.


    Wait, young man! I understand youre angry, but please dont do anything drastic. If you kill Roger and his henchmen then most of the people in this town will perish from the animals.


    That made Zac stop in his tracks, and after some hesitation, he turned around and started walking toward the gate instead with some sadness in his eyes.


    There wasnt anything left to do here. Information in a hovel like this was limited, and hed have to travel to Fairfield in order to find out more. This Roger fellow might know more, but he had a feeling that going to visit him would only result in battle and more death.


    He wasnt sure how to deal with people like Roger. Obviously they were scum, but they were also the ones who kept civilians safe just as the bartender said. There were even level 1 wastrels still surviving to this date in Fort Roger, and that was mostly thanks to Roger.


    In his anger he hadnt thought about the consequences, but he wasnt ready to support this whole town. He just had no way to migrate a whole town through the forest and through the teleporter in time before the next wave started. And it wasnt like he could afford it in any case, since each activation cost a bunch of Nexus Crystals.


    It wouldnt help to build his own teleporter here for the same reason, not that he was ready to waste that many crystals on these people even if he could. The wolf waves had tapped almost all his remaining crystals, and he wasnt about to spend another 10 million nexus coin on a teleporter. He needed that money to ready himself for the second wave.


    He learned from Ss during their walk that viges regrly were beset by beasts. It wasnt to the point of his own beast waves, but there could be hundreds of frenzied animals who heedlessly charged at the viges. Ss believed it was the work of the System, and Zac agreed.


    But still, leaving like this gave a bad taste in his mouth and his monstrous aura once again red out. He turned back around and supercharged another cosmic energy edge, bringing it to over ten meters. With an echoing roar he unleashed the edge right toward the inner wall in the distance.


    As it traveled it destroyed the paved road, creating a huge scar that ran right through the vige. It smashed through the rudimentary gate, leaving only wood chippings in its wake. Finally when the de was only twenty meters away from the mansion the de winked out of existence.


    Deliver this message to Roger. I will return through this area shortly, and if I find him still acting like some wanna-be warlord I will judge him and all his henchmen. Let my strike be the reminder, Zac said with a loud voice empowered with cosmic energy. His huge aura was still billowing out, forcing people to back away or down on their knees, and the visage of his swing would likely follow these townspeople for the rest of their lives.


    All the vigers of Fort Roger quickly got out of the way as he once again retracted his aura and walked away. Their faces were white with terror and they didnt even dare to look up. Some shuffling from behind told him that the girl decided to follow him.


    Soon they were at the gate with Emilys parents being hung up. And for the first time, he heard the girl speak up.


    Please please help me take them down, a weak voice came from behind him, and he turned around to see tears pooling up in her eyes.


    Zac worldlessly started to charge <strong>[Chop]</strong> again, preparing to cut down the two.


    HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING?! one of the guards shouted and ran toward Zac.


    With the bartenders words echoing in his mind Zac felt no need to keep killing, and only lightly pped the man to knock him unconscious. The other guards only fearfully stared in the distance, not daring to approach.


    He charged up <strong>[Chop]</strong> to a five-meter edge, and with two lightning-quick swings the whole part of the wall that held the two bodies was cut down. Zac freed the two corpses, simply ripping apart the chains that held them. Then with a nod toward the girl he walked toward the forest with the two bodies under his arms.


    The remaining guards mutely stared at Zacs back and the ruined gate, unsure what to do. Soon one of them ran toward therge mansion on the other side of the town.


    After a few minutes of walking Zac felt confident that no one was nning on following them so he ced the two bodies down on the ground then put them into his Cosmos Sack.


    What did you do?! The girl asked aghast, seeing the bodies of her parents simply vanish.


    She pointed the shattered ss bottle she still carried at him.


    I ced them in a magic bag, Zac answered as he started to take off his shoes.


    She hesitated a bit then put down her makeshift weapon.


    Why didnt you kill Roger as well? He is much worse than the ones you killed, she asked in an almost usatory tone.


    I am not sure more good than evil woulde from me doing that, Zac said as he nced at her. He held the shoes who were now caked in all kinds of things from walking through Fort Roger, and simply chucked them into the woods with some disgust. Hed rather get new ones than put these defiled ones back on.


    Emily hesitated a bit before she grit her teeth and started to undress.


    As long as you kill him you can do whatever you want with me, she said with her eyes reddening.


    Zacs eyebrows rose up and using <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>he almost teleported in front of her and flicked her forehead.


    Dont be stupid, keep your clothes on, he said with a roll of his eyes. Im not interested in little kids.


    Im fifteen, she said defensively, but she still started to put on her clothes while blushing a bit.


    That Roger isnt very strong, if you want him killed just work hard and kill him yourself, Zac said. I am not some mercenary who goes around killing people, I have my own problems to deal with.


    Then help me get strong! Ive never heard of anyone being as powerful as you, and Ive been to multiple cities, Emily asked, a burning desire in her eyes.


    Zac had initially nned on dumping the girl in Winterleaf Vige before heading back, but something in her eyes made Zac change his mind. He guessed that Alyn had her first student for the Academy.


    Why have you been to multiple cities? Traveling is pretty dangerous, he said.


    I have a big brother and a big sister. Both are cultivators, they disappeared right from our home. We looked around but couldnt find them. After a bit over a month we heard about the tutorial, but the cultivators didnt return to our city. We guessed that they were dropped off somewhere else, she exined. We decided to look for them, so we have traveled looking for them for a few months and arrived at Fort Roger a week ago


    She didnt continue from there but Zac could guess the rest of the story from her eyes once again reddening. He sighed and wondered how many people had died trying to find their family members or trying to get back home. The world was fraught with danger, and the incursions and monsters might not even be the worst ones. Humanity had always been its own worst enemy.


    I can take you with me to my town. However, that ce is extremely far away and you will not be able to look for your siblings if you do. Where I live is very dangerous, but you can get stronger there. Its up to you to choose your path, Zac said as he looked at the teenager.


    Emily only hesitated a few seconds before she looked at him with determination.


    Ill go with you.


    Ok. Then jump up on my back, Zac said as he turned his back to her.


    What? she asked with a bbergasted face.


    Zac had already decided to head back to Port Atwood after this small excursion. There were 5 days left until the next part of the beast waves and he wasnt sure hed make it to Fairfield and back within that timeframe. He felt it was more worthwhile to go back and increase his power with his remaining E-Grade Crystals.


    Besides, Emily seemed to have visited multiple towns, and she might have even more answerspared to the barkeep or Roger. All in all, he was happy with the result of this expedition. He even got a nifty map, and more importantly, the magical token.


    Come on, jump up, Zac repeated as he hunched down a bit. Walking with an unevolved human in tow would waste far too much time, so he would have to carry her. Since he wanted his arms free in case of an attack shed have to climb up on his back.


    She hesitated a bit before she climbed up with a slight blush on her face. As soon as she put her arms around his neck he walked off with his usual speed.


    A shriek echoed through the forest as Zac strolled through with the speed of a runaway train.

 Chapter 100: Travel Companions

    Chapter 100: Travel Companions


    Zac stopped for the night at a small clearing and let down Emily from his back. Even the fading light couldnt hide the fact that her face was deathly pale. Moving almost at the speed of a car through dense forest on the back of another human was apparently quite jarring, and Zac had been forced to stop a few times to let the girl take a breather.


    There were many things he wanted to ask the teenager about the Tutorial and society after the fall, but he didnt want to push her either. They buried her parents at a beautiful de just a few hours ago, and she hadnt said anything since then. There wasnt any ceremony, with Zac simply using a broadsword to rip open a hole in the ground where he ced the two together. Since the bodies were naked he first ced a cover over them before he refilled the grave.


    Meanwhile, Emily carved the words <em>Remembered by E+J+O</em> in a tree with a dagger she got from Zac. They simply stood staring at the grave for a few minutes before she silently climbed up on Zacs back, and they wordlessly left the de. Zac had offered to bury them on the Ind, but Emily wanted to bury them closer to their home.


    Zac prepared a small fire in silence as Emily was looking at the dagger Zac gave her earlier.


    What level are you? she suddenly asked as she looked up at Zac, who froze a bit.


    Um he said, unsure how to respond. He wasnt sure whether exposing the fact he was over level 50 was such a good idea.


    Well, are you on thedder? Emily changed her question when she saw Zacs troubled face.


    Yes. Can you see thedder? Zac asked a bit surprised.


    I knew it. You are way too strong to not be a Ranker, she looked a bit excited. Everyone can see thedder. I guess that you are considered role models by the System? So it wants to disy you for us as well.


    Do you know if there are any other Rankers close by? Zac probed, a bit curious.


    No idea. I know that the government is looking for you people, she answered as she started cutting and the air with her dagger. However, her movements and technique were horrendous.


    Zac took out a spit andrge chunk of meat from his sack and ced it on the spit close to the fire. He had grown tired of the tough dried meat long ago and now preferred to barbeque. Now that he was forced to stop for Emily he had the time to spare.


    He sprinkled some salt over the b and left it to slowly be grilled. He mentally kicked himself for not looking for some spices at Fort Roger as the ones from the camper were used up long ago. Then again, he felt that any food-stuffs should have been pilfered long ago in a wretched town like that.


    Why are they looking for us? No, not like that, move like this, Zac asked as he showed how to properly distribute her weight.


    I dunno. They are trying to get all cultivators to register and be like an army or something? Maybe they want the Rankers to lead the cultivators? she answered as she mimicked Zacs movement.


    Hmm Zac only answered as he kept moving. He felt that it wasnt that simple. The world was copsing, and from his brief visit to Fort Roger he knew that the Governments control was tenuous at best. Perhaps they needed Rankers to keep people in check. Are many cultivatorsplying?


    I dont think so, we tried going to the government when we looked for Johanna and Oscar, but from what we heard most people havent joined yet. But new people join every day, and the government offers pretty good things, she distractedly answered without stopping her stabs.


    Like what? Now shift your weight like this, it gives more reach to your stab, Zac asked as he kept moving.


    ess to system-exclusive things like training facilities. Good Sry. Oh, and they have imed good areas that have a lot of monsters. Anyone that wants to train there has to be a part of the government, otherwise they are attacked, she exined.


    Arent there monsters everywhere? Why would that matter?


    That forest is good because it doesnt have any very strong monsters it seems, its a pretty safe spot to level up. Most ces have a random mix of animals, and it''s super dangerous to fight there. Some super-strong monster can pop out anytime and kill you. So finding good spots is very important.


    Zac nodded as it made a lot of sense. His situation was the same. His whole ind had turned into a farmers paradise in a sense, as the demonic beast hordes killed off any normal animals that could have be a real threat. There was no supercharged mink on Demon Ind, only Barghest and Gwyllgi. They were dangerouspared to most animals, but there would never be any surprise beast or boss jumping out of the bushes.


    They kept going for some time before they sat down to eat. Zac was by no means a knife-master, but some things he learned from his guidance system was universal.


    Do you know why so many towns have Nexus Nodes? Zac suddenly asked.


    He knew that he wouldnt be the only one with a Town Shop system, but after seeing Fort Roger he was a bit surprised to see just how low the bar was set.


    Um, because people like to live together? she answered, looking a bit confused.


    What?


    Well, those crystals appear when enough people live together in a town, right? Emily answered.


    Hmm Zac only answered.


    Then everyone gets a quest to fight for ownership. It can get pretty crazy. My parents got such a quest once, but we immediately left town and hid out until it settled down. But I heard those crystals are always the worst ones, and only give sses, she continued after looking at Zac. Only those who get their crystals from The Tutorial can actually build things with it, and it is different there as well. Like if they impressed the System in the tutorial they get to buy more things. Im not sure.


    It looked like the nexus stations popped up just from poption density, and a quest like the one for the Fruit of Ascension would start. The Nexus Station gave almost no options, but he was sure that the one who imed ownership would get some quest to evolve the crystal.


    He was a bit irritated earlier that others already had towns when he created his since he might have missed out on some good titles. It took him a few days to figure out how to create an outpost, after all. But it seemed their progression was limited. After all, he doubted the people of Winterleaf vige single-handedly closed a freaking incursion in order to establish theirs.


    Emily soon fell asleep since she was tired from todays events, but Zac only needed a few hours of rest. He sat down with his back against the wall and started pondering the Dao. There was no Fourth Dao seed he felt close to attaining, and instead he needed to focus on upgrading the ones he had.


    He turned his eyes inward toward the Axe-fractal in his mind. Since he gained the Seed of Sharpness the axe had two colors, with one side being dark blue with some brown, and the other a steely grey. The colors represented the two Seeds he possessed, Sharpness and Heaviness. There was a clear line of demarcation between the two Daos, and the auras didnt mix in the slightest.


    He knew that one of the things he needed to do in the future was to fuse these two, but it was very far off. Alyn exined that there were two ways to improve the Dao. The first was fusion, and it was the path he had been walking since the start. Since the day he saw the vision he knew that the seed of Heaviness he gained was only part of the terrifying aura in the axe-mans swing. He would have to fuse more concepts into it to create a true Dao of Axe.


    The path of fusion often walked from simplicity toplexity. Itbined simple concepts into something greater than the sum of the parts. The other path was generally referred to as evolution. It meant pushing a Dao Seed to its limit, and from there letting it evolve into a higher Dao of the same category.


    That was his n with his Dao of Trees. There might be a possibility to fuse it into his Dao of Axes as well, but Zac felt it would weaken it rather than strengthen it. Instead, hed work toward evolving it by itself. Unless he suddenly gained a fourth seed somewhere and tried his hands on fusing that as well.


    Neither fusion or evolution was better than the other ording to Alyn, they were just different. However, she told him that most focused on evolution since fewer Daos were necessary to progress with that path. With fusion hed always need to gain enlightenment on at least two Daos.


    Dao was generally considered the true watershed in the path to power. Over time most people were able to hit their level cap, and money could solve the issue of Race evolution. But Dao was something you needed to figure out yourself. There were some tools and treasures that could help out, but it mostly depended on personal aptitude and insight.


    Zac felt he probably wasnt some genius since all three of his seeds essentially came from his visions. He did gain the Seed of Sharpness a few monthster, but the foundation for learning it came from the same vision as the Seed of Heaviness. He was afraid that evolving all three at the same time would be more than he could chew off.


    He still was hesitating whether to put aside two of the seeds and only focus on one, or to focus on both the offensive ones. The Dao of Trees was the lowest priority for now, as its use simply didnt feel as readily apparent.


    Finally, he made a decision in his mind. He would focus on the Dao of Sharpness, at least for now. It was the Seed he had for the shortest time, but it felt like the most useful one. He stared at the axe in his mind, trying to glean anything out of the silver fractals.


    He also yed both the vision of the axe-man in his mind, feeling the terrifying force of the strike. Finally, he revisited the fight with the Fiend Wolf. He remembered the feeling of standing in the Dao Field, where even the air turned sharp from the Dao. He remembered how the casual swings of the beast rent long lines into the earth without any cosmic energy needed.


    He also pondered upon what sharpness actually meant. It wasnt as simple as the thinner the edge the more damage he could do. Sharpness needed control and technique to be properly applied as well. He remembered seeing clips before the fall where people tried using razor-sharp swords and barely were able to cut anything since their technique was bad.


    He kept it going for a few hours before the mental strain became too much and he fell asleep. He woke up a few hourster, only to find Emily intently staring at him.


    Are you Abbot Evesting Peace? she asked curiously.


    Urh what?


    Well, you look like a monk, and when I woke up during the night I saw you meditate. You already told me you are on thedder. So are you Abbot Evesting Peace? Or Boundless Truth? Is that why you werent interested in me? Is there nothing down there? she peppered off, almost overtaxing Zacs exhausted brain.


    Boundless? Wait, what? Im no monk, my hair only got singed off in battle recently. And Im not missing any goddamn parts, okay?

 Chapter 101: First impressions

    Chapter 101: First impressions


    After another day of travel they finally reached Winterleaf vige. Zac slowed down before entering the town though, not wanting to make it look like he charged at them.


    Careful, this is a beastman vige! They are usually very strong, Emily hastily said as she pulled at his cloak.


    I know, I am friends with them, Zac offhandedly answered as he entered the town. He slightly frowned as he saw that the vige was almostpletely deserted, with no one in sight. Had something happened?


    He quickly calmed down though as he soon saw Ss run toward him.


    Greetings Zac. We didnt expect to see you for a few more days,


    My trip was cut short so Im heading back, I hope you dont mind. Is everything okay here, it looks a bit empty?


    Stupid, they cant understand English, the girl softly said by his side, but Zac only rolled his eyes in response. It was a bit cumbersome when only one party had thenguage skill in these situations.


    Not a problem, Ill lead you to the teleporter. Most people are just out working for now, the Ishiate answered with a cough as he ushered them toward the array.


    Zac felt that the beastman was lying, but couldnt be bothered to untangle that. They simply walked back toward the teleportation array making some small talk, while Emily looked on confused. Next to the array arge package was ced.


    The package contains the fur and a few tokens of thanks by the vigers for the help you provided us. Good luck with your endeavors, my friend. I hope to see you again in the treasure hunt, Ss said with an awkward smile.


    Zac nodded, and after cing the crystals needed to teleport the two of them stepped on the array with Emily in tow. He initially had wanted to discuss some matters of trade, such as keeping a channel open for goods between the two. However, it seemed pretty clear that they were worried hed go berserk, to the point they even evacuated the town to avoid him.


    With a sh followed by some darkness he once again materialized. To his surprise he only saw walls, and quickly looked around. With a sigh of relief, he headed through a door, and the familiar sight of Port Atwood came into view.


    It seemed that someone had erected a small house to shield the teleportation array while he was gone. Initially, he thought that Ogras had nned some trap for him, but that clearly wasnt the case.


    Wow that was so cool, were we teleported? Emily eximed next to him.


    Yeah, its a teleportation array. It can take us almost anywhere on the, as long as theres another array there, Zac answered. The way Ss acted was quite suspect, so he brought up the teleportation interface just to make sure of his suspicions.


    Just as he opened the window he saw the line with Winterleaf Vige wink out of existence, no longer avable to choose. Zac only sighed and closed the interface. It looked like the beastmen were careful after all. His n to visit Fairfield after the next wave would have to be canceled.


    Lets go, he said as he headed toward the temporary town.


    Zac noticed that the progress wasing along well as they walked toward the center of Port Atwood. The wall was almostpletely fixed, and new poles were erected on the outside. Their use had been limited thest time, but it was better to something than nothing. There was however an extremely unsettling smell in the air, and Zac furrowed his brows.


    Wow your town smells like poop, Emily eximed, and Zac was forced to agree with some embarrassment.


    As they closed in on the town the shadows flickered and the familiar demon appeared in front of them. Emily shrieked in surprise and jumped back a few steps, her dagger immediately in her hand.


    This one seems a bit better than thest ones, even if she looks a bit feral. I didnt know you liked them this young. If thats your taste you can always pursue Zakarith, your names match and everything, Ogras said with a half-smile.


    She was in trouble so I picked her up along the way, Zac answered with a roll of his eyes. How are the preparations going, and what the hell is this smell?


    WAIT! Why is there a demon here, and why is it speaking English? Emily shrilly interjected as she started tracingrge crosses in the air to ward off evil.


    What is she doing? Is she brain-damaged? Ogras skeptically asked as he gave a nce of mock-pity.


    Zac only half-grinned and briefly told him about the demons in Christianity and other folk-lore.


    Hmm, very interesting. It might be a coincidence, or perhaps your had visitors from the multi-verse a few thousand years ago and the details got jumbled over the years, Ogras mused.


    Wait, people coulde from the multi-verse even before the integration? Zac asked.


    Well yeah, but it would be like finding a needle in a gxy so to speak. Your would almost be impossible to locate, but nothing is stopping you, Ogras answered with a shrug.


    This is Ogras, hes living here along with a few hundred more of his kind. Actually, the town mostly consists of demons. Theyre like the beastmen, Zac exined to the frazzled girl.


    That seemed to calm her down somewhat as she curiously nced at the demon.


    I know Im handsome, but dont go falling in love with me. I prefer maturedies, Ogras said as he struck a pose.


    She only blushed a bit and moved a bit further away.


    Are there no other humans here except you? she curiously asked Zac.


    Well, there are a few more, but they arrived just recently, Zac answered.


    Pah, dont remind me of those wastrels, Ogras spat. Pain in the ass every single one of them. Well, the old guy is okay, I guess.


    Whats going on? And the smell? Zac reminded the demon.


    Entitled little shits. They keepining and dont want to work. They just hide in their house after seeing one little barghest, crying and demanding to see you. When they found out you werent here anymore they flipped out, Ogras said with disdain. As for the wretched odor? You try tanning tens of thousands of wolf hides at once without making the area smell like a Devourers asshole.


    How did theye in contact with a barghest? There shouldnt be any ones alive this close to town right? Zac asked.


    He knew that they would treat the hides, as the nonbat sses had arduously skinned and salvaged anything of value from the monster hordes. He hadnt expected this level of stench though. Most of the parts of the beasts were useless since the grade was too low to trade with the Mercantile System, but some things might be useful, and with the volumes they were handling they would make a decent profit.


    The hides of the more sturdy ones could be made into F-Grade leather armors, which would sell for a decent penny, especially at a newly integrated world like Earth. With their almost infinite stock of leather, they nned on using it as a selling point for visiting the town when they opened the gates for the public in the future.


    They said they wanted to get stronger, and since none of them are cultivators Ilvere took them to hunt a few barghests, Ogras answered in response to the question about the humans. If they worked together they shouldnt have any problems killing such a dumb beast. But apparently it was chaos, people fleeing for their lives, even pushing down each other to escape. Ilvere had to kill the beast before a fight even started, he snickered.


    Zac could only sigh, feeling a bit embarrassed on their behalf.


    Whats a Barghest? Emily asked curiously.


    Its arge demon dog that looks like it has been turned inside out, Zac answered. Ogras looked like he was about correct Zac, but after some thought nodded his head.


    Zac turned to Emily after some thought.


    How do most human towns handle people who cant fight?


    Eh Some get jobs doing various things I guess? There are still people needed for all kinds of things. The people who have simply given up are usually ignored or kicked out of town. I heard the most ruthless leaders have even used them as human shields against monster waves the girl answered after some thought.


    Theres an idea, Ogras muttered.


    Where are they now? Zac asked with a sigh.


    We put them in the infirmary since its empty by now.


    Hows Alea? Zac quickly asked, reminded of the demoness.


    Shes up now, but still notpletely restored. Shes been asking about you, the demon answered with a devilish grin.


    Whos Alea? Emily perked up.


    Why do you care, little brat? Ogras grinned at her.


    Whatever, she answered with a pout.


    Already starting to regreting back this early Zac sighed as he started walking toward the infirmary.


    More importantly, did you find any? Ogras asked.


    Any what? Humans? Yeah, I visited a human settlement. Zac distractedly answered.


    Who cares about that. Movies, human? Did you find any movies?


    Zac stopped and nced at the demon.


    Are you really that free right now?


    The wall is essentially rebuilt, and I still cant buy anything with contribution points. Im just waiting around, he answered impatiently.


    Zac shook his head but took out therge box containing the TV, and the small mountain of videos. Ogras inspected the things with glee, but he looked a bit confused.


    What are these things?


    Therge box contains a muchrger screen to watch the movies. The small packages each contain one movie or a series. That box over there contains the device to y them. Both the Large screen and the yer needs a steady stream of electricity through a cable. You can plug them into the camper, but you need to figure out how to keep the battery charged yourself.


    Ogras nodded excitedly and put all the things into his pouch.


    Im sure you have many things to do, Ill help this kid get used to the area, he said, and as he grabbed the shoulder of Emily both of them disappeared, leaving only a startled shriek in the air.


    Zac smiled a bit and continued on toward the infirmary. He wasnt afraid that hed hurt the teenager, but rather knew hed need some tech support. Actually, it even looked like he approved of her ferocity. Soon he arrived outside the infirmary, and to his surprise saw Janos sitting outside the door.


    Whats going on?


    Kept escaping. Put them in illusion, the demon tersely answered.


    Uh, ok. You can turn it off, Im going in, Zac said with some annoyance. He didnt know if these people really were a handful, or whether the demons were too heavy-handed, but something needed to be done. He didnt have the resources to baby these people all the time.


    With a sigh he entered the infirmary. As he entered the humans saw it was Zac, and rushed toward him with a litany ofints. Zac simply released some of his aura to silence the group, then stared at them until they had calmed down.


    I hear you have been asking for me? Zac said.


    You lied to us! We want off this hellhole of an ind. Those demons said you have a method to leave the ind, we want to go home, Megan angrily huffed.


    Youre safe, clean, and fed. Thats betterpared to most of humanity right now. You have ess to a multi-verse town shop that has the herbs needed to evolve your race. You have a forest full of prey that gives a huge amount of Nexus Coins and Cosmic Energy. And you sit hereining, Zac retorted as a twinge of anger red up at these people. Their situation would likely cause envy from most people, even cultivators, yet they only sat here thinking life was unfair.


    You want off this ind with your powers? Youd die within a day. And even if you somehow survived and got to a settlement youd be made ves or worse since youre powerless.


    The castaways hesitantly looked at each other, before the girl once again gathered her courage.


    Those hellhounds in the forest? We saw it bite clean through a thick tree, you want us to fight that? We arent suicidal. And do you think well just believe you when you say that the world outside is dangerous? she angrily said, and from the looks of the faces of the other,s they agreed.


    I am sorry we havent been able to help out very much young man. Us old folks have some trouble adjusting to this new reality, the old fisherman suddenly interjected.


    I currently have 46 000 nexus coins from fighting animals on our old ind. If possible I would like to borrow 36 000 nexus coins in order to buy the <strong>[Water Spear] </strong>skill from your Nexus Node for 75 000 coins. The remaining coins I would like to use to buy some of your Crystals at 50 coins per Nexus Crystal, the old fisherman said.


    Your name is Trang, right?


    My name is Sap Trang. What do you think of my proposal? I know it is a lot of coins, but with it, I hope to be able to kill the demons you call Barghest, and from there slowly get stronger. The crystals are mainly for my fellow vigers, who n to be what your friends call nonbat sses. They have slowly gotten levels from fishing, but the crystals would speed it up substantially. It looks to me that you are founding an ind kingdom, and us old folk have lived on the sea for all our lives. We believe we can be helpful even in this new world.


    Zac was a bit surprised. This old man clearly was no fool like the brats. Sap Trang had learned everything he could from Alyn and Zakarith, and formted a path for himself and his vigers. He also didnt mention Megan and her clique either, so he guessed he wasnt too fond of them either.


    And it was true, having a couple of seasoned seamen would be convenient. A goal of his was to explore the neighboring inds when time permitted. Who knew what treasures the system had put there.


    Besides, what Sap Trang said was true. He did want to create a sphere of influence, and since he was situated on an ind it would pretty much have to be an Ind Kingdom.

 Chapter 102: The Day before the Storm

    Chapter 102: The Day before the Storm


    Ill give you 100 000 Nexus coins as an investment to get you and your fellow vigers on the right track. You should know that the number of crystals I can sell is limited at the moment, as we need them for the war preparations. But enough tost you for a few weeks of cultivation shouldnt be a problem, Zac said after mulling it over for a few seconds.


    There were only 6 vigers with four eldery men and two olddies, and their expenditure shouldnt really impact their daily production. He didnt mention anything about paying back, as he might as well consider it a gift in case they proved useful. If not, he could alwayse to collect at ater date.


    The Vietnamese vigers looked excited, and quickly got to their feet and bowed toward Zac, who lightly nodded back. However frowns appeared on the other group of people, who also started to re at the fishermen.


    Why are you only giving them all those resources? What about us? one of the men angrily asked.


    They seem like they can be useful to my town, you do not. Why should I spend Nexus Coins on you? Zac said with a dismissive nce, which only made the former tourists angrier.


    There are various tasks that need to bepleted on this ind. Go earn your keep if you want coins but dont want to fight. Mr. Trang, take your vigers ande with me, Zac continued and started to head out.


    The fishermen quickly followed in tow, but when the tourists tried to follow a re from Zac stopped them in their tracks. As he left the infirmary he briefly updated Janos who sighed and reactivated his illusion, keeping the humans inside.


    Next he walked over to Adrans canopy. Adran was a stocky demon who was in charge of the logistics of the temporary town, and one of the people who had been present at the meeting discussing the town design some time ago. He was amon nonbat ss called Administrator Zac learned earlier, which was an important reason for his current position.


    It was apparently quite simr to the Scribe ss that Zakarith possessed, but their differencesy in their upgrade paths. The Scribe ss had upgrade paths that veered toward the mercantile ss. It could actually also be upgraded into Inscriber, a craftsman ss that focused on inscribing fractals onto gear.


    Administrator focused more on the management of towns and countries. It could be upgraded to things like Magistrate in the future, where the individuals almost became like supeputers, keeping track of innumerable things in their heads. It apparently also could be upgraded into certain mentalist sses.


    There actually wasnt a too rigid system that split up the types of sses, but it was rather fluid. Some sses were mixes of various things, and the type of ss could change when evolving it. Of course, nning out your path from the start often was preferable in order to not allocate attribute points in the wrong direction.


    Zac had Adran make arrangements for the humans. He simply provided the Nexus Coins and different lodging for the fishermen. For anything else they first would have to prove themselves. As for the tourists he set some ground rules to whip them into shape. If they didnt volunteer in doing some tasks around the camp, then work would be handed out. If they didntplete it then no food or lodging that day.


    He didnt want groups of people who just drifted about like in Fort Roger. And if they wouldnt pick themselves up like the fishermen, then Zac would drag them forward no matter their opinion. Besides, he had a feeling that iing second monster horde would help them realize their new reality. If thousands of monsters charging at them didnt wake them up, nothing would.


    After dealing with histest citizens he left to look for Alea. After asking around he found she was meditating on top of the repaired wall. He soon found her sitting down with the sun in her back, illuminating her horns to truly look as though they were licks of fire.


    Zac did not want to interrupt her meditation and simply sat down close to her and gazed out over the mostly prepared battlefield.


    Youre back, Zac suddenly heard Alea say after some time and looked over at the demoness.


    I am d to see youre better, Zac said after some hesitant silence.


    Your pill was very effective, Alea answered as she looked calmly at his face.


    The intent stare was starting to make Zac a bit ufortable, and he tried toe up with something to discuss. Finally, he detailed his excursion through the teleportation. The Ishiate, the mink, and Fort Roger. Alea calmly listened through the story, seemingly content to let Zac bber on, until he got to Emily.


    This human, is she cute? she asked with a light voice.


    Shes just a kid, Zac answered with a roll of his eyes. Then he caught himself as it felt like he was defending himself to a girlfriend.


    Hmm was the only answer from the demoness as she slowly closed her eyes to keep meditating. Zac felt that he was approaching a weird territory and with a grunt got up to his feet. Before he jumped down the wall he looked down on the meditating demoness a few seconds.


    Thank you, he said before he left. That was the real thing he wanted to convey. Alea had risked her life to help him in the battle against the Fiend Wolf and was still recuperating from its attack. She was under no obligation to do that but she still did it, and Zac was truly grateful.


    With that, he was done with everything he needed to do for now. The demons knew what they needed to do, and Zacs only goal now was to get stronger. He didnt want to get mired down in weeks of battle again. The few days of freedom as he explored the new made him feel alive, and he was anxious to get back to it.


    The fact that the beastmen closed their portal was a bit troubling as it threw a wrench in his ns, but since that small vige managed to buy a teleportation array already then many other towns would likely follow suit soon. Perhaps even a government-run one that wanted to gather people.


    He went back to his camp and to his surprise saw Ogras and Emily sit under a red canopy in afortable chair each, contentedly watching a movie. They obviously were sessful in setting up the new Television, as it currently was showing a rom movie with an extension cable running through the illusion array, presumably toward the camper.


    He wanted to kick the demon and make him do something more productive, but he also felt that it might be good for Emily with somepany. The apocalypse obviously had toughened her up, but both her parents were killed just a week ago, and no one could simply shake that off.


    I am going to absorb some crystals before the next horde arrives, dont disturb me unless it is something important, Zac said as he looked over at the demon.


    No problem, I can charge up the energy storage of your tin can through that wire, so we wont need to disturb you, Ogras answered without taking his eyes off the TV.


    Zac nked out a second before he understood the demon meant the campers battery and the extension cord.


    What are you doing? Emily perked up as she looked over at him.


    I need to train and get stronger, Zac answered.


    Can I do it too? she eagerly asked. Zac had noticed her hunger for power since they started traveling together, and was very much in favor of it.


    Not until you turn 16. Find Alynter, shell help you prepare. If you follow her instructions you will have better prospects in the future, Zac answered with a shake of his head.


    Oh the disgraced teacher will finally have a student again, Ogras said with a pitying nce at Emily.


    Wait, what do you mean? Zac asked with a start.


    She got fired because of her, uh, unusually strict training methods in our n. She was mainly brought over here because she already had thenguage skill and people figured she would make a good ve driver, Ogras said with a widening smile. Otherwise what use would a teacher have during an invasion? Did you think we would go around opening a bunch of schools for you humans?


    The eyes of both Zac and Emily widened at this, and Zacs image of the calm and properdy shed with the image of Alyn screaming on top of her lungs while whipping a bunch of ves.


    Well Dont let her overdo it. Emily, stay strong, he said as he entered his camp.


    Wai- the teenager tried to interject, but another shield superimposed over the illusion array. It was a<strong> [F-Grade Small Scale Defensive Array]</strong>, the cheapest and weakest defensive option in the town shop.


    It wasnt something Zac bought to protect himself, but rather a means to show the surroundings he didnt want to be disturbed. It only cost 75 000 Nexus coin, and a random punch by him or Ogras would break it. It was, however, effective against a girl who still hadnt started on the path of cultivation.


    For the next four days he simply sat down and absorbed his <strong>[E-Grade Nexus Crystals]</strong>. He was able to absorb roughly 2 a day, and he already consumed two of them before. He left his 10th andst crystal for emergencies though. During the whole time he barely slept or ate, he just sat down and let the huge power wash over him.


    He stood up and after a quick shower and dinner he opened up his quest panel.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, town upgraded to City, status upgraded to Lord. (1/3) [1:03:22:34]</strong>


    A bit over a day remained until the next wave started, and only the finishing touches were needed now. He removed his defensive array and walked out to the makeshift movie-canopy. During the four days it had gotten some upgrades, with walls that kept the re out of the TV, and a rug and coffee table. It was however empty so he headed toward the town.


    After asking around he learned Ogras was with Adran, and walked over. As the two saw Zac approach they nodded toward him.


    How are the preparations?


    Everything is finished. This time we had time over to create a few siege weapons as well. They might be useful, and they can even be manned by the nonbat sses or your new citizens after some training. The only thing remaining is purchasing the aces with Nexus Coins, Ogras answered. I have taken the liberty of collecting three million Nexus Coins for the war effort. I mean five million. He continued, correcting himself after a re by Zac.


    Zac nodded and after some discussion purchased a few defensive measures.


    How are the humans? Zac asked Adran after that was done.


    The old people are working hard cultivating with Nexus Crystals. Their leader has even gained a decent speed at killing Barghest by now. He has been getting assistance though, of course, the administrator answered.


    The youth are a bit more troublesome, but theyre getting there. Nothing is as effective in getting people in line as a few days of filling oldtrines and digging new ones, Adran continued with a small smile while Ogras openly snickered. Oh and speaking of thest little human, here shesing.


    Zac turned around and saw Emily approach like a small thundercloud. Next to her a visibly irate Alea and Alyn were walking along. Zac sighed and stood up, and unhesitantly started to powerwalk away.

 Chapter 103: The Second Horde

    Chapter 103: The Second Horde


    Zac! a few voices shouted after him. And he could only sigh and turn around.


    Since he saw herst Emily had undergone a drastic transformation. She was properly cleaned and wore new clothes. Zac noted with some interest she had chosen the mens style with the pants and leather armor rather than the dress-robes that the two demons by her side wore. Her messy hair also was turned into a pixie-cut instead of the uneven mess of a crazy person.


    All three, especially the teenager, carried an angry energy as they approached him, and he could only helplessly shake his head.


    Hello, the three of you look lovely today, he said, preemptively trying to avoid whatever trouble wasing his way. It was a trick that usually worked on Kenzie back in the day. Unfortunately, it seemed to have quite limited effect, as there was barely any change in expression on their faces.


    These two are crazy! I want to learn cultivation from you instead. Emily angrily huffed.


    This child has a great talent for the elements, and would be a great mage, healer, or poison mistress, Alyn interjected. But she is very rambunctious and keeps demanding to learn how to use axes. It would be a waste of her talent.


    And also very udylike, Alea added on.


    So we have been trying to correct her ways, but she is very stubborn, Alyn said with a frown.


    So what do you want me to do? Zac asked.


    Punish the child. Hanging naked on the town square for a few days should make her temper milder Alea said.


    Dont be absurd. She needs to get married in the future. Just a public whipping would do, Alyn retorted with a slight frown.


    I told you, they are crazy! They have tortured me constantly since you left me with them. Let me train with you instead. You saw I learned quickly, she said while ring angrily at the two demons.


    How do you know what talent she has? Zac curiously asked, ignoring the teenager for now.


    I had a few warriors contribute some of their Nexus Coins to buy a simple testing device from Calrin, Alyn simply answered.


    Zac was starting to understand why Ogras thought Alyn would make a good ve driver. He felt it wasnt as easy as the warriors simply willingly gave away their money after risking their lives. He could only nod and focus on Emily.


    Why do you want to fight with axes? You should be happy that you have the option to be a mage. You can just st the enemies from a distance, Zac extorted the teenager. Poison isnt a bad idea either. Have you heard about our contribution quest? Alea is on the third spot there with her poison attacks.


    When Alea heard thement she smiled proudly and looked down at the teenager with a triumphant face, but she only rolled her eyes.


    But you are number one right? Much better than that stupid old hag? And you can st enemies from the distance as well, Emily said grumpily, drawing an angry re from Alea.


    Ive bled over every inch of my body the past months. Theres almost not a single part of my body that hasnt been wounded and scarred from my battles. Fighting in melee range is to constantly put yourself in harms way. A single mistake and youre dead. You should think long and hard before you decide to follow in my footsteps. There are innumerable paths to power, and mine is just one. Try to focus on yourself, and think about what would suit you, Zac said with a sigh.


    Why are you here anyway? I thought only Alyn was in charge of Emilys education? Zac asked of the poison mistress.


    When I heard about her talent I wanted to check her out. I noticed shes also a bit ruthless and crazy, so I think she would make a good disciple of mine, she said with a slight smile.


    Whod be a disciple to you? Emily shot back with a scathing re.


    I cant help you train at the moment. Listen To Alyn, she is far more knowledgeable about these things than I am. And think long and hard about your future path before deciding. The choices you make for your ss and attributes in the future will impact your whole life, Zac said as he started to walk away. He didnt want toment about the discipleship as that was something between the two of them and he didnt want to butt in.


    Oh, and no hanging or whipping. Shes a student, not a ve, he added as he moved away.


    All three of them looked like they werent finished, but Zac used <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to move away. The rest of the day Zac simply rxed and adjusted his state of mind. He watched a few movies and took a walk along the shore. Finally when the counter reached 1 hour left he walked over to the wall. Not long after Ogras and his four generals joined him.


    As time passed more and more of the warriors arrived, and thirty minutes before the next horde arrived everybatant was at the ready. Adran was also there along with the humans, who nervously looked around. It was on Zacsmand they were brought here. They needed to see the reality of this new universe.


    They thought they escaped cmity when they fled their ind, and hoped to get back to normalcy now. But that was impossible, as their experience with the frenzied rats was only a small greeting gift from the System, and it would only get worse. Unless they started to take things seriously the world would move forward without them.


    Alyn and Emily also joined them on the wall. Emily wanted to walk over to Zac, but Alyn kept her close to the stairs leading down, together with the other nonbatants. They didnt know what woulde from the next wave, and they needed to be able to quickly get down to safety if it was needed.


    The time slowly crept forward, and everyone gazed upon the battlefield with a solemn expression. Some tried to spark a conversation to lighten the tension, but any talk quickly died out under the heavy atmosphere. The moment his counter went down to zero a huge blinding light appeared in the distance. The next second arge construct appeared, most closely resembling a hive or anthill.


    It was looked to be almost a hundred meters tall and was somewhat shaped like a pyramid. The whole construct was a dark grey, almost turning ck. There were also green lights covering the hive, almost making it seem like they were windows wrought out of emeralds. On the ground a fewrge entrances were visible.


    The structure gave an oppressive feeling like the whole thing was arge lumbering beast.


    What do you think? Zac asked Ogras who was standing next to him.


    Some sort of nest. It looks like this second horde is a bit differentpared to the first. There are no pirs unless they are inside that thing. Im not sure where we go from here. I get nothing when trying to use my identification skill on it, Ogras answered with slightly furrowed brows before he increased his volume Anyone recognizes it?


    Only frowns and shakes of heads and a few short answers followed. None of the demons knew what they were facing. The minutes passed and the unsettling feeling only grewrger as nothing happened.


    Should we go in? It doesnt feel like a good idea to just leave that thing alone. Who knows whats going on inside there, Zac asked with a frown.


    I sense something! a voice suddenly shouted. It was one of the earth mages among the demons. He jumped down from the wall and ced his hands on the ground. There are subtle vibrations in the ground. I think the things inside the nest are digging downward, he said with a serious expression.


    A few more demons jumped down, and they confirmed the suspicion. Something was going on inside that hive, but it was happening beneath the ground.


    We cant let this go on. We need to head in, Zac said as he jumped down the wall as well. First group follow me!


    Twenty-five demons quickly jumped down behind Zac. They were a mixed group of both ranged, support, and melee sses. They shared the same shift as Zac during the fights with the wolf horde and were the demons Zac was most acquainted with apart from Ogras and Alea. They also had two earth mages in the mix, who would be able to help with the scouting.


    They carefully approached the huge hive. It was quite far from the wall, and Zac noticed with a frown that it was outside the range of all his offensive arrays or fortifications. If they wanted to destroy this thing they would have to do it by hand. Perhaps they could construct siege engines that were more designed for structurespared to hordes of enemies.


    When they were a few hundred meters away from the ck nest one of the earth mages started and went down on the ground. Zac immediately stopped and nced around carefully.


    Theyve stopped whatever they were doing underground, the mage said.


    In response the group immediately took out their weapons, unsure what would happen. Zacs eyebrows suddenly rose in rm as he stared at therge holes on the ground floor of the nest.


    Get ready! he shouted as he took out arge rock from his pouch.


    A huge stream of insectoid monsters was pouring out of the nest, heedlessly charging toward the group. Their colors matched the hive, a mix of ck and green. They hadrge chitinous shells that covered their bodies, both their appendages and mandibles looked like sinister weapons.


    There seemed to be three types of insects in the army. The most populous looked like a mix between an ant and a mantis. They had thee pairs of legs with three joints much like normal ants, but they were asrge as a pony. The front set of legs were sharp hooks, and it looked they were made for digging or fighting, rather than running. They could be regarded as the normal soldiers of the insect army.


    If the first group could be considered eighty percent ant with some mantis peppered in, then the second group could be seen as mostly mantis. They were at least fifty percentrgerpared to the normal insects, reaching over two meters height with their bodies, with their torso stretching upward. Their two front legs were huge sinister des, looking extremely dangerous.


    Thest group of insects was very differentpared to the rest. Their legs were shorter and their bodies were fat, almost bulbous. The other creepy crawlies were mostly ck with some green details, but these ones were mostly green. They also had huge heads with oversized circr maws.


    Zac immediately threw out three rocks, each targeting a different type of insect. He still preferred this type of test on new enemies.


    The first rock mmed into the footsoldier, crushing its head and instantly killing it. Therger mantis-like being actually managed to react and tried cutting the iing rock. However, the force in the throw was too strong, and the insect missed as the stone mmed into its chest. The shell of the insect actually didnt break as the stone cracked from the impact. The insect was thrown away and fell down twitching on the ground. If it wasnt dead it at least was dying from the impact.


    Thest insect exploded into arge pool of green goop that instantly started scorching the ground. Zac realized thest things actually wererge walking vats of acid or poison with some shock. He didnt even have time to digest the information before the green acid-monsters spit outrge balls of the green liquid at the demons.


    ACID! Target the green ones! Zac shouted and moved out of the way from the iing projectiles. A few defensive spells were erected as well to protect the group.


    Feeling he had a good enough grasp of the beasts Zac charged up his skill and set out to decapitate some enemies.

 Chapter 104-105: The War Council

    Chapter 104-105: The War Council


    It looks like they are expanding their nest underground, moving downward. We believe they are digging toward the Nexus Vein, one of the earth mages reported to the group who was sitting around a table.


    Twelve hours had passed since the hive appeared, and they had made some discoveries. The ants were called <strong>[Ayn Hivebeasts]</strong> and the three types they encountered so far were called Ayn Worker, Ayn Guard, and the green acid shooters were actually called Ayn Vomitors.


    After the initial sh they quickly learned that there was an enormous number of beasts inside therge structure, as they kept pouring out as they fought. But the moment they retreated, so did the Ants. But just a few minutes after Zac and the demons stopped their assault the digging was resumed ording to the earth mages.


    They were currently holding a war council while two regiments led by Ogras four generals were keeping the ants busy. They needed to figure out a strategy for this new horde, as their old one wouldnt work. Most of their preparations were in vain as the new monsters didnt seem interested in attacking the town. The wall stood unassaulted and the arrays couldnt reach the hive due to the distance.


    Zac almost felt that the System specifically chose this type of challenge since thest wave almost felt like a gift of experience and money rather than a challenge. Certainly, thest waves were tough, but never to the point of true desperation.


    Thats it then? Well head in and destroy it today, Zac said with a frown.


    The Nexus Vein was the lifeblood of his ind. It created the crystals in the mine and the high concentration of Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere. Anything from cultivation to crafting to even farming would be far more efficient in this area. If he bought an ind-wide gathering array in the future it would truly be a paradise. He couldnt risk his citys foundations just for the opportunity to farm some insects.


    Wait a bit, Ogras hastily interjected. We also have concluded that during our attacks they are stopping their excavation-work to meet our attacks. We can simply farm them without risking the vein as long as we keep the attacks going, letting you keep your lead against the other humans, he added.


    It was a fair point, but Zac had a feeling that it was more about the contribution points for the Fruit of Ascension than letting him gain levels. Besides, he held amanding lead over the others as it was, and didnt really need to gain levels at the moment. He was fast approaching the first bottleneck at level 75.


    Zac mainly needed to improve his Dao-insights at the moment. He already possessed a rare ss, and his goal was to upgrade it into an E-Rank Epic ss. His only options at the moment were Rare or Epic, as the rarity couldnt downgrade when reaching the next tiers. He already knew that his situation was pretty bad since the multi-verse was full of examples of geniuses whose cultivation journey got cut short since they couldnt upgrade their special sses.


    Still, he didnt want to give up his advantages. Upgrading to a rare ss wasnt the best option. He tread the path of the elite, spearheading the powerhouses of Earth. Since he was already locked into this path he would go all the way, and keep upgrading the rarity of the ss. He knew that Early Stage Seeds were not enough for an Epic ss, so it was time to upgrade his Daos. If that was at the expense of his lead in levels, so be it. He wouldnt limit his future achievements just to be the first person to reach E-Rank ss.


    Constantly attacking out in the open is different from defending on top of a wall. We will not be able tost as we did during the wolf-hordes. Besides, we do not know whether the insects will grow stronger over time like the wolves did, and it is safe to nip the problem in the bud, Zac said.


    To be honest, safety concerns werent the only reason he wanted to end this horde quickly. He just had a taste of freedom and adventure as he explored in search of his hometown. He was loath to spend the next four weeks ughtering insects. He knew that the gain of nexus coins would be huge, but he would still good ie if he sent people down into the mines instead.


    He was also even more anxious to get home after seeing the life of civilians in Fort Roger. Emily would have met a miserable fate unless he was there, and worry over his friends and family was starting to keep him up at night. He even had trouble focusing during meditation, as the intrusive what-ifs kept popping up in his head.


    Three weeks. Let us fight and farm for three weeks, and after that we will invade the hive, Ogras entreated.


    Its too long. You can have ten days. After that Im heading in, Zac tly refused. That would leave him three weeks to travel the world before the final wave, twice what he hadst time.


    Bah, youre throwing away a great opportunity, Ogras muttered in discontent.


    Zac only rolled his eyes at the demon. What they gained from the quest was already great, and they shouldnt get greedy. The longer they waited the more weird things could crop up.


    Did Calrin find any information about the beasts? Zac asked as he changed the subject.


    He did manage to buy a short missive about the <strong>[Ayr Hivebeasts]</strong>. They are an extremely prolific species led by hive-queens. As long as they have enough cosmic energy the queens can almost indefinitely spawn soldiers. The stronger the queen the mightier warriors it can birth, and more types as well, Adran answered. Since he wasnt part of the fighting force he tried to help the war efforts by gathering information.


    There are examples of the beasts'' insatiable expansion,pletely infesting a if left alone. We believe that the threat will be over when we manage to kill the queen. After that no more beasts will spawn, and we can simply slowly exterminate the survivors. Killing the queen will likely mark this horde aspleted as well, he continued.


    How strong is the queen? Zac asked.


    It should be E-Grade ss equivalent. It might also have a few bodyguards close to that in power for protection, Adran answered.


    Okay, what does it look like, what are its powers? Zac probed further.


    Actually, therge construct we see is not a structure, but the queen herself. The Ayr Hivebeasts live inside their queen''s body for the most part, and the queen slowly grows to amodate arger poption. The digging we hear is the insects making room for her body expanding down into the ground, Adran answered with a grimace.


    Everyones eyebrows rose in surprise at this.


    How the hell do we kill something thatrge? Ogras asked with a frown.


    Apparently it has a core somewhere inside. You need to get inside to its core-room and destroy it, and it will die. The exact details were unclear in the missive we obtained though, Adran said with a sigh.


    Good job. See if you can find out anything else, as long as the information doesnt be too expensive, Zac said.


    That the huge construct was an actual being didnt change much in Zacs opinion. Theyd still farm for ten days, after which Zac would enter, and drag Ogras with him no matter if he was willing or not. Inside they would find the boss and kill or destroy it.


    With that everything was settled, and Ogras immediately set out with apany of soldiers, loath to miss even a single Contribution Point. Zac stayed put since he would be needed to relieve Ogras when he ran out of steam so that they could put continuous pressure on the insects. He really didnt want that huge queen-beast to get her hands on his Nexus Vein, so no expansion could be allowed. And who knew if the hive queen would have some strange mutation from getting too close to the vein.


    As the days passed an advance-wall was erected. It was nowhere the size of the regr wall, but it would allow some protection while retreating. The craftsmen also refitted a few of the siege machines so that they would be able to attack the hive queen. However, therge boulders and bolts only bounced off the ck structure without as much as leaving a mark.


    Zac tried as well, and ran up to the structure with his movement skill and mmed into it with a Dao-Empowered <strong>[Chop]</strong>. It was effective, creating arge scar, but the response was horrifying. It was like the ants turned crazy and surged against the demons in a frenzy.


    The mantis-things actually started throwing the Vomitors in retaliation, and as they sailed through the air they overcharged themselves much in the same way as the suicide attack the demons possessed. Zac was forced to expend most of his cosmic energy in a short time, furiously throwing out projectiles in order to clear the rabid waves. But he still got a few acid burns on his face and hands that would take time to heal, as most of the Vomitors were hurled in his direction.


    Seeing that Zacs swing only made a small crack on the gigantic structure they knew that a siege wasnt really possible against this thing, and theyd have to enter the tunnels if they wanted to kill the queen.


    On the seventh day Zacs fears were realized, as a new foe started emerging out of the hive along with its three siblings. It was called Ayn Titan and was a hulking insect at over three meters tall. Its shell was at least twice as thick as on the others, and it was impossible to prate for most of the demons.


    They were forced to slowly whittle it down by first disabling its legs by attacking the joints, all while avoiding its terrifying smashes with its w-like front arms. Since the thing was so heavy its mobility was quite bad and if they fell down with broken legs they stayed down. After it was downed it seemed the simplest method to kill it was to just boil its head in a fireball.


    If Zac or Ogras were present they could prate or crush their skulls instead. However, the time it took to kill the titans increased the pressure as the ants unceasingly kept pouring out of the hive. There were no breaks, no lulls, just constant unrelenting battle. The only reason they werent overrun in just a day or two was the fact that the monsters were quite weak, and even the siege machines they brought had no trouble killing the footsoldiers.


    The only thing strong about them was their carapaces sturdiness, but that wouldnt impede the skilled warriors overly much. In the few cases that they were starting to get overrun Zac or Ogras would unleash their most powerful area attacks. Zac simply threw out his huge edges that createdrge swathes of death and destruction.


    As for Ogras, he created a sea of shadows that moved across the battlefield, where dozens of spears unceasingly sprung up to kill everything around. It wasnt an attack that Zac had seen before, and he suspected that the demon made a breakthrough with either a skill or his Dao some time recently.


    With his new skill the demons killing speed was terrifying, and almost eclipsed Zacs own speed, which was doubly impressive since he no longer suffered from an energy shortage. Zac was shocked by the disy of power, as he knew that the power of the demons was still limited by the System.


    There were a few more who excelled at area battle such as Alea and Rivea, the pyromancer who learned the Seed of Tinder during the wolf waves. Her fire kept spreading among the ants and was particrly deadly to them. It simply stuck to their carapaces and slowly cooked the beasts, and from there spread to their brethren.


    The windfall was so great that Zac relented and actually prolonged the farm-fest another day much to the delight of the demons. Ogras was like a storm, grinding his contribution points at a furious pace.


    Zac had thought that this kind of situation was something unique, but he was surprised to find out that mostrge forces in the multiverse kept zones and forests that were a bit like this, teeming with monsters. It provided their young and their soldiers with ample training and outlet for growth, and the n didnt need to provide any sry as ess to the farming zones were benefits enough to join the army. The elders of the n took care of the evolved monsters, and immediately rooted out any beast that got too strong.


    But all good things must end. The eleventh day approached, and the core warriors started to rest up and prepare their aces. Tomorrow they would assault the hive.


    <b>Chapter 105 - Into the Hive</b>


    Is everyone ready? Zac asked as he nced back at the group. It was time to find the queen, and a strike force was assembled. It would be led by Ogras, with Zac second inmand. Zac didnt mind not being the leader, as he didnt have any experience leading an operation like this. He didnt want to risk his teammates getting killed due to his inexperience. Besides, he could always overrule him if he felt it warranted.


    The group consisted of only 6 people. Apart from Zac and Ogras, Janos and Alea also joined the group. Ilvere and Namys were left behind, leaving them in charge of the main army whose job was to keep the fight going outside while they entered the hive. Janos was a support mage who hopefully could turn the odds in their favor, while Aleas attack had proven itself effective even against the Fiend Wolf.


    Thest two were Rivea and Herod. Rivea was the Pyromancer with the Seed of Tinder. Herod was the earth mage who first spoke up about the digging on top of the wall. It turned out he possessed the Seed of Tremor, making him extremely perceptible to even small tremors in the ground. His job was to act as a scout in the tunnels, whereas Rivea was just additional firepower.


    They didnt bring any more people, as quantity didnt really work against E-Grade evolved beings. Most of the soldiers would only be a hindrance rather than an asset inside the hive. Even Rivea was mostly brought so that she could defend their backs while the rest fought the Queen and the bodyguards.


    Human, why not just wait a few more days?


    Youre pretty close to affording the Fruit, huh? Remember if I die the mission is failed, and the contribution crystal is gone. Zac answered with a small smile.


    It was true. Since Ogras started using the wide-scale shadow-attack his contribution points skyrocketed. In only 10 days he almost got as many as he did during the three weeks of the first wolf horde, and he possessed over 40 million points by now.


    Ogras muttered something under his breath but didnt seem overly worried. There was a whole third wave after all, and there still were a lot of Contribution Points to be gained inside the hive. Zac got over five million points for killing the fiend wolf, and he heard afterward that both Ogras and Alea got quite a few points as well for helping out. Killing E-Ranked beings at this stage seemed truly profitable.


    They were currently at the back of the fight against the insects and started to move forward. As they did both Ogras and Janos cast a skill, shrouding them both in shadows and illusions, making them almost invisible. They easily slipped past the ant-army and headed into one of therge tunnels.


    The inside looked just like outside, with ck walls and green crystals. The crystals thankfully emanated some light, though it was a lot darkerpared to the tunnels in the mines. They could light up their path with the help of Rivea, but held off on that for the moment wanting to maintain their cover. They didnt expect to be able to sneak all the way to the core room, but the faster they proceeded without being bogged down in fights, the less pressure on the fighters outside.


    Groups of ants kepting through the tunnel to join the battle outside, and most simply ran right by. With Herods timely warnings they usually had time to press themselves against the wall while their skills hid them. However, they were still discovered every now and then, and were forced into a furious battle. It was mainly Zac and ogras who ughtered the ants without using up too much cosmic energy, and then threw the bodies into Cosmos Sacks.


    They quickly realized something was wrong as they walked. The inside of the hive actually seemedrgerpared to the outside. The hive was shaped almost like a pyramid, reaching about a hundred meters in height and was a few hundred wide meters at the base. But they had walked over 10 minutes in an almost straight tunnel without reaching an end. They were frequently forced to stop as they walked due to the iing packs, but they should long have crossed the whole structure.


    The hive is likely a spatial being, containing something like a hidden realm, Ogras said with a low volume when no ants were nearby.


    Not illusion. Unless extremely strong, Janos added with a nod.


    Does this change anything? Zac asked.


    Not really, the mission is still the same. But it will be much harder to find the queen, we dont know just howrge the inside of the hive is anymore, Ogras answered with a sigh.


    As they proceeded further into the hive they ran into fewer and fewer packs of ants. Soon the group found themselves at a crossroads. The path split into three, and it looked like the left descended while right ascended. The middle path stayed the course.


    The core room should be in the depths since that ce would be safest from external attacks, Ogras said, and the group veered off to the left paths. There was no talk about splitting up since perhaps only Zac and Ogras would be able to survive if they ventured out alone.


    As they moved further down the rocky walls started to transform, looking more and more like flesh. It reminded them that they werent actually inside a mountain, but rather inside a huge being.


    Trap! the earth mage suddenly eximed, and soon after the ground opened up beneath them. They barely had time to jump forward, and as they turned back they looked at a pool of acid seething where the floor once was.


    Does it know were here? Zac asked.


    Who knows? The information missive never exined how aware the hive queen is. It might just have been an automatic reflex from us stepping on this path. The ants might know which spots to avoid, Ogras answered with a frown.


    It did not take long for the group to find the answer to the question, as a group of huge ant-warriors streamed toward them. They were almost asrge as the titans but far more nimble. Their name was [Ayn Elite Guard], and their front legs looked very specialized. One of the arms had the same sort of long de like the mantis-like captains, whereas the other was extremely thick almost like a crabs arm. It almost looked like a shield Zac thought as he watched them approach.


    As usual, Janos erected a mirage around them, making it seem they were part of the wall as they pushed against it. The guards looked a bit confused as they slowed down as they looked around. As if in response the green gems in the wall behind Zac and the others started shining more brightly. The guards immediately perked up and resumed their charge.


    Seeing that the illusion wasnt effective any more Zac threw a rock toward one of them. The stone hurtled toward the front elite guard who lifted its thick arm in response. A deep ng resounded as the ant was slightly pushed back, but not a mark could be seen on its arm. Clearly, the thicker arm was extremely reinforced.


    The ants approached and Zac moved to the front, and with a grunt swung his axe against the shield to test its might. A massive shockwave pushed both his target and a few of the other guards back, but the thick shell even held against his new weapon. There was a small crack though, and a few more swings would probably do the trick.


    Zac was surprised at the sturdiness of these things, as there werent many things below E-grade that could survive a swing of his anymore. If they could take the shells of these things they would likely be able to create some pretty damn durable armor. With some treatment and inscriptions engraved onto them, they might even be E-graded gear.


    Dont ruin their shields, Zac said with some greed in his eyes. Of course, perhaps only he was actually able to damage them in any case.


    In the end it fell to Zac, Ogras, and Rivea to kill the group of guards. Zac was actually forced to use the Seed of Sharpness to kill the ants while Ogras used his ck spear to prate into the joints of the guards. As soon as the tip of the spear breached their armor spikes made from shadows poured out of the tip and wreaked havoc on their insides. Rivea lobbed a few fireballs that stuck to their heads and quickly boiled their brains.


    Herod tried to help with a few earth spears as well, but his power wasnt enough against these warriors. He could only help out by erecting earth walls to protect the nonbatants. It was a strain on him as they werent in an actual cave, but a living being. The earth mages drew power from the ground, which enabled them to do more with less expenditure, but it wasnt possible in here. Alea was simply staying put. Her poison spikes would be able to kill these things, but they consumed a huge amount of cosmic energy, so it was better for her to wait for more formidable targets.


    They threw the most well-preserved carapaces in Cosmos Sacks and pushed further down, not bothering as much about stealth anymore. They were clearly spotted somehow, and it would be better to just rush through.


    Soon they came to arge circr room, and after brief hesitation they ran toward the door that seemed to be leading downward. But just as they approached it the pathway simply closed up by the walls moving together.


    If its only the entrance thats closed I can break it down in less than a minute, but if the whole tunnel is copsed we need to find another way, Zac muttered as he touched the closed doorway.


    No, lets retreat befo- Ogras quickly interjected but was interrupted by the pathway they came from opening as well. Shit, break the door we came from! the demon shouted.


    Zac didnt hesitate and used [Loamwalker] to appear next to the door and Furiously mmed into it with a Sharpness-imbued [Chop]. Arge crack appeared in the door but before Zac had time to swing again the floor beneath them opened up.


    It was as though the ground was a huge maw that opened up, and the group helplessly fell down into therge hole.


    Grab on to each other! Ogras shouted, and luckily the demons were quite close to each other.


    However, Zac who used his movement skill earlier was over twenty meters away from the others and he had no way to broach the distance while falling. A rope was flung toward him, but the winds in the hole pushed it out of his reach.


    Suddenly the seemingly endless hole split up, separating the groups, and Zac was suddenly utterly alone while falling into the abyss.

 Chapter 106: The Descent

    Chapter 106: The Descent


    Zac was picking up speed as his descent continued through the ck hole. He desperately tried to grab onto the wall as he fell but the surface was almostpletely smooth. Seeing no alternative he grabbed <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>with both hands and stabbed forward while summoning a sharpness-imbued <strong>[Chop] </strong>at the maximum length he could maintain.


    The cosmic energy edge cut into the wall, and Zac removed the Dao-empowerment as soon as it did. Luckily the walls inside the hive queen were quite a bit softerpared to the hardshell exterior. The harsh deceleration almost ripped the axe out of his hands, but he barely managed to hold on as he ripped arge scar along the wall while moving downward. Soon he stopped just as he saw some green light below.


    Since his momentum was gone he took out one of his back-up axes from his pouch and stabbed into the wall with another cosmic edge. Like this, he climbed downward toward the exit. He initially thought about climbing up to find the others, but he soon discarded that thought. They should be down here somewhere as well, and going downward might be a better bet to find them.


    Besides, their goal was to go further down to find the core room in any case. So Zac started using the fractal edges of his axes as ice picks as he slowly climbed down toward the exit, And as he saw what created the green glowing light his eyebrows rose.


    It was arge pond of acid. If Zac hadnt stopped his decent he would have fallen right in, and even with his armor and Endurance he wasnt sure hed survive the bath. As he hung close to the edge Zac was pondering on what to do. He could see that there was dry ground roughly ten meters away from the hole, but he doubted he could climb the ceiling all the way over there as his axes would just slide right out.


    He took out his huge elongated axe from his pouch. It had apanied him during many of the wolf waves when he wasnt able to freely use his skills, and by now it was mostly warped and dull. It wasnt really as usefultely since he didnt have to be as stingy with his cosmic energy anymore. Its total length was a bit over two meters, and it would make a decent measuring tool for the pond. Careful to hold itpletely vertical he simply dropped it straight down.


    The axe fell down and just as it was about to bepletely submerged it stopped with a thud for a few seconds before it fell down into the poolpletely. It looked like the depth was only roughly two meters. Even if it was shallower than he had dared hope, it was still enough topletely submerge him if he dropped down.


    He didnt have any more time to ponder, as the edge he hung from with his axes suddenly cracked, and he fell down together with arge chunk of wall. He quickly threw out a bunch of non-essential tools and items from a pouch, such as hisrge table and chairs, and a few boulders he used for ranged battle. They smacked into the pond with arge ssh, and Zac felt a burning sensation on his feet from the sshing acid.


    Hended on a boulder that was rapidly sinking, and without hesitation used two of his standard axes as stilts with the help of <strong>[Chop]</strong> as he pushed down with elongated edges. He hoped that he would be able to jump over the pool like a pole vaulter, but the fractal energy edges broke almost immediately, dashing that hope.


    Instead he kept throwing out rocks on the ground, gritting his teeth as the sshes hit his hands and face. Luckily the distance wasn''t very long and after a few more boulders he was close to the edge of the acid ponds, so he leaped through the air. He sailed toward drynd as the boulders he stood on earlier quickly disintegrated.


    Hended in a pile with a grunt, and quickly took out a rag to wipe the acid off his blistering feet with a grimace. After smearing some healing ointment on them he got up and looked around a bit stumped. He couldnt believe things turned out that well. The blisters hurt but wouldnt leave anysting damage, and he only lost some furniture and two axes in the escape.


    As he surveyed the area he found himself in a cave that was roughly 30 by 30 meters. There was no other hole in the roof, meaning that the others couldnt have ended up here. Most of the room was therge pool of acid, and as Zac looked around it almost felt like a digestive system rather than some sort of trap. Perhaps the ant workers normally filled the room they entered earlier with whatever a hive queen ate, and it dropped down into what was essentially its stomaches.


    There, unfortunately, were no visible exits in the room, and Zac was afraid that the acid could rise at any time judging by the markings on the walls. There was a clear line on the walls at roughly the height of his waist that indicated that the liquid at one point reached all the way there. He quickly walked to the wall and started tapping it.


    After tapping for a while he heard a hollow sound roughly at the height of his head and started to carve the cave wall using his axe. Even though the walls werent as hard as the exterior, he was still forced to use the Dao of Sharpness once again. He briefly wondered if a beast asrge as the hive queen could feel him ripping a hole in what might just be its stomach, but he guessed that this couldnt even be considered a wound for something this size. In just a few minutes he carved a holerge enough to crawl through and found himself in arge tunnel.


    The deserted tunnel lookedpletely organic, which was an unsettling change from the mostly rocky or chitinous appearance from earlier. The walls even looked like they were slowly pulsating to a heartbeat. He could only hope that the increasingly biological make of the wall meant he was getting closer to the core. He started walking along, ignoring the stinging pain from his burned feet, and since the tunnel waspletely deserted he dared take out an F-Grade Nexus Crystal to recuperate his energy as he moved.


    He waspletely lost by this point and wasnt sure whether to try andplete his quest or try to look for his teammates. Then again, he had no structured method to do either, so he chose to simply move forward and take things as they came. If he found Ogras and the others, great. If he found a core-looking room, hed try and destroy it.


    The power of the queen and her guards sounded daunting, but he made significant improvements since he fought the fiend wolf. He both had his new axe and the Seed of Sharpness, pushing his lethality to apletely new level. He also possessed another ace in the hole he remembered as he touched his right forearm with some anticipation.


    After walking through the deserted tunnels for a bit he came to a fork. One of the paths was pretty much the same as the one he was currently walking. The other had a surprisingly low amount of cosmic energy. He unhesitantly walked toward the pathway with a higher amount of energy, but after a hundred meters stopped himself and backtracked.


    Something was absorbing the cosmic energy in the other tunnel, and it might just be the queen. It should take huge amounts of energy to keep spewing out all these ants, even to just survive when youre this big. He couldnt even imagine the energy requirements for a humongous hive queen if Zacs own caloric intake increased by a few times since he evolved. That kind of requirement should be impossible to satiate unless it was through cosmic energy.


    He held his axe at the ready as he silently crept into the tunnel. As he moved further the energy kept getting sparser, to the point that there almost was none left in the air. The feeling was extremely ufortable, almost like there was no air to breathe. It was the first time he felt the atmosphere to be like this since the integration, and he was surprised to see how reliant hed be on cosmic energy.


    Finally, he entered a huge cavern and what he saw made him stop in ce and just gawk. It felt like a scene out of a horror movie, with an uncountable amount of monster pods. The whole cavern was filled to the brim with receptacles that shone with the same green light as the crystals embedded in the hive walls. They stood up on the floor leaving only thin pathways and were even affixed to the walls and the roof. Zac couldnt be sure but it felt like there were tens of thousands of pods in the cavern.


    Zac quickly entered a path and inspected the closest pods. Inside was an embryonic version of one of the worker ants that made up most of the armies. After walking through the path he quickly saw that all the pods were mostly the same, the only difference was the stage of growth of the ants. That meant that this likely was only one of many pod-rooms, and the more powerful types were created somewhere else.


    He thought a second about destroying the whole cave, but that would take a crazy amount of effort going by howrge the ce was. It wouldnt make sense for him topletely expose himself when there likely were many more caverns just like this. His goal was to kill the queen, and if he did most of these pods should likely die out on their own.


    He stealthily made his way forward toward the other end, but a sudden movement made him freeze. It was a shadow that flickered oddly beneath a pod. Zac frowned and moved toward it, which caused the shadow to actually move away. Zac realized what was going on and started following the flickering shadow until he reached a small path hidden behind a few pods.


    Inside he saw Ogras, Alea, Janos, and Herod hiding at the entrance of a tunnel. They obviously met a simr situation as himself earlier, as their clothes were full of burned holes. Zac couldnt help to sneak a peek at Alea, and was rewarded with a pout and a teasing wink.


    Herod was even worse offpared to the others with his whole arm singed to the point of pieces of flesh being missing. He waspletely white with beads of sweat covering his face, and he was shivering as though in shock. His eyes were alert though, fearfully darting back and forth.


    With a furrow Zac noticed that Rivea wasnt with them, but just as he was about to ask what was going on Ogras quickly signaled him to be quiet. The demon pointed to the walls, and for the first time he noticed something was different about the tunnelspared to those walked through earlier.


    It wasnt the usual biotic walls anymore, but it rather looked like there were a multitude of cables, or veins, running along all the surface. The veins split up as they entered therge cavern, and Zac could see a thin line was attached to every pod.


    Zacs heartbeat started to increase as he started to realize what was going on. He took out a piece of paper and wrote Queen? as he pointed toward the other end of the small tunnel they hid in.


    With a serious face Ogras nodded.

 Chapter 107: Assault

    Chapter 107: Assault


    Ogras picked out a crystal from his pouch and closed his eyes for a few seconds as he held it tightly. Next, he handed it over to Zac and indicated for him to pour some cosmic energy into it. As he did he suddenly heard Ogras voice in his head.


    This is amunication crystal. The other end of the tunnel is a hundred meters in. We believe its the core room of the Queen. There are four more things walking around in the room ording to Herod, the smallest of them almost as heavy as the Titans judging by the vibrations caused when its walking. These things seem very vignt, they started running around when we spoke earlier. We believe that they are the Royal Guards.


    Rivea is dead. We fell into a vat of acid and she didnt make it. We found this ce through Herod, and he also sensed your footsteps approaching. Everyone apparently has a unique vibration, and he recognized yours. I was nning on heading further into the tunnel to scout it out before we found you. Stay here and Ill check things out.


    Zac opened his eyes and after mulling the information over a bit nodded his head toward Ogras, who melded into the shadows. As he waited for the demon toe back he properly looked over the teammates. Apart from Herod the other two looked mostly okay, though they both sported somber expressions.


    Zac couldnt help but agree the situation wasnt ideal. When they made their ns before the assault, they had escape as an option. That was pretty much the only reason they managed to get Rivea and Herod to join, as they both were clearly unwilling to enter the belly of the beast.


    They thought that while the structure wasrge, in a panicked rush where Zac and Ogras didnt hold back they could be out in a minute or two even if they were forced to mow through an army of ants. They didnt expect the inside to be this gigantic. Now that they also had fallen who knows how far down he wasnt even sure how to get out. Their backs really were against the wall.


    Soon Ogras came back and took out another crystal. This one actually disyed a window, but different from the one he borrowed long ago with the information, this window was actually visible for everyone. Zac started looking at the pouch of the demon, wondering what other goodies he kept for himself in there. He already knew that the space inside should be huge since he could throw a whole fishing vessel into it without any problem.


    Zac quickly refocused and studied the screen. It was a still image of arge cavern. The whole surface was riddled with tubes that emerged from various tunnels much like the one they were in. They covered the ground and the roof, leaving almost no space free. The tubes converged in the middle of the cave and weretched to a huge green crystal.


    Zac had never seen a core of a monster before, but if that wasnt it then hed be extremely surprised. The core was guarded by four monstrous ants as Ogras already exined, and they each covered a direction. Interestingly enough they all looked somewhat different from each other.


    Two of them looked like supercharged versions of the Mantis and Titan respectively. The titan was the closest to their tunnel and was a huge hulking thing muchrger than an elephant. One of its arms was a gigantic shield, and the other looked like arge mallet. Distinctively from the normal ants this thing actually had at least ten pairs of short legs. Perhaps only three pairs wouldnt be able to carry its weight.


    The mantis-looking ant had long serrated des for front arms, and its long and graceful build seemed built for speed. It was nowhere asrge as the hulking centipede-ant, but stillrger than the normal Titans.


    The other two Royal Guards were a bit different from any ants theyd seen so far. One of them seemed barely mobile, as it almost exclusively consisted of a head. It did have a body, but it looked small and almost shriveled, and Zac didnt understand how the small frame could keep the head floating, as the head alone was asrge as the mantis guard.


    The size wasnt the only odd thing about the head, as it also had a great number of eyes. The one in its forehead was enormous, and Zac guessed that it was at least asrge as himself. The other eyes were generally ced along the main eye, but some seemed to be looking in different directions. He felt it was lucky that Ogras was the one doing recon, as this thing would probably have noticed himself even if he made no sound.


    Thest guard was mostly hidden behind the crystal, but Zac felt that it almost looked like a spider rather than an ant. It wasprised of arge bulbous torso, with long legs sticking out from it. He couldnt see any head though and had no real idea of how it looked.


    Ogras made a motion toward Zac and with a start he handed over themunication crystal. Ogras once again closed his eyes for a few seconds and then handed it over to Zac.


    The green crystal obviously is the core. I say we try an ambush where we destroy the crystal before the guards can react. Zac and I both st it with the strongest strike we can instantly summon. Me from left, and Zac from the right. Well bypass that huge bugger by both sides. Alea and Janos try to dy the guard''s reaction time as much as possible. Herod, stay in the tunnels, try to sense whether reinforcements arrive.


    We stay silent until the first attack is finished, and depending on the oue we take it from there. Hopefully, the attack will destroy the core, and we can choose whether to kill the guards as well or flee. Each of them should quite a bit of Contribution points, so we should kill them if possible


    We only have one shot of this, nod if you agree and are ready, then hand the crystal to the next person, Ogras voice echoed inside Zacs head.


    Zac thought it over as he looked at the still disying image of the core room for a few seconds. The huge tank-ant was the one closest to their tunnel. The n meant that Zac would go to the right of it, which would ce him between the tank and therge-headed one, whereas Ogras would rush in next to the sword-wielding ant. He mulled it over and felt that it was a decent proposal.


    Ogras was more suited to dodging quick swings from a sword than Zac was with the help of his Dao and ss. Zac himself was pretty nimble nowadays with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but it was nothingpared to the demon and his shadow dancing. Therge head was likely some sort of mage if he had to guess, and between his huge endurance and defensive option on his armor he should be able to withstand at least one st without problem before he reached the crystal.


    All four of those things looked quite dangerous, but he was already mentally prepared for a tough fight. He nodded and passed the crystal to Alea. After a while, everyone had listened to the instructions and agreed with the n. They slowly made their way forward until they were just ten meters away from the exit into the core room.


    Everyone steadied their breaths for a few seconds before Zac and Ogras nodded at each other. Ogras already held his ck spear and Zac was tightly gripping <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. Ogras started blending into the shadows as he speedily moved forward, and Zac unhesitantly activated his movement skill and moved toward the exit as well.


    Footsteps behind them told that the others were following in tow, but Zac had no time to think about that.


    The tunnel exit was two meters above the ground, and Zac immediately dropped to the floor and started rapidly moving forward. The Royal guards were obviously alert as a deep prating screech erupted from therge one that was the closest. The huge armored centi-ant felt evenrger as Zac saw it in person, towering even higher than the Fiend wolf.


    The Royal Guard immediately started moving its throng of small chubby legs as it rushed toward him, as it seemed it didnt notice Ogras in his shadows. Zac kept infusing cosmic energy into his feet and luckily his skill worked inside the hive queen as well, even though he was technically standing on a body part of a supersized insect rather than the ground. He quickly moved forward through the huge cave, and as he did a zing cacophony of colors and sounds erupted above him, pushing like a wave toward the guard.


    It was Janos who clearly held nothing back as he pushed out a nket of distraction. A sweet smell in the air that almost made Zac giddy was a sign that Alea had released something that added to the confusion air as well. Suddenly a huge pressure mmed into Zac as he ran, and he almost stumbled and fell. A quick nce showed that all the numerous eyes of the gigantic head ant were ring at him.


    The pressure wasnt physical, but rather a mental pressure. Only the stare made him feel like he was carrying a mountain, but he could also see that the eyes were starting to shine with a green luster. Luckily the crystal was close, and he pushed an extreme amount of cosmic energy into his legs. He pushed away and shot like a cannon toward the core. From the moment he exited the tunnel until now only a bit more than a second had passed, and the huge guards barely had time to start their attacks.


    Zac charged up a five-meter edge with <strong>[Chop] </strong>and flooded the fractal edge with the Dao of Heaviness since he wanted the crystal to crack. Ideally, hed have wanted to use both his offensive Daos, but he still couldnt infuse both of them into a single strike yet.


    Therge edge mmed into the crystal with the force of a runaway train, as the growls from the teeth on his axe menacingly echoed in the cave. Ogras materialized at the other side almost at the same time, and with a furious stab mmed the spear straight into the other side of the crystal. As he did a beam of darkness erupted from the spear and also hit the target like aser.


    A crackling sound was heard, but Zacs eyebrows rose when he saw that the crystal waspletely undamaged. The crackling sound came from the huge tank, who had gotten two wounds on its torso as it stumbled and almost fell.


    SHIT! Life-bound protection! The core is shielded with the lifeforce of the guards, we need to kill at least therge fucker before we can damage it, Ogras screamed as he quickly distanced himself from the crystal as the mantis-guard was rapidly approaching.


    Zac was about to do the same, but a terrifying force mmed into his back and shot him forward straight toward the descending scythe of the mantis guard.

 Chapter 108: Fighting the Royals

    Chapter 108: Fighting the Royals


    Zac frantically lifted his axe to meet the iing swing, and with tremendous power the two weapons shed. Since Zac was airborne he had no real force behind the swing and was ruthlessly mmed into the ground, creating a small crater and ruining any tubing that covered the area.


    Zac spat out some blood but quickly scrambled to his feet even though he felt like every bone in his body broke from the impact. Another swing was already upon him, but this time he dodged with his movement skill and moved underrge guard. He didnt hold back and infused a <strong>[Chop]</strong> with the seed of Sharpness, aiming to tear arge gash all along its belly.


    The mantis speed wasnt a joke though, as it almost teleported away from the swing. But the velocity of Zacs swing wasnt anything to scoff at either, and with a roar one of the insects legs was lopped off, causing a torrent of green blood to pour out from the guard. It screeched in anger and backed away a few steps, using one of its sword arms as a crutch to keep itself stable.


    The brief respite let Zac take a nce around. The huge tank-looking thing was still upied by thebined distraction of Alea and Janos, and Ogras was fighting the fourth herald that truly looked a bit like a spider, apart from its head that reminded him of a Vomitor.


    But instead of acid, small pitch-ck ants were pouring out of its mouth, looking absolutely horrifying. Tens ofnces were erupting out from the shadows between the tubes on the ground to stab the spider-looking guard and its spawn, but the small things seemed almost endless.


    The guard was also conjuringting toward Ogras, but the nimble demon was deftly dodging any attempt to catch him. Zac felt that Ogras could handle himself for now, which left two of the guards for him. Before he could decide which one to attack next he realized that they were trapped inside.


    The tunnels with the tubes were all closed, not even providing enough space for at hand to push through. Blood was streaming out of the exit they used earlier, and Zac realized that Herod was crushed to death. The only upside to the situation was that it hopefully meant that they wouldnt have to handle a horde of small ants as well.


    Two elite warriors of his demon army were dead in under an hour, and Zac was reminded of the harsh reality of this new world. Not even powerhouses were safe. A quick nce at the mantis showed that it still was a bit distracted from its missing leg, and its lethality was likely impacted. It clearly was focused on speed and offense, but missing a leg would take away much of the danger.


    Zacs eyes turned to the final guard and saw that its eyes were glowing again. He didnt know what kind of skill it used to hit himst time, but it hurt quite bad and he was in no mood to take another one of those shockwaves. Besides, if it hit Alea of Janos he wasnt sure whether theyd be able to keep fighting.


    He unhesitantly charged up a <strong>[Chop] </strong>and infused it with the Dao of Sharpness as well, giving the fractal de a silver sheen. Without any break he sent the five-meter edge right toward the main eye of therge-headed royal guard. But as the edged ripped through the air it suddenly changed color and turned into the normal pale blue.


    At the same time Zac felt a heavy atmosphere descend upon the cave, like another type of mental pressure. It was as though he had lost one of his senses, but not one of the normal five. The fractal de kept moving toward therge eye through, but the eyes zed into light for an instant, and the attack was smashed into smithereens.


    Zac nned on sending a stream of des toward the eye, but to his shock noticed that he wasnt able to infuse the skill with his Dao anymore. The mental pressure was persistent, and it somehow blocked him from empowering his skills. He quickly looked around and saw that the core of the hive-queen was shining in a brighter lightpared to before, emitting a huge amount of energy. It appeared the queen was somewhat sentient and helped her guards from the sidelines.


    My Dao is Blocked! Alea shouted, telling Zac that he wasnt the only one affected.


    He grit his teeth and used <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>toward therge-headed mage. He might not be able to use his Dao, but skills were still possible to use. He ran around the huge tank-monster who was wildly wailing its thick arms around, trying to hit whatever was blocking its sight. But Janos and Alea simply kept a safe distance, and mainly kept their eyes on the mantis and the eye-monster.


    With his speed, he was upon therge-headed guard in no time and felt that he was almost physically punched by just the eyes re. He didnt understand whether it was some sort of mental pressure or actual air-pressure, but no matter how he struggled he couldnt move thest meter to reach it. As all the eyes stared at him he was even starting to get pushed away, no matter how much he strained his muscles.


    Two huge spears mmed into the side of therge-headed guard, eliciting an enraged screech, even though they barely seemed to prate the hard shell. Many eyes quickly swiveled toward Ogras, and Zac temporarily felt the pressure disappear. He didnt hesitate and with a roar pushed himself right onto the head of the beast, wildly swinging <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> into therge central eye.


    A quick nce toward Ogras showed that he was currently beset by both the mantis and the spider, and the attack on therge-headed one put him in dire straits. The mantis was swinging down one of its swords on him, and he was receding into the shadows to dodge. However, the de somehow pulled him out from safety, and tore arge gash over his chest, blood freely pouring in all directions.


    Zac wanted to help out, but he first needed to finish off this one. He took a deep breath and actually pushed himself into therge eye, frenziedly swinging his axe around. The ant was spasming and pushing all around, waves of energy flying in all directions. Zac didnt let up though and kept hacking further into the head until a huge surge of cosmic energy told him his work was done.


    He waspletely covered in brain and eye goop by now but had no time to clean up. He rushed toward Ogras who was in big trouble at the moment. He was desperately dodging thes from the spider and the sword swings from the mantis. There were also three small pitch-ck antstched onto his body, and he seemed to be trying to get them off.


    Zac rushed toward the mantis and was about tomence an attack when a deluge of small spiders started skittling toward him.


    Dont let them touch you! Ogras wheezed out, but it was toote.


    Two of them instantlytched onto Zacs legs, and it felt like he suddenly was in a gravity array. The spiders were emanating a gravity field in some way, and their effect seemed to be stacking. He tried to rip them off while dodging the other small spiders who ran toward him, but it was to no avail. It was as though they were fused to his leg, and he was unable to remove them with force.


    They are stuck, I think we need to kill the spider to get them off! Ogras shouted as another sword swing was descending on him.


    The demon grit his teeth and a blue sheen enveloped him from a ne. The sword smashed into the shield, and Zac almost tumbled away from the shockwave the strike created. Luckily it cleared most of the small spiders from the area, as they were blown away from the force. The blue force field was the type of shield that returned the force back to the attacker, as cracks appeared on the arm of the guard and it stumbled back from the recoil.


    Now! Ogras shouted as shadows were starting to gather around him.


    Zac activated his movement skill and sped toward the mantis. With the two spiders attached to his legs it felt like he was slogging through waist-deep water, but he could only endure and push through. He appeared next to the hurt mantis and started swinging towards the insects side with a <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    The first swing was intercepted by the sword-arm of the mantis, but the huge force of Zac actually destroyed it. It was already cracked by the recoil of the shield, and Zacs power did the rest. Now the mantis only had four legs remaining, and it was forced to choose whether to stand up or attack, as it needed to use its second sword to maintain bnce.


    It quickly made its choice as it swung its sword toward Zac while it was tipping over. The air was rippling with power from the swing, as it clearly pushed all its remaining energy into it. Shadowspears rose up to meet the falling body and pushed into its torso using the momentum to its advantage. It screeched frenziedly butpleted the swing.


    Initially Zac was intending to dodge it, but unknowingly another two spiders had attached themselves to him, making him almost keel over. The Dao was also still blocked, and he couldnt use Seed of Trees to increase his resilience. He could only activate his armor, and a green shield enveloped him. The sword of the mantis mmed into the shield, and Zac wasunched like a rocket into the wall.


    However, just as he was readying himself for a follow-up he felt another stream of cosmic energy, this one quite a bit smallerpared to thest. It looked like Ogras took the main contribution from the kill. That left just the tank and the spider alive. Unfortunately, Janos and Alea were clearly struggling by this point, even though less than a minute had passed since the start of the fight. Alea was carrying a deathly pale Janos on her back as she dodged the huge monstrosity.


    Janos is out of cosmic energy, hurry! the demoness shouted as she scrambled away from the ant.


    Each m from its huge arms created tremors in the ground as it tried to crush the two into meat-paste. It looked truly irate from being confused for a minute from illusions and hallucinogenic poison, only to wake up to two of the royal guards dead.


    We need to take out the spider first. If Alea gets a gravity ant on her both of them will die, Ogras said, and Zac could only grit his teeth and agree.


    The spider was clearly focusing on entrapment, spawning both the gravity-minions and shooting out waves and waves of thread that was starting to turn arge part of the cavern into a sticky trap. However, both of the offensive guards were dead, and its own lethality wasnt too high unless it managed to stack enough spiders onto someone, simply crushing them from the weight.


    When there were no more interruptions from the other guards Ogras had no trouble avoiding both the spiders and the sticky webs, and gracefully moved toward therge body of the guard. It screeched in rm but the huge armored guard actually ignored it, intent on killing the two pests next to it.


    Zac didnt have the nimbleness of the demon and could only do a more simple approach. Heunched arge de that flew toward the head of the spider, ripping any webs or spiders into pieces that were in the way. The attack essentially created a path for him, and he quickly moved through the passage with his movement skill. It took less than ten seconds for the two to finish off the third royal guard.


    Zac and Ogras were breathing heavily, but they couldnt stop yet. Ogras was still bleeding from his wounds as well, but he somehow was reducing the blood loss with the help of shadows that tightly twisted around his torso. Zacs whole body was hurting from being mmed by various attacks and shockwaves, but he still got on his feet with a sigh and started charging toward the fourth royal guard.


    There was still one to go.

 Chapter 109: The final push

    Chapter 109: The final push


    Alea was in dire straits, dodging and movement werent her strong suits, and she was further impeded by carrying Janos around. The mage was weakly trying to confuse thest royal guard with illusions after having absorbed enough energy from a Nexus Crystal, but it was as though the huge armored ant was locked onto them.


    Zac saw with some surprise that the cracks that appeared when both he and Ogras assaulted the crystal were already closed up, making the chitinous armor look as good as new.


    He has regenerated the damage already, Zac said, and Ogras only nodded in response.


    Zac sighed and readied his axe, but Ogras held up his hand.


    What? Zac asked, anxious to help Alea and Janos out.


    When we kill this big guy all the Royal Guards will be dead and well be able to attack the Queens Core. But we dont know if the Hive Queen will be able to unleash some sortst desperate attack when the guards are down and the shield is removed. The queen is a true E-Ranked being, while the guards only seem to be elite F-Grade beings on the cusp of evolving, Ogras said while looking over his wound.


    We should instantly destroy the crystal the second thest guard dies to avoid any unexpected things. If I kill this big fucker, do you have a finisher to use against the crystal? the demon continued.


    Zac thought it sounded like a good idea, and after some hesitation nodded.


    I need ten seconds of time to charge the attack, Zac said. Actually, he barely needed half that, but the attack he was about to unleash was his current ace in the hole and he didnt want to give out its details. It put Alea and Janos in danger for an additional five seconds, but he could only make it up to themter.


    Ogras nodded and readjusted the grip of his spear.


    Start charging, the demon said as shadows were starting to gather around him and his eyes turnedpletely ck. Shadows were soon covering every inch of his body, turning him into a being of darkness. Ogras started emanating a sinister pressure that gave even Zac a hair-raising feeling. Whatever the demon was doing was something Zac had never seen before, and it was likely his strongest attack.


    Zac didnt hesitate and started pouring huge amounts of cosmic energy into his right forearm. It was time to unleash <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. The eleven days of mindless killing was more than enough to finish his quest to decapitate 10 000 enemies. Luckily the System considered his kills solo battle even though he was part of the demon army, as long as he was fully responsible for the kills of the insects.


    The fractal on his arm was like a bottomless hole, and after seven seconds he already had poured 80% of his remaining cosmic energy into it.


    Get ready, Ogras hissed in a raspy voice, currently looking like a true denizen of darkness. Two ephemeral ck wings had sprouted on his back, softly waving back and forth, each reaching over three meters in length. The spear in his hand was throbbing like it possessed a heart, and as thest seconds passed the heartbeat quickened to a frenzied thumping.


    Just before ten seconds passed Ogras punched off from the ground, a wave of darkness flooding out from him. He turned into arge ck beam that shot straight toward the chest of thest Royal Guard.


    There was no impact and no sound from the sh.


    Suddenly there simply was a hole spanning three meters in thest guards chest, going straight through the beast. The guards head was only attached to its body with a small string, which broke and fell down onto the floor with a thud where Ogras appeared once again. He stabbed a four-meter longnce of darkness into the head to make sure it was dead.


    Zac didnt hesitate and put <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>into his bag. He pushed his hand forward in a grasping motion as though he was trying to grasp the huge crystal from a distance. It felt like he was trying to push through solid matter with his arm, but he only roared and pushed forward with his arm as he poured thest of his energy into the fractal.


    With arge dissonant sound a huge crack appeared in the air, as a gigantic rough brown hand emerged out of nowhere. It was quickly evident that the hand was not of a humanoid, at least not one of flesh and blood, as the hand was wrought from tree and roots.


    The fingers didnt have any nails, and only got thinner and ended in sharp spikes. Its size was huge, each finger being roughly five meters long, and if one looked closely one could actually see that many of the roots formed what looked like fractals all across the limb.


    The wooden hand mirrored the movement of Zacs hand, grasping toward the crystal. The translucent shield that earlier was somewhat visible around it just gave a bright sh before it winked out of existence, showing that the protectiveyer that stopped them earlier was gone.


    The Core wouldnt simplyy down and give up, as it started to emanate an even greater pressure from before as its green light turned painfully bright. The energy emitted was so great that Zac was starting to get pushed back even though he stood almost fifty meters away, but <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>kept moving forward. As the wooden hand pushed toward the crystal it started smoking and steaming due to the light. It looked like the light from the core was burning it, and simultaneously Zacs hand stared to blister as well.


    Zac only grunted and pushed his hand forward, and the enormous hand gripped the Core like a vise and squeezed. A weird screeching echoed throughout the cavern and the whole structure started to shake, while therge hand actually caught a green fire. However, the power in the hand was enormous, and cracks quickly started to appear on the crystal until itpletely crumbled with a huge explosion.


    The hand dissipated as an enormous shockwave mmed Zac and his party into the wall of the core room, the force almost enough to knock him unconscious. He shook his head, dizzy from the impact, and looked around. His whole body felt broken and a stinging pain throbbed from his right arm. When he looked down at it he saw that it waspletely scalded, looking like he had put his arm into boiling water.


    The <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>worked out really well, apart from his blistering hand. The Core gave out a force that kept even Zac away unable to approach, but it managed to push forward without any problem. It was a shame that the Core somehow was able to obscure the Dao from him as they fought since Zac had wanted to try the skill with its full power.


    He was pretty sure that the attack would be strengthened with the Seed of Trees since the hand was made of wood and roots. Perhaps the attack would be even stronger, or perhaps the hand would have been more resilient, and he wouldnt have ended up with a burned hand.


    At least he gained another level from the fight, as a huge surge of cosmic energy entered him the moment the Core shattered, a farrger amountpared to when he killed the fiend wolf. That was the third level he gained during the ant waves.


    It wasnt the same speed he had during thest waves, but it was still apparently an enormous speed ording to Ogras. The others on top of thedder hadnt leveled at all, or maybe gained one level during the same period. He was currently level 54 while Salvation was on the second spot with level 43.


    Ten levels might not seem like a lot, but Zac knew the horrifying amount of wolves and ants he killed to bridge that gap. It would probably take months for the guy or girl to reach Zacs stage, and by then who knew what level Zac would be. He put those things aside and took stock of his surroundings.


    The others were in bad shape as well. Ogras was out of his shadow-form and coughed some blood as he tried to get back on his feet. Alea and Janos were lying unconscious, blood dripping out of their ears and mouths. One of Janos legs was in a weird angle as well, clearly broken.


    Zac sat up with a few coughs while he fished out hisst E-Grade nexus crystal and started absorbing. He only managed to absorb a smidgeon before he was interrupted though. The whole cavern was shaking ominously, some small cracks already starting to appear on the walls.


    He hastily got to his feet with a grunt and stumbled to Janos and Alea, and flung them over his shoulders. He was only running on fumes at the moment, but with his attributes it was no real difficulty carrying two people.


    What''s going on? Zac croaked at Ogras who finally had got to his feet.


    It feels like the hidden space is cracking, we need to get out of here NOW. We dont know what parts will remain and what parts will be sucked into oblivion, Ogras answered while he popped a healing pill into his mouth.


    Luckily the tunnels they entered through once again were opened with the hive queens death, and they scurried out through one of them. The shaking started to get worse, and there were even cracks in space itself appearing, making the air look like a broken mirror. The two didnt dare go near any of those widening rifts, afraid to be thrown into the void.


    They encountered some ants during the mad dash out, but they werepletely immobile, nkly standing still unaware of the surroundings. The two simply ignored them and kept going, the greedy demon not even contemting stopping to kill the free targets. Ogras usually was in charge of deciding the path, but when he found no clues what to do they simply trusted Zacs Luck stat, letting him choose at random.


    As they ran the cracks in space only got wider and wider until they were starting to get afraid they might not make it out in time. Luckily they finally felt the wind and fresh air in the distance, and reinvigorated they increased their speed. As they turned a corner they were met with the light of the outside, and heedlessly ran out.


    The duo stumbled out of the tunnels next to each other, overlooking a vast field of dead ants and panting demons. To Zac surprise, he also saw Sap Trang among the fighters, bloodied but alive. Ilvere and Namys came running up to them and took care of the two unconscious generals, with Namys throwing Zac a baleful re after seeing Ogras state.


    Finally safe Zac opened up his quest screen.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, Town upgraded to City, status upgraded to Lord. (2/3) [20:02:32:25]</strong>


    The second part waspleted, though the huge carcass of the hive queen remained. The system never teleported away the corpses of the wolves, so Zac guessed that they would have to deal with the huge hive somehow. That would have to wait until a bit untilter though, as Zac waspletely spent. Besides, entering that thing right now was to toy with death.


    Zac was in no mood to help out with the cleanup and slowly started making his way back to his camp. He had already eaten a healing pill, but his arm was still hurting quite badly.


    Good work, young man, a voice said from his side, and Zac looked up to see Mr. Trang standing some distance.


    He was currently using a spear to make sure that the insects on the ground were actually dead. Zac guessed that the experience would be a pretty decent boost if the old fisherman found some live ones still around. Zac didnt have the energy to chat with the old man and only nodded at him as he continued on.


    Zac made his way past the wall and the small town and soon found himself in thefortable stillness of his camp. There were very few who dared to approach this area without invitation, giving it a stillness. Buttely, this stillness was starting to get interrupted more and more.


    Youre the Super Brother-Man, arent you? a voice came from the movie-viewing canopy. It was Emily who was watching aedy series with a nk face.


    Zac sighed and sat down next to her.

 Chapter 110: Exploration

    Chapter 110: Exploration


    Why do you say that? Zac simply asked, taking out a piece of pre-grilled meat from his pouch.


    I have been going over things since you started fighting those insects. There are many things that dont make sense. Youre so strong. Like crazy strong. I have never seen or heard anything like it while I traveled with mom and dad, she answered as she stared at him.


    And while you fought like a madman the Super Brother-Man gained two levels, and a third while you were inside fighting the boss, Emily continued.


    Zac said nothing and only continued eating, tired in both body and mind.


    Besides, these demons are weird. They know way too much. Not even the cultivators in the cities know many of the things Alyn exined. And theyre way stronger than normal humans. Theyre not a race that got newly integrated like us. I think you have captured them from an incursion or something,


    Noone can capture this man, little brat, a voice said from behind as Ogras materialized from the shadows. We simply came to an agreement with Zac and ended the incursion.


    Whatever, she said with a roll of her eyes.


    What are you doing here? Zac asked as he turned back to the demon. He didnt bother trying to refute the demon who essentially admitted to being a foreign invader. It was their problem after all, not Zacs.


    I am here to tell you that Im buying the fruit and will be in seclusion for a while, Ogras answered. Clearly the healing pills that he ate earlier were quite good since the wound on his chest wasrgely healed.


    Ok. I might be heading out again soon just so you know. Take care of things if Im gone after your seclusion is finished. If you think it will take a longer while then inform Alea and the others, Zac answered.


    Ogras only nodded and disappeared with the shadows.


    Its true isnt it?


    Yes, Zac simply said. Do the other humans know?


    Maybe not those idiots with Megan, theyre too scared to think straight. But I think that old grampa knows, Emily said with a pout.


    No one said anything, but as the silence stretched on Emilys eyes reddened and two streams of tears started falling down her face. She quickly wiped them as Zac ignored his weary body while getting on his feet, and walked over to Emily. He didnt say anything, but only patted her head.


    I was really worried, Emily said with a small voice.


    I know. Im sorry, Zac sighed.


    He sat down next to her as she kept nkly watching the television. He tried to stay up but between the soft chair and finally being able to rx he soon fell into a deep slumber.


    He woke up some timeter and found that Emily wasnt around anymore. There was a package on the coffee table with some bread and meat. The farmers had actually started up some temporary fields within the wall to provide the army with some other food apart from meat, and it looked like it finally had started to pay dividends. Zac was amazed at the speed of the growth of the produce, and couldnt wait to set up proper farms as soon as the waves were dealt with.


    He had been afraid that the apocalypse would bring with it ack of food and drink, but it obviously wasnt the case. The beasts were getting more numerous, and farming was getting more efficient. Noone should starve to death as long as they controlled somend. Besides, as long as people had ess to a System-run shop, they could feed a family for just 10 Nexus Coin a day.


    Zac sighed and opened up his status screen.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>54</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Early, Seed of Trees - Early, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>279</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>140</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>186</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>113</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>57</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>21 675 103 </strong>


    Fighting the ant wave the past eleven days gave him ten million Nexus Coins, covering the cost of building the Teleportation Array earlier. It hadnt given any titles or Dao upgrades either, apart from finishing the quest for his new attack skill. He was very curious about how his new skill would improve when the skill got stronger in the future.


    <strong>[Nature''s Punishment - Proficiency: Early. Awaken the wrath of the world. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    At early proficiency a huge hand emerged out of the void. He wasnt sure whether he was summoning a living being, or whether the hand just was a copy of his own. Perhaps as he and the skill got stronger he would be able to summon a huge avatar that could fight in his stead.


    He put one point in Strength and two points in Endurance and closed the window. With his Race boost he wouldnt have to worry about attribute caps for a long while, and now that his other stats were in order he felt he could focus more on his main one once again.


    He ate the food left for him by either Alea or Emily and got up and headed to the town. He met a few demons who nodded in respect to him as he walked, and gave a simple nod back. His reputation kept increasing among the former invaders as his achievements increased.


    As he entered the town he saw Megan and another tourist scurry about, each carrying a hoe. It looked like they were on farm-duty today. They saw Zacs approach but after a brief hesitation turned their eyes down and kept moving.


    The humans had been horrified when they were taken to the battlefield. Zacs intention was to let them see the reality of the new world and made a few warriors escort them to the advance wall while he battled during the fourth day. The sight of a battalion of demons fighting tooth and nail against a horde of mutated ants made them realize that their trials and tribtions on thest ind were nothingpared to what they were witnessing.


    Since then they never said anything about fighting or getting stronger and stuck to their daily tasks instead. A few started working on the temporary farms and others helping with cooking and other tasks around the vige. Zac was a bit disappointed but he also knew that not everyone could be a warrior in this new reality.


    The only one from the group of twelve who still wanted abat ss was Sap Trang. Unfortunately for him he was just too far behind in power at the moment, so he couldnt really partake in the grind fest of the monster hordes. At least it looked like he managed to get some kills in at the end of the siege, which should have been quite a boost since each of the ants gave as much cosmic energy as a couple of Barghest.


    Zac found Ilvere sitting under a canopy ying an unfamiliar instrument close to therger tent where they usually held their war meetings. It was a stringed instrument that reminded Zac a bit of Guqin, though the notes generated from the crystalline strings sounded closer to a violin. It was an odd sight, seeing the burly warrior ying such a delicate instrument.


    The triumphant Lord returns, the warrior said as he stopped ying.


    Did you hear about Ogras seclusion? And what are you doing? Zac asked after greeting the general with a nod.


    Yes, he will likely be gone for some time, Ilvere answered. Im simply rxing. Its important to properly rest body and mind after an intense battle. Sometimes the tranquility after the battle can give as much or even more insight than the fight itself.


    Zac nodded, as it made sense. People couldnt always have a breakthrough in the middle of battle, even though it squeezed out their potential. Sometimes some reflection afterward was all that was needed to take the final step in pushing through a boundary.


    How was the fight yesterday? Zac asked.


    Four casualties. With Rivea and Herod it makes six, the worst day since the hordes started, he answered with a sigh.


    Zac could only nod, feeling a bit bitter. His army was continuously shrinking. When the wolf hordes started roughly two hundred warriors manned the wall, and today only 160 remained. Twenty percent of his army had died during thest forty days. Of course, some were killed by Ogras and Namys, but the majority died in battle.


    Zac had been quite despondent in the beginning losing one warrior after another, but he was starting to get used to it. People dying while trying to get stronger was the most normal thing in the multi-verse, and no one held any real regrets over it. To cultivate was to defy death. Some did it for the increase in longevity, others for power and wealth. But what all had inmon was the knowledge that any day might be theirst.


    I n on sending out expeditions to map the surrounding inds. Please assemble four teams. The goal is reconnaissance, but at least onepetent fighter in each team. The team members will bepensated in crystals or Nexus Coins, Zac said.


    You should know that none of us know anything about sailing or naval warfare. There arent any oceans on our home, Ilvere said as he rose to his feet to get to work.


    I know, I will send one of the sailors from the humans with each group. So at least one in each team needs to know the <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong> skill. You people should take advantage that its avable in the contribution store, you are stuck on a foreign after all, Zac answered.


    Many have actually bought it already. Some are just like you, getting antsy from staying on this ind months on end. Most came through the incursion to gain insight and wealth, and that cant be done while staying inside some walls, Ilvere said with half a smile. Im sure there will be many willing scouts.


    Zac nodded and headed off to find Sap Trang and his fellow vigers. After exining the situation the four fishermen agreed to help out after some hesitation.


    If we find some of our lost vigers, can we bring them back? Mr. Trang asked after some silence.


    Yes, thats ok. You cannot say anything about the situation on the Ind though before they are here. The situation here is Special. If you do the soldiers have orders to silence you and everyone who heard it, Zac answered. It was extremely strict rules, but he simply couldnt allow any information about his ind to leak yet.


    He learned some things about Lordship from Alyn and Ogras while he rested during the Ant-Waves. A Lord held various benefits in controlling a town or even a country as they gained ess to a so-called Lord-System. Originally the system was used as a method for generals of the Ancient Empire to control their armies, but with the Apostate of Order the system became generalized and gained a host of new features.


    As the system evolved over time various functions were added, and today many benefits existed. For example a Lord could automatically enforce a tax on his empire. There were no loopholes either, as the System was in control of the taxation. The only downside was that The System itself took a cut of the taxes.


    Lords also got ess to more functions on their teleporters and could even get invited to grand happenings such as auctions and special events in the multi-verse thatmoners did not have ess to.


    Other humans will have to stay put even if they want toe over. Come back and report their situation to me and Ill decide what to do about it.


    Very well. We understand the importance of discretion. Those who left before us were mainly the younger generation from our vige. They risked their lives to find help for us, but we never heard back from them. If we can find them and bring them back here Im sure their future will be better than in most parts of the world, the fisherman answered.


    Good. Start preparing, I want the four teams setting out within three days. Ill provide the ships for you, Zac said as he turned to leave.


    One minute please, I was wondering if I could consult you about my ss, Mr. Trang said quickly.


    Zac was a bit surprised as he turned around and inspected the fisherman, only to see he actually was level 25. He must have worked quite arduously since he was only level 21 when he arrived at Port Atwood. Zac remembered how much work he himself put into finishing thosest levels.


    What about it? Zac asked, a bit curious about what ss the fisherman chose for himself.

 Chapter 111: Wave Whisperer

    Chapter 111: Wave Whisperer


    I havent actually chosen yet, but Ive seen which options I have. They are Fisherman, Dockhand, Marine, Acolyte, and Wave Whisperer, the fisherman began.


    The first two were pretty straightforward nonbat sses, whereas the next two were sses Zac knew himself. The old fisherman likely got the option for Acolyte since he bought the Water Spear skill earlier. Wave Whisperer was the only one that was unclear to him. It sounded like a water-based ss, but more than that he was unsure.


    I am wavering between Marine and Wave Whisperer. Both are umon sses connected to the sea. The Wave Whisperer is connected to taming and controlling aquatic wild-life that might be very convenient in this new world. We saw fish asrge as sharks while sailing here, and who knows what else lurks in the depths. Controlling the giants of the sea might both help with scouting and protection, he continued.


    However, my stats are all toward strength and endurance so far, it might be a waste to take a mage ss after this. What do you think? he asked Zac.


    The stats you get before your ss are insignificant on the road of cultivation. If you believe that Wave Whisperer will be more beneficial, take it. You can make up the missing stats with natural treasures and training in the future, Zac said.


    Sounds reasonable, I will do just that, Sap Trang said with a nod.


    Zac nodded and left the living quarters of the fishermen. He knew that the wily old fisherman actually didnt require help but just wanted to show his sincerity to Zac by divulging his future ss. He already tried to show his worth before the ant waves, and after seeing Zac and the others power his desire to pave a path for his vigers only grew.


    Next, he went to the Creators shipyard and ordered four of the small exploratory vessels for a million Nexus Coins each. Karunthel, the spider-foreman, was not around, as Rahm exined that he was currently upied with some experiments. For people like Karunthel and the Creators experimentation was in a way cultivation. If they created something functional and new they would gain a huge surge of experience, maybe to the point of gaining multiple levels.


    It was generally the same with many of the nonbat sses. A farmer who reaped a whole field after tending it for months could gain a handful of levels. The higher the difficulty and grade of the herbs or vegetables that were grown the more energy would be awarded. That was why many cksmiths and other crafting professions preferred to craft hard and high-grade items, rather than mashing together an endless stream of low-grade items. The benefits, both in wealth and levels, if the craft seeded far outweighed anything low-grade items couldpare to.


    Other nonbat sses were more of the slow-and-steady type, such as Adrans Administration ss that consistently gained cosmic energy while handling town matters. There were certain events though that could awardrge sudden boosts in experience, such as a town upgrade.


    Next, he walked over to the small house that Alyn resided in. He found the demoness sitting on the porch in the samefortable chair she used down in the mines.


    How is Emily doing? he asked.


    She has started following the methods to attain mage sses, but she still insists on training with an axe for a few hours every day, she said as she put down her book with a sigh.


    Well, its her decision, so let her proceed. Who knows what ss shell be able to get from thebination, Zac said with a shrug.


    Ive read that cultivators of newly integrateds are far more likely to choose unique and unknown sses, but that is a dangerous game to y. You humans will soon see the folly in your ways. I wouldnt be surprised if more than half the people on your so-calleddder right now will be stuck at F-ss forever. If breaking through to the next levels was that easy then n AzhRezak wouldnt only have a handful of D-rank ancestors after thousands of years of umtion, the teacher said with a serious face.


    You need to have your people choose sensible andmon sses so that you can get some guaranteed E-Rank Umon underlings. Who knows, perhaps some of them might even be able to evolve into D-Rank in the distant future.


    I am not going to tell people what sses they choose. None of the people on the ind are really my subjects. Of course, it might change in the future when you create your Academy, Zac answered.


    Actually I have a question about ss rarities, he said as he changed the subject to the old fisherman.


    He is a normal fisherman but he got multiple umon skills to choose from when you said that barely one out of a thousand got umon sses after studying at an academy, how is that possible?


    The first ss is mainly based on achievements and experiences since people rarely are in contact with the Dao at that stage. Someone old will have more of those than a youngster whos only 16. However, that doesnt mean one should wait with choosing a ss, the demon answered. The older one is the harder it gets to improve one''s race. I am not sure if Mr. Trang will be able to evolve his race even with the medicinal baths. The optimal time for evolution has passed. Even if he managed to evolve it will involve far more resourcespared to someone normal, Alyn concluded.


    What about me? Zac asked curiously.


    Your prime age for evolution had passed, but you side-stepped that with the Fruit of Ascension. Now youre a thirty-year-old whose lifespan is 500 years, thats almost a baby, she said with a slight smile.


    But generally its better to evolve as soon as possible, it will be cheaper and you will avoid any risk of your body simply not being able to withstand another evolution. If it takes too long your body might not be able to take thatst step, precluding you from evolving. So as soon as you reach E-Rank ss you should start working on your Race again, she added.


    On another note. We do not have any cultivation manuals at the moment. Emily is turning 16 in a month and she should be using a cultivation manual from the start. It will help her immensely, as reforming pathways at ater date can be quite painful and dangerous, Alyn said.


    Zac could only grimace while nodding, remembering his own harrowing experience when he improved his pathways from his initial rudimentary ones. That was likely his firstrge mistake, and it almost got him killed.


    Since there were some pretty good cultivation manuals in the Contribution Stone he decided to purchase a few of the cheaper ones. It was not only for Emily, but it would be needed if he wanted to create an Academy in the future. There were not many other things that grabbed his interest in the shop anyway, and the expenditure seemed eptable.


    There was only one thing he was nning on buying before heading out again, a skill called <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>. It was a skill that both protected him from skills like <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>, and also boosted the defense against mental attacks and illusions. It cost ten million contribution points, which made it one of the most expensive skills, but he could afford it. The battle against the ants almost gave him as much as the whole wolf horde, and he currently possessed roughly 34 million points.


    Feeling done with everything he needed to do he walked back to his camper and spent the rest of the day recuperating. His arm was still hurting quite badly, while his feet still had blisters from the acid bath.


    Emily came backter that evening, preferring to stay at his camper rather than her assigned housing close to Alyn. He didnt know it was the familiarity of the camper or the presence of him that made her morefortable, but he didnt mind as he had gotten used to falling asleep outside under the moonlight in any case.


    You know, Im wondering what the world would think if they knew the strongest and the wealthiest man after the apocalypse lives like a hobo outside a camper in the woods, she said with a grin, obviously having recovered from earlier.


    Zac only rolled his eyes and motioned her to sit down. He took out his kit for grilling meat and started preparing some food for the evening. Emily sat down and took out something from her backpack. It was a covered tray, and when she lifted the lid Zac noticed a couple of long pieces of dough.


    Give me two spits, she said and Zac curiouslyplied. Mom made these during the summer, its really only water, flour, and salt, but it still gets pretty yummy when grilled. Its a shame we dont have butter though.


    She took out one of the pieces of dough from the tray and wrapped it around the spit. She did the same with the second spit and then she ced them some distance from the fire.


    I think its called caveman bread? I dont remember anymore, she added as she kept an eye on her spits.


    Zac only smiled and salted therge bs of meat. He made a mental reminder to get some stock of various things when he left next time.


    Youre leaving the ind again, arent you? she said as she kept spinning the spits.


    Yes, in a few days, Zac answered.


    Let me go with you! Emily immediately burst out, looking up at him.


    You know, I cant go back through the beastman vige. They closed their teleporter the moment after we used it. The portal I will use might lead to the opposite side of the, far from wherever your siblings might be.


    You dont know that. They might be right where you end up, and you will not be able to recognize them, she retorted, starting to work up a huff.


    It was true. One of the things he learned from Emily about the tutorial was that the end-point of the tutorial sometimes was randomized. Well, not really randomized as much as some were lucky and others werent.


    As the cultivators were undergoing the tutorial the world was rearranged, and the system dropped off the cultivators at a spot of its choosing when it was over. Some were lucky that the system chose their own turf when they got returned, like the vigers of Winterleaf vige. But most were dumped at apletely unknown ce.


    Zac asked the demons about it and they thought it sounded like a test. Many would start traveling home, braving dangers to find a way back to their families. Most would likely die, but some would emerge stronger from the experience. Others would give up and hide behind walls, bing despondent shut-ins like the people of Fort Roger.


    That exined why Hannah and the others were never returned, and also meant that Emilys siblings might be anywhere.


    Come on, I will be very helpful. I have visited many towns and know how to find information. I will be useful to you. If you go alone you might just make a scene and get in all kinds of trouble, she quickly said. Besides, Im turning 16 soon. Traveling might help me get a better ss.


    Zac kept slowly spinning his spit, mulling things over. He wasnt sure what to expect from his next excursion, and it was a bit troublesome to keep her safe since she couldnt use the defensive gear yet. However, she might actually be useful.


    During the ant waves there were actually two new choices that cropped up. One was called Cradle of God, and it seemed a bit too weird for Zacs taste, and not somewhere hed even consider bringing Emily. He actually had a suspicion that it was the home of Salvation, the second-ce holder of thedder. Judging by the Pseudonym he chose, it wouldnt be too far-fetched hed name his town like that. He knew nothing about that person, and he wouldnt teleport there since it might get extremely dangerous.


    The second option made Zac far more hopeful, as it was called New Washington. It wasnt very imaginative, but it clearly was an American town. The name implied it was government-run as well, and it might be the best bet for him to gain information. He realized it might be a trap, and that was another reason he was hesitant in bringing Emily.


    The people who possessed ess to an array would generally be elites, and you had to have some balls if you nned on doing something untoward. Besides, he already knew the system restricted the use of the array as some sort of deathtrap. He couldnt ce any offensive arrays around it or ce it far underground for example.


    Still, he had a very clear goal, and bringing Emily would likely slow him down in addition to putting her in needless danger. He wasnt heading out on a stroll after all.


    I am sorry. You will have to stay here until you have started cultivating. At that point, you can use defensive treasures and protect yourself. I dont know what Ill encounter when I step out of the teleporter, Zac finally said with a sigh. But I will ask around for you about your siblings. My main goal is to find my hometown just like you, so I understand your feelings.


    Emily didnt seem to care about the promise and angrily huffed as she ran toward the camper,pletely forgetting about the bread.

 Chapter 112: Back to the Scene of the Crime

    Chapter 112: Back to the Scene of the Crime


    The next few two days went by excruciatingly slow for Zac who just wanted to get up and leave. However there were more and more things to do in order to keep his town running. He couldnt wait for finishing the third horde in a few weeks. When he became a lord hed get a system-trained administrator, perhaps Abby, who he could leave most of the work to. Adran was apetent worker, but Zac felt it was much too early to start giving the demons real influence in his future town, especially since their alliances mostlyy with Ogras.


    Ogras was someone who would take a bit of advantage and run away with it. Zac still believed that the demon would do his best in order to improve the state of Port Atwood, at least for ten years, but he wouldnt lower his guard until he found some real assurances. Therefore Zac still felt the need to personally oversee some details.


    He met up with Alea and Janos who were mostly fine, with the exception of Janos leg. The poison mistress looked a bit annoyed upon hearing Zac was leaving once again but didnt say anything. Zac also talked with a few of the mages, who promised to start work on an improved home for him. Emilysment the other day made him realize hed forgotten about actually improving his camp. He remembered Ogras lush pce over at AzhRodum, and even a tenth of that would be a nice upgrade to his own living situation.


    The second thing he did was to travel to the mountains. He brought only Alea with him this time, pushing his speed to the limit. It wasnt some romantic reasoning behind it, he rather needed her to spot any leftover poison.


    Earlier when he traveled this distance he usually had to be careful and moved in a normal walking speed, but now he ran, ignoring the asional barghest. The trip would take over a day back in the day, but now it only took a couple of hours. Surprisingly Alea seemed to have no problem keeping up either.


    The mountain valley had finally cleared out enough for him to start collecting everything of value from his killing spree. He didnt want to leave this treasure trove as he left the ind again. And it was an especially nice timing since Ogras was upied with absorbing the Fruit of Ascension. Zac learned that it could take weeks to absorb a treasure of that magnitude. A big reason he almost died in the pond was that the mix of Cosmic Water and the Fruit of Ascension made the absorption only take minutes rather than days, which overtaxed his body.


    He didnt set about collecting it all in order to hoard the wealth for himself. He nned on using much of it as rewards and sries for the demons and other citizens in the future, or even stocking stores with the weapons thaty about. Besides, who knew what secret treasures all the elites of the demon army had pocketed for themselves.


    They arrived at the mountain slopes at lunch, and after making sure that there wasnt any poison around, they scaled the mountain from the same side as the demon army once did. From there the two followed along the path of the battle, picking up any armor and weapon that seemed useful. The corpses were quite decayed, but at least the scorching sun and blowing winds had caused them to dry out rather than rot, so the stench wasnt as bad as Zac had feared.


    Many of themy in pools of dried but putrid-looking liquid though, and Alea exined that the poison he threw out would cause them to vacate from every orifice,pletely drying them out, as the victims were dying. From that it was pretty clear which ones died from poison and which ones were dead from the battle before.


    The number of demons lying in a pool of waste was quite terrifying, even out at the rim of the valley. Zac mentally shut down and wordlessly kept collecting items. Even Alea seemed subdued by the sight as she helped him out with the collection. They kept moving about for most of the day, finally reaching the epicenter of the poison, the scarlet tree.


    The tree still stood up, even though many of its branches were destroyed in the battle. However, its trunk was no longer red, but purple, reminiscent of the poison cloud. The once pristine white leaves were also changed, now having purple veins covering them.


    It made a bit of sense as the closer they got to the tree it was obvious that the corpses were even more dried out. Perhaps the tree absorbed the poisoned warriors to heal itself in the same way it absorbed the trees earlier. From all the poison it seemed that it mutated somehow.


    How magical! I wonder what kind of fruit a poisoned Tree of Ascension will sprout. I hope it survives its current ordeal, Alea said as she stared at the changed tree in wonder.


    Can we cure it? Zac asked, more interested in growing normal Fruit of Ascension instead of any weird mutated ones.


    Maybe a skilled botanist could, but the poison has reached its core from absorbing too much of it from the area, it might cleanse it by itself over time, or it might mutate. Or it will simply sumb and die, well have to wait and see, she answered with a shrug.


    If it makes a poison version of a Fruit of Ascension I want it, she added as she stared at him with serious eyes. It might even give me a poison constitution.


    Well see what happens with the tree before deciding on any allocation. There is a lot of gear to collect, Zac answered nomittally.


    It was true, the area was packed with elite warriors. Many of those who fought close to the tree even owned their own Cosmos Sacks as well, making it easier to collect their wealth. They methodically went through the central battlefield as well, and by the end of it Zac had another Seventy pouches in his possession.


    Finally the two walked over to Rydel, lying close to the tree, arge grisly hole in his chest and a broken arm.


    This wound Did Ogras do this? Alea asked with surprise.


    I thought the four of you knew? Zac retorted, equally surprised. I battled Rydel and that monkey over there, but I only managed to break his arm and expend most of his aces. He was about to kill me when Ogras attacked.


    Zac bent down and grabbed a pouch attached to his belt.


    Wait, check within his clothes as well. Rydel was the unofficial leader of the invasion and a scion of the AzhRezak main branch. He should have more than one pouch, Alea interjected.


    Zac nodded and with a grimace started reaching around within the corpses clothes. After a while he actually found another pouch.


    Zac inspected the two and was shocked by their quality. The one Rydel wore on his waist was quiterge,prising roughly ten by ten meters of space, farrgerpared to his own ones which only had two-three meters of space. It mainly contained daily items, such as some foods and clothes. It also contained a couple of thousands of crystals and a few other assorted items.


    However, the inner one was on another levelpletely, to the point that Zac suspected that it was an E-Grade pouch rather than F-Grade. It had a cubic space of roughly fifty meters, meaning it had a whopping 125 000 cubic meters of space. He would be able to fit a small airne in it if he found one.


    The pouch was mostly empty, but there was a small mountain containing tens of thousands of F-Grade crystals. There were also neatly stacked weapons and a huge supply of food. There even were a few siege weapons, looking far more sophisticatedpared to the ones the demons built back at Port Atwood. Another corner held a bunch of vials containing pills,beled and ordered. There also were a couple of ornate boxes, and Zac guessed those things held the real prizes.


    The inner pouch held the backup resources of the whole demon invasion Zac realized as his heartbeat sped up. It was a huge amount of wealth, even for him. He recognized a few of the pills by now, and many of them cost tens of thousands Nexus Coins per pop. There were over a hundred of each type of those pills.


    Zac took out the various boxes and things one by one and together with Alea categorized them. There were certain fruits that could improve the constitution far more efficientlypared to the medicinal bath, and Zac gave a few of them to Alea after seeing her hungry eyes. He didnt need them for himself and felt it was a decent reward for having fought two horde bosses with him. He put aside most of the rest for Janos and the others though.


    The contribution board clearly was an effective method of motivating people, and Zac was thinking of establishing something simr after the beast hordes. If people contributed to Port Atwood, theyd gain contribution points, and with those points they could buy various things from him.


    He immediately consulted Alea about it and to his embarrassment learned that such a thing was pretty standard in the multi-verse, and not some novel new idea he concocted. Many of the things in the huge pouch were likely even meant for just that purpose during the invasion.


    Done with the looting they started heading back toward the camp. The amount of wealth he collected was enormous, and including all the armors and tools Alea and he estimated the value easily surpassed a hundred million nexus coins. It was no surprise that war was somon in the multi-verse, it was extremely lucrative.


    Finally all preparations were done and Zac prepared to set out. During the return he transferred most of the wealth to therge pouch which he now carried hidden under his E-Grade Robe. He left some of it to Adran so that the warriors could get new gear. Many of the demons were starting to look pretty ragged after battling two beast hordes, so they needed to swap out some of the broken items.


    He actually brought a total of ten of the smallest cosmos bags with him as well, which he hid in a small travel bag. The reaction from Ss when he realized Zac possessed a Cosmos Bag was quiterge, and Zac thought he might be able to sell them for quite a nice profit in a human settlement.


    He learned from Calrin and Alea that these smallest cosmos bags were worth roughly a million nexus coins. Most people in the multi-verse possessed at least one, unless they were young and still needed to spend all their money on medicinal baths. They werent overly difficult to create for an experienced inscription master. The higher-grade ones required insight into the Dao of Space to create though, making them far more expensive.


    Emily was still angry with him, but she still tried helping out in the end. On her insistence, he carried arge backpack to make it look less suspicious. Zac also wore a new pair of boots, which was actually starting to feel a bit ufortable after having adapted to the free feeling of nothing trapping his feet.


    Zac gave some final instructions to Adran regarding the scouting missions and some other details before he walked toward the teleportation array. He inserted the crystals and paid the fee, and once again he disappeared from the ind.


    From the distance, a pair of eyes were observing everything, before receding into the shadows.

 Chapter 113: New Washington

    Chapter 113: New Washington


    After a minute of darkness a sh of light appeared in Zacs eyes as he appeared in arge room. Zacs brows immediately scrunched up when he saw roughly ten serious-looking soldiers aiming automatic rifles at him. He immediately got ready for a fight as he looked around while he activated <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> and the Dao of Trees. A fractal briefly appeared on his forehead, but it soon disappeared into his head.


    His new skill was quite convenient as it kept running automatically after activating, barely using any cosmic energy. It would take something like a day before he ran out of cosmic energy from its consumption, unless someone actually attacked him. Then the consumption would drastically increase, much like with an array.


    It was a bit unfortunate that it only had a decent fit with his fractal pathways. His other skills were mostly ss skills who couldpletely merge with his pathway system, allowing him to bring out their power to the fullest. With <strong>[Mental Fortress] </strong>he guessed he could only bring out roughly 50% of the skills potential due to the average match. Still, it was far better than nothing, and together with his high stats and mental fortitude, it made for extremely sturdy protection.


    There was only one exit to the teleportation room, and it was guarded by the army men. The rest of the interiors gave no clues as to where the house was located since there were no windows. Still, he wasnt overly worried since there were humans in front of him. That meant there was a path to leave, and no door would impede him since he learned the Dao of Sharpness. He could simply cut metal like butter and walk straight through any restrictions.


    What is going on? Do you wee all guest through the barrels of your guns? Zac asked with a re.


    The people in front of him looked like proper soldiers, but Zac had no real way to tell. If they were just pretending in order to lure him into a trap he would simply destroy them, but if they were actual government personnel he would tolerate their behavior even though he didnt like the feeling of having guns pointed at him. Besides, with his erected defenses and his E-Grade garments he wasnt in any real danger, so there was no real need to act hastily.


    Please stay put for a bit until we receive orders, one of the guards simply answered.


    Zac contemted pushing through the group but stopped himself. Who knew what else lurked behind the door. They mightunch an actual rocket at him if he started attacking the guards, and he wasnt sure hed survive that. The seconds dragged on and the tense silence became heavier and heavier.


    The guards looked hesitantly at each other but didnt lower their weapons. As almost a minute passed even Zac was starting to get antsy as he considered whether he should bring out his axe just in case. But just as he was about to reach for his Cosmos Sack the door opened, and another group of people entered, showing a brief glimpse of a nondescript hallway behind.


    Please excuse our safety measures. There was an incident recently. My name is Julia Lombard, cultivator liaison of the New Government Initiative, a female in her thirties said as she entered the room apanied by two men.


    She had a forgettable appearance, looking a bit like an office drone at arge corporation. She even wore a pantsuit, which felt quite out of ce in this new world of theirs. The two men looked more like warriors, each having a sword strapped to their legs.


    Since the group had already shown some discourtesy by aiming their weapons at him for a full minute, he decided hed make things a bit even. He scanned the group with <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>and found that the army-guys were only level 15. The two warriors were actually level 29 and 30 though, just falling a few levels short of entering thedder. The officedy was almost as strong, reaching level 28, which Zac guessed would be a respectable number anywhere.


    The stronger group clearly sensed the scan and frowned as they reached toward their weapons. They stopped however after a nce from Julia. Zac hadnt been sure, but it seemed that these people considered a scan pretty rude, same as with the rest of the multi-verse. Ogras had told him long ago that scanning people in a bar or the like was a sure-fire way to get into a fight unless you were a true powerhouse.


    I understand your reaction, but please understand that anyone who steps through a teleportation array at this stage is likely a dangerous individual, and we have to take some precautions. The incident I mentioned earlier was when a few Zhix-warriors entered and immediately went berserk when they saw us humans. Fourteen people died before we were able to annihte them, she said.


    Zhix? Zac asked.


    Its what the government call the insectoid beings, while the Ishiate are the beastmen. Were not sure if that is their actual name, but a scout with identifying skills got that name using the skill on them, so thats what we call them, Julia answered.


    May I ask who you are and what force you belong to? she continued.


    Port Atwood, Zac simply said, not deigning to hide the name of his town. They had no method to get there in any case, and he didn''t have any ns of hiding its existence from the government in any case. He actually was interested in some cooperation with them, as long as they didnt get too greedy for control. He already scheming demons to worry about, and didnt want to add any more headaches to the mix until his position waspletely solidified.


    And you can call me Monk, he concluded with a sigh.


    He needed an alias that wasnt his real name nor Super-Brother Man. He didnt want to give out his real name since he might be forced to show his might, making it pretty clear that he was a ranker. That might put his family in danger if they managed to match him with his hometown or some old inte profile that they might have ess to. Who knew what things the government had stored, even after the apocalypse.


    Besides, his name was a clear indicator that he was the sole ruler of the town, something he was not ready to disclose yet. Since Emily sometimes called him Mr. Monk due to his appearance, he thought he might as well go with it for now.


    When he mentioned the name of the town a few of the soldiers visibly rxed. Zac guessed that all things were not harmonious even amongst the humans. Hed hoped that they would band together against the new tribtions, but he guessed that was too much to hope. Humanity had always been splintered and their own worst enemy, why would a simple apocalypse change that?


    Monk is it? Pleased to meet you. Port Atwood is not a city were familiar with, may I ask who is running it? the liaison asked skeptically.


    It''s run by a council, were an isted town by the ocean. Since we couldnt find any humans by foot we built a teleportation array to reconnect with humanity, Zac answered.


    How interesting. As we keep mapping the world we keep getting surprised howrge our new is. Even with our tireless work we still only have a decent understanding of some parts of the world, but even that area is farrgerpared to the old Earth, she sighed.


    Howe your array is private? one of the warriors gruffly interjected.


    We have a limited understanding of the world and do not dare to open up the teleportation array to the public before were confident we wont put the vigers at risk. My job is to scout out the situation and gather intelligence, Zac answered.


    I see, let me take you to a meeting room where we can discuss things further. I am sure there are many things you are curious about. Sharing information and creating a support system to restore order is the goal of the government after all, Julia said as she motioned Zac to follow her.


    Zac felt that a government wasnt that benign to just do all this work from the goodness of their hearts. People of the multi-verse were first and foremost cared about their own empowerment and in some cases their ns or Factions. Ogras often said that a freely outstretched hand usually hid some barbs, but Zac still followed the liaison, curious what she wanted to talk about.


    As they exited the door and went through the corridor they exited the building housing the portal. Zac looked around and found they were in argepound. It looked it was some old government or military facility that had been repurposed into a headquarter. The teleportation array was ced alone in a smaller fortified building, and there were even manned turrets close to it.


    Soon they entered the main building that looked like arge office building made of stone and ss. It looked like a real security risk unless they ced some arrays on it, since a casual chop from him could destroy arge part of the structure. In general, he thought that any skyscrapers or anything simr were deathtraps by now unless they got some magical reinforcement.


    As they entered the building they found themselves in arge high-ceiled lobby. However, only after taking a few steps Zac felt a prickling sensation from his newly acquired skill. Someone was using a mental skill on him. Without hesitation he took a small rock and chucked it like a bullet toward where he sensed the intrusion came from.


    He still wasnt sure about the power of his newly acquired skill, or what kind of skills cultivators from the tutorial possessed, and his reaction came from a fear of his identity being exposed. If someone got both his name and his level they would not only know his full name but also that he was the Super Brother-Man. It would be quite obvious from his extremely high level, and that turn could potentially put his family in danger.


    The stone hurtled in almost supersonic speed toward a young woman who inconspicuously stood next to a pir. She tried to hide behind the pir, but her speed was nowhere enough to dodge a strike from Zac. The stone punched a hole in her gut and she was thrown a few meters back, a pool of blood quickly pooling beneath her.


    The sudden caused quite a few people in the lobby to be highly alert, some even brandishing their weapons as they surrounded Zac and Julias.


    That girl just used a mental attack on me so I reacted on instinct, Zacmented as he looked at Julia who couldnt hide her angered face before she managed to smooth out her features. Zac saw that the girl was still alive and felt slightly relieved. Between skilled army doctors and the new worlds high regeneration speeds and miraculous pills, shed be fine. Things might have gotten moreplicated if she died, judging by the irate crowd.


    He thought he was being nice for not killing the girl. If shed done something simr to someone like Ogras or most of the other demons shed be full of holes by now. But obviously, the government workers didnt consider his actions benign, as they looked ready to retaliate.


    The sight made Zac feel tired and rather than afraid. Months and months of ceaseless ughter had definitely changed his personality, making him more ruthless, and he was ready to fight everyone in this building if it came to it. It was just a shame that hed create an antagonistic rtionship with the government from the start.


    Zacs attack caused widespread anger, but obviously more with some. A young man in army gear brandished an average-looking sword and charged at Zac with a roar. The sword looked about the same as the ones that were carried by the two men next to Julia, and Zac guessed that the army was in the process of switching over to cold weaponry in order to gain Cosmic Energy from fighting.


    Wait! Julia shouted, seeing that the situation was turning south, but it was toote.


    The angered man charged at Zac and did a wide swing that aimed to decapitate him. However, the clumsy and slow attack seemed like a joke to Zac who had gone through innumerable battles by now. The swing was all show and no substance, and with a quick jab he punched the de at its t side, making the strike miss its mark by quite a bit.


    The strike left the soldierpletely exposed, and Zac once again struck out with a punch, this one hitting his ribs. A sickening crunch could be heard as the man flew a roughly ten meters away, creating a heap on the floor. He was still alive though, as Zac didnt really put any real strength in the strike.


    Your New Government has an interesting way of greeting travelers, Zac said with a frown.


    He was quite relieved he didnt give in to Emilys moring to bring her along. Even though hadnt been too optimistic about the government he thought that theyd at least maintain some order and discipline, and hadnt expected to be in a battle with them within minutes of arriving. Of course, it was his fault as well to a certain degree, but the mostly hostile greeting apart from Julia had made his survival instincts kick in.


    Your teleportation array is starting to feel more and more like a trap rather than an invitation, he sourly added.


    Everyone calm down! Sergeant Miller and Private Smith will both be fine, but I need people to escort them to the infirmary. The Cultivator Special Branch Will handle this incident. Everyone back to your posts! Julia shouted as she and the two bodyguards pushed an opening in the irate mob. She didnt wait to see if her order was followed, as she ushered Zac into a corridor and from there a secluded meeting room.


    The room looked much like any of the conference rooms hed sat in before the apocalypse, with an oval table seating at most twelve people, with a TV and whiteboard at the side. The walls to the corridor were frosted ss, so he didnt worry about it being a cell.


    As they sat down she actually turned on aptop that sat on the table and next turned on the TV. Zac was a bit surprised that the two actually worked since there didnt seem to be much technology at work down in the lobby.


    How are you getting electricity? he asked curiously, already having forgotten the incident earlier.


    For the humans at this it might have been arge incident, but for Zac whod been bathed in blood for months, it barely registered.

 Chapter 114: Intelligence

    Chapter 114: Intelligence


    A mix of diesel generators and sr panels. We have gathered panels since the fall, and they are actually working better than before, with there being two suns and all. Our goal is to build sr farms outside New Washington and provide the whole town with electricity, but for now its only for critical buildings such as this, along with a few charging stations in the town, and we use it sparingly, she answered, seemingly taking some pride in their ability.


    Once again I would like to apologize about the disturbance earlier. But Id like to remind you to not resort to violence in New Washington. The rule ofw still holds and criminals will be sentenced and jailed, she said. Some confusion might happen while forces are reintegrated into society, and luckily no one died. The army will simply have to take the events as a lesson to conduct themselves better. I have prepared a small presentation about the current situation and our goals. Im sure that the leaders of Port Atwood would be interested in this.


    Zac was about to protest that he was attacked first in both the cases, but in the end decided against it as he was more interested in hearing what she had to say.


    Humanity is currently beset on multiple fronts, and we need to band together to survive, Julia began her presentation.


    We have both the other natives and the incursions to contend with. The Ishiate have generally been amenable for peaceful negotiations, but any attempt to open diplomatic channels with the Zhix or the foreign forces has been met with unrelenting violence. Luckily there is no Incursion close to New Washington, but many areas have already fallen, she said.


    Which areas have fallen, and howe only our government is up and running with a teleporter? Zac asked, wanting to drag out as much information as possible.


    Our situation is a bit unique. To be perfectly honest, we got lucky. There is no incursion close to us, and together with our high supply of weaponry, we managed to secure the area around this town quite quickly. There were even two battalions of the army that got randomized to close proximity of the town. There are no species of beasts we would categorize as highly dangerous nearby, and we even have some good areas for leveling up our military.


    All this gave us a good head start, but many other areas areing along. The Scandinavian countries have banded together, creating a new capital called Asgard. They are mainly led by cultivators though as they didnt have very strong governments. Weve also been in contact with London, Paris, and Berlin. Their situation is worse since they have an incursion in their area. Many others are progressing as well. Julia narrated.


    However, we should be clear that we no longer consider us an American government. Were a world government that consists of awork of decentralized hubs, intent on integrating with the various powers, she added after some thought.


    How many incursions are there? Zac asked next.


    Most prolific is the Undead Empire that already spans an area close to the size of the United States. Luckily the horde is mainly made up of weak zombies that can be killed, and concentrated efforts by multiple forces have impeded their march, some considering it a farming haven. Furthermore, their control of their area isnt really strong. There are multiple pockets of resistance within the sphere of influence fighting as we speak.


    The problem with that force is that every death weakens us and simultaneously empowers their ranks. An even bigger problem is that the Undead spawned in the area of New Asia, decimating their huge poptions. Thats how theyve grown so quickly. They got hundreds of millions of fodder in just the first months, Julia answered with a sigh.


    But the undead are only one among many. There are rumors of a rat-incursion far to the east, an incursion in the middle of the ocean that some coastal cities could see in the distance on clear days, even two incursions with humans. Thetter seem to consider us earthlings unclean and are among the cruelest enemies. They have built an empire founded on very, and are one of our prime enemies. All in all, we have located 11 incursions, but were sure there are more.


    But progress is being made. The New Government''s first goal has been to establish order in core cities such as New Washington and start mapping out our new. Our current continent is simply named Pangea, as from its size it should be at least the size of the ancient global continent of Earth.


    Forces such as the one youre part of is an important piece of the puzzle. Many towns and individuals, such as the rankers, have risen up to meet the challenge of this new era, and our goal is to connect these forces and enable us to fight themon cause. I would therefore sincerely wish to invite Port Atwood into the New World Government, she said, her eyes shining with enthusiasm.


    Zac was mulling over the information. To be honest the situation seemed better than expected, with various governments working to restore order. However, he knew that it was just a faade. Unless something was done about the incursions these reborn governments would be crushed one by one when the invaders started expanding for real.


    I cant make any decisions like that for Port Atwood at this moment, besides I would like to tour this city to see what type of society you are building before reporting back, Zac said nomittally.


    I have another task, he added as he took out a note from within his cloak. I have this list of towns that our citizens are from. Many are anxious to find out the fate of their families, and I am wondering if you know any information about these cities. Both how the cities themselves are today, and where their cultivators ended up.


    On the list were a few American cities, a few Vietnamese ones, and a few random coastal cities Zac added in order to not give a too clear picture of Port Atwoodsposition. But really, there really only was one of the towns he cared about, the fourth entry; Greenworth, his hometown.


    Another town of interest was Allentown, where Emily was from. He knew where the actual town was, but not where the cultivators went. Zac them silently looked at Julia who scrutinized the list, trying to not show how eager he was.


    Soon she opened a program on herptop and started typing away.


    Allentowns closest government outpost is Fairfield, but the distance between the two is around a week by car. And when I say that I mean driving a car with the current conditions. In the old days, it probably would only be a couple of hours. There is currently no teleporter array in the area. It is not viable to travel there at the moment from New Washington, as its an enormous distance, she said.


    His heartbeat started to increase. It looked like the government wasnt just for show, they truly had some decent intel.


    There should only be one cultivator group from a town of that size, but it has yet to been located, she added, making Zac grimace.


    He felt bad for Emily, but his main focus was on Julias fingers as she looked up towns. She kept typing on herptop and writing down the answers one by one. She seemed to know of roughly half the information, either where the cultivators were or where the town was located. As for the Vietnamese towns, the information was way more sparse.


    Greenworth was split up due to the size, and part of it is actually only a weeks travel away from here, Julia said. As for the cultivators, some are here or still in Greenworth. The town itself is jointly run by the government and a coalition of cultivators. There is one group reportedly at the other side of the Undead Empire. Its likely fastest to wait until someone close builds a teleporter if you want to visit there.


    Zacs heart was threatening to jump out of his chest when he heard his family might only be a weeks travel away. If that was by her standard he could likely get there far quicker. He forced himself to calm down and properly listen. He had waited for months, and another few minutes wouldnt matter, especially if there were still important information to be gained from her.


    Thest cultivator group of Greenworth is still unounted for, she finished the report on Greenworth.


    If the group is unounted for, how do you know it exists? Zac couldnt help asking.


    We have learned some rules to the Tutorial and the randomization. Our theory is that the System superimposed the four worlds in the merge, and picked citizens around the same coordinate on respective worlds and ced them together in a tutorial. Thats why some tutorials were only humans, and some were overrun with Zhix for example. Some coordinates would only hold humans, whereas others held all races.


    As for the size of the cultivator groups, they are limited to roughly 10 000 humans per Tutorial instance, as you should know from your own experience. Our census indicates that roughly 7% of the human poption was teleported, meaning that roughly 150 000 citizens generated one tutorial group. Larger cities like Greenworth would generate three groups based on their poption. Thats how we know theres another group out there somewhere.


    Since the other group seemedrgely fine with only a 55% casualty rate we can deduce that Greenworths Tutorial was one of the human-only Tutorials. This was also confirmed by the cultivators in our neighboring town. That means there was no Zhix hive that eradicated the third group like with many other tutorial viges.


    When us cultivators were returned we believe that we were returned to the same coordinates as before. For example, I was working in Washington before the fall, and I was ced back right here afterward. Thats how we managed to start rebuilding work so quickly. However, which worlds coordinates seem random. Some returned to Old Earths same coordinates. Other were ced on the Ishiate coordinates instead, which could be anywhere on the new after the randomization, Julia narrated.


    Zac was having an emotional rollercoaster as he listened to the exnation. Zac had thought that the people in the tutorial were lucky, but a 55% casualty rate was considered one of the safe ones? Some groups werepletely eradicated? Being a normal mortal left in a city seemed far safer inparison.


    Zac had somewhat hoped Kenzie and his father were Cultivators before, as that would help them protect themselves. But now he rather hoped they werent. The shock from the information almost made him miss an important piece of information, but after a while he finally noticed it.


    Four worlds? I thought it was three of them that got merged? he asked skeptically.


    There might only be three, as we dont know for sure. However, our theory is that there are four. Thats from looking at therger cities we have mapped, such as New York, London, and Paris. A quarter of the cultivator groups are simply missing, as though they werent returned after the tutorial.


    Our theory is that there is a fourth in the mix, likely an uninhabited one, whosendmass is on another continent. Perhaps due to a different type of climate or some other difference, making the System separate it from the rest. A quarter of the cultivators likely were ced there. So far we have had no luck finding this continent or contacting these groups, though.


    This type of spection is supported by the fact that the System has put simr topographies together. When it randomized the world it didnt put a patch of desert next to a cier for example, as that would make no sense. Thats why many of our old continents are randomized, but still somewhat together. A good part of the United States and southern Canada are meshed together with some of Europe, while the more tropical Southern America has meshed together with southern Asia and some of Africa.


    Zac was relieved to hear that there actually was some order to the chaos, which would aid his search. However, the information also contained some pretty bad news. Both Emilys siblings and one of the cultivator groups of Greenworth were unounted for, meaning they might actually have been ced on another continent. If that was the case he wasnt even sure how to begin looking. His small exploratory vessels might not do the trick since the distances on this new seemed pretty huge.


    Still, he had two ces to check before it came to that, and the government was clearly still mapping everything out. The lost groups might be found before he had to start looking for a mysterious continent.


    Zacs eyes turned toward theptop in front of Julia. The thing clearly held all their progress in mapping out the new continent so far.


    I would like to purchase thatputer. The map and apanying information would be very beneficial to Port Atwood, Zac said. What is your price?


    Theres no need for that. The program with the information is public domain, and you just need to buy aputer in the town and connect to the WIFI and download it, Julia answered with a smile.


    Zac waspletely surprised by the convenience. His life on the ind and with the demons had made him think in more primal ways, the fact that New Washington Possessed a city-wide WI-FI hadnt even crossed his mind.


    Is the inte still around? he asked hopefully.


    Unfortunately no, the government worker answered with a sigh. I am no expert on the subject but the inte was made from a vastwork ofpanies and servers spanning the whole world. When the world was randomized thework was destroyed. We only have a localwork avable.


    Very well, if it is alright with you Id like to visit the town now, Zac said.


    Of course, take this identification card, it will give you ess to thispound. It is a temporary measure while we keep the teleportation array at a guarded area. Oh, and there will be an auction in two weeks held by us and a few other governments. There will be many valuable things appearing that might not be extremely useful to the government, but a huge boon to any individual cultivator.

 Chapter 115: Going home

    Chapter 115: Going home


    Thomas Fischer looked down toward the sprawling city of New Washington from the window of hisrge office.


    What is your opinion, Julia? he asked as he turned around to the two people sitting by his desk.


    The man calling himself Monk is clearly a high ranker. It might be bluster but he looked at our warriors as though they were jokes, and that was after he used <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on them, she reported.


    My guess? Hes actually the Super Brother-Man, she concluded.


    Bah, the Super-Brother Man is a true monster. We still dont understand how he is increasing in power that quickly since hes in the top of all thedders. That man was strong, but he clearly knew very little, to the point that he might not actually be a cultivator, a sturdy-looking general next to Julia said with contempt as he looked at a TV that showed the meeting between Monk and Julia. You just want to finally get a high ranker to join to validate your little experimental department, even if you have to make things up.


    Julia frowned but looked stubborn.


    He gave off the feeling of blood and barely restrained power. Besides, we suspect that Salvation is staying put in Cradle of God. He punched away John like he was a ragdoll, and never seemed overly worried about his situation in the middle of a militarypound, she retorted.


    Anyone in this room could do the same with John, and besides he was agitated and didnt have proper form. I heard he was riddled with openings, so the feat was nothing special, the general said with a harrumph.


    As for blocking the investigation skill of Sargeant Miller, a fractal shed on his forehead during the test. He likely possesses a skill to protect his identity. Our conclusion is that he might actually pretend to be the Super Brother-Man or some other top ranker as a protective measure.


    And look, it worked. You let him walk scot-free aftermitting crimes in broad daylight. That kind of favoritism will make the government lose their footing and respect, the general concluded.


    Thomas only sighed and mulled it over.


    For now it does not matter whether he is Super Brother-Man or a fake, he is here now and its an all hands on deck situation. If our n works he and the others will be at the auction in two weeks, and we will find out more at that time he concluded, and both the advisors nodded in agreement.


    Do we still know the whereabouts of the other parties that have arrived through the teleporter?


    -----------


    Zac walked along a wide road of New Washington. It was an interesting town, as it felt it was either undergoing extremely rapid industrialization or a real degradation. The old, but modern, buildings were partly dismantled, making room for thick spiked walls and fortifications. The asional car actually zoomed past him but seeing it was a rarity.


    Zac doubted that the government actually had managed to start pumping for oil already, so gasoline should be finite. But it might actuallyst surprisingly long it wouldst with arge part of the poption missing and dead, and fewer people driving due to safety concerns.


    Since he learned the news of his hometown he was itching to move, but Emily had told him about the importance of information brokers so he was currently on the way to an information market, just topare the info they got from the government liaison. Julia seemed to have been upfront, but Zac wasnt the best judge of that. After having asked around in various shops and from shady looking people he entered a non-descript office building some ways off from any main road.


    There was no electricity in the building and the first four floors were deserted. However, as he reached the fifth floor it was cleaned and manned. A beautiful youngdy sat at a reception desk, smiling at him as he entered, almost giving the feeling that this was a normal corporation. The gruff-looking and armed guards to the side, and the fact that it only was dimly lit from candles, somewhat ruined the feeling though.


    Wee to the House of Whispers, thedy said with a smile.


    Uh Yeah, Zac said a bit hesitant, feeling that the owner of this information dealership was trying a bit hard with a name like that. Im here to buy some information?


    Certainly, we take payment in either Nexus Crystals or Nexus Coins. Unfortunately, we do not ept Union Credits, is that all right? the receptionist answered.


    Union Credits was a new global currency that the government was trying to introduce. They were unwilling to let go of control the financial system and tried quite hard to give it credibility. They maintained a 1:1 exchange ratio with Nexus Coins, and even had exchange station set up across the town. However, their sess seemed limited, as even in New Washington many ces seemed to prefer the System-run currencies.


    Zac only nodded and was shown to a small room where a clean-cut looking man in a suit soon entered. What followed wasnt any stealthy meeting where secret notes were passed, but a surprisingly unexciting transaction. Zac listed the information he needed, and the information broker simply quoted a price if he possessed the information.


    After Zac agreed upon the price, a text document was shown containing the information. Apparently, they usually put it on an USB-drive, but since Zac didnt have one at the moment he bought one for five Nexus Crystals from the broker.


    All in all Zac paid roughly 6 000 Nexus Coins to confirm all the information he learned earlier. He also had the broker download a copy of the government map onto the USB drive.


    We also have a missive on the Rankers in case you are interested. Some of the data is acquired from the government and some from our own investigations. It even has the names of the Top Ten on the Ishiatedder. Only Ten thousand Nexus Coins, the broker added with a smile.


    It sounded pretty interesting to Zac and it wasnt very expensive, so he nodded and the broked added another file to the drive.


    Finally he bought some information about the rulers and the state of Greenworth. Since the town was somewhat close to here the report was pretty detailed, and as Zac read through it his eyebrows scrunched up.


    ording to the missive there were five decently powerful people that held control over roughly half the city, whereas the New Government was in control of the other. However, the government officials in Greenworth were essentially corrupt puppets for the cultivators, giving them almost aplete grasp of the town.


    ording to reports things were in a far better statepared to how they were like in a ce like Fort Roger, but it was a ce where many died ignoble deaths. Zac was in no mood to continue buying any information, and simply took the USB drive and made to leave.


    Since youve spent a fair deal of coins at our establishment Ill give you a freebie. There is something going on with the Auction in two weeks. The government seems to be luring strong people there. Your party is only the 5th that has arrived through the teleporter in thest week. Do with that information what you will, the man said with a smile.


    Zac stopped for a second and nodded in thanks, after that he left. He wasnt soo surprised they knew he came through the teleporter. They clearly had some men on the inside in the government providing them with information.


    He made a beeline toward the south, only briefly stopping to purchase aptop from a street vendor who had them piled on the road. Zac guessed that they were simply taken from empty homes and reinstalled.


    After that he finally left town, preferring to run rather than finding some vehicle. He felt he was likely fasterpared to a car anyways with the roads being gone. The first hour or so was pretty uneventful, but soon he was starting to get osted by beasts.


    Some were mutated versions of anything living in forests, from snakes to boars. Even a fewrge birds tried to snatch him up. Some were things hed never seen before, likely additions from the others. Still it was clear they were beasts from their behavior.


    It was far more chaotic than he was used to on the ind, where the barghest were everywhere, and the biggest surprise you could get was the asional imp. On the maind, he was sometimes attacked by level ten boars and the next hour a level fifty eagle. Zac was starting to understand why he barely saw anyone after he left the town.


    He thought he would see far more humans out hunting to gain levels, but he barely saw anyone after traveling for a while. But it made sense since it was just so random out here. For Zac it wasnt very dangerous, but for most people death lurked behind every corner. If he was in a town when the integration happened hed likely have stayed within the safe walls and done various tasks to gain Nexus Coins. And with those Nexus Coins buy Crystals that could be used to level up.


    But that very mindset had put humanity in a passive state. The government was more concerned about consolidating their power, rather thanbatting the real threat. The undead incursion was already asrge as a country, and the others were growing as well. He heard no news of any incursion except his being defeated, but there were some rumors going about the city about some Marshall n being about to fight one.


    The undead situation was one of the most troubling ones, as they were one of the forces that simply unceasingly devoured everything until a was sucked clean and all its inhabitants were killed. He still remembered their description from the information crystal he got from Ogras long ago.


    Still, Zac was only one person, and he possessed no means to stop the invasion at the moment. Even if he went running over there and started swinging away it would barely make a dent since they already had created millions and millions of Zombies.


    Zac put those depressing thoughts out of his head and refocused on his journey. The first step was to find his family, after that hed have to figure out how to keep them safe. He knew that hed have to get involved with the incursions sooner orter, but not today.


    He kept pushing forward for a few days, following the guidance of the information he bought. He had long since learned how to charge electronics with his energy, and could essentially keep aptop going indefinitely if he held it in hisp. After the first day the town was marked on his Automatic Map though, so he could put away theputer.


    Along the way he saw some small towns. Most of them seemed deserted by now, only empty husks remaining. Zac didnt know whether the inhabitants were killed or just moved torger towns for security, but it gave a very eerie feeling. But after three days on the road he started seeing some familiar architecture.


    He had finally reached his home.

 Chapter 116: Family

    Chapter 116: Family


    It was an odd feeling to walk the highway into the city. It was almostpletely empty apart from a few odd cars, a bit different from how it looked in apocalypse movies. Zac guessed that most people drove home if they found themselves on the highway when the world turned crazy. He didnt know how the restructuring actually looked since he was passed out while it happened. Perhaps some people didnt even notice and just kept driving until the road abruptly ended in a forest.


    Soon he found himself in the town proper, and it waspletely surreal. It wasnt just the run-down nature of the town that was jarring, there were multiple small details that were subtly adjusted. For example it looked like the topography was actually different in the city from how he remembered it. Where once was a hill it was now t, making the houses look a bit odd.


    There was norge wall that surrounded the town like the one that was erected around New Washington, and it seemed the poption was a lot smallerpared to before since he still only had seen a few people scurrying about. Certainly, it was clear that this was only a part of the original town, but it was still there was barely a soul on the streets.


    And those he saw looked like scavengers, going from house to house looking for anything useful or valuable. Most of the buildings at the edge of the town lookedpletely deserted, and Zac could also see marks from fights and beasts marring the pavement and walls.


    It wasnt until he got closer to the center of the town that he saw a wall being erected. It actually looked like they possessed at least one earth mage in the town, as the wall was a bit simr to his own, albeit far more rudimentary. Zac couldnt see any gates or entrances and was in no mood to look around. Instead, he simply scaled the four-meter wall like it wasnt there, and found himself in the inner city.


    Greenworth looked a lot better inside the walls, with quite a few people walking the streets. Zac had been worried from the missive he bought, but it at least looked food wasnt an issue in the town as most people were fed.


    The aura of the vigers itself was a bit different from New Washington, as far more people wore different types of leathers and armors instead of old-world clothing here. If the government headquarters held on to the past then the vigers of this town rather embraced the new.


    As he kept pushing forward he could finally confirm that his old neighborhood was included in this section of Greenworth, and wasnt teleported somewhere else. His footsteps sped up along with his heartbeat as he moved through familiar streets, both anticipation and fear filling him.


    Soon he was just a blur for any onlooker as he sped toward the house where his father and sister lived. He moved out almost a decade ago but Kenzie still lived at home since she was ten years younger than him, and he hoped hed find both of them there. Finally he found himself on their street and it felt like his heart would jump out of his chest at any time.


    He stopped outside a nondescript one-story house with a decent sized yard. A dogwood tree stood proudly on the frontwn, and Zac saw it had grown noticeably bigger since the integration. However, as he looked upon the house he felt some trepidation. There was no movement within, and it was quite clear that no one had lived inside for some time.


    The door stood ajar and a few windows were destroyed. No smoke came out of the chimney either. With a sinking feeling, Zac found his courage after a bit and walked inside.


    Dad? Kenzie? he tentatively asked, but only silence greeted him.


    The ground was covered in dust and mud. Someone had walked through his home haphazardly dragging dirt everywhere. Clearly, the house was looted in the same way hed seen before, and he couldnt stop a me of rage zing up in his heart.


    He quickly scanned the whole house and found no trace of either Kenzie or his father. Some things such as clothes andputers were missing, and the gun safe in his fathers bedroom was cracked open as well. However, most things were as he remembered.


    As ast resort he went down to the basement and lifted a floorboard under a mat. It was his fathers secretpartment where he put important documents. To his surprise he found a box inside he didnt recognize. He opened it up and found a small notebook and a ne.


    To Zac and Kenzie was written on the front, and Zacs eyes immediately started reddening. With unsteady hands he opened it up and found it was a small diary apart from the first page.


    <em>If you found this I might not be around anymore. I pray that you are safe and sound in this crazy new world, and that you take care of each other. You were my light and my dream. Love, Robert.</em>


    <em>Ps. The ne is a memento from your mother. It might help you find her if you wish to do so.</em>


    Zac had to close his eyes and take a few steadying breaths before he opened his eyes again. This wasnt a good sign, but he wouldnt give up hope just yet. The notepad might have been left here long ago.


    However, as he read on that hope was dashed as the diary detailed what happened after the integration. Everything had turned ck after a voice said Wee to the Multiverse in his fathers mind. When he woke up he found that Kenzie was gone.


    In just a few days he found out that a lot of people, especially youth, simply disappeared when the world got integrated. He kept searching all over Greenworth after Kenzie, also hoping Zac would return from his trip.


    They discovered the system and levels, and slowly started to power up. The weeks passed and people were starting to get attacked by crazed wildlife. They formed groupings, and Robert became a leader of a group who strove to keep the area safe for civilians. He tried to keep his town protected as he kept searching for his children, until one day people suddenly returned.


    <em>With a sh they stood there, people who simply disappeared earlier. Thousands of the missing ones. They looked different, wearing medieval weapons and armor, and they emitted a dangerous air. I couldnt find you among them. But I heard there is a leader called Thom Sullivan who might know more. I am heading to him tomorrow with a few other leaders who have protected Greenworth. Hopefully, well learn more then.</em>


    That was thest entry in the book. Zac feltpletely empty inside, subconsciously knowing what it meant. He satpletely motionless for minutes, just staring at thest entry in the diary. Finally he refocused, refusing to give up until he had proper confirmation.


    He ced everything in thepartment into his Cosmos Sack and immediately left the house. He would make a quick stop at his own apartment first just in case. It was on the third floor and much safer than living in a house with beasts lurking about, and he hoped his father had moved there.


    The diary gave most of the information about what happened. It turned out that Kenzie was a cultivator, but his dad wasnt. The troubling thing was how the diary simply ended with dad visiting this Thom Sullivan. Months of umted anxiety was quickly turning into rage as Zac hurried toward his apartment. If that Thom guy had done anything to his family hed better pray for a quick death.


    He quickly arrived at his apartmentplex, and like a gust arrived in front of his door. He still carried his key in one of his pouches, so he took it out and opened the door up and walked inside.


    He only took a few steps before his eyebrows furrowed and he sprinted forward. A gangly youth in histe teens was standing in his apartment, wearing his clothes, gaping in shock at Zac.


    Who the fuck are you? Zac growled as he held the youngster up in the air by his scruff.


    Please dont kill me! Im Ryan! I just squat here, take anything you want! the guy screamed in fear.


    Zac calmed down a bit and used <strong>[Eye of Discernment] </strong>on him. His name truly was Ryan, and he was level 19. Zac let him down on the ground and he copsed in a heap on the floor.


    Why are you in my apartment? Zac simply asked


    Your apartment? Wait Youre Zachary! I almost didnt recognize you at first! Ryan answered, quickly getting excited.


    Do you know me? Zac asked skeptically, as hed never seen the youth before.


    Well, yes and no Ive lived here for two months. I saw a window was open so I climbed up and got in. Then I found a spare key. Ive sort of gone through your things? he said, his voice getting a bit lower at the and as Zacs brows furrowed.


    Wait wait, dont get angry, you know how it is. No inte, no electricity, no TV. The days get slow. So I started looking through everything. Like your mail and photo albums and stuff, Ryan said. I even visited your dad''s house. Im sorry about him. He seemed like a good guy.


    What do you mean? Zac spoke through grit teeth, the foreboding feeling in his chest just getting worse.


    You dont know? Ah Well Im sorry, but he was Killed, the youth said with some hesitation.


    It felt like an explosion went off in Zacs mind but he forced himself to refocus on Ryan.


    After we returned from the Tutorial a few cultivators wanted to seize power over the Town. Theres a chance to be lord if you do that, and people want to be the ruler cause you apparently get all kinds of benefits. So Thom and the others killed the mortals who had started organizing people, not allowing any other factions to crop up. Those guys are crazy, and the government is only looking the other way, he exined with fear mixed with disgust.


    Zacs breathing was getting heavier and heavier, but there was another question that needed to be answered before he turned to action.


    I have a sister, Zac said as he took out a picture he had taken from his old house. Do you know where she is? Shes a cultivator.


    Mackenzie? I think shes in one of the other cultivator groups. I never saw her in the Tutorial. We were quite a few people, but we were stuck together for a month. Im pretty sure Id have seen her if she was there, Ryan quickly answered, inching away from Zac, clearly still afraid.


    Zac only red at him for some time, and even took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    I swear Im telling the truth! She really wasnt there. You should thank god for that, since young beautiful girls dont have a good time in this town, Ryan stuttered from Zacs oppressive sature.


    Zac could at least breath a sigh of relief that Kenzie might still be alive. But relief soon returned to a burning rage that kept growing with every breath of his.


    Where is Thom Sullivan now? he asked between grit teeth.


    Thom? What are you nning? Ryan asked skeptically.


    What Im nning? Youll soon see for yourself, Zac tersely answered as a monstrous aura filled with bloodlust flooded out from him, shaking the very foundations of the structure they stood in.

 Chapter 117: Judgement

    Chapter 117: Judgement


    Zac walked barefoot through the streets looking like a thundercloud given human form. The air was distorting around him as torrential amounts of cosmic energy ran amok through his pathways. He was making a beeline for the core of the town, where a second wall was erected around what was formerly a posh neighborhood.


    His mind was of a singr purpose as he moved forward, guided by the description from Ryan. There were no what-ifs moral conundrums at the moment, only a seething rage. The thought of his father being cut down by some cultivator as he was trying to find Kenzie and him was almost enough to drive him insane with anger and he had trouble concealing his aura at the moment.


    In the distance the gates appeared, guarded by a small group of what appeared to be soldiers each armed with an assault rifle. Zac didnt stop as he moved forward, which alerted the guard who lifted their guns as they closed the gates.


    Halt! This is private government property, entrance is prohibited, one of them shouted at him, but Zacs mind was clouded by rage and he pushed forward.


    The guards didnt hesitate and opened fire at him when he came within 30 meters of the gate, but Zac simply activated his movement skill. He was pretty sure hed survive the weapons, but didnt want to try it out at the moment. He moved like a phantom, and within a second he was right among the guards with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in his hands.


    A few quick swings left a pile of bisected corpses and a pool of blood as he turned toward therge wooden gate. Zac simply walked up to it and infused his fist with the Dao of heaviness and cosmic energy, and with a guttural growl punched it.


    It was as though a bomb had exploded as Zacs fist hit the gate. The force destroyed the hinges and pushed the door, or rather the splinters that were left of it, inward. Shrapnel flew tens of meters in all directions like a fragmentation grenade.


    Zacs anger was still at its peak as he walked through the wreckage and found himself on a mostly clean and well-maintained street. A quick nce around let him see a fleeing middle-aged man, and with a few steps he caught up and grabbed him by the neck.


    Where are Thom Sullivan and the 4 other councilmen? he asked with a growl.


    Dont Kill me! They should be at the meeting with Mayor Whitfield at his mansion, he hurriedly said.


    Mayor Whitfield was the highest government official in the town, and ording to both Ryan and the information missive, corrupt through and through. As long as the cultivators provided him with avish lifestyle he let the cultivators run rampant in the town, shielding them from any repercussions.


    Lead me there and you can live, Zac said, still holding the man by his neck.


    The man was eager to please and immeadietly pointed the direction. Zac continuously used his movement skill, which seemed to almost make his captive pass out. A quick walkter led him to a hugepound,posed of three sprawling mansions.


    The house to the right is for business meetings, and they should be in there. The middle is his home, and the left one is For his activities, the man said hesitantly between heaves.


    Zac nodded and threw the man away after knocking him out. With a few steps he was at the right house, but just as he was about to destroy the door and walk in he was fired upon by multiple hidden soldiers.


    A stinging sensation on his neck finally confirmed that he was bullet-proof. Still, the bullets from the AR-15s hurt almost as much as a bee sting when they hit his bare skin. Zac quickly incapacitated the soldiers with a few throws with daggers from his pouch. Since he looted the mountain he had hundreds and hundreds of throwing knives, and he didnt even bother to gather them up.


    He had somewhat regained rationality by now, and tried to avoid causing any more undue casualties. These soldiers werent the real perpetrators and perhaps didnt deserve a death sentence. Still, whether they survived or not would likely depend on how quickly they got medical assistance, going by the damage he caused.


    There were more soldiers inside the house, but Zac was unstoppable. After a short while it was clear that the soldiers had had enough and werent about to throw their lives away, so they started to avoid him instead. Zac weed their retreat and kept moving through the building, and it was as though like a storm swept through the house until he found arge ballroom that was refitted into a meeting room.


    Just as he mmed open the door and entered a sword imbued with freezing energy wooshed toward his head as an arrow flew straight toward his heart. Even the floorboards deformed and turned into spears aiming toward his guts, and some heavy mental pressure descended on him.


    Zac was relieved since the attacks meant that his targets still hadnt fled. He readjusted his grip of <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>and mmed it at the iing sword. The sword was immediately cut in two, and the axe continued unimpeded right into the head of a dour-looing man hiding right around the edge of the door. His scalp and brain went flying as the axe finished its trajectory, blood staining an expensive-looking painting hanging on the wall.


    Zac simply ignored the other three attacks as he proceeded into the ballroom. They couldnt even impede him or leave a mark on his clothes, as Zac knew that none of the leaders in the town were even rankers. He looked around and saw seven men with either fear or anger on their faces. Four of them were the cultivator councilmen, with the fifth lying dead behind him. Another man was the Mayor, apanied by was looked like two deputies.


    There were also about a dozen young girls in various states of undress who had fled to a corner. The table wasden with all sorts of foods and liquors, and by all ounts Zac felt he had walked into a bhanalia rather than a government meeting.


    From the descriptions he possessed of the council every one of his targets was ounted for, which was a great relief to him. From his quick scan he knew this would be a quick and dirty ughter. He was a bit disappointed as hed almost hoped for an epic battle to vent his anger. But crushing the council like dried twigs worked as well.


    Zacs slowly walked through the room, each of his step causing a deep thump that echoed through the room. Each step was as though a hammer forcing a nail into everyones chests. It only got worse as an inhuman aura started emerging from Zacs body, the very air around him distorting. Waves of power billowed out and inundated the room in suffocating murderous intent. Therge windows in the room shook as it felt like an earthquake.


    Most of the girls could barely remain standing and the faces of the men visibly paled. Zac slowly moved forward like inevitable doom, and his eyes stopped on a swarthy ck-haired man with arge beard and a thick hammer. Thom Sullivan. Zac was just about to go to work when someone finally managed to speak up.


    Who are you? Salvation? Why are you doing this? one of the cultivators squeezed out through ttering teeth.


    Zac only looked into his eyes for a few seconds, remembering his father. Perhaps he stood in this very room when he was killed by the men in front of him.


    Salvation? No, I am Judgement.


    Judgement? You are making yourself an enemy of the government with your brazen actions. If you surrender yourself now th- the fat middle-aged mayor managed to wheeze out, but was abruptly interrupted by a dagger mming into his gut, throwing him into the wall next to the scared girls.


    The government wont mind me killing trash like you all, Zac said as he looked over the perpetrators of his fathers death. Every debt has a debtor. The day you ughtered innocent civilians to take control of Greenworth you epted the fact that one day someone like me could arrive.


    He said no more as he winked out of existence as he pushed <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to its maximum. A growl and whooshing of air was heard, as one of the men by the table was cut in two, his upper torso mming into the wall with a wet thud. The growls of Zacs axe kept echoing in the room as body-parts kept getting chopped off, Zacs figure barely registering in the eyes of the helpless onlookers.


    The rulers of Greenworth desperately tried to flee or mount resistance but it was a joke in front of Zacs wrath. It was not a battle, it was a ughter. Their attacks were even weakerpared to the ants back on the ind, and as soon as someone moved to flee they were instantly bisected into multiple pieces.


    In less than a minute only Thom Sullivan and the mayor were left alive, though the mayor was barely conscious due to the dagger. When Zac entered through the door there had been some fight and brutality left in Thoms eyes but that was long gone, reced with abject fear.


    Take the town, its yours! And I have treasure the townspeople and government have collected over the month. You can have it all. Just let me go! the leader said, any semnce of might long gone.


    Zac simply snorted, as he charged up <strong>[Chop] </strong>far beyond his limit and swung down. The edge tore straight through the whole building as it fell down upon the leader of Greenworth.


    In ast-ditch effort to survive Thom erected a defense that almost looked like a prismatic diamond, but it was like paper in front of the enormous edge. The axe pushed down andpletely destroyed the man, leaving only bits and pieces intact. The strike continued into the ground, tearing a huge jagged scar through the whole building.


    There was no satisfaction or emotional relief from the deed, only a deep and soul-crushing emptiness. He was toote. If hed left the ind immediately he might have been able to stop this. There was a small voice in him that told him that it wasnt true, but it was scant reprieve to his current pain.


    New Washington and Greenworth were located almost in the hearnd of Pangea, the new continent. Any body of water that could hold Zacs ind was an insurmountable distance away. Still, his feelings werent about logic.


    Strained wheezing interrupted his train of thought, and he turned around with a frown. It was the mayor, who had managed to remove the dagger from his abdomen. The man had a surprisingly high vitality, as he was still holding on, even with the huge pool of blood beneath him. However, he was sweating and panting, his facepletely pallid.


    Help me. I have strong connections, I can tell the officials these men were corrupt, and I hired you to bring justice. You will be a government-sanctioned leader of the town, he wheezed out.


    He was considering what to do about this man. He did not care one bit about his offer. He had no ns on taking over this town, as it would likelypletely make him fall out with the government. Besides, he wasnt sure if some sort of quest would trigger if he took hold of the Nexus Crystal, such as a test of sorts. He had no time or desire to fight beast hordes on two fronts.


    He was nning on leaving the town to the army, and have the government decide a new leader. He had no desire to stay on here since his father was dead and his sister somewhere else. That still left him with the mayor. From the mans actions Zac felt he should be killed with the rest of the cultivators, but he was a high official of the government.


    He had already got off to a slightly rocky start with the leaders of New Washington, and he was reluctant to keep killing their people. There was still a hope that Port Atwood could cooperate with the rest of the world, and he felt that the government was a good tool for that.


    Though they hadnt really tackled the invader threat as of yet, their progress in just four months was startling. They had created awork of towns, such as Fairfield, and was slowly starting to adapt to the new world. Perhaps their speed was too slow as Zac knew the invaders werentzing around.


    The invaders were simply preparing and umting while they waited for the limiters to lift, after which they would explode in violence. The reports he read in the information crystal from Ogras was truly horrifying, and humanity wasnt really prepared.


    Still, with the help of him and the demons, humanitys odds of surviving and reiming the world would be a lot higher. With him and a few other Rankers taking the lead they could keep the leaders under control. Zac knew that none of the Invaders would be able to break through to E-Rank yet due to the System still restricting them.


    That gave the defenders a window of opportunity to clear out the incursions before their power started to get out of hand. Zac finally decided to keep the man alive and bring him to the government. Their handling of this criminal would also be a good gauge of how they did things.


    However, fate has a sense of humor as just a second after Zac decided what to do one of the scared girls in the corner leaped forward with a piece of broken-off piece of wood in her hand. With an almost feral snarl she stabbed it straight in Mayor Whitfields throat.


    The man tried to defend himself, but between him losing most of his blood and the boundless anger of the girl it was to no avail. She kept mming the wooden spike down into the body creating grisly wounds, most centered around his groin. There was noing back from that, pill or no pill, and he simply bled out in a matter of seconds.


    Uh was all Zac could think of saying as he looked at the panting woman in front of him.

 Chapter 118: Recruitment

    Chapter 118: Recruitment


    Zac was stumped, even forgetting his pain for a second as he saw the heaving girl standing over the mangled corpse of the Mayor. It looked like turning him over wasnt an option anymore. The other girls in the room were also staring nkly at theirpanion and the man who likely had been the source of no small amount of grief.


    Not sure what else to do Zac sighed and walked over to the government worker and put the mangled corpse into his Cosmos Sack. The girl warily looked at him, her eyes widening a bit at the magical disy of the pouch.


    When these cultivators returned from the Tutorial they killed a group of townspeople who defended Greenworth after the integration. Do you know what happened with the bodies? Zac asked as he looked up at the girl still wielding a piece of shrapnel.


    She appeared to be somewhere around her twenties and was quite beautiful. In fact, all of the girls in the room were, and their skimpy clothing did nothing to hide their curvaceous bodies. However, their eyes quickly told anyone that they were not willingly standing in this house, as they were hard as stone, marred by whatever they had experienced the past months. No one said anything for a while, until a small voice from the back row of women could be heard.


    They They were buried to the north side of the inner wall. There was a park there before, but it has turned into a cemetery for those the council had killed, a young girl finally answered.


    Zac nodded and turned to leave.


    Wait! the woman with the makeshift weapon suddenly shouted after him.


    Zac didnt really want to deal with these girls, as his mind still was on his fathers remains.


    You can all leave. I will talk to the leaders of New Washington and have them send a proper Mayor here, he said.


    Thats not it. Take us with you, she said with a somber expression.


    That made Zac stop and turn around with a serious face. His once again looked over the group, this time using <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>. As he suspected none of the girls were strong, the highest being level 14. If they were powerful they would not have been in their current situation, dressed as belly-dancers or courtesans of a harem.


    I am sorry, but you are of no use to me. I need warriors, not more refugees, Zac immediately shot her down.


    But you can train us! You must be a high ranker from your aura and what you did in here. Thom was over level 30, but he was helpless against you, she refuted.


    Train you? You are all barely level ten. Helping you attain a power that could contend against the forces of the world would take an immense amount of resources, why should I do that?


    <strong>[Joanna wishes to enter a Contract of Binding. Time: Indefinite. ept?]</strong>


    Zacs brows rose as he saw the prompt appear in front of him. He knew about the Contracts of Binding from Calrin. None of the demons actually mentioned it to him, even though they usually were his main sources of information. Zac assumed that they were afraid he would try to impose it on them in the future.


    A Binding Contract contract was more urately named an employment contract. It made a person a subordinate who couldnt betray their employer. His orders would to a certain degree bepulsions as well, unless giving a detrimental order, such asmitting suicide or ruining their cultivation. That of course only was true for the type of employment. If he contracted this woman as a soldier he couldnt order anything about her private life.


    Furthermore, one essentially had to enter the contract willingly, and you could set the duration yourself. It was a normal method for ns in the multi-verse to make sure of the allegiance when hiring people, such as external warriors for war or exploration of a mystical realm.


    But could also be a tool to permanently bind a person to a force, as was the case with the prompt in front of him. The time was set to indefinite, and only Zac could rip the contract and free the girl. The only other way for her to get free was to reach a higher level than him. Zac had thought about forcing this type of contract on the demons after hearing about it, but he learned that it was impossible for the same reason.


    Apparently it was impossible to use on people of a higher level, and pretty much all of the demons were higher level than him. It was simply that the restrictions on the invaders were still in ce, making it easy to forget that almost all of them were at the bottleneck, working at either their Dao or their Constitution in order to evolve. The System wanted to promote the strong, so it wouldnt allow the strong be in servitude of the weak. Of course, Zacs power level was actually higher than the demons, but his situation was a bit unique.


    Zac stared for some time at the woman who apparently was called Joanna. She had a steely determination in her eyes that he hadnt even seen in Emily, who herself craved power.


    Are you sure about this? You will likely be sent to bloody battlefields fighting both humans and aliens if you follow me. And that is if you even survive training, Zac said as he stared her down.


    An idea was forming in his mind as he looked at Joanna and the others, but she alone wouldnt cut it.


    As long as you give me power nothing else matter, she said, not flinching the slightest from Zacs stare.


    Zac finally epted the prompt, feeling a mental connection forming. It was not like gaining another limb, just an additional awareness in the corner of his mind. He took out a spear and mmed into the ground in front of her, and then took out a females leather armor from his pouch.


    Dont lose these. If you do youll have to purchase new ones with your own money, and the amount of ughter needed to afford them will probably kill you, Zac said.


    Joanna eagerly looked at the gear, and without hesitation took off the little clothes she had on. Zac unashamedly looked on, reminded that it actually had been months since hed been with Hannah. He forced himself to refocus as Joanna equipped the gear, and after some struggle managed to pull out the spear from the ground.


    With demon armor and a spear in her hand her aurapletely changed. She already had the steely gaze of a warrior, but now she had the appearance to match it. Of course, some weaponry didnt change the fact that she still was a level 13 weakling, but she did look quite heroic.


    I am leaving Greenworth in two hours. The offer Joanna received stands for all of you. But let me make it clear. I am not offering you freedom. I am offering you power. Youre wee to choose freedom instead and stay behind. Though you should know that things might get chaotic with both the Mayor and the Council dead. Those who wish to follow me, gather with Joanna outside these mansions in two hours, Zac said as he disappeared with his movement skill.


    He quickly exited the house and found some soldiers hesitantly standing in the distance. They should have heard themotion, and unless they were blind they should have seen Zacs final strike where he almost ripped the mansion in two. Zac frowned, not in the mood to start killing the soldiers. He wanted to avoid further bloodshed, already regretting massacring the warriors at the gate in his rage.


    We mean you no harm, one of the older soldiers shouted from the distance. We just need to know whats going on. Scouts report of a beast horde arriving within the hour, and we need to prepare.


    The council members are dead. The mayor is dead, Zac simply said. I will eradicate the horde for you, but after that youre on your own.


    None of the soldiers looked overly surprised by the news. Their captain simply nodded.


    There are over a thousand boars heading our way from the north. The council usually gather outside the town to fight in order to avoid the destruction of property, he simply said.


    I will join you in an hour, Zac said as he disappeared, once again moving with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    He kept speeding away and soon reached the park that one of the former ve girls mentioned. The area was filled with mounds of overturned earth, some graves old and some clearly made within thest week. All in all there had to be hundreds of bodies buried across the area, giving it a gloomy atmosphere.


    Zac had no idea which one of the mounds contained his father so he could only walk along aimlessly. He noticed arge boulder lying some distance away and walked over to it. With six quick swings a towering monolith was created that Zac lifted up with a grunt.


    He walked over to the center of the park and ced it by an intersection of two somewhat overgrown paths. Using his inhuman power he pushed it some ways into the ground, securing it in ce. Seeing it was stable he carved two simple lines in the monument.


    <em>Gone but not Forgotten</em>


    <em>Rest in Peace</em>


    Afterward he simply sat down, reminiscing about the past. The park was empty except for himself and his thoughts, and there was a heaviness in the silence. It was as though it blended with the heaviness in Zacs heart, and became a palpable thing around him. If a human walked close to Zac at this moment it wouldnt be surprising if they would be physically impacted by the mood.


    Zac didnt move as one memory after another flitted through his mind. Finally he opened up his eyes after roughly an hour. He sighed and got to his feet, and took onest nce around.


    I promise Ill find Kenzie, if its thest thing I do, he said as he lightly touched the monolith.


    With that he pushed north, to help out his hometown onest time. With neither his father nor sister around, he honestly didnt care too much about Greenworth. He didnt really have any close friends anymore, rather co-workers and acquaintances. His closest friend died 4 years ago, long before the integration, and he never really looked for new ones after that.


    Still, it was the town he grew up in, and where most of his childhood memories were. Even if it wasnt really the same town any more he didnt want to see it fall to some boars. He knew that the soldiers likely could take care of it, but it cost bullets. By now it should take quite a few munitions to destroy a horde of wild animals, as their endurance kept increasing. He didnt know how much reserves the army still possessed, and he didnt want the townspeople to suffer due to his actions earlier.


    After running for about ten minutes, he saw the battlefield ahead. There were simple defenses erected, but from experience he saw that it wasnt really enough to impede a beast wave. He walked up toward the man who spoke to him back by the mansion, who nodded at him.


    The beasts should arrive in five minutes, were making our stance here. Theres luckily is no high-level beast amongst their kind, thergest boar is roughly four meters high and level 43. We will likely have to use grenades on it, as bullets seldom work against the ones that size, the soldier reported


    No need for all that. Just stay here and Ill be back in a bit, Zac said.


    With that he pushed out toward the forest in the distance, using <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to increase his speed even further. After one minute of rushing he saw the horde approach, and he relished the chance for some no-holds-barred unthinking carnage.

 Chapter 119: Army

    Chapter 119: Army


    The soldiers looked on horrified as Zac returned just five minutester, covered in head to toe in blood. He still wore the cape above his usual robe, and it didnt have the self-cleaning option.


    Its done, Zac tersely said as he passed the captain without stopping.


    Are you staying in Greenworth? the captain hesitantly asked Zac who kept moving toward the town.


    No, I am heading to New Washington in an hour, he answered.


    The soldiers looked both relieved and troubled at the same time as Zac disappeared. There were a few things he wanted to do before leaving. First he went to a deserted home and cleaned up and changed clothes.


    After that he went back to their old house and put everything of sentimental value into a pouch. He also left a note for Kenzie under the floorboard, exining what had happened here and where she could find him. For all he knew Kenzie might be trying to get home as well, and this note would hopefully send her to Port Atwood if she passed by.


    Next he went back to his own apartment. Ryan was still there, fretfully hiding. When he saw Zac walk through the door he looked quite startled.


    Youre alive! Its a good thing you came back. Those guys are extremely dangerous, you better not do anything rash, he said with a sigh.


    Theyre all dead, the council and the Mayor. Were leaving Greenworth, going back to my hometown, Zac answered as he put most of his belongings away into the pouch.


    Dead? Wait, what? Whats going on, what do you mean WERE leaving? Ryan said, seeming he had some trouble understanding the burst of information.


    You are the only one who knows my actual identity. That could be a risk for my sister. So either I kill you here and now, or youe with me to my home town, Zac answered as he stopped, turning toward the gangly man.


    Your ce sounds great, a change in scenery is just what I needed, Ryan answered, his head quickly nodding.


    Zac rolled his eyes and threw one of his empty Cosmos Sacks over to the man.


    This is a Cosmos Sack, its value is around a million Nexus Coins. Take it aspensation for forcibly being relocated, Zac said as he kept storing away his items. Is there any ce that has good terrain vehicles, such as jeeps?


    I think those were mostly confiscated by the council and a few other powerful cultivators. Its pretty much needed if you want to get to New Washington in one piece, Ryan distractedly answered as he was fiddling with the pouch.


    Right. Do you know if anyone of my neighbor is still alive? Zac asked.


    Im not sure. This apartmentplex is within the outer walls now, but before the wall was built monsters roamed freely on the streets. I think only something like a third of the whole town is still alive, if even that, Ryan answered with a sigh.


    The answer gave Zac a start. He had been preupied by his quest to find his family, but now that he thought about it there seemed to be quite a few people missing, and it wasnt something that missing cultivators or the randomized missing areas could exin.


    Only the core of Greenworth was walled in, while the outside was exposed to all kinds of beasts. As he sped through the outer part it was mostly abandoned apart from the asional scavenger. Less than a third of the poption could actually fit inside the walls judging by the area it encircled. But it didnt seem cramped at all, rather the opposite.


    It was a sobering feeling knowing that so many of the people he had seen growing up were just gone. Old ssmates, co-workers, even random people on the streets. Most of them were simply dead, many likely suffering terrible fates. Zac could only sigh as he finished packing.


    Lets go, were picking up some more things before we leave, Zac said as he made for the door.


    Ryan didnt really seem to own many possessions as he was still dressed in Zacs old clothes, so he quickly scampered behind him after safely tucking away his Cosmos Sack. Zac simply knocked on the door of some of his neighbors he was closer to, but only silence answered. He could only shake his head and move on.


    They turned toward the core area with the inner wall, and Ryan started to get fidgety as they approached.


    Hey, buddy, I know you are powerful and all, but the army is up there. You might be able to dodge the bullets like some action hero, but I cant, he hesitantly said.


    What did you do in the Tutorial anyway? You got this huge opportunity to gain power and survive, but youre spending your days hiding in my apartment, Zac scoffed with a roll of his eyes.


    Hey! Im still dpressing from that nightmare. You know the horrors we had to go through. Im just happy I made it out alive. Besides, Im still thinking about my true calling, trying to find my way, you know? After that Ill start leveling again.


    Zac could only snort in response. Ryans excuses sounded much like the ones he heard from many in the old world who didnt want to work but only y around.


    Of course, there was no guard that challenged his approach this time, and they freely entered the posh neighborhood. The army was clearly ufortable to just let him go about as he wanted, but also unwilling to get too close out of fear of getting bisected, so a few people shadowed them but kept a respectful distance.


    Zac used them for directions, and with their help he snatched up a group of vehicles that would be able to run in rougher terrains. He simply threw them into hisrger Cosmos Sack that had no problem amodating them. He nned on bringing them back to Port Atwood.


    His town had the advantage of housing the demons who had far greater experience with crafting. He hoped that perhaps they could refit the vehicles to run on crystals rather than gas. If the refit was somewhat simple it could be another export of the town.


    Soon it was time to meet up with Joanna so Zac went straight to the open space in front of the mansion. To his surprise it was filled with women, far more than the dozen or so that were at the meeting. A quick count put them at over one hundred people. All of them wore wretched clothing and had haggard expressions, but it was clear that all of them were young beautiful women.


    The regret that the Mayor died was quickly fading away as he looked out over the victims of the apocalypse with a frown. Who knew what humiliation they had been forced through the past months. Besides, his little sister might have been one of the victims if she hadnt been whisked away, and he could only pray she had found the power to protect herself in the tutorial.


    He really felt that his n might work out as he looked at the group.


    He needed a private army. Everything looked fine with the demons on the surface, but he knew that he couldnt trust the protection of his town to them alone. There needed to be a counterbnce apart from just himself on the ind. The demons possessed their own interests, and Ogras was a duplicitous character.


    Besides, even if these girls entered a Contract of Binding with him it wasnt like he could or would use it for some nefarious purposes, and hed release them when his force was stabilized. He looked at it the same way as most powers of the multi-verse, just a contract to make sure that he didnt get stabbed in the back after pouringrge amounts of resources on their training.


    It was bing increasingly clear to him that women were generally having a worse time in this new worldpared to men. Neither gender really had any advantage or disadvantage when it came to cultivation or getting stronger, but scum like the Mayor was simply far moremon among men.


    He doubted that there were too many female powerhouses who were catching hundreds of young handsome men to trap in their sex dungeons. These girls werent useless when it came to cultivation or fighting, it was just that they got left behind in the early race for power, which left them helpless against people like Thom.


    Their eyes reminded him of himself when hed been stuck alone on the ind, feeling weak and hopeless as he fretfully huddled in his camper while listening to the roars in the woods. Hopefully, they could turn that helplessness and anger into a desire for strength, turning them into a real force with the right training.


    The main problem with a lot of people was that many didnt seem to keep pushing themselves after an initial burst of activity, after which they started to feel safe again. However, safety was just an illusion. He had already seen multiple ghost towns while traveling through the area to Greenworth. They were small encampments with basic fortifications just like in Fort Roger.


    One or a few cultivators simply didnt have the power to contend with the increasingly hostile wildlife unless they went out of their way to grind levels in between the beast attacks. Just idling around like some kings in between short bursts of monster hunting would only work in the short run. Some of the citizens would be able to migrate torger and safer towns, however many would die during the travels.


    At least these women in front of him seemed driven enough to keep pushing themselves forward if they were given the chance now. And if they started cking off he had the contract to push them forward. He walked over to Joanna who looked very conspicuous with her spear.


    Who are all these people? Howe there are far more peoplepared to before? he asked as he looked around.


    Half were kept by the mayor, the rest were split among the council, she answered with smoldering anger barely concealed beneath her calm faade. When they heard about your offer they wanted to join.


    Is it true you can make us powerful? Strong enough to ughter assholes like Thom? a girl, looking about the same age as his sister, asked skeptically.


    Zac looked over the field, and the same skepticism could be seen on many of the faces looking at him. He looked over to Joanna who silently stood beside him.


    Are these mansions empty? he asked her. She looked confused but immediately answered.


    Yes. No staff dared stay there, and all captives were freed, she said, after which she pointed at a pile of sacks We also removed anything of value as well.


    Zac nodded and walked over to the pile, and with a flourish put them all into a Cosmos Sack, which elicited a few surprised gasps. But he wasnt done here, as he felt he needed to disy some of his power if he wanted to recruit these people.


    He unleashed his aura in its entirety, and it billowed out among the onlookers. By now he had calmed down and it only contained his power, and the murderous intent was far less discernible. Screams and gasps echoed across the square, and many even fell on their knees clutching their heads. With two quick steps he arrived at the gate of the old Mayors mansion and Charged up three fractal edges with <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    In a lightning-quick manner he made three wide horizontal swings, and just before the fractals flew off he imbued them all with the Dao of Heaviness. The fractals flew toward one of the mansions each, and with the help of the Dao Seedpletely destroyed the buildings from the impact. It looked like a terrorist attack, where a few bombs were simultaneously set off. Rubble flew in all directions and many had to take cover to avoid the falling debris.


    He removed his aura and once again nced at the group whose skepticism was not reced with fear.


    I will tell you the same as I told Joanna. I can give you power. But poweres through walking over the corpses of your enemies, if you dont believe me, take a look at this, Zac said with a loud voice reaching across the square, as he opened up his title page and shared his <strong>[Butcher] </strong>title, which showed hed killed over a hundred thousand beings.


    Another round of gasps was heard, and Ryan even edged away from him with horror in his eyes.


    Since the world turned to shit Ive been attacked in all kinds of ways. Ive been stabbed, maimed, mauled and suffocated. Ive been sted with fireballs and mental shockwaves and struck by lightning bolts. But Ive survived, and Ive be strong.


    You all have the potential to be powerful, but you need the willpower and determination to fight, and keep fighting. The second you stop struggling someone like Thom will pass you in power. I can only provide you with an opportunity, but your effort will decide whether you will be a hunter or the hunted, Zac said.


    If you decide to follow me you will be a part of my army, and we will immediately set out to New Washington. From there well teleport to the home base of the Force I belong to, and there your training would begin in earnest. If you cant keep up during the walk, Ill leave you in the woods.


    I wont force anyone to follow me. You have five minutes to make your choice; Power or freedom, he finished as he summoned a chair and sat down.


    There was a subdued silence as he looked upon the women. The silence stretched to a minute until it finally was broken by the young girl who questioned him earlier. She walked right up to him with steady steps.


    I choose power, she said with determination in her eyes, as a Contract of Binding popped up in front of Zac.


    He nodded, as he took out another set of gear and a spear and handed it over. With the first person walking forward it was as though a blockage was removed, and the former ves walked forward one by one to pledge allegiance and get a set of gear.


    With that the first battalion of the Atwood Valkyries was born.

 Chapter 120: The Return

    Chapter 120: The Return


    Zac kept the lead as he pushed through the woods, his battalion of hapless recruits behind him. Altogether 80 of the women signed up, and were now walking behind him through the wilderness. Thest 30 or so decided to stay behind in Greenworth, and Zac wouldnt waste any more energy on them.


    Luckily the gear he pilfered from Rydel and the dead warriors was enough to fit everyone to look essentially the same, with leather armor and a spear. Some of the gear was bloodied or had some scratches, but there was nothing to do about that at the moment.


    He was quite surprised to hear that 9 of the recruits actually were cultivators who possessed experience from the tutorial. However, they had been in the bottom-tier and emerged with even lower levelspared to Ryan. Being a cultivator didnt guarantee safety, and theyd been captured soon after they were returned. Apparently there were safety measures against that in the tutorial, but it disappeared immediately after it was over.


    The fledgling soldiers had the willingness butcked the skill as they stumbled along. Many were already panting from the trek while carrying their weapon. Zac could have put them all in a pouch, but he saw it as an opportunity for them to train and learn to struggle. They should be able to get a few stat points on the way to New Washington this way.


    He was also apanied by Ryan, who for some reason looked the most wretched of the bunch, even though having both the highest level and a Cosmos Sack to carry his things.


    This is torture, why dont we take a break? he coughed out between pants.


    Just how have you survived until now? Zac asked, part despising, part curious. The man truly seemed to have no survival skills apart from some quick wits.


    I mean I loved reading and watching Zombie stories before the world turned crazy. So I treated the merge like that, you know? Gather cans of food, scavenge while making no sound, things like that, he answered with some pride.


    The world will keep getting more dangerous. We got upgraded to a D-grade world. Sooner orter a bunch of E-Grade monsters will roam about, perhaps even D-Grade behemoths. How are you going to survive if you run around at level 18? Zac asked.


    Well, Ive got people like you for protection, right? he answered without hesitation.


    Zac was about to refute, but with a start he actually realized Ryan made some sense. It was the job of people like him to protect the town so that the nonbat sses could work and make the area thrive. He also realized that he had developed somewhat of a harsh attitude to those who couldnt battletely, and it was something he needed to work on if he was going to lead a Force that likely would consist of more nonbat personnel than warriors.


    He nced back at the troop and saw that they should be able to keep going some more. Hed gotten pretty good at understanding the limit of endurance after battling the hordes. If people were sweating and panting they had more to give, but if they were ssy-eyed and robotic in their movements they were at their limit.


    He was also happy to see that they seemed to be quite united. When one stumbled someone close by would help her up. Unity in a troop was extremely important. It was true before the fall, and perhaps even more so now. A soldier needed to be able to rely on their squadmates. Now with the system there also were the issue of war-arrays.


    Alyn had exined the reason there were armies in the multi-verse. Zac had some problem understanding before since he felt that a D-Grade old monster was enough to decimate an endless amount of F-Grade soldiers, making them worthless. But there was such a thing called War Arrays. They were part array and part skill. A troop wouldbine their power, and exhibit a strength far above their individual power, even eclipsing ranks sometimes.


    He didnt possess such a thing at the moment, but the simpler ones shouldnt be too hard to get hold of, especially with his cash infusion from the pouches on the mountain.


    With such arge group moving they were almost constantly beset with attacks. Zac kept using <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>, and if the beasts were low-leveled he let the girls fight them. He only put his finger on the scale to make sure there were no deaths.


    However, after half a day of walking most of the new recruits had bleeding gashes and bites hastily wrapped with some cloth or even leaves. There were even quite a few who leveled up during the day. The first levels were quite quick, and thanks to Zac maintaining vigil they could keep fighting without worrying that some high-level beast would arrive.


    There were a few of those huge beasts that attacked the group, thinking they were easy pickings. Zac simply crippled them with a swing or two, and let someone from the army finish it off. Zac still got over 95% of the cosmic energy, but even 5% of a high leveled beasts gave quite a boost to the women who were barely level 10.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity for everyone except Zac, they stopped for dinner. Zac threw out two of the huge carcasses of the higher leveled beasts and bisected them with a few quick swings.


    Everyone gather up, he said.


    The women were tired but moved up to him.


    Theres 80 of you so well create eight squads for now, ten per group. One squad will take care of the camp every time we stop, such as cooking, and the group will rotate. The rest of you will use these, Zac said as he took out a small mountain of Nexus Crystals.


    What the HELL! Just how rich are you? Ryan couldnt help shouting as he saw the pile of wealth.


    Zac ignored him as he looked over his new soldiers.


    My goal is for you all to gain one level every day during our march, it shouldnt be too hard since youre all so low leveled. For those who dont know, these are Nexus Crystals. You can absorb the energy inside to gain levels. I want everyone except the squad in charge of the chores to use these every time we rest as a supplement to the battles while we walk, he said.


    What about me? Ryan said with some greed in his eyes.


    You want crystals? Join the army, Zac simply said. Honestly, he had more than enough crystals to hand out a few, but he wouldnt do it right after the 80 women in front of him essentially got drafted to get this chance.


    Uhm Nevermind then. Ill just have something to eat, Ryan muttered and slunk away.


    Zac let the women divide themselves into groups since he knew it was all temporary in any case. He was pretty sure Alyn would rearrange it when they came back to the ind.


    He helped the chore group clean therge carcasses, as they generally still were too weak to cut through the tough hide of the high leveled beasts. They could do it on low leveled ones, but it was better if they all ate stronger beasts. It gave no cosmic energy, but it was far more nutritiouspared to the normal animals.


    As he was cleaning everything Joanna walked up to him.


    Um Sir? she tentatively asked Zac who looked up at her.


    Yeah?


    Well, some of us were wondering Who you are, she asked with some embarrassment.


    Zac simply stared nkly at her for some time, realizing he still hadnt introduced himself.


    Its not really important, really, Joanna said a bit flustered from Zacs nk stare.


    No, its ok. Wait a second, Zac said as he shed next to Ryan. Sorry about this.


    Ryan barely had time to register his words and let out a screech as a chop on his neck knocked him out cold. The sound woke up the people who focused on absorbing energy.


    My identity is a bit sensitive, so I had to knock this guy out. Since you all have signed a contract with me theres no point in me hiding it. My name is Zachary Atwood, and Im originally from Greenworth. My other nickname is Super Brother-Man, he said.


    If Zac had to be honest he expected some shock and awe, but was pretty disappointed. Some looked skeptical, some were surprised, and some looked like it was an obvious thing.


    Cough well. Thats about it, he said with some embarrassment. Keep both my identities secret, Im known as Monk to the government. Were leaving in an hour, rest up.


    Wait, why do you have that weird name? one of the girls suddenly asked.


    Zac told them the story of the origin of Super Brother-Man, and got many looks of approvals. He still felt a bit embarrassed about theckluster reaction earlier, so he sat down and closed his eyes as he took out another Nexus Crystal for himself.


    He wasnt really focusing on the crystal, rather the feeling he had earlier at the grave-site. The hour he sat reminiscing gave him an insight into another facet of heaviness. He would treasure the insight, even though he didnt love the way he gained it. He wasnt sure, but he felt it was the first clue to take the next step to upgrade his Dao Seed.


    He knew that his seeds needed to improve quite a bit if he wanted an Epic ss. Some low or medium ranked seeds wouldnt be enough ording to Alyn. He had already asked Calrin to be on a lookout for treasures that helped with the Dao, but those were among the most sought after treasures in the multi-verse. They were always in low supply but high demand and the huge consortiums snatched them up long before people like Calrin had a chance to even see the listing.


    As he was meditating he sensed some light steps moving his way, and he was just about to open his eyes when he sensed more movement. Three of his new guards moved to intercept the person. He sneakily opened one of his eyes and saw one of the younger girls trying to approach him with a water bottle. Her efforts were foiled by Joanna and two of the girls who were cultivators though.


    Zac felt the whole thing worked out pretty great. He was in no mood for some girl trying to woo him for benefits. Besides, he knew he wouldnt get too close to these people. They would be soldiers, and many of them might be dead in a year or two. To defy fate and grasp for power was to dance with death, there was no getting around that.


    Soon the hour was up, and Zac opened his eyes and got up. The recruits still werent rested, but they got up to their feet with noint. Ryan was still knocked out where Zac left him, so he sshed some water on his face to wake him up.


    Wha- whu? What the hell, man? he groggily spluttered.


    You must have passed out, its time to go, Zac said, hiding some embarrassment, as he started walking again.


    The days passed as the girls went through a baptism of fire and blood in the forest. Some even managed to attain a few of the solo kill Titles while fighting some of the weaker beasts. When they followed Zac out through Greenworth the only thing strong about them was the determination in their eyes. But now they exuded an aura of warriors. Zac knew that they still were only paper tigers, and not someone who would be useful in the third wave, but their progress was impressive.


    After roughly a week on the road they reached the area of New Washington, and Zac sighed as he saw a group waiting for him by the gate. He wasnt surprised as he spotted a few scouts in hiding earlier. He didnt do anything to intercept them, as this wasnt avoidable.


    This was going to be a pain in the ass.

 Chapter 121: Thomas Fischer

    Chapter 121: Thomas Fischer


    Stay here. If they start firing at you, scatter and hide until Ive incapacitated them. Joanna, Riley, and Tamira with me. Ryan too I guess, Zac said, not wanting to give the man an opportunity to slink away.


    Um I can keep look-out from over here, no need to bother you, Ryan said as he nervously looked at the armed soldiers lined up, but after a re from Zac sighed and followed.


    The other three, each a leader of one of the squads, followed Zac expressionlessly. They were the first to sign up to his employ, and among those who had improved the most during the death march back to New Washington.


    All of them were around level 20 by now, which was a huge improvementpared to before. While none had gained the one level per day he hoped they werent far off. It shouldnt be more than two weeks until they could get their ss as soon as they got back to the ind


    Zac walked in the front, ready to intercept any nervous soldier with a hair-trigger. There were a few official-looking people in the front, Julia one of them. Another of them clearly was a general from his attire. The final man was in histe forties or early fifties.


    He was clean-cut and good looking, looking very much like the politicians of old. He even wore a navy suit with a silk tie. However, intuition born from months of intense battles told Zac that he was no weak mortal, but at least decently strong.


    There were a few more of them who hid further in the back with fear on their faces. The whole group held around a hundred people and formed quite a wee for Zacs party.


    It is good to see you again Mr. Monk, though I hoped it would have been under better circumstances. We have heard some troubling things from Greenworth, Julia said.


    Like a barefoot lunatic going on a murder-spree, killing all the strongest warriors of the town, putting all the civilians at risk, the general gruffly added with a re.


    The three women behind Zac red at the general, but he only balefully red back. Zac slowly looked over the group and with a sigh removed the corpse of the mayor and threw it over.


    It was very disappointing seeing thewlessness your government disyed just one town away from here. I arrive and find this animal has been capturing young women for ves, fillingrge mansions equipped with disgusting torture devices. This apparently went on for months, where he was left to his own devices, protected by the army. Yet you stand here looking all self-righteous, Zac said with a calm face.


    Julia frowned and looked at the women behind him, and then to the small army in the distance unsure what to say. However, the general didnt have the same problem.


    Bah, thats just your story. And even if it was true, since when was it up to you you to be judge, jury, and executioner? You should have reported it to us and we would have looked into it, the general angrily retorted.


    The information brokers in New Washington already knew about it, so theres no way you didnt. I have 80 victims with me as well that can testify. Of course, you could just ask anyone from Greenworth if you actually gave a shit, since the councils activities were no secret. Theres a whole park filled with unmarked graves thats a testament to their wanton ughter in the town, Zac spat back with an angry re.


    Memories of the mounds where his father was dumped somewhere came back to him, and his temper started rising. He knew that these people were not to me since it was the cultivators who did it as soon as they got back from the Tutorial. Still, he had some trouble maintaining his cool.


    Monk wasnt the one who killed that pig, it was me, Joanna suddenly interjected from behind.


    Well, there you have it, a confession, the general said.


    Dont mind her, Zac said, and then turned to Joanna. You, stay quiet for now.


    She looked like she wanted to interject, but she could only close her mouth and step back.


    So, is this why you have a squadron waiting for me outside your gates? Zac asked.


    Finally the clean-cut man opened his mouth.


    A society cannot function without order, and the rule ofw is the most basic of protections for the weak against oppression by the strong. These are chaotic times, and unfortunately some chose to look out for themselves instead of themon good, he said as he looked down on the mutted corpse of the mayor.


    There will be an investigation regarding your activities in Greenworth, and if it turns out what you say is true, then thatll be it. If they truly acted as you say, hiding behind the authority of the government while acting like monsters, then they deserve their fates. If we find you are lying, then you and Port Atwood will be listed as terrorists, and barred from this and any future Government towns on threat of death, he continued.


    Zac simply nodded, not really worried about thetter threat. To him it felt like something the government needed to do to save face. They couldnt just let it go as that would make them look weak. He was even prepared to pay some fine just to smooth things over, but things turned out even better than expected.


    However, Im more curious about why you have brought an army to our doorsteps. From what I can see the quality of their gear is not trivial. What is your goal? the man continued.


    I n on taking these people back to Port Atwood immediately. I have taken the liberty of taking them in as refugees. I was worried about their fate staying here, Zac said with a shrug of his shoulders.


    Are you not staying for the Auction? Julia suddenly asked.


    I n on attending. Ill go back and report, and then return. I might bring someone back with me, he answered.


    He thought of having Sap Trang act as a vige elder so he didnt have to keep having these conversations, as it was a bit tiring. Mr. Trang was of simple origins, but he was wily, which might just be what was needed to deal with these bureaucrats.


    The man in the suit, who clearly was some sort of leader, nodded in response. There was something about the man in front of Zac that felt familiar, but Zac couldnt ce his finger on it.


    By the way, who are you? Why do I recognize your face? he asked with some doubt.


    I am Thomas Fischer, and I was once the Deputy Secretary of Defense. For now, Im the leader of New Washington, Thomas answered with a nod.


    Now Zac realized he must have seen the man in some news article or on the television. The guy once was a pretty high-ranked official. It even looked like he was a cultivator judging from his aura. Zac reminded himself to be careful around this man, not letting himself be used as some sort of puppet. If there was one thing that wasmon among all high ranked politicians, then it would be their ambition, and he had no idea what goals this man had for himself in this new world.


    And the president? Zac asked. He hadnt actually thought about it until now, but he wondered where the de-facto leaders ended up.


    President Hughes, vice president rk, and much of the old executive branch unfortunately have passed away. We recently found out that the part of Old Washington with the Capitol and the White House was randomized to close proximity of a Zhix-hive. We do not expect there to be any survivors, he said with a sigh.


    However, their sacrifice will be avenged. Any attack on humanity will result in a thunderous response, he added with a higher volume.


    Many of the soldiers nodded in agreement, and Zac even heard a damn right from somewhere. Zac was overall pretty impressed with the man in front of him. It looked like the government could be in worse hands. Still, he seemed like a purebred politician, and everything he said and did likely was to maximize benefits and not a testament to what he truly believed.


    At least the man seemed intent on working together for now, and swept away his problems with one fell swoop. Zac felt it was nothing odd by now, and it reminded him of the pragmatic mindset of Ogras. There was no benefit in moring for justice for some dead rapist, it was much more beneficial to keep a good rtionship with a potential powerhouse.


    So, can we go? Zac said, wanting to get on with it. The scouting missions should be done as well, and Zac was curious to see what his four teams had discovered on the neighboring inds.


    Of course, but understand that your group will need to have an army escort for safety reasons. We cant just have a hundred armed warriors running rampant inside the town, Thomas answered.


    Zac thought it over for a second before he nodded and turned to his three guards.


    Get the others, were heading home, he said, and in short order the small army of spearmen walked through the town.


    They still didnt give the air of a real army as their ranks were a bit disorganized, but at least the women gave off an intimidating aura. Between the inscribed spears and the high-quality leather gear they looked like real warriors and the various wounds that covered them only heightened that impression.


    They were apanied by soldiers both in front and behind the squad. The soldiers werent really hostile, but rather looked a bit curious at the girls, and even a bit jealous at Zac. They were quickly ushered to the teleporter, and Zac stayed behind letting the others enter first.


    Just exit the building and stay there. Oh, and stay calm, they wont hurt you, Zac only said, drawing confused nces from both the new recruits and the people of New Washington.


    Finally everyone except Zac had passed through, and he turned to the leaders of New Washington.


    Our first meeting was a bit bumpy, but I hope we can work together in the future. Were well aware that the invaders are ourrgest threat. As a sign of trust Ill give you this treasure. It contains much information that will aid humanity in general. My hope is that the content will be made public to any forces that stand against the enemies of our new, Zac said as he threw over the crystal containing the information of the incursions.


    It was the very same one Ogras threw at him long ago, and hed kept it all this while. He knew all the content by heart by now, so he had no problem giving it over to the people here. While some of their motives were suspect he felt their desire to protect humanity was true. Furthermore he had no desire to profit from this information, as his very was at stake.


    Whats this? Julia curiously asked as she snatched the crystal out of the air.


    It is an information package containing quite a bit of information regarding the incursions. It details both the forces of the multi-verse, and many other important facts that will help us anticipate the invadersposition and strength. It was taken from the body of a high ranking invader, Zac simply said, drawing surprised nces.


    Is the forces of Port Atwood fighting an Incursion? Julia quickly asked.


    Im not at liberty to discuss our situation. See you in three days, Zac said with a small smile as he entered the teleporter.


    The leaders of New Washington seemed to have follow-up questions, but Zac simply winked out of existence, cutting any questioning short.

 Chapter 122: Homecoming

    Chapter 122: Homing


    Zac appeared in the familiar teleportation house and immediately heard some ruckus. He grimaced and quickly walked outside to see what was going on.


    The response of the demons was surprisingly quick, with over twenty of them standing at the ready to st his new soldiers to high heaven. The former ves looked shocked at the sight of the demons, but Zac was happy to see that they didnt forget their training, and formed a decent defensive line.


    Thats enough. These are new recruits of Port Atwood, Zac said as he stepped in between the two groups.


    Luckily the demons followed his standing orders, not wantonly killing anythinging through the portal. The array was only possible to use with his permission after all, so anything that came through should be an ally.


    You keep bringing back young girls to the ind every time you leave. Im starting to get jealous, a light voice drifted over from the group of demons as Alea stepped out.


    She scrutinized the girls, who warily looked back at her.


    Well, theyre pretty weak, but at least theyre better than those from the ship, she said with a smile.


    Oh, youre not happy with the assessment? You want to test your mettle, little girl? she added as she saw one of the cultivators in the new group re angrily at her.


    Thats enough. Where is Alyn? These people need basic training, I want them at fighting capacity as soon as possible, Zac said.


    Ill take you there, Alea answered as she walked up to his side while throwing a teasing smile at the girls behind him.


    Zac knew she was mostly messing around and didnt mind it as he started walking, following the poison mistress directions.


    Um Whats going on? Why are there demons here? one of the squad leaders hesitantly asked as they moved toward the temporary town.


    Well, that isnt really important. You can see it as theyre another foreign race sharing our new. Besides, there are humans here as well, just not that many, Zac said, still respecting the demons wishes to stay incognito as much as possible.


    Can you update me on whats been going on since I left? Zac asked as he turned to Alea.


    Ogras is still in seclusion, absorbing the fruit, she started, looking prepared for the question.


    There was almost no reconstruction needed from the ant-wave. We have sent a few exploratory parties inside and killed off most of those still alive inside the hive. Unfortunately, those kills awarded no contribution points. Space inside has stabilized by now and is barelyrger than the exterior. There are some interesting developments there, but Ill let Alyn discuss that with you, she said, drawing confused nces from the others.


    Ok, what about the exploratory missions? Zac asked next.


    Thest of them returned yesterday. Three of the vessels met no real troubles. Surprisingly most of the inds around us are popted. Most are popted with humans, but two areprised of beastmen who seem to have a rudimentary grasp of the Dao of Technology. The parties mostly kept some distance to them apart from a few minor altercations or meetings. However, thest group only had two survivors of the 6 crewmen. Apparently they stepped on an ind and after walking a bit they were assaulted by extremely aggressive insectoid beings, she finished.


    Zac was a bit surprised that there were so many encampments scattered around his ind. The beastmen were obviously the Ishiate, and it sounded the camps close to Port Atwood were those that were starting to industrialize before the integration. He was a bit curious to meet these beastmen, but he didnt have time for that at the moment.


    It was more troubling to hear that a neighboring ind held a Zhix Hive. Zac still knew very little about that race, apart from the fact that they were even more hostile than the Forces of the incursions. It was like having a crazy neighbor, never knowing when trouble woulde knocking at your door.


    How far is the ind with the Zhix? Thats the insectoid species, Zac asked.


    It actually is one of the closest inds, just an hour or so away on your vessel to the northeast. It was thest ind the group nned on visiting before returning, Alea said with a sigh.


    That was even worse news. It meant that the danger only increased further, and the Zhix might evennd on his ind without him noticing since almost all of the shoreline was unguarded. Thest time the humans were only intercepted since they specifically sailed toward his shipyard.


    He really needed some alert system and would take some time to look through the shop for something fitting, and even consult with Calrin if he didnt find anything.


    After ten minutes of walking they reached a house some distance from the town encampment, roughly somewhere around where the Academy would be located in the future. Still, the building looked very temporary, and the work done was mostly clearing out forest and smoothing out the ground.


    Arge area was covered in gravel, and it resmbled an outdoors gym from the various boulders and contraptions there.


    I see you got me some more students after all. I had a feeling you would want to increase the poption soon, and had a few people arrange this space for me, Alyn said with a smile as she exited the house.


    Low levels, but decent attitude. They arecking in bloodlust and ruthlessness though, but that can be fixed. Not a bad first squadron, she said after quickly ncing over the girls behind Zac and Alea.


    A few of them are cultivators, but the rest are mortals. I hope you can look over options for a good cultivation manual to give them, Zas said.


    After traveling with Ryan and the other cultivators for a week hed learned a lot about the Tutorial. They had all been shocked when they learned that he wasnt actually a cultivator himself, rather a mortal.


    Everyone who entered the Tutorial got the same low tiered cultivation manual. It was without any element and not very powerful, but helped set a foundation to the pathway system that couldter be changed into whatever pattern their ss provided. To get a better and more suitable manual they had to earn them.


    The first day in the tutorial was pretty rxed. Everyone had been teleported to arge town and greeted by the workers of the system. They had gotten an orientation that exined what was going on and basic information about cosmic energy, the System and the Multiverse.


    Many were skeptical, but it was hard to refute what was said when it came from a flying pixie who showed examples of magic as she exined it. They were even stuffed with some propaganda, as it was exined they were the chosen ones, and the hope of humanity. The mortals were essentially called lower life-forms by the pixies, not deserving of the systems attention.


    They were given the manual, which was simply called <strong>[F-Grade Cultivation Manual]</strong> and taught how to meditate to absorb Cosmic Energy quicker. They were also given a choice of a skill, ranging from weapon skills and spells. From the description of the skills it sounded to Zac it was an improved selection of the beginner skills avable for sale in the Nexus Node.


    People had been amazed by suddenly being able to strike out with weapons with the power to create cracks in the ground, or even shoot fireballs. They were even given an exclusive Title for being the chosen, that gave 5 points all attributes, just to show them how the Title system worked. However, the fun times didntst forever. Those five points also guaranteed that everyone, young or old, essentially was in peak condition for the following trials.


    On the second day everyone was teleported away from the town. Some arrived in some dingy cave, others in some sort of frontier towns. There were all kinds of scenarios that appeared and the groups that got ced together ranged between five and over a hundred, but they had one thing inmon. They all got a quest to either defend from monsters or to explore somewhere filled with monsters.


    That first mission was one of the bloodiest, with almost a tenth dying. People werent able to adapt to the new change. Some took toorge risks, feeling invulnerable with their new skills. Others simply froze like deers in headlights, getting mowed down by unforgiving monsters.


    The missions were actually quite easy though, and the monsters very weak. It was only due to ineptitude people died this early. After the mission people got graded by their performance and rewarded ordingly.


    Everyone got a Tutorial-Title after the first mission that started with no benefits. However, after the first mission its rewards increased. Some got a few stat-points while others with bad quest performance got nothing, their titles still giving out zero attributes.


    What followed was a schedule of three days of quests, followed by one day of rest and meditation. After the first three missions a new option was added, where people could choose their difficulty, ranging from Easy to Impossible. There was even a mortality rate at the quest, with Easy having 5% and Impossible had a 99% chance to perish.


    The higher quests obviously gave much higher returns, but most people still chose easy. However, a few people chose the more difficult ones, such as Normal. Their death rate was higherpared to the advertised stats, but that was likely from being unskilled beginners. Zac himself remembered his early battles, and he was still surprised he was alive today.


    Over the weeks the distance between those who strove for power and those who only wanted to survive only gotrger andrger. The elites Tutorial-title continuously filled up with more and more bonus attributes, and their levels were far higher as well. They also got other rewards, such as better gear, and in some cases even skills, Nexus Crystals, and Cultivation manuals.


    Meanwhile, the weaklings, such as the cultivators like Ryan and the formerly captured girls, barely survived through the Easy quests, mainly relying on others to keep them safe.


    They got almost nothing from the tutorial in the end, only the initial 5 to all stat bonus, plus on average ten additional attributes. Zac couldnt help but grimace when hearing them squander such a once in a lifetime opportunity. Even the monsters that they fought gave huge bonuses to cosmic energy and Nexus Coinspared to normal beasts on New Earth.


    Of course, that was only discovered when the cultivators returned and found further progression extremely tedious and dangerous. Thats why many teaued in level and power soon after returning.


    Ryan was an example of this. He was somewhere in the average middle of the cultivators during the tutorial. He only chose easy quests, but he was one of those who actually fought during the missions, instead of hiding. He left the tutorial as level 14 and having 15 bonus attributes on his Tutorial Title.


    He tried to keep his progress going by heading out into the forests fighting beasts but was dismayed by the amount of cosmic energy he gained by the low-level critters. He gave up after a week when he had only gained a level. It wasnt due toziness, but rather a brush with death when a level 30 or so monster found him, and he barely survived the escape.


    Hisst three levels he gained from his F-Graded cultivation manual, and he was close to bing level 19. He, unfortunately, wasnt able to get a real cultivation manual, and the basic one from the tutorial was tortuously slow in progress after the initial ten levels.


    Zac knew that the system rewarded the brave, and he knew that some likely had survived through Hard, and even Impossible missions. He wondered what kinds of bonuses and rewards theyd gotten. Ryan and the others werent sure, as there were no real powerhouse in their group. Thom Sullivan was the strongest, but he reportedly mainly did a mix of Easy and a Normal missions.


    It had reminded Zac that just because he had his titles and his level advantage he wasnt invulnerable. Salvation and Thea Marshall were perhaps just as strong as him since their rewards from the tutorial might have been extremely extravagant.

 Chapter 123: Neighbors

    Chapter 123: Neighbors


    I seem to remember that you possess a gravity array, is that right? Alyn suddenly said, bringing Zac out of his musings.


    Yes, its currently ced in my camp. I can bring it over if you want it, Zac nodded.


    I would like if you upgraded it as well, I want it to cover the entire Academy Area, she said with a smile.


    Zac frowned and opened up his town shop, and found out that the upgraded small scale gravity array cost 500 000 Nexus Coins. It wasnt a huge fortune, but also not negligible since it was 5% of his current amount of nexus coins. He expected that quickly bringing the army up to a decent power would cost millions on top of that, and he couldnt wantonly spend his money.


    Its a bit expensive, are you sure its needed at this stage? he tentatively asked.


    Alyn simply smiled at him, and something about that smile gave Zac a hair-raising feeling, and he could only sigh and acquiesce.


    Follow Alynsmands. You can consider the first week with me a warm-up, the real training begins now. It might be grueling, but the path to power is paved with blood, he said after turning to the newest citizens of Port Atwood.


    Alyn nodded approvingly at Zacsment while Alea simply rolled her eyes.


    By the way, Alea said you had some idea regarding the hive?


    Yes. When the warriors traveled through the hive we found that a new queen has been born, she said.


    Zac immediately frowned and looked toward the huge structure in the distance.


    Dont worry, the queen is still an infant, and is still busy incorporating the old body into itself. It will take years, perhaps decades without nurturing, before it can start creating new warriors, she added.


    Zac could only sigh in relief at the news. He was in no mood to fight another ant-wave on top of the third wave.


    So what was your idea?


    You need Beast Tamers, people with a ss thats based on controlling beasts, she exined.


    It would be extremely beneficial. The biggest boon would be that we might be able to tame the Ayr Hivequeen. That would essentially give control over the whole hive. It would also be good for you, with all these barghest around. Theyre currently slowly turning feral, as we have no beast tamers with us who can keep them in line.


    They arent very dangerous, but they can still be a good weapon. The barghest with us are just youth, and with the help of a good trainer they can get stronger, the alphas even reaching E-Rank with time she kept going, some excitement glistening in her eyes.


    Do you have means of guaranteeing them getting a Beast Trainer ss if I can get some more people to train? Zac curiously asked.


    It sounded like a pretty good idea. There was an extreme amount of barghest in the forest, and from what he learned they would start multiplying in a few years when they became real adults. If he could use the dumb beasts as meat shields in battle with incursions or others it would protect the lives of his people.


    Well, no. n AzhRezak didnt possess any heritage of that type and hired experts from an Association to take care of their beast hordes. But I have a few ideas that might work. I think if you can recruit a few of those beastmen I heard about it would be for the best. They might have a better affinity for those kinds of sses, she said.


    I will see if I can get some more recruits, he said with a nod before leaving the burgeoning academy.


    Of course, with Alyn at the helm, it might turn more into something like an Agoge, the Spartan training regiment. It seemed that Alea chose to stay behind as well, and Zac didnt mind. After he pawned off his new squadron to Alyn he went to find Adran.


    Since Ogras was still in seclusion the portly administrator would be the one with the highest authority. There were also the generals, but none of them really cared about management and preferred to focus on their own training.


    I heard about the mixed results of the expeditions, Zac started as he sat down in a chair in Adrans office.


    Yes. Mostly it went fine, with the exception of thest group. Nasty things, that species. Not something weve met or heard about before. However, insectoid species are usually the same. There generally is a queen inmand, holding absolute power, he answered.


    Theyre called the Zhix. Theyre insanely aggressive from what Ive heard during my excursions. Anything thates close gets relentlessly attacked, no matter if its a native or an incursion, Zac added.


    Adran frowned at that information.


    Im sorry to add to your troubles. But Ive talked with our remaining earth mages a bit. They say that its technically possible for there to be tunnels between our ind and theirs. The Nexus vein beneath this ind has hardened the subterranean walls, and they should be able to hold even under the sea. So if those things keep digging, following the thickness of cosmic energy, theyll end up in our mountains sooner orter,


    Zac groaned at the news. The prospect of hyper-aggressive ant-men flooding out from his crystal mine was something that sounded like a real pain in the ass, both to his wallet and his town. Besides, who knew, they might dig for the vein and ruin it as well, which would make Port Atwood a far less valuable piece of property.


    How strong were the warriors? Zac suddenly asked after mulling things over.


    Not too strong. Their attributes were equivalent of someone somewhere around level 20 to 25. They were assisted by quite hard bodies though, which should count as at least an additional 30 or so endurance. And there were a lot of them. Our scouts killed quite a few while they fled toward the vessel, but they simply kepting, Adran answered.


    Very well. I will travel there myself, Zac said with a grimace. Perhaps I can get someone of them to talk if I disy my power. And if they dont want to talk, Ill just chop down their numbers a bit. I am in need of some battle in any case.


    Adran looked surprised, but after considering it for some time nodded.


    A tip, if you can get them to as an ally you should. Insectoid poptions are usually quite strong in the multi-verse. They have high reproduction rates and high average powers. The queens of the higher species are extremely feared, being able to channel their whole hives power into devastating attacks, the administrator added.


    What about the other inds? Anything of interest? he continued.


    It is clear that the nexus vein beneath our ind has affected the whole region to a certain extent. Most of the inds have higher concentrations of cosmic energy than usual. Together with the temperate climate, it means many can be made into farming inds that can provide Port Atwood with a continuous supply of food and cultivation materials.


    There is also a mountainous ind not too far that look promising for setting up a mining operation for metals. We still havent found anything of the sort in our own mountain, and need supply to keep our industry going, Adran answered.


    All in all 18 of the closest inds were scouted. Surprisingly we saw signs of habitation on 10 of them. 7 were humans, 2 were the beastmen, and thest the so-called Zhix. We suspect the total poptions to reach roughly twenty thousand, excluding the insectoids, of course. There might be people on the other inds as well, and we simply didnt find them.


    TWENTY thousand? Zac eximed shocked.


    It was nowhere near the poption of ces like New Washington, but mostrger towns had been fragmented into smaller bits, and a poption of twenty thousand would be respectable at this stage of the world. Of course, it was just a fraction of the millions required in a poption that most of the proper buildings in the Town Shop required, but it was a start.


    Yes, but most of them are concentrated to threerger settlements, two human and one beastkin. Thergest town alone has an estimated poption of over ten thousand, Adran answered.


    How are their quality of lives? Zac asked.


    Mostly pretty wretched. Thergest human settlement I mentioned earlier has organized themselves at least and erected a decent wall around a coastal vige. The rest are barely hanging on, and we even got a few requests of them toe with the scouts, even though they were demons. We did hide our appearances under hooded capes though.


    It seemed that it wouldnt be impossible to gather a real poption to get his town up and running. He wasnt sure whether it was better to start gathering people immediately or wait until after the third wave though. He still had no idea what to expect from the third wave, but he couldnt imagine it would be easier than thest two. At the same time he felt that with his power and equipment there really shouldnt be a lot of suspense unless the System went crazy.


    He still had a couple of days before the auction started, and about a week before thest horde arrived. Time was limited but it might be a good idea to start building Port Atwood in earnest. Hed start with the Zhix though, as that was the most pressing matter. The hive had been right under his nose for months, who knew how far they had dug by now.


    It didnt take long until Zac was sailing alone on one of the Creator vessels. Hed gotten the route from the fishermen, and it was only an hour away. He hadnt even checked in on Emily or his camp, eager to set sail. The vessels were as quick as speedboats but far more stable, so he pushed through the waves like an arrow.


    What he said to Adran was true. He still felt stifled with his emotions in turmoil ever since Greenworth, and he almost hoped that these Zhix kept up their hostility. He had forced himself to keep it together for his new recruits, but he really needed the solitude of this excursion.


    He wasnt very worried either, as from all ounts he wasnt in any real danger. If a fisherman and a few of the normal demons could fight them off and leave, though with some losses, then he wouldnt have any real trouble. These Zhix were just like humans, newly integrated into the system, and there should be almost no warriors their kind that could match his power, especially not the ones stuck on an isted ind.


    Just as the fishermen described he arrived at the ind in roughly an hour. It was far smallerpared to his own, and he judged it might just be a tenth the size altogether. The climate of the ind was essentially the same as his own, but there was less vegetation as most of the ind was covered by arge mountain. It almost looked like arge volcano with some jungle on the edges of the ind, but he wasnt able to tell whether it actually was a volcano or if it just looked like one.


    He disembarked at the closest beach and threw his creator vessel into a Cosmos Sack and headed ind. From what he understood the Zhix were mainly subterranean, so they should be somewhere in the mountains. As he walked further ind toward the mountain he was having a somewhat unsettling dj vu from the first time he entered the mountain valley all that time ago. The ind was deathly silent, not a single chirp could be heard.


    Until suddenly a twig snapped, and all hell broke loose.

 Chapter 124: The Zhix

    Chapter 124: The Zhix


    Tens of warriors poured out from nowhere and mindlessly charged at him making some loud cking noises and Zac immediately took out a weapon. However, since his goal was to see if an alliance was possible he didnt bring out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. Instead, he took out a ck wooden club made from the extremely dense trees hed found on the ind long ago.


    After a roughly a minute of thwacking twenty-seven antmeny down on the ground unconscious, and Zac was finally able to take a good look at them. He realized it was a misnomer to call these things ant-men, as they were even more human-like than Ishiate.


    Their faces were mostly human, apart from their noses that were mostly two holes and a slight protuberance. The same could be said about their ears, almost looking like the cauliflower ears of professional wrestlers. Their eyes were almost human, though a bitrger and their irises were purple.


    All in all their faces could have passed as ugly humans if it wasnt for the two antennae on their heads and the fact that their skin was tinged a bit purple. Their skin was quite hard as well, but not to the point of being a chitinous exoskeleton of the Ayr Ants back on his own ind.


    They also had four normal appendages and even wore clothes. When people spoke about the Zhix earlier he had almost imagined them to look a bit like the Mantis-ants, having swords for arms. But they held actual weapons in their pretty human-looking hands.


    Zac picked up one of the Zhix at random and walked some distance away from the others before pouring water from a canteen over it. It quickly woke up sputtering and cking, desperately waving its arms.


    I know you understand me. I need to speak to your leader. Dont make me knock you unconscious again., he said as he held the warrior down with his foot.


    The Zhix warrior gave no response apart from struggling and screeching, and Zac could only sigh and knock him out again. At least the intel was good, and these people were not very strong.


    Actually, as Zac walked through the forest he was starting to guess why. There was not a single living thing on the ind. Perhaps they had already hunted everything to extinction. An ind like this might not have too much wildlife from the start, and they might have found themselves without anything to kill to gain levels.


    Zac kept meeting groups of warriors, but he kept knocking them out. He was surprised by the sheer number of them, wondering exactly how they could survive on this ind. Could ant-men eat leaves and bark? Were they excellent fishermen? He had seen no boats though, and it felt a bit unlikely for a species that lived underground to be used to the sea.


    After walking for almost an hour Zac reached the central mountain, and by this point hed clobbered well over a hundred of the warriors. Finally, he saw something that seemed man-made, a pretty even mountain path that led along the wall.


    The path was only a meter wide, and after walking for ten minutes the drop was high enough that Zac wasnt sure hed survive the fall. Luckily he didnt need to walk much longer until he reached a great teau. It was evenrger than a big town square, and roughly a third of the way up the mountainside.


    More impressively it was clear to Zac that the whole teau was actually carved into the mountain itself, rather than a natural formation. Enormous statues lined both the sides of the squarish za, with the inner side looking almost like the entrance to some ancient tomb.


    He didnt have time to admire the beautiful craftsmanship though, as there was a whole army standing at the ready between him and the entrance. A quick estimate put them at roughly a thousand warriors, most of them hefting daggers or short swords.


    Zac remembered it was the same with those hed encountered so far on the ind, and he guessed that their choice of weapons was a result of mainly fighting underground where ranged weapons andrge unwieldy things like spears werent as effective.


    The army stood without moving, balefully ring at Zac who walked up from the small path and entered the za proper. He looked back at them for some time and decided to make onest attempt atmunicating. He empowered his voice with Cosmic Energy to make sure that everyone on the za, and any hidden leader, could hear his message.


    This is is thest time I try for diplomacy with the Zhix. I am Zachary Atwood from a neighboring ind. I am a human, one of the two other races that were affected just like you when the so-called System decided to merge ours together into the current mess.


    I mean no harm to your poption. All the warriors I have encountered so far are still alive. But I need to speak to your leader or leaders. As a token of trust I can give you a piece of information you might not know. You are not alone, your kind are spread all over this new, Zac said.


    <em>Being god damn lunatics who attack everyone</em>, he silently added in his mind.


    There had been no reaction during the beginning of his speech, not even with hisst sentence. Zac suddenly realized why, and wanted to smack himself. Unless they were idiots they should understand that their kind were still alive just form checking their own Ladder.


    Still, there was some movement in the army. Generally it was just small nces between the troops, but it was enough for Zac to know that they understood his words. After being relentlessly attacked so many times he had actually started doubting the effect of hisnguage skill.


    Why should we trust someone who reeks of impurity and chaos? a sharp voice came from the distance as a group of Zhix walked out from the huge gate in the mountain.


    In the front a Zhix that was almost twice asrgepared to the others walked, and it was apanied by two elders and eight guards dressed in far more intricate gear than the army in front of it. The Zhix army quickly made way to create a path for the new group.


    Zac honestly couldnt tell whether the supersized Zhix was a male or female, as it lookedpletely androgynous. He was expecting a female since the information he possessed from Adran said that most insectoid species were ruled by a queen.


    Then again, the same could be said for the warriors as well, he had no real way of telling their genders, they all pretty much looked the same.


    The party stopped a decent distance away from Zac, the two advisors clearly looking unhappy.


    Your holiness, you mustnt talk to the fallen. Its against the precepts. The impurity must be cleansed, lest it keeps spreading. Were already sullied, but we might still be redeemed. But if we start consorting with agents of chaos we will truly be lost, one of them hurriedly said.


    What the hell are you talking about? Fallen? Sullied? Do you even know whats going on, being stuck here on an isted ind?


    Do you think your tricks will work on us, fallen one? Your kind might have taken a new face, but you cant hide the impurity coursing through your body. We eradicated your kind in the olden days, and we will do it again, the other advisor huffed, and it looked like most of the warriors agreed with the sentiment.


    You mean the Cosmic Energy? Its not like I asked to have it. But our worlds got merged together, its not like we had any say in whether the System crammed our world full of the energy. And you call me fallen, but arent you the same? I sense that you are at a decent level, said with a frown.


    More lies, just like the Dominators always spewed, the other elder scoffed.


    You said youre from another world than ours? Exin, therge Zhix interjected ignoring the entreating looks from the others.


    Zac thought for a second before he started narrating an abridged version of what hed learned the past months. First, he exined the system, with the sses, attributes, and ranks. Next, he told them about the history of the multi-verse, and about the Apostates. Finally, he exined their current situation, mostlyposed of information from New Washington, and some information about the incursions.


    Honestly, he would have rather just captured therge Zhix and forced a contract of binding on it, but it wouldnt work for multiple reasons. First of all, a contract couldnt be enacted under coercion. The contracting system was created by the Apostate of Order, and something like using it under threat of violence was the opposite of what he envisioned.


    Besides, it appeared there were special restrictions in ce on New Earth. It appeared it wasnt possible to enter contracts with the other races at the moment. Zac had been curious about how the girls had known about the contract back at Greenworth and was told that it wasmon knowledge in the new world.


    People had also found out that entering a contract with the Ishiate simply wasnt possible, the system blocked it. The general theory was that the System still considered the three races on Earth in contention, and blocked certain systems cross-races. Perhaps a leader of the had to emerge before all systems werepletely unlocked.


    I dont know anything about your kind, but from your words it sounds like there were some people on your old world who could use Cosmic Energy, and who used it for evil. That has nothing to do with us humans, or the Ishiate. Wee from our own separate worlds, and are busy struggling with our own problems to have time to plot against your people, he finished.


    I sense no falsehood from this being, and what it says has some merit. We have called the strange events ofte a Dominator plot so long that we have almost convinced ourselves of it. But our hive is dying and we need to open our eyes, even if what we see is not what we hoped for, therge one slowly said.


    No! Impurity must be cleansed! one of the well-equipped guards suddenly roared as it ran toward Zac, who immediately readied himself with furrowed brows.


    However, the huge Zhix moved with amazing speed and suddenly held the royal guard by its neck.


    Order is not lost just because some things change. You dare defy the hive? the leader said as it held the warrior by its throat.


    It is heresy, the guard squeezed out, looking unwilling to back down.


    The leader only snorted and with a sickening crunch crushed the neck of the warrior, and threw its body away like a piece of garbage. Zac was amazed at the power of the thing, as the corpse was thrown over twenty meters away, without it seeming the leader used much force.


    He had a feeling that the high power was something it was born with, rather than something it had gained from the System.


    He already knew that many species were far superior to humans, or even demons, when it came to innate power. Some species were born at E-Ranked Race or even higher, and many had naturally higher stats.


    Others were extremely adept at grasping Dao seeds, making it seem as though the universe itself handed them out as gifts. The universe simply wasnt equal, and some were just better than others.


    You call yourself a human, is it? You have told a fantastical tale. But how will we know you are not lying? the leader said as it turned back to Zac. You told us that the reason we lost a part of the hive was the so-called Tutorial, but why was no one returned after a month?


    If no one was returned they either all died, or were dropped off somewhere else. Im still searching for friends and family as well, as they might have been thrown anywhere in the world. As for proof Well, what kind of proof do you want? Zac asked, to which therge Zhix only turned toward the huge gate.


    After a few minutes another Zhix came running through the gate, and it was dressed quite differently from the others.

 Chapter 125: The Dominators

    Chapter 125: The Dominators


    The new Zhix seemed to have once been dressed somewhat in the same manner as the advisors to the side of the so-called holiness. However, the robe was singed and damaged all over, making it look like the Zhix had walked through a fire or an explosion. It also had a huge back-pack on its back, which jumped up and down with every hurried step it took.


    Your holiness, the new Zhix panted with a bow as it reached the leader.


    Therge Zhix leader only nodded and turned back to Zac.


    You havee to our hive, told a fantastical tale. But you still are leaving us wondering. What brought you to our doorsteps? it said, cutting straight to the chase.


    No offense, but your kind is known to be insanely aggressive, and a danger to anyone who is ced close to your hives, Zac said.


    It was with some mixed emotions he saw that the Zhix in no way took it as an insult, but rather a point of pride.


    I am the leader of my town, and I have citizens to take care of. I needed to find out whether you are a threat or if you could be allies, he said, hiding nothing.


    And if you deem us a threat? it lightly continued.


    It is not my style to leave trouble in my own backyard, Zac said, unflinchingly staring at the Zhix leader.


    Suddenly the ground cracked under the feet of therge Zhix as it exploded into motion. It sted toward Zac, almost matching the speed of himself when using <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Zac was shocked, but battle was hardwired into his body by this point, and he summoned his axe and swung out. It shed against an borate dagger that was aimed straight toward his throat, and the power in the strike shocked Zac.


    From his estimation the Zhix leader had almost as much strength as he did, and they were both pushed away from the strike, the collision creating a shockwave that ruined arge area of the teau. Even one of the huge statues was impacted and showed some spider-vein cracks, much to the dismay of the advisors.


    Zac growled and got ready to fight as he summoned <strong>[Chop]</strong> and created a huge edge. However, the leader jumped back as swiftly as it attacked, once again standing by the advisors. Zac rxed a bit, but didnt unsummon his weapon.


    You talk about genocide, but you have power to back up your words. If we die it will be weakness that gets removed from the swarm, and it will be just, it said.


    Zac was confused, but could only assume that it did not mean to actually fight him to death. Still, he wouldnt let things rest like that, as heunched the edge as a projectile straight at the leader. The guards immediately moved to intercept, but the leader pushed past them, grasping two daggers this time.


    It intercepted the edge by using both its arms but was pushed backward from the force, mming a few of the guardian Zhix out of the way like bowling pins. It was only after twenty meters it stopped. However, it did manage to sessfully block the strike without getting hurt, surprising Zac even further.


    Attacks on humanity will be avenged. Sometimes it will be immediate, sometimes it will take years. But it ising, Zac said as he stared at the bleeding insectoids that were crawling back to their feet after being crashed into by their leader.


    A good creed to have, the Zhix simply said, seemingly not taking any offense.


    You reek of corruption. But then again, so do I by this point. We will not attack your people unless they provoke the Zhix or our precepts. The Zhix are not used to cooperation with outsiders of the hive, but we must adapt to the situation, it continued.


    To that end Ibtep, it said as it turned to the Zhix with the backpack.


    Id like for you to bring my advisor with you to your hive and return them at ater point. Ibtep can answer questions about our customs and learn of yours. Ibtep will be responsible for the cooperation between our hives, as I rarely leave my shrine, the leader said as odd Zhix stepped forward.


    That is fine. Im sure we cane to an understanding. What the Zhix do is their own business, we only ask that you do not dig underground toward our ind thats in that direction, Zac said as he pointed southwest. If you do we will consider it as a direct attack. And we will retaliate with everything we have.


    The leader looked at Zac for a bit, the silence stretching to the point that Zac believed another surprise attack was iing. However, it simply nodded after a while as it started moving toward the gate.


    Very well, we ept this premise. Ibtep will take it from here, it said as it started moving away, apanied by its advisors and guards.


    Hello, strange being. We are hungry, Ibtep said with a bow.


    Zac stared nkly at the advisor for a few seconds, unsure whether <strong>[Book of Babel] </strong>was on the fritz.


    Uhm.. Come again? Zac hesitantly said.


    We are hungry. Your kind eat for sustenance too, no doubt? it said, pointing to its mouth.


    Uh yeah. Do you mean you need food?


    Yes, we are very hungry, it solemnly said with a nod.


    Well, what do you eat?


    Anything that once lived except Zhix, he quickly answered.


    Zac could only hope that the list would be amended to also exclude humans, but for now he simply threw out a bunch of huge beast carcasses from his pouch. During the week of travel with his new squad of soldiers hed stuffed multiple bags full of meat just in case hed ever need it. The teau suddenly filled with everything from boars, to huge snakes, to great birds.


    Do all of your kind possess the power to create food out of nothing? Ibtep eagerly asked, and even the leader who was starting to move back to the entrance into the mountain stopped and looked back at Zac.


    No, these were beasts my soldiers killed before, I simply store them in a magical bag that has increased room and preserve the food, he exined as he showed a Cosmos Bag to him.


    Very convenient, Ibtep said with a nod. I want a pouch.


    Zac had some trouble getting used to the directness of this Zhix, but he couldnt just keep giving things away.


    They are a bit rare, you can buy one from me for a Million Nexus Coins, he said.


    Ibtep froze for a few seconds before he rushed back toward the army who still stood in ce. After some subdued chattering warriors came up to him one after another until Ibtep returned. A prompt appeared and Zac received a million Nexus Coins from the insectoid, and he quickly handed over one of his spare pouches.


    How do I use it? it curiously asked.


    Drip a drop of blood on it. That will bind it to you. After that you only infuse some cosmic energy in it, Zac exined.


    It quickly followed Zacs instructions, and in short order it was putting his backpack into the pouch and retrieving it again, over and over.


    I am done. Let us go, it said after ying around for a bit, and Zac nodded.


    What about all the meat? Zac asked just in case.


    It will be taken care of. Your donation was very generous, it simply said as it started walking away.


    Zac and Ibtep walked back the same path as he entered the ind, following the mountain road down to the jungle. Zac was quite curious about the Zhix, and thought apliment would get the insectoid talking.


    Your leader was quite powerful.


    Administeringst rites makes the holiness very strong since what you called the integration happened, the Zhix answered.


    Administering rites? What does that mean? Zac asked confused.


    The Zhix called therge one your holiness, so he guessed their society was some sort of theocracy led by priests.


    The holiness cuts out weakness from the hive by administeringst rites. To die by the holiness instead of from starvation or age is a great reward, Ibtep exined.


    Wait, the holiness kills its own people? Zac asked surprised.


    Our hive faced starvation. Many of our gardens and farms copsed or disappeared suddenly, leaving us with too little food. We dug to find sustenance, but the stone was unusually hard, making progress slow. We even ate everything above ground, but it didntst us long,


    Dying fromck of food is a great injustice, and the holiness administeredst rites, giving the citizens a warriors death, Ibtep exined. Many tried to stop the rites since every ceremony forced an infusion of more chaos into the Holiness. But the Holiness kept going, ignoring the damage it caused itself.


    -------------


    Your holiness, is this truly wise? That thing might be tricking us? Besides, he contains a terrifying amount of corruption, or Cosmic Energy as he calls it. He can be a great threat to the hive, Mammaki hesitantly said as they stood in front of the throne.


    We all knew that it was unlikely that the Dominators were the cause of our current situation. If they were powerful enough to rearrange the whole world we would have been enved again long ago. It was just a convenient enemy to keep unity during troubling times. The Zealots might buy it, but you are no fools. Besides, I believe it has no real reason to lie to us, N said as it showed its congregants its hands.


    They had multiple broken fingers and were shaking, and the advisors were extremely shocked by the sight.


    That is-


    Sacrilege! multiple shouts erupted at once, but order was quickly restored by a wave of N.


    It is just weakness leaving the body. I will be reborn stronger. But that so-called human had no reason to lie, since I sensed it was not blustering when it said it would eradicate the hive. The powerful have no real reason to lie to the weak. He could just destroy or enve us if he wished, N continued. Just the fact that he didnt proves hes not a Dominator.


    Immediately stop all digging toward the humans ind, refocus efforts on creating new farnd, it said next after some deliberation.


    Are you sure? We are almost half-way there, an advisor asked.


    For now. We built the tunnels to have a chance at a final assault at what might have been a Dominator stronghold, but it looks like that was not the case. But reinforce the tunnels, we might need them in the future, N said.


    I think we will need to work with these foreign life-forms. The Dominators was a huge threat before the world changed. One of their warlocks took hundreds, often thousands of sacrifices to kill. Imagine their power now when the very air is full of corruption, and every death is an infusion of chaos, therge Zhix said with a somber expression. I wish that it was all just spection, but you have seen the signs as well. The Dominators are back.


    A troubling silence was the only answer as the advisors fearfully looked at each other.

 Chapter 126: Ibtep

    Chapter 126: Ibtep


    On the way back Zac wasnt osted by any Zhix warriors, leading him to believe the Zhix had some sort of non-verbal form ofmunication. He already suspected it when he saw the so-called holiness summon Ibtep by just turning toward the entrance to the hive.


    It turned out they possessed some sort of sonar sense and could create small vibrations that were too subdued for human ears but could be picked up by the Zhix though a unique organ. It was also this organ that helped them sense Cosmic Energy, or corruption as they called it, since the energy caused interference to their sonar sense.


    It was a bit jarring to speak with the Zhix, who seemed to only follow its own conversation flow. For example, a question regarding leadership in human society was immediately followed by Do humans poop?.


    What about genders? How do I tell whos male and female? Zac asked.


    Gender? Exin? Ibtep asked, looking confused.


    Zac did a simple exnation of the mammal reproductive system, and Ibtep seemed to understand.


    The Zhix are neither. Or both. We both carry the seed of life and possess the ability to germinate it, but we need the blessing of the Anointed to create life. Without their blessing no child can be conceived, Ibtep exined.


    So you give birth? Zac followed up.


    No, we create eggs, Ibtep answered.


    Zac nced over at the Zhix, having a hard time imagining it squatting over arge egg like a bird.


    It was clear that their society was more humanoid than ant-like, though the holiness was some sort of equivalent to a hive queen. However, there were no worker-Zhix or warrior-Zhix, as everyone except the holiness, or the Anointed as they were collectively called, were the same.


    Unfortunately, any further questions about the Anointed were unhesitantly rebuffed. The only real information was that the hive on the ind was quite small, only having one Anointed. Therge hives could have quite a few of them, one of which would be the alpha.


    That information was quite troubling since the leader of a small remote Zhix hive was far stronger than any human hed encountered so far. He wondered just how strong one of these so-called alphas would be, as they might even eclipse his own power. That might only go for attributes though, Zac still had the advantage of multiple Dao Seeds and a Rare ss.


    Do you have a Nexus Node? Zac asked next.


    What is that? the Zhix answered, to which Zac simply exined the appearance of the crystal.


    Yes, it appeared next to the holiness soon after the integration. However, it was sealed away, as it reeked of corruption. I wanted to study it, but it wasnt allowed, the Zhix answered. Tell me, what does it do?


    Well, it has a few functions. It can sell skills, and- Zac started, but was interrupted.


    Like thatrge de of corruption you created? Ibtep interrupted.


    Yeah, although I got that one from my ss. You get a ss from the crystal as well, he exined.


    Can anyone get a ss? the insectoid continued.


    Yes, at level 25, Zac nodded.


    I want to use your crystalter.


    Sure, Zac answered with some surprise.How did you reach level twenty-five already?


    There were quite a few of the Zhix, and Zac had a hard time imagining them gaining 25 levels from some ind critters.


    Stones of Corruption, Ibtep answered as he took out his backpack, and produced a raw Nexus Crystal. These Stones of Corruption appeared beneath our hive after the integration, and they were thrown away due to the chaos they contained. I took a few for experimentation. There are also many things to kill underground, though few proved edible.


    Zac frowned when he saw the crystal, but after asking a few follow-up questions it seemed that they didnte from his mine. They were scattered about beneath the surface, but with far less concentrationpared to his mine. That was in line with what he knew about the crystals. This ind wasnt too far away from his Nexus Vein, so it wasnt too surprising that some crystals would be created here as well.


    However, he made a mental reminder to consult the earth mages to construct some sort of warning system, making sure that these Zhix werent getting too close forfort. They kept discussing various subjects until they reached the ocean.


    What now, human? Ibtep asked as it turned toward Zac, who took out his creator vessel from a pouch.


    Get on, on Zac said as he jumped up on the boat, but was surprised to see the Zhix not moving.


    What is this contraption, human? It is throbbing with corruption, Ibtep said skeptically.


    Its a magical boat of sorts. We use Nexus Crystals, the ones you call Stones of Corruption, to power this vessel to travel the seas, he exined.


    Have humans always used corruption for such purposes? it asked.


    No, before the integration I dont think our world had any corruption. At least it wasnt known to the public, he answered.


    Then how can you possess such a thing now? Ibtep asked while looking looked up at Zac.


    The System gives out various things, and we have a shop on our ind where you can buy things from all over the multiverse. It is very convenient, Zac exined, skirting the subject of the Creators.


    The Zhix only nodded and got up on the boat after a bit. Soon they were cutting through the waves, almost flying like an arrow toward Port Atwood. Zac was surprised to hear that there were no oceans at the old Zhix homeworld, only subterranean basins. Perhaps that exined why there was so muchnd on the new world, essentially forming a supercontinent.


    There were a fewrge sea creatures that seemed interested in the boat, but the Creators reputation wasnt unwarranted as the boat quickly sped away. However, Zac slowed down his vessel every now and then to catch one of the huge fish swimming about, wanting to create some variation in Port Atwoods diet.


    The Zhix didnt mind the interruption, rather the opposite. Since the hive was at the brink of starvation due to the randomization ruining their infrastructure he was very interested in alternative food sources, and kept asking questions about the wildlife of the ocean.


    Finally they reached Port Atwood and disembarked some distance away from the shipyard. The advisor was very curious as it saw the structures of the Creators from the distance, but Zac gave the same excuse as he used to. The shipyard was a private area, and entering would result in death.


    Since the Zhix was very eager to get a ss they headed straight toward his camp. Zac looked forward to the day the third wave done with, so he could be a lord. By then he could buy Nexus Stations and ce them around the town, making it so that no one had any reason to barge into his private home.


    However, as they closed in on his campsite Zac stopped in amazement, as the area waspletely reformed. Large gardens had reced the woods, creating a beautiful scenery for the newly erected mansion. Some were created with various flowers and bushes, others with stones and gravel like a Zen garden.


    Rather than a huge building as with Ogras pce in AzhRodum his new home more felt like apound with many smaller buildings. Still, the main building was about the size of the mansions hed visited in Greenworth.


    The architecture was much the same as the one the demons used, with eastern architecture getting fused with nature. There were courtyards and pagodas apart from the gardens, and trees were a constant part of the structures.


    To his surprise he saw that theyd even used his camper, pushing it up a few meters into the air by lodging it on a tree, and growing arge patio outside made of intertwined branches. Honestly he felt that the camper was the most interesting ce, but he quickly saw that it was upied as Emily peered out from the patio.


    Why didnt youe home immediately, I was - she shouted but got her tongue stuck when she saw Zacspanion.


    What the hell is that?! she shouted, quickly retreating away from the edge.


    Emily,e down here, Zac said with some embarrassment.


    Only after some time did the teenager climb down the tree from what looked like stairs naturually growing out of the tree trunk.


    Is this a young of your species? Ibtep aksed as it turned to Zac.


    An adolescent. Emily is soon 16, Zac answered.


    Hello young human. Here, have a snack, Ibtep said as he took out a dead grub from his backpack.


    Both Zac and Emily nkly stared at thergervae for some time, until Zacs mouth started tugging upward.


    Dont be rude, have a snack, Zac said smilingly and received a scathing re in return.


    I am not sure if we can eat that, humans have a more delicate pte, Zac could only say before things got awkward.


    How inconvenient, these are very tasty, Ibtep said as as it chomped down on the fatrvae. I had to hide this from the others, saving it for a special ation.


    This is Ibtep, an ambassador for the Zhix hive on the neighboring ind, Zac exined to Emily who was still warily examining the Zhix.


    Your constitutions look a bit different. Is this due to the genders you mentioned earlier? Ibtep asked.


    Yes, Emily is a female while I am a male, Zac exined.


    So this Emily will take your seed and bear children in the future? the Zhix continued Zac to cough ufortably.


    Chough Well, no. Not in this case. You generally only do that with your mate, he helplessly exined before he turned to the teenager, eager to change the subject. He could only thank the stars that neither Emily or the ambassador had thenguage skill yes. Where is the Nexus Crystal?


    Emily quite wary of the Zhix, and kept a constant vigil at it while she quickly led them to thergest building in the area.


    We had to take down all the arrays while rebuilding, the poles are over there, Emily said as she pointed toward a closet.


    The crystal is in there? Iptep asked, following Emilys finger.


    No, I keep a few arrays in there, Zac answered.


    Arrays? Ibtep asked, curious about the new word.


    I can show youter, Zac said as he led the Zhix to the crystal.


    It will automatically start when you touch the crystal. If it works the same as for humans for you, it will give you five choices. Increased rarity of the ss will generally mean it is stronger, but it will also be much harder to upgrade in the future. Some sses are meant forbat, some are meant for other things, such as crafting, Zac briefly recapped how it worked.


    The Zhix didnt hesitate, and just walked straight up to the crystal and ced its hand on it. It stood still like that for a few minutes until it let go and move away.


    So, what did you get? Zac curiously asked, but was only answered by a toothy grin.

 Chapter 127: Setting the Course

    Chapter 127: Setting the Course


    I picked something called Seeker, Ibtep relented after a while, I am unclear about the details, but the description was interesting. <em>Knowledge, Treasure, Power. The search never ends.</em>


    Zac had no idea about what kind of ss it was either, and could only guess it was something of a mix between a schr and a scout. He actually found it a bit fitting, since if there was one thing that personified his new tentative ally it was an unrelenting curiosity. He was starting to get the feeling that the Holiness picked Ibtep for this mission party to get some peace and quiet.


    After theyd done what they needed he brought the Zhix with him to the town, and the reactions were quite expressive. A group of warriors quickly gathered close-by, balefully ring at the Zhix. Zac sighed as he knew this reaction wasing.


    Greetings people of Hive Atwood, I am Ibtep, liaison of the holiness, It said, looking unperturbed by the bloodlust in the gazes.


    Noone answered, but only kept ring at the Zhix. Of course, Zac knew that only a scant few in the audience could understand him.


    Theyre mad about the friends they lost on your ind recently, so making friends might be a bit hard, Zac said.


    It was weakness leaving your hive. But if anyone feel it was unjust I can arrange a death match against those who felled your warriors. Hive Kundevi is always weing a test to hone their purity.


    Those with <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong> tranted the Zhixs words, and his words gave the demons a start. Many started hesitantly nce at each other, looking a bit unwilling to enter a death battle for the fallen demons. Zac wasnt sure what to do about the situation either, and he felt it wasnt right for him to start meddling. After all, no one had killed more demons than he had.


    But he also knew that the demons wouldnt be angry forever. Sudden death was a much more expected part of life for them, as most of them didnt expect to die of old age. Dying in an effort to gain power or wealth was the norm, and the scouts had all volunteered for the missions.


    Im sure you want to explore our, uh, hive on your own for a while. You will need to have an escort at all times though, since our alliance still isnt set in stone, he said, and the Zhix looked excited rather than offended.


    Very well human, it has been an interesting experience to travel with you. Well speak again soon, it said as it walked away.


    You two, please escort him for now, keep him away from any critical areas. And no death matches against this one, I am trying to form an alliance with their kind. But they are a bit crazy, and if any you want to fight in the future Im sure they wont mind, Zac said as he looked at two of the demons in the group, who nodded and followed the Zhix.


    Zac was quite relieved to leave the Zhix a bit to its own devices after a day of odd questions. So far he felt that the Zhix might not be the worst groups of people to form an alliance with. They were a bit insane, and Zac felt they might be crazed zealots, but he didnt sense much duplicity from them.


    If he could help them understand that cosmic energy wasnt some corruption, but rather a natural part of their new world, they might not attack everyone and everything. If he could use this hive to make alliances with the Zhix all over the world they might be in a far better position against the incursions. They clearly loved battle, and if they could change their focus from the so-called Dominators to the foreign invaders, then Zac would have allies that were likely even more useful than humanity.


    Still, it was a n in its infancy, and he wouldnt risk his town just for such a goal. If they showed any signs of betrayal he wouldnt hesitate in eradicating the hive. Luckily they werepletely isted in their ind, as seafaring was not their forte. With the waters being filled with dangerous things they were essentially stuck where they were unless Zac helped them.


    With all that in mind, he was once again heading for Adransmand tent and found the administrator neck-deep in various documents.


    Call the various leaders, Id like to have a meeting in an hour, Zac said as he immediately left, only hearing an acknowledgment as he left the door.


    Next he walked back to the Academy and found the schoolmistress lounging in a chair while overlooking the training field. Zac took out an intricate box from his pouch and handed it over to Alyn as he walked up to her.


    The upgraded array, he simply said.


    Perfect, I will set it up as they are resting, she said happily.


    How are things going? Zac asked.


    Splendid, no permanent disabilities as of yet, Alyn answered with some pride, drawing a pained grimace from Zac.


    Theyve had a tough life. I want them strong, but not to the point where half of them die or get crippled to get there, Zac said as he nced down at the demoness.


    Of course, I have it under control.


    Zac looked out over the field and saw the recruits stand in proper lines, following the movements of one of the demon soldiers who held the same type of spear as the others.


    I will need roughly a million nexus coins to get these recruits started. After that I expect them to be self-sufficient by hunting barghest or mining, Alyn said.


    Zac simply transferred the funds over to her, actually being a bit surprised by the low quote.


    From the way you equipped them I understand that you intend to follow my advice, giving them all uniform sses? she asked as she looked up at Zac, who nodded affirmatively.


    It would be good if you could find more recruits. Having a male battalion would be good as well, creating some friction between the genders. Add some rewards and punishment and we can probably see much higher improvements, she said.


    Theres roughly a week before the third wave appears, Ill see what I can do during that time, Zac said. Theres a meeting within the hour, I could use your input.


    Very well, Ill set up the array and have them work on their attributes. Theyre quite fragile at the moment and theres much room for improvement, she said.


    Zac made the rounds and invited those that needed to be at the meeting before they all conveyed at Adrans tent.


    I have gathered everyone here to discuss theing week, Zac began as he looked out over the gathered people.


    It was the various leaders that were part of nning Port Atwood, but also Sap Trang, Janos, Alea and Ilvere. He couldnt find Namys, and guessed she was guarding Ogras while he was in seclusion.


    You should all have seen the new people of Port Atwood. They are my first troop who will be training under Alyn, he began.


    Poor bastards, Ilvere muttered with a snort, eliciting a few chuckles around the table.


    There is also one of the insectoid beings on the ind called Ibtep, Zac continued. Earlier today I traveled to their ind and brokered a tentative peace with them. My wish is to incorporate them into Port Atwood, as they would be another strong addition to our forces. Their strength was surprisingly high even though they were stuck on an isted ind with few targets to hunt.


    Even though they had such a disadvantageous starting point, they are born warriors, and their leader was strong enough that maybe only the rankers and a few more in the world could contend with it, he said.


    The people looked quite surprised at the information, and the surprise only increased as Zac quickly recapped their battle. The surprise turned to shock when he exined Zhix society, and that the holiness was only in charge of this small hive, while there were leaders of huge hives out there in the world.


    Its lucky that they will attack anything with cosmic energy, as that puts them against the invasions as well, but I think you humans are in for trouble in the future unless you manage to broker peace. I rmend making use of the hive, turning them into ambassadors for other hives in the future. Not all hives will be on the brink of starvation, and as open tomunication as these ones were, Ilvere said.


    Ibtep is here for that very purpose. Show him around, and teach him about cosmic energy. I think the first step we need to take is to normalize the energy in the world, so they not think of it as corruption, and us as Fallen or Dominators, Zac agreed.


    But do not tell him anything about the iing monster horde. I dont want to risk them taking the opportunity to attack from a second front while we are already besieged. I also need you to figure out a way for us to be warned if they actually start digging toward the ind. Something with vibrations, maybe? Like how the earth mages felt the vibrations from the Ayr Ants digging.


    What followed was some discussion regarding whod be responsible to be the main liaison to Ibtep and the Zhix. Zac couldnt keep going back and forth or answer all the questions, as he was busy with so many other things.


    In the end it fell upon Zakarith to take care of it. She had been trained to be a merchant, which included both thenguage skills and knowledge of how to converse with people of various cultures. In fact she seemed pretty excited at the prospect of getting some real responsibilities instead of just babysitting the first group of humans.


    Next on the docket is myst trip, Zac said as he changed the subject.


    He briefly recounted the events during his trip, skipping over any sensitive information about his family.


    My goal is to get to the border towns of the Undead Incursion as soon as possible. Toward that end I will finish thest horde as fast as humanly possible. There will be no ten-day grind spree. Everyone has already gained years of wealth from the first two hordes, it is time for me to properly establish a force, he said as he looked out over the group.


    The warriors looked disappointed, but the others were generally positive. There were so many projects regarding the town that were put to hold due to the looming threat of the hordes, but as soon as they were dealt with the town building could begin in earnest.


    The reason Zac wanted to move as quickly as possible was since he wasnt willing to wait around any more in his search for Kenzie. He didnt wish for his experiences in Greenworth to repeat.


    I believe your best opportunity in the short run is the Auction you mentioned in three days, Adran said after some deliberation. Both for your personal goals and for Port Atwood.


    Oh? How so? Zac asked, intrigued.


    It sounds that your human leaders are putting on a big show for some reason. They likely have some goal in mind with gathering so many elites into one spot.


    Zac could only nod, as it was in line with his own belief and the information from the broker.


    That means there wont be only locals there. If they have a public array they likely have multiple private ones. They wouldnt open up an array to the public unless they felt safe doing so, and having reinforcementse from various towns around the world would generally do the trick.


    I believe that the auction is announced to local powerhouses at most Government Towns around the world, and the powerhouses who wish to go will use the private teleporters to get there. Them opening up the portal to the public two weeks before is likely in an attempt to find various unaffiliated forces like ourselves, the administrator continued.


    Zac hadnt even considered that fact, not having analyzed Julias too hard. Shed said that they had a teleporter since they were ahead of the curve, and Zac took it at face value. But there was nothing to say that there werent multiple towns around the world that had private Teleporters. If a somewhat small vige like Winterleaf Vige could pool their resources to build the array, then so could the government-owned towns.


    What youre saying is only making me less willing to go, not more, Zac said skeptically.


    Well, it is a risk, but also an opportunity. First of all, you might find some force that is located by the Undead Incursion. That way you can both gain more in-depth information, and perhaps even gain ess to their teleporter, and save months of travel time, he said.


    This also sounds like a great opportunity to make a great deal of money, Zakarith added. Natives seldom know the worth of many treasures, often since they might not be useful in the beginning when everyone is weak. Those treasures might only show their worth when making E-Grade gear, or trying to break through bottlenecks.


    So youre saying we should go there and gobble up any treasures that humanity have no way to evaluate at the moment? Zac asked, his heartbeat slightly speeding up in anticipation. No one hated making a lot of money.


    Precisely, the demoness said with an impish smile.


    Well, its fine by me, but I dont think I can learn all these kinds of things myself. I would either have to bring one of you or one of the Sky Gnomes. Can I even take the gnomes with me through the teleporter? Zac said.


    Everyone looked around hesitant, not sure about the answer.


    I think Yes? Zakarith finally said with some uncertainty. There are restrictions to their activities, but if the purpose is mercantile, such as attending an auction, I think it is fine? But you need to check it out with them though.


    Ogras would go. Janos suddenly said.


    Huh? Zac could only ask.


    Well Ogras kind of loves auctions Ilvere said with some hesitation, and it looked like a light dawned in the eyes of most of the old n members of AzhRezak. He was somewhat known to attend various auctions, spending his grandfathers money. I believe that trait of his was not part of his fake persona. He would definitely want to go if he is out of seclusion by then.


    Zac started to feel a headache as he imagined the haughty demon running around rampant in New Washington. If his current rtionship with the government was strained now, he couldnt imagine the demon making it better.


    He truly hoped the demon would still be in seclusion in three days. Then again, bringing the crafty demon might be even better than bringing Sap Trang. It would probably be more beneficial having him take care of any negotiations with the government.


    Well, hes busy at the moment so well see how it goes, Zac said nomittally.


    Thest thing I want to discuss is what to do about all the refugees scattered about our neighboring inds. Its time to make Port Atwood a proper town.

 Chapter 128: Excursion

    Chapter 128: Excursion


    I am thinking of extending an invitation to the various people in the area after the third wave is dealt with, Zac began. However, are there any groups that might wont make it until then?


    It was a fair question, as the refugees he took inst time were forced to set sail since conditions got too harsh on their ind. Since then a few weeks had passed, and things were only getting worse out in the wild.


    There are 3 settlements we can bring back before the auction, and another 2 before thest wave, Mr. Trang said after some deliberation. All of them are teetering on the edge of destruction, and they did not seem very organized. There were no real fortifications around their settlements, and the beasts must have done a number on them. However, we cant take too many each trip with our vessels, 15-20 people at the most per vessel.


    Zac sighed but nodded, indicating that theyd follow Sap Trangs lead. It was pretty clear that the groups theyd pick up before battle wouldnt be able to contribute to the war efforts.


    Is there any force that seemed strong amongt them? Zac asked


    Both the bestman camps looked pretty strong, Mr. Trang said. There was also one human town that was Odd.


    Odd how?


    Im not sure, it wasnt me who went there. It was thergest human settlement. They looked quite organized and no one seemed to be starving. However Mr. Nguyen said it was very eerie,


    Eerie? Zac asked doubtfully, to which Mr. Trang could only shrug his shoulders.


    Fetch those who went on that expedition, Zac said after some deliberation.


    If it was one of the small camps that was a bit off, then it was ok. But if it was thergest one he might need to intervene early.


    Soon a couple of demon soldiers and a very nervous old fisherman stood in front of Zac and the others.


    Can you exin what was odd about the town? Zac said as he looked them over.


    The scouts hesitantly looked at each other, until one of the demons from the expedition spoke up.


    I cant say for sure It was just a feeling, like there was something wrong about the people, he said.


    There were no children, another demon added after some additional silence.


    Zac didnt react for a few seconds before he gave a start at that. He had not really thought about it since there naturally were no children in Port Atwood, but he realized that wasnt really normal in arge settlement.


    Children had a rough time of it in general since the integration. The system awarded them no special protections, not even those who had the potential to be cultivators, letting them fend for themselves. The only exception was that children below the age of 7 were teleported with their parents if they entered the tutorial. Of course they werent part of the missions but were ced safely to the side.


    Otherwise the System was uncaring about the children of earth, and it was the same in the whole multi-verse. But the old factions and forces had established order long ago. Their towns werent on the brink of destruction from some monster hordes, and there was functioning training infrastructure within ns and at academies that would protect and prepare the young until they could gain strength. Children were seen as a resource and fiercely guarded, as it only took one genius or powerhouse to elevate a whole n to a new level, and each child held that potential.


    On Earth the adults could at least get stronger to defend themselves, but children could only hope to their parents were still around to protect them. Zac heard that the government was trying to set up something up for the young, but it was still in nning stages from what he understood. Many were already calling those below 16 when the integration came The Lost Generation, and Zac felt it fitting.


    Emily was part of the lost generation, though she was a bit better off with at least being 15 when the integration happened. But her fate before meeting Zac was indicative of how powerless children were in this new world.


    Zac had seen children in both New Washington and Greenworth, though they were generally apanied by their parents. But if all children of a whole settlement were missing as the scouts indicated something nefarious was might be going on.


    There was no real proof however, only some circumstantial odd facts, and since the people were both protected and looked fed he couldnt use his limited time on that settlement. He would have to check it out after thest wave.


    Everything was dealt with by now and the meeting was soon adjourned, and only an hourter four ships set sail together, with Zac standing on the fore of one of them. They were heading toward one of the inds that required immediate help, and Zac came along since he wanted to see the situation for himself. There was not much for him to do apart from pondering on the Dao at the moment in any case, and he could do that while sitting on a boat.


    Zac wasnt the only human on the vessels. He not only brought Sap Trang with him, but also a few of the stronger girls to give them some experience, and to let the refugees not only see people with horns. All of them, Mr. Trang included, were currently sitting down absorbing Nexus Crystals, not letting a second go to waste.


    The ind they were heading for was about three hours away, and when they arrived Zac saw that it looked about the same as any tropical ind. This one was even smaller than the Zhix ind, though there was no mountain taking up most of the space. They sailed around the shore for a few minutes until a run-down town came into view.


    It became increasingly clear that most of the settlements were various coastal towns taken from around the world ced on their own inds. Zac could only assume that the patch of forest he was located in before the integration was added on to the main ind to increase its size.


    The town looked quite colonial in its architecture, and Zac guessed it was from some ind in the Caribbean. The town might have been the type of idyllic ce you saw on postcards back in the day, with brightly colored houses and beautiful cobblestone paths, but now it gave off a far more dour feeling.


    Many buildings were marred with scratches and cracks, and some even had splotches of blood on them. It looked like only part of the town was randomized to this location, as it seemed that the part with any marina or harbor was missing. The section in front of them was mainly lined with beautiful pristine beaches, making it seem like a perfect tourist destination.


    The four Creator vessels simply ran up on the beach itself, their inscribed hulls taking no damage at all from the somewhat roughnding. The eight people Zac brought for the expedition swiftly jumped off and were led by one of the demons who initially scouted out the town.


    There are a few fortified buildings in the center, we think most of the survivors are holed up there, the demon said.


    Soon they reached the buildings the demon mentioned, and Zac saw it was likely once a small hotel that was turned into a base. It was lined with a simple wall of sacks filled with sand and spikes were erected among them.


    It was also clear that the ce was popted since the hotel was currently under attack by gigantic rats. A quick nce at Sap Trang showed him nching, perhaps remembering his own ordeals. Zac wondered if this kind of vermin had some sort of advantage, as overgrown rats was a problem in almost all settlements from what he heard.


    Having the capability to quickly grown in numbers was a huge asset when Cosmic Energy ensured that anything would growrge. Even if a bear got stronger it might only have a few cubs in its lifetime, whereas a rat could have hundreds of kids.


    Zac could see a few people desperately fending off the rat tide that pushed against the defenses, there were a few breaches where a few people desperately swung everything from clubs to frying pans in an effort to keep the monsters outside the perimeter. The rats were around level 15 to 25, and Zac felt it was a decent target practice for the girls.


    Go help them out, Zac said as he stayed put. The monsters werent too numerous, and there was no point in him or the demons going out and stealing the experience.


    Soon the three girls and Sap Trang were wildly swinging against the mice, quickly getting sshed in rat blood. Zac saw that Mr. Trang now was using a sword resembling a cuss. With his old patchy cloth and leathery skin, he looked very much the part of an elderly pirate. Every now and then he also unleashed a few small water sprouts that impaled the rats, but it didnt look very effective. Likely the skill would be stronger if he was at sea and had free water to use.


    In just a few minutes most of the horde was dealt with, and Zac felt it was enough at this point. He walked up close to the battlements and simply released his aura. Pandemonium erupted among the surviving rats, and with panicked screeches they fled in all directions.


    Zac quickly retracted his aura and looked over his panting soldiers.


    Good job, he said with a small smile as he saw them looking down with disgust at their drenched bodies. Youll have to wipe that grime off before we return, I dont want rat blood all over my ships.


    Afterward he turned over to the people hiding behind the battlements or were peering out from windows of the hotel.


    Hello, Im Zac. I understand you requested some help from my scouts the other day, he said to the people of the ind.


    He could hear some muted voices for a bit until a man spoke up from behind.


    Are you from some government?


    No. They are an endless distance away on the maind, and theyre barely able to maintain order in their own towns, let alone sending out rescue missions to our archipgo, Zac said.


    They seemed disappointed in the news, but a few people still stepped out from the barricades, warily hefting their makeshift weapons.


    Whats the catch? one of the women suddenly asked. Were all fighting for our lives here, I dont believe youre just traveling around the sea to save people.


    I need workers. I am building a town from scratch, and need everything from farmers to fishermen to local business owners, Zac said. Of course, if you want to keep fighting that is more than wee. Warriors are always needed in this messed up world. But let me be clear; there is no social security, no freebies. There are no monsters and no risk to your lives in my town, but I have no use for freeloaders.


    They all perked up when he mentioned the safety. Zac didnt mention anything about the third wave, feeling that it would onlyplicate things.


    Besides, how long can you stay like you are? You barely fended off these little guys, he said as he waved at the rat carcasses. The monsters will keep getting tougher, and there is safety in numbers.


    It didnt take much more convincing than that, and soon four Creator vessels filled to the rafters with refugees were heading back to Port Atwood.

 Chapter 129: Final Preparations

    Chapter 129: Final Preparations


    Zac sat in a secluded area of the academy with his eyes closed. They returned yesterday with the first batch of citizens, with them being given a brief introduction while they sailed. The demon''s appearance once again caused quite a stir, but since they were stuck on a boat with open ocean all around they couldnt just run away. After some talking down they were somwhat okay since both Zac and the warriors who fought the rats were human after all.


    Almost as soon as they arrived at Port Atwood the boats set out again for the next ind. If they were going to rescue all groups before the third wave started they would have to essentially keep sailing around the clock. There was the option of buying arger transport vessel from the Creators, but they cost over ten million nexus coins.


    Zac could afford it, but he wanted to hold on to his money with both the auction and the third waveing up. Zac didnt join the following expeditions, instead choosing to focus on his meditation. The new townspeople were mainly guided around by Megan and her group.


    Megan and the others had quickly improved their attitude since Zac brought the women from Greenworth. Zac hadnt given any order to keep the state of the world secret, and soon everyone on the ind knew about how much the world had actually fallen. Emily had already told them as much, but she was considered biased since she essentially lived a cushy life in Zacs mansion.


    But hearing one horror story after another helped the former refugees realize that being stuck on this ind wasnt too bad. There was food, and there was safety. There even were a steady amount of Nexus Crystals avable for purchase, so they could quickly advance in levels without risking their lives. Zac was even providing them with a modest sry as long as theypleted their daily tasks.


    Currently it came out of Zacs own pocket, but as soon as he became a Lord he could start taxing his citizens. At that point hed want as many citizens as possible to add value to the town.


    Instead of helping out with the rescue efforts Zac went to the Gravity Array in the Academy. His original n was to focus on the Dao of Sharpness, but his recent inspiration into Heaviness in Greenworth changed his mind. He chose to sit and meditate in the Gravity Array cranked to the max since he thought the feeling of heavy pressure all over might assist him in his venture.


    Hed been sitting there for almost a full day by now, and finally got up to his feet and stretched. The improved array brought the pressure up to 25 times the normal amount and could cover arge field rather than just the small camp. The trainees still normally trained in ten times the gravity though, since they generally copsed in a heap when they tried anything higher than that.


    He nodded toward Alyn who was busy screaming at one of the girls as he walked away. During his day in the array he would sometimes spectate the training while he was resting. What hed seen had been quite jarring. He could understand why the woman was fired from her teaching position since she truly held nothing back when she was instructing these people.


    She normally was very calm and adorned a smiling face, just like when she was teaching him in the caves. But she could also explode into a furious tirade when someone didnt live up to her expectations. Her verbal assaults could even put most drill sergeants to shame. That wasnt all, she even had gotten a hold of a tool that could best be described as a grenade.


    It was a small inscription powered by a single Nexus Crystal that exploded in a concussion wave when thrown. It would st away any unaware person, though not dealing any real damage. She used it any time she felt someone waszing about. Worse yet, Zac learned that the cost of the bomb came out of the pockets of the one she attacked. He considered stopping her then and there but judging by the reactions of the recruits they didnt mind, and it only spurred them on further.


    He went to the Thayer Consortia next, and an excited Calrin moved to wee him.


    Lord Zac, it is good to see you. I hope the pills I procured for you met your expectations, he said, his eyes shining with greed. Incidentally, I heard a customer mention an auction taking ce soon?


    Zacs mouth couldnt help tugging upward as he looked down at the little Sky Gnome that was almost bouncing around in excitement.


    I thought you couldnt leave thispound, why is this of interest for you?


    Were not some prisoners. We can leave the building any time we want, but most of our family are quite weak. Once upon a time we had mighty warriors to protect the Thayer n, but all of them defected, not wanting to impact their future cultivation. Shortsighted fools, he exined in a huff.


    We can leave anytime, though we generally need to stay within your town. We have the same restrictions as all other foreigners on this emerging, and our special protections doesnt expand outside our buildings. We are also barred from various things such as most types of quests and procuringnd, he exined.


    However, I actually got a quest! A money-making quest! I can leave with you and go to the auction. Who knows what precious things that you idi- ehm, you newly integrated humans, will sell off to a fraction of their value, Calrin eximed.


    It looked like his reason for visiting the consortia had sorted itself out.


    Very well, you cane with me. I need someone who can spot the valuables after all. However, you are representing Port Atwood and the Thayer Consortia, not just yourself. You might also need to assist in negotiations, Zac said.


    He wondered what reactions the little blue gnome would elicit, but he didnt really mind exposing him since he was just a mercantile user whose origins were easily exinable. He was not only good at sniffing out treasures, but he was also quite a talker, and could maybe help smooth out Port Atwoods somewhat harsh first impression.


    As he walked back toward the inner area he quickly heard the bustling noise of activity. Since only the inner wall waspleted the real construction of the town couldnt start yet. Anything built in the future residential or crafting districts would likely be reduced to rubble as soon as the next wave arrived. All the new citizens would need a temporary ce to stay though, and arge number of buildings were being added to the temporary town inside the walls.


    As he walked the streets he saw many unfamiliar faces. It was the refugees that were continuously pouring in from the ships shuttling back and forth between inds. As more and more humans joined the town the shock the demons created was getting smaller. Still, many had just arrived and nced curiously or fearfully at the demons who passed them by.


    The infusion of people was quickly increasing the liveliness of the town, especially as he even heard some childrensughter as he walked. He curiously looked over and saw a few children actually gather some distance away from the Zhix, with their parens fearfully keeping them from rushing up to it.


    Zac was surprised to see the insectoid actually being able to wave his antennae, and he kept waving them at the children who excitedly waved back. It also held argerva in a hand, but it was clear no one was interested in his greeting gift.


    As soon as the Zhix spotted Zac it perked up and put therva away as it walked over, the two demon guards following closely in tow, both balefully ring at the insectoid. Zac briefly wondered if there would actually be people who would take the Zhixs offer ofbat to the death.


    Greetings. I have something to discuss with you if you have the time? Ibtep said as it closed in on Zac.


    Sure, lets head over there, Zac said as he pointed toward Adransmand tent that was just around the corner.


    Soon they found themselves at a table in a partition of therge tent.


    I have walked among your kind and the horned ones for two days, and I can almost certainly conclude that you truly are not part of the Dominators or the Fallen, the Zhix started.


    Uh, thanks I guess? Zac said with some confusion.


    I would like to report back to my ind, detailing my findings. I understand your vessels are continuously moving between inds, and would like to ride along, he said.


    Youre heading home already? Zac asked.


    No, I would still like to keep observing, so I would hope that you can pick me up again as well. More importantly, I wish to join your expedition through the magic transfer construction, he said.


    The first part is no problem but the second part Uh Might be a problem. Thest time Zhix teleported to where we are going they went berserk and started killing everyone, Zac said hesitantly.


    It sounds correct. Zealots passing through the array for a death assault against the Dominators. Their progeny will be well taken care of. Of course, a misguided action in this new world. However, I find it very troubling that there is a Zhix settlement that has so readily built a such a transfer device, Ibtep said.


    Troubling why? Zac asked confused.


    I exined what happened with our so-called Nexus Crystal. The Holiness sealed it away since it was overflowing with corruption. Most of the Anointed should have acted the same, avoiding usage of such a device. That a hive already is using it to the degree of sending out death assaults is a problem.


    Either they are even more open-minded than us. That is unlikely since what the holiness did by speaking to you was unprecedented. If our situation wasnt so dire you would have been assaulted to ourst man. The other alternative is That the hive is not adverse to using corruption, Ibtep said with a frown.


    Youre saying that they might be the so-called Dominators from your old world? Didnt you say they were eradicated in a great war?


    Thats the official belief, but there should be traitors surviving. The power of corruption has always been alluring, Ibtep said.


    I dont understand what this has to do with youing with me? Zac questioned skeptically.


    I wish to find out more about the other hives, and information here is limited. It seems I also need to warn you humans about the Dominators, for both our sakes, Ibtep said with some worry.


    Why do you believe that they will be such a problem that humanity needs to be warned? They sound dangerous, but everyone is getting powerful, erasing their advantage, Zac asked, feeling a bit unconvinced. Besides, your kind already defeated them without any power.


    Well, I will breach a precept since I think this is too important not to discuss. Discussing the powers of the Anointed is taboo, but you should know we have adder just like you. Most on thedder are the Anointed, since between administering rites and their natural superior constitution they should be far more suited to this new world than you or me.


    However, there are a few who have not shown their true names, using various pseudonyms. Some thought before it was due to shame, not wanting to show how many of their hives had died under their watch since every death makes the Anointed stronger. In fact, all the top five names on our Power Ladder use pseudonyms.


    But there has always been another possibility. Those with the fake names might be the Dominator traitors, who were afraid to be exposed. That would exin why their power is higher. They started already being full of corruption before the integration, Ibtep concluded.


    I still dont see your point? Zac probed.


    Those with pseudonyms are all around level 100.

 Chapter 130: The Motley Crew

    Chapter 130: The Motley Crew


    WHAT?! Zac asked, shocked. Thats impossible.


    He wasnt saying that without any reason. He had proof in the form of his own titles. He was the first to reach level 25 and attain a ss, and it was just impossible that someone not only caught up to him, but even gained another 50 levels.


    Can you please show me, I need to verify the truth of it, Zac finally said.


    After exining how to show status screens or other menus of the System, he soon nkly stared at a small hovering box.


    <strong>[3. Inevitability. Level 98]</strong>


    The Zhix was unwilling to share the whole list, but that single line was all Zac needed to know the Zhix wasnt lying.


    Holy shit Zac could only mutter.


    Countless questions whirled in his head suddenly, the foremost one being how the hell this was possible. The only exnation he coulde up with was that these Dominators didnt start at level one since they already used Cosmic Energy before the integration. He actually had no idea what happened in that case, and missive didnt really say anything about it either. It did, however, mention that sometimes the invaders encountered extremely strong resistance.


    As for the titles they were either split up between the races like thedder, or old cultivators werent eligible for them. Zac could only hope it was thetter since it was bad enough if the Dominators were level 100 E-Rank powerhouses. If they also had the First-Titles as well with all their big percentage bonuses they might as well pack it up and look for ways to get off this.


    Level 100 was no joking matter. It was a full 25 levels past the bottleneck at 75. Since they were actually past the bottleneck it meant that they all held Dao seeds and an E-Ranked ss by now. Not only that, the improvements per level after the bottleneck were a lotrgerpared to before. They would be in apletely different leaguepared to beasts like the Fiend Wolf he fought earlier, who barely had passed the threshold.


    If youbined that fact together with the extremely strong bodies the leaders seemed to possess, it made a truly terrifying image. He held no illusions that hed be able to defeat something at level 100 even with all his titles, especially not considering their natural endowments.


    With that amount of power, they were even arger threat than the incursions. After all, they didnt just possess monstrous individual power, they also hadrge Zhix hives full of zealous warriors who were happy to go on a rampage against anything with cosmic energy. He even suspected that many had no idea they were following a so-called Dominator since they clearly were hiding and biding their time for some purpose.


    I think you understand my worry, human. I need to gather more information, and hopefully we can warn other hives, Ibtep said.


    Though it was like a risk Zac felt he had no choice but to bring Ibtep by this point. The Zhix was right, humans needed to be aware of this fact. And a real walking and talking Zhix would be far more effective than just him saying it without any real proof.


    Ok, you cane. Talk to Adran and get a crystal for thenguage skill <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>. Otherwise, the humans wont understand your words. We leave in the morning in two days, so make sure you finish your report home before that, Zac finally relented.


    The crystals came from various demons who bought it at the Contribution shop and then traded it for Nexus Crystals or Nexus Coins with Adran. Since Zac felt it was an extremely important skill, and Calrin still wasnt able to buy a batch through the Mercantile System, he offered quite generous prices for them.


    Oh, and figure out a way to pass the message to the hives without anyone approaching. There are few humans who are willing to do what I did, and force themselves into a hive to leave a message. We can probably drop a message down from the sky or shoot it at them from a long distance though, Zac added after some thought.


    The next day was quite uneventful, as Zac simply trained most of the time except when he went back to his mansion to eat something and perhaps watch some movies. The new building held a proper viewing room almost looking like a luxurious cinema. Except for the fact that there wererge soft leather couches ced in groups and a myriad of pelts and pillows created with soft wolf fur. Unfortunately, with the new looming threat it was hard to rx, even with his improved living conditions.


    Finally the day of the Auction arrived, and Zac got himself ready. This time he didnt wear any shoes as he didnt know what would happen when a blue Gnome and a Zhix stepped through the teleporter, and he needed to be able to block a potential attack.


    Hed already handed the Zhix one of the armors that held a single defensive charge through an inscription, the very same type that hed used in the beginning before he got his upgrade. As for the little Gnome he wasnt as worried since he was quite sure that many of the various items he wore were defensive treasures.


    He said goodbye to a brooding Emelie who was angry she wasnt allowed toe with them this time either and headed toward the array. Everyone else was already waiting outside the teleportation building, the Zhix once again donning his huge backpack instead of using the Cosmic Sack.


    It wasnt the first time he did it, and when Zac asked why the first time Ibtep exined that his snacks couldnt enter the pouch while they were fresh.


    I hear there are exciting things going on. Count me in, Zac suddenly heard as the shadows of the building congealed into a familiar person.


    Zac felt a headacheing on as he saw Ogras emerge with an excited face.


    I thought you were busy training, Zac could only say with a sigh.


    Its all done. I cant leave all the fun to you and that blue little bastard, he said with a sneer at Calrin, who responded with a gesture that Zac could only assume was offensive.


    What about your identity?


    I got the report from Ilvere. There are supposedly four worlds that got knocked together, right? So why shouldnt there be a fourth species? Ill just say that we didnt spawn in your maind area since we prefer hotter climates. That should match well with your silly old depictions of us demons, Ogras said with a dismissive wave of his hand.


    Clearly, nothing would detract him from joining in on the fun.


    Hello, demon leader. I am Ibtep, ambassador of the Zhix. Would you like a snack? the Zhix suddenly said as he walked up with arge squirmingrva in his hand. Its freshly caught.


    Nice to meet you, Im Ogras. Heres a fruit that you cant find on this world, give it a try, the demon responded as he took out a nasty-looking thing from his cosmos sack.


    The fruit looked twisted and shrunken and had quite an acrid smell. It wasnt anything Zac had seen before, and more importantly not something hed ever put in his mouth. He suspected it was a prank Ogras pulled as a response to being fed insects, but clearly the Zhix didnt mind. Soon the two of them were munching away, and Zac wasnt sure who he should be more grossed out at.


    Um, Ibtep, why do you keep offering Snacks to people? Zac couldnt help asking, as Ibtep and hisrva were starting to be a talking point in Port Atwood.


    I learned this trick from the previous Anointed. If you need to make a good impression offer the other party a snack, and they will be more amenable afterward, it said with some pride in its eyes, and Zac had to admit that it made some sense, though it might need to change what was considered a snack.


    Zac was silently looking over his small team that would represent Port Atwood, and couldnt help but start sweating. He wasnt sure whether the team looked like an alien invasion or a traveling circus. They were only missing Karunthel, the Creator Foreman with his monstrous spider legs, to round out the image. Sap Trang seemed to understand what was going through his mind, and could only wryly smile and shrug.


    Zac still brought the old fisherman as he wanted to have someone represent humans, and not just bring aliens, and it felt even more poignant now with Ogras entering the fray. Mr. Trang had even gotten a makeover for the asion, now donning clothes simr to the E-Grade Robes Zac wore. Of course, they were without the powerful inscriptions.


    Zac could only sigh shrug his shoulders and turn toward the array.


    Wait a few seconds before entering. I have to warn them or something. And dont do anything stupid, he said as he activated the array.


    In a short moment he once again arrived in New Washington. To his surprise he found himself in another buildingpared to the one he arrived inst time. They had moved the array from the ustrophobic little room without windows into a huge lobby.


    For a second he felt that he was at an airport, as in front of him there was a security checkpoint. There was a counter with thick bulletproof ss, and a person sat behind it. There were also quite a few soldiers walking around, and a prickling sensation told him that a gun was pointed at him from some hidden angle.


    Before he had time to do much of anything a man rushed toward him.


    Mr Monk, it is good to see you again. I am Adam. We have be- the man began, but Zac quickly spoke over him.


    Sorry to interrupt, but instruct your soldiers to not fire. A few more are arriving from Port Atwood, and they are not human, Zac quickly said.


    The man looked surprised but acted quickly as he turned around and shouted a few orders.


    Not long after the array shed again and the party arrived one by one. The first who entered was Mr. Trang, making the greeter throw a confused nce at Zac. However, with every new person emerging after Sap his eyes widened a bit further.


    Thest to emerge through the teleporter was Ibtep, who curiously nced around until his eyesnded on Adam, who by now was openly gaping as he stared at the odd party. Any activity had stopped in the lobby as well, as everyone was warily looking at the group, the silence almost palpable.


    The Zhix didnt hesitate and resolutely walked up to Adam, making many aim their weapons at Ibtep.


    Hello, human leader. Would you like a snack? he said, holding arge wriggling grub up to the startled man.


    This is Ibtep, hes a part of Port Atwood and not an enemy, Zac quickly added.


    Ah.. uh Well, wee everyone, Adam managed to say as he hesitantly epted thergerva. I am sorry, but could you please wait here? I am not sure about the protocols when encountering new species. I need to contact my superiors.


    Thats fine, Zac said and ushered the group to a group of sofas closeby.


    Whats with all these rules and regtions? Ogras muttered annoyed, but still went with the others. It shouldnt be soplicated. If people make trouble after arriving, kill them. If not, leave them be.


    Basic bureaucracy is a cornerstone of a civilized society, Calrin said after casting a scathing nce at the demon. Not like you demons would understand, with your clusters beingwless hellholes.


    Ogras didnt seem to mind and only grinned back at the Gnome.


    What otherws do you need except thew of the jungle? he retorted.


    The two had developed a rapport over the months that made Zac unsure whether they were good friends or bitter enemies. It was clear that the two were gearing up for an argument, but luckily something interrupted them.


    The teleportation array shed into life once again, and not long after a group of people emerged. They all wore high-quality gear that Zac assumed could only be bought through the system as he could spot fractals on various spots.


    There were three of them, with the one in the front being an elderly man in at least his sixties. However, he looked to be in good vigor with sharp eyes and a ramrod-straight back. His beard and hair were meticulously cut, and he even radiated a bit of an aura. Everything about him oozed authority, and Zac guessed he was someone in power before the fall. Either a prominent businessman or a politician.


    Another man looked like a bodyguard, warily looking around. He also had arge shield fastened to his back, and Zac assumed he was able to equip it at moments notice if needed. When the man saw Zac and the others his brows furrowed, and he slightly repositioned himself toward them.


    His movements were ignored by the old man who looked straight ahead, but they were noticed by thest person, a woman somewhere in her twenties. She was quite tall, reaching over 170 cm, and she seemed to possess an almost feline grace. Her movements reminded Zac of the demon scout he fought long ago. She had been slippery as an eel, freely moving through the treetops as easily as walking on the ground. But the woman in front of Zac right now gave even him a distinct sense of danger, far more than any human hed met thus far.


    She was beautiful, but not overly so. The most memorable thing about her, however, was her piercingly blue eyes. She looked quite intrigued as she nced at their odd group, particrly at Ogras and Calrin.


    Grandpa, the girl softly said, bringing the old mans attention to Zac and his group.


    When he saw the Zacs motley crew his face changed the first time since exiting the teleportation array. The trio was known clearly known to the people of New Washingon, as another representative hurried up to them and wanted to show them the way out.


    However, the old man simply ignored the liaison and walked toward the sofa group.

 Chapter 131: The Marshall Clan

    Chapter 131: The Marshall n


    The old man stopped a few meters away from Zacs group, slowly looking over each and everyone with a frown.


    Humanity is on the brink of extinction, and youre consorting with the enemy? he said with a terse voice.


    Allies are allies, enemies are enemies. Why bring race into it? Sap Trang answered with a congenial smile. We old folk need to learn to embrace change in this new world if we wish our children to flourish in the future.


    The old man only snorted and left it at that, leaving with his twopanions in tow. The girl took ast nce at the party before they passed the security checkpoint and left the area.


    Zac looked over at hispany, but saw that none of them had taken offense at the words. Calrin didnt care since there was no money involved, and Ibtep kept looking around the structure with fascination. As for Ogras, he seemed to consider the short exchange a form of entertainment.


    Finally some interesting things are happening after all these dull months, he said with a smile.


    Zac only sighed in response, thankful he had Mr. Trang with him to take care of things. They didnt have to wait for long until he saw Julia rush toward them.


    Mr. Monk, it is good to see you again. You never told us that Port Atwood was such a Cultural melting pot, she said with a forced smile.


    Well, as I said, were living in an isted ce, and we needed to cooperate to survive, Zac answered with a shrug. We just spoke with an interesting group led by an old man, who were they?


    They, ah, are VIP guests, she said and leaned over after ncing around and continued in a whisper.


    They were the Marshall n. As in Thea Marshal, the strongest woman in the world. That was her in the flesh, she whispered, unable to hide her excitement.


    The strongest woman huh? Too bad shes a bit in, Ogras said with a sigh.


    This is Ogras AzhRezak, the, uh, representative for the demons of Port Atwood, Zac said with a sigh.


    I am pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. AzhRezak. Wee to New Washington, the beacon of humanity, Julia said with a smile, seemingly unperturbed to see a foreign species.


    The mapping of our new is a bit limited, and we have yet to encounter either you, or your other friends, kind before, she asked, obviously hoping for some sort of exnation, but Ogras only smiled in response.


    Calrin Thayer of Thayer consortia. From the moment Iy my eyes of you I felt you were a woman of principle and discerning taste. I am therefore extending a ten percent discount on your first purchase in one of our stores as a greeting gift, the gnome said as he stood up and made a simile of an aristocrats bow.


    How generous, thank you. I hope to visit your store soon. I unfortunately have nothing to offer except this pamphlet about the rules and regtions of New Wash- Julia said while handing out a brochure, but stopped herself and looked over at the Ibtep who had stood up and moved toward her during the conversation.


    Hello female human. I am Ibtep, ambassador of the Anointed. At your convenience Id like to discuss matters of grave importance. Also, please ept this snack as a greeting gift, he solemnly said, this time holding up a decentlyrge caterpir.


    Julia couldnt help but grimace when she saw the wiggling insect, almost going so far as taking a step away.


    I am afraid cant ept this gift of yours. Unfortunately I am a bit sick and has trouble eating at the moment. However we are very much open for a dialogue. We have been hoping to establish diplomatic rtions with the Zhix for some time.


    That leaves Mr. Trang. He represents the humans of Port Atwood, Zac finished his introduction and Julia cordially greeted him as well before turning back to Zac.


    And what is your responsibility? Julia asked with a questioning nce.


    Uh Spiritual guidance? Zac answered as he scratched the back of his head, prompting a snort from the demon.


    His head wasnt bald like a monks anymore, but it was still extremely short. Apparently hair grew slower and slower as Vitality increased, rather than the opposite. It had something to do with the fact that hair was made from dead cells, and cells died at a much slower rate for the evolved.


    It was possible to quickly grow it out again with the help of Cosmic Energy, but he felt it was more convenient to let it be, as it both saved time on maintenance and he wouldnt get anything in his eyes during battle.


    Julia clearly looked skeptical, but let it be.


    With your identities being a bit unique we unfortunately cant let your group venture out into the town until all details have been confirmed. However, I will personally take you to the venue for the auction, she said.


    This way gentlemen, the auction is starting soon, and you are amongst thest to arrive, Julia continued as she guided them out of the building.


    Oh? There are many parties that have arrived through the teleporter? Sap Trang asked curiously.


    There are a surprising amount of forces around the world that has a private teleporter. It is unfortunate, there is in a way a hugework of nodes over the world that could assist humanitys war efforts, but its currently not useable, Julia answered, skirting any actual numbers.


    All of the people, even Mr. Trang, curiously nced all around, as it was the first time theyd seen a proper human town. Sap Trang was interested as well, as hed spent most of his life in his small fishing vige, except for when he was in the army.


    The Auction will take ce at the National Opera, it is most convenient if we take a car there, please this way, she said as she led them to a limousine that was waiting.


    Your kind has made some interesting things, Ogras said as he fiddled around with the mini-fridge inside as they drove through the town. We should bring a few of these things back to Port Atwood.


    I brought a few backst trip, they are more suited for our terrain than this one, Zac only answered.


    Excellent.


    Your hives are quite spread out. It seems inconvenient to defend, the Zhixmented as it looked out through a window.


    Our defensive systems have evolved over the years to not really depend on things such as walls anymore. However, with the change to our world, building proper walls has once again be a priority, Julia answered with a smile.


    After driving for fifteen minutes they arrived at the venue. There clearly had been some beasts roaming about once upon a time, as there was some damage that had been fixed up at various spots. However, the structure still looked quite grand. The ceilings were over ten meters high, and the whole area was covered in red carpet.


    I will leave you here as there are quite a few matters I need to arrange. There are spots reserved for you, just show an attendant this ticket when the auction starts, Julia said to Zac as she handed him a piece of paper. Oh, and please remember to follow the guidelines in the pamphlet. Your party will stand out, but please try to avoid causing conflict. We will speak again after the event.


    With that she sped away, leaving the group to gawk at the gaudy disy. However, there were quite a few hints that the event was not some posh g. Zac spotted a few military vehicles parked outside, and the entrance was lined with a row of soldiers. There were also dozens of cultivators with various weapons who stood at the ready, decked in riot gear.


    The actual guests were actually fewer than the soldiers and the attendants, but Zac was still surprised by the numbers as they walked inside. The doors to the actual venue were still closed, so the guests were milling about in the huge lobby, making small talk and mingling. It was an extremely weird contrast, seeing people in armor and sword holding sses of champagne or eating canaps.


    Zac noted with some surprise there were even some groups of Ishiate present, mostly standing by themselves. Zac even spotted a familiar face among their kind standing by the side of a few other ishiate who were simrly dressed in simple but sturdy gear.


    It was also the first time he saw the other type of Ishiate, who wore far more urban clothing. Their gear was almost modern, and they even carried rudimentary hot weapons like blunderbusses and muskets. It was clear that the two groups still were at odds, as they stood in two separate cliques.


    As Zac and his group made their entrance a lull in the conversation spread over the floor as most parties curiously looked at them. They likely struck quite the image with three types of aliens and the odd clothing of himself and Mr. Trang. Zac stood out even further as he walked around barefoot, as he refused to lose the ability to use <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>with this many powerful people around.


    Wow you humans auctions are a bit dull, Im not seeing a single fight, Ogras said as he looked around with some disappointment. And Im also starting to wonder if you are mentally sound. You humans can obviously build decent structures not just in the movies, but you chose to live in a tin can in the woods?


    I told you I was out camping with friends when the integration happened, Zac said with a sigh.


    I just dont understand why you would like to live like a poor person surrounded by trees, the demon retorted, but let the subject go.


    Okay, its some time before the auction starts. Please behave, and keep information about Port Atwood at the minimum. Mr. Trang, please stay with Ibtep, Zac said, but immediately groaned when Ogras turned into shadows.


    He appeared again next to a startled waiter, and snatched up two sses of champagne and downed them in quick order before starting to walk around. The Sky Gnome didnt linger either and unhesitantly moved toward a party of humans, likely eager to make some business connections.


    He turned around and looked at a helpless Mr. Trang and was about to leave to speak with Ss who stood amongst the other beastkin, but stopped with a frown as he saw a party heading his way. It only took a second to realize that these people werent moving toward him to socialize, but to create trouble. It was also clear that he wasnt the target, but it was rather the Zhix who still curiously looked around at the luxurious interiors.


    Zac could only sigh as he knew that this would likely happen sooner orter when he brought Ibtep. The Zhix might not go out of their way to kill people, and mainly holed themselves in their hives, but that didnt change the fact that quite a few humans had died by their hands since the integration started. It was inevitable that some would want some revenge, even if it was only at the species responsible for the atrocities.


    You have a lot of balls bringing one of those <em>things</em> here, one of the front men growled as he balefully red at the Zhix.


    I dont know your history with the Zhix, but we have brought Ibtep here in order to help facilitate peace between our species. Our main priority should be the incursions rather than fighting amongst natives, Sap Trang said, trying to defuse the situation.


    Hello human, I am Ibtep, the Zhix said, ignoring Zacs attempts to signal it to let Sap Trang talk. I am sorry there has been some confusion between our people, resulting in idental deaths. On the bright side it is only weakness leaving your swarm, making it stronger.


    Zac could only shake his head as he heard the words. He knew that the Zhix truly thought the words were consoling. The Zhix were really pragmatic in that way, believing that if someone died like that they cant have been too strong anyway. It was pure Darwinism in a sense, though Zac didnt feel that type of mindset really worked in this new world with Cosmic Energy.


    What the FUCK is this thing saying? YOU BASTARDS KILLED MY WHOLE HOMETOWN! another of the threatening men roared, his eyes bulging in anger.


    It seemed to have been some sort of a signal as the whole group drew their weapons, all of them radiating strong killing intent.


    Zac could only sigh and bring out his wooden club.

 Chapter 132: New Friends

    Chapter 132: New Friends


    The roar put a damper on the conversation in the whole area, and the guests curiously looked at the source of themotion. Mr. Trang nced worriedly at Zac, who could only move up next to the two. Mr. Trang''s power had improved quite a bit recently, however Zac sensed that Sap would barely manage to handle one of these people, let alone the whole group. He had to take over from here.


    There were also multiple guards who moved closer with their guns at the ready. However, they didnt seem interested in breaking up the fight, and Zac could understand why. Most of the people in this room were likely powerhouses, and butting in was a good way to get yourself killed. The army was likely there to protect the venue and government officials from attacks rather than mediating disputes between cultivators.


    Let me take it from here Ibtep, Zac said as he turned toward the group. Ibtep is not from any hive you have encountered, as their hive hasnt harmed any humans. Our goal is to stop the fighting between our species, so please go away.


    Fuck you, insect-lover, another in the group spat as they all rushed forward.


    Zac briefly considered pushing out his aura but decided against it. The Marshals were in the room, and they should have no problemparing Theas power against his, and from there figure out his identity.


    Instead he decided to rely on the same wooden club that he used to subdue the Zhix warriors as he walked forward. The air screamed as the club danced through the air with almost impossible speed. There was a quick session of deep thuds followed by flying bodies, and in just below 5 seconds the whole group was lying unconscious spread out on the floor.


    Zac grimaced when he saw that most of the eyes in the room suddenly were upon him. Some looked intrigued, others afraid, and some calcting. He even saw the people from the Marshall n intently stare at him from a group of sofas in the distance, where they were surrounded by a group of sycophants. It almost felt like the intensive stare of Thea Marshall was going to burn a hole in his head, so he quickly turned away.


    HA HA! GOOD THWONKING! a booming voice was heard across the whole room as thergest man Zac had ever seen walked toward him, holding a whole tray of canaps.


    The man was so huge that Zac wondered if humans could mutate like beasts, growing out of proportions. He was well over two meters tall, and not the thin and wiry type of tall. Thick bulging muscles covered every inch of him, giving him the impression of a walking behemoth.


    He also carried the nastiest weapon Zac had ever seen on his back, a huge club asrge as a tree trunk, where the head of the club was actually the cranium of some unknown beast. The skull was extremely uneven with many bulges and bumps, and looked quite gnarly.


    Its make was actually a bit reminiscent of his own weapon, <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, as it carried the same type of primal aura. Zac instinctively felt it might actually be a Spiritual Tool just like his own. All in all the man gave out a dense aura of power, and Zac knew this man was far stronger than the rabble he just clobbered. His size and muscle clearly werent just for show, and he gave off a quite imposing feeling.


    The Zhix by his side obviously had a simr impression of the giant.


    Greetings your Holiness, Ibtep immediately said it walked up to therge human and gave a deep bow. I am Ibtep, ambassador of N, Anointed of the hive of Kundevi. Strength to your hive.


    The huge man nkly stared at the Zhix for a few seconds, and even Zac nked out for a bit before he understood what was going on.


    Uh Ibtep, the humans dont have any Anointed, he is just veryrge.


    Impossible, with this frame he must be anointed by the God of War, the Zhix staunchly rebutted.


    To Zacs surprise, a well-dressed middle-aged man next to the giant stepped forward and gave a proper bow in response.


    Greetings Ibtep of hive Kundevi. This is Mayor Thwonkin Billy of Billyville. We are pleased to make your acquaintance, he said with a proper British ent.


    Zacs eyebrows rose when he heard the introduction, and he shot another nce at the giant. Thwonkin Billy had been on the top ten of thedder since day one, and he currently held the 7th spot with level 38. Zac had to admit that the true appearance of the ranker even trumped what he imagined the first time he read the pseudonym.


    Hello, Im Monk. Zac said to the giant.


    Whats an Anointed? the huge man said looking extremely confused.


    The Zhix are theocratic, their leaders are called the Anointed, Zac exined, but the giant once again started nkly at the two.


    They are the insect big bosses, the man next to Billy exined to hispanion without missing a beat.


    Ha ha, you are stupid Insect man. I am a leader of humans, not insects, the giant guffawed. Hey, you look smart and good at thwonking, do you want toe and beat ratmen? They give a lot of money and make you stronger. Were looking for people to help with the ratlight,


    Im sorry, whats a ratlight? Zac asked confused.


    An incursion. Billy is the leader of our town that is situated next to an incursion imed by Ratmen. We keep killing them, but they seem to propagate at extreme speeds, making it hard to make any headway in closing it. Were here looking for allies, the butleresque man next to Billy exined.


    Billy clearly wasnt lying about killing Ratmen giving a lot of benefits, since he obviously received huge gains from the incursion. He wasnt only on the top ten of the power list, but also on the wealth list. Zac didnt think it would be too hard to get some eager volunteers as soon as they announced Billys name.


    Billy has been thwonkin rats for months, Im tired. I wanna do something else, but they keeping, the giant sighed.


    Oh, unfortunately we are a bit preupied for the moment with some problems with our own town, but well help out if we can, Sap Trang answered after seeing a small shake from Zac.


    Give them the time Nigel, the giant said to hispanion as he stuffed thest canaps into his mouth.


    Thats A bit early Billy, the man hesitated.


    Give them the time Nigel, the giant simply repeated.


    Sigh Seventeen days from now. At ten AM in New Washington time. We will make the Billyville teleportation array public for 15 minutes. We hope to make some allies here that will join us in fighting the Ratmen Incursion at that time, Nigel said.


    Oh? Zac said intrigued.


    It was a novel idea to set predestined times to make teleporters public. Of course it was a bit impractical, but there were not many other options before people started to be Lords and gain ess to more sophisticated methods to control their domains and teleporters.


    Well try to make it. If not us then perhaps others from Port Atwood. We have many people there who like, uh, thwonking, Zac said to Billy.


    Good! Billy loudly eximed as he turned to leave. Im hungry. These people are stupid, why make food so small? See you in two weeks!


    If you are serious, who do I speak with regarding details? Nigel said as he stayed on after throwing the huge man an exasperated nce.


    I represent the humans on Port Atwood, but I cant speak for what the demons will do, Sap Trang answered.


    I see an old friend, Ill go talk to him while you figure things out. Ibtep, please stay with Mr. Trang for now. Your kind has made a lot of enemies the past months, and if we want to make a pact against the Dominators we cant create trouble at this stage,


    I understand, human. I will stay here, Ibtep said as it looked down on the incapacitated people. Should we take these ones possessions while we wait? They are spoils of battle.


    Leave them, let the government figure it out, Zac said as he looked toward the soldiers.


    As if summoned by his word a few of the soldiers rushed forward and carried the unconscious men away. Zac waited for a bit longer to see if anyone from the government would want toe over to talk, but it looked like they considered the matter over as he was left alone.


    Satisfied he put away his club and moved toward the Ishiate. Altogether there were about 40 of the beastmen, spread quite evenly between the two camps, and none barred his path as he moved forward. He wasnt very surprised after his disy of power, and soon he was in front of Ss who stood next to an old man.


    Long time no see, Ss, Zac said with a slight smile.


    He wasnt angry at the beastman for closing the teleporter a few weeks ago. Keeping it open would have put the whole vige in constant danger, as anyone could just enter as they wished. Still, the beastman looked a bit awkward as it slightly bowed with an embarrassed smile.


    Hello Zac, it is good to see you again. I am sorry about the discourtesy the other time. Keeping the array open would have been a risk to the vigers, the Ishiate said.


    No problem, I understand. We all keep our teleporters private for a reason.


    You two know each other? an elderly and kind-looking Ishiate asked with some interest.


    Yes, Mr. Zac here passed through our vige and helped us kill an extremely strong beast that was threatening the vigers, Ss exined.


    Oh, such a thing happened? Youre a friend of the Ishiate then. I am Willow, Druid of the Mountain the old man said with a bow.


    Nice to meet you. I didnt expect Ishiate to be here, to be honest, Zac said as he looked at the prettyrge group.


    Thement about being a Druid was something hed ask around aboutter, as it might be considered rude to do it right away.


    We are mainly here for information. You humans have proven to be far more adept than us at exploring our new world. There are many of us who are searching for their ancestral homes and families, and New Washington is our best bet to find news, Willow exined.


    Zac nodded as it made sense. The Ishiate were not very technologically advanced. Even those of the other group looked more like steampunk cosyers than high-tech people. Both groups would clearly benefit from the programs that the government provided. Perhaps in the future there would be arrays or evolved scouts who could provide information even more efficiently, but Earth was far from that point.


    What about you?


    Were mainly here for the excitement. And who knows, we might pick up something nice as well, Zac answered with a smile.


    Your group is quite interesting. There has already been some spection aboutpanions amongst the groups in this room, another elderly man dressed very much as Willow said. Youre only missing Ishiate in your party.


    Our vige is extremely remote, we had to team up with whoever is avable. As for the blue gnome, hes actually from a store we purchased through the Town Shop, Zac answered with a smile. And we actually found two ishiate settlements just the other day but still havent made contact. Perhaps next time our party will be even more diverse.


    Thement caused some interest amongst most of the beastmen, who curiously looked over at him.


    Do you have any information about those who live there? an Ishiate hurriedly asked, and Zac realized that many were hoping it was one of their home viges, even if it was a long shot.


    He took out a full report from his pouch detailing the expedition. He had all types of reports typed up, but honestly, he almost never read them. But sometimes it was quite convenient, such as now.


    The two towns both hold an estimated 1000 to 2000 citizens. They seem to be from the group of your friends over there though, he said and pointed to the other group of ishiate who stood some distance away. They had erected proper walls and seemed to be in decent shape, not in need of saving at the moment.


    Many of the beastkin sighed in disappointment, but a few still held on hope.


    We know that sometimes our groups have joined hands to survive, perhaps some of our people are there as well. Were there any markers on the towns?


    Uh, yeah, there were some kind of gs on both walls. One held a picture of a sun with a branch underneath, the other was a cogwheel with a lightning bolt running through it on a white background, Zac answered as he read through the report.


    The Ishiate looked at each other and after a few moments shook their heads in disappointment. However, two beastkin from the other group quickly walked over. Even though they belonged to different camps the Ishiate stood a bit clumped together, and the ishiate probably overheard the conversation with their keen hearing.


    Is what you said just now true? one of them asked and they had hope in their eyes.

 Chapter 133: The Auction Begins

    Chapter 133: The Auction Begins


    The Ishiate who followed the way of nature frowned as they saw the two steampunk beastkin approach, but one of the elders spoke up.


    We cant focus on old conflicts anymore. If our kin is to survive we must work together, he said, but couldnt help himself from continuing. The universe has shown us the right path, and Im sure the lost ones will return into the fold soon enough.


    Zac sort of understood the old druid meant. The two camps of the Ishiate essentially fought over the issue of Nature versus Technology, and it was pretty clear which of the two camps the System sided with. He actually felt a bit bad for the technologically inclined Ishiate, as their situation wasnt very optimistic.


    Of course, it was possible to be a powerful force in this new environment with the aid of technology. The Technocrats was one of the strongest forces in the multi-verse and still lived well even though multiple forces were gunning for them. However, the technocrats were approaching the limits of technology, having the means to travel the universe and unleashing terrifying weapons.


    These Ishiate were no Technocrats, and had barely started on the path of technology. Their progress was a few hundred years behind humanity, and their weapons were probably already approaching obsolescence against the increasingly durable beasts in the wild. Zac guessed they would perish unless they turned back to the more simple ways.


    Progress is the basic path of life. To stick to the old ways is to perish. That hasnt changed with the System, it has only been reinforced, one of the two Ishiate retorted with a re.


    Human, is what you said true? There is truly a town with those gs close to your town? the other ishiate asked.


    Yeah, our scouts found them a few days ago, Zac simply answered.


    It wasnt really any secret information, and he could very much sympathize with these people. He understood what it was like to desperately search for his home in an endlesslyrge new world.


    Please let use with you when you leave. That is Cogstown, our hometown, they asked with hope in their eyes.


    Zac mulled it over for a bit. He felt it wasnt too problematic to bring a few people with him through the teleporter. Besides, bringing these two should make forming an alliance considerably easier when they made first contact.


    Our town is extremely remote. In fact, its not on the maind. Its not sure that you can get back without using our teleporter. Do you still wish to go? He said.


    Yes, both of them answered without hesitation, and Zac only nod.


    Talk with mypanion over there, the human. He can make the arrangements, Zac said as he pointed to Sap Trang, who was still speaking with Nigel.


    Suddenly a couple of speakers crackled into life, ying the ssical intermission sound.


    Seems the auction is starting, if you will excuse me. I need to gather up with my group, Zac said as he moved away.


    It was nice meeting you, Zac, Willow said with a smile. We hope to see you again.


    Soon he was back with the others. By this point Calrin had already returned, and soon he saw Ogras saunter over as well, holding a bottle of champagne hed snagged somewhere.


    Not many interesting things happening so far, everyone is just sticking to their little groups, barely talking. The liquor wasnt bad though, we should bring some bottles with us back home.


    Not sure how many there are left, I think a lot of people has turned to the bottle to calm their nerves over the past few months, Zac said with a sigh. But it doesnt hurt to give it a try.


    Actually, he agreed with the demon. While he didnt really like champagne he really wanted to bring some beer with him back to the ind, but he felt that most of it would have been consumed after almost five months since the integration.


    Then we simply get some brewers, the demons said off-handedly, but the sentence sparked an idea in Zac as he turned to Sap Trang.


    Start thinking of a list of any type of upation were currentlycking. Everything from chefs to sanitation workers to scientists.


    He hadnt really nned to start recruiting in earnest yet, but since he already had brought hundreds of refugees he might as well go all the way. Who knew if all the useful people would be snatched up if they kept holding off. It might be a bit hical to start moving more people to the ind even before the third wave was dealt with, but if worse came to worst he could just have people flee through the teleporter back to New Washington.


    The number of people in the venue was a clear indication that quite a few forces possessed a teleporter by this point. Zac knew that it wasnt that people were extremely wealthy like him, rather his force was quite smallpared to many towns. Taking New Washington for example, it held hundreds of thousands of citizens, and every person just had to contribute a handful of Nexus Coins for them to afford the Teleporter.


    He needed to start thinking ahead if he was truly nning on creating a flourishing town. There might still be a window of opportunity where the other forces mainly looked for powerful warriors or rankers to join them, overlooking the long term benefits that nonbat sses could bring to an area.


    Port Atwood on his ind was quite a lot saferpared to most ces on the maind, which should allow him to focus more on recruiting and nurturing many people showing skill in craftsmanship. He already had an almost insane amount of raw materials for creating armors, now he just needed craftsmen to actually craft and inscribe them.


    Good, now youre thinking in the big picture, Ogras nodded. Im tired of living like a castaway.


    The group walked together and was ushered to a couple of seats near the front by an attendant who took a quick look at the ticket. It was clear that Zacs rampage in Greenworth had left somewhat of an impression on the government, as they clearly sat in one of the best seats in the house.


    This was further confirmed when both the Marshals and Billy were seated not far from them.


    Nigel told me the strong sits in the front. I knew you were smart, bald guy. But Billy is not only smart, Billy is also rich, the giant said with a loud voice as he thumped down close to them, taking up two seats by himself.


    Im sure there are enough good things for the both of us, Zac answered with a smile.


    He liked the giant so far, he seemed genuine enough. Hed take that kind of ally any day over calcting ones like the demon next to him.


    The Marshals seemed a bit surprised to see Zacs group once again, and Zac saw the guardian whisper something in the ear of their attendant. He nced at Zacs group but only shook his head looking unsure.


    Hey girl, I hear youre the strongest woman amongst the humans. We saw your jump in the Daodder a while back, did you find something good? Are you interested in selling it? Ogras said with a toothy grin at the looked in Thea Marshals direction


    I am sorry about him. Different cultures and all, Zac could only sigh.


    Weaklings often have big mouths topensate. Im more curious about you. What are you called? she lightly said as she stared at Zac.


    Uh, people call me Monk, Zac said, ufortable by the intense re.


    Shes got a mouth on her, Ogras said, not minding the insult. You should kidnap her back to Port Atwood. Youd have strong babies.


    The bodyguard frowned at thement and prepared to move forward, but Thea lifted her hand to stop him. At the same time a spurt of blood erupted from Ogras throat, surprising both Zac and the demon.


    Even though Zac was looking at the exchange from the start he wasnt quite sure what exactly cut him. At first he thought it might have been a Dao Field of the Seed of Sharpness, but he believed he would have sensed the familiar feeling if that was the case.


    Watch your mouth, Thea said as he looked at the demon with loathing.


    Shadows squirmed and covered the shallow wound, and soon the bleeding was quelled.


    An interesting attack. But be careful about starting things. You might be strong, but can the same be said of yourpanions? the demon smiled, and Zacs eyebrows rose in rm.


    But before Zac had time to stop anything the bodyguard grunted as a shadow spear pushed through one of his legs, almost making him fall over. Thea looked around in surprise, and a frown appeared on the old man.


    What do you think? Can you kill me before I kill your twopanions? Ogras said while grinning.


    Despicable, the girl said, throwing scathing res at not only Ogras but the whole party.


    Enough, Zac said while ring angrily at Ogras, already regretting bringing him. What will you do if you get us thrown out before the auction even starts?


    Rx, were just having some pre-auction fun, Ogras said with a smile.


    I am sorry about him, this is a healing pill that will help with your friends recovery, Zac said to the Marshals as he took out a small ss bottle and threw it toward them.


    However, the bottle got rebuffed in the air and shot straight back toward Zac through some unknown means.


    The Marshall n is in no need of your little baubles, Thea simply said as the trio sat down in their seat some distance away.


    Mama always says you should be nice to women, as being mean will bring you big trouble, Billy muttered to himself, but with the giants standard volume it turned into an exmation.


    She sounds like a wise woman, Ogras only said to the giant, making him perk up happily.


    He looked ready to say something but was distracted by therge curtains getting lifted on the stage and some musicians y ssical music. It was beautiful, but it wasnt what Zac came for, so he was happy to see that almost immediately a well-dressed man in a suit walked out on the stage and stood behind the podium.


    Wee all to the first Grand Auction held by New World Government. It is an amazing sight to see so manying from all corners of the world. It is truly a testament to humanitys resilience in face of adversity. Were also happy to see friends from other races joining us here today. I am hoping this is the start of a long and fruitful cooperation between our species.


    The man was clearly used to public speaking, and smoothly tookmand of the room.


    To make sure theres no confusion in the event, I will go over the ground rules. This auction is a ssical English-Style auction, and for those who are unsure of what that means, dont worry, I will go over it with you. Beneath your chairs there are numbered paddles that you use to bid. Simply raise the paddle to make a bid.


    The standard increase bid increase is based on the size, but generally around ten percent. For example, if the price is ten thousand Nexus coins, each standard bid will be a thousand nexus coins up to fifty thousand, at which point the standard bid changes to five thousand.


    Of course, you can increase the bid by a higher amount by shouting it out, but not by a lower amount, the auctioneer said with a smile.


    If you are the highest bidder your number will be seen on the screen behind me. And dont worry if youre sitting in the back. I have three people all with scout sses and eyesight skills with me who will all help me in making sure that no bid is overlooked.


    Payment epted is World Government Credits, Nexus Coins or Nexus crystals valued at a 1:50 ratio. Be aware that no coercion, threats, or other disturbances are allowed during the auction. A first offense will result in a warning, but repeat offenders will be escorted out of the venue.


    With that I hope you will enjoy the auction and that you all find something that will help you in the fight against our foreign invaders. The first item for auction is a set of five E-Grade Nexus Crystals, the auctioneer said as a cart was rolled in by a beautiful woman.


    On the cart was a briefcase, and when the showgirl opened it the light of five genuine E-Grade crystals radiated out. There was almost a collective intake of breath in the hall, and even Zac was interested.


    The New World Government was clearly not holding back.

 Chapter 134: Emma

    Chapter 134: Emma


    I am sure youre all aware of the efficacy of an E-Grade Nexus Crystal by now. They are still not avable for sale in the stores, and only a scant few have been found or rewarded from quests. Just one contains enough power to gain a whole level for most people. They can also power your defensive structures or arrays when defending your towns, making them a must-have for aspiring Lords.


    The five crystals will be sold as a set, and the price starts at 25 000 Nexus Coins, the Announcer shouted, trying to hype up the wares.


    That put the crystals at roughly 5 000 Nexus Coins per crystal, which was the general market price, as one E-Grade Crystal was worth roughly a hundred F-Grade ones in the Multi-Verse. However, their value was far higher on earth at the moment.


    There was a desperate demand, but almost no supply. Zac knew that on a D-Grade world like theirs E-Grade crystals wouldnt be anything special in a couple of years when the world had limatized and the crystals had been given time to grow. But for now they were extremely rare as the shops didnt sell them.


    Still, they would give a huge leveling boost for most people, and Zac expected their price to go far higherpared to what they were actually worth. He was quickly proven right as the price increased to over a hundred thousand in no time, people desperately shouting out higher and higher prices.


    110 000, thank you B183, the auctioneer said, but barely had time to finish the sentence before the price increased again on therge monitor behind him.


    Two hundred thousand, the elder of the Marshall n suddenly said, and the hall quickly stilled.


    The crystals would no doubt be a big help to most, but they would at the best give two, perhaps three levels over a few days. Spending that much for saving two weeks of time, even less if the crystals were shared over multiple people, was a bit much for most people.


    Two hundred and fifty thousand, Ogras said with a grin while waving at the paddle at the old man.


    Thatsing out of your own pocket, Zac only said.


    You have a thing or two to learn about auctions. You need to let people know youre a force to be reckoned with. That you have more money than sense. That will discourage people from bidding against you, helping you save money. No one likes to lose a bidding war after all, Ogras said with a low volume, clearly enjoying himself.


    Three hundred thousand, the old man responded with a snort.


    The second thing to remember is to push up the prices for things you dont need, especially if your biggestpetitors are bidding, he continued, and for once Calrin seemed to wholeheartedly agree.


    An auction is not only a battle of wallets, its also about wits, the gnome said.


    People are stupid. Just thwonk rats for a week and you get as much energy, and you gain money, not lose it, Billy muttered, and Zac had to agree as he threw a nce at the old man.


    He knew that Thea Marshall was once on the top ten of the wealthdder, and there actually were two more of the Marshall n on the wealthdder since some time ago. Still, three hundred thousand nexus coins was by no means a small amount of money, especially for just a few Nexus Crystals.


    Certainly, he gained almost two levels from absorbing his own E-Grade Crystals, but those levels had very little impact on his power in general. Besides, he knew that it wasnt a good idea to rely on crystals too much.


    One of the requirements of advancing ones ss was achievements, and if you just sat at home continuously absorbing crystals you likely wouldnt be able to upgrade to E-Rank, forcing you to risk your life in various mystic realms or the like.


    Ogras didnt bid any further and smilingly watched two guards bring the case to the old man, who just put it in a Cosmos Sack without looking further at the contents.


    The auction continued, and to Zacs disappointment it quickly became clear that the crystals were an opening salvo to increase the excitement as the following items were nowhere as good. Still, it gave Zac a very good insight into what peoplecked and what was in surplus.


    Weapons and gear were among the mostmon items to be put up in the auction, many of which being even worse than the standard regiment items the demons brought.


    Zac learned some time ago that those weapons were things that the apprentices made, and most of the real soldiers of n AzhRezak bought their own, far superior, weapons as soon as they could. The reason so few brought strong weapons through the incursion, apart from Ogras and a few others, was that it cost money to do so.


    To Zacs surprise these items had no problem getting sold, and many of the weapons even created heated bidding wars. Of course none of the true powerhouses bid on these types of items, but they clearly held value to even warriors who were powerful enough to attend this kind of event. This made Zac redouble his desire to find capable craftsmen who could help his demon craftsmen quickly churn out a huge amount of items.


    Various resources such as metals, woods, and herbs werent as popr, showing that the craftsman sses on earth were still in its infancy. Herbs were usually quite popr in the multi-verse, and skilled alchemists were amongst the wealthiest people around.


    Calrin managed to snatch up one item after another, meeting little resistance in his bidding spree. However, he didnt look overly excited, which told Zac that the materials werent too good.


    Ogras also bid a bit, mostly to piss others off it seemed. However, he still bought a few things, mainly liquors from old Earth. They actually didnt go cheap, and Zac was surprised to see the demand for fine spirits.


    Perhaps Ogras was truly on to something when he spoke about finding brewers. He had a lot ofnd after all, and with the temperate climate and highly concentrated cosmic energy hed have no problems growing either hops or grapes.


    The process kept going for almost two hours, and Zac was starting to get bored. However, the Auctioneer stopped bringing out new items after selling off a beautiful bow to a woman in a back row.


    This concludes the first half of our auction. I am happy that so many of you have found something of interest. We will take a short break for thirty minutes where refreshments will be served. The second half contains far fewer items, but I am sure that each and every one of them will astound you, he said with a smile.


    With that the doors at the back of the venue once again opened.


    What paupers, nothing exciting for sale, the demon sighed.


    You still bought some things, Zac said.


    Just minor purchases to pass the time. Hopefully the second round will be more exciting, he said, and the Sky Gnome could only nod.


    Zac sighed as they walked out.


    Is this type of activitymon amongst humans? the Zhix asked as they exited the hall.


    Well, rich people did it a lot I suppose, Zac said with some hesitation.


    To be honest it was the first auction he personally attended as far as he could remember.


    Excuse me, I need to look around a bit, Zac said as he headed for a group at random.


    For the next thirty minutes he went around the human groups, trying to find anyone who was close to the Undead Incursion. Of course, he wasntpletely obvious, and instead brought up the topic of incursions, and asked whether any of them was close by to their home. He tried to make it look like he was looking for good spots to fight and gain levels.


    If New Washingon was a bit to the west of the central area of the new continent, then the incursion was rather to the southeast. From the information he got from Julia the cultivators from Greenworth should be somewhere on the eastern side of the incursion, so that was where he needed to go next to look for his sister.


    However, the results werent too promising, as no one was even close to where he wanted to go. Almost the whole intermission was spent going from party to party, forcefully inserting himself in the conversation to ask about their origins. Zac was starting to despair as the time for the break was almost running out.


    But finally, as he osted a stocky man with a greatsword on his back he actually hit jackpot.


    Yes, we are quite close to the undead bastards, they really are a pain in the ass. Luckily there are a few frontier towns between us and the fallen areas where quite a few cultivators reside, making our town quite a bit safer, the robust man said with a sigh.


    Really? Which side of the incursion? Zac asked, trying to hide his excitement.


    The North side, the man answered. Its lucky too. From what weve gathered the worst of their kind generally keep to the central area, but when they venture out they mostly head south or east. Huge Chinese and Indian cities in those directions, gives the wraith and liches many soldiers.


    I would like to make use of your teleporter in the future if possible. The undead hordes seem like an ideal spot to get stronger. I can pay quite generously for passage, Zac said, trying to seem interested, but not overly so.


    Ah.. Thats A bitplicated, I cant really promise anything, the man said.


    Complicated how? If there is someone else making those decisions can talk with them as well, Zac said, burning with eagerness on the inside.


    The man was just about to say something, but the speakers sounded, marking the end of the intermission.


    Well, you will find out soon. Just stay behind after the auction. The government will make everything clear then, the man said with a low voice.


    Zac was confused but knew there was no point in trying to convince the man. He already knew the mans face, so he would wait until after the auction to see what was going on. From the way he spoke it was connected to whatever the government was nning, the real reason they called this gathering.


    Soon he found himself back at his seat. However, he wasnt in any real mood to focus on the auction. He finally found a way to get to Kenzie. Even if the mans town was on the north side Zac felt it wouldn''t be a problem to push straight through the Incursion to the eastern side. If he pushed himself to its limit it shouldnt take too long to traverse, even if it had grown quite huge. A week maybe, two at the most.


    He was so consumed by his nning he didnt really react to the curtains once again opening, and a person walking out on the stage. However, the exaggerated reaction of the demon next to him dragged him out of his musings. Ogras almost stood up in his seat, gaping at the scene.


    Zac quickly looked at the stage and saw that the man from earlier had been reced, and Zac actually knew this person. It was Emma MacHale, the movie star. She had starred in quite a few movies recently and was one of the hottest names before the integration happened. She was also one of Ogras favorites after having binged an unhealthy amount of movies.


    Zac suddenly had a foreboding feeling as he looked over to see shadows gathering around the demon.

 Chapter 135: Mystery Stones

    Chapter 135: Mystery Stones


    Zacs hand gripped Ogras shoulder, firmly embedding the demon in his chair. During the past months Zac learned that the shadow-skills of the demon were not invincible and there were ways to counteract them.


    For example, if he got hold of the demon and pushed out some cosmic energy through his hands the demon wouldnt be able to turn into shadows and disappear. It was very convenient at a time like this when he clearly was up to no good.


    Are you insane? Zac wheezed out. You will get yourself killed and me kicked out. For what? To meet an actress?


    Youre too hesitant all the time. Going around calling yourself Monk. Not wanting to make a scene. Being low-key. Youre a powerhouse, act like it. Thats Emma, from all the movies. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to court her. You shouldnt be stopping me, you should be fighting me of who gets to take her back, Ogras wheezed back, unfortunately loudly enough for thest sentence to be heard by a few of the closest people.


    Zac cringed under the res, but at least the demon seemed to have listened to him as he stopped trying to teleport up on the stage. In fact, he was wondering if the demon was correct. Not about the starlet, but about his demeanor. Both Billy and Thea were walking tall and proud, not hiding who they were. But he, the number one powerhouse of humanity, was still hiding around.


    Disying who he was might actually help him out in various ways. People would bend over backwards just to be able to make some connections with him and provide various types of support in the hope of bing friends, or at least allies. Scrubs like the men earlier wouldnt trouble him either, even if Ibtep started flipping them off.


    However, Kenzie still held him back. He would stay incognito as long as he could. Honestly, after his actions in Greenworth the government should already have some pretty strong suspicions about his identity unless their information-gathering capabilities had turned to shit. But hopefully, they hadnt found his real identity yet, which in a sense was even more important for him.


    Whatever. There seems to be an important meeting after the auction. You can go flirt with her then, Zac said.


    A sweet voice echoing through the speakers cut their conversation short, and both turned their gazes back to the gorgeous woman on the stage.


    Wee all to the second half of the New World Government Auction. I am Emma MacHale, your new host, she said and threw out a radiant smile.


    The area erupted in cheers and whistles, and Zac could only shake his head when the demon joined in. Ogras had almost be addicted to the movies over the past months, and Zac wondered if he even remembered his promises about turning the movies into seble items.


    As my colleague said earlier there will be fewer items in this second half, but each and every one is a true treasure. At least we think so, since honestly we do not know exactly what some of the things for sale are! the hostess said with augh.


    Also, Thomas Fischer, the Mayor of New Washington will say a few words afterward, so please stay behind. It will definitely be information you dont want to miss!


    It didnt take long until the first item was rolled out, and to Zac''s surprise he actually recognized it when a picture was shown on therge monitor. It was one of the entrance tickets to the Treasure Hunt that would take ce in roughly two months.


    Zac wasnt surprised however to see a tokene up for sale here. He wasnt sure how many were awarded during the tutorial, but they shouldnt be too rare if Ss was able to snag two of them. There surely were many who didnt want to risk entering such a ce,peting against both the environment and all the powerhouses, and instead chose to sell it for a profit.


    You should all recognize this, the prize for the elites of the tutorial, an entrance ticket to the Treasure Hunt happening soon! Not much is known about it, apart from the fact there will be chances to gain both titles and rare treasures. Having a few extra friends to go with you might make all the difference. The starting price is 250 000 Nexus Coins or equivalent!


    It was a hefty sum, but it was clearly worth it for the forces who were nning on heading in.


    Two hundred and fifty, the guard next to the Marshals said.


    Three hundred fifty! a thundering exmation came from billy.


    Five hundred thousand, Ogras shouted as well, surprising Zac.


    Can you even use it? Zac asked Ogras in a low voice, surprising him.


    Why shouldnt I? he asked back.


    Zac only fished out his own token from his bag and handed it over.


    See if you can use it before you spend all your money, he said.


    The demon snatched the token up and fiddled with it a bit, a frown quickly forming on his face.


    Is this a fake? he warily asked.


    Why would I have a fake? I got it on one of my excursions. I knew that only natives could go, Zac answered with a roll of his eyes.


    Bah, Ruthless Heavens indeed, the demon muttered angrily as he threw back the token to Zac. There should be some mystic realms opening soon in any case, who cares about your stupid treasure hunt.


    Mystic realms were something that covered all of the multi-verse. There were quite a few types of them, with everything from tombs of powerful warriors leaving an inheritance to mysterious zones created by aberrant energies.


    The mostmon type though was spatial pocket realms that simply had been detached from a main dimension for some reason or another. Some of these realms were deste wastnds, but others were pristine areas filled with various rare and precious materials.


    It was quite amon thing for adventurers to make their living exploring mystic realms, hoping to either strike it rich or rack up enough experiences to help with breaking through their bottlenecks.


    The Mystic Realms were usually essed through finding soft spots, where the membrane between the main dimension and the mystic realm was at the weakest. At these spots one could ce specific arrays whose job was to create stable portals through the dimensional barrier.


    Finding a good Mystic Realm and iming it could be a huge steady stream of ie to a n or force. Some could be turned into training fields for armies, as long as there was a prolific species living inside. Others were evenrger thans, making it worthwhile for adventurers to keep heading through, as many treasures might still lie in wait.


    The most sought after ones were those holding ruins from old civilizations. Many of the mystic realms came from quite highly ranked original worlds, such as A and B ranked continents. There needed to be quite a bit of energy involved for a whole section of a dimension to be ripped out and thrown into the folds between universes after all.


    Usually the energy had mostly dissipated in the Mystic Realm, making the Cosmic Energy far scarcerpared to that of a real A-Rank continent, but if there was a civilization in the pocket realm the chance for finding a huge treasure was great. Any small gadget or information crystal from an ancient A-Grade civilization would be worth a fortune.


    It didnt take long until Billy snagged the tag for a whopping 1 Million Nexus coins. Actually, any time Billy started bidding on something there was simply no stopping him. He truly treated money like water, not caring in the slightest what the prices became. His confidante had tried to rein in his spending, but the giant had onlyughed and called him stupid.


    Following the first Token they actually sold another 4 of them, and they all sold in the same range. The Marshall n was showing off its muscles, actually buying two of them. One went to an old man among the Ishiate, with the final one being sold to a hooded person in the back.


    Next up we have a unique material an explorer found deep in a cave. It is not a metal that was previously found on earth, and it doesnt conform to thews of physics, Emma said as arger reinforced tray was rolled out.


    It is only asrge as a fist, but it weighs over two hundred kilos. More amazingly, its weight drastically changes depending on its temperature, and inside a fire it actually floats, she said. Perhaps a skilled craftsman can make something amazing out of this thing in the future.


    Zac thought it was an interesting item, but he was unsure how he personally would go about using it. Perhaps someone who used either fire- or ice-based attacks could somehow take advantage of its unique properties and creating some strong weapon.


    Ten thousand, Zac suddenly heard from his left and saw the Calrin holding up his paddle.


    He was actually standing in the chair as to be seen, slouching on the backrest. However, Zac had gotten to know the gnome a bit over the past months and saw that theckadaisical expression was mostly an illusion. He really wanted this stone.


    Fifty thousand, a voice in the back shouted, starting off the bidding in earnest.


    The item was interesting, but not many people were willing to go too far in the bidding. Most likely knew that it might be valuable somehow in the future, even if they didnt know how to utilize it today. But money was limited this early into the integration, and few were willing to spend hundreds of thousands on an investment that might give a return in the distant future.


    Luckily for Calrin it seemed that Billy wasnt interested in the stone, and he managed to secure it for 350 000 Nexus Coins. As soon as the tray came close the gnome bounced down from his chair and immediately put the stone into his Cosmos Sack after paying, and he couldnt stop a grin from appearing as he walked back to his chair.


    Congrattions my friend. Next item is another mystery stone, Emma said with a wink. This one might look like a normal stone, but it is anything but. Apart from being extremely hard it also emits a weird aura. It is hard to exin so we will show you.


    A stone about asrge as a ser ball was rolled out on another tray, but this time it was apanied by a girl holding a vase with a normal flower in it. After the tray was ced at the usual spot for the items they simply ced the vase down next to it.


    Everyone looked at the stone and the flower, unsure what was going on, but soon their eyebrows rose as the flower was wilting with a speed visible to the naked eye. Murmurs and exmations erupted over the whole area, but Emma once again stepped forward.


    As you can see the stone made the flower wilt. Actually, ording to our scientists who have studied the stone it actually absorbs the life-force from the flower, rather than emitting some deadly radiation. In fact, it emits no radiation at all, which any Geiger-counter can testify to. And dont worry, it is not able to absorb human lifeforce. At least not what we know.


    Zac barely listened to the exnation from the starlet, as he was preupied with something else. He was holding on to his cosmos sack with a frown on his face, unsure what was going on with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    Even from inside his Cosmos Sack he could feel his axe throbbing with an almost palpable hunger.

 Chapter 136: Joint Ventures

    Chapter 136: Joint Ventures


    The only exnation Zac could find to the weird behavior of his axe was that the stone in front of him was something it desired. He knew since long ago that it needed to absorb various materials to improve to E-Grade.


    However, the only thing hed found so far that it actually wanted to absorb was blood. And not any blood either, since it waspletely uninterested in both the humans and the ants hed killed since acquiring it. The only thing it had actually drunk was the supercharged mink in the forest.


    He had tested various things that were lying around in Port Atwood but with no luck. Unfortunately different Spiritual Tools craved different materials, so there was no guide lying around. However, it seemed that at least some of the ingredients would need to be E-Ranked in order for it to upgrade, as that was the same with all Tools.


    Zac had the money and decided to purchase the stone. Who knew when another chance would crop up. He surreptitiously nced over at the Gnome, but he only slightly shook his head while looking unsure, indicating he didnt know what the stone was.


    One hundred thousand, a voice from the back said, once again starting a bidding war.


    It was a bit more heated this time, as perhaps the prospect of creating a weapon that could suck the lifeforce out of their enemies was quite intriguing.


    One million, a voice suddenly came from the front, quickly silencing the bidding.


    It was Thea Marshal, holding up her paddle with an indifferent face. Zac frowned as he nced over. She had just upped the bid by a whole 700 000 Nexus Coins, and it felt like she wanted to close it out.


    One point one million, Nigel said as he held the arm of Billy.


    One point five, Thea said as she threw a nce over at Nigel.


    One point six, Nigel followed up without hesitation.


    Zac felt there currently were two possibilities. Either they both knew what the stone and its approximate value was, or they both received a clue in the same way that he did. That would mean the both of them had a Spiritual Tool. The felt that the first option was a bit unlikely, as there shouldnt be anyone more knowledgable about precious metalspared to Calrin on Earth as of yet.


    Since both were high rankers the second possibility was by no means impossible. The Tutorial gave out all kinds of good things, and these two were clearly at the top of the Tutorial. It seemed not only possible, but almost likely, that they were given proper weapons. And if it wasnt from the tutorial, then perhaps from some sort of quest.


    But if that was the case he felt it was a bit odd that all three weapons wanted the stone, as the weapons appetites should vary more than that. Perhaps it was something else, some sort of treasure that all tool spirits wanted. When he came to that conclusion he didnt wait any longer and entered the fray.


    Two million, he said as he held up his paddle.


    Two point five, Thea answered after throwing a re at him.


    Three million, Zac unhesitantly responded.


    From there the bids started to get smaller, and at 4 million Billy dropped out with a disappointed sigh. However, Thea was adamant.


    Five million Nexus Coins, she said, now keeping constant baleful re at Zac.


    Six million, Zac answered with a helpless smile, ufortably scratching the back of his head.


    He finally found something that was quite valuable, and he had a huge amount of wealth at the moment. He might only have 17 million in pure Nexus Coins, but he also had mountains of crystals. He wasnt first on the wealthdder for nothing, while Thea had dropped down to the 17th spot recently.


    When Zac reached six million she finally relented and sat back in her chair with an angry harrumph.


    Wow, six million Nexus Coins. Congrattions to the handsome Mr. Monk on the front row, Emma said with a wink, seemingly unaffected by the tense atmosphere.


    As the tray with the stone was rolled toward Zac various murmurs erupted through the hall. Zac felt the hair on the back of his neck stand up after being stared at by hundreds of people, but it couldnt be helped. Six million for a stone was beyond extravagant, and by far thergest bid so far in the auction.


    What the hell, why does she know you? Ogras suddenly asked from next to him with a re, obviously referring to the movie star.


    How should I know? She works for the government, they might have told her, Zac said with a shrug.


    He quickly put the stone into a different pouch than the one that held Veruns bite. Zac wasnt sure if something odd would happen if he brought them together, and wanted to wait until he was back on the ind.


    The items kepting out one by one, and quite a few were natural oddities. There were various roots and flowers, stones and metals. It seemed that the Government had put everything they found that was weird and without an apparent use in the second half of the auction, hoping to at least make some money.


    The interest was quite weak, apart from a few groups who bid a surprising amount. There was one group of people that sat a few rows behind that bid on many of the various nts. Zac guessed that they had an alchemist in their ranks, or at least an apothecary or herbalist.


    The modern Ishiate bid for many of the metals, perhaps wanting to use them in metallurgy experiments. But the absolute foremost force in the bidding was Calrin, who flexed his muscles.


    How are you actually paying for all this? Zac finally had to ask after the gnome snatched his tenth item in the second half.


    The Gnome had been destitute when he arrived on the ind, and he shouldnt have made enough profit from the demonic warriors to afford all these purchases, as the amount the spent was over ten million by now.


    You are, of course. And the demon to a certain extent, he said with a shrug.


    WHAT? both Zac and Ogras screamed, drawing quite a few res by the people in the room.


    You went in as external investors in The Thayer Consortia. When we spend money you spend money. See it as a cash infusion into your business, he said with a widening smile. Im on your as a mercantile business owner. Im not allowed to spend my own money on business ventures, since us merchants are usually wealthy enough to destroy the economy of a baby. If you didnt enter as co-owners I would never be able to get this quest.


    Zac was having a bad feeling and quickly brought up his status screen.


    He immediately turned back to the gnome, ready to strangle the little bastard. Eight million Nexus Coins were missing apart from those he spent himself.


    Ogras wasnt looking much better, even though he shouldve only lost two million or so.


    YOU LITTLE BASTARD! he roared,pletely ignoring the guns that were suddenly pointing at them from the balconies.


    Roarpletely stopped the auction, and Emma backed away a few steps, warily looking at Zacs party.


    You better cough up my money real quick or Ill poke you full of holes you greedy little shit, he growled as the shadows beneath them were starting to shudder.


    You brutes, dont bring attention to us. Why do you think Im buying all these things? To make money. My quest is to make a profit, not a loss, you imbeciles. Just smile and open your wallets, and we will all walk away happy men, he said, not caring in the slightest about the frothing demon.


    You know Port Atwoods situation. You cant spend an endless amount of money, Zac said with a re, having no intention of stopping Ogras this time.


    The gnome had gone crazy with greed and was using their money to satiate it.


    You still have all the things you prepared for the ants, right? he protested, but still looked a bit deted from having both Zac and Ogras stare down at him.


    Fine, fine. Im sorry, ok? Write down a spending limit and Ill stick to it! he said as he handed over a paper.


    Zac once again felt the veins on his forehead throb when he saw that the gnome had already written seven zeroes on the note, and Zac unhesitantly scribbled over thest one to the Calrin''s dismay. As they were arguing a man in a suit walked up on the stage with a microphone.


    Gentlemen, please remember the rules of the auction. This is your first and only warning, he said with a somber expression.


    Sorry sorry. How about I take Miss Emma out for dinner to show my contrition? the demon said as he smoothed his hair and shot off a winning smile.


    The hall immediately exploded on boos and demands to throw them out, but Emma only smiled in response.


    I dont know, judging by the bidding your blue little friend is the one to go to dinner with. He seems quite generous, she said wiat ha wink.


    Thement made Calrin proudly stretch his back, and even Zac couldnt stop himself from smacking the gnome in the back of his head.


    Its easy to be generous with others money, he muttered in a low volume. Five million, thats your limit. And I expect to make quite some profit from your escapades. Otherwise, Ill hand you over to Ogras.


    With that the auction continued and kept going unimpeded. Zac hade somewhatrge hopes that the final items would be something exciting, but was disappointed to see that they were high-grade gear. He had hoped that there would be some stat or Dao-improving fruits for sale, but Zac guessed that they wouldnt go on sale even if the Government had them.


    Of course, the others in the audience didnt have the same reaction, as there were harsh bidding wars for thest pieces of items. None of the items were Spiritual Tools though, but Zac felt it wasnt anything odd. Any truly good piece wouldnt be put up on auction this early into the integration, and in general he was actually surprised the government was willing to part ways with so many interesting items.


    Perhaps it could be considered a disy of power as well, the capability to sell so many treasures. In addition they made quite a bit of money, and the total value of all the items in the auction should approach almost 70 or 80 million.


    With that amount of Nexus Coins they could do some quiterge upgrades to New Washington, provided they had unlocked enough options in their Nexus Node.


    As for this final item of the evening, I present to you the <strong>[Sword of Storms] </strong>an E-Rank sword fitting both wind and water cultivators, she said.


    Sap Trang looked quite interested for a bit but soon shook his head.


    You want it? Zac asked as he looked over


    Thank you, but no. It is a fine weapon, but sword fighting isnt really the point of my ss in the end, he said.


    The Marshall Family didnt seem interested either, and in the end it went to a strong-looking cultivator for the whopping price of 2 500 000 Nexus Coins.


    Thank you all foring and bidding today! I hope to see you all again at our next event. With this I give you Thomas Fischer, Emma said as she quickly left the stage followed by apuse and hooting.


    Thomas Fischer came up to the stage soon after and was followed by multiple officials who stood in a row behind him. Zac recognized Julia, but the rest were unknown to him.


    Wee all. I have already had the pleasure of meeting many of you, but for those who do not know me, I am Thomas Fischer, the leader of New Washington. I was once the Deputy Secretary of Defense for the American Government, but today I stand before you as a representative for The New World Government.


    The arrival of the System and the Incursions have resulted in extreme upheaval to our society, and I am sad to say that there are only approximately 1.5 billion humans left on Earth, Thomas began.


    Six Billion. Over six billion dead in just above 5 months. Every day our brothers and sisters fall due to either the harsh environment we have been thrown into, or the invaders who aim to take ournd for their own, he continued, somberly looking over the subdued audience.


    It is time for humanity to unite.

 Chapter 137: Clearing the Air

    Chapter 137: Clearing the Air


    The beginning of Thomas Fischers speech created a subdued silence in the whole venue. Even Zac was a bit shocked at the numbers. He knew that the Undead Incursion had done a number on both India and China, the two most populous countries before the fall, but that wasnt enough to exin that amount of casualties.


    Six billion lives lost, which meant that only twenty percent was still alive after less than half a year. And Zac knew that the world wasnt done with its transformation. There were still barely any E-Ranked monsters roaming about, which would change sooner orter.


    The new Was graded D-Ranked in both mass and energy by the System, meaning that it would be able to sustain D-Rank powerhouses and beasts. There was one small sce in the fact that the animals were getting stronger though. As monsters evolved they became smarter and created their own societies in a sense.


    They wouldnt go randomly attacking settlements, especially not if they knew it was guarded by arrays or powerhouses. Of course, that was predicated on there actually being those kinds of defenses, otherwise the town would be fair game.


    We will take a short break in just a minute. After we reconvene we will go through all the information we have gathered about the incursions and the foreign invaders. There will be much exclusive intelligence there, and I urge everyone to stay behind and listen. It will not only help with your survival in the future, but it might also help with your path to power. For this part everyone here will be wee to participate, as were all together in the fight against the incursions, Thomas continued.


    After that we will focus on the organization of humanity. This part will have little information of value for our Ishiate friends, so we have prepared a separate venue for you at that point. Waiting for you there are representatives of The New World Governments information branch, who will do their best in helping you locate your brethren across the world.


    I hope to see you all again in a bit. Thank you for your attention.


    As he finished the lights once again brightened, and people began to stream out. However, just as Zac and the others made to leave as well an official ran up to their group.


    Excuse me. Mr. Fischer would like to have a word with your group if youre avable, he quickly said.


    Zac just shrugged and followed the man, the others in his group following in tow. They were left to an area backstage, where Thomas and a few other officials waited.


    Mr. Monk, it is good to see you again. I want to thank you once again for the information you provided us thest time. It will be a huge asset to theing war efforts of humanity, he said with a smile. These people with me here are representatives of other major hubs of the New World Government.


    Johana Yakovna, a somberdy in her fifties said. Former Russia and Eastern Europe,


    Francis Girardot, France, a man in his sixties said with a slight frown.


    Asano Kobo, Japan. Pleased to meet you, an Asian man said.


    Soon all of them had presented themselves, and even Zac felt a bit intimidated to stand in front of so many of the worlds leaders.


    Whats on your mind? Zac asked.


    We know about the Zhix, but the identity of the two others is cause for concern, the Russian delegate said, not mincing her words.


    Hows so? Zac asked, having a sinking feeling.


    You should know as well as us that there have been no sightings for anywhere else of these species, another delegate continued. Their origins are suspect. There is belief that they might be alien infiltrators.


    Oh? Wouldnt that make this a prime opportunity for us to kill you all and create some chaos? Ogras answered with a grin, making a few of the delegates flinch.


    Ogras is just joking, Zac quickly said, and added with a re at the demon. But hes not very funny.


    I am Calrin Thayer of the Thayer Consortia, the gnome quickly said as he stepped forward. Your eyes are astute, as expected of the people at the forefront of this newly integrated world.


    You are correct, I am not of this world. I came here to Earth when Port Atwood bought a shop from our Consortia. I am here on a mercantile Visa so to speak. Here is my proof, you should know what these Mercantile Licenses are from the tutorial, the Sky Gnome continued as a golden glowing parchment appeared floating over his hand.


    I am no threat to humanity or any other Native race. I cant buynd, conquer towns, or even attack anyone. The system bars me from doing anything detrimental to this. However, what I can do is offer you an offer of a lifetime. Arent you tired of the high prices of the System-run stores?


    This is a great opportunity for you to take a leadpared to other towns. While others pay 70 Nexus Coins for a Nexus Crystal, you would only pay a measly 60 in our stores. In fact, our rates are better on almost all materials and treasures, and we even stock various things that never are avable in the general stores, Calrin animatedly continued. Your forces could save millions!


    The merchants little pitch actually garnered some interest as a few of the delegates actually looked tempted. Zac was actually hoping it would work, as a few branch stores would boost his revenue by quite a bit.


    That doesnt exin the devilman, an Italian delegate said with a frown, actually holding a rosary in his hands.


    That brought the delegates back from their own scheming, but many still threw nces at the small gnome who stood next to Zac with a smiling face. Zac could understand them, as he knew how difficult it was to get a real mercantile force to build a shop in your town.


    Perhaps if you were a leader of a flourishing town on a C or B Ranked many consortia would fight for the opportunity, but at this point in time, the investment cost for thepanies was just too high.


    The invading forces are banned from using Arrays for a while longer. They wouldnt be able to use a teleporter, but Ogras clearly came with us through the array, Zac said, signaling Ogras to not make things worse. Isnt that proof enough hes not an invader?


    Yes, we did read about that in the information missive you provided, and it seems to match our own observations. However, while we havent seen any invading forces make use of arrays as of yet it doesnt mean there arent workarounds. We simply cannot verify it.


    Zac frowned as he looked at the delegates, going over their words once again and came to an infuriating conclusion.


    You are implying that Port Atwood is consorting with the invaders, helping them against their fellow humans, Zac said, a fit of smoldering anger starting to burn.


    It wouldnt be too surprising that some people would betray their race to benefit themselves, Francis said. Your faction is simply suspect, as no one has been able to verify it even exists, even after weeks of searching and asking around.


    Enough was enough. Zac felt that Ogras was right, there was a limit to staying low, and sometimes it caused more trouble than it was worth. There was likely no one who had done as much for humanity as him.


    Not only had he already closed an incursion, he had also provided vital intelligence. But even though he had been constantly fighting since the integration he was looked at like he was a traitor, by some bureaucrats who hid behind their armies no less.


    Zacs towering aura was released like floodgates, drowning the whole group of politicians. Gasps and groans escaped from their mouths, and a few even fell down on the ground. Only a few could remain standing, Thomas Fisher being one of them. But even he paled noticeably from the pressure of Zacs aura.


    You think I am a traitor, trying to learn your strategies and ns? Dont tter yourselves. Ogras was right about one thing. If I was an enemy of humanity I would simply kill you all and seize control of New Washington. There is nothing you can do to stop me. But you want proof? Fine.


    With a wave of his hand his aura disappeared and instead a prompt was summoned and hovered in front of the group.


    <strong>ary Aegis: First to stop an incursion in world. Reward: All stats +5, all stats +5%.]</strong>


    You want to know how I am so strong? How we knew so much about the incursions? Port Atwood has been fighting tooth and nail since day one of the integration. The information missive you received was taken from one of the invaders, Zac growled.


    The delegates who were on the floor from Zacs forceful aura embarrassedly climbed to their feet, and was shocked when they saw the Title screen hovering in front of them. There simply was no way to fake a System-run screen, as the System itself disallowed it. And his title was irond proof he had fought against the invaders, not for them.


    We have done our part. We have even defeated an incursion, and now were in the process of brokering peace with the Zhix in order to benefit all humanity. Port Atwood is standing on the forefront protecting humanity, Zac said as he red at the delegates.


    I was shocked to hear that all of you together hadnt managed to destroy a single incursion while our small force was able to do it. Perhaps it is time you started get a move on instead of ying politics.


    His outburst had various effects on the people present. Ogras only grinned, looking very much in favor of his actions, whereas Calrin looked sick. Zac could only assume the gnome was fearing his sales pitch from earlier was for naught now.


    The delegates ranged from angered to embarrassed, with a few looking at the screen thoughtfully. Thomas Fischer only sighed and shook his head.


    I am sorry about my colleagues words Mr. Monk, he said with a contrite face. We simply needed to make sure about your allegiance. If our ns for the future were exposed, it would risk them not working, which would impact all of humanity. We have been fighting the incursions on multiple fronts for months, and honestly it is a losing battle.


    Zac frowned as he listened intently.


    They are gaining power quicker than we are. After reading your information package we learned the reason is that they are far stronger than us from the start, and simply temporarily limited by the System.


    "We believe that the longer things drag on, the harder it will be to expel the forces. Some of our analysts even believe that unless we defeat them within the year then humanity is doomed. This is why we called so many forces here today.


    Zac sighed as he had calmed down by now. He regretted his little outburst either. Not because he acted like a brute, but because he might have given out too much information just to defend himself. He quickly realized that showing the title would have been enough, but he got angered into releasing his aura.


    But your victory gives us hope that our mission is doable. We hope we can rely on your power and expertise in theing months, and together rid this of the invaders, Asano added from behind Thomas.


    Port Atwood will do what we can in the war efforts, but we have our own things we are dealing with as well. So we cant promise any specifics. And also Im sorry to rain on your parade, but the Incursions isnt our only problem, Zac said, feeling tired.


    Oh? What do you mean? Thomas asked with a frown.


    Ibtep, please exin to these people about the Dominators, Zac said as he turned to the Zhix who had stood by silently until now.


    The Zhix ambassador took a step forward, obviously prepared, and without preamble started exining the situation and history of the Zhix. The delegates seemed slightly intrigued by hearing about the history of the Zhix, but when they learned that the Zhix homeworld actually possessed cultivators even before the integration they started frowning.


    When Iptep showed them the level of the one who called itself Inevitability, they werepletely pale.

 Chapter 138: Consequences

    Chapter 138: Consequences


    <em>Those assholes,</em> Thea thought as she moved back and forth.


    Analyze them, Henry said as he looked at Thea.


    Theyre assholes, she only muttered as she kept pacing about.


    Thea, the old man said with some reproach in his voice.


    She rolled her eyes but took the exercise seriously this time. She knew that her grandfather wouldnt stop until she gave a satisfying answer. Some things hadnt changed just because the world ended after all.


    The monk is very strong. He beat up those people without breaking a sweat. The demon is also strong. I barely had time to react before Johns leg was pierced. Are you OK by the way? she said as she turned to their guardian.


    I am fine mydy, with the help of the pill I will have no problem fighting, John quickly assured her.


    Focus, Henry reproached.


    Well, they are also rich. They spent even more than we did, she said, still feeling a bit peeved as she remembered that monk''s stupid face as he kept increasing the bid.


    She didnt know what that stone had been, but her <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong> craved it. But with the familys operation underway she had handed over much of her wealth, and she really hadnt expected to need such an amount of money in the short run. Who knew those useless bureaucrats of the New World Government would actually have good things to sell?


    Youve listed things that anyone with eyes could see. Focus, what happened in your altercation with the demon? Henry said, obviously not satisfied with her performance.


    Thea stopped pacing about and thought back to that moment. She had directed one of her petals to nick the throat of the glib demon, putting him in his ce. She hadnt been ready for the shameless response and still felt a bit flustered the tactic. She knew the question the demon asked was rhetoric, but she wondered what the answer was.


    Would she have been able to kill the demon before grandpa and John died? Thea quickly refocused, knowing her grandfather was expecting an answer. She went over the whole incident, focusing on every action and every facial expression of the members of the odd group.


    They werent afraid, she blurted out with a start.


    Good. Continue, Henry Marshall nodded with a small smile.


    The demon called it a little pre-auction fun, and while he was mostly joking he did truly not seem to take the situation too seriously. The monk seemed worried, but about the wrong things. He seemed afraid that the demon would actually hurt us, rather than me hurting them. All in all, he seemed more annoyed than anything else, she continued with a frown.


    What does this mean? Henry urged her on.


    Neither the monk nor the demon really saw us, or me, as a threat. Ignorance cant exin it, as they clearly knew of our identity. The same can be said for their whole group, only the old Asian man seemed worried, but he was clearly just a weakling. They believe the demon is stronger than me, even though my third spot on the power list.


    What was the power dynamic between the Monk and the Demon? her grandfather asked, switching the line of questioning.


    Friends. No, wait, she said as she frowned a bit. The demon acted out two times, both times he stopped after the Monk intervened. It might not be official, but the Monk is in the dominant position.


    Good. Revisit the earlier question, the old man said.


    Thea stopped for a few seconds and went over her earlier line of reasoning.


    The demon might believe himself stronger, or at least equal to me. But judging from his personality he would not take orders from a weakling, so the Monk should be at least as strong as the demon, she said, her eyes widening in realization. The whole group believes that not only the demon, but even the Monk can defeat me.


    That was an ufortable realization. She hadnt stopped pushing herself for a second since the start. Shed even actually underwent with the suicide mission and assassinated the incursion leaders, which made her n''s current advances possible.


    Anytime she walked the streets she was met with fear or reverence. She didnt care about all that, but the fact that she was looked down upon after all her struggles was quite maddening.


    Excellent. Remember, a small nce or an innocent conversation can expose far more than was intended. Everything has causes and consequences. Thats why its important to always act in a measured and deliberate manner. But you still are missing details, Henry said.


    You seem to consider the demon an impulsive character, your opinion perhaps discolored by preconceived notions of what a demon should be like. I see the creature as a nning schemer hiding behind a guise. Just like we gained valuable information from the exchange, so did they.


    Your time in the wilderness has made you extremely strong, but your actions have be unnecessarily simplistic. If you remembered your old lessons you would have gained information without giving any up, Henry continued, and it looked like he was gearing up for another sermon.


    Luckily for Thea he was interrupted by an extremely dangerous feeling erupting from something in the area.


    It was as though a monster had been released in the Opera House, making even Theas neck-hair stand on end. Even the invisible petals of her weapon started shivering as they danced around her.


    It seems the New World Government angered the Super Brother-Man. Causes and consequences, Henry said with a small smile as he looked in the direction of the ominous feeling.


    What do you all think? Thomas said as he looked at the group.


    Many of the delegates still looked a bit frazzled from the earlier encounter. Thomas couldnt really me them, as there was a huge amount of adrenaline coursing through his vein at this very moment.


    It was one thing to read a name on somedder, and a whole other thing to be confronted by the very power that the list represent. The first spot on the powerdder wasnt for show, and Thomas didnt doubt for a second that the Super Brother-Man could make good on his threats if he wished.


    They might be able to take him down in the end with concentrated focus-fire, but not before hed killed all of them.


    He could be a great asset. He has already shown goodwill with the information crystal, Asano Kobo said hesitantly.


    Its too dangerous. We cant have such a person running lose, the French representative said with a frown.


    How would we stop him? He would simply kill us if we tried to interfere, Johana retorted.


    He wouldnt be an asset if we cant control him. We would be running the risk of setting up a globalwork, only for him to swoop in and crown himself king, the french delegate added.


    Is there anything we know about him? You have met him before Thomas. What have you found out?


    We have strong reason to believe he is American, and has some connection to the town Greenworth. It was one of the towns he asked about when he arrived at New Washington the first time, and he immediately rushed there after visiting an information broker, Thomas began narrating.


    Not long after he arrived at Greenworth he massacred the whole leadership of the town and erected arge monolith in a graveyard. Our hypothesis is that the cultivators who took control of Greenworth killed someone close to him, and he killed them all in revenge. Unfortunately, we have no way to find out exactly who were killed by the cultivators.


    We have been asking around as much as possible, but information is sparse, and our government workers have some trouble with cooperation as ourst representative ruined our reputation a bit. We have also been showing a picture of Monk to citizens of Greenworth in hopes that he would be recognized by someone. Still, we havent had any luck.


    There is one more morsel of information. I just received a report that Mr. Monk went around asking parties where their cities were located. When he found out that Mr. Bernards town was close to the Undead Incursion he tried to broker a deal to use their teleporter.


    How is this important information? Johana asked.


    One of Greenworths cultivator groups were dropped off close-by to that location. Mr. Monk might be trying to locate someone important to him that might be in that group, Thomas said.


    Youre saying we should capture his friends or family? the Japanese delegate asked with a frown. That seems to be ying with fire.


    For now we should focus on locating them, and from there try to extrapte Mr. Monks identity. We already believe that his towns name should be named after himself, and that him saying the town is run by a councilrgely a lie in order to keep his persona hidden. So if we find an Atwood in the cultivator group we can almost identify him for sure, Thomas said.


    And then what? a delegate asked.


    See if we can ce or make use of someone close to his inner circle. We would then gain a great asset, both for intelligence, and if needed, covert action.


    I believe he will be instrumental in fighting off the incursions. You all know how bad it looks. If we can push him to the frontlines we would have a far better chance of seeding, he added.


    And after that? a delegate asked worriedly.


    After that we dont need that kind of trouble in our backyard, Johanna said with a steely expression, and Thomas made no efforts to refute her.


    I am not sure about this. I want wealth as much as the next guy, but you need to be alive to enjoy it, Davon said with hesitation.


    It will be fine as long as we are careful and n everything out, Red retorted with a sneer. Remember, it wouldnt be the first ranker we killed.


    Still, that guy looks seems pretty strong. I get the goosebumps just thinking about him. He clobbered those poor bastards like they were just some target practice. Didnt even break a sweat,


    He isnt an immortal or god just because he can clobber some people. His head will still explode from a high caliber sniper round. No one is powerful enough to survive the strongest old-world weapons yet, so this is a small window of opportunity before they get too strong. If we shoot a few rounds in a staggered manner no treasure or skill will be able to protect him,


    Hispanions will be scrambling for safety, giving Ricky the opportunity to snatch the body and disappear, Dany added.


    He easily dropped 6 million on a stupid rock, who knows how much stuff he has in is Cosmos Sack, Red sed enticingly, and even those hesitating couldnt help nodding.


    Well skip thest part of the government stuff, and set up our trap instead. Well go with the same setup as thest time, you all know what to do?


    The small group of eight somberly nodded.


    Good. In a few hours well be filthy rich.


    Good job standing guard over the boss for so long, Alea said with a smile as she handed Namys a cup of tea.


    It is my duty. Our duty, you would do well to remember. I have seen you cavort with the human. Never forget it was Lord Ogras who brought us out of misery and provided us a ce in the multiverse, Namys tersely responded, but still epted the cup.


    Alea slightly smiled as she sat down next to the scarred demoness in the small gazebo at the outskirts of the town.


    I truly miss the crimson skies. Looking up at this endless blue makes me feel that Im continuously walking through a dream, or that I am stuck in one of Janos illusions, Alea said with a sigh as she took a sip of her own cup.


    Lord Ogras will bring us home in glory someday after hes taken control of this. Well show n AzhRezak who their true leader is. Either they will bend the knee or they will perish, Namys answered, a fanatic sheen glimmering in eyes.


    Alea nced over with some sadness in her eyes and sighed again.


    I remember when I was a child in the slums of TerFerizan. My mother was a prostitute, and who knows who my dad is. Mom always resented me since I came in the way of her business as she saw it. Stole her youth she called it. She beat me, abused me, and forced me to beg for food just to survive.


    Still I adored her, and I always felt she was the most beautiful person in the world as she donned her beautiful dresses and make-up for work. She was perfect in my eyes, and I was the one in the wrong, Alea said, her eyes moistening as she looked at her sister of over twenty years.


    What are you talking about? Wh.. Namys asked, her words slurring a bit at the end.


    I am talking about the fact that strong emotions such as love or devotion can create an image of reality, even though reality might be different. You see Ogras as the dashing scion of n AzhRezak who once saved you, and will once again reim his ce as the leader of us demonkind. From there he will walk the time tested path to be a true Arch Demon.


    But havent you seen? Hes changed. Hes found sce and happiness as he cut his ties to n AzhRezak. Returning back home is thest thing on his mind, as this is truly his home now. But you have been walking around trying to get Ilvere and Janos to help you assassinating Lord Zac, unheeding of the fact that you are actually trying to destroy Ogras sanctuary. We tried talking you out of it but you were too adamant, Alea said as she looked sadly on Namys who was slumping down in her chair. Something needed to be done.


    Wh.. how..? Lord Ogras.. avenge was thest words that escaped Namys mouth as her eyes zed over and she exhaled herst breath.


    The carriage will not move forward if one of the wheels is aligned in the wrong direction, Alea said, her eyes reddening. Silly girl, do you think I would kill you unless I was ordered to?

 Chapter 139: Heaviness

    Chapter 139: Heaviness


    Feels good, doesnt it?


    Zac was interrupted from his brooding and looked over at the grinning demon. The two were currently sitting in a secluded group of sofas, and the heavy atmosphere kept any curious onlooker far away.


    I think I might have shown too much of myself, Zac said with a sigh.


    Zac looked at Ogras for a second and shook his head ruefully.


    I have a little sister. I believe I have found her whereabouts, but I am afraid that my identity is exposed, and they will use her to get to me.


    Since the beginning he hadnt really told the demons anything about himself, and he hadnt even exined why he wanted to keep going on excursions through the teleporter. He was afraid of the same thing he was now, that someone would use his family to get to him. But he was running out of ideas, and Ogras usually had some methods up his sleeves.


    To Zacs surprise, he saw that the demon had turned uncharacteristically serious as he looked at him.


    The Undead Incursion? Ogras asked with a somber face.


    In a town close by, Zac nodded.


    You need to find someone who has a teleporter in the area, Ogras mused


    I did, but there seems to be some problem, Zac said and retold the conversation with the stocky man.


    I think I know whats going on, but well find out for sure in a bit, Ogras said. However, I have an idea that will ensure it doesnt matter what little schemes those politicians have.


    Oh? Zac said with some hope.


    Ogras took out two ss vials from his pouch and threw them over to Zac.


    The ck vial contains a poison pill called <strong>[Ten Steps to Hell]</strong>. If ingested the victim will wake up every night with searing pain in his chest, as though as his lungs are on fire. Every night for ten nights the pain will keep getting worse. On the tenth night you will die. It is extremely painful, and only the most skilled E-Ranked healers would be able to treat it. It should be incurable on this baby, Ogras said with a sinister grin.


    How does this help me? Zac frowned.


    The other vial contains the antidote, Ogras exined. Feed the poison to the man with the portal. Tell him to open the portal in 9 nights. You promise you will give him the antidote when you arrive in his town. If you do or not is up to you. He might try to heal himself, but it will fail. The inevitable pain every night will be a painful reminder toply unless he wants to die.


    Zac nkly stared down at the two small bottles in his hands, hesitant at what to do. He felt that if he actually went through with this he would be stepping over some sort of threshold, arriving at a ce where anything goes. The owner of the town by the undead incursion hadnt done anything wrong, and this poison sounded like something horrifying to be subjected to.


    Then again, it might be his only means to reach his sister. The more he thought about it the more he felt that he had left a trail of breadcrumbs that lead right to his identity. He remembered the feeling of walking through the park filled with unmarked graves, his fathers one of them.


    Zac''s eyes hardened and he put the two bottles into his pouch, which made a small smile emerge on Ogras face. If he had to be a viin to make sure his sister was alright, then so be it.


    Thank you. I will use these if I see no other option. What do you want in return? Zac asked.


    He was quite clear about the demons personality, where everything was weighted in benefits.


    Lets just say you owe me one, the demon said with a small smile.


    Sigh, fine. Now can you tell me what your actions were about in there? And dont tell me it was pre-auction joking around again.


    Arent you getting more astute? From what Ive gathered she is an elite from a well-established n on this world. This Marshall n will be one of our biggestpetitors for the dominion of Earth, provided we dont get ughtered by the invaders or these so-called Dominators, Ogras said, his face turning serious.


    You were busy shrinking away from her res, so I had to do something. We needed information about her powers and temperament. The returns were above expectations, he continued.


    How was you getting your throat slit and us ruining our rtion count as good returns? And I have no interest in world dominion Zac frowned.


    You need to think deeper, because other people are. Even if you say you dont care, who would believe you? Your very existence is a threat to anyone trying to unify this. Unless you stop progressing and be mediocre you will be forced into conflict, no matter what you want, the demon snorted.


    And we gained a lot of information about Thea Marshal. For one, we know she has a bit of a short fuse. She could have just ignored me, but she didnt. Such a thing can always be exploited in the future. We also know that her family is a liability for her. When I attacked that man she clearly got frantic but tried to hide it under a guise of disdain, Ogras said.


    Zac was surprised, as hed only seen the exchange as an embarrassing diversion from the auction.


    It seems the Marshall n is quiterge, which is a huge liability for a caring powerhouse. Having arge group of weak people to protect acts like an anchor, tying you down. Finally, we learned a bit about her method of attacks, he concluded.


    Oh, you figured out her trick? I couldnt see what she did at all. Zac asked.


    Im notpletely sure, but I know for certain that it was a ded attack. Ive been cut enough times by various things to know the difference between a Dao, skill, and de-cut. My belief is that she has one or multiple hovering ded weapons out around her at all times, he concluded.


    You remember Rydel, that asshole? I think shes doing the same thing with a sword or a few daggers, but through either the properties of the weapons themselves or through a skill they be invisible. Shes essentially creating a field of death around her, where a strike cane at any time. Quite a good method. A shame I wasnt able to gauge her range, Ogras concluded with a sigh.


    Zac was stunned. Earlier he really regretted bringing the demon along, but by now he felt quite thankful that he actually did. He did not only provide ast-resort solution to get to Kenzie, he even helped him realize his mistakes as he scouted out his enemies.


    What about almost kidnapping the movie star? Was that you wanting to gauge someone elses reactions? Zac changed the subject.


    No that was just for me, the demon said with a grin. I havent given up yet, you should know. We should go rampage a bit, kill a few people. When she sees our powers shell be much more willing toe back with us.


    Zac snorted but didnt say anything. He didnt know why, but like the demon was a bit on edge about something since he left his seclusion. Perhaps his gains werent as good as hed hoped, and he was a bit antsy. Hed exined his reasoning for osting Thea, but at the same time it felt like the demon was simply trying to create trouble to take his mind off of other things.


    It wasnt the time to start digging into those murky waters. If it was rted to the demons cultivation he would never be truthful, and they were neither close enough or drunk enough to have any sort of heart-to-heart about anything troubling. Besides, the demon wasnt the only one with problems.


    Various troubles and issues were whirling through Zacs head as he closed his eyes for a bit as hey back in the sofa. There was the issue of Port Atwood, how to ensure the safety and progress of his emerging ind kingdom. The third wave wasing as well, and he still had no idea what he could expect.


    There was the issue of New Washington and their shrewd politicians. It felt as though the situation was getting out of hand, and a schism was forming between himself and his fellow humans. He even felt morefortable around demons and the Zhix ambassador than his own old countrymen by this point.


    There was also the heaviest responsibility of finding Kenzie. The feeling as he stood in front of the newly erected gravestone was etched into his memory, and he would rather die than not live up to the promise.


    The issues of the Incursions and Dominators were also a constant buzzing in the back of his head. Any other issues like those of Port Atwood, or even finding Kenzie, was all for naught unless something was done about these enemies. Time was running out and unless something changed the invaders would soon be too powerful to handle.


    Felt he was weighted down by a mountain of responsibilities, and heaviness shrouded his mind. However, suddenly it was as though various scattered thoughts and impressions crystallized, and ordered themselves up into something structured.


    Zac fell into a trance as he somehow felt connected to the universe. Hed pondered daily on the various facets of heavinesstely, and now it was as though the universe suddenly was showing him the answer sheet. His current emotions were actually represented in a small section of something far greater, and in another corner he sensed his original insights.


    The Dao of Heaviness was a low tiered Dao, or a foundational Dao as Alyn called it, but the vastness of that he sensed was extraordinary. He desperately tried to imprint the impression of it, but it was as though almost all of it slipped through his fingers. He managed to absorb some small snippets that were rted to the emotional heaviness that hed felttely at least, and it seamlessly integrated into the fractal axe in his mind.


    The dark color of the Heaviness-imbued half of the axe got deeper, and it radiated a stronger aura than before. Still, it was nowhere near the vastness he just felt.


    He opened his eyes, only to see Ogras face stered just centimeters from him.


    What the hell are you doing? Zac asked with some trepidation.


    God damn it, did you just have an epiphany? Just disgusting, Ogras said with a frown as he moved back, and even the little merchant who had appeared from nowere sitting closeby threw an envious nce at him.


    Why were you so close that you almost straddled me though? Zac asked with a weird look.


    Dont tter yourself. I was trying to sense anything to get some hints of how to get an epiphany of my own. Since your Dao Seeds are low leveled I needed to get closer to sense the fluctuations, the demon spat.


    Did you find out anything? Zac asked curiously.


    No, it was just a chaotic jumble. No idea how to get anything useful from that, the demon answered with a grimace.


    So, what did you upgrade?


    Zac didnt answer, instead opening his menu with a smile.

 Chapter 140: Dao Seeds

    Chapter 140: Dao Seeds


    He let the demon stay curious as he looked at his current status.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>54</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - Early, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>287</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>144</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>187</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>109</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>69</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>64</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>77</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>308 353 </strong>


    Zac could only grimace as he saw his Nexus Coins. He had felt extremely wealthy when he possessed over twenty million coins and went to buy the four Creator vessels, but in just a few hours hed spent around 17 million with the help of the insatiable little merchant. He couldnt help but re at the Sky Gnome, who studiously examined the roof after seeing Zacs face.


    Zac knew that he would benefit from it in the end unless the gnome messed up badly, but it still left a bad taste in his mouth. Together with the expenditure of the boats he was almostpletely tapped out. Of course, he could convert some of his Nexus Crystals to quickly gain back what he spent and more, so he wasnt too worried.


    Next, he opened up his Dao window to see how it looked.


    <strong>Heaviness Middle Strength +15, Endurance +10, Wisdom +5</strong>


    <strong>Sharpness Early Dexterity +10, Intelligence +5</strong>


    <strong>Trees Early Endurance +5, Vitality +10</strong>


    The total attribute reward from the Dao Seed had only doubled but he knew that would be the case, so he wasnt disappointed. The reward would keep doubling at Late, then Peak Mastery. Finally it would get arge boost if it was evolved or fused. This time he was given +5 Strength, +5 Endurance and +5 Wisdom, likely due to the psychological aspect of the heaviness he gained insight into.


    Then again, the extra attributes were only a small bonus from the system. The main boosts came from the usage in battle. Adding the force of a middle-ranked Dao Seedpared to an early would be quite a boost.


    And that wasnt even all. Zac looked over at the demon and with a small smile unleashed his Dao.


    Urh What the hell? Ogras said, with a face looking like hed just bitten into a lemon. Whats up with your Dao of Heaviness?


    It was the Dao Field he finally was able to emit. It looked like he could only extend it a bit over two meters, but that would improve with time. At the same time, two meters was all that was needed in a melee confrontation.


    I just added the aspect of Heaviness I gained from my insights, Zac said.


    So weird. You chose emotional heaviness? Dont get too maudlin and go killing yourself, ok? But I have to admit it is a pretty interesting addition to your Dao Seed. It will even serve as a mental attack apart from a normal restriction if you hit someone with your Dao Field in the middle of battle, Ogras mused.


    Everyones Dao Seeds werent the same. Even if Heaviness was a low tiered Seed it was a vast concept. Zac had clearly felt it during his epiphany, and his current seed only consisted of two small snippets of arger whole. The two parts he had gained insights into created his unique Dao Seed. A peak Seed was only a couple of more parts added to his current insight.


    If he wanted to delve further into that Dao he would have to upgrade it from a seed to a real Dao Path. He wasnt sure whether he would do that though, or try to fuse it with sharpness at an earlier point. All in all, there was no right or wrong path when it came to Dao, only suitable and unsuitable.


    Of course, if you were following a heritage guide there would be a wrong and right choice. Sometimes one or two parts of the Dao Seed usually needed to correspond to the requirement for the ss upgrade, with the remaining ones enabling some customization to personal preference.


    Apparently, there were even more stringent sses though, where all parts needed to match. Generally, the more specific sses and the higher rarity ones had more stringent requirements, whereas themon sses were more forgiving.


    In Zacs case there was no roadmap, and he could only hope that there was some ss waiting for him at the end of the tunnel. If not he would have to take some risks to rack up achievements or meditate in order to gain more insight into his Daos or gain new ones.


    Zac simply followed his heart, as he had no real way to gauge what any potential ss upgrade would require. He gained insight into a mentalponent of heaviness through his harsh experiences, and that was what was added. If he kept going down that path he might turn into a spectral axeman instead, whose strikes cleaved souls rather than the physical bodies.


    Suddenly he noticed something was off. Only their small group was sitting in the sofas, as the rest of the venue was empty.


    Whats going on? How long was I out?


    I dont know? An hour? Ogras shrugged. They started their information meeting not long after you Zoned out. Since you were out of it the insect and the old man went inside. We figured theyd be safe after your little outburst earlier, so we stayed behind here. Not like those guys will tell us anything we didnt already know.


    Calrin nodded, looking a bit bored.


    So how did it go, did you finish your quest? Zac asked, a sh of irritation once again rushing through his mind as he was reminded of his almostpletely emptied bank ount.


    I need to resell the items first, but I believe I will make it. The quest was for me to triple my ehm, your money, and I believe that will be possible. Depending on the skills of your demon craftsmen it might get even higher, but they dont seem very skilled, Calrin said looking a bit proud.


    What are you smiling for? Rob me like that again and you better never leave your rattypound again or Ill find you and show you the Thousand Tortures, Ogras snarled.


    Brutes, Calrin only muttered, but he still shrunk down a bit.


    I will need my Nexus Coins back before the wave starts. You have three days, Zac only said.


    30%. I can return 30% before the wave, any more than that and Ill be forced to sell at a discount, which will hurt both you and me.


    Zac only stared at him for a while before sighing.


    50%. Not a penny less.


    The Sky Gnome hemmed and hawed, but Zac was adamant about that level, and finally the little merchant could only acquiesce.


    Zac once again closed his eyes after some more small talk, wanting to acquaint himself better with his new and improved Seed. He was eager to find out whether his guidance system from <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> would be able to adapt to the new aspect of his insights, but now was not the time to start swinging his axe around. He could see the pathways, but others could not, so it would look like he had gone insane and started to attack everything around him.


    The sound door of the doors opening to the venue woke Zac up from his meditation, and after a bit he saw Sap Trang and Ibtep hurry back toward them.


    Ah its good you feel better, Mr. Trang said as he looked relieved.


    Better? Zac said with some confusion.


    Ah yes, I told you not to drink that much. Passing out with your attributes, embarrassing, Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    It seemed the two were putting up a y, but for who Zac had no idea, still he could only y along and hesitantly nod.


    Was there any useful information? Zac asked Mr. Trang.


    Not much, most of it came from us, to be honest. They have released an updated version of theputer program you showed me the other day. It more clearly shows the Incursion zones. They also provided a decent amount of detail about each and every Incursion, and even provided dockets, the fisherman answered, showing a pretty thick stack of papers.


    They also brought up new information from Ibtep. However, though they didnt mention you at all. They only said that an ally of the government had provided the info. They never gave Port Atwood any credit, he said with a frown.


    Thats okay, i didnt share it to gain anything from it. I simply wanted people to be aware of the situation, so they could start preparing themselves, Zac said with a wave of his hand.


    You should be a bit more caring in the future. That information was valuable, and it would have helped boost our reputation. While it might not seem important, but the image themoners hold of us might be essential in the future. If wee to conflict with the World Government, what then? Whose side would the people take? The government who, at least from the looks of it, tirelessly is fighting against the invaders? Or us, the unknown force? Ogras said.


    Ok, ok. Ill be more selfish the next time. Was there anything else? Did they talk about the teleporters or anything like that? Zac asked.


    No, but it seems they have some big n, they alluded to it multiple times during the presentation. I think theyll tell us more in thest part.


    Zac nodded as he looked at the three aliens in the party.


    Ill go to thest meeting, you stay with these three, Mr. Trang. There are a few Ishiate who wille with us back, please arrange things with them. They are actually cultivators originally from one of the two towns we found and might be a great help in bringing them into our fold.


    Soon the break was over, and people once again streamed into the venue. This time it was only the humans, and Zac saw the Ishiate being shown to a side-area by some attendants.


    He went to his original position and nodded to Nigel who sat beside a snoring Billy. He looked over at the Marshals, but the trio was pointedly ignoring him this time. He wasnt sure whether to be relieved or peeved but simply shrugged it off. Ogras lesson was still fresh in his mind, but he knew he still didnt possess the means to act and talk in a manner that gave away no information. So he was happy being left alone.


    Thomas Fisher walked up to the stage with his group, and the murmurs in the venue died down.


    Wee back to thest segment of todays activities, and perhaps the most important one. Those here today are a significant portion of the worlds elite, with over twenty of the rankers present in this room, Thomas said, creating some surprised murmurs.


    Humans are beset on all fronts by enemies. And let me be honest. They are stronger than us, they are more used to Cosmic Energy, and they are more brutal. In less than half a year only twenty percent of humanity is still alive, and it honestly looks bleak. But we are not without hope.


    Arge reason why the invaders can run rampant is that there havent been concentrated and organized efforts in rebuffing them. The local forces have fought valiantly, but they have stood alone against a vastly superior force. Too many brave men and women have already died in this ignoble way.


    The solution is simple. We need to unite and fight as one entity. Alone we might be weak, but together we will stand strong. And we have found a way to make this happen.

 Chapter 141: Forming Factions

    Chapter 141: Forming Factions


    Zac frowned as he listened to Thomas speech. While the words sounded good it felt to him that it wasnt that simple.


    Why dont you just drop a few nukes on the Incursions? Its better we get some radiation than having to risk our lives, a man in the back row shouted, and many seemed to agree by the nods.


    Honestly that was our first thought, Thomas said with a sigh. Better we create no-go st zones than having people get ughtered or turned into Zombies. But soon after the integration happened we made a troubling discovery. All our weapons of mass destruction, and most of our high capacity arsenals are simply Gone.


    WHAT? multiple shouts erupted in the hall, many looked fearfully at each other.


    Zac was surprised at the news, but not overly so. He had the same idea as the man who shouted earlier, but if they hadnt dropped the nukes even after billions of people died, they simply werent able to. Seeing as the system wanted a struggle to create powerhouses it didnt make sense for it to leave behind technological weapons that simply erased all struggle. A nuke at every incursion in the beginning would swiftly have ended the invasions after all.


    He also noticed that while some seemed shocked, many took the news with stride. It obviously wasnt a too tightly guarded secret.


    All nukes, chemical warfare and high capacity bombs are gone. Most of our airnes, carriers, and battleships are gone as well. They werent stolen or destroyed, but simply removed. We are quite sure it is the doing of the System itself, as even any reference to an atom bomb is removed from allputers and even books. If you find an encyclopedia youll notice that there is just a nk space in the pages where the restricted information once was.


    Even Zac was shocked this time, once again reminded just how powerful the system was. To remove even any mention of the things it didnt like was a horrifying capacity. However, they were still all talking about it, so hopefully it meant that the System at least couldnt alter memories.


    To make matters worse, we cant build them. We are not allowed. An atomic bomb is not an extremelyplicated thing, and many of our scientists are able to construct them. But as soon as we make some headway the prototypes vanish out of thin air, Thomas added. In essence, the System wants us to fight with our own hands.


    Many in the room looked despondent. Clearly they had hoped the government would solve the problems for them, and perhaps that something was just holding them up. But Thomas Fischers deration dashed any such hope. Obviously rifles and hand-guns were still around, but their efficacy was limited.


    But do not worry, we have a n. Thomas said, brining back the attention to him.


    We have representatives present from all corners of the world, meaning we have the means to quickly travel and assist everyone, no matter where they are. However, this doesnt happen in practice. Why? Thomas asked as he looked over the audience.


    Its simple. There are only two public teleporters at the moment. Ours and the Cradle of God. And you should all know by now that whoever enters the Cradle neveres back. We do not know if its controlled by a traitor, a powerful Dominator, or even a foreign force that somehow has circumvented the rules. So in essence, only New Washington is essible to the forces of the world.


    All other teleporters are closed, and I do not me you. Leaving the teleporters open would subject your towns and citizens to danger at any time. But there is a solution. The New World Government is happy to announce that we are on course to have the first System-approved Lord within the month.


    Murmurs started through the area, many looking surprised at each other.


    For those of you who do not know, it means that new forms of settings of the teleporters can be enabled. It is possible to create a closed system where all the portals of allied towns are public to each other, whereas everyone outside thework cant ess us. That would give us an immense edge in the fight against the invaders.


    Many nodded, but there were a few people who looked like Zac felt, troubled. There was no such thing as a free lunch after all.


    We would be able to coordinate both defense and assault. Our warriors would be able to go from hotspot to hotspot and keep reaping the rewards. Because remember, while incursions are dangerous, they are also a huge opportunity to gain power. It is not without reason that many of the high rankers have their base of operations close to incursions, Thomas added.


    Thiswork would not only help with battle, but with all manner of society. It would help with trade, information and even relocation efforts for those who try to reach their loved ones. And every time a new town join the collective, we all grow a little bit stronger.


    Throughout history mankind has bleen splintered and our own worst enemies. But if there is one thing that has always marked our species; our adaptability and ingenuity. We havent reallye together as one race before, but we havent been tested like this before either. The New World Government is a living testament to the possibility of this.


    Thirty-eight government towns are already ted to join thework as soon as we can create it. It would allow us to travel throughrge parts of our new world, Thomas said, letting the audience sit in the silence and ponder the implications.


    Can anyone join? a voice shouted from the back.


    For now, yes, another man said as he stepped forward next to Thomas Fischer, and Zac recognized him as one of the delegates of another government town.


    However, we need to make sure the safety of thework. We will do a site visit to your town to ensure no atrocities are going on, or that letting you join thework would impact the other negatively in some other way. We would also ce a permanent government liaison at your town to keep an open channel ofmunications, he continued.


    But do not worry. The control of the town and its development is not something the New World Government will interfere in. There are only two requirements. The first is that the town ept the newly drafted Rule of Law that is there to ensure the human rights of all citizens. The second is contribution to the war efforts, Thomas added.


    Let no one forget. Thergest reason that we need tobine our forces is to fight back against the invaders. Someone who is not interested in contributing to humanity has no ce in ourwork, he said as he slowly looked over the poption with a steely gaze.


    Edmonton is ready to fight for humanity, arge man suddenly said with a booming voice as he stood up.


    Little Creek is ready to fight for humanity, another woman with a huge scar across her face soon added not long after.


    One by one a lot of people stood up and professed their readiness to fight for humanity. Zac silently looked on the spectacle with a small frown. His time with Ogras had made him a bit more cynic, and he instinctively felt that the audience participation in thisst meeting were nts by the governments.


    The forces might be real and their town were ready to join, but their participation was likely already negotiated and done before this meeting started. This was only reinforced as he saw the stocky man who ruled the town close to the Undead Incursion stand up and profess his allegiance.


    Zac knew then and there that any hope of him using the teleporter through normal means wouldnt be possible. It was clear that the government was setting up a sphere of influence. There was no way that Zac would join them at this point in time, so he would be cut off from the teleportationwork.


    They would use the safety in numbers and promise of bing stronger to rope more and more forces into joining. It was true what Thomas said, each time someone joined their alliance it would get stronger, and the outsiders would get more and more ostracized.


    He threw a nce at the Marshals, and was somewhat relieved to see that the three seemed to bepletely unaffected by themotion in the room. A quick look over at Billy showed that the giant was still snoring away, obviously uncaring about what was going on, but the slight frown on Nigels face showed that they werent one of the forces that had made a deal with the government.


    What if we dont join? a loud voice suddenly asked after the hubbub had died down a bit.


    We hope that as many as possible will join us in our fight, but we understand that some have their own aspirations. We will not force anyone to join unless they feelfortable with it. However, please beware that New Washingtons teleporter will be private again a month after thework is set up, Thomas answered.


    Having an open node in thework will risk the whole alliance, and we cant allow that. The month is so that all forces of the world will be given ample time to consider our offer. It will also hopefully allow a few more forces to gain a teleporter and join us. But after that we need to think about the safety of our citizens, and from there on there will be no more admission, the politician continued.


    At certain intervals the teleporter will open though, to allow teleportation to New Washington only. That would be an opportunity to join us at ater date, another delegate added.


    As soon as the members have been finalized and thework secured we will begin our campaign to retake ournd from the foreign invaders. I will not go into specifics at this time due to security concerns, but our goal is topletely close all the incursions guing New Earth before the anniversary of the integration, Thomas said.


    A stunned silence spread through the hall from the strong deration. Clearly the New World Government wasnt messing around. Zac personally was skeptic. They talked big for a group of people who still hadnt closed a single Incursion. At the same time he didnt want to create a scene since he couldnt do the job alone, and if humans could organize and pick up the ck it would be for the best.


    The meeting kept going, and the government officials spoke a bit more about the specifics of the future alliance and fielded many questions. It became increasingly clear that the New World Government had adopted a polite youre either with us or against us-approach. On the surface it waspletely up to anyone whether to join or not.


    But in practice they meant that unless you joined the fold you would be alienated from the rest of humanity. You wouldnt get ess to the teleporters, and it even became apparent that trade and information sharing would only happen within the alliance as well.


    Zac was sure there were some additional caveats that were not disclosed at this time. He was pretty sure that the government wouldnt try to freeze out the Marshall n, since a retaliation from them with Thea as a poster child might splinter the alliance. He could only hope that type of courtesy would extend to himself as well. His problem was that while his pseudonym was well known, he was not.


    Personally, he was unsure what to do. He should be happy that the government was trying to organize people to fight against the incursions. But more than that there was a deeply rooted unwillingness to hand over the reins of Port Atwood. They said they would let everyone have autonomy, but the stronger the alliance got, the more power would be centralized.


    He sighed as he kept trying to think of solutions of what to do, as his eyes every now and then darted to the leader of the town close to the Undead Incursion.

 Chapter 142: Heading out

    Chapter 142: Heading out


    Zac walked out of the concert hall with a frown on his face from the information. He still hadnt found any answers what to do in his situation, and could only turn to his teammates for answers. After a quick nce around he found them sitting at another group of sofas the whole table in front of them filled with various foods and drink.


    Zac had thought the demon was once again the culprit, but seeing the little Gnome lying prone with his belly protruding like a little ball, while the Zhix was constantly burping he wasnt so sure anymore. He also saw the two Ishiate he was talking to earlier sit next to the group. As soon as they saw Zac arrive they quickly stood up and slightly bowed.


    Zac was a bit confused, but thought perhaps his groups wanton spending during the auction was taken as a sign of great power. Ogras looked over with a ss of whiskey in his hand.


    So, they are trying to create a force with ess to their teleporters?


    You knew? Zac asked a bit surprised.


    Well, they didnt have a lot of other options if they wanted to remain in charge. Of course, they will sooner orter realize that the distance of a continent is just a small inconvenience, and controlling the arrays arent enough to seize control.


    It seems they already have quite a few members already though, Zac retorted with a sigh as he sat down.


    From there he detailed the general outline of the New World Governments n.


    Just weaklings banding together to feel strong. Its not too bad. There are various ways to circumvent that. You can just take control of a town close to a Government member. If you need to use theirwork just teleport to your own town, and run over to theirs, Ogras said with a shrug, clearly not being worried about the situation.


    Besides, the multi-verse is a ce where power holds sway. Power-structures like theirs never work out in the end, with just a few notable exceptions, Ogras said, and even the Gnome who was fond of bureaucracy seemed inclined to agree, as he gave an unwilling nod.


    Your world is still in its infancy, and you still hold notions of equality. But you will soon see the reality when people will start to evolve. A D-Grade Powerhouse could destroy half of New Washington with a flick of his hand, what would he care about their little schemes? Hed just seize the wholework if he wanted it. A dragon doesnt negotiate with ants, Ogras said.


    You might be right, but that is still far off. In the immediate future they will have amanding advantage, Zac retorted with a frown.


    There was not much left to do in the venue, apart from one thing. It had be increasingly clear during the meeting that using the teleporter to get to the undead incursion would be hopeless, no matter what he said. It was time to go with Ograss n.


    I have no choice, I will need to use your method for ess to the teleporter, Zac said with a grimace.


    The demon only nodded, whereas the others looked at them a bit curious. Zac wouldnt exin what he was about to do, as he felt pretty sick about it already, and instead looked out over the floor. It appeared luck was on his side, as he saw the robust man head toward the area of the toilets. They were around a corner some distance away from the general area and was quite secluded.


    I will be right back, Zac said with a somber expression, and while using <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>he disappeared.


    Between his attributes and the skill it essentially looked like he teleported, as he was one second sitting, and the next second gone, only a sh of his afterimage leaving a trace. In no time he was by the toilet and was relieved to see that there was no one there at the moment.


    Zac grabbed the neck of the robust man from behind without a word, and before the poor man had time to react he was dragged into the handicap bathroom with his throat gripped in an iron vise.


    Zac was now holding him up in the air with one arm, having taken out his axe with the other. Therge man was held a decimeter above ground, his legs swinging widely and his face quickly turning red.


    Scream and I will start cutting off body parts, Zac said with a deathly stare.


    He had already decided to go through with this despicable act, so he would go all the way with it. Hed y the viin if it meant getting ess to the teleporter.


    To help you understand your situation Ill show you something, Zac continued, as he disyed the part of his status screen that showed him being level 54.


    Of course, he didnt disy any of his stats or his name, as the level was enough to convey his message. The man was still unable to breathe, but after having seen the prompt his eyes widened in terror and he stopped trying to get himself free.


    You should understand who I am by now. You can try screaming for help, but the government do not dare make an enemy of me, and would probably sacrifice you rather than getting themselves into trouble, Zac continued as he ced the man down on the ground.


    He didnt actually know if it was true, but it did have a note of truth in it. The man took a few deep steadying breaths, but he didply, as he warily stared at Zac.


    What do you want? You were at the meeting, they have set up all kinds of rules that I cant just break as I wish. Dont you think Id have taken the money if I could?


    Whats your name? Zac simply asked.


    I am John Bernard, therge man hesitantly answered.


    Are you under a contract of servitude? Zac continued.


    No, why? the man answered with a confused stare.


    Good, Zac said as a small ss bottle appeared in his hand.


    Zac opened the stopper and took out the pill which emanated a pungent odor.


    Wh- the other man said, but didnt get further before Zac mmed the pill down into his throat with lightning-quick speed.


    John was so surprised that he instinctively swallowed the pill, and Zac nodded satisfied.


    The pill I just had you eat is a unique poison called <strong>[Ten Steps to Hell]</strong>, Zac said, hiding nothing. Every night you will experience a tremendous pain that will be so bad that you will think you have gone to hell. Every night the pain will get worse, and on the tenth day the pain will be so bad that you will die.


    WHAT? Why are you doing this? the man said, looking positively horrified.


    Because I have the antidote, Zac answered as he took out the other bottle. One week from now, open your teleporter for five minutes at 3 am New Washington time. If I do not pass through the teleporter, do so again the next night at the same time. When Ie through I will hand you the antidote. And a handsome reward, Zac exined, adding the sentence about a reward after a brief hesitation.


    The man looked at the ss bottle in Zacs hand like a drowning man looks at a liferaft.


    Why not just give me the bottle, and I promise I will open the portal. Theres no need for all this, the man entreated.


    I prefer to do things my way. And you might be scheming all kinds of things right now, but the following days will show you the reality. Feel free to visit as many healers and you wish. I didnt get to the top of thedder without having my own means. Noone on earth will be able to save you except for me.


    Zac felt a sour taste in his mouth as he yed the viin. He simply channeled his inner Ogras, thinking of what he would say to get what he wanted in this situation.


    Remember. One week from now, 3 am sharp, he finished and disappeared before the man had time to say anything else.


    Soon he was back at the table and saw Ogras grinning at him.


    The things we do for love, huh? he said.


    Zac recognized the quote and only rolled his eyes in response.


    We are done here. We should have them take us to a hotel. I want to stock up on various things for port Atwood, and hopefully we will find some experts in various fields that will apany us back, Zac said. That is provided they will let us stay though.


    There was no point in pretending that he wasnt in charge anymore. No one would believe Sap Trang was the leader instead of Zac after his disy of power earlier.


    He was unsure what the government had decided regarding his party. They were ushered straight to the venue after arriving, and it seemed they were considered somewhat a risk. But at the same time they had rified their position here at the auction, and hopefully the government wouldnt bar them from exploring the town a bit.


    Last time he was here he hadnt really explored New Washington, as he was eager to get to Greenworth. But this time there were various things he wanted to get for his city. There were all kinds of things the town was in need of, from seeds to materials, and even technology. Most of it could be bought through Calrin, but Zac suspected such things would hold almost no value to the current settlements, which meant they could make huge savings.


    He was also hoping he could snag a couple of sr panels for himself, but he wasnt too hopeful. The government was clearly searching for them as well in order to power their town, and now they had around fifty towns to power.


    If the things in the auction were the best of the best, then there might not be much of value in the town, the Gnome said hesitantly.


    There is a bazaar where independent cultivators and hunters can sell their things. Who knows what theyve found while out farming kills in the forests. I am sure that many of those here are hoping to sell their own things as well, Zac said, causing the little merchant to perk up.


    Can we even go? That littless didnt seem willing to let us into the city, Ogras interjected.


    As if summoned Julia actually emerged from a door not muchter and started walk toward them.


    I hope today has been satisfactory to you all, she said with a smile as she arrived at Zacs table. I understand you have spoken with the leaders of the New World Government, who have given your party ess to the town. Will you be staying here for a bit, or are you heading back to Port Atwood immediately?


    Zacs brows rose, as he didnt expect the government to be so amenable after their little altercation. Especially not considering their stance with their ns for a closedwork.


    Were nning on visiting the bazaar and leave tomorrow, Zac simply answered.


    Excellent. In fact, there will be an informal gathering at the bazaar in roughly two hours, where many of the guests here will sell some of the things theyve found, or trade them for other treasures more suited to them, Julia answered with a nod.


    Zac wasnt surprised, as the government didnt sellmissioned items, but only their own. Many should have found things that they had no use for, and desired to trade them for something that could give immediate benefits.


    The car is waiting, I will take you to one of the still-operating hotels who is located close to the bazaar, Julia said and the group started to walk out.


    It was an impressive spending spree you had, Mr. Monk, even outbidding Ms. Marshal, Julia said with a smile as she shot a nce at him as they walked toward the exit. You and two high rankers fought tooth and nail over that stone. It must have been something quite impressive. A few of our scientists are a bit unsure whether they made a good deal or a horrible one after seeing your bidding war.


    Well, it was an interesting stone. Who knows if it will be worth the sky-high price though? Zac answered with a shrug of his shoulders. He wasnt about to disclose the fact that the stone seemed to be something that all Spiritual Tools wanted.


    Zac went over to the Ishiate before they left to exchange some pleasantries. Unfortunately there was no way for them to create an alliance or create their ownwork at the moment as none of them were lords, so they could only make some loose promises of future cooperation.


    The n of the government was to create awork by piggy-backing their Lords ess to the improved teleporters. Every non-lord who wished to join would be a vassal. In practice, they wouldnt go by feudal rules where the lord actuallymanded the vassals, but that was just what the government said. Who knew if this lord would get a taste for power and want more. Then again, Zac suspected the government had some sort of failsafe for that situation.


    The group finally exited the opera house apanied by the two steampunk Ishiate, and went down toward the stairs toward the waiting limousine. Julia had been a bit curious about the two newpanions, but it was easily exined. Zac could only hope there wouldnt be any furtherplications if they managed to recruit some people back to the town.


    Suddenly Zac froze after having walked down the small set of stairs, as an intense hair-raising sense of danger exploded in his mind.

 Chapter 143: Assault

    Chapter 143: Assault


    A lot of Zacs actions were born from instinct since hed been in constant battle for months. Without hesitation a green shield encapsted him, and the Dao of Trees spread through his body as he brought out his axe.


    However, he didnt even have time to look around before an extremely strong impact mmed into his shield, soon after apanied by an enormous gunshot. Luckily the shield held true, as arge caliber bullet turned into hot molten metal that fell harmlessly on the ground in front of him. However, the danger sense only increased and he once again summoned the second charge of his gear, this time gearing to move away from the group with his movement skill.


    The others in the group looked on gapingly, with only Ogras quickly reacting. Shadows gathered around him and he safely disappeared from the line of fire.


    Zac was just about to step forward to disappear with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>when a second impact mmed into his new shield, leaving him defenseless. He barely had time to inch his head away when a third bullet grazed the side of his forehead. Everything turned white for a second before he found his bearing, only to find himself on his back on the ground.


    He felt a scorching pain on his head, but a quick mental check showed he wasrgely fine. Since he upgraded to E-Grade Race he held a greatermand of his body, and could generally tell the state of all his bodyparts. He was extremely relieved hed focused almost all of his stat points in Dexteritytely in order to match his other monstrous stats.


    He wouldnt have been able to avoid thatst round without the quick movement Dexterity allowed, and after feeling the power of those bullets he held no delusions he would be able to tank them like normal rifle rounds. Just as he was nning on getting up he saw an unfamiliar man almost teleport to his side, and immediately touched his chest.


    Zac frowned as he stared at the man, who looked back at him with a horrified face. He immediately moved to flee, but an iron grip held him in ce. Zac didnt know what kind of skill the man used to approach him, but he used the same method as he utilized against Ogras to keep him in ce, infusing his hand with cosmic energy.


    The man struggled to get free, but a punch with the force of a truck in his gut made him curl up like a shrimp in the air. Zac looked around like an enraged beast as he got up, looking for any co-conspirators to this man while holding his captive like a shield. This clearly was some sort of assassination attempt, and this man was only responsible for taking his corpse.


    Are you ok? a frazzled Julia asked from the distance as she waved soldiers to search for the culprits.


    Just this much won''t kill me, Zac sinctly said as he turned his eyes to the man he caught.


    Who ordered you to attack me?


    Please, mercy, the man croaked, still shaking after the punch to his stomach.


    Mercy? We dont do that, Ogras with a sneer said as he materialized back by the group.


    In his hand he held a sack which he summarily threw to the ground, causing six decapitated heads to roll out, each one with a horrified look on its face. On his back the demon had two huge sniper rifles that looked strong enough to blow holes in tanks, and he waspletely covered in blood.


    What the f- Julia screeched and backed away as she saw the grisly scene.


    Answer him or you will join my collection, Ogras said with a demonic grin at the captured man, who looked horrified at the heads.


    Please, we werent ordered. We only wanted your Cosmos Sack, the man cried.


    Thats why you tried to shoot me in the head with those rifles? Zac retorted with a re as he touched his forehead with his free hand.


    It came back bloody, and Zac was enraged even further. It didnt matter whether they were ordered or simple bandits, they had almost killed him even though he had no connection to them. If it wasnt for hisrge amount of Dexterity and his defensive Dao his head would have exploded like a watermelon.


    Zac pped the man hard enough to knock him out, and threw him over like a sack to Ogras.


    Can you properly question himter? Zac said.


    I guess. They did give me these new toys after all, so I should give something back, he said as he looked at his two rifles.


    I am sorry about this incident, this is partly due to our oversight. I actually recognize this man, his name is Ricky. Hes part of a small elite group called the Red Mercenaries. Your friend is holding most of the other members in his sack. Including Red himself, Julia said apologetically to Zac.


    Where are they from? Zac tersely asked.


    They came through a private teleporter, we do not actually know which town they are from. More importantly, please let the government take over from here. A crime has beenmitted, and these men attacked you in the middle of New Washington. Please hand over the criminal, and their restricted equipment, Julia said, shooting a nce at the two rifles on the demons back.


    What equipment? Ogras said with a nk face as he slowly put the rifles in a Cosmos Sack one by one, drawing a re from Julia.


    This one ising with us. If you have anyints you will have to take it up with Thomas Fisher. There has been no discussion of the details of our future cooperation. For now, we will maintain the status of diplomatic immunity, and we will deal with our issues by ourselves, Zac said with a nce.


    In a sense it was a deration of independence. He was essentially saying that he and his group would do whatever they wanted and that they did not agree to follow any regtions from the New World Government. It was both a show of strength and a way for Zac to test the government''s patience. But more importantly he was pissed off and was in no mood to amodate the government, who might even be responsible for the attack for all he knew.


    Julia frowned as she looked down on the unconscious captive, but after some hesitation she didnt bring up her demands again. She simply walked over to a soldier and whispered some things before she led Zacs group back to the limousine.


    The atmosphere in the car was quite oppressive after the events, and any discussions quickly died out. Soon they arrived at their destination, arge luxurious highrise hotel. Ogras caused quite a scene as he walked in like a bloody devil, but Julia quickly smoothed things over. Zac had already eaten a healing pill in the car and wiped off the blood on his head, so he was essentially looking normal again, apart from his frown.


    It seemed like the hotel was managed by the government at the moment, which made sense as there shouldnt be too many travelers needing temporary ces to rest at the moment. That might change though when New Washington bes a hub in theirwork in the future, and Zac couldnt help but be a bit jealous.


    He was fighting tooth and nail to simply avoid his emerging town bing overrun by beasts, but these people had quite aid back life. It seemed that this town hadnt really been tested at all since the start, and Zac wondered exactly how this kind of environment could create a system-approved Lord.


    They were given their own wing on a floor, but only a few actually went up to check the rooms out. Zac sat down in the bar and ordered a bottled beer. It cost 1000 Nexus Coins, which was far and above what food usually cost, but to Zac it didnt really matter.


    Everyone came streaming down one by one, and soon only the demon was missing. It only took 20 minutes for Ogras toe back looking freshened up, any sign of blood scrubbed away and donned in new robes. When he came back he didnt carry the man they captured either, giving Zac a clear indication of Rickys fate.


    So, whats the n? Ogras said as he looked a bit excited, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.


    We have two things to do. Buy materials and find people. I think we can split up, Zac said, still feeling angry over the attack earlier. Ill apany Sap Trang who will focus on acquiring talent, acting the part of the bodyguard. Calrin I assume will go to the Bazaar to make some deals.


    The gnome nodded, looking a bit excited.


    If you can try to get talks going for a few branches. I dont care if theyre a part of the new governmentwork or independent forces. Its all money into our pockets, Zac said.


    I agree. We have a great opportunity here, it will take some time beforepeting consortiums deign toe to this, giving us a good head start to seize control of the market. If they arrive at ater point we can just squeeze them out. Even a dragon cant fight the local snake, the gnome said with a grin.


    Ill go with the little blue bastard, seems more fun, Ogras said.


    Good. What about the prisoner? Zac asked.


    Hes in my pouch, the demon answered with a grin, confirming he was dead.


    Ibtep, who do you wish to go with?


    I will join you. I am curious to see what professions you humans have. I feel your societies are more diverse than that of the Zhix, and learning more might strengthen our hives, the Zhix answered.


    Good. As for you two, Zac said as he turned to the two Ishiate who had joined their party. Youre free to do whatever.


    We will go to the bazaar to look for things that could help Cogstown, Shea, the female Ishiate, said.


    Very well, we will leave early tomorrow, at 7 am New Washington time.


    With that they were done and started heading out of the hotel. Their odd party kept getting nces from all directions, but they were used to it by now. However, four men walked up to them just as they were about to exit.


    Mr. Monk andpany. Were from the New World Government, and we have been tasked with apanying you during your excursion. Please do not take it the wrong way, it is simply to ay any troubles that your unique partyposition might bring, a man politely said.


    Fine, Zac lightly said after some consideration.


    He didnt really care if the government employees saw their activities. It was not like they could hide it if they brought new people with them through their teleporter tomorrow.


    Soon they were walking through the bazaar, which was a huge square and the neighboring streets. There was a surprising amount of hawkers, selling everything from hides of mutated beasts to Old World luxury objects such as Perfume and jewelry. There were also quite a stalls with street food. All in all it created a bustling atmosphere that made a jarring contrast to the fact that 80% of the worlds poption had perished thest months.


    As soon as they entered themerce area Calrin and Ogras veered off, with two of the government employees following in tow. As for Zacs group they looked around for a bit before they stopped.


    Just how are we going to recruit people? Zac asked with some hesitation as he looked around.


    I have an idea, but it would require us to expose a bit about Port Atwood, the old fisherman said.


    Oh?


    Well, its already well past lunch as the auction took up much of the day. We only have a short time to convince people to actually join us and move to an unknown area. They would be taking a huge riskpared to the rtive safety of this town. We need to give them a good enough reason, Sap Trang said.


    Money? Zac asked hesitantly, but the fisherman shook his head.


    You.


    Me? What do you mean? Zac asked confusedly.


    Youre so strong so you might not realize the reality of most people walking these streets. They might look happy, but they are scared. Terrified. There are real-life monsters just outside the gates, and any day those monsters might break through those walls and kill them, Mr. Trang exined.


    But if they know Port Atwood is protected by the strongest man alive, and that it is safe enough that we only need to recruit nonbat sses, a few might risk it.


    Zac mulled it over for a few seconds, but then finally nodded. The government leaders would have to be mentally challenged if they still didnt know he was either The Super Brother-Man or Salvation by now. Since the milk was already spilled they might as well use his identity to their advantage.


    So what do you propose? Zac asked, and the fisherman only answered with a big toothless grin.

 Chapter 144: Gaining Reputation

    Chapter 144: Gaining Reputation


    Come join the town of the strongest man alive. We need all sorts of nonbat sses. Doctors, scientists, cksmiths, and farmers. Come one,e all! Carpenters, janitors, brewers, and craftsmen! All are wee to sign up! Join Port Atwood, home of the Super Brother-Man, the safest ce on Earth!


    Zac could barely stop himself from nching as Sap Trang walked back and forth in front of their gaudy stall, tirelessly shouting out supetive statements about the Super Brother-Man and their town.


    He understood the reasoning. They needed to create a buzz that propagated like wildfire since they only had the afternoon for recruitment. The third wave started in three days, and they needed to go back tomorrow to finalize preparations.


    Mr. Trangs n for this was to create a recruitment stall. They had simply bought out arge stall on prime location of the square, and changed the sign. It now said THE SUPER BROTHER-MAN IS RECRUITING! BECOME THE ELITE OF THE WORLD! in huge lettering, and nothing else. Meanwhile the old fisherman was sounding like a street hawker as he kept throwing out one bombastic promation after another.


    Normally their promations might have been met with scorn and maybe even ignored. But the fact that there was a living, breathing Zhix sitting in the stall reading a book seemed to somehow increase the legitimacy of the stall. Who but the Super Brother-Man would keep a pet Zhix? The two government officials looking on the proceedings with troubled faces only furthered the impression.


    Still, it had been thirty minutes without anyoneing up to the stall. But clearly a buzz was being created, as a small crowd of onlookers had gathered, and some people seemed to arrive just to look on at the excitement. But finally there was some result from Mr. Trangs tireless efforts.


    You talk a lot old man, but do you have any proof? a man shouted from the group of onlookers.


    I understand it is hard to imagine such a great opportunity has presented itself to you. But it is one hundred percent real. If you have friends who attended the auction you should know of Port Atwood already. We spent over twenty million Nexus Coins during the Auction, defeating even the Marshall n for the battle of precious relics, Sap Trang shouted back.


    Dont forget, Super Brother-Man is not only the strongest man in the world, he is also the wealthiest. And he is ready to spend some of that immense fortune on you, in order to help you advance your nonbat sses.


    Some subdued murmur spread through the crowd. Twenty million Nexus Coins was a crazy amount of money, and most counted their wealth in the hundreds, or perhaps thousands. The low tiered monsters only gave a handful of nexus coins after all, far less than the more profitable barghest.


    Actually, Mr. Trang had initially wanted Zac to stand and swing around his axe and show off his might, but that had summarily been rejected by Zac.


    We stand at the forefront of the world, and were the only town in the world to hold all four of our new worlds species, creating a true metropolis of our new, the fisherman continued, seeming to gain vigor the more he boasted.


    Zac started to worry about the peoples reactions after they arrived at his temporary town filled with demons. From Sap Trangs description it was as though he offered them a spot in paradise, and not dubious employment on a deste ind. Still, the effect was limited until suddenly another shout gathered the crowds attention.


    Its the Marshall n! a man shouted and pointed to a group walking toward the stall.


    Hehe, I guess their boasting reached the Marshall ns ears. I think were in for a good show, another person muttered, eliciting some chuckles.


    Zac looked over and the shouting man was correct. It was the old man, Henry Marshal, who walked in the front, with the bodyguard from before apanying him. It looked like Thea wasnt lying before. They truly didnt need Zacs pill as the bodyguard was walking with no problem, looking as fit as a fiddle. There were also a few more people apanying the duo, but Zac noted that Thea Marshall herself was not part of the group.


    Mr. Monk, we meet again. Do you mind if we chat a bit? Henry Marshall said as after he reached Zacs stall.


    Zac wished that Ogras was here to do the talking, but could only nod and take out another chair from his pouch for the old man.


    Is this about Mr. Trangs ims just now? Zac asked.


    No, that doesnt matter. Port Atwood is currentlycking renown, and the Marshall n isnt so frail that we cant provide some assistance on that front, the old man said and gave a nod to one of the men in the group who quickly left the stall and blended into the group that looked on.


    I am more interested in your ns for the future, and wish to offer an alternative to what you heard today, the old man said.


    Oh? Zac said with piqued interest.


    Truthfully we had some ns for awork as well, though the government beat us to it. So we have had to find an alternative solution. We have no intentions in joining the frail government alliance, and I have the feeling that neither do you, Henry continued.


    Zac only nodded in response.


    We aim to create awork as well, but it will not be as formalized as the governments. However, only lords will be able to join, and the extent will only go as far as providing means of movement and trade. There will be no centralized organizing body and no vassal-superior rtionships. How the lords manage their domains is up to them, he said.


    What about defense and concentrated war efforts? Zac asked.


    That would be up to the individual members to organize. Thework should only be seen as a means to facilitate various private alliances, the man answered.


    Whats in it for you to do this? Zac asked skeptically.


    The government still lives as though we are in the old world, ying bureaucracy. They gather the mediocre, but to what avail? We worry that their narrow-mindedness will steer humanity into a path of no return. We need to provide an alternative, one thats made for the elite, the powerhouses of the world. We believe that is more in line with how our new reality functions.


    Perhaps the alliance will crumble in the future, with all of us vying for supremacy of our. But we need to kick out all foreign scum before we can get to that point, Henry finished.


    When we first met this morning you seemed less than pleased by my partysposition. But now you are inviting us? Zac asked skeptically.


    My views are that it is only a matter of time before humanity will be pitted against the ilk of your friend over there, and the information you provided only proves it. Henry said as he waved at the Zhix. We humans havent even been able to coexist with ourselves, but suddenly we are supposed to coexist with two other sentient species?


    The n leader only shook his head, clearly showing his position. Zac didnt really agree, but he felt no point in arguing.


    Either of us will be proven right in the future, but for now thats not important for this potential cooperation. Destroying the incursionses first, Henry finally added.


    The two talked for a few more minutes, with Zac mainly asking for some rifications about the nned alliance, while the old man mainly asked about the information on incursions and the Dominators that Zac provided the government.


    Zac learned there were some nned requirements for the alliance after all. One such requirement was that they would have to keep their teleporters public for a week every now and then, and that they would take turn in doing so. The reason was to attract new blood to the alliance. Zac felt that was reasonable enough, as he was even thinking of making his teleporter permanently public as soon as he had stabilized his position as a Lord.


    At the same time they would be allowed to turn their teleporters private for even the alliance members, but only for a limited time. This was in case there was some internal upheaval or an important mission they didnt want to be interrupted.


    Zac gave no definite answer, but he said he would discuss it with the others. Henry Marshall took the tepid answer with stride and nodded as he left the stall.


    Excuse me, Lord Marshal. Is it true? a voice from the back of the group shouted as the old man nned to leave.


    Is what true? Henry retorted with a strong voice as he looked over at the crowd, who seemed subdued from the power of his stare.


    Is it really the Super Brother-Mans force? the same voice asked.


    At this point Zac noticed that the one shouting was actually the man who diverted from the Marshals group earlier, albeit covered a bit in a hood.


    Yes, was all Henry Marshall said as he left, but that was all that was needed as the group exploded intomotion.


    The looks at the gaudy stall changed from skeptical and derisive to interested and contemtive.


    Why are you recruiting so many people? someone suddenly shouted from the group, this time not a nted person.


    Port Atwood did not exist prior to the integration, we are building the townpletely from scratch. Currently we have the strongest fighting force of humanity, but werecking in many otherpartments. We have money but nowhere to spend it. We need driven craftsmen and other nonbat sses to make the town to a truly thriving metropolis, Mr. Trang answered without missing a beat.


    The deration of having the strongest force also made some waves in the crowd.


    Are you also recruiting warriors? another man asked.


    Security is currently not a concern for our town, and we are mainly looking for nonbat professions at this point, Sap answered. But if you are a stand-out talent or have some unique skills that an army can benefit from, then youre wee to apply. But be advised that fighters will not enjoy the same type of freedom as the nonbat sses, as we expect warriors to be in the thick of it fighting. Of course, the benefits we offer our soldiers are also unmatched on Earth.


    Saps answer made a few people frown, even though he promised high rewards. Zac felt that it was natural. They were in the middle of the New World Government. If any strong warriors around still were unaffiliated they did not want to be tied down. He wondered a bit what would happen with independent warriors like these people after the government enacted their n. Would they be booted from the safety of the city?


    Suddenly a woman in her forties walked over to the stall where Zac and Ibtep sat. Since Mr. Trang was busy fielding various questions to the crowd Zac had to take care of this.


    Can I help you? Zac asked.


    Is it really true that you wee all sorts of nonbat sses? the woman asked hesitantly.


    Yes. What is your profession? Zac answered.


    I am an anthropologist, she answered with hesitation. I wish to join you and study your society. Are there really four species living together in Port Atwood?


    Well, the Zhix and Ishiate have their own towns, though that might change in the future for security reasons, Zac offhandedly answered.


    And there is a fourth species? she pressed on, seeing that Zac was amenable to answer questions.


    Yes, theres one of them here in the bazaar somewhere, apanying our Sky Gnome, who I guess is a fifth species, Zac answered.


    What are the rules to join? Do I need to sign a System-enforced Contract? She asked.


    No. Your benefits are tied to your contributions to the town. If you contribute nothing, you get nothing, Zac answered, getting down to brass tacks.


    These rules were set with the help of Ogras and Calrin, who exined how heterogeneous forces worked in the multi-verse. Very few actually used contracts, as that was usually seen in bad light. Skilled people in high demand would seldom sign them, apart from for very limited times, such as for the duration of entering a mystic realm.


    Forces who consisted of all sorts of people, like academies and Sects usually only had contracts for the very top of the organization, those who also had thergest amount of benefits. The body of the force generally was kept somewhat honest with the help of contribution systems. Homogenous forces used contracts mainly for external elders who wanted to be a permanent part of the n.


    Zac had been surprised that contracts were such a small thing until he understood that the number of contracts one could have active was limited. He was already reaching his limit by using it on the whole squad of girls he brought back from Greenworth, and there simply was no way for him to have contracts for a whole force.


    The Apostate of Order created the contracts as a way for two people to work together without fearing betrayal, not for lords to enve their whole poption. Therefore there were also limits on using a branching tree, such as having contracts on 100 captains who each had contracts on 100 soldiers. Every contract within thework would be considered directly subservient to Zac, which would count toward his limit.


    But how would youpare my work in anthropology to a cksmith, for example? the woman asked skeptically.


    We use multi-verse standard, with an automatic contribution allocator, Zac answered, drawing interested eyes from both the Zhix and the scientist.

 Chapter 145: Craftsmen

    Chapter 145: Craftsmen


    What do you mean? the anthropologist asked confused.


    Port Atwood is the only force on Earth who has ess to a real multi-verse shop. That has allowed us to gain knowledge of therger world that is still not publically avable on earth. For example, most of the New World Governments intelligence about the incursions ising from us, Zac exined. It also has allowed us to create a structure that is more in line with our new reality.


    Port Atwood will use a standardized contribution system. You can see it as a supeputer who judges your performance. Your actions will generate contribution points. Working at a pet project of yourself with no application will probably not generate many points, but teaching at our academy will, he continued.


    This was the goal of Zac, though it wasnt done yet. There were various ways to do this. You could set it up yourself with the help of a few administrator sses and a few specialized arrays, or just buy a contribution management store in the town shop. A few Golemoid forces simr to the creators had made a big business of providing various administrative systems and had perfected their algorithms over millions of years.


    Contribution management was a verymon concept in the multi-verse as forces were huge, often having millions, even billions in their fold. Making the administration of sries and benefits automated saved a huge amount of work. It also saved lords a lot of money, as people were only paid for contribution, rather than time.


    There were many more functions to an established contribution system, such as levels. If someone maderge contributions over a long time they would get upgraded to the next tier in the system, giving them better exchange rates and more precious things to trade for.


    What does contribution points do? the woman asked.


    You trade them for whatever you want, like an internal currency. There is ess to cultivation manuals and skills. Gear and weaponry, healing pills, materials for race evolution are also included. We are stocked with all kinds of things, Zac answered.


    Zac had wondered a bit why not just give Nexus Coins or Crystals, but Ogras exined it in a very simple manner; the lock-in effect. If they got Nexus Coins they could just leave whenever they wanted. But if they held a lot of their internal currency people were more likely to stay on.


    For the same reason the rates for expensive things such as manuals or skills were pretty decent. There were permanent Skill and cultivation crystals in the multiverse where anyone could learn the skill imprinted. The lesser versions only worked once, such as the ones containing <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>.


    That meant that Zac could keep stocking up on various skills and cultivation methods as he gained wealth from taxes and other sources. Each new addition would bring a steady stream of revenue to his force, as any time a subject used their points to learn a skill instead of cash out materials or Nexus Crystals he would gain pure profit in a sense.


    However, for new people we will provide a base sry in the form of crystals to help everyone reach level 25 and get their sses. From there they will have to rely on their own efforts, he added.


    Making his people stronger was part of the reason, the other part being the simple fact that the contribution system wasnt set up yet. They had the things to offer, but not the framework in ce.


    How interesting, your way of management would make for a good dissertation, the woman muttered. What about our freedom? Can we leave whenever we want?


    The teleporter is currently closed, and if youe with us you will not be able to leave for at least a month. You should also know that Port Atwood will not be joining the World Government at this point in time, but stay an independent force, Zac said, hiding nothing.


    The two government officials were listening intently to the whole conversation, but Zac didnt care. In fact, he wanted the information to spread. Who knew, their way of doing things might actually snag some experts from the government to their side. Besides, Sap Trang was shouting out the same information, though while using a bit more bombastic wording.


    In no time the whole bazaar and surrounding neighborhoods knew about Port Atwoods recruitment, and that the Super Brother-Man was looking for nonbat experts. Still, many were hesitant, even with the Marshall ns assurance. Perhaps not about the legitimacy of the force, but whether it would be a good idea to join.


    Zac wasnt too surprised about peoples reluctance, as New Washington was one of the most thriving cities in the world right now. While the people might not have all the tools to progress in their crafts in the current city, they were at least safe. They didnt know what would await them if they stepped through the teleporter.


    Still, one after another surreptitiously stepped forward and asked a few rifying questions to Zac, who patiently answered them all. There also were a few troublemakers that tried to cause a scene. However, they were quickly and ruthlessly dealt with by Mr. Trang.


    Finally the fisherman met with trouble he was unsure he could actually handle. With a sigh Zac stood up and walked forward to the group or instigators. He released his aura causing widespread panic, and with a Heaviness-induced stomp created a small crater with his foot, throwing the troublemakers off-bnce.


    After that there was no more trouble, but at the same time the onlookers asked their questions to the old fisherman instead, afraid to bother the monster sitting in the stall with closed eyes. Still, Zac was listening intently to the conversation between Mr. Trang and the various people and wordlesslymunicated with the old fisherman.


    Anyone who Zac felt could be a good asset was asked to gather their belongings ande back as soon as possible. He didnt want to risk the government trying to intercept his talents, so he would have them stay with them at the hotel. For those he could do with or without he simply said toe to the teleporter at 7 am tomorrow. These were mainly unskilled workers who he essentially could gather from the neighboring inds as well.


    After a few hours there were actually over thirty people from various fields who were gathered close to the stand, some who even brought their families. Judging by their appearance some were doing it as ast resort of sorts, as they looked a bit emancipated and haggard. Others were doing it in order to take a chance and improve.


    The group consisted of a wide array of people. Apart from the anthropologist there were all kinds of experts, such as a few engineers, two doctors, a botanist, and even a brewer. Zac almost felt a bit bad for the corpulent man with the handlebar mustache, knowing that he would be hounded by a few hundred thirsty demons as soon as he arrived on the ind. Comints aboutck of liquor were one of the mostmon grievances among the demonkin over the past month, as their own stores hadrgely run out.


    He also managed to snag a few artists and a watchmaker, who were quite surprised their talents were wanted. He didnt actually need painters or a watchmaker, but Zac had a feeling that someone who was adept at working with a craft that demanded steady hands and precision would make a great future inscriber. In fact, anyone he felt might turn into good, or at least passable, inscribers were quickly recruited.


    Zacs goal was simple. He wanted to unleash a mountain of inscribed armors created from the wolf pelts and ant carapaces on the surviving humans. His materials were enough to create thousands and thousands of pieces of gear, and with his current demon inscribers, it would over a decade toplete all the equipment. His desire to get more inscribers only increased after he saw how sought after even mediocre gear was at the auction.


    If Calrin also managed to open up a few branches, all the better.


    As it was gettingte Sap Trang simply shouted out the meeting spot and rules for any interested parties before they led the group of nonbat sses back to the hotel. By now the group had grown to over fifty experts plus their families, and the group who had been told to go to the teleporter was five times that number. If all of them actually showed up it would be quite an improvement for Port Atwood, though Zac expected a decent amount of them to get cold feet.


    The group took over a few floors of the hotel, racking up a bill that would be insurmountable for most people. Later that night Calrin and Ogras returned, the gnome having almost a rosy glow. Zac noticed that the gnome had spent a bit more of his money earlier while he was recruiting, but he stopped not long after.


    We made a haul this time. It actually seems that the System created a patch of Aetherbloom close to this town, as quite a few sold it. No one has figured out its use yet, so we bought out most of the citys supply. The citys leadership will puke blood when they realize what theyve missed out on, the gnome said with glee.


    Aetherbloom? Whats that used for? Zac asked curiously, as hed never heard of it.


    Its one of the mainponents for a popr medicinal paste thats used for race improvement. Its more effective than the standard baths, and it even has some effect when trying to improve to D-Grade race. A single stalk cost over ten thousand nexus coins normally, we paid less than a hundred coins per stalk, Calrin exined, almost looking aroused when exining the gains


    More importantly, it is quite rare and takes decades for it to regrow, and it probably only existed here due to the System creating some opportunities on this baby, Ogras added with some schadenfreude.


    These bureaucrats lost out on enough materials to bring almost 300 warriors to E-Grade Race. For Port Atwood that could be huge. You saw that many soldiers among the demons still havent upgraded their race. These stalks can help us create an elite squad that will shake fear in the world for hundreds of years, the demon said with a gleam in his eyes.


    The government caught on to our actions after a while though, and hurried to buy stalks as well, but not before we snatched a good 80% of what was on the market.


    Zac was quite impressed with their haul, as that sort of paste would be a great thing to add to the future contribution system. It would make the warriors work far harder if they could get that sort of panacea to help them with their evolution.


    We also got quite a few promising people to sign up to join Port Atwood, Zac said, not wanting to be outdone as he listed the various upations of their new hires.


    As Zac expected Ogras eyes lit up when he heard that there was a brewer on the list, but his next question confused him a bit.


    Are there any filmmakers like Directors and editors in the group? the demon asked.


    No, why? Zac asked confused.


    It would be fun to try to making my own movie, he said with a wide smile.


    Eh I think those kinds of people should be in Hollywood, and I dont know where that towns located anymore, Zac answered hesitantly.


    Since there was not much left to do everyone returned to their quarters, where Zac spent most of the night better acquainting himself with his improved Dao of Heaviness. He also tried to use the experience of improving his first Dao seed to also make some inroads on his other seeds, though progress was slow there.


    After sleeping for two hours he sat down in the lobby to wait for everyone to gather up. Soon most had gathered up, though it appeared that a few of the experts had left during the night. Two also backed out before they set out, looking quite embarrassed. Zac assured them it was no trouble, and they quickly left as well, leaving only 38 experts. All in all, it was still a good number who stayed on in Zacs opinion.


    More troubling was the fact that Ogras was not around, and that hed only left a note at the reception that hed meet up with the rest at the teleporter. Zac got a headache thinking about what the demon was up to, and could only gather the rest of the people.


    The teleporter was decently close to themercial district and they opted to walk the twenty-minute promenade rather than trying to get hold of enough cars for the whole party. A few of the more cerebral of the experts were panting when they arrived, and Zac could only shake his head. The general level of some of the more niche experts was quite low, some even still below level five.


    As they arrived Zac immediately tried to find the demon who had promised to be here, but Ogras was nowhere in sight. Zac was starting to get worried that he had gotten into some real trouble, but a voice from the shadows ayed that worry, though a new worry soon reced it.


    I cant show myself at the moment. Hurry and start the teleporter, we need to leave.

 Chapter 146: Home Sweet Home

    Chapter 146: Home Sweet Home


    What have you done? Zac asked with a sinking feeling while looking at the shadows, drawing confused or concerned nces from the others.


    Arent you the curious one? I just solved a few future issues for us, but the government might take some issue with my methods, the voice responded.


    Zac could only close his eyes in despair as hed seen Ogras methods in action before. Something crazy had happened during the night. But he would rather sort it out at his own ind than here, so he chose to drop the subject for now.


    Not arge distance away many of the recruits from yesterday stood waiting withrge backpacks and trunks of their things in tow. Zac noted with some disappointment that less than half of those who promised to be here actually showed up.


    However, he was overall quite content with their haul. Over 150 people had decided to drop their lives here in New Washington toe with him into the unknown, based only on the pull of his own, or the Super Brother-Manss, reputation.


    Zac walked up to the waiting group, and with a swipe of his hand put all the luggage into a Cosmos Sack. Next, he walked to the teleporter with everyone in tow, passing right through the security check. It seemed the guards of the teleporter was already informed that his group would be significantlyrger when leaving, and simply waved everyone forward.


    Zac threw out a small mountain of crystals, enough to let everyone pass through, and opened the channel to Port Atwood.


    I better go first, make sure theres no confusion with the guards, Ogras voice once again sounded, and he appeared encumbered by a huge box.


    Zacs eyes widened when he realized that said box was not some crate, but rather an borate coffin. He nned to close the array, but the demon jumped through without waiting for an answer.


    Zacs bad premonition only got worse, but he could only swallow his unease and wave people through one by one. People walked through, some with fear and others with anticipation stered on their faces. Zac wondered what their faces would be like when they saw that the town was not even built yet.


    He did feel a bit bad about the whole situation, but the town would start getting built within the week, so he wouldnt lose sleep over it. Especially considering how safe his ind waspared to the rest of the world. He knew people in New Washington might feel safe, but Zac truly doubted that the System would allow them to create a Lord without a proper challenge. Perhaps a true cmity was waiting New Washington. Besides, he would keep the town protective array ready to protect the inner Zone from the third monster horde so that no civilians got hurt.


    The transfer kept going smoothly until suddenly Julia and multiple guards came rushing toward the teleporter. Roughly two-thirds of the recruits had passed through by this time, including the Ishiate and the other original members of the group apart from Zac. Hed expecting trouble, so he chose to send the most important people through first.


    Stop! Julia shouted, causing Zac to frown and look over.


    Ignore her, keep going through, Zac said as he walked over to intercept the people.


    Whats going on? Zac asked with a sigh.


    You tell me, Mr. Monk, one of the guards said angrily. Witnesses report a shadowy figure abduct Emma MacHale from her highrise apartment a few hours ago, and yourpanion, the demon, was spotted carrying a suspicious coffin outside this building earlier.


    Zac already had some suspicions before, but still groaned when he heard the man.


    Thats an odd coincidence. Ogras bought that coffin for a friend who died in the fight against the invaders, Zac said with a nk face, though he felt his earlobes redden a bit from his shamelessness.


    Why dont you call him back to New Washington and let us question him? Julia said with a baleful re.


    Zac was surprised by the reaction, as the government worker was looked far angrier this timepared to when he wreaked havoc inside their buildings or when he killed the leaders of Greenworth.


    Im afraid that wont be possible, Zac refused without hesitation.


    He knew Ogras quite well by now. If he had actually put the starlet inside that coffin, then he was long gone from the teleporter by now, and not even Zac would be able to find him unless he wanted to be found.


    You understand your wanton actions are testing your cooperation with the New World Governement? Julia spat out through grit teeth.


    The new citizens of Port Atwood hesitantly looked on, no one currently passing through the portal.


    Wanton actions? Youre throwing baseless usations against mypanion. From what I understand I just hear some circumstantial evidence, no real proof, Zac said, not backing down as he turned to thest people waiting to go through. Keep going, this is just a small matter that Ill handle.


    The people looked at each other, with two of them shrugging and stepping through. For a few it actually seemed the fact that Zac didnt much care about the government was a testament to their strength, and they quickly followed behind into the array. Soon only ten people were left, who hesitantly looked at the teleportation tform.


    This is yourst chance to back out, Zac said as he slowly walked toward the array. I am stepping through in 10 seconds, anyone who hasnt gone through by then will have to stay behind.


    Our talk isnt done yet, Julia shouted from behind.


    Take it up with the chief of police, Zac tersely retorted, not in the mood to keep up the charades any longer.


    A few people grit their teeth and jumped through the array, dissaperaring into motes of light, while thest 6 people shook their heads and backed away. Zac only nodded and made to step through the portal.


    However, before he could walk into the shimmering light he saw a form sh by with a mighty leap. It was Julia who jumped with surprising speed into the teleporter. Since she wasnt nning on attacking Zac his danger sense didnt activate, and he only nkly stared at her form disappearing.


    You should know this already, but Port Atwood is going into seclusion for a month following this. Your colleagues actions will not change this. Ms. Lombard will be returned after that point unless shesmitted crimes while in our domain, Zac said to the guards who looked equally surprised, and stepped through the teleporter.


    After the travel time he once again arrived at the teleportation area, and immediately heard a shout.


    Emma! Can you hear me? Julias voice carried from outside.


    Zac sighed and stepped out to the chaotic scene.


    All the new citizens hesitantly looked around, some clearly a bit dismayed at the utterck of civilization. The array was ced some distance away from the temporary town, and they were surrounded by primordial forests.


    Well head to town in just a bit, Zac said with a loud voice, drawing everyones attention.


    You just entered without any invitation, Zac said as he turned to a dodgy Julia. You should know you are stuck here now. I cant let you return to the government at this point.


    Are you truly trying to fight the world government? Julia spat back, clearly still irate.


    Do you speak for the government now? I already told your colleagues that you will have to stay here for now, and only be returned if you break no rules.


    Everyone, Ill lead you to Port Atwood. Please do not stray away in the woods, as all monsters in this area are around level 40, Zac said.


    You said this area was safe! a woman shrilly said.


    Clearly some had painted quite a different picture of Port Atwood in their mindpared to the wilderness they found themselves in.


    The beasts are left for our trainees to gain experience. We have already killed everything stronger on the ind, Zac answered.


    Ind? a few asked simultaneously, and even Julia refocused on Zac.


    Port Atwood is an Ind kingdom. Honestly we still havent found the maind, so we are not exactly sure where we are in rtion to ces like New Washington. This is the main ind, while we control a few more. We are constantly traveling through our archipgo to save any stranded citizens and im morend, Zac exined.


    The Cosmic Energy! Its so dense! a man suddenly eximed.


    It was one of the experts who actually had a passable level. He was a doctor who was also a cultivator and was already at level 19, which was respectable for someone who hadnt really fought any monsters since returning from the tutorial.


    This whole ind has far higher amounts of energypared to the maind. Those who contribute to Port Atwood will be given ess to areas that have up to a few times higher density than even this. It is no luck that we became the strongest force on the. Anything that is done here, from cultivation to farming, has twice the effect from half the effort, Zac said, which improved the somewhat despondent faces of some of the people.


    He wasnt nning on talking this much, but the faces of the new citizens clearly showed that some were on the verge of a breakdown, clearly regretting their choice. He needed to throw out some good news or they would never get back to town. Julia looked down on the ground with a thoughtful face, which gave Zac some pause. He still hadnt figured out what to do with her, as she was a high ranking official.


    He already knew that there likely was one or a few spies in the group, but he knew there was not much he could do about it apart from isting the town until his position was unshakeable. He guessed he would just let Julia wander around for now, unless she actively tried to look into the restricted areas. Perhaps hed add a guard or two to her.


    His musings were interrupted as there suddenly were twenty people who approached. Zac saw it was a few of the people from his female squad, who after just a few days of training looked quite a bit more professional and powerful.


    Wee back, Joanna, who lead the squad, said.


    Zac only nodded and then pointed at Julia after throwing Joanna the Cosmos Sack containing the bags of the new citizens.


    This one isnt really a part of the group. You should remember her, shes a high position official of the New World Government who suddenly jumped through the teleporter. Just let her go with the others, but keep an eye on her. Shes level 29, can you handle it? Zac asked Joanna.


    The recruits balefully red at Julia when they heard she was a government employee. Their experiences in Greenworth were clearly still fresh in their minds, and they held a deeply rooted hatred for the government due to the mayor.


    Not a problem, Joanna said, looking like she wanted to eat the government employee whole.


    Dont kill or torture her, Zac only said with a sigh. As for the others, give them the same type of introduction as all the other new townspeople.


    As he gave over the responsibility of the new citizens to Joanna he felt like arge burden was lifted from his shoulders as he started to walk away with his


    Why is he leaving? a voice was heard from the group.


    Do you think the strongest man in the world has time to babysit you? one of the Valkyries shot back, causing some murmurs among the group.


    Zac shot a nce back toward the group, only to see Julia intently staring at him.


    If Ogras truly did kidnap the movie-star, you dont need to worry. He is simply a movie fanatic, and dont have any nefarious purposes. But I will look for him now and investigate, he said before he disappeared into the woods.


    It didnt take long for him to walk back to his mansion, and felt the tranquility sooth his soul. However, that tranquility didntst long, as a shrill voice interrupted it.


    Are you crazy? A coffin? How can you do this to me?


    Zac recognized the voice, and with a sigh he walked over to the garden he heard the sounde from. As he approached he saw Emily stare withrge star-struck eyes at the scene in the garden.


    Wow, its really her! Emily whispered with an excitable voice as she saw Zac approach.


    Zac could only nod and turn to the couple in the distance.


    When he saw the scene he could only wryly smile.

 Chapter 147: Roads to Lordship

    Chapter 147: Roads to Lordship


    In the middle of the secluded garden Ogras was grinning as he deftly dodged an enraged Emma MacHale, who was currently trying to clobber him with a champagne bottle.


    A coffin? A COFFIN? What kind of asshole moves someone in something so ominous as a coffin? That wasnt what we agreed upon! Ill shove this bottle up your ass, she screamed as she threw the bottle with full force at aughing Ogras.


    I didnt want you to feel ufortable, and the casket was nicely padded inside. I am a gentleman, after all, Ogras said with a smile as he snatched the bottle out of the air, careful to not let it break.


    Zac was quite surprised at Emmas personality. It seemed the person hed seen in interviews and on the stage of the auction was another role she yed, just like in the movies. Her real personality was far more coarse.


    He was also quite relieved that it seemed that what Ogras did was not an abduction, though the exact details hadnt been quite agreed upon. Zac didnt want to have a falling out with the demon, but if Ogras truly had started kidnapping women he would have no choice but to do something drastic, as he couldnt ept such behavior. It would be on apletely different scalepared to just messing around at the auction.


    Emily giggled as she heard the exchange, which made the movie star look their way, immediately focusing on Zac.


    You! You let this horned mongrel just knock me out and carry me around in that god damn casket? What? Why are you just standing there gaping, you pervert? Are you the kind of guy who just finishes by himself in the corner?


    Urh, Zac only managed to get out, not ready to be the target of Emmas vitriol. I only found out Ogras had, uh, brought you here, after Julia Lombard told me.


    Jules told you? Where is she? the starlet said, quickly calming down.


    Do you two know each other? She was quite angry. Angry enough to jump through the teleporter toe here, Zac couldnt help asking.


    She did? she asked, her mouth slightly curving upward before refocusing at the demon. You cant hurt her, or I wont cooperate anymore. And you never told me you lived in the god damn jungle.


    Hi! Im Emily, Im a huuge fan! Youre in Port Atwood. Its an ind in the middle of nowhere! Emily chimed in, clearly excited to meet a movie star.


    Hi pretty, Emma said, clearly more amenable to the excited teenager. You should stay away from those two, something is wrong with their heads.


    Emily only giggled in response.


    Emily, tell Emma a bit about Port Atwood. Ogras,e with me, Zac said with a sigh.


    He needed to understand what the hell was going on. Soon the two stood some distance away while Emily peppered the movie star about questions about her old life, and Emma had turned back into the gentle personality you saw on TV back in the day.


    So you created a huge mess. You were seen with that casket before you came back here. And now we got a government official on the ind, Zac said with an angry re. I dont even want to imagine the kind of riot youve caused in New Washington. You better have a god damn good reason for all this.


    Well, the casket was sort of a spur-of-the-moment thing, Ogras shrugged drawing another baleful re from Zac.


    I was only nning on visiting Ms. MacHale for the dinner I promised, but things turned out this way.


    Shes not a prisoner. And no forcing her to do anything, Zac said with an even stare.


    Bah, why would I do something like that? The chase is half the fun, Ogras spat back. Besides, thats not why I brought her here.


    Exin, Zac said, still annoyed.


    Didnt you say you couldnt understand how those useless bureaucrats are creating a Lord while you, the top spot on your Ladder, is fighting tooth and nail for the same privilege? Well, Emma MacHale solved that puzzle for me yesterday, Ogras began.


    The first clue came from Ricky, the poor sap you left with me. I asked him about the governments ns after he spilled everything about their group. We missed one of them by the way, so watch your back. The Red Mercenaries had done some nasty work for the government before it seemed, even killed a Ranker who actively spoke against The New World Government.


    Zac didnt much care about thest man who was still alive, but he was more concerned about the fact the Red Mercenaries did Government wetwork.


    So the government was behind the attack? Zac asked with a frown.


    No, it seems they truly only did it to stuff their pockets a bit. Birds die for food, men die for money, the demon answered with a shrug.


    I was more interested about what he told me about the governments quests. He swore that there were no quests like defending New Washington from beasts to be a Lord. He did, however, mention that he had heard about a contribution Crystal, and that Emma MacHale was quite high on it.


    Zac was quite intrigued by now,pletely having forgotten about the fact that a storm might be brewing in New Washington by now. He only nodded for the demon to continue the narration.


    While I was walking through the Bazaar I was listening for any gossip, and it turned out that MacHale wasnt the only star the Government employed. There were actually many of them visiting various towns, shaking hands and kissing babies so to speak. All while promoting the Government.


    At first I thought it was just promotion to gain legitimacy before the Auction and get more to sign up for their little alliance. But I was proven wrong. I found out where MacHale was stayingter on and went to visit her. Partly to find out more and partly, uh, for personal interests, Ogras said, drawing an eye-roll from Zac.


    I invited myself into her domicile, and after she had calmed down a bit we had a nice talk. I found out a lot of interesting things. Such as why they held their Auction, and why there were stars travelling town to town with government escorts. The Government needs the <em>fame</em>, Ogras said with a grin.


    What? Zac couldnt help but blurt out.


    Its their Lord quest. They need to generate enough renown, and someone among them will be promoted to a Lord. They are using the stars as mouthpieces to spread the ns of the Government and improve their renown. The Auction was partly held to gather a lot of forces, and gain a lot of renown in one fell swoop. Those who improve the fame of the Government would get contribution points, and Emma was one of those, Ogras said.


    That still doesnt exin why you kidnapped her, Zac said.


    She asked me to, Ogras said with a shrug. When I told her who you were she immediately requested sanctuary. In the beginning, she was doing the work willingly, but after she learned some things she wanted out. However, they didnt allow her to leave. The government was essentially keeping her a captive to generate fame since she was one of their top earners.


    Does it even matter if you snatched her? They still have the same amount of fame as before, even though she isnt there anymore?


    Well, ording to Emma the fame was attached to those who contributed somehow. I dont truly understand it since Ive never heard of a quest like this before, Ogras said with some hesitation. But if those people defected or died, then the Government would lose progress on their quest.


    Zac suddenly remembered the demon''s words outside the teleportation building in New Washington and got a bad feeling.


    You didnt? Zac said with a sinking feeling.


    Well, a few people in New Washington had untimely deaths during the night. But that was also a request from Ms. MacHale. She is quite ruthless. Though we only killed a few degenerates who used their status for disgusting things, Ogras said with a sinister glint in his eyes.


    You know this might set me at a straight collision course with the government? Zac said angrily.


    Zac wondered if he would ever be able to return to New Washington or their alliance towns without a cover. If the government made Zac an aplice for what seemed to be a murder-spree and a kidnapping there was no knowing what they might do. Perhaps his good name was being dragged through the mud as they spoke.


    You already were. Someone like you cant coexist with a group like that. Better prepare yourself mentally and clear this wave quickly. They might be gunning for your sister as we speak, Ogras retorted.


    Zac could only frown in response, knowing that the demon might be right on the nose with that remark. The government wanted to create a unified power, and people like himself might be considered a thorn in their side, even though Zac had no designs on their alliance. Perhaps they would have found some other excuse to create trouble for him even if Ogras didnt go berserk in the town.


    You still havent properly exined why you went through all this trouble?


    For my, uh our, interests of course, Ogras said. The Auction brought far more fame than the government expected, and they were extremely close to finishing their quest. It was to the point that they would probably achieve it before you. We couldnt allow that to happen. Bing the first Lord of a world should bring great benefits to that Lords town and the Lord himself.


    So you did that all for me, you say? Zac asked skeptically.


    Remember, our fates are tied together on this little ind, Ogras said. Your prosperity is my prosperity.


    Zac went over the information over for some time. He wasnt reallyfortable with the fact that the demon had gone off on a murder-spree in a human town without saying anything. What he said was true; their fates were tied together, and Ogras actions would impact Zac.


    At the same time he had to admit he felt it was for the best. The governments actions sounded quite shady, and more importantly he didnt want to cede the advantage of being the first Lord. He got the Creators shipyard from being the first to close an Incursion, so he felt that bing the first Lord might give a huge advantage as well.


    In the future, consult me first about stuff like this. If were going to have a working cooperation you cant go rogue at every turn. That doesnt only go for your nightly activities, but also your actions in the Auction, Zac said with an even stare.


    Yes, mother, Ogras said while rolling his eyes. Well, you did show passable ruthlessness with the poison, so I guess I wont need to take all matters into my own hands in the future. But dont go squeamish on me. Remember, your actions doesnt only impact yourself, but all your subjects and your family. A moment of softness can lead to a lifetime of suffering.


    Ok ok. Also, the government official is your responsibility. She came here because of your actions, so you solve the aftermath. Find out if she is part of this all, but dont kill her, Zac said.


    Overall he had a pretty decent impression of Julia, but if she jumped through the portal to control the Governments asset then she would likely be a problem.


    All these rules, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes, though Zac knew he acknowledged the request.


    I told you, you cant hurt Jules, Emma suddenly said, having snuck up on them. If you do Ill start preaching again here, giving the government arge boost in reputation.


    I told you, as long as she doesnt start breaking the rules shell be fine, Zac said.


    Good. Now tell me, where will I stay? The demon promised me a Mansion.

 Chapter 148: Cogstown

    Chapter 148: Cogstown


    Zacs headache was only growing as he walked the movie star to one of the empty courtyards on hispound. He had been forced to let Emma stay here until the promised mansion was built, and he had decided that the construction would be fast-tracked.


    Ogras had wanted to apany them, but Alea arrived which seemed to make him change his mind. The poison mistress didnt have her usual yfulness, and she simply left after she had thrown a re at the movie star, which was returned in kind. For now only Emily was apanying them.


    So you really are the Super Brother-Man? Jules told me she suspected that you were him, and the demon confirmed it. Why do you have that stupid nick-name? Sounds like the alias of someone trying to lure kids into their van, Emma said, obviously not caring to choose her words more carefully after learning who Zac was.


    Zac only sighed and shook his head. It seemed that him being the top ranker couldnt subdue the mouth of the renowned movie starpletely. Still, it was thanks to her that he still could attain the first Lord-title and benefits, so he chose to simply endure it for now.


    At least she would be someone elses problem soon enough, as shed be barred from hispound the moment she got her mansion built. And if she kept making a racket or cause problems in Port Atwood he wasnt above throwing her in jail, even if he had to build one just for her. There were limits to his patience.


    You can stay here for now, Zac said after they arrived at a small but exquisite courtyard that just so happened to be on the opposite side of thepound from where Zac usually meditated. It might be a week or two before we can construct your permanent home, as our force is a bit upied with a few things right now.


    Well, its passable I suppose, Emma said as she walked around.


    Zac nodded and turned to leave, but a shout stopped him.


    Wait. What about me? Emma said with a re.


    What about you? Zac asked.


    Will you just leave me here? What am I supposed to do? Youre the worst host ever, Emma said with a huff.


    Emily can take you to Port Atwood. Julia should be there somewhere also. Youre also free to stay with Ogras in his pce, Zac said, hoping she would take him up on his offer.


    Why in gods name would I live with that bastard? Cutie, take me to Julia please, she said and hooked her arm in Emilys to her visible excitement.


    Finally the two left together, leaving Zac alone with his thoughts. He opened his quest screen and took a look at his quest.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, town upgraded to City, status upgraded to Lord. (2/3) [02:15:23:14]</strong>


    Less than three days remained until the third and final wave. He went over his things and felt as prepared as he could be. He already had two of the Lightning Punishment arrays that he bought for the ant waves, and an ample amount of crystals he got from Rydels Cosmos Sack and the mining operations.


    He also had the high-quality siege machines from the sack, which even low leveled people could utilize. They might not gain energy from the kills, but at least they would contribute to the war efforts. Depending on the nature of the waves he would either have the Valkyries use the siege engines or gain experience from fighting by hand. He honestly did not know what else there was to do before the wave hit, apart from preparing the general poption.


    After resting a bit he went to the town to meet up with Adran, who usually was up to date with everything happening.


    Greetings, Lord Zac, the demon said as Zac entered his office, which was still therge tent. He still hadnt bothered with having a proper structure built, as it would be moved shortly in any case.


    How did it go with the new town-people? Zac asked after greeting the administrator.


    Hehe, I do not know what you told them to get them toe here, but some were Less than pleased with the current state of Port Atwood. Though it got better when we demonstrated building a house in an hour, and exined we would begin construction of the town proper within two weeks, the demon said.


    Zac only grimaced while nodding. He wasnt too surprised by their reactions after Mr. Trangs shameless recruitment tactics.


    There are also the two beastkin who have kept pestering us to take them to the ind with the town of their kind, he added.


    Where are they now? Zac asked.


    The incident with Ogras had made himpletely forget about the two.


    They are waiting in the tavern, the demon answered.


    We have a tavern? Zac asked surprised.


    Yes, one of the more enterprising humans opened one up while you were gone. Another human also informed us of his ind having a pretty huge cache of liquor. We made an extra excursion there to procure it, I hope you dont mind, the demon grinned.


    Thats fine, its good that some civilian businesses are cropping up, please help out cases like that in the future as well, Zac said with a nod. How are the war preparations?


    Everything we can think of has been done. We have massively improved on the traps and pitfalls outside the walls, reinforced the walls themselves, and added the siege machines, the administrator said.


    We have also trained some of the morepetent civilians to help out with logistical efforts and basic triage. The only thing remaining is whether you wish to buy any more arrays or tools to prepare.


    Zac mulled it over. Between hisbination Town Protection array and his lightning punishments, he felt secure enough to tackle the third wave. He was sure it would be a nasty one, but still there were limits to how far the system could crank up the difficulty. With his own and the demons power, and the various advantages he had umted he felt confident in taking on almost anything the System could throw at him.


    We have everything we need saved from the Ant Horde, Zac said and the demon nodded in agreement.


    Oh, we have also started making some inroads in making the carriages you brought back some time ago run on Nexus Crystals. For now, we can simply create fire from the energy in thebustion chambers of the contraption, but in the future we might be able to even make it run on pure energy instead of wasting so much of it through converting it to heat, the demon added.


    Zac was delighted at the news. That kind of refitting would be quite profitable he believed, but also it would help with mobility for a lot of people. Not every town could own an expensive Teleportation array and would have to actually travel between towns by foot. Being able to drive would massively increase their chance of survival.


    Great, keep me posted. I am nning on visiting the Beastman vige before the wave hits. Perhaps we can get some more warriors. From my impression of these Ishiate they might also be skilled craftsmen, which would help in refining all our materials into seble equipment.


    With that he left themand tent to head over to the tavern. He saw the two Ishiate sitting in a corner looking somewhat troubled, but when Zac told them he was taking them to their hometown they were visibly excited.


    But before they could leave he started as he saw who stood behind the counter.


    Its you? Zac asked with some surprise.


    Well, a mans got to do something, Ryan answered with a grin. When I said I wanted to open a saloon the demons were more than willing to help with the construction. Ive never seen a house get erected that fast. Unfortunately, I cant really charge the demons for liquor since they brought it, but at least I can charge the others.


    Im d you found your calling, Zac answered with a small smile.


    Yeah, you know I sometimes dreamed of moving to some tropical country and opening a beach bar back when I worked a dead-end job. Who knew that the apocalypse would turn it into reality? Ryan answered with a widening smile.


    Zac wouldnt have minded staying a bit, but the anxious Ishiate made him remember his tasks.


    I will talk to youter, Zac said as he left with the two beastmen in tow.


    Zac also brought the fisherman and one of the demons who participated in the original scouting mission and immediately set sail. The ind was over six hours away, and he didnt want to waste any time. Soon they were cutting through the waves in breakneck speed as Zac once again sat in the fore contemting the Dao.


    The two Ishiate were extremely intrigued about the vessel they used. They likely had studied human technology quite a bit since the integration, but this vessel was something else entirely. They kept excitedly talking about the construction and tried to hypothesize how it worked as they furiously scribbled notes in notepads. It was as though the vessel had opened up a new world to them.


    Zac was happy to see their excitement as he had hopes that he would be able to relocate at least part of the Ishiate back to his town in order to gain some craftsmen. The humans he brought from New Washington was a good start, but Earth had very few proper craftsmen before the fall. Zac suspected that things like cksmiths, tinkerers and even alchemists where moremon concepts among the Ishiate who was essentially a medieval society hungering for technological advancements.


    Finally as the suns started to set they arrived at their destination, a decently sized ind that was slightlyrger than the ones hed visited so far. The climate was the same as on his ind, but the forests looked quite different. They were far more colorful, with many trees having red leaves instead of green, and many trunks were blue-ish.


    The town they were visiting wasnt originally a seaside town, so it was some ways ind, and they started traveling through the beautiful forests. A weird small critter with three eyes and six legs suddenly skittled in front of them, startling Zac.


    Its a Prikka, one of the Ishiate exined, I havent seen one since the fall. This whole forest feels like home, though it has grown quite a bit from whats normal.


    After an uneventful trek of five minutes they arrived at the walled city, and Zac looked at it with some interest. Its architecture looked quite different from anything hed seen so far.


    The wall was made of some metal, and on top of it there were huge brass cannons mounted. Both the cannons and the walls looked somewhat new, even though they werent in great shape. Zac assumed they had been erected or improved in order tobat the monsters of the ind. That would also exin the craters on the ground around the wall, and the fire-licked trees at the edge of the forest.


    Were home, the female Ishiate said with ripe emotion in her voice.


    As they approached the town Zac kept looking over the area. It was clear that the town hadnt been unscathed over the past months. There were clear signs of battle all around the town, and the metal ting was dented or even missing in various spots. It gave a battle-torn image, though Zac noted that the town still stood, as no parts of the wall werepletely ruined, and there were figures patrolling its wall walk.


    The group made no effort to hide and openly walked toward the main gate. Their approach was quickly noted, and the guards shouted down at someone below. Soon they arrived at the gate which still was closed.


    Hello? Im Shea Moon of Cogstown, daughter of Basso Moon. With me are my husband Porro Moon and some human friends who helped us return home, she shouted up at the wall.


    There was no response for a minute, and Zac started to frown.


    What now? Zac asked at the Ishiate, who also looked a bit confused.


    Wait a bit longer. The guards might be getting reporting to those in charge, Shea answered hesitantly.


    She was quickly proven right as after another minute a roar could be heard over the wall.


    Open the god damn gate, you idiots! a deep voice resonated, almost immediately followed by the gates slowly opening with a creak.


    Zac and the others didnt have time to enter before a giant Ishiate rushed at them.

 Chapter 149: Reinforcements

    Chapter 149: Reinforcements


    Little Shea! the man shouted, tears pouring from his eyes as he scooped up the female Ishiate in a bear hug. We were so worried when you and the others disappeared. The world turned crazy and we found our town moved to this ind. We feared the worst.


    I missed you father! Shea answered with a sob.


    Whats going on? What happened? the huge man asked with concern. And just what are those hairless ones? The old one looks a bit simr to the ones we have here.


    You have humans in Cogstown? Zac couldnt help asking, which gave the huge man a start.


    You speak ournguage?


    He has a skill for that, Shea exined. This is Zac Atwood, he is the leader of a town called Port Atwood at a neighboring ind. Mr. Atwood, this is Basso Moon. He is the leader of Cogstown and its chief engineer.


    How did you two end up at a neighboring ind? Are the others still there? Basso asked after nodding at Zac.


    Its a long story, Ill exin as we go.


    Basso nodded and led them inside the town. Zac curiously looked around as they walked, content in letting Shea give her father the standard run-down of the System and the Tutorial. It quickly became apparent that Cogstown wasnt a spot where cultivators were dropped off after the month was over.


    When the beastman mentioned humans Zacs heartbeat had sped up for a moment, hoping that Hannah and the others were dropped off here. But the Ishiate were clueless about most things regarding the System,pletely dashing that hope.


    The town looked well fortified from the outside, but it was clear that they had met some trouble. A lot of houses were crumbled, and there were gashes and splotches of blood at many ces. Even Shea couldnt help herself from asking what was going on, eliciting a sigh from Basso.


    Its the god damn birds. Theres a flock ofrge white birds who turned crazy a month ago. Before that they mainly stayed close to the sea and fed on fish or small critters. But as they grewrger, so did their appetites. They started attacking our town, actually snatching people up in the air, he said with a tired voice.


    We kept shooting them, both with skills and our weaponry. But they are sorge by now that if we kill it in the air their corpses be dangerous projectiles that might kill people when they smash into the ground. And no matter how many we kill it seems they are endless,


    Can you buy a defensive array? Zac asked, drawing a pained nce from the town leader.


    Thats the problem. We do have the Crystal Shea mentioned, but we cant buy much more than a shop and a few basic structures, such as a smithy manned by those weird automatons. We got those options after defending the town from a series of monster attacks.


    I see that the fortifications you mentioned exist, but we cant purchase them. It seems we need to unlock them with another quest, but we havent even received a quest yet.


    Zac nodded, not feeling too surprised. There were very few who actually had the option to buy the arrays at the moment it seemed. Otherwise quite a few more would have been able to get teleporters, far more than the 50 or so towns in the whole world who appeared to possess them at the moment.


    Zac was about to ask a follow-up question but was interrupted by somemotion.


    Grandpa! an Asian man in his early twenties shouted as he rushed toward their group.


    Little Tuan? Is that you? the old fisherman shouted back with a shaky voice, his eyes immediately reddening.


    Mr. Trang already mentioned earlier that the younger generation had already left on a boat to find help for their grandparents. Unfortunately, they hadnt heard from them since. It looked like at least one of them somehow had ended up on this ind, and was one of the hairless ones that Basso mentioned.


    The man rushed up to the old fisherman, followed by a few more Vietnamese youths who looked to be between 20 and 35. Zac was relieved to see that the seemed fed and unharmed, meaning they probably werent prisoners. He really wanted to recruit some Ishiate for his town, but if they had mistreated Sap and the others grandchildren it would have be a thorny situation.


    Why are you kids here? Mr. Nguyen asked as he looked over his vigers.


    Our ship was attacked by some monstrous fish while we looked for the maind, and we steered toward this ind before the ship sunk Giang and Phuc didnt make it, Tuan answered with a shame-filled face. We were worried sick, but these aliens wouldnt help build a ship since it was too dangerous.


    Its good that you stayed here rather than going back for us old folks. We left ourselves by ship and now live in Lord Zacs town. Were doing quite well, and old man Trang is already level 28. And this old man is almost ready to get a ss as well, he said with a wide smile.


    Im d youre all okay. Why dont you stay here? Im sure these aliens wont mind, they are pretty nice, though its a bit hard to make yourself understood, one of the other youngsters said.


    No, its better you kidse back with me and Lord Zac after were done here, Mr. Nguyen answered with a shake of his head. It seems a bit dangerous here while Port Atwood ispletely safe.


    Since Mr. Nguyen was one of the main naval scouts hed been given a skill crystal for the <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>, so Basso and the other Ishiate could understand his words as well.


    Its pretty big words to implete safety in this new world of ours, an Ishiate with arge blunderbuss on his back responded skeptically.


    I think Mr. Nguyen is simply is referring to the fact that we have eradicated any threatening beasts on our ind, so we do not have to worry about such things anymore. However, with the incursions and other threats humans and Ishiate are facing it cant be calledpletely safe, Zac answered.


    The Vietnamese people looked on with surprised expressions, seeing how the Ishiate seemed to understand their words and respond. Clearly, they still didnt know about thenguage skill.


    Other threats? Basso said with a frown.


    Do you have somewhere we can talk in private? Zac asked.


    Soon they found themselves in arge meeting room in what seemed part castle part hangar. From the looks of it they were either trying to build or actually had built a Zeppelin, though he couldnt see one of them floating around.


    A few other leaders of Cogstown had joined basso and his guards, and they listened on as Shea exined her experiences and findings in the tutorial and from there. The Vietnamese people were also in the room, and the old fisherman was quietly tranting for them in a corner.


    When some rification was needed by Zac he provided it, but otherwise he was content in letting the Ishiate talk.


    I heard Mr. Zac mention our g at the meeting, and we immediately chose to follow him. Thats how we got home, Shea finished recounting her and the other cultivators experiences. It appeared she and the other cultivators of Cogstown were dropped off at the other side of the, and Shea was at the Auction since she had acquired thenguage skill during the tutorial.


    It is a relief to hear that so many of our people are still alive and amongst kin. It is a shame we cant connect with them though, Basso said with a sigh as he looked at Zac. And I am thankful to you, Mr. Zac, for bringing my daughter home.


    It was no problem. I was nning on visiting here sooner orter in any case, Zac said.


    Oh? Basso said, and the other Ishiate looked curiously or warily at Zac.


    In a sense were neighbors here on our inds, and I believe its important to know each other, Zac said. Id also like to extend an invitation to the citizens of Cogstown. During the past months we have traveled across the archipgo to rescue any people stranded and beset by monsters.


    Finally Zac found an opportunity for recruitment and wouldnt miss it.


    Port Atwood is in need of skilled craftsmen. After talking with Shea Ivee to the understanding that your kind are both creative and skilled workers. Many of your group have switched from trying to improve your technology to bing craftsmen sses to great sess. If youre willing to relocate to my Ind you would be most wee, he continued.


    Why would we want to move and be a humans subordinates? an Ishiate asked, drawing a nervous nce from Shea.


    Security and improvement. Suffice to say, Port Atwood is somewhat unique on the whole. We have ess to knowledge that you cant find anywhere else. Much of the information about the incursions and Dominators Shea mentioned earlieres from us. We also possess abundant resources to improve your crafting, and the Cosmic Energy density on our ind is unparalleled, Zac answered without missing a beat.


    Most importantly, our citizens are safe, and therefore able to focus on their personal improvement.


    Our people have lived here for generations, and what you propose is a huge change. If you please would excuse us for a bit while we discuss things, Basso said politely.


    Zac understood that there likely were things they wanted to ask Shea and her husband without the prying ears of himself and his team, so he nodded at the old fisherman and the demon guards and left with them.


    Mr. Nguyens grandson and the others followed as well, and soon they found themselves in a group of sofas in another room.


    Hey, how did you get the skill to be able to talk in allnguages, Tuan asked Zac. It seems really convenient.


    Brat, be polite to Lord Zac, the old fisherman said with a re as he smacked his grandson in the back of his head.


    Ow! Grandpa, why do you keep calling him a lord? Is he a European nobility? That shouldnt matter anymore, Tuan said looking a bit indignant.


    What European? Hes a ranker on the Ladder, the old man exined. Act properly, its thanks to Lord Zac we old folk can survive. Work hard and you can gain opportunities that the rest of the world could only dream of. We might not havee from great origins before the world changed, but that doesnt matter anymore.


    What? Whats going on? Tuan asked, while the others looked visibly confused.


    Zac could only shake his head. He understood the old man was still following the rules that he put in ce earlier, stopping him from saying anything about Port Atwood. Still the old man wanted to convey the importance of having a good rapport with Zac.


    But things had changed since he gave that order, and hiding nothing he simply stated the truth.


    Im the Super Brother-Man.


    It took some convincing, but soon the Vietnamese youth no longer thought it odd that their elder looked up to some foreigner who was so much younger than him, and they no longer spoke about living in the Ishiate town. Clearly staying with the force of the top ranker seemed a far more reasonable idea, especially since the other elders still stayed in Port Atwood.


    It took almost an hour before Shea and Basso joined Zac, though the Ishiate were good hosts and brought some food and drink while they waited. Something about his demeanor had clearly changed, as he warily looked at Zac who was calmly sitting in his seat. Therge Ishiate looked troubled as he sat down on one of the free sofas on the opposite side of Zac.


    I am sorry about the wait, Lord Zac. There has been much to go over. The news my daughter has brought regarding the change in the world is troubling, to say the least. We knew something extraordinary was happening, but the reality has far exceeded our expectations, Basso said, looking quite worn out.


    We understand where youreing from, and perhaps moving Cogstown to your future residential andmercial districts is the best for our futures. However, I cannot make such a decision on the spot. We have lived our whole lives in this town, and we cannot leave it just like that.


    Our wilder brethren think us uncaring about the past, but that is wrong. We constantly build on our ancestors efforts to improve life for future generations. Cogstown is the result of four generations of Ishiate who have pushed themselves to unravel the universe.


    While Zac didnt share the same types of feeling about his own hometown Greenworth he could understand where he wasing from.


    I will not force anyone to do something they are not willing to do. But you should make a decision sooner rather thanter, as your problems with the birds might only get worse. Normally we would help but we will have our hands full ourselves theing days, Zac answered.


    We will leave soon, and it will be roughly ten days to two weeks before we can visit again, and thats the soonest I can imagine, Zac continued.


    We understand your force will face some sort of trial soon, though Shea didnt learn the details. If youre amenable I would like to send a few of our tinkerers with you back. They are the ones who built the cannons on our walls, and perhaps might prove useful in your war efforts. Truthfully they will also scout your force and ind to see whether it would be a good idea for us to move or not, Basso answered.


    Thats fine, Zac said, not feeling surprised.


    He didnt expect the isted Ishiate to uproot themselves on his or Sheas word, and that he got this much response from Cogstown was better than expected. The tinkerers might even be useful in theing wave.


    Basso and Zac kept talking for a while, and Zac even promised to sell an exploratory vessel like the one he used for a whopping 5 million Nexus coins. The money-printing machine that was the Creator Shipyard was finally starting to give returns.


    Hed long ago exined the situation to the Creators, so the ships themselves apparently were modeled after vessels form a huge human force called the Allbright Empire that spanned multiple gxies. Any foreigner seeing the ships would think they were made by some grandmaster engineer from that empire.


    Only an hourter Zac sat down again on the fore of the ship, and with closed eyes ignored the hubbub on the crammed vessel behind him.

 Chapter 150: The Third Wave

    Chapter 150: The Third Wave


    Zac had a sense of Deja V as he stood waiting on the wall, somberly looking toward the inner regions of the ind. Next to him stood Ogras and his three generals. Zac had been extremely surprised to hear that Namys was dead, worried that some monster or powerhouse had arrived at the ind.


    He was even more shocked to learn that she was killed by Alea on Ogras orders. Zac immediately called an emergency meeting between the three of them, and it took an hour to finally get to the bottom of things. Ogras was almost biologically incapable of delivering clear answers, whereas Alea refused to divulge anything Ogras hadnt.


    To hear that the sour-looking demoness had far gone ns to kill him in his sleep without him even having an inkling of it caused Zac a fretful sleepless night. He knew Namys wasnt one of his biggest fans but had no idea that it went to the level of wanting to eradicate him. Zac understood Ogras actions, and Zac also felt it showed that Ogras was in it for the long haul, but it also meant that they had lost one of the best fighters and leaders for the third wave.


    Ogras looked unusually pissed off as he was chewing on a piece of dried meat next to him, which was out of character for him. The demon usually adorned that annoying grin no matter the situation, so seeing him trying to take out his anger on a piece of dried boar was a bit funny.


    Whats with you? Your courtship not going ording to ns? Zac asked as he nced over.


    The demon snarled and threw the piece of food down the wall, telling Zac he hit bulls eye.


    Did you know? Ogras asked as he angrily looked at Zac. The brat did at least.


    Know what? Zac asked, genuinely confused.


    Emma MacHale is a god damn lesbian. Shes dating that in looking bore from the government. All that effort wasted, the demon growled.


    Really? Zac asked, having some difficulty restraining a smile. I had no idea. How did Emily know? Emma told her?


    Apparently there were all kinds of rumors before your world got integrated, the demon said, his frown deepening as he took out another piece of meat.


    Zac thought it all pretty funny, but he was also a bit confused. Emma moved here to get away from the government, but at the same time dated one of their top officials. Was Julia not aware of the disgusting things Ogras mentioned earlier?


    It appeared that the very in Greenworth wasnt an isted incident, rather a well-kept secret, where only a few like the Mayor were out in the open. Important personnel could ignore rules, or even basic human decency, as long as they provided the government with enough benefits. The reason Emma wanted to leave the government was that some of the stars got provided personal ves, in some cases even children.


    Those people were the ones that Ogras went around killing during the night, and after Zac learned of it he felt it was for the best. He wanted nothing to do with a bunch of degenerates like that. The important part was whether those actions were supported by the Government atrge, or whether it was a small faction within the splintered organization that acted in such a way.


    He was nning on getting to the bottom of things by interrogating Julia, though he didnt want to waste time and effort on that with the wave iing. It might also prompt Emma to cause trouble, and he would rather wait until he had the Lord-title in his hand.


    I think its great. At least I wont have to keep poisoning her while she lives in yourpound, Alea suddenly interjected, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    What? Zac asked, turning around with wide eyes. What did you do?


    Whats with that look? I just sprinkled a little something that would give her the runs and feel bloated and a bit feverish. Not in the mood for a roll in the sack, the poison mistress said with a small smile. She thought she had some hade down with some tropical fever.


    Zac couldnt help snorting when he heard Aleas confession. He had avoided the movie star thest two days while mentally preparing for the third wave, hoping to improve as much as he could. He had mainly focused on incorporating his evolved Dao into his fighting style, and trying to gain a second Seed upgrade.


    The first part went great, and he felt he possessed a far bettermand of the Middle Seed of Heaviness by now. The area he could expand his Dao field with the mental attach had also almost doubled after having consolidated his insights. Unfortunately, things hadnt proceeded as smoothly in regards to his meditation, and his other seeds were still at an early stage.


    Dont go poisoning any more of our people, Zac only said before turning back to look out over the wall.


    Yes, dear, Alea answered with a wink.


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect town from denizens of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: 5 E-Grade Nexus Crystals, town upgraded to City, status upgraded to Lord. (2/3) [00:00:08:44]</strong>


    Zac closed his menu after taking a quick nce at it, taking onest look over his forces. This time it wasnt just him and the demons up on the wall waiting for the wave to arrive.


    The Valkyries stood at the ready, having swapped out their spears for bows. Few of them were excellent marksmen, though the improved attributes made most people decent shots by now. Of course one might not need pinpoint uracy if there was a sea of monsters beneath the wall.


    There were also the group of tinkerers from Cogstown, who looked the most excited of the bunch. They stood next to two newly mounted cannons making final adjustments. Zac could only shake his head when he saw that a few of them actually talked with the cannons, drawing weird nces from the demons closeby.


    The first time he saw the craftsmen Zac had thought Basso was dumping his town lunatics on Port Atwood in a bid to get rid of them. Most of them hadrge patches of fur singed off and missing extremities, or even limbs. More than anything they held a burning madness in their eyes, giving off a very unsettling feeling.


    But Zac soon realized he was wrong when he watched them mount one of their cannons on his wall. They were extremely skilled at what they did.


    The tinkerers hadnt cared the least about the various species walking the ind but instead focused on the various technologies avable. They had been astounded by human contraptions such asputers and cars, but they clearly focused more on things connected to the system, which Zac felt was for the best. This group, in particr, was mainly concerned about weaponizing Nexus Crystals and turning them into bombs, and it was their experiments that had caused them to look like they did.


    Zac felt it was a bit of a shame that he couldnt introduce them to Karunthel, the Creator foreman, as he thought they would hit it off quite well. Zac understood why the beastmen were so excited. They saw the third beast wave as an opportunity to field-test various inventions.


    Finally, a contingent of roughly a hundred Zhix warriors orderly stood at the wall as well, ignoring anything around them. With them stood Ibtep, who had changed itsrge backpack with an equallyrge bundle of wooden javelins with steel tips. The Zhix had been fetched from the ind after Ibtep made the offer, and the Holiness had agreed, though the supersized Zhix itself stayed in the hive.


    The civilians stayed in the temporary town within the walls, with some having volunteered for various tasks to help out. Those who volunteered were mainly those from the surrounding inds, who already were used by being constantly osted by beasts. The experts from New Washington had been shocked to hear the town was about to be attacked, with some even demanding to get sent back.


    Zac ignored those voices though, telling them that getting attacked was the norm in the multi-verse and nothing to get worked up over. Julia had wanted to participate in the fight, but on Ogras advice she was ced under house arrest during the wave. There was no need to give the government official a panoramic view of the powers of Port Atwood.


    This was thest wave, and thest opportunity to gain contribution points. Many of the demons had held on to most of their points until now, hoping to gain enough for some more valuable treasures. People would hold nothing back this wave, perhaps even disying hidden cards just to push themselves further on the contributiondder.


    There was also thepetition between Zac and Ogras. Zac had amassed a bit over 80 million contribution points during the waves, whereas Ogras was at a 59. The general consensus was that Zac would keep his lead during the final wave, while a few staunch supporters of the demon lord insisted that Ogras had held back until now, and was ready to explode into action.


    Zac personally didnt care about all that. He only hoped that he would be able to finish the wave quickly, so his ns with the teleporter wouldnt get ruined. Of course, he had a backup n by now.


    If the wave wasnt finished and the deadline was nearing, hed simply step through the teleporter and snatch up John Bernard, and go back. He had wanted to avoid that, as it might result in some retaliation from the government, but as things had progressed up until now Zac felt it didnt really matter. It was just one more act of aggression to add to the tally.


    The minutes slowly passed as everyone was waiting for what woulde out through the portals this time. When there were less than a minute left Zac suddenly heard a familiar voice in his mind.


    <strong>[Special Challenge activated. To be a leader of a world you need to possess the strength to defeat any invaders. Rewards adjusted.]</strong>


    Zac groaned as he looked around, and it seemed only he heard the voice. Ogras saw the odd reaction from Zac and raised a brow.


    Whats going on? the demon asked, but Zac had no time to exin when three huge pirs shed into existence.


    Each pir was farrgerpared to the earlier ones, and reminded Zac the incursion pirs. However, the pirs differed from both the sinister red one hed been living with for a month, and also each other.


    One of the pirs was a sickly turquoise color, and it almost looked like ghosts or specters were rotating around it. Zac was immediately reminded of the intelligence report he got from Ogras. The part about the various forces also mentioned the incursions.


    The incursions themselves differed in appearance depending on who controlled it, and the turquoise one clearly matched the description of the incursions belonging to the Undead Empire. The second one was pitch ck, and it felt like Zac was looking into a ck hole as he stared at it.


    Zac tried to figure it out, but couldnt remember any force having such an incursion in the information missive. It likely meant that it didnt belong to one of therge forces. That didnt mean it belonged to a weak force, but rather a smaller one that the missive didnt include due to the low likelihood of encountering them. There was no telling from just the light, and it could be either weaklings or a small elite force full of powerhouses.


    The final incursion was multicolored in gold and red. Had it only been the lustrous golden color Zac would have thought it belonged to a church, as it radiated holiness. However, the blood-red intermixed gave a more sinister feeling, and it infected any purity of the gold luster.


    What the hell? Incursions? Ogras muttered, and many of the demons looked confused as well.


    I got a quest update from the System, Zac admitted with a sour face. It said something about me needing the power to defeat invaders to be a leader. Perhaps it felt the normal challenge wasnt annoying enough?


    As if on cue Zac suddenly heard a shout from behind. It was Janos, who once again stood at the ready at the control crystal for the Array. Arge fractal had appeared above it, and any light from the crystal was gone. Zac quickly opened up the town management menu, and as he saw the message inside his sour face turned to a full-blown grimace.


    Shit.

 Chapter 151: The Three Forces

    Chapter 151: The Three Forces


    The Town Protection Array was actually blocked by the system. Zac quickly brought out one of his Thunder Punishment Arrays, and to his dismay found them looking like lifeless marbles no matter what he tried.


    The Ruthless Heavens indeed, Ogras muttered with a sardonic grin. I guess well have to do this one by hand.


    Zac started to wonder whether the System could actually hold grudges. He had cursed at it quite a bit in the beginning when he was stuck alone on the ind. Was it retaliating now by increasing the difficulty to unreasonable levels? Or did it try to suppress him since he wasnt a cultivator?


    In any case, the sight in front of him spelled trouble. He wasnt contending with one force now, but three. More importantly, he was ced against intelligent forces this time. The wolf horde had been somewhat easy to handle since they were dumb beasts, but the same couldnt be said about actual invading forces.


    They would have organized armies and employ strategy in trying to defeat him. He was sure that the system had provided some pretty good incentives to them so that no diplomatic solution was possible. Not that he thought it was possible in any case.


    I think we should charge in, catch them unaware, Zac said with some hesitation.


    He didnt want them attacking the wall since it would offer scant protection now that there was no Array to secure it. It might work against dumb beasts, but against an army of high leveled warriors it was only a small diversion.


    Theres no way they would be unaware, rather the opposite. They should have been given plenty of forewarning, perhaps even having the opportunity to ept or decline the quest, Ogras disagreed.


    We should scout them out and gauge their strength. There are some differences between the pirs and normal Incursions. They are smaller. I think their forces should be limited, the demon added. If they werepletely confident in defeating us they would already have rushed in. The fact that they are ying it safe is telling us something.


    Zac gave a start and once again looked at the three pirs. They felt huge where they shone in the distance. However, Zac had to agree that they were quite a bit smallerpared to the one with the demons. That red pir had stretched endlessly into the sky, clearly visible even from the other side of the ind. It had felt like it reached the heavens, and apparently, even the closest inds had seen the red light when the demon Incursion was active.


    These pirs wererge, but not to that point. They were many times higher than the Ayr Hive, but thats was about it. Zac wasnt sure what it meant, but the size of the pirs had indicated the difficulty of the wolf waves. The pir that sent through the Fiend Wolf was quite a bitrgerpared to the ones before it.


    So we just stand here and wait? Its too passive, Zac frowned with impatience. He was in no mood to let the invaders run rampant on his ind. Who knew what kind of mess they would create while they stayed on the wall like some turtles.


    It is, but sometimes we need to waste time to save time. We can send out a few scouts to check things out. Ill even go myself. But we shouldnt antagonize them until we know their rtionship. Who knows, they might even fight each other. The undead forces are notoriously unwilling to work with almost any other force, and they might just attack the others before turning their attention to us.


    Zac nodded after some thought. Though it sounded imusible it might be correct. The goal of those forces should be to kill him and he could only die one time, meaning that only one force would get the reward. Perhaps they would even sumb to infighting for the honor to kill him, provided that hey felt he would be easy to handle.


    Besides, charging in like a barghest wasnt the best idea. Who knew what cards these people had up their sleeves. He didnt even know what forces two of the incursions belonged to. Gathering intelligence first might be the smartest y.


    They had stood at the walls for a few minutes by now, and there still wasnt any activity. Unfortunately the incursions were far enough that they couldnt see their forces due to foliage blocking the view.


    Very well, lets gather some intelligence, Zac said, feeling unsettled by the inaction.


    He almost hoped that a wave of invaders woulde running through the forest at them, screaming and waving their weapons. A full-frontal assault would be perilous, but it would also be easy to handle. He just needed to take out his axe and go crazy. Now he was unsure what to do or expect.


    Ogras nodded and disappeared into the shadows. Not long after Zac saw a few figures blend into the forest as they moved toward the pirs of light. Most of the demons sat down by now with closed eyes, patiently waiting to explode into action. Zac had to stop himself from pacing back and force like a wreck since he didnt want to show how unsettled he felt by the situation.


    He had already defeated one incursion, but that was different. For one he had learned that n AzhRezak was far weaker than the average when it came to the power of the invading groups. Usually the opportunity would have been snatched away by a more powerful force, but AzhRezak managed to hold on to it due to some turbulence in their area.


    Secondly, he had deployed guerri tactics against the demons, and they didnt even know about his identity until the very end. And finally the war with the monkeys provided a stage where he somehow luckily came out victorious.


    It was different now, with him being a defender in the open, and at least the undead were a formidable force.


    To take his mind off the situation he opened his quest screen. It was mentioned earlier that his quest and rewards were updated, and he wanted to see what he would get.


    <strong>Incursion</strong><strong>Master</strong><strong>(Unique):</strong><strong>Close</strong><strong>or</strong><strong>conquer</strong><strong>incursion</strong><strong>and</strong><strong>protect</strong><strong>Town</strong><strong>from</strong><strong>denizens</strong><strong>or</strong><strong>forces</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>other</strong><strong>alignments</strong><strong>for</strong><strong>3</strong><strong>months.</strong><strong>Reward:</strong><strong>Limited</strong><strong>Structure</strong><strong>depending</strong><strong>on</strong><strong>Grade,</strong><strong>Town</strong><strong>upgraded</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Global</strong><strong>City,</strong><strong>status</strong><strong>upgraded</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Lord.</strong><strong>Road</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Hegemony</strong><strong>opened.</strong><strong>(2/3)</strong>


    There were some differences from earlier, with some more apparent than others. The description had gone from saying only denizens to denizens or forces, which made sense as Ogras had told him already that denizens were referring to beasts.


    The rewards had also changed. The paltry 5 crystals had been swapped to a Limited Structure, and Zac guessed it was something simr to when he got the Creator Shipyard, though the wording was a bit different.


    His town would also be upgraded to Global City instead of City. Since the prompt earlier had mentioned world leader hed almost thought for a second Port Atwood would be a capital. However, it seems that wasnt the case. He wasnt clear about the difference between a City and a Global City, apart from guessing thetter was better.


    Finally there was the Road to Hegemony. He had no idea what that meant, but he sensed that this addition might be the most important one. He wasnt sure whether to ask Ogras about it or keep it a secret, so for now he tabled the matter. He needed to actually destroy the three incursions for any of this to matter.


    It took almost twenty minutes until Ogras was back, during which time Zac only got more and more impatient.


    There are a <em>lot</em> of enemies, Ogras said with a frown. Theres a veritable sea of Zombies, tens of thousands. Theres also Aberrations and three to four-meter corpse golems. Unfortunately, it seems the horde has a Lich or Corpse Lord. Otherwise theyd have mindlessly charged at us by now, sensing our life force.


    Aberrations were dead beings that were naturally formed in ominous grounds, often being a mix of various species and bodies. Not two of them looked the same, as they were essentially randomized mistakes of the universe. Their distinguishing feature was extreme endurance, even for the undead beings.


    The corpse golems were somewhat simr, though they were constructed rather than formed. Necromancers or liches created them from a bunch of cultivators to suit their purposes. Usually they were quiterge, and a fusion of a group of people.


    The more skilled the creator, the more beings he or she could add to the monstrosity, making it stronger. Its height was generally the measure of how powerful it was, where golems above five meters were usually E grade or above.


    The other forces arent as numerous, though their warriors are generally far strongerpared to the Zombies. The ck portal is owned by a force I dont recognize. They are either a golem species or something rock-rted. It was hard to tell. Theyrepletely pitch ck and gave off cold auras. They seemed to have exceptional perception, as they killed the scout we sent before he even came close, the demon continued.


    Thest force is only around a thousand strong, and they might actually be more annoying than the undead. Theyre the fools of the Church of Evesting Dao. I would wager they are on average strongerpared to our own forces, Ogras concluded with a sigh.


    Zac groaned when he learned who the final incursion belonged to. The Church of Evesting Dao were the lunatics who went to newly integrateds simply to eradicate all life. They were of the belief that while the System waspelled to keep integrating new worlds, each time it did so it expended important energy and hurt itself. That, in turn, prevented the System from evolving itself and the multi-verse.


    In order to reach nirvana or whatever they tried to kill as many people as they could so that more energy would be freed up for the system. The general consensus about this belief was that it either wasplete idiocy, or that it was a front for the church elite to stuff their pockets with their victims wealth.


    No matter which case was the truth it didnt help Zac, as he was suddenly stuck on the ind with a bunch of Zealots. Furthermore, if another one of the incursions were the famously annoying Undead Empire and another was run by insane inquisitors, the third mysterious Incursion likely wasnt any good news either.


    So what do we do? Zac asked.


    They are holding some meeting at the rock peoples ce. For now we hope they have a falling out and do our job for us.


    Zac nodded but didnt feel too hopeful. He could only spread the avable intelligence amongst the ranks, and keep everyone on alert. Soon thest hope of an internal fight breaking out was dashed, as an army approached the wall.


    Zac understood what Ogras meant when he said rock-people, as he couldnt really tell their appearance either. They were around two meters tall, and Zac couldnt make out any features as they were unnaturally ck. Zac wondered for a second if they all possessed some racial skill that obscured them, but threw the question to the back of his head as he brought out his axe.


    The ground shook as the army approached, and huge boulders were magically ripped out of the ground by the rock-people and started hovering above their army, creating quite the image. The rudimentary traps across the battlefield were all but useless against the sentient species as they approached.


    The very air thrummed with power around the iing group, and even Ogras ever-present grin was long gone as he looked out over their enemies.


    ----------------


    Bishop Orsas leisurely walked back toward his camp, ncing at the army of Yrd Stonemen leaving for battle.


    It had been an annoying discovery to find that they werent the only ones to get the blessing of The Boundless Heavens, but that they instead shared it with two other groups. That kind of situation clearly muddied what should have been a great opportunity to make some money.


    It was quite convenient that at least one of them belonged to some weak backwater group. They would make great sacrifices for the Grand n, keeping the Zealots happy, and in the process scout out the powers of this Monarch-candidate.


    This was the third world Orsas got tasked with purifying and processing with his fellow bishops, which is why he was chosen to head this special assignment while his brothers kept the activities going in their main base. But this was the first time that hed heard of a Sacrifice to gain such a blessing this early. Monarch-selects usually only emerged after over a year had passed.


    It was also quite the headache to find that the undead scum were here. Whenever the Church met those bastards there was always a bloody battle for the high potential corpses. Losses went up and profits went down.


    At least he wasnt up against a proper Lich, but instead a Corpse Lord. While neither were easy to deal with, Liches were nigh immortal save from certain types of attacks. They had proper purifier-forces who trained especially tobat the undead on the various fronts, but Orsas hadnt brought any here as he expected to be up against the humans or one of the other three species of this new.


    Worse yet, the Corpse Lord seemed to be a noble. He even doubted whether he himself was its match. Still, he had a full battle-monk contingent with him, which was enough to decimate the undead forces if it came to that.


    Orsas caressed his mace with a resolute expression. He wouldnt let this one go even if he had to go up against an undead noble, as the bonus he would receive was substantial. Not only the reward from The Boundless Heavens, but also the one he would receive from the church for procuring such high-grade materials.


    Someone who was already a monarch-candidate would have to be a prime specimen in creating a premium vessel. Human bodies were always in high demand as well, as many powerhouses chose vessels of the same species as their original bodies.


    Orsas never understood that kind of mentality. Those old goats had lived for tens of thousands of years, yet they hadnt had enough. Instead, they chose to scrap their mortal coil for one of the Churchs vessels, even if it meant retraining their bodies from the ground up.


    Not that Orsasined, as that very business had enabled him to reach heights he could only have dreamed of, with a clear path all the way to bing a C-Ranked Cardinal. And in the meantime, he would make a pretty penny in the body retrieval business.


    Because to live was to fight, so business was always booming.

 Chapter 152: Wallbreakers

    Chapter 152: Wallbreakers


    Fire at will, Zac said with a steady voice and nodded to the grinning beastmen.


    The tense situation hadnt affected them, and they gleefully made somest adjustments to their three cannons before they fired them. An insanely loud explosion was heard from each of them, and a shockwave even threw away the people closest to the cannons.


    Zac knew those cannons would pack quite a punch, but he was shocked at the scene in front of him. He had barely time to register that the projectiles werent pellets or cannonballs before the three shotsnded. One unfortunately veeredpletely off-course, but the others headed for the iing army in the distance who quickly erected a group shield.


    A blinding light shed and a terrifying explosion rattled Zacs eardrums a secondter. When he looked out at the battlefield again two huge craters of over 50 meters diameter could be seen, with dead or wounded rockmen all over. Their shields clearly were of little to no use against those horrifying bombs the crazy tinkerers had created with Nexus Crystals.


    Unfortunately one of the projectiles hadnt gone off, but the power of those who did was amazing.


    Zac hoped they could fire off a few more salvos, but a look over at the Ishiate engineers dashed any hope of them being able to shoot the Nexus Crystal infused bombs again. The three cannons were destroyed beyond recognition, with their barrelspletely twisted and deformed. Two of the tinkerers were also down on the ground bleeding from cannon shrapnel, though it looked like they would be fine.


    Send scout parties to the sides of the wall in case the other forces tries to nk us, Zac said to Ilvere, who nodded and sent a few parties away.


    Ibtep, Joanna, Zac continued. Your forces will stay on the wall for this one. Be ready to flee if needed. These rockmen are too high-leveled. Save your strength for the undead.


    Both nodded in confirmation.


    Zac was about to continue, but the huge boulders that were floating above the Rockmen suddenly shot out like bullets, soaring toward the wall.


    Shit! Zac screamed seeing the gigantic iing projectiles.


    Take the middle ones, Ill destroy as many as I can to the right, and Ilvere the ones to the left. The others will have to dodge, Ogras said.


    Start shooting, Zac shouted at the Valkyries who stood ready at the siege machines, as he got ready with his axe.


    The siege machines taken from Rydel were mainly in the type of ballistae, each made with high-grade materials and having inscribed projectiles. None of the shots were close in power to the monstrous cannons of the Ishiate, but they were easily reloaded and one shot after another flew at the enemies.


    Another huge shield was erected at the attackers after the initial st from the cannons, and most of therge bolts were stopped in their tracks from the screen. However, Zac knew that every time one of the inscribed bolts mmed into the magic wall the attackers lost some of their cosmic energy, just like it cost Crystals maintaining his array when it was attacked.


    The huge rocks finally arrived close to the wall, and Zac charged up as many des of <strong>[Chop]</strong> as he could, ready on wall walk to intercept them. After some hesitation, he infused his des with the Dao of Heaviness andunched his des in quick order. The des mmed into a huge boulder one by one, not one missing its target.


    As his attacks cut into the stones Zac frowned when he realized that they were imbued with some power as well. The fractal des managed to destroy the boulders, though barely. The stone fractured into smaller pieces, each around half a meter in diameter. Zac immediately threw a worried nce over at Illvere, whounched his huge ball on its chain toward his boulder.


    Unfortunately the demon general only managed to create some cracks in the stone and had to scamper out of harms way when the projectile mmed into the wall,pletely destroying a section of it. Simr scenes could be seen on various spots of the wall, whererge cracks or tears were created.


    A few of the ballistae were destroyed as well, though most were left unscathed. The loss of life was manageable as most of the armies were gathered at the length that Zac and Ogras protected. Still, a few casualties could be spotted, mainly amongst those on the edges of the army.


    The army of stonemen seemed content to stay at the distance, even though their shield no longer could protect them properly from the ballista projectiles. Some ripped through the magic membrane and killed anything within an area of a few meters.


    Normally the bolts should have created more mayhem, but the bolts were inscribed with a lightning attack, and the golems seemed quite resistant. Bursts of lightning bolts shed amongst the golem-people, but the effect was clearly limited, as only those right next to the bolt were noticeably affected.


    We cant let this go on, Zac said with a frown as he saw new boulders rise from the earth.


    Ogras who usually preferred the safe option actually nodded, and without another word the two jumped down from the wall and rushed toward the attackers. They wordlessly came to the same conclusion. They would have to attack the army the same way they did with the psychic wolves.


    If the enemies didnt want toe to them, then they would rush at the enemies.


    Zac once again charged five huge des with <strong>[Chop]</strong> as they ran, and unhesitantly shot them at the same part of the shield in front of them. They mmed into the shield one after another, and finally at the fourth de it broke through, hitting the defenders behind it.


    The ck golemoids erected personal shields to intercept the two remaining fractal edges, and with concerted effort managed to stop the first one. But thest one created some carnage as Zac had actually imbued it with the Dao of Sharpness.


    Zac took advantage of the opening and with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>stepped into the breach, and without pause started swinging <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. Having once poisoned himself with Cosmos Water had one positive side effect. He had be extremely adept at energy control since he fought the whole first wave without being able to properly restore his energy with crystals or gathering arrays.


    Zacs attacks generally consumed almost no energy, and he only activated his skills for the shortest possible duration. Everything was in order tost as long as possible, allowing him to keep fighting for hours.


    Ogras wasn''t as careful with his energy, and the familiar pond of shadows spread out amongst the enemies, reaping one life after another.


    However, the rockmen were no weaklings and they mounted a furious resistance to himself and Ogras. It quickly became clear that these things mainly followed two types of heritage. Rocks and ice.


    The mages manipted earth, or to a certain extent their own bodies, in order tounch all sorts of attacks at Zac. It even felt like their skill in stone maniption was a notch above that of the earth mage demons.


    Zac also saw that they werent some type of stone golems like he and Ogras suspected since they bled when they were cut down. The blood was blue and the splotches that his Zacs face told him it was cold, but it was blood nheless.


    The other type of attackers mainly manipted ice. They either used the element to create surprisingly sturdy weapons or shoot small icicles out as hard-to-notice projectiles.


    All in all Zac felt that the fighters were quite strong, but not to the point that it would be a problem for him. He surmised their average power was somewhere around level 50 to 60, if they were average warriors without any special advantages such as unique titles.


    Compared with himself with his enormous amount of attributes the assailers could only dy Zac, but not stop his onught. They would be free Contribution Points unless they threw out some of their elites soon.


    Still, he wasnt able to quickly dispatch them as hed hoped. Their rocky exterior made them quite resilient, and they had dedicated defenders to keep the others safe. One wall after another, either wrought from earth or ice, stopped his advance, forcing him to redirect his swings.


    It also meant that he couldnt send down the average demon soldiers to help out, as they were about as strong on averagepared to these assailers. There were only roughly 150 demon warriors, while there were quite a few more rockmen.


    Only the true elites dared to venture out every now and then for a blitz attack, before rushing back to safety. But even though they were careful they sustained some wounds as they were pelted by a throng of ice projectiles. Zac''s only other backup was the siege machines who focused fire on the areas of the army far from Zac and Ogras.


    Even if Zac was far strongerpared to the golemoids it was a chore to fight with only two hands against a sea of fighters. It reminded him of his desperate escape from the monkey horde once upon a time.


    A few of them did everything they could to intercept his attacks, while the others pelted him from a range. Even though he was strong he wasnt invulnerable, so most of his time was spent dodging or circumventing the endless walls in the end.


    The attacks were quite strong after all, and Zac couldnt just shrug them off like he usually did with the wolves. He was already starting to umte some wounds, though between his gear and Endurance they were only superficial.


    Worse yet, the weird attackers had no problem inunching more projectiles while Zac and Ogras killed their way around their ranks. The demon warriors could block a few of the boulders using the same sort of group shield they used during the monkey war, but many still mmed into the wall, and gradually destroyed the fortifications.


    Suddenly the rockmen started to retreat, actually sacrificing some of their warriors to keep the duo upied. Soon Zac and Ogras stood panting next to each other, both covered in blue blood and overlooking a battlefield with hundreds of dead aliens.


    Zac sighed as he walked through the battlefield to put the ballista bolts into a cosmos sack. It would be easier to repair them than create new ones from scratch, and he knew he would need to use the ballista again soon.


    As he traversed the battlefield he grimaced as he surveyed the damages on the wall. Huge cracks and missing sections all along a section of hundreds of meters made the fortification look like part of some ruins rather than a habituated town. There was no way that the demons would be able to fix it in short order.


    Zac didnt understand what was going on. It almost felt like the rockmen had a vendetta with the wall, rather than trying to fight Port Atwoods forces. They sacrificed a significant number of their warriors just to make some cracks in it.


    It made no sense after having fought them for over an hour. The stonemen were strong enough that a normal wall without the boost of an array would offer little to no hindrance if they wanted to attack head-on.


    They could simply have climbed it in seconds and brought the fight to a melee with the demon army, instead of getting bogged down with himself and Ogras. That would have caused significant casualties to his forces, rather than the small losses from errant boulders.


    Ogras seemed to be of the same mind as he surveyed the corpses in the area with a frown.


    I think they are sacrifices, Ogras hesitantly said. There is only one force that would be impacted by the wall. The undead. The Zealots and the rockmen could simply ignore it. But the stupid Zombies would act like the wolves, even whenmanded by a leader. They might try to climb the wall, but they would likely fail, bing prime targets for our warriors to farm some Nexus Coins.


    So these things are working with the Undead? Zac asked skeptically.


    Theyre probably coerced. No one wants to be fodder. It would be the same with n AzhRezak if we were in their situation. The Undead Empire and the Church of Evesting Dao are both huge entities in the multi-verse. They could just order around minor forces to do their bidding, and the forces would have toply due to fear of impacting their home otherwise, Ogras answered with a shake of his head.


    They are being used as a wall breaker while simultaneously testing the waters, Zac realized with a sigh.


    Yeah. Our only hope now is that they still dont realize that we dont possess arrays, and that we simply dont care about the walls. But those assholes in the undead army are probablyughing it up right now.


    Suddenly Zac felt a slight tingling of danger, and quickly turned toward the forest. As if summoned by Ogras words a dour man stood at the crest of the woods, emitting a dense and powerful aura.


    It was a humanoid being standing over two meters tall. On his back was a sinister weapon that looked like a hook that was almost as long as the man himself,pletely wrought out of bone. It only took one nce to tell what force this thing came from. The man was deathly pale, while his eyes shone a sinister red.


    However, the man wasnt some handsome vampire, rather a walking corpse. There was no rotting flesh, but there was a strong sense of undeath, and the man could by no metrics be called handsome.


    Shit, its the big boss himself, Ogras muttered and readied his spear.

 Chapter 153: Gambit

    Chapter 153: Gambit


    Zac silently stared at the undead entity and was mentally getting himself ready for a desperate fight. However, the corpse lord suddenly zed into action, and suddenly his bone weapon was in front of him. Almost at the same moment, Zac heard a loud bang from the wall. It was a sound Zac vividly remembered, as he almost died thest time he heard it.


    The Corpse Lord wasnt as frantic as Zac was back at the auction house, and didnt even break a sweat as he blocked the bullet with his weapon, giving Zac a clear indication of his power. Zac even had thoughts of fleeing, as he wasnt sure hed be able to kill this entity.


    The Corpse Lord made the choice for Zac as ns and stratagems were shing through his head. The undead sneered and receded back into the woods, followed by a few hulking corpse golems who stood behind their lord like bodyguards. It appeared the Undead leader was biding his time, or perhaps the sniper scared him off.


    Shit, its a noble I think, Ogras muttered with a frown as he watched the undead disappear amongst the foliage. Those things are extremely hard to deal with.


    Zac could only nod in acknowledgment. The man, if they could be called that, only silently stood in the distance, yet Zacs senses detected danger. The two quickly finished gathering anything of value before they rushed back to the wall to rest.


    Who has your gun? Zac suddenly asked, looking over at Ogras who grinned a bit.


    The old bastard. It appears he was in a human army long ago and has some knowledge of guns, the demon responded.


    Zac knew the demon was talking about Sap Trang, and was quite impressed with both the timing and aim of the old fisherman. It was a shame that the attack wasnt sessful, but it was worth a try.


    The fight had taken quite arge portion of Zacs energy, but it was likely the same for the rockmen. They had blocked most of the bolts, and the Valkyries and the demons had kept shooting for the better part of the hour until they finally ran out of ammunition.


    Good job, Zac to his squadron as he returned to the wall with Ogras in tow.


    This time they simply left the corpses on the battlefield, as it felt too dangerous to venture out and collect them at the moment.


    Im sorry we couldnt be of more help, Joanna only answered with a somber expression.


    You did plenty, Zac said, seeing the Zhix leader walk up to him.


    The Zhix are willing to join you in the next wave, Ibtep said as he approached.


    Thank you. However, it is better you conserve your strength until the undead arrive. They have an almost endless number of warriors, and at that moment it will be all hands on deck, Zac answered.


    Zac gave a few more order before he sat down and closed his eyes, each hand of his holding a Nexus Crystal. Only an hour psed before they once again were osted by the rock-men. There was still no sign of the other two forces, and it felt more and more true that they were actually using these rockmen as pawns.


    Even though he wasntpletely restored Zac got up on his feet with a groan and got ready to intercept as many of the boulders as possible. This time a few more of the elite demons with ranged capability also descended the wall in order to get close enough to attack as well.


    However, even with increased numbers, their efficiency was quite limited. Individual warriors or mages didnt have the capability to breach the strong barriers the rockmen erected, so they were forced to use the breaches created by the ballista bolts.


    Zac knew that it would be mainly up to him and Ogras to fight these things. There also was Alea and Janos, but both Ogras and Zac felt it better if those two stayed hidden for now.


    The two generals had the type of skills that could turn a battle around, and they werent pushed to the point they needed to use them yet. Both Zac and Ogras could slowly kill their way through the rockman army without exposing their hidden aces, though it was quite tiring.


    The only upside was that he was getting huge benefits from the fighting. The reward for each kill was substantial, with every rockman giving thousands of nexus coins. Even though it took some time to kill each of them the speed with which he gathered Cosmos Energy was unparalleled. If this continued hed likely gain a level within the day.


    At the same time Zac knew this couldnt go on. There were only two of them, and they were starting to tire after only two waves. If they allowed the rock men to keep harassing their front lines like this he and Ogras would wear themselves out in no time. And these golem-like beings were the weakest of the bunch. Some drastic measures needed to be taken.


    If that Corpse Lord dies, what will the other undead do? Zac suddenly asked the demon who was meditating next to him.


    The demon opened his eyes and shot a suspicious nce at Zac.


    They would be like rabid dogs who got out of their leash, Ogras said. Why? What are you nning?


    We cant let this go on. Theres no way the two of us can fight off the whole rockman incursion, and after that face the two elite forces, Zac sighed.


    Youre just going to jump into the thick of it? Are you insane? You will be in a sea of undead. Even if you find him its not for certain he will even fight you, Ogras said.


    I have to believe they are after my head for their quests. I think he will fight me, rather than risking some subordinate getting the kill credit; Zac retorted with a shrug as he took out his one and only remaining E-Grade Crystal.


    You know, risking your life like that isnt the only option, Ogras said and threw a pointed nce at the distance, toward the teleportation array. If youre dead you cant save your sister.


    You know how desperate the situation is for our. Only a fifth of humanity remains, and the incursions havent even begun their attacks in earnest. This might be my best chance to gain power and secure a foothold for myself and my family. If we keep fleeing we will sooner orter be hunted down, as our enemies will only grow stronger, Zac said and closed his eyes.


    Youre thinking in some all-or-nothing scenario. Theres nothing stopping you from bing a powerhouse even if you lose your lordship and town, Ogras wheezed out.


    I know, but I must still try. But prepare our contingency. If I fuck this up we might need to flee in a hurry. And create some diversion if possible.


    Sigh Fine, you god damn lunatic. Well see if we can shake up the Zealots while you go to the undead. If the big priest joins the battle against you, then you can just lie down and wait for death and reanimation, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    You have a n? Zac asked curious.


    Well, its time for my brave generals to earn their pay, Ogras only answered with a small grin.


    Restoring his energy reserves went quite quick with the E-Grade crystal, and only after 30 minutes he was mostly restored. That meant he was essentially in full fighting condition, as hed conserved his usage of his Dao during the two waves, opting to mainly use simpler attacks.


    Im ready, Zac said as he stood up.


    Wait, take this, Ogras said as he threw over a ne. Its a minor trinket that will mask your life aura. It will allow you to get closer to the zombies without them sensing you. Might help you get a move on the big boss before they can react.


    Thanks, Zac only said and immediately put it around his neck.


    Remember, Corpse Lord Nobles are crazy durable, they are like walking tanks. Dont waste your time using weaker attacks, and go for their brains. They can keep going without limbs or even a heart, but they still need their brains. And wait with attacking for another 15 minutes. We need to get ready on our side.


    I understand, I will do my best. Good luck to you, Zac said as he looked at his watch and then jumped down the wall toward the inner area of Port Atwood.


    Just as hended he heard a mumbled good luck from above, and he immediately kept running toward the south. Zac nned on taking a slight detour,ing at the undead incursion from the opposite side. It would waste a few minutes, but it would hopefully help even further with his ambush.


    When hed traveled enough he quickly climbed over the wall and like a hare skittled into the woods. He immediately started running full speed, still not making a sound. This was his home turf, and together with his Dao of Trees he almost merged with the area, instinctually knowing where to put his feet and which areas to avoid.


    He unerringly moved toward the undead incursion in a parabolic trajectory, but some sounds interrupted his charge. He quickly stopped and deviated a bit toward the sound. He suddenly saw a person moving through the woods, carrying a struggling body.


    At first Zac thought it was a demon, as it had reddish and scaled skin, but he quickly realized it was some sort of lizard man, though it didnt have a tail. Since it was neither undead or a golem Zac knew it must be a cultist.


    Zac also recognized the man he was carrying. It was Adran, who should have been safely back at the camp. His feet and legs were bound, and he had arge ck eye. Clearly the administrator hadn''t given up as he kept struggling, making the lizardman stumble and swear.


    Zac had no time to figure out how the hell the cult member had managed to infiltrate the town and kidnap one of their leaders from right under his nose, but he quickly went to action. He activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and appeared right next to the lizardman who didnt even have time to exim before his decapitated head fell to the side.


    Are you ok? Zac asked as he untied the knots on the rope holding the demon.


    Thank the heavens you found me. That bastard appeared from nowhere. He clocked me right in my eye and bound me, then I was suddenly in the forest, Adran wheezed. I think it was some random teleportation since the guy seemed a bit disoriented at first.


    Zac frowned and looked at the fallen cultists.


    Honestly I found you by chance, we didnt even know you were kidnapped. The town is over that way, Zac said as he pointed toward the wall. There is no enemies between here and there, hurry back and warn everyone we might have intruders in the town proper. Try to gather everyone so they cant sneak off with someone.


    I will. Thank you again, Lord Zac, the administrator said with a bow and hurried back toward Port Atwood.


    Zac only continued onward, his unease with the situation only increasing. He needed to be quick. Zack believed arge reason why the forces were so hesitant to attack was that his cards were stillrgely hidden. But if the church captured one of his citizens they would soon learn that they only had a scant 150 proper fighters and two powerhouses.


    That knowledge might give the legion of cultists enough courage to simply charge his town. He needed to create chaos within the undead ranks before something like that happened.


    He kept pushing forward for a few minutes until an unbelievable stench entered his nostrils. Zac frowned and slowed down, but unhesitantly kept moving forward.


    As he advanced Zac noted that the forest was ending, the trees seemingly simply gone from where they once stood. Port Atwood still hadnt gotten around clearing out the forest this far out, so the System must have done it for the incursions.


    He silently crept to the edge of the woods, praying that the ne ogras gave him would be efficient enough, and peered out over the incursion.


    As soon as he looked over the field he understood where the stench came from. The area around the incursion waspletely filled with rotting undead. Patches of skin were slouching off from their faces, and some missed limbs.


    Zac frowned when he noted that almost all of them were actually Asians wearing normal, though ripped, clothes like suits or t-shirts. He had a suspicion before, but this seemed to confirm it. These invaders were likely actually from incursions on his own world, not from some other random force in the multi-verse.


    He didnt know if it had any implication or could lead to trouble down the line, but that was an issue that he would have to save for the future. He already had way too much on his te at the moment to worry about such things.


    Zac silently scouted the army, trying to find the figure he saw earlier. There was a sea of zombies in front of him, but therge Corpse Lord should be easily identifiable from his grisly weapon, and the fact that he wasnt rotting away.


    But before he could locate the leaders his eyes were drawn toward a few huge monoliths that were arduously carried by a few titanic corpse golems.

 Chapter 154: Diversion

    Chapter 154: Diversion


    Where are we going? Sap Trang asked with some trepidation while looking at his travelingpanions.


    The world had truly turned crazy. It was just absurd that he was currently walking through a forest with a group of demons. He still wasnt used to these horned beings, even after a month of living together.


    Zac is attacking the Undead Leaders in a bit, we need to cause a distraction, Ogras answered tersely as the small group pushed forward.


    With only the four of us? Sap asked skeptically.


    It was just him and three demons. Of course, these particr ones were amongst the strongest of the bunch. The poison user could likely kill the whole human squads on their ind alone, and he had personally felt the might of Janos illusions when the demon trapped him and the other refugees for days in the infirmary.


    He hadnt even realized that days passed in the illusion, or that he was trapped in an illusion at all. He had thought they were back in his little vige before the world got integrated. He had sat in on his small boat with a handmade rod, watching the sunset.


    When he got home from his trip his grandson was there, visiting during a break in his university studies. Duc was truly his pride and joy, the first one in the family who was getting a proper education. Yet he hadnt forgotten his roots and visited home every chance he could.


    Sap had almost been reluctant to be released out of the illusion, as what more could an old man wish for than what he received in there. However, reality waited for no man.


    All these questions, Ogras retorted with a frown. Yes, just the four of us. Were heading to the cultists to create some chaos. If possible gain some contribution points.


    I just dont understand how this old man fits into the picture, Sap hesitantly said. If the three of you cant handle it then a poor fisherman wont make a difference.


    Do you think I had you train with my toy just for fun? Its time to provide some assistance, Ogras said with a small grin.


    The sniper rifle? Ive only trained a few days, Sap said, his long brows rising in rm.


    You were a soldier before, youve held a gun. Thats more than what can be said about those little chicks Lord Zac brought back the other day. Besides, Lord Zac likes you, so Ill keep you safe, Alea said with a charming smile, which only served to make the old man more nervous.


    Sap didnt know if his new Lord and this woman were in a rtionship, but she gave him the creeps. It wasnt right how she could kill someone with just a light touch, her whole body being poison. Then again, that was none of his business.


    His goal was to be indispensable to the ind, which would eke out a path to the future for his vige, which was especially important now that the youngsters were back.


    He had a strong feeling that even if Lord Zac went head to head against that so-called World Government, Zac would walk out the victor. Between Zacs monstrous power and the wily demon whispering in his ear, Port Atwood was nigh unstoppable. They needed to get through the current situation though.


    Fine. But if I start shooting their soldiers I will be spotted after a few shots, it wont cause much trouble, Sap finally acquiesced.


    Let us worry about that, Ogras only said with a small smile as the small group pushed into the woods.


    They kept moving through the woods in zing speeds, and Sap was barely able to keep up with the others. He had worked his old body to the bone since he arrived here, but sometimes it felt like there was an unbreachable abyss between himself and these monsters.


    Of course, slow and steady wins the race. Sap was aware of that, but unfortunately his time was limited. If possible he would strive to reach E-Rank Race and gain new longevity. He was content with the life he had lived, but if he could watch over his descendants in this turbulent new world for hundreds of years, he would.


    Duc was a bright young man, but he was a bit soft. Sap wasnt sure if he would be able to survive on his own in this world that was far more ruthlesspared to the old one. They currently enjoyed the protection of Lord Zac, but who knew what the future might hold. One must always be responsible for his own fate.


    Sap saw the huge sinister pir in the distance, zing in red and gold. The colors were normally quite auspicious, but the feeling the pir gave out was horrifying.


    The old fisherman started as his shadow suddenly grew and wrapped around him, and quickly looked around to see the same thing happening with the others as well.


    Soon they were covered in shadows, at which point Janos waved his hand and another shimmeringyer superimposed on them.


    Only speak if necessary from now, and always a low volume. Our spheres will mask us, but the sound dampening is limited, Ogras whispered. The three of us will be responsible for the main attack. Old man, your job is to pick off anyone who looks like a leader or is trying to organize a response. We want utter chaos.


    What if they find me? Sap asked with a frown.


    Then start running. Hopefully our actions will keep them upied, Ogras answered.


    The group finally arrived at some thick bushes that were just a few hundred meters away from the clearing with the zealots. They had already snuck past one group of sentries with the help of thebination of Janos and Ogras skills.


    Stay inside these bushes. Make no movement or sound, but get ready. The second Janoses back to your side, start picking off targets. Remember, leaders and people organizing a resistance, Ogras said to Sap.


    Sap really didnt like hiding alone in some bushes surrounded by crazed enemies who were far stronger than himself, but he also knew he didnt have much of a choice at the moment.


    What will you do? he asked hesitantly.


    Oh, youll see, Ogras said with a malicious grin.


    Soon the three scuttled away, leaving Sap alone with his thoughts.


    <em>Leaving an old man like this, these youth have no manners,</em> Sap grumbled in his head, but still gingerly readied the huge sniper rifle, careful to not make any sound.


    They didnt have things like this back in the day when they were fighting in the jungles, but only old soviet-era guns, if even that. Sometimes the shipments had gone missing, likely fattening the pockets of some general.


    Still, guns werentplicated. It was point and click. Sniper rifles were a bit harder to handle since one had to take into ount things such as wind and elevation. But since he had started to gain his ss he felt himself getting reinvigorated. The arthritis in his hands and knees was long gone, and his mind was sharper than it had ever been.


    While he waited for the demons to finish up whatever madness they were nning Sap opened up his attribute page to take his mind off things.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Sap Trang</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>28</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Wave Whisperer</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (F)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Human (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Adventurer, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Full of ss</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Waves - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>31</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>16</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>26</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>27</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>28</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>26</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>8</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>18 653</strong>


    Every time Sap opened his menu he felt like a man reborn. He still remembered the scant 4 points in strength he possessed when he first found out about this screen. He was seventy-two years old, and before the fall he felt death looming close. But by now, between the medicine bath he took and the improved attributes, he felt as strong as a bull.


    It made him think of his young lord. Zachary was only twice his levels, but his powers were out of this world. Sap even suspected that the young man long passed 100 points in multiple attributes. He didnt know how that was possible though, as Sap only got 5 points per level since he got his ss. There were many things he didnt understand about the man he chose to follow.


    How did he defeat an incursion singlehandedly? It was such a monstrous aplishment that it was mindboggling. Unfortunately, he would never get the answer, as neither the Lord or the demons spoke a single word about anything that happened before he and the spoiled brats arrived at the ind.


    Second was the mysterious shipyard. He had asked to work there multiple times, as that was where he felt he could provide the most help. But every time Zachary rebuffed him without hesitation. Those who worked there also never left their area, and Sap hadnt seen them since they kept him and the other refugees at the docks.


    Finally the attributes of the Lord himself. He had seen the other elites of the world at the auction and instinctively knew that Zachary was almost a different species when hepared and contrasted them. That was why none of the other two mysteries mattered. He was betting on the terrifying power that the lord of Port Atwood kept showing.


    Sap didnt feel it mattered if he himself died, if his sacrifice could create a debt that Lord Zac would pay forward to his grandson and fellow vigers.


    With that in mind he put his eye next to the scope, and slowly scouted the camp for promising targets. He was careful to not let the scope rest on any of the warriors though, as he knew some had extraordinary senses and could sense threats.


    The camp consisted of reddish aliens who looked mostly human with a bit of reptile thrown into the mix, and there seemed to be two groups where neither seemed superior to the other. Sap thought it mainly meant they were different squadrons. He also spotted three suspicious tents where leaders might reside. Those tents would be his targets as soon as the mute demon returned.


    Sap kept wondering what the trio would do, and his gut told him it would be something sinister. Ogras, in particr, was a bad influence on Lord Zachary, though it were always the evil ones who stayed alive.


    Suddenly he saw something odd. The camp itself looked normal, where the people were minding their business, mainly preparing their weapons and gear. However, above the fortified camp a scary purple gas rose out of nowhere. Sap frowned, not being able to understand what was going on, but his instincts told him it was rted to the n of Ogras.


    He was soon proven right as a terrifying roar echoed through the camp.


    POISON! followed by an equally loud roar. PURIFY!


    The next moment it was as though reality cracked, as the view of the camp and incursion distorted and was reced with a simr, but slightly different reality. The soldiers and monks were still there, confusedly looking around.


    However, there was also a gas that spread through the camp, and Sap realized that crazy woman must have let something out. He knew it was his time to contribute in a bit, and he was proven right as the reticent demon appeared next to him also carrying a sniper rifle.


    Get ready, Janos said as he plopped down while panting.


    The illusionist looked extremely pale, like he waspletely wrung out. Still, he waved his hand a bit and a shimmer covered the two of them.


    Shoot leaders, the demon said next and after that ignored Sap, who hurriedly looked back into the scope.


    At first nce through the scope, he thought the battle already over, as almost all of the church-members were covered in a zing golden me. However, soon he realized that was some sort of defensive skill that was likely protection against the poison covering the area.


    A bang next to him made him refocus, and Sap quickly localized a monk with a slightly more borate gown, and without hesitation pulled the trigger. The man seemed to realize something was up, but it was toote as his chest and heart sted open into a huge hole from the high caliber rifle.


    Sap had no time toment he wasnt getting any Cosmic Energy from the kill and quickly moved his scope to his next target. In this manner, he picked off various warriors one by one. It was an odd feeling, as he knew that each and every one of those he killed were even stronger than the average demon on his ind, and normally would consider him an ant.


    Still, he knew that it wouldnt have been possible without the chaos the trio had created. The invaders seemed to realize they were attacked from somewhere as well, but something that Janos had done made it so they couldn''t pinpoint the origin of the bullets.


    The fire seemed to be an effective barrier against the poisonous winds, as it covered the priests in a cocoon. However, was already toote for many. Quite a few were stumbling around, a few even passed out.


    The demon lord and the poison mistress werent just sitting around either, as more waves of poison kept appearing across the camp, and Sap saw quite a few soldiers get killed by shadow spears suddenly rising up from nowhere. Sap couldnt localize Ogras himself but knew he was hiding somewhere to pick off the targets.


    He finally had cleared everyone around one of the suspicious tents and moved his scope toward the next one. There he found a clear target for assassination. It was a richly decked priest in a unique gown. He was angrily ring around, with a shimmering mace in his hand.


    Sap slowly exhaled his breath, and when he waspletely steady he quickly moved the scope to hover over the mans chest and instantly pressed the trigger.

 Chapter 155: Full Frontal Assault

    Chapter 155: Full Frontal Assault


    His odd method of aiming was a special technique Sap Trang was using to give the powerhouses as little warning as possible. He remembered how Lord Zac had seemed to know the bullets wereing before the bang even arrived, and he wanted to avoid that situation. Sap didnt know if his tactic worked, but it should be better than doing nothing.


    However, the bullet didnt work on this man, as the high priest roared and a wave of golden me exploded out from him, covering almost half the camp in an instant. The bullet was scorched into nothingness, and all the poison in the area was incinerated.


    A few hundred dead or dyingy on the ground, but arge group were still battle-ready, though none lookedpletely unscathed.


    Conviction! the man roared while pointing to the west, letting Sap know the high priest was the one who gave the initial warning.


    Multiple priests and monks immediately turned toward that direction, and suddenly it was as though the heavens itself punished the whole area to the west of the camp. zing golden beams mmed into the ground from the skies, creating seas of fire that covered hundreds of meters.


    Sap guessed the two remaining demons were located in that area, and immediately reloaded his gun and in quick session fired off two bullets toward the high priest.


    The demon shot at the same target, as Janos likely also realized the mace-wielding high priest was thergest threat to their operation and Port Atwood.


    Unfortunately the bullets didnt work any better for the illusionist either, as every shot disintegrated before they hit the man. Waves of billowing heat kept wafting out from the priest, making Sap wonder just how much Cosmos Energy the man contained. Interestingly enough the fire didnt seem to ham the priests, but rather strengthen them.


    Sap didnt have time to mull it over as the high priests head suddenly snapped right toward his direction, and it felt as though the priest looked back at him through the scope. Great fear flooded Saps heart, and it felt as though reality went into slow motion.


    Illusion broken, he knows, Janos said and coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    Sap desperately shot another bullet at the man, but it was to no avail as the high priest lifted his mace toward his direction, seemingly giving out a death sentence.


    A great light shone down on Sap from the heavens above, and he looked up to see boundless fire descending upon him. It felt like the fire didnt only want to burn his body, but even his soul. Sappletely froze, unsure what to do apart from pray to Buddha.


    However, shadows suddenly gathered above him, and the fire was blocked right above him, while the forest around their bushes turned to cinders.


    Out of the darkness Ogras and a three meter tall hideous monster stepped out. The monster was full of thorns and vines, and multicolored gases wafted out from it, making it look like something out of a horror story.


    Before Sap had time to react the monster slowly transformed into the female demon. She was burned and bruised at various ces, just like Ogras, but it was undoubtedly her. Sap even forgot the battle as he stared at the woman who frowned as she saw his gaze.


    Before Sap could do anything else shadows started rushing toward Ogras, and it looked like they were bing a secondyer of skin on him.


    Split up and flee, Ogras said with a voice that sounded as though it came from the depths of hell as his body turnedpletely ck.


    Sap unhesitantly followed the order, as this battle was not something someone like him could intrude upon. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Janos do the same, and further in the distance he saw a squad of furious-looking priests start moving toward them. A primal fear pushed Sap''s legs forward, but a morbid curiosity made him throw onest look at the battle.


    Ogras looked like a god of darkness with two huge ck wings on his back as he hovered facing the high priest who radiated a zing glory. A gigantic sun burned behind the priests back, and the mace in his hand seemed to feed upon the celestial fire.


    Sap almost thought he was back in an illusion, but knew he wasnt so lucky. The world had truly turned crazy.


    The ten-meter monoliths that the Corpse Golems carried around emitted an intensely ufortable feeling, as though they emitted the chill of death itself. Zac got goosebumps from their aura even from his hiding spot amongst the foliage. The undead seemed to love it though and even fought amongst themselves to get as close as possible to them.


    Zac actually knew what those things were since he had looked up as much general knowledge as he could about the undead forces in preparation for finding his sister. He would likely need to traverse the domain of the undead to reach her, and any knowledge would help.


    Therge pirs were called unholy beacons, and they were tools that transformed Cosmic Energy into miasma.


    There were many unclear points as to how the undead legions could actually exist, but it was clearly linked to miasma. The undead did not cultivate using Cosmic Energy, and to a certain degree it was almost harmful to them. While normal Cosmic Energy was without attunement, it could be considered to be basic building block of life. However, putting that into the body of a living corpse could be quite harmful.


    They instead absorbed miasma, or Death Attuned Cosmic Energy as it was also called. Some ces where extreme bloodshed had taken ce naturally created miasma, other times the undead forces manufactured it with beacons and arrays. The beacons essentially terraformed an area into an environment that suited the undead.


    The need for miasma was also one of the reasons why the undead forces created such a number of zombies. Zombies were generally quite weak unless they managed to awaken their intelligence, but they acted as miniature unholy beacons.


    Low tiered Zombies could still absorb Cosmic Energy, but most of it was actually released again as miasma. The process was far less efficientpared to the real beacons, but Zombies were self-propagating, creating a natural spread of the undead domain.


    Miasma was not too toxic to humans, and one could actually absorb it just like Cosmic Energy. However, doing so for too long would have negative effects, affecting both the mind and the body. That only went for people like Zac who had a sturdy constitution though.


    A normal mortal at level 1 would fall sick and die within a few days if he or she stayed within miasma, while Zac would be able to traverse the whole incursion without much problem.


    Zac hadnt expected the undead invaders to actually bring beacons with them to the ind. It meant they werent just nning a quick assault, but a long term upation of the area after his town was dealt with.


    A frown emerged on Zacs face as he surveyed the shining pirs, as he couldnt have those things keep spewing out miasma. It had only been a few hours since the invaders arrived, but the vicinity was alreadyrgely converted, giving it a ghastly feeling.


    Arge part of the ind might be uninhabitable if the monoliths were left unchecked for too long. Their presence only reaffirmed his opinion that the third wave needed to be dealt with in a lightning-quick manner. If everything went well here he might actually strike a second leader within the hour, as soon as the Zombies started rampaging.


    There were a few more minutes before the agreed-upon time, and Zac kept looking over the area to get a grasp of the forces the Corpse Lord brought. He counted at least fifty Corpse golems, most of which surrounded the monoliths. He could only find five aberrations though. Perhaps those freaks of nature were quite rare, Zac didnt really have much knowledge about them.


    Finally he spotted arge tent that looked surprisingly normal, apart from its dour colors. The walking corpses didnt care about a roof over their heads, so it should belong to the Corpse lord. There were a few corpse golems standing guard around it as well, making it quite hard to sneak up on.


    However, he was already prepared to fight through a sea of Zombies to reach the Corpse Lord, as sneaking around wasnt his strong suit. Hopefully having the ne while speeding through the masses with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>would be enough to give him a leg up on the enemy.


    It was almost time, so Zac steadied his breath for a few seconds, some fear lingering in his heart. However, that fear was eclipsed by a steely determination. Months on this ind had reforged him and given him an unflinching mentality. Just seeing the horrid sight in front of him would have made him run away screaming a year ago, but now he only looked at it from a tactical viewpoint.


    He took out his axe again, carefully looking it over. Hopefully the upgrade would prove useful in the fight, as the stone cost 6 million. He felt the excitement of the axe when he fed it the stone, but he still hadnt figured out what had changed by using it. It looked pretty much the same as before, and he hadnt really felt anything different when he killed the rockmen earlier.


    Next he put on a nondescript cloak that would mask himself a bit, and without stalling any further rushed toward themand tent when there were five seconds left to the deadline. Each step with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>pushed him almost ten meters, barely leaving a shadow in his wake.


    Most of the zombies didnt even register Zac''s passing by and mindlessly kept milling about. A few gave a start and started growling while looking around with confused faces, perhaps trying to understand what was going on.


    Zac didnt bother with them as he infused a huge amount of Cosmic Energy into his arms and axe, wanting to end it all with one swift strike.


    Finally he arrived right outside the tent, and Zac was already mid-swing when he appeared. A five-meter fractal de ripped through the air horizontally, infused with the Dao of Heaviness. A corpse golem stood in the way of the swing, but <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> had the force of a train as it ripped right through its dense muscles,pletely bisecting the hulking golem.


    The de continued unimpeded right into the tent, but as it was almostpletely through Zac felt a painful shockwave in his arm as his swing lost all its momentum instantaneously. A huge shockwave spread out, pushing away any Zombies in the vicinity, and two of the huge corpse golems even fell on their backs from the force.


    The tent was rendered into ribbons by the wild energies, showing Zac the interior of the tent. The Corpse Lord stood stable like a mountain, his bone hook holding Zacs fractal de in ce. Zacs eyes met with the sinister eyes glowing like red orbs of the undead leader, and the Corpse Lords mouth opened into a ghastly grin showing sharp teeth.


    I suspected you might try this, human, the undead warrior said with a sneer. You think my true death will solve your problems, and you might be right. But just this amount of power wont be enough.


    Zac didn''t know why he could understand the undead general''s words, but it didn''t matter. He didnt answer the taunt, instead quickly materializing a new fractal de. He actually noted that the hand of the Corpse Lord was very subtly shaking, probably meaning that the defense wasnt quite as rxed as the undead humanoid wanted to make it look.


    He remembered Ogras advice and mustered all he had in each of his swings. He needed to end this quickly before he was overrun by a sea of undead monstrosities. Each of Zacs swings was imbued by either his Dao of Heaviness or Dao of Sharpness, and he tried everything in his book in order to create an opening.


    The Undead was an even match, the huge bone hook tearing through the air to meet each and every swing. Zac noted with some relief he was actually pushing the man back a bit, and kept his pace up. However, he didn''t dare rx as it seemed the undead wasn''t using any Dao, and Zac wouldn''t believe a leader of an incursion didn''t possess a few of them at least.


    Zac was also getting a constant stream of Cosmic Energy, as the Zombies in the area unhesitantly joined the fight between the two powerhouses, and kept streaming toward Zac in an effort to disrupt his rhythm. However, the Zombies were too weak to do much of anything, and most were destroyed simply by the errant energies or shockwaves from the battle.


    Suddenly the Corpse Lord jumped back and released a bestial roar. The unholy beacons around them zed to life and shone with a ghastly turquoise that covered the whole area. The world turned almost monochrome with all warm colors in the spectrum gone.


    It appeared the Corpse Lord was going all out.

 Chapter 156: Life versus Death

    Chapter 156: Life versus Death


    Whatever the undead leader unleashed didnt just affect the unholy beacons, but the whole area was affected. The zombies in the vicinity of the fight suddenly shrieked as they fell on the ground, melting with visible speed.


    The former humans turned into a putrid goop, and from the puddles a stream of deathly energy rose, joining the energy the monoliths released. Zac hesitantly looked around, and his visibility was quickly getting blocked from the immense amount of miasma rising in the air.


    In seconds the whole sky was covered with billowing waves of miasma and Zac felt like a small boat on turbulent seas. The density of deathly energy was skyrocketing where they were fighting, and Zac was starting to feel a bit nauseated. It quickly got to the point it forced him to start circting his Dao of Trees tobat the nausea.


    A torrent of energy was gathering above the Corpse Lord, who started emitting an even mightier aurapared to before. Zac wasnt sure what was going on, but he knew he had to do something about the situation. If the Corpse Lord swallowed up all the energy in the skies he would turn into a true monster.


    Zac pushed off the ground and created an overextended edge that he swung in an effort to disrupt the gathering miasma above the corpse lord. He knew he couldnt rip apart the whole miasmic clouds in skies, but he could at least do something about the part the Corpse lord tried to absorb. Unfortunately, it was like cutting air, and the edge harmlessly passed through it.


    Zac knew from the start that his swing might fail, but he kept the swing going and released the edge right toward the closest monolith. The fractal de flew away, and with a thundering explosion destroyed the undead beacon.


    An enormous shockwave of wild energies erupted from the monolith, instantly killing a few corpse golems and hundreds of zombies. It seemed all the cosmic energy and miasma gathered in the pir was released like a bomb when the beacon broke. Zac suddenly felt a huge surge of Cosmic Energy in his body, proving that the System credited him all the kills.


    Zac noted with some relief that the clouds quickly thinned out a bit, and set his sights at a second pir. However, the Corpse Lord wouldnt have it and quickly intercepted Zacs second strike. The leader seemed taken by surprise by the fact that the fractal edge could detach from the axe, but he wouldn''t make the same mistake again.


    The undead leader suddenly pushed one of his hands toward the sky with a ripping motion causing two swirling torrents of miasma to emerge from the clouds, quickly transforming into actual fractal beasts. They looked like some sort of worms with huge maws and emitted an intense aura of death.


    The two miasma monsters descended and Zac quickly summoned multiple fractal edges andunched them at the beasts. To Zac''s disappointment the edges only passed through just like with the clouds, as the monsters werergely incorporeal.


    At least the beasts temporarily lost their forms from the swings, and two cloudsnded on him instead,pletely drowning the area in highly concentrated miasma.


    Zac hoped that was it, but to his dismay he saw the clouds starting to reform, and from just standing in the clouds he was quickly growing numb and deathly cold. Desperate for a solution Zac released Cosmic Energy imbued with the Dao of Trees into the area where the beasts were reforming, and it actually worked.


    The pure life energy created some sort of reaction in the reforming beasts, leaving two convulsing clouds failing to properly reform. It would likely have been better to just cut them with edges imbued with the Dao, but he still wasnt able to imbue his edges with the Dao of Trees.


    Just as Zac breathed out in relief he felt an intense danger and immediately jumped to the side while activating a defensive charge on his gear. At the same time, he started gathering his remaining energy into the fractal on his arm, preparing for a final desperate gambit. If it failed he would have to flee and take as many as he could with him through the teleporter.


    The Corpse Lord emerged out of one of the clouds, the air around him distorting from the teeming energy in his body. His whole body was swollen, likely from absorbing an unordinary amount of miasma. The bone hook in his hands shone with extremely concentrated energy, and it made a beeline straight for Zacs torso.


    Zac hoped that the erected shield would buy him some time, but to his horror he saw that the shimmering barrier actually cracked soon after the undead leaders weapon mmed into it. It was the first time his gear wasn''t able to block a strike, proving the power of the Corpse Lord.


    With the barrier destroyed the sinister bone-weapon continued into his gut, and the pain made Zac almost immediately pass out.


    It was far worse than a normal stab wound, and it actually felt like Zac was dying. However, he grabbed hold of the hook with his hand, refusing to let go as he finished pushing energy into the fractal on his other arm. The fractal was finally satiated, and Zac pushed forward his arm with a roar.


    Reality cracked, and the familiar hand from [Nature''s Punishment] extended down toward the Corpse Lord from above. The spatial hole also released a torrent of a multitude of colors that offset the deathly lights of the monoliths.


    The Corpse Lord looked rmed for the first time since the fight started, and without hesitation he pushed backward with immense speed, even giving up on the weapon that Zac was holding on to.


    However, he couldnt outrun the gigantic hand that wanted to crush him. As he fled the undead leader stabbed his sharp nails into his own chest while gritting his teeth.


    For a second Zac thought the Corpse Lord had made a mistake, but he quickly realized he was wrong. A disgusting ck ichor rushed out like a waterfall from the wound the undead created, to the point that the hand from <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> was gettingpletely drenched.


    WORLD ROT! the undead roared, and Zac felt a pain in his arm that even eclipsed the wound in his gut. It felt like his hand was quickly rotting away, and even though he had imbued the hand with the Dao of Trees the protection was limited.


    At least Zacs Dao stopped the hand from immediately disintegrating, and Zac used all his determination to do some damage before it was toote. The rotting hand swooped down to crush the corpse lord, who desperately dodged.


    However, the hand was huge, and it at least managed to grab one of the arms of the undead leader, and with a sickening crunch broke it beyond recognition before Zac was forced to release the skill.


    It was either that or lose his life, as he was afraid the rot would spread if he let the ck liquid keep corroding the huge hand. Zac felt feverish and nauseated, but he wouldnt let the opportunity go as he mustered some of hisst reserves to move next to the Corpse Lord. Zac didnt use any fractal or skills, only the Dao of Heaviness with the true edge of <strong>[Veruns Bite].</strong>


    The Corpse Lord was momentarily distracted from the pain of getting his arm crushed, but he still used his arm to block the axe strike instead of getting decapitated. The Axe mmed into the Corpse Lord, whose inhuman sturdiness stopped the edge after only pushing in a small bit.


    The Endurance of the Corpse Lord was clearly far higher than Zacs, and his body was as good as any defensive gear. Zac noticed the undead used some sort of defensive skill though, as the arm was shimmering with miasma.


    Zac suddenly felt a primal rage erupt from the axe, and the teeth on it started to rattle. Without warning a spirit of some prehistoric beast with a huge maw emerged from the axe and bit into the shoulder of the Corpse Lord with a growl.


    The undead screamed in rage and tried to hit wave it away, but it was an incorporeal being. With a quick motion, the beast ripped out arge section of the Corpse Lords shoulder before dissipating into nothingness again.


    Zac didnt understand what just happened, but he felt this was hisst chance to kill the undead leader. Both his arms were currently ruined; one from <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, while other was almostpletely severed from the axe ghost. The axe was also freed from the arm from the bite so Zac swung it down again at the Corpse Lord.


    The undead was in a miserable state and kept trying to move away from Zac. His desperate assault was starting to produce real results, even though Zac himself also was in a miserable state.


    Zac looked down at his freely bleeding wound, and saw that there was a sickly ck tinge to it. It was painful beyondpare, and he quickly swallowed one of his best healing pills tobat the wound. He felt a warmth spread through his body, but it seemed it had small effect in working against this particr wound.


    Still, there was no time to worry about this. Zac rushed toward the mangled corpse lord, and with a growl swung his axe. He also ignored his pounding head and infused it with the Dao of Heaviness one time after another. Each swing was like a falling meteor, and the Corpse Lord was struggling more and more in avoiding a killing strike.


    Unfortunately the corpse lord possessed some sort of odd skill that made him swap position with a Zombie, foiling Zac time and time again. However, its range was quite limited and seemed to cost quite a bit of miasma, so Zac didnt relent and kept following like a blood hound.


    Finally Zac managed to strike out before the Lord once again performed the body swap, and the axe hit down next to the neck of the Corpse Lord, cutting straight down toward his lung, drawing a huge torrent of the ck ichor.


    The Corpse Lord looked like he was barely hanging on, but before Zac could finish him off a humongous fist closed in on him. He didn''t even have time to dodge, and the fist clocked him right in his face. With Zac''s monstrous Endurance he wasrgely okay, but while he wasnt hurt the power of the swing threw him away.


    Zac had been too focused on the undead leader,pletely ignoring the surroundings, allowing corpse golem to sneak up on him. Zac quickly tried to return to the undead leader deliver the final strike, but the aberrations and corpse golems went berserk as they disregarded their safety and swarmed him.


    Zac was feeling woozy from his festering wound and energy consumption, but he grit his teeth and killed them one by one, each kill giving a huge infusion of cosmic energy.


    It only took thirty seconds to push past the resistance since he was going all out, unheeding of energy expenditure, but Zac couldnt locate the Corpse Lord as thest aberration fell. He looked all over, and finally found his target right next to the incursion crystal, his bone hook somehow back on his back.


    We will meet again, human. Death wont be a reprieve for you, the Corpse Lord said with seething rage as jumped straight into the shining crystal.


    A light shed, and before Zac even had time to react the undead leader was gone, and soon after the crystal lost its luster.


    As if something snapped in the heads of the Zombies they almost instantly started roaring, gaining a bloodthirsty aura. Relief flooded Zacs mind, and he almost sat down to rest. He didnt manage to kill the undead leader, but at least hepleted his mission.


    But he barely had time to take a breath when a stone spear erupted from the ground, going straight for his heart. It thrummed with abundant ice-cold power, and Zac didnt hesitate in using his second defensive charge.


    As the stone spear approached darkness congealed into a stone-man dressed in exquisite gear, and Zacs eyes locked with two ck holes filled malice.

 Chapter 157: Wounded

    Chapter 157: Wounded


    he stone spear mmed into Zacs hastily erected shield, and while it held true this time many cracks spread over the barrier, which was a testament to the power contained in the attack.


    It seemed that Zac couldnt rely too heavily on his gear in the future, as its efficacy was limited. He himself had broken through Rydels protective talisman with his final attack, and this was the second time he was almost killed from his own shield failing him


    We were treated as fodder, yet in the end its the Yrd who will reap the benefits, the new attacker said with a deep and gravelly voice.


    Zac was somberly looking at his new assailer, guessing it was the leader of the rock-men. Its appearance spelled very bad news. Zac was in no condition to fight another intense battle like thest one, even if the rockman wasnt as strong as the Corpse Lord. Zac had overtaxed both his mind and his Cosmic Energy in his previous fight, and he was barely able to contain the festering wound in his side.


    Still, there was nothing to do. He was unsure whether he would even be able to flee if he tried, as the rockman leader seemed to have some type of movement skill as well. But he wouldnt give up until hisst breath, and Zac wordlessly brought up his axe once again.


    But before Zac had time to figure out a battle n a beam of darkness went straight for the rockman, and Ogras appeared right next to him almost simultaneously. The demon touched his shoulder, and thest thing Zac saw before the shadows swallowed the two was the rockman shing Ogras shadow spears to smithereens.


    The two reappeared somewhere in the forest and Zac quickly scanned the vicinity for any enemy forces, and only rxed when he noted they were alone. He was about to ask why they didnt stay and fight, but before Zac could open his mouth the demon keeled over.


    Zac finally took a good look at hispanion and was shocked at what he saw. The demon was in even worse state than he was. Grisly wounds and burns covered multiple parts of his body, and everything from down from his left elbow was simply missing, leaving just a bloody stump.


    Horrified Zac hurried toward Ogras and tried to help him up.


    Are you ok? Zac asked with concern. What the hell happened to you?


    Stop staring, carry me back to the wall, Ogras wheezed back, and Zac couldply as he picked him up and started running, the pain in his side almost making him pass out.


    The wound in Zacs gut burned like someone was groping around in there with a hot poker, but he could only bear with it for now. He already tried eating one of his best healing pills, but it virtually did nothing for him.


    He would need to consult the physician when he was back. He couldnt ask the demon about it either as it looked like Ogras was barely conscious at the moment.


    Zac was having trouble staying awake as well, but he stubbornly pushed forward one step at the time. His vision was closing in on him, but he refused to topple over. Finally the forest gave way to the prepared battlefield, and the sight of the ruined wall entered his eyes.


    Zac summoned strength from god knows where and resumed his run toward safety. Each step was a challenge, and he almost fell into a few of the crude pits, but eventually he reached the wall, only to see the demon soldiers nervously waiting.


    Fearful and despondent eyes looked at the pathetic figures of Zac and Ogras made, clearly feeling that all hope was lost. The two didnt look like heroes making a triumphant return, but rather like the vanquished returning in defeat.


    Whats with those faces? Lord Zac prevailed over the Corpse Lord Noble, and the undead are going feral as we speak, attacking friend and foe alike, Ogras roused and shouted with a powerful voice, and took out a lizardman head out of his pouch.


    The leader of those fucking cultists didnt prove a match against a true demonic warrior either, the demon continued and threw away the head, its arc drawing mesmerized looks.


    Their leaders are dead, their lines are in disarray. We won! Its time to reap some contribution points.


    Take your positions! Zac followed up with a roar, and the demons and other squads others formed proper lines along the broken wall with newfound vigor.


    Joanna and two other Valkyries came rushing toward Zac, who slumped down on the ground behind the newly formed lines.


    Are you really ok? she worriedly asked, but was soon pushed out of the way by Alea who went down on her knees next to him and checked his wound.


    Your wound is filled with highly concentrated miasma, you need to get rid of it or it will spread, she said with a low voice, careful not to let anyone else hear.


    I tried eating a healing pill, didnt work, Zac tiredly muttered as he took out a few normal Nexus Crystals.


    I know you have some sort of nature Dao, use that as well for now, she said with a sigh.


    Zac opened his eyes and properly looked at the poison mistress. She was in bad shape as well, with many bloodied spots on her dress. He looked around and saw Mr. Trang stand close-by with one of the huge sniper rifles on his back. He had a somber expression Zac had never seen before, and he warily gazed at Alea next to him.


    Alea followed Zac''s gaze and sighed.


    We attacked the cultists, things got out of hand. Ogras saved us and stayed behind to fight. It seems he won. Well exin itter, recover for now, Alea quickly recapped.


    Zac knew there were things that were missing from that exnation, judging from how Alea and Sap looked, not mentioning Ogras himself. But for now he could only focus on recovery.


    Actually he hadnt dared ask Ogras what happened with the Church while they fled back toward the wall, afraid of the answer. But it seemed Ogras had actually fought to the point he lost a limb in order to not only distract, but destroy, the cultists.


    Zac described the appearance of the leader of the rockmen detail in case he would try something again, then closed his eyes and resumed absorbing the Nexus Crystals. He wished he could follow the advice of Alea and also use the Dao of Trees, but his head felt like he had a concussion, and he was afraid hed pass out if he actually tried to use a Dao at the moment.


    Zac instead fully focused on recovering his Cosmic Energy, but only after ten minutes a multitude of roars interrupted him. He quickly nced over and saw it was a sea of undead who were rushing toward their army.


    I killed most of the strong ones, but wake me up if you start getting problems handling it, Zac said to Alea who was still standing by his side.


    Dont look down on us demons. While we might not be monsters like you, were no weaklings. Just rest up and let us and the little spear-kittens you are training solve this. Oh, and the insect people seem particrly motivated, Alea said with a slight smile.


    Zac couldnt help looking over at the small Zhix contingent, and saw they were visibly irate.


    Unholy things. Abominations, Ibtep said and angry cking spread amongst his kind.


    Zac shook his head and kept focusing on his recovery. His headache had subsided somewhat by now, but he still didnt dare use his Dao, and his wound kept hurting like hell.


    Soon the army shed with the Zombie horde, and Zac kept surveying the battle from a part of the wall that was still halfway standing. It seemed that neither the cultists or the rock people were present, and Zac could only pray it was due to them having their hands full with their own undead hordes.


    For now his army was doing fine, and the unrelenting waves of undead served mostly as fodder. There were some Aberrations and Corpse Golems left but they either were dealt with by groups of Demon Soldiers who whittled them down, or sometimes a lightning bolt from the ballistae ended them.


    Even the contingents of Valkyries and Zhix could fight in hand to handbat, though theirbat tactics were quite different. The former ves usedrge shields as roadblocks as they methodically stabbed the zombies with their spears, felling them one after another.


    The Zhix were far more aggressive, bisecting the Zombies one by one, and simply shrugging off the asional swipe from them. Still, there was some sort of unspoken coordination between the insectoid warriors, as any time one of them risked to be seriously injured a spear or a knife suddenly arrived from someone else to neutralize the threat. There was some sort of order to the apparent chaos, but Zac couldnt figure it out.


    Almost an hour passed, and there was still no sign of the stronger forces, and Zac was starting to get worried that they were up to something. A sudden movement to his left made him look over, and he saw a pale-faced Ogras get to his feet, a thick clump of shadows covering the stump on his left arm.


    What are you doing? Sit down and rest, Zac said with raised brows. They are doing fine.


    I just lost an arm, no big deal. Ill regrow itter. I am mostly restored apart from that, and I dont need the hand to use my skills, the demon answered with a shrug.


    Zac knew the demon was lying, but Zac wouldnt stop him. He knew the personality of the demon. Ogras was selfish, careful and calcting, but hed actually fought to the point he lost an appendage and almost died for Port Atwood. Zac knew it wasnt as easy to regrow the limbs as the demon let on. It was certainly possible, but the pills were quite rare and expensive.


    Besides, even after having regrown the limb it took time and effort to redraw the pathways and retrain the limb. Losing an arm was no small matter for a warrior, and it would take years to get back on track.


    Dont overextend yourself. Thest leader is out there somewhere, hes unharmed and theres no way these Zombies can kill him, Zac said with a tired voice.


    Ogras only nodded before shadows gathered around him, and he disappeared.


    The battle raged on and it was as though the undead were unending. The Valkyries had been forced to back away, as they were starting to make mistakes due to beingpletely wrung out. However, Zac knew that each one of them had gained a significant amount of Cosmic Energy from the intense bout. He had killed a couple of zombies before, and he knew they gave a few hundred Nexus Coins each.


    The Zhix warriorssted a while longer, though they eventually had to reluctantly back away as well, leaving only the battle-hardened demons to defend the long stretch of ruined wall. They couldnt clump together, as that would allow the zombie horde to pass them by and go after the numerous civilians who still were in the town.


    A lot of demon craftsmen and other nonbat sses were also helping out, constantly building temporary fortifications along the destroyed wall in order to shorten the distance the defenders had to cover. They used everything from chopped down trees to random boulders.


    It didnt look pretty, but it worked well enough as long as it was tall and sturdy. They were up against braindead zombies, and almost anything sufficed.


    Zac looked over his army, seeing that almost no one was unharmed after the unrelenting battle. Zac was quite happy that the Zombies in the multi-verse werent quite like those in the movies. A bite from a zombie didnt turn you into one.


    The wound would likely get infected, as the zombies were crawling with all kinds of bacteria, but that was about it. One had to actually die first to turn into a zombie, where miasma entering the corpse caused the transformation. Thats why there also was no cure, since even if one cured the zombification, the cured patient would still only be a corpse.


    There was some scuffling next to him and Zac looked over to see a bandaged Janos stand there, silent as usual.


    I heard a bit about your feats with the Zealots, great job, Zac said.


    Hm, Janos only answered with a slight nod.


    Zac didnt mind, as he was too tired to keep up a conversation in any case. He kept rotating between silently meditating with his eyes closed, and asionally overseeing the battlefield. However, as he once again was about to close his eyes a terrifying sense of danger erupted in his mind, and his eyes opened up wide.


    He looked around but only saw the taciturn illusionist still standing next to him. However, in his hand was a slender sword Zac had never seen before, and it was moving straight at him.


    Zac could only helplessly watch the as the de plunged into his chest.

 Chapter 158: Betrayal

    Chapter 158: Betrayal


    Searing pain exploded in Zacs chest as a de ruthlessly pushed toward his heart. He was out of defensive charges from his gear, and instead had to settle for desperately moving his torso slightly to avoid getting his heart skewered. The de still slid in between two of his ribs, and he was seriously wounded though he avoided any lethal damage.


    Cosmic energy started gathering as various thoughts were shing through his head. Were the demons finally making a move on him? Did Ogras injuries make him impatient to seize control? Or was Janos just going rogue, just like Namys?


    Zac coughed up a mouthful of blood as he scrambled to his feet, but the piercing sound of a sniper rifle made him quickly throw himself on the ground again, the wounds in his body only worsening. His vision was swimming but he desperately looked around to see what was going on.


    Janos stood in front of him with a confused look on his face as he looked down at arge hole in his chest that was gushing torrential amounts of blood. Soon after the demon copsed right next to him. Zac quickly looked to the origin of the sound and found Sap Trang rushing toward him with a determined expression, a smoking sniper rifle in his hand.


    Each breath was torture, but Zac forced himself up again, and quickly took out one of his healing pills. It might not work against the miasma in his old wound, but at least it should help against his new one. He quickly swallowed it with a shaking hand as he brought out his axe with an enraged expression.


    Themotion caused both demons and humans to look over, and scene with a dead Janos and heavily bleeding Zac caused widespread confusion. The Valkyries scrambled to create some distance from the demonic warriors, while the demons confusedly looked at each other, hesitating what to do.


    It didnt take long before Alea rushed up toward Zac, but she was stopped by a huge fractal edge being directed at her.


    Stay back, Zac coughed with a grim face, blood still flowing down his mouth and from his wounded lungs.


    Sap didnt hesitate either, but pointed his reloaded gun at the poison mistress, all the while warily scouting the vicinity. Alea looked startled but immediately moved back a bit with some sadness in her eyes. Ogras himself was still suspiciously absent, and Zac couldnt spot him at either the battlefield or amongst the defending army.


    A warm glow gathered in Zacs chest and he took a few more ragged breaths as the pill worked its magic. However, he didnt have time to really rest up as Janos'' body bloated up and with an explosion of golden mes erupted into an inferno right next to him. Zac quickly grabbed Sap and shed away with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    However, just as he reappeared some distance away another sense of impending doom rattled his mind, and he quickly threw himself and Sap to the ground. A freezing chill erupted in his legs, and he quickly looked down to find it skewered by a ck icicle. His whole leg was turningpletely numb from the frigid spike, and he wasnt even able to extract it as it hadpletely frozen the area of his thigh.


    With a groan he got back to his feet, ignoring the pain in his leg, and with mad swings intercepted a storm of small icicles following therge one. Zac looked around and finally found the source of the attacks. It was the rockman leader who Ogras helped him escape from earlier.


    It looked like he was trying to fish in muddy waters and take advantage of the fact that the other two leaders were dead or gone from the ind. However, while Zac was caught unaware by Janos betrayal he was in far better condition right nowpared to when they metst time.


    He had absorbed quite a bit of energy from the Crystals by now and could manage a short battle even with his wounded chest.


    Zac unhesitantly pushed forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and appeared right in front of the surprised golem leader with his axe mid-swing. However, the leader was a veteran fighter, and a thick wall of ck ice materialized out of nowhere to intercept Zacs strike.


    A powerful shockwave erupted from the impact, and Zac had to grit his teeth together to let out a whimper from the pain. His swings carried a tremendous amount of force, and the shockwaves only made his wounds worse.


    A great boom resounded in the air, and a chunk of the rockmans side was sted away, causing blue blood to paint the ground. It was Sap Trang who had timed his shot perfectly with when Zacs swing destroyed the ice wall. The leader managed to react fast enough to avoid his chest getting sted open, but at least it wounded him. Thankfully this boss wasnt able topletely stop the bullets like the Corpse Lord was.


    The rockman roared and suddenly the area started trembling. Zac felt a new sense of danger as he saw the area rapidly freeze.


    Run! he shouted as he activated his movement skill, deftly dodging an ice spear that followed by a veritable torrent of attacks that flew in all directions.


    Zacs shout had warned quite a few, but a few Zhix, Valkyries and demons were caught in therge ice storm the rockman created. Even the demon warriors caught inside soon sumbed after desperately having defended against the onught of ice spears from above and earthen stctites from below. In just a few seconds the whole area was transformed into a confusing mess of icicles, ice walls, and jagged rocks.


    Zac was forced to keep moving about using his movement skill, while wildly waving his axe to destroy the projectiles that kept whirling toward him. But the projectiles were in the hundreds, and he couldn''t destroy them all.


    Luckily the power of each individual projectile was limited, and with his Endurance they only created shallow flesh wounds. However, whenever an icicle hit the new wound on his chest or the festering one on his side he almost keeled over from the pain.


    And it was at exactly one such time that the rockman suddenly re-emerged right behind Zac, giving him an acute sense of danger. He lifted his axe to try to parry whatever the rockman had nned, but suddenly a few spikes materialized around the two, and unerringly mmed into various spots of the Rockman.


    The leader wailed in pain, and Zac took the opportunity to swiftly decapitate the man with a horizontal swing. A huge surge of Cosmic Energy entered his body, but Zac didnt care about any of that. He quickly looked around and saw a grisly scene.


    Alea stood some distance away, covered in blood from head to toe. She was impaled in three spots by frozen stctites, and her whole body was heavily wounded from the uncountable small icicles that were rotating in the air. She had a strong constitution in order to handle her poisons, but not to the point she could shrug off attacks as Zac did.


    Their eyes met and Alea gave a small smile before her eyes rolled up and she copsed on the floor. Zac didnt hesitate, but instantly moved to her side with <strong>[Loamwalker</strong> and scooped her up in his arms.


    Since the Rockman was dead the ice storm ended, but the huge ice walls and rocky formations that trapped him were still there, forcing him to run through the maze.


    If he was alone he might have just punched his way through or jumped over the obstacles, but with the Alea''s wounds he didnt dare to do anything so drastic.


    As he ran he suddenly heard the familiar unfeeling voice.


    <strong>[Mission Complete. Calcting Grade. Grade: B. Adding 4 hours of Contribution gathering. Incursions close in 30 minutes. Contribution store remaining time: 24 hours.]</strong>


    It was the first time Zac actually heard the Systems voice when hepleted a quest. Usually there were just prompts that showed his progress. He briefly wondered if there was some special reason for this, but he didnt have time to mull it over as he was out of the icefield.


    Zac and found himself close to the back of the battlefield. Most of the demons were still focusing on keeping the Zombies at bay, but a small defensive perimeter had also been created with a dozen demons standing prepared at the edge of the frozen field. Sap was standing next to them looking fidgety.


    Young man, are you alright? Sap shouted as he ran up to Zac as soon as he emerged from behind a protruding rock.


    The old fisherman was still carrying the sniper rifle around, warily looking down at Alea in Zacs arms.


    Did you..? he hesitantly said, seemingly afraid to continue.


    A few demons were warily looking at him as well, their eyes darting between Zacs face and the unconscious and bloodied demon general in his arms.


    Dont look at me, look at the Zombies. Alea risked her life to save me, and thanks to her thest of the enemy leaders is dead, Zac said with a hoarse voice as he carefully put her down and fed her a healing pill.


    The demons rxed somewhat then they saw the pill Zac fed her. It came from Rydels Cosmos Sack and was a well known top tier pill in the demonic factions.


    The quest ispleted, the final leader is dead. You have four more hours to rack up as much Contribution Points as you can, but after that you wont gain any anymore. You have another 20 hours to buy from the Contribution Store before it disappears as well, Zac said. The Incursions will close in 30 minutes. That means that the rockmen and the remaining Zealots will likely flee.


    He wasn''t sure about thest statement, but he hadn''t seen either since he returned from the wall. The rockmen had taken significant losses earlier, and they were also the force closest to the Undead incursion. Zac doubted they would be a problem, since they should have their hands full.


    He was more worried about the zealots, as they didn''t seem the type to just give up in the face of death from what he''d read about them. Crazed fanatics rarely took the most logical actions. But they were also missing, which was fine with Zac for now, as he needed to rest and Ogras was missing.


    The demons looked ecstatic at the news and started to fight the endless undead with newfound vigor. With all three of the powerhouses gone the war was essentially over. There were some weird things going on, such as the betrayal of Janos and the absence of Ogras, but that could wait for at least four hours. Now it was time to reap some benefits.


    Zac let two of the nonbat demons carry the unconscious Alea away, and sat down again with a sigh.


    Thank you for your help today. You have made huge contributions to Port Atwood in this quest. You dont need to stand guard, go kill some zombies. They will give you a great boost in experience, Zac said as he looked up to the old fisherman with his rifle.


    Young man, everything might not be as they seem. Those mes that the mute demon exploded into? They were the very same ones all the lizardman Zealots used. I lost sight of Janos as we fled back toward the wall, and he might have been reced somehow, Mr. Trang said after some hesitation.


    Zac looked over surprised at the old fisherman who only shrugged his shoulders indicating he didnt know. Zac could only pray that what the old man said was true, but for now there was no way to confirm it.


    Soon Mr. Trang sped off without another word, putting the rifle into a Cosmos Sack. Left alone Zac once again started to focus on recovery, though this time he didnt dare close his eyes. Instead, he kept vigil over his surroundings as he circted the Dao of Trees.


    He was still mentally wrung out from the battle with the Undead Lord, but he needed to do something to stabilize the wound in his side, even if his head was pounding. At least it seemed the Dao of Trees didnt take much mental strength to passively circte through the body, and the effects were noticeable.


    As Zac sat down he opened his quest panel, and a wave of relief hit him as he looked over his quest.


    <strong>Incursion</strong><strong>Master</strong><strong>(Unique) [COMPLETE]:</strong><strong>Close</strong><strong>or</strong><strong>conquer</strong><strong>incursion</strong><strong>and</strong><strong>protect</strong><strong>Town</strong><strong>from</strong><strong>denizens</strong><strong>or</strong><strong>forces</strong><strong>of</strong><strong>other</strong><strong>alignments</strong><strong>for</strong><strong>3</strong><strong>months.</strong><strong>Reward:</strong><strong>Limited</strong><strong>Structure</strong><strong>depending</strong><strong>on</strong><strong>Grade,</strong><strong>Town</strong><strong>upgraded</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Global</strong><strong>City,</strong><strong>status</strong><strong>upgraded</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Lord.</strong><strong>Road</strong><strong>to</strong><strong>Hegemony</strong><strong>opened.</strong><strong>(3/3) [00:23:58:03] [00:03:58:03].</strong>


    The quest was reallyplete. It was a quest hed had in his quest menu for almost five months, and it was finally done with. Zac took a deep breath and looked up at the skies.


    There wasnt any great joy in him from the huge aplishment. Of course he was relieved that he wouldnt have to keep fighting the waves anymore. But rather being excited about the rewards, he was excited about something else.


    He could finally, and without worries, go about finding his sister.

 Chapter 159: Infiltrators

    Chapter 159: Infiltrators


    The pain in Zacs side kept burning as he sat down and meditated. No pill he owned worked on the wound, as the miasma in his body was stubbornly refusing to dissipate. The demon physician had examined the wound after the battle calmed down, and he was sure that it wasnt the miasma itself that was the problem, but rather that the miasma contained some Dao.


    It reminded Zac of the fight earlier, where the hand from <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> rotted into nothingness in less than a second from the so-called World Rot the Corpse Lord summoned. Zac believed there was a good chance that the undead leader possessed a high tier, or even peak tier Dao in something rted to death or rot, which was why his wound refused to get better and instead kept trying to spread through his body.


    His only sce was that the vibrant energy generated from the Dao of Trees somewhat alleviated his problems. It wasnt to the point that he actually healed, but it managed to stop the spread of miasma and contained it in his wound. However, that meant he was forced to use the Dao almost constantly, and that he still needed to walk around with an open wound.


    He currently sat in one of the secluded courtyards in his mansion, slowly going through the events. He was in no mood to look over the restoration of the wall or calm down irate citizens. After he killed thest leader yesterday, there was not much of a battle. He realized after a while that the arrays were once again active, and he activated the town protection array without hesitation.


    It ensured the safety of the town, and also allowed the tired out Valkyries to gain some Cosmic Energy by killing zombies with bow and arrows from the safety within the shield. It might also have been him erecting the defensive array that ensured that a final attack never arrived from the proper forces.


    Still, before it got to that point the losses werent insignificant. Theyd lost Janos, 7 demon warriors, and 9 Valkyries. A few Zhix had died as well, but Zac didnt worry as much about them since they werent formally his people yet. Most of the losses urred from the Rockman leaders area attack, though some of the Valkyries died from making mistakes.


    Alyn had said the losses were eptable, as most untested squads hadrge losses in their first battle. Their deaths would be the foundations for the survivors to keep each other safe. Still, Zac felt bad about so many of them already having died since he took them under his wing just a little while ago. He had already told them as much when they signed on, but talking about it and seeing it actually happen were two different things.


    Instead of helping with the restoration work Zac instead focused on his wound. He kept trying to utilize his Dao in various ways in order to heal himself. He was also waiting on news from Calrin, but he didnt hold much hope. Other than that he was simply waiting for the timer for the quest to reach zero. He still hadnt received his rewards yet, and he assumed he would get them as soon as the timer ended.


    His wound could be considered to be afflicted with poison, though it was abination of Dao and transformed miasma. He would need a specialized type of potion to heal his particr wound, very much the same way a specific poison required a specific antidote. There were also higher grade panaceas that would heal most types of wounds like this, but those were extremely expensive and hard to get.


    Another alternative was to find a proper healer who specialized in purifying Misma. There was no such person on the ind at the moment, but perhaps people like that could be found on the border towns close to the undead incursion. But there was still a few days before the appointed time where Mr. Bernard would open the teleporter, so that option was still not avable. And it wasnt like hed pin his hopes here being some healers waiting where he was going.


    That left the Dao of Trees. He kept circting the warm energy the Tree Fractal in his chest generated while thinking back to the vision he had. He was actually having decent gains, but his meditations were interrupted as he sensed the shadows congeal in the building, which caused Zac to furrow his eyebrows.


    So, do you want to talk about it? the familiar voice said.


    Talk about what? Zac asked without opening his eyes.


    The fact that you immediately assumed that I ordered Janos to attack you, Ogras answered.


    I didnt know what was going on, so I wouldnt take any chances. It was you who taught me to be careful with friends and foe alike, Zac said with an even voice. I still dont know what youre nning in that scheming head of yours.


    Dont worry, I am quite happy with our current arrangement. I can move freely in the shadows while you stand in the light, drawing all the attention away from me, Ogras said with a light voice. And I even lost an arm for this town, you should know where my allegiances are by now.


    I know, and thank you, Zac answered as he opened his eyes and stared down at his own hands.


    None of the two said anything for a while as the silence stretched on in the small courtyard, and Zac once again slowly closed his eyes.


    We found him, you know. Janos. Well, the real Janos, Ogras said after a while.


    That actually made Zac open his eyes and look over at the demon. Ogras looked a lot betterpared to before, but his left sleeve was still conspicuously empty. There was also a burn on his throat that still hadnt fully healed.


    Really, hes alive? That wasnt a corpse puppet earlier? How could a Zealot rece him? Zac asked with a frown.


    He was followed by a group of priests after he fled back toward the camp. They caught up with Janos and tried to burn him to death with their nasty fire. Janos used hisst cosmic energy to create an illusion where he was burned alive while he used an escape skill where he burrowed underground, Ogras said.


    However, he was already over-drafted when he used his ultimate illusion to cover the whole church-camp for a few breaths. He passed out as soon as he went underground, the demon continued with a snort.


    So they thought he was dead, and one of them took his shape, confident Janos wouldnt return himself, Zac finished, and the demon nodded in response.


    He was relieved to hear that there really wasnt actually a second betrayer among the generals. Mr. Trang had already told him yesterday that there might be something weird going on, but he wasnt able to tell for sure.


    What about the monoliths? Zac asked. Have they been destroyed?


    Destroyed? No, I had Calrin sell them for two million Nexus Coins each. They are not bad weapons if you want to ruin someones domain. Too bad were not able to properly store them, Ogras said.


    Great, Zac said, always happy to earn some extra money. And the Zombies?


    Most are dead. Some wandered off somewhere, but the barghest should take care of them, Ogras said. The only remaining trouble is that we dont know if there are any more Zealots hiding in the town. I had no idea those lunatics were so crafty. I always imagined them being meatheads who just went around burning everything to the ground, leaving nothing behind.


    The fact that they were able to both infiltrate our town to capture Adran and pose as Janos proves that they are far more crafty than that. Its a real headache, as we dont really know whether there are any more of them remaining on the ind. I have conducted interrogations with the main personnel though, and the Adran you saved is the real one.


    How do you know that? Do we have a method to expose the spies? That monk didnt even revert back to his real form when he died, Zac asked.


    We dont have any method yet, but I asked the Sky Gnome to get a quote from the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes on a dossier regarding this matter. It will probably be pretty damn expensive, but we might not have a choice, Ogras answered with a grimace. "For now I asked things only the real ones should know."


    What was the first thing you said to me? Zac suddenly asked.


    I said You natives truly are barbarians, so aggressive, Ogras answered.


    Whos the shipyards foreman? Zac followed up without missing a beat.


    Karunthel, and hes a spider golem from what you told me. And no, I havent met him myself, Ogras answered with a roll of his eyes.


    Zac only nodded in satisfaction.


    What do you mean not have a choice? Zac asked.


    Our town is pretty small so far, so Im quite sure we can individually interrogate every single one in hopes of catching any more people in hiding, Ogras said. But this capability poses another problem. Who knows what they have done over the past months in the world? Were the ones we met in New Washington even humans?


    A cold feeling gripped Zacs heart. As he realized the wider implications of what Ogras said. However, he soon calmed down a bit.


    They should have been. The officials used teleporters to get there, they cant be invaders, Zac hesitantly said.


    Perhaps, or perhaps the transformation enables them to use teleporters, who knows? Besides, not everyone teleported. What about that Thomas guy, the big boss? What about the n members of the Marshall n who stayed behind wherever they live, instead of going to an exciting auction? They can be everywhere, Ogras retorted.


    When Ogras talked about it, it truly sounded like a pain in the ass. Even worse, there might be Zealots hidden in the human ranks who subtly pushed the government toward a path of no return so that The Church of Evesting Daoter could gobble them up without any organized response.


    So what do you propose? Zac asked.


    We wait for the quote from the blue bastard. We need to know more, both for Port Atwood and how we rte to the rest of the world. If the infiltration skills the Zealots showed on our ind aremon, then we cant trust anyone, Ogras said with a sigh, but soon perked up. Besides, its time to drag some dividends out of Calrin.


    Zac could only agree and got to his feet with a grunt. The pain erupted in his side, but he could only bear with it, though a sheen of perspiration covered his forehead. At least he had learned to use the Dao of Trees while walking, so he was able to keep the wound in check as he traveled.


    Ogras was quite correct about the dividends. He had owned a stake in the consortia for a while now, but the gnome hadnt coughed up a single Nexus Coin so far. The only thing hed gotten transferred was 6 million right before the wave hit. That wasnt profit though, but part of the money the gnome owed him.


    As the two slowly walked through the town a lot of people threw surreptitious nces at them.


    Why are people staring? Zac asked in a low voice to ogras who walked by his side.


    Things are a bit tense. You werent the only one who thought a coup was taking ce during the wave. It''s a bit tense between the races at the moment, Ogras said with a shrug. Hopefully seeing us together will alleviate the rumors.


    The visit at Calrins took over an hour, but at least they left satisfied. Zacs private reserves had swelled with an astounding 48 million Nexus Coins, and that was after paying 15 million for an information missive. It could have been way more, but Zac chose to keep all Aetherbloom in order to train himself and his forces.


    The bundles of the magical stalks that Calrin and Ogras procured in New Washington were worth roughly 30 million nexus coins. However, Zac didnt have much to spend his coins on at the moment and felt it was better to use the herbs to create body refining paste for his people.


    The missive from the Pagoda of Myriad Eyes was a personalized query, where Calrin had asked two specific questions. One was howmon it was for the priests of The Church of Evesting Dao to have the shape-shifting capabilities. The other asked for an identifying method.


    The first answer cost 5 million nexus coins, and the second 10 million. Zac wondered just how much money the informationwork made, if two simple answers cost that much. The Church was a huge organization, and the information they asked for shouldn''t be some big secret in the multi-verse, yet they made money so easily.


    It turned out that while it wasnt a main heritage of the church, there were quite a few infiltrators in their ranks. One could expect there to be well over a thousand of them in a standard incursion. They were mainly used when the natives were strong and organized, and some nning was required to purify the.


    The second answer was quite simple. It told them to feed everyone a certain root. It was harmless to most people, but to the lizardmen it was like cyanide, even if they were E-ranked powerhouses. Zac didnt possess any of the root at the moment, but it was quitemon so Calrin was already working on procuring a bunch of it.


    The only downside was that Zac didnt know whether there were only lizardmen in the ranks of the church. There had only been that species on the ind apparently, though he hadnt really seen the Zealots. They never made an actual attack on the town after Ogras sessful attack killed a good portion of them, including their high priest, and they instead returned in defeat through the incursion.


    Actually, the reason Ogras had been absent after resting up for a bit was that he once again set out to the incursions as soon as he could. Instead of killing a throng of Zombies for little Contribution he opted to go for the stronger warriors that each gave a great amount of points.


    The warriors of the church and the rockmen were just like the demon soldiers, giving huge amounts of energy and coins since they were actually level 75. That bonus apparently transferred over to the Contribution points as well.


    The only reason Ogras didnt pass him in total contribution was that the third wave actually only took around 4 hours in total. It took a few hours more apart from that to clear out the unrelenting Zombies, but when the third leader was dead the quest was considered finished.


    The third wave was a test of raw power in a sense. The system sent over three powerhouses with their personal armies, while it blocked any defensive or offensive arrays. There was no way to turn it into a defensive siege since a wall couldnt block the attackers, and if Zac ran he would fail the mission.


    The only real way to finish it was to possess superior raw power. And the result was clear. Two of the leaders were killed, and the third one was forced to flee while barely alive.


    The wound in Zacs side however reminded him that the victory wasnt as clear as it might have seemed.

 Chapter 160: Long Time No See

    Chapter 160: Long Time No See


    Since Zac was already up and about he decided to head over to the contribution shop. There was still 7 hours before it closed, but he thought he might as well spend the points hed umted. He had still not received any rewards from the quest and guessed they would appear when the timer went to Zero.


    Ogras had left earlier with some glee, likely happy about his windfall from the shop. The demon had received quite a haul as well, especially as he bought most of the materials in the bazaar with his own money, giving him arge chunk of profit.


    Soon he arrived at the Contribution crystal, and the area was filled with people. There were even a few Zhix warriors there, though they kept their distance from others. There were also a few demon soldiers keeping an eye on them.


    The Zhix generally respected the strong, but they also hated Cosmic Energy, which made for a confusing situation for the insectoid warriors. They had been quite impressed with the demons performance against the zombie wave, but at the same time disgusted by the amount of corruption in them.


    At least they werent attacking anyone, which was a step in the right direction in Zacs book. He still held some hope that the Kundevi hive would be the bridge to ally himself with the Zhix poption, which had be even more important now as his rtions with the new world government had soured a bit.


    As he approached the crystal the contribution shop automatically opened in front of him.


    <strong>[Contribution points: 59 348 334]</strong>


    It wasnt too bad, hed generated around 18 million points during the third wave. It was less than half the amount he gained during the other two waves, but on the other hand, the wave onlysted for a few hours. He expected arge part came from the Rockman leader, but Zac wasnt sure whether he gained something from the Corpse Lord as well.


    He didnt gain any cosmic energy from defeating him, as he didnt actually manage to kill the undead leader, but he might have been rewarded contribution points since forcing the Corpse Lord to flee might have been thergest contribution in defeating the wave.


    There was no point in trying to figure out the Systems contribution form, and Zac instead focused on the avable items in the store. He still wasnt quite sure what to buy. One thing hed realized as he fought these powerhouses was that they seemed to have more skills than him.


    Hed asked Ogras about it before, and after some prodding, he learned that Ogras got new skills at 60 and 75. In fact, Ogras got more than one skill when reaching the max level of F-Grade. If the undead leader was actually an E-ranked being who was limited to F-Grade when arriving on earth it would exin an even greater amount of skills.


    Zac still had some trouble deciding whether to buy some skills to broaden his repertoire, or to get something else. He was afraid that it was a waste to get skills right now when he might get a more suitable one from his ss in just a few levels. The short but intense battle had actually given him two levels putting him at level 56 now.


    There were no Dao-rted items in the store, so he had to focus on something else. He already knew there was no pill or item that could fix his wound either, as that was the first thing he looked up. Finally, his eyesnded on an item called Fruit of Vitality. It was a stat-boosting treasure that gave a permanent small boost to an attribute.


    Stat-boosting treasures were always in high demand, and quite expensive. The most expensive ones by far were those that gave boosts to all stats or luck, and unfortunately, neither one of those types were in the store.


    The Fruit of Vitality was a high-quality F-Grade treasure, and ording to description could boost his vitality by 3-5 points. It might not seem like a huge amount, but with his title boosts it would be even more. The problem was that it was quite expensive, costing 20 million Contribution points.


    Persistent boosts to power were always expensive though, and after some hesitation he bought it. If it was before he might have bought something else, but with the wound in his side he felt any boost to vitality to be necessary.


    Next, he bought a Cultivation Manual for 10 million Nexus coins. It wasnt the best in the store, but also not the worst. It was without any attribute and meant for the cultivators at the academy. In an ideal world he would buy a few more so that people could find more suitable ones, but he couldnt spend all his resources on it.


    Finally, he actually bought a quest from the store. It was simply called <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, and it was one of the possible upgrade routes for his skill <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong>. Zac was quite tired of the extremely limited information he got from the skill. It couldnt be used on any treasures or tools, and it only showed a name and level of people he used the skill on.


    <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> didnt provide much for the second problem, but it did give some help with identifying treasures. Apparently, it was possible to trigger a quest to upgrade <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> without having to buy it, but Zac hadnt seen anything of the sort since he got the skill all that time ago.


    Paying 7.5 million Contribution Points to start the upgrade process felt like a worthwhile investment. That left Zac with roughly 21 million points. As there wasnt anything else he really needed anymore he chose to spring for another attribute treasure, this one boosing his endurance.


    For each purchase a small box appeared in front of him, drawing a few curious nces. Zac did the same asst time and simply put them all into his pouch and left. Next he went over to the Creator shipyard.


    Greetings, Lord Zac, Rahm said as soon Zac stepped into the lobby.


    Zac felt almost as though as the dignified Creator liaison was a video game NPC, just waiting in this building for him toe by. He hadnt really seen the creators do much of anything apart from greeting him when he arrived.


    Good day, Rahm, Zac said with a nod. I need to make a few purchases.


    I take it the monster waves are dealt with? Rahm said as he handed over a crystal containing all avable designs.


    Yes, we finished the third wave yesterday, and the quest ends in a few hours, Zac said with a nod.


    Then congrattions are in order, Rahm said, still with the same expressionless face.


    Haha there you are, brat, a booming voice sounded from the back of the building, as Karunthel moved to the lobby. I watched your fight with the zombie guy, not bad. Youve got grit. You should get some bombs though, you just left all those zombies milling about after you left.


    You watched the fight? Zac asked surprised, as neither he nor the Corpse Lord seemed to have noticed any bystander.


    I hit a wall in my research so I went out to take a look at your battles. I really like how you blew up the beacon. But you should know you can turn those things into fun weapons that shoot beams of extremely concentrated miasma. Its a waste to just blow them up, the Creator hummed, as always obsessed with creating weaponry.


    I had a few thunder punishment arrays, but the System blocked me from using them just when the enemies arrived,


    Ah yes, the System is a bit boring in that way. A powerful Technomancer once visited our. He had some amazing toys, like aser that could incinerate this whole with a shot. Yet he had to fight with a bow and arrow to gain levels, the spider-golem said with augh. So what brings you here, more scouting vessels?


    No, I am looking for something bigger. It needs to be able to transport more people, and also have some fighting capabilities, Zac said.


    The small vessels were starting to be insufficient for his growing town. He needed something sturdier to explore arger area around his ind, and if needed carry farrger groups of people. If they found people on the brink of death on some faraway ind they couldnt keep shuttling them back and forth, as that could lock up a vessel for a month.


    I would suggest a frigate or Carrack-ssed vessel. The Carrack is slightlyrger, with heavier weaponry. It takes a crew of 10 to fully man, 8 if you have someone adept in arrays or battle-systems, Rahm calmly exined.


    The frigate is a bit smaller, with less durable hull and less weaponry. However, its far fasterpared to the Carrack. The Carrack holds roughly the same speed as the small scout vessels, whereas the frigate can move over twice that speed, the Creator continued.


    What do they cost? Zac asked, knowing that Creator vessels didnte cheap.


    The carrack cost 32 million nexus coins, whereas the frigate cost 26 million, Rahm answered without giving the foreman time to make up a quote. Another million if you want them to have spatial arrays.


    Spatial arrays? Zac asked confused.


    Making it possible to shrink them, so they fit in any cosmos sack. I dont think natives have ess torge enough Cosmos Sacks? Karunthel said with a teasing grin.


    Ill take a carrack with the spatial arrays, Zac said with a grimace.


    Always a pleasure to see you, brat, Karunthel said with a wide smile. I like you, so Ill make the weaponry myself. It will give them a little extra punch. Who knows, well maybe blow up some inds together after all?


    Im heading out for a while soon, so well have to postpone bombing the archipgo, Zac with a small smile.


    Thats good, you youngsters should venture out and create some ruckus. Otherwise, youll be real bores, the foreman said with a sagely nod. Come back in 3 days to get the ship, or send the demonling if youve left by then.


    Zac said his goodbyes and ventured back to his camp. All this walking around was starting to aggravate his wound, and Zac was finding it harder and harder to keep it under control with the Dao of Trees. He needed to rest up a bit. It felt a bit pathetic, he had the attributes to win in a fight against a t-rex, but he felt ready to keel over after doing some errands.


    Zac sat down in his courtyard again, keeping the rotation of his Dao of Trees going to calm down the pulsating wound. He felt he was onto something earlier before Ogras interrupted him, and after some hesitation he took out one of the boxes. It was the one containing the fruit of vitality.


    He didnt purchase it simply to get a small boost in stats, he also had another purpose. His frantic usage of his Dao against the torrents of miasma had opened a door in his mind. It was the unrelenting characteristic of life in the face of death, the struggling light that refused to wink out of existence.


    He took out the Fruit of Vitality from the box, carefully sensing the aroma and aura it gave out. It smelled delicious and gave off a fresh and fragrant smell. It was nowhere the level of the Fruit of Ascension, but still really appetizing. Without waiting any further he took arge bite and in seconds he had swallowed the who fruit.


    A warm stream spread through his body, infusing each of his cells with vibrant energy. Even the miasma in his body retreated into a ball around his wound, seemingly terrified of the energy. The warmth kept pulsing in wave after wave, and all the while Zac sat and pondered on the Dao.


    The hours passed as Zac sat mesmerized by the feeling, savoring being filled with pure vitality and life. It wasnt the same as the epiphany he had back when he improved his Dao of Heaviness, but it was more like he was able to focus on something that was blurry before.


    He understood what Ilvere had meant before, that breakthroughs sometimese after the actual fight. Zac was finally understanding what he sensed, but was to upied topletely grasp, during the fight with the Corpse Lord. For some reason, his mind imagined a windswept tundra where storms and harsh weather were a constant nuisance.


    Yet a small seed managed to take root, growing and surviving in that horrid climate, through rain and snow, unrelentingly reaching upward. It was the same as hed felt when he circted his Dao of Trees in the storm of miasma.


    Something changed in him, and the fractal looking like the Tree of Life zed into verdant colors. He wanted to keep enjoying the moment of rity, but Zac suddenly felt a presence in the courtyard. Reminiscence mixed with some annoyance in Zac''s mind as he spoke up without opening his eyes.


    Long time no see, Abby.

 Chapter 161: Rewards

    Chapter 161: Rewards


    The stargazer floated a few meters away from Zac, warily looking at him. She seemed to barely be able to reconcile the unkempt hobo from a few months before with the man in front of her.


    Its only been a few months, but youve changed quite a bit, she said, her beautiful eye shimmering with stardust.


    Zac turned over and looked straight into the huge eye that looked like a cosmic cloud surrounding a ck hole.


    Yes, well, <em>someone</em> told me that the system would kill me unless I defeated the demon incursion. Five months of constant battle will change you, Zac said, not being able to really hide his irritation.


    Ah well, about that Abby said, her eye ufortably looking away.


    Zac only snorted and opened up his menu. Abby could stew in ufortable silence a bit.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>56</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - Middle, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>311</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>158</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>212</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>165</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>83</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>78</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>30 694 153 </strong>


    Hed had quite a boost in attributes in the past day. Thergest improvement was in vitality, which had increased by over 50 points. While it wasnt enough to start healing up the wound in his side, it still was a great help. The higher Vitality he had, the less mental energy he would have to expend on the Dao of Trees to keep the miasma in check.


    Thergest source of his improved attributes clearly came from his new Title.


    <strong>[Progenitor Hegemon: First to be a Lord in world. Reward: All stats +10.]</strong>


    Unfortunately, it didnt give out any new percentage bonus, but it gave thergest t bonus of any title he possessed so far. Judging from how highly the System regarded lordship, he guessed that bing the world leader would give quite a boost. Besides, there was the possibility that he only got the Quest update because the was about to be the first lord, and that update vastly increased his rewards.


    Next, he opened up his Dao Menu, and the changed line clearly showed where most of the added vitality came from.


    <strong>Heaviness (Middle): Strength +15, Endurance +10, Wisdom +5</strong>


    <strong>Sharpness (Early): Dexterity +10, Intelligene +5</strong>


    <strong>Trees (Middle): Endurance +5, Vitality +25</strong>


    Just as he suspected his Dao of Trees had evolved, this particr improvement giving only Vitality. His insight into the Dao was in regards to the unrelenting life in a tree, and he felt it was a greatplement to his other attributes. His Vitality had started tog behind his other stats, as hed been forced to focus on Dexteritytely toplement his absurd Strength.


    Zac actually also put his 6 free points fromst his two levels into vitality as well in order tobat the wound, since he didnt know he would have a sudden breakthrough in his Dao.


    Finally, he opened up his Quest Screen to take a look.


    <strong>Active Quests</strong>


    <strong>First step of Hegemony (Unique, Limited): Enter the first trial within a month. Defeat the challenge. Reward: [Tower of Eternity] token, [F-Grade Dao Treasure] (0/1)</strong>


    <strong>Dynamic Quests</strong>


    <strong>Incursion Master (Unique): Close or conquer incursion and protect Town from denizens or forces of other alignments for 3 months. Reward: Limited Structure depending on Grade, Town upgraded to Global City, status upgraded to Lord. Road to Hegemony opened. (3/3) [Complete]</strong>


    <strong>ss Quests</strong>


    Incursion Master was still was there even though the timers were gone, so Zac guessed he once again would have to go to the Nexus Node in order to cash out his new building. The other two rewards he already had received.


    He was more interested in the other quest though. It was clearly rted to the Road to Hegemony. He also knew about both of the rewards. A Dao Treasure was something he had been trying to get since the start, as he felt that improving the Dao to a high enough tier would be thergest trouble for him when trying to upgrade to an Epic-graded ss.


    As for the Tower of Eternity, he had heard of it as well. Alyn mentioned it long ago, though he would have to look it up at ater point. He wasnt able to do it right now, but he would probably try it after having found his sister. Zac got to his feet with a grunt and turned toward the Stargazer floating close-by.


    You know, violence against System-employees is strictly illegal, Abby said with a nervous shake in her voice.


    Come with me, Zac only said as he walked out of the courtyard.


    I see your home looks much better, Abby said, seemingly desperate to change the subject.


    So why are you back here? Zac asked, even though he knew the answer. Another tutorial?


    No, this time I am here for good. Youve be a proper lord, and Ive been sent to manage your estate. Powerhouses seldom have the time nor the interest for the management of their domains, as they are busy exploring mystic realms or cultivating. They therefore need a functioning support system to take care of the minutia of running anything from a City to an Empire, Abby quickly exined as she hovered next to Zac who was walking through the mansion.


    So you want to run my town? Why should I let you? Someone already told me that you spewed those lies earlier to get yourself a promotion. I am not sure that I want to hand over Port Atwood to someone like that, Zac said as he stepped into the hall that contained the Nexus Node.


    Who told you something like that? Abby angrily said. I might have bent the truth a bit, but it was for your sake. I even got punished for helping as much as I did, I almost lost my job!


    So this is the lying Stargazer that caused so much trouble? a clearly annoyed voice echoed through the hall as the shadows congealed into Ogras.


    A demon? Why are you still here? Lord Zac should have defeated you, Abby said with a frown.


    Zac and I came to an agreement, were staying behind, Ogras said. Someone has to make sure a power-hungry star-humper doesnt go out of line.


    Hey! It was ONE Stargazer who tried to impregnate a star. Out of an endless number of our kind, Abby angrily screamed at the demon.


    Wait, what? Zac said, whorgely had been ignoring the two bickering. One of your kind tried to have sex with a <em>star?</em>


    One of the greatest powerhouses of the Stargazers fell in love with a god damn star. Made it his wife, there was a ceremony and everything. The whole multi-verse has beenughing about it for millennia, Ogras said, barely containing hisughs, and Zac couldnt stop his mouth from tugging upward as he threw a nce at the irate Stargazer.


    Its not that simple. And for your information, the two are still happily married 800 thousand yearster, she defensively said.


    Unfortunately her exnation didnt have the desired effect as Ogras started tough loudly, and Zac couldnt stop a snort as he turned back and touched the crystal.


    <strong>[Calcting. Grade Awarded: B. Contribution rank: 1. Grade Awarded increased to A]</strong>


    Zac frowned as he saw the prompt showing up in front of him.


    Did you get some treasure from being second ce on the contributiondder? he asked, causing a pause in the squabbling behind him.


    No, no one got anything. Pisses me off, but then again we got quite the haul from the shop itself, Ogras said with a grimace as he looked down to the stump on his arm. Might not have gone as hard at it if I knew there was no bonus at the end. Why, what did you get?


    Nothing either, thats why I asked, Zac answered, feeling a bit bad about the situation.


    He was quite excited about the A-ranking on the quest, though he would honestly have preferred something that would provide him with a direct power-up. A Dao-Treasure or some fruit that improved all his attributes, for example.


    A high graded structure would likely be extremely beneficial in the long run, but right now he was facing enemies from all directions. There were the Incursions, the Undead, the Dominators, and even Humans. He needed short term boosts at the moment.


    Oh WOW! Abby suddenly eximed as she floated over to Zac. Just what have you done to get these rewards?


    Zac looked over at the Stargazer confused, not understanding what Abby talked about. He had only just touched the crystal, but he hadnt seen the structure yet.


    What are you talking about? Zac asked.


    Well Im your assistant, so I have ess to the administrative functions of your town. With the help of my ss I can see even more than you, she said looking proud.


    Also known as spying, Ogras sneered from the side, drawing an angry re from the Stargazer.


    Its not spying, you know we Stargazers do not y politics, we work for the System itself, or the Lords we get assigned to.


    Yet the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes, that happens to be run by Stargazers, seems to know everything. How about that?


    Thats because Lords voluntarily sell information, not because were spying, she retorted with an angry huff.


    Lords sell their own information? Why would they do that? Zac asked skeptically.


    It was a big problem if the Stargazer started sending back information to an informationwork, especially if she had an insight into his limited structures. A frown started to emerge on Zacs face as he considered his options. He wouldnt allow the fact that he had a Creator Shipyard be sent to the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes, even if he had to take drastic measures.


    Abby saw the look on Zacs face and slowly floated away.


    I swear we dont, and we cant, divulge anything of our administrative districts. Most lords sell the public information of their town since the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes pays well. But those packages dont include any sensitive information, just the standard things that anyone visiting could find out in a few minutes. Lords consider it free money, Abby said defensively.


    Shes probably telling the truth. This time. Almost all Lords in the multi-verse have assistants like this thing, they wouldnt keep them around if there were some loopholes, Ogras shrugged.


    Thing? Were stargazers, born of the Cosmos, Abby huffed, a cloud looking like a neb forming in the hall.


    Fine, fine, Zac sighed. What about the reward? How can you know what it is? It hasnt even been built yet.


    I put a hold on the construction so that you can decide where you want it.


    So, what is it? Zac asked curiously, and even the demon shut his mouth and looked over in anticipation.


    Shouldnt we do this without Any security risks? Abby asked, making no effort to hide what she was referring to as she looked straight at Ogras.


    The demon only snorted and ignored herment.


    Ogras is the second inmand of the town, and he already knows about the Creator Shipyard. Were already stuck together for good or bad. Now, what is it?


    Its an Ancient Dao Repository. Probably someone sold it to the system after finding it in some mystic realm, Abby said, no longer able to contain her excitement.


    A what? Zac asked confused, but the demon looked clearly agitated.


    You and your System-sted luck. Im surprised it doesnt rain Nexus Crystals where you walk, Ogras spat out, looking disgusted.


    A Dao Repository is usually one of the most important areas to any force. It contains the umtion of skills and techniques theyve gathered over the eons. A proper repository has an autonomous defense system, Abby exined. How they work are extremely varied, it depends on what goal the force who built it had. I dont have that information avable.


    So its a building that contains skills that I can get for free? Zac asked, getting excited.


    Perhaps, perhaps not, Ogras said. Even the permanent skill crystals cant be just used willy-nilly. There are limitations such as a maximum amount of usages per month or year. The moreplicated the skill, the less the crystal can be used.


    So, you have to pay to use the crystals? Zac asked.


    Usually you have to prove yourself somehow. Imagine if some rich wastrel used the crystal for a top tier skill in a force, and suddenly none of the real warriors could learn the skill for a thousand years. Things like that could ruin a force. So there are often checks put in ce. Who knows, maybe not even you will be able to gain ess to the best skills even though you own the building, Ogras said, looking a bit amused.


    It doesnt sound like Dao Repositories are kept a secret, Zac said as he took out a blueprint for the future Port Atwood. ce the structure within the inner wall, but closer to the wall than mypound. Also, I need an array to protect the whole inner area, from the Repository to the Shipyard. I dont want prying eyes, and I dont want people sneaking in.


    Since apparently Abby was already hotwired into his Town System Zac thought he might as well let her work a bit. It wasnt like he was too angry with her in any case. Her lies back then might have been partly to give herself a shot at a cushy job, but it was also thanks to those lies he was even alive today. Otherwise, he would have focused on getting off this demon-infested ind, trying to get home. He would have died out on the sea.


    Abby looked quite excited that Zac seemed to have epted her, and quickly nodded her huge eye. Only secondster arge rumbling could be heard, reminiscent of when the shipyard was created. The three looked at each other and without another word headed toward the source of the sounds, all looking very curious.

 Chapter 162: The Great Sage Brazla

    Chapter 162: The Great Sage Bra


    What''s a Global City? Zac suddenly asked, having forgotten about the matter from the excitement of the various upgrades.


    At this stage of a world it is not too different from a normal City. Only global cities can have off-world teleporters, but you cant build this while the still is in its emerging stages," Abby answered without missing a beat "But the System works with a very strict hierarchy. A Global City is a step above a normal City. The next, and final, step for a D-graded world is a World Capital.


    It means if you manage to upgrade Port Atwood again the System will essentially consider you the owner of this. Right now you can kind of be seen as a king of a country. How did you even manage to get an upgrade this early? Abby curiously asked.


    I guess the system must like me, Zac said with a sardonic smile. It changed the rewards when it decided to throw three incursions at me.


    Ogras only snorted but didnt deign toment.


    Well, it means you are one of the main contenders for bing a Monarch. A Lord first has to upgrade their City to a Global city before trying to turn it into a capital. Generally, there can be no more than ten World Cities on a, Abby said.


    All that doesnt matter in the face of power though, Ogras added in. If youre strong enough you can just walk up to the Capital and kill the leader, and youre the new owner of the.


    At the moment it didnt seem very useful to have a Global City, as it was once again rted to long-term benefits. However, most things rted to building a kingdom was rted to long-term nning and benefits.


    Ive seen administrative centers in the town shop who handles taxes and contribution systems. Can you do that instead? Zac asked with a nce over at the hovering eye.


    Well No, Abby said, looking a bit embarrassed.


    Zac only shook his head and kept walking. Soon they found themselves where Zac ced the Dao Repository. There were already a few people standing around the construction, as the cement wasnt too far-off from the temporary town.


    Zac understood why the onlooking demons and humans looked surprised, as they gazed at the extremely conspicuous building. The best adjective Zac could find to describe his new repository was Gaudy.


    It wasnt overlyrge, with a circr area perhaps fifty meters across. However, within those fifty meters, tens of spires and towers were crammed, reaching for the sky in various directions.


    Besides the spires there were golden pirs and crystals of various sizes, seemingly fighting tooth and nail for the limited space. Multicolored lights were shining out of the various structures, and it looked like most of the radiant rays were decorative rather than functional.


    Uh Do the repositories usually look like this? Zac could only ask his twopanions.


    Well, maybe if the patriarch of the force is overly wealthy hand has no taste. Ive never seen such a shitty design, Ogras muttered, but his eyes suddenly widened as the lights from one of the towers congealed into an actual lightning bolt that flew straight toward him.


    The demon barely had time to teleport out of the way before the bolt mmed into the ground where he stood earlier, and Zacs brows rose when he sensed the power contained in the strike. He looked over at the structure, hesitant over what to do. It seemed there was someone inside, someone who could actually hear them.


    Ill go inside and take a look, Zac said with a shrug, passing by the onlookers who hurriedly backed away.


    He was the owner of the structure, so it shouldnt attack him. At least Zac hoped so. While the Repository consisted of dozens of buildings mashed together there was only one entrance as far as Zac could see, an ostentatious gate radiating divine light.


    It actually reminded Zac a bit of his first Dao-vision. The celestial army that fought the axe-man summoned a mysterious gate radiating the power of the heavens. The design of the entrance to his new building looked a bit simr, but it felt like a stage production or a cheap mimicry of the real thing he had seen.


    While the lights shimmered it didnt contain any sense of power or awe, which was why not only the gate, but the whole structure, gave off the feeling of something not being quite right. It all felt like empty bluster, and Zac was starting to wonder whether there actually would be anything valuable inside.


    The gates opened themselves as he got close and something sounding like harp music started ying as he stepped through them. Zac couldnt stop himself from rolling his eyes, but he made sure not to mutter anything derogatory. While the whole thing felt pretty stupid it couldnt be denied that the lightning bolt packed some real punch.


    The ostentatious style of the structure was very much the same inside as on the exteriors. However, Zac noticed there was some spatial maniption at y. It was the same as with the Ayr Hive, as the insides were farrgerpared to the outside.


    Zac found himself in a gigantic hall, lined with eight enormous statues of various beings. He saw one human holding a scepter, and the other statues depicted other types of humanoids. The floor was made of gold and tinum, and still felt quite over-the-top, but at least the atmosphere was more solemn insidepared to the outside.


    Wee, human, to the Hall of Endless Skills, a booming voice echoed through therge hall, and Zac looked around for the source of the voice.


    The air shimmered in front of him, and a translucent humanoid decked in an obscene amount of jewelry appeared. He looked mostly human, apart from the fact that he was a bit thinner, and there were golden scales iid in his face.


    Uh, hello, I am Zachary Atwood, leader of Port Atwood, Zac said hesitantly. Im told this is a Dao Repository, are you its casten?


    The Towers of Myriad Dao is a Spiritual Treasure, and I am its Spirit. You can call me Great Sage Bra. I manage and oversee every function of the repository.


    Nice to meet you, great sage, Zac said, deciding to y along for now. Can you tell me what you contain?


    The Hall of Endless Skills has four levels. The bottom floor contains 81 F-Graded skills, the second 14 E-Graded skills, the third floor 3 D-Graded skills, the man said while puffing out his chest.


    <em>Endless Skills my ass</em>, Zac thought but had to admit that there even being E and D-graded skills was quite impressive.


    Do you mind if I peruse the skills for a bit? Zac asked.


    Arge screen appeared in front of Zac, listing all of the skills. Zac was pleasantly surprised when he read the descriptions. Not one of the 81 F-Graded skills were something that he had seen before, and all of them seemed pretty strong.


    How do I control who gets to use the skills? Zac asked.


    The first floor is free to use. After that you need to defeat the floor challenge to gain ess to the skills. If you unlock a floor, you can use whatever means you want, The Great Bra wont interfere. But any aptitude tests will be conducted by me.


    Since the Great Sage Bra is a benevolent spirit he will give you the standardized test for the E-Graded floor. You only need to defeat a few D-Graded Golems to open it up. But if you dont improve the pitiful surroundings of his body by the time you want to undergo the challenge he might just do something Unexpected with the tests, Bra said, his hands moving about erratically.


    Uh.. what? Shouldnt your creator have set certain rules when he created you? Zac asked, a bit ufortable that his new neighbor seemed to have ess to D graded golems, and perhaps even more dangerous things.


    Well yes, but that was millions and millions of years ago. The Great Bra has grown beyond the scope of his creators imagination, the projection said with his nose in the air.


    A bad feeling was starting to ovee Zac, as he heard the Tool Spirit had gone from speaking in first to third person in just a few sentences. Abby said that someone likely found this thing in a mystical realm. Had the spirit gone crazy from eons of being alone?


    Ill arrange for your surroundings to be improved. But it might take some time to find materials that can match with your... splendor, Zac said. Is there something else apart from the skills? Like cultivation manuals?


    We have two side halls, the hall of Celestial Artisan, and the Hall of de Emperor. Both were friends of my creator, and they each set up a branching heritage in the great Bras body, Bra said.


    Branching Heritage? Zac said confused.


    One F Graded ss leading to multiple E-Ranked, leading to a few D-ranked sses. Various paths for various needs. Ways to get into the heritage path from variousmon sses, the Tool Spirit said with some disinterest.


    Zac was quite excited, as it sounded like he got abat and a nonbat heritage at once. Two heritages were enough to base a sturdy force on, just like n AzhRezak. Furthermore, his heritages were branching to boot, giving more options.


    The only problem was who would get ess, and who wouldnt. But that was a problem forter, there was more to explore in here.


    You said there are four floors in the main hall, but you only mentioned the first three. Whats on the fourth floor? Zac continued, changing the subject.


    The fourth floor holds the Eight Grand Inheritances. Eight powerhouses left their skills, treasures, and their insights here, waiting for the right sessor. The Celestial Artisan and the de Emperor are two of them. You can see the others around you," the spirit said as it waved at the huge statues.


    "Each inheritance can only be taken by one at a time, and they contain their own trials. If the inheritor fails a trial, he is barred forever from continuing, and the trial will be locked until his death, Bra exined.


    Zacs heartbeat finally started to speed up. The skills were good, and the heritages were even better. But this felt like the crown jewel of the Repository. Full inheritances with not only skills, but Dao insights and treasures as well? It sounded extremely valuable.


    Bra seemed to notice Zacs change in demeanor and it bent itself back so much that its nose was literally pointing straight up in the air.


    You like that human? Let me tell you. Two of the inheritances are even C-Ranked, left by lofty C-ranked Hegemons. Their means and insights are beyond your scope of understanding. But not beyond the great mind of The Great Bra, of course, the spirit tool boasted.


    How do I get ess to those inheritances? Zac asked, not even bothering with refuting the golem.


    Each person can only inherit one inheritance, and only has one try. You are the unworthy owner of the Great Bra, so, for now, you will decide who gets to try which trial. The only requirement is that the trial taker needs to be F-graded when they start their inheritance. But remember, if the one you pick fails, then that inheritance is locked forever for that person, the specter responded.


    Zac asked a few rifying questions from the Tool Spirit to make sure he understood everything, and after thinking it over decided to leave the Inheritances alone until he was right at the edge of pushing through his bottleneck.


    Messing up a C-graded inheritance since he was too impatient and try it out right away would be a huge loss. As for the other spots, he would save them for close friends or promising people. Perhaps even to his children. If he let any random try it out the inheritance would be locked out for hundreds of years unless he killed the trial taker.


    In the end he refocused on the F-Graded skills. It was something that could benefit him right now. He noticed that the skills were split up into 3 categories; High, Middle and Low. It was a way to distinguish between the top tier and the average skills Zac guessed, as there were only 9 High-Graded skills out of the 81 in total.


    There were another 27 Middle Ranked skills, while the rest were low-ranked. However, it looked like even the ones Bra considered low-tiered were much better than the things he could buy at the Nexus Node.


    In the end Zac chose to add two skills to his repertoire, things he suspected he might not get in any case judging from the characteristics of his ss. He noted that most of the skills on the F-Graded floor could be taught around three to five times a year, after which the crystals needed to restore themselves.


    The procedure for learning the skills was as easy as when getting them from his ss. He only needed to touch the crystals containing them, after which he received a stream of knowledge right into his mind, and the fractals appeared in their slots.


    I will take my leave, Great Sage Bra, I will meet you again soon. Do not let anyone approach anything for now, Zac said as he left.


    Of course. And remember, a piece of art such as myself need to be surrounded by beauty, the Tool Spirit answered as he dissipated into thin air.


    Zac left the repository, eager to get back to his mansion and get used to his new skills, but as soon as he exited the doors of the so-called Hall of Endless Skills he was met with a wall of people looking at him like starving ghosts.


    Is it true what it says? Ogras said, his eyes glittering with greed.

 Chapter 163: The Eight Inheritances

    Chapter 163: The Eight Inheritances


    Is what true? Zac asked, not understanding themotion in front of him.


    Ogras only pointed up at a huge signboard that hovered above the entrance. It was over ten meters across, with rays of golden light cascading around it. There was even a painting of Bra himself, who invitingly beckoned for people to enter.


    <strong>Wee to the Towers of Myriad Dao,</strong>


    <strong>Home of the Halls of Endless Skills</strong>


    <strong>Holder of the Eight Ancient Inheritances:</strong>


    <strong>The Invoker</strong>


    <strong>The Umbra</strong>


    <strong>The Titan</strong>


    <strong>The de Emperor</strong>


    <strong>The Celestial Artisan</strong>


    <strong>The Undying Fiend</strong>


    <strong>Lord of Cycles</strong>


    <strong>Crown of Despair</strong>


    What the fuck?! Zac couldnt help screaming and quickly ran back into the repository.


    Back already human? Have you found the materials to beautify my surroundings so quickly? Bra asked as Zac stormed back into the hall with murder in his eyes.


    Why the hell have you put up the sign outside? Zac asked, not bothering with pleasantries.


    To showcase the greatness of The Great Sage Bra, of course? the spiritual tool said, looking confused.


    Zacmented the fact that he didnt have the capability to strangle ghosts, and instead took a few calming breaths to not explode in anger.


    You need to take it down, right now. If people find out I have a bunch of valuable inheritances here the whole town will be put in danger, Zac said with as calm a voice he could muster.


    I refuse. If you cant even protect my body its for the best you get defeated so The Great Bra can find better owner, Bra retorted without hesitation,pletely unconcerned with the situation. And dont you try to cover my great form. I can make the sign asrge as your whole town if I need to.


    Zac only nkly stared at the smiling spirit decked in an endless amount of holographic wealth, and without another word left the hall again. Was the system messing with him, after all? First that change in the quest, and then it sends him an insane Tool Spirit? Was it truly retaliating for swearing at it?


    The mob was still standing outside, and it even seemed that it had grown in the short while Zac was back inside. Zac could only inwardly groan as he looked over the people in front of him.


    As you can see Port Atwood has gained another boon, a proper repository. It contains 81 different Skill Crystals, a few of which are high graded, Zac said with a loud voice, silencing the mob in front of him. You all know how these types of crystals work. Their uses are limited. However, I will open the repository up to those who have fought and contributed to Port Atwood during the beast waves. I will need to formalize the rules, but the order of entering will be based on your Contribution ranking.


    Most of the demons looked extremely excited. Even though they were from an established force these kinds of opportunities were generally left to the elites or direct descendants. Normal soldiers would have to make do with the skills their sses gave them. But having an additional powerful skill could turn a battle around, or help them survive in a situation theyd otherwise perish in.


    What about the Inheritances? a voice shouted.


    The inheritances are guarded by nigh-impossible challenges with almost no chance of survival. Not even I have taken one for myself. For now, no one will get one, Zac said.


    Each Inheritance can only be awarded to one person at a time. It consists of multiple stages, and each stage has one-time rewards. If an inheritor perishes, the trial will open again. So to have the inheritance is also to have a target on your back, it is both a blessing and a curse, Zac shouted.


    That cooled the atmosphere quite a bit, and many even looked at each other suspiciously. Zac decided to at least try to control the message since Bra refused to take down the sign. He didnt mention the heritages or the higher Ranked skills, and instead focused on the less explosive parts of the repository.


    The Inheritances was what he really wanted to be kept quiet, but there was no chance of that happening with the sign. At least painting the inheritances as a huge risk might cool down the scheming a bit. The whole situation felt like a real pain in the ass to Zac, and he was happy he now had someone he could dump this kind of annoyance on.


    I guess its time to call a meeting. Gather the usual people, Zac said to Ogras, who was uncharacteristically helpful as he simply nodded and disappeared into shadows after throwing ast nce at the gaudy towers of the repository.


    That left Zac and Abby, who slowly moved toward the temporary town. Zac was happy to see the bustling activity with hundreds of people working together. He believed that it wouldnt take long before the real town was in ce.


    Hey, can a Tool Spirit go crazy? Zac asked when he felt theyd moved far enough from the repository.


    Of course, they almost always do in the end, Abby answered as matter of course.


    What do you mean? Zac asked confused.


    Well, Tool Spirits are almost immortal, they can live as long as the weapon stays whole. It doesnt matter for unevolved spirits without a sense of self, but when they evolve into sentient beings the clock starts ticking, Abby exined.


    Imagine living an endless amount of time, stuck inside a weapon? Your creator is long gone, perhaps youre forgotten under hundreds of meters of soil or in some hidden chamber, slowly counting the eons? Anyone would go crazy.


    They can hibernate, but the endless passage of time affects everyone. Spirits generally dont go crazy while in someones employ though.


    Zac could only shake his head. He honestly couldnt tell if Bra had gone insane, or he just had an extremely annoying personality. For now, he would treat him as a lunatic just in case.


    Soon Zac found himself in Adrans tent, the meeting room filled with the usual members. Most of the spots were filled with the demons that had drafted the n for Port Atwood, a new addition was Joanna, but she and Mr. Trang were still the only humans. There were some promising people who joined from New Washington, but it was to soon to have them present at this kind of meeting.


    Zac recapped the situation with the repository since not everyone was present at the new building earlier. This time he also mentioned the heritages, though he still didnt mention the higher tiered skills.


    The mention of the Celestial Artisans heritage caused quite amotion, far more than the other one.


    Why are you so excited? Zac asked the head of agriculture, who was almost jumping in his seat.


    n AzhRezak spent very little resources on nonbat ventures. The n mainly gained its resources through hunting beasts and working as mercenaries. A real Heritage will be a huge boon to even us old people with craftsman sses, he hastily said.


    I am sorry to put some breaks on the excitement, but before we can even discuss perusing heritages and skills we need to properly work out how things will work going forward. We have been scrapping along for now, but it is time to get structured, Zac said, quickly cooling down the excited atmosphere.


    Most of us stayed behind on this baby world because things werent too good back home at the n, Ogras suddenly spoke up, drawing attention. But I dont think everyone here has nned what to do for the long term. What will we do? Where will we go? I can tell you right now that I have decided to stay here as part of Port Atwood.


    You know that Lord Zac is the strongest man on this, he is the first Lord to emerge, and is a clear candidate to be a World Ruler. Were sitting right on top on a Nexus Vein, and as this baby world matures the density of energy on this ind will far eclipse anything we ever knew back home.


    Rather than venturing out into the multiverse like a homeless vagabond I will stay here and build my foundation. With the repository and other benefits we will seize in the future I believe we will be more powerful than n AzhRezak in less than a hundred years, the demon continued.


    A few of the demons thoughtfully nodded, whereas others took it as a matter of course that they would stay here.


    I am setting up a proper Structure now that I am a sanctioned Lord, and its organization will bergely based on the heterogeneous forces amongst the demonkind. I will use a Contribution system, from what I understand you had something simr in your n, Zac followed up after nodding at Ogras.


    Port Atwood has umted great amounts of resources through the monster waves and our struggles, and we cant just give it away. Only those who contribute in pushing Port Atwood forward will get a share. Since Adran cant do all that work by himself I am buying a management office who will be in charge of the Contribution system, Zac exined.


    I have my own pursuits, much like the other warriors, and will not have a hands-on approach in managing Port Atwood. Abby here is my assistant who will be in charge of making sure the town runs smoothly, Zac continued.


    From there the meeting turned into fine details of how the town would be managed. Initially, five ministries would be created, with Zac as the sole leader. There would be no democracy and no councils. Ogras himself wouldn''t have any official role, except as an advisor to Zac himself.


    The Ministry of War would not only be responsible of the defense of Port Atwood, but also the war effort against the incursions in the future. Ilvere was ced as the leader of that ministry, with Joanna as a second inmand. Their first task would be to create a team that would head to Billyville in two weeks.


    Zac himself couldn''t go, but it was no reason he couldn''t send some warriors to gain some money and experience. An Incursion was always a good source of money for those who survived, and the Ratmen were weak but numerous from the sound of it, somewhat like the Zombie horde.


    The Ministry of Revenue would be spearheaded by Zakarith, who was tasked to find some humans to help her. Their job would be to keep track of ie and spending, and they would also handle Zacs personal business ventures such as his ie from the Consortia and the mine.


    It was also decided that Port Atwood would, for the time being at least, own all thend of the town, and as soon as the town was up and running start charging rent. Since he essentially owned the mountain he would also own the residences he nned to build over there, designed to be residences for the elite.


    The Ministry of Justice was in charge of keeping thew. For now there hadnt really been any problems that couldnt be handled internally, but as Port Atwood grew many issues would crop up. Ogras rmended Alea, and Zac thought it sounded like a good idea.


    Perhaps people would stay on the straight and narrow, knowing the poison mistress would be in charge of punishments. Alea herself wasn''t present at the meeting, so she was promoted in her absence. The poison mistress had avoided Zac since their misunderstanding during the third wave, even though he''d tried to find her to apologize.


    The Ministry of Works would manage any government projects, the foremost being the construction of the town. A future project would be to do a proper inspection of the nearby inds in order to set up supporting facilities on them, such as farms, husbandries, and mines.


    Finally, a Ministry of State Affairs would be in charge of coordinating the various ministries and departments andmunicate progression with Zac.


    There currently werent clear candidates for all positions that needed to be filled, but Zac believed things like that would work itself out sooner orter. Real talents wouldnt stay hidden forever.


    It was also decided that those who worked for Port Atwood would not be given a Sry in form of crystals but rather contribution points. Zac also decided that there also wouldn''t be a way to convert the points to Nexus Coins or Crystals for the time being, though that might change in the future.


    Finally when it came to the repository it was decided that the first 81 people, apart from Ogras and Zac, would get to use the repository once. After that it would cost Contribution points to use, and since the Crystal Charges were limited some sort of tests would also be tests performed, so that no precious slots would be used on wastrels.


    Zac felt quite happy with the progress from the meeting, but just as he was about to call it a day Abby dropped a bomb on him.


    As Lord Zac has founded a Global City, and from the fact that we have been ced on an ind, the sphere of influence that was given is quiterge. There are currently 298 Inds inside your Kingdom, many of which are popted.


    I suggest we start building awork of F-Graded Teleportation arrays between your inds to integrate all your citizens.


    Zac was shocked by the size of his influence. They had scouted less than twenty inds so far, and already theyd found thousands of people. Just how many would be gathered over 300 of them? Besides, with such a huge area there was no way that there wasnt any drop-off point for cultivators. Perhaps he would be able to get some more promising people who could benefit from his new de Emperor heritage.


    The meeting took hours, but eventually everything was dealt with. This time Zac left alone, sending Abby away. After pressing Illvere for a bit he was told of a gazebo some distance from the temporary town.


    As he got closer to the small pavilion he stopped for a second as he saw the familiar form of Alea.

 Chapter 164: Waiting

    Chapter 164: Waiting


    Zac felt paralyzed for a second, unsure of what to do now that he found her. But after a shake of his head he walked up and sat down next to her.


    Are you here to thank me again? Alea said with some annoyance when he sat down in the gazebo.


    Im sorry I doubted you back there. I wasnt thinking straight in the heat of the moment, Zac said as he looked over at her. You have been great support from the start, and I wont forget that again.


    She looked mesmerizing in the sunset. Her long silver hair danced in the wind, and her two horns looked like aetheric fire. She looked back at him, and only gave a roll of her eyes in response.


    I know. You keep getting hurt because of me, is there anything I can do to return the favor? Zac asked, his eyes staying on her this time.


    Suddenly she moved straight at him, and this time Zac repressed his instincts to block her. If she wanted to punch him to vent some anger, so be it. But his eyes widened as her mouth closed in on his as her hands wrapped around his head. His arms wrapped around her slender frame as if by instinct, and the two shared a passionate kiss in the sunset.


    Long repressed emotions were surfacing in his mind, making Zac a bit dizzy. The dizziness intensified, and a loud gurgling in his stomach quickly told him that what he felt might not have an emotional root. A sense of unease quickly doused any passion as Alea slipped out of his hands.


    Thats for pointing your big thing at me, she said with a giggle and winked at him, before she left Zac to his own devices. A night on the toilet might help you remember to think straight in the future.


    That night Zac truly understood what it meant to anger a poison master. Hed never felt so empty as he did after his tenth trip to the outhouse, as hed been exploding out of every orifice with each visit. There were even times where he wondered if he would have even survived if it wasnt for his high vitality. However, he almost felt it was worth it as he thought back to the passionate moment in the gazebo.


    The next day a pale-faced Zac walked over to the Academy, making some small talk with the girls there. The mood was quite heavy, as a noticeable part of their small army died during the Zombie horde.


    We heard from Joanna that a group of warriors will go to another Incursion in a few weeks, one of the Valkyries suddenly said. We want to go.


    You want to go? War is no joke. The Ratmen wont be as strong as the demons, but theyll likely be stronger than the Zombies. And theyll also be more cunning, Zac said skeptically. Its good to strive for power, but dont bite off more than you can chew. There is no rush.


    We know that. But we finally understand just how far we are from people like you, or even the demon soldiers. We could only stand on the sidelines for most of the battle,pletely useless. We came here because we want to get stronger. Some more of us might die if we go, but death is inevitable. Those who survive will be more powerful on our return, the girl continued.


    Besides, pretty much all of us gained enough experience to get our ss. When we go to the next incursion we will have finished our skill quests, and we will be far stronger than now, another girl added.


    Oh? What ss are you getting? Zac asked curiously.


    Were all getting the Warrior ss. Alyn says its best for us to all have the same starting point, as that will help with War Arrays in the future. From there we will start to specialize.


    Thats good, Zac said with a nod.


    Honestly he was happy that hed listened to Alyn to have them all get amon ss. With the new heritage their future might look far betterpared to if they got some odd ss that became avable due to their specific circumstances.


    Work hard, you have improved, but there is a long way to go. You can go to the Incursion if Ilvere and Alyn judge youre ready when the time for the operation starts. They have a better grasp on both the power of your squad and of the Ratmen, Zac said as he walked into a walled-off area of the gravity array and sat down.


    It was a small secluded spot that he kept for himself when he came her to utilize the array. The first thing Zac did was use the rest of the rewards he bought with his contribution points. The Fruit of Endurance unfortunately only gave a 3-point boost, but it was better than nothing.


    The quest for the upgrade to <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> was quite simple. He only needed to inspect a thousand people with the skill, and it would get upgraded. Of course, it was only simple since Zac could essentially inspect anyone without fear of repercussions. If it was some weaker person the quest might be impossible to finish, as the wrong inspection might result in a beatdown or even death.


    Next he sat down and started meditating again. He had already made a huge stride with his improved Dao of Trees, but he wasnt content with just that. He was already in thest stretch of his F-Grade ss, but he was far from reaching his target for progression in the Dao. In fact, even with his recent break-throughs he was still only third ce on the Dao Ladder, with Abbot Evesting Peace and Guru Anaad Phakiwar firmly ensconced in front of him.


    The days passed and Zac was getting less and lessmunicative, mainly holing up to practice his skills or meditating. However, progress was limited. Impatience was gnawing at him as he waited for the deadline to arrive. He hadnt expected the final horde to end so quickly and now was stuck waiting for a week until Bernard would open the portal.


    The only real change to him was when he got word that the Gnome finally got his hands on a pill of purification. It was a pill that was deisgned tobat miasma. As soon as Zac got his hands on it he eagerly ate it, and it truly helped a lot.


    Unfortunately the effect of one such pill was limited. Whatever the Corpse Lord injected him with wasnt messing around, and it stubbornly kept causing him rouble. Calrin promised to keep looking, but he didnt look hopeful. Zac could only put his hopes to there being more solutions close to where he was going.


    Every evening he would sit down at the array at the appointed time in hopes that the town leader would open his array in advance. Each time both Ogras had Alea silently stood with him, and wordlessly left when he stood up with a shake of his head.


    Meanwhile, Port Atwood was springing up with tremendous speed, the earth and wood mages working overtime in creating one structure after another. The humans werent just lounging around either, and their speed in erecting buildings would give Amish barn raisers a run for their money.


    Even the Academy was quickly changing, and another contingent was getting created. Quite a few young men had signed up to be soldiers. ording to Alyn she believed that after she rooted out those without aptitude or without the drive necessary perhaps less than 10% would remain, but at least it was a start.


    Even the empty slots in the Valkyrie squad had gotten refilled with former refugees from the inds. Zac was even more surprised to find out that the new recruits insisted on giving the same pledge as the old members. Zac could only shake his head in confusion, but eventually he relented and epted, bringing their numbers back up to 80.


    Finally the agreed-upon day arrived and Zac sat down on the teleporter array, even though there was hours before the array would open. Outwardly he was unpertubed, but his heart was hammering, waiting to see whether his gambit worked. The minutes passed, and finally they reached the agreed-upon time. Still, nothing appeared in his teleportation menu. Only The Cradle of God was public. One minute passed, then another.


    Zac was starting to wonder whether the man had sumbed to the poison Zac force-fed him. Perhaps he even found a cure somehow. However, a new town shed into being, and Zac immediately stood up and looked over at Alea and Ogras, who apanied him.


    I will be back within the month, Zac said, and with unwavering determination on his face disappeared through the teleporter.


    He soon found himself in a small room, and from the first look around it seemed it was a garage.


    The antidote. Hurry, give me the antidote! a wheezing voice came from a corner.


    Zac looked over, and saw John Bernard stand there huddled over. When Zac saw the man his eyebrows rose in appall, and shame filled his heart. The man had been quite portly just a week ago, but now he looked like a pale shadow of a man. He had lost almost all his body fat, and had thick ck lines under his eyes. If Zac didnt know any better he would have guessed the man in front of him had undergone months of chemotherapy treatment.


    Without hesitating he threw over the small white bottle, and John swallowed the contents without giving it a second nce. Zac also transferred over 2 500 000 Nexus Coins to the man. He had nned to give him a million coins, but after seeing his wretched appearance he changed his mind.


    I am sorry about putting you through this suffering, desperate times, Zac said with a shake of his had, and then took out one of the small roots that had weeded out the infiltrating monks.


    I will give you a piece of information that might save your life. One of the invading incursions is The Church of Evesting Dao. They possess infiltrators who essentially have shape shifting capabilities, they can turn into any person. No scouting techniques can spot the disguise.


    This root is harmless to humans but deadly to the infiltrators. Its what we used to root out all the spies in our own City. We expect your New World Government is already infiltrated, Zac said as he threw over the root to John.


    The man was absorbed in feeling the effects of the antidote, but Zacs words woke him up and he caught the root hesitantly.


    You know, youre a wanted man now. That demons actions in New Washington has made you the enemies of the whole government, John said just as Zac was about to leave.


    Oh? Is there people outside nning to catch me? Zac asked.


    Do you think Im suicidal? I want nothing to do with your conflict. The sooner youre out of my life, the better, John said with grumpily.


    Zac only shook his head and stepped out. It was night-time here as well, so Zac had no problem to slip into the darkness unencumbered.


    ------------------


    Its me, John said into the radio as he looked himself over in the Radio.


    He was already starting to look better, the dark circles under his eyes already gone. It also felt like he finally would be able to eat again, without it feeling like his teeth were shattering and his throat catching fire.


    He was already so engrossed in nning out the feast that he would prepare for himself to celebrate, that he almost forgot he was on a call with a superior.


    Did hee? a rough voice answered after a few seconds.


    Yes Sir, he stepped though as soon as I opened it. He immediately left town afterward it seems, John answered as he went over the list in his head.


    Hed definitely open up the bottle of 21-year-old scotch hed been saving for months now. And a mountain of ribs. They killed that huge boar the other day, and it barely contained a trace of miasma.


    Good, youve done well. Well take it from here, the man on the other end said.


    What are you going to do? Hes the Super-Brother Man, after all. Hes not some nobody, John asked skeptically as he put down the mirror. He also said something about shape-shifters infiltrating the government, and-


    You dont need to worry about that. You are hereby relieved.


    A window shattered and John only felt a zing pain in his head, before all turned to darkness.

 Chapter 165: A Thousand Faces

    Chapter 165: A Thousand Faces


    Zac rushed toward southeast along a derelict road. The town Bernard managed, Aubrey Hills, was north of the Dead Zone, and he needed to get to the eastern part. Zac knew there were border towns closer to the incursion from his conversation with Bernard during the Auction.


    They were right at the edge of what was considered the undead influence. Those kinds of towns werent under government control but were rather chaotic ces under the control of the one with thergest fists.


    Its poption generally consisted of anyone who wanted to use the incursion as a spot for gaining levels and wealth. Zombies were quite stupid and not overly strong, which made for perfect target practice. Besides, due to the huge poptions of China and India, there was almost an endless source of Zombies to hunt.


    However, Zac knew that the good times of these border towns were limited. The concentration of miasma at the edge of the incursion should be limited, so it was normal that there werent too strong zombies there.


    But as the zombie hunters depopted any closeby towns from zombies they would need to venture further and further into the incursion, where the miasma was denser. The risk of meeting evolved Zombies and other strong beasts was going to get higher and higher.


    Zombies werent the only thing to worry about in the huge Zone the Undead Empire controlled. The wildlife that had lived inside for almost half a year would have evolved like over the rest of the world. With the additional effect of the miasma the beasts should bepletely insane due to the corruption.


    But for now, the towns were havens for those who lived in the area and didnt mind the risk. It was like a macabre gold rush were every walking corpse was a small gold nugget. Zac didnt bother to learn the towns names since they were peppered along the incursion, and most of them were essentially the same.


    There were also rumors of there being settlements even further inside the incursion, though Zac didnt have the coordinates for any ce like that. But Zac had no desire to go there in any case, as his goal was clear.


    Hed find a border town and get himself oriented. The fact that the government seemed to have made him a target wasnt a surprise, but he needed to find out the extent the enmity reached.


    Besides, his information about the undead was from the information crystals back at Port Atwood, rather than more detailed information from the locals. They might have figured out various things that could be beneficial to know.


    As he moved forward his wound unceasingly kept pounding, but by now it barely registered in Zacs mind. His increased Vitality and evolved seed were a great improvementpared to before, as he didnt need to keep his Dao active at all times to keep the spread of corruption at bay.


    However, the wound was barely healing even when he kept using his Dao, and at this speed it would likely take years before he waspletely cured. That was another reason he wanted to stop in the frontier town. Perhaps some people there had attained sses that gave skills targeted atbating miasma.


    Zac kept going until the suns were starting to show, and quickly stopped at a what once seemed to have been a rest stop along the highway. The area waspletely overgrown by now, and Zac didnt expect to find anything useful. He walked up to a parked trailer and took out arge mirror, cing it against the vehicle.


    Next, he ced a thick cloak rimmed with wolf pelt over his shoulders, and his arm got thick leather vambraces. He even put on two pairs of sturdy shoes. He actually also had a pair of shoes that only had a few straps instead of soles, allowing him to freely use his [Loamwalker] skill while wearing shoes, but he didnt dare to use those after remembering the state of Fort Roger.


    Zac gave a quick spin, happy with the transformation hed undergone. He felt he almost looked like a barbarian, with wolf pelts covering much of his back. He also put arge high-quality two-handed battleaxe on his back. It was a nasty piece of equipment, and something hed found up on the monkey mountain amongst the corpses.


    He needed a weapon to use that wasnt the same as the one-handed axe hed shown off at a few asions. But even if he was going undercover he didnt want to use a sword or something else, afraid it would hamper his future skill choices.


    Next, he focused his Cosmic Energy in his scalp and was amazed to see his hair grow out with speed visible to his eyes. Soon it was long enough that he put it in a bun with a leather string.


    Not only that, but he also grew out a beard, covering the somewhat distinct scar on his mouth that still wasnt gone.


    He looked like an almostpletely different person, and that was the point. Still, he wasnt done there as he activated a fractal that was ced on his throat. His body suddenly was wracked in pain, but he grit his teeth and pushed through. In just a few seconds hedpletely changed. He was now a few inches shorter, while his face had undergone arge transformation.


    It was the skill <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>, one of the 81 skills in the repository. It was a shapeshifting skill, and something he decided to pick up after having seen how effective the priest infiltrators were. He was a high profile person and his appearance might cause unwanted trouble, and this was his solution.


    It was only one of the mid-grade skills, and it didnt really fit his pathways very well. Thats why it hurt like his bones were ground to dust and then reshaped when he used it. But it still felt like one of the most useful skills in the repository for his current needs.


    Looking back from the mirror now was a middle-aged man with a more angr facial structure and a hooked nose. Not even Kenzie should recognize him as he currently looked. As the skill actually changed the bone structure of someone it didnt take any energy to maintain, but a weakness was that it couldnt change his aura.


    An aura was almost like a fingerprint these days, and some scouts could use the fluctuations a person gave out to identify people in disguises. However, for that to work the scout would have to have met him earlier, so the risk for that was not too big unless the people of new Washington were actively hunting him.


    Satisfied with the transformation he packed away his mirror and got ready to leave. He still wore his E-graded robes underneath the furs, not wanting to give up the defensive charges they contained.


    Back on his ind this manyyers would have been decidedly hot, but here on the maind it was starting to get quite chilly. It was already November, though Zac didnt know if the months or seasons had changed somehow.


    He kept going through the deste wastnd, but this time he had taken out one of his cars. It wasnt one of the modified ones that were running on Nexus Crystals, but rather one of the normal ones. However, there were a few inscriptions ced in a few unseen spots that would make it sturdier.


    Hed missed driving, and enjoyed feeling even though the scenery was a bit dour. But soon he actually saw some activity. Much like in the area around New Washington there was almost never traffic, but he actually saw a jeep speed across a field in the distance. It looked quite rickety, the car jumping and looked about to keel over at any moment.


    Zac understood why whoever was inside was driving that recklessly though. Right behind the car a huge tiger was in hot pursuit. It was evenrger than the car, but that wasnt the odd thing about it. Even from the distance, Zac could see that it was greyish, not having the usual yellow and ck stripes. Its eyes were also shining in a simr turquoise as the undead beacons did.


    It clearly was in the process of mutating from living inside miasma for a long time, though Zac didnt understand what it was doing here. There was no discernable miasma in the atmosphere where they were, so it must have wandered out from the dead zone. Perhaps it had an appetite for humans and was out on a hunt.


    A bump in the terrain suddenly sent the vehicle out of control, but as it was about to overturn three people nimbly jumped out of the car andnded on the ground as the Jeep kept going. From how practiced their movements were Zac almost thought that wasnt the first time they had been forced to jump out of a runaway vehicle.


    Zac finally got a good look at the party and saw it was one Caucasian male and two Asians, one woman and one man. All of them looked to be around their thirties and judging from their gear they werent people who had stayed put within the safety of a wall since the integration.


    The Zombified Tiger gave off a ghastly roar that Zac could clearly hear even from the distance and pounced at the trio. Themotion actually made Zac stop his car and get out. For a second he wondered if he should rush over there to save them, but the three put up a valiant defense against the beast.


    While they werent some supreme powerhouses they were stronger than the Valkyries back in Port Atwood, and they hadplementary skills. Still, the tiger seemed extremely durable, and it was unclear whether they would be able to whittle it down before they ran out of cosmic energy.


    You there! Please assist us, and half the value of the beast core is yours! the Asian man in the back shouted over at Zac in passable English.


    Zacs brows rose when he heard the offer, and he ran over to the battle. Beast cores were crystals that contained a good chunk of the total Cosmic Energy of a beast. Zac didnt expect to hear it mentioned here, as generally that wasnt something that should exist in an animal until they reached D-rank.


    At that point, both humans and beasts would develop a Core in their body that couldpress and contain vasts amounts of Cosmic Energy. This was a sharp difference from how it was now, where cosmic energy was generally stored in every cell of the body. A core was far more efficient, and sessfully forming one was akin to getting a high powered battery in your body.


    Zac used <strong>[Inquisitive Eyes] </strong>on the beast.


    <strong>[Miasmic Bengal Tiger Undead. Level 43 Endurance]</strong>


    Zac getting the skill had caused his reputation to take somewhat of a hit, and rumors of him being a peeping tom started to spread. But he had finished his quest in just a few days by using <strong>[Eye of Discernment]</strong> on almost everyone in the town, much to the citizen''s annoyance.


    The new and improved version was still F-ranked, but much more useful. It now also disyed what was the highest attribute of the one he spied on, which would give a hint of their battle style. It also could discern the grades of many resources, which was a good way to learn if something he found was useful or not.


    With a fluid motion Zac took therge two-handed axe from his back and joined the fray. Naturally, he would have been able to kill the beast in a simple swing, but he only used a bit of his power in order to not stand out.


    The intense battle kept going for a few minutes, and Zac was arge contributor to the victory, as every swing of his contained quite a punch that maimed the animal. He purposely made himself seem slighlty stronger than the trio, so that they wouldn''t get any ideas after the fight finished.


    Finally, they felled the beast, and with a groan, it thumped down on the ground.


    Thank you, friend. Thats some swing you have there. I dont recognize you, are you new to the area? the blonde man said between pants.


    I came here to get stronger. Im heading to a frontier town now, Zac said with a hoarse voice. Whats that beast core you mentioned?


    Oh so youre not from around here, the man nodded. The animals that live deep in the dead zone have started to get these crystals in their heads. We call them Beast Cores. They are filled with tons of miasma. They are useful for various things. You can even use them for cultivation, but I wouldnt rmend that. Fries your brain after a while.


    The other two, who seemed to be siblings at closer scrutiny, nodded at that.


    General Stores buys them for a pretty penny, so they are like gold here. Some Zombies have them as well, especially the stronger ones. The stores pay by the gram, and finding these have be more profitable than just grinding low level Zombies," the Asian man who spotted him earlier added.


    It seemed they werent real beast cores after all, but rather something created by the miasma. Still, Zac curiously looked on as the Asian girl took out arge knife and started cutting into the head of the tiger.


    Im John, by the way. I was an expat in Hong Kong before all this, John said with an expansive gesture This is Ling and Hung.


    Im David, Zac said, using the first name that came to his mind. How did this thing get all the way out here? From what I gathered beforeing these types of beasts stay further in the Dead Zone?


    Ah, well, thats sort of our mistake. We identally enraged it and it followed us for more than a day. We got off-track while trying to shake it off, John said.


    Got it, Ling said with a melodious voice as she took out a greyish crystal from the head of the tiger. She quickly wiped it off with a rag and disyed it in front of them.


    Wow, its a big one. Should be worth over thirty thousand, John said with a whistle.


    So, uh... Do you think we can catch a ride? Our poor Betty seems to have given herst breath, John said as he looked at the overturned jeep that had smokeing out of it.


    Its fine, you just need to eat this root first, Zac said as he took out the minty root from a backpack.

 Chapter 166: The Frontier

    Chapter 166: The Frontier


    Excuse me? John said, looking down at the small root in Zacs hand.


    It seems the rumors havent reached the border towns yet. One of the incursions contains shapeshifters. They have probably infiltrated both the government and many strong factions. However, this root is deadly to them while it is harmless to us humans, Zac said and ate arge chunk of it to prove he was speaking the truth.


    Its called Springroot, and is avable for purchase in the General Store. Nowadays people take a bite of it to prove theyre not a shapeshifter where Ie from, Zac continued.


    The three looked confused at each other, until Ling took the piece of root and looked it over. Her eyes shone with some mysterious luster for a second, telling Zac she was using some sort of ocr skill. Perhaps her main role in the group was scouting.


    No poison, she said and the other two nodded with some relief.


    With a shrug of his shoulders, John broke off a piece and ate it.


    Not bad, minty. It might double as a mouthwash, John said. These shapeshifters, what do they look like?


    I heard theyre lizard-people, Zac said with a shake of his head, knowing how it sounded. Apparently they are part of some multi-verse cult.


    Lizard-people cultists, just what we need, John spat on the ground, while the other two seemed to agree with the sentiment as they ate the root.


    Zac wasnt really worried about the three being infiltrators. While there likely was over a thousand of them out there, they had quite a bit of ground to cover. They might have some unknown means for reaching various settlements but they shouldnt be able to use the teleporters, meaning it should take some time to spread over the.


    Besides, Zac hadnt even heard anything about the Churchs Incursion, meaning they might be extremely far away. Ogras believed that it was out there, only that the government was keeping it secret.


    It would be easy to motivate within the government ranks. Just call it a secret government resource to train their elite, and even the actual government officials would keep it secret. Meanwhile, the infiltrators could slowly ensconce themselves within the government.


    The reason Zac made the three eat the root was rather to get an excuse to tell the story. He hoped that doing this would create rumors to spread like ripples on the water. Zac alone doing it wouldnt cut it, but he was determined to have his whole force spread the knowledge as soon as he was back with Kenzie.


    Soon the four were sitting in Zacs modified car, pushing through the wilderness. It might be a bit weird for some loner to allow 3 strangers into his car in these uncertain times, but Zac didnt really care about that. It would give him an opportunity to gather intelligence as he drove, which would save some time.


    Whos in charge of the frontier town? Zac asked as he drove, asionally avoiding the huge potholes that had formed over the past months.


    Eastern Hills is run by a man calling himself Ling Tian. It sort of means Rise above the Heavens. Kind of stupid, but quite a few around these parts have taken these Dao monikers, thinking they are the main characters of some story, John said with a snort.


    Its kind of weird that the System uses Dao while it was a concept in Asia even before the integration, Zac noted.


    It was something he still didnt quite understand. Was it a coincidence, or was it something to it? That wasnt the only thing as there was also the issue of the demons. It made Zac wonder just what happened on earth thousands of years ago. Perhaps the old stories of mages and dragons were more than just stories?


    Yeah, Ive wondered about that myself, John said. The general belief is that the old masters of Daoism managed to peek through the veil, so-to-speak, and learn some aspects of the Dao. Who knows, perhaps there was Cosmic Energy on earth back in the day, but it ran out?


    The old masters have lit the way for our people. I believe thats why the System gave us the hardest challenge, Hung said from the back seat.


    So, Ling Tian? Zac prodded, notmenting on the harshness of challenges. While the undead horde was a pain, he didnt feel it beat having to close a whole incursion on your own.


    Hes a bit annoying, but one of the better leaders. Thats why we stay there. He doesnt do anything untoward, and he is usually out fighting Zombies, John said.


    Annoying how? Zac asked with some interest.


    Well, hes imagining himself to be the savior of mankind or something. He keeps trying to gather together the townspeople tounch crusades at the core of the incursion. But you know, few people are that crazy. Charging the core of the Dead Zone is a suicide mission, John said with a shake of his head.


    Chuunibyou, Ling muttered from the back.


    Zac didntment, but he felt a bit hopeless inside. He didnt know whether this leader of the frontier town was delusional or not, but the whole situation in these border towns was problematic. There seemed to be quite a few strong warriors here, but people mainly fought to empower and enrich themselves.


    Perhaps this situation would have been okay if the undead were weak. If that was the case then sooner orter the zombies would be hunted into extinction. However, Zac knew reality wasn''t so convenient. As soon as the leaders like the Corpse Lord started their crusades these border towns would get deserted in the blink of an eye.


    There was no organization and no order. There would be no real resistance against the invaders when they started their conquest in earnest. People like these three would just move somewhere else, if they even survived.


    Zac had been thinking of what to do about these Incursions since he finally became a Lord. He felt that his quest had given him the greatest clue what to do from here. He needed to kill the leaders of the incursions, and the rest would sort itself out. A force without powerhouses to protect and lead the ranks was just prey in the end.


    The only problem was that he didnt even manage to kill the Corpse Lord, and Ogras believed that those who arrived at his ind werent the highest-ranking members of respective Incursion. Perhaps the rockman was the exception, though they weren''t sure. Still, it was a n, and he still had some time before the limiters on the invaders werepletely removed.


    After another two hours of driving, they finally reached their target, Eastern Hills. Zac was surprised by its size as he slowly drove through a huge gate. When he imagined the frontier towns he had thought that they would look like Fort Roger, but with stronger people.


    However, reality differed quite a bit. The wall was a thick and sturdybination of cement and stones, with armed soldiers walking along the wall walk. The town inside was somewhat clean and orderly, though Zac saw the people looked quite rough.


    To his surprise he saw that at least 80 percent of those on the streets were of Asian heritage, with the rest being a random mix. He hadn''t really thought along those lines before, but he realized that even if China had taken a huge hit by the incursion there should still be a great number of survivors in the area.


    And it was clear that these people weren''t like the survivors in Fort Roger. Almost everyone was armed with some sort of weapon, mostly clubs or spears. Most looked to be in good condition, but there were also a few who looked pale and emitted a cold aura, making Zac frown.


    Miasma poisoning. You get like this if you absorb too many beast cores or stay in the Dead Zone too long, John exined after noticing Zacs frown.


    A bestial roar suddenly erupted from nearby the main road they were driving along, and Zac stopped the car.


    A transformation, this is a good lesson for you David, John said as he jumped out of the car.


    Zac curiously followed after taking out the keys. Just a hundred meters away a crowd was gathering some distance from a man who spasmed and growled erratically.


    This is the end for those who get too greedy, John exined as he looked at the odd man without pity. Hes absorbed too much miasma, and hes lost control of it. Hes turning.


    Turning? Is there nothing to do in a case like this? Zac asked with some pity.


    He sympathized a bit with the man, but honestly Zac was mainly thinking about himself. He had a wound filled with highly concentrated miasma, and this would have been his end if he didnt possess the Dao of Trees.


    Perhaps with the help of a strong purifier, but I doubt they would risk getting close to someone whos lost all reason, John said with a shake of his head.


    Purifier? Whats that? Zac asked curiously.


    Its what we call people who have skills and sses that can purify the miasma. Remember, dont piss off a Purifier while youre staying on the frontier. Getting their help can be the difference between life and death if you get wounded in the Dead Zone. Besides, many are desperate to curry their favor.


    So if you piss off a Purifier, dont be surprised if you get mobbed by a bunch of Zombie Hunters who just want to form a rtionship with them," John said with a low voice.


    Zacs heartbeat started to increase when hearing Johns exnation. It sounded like a purifier was exactly what he needed to take care of his wound.


    Who is the best purifier in this town? Zac asked, trying to not sound too eager.


    Youre talking like theyre a dime a dozen. Theyre extremely rare, and generally only reside in therger towns on the edge of the Dead Zone, John said with a shake of his head. There is a purifier a few towns over, it would take almost a day to drive there.


    Zac frowned at that, unsure at what to do. Either hed follow his original n and push through the incursion to get to the eastern side, or hed detour and try his luck with a purifier.


    Why are you asking? John asked with some confusion. Are you hurt somewhere? You dont look to be suffering from miasma poisoning."


    Just orienting myself. Who knows whatll happen in the future, seems like a good idea to know where the healers are, Zac said with a nonchnt shrug.


    Aint that the truth. However, you shouldnt think of the Purifiers as a backup n. Their energy is limited, and they rarely see people off the streets. Look around, quite a few here have more miasma in their bodies than theyd like. If they could get that fixed most would. Oh, it seems times up.


    The sounds of bones cracking and grinding against each other made Zac refocus on the unfortunate man Zombiefying.


    This one belongs to the Frost Wolves, a man with a badge resembling a howling wolf suddenly said as he stepped forward apanied by three underlings.


    Fuck you, it belongs to whoever is the fastest, another man with two shortswords retorted.


    Whats going on? Zac asked with a subdued voice.


    These things are quite valuable after they turn, theyre like evolved Zombies. The kill gives arge amount of Cosmic Energy, and it is pretty much guaranteed to have arge Core. Poor bastards essentially be a walking treasure trove.


    So why are they waiting? Zac asked.


    The core is currently forming. When the transformation isplete, then the core is formed, John exined, as he hesitantly looked over the spectators.


    We should back away, too many strong people are present, he said as he distanced himself from the hubbub.


    Zac didnt really care about some miasma core, and he backed away as well, and together they saw the spectators rip the poor man into pieces like hungry hyenas.


    The man with the two swords triumphantly held up the decapitated head of the zombie after a few seconds, causing the others to swear and walk away, leaving the mangled corpse where it was.


    Theyre just giving up? Zac asked.


    Rules of the town. When the core''s imed the battle is over. However, that guy might need to watch his back, the Frost Wolf Mercenaries are a bit shady, John said with a shrug as he jumped into Zacs car again.


    You dont have a ce to stay, right? Why dont you join us for the night? You can learn about how things work here in the wild east.


    Sounds good, Zac answered with ast nce at the corpse of the pitiful man, before jumping back into the drivers seat.

 Chapter 167: Purifier Wang

    Chapter 167: Purifier Wang


    Zac was currently speeding along the deserted road, heading east. He was still driving the car, as it was pretty much as fast as him jogging. Hed also found that it was easier for him to use the Dao of Trees while drivingpared to jogging, so it was also better for his wound.


    Ever since he arrived at the edge of the Dead Zone he had sensed that the atmosphere contained some miasma. It was only a smidgeon, but Zac noticed to his annoyance that his wound seemed to passively absorb it. He was therefore forced to use his Dao of Trees a bit more than he did back on the ind.


    Thats why hed decided to look up one of the purifiers, even if it would waste at least one day. He could only assume his condition would get worse when he went into the Dead Zone, so if he could get the wound fixed ahead of that he would likely save more time in the end.


    The image of the mutted corpse on the street of Eastern Hills was a poignant image of what would happen if he didnt properly take care of his wound. It would be a cosmic joke if he survived the Incursion and the three waves, only to turn into a zombie because he didnt properly tend to his festering gut.


    Hed stayed the night at Johns ce. He lived together with the siblings in a prettyrge house. It turned out that they were a small mercenary group, and the reason that John was so friendly from the start was that he hoped to recruit Zac. They were originally 7 people, forming a pretty strong squad that mainly focused on finding herbs and other valuables deeper in the core zone.


    However, months of risking their lives had resulted in only three being left of the group, and they finally had to admit they needed to bolster their squad after being unable to finish the tiger on their own.


    If Zac actually was who he pretended, then he might actually have taken them up on their offer. Going into the Dead Zone alone was perilous, having a squad to watch your back was preferable. They had been disappointed at his refusal, but they made no big deal about it.


    Zac had only stayed the night and left early in the morning. The former expat helped out quite a bit in exining how things worked, even though Zac refused John''s invitation. More troubling was what he heard about himself, or rather the Super Brother-Man.


    Rumors about him had already reached the frontier. There were all kinds of rumors, but the core of them was generally that he consorted with the invaders, which was why he had gotten so strong. John had also heard about Ogras deeds in New Washington, though the details had gotten extremely twisted.


    However, there was no official promation from the government, which only made Zac more uneasy. It only meant that whatever they nned would be done under the table, rather than in the open.


    He also didn''t think that rumors were spreading organically, as only a week had passed since the auction. Zac believed that the government was trying to speed things along. Perhaps they tried to boost their own reputation by dragging the Super Brother-Man through the mud.


    Zac wanted to get his name cleared, but for now he could only ignore the rumor mill. He didn''t care what the world thought of him as long as he could reach his sister. Since John had been so helpful Zac left a few hundred Nexus Crystals in his room when leaving.


    He had no idea if hed meet the three again, as they had their goals and he had his. He was currently driving toward one of the main border towns in the area, which was somewhat ostentatiously named Perseverance. Apparently, it was originally a part of Chengdu, and over 50 000 people lived there at the moment.


    Zac kept driving for most of the day, passing a few towns on the way. He actually encountered a few parties on the road, though people kept to their own, likely afraid of getting attacked. There were no witnesses and nows out in the wild, and Zac guessed few people would take a risk like John and the other two did.


    The suns were already setting when he arrived at his destination, and it appeared he just made it before therge town gates were closing.


    1000 Nexus Coins to enter with a vehicle, a guard said as he hailed Zac.


    Zacs brows rose at the price, but he still paid up and drove through. The price was a bit surprising, as it was equivalent to killing at least twenty decently strong Zombies. If everyone had to pay that amount when returning from an excursion then the town would have to make quite some profit.


    Zac drove some ways into the town, before turning into a few back alleys. When he found a secluded spot with no pedestrians he quickly exited the vehicle and put it in a cosmos sack before quickly walking away.


    He knew that cars were generally safe if he parked it somewhere, but he didnt want to take any risks as there were inscriptions on his vehicle making it special.


    Most cars on the frontier were actually booby-trapped nowadays with various explosives, as good terrain vehicles were hard toe by and fiercely protected. There were car mechanics who mainly dealt in installing bombs in hard-to-find ces with hidden triggers. Stealing one was akin to sitting on a barrel of gunpowder that could go off at any time.


    Zac walked around the town, getting a sense of the area. The whole ce felt rougherpared to Eastern Hills, and there were more people who seemed to be barely scraping by. There was one thing that confused him a bit. He noted that many of the weaker pedestrians seemed to have umted more miasma in their bodiespared to the stronger ones.


    However, after seeing a street vendor selling food he understood why. Even if the vendor thered the skewers in some sauce Zac could see that the meat was grey and sickly-looking, and he could even sense some corrupt energy in the meat. It seemed that food was getting scarce and they were forced to eat animals tainted with miasma.


    Zac could only shake his head and keep walking, happy that he had stocked up with food that wouldst months in his pouches. He didnt have time to worry about the people slowly turning themselves into zombies, but instead he was trying to listen in on conversations to find out more about the Purifier. It didnt take long to learn where the purifier, who was apparently called Wang Guo, resided.


    The Purifier ran what was called a miasma clinic out of the bottom floor of his building. Zac quickly walked over there and found that there already was a long line pale people, most clearly suffering from miasma poisoning. Zac shrugged and just went to the back of the line.


    Excuse me, how long does it usually take to get to see the doctor? Is he still working at this hour? Zac asked the man in front of him.


    Dont you know how this works? the man turned over with a dour face, though he quickly moderated his demeanor after seeing the huge axe on Zacs back. Were lining up for getting a chance at getting treated tomorrow. Mr. Wang only has open office once a week, and he treats people as long as his Cosmic Energy allows.


    Zac wasnt too enthused about waiting the whole night in line when there was no guarantee hed even get to meet the Purifier. As he was mulling over what to do he suddenly spotted a man walking straight up to the closed doors and entered.


    Who was that? Zac asked the man in front of him.


    One of Lord Perseverance''s lieutenants, the man answered in a hushed voice. They always get purified after returning to town.


    Zac understood the implications. The rules clearly werent the same for everyone. Since this Mr. Wang seemed to change his tune depending on who visited, then Zac wouldnt need to wait in this endless line. Zac was worried about the Purifier being limited somehow to only helping out once a week, but it seemed it was rather that he didnt want to waste too much of his time.


    So you think one can get purified without waiting if one pays enough? Zac asked the man in front of him again.


    The man nervously looked around and ignored the question. But a few coughs from Zac and walking up ufortably close forced the man to answer in a whisper.


    Hey, I dont want trouble. Mr. Wang is petty, and if he finds out Ive talked about him behind his back who knows what trouble Id get into. But yeah, he is also greedy, so hed definitely heal you if you paid enough. Honestly, he is only doing these open houses since the Lord Perseverance is paying him to, the man wheezed, then pointedly started ignoring Zac.


    Finally understanding the way things worked and unhesitantly walked up to the door to the clinic. A few mutters and curses were thrown his direction from those in the line, but no one wanted to cause trouble or lose their spot, so Zac entered unosted.


    Hey! Didnt you see the line? Purifier Wangs open hour starts tomorrow, an annoyed, but sweet, voice entered his ears as soon as he walked through and closed the door.


    It was a woman that was sitting by a clear ss table in a small empty lobby. She was quite good-looking in a sultry way, but her appearance only lowered Zacs opinion of this so-called healer.


    The woman was clearly wearing a Sexy Nurse Halloween-outfit rather than actual scrubs, showing off a great amount of skin. Furthermore, she wasn''t alone as a strong-looking bodyguard lounged in a chair nearby.


    From what Zac had heard so far Wang Guo was far from some benevolent hero, but rather some shady person who had lucked into a great ss. He could only internally sigh and walk up to the counter.


    I have traveled far to meet Purifier Wang, as I hear he is one of the most skilled people around, Zac said.


    Actually that wasnt true, but Wang Guo was the closest one to the east of Eastern Hills, and Zac didnt want to waste more time than he had to.


    It doesnt matter. Purifier Wang only sees patients once a week, as he needs the rest of the week to recuperate. The great healing arts take a lot of strength, the nurse answered with a huff as the bodyguard started to move toward him.


    Zac didnt respond, and instead only took out one of his cosmos sacks and poured a small hill of Nexus Crystals on her desk and leaned over it toward the startled girl.


    Unfortunately my time is limited. This is a small gift to you. I would be happy to give a muchrger donation to Purifier Wang as well. Could you tell me what Id need to do to get the same treatment as the guy who just entered?


    The girl expertly took the crystals and swept them into a Chanel bag with extreme swiftness, cleaning out the table in only a second. After that, she looked at the guard who shrugged.


    Since you wish to donate to help keep his little clinic running Im sure Purifier Wang would be able to squeeze you in, she said with a smile, as she leaned forward a bit showcasing her impressive cleavage.


    It was at this moment the man from earlier exited the door leading further into the clinic. He was surprised to see the gruff-looking Zac stand in the lobby leaning over the counter, and he appeared extremely incensed at seeing the receptionists suggestive pose and smile.


    Who the fuck are you? Yao Yao, get away from that barbarian, the man growled and quickly walked over.


    I mean no trouble, I am just here to see Purifier Wang, Zac said as he quickly backed away.


    Then why the fuck are you hitting on my woman? the lieutenant growled.


    Hes here to give a big donation to the clinic, the nurse quickly said, trying to defuse the situation.


    However, thement only seemed to enrage the man further.


    So youre trying to sh your little wealth in front of my girl? You might as well leave all of it behind then, he said, and with lightning-quick movement took out a dagger, unhesitantly stabbing toward Zacs throat.


    Zac was about to kill the man in front of him by instinct, but in thest second restrained himself. Things also got more convoluted after the guard joined the fight after some hesitation, trying to help the angry man out.


    Zac tripped one of the men and brought the other one with him down on the ground, causing a chaotic grapple-fight. He quickly knocked out the lieutenant on the way down, and after grappling around with the bodyguard for a few seconds Zac awarded him with a measured punch knocking him out.


    Zac could only hope it would look genuine to the shocked spectator, as he was in no mood to pretend any longer than that. One of the men actually managed tond a punch in his gut, which made his wound hurt like a hot tong, souring his mood considerably.


    Ill go ahead and visit the Purifier now. I would prefer not to be disturbed, Zac said to the gaping nurse before heading into the inner parts of the clinic.

 Chapter 168: Healing

    Chapter 168: Healing


    Zac felt annoyed as he stepped through the door to the back of the clinic. He just wanted to go through the town unannounced and disappear before anyone could remember him. Yet hed been forced to knock out one of the higher-ups of the town just because of some silly jealousy. Who knew what type of trouble woulde knocking if he stayed too long.


    With a few quick steps he walked through an unadorned corridor and found himself in an austere clinic looking like some ancient herbalists treatment room.


    Various herbs were hanging from the roof, creating a thick scent in the room, and the walls were covered with old drawings that seemed to show the chakras of the body. However, the room waspletely empty, with the Purifier nowhere in sight.


    Zac frowned and looked around a bit. Suddenly he spotted that something was odd with arge medicine cab, and with a simple push moved it to the side. It led him to another room, and Zac could only gape when he entered it.


    The interiors looked like the basement of a real anime fanatic, if this particr fanatic was also a corrupt warlord. Stands disying figurines were ced next to machine guns and actual gold bars. The room waspletely cluttered, and in the back a man in histe thirties was lounging in a recliner, watching some old series on the television.


    A cough from Zac made the man jump up like his ass was on fire. He quickly swiveled toward the exit, and seemed shocked to see a man decked in furs and a war axe standing in his sanctuary.


    Who are you? How dare you enter this ce? the man said with a flustered face as he tried to shoo Zac back. Out, OUT!


    I didnt mean to intrude on your Private area, Zac said with another cough as he backed out into the clinic. Your nurse sent me through to get some help in exchange for a donation. After that, Im leaving this town.


    Finally after having stepped outside and closed the hidden door did the man seem to calm down.


    "Wait here a second," he said as he rushed over to the door and shouted for the nurse, who quickly came running.


    The two exchanged a few whispers as the surrepticiously nced over in Zac''s direction, until the nurse left again.


    No way, if I help you then Perseverance will get angry with me. You beat up one of his lieutenants, who knows what he''ll do," the Purifier said, looking scared.


    Thats why I would like you to hurry up, Zac said, simply pouring some crystals on the floor in front of him. I pay well.


    Greed shone in Mr. Wangs eyes as he saw the crystals falling like rain from Zacs bag.


    Fine, tw-.. no, five thousand crystals, and not one less, the Purifier said, not being able to stop himself from licking his mouth. And leave right after, I will deny having helped you.


    Fine, go ahead, Zac said as he started to undress.


    Dont you know anything? the man hurriedly said with a look of disgust. Who wants to see your naked body? Just point where your miasma wound is.


    Zac stopped, feeling a bit surprised, but pointed toward his side where the festering wound was located.


    The Purifier took a step forward and a golden light started to emit from his hands. Zac carefully gazed at the light, and was relieved to see that that the Purifier didnt seem to y any tricks on him. The light felt like concentrated Cosmic Energy, but it was somehow changed to contain far more of the vibrant life that always existed in it. It was like the opposite of miasma in a sense.


    The man held his hands close to the wound and closed his eyes in concentration. Zac soon found a warmth reminiscent of what it felt like then eating healing pills around the ckish tendrils spreading from the core of his injury. But as soon as the warmth entered him it disappeared, as the Purifier backed away with wide eyes.


    Just how are you alive? What is this wound? Theres no way I can treat that, he stammered, looking shocked at what hed found.


    Never mind how Im alive. I know its a bad wound, but I felt the effect of your skills. Do as much as you can, Zac said with a sigh. Besides, healing wound this severe should give a huge boost in experience to your ss, right?


    Zac guessed that his ss was considered a nonbat ss, and that healing people would be considered progressing the ss. If it worked the same as with a cksmith and the like, healing a nasty wound should give arge boost of experience. The man still looked troubled, but the reminder seemed to have reawakened the greed in the man.


    The Purifier once again extended his hands, though much more carefully this time, and the golden light emerged once more. It started on the outer edges of the wound, and Zac was ecstatic to find that the corruption was melting away at a speed that far eclipsed what he was able to do by himself with his Dao of Trees.


    However, Zac started to frown as the minutes passed and the purifier was starting to turn pale. A sheen of perspiration was already covering his face, but he still had only managed to work on the outer rim of the wound. The core was still the same, throbbing with miasma and rot.


    Suddenly the man opened his eyes wide and fell back, spewing a mouthful of ck blood on the ground. Zac was rmed and made to move toward him, but an intense pain that was as bad as when he got stabbed by the Corpse Lord''s weapon exploded in his side. Huge waves of miasma started to spread out of it, trying topletely convert Zac.


    He fought back the rampaging wound with everything that he got, putting his Dao of Trees on overdrive. Pale with anger and pain Zac stepped forward and grabbed the shell-shocked Purifier by the throat.


    What the fuck did you do? Zac growled. Fix it or Ill break your neck.


    I swear it wasnt me, the man squealed with pain. It was your wound. Its <em>alive.</em>


    I dont care, heal it right now, Zac said.


    Dont you understand? Theres no way I can heal it. Perhaps not even the strongest purifiers can. And look at me, youve poisoned me! he said with tears in his eyes as he held up his hands.


    The hands were greyish, almost looking like the hands of a Zombie. They also gave off the cold aura of death, indicating they were flooded with miasma. The sight quickly stopped Zac in his tracks, and he let go of the man who plopped down on the ground with a groan.


    What the man said finally registered in Zacs mind. The wound truly felt alive, as it time and time again tried to break through the Dao Field Zac had created around the wound. When it didnt work it tried to break out from another direction, just like a caged animal.


    The situation was under control for now, but Zac knew it would be very strenuous to keep his Dao Field going indefinitely.


    What do I do to calm the wound down? Zac said with a frown, not wanting to just leave it like this.


    I have no idea. I only got this ss since my family were exorcists. Or con-men, you know. I helped out until I was old enough to get the hell out from there and get a real job. I dont really know anything about miasma or fighting the undead. I just push the light into the wounds and they heal, he panted as he covered his zombified hands in the golden light.


    Man it will take weeks to rid my hands of this much miasma. And this is only the bacsh. I dont understand how youre alive, but you should go and say your final goodbyes, he said with a bleak expression, though Zac felt he could discern some schadenfreude in the end. I cant imagine anyone surviving that <em>thing</em>.


    Zac looked down on the wounded Purifier with a frown, unsure what to do from here on out. Hed thought that visiting a Purifier would either heal him, or not work. The fact that it seemed to have made things worse wasnt something he expected.


    He could keep going along the edge of the incursion, finding other Purifiers to help out as well, but there was no telling how much time he would waste that way. Weeks, perhaps. And there was no guarantee that the other healers had any solutions.


    The other option was to just hope for the best and push through the Dead Zone. That meant that he would have to go through areas with dense miasma while his wound was out of control though.


    Finally he settled on staying the night in the town. He would wait to see if the restless attacks would subside. If things got worse he might have no choice but to seek out a better Purifier, but if the wound got back to normal again he would push through the Dead Zone.


    Sorry about your hands, Zac said as he ced the agreed upon crystals on the ground.


    You should start working in earnest on your ss. My wound came from an evolved Zombie, so this kind of injury will be more and moremon. If you cant heal these kinds of wounds, then sooner orter some wounded powerhouse mightsh out at you in anger. That little bodyguard downstairs wont be able to protect you.


    Mr. Wang didnt answer Zac, but the Purifier''s frown deepened as he thoughtfully looked at his hands. With that Zac left the small room and walked through the clinic. Zac didnt actually know if what he said was the truth, but humanity needed as manypetent Purifiers as possible.


    Wang Guo got such a gift thanks to his familys odd upation, but if he continued like now that precious gift would get squandered, and it might lead to the death of many warriors who might otherwise have survived.


    The two men were still lying unconscious on the ground when Zac returned to the lobby, though they had been repositioned so that their airways were unobstructed. The nurse called Yao Yao looked up when he appeared, but his facial expression must have been quite bad since she flinched away.


    Is there an ambush waiting for me outside? Zac only asked with a hoarse voice as he gave the girl an even look.


    I dont know, no one hase in or out since you arrived. Is Purifier Wang okay? she answered looking a bit scared.


    Hes fine, but a bit drained. He will likely not be able to work tomorrow, Zac said with a shrug as he exited clinic.


    A quick look around showed nothing out of the usual, except the fact that the whole queue was looking at him with curious or envious eyes. There were no guards lined up, and Zac felt no danger through his sense, so he simply walked away.


    A few quick twists and turnster he found himself in a secluded area where he changed hisrge fur cloak for a more nondescript one. He thought about changing his full face, but he was afraid of doing that at the moment.


    The pain of the transformation might cause him to lose focus, which he couldnt risk while his wound rampaged around in his gut. He did however remove the bun, causing his long hair to cover his face somewhat.


    Next, he hurried over to a tavern far from the clinic. He had already seen a few as he walked through the town earlier, as apparently many Zombie hunters didnt bother owning property. They left for long stretches of time, and their homes might be ransacked when they returned.


    Instead many chose to stay in hotels and taverns while they were in town. Zac chose one that was neither particrly shy nor run-down, and quickly paid for a room.


    He was starting to get a bit dizzy as he was walking up the stairs, as the constant movement had put a strain on him. He opened the door with shaky hands and with a muffled groan he sat down on the floor, finally able to focus on the Dao of Trees.


    Time slowly passed and Zac was extremely relieved to sense that his wound was slowly calming down, allowing him to rx somewhat. However, he didnt dare to relent, so he kept his Dao going, even if it was starting to cause some strain. He felt that as long as he could keep this up for a couple of more hours he''d be back in decent shape, to the point he would dare enter the Dead Zone.


    But unfortunately the night wasnt fated to be a quiet one, as the subdued sounds of steps stopped right outside his door.

 Chapter 169: Natures Barrier

    Chapter 169: Nature''s Barrier


    Zac frowned as his danger sense red to life. He quickly rotated his cosmic energy as a fewrge emerald leaves started to flutter around him as though he was sitting in the middle of a hurricane. The next second the door exploded into wood chippings as some unknown assailers were firing automatic rifles from the other side.


    Zac didnt get flustered and instead only slowly got to his feet. Not a single bullet actually hit him as each and every one was miraculously intercepted by the leaves that were seemingly haphazardly fluttering around him.


    It was Zacs second new skill, <strong>[Natures barrier]</strong>. It was a High F-Graded skill that created a barrier of leaves that automatically intercepted iing projectiles. Their movements werent haphazard at all, but rather followed some intricate pattern that Zac still couldnt make heads or tails of.


    The leaves were extremely durable, but a few tears started to appear from on them the incessant firing. Almost all bullets hit true, making Zac believe that the attackers had some sort of ss that aided in with aim. However, the leaves quickly restored themselves, only at the cost of some Cosmic Energy.


    Natures Barrier wasnt one of the 9 high graded skills in the repository for nothing. It provided an extremely durable extrayer of protection. It also had a few other strong points that suited Zac quite well. The durability on the leaves was based on his Endurance, which was quite unique for barrier spells.


    This alone made it worthy of the High-grade rank. The stopping-power of most spell shields was based on Intelligence, meaning the shields a physical warrior would summon could barely provide any safety.


    The leaves could also be empowered with his Dao of Trees, making it was a perfect fit. However, there was no need to do that for some random rifles. However, after testing the skill out on the ind he found that the rounds that the sniper rifles fired would easily prate the leaves. So he would need to imbue the skill with his Dao to protect himself from that type of attack.


    It was the very same sniper rifles that had prompted Zac to get this skill even though he believed he might get something simr from his ss in the future. Zac felt that apart from his high stats he had no proper way to protect himself from attacks. Even some weaklings managed to burn through all his defensive charges and almost kill him with the help of three rifles.


    The high priest could create a field of fire that incinerated any attack, whereas the Corpse Lord had turned his very body into a treasure, providing far higher protection than average skills. Even Ogras would have no problem surviving an attack from sniper rifles, as he only needed to meld with the shadows.


    Zac waited a second for the shooting to die down before he sted out from the broken door like a raging bull. Outside stood two men, who seemed extremely shocked to see an unscathed Zac emerge. The interruption caused the pain in Zac''s side to re up again, causing a constant annoyance.


    A swift sh from a small tomahawk ripped open the throat of one of the attackers, who helplessly slumped down on the floor with a wet gurgling sound. At the same time, Zac grabbed the throat of the other man and dragged him back into the room.


    Who sent you? Zac asked.


    P-please dont kill me. I was ordered, the man said with horror in his eyes.


    Who? Zac only repeated while he tightened his grip.


    Lord Perseverance, the man quickly said, obviously having no problem betraying the town leader. You shed a lot of wealth at the clinic, and you hurt both the Purifier and a lieutenant.


    Zac shook his head, not too surprised with how things had turned out. He had only hoped that someone who could stay alive this far and even lead a town would have better sense. Zac tightened his grip once more, and this time the crunch of broken bones could be heard in the room. Zac dropped down the corpse on the ground and started to prepare for his next move.


    He swapped out his normal boots to the pair that had no sole, which would allow him to use his movement skill. He had a feeling he would need it since the tavern waspletely silent. The two had emptied a clip each, yet there was nomotion, clearly indicating something was up.


    Finally he was ready to break out, but before Zac left he looked down at the two bodies on the floor, some loss in his eyes. It wasnt really sadness over what he did, but rather at what he was bing. Perhaps he didnt need to kill those two, but he wouldnt leave any hidden risks. It was based on what Ogras said during the third wave.


    He truly didnt just represent himself anymore. Leaving his enemies alive would be like releasing the wolves back into the mountains. Zac couldnt always be around to protect those close to him, and if he kept being merciful his friends and family would be in constant danger.


    He still didn''t take out <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>when he exited the room, feeling there was no one in this town that could force him to get serious. A quick nce around showed apletely empty hallway, confirming his doubt that people had been silently evacuated while he meditated.


    With a few quick jumps, he quickly descended the stairs, but a sense of danger made him immediately move away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. This allowed him to narrowly escape the explosion of a ymore that destroyed the whole stairs where he stood just now.


    Zac frowned as he saw the destruction caused. These Zombie hunters were extraordinarily well-equipped it seemed. Zac could only guess they had raided some army base in the vicinity since those types of explosives shouldnt just be lying around.


    Zac had no doubt that when he exited the little tavern there would be a firing squad waiting for him. He wasnt really worried about the oue, but rather about the rumors that would spread if he went out like a tank and decimated the attackers.


    There still werent too many people who were able to do things like that, and he didnt want to alert either the government or any invaders monitoring his activities.


    To get around the problem Zac simply decided to create his own exit, and with a few shes and a kick, he walked out of the building from the side and quickly ran away. He heard a shout from behind, but now that he was out in the open he wasnt worried theyd catch him.


    Zac activated <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>and sped through a side passage heading for the edge of town. However, he was interrupted after only ten seconds by acute pain in his side, forcing him to slow down to normal speed again.


    Zac groaned and touched his side, feeling the deathly chill of miasma pulsating. He already sensed it a bit when he used <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, but it truly looked like his wound reacted to him using cosmic energy at the moment.


    The wound wasnt like this before back on the ind, making the preparations and research he''d done with the help of Ogras and Alea essentially useless. It was as though a beast had woken up in his wound and started causing all kinds of problems, which no one could have expected. Still, Zac knew it wasnt time to think about it now and instead kept running toward the outer wall of the town.


    Zac was ripping through the streets with breakneck speed even without using his movement skill or cosmic energy, empowered only by his overpowered attributes. However, the hunt was on, and two warriors were closing in on motorcycles. Zac wasnt sure how they could find him so easy, and could only guess they either had a drone or some skill that could track him within a certain area.


    Zac was in no mood to get entangled with whatever the riders had nned, and took out two pieces of rocks he still kept in his bags. He quickly turned around and threw them in quick session, and the two stones shot like cannonballs into the tires of the motorcycles.


    The two pursuers couldnt keep their vehicles under control even with their improved attributes, and they quickly jumped off the motorcycles who went out of control crashing into a storefront. A quick nce back showed that they were scuffed butrgely unscathed, and one even readied a gun while rolling. However, Zac rounded a corner and the shots fired harmlessly hit a wall.


    Luckily the town wasnt toorge, and Zac soon found himself at the outer wall. A soldier on guard up on the wall walk heard themotion of the pursuit, and quickly levied his rifle at Zac and fired. Zac quickly dodged the first shots as he took out a Tomahawk. With a quick throw, it embedded itself deep into the chest of the guard, who fell over the side with a groan.


    Not wanting to stay one more second in this town, Zac climbed up the wall quick like a monkey, turning back to remember the faces of those who tried to kill him. But a sense of danger made him heedlessly throw himself over the edge before he could make out anyone''s appearance.


    An enormous fireball sted into the section that Zac stood on a second earlier,pletely erasing the section of the wall. Zac frowned as he looked back up on the wall he just fell down from. It appeared there were somepetent people in the town, after all.


    With a grunt, he quickly ripped out the tomahawk from the chest of the fallen guard, and from there ran straight toward the Dead Zone. He ignored the pain in his wound, and once again activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> for a whole minute this time in order to create some distance.


    As soon as he found a road leading south-east he took out his car and quickly sped off. As he drove he once again was able to mainly focus on the Dao of Trees, and he was relieved to feel that the wound was quickly calming down again. It appeared that while using Cosmic Energy triggered the wound somewhat, it wasnt anywhere close to what happened did when it was attacked by the healing energy of the Purifier.


    It waspletely quiet as Zac sped along through the dead of night, with neither humans nor zombies in sight. Zac knew that this would be the case, as the zombie hunters had essentially cleaned everything out along the rim of the dead zone. To find targets they needed to head further and further in.


    It felt a bit shameful to escape in a mad dash instead of just walking out tall and proud. It wasnt like hed done anything wrong. But it felt too stupid to eradicate a main opposition to the zombies just because one of the lieutenants being an asshole, creating an unfortunate chain reaction.


    Besides, one man fleeing this so-called Lord Perseverance was a far less attention-grabbing gossip than one man killing the lord and his whole army.


    Zac kept driving for almost an hour without any lights out, guided only by his keen reflexes and eyesight. However, his mouth curved downward in annoyance as he suddenly saw an array of lights blocking the road ahead.


    With a somber expression, he stopped the car and walked out, almost blinded by the light. It felt like there was no point to try and sneak around, as they clearly knew his location. He needed to clear this situation up unless he wanted to be hounded for days.


    Between the floodlights Zac saw roughly thirty men lined up, armed with both military weapons and things like swords and spears. The vehicles themselves were clearly of army-make, reinforcing Zacs belief that this town had ransacked an army base, or perhaps even was founded by deserted soldiers.


    A lot of trouble for just one person, Zac said with a steady voice as he looked at the captors.


    Oh, Lord Perseverance doesnt get his name without reason, a teasing voice answered.


    So what do you want? Zac asked, trying his hardest to keep his increasingly short fuse in check.


    What do all men want? Beauty, youth, wealth. You, unfortunately, dont have the first two, but I do believe you have thest one, the voice responded, eliciting guffaws from the other bandits.


    We know you have a Cosmos Sackrge enough to fit a car. Throw it over, along with everything you wear, and Ill let you leave, the man said, prompting another round ofughs.


    Something snapped in Zac, and he wordlessly took out his weapon. This time it wasnt a tomahawk or the twohanded axe he wore on his back, but <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. He didnt expect any of the men in front of him to tell any tales of his distinctive weapon and fighting style.


    Because enough was enough.

 Chapter 170: Conquest

    Chapter 170: Conquest


    Alright, whats next? Ogras said with a sigh as he cracked his neck.


    It was just like that god damn man to go gallivanting just when he became a Lord, leaving all the boring work for others. Now Ogras found himself stuck with Adran, who was starting to look more and more disagreeable by the day. A quick look at his new watch told him hed been stuck in this room for over three hours.


    At least the new government building was far better than the stuffy old tent that Adran used before. It was arge four-story structure with quite a few rooms, all nicely ventted. It was one of the first things they finished outside the wall, as Ogras believed that the growing poption needed feel the power of the government.


    There have been a fewints by the so-called experts, citing bad working conditions. A few have requested to be sent back to New Washington, the stocky administrator said after looking at his docket.


    Ogras only snorted in derision, showing clearly what he thought about that.


    Everyone is making do with what we have. Cease work on those peoples homes and focus on those who are properly integrating. No point in wasting effort on those kinds of people, the young demon lord said with a shrug.


    There had been some general dissatisfaction amongst the humans after the third wave. The fact that they were almost overrun by three incursions had frayed their nerves, causing some unrest. The fact that they won in just a few hours didnt seem to be much of afort for them either.


    Ogras had to admit that his actions right after Zac left hadnt helped much. As soon as Zac went on his journey Ogras gathered every single demon, having each of them swallow a piece of the Springroot. There actually were two who refused, and they were summarily killed without trial.


    Next, they walked over and rounded up every single human, who counted over a thousand by now. They were herded to therge square of the Academy, mainly to keep people from running away with the help of the gravity array. The same procedure happened there, though Ogras used a bit gentler methods. He only slightly tortured the first ones who refused to eat, instead of outright killing them.


    It had turned out that a total of 8 people were infiltrators, and Ogras still couldnt be sure if that was all of them. However, having some spies in ones midst was noting umon, so he decided to not waste any more effort on it. Just take those two incessant women who kept pestering him. However, some of the humans had been crying about human rights vitions or the like, making him want to show them some real vitions.


    Still, he knew he had to keep himself in check for when Zac came back. The man was still a bit too soft for Ogras taste, and the demon knew Zac would cause a ruckus if he handled the little humans too roughly. And Ogras really needed to stay on his good side for now.


    Finally there is the issue of the town who calls itself Refugee Harbor. Since they are located on one of the closest inds and quite populous we aimed to integrate them into the arraywork first, getting ess to their manpower. However, two parties have been rebuffed already, refused ess to the town. The second time they were even attacked and forced to flee, Adran continued with a small frown.


    Oh? There was such a thing? Ogras asked with some interest. How strong are their forces?


    From what we can tell not overly powerful, their strongest elites are perhaps slightly stronger than the Valkyries. We still have no information about the leader either, as he hasnt shown himself, the administrator answered.


    Ogras mulled it over as he tapped his fingers against the metallic mold that he had stretching out from his missing forearm. He looked forward to see the results of his little experiment.


    Ready therge ship Zac, uh Lord Atwood, bought and 50 soldiers. Ah, bring 2 squads of the girls as well, might as well give them some experience, Ogras said as he roused himself with a small smile. My ass is getting splinters from sitting here day after day. Conquering a town sounds like fun.


    We did receive reports of something odd going on there, Adran hesitantly said. Its the ce with the missing children and adults acting weird.


    Oh, Ill bring Janos and Alea as well. Theyll be able to counter any mind-altering things, if thats whats going on there, Ogras said with a shrug as he stood up and left.


    As Ogras walked out of the government building he couldnt stop himself from throwing a nce at the gaudy tower on the other side of the wall, still spewing out its nauseating rays of light. Just looking at the ce made Ogras pissed off. Hed never met as annoying a construct in his life.


    Clearly, being stuck in some forgotten pocket of the multi-verse had turned the tool spirit insane. However, he really needed to ingratiate himself with it, as he felt that the ticket to his current problems might be through the repository.


    Ogras still remembered the soul-wrenching feeling of standing in front of the Nexus Crystal, realizing the system deemed him unworthy. Hed walked the path of the elite, struggling in the shadows all these years, yet it wasnt enough.


    Not a single upgrade path was avable to him at the moment, locking him to the F-Grade. He always knew this might happen as he followed an iplete heritage, yet having it confirmed was a real blow.


    At first, hed lived in denial, hoping that it was the System holding him back with its restrictions, but he knew now that wasnt the case. He knew that perhaps all 3 of the leaders who invaded the ind already had evolved, and were only waiting for the system to release the shackles. In fact it was quite normal to send people right at the precipice of evolving.


    It would allow passage through the Incursion, and the second they got through to the baby world they could take thest step into E-Ranks. From there they could properly spend their time to solidify their foundations until they could burst out with unprecedented power as soon as thest restrictions were removed. That was one of the reasons that these humans hadnt been erased so far.


    Yet he was stuck where he was, unable to take that step. Who knew how long it would take for him to gain whatever was needed to improve. The Fruit of Ascension wasnt enough. He even sacrificed a hand in order to rack up some god damn achievements, hoping that would allow him to evolve. But not even that was enough for The Ruthless Heavens.


    At least he was lucky enough to be able to hide behind a humanherbeast. He needed Zac to keep growing into a true monster until he could solve his current conundrum. Ogras knew that more promising men than him had been stuck on this very step for their whole life until they died, consumed with regret.


    Yet Ogras refused to sumb to that fate. His eyes once again moved to the towers in the distance.


    <em>The Umbra. </em>


    He had been despondent, desperate even, until he saw that inheritance. A new path opened up to him as he read those two words. Those two words might not mean much to others, but to Ogras it represented the difference between dying a nobody and defying the heavens.


    A full inheritance of someone who walked a very simr path as himself. Such a gift was something that essentially everyone in the multi-verse thirsted for. It was far superior to some Dao fruit or heritages. It could save hundreds, perhaps thousands of years of effort, depending on the grade.


    Perhaps it could even give him arge enough boost for him to dare go through with his quest. He had thought that he wouldnt get any quests for a long while due to his actions in forfeiting the invasion, yet it was there, staring at him.


    <strong>[Doubling down (Unique): y an Incursion leader. Reward: [Tower of Eternity Token], restrictions removed. (0/1)]</strong>


    Ogras saw it as sort of a test by The Ruthless Heavens, a chance for him to prove it wasnt cowardice or weakness that made him give up on the invasion. However, until he saw the inheritance he simply ignored it. He barely survived a fight with one Churchs generals, how the hell would he survive the big boss?


    And dont even mention the Tower. He barely survived the desperate push that got him to the entrance of the third floor. He still had one chance left, but as he was now he knew that going back was suicide.


    But armed with an inheritance? That waspletely another matter. Even more, if he managed to drag a certain human with him to walk in front of him to take the brunt of the trial


    Ogras couldnt help feeling the universe was paving a true path of supremacy for him, and couldnt help whistle a tune as he walked toward the house of the old goat. He was thinking of bringing him along. Not because he really needed an experienced sailor, but rather that he enjoyed Sap Trangspany.


    So anyway, dont mention that appearance to lord Atwood, or you will be spending the rest of your short life on the toilet, a familiar voice could be heard from inside the small hut the fisherman had built for himself.


    Intrigued, Ogras melded into the shadows as he slipped into the house.


    Littless, no need for threats. But you know, you shouldnt keep secrets from your significant other. If he truly likes you he wont mind you are a swamp monster, Mr. Sap said, looking troubled.


    Alea looked extremely annoyed at the fishermansment.


    Hes not... Well anyway, I am no swamp monster, its just someplications from my ss I am working out. Lord Zac doesnt need to know about it until Ive fixed it, ok? And you, why are you hiding in the shadows? Alea said as she swirled around to the shadows in the corner.


    Ogras was a bit embarrassed but didnt let it show as he walked out of the shadows.


    Lets go. We have a town to conquer. And the old goats right. Why not just stay in your real body for now, instead of wasting all that Cosmic Energy? Hes not even here.


    Its NOT my real body! Alea raged. And I cant have people talking. Whatever, lets go.


    With that, she simply grabbed the cor of the old fisherman, who helplessly followed the two.


    Next, the three walked over to the Academy, intent on bringing a few of the little spear girls. They had just gotten their sses, and some real battle might remind them they werent immortals just yet.


    We only take orders from lord Zac, one of the leaders simply said after Ogras told them about the mission.


    Ogras didnt know her name since he hadnt bothered learning any of them, but he couldnt help cursing Zac as he looked at the small army. He had all these girls willingly entering contracts with him, yet he only stayed by himself in hisrge empty castle. Perhaps he really was a monk.


    Well, that might be true, but Illvere and Alyn take orders from me, Ogras said with a small smile. I hear you want to go to the Ratman incursion in a week? It would be a shame if those two said you werent ready.


    The Valkyries angrily red at him for a bit, before they reluctantly started to get their gear.


    Dont be so glum, were going to liberate a town that refuses to acknowledge your great Lord, Ogras said with augh after seeing their faces, which actually seemed to improve their mood.


    In just two hours the awe-inspiring Carrack set out, slicing through the waters. It was manned by a group of eager demons and two squads of Valkyries who not only balefully red at Ogras but at Alea as well.


    The girls were in a generallypetitive mood against the poison mistress, as she went over to the Academy every now and then to improve their natural poison resistance, as she called it. Ogras knew it was more about marking territories, but he didnt really care.


    It took a few hours but soon they found themselves outside the gates of Refugees Harbor. Ogras considered just sting a hole in the whole thing with the ships weapons, but reluctantly decided against it. He was sure it would end with some dragged out lecture from Zac when he got back.


    Instead, he anchored some distance away from the town and only left a skeleton crew to man its cannons in case would be needed after all. The rest followed him toward the gates. Ogras threw a disdainful nce at the scared-looking guards standing on top of the wall, and with a shake of his head took a step forward.


    He guessed hed have to at least give them a chance to surrender.

 Chapter 171: Shamelessness

    Chapter 171: Shamelessness


    You know who we are. Open the gates or well open it for you, Ogras said with a loud voice, looking up at the hapless guards.


    There was no response for a few seconds, and the silence stretched on as the humans up on the wall looked at each other with despondent faces. Ogras was almost thankful for their inaction, as it would save a lot of time in their end.


    Very well, thank you for making this easy, Ogras said with a shrug as the gate was drowned in darkness.


    Constant sounds of wood breaking and splintering could be heard as the thick gate was impaled by numerous shadow spears. Shouts erupted from the wall, and a few attempted to stop Ogras attack. A few arrows and ineffectual spells sailed toward him, but Ogras effortlessly ignored them without breaking a sweat.


    The demons didnt stay passive when they saw their general being attacked, and a multitude of far more powerful attacks sted into the wall,pletely decimating the top sections of it. Screams and wails could be heard, but Ogras didnt care as he stepped forward. It felt nice to not be the defender for once, but the conqueror.


    Step by step he walked through the remains of the gate, his shadows suffocating the small fires that had started from the spells. The demons followed behind him, and finally the Valkyries walked in the rear with troubled countenances on their faces.


    One by one they stepped through the wall of smoke into the town proper, and found themselves face to face with around two hundred warriors. They looked scared but they stood their ground, surprising Ogras somewhat.


    Please, we just want to live our lives in peace, why do you need to keeping here? a woman in the front shouted with red-rimmed eyes.


    Well if it doesnt suit you, then youre wee to swim out of our sphere of influence, Ogras answered with a smile. But as long as you stay in Lord Atwoods kingdom you will need to follow hisws.


    Since when is this area under the influence of demons? We never agree to follow one of your kind, another man with arge sword shouted back.


    Then youll be happy to learn that Lord Atwood is a bona fide human. Now let me ask you something. Where are all the children? Ogras retorted.


    The defenders looked at each other with troubled faces, apparently readying themselves for a fight.


    Why do you want to know that? Theres no need for you to bother our children, the woman aggressively shot back, fear covering her face.


    Well, depending on what you did with them we will either kill you all, or well- Ogras didnt get further as Janos walked up and coughed next to him.


    Something Off. Catch me one? a voice suddenly said next to him, making Ogras turn to the taciturn Illusionist.


    Youre saying they are under an illusion? Ogras asked with a low voice.


    Maybe. Saw glimmer in eyes. Mind control, Janos answered with a small shrug.


    Ogras thought it over for a second until he turned his gaze to a building that was ced just behind the defending army. With a slight exertion, he managed to extend his shadows all the way over there, and with a few well-ced stabs he destroyed the supporting beams of the structure.


    The house soon copsed with arge crash, making many of the defenders worriedly turn around, afraid of getting ambushed. Ogras took advantage of the briefpse of focus to sh over and grab the woman in the front. Shadows swirled all around her in a fraction of a second, and she waspletely immobilized as Ogras teleported back to his own side.


    WHAT ARE YOU DOING? RELEASE ME! she shouted and tried to frically rip free from her binding.


    The shout made the humans finally realize what just happened, and a few shouted some weak demands to release her. Ogras only snorted and nodded at Janos who walked over and touched her forehead. She quickly calmed down and her face gained a wooden expression, devoid of any life.


    Ask now, Janos said and backed away.


    Whats your name? Ogras asked the woman ced in a trance.


    It was one of Janos more convenient skills. The only downside was that there had to be quite a difference in attributes between the illusionist and the target for it to work. Besides, even weaklings with extremely strong convictions or wills could break out of it, though this woman seemed to possess neither.


    Katherine, she mumbled without changing her expression.


    What happened with the children of this town? Are they dead? Ogras asked.


    Ogras knew that if these people had killed all the kids, then Zac would have personally eradicated everyone here, so it would make his life quite easy. They could simply mow everybatant down, construct a teleporter and be back before supper. But if not, perhaps the situation was moreplicated.


    Hes holding them captive. We need to follow his order or hell hurt them. He ordered us to make you leave, she said, some fear once again emerging on her face.


    Whos he? Ogras asked intrigued.


    It took a special level of scum to go through with that kind of n, and Ogras was almost impressed.


    The lord, Lord of Eyes. Hell hurt them unless we do what he says, she repeated.


    Why dont you just kill him, and youll all be free? Alea asked as she stepped forward.


    We cant, it would harm the children, she said with a frantic shake of her head.


    Why?


    It the woman began, but started frowning in confusion.


    Hypnotic suggestion, Janos said.


    What? Ogras asked, slightly annoyed that the man still hadnt worked out his speech impairment after all these years.


    Protective measure. Imnt suggestion. Cant attack, fail, the Illusionist said with a pained face.


    Hes saying that his lord has imnted the townspeople with a hypnotic suggestion. An attempt to kill him or rescue the children will end in failure, and even kill the children, Alea tranted, being used to Janos stilted speech.


    Then why bother with kidnapping the children? Cant he just hypnotize them to follow his orders? Ogras asked skeptically, feeling that the whole thing sounded like a pain in the ass.


    Weak hypnotist, too many, too big suggestion, Janos said.


    Ogras finally understood what was going on. Hypnosis generally wasnt some supreme skill that could make people, especially strong cultivators, believe or do anything. Hypnosis was essentially tricking the brain, not forcing it to believe something. No hypnotist could make a man kill himself, for example, as that would go against the primal instinct of them.


    However, this Lord of Eyes had found a pretty smart solution. He didnt imnt a suggestion that tried to force the into unconditional surrender, but a suggestion that an attack on him would end with the hostages dying. For all people knew, it might actually be true, so imnting it would be far easier than saying that the lord was simply invincible.


    It was an extrayer of protection the hypnotist created for himself on top of having actual hostages. Ogras brows rose at the realization, as this level of cowardice was something else. Still, the man couldnt be aplete weakling if he not only managed to capture all the kids but even managed to imnt the whole town with suggestions.


    He only hesitated for a second before he put on his <strong>[Circlet of Tranquility]</strong>. It was the same item hed used before to protect himself against mental attacks, and it also worked against mind control. It might be an over-the-top measure against some random hypnotist, but he wouldnt gamble with his little life. It would be a true embarrassment if he was hypnotized by some hack at an isted town on a baby world. He might just as well kill himself from embarrassment.


    Where is this Lord of Eyes now? Ogras asked next.


    Hes hiding in the library, the woman answered, her face once again having turned expressionless.


    Ill be right back, Ogras said, as he looked at the building the captive indicated.


    Do you need help? Alea asked, but only received a smallugh as an answer as the shadows swallowed Ogras.


    In no time he walked amongst the book-cases, the ws on his feet creating a cking sound in the otherwise silent library. Rows and rows of dusty books lined the building, actually making Ogras a bit excited.


    This baby was far more interesting than he ever could have imagined. The poor saps lived their whole lives without a speck of Cosmic Energy, yet they had created so many fun things. The almost endless amounts of movies and shows were a testament to this, but that only scratched the surface.


    Lately hed asked around a bit about the history of the world from various humans, mainly the congenial one currently running the tavern, and what he learned truly astounded him. The humans of Earth had a shorter history than his own n, yet they had gone from cavemen to taking the first steps of discovering the multiverse.


    Who knew, if they were left alone for another few thousand years they might actually have be a new lineage of the technocrats. He wondered just how they could be so industrious. A few thousand years was just a blink in the history of his own homeworld, and nothing really changed.


    Perhaps a few wars would take ce, and a few new ns emerge. Perhaps there was something in the air of this world making the humans so restless, forcing them to keep reinventing themselves.


    He truly looked forward perusing this library, but that would have to be saved for another day. He kept scanning the building with <strong>[Omniscient Eyes] </strong>until they fell upon a certain bookcase against a wall. His mouth tugged upwards and walked over. He gripped the wooden bookcase with a hand and simply flung it away, not bothering with finding the hidden mechanic.


    Behind the bookcase was a drape, hiding the entrance to a small room. When Ogras pushed the garment to the side he saw a grimy-looking man wearing rags sit pathetically in a corner.


    Wha- Please, spare me! Im just a nobody, tending the books, the man cried with a wretched appearance.


    Spare the waterworks. The Lord of Eyes, I presume? Ogras said as he stepped into the small hideout.


    Wha? No, Im Gregor, the librarian, he answered with a confused face, but before he could continue a spear of shadows prated his leg, making him shriek in pain.


    Dont waste my time, I want to be home before dinner. Where are you keeping the kids? Ogras said as he looked down on the prompt showing above the man.


    <strong>Gregor Johnsson.</strong>


    <strong>Level: 34</strong>


    <strong>ss: Hypnotist (Umon).</strong>


    <strong>Most used skill: Seed of Suggestion</strong>


    <strong>Highest Attribute: Wisdom</strong>


    Wait, ok, its me. But know that if Im harmed any further the children will all die. We are linked through my Mental Hive-skill, the man said between grit teeth.


    Ogras snorted as he felt the gem on his circlet heat up, and from how hot it got he realized that it was actually a quite strong attack. The man must have leveled up his <strong>[Seed of Suggestion</strong>] skill to at least high level from using it on the whole town.


    Dont bother using your Seed of Suggestion skill like on the vigers. And even if your little suggestion was true, what would I care about some human brats dying? Ogras said as another leg of the hypnotist was gored.


    The man was now wailing and crying on the floor, sounding like hed been put through the thousand tortures.


    Please, no more, Ill do whatever, Ill work for you! The kids are hidden in the town hall. Theres a hidden bomb shelter in the basement, theyre there, Gregor cried, tears and snot freely running down his face.


    Its a shame, someone like you would make a decent asset. This level of shamelessness is in a way a strength. But I dont want to rock the boat with the little lord at the moment, I have an inheritance to receive, after all. So my apologies, Ogras said with a somewhat regretful face.


    The Lord of Eyes confusedly opened his mouth, but before he could speak arge shadow spear impaled his torso,pletely skewering him. A small burst of cosmic energy entered Ogras body, but it soon dissipated out of his body once again, reminding him of his predicament of being stuck on the bottleneck.


    Ogras ced the corpse in his bag and returned to the armies who were still in a standstill.


    Its done, the kids are in the basement of the town hall over there. Hidden bomb shelter, Ogras said as he appeared.


    From there it didnt take long to sort everything out. When Ogras showed the corpse of the Lord of Eyes, chaos took hold of the defending army, with everyone crying that the children were doomed. Only when the Valkyries and a few demons were leading out roughly three hundred haggard, but living, children would they calm down.


    The Hypnotist was dead, but the suggestions still lingered in their minds, though they would dispel by themselves over time ording to Janos. The Illusionist also walked around and helped to speed along the process, and soon a few people, including the formerly captured woman stood in front of Ogras and the others.


    Thank you for releasing us from this mental prison, and sorry about the way we acted earlier, the woman said with some embarrassment.


    Its no problem. Lord Atwood would surely havee to your aid sooner if we knew what was going on here. Since your town appeared fine on the surface we mainly focused on saving those facing death on the other inds, Ogras said with a straight face. Im surprised you are so calm facing us demons. Most humans are a bit more shocked.


    Well, we only met the Beastkin in the Tutorial, but I guess youre another of the new races sharing the fused world? the woman asked.


    Uh, right. You actually have cultivators here? Ogras asked intrigued.


    Yes, roughly two thousand of us are cultivators, she answered as a matter of course, but Ogras could barely contain his surprise.


    This could only mean that Refugees Harbor was a drop-off site for a human tutorial group. It exined why the town wasrgely fine when most of the humans they scooped up on the various inds were on theirst legs. But before he could ask any follow-up questions a beautiful, but dirty, woman somewhere in her twenties pushed herself to the forefront of the cultivators of Refugees Harbor.


    Please, excuse me! You said that the Lord''s name is Atwood? Is it Zachary Atwood? she asked with a hesitant face.


    Why do you know that name? Who are you? Ogras asked with a frown.


    Im Hannah, Zacs girlfriend.

 Chapter 172: Balance

    Chapter 172: Bnce


    A horrifying pressure spread out from Zac as he stepped forward with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in his hands. The previously rowdy squad from Perseverance didnt have time to react before he was upon them. A horizontal swing of <strong>[Chop] </strong>ripped through most of the group, crushing hastily erected defenses like dry twigs.


    Attack! the voice from earlier frantically cried, no longer having any joviality in it.


    However, it was to no avail as a dozen glittering leaves whirled around Zac as he methodically cut down everything. Spells and bullets flew through the night, but the defensive skill of Zac proved its worth as the attacks were continuously blocked. The few that snuck by couldnt really hurt Zac either, as between his monstrous Endurance and E-Grade robes he was nigh-invulnerable to ordinary attacks.


    A car door mmed and an engine started, clearly indicating someone had quickly grown tired of the fight. Zac only shook his head with some regret, and detached his fractal edge, letting it cut the military vehicle and its driver in half. He would actually already have finished the fight if it wasnt for the fact that he didnt want to damage the vehicles.


    They would be a great asset to his town, as he didnt have many good vehicles at the moment. With some inscriptions and the engine modifications, they would be great tools for his force to explore and traverse the main continent in the future. After all it seemed the Creators wouldnt sell anynd vehicles. The next step after the ships would be the flying spiritual tools, but that was extremely far off.


    There were roughly thirty people who were part of the ambush, but the fight onlysted for less than a minute before the night once again was nketed in deathly silence. Corpses were strewn all over, some as far as a few hundred meters away from the blockade. After the initial rampage a few tried to flee, but between <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>and the fractal edge projectiles Zac shot out none survived.


    However, the battle wasntpletely without consequence, as Zac was panting with a pallid face. He tried to end it as quickly as possible in order to not let his wound go out of control again, but it was no stopping it as a horrible pain spread through his side.


    Worse yet, it started to absorb miasma as well. It seemed like something in the wound almost had turned into a small whirlpool, slowly rotating while drawing in the deathly energy in the atmosphere. Luckily the Dao of Trees blocked out a good chunk of it, forming a natural barrier.


    After a brief hesitation he chose not to head out of the Dead Zone. Between the Cleansing Pill he ate back on the ind, the Purifiers efforts, and his Dao, it would take weeks before the concentration of miasma reached the levels of concentration it had right at the beginning. Besides, the wound calmed down after a while thest time, so hopefully the same would happen again.


    Still, he didnt wish to remain at the scene of the battle. It looked like only the leader who spoke in the beginning had a semnce of power, whereas the others were normal foot soldiers. Most used machine guns rather than skills, showing that their power was limited. The huge fireball that almost sted him up on the wall of Perseverance was still fresh in his mind. He wasnt in the mood to take one of those sts at the moment, as the leaves wouldnt do much against such an attack.


    Zac therefore quickly collected all the vehicles as in greatest cosmos sack, gaining 10 military jeeps. After a brief hesitation, he also threw in the bodies of all the men as well, not wanting to leave them to give clues of what happened here. He wanted to leave the so-called Lord Perseverance with some doubt, and if he was smart hed cut his losses.


    Besides, even if they were enemies they were all humans. To leave them here would mean theyd turn to zombies eventually. Hed make sure that they would rest in peace instead. He didnt bother cleaning up the scene any more than that though, leaving the scars and cracks left from his and the others attacks. Finally he put his own car into a sack, and brought out a new one.


    It was one of the few vehicles that already was modified to run on crystals instead of gas. Earlier he used a normal one since he expected to enter a town, but now he had no suchpunctions. Gas was scarce and he didnt want to waste it, while he had an almost endless number of crystals. Besides, the car running on Cosmos Energy had another advantage. It made almost no sound, even more-so than an electric car.


    Zac swooshed along the road, a silent spectre in the night. However, a frown started to emerge on his face, as the wound wasnt calming down, and instead kept rotating and absorbing miasma. He thought about stopping, but he still was quite close to the border town. Instead he kept driving for another two hours, until the first rays of daylight started to push through the thick grey clouds that seemed to cover the Dead Zone.


    At that moment he stopped the car and put it into a Cosmos Sack, as he walked into the forest next to the road. Even with some sunlight it felt like the Dead Zone was nketed in an endless gloom, thebination of miasma and the thick clouds creating a sort of a natural barrier against the suns.


    As he walked along the forest he also noted that widespread terraforming was taking ce inside. He still was quite far out in the edge of the domain of the undead forces, but the trees had already started to transform. They had long lost their leaves it seemed, though Zac couldnt tell whether it was due to the miasma or winters approach.


    Since Zac Dao of Trees he could somewhat sense how the trees was faring, and he wasnt surprised when he felt that most of the trees were dead or on the verge of dying. However, there were some that defiantly struggled on in the face of death, actually somehow gaining strength from the struggle. Others had simply mutated, and seemed to be quietly absorbing miasma as nourishment. As he saw it he was reminded of the adage that life finds a way.


    After having walked for thirty minutes he felt confident that he was both far from any civilization, meaning he shouldnt run into any zombies, or far enough into no-mansnd that no zombie hunters should find him. Therefore he started to look around for a ce to camp.


    He still hadnt slept during the night, as he was busy trying to calm down his wound earlier. Even with his stats he was starting to get tired, and he didnt want to risk losing focus inside an incursion. He looked around a bit and finally he found a tree that stood tall and proud, actually still having its leaves on its branches.


    It was one of the trees that had found a way tobat the miasma. Zac didnt really understand how, but after holding his hands to it for a while it almost felt like it slowly transformed the deathly energy back into normal Cosmic Energy. It was essentially the reverse of what zombies and unholy beacons did.


    Zac was also happy to sense that the miasma actually was quite a bit sparser around the tree, prompting him to sit down and rest his back against the thick trunk. Still, even with better environment his wound wouldnt stop absorbing miasma.


    Until now hed held back on trying to cut out whatever was in the wound, as the Demon physician had noted it mighte with unexpected side-effects. It was a bit like cooking a fugu fish, one wrong cut and the whole fish would turn poisonous. There was a risk with the same happening to Zac, so he decided on slowly healing.


    However, things had changed since the purifier tried fixing him. It wasnt slowly getting better like before, but rather getting worse. Zac had seen the effect of miasma poisoning first-hand, and had no desire to be the walking dead.


    He was tired, but before sleeping hed give it a chance. He took out a knife hed prepared for just this asion, along with some bandages and a shlight. Next he took off all his clothes on his torso, disying the wound out in the cold air.


    It truly looked ghastly, a ck hole with tendrils spreading out from it. After a brief touch it didnt feel hot like an infection, but rather a numbing cold. This much was the same as before, but one startling change had taken ce. The wound was now slowly pusling, as though it had a heartbeat of its own.


    The disgusting sight only reaffirmed Zacs decision, and with a somber expression he disinfected the knife before he gingerly cut into his flesh right outside the core of the wound. His n was to quickly cut out the center, and then slowly heal the tendrils after the main part of the wound was gone.


    However, he only managed to cut a centimeter into his body before a wave of pain unlike anything hed felt before flooded his mind, overloading his system. Zac had no way to produce any semnce of a response as his eyes rolled up into his head and he copsed back against the tree unconscious.


    The suns were already quite high in the sky when Zac woke up again with a start, and he was surprised to see that hed actually slept for 5 hours. It was far longerpared to the two to three hours he usually slept, and guessed it was since he wasnt in great condition.


    After making sure nothing in his surroundings was amiss he quickly looked down at his wound, and breathed in relief that his little experiment didnt seem to have made anything worse. The ck core was still slowly pulsating, but it hadnt spread out while he was knocked out.


    A quick internal check also showed that his body didnt contain any more miasmapared to earlier. In fact, it almost seemed there were less of it than before in his body. However, Zac was worried to see that small amounts of miasma were still entering him. As he dressed again he pondered on his next step.


    He was truly walking along blind, not knowing what the hell the thing in his body was. It was quite unfortunate that neither Calrin nor Ogras could figure anything out. The undead faction was extremely vast with tens of thousands of sses and means, and there was no way they could find out exactly what hed been struck by.


    It also was quite hard for the gnome to buy anything used for purifying the miasma. The undead empire saw those types of pills as a direct affront to their faction, and that selling those types of things an attack on them. The pills themselves werent hard to make, but few were willing to draw the undeads ire for the limited revenue that came with the purifying pills.


    Zac sighed and rested his head back against therge tree again, closing his eyes. It truly was a marvelous specimen, surviving in this harsh climate. The suns were obscured, and the energy in the atmosphere was corrupted, yet the tree pushed forward, not giving up. Zac thought of trying to glean any hints from it, and entered a meditative state as he tried to understand what the tree actually was doing.


    The hours passed and soon the small Dao field he had erected around his wound started to change. Before it was like a cloud that blocked miasma from entering the wound, but since the cloud was porous some snuck through. However, the cloud started to transform, turning into a small whirlpool as well, moving the opposite direction from the whirl in his wound.

 Chapter 173: Disrupt the Call

    Chapter 173: Disrupt the Call


    Zac felt hed stumbled upon something important as he slowly controlled the Dao of Trees to rotate over the wound. It was a way of maniption of the Dao that hed never done before. Usually, he just pushed the Dao into his attack or his body, but now he realized that type of usage probably could be likened to back when he was alone on the ind.


    The way he used Cosmic Energy in the start was to simply push it into his arms and legs to run faster and punch harder. There was no refinement or finesse to it, and most of the energy was wasted. However, using it in a controlled manner, such as through skills, showed far higher effectiveness.


    It seemed that it was the same with the Dao. Even though he was anxious to get going he felt it was critical to test this further, so he slowly manipted the little whirlpool containing his Dao of Trees. Eventually he managed to manipte it slightly, such as growing or making it smaller.


    More importantly, as he kept the small Dao field spinning over his wound Zac noticed that keeping it going was almost effortless. He still hadnt really understood exactly what the power from Dao was. Ogras called it the Power of Laws, whereas Calrin mentioned Spirit. Zac himself thought of it as mental energy.


    In any case, the consumption of mental energy seemed far lower when hed turned the Dao field into a small whirlwind, as though the spinning was keeping the field from dissipating on its own. Zac only needed to supply it with a bit of energy every now and then to keep the rotation going. It was far more efficient than wasting a lot of energy to keep a blob of Dao to cover the wound for a while, and then rest a bit as the wound grew worse again.


    Having finally found a way tobat the corruption he got up to his feet and started to walk away. However, he quickly walked back and cut off a few saplings from the tree, as the mutation was worth further study. It had even opened up a new avenue for him in a sense, showing a possible direction of how to take his Dao one step further.


    Without death, there can be no life. The tree had taken that even further, as it created life out of death, converting miasma to cosmic energy. It was like the seasons, the death of winter turning into the warm life of summer. He felt it was very possible to use this concept into improving his Dao of Trees, though he wasnt quite there yet.


    Zac kept going southeast through the forest, not bothering going back to the road. It didnt make much difference in speed whether he drove over broken-down roads or sped through the forest on foot, at least not now when his wound was under control.


    Had this been a year or so ago hed be extremely freaked out by the gloomy atmosphere, but now it barely registered as most of his mind was preupied with the Dao of Trees. If he wasnt on a clock he would have secluded himself right at this moment, trying to formalize the wisp of insight hed gained as he sat under the resisting tree.


    However, time waits for no man. There were myriad things he needed to get done. The first and foremost was finding Kenzie, but that was just the start. Next thing on his list was the hegemony quest. There was a one-month time limit on it, so needed to finish it quickly. It was only called the first step, which made it sound like a ssic quest chain.


    But even though it was only the first step it gave extravagant rewards, making Zac extremely curious as to what other things were waiting down the road. It was also quite wee considering that there soon was the global treasure hunt.


    He had been hemming and hawing whether he should go or not, especially now that it looked like hed be a persona non grata with the government. But it was starting to feel like he didnt have much of a choice. The weight of responsibility was starting to push down on him. He simply wasnt strong enough at the moment.


    He might be strongpared to some rabble, or even on earth in general. Yet he barely managed to fight off the Corpse Lord, who wasnt even the leader of the incursion. That was only one of the Incursions, and beyond that were the Dominators who were suspiciously silent.


    The treasure hunt was supposed to give unique opportunities to gain power, and he couldnt afford not to go anymore, no matter what he personally wanted to do. He would just have to keep his head down and fight for opportunities, and hopefully not get dragged into anyrge-scale conflict.


    Four days quickly passed, and Zac felt he was making good time through the Dead Zone. Hed been afraid that he would be bogged down by endless waves of Zombies, but he barely saw a single one. Then again, it made sense since the incursion had grown way out of proportion, being almost asrge as the old United States inndmass.


    Still, with his superhuman attributes, hed crossed around half of the Dead Zone, as he guessed he was somewhat near the Core by now. Just two or three days of travel to the southwest and he should be right at the Nexus Hub that was the core of the Undead Incursion. Of course, he was heading east, almost in the opposite direction. For the moment he had no interest in meeting the real core forces of the Undead Empire.


    Most of the area he walked through was pure wilderness, and he skirted around the towns and hovels he passed while he traveled. He assumed that the Zombies would be gathered in the towns, as those who wandered out into the wild would likely be picked off by the wandering beasts.


    Zac did, however, get osted by mutated beasts every now and then, frenziedly trying to ravage him. Zac quickly dispatched the monsters, not bothering with collecting their bodies. They were teeming with miasma, making the meat inedible unless you were desperate. Especially since yesterday, the monsters had grown particrly wretched, as the concentration of miasma had grown far higher. As for their hides, Zac already had a mountain of those from the wolf hordes.


    Since there were almost no impediments to his travels he decided to take a few extra hours a day to work on his Dao. Being forced to ceaselesslybat the surrounding miasma had one strong point. It was continuously sharpening his control over his Dao. The deathly energy of the corrupted Cosmic Energy was also a great contrast to his Dao of Trees, which was a subcategory of the Dao of Nature or the Dao of life.


    They were almost opposites, and seeing the two forcesbat each other through the whirling vortices kept giving Zac new insights. It was on the third day he realized that while the two forces were restricting each other, they also were empowering each other in a sense.


    Some of the miasma was still entering him even with his Dao whirl keeping vigil, but Zac initially didnt care as the Dao of Trees purified a bit of the energy in the wound as well. However, Zac started to note that energy kept going in, but never left.


    As he pushed through the wilderness he pondered on the implications. The wound was acting up less and less as his control of his Dao increased, but the energy had to go somewhere. He was starting to get worried that something was umting inside him, but a loud explosion dragged him out of his thoughts.


    The explosion clearly didnte from a natural source, and though Zac generally wanted to avoid problems he couldnt help but curiously move toward the source of the sound. In just a few seconds arge plume of smoke rose in the air in the distance, giving him a clear direction.


    As he moved forward through the gloomy forest he started to hear the sound of machine guns incessantly firing. Zac was surprised, as he didnt expect human activity this far into the Dead Zone. Hed moved quite quickly, sleeping only a few hours each day for four days by now, bringing him far into undead territory.


    There should be good targets quite a bit further out with many towns being overrun by zombies, so there werent many reasons for Zombie Hunters venturing this far inside. It exponentially increased the risk of running into something dangerous, like the core invaders themselves. Besides, Zac had already run into two beasts that were quite a bit stronger than the tiger that caused John so much trouble, so the invaders werent the only thing to worry about.


    The gunfighting sounded more and more intense as Zac increased his pace through the forest, until he finally reached the edge of the woods, the decaying trees giving way to what once might have been vast paddies, perhaps for growing rice. The vast irrigated field had turned into sickly puddles with thick fog wafting above it.


    However, the fields werent what garnered Zacs attention. Rather it was the huge swarm of zombies walking together, and the people desperately trying to impede their march. However, even with zombies dropping every second the number was just unimaginable. The number of Zombies couldnt even be put in the same category as those that invaded his ind. If Zac had to guess there had to be at least half a million of them stumbling along.


    It was an ocean of the undead, and the only sce was that there seemingly werent any Aberrations or corpse golems amongst the ranks. There were however a few zombies who stood out from the mindless masses, and every now and again one would leap out from the ranks and try to snag one of the humans running along with the horde.


    The resistance consisted of roughly 300 people, mostly of Asian descent, who kept moving along the nks of the huge swarm of the undead, using various means of downing one zombie after another. Zac was a bit confused why they fought so hard though, as it seemed the endless hordes of undead were stumbling toward the core of the Dead Zone, rather than out towards the settlements.


    Perhaps they simply tried to impede whatever was going on. Nothing good coulde from hundreds of thousands of zombies gathering together, after all. If so, Zac could only salute their brave efforts. Normally he would have helped, but between his wound and his mission he decided that this was a battle he would simply have to bow out from.


    He was about to recede into the forest and walk around the army, but a prompt in front of him suddenly appearing stopped him in his tracks.


    <strong>[Distrupt the Call (Unique, Limited): The Undead are gathering. As a Lord of the living, spearhead the efforts to impede their progress. y 10 000 undead within ten minutes. Reward: 10 Purification pills (0/10 000) NOTE: Failure toplete quest results in your location and status be shared with the Lords of Undeath for 7 days.]</strong>


    SHIT! Zac roared with frustration as he took out his axe while balefully ring at the zombie horde.

 Chapter 174: Sui

    Chapter 174: Sui


    Sui sighed as she reloaded her rifle once again. Bullets were running low as theyd harried the endless hordes for days now. Unfortunately she had no alternative, as her skills were used for healing rather than killing, meaning she didnt even gain any experience from her attacks.


    She didnt really care about that, but what she was doing left a sour taste in her mouth. She originally ventured out into the Dead Zone in order to find a cure for her people, not to hunt them like animals. But still she kept going, slowly firing one bullet after another, taking great care to hit the brains of the undead in order to save on ammunition. Because like it or not, they had to do something.


    Yet it felt like they barely made a dent in their ranks with their tireless efforts. In fact, she suspected there were actually more of them now than when they began, simply since the undead numbers were bolstered as groups kept merging.


    She was traveling with the scouts that were the first amongst those realizing what was happening. The dead were organizing. Theyd heard rumors of zombies being gathered up by elite undead who were passing through an area, but nothing like what they were experiencing now. It was as though all the dead were receiving some call, and mindlessly headed toward some destination in the central zone.


    Even the elite zombies werent immune to whatever was beckoning them, as they too walked inside the ranks, hiding amongst their mindless brethren.


    Though the small resistance army that gathered from four frontier vige knew they were shooting at their countrymen, there was nothing to be done. They couldnt let the situation progress unimpeded.


    Not that a many of them minded, Sui noted with a sigh, looking over at the tired but gleeful faces of a few of the Zombie Hunters. They couldnt care less about why the towns took action. They only cared about the fact that there suddenly were free targets just mindlessly wandering forward,rgely ignoring the fact that they were getting attacked.


    They likely saw it as free money. They only needed to survive the asional attacks from the evolved zombies as they kept cutting down the lower zombies, not caring that they were once someones family members.


    Shit! a roar suddenly could be heard from behind, startling the hunters close-by.


    Sui quickly swiveled her gun around, only to see a Caucasian man with long hair and madness in his eyes rush toward the zombie-horde with an axe in his hand.


    Stop, its too dangerous! There are elite zombies inside! she shouted in English, trying to stop the lunatics charge.


    However, it was to no avail as he kept running, a growl echoing in his wake. However, the expected scene of a man being swallowed by a sea of zombies after desperately swinging his axe for a few seconds didnt happen. Her eyes widened in shock as she bore witness to a level of carnage shed never dreamed of before.


    --------------------------------


    Zac grit his teeth as he pushed into the zombie horde, enraging the closest undead with his aura of life. With the time limit the System gave him there was no time to worry about exposing himself in front of the humans, so he rotated his cosmic energy to immediately create five huge fractal des.


    He let the five des rip through the air with a speed that made his arms look like a blur as they each carved a path of bisected bodies and pools of putrid blood. However, even with over a hundred of them dying he barely made a dent in the army. Arge surge of Cosmic Energy entered his body, as even the gain from killing weak zombies was noticeable when he instantly killed dozens of them.


    However, Zac almost paused his charge when he noted that Cosmic Energy wasnt the only thing that entered him when he killed the undead. Along with the energy there were alsorge amounts of miasma piggybacking into his body.


    He never noticed something like that when he killed the beasts during the past days, but perhaps it worked differently when fighting with true undead, rather than corrupted beasts. Zacs mind frantically tried to figure out what to do, but he could only push more mental energy into fortifying the Dao-Swirl as he kept going. He couldnt stop now, as failure wasnt an option.


    In order to quickly reach new targets he also used <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to shorten the distance between himself and the next clump of undead. Explosions of blood and viscera kept erupting around him as he madly kept pushing forward gettingpletely drenched in the ckish blood.


    Only after five minutes did he stumble, coughing out a mouthful of ice-cold blood as his bloodshot eyes looked around with a wild re. His wound was going haywire from the exertion and the insane amount of miasma that had entered him by this point.


    The system didnt really give him much of an option with this quest, making him once again wonder whether it was giving him extra attention or if it was just an asshole to everyone. The moment he decided to back away and not get involved he immediately received a quest that forced him into the fray.


    The ten purification pills would be a blessing, especially now that he was getting drowned in miasma. However, thats not why he decided to fight. The price for failure wasnt something he could afford. Giving he Undead Lords his location and status was likely a death sentence. Not only would the Corpse Lord he fought earlier be warned of his proximity, but his boss would be as well.


    Between his festering wound and the disadvantageous terrain, he was in no mood for a second round with the undead nobleman. Zac wasnt even sure hed survive the encounter, his improved Dao notwithstanding.


    Thousands of zombies were quickly whittled down, and Zac could actually sense glee from the spirit in his axe. The growls created by the swings in the air slowly were changing into howls of exultation. An evolved zombie suddenly tried to get the jump on him, trying to nk him as he once again stepped forward to the next pack of the zombies, but a spectral beast suddenly appeared and ripped it into pieces.


    This time the spirit didnt dissipate immediately though, instead opting to go on a rampage on its own. It was like a bulldozer crushing everything in its path. Zac didnt really understand how it worked, but he didnt mind as he was on the clock. He could only hope that the kills from the Tool Spirit counted toward his own kills at least.


    The timer kept decreasing, and soon less than two minutes remained on the quest. Zac only needed a final push now, but he knew he was running out of time. Not the timer, but the amount of deathly energy that had entered him by now.


    If he didnt do something quick he would turn to a zombie himself, even if he kept utilizing his Dao. In a final burst of violence he once again summoned more des, this timepletely overloading them and turning them into gargantuan des of death.


    With a roar he unleashed them into five directions, and a prompt told him hed finished his quest. However, there was no time to take a breather in relief, as his body was wracked with an insane amount of pain, absorbing miasma at an unprecedented rate. Even stopping the killing didnt stop the miasma from entering his body, as it looked the huge surge had created its own momentum.


    The small whirlpool in his wound from before had created arge physical manifestation as dense clouds miasma whirled around him, even following him when he ran away.


    An unimaginable amount of corrupted energy kept pushing into Zac, spreading through his whole body before he even had a chance to nullify it. His Dao was already overtaxed and it felt like he was an ant trying to stop an elephant with the Dao of Trees. A numbing cold entered his extremities as his mind was flooded with corruption. The deathly energy was quickly clouded his mind, and a nk rage was starting to take control.


    Using his remaining sanity Zac quickly finished the quest, and suddenly held an inscribed bottle with ten golden pills. Zac shakily uncorked the bottle and hurriedly downed a pill, and immediately felt as though a radiant sun flicked to life in his stomach. He quickly integrated the energy into his Dao-spiral in order to directlybat the miasma trying to seize control.


    Unfortunately, it wasnt enough as there was just too much corruption inside him. The pill did what it was supposed to, but one of them wouldnt cut it against this extraordinary situation. Zac hesitantly looked at the bottle, but could only take a deep breath and swallow another two of the golden beads. His hesitation wasnt without reason, as he remembered what the Sky Gnome had told him.


    Swallowing Purification Pills was like swallowing fire that burned away the corruption. One pill was already taxing on the body. Taking two was putting your life on the line. Three was tantamount to suicide. Yet Zac felt he had no option, and could only hope that the two rampaging powers would cancel each other out somewhat.


    The gambit seemed somewhat effective, allowing Zac to take a quick breather. But the torrential amount of miasma entering him was almost endless. Zacs eyes suddenly widened in horror as he saw that even the zombies still standing in the horde around him started to lifelessly fall to the ground as the miasma was ripped out of their bodies to join the ever-growing whirlpool.


    The effect was quickly rippling outward through the horde, and in just seconds even more zombies had died from loss of miasma than Zacs assault, with hundreds falling down with every breath.


    Whatever the Corpse Lord nted inside him waspletely unleashed, and was creating a growing storm in the area. Not even the evolved zombies were safe as the whirlpool greedily sucked out their corruption, instantly killing them.


    A small sce was that the tens of thousands of zombies that were getting killed was counted as his kills, also awarding him with Cosmic Energy. However, Zac wasnt happy with the huge sudden increase of experience, as his defenses were quickly crumbling against the increased power of deathly energy.


    Completely ignoring the consequences of over-imbibing medicine Zac quickly downed another handful of pills, leaving only one in the bottle for emergencies. The miasma whirlwind around him kept expanding, and without any alternatives he could only flee for an area with sparser amounts of miasma.


    Even with 9 pills in his body creating a Dao-empowered zing inferno of purification it was barely keeping enough to keep his sanity in check, and Zacs mind was a blur as he started running towards the woods. Worse yet, it no longer only was a problem of being flooded with miasma, but his body was also burning from the inside from the radiant energy of the pills.


    The two powers almost seemed to be in contention of who could destroy his body first, as they rampaged through every part of his body, causing unimaginable pain.


    However, Zac knew that if he relented the miasma would win, as the supply was almost endless in the Dead Zone. With no alternative he swallowed his final pill as he kept running, finally emerging from the core of the vast zombie horde.


    By now a huge chunk of the horde was simply lying lifelessly on the ground while Zacs figure waspletely shrouded in miasma almost dense enough to liquefy. The whirlpool above him even started to look like a hurricane with him as the eye. It made Zac look like a specter that was fleeing for the woods, surrounded by uncountable azure will-o-wisps.


    Wait! Let us help! a voice from the distance entered Zacs ears through the chaos, but he was barely coherent at this point and ignored the call.


    Through the haze of the miasma around him he finally spotted a line of trees, and he mindlessly ran toward it, his only goal to get away from this god-forsaken paddy and its zombies. His desperation lent strength to his legs, and with great strides he disappeared amongst the trees, leaving a shell-shocked resistance army.


    The zombie hunters and resistance fighters mutely overlooked the scene of carnage and destion, unable to move for a few seconds. The scene of destruction theyd just witnessed was something theyd never forget.


    Only one pair of eyes hesitantly looked at the direction of the ocean of miasma receding between the trees, and the man inside it.

 Chapter 175: Changes

    Chapter 175: Changes


    The shes kept going for god knows how long between the two whirlpools in Zacs body, and the energy contained in the center between them was growing more and more horrifying. Zac knew if something destabilized whatever was going on within the zing waves of energy hed explode like a nuclear bomb.


    The tenth pill had thankfully been enough for him to regain some sort of equilibrium between the two opposing forces, and he wholeheartedly focused his energy on keeping the energy fluctuations as stable as he could.


    He was fresh out of ideas and options, but he refused to give in. Giving up control at this moment was tantamount to dying, and so he kept overtaxing his mind and kept pushing his Dao past its limits. He had no idea where he was going or how long he ran, but finally his legs went out, and he didnt have the energy to get up again.


    Still, he kept fighting against the inevitable, hoping that something would change. His will had transformed over the past months, and even though the pain he was feeling far eclipsed what he went through in the pool of Cosmic Water, he never thought to end it.


    Instead, he stoutly endured the raging battle between life and death in his body, his mind focusing on his goals and ambitions. For cycle after cycle the two whirlpools shed, and Zac forgot everything except those two forces ebb and flow.


    A prompt shed in his periphery as he kept struggling, but his mind was too over-taxed to notice it. He only kept focusing on stabilizing the two opposing forces and stabilizing his wound. Finally, the frantic bursts from the miasmic wound gave in, just as Zacs Dao-swirl was on the verge ofpletely dissipating.


    Zac thought he could sense a wave of reluctance and hatred before it disappeared and stillness settled in his body.


    The shes abruptly stopped, and relief flooded Zacs mind. But it also was thest straw as his mind quickly started to descend into darkness. He had kept himself conscious through sheer willpower, resisting long past his limits. But just before his mind submerged into a deep slumber he sensed something new in his wound.


    A small seed barely asrge as a fingernail, but containing enough energy to blow up a city was quietly nestled in his gut.


    -----------------------------------------------------


    Sharp pain in his leg woke Zac up from his slumber with a groan. He looked around with bleary eyes, who widened at the sight of a desated zombie dumbly gnawing at his ankle. Luckily his gear and attributes kept him safe, as the bites only left some surface wounds.


    Zac quickly pped the head of the undead, instantly destroying its brain. However, the rapid motion caused a bout of vertigo, and Zac emptied his stomach without warning. Finally, after a few dry heaves he managed to sit up and look around with a squint, his head still aching from overusing his mental energy.


    He was in some random forest, with nothing around as far as he could see apart from dead or dying trees. In his muddled state it took some time for him to realize something was odd; he wasnt hurting. That, of course, wasntpletely correct, as every part of him hurt. It was odd in the sense that the wound in his side that had gued him for what felt like forever waspletely inert, not even a twang remaining.


    The only pain he felt at the moment was a general ache all over his body apanied by a splitting headache from over-drafting his Dao. The great change prompted him to quickly close his eyes again and focus on his side.


    He was amazed to sense that there barely was any miasma in his wound, and it was almostpletely inert. It still absorbed a small amount of miasma, but it could barely be called a trickle. And that was with his Dao not currently rotating. It likely wasnt much worse than what anyone traversing the Dead Zone experienced.


    Suddenly he remembered the small ball he saw right before passing out, but after checking around he couldnt find it in his wound. He even took off his shirt again to visually inspect the wound, but couldnt find anything either. However, he was able to note that the ckness of the wound and tendrils were quite faded. The skin they covered also wasnt cold like a corpses like before, but had regained their warmth.


    It was a relief, but Zac frowned as he remembered the sense of extreme power in that little ball that was created from the shes between his pill-empowered Dao-whirl and the miasma in his wound. It took almost half an hour, but finally he found it. It was nestled right below his navel and had somehow integrated itself with his pathways.


    The little beads seemedpletely inert, as though the monstrous amounts of power it contained were locked away. Still, it was only after long hesitation Zac dared to channel some cosmic energy through the paths. It was with a huge sigh of relief he felt that the energy passed the bead by without it even reacting.


    If it started making a ruckus from energy going through he would essentially be crippled, as the bead was nestled in a core position of the pathways. What made him confused though was that its position reminded him of what hed learned about the Cores of D-Grade powerhouses.


    They were often located in the very same position he found the bead, making it almost seem that hed formed a Cosmic Core. However, there were some differences from what hed heard about the topic. A real core was supposedlyrger, and while the power contained in his bead was high, it was nothingpared to a real Core.


    A real Cosmic Core was the source of energy for a D-Grade powerhouse. He still didnt really understand what that entailed, but from Ogras it wasnt only a matter of quantity, but also of quality. The energy a genuine core was of a higher grade than anything he coulde in contact with, whereas his core was something else entirely.


    There was also the issue of how it was formed. His core was created from miasma and his Dao, making it''spositionpletely different from what it should contain. He didnt even understand how the core could form, as the two energies that it was made from should be each others bane.


    Zac guessed he would have to slowly try to understand what was going on, as he simply had far too little information to make any educated guesses at the moment. He would have to ask someone whether it was possible to form a Core embryo before reaching D-Grade or something of the sort. For now he had to focus on what he could do and instead opened his status screen.


    Name Zachary Atwood Level 58 ss Hatchetman (F) Race Human (E) Alignment Port Atwood - Lord (Earth) Titles Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Core Dao Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early Strength 320 Dexterity 158 Endurance 227 Vitality 188 Intelligence 90 Wisdom 85 Luck 93 Free Points 6 Nexus Coins 49 903 653


    Zacs brows rose when he saw the number of Nexus Coins he somehow possessed. Hed gained around twenty million nexus coins since he checkedst. He knew he gained around 70 to 100 Nexus Coins from the Zombies, so killing 10 000 of them for his quest should ount for less than a tenth of the total number. His memory contained some nks from his desperate instinctual flight earlier, just what had happened?


    That wasnt the only thing, his level had increased by two. He was somewhat close to leveling to 57 before running into the zombie horde, but still hed gained a whole level on top of that, which was quite a lot seeing as how arduous it was bing to reach new levels.


    He also sensed that it wouldnt take much effort to gain another level, bringing him just one step away from level 60. A quick nce at a watch reassured him at least that only one day had passed, making his current leveling speed the highest hed ever managed. He wondered what humanity thought when they saw him push past two levels in no time.


    His stats had improved once again almost across the board, and he quickly noted arge reason for this. His Seed of Trees had finally reached High level, bringing it just one step from the peak. His speed of improvement was almost unfathomable, and it made Zac realize why most people ventured out adventuring rather than sitting at home meditating when they were stuck in a bottleneck.


    He never would have improved his Dao of Trees to the middle grade if it wasnt for the battle with the Corpse Lord, and his current breakthrough could be directly attributed to experiences while moving through the Dead Zone. He quickly opened up his Dao Screen and took a look at his evolved seed.


    <strong>[Trees (High): Endurance +10, Vitality +40, Intelligence +5, Wisdom +5]</strong>


    The seed now gave a whopping 60 attribute points, doubling up from before. Zac couldnt help but get a bit excited even though he knew it would happen. Comparing from how it was before his new insight gave him +15 Vitality, and 5 points in Endurance, Intelligence and Wisdom each.


    His insight was based on the dynamic nature of the life of a Tree, how it went from almost a death-like state during winter back to teeming with life during summer. It was everchanging, and it was only through death that life coulde. Even if a forest burned down, the ashes became nourishment for the seeds germinating in the ground.


    Zac felt that this concept was applicable to many things, but for the moment he had no time to properly sit down and ponder on it. He had too many things to do, and he didnt even know where he was, or what to do about the miniature bomb lodged in his body ufortably close to his family jewels.


    There was however one more change in his screen that might give him a hint of what was going on. He saw that there was a new Title in his growing list of aplishments. With anticipation he focused on the new Title called Core, but what he saw only made him more confused.


    <strong>[Core: Sessfully form a Core. Reward: ??????]</strong>


    Zac nkly stared at the odd line for a while until he hesitantly closed it with a frown. After mentally going through it in his mind there simply was no reward from the Title, differing from all other ones. If he didnt know any better he would have guessed there was a bug in aputer system.


    But the menus and prompts werent part of some random program, it was part of THE system, an Entity powerful enough to conquer multiple dimensions.


    He waspletely confused as to what the weird line meant, and he wasnt even sure whether it was something he should ask around about. The thing with bugs was that they tended to get corrected, and he wasnt sure how the system dealt with people that did things they werent supposed to.


    Zac had a feeling the weird prompt was the result of a series of coincidental circumstances. Thebination of his specific Dao and whatever the Corpse Lord injected him with had transformed and created something odd through the circumstances of being triggered by the purifier.


    Next was the insane amount of miasma that entered him in a very short span of time. Normally he shouldnt have survived something like that. It was the same with the pills. Taking two was risky, three was suicide. But he gobbled down ten at the same time and still lived to tell the tale.


    The only reason he could think of as to why he was still alive was his experience in the pond of Cosmic Water. The experience had been a bit simr, though it wasnt exactly the same. His body had absorbed extreme amounts of energy from the Fruit of Ascension along with the Cosmic Water and was ripped apart and reformed untold time.


    Perhaps that very experience had changed something with him on a fundamental level, and allowed him to survive when he by all ounts should have exploded or be an undead. However, he didnt have time to figure anything out or even get dressed because an eerieugh dragged him out of his thoughts.


    Well, whats this? a hollow voice drifted out from behind him, prompting Zac to whirl around and whip out his axe.

 Chapter 176: Ghosts

    Chapter 176: Ghosts


    Zacs eyes widened as he saw what faced him. The best way to describe it was that he was looking at a ghost. It was clearly an undead denizen teeming with miasma, but it was mostly translucent. It didnt really have any facial features, apart from its eyes shining in white and azure.


    It looked upon Zac like it was gazing at an oddity, apparently not even considering the possibility of having found itself in danger.


    Youve strayed quite some ways from safety, human, the specter said. I will let you live if you can provide any hints of what caused the miasmic disturbance in this area.


    Zac nkly stared at the apparition for a second, not sure what to do. While the thing talked the talk, his intuition told him that the undead in front of him was not of the same power as the Corpse Lord he fought earlier. For a second he thought it might be one of the liches Ogras had mentioned, but he quickly discounted that possibility. The air around it wasnt even slightly distorted from power, and his danger sense didnt re up.


    Unhappy with theck of response the undead looked ready to follow up with something else, but a nce at the wound on Zacs side stopped the wraith in its tracks.


    What <em>is</em> that on your body?


    Zacs mind worked a mile a minute as he quickly put on his robe again. It looked like his experience had caused a huge disturbance in the area, causing even the sentient undead to scout it out. Perhaps it wasnt even alone, with some of the real leaders close-by.


    He was still not yet ready to start an all-out brawl with the undead forces. His wound was finally better, but he still hadnt explored the changes to his body. He didnt want to overload the odd Core in him and go off like fireworks from destabilizing it. The core contained enough miasma to create over a hundred thousand zombies, who knew what could happen if it was unleashed.


    Oh, you are one of Lord Mhals experiments the wraith said, but it shuddered as it looked at Zacs body, seemingly seeing straight through him. But what is that core. Wait, that axe Youre-.


    The undead didnt get further than that though, as Zac shed right next to it with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>with his axe already mid-swing. With a growl the edge went straight through the head of the wraith with a swoosh, but Zac didnt feel any tion.


    His brows furrowed when he saw that the undead waspletely fine, and Zac understood why the undead was soid back. The thing waspletely incorporeal, and a normal attack wouldnt cut it. Without missing a beat he imbued the edge with the Dao of Heaviness and swung once again before the ghost even had time to react to the first swing.


    He hoped that the effect would be like when he fought the ghost wolves during the first wave. His normal hits didnt work, but when he empowered the strike with the Dao he had no problem killing them. However, the empowered swing didnt fare any better, harmlessly passing through the undead.


    Zac already knew that some undead were notoriously hard to kill, often requiring specific sses or skills to get the job done. Unfortunately he had no skill of that kind. Initially hed hoped that his repository would contain one, but there were only so many skills in there.


    To think you left your ind toe here. Great Lord Voshri was very intrigued when you defeated Mhal, the wraithughed as it started to flitter away though the woods. I am guessing youre the cause for the disturbance as well. The benefits you will bring me.


    Zac knew he couldnt let this thing get away, as it would cause untold trouble. Not only did it immediately figure out who he was, but it also seemed to possess some sort of ocr skill. It clearly managed to see the core inside his body. Even worse, Zacs brows rose in rm as the ghost started to shine with a stronger and stronger azure light, starting to look like an unholy beacon.


    Out of options Zac only had one idea. Hed used the Dao of Trees tobat the miasma for a week now, and perhaps it would be effective inbat as well. The problem was that he never had been able to push the Dao of Trees into his axe, forcing him to only use it for defense.


    Zac once again used his movement skill to get next to the fleeing specter, and ignoring his tired mind unleashed arge Dao-field around him. This time he didnt create a whirl, but just expanded a sphere of influence that focused on the ghost.


    The Dao field quickly drifted out, covering a diameter of over twenty meters around him, a huge differencepared to the Dao field he could create with his Dao of Heaviness. Clearly the field was effective as the wraith faltered as it tried to fly away, and even it light dimmed noticeably.


    Zac was immediately upon the undead again, once again swinging his axe. He was ready to try to force the Dao of Trees inside the weapon, but it was surprisingly effortless to integrate the Dao into his axe as it once again ripped toward the head of the wraith.


    This time the specter tried dodging, but it was to no avail as it was bogged down by the High-grade Dao-field. Desperate its eyes lit up light two ghostlynterns, and a shield from miasma was erected in front of it. However, it was clear that it was just some sort of scout, its defensergely relying on being incorporeal. Its actual prowess was nowhere close to Zacs.


    The shield couldnt even muster a defense against <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> that was teeming with green energy. The ghost didnt get decapitated but rather destroyed as the axe sted through shining with its green glimmer.


    The green light was the Dao of Trees, and it almost looked like it was extremely potent acid as it started to eat the specter, who started to shriek as it tried to get it off. However, in just seconds most of the undead was gone, leaving only a husk.


    From deathes life Zac muttered as he looked at the ghost melting away in no time.


    It looked like he had gotten himself an amazing weapon against the undead. It was extremely effective on the ghost, and Zac guessed that it would work wonders against the other undead as well. A great worry was that the incursion would be led by a Lich, but with his new type of attack he wasnt as worried anymore.


    However, he couldnt rx just yet, as the miasma around the perishing ghost suddenly shuddered. Zac quickly backed away, just in time to avoid a huge azure fire shooting up at the sky, quickly consuming thest of the undead. It appeared that the thing ignited itsst energy to either take him with it into true death, or give out its location.


    Zac was far more worried about the second option, as it would mean the ghost wasnt alone. He had a strong feeling that the ruckus hed caused yesterday wasnt small, and this thing was likely only one of many. Not wasting any time he immediately set out to the east, nning to get back on track.


    However, he only ran for a few minutes before he was dismayed to find himself essentially surrounded by undead. No matter which direction he looked he could spot a ghost scout. Since it was just a matter of time before he was found out he simply decided to make a break for it and pushed his speed to the limit as he ran through the woods.


    As he suspected a few bright beams exploded in the sky not long after, likely markers released by scouts. Zacs location waspletely exposed and he could only pray that he didnt run into the main army. Zac ignored the ghosts and kept pushing forward, aiming to get as far away as possible from the core zone.


    Before he cked out yesterday hed already been quite close to the center of the undead incursion, and judging from the density of miasma in the area hed gone further inside during his mad dash. He couldnt be held up here, since stronger and stronger reinforcements woulde if he was bogged down.


    He felt like a trapped animal as he ran through the gloomy forest with his eyes darting left and right, waiting for anything to pop out between the trees. He was proven right in almost no time, as he suddenly found himself in a clearing with over a thousand undead in waiting.


    He wanted p himself when he realized hed been tricked. Finding himself facing a waiting army was no ident. The ghosts around him shining their lights were herding him. Hed subconsciously tied to run in the direction where there were fewer lights in the way, steering clear of the directions thick with ghosts, afraid the enemy would be there.


    Worse yet, this undead army was something else entirelypared to the native zombies, as they all looked sentient and well equipped. And in the front of the army stood a familiar figure, and seeing him Zac couldnt help a groan escaping.


    Its you, after all! No wonder my wounds were aching! the Corpse Lord roared with fury as miasma in the area started to gather around him.


    The undead general was clearly back on his feet looking intact, though Zac was surprised to see that the arm hed crushed with <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> lookedpletely different from before. It was to the point that Zac suspected that it was actually reced with another arm somehow, as it not only wasrgerpared to this other arm, it even looked to belong to some other type of humanoid.


    However, the Corpse Lord didnt feel weakerpared to before. On the contrary, it felt like hed even gained a power-up, and the new arm pulsated with power. Perhaps the arm once had belonged to a E-Grade individual, as the power emanations reminded him of those of the fiend wolf and hive-queen.


    The Corpse Lord was backed up by quite a few other undead, but Zac felt that there was no other undead at the same level as the leader itself, which was the only good news so far. Hopefully he was the only general that had came to the area to check things out, or at least the others were some distance away.


    Time was of the essence, so Zac wordlessly sent out fiverge fractal edges toward the army, imbuing them with the Dao of Heaviness. However, the Corpse Lord only snorted as a vast aura of power emanated from him.


    Shields! the general roared, prompting huge azure barriers to be erected along the army.


    As for himself, the Lord simply jumped forward and punched the fractal heading in his direction. The collision created a huge impact creating a small crater in the ground, but it was clear which force was stronger. The newrger arm of the Corpse Lord didnt even get a scratch as the fractal dissipated into a few wild swirls of Cosmic Energy.


    Your tricks will not work again human. I do not know how you survived my Seed of Destion, but I will slowly figure it out as I pick you apart, the Corpse Lord said with a growl, its eyes still zing with fury.


    Zac was starting to suspect that the reaction of the general, who apparently was named Mhal, was due to more than just having lost the battle two weeks ago. The undead looked like he wanted to eat him whole. Perhaps the punishment for failing the mission was quite extreme.


    Since the incursions had long stabilized they should have an open channel ofmunications with the main forces back on their own worlds. Who knew, perhaps the Corpse Lords whole faction got implicated due to the failure. From how Ogras exined how it worked it seemed like a distinct possibility.


    Zac knew that even if some other powerhouses were close, they would be attracted by arge battle. He would need to finish this up quickly and then flee at top speed, so he decided on a gambit. The undead army wasnt just waiting on him though, and a flurry of attacks flew his way as their leader simply was content to observe for the moment.


    Cosmic energy gathered at the fractal on Zacs arm with extreme speed as he ran to keep a constant distance from the opposing side. Soon the fractal was filled, and he pushed forward with his arm once again, making reality crack.


    The huge arm from the other dimension started reaching for the Corpse Lord, who didnt seem surprised at its appearance. In fact, he seemed gleeful, fully expecting the attack.


    Did you think the same attack would work twice? the undead sneered as torrential amounts of corruption rose from three huge kettles carried by gigantic corpse golems.

 Chapter 177: Ravenous

    Chapter 177: Ravenous


    Im not limited by the Ruthless Heavens here. This time I have my legion with me! the Corpse Lord roared as three huge streams of corruption rose out from the kettles and flew to intercept the emerging hand above Zac.


    Zac wasnt surprised the undead leader had something up his sleeve, but he didnt change his mind. He pushed the gigantic hand forward, making it m straight into the torrents of corruption as it moved to snatch the Corpse Lord.


    A sizzling could be heard from his arm as smoke started to rise, making Zac grunt in pain. But he kept going, and soon the whole arm was submerged in the putrid liquid from the kettles. It was a far stronger version of the corruption that spewed out of the Corpse Lords own body during thest fight, and Zac felt as though he was submerged in a vat of acid.


    True Rot! the undead leader roared as he pushed the miasma in the air to join the liquid from the kettles, pushing the decaying powers to another level.


    The hand waspletely submerged in a blob of turbid liquid as it stopped some distance from the undead lord, who looked at a panting Zac with a sneer. The effect of the ball of corruption was extended to Zac as well, and the effect was strong enough to singe him all over. The hair and beard hed grown out fell out in thick clumps, and the cloak he used above his real gear was rotting away at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    However, the Corpse Lords eyes suddenly opened wide in rm as an emerald shockwave of energy scattered the blob of corruption. The putrid liquid flew in all directions, actually killing dozens of the undead soldiers, as a hand zing in green luster emerged out of it.


    The arm wrought out of nature didnt look decayed at all. On the contrary, it seemed even more vibrantpared to before, as small saplings and leaves grew from its rugged exterior.


    You! Mhal roared, as he tried to perform a body swap, but it was to no avail.


    The hand had somehow locked down space around it, turning the area into its domain. Zac sensed it was something like a Dao Field in a sense, but at the same time it was far sturdier. Aghast, the Corpse Lord tried to flee, but he didnt get far as the hand quickly closed around him.


    Ill take you with me! <strong>[Seed Detonation]</strong>! was thest thing the undead screamed in fury as the hand clenched, causing a sickening crunch.


    Zac froze for a second, bracing for whatever his foe had nned in revenge. But nothing happened, making Zac look around in confusion. The Corpse Lord had said seed detonation, likely trying to explode whatever he embedded in Zacs gut. But perhaps the odd changes it had undergone had broken the connection Mhal possessed.


    Zac sighed in relief as he saw his gambit was sessful. He was betting that the two upgrades to his Dao of Trees would supersede whatever the Corpse Lord had nned. A Dao Seed gaining two upgrades was a huge boost, and even with the support of the Dead Zone Mhal shouldnt be ready for the power-up.


    He was correct. Though the threerge kettles made the power of rot far stronger, it was no match for the concept of growth through decay. The hand even emerged stronger from the attack. A huge surge of Cosmic Energy entered him, effortlessly pushing him to level 59.


    While there was utter chaos in the undead ranks from the sudden fall of their leader Zac quickly ran forward and stored the mangled remains and weapon of the Corpse Lord in his sack. The undead himself possessed a sack, which Zac quickly bound to himself and put inside his robe.


    Zac had achieved his goal and was pondering what to do next. He even contemting going on a rampage to push himself toward level 60. However, a sudden ze of pain erupted in his body as the core beneath his navel sprung to life as it started to absorb miasma once again.


    Thest words of the Corpse Lord once again echoed in Zacs, making him wonder whether Mhal had some sort of contingency after all.


    At least Zac noted with some relief that the miasma it absorbed wasnt too bad, not at all at the same level as before. Of course, continuously absorbing corrupted energy wasnt great, so Zac quickly started up a Dao-swirl above the bead to stem the influx, even though his mental energy was quite tapped out.


    However, his eyes widened in horror when he felt the mental energy forming the Dao swirl getting sucked into the bead alongside the miasma. Zac quickly stopped the Dao-field, afraid he would damage his mind if it kept going. He was already almost wrung dry from yesterday, and along with this fight he was already close to his limits.


    Right now was not the time to ponder on a response to the new issue because the undead army was quickly turning berserk after seeing their leader get killed. Huge lumbering corpse golems were rushing toward him as a dizzying array of attacks soared through the air.


    Zac judged the army to be even stronger than his demon force, with real foreign invaders making up the bulk. Even at top condition this wasnt a fight hed take on heedlessly. He quickly oriented himself as he dodged as many of the attacks as he could before he started to run around the army. It was time to flee.


    A few of the golems moved to intercept, and Zac once again hefted his axe as he carved a path of carnage to make an escape. However, the undead here were not like the mindless zombies from before and they mounted a terrifying retaliation. He was constantly struck by fists almost asrge as himself, and each one hit with the force of a truck.


    He was also continuously pelted by ranged attacks, both mental and physical. His skill <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> was running on overdrive, and he was forced to unsummon the glistening leaves from <strong>[Natures defense]</strong> as he was unable to keep up the consumption of Cosmic Energy from reforming them.


    In just a few minutes he waspletely bloodied with innumerable wounds. However, the undead army wasnt unscathed either. With each step of Zac''s an elite of the undead army was destroyed as he pushed forward like a meat grinder on legs.


    It didnt matter whether it was Corpse Golems, aberrations or elite zombies. Everything fell in front of Zacs relentless swings. The experience he was gaining was enormous, but he knew he couldnt keep it up for long. With every kill he gained Cosmic Energy, but more miasma also entered him.


    If that was it, then it wouldnt be such a problem, but the core clearly was looking for some sort of equilibrium as it kept absorbing opposing energy as well. Since Zac couldnt keep the Dao Field going anymore it actually absorbed something else from him. His lifeforce.


    It felt like he was slowly being sucked dry, and every time he killed an undead a little bit of his life was ripped away to keep the bnce going. However, it wasnt like he could just stop, so the carnage continued until he finally broke away from the army, fleeing into the woods.


    This time he wouldnt get controlled by any ghosts as he pushed straight east. A quick look around showed that the army at least wasnt following him. Hed caused massive losses to the army, and perhaps they didnt want to throw their lives away, instead opting to wait for orders from superiors.


    A few of the scouts tried to keep track of him, but Zac finally managed to shake them off with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and his superior physique. However, he waspletely spent by this point. The fight had cost him almost all his Cosmic Energy, and his mind was overtaxed after thest two days efforts.


    Even his body feltpletely drained from the bead sucking the life out of him. At least it had calmed down by a bit since hed stopped his killing spree, but things still looked dire. Even though he just wanted toy down and sleep for a few days he kept running.


    He just killed one of the generals of the undead army, and he didnt for one second think that there wouldnt be some reaction from this. He needed to create much more distance before he was satisfied. He really wanted to find a road by this point, but the forests and uneven ins felt endless as he ran for hours.


    Zacs mind was starting to be a blur, all his effort focused on taking one step after another. Hed long lost any pursuers trying to keep up with him, but the problem of him getting continuously drained was persisting. No matter what he tried, from using his Dao to trying to feed the bead the energy from Nexus Crystals, it didnt work.


    The only thing he found to somewhat help out was to eat meat from strong creatures, so he kept continuously eating dried meat as he ran. In just a few hours hed consumed a couple of weeks worth of food, but he kept ravenously putting one piece after another into his mouth as he ran.


    The only permanent solution Zac coulde up with at the moment was to keep running further away from the core of the Dead Zone. The drain on his body was based on how much miasma his body absorbed from the atmosphere. Zac figured that if he got to the edge of Dead Zone the sparse miasma in the air would result in his body wouldnt get drained to such a degree.


    Still, even with his speed he knew it might take days to get far enough out as he felt he was getting closer and closer to his limits, meat or no meat. Those were the thoughts churning in Zacs muddled head as a bright light suddenly shed from the left of him and he looked over with confused eyes. What entered his eyes was arge truck speeding right toward him, and in the next moment everything went ck.


    ------------------------------------


    Zac was swimming in a sea of darkness, not knowing what was going on. He couldnt remember how he got here, or even who he was. Time and space had no meaning as he quietly floated in the endless ck until a glowing warmth spread through the universe, rekindling his memories.


    Zac stirred with a groan, and immediately heard a conversation above him.


    Why are you wasting our resources on that man? He is teeming with miasma, hes probably lived inside the Dead Zone for months. I dont know how he has survived, he doesnt seem to have an ounce of Cosmic Energy in his body, and he seems like hes on the verge of death anyway, a disgruntled voice said as Zac felt something pushing him in his side. Just let him quietly pass.


    It was us who hit him with our truck, its only right that we help him out. And how I use my healing powers is none of your business, an irritated female voice from somewhere right next to Zac responded. Besides, do you want to answer to the Battle Monks when they find out we left one of their kind in the wilderness?


    "Shit, we''ve already lost most of our army, but you pick up strays. Well, whatever," the man muttered, followed by steps walking away.


    The warmth kept flooding into his body, reinvigorating his drained cells. At the same time he felt that some miasma kept entering his body, though now the golden warmth was what got absorbed into his Core to bnce it out. It gave his body a much-needed respite, as he was just too exhausted from the past two days.


    He wanted to get up and see what was going on, but he was surprised that his body wasnt listening to him, not even allowing him to open his eyes. Instead, he was forced to lie there mulling over what the two said. The way the man described him was troubling, so he tried to properly sense the state of his body.


    He was shocked by what he found out. He had no problem using his inner vision, but he almost thought hed was looking at someone else when he saw what was going on.


    There was not a smidgeon of energy in his body, to the point that it almost felt like hed gone back to be a normal mortal. At the same time his frame had undergone a transformation, and not a good one. Most of his muscles were gone, and he looked sickly or starving. Zac could only guess that his bulk was swallowed along with his energy into the gluttonous bead.


    Finally there vas the mention of battle monks. Zac didnt understand what they had to do with him, until he went over the battle from before. The fight had once again singed his hair clean he realized with an inward groan.


    <em>I guess Im back to being Monk,</em> was thest helpless thought in Zacs mind as he once again drifted into unconsciousness.

 Chapter 178: Monks

    Chapter 178: Monks


    Zac once again woke up from his deep slumber. This time he was relieved to sense that he was once again able to move, though the feeling of feebleness was still there. He arduously got up to a sitting position and quickly looked around.


    He was in the cargo of a small military truck that was obviously still driving as it was bumping and waving around. Inside were another six people resting, four men and two women. All of them were east Asian apart from one of the men who seemed to be Indian.


    Two were having a conversation with subdued voices, while the others were reading or maintaining their weapons. When Zac got up to a sitting position a few nced at him, but soon lost interest and got back to what they were doing.


    Zac still wasnt sure of what was going on so he first checked his situation. He wasnt bound or anything of the sort, and he still had all his cosmos sacks within his robes. It appeared he wasnt a prisoner, not that he really thought that after overhearing the earlier conversation.


    Still, it was a relief since he wasn''t sure he''d be able to mount a prison break in his current condition. A deep rumbling in his stomach reminded him of his wretched and starved state, and it also roused one of the girls who sat close to him.


    Youre awake? How are you feeling? she asked after she noticed Zacs sitting posture, and Zac could tell that she was the one who spoke earlier before he passed out again.


    She was quite short, barely reaching 150 cm. Along with her petite frame, Zac almost thought for a second that she was a child. However, she appeared to be somewhere in her early twenties from her facial features. She didnt give off a strong impression from her appearance, but there was still something about her.


    At first he couldn''t put his finger on it, but after a while, Zac realized it was a slight aura of power. However, it was different from those he was used to, like his own or the Demon warriors. Their auras were drenched in bloodlust and something wrought from countless battles.


    Hers was a subdued warm glow that gave off a ratherforting feeling. Another rumble came from Zacs belly, and with a slight flush the girl quickly handed over a can of sausages from her backpack


    Yes, thank you for saving me, Zac answered with a hoarse voice and quickly devoured the small Vienna sausages with relish.


    He considered bringing out something more from his pouch but decided against it with some regret. He wasn''t in a condition to defend himself for the moment, and showing he possessed multiple Cosmos Sacks wasn''t a good idea.


    We''re sorry about hitting you with our truck. Im Sui. Were heading out of the Dead Zone now, and youre free to join us,


    Oh? Zac said. In which direction?


    Were- Sui said, but didnt get further before a gruff voice interrupted her.


    Oh? Youre awake? Which monastery do you belong to?


    Zac frowned and looked over at a man who sat opposite him. The voice was the same one that wanted to leave him for dead earlier.


    I am not part of any monastery, Zac answered, deciding to tell the truth.


    He felt it was no point in lying about the situation, as he had no idea what the so-called battle monks were. Hed be exposed in just a follow-up question or two, and he didnt want to get caught lying while he was in this condition.


    Though he could sit up his body was far from restored, and he wasnt sure he would even be able to walk around at the moment.


    Youve got some balls impersonating a monk, the man snorted. I say we throw him off before we arrive, we cant afford to anger the Evesting Monastery. Our viges depend on their protection.


    Dont be stupid, the monks are benevolent people. They wouldnt jeopardize the poption over something like that, Sui said with a re.


    Whats the Evesting Monastery? Zac asked.


    Its arge monastery led by one of the most powerful people in the world, Abbot Evesting Peace. The monastery is actually two days inside the Dead Zone, but the monks still reside there. More impressively, they are actually able to purify the miasma, Sui said with some reverence on her face. They have turned arge area into a safe zone.


    Zacs brows rose at the exnation. Abbot Evesting Peace was actually the one he was most curious about since the Ladder System wasunched, even more so than Salvation and Thea Marshall. Abbot Evesting Peace was the person who held the first spot on the Daodder at the time.


    Surprisingly there had been no information about him, or the Indian Guru holding the second spot on the Dao Ladder, in New Washington. So it turned out the monk was staying in the middle of the undead incursion, somehow eking out a living.


    Zac felt it was no wonder that the Abbot had such a high level. He was living in the middle of an incursion, so he was bound to either perish or get strong, just like himself. A thought struck Zac and he opened up thedders for the first time in a while.


    Ladder - Level Rank Name Level 1 Super Brother-Man 59 2 Salvation 48 3 Thea Marshall 47 4 Enigma 43 5 Thwonkin'' Billy 42 6 Joker 42 7 Abbot Evesting Peace 41 8 Daoist Chosui 41 9 Silverfox 41 10 Guru Anaad Phakiwar 40 ...   100 Ling Tian 40


    Ladder - Wealth Rank Name 1 Super Brother-Man 2 Smaug 3 Salvation 4 Joker 5 Enigma 6 Greed 7 Little Treasure 8 Thwonkin'' Billy 9 The Eternal Eye 10 Henry Marshall


    Ladder - Dao Rank Name 1 Abbot Evesting Peace 2 Guru Anaad Phakiwar 3 Super Brother-Man 4 Thea Marshall 5 Abbot Boundless Truth 6 The Eternal Eye 7 Silverfox 8 Father Thomas 9 Daoist Chosui 10 Little Treasure


    Zac was shocked. Not even attaining a high tiered Seed was enough to push him to the top of the Daodder. It made him truly wonder just what kind of insights the monk had. He was actually a bit excited about going to the monastery now. Perhaps he would be able to glean some insight as to why the monk was gaining so much enlightenment.


    Otherwise not much was changing on thedders. The onlyrge change since he checkedst was that the individual named Dahlia had disappeared from thedder. Before she was at the 9th spot, so Zac guessed shed died. It happened every now and then, and it seemed that less than 30 of the original rankers were left on thedder after roughly 11 weeks.


    Some had simply gotten passed by others, while others died. To keep up with the top 100 of the world one needed to be constantly throwing oneself in danger after all. Another trend Zac was noticing was that thedders were starting to get more harmonized.


    In the start Zac was one of the few that existed on alldders, while Thea was another example. But by now quite a few of those who were on the Dao Ladder also found themselves on the Leveldder. This was nothing odd, as gaining a Dao Seed not only improved attributes, but also empowered skills. It gave a huge boost and would increase leveling speed and survivability by a tier.


    Zac himself would be long dead if he didnt have his Dao Seeds for example. Curiously enough Salvation still wasnt on the Dao Ladder though, defying expectations. There was a rumor in New Washington that Salvation was doing the same as the Dominators, gaining levels by killing humans, which was why he gained so many levels without gaining any Dao.


    Why are you heading to the monastery? Zac suddenly asked.


    There was an incident, Sui hesitantly answered, throwing a quick nce at Zac.


    Incident? You call most of our people getting ughtered an incident? another man in the truck retorted with a re.


    A god damn lunatic came from nowhere, causing a huge amount of trouble. He was extremely strong, but I think he had gone crazy from miasma like he was on the verge of turning. He killed god knows how many zombies, but then the miasma in the area started to go haywire, the man continued.


    Then everything turned crazy. Elite undead started to gather in droves, seemingly looking for the madman. We think he might have turned into a zombie lord or something, judging by the amount of miasma that entered him, the man opposite spat with a frown. We got caught in the middle of it. We got butchered. If I find that asshole


    Youll what? a scarred man sitting in a corner of the truck snorted. Piss your pants? That guy was crazy strong, and now he''s a Zombie to boot.


    Zac had to force his face to stay neutral as he heard the exnation. He had no idea that he turned out to be a cmity not only for the zombies but the humans as well. He couldnt let them know he was the one responsible for the chaos. Otherwise, theyd likely rip him apart for revenge.


    Suddenly he was quite happy that his whole appearance had undergone a transformation during his flight. Not only was his hair gone, but his face had changed back to its original since he wasnt able to keep his disguise going. Even his frame had drastically changed in only two days, making it nigh impossible to know he was the responsible party.


    He felt extremely bad about the situation and made a mental promise to try to help out the viges affected by his actions in the future. But for now he had to stay silent on the matter, even if it was hical.


    So youre heading there to rest up? Zac asked.


    We need to warn the monastery about the developments in the Dead Zone, and hopefully some of our party are heading there as well. We got split up when we fled, Sui answered as he looked down, fiddling with her fingers.


    Zac simply nodded and reclined back against the wall.


    What about you? the gruff man asked. If you ask me, youre extremely suspicious. What were you doing so far into the Dead Zone?


    I originally am from Perseverance on the west side of the incursion. I heard a rumor about a town having a lot of Caucasian cultivators on the east side. I was trying to get there to find a good team, but I got turned around, Zac answered, mixing some truth with lies.


    You crossed the whole Dead Zone... to find a party? the gruff man asked suspiciously.


    I identally got in an argument with the purifier in Perseverance, so my situation got a bit...plicated, Zac shrugged. None of the teams would take me in.


    A few of the people in the truck snickered at that, throwing a nce at Sui who frowned.


    Its disgusting how some of us use our gifts for personal gain when we should strive to help mankind, she said with a sour face.


    Not everyone is as idealistic as you, girl, an old man sitting on the other side of Sui spoke up for the first time. Most are just trying to survive.


    They kept talking for a while, and Zac was happy to find out that the monastery was to the east, roughly halfway between the core and the edge of the Dead Zone, which meant that they drove in the right direction.


    They didnt really know about any town like the one Zac described, though some of the monks might know, as quite a few of the elite Zombie Hunters had passed through there and left some intelligence behind.


    After a while Zac was starting to feel drained once again by the bead, but Sui seemed to sense it somehow. She quickly started to heal him again, while the man on the opposite side snorted after throwing Zac a re.


    After driving a few hours the truck stopped, but apparently it was only for a quick bathroom break and switch drivers. The others seemed eager to get out of the cramped truck, and quickly jumped out one by one. In just seconds only Sui and Zac were left behind, as she was in the middle of once again healing him, or rather feeding the greedy Core in his body.


    Dont mind what the others said earlier Sui suddenly said with a low voice as she imbued him with her healing skill.


    About pretending to be a monk? I dont mind, I kinda look like one, Zac answered about a shrug.


    No, not that About you causing the deaths of our teammates. I know you didnt mean for that to happen. I guess it has to do with the weird thing in your body?

 Chapter 179: Divine Mountain

    Chapter 179: Divine Mountain


    Various thoughts ran through Zacs head as he leveled an even stare at Sui, to the point that she quickly started to get flustered.


    Im sorry, I didnt mean to surprise you. Your face and body are different, but your energy feels the same. I only know it because my ss has given me some unique skills. The others dont know. I promise I wont tell, so please dont do anything drastic, she quickly exined in a hurried flurry of words.


    I understand. Thank you for your discretion. You can call me David, Zac said after a while and closed his eyes, once again using the nickname he chose on the other side of the Dead Zone.


    The silence might have been a bit oppressive to the Purifier because she quickly got out of the van as well as soon as she was done imbuing him with another round of energy. That left Zac alone in the van, going over what she said. In the end he felt it wasnt a big deal that she knew. If she didnt even tell those in her team she wouldnt tell anyone else.


    Since he was alone for the moment he quickly took out a bunch of dried meat and stuffed himself, almost inhaling the strips made from high leveled beasts. Suis efforts was very effective in keeping the bead happy, but that alone wasnt enough. His body felt as though hed been starving for months,cking not only energy but nourishment.


    With his attributes he had an extreme metabolism, if he didnt eat a lot hed only get worse. In just seconds Zac actually managed to stuff his face with over a kilo of high-grade meat and a couple of liters of water from a canteen. After a brief hesitation he took out another sk and took a small sip from it.


    It was actually extremely diluted Cosmic Water, containing roughly one percent of the high energy liquid. As it entered his body he felt the familiar burn through his pathways, but with the low amount of water it was just a small sh of warmth before it turned into Cosmic Energy.


    It was the highest concentration he dared to drink at the moment, but even this mixture was harmful if imbibed to much. It did, however, give a small boost to hispletely depleted reserves of Cosmic Energy, which improved his bodily functions in general.


    Drinking it was partly to invigorate his body, but mainly in order to stay prepared. While Sui seemed nice enough, he didnt really trust the others. If it came to it he needed to be able to protect himself. Besides, they were still in the Dead Zone, anything could happen.


    Zac would have liked to continue eating, but approaching voices told him his feast was over, so he quickly put away his Cosmos Pouch again. The trip wasrgely uneventful after that, as they only traveled on roads far away from civilization. They entered a sort of routine where nothing really happened apart from Sui infusing some energy into Zac every hour or so.


    They never stopped driving and kept going non-stop. The only times they stopped was when they found abandoned vehicles, where they tried to salvage some leftover gas with practiced ease. It was the middle of the night when they made another such stop, and the Old man jumped out of the back of the truck with a hose and a can.


    However, it didnt take long before the calm of the night was interrupted by multiple roars from zombies.


    Attack! a shout from outside came, and within seconds the rest of the people in the truck were up on their feet and outside.


    Zac had to admit that these people seemed to have morebat experience than even his Valkyries. Perhaps trying some recruiting in the area would be a good idea. For a second he thought about going out to help, but a quick check told him his body was in no condition yet. The energy he got from the Cosmic Water was just to keep him going at full power for a couple of seconds, and he didnt want to waste it on some mindless zombies.


    Instead, he took the chance to once again replenish his body. He stuffed his face with dried meat, and once again downed it with a mouthful of diluted Cosmic Water. It was simply too hard to restore energy naturally in the Dead Zone, as most of the Cosmic Energy was converted into miasma. Taking out a bunch of crystals would be suspicious as well, leaving him with only this option.


    Arent you rxed, having a drink while were out here risking our lives, a grunt suddenly came from outside.


    Surprised Zac quickly looked over, and to his annoyance it was the man who sat opposite him, Wang Fang. It appeared that the man had actually snuck back toward the truck while the fight was still going. Zac could only say that the mans name waspletely apt, as he had been aplete wang since Zac woke up.


    Unfortunately Im not in shape to help at the moment, Zac could only respond, as what the man said was in a sense true.


    Even worse, youve also been hiding rations while enjoying ours, the man pressed on as he jumped into the van. Makes me wonder what else you have been hiding. I knew we should have frisked you when Sui picked you up.


    Zacs brows scrunched up, and he started to wonder if he would have to waste the little energy hed restored in order to break some bones. He couldnt have the man search him, even if it meant that hed have a falling out with the people in the truck. The wealth on his person was beyond anything they could imagine, and it would create chaos.


    Zac slowly started to rotate his cosmic energy through his parched pathways, getting ready for a quick surprise strike. However, he was relieved to hear that the fighting had died down outside, and footsteps were approaching the truck.


    Wang Fang tsked in annoyance, but quickly snatched the sk out of Zacs hand and backed away with a triumphant sneer. However, face quickly changed as the sweet aroma from the Cosmic Water drew his attention, and he unhesitantly took a swig from the canteen.


    You really shouldnt drink that. It is poison, and it will be the end of you, Zac said with a frown.


    However, Wang ignored him and greedily swallowed one mouthful after another with a blissful expression on his face.


    At this moment the others entered the truck, frowning at the scene.


    Whats going on? the old man, who appeared to be some sort of leader, asked.


    Our little guest has been hoarding treasures all along, the Wang Fang said and showed them the sk triumphantly. I found him drinking from this when I looked inside. Its some magical water that restored instantly restored all my cosmic energy from just a few mouthfuls.


    Some murmurs erupted from the others as they greedily looked at the sk, apart from Sui who looked aghast at the situation. Wang seemed emboldened by the attention and Zacs silence so he kept going.


    Not only that, the sk itself is a treasure, as it contains an endless amount of the Treasure Water, he said, looking at Zac with a sneer. I bet this thing is why you had to flee into the Dead Zone. You probably stole it and got chased.


    Ill give you a final warning, Zac said with a shrug. That bottle contains diluted Cosmic Water. It will restore your cosmic energy, but it will also ruin your pathways. I only took a small sip to restore my depleted energy, but that was because I had no alternative. Drinking it like you did will only end in tragedy.


    You stole it from David? Fang-ge, what kind of man have you be? Sui said with disappointment. Return it immediately.


    Its okay, its nothing valuable, Zac said with a wave, before he looked at the others in the truck. You were benevolent and helped me in my time of need, so I wish you no harm. Stay away from that liquid.


    Not wanting us to waste your treasure? Wang snorted. I bet youre nning to steal it back. Sorry, but it will stay with me from now on. This will be what push our squad to greatness.


    Zac shook his head, not wanting to bother with the fool any longer. If he wanted to kill himself he was wee to. Besides, the sk was nothing expensive, just a little Cosmic Water diluted in normal water. It was nothingpared to the smallke of the stuff he possessed.


    Instead he closed his eyes and rested. In the end a few others tasted the water, and all marveled at its magical effects. However, the Old Man, Sui, and another man declined instead opting to slowly restore themselves with Nexus Crystals. Since they didnt take it any further or trying to frisk him for any more treasures Zac let the matter end there.


    Between Suis help and his slow recuperation he was over 15% restored by now by his own ount. It wasnt optimal, but it was enough to rebuff some zombie hunters if it came to that. But Zac felt that what they would go through in the future was punishment enough. He remembered how addictive the water was, it felt like one could keep going and fight forever with the stuff. But reality would catch up with them soon enough.


    After the confrontation the atmosphere in the truck got quite oppressive, with no one really in the mood to speak up. Zac knew that if it wasnt for Sui he would have been attacked, or at least thrown out by now. It was lucky for him that no one wanted to anger the purifier, as it might result in their death tomorrow fromck of treatment.


    Zac considered whether he should just start to bring out his meat and some crystals, and beat them up if they got greedy for his things. But in the end he gave up on the idea, as he didnt want to rock the boat. He needed to get infused by the energy from Sui, so he decided to stay put until they arrived at the monastery.


    Instead they sat in silence, the hours feeling like days. Zac wasnt sure how long theyd driven, but suddenly his eyes opened due to a change in the atmosphere. The concentration of miasma was rapidly declining, to the point that it was almost gone after 20 seconds of driving.


    The others in the truck sensed it as well and stretched their legs as they cracked their necks. The truck stopped only a minuteter, and everyone quickly got out. This time Zac didnt stay behind, and for the first time in over a day he got up on his feet and walked out of the stuffy truck.


    By now Sui had infused him over 30 times, and his body finally didnt feel like it was teetering on the brink of copse. Even better, the air waspletely free from miasma, and Zac felt his body slowly start to absorb energy to deplete his wrung out body.


    With a grunt he jumped out of the truck, but he immediately froze when e looked at the area, and he couldnt help but gape in awe. As he looked around it almost felt like he was in a dream, standing on the foot of Mount Meru.


    The sky was an intense blue, the gloomy clouds of the Dead Zone just a distant memory. The surroundings were draped Lush greenery, with rice paddies covering most of the base of a towering mountain that rose to the skies. The fields were tended by at least a hundred monks, dressed in simple kasayas, and it was easy to forget that they were surrounded by zombies from the pastoral scenery.


    The greenery actually stopped some ways up the mountain, being reced by sheer walls and cliffs. More amazingly the mountain itself was almostpletely covered text, huge letters leaving barely any surfaces unaltered.


    It was not the fractals of the system or any foreign species Zac knew from a nce. He was by no means an expert in the area, but he was pretty sure it was some sort of Indian text, likely Sanskrit as it was a Buddhistic mountain.


    However, Zac had never heard of something like this magical mountain before the integration. Engraving a whole mountain was an unfathomable undertaking, and the carvings would have made it world renown. So Zac could only guess that the engravings were added after the world got integrated, which made sense since something like this should be a lot easier when ones attributes had improved.


    More surprisingly he felt that the Sanskrit wasnt just decoration, as there were hints of power in the letters. They held a subdued but intractable strength, making Zac even doubt he could cause a crack in the stones. Together they formed something unfathomable giving the whole mountain almost a divine aura.

 Chapter 180: Invitation

    Chapter 180: Invitation


    Since he heard about it Zac had wondered how a monastery could stand strong in the middle of the Dead Zone, wantonly purifying the area. He would have thought that the undead leaders would have purged the area and ttened the mountain, not wanting to leave such a cancer in their backyard. But he had a feeling that the tens of thousands of letters were part of the answer somehow.


    Some distance from them a set of stone stairs led up the mountain, simple and unadornedpared to the rest of the area. At its end far up the mountain Zac could vaguely spot a few roofs of the monastery, though much of it was shrouded in a white mist.


    Are we really still in the Dead Zone? Zac couldnt help ask with a subdued voice to Sui who stood next to him.


    Buddha guards this ce, and the mountain grow stronger every day. It is the beacon of hope for many of us, Sui answered with reverence in her eyes as she looked up at the shrouded monastery in the distance.


    A deep gong suddenly spread out from the top of the mountain, somehow clearing Zacs mind in an instant. For months worries had gued his mind, and new issues kept cropping up. However, it was all blown away from the sound, and it appeared it was the same for Sui as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The two simply stood and took in the tranquility for another few seconds until a jarring voice broke the serenity.


    Thats him! He pretended to be a monk, I think he works for the undead trying to spy on you!


    Zac couldnt help roll his eyes as he looked over at the direction the sound came from. Wang Fang stood some distance away, clearly trying to suck up to two monks.


    Both monks appeared to be some sort of guards, as they each held a staff with some iron hoops at the end. Just looking at them Zac sensed they had to be at least level 30 from their presence. The two guards looked back at him, though they looked confused rather than anything else.


    The others of the party stood some distance away, looking at the ongoings with troubled faces. Clearly they didnt want to get involved in what was going on, neither speaking up for Zac nor helping Wang Fang.


    Zac took the usation in stride, as he didnt feel it would be very hard to prove his innocence. He was especially sure of that as he just received a prompt he had never seen before. After mulling it over a few seconds he made his choice, making the prompt disappear again.


    However, Sui wasnt as calm as she scurried over toward the two monks who both seemed to recognize her. As soon as she approached they both put their hands together and bowed in greeting.


    Dont listen to Fang, hes talking crazy. We identally hit David with our truck on the way here, she said, and followed up with a quick recounting of the situation.


    The two monks looked a bit troubled at the situation, but soon one of the two hurried toward the long stairs leading toward the monastery while the other one walked over toward Zac, much to the joy of Wang Fang.


    Patron, please amodate this penniless monk and stay for a moment. While Patron Sui is a respected guest of the monastery, it is still a fact you contain an unordinary amount of yin energy. Please stand by while we confer with our senior brothers, the monk said with a courteous bow.


    Thats fine, Ill look at your mountain for a bit. It is very interesting, Zac said as he sat down.


    Zac truly didnt mind the wait, as he found the inscriptions extremely interesting. Every type of inscription hed encountered so far came from the system or integrated societies, and they all had one thing inmon.


    They were based on the fractals that made up the skills and pathways for Cosmic Energy. The fractals from the system felt the purest and unadulterated, whereas the ones from the Creators and Demons differed in various ways. However, they shared the same root.


    From how Zac understood it, the fractals were thenguage of the Dao and they contained hints of various truths. Thats why it was possible to study skill fractals to slowly gain insight into the Dao. It was all based on a cohesive system drawn up by the Apostate of Order billions of years ago.


    It was different with the Sanskrit writings on the mountain walls, as they had nothing to do with the fractals. Zac couldnt understand how it was possible to draw power from something that seemed to be its own system, rather than the system of the multiverse.


    It felt like a true miracle that the monastery somehow had managed to create something with Earth Scripture. As for exactly what the mountain did, Zac still wasntpletely sure. It emitted a pressure as heavy as the world, yet at the same time it was light as a feather.


    The only thing he could figure out after watching it for twenty minutes was that the mountain itself was the thing responsible for converting the miasma in the area. But that was likely only part of the capabilities of the mountain.


    For the monastery to still stand strong, it likely possessed some sort of defensive or offensive abilities as well. Otherwise Mhal or one of his colleagues would have just destroyed the whole thing. Abbot Evesting Peace should be quite powerful, but in the end he was only level 41. He shouldnt be able to fend off the whole Undead Hordes with his own power.


    One possibility he thought of was that this monastery was chosen as an outpost and the monks were given a crystal just like his. Maybe they possessed some extremely strong arrays that kept the area safe in case of attack. However, Zac didnt gain ess to those kinds of arrays until he finished the first Incursion quest.


    He didnt really make any headway with the scriptures, so didnt mind seeing a coulple of monks slowly descend the stairs and walk toward him.


    Amitabha, patron. Abbot Evesting Peace has asked for yourpany if convenient, the monk said with a bow.


    The old monk himself seemed quite confused about the invitation, and the same could be seen on the others. However, Zac himself wasnt too surprised. When he arrived at the monastery he got the option by the system to make his presence known, which he epted.


    Sounds good, Zac only said and got to his feet. Let me just talk with my travelpanions.


    With a few steps he walked over to the group who now sat around a table having dinner some distance away, with the group of warrior monks following close behind. Sui looked over with a troubled face, but Zac spoke up before she could say anything.


    Thank you for your help over the past days. I am not sure I would have survived without your gift of life. If possible I will return the favor in the future.


    You need to survive impersonating a venerable first, Wang Fang retorted with a gleeful face, clearly misunderstanding the presense of the monks behind Zac.


    The others looked troubled, especially the Old Man who looked back and forth between Zac and the monks respectfully standing behind him with a slight frown on his face. Zac only ignored Wang, much to his annoyance.


    You are wee. I believe helping you will be thergest karmic contribution of my life, Sui answered with sincerity, drawing surprised nces from the others.


    Wang Fang seemedpletely infuriated by thement, and looked ready to go another round. However, he wasnt given the opportunity as Zac simply left toward the stairs with the monks in tow.


    As he reached the stairs he saw that they werent actually unadorned like it seemed from the distance. They were covered with scripts as well, with Sanskrit covering both the left and right sides, leaving only a small part of the middle clear to step on.


    There are 2 700 stairs leading up to the Monastery of Evesting Peace. Each step is inscribed with a line from the Diamond Sutra. The Sutra is then repeated nine times. To walk the stairs is to search for enlightenment through repetition, the elderly monkmented as he saw Zac gaze upon the text.


    Zac only nodded in response as he took the first step on the stairs. As he did a small pressurended on his shoulders, but it wasnt to the point of really bothering him. Mostly unencumbered he kept walking up the stairs as he looked at the inscriptions on the sides.


    The monks behind Zac looked at each others with some surprise, but quickly followed Zac up the stairs. No one spoke as they kept walking up one step at a time. Zac couldnt help but look at each line as he walked, being drawn to the words. He couldnt actually read the Sanskrit, but through hisnguage skill he still got a sense what it said.


    Of course, that was just the surface. The sutras of Buddhism and Hinduism were notoriously cryptic, and one could spend their whole life pondering itsyers. However, he was surprised to sense that he got a different inspiration from the 301st steppared to the 1st. The inscriptions were the same, yet their meaning was somehow different.


    Curious, Zac kept climbing, trying to absorb whatever the Diamond Sutra was trying to tell him. The formless pressure was gaining slightly in strength with each of his step, and by the time he reached the seventh iteration of the Diamond Sutra it started to be quite strenuous, to the point that Zac was unsure whether hed make it all the way.


    Zac was contemting whether he should start rotating his Cosmic Energy or ask the monks walking behind him what was going on. But in the end he felt that would somehow be losing, or failing some test. The monks behind him walked without any effort, telling Zac it wasnt an issue of strength. Even the old man looking to be at least 70 wasnt even panting, only kindly smiling at him when Zac looked back.


    Since the old man wasnt using Cosmic Energy, Zac instead summoned his Dao of Trees as he kept walking. He felt he was on to something as the pressure drastically lessened, and released a Dao Field around his body. More surprisingly it felt as though the meaning of the inscriptions on the ground changed as he walked, instead starting to talk about his Dao.


    As he ascended thest sets of steps his Dao Field kept subtly changing, turning more solid and robust. When he finally stood at the end of the stairs the pressure suddenlypletely disappeared, and his Dao Field spread out over fifty meters, twice what he managed earlier.


    His mind was crystal clear as he stood still for a few breaths, only pondering on his recent insights into the Dao. The stairs and its inscriptions had somehow stabilized his evolved seed, something that might normally have taken him weeks of meditation.


    Amithaba, patron. All is none. Heart is all, the old monk said behind Zac as he bowed toward him.


    I feel like I have been given a huge gift here, Zac said as he looked down at he stairs leading back toward the base of the mountain.


    If you light amp for somebody, it will also brighten your own path. Remember, the Daoes from the heart. The heart can manifest the myriad Dao, but also endless worries, the old monk said with a kindly smile. This way patron, the Abbot is waiting.


    The other monks in the party monks seemed much friendlier to Zac after he ascended the steps, and with a bow, they left him and the old man. The monastery wasnt too big Zac noted as they walked, and perhaps it could house a thousand monks. Then again, they were on a mountain, and perhaps there were a bunch of monks living as hermits in caves.


    The temple was simple and austere but in spotless condition. There was a solemn silence in the air, and the area exuded an ancient aura. Zac felt it would taint the tranquility if he spoke here, so he let the old man lead him inplete silence through thepound.


    After a few minutes they had walked to the back of the temple, and Zac noted with some surprise they passed therger halls. Instead it appeared they headed toward a small courtyard hidden in the back. It was small and unassuming, and absolutely not the ce Zac thought the abbot would stay.


    A few monks sat and meditated on a square in front of the gates to the small courtyard, and they all opened their eyes when they heard the footsteps of Zac and the old monk. Even Zac felt some pressure when faced with the calm stares of the monks in front of him.


    Zac realized that while these monks might not be on thedder, they likely werent too far off. Besides, judging by the mysterious things going on at the monastery they might actually be stronger than some rankers in reality.


    The old man simply ced his hands together in greeting, and led Zac into the small courtyard. There Actually were twoyers of doors, and before opening the second door, the old man first closed the outer one. When the old man opened the inner door next, Zac was nketed with an extremely dense amount of cosmic energy, to the point that it could rival the small cave beneath theke of Cosmic Water.


    As they entered Zac was surprised to see that most of the inner courtyard was covered by a pond, though it seemed to be normal water. Zac saw a few koi swing about, but that wasnt what drew his attention. In the middle of the pond was a huge lotus-flower, reaching at least 3 meters across, and on top of it sat a monk staring out at the sunset.


    The imagery was quite striking, but that wasnt enough to shock Zac. He was still left gaping however from the torrents of pure healing powers that swirled around the flower. It was as though the old monk sat in the middle of a hurricane wrought from pure life.

 Chapter 181: Abbot Everlasting Peace

    Chapter 181: Abbot Evesting Peace


    Initially when they entered Zac could only see the side of the old monk sitting on the lotus. However, as Zac was lead around the pond to a seat facing the Abbot his brows rose in shock.


    His first impression of Abbot Evesting Peace was that he was teeming with life, but his appearance truly didnt match. The old man sat in a ssic meditating pose, but there was a huge hole in his chest right where his lungs and heart should be.


    The loose robes the old monk wore covered some of the wound, but Zac could actually see the sky through the hole in the old mans chest. The Abbots face was equally grisly, with huge jagged scars lining his face that made Zacs scars seem like small beauty marks.


    Furthermore, having been on the receiving end of the Corpse Lord Zac recognized the auraing from the wounds. It was clear it was done by some undead powerhouse. The miasma was mostly cleansed in the old man, but some hints remained, and the scars were still slightly ckened.


    His eyes were closed, and Zac sensed he was in the middle of cultivation as energy swirled around him like a whirlwind in slow motion. Zacs eyes couldnt help but turn to the flower underneath the monk, as the energies it emitted were extremely pure.


    Zac even guessed the flower might be a treasure of the grade of the Fruit of Ascension, though its function likely was separate. Judging by the state of the old man he might not even be able to leave the flower, as it was continuously pouring healing energies into his body.


    The old monk who led Zac to the courtyard wordlessly bowed to the Abbot and Zac before he left again, closing the doors to the courtyard behind him.


    Zac was happy to wait for the old monk to wake up, as some of the spill-off from the flower actually entered himself, nourishing even better than Suis healing skills did. It felt as though his parched body was slowly being submerged into a pure river, with him slowly absorbing the water.


    It made Zac wonder just how potent it was to sit in the center of the flower. After roughly 30 minutes the old man finally roused himself


    Ambithaba, benefactor, the old man said as he slowly opened his eyes. I apologize for making you see this embarrassing sight.


    Thats okay. Uh, no offense, but how are you alive? Zac couldnt help asking as his eyes once again were drawn to the hole in the old mans chest.


    Do not worry, I am not one of the yin creatures youve met outside, the old man said with a kindly smile, though it was somewhat marred from the scars.


    This penniless monk was wounded in battle. I am ashamed to admit it, but I am not ready to enter the Samsara. My home has turned into a hell on earth. If I dont stay and fight, who will? Perhaps I performed meritorious deeds in a past life, as the universe bestowed me with this treasure in my moment of need, he said as he pointed down at the Lotus flower.


    It is prolonging this ones life and slowly provides healing, the Abbot said. Unfortunately it means I am not able to leave it, and wont be for a long while.


    It seems quite special, sitting here is helping me out as well. Im Zac, by the way, thank you for receiving me, Zac simply said.


    Benefactor showed great merit when youid one of the leaders of this Incursion to rest. Receiving you is the least this poor temple could do, this old man said with a small smile.


    Oh? How did you know that? Zac asked curiously.


    The abbot only kept smiling as a screen opened up in front of Zac.


    Life versus Death (Unique): Triumph over the six lords of undeath and the Lich King of the Undead Incursion. Reward: Infallible Sutra, unique building depending on performance. (3/7).


    Zac was shocked when he saw the quest. It was very simr to his own old quest, Off With Their Heads, as it was based on killing the leaders of an incursion. That wasnt what surprised him though, it was the fact that the progress was already at (3/7).


    Zac was quite sure that Mhal was one of the three, but that still meant that two of the generals were already killed before his battle. While it might not seem like muchpared to Zac killing all four of the heralds before two months were over, he knew the two couldnt bepared.


    n AzhRezak was a fledgling demonic n that only got the opportunity to invade a new through dumb luck, and the resources they could put into the invasion were severely limited. Meanwhile, the Undead Empire was one of thergest forces in the multi-verse, with resources and means that Zac couldnt even imagine.


    Of course, the undead force that invaded Earth was just some insignificant branch of the empire, but still, the foundations would have to be on another levelpared to Ogras n. That was easily disyed by the fact that Ogras was barely as strong as just one of the lords, but likely no match against the actual Lich King. Mhal and his colleagues would likely have no trouble ughter the beasts that were the Heralds of the demonic incursion.


    I barely survived the fight against the undead lord, I cant believe you have managed to kill two of them, Zac said, not hiding his awe.


    They came two months ago to destroy this mountain. An army of undead lead by two generals. With some special means and luck, we managed to prevail. However, the fight resulted in this embarrassing appearance, the monk exined. This mountain warded off evil and protected us in our time of need. However, my brothers tell me the undead are growing stronger. I am not sure how long it will take until they try again.


    Perhaps the death of one more of their own might give us more time to prepare, Abbot Evesting Peace continued.


    Hopefully our force can be of assistance soon. Currently, they are closing up another Incursion, Zac said, referring to the Ratmen Incursion at Billyville.


    The operation should have started by now, and Zac hoped they would be sessful in closing it down. It would free up another powerhouse to join the battle against the other Incursions.


    But I believe this undead Incursion must be closed as soon as possible. They cant be allowed to keep growing for much longer, Zac continued.


    The undead disrupt the harmony between life and death and deny poor souls Samsara. This penniless monk would be most indebted by any assistance benefactor can bring, the Abbot said. But I believe that is not why benefactor visited this old man?


    Zac pondered a bit on how to frame his next questions. It was generally quite rude to ask about secrets to cultivation from outsiders, as it was akin to asking them for their weaknesses. However, the situation on Earth was desperate, and Zac felt it wasnt time to be bashful.


    I gained my strength by singlehandedly closing an incursion, Zac said, exining his situation to an outsider for the first time. It has awarded me with various benefits that snowballed into a huge advantage in power over perhaps anyone on this. Yet I fear its not enough. I have no confidence in defeating the Lich King as I am, and there are many more invaders out there.


    I am looking for any methods to get stronger, and seeing the mountain and your monks tells me I have much to learn from you. Can you tell me how your insight into the Dao is so high?


    Did you know? This penniless monk had never left this mountain before the integration, the old man responded with a smile. I also never contributed much to the monastery. I believed that to understand Karma you first needed to sever Karma.


    This monk only sat and pondered on the Sutras and what the Buddhist Dharma meant, but I realize now that was just selfishness. Only when I stepped out from my courtyard did Ie to understand things that had been hazy mysteries for decades.


    What is the point of understanding Karma if you do not create spread goodness through Karma? the Old man asked, seemingly rhetorical.


    Dao, Faith, Insight, Truth, Enlightenment. All are names for the same thing as this one sees it. Understanding of the self and the universe. This mountain has been consecrated in the Dao for thousands of years, and it gained spirituality. The sutras are the basis for its being, therefore they have power. Our hearts give them power, therefore they are powerful, Abbot Evesting Peace said as he looked up at the sky, before once again focusing on Zac.


    Zac wasnt sure what to make of the old mans exnation. He wasnt a spiritual person before the fall and didnt really understand some of the things these monks said.


    He was sure that there was a lesson to be learned from how the old monk gained power, but at the same time, it might not apply to himself. They walked different paths, his wrought with blood and carnage. The old monk seemed to understand Zacs confusion and only shook his head.


    Benefactor doesnt need to be a monk and read scriptures to improve the Dao. This old man believes that finding the answers is not about following a certain procedure. It is about being true to your nature and your heart. If you try to force enlightenment it will always be out of reach, you will be an old man looking up at the clouds in despair, he said.


    But if you follow your nature and your heart, the myriad Dao will open themselves to you.


    Zac slowly nodded, somewhat understanding what the old man was driving at. However, suddenly he had an epiphany.


    Nature Zac murmured with his eyes widening.


    What he gained wasnt some realization in regards to the Dao, but rather about inscriptions, though it all tied together. He realized hed been nave when he thought of the fractals by the Creators and the Demons as simple or wed.


    The creators were among the greatest craftsmen in the multi-verse, there was no reason they shouldnt be able to create fractals that looked the same as the ones the System used. However, they still inscribed the squarish ones that had reminded Zac of old-schoolputer text.


    It was the same with the Demons. Their fractals looked a bit crude inparison to the one that adorned his robes, but after living with them for months Zac knew they werent some barbarians.


    Why couldnt they simply alter their scripts a bit to look like the ones from the system? The design of those fractals wasnt anything umon, as they could simply buy basic gear from the General Store. Add to that the thousands of years of research they had.


    Only now did Zac understand that it was a deliberate choice. The scripts the two factions used were more closely aligned with their nature. The strength of an inscription wasnt dictated how close it looked to a real fractal, but by the insight and skill of the inscriber.


    Zac now realized that the power of the inscriptions likely got stronger, not weaker, when the inscriptions were more suited to the nature of the Creator. For the same reason, the Sanskrit covering the mountain was close to the nature of these monks, which is why they gained power.


    This was what the Abbot was trying to tell him. Zac was looking at the Dao like there was an answer sheet, and Zac hoped the Abbot had a few of the answers he didnt possess yet. But Dao was an individual journey.


    He should be looking inward to find his own nature and what Dao suited him and his path, instead of trying to find tricks or Dao fruits that would give him shortcuts or answers to questions he wasnt even asking.


    Benefactor is still hurt from earlier. Why not keep this penniless monkpany for a few days? The Abbot suddenly said, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    Actually, I am in the region on a mission, Zac said with some hesitation. I cant stay overly long.


    It would be nice to stay in this courtyard for a bit since he was getting better by the second. The lotus was flooding the area with vitality after all, and he was still sorelycking in that department.


    This old man can see benefactor has strong Karmic ties to someone in the east. But it is not yet time, the Abbot said.


    Nature does not hurry, yet all is aplished.

 Chapter 182: Black and Gold

    Chapter 182: ck and Gold


    What do you mean? Zac asked confused.


    This penniless monk gained some minor insight into the Dao of Karma from his many decades of meditation. It has given me some unique skills in this new reality of ours. Karma ties you to a location to the east. However, if you leave now you will likely fail in your goal, the monk said with a calm voice.


    Zac thought it over and couldnt find any reason the old man would lie. Still, it felt like too strong a power to be able to predict the future like that, at least for someone at level 40. That felt like something that was in the realm of gods.


    Why would I fail? Zac asked with some skepticism.


    Because your yin and yang are currently out of bnce, the old man said as he pointed at Zacs stomach.


    Benefactors wound might not look as bad as this one, the Abbot continued as he pointed at his chest. But it is just as dangerous. I sense a storm inside you. Unless benefactor finds harmony, the yin outside the mountain will kill you.


    Zac grimaced, very aware of the problem. The wound in his side was calm at the moment, but that was only because there was bountiful vitality in this courtyard, almost to the point that it was like being constantly healed by a purifier.


    The moment he stepped out from the mountain the process of his vitality being sapped would likely restart again. As he sat and pondered in the back of the truck he made some educated guesses about his situation. The suction of his life force likely wasnt only because he was inside the Dead Zone, but because of theposition of the bead.


    The Core was mainly created from the miasma of over a hundred thousand zombies along with a lot of ambient deathly energy. The opposing force was the ten purification pills along with his Dao of Vitality and Suis ministrations. However, the pills and other life-attuned energies he absorbed were far less than the total amount of miasma, to the point that at most 10% of the energy in the bead was life-based.


    That meant that the absorption would likely continue even after he left the Dead Zone. His current idea was just to tough it out somehow until he found Kenzie, then hurry back to Port Atwood and hope Ogras or someone else had some idea. But perhaps the monk in front of him could provide some alternative solution.


    Do you have a way to cleanse away the miasma in me? Zac asked with some hope.


    Why would benefactor want to remove half of his self?


    Half my what? Zac asked confused, afraid the monk had misunderstood him.


    If this poor monk may be blunt, I believe benefactor has not looked at the situation from all angles, Abbot Evesting Peace said.


    Benefactor likely looks at the yin energy on the outside as something negative, akin to poison. However, this poor monk sees it as the other half of life. This poor monk sensed benefactor walk a path of life when he ascended the stairs. One might look at death as the opposite of life, but one can also see it as its shadow, the monk said.


    Zac nodded in agreement, as that was basically what he based histest insight of his Dao Seed around.


    One might say that the two restrain each other, but this penniless monk believes they can also nurture each other. Perhaps benefactor doesnt need to remove the yin, but rather bolster the yang, the monk concluded.


    This was honestly something Zac had thought about before. He felt that he shouldnt even be alive, but a series of coincidences had left him with this odd core, and perhaps it was a ticket for him to go further than the conventional cultivator. He knew that reaching the higher tiers of power was beyond hard, and unless one encountered a continuous stream of lucky encounters the road would likely end at E-Grade or even lower.


    However, there were a lot of question marks about choosing this path. First of all, he wasnt too sure if it fit his current Daos or his ss. He was, in essence, an axe warrior with some nature-element skills on the side. The life-death path was something else.


    He was afraid that hed find himself at an impasse when he reached level 75. Alyn and Ogras had multiple time told him how extremely hard it was to walk the path of the elite, and that almost everyone got stuck at the bottleneck due tocking the qualifications to go further.


    Getting an epic-graded ss was nigh-impossible unless you came from a high tier background who had resources that a newly integrated world could only dream of. Perhaps if he spread himself too thin he would lose everything. The situation on Earth was dire, and perhaps it was a mistake to take such a big gamble.


    Like it or not, he was the main force against the Incursions and Dominators. The incursions were possible to close without evolving due to the restrictions still in ce, but that didnt hold true for the Dominators. They were already at level 100, far past the F-grade barrier.


    Hed discussed the issue at length with Ogras and understood that the increase in strength from each level at E-Grade was the same as a handful of levels for an F-Grader. It wasnt impossible to skip ranks and fight people who were at the beginning of a new rank, but the Dominators were too far past the delimiter. Even if they were trash who just had a lot of extra time there was no way for Zac to defeat them at level 75.


    So if Zac got himself stuck at the bottleneck for too long the Dominators might just kill him and everyone else even if he managed to close the Incursions. The odd cultists of the Zhix were still shrouded in mystery. If they wanted they should have been able to destroy the Incursions without too much effort. Yet they were still biding their time, hiding in their burrows.


    That fact only made Zac more nervous, rather than the opposite. It felt like the Dominators were a ticking time bomb that could go off at any moment, and who knew what they had nned over the past 6 months.


    It might be a good idea, but the amount of miasma in me is enormous. I had a purifier help me for over a day, and it barely put a dent in the life-attuned energy needed to reach a bnce, Zac said with a sigh.


    Well, perhaps this penniless monk can help benefactor on this front, but only if youve decided on your path, the Abbot said.


    Zac thought it over for a good ten minutes, but finally he decided to go with it after all. If the Abbot could help he would ept it. He already was determined to walk the path of the elite, and he felt that utilizing the core rather than discarding it was the path with more potential, even though it was arge risk. Cultivation was taking risks and defying fate. Nothing ventured nothing gained.


    Amitabha, this penniless monk can see benefactor has made his choice, the monk said with a smile as he bent down and plucked something from the lotus flower beneath him. This lotus seed contains part of the vitality of the flower. Though it is only a part, it is nigh boundless. Benefactor can slowly absorb it in order to supplement the yang.


    The torrent of life-attuned energy swirling around the lotus flower got distinctly weaker, and Zac suspected it lost around 20% of its power. Zac understood what kind of sacrifice the old man-made as he looked at the wound in his chest.


    Why are you doing this? Zac couldnt help asking.


    Amitabha, do good deeds to gain merit. If benefactor wishes to look it as another way, see it as this penniless monk sowing seeds of karma, the old monk said with a smile.


    Zac said nothing more as he received the seed. He sat down and started absorbing the energy in the seed. It was as though an endless surge of pure life entered his body, and in just minutes his drained body felt like it was back in top condition.


    The Core wasnt so easily satiated though, as it greedily kept absorbing the energy from the seed. A storm of energy exited the seed as it entered Zacs body and gathered beneath his navel. The huge amounts of energies were painful, but Zac kept pushing his body to the limits in order to finish as quickly as possible.


    After roughly twelve hours the speed of absorption started to dwindle slightly, allowing Zac to once again talk with the monk who hadnt moved the whole time.


    Benefactors body is truly resilient. If this penniless monk was able to absorb energy at that speed I would have been able to leave this flower weeks ago, the Abbot said with a shake of his head.


    This gift is immeasurable, Zac said. I do not know how to repay you.


    Zac was regretting not buying the second Fruit of Ascension with contribution points so that he could give it to the old monk. He still was holding one, but he was nning on giving it to his sister.


    Besides, it was unclear how helpful it would be to the man in front of him. The fruit didnt really have any healing properties, and Zac suspected the old man in front of him already had improved his constitution to E-rank. It would almost be impossible not to evolve after sitting in this level of vitality for two straight months.


    Benefactor does not need to repay this old man. This penniless monk only wishes that benefactor does not give up on humanity and uses his gifts for good.


    Zac could only nod and mentally promise that hed find some way to make it up to the Abbot as he looked inward. There were still surges of life-attuned energy entering his bead, but it had changed quite a bit since he looked at itst.


    For one it had almost doubled in size, and secondly, it wasnt pure ck with some golden specks like before. It now held a much evener distribution of colors, though the ck was still a majority. He guessed it would take another 12 to 15 hours before hed reach equilibrium.


    More impressively there actually seemed to be fractals naturally forming on the bead, though Zac had no idea what they meant. They were extremely intricate and written in both gold and ck. It seemed there was a profundity behind them that still was beyond what Zac could understand.


    As the two sat and absorbed the energies from the lotus flower the two discussed various things. The old man was a cultivator, which wasnt surprising to Zac. What was surprising was that most of the monks who had spent their life in the monastery were cultivators as well. It shed with what he knew about the randomness of who was a cultivator and who wasnt.


    Zac also gained some clues as to where his sister might be. The monk knew of arge town some distance away from the edge of the Dead Zone that was a drop-off zone for Caucasian cultivators. It was called Kingsbury, and it sounded like it would take Zac roughly two days to get there if he hurried.


    What was worse was that the monk mentioned that the town had gotten integrated with the New World Government a few weeks ago. Zac wasnt sure whether it was a coincidence or not, but it was cause for worry. However, he forced himself to stay put. It was as the Abbot said, rushing would only have an opposite effect.


    After another 17 hours, Zac could sense that the core in his body was finally in equilibrium. He was extremely impressed with the lotus flower that the monk sat on. One single seed was able to offset the entire amount of miasma in his core, and there still was a good deal of energy left inside it.


    However, when Zac made to give the seed back to the old man he refused with a shake of his head.


    Keep the seed, it mighte handy, the Abbot said. Remember, the heart is all.


    Thank you, I will remember this, Zac said as he stood up and walked toward the door.


    He took onest look at the small courtyard and the congenial old man who sat looking up at the clouds with a smile on his face.


    Soon Zac was running through the woods toward Kingsbury. The rumors that the Abbot mentioned kept gnawing at him, making him unable to calm down. It felt too coincidental that the town was getting with the government just as he was about to arrive.


    It all smelled like a setup to him. They were trying to lure him to Kingsbury, but what kind of n they had was unknown. The problem was that Zac couldnt understand why the government would do something like this. They had to know that if they took his sister hostage to harm him they would put themselves square in his crosshairs.


    They already knew how he dealt with things by looking at the aftermath in Greenworth. The stupidity of it all made Zac doubt whether he was just paranoid. Still, he would rather be safe than sorry, so he hurried toward the town, cutting a straight line through the forest.

 Chapter 183: Kingsbury

    Chapter 183: Kingsbury


    As soon as he had exited the sphere of protection from Mount Evesting Peace his core once again had started to absorb miasma. However, it wasnt a problem for Zac anymore, as the lotus seed provided him with the life energy he needed. Besides, now that his core was bnced the amount of life energy needed to maintain the bnce was minusculepared to before.


    It went to show that while the bead was bnced it was still able to absorb more energy. However, Zac wasnt sure whether pushing more energy into the core was something he should be aiming for until he knew what he was dealing with.


    After talking with the Abbot for almost a day he didnt feel as bad about the bead anymore, rather the opposite. He was excited to dig into the mysteries it contained when he had some time. He was especially curious about the fractals that had somehow appeared by themselves on the small core. Perhaps they were a clue how to harness the massive energy the core contained.


    Zac was still stunned by the generosity of the Abbot. It was a bit of an ufortable feeling to be so far in debt to a stranger. No matter what Zac had tried while he absorbed energy from the bead the Abbot had refused to ept any gift in return, no matter if it was healing pills or crystals.


    The only thing he could think of was to provide as much information as he could to the monks, from the various incursions to the threat of the Dominators and shapeshifters. He also set up an alliance with the monastery, which in a sense was arge gift, as it gave the monks a path of retreat in case the undead came again.


    It was a new function he possessed now that he was a Lord, which essentially allowed him to put individuals and factions on what could be seen as a friend list in a game. It would allow them to teleport to his teleportation array, even when it was closed to strangers.


    It meant Zac had three modes to his teleporter now; private, trusted, and public. His teleporter was already set on trusted at the moment, which allowed anyone from his faction, and now also the monks, to use the teleporter. Otherwise, his troops would be stuck on the ind and unable to join Billy.


    As he ran through the forests toward the east he kept trying various things. Between the stairs and the long talks with the Abbot he felt hed gained a deeper understanding of the Dao, and he was trying to incorporate it into his fighting style.


    Not only that but, he also needed to test his improved Dao Seed. During his fight with the ghost he realized that the seed had gotten a lot more flexible since it got upgraded. He needed to know the effect of adding it to various skills.


    His experimentation had an unexpected result, as his movement skill <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> skill gained a level and reached Middle mastery. It was almost instantaneous after he incorporated his Dao of Trees into his steps, clearly showing what the criterion for the upgrade was.


    Zac was ted as the movement skill was integral to his fighting style. After the upgrade he kept trying it out in various ways until he properly understood the changes.


    Zac realized that his energy consumption decreased by quite a bit when he infused his legs with the Dao of Trees. It wasnt to the point that he would be able to use it non-stop for hours, but it helped with one of thergest downfalls of the skill; its high energy consumption.


    As for the effect of the upgrade itself, it was a simple upgrade to the range of the skill. At low mastery each step could take him a few meters forward at the most, but after it improved to middle rank the range improved to around 15 meters.


    This, in essence, improved his maximum speeds by a few folds as well as each step moved him forward around 4 times the distancepared to before. The downside was that the further he walked the higher the consumption was, and to use the skill to its maximum effect was quite costly, even with the empowerment of the Dao.


    As Zac kept going he also found that good news sometimes came in pairs. The second day after he leveled up his movement skill another prompt suddenly appeared in front of him. This time it was the <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> skill that gained a boost.


    The only reason for the upgrade he coulde up with was that it required time spent in forests to level up, since its boost was dependant on staying in forests. Other than that he had no idea, as the skill was passive, and not something he could train with.


    The improvement wasnt great, though it was convenient. At low rank it gave a 10% boost to Endurance and Vitality as long as he was in a forest, and otherwise a 5% boost.


    But at middle proficiency, it gave an 11% boost as long as hed been in a forest thest 24 hours. It was quite convenient as he wouldnt suddenly lose attributes the moment he entered a town anymore. The lower boost improved slightly as well, clocking in at 5.5%.


    Hed hoped that his other new skills would have improved as well, but most of them were still at Early Proficiency, apart from <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong> that couldnt be improved upon. Still, as he opened up his menu he felt his repertoire was starting to be quite diverse.


    <strong>Skills</strong>


    <strong>Inquisitive Eye - Proficiency: Early. See through their secrets. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Book of Babel - Proficiency: -. Enlightenment through understanding.</strong>


    <strong>Mental Fortress - Proficiency: Middle. Enduring Stability. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Thousand Faces - Proficiency: -. If you hate who you are, change it. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Nature''s Barrier - Proficiency: Early. Brave thousand storms with Gaia''s protection. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Axe Mastery - Proficiency: Late. The seed of Dao is nted. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Chop - Proficiency: Late. There is greatness in simplicity.</strong>


    <strong>Forester''s Constitution - Proficiency: Middle. Man and Nature One Entity. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Loamwalker - Proficiency: Middle. Trod the unbroken path. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    <strong>Nature''s Punishment - Proficiency: Early. Awaken the wrath of the world. </strong><strong>Upgradeable.</strong>


    He possessed most types of skills now. The only thing he felt he was missing was another attack skill. <strong>[Chop]</strong> was still good for weaker targets, but his only good attack for stronger enemies was <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. The problem with that skill was that it cost such a huge amount of energy, only allowing him to use it once in a fight.


    Still, Zac didnt worry overly much as he was only one level away from 60 and he was somewhat certain hed gain another skill at that point. Therefore he didnt avoid any towns or cities either as he pushed straight his destination, trying to find targets to kill along the way.


    Unfortunately he realized he wouldnt gain his level before he arrived at Kingsbury, as there simply were almost no zombies around. He was closing in on the edge of the Dead Zone and the towns he passed through werepletely raided.


    At first there were some scattered zombies left, but after another half day of traveling there wasnt a single one in sight. Zac didnt really care though as there would always be opportunities to get the level at ater point.


    Another day passed as Zac kept moving, finally exiting the Dead Zone proper. Kingsbury wasnt a real frontier town, but rather some distance further away. It only took an hour for him to reach the town though with the help of his Automatic Map.


    The town was of decent size, at leastparable to what was left of Greenworth. However, he didnt recognize any of the structures, so Zac suspected that only the cultivators got dropped off here. The other parts of Greenworth likely ended up somewhere else.


    The order in the town seemed quite a bit better than most ces as the guards didnt exhort him for a bribe when he tried to enter. Hed already changed his face with <strong>[Thousand Faces] </strong>again, not wanting to let anyone know about his presence before he found out about the fate and whereabouts of his sister.


    This time he didnt ept when the prompt that showed up as he entered, not wanting to make his presence known. He had asked the Abbot about the prompt, and the old man hadnt heard about that function either, telling Zac it likely was unique to Lords.


    He still didn''t understand how it worked, as he didn''t get the prompt in the beginning after bing a lord. Zac guessed that only the monastery was run by someone powerful enough, and the system gave him an option to give due respect and announce himself.


    As for Kingsbury, he soon realized it was due to it havinge under the control of the government, another powerful entity.


    After having entered the town proper Zac did what he used to do for information and simply entered the first restaurant he saw. He was surprised to find that the inside smelled of stale alcohol apart from just food.


    He looked around and saw that people were drinking something, though they didnt really seem to be enjoying the taste.


    He sat down at a counter and simply ordered the drink the others forced down the throat.


    Dont recognize you, new in town? the man asked with some disinterest as he poured a ss.


    Yeah. I heard a bunch of cultivators from Greenworth are here? Is that true? Zac answered, trying to sound casual as he took a swig. Heurk, is this gasoline?


    Its Kingsbury moonshine, kicks a punch doesnt it? the bartender said with augh. Yeah, theyre here, though maybe only 2000 of them are left alive. Dangerous on the frontier, the bartender said with a shrug.


    How would I go about finding an old friend? Zac asked with a wheeze, his throat feeling like it was on fire.


    Government taking a census now that theyre in control, could ask them? But its a bit chaotic with the trialsing up, the bartender answered.


    Trials? Zac asked with a sinking feeling.


    Yeah, some government hotshots are holding it.


    What did the people do? Zac asked


    Well, all kinds of things it seems, the bartender hesitantly answered.


    Its bullshit! a drunken man from some distance away suddenly shouted. They are just rounding up people they dont like and p bullshit charges on them.


    Jeez calm down, youll get yourself into trouble, another man said as he dragged the drunkard out of the tavern.


    No point in staying here if the government is going to get involved, there are tons of frontier towns weing able fighters, another man muttered.


    From there the discussion devolved into a debate into whether it was better to live in a government or an unaffiliated town, not giving Zac much more pertinent information.


    I know a few people who might live here, how do I know if they got arrested? Zac asked, tryting to steer the conversation into a better direction.


    Well, theres a list at the town square. Theyre making a production of the whole thing, a man answered with a shrug.


    Zac forced himself to stay a bit longer before he stood up and rushed to the town square. In front of a statue in the middle of the square a huge signpost was erected, and there was a group of people standing in front of it.


    Zac pushed himself to the front and saw it was a printed list of names and the crimes they hadmitted. His heart started to pound faster and faster as he scoured the list name by name.


    A chaotic jumble of emotions exploded in his mind when he suddenly he saw his sisters name on the list. Her name being present meant that she was still alive. Thergest worry in Zacs heart since Greenworth was that shed already perished in the Dead Zone.


    But she had survived after all. That she was apprehended as a criminal by the New World Government wasnt great, but it was far preferable to being dead. This situation was something he could deal with, either through diplomacy or violence.


    The fact that she was on trial for attempted murder didnt matter to Zac. As he saw it she either was innocent or she wasnt. If she was innocent he''d save her. If not, he was sure Kenzie had a good reason. These times were brutal, especially to a young girl. Depending on what happened he might help her finish the job.


    Since he knew what was going on he simply needed to find the prisoners and take it from there. However, an hourter he sat down on a park bench with a frown, unsure what to do next. The government had hidden away those who would stand trial, and no one knew where they were being kept.


    Most believed they werent even in Kingsbury, but teleported in through the newly added teleporter in order to avoid a prison break. That meant that Zac couldnt simply bust her out even if he wanted to.


    Furthermore, he didnt dare to walk up to the governments office to demand to see her. It might backfire, resulting in her disappearing out of reach forever.


    ording to the sign in the square there were two days until the time of Kenzies trial, and Zac decided to simply wait until that time. He found a ce to stay during the wait, and simply sat down in his room, trying to figure out his next move.


    As he sat there the relief of finding out his sister was alive was slowly being reced by a feeling of helplessness and worry. Who knew what was happening to his sister while he sat and waited.


    Until now hed blocked out any and all spections about the fact that something might have happened to her, but it wasnt possible any longer as he was so close now.


    Various thoughts or worst-case scenarios kept whirling in his head, and the worry started to change into something more primal.


    It was slowly turning into anger, a wave of burning anger that threatened to set the whole town aze.

 Chapter 184: Trial

    Chapter 184: Trial


    A pang of hunger woke MacKenzie up, though she would prefer to stay asleep. She hurt all over from the beating yesterday. These government workers were lunatics. One of them simply walked into her cell and started swinging at her until he had been forcefully dragged away. If she hadn''t been taught to minimize the damage taken she might have actually died then and there.


    She really started to believe the rumors that her brother was on the outs with them. She slowly sat up with a groan and closed her eyes to meditate, as it helped block out the pain and the depressing surroundings a bit.


    What did they do to you? an angered voice suddenly said outside the cells, and Kenzies heartbeat sped up when she recognized the voice.


    They finally caught you as well? Good riddance, she said with disgust, as she balefully red at the obese old man outside the bars.


    I told them you belong to me, yet they damaged you like this? the old continued, ignoring Kenzies remark. Someone will pay for damaging my property.


    What do you even want with me? Everyone already knows that little thing of yours doesnt work, she said with ridicule.


    You little slut, Harold growled, anger smoldering in his eyes. Just wait until this farce is over. The government judicators wont stay here for long. Then youll know punishment.


    She threw the disgusting old man a disdainful nce before she once again looked away.


    Im stuck here now, but sooner orter you will be the one judged, she retorted.


    The old man guffawed, making his chins jiggle. Kenzie couldnt believe that there actually were a few women in her age that went to him willingly just for protection. Shed rather eat zombie meat than go that far.


    This new world loves the strong. The government doesnt care about Kingsbury. They care about the power of the council, and mainly me. Theyll look the other way if I take home a girl or two because they need our strength for the fight against the invasions. Youre just a dime a dozen, no value. Ill be just fine.


    Kenzie wanted to retort something but knew there was no point. What Harold said was true. She knew that some of these trials were just for show. If the government really cared about justice they would have locked up Harold long ago. Yet he was fine, even able toe and go at this prison just to taunt her and L.


    Still, she knew judgment wasing for Harold. Zac was still out there, hopefully looking for her. She just hoped he would arrive sooner thanter.


    ------------------------


    Finally, after having calmed down after a while Zac started to n his next move. There was no point in letting anger take over, at least not yet. He also wasnt ready to just sit around for two days doing nothing.


    The first thing he did was to take out the corpse of the Undead Lord along with his cosmos sack. There honestly wasnt much remaining of the man, as the huge wooden hand hadpletely destroyed his body. Zac took the corpse in case there was some good gear to salvage, but there simply was nothing that was still intact.


    With some disappointment he threw back the corpse into a sack, instead focusing on the pouch of the undead. Zac knew the man should be rich, but the wealth inside made even Zacs eyes widen. The undead empire really was on another level.


    The most promising sight was a mountain of Nexus Crystals, even eclipsing the ones he found in Rydels pouch. However, Zac quickly realized something was off with the crystals. They held a tinge of turquoise rather than the normal white sheen.


    He quickly took one out and was surprised that it actually contained pure miasma rather than Cosmic Energy. Zac then figured out it was nothing odd about it, as the undead couldn''t cultivate using normal crystals.


    If Zac had to guess there had to be at least 100 000 crystals in the pouch neatly stacked. Even better, there were actually over 100 crystals that held a far stronger sheen. Since hed used E-Grade crystals before it didnt take long for him to realize that these were E-Grade Miasma Crystals.


    At first Zac felt he had been handed a mountain of garbage, but soon realized that these crystals might be just what he needed if he wanted to keep growing his Core. Just because he had reached equilibrium didnt mean the Core waspletely formed.


    However, he still didnt have any source that couldplement these death-attuned Crystals. The energy left in the seed was limited, and he didnt want topletely exhaust it.


    Since there were crystals that contained miasmic energies, perhaps there were ones containing life-attuned energy as well. Zac would have to check with Calrin when he went back to the indter.


    There were all kinds of things apart from the crystals. Zac found a whole arsenal of what could only be torture devices, and there were also quite a few books and crystals containing information. There were also various gadgets and tools, though most didnt seem very useful to Zac.


    Zac actually had problems to get many of the tools working as he tested them one by one, and he could only guess that it was because they required death-attuned energy to use. While Zac had a lot of it in his core he still wasnt able to harness that power, so he could only helplessly put the tools back one by one.


    However, a few of the items ran on normal energy rather than miasma. Perhaps they were trinkets the undead gave to living servants, or just spoils of war. One bracelet, in particr, seemed quite useful as it could create a sturdy shield around the wearer.


    It needed to get socketed with a crystal, but its effect was quite strong when augmented with ones personal Cosmic Energy. It wouldnt stop people like Zac, but it should be strong enough to ward off bullets until it ran out of energy.


    It wasnt really useful to him with his endurance and defensive skill, but for people without any good skills to protect themselves, it woulde quite handy.


    There were also quite a few weapons, though almost all of them held ufortable sinister energy, especially the bone scythe that likely was the Corpse Lords main weapon. It was extremely durable, but Zac was loath to give it to someone, afraid it would corrupt them.


    As for the various notepads, books, and information crystals, there was nothing much of use to Zac at the moment. There likely were valuable knowledge inside, but it was all in a script that Zac didnt recognize.


    He knew that the undead possessed their privatenguage, and all the text was in that script. Even the crystals didn''t contain a trantion function. While the<strong> [Book of Babel]</strong> skill could trante speech quite well there were severe limitations to written text, so Zac would have to get it all tranted somehow before researching the contents.


    Over the next two days, Zac went around Kingsbury to piece together the situation bit by bit. The government had arrived at the town roughly two weeks ago, and after just a short meeting with the ruling council, it was announced that the town of Kingsbury would integrate into the New World Government.


    This was good news to Zac, as the town got integrated almost at the same time as the Auction was held, which meant that the governments presence likely wasnt a direct result of his actions over in New Washington.


    The promation had generally been met with a positive attitude, as life was tough this close to the Incursion. The hope was that the government would provide food and security, both of which were currentlycking in the area. There were a few grumbles amongst the Zombie Hunters though, as they had grown ustomed to the wild west-like lifestyle close to the Dead Zone.


    However, there were rumors ofrge-scale movements in the Dead Zone, and many felt a storm was brewing on the horizon. Zac could only silently agree after having witnessed the events in the incursion as well.


    The undead were starting to organize. Zac didnt know when they would explode into action, but it didnt feel like they would wait until the leaders got their limiters removed and advanced to E-Grade. The presence of a teleporter with ess to multiple government towns was a lifeline for the citizens in case something happened.


    The subsequent events were met with a far more tepid response though. Great chaos erupted during a night, with two of the four councilors mysteriously dying. It was generally believed that they were against the integration with the government, though people talked in hushed tones about the matter.


    As soon as the two leaders died multiple ces were raided, one person after another being captured. There had been quite a few deaths and destruction as some wouldnt let themselves get captured without a fight. The government said they were capturing all criminals in the town to improve safety.


    For the most part, they were right. Quite a few bad apples were rounded up, both cultivators and mortals. There were gangsters, murderers and rapists that got captured or killed one after another. Streets that were extremely dangerous to walk before became safe overnight.


    However, many got arrested for no apparent reason, and the only charge given was threatening security. A theory that Zac only learned of by listening in on a conversation between two drunk patrons was that many of those who got captured arbitrarily either were cultivators from Greenworth or leaders of hunting parties.


    The men who spoke about the matter concluded that the government was trying to pilfer the riches of sessful cultivators and zombie hunters to pay for the expansion, but Zac had another guess. People from Greenworth might have been caught in order to find out more about him and his sister.


    As for Kenzie, Zac learned the charge of attempted murder was likely real. Zac almost went on a rampage when he learned about one of the councilors called Harold. It looked like that the one Kenzie had attacked was this very man, but her power wasnt enough so she failed.


    It wasnt very hard to find out that information, as Harold''s actions were well known in the city. The night the councilors died, two women who worked under one of the killed councilors were seen fighting against Harold in the middle of the streets.


    Some said they fought because the two wanted revenge for their killed leader, others said that they tried to escape capture.


    The more Zac learned about the man the angrier he got. The old pig was the same as the leaders of Greenworth. The only reason that old man wasnt turned into mangled clumps of flesh yet was simply that Zac couldnt find him, even after breaking into his mansion with the help of <strong>[Thousand Faces].</strong>


    Zac still hadnt figured out whether this all was an borate trap for himself, or whether it was just an odd coincidence, even after two days of sleuthing. He had tried searching for any hidden forces or weaponry while he waited, but couldnt find anything. If the government was nning something they were keeping it close to their vest.


    Of course, that wasnt to say that he didnt have a few aces up his sleeve. While he didnt find Harold in his mansion, he did find the Nexus Node for Kingsbury. That gave him a few options that mighte in handy depending on how things yed out.


    But the only real solution for the situation he could find was to stay put in his disguise as long as possible, trying to find out any clues by observing the trial. Hed only move when he knew what was going on. He still had a small hope that the government would do the right thing and mete out proper justice. If the whole town knew Harold was guilty, then so should they.


    Zac sat on the bleachers of a stadium, looking down at the spectacle on the field. The government had refitted a small arena into a courtroom and even allowed the public to spectate.


    It appeared that the government wanted to show both their prowess and that the rule ofw existed even in their frontier towns. Of course, Zac was also very aware that this might all be an borate trap for himself.


    Zac suddenly sensed a weak disturbance in the energy beneath the stadium and looked down with a small smile. The teleportation array was actually ced right beneath the arena somewhere. It made things quite simple.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity a group of government officials entered the field from a side-door and took a seat at the judges table prepared. Zac scrutinized each and every one of them, but he couldnt recognize any of them from his visits to New Washington.


    At the same time, a few other people entered the stadium, and Zacs pupils narrowed when he saw a fat man in his 60s in the front of the group. Zac was sure it was Harold, the most likely suspect for the untimely deaths of the other two councilors. And more importantly, the likely culprit behind Kenzies apprehension.


    It took all of Zacs self-control to not go over right then and there as it would mess up his rescue. However, all self-control was quickly crumbling when he saw the state of the prisoners as they were led out in a long line. Hepletely exploded in rage when he saw his sister walk with a limp dressed in rags, with a ck eye and her hair in grimy stripes.


    Today heads would roll.

 Chapter 185: Reunion

    Chapter 185: Reunion


    Zacs n to adopt a wait-and-see approach waspletely thrown into the back of his mind and was quickly being reced with far more violent solutions. The stands around Zac started to ominously creak as the air around him distorted, prompting those around him to move away with fear in their eyes.


    Zac was unable to control his rage after seeing his brutalized sister. The seat he sat at exploded into splinters as Zac pushed forward, catapulting himself down to the field.


    Hey! You cant go down here! one of the guards standing along the stands shouted as the whole squad pointed their guns at Zac.


    Zac only threw a nce at them as his aura rolled out like a tidal wave, drowning the guards in it. His aura was now empowered by his Dao of Heaviness, which didnt only empower it, but also allowed him to control its spread.


    The huge discrepancy in power between Zac and the guards and the empowerment of the Dao had turned his aura into a proper attack though it wasnt a skill. The eyes of the guards quickly rolled up in their heads as they slumped down on the ground unconscious.


    Chaos erupted on the stands, and a group of guards came running into the arena, but Zac didnt care. He activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and with two instantaneous steps he found himself standing in front of Kenzie, and a storm of emerald leaves started to whirl around the two.


    A few soldiers with hair-trigger temperaments fired a few shots at the storm of leaves, but they were immediately neutralized. Furthermore, every attack was met with a stone ripping through the air and turning into deadly projectiles, instantly killing people. In seconds no one dared to attack, and instead turning to their superiors for orders.


    Zacs eyes reddened as he looked down at the marred face of his little sister, but he knew he couldnt rx just yet. MacKenzie opened her mouth to speak, but with lightning-speed he pushed a few pieces of Springroot into her mouth.


    She swallowed the herbs with surprise, and Zac scoured her face and mannerism for anything off as he used his observation skill on her. His sisters appearance had thoroughly pissed him off, but he had to make sure this wasnt another situation like the one with Janos.


    <strong>[MacKenzie Atwood Human. Level 33 XXXXX]</strong>


    Zacs brows lifted in surprise, both at her level and at the fact that the line showcasing her highest attribute was blocked. Very few people were able to block that attribute from his tests back in Port Atwood, and it likely meant that her Intelligence or Wisdom attributes should be quite high.


    Between the fact that she was fine after swallowing the root and the skill he was mostly satisfied, but he needed to make sure.


    Who are you?? What did you feed me? she hesitantly asked, but was unable to back away due to the leaves whirling around the two. You need to leave, the guards areing.


    Zac quickly looked back at the guards who surrounded the two with their guns at the ready, but he didnt care. He was pushing his <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> skill to the limit, and unless powerhouses like the Corpse Lord showed up they could forget about getting through in the short run.


    Im sorry Imte, Zac with sad eyes said as he tousled her hair like hed done so many times before.


    Zac? she hesitantly asked, likely having trouble reconciling the familiar voice face with the unfamiliar face.


    Zac only nodded, and two tears were quickly pooling in MacKenzie''s eyes, and she moved forward to hug him. However, she was held at a distance by Zacs arm, and she looked at him once again with confusion in his eyes.


    What did you draw on the wall beneath my bed when you were four years old?


    What? MacKenzie couldnt help blurt out. Never mind that, we need to run.


    As if coborating with that statement a huge m shook the judges table as the judge, a somber woman in her fifties, stood up.


    You are encroaching on a government trial, unting the rule ofw. Are you making yourself an enemy of the New World Government?


    Zac barely spared the judge a nce, keeping his focus on MacKenzie.


    Perhaps I am, perhaps Im not. Myings and goings are none of your concern. If you have a problem you can report it to Thomas Fisher, Zac tersely responded.


    Loud murmurs erupted in the stands, and the judge looked enraged. However, Zac ignored all that and refocused on his sister, his eyes slowly hardening.


    Answer the question.


    MacKenzie seemed to suddenly have understood something and quickly responded.


    A talking poop, she said with a slight blush.


    Zac slightly smiled and nodded as he followed up with a few more questions. Kenzie was quickly answering them as she got more and more nervous, her head darting around at the troops that were amassing around them.


    Zac felt it might be time to finish up as well, and finished with onest question.


    When did mom die?


    Mom isnt dead! Shes missing! she angrily retorted as if by reflex, her head snapping back toward Zac with an angry scowl.


    Zac was finally satisfied, and with deft movement put the defensive bracelet on Kenzies arm.


    This is a defensive item that can protect you for a bit, he quickly exined.


    What are you going to do? she nervously asked back. Werepletely surrounded.


    Well, thats up to them, Zac said with a shrug as he turned back to the enraged Judge as he stepped forward, his face turning back to normal.


    I am Zachary Atwood, also known as the Super Brother-Man, he said,pletely unleashing his aura.


    Shouts erupted in the stadium, and multiple guards fell over or backed away from the billowing power Zac emitted. Frowns of anger or worry could be seen on the government officials as they seemed unsure what to do.


    I am taking my sister with me away from here, Zac said, disappearing in the next second.


    The guards barely had time to react before Zac was back again. This time holding a squealing Harold by his neck. The old man was desperately trying to get free, his face quickly turning red.


    Zac wasn''t nning on doing anything to the old man just yet, but he saw him trying to slink away through an emergency exit during themotion. He couldn''t let that man get away after what he''d found out about him during the past two days.


    Let me go! I am the mayor of Kingsbury, Harold wheezed out, as he pleadingly looked at the judge who seemed to have found her bearing once again.


    Everywhere I go I find that the justice and rule ofw The New World Government rattle on about is rtive. The rich and powerful can do whatever they want, no matter how disgusting or morally corrupt, all while the government looks the other way, Zac said as he threw Harold down on the ground, stomping down on one of his legs.


    A sickening crunch erupted as the old man screamed in pain, unable or afraid to get back up again. He only tried to slowly crawl away from Zac toward the judge''s table.


    Ive only been in the area for a short time, yet it has been impossible for me to not learn about Harold''s crimes against humanity. Yet he doesnt stand shackled to be judged, but rather gets a promotion from you people. Ill give you one chance to set things right," Zac said, giving the judge an even stare.


    We are aware of the reports but have found them unsubstantiated. While many women live at Mayor Harolds residence they have willingly moved there. We have ascertained that after an exhaustive round of interviews. The government works by facts, not by malignant rumors. Since the government doesnt yet have a stance on polygamy, Mayor Harold hasmitted no crime, the judge answered tersely.


    Snickers and murmurs erupted on the stands, and even a few of the braver souls bood at the judge until a few of the soldiers turned their attention to the troublemakers. Zac only shook his head in disappointment. He had a strong feeling this would happen, but it was still a let-down.


    Your government still hasnt closed a single Incursion, but you have time to shield scum like this pile of garbage. You are truly disappointing, Zac said as reality cracked like a mirror above him.


    The gargantuan hand wrought out of wood emerged as it had a few times before, radiating power and finality. Shouts could be heard from all over, as both soldiers and spectators looked at the skill with horror, hurriedly moving away from it.


    Stop him! the judge frantically shouted, her strict demeanor blown away by the terrifying power the hand emitted.


    Various attacks pelted the hand, both guns and skills of magical nature. However, the attacks were as ants trying to bite an elephant to death, and the hand was barely affected. Zac simply held his hand outward, and swung it down as he gave Harold a look devoid of emotion.


    No! the old man shouted as cosmic energy gathered around him.


    However, it was to no avail as the hand mmed down into the ground like pping a mosquito. The m created a huge shockwave that blew most of the soldiers off their feet, and even the spectators in the stands had to take cover.


    The attack contained almost boundless force, as this time the hand wasnt imbued with the Dao of Trees, but rather the Dao of Heaviness. The whole stadium shook as an enormous rumble was heard. The hand soon disappeared, leaving only a crater that made it look like a meteor had mmed right into the stadium floor.


    As for the old mayor, there was not one piece of him remaining intact since the m hadpletely disintegrated him. At least Zac could tell the man died due to the surge of Cosmic Energy entering his body.


    Zac surveyed the destruction wrought by<strong> [Natures Punishment]</strong>, satisfied with the result. He didnt only do it for shock-and-awe, but also to destroy any subterranean levels of the stadium. The government had tried to be sneaky by cing the Teleportation Array somewhere hidden in the underground levels beneath the stadium, perhaps to be able to bring quick reinforcements.


    However, they likely hadnt expected the level of damage he could bring with a single attack. The force between <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> and the Dao of Heaviness was even above Zacs expectations. It would likely take hours to dig out the array, stopping any reinforcements from interfering.


    Apart from the mayor everyone wasrgely fine, except for some broken bones and scrapes. The soldiers were scrambling to their feet, their eyes widely daring around, until they hesitantly turned to Zac who stood rooted like a tall tree, his robes still swinging by the winds his attack created. No one said a word, waiting with trepidation at Zacs next move.


    Killing the mayor had alleviated much of Zacs fury, and he felt there was no need to keep the killing going. He knew that most of these soldiers were just normal people following orders. They werent aware of the shady dealings of the people at the top, or of the threat of the shapeshifters.


    He was just about to announce him leaving when an extreme sense of unease filled his heart, and he unhesitantly reactivated his defensive skill as he quickly looked around for any threat. An extremely loud gunshot that was extremely familiar to Zac could suddenly be heard from the other side of the stadium.


    Zac almost instinctively activated his defensive shield on his gear, but his brows rose in horror when he realized that he wasnt the recipient of the attack. He immediately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to get back to his sisters side, but it was toote.


    The bullet from the sniper rifle mmed into the shield from the bracelet, and the shield proved insufficient as it cracked, allowing the bullet to proceed toward his sister. The brief time the shield held at least provided MacKenzie with a brief time to react, and she repositioned herself with surprising speed.


    However, she didnt have time topletely dodge the attack, and the bullet mmed into her shoulder with much of its power remaining. A fountain of blood erupted from the wound, and she fell together with a wail.


    The next instant Zac shed in front of his sister, rage filling his face. His axe was already In mid-swing, and as the edge ripped through the air a gigantic de formed upon it. The fractal edge grew to ten meters in an instant, and it flew toward the area the sound came from with the speed of a missile.


    The attackpletely destroyed arge section of the arena, blowing a hole in the ceiling. In a hidden alcove in the corner a man suddenly fell down with a scream, a huge sniper rifle falling with him. The man was bleeding profusely, the huge de likely having at least partly hit him.


    The wound seemed fatal, but there was still no surge of energy after the man mmed into the ground with a wet thud. Since he lookedrgely incapacitated Zac instead bent down to his wounded sister.


    Ouch that hurts, she said with a groan, but Zac was relieved to see that the wound wasn''t too bad.


    It looked like the bullet had punched straight through, and while it bled profusely it would likely heal quickly with some help. He quickly fed Kenzie one of his strongest healing pills as he reced the crystal on the defensive bracelet before he once again focused on the man with murder in his eyes.


    A few of the soldiers hesitantly aimed their gun at him, but a look from Zac quickly quashed any thoughts of resistance from the others.


    That man is not from the government! the judge quickly shouted, perhaps afraid that they would be implicated by his actions.


    Zac only snorted and shed over to the dying mans side, his axe at the ready. Something was off with this assant, and Zacs gut told him it was a shapeshifter trying to sow discord between himself and the government. He wanted to expose his identity to the world, which hopefully would be a wake-up call for everyone.


    For the Red, the man coughed with hatred in his eyes as he looked up at Zac, and cosmic energy gathered in his body.


    Zac knew what those gathering energies meant and realized his n was for naught, so he unhesitantly moved to destroy the shapeshifters head before he could explode. However, his axe hit nothing as the man disintegrated into a pool of goop. However, Zac knew something was wrong when he didnt gain any cosmic energy. He looked back at his sister and found a bloody monstrosity reform closer to his sister.


    It looked like a skinned human that had been left to bloat in the sun for weeks, and cosmic energy churned around it in ominous ways.


    Run! was all Zac had time to shout as he tried to get back, but it was toote as the monster exploded, golden mes nketing the whole arena.

 Chapter 186: Return

    Chapter 186: Return


    A wave of golden mes pushed toward Zac who unhesitantly activated the shield of his robes as he punched through the fire. He was full of remorse for hispse in judgment, leaving his sister alone like that. Hed thought the sniper was out ofmission, but clearly he was wrong. Besides, he really hadnt expected them to try to kill his sister, as it made no sense. Leverage her as a hostage, perhaps. But not this.


    The scale of the explosion was far beyond that of the demons when they chose to kill themselves. He knew that the power of the bracelet was nowhere strong enough to withstand the power of that st at such close proximity. He could only pray that she had a breath of life left, which would let him do something about it.


    In no time he found himself back at Kenzies side, his heart beating like a drum. When he arrived at the center of the st everything was in ruins burning pieces of flesh were strewn around, as everyone within at least 5 meters was dead without a doubt.


    However, Zac breathed out in relief as there was one clear exception to the carnage. Kenzie was lying unconscious on the ground,pletely unscathed apart from her earlier wound. Surrounding her was a blue shield looking a ss cube. A small blue light was hovering within the cube a few feet above his sister, and it was clear from the rays it emitted that it was the source of the protective shield.


    What made Zac confused was that he couldnt feel a trace of cosmic energy from the shield. All skills and defensive gear emitted energy signals, but the odd thing above Kenzie might as well be a normal stone from the energy it emitted. Zac looked down at his unconscious sister, wondering what sort of opportunity shed run into to attain such a wondrous thing.


    The next problem was how to get to her. He walked toward the shield and touched it, but it waspletely solid. Even when he started to exert quite some force it didnt budge in the slightest. The defensive power was clearly excellent, likely even above that of his own robes, and he was starting to worry that he wouldnt be able to get her out.


    Suddenly a red light shed in the hovering ball above Kenzie, and a red beam hit Zac straight in his chest. Zac quickly moved back as he moved his axe to block the light, but he quickly realized the beam was harmless. Zac stopped and confusedly looked at the small ball, only to see it fly down and enter the head of his sister.


    A few secondster the shield shed out of existence, and Zac ran over to his sister who woke up with a groan.


    What happened? she asked with some confusion as Zac helped her up.


    The guy who attacked you blew himself up. You were saved by a weird ball shielding you, Zac said


    Uh, ok, she answered with a troubled face, not meeting his eyes.


    Zac frowned, but this wasnt the time to ask what was going on. She clearly knew what he meant, but the issue didnt seem simple. Judging from her reaction it might be a big secret, so he was thankful that the thick smoke from the fires had covered the whole area.


    The magical fire soon died down, and the smoke covering the area was blown away by the wind. Zac looked around at the destruction with a grimace. There were unmoving bodies everywhere, even up on the stands. Even more were nursing various degrees of burns, and cries and groans could be heard from every direction.


    From a quick nce at least 10% of the people in the arena were killed by the desperate attack by the sniper, most of them civilians. It made Zac sick to his stomach, but now wasnt the time to mourn.


    The government was quickly trying to aid those in need, seemingly having the situation under control. Zac thought about helping out, but he didnt dare leave his sisters side again. Instead, he threw over a bottle of pills to the judge, who caught it hesitantly.


    The judge, whose hair was in disarray and covered in soot, understood what was inside and immediately passed pills to soldiers and civilians as she was shouting orders until the situation was starting to calm down.


    More and more people looked over at Zac with some trepidation, unsure what would happen next. Someone had tried to murder the sister of the strongest man in the world right at a government trial. Who knew how he would react. Zac somewhat understood what was going on, and spoke up with a loud voice covering the arena.


    I know that the New World Government wasnt behind this attack and that the man who blew himself up wasnt part of your organization. Certain forces want to create a conflict between me and you, but I am not the enemy of the New World Government. I am done with Kingsbury. If anyone has a problem with what happened, they are wee to go to Port Atwood, Zac said.


    I will also warn everyone. Shapeshifters walk amongst us. One of the most powerful incursions on earth has sent out thousands of spies who can take anyones form. It is almost impossible to distinguish them from humans. We believe they are behind various events that have led to high rankers perishing, and they have infiltrated many major forces already, he continued.


    And I believe that the attack we just suffered was one of them as well. The golden mes are the calling card of the Church of Evesting Dao, the force with the shapeshifters.


    The people in the arena looked skeptically at each other, and Zac could only shake his head as he saw their reaction. He had to get the message out, but after that everything was up to these people. He could only pray that they believed him and spread the word.


    Their goal is to splinter humanity so that they can pick us off one by one, and we cannot allow that to happen. However, there is a solution. There is a cheap herb avable in the general stores called Springroot. It is harmless to humans, but to these shapeshifters its a deadly poison. That is the only method my force has found to identify them. Everyone should carry some with them in order to expose these things, and hopefully we can stop them that way.


    With that Zac felt he was done. The multiple scares where he thought hed lost his sister just as he found her had left him rattled, and he just wanted to get out of here before something unexpected happened again.


    The government officials seemed only too happy to see the humanoid monster gone as well, and let him go without making a fuss. Kenzie was quite weak since she woke up, so Zac had her climb up on his back. He would normally have carried her but wanted his arms free in case of another attack.


    Wait, we need to get L. She was in prison with me, I saw she was taken here as well before it got crazy, Kenzie weakly said as she looked around.


    Uhm, Zac could only answer as he looked around at charred body parts around him.


    She was at the edge of the prisoners over there. She might be fine, hurry she said as she pulled his robe.


    Zac only shook his head and walked over to where she pointed. He had a hard time believing that any of the prisoners were alive. From how it looked the government didnt have any means to block the cosmic energy of the prisoners, but even he wouldnt be unscathed that close to the st unless he used some of his defensive means.


    However, to his surprise, Kenzie pointed out a girl lying unconscious close to the edge of the field. Her clothes were in tatters and she was unconscious, but she was clearly alive. Shed actually reacted much in the same way as he did when faced with a suicide bomber long ago, as a burned carcass was draped above her for protection.


    Zac pushed the corpse away and poured some water in the face of the girl. With a few sputters she woke up, widely looking around. She didnt have time to react before Zac pushed some Springroot into her mouth, making her cough. Kenzie frowned and lightly pped him on his head when she saw the treatment of her friend.


    Cant you be gentler? she asked unhappily as red at Zac.


    I needed to make sure, I dont want to get stabbed again, Zac answered with a shrug as he observed the girls response.


    After noticing she was fine he also took out a healing pill, though one of a lower grade, and gave it to the girl who hesitantly epted it.


    Its a healing pill, Zac only said as he helped the girl to his feet.


    Kenzie, who was still hanging on the back of Zac smiled at L.


    This is Zac, my big brother. Hes the Super Brother-Man, she said happily. Im leaving this town. Come with me.


    Your brother is the number one ranker and you never mentioned it? she said with a wry face as she swallowed the pill. Where are you going?


    Kensie opened her mouth, but no words came out as she realized she didnt know.


    Port Atwood, my town, Zac said, realizing it seemed he had to take another person with him. You should know, if youe with me you might not be able to get to a government town in a long while. My rtionship with them isplicated.


    Ok. I dont want to stay here anyway. What if theye for me again? Harold is probably only going to be reced with another asshole, she muttered as she started to walk toward the exit.


    Are we in a hurry? Kenzie suddenly asked.


    Well, not really. They wont be able to use their teleportation array for an hour at least. Why? Zac asked as he followed the girl out of the arena.


    He took onest look around at the people in the stands and the government official, most of which were silently staring back at him. He really didnt know what he could or should do in this situation. This new life of his was just too tiring with its endless duties and expectations.


    There are some things I want to get before we go, Kenzie said, breaking his train of thought.


    I went to your home and picked up your clothes and stuff like that, Zac said.


    It was true, he went over to her Kenzies ce during the two days he waited, making sure looters didnt steal anything important.


    Really? she asked with a smile. But Im not talking about that. L and I hid a few things in a stash in case something happened.


    Soon they found themselves at an abandoned house at the edge of a town, and after being prompted Zac moved a bookshelf, showing a hidden entrance.


    We created this ce when Harold was starting to be a nuisance, in case we needed to make a quick escape. We figured we could sneak back and get our things during the night or something, MacKenzie exined as Zac looked down into the dark cer.


    Since it was pitch ck Zac took out antern powered by cosmic energy that gave off a warm light. He gingerly walked down the stairs, ready for any type of assault in case someone had found the stash. Even his defensive skill was activated around the two of them once again, just in case.


    However, it waspletely empty down there, allowing Zac to finally rx. The cer was pretty small, but it was well organized with two small cots and a few shelves of gear and provisions.


    It seemed the two did not own a Cosmos Sack, so he threw one over to his sister who had jumped down from his back.


    I wish I could take a bath, I ampletely sticky, she muttered as she packed her belongings into her new pouch.


    To both the girls'' surprise Zac simply took out arge barrel along with a canteen that held enough water to fill it up.


    Its cold but clean. Make it quick, we need to leave soon, he said.


    Hed made sure that there was no one following him but he couldnt be sure. They couldnt waste too much time down here.


    Well, you wanna watch you perv? MacKenzie said with a roll of her eyes. Go wait upstairs. Its the only entrance so well be fine.


    After some hesitation Zac acquiesced, walking towards the stairs again, but before he got up two arms embraced him from behind.


    I knew youde, MacKenzie murmured with a low voice.


    Of course, Im the Super Brother-Man, after all, Zac smiled as he walked up the stairs.


    Soon he heard sshing and subdued talk downstairs, so Zac simply took out a chair and sat down with a sigh. His heart was finally calm, far calmer than it had been in a long, long time.


    -----------------------------------------------------


    Report, my child, the voice on the other side of themunication crystal said after the static died down.


    The Super Brother-Man showed up as we guessed, Father. Unfortunately, it did not go as nned. The sniper failed to kill the sister, the acolyte Terzun answered.


    So the mission failed? the voice said with some displeasure.


    It is Unclear. The Monarch-Select still killed the newly appointed mayor, and quite a few people perished when the sacrifice used <strong>[The Ultimate Sacrifice]</strong>. The target did not, however, conquer the town, and instead left soon after. I believe hes heading either toward the sect inside the Undead Empire or another town.


    Very well. Its an eptable result. The sacrfice was simply a local forcefully injected with The Purity of the Boundless Heavens. He would soon expire in any case," the priest said.


    "Our resources are quite limited so far from our own Incursion. We will fan the mes from our side. Clean things up on your side, make sure all mentions of the sisters name is absent from all reports. Otherwise it will be hard to exin it as simple ipetence," the voice continued after a brief pause.


    Did the governments n fail as well?


    No, I made sure to nt a spy next to the monarch-select as well, Terzun quickly answered.


    Good. Try to find out the next move of the monarch-select. Report to me if he returns. But remember, this isnt your true mission. Keep monitoring the unholy beings, they are our real enemy.


    I understand Terzun said with some hesitation in his voice.


    What?


    With respect Father, is all this subterfuge really necessary? Why arent we simply purifying these humans? None of the Human Empires has imed this, and while the Monarch-Select showed great power, he is not a match for the High Vicar.


    Only silence came from the crystals, making Terzun believe the priest on the other side had disconnected, but after a while he spoke up again.


    Something is odd about this. The bishops want to understand whats going on before we start the great purge.


    <em>Something odd? </em>Terzun thought with confusion. Since when did the Church of the Evesting Dao care about such things?

 Chapter 187: Hatchetmans Rage

    Chapter 187: Hatchetman''s Rage


    As Zac drove the car through the Dead Zone Kenzie told him much about what happened to her during the six months since theyst saw each other. As for Zac, he was a bit hesitant to speak about his experiences, as there were two others in the car.


    L was obviously one of them, but before they left Kenzie was approached by one more person. The other girl was Olivia, and he actually somewhat recognized her. She was one of Kenzies old friends, and he had met her a few times before the fall. Apparently, the two only found each other again a month ago, and Kenzie invited her as well to Port Atwood.


    Her story was pretty impressive, as shed done something simr to himself. It turned out Olivia had been traveling just like him when the fall happened, and she got randomized to a town a months travel away from Kingsbury. Just like Emily and her parents did, Olivia almost immediately set out on a journey to find her way home until she heard about the cultivators in Kingsbury.


    Unfortunately, none of her family were cultivators, so they were likely either back at Greenworth, or wherever the other parts of the city had ended up. Since she met Kenzie she decided to stay put for the time being. Zac was a bit surprised she tagged along, as it would likely be easier to get back to Greenworth if she stayed in the town.


    Then again he realized it might be his fault, as anyone even slightly rted to him might get into trouble as a result of his actions. Perhaps he could send her back with Juliater, so Olivia could hopefully find her way back to her family.


    Kenzie clearly trusted them, but Zac had learned to be cautious so he spoke very little about what hed been through. He only exined that he found himself on an ind and through a lot of battle managed to create a town.


    The two in the back seat seemed a bit wary of him still, and he couldnt me them after his disy yesterday. They mostly sat quietly in the back seat, only responding when talked to.


    It took two days until they got back to Mount Evesting Peace, and Zac was relieved to see that nothing had changed since he was here a week ago. He had been afraid that an undead attack was imminent due to the movements he saw, but the monastery was as tranquil as usual.


    As they arrived the same old monk who led him up the stairs thest time walked forward.


    Amithaba patron. The Abbot sends his regards, the old man said, cing his hands together.


    Greetings venerable, Zac said with a small bow as he put his car into a Cosmos Sack.


    He had been a bit embarrassed as he didnt know how to address the monks in his earlier visit, so he also looked it up while he waited for the trial to start. There were still a lot of things he didnt know about Buddhist conduct, but at least he shouldnt disrespect the monks by mistake.


    I guess patron wishes to use the teleportation array?


    Yes, Zac said. I am staying here for a while though.


    Youre noting with us? Kenzie asked with some confusion.


    Not just yet. I need to head into the Dead Zone for a few days, Zac answered.


    This was something hed decided on earlier. There really wasnt much for him to do back home in Port Atwood. His next goal was the Hegemon quest, but there were a few weeks left before its time limit was up, and it was the same with the Treasure Hunt.


    Since Kenzie was safe he could finally breathe easily, but it also meant he needed to look forward. He was currently only one level to level 60, which hopefully would provide him with a skill that increased his overall power.


    Besides, he hoped he could cull the numbers of the undead horde a bit, which hopefully would give the monks more time to prepare themselves. It was the least he could do from how much they had helped him.


    He wasntfortable with taking the three with him since he was heading toward the core, and who knew what would happen. Now that his wound was healed and his bead was under control he felt much more confident and wasnt afraid to cause some havoc. He was pretty confident in his ability to keep himself alive, but the same couldnt be said for the girls.


    Hed already used his inspection skill on the three as part of him making sure they were not shapeshifters, and both Kenzie and L were level 33, which was quite impressive. It seemed theyd pushed themselves pretty hard since Harold had been lusting after them for months.


    Olivia was almost as impressive, reaching level 32 without having ess to an incursion for a long time. Those who traveled were constantly put in harms way, so it wasnt too surprising that they gained power quickly.


    Oh, and I brought a lot of Springroot as well. You should have everyoneing to your monastery eat this. It is not dangerous to humans, but to certain invaders it''s deadly, Zac said.


    Amithaba. Patron needs not to worry about the lizard people. Their disguises cannot block the sight of the Abbot, as karma is not something that can be hidden behind a transformation skill, the old monk said with augh. One of them tried to infiltrate the monastery some time ago with no sess.


    Zac could only gape in response, throwing a nce up at the mountain top. The old Abbot was truly full of mysterious means. It also meant that the Abbot was only humoring when Zac told him about the shapeshifters earlier, as he already knew about it.


    Give people this when you go through, Zac said as he handed his sister an envelope. There are a lot of knowledgable people at Port Atwood. Go find Alyn if you want to be stronger.


    Youre dumping me here and immediately go on an adventure? Are you already tired of us? MacKenzie said with a snort as she turned to the old monk. Can you believe this guy?


    Zac only shook his head with a smile, as he knew she was just joking around. Soon hed opened the teleporter leading to his town, and saw the three off. After saying his farewells to the old monk he set out toward the core of the Dead Zone.


    The next few days Zac kept a frantic pace as he scouted out the inner area of the Incursion. On the second day, he found a zombie horde quite simr to the one he got the quest for earlier. There were around 150 000 Zombies, all stumbling toward the center like the horde before it.


    It made Zac realize the horde from earlier wasnt an isted incident. The undead were truly gathering. It filled him with some hopelessness, as there were just too many zombies in the Dead Zone. Conservatively counting there should be at least a billion people who were turned. Even if Zac kept swinging away for years there would still be plenty of them to go around.


    The only good news was that he still hadnt spotted a single high tier undead at least during thest two days, meaning they likely had receded back toward the core again. He didnt know if it was thanks to him killing the Corpse Lord, but in any case, it was good news.


    Still, Zac didnt hesitate to head down and start cutting them down by the dozens. He didnt need to keep a frantic pace since he had no time limit this time to hound him. Therefore he simply summoned arge fractal edge from <strong>[Chop] </strong>that he kept attached as he methodically kept swinging away.


    Large amounts of nexus energy kept entering him, and as before it was joined byrge amounts of miasma. However, Zac was happy to note that even though the bead still epted the deathly energy it wasnt going out of control this time.


    It took far less miasma from each Zombie, and therge amounts of life-attuned energy in the core kept the bnce even though the miasma was increasing at a steady pace. Only when roughly 60% of the core was made from deathly energy did he feel that the core started showing signs of instability.


    By this point hed mowed down at least 20 000 zombies, bringing him closer to the next level. However, not wanting to cause a scene again he stopped his rampage and quickly distanced himself from the furious zombies.


    When hed created some distance he quickly took out the seed from the lotus flower and sat down for two hours to restore bnce. Only when he was back at an even split did he once again get to his feet. It wasnt difficult to find the zombie horde again as they didnt move too quickly, and Zac once again went to work.


    He repeated the process a few times until he finally sensed he passed the boundary and reached level 60. Not wanting to waste more time on these weak targets he quickly distanced himself one final time and took up his status screen.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>60</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood - Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Core</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>329</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>162</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>230</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>197</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>57 703 653 </strong>


    Zas he looked at his screen he couldnt help wonder what others would say if they found out he made 7 million nexus coins from one day of grinding. Of course, it was only possible since the Zombies were gathering up intorge clumps.


    For once Zac hoped that he could count on humanitys greed and that there were tens of thousands of zombie hunters out at the moment desperately killing zombies for the almost free money.


    Zac put his 3 points into vitality, bringing it past 200 as well. By now he started to feel a bit set with that attribute, making him think of what to focus on next. He would have to talk with Ogras or Alyn about it, but perhaps it would be prudent to put some more points into hisst two attributes, Intelligence, and Wisdom, as both were starting to severelyg behind.


    However, that wasnt what he was interested in at the moment, so instead, he quickly brought up his quest panel. He wasnt surprised there was a new quest on the screen, but he was quite surprised when he saw the progress.


    <strong>Hatchetman''s Rage (ss): Earn "Butcher" Title. Reward: Hatchetman''s Rage skill (1/1) [COMPLETE]</strong>


    Zac couldnt help but sardonically smile when he saw the ss content. Perhaps it was quite a number for normal cultivators to kill 100 000 creatures, but he passed number that a long time ago. It was pretty clear it was an offensive skill judging by the name of the skill and how toplete the quest. This suited Zac just fine, and he only hoped it would be good for single targets.


    Since the quest was marked asplete he only needed to get back to his Nexus Crystal to turn it in. With that he closed the screens and refocused on what to do next. He knew that he hadnt really aplished much apart from lining his own pockets, but then again he simply couldnt find more valuable targets to kill.


    He had been traveling for two days already and was some distance into the core zone. If he kept going he was afraid hed end up in the headquarters, facing more than he could handle at the moment.


    The incursions had stabilized long ago, which meant that they had some more functions. They were able to set up certain arrays for example, and Zac wasnt knowledgeable enough in that regard to dare get too close. The undead were extremely wealthy, and he was afraid hed get trapped in an illusion array or something simr, bing a sitting duck.


    Since there was not much else to do he simply turned back toward the mountain. When he finally came back to Mount Evesting Peace he initially wanted to say goodbye to the Abbot but was disappointed to find he was in seclusion. With nothing else to do he headed toward the teleporter.


    The array was actually down at the foot of the mountain, rather than up in the temple, which had surprised Zac a bit.


    I hope Ill see you all again, Zac said. Remember, if things get out of hand here you can alwayse to Port Atwood. Even if the mountain is lost we can reim it.


    If heavens wills it, we will meet again patron, the old man said with a kind smile as the portal shed to life.


    Here is a small offering to your temple. I hope it wille to use, Zac said and handed over a pouch.


    It contained a wide variety of pills and arge pile of Nexus Crystals. Zac hoped it would help their war efforts in case they got attacked again, at least to the point they managed to evacuate.


    Thank you, patron. The Abbot is currently unavable, but he asked me to convey a message. To forgive is not to condone others actions, it is to bring peace to your heart. Safe travels patron, the monk said and once again put his hands together.


    Zac didnt say anything as he left with a nod, the portal shing shut behind him.

 Chapter 188: Secrets

    Chapter 188: Secrets


    After a brief moment of darkness, Zac once again exited, but the unfamiliar sight gave him a start. It almost looked as he was standing inside a world tree, as the walls were living trees sprouting leaves around them. However, they were far taller than the usual ones hed seen so far, reaching for the skies. There was also a good deal of holes in the structure at strategic ces, flooding the floor in natural light.


    The demons had been busy, as theyd grown a structure around the array. Zac noticed the design was slightly reminiscent of how it looked in New Washington, though the teleportation lobby was built with the signature Demonic architecture.


    Zac suddenly felt there was a group of eyes upon him and guessed there were defenders hidden up amongst the branches in the air. It proved there were also proper protocols in ce to make sure nothing untoward happened at this important location.


    He was quite happy with the transformation and full of anticipation to see what else had changed in the weeks since he set out on his journey. There was only one exit in the building, and Zac eagerly moved toward it.


    You cant just leave! You must register yourself first, young woman nervously standing behind a counter said with a shaky voice, piquing Zacs interest.


    Register? Zac asked, but before the receptionist could answer three demon guards jumped down from the tree crowns.


    Lord Atwood, they all said with a small salute, and Zac nodded back.


    Lord? Im sorry! the girl quickly eximed, but it was quickly waved away by Zac.


    Whats going on here? Zac asked the demons who appeared.


    Administrator Adran has set up routines for visitors. Due to many peopleing and going nowadays, a system to know whos here has been put into ce, the demon, whose name Zac remembered being Yuruf, answered.


    Theres traffic in the teleporter? Zac asked confused as the teleporter was still set to trusted.


    Only between the internal array system, the Yuruf answered. There are currently 12 arrays active in the archipgo.


    I understand. My sister and two of her friends should have arrived some time ago. Are they settled okay? Zac asked.


    Yes, we followed the instructions in the letter. Your sister is currently living in yourpound. The other two have been provided houses in the residential district. They are spending most of their time at the academy improving their power, the demon answered.


    There were too many things within hispound that would be hard to exin, so he didnt wish two strangers to stay there. It was better to make clear from the beginning, which is why he had them stay in the residential area from the start.


    Good. Have there been any trouble in the town while I was gone? he asked.


    Nothing much. A few hotheads acting up, but nothing that we couldnt handle. There also have been some disputes amongst the craftsmen, but the Administrators would know more about that, Yuruf responded.


    Ill visit themter. Onest thing, are the fighters back from the fight in the other Incursion? he asked.


    They returned some time ago. The mission was a sess, though there were some casualties, the demon nodded.


    I understand, keep up the good work, Zac said as he headed toward the exit.


    He didnt actually register himself in the end. It wasnt because he felt himself above it, but since it was a matter of security. Powerhouses like himself were the biggest deterrence from attacking a town, and if people didnt know where he was, they would likely be less likely to cause trouble.


    Satisfied Zac walked toward the exit, but before he left therge lobby Zac couldnt help notice therge sign hanging by the exit.


    <strong>Wee to Port Atwood, the home of the Towers of Myriad Dao!</strong><ol><li><strong>Dont cause trouble.</strong></li><li><strong>Dont enter the restricted areas.</strong></li><li><strong>Dont forget to shop at The Thayer Consortia, the best deals on Earth!</strong></li></ol>


    Uh, Zac couldnt help say as he looked back on the demon guards. Towers of Myriad Dao?


    Yuruf scratched his chin as he looked at the gaudy lettering of the slogan, looking a bit embarrassed, before exining the situation.


    The casten of the Towers somehow found out about this sign. It felt very strongly that its grandeur should be advertised to all visitors immediately upon arrival. When Administrator Adran refused, citing security concerns, it wasnt happy. A signrge enough to block out the suns that advertised the Towers appeared over the town. Thus the sign here.


    Zac could only groan and exit, inwardlyining about the insane Tool Spirit.


    It only took a minute of walking before the trees gave way to the town proper, as quite a bit of the forest had been cut down. At first look, Zac had a hard time believing the sight that met his eyes.


    A proper town with a wide array of buildings sprawled out in front of him. The town wasnt like anything hed seen before, but rather a mix of various styles and concepts. Buildings wrought from living trees stood wall to wall with modern buildings that could fit right into some trendy affluent district.


    The new Port Atwood felt very refreshing, withrge amounts of nature being mixed with the structures. It was a far better ce to work on ones Dao or cultivation than the dirty and run-down towns on the maind, and Zac had no difficulty believing that many would wish to move here if given the opportunity.


    There was still a lot to be done though. There was no sort of pavement on the roads, and construction was taking ce all over. People, a lot of whom Zac didn''t recognize, kept scurrying back and forth, many carrying lumber or tools meant for construction.


    Zac decided to head straight for his private area after a bit of hesitation, moving straight toward arge gate in the wall separating his private district with the newly emerging town.


    He noted that the wall was manned by a few demons and Valkyries, who perked up when they saw his approach. However, with his robe and shiny bald head he was easily recognizable and the warriors hurriedly opened the gates for him.


    Wee back, one of the Valkyries said with a small bow.


    Zac didnt know how he felt about the bows and curtsies the poption was starting to perform. He would have to talk with Ograster to see whether he was responsible for it.


    Thank you. Is my sister at home? he asked.


    She left for the Academy some time ago, the guard answered.


    Could you have someone call her over, Zac said.


    Of course, she said with a nod, and one of the Valkyries immediately ran toward the direction of the Academy.


    Zac simply thanked the guard, and soon found himself back in his familiar courtyard, rxing and enjoying a bottle of whiskey he had saved for himself for some time.


    Some noise from the outside half an hourter told him that his sister was back, and he shouted out to let her know which building he stayed at.


    I still cant believe that this whole ce yours. Youve gotten an expensive taste, Kenzie said as she walked into the beautiful courtyards with widened eyes.


    Well, Emily lives here as well. I assume youve met her by now? And sometimes I have guests. You can take whatever building you like if you haven''t already, Zac exined as he indicated for her to sit down.


    Was this ce really just an uninhabited ind before? she curiously asked.


    Yeah, in the beginning it was just me and a bunch of barghest on the ind, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    What about Hannah? she asked with a weird face.


    Kenzie knew that he was away on vacation with his girlfriend when the integration took ce.


    All of them turned out to be cultivators. What are the odds? Zac said with a sardonic smile. I still dont know where they ended up.


    What would you do if you found her? Would she live here as well? she asked.


    Zac only threw an amused nce at his sister. He knew she wasnt the biggest fan of Hannah for some reason, but he was a bit surprised she still held on to those kinds of feelings after such a long time.


    I dont know. Maybe not? he said with a shrug.


    So youre like the king of this ind? I''ve never been treated so well before, she said, changing the subject.


    Uh, I guess. And don''t take advantage of people. I dont really bother with all that though, I have other things to worry about, Zac answered.


    Then what do you do all day? Just sit here and drink like some hobo? she said with a nce at the bottle of whiskey he had by his side.


    Zac snorted and shook his head.


    I wish. I need to get stronger, Zac said, his face turning serious. I promised to protect you at dads grave, and there are so many enemies.


    Kenzie only looked down with sad eyes. Hed told her about their father the day he saved her, not wanting to hide it from her. Though she had cried a bit she soon recovered, only mentioning that she wished to visit the grave as soon as possible.


    It was a harsh reality, but most people had alreadye to terms with the fact that most of their friends and family had passed away. There barely were any families that had gone unscathed by the fall, and theirs wasnt an exception.


    By the way, those towers over at the entrance look so cool. You could learn a lesson or two from Bra, Kenzie said with shimmering eyes as she looked the towers shining in gold and white in the distance.


    Due to the height of the structure and the extremely gaudy disy, there were few ces in Port Atwood where you couldnt spot at least part of the building. As if by responding to her words the rainbows and celestial rays increased in intensity, almost reaching a blinding luminescence.


    Living in a ce like that would be like living in the middle of a Las Vegas Casino, Zac said with a grimace. Have you talked with the Tool Spirit?


    Yeah, hes a nice guy. I think hes a bit lonely, so I usually visit him once a day for a bit, she nodded. He says that one of the inheritances is a good fit for me.


    Oh? Zac said, curious.


    That also worked as an excellent segue into why hed asked her toe back to their home. There were still a few questions in Zacs mind, questions that werent proper to ask in front of the other two girls.


    The more he thought about the weird ball that entered Kenzies head, the more ufortable he got. It was simply unnatural that something so powerful didnt give off a single speck of energy. He wanted to get to the bottom of the matter now that they were alone, so he could help out if there was some trouble.


    But before he had time to go into that issue he was interrupted by Kenzie.


    I heard youve traveled a lot the past months. Did you find any clues about mom? Kenzie blurted out with hopeful eyes before Zac had a chance to ask his questions.


    Zac was taken by surprise by the question, as he honestly hadn''t really thought about his mother since the integration.


    I couldnt even find her before the world got randomized, I wouldnt even know where to begin to look now, Zac answered with a shrug.


    Zac saw his sister was gearing up for an argument theyd had many times before, and could only groan inwardly. However, he quickly had an idea and took out a small box from a pouch. It contained the things he brought from their home in Greenworth, and he took out the amulet his father had left.


    Their father mentioned that it was a memento from their mother in his diary, and Zac thought giving it to Kenzie might pacify her a bit. But before he had time to hand over the amulet they were interrupted by two demons entering the courtyard.


    So youre back, Ogras said with a small smile as he sauntered inside.


    Dont you ever knock? Zac asked with some annoyance as he looked over at the demons entering the courtyard.


    Get yourself an array if you want privacy, otherwise Ill treat it as an open-door policy is in effect, Ogras answered as he threw one of his annoying smiles toward Kenzie. Hello again, beautiful.


    Zacs eyes thinned as he red toward Ogras, his aura starting to leak out a bit. Kenzie noticed her brothers change in demeanor, and with a roll of her eyes pped his arm.


    Cut it out, she muttered under her breath.


    So sister-inw is here as well. It is good to see you again, Alea said as she pushed Ogras out of the way as she walked toward Kenzie with a warm smile, not even sparing Zac a nce.


    Sister-inw? MacKenzie asked with some confusion as she let Alea hook her arm in hers.


    Dont let that human girl hear you say that, Ogras said with a grin, drawing an angry re from Alea.


    Kenzie simply seemed amused by the chaos the two were creating and was content to be a spectator of it all.


    Alea is just kidding around, Zac said to his sister before turning to Ogras. What human girl?


    Oh, we found a girl that ims to be your girlfriend. Hannah something, Ogras said with a shrug.


    Hannahs here? Zac said, his face quickly souring as he red at his sister.


    She only shrugged her shoulders with an impish smile when seeing Zacs face. Aleas mouth curved up in a smile as she saw Zacs reaction, but only ushered Kenzie out of the courtyard.


    Come, lets sightsee a bit. Let those two bores talk things out. I have a great tea that I have saved for a special asion such as this, Alea said as she pulled Kenzie away.


    Just before she exited the courtyard she threw onest look at Zac.


    Its good youre back.


    Have fun, Zac distractedly said as he waved the two away, a confused frown adorning his face.


    Ogras snickered as he looked at a peeved Alea, who turned away with a harrumph.


    However, the mirth on Ogras face quickly drained away as he saw the amulet in Zacs hand.


    Why do you have that thing? he said with an umonly serious voice.


    Why do you care? Zac asked with some confusion as he looked down at the memento in his hands.


    Because it is a Technocrat insignia.

 Chapter 189: Leandra

    Chapter 189: Leandra


    Zac skeptically looked up at Ogras as he fiddled with the amulet in his hands.


    What are you talking about? Its impossible that this is something from the Technocrats. I picked this up on Earth years ago, Zac said, hiding the true origins of the Amulet for now.


    Trust me, I know. The demonic horde is very much in favor of The Ruthless Heavens, which makes the Technocrats one of our prime enemies. Everyone learns to identify their kind in case we run into them in mystic realms or out in the wild somewhere, Ogras said.


    What I am curious about is how it could have gotten here. It doesnt make sense Ogras muttered until his eyes suddenly widened. Unless Earth was a owned by the technocrats.


    What? I think we humans should have known about that? Zac answered with some skepticism.


    However, the calmness was only on the outside. His head was hammering fast as his mind was a mess. If Ogras said was true, just what did it mean? Was his mother an alien? The note left by his father said that he should use the amulet if he wanted to find her. Did his father know something as well?


    The matter of Leandra, their mother, was still shrouded in mystery. She had simply disappeared not long after MacKenzie was born, and his memories of her were quite hazy by now. His father refused to talk about it, even though Kenzie repeatedly had tried to arrange a meeting with her. Their dad only responded once, saying that their mother had gone home to her family and that she wasnting back.


    Zac had left it at that, always bearing some resentment for her actions. He had just been a kid as well, but he still remembered the sadness that had marred their father''s face as he took care of the infant MacKenzie.


    However, Kenzie didnt have that resentment and kept pestering Zac to help her find Leandra. Finally Zac relented a few years ago, even hiring a private investigator to track the woman down. Oddly enough there wasnt a single proof of her ever even existing. Even their birth certificates didnt mention her, only listing their father as a parent.


    The only exnation that the investigator coulde up with was that Leandra was an illegal immigrant, which is why there was no paper trail of her existence. Zac had to give up at that point due to apleteck of clues, much to Kenzies disappointment.


    But now another, far more fantastical, exnation had revealed itself. There was a possibility that she was actually an alien, as crazy as it sounded. But that possibility only led to more questions.


    What was she doing on earth? Why did she leave, and why didnt shee back? If she had to leave, why didnt she bring her family with her? Questions whirled around in his mind until cough awoke him.


    What? Zac said, looking over at Ogras.


    I said that some technocrat might have used this ce as ab for experiments. I mean, they want to remove The Ruthless Heavens right? Perhaps someone was researching a outside Heavens control, the demon said.


    That might be it. Well, it doesnt really matter I guess, Zac said with a shrug, as he put the amulet away. If they were still here they should have shown themselves by now, right? Or packed up and left.


    Ogras eyes thinned a bit, but he didnt push the matter any further, much to Zacs relief.


    So whats your n with your girl? the demon said instead. Want me to take care of the problem? Im sure Alea is willing.


    A lot has changed in the six months since the fall, Zac said with a sigh, ignoring hisment. I am not the Zac from before, and she likely isnt the same Hannah either. Where does that leave us?


    Well, you should probably figure it out. The girl has repeatedly asked about you, causing some ruckus. No one has dared to say no to her so far, unsure what your reaction would be, Ogras retorted with a widening smile, likely looking forward to theing chaos. I havent let her inside the inner area though, much to her annoyance.


    Zac only shook his head, unsure how to respond. He had myriad things on his mind at the moment, and Hannah suddenly being back was truly not something hed expected. Hed actually mostly forgotten about her, having more pressing matters on his mind until now.


    So youre back already from the rat incursion? Zac asked, eager to change the subject.


    Yeah. It was a sess. It only took 2 days, wasnt a too desperate a fight. That giant had actually exhausted their reserves quite a bit all by himself. Hed been killing Ratmen at least 18 hours a day for half a year, Ogras said with a wry smile. Dont make that guy an enemy, he must have some special constitution. Ive never met anyone having that strength at such a low level.


    What? Zac asked with some shock. You dont think were his match?


    In a head-on confrontation? Probably not, Ogras said. Id guess that mammoth has over 500 strength, and his club takes perfect advantage of that. He crushed the defensive array the Ratmen had set up with just one swing, taking half their town with it. Im not sure I would have been able to destroy the array at all, no matter how much time I was given.


    He must have done some crazy things in the tutorial. Of course, if we wanted him dead it wouldnt be too hard, hes not very bnced. He needs a good support system to bring that disgusting Strength of his to full use, Ogras added with a vicious glint.


    Zac could only shake his head in disbelief. He knew that the tutorial gave out good benefits to the top cultivators, but this was above what he expected. It seemed he needed to be careful around the others as well, especially Thea and Salvation.


    So whats next? the demon suddenly said.


    What do you mean? Zac asked.


    Didnt you fight up till this point just to find your sister and provide a ce to stay? Youve done that now, Ogras said as he gestured at the many courtyards in the area.


    Are you pushing for my retirement? Zac asked with a small smile.


    Just curious, Ogras said with a shrug.


    I have a quest, Zac said after some hesitation. A trial of sorts. I n on doing it before the Treasure Hunt starts.


    I thought you were skipping the treasure hunt? the demon asked.


    Zac only sighed as he shook his head.


    Its not like I have much of a choice. I cant stop and rx in this shitty new reality. If I do then someone will kill me.


    The will of The Ruthless Heavens, Ogras said with a grin.


    Actually, regarding that point I have a suggestion. Youre nearing the bottleneck. There are a few things that cant be done after you evolve, the demon continued.


    Hmm? Zac asked halfheartedly.


    Well, there are two opportunities before you. The first is The Tower of Eternity. Ascending the tower can only be done before evolving. Not taking that opportunity would be a huge missed chance. Everyone who gets the chance to go there will take the trial, the demon said.


    Secondly are the inheritances. The inheritance needs to begin at F-Grade ss as well ording to the Tool Spirit, Ogras added.


    Alyn mentioned the Tower some time ago as well, just what is it? Zac asked curiously.


    He didnt mention that he stood to gain an entrance token soon, and actually was already thinking of going. He knew the demon wanted him to go for some reason, and Ogras would be more forting with information if he thought he was trying to trick him into going.


    It is unclear, Ogras said, but quickly added when he saw Zacs skeptical face. Its something that has just been there since the beginning of time it seems like. Some believe that it houses the Brain of the Ruthless Heavens. However, you can only get to the tower with the help of a token as it is impossible to find without them. Many extreme hegemons have scoured the multi-verse for the tower intending to make it their treasure, but its always eluded them.


    The tower consists of 9 floors, and each floor is demarked by 9 tiers. The further you manage to travel up the tower the greater the rewards. In theory, the highest possible grade is 81, nine by nine. However, Ive never heard of anyone getting that far, Ogras continued.


    So what are the rewards? Zac probed.


    The tower contains all manner of treasures, and it also provides a Title that gives stats depending on how far you reached, Ogras simply answered.


    It sounded a lot like the title that the cultivators got from the tutorial Zac realized. Perhaps pushing all the way to the 9th floor would give a huge boost to hisbat power. However, Ogras next words shocked him.


    If we help each other out, we stand a chance to make it to the fourth floor, perhaps even pass a few tiers there, he said with desire in his eyes.


    What? Zac asked, shocked. Only the fourth floor? Isnt the towers limited to F-Grade people?


    Oh, you think youre some hotshot because you can beat up some useless cultivators on this baby? You are strong, but only in the context of this. Dont look down on the forces of the multi-verse. There are F-Graded people with advanced Daos and unimaginable titles, people surpassinga thousand points in a single attribute before they evolve.


    Zacs eyes widened in shock. It was a good reminder that he couldnt getcent. Lately, hed almost felt like an immortal as he met various people. But he was just a normal person who had caught a few lucky breaks when his got integrated. It couldn''tpare to whatever the great forces of the multi-verse provided their young.


    Wouldnt that mean wed be risking our lives going there? Zac asked skeptically.


    Well, getting stronger alwayses with risks. But those kinds of monsters are rare, and people are more concerned about ascending more tiers in the tower rather than expending energy on fighting with strangers. Just keep your head down and push forward, Ogras said without a care.


    Zac felt things werent as simple as the demon was implying, but he knew that the Tower of Eternity wasnt something he should ignore if he wanted an Epic ss.


    Besides, well be able to watch each others backs. We only need to get an inheritance each before we go, which would boost our survivability noticeably, the demon concluded.


    Thinks clicked in Zacs mind as he looked over at the demon, who innocently looked back. It seemed there was an inheritance really he wanted, and Zac was pretty sure which one it was.


    <em>We</em> need to get an inheritance? Zac asked wryly.


    Of course. You should get one as well. It might be dangerous but the opportunity outweighs the risk by far, Ogras said. Besides, I can undergo the test first, scout things out. So to speak.


    Zac only snorted in response. The two spoke for a bit more before the demon receded into the shadows again. He seemed a bit annoyed that Zac wouldnt give a clear go-ahead on the inheritances, but Zac didnt really care.


    He would likely give one to the demon sooner orter. He was pretty sure Ogras wanted The Umbra inheritance, and Zac had no use for that. But he wouldnt just give it away before thinking things through properly. They were one-time gifts, and he only had eight of them. As for himself, he was a bit unsure of what he should do. He currently felt that there were multiple interesting choices avable.


    His initial thought had been to go with The Titan inheritance, since he was mainly strength-based. An alternative was The Undying Fiend, which sounded to be Endurance or Vitality-based. One would improve his battle prowess and the other his survivability, and either sounded like a good option.


    However, his experiences in the Dead Zone made him look at a new option, the Lord of Cycles-inheritance. While Zac couldnt be sure, it did seem to align with his new core and new attainments into the Dao. That was provided that the cycle the inheritance spoke of was the cycle of life and death, of course.


    It all came back to what he was aiming for. He still had a hard time to decide whether he should focus more on the core and Dao, or his axe-work. Thergest risk as he saw it was that he might need to somehow attain another Dao Seed that could act as the opposite of the Dao of Trees.


    The Sharpness and Heaviness werent really suited to represent the miasma-filled side of his core, making his skillset a bit mismatched. Zac had thought about the issue for days now and still couldnte up with a solution.


    However, there was still time, so Zac once again tabled the matter as he stood up and headed toward the Nexus Crystal. He really needed to speak with his sister, but she was off god knows where with Alea, so he would have to wait.


    In the meanwhile, he had a skill to attain. Soon he found himself at the crystal, and as he touched it a surge of information entered his mind as he gained a new fractal, and this time it was right on his chest.

 Chapter 190: Top Tier Cheat

    Chapter 190: Top Tier Cheat


    Zacs mind was filled with a burst of information told him how the skill worked, but he still chose to try it out after some hesitation. He headed over to an empty area inside hispound that was still just forest and activated the new fractal. A huge torrent of energy surged from the area and entered his body. This wasn''t the same thing as absorbing energy, but rather forcefully ripping it out of the atmosphere.


    Cracking sounds could be heard throughout his body as it felt like he was injected with a hundred adrenaline shots. Boundless power surged into his limbs as he took out his axe without thinking. The extreme amount of power gathering within him needed an outlet.


    With a roar, he swung his axe with all his might as the innocent trees. It was as though a bomb had gone off in the forest, with decimated trees covering the area.


    He felt as though he could topple mountains at the moment, but after roughly thirty seconds the feeling was gone, reced by a sense of weakness. The skill <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage] </strong>was a boosting skill, that actually increased all his attributes by 25% for around ten seconds.


    Better yet, it seemed as though the increase also worked on the attributes he gained from titles as well, as he gained over 80 points in Strength while the skill was in use. A boost of 25% was not something to scoff at going by how attributes worked.


    It would increase hisbat strength by quite arge margin during the effect, which would help him push him ahead in a close battle. It might even allow him to defeat a stronger opponent in a quick turn-around if he caught the enemy unaware.


    However, the skill wasnt without its drawbacks. It seemed it messed with his head a bit. When the energy entered him he felt ready, and willing, to take on the world. It also left him weakened after usage. It didnt consume a lot of Cosmic or Mental Energy, but it was rather as though his body was overtaxed, like he might have felt after running a marathon back in the day before the integration.


    He slowly headed back to his courtyard, and it took over an hour before he was back in good condition again. Clearly, he had to be careful with the skill, just like with Natures Punishment. He needed to end the fight by the time the effect ran out, otherwise he''d be a sitting duck.


    Familiar steps could be heard after a while as he saw a flustered Kenzie run over.


    Whats going on? What happened earlier, did you get into a fight with Ogras? The destruction could be seen from the town she said as she looked around with a frown.


    I only tried out a new skill of mine, Zac said with a shrug. Sit down, we need to talk.


    You destroyed a forest to try out a skill..? his sister said with a shake of her head, but she still sat down next to him.


    Zac suddenly had a thought and opened the Town Shop. Not long after two small arrays were erected around the courtyard. One was an <strong>[E-Grade Small Scale Silencing Array]</strong>, whose job was to block any sound from escaping, and also impede any types of spying skill.


    The other array was a normal illusion array that hid the interior, the very same type as he used around his camp before. It should look like the courtyard was empty from outside, from how understood it. He still had the original array somewhere, but he didnt remember where it was anymore. Since it was quite cheap he bought an upgraded version for 250 000 Nexus Coins, making it even harder to see through.


    Finally, he put up a third array, the weak defensive one he''d purchased some time ago. Wasting no more time Zac took out the amulet and handed it over to Kenzie, who epted it with a confused nce.


    Whats this? she asked as she held up the intricately designed amulet.


    I found this amulet with a note from Dad when I visited Greenworth. The note said that it was a memento from mom, and that we might be able to use it if we wanted to find her, Zac exined, hiding nothing.


    Kenzie looked at the small amulet with marvel, as though it was a map leading to some grand treasure.


    How do we use it? she excitedly asked as she grabbed Zacs arm.


    Thats the problem. I just found out something pretty weird about that thing. It might not be from earth. Ogras said it is a Technocrat insignia, like an emblem from a Technocrat Nobleman,


    Technocrat? Whats that? Kenzie asked with some confusion.


    Zac suddenly realized that the Technocrats might not be a subject that was broached in the Tutorial, as they opposed the System.


    Its an extremely powerful force in the multi-verse. I dont know a lot about them, apart from the fact that they are an enemy to most other forces, and that they dont use Cosmic Energy. Instead, they use extremely advanced technology, like science fiction stuff. They are the most advanced force in the multi-verse in that sense, Zac exined.


    Kenzies eyes widened, until she looked down the amulet in her hands with a slight frown, saying nothing. Zac would have thought his sister would have a ton of follow-up questions, but she only silently stared at the amulet. But her silence told him that it might not be as big a shock as he expected, and soon he understood why.


    Whats going on? Zac asked. I saw that shield around you when the guy exploded back in Kingsbury. It didnt contain even a scrap of Cosmic Energy. And the ball flew right into your head afterward. Are you ok?


    I I think I understand now, she said.


    When the tutorial started, I was the same as everyone else. Luckily I survived the first trials and got stronger. However, after the fifth trial, I suddenly heard a voice in my head. It wasnt the System, but someone else, MacKenzie began. "It told me it had finalized integration."


    Another voice? Zac asked with some concern.


    Yeah. At first I thought I had gone crazy, but the voice told me it was an assistant system. I soon figured out that it was real as it warned me of imminent attacks that I didnt notice myself. Since then its helped me in various ways, and I probably wouldn''t have survived the tutorial without it. It changed the way I channel my Cultivation Manual to be more efficient, it helps me in battle, and in all kinds of ways. It even modifies my skills to be stronger, she exined.


    Zac frowned as he looked at his sister, thinking of the ball in her head. From the way she exined it, it almost seemed that there was an artificial intelligence helping her. But that should be impossible, as that type of technology and the Cultivation System shouldnt be impossible to merge.


    It was one of the basic rules of the multiverse as he saw it, and the very reason that the Technocrats were so desperate to either destroy the System or create an Apostate of their own. The Dao of Technology was blocked, and merging cosmic energy and technology should be impossible. The thing in her head sounded like something impossible.


    It never told me what it was, so I guessed it was some special reward I got from the system for some reason. But now I think it might have been mom who left me with this thing to protect me? she said, her face brightening. "Perhaps she knew the integration wasing and wanted to give me something to help me survive."


    Yeah, maybe, Zac said after a while.


    However, inwardly he wasnt as sure. Zac saw a very different scenario. He thought back to what Ogras said earlier, that Earth might be ab for experimentation by the Technocrats. Did their mother experiment on Kenzie when she was an infant, potentially putting her in danger?


    Finding ways to trick the System and integrate technology to a cultivator should be a huge goal for the technocrats, and the first step in creating an Apostate of their own. If what Kenzie said was true, the thing in her head might be a highly valuable Technocrat technology.


    Still, he didnt say these things out loud. There was no point in starting to argue about such things. And there was nothing he could do about the situation, apart from trying to get stronger in case something happened. But he knew he was just kidding himself. The Technocrats could be considered an A-Grade force.


    They could incinerate this whole in an instant if they wished, and there was nothing he or anyone else on Earth could do about it. He could only pray that he was wrong about his spections, or that something unexpected had happened, making the Technocrats unaware of the marvel inside Kenzies body.


    Suddenly Kenzie handed the Amulet back to Zac, who took it with some confusion on his face.


    Mom already gave me this assistant to protect me, so you should keep the amulet. It might have some method to help you as well, she said.


    Are you sure? Zac said, but in truth he was quite happy to take back the amulet now that he knew more what was going on.


    He was afraid that it might be a beacon or tracker of sorts, so he would prefer to keep it away from Kenzie if possible.


    Hmm How about this, Zac said as he opened the Town Shop again.


    Soon another box appeared in front of him, and he took out another amulet and gave it to Kenzie.


    Since you dont want that amulet, take this one instead. It was <em>very</em> expensive, so wear it at all times, he said with a smile.


    His sister rolled her eyes, but she still put it on with a smile.


    Zac wasnt lying when he said it was expensive. It cost 20 000 000 Nexus coins and was one of the most expensive Arrays in his Town Shop at the moment. It was called <strong>[E-Grade Supreme Ward]</strong>, and was a mobile array just like his Mother-Daughter array.


    However, its function was much more varied. It was a defensive talisman that protected the wearer in all kinds of ways, as long as she stayed within a certain range from Port Atwood. It was an array that many forces bought for their young to protect them from sudden assassinations.


    It had a few functions. First, it had a strong shield that automatically protected from sudden attacks. It might not be necessary for Kenzie, but it was better than nothing. However, Zac bought it for its other functions. For one it protected against spying or scrying skills, making it hard to locate her or spy on any secrets inside her. It also protected against mental attacks or hypnosis.


    It was the only thing he could think of right now that might keep her hidden from any potential spies of the multi-verse. He truly believed that the fact she possessed an artificial assistant must be kept a secret to protect her. That thing inside her might be even more explosive than his Creator Shipyard. Kenzie might be hunted down by the various forces of the multi-verse if they knew, and who knew what the Technocrats would do.


    Does anyone else know about the assistant thing in your head? Zac asked.


    He was determined to keep this secret just between the two of them, even if he was forced to do some gruesome things.


    No, I knew it was a bit odd from the start, so I never told anyone, not even L, Kenzie said with a shake of her head.


    Good. Lets keep it that way", Zac said with relief. "I will try to look into the Technocrats some more, but we need to be careful. We dont know what happened to mom. If she truly is a Technocrat the situation might be prettyplicated. The Technocrats have so many enemies, and we might implicate both ourselves and mom if we rush things.


    I know, Kenzie said, not being able to hide some of her disappointment.


    Hey, dont worry. We finally have a lead for the first time ever. Well find her. But we need to focus on getting stronger as well, Zac said with a smile.


    I get it, Ill be patient.


    By the way, you never told me what ss you were, Zac asked instead, changing the subject.


    Well, I picked Acolyte, a Normal Grade mage ss, his sister answered. But Jeeves, oh thats what I call the voice, upgraded it to Elementalist, an Umon one.


    Zac could only speechlessly stare at Kenzie for a while. That thing in her head was truly a top tier cheat.


    What about you?


    Well, its called Hatchetman, a Rare ss, Zac said with a shrug.


    Hatchetman? Howd you get such a stupid-sounding ss? she asked with a smile.


    Zac could only shake his head and tell the tale of what he was doing when the integration happened. Soon Kenzie wasughing as Zac exined how he fumbled along with his lumberjacks hatchet, living in a dented and bloodied camper, looking like a hobo covered in strips of snake leather.


    So, what are you going to do about Hannah? she suddenly asked.


    Zac grimaced at the question. With only a shake of his head he got up to his feet and wistfully looked in the direction of the town.


    Some things couldnt be prolonged any longer.

 Chapter 191: The Network

    Chapter 191: The Network


    Zac still wasnt sure what he should do with Hannah as he slowly walked toward the gate leading to the town proper. When Ogras told him she had been found he felt nothing. Simply too much time had passed since theyst were together.


    The time they had spent apart was more than twice what they had actually been together, and since then Zac had experienced one life-altering event after another. And it wasnt like they were some childhood sweethearts or soul mates. They were two lonely people who had found each other on a dating app.


    Besides, the little hed heard about her causing trouble since she arrived at his ind made him quite annoyed. However, he would have to form his own opinion, as there usually was a hidden agenda behind the demons words. But in the end, Zac knew he was just psyching himself up with various justifications and excuses.


    He almost wished that some weird void would open up and spew out a horde of monsters. He would much rather go through a deadly battle than this muddled situation.


    Soon he arrived at the gate once more, and after asking the guards headed toward a certain neighborhood of the residential district. It didnt take long to find the building, since not only was the neighborhood one of those closest to the gate leading to Zacs area, but it was also guarded by a demon and a Valkyrie.


    Zacs brows scrunched together in displeasure as he walked up to the two guards who quickly recognized him.


    Lord Atwood, the demoness quickly said.


    You two can go back to your usual duties. This ce doesnt need guards, Zac said with a nod.


    The two guards gave each other a quick nce and quicklyplied and left. Zac took a deep breath and knocked on the door. It didnt take long before he could hear hurried steps, and the door was practically thrown open as Hannah hurried to open it.


    She looked as beautiful as when they first met, perhaps even more so. Say what you will about the integration, the Cosmic Energy made people look better, as long as they survived. However, to Zacs surprise she didnt wear normal clothes, but rather robes simr to those that Alea and Alyn wore.


    There was a hint of confusion in her eyes for a second as she looked at him. Zac couldnt me her, as hed truly changed a lot more than most. However, Hannah soon realized who he was and her eyes quickly filled with tears.


    Zac! she said and threw herself in his arms, her body wracked by cries. I didnt know if Id ever see you again.


    I am d youre fine, Zac said with a smile.


    I heard that you came back, she said after having found her bearing. Come in.


    Zac hesitated for a second but soon followed behind her into her house. It was neat and clean inside, though the furniture was quite eclectic. He briefly wondered how she managed to get so many things on this isted ind. Then again, many of the surrounding inds had a lot of buildings that were deserted, perhaps there was a lot of it lying around.


    Are the other three okay? Zac said as he stopped in the living room.


    Only Davids still alive, Hannah said with a shake of her head. Izzie and Tyler didnt make it.


    Zac could only nod, not being too surprised. He knew that only two people surviving was the expected oue, and that only half of a tutorial group dying was considered one of the best oues.


    I wanted to find you, but we were trapped on that ind, and that crazy guy messed with our heads, Hannah said, cing her hand on his chest. But thats okay. Were finally together again.


    As Zac looked down on her beautiful face he forgot about everything for a second. He remembered the awkward first date, turning into a rtionship that gave respite from the bleak reality of being an adult with no real direction in life.


    However, reality soon came crashing back to him, and he knew that those times would nevere back. Her house might feel like a secluded enclosure hiding them from the world, but it was only a mirage. Shaking his head Zac extracted himself from Hannah with a sigh.


    Hannah, we need to talk.


    -------------------


    Zac was still feeling sour walked into therge building that was currently the core of operations of Port Atwood, but he forced himself to regain control of his emotions. Meeting Hannah again had been a roller-coaster of emotions. But then again, most break-ups were.


    He realized he had painted her as some sort of viin in his mind, desperately grasping at every negative he heard in order to make himself feel justified. But ultimately, there was only one justification. They had simply fallen out of love since the apocalypse, and their rtionship died along with the fall.


    Besides, he didnt know what to believe. Ogras had insinuated that the was causing trouble, but she had lookedpletely baffled when hed mentioned it. As she exined things she tried to work in the government, thinking it would help him to have people he knew and could trust there, and not only strangers with their own agendas.


    Zac could somewhat understand that sentiment as he walked through the halls of therge government building. The faces he saw were mostly those of strangers, and even those he recognized he barely knew the names of. There was no one of those that ran his town that he would dare trust his life to.


    That wasnt to say that Hannah necessarily had his best in mind. While she seemed the same as the girl he dated half a year back, no one had truly gone through the integration without changing a bit. Everyone had gotten harder, more cynical. Those who didnt were long dead.


    In the end, he had promised he''d find work for her and David, but Hannah had rejected it, saying that she wanted to focus on getting stronger. She even mentioned joining the academy. Zac only acquiesced and promised he''d provide the two with resources. It was the least he could do.


    Not long after Zac entered therge building a clerk that Zac didnt recognize hurriedly ran up to him with a small bow.


    Lord Atwood, she said with some reservation in her voice. Administrators Abby and Adran are expecting you.


    Lead the way, Zac simply said.


    He wasnt sure how he felt about the address, as it felt odd to be called a lord by the humans. He guessed the employees had adopted the mannerisms from the demons, who had stricter hierarchies in their societies.


    Soon he found himself in a meeting room with the people, or eyeballs, responsible for keeping his town running.


    I am d to hear you found your sister in good health, Abby said as she bobbed in the air.


    Thank you. How have things gone while I was away? Zac asked.


    Well, Port Atwood has advanced on various fronts. Today 83 432 citizens are within yourwork, Adran began.


    Network? Zac asked.


    We have started setting up various satellite facilities on neighboring inds. These settlements are equipped with <strong>[F-Grade Teleportation Arrays]</strong>, and therefore can be easily essed. We currently have five settlements, whose purposes are mainly various types of resource farms, Abby filled in.


    Five settlements? The guards at the teleporter said theres twelve, Zac said with some confusion.


    Two teleporters lead to therger human towns that are able to self-sustain. We saw no reason to move everyone here to drain resources, Abby exined. We believe that living in Port Atwood should be considered a boon, and something only for those who contribute to the faction. Therefore, when we find refugees on new inds they usually get moved to one of the other towns.


    And the other teleporters? Zac asked.


    Another two are for the beastman settlements. One leads to AzhRodum, and the elevenths go to the Zhix hive, Abby said.


    Theres still one more, no? Zac said.


    Yes, but it is a bit special. It leads to a small camp we ced on an extremelyrge ind we found. It is the only ind so far weve found that''s even bigger than this one. From what we can tell the ind is uninhabited, but it is teeming with strong monsters, Adran said as he handed Zac an information crystal.


    So its a ce for our people to gainbat experience and levels? Zac asked as he epted the crystal.


    Well partly that. But there are also energy signals that indicate that there actually might be a Mystic Realm somewhere on the ind, Abby said, once again starting to bob around in excitement.


    Oh? Zac said, somewhat unperturbed.


    Whats with that reaction? That is huge news! the Stargazer said agitatedly. Depending on whats inside it could be an enormous boon for Port Atwood.


    But couldnt it just as likely be full of E-Graded monster, or even worse things? Zac retorted.


    Exploring a mystic realm was an extremely dangerous undertaking, and some forces had to sacrifice thousands and thousands of people in order to secure it. And even then, the realms might not lead to any benefits in the end.


    A mystic realm was a huge gamble, and Zac wasnt sure he had the resources to roll the dice at the moment. He only really had a few hundredbatants, far too little to venture into a dangerous ce like that.


    Well yes, but great rewards alwayse with some risk. Thats the way of the universe. Besides, we dont need to explore it right now, apart from perhaps sending a scouting party to sound things out. If it''s dangerous well simply reinforce the portal, and revisit the issue when were stronger, Abby exined.


    Is there any risk of something emerging from the Mystic Realm to wreak havoc? Zac asked.


    Its highly unlikely. Unless we open the vortex from our side they cant do much. They would need to brute force it, and that would require extreme powers. If such strong beings lived inside the mystic realm, they would have broken out long ago, Adran exined.


    Well, I wont send anyone inside there against his will, Zac said after some deliberation. But if someone wants to take a gamble, we can give it a try a bitter. I will visit the ind and take a look for myself. But for now, I want to focus on the Incursions.


    Well, I am sure that Ogras has told you, but the Ratmen Incursion was vanquished, bing the second incursion being closed on the. We also found two more potential targets while fighting over there. The residents of Billyville had allies who also live close to Incursions, Adran said.


    Oh? Zac said. Are they affiliated with the New World Government?


    One is unaffiliated, while we are unsure about the other. However, both of them wish to wait until after the Treasure Hunt, Adran said.


    What do you two think? Zac asked.


    The Ratmen Incursion should be considered a low tier Incursion, just like that of n AzhRezak, Abby said, drawing a re from Adran. Both the incursions mentioned by the allies of Billyville sounds like medium-tier Incursions, and you would likely need to join unless youre willing to ept mass casualties among your soldiers. As for the high-grade ones, I am not sure were ready to take those on at the moment.


    Zac nodded his head in thought, not too surprised. The fact that it only took a few days to eradicate the Ratmen Incursion proved they couldn''t have been too strong. The easier Incursions were dealt with, leaving the harder ones. He also felt he had to agree with Abbys assessment of their current power.


    Even with 3 of the generals taken out ofmission in the undead army, he wasnt confident his side could vanquish the Incursion. There were still another 3 generals remaining along with the leader. Furthermore, they would be at the core of the incursion where the Miasma should be thickest, along with who knows what kind of Arrays.


    Zac also understood why people wished to postpone attacking the incursions until after the Treasure Hunt. From how it sounded there would be quite a few power-ups waiting inside for the powerhouses of Earth, which would help immensely in the fight against the invaders.


    The only question was how long the mission wouldst. It wouldnt do any good if it took months toplete since that would leave most towns without proper defense from their most powerful people, while also allowing the limitations of the invaders to be removed.


    The briefing went on for another hour, and it seemed everything was under control. He wasnt really needed for anything, as he was mostly used for deterrence so that no one would act up. Besides, with the demon soldiers walking the streets people were keeping themselves in line.


    Since it was gettingte he soon headed back to his home to rest up. Soon after he came back Emily came by his courtyard, forcefully scampering over the decorative wall, uncaring that the gates were closed. The teenager had met up with Kenzie earlier, and from what he could tell the two had hit it off well.


    It appeared she was overloaded with gossip, and a seemingly unending stream of juicy tidbits came pouring out of her mouth. It was everything from the fact that Ryan was trying to woo one of the Valkyries, to an Ishiate workshop exploding in themercial district twice in one day.


    There apparently had been arge fight between Emma and Julia as well, something about their future path. Zac could guess that while Emma wanted nothing to do with the government, Julia wasnt so sure. He made a mental note to sit down with the government official soon.


    He hadnt really talked with her since she arrived, but the events at Kingsbury made him realize that he needed to do something about his rtionship with the government before the shapeshifters ruined them from within. Turning Julia into a proper liaison for Port Atwood might not be a bad idea.


    Finally, the teenager reminded him that her birthday was in a few weeks before she scampered off. Zac only smiled and shook his head, his spirits lifting somewhat. He threw the matters of Hannah and Port Atwood into the back of his head, and instead focused on what was ahead.


    His next goal was the quest for hegemony, but since he didnt know how long it would take there were still some things he needed to get done first.

 Chapter 192: Island Tour

    Chapter 192: Ind Tour


    After resting up a few hours Zac stepped through his private array, arriving at one of the first satellite towns of Port Atwood. Only a brief moment was needed to understand that this was one of the farming-viges that was created to provide the town with a steady supply of grain and vegetables.


    Two Valkyries were resting by the gate, but quickly got to their feet when they saw the teleporter activating. Normally there were no guards stationed at the portal, as this ce was only essible through the main teleporter and the traffic was controlled from there.


    However, Valkyries and freshly recruited warriors were sent out to all the satellite towns en masse to clean out the inds. There would always be a need for some warriors to safeguard the area from beasts in the future, but the manpower needed would be drastically reduced if all dangerous wildlife was culled first like on the main ind.


    Zac nodded to the two resting Valkyries before he headed out toward the fields. This personal inspection was something he had decided to do before he left for the Hegemon mission. For one he was still feeling a bit emotionally unsettled from yesterday, and he didnt want to undergo the trial when he wasnt in peak mental condition.


    But more importantly, he felt the need to show his face a bit more, and make sure that everything was running smoothly. Hannahs words struck a chord with him, reminding him that he couldnt entrust everything to others.


    He generally believed the demons and Abby the eye were working with his best interest in mind, but he also knew that both Abby and Ogras sometimes fudged the truth in order to reach their goals. The only people on the ind he felt he could truly trust were Sap Trang and Kenzie, but both were focusing on improving their power.


    Showing his face would give the poption a reminder who was the true leader of Port Atwood.


    The fields were abuzz with activity, where demons and humans worked together to get production going. The fields still looked mostly barren, apart from a few ces having sprouts emerging from the soil. Most of the work still consisted of clearing out the area of trees and stone, turning the ind into proper arablend.


    After looking around he spotted a familiar face. It was the demon who was in charge of Agriculture for n AzhRezak.


    How are things progressing? Zac asked as he walked up to the demon


    He looked over at Zac with some surprise but quickly found his bearings.


    Lord Atwood, I didnt expect to see you here today, he said. Things are progressing just fine. It might not look like much at the moment, but I believe we will have our first harvest within two months. Of course, its all mortal-graded seeds were nting.


    Mortal-grade was what things below F-Grade ranked was called, and another name for it was unranked. The normal grain and vegetables were all unranked as they didnt naturally contain any Cosmic Energy.


    The thick Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere might imbue the vegetables with some energy, but it was negligible. You would have to eat an insane amount of tomatoes or wheat grown from mortal seeds to gain a power-up.


    Sounds good. Have you procured any spiritual seeds yet? Zac asked.


    We have bought some, though it might take a few years until production is to a point that it can feed the upper echelon of the ind, the old demonic farmer said with a shrug. We have nted a few small fields on the main ind for those things, and we should start to see results within a year.


    Howe you didnt nt everything on the main ind? God knows we have a lot of free space, Zac said.


    It was true, as his main ind was enormous. Even with his speed, it took hours to cross the whole thing, and it would be possible to fill therge empty areas with fields. Currently, 99% of the ind was just forest where barghest roamed. That would allow the crops to benefit from the even denser energy in the atmosphere of the main ind.


    The old farmers eyes lit up, but soon he shook his head.


    Actually, farnd absorbs a huge amount of Cosmic Energy, especially Spiritual Herbs. If we nted too much on the main ind youd soon notice that the density of energy in the air would get worse. Thats why forces herb farms are in Mystic Realms, as their towns would turn into energy-starved ghettos otherwise, the demon said.


    It wouldnt be a problem in the short run as the poption is still quite small, but as the citizens grow more numerous and more powerful, the energy consumption will increase. Its better that we already have a proper infrastructure before reaching that point. And its not like it is a problem that these crops take a few weeks longer to grow due to the sparser energy, everyone will be fed, the farmer continued.


    Understanding the bnce between the energy in the heavens and the earth with your farnd is something every farmer needs to understand. If you get too greedy and nt too valuable things, youll likely lose the harvest.


    Zac finally understood why the n had been to farm on other inds from the start. Hepletely agreed with the farmers sentiment. The Vein beneath the ind could only produce so much energy per hour, and it was better that energy went to his citizens and creating more Nexus Crystals first hand.


    Besides, since the ind was quite close to his own the Cosmic Energy in the area was still pretty dense, making it a great ce for farming. Zac stayed on for a bit and talked about the ns for the ind with the various farmers until he bade farewell and moved to the next one.


    The next ind he visited was a mining encampment, and the foreman to the shaft did not share the farmers view on bnce. His eyes glistened when he talked about the treasures of the deep, seemingly itching to go down there and hunt for treasures.


    The man might as well have been a dwarf going by the greedy gleam in his eyes. It was only after talking with a few of the other miners that Zac found out the foreman didnt care about the treasures, and only cared about the thrill of the hunt.


    This mining encampment was not mining for crystals like the mine at AzhRodum, but rather for various metals. It was ced on an ind with a mountain with a reddish hue. The foreman exined that while they had only encountered mortal grade metals for now, they might encounter F-Graded materials as they dug deeper.


    Zac was a bit disappointed that there were only ordinary resources here, but then again only normal materials were needed to produce all kinds of things for the town.


    Like this Zac went from satellite vige to satellite vige seeing how things were going. He was happy to see that there werent really any problems so far for the Demons and Humans working together. Actually he heard of a few couples having formed already. Hed been afraid the vastly different societies the demons and humans came from would cause some friction, but humans were flexible if anything.


    After he was done making rounds he left for his final destination, the mysterious ind that held the potential entrance to the Mystic Realm. The scene when he stepped out from the teleporter was quite different from the others.


    There were only a guardhouse and a few tents, with four demon guards sitting around a concealed fire having supper. They quickly got to their feet when they noticed Zacs arrival, but quickly calmed down when they noticed it was only Zac.


    Wheres the Mystic Realm entrance? Zac asked after greeting the guards.


    It should be a couple of hours of travel north, one of the guards answered. The teleporter was ced close to the edge of the ind to give us some room in case something happened.


    Like what? Zac asked with a frown.


    Theres a risk of the teleporter getting interference from the entrance before its properly stabilized. If it burst some extra amounts of energy everyone would be stuck here until rescue came by boat, another demon exined. Also, its just too dangerous further in. We can only handle the beasts at the edge.


    Strong beasts? Zac mumbled, taking another look around as he left the camp in the direction the demons indicated.


    He finally realized that the camp was mostly hidden within a small crevice of some small hill, secluding it from three directions. Furthermore, when he turned around after walking a bit he noticed to his surprise that the camp waspletely gone, making him finally realize where his old illusion array had gone.


    This was apletely different setuppared to the ones hed seen on the other inds so far. The Stargazer had mentioned that there were strong beasts on this ind, and it seemed that might have been an understatement if the demon guards had to be that careful.


    He wanted to have a proper look for himself about what was going on with this ind. He was afraid that Abby was downying the dangers to his town for the chance of arge payday. He didnt delude himself that the well-being of the humans in the town was her main priority. Besides, there was something else he wanted to test while he was here.


    The forest had a more tropical feelingpared to the one on his own ind, though the level of mutation seemedrgely the same. As he walked through the woods he concealed his aura tightly, and it didnt take long until he was osted by a beast.


    <strong>[Crazed Lemur Level 58 Strength]</strong>


    The level of the beast made Zacs brows rise. It was almost the same as his own, and it was just the first thing he met on the ind. Zac took out his axe and swung it at the primate, but it deftly dodged as it almost flew into a tree nearby.


    Before it evennded it pushed away from the trunk, causing cracks on the tree from the force, instantly rebounding toward Zac with a screech. This time Zac focused properly and swung his axe once again with lightning speed.


    A torrent of blood sshed the ground, as the primate lifelessly fell to the ground. Zac frowned as he looked down on the beast, the blood quickly slouching off from his robes. The strength of the animal wasnt what bothered him, even though it likely was a match for most of the demonic warriors.


    It was the fact that the core in his body hadnt absorbed a smidgeon of Cosmic Energy from the kill. Zac had hoped that he would be able to keep improving his core by using normal kills, where the neutral energy would fill into both sides of it. Since the core had formed hed only killed the undead, making him unsure of how it worked.


    Unfortunately, the core stayedpletely inert as a surge of Cosmic Energy entered Zacs body. He already knew that this was a distinct possibility, as he knew that the Core didnt care about the energy from normal Nexus Crystals. He did, however, know that the Miasma Crystals were effective since hed briefly tried it while waiting for Kenzie in Kingsbury.


    Zac shook his head as he kept moving deeper into the jungle. It appeared that he would have to visit the Sky Gnome and open his wallet after all. The core hadnt shown any indication of how much energy it needed to bepleted, and feeding it might turn him into a pauper.


    While a couple of million nexus coins was quite decent, he knew that in terms of wealth in the multi-verse it was nothing. Zac knew that to simplify things the system actually graded Nexus Coins, just like with crystals.


    A thousand Nexus Coins was worth one Nexus Coin (E), which meant that he had roughly 30 Nexus Coins (D). The system hadnt even bothered to convert the coins to higher tiers since his wealth was just too low to make it worth it.


    Still, hed have to check with Calrin before he started to despair. The mining operations were proceeding smoothly in his crystal mine, and he might be actually able to do a straight trade between Life-Attuned Crystals and neutral ones, not spending a single coin.


    Zac instead kept pushing toward the center of the ind and noticed that the energy in the atmosphere kept growing. Furthermore, the closer to the core of the ind he got, the stronger the animals became. It appeared the ind had built a strict hierarchy, where the stronger beasts got to have territories with denser energy.


    To his delight, he noticed there was another boon toing to this ind, apart from the Nexus Coins and high-grade meat. The beasts might not have been able to improve his core, but something else was gleefully feeding as the beasts fell one by one. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> was turning the excursion into an all-you-can-eat buffet.

 Chapter 193: Merit and Debt

    Chapter 193: Merit and Debt


    As soon as his targets were above level 60 <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>started to absorb blood again, just like it did with the mink he killed long ago. Zac was delighted, as he hadnt found anything that it wanted apart from blood and the stone.


    As he kept going toward the core of the ind the fights got more intense, creating widespread destruction in the area. After an hour Zac started to imbue his strikes with his Dao to end the battles quickly. After having walked for two hours hed killed well over a hundred strong beasts, and his Cosmos Sack was quickly filling up with high-level carcasses.


    He also made some interesting discoveries about his axe. It appeared that it didnt just take any type of blood. Every time he killed a beast it took a small amount of its blood, but far from all of it. Furthermore, it only took blood from each type of beast once. Zac ran into a pair of leopards for example, and the axe only absorbed blood from the first kill.


    It almost felt like the axe was taking trophies in the form of blood from the various types of beasts it killed. Zac started to hypothesize that perhaps the method to upgrade his axe was to collect enough types of blood.


    That realization made him stop for a second, making him wonder if the types of beasts he killed had any impact on how the Axe would turn out when it upgraded. Perhaps feeding it with inferior blood would result in an inferior upgrade.


    However, now was not the time to worry about such things. Everything was still a hypothesis. And besides, if the axe followed convention it would require a few types of E-Grade blood to evolve. If the blood had an impact on the upgrade, then the E-Grade kills would likely be far more important than the F-grade blood.


    With that in mind, he kept cutting a path straight toward the core of the ind. He was initially worried that themotion he caused would draw attention to himself, but he soon realized he didnt need to worry about that. Raging battles kept happening all over, with beasts fighting for territory, or just for the heck of it.


    However, suddenly a primordial roar echoed through the forest,ing from somewhere close to the center of the ind. Even Zac stopped and hunkered down, his body physically impacted by the reverberations it caused. It was the call of an E-Grade beast.


    Zac didnt move a muscle, instead warily looked around for a minute until he got up to his feet again. After the powerful roar there was no follow-up, perhaps meaning that it was simply a reminder of who was the king of the jungle.


    It appeared that the other beasts in the area came to the same conclusion, and soon the forest was filled with the roars of various beasts once again. Zac hesitated a bit but decided to keep going. He really understood why Abby and Adran had no idea whether there actually was a Mystic Realm here or not.


    Unless Ogras personally entered the fray, anyone else would simply throw their life away heading to the core of the ind. Zac knew he wasnt immortal either, and started to keep going more carefully, not wanting to lure whatever was the source of the animal cry earlier.


    He was pretty confident that he would be able to defeat a normal E-Grade beast, as hed gotten quite a bit stronger since he fought the Fiend Wolf. However, there were many unknowns in this forest. For one, being a beast that had already evolved told Zac it was no average animal, but it likely had its own lucky encounters.


    Furthermore, there was nothing that said that there was only one of them at the core of the ind. Who knew, there might be dozens of E-Ranked beasts idling about, and that would likely be too much even for Zac.


    He kept sneaking forward, now starting to avoid battles. The closer he got to the core of the ind the calmer it was. There likely werent as many beasts in the top tier of power, and the fights for territory might not happen as often. Any battle here would likely garner quite a bit of attention, something Zac really didnt want at the moment.


    After a while, Zac finally stopped, as hed reached an edge leading to an abrupt cliff. He quickly got down on his knees and looked around, and realized he was next to a huge crater. Just a quick nce around told him that it was over a hundred meters deep, and at least a few kilometers across.


    The bottom was covered with another forest, with huge trees fighting for space. He got a sense of foreboding as he looked down at the dense forest, hesitant whether he should actually head down or not. Before deciding anything further he instead took out a pair of binocrs, trying to glean anything of importance.


    It was with some relief he realized that he wouldnt have to go down after all, after seeing what was going on in the core of the crater. There was an area of a few hundred meters where nothing grew, creating a stark contrast to the lush surroundings.


    In the middle of the deste field, something that could best be described as an anomaly was flittering about. It reminded Zac a bit of the phenomenon that urred when he used <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> as it looked like cracks in reality.


    However, the center of the anomaly was far more chaotic, looking like arge hole that phased in and out of reality. Zac pretty much knew he was looking at a wild unstabilized entrance to a Mystic Realm, even though hed never seen one before. He simply couldnt imagine it being anything else.


    That at least proved that there wasnt a supreme treasure in the center of the ind causing the high density of the energy the beasts enjoyed. He took out a crystal that recorded the scene in front of him before he started to move backward.


    Judging by the high density in the area the Mystic Realm likely had a quite high density of energy as well, rather than being a deste pocket of subspace. Zac saw no point in going down into the crater to investigate further at this time. The crater was likely home to the most powerful beasts, including the E-ranked one that roared earlier.


    He started making his way back toward the secluded camp, going in a slightly different direction. The fights with the elite monsters on the ind didnt hold him up much but provided both a good deal of experience and Nexus Coins.


    When he reached the camp he told the demons about his findings, and they looked quite excited by the Mystic Realm. Zac realized he likely wouldnt have any trouble finding volunteers for exploring the realm in the future, going by the demonic guards in front of him.


    He stepped through the teleporter, this time finding himself in the main arrival lobby. From there he walked to themercial district for the first time sinceing back.


    Before he left the district had simply been former battlefields and forests, with the only exception being the Thayer Consortia Headquarters. But as he walked he saw that the district had changed much in the same way as the residential district.


    The square that would be the core of the district stood finished, and there actually were a few hawkers having set up stalls. From what he could tell they mainly sold daily necessities for now, but Zac was sure that it would improve in the future.


    The plots ofnd surrounding the square was still mostly empty as they were earmarked for special buildings. One exception was that the Thayer Consortia owned a satellite store ced right next to the future cement of the bank.


    It was time to enact some things that they had decided upon in the meeting earlier, so Zac brought up his menu and started to browse structures to purchase. Since hed be a Lord and Port Atwood was deigned a World Town more structures had be avable for purchase. Of course, the drastic increase in poption helped as well.


    Most of the structures still were locked out though, as it seemed that a pretty basic requirement of most structures was to have a poption of 1 million, which Port Atwood wasnt even close to. He wasnt sure how hed get there in the short run, as the archipgo he controlled simply wasnt very popted.


    Even when they found people on an ind there was usually only something like a hundred of them. The upside was that the average strength of these people was far higherpared to those who were safe withinrge towns on the maind. There were barely any people below level 15 in Port Atwood, a sight that was quitemon in ces like New Washington.


    Soon he found the structure hed agreed upon yesterday with Abby, but before he was able to buy it he was interrupted by a familiar figure walking up to him.


    What are you doing here? Zac asked as Alea walked up to him with a smile.


    I was bored, so I was thinking of having tea with the Sky Gnome, Alea said, as she looked at the empty plot Zac had been focusing on. But this seemed more interesting. What are you doing?


    Im getting the Contribution Store we talked about some time ago, Zac answered as he made the purchase.


    Arge building was quickly materializing in one of the empty plots close to the square. It looked like arge box with huge rectangr windows letting light in. Otherwise the building waspletely unadorned, apart from arge sign hanging above the 4-meter tall doors.


    <strong>[Merit Exchange]</strong>


    Golems and their sense of beauty, Alea said with a shake of her head as she surveyed the contribution center before she turned back to Zac.


    So, are there any benefits to being friends with the big boss himself? Do you provide any good discounts? she said as she hooked her arm in his with a wink.


    Zac smiled a bit at the quip and was about to answer, but his smile froze when he saw a familiar face in the distance.


    It was Hannah who was holding a leather armor that seemed to be one of thetest creations by the inscriptionists. She was mutely staring at Zac and Alea, who were likely looking like they were in the middle of a romantic outing from how Alea acted.


    Zac wanted to say something but Hannah simply turned around and walked away with hurried steps. Zac extricated himself from Alea with a sigh, but as he did he noticed a small smirk on Alea''s face that was quickly erased. However, it was toote to hide and Zac felt rage build up inside him. Alea had yed him, probably in order to hurt Hannah, who she saw as herpetition.


    Never do something like that again, Zac said with a growl, his words punctuated with a wave of a brutal aura that pushed Alea back and drained the color from her face.


    Zacs mood had beenpletely soured by Aleas ploy, but he would have to set things rightter. With a face that made the citizens quickly and quietly leave the area he entered his newly purchased building.


    -------------


    Humiliation rushed through Hannah as she hurriedly walked toward her home. David had told her she was being delusional, but she had refused to believe the rumors. She thought she knew Zachary, and that he wouldnt do something like that.


    Scenes of sneering nces by the citizens the past week shed by in her mind one by one as hurried down the streets. It almost felt like everyone that she passed wasughing at her, and her folly.


    How could she have been so stupid? People must have been thinking she was a gold digger, trying to curry favor in order to gain some benefits from the big boss. Was that to be her fate, to live in the shadows of her former lover and his new mistress?


    Finally she was back home, forcefully mming the door behind her as she entered her little sancturary. The walls shielded her from the stares of the world, and she breathed out in relief.


    The exhale seemed to have drained her energy as well, as her legs slowly gave out, and she found herself sitting down on the floor. Two streams of tears couldnt help but emerge as the suffocating feelings from yesterday exploded in her chest.


    She was truly a fool. She had thought herself like the princess in some fairytale. Not only did Zacs army save her and everyone else from the lunatic that kept them prisoners for months, but he also turned out to be a real prince. The real protagonist of the new world they lived in.


    But clearly she was no princess. Even after yesterday she hadnt given up, instead hurrying over to the merchants to get some gear. She needed to get stronger so that she could stand next to Zac with her head held high. But the prince had already found a new princess, shattering her dreams.


    Sadness and humiliation was quickly transformed into fury as she thought of that womans sneer. Hannah just knew that demoness whispered poison in her boyfriends ears for months, ruining everything. The anger gave her strength and she started pacing back and forth in her living room, imagining strangling Alea with each step.


    Here eyes fell on the bottle of champagne shed arduously acquired for her and Zacs reunion, and with a snarl she hurled it into the wall, creating a fizzy explosion.


    That demon bitch, she spat out between grit teeth.


    So you got kicked to the side, huh? What did I tell you? a voice sounded from the shadows, making Hannah turn around.


    Shut up, she snarled at David, who only sardonically shook his head.


    If Zac had seen the man today he would have been shocked. David had seemingly turned into apletely different person, and he radiated a sinister aura. The fall changed some far more than others.


    These demons will push us out of the picture. Zac is our chance to rise, you saw those Inheritances. They are our opportunity. We need to get stronger so we can protect ourselves. Remember what happened to Izzie, David said.


    Hannah stopped her pacing, a frown emerging on her face. It was true. This life was no fairytale, and Zac was clearly no prince charming. Her eyes slowly hardened until she looked up at David with a nod. A small smile emerged on his face, and he took out a slender dagger from within his robe.


    Take this. You wouldnt belive what I had to endure to obtain this offensive array. It will be useful to us, he said, cing the handle in Hannahs hand before leaving the house.


    The dagger felt cool to the touch like she was holding a piece of ice, and she thoughtfully looked down on it. She had waited for so long, only to be toyed with and betrayed. Just what was the debt, and who were the debtors?


    <strong>[New quest: The Price for Betrayal]</strong>

 Chapter 195: Making Rounds

    Chapter 195: Making Rounds


    Zac could only wryly shake his head at the Gnome as he coughed up a deposit for the Crystals. At least the purchase wouldntpletely financially ruin him.


    Theres another thing, Zac said as he took out the Lotus Seed. This came from a lotus flower that emitted intense amounts of life-attuned energy. Do you know what this flower is? My skill couldnt identify the flower.


    Calrin carefully took the seed and looked it over.


    I cant tell for certain, but I would guess that its from a D-Graded flower called Lotus of Harmony. The seed is quite drained, so its quite unsure whether it can germinate, but Id give you 25 million Nexus Coins for it.


    Zacs eyes widened at the quote, and he wondered just how much it was worth before he absorbed all the energy. His debt to the Abbot just kept growing.


    Im not selling, I want to try and nt it, Zac said.


    It was worth 50 Divine Crystals, but Zac would still much rather have a lotus, like the one Abbot Evesting Peace had.


    Hmm Calrin said. Well, Im no expert, but it just needs water and dense cosmic energy from what I know. It will slowly convert Non-attuned energy into life energy.


    Do you think it would survive being nted in the Cosmic Water at the mountain? Zac asked.


    Probably, it is a D-Grade treasure after all. But again, Im no botanist. Donte crying to me if the seed gets absorbed by the pond. Besides, it mighte into conflict with the Tree of Ascension if they are nted in too close proximity. Spirit Herbs are like beasts, they have territories, Calrin exined.


    Zac simply nodded with some thought. Hed already formed an idea before, and he couldnt wait to try it anymore after Calrin said it was usible.


    After he left he quickly headed to AzhRodum through the teleporter, and rushed into the mountain. Soon he found one of the entrances hed used before when he fled into the caverns. He wasnt interested in going into the mines at this time, but he had another goal in mind.


    After a dizzying number of twists and turns, he finally found himself in front of arge boulder. He was happy to see that everything looked the same as he moved the boulder out of the way.


    Cosmic Energy, dense enough that it almost felt like it pped him in the face, rushed out of the cavern as the boulder was moved. Zac quickly entered the cave and closed the boulder behind him.


    The inside was simr to when he woke up here some months ago, apart from the fact that the energy seemed even denser than before. The various flowers were even lusher as well, all teeming with energy.


    Zac picked a few of the various things growing in the cave, suspecting that most of the herbs and mushrooms should have evolved into graded nts by now. Perhaps they were worth some money, or at least possible to clone and farm.


    But that wasnt why he was here. He walked over the edge of the pond, and after some hesitation simply dropped the seed into the water. He could only pray that the intense energies in the pond would rekindle the spent energy of the seed, rather than destroy it.


    It was a big gamble, but if it paid off his cultivation cave would kick up a notch in grade. Now he could only wait and hope for the best. There was one more thing he did before he left, which was to ce multiple arrays to protect the cave.


    The poption on his ind was growing, and it wasnt impossible someone would stumble upon this ce before the mountain had been turned into a properly restricted area. His goal was for much o the mountain peaks to be turned intorge private residences for those who wanted to cultivate in peace and had the wallet to pay for such a luxury.


    The valley with the tree of ascension and the pond of Cosmic Water would be his private property though, as he couldnt risk having people ruining his tree. He still didnt know what mighte of it since its transformation, but it was still valuable.


    Since he was done with the cave he left, heading up to the valley. Life was slowlying back to the secluded spot between the peaks, as the density of energy was just too high for it to remain as deste grounds. Grass and small shrubs had reced the dry husks of the trees that the Tree of Ascension absorbed.


    He also noted that the size of the pond had grown back, though not to its original size, which was something he hadnt noticed from his cave. Zac was quite relieved, as it meant that his vein was creating more of the magical water.


    He still didnt have much use for it, but it was apparently a great addition to most types of crafting. For example, quenching a new sword in Cosmic Water would likely improve the quality of the weapon a grade. However, his faction could still only create low-grade things, making such a method a waste of money.


    Soon he found himself in front of the tree, and to his disappointment, it looked very much the same asst time he was here. It still was weirdly mutated, but thanks to his Dao of Trees he could sense that it wasnt dying, but rather slowly recuperating.


    As he looked around he found that the area had beenpletely cleaned. Last time he only looted the possessions of the corpses, but now he realized he hadnt seen a single dead demon or monkey around since he entered. Perhaps Ogras had sent someone to clean up the area.


    Or it might be Alea, Zac realized, as he looked around the well-tended area in the vicinity of the Poison Tree. She might have worked hard to make sure it didnt die. The treasure that came from it would likely either be good for a power-up of a poison user, or an ingredient for an incredible poison.


    Since everything was under control Zac returned to town. After some thought Zac decided to head to the tavern. When he arrived he noticed the structure had expanded or rather been grown, by quite a decent margin. It now had multiple levels, and the base floor had swallowed a neighboring structure as well.


    It was afternoon by now and Zac noticed that the ce had quite a few people in it, sitting in groups with mugs in front of them. A few waitresses were scurrying around as well, cing dishes and taking orders.


    When Zac entered a hush fell over the first floor, as everyone gazed upon him with a wide arrange of emotions.


    Hey! What are you all staring at, a shout came from the bar. Have you never seen a humanoid tank before?


    Some snorts or subduedughter could be heard, and Zac headed over to the bar with a smile.


    I see you have expanded, Zac said as he sat down on a barstool.


    What can I say? The apocalypse makes people thirsty, Ryan said with a wide grin.


    Whats everyone drinking? Zac curiously asked.


    Local beer. Or mead I guess? Ryan answered and poured a ss from a tap. The demons almost hounded the poor brewer to death, but he managed to create the first batch in almost record time. We have two versions, a normal beer and a stronger version for the high-leveled people.


    Ryan ced it in front of him. And Zac took a swig. Objectively it didn''t taste great, but it was not bad for a newly set up operation.


    "So what brings you here?" Ryan asked.


    I have been too busytely so I havent had much time to check on Port Atwood. I thought you might know how the citizens feel about their situation," Zac exined.


    "Well, I think people are generally happy here. Especially now that they are good and drunk," Ryan said, looking thoughtful.


    "Noints?" Zac said skeptically.


    I guess oneint is that its a bit hard to level up forbat sses. The forest is full of those demon dogs, and very few can kill them. So theyre stuck as theres no other prey, meaning they will fall further and further behind. Some even think its by design so that theyd be forced to join the Army to get stronger, Ryan hesitantly said.


    Hmm, Zac said with a nod.


    It wasnt something hed considered, but the barghest had grown pretty strong by now. Hed considered them a great tool for grinding, but that was because he had extreme attributes and that he fought them when they were affected by stronger limiters to their attributes.


    If Zac looked at it as a video game, Port Atwood was the newbie vige for many. But it was surrounded by a high-level zone, not letting people level up. There needed to be a clear path of progression for people, like the increasingly powerful enemies in an RPG.


    It was something he needed to remedy, as he wanted his citizens to be stronger. The more powerful people that lived on this ind, the safer it would be from attacks. He would have to ask Abby or Adran to fix the situation somehow.


    Ill see if some inds can be turned into safer grinding areas or something, Zac said. By the way, do you know anyone who has worked a lot with animals before the fall?


    Worked with animals? Ryan answered with some confusion. Hmm, I think I heard from a customer a week ago that she worked at a pet store before the integration.


    Oh? Zac said intrigued. Where is she now?


    The two kept talking about various matters in the town for a few more minutes until Zac finally downed his drink and left. He walked following Ryan''s directions, and soon found himself outside a building that looked like an apartment structure at the edge of the residential district.


    They were structures that were being erected for the various people that didn''t bring much to the table. The experts and high-level individuals usually got their own houses, whereas the refugees had to make do with apartments. Zac felt it was a bit elitist, but both Abby and Ogras was insistent that they needed to create that type of society to force more powerhouses into existence.


    He found the correct number on the third floor and knocked on the door while looking around. Soon a slightly malnourished-looking girl opened up the door, looking startled upon seeing Zac''s odd appearance.


    Can I help you? the girl hesitantly asked as she looked upon Zacs unfamiliar figure.


    I am Zachary Atwood. I heard that you once worked at a pet store? Zac asked, trying to look congenial.


    Atwood? Like the big boss? she asked, her eyes widening a bit.


    Yes, the pet store? Zac prodded.


    Ah? Yes, I worked at a pet store before. Whats going on?


    How would you like to get the chance to work with pets again, and even get a ss for it? It would be a well-paid position as well since we need that kind of expertise," Zac exined.


    You need someone to look after your pets? I can do that, the girl said, her face brightening.


    Good,e with me, Zac said with a smile.


    Zac didnt mention that the pets he talked about were a hive queen for an alien ant species and hyper-aggressive demon dogs. That would be a happy surprise forter. For now, he needed to get her enrolled with Alyn and undergo the training regiment she had designed to make a beastmaster out of the pet store worker.


    He soon dropped off Lily, which was what the girl was called, to Alyn. The schoolmistress looked very excited to try out her hypothesis in creating a beast master ss without a heritage and immediately got to work.


    Before it got toote Zac also went to the port to thank Karunthel for lending some help with the negotiations. He also tried to visit Hannah to exin the misunderstanding earlier, but she wasnt at home.


    Finally, he was done with everything he needed to do at Port Atwood. There was also the issue with the Tool Spirit, but he felt he had to put that issue on hold for the moment. Partly because Bra was just too annoying, and partly because he suspected any negotiations might go awry before he could provide it with some updates on the beautifications of its surroundings.


    It was alreadyte when he got back to his home, but he noticed that Kenzie still was out. She never mentioned anything about it, but Zac felt that her imprisonment had left a mark on her. She stayed at the academy all day, continuously sparring or meditating in the array, almost with a fanatic fervor that reminded him of the Valkyries.


    It didnt feel like a healthy way to process, but perhaps mental health would have to take a back seat for the moment. Fear and helplessness might propel her forward when shed otherwise stop trying to improve. With the thing inside her head, she needed to get strong so she could protect herself in case he wasn''t around.


    Since there was nothing much else to do for him, Zac decided to finally go through with his trial for hegemony. He didnt know how long it would take, but he had provisions for quite some time in his pouch. He also had all manners of pills and tools to help him out with most scenarios.


    However, suddenly he realized a problem. How the hell did he start the trial?

 Chapter 196: The First Step of Hegemony

    Chapter 196: The First Step of Hegemony


    Zac opened his quest menu to begin with and tried to mentallymand the trial to start. When that didnt work he tried to physically press the quest, but in the end he only swiped his hands through the air.


    From there he tried various things, from touching the Nexus Node to doing various things with his teleporter, but he had no luck. Finally, he remembered something that Abby said earlier. After he finished the quest his town became a World City.


    Onerge difference between normal Cities and a World City was that thetter could provide off-world teleportations. And while his arrays were nowhere near strong enough for that at the moment, he did possess something that could do just that. The Nexus Hub.


    However, that possibility gave Zac some pause. The Nexus Hub was meant for off-world transportation. If the Hub was truly the method to start the quest, it meant that he would be transported god-knows-where in the multiverse.


    What would happen if he failed? Would he be stuck in some other corner of the multi-verse? He also didn''t know how long these trials would take, as there was virtually no information on them.


    However, Zac soon reignited his resolve. He already had made up his mind about doing it, and honestly being teleported directly by the system or through the Hub didnt matter much in the end. Besides, he had prepared a Cowards Escape just in case, and those pills usually threw people right out of these kinds of trials.


    But still, he chose to wait before he left, not wanting to go off-world before hed talked with his sister. She knew about the quest, but not that he would be gone for an unknown amount of time. It was almost midnight when he heard hering back toward his mansion, and Zac was still up meditating as he only slept a few hours a day. He quickly walked over to the courtyard Kenzie had chosen, and entered after knocking.


    His sister looked a bit surprised to see him but still weed him to sit down.


    What brings you here sote? she asked with a smile.


    Im going to do Trial quest now, and it might actually take me off-world, Zac exined. I just didnt want you to worry while Im gone.


    Off-world? Kenzie said, actually looking a bit excited. Thats so cool. You might be the first human to step on an alien. Take pictures.


    What about the tutorial? Zac asked with a smile.


    I dont think that counts, that was a temporary space and not a real, Kenzie said with a shrug.


    Zac only nodded in response, looking up at the stars.


    I heard a rumor you broke up with Hannah? she hesitantly said after being silent for a bit.


    Zac only nodded and briefly recounted what hed done the past day.


    I know you werent a big fan of her, but please make sure that no one harasses her while Im gone. I feel bad how it went down, and I dont want others causing trouble for her, Zac said.


    I didnt think Alea would do something like that, Kenzie muttered, looking a bit disappointed. You need to talk to Hannah before you leave. Dont be a jerk.


    Fine, Zac said with a sigh. Ill leave tomorrow morning instead after Ive talked with her.


    Good, Kenzie said with a smile. Youve always been a bit awkward, but you need to talk things out properly. And dont worry, Ill find a new girlfriend for you while youre away. What do you think about L? Shes nice, and shes asked about you. As for her body, I can promise that-


    Worry about yourself, Zac interrupted while rolling his eyes, before taking out a box from his pouch. I forgot to give you this the other day. Its a <strong>[Fruit of Ascension]</strong>. It will not only improve your race to E-grade, but apparently it will even help when upgrading your ss in the future.


    Kenzies eyes lit up as she looked at the box, but after a brief hesitation shook her head.


    I dont need it. Jeeves helps me upgrade my Race, and says it will be done in two months. Besides, hell upgrade my ss anyway, so the effect of this fruit is a bit wasted on me, she said. You should give it to someone else who has helped you a lot.


    Zac mutely stared at her for a bit, before he wryly smiled and took back the box. Some people just had it too good. The two kept talking a bit longer until Zac finally left after exhorting Kenzie to not overdo it with her training while he was gone. As for who he''d give fruit to, there was no hurry to decide.


    Early the next day he got up and walked over to Hannahs house once again. This time there were no guards outside, and Zac simply knocked on the door and waited. This time he heard sounds inside, but still no one opened the door.


    Hannah, its me. Please open up, he said, imbuing his voice with some cosmic power to make sure she could hear it.


    The sounds inside stopped, and finally the door opened as Hannah stood there with a frown, dressed in training gear.


    What do you want? she tersely said as she looked at him.


    I I just wanted to say Im sorry for that disy yesterday. I am not dating Alea, and we havent done anything. She acted like that to mess with you, and I told her off for it, Zac exined.


    Ok, its none of my business anyway, Hannah answered with a shrug.


    I just didnt want you to get the wrong idea. All I said yesterday was true, and Alea had no impact on us, Zac continued.


    I got it. You only broke up with me because you dont like me. Thank you so much for rifying it for me, Hannah sarcastically retorted.


    Zac could only sigh at the cold reception and hope that things would get better with time. He wished he knew what to say to set everything right, but perhaps it was impossible, at least this close to the break-up. At least hed cleared the air from his side, and now it was up to Hannah to ept it or not.


    As I said earlier, if you need something, just ask me or Kenzie, and well do our best to help you in the future, Zac said and walked away.


    He didnt want to prolong the ufortable situation any further and immediately head toward the teleportation area. If he had looked back he would have seen Hannah standing in the doorway looking at his departing figure, her eyes cold as ice.


    Not wasting another moment, Zac teleported over to AzhRodum and quickly walked south. The huge crystal still stood on the field where the incursion once was. The small guardhouse next to the crystal was unmanned nowadays, as there was nothing anyone could do with the Hub at the moment.


    The crystal still looked inert, but Zac went ahead and touched it just in case. A prompt immediately appeared, telling him that his suspicions were correct.


    <strong>[Start Trial?]</strong>


    Kenzie already knew what he was about to do, and as for the other people, it was just as well that they didnt know he was gone. Besides, for all he knew the trial wouldnt take too long toplete. With determination he epted the prompt.


    The moment he epted a blinding light shed, forcing him to blink. When he opened them again the scenery hadpletely changed, and he found himself standing in arge field. When he used the teleportation arrays it usually took some time as he moved through the darkness, but the Hub seemed to use some superior technique as it only took a blink.


    Zac guessed it was lucky for him, as it might take years to travel to some random in the same way that the teleporters used. He quickly looked and he could immediately tell that he wasnt on earth anymore. For one the sky was almost ck, and another clear indicator was that the Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere was almost nonexistent, to the point that it almost felt like earth before the integration.


    His knowledge was a bit limited on this front, but Zac guessed he was either on a declining E-Grade world or even an F-Graded. Even amongst the same grade there could berge differences, and the better F-Graded worlds might have enough energy for people to reach the top of the F-Grade within their lifetime.


    However, evolving on such a was likely a pipe dream unless some very special circumstances took ce, like someone finding a series of lucky encounters.


    However, the sky or the sparse energy wasnt the real reason he didnt think himself still on earth anymore. There was a medieval army consisting of odd humanoids standing around him, thousands of faces looked at him with various expressions.


    The humanoids were pretty short, barely reaching Zacs chest, with thin frames. They had arge set of eyes that were pitch ck, with white sallow skin. The top of their heads had white or grey hair that generally was long and tied in various braids and knots, with colorful bands woven into it. Their hands and feet looked oversizedpared to their bodies, almost toical proportions.


    Zac guessed they couldnt weigh much more than 30 to 40 kilos, but still they wore thick metal armor and carriedrge grisly weapons, which told of surprising strength in their small frames. He did sense that there was some power in many of the aliens, though no one had the aura of a powerhouse.


    The sense of power was most obvious in the few aliens that stood in front of him, looking at him with expectation. Zac didnt feel any sense of danger from his sixth sense, so he didnt believe that these things were his enemy, at least not yet. This gave him some time to try to figure out what was going on. His quest only said toplete the trial, but never exined what the trail was.


    As he looked around he saw that the crystal that had transported him here didnt follow him, but he rather found himself standing on what almost looked like a very crude fractal. He almost felt like a demon lord for a second, having been summoned by some hapless acolytes.


    Lord General, what is that being? one of the weird humanoids said as Zac looked around.


    Its voice was slightly high pitched, but overall it sounded like a humans.


    The tablet only said that a powerful champion would be summoned, a well-equipped alien hesitantly said as he held a few ancient-looking scrolls in his hands.


    <strong>[The first step of Hegemony. Step forward with purpose. Let nothing stand in your way.]</strong>


    While it wasnt exactly clear what the system wanted him to do, it appeared that the system had created a scenario for him to fulfill, almost like in a video game. What he didnt understand was whether this was all a simtion, or whether hed actually been thrown into a real conflict in some corner of the multi-verse.


    It felt a bit coincidental that he epted the quest the moment these things tried to summon some champion, lending some strength to the first theory. However, the multiverse was impossiblyrge, with a mindboggling amount of popted worlds, where most of them were these low-tiered ones.


    Perhaps there was always happening things that would suit the purposes of the systems quests, and it simply dropped him here to let him figure things out himself. The aliens seemed content in trying to understand what they had summoned, so he took the time to check up on them as well. He turned to the two aliens who spoke earlier, and used his identification skill on them.


    <strong>[Antaya Solvim Level 28 Dexterity]</strong>


    <strong>[Dresdo Solvim Level 42 Endurance]</strong>


    It appeared their species was called Solvim, and neither of them was too strong. Still, Zac was surprised they could gain levels at all with such sparse energy in the surroundings. It must have taken years, perhaps decades, of effort to get to their current point.


    Hello, Zac said after a bit. I think Im supposed to help you out somehow. Are you looking for a hero-for-hire?


    Zac speaking words they understood seemed to startle the group who stood in front of him, but the man with the scrolls soon regained his bearings.


    Greetings Lord Champion, I am Dresdo, General of the East, the man said. We are on the edge of ruin, and in desperation tried the summoning the Ancients mentioned.

 Chapter 197: Multiple Variables

    Chapter 197: Multiple Variables


    It appeared the general was about to continue, but drums in the distance interrupted him. It sounded like a call to war, and Zac frowned and walked toward the source of a ruckus. The leaders of the Solvim hurriedly followed behind as he walked up a hill to get a better vantage of the situation.


    As soon as he reached the crest he saw a sea of warriors neatly lined up a kilometer away from the army he apparently belonged to. Only a quick nce was needed to see that the armies werent evenly matched, as the enemies outnumbered them at least twice over.


    These guys are your enemies? Zac asked.


    Filthy opportunists, Dresdo spat. They take advantage of our precarious situation, trying to mount a sneak attack while we are upied.


    Zac frowned as he listened to the general. He wasnt sure what to think about this situation. Judging by the sound of it, this wasnt some battle of good versus evil, but rather a war between two nations. He had no idea what the so-called precarious situation was, he didnt know if these aliens around him hadmitted some atrocities before, prompting the current response.


    It put him into an ethical dilemma. Judging by the power of the troops around him, the other army couldnt be too strong either. Otherwise, theyd already steamrolled the smaller army. If he wanted to he could simply wade into their ranks and cause utter mayhem, destroying their army within the day.


    But could he conscionably do that? What would that say about him? If he went through with this he felt he be some scum who was okay with doing anything, as long as it made him more powerful. It wouldnt be too different from starting to annihte Ishiate, or even Human settlements just to gain experience.


    Besides, it seemed too simple a scenario. Killing some weaklings wouldnt be much of a test, and Zac felt that the System didnt wouldnt give him that easy of a time. Was the challenge showing the resolve to actually do anything, including killing an army of sapients that had nothing to do with him, all in the pursuit of power?


    So what is the precarious situation you mentioned? Zac asked, trying to get a clearer understanding of the situation.


    The general looked a bit hesitant, until he shrugged his shoulders.


    A great beast has arrived in our kingdom. Its not something that we have ever encountered before. There are rumors that its arrived from the great beyond. Its powers are believed to be in the fabled Ascended rank, Dresdo said.


    Ascended rank? Zac couldnt help asking.


    It has broken through the great barrier at level 75 and reached a higher stage of existence, another of the aliens exined.


    The Royal Family of Orrin and many of our elites are currently upied in fighting the beast, but its an arduous process. These scum from the neighboring country saw our plight as an opportunity to break our bonds of friendship, not only ignoring our request for assistance but even attacking us, the other Solvim angrily added from the side.


    Zac perked up from the exnation, but he got a bit hesitant as he once again looked at the army stationed in the distance. Just what did the system want from him? Fighting an E-graded space-beast sounded much more like a trial, but if that was his job, why did he end up in front of the army instead of the beast? Zac once again opened his quest screen to take a look at the quest to find some hints of what to do.


    <strong>First step of Hegemony (Unique, Limited): Enter the first trial within a month. Defeat the challenge. Reward: [Tower of Eternity] token, [F-Grade Dao Treasure] (0/1)</strong>


    The line didnt update or give him any further hints after hed arrived, leaving Zac perplexed. It was the first time a quest didnt explicitly say what he needed to do. Did that mean that he needed to figure it out himself, as it was part of the trial? Or did it mean that there were multiple ways toplete the quest?


    Zac mulled over the options for a bit until he turned toward the general.


    So, what goal did you have in mind when you summoned me?


    Well We hope that you can lead us into battle and destroy their army, the general said as he red at the soldiers on the other side of the field.


    I thought as much, Zac said with a sigh.


    Leading soldiers into battle wasnt something he was ready to do, as he still had no idea what he was doing. If it came to chopping, then he was their guy, but anything moreplicated than that hed just embarrass himself.


    In the end, Zac decided he would just have to follow his heart. He didnt feel right ughtering an army that wasnt his enemy. From the sound of it, they might be in the wrong here, but Zac didnt feel it was his ce to put his finger on the scale.


    What he could do was to go over and kill the beast. Not only would it save the lives of the citizens of the kingdom, and it would also free up soldiers to push back the invaders, which meant that both objectives would bepleted.


    Besides, killing the beast should be the harder option, and might even give him some extra benefitspared to killing a bunch of weak warriors. Something like a hidden reward. And even if that wasnt the case, it would still likely help him with his work with upgrading his axe. He was approaching E-Grade, and his weapon needed to match.


    So, where is this beast? Zac asked.


    Its two days march to the south, it wont interrupt the battle here, Dresdo dutifully answered.


    If it was two days by these peoples standards, Zac should be able to get there in under a day if he pushed it.


    Great, Ill go kill the beast quickly, you just need to stall for two days, Zac said as he turned away from the enemy army.


    Err, champion, what are you doing? the general said with rm. If you leave well be overrun within the day. They outnumber us three to one.


    That made Zac stop in his tracks. Just what would happen if this battle was lost while he was hunting the beast? Would he automatically fail? This quest was truly starting to be a pain in the ass, throwing so many variables at him. Zac turned around and immediately walked toward the enemy army.


    Wait, we should discuss a n for this battle! the alien shouted as he ran after him. They have two full legions opposing us, and it consists of elites. May I ask, what level are you?


    Im level 60, Zac answered with a shrug.


    What? Only level 60? the Solvim, disappointment shing in his eyes as he stopped following. Thats at the level of the great protector, but even he isnt able to thwart an army on his own.


    Level isnt everything, Zac said. Dont worry, things will work out. Wait here while I go talk with their leader.


    The general did as Zac said and stopped some distance from his own army lines, looking at the back of Zac. Of course, whether he stayed behind because he believed in Zacs words or whether he didnt want to get himself killed was another question.


    The distance between the two armies wasnt too great, and soon Zac was only a hundred meters away from the enemy army who warily looked at the approaching figure, their weapons at the ready. Zac tried to discern anything out of ce, looking through the lines of soldiers.


    But no matter where he looked he couldnt see anything different. The opposing army wasprised of the same type of humanoids, and after repeatedly using his identification-skill he knew they were of the roughly same strength as well, mostly being between levels 15 and 30. It truly seemed there was no hidden trick to the army in front of him.


    He quickly spotted an area with warriors more richly deckedpared to the average soldiers, and using <strong>[Inquisitive Eye] </strong>found that there was one of them at level 44, matching the general from his side. Since hed found his target he started walking again.


    Halt! one of the captains shouted at him, but Zac didnt care as he kept advancing.


    The army wouldnt let Zac approach unimpeded, and a few deterring arrows sailed toward him. These kinds of attacks didnt have an effect on Zac anymore, and he didnt even bother activating his defensive skills, instead simply waving the attacks away as he unleashed his aura to the fullest.


    Fire at will! the general immediately shouted with rm after sensing the waves of power radiating from Zac.


    The sky immediately blotted out with arrows heading straight toward him. If even a tenth of them hit hed be turned into a porcupine, but Zac wasnt worried. He simply kept walking toward the area where it seemed the leaders where stationed.


    Waving away this amount of arrows would take quite some effort, so he finally activated his defensive skill. Emerald leaves started to quickly whirl around him as though he stood in the center of a tornado, each leaf blocking tens of arrows before it disintegrated.


    Not wanting to waste such a gift zac simply put the bundles of arrows into his pouch as they fell one by one, and in just a few short moments hed gathered over a thousand of them. It was clear that since the cosmic energy was so sparse in this world a lot of attention and effort went into augmenting their strength with tools.


    The arrows were of high quality just like the gear hed seen the soldiers wear, at least on the same level as those that were made in Port Atwood. They onlycked some inscriptions, after which theyd be fit to use by the Valkyries.


    Initially, he considered farming arrows for a while but soon changed his mind. While none of the attacks individually was a threat to him, his cosmic energy was being depleted at a very quick rate due to the unceasing attacks.


    He activated <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>and after just a few short steps found himself in front of the general, who backed away in rm.


    What are you? Why are you attacking us? the general said with a shaky voice, barely able to stand straight due to the towering aura Zac emitted.


    The surrounding soldiers were in far worse states, and everyone within 20 meters had simply fallen down unconscious. The other soldiers powerlessly looked on, not daring to attack anymore since their leaders were lying unconscious all around their assailer.


    You could say Ive been hired by the kingdom of Orrin to end this situation, Zac said as he looked down on the general, purposefully making his voice heard by the whole army. I will go and kill that beast that is upying arge part of their army now. I need your army to stand down for a week. After that, I dont care what you do.


    And if we dont? the general said.


    Then Ill go to your kingdom and kill your King, or whoever rules it, along with every high-level official and general you possess, Zac said as he added the Dao of Heaviness to the aura he emitted.


    Even the general couldnt stand after the addition of the Dao, and he plopped down to his knees, only staying somewhat upright as he held himself up by stabbing a sword into the ground with shaking hands.


    What happens after a week? the general forced through ttering teeth.


    After a week I dont care what you do. The beast will be dead, and its up to your countries to decide what to do from there. I wont interfere, Zac said with a shrug.


    How do we know you wont turn and attack us anyway after dealing with the beast?


    In response, Zac only shook his head as he walked away. As he left the thick of the army he kept channeling his Dao into his aura, which also made any errant arrow that was still shot at him powerlessly fall into the ground like they suddenly weighed a ton. An order to cease attacks was soon shouted out by the general, letting Zac leave unosted.


    "They won''t attack you for a week. Don''t attack them during this time either. I''ll go kill that beast now," Zac said as he gave Dresdo a pat on his shoulder when he returned to his side.


    The man didn''t respond, and only nkly stared at Zac like he was some mythological beast.


    Sometimes it was a bit fun to y the Demon Lord.

 Chapter 198: Competition

    Chapter 198: Competition


    Zac was quickly running through the countryside, idly gazing at the alienndscape as he passed it by. It was a weird feeling seeing both normal things like leafy trees, followed by sights that he couldn''t even exin. An example was an enormous flying beast that slowly drifted overhead that reminded Zac more of a zeppelin than a bird.


    At first, Zac had thought it was the monster he was supposed to kill, but after using <strong>[Inquisitive Eyes]</strong> on it he realized it was only level 18. More interestingly he even spotted a small cottage on top of the animal with his binocrs as it flew away. He didn''t think this was what the astronauts at NASA were imagining when they talked about space exploration.


    He was surprised to note that the seemed to be in a state of perpetual gloom with barely any light to brighten the scenery. There was a sun in the sky, but it was so small and ineffectual that it almost might as well have been another star in distant space.


    However, the weak light didnt seem to have had an overly severe impact on the flora of the world, as he passed both farms full of crops and healthy forests as he sped through the country. Zac was guessing that while the energy in the atmosphere was sparse, it was enough to nurture normal unranked growth across the.


    It made him wonder what would happen if the energy got any worse. Would the and its citizens simply die out? Was he walking on the dying carcass of a, or simply one that had always worked differently from how he was used to?


    Still, all this wasnt any of his business. He couldnt get invested in some world that was ced god-knows-where. He simply kept his head down and kept running, every now and again stopping to ask for directions. Of course, every time he did so he caused widespread panic, as the general poption was not aware of their army summoning some strange giant.


    It was quite clear that this wasnt a that often saw visitors from outer space, even though it was integrated into the multiverse. Then again, that was usually the case, as there simply were too manys for therge forces to bother with all the small and worthless ones.


    A of this level generally didnt have the means for intergctic teleportation, which meant the hassle of actually traveling here outweighed any value that could be squeezed out of the.


    It turned out he had overestimated the distance to his target, as it only took him around ten hours to reach his goal. At least he was pretty sure hed reached his goal. In front of him, arge medieval city stood surrounded by an army farrger than the one he was summoned to. A rough estimation put them at over 10 000 men, though it could be even more of them on the opposite side of the city.


    The city itself was fortified by a wall that was mostly unscathed, except for arge breach that was around ten meters wide. Initially it looked like a siege was taking ce, but Zac knew that wasnt the case.


    Arge crash could be heard from inside the town, followed by an angry bellow that reverberated out into the countryside. The beast was inside, causing chaos and widespread damage. The army wasnt besieging the town, but rather guarding it to keep the beast trapped, not wanting to release it out into the wild.


    More surprisingly it seemed that the army was utilizing either an Array or a War-Array to cast a huge shield that sealed the whole town. Zac hadnt expected to see techniques like that from this energy-starved world, where the armies seemed to exclusively consist of physical sses.


    He knew just how expensive running arrays were, and he couldnt imagine that there were Nexus Crystals aplenty on the. The country of Orrin was expending a huge amount of resources to seal the town and the beast.


    Still, this wasnt a long term solution. The beast was running rampant inside, causing widespread destruction. Structures kept getting smashed, but Zac was unable to get a good look at its shape due to the walls. However, he knew the beast at least asrge as the Fiend Wolf, as he still caught glimpses of something ck above the wall.


    Zac wondered just what the n was as he approached the army from behind. He could clearly hear the beast rampage inside, but the soldiers just stood outside waiting. He didnt know what they were waiting for, but it worked out fine for him.


    The appearance of a human cause quite a bitmotion among the ranks of the Solvim warriors, and they scrambled to set up a defensive front. Zac stopped for a bit, pondering what to do next. Technically he was on the side of these people, so he didnt want to risk ruining his quest by forcing himself through.


    Greetings traveler, I am Perav. What has brought you to the kingdom of Orrin? a strong voice sounded as an elderly-looking male quickly approached, followed by a few younger warriors.


    I was summoned to your world by Dresdo. I havee to kill that thing youve trapped inside, Zac said, pointing toward the town.


    The faces of the warriors who heard the conversations underwent a flurry of emotions, ranging from disbelief to tion. However, the leader who spoke with him and a few of the warriors who apanied him were more measured in their response.


    You are a champion summoned through the ancient ritual? the old man said, looking a bit perplexed.


    I guess, Zac answered with a shrug Can I enter now?


    Please go ahead, Champion. We are grateful for you heeding the call. Be careful, the beast is a formidable foe, the old man said.


    Zac only nodded and proceeded through the ranks who quickly opened a path for him that lead to the breach in the wall. Before entering he stopped next to the array, and as he touched the shield Zac noticed it felt simr to the one he possessed in Port Atwood.


    It was one-directional, meaning he would be able to pass through it from one side, but as soon as he entered he would be trapped inside. He would either have to kill the beast or break through the shield to get out if he found himself outmatched by the beast.


    The old man was both respectful and didnt seem to contain any hidden killing intent toward him, but Zac still didnt like the feeling of being trapped like he was entering the Thunderdome. Still, even though the shield was maintained by thousands of warriors, he felt confident that he could cause a breach if he truly needed to escape.


    If hebined both his new skill and <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> he would be able to exact an enormous amount of force, and nothing these Solvim threw at him should be able to impede that amount of power. So Zac simply took a deep breath as he steadily walked through the barrier.


    ------------------


    The King of the Kingdom of Orrin silently gazed at the back of the alien warrior, until he turned a corner and disappeared from sight.


    Father, whats going on? one of the richly-equipped warriors next to the old man asked. I thought that the summoning circle didnt work? Havent we tried it on multiple asions in history?


    I am not sure, Perav said with a sigh. But he is the first off-worlder toe to our dying in eons. If he wants to fight that beast, let him. Our n would sacrifice so many lives to ensure sess. If he can solve our problems we are in his debt.


    And then what? the man probed. "The alchemists say the horn of the beast might be the key for one of us to ascend."


    Perav sighed and shook his head. He knew how important it was to create an ascender. It was the first, and hardest, step in being epted into the fold of the immortals. If their ascender then managed toe into the good graces of some Venerable their whole might be revitalized.


    We cannot afford to offend an off-worlder. For one he dares fight an ascended beast alone, and secondly, we do not know what kind of force that he belongs to. You cannot imagine the power of some of the warriors of the great beyond. They could level our whole kingdom with a wave of their hands, the old man answered. "Who knows, he might be just the person who can save our."


    The younger warrior didnt say anything, but only wistfully looked up at the stars.


    -----------------


    It wasnt very hard for Zac to localize the beast. It was going berserk in the town, pummeling through one building after another. Initially, he had been a bit disgusted by the army, as it had seemed that they had locked their citizens inside along with the beasts.


    But as he walked toward the beast the streets werepletely deste, telling of an earlier evacuation. He tried to walk as quietly as possible as he got close, as he still hadnt seen the full form of the monster.


    While the energy contained in the bellow earlier made it seem that the monster couldnt have evolved too long ago, he wouldnt take any unnecessary risks. If there was one thing that Alyn had made sure he understood was to never take anything for granted. There were myriad beasts in the multiverse, many who possessed weird and unpredictable attacks.


    Finally, he got close enough to see it around a corner, as it had briefly stopped after destroying arge mansion. This close there was no question about it. The beast was truly E-Ranked, but recently evolved. As for the type of beast it was, Zac had no idea as he didnt dare to use his identifying skill on it just yet.


    At first Zac had thought it was a huge rhinoceros, but he soon realized that he was slightly off on that point. At further scrutiny, it felt like the beast was the result of a mutant bison ox mating with a unicorn. Its back reached roughly four meters in the air and it had a stocky build covered with a thick ck fur.


    Just looking at its body Zac felt that its method of fighting should be somewhat simr to that of the barghest. The thing looked like it was built for devastating head-on charges. However, the huge muscles werent what gave Zac pause as he scouted the beast.


    It was the huge horn that shot out of its forehead, reaching over three meters. It almost looked like the horn was made out of opal, as it was white and shimmered in a rainbow of colors. However, the colors werent refractions, but rather wild energies that were somehow trapped inside.


    Just looking at the sharp horn from the distance was enough to fill Zac with some trepidation, and he had a feeling it wasnt so simple that it was only used for stabbing. However, since the beast looked a bit unwieldy Zac felt confident he would be able to whittle the beast down while avoiding frontal attacks with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    But before he could put thoughts into action a ring sense of danger entered his mind, and he unhesitatingly activated a defensive charge from his robes. Not only that but he also immediately used his defensive skill and had multipleyers of leaves superimpose from the direction he sensed the deadly danger.


    The next instant a gloved fist came crashing at him, causing a sonic boom right before it mmed into the shield. The fist contained some sort of intractable force, and Zac immediately realized it was some sort of Dao. He didnt want to risk facing the same situation as with the Corpse Lord, being afflicted with an unknown Dao, so he quickly rotated the Dao of Trees in his body as well in order to create a thirdyer of defense.


    Zacs eyes widened in rm as the shield cracked like brittle ss, and the emerald leaves were ripped to shreds soon after. The only thing he could do was to use his arm as a shield, tightening his muscles while using his Dao for all he was worth.


    The ground was ripped to shreds when the fistnded, and Zac was shot away like a cannon-ball,pletely destroying a building from the impact. Stars swam in his eyes but he quickly refocused, ripping away the debris of the building on top of him and scrambled up to his feet.


    His arm hurt like hell, but after a quick check he was relieved to feel that it wasnt broken. He immediately summoned his axe and faced his new assant with a grim face. When he saw who had punched him hepletely nked out for a second, as it wasnt some hidden powerhouse of the small aliens as hed expected.


    It was a young human, likely around Emily''s age. At least Zac assumed that he was human, though hed never seen anyone with purple hair before. The youth was seemingly unarmed, apart from the gloves andrge bracers he wore.


    The two angrily stared at each other for a few seconds until they both spoke up at the same time.


    Who the hell are you?


    Why the fuck did you attack me?

 Chapter 199: Average

    Chapter 199: Average


    The youth was decked in a pair of loose pants lined with intricate fractals and a sleeveless vest that went all up to his throat, leaving both his arms bare. His body was of the wiry kind, like something that made Zac think of kung-fu masters rather than bodybuilders, but Zac knew only too well just how much power that was contained in his arms.


    Just as Zac scouted out the new variable entering the fray, so did the teenager hesitantly look over Zac. Soon after Zac felt the fractal from<strong> [Mental Fortress] </strong>sh, meaning he was getting probed or attacked by a mental skill. Looking at his opponent Zac guessed it was the former.


    Why arent you answering? Just who are you? Did my siblings send you? he angrily said, warily keeping his distance from Zac after his sneak attack failed.


    Zac ignored the question, instead quickly using his skill <strong>[Inquisitive Eye] </strong>just like the other guy did. But for the first time since he acquired it, it almost failedpletely, giving even less information than when he scanned his sister.


    A muddled row could be seen, only telling Zac the name of the enemy. If even that. Because the only thing that was legible was "Average", with the rest being blocked. That meant one of two things. Either there was a huge disparity in Intelligence or Wisdom, or he possessed far superior means to block mental attacks. In either case, it indicated that he wasnt a simple opponent.


    Zac soon got his answers, as one of the teenagers bracelets shone with a white luster that reminded Zac of the diadem Ogras used to protect from mental attacks. The teenager started and looked down on his arm, immediately raising his guards afterward.


    Average? Is that really your name? I dont know who you are, much less anything about any siblings of yours. Why did you attack me when I was about to fight that beast? Are you the one that unleashed it on these people? Zac asked, taking note of every move with vignce.


    He couldnt bepletely sure, but it felt like the teenager was roughly as strong as he was. Not only did he move like a lightning bolt, but there was also enough strength behind his punch to hurt him. There also was the issue of the mysterious power contained in the punch, and Zac not being able to identify it properly was a bit unnerving.


    I knew you were a liar! Everyone in this sector knows who I am. Who else dares to have hair this stylish? Only I, the great Average- the teenager angrily said, but his introduction was rudely interrupted by the bellow of the frenzied beast.


    There was no way the demon bull hadnt been alerted by themotion the two caused. It had barely restrained itself due to the enormous amounts of energy released from the strike of the teenager. But after observing the two small humans for a bit longer, it apparently felt confident in attacking.


    To Zacs surprise the teenager didnt seem rmed but rather ted that the beast was bearing down on him. The air around his fists started shimmering like stars as it distorted from dense energy gathering, and he actually seemed ready to meet the charge from the beast head-on.


    Zac had a decent idea of what the brat was about to do, and he felt he couldnt allow him to attack the beast. This so-called Average had muddied the water of his questpletely. Did the system expect this kid to be here? Was he the real challenge?


    All these variables cropping up were a pain in the ass, but Zac could only fight for now. He instantly swung his axe toward the teenager, and as the edge sliced through the air a huge fractal edge from <strong>[Chop] </strong>appeared. After a brief hesitation, he also imbued the strike with the Dao of Sharpness beforeunching it at the human rather than the beast.


    Zac was afraid that the kid would simply shrug off the attack if he didnt put something extra in the strike, and he couldnt let the teenager kill the beast. He had a strong feeling that his mission would be a wash if he just watched someone else im the head of the bison-monster.


    The fractal edge flew at the pugilist with full force, slicing the cobblestones on the ground to ribbons on its approach. Average clearly had good battle awareness and immediately noticed an attack was iing. However, even with the knowledge his eyes widened in rm form the huge size of the iing attack, and he threw himself down at the ground in order to avoid the attack that wanted to slice him in two.


    Tp Zac''s surprise Average moved like an acrobat, pushing off from the ground with his hands and flew up towards the head of the charging beast.


    I knew it! You work for eleventh brother, dont you! the teenager screamed angrily as he kicked the beast with enormous force. He always does things like this!


    Due to Zacs strike, Average was out of bnce and couldnt properly utilize that dense energy that he had gathered in his fists, and the pugilist only managed to transfer some of it to his feet in time. But the effect still shocked Zac. It sounded like a bomb went off as the foot mmed into the side of the head of the beast.


    Even though the attack had been interrupted there was just as much force in itpared with the sneak attack the teenager used against him, and Zac made a note to be wary when that odd energy appeared again. The bison was actually lifted up in the air and thrown into a neighboring building as well with a wail.


    Initially, Zac was worried that the strike had actually killed the beast, but he soon realized more was needed to kill a true E-Grade creature as it got up to its feet with a shake of its head. This time it didnt mindlessly charge again, and instead kept its distance as it emitted a low growl.


    Since the beast looked a bit groggy Zac took the opportunity to scout it out and tried his luck with his ocr skill.


    <strong>[Moonpike Star Ox Level 79 Strength]</strong>


    The skill actually worked this time, and it gave a brief rundown of the animal. The level and its main attribute werent a surprise, but what made Zac a bit confused was the first two lines of information. It had a name. Did it mean that the ox was intelligent enough for the system to consider it a cultivator? Or perhaps it only meant that the animal had an owner that had named it, like the Heralds he had fought earlier.


    Averagended a bit haphazardly, angrily ring back and forth between his two enemies. He seemed to want to say something else to Zac, who could only shrug his shoulders.


    I dont know anything about your family circumstances. But I cannot let you im the kill of that beast, even if we have to fight over it, Zac evenly said,pletely unleashing his aura.


    What the fuck! I can give you the corpse, but I need to be the one to kill it, Average angrily shouted back, seemingly shocked that someone didn''t let him have his way.


    No deal, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    You rogue cultivators are god damn lunatics. A thousand E-Grade Nexus Coins! Thats over 10 times the value of the horn. Leave me alone and its yours, he said, not being able to hide an air of superiority.


    That actually made Zac stop for a second. A thousand E-Grade Nexus Coins were equivalent to a Billion normal Nexus Coins. That was far more than the total wealth he had umted so far. Perhaps it was worth to fail the quest for that amount of money.


    He soon steadied his mind though. Failing the quest wasnt so simple as to only lose a Dao Treasure and an entrance ticket to the Tower of Eternity. It would also mean losing ess to all future quests in the chain, and all the rewards they would bring. And a quest chain called The Path to Hegemony surely wasnt something simple.


    I am sorry, but I have an important quest to kill this beast. I have nothing against you, but you need to back off from this one, Zac steadily said.


    You think Im afraid of you? I know you havent evolved, and I can count the worthy rivals to me in the F-grade in this sector on my hands, and you are not one of them. I offered you a peaceful solution, but you wouldnt have it," Average said, cracking his neck while ring at Zac.


    A monstrous aura erupted from the youth as well, almost matching that of Zacs. It was as though the two forces fought for supremacy in the air.


    By this point, the beast had gotten back on its feet, and it warily growled as it watched the youth. It clearly didnt want to eat another of those monstrous strikes, and instead leveled its gaze on Zac. With a roar it charged at Zac, who frowned as he nced over at the iing animal.


    Torrential amounts of killing intent, garnered from killing hundreds of thousands of beasts poured out of Zac on top of his normal aura, and the beast quickly stopped in its tracks. It was as though as it had seen an apex predator who wanted to feed on it, and it didnt dare fight Zac either.


    Instead, the beast seemed to have had enough of the situation and started to slowly back away from the two, careful not to make any hasty movements. Zac knew it was stuck inside the town for now and didnt mind its actions. The youth warily stepped back a bit as well due to the killing intent, some hesitation finally appearing on his face.


    Are you an unorthodox cultivator? There shouldnt be any of you in this sector, he said.


    Unorthodox Cultivator? I dont even know what that means, Zac said with a shrug, which seemed to calm down the youth a bit. Winner gets the beast.


    Good! the pugilist said, and immediately disappeared after.


    This time Zac was ready, and after sensing the changes in the surroundings quickly swirled around and swung his axe straight down in a tremendous swing. A grating sound could be heard when the edge of the axe was deflected with the help of one of the bracers on Average''s forearm, and immediately after a knee came flying toward Zac''s gut.


    Zac angled his body to avoid the blow, immediately trying to ram his shoulder into the chest of his youth afterward. However, a lightning-quick jab in his jaw stopped him in his tracks, forcing him to back away. With a grunt Zac shook his head, immediately getting back in the thick of it.


    Both of them wordlessly agreed to not use any of their skills, as whoever won had to fight the beast afterward. Unfortunately, Zac quickly realized that the situation wasnt really in his favor. Clearly his enemy had greatbat experience, likely having trained in hand-to-hand battles since young.


    With an angry re Zac refused to give up and stubbornly kept going, trying every trick he had learned from his Axe Mastery skill and his countless battles. After having fought a while Zac felt that the two were quite close in at least Dexterity and Strength, though Zac guessed that Average had a closer bnce of the two attributespared to Zacs 2:1 ratio.


    At least Zac had a feeling his Endurance and Vitality were a notch above the teenagers, as the youth didnt dare use his body to block Zacs punches and swings. He wasnt like the Corpse Lord whose body had turned into a defensive treasure in other words.


    Instead, the teenager mostly used deft movements or his magical bracers to avoid taking any direct damage by Zacs various attacks. Zac himself was continuously hit with powerful punches and kicks, and he knew hed be ck and bluee tomorrow.


    Initially, Zacs goal was to break those bracers so that the kid would be forced to give up, but he soon realized his folly in that n. The bronze hoops around his forearms were clearly high-grade treasures, likely far better than anything Zac possessed. Even after having intercepted tens of swings from <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> there wasnt a single mark on them, though Average''s arms were shaking a bit.


    Zacs body was getting beaten like a b of meat, and he had a feeling he would pass out before Average ran out of steam. The pugilist was like a machine, continuouslyunching forceful attacks that made Zac wince. The fight had actuallysted less than a minute, but Zac was already starting to feel woozy.


    Though the two only used their bodies to fight they caused widespread destruction in the town, pushing through the buildings like two intertwined tornadoes. He knew he needed to do something to change the situation quickly.


    Besides, he didnt want to let the beast roam freely too long. Perhaps it would actually manage to break through the array given enough time. Then he and the brat would truly look like fools.


    Zac even started contemting using <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> to subdue the kid, but he was afraid that would escte the situation into a true life and death battle. Normally he wouldnt shrink away from that, but he felt the situation wasnt as simple as two people fighting for some treasure.


    Average, in spite of his name, seemed toe from a truly powerful faction from the small pieces of information that could be gleaned from what he had said earlier. And they werent on earth anymore where tools and other items were a bit limited. Since he could throw out a billion Nexus Coins like nothing he likely had some supreme defensive treasures, so an-all out fight would probably backfire on Zac instead.


    Fortuitously, Zac soon caught on a small hint. Every time the youth dodged one of the brutal swings of his axe there was a brief hint of fear in his eyes. Between what Average said earlier and thisck of real life-and-death experience it wasnt too hard to figure out what was going on.


    The teenager was a greenhouse elite. He was given all kinds of advantages to boost his attributes and trained inbat with great instructors. But he was still young, and his power didnte from numerous bloody battles. He let his fear of being seriously hurt or killed affect him somewhat.


    Since he had nothing to lose Zac decided to try a gambit. After blocking another punch with his arm Zac swung his axe overhead straight at the youths head, intentionally leaking some killing intent. It was a huge swing that would no doubt kill the teenager if it hit, but there was no way such a wide swing would go unpunished.


    As Zac expected a lightning kick mmed into his wide-open side, causing a few ribs to crack. Zac groaned and dropped the axe, causing the eyes of the teenager to widen in tion. However, the next moment the now freed hand closed around the leg of the pugilist.


    There was no dodging any longer as Zac held one of his enemys legs in an iron vise, which brought the two to a state of mutual destruction. Average wouldn''t give up, and engaged Zac in a brutal closebat melee. For every strike Zac managed tond on the locked-down teenager, he received two in return.


    But Zac simply soaked up the damage with a stone-cold face, his eyes boring straight into the increasingly frantic eyes of the teenager. The strikes between the two sounded like continuous thunder throughout the town as knuckles met flesh. This kept going for a while until Zac was about tond his fifth strike in the face of Average, whose left eye was closed shut and nose crooked.


    Suddenly a red shield sprang up and blocked Zacs strike.


    Shit! I give up!

 Chapter 200: Star Ox

    Chapter 200: Star Ox


    After taking a look at the swollen face of Average for a few seconds Zac let go of his opponent''s leg and slowly got to his feet.


    So the ox is mine, right? No interference? Zac said after spitting out a mouthful of blood and cracking his neck.


    It felt like every part of his body was swollen and pulsating, but he had work to do. He simply took out a healing pill and swallowed it to manage the pain.


    Ive been called many things in my life. Handsome, generous, dashing. But never a liar, Average said as he got to his feet as well. Besides, we have hundreds of Star Oxen back in one of our Mystic Realms, what do I care about this one?


    Then why the hell did you make this such a pain in the ass for me? Zac angrily said.


    Dad told me to find and kill this one, and if I did it hed consider letting me change my name, the youth admitted, looking a bit embarrassed.


    Your name is actually Average? I thought it was some method you used to block your real name, Zac said, not being able to stop a snort.


    Average red at Zac for a bit before he deted.


    Its my crazy dad. He said he wanted to see if a bad name would spur a child to improve faster. Greatness through embarrassment he called it. More importantly, do you truly not know who I am? he said, a bit curious.


    No idea. Ill go kill that bull now, just stay out of the way, Zac said.


    See if I care when it stabs you in the ass, the teenager muttered, but followed Zacs word and sat down after eating a pill.


    Zac only shook his head and headed toward where the beast slunk away. While he knew he wasnt the best discerner of people, he felt that Average wasnt lying. He wouldnt likely interfere in the fight. Of course, Zac would still keep an eye open just in case.


    It didnt take long for Zac to find it, as it was currently dismantling the wall on the opposite side of the town. Large pieces of rocks were flying as it pierced the wall over and over, the rocks seeming like butter to therge horn.


    Its senses were quite sharp, and it somehow noticed Zacs approach from behind almost immediately. As though it felt pushed against a corner the ox bellowed and stomped the ground threateningly, its feet causing small earthquakes in the ground. Zac warily looked the beast over, not in a rush to make a move.


    He had a feeling there was something special about the animal. Hed already killed an E-Ranked beast before, and that was when he was far weakerpared to now. Of course, that had been a desperate battle, but still, he didnt think this would be a walk in the park.


    But just looking at the beast didnt tell him anything, apart from reinforcing the notion that something likely was up with the horn that crackled with wild energies. He summoned arge edge with <strong>[Chop]</strong>, and the next moment disappeared.


    Immediately after he appeared beneath its torso, the edge soaring up toward its stomach. Zac had already imbued his strike with the Dao of Sharpness. It was this verybination that had cleaved the Fiend Wolf in two, and it was a good measure to test the bison.


    The edge mmed into the thick hide, but Zac was disappointed to find that apart from a few long strands of fur being cut, there seemed to be no effect from the swing. It didnt even manage to prate the skin.


    It wasnt that the beast had an imprable skin, but rather it felt like there was a strong energy blocking the edge to cut through. Zac couldnt be sure, but he guessed that the Dao of Hardness should have properties that worked a bit like this.


    The beast angrily roared, and it appeared it felt truly afraid as torrential amounts of Cosmic Energy whirled about. It was nning something big, and Zac wasnt sure what he should do, so for now he kept swinging. He tried to hit various body parts with his edge, this time after swapping over to the Dao of Heaviness.


    The kick of Average seemed to have had an effect, so he instead went with blunt force damage. He focused on the joints of the beast, trying to immobilize it, but he simply wasnt able to breach its defenses with <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    Suddenly a sense of danger enveloped him, and he quickly backed away from the beast with his movement skill, only to see the bison simply plop down on the ground, causing the ground to shake. It felt like a weird decision for the beast, but admittedly it managed to force Zac away.


    However, the next moment Zacs brows rose as the horn started to shine with blinding light as it was leveled toward him. Acute danger flooded Zacs mind as he quickly scampered out of the way, pushing his movement skill to the limit.


    The next moment a zing pir of light ripped through the position where he just was, like a prismaticser that destroyed anything in its path. The attack was instantaneous, and if it wasnt for his high Luck he would have been turned into motes of light by now. Zac couldnt even see where the beam ended, as everything it hit waspletely disintegrated as far as he could see.


    Zacs brows rose in rm, finally realizing why the cosmic energy had surged so much earlier. He really didnt want to let it fire another of those devastating attacks, as he held no delusions that he''d walk away from one of those beams. This time he was able to get out of the way in time, but there was no telling if it could move the beam as well.


    But just as Zac was about to charge toward the bison once more it was surrounded byrge motes of multicolored lights, floating about all around it. Zac frowned and took out a stone from his pouch, immediately throwing it at one of them.


    An intense explosion erupted from the light, containing enough force to throw Zac on his back even in the distance. His cracked ribs, courtesy of Average, made themselves reminded, as he mmed down on the ground.


    The mote of light exploding wasnt the end of it. It also caused a cascading effect amongst the neighboring stars, causing a concussive explosion nketing a whole area. Even if he managed to avoid the first st somehow in melee range, the other ones would have surely hit him.


    Zac quickly crawled up on his feet again and spat out some gravel from his mouth as he surveyed the scene. The bison was a real cheat. It had essentially set itself up like a cannon, repositioning itself as Zac tried to move around it. Furthermore, to avoid being assaulted it summoned moving mines all around it, each containing enough force to hurt him.


    Even worse it looked like the animal was able to control the motes, meaning he couldnt simply dodge them, as they would follow him anyway. As soon as the area calmed down some of the remaining motes quickly drifted over, along with a few new ones appearing in short order. It took less than 5 seconds before the minefield had once again been reinforced.


    The only good news was that it still hadnt fired off a second shot from its horn, meaning it likely took a while to charge up to its full effect.


    Zac didnt relish the thought of pulling out his aces at the moment, as Average was still around. Zac honestly didnt believe that the teenager would do something at this junction, but he didnt want to take any unnecessary risks.


    But something needed to be done, as the horn was gaining brightness at a steady pace. He looked down on his forearm and steadied his breath. The Cosmic Energy in the area surged as Zac activated his newly acquired skill, <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    Boundless power coursed through his veins, and he had to suppress an urge to simply charge at the beast waving his axe like a madman. He felt like an agent of destruction but he forcefully steadied his mind and started to pour torrential amounts of it into his forearm, starting the charge of his own ace.


    However, that wasnt all, since he also summoned five enormous des with <strong>[Chop],</strong> each almost ten meters long. As soon as the charge was almost done Zac let loose a roar and released one fractal de after another at the minefield the beast had created.


    The world turned white from hundreds of explosions going off in quick session. This time Zac was ready and dug his heels in and summoned <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to withstand the shockwaves.


    He was almost blinded by the cascading explosions, with lights swimming in his vision. A loud ringing rang in his ears as well, and it felt like he was under the effect of a shbang grenade. However, he had aplished his task, so he pushed forward his hand with a growl.


    Reality cracked and the hand emerged, empowered by the Dao of Trees. A few things were different about it this time. First of all, it emitted a much stronger aura than before, and Zac attributed it to the increase in stats from <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    But more interestingly the wooden arm contained red shining veins that coursed through the whole thing. It looked a bit sinister, but Zac didnt have time to analyze it as hemanded the hand forward toward the sitting bison.


    A few motes were spawned in the path of the hand and exploded on impact. Luckily, the hand was imbued with the Dao of Trees, and only some scorch marks remained after the hit. It might have been a different story if tens of the motes detonated on it, but Zac had already cleared most of them out.


    However, Zac didnt feel relieved as his danger sense kept building as the horn of the bison was nearing the same level of blinding brightness as when it fired itsst shot. This time it was quickly swiveling its head back and forth in the direction of Zac, likely aiming to destroy a wider area.


    Time was running out and Zac did the only thing he could think of. The huge wooden hand closed thest distance and gripped the huge horn. Searing heat was transferred from the wooden hand to Zacs, but the feeling was nothing new to him.


    Zac aimed to push its head to the side to avoid the iingser, but he had underestimated the power of his skill. An extremely loud snap echoed through the area, followed by a high-pitched screech as the horn was broken off.


    Zac was shocked, but wouldnt let the opportunity pass as there still was some time left on his skill before it ran out of steam. He pivoted the hand and with all the remaining force he could muster he drove the huge horn straight into the body of the bison.


    A huge fountain of blood shot straight up in the sky as the animal essentially was impaled into its ground from its own body part. It let out ast deste bellow before it stopped moving forever, its death infusing Zac with a huge amount of cosmic energy, bringing him clean to level 61.


    The remaining floating mines in the vicinity soon disappeared, turning into a dense amount of cosmic energy that spread through the town. It allowed Zac clear passage as he slowly walked over to the corpse, the adrenaline from the fight quickly turning to tiredness all over.


    The axe in his hand started to gleefully vibrate as he got next to the bison, and Zac dutifully ced its edge at the still bleeding wound of the animal. A good deal of blood entered the axe, and Zac almost thought that he could hear a happy purr from inside it.


    Not long after the effects of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage] </strong>ended, and he was ovee with a wave of tiredness. Between his two fights and using both his aces he just wanted to curl up and sleep, but he wouldnt lose his battle-readiness until he felt he was in a safe ce.


    Wow, that was pretty crazy, a voice came from behind, making Zac straighten his back and turn around, hoping that his weakness couldnt be discerned.


    It was unsurprisingly Average, who likely had spectated the battle from somewhere closeby. The fact that he had stayed away from the battle from start to end somewhat proved to Zac that the youth might be a bit spoiled, but he was true to his word. There was a moment of opportunity to steal the kill after the animal was impaled, but Average didn''t take it.


    He also couldnt sense any danger, so Zac didnt mind him approaching.


    I didnt expect it to have such strong attacks, so I might have gone a bit overboard, Zac said as ripped out the huge horn from the bison and put it in a pouch.


    Star Ox are pretty well known for their star beam. Ahh, I''m so unlucky! If you didn''t get lucky and caught my leg, I would have been the one to rip the horn off and stab the animal, Average said with a sigh as he prodded the corpse of the Star Ox.


    Luck had nothing to do with it, Zac said with a shrug as he stored away the beast carcass as well. In 100 sparring duels you would probably defeat me in most of them, but in a real battle, I would always be the one to walk away. Youck life-and-death experience.


    Average frowned and looked like he was about to argue with him, but was interrupted before he could start anything.


    Haha, well spoken, brat! a rough and extremely loud voice suddenly echoed through the town, making Zac warily look in all directions.


    The fact that someone else was in the town without either of the two of them noticing wasnt a great sign, giving Zac a sinking feeling.


    That feeling only amplified when he noticed the abject horror on Averages face.

 Chapter 201: Greatest

    Chapter 201: Greatest


    The teenager clearly knew the origin of the voice, and he obviously wasnt happy to hear it. Zac warily took out his axe once again, trying to figure out means to escape.


    He truly wasnt in a condition to fight with someone who made Average this afraid. However, he soon realized the folly of any thoughts of escape as a pressure that felt like, unlike anything hed ever felt before nketed the whole town.


    The next moment a man who looked to be in his forties appeared next to Average as if out of nowhere. He wore simr gear as the teenager, butparing the two was as thoughparing a matchstick fire to the sun. Zac knew the true aura of the man was restrained, but he barely was able to stand up just from being in his proximity.


    This was a true old monster, someone far above anything hed encountered so far, even eclipsing his realm of understanding. The only thing that had felt simr before was when he saw the axe-man in the vision, though the man in front of him likely wasnt quite that powerful.


    But there was a big difference between seeing something in a vision and with his real eyes.


    The pugilists were clearly rted, as they shared the same weird hair and many facial features. It didnt feel like a mystery to Zac, the man was Averages father. The dads build was quite a bit bulkier, but there wasnt a shred of fat on his body. It was also clear that this man was no greenhouse elite like his son.


    His whole body was crisscrossed with scars, much like Zacs own body looked like by now. But more importantly, he radiated a killing intent that felt strong enough to drown the whole they stood on, and it was on apletely different scalepared to his own.


    Zac wondered just how much ughter one had to undergo to passively emit such an aura. If someone had told him that this man had destroyed a whole, he honestly would believe them.


    Brat, why dont you look happy to see your father? And youre even calling me crazy? the man said as he flicked Average on his forehead.


    However, the power in that love-tap was enough to st Average into a house, just like what happened to Zac when he got punched. But Average seemed fine apart from a quickly growing bump, and quickly scrambled out of the ruins of the house, albeit with someint on his face.


    What father, youre just a clone, Average muttered, brushing some dust from his vest.


    Shitty son, its still a wisp of my consciousness inside, no?


    Zac was shocked at that exchange. The monstrously powerful man was just a clone of the real thing. He already knew from Alyn that clones created from techniques were far weaker than the original body. To be this powerful with only a small part of the originals bodys power, just who were these people?


    And what was that embarrassing disy earlier? I trained you for almost twenty years to be fearless and indomitable, yet you gave up after only a broken nose. Next time you better lose a couple of limbs before you give up, the man snorted, and finally turned toward Zac.


    Not bad for a little Progenitor, you show promise. Im guessing youre here on a quest?


    Zac was still a bit shellshocked from the aura the man emitted, but he forced himself to snap out of it. He didnt dare to lie in front of this man. Somehow he knew Zac was a Progenitor, and who knew what else hed gleaned. Zac wouldnt be surprised if the man used some high tier observation skills that <strong>[Mental Barrier]</strong> didnt even notice.


    I am Zachary Atwood, its nice to meet you. May I ask how you knew I was a Progenitor? Zac tentatively said to him.


    This old man has been around for 80 000 years. If I couldnt see through some little brat I might as well throw myself into a sun, heughed. I am Greatest, by the way, Averages father. And dont worry, your quest is probablypleted. Im simply shielding the area for a bit so we could talk without you getting whisked away.


    Zacs mind moved a mind a minute as he tried to unpack the various things the man said. First of all, Zac understood where he got the naming sense, and he could only throw a pitying nce at Average, who only rolled his eyes in response.


    The next shocker was his age, as anyone that old had to be at least C-Grade race as far as Zac knew. That, in turn, meant that the man in front of him was at least a D-Grade powerhouse. However, Zac had a feeling he wasnt that simple.


    He had no proper frame of reference yet of the powerhouses of the multiverse, but Zac would guess that the man in front of him was stronger than D-Grade. This was only reinforced by thestment. It appeared that the man was able to shield the area from the System.


    He already knew that it was possible to manipte the System to a certain degree, as stronger forces were somewhat able to snag the incursion slots that were supposed to be randomly awarded. But hed never heard about this type of maniption.


    It was extremely rming, as it meant that it was possible that the man in front of him, or people of simr power, could lock down space around themselves. That would mean that using things as Cowards Escape or Teleporters might be useless when fleeing from powerhouses.


    You gave my son a valuable lesson, so I help you out in return. Wear this until youre as powerful as me, the man said.


    The next moment something appeared out of nowhere in front of Zac, and he hesitantly took it. It was a bracelet that looked like those the two pugilists wore. Zac didnt hesitate, and quickly put it on. He didnt believe there was any malice behind the move. If Greatest wanted to kill him he would already be dead.


    <em>The Specialty Core youve managed to grow is both a blessing and a curse and will enable a miracle if it doesnt kill you. Many wouldnt even hesitate in cutting you open just to study it. This little trinket will hide it from the world, and at least no one in D-Grade will be able to sense it, </em>the mans voice sounded in Zacs mind.


    Zac was truly rmed this time. It was as though Greatest could see through everything about him. Not only that, he seemed to understand what the core was and called it a Specialty Core. Unfortunately, Zac had no idea what it meant, as hed never heard anyone mention it back in Port Atwood.


    He was both relieved and a bit disappointed after hearing Greatests opinion. Relieved that it was something good that many would want. But at the same time, it wasnt something great to the point that he was interested in it. Initially, Zac had believed he had created some miracle of the ages, but perhaps the reality wasnt quite that exciting.


    For the first time, Zac didnt look at the powerhouse in front of him like he was some sort of primordial beast, but rather a treasure trove of information. This man was no doubt far more knowledgeable about pretty much anythingpared to anyone on his ind.


    The answers to so many questions he had lied with him, and perhaps even the solution to all the predicaments on Eart. There was no doubt that this man could singlehandedly destroy all the incursions and the dominators without breaking a sweat. He likely even had a bunch of underlings who could do so.


    Nothing ventured, nothing gained, and Zac was about to ask the man for assistance, but before he had a chance Greatest started talking again.


    Brat, lets go. This was a valuable lesson for me as well. Ive been too lenient with you due to your mother, seeing as you shrunk away from the face of death. You need some real battle experience, so Ill ask The Red Emperor to ept you into the Eternal Legion for a campaign or two. If you survive Ill allow you to change your name, he said with a widening smile.


    All color quickly drained from the face of Average, and horror even eclipsing that from earlier filled his eyes. But he knew better than to fight with his battle-crazed father, and could only stare at Zac like he wanted to cry but had no tears left.


    Haha, little Progenitor, if you ever find yourself in the Red sector of the Allbright Empire,e and have a drink with this old man. If Im in a good mood I might even let you try one of our Certain Death trials! the man said, ignoring his son.


    Wait! Zac shouted, but it was to no avail.


    The next moment the two simply disappeared, leaving Zac alone with a slew of questions. Only a few secondster he got a prompt telling him that his quest wasplete, and a crystal spawned next to him. The quest didnt hand out the rewards though, and Zac guessed he would get them at his own Nexus Node back on Port Atwood.


    Zac sighed as he looked up at the stars. Meeting Greatest had been eye-opening in more ways than one. He couldnt wait for the day that Earth had braved the trials of the integration, and he didnt have to fight tooth and nail for every advantage.


    He also realized that it was a pipe dream to depend on others for help with his own problems. It was unreasonable to expect some random powerhouse to help out a ce like Earth, making an enemy of the Undead Empire and the Cult of the Evesting Dao in the process.


    But it wasnt all bad. He knew that the Allbright Empire was a vast force that had all kinds of opportunities. It wouldnt be a bad ce to travel to in the future. Having already made a sort of connection with such a powerhouse over there might open all kinds of doors.


    One could even see it as the hidden reward for the quest since meeting Greatest might be worth far more in the endpared to some Dao Treasure. But that was all forter. He needed to focus on the present, and there was a Treasure hunt to reap some benefits from in two weeks.


    Zac only took onest nce around the town, before he touched the crystal and disappeared. As for the fate of the warring states of the Solvim, that had already left his mind.


    -----------


    Unbeknownst to Zac, two people stood in the air, looking down at the town as Zac touched the crystal.


    So he really was a Progenitor, Average said with interest, seeing his new rival disappear. No wonder I didnt recognize him. I still believe I would have been the one to win in a life-and-death battle though.


    The only way youd beat him is relying on treasures I gave you. Then it would have been me that defeated him, not you. Remember, items are only a crutch. Only our fists are eternal, Greatest said with a snort.


    Why did you give him that bracer? Didnt you craft it for Lord Greenwoods new personal disciple? Average asked, knowing better than to argue with his unreasonable father.


    Ill just say the craft failed, the man said with a grin. Its more important to sow the seeds of karma.


    Was he really worth it? That was tens of thousands of E-Grade Nexus Coins you threw away, Average muttered.


    Well find out in a few thousand years, Greatest said with a nonchnt shrug.


    But if he was so important, why didnt you send someone to help him out? Ive heard how messed up the situation on those news are. Isnt he almost guaranteed to die? I know you would be able to send someone with him through the Nexus Hub. Average skeptically asked.


    If I did so then my gamble would have been truly worthless, Greatest said with a shake of his head. For now that brat was only a promise of greatness. But If I stepped in at this juncture he would likely never pass the second bottle-neck. Besides, I believe he is well on his way to solve those issues himself. He is quite impressive even by progenitor-standards.


    Average only looked down again onest time, before summoning a huge vessel. There was nowork in this remote pocket of the Red Sector, and it would take over a week to get back home. He briefly wondered if hed ever see that brutal guy again.


    But he soon put it out of his mind, as he had his own things to worry about.

 Chapter 202: Specialty Core

    Chapter 202: Specialty Core


    As soon as Zac touched the crystal he once again found himself in front of the Nexus Hub south of AzhRodum. When he looked around he also noticed two boxes neatly ced right in front of him.


    He took up the first one and opened it, finding a densely inscribed que inside. He picked it up and a stream of information immediately entered his mind. It was the entrance token to the Tower of Eternity, and there was quite a bit of information it provided.


    He could use the token at any moment after reaching level 50, so technically he could use it right now if he wanted. Of course, he wouldn''t go just yet as he wanted to push as far as possible, reaping the maximum amount of benefits. Therefore hed first do both the treasure hunt and the first step of the inheritance he ended up choosing before trying the Tower.


    He also learned that the token was personal, and could not be sold or traded. Finally, anyone had two shots at the tower, after which they would be eternally looked out of it. However, to take the trial the second time another token had to be earned somehow.


    Zac put the token away into his pouch and opened the second box. Inside was a small shimmering vial with a luminescent liquid sshing around inside. Zac sighed a bit in disappointment when he saw the content. The liquid was the Dao Treasure, and Zac knew the method of using it was quite simple.


    He simply needed to drink it to obtain its effects. However, he didnt do so just yet, as a Dao Treasure wasnt quite as simple as an attribute fruit. The vial would ce him in a state of enlightenment, somewhat like his state when he improved his Dao of Heaviness back at the auction, but it wouldnt guarantee a new Dao Seed or improve one.


    As far as Dao Treasures went, it was one of the more mediocre ones. But then again, he already knew it''d only be an F-Ranked treasure. Besides, while it wouldn''t give him apletely new seed like some treasures did, it would at least give him a shot at improving a current one.


    The best way to utilize this type of Dao Treasure was to first decide on which seed to improve and take the first steps on the type of insight he wanted for it. That would maximize the chance to gain something from the vial. Of course, using the vial to improve his Dao of Sharpness would be far easier than his Dao of Trees, since one was still at the low stage, whereas the Dao of Trees was just missing one step to reach its peak.


    Zac had some difficulty in choosing which way he should go on the matter. For one he knew that improving the Dao of Trees would bring far more attributes than the others, but at the same time its usefulness in battle was a bit limited.


    Conversely, it felt like a bit of a waste to use his treasure on the Dao of Sharpness, as he really should be able to improve it by himself since it still was only on the first stage. He wasnt in a hurry since there still were roughly two weeks before the treasure hunt started, but he felt he would have to use it before then, to maximize his battle potential.


    Having packed away both his treasures he walked north toward the demon town. AzhRodum was still somewhat deserted, as many of the demons lived in Port Atwood nowadays. But some people were walking the streets, humans and demons alike.


    The simple reason was the Nexus Crystal mine. Those who worked the mine lived in the town, only sometimes heading to Port Atwood. However, those who lived here had special passes, and normal citizens of his town couldnt get here unless they managed to pass through the sea of barghest and Gwyllgi to get here.


    This was of course to protect the rich resources of the area. There were ns to sooner orter to turn the whole mountain into a restricted zone with the help of Arrays, but such an undertaking would cost over a hundred million Nexus Coins and wasnt something he could prioritize at the moment.


    Since he was here anyway he couldnt resist heading over to his hidden cavern and was ted to find that the density of the Cosmic Energy in the air felt slightly sparserpared to before. Zac felt it was good news since that hopefully meant that the bead was absorbingrge amounts of energy.


    Still, he couldnt discern any changes to the bead down at the bottom of the calm pond as of yet. He wasnt surprised at that though since the Lotus was a D-Grade treasure after all. Even with the help of the pond it would likely take a long time for it to grow to the state he saw at the Abbot Evesting Peaces monastery.


    Since everything seemed to be going ording to n Zac headed back to Port Atwood. Hed only been gone for a day, but he still went over to Calrins. The Attuned Nexus Crystals werent anything rare, and it shouldnt take the gnome much time to acquire them.


    Zacs current venues to be stronger were at the moment slightly limited. There was still the ind with the Mystic Realm, but even if he battled for two weeks straight he doubted hed gain more than a level tops, seeing as he just gained level 61. That would barely provide any benefits, and there were better ways to spend his days before the Treasure Hunt.


    He felt that he needed to improve himself in other manners. Levels werent where he wascking. That became quite clear from his fight with Average. The teenager hadpletely dominated him in the fight until Zac turned it around by taking arge risk.


    Zac was simplyckingbat proficiency. He had learned some of it from battle, but battle with animals and <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>could only take him so far. He had encountered the same problem with Rydel back in the final fight of the Demon Incursion. Arge amount of attributes were worthless unless he could properly utilize them.


    While he knew that he couldnt get as good training as Average received as young, there should be something he could do. Zac didnt know exactly what level Average was, but he guessed that the youth should be level 75, at the stage of gaining as many titles and other advantages as possible before evolving.


    Greatest had said that hed trained his son for almost twenty years, making the youth older than he looked. It wasnt anything surprising, seeing as Average likely reached E-Grade Race long before he turned 16 years old thanks to various treasures.


    Since it only took Zac 6 months to reach level 61 he felt that someone close to being 20 years old from such a prestigious background should be max leveled by now, even if they went slow and steady. Gaining the levels were usually the easiest step in evolving, but it was rather other things that hold people back.


    From what he understood some spent a decade at the bottleneck before advancing, though he still didnt know exactly why. Alyn and Ogras had always been a bit diffuse about what happened in E-Grade, only saying that one would be a lot stronger. Until now he hadnt really cared, but it was quickly bing more and more relevant.


    Resuming his training to improve his battle techniques wasn''t the only option. Another way to get stronger was his Dao, and he was nning on spending some time on that. But in the end, Zac believed his Core to be the most promising venue to improve. Greatest clearly understood what it was, and mentioned it was a good thing. He quickly wanted to infuse it with more energy toplete its construction.


    He felt he shouldnt be too far off, as arge part of it was covered with fractals by now. Perhaps a final push was all that was needed before he could start to unravel its mysteries.


    After a quick walk he found himself at the Thayer Consortia, sitting down once again with Calrin. The little gnome quickly produced 25 luminous crystals, each emitting dense and refreshing energies.


    Twenty five E-Grade Divine Crystals, Calrin said.


    Great, Zac said as he ced them in his pouch. By the way, have you ever heard of the concept of a Specialty Core?


    Zac tried asking the Sky Gnome since he might be the most knowledgeable person on the ind, apart from the Creators. However, while they came from an extremely powerful faction they were almost fanatical about crafting, caring little about other things. Meanwhile, Calrin did hail from a former C-Grade family after all.


    Specialty core? the gnome questioned as his face scrunched up. Im not sure Wait! Ive read about it in some of our old scriptures before we were forced to sell them.


    Oh, what do you know? Zac enthusiastically asked.


    Well, not much, to be honest. From what I understand they are quite rare, but they can enable things out of the norm, so to speak? Calrin hesitantly said.


    Huh? Zac could only say, not feeling any clearer about what his core was.


    Hmm Say for example theres a lightning mage. He is specialized to inflict as much damage as possible, but each strike costs a lot of Cosmic Energy, Calrin began exining. He realizes that a good addition to his skill is the ability to createrge clouds that can generate the lightning bolts for him, saving him a lot of energy.


    Sure, Zac nodded along.


    But his ss is specialized, his pathways dont work with those kinds of skills. So he gets a Specialty Core that is attuned to water and wind. Suddenly he can create the clouds through his Core, and his fighting style has gotten much more versatile.


    Zac felt he understood the concept, though he had some difficulty understanding exactly what it meant for his own core.


    So the Specialty Core adds more elements you can use? Zac probed.


    Well, no. That was just an example. From what I understand the namese from the fact that they are created with a specific purpose in mind. Adding an element is just one example, Calrin exined. But they are very rare, Ive never met anyone with one. Perhaps they are moremon in the higher nes, Im not sure.


    By higher nes, Calrin simply meant the sectors with higher tiers. While there werent any strict hierarchy it seemed,s were generally lumped together with others around the same energy, due to being ced in a part of the multiverse with a certain level of ambient Cosmic Energy.


    Earth already was in a pretty good spot, seeing as it started as D-grade, though where on the scale of D-Grade still remained to be seen. But it also meant that there likely werent any high tiers in the close vicinity, apart from perhaps a C-Grade being the core of the sector.


    Conversely, it was possible that Earth was one of the mains in a sector with mainly E and F-grades. Actually, that felt like an even more likely scenario, seeing as how energy-starved Earth was before the integration.


    In the end Zac thanked the gnome for his help and left for hispound. While he still didnt exactly know what his Core would do, he felt he had a clearer picture of the situation. And perhaps everything would be more apparent the moment his core was finished absorbing energy.


    Zac couldnt wait to try it out and only informed the guards to tell his sister he was back before he went into seclusion to start absorbing the crystals. Soon he sat in his courtyard with the arrays erected with a Divine crystal in his hand.


    The Core greedily ate the energy the crystal contained, and it felt the fit was far better than any other life-attuned energy he had given it so far, except the pure energies contained in the lotus seed. The amount of energy was excellent as well, and it felt like he sat in a spring of life, every cell in his body vibrating with vitality.


    After roughly two hours he started to sense some instability in the core due to the life-attuned energies overpowering the other side, and he quickly took out one of his E-Grade Miasma Crystals. Absorbing a Miasma Crystal was, as expected, the opposite of the Divine Crystals, and it felt like he was gripped with a cold hand of death as he absorbed its energies.


    This process kept repeating for a few times until he hesitantly decided to hold one crystal in each hand and started absorbing again. The energies wildly shed in his body, causing quite a bit of pain, but in the end it was manageable. The important thing was that his rate of absorption had doubled, and Zac didnt move for day after day.


    His mind waspletely emptied, and he only focused on the vast amounts of energies that passed through his body on its way to his Specialty Core. After a few days, he had absorbed over a hundred times the energy he had avable in his body at any given moment, clearly disying the extreme amounts of power the small core contained.


    It was only on the sixth day he felt a change. His core finally seemed satiated.

 Chapter 203: Duplicity

    Chapter 203: Duplicity


    Zac was quite relieved when he put away the half-absorbed crystals. He had already expended most of his stock of Divine Crystals, and he was starting to fear that his core was simply a bottomless hole. But now he knew there truly was a limit to it.


    Zac closed his eyes and focused his senses on the core, trying to understand what it did. It had undergone quite a change unbeknownst to him the past week. Before he started to absorb the E-Grade crystals it had been a chaotic jumble of gold interchanged with ck, likely representing life and death.


    Now the chaos had given way to order, and there was a clean line of demarcation, which each of the halves of the Core seemingly consisting of one of the colors. This only was the surface though, as Zacs mental sight had no means to prate the surface of the Specialty Core.


    Covering the core were dense patterns of inscriptions, but even after looking at them for half an hour he didnt really find out anything of use. Calrin had said that Specialty Cores served a special function, but Zac simply had no way to discern what this one would do from his clues so far.


    He knew that the fractals were created by the Apostate of Order to follow a certain ruleset, but as far as he was concerned it was all unreadable hieroglyphs so far. He had rather hoped to receive some sort of information burst to exin the core when it was done, but there was no such luck.


    The core also didnt respond in the slightest when he tried to infuse it with Cosmic Energy or his Dao, no matter how much he tried. It felt like he was staring at a treasure trove just out of reach. With a sigh he opened his eyes, admitting defeat for now.


    The good news at least was that he probably wouldnt be in any danger any longer when he traveled the Dead Zone. Since his Core was satiated it shouldnt absorb any more miasma when killing Zombies or other undead.


    The bad news was that his gambit to get stronger before the Treasure Hunt through the core seemed to be a wash. However, there still was a week to go, and he could at least work on his Dao. Zac opened up his status screen to take another look at his Seeds, but something odd made him stop in his tracks.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>61</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>Hatchetman (F)</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Human (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood - Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Core</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core</strong>


    <strong>Duplicity (F)</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>344</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>162</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>231</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>201</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>3</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>20 853 653 </strong>


    There actually was a new row for his core, right beneath his Dao Seeds. The System had named his core duplicity, which felt like a clue. Zac didnt think it meant that the core would help him be a better liar, but rather referred to the two halves of it.


    Unfortunately, there was no menu for him to go further, such as his Dao Screen or Title screen, and that simple line was his only clue. But Zac remembered he actually had a title about his core, and perhaps it might give him some answers.


    <strong>[Core: Sessfully form a Core. Reward: 5% Strength, ????????]</strong>


    To his surprise the Title had actually changed, now giving out a pretty good reward. When he first received the core it had given him nothing, only disying a line of question marks. The question marks were still there though, making Zac a bit confused.


    As he saw it there were two possibilities. The first possibility was that the core simply wasntplete yet, and it being satiated with energies was just the first step in building it. That would exin why it waspletely inert even though it wasplete.


    The other possibility was that the question marks showed that the Title could keep improving. In the status screen the core was shown in the same way as his ss and Race, with an (F) behind it, showing it likely could be upgraded in the same manner.


    Or perhaps it was something else entirely, he was simply specting at the moment. But seeing the title made him remember something he had forgotten in all the excitement, something that might spell trouble down the line.


    Until he met Greatest he had been operating under the assumption he was essentially growing a normal cultivators core ahead of schedule. He based this on the fact that it was positioned right where a normal core would appear when reaching D-Grade, and it being tightly integrated with his pathways.


    But from how Calrin exined it a Specialty Core was like an add-on to a warrior, rather than swapping out the core. What would happen to him in the future when the spot for his normal core was already upied? Was it possible to move his new core?


    Various thoughts and scenarios whirled in his head, but finally he reluctantly tabled the matter. He simply knew to little about the situation, and there was nothing he could do at the moment. In any case, a 5% boost to his Strength wasnt shabby, making it well worth the week he spent on nurturing the core.


    Zac put his three free points into Endurance and closed his menu. He was initially going to make a decision on his Dao Seeds, but he felt he needed to clear his head first. For the first time in almost a week, he stood up and stretched his stiff body before leaving his courtyard.


    It was around midday, and neither Kenzie or Emily was at home. He was a bit bored so he decided to head to the Academy. He wanted to see his sister, and Alyn would perhaps have some helpful knowledge about Specialty Cores.


    The academy had changed quite a bit the past weeks, forming apound of its own. Before it had simply been arge field of gravel where the Valkyries trained, but now it felt like a real ce of learning.


    There were over ten structures that held either ssrooms or training facilities, and therge training field had been turned into five fields, each with different settings for the gravity array. He was nning on taking a tour but stopped when he passed the field with the lowest gravity boost.


    Emily was currently facing a demon warrior, holding a small tomahawk in each hand. The demon was unarmed, and simply blocked her strikes by redirecting their trajectories.


    Your strikes stillck ferocity, the demon said. You and your attacks need to be indomitable. The axe is not like a sword, where there exist myriad techniques. The axe is a simpler tool, with fewer ways to attack. It is easier for me to block you because it''s easy for me to guess your attack patterns."


    So what should I do? And dont say change weapon, Emily huffed.


    Make it so that it doesnt matter if I know what youre about to do. Crush all resistance, break all defenses. Does Lord Atwood hide his intentions in battle? No, he simply pushes forward, crushing tactics with power, the demon said, clearly with some approval in his voice.


    Zac scratched his chin with a wry smile as he walked away. While what the demon said at the end sounded like apliment, it also made him sound a bit like a simpleton who only charged straight ahead. He really needed to add some brains to his brawns.


    It seemed that Emily hadnt listened to either Alyn or Alea, swapping to a more magically inclined ss. But Zac wouldnt stop her from following her convictions. If she felt that strongly about using axes, it probably was for the best if she kept it up.


    Zac didnt interrupt the training and let her be since he knew that Emily was working extremely hard in preparation for her sixteenth birthday. She had been hungering to get stronger since Fort Roger, and she was almost there now.


    Instead, he headed over to Alyns. The schoolmistress still chose to stay inside the academy, though her simple house had received an extensive upgrade. Recently he had learned that the reason so many demons helped Alyn out with various things. She had quite a few suitors.


    It appeared that thebination of ruthlessness and graceful and intellectual demeanor made the schoolmistress quite a catch in the eyes of many of the demonic warriors. It was even to the point that a few of the warriors had mainly stayed behind on Earth because she did so.


    Lord Atwood, what brings you here? Alyn said with a smile as she opened her door and indicated him to sit down in a chair on the patio.


    I simply wanted to take a look at the progression of the academy, Zac said as he sat down. It looks you have everything in hand.


    Everything is proceeding fine. It turns out that you stopping me from whipping the children did not lessen the childrens productivity. I still have much to learn it seems, Alyn said.


    We have also found a few inders who were teachers before your world got integrated, and we are currently teaching them a revised curriculum along with the children. Within a year we will have operations running for children between 6 and 18.


    Thats great. And the armies?


    Apart from the Valkyries there currently are around 2500 humans in training. Around half of them are cultivatorsing from Refugees Harbor. However, theyre still mostly a hodge-podge group of people of various strengths and weaknesses. Theyck structure and discipline, Alyn said with a sigh. "Currently they wouldn''t be any use in assaulting an Incursion."


    Im sure you can whip them into order. No need to be asx with soldiers as with the children, Zac said with a small smile. What about the beastmaster I sent you?


    You mean the pet caretaker? Alyn said, raising an eyebrow. Well, I think she should get some sort of ss choices rted to beasts. We are currently getting her acquainted with barghest and the Ayr hive in hopes to improve her choices before rushing her to level 25. She was a bit reluctant at first but she came around after I exined about the bond between a beastmaster and its horde.


    Great, keep me posted on that, Zac said with a nod.


    The two kept conversing about various topics for a bit, and Zac even broached the subject of Specialty Cores. Unfortunately, Alyn knew even less about them than Calrin, only having heard that stronger forces sometimes depended on Specialty Cores for their advanced Heritages to work.


    Where does Kenzie usually train? finally asked, after having gone through everything he needed for the moment.


    Shes over at the fourth quadrant. Shes quite impressive, you know. She has a mage-ss, but Ive never met someone with such amazing reflexes. Shed make a great swordfighter or pugilist as well, Alyn said, her eyes brightening up. Perhaps a hybrid ss at E-grade, like Im pushing for with Emily.


    Zac was a bit confused, but then it hit him. Kenzie had never disyed any particr feats of athleticism back in the day, though she yed a bit of basketball in school. But now she had an AI helping out. Perhaps it could provide her with simr features as his <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>, except that it also worked in battles.


    He realized his sister might even be able to help him train his closebat. From what he understood Jeeves refused to help others, but if the two sparred the AI would help both of them out whether it liked it or not.


    Zac walked over to the field, and soon found Kenzie sit in a corner of the field. She was currently wielding a Fireball in one hand a floating Icicle in the other as she ran through an obstacle course. There were targets nted at various ces, and it seemed it was set up so that she was supposed to shoot an attack of a specific element depending on the markings on the targets.


    Zac let her finish her run, after which she came up to him, a slight sheen of sweat covering her.


    Impressive, Zac said with a smile.


    Youre finally out of your hole? she said with a slightly usatory tone. I thought you would stay in there until the treasure hunt.


    Honestly Im only out to take a breather. Theres still a lot to do. What are you doing? Zac asked, changing the subject.


    He knew he hadnt spent a lot of time with his sister since he saved her, and he felt bad about it. But at the same time, there was simply so much to do. He was desperately struggling to keep his edge in order to keep himself and the citizens of Port Atwood safe.


    Im training coordinations. Jar My friend said that a big weakness for mages was adaptability and closebat. He designed this course so that I will get better at adapting my attacks, and to better handle myself while fighting. He says that standing still and shooting fireballs is the same as waiting to be killed, she exined.


    Zac had to agree with the AI after thinking back to his fights with mages. They were quite annoying and their attacks were often very strong, but usually when Zac caught up to them the fight was over. One swing or two and they were dead. It felt extremely prudent to learn some footwork in conjunction with the spells. If she could keep shooting fireballs while running to maintain her distance from her target she would be far safer.


    Sounds like a smart idea, Zac said approvingly.


    More importantly, you should go see Hannah, Kenzie said. I tried to tell you three days ago but you were unreachable.


    Hannah? Zac said with a frown. Whats going on?


    I think shes in trouble, Kenzie said, looking a bit concerned.

 Chapter 204: To Forgive

    Chapter 204: To Forgive


    She came to me a few days ago, wanting to speak with you. She looked pale and haggard, Kenzie said with worry on her face. I tried to ask what had happened, but she wouldnt say. She only said she really needed to speak with you.


    Zac frowned, an unsettling feeling emerging in his chest. Was someone making things difficult for Hannah because she was his ex?


    I went by her house yesterday, she continued It looked some had harassed her. The door was broken.


    "Did you talk to her again?" Zac said with some agitation.


    "No, I couldn''t find her since then. But I told Ogras to have people patrol her neighborhood," Kenzie said.


    "I''ll fix the situation," Zac said, leaving without another word.


    Anger was burning in his chest as he moved toward Hannahs house in the residential district. He couldnt help but believe that someone was harassing her due to herplicated rtionship with himself.


    It wouldnt be impossible that it was someone doing things to Hannah in a misguided attempt to suck up to him, or perhaps it was someone who simply delighted in kicking people when they were down. But whatever the case was it had thoroughly enraged Zac.


    Even if the feelings of affection had cooled over the past months, Hannah was still someone who held a ce in his heart. She was someone who knew Zac, rather than the Super Brother-Man. Whoever was behind this would regret inserting themselves into his matters.


    He soon arrived outside Hannahs house once again, and it was just like Kenzie had said. The white door from earlier was actually cracked open, now resting against the wall. A new door had been installed, though it clearly was a makeshift solution as it didnt properly fit in the doorframe.


    That wasnt all. Multiple windows were broken, and it looked like someone had thrown mud at the vi. Zac stoodpletely frozen for a few seconds, unbelieving at what he was seeing. Suddenly he saw a slight movement in one of the windows, telling him that Hannah was home. This time he didnt knock, instead immediately entering in haste.


    Luckily it was clear that no one dared to actually enter the home of Hannah, leaving the interior intact. A sound was heard and Zac could see a haggard-looking Hannah step out of a doorway holding a pillow in front of her.


    Are you okay? Whats going on? Zac said with concern.


    Hannah didnt say a word and only started sobbing. Zac moved over to her by instinct and ced his arms around her. Suddenly a slight prick of pain erupted in his stomach, and he moved away with some confusion.


    To his shock, Zac saw that a dagger was firmly embedded in his gut. He couldnt understand how he could be attacked like this without any rm bells going off, or more importantly that Hannah would attack him. Zac furiously looked up at his ex, but before he had time to do anything a boundless cold erupted from the weapon.


    You was all Zac could say as darkness took him.


    --------------------------------------------


    A storm of emotions rushed through Hannahs head as she looked down at the unmoving corpse of her former boyfriend. Adrenaline coursed through her veins, to the point that her hands couldnt stop shaking.


    Shed truly done it, she had managed to kill the strongest man in the world. She knew that meant she had gained the Lordship title, and that she was in control of both the huge wealth of the town and the Dao Repository. The path to bing a true elite of the world was opened.


    She thought she would be ted, but as she looked down on Zac she only felt empty, disgusted even. She had seen true anger on Zacs face when he had stopped to see the damage she and David had orchestrated to make him run here in a hurry. An unsettling feeling was starting to rise in her chest, the scene of Zac arriving ying over and over in her mind.


    I wasnt sure youd go through with it, David said as he stepped out from his hiding spot behind a false wall, panting and pale.


    When he saw her conspirator Hannah''s chaotic thoughts quickly stilled, and she turned over to him with a frown.


    I cant rely on others to be stronger. It doesnt matter if he slept with that bitch or not. I still have my goals, and he was in the way of them. And whats with you? Hannah asked, calming her raging emotions.


    Do you think its easy to mask the killing intent from his senses? David huffed. More importantly, is he dead?


    Hannahs eyes suddenly widened in a horrifying realization.


    I havent received any energy! Hes still alive! Hannah frantically said as she looked down on the knife that zed in golden luster.


    The knife she got from David was called a <strong>[Purifying Dagger]</strong> for some reason, and it stole all the living energies out of a body to a certain extent. The knife would have no effect on a Zombie, but to a human it essentially was a death sentence.


    It was the very dagger she received from David when they started hatching this scheme. He had apparently gotten it in the tutorial forpleting a difficult quest and kept it secret until this day. Its weakness was that it could only be used once, bing scrap metal afterward. David had multiple times exhorted her to make the stab count for that very reason.


    Unfortunately, it seemed out that there was a limit on how much vitality it could absorb. But even with the enormous power of someone like Zac, it should at least have absorbed arge chunk of his life force since Zac was truly looking like a pale corpse at the moment.


    As she looked down on Zac who nkly stared up on the roof, she knew he wasnt long for this world even if they left him alone. It had probably passed a threshold where theck of vitality would cause a chain reaction where one organ after another shut down.


    However, David frowned and immediately rushed toward Zac, not wanting to take any chances. But before he had time to decapitate his former friend a shield of shadows appeared over the lifeless body of Zac.


    In the next instant a spear prated Davids gut, lifting him up in the air. He screamed in pain but he was unable to extricate himself. He helplessly hanged in the air, blood freely raining down on the floor.


    Now look what you have done, a deste voice said with a sigh as the demon leader stepped out of the shadows holding a spear. You might just have doomed your. For what? Revenge for him dumping you?


    For power. I got a quest that gave me lordship if I managed to kill Zac. We did it, giving meplete control. I know you want <strong>[The Umbra]</strong> Inheritance. Help me solidify my position and its yours. Anything else you need that Port Atwood has, you will be given, Hannah quickly said.


    This wasnt what they had nned. The idea was to solidify their position and take control of the Arrays covering the town before anyone even found out Zac was dead, and from there negotiate from a ce of power. That Ogras had somehow found out about them was highly unnerving, and it felt as though things were getting out of control.


    What would it matter in the big picture if two pieces of trash like you got your hands on the inheritances? You would just squander the gifts anyway, and then get killed by the invaders, Ogras said with a sneer as he threw the wailing David into a wall.


    Besides, you seem to be under a misconception. You think youre qualified to negotiate with me? The demon continued, looking down at the unmoving body of Zac. Youve ruined so much for me, and you think I will let you live in peace? Your newfound lordship title wont help you. The Ruthless Heavens respects power, and you dont have it.


    The next moment the demon stood in front of Hannah, and before she had time to react he clutched her throat and lifted her up in the air.


    Dont worry. I will not kill you. Since I cant be the lord, someone else will have to bear that burden. And you will just have to pray that we survive theing years. Because you can trust me in this regard; if this falls and bes my tomb, no one shall suffer more than the two of you until I meet my demise, the demon growled.


    Let me handle it, an abyssal voice suddenly said, making Ogras quickly turn around.


    It was Zac, who was slowly getting to his feet, a ck ichor trickling down his mouth. At first Ogras seemed relieved, but when he noticed the face of his friend his pupils shrunk to a needle-point, and he couldnt help but take a step back.


    -----------


    Rage and betrayal were coursing through Zacs mind as he slowly got to his feet. He knew that he might have been dead for a bit, but somehow hed heard everything that was said. He couldnt believe that his two former friends would conspire to kill him.


    He also had to admit that he was shocked that they actually seeded. He hadnt thought many on Earth could harm him anymore, let alone kill him. But that horrible knife that Hannah used sapped all the life in his body.


    He still couldntpletely understand how he still was alive, as he clearly felt himself dying after he fell down on the floor. But soon after the core in his body went haywire, spewing out a torrent of miasma that still filled every corner of his body.


    Perhaps the death-attuned energy had staved off true death, but Zac knew it would be a pain to get his body under control again. He remembered what an undertaking it was to cleanse his wound earlier.


    The miasma also caused some odd reactions in his body, as his sense of sight and smell was all messed up. He could still see the others just fine, but it was as though as there was another filter superimposed upon his normal sight.


    It took him a brief moment to understand what it was. It was life. The miasma somehow caused him to see pure life that made the others shine in an enticing light. Initially, he thought it was heat he saw, but after turning his head he saw that wasnt the case. He could see the same effect on the trees through the window, and the flowers nted in the window sill.


    It was a magical sight, and Zac wondered if this was how the undead saw the world. The same nactually went for his sense of smell, as he could actually smell the lifeing from Hannah and Ogras. It was a sweet and refreshing scent, like a subdued perfume.


    The effect also felt reminiscent of the energies from the skills that the purifiers used, though what he saw was more subdued and natural. He turned his head to the wounded David at the side and saw that small motes of life were leaving him from his wound. He was slowly bleeding out, his life leaving with him.


    But more importantly, that wasn''t the only different thing about him.


    He didnt understand why everything was so different at the moment, and could only attribute it to the deathly part of his core. Still, all these questions would have to wait forter, as he needed to deal with the situation.


    Just because of a misunderstanding you tried to kill me? Zac said with a sigh as he walked toward his former lover whose horror was evident in her eyes. Or was it greed?


    He nkly looked at Hannah for a few more seconds, the silence only broken by the wheezings of David. Zac once again turned his eyes the man who was still huddled in the corner.


    I wondered why you didnt seek me out. I have been back for some time, after all. If you wanted to get stronger you could have just asked, and I would have helped you. But it turned out David was already dead, Zac said with a sad sigh.


    What are you talking about? David spat out between grit teeth. You shouldnt be alive.


    Hannah looked quite confused as well, not understanding the exchange. Ogras brows rose however as he looked over at the wounded man in concern. Zac only evenly stared at the person in front of him. When David saw the faces of Zac and ogras his frantic face suddenly turnedpletely calm.


    You didnt die, but you have fallen. Purity wille for you, David said, closing his eyes.


    The next moment Cosmic Energy Gathered around David, his body starting to glow with a golden sheen.


    But it didnt get further than that as tens of shadow des chopped his body into mincemeat in the blink of an eye, effectively stopping the self-destruction.


    Zac coldly looked the lifeless body seeing the motes of light quickly disappearing somewhere. To his surprise, a few of the motes entered his body, and he sensed the life energy entering the golden part of his core.


    God damn cultists, Ogras only spat. "This was a tricky one. I didn''t actually kill him I think, I received no Cosmic Energy."


    "The weapon should havee from him," Zac said with a frown, looking down at the shining knife. "We''ll find him."


    The reason he was so confident was his newfound sight. As long as he didn''t lose it he wouldn''t need any Springroot any longer. It was clear as day to him that David was a shapeshifter, as a ball of golden fire emanated vitality from within his heart.


    He must have been one of the true elites that came through the Incursion. Are you ok? the demon hesitantly asked, bringing Zac out of his musings.


    I will survive, Zac said with a shrug, turning to Hannah.


    Please, I- David tricked me, Hannah frantically said.


    I forgive you, Zac said after a while, causing Hannahs''s eyes to widen in surprise and hope. You were manipted by a foreign invader.


    Yes! It was David, no that thing, that kept telling me to kill you! Hannah agreed, her head bobbing up and down.


    But to forgive is not to condone the actions of others, Zac muttered, mostly to himself, as he turned to Ogras. Throw her in a dungeon for now, until I decide what to do with her. If we dont have one, build it.


    Sure. Are you truly okay? Ogras asked, knocking Hannah out cold.


    Zac looked down on his former lover, whose face was in the middle of a transformation from hope to despair when she lost consciousness.


    I am fine. Why do you keep asking me that? Zac asked with a frown as he looked back up at the demon.


    Well, for one I know it kind of messes with your head to be betrayed by those close to you. I should know, my personal maid tried to murder me when I was 8, the demon said with a shrug.


    But I mostly ask because youve turned into a god damn Zombie.

 Chapter 205: Draugr

    Chapter 205: Draugr


    What? Zac asked with a sinking feeling, hurriedly walking over to a mirror in the house.


    He was shocked at what stared back at him, and he finally understood the odd stares from the three earlier. Ogras wasnt kidding around with hisment, it truly seemed that he was looking at an undead rather than himself. Of course, it was still his features, but he now looked deathly pale like hed lost all his blood.


    But thergest difference was his eyes. They werent the murky empty eyes of the normal zombies, and neither were they the balls shining a red sinister life like those of Mhal, the Corpse Lord. Rather they were like two ck holes. The whites werepletely gone, and only true ckness covered them. When he looked at them it felt as though he was looking down into the abyss.


    It was such an unreal feeling seeing himself like this that he had to touch his face to make sure he wasn''t dreaming.


    Whats going on? he said, his voice now a bit shaky.


    It started to look like the purpose of his core was to give him a second chance at life, though as an undead. The dagger should have killed him, but instead he stood herepletely fine.


    Thats what Id like to know. Are you living? Are you dead? Ogras said from the side, still keeping some distance from Zac. Its weird, even if you died and somehow turned into a sentient Elite Zombie you shouldnt have retained any memories. Undead arepletely different people just inhabiting a former persons body.


    Zac quickly opened his status screen to see if he could glean any information.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>1</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Draugr (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood - Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Core</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core</strong>


    <strong>Duplicity (F)</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>344</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>162</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>220</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>188</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>20 853 653 </strong>


    The sight made himpletely befuddled. There were a few shocking changes to his screen. First, the fact that both his level and ss werepletely reset, returning him to level 1. The next thing was that his race no longer was human, but something called a Draugr.


    What was confusing was that while he might have lost his levels and his ss, all the benefits remained. His attributes were almost unchanged as far as he could remember, and his Titles and Dao Seeds were still there. The only difference was that the boost to Endurance and Vitality that he gained from <strong>[Foresters Constitution] </strong>seemed to be gone.


    He started to get an idea of what was going on, his eyes darting toward the line with his core. But to make sure he opened thedders. As he suspected he was still in afortable lead on the wealth- and leveldder.


    Zac could only assume that he was somehow split into two entities due to his odd core, each one possessing its own status screen. If he truly had been reborn as an undead he shouldnt have all these attributes or still stay on top of thedder.


    He even knew of a few rankers who had fallen in the Dead Zone, turning into Zombies. They immediately were removed from thedder, just like when anyone else died. That could only mean that the system still considered him to be alive.


    Of course, this was only a theory tinged with desperation from his side, and he still didnt know how to use the core. Even after it got satiated he wasnt able to interact with it, and it was the same result now even after it had somehow awoken. It would take some time to figure everything out before he could decide his next move.


    I am fine. I think it''s just the miasma in my body that went out of control. It might take some time to get it back in line, Zac said, hiding what was really going on for now.


    Miasma? Ogras said with a frown. I thought you said you got better.


    Well, itsplicated, Zac evaded. Its like what you said with the unholy beacons. Destroying them is a waste when they can be useful.


    The demon leveled an even gaze at Zac for a while, finally shaking his head.


    I dont know what youve done, but you are ying with fire. The multiverse is full of people who have turned into abominations in their pursuit of power. You need to wield the power, not let it wield you.


    Zac could only grimace in response. He knew that growing an unknown core that was partlypromised out of miasma was a crazy gambit, but at the moment he didnt have a lot of alternatives.


    Dont worry, I know what Im doing, Zac could only say. Or well, I dont really. But Ill be careful. More importantly, how did you show up so quickly?


    Fine. But remember, if you die to some stupid experiment were all fucked, Ogras said. "As for why I''m here? Your sister told me something odd was going on, so I checked it out. I found no evidence that this girl was attacked, making me thing she did this to her own house. I wanted to find out what she was nning, so I stayed in the vicinity. I didn''t expect them to almost kill you."


    "I still don''t understand how it''s possible," Zac said as he looked down at the shining dagger. "Just what is that thing?"


    "Not sure, but I would guess it''s an offensive array rather than an actual weapon. Otherwise, it shouldn''t have been strong enough to almost kill you," Ogras said.


    Zac was inclined to agree. Not only did the thing slice through his robe, but it effortlessly pierced his body. Hannah simply shouldn''t be strong enough to aplish that. But if this dagger was something like the Thunder Punishment Balls still in his Pouch he understood why it was so dangerous. The one-time offensive arrays held extreme power.


    He only didn''t expect it to look just like a weapon. Clearly, the Church of Evesting Dao held various means beyond the understanding of both Ogras and himself.


    I''ll look into the weapon. Please try to find out just how a shapeshifter could rece David, and if the real one is still alive somewhere. Perhaps he kept him for questioning. He did manage to trick Hannah for potentially weeks, after all," Zac said.


    "Have they reached the archipgo, or was it just a cultist lying in hiding from the incursion? It even managed to block my danger sense and fake its death right in front of us, Zac added with a frown. How is that even possible?


    Nothing is unbeatable in the multi-verse. Any powerhouse has a good deal of Luck umted through the years, Ogras exined. But there are many means to trick it, at least temporarily. Thats a major part of the pure Assassination sses. You cant let your Luck be a crutch for you. Always be vignt.


    Zacs eyes thinned slightly when he heard the demons exnation. What Ogras said made sense, but he wondered why such an important piece of information never had left his mouth over these past months. Was the lordling still nning things in the shadows?


    As for the fake death, I have no idea. I think this guy must have been a second inmand or a leader of the shapeshifters, hes very slippery. It seems we will need to buy a lot more springroot. Be careful of anyone approaching you now. He might have more of those daggers, Ogras continued with a frown as the shadows swallowed him and the unconscious Hannah.


    Zac could only sigh and take out a hooded robe from his cosmos sack to hide his new appearance. He also picked up the weird knife that Hannah used on him, as perhaps it was a clue in all this.


    Finally, he headed back home. He snuck over the wall when no one was looking, as he wasnt ready to show his appearance to the guards. His mansion was empty at the moment, with both Emily and Kenzie luckily still at the academy. He quickly erected his set of arrays around it so that he wouldnt be interrupted.


    Zac sat down and started to ponder on his next move. The first goal for him was to turn back to a human, as he didnt want to stay a so-called Draugr forever. However, he never received a shape-change skill or something simr from the core. And this was provided that he was correct about the function of his Specialty Core.


    He could only turn his sight inward, looking at the core inside his body, trying to glean any hints. And to his surprise, he saw one. Before he turned to an undead his core waspletely bnced, but now that bnce was off.


    The side with the miasma had shrunk by at least 10 percent. The intricate fractals still covered the core though, creating a fine mesh on it. Perhaps it meant that the core expended some of its deathly energy to transform him.


    Zac could only guess that the clue was in the fractals on the core. He still had no idea where they came from or how they were formed, but there was nothing else that could exin the weird things that were happening to him.


    He slowly went over them one by one with far more scrutinypared to before, trying to glean any meaning from them. The minutes turned to hours as he scoured the small orb over and over again until he started to see a pattern. For the first time since the fall, he felt he had some use of his job as an animator for a marketing agency.


    Just like he needed to look over his designs frame by frame, he looked over the inscriptions fractal by fractal, trying to understand how they fit together and what they meant. And he actually made some progress after arduously creating a mental map of what was going on.


    While at first nce the two sides seemed to possess quite simr fractals, there was a startling difference between the inscriptions of the life-attuned and death-attuned sides. There were more of them on the life-attuned side.


    And after slowly mapping out just what the difference was, he was realized that he recognized what remained. The inscriptions on the two halves of the cores formed a mostly closedwork of pathways that were only connected at two ces. After understanding the base framework he could see what was added on the life-attuned side.


    It was his own pathways he got from the ss Hatchetman. They were somehow added into therger mesh on the life-attuned side, whereas the equivalent addition was missing on the death-attuned side.


    While the phenomenon was weird, it wasnt too surprising that it looked like that. He was currently level one without a ss, and he had already realized that his pathways were already gone. That was a big reason he had first thought hed truly turned, as the familiar routes for his power were missing.


    But Zac felt positive after having discovered the fractals for the Hatchetman ss. Together with the other facts it truly felt like the core only stored his ss in the half containing the life-attuned energy. Now the next question was how to load it up again, so to speak.


    But that wasnt really what was on Zacs mind at the moment. It brought to question something even more exciting. Was he able to gain two sses from now on? Just what would happen when he leveled up with this undead form?


    The question burned in his mind but he restrained himself from doing anything drastic. At first, he just wanted to rush out into the woods and start killing barghest by the truckload, rushing toward level 25.


    But he also realized that this might be an opportunity. He knew far more about the system nowpared to when he first was weak and alone on the ind. Perhaps he could aplish some amazing feats and gain titles with his status as a level 1 warrior.


    The first title that came to mind was His Title chain that began with <strong>[Giantsbane]</strong> and ended with <strong>[yer of Leviathans]</strong>. He didnt know where the limits to that title chainy, but he felt there might be a final, ultimate title for killing a beast 75 levels higher than himself.


    That was because it would mean that he surmounted an entire grade in a fight. He suddenly felt infinitely lucky that he wasnt the one that killed the shapeshifter that had taken Davids form. Zac believed that getting the <strong>[yer of Leviathans] </strong>quest shouldnt be an impossible endeavor for many people, as a level 50 without any titles wasnt very strong.


    But killing an E-ranked being at level 1 should be extremely umon, even in the context of the whole multiverse, and should bring big benefits. It made him once againment that he had no one like Greatest to consult about other opportunities like that.


    All kinds of ns and opportunities shed through his mind, and his worry was slowly being reced with excitement.

 Chapter 206: The Correct Path

    Chapter 206: The Correct Path


    Suddenly Zacs train of thoughts was interrupted by a familiar figure pacing outside his array looking fidgety. He nkly looked at her figure for a few seconds before removing the array with a frown.


    What do you want? Zac asked as Alea started at the shield disappearing.


    I Heard from Ogras what happened. I just wanted to see if you were okay, Alea said with some hesitation in her voice.


    I am fine, Zac calmly said.


    Thats great. I was worried, Alea started saying, but was interrupted by Zac.


    Until now Ive looked the other way regarding your entricities, such as poisoning me and others, chalking it up to mostly harmless pranks. But were facing the reality of it now. All actions have consequences. I know you didnt mean it, and there were other factors at y. But you have a part in what happened today. Your actions on the square helped push Hannah along her path of no return, Zac said with an even voice.


    I Alea only managed to get out, looking physically hurt by his words.


    However, Zac didnt stop.


    I have decided to remove your title as Head of Security for Port Atwood. Hannah will spend an undetermined time locked away for her crimes, and I dont trust you with her. Youre also no longer toe and go as you please in my restricted area. I need some space, Zac finished and closed his eyes.


    Alea looked at Zac with red-rimmed eyes for a few seconds before she turned and walked away, the courtyard once again turning deathly silent.


    Zac silently looked at the departing back of the poison mistress. He didnt regret what he said, as hed felt it since she yed him at the market square. He was, however, a bit surprised that he felt no internal turmoil or confusion.


    It was as though his Undead form had put a damper on all his feelings. They were still there somewhat, but there was a sense of disconnect with them. He briefly wondered if this was the case with all undead who had evolved to regain intelligence.


    Perhaps it was necessary, as the zombies had an inherent bloodlust. It would be impossible to build a society if the higher undead couldnt control their urges, so the unfeeling state might be a result of evolution.


    He didnt get much further before approaching steps once again echoed in hispound. It seemed Ogras had rushed around to spread the news or something. This time it was his sister who rushed into the courtyard with worry in her eyes.


    Are you okay? Kenzie said as soon as she saw him.


    However, Kenzie stopped a few meters away from him, looking at his new appearance with a frightened gaze.


    Im fine, Zac said with a sigh as he once again erected the arrays around the two.


    He then proceeded to exin the situation, covering both his core and the events that unfolded back at Hannahs. Kenzie silently listened to the narration, except eximing in shock upon the fact that Hannah had been the one to stab him.


    The two of them silently sat in front of each other, not saying anything for a while, until Kenzie spoke up.


    What will you do with Hannah? she asked.


    I dont know. For now, shell be incarcerated, Zac said, looking troubled.


    He knew that in most empires out in the multiverse the punishment for trying to assassinate a leader would be execution without a doubt. But he wasnt willing to go there with his ex-girlfriend, even if she tried to kill him.


    You know, Kenzie said after mulling it over. You said that David had been reced with one of those shapeshifters. The thing could have used some mental skills on her. You know, she was hypnotized along with the others back in that town. I think Ive heard that if youve been hypnotized once you get more susceptible to it afterward?


    Zac gave a start and looked over at Kenzie with surprise. That truly wasnt something hed considered so far. He had been busy with his own transformation so he simply chalked it up to betrayal because of greed mixed with anger.


    I heard about the matter in Refugees Harbour. But I dont think hypnosis can make you kill someone, as that would be against their base instincts, Zac finally said with a shake of his head.


    But it could make someone more paranoid, slowly make them crazy, Kenzie retorted.


    Zac silently thought it over. It truly was a distinct possibility that the shapeshifter did more than just provide the dagger. Still, did it even matter? The milk was already spilled, so to speak. And he didnt believe that someone could be enticed to murder without there being a seed of hatred and malice to begin with.


    So when will you turn back? Kenzie suddenly asked, changing the subject.


    Well, thats the problem. I dont really know, Zac said as he scratched his chin.


    Why did you turn in the first ce? Kenzie asked.


    Well, perhaps the Core went haywire because I briefly died? Zac hesitantly said.


    He honestly didnt know why the change happened at that moment, and could only guess it was some sort of failsafe built into the core.


    Didnt you say that the knife you got stabbed with sucked out all your lifeforce? Kenzie said. Perhaps you turned to a zombie because thats the trigger, rather than a defense mechanism.


    Its possible, Zac said with a nod. I also thought I might revert to a human if I remove all the miasma in my body.


    So why dont you? she prodded.


    Well, for one it might actually kill me, I have no idea, Zac said. But I also believe that shouldnt be the only way to trigger the change. I cant die every time I want to shapeshift, and I dont have any more of these cultist knives.


    So youre going to stay a Zombie until you find another way to change?


    Im a Draugr, not a Zombie, Zac said, causing Kenzie to roll her eyes at him. And Ill try to revert before the Treasure Hunt at thetest. I cant run around in there as an undead.


    Besides, dont I look pretty cool now? Like a vampire or something, Zac said and struck a pose.


    No way, you look really scary with those eyes of yours, Kenzie said, finally smiling a bit at the situation. So what are you going to do?


    I want to try out a few things. Gain a few titles and see if I can get a new ss, Zac said. Who knows, I might even be a cultivator now?


    Dual-ss, that sounds pretty cool! Kenzie said, her eyes almost sparkling. You should get a cool mage ss, be the strongest hybrid.


    Well, first of all, I dont know how itll work, Zac said. If it will work at all.


    However, Kenzie brought up an interesting point. What would be the best ss to match with his Hatchetman ss? A mage ss would help shore up his currentlycking Intelligence and Wisdom, making him a truly bnced warrior.


    However, a dexterity-based ss wasnt a bad idea either. Currently, he was forced to put a lot of points into Dexterity just to keep up with his growth in Strength. It hade to the point that he had decided to change to a 2.5:1 split from the original 2:1 so that he could focus more on Endurance and Vitality.


    He arrived at this reasoning from his fight with average. His main attribute was Strength, and he needed to y to advantages. It didnt matter if he was hit 10 times, as long as he got one big hit in the fight would be over. He only needed to be able to endure the 10 strikes, so to speak. Thats why he wanted to work more on endurance.


    That also meant that an Endurance-based ss, if there was such a thing, would be a good choice as well. Then he would be truly unkible. Honestly, he felt either choice was good and had a hard time deciding what to do.


    But it was still all spection. He needed to reach level 25 first and see if it worked out as he intended. And he needed to see what options he got before deciding any further. There was also the issue of the Fruit of Ascension.


    One of its effects was improving the choices in taking a ss. But would that effect be expended if he got a ss for his undead half? It felt more prudent to use its effects in trying for an epic ss at E-Rank than getting a first ss.


    Or could he eat another one since he technically was a different person? There simply were so many things he didnt understand. He needed information.


    What are you thinking about, Kenzie asked, dragging him out of his reverie.


    I just feel that theres so much I dont understand, Zac said with a sigh. Its hard to n things out when everything is just guesswork.


    Why dont you ask Bra? Kenzie said. Hes super old and his creator was a top tier C-Grade warrior ording to him. He might know.


    Zacs face scrunched up when hearing the name of the crazy Tool Spirit, but he had to admit that Kenzie might be on to something. However, the only problem was whether hed help. There were two other ways as he saw it. One was to buy an information package through Calrin, and the other was asking the Creators.


    Unfortunately, he was unsure whether he could afford the information from the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes. Just some basic information cost him 15 million Nexus Coins. Advanced topics such as dual sses and Specialty Cores were probably prohibitively expensive.


    Meeting Average and his dad had made him realize how utterly poor he was in the big scale of things since the teenager was able to throw out a billion Nexus Coins just to shoo someone away. As for the Creators, there was a risk for things leaking to higher echelons in the multiverse.


    I guess I could try, Zac sighed.


    Ille with, I havent talked to him today, Kenzie said with a smile.


    Soon the two stood in front of the gaudy towers, drowned in cascading rays of divine lights. Its surroundings were still not very exciting, but at least the uneven forest floor had been swapped out with a proper and uniform square.


    Of course, it was likely too nd for the extravagant taste of Bra. Unfortunately, there simply wasnt much he could do about it at the moment. His funds were mostly tied up in creating the contribution system.


    Little chick, you have once againe to bask in the glory that is the Great Sage Bra? This time you even brought a Draugr to showcase? the familiar voice echoed when they entered the hallways lined with the huge statues.


    Not long after Bra appeared. It was only the second time they met, but Zac was surprised to see that Bra was lookingpletely different. This time he was donned like some royal conqueror, though all equipment was made from gold and tinum rather than serviceable materials.


    His armor waspletely studded with various gemstones, each somehow emitting almost blinding glimmers of light. Zac felt helpless the moment he saw the spirit, but he held his tongue.


    Hi Bra, Kenzie said with a smile. You look like a real warrior today.


    The world should sigh in relief that The Great Bra is confined to the interiors of this building, the tool spirit said with a serious nod. This ones might shakes both the heavens and the earth.


    You remember Zac? Kenzie added.


    You went and turned into an undead, little Lord? Bra said, somewhat surprised. Odd choice if you ask me. I would have thought a mortal would have preferred to die from old age, rather than getting taken by the Madness.


    The madness? Zac asked confused.


    The undead arent immortal, though they dont grow old. They instead go insane, their bloodlust overtaking everything else. Finally, they turn too stupid to even move, withering in ce into goops of miasma. Quite disgusting, Bra said, looking unconcerned.


    Not everyone can be an immortal like you Bra, Kenzie said with a smile. We were wondering if you know anything about Specialty Cores and Dual sses?


    What doesnt the Great Sage Bra know? the Tool Spirit said, puffing up his chest.


    However, the next moment he looked suspiciously at the two of them.


    But why should I tell you? You promised to fix my surroundings, but they still look like a paupers square.


    Im heading into a treasure hunt into unknownnds in a week, Zac said. Ill find something unique in there to improve your surroundings if you help me out this one time.


    Hmm... Well, alright, Bra said. What knowledge do you seek, mortal?


    Dual sses, Zac said, ignoring the attitude.


    What about it? Bra said, a bit disinterested. Its possible. Is that what youre trying for by turning into an undead?


    Zac only nodded, not exining any further. It appeared that Greatests tool was working as intended since the Spirit didnt seem to notice anything off about him, instead thinking he simply was an undead.


    Well, its extremely rare, Bra continued. Far rarer than body-and-spirit dual cultivators were back in the Pre-System era. However, there is one race where all of them have dual sses. Of course, The Ur Wanderers are extremely few in numbers, born darlings of the multi-verse. Even The Great Bra cant help but be a bit jealous of them.


    Zac only nodded, not wanting to interrupt the tool spirit while it was actually being helpful. He could only assume that the Ur Wanderers were a powerful species in the multiverse. While species werent equal in the multiverse, one could say that they were bnced in a sense.


    Humans were quite weak, usually at the bottom of the rung. But they were extremely numerous, and out of every billion of them, a powerhouse might rise. Other races had huge advantages, sometimes even bing C-Ranking ss upon adulthood by default. But these kinds of races were always far scarcer in numbers.


    So what do they do? Get two simr sses, or opposites? Kenzie prodded.


    There are no rules to cultivation, little chick, Bra said with some disdain. Everyone has their own path. Finding the correct answer for oneself is half the struggle of bing strong.

 Chapter 207: Titles

    Chapter 207: Titles


    Zac could only nod at what Bra said, his own thoughts running along the same lines. He had started to believe that one wouldnt be truly strong by brainlessly copying others. Thats why he never had any interest in checking out the heritages he owned.


    That wasnt to say that one couldnt benefit from the knowledge of the previous generations. However, one first had to understand oneself and keep useful information, discarding the useless.


    Have you also heard of specialty cores? Zac interjected, satisfied in simply knowing Dual sses was a possibility, though clearly extremely rare.


    Of course, Bra said. A few of the inheritances of this very building even contains the means to create one. Those Ive studied extensively.


    Zac felt a bit troubled that the tool spirit somehow had managed to weasel itself into the inheritance zones to mess around. He could only hope that Bra hadnt destroyed anything inside.


    What would happen if a Specialty Core is currently is taking the spot of where the Cosmic Core would normally go? Zac asked.


    Well, theyd probably explode when the Cosmic Core was created, Bra said. Unless its a Modifier-type, I suppose.


    Whats that? Zac asked with anticipation.


    Bra only snorted in response, and from somewhere got a golden nail file and started using it. Zac had to push down his rising exasperation. He knew that the tool spirit only acted like this to annoy him since it was just a hologram and didnt even possess real nails. But that fact only made it more annoying, which was a source of frustration in of itself.


    Great Sage Bra, surely someone with your magnanimity wouldnt hold back this small amount of knowledge from your admirers? Kenzie said with a wink.


    Hmm, true. This little information means nothing to The Great Sage of Ages, Bra nodded, putting away his file. Modifier-cores are Specialty Cores that directly interact with a Cosmic Core in various ways. The mostmon example is the Specialty Core called Shield, which simply acts as a shield around a Cosmic Cores to protect it from attacks.


    But they can be much more integrated than that, the tool spirit continued. Ive heard about one from my master that had the Cosmic Core grow inside it. The purpose of the Specialty Core was to extract energy faster than normally possible. It resulted in extraordinary firepower, but also hurt the cultivators body.


    Zacs eyes lit up from the information. He didnt believe that sort of core had anything to do with his own, but it told him that it wasnt necessarily a problem with his position of his Specialty Core. If his real core simply grew inside his Duplicity Core, everything would work out okay. Perhaps it was even needed if he wanted to be able to switch between living and dead sides.


    With the help of Kenzie buttering the megalomanic tool spirit up, they soon had the answers they needed. Unfortunately, it didnt know of any other open titles that could be attained by abusing the discrepancy between his level and strength.


    ording to Bra, there were a few titles that could be awarded to youths who showed great potential at an early stage, even before they were able to cultivate. It could, for example, attaining Dao Seeds or upgrading their Race, even killing cultivators.


    These were the so-called Heavens Chosen who were able to st out with awe-inspiring power right out of the gates, and umting more and more advantages through their great start, just like himself. But since he was already level 1 he couldn''t get these titles since he was supposed to get them before turning 16.


    The rest of the titles were generally trials and hidden Mystic Realms with known rewards. But those kinds of things were all locked out of reach for Zac since the Nexus Hub would stay inoperational until he managed to unlock its functions with some quest.


    After a particrly hair-raising tirade where Kenzie spoke at great lengths about the greatness of Bra he was even so happy that he fished out a crystal containing a basic rundown of publicly known titles.


    Zac threw a nce over at his sister, who only smiled mysteriously. Zac started to understand why she visited the tool spirit every day. Just what kind of valuables had she managed to squeeze out Bra simply by throwing away any shame and butter him up?


    The crystal confirmed what the spirit had said. There werent a lot of public titles, and Zac had pretty much all of them. He also had a few that weren''t listed, such as Luck of the Draw. It did however show that the next attribute-linked title woulde at 5000 points total points, but only if those were gained while still in E-Grade.


    It also confirmed that there was a title higher than yer of Leviathans, which was great news to Zac. But otherwise, it was mostly mentions of various public trials or mystic realms, and a shortment about rmended strength before attempting them.


    It seemed that his dream of cheesing arge number of extra titles wasnt meant to happen. Still, there were a few of them. Not counting the Core skill, it was perhaps possible to gain another set of his ss-rted titles, doubling up on the rewards. And perhaps there were additional titles for having two sses.


    Judging by the title guide there wasnt much of a reason to stay at level one, so the next goal would be killing the E-Grade beast. However, he honestly wasnt too certain about his chances. Since his pathways were gone, so were his skills, leaving him only his Dao Seeds and his brawn.


    The only thing that remained seemed to be the effects of <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>, and Zac guessed it was because the skill worked like a title, giving a passive attribute boost.


    It truly depended on what kind of monster lurked in the crater containing the entrance to the Mystic Realm. If it was something with roughly the power of the Fiend Wolf he wasnt too worried. He was far stronger than he was back then, and he was confident hed make short work of that animal as he was right now.


    But it was another matter if he encountered something like the Star Ox. That thing was exceedingly dangerous, and if he didnt possess <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> he would have perished from its devastating beam. Perhaps he would actually need to enlist a certain Demon for this excursion, just in case.


    If you see Ogras, can you tell him I need to see him? Zac said as he exited the towers with his sister.


    Why dont you call him? Kenzie asked, looking a bit confused.


    What? Zac asked confused. Are phones operational again?


    Kenzie only rolled her eyes at him as she took out a crystal.


    Its Kenzie. My brother needs to see you, she said and put away the inscribed gem. You two really are boneheads, you two havent even exchanged means tomunicate?


    Zac could only awkwardly shrug and head back toward their home. It as a relief to leave the Towers of Myriad Dao behind, as he was afraid he would get blinded if he stayed much longer. Ten minutester the demon appeared in Zacs courtyard, immediately sitting down with a grunt.


    Your girl has been put in custody, I have Janos taking care of the situation until we can get a Destion Array in ce. Janos said that shes been subject to some mental maniption skills, something far more skilled than what the bumbling hypnotist did at Refugees Harbor. Not even he can unravel it in a short while, Ogras said.


    Pain and shame filled Zacs heart, as he had no idea such things had happened right beneath his nose. But he forcefully pushed those thoughts away, focusing on what he could do at the moment.


    What about the Shapeshifter? Zac asked.


    Gone in the wind. The ind is just too big, he could be hiding anywhere. The barghest in the woods wont be a hindrance to him. I guess he never stayed inside the town for long periods in order to not be exposed. I asked around, David was rarely seen after arriving in Port Atwood, Ogras said as he took out a bottle of wine and took a swig.


    Zac could only nod with some annoyance. He knew just how easy it was to slip by unseen on this huge ind, as that was exactly how hed survived for over a month with a demon army around. And this cultist was likely far better at sneaking around than he ever was.


    But we did find the real David in a hidden basement beneath his home. Hes still alive, if barely. The physicians are working on him, and they dont expect him to wake up for a few weeks. So, unfortunately, we wont be able to get any real clues from him, the demon continued.


    Zac perked up at that. David was a good guy, and he hoped that he would pull through this cmity that had befallen upon him.


    Good. Well take a tour of the townter to see if I can spot any other Shapeshifter. I need you to kill them, as I cannot gain any energy at the moment. But more importantly, I need you to apany me somewhere, Zac said.


    Spot them? How? Just whats going on with you? Ogras said skeptically.


    Zac hesitated for a while, but he finally relented. Ogras knew about so many secrets of his already that it didnt feel like another one would matter.


    Why dont you just inspect me, and youll understand, Zac said.


    Since his pathways were gone his skill <strong>[Mental Barrier]</strong> was no longer there either, which in of itself was a problem that needed to be addressed.


    Are you ying with me? I cant see shit, Ogras said, a bit annoyed after a few seconds.


    Zac was confused until he felt some warmth on his arm. It was the bangle from Greatest. It looked like hiding his core wasnt the only function of the item. Instead, he shared the first rows of his status screens. Of course, it was only up to his alignment.


    What the hell? Ogras said, shocked. Level one? Draugr? Miasma acting up my ass.


    Zac only snorted and shared thedder next.


    So its like this, Zac started, and exined about his core and what he believed it meant.


    Ogras only looked at him for a few seconds afterward, until he shook his head with disgust and took arge swig of his wine.


    I should just strap myself to your back, and sooner orter a Divine Treasure will randomlynd on my head. Your luck is just disgusting, makes me want to ram my head into a wall, Ogras spat out.


    Zacs lips slightly moved upward. It was always fun to get a rise out of the demon.


    Well, you can try getting stabbed by the Corpse Lords scythe if you want to try replicating it, Zac said.


    So, why are you telling me all this? Ogras said, not wanting to entertain Zac.


    I want to hunt an E-Grade beast while still level one, Zac said.


    Ogras eyes widened a bit.


    Youre going to perform the Legendary Hunt? Shit, thats a pretty good idea.


    Legendary hunt? Zac asked confused.


    Thats what its called among demons. I heard that some families try for that tile on the higher grades. No one on my was ever close to trying it though. It would be amazing if someone even managed to get a Dao Seed before embarking on the road of cultivation in n AzhRezak for example, much less fighting an E-ranked beast, Ogras exined.


    Well, what are you waiting for, let''s go, the demon added, actually looking a bit excited.


    Are there any other advantages you can think of I should do before moving past level 1? Zac asked, just to make sure.


    Theres none I can think of. If you didnt get any titles for having seeds or evolved race at this stage the other low-level Titles are likely not possible. The only other possible exploit I can think of is if you entering the Tower of Eternity after your main ss already has evolved. Youd be able to run straight through it like a bull, Ogras said.


    Zacs eyes lit up at that. As Ogras said, that might be the biggest exploit possible. Reaching the top floor of the Tower of Eternity should give insane rewards.


    Well, lets go then, I want to reach as high a level as possible with this ss before entering the Treasure Hunt, Zac said, heading to his private teleporter array.


    Soon the two found themselves walking through the dense forest on Mystic Ind, as Zac had decided to call the ind with the entrance to the Mystic Realm. Zac had quickly found another use for his new sight upon entering the forest.


    He could essentially spot any living creatures from a great distance away since they lit up the forest like a beacon due to their life force. It allowed them to avoid almost every battle as they walked toward the core.


    Now and then Ogras was forced to quickly and quietly kill a beast though, as even with them avoiding beasts as much as they could they were still spotted asionally. But soon they found themselves at the edge of the crater, looking down at the forest beneath.


    Well, Mr. Hunter, Ogras said, looking over at Zac with a grin. Let''s see if you have what it takes.


    The next moment the two were swallowed by the shadows.

 Chapter 208: Apex Hunter

    Chapter 208: Apex Hunter


    The next moment the two found themselves at the bottom of the crater, both warily looking around. Ogras had already covered them in a sphere of shadows, hiding their presence and muting their sounds.


    The cosmic energy here has an even higher density than the mountains of Port Atwood, Ogras said with some surprise, his eyes shining with greed. The Mystic Realm must be really thriving. Perhaps its a leftover herb garden of some powerhouse. We need to quickly need to stabilize it before all energy leaks out, ruining the treasures inside.


    Or its the home of a horde of D-Grade monsters, Zac said with a snort as he took out his axe. Do you think the beast is close to the entrance, or at the edge?


    Being too close to the field is extremely dangerous, with shifting cracks between the dimension appearing at random. If a crack opens where you stand youll suddenly be split into two without a chance to react. The beast you heard should be somewhere near the edge of the barren field though since the energy would be densest there, Ogras answered after some deliberation.


    Ok, lets go, Zac nodded.


    The two warily made their way through the forest of the crater, but they were happy to note that it seemedpletely deserted. There were some critters scuttling about, but they couldnt find a single beast. Hopefully, it meant that the crater was the exclusive territory of the Lord of the ind.


    It actually was easier than they expected to find their target. A huge tiger waszily sunbathing at a hill not too far away from the core of the crater, its snores making the ground shake. It was roughly five meters long, but apart from its size and slightly dark hue it didnt look much different from a normal tiger.


    Clearly it had grownx after having the whole crater to itself, with no real rivals on the ind. Zac hoped that meant that the beast simply was lucky to have had a good early start on the ind, allowing it to capitalize on the best area to keep growing.


    Please take care of it if something wants to join the fight. But dont help me out unless I ask, Zac said as he took a steadying breath.


    Memories of his first real battle with arge beast resurfaced. It was his desperate struggle with Vul, the barghest alpha. The situation right now was a bit simr to that time, since he still didnt possess a ss when fighting the first Herald.


    However, this time he didnt feel ready to soil his pants from fear. Instead, Zac calmly looked the slumbering beast over for any clues to hidden aces. Since it was E-Grade it would have to have at least one Dao Seed, and Zac hoped it was an offensive one.


    The natural defenses of E-Grade beasts were high enough, and Zac wasnt sure hed be able to kill the animal if it had something like the Dao of Toughness. He only had his body and this Daos at the moment, and no skills to amplify his powers.


    Good luck, Ogras only said as he receded into the shadows.


    Zac hid for another few moments and observed the snoring beast until he started to push the miasma in his body down toward his legs. He knew that the amount of energy avable to him at level 1 was extremely limited, but he didnt want to ration it. His goal was to get in and quickly kill the animal before it could retaliate.


    He slowly inhaled and adjusted the grip of his axe, before exploding into action.


    He didnt have <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to push his speed to the limit, but he did have almost 350 strength to propel himself forward, each step creating an explosion of stone flying all over and leaving a crater in his wake.


    He didnt expect to be able to sneak up on the beast, as it waspletely out in the open, and the aura he passively emitted was much too conspicuous. Instead, he chose to ignore any attempts at stealth, instead pushing forward with maximum speed.


    The tiger woke up with a start as he approached, but before it could orient itself Zac was in melee range with his axe falling. A strike containing everything Zac could muster, and enhanced with the Dao of Sharpness, struck the throat of the tiger like a falling meteor. Over half of his avable Miasma was contained in that strike.


    The power was so great that the beast was mmed into the ground, and arge jagged rip could be seen. But to Zacs disappointment the damage didnt look deadly. He didnt stop for a second, and followed the swing by forcefully kicking the throat of the beast with all his umted speed and his Dao of Heaviness.


    It sounded like something was damaged in the throat of the tiger as it gave out a weird gurgling in pain. But while the beast had been toox about its security since it was all alone in the crater, it wasnt any pushover.


    Weird cracks in space burst out from the animal,pletely shattering the hill and the closest trees. Zac was affected as well, bloody wounds opening over all his exposed skin even before he could use his defensive gear. He was lucky that he had such a high Endurance, othwise he feared he would have been diced into small cubes by the attack.


    He wasnt sure what the attack did, but its effect was simr to The Dao of Sharpness. However, he couldnt discern the attacks themselves, but only the results.


    Even though Zac wasnt seriously hurt he was briefly stopped by the weird wave, and the tiger capitalized on it to attack him with a fierce swipe. This time Zac used his defensive charge to block it, but it cracked in no time.


    The strike almost made Zac ck out as he flew across the air. He had wrongly thought Dexterity was its main attribute since it was a feline beast, but clearly it was Strength. To Zac''s horror, he noticed he was actually flying toward therge field housing the Mystic Realm entrance.


    Vicious cracks in space randomly spread all over the field, anyone able to cut him into pieces without any effort. He knew no defensive measure would be able to put up the slightest resistance against a dimensional tear, and he immediately started sprinting back toward the tiger the moment hended.


    Zac thanked the stars for his high Luck attribute as he bobbed and weaved going by his gut instinct, praying that a tear wouldnt crop up right inside his body. Luckily the cracks werent too densely spread at the edge of the field, leaving decent wiggle room to get out. He kept running and jumping around until he finally reached the edge of the clearing.


    However, Zacs brows furrowed when he noticed the tiger standing in wait, just at the edge of the clearing. Their eyes locked for a second and Zac roared as he jumped straight at it. The tiger roared straight back, and it was clear that it wanted to swat him back into the lethal field.


    The beast understood just how dangerous it was close to the entrance, and it tried to have the dimensional tears do its work for it. But Zac didnt flinch at the iing paw but instead unleashed his Dao Field for his Seed of Heaviness to the fullest just before he arrived at the monster.


    The odd mental heaviness from his Dao froze the tiger for a split second, and that was all that Zac needed as he passed by the iing paw and embedded his axe into the left eye. Immediately after he plunged a tomahawk into the other eye of the beast with his left arm,pletely blinding it.


    The tiger wailed in pain and started to trash all over, and Zac swiftly jumped out of the way. Its throat was still bleeding, but Zac knew it wouldnt be enough. With a sigh he waited a bit for an opening, once again jumping in to attack the same spot on its throat as before.


    Since hed managed to blind the beast the fight was essentially over, though it took a couple of sneak attacks until the tiger finally bled out. It also managed to get in another decent swipe at Zac when he attacked, though this time he wasnt punched into the field of dimensional tears.


    Zac sat down next to the corpse of the tiger, heavily panting, letting the System drown him with a deluge of refreshing power from gaining multiple levels. Felling an E-grade beast at level 1 was no joke, even if many factors were in his favor. This tiger was on the bottom rung as far as evolved beasts went, but a kill was a kill.


    He was pretty spent, so he took out a crystal as he opened his status screen, but he quickly threw the crystal away after it felt like hand caught on fire. Confused he looked down at it, only to realize his mistake. He had suspected this might be the result, which was why he also hadn''t dared activate his Dao of Trees so far.


    He had been upied with checking out the results from his battle, and had forgotten to pick out the correct type. He quickly swapped out his nexus crystal with an F-Grade Miasma Crystal and once again opened his menu.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>22</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Draugr (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood - Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Core, Apex Hunter</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core</strong>


    <strong>Duplicity (F)</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>344</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>162</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>220</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>188</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>42</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>21 533 653 </strong>


    The experience gain was extraordinary, pushing him straight to level 22, just 3 levels shy of level 25. He also sensed that he wasnt too far off from gaining another level as well. It was just crazy to think that one kill was equal to all the pain and struggle he underwent the first month up until killing Vul.


    But that was simply how things worked, the difference in Cosmic Energy gained between different level beasts was far higherpared to the difference in Nexus Coins gained. It was the same with the amount of energy needed to gain another level, as it increased exponentially.


    However, Zac was a bit confused as he looked at his status screen. His attributes were exactly the same as before, his new title not giving him a single point. He quickly focused on his new title to see what was going on.


    <strong>[Apex Hunter: Solo kill enemy one whole tier above you. Reward: Effect of Attributes +10%]</strong>


    Zacs brows rose in surprise since this was something he hadnt encountered before.


    Nice fight, you looked very heroic jumping back and forth to avoid the cracks like a monkey, Ogras said as he emerged from the shadows.


    Whatever. It worked, didnt it? Zac snorted. More importantly, take a look at this. What does this mean?


    He disyed his new title to Ogras, who whistled in surprise.


    So it was a high tier Title, should have figured, Ogras muttered.


    High tiered Title? Zac asked confused.


    Of course he knew that some titles were better than others, but he never had heard of any ssification like this.


    Yeah. Low tier titles give static rewards. They are good in the beginning to help umte other advantages, but by the end of E-Grade ss they are mostly worthless apart from those that give luck. The mid-tier gives the percentage boosts. These are what most people desperately try to gain, as they will always be useful.


    Next are the high tiered ones, who also gives percentage boosts. But these titles work differently. Each one will independently boost your whole attribute after the other titles have been added. And they each do this independently of each other. The effect can get enormous.


    Zac understood what he meant. This was a top tier title that worked just like his Hatchetmans Rage-skill. Instead of boosting his base attribute, it instead increased the effect of the attribute. This boost was far better, especially for him who already had a bunch of percent based boosts.


    Not bad, was all Zac said as he ced his axe in the wound of the tiger that still bled profusely.


    It wasnt a top tier beast, but he wouldnt turn his nose at the blood of an E-Grade animal, and clearly neither did his axe. It greedily sucked in a good deal of blood, and it actually started humming and vibrating. But soon it calmed down again and the sounds stopped.


    Its almost there, Ograsmented from the side.


    Zac nodded with anticipation as he tucked away his axe. He would have to ask the explorers to keep their eyes open for more E-Grade beasts lurking on the inds they visited. Most of them in his territory were still unexplored after all.


    So what now? Ogras asked curiously.


    I need to gain a couple of quick levels before the treasure hunt. You can go back if you want, Zac said.


    His goal was to attain a ss first, then figure out how to turn himself back into a human.


    Sure, but Ill take a leg of this guy, I deserve a nice meal aspensation for acting bodyguard, he said as a couple of shadows severed one of the tigers hind legs after some effort.


    Zac only smiled as he stored the rest of the tiger. For the following two days there was a new apex predator on the ind, sneaking from territory to territory like a deadly specter. When Zac finally left, it was as though a terrible pressure had left the ind, and the beasts could once again go about their lives.

 Chapter 209: Classes

    Chapter 209: sses


    Zac eagerly walked rushed toward his Nexus Node, unable to contain his excitement. He was truly curious about what kinds of sses he could expect from his new race. It was, in a way, both a test run for his level 75 evolution, and a testament to his struggles so far.


    If he had avable Epic sses now it would mean he was on course for epic E-Grade sses down the road. Of course, he knew that the criterion for getting an E-Grade Epic ss was much higher than an F-Grade one, but it was a start.


    He soon found himself in the building containing his private Nexus Node, and opened up his menu onest time to see everything was in order.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>25</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>-</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>Draugr (E)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>Port Atwood - Lord (Earth)</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Core, Apex Hunter</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core </strong>


    <strong>Duplicity (F)</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>352</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>200</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>245</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>188</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>22 508 653 </strong>


    The boost of 48 free points was a huge gain for three days of grinding. Hed already spent them all, putting 5 points in strength, 27 into Dexterity, and 16 into endurance.The strength was to pass 350, which might help unlock some special ss, and the others were simply to keep his build bnced.It was just as well since he was running a bit behind on his Dexterity, something he was able to clearly feel in his battle with Average.


    But before he could touch the crystal he sensed a familiar presence, and he turned around.


    Just watching the excitement, Ogras said with a small smile.


    If you got the opportunity to get a second ss, what would you want it to be? Zac asked, curious if the demon hade to the same conclusion as he himself had during the past days.


    Hmm I would likely want a hybrid mage ss also focusing on Shadows, Ogras said after some hesitation.


    Oh? Zac said, a bit surprised.


    It actually was somewhat different from what Zac had expected.


    My shadow attacks benefit from Intelligence and Wisdom, even though I am mainly a warrior ss. Two sses focusing on the same concept would also allow me to walk further the path of shadows, instead of splitting my attention, Ogras exined.


    Zac felt it was a distinct possibility the demon had thought it over since hearing of Zacs opportunity. It was a well thought out answer that would have a high chance of having long term benefits, and somewhat of a low-risk choice.


    But all theorizing was useless if he couldnt get the type of ss he hoped for. It was time to see what the system thought of him. Without waiting any further he simply touched the Crystal, and it immediately started the ss choice. Zac let out a sigh of relief before checking the new window that appeared, since he hadn''t been sure it would work until now.


    <strong>[Top 5 ss choices]</strong>


    <strong>[Reaver F Grade, Rare. <em>A roving army of one, filled with unrelenting violence.</em> Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Greenfingers F Grade, Rare. <em>Keeper of the grove. Defender of nature.</em> Upgradeable]</strong>


    <strong>[Undertaker F Grade, Rare. <em>With only the trees and the dead forpany.</em> Upgradeable]</strong>


    <strong>[Undying Bulwark F Grade, Epic. <em>Unbreakable. Unflinching. Unrelenting.</em><em>The Undying marches forward. </em>Upgradeable.]</strong>


    <strong>[Big Game Hunter F Grade, Epic. <em>Dragons, Primordials, or the Abyssal Behemoths They all look good above the mantel.</em> Upgradeable. ]</strong>


    <strong>[Random F-Grade ss. 0% Common. 25.0% Umon. 44.2 % Rare. 30.8% Epic. Roll the dice.]</strong>


    Zac couldnt help but let a grin spread on his face as he saw the choices, making Ogras snort in annoyance from the side. The demon couldnt see the avable options, but he could likely make an educated guess. There wasn''t even the option to follow Alyn''s advice and pick a lower rarity ss.


    His options were clearly far superior to his first round, and he even had two choices for Epic sses. It was what hed hoped for, and a sort of validation for his ceaseless struggles of the past months.


    Still, Zac seriously looked through each and every ss, since even the worst one was of Rare rarity, and none would be a garbage ss. It was quite annoying that the System provided no proper clues for the sses, and he had to perform some guesswork.


    Reaver sounded like a stronger warrior ss, much like his Hatchetman ss. It was likely awarded due to his consistent fighting style. While it clearly was suited to Zacs attributes, it felt like it brought nothing new to the table, and he unhesitantly looked at the next one.


    He was unsure of what the main attribute Greenfingers would be. But getting the option was likely based on his high Dao of Trees, which might mean it was a Vitality ss. It should use nature to fight, and perhaps be useful in growing spiritual herbs. While it was an interesting option he had no clue how that kind of ss would work with an Undead Race, so he passed on it as well.


    Undertaker was the next choice. Zac felt it touched upon multiple parts of his skill set, and had some connection to death. The problem was that while it felt fitting, he had a hard time imagining what it would provide to him. The System really was too stingy with its exnation of its sses.


    That left the final two choices, the Epic sses. Big Game Hunter shoulde from him gaining the Apex Hunter title. Hunter sses were generally Dexterity-based, and would likely make a great addition to his Hatchetman ss.


    Currently Dexterity was the attribute he put most of his free points in, just so that he would be able to keep up with his ever-growing Strength. Getting a Dex-focused ss was one of the main ideas he had, and getting an Epic one would be a huge help.


    It would also likely broaden his arsenal for attacks, perhaps adding ranged capabilities through a bow. All in all, it would make him more well rounded, and the attributes wouldplement his Hatchetman ss well.


    It even had a somewhat matching theme with Hatchetman, as a hunter could be considered nature-rted. That would be convenient in the future, as improving one Dao might benefit both sses.


    The final choice was the Undying Bulwark ss. From the description it seemed to be an undead-specific ss that should focus on Endurance or Vitality. This was actually the second route he had formted over the past days while hunting.


    At first he had thought of gaining a mage ss to bnce out his low attributes in that area. That would also help with ranged attacks, just like a hunter ss. But he reluctantly put that idea to the side.


    He didnt believe that there would be any synergy between his two builds if he did that, leaving him with two strong archetypes. But he would rather focus on one archetype and push it to its very limits. He therefore wanted to go with another warrior ss that wouldplement Hatchetman.


    Another strength-based ss didnt seem like a good idea, as it would add nothing and make his attributes too lopsided. That left either an Assassin ss or a Tank ss, to borrow from gaming terms.


    Either of them would boost another of his important attributes, and leave him with free points to shore up his shorings, making him a monstrous melee fighter. If he picked Big Game Hunter he likely wouldnt need to put any more points in Dexterity. That would leave him the freedom to either focus on bing even more lethal or shoring up his defenses with his free points.


    It was a very flexible path where he could adjust his build as he went. Conversely, the undying ss would likely help with his survivability, but it would also mean that he would have to keep putting most of his free points into Dexterity to not be too slow.


    Both seemed like good options, and he felt like there was no clear winner. As for the lottery option, he didnt even consider it. There was no chance to get an Arcane ss, which was the tier above Epic. And while the chance for an epic ss was great, there was no point since he had two great options to choose from.


    But after a few minutes his eyes turned to Undying Bulwark and he picked that one with determination in his eyes.


    It came down to suitability in the end. Zac had his hands full just with improving his current fighting style. Learning to fight with a bow or sneak around wasnt really his style and would take focus from his axe techniques. The meathead juggernaut battle tactics were already ingrained into his brain, and the Undying Bulwark ss felt more appropriate for that.


    Besides, he was making a gamble for the long run. Right now his two sides werepletely separated, but who knew what would happen in the future. If he somehow managed tobine the two sses, or at least use their skills simultaneously, Undying Bulwark should be a better choice.


    A defensive ss wouldplement Hatchetman far better than another Offensive ss like a hunter as he saw it. It would also allow Zac to focus even further on evolving one side into pure offense, and the other into pure defense.


    He might have made a different choice if this was his only ss, as Undying Bulwark might not be the greatest offensively, which would affect his leveling ability. But with the help of his massive attribute pool he felt he would still be stronger offensively than most people. Furthermore, if needed he could get a great offensive skill from Bra.


    The familiar burst of cosmic energy inundated him, and his mind was filled with the schematic for the pathways that belonged to Undying Bulwark. He was about to check his gains, but Ogras interrupted him from behind.


    So, what did you get? Ogras asked from behind.


    None of your business, Zac said with a snort. I still dont know what ss you have.


    Ogras only tsked, muttering something about being stingy.


    I need to fix my pathways, then well try to hunt down the Shapeshifters, Zac said.


    Fine, Ogras said with a nod and disappeared.


    Zac remembered just how painful it was to draw his pathways, so he needed to seclude himself to make sure nothing went wrong. He immediately headed toward his courtyard so he could activate the arrays there.


    As he walked he finally opened his menu to see the results.


    <strong>[ss: Undying Bulwark, Grade-F, Epic]</strong>


    <strong>Endurance +10, +10%.</strong>


    <strong>Vitality +5, +5%.</strong>


    <strong>Level: +6 Endurance, +2 Vitality, -1 free point per level.</strong>


    <strong>Skills:</strong>


    <strong>Bulwark Mastery (LOCKED)</strong>


    <strong>Deathwish (LOCKED)</strong>


    <strong>Fields of Despair (LOCKED)</strong>


    Zacs brows rose in surprise. It actually stole one of his free points, rather than give out another one. But it still gave a total of 7 points per level,pared to the 5 from Hatchetman.


    At least one thing was clear. He probably wouldnt need to put any more points into Endurance in a long time, perhaps ever. Six points per level was an insane boost, twice what he got in Strength from Hatchetman. Add to that the point he got from his other ss, and soon his enemies would tire themselves out before they could even hurt him.


    It also gave three skills that were avable right from the start, and hed need toplete some quests to unlock them. He honestly had no idea what the twost ones would do. The first one was a mastery skill, just like his current Axe Mastery.


    However, he wasnt exactly sure what Bulwark meant in this connotation. But there was a real possibility that it might be a quest that would give him a new Dao Seed. Since he got an epic ss he was guaranteed to get at least one new seed from a skill vision.


    But before he could set out toplete his skill quests there was something else he needed to do. As soon as he arrived at his courtyard Zac closed it down with multipleyers of arrays before he sat down.


    Next he started to arduously imprint the intricate pathway system that would cover his whole body. Luckily he hadnt already imprinted a simplistic version of a pathway system that would be needed to be rewritten, so this time it wasnt nearly as painful.


    But even then the pathways took the better part of a day to imprint, as they were even more intricatepared to his other ss. Early next morning he stood up, and happily studied the results of his efforts.


    The fractals that passed through his whole body were reminiscent of that of Hatchetman, but they were also a bit different. The best way Zac could describe it was that they were like two abstract paintings, each conveying a different meaning to the subconscious.


    As he inspected the results of his efforts his eyes couldnt help but turn toward the Core. While he had engraved the fractals all night he didnt want to split his focus so he didnt check up on it. But throughout the night the core hadnt given off a single response, stayingpletely inert.


    But unbeknownst to him his Core had changed as well during the night, and the ck side now also contained grooves for the pathways to his new ss. Now his core was trulyplete.

 Chapter 210: Masochism

    Chapter 210: Masochism


    Finally done with the imprinting process Zac checked out the status screen.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>25</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>[F-Epic] Undying Bulwark</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Hegemon, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core</strong>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>352 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>200 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>284 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>202 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>90 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>85 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>93 [Efficiency 116%]</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong>[F] 22 508 653</strong>


    It was clear that his survivability had increased quite a bit due to the increase in Endurance and Vitality. But what he found a bit surprising was that his attribute effectiveness had increased by 6%. A quick look at his list of titles showed that there could only be two reasons.


    He was a bit disappointed that there didnt seem to be a title for gaining dual sses, but he soon understood a likely reason to this. His core-title had changed name and was now called Duplicity Core instead. He quickly opened it up to see if anything else had changed about it.


    <strong>[Duplicity Core: Sessfully form a Duplicity Core Core. Reward: Strength +5%, Endurance +5%.]</strong>


    It looked like he had been wrong in his assumptions earlier. The reason question marks were remaining earlier was that he still hadnt received a second ss to imprint on the core. Each reward corresponded to the main attribute of one of his sses, and there was nothing to reward until he had both of them.


    <strong>[Heaven''s Chosen: Attain highest possible tier of ss. Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    The second title was the reason for his increased attribute effectiveness. Zac knew that Epic wasnt the highest grade there is, as there are multiple higher grades above it. The title rather meant that Epic truly was the highest possible tier for an F-ranked ss.


    <strong>Bulwark Mastery (ss): Mastery is born through battle. Block 5000 strikes. Reward: Bulwark Mastery Skill (0/5000).</strong>


    <strong>Deathwish (ss): The body is but another shield. Receive 5000 strikes. Reward: Deathwish Skill (0/5000).</strong>


    <strong>Fields of Despair (ss): Draw the ire of at least 1000 enemies at once. Reward: Fields of Despair (0/1).</strong>


    The next thing Zac checked out was the skill quests to see how hard they would be to aplish. He could only nkly stare at the first two ones. He should have figured that the skills for a tank ss would mean getting hit. At first nce he thought the first two could be solved simultaneously, but he soon realized that might not be the case.


    While the quest mission for <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> might look like it could be aplished while doing the first one, he believed that he would actually have to go get hit with his body. In any case, it looked like he would need to recruit some people to beat him up.


    He felt thest one would be the easiest. Had he gotten this ss before hatchetman he would have had a huge problempleting it, but by now it was only a matter of jumping over to the Undead Incursion. That brought up the question of whether the undead would even attack him while in this form though. But if he started to kill a bunch of Zombies they should retaliate.


    In any case, Zac felt that he would be able toplete all of the quests in less than a day, as long as he got enough people to hit him simultaneously. He wanted to try it out immediately and headed over to his sisters courtyard.


    It was still around 4 am, so Zac assumed she still would be at home asleep. But to his surprise he found her meditating while facing the sunrise. Zac remembered how annoying it was to get interrupted in the middle of attaining insights into the Dao, so he silently sat down behind her and waited.


    He soon closed his eyes as well, starting to meditate on the Dao. He had gained an idea while hunting at Mystic Ind. He had been wondering just what that weird attack from the tiger had been until he realized it was a coarse mimicry of the dimensional tears.


    The beast had likely been lying on its hill and observed the dimensional scars in the field for months until it finally gained some insight into it. That in of itself was an extremely impressive task, as the Dao of Space was one of the highest concepts ording to Ogras.


    Zac had felt that if a dumb beast could do it, then so could he. Thats why it took a whole day before he left the ind. Most of it had been sitting and observing the everchanging cracks.


    They were a truly fickle and random force of nature, popping up without rhyme or reason. Wherever they showed up space was simply separated, and anything that was there before was cut into two. Zac didnt hold any hope in actuallyprehending the concept of a void edge for his Dao of Sharpness, but something simpler.


    It was the randomness and instantaneous speed with which the cracks appeared. He felt that speed was an important aspect of sharpness. If he moved extremely slowly he wouldnt be able to cut a de of grass with his axe, but if he swung his arm as quickly as possible he could cut a small hill in two without harming his edge.


    Sharpness through speed. His de would be like the dimensional tears, where his enemies would be cut in two before they knew they were attacked. This was the concept he kept pondering on as he waited for his sister to finish her morning meditation.


    Shit! Zac suddenly heard after an hour or so, making him open his eyes.


    Kenzie stared at him aghast with her hand over her heart.


    You scared the crap out of me, why did you sneak up here like that? she said with a re.


    Sorry, I didnt want to disturb your meditation, Zac answered a bit awkwardly. Ill make it up to you, go ahead and hit me.


    Im not going to hit you, Kenzie said with a roll of her eyes. Going by what a blockhead you are Id just hurt my hands.


    Zac only smiled a bit, and then showed her the quest window for <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    This is a one time offer, Zac said.


    What a weird quest. Just what kind of ss did you get? Kenzie asked with her brows rising.


    Well, its an endurance-based quest to help with my survivability. Most of the quests seem to be centered around getting hit, Zac exined with a sigh.


    A tinge of something shed in Kenzie''s eyes before she reined it in.


    Well, I am a mage so I cant punch you. My hands would break long before I hit you 5000 times. Would spells work? she asked, starting to look a bit excited.


    Well, Im not sur- Zac said, but didnt get further before a fireball mmed into his chest.


    Zac grunted and took a step backward by reflex, but he wasnt actually hurt. It was clear there was no real power in the strike.


    Well? Kenzie asked with a wide smile.


    Zac threw his sister a re before opening up his quest screen again. But to his disappointment the quest was still at 0/5000.


    Didnt Work, Zac said with a frown, taking out the club he used for non-lethal confrontations. Try with this instead.


    His sister didnt say anything, but her mouth curved even further upward as she epted the club. She swung the bat at his chest like she was trying to hit a home run, but even that had no effect on the quest, as the progress was still at 0.


    Perhaps your robe is stopping it? Kenzie hesitantly said.


    Zac nodded and took off the top half of his clothes, leaving his chest bare. He felt Kenzie made sense. It wouldn''t be much of a deathwish if his E-grade defensive gear soaked up all the damage. His sister swung the club once again, and this time Zac couldnt help but grimace from the pain.


    But luckily it worked, and it counted as progress. The two of them kept trying various things out for over an hour and found out that there were only two requirements to gain progress on his quest.


    First, he needed to be hit right on his skin. Even if he only wore a t-shirt it didnt count as progress. Zac really hoped that didnt mean that he would have to walk around bare-chested to use the skill in the future. It was already a pain to walk around barefoot due to his movement skill. If this kept up he would soon be forced to walk around naked to have ess to all his skills.


    Secondly there needed to be a minimum amount of force in the strike for it to count. Just a small lovetap wasnt enough. With Kenzies low physical attributes she needed to give it everything she had in a swing to make it count, and even then it was a crapshoot whether it was enough or not.


    Spells did work though, and Zacs chest was red and bruised from being sted with ice balls asrge as a fist. As for Kenzie, she sat on the ground looking a bit pale, absorbing a Cosmic Energy from a Nexus Crystal.


    Whats going on? a sleepy voice could be heard from outside, making Zac turn over to see a bleary-eyed Emily enter.


    Zac quickly took out a pair of sunsses from his Pouch and put them on. His pitch-ck eyes were the most obvious indicator something was up with him, and he didnt want to show the teenager his change just yet.


    It wasnt that he didnt trust Emily, but she was an obvious point of weakness to him since she still couldnt cultivate and protect herself. Luckily she only went between the Academy with many warriors and his area that was long since protected with arrays.


    Since the outer town didnt really need any protection at the moment the Town Defense Array had stayed where it was. It covered the inner area so that no one would just jump over the walls and head to hispound or spy on the Creators.


    It was a constant drain on resources, but not arge one as long as no one attacked it, but he felt it was extremely worth it. The whole reason he even created the town was to protect his close ones. Who knew, if it hadnt been running it might have been his sister who was reced by a shapeshifter rather than David.


    Were training, Zac said, trying to modte his voice to sound less ghastly. I have a quest to get hit a bunch of times.


    Wow! Can I help? the teenager said, immediately perking up.


    No, Kenzie is barely able to hit hard enough for it to count, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Damnit, why wasnt I born in spring? she muttered in annoyance.


    Zac could only roll his eyes at the teenager.


    Perhaps I can be of assistance? a voice said as the shadows congealed showing a smiling Ogras.


    Zac started to feel that all the people close to him had some sadistic streaks, each of them sporting an eerily simr smile.


    Just get on with it, Zac said with a shake of his head. And you all dont need to look so pleased about it.


    Three hourster Zac walked along the streets of Port Atwood apanied by the demon, one looking sullen and the other having a refreshing smile on his face. Every part of Zacs chest felt sore, but at least the quest was finished.


    He wondered just how one was supposed toplete that quest without attributes like his. If hed been hit 5 000 times with the same power as thest hours when he was actually level 25 he would have died ten times over.


    Even with his current attributes they were forced to take a couple of breaks where Zac swallowed a healing pill. But at least it was done with. And he had to admit the skill he received was pretty interesting.


    <strong>[Deathwish - Proficiency: Early. Join your foes in a dance of death. Upgradeable]</strong>


    Just like the quest the point of the skill was simply to get hit. Even then he would probably categorize <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>as an offensive skill. The point of it wasnt to decrease the damage he took, but rather retaliate in kind.


    The skill was passive, costing some Miasma every second, and for every strike Zac received while it was active his assailer was hit right back. It looked pretty spooky with a shadowy copy of the attacker that was instantaneously created when Zac was struck, which struck right back.


    Ogras had taken it as a challenge to dodge, but no matter what he did he couldnt escape getting struck when hended a hit on Zac. The only option to avoid getting retaliated was to stop the attack or simultaneously defend as he attacked. That''s why the demon looked like he carried a grudge as they walked through the streets.


    The bad news was that only a part, around 10 to 20 percent, of the original strike was retaliated. But the good news was that calction was based on the original power of the attack, not the damage Zacs received after his sturdy constitution had lessened the damage he took.


    That essentially meant that if his Endurance got high enough he could just stand in a field of enemies, and let them kill themselves by hitting him. The skill also took very little energy to keep going and was something he would be able to run for the entire duration of the fight on top of using his normal skills.


    All in all, it felt like a fitting start for someone slowly turning into a walking fortress.

 Chapter 211: Experimentation

    Chapter 211: Experimentation


    Zac also figured out how to advance his quest for <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong>. There were various ways to block a strike, but the only one that seemed to work was using a shield.


    Unfortunately only had an old rusty shield he pilfered when he hunted the Imp Herald in the tunnels. It onlysted for 5 blows at the required power before it broke. That forced them to stop grinding his quest for the moment and instead focus on the other tasks at hand. There were infiltrators to hunt.


    By now it was close to 8 am, which was a good time to hunt for shapeshifters. Most people were starting their day, heading out toward either their work or the academy. The sight was almost blinding to Zac, as everyone on the street was lit up like a beacon of life-force.


    But Zac inspected each and every one beneath his hood, not wanting to let anyone slip by. So far they hadnt found a single shapeshifter, which was both troubling and a relief. The problem was that they had no idea just how many were still on the ind.


    ording to Ogras there had been a mass exodus for the cultists when Ogras decapitated their leader. A good portion of them immediately ran for the Nexus crystal and teleported away. A few others, likely the more pious ones, had wanted to avenge their fallen leader, even to the point of self-destruction.


    Ogras hadnt stayed at that time, instead heading over to the undead incursion to pick up Zac. When the demonter returned to farm the stronger invaders for contribution points the crystals had disappeared, and only some stragglers were left.


    They simply had no idea what happened between the moment the two of them fled, until when Ogras returned. For all they knew there might be a whole contingent of lizardmen hiding in the woods somewhere, though that seemed unlikely.


    The remaining cultists had been swarmed by undead almost as soon as the Corpse Lord fled, and they were barely holding on when Ogras arrived. As for the ck golemoids, if there were any stragglers they were killed by the uncountable zombies as well. But it seemed that their leader had already ordered his troops to fall back before heading over for onest try at Zac''s head.


    But since one shapeshifter was still skulking around on his ind, there could be more. Zac and ogras therefore patrolled the whole town twice, including themercial district and the academy. At least it appeared that no shapeshifters hadnt reced anyone else in the town proper, or any key personnel.


    Zac also took the time to visit the unconscious David, and he couldnt help but feel enraged when he saw him. Even after a few days of intensive care he still looked like he was on the brink of starvation, with his whole body covered in scars. The shapeshifter had thoroughly tortured the poor man, likely to gain the intelligence needed to keep up its charade.


    After two hours of patrolling Ogras was clearly bored, and Zac could only give up for now. Since he had to prepare for the treasure hunt he tasked Ogras with devising some method to cleanse the ind from any interlopers.


    That left Zac to figure out what to do next. There werent too many days left until the treasure hunt, and he had a hard time deciding what he should do. He wanted to start experimenting to be a human again so that he could gain ess to his offensive skills.


    But at the same time he was unsure of how often he could change his form. If he changed now he might not be able to freely change back, which meant he wouldnt be able to farm any more levels before the treasure hunt.


    Since Undying Bulwark was an Epic ss every level woulde with a huge amount of attributes from now on, each one giving a great boost to his survivability. If he went all out for the following three days, leaving thest day to swap back to human, Zac expected that he would be able to gain between five and ten levels.


    Hed already decided to skip getting the other two skills for now. He had no shield that couldst him through the quest at the moment, and he honestly didnt dare step through the teleporter to Mount Evesting Peace as he was right now.


    He was afraid those tens of thousands of scripts on the mountain would ze to life and smite him out of existence if he appeared. He knew that the mountain itself had been instrumental in fending off and defeating the Undead armies that had tried to raze it.


    After some hesitation, he first went to the Thayer Consortia to speak with Calrin. The gnome was shocked enough to fall out of his chair when he saw Zacs appearance, and it took some time to calm him down.


    Odd choice of a skill, transforming into an undead, the Sky Gnome muttered.


    I thought it would be a good skill to infiltrate the Undead Incursion, but changing back was harder than I expected, Zac said with a smile as he took out the huge horn from the Star Ox from his pouch. In any case, Id like you to take a look at this.


    Hmm, pretty, Calrin said as he looked at the horn with interest until he looked up at Zac. What kind of beast is it from?


    Its from an animal called a Star Ox. I got teleported off-world for a quest and fought the beast then. Apparently the horn was the most valuable part of it, do you know whats it used for?


    No idea, Calrin said with a shrug. But it contains a lot of energies even though the beast is dead. Im sure that it can be used for either weapon making or alchemy.


    I met a person over there who said its worth around a hundred million Nexus Coins, so it should be something good. See if you can find out more, Zac said.


    Sure. Anything else? Calrin asked.


    I need a shield, a real sturdy one, Zac continued.


    A shield? And I guess something thats stronger than what can be made on our ind? the gnome probed.


    Yes. Preferably a Spirit tool like my axe. Is it obtainable? Zac asked.


    Probably not. Defensive spirit tools are far rarerpared to offensive ones. And shields are even lessmon, the gnome said.


    Why? Zac asked confused.


    Its more popr to have amulets, skills or inscribed clothes for defensepared to a shield. Of course, those are much more limited, but they also dont slow you down at all, the gnome exined.


    No one really wants to waste the effort on creating a shield. They are extremely expensive and hard to make, since they need to be able to endure strong attacks not just once, but continuously. Very few materials can handle that, Calrin continued. So they are generally only made for order. You would need to visit a skilled cksmith, but thats impossible at the moment since we''re stuck on this.


    Zac could only nod with some defeat. It was true what the gnome said. Hed only encountered two people amongst the demons who used shields as far as he could remember, and both weremon foot soldiers.


    Well, keep your eyes open, just in case, Zac could only say as he stood up.


    Sure. Remember to get some alliances while finding treasures. We need that extra ie, the gnome said with a wave.


    Since he couldnt get a shield at the moment he decided to focus on gaining a few levels before the treasure hunt. He walked back to hispound and took the teleporter to Mystic Ind. He wasnt afraid that he would run out of prey here, as the ind was just enormous, and there should be millions of strong prey to hunt.


    Even though time was of the essence Zac spent a good chunk of the following three days also looking at the rifts in space, trying to glean some insight into his Dao of Sharpness. He wanted to improve it before the hunt to increase his offensive power, but if he could evolve it naturally he could use his Dao Treasure on one of his other Seeds.


    In the end, he spent 14 hours a day roving through the inner circle of the ind, killing one powerful monster after another before he went down the crater and pondered on the Dao for 8 hours.


    He gained three levels within the first day, but after that his speed slowed down, only improving with another two the following day and one final level the third day. It was partly due to the requirements increasing, but mainly that it was getting harder and harder to find any good prey.


    Finally, after three days passed he had to call it. There was only one day before the hunt, and he needed to get ready.


    His killing spree had pushed his endurance all the way to 349, almost overtaking his strength as his highest attribute. Interestingly enough it also seemed that [Verun''s Bite] was finally satiated, no longer wanting to drink the blood of the new beasts it encountered. However, it still wasn''t evolving, making Zac guess that he still needed to find more E-Grade beasts.


    Unfortunately, he didnt manage to make much headway on his Dao, and he knew he would have to use his Dao Treasure for it after he got home. Since he decided he was done he quickly headed toward the hidden camp to teleport back. Finally home he left a message for Kenzie telling her he was back and toe over after she woke up, before once again settling himself in his courtyard.


    Arge reason he dared to wait until the day before the Treasure hunt to experiment with turning back was that he had found some clues to turning during his fight with the tiger. That battle had almostpletely exhausted all his miasma, and at that point hed felt that the Duplicity Core was starting to wake up.


    It was in line with how he turned the first time, with his life-force being stolen by the dagger. The only problem was that when he got close to running out of miasma he started to feel like he was about to die and that the remaining miasma in his body was all that prevented his true death.


    It was a weird distinction Zac hadnt realized before now. The miasma was not only the source of power in battle but also the source of life for the undead. If Zac ran out of Cosmic Energy in a fight he would feel weak, but he would be fine after resting.


    But running out of Miasma for an undead seemed to be a death sentence. It gave a new meaning to the expression tired to death. He needed to find out if his theory was correct, but it would be crazy not to take some precautions.


    It took an hour before Kenzie came to his courtyard after reading his note, and Zac immediately erected the arrays before taking out an E-Grade Divine crystal and an E-Grade Miasma crystal.


    I am going to try to turn back into a human now, Zac exined. If it looks like Im dying, try using the Divine Crystal first. If it doesnt work, try the Miasma crystal.


    Are you sure about this? Kenzie hesitantly asked as she picked up the two crystals.


    Pretty much, Zac lied. I just wanted you here as a precaution. Here I go.


    The next moment Zac started to expel his Miasma though his whole body, and a cloud of death-attuned Cosmic Energy started to form above him. When he was reaching thest of his miasmic reserves the was ovee with a sense of dread, and he instinctually wanted to reabsorb the energy in the air before it dissipated.


    But he ignored his instincts and expelled thest of his Miasma. As thest of the energy left him everything turned ck, and thest thing he felt before losing consciousness was falling down.


    The next thing Zac felt was a burning fire in his belly. He didnt know if hed been unconscious for a second or for hours, but he knew his idea was correct as his Core had sprung to life. It felt as though it shone like a sun inside his body, giving off a healing warmth.


    However, that warmth was quickly turning into a blistering heat as fire radiated out through it, covering every inch of his body. It felt as though he was being burned alive, and he barely was able to contain a cry of pain. It took all his effort to keep his mind steady as the fire raged through his body, and he didn''t even have the energy to get up from the ground.


    But finally the Core calmed down, and he opened his eyes with a shaky breath.


    How do I look, he said with a hoarse voice.


    Kenzie stood in front of him, looking worried.


    Tired, but human. It looked like you died there for a bit, she said.


    Life through death, Zac muttered to himself before once again turning to his sister. How long did the change take?


    Not too long, around two minutes? she answered.


    Zac could only sigh and shake his head in disappointment.

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212


    Author note: This is a reminder about keeping thement section civil.


    The tone in some discussionstely have been just abysmal, and it''s not something I want to see any longer.


    I do not mind people discussing parts of the story they don''t like or stuff like that, but when insults start flying it stops being a conversation, instead turning into a mud flinging contest.


    Since I''m tired of that kind of behavior I''ll make it easy for myself, and most of my readers, by simply blocking anyone who can''t behave.


    First time the block willst for a week, the second time will be permanent. People who get blocked will still be able to read chapters, but they won''t be able to PM me or writements.


    This is effective immediately.


    --------------


    Zac had to admit he was a bit disappointed the process to change was so arduous. He knew he already had received a top tier opportunity that would make most of the cultivators in the multiverse green with envy, but he still had hoped it would be quicker.


    He had hoped to be able to change his ss in the middle of battle, enabling him to turn the tables. But there was just no way to do that with how the change worked. Not only did it take way too long, but he also lost almost all awareness of his surroundings when he changed, making it impossible.


    Since the Core was only F-grade at the moment Zac didn''t give up all hope though. Every time it upgraded some parts of it function should improve. The only problem was he had no clue how to upgrade a Specialty Core at the moment.


    At least it felt nice to be back in human form again. The whole time he was in his Draugr-form he felt assaulted by the Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere, causing him constant difort. He understood why Mhal brought a bunch of Unholy Beacons in his invasion of the ind.


    Zac still had a few of them, as he never got around to selling those he found in the Undead Generals Cosmos Sack as well. He was seriously contemting creating a Zone on hispound where the Cosmic Energy was transformed to Miasma instead.


    He needed to figure out a method to contain the death-attuned energy first though, and not let it get spread all over.


    The treasure hunt starts tomorrow. Is there anything I need to do that Ive missed? Zac said as he got up on his feet.


    Well, have you talked with the others? Kenzie asked.


    Others? Zac said in confusion.


    There are three people from Refugees Harbor whos going, and L is going as well, Kenzie exined.


    Ls going? Why? Zac asked with confusion.


    Everything Zac had learned about the System pointed toward the Treasure Hunt bing a ughterhouse. He roughly knew the strength of Kenzies friend, and he had to say he was unsure whether shed survive.


    She wants to be stronger, and this is a chance for that, Kenzie exined with worry. Youll look after her, right?


    Ill try, but I cant promise anything. I still dont know whatll happen after we enter, Zac answered.


    Thats good enough. Oh, and maybe you should talk to Emily? Her birthday is in a few weeks, and you might still be gone at that time, Kenzie continued.


    Right, Zac said. Can you have the other trial takers gather at the academy in two hours?


    There was something he needed to do with Emily in any case, so he decided to head over immediately. The teenager still lived alone in his old camper up in the tree, and with a few jumps he scaled it andnded on therge patio.


    Emily had decorated it with a sofa and a couple of recliners under a parasol, withrge potted nts creating some warmth. The whole thing gave off a veryfortable feeling. Zac had to admit it looked a bit better than his own austere courtyard as he knocked on the door.


    After a minute Emily opened up with a yawn.


    Whats going on? she asked with some confusion.


    Eat this, Zac said and gave her some springroot.


    Ugh, Im starting to get real sick by the taste of this thing, she muttered, but stillplied.


    Sorry, just making sure. I didnt want to give your birthday gift to a shapeshifter, Zac said with a smile.


    Birthday gift? she said as her mouth curved upward.


    Here, Zac said as he took out an intricate box from his Cosmos Sack.


    She immediately opened it up, and inside was a fruit giving off an extremely enticing aroma. It was the Fruit of Ascension hed kept all up until now. Ever since he found out that his sister didnt need it he had pondered on what to do with it.


    In the end, he decided to give it to one of his closest allies rather than put it into the contribution system. The two people hed considered were Sap Trang and Emily, but in the end he chose Emily. He knew that Sap might be more worthy of the treasure going by his actions, but he had to think about the future of Port Atwood.


    The old fisherman was a mortal just like him, but without any of the advantages that Zac had rued. Meanwhile, Emily was shown to hold good talent for cultivation, and she still hadnt even turned 16.


    ording to the information hed gathered about titles for himself, there was one title that came from improving Race ranking before even stepping on the path of cultivation. That meant that he could actually put Emily on track on bing a true elite with the help of the fruit.


    He wanted another human elite on the ind, and if he could help Emily gain a bunch of titles with the help of the fruit as an initial gift he felt it was a worthy investment. People of Earth might not care about the youths yet as they missed the opportunity of the tutorial, but Zac knew that Cultivation was a marathon rather than a sprint.


    Not having ess to the tutorial was a missed opportunity, but so what? The multi-verse was filled with cultivators who never went to the Tutorial but still possessed power that the people of Earth could only dream of. Even if Emily missed that opportunity, others woulde along.


    This is a Fruit of Ascension, Zac exined. It will help you increase your Race even before turning 16, which will put you a step ahead of most cultivators in the world. I have seen how hard youve worked, and I hope this will help you be one of the pirs of Port Atwood in the future.


    Emilys eyes reddened, and she didnt say anything in response. Her arms only tightly cradled the small box, clutching it tightly to her chest. Zac only smiled and patted her head before walking toward the edge of the patio.


    I am leaving for the Treasure Hunt tomorrow, and I dont know how long I will be gone. I hope youll have grown into a powerful warrior by the time Ivee back. Remember, try to defeat a monster at least at level 26 as your first enemy for the titles. It will help your growth immensely, Zac said before jumping down.


    Thank you, stay safe, he heard before the door to the camper once again closed.


    Next he walked over to the government building to speak with Abby and Adran. Abby actually chose to live inside the building itself, whereas Adran lived right next door, so both were essentially always there.


    Since he was a lord it was within his purview to delegate certain tasks, and give specific individuals more control over various functions of the town. Until now hed kept almost all control to himself, apart from enabling others to buy teleportation arrays.


    But there were clear disadvantages to this tactic. One example was that he was unable to head to Billyville, even though they on paper were allies. But that alliance never got formalized since Zac was in the Dead Zone at the time.


    After an hour-long meeting, he gave both the administrators some more control and set the course for the development of Port Atwood. Most of the inds within his control were still unexplored, and his force was still mapping things out.


    Unfortunately, they still hadnt found the main continent either, making Zac wonder just how far in the middle of nowhere they were located. But every week new citizens got integrated into his kingdom, which in turn increased his ie through taxes.


    Of course, since he chose a pretty generous system at the Merit Exchange his ie wasnt enormous. But if his poption doubled his ie from taxes would eclipse that of his mine.


    Suddenly a knock on the door interrupted the meeting, and not long after a secretary walked inside.


    I am sorry to bother you, but the Zhix ambassador wishes to meet Lord Atwood. He says its urgent, she said.


    Ibtep? Send him in, Zac said with some curiosity.


    It was a while since hed spoken with Ibtep, and he wondered what he was up to. He actually thought the Zhix was aboard the main scouting vessel with Sap Trang, in case they encountered another Zhix hive.


    Soon the Zhix entered, this time not donning therge backpack he usually brought around.


    Greetings, Lord Atwood, the Zhix said followed by a very formal bow.


    Long time no see, Ibtep. Whats on your mind? Zac asked.


    N of Hive Kundevi wishes strength upon you for the hunt. N also wanted to give you this, the Zhix said and took out a dagger and what appeared to be an amulet.


    What are these? Zac asked curiously.


    As youve noticed our kind are a bit enthusiastic in our greetings of new warriors, Ibetp said.


    Adran only snorted in his chair, and Zac had to force himself to not roll his eyes. Enthusiastic greetings might just be the understatement of the year. The Zhix ignored the demons response though and kept going.


    These are the relics of the hive. If you show these along with sending the regards of N when meeting another Anointed they might not immediately attack. As every day passes the Dominators grow stronger, and we believe that every race needs to work together to stop them, Ibtep said with a serious face.


    Thank you for the gift, and give my regards to N. These will be a great help, Zac said as he epted the two items.


    The ambassador stayed for half an hour to teach Zac some basic etiquette when speaking with the Anointed, before leaving with another round of well-wishing. Since he was running out of time Zac also ended the meeting with a final exhortation to aid Ogras in finding the shapeshifters by any means necessary.


    Thirty minutester he sat in an emptied ssroom with four others. It was two men and two women. The only one he recognized was L, whereas the others were cultivators from Refugees Harbor.


    Seeing the three made Zac realize that the scale of the treasure hunt might be evenrger than he expected before. If these people managed to get tokens, then so would thousands of others. L had gained another two levels since he saw herst, but she was still only in her mid-thirties.


    As for the other 3 cultivators they were around the same level, apart from a woman who was level 38. Apparently she was one of the leaders of the cultivators from Refugees harbor. Zac honestly didnt feel that they would be much more than fodder at the hunt, but he wouldnt stop people from chasing their dreams.


    I called you all here to discuss the Treasure Hunt starting tomorrow, Zac began.


    The people from Refugees Harbor hesitantly looked at each other until they focused on their leader.


    Are you confiscating our tokens? she said with a somber expression.


    Zacs brows rose from that line of question. He hadnt expected that question, but after further thought he guessed it made sense. There were quite a few people stronger than these three on the ind, though they were all demons who couldnt go.


    But these people still thought that demons was the fourth local race. Honestly, if he could bring the demons he would probably buy the tokens from these four, as it would be far more beneficial to bring Ogras and his generals.


    No. I just called you here to tell you to be careful, and to not use my name unless as ast resort. I have essentially made the whole world government an enemy, and there are false rumors surrounding me on the main ind. Mentioning that you live here might not necessarily help you, but perhaps have the opposite effect, Zac exined with a wry smile.


    I will try to help you if we meet each other, but you shouldnt rely on me either. I am just one person, and I believe that the treasure hunt will cover a huge area. In fact, if youre not confident in staying alive on your own youre likely better off not going, he continued.


    However, all of them seemed adamant about going, so Zac could only respect their wishes and only reiterated a few tips. He also gave them each one copy of [Book of Babel] so they could talk it out with whoever they encountered and a couple of healing pills each.


    By now he was done with all his matters, apart from finally giving himself onest power-up. He went back to his courtyard and sat down to stabilize his mind. After a while he took out the small vial containing the Dao Treasure, but instead of drinking it he closed his eyes and focused on the Dao of Sharpness.


    After pondering on the aspect of sharpness he wanted to evolve for an hour he finally opened his eyes, and with one fluid motion drank all the contents of the vial. A familiar sensation overcame him as he saw the vast system of the Dao of Sharpness with his inner sight.


    Seeing the whole Dao like this was straining his mind, and it almost felt like his soul was getting continuously cut by the sharpness. Zac didnt waste any time, instead quickly finding the part of the Dao that corresponded with his own insights, and started to absorb that part.


    His understanding was quickly formalizing into a crystalized nugget of insight, and he effortlessly passed the threshold to the middle stage. Only secondster the simted epiphany from the drug ran out, and he opened his eyes again to check on his harvest.


    Seed of Sharpness (Middle): Dexterity +25, Intelligence +5


    Zac wasnt surprised in the slightest that his upgraded seed only provided Dexterity since the particr insight he gained was into that of speed. Having evolved his seed also meant that he had done everything he needed to do before the hunt.


    He got up on his feet to head to his sisters ce since he knew that she was skipping going to the Academy today. They had already nned to have dinner together since he might be gone for a while.


    But as he started to walk out of his courtyard he saw Ogras stand there with a determined expression on his face.


    Good, youre out. We need to talk.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213


    It was close to 9 am and Zac stood ready in his courtyard, his sister and Ogras apanying him.


    [Treasure Huntmence in 5 minutes Be advised, no Cosmic Sack allowed. A temporary sack will be provided upon arrival. Failure toply will result in forfeiture of Cosmos Sack]


    Zacs brows rose in surprise, and he quickly took off his Cosmos Sack while the other two curiously looked at him. Even though hed handed off most of his things to the contribution administrators he still was using therge Cosmos Sack he snagged from Mhal, and it contained all sorts of things.


    It seemed that the System wanted to level the ying field a bit, or at least make money a smaller part of the calction. Perhaps it was afraid someone would bring a mountain of Nexus Crystals or evenrge war machines or arrays into the trial, messing things up.


    It seemed that it would only allow everyone to bring the stuff that one could carry. That still didnt mean that everything would be equal. Zac quickly ran over to his bed and ripped out his linens and ced it on the floor.


    Next, the took out a various assortment of things he wanted to bring, ranging from healing pills to thousands of Nexus Crystals. Essentially he put everything cheap on the linens and tied them up into a huge knapsack that could barely hold under the weight of its contents. He simply nned to hold it in his arms upon teleportation and hope that the system would allow it.


    As for everything valuable, such as his prepared E-Grade Crystals, [Veruns Bite], his top tier healing pills and his Automatic Map, they were all ced on his person. He also ced a couple of filled water canteens and fasting pills on his person as well.


    He still had no idea what kind of environment he would end up in and needed to be prepared for anything. The fasting pills were given to him by Ogras yesterday. There were ten of them, and each of them would allow him to keep going without eating for a couple of days.


    He used one of the Demons ranger knapsacks that snugly ran along his back to store his valuables, apart from a [Veruns Bite] and a couple of tomahawks that he put on his belt.


    I wasnt allowed to bring a Cosmos Sack, Zac exined to his sister after he''d packed everything, afterward handing her his pouch. Hold on to this while Im gone.


    With his preparations done Zac sat down and just waited. When thirty seconds remained until the hunt started he stood up and hoisted the huge knapsack over his shoulder, holding the token in his other hand.


    Take care, Kenzie said as she looked upon her brother with some worry.


    Dont worry, Ill be fine, Zac said with a smile.


    His gains the past two weeks had been tremendous, and he couldnt help being filled with confidence. He almost felt like a fox let loose in a henhouse. He was already at the forefront of humanity before his explosive gains as ofte. With the help of his new ss, Titles, and Dao improvements he was just a monster in human form.


    Next he turned to Ogras who stood close by as well, still looking a bit petnt.


    I know youre eager, but please wait until the shapeshifters are dealt with, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Dont worry. Ill find that snake even if I have to turn the whole ind upside down, the demon said with annoyance. Ruining my good things.


    Zac only snorted in response. The reason the demon came by his courtyard yesterday was to share the fact that he had decided to enter the Mystic Realm in search of opportunities. He would pay for the stabilizing array himself as well, which would save Zac millions of Nexus Coins.


    However, Zac had told the demon to wait until the shapeshifter problem was dealt with. He wasnt sure of the cultists power, but he was afraid that the cultist would be able to cause a lot of damage if both he and Ogras was missing from the city at the same time.


    At first the demon had been a bit unwilling to go with his arrangements. But after Zac promised that Ogras could finally enter the Inheritance for The Umbra after Zac was back from the Treasure Hunt, provided the demon rooted out the shapeshifter first, he was quickly filled with energy again.


    Actually Zac had nned to allow the Demon inside the inheritance in any case. As soon as the hunt was dealt with he nned to go on an all-out assault against the foreign invaders, and he needed his allies as powerful as possible. But Ogras didn''t know that fact, so using The Umbra as a motivator worked pretty well.


    The two of you will act as my proxies until Im back, he continued. I have given you the ability to enter alliances in case someone wants to approach us while Im gone. Abby can buy arrays if needed.


    Just go and get some more titles. Ill be counting on you for the Towerster, Ogras said.


    Stay close to Ogras until the shapeshifter problem is dealt with, Zac said as he turned to his sister, who nodded.


    The next moment the scene in front of him was simply gone, reced with ckness. It was reminiscent of the weird space hed found himself in right at the moment of integration. Hopefully this didnt mean that there was another roll for survival though.


    This time the System didnt speak in his mind, but arge screen soon appeared in front of him.


    [Wee to the limited treasure hunt.]


    [Struggle for supremacy.]


    [1. Duration of the hunt is 1 month.]


    [2. Kill for points. Higher attribute targets reward higher amount of points. Higher level targets reward a higher amount of points. Higher value targets reward a higher amount of points. Rewards depend on points umted at the end of the hunt.]


    Point rewards:


    1st ce | +10 levels, 250 million Nexus Coins.


    2nd ce | +7 levels, 150 million Nexus Coins.


    3rd ce | +5 levels, 100 million Nexus Coins.


    4th-10th ce | +3 levels, 50 million Nexus Coins.


    10th 100th ce | +1 level, 10 million Nexus Coins.


    [3. Hunt for treasures. Rewarded Titles depend on umted value at the end of the hunt.]


    [4. Temporarydders added for Hunters and Gatherers.]


    [5. Talents are forged through battle. Every three days Gatherers who have avoided battle will be teleported to an arena to fight for supremacy. Only the winner will remain in the hunt.]


    [6. Hunters can leave at any moment by crushing their token, except when fighting in an arena. Wealth brought back depends on the duration of stay in the hunt. Those who leave early disqualify for anydder rewards.]


    Zac felt some powerlessness when he looked over the ruleset. The method the System used for cranking out powerhouses was quite direct as usual. This would be a blood bath. Not only would killing people increase ones standing on the hunterdder, but it would also allow them to snatch the riches that their victims had umted.


    The rewards for killing others were quite extravagant, and even he couldnt help getting enticed. Ten levels was a huge boost, especially for him who was so close to the limit of his ss. His leveling speed had greatly slowed downtely in his human form, apart from the insane gain when he formed his core.


    But between battling for a month and gaining the first ce reward hed perhaps reach level 75 in one fell swoop.


    Of course, he wouldnt be the only one eyeing that reward. It was the same for everyone by now, leveling was getting exponentially harder. A boost of 10 levels would help most pass a level threshold, not only giving them a bunch of additional attributes, but also a new skill.


    That together with the awarded titles it would be like giving a tiger wings. And there were men far more scrupulous than Zac that would try to kill everything in sight.


    Perhaps people would focus on finding various treasures in the beginning, but soon it would turn into a crazed battle, since killing others was a far better source for treasures than arduously searching the area. Bing a top name on the hunters list would likely give a top spot on the gatherer list as well, doubling up on the rewards.


    Besides, the system had even put a failsafe into ce to ensure people wouldn''t hide from fighting. Those who only focused on finding treasures would be forced into what seemed to be a deathmatch, where they couldn''t even use their token to escape.


    Another interesting point to Zac was that judging by how the calctions worked, he might have just turned into a juicy target. It was clear the system wanted to incentivize battling strong people rather than rounding up a ton of weaklings to kill.


    He could only pray that greed wouldnt go to peoples heads and that Earth would lose too many of its powerhouses. There were strong enemies waiting at the home front after they got back.


    The Zhix was thergest risk in that regard. Those people were simply crazy, and if a couple of Dominators were thrown into the mix this thing could turn into a tragedy real quick. The Dominators were arge reason why he so desperately wanted to get stronger before the start of the hunt.


    But with all his new power-ups he had some confidence, even if he came up to the real monsters at the top of the Zhixdder.


    Zac didnt have time to go over the ruleset any longer, as the darkness was reced with a blinding light, forcing Zac to close his eyes.


    The moment he opened them again he found himself standing in the courtyard of a dpidated temple that emitted an aura of solemnity and vicissitude. He was happy to see that he still carried hisrge knapsack, and he immediately put its content into a cosmos sack he found already fastened to his belt.


    The space of the temporary Cosmos Sack was enormous, tens of timesrger than even the one he looted from the Corpse Lord. It might mean that the area was just filled with treasure if the System thought everyone needed enough space to fit a mountain inside their Cosmos Sacks.


    After he had stowed away his items he turned toward the temple again. It was uninhabited, but it was clear that it wasnt simply abandoned once upon a time. A huge diagonal cut had cleanly chopped off arge part of the roofing, and even part of the cliff the temple stood on.


    Judging by the state of decay it had likely been thousands of years since this ce was assaulted, but Zac felt a terrifying sharpness emanate from the sword scar just by looking at it. It was clear that the battle had involved some extremely powerful people to leave such asting effect.


    The scene wasnt really something he had expected, and he quickly turned around to get a read on the situation. The sight that entered his eyes made Zacs eyebrows rise in shock.


    A seemingly endless number of mountains of various sizes stretched all the way to the horizon. That wasnt the shocking thing though, but rather that all of them were filled with various grand structures. There were everything from enormous pces residing on the top, to hanging structures that ran all along a mountain side. Some of the mountains even seemed mostly decorative, housing statues rising hundreds of meters in the air.


    It was a wide array of architectural designs and level of grandeur on the thousands of buildings that he could see, but one thing was the same for all of them. They were dpidated or had clear signs of battle scarring.


    At first Zac thought he was looking upon the ruins of a lost civilization that had fallen to war. But remembering the depictions from the demons he was starting to suspect he wasnt standing on a mountainous capital like the ancient Aztec cities.


    It was more likely that this was arge Sect that had fallen due to some sort of tribtion. However, just what sort of tribtion was slightly confusing. The scar on the temple behind him indicated attack from a cultivator, but most of the damage seemed toe from beasts.


    Zac could only hope that it was a beast horde that attacked the sect. If cultivators were responsible for the fall of this faction everything of value should have already been pilfered. That very fact made it seem even more likely beasts were behind the destion, since otherwise it would be an odd ce for the System to arrange a treasure hunt.


    The theory that it was a sect also made it quite easy to guess where the best valuables were. The higher status someone had, the higher up on the mountain their residence would be ced. The peaks were reserved for the elders, sect master and true genius disciples.


    Of course, knowledge of multi-verse sects wasnt really needed to guess that fact, as the structures on the top of the mountains were clearly far more extravagantpared to the ones at the foot.


    Bloody battles would likely take ce at the peaks Zac surmised with a sigh. But he didnt hurry to a peak himself, instead turning back toward the temple behind him.


    He took his axe from his belt and vigntly started walking toward the entrance.

 Chapter 214: Traps and Ladders

    Chapter 214: Traps and Ladders


    Only fools would rush up to the mountain peaks, bing unwitting meat shields to try out whatever trials those ces had in store. Because going by how the System operated it wouldnt simply leave piles of wealth for anyone to grab, there likely was a trick to it.


    Besides, even if he might not have the highest Luck of everyone arriving here, he should at least be in the absolute top. That he was dropped off right in front of this specific temple might mean there were some good things inside.


    There wasnt anything noteworthy to see as he walked across the small square in front of the temple, and he quickly ascended the ten steps to the real entrance. The doors were closed but a simple push opened them with a creak, giving him a clear view of the insides of the temple.


    The interiors werepletely barren with only two exceptions as far as he could see. There was arge painting hung on the opposite side of the temple, and a simple prayer mat that appeared to be woven by reed in front of it.


    Zac got curious and after taking onest look around entered, but the moment he put his foot inside an enormous pressure descended upon his mind. The surroundings changed and he suddenly found himself on a desperate battlefield.


    Any way he looked there were bloodied and muddied warriors desperately trying to kill their opponents, their eyes tinged with red in madness and bloodlust. No one cared the slightest about their own well-being, only constantly pushing forward, desperately swinging their weapons.


    Zac looked down to find an axe in his hand, and suddenly an overwhelming battle lust overcame him. It was as though a god of war was beckoning him to massacre everything, to stand on top of a mountain of corpses. He wanted to bite into the opponents flesh and drink their blood and revel in the madness of battle.


    The next second Zac grunted as the vision shattered, and he once again found himself in the empty temple. He actually hadnt moved, and he still only stood with one foot inside the building. But his back was soaked in sweat and he was panting from the strain. There was even a trickle of blood running down his chin, as hed apparently bit his lip.


    It was an offensive illusion array. That was the only thing that Zac could guess. Luckily between <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> and his staunch determination he quickly broke himself out of it. Otherwise hed be a sitting duck, standing in the doorway like a fool.


    He immediately regretted not having trained with Janos more. There were various ways to break out of illusions, and he had just now used the most basic one, brute force. But that would only work when his will and determination could overpower the strength of the illusion.


    There were far more skilled ways to break illusions that didnt depend on strength to such a degree. It had been on his list of things to learn in the future, but there were always a million things to do, making him forget about it.


    But he knew a few basic pieces of information. The most important thing was to never lose a sense of self. The moment you forgot who you were, taking on the role of whoever the illusion provided you, then you were likely screwed.


    Losing the sense of self would mean that you stopped fighting the illusion, and it would take a miracle to get out in one piece. As for breaking illusions while trapped, it was actually possible. The world that was created had so-called fault lines, or weaknesses, that one could use to break out.


    How to localize them and break the loop of the illusion was an art in of itself, and not something Zac could do at the moment.


    But now that he knew there could be arrays hed be in a better position. His defensive skill was already active, but he started actively control it as he took another step inside. However, this time nothing happened, and another few steps proved that there likely only was one array as protection.


    Zac looked out through the door to the vast number of buildings in the mountain ranges. Perhaps all structures had these kinds of protections put in ce. If that was true the pces might be real death traps.


    A small temple in the middle of a mountain had an array that almost managed to suck him in. Just what kind of defenses would the grand structures where the elders lived have? Perhaps the treasure hunters themselves wouldnt be the greatest danger to this hunt, but rather the arrays.


    Zac put it out of his mind and slowly walked over toward the painting, keeping his mental defenses up and running all the while. However, it truly seemed that everything was safe after defeating the array at the entrance.


    He soon stood in front of the mat and the painting, trying to understand their meaning. The painting was only onerge character from some unknown script. It was clear that it was derived from the normal fractals, just like those of the Demons and Creators, but it was different from both of them.


    The mat looked pretty cheap from first nce, but it likely was made from some high-quality material rather than normal reed. The reason was that it looked pretty much brand new, even though it should have been left here for millennia. Normal reed would have rotted away long ago.


    It truly looked like it was a setup to meditate upon something. Someone would sit at this mat and stare at the painting on the wall, trying to reach new insights. After making sure there were no more traps around in the area Zac squatted down and touched the mat.


    Nothing happened, making Zac sigh in relief. After hesitating for a bit he sat down on the mat, looking up at the painting. He wanted to see what whoever once sat here saw as he or she looked upon the weird character.


    Zac didnt know why, but as he stared at the exquisitely drawn painting he almost felt drawn in, but not like with an illusion. Rather that it was trying to teach him something. Zac let himself get inundated by the feeling, trying to understand the concepts that the sign contained.


    However, a jarring sound broke Zac out of his reverie, and he turned around with annoyance. Outside the doorway three humans stood looking around the temple. Since there wasnt really anything else inside the trio soon turned their gazes to Zac.


    The three of them didnt enter, but one of them took out a small book and quickly went through it.


    Hes not on the list, Zac could hear one of them say with a subdued voice.


    Since the temple waspletely empty the words carried over to Zac on the other side. Zacs curiosity was somewhat piqued, as hed never heard of any list. Perhaps someone hadpiled a list of rankers with descriptions by now.


    He still had the information package he bought long ago from New Washingon detailing the top of the Ishiatedder. However, on that information missive only names were given.


    Someone named Starlight was on the first spot and still held amanding lead ording to the Ishiate on the ind. He or she was currently level 54, even beating out Salvation, which was quite impressive.


    If there was a more advanced copy of thedder circting he wouldnt mind getting his hands on it. It wasnt that he was afraid to encounter some of the stronger humans, but he wanted to know what the big yers looked like.


    It would help him out in his side-mission, creating a business monopoly with the help of Calrin. He was about to ask the trio about it, but they kept talking between themselves.


    Hidden or weakling? another muttered with a hushed tone.


    No need to risk it, well stay low and observe for now, the person in the middle said.


    The three nodded and made to walk out again while warily keeping their eyes on Zac. It seemed they had decided they didnt want to fight with Zac for the meager treasures inside.


    Zac wasnt surprised. It was just the start of the Treasure Hunt, and only fools would enter fights blindly withplete strangers. Thedders would give an indicator of power within a week or two, but at the moment everything was a mystery.


    But Zac truly was curious about that list, so he stood up.


    Wait, he said with a calm voice.


    The three hesitated for a second and turned back toward Zac.


    What?


    What list are you talking about? Zac asked.


    The Omniscient Eyes elite list, of course, the man said with a frown.


    Omniscient Eye? Zac asked with confusion.


    This wasnt a term hed ever heard of before. There was an Eternal Eye high up on thedder, and the Pavilion of Myriad Eyes, but no Omniscient Eye. But judging from the context it seemed to be an individual or organization that focused on intelligence gathering.


    Why y ignorant? Is this an Empire ploy? the man in the middle said, and the others seemed to ready themselves for battle with worry in their eyes.


    The confusion in Zacs mind only increased, until he started to have a sneaking suspicion. Without another word he shed right in front of the trio and snatched the book still in the leftmost mans hands.


    The three seemed shocked by Zacs speed, but they were experienced fighters, each of them unhesitantly attacking with their swords. But Zac barely registered their actions, simply swatting the swords out of their hands with a wave.


    Horror appeared in their eyes, and the leader of the three unhesitantly called for a retreat. But how could it be that easy to get away from Zac when they were in melee range?


    Zac shed after them and threw all three down on the ground. But before Zac had time to react they had taken out their tokens, intending to crush it. Zac only had time to snatch the token out of the hands of the leader before the other two instantly winked out of existence.


    Please, my life wont give you many points and I havent collected any treasure yet. Killing me will award you nothing, the man said with a pleading look.


    Im not going to kill you, but I need answers, Zac said as he used <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> on his captive.


    <strong>[Revor Human. Level 37 Strength]</strong>


    <strong>[Hunter 97 323]</strong>


    <strong>[Gatherer 97 323]</strong>


    Revor possessed neither the attributes or the skills to block out his middling scouting skill. The man in front of him should be a pretty average trial taker, roughly the same as those from his ind.


    But what Zac found more interesting were the additional two lines beneath his name. The System provided additional information aboutdder positions. That would soon be extremely helpful in finding juicy targets or avoid dangerous people.


    The sheer number of participants was also higher than he had expected. Hed realized that the tokens werent quite as rare as hed first thought after seeing the others in Port Atwood. But almost a hundred thousand participants were quite a few.


    Ask me anything, anything, the Revor quickly nodded.


    First of all, do you possess an identification skill? Zac asked.


    I do, but only a basic one, he nodded.


    Use it on me and show me what it says, Zacmanded.


    He felt his bangle slightly heat up the next moment telling him that an attempt on him was blocked. But even so, a screen appeared the next moment looking identical to the two lines that detailed Revorsdder position. It was Zacs owndder position which was a few spots ahead of Revors.


    I cant see your name, only these two lines. Ive never seen them before, Revor quickly said.


    Zac nodded in confirmation. It was as hed expected. Those lines were something added by the System, and not something even a treasure from Greatest could block out. Next, he wanted to find out if his suspicions were correct.


    Open up yourdder next, Zac said.


    The man looked confused, but heplied with the request, and soon two almostdders appeared in front of them. It was the Hunter and Gathererdders, and Zac sighed when he saw that some already had started to rue points on the Hunterdder. But this wasnt what he was after.


    But just as Zac was about to speak up Revor interrupted him.


    I can see your cing again without using my skill! he said with surprise.


    Zacs brows rose and he opened up the temporarydders as well, and it was just as Revor said. Two lines once again appeared above him.


    <strong>[Hunter 97 309]</strong>


    <strong>[Gatherer 97 309]</strong>


    The mans cing had gone down a bit. But since he neither had killed nor found treasure it could only mean that people had died or fled the hunt in that short interval. But that wasnt what Zac cared about.


    Neither Zacs bracelet or his <strong>[Mental Fortress] </strong>skill activated in the slightest, but Revor was able to glean information about him even so. It meant that anyone would be able to spy on him without him noticing by simply opening thedders.


    Zac felt that it wasnt great for him, but it might help save a couple of lives. It would give the weaker people a chance to avoid the more murderous powerhouses.


    Not thatdder, the normal one for levels, Zac said, refocusing on the real issue.


    Of course! the man quickly said, but his face only got more confused.


    The next moment a normaldder appeared in front of him. But just as Zac had expected, he didnt recognize a single name on that list.

 Chapter 215: Treasures

    Chapter 215: Treasures


    It was as Zac suspected. The man in front of him was not from Earth. The foreign names on thedder made that painfully clear. Another very obvious point was that there was a group of clear frontrunners in this other world. Seven of the top ten names seemed to be from the same family, with three of them even having evolved.


    The fact that there were E-Grade Evolved people among the top warriors of thedder was a bit troubling. Perhaps the Dominators werent the only ones he needed to be wary of.


    Whats the you came from called? Zac asked.


    Yes, it appears we are not from the same ce. Mydder ispletely different, I dont recognize anyone on yours.


    Just my luck to be captured by an offworlder powerhouse, the man muttered in defeat.


    Zac only snorted in response. He had to admit the trio was a bit unlucky, but clearly not as bad as some others, as people were already moving up the hunterdder by stepping over corpses.


    Did your recently get integrated into the multiverse? Zac asked.


    Yes, around half a year ago, the man quickly nodded.


    What other races do you have on your apart from humans? Zac probed.


    What? the man said, looking truly confused.


    Didnt your world get randomized with a couple of others with other races? Zac asked.


    Well, we got merged with another, but I dont know what other races you speak of, the man said.


    Exin the forces of your, Zac said.


    I am from the Free states of Fyria, a part of the previous called Berum, the man exined. The the we got fused with is called Medhin.


    Wait, Medhin, like thedder? Zac asked with surprise.


    Yes. Medhin is both the name of the and the ruling family. From what we can tell the whole was conquered by a country called Medhin thousands of years ago. The war took hundreds of years. Since then the same family has been the regents, the man sighed.


    Those people are lunatics. They didnt care some God smashed ours together, and immediately dered war on every country of Berum. Theyre fanatics that have been starved for a battle for millennia, and the Medhin family are their gods.


    So who are the other three names? Zac said.


    They are the champions of Berum, and the only ones who can keep the Medhin at bay, the man exined with reverence in his eyes.


    So youre in an all-out war in your homeworld? Zac probed. How do you handle that alongside the Incursions?


    Incursions? Whats that? the man asked with confusion.


    Zac nkly stared at the man for a while, until he couldnt help but ask for rification.


    Your didnt get incursions when it got integrated? Huge pirs spewing out powerful foreign invaders?


    Theres no such thing on our, there is no way for such a thing to be kept quiet, the man said with a shake of his head.


    This was the first time Zac heard ofs getting integrated without getting assaulted by Incursions. Perhapsunching Incursions was only one of the tools in the Systems belt. Besides, it seemed the other was filled with enough bloodshed to create powerhouses through a world war.


    Zac kept asking various things from the man, and he dutifully exined everything. He was more than eager to spill the beans on the Medhin empire, such as their looks and estimated powers. Apparently, the Omniscient Eye was a traitor of the Medhin world, and the booklet containing the information of all the top individuals was more thorough on the Medhin side.


    At the same time the captive was more fleeting in his exnations of his own homeworld, apart from the fact that they werent very technologically advanced, and that they consisted of multiple countries that had banded together to rebuff the Medhin Empire.


    As for the Medhin family themselves, it was believed that they were low-level cultivators before their integration even started. It was this power that had made the family stand out, and allowed them to paint themselves as gods.


    They had also made their whole empire search for precious treasures to further their advancements, keeping all the best things for themselves. ording to Revor, all of them were not only high leveled, but also extremely strong for their levels.


    Especially the Emperor himself, Nethorep Medhin, was a true monster. Hed decimated an entire army of elite cultivators by himself, leaving unscathed afterward. Luckily the free states had managed to get their hands on some War Arrays, allowing them to keep the Medhin at bay.


    But it looked bleak for them, and they were desperately hoping that this hunt would provide them with the means to turn the situation around. Zac felt bad for the people, but it honestly wasn''t his business. He wasn''t sure he''d ever meet these off-worlders again.


    A final request. Walk inside the temple, Zac said.


    The man looked confused, but heplied. However, after taking a first step inside he stopped. In just seconds he was shaking, sweat running down his back. He was stuck in the array. Zac observed for a bit longer until he grabbed the man and pulled him back out.


    Revors eyes were red-rimmed and he breathed heavily, but he was freed from the illusion when Zac moved him.


    What just happened? he panted.


    Illusion arrays. I suspect most ces are protected by them, Zac exined.


    For now, that was all the information Zac needed. The Medhin seemed strong, but he was confident in himself. His weak point was that he wasnt a cultivator, so he couldnt boost the power of his attacks with a cultivation method. However, he more than made up for it in the sheer amount of attributes.


    It was also nice to see that the arrays werent broken as soon as he walked inside. Everyone would have to pass the trial to enter the premises of the various pces. Since the man had answered everything he needed to know Zac simply decided to hand back the token to him. Zac felt no need to get a few paltry points from the man by killing him.


    Can I ask you? From your world, are there people who are able to kill the Medhin royals? Revor suddenly asked as he held the token in his hands.


    Yes, a few, Zac said after some hesitation. "Wait, are you leaving?"


    "Our meeting was a wake-up call. I am not strong enough to y in these muddied waters. This time I survived, but I fear the next person I meet will not be so benevolent. Good luck, I hope you kill a few of the Royals," the man said with hope on his face before he disappeared.


    Zac quietly looked at the empty spot where Revor just stood. He felt that the man-made a sensible choice. People like him would have a high chance of bing fodder unless they hid in ces were the powerhouses didn''t deign to go. Most would likely kill people like him, even if the points awarded weren''t great.


    Zac himself was still a bit unsure how he would go about gaining a cement on the Hunter Ladder. He was reluctant to go on a killing spree just to increase his points.


    But soon he decided upon a path. For anyone he encountered, hed demand their treasures. This was a treasure hunt after all, and it was the Gathererdder that provided the most important rewards; the Titles. He needed to be a bit ruthless, and while he wasn''t okay with wanton murder he could live with some highway robbery.


    If peopleplied they would go their own way afterward and find new treasure for themselves. If they tried to attack him, Zac wouldnt show mercy.


    For the pointdder he would simply hunt the hunters. Anyone high on the hunter list should both be strong enough to provide a good amount of points while also being a murderous lunatic. Hunting these people would have multiple positive effects.


    First, it would cut away thepetition for the rewards. If he killed everyone above him on thedder he would be the winner. Secondly, it would save a lot of innocent peoples lives to remove those kinds of people from the equation.


    Finally, it was the best way to get more treasure. The Top hunters should all be teeming with wealth after a week or two.


    After having decided on his path he walked back into the temple. This time he wasnt assaulted by any array as he passed through the entrance, making him believe that the arrays had likely been modified somehow by the System. As long as he passed it once, the array wouldnt attack him again.


    He walked over to the mat and grabbed it to put it into his Cosmos Sack, but gave a start when he looked beneath it. To his surprise, there was a golden crystal hidden in a groove beneath the ratty mat, fitted perfectly inside.


    He quickly picked it up and infused it with some energy. A screen quickly appeared, looking like a book cover with intricate design. The crystal wasnt a skill crystal, but rather apendium of knowledge.


    As for the subject, it was dered in the title. Luckily for Zac the crystal worked the same way as the information missives from the pavilion, having automatic trantion features.


    <strong>[Eastern Trigram Sect Formation Ledger, Beginner Compendium]</strong>


    As Zac looked through thependium he was getting more and more astounded. This was what considered a beginnerpendium? The crystal held almost an endless amount of information, from very simple concepts to very esoteric knowledge.


    Learning everything inside the crystal would likely give anyone an extremely robust foundation if one wanted to be a formation master, either as a main ss or as a side profession.


    It might not be something Zac had the time to properly peruse at the moment, but it would be a great addition to his town. The knowledge of formations was essentially nil among his people, and if he could nurture a proper formation master he would save a fortune.


    Not only would the formation master be able to create new formations, saving Zac the cost of buying them, but any formation actively managed by a formation master would see a great increase in power and efficiency.


    Zac quickly put the crystal inside his Pouch and opened up the Gatherer Ladder. As Zac expected he jumped from the bottom all the way up to spot 180. The crystal was obviously a great treasure. But it also proved that others werent just sitting around.


    Such a great find didnt even ce him in the top hundred. Next, he put the mat inside and noted with some surprise he rose another 48 spots from that addition. Finally, he detached therge painting from the wall and rolled it up.


    The painting itself wasnt considered very valuable by the system, only increasing his ranking by one. But he still kept it as he was curious about that odd feeling earlier before he was interrupted Going by the hidden crystal the painting might help to give insights into array formations. Finally, he wanted to take away the protective illusion array as well, but no matter how he looked he couldnt find any array gs.


    He even ripped off a couple of the wooden nks on the floor to look beneath the temple, but there was simply nothing there. His only guess was that the array was somehow engraved in the structure itself, rather than being controlled by array gs. Unless it was the System who put it in ce for the hunt.


    Since he was done with the temple he headed outside, pondering on his next move. First, he took out his Automatic Map, but to his disappointment, it only showed the various mountains. He had hoped that it would name the various pces to guide him toward the more suitable targets, but maybe the map was too low graded.


    Since his current mountain was as good as any he started running up toward the peak. A month was a long time, but the area was just enormous. Even if he only slept an hour a day he would only be able to check out part of the area. There was no time to waste.


    As he ran he briefly considered whether he should change his face to stay under the radar, but in the end he decided against it. He felt no need to keep a low profile any longer. If someone had a problem with him hed deal with it one way or another. Besides, with everyone being able to see the Ladder cements of others there was no point in trying to hide.


    A sudden rustle in the bushes made Zac look over, only to see a ck shape rapidly closing in on him.

 Chapter 216: Appeasing the Spirit

    Chapter 216: Appeasing the Spirit


    Zac unhesitantly punched out, and a pained yelp escaped from the beast that tried to ambush him.


    The next moment the edge of an axe fell down, cutting the animals head clean off. Zac stopped to look down at the thing he just killed. He had to say it looked quite a bit like a rat, but one as big as a horse. Its legs were also slightly longer, and its tail was a short stub, and finally its ck fur was so thick and stiff that it almost looked like quills rather than hair.


    Everything happened so quickly that Zac didnt have time to use his investigative skill on it, but if it truly was a rat there would likely be a lot more of them. But judging by the amount of cosmic energy he received it wasnt very strong, perhaps somewhere around level 40. Most trial takers shouldnt have much trouble with this thing.


    Next Zac opened up thedders once again as he walked toward the beast. He threw the carcass of the rat-beast inside his pouch but soon dumped the body by the side of the path once again. He wanted to test out whether there was any value in the carcass, but since he didnt move a single spot from it he deemed it mostly worthless.


    Judging from the mangy fur and nasty smell the meat wouldnt be serviceable either, and Zac would rather just eat the boring fasting pills than this thing. But he was still quite happy with the results.


    While killing the beast hadnt helped his Gatherer rank, it did help with his Hunter rank since it jumped up a couple of thousand spots. That meant that killing other trial takers wasnt the only method to try for the top rewards on the pointdder, which was great news for Zac.


    Because if there was one thing he was good at, it was the wholesale ughter of beasts.


    Zac kept going up along the mountain paths, keeping an eye out for other trial takers or beasts. As he ascended the mountain he noticed that the cosmic energy was gradually improving the further up he got.


    It wasnt surprising that the elite would build their residences at the spots with the most energy, but he wondered why the mountain worked like this. His own mountain was different since the valley was the ce with the most concentrated energy there. Perhaps massive arrays were ced inside the mountains to redirect the energies toward the top.


    Disappointingly enough he only encountered three more beasts, which were simply called Mountain Rats ording to his skill, in thirty minutes of travel. It made him wonder if his n of gaining points from animals was a no-go. There simply was to few of them to go have any significant impact on thedder.


    He also started to suspect that something was odd about this mountain. Most of the mountains he could see from looking around were filled with structures and caves, but he was almost at the top and he hadnt seen a single building since the small temple.


    He hoped it was because the past owner of the mountain was a real big shot who could keep most of the mountain for himself, rather than it being a trash mountain no one had bothered with for some reason.


    Finally, he found himself at the crest of the mountain, and had to take a moment to look at the scene with awe. It waspletely t like someone had cleanly cut the whole tip off in a mighty swing of a sword. He could see it was the same with many of the other peaks, but it still was extremely impressive this up close.


    Most of the summit was empty, and only upied by arge beautiful square, and Zac couldnt help but feel some wonder as he stepped on the enormous tiles. Each of the tiles was over three meters across and gave off a shimmering luster. It looked as though they were made by pristine marble, but golden veins ran across them.


    More importantly, it felt as though they somehow cleansed the area with a soothing aura. Zac suddenly got an idea and pressed down his axe between two tiles. With a twist he managed to lift it up, and to his surprise the tile weighed almost as much as a car. He immediately threw the flooring into his pouch.


    His ranking didnt change from the tile, but he didnt care about that. He had found a great material to renovate the surroundings of his Dao Repository.


    Since they were going to undergo the Inheritance trails pretty soon he really needed to appease the tool spirit. He couldnt risk Bra throwing a wrench in his and Ogras ns because he wasnt happy about his view. This flooring would be perfect to surround the Repository with, and they werent very hard to yank out of the ground.


    Zac set about dismantling the entire square, gaining speed with every tile ripped loose. In just thirty minutes half of the flooring was dismantled, and he was closing in on the core of the summit.


    In the center of the square, a small-sized pce was ced. He still hadnt gotten close to it as he was saving it forter. Instead, he methodically mmed his axe into the ground once again and put away the tile after yanking it loose.


    The tiles were starting to have an effect, as hed gained two spots from harvesting them. That might not sound like much, but hed spent half an hour on them, and many others should have found treasures themselves during that time.


    That he not only kept his spot but even advanced proved that these tiles were more than just beautiful. Unfortunately, he wasnt able to detile the whole summit before voices reached his ears. Not long after a group of ten walked up together, warily looking around.


    Zac frowned when he saw them as he immediately opened up thedders. The group was in the bottom of the barrel when it came to treasure, but two of them were higher on the hunter list than he was, meaning theyd likely killed a few people on the way up here.


    All of them wore the same type of clothes, and it was pretty clear they were from some army. However, since the design of the clothes was foreign to him these people were likely from the other.


    Enemy ahead, anky man said as soon as he spotted Zac who was in the middle of retrieving another tile.


    What the hell? Hes stealing the floor? one of the men immediately burst out, eliciting guffaws from a few of the soldiers.


    Check hisdder! Those tiles must be worth a fortune! another man suddenly shouted, and the others quickly turned deadly serious as they looked upon him.


    A burly man, who appeared to be their leader judging by his slightly more borate getup, took a step toward Zac.


    Hand over your Cosmos Sack, and well let you leave with your life, he curtly said.


    Zacs brows rose a bit. It appeared these people felt there was safety in numbers, especially when his hunter ranking was so low.


    Ill say the same to you. Leave your sacks and piss off this mountain, Zac retorted as stashed another tile.


    Fourth formation, the leader grunted, and the squad was clearly ready for thatmand.


    All of them immediately started to radiate a respectable amount of power, which was all focused on the leader who had taken out two swords. Zac looked on with interest because if he wasnt wrong they were utilizing a War Array. The only other exnation was that all of the others were somehow support sses.


    The veins of the leader started to bulge, and the air around him vibrated by the huge infusion of power. Clearly his strength had gone up a couple of tiers from the infusion. The others stood rooted in ce, not making any moves against Zac.


    Two thirds of the people seemed to be continuously infusing their leader with power, whereas thest third erected a dense shield around everyone besides the leader. Zac had to admit that it was a pretty good setup. Thergest problem with wars was the huge disparity in power between people, where one powerhouse could decimate thousands of warriors.


    But the other had already found the solution to this. They made their strongest person far stronger, and Zac would have to guess that the effect was far better than his own Hatchetmans Rage.


    He briefly wondered just how powerful he would be if he got a squad of demon soldiers to empower him in the same way. It would be quite the scene. But Zac didnt have time to dream any longer as the leader was upon him with surprising speed, his two swords already aiming to cut him in two.


    The soldier didnt want to use any time it appeared, and the skill he used contained an extreme amount of force. Both swords shone in a sinister light, but Zac couldnt figure out just what type of element it contained.


    At first, he was about to sh with the attack with his axe, but at thest moment changed his mind and desperately scrambled out of the way. It wasnt due to fear hed lose from the exchange, but rather fear that the shockwave might damage the tiles around him.


    The swords were already following him, aiming to stab him in his back, but he shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, arriving in front of the turtling soldiers. He mmed down his axe with a little bit of power to test its strength and was impressed with how sturdy it was.


    He wasnt interested in entertaining these people any longer though, and the next strike contained both his Dao of Heaviness and his full force. The shield immediately cracked, which clearly hurt the defenders as they staggered and even coughed out some blood.


    The next moment all of them were dead, as a lightning-quick <strong>[Chop] </strong>had killed them before they had the time to take out their talismans or erect new defenses. He was surprised to see that the sacks on the bodies automatically turned into streams of light that went into his pouch. However, he didnt have time to check it out, as there was one more of them.


    Zac turned around to see the leader unhesitantly crush his token, but Zac shed in front of him and with a Sharpness-empowered strike cleanly killed him as well.


    It was a bit odd. The first two Zac saw escape with the tokens immediately disappeared, whereas Revor and this leader took a moment before they were whisked away.


    The System wasnt very benevolent, and it thrived on conflict. He already felt it noteworthy that it allowed escaping at all. That it would add some hidden caveats felt natural, and Zac was starting to believe that it might have to do with either thedders or wealth.


    The higher one was on thedder the longer it would take to escape. That way the weaklings might be able to escape, but the stronger people would be stuck in life-and-death battles to a higher degree. Perhaps it would take himself minutes to disappear due to his attribute or umted wealth, making it useless in battle.


    He was also curious to see how the system dealt with kills that happened during the seconds after the tokens were crushed but they still hadnt disappeared. Soon he got the answer. The decapitated corpse disappeared, but the Cosmos Sack went into his own pouch instead.


    After some hesitation he threw the bodies into his pouch as well before resuming his detiling. In another fifteen minutes the square was picked clean, and he instead focused his attention to the pce in the center of the summit.


    He stopped some ways from the entrance and took out one of the bodies from before and unceremoniously chucked it over the decorative wall towards the inner area of the courtyard. However, nothing happened as the corpse thumped down on the ground.


    Zac still activated his <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> to the max, and after some deliberation he added <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>as well. All arrays werent necessarily mental attacks. The crystal he found contained all sorts of arrays, including pure murder formations that summoned all kinds of horrifying attacks.


    He warily stepped toward the vaulted gates his eyes darting back and forth, looking for any signs of danger.

 Chapter 217: Ransacking

    Chapter 217: Ransacking


    Just as he took his first step inside the building his danger sense sparked to life. To Zacs surprise it actually came from behind, rather than from something inside the pce. He stoodpletely frozen, and a secondter a dagger appeared out of nowhere.


    It headed straight toward his neck through a brief crack in the defensive wall of the whirling leaves around him. But he was already ready for the attack and quickly moved his head out of the way and simultaneously grabbed the hand holding the weapon.


    The next moment he held the rogue who tried to sneak attack him by his neck, and it was actually an Ishiate. Zac frowned a bit over what to do with the beastman draped in ck. He was on a good foot with both camps of the beastmen, but that didnt mean that he was going to allow people who tried to kill him to roam free.


    The Ishiate was trying to say something, but Zac ignored him as he walked inward, holding his captive as a shield. So far there had been no arrays activating, but he didnt believe that a summit pce would have no protections at all.


    He passed the inner courtyard, that seemed to have once been a garden but now was only covered in windswept weeds and twisted trees. As he walked the Ishiate tried to wrest himself free with desperate effort, but a p on the back of his head rendered him unconscious.


    Soon Zac stood in front of the main doors into the proper structure, and he used the unconscious beastman to push the door open. It was a bit callous to use him as a human shield, but the man did try to kill him after all.


    Nothing happened as the huge door swung open, but he saw there was a mostly translucent shimmer in the air inside. Something was fishy about it, so Zac sshed some water in the face of the assassin until he woke up, and then unceremoniously threw him inside.


    The Ishiate quickly regained his senses, and gracefully twisted in the air tond with his feet down, but the moment he touched the ground it was as though the air itselfbusted, causing an inferno to erupt around him.


    The assassin screamed and tried to run out again, likely forgetting about the token in his muddled state. Zac waited at the door and struck him dead the moment he came within reach. Next Zac took out one of the soldier corpses and threw it inside as well since he still saw that odd shimmer in the air.


    This time nothing happened and the corpsey in the hall unassailed. Perhaps the arrays were smart enough to not expend their energy on people who were already dead, meaning collecting bodies to test the waters might be useless.


    Judging by the half-burned state of the assassin it was a purely offensive array that protected the entrance. Zac was even less worried about those than the mental arrays though, and unhesitantly stepped inside as he infused some of his Dao of Trees into the leaves whirling around him.


    Arge reason he once chose <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> before heading to the Dead Zone was that it gained power based on his Endurance, which meant that the skill had received a huge upgrade in the past weeks. The leaves were far sturdierpared to before, and Zac believed not even the dangerous sniper rifles would be able to get through them any longer.


    Just like when the Ishiate was thrown inside an inferno erupted around him the moment he took his first step inside, but the leaves staved off most of the mes before they could reach him. Some of it still snuck past though, but between his me-proof robes and his high Endurance it only stung a bit.


    Zac kept walking through the mes for a few seconds. He didnt dare to run since his visibility was practically zero, and there might be more arrays superimposed on the first one. But soon the mes winked out of existence, leaving Zac slightly toasty but otherwise fine.


    He found himself in arge hall, but unfortunately there were no piles of wealth lying around. In fact, the whole ce felt very austere, with only a couple of paintings simr to the one from the temple adorning the walls. A central staircase stood right in front of him, lined with crystals that gave off a soft glow.


    Zac pondered whether to walk up the stairs or head down to some subterranean basement but quickly chose to walk to a higher floor. If this was a medieval castle there might be a treasury at the bottom floor, but with arrays and Cosmic Sacks, it felt more likely the best treasures would be in the owners quarters.


    After trying a few doors upstairs he found the one that should lead to the private area of the owner of the mansion, but the moment he walked through it felt like he was mmed in the head with a hammer. He only saw white until he finally came to again, and after taking a nce at his watch he was shocked to see that hed been out of it for over 10 minutes.


    He was hit with something like a mental concussion attack, and he was lucky he was alone inside the pce. It was a great lesson for him, no ce was safe. He once again entered the room, and this time he wasnt attacked.


    The room was quite sparse, housing only a desk and some decorative paintings and crystals. He sensed that the crystals in the walls were probably Divine Crystals, but unfortunately the arrays that kept this ce going had exhausted pretty much all energy inside them, making them worthless.


    He walked over to the chest and found there was a token and a sack on it. The token looked a lot like the depiction of the cements of some array, and it was the same as the design he saw on the front of the Array Crystal he looted earlier.


    Zac suspected it was the logo for the Eastern Trigram Sect, and that the sect actually focused on arrays. Either that or this specific mountain housed people who focused on arrays. He picked up the token and imbued some energy into it, and found it was an identification token for an elder.


    After a brief hesitation he fastened it to his belt. Perhaps some of the automatic defensive features in the mountains wouldnt harass him if he had this token. Next he eagerly grabbed the Cosmos sack, but it also turned into a stream of light and entered his temporary sacks.


    He touched his sack to check out the contents. Most of the space upied was the huge tiles currently, and they were neatly ordered in a corner. There were also assortments of low-grade weapons with some basic equipment like tents and bandages, and Zac guessed that was the things from the sacks he had stolen so far.


    There was also another corner that was filled with a respectable pile of Nexus Crystals and a few crystals. They actually looked like skill crystals, and he took one out. But as soon as he tried to nce at its contents he was blocked.


    It was as though the information was protected by a password, or rather a riddle. He received a stream of information that essentially told him that he needed to gain a certain understanding of arrays in order to get past the protection. It was something like the trials that they would have Bra perform to gain ess to the Repository skills in the future.


    There were also a couple of normal notepads and vials with pills inside. Finally, there was a densely inscribed metal ball inside, and Zac curiously took it out. The moment he held it in his hand he couldn''t help grunting because he was barely able to hold on to it. It was extremely heavy, making it feel like he was carrying one of those stones for strongmanpetitions. That was saying something with his monstrous attributes, and Zac figured it must be made from some Spiritual Grade metals.


    He had no idea what it was, and it provided no information for it either. After looking it over he put it back. For all he knew it could be a bomb, and he didnt want to carry it in his arms. Zac looked through all drawers on the desk afterward but found nothing interesting besides arge feather that might have been used as a pencil before.


    There was also a door that led to an inner room, and after stripping the paintings from the wall he walked inside. It was a meditation chamber with a beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. There was also a simr mat as the one he had already taken, and he quickly snatched that one as well. Unfortunately, there were no hidden treasures beneath it as with the other one.


    He was about to head back but some change in the periphery of his vision made him curiously look over. Something was happening on another mountain. A huge fire had shed into existence in an instance, spreading over a hundred meters. Zac could even hear the explosion two mountains over.


    Looked like someone with pretty decent power was flexing his or her muscles. As Zac was looking more closely at the mountains he actually saw a little bit of movement here and there. Things were really kicking into motion, filling Zac with some eagerness to move on to the next ce.


    Zac scoured the pce for anything else of value, but he couldnt find it. He did find some exquisite furniture in a dining room though, and unceremoniously threw everything inside the pouch. There was no need to be discerning with the gargantuan space inside, and anything that caught his eye went into the sack.


    Since he was done he exited the same way he came, but to his surprise two people stood outside carefully looking at the entrance. However, when they saw Zac emerging their brows rose and they quickly used some sort of escape skill without hesitation, making Zac unable to guess where they went.


    Zac tried to figure out their tracks for a bit, but that wasnt his strong suit. Instead, he headed down the mountain in the opposite direction from the one he came from. If that duo wanted to they were wee to follow so that he could loot their pouches as well.


    The direction Zac walked was partly chosen due to not wanting double-track, but also that one of the mountains in this direction looked caught his eyes earlier. It was extremely steep, with a modest mansion on top. The thing that drew his attention though was the hidden hanging fields that seemed to be cut inside the mountain itself, and apparently only essible from the pce above.


    He couldnt really tell from the distance, but it truly looked like fields made for growing Spiritual herbs. Perhaps the fields were holding untold treasures since Spiritual Herbs generally grew stronger the higher their age was. Herbs that had absorbed Cosmic Energy for thousands of years would each be worth a fortune, and he couldnt stop a creepy smile from appearing on his face as he thought about looting a whole field of them.


    That very smile seemed to have an astounding effect since he ran into a young girl who was furtively climbing toward the peak he just left. The moment he saw Zac with his grin she flinched in fright, and unhesitantly crushed the token in her hands.


    Zac didnt even have time to react before the girl winked out of existence. Her sudden disappearance made Zac more certain about his hypothesis that the dy was dependent on power or wealth, as the girl seemed to be a real weakling, to the point she actually walked with her token in hand.


    As he descended the mountain there wasnt really anything really worth noting. There was another temple at the mid-way point, but it was reduced to only rubble. Zac briefly tried to look through the ruins for some more treasure, but the hanging gardens were beckoning him, and he quickly gave up the idea of a proper excavation.


    Finally, after a mad dash he found himself at the foot of the mountain, and to his delight it was teeming with beasts. He saw tens of the ck rats frenziedly rip apart the carcass of arge bear, and the next moment he was attacked by a pack of wolves.


    It was as though the crevices between the mountains were made out of natural barriers of beasts. Unless one had decent power or arger group it would be suicide to try to change mountain to explore. Seeing this many targets for grinding hisdder position he wanted to just go on a rampage, but he stopped himself.


    Getting a high position on the Hunterdder this early wasn''t necessarily a good thing. People would run for the hills if they spotted him, making it harder for him to liberate people from their cosmos sacks. Instead, his eyes turned up toward the gardens that were no longer visible from this vantage.


    Zac had his axe in his hand and greed in his eyes, so a corridor of carnage was quickly carved toward the neighboring mountain.

 Chapter 218: Alchemists Mountain

    Chapter 218: Alchemist''s Mountain


    Zac was almost at the crest of the mountain housing the Alchemist Pce, as hed named the mansion due to what he hoped to find inside.


    Hed entered a couple of buildings on the way up, but he hadnt found much of value apart from a few minor pills and Crystals. After having visited a couple of buildings it was pretty clear that a corrtion between the power of the defenses and how high up on a mountain it was located.


    He could essentially burst through the ones close to the foot of the mountain without even activating his defenses. But these domiciles were either for servants or low disciples and it wasnt really worth the time for Zac to enter. But from somewhere at the mid he needed to activate at least <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> to avoid any mishaps.


    As for the pure physical traps he could pretty much tank them with his body, though it hurt more the higher up he went. Endurance was already his highest attribute by now, and it clearly showed as he shrugged off everything from bolts to fireballs as he crashed through the buildings.


    He also robbed a trio of cultivators from the other world who went down the mountain with disappointment afterward. Interestingly enough new sacks spawned on their belts just a few seconds after they were robbed of their original ones.


    However, after seeing that he only caught some basic necessities and nothing of value he decided to reevaluate his tactics. At least, for now, hed check thedders before robbing people. It was true that many a little makes a mickle, but there was no point to rob a bunch of tents and sleeping bags.


    The mountain he was currently scaling was far more cultivatedpared to thest one, and Zac was currently running up along one of the multiple sets of stairs that all seemed to be leading to the top. He also hadnt encountered a single animal since passing the half-way point, likely because there was no vegetation from that point.


    At first, he was a bit worried about theck of fauna, but then he remembered how it looked like around his Tree of Ascension. Due to its high energy requirements it killed and absorbed all life in the vicinity. Perhaps the hanging gardens were doing the same and had long ago killed off all other life on the mountain.


    Zac was filled with excitement as he closed in on the crest, but a huge shockwave from above stopped him in his tracks. Someone was fighting up above, and the power they disyed wasnt a joke.


    He frowned and slowly walked up, careful to not make any loud sounds. The cosmic energies in the air surged as he walked up thest sets of stairs, and not long after a rumble shook the whole mountain.


    Zacs axe was already in his hands as he looked over the edge, and the sight made Zac frown. Over a hundred people were actually on the mountain, almost all of them decked in the familiar attire of the Medhin Empire. Most were sitting down as if in meditation, and the only exceptions were three people.


    One of them was a young man with an arrogant demeanor who was decked in a golden robe. He stood unblemished in front of the sitting army, and it was clear they were using a War Array to empower him as he glowed with power. It also looked like he had arge blue circle tattooed in his forehead.


    The other two werent as well off. One of them might be dead, lying motionlessly on the ground in a pool of his own blood. Above him stood a woman who was bleeding quite heavily as well, but clearly wasnt ready to give up yet.


    What was more surprising was that Zac actually recognized the two. It was Thea Marshall and the shield-bearing bodyguard who had apanied her and Henry Marshall to the Auction a month ago. When he realized who the two were his eyes couldnt help once again turn to the young man who seemed to have defeated them without much of a problem.


    For a second he pondered whether he should retreat, but after a bit he took the final steps up the stairs with a sigh. He couldnt let the third ranker and one of the mainbatants against the Incursions die here. It might cause the whole Marshall n to copse, and they were only other main force he could partner with at the moment, what with the tense situation with the New World Government.


    The young man threw a nce at Zac when he appeared, but he clearly discounted him as a non-threat. Instead, he summoned what appeared to be a tornado of wild energies in his hand and pointed it toward Thea. It shed in a few colors and reminded Zac of the horn of the Star Ox. However, this jumble of energies seemed to have mainly light blue and brown energies,pared to the rainbow of the beast horn.


    Theas eyes thinned and she grabbed the body of the bodyguard and made to retreat, but a huge fractal appeared above her, somehow rooting her in ce. Zac couldn''t sense anything apart from the chaotic swirl from the man and guessed that it was something created by the army.


    You cant just leave after your words, woman, the man said with a sneer. The punishment for rejecting the divine invitation is death.


    The next moment he pushed the chaotic jumble of energies forward, and it trembled with power as it closed in on her. Zac saw no option so he used <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to sh in front of her, and covered the trio with his defensive skill as heunched a Dao-Infused <strong>[Chop] </strong>at the iing attack.


    The two strikes shed with a tremendous explosion, and Zac was barely able to keep himself from getting pushed off the mountain as he was nketed by the wild energies that ripped through his leaves. Thea and the bodyguard were better off as Zac soaked most of the damage, and she confusedly looked up at his broad back.


    Theas eyes widened in shock when she saw who it was, but they quickly refocused on their enemy.


    Why are you here? You need to leave, those soldiers are empowering that man to crazy levels, she frantically whispered, blood running down her mouth.


    I know, Zac said with a shrug as he turned back toward the man who finally had turned his eyes toward him.


    Who are you? The punishment for interfering in my divine judgment is death, he angrily said as he charged up another chaotic jumble in his hands.


    Zac only snorted in response as he tried to use <strong>[Inquisitive Eye] </strong>on his enemy. Unfortunately it failed, apart from showing the man''s standing on thedder. And this person was actually on the fourteenth spot on the Hunter Ladder. This man was clearly a rabid animal from his ranking and attitude. Anyone that high up must have started killing people from the get-go, rather than hunting for treasures.


    Now that Zac had the time to properly look at the attack he felt somewhat certain it was a mix of two Daos, mainly something rted to wind and something earth-rted, which exined the colors. Perhaps the mixing of Daos representing gaseous and solid matter was making the resulting attack extremely unstable, turning it into a bomb.


    Im guessing youre one of the Medhin? Zac said as he cracked his neck. Leave your Cosmos Sack and crush your token, and Ill allow you to leave.


    The young man nkly stared for a few seconds until he started to wildlyugh. Meanwhile, the soldiers behind him started to radiate an unrestrained killing intent that could almost match Zacs own. These people truly seemed to be fanatics judging by how angry they became from Zacsment.


    Allow me to leave? My will is the divine will, only the Great Lord can tell me what to do, he said, infusing his skill with far more power.


    However, by now Zac had managed to infuse all the Cosmic Energy he needed into his forearm, and the space above the young man shattered.


    Shield! one of the captains immediately roared, and a thick golden glow enveloped the young man before the wooden hand even had time to emerge half-way.


    But the young royal wasnt the target of the hand as it emerged with lightning speed and mmed down right in the middle of the sitting army. They had a sturdy shield as well, but it wasnt enough to block <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> infused with the Dao of Heaviness.


    A tremendous sound echoed out from the mountain, and it almost seemed the gargantuan hand would crack the summit in two. Over two-thirds of the soldiers were turned into meat paste from the attack, and most of the others were wounded or dying from the shockwave.


    You! the young man roared in anger, but before he had time to react Zac was upon him with determination in his eyes.


    Lord Tyrbat! one of the soldiers shouted and once again tried to start up the infusion of power.


    But suddenly his throat was cut right open and he started to bleed out with widened eyes. The same scene happened amongst most of the living soldiers, and they fell one by one.


    Meanwhile Zac swung his axe down imbued with the Dao of Sharpness, the edge aiming straight for the young mans head. Madness was evident in Tyrbats eyes, and he redirected the attack he''d charged up to intercept Zac''s strike.


    Zacs swing was like a sh of lightning, cutting straight through the attack, releasing torrential energies all over him. Zac activated a defensive charge from his robe thest second and the axe kept going straight down. But Tyrbat had excellent reflexes and nimbly dodged, disying great speed even without the help of the War Array.


    Zac didn''t want to relent though and immediately followed up with another strike. Unfortunately one of the rings on the man''s hands lit up and a shield activated that actually managed to block Zac''s strike. Meanwhile Tyrbat took out a radiant sphere from his Cosmos Sack.


    The ball''s glow quickly increased in intensity, reminding Zac of the Lightning Punishment Arrays he still had in his possession. Zac didn''t want to let his enemy let this thing go off and desperately tried to swing at the man. But once again a second ring on his hands lit up, creating another imprable shield. Meanwhile, a brown shimmer covered the whole body of the Medhin royal.


    The next moment the ball exploded, and Zac pushed backward to avoid the st zone, but his face still got singed by the heat. The next moment another much louder explosion erupted behind him, and he turned around to see that the royal had appeared right between Thea and her downed bodyguard, wildlyughing.


    Something had detonated the moment he arrived as he stood in the middle of a crater, but he himself was unhurt. The brown shimmer around him was likely another defensive measure to protect himself while he let the bomb explode right in his hands. It was an extremely effective tactic, as the other two were far worse off than Zac. If the bodyguard wasnt dead before, he surely was now, as half of his body was sted into nothingness.


    Thea was still alive, though she barely managed to stay conscious. Judging by the less damaged floor beneath her feet she had used some defensive skill or talisman to mitigate the effect of the attack. But clearly it was only partly effective since her wounds had gotten much more serious.


    Zac grunted and set off again with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> keeping his eyes peeled for any treasure Tyrbat took out. The man was trying to kill them with his massive wealth it looked like, and he couldn''t let this go on. He swung his axe horizontally, once again imbuing it with the Dao of Sharpness. A bracelet on the mans hands shed into life once again, and he briefly turned translucent, letting the de cut right through him.


    However, Zac was ready with a follow up as he threw a staggered punch empowered with Heaviness right at the mans face. The effect of the ring was limited, and luckily enough it ran out just before the fist reached his head. A tremendous punch hit the man straight in his temple, mming him straight down into the ground with enough force to make the ground shake.


    Normally his head should have been sttered all over the ground, but somehow he was still conscious, though barely. Zac wouldnt stop here, and chopped down with finality.


    IMPOSSIBLE! the man screamed as torrential amounts of cosmic energy gathered around him.


    But Zac had seen so manyst-ditch attacks by now that he didnt even flinch, and with a resounding m decapitated the young royal. Zac checked hisdder as he was inundated with energy from the kill, and wasnt too surprised to see that he had risen considerably in rankings, actually reaching top 10 on the Hunterdder.


    He briefly wondered what troubles woulde from killing one of the top rankers of the other world. The soldier had called him Lord Tyrbat, and Zac remembered he held the 9<sup>th</sup> spot at thedder, being level 69.


    He was likely one of the weaker family members of the Medhin family, but he was still a dangerous opponent. Not necessarily through his own power, but through his army and his treasures. If Zac hadnt been able to kill off most of the soldiers boosting Tyrbat it would likely have been a far tougher fight.


    The fact that one of the royals possessed a private army to empower them meant that it was likely the same with the others. In the beginning he thought that only the Dominators and perhaps the emperors would pose a threat, but perhaps that wasnt the whole picture.


    A wet cough refocused Zacs attention to Thea who was arduously getting up to a sitting position. Zac threw ast nce at the dead royal before heading over to her. She warily frowned when she saw his approach, but rxed when she saw him take out a vial.


    A top-grade healing pill, Zac said and threw it over.


    Thea hesitated a bit before she caught the vial and took out a pill. She swallowed it after looking it over, nodding toward Zac.


    Thank you, she simply said as she closed her eyes to focus on recuperation.

 Chapter 219: Alliance

    Chapter 219: Alliance


    Zac surveyed the battlefield and finally walked over to the corpse of the Medhin member. He was still decked in all kinds of expensive-looking rings and amulets, and Zac unceremoniously threw the body into his sack so that he could look over themter.


    He already knew from before that the Medhin had monopolized all the best stuff from their empire, and the power of the rings proved that the mans equipment might be even better than Zacs own.


    Next, he walked through the whole army, looking at each and everyone for anything that could be of value. Only the things inside the sacks were transferred over automatically upon a kill, but not the things on their bodies. But it seemed there wasn''t really anything of interest.


    Finally, he walked over to the downed bodyguard. Arge part of his torso waspletely ripped off, leaving a gristly wound as he nkly stared up at the sky. Zac sighed and bent down to close his eyes, before turning his attention to the shield thaty not too far from him.


    It was a different one from the shield he saw this man wear at the auction, and it was clearly of high quality. It was slightly dented but otherwise in good condition. That was saying something because Zac had felt the power of the strikes even when he was down on the stairs. It wasnt the shield that failed, but the user''s endurance was simply insufficient to bear the power of Tyrbat.


    He walked over to the shield and lifted it up, and found it was extremely heavy, making it feel like he was holding a huge boulder. It was also quiterge, covering everything from his head down to his knees when he held it up. He could also see that it had a string of fractals that ran all over the inside of it.


    It might not be a Spiritual Tool like he wanted, but it was far superior to anything he possessed at the moment and would have no problem surviving through the quest to block 5 000 attacks. Unfortunately hed found out that he couldnt advance the quests in his human form. Otherwise he could have finished it by running down the mountain to the beasts for a couple of hours.


    It turned out that his ss quests only were active while he actually had his ss, so he would need to turn back into an undead before working on them. However, that posed a bit of a problem at the moment.


    It was far easier to turn back to a human for Zac at the moment since Miasma was both the source of life and fighting strength for an undead. It was different for a Human though. Expending all his Cosmic Energy wouldnt have any other effect thanpletely exhausting him and making him a bit nauseated.


    He had a theory that he might be able to turn back into an undead by bleeding himself out since that should empty him of all his vitality. But he wasnt in the mood to try that out unless at back at home with someone to watch over him. Also, there might be other restrictions in ce, such as how often he could turn.


    However, even though the shield would be useful to him he didnt put it in his bag. It belonged to the Marshall n, and the man lying next to him had sacrificed his life to protect Thea from an attack. Perhaps she would be unwilling to hand it over.


    Just take it, Thea suddenly said without opening her eyes, making Zacs brows rise.


    Was the woman a psychic? His eyes slightly thinned and he looked over to the girl calmly sitting ten meters away from him. In response, she opened her eyes and leveled her piercing blue stare toward him.


    You were stomping around like a rhino, I heard what you were doing, she calmly said added before closing her eyes again.


    Zac didntment, but simply put the shield into his bag. Since he''d looted the battlefield it was time for Zac to go over the spoils, so he focused his attention on his Cosmos Sack.


    When he looked inside he was shocked to see the amount of stuff inside. There was a huge tent along with all kinds of foods and delicacies, and an enormous amount of pelts and pillows. The army must each have taken a part of the camp with them to bring it all, as not even Zac himself could carry that much stuff.


    Just how did these people find each other so quickly? Zac muttered to himself.


    They just needed to touch when they got teleported and theyd end up at the same ce. The tutorial pixies told everyone that, have you forgotten? Thea said in response without opening her eyes.


    Well, I didnt go to the tutorial, so no one told me, Zac said with a shrug.


    What? Youre a mortal? she said, her eyes opening in shock. Then why are you so strong?


    Lucky, I guess, Zac muttered as he gazed upon the pce at the other side of the summit.


    It was bothrger and in better shapepared to the pce he entered on thest mountain, which might hint that the protections in ce were superior as well. He could only hope that it was somehow calibrated to a reasonable strength. Otherwise he would have to scale the mountain somehow to reach the hidden gardens.


    But he had a strong feeling there were protections in ce against that in ce, which is why he went up the mountain the normal way in the first ce. He wouldn''t do any mountain climbing unless he had to. But suddenly he was dragged out of his thoughts as he noticed Thea was ring at him with red eyes.


    Uh, are you okay? Zac hesitantly said, afraid that she wanted her shield back.


    Every day, said with a hollow voice. Every day Ive fought with my life on the line, one battle after another. Just so that I can protect my family and humanity. But I couldnt even save John. Instead, he had to sacrifice himself to keep me alive.


    Zac didnt know what to say and only looked at Thea with some sadness in his eyes. He knew just how it was to feel powerless. Every day the first month on the ind hed spent sleepless nights being ovee with despair, not knowing whether hed ever get off the ind alive, or whether his family was alive.


    Meanwhile you just keep getting stronger, increasing the distance between yourself and the rest of us. We thought you might have gained a top grade cultivation manual from the tutorial, as that was the only thing that could exin it. But it turns out youre not even a cultivator, she said as she looked up at him with tears of frustration pooling in her eyes.


    Zac coughed, a bit ufortable from the intensity of the stare. To avoid it he walked around to her back and ced his hand on her shoulder. She immediately tensed up and shot a re at him in response.


    I have the Dao of Trees, and it has healing properties. It will speed up the process with absorbing the pill, he exined as he infused the Dao into her through his hand.


    After feeling that nothing was amiss with the energies she rxed again and refocused on healing. The silence felt a bit ufortable after her outburst so he started to talk about what came to his mind.


    When the integration happened I was camping with my girlfriend and three others, but it turned out all four of them were cultivators. The patch of forest we were in got moved, cing me alone on a remote ind together with an Incursion. That Incursion was both a curse and blessing. It made my life a living hell, but closing it also gave me a bunch of advantages, Zac exined as he kept infusing her with the Dao of Trees.


    You singlehandedly closed an incursion? she asked with shock and couldnt help to nce back at him.


    Well, after their leaders were dead the rest decided to leave, Zac said with a shrug, not bothering to exin the details.


    Thea thoughtfully looked down, before once again closing her eyes to focus on recuperation. Zac helped speed up the healing process for roughly ten minutes before she opened her eyes again.


    Thank you. For saving me, she said with some difficulty on her face before she got to her feet with some effort. "Ok, let''s go."


    What? Zac said with confusion.


    Ill have to inconvenience you for a bit while I heal, she said as matter of fact.


    Zac mutely stared at her, his eyes not able to stop darting toward the pce a couple of times. Bringing a seriously wounded person along would greatly impact his gathering speed. There was also the issue that he might have to bear the blunt of the defensive arrays activating twice.


    Thea clearly understood what he was thinking about since a sharp aura started to radiate out from her.


    Youre thinking Ill be a nuisance, she said with some anger building. I might be hurt but I was still able to finish off all the soldiers you missed. Besides, I have many useful skills.


    I mean you almost died just now. Perhaps going back to recuperate might be a better idea? Zac hesitantly said. Earth is full of opportunities and strong enemies to fight as well. Going back like this isnt the worst.


    And miss out on the free levels and titles? she said, her anger reaching a crescendo. Fine, you dont need to waste your precious time, just go on ahead without me.


    All right, all right, Zac sighed. Lets just go. Theres a hidden garden in the back of that pce. I think it might contain aged Spiritual Herbs. We might find something that will help heal you faster as well.


    Theas eyes lit up at the mention of Spiritual Herbs, and Zac could understand the reaction. Even though the System was flooding Earth with Cosmic Energy there were very few proper herbs still around. Furthermore, those that were growing were still extremely young and not too potent. It was one of the areas that Earth wascking the most at the moment.


    Since they were done here Zac started walking toward the pce, but after some hesitation he ran back and brought the identifiable corpses as well. At first he nned to leave them as a warning that this mountain was upied in case anyone else arrived, but it might actually backfire and attract one of the stronger Medhin royals.


    Since he was apanied by Thea who was still in very bad shape even after eating a top grade pill he had to lower his speed, giving Zac the opportunity to ask some questions.


    So you know that I fight with axes. Im not really good at things other than hitting things and getting hit, he said, eliciting a small smile from his newpanion. What kind of ss do you have?


    Thea hesitated for a bit before answering.


    I guess you could say my ss is a mix of a ranger and assassin. I mainly focus on battle as well, but I have some investigative skills, she said.


    Zac nodded, not being too surprised. He and Ogras already suspected she was some sort of assassin ss after she managed to cut the demons throat without either of the two really seeing what happened.


    Stay close to me when we enter the pce, the arrays will probably be pretty dangerous, Zac said as he activated his defensive skill preemptively.


    I dont need you to protect me, she replied with a huff, but she still moved slightly closer as they approached the entrance.


    As soon as Zac pushed open the door he was met with a wall of earthy smells from a wide variety of herbs and fauna. It felt as though every pore in his body was revitalized just from breathing, and his eyes lit up in excitement. There were good things in this pce for sure.


    He was about to step inside to test the waters, but a hand grabbed his arm.


    What are you doing? Are you just entering? Thea asked like she was looking at a fool.


    Well, yeah? Whats your idea? Zac asked.


    Hed already ascertained that it wasnt possible to test the arrays with corpses, and he didnt believe Thea was an array expert.


    Just wait for a second, she said as her eyes closed.


    The next moment a chromatic field appeared in front of them. Zac looked over to Thea with confusion and noted she had paled a bit.


    Its a poison array. Breathing isnt necessary to get poisoned, it will be able to enter through our pores, she said with a frown.


    Zac nced over with surprise. It seemed she had a really handy skill for scouting things out. But since he knew it was a poison array he wasnt too worried. He took out a vial of ck pills whose smell made his nose-hair curl up.


    What the hell? Is that feces? Thea said with wide eyes, taking a few steps away.


    Zac only shook his head and swallowed one of the pills with a grimace.

 Chapter 220: Jackpot

    Chapter 220: Jackpot


    Thea looked at him aghast, seemingly not able toprehend what was happening.


    Its an antidote pill, Zac said as he paled a bit. Or rather a poison pill that blocks other poisons. Kind of fight fire with fire. Do you need one?


    It was something hed gotten after Alea poisoned him. It wasnt specifically to protect against her, but he felt he needed some precautions. Hed been poisoned without even noticing it, and there wasnt much he could do about it after the fact.


    Unfortunately, pills that gave immunity to most poisons were extremely expensive. What he swallowed instead was actually a mild poison. It gave simr effects to food poisoning, but that wasnt why he took it.


    The poison also had the effect that it blocked up his pores, essentially stopping most poison to enter through the air or touch. It was a much cheaper alternative to the antidotes and a popr addition to most wandering cultivators survival kits.


    Id rather get poisoned than eat that, Thea said with disgust, instead taking out a hazmat suit.


    Zac looked upon it with interest. It looked like it was made before the integration, but someone had added rudimentary inscriptions to it. It was clear that the Marhsall n hadnt been idle, but rather making inroads in all sorts of things.


    Prototype Hazmat suit, Thea said with some pride after seeing Zacs gaze. The fractals protect against tears and makes the material even less porous. It stops most particles from passing through. It was made by our research department not long ago.


    Pretty impressive, Zac muttered as he tried to ignore his churning stomach.


    He didnt want to stay any longer and walked right into the array after taking a deep breath. Due to whatever Thea did with her skill it was extremely clear where the array started and where it stopped. However, something unexpected happened after the two were in the middle of the array.


    A tremendous pressure descended upon them, actually forcing Zac down on his knees. Thea was far worse off and immediately was pushed down prone on the ground. There was another hidden array that she had missed.


    Its effect was exactly the same as his Gravity array back at the academy, but its effect was supercharged. It was so bad that Thea was barely able to breathe, only able to take in shallow breaths. It was a simple but effectivebination. A poison that could kill any trespassers, and a gravity array to keep the trespassers inside the poison until they had to breath.


    Zac arduously got back on his feet, the veins in his head almost popping from the strain. The ground cracked under his weight, and it felt like he was carrying a mountain just by standing up. He slowly walked over to the prone Thea, who helplessly looked up.


    Zac bent down with a grunt, but he was actually unable to lift her. He had enough problems keeping himself up, and it was just impossible to add the weight of another to the tally. The extreme exertion from standing inside the gravity array was also quickly depleting his oxygen, and he was already feeling the need to breathe.


    Zac shook his head and quickly walked back outside, all the while feeling the burning gaze of Thea. He quickly released his breath and took a new mouthful of air as he looked around before activating <strong>[Hatchetmans Fury]</strong>.


    He hadnt expected to need to use his boost skill for something like this, but there wasnt much to do about it. He would just have toy low for a bit afterward. Violent impulses started to emerge in his mind as he gained a considerable boost in power, but he forcefully pushed them down.


    He took another deep breath of air and walked inside the arrays once again. This time he had no problem to walk since hed gained almost 100 additional strength from the activation of the skill. It even looked like the poisonous air was pushed away by the power billowing out from his body.


    He soon found Thea again, who hesitantly held her token in her hand while still stuck to the ground. But when she saw Zac reappear her eyes slightly widened and she put away the token once again. Zac didntment, but only went down and lifted her up from the ground with a grunt.


    He hurriedly walked further inside the temple, but it was clear that this array was far thicker than the one he passed on the other mountain. Some nervousness started to build as the seconds passed. If he was still inside the array when the buff ran out he might be in trouble since he wouldnt be able to move due to the period of weakness.


    However, luckily his fears were unfounded as he finally felt the huge pressure lift, almost making him fall over. Zac let Thea down and she plopped down on the ground and panted heavily. Zac couldnt really see through the hazmat suit, but he couldnt imagine being put through so much pressure could be good for her wounds.


    Are you okay? he hesitantly asked.


    Ill be fine, Thea said. Thank you foring back.


    Its fine, I just needed to take a new breath, Zac answered, but immediately after he paled and coughed a couple of times.


    Are you poisoned? Thea asked with worry as she stood up.


    No, Im fine. I just overextended myself a bit, Zac said with a sigh as he took out a normal healing pill.


    The pills helped somewhat with the aftereffects from <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, but in the end it was limited since he wasnt hurt, but rather expended. However, it was better than nothing, and Zac wanted to stay in as good shape as possible even if he needed to waste some resources.


    Besides, it helped alleviate the effects of the poison pill, which might be equally important since he wasnt in the mood to poop his pants in front of a girl.


    Thea looked at him with somewhat of a frown, but she didntment as she took off her Hazmat suit. Zac looked around while she was busy, and he finally noticed they had entered what looked like paradise.


    It felt like they were inside one of some botanical gardens, with a wide variety of fantastical nts and flowers. The courtyard was an explosion of color and smells, almost enough to dizzy the senses. However, Zac could conclude after a brief look that these flowers werent Spiritual Herbs, but rather mortal flora.


    Hed somewhat expected an alchemist or poison master to have high-grade flowers for decorations, but perhaps it was bad for the Cosmic Energy density. In any case, it was a beautiful scene, and Zac and Thea leisurely walked along the path toward the building proper.


    Zac felt it was a bit confusing why the garden looked so pristine. It was theplete opposite to the run-down temples of the first mountain. He realized hed just assumed that there would be no native people around due to how everything looked when he first arrived, but what if that wasnt the case?


    They might very well have just barged in on some poison masters private property. Zac started to get a sinking feeling as he warily looked around, trying to rouse his weakened body. A sudden rustle made Zac unhesitantly activate <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, startling Thea into a defensive posture as well.


    A secondter they saw a figure slowly approach them. However, its appearance was a bit unexpected, making Zac slightly lower his guard. It was a run-down golem that was currently carrying a bucket of water and a pair of shears.


    Hello? Do you live here? Zac hesitantly asked.


    However, the golempletely ignored the two until it sat down some distance from them and started tending a hedge. Zac and Thea observed it for a bit longer and tried various means tomunicate with it. However, the golempletely ignored them while it tended to its task with great meticulousness.


    I dont think its sapient, Thea hesitantly said after they had observed its actions for a bit longer.


    Might be like a servant robot or something? Zac agreed. That would exin why the ce still looks nice.


    Yeah, but that might mean there are guard robots as well, Thea said with a frown. Are you in condition to fight?


    Not at full force for the time being, Zac admitted. But as long as any defenders arent past early E-Grade Ill be able to handle it.


    Monster, Thea muttered in annoyance.


    Even though there were golems working in the garden they didnt stop. The enticement of ancient Spiritual Herbs was just too big to ignore. Luckily they werepletely unosted as they walked into the pce, with the golems actually bowing and moving out of the way as they passed.


    The insides were well-tended as well, with well-oiled furniture and potted flowers creating a cozy atmosphere. Zacs fingers started to itch when he saw all the high-quality furniture and decorations. But next his eyes hesitantly switched to a golem that was currently sweeping the floor.


    Do you think the golems would care if I took the furniture? Zac said.


    The furniture? Why would you want that? Thea asked with confusion. When John and I checked thest mountain they barely had any value.


    Well, I still havent decorated my ce, Zac said, drawing a raised brow from Thea. I mean Ive been busy with closing incursions and stuff.


    I dont think its worth risking getting hounded by a bunch of robots so that you can get a new ottoman for your guest room, Thea said with a shake of her head.


    Ill just pick them up on the way out, Zac muttered under his breath. Rich people dont know how to be thrifty.


    Robbing someones home is being thrifty? Thea snorted. Andst time I checked youve been in the first spot of the Wealthdder since day one, no matter how much you spent at the Auction. We know for a fact that Thomas Fischer held over 100 million Nexus coins for a brief moment, but even that wasnt enough to overtake you.


    Zac looked over surprised. One hundred million coins werent peanuts, and it was pretty impressive that the Government Leader managed to get a hold of that much.


    How do you know that? Zac asked curiously.


    Spies and having people keeping constant watch of thedders, Thea said with a shrug as she walked through a doorway into arge dining area. The government mapped out everyone''s wealth by increasing Thomas wealth incrementally a few days after the Auction. Of course, youre an exception since they couldnt pass your wealth.


    Thats a pretty smart idea, Zac said with praise.


    It doesnt work with factions like my family or a few of the other independent established forces. We spread out our Nexus Coins, apart from Grandpa who decided to put himself at the top ten of the Wealthdder as a show of strength, Thea added she looked around for any hiddenpartments or treasures.


    Wait, another array, Thea suddenly said as she stopped in front of a nondescript door.


    Zac curiously walked over, trying to gain any insight from what might be inside from the door, but it truly looked just like any other door in this ce. They had opened a few of them and most were just guest rooms or even empty.


    Can you see what type? Zac asked as he looked at it.


    Pure defensive shield, we need to find the weak spots in order to- Thea started exining, but was interrupted by Zac punching the shield with enough force to kill an elephant, causing some tremors in the building.


    The array cracked like a mirror, giving the two ess to the room within.


    "You fool, what if you alert all the golems?" Thea said as she agitatedly looked around, the air around her humming.


    Zac noticed the odd phenomenon and remembered his and Ogras'' discussions about Thea''s weapon. There was likely some sort of daggers swiveling around her at all times, providing both offense and defense at any time. It was worth remembering, as that meant he could be attacked at moment''s notice, though Zac doubted Thea would do something like that from their interactions.


    It worked didnt it? Zac said with a small smile and pushed open the door.


    However, he didnt step inside, and instead only looked at the room with a gaping mouth. Thea walked up next to him and her face soon mirrored his own.


    Jackpot!

 Chapter 221: Public Enemy Number One

    Chapter 221: Public Enemy Number One


    Zac had called the pce the Alchemist Pce in his mind, and this room was a final confirmation that hed been right on the money. It was clear that they had found an alchemists workshop.


    Thick bundles of herbs were hanging from the roof, and they were likely the cause of the thick scent in the room. Unfortunately they lookedpletely dried out, and it was unclear whether there was any medicinal efficacy left in them. Along the walls were a few tables fulls of scrolls and crystals, perhaps containing recipes or experiment notes. There were also vials all over the ce, from on shelves to strewn on the ground.


    However, the clearest indicator that this truly was an alchemists workshop was therge lidded cauldron in the middle of the room. It was half a meter high and circr, had four stout legs that lifted it a few decimeters up in the air, and there were intricate engravings covering the whole thing from top to bottom.


    Cauldrons were used by an overwhelming majority of all alchemists when producing pills, and many were even more expensive than Spiritual Tools. Zac had heard of a few master alchemists who didn''t need them any longer and were able to form pills by only using their Cosmic Energy and skills, but these masters were an extremely small minority. Besides, even if those people could concoct pills without a cauldron they would probably still use it for their more important crafts.


    The purpose of cauldrons was to make the pill-making process easier and could contain all sorts of inscriptions for this purpose. They could improve heat control, gather Cosmic Energy to infuse into the pills, or just have all kinds of measures to stabilize the highly vtile process of extracting the usefulponents from herbs.


    The cauldron looked quite extravagant, but Zac didnt have the knowledge to appraise it. He immediately wanted to step inside, but suddenly stopped and hesitantly looked over at Thea.


    How do we decide the split? Zac asked.


    Unless they reached an ord their cooperation would quickly crumble.


    You saved my life, so I wont take anything from this mountain, Thea said, not seeming to care the slightest about the loss of treasure. If we find something that will help me heal Id like it though.


    You sure? Zac said, not being able to help to be slightly suspicious. You really dont want anything from all this?


    Its just the first day, there are so many mountains to loot. Losing out on one isnt the end, Thea said as she threw Zac a look of disdain. Paranoia isnt a good look, by the way.


    Zac scratched his chin a bit embarrassed. Ogras and the recent events had indeed made him a bit more paranoid. But after being stabbed by both a Janos impersonator and his ex he felt a healthy amount of paranoia was a bit warranted. You never knew when a dagger wasing for you, and he might not be lucky and turn into his Draugr form next time.


    But he also knew that Thea had a ster reputation. From what hed gathered during his travels he learned she was known as a lone warrior who didnt y politics. She only focused on getting stronger and defeating the foreign invaders, which garnered a lot of respect in Kingsbury.


    Of course, that was just the public image. There were so many hypocrites in the world who worked hard to keep a certain appearance to the public when they were snakes in reality. However, Zac didnt get that impression from the girl next to him and felt that the public perception was pretty close to reality.


    He didnt have any good response to what she said and instead quickly walked inside the workshop. The room had an extremely dense smell of herbs and pills, making Zac wonder just how many pills had been created in this small room.


    He wasted no time and went through the room like a hurricane. Zac left nothing behind, not even the empty vials. Even the tables and bookshelves went into the sack, making Zac smile in glee. Only when hed swept everything apart from the Cauldron into his pouch did he stop and check hisdder position.


    From looting a hundred corpses outside and the workshop Zac had jumped up all the way to the 27<sup>th</sup> spot on the gathererdder. It wasnt actually as high as hed expected since this was the second summit pce he looted. It looked like many others had caught lucky breaks.


    Next, he put the Cauldron into his sack, and he was shocked to see that he jumped all the way to the 5<sup>th</sup> position. It was clear that the cauldron was a true treasure in the eyes of the system, likely above anything hed found so far. He couldnt help but look over at Thea, who only calmly looked at him wearing his money-crazed grin.


    Looks like the Cauldron was a good thing. The Marshall n would like to buy it at ater date if you find no use for it, she said with an even voice.


    Ill keep it in mind, Zac said.


    He currently didnt have anyone that focused on alchemy back home, but perhaps that was only a matter of time. People with side professions would likely pop up sooner orter on his ind. From what he understood some people started to focus on other things apart from their ss at higher grades.


    It became increasingly arduous to level up, and gaining all the levels in the E-Grade ss was expected to take a couple of decades. And even after that there was the extremely difficult bottleneck of reaching the D-Grade ss that could keep people stuck for hundreds of years or the rest of their lives.


    If one only focused on the same Daos or breaking through the bottleneck youd go crazy over time, so people found other pursuits to rx their minds or gain new inspirations. Sometimes those hobbies became such arge part of their lives that they actually changed over from being a warrior to focusing on things such as arrays or cksmithing instead.


    The two kept looking through every nook and cranny of the house, but they couldnt find anything else of value inside. Thea even used some sort of scouting skill to look for hidden passages or arrays that might indicate spots with value, but she couldnt find anything.


    Finally they went out the back, that also had a beautiful garden. Zac couldnt help but look over at the golem who was raking a path, wondering if he should try throwing them into his pouch as well. It would be great to have a couple of these things on hispound to beautify and maintain the ce without him having to worry about spies or assassins among them.


    Soon they reached the edge of the garden, and behind it was an almostpletely vertical cliff. Zac could see the mountain he started at from this vantage, meaning that the garden he saw cut into the mountain should be right below him.


    He started to scrutinize the cliff, even peering over it to find any method to get down there. But the wall waspletely sheer, not providing any opportunities to get down. The only method he could think of was to use a couple of weapons to create footholds as he traversed the mountain down. But even with his monstrous attributes he was a bit leery about that idea.


    What are you doing? Thea asked curiously after seeing his antics for a while.


    I started on that mountain over there, Zac pointed. I saw there was a hidden garden cut into the mountain itself. I suspect the good things are kept there. But I cant find any way down, so Im thinking of cutting footholds into the mountain to get down.


    Well, there might not be any path down if the original owner was a D-Grade Alchemist. They can fly with the help of Cosmic Energy, after all, Thea said after mulling it over.


    What, really? All of them? Zac said looking back at Thea with excitement.


    Well, yeah, from what the Tutorial pixies inferred at least, Thea said with a nod. They used it as an enticement to get stronger and take the more difficult trials. Some sses might gain skills on E-Grade that could help them fly as well, but that usually expends energy very quickly.


    Thats pretty cool, Zacmented, before resuming scrutinizing the wall.


    Wait, over there, Thea said, pointing at arge tree.


    What? Zac asked with confusion after looking over.


    It looked normal and was the same as a couple of simr ones theyd seen in the back yard.


    Something is odd about it, but I cant put my finger on it, she said after some hesitation.


    Zac had some faith in Theas scouting abilities by now and immediately walked over to the tree. He hesitated for a second before he touched it, but he didnt feel anything odd about it. Hed first thought that it might be an illusion array or fake tree, but he knew he was touching real bark.


    The leaves! Thea suddenly eximed. Why are the leaves already falling on this tree? The leaves on the other trees had just started to turn red. Besides, why is it so close to the edge? Shouldnt the ground beneath us be solid stone? Otherwise, the cliff would copse.


    Zac looked up, and it was true. The tree truly differed from the others in that sense. It was an odd mystery, but it didnt really help him in finding a way down to the garden. Zac had an idea though and closed his eyes while keeping contact with the tree.


    Only secondster his eyes opened with surprise. It was truly a tree, but it was actually hollow. It appeared the owner had somehow grown a hidden pathway inside the tree itself, but that caused it to not be as healthy as the other trees in the mansion. He jumped up a couple of meters and looked inside, and actually found a hidden staircase leading down into the darkness.


    There are stairs leading down, Zac said with excitement as he peered down at the waiting Thea.


    This was like a real-life treasure hunt, and Zac couldnt help but forget the cruel battles that would take ce over theing month. This was something that many kids would dream of finding while ying in the woods. A magical staircase inside a tree leading to hidden treasure.


    Ill stay here and recuperate, Thea said as she sat down under the tree.


    Zac was a bit surprised and looked down at her, and finally noticed she was noticeably palerpared to before, and she had deep rings under her eyes. The excitement of finding treasure had made him forget she almost died an hour ago, and she was far from healed. But even then she hadn''tined and even expended Cosmic Energy to look for hidden spaces.


    Okay, Ill be back soon, Zac said as he walked inside the staircase with some shame. Hopefully, he''d find something down in the gardens that could help with her condition.


    The hidden path was pitch ck and cramped, and Zac missed the foothold only after a couple of steps.


    SHIT! he screamed as he tumbled down the stairs until he managed to grab hold of the wall.


    Are you okay? He heard from above and looked up to see Thea peering inside the trunk.


    I just missed the steps, dont worry. Talk to youter, Zac said with some embarrassment and hurried down.


    Soon he found himself at the bottom of the staircase, and it clearly led out to the hidden garden. But he hesitated whether he should just exit. In a very short time hed grown ustomed Theas observational skills, and was a bit leery to just brute force it.


    But soon he regained his courage as he smelled the extremely intoxicating herbal aromaing from the garden outside. He grit his teeth and exited, his defensive skills working to their fullest. But he breathed out when nothing happened, and he could get a proper look on the garden for the first time.


    He realized it would be more appropriate to call it fields rather than gardens, as the area was clearly demarked into four Zones growing three different kinds of Spiritual Herbs. There likely had once been four, but one of the fields waspletely barren.


    Interestingly enough the soil in all four of them differed as well, and when he walked through the fields it was as though he was transported to various topographies. The first field had pitch-ck soil with a hint of blue, and it grew something that looked like bamboo.


    The bamboo poles werent actually that tall, only reaching roughly five meters in height. But they werent green like those on earth, and instead had a light blue color. More importantly, they emitted an intensely cold aura, and his hand was actually getting frostbite just after touching one for a few seconds.


    He pondered a bit on what to do as he looked at the trees before taking out his axe. The correct handling of Spiritual Herbs was an art, and some herbs could lose much of its efficacy by incorrect harvesting. But he didnt really have any options apart from doing it as carefully and quickly as possible.


    One by one he cut the bamboo trunks down and immediately put them into his pouch before they had the chance to leak any energy, and in just 10 minutes the whole field was harvested. He even rounded op most of the soil and threw it inside as well, since it seemed to be a big part of why the small area felt like a cier.


    Like this Zac covered the whole hidden garden like a locust, and when he was done only four pits remained. Zac looked around for any more hidden passages, but it appeared this was it. But he wasnt dissatisfied with the returns, just the opposite.


    Hed soared all the way to the first spot on the Gatherer list, and in a sense became public enemy number one.

 Chapter 222: Herbs and Pills

    Chapter 222: Herbs and Pills


    The other fields held very different types of herbspared to the first one. The second field he harvested felt zing hot like he stood in the middle of a desert or on the edge of a volcano. The herb growing there looked like a small bush that grew up to three intensely red fruits.


    The third field had dirt that was far heavier than lead, and it took some effort to dig out the odd brown roots from within the ground. But when he managed to extract them they emitted strong energies that reminded Zac of the Divine Crystals, though they seemed more vibrant somehow.


    If he had to make aparison of the two, then the life-attuned energy in the Divine Crystals felt more synthetic, whereas the energy from the root vegetables felt like a genuine article. It was simr to his Lotus Seed, though these roots didnt seem quite as good.


    Thest field, and the empty one, seemed to once have been a paddy. But there was a crack in the mountain that had created an outlet for the water inside, making the paddy dry out. Perhaps when cmity struck this sect the events inadvertently ruined this field through shockwaves.


    Another possibility was that the area was prone to earthquakes. Hed noticed a jagged scar in the ground from the first summit. It didnt look like something that was made from an attack, like the swing of the axe-man in his vision, but rather the movement of a tectonic te. Perhaps an earthquake had erupted that was strong enough to crack these reinforced mountains.


    For thest field, he simply took all the dried mud thaty in the bottom of the paddy, hoping that there would be some dormant seeds inside that could be used to regrow whatever once grew there. It was pretty clear to Zac that the field was based on four different elements, Fire, Ice, Earth, and water.


    Why these four specifically Zac didnt know, but if he had to guess the four herbs couldbine to a good pill. He didnt think the previous owner of this ce would go to the trouble to create four distinct fields and grow the herbs together if they werent supposed to get mixed into something.


    That was the biggest reason he took all the dried mud. He was currently missing one of the ingredients, and whatever the alchemist of this mountain had nned probably needed all four of them.


    He was no expert in Spiritual Herbs, but after sensing the energies they contained he would say that each of them was a Top Grade E-Ranked Spirit Herb. Or perhaps they were just extremely high quality Normal E-Ranked herbs that were overflowing with energy due to being left alone for so long.


    It made him think of the Mystic Realm back at Port Atwood. If things could grow this spectacr over a couple of thousand of years, who knew what grew inside a pocket of space that might have been isted for millions of years.


    But while the herbs were great, in the end, they couldntpare to things like the Lotus of Harmony. That thing was D-Graded, and it felt like it was on apletely other levelpared to these things he just harvested.


    The fact that he was boosted to the top of the gatherer list also was an indicator that the herbs likely werent just F-Graded. As he walked up the cramped steps to the summit again he looked through thedder to check what else was going on.


    There were a few other notable names on the Gatherer Ladder. Emperor Nenothep was on the third spot, and there was another of their family, Repubat Medhin, in the top ten. The second spot actually belonged to his world as well, as Starlight held that position.


    The fourth position was held by the top champion who resisted the Medhin Empire, Beruv Ylvas. Thest names on the top tendder werepletely unknown to Zac, making him believe they were simply random people who had gotten lucky and gotten their hands on something great.


    The Hunterdder, in turn, was quite differentpared to the gatherer list at the moment, but Zac suspected that they would harmonize soon enough.


    Killing people didnt bring in a lot of loot at the moment, but that would change after a week or two after people had visited more mountains. But some clearly was actively striving to push themselves on the Hunterdder, and unfortunately, he saw a name he recognized in the top three; Inevitability.


    He had hoped that the System would limit the event to F-grade people, barring the Dominators from entering. That would likely have made him the strongest person inside. But seeing both the Emperor and Inevitability on their respectivedders showed that was just a pipe dream.


    Apart from Inevitability, he recognized another of the three strongest Dominators in the top five amongst the hunters, an Anointed who called himself Harbinger. Fortunately, the top name amongst the Dominators, Voids Disciple, wasnt on the list. Perhaps that meant only two of the top 3 names were present at the hunt, which would be a small blessing.


    In fact, he two suspected Dominators werent the only Zhix on the Hunter list, as Zac saw that a good half of the top ten were Zhix going by their names. Of course, a few of them could be Medhin Empire champions, since their names were slightly simr.


    That the Zhix would be more interested in killing things than looking through various old ruins for things they considered to be corrupted wasnt much of a surprise to Zac. The problem was how to figure out who were Dominators and who were just battle-crazed insectoids.


    Besides, it made sense that the Dominators were more interested in the Hunterdderpared to the Gathererdder at the moment. They were probably the strongest fighters around, and could simply rob others of their treasurester.


    But gaining ten levels for the two Dominators was a huge perk. The only good news about the dominators was that they didnt gain any levels while Zac kept improving. Inevitability had only gained one level since thedders were made public, and the other two hadnt moved at all.


    Gaining ten levels in one move would save them years of cultivation.


    Another familiar name on the Hunter list was Salvation, clocking in on the 7<sup>th</sup> spot. Salvation was still shrouded in mystery, and apart from the rumors that Salvation was the one who controlled The Cradle of God nothing was known about him or her.


    Congrattions on reaching the top cement, Thea sinctly said when Zac finally emerged from the tree. Quite a few people will probably target you now.


    Nothing new, Zac said with a shrug as he took out one of the hard root-like vegetables. This was the only thing I found that might help against wounds.


    Thea caught the hard vegetable and scrutinized it for a bit.


    It looks a bit like ginseng. It isnt poisonous, but I dont know how to eat it. Its even harder than a rock, she mumbled.


    Perhaps boil it? Zac ventured.


    Take a break for dinner? Thea agreed.


    This ce is as good as any. Shouldnt be too many who can pass thatbination of arrays to get here, Zac said.


    Thea nodded as she took out a couple of crystals and a pot. The crystals were the same ones hed seen the Imp Herald use to create a fire, but it wasnt something Zac himself used very often. He was a bitzy so he usually ate dried meat instead to save time.


    Wait, Zac said as he took out the cauldron he snagged earlier. Perhaps we can cook the root in this instead? Dont most cauldrons contain inscriptions that stop the energies from escaping?


    You want to use an expensive cauldron to boil a magical root? Thea said, mouth curving slightly upwards. If an alchemist hears about it he will be enraged.


    Hey, as long as it works, Zac said and opened the lid to the cauldron to pour some water inside.


    But to his surprise, an enormous gust of energies sted him right in his face, and Zac absorbed a huge amount of energies in an instant, to the point that it felt like his body would explode. The energies not only canceled out the tired state from using <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> but even made him gain a level.


    Zac almost nked out from being drowned in the medicinal gust, but he noticed a quick movement of something escaping from the cauldron and snatched it up with lightning-quick movement. It was a small purple pill that tried to fly away by itself somehow, making Zac gape in surprise.


    Its a Pill with spirituality, Thea said with shock. It might actually be the pill that increased your ranking rather than the Cauldron.


    Spiritual Pill? Zac curiously asked as he put the feisty pill into one of the best vials he found in the workshop.


    The same pill can have multiple grades. For example, in the tutorial we would be given <strong>[Constitution Pills]</strong> that would push us toward race evolutions. But depending on how hard missions we undertook there were different ranks, from Low Grade to Peak grade. The better ones held fewer contaminants and stronger effects, Thea exined.


    As for Spiritual Pills, theyre a tier above Peak Grade Pills. Theyre the equivalent of a cksmith creating a Spiritual Tool. Its efficacy is far better than normal pills, but Alchemists can only concoct them when the stars align so to speak, she continued.


    Zac looked at the pill that seemed to have calmed down inside the vial. The cloud from earlier was likely just a small taste of the real effect. The fact that just some run-off not only healed him but made him level up was astounding, and he was tempted to swallow the actual pill.


    But he forcefully stopped himself, instead deciding to wait for Calrin to take a look at it. The shop keeper had multiplependiums detailing all kinds of treasures, both natural and man-made, to never miss out on treasures. Perhaps the Sky Gnome could find out what it was.


    How do you know all these things? Zac suddenly asked as he looked up from the pill. From what I know I should be the only one with direct ess to people with direct knowledge of the multiverse, like the shop owner I brought with me to the Auction.


    Thea hesitated a bit before she exined.


    I received a Library as a quest reward not long ago. It contains thousands and thousands of crystals detailing all kinds of things. Unfortunately, it doesnt have cultivation manuals or skills, only knowledge. It does have a few interesting expositions about the fundamentals of Dao from various strong people of the multiverse though, Thea said.


    Her exnation was a good reminder that he wasnt the only one who had gained limited structures on earth. If he could get a Creator Shipyard and a Dao Repository it wasnt too surprising that other powerhouses could get other things.


    It wouldnt be surprising if the world government and Salvation also had obtained hidden structures that empowered their factions. The fact she got that building might also be an indicator she had either closed an incursion or be a Lord recently, as those were the ways that Zac got his buildings. But he didn''t want to dig into those things at the moment.


    Sounds like a good thing to have, Zac simply said as he prepared the Cauldron to be used as a pot.


    Soon a fire was burning beneath it with a boiling root inside, but the cauldron didnt release the slightest heat or Cosmic Energy from above. It showed that all the energies from the ginseng were contained inside, not able to escape.


    Do you have any opinions on where to go next? Zac said as he observed the cauldron.


    Thea unhesitantly pointed at a certain mountain to the east in response.


    That one, she said.


    How did you decide that quickly? Zac asked surprised.


    I removed the two mountains we came from and chose the remaining close one with thergest castle, Thea exined as she kept her eyes on the cauldron as hell. This residence was much bigger than the one on the mountain I started at, and the rewards were far greater as well.


    Zac nodded in agreement, as he had experienced the same thing.


    Others will quickly realize the same thing, Zac said. We might be in for pretty tough battles at those ces.


    Well, were both top rankers, there are not many who would be a threat, Thea said.


    The dominators are here though, Zac said with a shake of his head and told her what hed learned from Ibtep since the Auction.


    Both are around level 100 and at the top of the Hunterdder? Thea said with a frown. Do you think they are hunting beasts or people?


    Anything that moves, but I think they should probably stay down between the mountains, there are fewer things to kill up at the summits. Only a few will have a bunch of people at the same time, Zac guessed. Besides, everyone needs to go down to change mountains, so the prey woulde to them.


    Well, the risk of running into them is pretty slim, Thea said. And we should be able to stay alive long enough to crush our tokens if ites down to it.


    Fair enough, Zac said as he lifted the lid of the cauldron.


    To the surprise to the both of them the root that once looked like a grubby rock had disappeared, but the water it was cooked in had turned into something that would fit right home at a gourmet dinner. It was a clear soup that smelled absolutely delectable, and Zac couldnt help but swallow after smelling the aroma.


    Well, go ahead, Zac said, trying to ignore his mouth watering even as he spoke.

 Chapter 223: Darkness

    Chapter 223: Darkness


    Whats with that face, Thea said with a small smile as she scooped the soup with adle. Dont you still have the cauldron and a bunch of these things?


    I guess, Zac said as he took out a piece of meat from the E Grade Tiger and tore into it.


    The cloud of energy from the trapped pill hadpletely refilled his reserves, but he was still a bit hungry. The two were content to switch to small talk as they ate their dinner, neither seeming really interested in talking about things like their respective factions or ns for the hunt.


    It was a simple dinner, but Zac felt it was a wee respite from all the responsibilities back at his ind. He also sensed that Thea was feeling the same way, and she never made any attempts to gain any knowledge about his faction or personal power.


    Thea said that the vegetable had a greatly nourishing effect, and Zac could see that she had regained color to her face. Since they''d had their dinner and Thea was feeling better they immediately packed up afterward and got ready to head out. The mountain waspletely sheer on this side, stopping them from any ns of making a descent here, so they had to go back from where they came.


    Besides, Zac wasntpletely done with the pce. As soon as they entered the garden again Zac immediately shed over to one of the gardener automatons and picked it up by its neck. It actually wentpletely still, not struggling or resisting in the slightest.


    The next moment it simply disappeared, entering Zacs Cosmos Sack. He breathed out in relief since he wasnt sure it would be possible to store those things. He already knew that it wasnt possible to store Sapient golems, such as the Creators, but these things were basically just machines that ran on Cosmic Energy.


    They spent the next five minutes scouring over the whole ce, and in the end Zac found 14 golems. They also found a couple of them that were broken down and didnt move, and Zac snatched those as well. Perhaps he could find someone that could repair them in the future, so leaving them would be a waste.


    Of course, Zac also snatched everything that wasnt nailed down in the house, leaving an empty husk of a mansion. Thea wasnt idle either, plucking all kinds of flowers and seeds.


    Those arent Spiritual Herbs, you know? Zac said as he saw her take a flower that stood in a window sill.


    I know, but they are beautiful. Havent you realized most of these flowers dont exist on earth? I might be able to transnt a couple if they survive the sack, she exined with some anticipation in her eyes.


    It felt reasonable, so Zac did the same and gathered a couple of types he thought that Kenzie might enjoy having in her garden. It might also help the golems limatize if they recognized some of the flowers.


    After that, they were finally done and exited through the same path as they entered. Just like with the other mansions they weren''t osted by the array on the way out, saving Zac the effort of having to carry her again through the gravity array.


    The mountain was stillpletely deste when they exited, and no warning bells went off in Zacs mind from hidden threats. Perhaps someone hade, but seeing the crater full of human remains and the other sings of an intense battle chose to retreat.


    The two quickly oriented themselves and descended in the direction of the mountain Thea chose. After discussing it they decided to skip the buildings lower down on the mountain. It simply wasnt worth it to go over the servants quarters with their limited time. Their efforts were better spent on scaling as many summits as possible.


    While there were magnificent mountains as far as they could see there were almost a hundred thousand trial takers. If all scaled a couple of mountains a day it was possible that all treasure would be snatched up well before the month was up. The more of the top tier treasures that went into their pouches immediately the better, since people could leave with their loot at any moment.


    Zac was at first afraid Thea wouldnt be able to keep up with him barreling down the mountain at breakneck speed, but she clearly had no problem on that front. It was also evident that her Dexterity was well above his own, as it conversely was Zac that was forced to struggle to keep up.


    While he rushed down like a bull she nimbly jumped down using anything from a branch to an outcropping as a foothold, not being restricted at all by the winding path. Zac wondered if that kind of footwork was a skill since he waspletely unable to move like that even with his impressive amount of Dexterity.


    Sometimes it looked like she would plummet to her death, but she simplynded at some almost indiscernible ledge and kept going down alongside him. With their pace, it didnt take long for them to reach the foot of the mountain and they stopped their mad dash.


    That pce we saw was two mountains over. Should we stay down here, or go over the mountain ahead? Zac asked.


    Up to you, Thea said.


    Lets take the passage. Its a bit longer but there are so many beasts here to help grind thedder, Zac said and eagerly took out his axe.


    Thea had no objections and simply nodded. Zac immediately set off, rushing through the dense forest covering the valleys between the mountains. The shade was almost perpetual at the forest floor, as the little sun that got past the mountain tops was blocked by the canopies.


    The trees themselves were quite tall and had almost all their branches far up in the sky. As for vegetation on the forest floor, there wasnt too much of it. There were quite a number of boulders that might have fallen down from the mountains though, and also rubble of broken-down buildings.


    It looked like there had been towns that went all along the mountains, forming pockets of poptions between the towering mountains. These buildings, or rather the remains of them, were far shoddier and mundanepared to the glistening pces on the mountain tops.


    It made Zac wonder if these were the towns of normal mortals, living close to the mountains for protection by the cultivators. Had people living down here once looked up at the magnificent pces and dreamed of bing a powerful warrior as well?


    The travels through the forest went just like Zac expected. It only took a couple of seconds before he was osted by a bunch of rats. He made short work of them with his axe, not even bothering to summon a fractal edge for these vermin.


    Thea clearly had apetitive bone as she immediately started ughtering beasts as well, even running off in the wrong direction to find additional prey to kill. Beasts fell by the wayside, most of them with arge tear in their throat bleeding them out in seconds.


    Her speed of clearing out animals was slightly faster than his own, even after he started using<strong> [Loamwalker]</strong> to shorten the time between the packs. However, Zac didnt see it as a discrepancy in power, but rather that her skillset seemed more suited for their situation.


    Zac could improve his speed of killing as well if he summoned a couple of fractal edges and shot them at beast packs in the distance, but he would create a spectacle if he did so, mowing down trees and destroying ruins.


    He wouldnt alert any potential threats just to kill a couple of additional rats, which allowed Thea to gain an edge on him for the moment. She flittered through the woods slight a silent reaper, and anything within thirty meters of her died.


    The scene allowed Zac to form a more educated opinion about her skillset. First of all, it was obvious that there were numerous invisible weapons around her, not just one. He''d seen well over ten beasts die simultaneously by getting their throats slit individually. He absently wondered just how she controlled so many des at the same time. Was she able to split her focus in so many directions at once?


    Secondly, her range of attacks seemed to be around 50 meters at the most, as no beast further than that died from her des. However, Zac didn''t discount the possibility that she was holding back, not showing her maximum range. Taking things for granted was how one got killed after all.


    From there on out it was pretty straight forward. The two kept a rapid pace until they reach their destination, and without taking a break climbed it as well.


    When they reached the peak they saw a couple of corpses and a group of 8 people standing outside the pce, and it seemed they were discussing methods to get in. They all wore individual gear, making Zac unsure whether they were from earth or the other. But they likely weren''t from the Medhin Empire, since they all seemed to be wearing the same thing.


    They were of middling rank for both the hunter and gathererdder, and all seemed decently strong. One of them spotted the two of them immediately, even though they had taken care to make no sound as they approached. The moment the two were discovered the whole group of men looked over.


    Flee! one of them screamed, and the group unhesitantly threw outrge balls at the ground between themselves and Zac, which each exploded into a firestorm.


    Zac only gawked in surprise at the inferno that reached almost ten meters in the air in front of them.


    Pretty smart, creating a firewall while they flee. Yourdder rankings will make it hard to rob most people unless we catch them unaware, Theamented, not bothering with hunting down the group.


    Well, I dont think those guys had much of value in any case, they couldnt even get past the array, Zac said as he swung a huge fractal edge at the mes, the force of his swing dousing the fire immediately.


    With the help of Thea''s skills, they didnt have much trouble entering the pce, and both had respectable gains from it, and it even helped Thea reach the 53<sup>rd</sup> spot on thedder from her earlier spot in the thousands. Since the cooperation worked well they kept going for the rest of the day, going from one mountain to another until it was pitch ck outside.


    By this point they had scoured four mountains in total, encountering almost no resistance. They had seen a few people who either fled or crushed their tokens the moment they saw them and also caught a couple of people unaware.


    Thea had a pretty straightforward tactic where she robbed everyone whose hunter position was higher than their gatherer position, and depending on how evil they seemed either killed them or crushed their tokens. The others she simply ignored.


    Zac robbed only people that had a decent cement on thedder, but he kept increasing his requirements since his Cosmos Sack was quickly filling up with junk.


    It was currently pitch ck outside, and the two stood inside one of the summit pces deciding whether they should keep going or call it a day. The sky was almostpletely devoid of stars, and the world they found themselves in didnt even have any moon to reflect some light down on them during the night.


    Zacs increased attributes didnt give him night vision so he couldnt even see his hand in front of him with how dark it had gotten. It felt a bit suffocating so he took out antern that ran on Nexus Crystals that lit up the immediate surroundings.


    But oddly enough it was as though the darkness was pushing back the light, making thentern unable to light up anything apart from the immediate vicinity.


    Thats pretty odd, Thea said with some worry in her voice, seeing the weird phenomenon as well. There is something wrong with the darkness.


    Perhaps we should stay inside these arrays for the night, Zac hesitantly said.


    Honestly, the situation was a bit spooky. Something hadpletely destroyed this ce once upon a time, leaving not a soul behind. And now the darkness was acting up. Zac was about to ask for Thea''s opinion, but a screen appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Darkness descends. Tokens deactivated. Survive.]</strong>

 Chapter 224: Salvation

    Chapter 224: Salvation


    Uh, did you get that prompt at well? Zac said and turned over to Thea who had paled a bit.


    Yes was all she said as she vigntly looked around, trying to pierce the darkness with her gaze. She also moved a bit closer to Zac and hisntern.


    It looked like the System had something nned after all. People killing each other for treasure wasnt enough it appeared, the System also felt the need to remove their safety at an inopportune time. If he knew the system it had orchestrated some sort of trial that would either kill them or help them get stronger.


    Feels like were in some horror movie, Zac muttered as he kept looking around for anything to pop out from the darkness.


    Nothing happened as the minutes passed, but that did nothing to calm Zacs fraying nerves. It still felt like something was brewing, and the Darkness kept going stronger. Soon thentern only reached half the distancepared to before, creating a small circle of light with just him and Thea inside.


    The few stars in the sky had long winked out of existence, and it felt like it was only the two of them set adrift in the void. At first it almost felt like the odd space he found himself when he rolled for survival, but this darkness was different.


    There was something sinister and oppressive about the gloom that surrounded them, whereas that odd space waspletely sterile. If Zac turned off thentern in his hand they would bepletely swallowed by the dark, whereas the other space had some odd unseen source of light.


    Any idea of heading to the next mountain to look for treasure waspletely forgotten, and now Zac was only focused on survival. He was extremely happy hed decided to keep going with Thea, as sitting alone in this environment would have been way more nerve-wracking.


    He quickly nced over at hispanion, and she returned a look that told that she felt the same way. Neither of them spoke though, afraid of drawing the attention of whatever was lurking out in the dark.


    Suddenly Zac thought he heard something, and he hesitantly nced over to his right. But of course, only darkness met his gaze. However, the sound kept growing clearer, and soon Zac could make out some incessant whispering.


    Zacs neck hair stood right on edge, and he couldnt help but speak up.


    Do you hear those whispers? Zac said with as low a voice he could.


    A nod from a deathly pale Thea was all the confirmation he needed.


    When he saw the prompt he had assumed that the system would unleash a horde of beasts upon him, just like with the beast hordes. But perhaps that wasnt exactly the case. He nervously fiddled with the bangle on his arm as he took active control of his mental defense skill.


    The minutes passed as the whispers grew more intense, and Zac was starting to feel the strain. He couldnt tell exactly what the voices were, but he assumed it was something like evil spirits. Their whispers were a pervasive mental attack, and it almost felt like they tried to burrow themselves into his head.


    Some sort of wraiths, Thea said, seeming to be under an equal amount of pressure. They are trying to possess us.


    Zac grunted in affirmation as he kept rebuffing the insidious murmurs. A few minutester it seemed the whispers had reached a peak, and thankfully the intensity didnt keep increasing. Zac felt a bit relieved since he felt confident that he would be able to bear the mental burden through the night if needed.


    A nce over at Thea showed that she seemed to be mostly fine as well, and she was currently holding on to an inscribed rock that looked like an ostrich egg. It probably was some mental protection tool she had attained somewhere.


    Suddenly a piercing wail with enough force to cause undtions in the air hit Zac with enough force to make himpletely nk out for a brief moment, losing control over <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>. Instantly he felt a chill in his mind, followed by a chaotic jumble of disorienting thoughts.


    Hatred.


    Thea had leeched off him for a whole day, stealing the treasures that were rightfully his. Using him as a shield to brave the dangers of the arrays,ughing behind his back. Insidious, treacherous.


    Something needed to be done.


    An all-consuming killing intent as he turned his murky eyes toward her lithe neck, his fingers itching. He could just reach out, and with a snap he would be vindicated.


    Suddenly a tomahawk was in his hand, taken out from his Cosmos Sack. Thea looked over with surprise, only to see him swing it down to gore his own thigh. The next moment a thick vibrant aura of life exuded from Zac, after having activated his Dao Field for his Dao of Trees.


    What are you doing? Thea asked as she cautiously looked at Zac like he had be a lunatic.


    Zac panted for a few seconds, his forehead covered in a sheen of perspiration before he looked up with clear eyes once again.


    I think I got possessed, but the pain woke me up enough to release my Dao Field. The Dao of trees had been effective against ghosts before so I thought it might help, Zac said.


    That was a close one. It had been extremely disconcerting to feel a bunch of consciousness in his mind, urging him to perform unspeakable acts. It was like he had been afflicted with schizophrenia, unable to discern what was real and not.


    Luckily Zac had some experience of his mind being flooded with violent impulses thanks to his <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> skill, and it allowed him to perform twost-ditch efforts. Wounding himself wasnt optimal, but the pain cut through the chaotic jumble in his mind and allowed him to unleash his Dao.


    For a split second his mind had been flooded with pained wails as the Dao purged the specters or whatever the whispering things were, and they unhesitantly fled out of his head, away from the vibrant Dao.


    He also noticed that the effect of the Dao of Trees was great, silencing the prating whispers to a low murmur. However, the response was almost immediate as a w stretched out of the darkness, heading straight for his throat.


    Zac immediately swung his tomahawk, but it went straight through the iing attack. Zac frowned as he gathered some Cosmic energy while he took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, swinging it before the w managed to reach him.


    Luckily the hand was cut, and to Zacs surprise something that looked like ck ichor dripped down the edge of his axe before it turned into a ck haze that drifted away. These things perhaps weren''t actual ghosts, but some nefarious creation that just looked simr. But before Zac had time to sigh in relief tens of ws reached out of the darkness, and a few ghastly faces emerged as well.


    They were humanoid but without any facial features, apart from a huge maw that seemed to contain a ck hole. The hair was standing straight out on Zacks whole body by now, but there was nothing to do except start swinging like a madman.


    He summoned a huge fractal edge and with a growl let it rip through the crowd of humanoids, shredding them to pieces. However, he wasnt happy with the result. The things were clearly destroyed into motes of darkness, but he didnt gain a smidgeon of Cosmic Energy from the kills.


    That kills rewarded Cosmic Energy was one of the most fundamental aspects of the multiverse, and not gaining anything should mean that these things didnt die when they were destroyed.


    They did not reform though, at least not immediately, which gave Zac a brief respite until he once again was thronged with wraiths.


    I cant kill them, Thea said with some frantess in her voice.


    Me neither, Zac said. Perhaps we just need to keep them at bay until sunrise.


    Thea didnt have any better idea, so they ced themselves back to back with thentern glowing in between them.


    The assault of the beings wrought from darkness kept increasing in intensity. In the beginning they were just fodder and were instantly disintegrated with a swing by Zac. But after a couple of hours, they were almost as strong as the demon warriors back on the ind.


    One by one they still wouldnt be a problem, but they were endless. Worse yet, they werepletely unheeding of their own safety since apparently they couldnt die. They were content in sacrificing themselves just so long as they managed to deal any kind of damage.


    Small wounds started to umte on Zacs body, but these levels of wounds were nothing to Zac who kept stoically swinging his axe. However, Thea didnt possess the same endurance as Zac did, and started to wane after four hours. That left Zac to cover two-thirds of the circle of light. Still, it was better than being alone and getting osted from all around, so Zac didntin as he kept swinging.


    The night finally passed and Zac slumped down,pletely exhausted. The assault had thankfully ended the moment the night was broken by the first rays of dawn. Thea was already holding an E-Grade crystal in her hand, absorbing it while rotating her Cultivation Technique.


    She had a few wounds on various parts of her body, and it appeared a few of her old ones had reopened. Zac soon did the same and took out an E-Grade crystal as well. He was almostpletely spent, and what was worse he had barely made any gains from the desperate struggle.


    What a horrible night.


    --------------


    What a glorious night.


    Gabriel couldnt help smiling as he stood barefoot at the summit, the ragged bedsheets he had fashioned into a robe fluttering in the wind from the residual shockwaves from the battle. He closed his auburn eyes for a moment and swept his long oily hair back as he sighed in contentment.


    The voices of the lost had mored for relief as they gathered around him for redemption all through the night. He was the light bringing the wayward sailors back toward shore, the divine shepherd. The whispers begged for passage into his mind, and he had dly obliged.


    Gabriel couldnt help licking his mouth at the memory, ignoring the horrified whimper from below. The sustenance he gained from delivering salvation to the wretched specters during the night was as effective as weeks of hard work.


    The universe had even awarded him with two levels due to his hard work to emancipate those lost in the darkness. It would have been more if the voices hadn''t shied away after their brethren entered his mind and were granted salvation.


    Gabriel could only pray to The Great Redeemer that the lost children of the dark woulde back tonight as well so that he could continue his mission from God. In the meantime, there was much work to be done.


    He finally looked down at the man who had been the cause of unrest this morning. The man was somewhere in his forties and looked foreign to Gabriel. The man was decked in an borate golden robe, and it appeared that he was a ruler of the other world that had joined him in this so-called hunt.


    When he had seen Gabriel he had immediately tried to leave, but Gabriel wouldnt have it. Almost a hundred men that were cursed by their freedom, how could he ignore such a plight? He had immediately attacked, unhesitantly sacrificing almost half of his Silver Guards.


    These apostates had fought hard against salvation, damned by their ignorance. Their leader had even been infused with the power of the soldiers, reaching powers beyond anything Gabriel had ever seen before, apart from The Great Redeemer himself of course.


    But how could a mundane ruler stop a messiah on a mission? The soldiers who fought alongside this royal had already joined the crusade, silently standing behind him with their new brethren.


    Through paines rity, Gabriel said with equanimity. Through rityes salvation. Join the crusade.


    No, please let me go. Ive already given you all my treasure and youve taken my army, the golden robed man said with utter terror in his eyes as he looked upon his former subordinates. You have taken everything, no need to make the Medhin Empire an enemy. I am the 18th son, Supratej Medhin, and I can help you in various ways.


    Neither King nor Pauper can avoid the reckoning. Bask in The Great Redeemer''s glory, Gabriel said, his eyes burning with an inexorable conviction.


    The Great...? the Medhin royal said, his brows rising. Wait! I am-


    But he didnt get any further as Gabriel ignored him and started the purification.


    He bent down and gently tapped Supratej''s head, just like he had done with tens of thousands of others. A silver fractal appeared on the head of the recruits forehead, and the Medhin princeling stopped struggling, his eyes turning nk.


    The two silver guards stopped holding him down and instead bowed toward Gabriel and returned to the ranks of the Silver Crusaders.


    Gabriel didnt give the two a second nce and instead reverently looked down at his new parishioner. Even after seeing the transformation innumerable times over the past months hadnt killed off the surge of euphoria he felt when bringing another lostmb into the fold.


    The silver glow of the Redeemers Light quickly flowed through the whole body of the man, the fractal in his forehead absorbing a great amount of Cosmic Energy from the atmosphere. Gabriel suddenly received arge amount of Cosmic Energy as well, showing that the purification was a sess.


    The cosmos sack at the parishioner''s waist turned into lights that entered Gabriel''s own, but he couldn''t care less for some material possessions. He still hadn''t deigned to use the thing since he arrived, as The Great Redeemer had already provided him with all he needed.


    A small translucent copy of the man appeared out of the fractal on the mans forehead, and it appeared to be howling in pain and fear. Gabriel knew the lost soul just didnt understand the great gift that it was being given, and didnt get angry by it.


    The soul soon entered the golden fractal on Gabriel''s own forehead, and soon it had joined the others in unity. The body of the new parishioner slowly stood up, its skin tone now a divine silver, and wordlessly joining the rest of the army. The Army of God in this temporary hunt was now over three hundred strong.


    Gabriel couldnt help feel some jealousy as he nced at the stoic back of his new Silver Guard. He was now unburdened by things such as a soul and discordant thoughts, and instead became a part of the unity. He knew his own deliverance woulde sooner orter, but not until his work wasplete.


    Existence is pain, sapience a curse. But he was Salvation.

 Chapter 225: Diplomacy

    Chapter 225: Diplomacy


    Zac and Thea decided to stay inside the protective enclosure of the summit array in order to rest up before starting the day. Both werepletely exhausted, neither having slept a wink the whole night. They simply sat down a few meters from each other as they restored their reserves.


    It was normally no problem for them to go a few days without sleep, but with threats both known and unknown all over this trial they didnt want to take any chances. A mistake by tiredness could quickly have dire consequences.


    Oddly enough the area waspletely devoid of any Cosmic Energy after the Darkness receded, forcing them to only rely on crystals. Thea was still far quicker to restore herself back to fighting condition due to speeding up the absorption with her cultivation manual, and after roughly an hour walked over to Zac who opened his eyes.


    I will sleep a bit, can you guard me for two hours before we swap? she said, looking over at Zac.


    No problem. I still need some more time to refill my batteries, Zac nodded.


    That was the first time he saw a Cultivator restore themselves, and he couldn''t help but be a bit jealous of the speed. He estimated her to be able to absorb Cosmic Energy around three times quicker than he himself, and that was one of the side-benefits of being a cultivator.


    It was even more frustrating when he felt that his body would be able to handle farrger streams of Cosmic Energy than what he currently was able to drag out of his crystal. This was nothingpared to the massive energies that had coursed through his body before. But he simply had no method to speed up the process.


    Thea walked a few meters away and took out a small but high-end tent from her Cosmos Sack. It was clear it was another creation of the craftsmen of the Marshall n, since the nylon tent was covered with low-grade runes.


    They were so basic that even Zac could tell that their purpose was simply to make the material sturdier, but it was better than nothing. Thea crawled inside and closed the p behind her, and in just seconds he could hear the even breaths of someone asleep.


    Zac kept absorbing the energy from his nexus crystal as he kept watch, going over the events of the night. It was extremely frustrating that he fought so hard, yet there was not a single Nexus Coin or any energy as a reward.


    He tried using all his Daos and skills, but nothing managed to kill the weird specters. The Dao of Trees was far superior to anything else in destroying the things, but it wasnt able to actually kill them. For all he knew he was actually fighting the same things over and over after they reformed.


    However, the night wasntpletely without its rewards. His skill <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> had actually advanced tote-stage from Zac using it constantly to prevent himself from getting possessed again.


    The upgrade didnt bring any changes to the skill apart from making it sturdier. Even the cost of using it was the same as before. While it wasnt very exciting Zac still felt that it was just what he needed in his current situation.


    If this would be a nightly event the upgraded skill would be a godsend.


    Next he up hisdder, and what he saw was extremely surprising. The first thing he noticed was that Salvation had actually sailed all the way up to the first spot on the Hunterdder. Zac frowned and opened up his normal Power Ladder from Earth.


    To his shock he saw that Salvation had gained two full levels during the night, something that felt almost iprehensible. He was now level 55, only 7 levels behind Zac. Of course, those levels were a great chasm, but Zac worried that they might actually be bridged faster than hed hoped.


    Either Salvation was met with a very different trial during the night, one that gave a lot of Cosmic Energy, or he was able to y the specters. Zac actually hoped more for the first scenario. If salvation could massacre the endless ghosts during the night he might actually pass Zac in levels if he kept going for the whole month.


    Zac wasnt so petty that he didnt want others to pass him, but this situation was a bit problematic. The rumors surrounding Salvation and his Cradle of God werent great. If he managed to attain E-Rank and the titles Zac assumed woulde with the evolution it might spell trouble.


    The second shock to Zac was the sheer number of remaining participants. While Zac desperately fought within the darkness he thought that there might only be a handful of surviving participants after that insane assault, but he was proven wrong by thedders.


    There were still a full 80 thousand participants in the trial, whichpletely baffled Zac. How could others fight through that kind of assault and survive? He personally would have barely made it if he was alone, and he actually guessed that not even Thea would survive alone unless she had some aces up her sleeve.


    That thousands and thousands of people of middling power were still running about was extremely surprising. Zac could only guess that the assault was somehow adjusted to the power of the participants, and others wouldnt have to withstand such a strong assault.


    Another possibility was that it was rted to the pces. The atmosphere was still a bit glum, and while the cosmic energy was gradually restoring itself it was still extremely sparse. It was a stark contrast to the extremely dense energy that covered the top tier pces they visited yesterday.


    The mountains clearly had some sort of arrays that gathered the energy of the atmosphere to create cultivator havens up on the summits. If the ghosts fed on Cosmic Energy it would make sense that they would gather at the top tier pces, where the density was the highest.


    Perhaps Zac and Thea simply found themselves at the ghost''s feeding ground, which resulted in their frenzied assault.


    The weaker participants would likely not be at the summit during the night since the risk of meeting powerhouses up there was higher. And they should have learned by now that the summit arrays were extremely strong, and not something they could break through.


    Another indicator that this might be the case was that another of the Medhin Royals had fallen during the night since his name was removed from the list. Perhaps he did the same as the two of them, staying within one of the pce arrays for safety.


    Thea got out of her tent two hourster on the dot, and the two swapped ces. Zac didnt bring a tent for himself since he was used to sleeping outside, so he simply rested his back against a tree and closed his eyes. But he kept his axe in his hand in case something happened.


    Later the morning the two descended the mountain, heading for another pce three mountains over. They had decided to keep going like yesterday since the events during the night shouldnt affect their treasure hunting.


    They didnt encounter anyone for most of the descent, but they actually spotted a woman nkly staring at a man who seemed to have died recently. Zac and Thea shared a silent nod, and Zac disappeared the next moment.


    A split secondter he reappeared holding the woman by the scruff of her shirt. She looked to be in her thirties and had quite a few scars. She was also covered in a few bandages, and judging by how wet they were the wounds were recent.


    Both herdder positions were in thest quartile and it wasnt really worth to either rob or kill her. Zac was simply after information. Since she was within arms reach he let her go, knowing that he could stop her before she could take out her token and crush it.


    The woman fearfully looked at Zac and Thea, and suddenly her eyes widened further in horror. She had likely checked theirdder positions, learning that she was caught by some of the most powerful people in the hunt.


    We are not interested in your life or your treasures. We want to ask you about what happened to you during the night, Zac simply said.


    The woman breathed out in relief, before ncing at the corpse.


    My husband and I got a prompt that darkness descends, and it got very scary, she started exining without any preamble. Suddenly we heard an extremely loud wail. Thats when it got crazy.


    Crazy? Thea probed.


    My husband went mad. He actually tried to bite my throat. These wounds are from him biting and scratching me. It got so chaotic I had to kill him in self-defense, she said, her eyes reddening. We knew that we might not survive this hunt, but not like this


    Im sorry, it seems your husband was possessed, Zac said with a sigh. What happened next?


    There were a few ghosts that attacked meter, but the rest of the time I stayed huddled with my back against a rock, she said.


    Zac frowned and looked over at Thea, who only shrugged. They asked a few more questions after that, but it was clear that she was barely attacked during the night. She had somewhat discerned some whispers, but it was only at the start of the night.


    They let her go afterward, and they saw her store her husbands body before she crushed her token. It seemed the events of the night had crushed her spirit, making her unwilling to stay in the hunt. Zac felt leaving was the right choice, it was meaningless to die for treasure.


    As the two kept proceeding toward their targeted mountain they caught a few more treasure-hunters, and their stories were simr. In the groups with multiple members at least one had turned insane, and were either killed or subdued.


    However, they encountered another interesting case when they caught a solo hunter. He had admitted that after hearing that prating wail at the start of the night hepletely nked out and didnt remember anything before waking up on top of a corpse, drenched in blood.


    It was the same with those who got subdued in the groups. When morning arrived they came to again, not remembering a single thing. It appeared that getting possessed might not necessarily result in death. It would rather turn one into a bloodthirsty beast, and whether you survived depended on whether you encountered weaker prey or stronger predators.


    The piercing wail was also something everyone mentioned, even after they had traveled over ten mountains in the afternoon. Everyone had clearly heard it, and it felt like a mental attack. Zac initially thought the wail originated from their own mountain, but that wasnt the case.


    Just what kind of ghost could scream so loudly that everyone heard it across the whole mountain range? It seemed that there was a big boss ghost somewhere that was the originator of the wail. Were there perhaps some hidden rewards for killing that thing? What other secrets did this ce hold?


    Zac knew he wouldnt attempt killing the thing even if it rewarded some great rewards. He couldnt even kill the small buggers, just how would he kill the leader ghost that was strong enough to attack everyone on multiple mountains simultaneously?


    A sudden heavy thumping of feet on the ground dragged Zac out of his musings, and he turned around to see what kind of beast was running toward them this time. However, what he saw was no beast. The moment Zac turned he spotted thergest Zhix that he had ever seen, almost half a meter taller than the Anointed of his own hive, N.


    Zac immediately opened up thedder and breathed out in relief when he saw that it wasnt one of the two E-Grade Dominators. Since that was the case he didn''t feel they were in trouble. Still, this Anointed radiated immense power, and it clearly didnt care about Zac and Theas ranks since it emitted unbridled killing intent.


    Thea readied herself for battle with a determined re, but Zac waved at her to stand back.


    Let me handle this. I trained in Zhix diplomacy beforeing here, Zac said while taking out the ceremonial dagger he received from Ibtep.


    He took a few steps toward the Anointed barreling toward him and held up the dagger. He said nothing, instead only cutting his palm before stabbing the dagger into the ground.


    The Zhix actually stopped in his tracks in surprise, but soon after took out a dagger of its own. It also silently cut its wrist, stabbing it down as well, which made Zac internally sigh in relief.


    The next moment the two veritably disappeared, before they shed with tremendous force. The Zhixs huge fist mmed straight into his gut, but Zac didnt try to dodge. He only took it head-on and was pushed back ten meters with a grunt.


    But the next moment he shed forward once again and returned a punch in kind. The attack created a huge shockwave, and it looked like the Zhix was sted out of a cannon as it crashed into arge tree, turning it into splinters.


    Zac didnt follow up, and instead retrieved arge rug and the medallion Ibtep also gave him. Next he took out a table and ced arge spit of grilled meat from the E-Grade tiger on it, and sat down as he looked over in the direction of the Anointed.


    It looked like it had passed out from the punch, and didn''t move at all.


    Whats going on? Thea said with confusion after she walked over to Zac''s side. Didnt you say you would try diplomacy?


    Well, the Zhix customs ce arge focus on strength, Zac said as he noted that the Zhix started twitching.


    Soon after it arduously got to its feet and started walking toward Zac, who held up the medallion. The Anointed hesitated for a bit before it sat down on the opposite side of the table with a thump.


    You know the rites and have the tools, but you are no Anointed, human. What is going on?

 Chapter 226: Alliances

    Chapter 226: Alliances


    I send greetings from N of Hive Kundevi, Zac said. The Anointed heard of me attending this hunt and lent me these two treasures.


    For what purpose? the Anointed simply said.


    The Dominators, Zac said, making the Anointed immediately tense up.


    What about them?


    We believe them to be thergest threat to our survival, but we havent heard anything about them since our worlds got merged. We seek both allies and information," Zac exined.


    Why is N not representing itself for these matters? This is highly irregr, even if you were Zhix, the Anointed said as it ripped off arge piece of the meat.


    Strength above all, Zac simply said. I am stronger than N, much like I am stronger than most of the Anointed. I have earned the right to represent Hive Kundevi. My name is Zachary Atwood, and I am currently ced highest on the powerdder among us humans.


    The enormous Zhix leader gave a start when he realized who Zac was, and looked it Zac over once again.


    It is true, strength above all. I am Herat, eighth Anointed of Hive Urbot. Almost getting knocked unconscious by the strongest is not a dishonor, therge Zhix said, even looking a bit pleased. What do you wish to know?


    The Dominators such as Inevitability and Voids Disciple are likely the strongest beings on ours, yet us humans havent heard anything of them fighting the foreign invaders who threaten Zhix and Humans alike, Zac began. We worry about what they are nning instead. They tried to enve all Zhix before from what I understand, and we believe they might try something simr again.


    Herat slowly tapped arge finger on the table for a few seconds before it sighed, seemingly havinge to a decision.


    They are gathering our kind, it began. Our ancestors died by the millions to stop their expansion thousands of years ago, but their sacrifice is bing forgotten. One hive after another has aligned with the Dominators.


    Why? Zac couldnt help ask with a frown.


    The corruption is everywhere. Both you and I reek of it, and that one behind you does as well. If all is corrupted, nothing is. This Cosmic Power enables us to evolve our hives and ascend. Some voices have started questioning our attempts to exterminate the Dominators back then, saying we shunned the gift of the universe Herat exined.


    The lure of power is right in front of them, but the tales of envement are distant. They willingly follow to learn the secrets of power from the Dominators, in turn giving up their freedom, Herat said with some hopelessness.


    What about the hives who dont follow? Zac asked.


    For now we are being ignored, but we know that is just temporary. We worry just like you what they are nning, and seep ourselves in corruption to stand ready when the fightes, Herat said.


    Zac frowned. He had held some small hope that the Dominators didnt care about the state of the since they simply were more interested in cultivating. They had stayed their whole life on a with barely any Cosmic Energy at all, but now had almost endless resources to keep improving. That might make them forget about domination, and instead focus on pushing toward D-Grade and increased longevity.


    But it was clear that they hadnt changed their ways and were already starting to amass the Zhix, and it was understandable that some chose to follow them. Their core belief was centered around rooting out Corruption, but when everything was corrupted they needed to make huge changes.


    I understand. My force and a few others are preparing for that battle as well. You understand them better than we do, and I think we should work together, just like how your hives banded together against the Dominators all that time ago," Zac said.


    I cannot make that decision, human. Your strength is great, but you still are not Zhix. But I will ry your message to the leaders of our war council. They will contact you about their decision, the Zhix said as it got to its feet. Now I must go hunt. Strength to your hive.


    Wait, how will we get in contact? Zac said with confusion. "If we ally right now we will be able to stay in touch through the System."


    He lived on an isted ind, and he was afraid hed lose contact with them if he let Herat go. It might end up like the same as with Billyville, where they were technically allies but unable to contact each other until they met up in person again.


    I am just the Eighth Anointed, I cannot enter such a pact. A few of the High Anointed have miraculous means tomunicate great distances, but if we cannot reach you that is also fate, Herat said as it lumbered away. Do not worry, the Zhix always keep their word. Also, avoid the Dominators for now. You are strong, but they are stronger.


    Zac frowned at thatst remark. This Herat wasnt telling him everything, but then again he didnt expect it to. At least it seemed he had achieved one of his goals for now, which was to open up channels with the Zhix on the maind.


    As for these magical abilities, he could only hope they would work. Otherwise, hed have to visit a hive personally in the future. He was hoping that hed meet a few more powerful people during the hunt, setting up his privatework, and if that worked out it shouldn''t be too troublesome to find one of therger hives.


    What are you nning? Thea suddenly asked as she sat down at the same spot where Herat sat before.


    After this hunt, I will start closing Incursions in earnest, Zac said. I believe very few of them can match my power at the moment.


    Thea snorted at the somewhat boastfulment, but she didnt contradict him. And what he said was true. Abby already told him right at the beginning of the integration that one person snatching pretty much all the good titles in the start was extremely rare.


    And from there he had kept umting one advantage after another that put him far above what was expected of a newly integrated world. And with how strength worked there was limited use ofrge numbers in trying to stop people such as himself, so unless the invaders had leaders who could match him they were in trouble.


    But then again, that simple fact worked the other way around as well. The existence of beings even stronger than any humans on earth was a huge potential risk, since if Zac wasn''t able to handle them, perhaps no one could. That was one reason he wanted to find the methods for the War Arrays the Medhin used but he, unfortunately, couldn''t find anything of the kind after rummaging through the possessions of Tyrbat.


    But I believe the Dominators are the real threat, apart from the few top tier Incursions like the Undead Empire. Im not sure youve met other Anointed apart from this one, but they are extremely strong even without levels or titles.


    The Marshall n is situated somewhat close to arge hive. But we havent made any headway with them. After a few intense battles we have formed some sort of unspoken truce where we stay at our ownnd, Thea said. But one of these giants never emerged during the battles.


    The Anointed are both their spiritual and actual leaders. I still dont know if theyre another species or some equivalent of a queen ant, but they are far stronger than the normal ones, Zac said. I am trying to forge an alliance with the Zhix to prepare ourselves for the sh with the Dominators. It doesnt seem they are content to stay hidden forever if they are amassing forces.


    Since were on the subject we should discuss a few other things, Thea said with some reluctance. Youve already spoken with my grandfather before about an alliance. It has already been formed, and we have been looking for you to join it.


    Oh? Zac only said.


    Since youre nning on closing the Incursions anyway, you should join us. Indeed, we do not possess your raw power, at the moment at least. But I believe youck a proper support system for things such as information gathering and logistics, Thea pushed, obviously ufortable with presenting a sales pitch.


    She had likely been urged by her grandpa to seek allies during the hunt, but Zac had learned the past day she might be even more introvert than himself. His mouth couldnt help curve upward at seeing her forcing herself to advertise the alliance, and Thea immediately caught on to his glee.


    She immediately closed her mouth and shot him a re.


    Whats so funny? she spat out.


    Nothing, nothing, Zacughed as he sent her a prompt for bing an ally, finally connecting Port Atwood and the Marshall n.


    Since they had dealt with the Zhix the two kept going toward their mountain, and the evening was pretty uneventful. One thing that was worth noting was that Salvation was kicked off from the top position after a couple of hours, the two Dominators once again passing him or her.


    Salvation seemed to have gained a good boost that was somewhat unique to himself during the night, but he couldnt keep up with the carnage of the two E-Graded monsters during the day. That hopefully proved that he wasnt as strong as Zac just yet.


    Night soon came and the two decided to stay by the foot of a mountain, hiding in a small courtyard of what should have once been a disciple''s cultivation cave. They vigntly looked into the darkness, but this night they didnt sense the insidious oppression from yesterday, which was a huge relief.


    Around three a.m. they could pretty much confirm that the darkness wouldnt descend today and were finally able to somewhat rx. They still decided to stay for the night though, and only resumed their journey in the morning.


    It was only two dayster that the Darkness once again descended, but its arrival proved that it wasnt a one-time thing. Zac and Thea were barely attacked this time, though their minds were still a bit scrambled by the prating wail that seemed to spread through the whole zone.


    The trick of staying at the foot of the mountain was extremely effective, and it seemed that most people still around had learned their lesson since only roughly 800 people left the trial during the night.


    It was nothingpared to what happened the day before. It was the Arena battle. In just an hour over four thousand names were removed from thedder, proving that there were quite a few who had tried to stay under the radar as they searched for treasure.


    Neither Thea nor Zac were called of course, since both had both battled and killed a fair amount since the start. Zac also breathed out in relief when he saw that Salvation didn''t gain any levels this time, meaning that it might have been a one-time event that happened during thest darkness.


    The hunt was starting to be a routine as the two went from mountain to mountain, cleaning the summits from all its valuables. Thea had fully healed after three days thanks to the ginseng and her healing pills, but they chose to stay together both for safety andpany.


    There were a lot of things in Zacs pouch by know that he couldnt understand, but excluding these odd treasures he estimated his gain to be well over a hundred million Nexus Coins. Theas gain wasnt small either, and she was currently in the fourth position.


    Zac himself lost the lead of the Gathererdder after the second day, getting surpassed by Emperor Nenothep. Thea had a theory that the emperor utilized hisrge army to gather treasure from multiple mountains simultaneously, and Zac wouldnt be surprised if that was the case.


    The two could only increase their efforts, and every night they only slept for around an hour, and after a week of hunting, it was starting to take its toll. However, something odd changed the normal flow of the hunt, as they saw a group of three humans and two Ishiate desperately fleeing down the mountains.


    And right on their heels was what at first nce looked like very life-like robots.

 Chapter 227: Silver Rivers

    Chapter 227: Silver Rivers


    For a second Zac imagined robots running rampant through the hunt, but he soon realized he wasn''t looking at some advanced automatons. Instead he noticed that those in pursuit might actually be humans who had painted themselves silver for some reason.


    But something was extremely off about them. Their gazes were extremely lifeless, and they didn''t show a single expression as they hounded the group in front. Zac looked over to Thea who frowned as she observed the pursuit.


    Did you notice? Those silver people do not havedder positions. I think they are corpses or puppets, Thea hesitantly said.


    Zac''s brows rose in surprise as he looked over at the metallic men again, and it was true. None of the silver humans had anydder positions, meaning that they either weren''t part of the hunt or transformed dead. Zac wasn''t sure whether he wanted to be involved with this strange event, but after a brief hesitation he shook his head and shed over with <strong>[Loamwalker].</strong>


    The next moment he had caught one of the fleeing men, just like he had with so many others during the hunt. The Ishiate and other humans gawked when they saw Zac appear out of nowhere, but they didn''t even stop for a fraction of a second. They just kept running as fast as their legs allowed,pletely leaving theirpanion to his fate.


    Please let me go, theyll catch us. They are too strong! the man desperately shouted as struggled to get free, and when he noticed Zac''s arm was tougher than steel he tried to take out his token.


    However, Zac snatched the token from his captive with practiced ease before he took out <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. A secondter a huge fractal edge sailed toward the silver cultivators, who now were less than a hundred meters away from him.


    There was still no sign of reaction from the silver cultivators and their faces lookedpletely unperturbed by the iing attack. But two of the pursuers jumped forward to block the fractal edge with their bodies. Zac could only snort when he saw their tactic, scoffing at the hubris of thinking only two people could stop his attacks.


    But the next moment his brows rose in surprise.


    The two guards actually self-detonated, and them exploding was barely enough to destroy Zac''s fractal edge. Zac could only stupidly stare at the disy, and he was now pretty sure that Thea was correct in her assertation that these things were dead. That two people would voluntarily use their bodies as fodder to stop an attack without a care in the world was pretty unlikely.


    The others pushed through the cloud of dust that the explosion kicked up in the air, still trying to catch their prey. But it wasnt an even fight just because the silver cultivators managed to intercept the first edge, and soon all the odd puppets were destroyed.


    Strangely enough they didn''t leave any corpses when they died, but instead just turned into silver clouds that drifted up into the air. Zac was afraid it was some sort ofst-ditch poison attack and stayed clear of the silver gases as they slowly dissipated.


    However, his captive didn''t seem relieved at all that Zac had made short work of the attackers, and still fearfully looked back up toward the summit. It was the same with the others in his party. None of them came back after Zac destroyed the silver puppets, and they were quickly running further and further away.


    Thank you, friend, but please let me go before their leader arrives with the real army. We must get as far away from this mountain as possible, the man said with his eyes fretfully looking up at the summit.


    Army? Is it one of the Medhin Royals? Zac asked. Are they wearing golden robes?


    No, it''s not one of them. This is much worse! Please, we must flee before he turns us into puppets as well!


    Zac frowned and looked over at Thea, who shrugged in response. She hadnt heard of anyone like that either.


    Puppets? How many has he turned into puppets? Zac asked.


    Hundreds and hundreds, perhaps a thousand. He has a whole army of silver corpses like these ones, the man hurriedly said as he gestured at the things Zac killed. "We barely got away since he was busy turning another group into puppets as well, but he was raving about turning everyone into silver guards."


    Zac had no reason to keep the man, and simply let him go after asking a few more questions. It truly didn''t'' seem like it was a Medhin royal, but someone else. The captive only said that the leader looked like a hobo but his army was insanely powerful. As for the army, the only thing inmon was that they were all silver.


    The moment the man was freed by Zac he bolted so quickly that it almost looked like he would take flight. His mad dash was so frantic that he stumbled on a root after only fifty meters and mmed straight into the ground. But he apparently was so afraid that he didnt care about the blood flowing from his nose and only scrambled to his feet to keep running.


    Zac frowned as he looked at the fleeing back of the man, before turning back to Thea.


    What do you think? Zac asked.


    Not sure. But it is clearly someone powerful to have been able to capture hundreds of people. Hypnotist? Necromancer? she guessed. In any case, he should fight with numbers, which might make him simr to the Medhin royals.


    Should we avoid him?


    No, Thea said resolutely. Hes turning humans into puppets, killing indiscriminately. He needs to be stopped.


    Fine, lets go, Zac said as he took out his axe as he looked up toward the summit.


    He agreed with Theas decision. Someone like this couldnt be left to their own devices. Besides, hed already decided that he should improve his returns in this hunt by hunting the powerhouses, and now was as good a time to start as any. He didn''t want to let the Medhin emperor get the best rewards from the hunt, and if this lunatic had found and killed almost a thousand people he should be extremely rich as well by the sheer quantity of treasure.


    The two didnt encounter any more parties as they ascended the mountain. Perhaps it meant that this leader up ahead was confident that the small squad of silver men would be able to capture their prey.


    But that also raised the question of just how those things functioned. The man that Zac captured said that the silver puppets were dead, but they seemed somewhat intelligent from how they responded to Zacs attack. One possibility was that the leader could control them remotely, and even see what they saw through their eyes.


    Zac guessed they would learn which was the case depending on whether there was a trap waiting for them at the top of the mountain. Luckily everything was calm when they reached the summit, and they slowly made their way forward until they found a hidden vantage behind some windswept bushes to scout the summit.


    Zac immediately saw the man earlier had been telling the truth. There were almost a thousand of the silver corpses lined up at the square in front of the summit''s pce. Furthermore, Zac realized that all kinds of people were represented among the army, increasing the likelihood that these were people that had been caught and turned into puppets.


    There were humans from both worlds judging by their attire, and there were also quite a few Ishiate and Zhix, though no Anointed stood among the silver ranks. Curiously enough there were also a few extremely pale humanoids that reached roughly to Zacs chest.


    His best guess was that these things were Ratmen or Molemen going by their hunched over posture and long tails, but they didnt exactly match the descriptions he heard from the Valkyries about their battles at the Ratmen Incursion. They had more human-like features, and they seemed to bepletely hairless. The real Ratmen were essentially enormous bipedal rats.


    It wasnt a species that Zac had ever heard of before, and he guessed these things were either from the other world or something local that lived in these mountains. But even these odd things werent what truly drew Zacs attention. It was the supposed leader sitting in front of them on the ground with his eyes closed.


    At first look one might think that the man was a captive, going by how he looked. He was even worse than Zacs appearance back when he used a disgusting snake-skin for armor and was always caked in blood. It was to the point that Zac even couldnt make out the man''s ethnicity or features since he was just way too dirty, and the only reason Zac knew it was a man was that he had arge grimy beard.


    The man had ck shoulder-long hair that was so oily that it looked wet, and the only thing he was dressed in was arge piece of cloth that Zac assumed might have been white once upon a time. However, Zac didnt rx when he saw the pathetic appearance of the leader but instead secured the grip of his axe with a somber expression.


    The man emitted a chaotic power that even made Zac slightly apprehensive. The freely released aura around the hobo was clearly weaker than his own, but it was something very off about it, almost feeling like a sickness.


    Zac also realized that there would be no option fo a sneak attack, as the man soon opened his eyes and looked straight at the two of them in their hiding spot with a smile. There was undisguised insanity in his eyes, and Zac couldnt help but shudder when he met the crazed gaze.


    Wee, lostmbs, the man said, slowly getting up on his feet. I saw you stop my silver guards. Are you here to make amends by joining the unity?


    Who are you, and what have you done with all these people? Zac asked as left his hiding spot and walked onto therge square on the summit, Thea soon following behind him.


    I am Salvation, prophet of the Great Redeemer, the man proimed with a grand voice, the madness in his eyes burning even brighter. These ones have been freed from the curse of sapience, and have joined the eternal unity.


    So you are Salvation, Zac said, and without another word unleashed a fractal edge straight at the man, hoping to cut the head of the snake.


    However, a hundred of the silver people behind him wordlessly pped their hands together and an extremely thick shield appeared in front of their leader, effortlessly stopping his attack.


    Oh, you are quite powerful, the grimy man said while looking at Zac with a burning gaze. Have the Great Redeemer provided me with the first Golden Guard?


    Zac didn''tment on Salvation''s rambling and instead spoke to Thea with a low voice, without taking his eye off his target.


    Ill sh head-on, see if you can find any opportunities from the nk.


    Thea nodded and actually disappeared by turning translucent. It was the first time Zac had seen her use this skill, and he had to admit it suited herself and her weapon quite well. But there was no time for admiration as part of the army suddenly stretched their hands into the air like they were trying to grasp something above them.


    The next moment they literally melted into a silver river that started floating around Salvation, making his robes flutter in the wind. The liquid metal that the soldiers turned into emitted the chaotic energies that he sensed from Salvation himself, though it was even stronger.


    Those cursed by their moring souls are always led astray. But all will be brought to the fold, Salvation said as he pointed at Zac, and part of the silver river shot toward him with shocking speed, transforming into a hugence heading straight toward him.


    Zac summoned another fractal edge with <strong>[Chop] </strong>and swung it head-on to meet the iing the attack. But the moment the two forces shed Zacs brows rose in rm from the pure force contained in Salvations silvernce.


    The power pushed Zac back over fifty meters, and the shockwave from the sh causing widespread destruction of the square on the summit. Zacs hands were even shaking from the strain of holding the attack at bay, but it was also clear that there was a limit to the power of the river.


    Zac noted that the river had shrunk by around ten percent after the sh, with some silver steam dissipating into the air just like when he destroyed the puppets at the foot of the mountain. But the next moment the river was reinforced by more silver men liquefying and joining the river.


    From there on Zac didn''t have much time to analyze the situation as the silver river was trying to attack him from all angles like a rabid beast.

 Chapter 228: Descent

    Chapter 228: Descent


    Zac furiously defended with both his axe and his swirling leaves from the onught that came at him from all angles. It was as though he was caught in the middle of an agitated ho swam where a thousand attacks kept angling for him.


    Wounds started to umte over his body, and he was spending cosmic energy at a tremendous pace. However, the furious defense wasnt for nothing as a thick mist was rising above him from the expended silver river.


    After having fought a bit Zac started to get a decent idea of what was going on. Salvation turned people into these silver things and then used the stored energy inside their bodies tounch extremely powerful attacks.


    However, each attack would deplete Salvations storage of soldiers, as the attack spent the stored energy and the corpses dissipated. Zac estimated that a couple of Silver Guards were destroyed by each and every sh judging by how much the silver river shrank afterward.


    In just a short bout Zac had destroyed at least fifty corpses, and he felt a bit nauseated at the thought of destroying innocent people. It was an extremely wicked method to fight, and Zac wondered just what kind of evil Salvation hadmitted to gain ess to a ss that could do something this messed up.


    Despicable, Zac couldnt help but growl at Salvation who controlled the silver liquid from the distance.


    All crusades require sacrifice for the greater good. They will forever stay part of the Cosmos, all overseen by The Great Redeemer, Salvation said with a calm smile, no remorse or guilt on his face at all.


    Zac realized there was no point to keep talking with this madman, and tried to decide on a n. The thought of destroying people every time he shed with Salvation was revolting, and he wasnt sure that his endurance wouldst through destroying the whole army in any case.


    A better method would be to bring the fight to Salvation himself. <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> didnt work on the man, but Zac felt his attributes should be more aligned with a mage judging by how he fought. That meant high Intelligence but low Endurance.


    Killing him directly would be more efficient than grinding down the army of silver corpses, and it would also feel a lot better. Perhaps there was even a way to save these poor people and turn them back. The ground cracked under his legs as Zac used <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>the moment he saw an opening in the silver river swirling around him and he shed toward Salvation. But he was ready for the assault, simply putting hands in a praying position.


    Sanctuary, Salvation said, and the next moment he waspletely enclosed in the silver liquid, creating a huge ball five meters across.


    Zac wouldnt stop from just that though and with a determined face summoned a five-meter fractal edge and imbued it with the Dao of Sharpness. Thest shes he didnt utilize any Dao, and the difference it made was clear as he cut through the ball like butter.


    However, Salvation was nowhere to be seen inside the ball, until he Suddenly appeared back behind Zac, reaching for his head. rm bells went off in Zacs mind, telling him he would die if Salvation reached him. He desperately pushed away, while simultaneously trying to cut off Salvations arm.


    At the same moment a huge whirlwind erupted in the middle of the silver army, where Thea suddenly appeared. Everything within fifty meters from here was shredded into ribbons, and over a hundred silver corpses dissipated in an instant.


    However, she wasnt done there and immediately moved toward a thick group of guards to keep whittling down the defenses. While Zac had felt a bit hesitant about this tactic she clearly had no suchpunctions.


    For the first time since the start of the battle Salvations calm face changed, turning into one of unbridled rage.


    Apostasy! he screamed as he pointed at Thea.


    The next moment another hundred silver corpses liquefied and turned into a hundred swords that all tried to stab Thea, who had to use all of her agility to escape the encirclement unscathed. Her n to keep destroying corpses had to be abandoned since she was busy just dodging the innumerable des gunning for her life.


    It was clear that Thea had found a solution to reduce the power of Salvation. It was starting to be more and more apparent that Salvation was needed to control these things. She was able to destroy a tenth of the army without any resistance due to Salvation being preupied with his battle with Zac.


    It was far more efficient than trying to destroy the silver river, as it was clearly more resilient when it was actively controlled by Salvation. Perhaps he infused some of his own Cosmic Energy into the metallic liquid that floated about in the air, whereas the Silver Soldiers were just energy on standby.


    Zac could only grit his teeth and follow the same n as Thea, even though he felt it was a bit distasteful. But the man was simply too elusive. It looked like he could somehow freely move within the silver liquid, making it nigh impossible to strike him down.


    He immediately summoned five huge fractal edges as he frantically dodged or bore the damage from the innumerable attacks from the silver rivers all around him. But he didnt use them to harass Salvation who had emerged from his protective bubble.


    Instead, Zac shot them at various clumps of silver guards who were still just mutely standing in the distance, and each de was imbued with the Dao of Sharpness. His goal was to continue Theas work while she was keeping the hundred silver swords busy.


    The next moment Zac heedlessly charged Salvation, hoping to upy his attention.


    A storm of lightning-quick swings nketed Salvation, who had to desperately create barrier after barrier of silver shields to protect himself from Zacs onught. The silver river around him was shrinking at a noticeable pace from Zacs frenzied swings, with each Dao-infused strike destroying a noticeable part of it.


    It looked like his n might actually work as the silver guards were still standingpletely immobile, not making any attempts to defend against the iing des. But it appeared that Salvation wouldnt take it lying down as his eyes lit up with an almost blinding light, and the chaotic aura inside him increased manifold.


    DESCENT! Salvation roared, and before the fractal edges could reach the army over six hundred Silver Corpses liquefied, causing a silver storm that covered the whole summit and rose fifty meters into the air.


    The swords that were harassing Thea also stopped their chase and instead joined the other energies to infuse the storm with even more power. Zac immediately got an extremely bad feeling as he sensed the rampant energies that were gathering in the air, and he tried to quickly kill off Salvation before it got any worse.


    He even activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage] </strong>while he started gathering energy for his ultimate strike, <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. But Salvation was suddenly swallowed by the silver storm, and Zac had no chance to unleash his ultimate attack since he was unable to locate his real form any longer.


    The danger sense in Zacs mind was going haywire, and Zac heedlessly flooded the fractal in his arm with cosmic energy while he looked up at what was happening. The silver storm had created a huge cloud up in the air, and something nefarious was brewing inside.


    Suddenly two enormous eyes that seemed want to judge the world opened from within the silver clouds. They held the same silver luster that Salvations eyes shone with before he disappeared, but Zac didnt feel that the huge eyes were an avatar of Salvation.


    Salvations eyes shone with madness, but the huge globes up in the sky looked down at the mountain peak like a god staring down at a pitiful ant. There was a boundless arrogance and disdain within it as well, but Zac wasn''t sure if it was an actual person since the eyes werepletely unmoving and unblinking.


    The pressure from just the gaze was enormous, and the next moment a gigantic face emerged from the cloud, increasing the pressure even further. The face was at least fifty meters across, a huge monstrosity that covered most of Zacs field of vision.


    The face was of a young human man, and not someone Zac recognized. His face was extremely handsome, apart from the condescending eyes. There was also an extremely intricate fractal in his forehead that radiated an immense power, and just by looking at it Zac felt like his soul was going to get sucked out of his body.


    The face didnt stay up in the clouds, but soon it started to descend toward the summit at a measured pace. Zacs brows rose in rm as he looked over at a pale-faced Thea who stood some distance away.


    Get away from the summit, I can handle this, he shouted as he kept infusing his arm with Cosmic Energy.


    The pressure upon Zac was mounting as the enormous descended, and his instincts told him to get down on knees in subservience. But ignored those voices as he grit his teeth while he pushed his right hand upward. The space above him cracked and the familiar enormous hand rose to meet the iing face.


    The wrath of god shed with natures punishment, and the two forces meeting caused such a shockwave that the barrier protecting the pce waspletely destroyed, and the shockwaves caused the pce to get ripped to shreds as it was pushed down the mountain.


    Zac felt as though his whole body was breaking apart from the collision, but he staunchly kept pushing forward while allocating some energy to summon <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to nket him from at least some of the errant energies that were ripping the whole summit apart.


    The hand was barely five meters across and it almost looked like a child that was trying to push away an adult as it pressed on the enormous fractal that adorned the forehead of the enormous head.


    However, inside that seemingly small hand, a boundless force was contained. It possessed everything Zac was able to utilize, from his Dao of Trees to the infusion of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, its power was unmatched even by what most E-Grade evolved could muster.


    For a few seconds the two forces were at an impasse, with neither face nor hand giving in, but soon a jarring crack echoed across the mountain. Arge scar could suddenly be seen across the fractal on the huge head as the fingers from the wooden hand dug inside the forehead.


    The moment the fractal cracked it was as though the force that held the hundreds of silver corpses together came undone. The head started to ooze torrential amounts of silver clouds, and it almost looked as though it was burning from the enormous plume that was rising from it.


    Normally Zac would have deactivated the hand by now, but he staunchly kept feeding the hand with everything he possessed, even his lifeforce. He wouldnt relent until the face waspletely destroyed so that he could crush Salvation.


    Zac wasnt the only one who was running out of energy as the face was almost translucent by now with silver clouds spreading far enough to even reach the neighboring mountains. Finally the head cracked into innumerable pieces, thest energiesing undone.


    A mangled body fell down from the skies with a wail and caused arge crater when he mmed into the ground on the other side of the summit. But Zac knew he was alive, as some remaining droplets of the liquid river nketed the fall at thest moment. Zacs whole body felt like it was on fire but he wouldnt let this opportunity go.


    He was already out of Cosmic Energy, but he squeezed his body to activate <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> once more, speeding toward the mangled body of Salvation. But he frowned when he saw Salvation crush his token with a shaking hand. Still, all was not lost since there was still a window of opportunity to kill this raving lunatic before he was sent away.


    They had already confirmed that the power of someone dictated how long the dy was before they were sent back, and someone like Salvation should take at least ten seconds. He couldnt let this man get back to the Cradle of God. Who knew how many Silver Guards he had there to empower himself.


    He immediately moved to close thest distance, his axe already falling down with finality.


    Lord Redeemer, please save me! he shouted in desperation, and in the next moment a man actually appeared next to him.


    Zac first nned to ignore him to strike the finishing blow, but a terrifying aura suddenly exploded out from the man, eclipsing anything Zac had ever felt before.


    Every cell in his body told him that if he moved just one step closer he would die without a doubt, and he unhesitantly stopped his assault as he jumped back a few steps. Zacs couldnt help looking over at the figure silently standing next to the crater with Salvation still inside.


    And the man who looked back at him was none other than the owner of the face in the clouds.

 Chapter 229: The Great Redeemer

    Chapter 229: The Great Redeemer


    The man standing next to the crater was clearly the same as the one in the sky earlier, though there were some minute differences. The normal-sized one felt more lifelike, whereas the huge avatar that tried to crush the whole summit might as well have been a mask or statue.


    The mysterious briefly man scrutinized the surroundings until his eyes met Zacs. It was as though a lightning bolt went through Zacs mind when he met the stare, and it truly felt like he would perish if he held eye contact.


    He quickly looked away, and thoughts of fleeing were quickly filling his mind. But something stopped him. The aura this man emitted was on the same tier as that of Greatest, and if he truly was here there was nothing he could do. His life and death werent in his hands any longer.


    But at the same time, they were in an enclosed space for a system-organized treasure hunt. He didnt believe people even of that level of power would be able to break into a ce like this. The rules of a System-sanctioned mystic realm were invible.


    If there were attribute- or grade-limiters in ce then there was nothing that could be done. Not even an A-ranked old monster could break in as far as Zac understood. That meant that the man in front of him might just be a powerless illusion and that the towering aura was just empty blustering. That would also exin why he only stood there. Zac grit his teeth with determination.


    A huge fractal edge fell straight toward Salvation, who fearfully looked up at the edge as he hastily gathered thest remnants of his silver energies to produce a feeble defense. But Zac knew that small defense wouldnt stop his assault as his attack was powered by the Dao of Sharpness and his very lifeforce.


    But suddenly the man simply pointed a finger at the iing attack, and it felt as though all life was drained out of his body as the fractal edge disintegrated from some unseen force.


    Insolence, the man said with a melodic voice, and Zac couldnt help but cough up blood as he fell back, unable to stand up again.


    It''s true. I am not here in person, I am just an imprint. But my very existence is enough to ward off some baby cultivators, the man continued as he looked down at Zac with disdain in his eyes.


    It was clear though that the man was not truly there, since whatever the man did to stop Zacs approach had drained the imprint enough to make him transparent. Zac knew that he would perhaps only be able to stop one more attack, but his body wouldnt listen when he tried tomand it to move.


    Are you my inheritor? Disappointing. This is my only intervention, the man sighed as he looked down at the crumpled form of Salvation, but the next moment he looked over at the space on the opposite of the crater.


    He didnt say anything, only disdainfully snorted, but immediately after a pale-faced Thea emerged from nowhere coughing out blood, a slender sword in her hand. It looked like she had tried to assassinate Salvation unseen, but she couldnt escape the gaze of Salvations protector.


    This unworthy one thanks you, Great Lord! Salvation feebly coughed as he grasped his Cosmos Sack in his hand. I will continue your bidding.


    The next moment he started fading away, but Zac was unwilling to give in to the imprint. He summoned strength he didnt know he had, and with a roar threw <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> at Salvation. He had no energy left to summon any skill, and could only pin his hopes to non-magical means.


    Unfortunately, Zac waspletely spent, and his aim was slightly off. The axe had quite a bit of force as it hurtled toward Salvation, but it was flying too low to hit anything lethal. But it was still a throw from someone possessing over three hundred Strength, and Salvation desperately swirled to avoid the iing edge.


    A muffled groan escaped Salvations mouth as the axe tore through the mans wrist and cut off his right hand along with the Cosmic Sack that fell down on the ground. Zac could only shake his head in disappointment, and the next moment Salvation winked out of existence.


    Thest thing Zac saw of Salvation was two eyes that burned with madness and vengeance. The pouch that had just fallen turned into motes of light and flew into Zacs Cosmos Sack.


    The whole thing had happened in an instant, and The Redeemer was unable or unwilling to lend any further assistance to Salvation, and he instead only gazed up into the sky with some anticipation in his face. Zac knew the imprint was running out of time and hoped to gain at least some information before it disappeared.


    Who are you? Are you from the Church of Evesting Dao? Zac coughed.


    Zacs words brought back the attention of the quickly fading form.


    I am not one of those filthy body-peddlers. Their path toward immortality is a dead end, an empty pit of despair. I sense that my true body is still alive, which means that eons of nning are sooning to fruition. We will meet again, little defier, he said with a small smile as he finally was reduced to just motes of light.


    Zac didnt dare move for a few seconds even after the man dissapeared, but soon he ardously tried to get over to Thea. His vision was swimming, but he knew they couldnt stay here. But his body waspletely spent, and he helplessly was lying down on the ground. It was Thea instead who got up to her feet, fearfully looking over at the spot where the man once stood as she walked over to Zac.


    Who the hell was that? she muttered, perhaps to herself or perhaps as a question to Zac.


    Definitely not someone from Earth, Zac said with a frown. He was at least a D-Grade powerhouse, likely higher.


    Ive read that powerful people could imprint treasures with their very essence. Somehow Salvation must have gotten his hands on such a treasure. But I dont understand how. Its extremely arduous to make such an imprint because you need to cut off a piece of your soul to leave the imprint. Its rarely done, Thea exined.


    They are usually only awarded to direct disciples and are extremely rare treasures. Its not something the system awards either, she continued.


    Salvation kept talking about some Great Redeemer, Zac said, trying to keep his scattered mind focused. Perhaps that was him. He might have gotten his hands on an inheritance or something. That kind of treasure sounds like something that might be left to an inheritor.


    Thats impossible. This is a new world, there are no inheritances here, Thea said with a shake of her head.


    Zac scratched his face for a couple of seconds before he coughed.


    Well, its notpletely impossible. I have a couple of them as well, got them as a reward, he exined, his voice getting lower and lower as the intensity from Theas re increased. "And more importantly that man called Salvation his inheritor."


    She didnt say anything only gave an annoyed huff as she surveyed the area before pulling Zac to his feet.


    I think we need to go, she said. The pce is destroyed, and people from all surrounding mountains should have seen the battle. None of us is in any condition to fight another battle.


    Zac was about to agree, but suddenly his vision turned nted. It took a bit for his muddled mind to realize that he had fallen over, which made him finally realize just how bad his condition was. Thatst strike had used up most of his remaining lifeforce, and when it was destroyed it got even worse.


    Dont put my body into a Cosmos Sack, was all that Zac could say before his vision turned ck.


    -------------


    An unknown amount of timeter that Zac woke up with a cough, his eyes straining to adjust as he slowly opened them. He saw that he had been moved after all as he was inside what looked to be the ruins of some of the structures closer to the foot of a mountain.


    However, he realized that his fears had been true, as his vision had once again turned into that of his Draugr-form. His feeling only worsened when he realized that he was tied up to the point that he was barely able to move, and the bindings were actually strong enough to keep him secured.


    So youre up, Theas voice sounded from behind, but Zac wasnt even able to turn over.


    Thanks for carrying me away. So, uh, why have you tied me up? Zac asked, trying to make his voice sound as warm and alive as possible.


    There was no response for a few seconds until a light shuffle could be heard as Thea entered his field of vision. She looked to be mostly fine apart from being slightly pale, but she had a frown on her face as she scrutinized Zac from some distance.


    Zac knew very well just how different he looked at this current form, particrly his pitch-ck eyes that looked like portals to the abyss.


    I am not an undead, I am still Zac, Zac said.


    You sure look like an undead, and youre deathly cold to the touch, she said with an unconvinced face.


    Well, its a long story, but through a few deadly encounters, I found a way to get two lives. I can somewhat freely swap between my two forms, but sometimes the change is forced upon me, Zac said.


    Like dying, Thea said with a nk face.


    Well, yes, that would do the trick, Zac coughed.


    So you are immortal? she probed.


    I dont think so? Zac hesitantly said. Its not like Id survive getting my head cut off.


    The moment the words left his mouth he regretted it, as Theas eyes thinned as she pointedly stared at his exposed throat. However, nothing happened as the seconds passed, and Zac could finally breathe easy again.


    But soon Thea spoke up, and he couldn''t help but get a bit antsy again.


    You should understand my position. It is already clear that Salvation is under the thumb of some alien influence, bringing a great threat to Earth. Now I find out that the top ranker is an undead when theres an undead Incursion on earth that has ravaged a good deal of Asia, she said with an even stare.


    What you said might be true, but I need to ask some questions to ascertain the veracity of your im, she continued.


    From there on she kept asking him various questions that only he would know, such as the content of their explorations during the hunt, or their shared experiences at the Auction earlier. However, after a while the nature of the questions started to change.


    How old were you when you stopped wetting the bed? she suddenly asked.


    What? No Idea, three perhaps? Zac answered with a perplexed face.


    How many girlfriends do you have, and how do you rank them? she continued without missing a beat.


    Rank them? What are you talking about? I am single, Zac answered with an exasperated voice.


    Thats not what our intelligence indicates, Thea retorted.


    Are you talking about Hannah? We broke up some time ago, Zac said but frowned when he saw her mouth quirking slightly upward. Wait, are you messing with me?


    The next moment the ropes around him were released, and he was free again. However, he shot a re at Thea who innocuously looked back at him as he stretched his sore body.


    We need to get going, were still somewhat close to the scene of the battle, Thea said withoutmenting the earlier line of questioning.


    Zac only snorted but he was quick to follow behind her. He sensed that his Core wasnt filled at the moment, making it a risky venture to turn back again. Instead, he simply donned a cloak that covered his head that would hide his identity until he could turn back again.


    The two kept moving as soon as Zac was freed by Thea since they were still pretty close to the scene of the battle. They werent worried about the average cultivators, but rather the top names on thedders, such as the Dominators and the Medhin Emperor.


    Their battle with Salvation might as well have been a ring sign showing half the mountainous region where top powerhouses were, and if the E-Ranked evolved had done any sort of reconnaissance they should know that there were only three E-Rankers present at the hunt.


    However, it didnt mean they stopped their treasure hunt just because they wanted to avoid any further battle for the time being. However, they decided to avoid the top tier pces in favor of looting the high tier sites that were not quite as conspicuous.


    But they soon learned that thepetition for these mountains was much harsherpared to the top-tiered ones that were guarded by extremely powerful arrays. Two out of the three mountains they visited during the day had already been looted, and it was only thanks to Theas observation skills that they managed to find any treasures at all.


    She had managed to at least find a few hidden stashes that contained decent returns, but it was far worse than the usual haul they had during the day. Thea had already lost two positions, but Zac had soared up to the first position on the Gathererdder, thanks to looting Salvation.

 Chapter 230: Out of the Frying Pan

    Chapter 230: Out of the Frying Pan


    Zac started absorbing energy for his core the moment that they settled in for the night, holding a divine crystal in one hand and a miasma crystal in the other. As soon as the core was filled up he began the process of turning back to a human again.


    Since he had already turned he first thought about staying that way for a while. He could take the opportunity to both gain a couple of levels and work on his quests. However, in the end he decided against it, which was why he was currently emptying himself of miasma from all his pores.


    There were a few reasons to this. The most important was the safety issue. There were dangers both known and unknown prowling the mountains, and hisbat prowess was far higher in his human form. Perhaps that would change in the future, but for now it was safer to have ess to his Hatchetman ss. He only had one skill at the moment, and Zac believed that the best use for <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>was to handlerge groups of weaker enemies.


    Secondly, there was the issue of Thea. He had already exined that he had gained the ability to gain a second life by turning to an undead, bu the never mentioned anything about a second ss. He was therefore a bit leery about grinding his ss while traveling with her.


    She had proven herself to be a solid ally through thick and thin during the hunt, but the had also realized that family was extremely important to her, even if she was a bit of a loner. If he for some reason came at odds against the Marshall n she would stand with them, and he was unwilling to show all his cards at this juncture. He knew he''d already slipped up a couple of times by now, but he could only channel his inner Ogras and strive to do better from now on.


    A cloud of miasma was slowly gathering above Zac as he expelled everything in his body until his vision once again began swimming and he lost consciousness. When he woke up again he was relieved to find that he wasnt bound like thest time, but Thea was still sitting close-by observing him.


    Pretty impressive, shemented when she noticed that Zac was back to being a bonafide human. Are you able to turn into anything else as well?


    Im not some shapeshifter, Zac muttered as he cracked his neck.


    He truly needed to find a better method for the change. Having to die just to turn was a huge pain in the ass, and it felt extremely ufortable as well. Every cell in his body screamed for sustenance, but the had to repress those basic impulses and let his body slowly get drained.


    So whats next? Thea said as she started setting up her tent.


    They were inside a small house at the foot of a mountain, but she still chose to erect her one-man tent. She had done the same every night since they started traveling together, and Zac guessed she wanted some privacy as she slept. He knew it wasn''t an issue of not wanting to get dirtied by the floor beneath since he''d seen her caked in both blood and grime thest days without as much as lifting an eyebrow.


    Nothings really changed. We should start hitting the top tier pces again if youre up for it, Zac said after mulling it over for a bit.


    Thea nodded before she got into her tent, leaving Zac to take the first watch.


    Zac sat down next to the doorway of the structure as he looked out into the darkness. The darkness this night didnt seem very oppressive and he could spot the weak stars in the sky, meaning that there probably wouldnt be a nightly assault this day.


    Since he had some time to spare he decided to go over his gains from the past day, and first opened his status screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>62</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Middle, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>370 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>221 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>375 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>239 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>90 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>85 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>93 [Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 26 743 653</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    The days activities had slightly improved his attributes once again, with him gaining a level in his undead form from killing beasts when they changed mountains. He looked at his Free Point for a bit before he put it into Strength.


    He had gone back and forth on this, eventually he chose to increase his Strength. With the help of the Dao of Sharpness, he actually had far more Dexterity than he needed to keep a decent ratio. He felt that he could afford a couple of more points into Strength since it was still his main attribute during fights.


    Another idea he had was to boost his Wisdom and Intelligence to 100 each before he got ready to evolve, in case any future ss Upgrade had restrictions on either those attributes or that there was a minimum of 100 in all attributes.


    Bu the felt that putting points there was a bit premature. He was leaning toward instant power-ups during this hunt, rather than something that could benefit him down the line. Besides, it wasnt impossible hed gain some more attributes through new titles or treasures before he reached level 75. The fewer points he needed to put himself into those attributes the better.


    Another wee surprise was that <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>and <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>both had evolved from thest battle. He hadnt noticed until now since he had been in his Undead form during the whole day.


    That Natures Punishment had upgraded was the most critical. It had been his final card in every tough fight since he gained the skill, and the power of the wooden hand essentially dictated how strong enemies he could defeat.


    He had no idea just what kind of effect the upgraded skill would have since there were no clues, but he sensed that the fractal on his forearm could take in far more energypared to before, which could only be seen as a good sign.


    Each point in attribute also increased the amount of Cosmic Energy he could hold, meaning that he had far more to go around todaypared when he first gained the skill. At that time using the skill just once took pretty much all his energy, but by now he used less than half his energy tounch it.


    As for <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, he simply summoned the swirling leaves after throwing a nce at the tent at the opposite side of the building. The continuous consumption of his defensive skill was higher since the upgrade. But the leaves were also far more resplendent, almost lighting up the building with their green luster.


    He also saw that the veins on the leaves had changed a bit. They slightly looked like fractals before as well, but it was much clearer now. He still couldn''t make anything out from the fractals due to hiscking insight into that field, but he knew that each leaf could block far more forcepared to before.


    Satisfied with the result he deactivated the skill, his eyes turning to his Cosmos Sack next.


    He hadnt properly gone through it since they had been on the move the whole day, but now there was time to properly look it over. He had briefly peeked into it during the day, and he was shocked by the number of things inside since he looted Salvation.


    There was no way he would be able to store everything inside if he had only his own sacks, as the sheer quantity of items was just enormous. If he decided to empty the Sack he would be able to create a small hill of healing pills alone for example, and there were thousands and thousands of weapons.


    Salvation had been at the 8th ce on the Gathererdder when he fled the hunt, but his way of getting that high up had been vastly different from himself and Thea. The two of them had only hit top pces, asionally lining their pockets with the possessions of other trial takers while traveling between the summits.


    Salvation had simply killed and robbed almost a thousand people as a way to increase his Silver Guard, and it was obvious that he''d kept everything they owned as well. But it was also clear that most of the guards were of pretty low power on average, as the quality of the loot was prettyckluster. Zac sat and went through item after item, but he only found a total of six items that seemed valuable.


    He ced them together with the 22 other items he had looted during the hunt, the first of them being the extremely heavy metal ball that was covered in intricate fractals. His n for them was simply to hand them over to Calrin when he got back for identification and potentially selling off.


    Some of them might be a good weapon against the Dominators or the Medhin Emperor, but he was just unable to figure anything out about their method of usage. Hed rather just stash them than identally blowing himself up. As for the mountain of other treasures, they were just low-value items that would fill his contribution system back in Port Atwood. Things such as healing- and fasting pills were always in high demand.


    The night passed uneventfully, and the two set out at the break of dawn. They once again settled into their usual routine, and the following days they hit one high-value target after another. However, on the second day, something odd happened.


    In the distance, the mountains were simply reced with the ckness of space, and the once endless field of view got abruptly cut short. It came suddenly and without warning, and made Zac and Thea stop in their tracks. D


    "It''s a battle royale," Zac suddenly muttered as he looked on the newly erected wall.


    "A what?" Thea asked with confusion.


    "I think the System is reducing the size of the hunt, and it might keep shrinking it over time. We''re pretty spread out at the moment, and we haven''t really fought anyone in two days. The system wants more struggle, and it forces us into closer proximity," Zac said.


    "Figures," Thea onlymented with a sigh.


    "Well, there''s still quite a huge field to search. Even if we walked in a straight line it would take us over a month to pass the whole thing. But I think we should maintain arge distance from the ck wall, the System might not give a warning if it decides to reduce the area again," Zac added as he started looking for a new target.


    Zac was proven right three dayster, as the ck wall swallowed up arge group of mountains again. And if the System was looking for more fights the n worked spectacrly. Both Zac and Thea had been forced to kill a bunch of cultivators each during the past days.


    Furthermore, the valleys were flooded with innumerable beasts that seemed to have been pushed out of the ck enclosure. It had gotten to the point that he''d even seen a pack of huge rats getting pushed down therge cracks in the ground that ran alongside the mountains due to overcrowding.


    There were also constant sounds of battles from the various mountains, and the impacts they caused were gettingrger as well as most of the weaker people were quickly getting rooted out. In just three days over ten thousand had been eliminated from the hunt either through leaving voluntarily or getting killed, which was a way faster pace than before.


    Zac and Thea were mostly unosted by this though. There were very few who could threathen them at the moment, and the mountain peaks there were usually very few people on the mountains they chose. They only picked the summits with the most spectacr pces that would have the harshest arrays protecting them.


    They had a few close calls during the past days, particrly in a pce that had an extremely insidious mix of arrays. Initially, they had just thought it was abination of a battle array that spawned a bunch of golems and a gravity array, but they were wrong.


    There had also been an imperceptible illusion array that only slightly messed with their senses, and Zac only found out when his danger sense red to life. However, it was toote and he was gored by a sharp spike by one of the golems. Thankfully the warning had allowed him to avoid any lethal damage, and the immense pain helped him break out of the array.


    However, the two had generally had a smooth sailing so far. But something was different about the mountain in front of them, making Zac stop in his tracks with a frown. They were just standing at the foot as they had with so many other mountains.


    But this time his Luck was in no uncertain terms telling him that he was in danger.

 Chapter 231: Rooting out Problems

    Chapter 231: Rooting out Problems


    This had better work, Ogras grunted in annoyance. This god damn array almost cleaned me bare.


    Well, it was you who decided to buy through the mercantile system rather than wait for Lord Atwood to return, Calrin responded, not able to hide his glee.


    In front of them was a huge table wrought some crystal, and its surface was covered in dense fractals. Oddly enough each of the legs had sharpened ends, and all four of them were currently embedded into the ground. They were in a secluded cave right in the middle of the ind, and this ce had also be the headquarters of their operation.


    Ogras only red at the little twerp for a bit bit, thinking of methods he could have revenge without getting caught. He just knew that the little shit had added a substantial premium to the tools required when he saw the hurry that Ogras was in. But he could only swallow his ire for now, and he instead took out a crystal from his sleeve and put it to his mouth.


    Are you ready? Ogras asked into the crystal.


    Ready, a sullen voice responded from the other side.


    Come now, dont be like that. Im sure that Zac will warm up if he heard you protected his sister, Ogras snorted.


    Alea had been aplete drag the past weeks, drifting about like a brooding ghost. That man kept throwing annoying problems at him just to go on exciting adventures. Now Ogras was supposed to be some sort of marriage counselor as well? Well, at least he would get an adventure of his own if this all worked out, and he could leave all this crap behind.


    The n had taken a week of intense research and another week of putting everything together. The whole ind now had over fifty minor teleportation arrays hidden all over. He would be able to appear almost anywhere on the ind at moments notice, they only needed to start up the main array in front of them to start the operation.


    He had racked his brain for days toe up with another way to spot the shapeshifters. Those bastards were the only thing that blocked him from being able to enter the Mystic Realm now, and he couldn''t wait to rip them apart. Ogras had even bought over twenty information missives from Calrin until he finally found a n that had a decent chance to work.


    Thoughts of just sneaking inside the Mystic Realm had crossed his mind tens of times, but in the end he forcibly pushed down those impulses. If Zac found out he shirked his duties while he was away he could forget about getting his hand on the inheritance, which was a surefire power-up for himpared to the unknown of the Mystic Realm.


    Besides, he knew who would be the main targets of an assassination in case that both he and Zac were gone from the ind simultaneously, and he didn''t want to see the sister get herself killed. He had spent most of his time shadowing MacKenzie Atwood since Zac left on the hunt, and he had to admit she was an interesting person.


    She was a contradiction personified. He had never met someone with such precise control of Cosmic Energy, her precision and reaction time were unparalleled. With such god-given talents she would be weed as an elite at almost any sect.


    Attributes could be solved by various means, but supreme talent was far harder toe by. But at the same time he had seen her fall over while standing still twice, and hed lost count of how many times shed dropped things by just fumbling them. How could such a skilled person be so clumsy?


    He had even gone so far as to ask around about her past, and it turned out that while the clumsiness was something shed always had, the ster control seemed to be something new. Perhaps her talent was alwaystent, just waiting to explode when this world got integrated. But he had bigger fish to fry than to figure out that mystery.


    The solution to his problems that he finally found was an array called <strong>[E-Grade Origin Array]</strong>. It was an array that showed unique energy signatures of all people within its reach, and the signature depended on the origin of the person.


    That meant that the demons would have pretty simr signatures, just like the humans and ishiate would have simr signatures within their cohorts. He had already silently escorted the few Zhix that were stationed in Port Atwood away so that they wouldnt add confusion to the results. That left the shapeshifters who should have their own unique signatures.


    Normally this n wouldnt work since the capitals of the multi-verse were melting pots of people with all kinds of origins. Besides, higher grade concealment skills would be able to change even the signatures they emitted, rendering the array useless. Even worse, everyone would notice it being activated since it shot out a not-so-discrete pulse.


    Using such an array was akin to using inspection skills on everyone in a town, and was considered to be extremely rude and overbearing. If you were unlucky some hidden powerhouse might stay in the city, and he or she might take offense to being exposed like that. All this made the Origin Array mostly useless, and it wasnt one of the better-known arrays.


    But the current situation of Port Atwood created the possibility of his n working. First of all the poption was extremely homogenous. Secondly, the shapeshifters were only F-Grade, meaning that they didnt possess ess to skills strong enough to hide from the array.


    Ogras ced ten E-Grade crystals in the core of the array, and it was with great relief he saw it hum into life. The tabletop in front of them changed, and soon it disyed the whole ind. The next moment a pulse was emitted from the core beneath the table, and it quickly spread out to cover the whole ind.


    AzhRodum was the first town to get covered, and the map was quickly getting filled with simr red lights. A few blue lights also started shimmering, and Ogras guessed those were the humans that lived in AzhRodum as miners. The pulse kept expanding outward until they reached the array gs that were nted in the ocean roughly a hundred meters away from the shore. It had been a pain in the ass to put all those things into ce.


    Ogras had been forced to grapple with everything from enormous fish to oversized lizard-things that lived on the western shores of the ind. MacKenzie had called them crocodiles, though they apparently werent asrge before this world got integrated.


    Finally, they spotted lights that seemed out of ce three golden dots huddled together a few hours travel away from Port Atwood. They might be Ishiate that might have wandered off, but Ogras guts told him otherwise.


    This thing consumes huge amounts of money, we cant keep it activated forever. Tell me if you see them move or if new ones crop up, Ogras said, and the next second stepped on the teleporter.


    The next moment he appeared in the array closest to the signatures, and he immediately melded with the shadows as he rushed toward the shapeshifters with all speed he could muster.


    Two more at number 23, not moving, the voice of the Sky Gnome reached him through the crystal.


    Ogras only grunted in confirmation as he kept moving forward. He had hoped there would only be the one, but there were already five signatures on the map. With the help of histe-stage Seed he was like a ghost as he pushed through the forest.


    This was also the first real battle since he was freed from the restrictions of the system, and his Dexterity waspletely unlocked, now sitting at over 400. His Wisdom and Intelligence werent as high as he would have liked still, but he hoped that he would be able to bridge those gaps with his three trials before attempting to evolve again.


    He finally reached the spot the map indicated, and immediately activated his ocr skill. For a while, he couldnt notice anything out of ce, but he suddenly looked at a tree that had a suspiciousck of cosmic energy. He immediately took out his spear, and with one swift move crushed the tree into splinters.


    A small hole made itself shown, and Ogras unhesitantly turned into shadows again as he dropped down inside. Three extremely startled humans sat huddled in a room of roughly thirty square meters. The floors and walls were pressed mud, and it was clear that they had dug the room out of the ground itself.


    Hey, what are you- one of the men said, but he didnt get further before his throat was pierced with a stab from Ogras'' spear.


    The other two men realized there would be no subterfuge and immediately unleashed waves of golden mes in the cramped room. A ring on Ogras finger lit up and a shield blocked out all the mes as he stabbed outward with this spear twice more.


    A few secondster the mes had died down, leaving only three somewhat charred corpses. Ogras gathered anything that had survived the fire into his Cosmos Sack before he opened the town shop menu and bought another small teleportation array.


    3 Down, any updates?


    23 targets, a slightly helpless voice echoed back from the other side, and Ogras groaned in exasperation.


    Who are closest to the settlements?


    Teleporter 33, twenty-five miles to the west, Calrin quickly responded.


    Ogras kept moving from hideout to hideout, and it was as though the god of death had descended upon the ind. There was no talk, no negotiation, no prisoners. Every cultist he found was ripped to shreds the moment he found them since he didnt want to risk one of them escaping again like the slippery one he failed to killst time.


    A target is moving toward the academy, Calrin suddenly said with some worry through the crystal.


    Some worry filled Ogras heart upon hearing that. That was where Alea and MacKenzie were currently staying. He unhesitantly bought another array and jumped into it the moment it was stabilized. He immediately rushed toward the house where the two were hiding and found the Poison Mistress sitting outside keeping an eye of the surroundings.


    She seemed surprised to see him and immediately ran over toward him as she kept looking around for any hidden threats.


    Are theying? Alea asked with some worry as her brows furrowed.


    Ogras didnt answer, and instead immediately skewered her heart with hisnce. At the same time, dozens of shadowy spears gored her body from every angle. Blood flowed like a fountain, and she slumped over with shocked eyes.


    How..? she coughed, but the next moment she lifelessly fell over.


    The next moment the door opened and both Alea and MacKenzie looked out of the house. The moment they saw Ogras they immediately swallowed a piece of Springroot. Ogras looked down at the copy of his general with a sneer.


    Youre years too early to try a trick like that on me, Ogras muttered in disdain.


    He searched the body and found another of those ghastly knives that even were enough to kill that human cockroach of a teammate. Ogras heart couldnt help tightening upon seeing it since it showed just how close to death he had been.


    Thest shapeshifter had likely tried to lure him over and quickly kill him with the dagger. If he also managed to kill Alea afterward he would be able to run essentially rampant in the town. Ilvere was the strongest fighter apart from them, but his skill-set was not suited to deal with assassins.


    Good work, a voice said, and Ogras turned over to see MacKenzie walk over with a water bottle.


    Do you have anything stronger? he muttered, but in the end epted the bottle anyway.


    That stuff is not good for you, Kenzie said with the voice of someone having repeated herself innumerable times.


    Alea looked at the two with a slight frown, before snorting and walking away, pointedly ignoring the mauled copy of herself on the ground. Ogras shot her a nce and shook his head with a sigh. She was likely leaving to keep watching that tree up in the mountains. That left himself and MacKenzie alone in the small courtyard, silently watching over the sunset.


    So when are you leaving? Kenzie suddenly asked.


    Well do a sweep again tomorrow, and if all is clear I will leave immediately after, Ogras answered. I dont know how long it will take inside, but I want to be back before your brother returns.


    Ive heard those ces can be pretty crazy, Kenzie muttered, looking over at him with a steady stare. Stay safe.


    I will.

 Chapter 232: Into the Fire

    Chapter 232: Into the Fire


    Thea noticed Zacs hesitation and stopped as well.


    Whats going on? she asked with vignce while her eyes shed with shimmering light, indicating she was using her observation skills. I cant sense anything wrong.


    My danger-sense is acting up, Zac admitted as he took active control of his mental defense skill.


    Danger-sense, a skill? Thea asked skeptically.


    Not really, just high Luck, Zac admitted.


    The more I learn about your situation the more pissed off I get, Thea muttered under her breath.


    You and Ogras could start a club about it, Zac snorted, though not rxing his vignce as he looked around.


    Is it the mountain? she asked.


    Im not sure, Zac said, his frown only deepening.


    It was an extremely disconcerting feeling to have his danger sense constantly warn him about something that he couldnt pinpoint, and it felt like doom was constantly hanging over him. After a brief discussion, they decided to change the mountain. But the feeling didn''t disappear for over two hours, making him almost believe his sense was on the fritz.


    But the feeling suddenly intensified by arge degree, and he whirled around without hesitation, his axe ready. Facing them just ten meters away was a small unassuming Zhix warrior releasing no aura at all, to the point that it might as well be a level 1 mortal. The moment Zac saw the insectoid he immediately took out his dagger, but he soon gave up the idea when he saw thedder position of the insectoid in front of them.


    Inevitability, Zac said with a stoic face, though his heart started beating like a drum.


    It truly was the first ce holder on the Hunterdder and one of the beings that stood at the peak of their world. Their ns and objectives were a mystery, and the fact that he had somehow appeared right in front of them couldnt spell anything but trouble.


    Thats me, the Zhix said, a small smile on its face. I have looked forward to meeting the Super-Brother Man.


    I thought youd be an Anointed, Zac said, trying to buy some time while he figured out what to do.


    Dontpare us to those poor miscreations. Do you know what the Anointed are? Its forced mutation through Alchemy. They call it the Rite of Anointment, but they only stuff themselves full of natural treasures, hoping the surge of energy wont explode them, the Zhix scoffed.


    Zac didnt rx just because the Zhix seemed happy to talk, but rather the opposite. It looked like Inevitability felt everything was in his control, even after knowing who he was. His hand stayed close to his pouch, ready to take out his token at moments notice.


    He finally understood how the cultivators had felt when they were trapped by Zac and Thea. The Zhix in front of him didnt emit any aura, but Zac knew that it was above his own level by arge margin. The insectoid seemed content to speak at the moment, but Zac couldnt figure out his real goal.


    He now understood that the sense of danger came from Inevitability stalking them, and it was a proof of its ability that it could follow them for hours without them finding the slightest clue of its presence. He could only pray that it was due to Inevitability possessing some ss with stealth-capabilities, rather than it simply being so far above them in power that it could easily hide from their senses.


    They invented it tobat us back in the day, you know? Inevitability continued. The unenlightened needed quick boosts in power tobat our superior strength during the Great War. But that path to power has a price, they will never ascend to the E-Grade. Soon they will be irrelevant, left behind as symbols of a misguided struggle.


    So what is your goal? Our new world is getting ravaged from foreign invaders, but Ive yet heard of you closing any incursions, Zac probed.


    That battle is not for us, but we are rooting for your victory, the Zhix said with a teasing smile.


    Why? Zac asked skeptically.


    Void chose you as a fulcrum, but I remain unconvinced, so I searched you out while that bore is busy. Why should I hold myself back if you cant even fulfill your designated fate? the Zhix muttered.


    "A fulcrum?" Zac asked with a frown. It wasn''t a great feeling to be part of some scheme of Void''s Disciple, the strongest being on the.


    Unfortunately, the Zhix didnt seem interested in divulging any more intelligence. The next moment a terrifying aura was unleashed from the seemingly unassuming Zhix, and Zac couldnt help but take a step back in shock.


    Zac had recently made huge improvements to hisbat power with his second ss and new round of titles. That had made him feel almost invincible on earth. He had thought that even if he wasnt an even match against the Dominators he would at least be able to put up a decent fight. Perhaps he would even be able to kill them if needed with a surprising burst of power through <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    However, only now did he truly understand the folly of his inted ego. The aura that was being emitted was just monstrous, and not something that woulde from some random cultivator. Inevitability clearly had his own sets of lucky encounters to power him as well, and with this high level, the result felt almost impossible to ovee.


    Of course, the aura was nothingpared to what he sensed from his meeting with Greatest or the imprint of the Great Redeemer. But their auras felt so far beyond his own that making an urate measure of their strength was impossible.


    Inevitabilitys aura was within his scope of understanding, but it was far beyond what he could unleash by himself. Furthermore, it was powered by an immense killing intent that could onlye from killing hundreds of thousands of beings.


    The Zhix warrior barely reached Zac''s chin, but it felt like Zac was staring at an enormous beast when he was inundated in Inevitability''s aura. He quickly released his own tobat the oppressive feeling, getting ready for battle. It was clear that the Dominator hade for a fight after all.


    Zac didnt dare to hold anything back, and Thea was clearly of the same opinion. But their goal wasnt to defeat the Zhix.


    Flee, Zac only said through grit teeth as before he disappeared, appearing over a hundred meters away the next moment with an attack ready.


    He sent five huge edges empowered by the Dao of Heaviness toward Inevitability, hoping to push him back.


    Not bad, the Zhix said, a smile still adorning his face.


    The huge edges ripped through the air with enormous power, destroying trees and boulders as they flew straight toward Inevitability. The Zhix lifted his hand, and two odd chains emerged from his back and almost floated in the air in front of him.


    It was truly odd, as one moment Zac thought he saw two silver snakes floating in the air, but the next moment they were chains again. They kept swapping back and forth making it impossible to understand which was their true state. When Zac''s attacks closed in the two chains formed a circle, and a huge fractal suddenly appeared in the middle of them, shining with a silver luster.


    The fractal edges mmed into the erected defense one by one with enough force to decimate a city block, but it was to no avail as the fractal didnt even budge from the onught. The next moment tens of daggers descended from the skies, each glistening with a cold sharpness.


    It was the work of Thea, and another attack Zac hadnt seen her use before. He could also sense that the falling daggers were imbued with something simr to his Dao of Sharpness, perhaps the Dao of Pration.


    The knives whistled as they ripped through the air, falling down at Inevitability with the force of small meteors. But the Dominator suddenly disappeared and reappeared outside the attack range of the daggers who rained death unto an empty patch of grass.


    The next moment the two silver chains shot out from Inevitability, and they both flew toward Zac and Thea like bloodhounds having gained the scent of their prey. The power contained in the chains was terrifying, and neither wanted to sh with the weird things head-on.


    Since the moment Zacunched his attacks he also utilized their movement skills to the maximum, desperately running away from the battle. But the chains were closing in on them, and Zac started to feel intense mental pressure as they approached. It felt like the chains emitted some sort of binding power, and moving was getting harder the closer they got.


    He could only take active control of <strong>[Mental Fortress] </strong>to protect himself from whatever effect the fractals were bringing, and he summoned two more fractal edges with <strong>[Chop]</strong> as he ran. When he saw that the stretch ahead was clear he jumped up in the air andunched the two strikes at the iing chains before hended again.


    The maneuver didnt cost him any speed, but even though he felt the shockwaves from his attacks hitting the pursuing attacks he sensed that they werent destroyed. However, he did sense that the pressure lessened somewhat, so he kept at it as he fled.


    They kept running for thirty minutes, constantly using their movement skills to try to shake off the chains. But it appeared they were able to grow impossibly long and kept with them as they fled. Both Zac and Thea were also forced to keep attacking them as they ran to keep them at bay.


    At least it was somewhat effective, and they finally managed to destroy the two pursuing snake-chains just before reaching one of the cracks in the earth. It stretched over a hundred meters across, much too far for them to jump with their current power.


    They were just about to run toward the north alongside the crack but suddenly they heard a crack from a twig snapping.


    I am impressed, the familiar voice said from just next to them, making Zac jump away by surprise. The power was split between two chains, but the fact that F-Graded warriors managed to destroy them is very impressive.


    Zac was breathing heavily from his desperate flight, but Inevitability stood just fifty meters away from them as though he had been there from the very beginning. Zac looked back at therge chasms that seemed to reach toward the core of the earth, a bottomless pit.


    They had their backs toward the wall, and Zac knew it wasnt the time to hold anything back anymore. There was simply no way for them to escape from Inevitability, his speed was far above their own.


    The only reason they were still alive seemed to be that he was only toying with them, but for what reason he couldnt fathom. But that didnt mean that he would let them go, and Zac prepared hisst gambit.


    The energy in the surroundings started to enter him with torrential force as he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> as his forearm was being flooded with Cosmic Energy. Thea was doing the same, and the air around her left arm shimmered with extremely condensed power.


    Your final cards? the Zhix said as it curiously looked at them with an excited grin.


    The next moment an enormous hand once again emerged from the crack in space above him. The hand hadn''t grownrger from the upgrade, but it emitted a force condensed enough that it could rival the Dominator''s aura. It almost looked like it was tattooed with a dense print of fractals as well, creating clearly demarcated rings on the fingers.


    The Zhix frowned when he saw the iing hand, and tens of chains emerged from behind him,bining into a huge snake that moved to intercept <strong>[Nature''s Punishment].</strong> But the rings on the fingers of the hand suddenly lit up with green luster, and the silver snake was briefly unable to move.


    Zac was surprised by the added effect of his attack, but he wouldn''t let it go to waste as he used all power he could bring to bear to m the hand down on Inevitability. The insectoid roared in anger, and the air around it started twisting from the power it emitted.


    The hand mmed into the ground with enough force that cracks were starting to form for over a hundred meters, making Zac worried that the whole stretch ofnd they stood on would fall into the chasm behind them.


    But Zac didn''t have time to think about that as intense pain consumed him as the enormous wooden hand was ripped in two, and a bloodied Inevitability emerged. He wasn''t unscathed from the attack though, with his right arm limply hanging at an odd angle, and blood was dripping from his mouth from internal injuries.


    "Void Piercer," Thea muttered with a low voice, and the next moment it was as though a tube of the void itself stretched toward the Zhix with lightning speed.


    Unfortunately, it looked like Tha had trouble controlling the skill, and she faltered almost as soon as she unleashed the attack, making it hit slightly off-mark. The spear wrought out of grey energies hit the dominator in its gut, but there was no shockwave or huge explosion.


    But a perfect hole appeared in the body of the Zhix, and the hole also kept going for another twenty meters, cutting straight through a boulder and a couple of trees. It was like she had used a supremely powerful railgun that disintegrated everything in its path, and Zac could only sigh in regret that it hadn''t hit a more lethal spot.


    Inevitability coughed he held his broken arm, blood streaming down from its wounded side. But Zac was disappointed to see that the Zhix was still in fighting condition, and the wound was closing itself with speed discernible to the naked eye.


    Even worse, theckadaisical manner of the Dominator was gone, reced with burning fury.

 Chapter 233: Falling

    Chapter 233: Falling


    Zac sighed and looked over at Thea who already held her Token ready in hand. Their gambit had failed, and now it looked like they had thoroughly pissed off their enemy. Leaving seemed to be their only solution.


    However, inside Zacs heart there was a staunch unwillingness to crush the token, even if things looked extremely bleak. It was as though he felt that something would change inside him if he fled like this. He was trying to gain enough power to protect Port Atwood and all his family, and the title from the hunt was one of the few avable upgrades for him at the moment.


    Shit, it hurts, Inevitability growled as torrential amounts of energy gathered above it. I wasnt going to kill you, but Ill just have to apologize to that guy. Fulcrums can be changed.


    The next moment they were beset by hundreds of chains shooting toward them like homing missiles, each of them carrying enough power to seriously wound them. Zac quickly erected his upgraded <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and ced them as far from his body as possible to intercept the iing attacks as he ced himself in front of Thea.


    Ill figure something out, Ill help dy if you want to crush the token, Zac quickly muttered as he faced Inevitability.


    But he was shaken when he saw the first chain simply rip straight through the emerald leaf without being impeded overly much. It contained a new force that the chains didnt have before, and it felt extremely powerful.


    Zac couldnt be sure, but he had a feeling that it was an upgraded or fused Dao Seed that empowered the chains to this degree. He had only been thinking of the huge attribute bonuses such a thing would bring, but the battle power it provided was nothing short of horrifying as well.


    The closest chain flew straight toward Zac who only had time to lift his arm in defense. A loud crack could be heard and Zac felt a blinding pain as his arm was broken from the tremendous impact.


    Zac felt some hopelessness when he saw the innumerable chains following close behind. There was no way he could survive long enough for him to crush the token andst the seconds until he was teleported. He didnt even have any way to help Thea out for long enough for her to escape.


    But the next moment he was lifted from his feet, and his eyes widened as he was suddenly falling down the chasm. Thea was right next to him, holding his robe by the neck with a determined expression.


    However, Inevitabilitys attack didnt stop there as the iing chains followed them down the chasm, descending even faster than they were falling. Zac prayed this gambit would be enough as he took out his Token.


    But the next moment an intense mental shock mmed into his mind, and <strong>[Mental Fortress] </strong>wasnt enough topletely stop it. It felt like his soul was getting shredded to pieces, making him spasm and drop the token.


    No reprieve for you, he heard echoing down from above, and Zac looked up to see the sneering face of Inevitability standing up at the ledge.


    He did what he could with his defenses, but his desperation grew as he was getting pelted by one attack after another as they kept falling. His vision started to get blurry, but suddenly a blinding light lit up next to him as a simrily wounded Thea shone like a goddess.


    But Zac didnt have a chance to see what she did as a fractal chain mmed straight into his head knocking him unconscious.


    ----------------------


    Zac woke up with a cough, and it took quite a while to orient himself. At first, he thought Darkness had descended once again while he was out, but to his relief he found that wasnt the case as he saw the sun far up in the sky.


    He was at the bottom of the chasm in a crater he suspected was of his own making. The area was almostpletely shrouded in darkness because even if the Sun shone up in the sky, most of the light didnt reach the bottom of the extremely deep crack he found himself in.


    Every part of him hurt, and he even had a couple of broken bones. But the clearest indicator hed barely survived the fall was that hed turned into his Draugr form.


    He guessed that the fall had essentially killed him, and his Core turned him into an undead once again. The first thing he did after orienting himself, even before taking a pill, was to open up thedders. He scoured them over and to his relief saw that Theas name was still there.


    He knew she hadnt tried to kill him when she had grabbed him and jumped down the cliff. He knew he was all out of options in that battle. He had already used everything he got but it wasnt enough.


    That thing was truly a monster. Zac couldnt even kill it when it went easy on them, but after it imbued its attack with an evolved Dao he was almost helpless against it. Perhaps he would need such a Dao of his own before he couldpete with it.


    Jumping down was ast-ditch attempt to survive, but he didnt really understand what happened afterward. That final attack had knocked him unconscious, and thest thing he remembered was Thea lighting up like a beacon.


    At first, he thought she had used some defensive treasure to survive, but after looking around he couldnt find her anywhere, not even any hint of her having fallen down. The fact that she was still on thedder meant that she hadnt teleported out though, leaving him even more confused.


    Since he couldnt find her he sat down and took out one of the top tier healing pills and a couple of miasma stones to absorb. He didnt move for a full hour, fully focusing on recuperating his body. The fall wasnt the only thing that had hurt him, the fight that preceded it had taken a toll as well.


    Meeting one of the true Dominators had been a sobering wake-up call. With his dual sses and plethora of titles he thought that even if he might not be quite as strong, the difference shouldnt be toorge.


    But reality had proven different. He had a feeling that the only reason that he still was still alive was that the Dominator wasnt trying to kill him in the beginning for some reason. It rather felt that he was being toyed with. He had even tried to take advantage of that fact to mount a sneak attack with the help of Hatchetmans Rage, but even that had failed spectacrly. The power of that monstrous Dominator was just insurmountable for the current him.


    That begged the question as to why there hadnt been a single report of their activities thus far. If they wanted to they should have no problem destroying any incursion, reaping the benefits. Since they didnt shy away from Cosmic Energy like their brethren they shouldnt have an aversion to collect titles that could help them get even stronger.


    The only clue that he gained from the fight was the mention of a n, and his being a fulcrum of it somehow. His guess was that they were biding their time for whatever Voids Disciple had nned.


    Zac couldnt help but release a tired sigh as he went over his hurt body. Strong enemies just kept popping up. First, it was the mysterious Redeemer, then the Dominators who were stronger than expected and who were also working on some grand n that appeared to impact the whole world.


    In any case, there wasnt much he could do about it where he was currently stuck. Perhaps Ibtep could be of assistance in figuring out the situation when he got back. He wouldnt waste his time with this in the middle of the hunt, and since he was mostly healed after an hour he stood up with a groan.


    That thought brought up a new question. Zac got an ominous feeling as he checked his Cosmos Sack. But his fears were true; he had lost his token. The mental attack from Inevitability had made him lose his grip on the token as he fell down, and even after looking around for close to an hour he couldnt find it anywhere.


    That meant he had lost his opportunity to escape this hunt early. He would either stay the whole duration or die. A few of his ribs were still cracked, but he didnt want to stay here. However, the question was where the hell he should go. He could either try to climb up the cliff again or keep exploring this hidden rift.


    But after a few more minutes he realized he didnt actually have much of an option. The walls were just insanely hard, and he couldnt cut footholds even with the help of <strong>[Veruns Bite]. </strong>And since he didnt possess Theas skills of finding a purchase from the smallest space he just had no way to get back up to the mountains.


    Worse yet he realized he might be in trouble. The reason that the stones were hard was likely that they had been infused with the odd darkness that spanned this fallen sect. There was an unmistakable aura in the very rocks itself all around him.


    He was starting to form a hypothesis as he looked around. There were small cracks at various ces along the stone, and these cracks had a far higher amount of the sinister aura. Whatever the darkness was it might originate from this very ravine and other ones like it all along the area, and the true source of the darkness seeped out from those cracks during the night.


    He still had no idea just what the darkness was. It could be described as a mental poison that made both beasts and people turn insane. Thest times he wasn''t in any danger, staying hidden far from the specters feeding ground. But what would happen if darkness descended while he stood right at the source?


    The prospect was enough to make Zacs hair stand on end, and his urgency to escape the chasm increased many times over. At least it was still mid-day, and he had ample time to get out of here before the night came.


    It seemed random which days the darkness descended, but it invariably happened in the deep of the night. That meant Zac had almost 12 hours to get out before he was in any danger of getting caught in the middle of an endless onught of endless specters.


    So Zac started to walk along the rift in order to find any way to get back up in the end. At first, he nned on randomly choosing his path, but he soon changed his mind and headed north.


    The reason was that he felt a small gust of winding from that direction, which might mean that there was a passage in that direction that could let him leave this creepy ce. Urgency pushed his tired body forward, and he ignored his bodys protests as he kept a rapid pace.


    However, the ravine felt almost endless as he walked for hours. The gust of wind he felt was clearly just some wayward wind from the ground floor. The only thing of note hed found during his walk was a couple of corpses.


    He was no expert in judging the cause of death, especially when a couple of the corpses were just meat paste, but he believed that not all bodies had died due to the fall. Some were cleanly beheaded or had other wounds, making Zac believe that the bodies had been dumped by their killers.


    There was no evidence though that anyone had been alive down in the crevasse, and Zac wasnt surprised. The height of the fall was over a thousand meters, and even he with close to 400 Endurance would have died from the fall if it wasnt for his Core giving him another go at life.


    Suddenly it got darker and Zac frowned as he looked up. He was relieved to see that it actually didnt suddenly be night, but rather that the ravine closed up by the ground floor. However, the subterranean level continued on, and Zacs eyes widened when he saw what was up ahead.


    There were actually signs of there being human activity in front of him.


    Not now in regards to the hunt, but once upon a time. There was a square made with pitch-ck cobblestones that spanned roughly two hundred meters across.


    Even though Zac initially felt ted that he might find a way out of here, he quickly got a sinking feeling as he looked at the ce. He had thought that since there was development down here there might also be a path up, but he started to believe that might not be the case.


    The only thing on the square was a huge cracked obelisk that waspletely covered in fractals. The obelisk reached over fifty meters in height, and each side was over five meters across. At the foot of the obelisk in the direction of Zac there were two chains attached that radiated an otherworldly suppression and weight.


    But the chains were cracked and held nothing at their other end. This was some sort of prison, but the prisoner was nowhere in sight.

 Chapter 234: Square Up

    Chapter 234: Square Up


    There was an unmistakable aura of the suffocating darkness permeating the cracked ends of the chains which gave some hints about whatever was once trapped in the middle of the square. Zac could only guess that the inscriptions on the obelisk were meant to keep it suppressed, but that obviously didnt work out in the end.


    He couldnt tell whether the prisoner was able to destroy the obelisk, or whether the obelisk cracked for some other reason, which allowed the captive to escape. But then again it didnt really matter. What mattered was how long ago the prisoner escaped.


    If it was something that happened thousands of years ago, then it was fine. But if it was something that was set in motion the moment the trial started he might be in grave danger. It was a real possibility that whatever was once held here might be the source of the darkness, and perhaps even the thing that released the harrowing wail during the attacks.


    Another possibility was that the thing captured here had gotten thoroughly corrupted by the darkness, which gave it enough power to escape from its shackles. Then it might mean that it had gone crazed the same way as the cultivators who got possessed, and was currently roaming the chasm.


    In either case, it was bad news for Zac. Something this powerful wasnt something he could contend with even if he got back to perfect health. He once again internally swore at Inevitability for making him lose his token, putting him in this dire situation.


    Still, he didnt want to give in to despair just yet. Even if the source of the darkness was once imprisoned here it didnt make sense for it to stay on after it made its escape. He slowly made his way toward the square, maintaining an extreme vigil all the while.


    There was an unmistakable aura of power still radiating from the towering obelisk even if there was arge crack that destroyed a good amount of the fractals. The obelisk might even protect from the Darkness if it Descended once again, making this one of the safer ces around.


    Before he stepped onto the square he carefully looked down at the stones to see if there was anything out of ce. Perhaps there were other arrays active at a ce like this that might spell trouble for him in the end. But when he looked down he saw that there were extremely intricate inscriptions on all the small cobblestones. However, each and every stone had a crack running over it, ruining the fractals that covered them.


    Zac was actually slightly relieved to see that the fractals were ruined since it lessened the risk of him getting trapped inside whatever this square originally did. But before he stepped on to the square he took onest hesitant look back.


    If he was to turn back, then this was the time. It was gettingte by now, but if he pushed himself he might make it back to the spot where he first fell down into the chasm before darkness could descend. But the problem was that he didnt have any idea what to do after that.


    The chasms ran across the whole mountain range, and hed seen many that passed over ten mountains. There was no guarantee that there would be any exit waiting for him if he went the other way, but only more dark passageways.


    So it was with grim determination he ced his right foot upon the square, leaving the natural stone floor of the chasm. When he stepped on the cobblestone he immediately felt a suffocating pressure, almost bringing him down to his knees.


    The pressure didnt only bear down on his body, but also his very being. It was a mental suppression as well, making his mind feel muddled and his thoughts scattered. However, Zac growled and kept going, activating his Dao of Heaviness to counteract the suppression around him somewhat.


    But after just two more steps he realized that the pressure had multiplied, and a with few more meters and he would reach the limits of what he could bear. It seemed that the suppression got stronger the closer to the center of the square he was, and even if he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> he wouldn''t even get close to the obelisk before sumbing to the pressure.


    He quickly backed away right to the edge of the square once again, the broken ribs screaming in protest from being subjected to this added pressure. It felt like someone was digging around his side with a hot poker, and if Zac wasn''t already deathly pale in his undead form he would have definitely paled from the pain.


    The weight came from an array that was essentially broken, with both the cobblestones and the obelisk ruined beyond repair. Zacs attributes were already higher than most people at early E-Grade, but he only managed to take a few steps in this prison.


    Just how strong was the thing that once was trapped here in these chains, to not only survive but even break out?


    It was as though the Obelisk was the source of a local gravity zone, and the closer he was the worse it would get. This rtive heaviness gave Zac an idea for his Dao Seed, but now wasnt the time to ponder on it any further. He needed to leave the square and find safety before night fell.


    At least it wasnt all bad news. After having walked a few steps along the edge of the square something that was once hidden behind the obelisk came into view. It was a doorway, and he was hoping that it would take him up toward the ground.


    Since something had been trapped down here Zac figured there would be guards, and they needed a way to ess this ce from the surface. The door might give him ess to the path that would let him leave.


    Since he couldnt simply cross the square he needed to tread along the edges which barely allowed him to pass through. Still, after only fifty meters sweat was streaming down his face from the strain, and every wound on his body had reopened.


    But he couldn''t rush out of the array either since every step was a struggle. In the end, he was submerged in the intense pressure for half an hour before he pushed open the doors on the opposite side of the square with great relief.


    The insides were actually lit up by crystals in the wall, showing that the inscriptions that kept this ce running were still operational. There was no way that the crystals wouldst for thousands of years by themselves, meaning there was a gathering array supplying the ce with energy.


    Other than that it waspletely empty, just a long hallway that seemed to stretch into eternity. Zac hesitated a bit, but eventually he decided to hold off on heading down the hallway. Now that he had found a secluded spot that seemed pretty safe he sat down and closed his eyes, though still gripping his axe just in case.


    The main reason he dared to rx like this was that the moment he entered this hidden pathway the ominous aura from the darkness waspletely gone. It was unlikely that any of the ghastly specters had ever walked these halls.


    He couldnt bepletely sure, but he felt that he would be safe in here even if darkness descended once again. But then again he didn''t have a lot of options apart from staying here during the night. With the intense aura that the cracks out in in the canyon emitted he didnt dare stay there during the night.


    But the reason he stopped before exploring any further was that he had found a great clue from the suppressive formations outside to upgrade his Dao, and he didn''t want to waste any time in going over it. It actually felt extremely clear in his mind, perhaps since he had been steeped in the suppression.


    He was imagining heaviness as it worked with a gravity source, such as a sun or a ck hole. The heaviness came from a source, and the closer one came the more the pressure increased. This wasn''t really something that was possible to encounter normally on earth, but the arrays outside had created that very phenomenon outside.


    He imagined himself a ck hole, and the closer one came the heavier the pressure of his aura would be, to the point of crushing everything that got too close. Upgrading his Dao came with surprising ease, bringing his Dao of Heaviness to High grade, just like his Dao of Trees. It was a great relief because this was something that had troubled him since he got here.


    He''d been caught in four very intense fights and many minor scuffles since he had arrived here. The battles against Salvation and Inevitability were particrly taxing. Yet he hadn''t gained barely any insight into his Dao seeds since he had arrived. It was as though this ce somehow blocked the Dao from him, preventing him from progressing further. But the immense arrays on the square had finally allowed him to push through.


    He was also happy to see that this particr upgrade only gave him strength.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    Heaviness (High): Strength +45, Endurance +10, Wisdom +5</td></tr></tbody></table>


    He was already nning on putting points into Strength to boost his fighting prowess and this was a great step in the right direction. He only wished there were some enemies down here as well so that he could finish grinding his two ss Quests as well. He was pretty sure that at least one of them would give him a new vision, adding to his steadily growing Dao Repertoire.


    The whole process had taken him roughly two hours, and since he was finally done with everything he got to his feet with a grunt. Staying still for this long also helped his body recuperate from both the wounds and passing the square, and he felt a lot better by now.


    Zac started to head down the endless hallway, already wishing that Thea was there to use her scouting abilities to find any hidden dangers. Since he was back on his own he could only rely on his default method, brute force.


    He held <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>in a firm grip as he kept a brisk pace, eyeing the vicinity for anything that might be out of ce. But the hallway was created with expert craftsmanship with clean surfaces floor to ceiling, and the illuminating crystals were ced with exactly measured distances from each other.


    But after pushing forward for thirty minutes he knew something was amiss. There was no reason to build such an insanely long hallway, as it would probably be both easier and cheaper to ce down two low-grade teleportation arrays for transportation.


    He took out a high-quality dagger hed looted the past days and carved a 1 under the next illuminating crystal he encountered. From there on he kept increasing the count by one as he carved a number under each and every stone he passed.


    Suddenly when he was about to carve the 82<sup>nd</sup> marker he saw that the spot was already upied by the very same 1 that he first carved. Zac sighed and sat down.


    It was as he thought, he was inside some sort of array that tricked his mind somehow. It either made him walk in circles without noticing, or it somehow connected two spaces so that when he walked past the 81<sup>st</sup> mark he arrived back at the start.


    However, he had no idea where the start and the end were. He just marked down number 1 when he started counting, but it might just as well be the middle of the hallway. But at least he knew the length of the hallway by now, and it wasnt actually that long, just a couple hundred meters.


    He walked the full length three times over, trying to discern any way to get out by any means possible. He used <strong>[Inquisitive Eyes]</strong> as well, but nothing happened. Next, he tried to sense any disturbances in the cosmic energy in the air, but it gave no clue either.


    Finally, he sat down and took out the formation crystal that was the first thing he found inside this hunt. He had been extremely busy over the past two weeks hunting and fighting, but he finally had time to go over it.


    He browsed through the contents page by page, arduously going over each and every detail. A vast majority of the information was above his understanding at the moment, but he was quickly getting a deeper understanding of formations.


    Thus far he had only used arrays provided by the system, and they even came with guidance systems that helped him set it up. But this crystal was meant to teach him about the foundations and the basic workings of the knowledge of formations.


    Zac didn''t even understand the difference between an array and a formation in the beginning, but he soon realized the difference. Arrays were just man-made formations, creating various types of effects with array gs or array disks. All the arrays he had encountered so far were these types of formations.


    But formations didn''t necessarily need to be created by cing down an array. They could naturally form in nature, and the most powerful formations in the multiverse had naturally formed over billions of years, almost like a sr system.


    There was one passage in the beginning that Zac found particrly interesting, and it was imprinted by a grand elder of the Eastern Trigam Sect, someone who was a pure Array Master.

 Chapter 235: Dao of Formations

    Chapter 235: Dao of Formations


    <em>It is folly to believe the study of formations to be differentiated from other pursuits such as Alchemy or even fighting. All are children to the same parent, the boundless Dao.</em>


    Zac was quickly getting engrossed as he kept reading the introduction by the array master, almost even forgetting his current predicament of being stuck inside what he assumed was an entrapment array.


    <em>The Alchemist gives form to Dao through concoctions of pills, and the warrior gives form to Dao through unleashing devastating attacks. Even the farmer gives form to Dao through plowing the fields. But none is as multifaceted as the study of formations. It is not bound through medium or execution, but is boundless just like the Dao itself.</em>


    <em>Through learning the fundamentals of constructing arrays, any Dao can be given shape. Furthermore, even if the Dao concepts behind a formation eludes your grasp one can still bring out 80% of its power through sheer knowledge of proper cements.</em>


    <em>To understand the role of array gs one only needs to look inside themselves. The body consists of crossroads, the major ones being the Spirit Gate and the Cosmic Core. But these two alone are not enough to sustain a warrior.</em>


    <em>Minor nodes can be found at every intersection inside the body as anyone who has reached E-Grade knows. These can both store and direct power so that magnificent effects can be brought to bear.</em>


    <em>cing an array g is akin to breaking open one of the nodes, letting the energies of heavens and earth flow through it. cement dictates the flow of power, the fractals dictate the nature of power. When aplete system has been created through the gs, a pathway for cultivation is born.</em>


    There were a few parts he didnt understand but he got the general gist of it. An array was essentially a closed system of energy in cirction, just like the pathways inside his body. That exined why the easiest way to destroy an array in its entirety was to destroy one of the array gs since that would interrupt or at least weaken the energy cirction.


    Of course, more robust arrays would survive one or a few array gs getting destroyed, but they would always lose some of their effectiveness. While he believed the Array Master was a bit partial in his introduction, Zac couldn''t help but keep reading and deepen his knowledge.


    However, soon something happened that made him lose his patience. After roughly three hours trying to gain insight into arrays he was passed on the gathererdder, pushing him down to the second spot. It was a clear reminder that this was no time to just sit around and read. Others werent so rxed and kept hunting for opportunities.


    Since he couldnt find any path out he would simply have to make his own path. The reason the walls outside were so sturdy was that they were infused with the mysterious energy from the darkness, but the same couldnt be said for the tunnels around him.


    Zac took out his axe and with a mighty swing mmed it straight into the wall next to him. Unfortunately, his n didnt work out, and a shimmering light appeared over the wall when he hit it, protecting the wallpletely. Not even the slightest scar could be seen after his strike.


    Zac frowned in displeasure, and once again hefted his axe, this time imbuing it with the improved Dao of Heaviness. He mmed it into the wall with all force he could muster. But the result was the same, and the shimmering shield once again nullified the force in his strike.


    It was only with some helplessness he could sit down again and continue reading the crystal. Zac didn''t think that swapping over to his Hatchetman ss would have any effect on the results, as even with his newly improved Dao he couldn''t make a small crack on the wall.


    The powers that were protecting these walls were far beyond what he could destroy. Perhaps he''d manage to do something with [Nature''s Punishment], but Zac would rather just sit and wait out the time of the hunt than do something that risky.


    He was under a kilometer of rock, and there was just no way to know what would happen if he unleashed everything he got. The most likely scenario was him getting buried alive with no token to help him escape if he let the huge wooden hand m into the wall.


    The hours passed and suddenly Zac got the familiar prompt that darkness was once again descending. But even after twenty minutes nothing happened, proving that the ghastly specters truly didnte to this secluded passage. Since he didnt have to defend himself against an onught of ghosts he kept scouring the crystal for anything that could help him get out of here.


    While it was true that he was pretty safe while ensconced in the middle of the mountain he wasnt happy with it. He had already lost his first spot on the Gatherer Ladder, and his cements would keep dropping the following weeks if he didnt get out.


    Not even half the duration of the hunt had passed, and the others would keep umting points while he was stuck here. If he didnt get out and start grinding again he might actually leave the hunt without rewards from eitherdder.


    So Zac put all his efforts into devising an escape, putting the matter of thedders out of his mind as to not get distracted. The hours turned to days while Zac tried to learn more about array breaking until Zac suddenly got a prompt.


    <strong>[Teleporting to Arena in 1 minute. Tokens Disabled]</strong>


    Zac wasnt surprised since he hadnt done anything for three days, and he quickly put on a hood to hide the fact that he was undead as he readied his axe.


    He wasnt worried about meeting anyone dangerous in this bout since only those who had shied away from battle would get sent here. In fact, Zac was a bit surprised that there were people who remained that avoided battle for three full days.


    He was more disgusted about being forced to kill someone far weaker than him just because the System deemed him a coward. But he knew there wasn''t any other option for him. Zac had been shocked to find out what happened when neither party chose to fight since it was all too familiar to him.


    He and Thea had caught someone like that, and he confessed what had urred. Thea didn''t believe the man, but Zac was much more prone to believe him. If neither party had won within 10 minutes The System would perform a draw just like it did when Zac first got integrated. The winner would survive and the loser would cease to exist.


    Even though his luck was through the roof he wouldn''t take his chances with a gamble on his life. He had people to protect, and if he was forced to kill someone to survive he would do it, even if it wasn''t fair.


    The next moment he found himself standing on a stage that floated in space. There was no sign of the mountains or valleys from the hunt, dashing his idea of getting back to the surface through leaving the arena.


    He wasnt alone on the stage, as another man had been teleported here the same moment he did. Zac frowned when he saw his opponent. To get sent here one would have to have avoided battles for three days, but the man in front of him looked like he had just barely survived a rough bout.


    He was covered in bandages that had turned red with dried blood, and some wounds seemed to have reopened recently. He looked like he had one foot in the grave, and gave off a wheezing cough the moment he appeared. Zac couldn''t believe this man chose to stay inside the hunt with these kinds of wounds rather than just crushing his token.


    Forgot the time, the man said with a weak voice after looking over at Zac with a sardonic smile. He clearly understood what was going through Zac''s mind. I cant believe a monster like you got sent here as well.


    Zac silently looked at the man as he stood up with some effort.


    Can I make ast request from you?


    What is it? Zac said after some hesitation.


    He wasnt worried that there was some hidden agenda from the man. Hed already used <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, and together with the somewhat lowdder cements he already knew that there was no way this man could muster up a fight against him even if he was in perfect condition.


    I dont want my body to be left in space or those god-forsaken mountains to be possessed by those ghosts again. Please bury me after you return to your homnd, he said.


    Fine, Zac said.


    The man gave a weak smile, and the next moment he slit his own throat, bleeding out in seconds.


    Zac silently looked at the body of the man in front of him until he silently walked over and put the body into his Cosmos Sack. This brief meeting was a stark reminder that this hunt wasnt meant to help people apart from a few select individuals. The System wanted to create powerhouses, but for that it needed fodder.


    It lured thousands of the strong to duke it out by dangling some treasures and titles in front of them, all in the hopes of creating a few powerhouses. If the others all died to achieve that goal it was eptable to the System.


    The next moment he found himself back in the tunnel, dashing thest hope he had of the System lending him a helping hand by teleporting him back to the surface. He ate one of his fasting pills before once again sitting down to scour the crystal for any help.


    The days passed but Zac was making steady headway, and he started to believe that he would actually be able to get out soon. It all came down to the power of the array. It was no way for him to learn enough about arrays so that he could get out by technique, but he believed he would learn enough about arrays to spot weaker spots to attack with brute force.


    Those kinds of weak spots were usually quite hard to spot, but this was a passive array that didn''t have an owner. If an array master was in control of it he could keep moving the weak spots to impede escape, and there would be no way for Zac to slowly be able to analyze it from within without getting attacked.


    But who knew how long this ce was abandoned, leaving this array to run passively. Besides, Zac suspected that the System had modified the power of all the arrays in this hunt. He believed that this sect was once At least a High E-Grade or low E-Grade sect, and there was no way that he should be able to break the protective arrays of top tier E-Grade Array masters with brute force.


    But Zac was once again summoned to the arena before he could make any final breakthrough in his research on the arrays. The second person he met wasnt quite as in peace with his fate as the first one. It was someone who was ced in the top 300 on the hunterdder, so no weakling by any means.


    But it was also clear that he wasnt any good person. He had adorned a cruel smile until he saw Zacs far higher rankings. After some questioning and arm-twisting, Zac realized that the man had avoided battle just to kill and rob a weakling in the arena. He had hoped that the people who avoided battles would spend their time finding valuable loot instead.


    The man was summarily executed by Zac, who only needed to imbue a strike with his Dao of Heaviness to crush any resistance. At first, he thought about grinding his ss quest with the help of this man, but in the end he decided against it.


    The reason was that he felt that he was getting closer to finding a solution to his situation. The more he read about the formations the better he could discern, and to a certain extent understand, the minute fluctuations in Cosmic Energy that permeated the tunnel.


    At first, he hadn''t noticed anything amiss in the air around him, as Cosmic Energy was always swirling around, almost like a wind that you could sense with your sixth sense. Its movements were chaotic and unpredictable, and Zac hadn''t felt anything out of the ordinary the first times he had walked through the corridor.


    But now he felt that there was a method to the madness, but it was only one dayter that he felt ready to try out his theories. He had already found out what type of array this was. It was amon type of Entrapment Array that was mentioned in the crystal.


    The normal way to pass this type of hurdle was to know a specific set of steps. Walking through the corridor correctly would result in the array staying inactive, but stepping out of the predetermined path would spring the trap.


    Essentially it was like a password, and Zac had no way to figure out the correct one. However, he had started to gain a slight understanding of the pathways of the entrapment array, and he was nning something else. He spent the next hours to slowly observe the whole pathway until he finally found what he was looking for.

 Chapter 236: Anzonil

    Chapter 236: Anzonil


    Between the 17<sup>th</sup> and 18<sup>th</sup> marks that he carved there was a convergence of energy flows that could be somewhat discerned if you watched it for about 20 minutes. That meant there hopefully was a weak spot in the array there, and Zacs best bet in getting out.


    Swapping over to his human form would increase his attack power, but Zac still chose to try it out in his undead form first. He wanted to grind his Undead ss a bit and it was far harder to transform into a Draugr than it was to turn back into a human.


    Zac took a few steadying breaths before he infused his arm with as much miasmic energy it could bear, and with a roar mmed his Dao-infused axe right into the floor right at the intersection of energies he had spotted.


    Suddenly it almost felt like he was drunk as he was seeing double. Two realities were superimposed on each other, and the endless hallway hed been stuck in for a week was just one of them. The other one stopped just ten meters away from him with an intricately carved door.


    Zac didnt hesitate and pushed more miasma into his legs as he leaped toward the gate before the entrapment array could stabilize again. He mmed into the gate with enough force to knock the breath out of him, but he wasnt angry in the slightest.


    He had finally escaped his entrapment. Zac looked back toward the other end of the hallway, and he spotted the door leading out to the square with the obelisk a few hundred meters away. But just a secondter the door disappeared, being reced once more with the endless hallway.


    His swing hadnt been enough to destroy the array, but it had been enough cause some chaos at the endpoint, allowing him to exit it. Zac was already itching with impatience from a week of inactivity, and he couldnt help opening thedder in to check the status, and he couldn''t help being shocked by what he saw.


    He had been kicked down all the way to the 11<sup>th</sup> spot on the Gathererdder, which was somewhat of a surprise to him. While it was true hed lost a whole week down in this tunnel, he still only really had Emperor Nenothep topete with earlier. That ten people had managed to pass the huge amount of wealth he''d umted was quite shocking.


    A few of the names weren''t surprising, such as Starlight, Beruv Ylvas and another of the Medhin powerhouses. But he was somewhat happy to see that Thea had kept going as well, being at the 6th spot. Even more surprising was the appearance of Thomas Fisher in the 8th position.


    Zac had only kept his eye on the top positions of thedder, and he was sure that he hadn''t seen Thomas in the top 100 of either list before. For him to suddenly spring up to the 8th position could only be exined with him getting the help of the whole organization.


    It also proved that Thomas was more than just one of the many leaders of the New World Government. Between the fact that he was chosen to experiment with holding on to massive amounts of wealth, he was also the one they chose to hold onto the wealth of the hunt.


    Zac had a generally positive opinion of Thomas, though it was marred by the various insidious things he had found out about the government. It was also somewhat a relief that the man was still human since the shapeshifters shouldn''t be able to get here.


    But the truly shocking change was on the Hunterdder, with him being relegated down to the 443<sup>rd</sup> position. Before he got fell down into the chasm he was at the 8<sup>th</sup> position, with the Emperor, the Dominators and a few more above him.


    That loss in positions was huge, and it made Zac realize that something must have changed on the surface. He suspected that there must have been something like beast hordespletely flooding the mountains as a result of the System making the area of the hunt smaller over time.


    There was no way to gain that many points by only hunting cultivators since there were simply not enough of them to go around. It would also exin why he only lost 10 spots in onedder, but over four hundred in the other. The huge loss in positons only served to make him even more impatient, and it was without hesitation he pushed open the door.


    This was already the 20<sup>th</sup> day of the hunt, and Zac only had ten days to catch up to those above. However, he did take out the thick shield he got from Theas bodyguard before stepping inside. He didnt have ess to the swirling leaves of <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, so he would have to make do with a normal tool for protection.


    The room he entered was massive, and it almost felt like he entered a grand cathedral carved into the mountain. The roof was over fifty meters above him and held up by massive pirs covered in both reliefs and fractals. Even the walls and the ceiling was the same, both being covered with marvelous pieces of art


    It the grandeur felt a bit reminiscent of the Towers of Myriad Dao back on his ind, but there was more substance to this ce. Zac couldnt help being awed as he slowly walked inside, his eyes drifting to the beautiful engravings.


    Zac immediately started formting ideas of how to somehow swipe this whole ce clean. Everything from the small statues ced in various alcoves to the huge pirs supporting the vaulted ceiling felt like a treasure, and Zac didn''t want to leave it behind.


    But he suddenly stopped in his tracks when his eyes moved to a podium on the other end of the room because he finally realized that he wasnt alone. There was a humanoid sitting in a meditating position on the podium as four brazierszily burned around him.


    The looked mostly human, though he had a third eye in his forehead forming a vertical slit. He had a long white beard, and it was clear that he was elderly from his appearance. Worse yet, he had already spotted Zac and was looking at him with steady eyes.


    Wee young Draugr? Huh? An undead? the man slowly said with a powerful voice that felt full of wisdom.


    Zac sensed no malice from the old man, and it wasnt like he had many other ces to go, so he walked closer to the old man. As Zac got closer he realized that there was not a single ripple of powering from him, making him wonder just who he was and how he got here.


    It was even odder that there was simply no vitality around the old man. When he was in his undead form he could even see the life in a stalk of grass, but the man in front of him might as well not exist going by the metric of lifeforce.


    There were two possibilities as Zac saw it. The old man might be a spectral being such as the things in the darkness since they shouldnt possess any vitality either. The other possibility was that the old man was just an illusion or a projection without any power.


    Hello, I am Zac. Are you a part of the hunt as well? Zac hesitantly asked after he stopped ten meters away from the tform on which the old man sat.


    He wouldn''t get any closer than that though since there was no telling what sorts of protection was ced around the podium. He couldn''t sense anything odd about it, but then again he had only gained the slightest of insight into discerning oddities in the energy flow.


    What hunt? the man asked curiously.


    Zac wasnt surprised by the answer, and him asking that was only a test. He had already seen that the man in front of him didnt possess adder position, meaning he wasnt part of the hunt. The fact that the old man didnt pretend to be one of the cultivators from earth was hopefully a good sign.


    He hesitated for a bit before he exined the circumstances of the hunt, and of the fact that the people participating werent from this world. The old man looked saddened by the news, and after Zac finished his exnation gave a deep sigh.


    Such is fate. Over fifty thousand years of struggle, only to be undone by one mistake. To think that we became a trial ground for young aspiring cultivators. At least our legacy will live on that way I suppose, the man said looking up at the ceiling.


    We? Are you part of the Eastern Trigram Sect? Zac asked.


    I am Anzonil. I, or rather my original body, was once the supreme elder of the Eastern Trigram Sect. Of course, I am long dead along with my fellow sect members, the old man said with a slight shake of his head.


    Zacs brows rose at that exnation.


    Um, sorry, how are you still here then? I know you are not undead, Zac couldnt help ask.


    I couldn''t help being a bit selfish in the end. I cut off part of my soul and imbued it into the arrays of these hidden chambers. I did not want my eight thousand years of cultivation amount to nothing, so I left my imprint and my heritage here, Anzonil said as he looked down at Zac. But who would have guessed that the one who came was an undead warrior rather than an Array Master. The Boundless Heavens truly have a sense of humor. I am not sure if what Ive left behind would be of much use to you.


    If Zac had a heartbeat in his undead form it would have sped up at the mention of a heritage. It indicated that hed somehow found himself at the location of the inheritance of the supreme elder of the Eastern Trigram Sect. Whatever treasures were hidden here should be among the greatest of the whole Eastern Trigram Sect.


    Supreme elders were usually the main powerhouses of a Sect. Zac initially thought that the Sect Leader was the strongest guy around, but that apparently wasnt the case. Being a Sect Leader was a highly administrative position, leaving little time for personal cultivation.


    But the grand and supreme elders were the hidden forces of a sect, and they were generally in perpetual seclusion or traveling in disguise, working on breaking through their limits. They would onlye out when the sect was facing extreme danger that the normal elders couldnt handle, and they were the main deterrence against attacks.


    Most of the multiverse wasnt like earth. There were nodders that showed who was alive and who died. A particrly strong elder might even be able to protect a sect thousands of years after their passing, since the outside world couldnt be sure whether they were dead or if they had made a breakthrough, bing even more monstrous.


    There was no way that such a person didn''t have a few supreme treasures stowed away. But Zac frowned after realizing he might not get his hands on those treasures since he wasn''t an Array Master. But Anzonil snorted when he saw the downcast face of Zac.


    "Who would have thought that a lofty Draugr would be so hungry for this old man''s small trinkets," he said with a smile. "Not to worry, there is a path to my treasure even for those who are not fated to walk the same path as me."


    The next moment two doorways rose from the ground some distance away from them, and both teemed with power. The next moment the right of the two doorways shuddered and a shimmering screen appeared in it.


    "Two pathways to my inheritance," Anzonil said after throwing a nce at the archways. "The left is a trial of Arrays. The trial taker must break through 10 increasingly difficult arrays to reach my treasures, and that is the path that is not fated with you."


    Zac frowned at that exnation, but he slowly nodded.


    "Don''t worry, that is best for you as well. Your method of getting out of the entrapment array outside was admirable, but there is no way you''d pass further than the second array with that kind of brute force. You''d be stuck forever inside," the old man said.


    "What about the second path?" Zac probed.


    "The second path is a path of carnage. To reach my treasure you need to fight your way through a sea of monsters. This path is far more dangerous, but if you want my treasures without being proficient in arrays you''ll have to take some risks," Anzonil exined.


    Zacs eyes lit up since this was exactly what he was looking for; treasures and things to kill. But he still hesitated whether he should take on the trial rather than asking to be sent outside. If the enemies were the specters he would be in trouble since he wasnt able to kill them. And they were far beneath the mountains now, who knew how many of them were prowling these depths.


    There was a limit of how long he could resist their onught if it was the same as during the first time darkness descended. But Zac didnt have the opportunity to voice his concerns as an unseen force suddenly lifted him into the air and threw him into the shimmering portal.


    Good luck young Draugr, prevail in the depths for this old man. Show me why they call yours the royal bloodline, the elderly voice reached Zac''s ears before his vision turned ck.

 Chapter 237: Mystic Garden

    Chapter 237: Mystic Garden


    Remember, this array will only keep the entrance stable temporarily. You need to get out of there within a week, or youll be stuck until Lord Atwood can get you out, Alea said as she looked down at the array that kept the spatial tears in check.


    I know, Ogras muttered. Your boyfriend better have collected a war hoards worth of loot. Im bing destitute over here.


    Alea only red angrily at Ogras in response, making him snicker in glee.


    Well, Im off, he said as he stepped into the transportation array leading into the Mystic Realm.


    Ogras sight was blocked by darkness for a minute until he suddenly was in a shrouded area. His feet barely had time tond on the ground before he melded into the darkness, disappearing from sight.


    After he hid himself he took a quick look around, trying to discern what type of realm he had entered. There were many types of Mystic Realms, but they were generally split into two categories; Wild and Cultivated Realms.


    Wild realms were pocket dimensions untouched by man. Sometimes they were justrge deserts devoid of anything of value, but other times they were like primordial forests teeming with life. If it was thetter there was a high possibility of finding natural treasures. Of course, where there were treasures there were often beasts as well.


    Cultivated Realms were pockets of space that had either been cut off from the main dimension or turned into residences by powerful warriors. These were generally extra sought after since ruins of high-grade civilizations could contain tremendous amounts of treasure without the high risk of the Wild Realms.


    But unfortunately, he saw that he found himself in a cavern rather than some ancient ruins, and when he discreetly exited to the mouth he only saw a forest in the distance. However, Ogras didnt exit the cavern since there were a few things odd with the view.


    The first odd thing was the silver lines up in the sky. The sky was like a mix of his own homeworlds red and Earths blue, having a deep purple color. But where there should have been clouds or stars there were instead long crisscrossing silver lines stretching all along the horizon.


    Ogras couldnt make heads or tails of the things, but judging by how it looked the lines must be enormous, spanning tens of kilometers. He had also never heard of anything like that forming naturally, which indicated this ce might actually be a cultivatednd even though itsck of structures.


    The second odd things about the outside were the trees. They wererge and had an abundance of branches, each being veritably filled with leaves. Ogras could barely see the trunk due to the thick growth on them.


    But something was wrong about the trees. He could barely see any movement, and his senses just told him something was off. At first, he thought they were illusions, but he soon realized that wasnt it. The reason the trees felt odd was that they were <em>huge.</em> He couldnt be sure from this distance but he was sure that they were all at least hundreds of meters tall, perhaps evenrger.


    His heartbeat sped up in anticipation when he saw the titanic trees. The silver streaks in the sky were troubling, but the trees gave him high hopes. The atmosphere was teeming with Cosmic Energy, and vegetation seldom grew so big without Nexus Veins in the ground beneath. Both were indicators of there being a lot of natural treasures abound.


    However, when there was this much energy there was also seldom just flora. Judging by the intensity of the energy it was a real possibility of there being top tier E-Grade beasts around, perhaps even a D-grade alpha at the top.


    Greed was battling with fear in his heart as he hid in the shadows looking for anything that might pose a threat to him. Ogras knew that he had led a pretty cushy existence for most of his life. All his cultivation resources had been given to him or bought at auction, and he hadnt ever really risked his life apart from the all-out battle with that cultist that cost him his hand.


    Exploring a Mystic Realm was to risk everything, and it wasnt something he was used to. But soon he grit his teeth and moved forward, quickly descending the small hill his cave was hidden inside. He already knew that he needed to earn some achievements if he ever wanted to push through his bottleneck.


    After hed descended the mountain he found himself in a vast field, though it might as well be called a forest. The des of grass reached over three meters into the air, almostpletely obscuring his vision. Ogras spear was already in his hand as he walked toward the forest, his eyes darting every which way to avoid an ambush.


    It was as times like these he wished that he had the monstrous luck that Zac must possess. His 37 Luck wasnt bad, but it clearly wasnt enough to get those warnings signals that Zac seemed to get during battles. He was forced to rely on his senses and his mind instead.


    He therefore immediately melded into shadows the second he heard a slight rustle from his left, and the next moment a ck shape flew straight past him with enough speed to be a blur. The attackernded ten meters away, and Ogras saw it was apletely unknown being.


    It had six long and thin legs that were roughly a meter long. Each had three joints and like the rest of the thing they were covered in short brown fur. The body was extremely elongated, and it was almost four meters long, with its torso being extremely thin. It was almost like a snake had gotten insect legs.


    Its head was extremely odd as well, with just arge hole in its face with rows and rows of small fangs. There were also six small ck beads that Ogras assumed were the eyes. The thing was built for speed, but the rest was so odd that he couldnt ce the thing at all, so Ogras quickly used <strong>[Omniscient Eye] </strong>on it.


    <strong>Ocodon Worm.</strong>


    <strong>Level: 73</strong>


    <strong>Most used skill: Wind walk</strong>


    <strong>Highest Attribute: Dexterity</strong>


    Ogras was shocked that the thing was neither some mammal or even a legged snake. Instead, it was some sort of worm. For a second Ogras wondered if The Ruthless Heavens had gotten drunk and misnamed the thing in front of him. But then again, the isted nature of Mystic Realms sometimes made beasts evolve in unconventional directions over the eons.


    Knowing the thing was only level 73 he didnt hesitate anymore, and multiple shadow spears struck out at it. It clearly wasnt prepared to be attacked by its own shadow, but its speed was spectacr. It disced itself in an instant, causing air to swirl around its legs.


    But if there was one thing that Ogras excelled at it was his speed, and soon the running worm was lying dead on the ground filled with puncture wounds. Ogras quickly dissected it to look for any poison sacks or other hidden threats or valuables, but there seemed to be no such things. He quickly threw the odd corpse in his Cosmos Sack and hurried toward the forest.


    As he traveled through the field of overgrown grass he also kept his eyes peeled for any hidden herbs, but as he ran he had to admit that the flora was unusually coherent. There was only a single type of nt; the high swaying grass. There were no flowers, no roots, no vegetables, not even any weeds.


    He encountered a few more of the worms as well, but since he understood them better he had no problems in making short work of them. He was also curious to note that they still seemed to live underground even though they had grown legs. One of them managed came straight out of the ground to attack him, its legs folded around its thin body.


    Yet there were no other beasts Ogras encountered as he finally entered the forest. The trees were truly humongous, as he walked below their crowns he knew they were around three hundred meters tall. Their trunks were also extremely thick, and Ogras judged they had a diameter of twenty meters or so.


    Ogras had never seen trees like these before. Usually, trees of this size only had leaves and branches far up in the sky, but these ones had branches starting just a few meters up in the air. Ogras could even easily jump up to the branches if he wanted, though he was more interested in walking the forest floor in search of valuable herbs.


    But he was soon disappointed because there was simply no undergrowth in this forest. What was even odder was that there seemed to be a precise distance between the trees, making them form long even lines. It truly looked like this forest had been nted by someone, but why would someone want to grow these things?


    Finally, Ogras climbed all the way to the top of one of the trees in search of answers. As he climbed he looked for anything of note that would make these humongous trees worth nting. But no fruits or flowers were growing on the tree, and nothing was living in the trees that might be worth money either.


    He did, however, see something that he hadnt noticed when he stood in the cavern earlier. There was a wall. A huge silver wall that stood beyond the forest, stretching almost as far as his eyes could see.


    As he gazed around him Ogras started to understand that he might actually be in an enclosed space rather than a wild forest. The vantage of the tree allowed him to get a better understanding of the area than what he could see earlier from his starting point.


    He was in a circr space that was mostly upied by the evenly nted forests, with arge field in the middle filled with grass. The only oddity was the dirt hill roughly in the middle of the field, and Ogras guessed it was caused by the spatial distortions of the weakened dimensional membrane.


    Perhaps the whole field had been filled with trees once upon a time, but spatial tears had destroyed everything and caused the forest in the middle to be reced by the grassy ins instead. Ogras also guessed that the silver wall stretched all around the forest, but unfortunately he couldn''t see whaty beyond since the walls and the trees were roughly the same height.


    He could also finally see that the odd silver lines in the sky were connected to the wall and formed somewhat of a dome that covered the whole space. Ogras truly couldnt make heads or tails of the situation, which was a bit disconcerting. Since he couldn''t understand the purpose of this ce or the lines, he also couldn''t assess the amount of danger he was in.


    It started to feel like he stood in an enormous garden, but why was nothing of value nted? These trees were huge and their wood might make decent timber, but that was about it. The density of Cosmic Energy would be able to support far more valuable things, so it felt like a waste of an effort to create something like this.


    Ogras quickly started to climb down the tree before he set out toward the wall in the distance. It took him thirty minutes to get through the rest of the forest before he finally saw the end of the tree line, so he hesitantly stopped by one of the trees.


    There were no signs of life around the wall, and there were no roads or gates either. The surface of the wall waspletely smooth and it seemed it was made out of some metal. There also were a row of fractals running along the middle of the wall, and fractals seemed to stretch along the whole thing.


    Ogras tried to discern the function of the fractals for thirty minutes, but they werepletely unknown to him. But as far as he could tell they werent part of a ughter array. Besides, few people would leave the fractals for a defensive or offensive array visible, since it would make them far easier to break.


    Finally, he took a deep breath and shed forward, blending with the shadows until he reached the wall. There were no rms or iing attacks, only the eerie silence of the forest. The wall was cold to the touch, and after testing it out Ogras realized it was shockingly durable.


    He couldnt identify the type of metal but judging by the hardness it was a material or alloy that should be at least E-Graded just judging by its strength. His eyes nced sideways and watched the wall stretch into the distance.


    The enclosed forest was sorge that he could barely discern the curvature of the wall. The scale of it all was mindboggling. Even if the wall was only a sheet a few centimeters thick the amount of E-Grade material required to build the wall was staggering. He couldnt even calcte the cost of such a thing.


    Both Port Atwood and n AzhRezak would turn destitute after only erecting a portion of this wall, and its only function was to enclose this seemingly unimportant forest. Just dismantling the wall would make him a fortune. But more importantly, who could afford this sort of extravagant spending, and what was there outside the wall?


    Just what kind of ce was this?

 Chapter 238: Mystic Structure

    Chapter 238: Mystic Structure


    Ogras hesitantly looked around for a bit, unsure what to do next. This wasnt the direction of the Mystic Realm hed expected. He had imagined either a wild environment where his skills were put to the test against an onught of beasts or an ancient ruin containing a Title-Awarding trial or something equally valuable.


    But there was no danger and nothing to explore, only a forest and a wall. He tried climbing the wall to pass it, but he simply couldnt get up. It waspletely sheer, giving him no purchase. He tried stabbing the wall with knives in order to climb, but they only left a scratch-mark that immediately disappeared.


    He did manage to use his spear to impale the wall, but his weapon was almost immediately pushed out and the wall repaired itself in an instant. Ogras looked up at the shimmering fractals above, realizing that at least part of their purpose was to maintain the enclosure. Out of better options, he started walking along the wall, hoping to find anything different about it.


    Ogras wasnt ready to head back just yet. Hed paid almost 50 million Nexus Coins to stabilize the rift for a week, and he refused to return empty-handed. He would rather spend a week to cut down these humongous trees and at least sell them as timber.


    They didnt seem to be E-Grade trees, but at least they didnt seem to be mortal-graded since there was some spirituality in the huge things. And even if they were only F-Grade there was an enormous quantity, which would hopefully allow him to make a return on his investment.


    But before he resigned to bing a lumberjack he wanted to see if there was any exit in the wall. If someone created this area there should be a way to get in and out. Since hed only spent an hour or so inside the Mystic Realm he had all the time in the world to check things out before he needed to get back.


    The minutes passed as Ogras slogged along the wall, and his surroundings were so uniform that he started to wonder if he was stuck inside a loop of some illusion array. Half his field of view was the nk silver of the wall, and the other half was the lush green of the towering trees. The purple sky was barely visible through the thick canopy of the trees that stretched toward the wall.


    But finally his stubbornness was rewarded, as he spotted a change in the wall in the distance. Ogras sped up with excitement, turning into a hazy blur as he melded with the shadows. Two minutester he stood in front of a gate reaching roughly 6 meters into the air.


    It was wrought of the same material as the wall itself and consisted of two doors. But there was no handle and no matter how hard he pushed or tried to separate the two doors he couldnt budge them even the slightest. Ogras even jammed his spear into the slit between the doors to use as a crowbar, but it was for nothing.


    He clearly had no way to brute force this thing open, which left only one more thing to try. To the right side of the door roughly three meters up was something that looked a bit like the so-called Tablets that the humans of Earth had invented. Either that or a small TV, since it was somewhere in between the two in size.


    Ogras stabbed his spear into the ground and leaped up to stand on top of the hilt to get a better view of the thing. The square tablet was roughly asrge as his torso, but there were no lights or inscriptions on it, making it almost seem like a non-functional decoration.


    But there was nothing else sticking out around the gate, so Ogras hesitantly touched the screen to wake it up in case it worked like the human tablets. To his shock, it worked, and a row of unfamiliar scripts appeared on the screen. Ogras was ted, but next a voice appeared out of nowhere, making Ogras quickly look around.


    <strong>[Signature not recognized.]</strong>


    Ogras brows rose in rm, and he immediately pushed away from the door, gripping his spear as he looked around. Was there a tool spirit controlling this ce? If so he might just have made a huge blunder and drawn its attention. It seemed he had been recognized as an intruder.


    <strong>[Caretaker Signature added. Tier-3 ess Added.]</strong>


    Caretaker? Ogras muttered in confusion. Hello, whos there?


    However, there was no response to his question, only silence. The screen up in the air had also dimmed down, returning to its passive state. Ogras hesitated what to do. Go back and get reinforcements or keep trying to open the door? Since this seemed like something technological in nature it was perhaps a better idea to go and get a few humans and a couple of craftsmen.


    But curiosity pushed him forward, and he once again approached the door. But this time the doors soundlessly slid open, giving ess to arge room on the other side. Ogras brows furrowed in confusion, and he hesitated whether he should go inside.


    The voice said that his signature first wasnt recognized, then it added a caretaker. Had the Tool Spirit for the door mistaken him for someone in charge of tending the trees? And what was Tier-3 ess? Would it let him return again if he walked inside the doorway and it closed shut?


    Nothing ventured, nothing gained, Ogras muttered as he tightened his grip on his spear, heading inside the door. "Worst case scenario I will have to wait for Zac toe and smash through this thing."


    The other side of the wall didnt lead to the outdoors, but he rather found himself inside arge room that seemed to be used for storage. Both the walls and roof were made of the silver metal as well, and there wasnt much else of note inside. The same type of fractals also ran all across the upper walls as well, making a loop around the room.


    The room itself was lit with crystals, indicating energy arrays were running through the walls. The crystals wouldnt be able to work by themselves since there were clear signs no one had been here for a very long time. There were also a few crates that were falling apart in one corner, shrunken nuts having spilled out of them across the floor.


    Ogras guessed the nuts were used to nt those huge trees outside, but the seeds seemed to have dried out long ago, and he doubted whether they would be able to be nted any more. Still, he had ample space in his Cosmos Sack so he put the crates inside as he looked around.


    There was also a table and a chair, both made out of metal. The size of them were much toorge for Ogras, just like the gate. Judging by how that tablet was ced and the size of the furniture Ogras estimated the creators of this ce to reach roughly 4 to 5 meters into the air.


    Not many species were thatrge, at least not amongst the more populous races. There were a few golem, demon, and beastmen species that were this tall, but Ogras saw nothing that indicated any specific species inside this thing.


    On the other side of the room was another gate much like the one he just passed through. But before he headed over he first went back to the original gate, and he was relieved to see that it noiselessly slid open upon his approach.


    Ogras headed over to the other side, and this one also opened without having to touch the tablet up in the air. An enormous corridor stood on the other side, and Ogras hesitantly walked outside. The corridor was made from the same material as well, and Ogras started to feel they must have dismantled a whole mountain to get this much material.


    A few tubes ran along the roof in the corridor, and the whole thing reminded Ogras of those Technomancer movies that he had watched when he was free. They had taken ce in societies where there was no Cosmic Energy, but technology had reached far beyond Earths current capabilities, and they even explored the multiverse.


    But there were also signs that this was not a technocrat stronghold. The corridor was illuminated with crystals rather than electricalmps, and Ogras was pretty sure that the Technomancers did not use fractals for their bases. They relied on the so-called Dao of Technology, and that concept did not use fractals or inscriptions.


    The design made him rather veer toward some sort of artificial beings, such as the Creators or another golemoid race. They often liked this type of lifeless interior, whereas Demons or Beastkin favored more nature in their surroundings.


    Ogras was once again shocked by the sheer size of theplex he found himself inside. Had the whole mystic realm been turned into some sort of base? He found himself walking for hours, and he had found six more gardens, each of them nted with the same trees.


    It was also quickly bing clear that the Cosmic Energy had somehow been concentrated into these gardens since the energy outside could at best be the equivalent of a Low-Tiered E-Grade. But why use all the energy in the Mystic realm for some trees?


    But apart from that, there was nothing of note. Most of the corridors were empty, creating awork that spanned around these huge circr areas with the trees. He had found a few rooms that seemed to be barracks, with rows of huge bunk beds lined up.


    But there were no sign of them having been inhabited since there was no remains or signs of use. There was just a thickyer of dust on the mattresses, while the walls and floor were spotless. Ogras had a feeling it had something to do with the inscriptions running along the walls. They seemed to perform a variety of maintenance functions, from repairs to self-cleaning, much like the arrays on equipment.


    But finally, he reached a gate that was different from the others. It looked the same, but it did not automatically open like those hed passed before. Ogras leaped up and grabbed hold of the tablet, and with a buzz it lit up.


    <strong>[Tier-3 ess Signature. ess granted] </strong>


    It was the same voice as before, and the next moment the gate slowly slid open. Ogras noted with some interest that this one was far thicker than the others, reaching almost a meter in thickness. But his attention was quickly drawn to the outside because it almost felt like hed entered a different world.


    There was the same type of corridors as before, but these ones were caked in grime and what Ogras could only assume was dried blood. There were signs of battle everywhere, with ruined pipes and scarred walls. Only a few illuminating crystals still worked, and the light they gave off was far weakerpared to the corridors earlier.


    Ogras eyes quickly turned to the fractals up in the air, but he noted that they didnt give off any light or energy as they did in the corridors he had passed earlier. Were the Cosmic Energywork ruined in this part of the structure? And what kind of battle had taken ce here? And why was the earlier section unaffected by whatever had happened here?


    The signs of battle was a clear indicator that this ce was inhabited, or at least had been not too long ago. Ogras quickly shrouded himself in shadows as he started proceeding along the wall after making sure he could enter the thicker gate again.


    As he walked there were signs of disrepair everywhere, and there were even signs of someone having stipped parts of the walls for materials. His eyes darted back and forth as he kept walking through the oppressive paths. They were asrge as those before, but somehow they felt far more ustrophobic.


    A sudden sound of metal striking metal echoed out in the distance, and Ogras pushed himself to the wall,pletely blending with the darkness under a broken illumination crystal. As he kept listening he heard the sounds repeating, and he immediately realized it was the sound of battle. His heartbeat sped up in fear-mixed anticipation; he wasn''t alone.


    Since he couldn''t sense any too strong energies from the direction of the ruckus he slowly crept forward, and he finally reached a shrouded corner that gave him a vantage of what was going on around the corner where the sounds came from.


    Two warriors of different species were in a desperate fight for their lives. One of them was a human, and the other was of a beastkin origin, looking a bit like a werewolf. The sounds Ogras heard earlier hade from the sh between the wolfman''s ws and the human''s sword. Since they were stuck in the tunnel they couldn''tpletely maneuver as they wished, but they were clearly used to battle in this type of confined space.


    They used both the walls and the roof as a foothold as they shed over and over, each sh resulting in a shockwave that told Ogras that they were in either weak E-grade warriors or somewhat strong F-Grade warriors. Ogras was considering whether he should throw his hat into the ring when the wolf suddenly disappeared after being pushed back from a sh with the human''s sword.


    The next moment the beastkin was right in front of Ogras, and a searing pain erupted in his face. Ogras'' face contorted in pain and anger, and the next moment the metallic mold on his arms cracked as a pitch-ck hand reached for the werewolf. The werewolf quickly reacted and pushed away, but the hand extended beyond what was normal and gripped the throat of the wolf.


    The sinister ws of the werewolf tried to cut the hand right off, but they powerlessly went straight through and the next moment a crunch echoed out through the tunnels as Ogras crushed the neck of his attacker. The eyes of the human who had stood by in the distance lit up when he saw his enemy die, but before he could speak up he puked a mouthful of blood.


    Arge shadow spear had impaled him from behind, and the human fearfully looked at Ogras as he walked over, his eyes glowing in the darkness. The ck arm had lost its form, now only forming a shadowy haze that drifted by his side.


    "I have some questions."

 Chapter 239: Through the Tunnels

    Chapter 239: Through the Tunnels


    Zac red in the direction of where he was thrown from, but there was nothing there apart from a rough rock wall. There wasnt any sign of the portal or the borate chambers of Anzonil, and he might as well be in any random caverns of a mountain.


    Zac sighed in disappointment as he got to his feet. There were a lot of topics that he wanted to broach with the old man, even if he decided to undergo the trial. But perhaps staying in corporeal form as an Array Spirit required a lot of energy or something, forcing the old man to send Zac away quickly.


    He really wanted to know just what the darkness was, and if Anzonil knew of the method to kill the specters. After speaking with the old man he had a feeling that the darkness was directly linked with the demise of the Eastern Trigram Sect back in the day.


    That the old man knew of the Draugr also piqued his interest, though that wasnt as important at the moment. But it looked like he needed to know more about his undead race since having what was called a royal bloodline might both be a blessing and a curse.


    In any case, there wasnt much to do here. He was currently in a dead-end of a subterranean tunnel, and there was only one way to go. The instructions were pretty clear as well; reach the end of the road and youll get the treasure.


    Zac kept the shield fastened to his left arm, hefting <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in the other as he started to walk down the winding path. There were no crystals giving off light in this ce, but the tunnel was thankfully notpletely shrouded in darkness.


    There was quite a high density of Cosmic Energy in the tunnel, which sustained some of the glowing moss that also grew in his own mountain. It was amazing to Zac how nts learned to live only off of Cosmic Energy and could survive even in the most deste ces with only that as a source of sustenance. But in Zacs undead form the high density of energy wasnt a blessing, but rather a curse.


    The more Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere the worse it felt, and here it was like the very air around him was trying to destroy him. Usually the ambient energy in the air wasnt a problem for him, but he guessed that he was either inside a gathering array or close to a Nexus Vein.


    It finally got to the point that he took out a couple of his Miasma Crystals and stuffed them inside his robe to feel the cold energies within against his skin. It helped a bit, and it was with relief he sensed that the density of energy around him was quickly decreasing as he walked further along the path.


    However, it wasnt all good news since he once again started to sense the insidious energy of the darkness, though it still was minute. But Zac still kept going forward. He wouldnt give up his chance at supreme treasure just by a hint of the malicious energy, and he strode forward with purpose until he finally reached the end of the tunnel.


    Zac soundlessly advanced thest 50 meters to the exit, and peeked out the tunnel. The first thing he noticed was that there was over a drop of over fifteen meters down to the floor form his egress. The second thing he saw was the sea of rats.


    He immediately realized there must be some sort of array that hid his passage and blocked out any sound as he looked down. He gazed upon a chaotic swarm of rats that fought, mated, and scuttled about without him hearing a single sound.


    Most of the rats he saw were the very same type that he had already killed throngs of on the surface, but he realized that he had likely only fought the weakest of the brood so far. There were farrger rats lumbering about as well, a few of which emanated enough power that they might be E-grade, though barely.


    Zacs eyes lit up at the veritable feast of prey, but he slowly observed everything for another full fifteen minutes before moving. He wanted to see if there was something like a rat king that could be a threat, but if there was it didnt live in thisrge cavern.


    He mouthed a silent prayer before jumping down, but he didn''t try to conceal his presence. On the contrary, he entered the huge cavern with a roar, mming down tens of meters away from the exit with a huge crash.


    He had imbued himself with the Dao of Heaviness, and he was like a ten-ton hammer when hended, killing every rat within over ten meters and creating arge crater. The moment he had exited the passage he had been inundated by a cacophony of screeches and hisses, and it got a lot worse after he made his entrance.


    Zac didnt even have time to get to his feet before he received a surge of energy into his forehead, and he immediately understood that he had aplished his goal. The quest for his second skill, <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>was finished. It required him to draw the ire of over a thousand enemies simultaneously, and he had likely passed that goal ten times over with his shy entrance.


    He didnt really know whether to be happy or angry that there wasnt an apanying Dao Vision to go along with his newly acquired skill. He remembered very well the feeling when he killed the thousand barghest required toplete his quest for <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>.


    Completing the quest had formed the Axe fractal in his chest, but it was missing in his undead form just like the normal skills. When he had focused on it he had been brought to the deste world with the enormous axe. Meanwhile, his new skill only added a pure skill-fractal on his forehead.


    But it was a wee boost to his very limited repertoire in his Draugr form, and he had just the perfect stage to test his new ability. But he was beset by frenzied rats before he even had time to even form a battle n.


    However, while most of the rats down in the cave wererger than their brethren on the surface they were of no threat to Zac. After a few quick swings with his axe thirty corpsesy strewn around him. But Zac frowned as he looked down at his axe, and after a brief pause decided to stash the axe into his Sack.


    He didnt want to rely onbat skills he gained with his other ss too much since that might negatively impact the growth of his Undying Bulwark ss. Instead, he decided to fight using the means his ss provided for as long as possible, only relying on his axe and his Daos if needed.


    The first thing he did was to unleash <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, and the space around him actually changed a bit. It was as though the world had gone monochrome within fifty meters from his position, and it reminded him of how it looked when he fought the Corpse Lord.


    In fact, he noticed that the Cosmic Energy around him was actually turning into Miasma at a visible rate, and a mist of the deathly energy swirled around him. However, the production came at a cost of his own energy, so the skill wouldnt be very useful for cultivation.


    But that wasnt the point of the skill, and Zac was ted after having figured out the workings of the skill. It was a debuffing skill with arge area, and its effect was pretty great.


    It lowered the attributes of his enemies by a certain degree across the board. After turning it off and on again while fighting with the rats for a minute he estimated the number to be around 10%.


    Taking away 10% of the fighting power of all close-by enemies wasnt a huge amount, but it wasn''t bad. Besides, the skill was only at early stage and it already had many uses.


    For example, it could negate almost half of the effect of skills like his <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> without having any of the other skills disadvantages. It could also lower the power of an ultimate attack from his enemies by a decent degree, increasing his survivability.


    But there was a pretty big drawback to this skill. <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> didnt have a great synergy with his other skill, <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. To kill his enemies he needed to get hit, and the harder he got hit the more damage he returned. If he restricted the power of his enemies he would also restrict his offensive power.


    Then again, the two skills were used in different ways, and he wasnt surprised that Undying Bulwarks skills sacrificed offensive power in favor of more defense. It was a tank-ss after all. But these many defensive measures werent needed against rats, even if there was a seemingly endless horde of them.


    But before he deactivated <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> he noticed another huge advantage of the skill. As he had experimented for a bit with the skill therey a new slew of rat carcasses around him, and those that died first were starting to emit a turquoise mist.


    Zac immediately realized it was miasma, and he didnt shy away when the mists were drawn toward him as though they were guided. The energy effortlessly merged with his existing stores of miasma, giving him back even more energy than he used when killing the rats.


    This clearly differed from how it worked when he fought the beasts on Mystic Ind. Back then it worked the same as in his human form. When he killed something he received a boost of energy that went toward improving his levels, but the effect on his expended storage of miasma was minuscule.


    But this was different. The energy that streamed toward him from more and more corpses didnt help him with his levels, but they restored the miasma he was continuously expending to power his two skills.


    He finally understood the full effect of his new skill, and it truly was a field of despair for his enemies. Not only did it weaken those who came too close, it even restored his energies to allow him to keep fighting for an indefinite time.


    He quickly changed his mind about turning the skill off, and instead he kept both his skills going. Both of them were continuously drawing from his miasma reserves, but with new rat corpses being added all the time he quickly restored the energy he expended.


    In the end he lost slightly more energy than he gained from the corpses, but he would fall fromck of sleep beforeck of miasma at this rate. Then again he was only fighting weak beasts at the moment, as therger rats hadnt entered the fray yet.


    Since hed already gained one of the skills he decided to grind out his second one as well, but he soon found out it wasnt as easy as he had hoped. Not all the rats were strong enough to attack him with enough force to progress his quest.


    But he quickly found a solution as he took out his axe once again. There was a pretty clear corrtion between the power and size of these rats, and he soon found that the rats needed to be at least three meters long to be able to bite or swipe with enough force to award a point of progress in his ss.


    Everything smaller than that approached him was quickly culled with a swipe of his axe, while he kept blocking the attacks of therger ones with his shield. Some wounds were starting to umte on his body since he wasnt able to block all the strikes, but he didnt care since his high Endurance and Vitality had no problem in keeping him alive.


    It didnt take long for him to gain a level since the rats were almost as strong as the beasts on Mystic Ind. But the beasts back there had been spread out, each upying its own territory. Here they were everywhere, and no matter where Zac looked he saw a sea of experience points approaching him.


    It was also clear that these beasts had no intention of backing down, even after hundreds of their kiny lifeless on the floor. Zac soon realized that it might be because they were affected by the darkness.


    He didnt believe all these animals were possessed like what happened to some cultivators up on the surface. The energies of the darkness had rather slowly seeped into their minds while they lived underground, increasing their aggression.


    But Zac didnt mind, and he soon settled into a familiar routine ingrained into his bones from the beast waves. He was already quickly climbing on the Hunterdder again, even though he mainly focused on progressing the quest for <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong>.


    The moment he blocked the final attack with his shield he felt a huge surge of energy in his heart. It didnt kick-start it to start beating even in his undead form, but it was rather that something upied its empty chambers. Zac couldnt stop a wide smile from spreading on his face when he realized what it was.


    It was another Dao Fractal, just like the tree or the axe in his Hatchetman form. But he didnt dare to check the form or nature of the fractal any closer since he was afraid hed get sucked inside a vision while there was a sea of rats still rampaging around him.


    But he got extremely impatient to end the fight so that he could gain his fourth Dao Seed, so he no longer held anything back or cared about fighting with his shield only. He became a whirlwind of carnage as he rampaged across the enormous den, and soon the ted growls from <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> overpowered the screeches of the frenzied rats.

 Chapter 240: Evolution

    Chapter 240: Evolution


    No matter where Zac looked he was met with a frenzied onught of sharp teeth and ws, and he didnt even need to aim as he methodically swung his axe. He was long since drenched in gore and viscera, his two ck orbs of eyes glimmering with finality as he kept killing rats by the scores.


    The area around him was like another world, with turquoise mists wafting about, and an enduring destion had taken hold of the den of the rats. A slow whirlwind of miasma had formed around Zac by now, continuously imbuing him with energy.


    But the rats were truly relentless and had no disregard for their own lives, and kept desperately trying to tear Zac apart. As the sizes of the rats surrounding him grew, the wounds on his body got worse as well.


    Zac blocked one strike after another, and even his sturdy shield was starting to show signs of tear from innumerable ws mming into it. But he couldnt put it away. Zac could not clear arge number of critters at once since he didnt have ess to <strong>[Chop]</strong>, so he needed something to stave off some of the rats while he cut others down.


    But Zac had no ns to switch his ss to Hatchetman. First of all, he didnt have the luxury to pass out for a couple of minutes mid-battle, but even if he did he didnt want to let go of this opportunity. He hadnt encountered this great a leveling-experience even during the beast waves, and after another two hours of fighting he gained another level.


    Besides,<strong> [Veruns Bite]</strong> wasnt the only thing doing work. All around him, particrly behind him, ghastly specters of rats kept popping out from nowhere, maiming and killing their living twins. It was <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> with its damage reflection that was dishing back far more than he got hurt.


    It was only three hours and one levelter that only six rats and Zac remained. The rest of the burrow was covered with thousands of rat corpses, and it was impossible to take a single step without stepping in a pool of blood.


    The remaining rats were the sixrgest specimens in the cave, and the ones that Zac suspected might be E-Grade earlier. Now that they were right in front of him he realized that it likely only was true for two of them, whereas the other four were very close to that stage.


    However, it was clear to Zac that even the four lesser rats in front of him were different from the mindless hordes that had swarmed him the past hours. They had silently observed Zac from the distance, making no move to approach him. Each of them was enormous, the smallest of them at least asrge as an elephant. Thergest rats, one of the two that Zac suspected to be E-Grade, was at least 8 meters long, with its tail adding just as much length.


    Zac was panting as he stood and observed thest remaining rats as well, weing the opportunity to take a breather. He waspletely caked in blood from the fight, and he thanked the stars he was in his undead form.


    His sense of smell was a bit different, mainly smelling life rather than other scents, and he could only imagine that the stench of thousands of dead rats was beyond putrid to a human. Apart from the blood and gore, he was also marred with tens of wounds that dripped some of the ck ichor that sat in his veins instead of blood.


    It was from this fight that he understood the function of the ck substance. He had thought it was just a remnant of the blood in his human form, but after having lost a pint of the stuff he realized that wasnt the case.


    The ck ichor wasnt just putrified blood, but it was also needed for the storage of miasma somehow. The more of the stuff he lost during the fight, the less miasma he was able to store in his body.


    That meant if he was bledpletely dry of the ichor he would probably turn back into his human form, whereas a real undead would die. Of course, simply expelling all miasma was a far simpler method than draining himself of his blood.


    Suddenly two of the rats started to move, clearly trying to nk him. With rats this powerful Zac wasntfortable to let them attack him from behind, so he instantly hurled his axe with a grunt, imbuing it with the Dao of Sharpness.


    The axe ripped through the air and mmed straight into the head of one of the rats, instantly killing it. A huge surge of energy entered Zac, far higher than he had got from anything before, immediately giving him another level.


    These things were clearly superiorpared to their brethren judging by how much energy they rewarded, and Zac was relieved he managed to down one with a surprise attack. He had held back on using his Daos apart from his initial entrance since he wanted to keep some cards for this fight.


    He immediately pushed forward, aiming to retrieve his weapon, but one of the rats moved to intercept with a screech. But Zac held nothing back as he imbued his fist with the Dao of Heaviness, mming it straight into the temple of the rat before it managed to bite into his torso.


    A loud crack could be heard and another surge of energy entered him, but he didnt stop as he ran toward his axe and ripped it out of the head of the rat. Suddenly a sense of danger erupted in his mind, and he unhesitantly threw himself forward.


    A sharp swish could be heard right behind him, and he looked to see one of the E-Grade rats having appeared right behind him somehow. It had attacked with its ws, but Zac also sensed the familiar feeling of the Dao of Sharpness.


    The corpse of the rat he killed with his axe was cleanly split into four parts from the swipe of the rat, and even the ground the following ten meters had four deep gouges from the attack. Zac frowned at therge scars from the ws since it showed that its attack was a bit simr to those of the fiend wolf.


    But he didnt have time to formte a n as he was suddenly shrouded in darkness. His brows rose in rm, but he didnt have time to do anything but turn around as he was met with the huge maw of the other E-Grade rat.


    But it didnt try to bite him, but instead Zac was drowned in a deluge of bile. Zac was disgusted by it, but some puke wasnt enough to do him in. He immediately moved out of the stream of the putrid liquid, and with a roar swung <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>straight at the stretched-out throat of the rat.


    The puking rat seemed surprised to be attacked for some reason, and it barely had time to register the iing swing before it was almost fully decapitated by the powerful strike of the axe. Zacs axe hummed in glee asrge amounts of Blood flowed into it as the huge corpse fell into the ground with a thump.


    The next moment the familiar Tool Spirit emerged from the axe, and it immediately leaped at one of the rats who had jumped at Zac from behind. It was clearly an uneven fight since the rat wasnt able to target the spectral being, and in just a few seconds ity dead at the ground.


    Zac couldn''t help staring down at the E-grade beast with some confusion. Its attack had been truly perplexing. But a sizzling sound quickly told him what was going on. A dozen rat carcasses had also been inundated by the huge torrent of puke, and they had turned into nothing but pools of goop in just seconds.


    Even the floor was melting at a visible rate, and Zacs brows rose in rm as he looked down at himself. To his surprise, he saw that he waspletely fine, even though his robe was slowly disintegrating. The liquid simply sloughed off his pale skin without leaving as much as a mark.


    Zac apparently was immune to the attack, which the rat didnt expect. That gave him the opportunity for an easy kill while it tried to register what was going on. But Zac didnt have time to ponder on why the poisonous bile didnt affect him as the other E-Grade rat was already upon him with an enraged screech.


    It frenziedly swiped at him in an all-out effort to rip him to shred, forcing him on the defensive for the time being. He had already infused his axe with the Dao of Sharpness as he tried to cut off its arms, but the rat was extremely quick to intercept his axe with its ws.


    The ws were truly sturdy, and even after tens of shes there wasnt a single mark on them. Zac was at a standstill since he didnt have any stronger attacks to use. He didnt dare use <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>against this opponent since he wasnt sure whether he could actually take that much damage.


    But the stalemate soon changed as Verun, the tool spirit of his axe, was in a rare form today. Three rats were remaining after Zac killed the first E-Graded one, but Verun pounced upon the remaining two smaller ones with gleeful abandon.


    Less than half a minuteter only Zacs opponent remained, and a great growl echoed through the caverns as the prehistoric beast finally joined Zac in his battle. Zac suddenly changed his Dao Seed to the Dao of Heaviness, and with a growl he swung with all the force he could bear.


    The strike wasnt able to get through the quick defense of the rat, but the enormous weight behind the strike was enough to throw the thing off-bnce. Verun knew exactly what to do, and bit straight through the throat of rat, instantly killing it before it had a chance to react. Yet another huge stream of energy entered Zac as well, pushing him forward at least one level.


    However, his Tool Spirit wasnt done there, as it kept ripping the corpse into shreds with frenzied glee. The blood from the beast started to float around the spirit as though it wasnt affected by gravity any longer, creating a macabre spectacle.


    The axe in Zacs hand was suddenly vibrating in his hands, and he was barely able to hold on as it tried to fly away and join the spirit. Zacs eyes glistened with anticipation as he let go of the axe, and it quickly flew to the side of the projection of Verun.


    An ocean of blood suddenly gushed out of the axe, creating a crimson flood that swirled around the spirit. Zac guessed it was all the blood from the various beasts he had killed that was getting released all at once, forming a small sea of the stuff.


    Verun howled with exultation, its roars echoing through the cave with such power that Zac couldnt help worriedly look around. He had already spotted the path out of here, and he was afraid that the howls would attract even more beasts.


    Then again, if nothing hade from hours of screeching and ughter, then some howls shouldnt bring any cmity to his doorstep either. But Zac grabbed the tail of one of thergest rats and started to drag it toward the only pathway out of here just in case. Soon hed formed a wall of flesh thatpletely blocked the entrance.


    While he was busy moving the bodies the storm of blood around his axe had calmed down, and therge sphere of blood kept shrinking as it encased <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> within. When the sphere had shrunk from a diameter of ten meters down to three it started to look like the blood was congealing into a solid.


    The transformed blood even turned translucent, and within a few minutes it looked like his axe was encased in a ruby almost asrge as he was. Zac walked over to the crystal with anticipation since he had long realized that his weapon was finally evolving.

 Chapter 241: Eternal and Unbroken

    Chapter 241: Eternal and Unbroken


    Zacs axe had already been on the verge of taking the next step, and the blood of thergest rats was enough to push it to the next level. But evolutions of this kind were very diverse, and after asking around back in Port Atwood he learned that there was no cohesive method of the process.


    That left him wondering what he should do now. He had no idea how long it would take for the axe to finish its evolution. He also had no idea whether he could put the crystal into his Cosmos Sack, or whether that would interrupt the process.


    In the end, he chose to move the crystal to a corner of therge den, hiding it in an alcove behind a couple of more carcasses. Luckily the axe didnt give off any energy emanations during the process, so hiding it didnt require any arrays.


    He surveyed the scene for a while, and after some alterations, it was impossible to notice anything was hidden there. Next, he created a second hiding spot and sat down inside. Initially, he hadnt nned on staying in this den, but the evolution of his axe had forced him to change his ns.


    But it was just as well. His miasma wasnt spent from the long battle, but his body was wounded all over and he had lost quite a bit of ichor. He popped a pill into his mouth and closed his eyes to focus on recuperation, and it was only two hourster he opened them.


    He wasntpletely back to top shape, but his Endurance and Vitality had improved him to fighting condition at least. But he still couldnt leave since he had no idea whaty past this cave. There was no guarantee that this was the only thing blocking his path to the treasure, and he wasnt confident in fighting anything too strong without his axe.


    But he wasnt just sitting around while he waited for his axe to get done. He was itching to check out his Dao fractal, but he held off on that in favor of a few other things first. The intense fight had brought him all the way to level 39, giving a huge boost to his attributes.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>39</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Epic] Undying Bulwark</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>420 [Base: 271. Increase: 55%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>221 [Base: 158. Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>430 [Base: 268. Increase: 60,5%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>251 [Base: 167. Increase: 50,5%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>90 [Base: 64. Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>85 [Base: 61. Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>93 [Base: 58. Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 16%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>6</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 53 625 943</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Gaining this many levels in just a few hours would have been unthinkable back when he was around this level the first time around, but then again he was far weaker at that time. He had another 6 free points to allocate, but he held off on that until he saw what he gained from his new Dao Seed.


    Next, he opened his quest menu, and as he suspected there was a new quest waiting for him there. At level 35 Hatchetman he gained the quest for<strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and this time around he got another skill quest as well.


    <strong>Immutable Bulwark (ss): Survivethe strike of three evolved beings. Reward: Immutable Bulwark (2/3)</strong>


    Zac believed evolved beings was referring to an E-Grade ss beasts or cultivators, and he felt this quest wasnt very hard since it didnt specify how he should survive it. With the help of Fields of Despair and a shield he would have no problem blocking a strike from something like the E-Grade rat, let alone surviving it, which was proven by two thirds of the quest already beingpleted.


    As for the skill itself, Zac guessed it was a pure defensive skill going by the name. He felt it was about time since none of the three initial skills were purely defensive skills like his<strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong>. In any case, he didnt think it would take long to find out since there clearly were E-Grade beasts down here in the tunnels.


    Zac got to his feet and walked over to his axe once again, but there was still no response from it. Since he was finally done with what he needed to do, he properly concealed himself and turned his sight inward toward his heart. Just like he expected arge pocket space had formed inside his heart, and Zac wasnt very surprised to see that the fractal looked like arge shield. But he didnt have time to inspect it any further, as his vision quickly changed.


    The ce he was sent to was quite different from the destion of the dead world of the axe-man. He found himself standing in a beautiful park that was meticulously tended to, and Zac almost forgot why he was here from the soothing atmosphere.


    It truly felt like he was in paradise from the array of beautiful nts and trees forming a harmony that could only be said to be perfect. Even the sky shone in a warm golden luster, and looking up at it Zac almost felt like he was being caressed by the heavens themselves.


    Surprisingly enough people were walking past him, but it was as though he was a ghost. No one noticed him as they kept going forward. Some even walked straight through him, which was a pretty weird experience.


    The people were of varying races, some of them humans, but many were things that Zac had never heard of. They were also of extremely varying power, ranging from weak mortals to great powerhouses clearly stronger than the E-Grade. But one thing was the same for each and every one of them. They were all orderly walking in a line, and everyone was holding what looked like a small gift in their hands as they streamed in the same direction.


    Curious, Zac followed the train of people, and soon found himself in the middle of the garden that held an enormous square made of marble. But the moment he entered there he realized he wasnt in a park, but rather a gravesite.


    In the middle of the square was a mausoleum, and all the people he had followed walked toward it as though they were on a pilgrimage. Zacwalked over as wend soon he stood just twenty meters away from the golden iid arch leading inside.


    However, no one entered the building, instead simply bowed before cing down whatever they had brought in front of the building, before turning away and leaving the square.


    There were alreadyrge mounds of offerings, and interestingly enough they ranged from simple things like a small wood carving to Nexus Crystals that emitted such immense power that Zac was afraid his soul would shatter just by standing close to them.


    He instinctually knew those things were at least C-Graded crystals, but possibly even higher. He knew that only one of them would be enough to live like a king for thousands of years, yet no one even gave the treasures a second nce before leaving.


    Zacs curiosity only grew as he turned his eyes toward the mausoleum. He already knew that his visions came from supreme existences, and he guessed that the one he was about to receive was based on whoever was interred inside.


    Zac gave a small bow just like the pilgrims before resolutely walking toward the entrance. As he got closer he noticed that two old men sat in front of the gate with closed eyes, likely guarding the ce. However, the moment he turned his eyes toward them it was as though his soul was about to be crushed by immense pressure, and he had to quickly look away.


    Even though he was just a wisp of consciousness he had to stop and take a few deep breaths, his hands shaking from the experience. He was shocked to realize that both the old men sitting in front of the mausoleum were far more powerful than Greatest, the strongest person hed met so far.


    Their auras were as immense as a gxy, and Zac couldnt even get close to the door due to the passive aura that they emitted. But suddenly the weight disappeared, and Zac was shocked to see that both the old monsters were looking straight at him.


    Enter, inheritor, one of the old mensaid, each of his words echoing with the Dao itself.


    Zac was starting to be unsure whether this was actually a vision, or if the system had sent his consciousness to this ce. Was it the same with the deste world only housing the enormous axe back then?


    But he felt this wasn''t the ce to ask, so after bowing once more he passed by the two old men who once again closed their eyes. Anticipation was rising as Zac entered the structure. Just how powerful would one have to have been to have cultivators that were at least C-Grade sit in vigil over ones gravesite?


    Zac reverentially held his breath as he looked around the mausoleum, but it was surprisingly simple. The insides were lit up by six braziers that burned along the sides, though interestingly enough they didnt emit any smoke. Apart from the sources of light onlytwo more things were housed in the building. The first was a tomb wrought out of the same type of marble the square was made off.


    The second was a shield that emitted an immense aura. It was almost shaped like a coffin, and it was mostly unadorned apart from a blue fractal that was the source of the aura. It felt like the shield would be able to protect him even it the sky copsed, and Zac immediately understood it was a supreme treasure at least at the level of the axe he saw in the other vision.


    In front of the tomb was a simple que that only said three words.


    <em>Eternal and Unbroken.</em>


    There was no mention of whose resting ce this was, or what sort of thing he or she had aplished. Then again it didnt seem it was necessary, going by the constant stream of pilgrims that found their way here.


    After silently looking at the que for a minute Zac finally walked over toward the shield.


    -----


    Death loomed as he roused himself with some effort. Murky eyes that hadnt opened for tens of thousands of years gazed at the richly decked man kneeling in front of him with a face marred by worries.


    Shield, he said with a raspy voice, and soon after five men entered from a passage.


    Every one of them emitted auras powerful enough to subdue the heavens, but their faces were red with strain as they had to cooperate to carry an object covered in dusty cloth. They finally arrived in front of him, and when they ced down the item the would building shook from the weight.


    Hisdecrepit hand slowly reached forward, and the cloth disintegrated as his oldpanion rose toward him. As he looked at the blue fractal on the shield he felt as though he was back on the battlefield those millions of years ago, but this time he didnt he didnt fasten it to his arm.


    This is goodbye, old friend, he said with a sigh.


    A smile adorned his face as he slowly caressed the edge of his shield, and it hummed with sorrow as he rose to his feet. He walked outside his small pce and rose into the skies, the six hegemons silently following behind.


    Outside the town, a sea of people silently stood waiting, millions upon millions of them.


    Grand Protector, they immediately shouted, kneeling in reverence.


    He never had any family, but he saw all these people as his children. He had watched over this world for innumerable years, seeing it grow to the beacon of freedom and enlightenment it was today. He had staved off countless attacks from those who had wanted to take theirnd and wealth.


    But he knew he was needed one final time as he looked up at the skies. The beautiful blue sky was reced by a dizzying blur of all colors of the spectrum as rampant energies shed. Most of the smaller worlds had already been destroyed, ripped into nothingness by the primordial chaos.


    The death of a universe.


    The next moment his old and hunched-over body released enough power to blot out the skies as he rose to meet the iing chaos. Space itself was cracking, but he didnt even notice the void edges that pelted his body. They were simply pushed away by the force of histent will.


    In just a second he left the atmosphere, and he looked down on the massive continent beneath. There had once been tens of thousands of worlds circting around it, but now only a scant few survived, protected by immense arrays.


    Eternal and unbroken, he said, his voice carrying across the countless miles.


    The next moment his body started to shine brighter and brighter, and soon it far eclipsed any star in the universe. The golden shine quickly expanded and formed a shield that encapsted the whole continent and its trillions of inhabitants.


    The next moment the chaotic energies and spatial tears mmed into the shield with enough power to rip even the Dao to shreds, but the shield didnt even shudder. His consciousness slowly faded as he became one with the shield.


    Countless years passed as the universe faded, the continent set adrift in the chaotic spatial folds between realities. But the shield held true, protecting its inhabitant from the endless void. Forever.


    For he was Immutable.

 Chapter 242: Chains of Fate

    Chapter 242: Chains of Fate


    Zac satpletely immobile for hours even after the vision ended. He thought that he had gotten ustomed to the new reality by now, but he was once againpletely awed by the power some individuals held. Seeing the death of a universe was also something that he would never forget.


    The prowess in that golden shield was mind-bending, to the point that Zac felt the Grand Protector was a being that was a notch above both the unnamed ax-man and The Lifebringer. The ax-man held monstrous power and was able to kill a whole with a swing, but that was still a lesser featpared to what the Grand Protector did.


    The old man managed to shield and-mass of unfathomable size against the very fabric of reality ripping to shreds. Furthermore, the shield he erected stood strong for who knows how long, protecting the continent from the void outside.


    The power of the protagonist wasn''t the only superior thing from the vision, making Zac wonder if it was the benefit of having an Epic ss. When he upied the ax-man he was only a spectator, but he became the Grand Protector for a bit. He still remembered scenes from the ancient mans earlier life, though there were only small snippets.


    He had felt how the old mans very body was tempered with the Dao itself, impregnable and immutable. While Zac was grasping at thin strands of arger fabric the old man forced the Dao to follow his will.


    Zac could only imagine that such a being was at least A-rank, perhaps even higher. The demons believed there were cultivators higher than A-Grade, but they barely had any information about C-Grade warriors, let alone lofty beings above that. If those beings existed or not was shrouded in mystery.


    The extremely clear vision he had also given him an unprecedented harvest, and he was ted as he looked at the Dao Screen in front of him.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Hardness (Middle): Endurance +25, Wisdom +5.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Sanctuary (Early): Endurance +5, Wisdom +10.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had not gained one new seed, but two of them, from the vision. Even more impressively he had even gained two stages to the first of them, Hardness. This time he wasnt disappointed that he didnt attain the same Dao as the old man since he understood that he was millennia away from grasping those concepts.


    He guessed that the Grand Protector possessed something that could be called the Dao of Immutability. The vision ended after he had integrated with the golden shield, but Zac had some time to feel its marvelous effects, and it truly contained myriad concepts.


    Two notable additions were the Daos of both Time and Space, two extremely high-tiered concepts that were out of reach for warriors at his ss as far as he knew. The Dao of Immutability forced space itself to bend to its will, and the protection it providedsted over the eons.


    It was truly a top tier Dao, and the Dao of Hardness was just one small part of it. His insights were based around two things; the massive aura of the shield itself and the hardness the old mans will that forced even the tears in space to be unable to reach his body.


    The shield held the weight of a which resonated with Zacs earlier insights into heaviness, so gaining a snippet of the Dao of Hardness felt pretty natural. The second piece was a mentalponent of hardness, and it reminded Zac of the upgrade he got of the Dao of Heaviness back at the auction.


    In fact, Zac believed gaining his second Dao Seed, the Dao of Sanctuary, was closely rted to that insight back then. He had gained a mentalponent of heaviness due to the immense weight of responsibilities pressing down on him at that time.


    He had been in the middle of the beast hordes and his sister was still unounted for. The Dao insight could be seen as a result of being overwhelmed, but by now he had found his bearings in life. Over the past weeks, he had seen just how much his town had grown, from a small dented camper into a flourishing kingdom.


    Thats why the old man in the vision had resonated with him. The Grand Protector had watched over his continent for countless years, seeing the rise of civilization. With his power he could have easily be a supreme emperor, but he was content to simply watch from the shadows and protect the ce from unseen threats.


    Zac very well understood that sense of wanting to protect those around him. It was the very reason he desperately tried to get stronger. Initially, it was just for himself and his sister, but the circle of people he wanted to protect had slowly expanded as he saw his inde to life.


    Both of the Dao Seeds he gained were on the defensive side, but Zac knew that they were meant for different things. The Dao of Hardness was mostly for personal defense. He could imbue himself or his shield with it, and from there endure stronger strikes.


    But the Dao of Sanctuary was based on protection. He currently wasnt sure if he had any skills that could benefit from it, but he felt its purpose was to help protect others rather than himself. <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> might be a possible candidate, though that skill already benefitted from infusing it with Dao of Trees.


    In any case, he knew his survivability had increased by a notch, both from a huge influx of points into Endurance, but also being able to empower himself further with new Dao Seeds. He had used Dao of Trees as a defensive skill until now, but it wasnt a purely defensive Dao like the Dao of Sharpness was purely offensive.


    Besides, the Dao of Trees was inconvenient for him to use for various reasons. First of all, it contained the breath of life, which essentially was poison for him in his Draugr-form. It also wasnt possible to infuse non-living things with that Dao, so strengthening his metallic shield was impossible.


    However, the happy surprises didnt end there. He actually had gained another title.


    <strong>[Scion of Dao: Attain five different Dao Seeds while still at F-Grade Reward: All stats +5]</strong>


    This title wasnt listed in the booklet he got from Bra, meaning it was likely pretty rare, and Zac could understand why. Most people had tremendous trouble attaining Dao Seeds on their own, and no sses gave five Dao Seeds as far as he knew.


    It was the same with Zac himself, all five of his seeds could be linked to the three visions he had seen. The Dao of Sharpness might haveeter, but it was only due to forming the foundation after seeing the Dao of Axe that he managed to attain it.


    Histest gains had also pushed not only Wisdom but even Luck past one hundred points. That only left Intelligence that was still below that level, currently sitting at 97. But Zac chose to not put any of his free points into Intelligence even though he was so close.


    He hadnt heard of any benefits of having all attributes over one hundred, and besides, he would likely gain a couple of more titles before reaching level 75. He didnt want to waste his precious free points into an attribute with limited benefits to his sses.


    In the end, he put all his six points into Strength, pushing it 429. He was mostly done, but there was one final thing he wanted to do before checking in on his axe. It was with some anticipation he opened the Dao Ladder, but he could only wryly smile after seeing Abbot Evesting Peace still sitting on top.


    By now Zac felt pretty much certain that the old man had actually attained the Dao of Karma rather than some lowerponent. He had asked Alyn about it when he visited the Academy, but she knew nothing about it, apart from some rumors.


    It was an extremely rare Dao, and those who grasped it were revered as great sages. It was supremely powerful since it was said that a person with a highmand of the Dao of Karma could not only see into the future, but he could even tamper with fate itself. He could bring cmity onto his enemies from the other side of the universe if he wanted.


    Zac felt a bit helpless, and he had a feeling that passing that old man on the Dao Ladder would be even harder than clearing out the incursions. But Zac didnt begrudge the old man his opportunities and instead focused on the things at hand.


    It was time to check on his axe.


    Thest of the cursed rats fell, and the abyssal shriek from the escaping specter barely registered as Thea sat down with a groan. She was hurting all over, but she was determined tost the final ten days. So many were counting on her, and the very fate of her still hung in the bnce.


    Meeting that Dominator had been a true wake-up call. Her grandpa had always told her to never getcent, there were always bigger fish to fry, and she wished that he wasn''t correct for once. They couldn''t even escape that monster, forcing her to use her final measures.


    The side-effects of using her ultimate retreat were even worse than she had imagined, and she internally swore for the hundredth time at the Tutorial Pixies. She already knew that using that skill meant losing levels, but the pixies never said anything about losing even more levels from consecutive uses.


    When she used it the first time in the mountains back home she lost a level, and while it was regrettable it was better than dying. But this time she actually lost three levels, making her wonder just how many levels she would lose the next time she was forced to activate it.


    Then again, the cost of using <strong>[Heaven''s Ward] </strong>might rather be rted to the damage that was blocked than the number of uses. She had been forced to block over a dozen of those chains after Zac was knocked unconscious after all, and that should have required immense energies. Even that man was barely able to block a handful of them.


    The thought of him made her once again open up the hunterdder, and she was happy to notice that she had finally broken into the top ten of thedder. The unceasing beast waves that had been ravaging across the mountains the past days had been a perfect opportunity for her since her <strong>[Petal Storm] </strong>was extremely suited forrge numbers of weaker enemies.


    In fact, she had even gained a full two levels the past days, a feat that would have been impossible back home. After a brief stop at her own rank, she quickly moved down to the 400-rankings to check Zacs status, but her heart tightened when his name was nowhere to be found.


    She kept moving further and further down the list but he was nowhere to be seen, so she quickly opened up the Powerdder from back home. Thea breathed out in relief when she saw that Zac still held amanding lead in the front, but she quickly returned to the hunterdder.


    Finally, she found out what was going on. He had moved all the way up to the 46<sup>th</sup> position in a few hours, once again showcasing his power. Her mouth curved upwards as she gazed up at the skies.


    Nothing would stop that man.


    Screams echoed across the cliffs as she slowly ripped the limbs from the human, one by one. Anytime she saw the sigil of the Medhin Empire resentment rose in her heart, and she couldnt stop herself from tormenting those people a bit.


    She knew that the real family members were off-limits, even though she wasn''t thrilled about it. But those rules didnt exist for their subjects. They were just fated to be fuel anyway, and a cruel smile adorned Inevitability''s face as she ripped off another arm of the Medhin General.


    Finally the screams abated, and the whole mountain became deathly silent. Everything in the surroundings had already been purged by her <strong>[Chains of Fate]</strong>, leaving just herself on this mountain.


    This small distraction, unfortunately, didnt lessen the frustration that had been building in Inevitabilitys heart over the months. This wasnt how it was supposed to go. The world had finally changed, allowing them to move into the sunlight. But it came too soon, and they werent ready. The world weed the Incursions, forcing them on the passive.


    Not only that, but some insane human somehow managed to go and be an in-name disciple of their master. Forget about bing official disciples themselves, by now they could consider themselves lucky if their souls weren''t ripped out from their bodies when he arrived.


    Their ancestors had already failed their tasks, and they had failed as well when the integration finally arrived. Their very existences were hanging by the barest of threads, and her actions thest week had almost closed thest door of salvation.


    That beastman was also a decent candidate, but he was below that human that almost managed to kill her in the end. They truly needed this Zachary Atwood to fulfill their goal. But finally, there was some good news. The human was fine, and steadily climbing the killdder.


    Voids n might work out after all. She was sure he had already finished his tasks back in the real world. He never messed around, and he likely set out the minute the trial started. Inevitability once again looked up at the skies, and they didnt seem as bleary this time.


    They might just survive the arrival of The Great Redeemer after all.

 Chapter 243: Gold and Bones

    Chapter 243: Gold and Bones


    Zac was about to walk out of his hiding spot, but he suddenly realized something. He was almostpletely naked. His brows rose in surprise, but as he looked at the ground he understood what had happened.


    Scraps from his former robesy around him, corroded and discolored. It almost looked like he had molted ayer of skin, and Zac couldn''t help but frown in disgust. He had expected the robes to have repaired themselves while he meditated, but he was dead wrong on that point.


    The rat vomit must have overtaxed the robes and destroyed the inscriptions. It was regrettable since it was a very convenient item, but Zac wasn''t overly saddened by it. The clothes had lost their usefulness to arge degree already. The shields it could summon simply werent strong enough to protect him against threats anymore.


    Besides, he had gained a huge amount of Endurance since he got his second ss. In fact, he had more than doubled his Endurance in just a few short weeks. It was to the point that he hadnt really limatized to the huge improvements and he still avoided strikes that wouldnt be unable to hurt him.


    It became readily apparent during his fight with the rats. He had taken thousands of strikes from the frenzied beasts but he walked away from the battle with only surface wounds that had bled a bit. If he had taken those kinds of strikes during the beast waves he would have been out ofmission in no time.


    So the loss of the defensive option wasnt really an issue, but Zac would miss the fact that he never needed to change or clean the clothes. It seemed that he would have to go back to his old style of wearing whatever, and he started scouring the mountains of loot in his cosmic sack for anything serviceable.


    Finally, he decked himself in the gaudy robes of Tyrbat Medhin, the royal he killed during the first day of the hunt. The robe hadnt disyed any real defensive properties during the fight, but Zac chose it for another reason.


    He had decapitated the former owner, drenching the robes in blood, but when he found it in his Cosmos Sack it waspletely spotless. This could only mean that it had the cleaning-feature since Zac sure as hell hadn''t done a wash during the hunt. Judging by how the man fought, having multiple rings with impressive defensive properties, that also wasnt the only benefit of the robes.


    A warm sensation spread through his body the moment he put it on, and he was surprised to see that grime that had set in his hair was turning into steam. In just a minute he waspletely spotless like he had taken a proper bath.


    The effect was amazing, and the inscriptions must have been designed by a neat-freak. But Zac still didnt like the overly gaudy design, and he felt like Bra while wearing the clothes. He chose to don a dark brown cloak that covered most of the gold, and since he was dressed he could finally leave his hiding spot.


    Zac was filled with anticipation as he walked over toward where he hid the crimson crystal containing <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. He first scanned the vicinity, but thankfully nothing had changed while he was busy with his vision. There was only a sea of rat carcasses all around him.


    He also realized that the miasmic field that he generated with <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> waspletely gone from the rat den, and not a smidgeon of miasma remained in the atmosphere. It looked like the skill''s effects were temporary, meaning that he couldnt use it to terraform his surroundings to be death-attuned.


    A full six hours had passed since he hid the crystal, but when he moved the carcasses blocking it not much had changed. The only difference was that the crystal now was almostpletely opaque. Zac barely managed to make out the silhouette of something inside, but he couldnt tell if anything had changed about the axe.


    Zac was a bit stumped when he gazed at the huge crystal. It still emanated no energy fluctuations, and it might just as well be arge rock if he didnt know what it contained. But he had no idea what to do with it now. The time on his hands was limited, and he had no idea how long it would take for his weapon to finish its evolution.


    He had hoped that it would be done by the time Zac had gained his Dao seeds, but he had no such luck. He also wasntfortable putting the crystal into his Cosmos Sack, since he had no idea whether that would somehow interrupt or affect the evolution.


    Quite some time passed as Zac stared at the crystal, his frown deepening by the minutes. Finally, after staring intently at the crystal for almost half an hour he gave up and instead took out his shield. He didn''t dare to destroy the crystal, so he would have to upy himself with something else. He had only checked on one of the benefits from finishing his quest, and this was as good a time as any to check out the other.


    The shield looked a bit worse for wear, but it wasnt beyond redemption. But it would need to be worked by a cksmith as soon as he got back to Port Atwood. The first thing he did after equipping the shield was to imbue it with the Dao of Hardness.


    He would have thought some change would take ce after the infusion, like how his fractal des changed colors by which Dao they were infused with, but the shield looked just the same. There were no extrayers of protection forming above it either, and if Zac wasn''t the one pushing the energies into the shield he wouldn''t know it was there.


    But he still knew that the Dao worked, since he could feel how it reinforced the whole shield from within. He tried mming the shield with his fist to test the effect, and there was a clear improvement. He couldnt even leave a dent in the shield after using over half his force, showing just how powerful the middle stage Dao Seed was. Of course, he still knew that he could break the shield if he truly exerted his full force.


    But that didnt mean that the Dao of Hardness was sub-par, but rather that the shield wasnt anything special apart from being a high-quality product. It wasn''t a Spiritual Treasure like <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, but something along the lines of the robes he just lost.


    He also tried to infuse the shield with the Dao of Sanctuary, but the Dao wouldnt enter it, just like how his Dao of Trees initially wouldnt enter his axe. He also tried to infuse his body and his clothes, but nothing worked.


    For now, it looked like the second Dao Seed would have to be a passive attribute boost since he couldnt figure out a way to use it in battle. Then again, the power of an early-stage Seed was limited, and not something he would bring out in a battle with his current power.


    Next, he started up <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong>, and as he expected there was a guidance system showing him how to work the shield. He had already found out that this type of skill was extremelymon, and most sses had a simr one. The difference was that both his mastery skills also provided Dao Visions, whereas the equivalent skills for lower-grade sses just provided the guidance system.


    Interestingly enough this guidance system didnt only show him the illuminated paths on how to move his shield, but it also simted attackers who he had to block.


    With Zacs amplebat experience he had no problem to quickly learn the basic steps and movements. It also showed some offensive moves, such as bashing the shield forward, ramming, and pinning down opponents. It even showed how to punch forward and use the lower edge of the shield as a weapon.


    Since the skill only was at early mastery it didnt incorporate any of his Daos, and Zac soon stopped training with the skill. He knew that he would be able to advance <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong> with just a day or so of training since the only thing required to advance the mastery to middle was to fully learn all the moves.


    But now was not the time for that. Almost a whole day had passed between the battle and his meditation, leaving just 9 more days to reim his cements. His position on the hunterdder had improved quite a bit, but he knew that it would likely get harder and harder to keep gaining positions.


    He returned to the side of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, but nothing had changed since hisst check. Finally, he took out some ropes from his sack and started fastening them around the crystal. He decided that he would simply bring the thing on his back as he explored the tunnels.


    However, he only managed to walk fifty meters in the direction of the exit before he could hear ominous crackling sounds from the crystal, and he hurriedly put it down. He noticed arge crack running all along the thing, and he wanted to p himself for his impatience.


    The cracks only got worse and spread all over the thing, and Zac could only look on in dismay. But the moment the whole thing shattered a massive aura exploded out from the crystal, forcing Zac a few steps back. Zac''s hopes reignited as he looked at the scene from afar.


    Arge projection suddenly appeared where the crystal once was, reaching over five meters in height. It was Verun, but its appearance had changed a bit. The most obvious change was the increase in size, with its wither height increasing from roughly 1.5 meters to its current size.


    Its maw was still an oversized vortex of gristly fangs, making its head just enormous by now. But its body was more proportional, and it rippled with sleek muscles. It felt like a true predator and was felt far more nimble than the stocky barghest, but far more powerful than the agile Gwyllgi.


    A shockingly powerful roar emitted out from the specter, and suddenly all the carcasses of thergest rats burst open and blood streamed toward it from all directions. Meanwhile, the actual axe rose from the ground, but before Zac could get a proper look it was covered by the iing blood.


    Thankfully it didn''t form yet another crystal though, and after just a few seconds the blood was gone. Verun slowly dissipated, turning into motes of light that entered the axe as it fell down on the ground.


    As Zac walked over to the axe he still felt some power undtions from it, but it had mostly calmed down by now. There were some noticeable changes to the axe, the foremost being the head. It was made by some dark metal before, but now it looked greyish-white and seemed to be actually created from an enormous tooth.


    Its edge was still curved, but it was slightlyrgerpared to before, almost reaching half a meter by now. Its edge was a bit uneven as well, and his thoughts still went to Orc Chieftains when he looked at <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>.


    Zac hesitantly dragged his finger along the edge and he immediately felt a sharp pain as blood started to flow freely from his finger. Even after he imbued his hand with the Dao of Hardness it took a bit of strength to once again cut through his skin, which made it very telling just how sharp the edge was.


    There were still a few smaller teeth fastened to the back of the head, but now there was one that was farrger than the others. It almost formed a counterweight and formed a sharp spike that pushed out from the back of the axe-head. Its needlepoint looked extremely sharp, and Zac knew that it should have extreme piercing power if he needed it.


    The handle was still wrought of some wood, though it looked a bit more greyishpared to before. But more interestingly five fractals ran all along the handle. The one closest to the end of the haft was glistening with a crimson red, whereas the others were pitch ck.


    Zac couldnt be sure, but he felt as though there was a meaning to the colors. He had fed the axe enormous amounts of blood to help it evolve, and the first fractal shone with that very same color. Perhaps he would need to keep feeding it even more blood to light up the other fractals as well.


    However, the changed appearance was not the only thing different about it. It also emitted a brutal and unrestrained aura and looking at it felt like staring at a prehistoric beast. Zac couldnt be sure, but it felt that this aura would be even stronger in battle, and it might even possess the ability to suppress his enemies.


    The final difference became apparent when he gripped the wooden handle. The moment he touched the haft he immediately sensed another presence in his mind. However, it wasnt at all like the intrusion of the specters he had felt earlier.


    It was like he shared a mental connection with another being, and he immediately understood that the connection was to Verun itself. The link even allowed him tomunicate in a way, though Verun wasnt sapient like Bra, at least not yet.


    The moment the link was established Zac felt a rapid stream of emotions. Exultation and pride. Recognition and kinship. Tiredness. Not long after the link weakened, and no more emotions were transmitted. However, Zac understood that the link wasnt just a temporary thing, but it was rather temporarily weakened due to Verun being tired out from the evolution.


    Finally, he was done with the cave, and Zac effortlessly threw away the carcasses blocking the exit. He took onest look at the cavern that had provided him with so many benefits before entering the tunnel with newfound confidence.

 Chapter 244: Immutable Bulwark

    Chapter 244: Immutable Bulwark


    Zac couldnt help being in a great mood as he walked through the winding pathways of the tunnel. He had gotten a slew of power-ups, and even his main weapon had received an evolution. Even better, at the end of the road there was a mountain of treasure waiting for him. Falling into the ravine was starting to turn out all right.


    But his mod was quickly getting dampened as he walked. First of all the tunnels felt almost endless, and he started to worry just how long the passages were. Perhaps he wouldn''t even reach the inheritance before the time was up. But more importantly, the aura of darkness in the tunnel was slowly increasing, making the air oppressive.


    He had no idea what the old Array Spirit had prepared, or whether it even had any control over the situation. But he feared the old spirit was leading him toward the source of the darkness to kill the enemies of his fallen sect. Or perhaps the truth was somethingpletely different.


    The words of the old man echoed in his mind, and he had started to form a hypothesis about what happened here. Anzonil had said that everything was ruined by one mistake. Not long ago Ogras told him that countless people in the multiverse had turned to monsters in their pursuit of power, and Zac believed that might have been the case with this ce.


    They had either created ore in contact with the mysterious aura of darkness and sought to control it. It was undeniable that the darkness made people stronger, but they also turned into raving lunatics when they were infected. The specters had a humanoid form when they attacked him and Thea on the mountain peak. What if they were the former sect-members? Perhaps Anzonil wanted him to kill the specters not out of hatred, but out of mercy.


    But it was a moot point since Zac had no method of killing them unless they were susceptible to the Dao of Hardness for some reason. So it was with some trepidation that he stopped when the tunnel once again exited into arge den. This time there was no ocean of rats, but instead a sea of insects that most resembled ants.


    They were more uniform in sizepared to the rats, and there were four types. Thergest was a huge blob of an ant in the middle of the den, and it was easily over fifteen meters across. Judging by the short withered legs Zac suspected it was unable to move and relied on the smaller ones to bring it food.


    Surrounding what was clearly the queen were a few elite guards that were around three meters each, each emanating powers close to that of E-Rank. Finally were themon ants, and they came in two sizes; medium andrge. The whole scene reminded him of the Ayr Hive back on his ind, though the ants in front of him looked far more simrpared to the extremely diverse shapes of Ayr insectoids. But there was one more difference.


    These things were obviously infected by the darkness. Frenzied battles were taking ce all among the smaller ants, and therge queen was currently feasting on one of the worker ants. The whole hive emitted a type of insanity and chaos that was very different from the cooperation that usually characterized ant species.


    Zac briefly wondered if he would have to cut his way through all manner of creepy crawlies to get to the treasure as he prepared himself for battle. But he didnt really mind since his level was still pretty low, and he would be able to quickly gain some more levels this way.


    His thirst for power was at an all-time high since his meeting with Inevitability, and he knew there was no time to waste. This time he didn''t opt to stay hidden and spectate and instead jumped straight into the fray with his axe at the ready.


    ttering from thousands of agitated ants echoed through the caverns, drowning out all other sounds, but Zac simply ignored it as he started killing ants with breakneck speed with his axe. The gloomy transformation of the area from <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>had already taken ce, and <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> was also activated.


    Since he had gained the skills already he was using his axe from the start. He wanted to increase his speed as much as possible on his way to the Inheritance. The ants had thick ting to protect themselves, but the upgraded <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> cut through them like they were paper, and his speed of killing was unprecedented in his undead form.


    However, he was a bit disappointed to notice that <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> wasnt very effective against these beasts. The defense was clearly higher than the offense of the ants, and even though the specters kept appearing around him to reflect the bites they mostly harmlessly hit the chitinous shells.


    Zac soon decided topletely abandon the skill since it was just a waste of miasma. Instead, he started work his way around in a circle of the outer area of the cavern. The queen was simply sitting there in the middle, and her bodyguards hadn''t moved. Perhaps the queen wasn''t even abat ss, but rather a being that solely focused on birthing more ants to protect the hive.


    He wanted to kill all these ants first for the experience anddder cements, and he was worried that if he killed the boss first the other ants would flee. This cavern was different from thest one, it contained tens of small tunnels leading god knows where, and Zac wouldnt be able to block them all to keep his prey inside.


    Suddenly his danger sense rang in his mind, but no matter where he looked he couldn''t see anything. But a secondter an unseen force mmed into his mind, and he couldnt help himself from falling over with a groan. If he was human he would likely have emptied his stomach by now, but instead the miasma in his body was going haywire.


    He couldnt see straight, and it was like his body didnt understand themands he sent. But a few piercing stabs of pain cut straight through the confusion. It was two of therger ants that had taken the opportunity to attack, and each had bit into his torso with theirrge pincers.


    ck ichor was slowly dripping out of the wounds, making Zac groan in pain. But his almost five hundred Endurance wasnt just for show, and he got to his feet with a roar. The tworge ants tried to distance themselves from him but they were quickly bisected by two swings empowered by the Dao of Sharpness.


    They were extremely quick, and Zac held nothing back in his attacks so that they wouldnt have time to flee. He didnt have ess to <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> in his current form so he needed to make sure to quickly kill the speedier targets.


    Zac took a few steadying breaths to calm the miasma that was still not fully under control inside his body and looked over at the queen. The air around her shuddered with power, making Zac frown. It had likely shot out some mental attack that briefly rendered him immobile.


    Unfortunately, he didnt have ess <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> as an undead either, and he could only try to fortify his mind with the help of the Dao of Hardness. One of the insights he got into it was a mental resilience, and it should provide some protection against psychic attacks. But the queen was an E-Grade being and Zac had a feeling that a middle stage Dao Seed wouldn''t be enough topletely block its attacks.


    He quickly popped a healing pill into his mouth as he kept killing the frenzied ants around him, and he was quickly forming a small hill of corpses. It looked like he couldnt ignore the fat blob as he killed its subjects. He would have to hope that the darkness in the smaller ants would make them crazed enough to keep fighting even after their queen died.


    He had lost some of his power due to the four gristly puncture wounds, but it wasnt all bad news. The attack from the queen was the third and final strike he needed to endure toplete his quest for <strong>[Immutable bulwark]</strong>. Now was as good a time as any to test it out, and he quickly activated the skill as he rushed toward the center of the cave.


    A huge Fractal shield that was over two meters tall and four meters wide appeared in front of him as he ran. It had the turquoise color of miasma, and fractals formed some sort of pattern in the center of it. But the thing that truly drew Zac''s attention was the huge sinister spikes covering the shield. The skill wasn''t purely defensive.


    In just a few seconds he had mowed down over a hundred ants from his charge, and his killing efficiency was even better than when using his axe. The speed of killing beasts was still worsepared to the carnage he could unleash when using <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but it was a clear step up from waiting for his enemies to kill themselves from <strong>[Deathwish].</strong>


    Zac reactivated <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>as a precaution as was approaching the stronger ants and the queen. Since the bodyguards could pierce his body with their pincers they should be able to hurt themselves as well, and perhaps the skill also worked against mental attacks. To his surprise, almost ten specters immediately appeared in front of the shield, and he quickly realized was going on.


    There was a synergy between <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> and <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. He had been worried before about the contradictory nature of his first offensive skill. He was a ss that focused on blocking, but his skill required him to get hit to hurt his enemies.


    He already knew that <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> didnt activate when he used his shield, but that changed the moment he activated his new skill. Any ant that tried to bite their way through the fractal shield was immediately attacked by spectral copies of themselves, proving that an attack on his bulwark was counted as an attack on himself.


    The only downside was that both the power and energy consumption seemed worsepared to when he used his own body as the punching-board.


    Still, this was an enormous upgrade as Zac saw it, and it would allow him to avoid any damage while simply pushing forward with his new fractal bulwark. The enemies would be gored by the spikes if they didnt dodge quick enough, and if they tried to cut their way through they would be just harming themselves.


    Soon he arrived at the encirclement of therger ants that guarded the queen, and he unhesitantly pushed forward like a runaway train. He even imbued his new defense with the Dao of Hardness as he closed in on thest distance.


    But just a few moments before he would m into the final barrier of ants between himself and the queen another wave of the mental attack hit him. He had already fortified his mind with the Dao of Hardness, but the power in that attack was just massive.


    He couldnt stop himself from falling over yet again as miasma was once again going out of control. But the protection of the Dao Seed helped him at least keep his consciousness through the attack, and he quickly ced the shield right above himself for protection. Just a secondter he sensed arge stream of energy entering him, proving that at least one of therger ants had just killed himself on his improvised turtle shell.


    He wondered if he would be able to stay beneath his shield while all the ants killed themselves upon it, but the queen soon made herself reminded with another mental st that shocked Zacs system.


    The time between the attacks was far shorter this time, making Zac wonder if proximity was a factor in the attack. In any case, it meant he couldnt stay beneath his shield. The three strikes had drained arge amount of his mental energy, andbined with his Dao usage his head was starting to hurt a bit.


    If he kept getting sted he might fry his brain, and he had a feeling that his Duplicity Core couldnt help him with that. His danger sense was already ringing in his mind, so Zac quickly got on his feet to make a final charge at the queen.


    But the moment he got up on his feet he saw an iing enormous ball of chaotic energies. Zac wanted to move out of the way, but he knew he didnt possess the speed with his current ss. He had no choice but to brave it, so he pushed a huge amount of miasma into <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>as he imbued it with the Dao of Hardness.


    A huge explosion rocked the whole cave and Zac couldnt stop himself from being pushed back over fifty meters. His arms shook from the force of the impact, but he was mostly fine. However, the same couldnt be said of the queen.


    Arge burn-mark adorned her enormous gut, and the thick shell even had some cracks that leaked blue blood. The attack hadpletely backfired on her, and Zac wanted to take the opportunity to finish her off.


    There was only one thought running through his mind as he once again ran toward the shrieking hive queen; this new skill was right up his alley.

 Chapter 245: Indomitable

    Chapter 245: Indomitable


    The miasma was roiling inside his body as Zac surveyed the battleground. Broken carapaces and shells were strewn all over, and it was impossible to take a step without putting his feet in a blue puddle of ant blood.


    He made a cursory check for anything of value as he walked toward the only passage that didnt seem to be created by tunneling ants. After he had managed to reflect some of the ultimate attack of the hive queen the fight was mostly over.


    She seemed to be afraid to attack him again, and that hesitation allowed him to get close enough to finish the fight with his axe. A few quick chops and she was dead. Luckily killing the queen had the effect he hoped for, and the rest of the ants had turnedpletely insane in their anger, desperately trying to kill him.


    He had made a few discoveries during this battle that helped him understand the strength and shorings of his new skill. The good was that the defensive properties of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> were extremely high.


    It also seemed to differ from how <strong>[Chop] </strong>worked. That skill was based on the actual weapon he used, so when he changed weapons so did the strength of the fractal edge change. But his new defensive skill was different. It didnt look anything like his shield, and his actual shield took no damage when <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>was attacked. He was, however, unable to summon the skill if he didnt have a shield equipped, so they were connected somehow.


    Zac guessed that the power was based on his Endurance, like <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, since it wasnt based on his actual weapon. The miasma consumption was also based on how much the shield was attacked, just like an array.


    He had also learned some new things about <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. It did not appear that it worked on mental skills since the queen had no reaction after attacking him multiple times with the mental waves. This was something Zac had seen as a possibility before.


    In fact, there were multiple means of attack where he suspected the skill wouldnt work. Illusions and poison were two other examples. It appeared that there needed to be a kicponent to the attack, such as a punch or a fireball for there to be anything to reflect.


    The battle had also given him three new levels, two of which came from killing the queen. It was crazy to think he had gained ten levels in just one day, but he also noted that the speed was already slowing down markedly.


    He almost wished there would be a few more rooms like this before he got to the treasure. There was no real threat to him, and he could generally treat it as rooms full of experience points. However, his worry grew as the corruption in the atmosphere around him kept increasing.


    Even the flora in the tunnel he was starting to be twisted and odd, even though the corruption in the tunnels was far lowerpared to the caverns for some reason. Perhaps the array screens that hid the tunnels he used also stopped some of the darkness from passing through.


    But even then the effect on the nt life was noticeable. Some of them even produced an odd ck substance, and Zac collected some of it in case it could be useful or valuable. However, there was clearly something wrong with the ck liquid. He identally got a few drops on his hand while he was collecting it, and in just moments he felt rage bubbling up inside him.


    It was only a few minutester that the urge to go crazy and destroy everything around him subsided and Zac was shocked by the effect. Just what would happen if some beast ate these nts on a daily basis?


    Zacs wish for more beasts to kill were soon fulfilled as he came to yet another cavern, this one upied by things that looked like fuzzy scorpions. The battle took around two hours, and he almost got himself killed due to carelessness.


    There had actually been a boss hiding beneath the ground all the time, and Zac only realized his mistake when his danger sense warned him of the iing enormous stinger. He had barely managed to swirl around and block the strike in time.


    Time started to blur and hours turned to days as Zac cleansed one cave after another. Zac started to worry that the old array spirit was taking him on a tour in a circle that spanned the whole mountain range. Or perhaps he was walking straight toward the edge that the System had imposed on the hunt.


    The darkness was also ever-present around him, and it even started to affect his mood to a slight degree. He found himself constantly harboring murderous impulses that he had to forcibly push down. Only entering a tunnel after a cavern gave his mind some reprieve, as the arrays truly seemed to be darkness filters.


    The critters he killed were also turning increasingly insane, and they also started to exhibit various deformities from the corruption. Zac was currently fighting against the patriarch of a cavern that was inhabited by roughly a hundred huge lizards.


    Each one of them was close to the E-Grade, but they looked like they were barely alive since they were covered in grisly scars and pus-filled tumors. Some had grown odd appendages and others seemed barely coherent enough to take care of itself.


    Zac finally felled the beast, and a surge of Cosmic Energy brought him to level 48. He was only twelve levels away from his main ss now, and it proved just how efficient it was to hunt E-Grade beasts to level.


    Just the past two days he had killed more E-Grade beings than he had during the first six months of the integration which had skyrocketed his levels. However, the things he had encountered could barely be counted as E-Grade, provided far less Cosmic Energy than the Star Ox for example.


    He felt that the speed of gaining levels was slowing down, just like it had with his main ss. But he still was extremely satisfied with the result. His time down in the tunnels had also proven an extremely efficient way to grind his position on the hunterdder, and he had already back jumped up to the 6<sup>th</sup> position.


    His gathererdder was steady dropping though, and he was down at the 9<sup>th</sup> position now. He had seen multiple names in the top 50 disappear, likely meaning desperate battles were taking ce aboveground which was quickly consolidating the wealth.


    There was nothing of value down here, and he could only pin his hope to Anzonils treasure trove. Zac took ast look around the cavern for anything that might be of value, but as usual it was just disgusting carcasses.


    But his brows furrowed when he saw that the leader lizard suddenly started shaking, and the next moment a ghastly specter shot out of it with a screech. It made a beeline for Zac, its ws already poised to strike.


    Zac readied his axe to meet the iing ghost, but at thest moment, he had an idea. He quickly moved his axe as he infused himself with the Dao of Hardness. The ghost unhesitantly tried to rake his chest, but it suddenly shrieked in anger and pain when a copy of itself suddenly attacked it.


    It tried to swing right back, but the moment after the spectral projection from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> had attacked it turned to nothingness. The specter seemedpletely enraged and tried venting its anger on Zac.


    It quickly unleashed a barrage of attacks on Zac, but between his robes, his Endurance, and his Dao it only felt like someone was scratching him. But the same couldnt be said about the specter. It howled in pain with every strike, and the pain seemed to make it even more desperate as it even tried to bite Zacs head.


    Zac had to force himself to stay still, and a small stream of cosmic energy the next moment told him his gambit had been a sess. He already knew that <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> returned the same type of energy as the original attack, though it was formed by miasma, so he surmised that if specters could kill themselves then so could he with the skill.


    It turned out he was correct, and it was as though a stone had lifted from his chest. If he could actually kill the ghosts by just standing still then he didnt really have much to worry about unless there were some stronger ghosts that they hadnt encountered aboveground.


    The piercing wail came to mind, for example. Zac had no doubt that being was E-Graded, and he did not want to test whether his endurance or that things power was greater. It had managed to scramble his brains momentarily from god knows what distance, so he couldnt imagine a battle in melee range going his way.


    Still, it was with newfound vigor he pushed toward the next cave, and the persistent aura of darkness didnt feel as oppressive any longer. However, more and more ghosts started to appear in the caves, all of them hiding in the stronger beasts.


    Zac surmised that they perhaps were draining the energy of those they possessed, and used the powerful animals as personal feeding grounds. He already knew that they were in need of Cosmic Energy to survive going by the thousands of ghosts that had assailed him on the mountain top.


    The more frequently appearing ghosts proved they werent all harmless to him as well. One had managed to slink into his mind just like thest time, and he barely was able to force it out by madly channeling the Dao of Hardness.


    It was lucky too, as the ghost had unhesitantly tried to use Zac arm to sever his own legs with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. It was by the hair that he managed to stop himself from amputating his leg, and sweat was running down his forehead from the close call.


    After that he no longer dared to let the ghosts freely have at him, and instead had his eyes peeled in case they tried to possess him again. The moment he suspected that was what one of the ghosts nned he immediately shed it with his axe, briefly scattering it and enraging it.


    But that also drastically slowed down his speed of killing the things, and it was quickly getting hard to keep track of all the ghosts as they grew more numerous in the caverns. So worry started to grow as the situation was growing more and more strained.


    Finally it got so bad that he started wondering whether he even dared to keep going. Dozens of ghosts were wailing in the cave that once housed yet another rat den. They were frenziedly trying to get at him, and Zac had to keep running as he sorted out which ones were attacking and which ones tried to possess him.


    He already knew that putting his back against a wall had no effect, the ghosts could easily pass through them. Even his newly attained defensive skill proved useless against the spectral beings, and they simply flew right around it without being impeded.


    But suddenly he gained a surge of energy as yet another ghost killed itself by wing his chest, and Zac opened up his menu like a drowning man. The surge of power in his body told him that he had finally reached level 50, which meant that he should have gotten a new ss quest.


    What type of skill he attained and how easily he couldplete the quest would dictate whether he would keep going or not. At this rate, he might get possessed at any moment, as there already had been a few close calls thest caverns.


    <strong>Indomitable (ss): Attain a high stage defensive Dao Seed. Reward: Indomitable (1/1)</strong>


    Zac couldnt help but get his hopes up when he saw the name, but he refocused on the ghosts and slowly whittled them down so that he could focus on the new skill uninterrupted. He still waited on a second Dao Vision, since he still had only got the one.


    Alyn had told him that higher rarity sses got more Dao visions, but Zac guessed reality might not be that simple when he noted that Indomitable was yet another normal ss quest. Perhaps he had gained one higher-grade vision that awarded multiple seeds rather than multiple weaker ones.


    That would in a sense ensure that the seeds he gained would have a good synergy since they came from the same individual. But whether he was correct or not wasnt important at the moment, and instead he focused on the skill. Luckily the quest seemed to count Seed of Trees as a defensive Dao since the quest was already considered finished. He quickly epted it and he felt a new fractal taking ce in his mind.


    Zac was ted since the cement was almost exactly identical to the one of <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>, which together with its name gave a pretty clear indication of what type of skill it was.


    It seemed his luck had pulled through for him once again.

 Chapter 246: Core of Darkness

    Chapter 246: Core of Darkness


    It was already in the next cave that <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> proved its worth. It was as though the ghosts hit a brick wall when they tried to enter his mind and were then unceremoniously thrown out. That in turn just enranged them even further, and they immediately tried to tear him to shreds in their anger.


    Unfortunately <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> did not work in synergy with <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> as it did with <strong>[Immutable Defense]</strong>. The ghosts were rebuffed when they tried to possess him but they werent hurt in the slightest. It was a bit of a shame, but still, the mental defense was what he was after at the moment. And it seemed to be even sturdier than to <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> even though that skill was atte mastery.


    It allowed him to keep pushing through the caverns, and Zac had a feeling he was nearing the end of the subterranean system on his sixth day in the tunnels. Almost all of the beasts in the dens he visited were possessed by now, and animals were hardly more than lifeless husks that housed the spirits within.


    Killing the animals barely provided any energies at all, but it at least forced the ghosts out of the bodies. But the specters were changing a bit as well, and he noticed that some wererger and emitted more chaotic energies.


    A few of them also possessed a minor version of the piercing wail, but <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> blocked out most of the effect from those attacks as well. But the increasing strength of the ghosts also meant that his time wasnt as rxed as he had hoped. He still needed to be careful about some of the stronger specters, since they could actually harm him with their physical attacks.


    It was somewherete on the sixth day that there finally was a change in the endlessly repetitive pattern of the cavern. It felt like Zac had walked a whole continent cross-country in the tunnels, and he missed the sight of the sun even in his undead form.


    The cavern in front of him hinted at change, but he didnt heedlessly head into it and instead opted to properly check it out first. It was simply enormous, at least ten times the size of the dens he had rampaged through before this. It was also the first cave that seemed to house not a single beast.


    Instead, the floor was covered with huge pirs that seemed to be made from onyx or some ck crystal. Zac couldn''t tell whether they were naturally formed or if they were somehow crafted. But they looked too even and sculpted to be a natural mineral, having perfectly even sides as they rose up to ten meters into the air.


    There were thousands of them, and if they held value like normal Nexus Crystals then he might have a chance to jump straight to the first cement on the Gathererdder. However, his eyes barely nced over the forest of crystals before they found themselves glued at the center of the cave.


    Another crystal could be seen there as well, but it waspletely different from all the others. It actually floated in the air, and it emitted such an enticing surge of power that he almost heedlessly ran over to it by instinct.


    It felt like the stone had some sort of hypnotic power since his eyes kept returning to it after moving away. But Zac knew it wasnt actual hypnosis, but rather his body craving the power the stone contained just like when he saw the Fruit of Ascension the first time.


    The power it emitted eclipsed any treasure he had ever encountered, even the lotus that Abbot Evesting Peace used. It felt like it held untold secrets, and that if he could just possess it he would explode in power. He would be able to sweep away the Dominators and the Incursions alike, and finally make Earth a safe haven.


    But there was a problem. The crystal emitted an extremely dense amount of the insidious aura, and it was to the point that the crystal itself might be the source of the darkness. He had a feeling that if he didnt have ess to his new skill that protected his mental state he would have already fallen to madness just by being in this proximity.


    However, he still didnt believe his body was lying to him. That thing was truly a grand treasure, and Zac had a feeling that his suspicions about the Eastern Trigram Sect to be true. If they found that thing they would likely do anything in their power to utilize the mysterious power it contained, though it had obviously backfired.


    Zac wasnt foolish enough to think that he had what it took to control it if an ancient sect failed, but he was also reluctant to just leave it behind. It was no doubt a treasure that even eclipsed the D-Grade, and even if he couldnt use it he could sell it or save it until he was powerful enough.


    But if this was the source of the darkness then it was odd that there was no protection here. Not a single ghost or possessed beast could be seen, and the tall pirs were the only things around it. But Zac was still wary, and he stayed still and observed the surroundings for two hours.


    It cost him quite a bit miasma just to stay close to the cave, and he needed to keep a Miasma Crystal in his hands to counteract the loss. He was forced to continuously imbue <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> with more energy to counteract the lure of the Core of Darkness, which was what he decided to call the treasure in the center of the cave.


    At least nothing had moved in the slightest as he observed the cave, and he had already made a few ns as he waited. He had made up his mind; he would snatch that thing. Of course, if things turned south he would have to let it go, but he refused to leave behind such a treasure without giving it a try.


    He had already spotted the exit on the opposite side of the cavern, so he knew where he needed to go. But before he did anything he put on an amulet. Luckily he had brought the amulet that hid his presence from the undead that he got from Ogras, and he hoped that it would at least have some effect in case the ghosts rested inside of the crystals. He also imbued his mental skill with the Dao of Hardness to improve efficiency.


    This time he didnt jump down the five meters from his vantage in the tunnel, but instead silently climbed down the wall, careful not to make a sound. The moment he exited the protective array of the mouth of the tunnel he immediately heard a low humming sound.


    It wasnt from a person, but rather a sound of all the pirs vibrating. Zac had no idea what that could mean, but he was happy if that was the only sound. It could have been a bunch of ghosts wailing instead, but not a ghost was in sight even after he had climbed down the wall.


    He didnt move for a few seconds, afraid he would trigger something, but the droning sound was the only thing that could be heard. So Zac started to silently move toward the Core of Darkness, careful to stay to his pre-plotted path. He was afraid that getting to close to the pirs might trigger something, so he had carefully mapped out the path that would take him to the Core of Darkness while maintaining the highest distance from the crystals as possible.


    It was pretty disconcerting to walk between the towering pirs, and it almost felt like he was inside some cursed forest. The darkness both in the atmosphere and the crystal pirs were palpable, and Zac couldnt help but increase his speed somewhat.


    He was loath to stay in this cursed ce longer than he had to, so he was almost running as he got closer and closer to the Core. But his fears were suddenly realized as a ghost emerged from one of the crystals close to him. Zac immediately disintegrated it with a quick swing of his axe, but its appearance proved that he wasnt alone in the cavern.


    Destroying the ghost that way only bought him a few seconds, so he immediately started rushing toward the Core, no longer caring about avoiding making any sounds. Two secondster an enraged wail echoed through the chamber, and that wail brought with it pandemonium.


    Innumerable ghosts rose from the pirs, and soon the whole ceiling was blotted out by the specters. There were thousands of them, many emitting even stronger auras than any specter Zac had encountered so far. The worst-case scenario was true; The pirs housed the ghosts like the possessed beasts.


    Zac was full of rm as he rushed toward the Core of Darkness as fast as his legs could take him, and he even pushed miasma into his legs to increase his speed. Luckily he had managed to pass most of the pirs already, and only a few hundred meters remained.


    But a storm of ghosts was rapidly descending on him, and Zac immediately equipped his shield and summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and his two passive skills. He held the shield right above his head as he imbued it with the Seed of Hardness.


    The ghosts could pass straight through the fractal shield normally, but they were unable to do the same when the shield was empowered by a Dao. They could still pass around it and attack him from the other sides, but it at least lessened the attacks on him a bit.


    A few of therger ghosts were almost immediately upon him, and his miasma was rapidly getting expanded to protect himself from tries to possess him. But not long after Zac started to gain streams of miasma from the ghosts who finally had killed themselves in their frenzied attempts to stop his advance.


    But the miasma he gained from <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>was far below what was expended to continuously defend, and Zac knew that he wouldnt be able to slowly grind these ghosts to death with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    Therge ghosts were far too strong. Not only did they manage to rend gashes on his skin that started to bleed the ck ichor, but their attempts to possess him also forced him to expend arge amount of miasma. Had it only been the basic ones it would have been a different story, but this seemed to be the ce where the strongest ghosts gathered.


    He kept putting one leg in front of the other as he ran, and suddenly he waspletely unencumbered by any attacking ghosts. Zac looked up with some confusion and found himself staring straight at the Core of Darkness. Desire to touch it almost blocked out everything else in his mind, and his hand even reached toward the shining crystal. But Zac forcibly moved his hand away and quickly averted his gaze with trepidation. That had been too close.


    He quickly shot a gaze behind him to find that the ghosts were loath to approach any further. Suddenly one of the smaller ghosts wailed in rage and flew forward to bite Zac. However, it didnt even get halfway to him before it suddenly disintegrated, and its particles were sucked into the crystal.


    Zac was surprised since he wasnt expecting it to feed on the ghosts. He even started to consider carrying it in his arms as he fled to the exit of the cave. It would keep even thergest ghosts at bay, providing with safe passage. But he shook his mind after a bit. He didnt dare to actually touch that thing since he had no idea what would happen.


    This thing might be the source of downfall of a sect, and running around with it in his hands was tantamount to suicide. He quickly took out a chest wrought of some unknown metal instead. It was prettyrge and could contain at least two cubic meters. Inscriptions covered most of the thing and it weighed almost half a ton from his approximation.


    It was something he had looted from one of the summit pces. A bunch of valuables that emitted strong energies had been stored inside it, but before he opened it he didnt sense the slightest fluctuations. So Zac hoped it would be able to contain at least some of the aura of the Core of Darkness, giving him enough time to stow it away into his Cosmos Sack. Since that ce was a separate space he didn''t think it would be able to cause any problems as long as he stored it.


    He ignored the increasingly enraged screeches and wails of the ghosts as he lifted the chest, carefully maneuvering it to enclose the Core. The moment it was fully encapsted Zac quickly snapped the thick lid shut, but before he could put the chest into his Cosmos Sack a wave of some unknown force cascaded out from the Core of Darkness and passed right through the chest.


    Zac only sensed <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> activate, and immediately fail, before his vision turned ck.

 Chapter 247: Heart of Oblivion

    Chapter 247: Heart of Oblivion


    A slow but steady heartbeat echoed out into the void, each thump vibrating with the primordial Dao. For untold ages the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong> grew, its tendrils reaching further and further. But suddenly its sanctuary was encroached upon.


    His eyes were the stars and his hand was the sky, and when he moved the Dao shied away. He gripped the heart and clenched with enough force to tear the fabric of reality to shreds. The shockwaves shattered the ck hole that the heart hid inside, the explosion destroying innumerables.


    Unwillingness. Desperation. Hatred. The heart shattered, its remnants fleeing to all corners of the myriad nes. One day it would return.


    A tower reached toward the stars, thrumming with dark powers. It waspletely ck and charred, as though it had been struck by an endless number of lightning bolts, and millions upon millions of bodies hung from varying weapons that had been mmed into its rough exteriors. Darkness slowly swirled around it, a testament to the owner within.


    Thousands of warriors desperately fought against a tide of frenzied and putrefied beasts, the wide ins they stood on already covered with the fallen. In the background a towering roc stood perched on a hill, its eyes radiating boundless darkness.


    The ghost slumbered deep within the earth, only asionally waking up in a bout of frenzied mania to wreak havoc upon its former home. A wail containing its self-hatred and desperation couldnt help escaping its incorporeal maw before the darkness once again shrouded its mind.


    The young beggar could only look up at the floating pces in the sky and dream of a better life. But fate had abandoned him, straddling him with a weak body unable to cultivate. He was trash, forever relegated to the lowest rungs of society. But a whispering beckon called to him, and he crawled deeper and deeper into the sewers until he found the pitch-ck gemstone that would change his fate.


    The scenes kept changing in a dizzying array, and Zac had almost lost all sense of reasoning by now. But one thing in the scenes was constant; the Darkness. Each vision onlysted for a few seconds, but what he had seen was enough to scar him for a lifetime.


    Luckily many of the visions were not as bad as the ones filled with unrelenting carnage. Most of the visions were of hidden pockets of the multiverse, where the splinters of darkness drifted about unchecked and unencumbered. The visions kept sweeping him away, but suddenly they stopped as he found himself in front of a woman sitting in a lotus position in a vast cave.


    Her skin was as white as death and she wore robes that werepletely ck apart from the asional silver details. While her features were unblemished and perfect it was impossible to feel a sense of beauty, and Zac rather only got a feeling of destion and death from her.


    An ocean of miasma slowly swirled around her, its density thick enough to turn the energy into a liquid. Suddenly the woman opened her eyes, and Zac found himself staring into two pitch-ck orbs of the abyss.


    Child of Draug, you have stepped on the path of Oblivion? she sighed as she looked down at her hands. Is it fate?


    The flurry of visions had stopped, but Zac still had no idea what was going on. Was he teleported, or was this all an illusion? He desperately tried to utilize any method he had learned during his entrapment in the corridor, but there were no clues on how to get out.


    The feeling was the same as when he had his Dao visions and the fact that the woman in front of him spoke to him just like the guards indicated this all might be real. His real body was likely still back in the cavern, and god knows what was going on.


    Zac was desperate since he knew just how bad the situation was. His real body might currently be exposed to the corruption of the Core of Darkness, and at such proximity, his miasma would soon be drained from the consumption to keep himself safe.


    He had a strong feeling his core wouldnt be able to help him out in this type of situation. Either the specters or the mysterious crystal itself would take possession of his body long before the process could finish.


    How curious, I do not recognize your lineage, she muttered, showing a slight change in her expression for the first time. Karma ties us, we will meet again. But it is time for you to return.


    A crystalline hand pointed toward him, and suddenly a storm of miasma was ripped out from the ocean around them and crammed into his mind. It felt like his soul would rip to pieces until it was suddenly stabilized by some unknown force.


    The next moment enough miasma to explode him a thousand times over were crammed into <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> and it felt like his mind had truly be unassable. The vision shattered around him, and thest thing he saw were those two familiar pitch-ck eyes.


    The next moment he found himself standing in the cavern, and to his shock, he was holding the Core of Darkness, or rather the splinter from the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong> in his bare hands against his forehead. He quickly tried to throw the thing into his Cosmos Sack, but it was toote as it suddenly disappeared with a shockwave. Unfortunately, that wasnt the end of it as he suddenly found an alien presence in his head.


    The ck crystal had rushed right through the defenses of <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> and entered his mind, and he simply had no means of removing it. Zac was dismayed by these developments, but he had even more immediate concerns. The moment the splinter entered his mind its restrictive effect on the specters was gone.


    A cacophony of wails echoed through the chambers as the specters assaulted him with enough wrath to make it seem like Zac had killed all their ancestors. He found himself in the middle of storms of rabid ghosts whopletely ignored their wounds as they tried to rip him into shreds. Zac quickly oriented himself and immediately rushed toward the exit at the other end of the cavern.


    Wounds were quickly umting on his body, and the golden robe of the Medhin Royal waspletely drenched ck before he had even run a third of the way. At least he was gaining a huge amount of energy from the continuous kills since the ghosts were even angry enough to attack his Dao-empowered fractal shield.


    Suddenly it was as though his whole body thumped from a heartbeat, though not his own, and he couldnt stop himself from falling over from the shock to his system. He quickly looked inward at the splinter, only to see that it had changed, and hundreds of tendrils were growing out, reaching toward his pathways from his mind.


    Panic filled Zacs heart, since between the ghosts that inhabited this mountain and the hundreds of visions he was shown he knew only too well the fate that awaited those who were corrupted by the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>.


    He desperately erected as many defenses as he possibly could with <strong>[Indomitable] </strong>but the ck tendrils effortlessly crushed them, and Zac groaned since every defeat felt like his soul was ripped in two. But suddenly a shocking change appeared in his mind.


    Archaic fractals wrought out of pure miasma appeared, forming a defense that was infinitely stronger than the one he erected himself. He waspletely befuddled for a second, but his mind quickly turned to the mysterious woman in the vision.


    Judging from her appearance she should be a Draugr just like him, which might be why she helped him. She also seemed to understand what was going on far better than himself, and it felt like he only kept finding more and more questions as he trudged along.


    It seemed he needed to look into the heritage of his current form as soon as possible, and how he could even be a Draugr at all. His cosmos sack back home was filled by notes from Mhal, and Zac felt that it would be a good ce to start looking.


    But now was no time for that. The mysterious miasmic fractals had stopped the advance of the ck tendrils, at least for the time being. The runes had even created something like a separate dimension that contained the splinter away from his mind and his pathways. But they hadnt stopped the unceasing onught of the ghosts. Zac forced himself up to his feet and heedlessly pushed toward the tunnels.


    He already used <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> to destroy the specters in front, but the wounds were just umting too quickly. His vision started to get blurry as he stumbled and almost ran straight into one of the pirs.


    A new presence suddenly entered his mind, and his bleary eyes couldnt help but turn toward his axe. It was his tool spirit that had finally awakened from its slumber. Apart from the initialmunication after the evolution, it had been in hibernation the whole time.


    The only time it showed any reaction had been when he killed E-Grade beasts, at which point some of its blood got absorbed into the crimson fractal on the handle. When he first upgraded the axe it had been a shimmering crimson, but the color had soon dimmed to a weak and watered down red shade.


    However, with every kill the intensity of the colors had increased, like killing E-grade beasts were charging up the fractal. By the time he reached this cavern it was already shimmering in a crimson red once again. Zac didnt know how tomunicate back, so he simply spoke aloud hoping that the beast could hear him.


    I need help, buddy, Zac said with a raspy voice.


    Warmth filled his heart as a roar responded in his mind, and the next moment the huge beast materialized. Another roar echoed through the cavern, and Zac suddenly got a huge surge of energy as Verun ripped dozens of ghosts to shreds with a swipe of its ws.


    Pained and even scared wails echoed through the cave as the Tool Spirit almost became unhinged in his goal to destroy everything around Zac. Pirs shattered and were broken from its rampage, and Zac quickly snatched those that he could as he resumed his flight toward the tunnel.


    Even though Verun had lessened his burden by arge degree he still was extremely wounded, and the Tool Spirit couldnt block all of the thousands of ghosts. Many still managed to pass it and attacked Zac with suicidal fervor.


    Zac popped his strongest healing pills as he fled, and he barely managed to reach the edge of the cavern when suddenly a terrifying sense of danger red to life in his mind. Zac unhesitantly hunkered down behind his bulwark as he pushed as much energy as he could into <strong>[Indomitable]</strong>.


    The next moment an extremely piercing wail echoed through the cave, drowning out all the calls of the smaller specters. Even with his newly acquired defenses it felt like Zac was hit in the head with the sledgehammer, and he couldnt stop himself from nking out.


    Luckily the wail had also stopped the ghosts in their tracks, and they all ignored him to instead turn toward a huge figure that had appeared sometime in the cavern. A roar echoed straight back, and Verun unhesitantly pounced on the new threat.


    The indistinct figure only pointed at the tool spirit, and the next moment a deluge of darkness flooded out toward it, drowning the spectral form of the primordial beast. Zacs eyes opened in rm, but he soon breathed out in relief as he saw a stream of light break out and enter his axe once again.


    The tool spirit had been forced to flee, and Zac truly felt it was the best course of action as he started running thest few meters toward the cavern. But his surroundings were suddenly nketed in darkness, and the next moment the form blocked the exit in front of him.


    Despair filled Zacs heart since he already knew this thing was the leader of the ghosts, the very source of the wails that had shocked his mind the first time the darkness descended. He also sensed that this being was far beyond his power, being peak E grade at the minimum.


    He knew that there was no way to beat this thing, but he refused to give up without a fight. So he readied himself for his final battle with a grim demeanor, but that specter suddenly started to shrink and transform. In just a second the faceless shape of the huge specter had changed, and in front of him stood a man in a ck cultivators robe.


    He was mostly humanoid, apart from the same type of third eye as Anzonil. He had a handsome face and he gave off a heroic disposition. But his eyes betrayed destion, and Zac felt like he looked at someone who had lost all hope.


    Zac knew that the man in front of him wasnt alive, at least not in the same sense as himself. Even if the thing in front of him had taken a humanoid form it was still mostly translucent. It was mostly wrought from the energy from the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>, but it seemed to be shing with some force within that shone with a silver luster.


    You Fool. the spectral cultivator stiltedly said with a sigh after throwing a nce at the empty center of the cavern. Tell. Master. Sorry.

 Chapter 248: Cursed Success

    Chapter 248: Cursed Sess


    Zac could only gape, and he mutely nodded his head in agreement. He hadnt expected the ghost to speak with him, but it was a far preferable alternative to battle.


    Go ghost responded before it turned away from Zac and disappeared.


    Zac thanked his lucky stars that the ghost seemed to have regained his sanity, if only temporarily, and he started to run toward the tunnel. A jumbled chorus of screeches behind him forced some extra strength in his legs as he leaped thest few meters.


    He sensed a decrease of Darkness in the atmosphere, proving that he once again had passed an array protecting the mouth of a tunnel. He quickly turned around to survey the cavern, and he exhaled in relief when he saw that the ghosts whirled around in confusion. They clearly couldnt see where Zac had gone and frantically flew around in the cave in search of their target.


    However, therger ones seemed slightly more intelligent as they rammed their bodies at the cave opening, making Zac take a few steps back. But the ghosts simply bounced off the unseen shield and roared in rage when they couldnt get through it.


    A few of them even tried to rip the air to shreds, and even though Zac was extremely tired and wounded he felt he couldnt stay here. He wasnt sure if they were just unwilling to give up or whether they could sense the splinter lodged in his mind, but creating some distance from this ce was probably for the best. He had no idea just how strong those arrays at the opening were, and it was a bad idea to risk it.


    He kept walking for a few minutes, and as the rush from the battle waned it was reced with extreme tiredness. His mind felt like it would explode at any moment. Between those tendrils breaking his mental defenses and the extreme consumption of mental energy his mind was exhausted to the point that his soul might be wounded.


    His body wasnt in much better shape, and he waspletely covered in wounds all over. It was a good reminder that he still wasnt invulnerable just from his high attributes. A sturdy frame wasnt enough topletely block out the damage from the stronger ghosts who were approaching, or even reaching, the E-Grade in power.


    Suddenly the dark caves gave way to light, and Zac stumbled out of the tunnels with some effort. He had walked thest bit on pure will power, but now it was as though the air went out of him. His overtaxed mind barely registered the change in the surroundings as his was vision started closing in on him.


    There was only a smidgeon of miasma left in his body to barely keep it running, but Zac simply sat down with a grunt and closed his eyes without taking out a Miasma Crystal. It time to let thest of the miasma leave his body and return to his human form.


    It was only hourster that he opened his eyes again and finally took a proper look around at his surroundings. It was a hallway that looked very much the same as the one he had arrived at from the ravine earlier. The walls were cut with the same precision, and the hallway was illuminated with the familiar crystals.


    It gave such a sense of dj vu that Zac had to open up his status screen to make sure that he hadnt been stuck in an illusion the past days.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>62</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Middle, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>451 [Increase: 55%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>232 [Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>621 [Increase: 60,5%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>301 [Increase: 50,5%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>97 [Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>113 [Increase: 40%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>101 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 116%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 96 525 943</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    But the attributes and Dao Seeds remained, proving he wasnt caught in some array. It had even increased since he now once again benefitted from the boost from <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> once again.


    Even before he entered thest cavern he had a free point to allocate, but now there were three. That meant that the insane onught of the specters at least had provided him with two levels, making his grind end at level 53 this time around. His endurance was starting to lookpletely monstrous, though he knew that the increase wouldnt be as drastic going forward.


    The final 22 levels of the ss wouldnt be so easy since he knew just how many kills were behind the 9 levels to 62. And the 13 levels after that would only be worse. Zac hesitated for a bit, but he finally bit the bullet and put two points into Intelligence. Unfortunately, it wasnt enough for the system to round up to 100, so he put the third andst point inside as well, bringing the total to 101.


    There was a direct effect from the addition, and he sensed his power was increased throughout his body, even though his attributes remained the same. He quickly looked at the title screen to see that there was a new addition in the mix.


    <strong>[Omnidextrous: Attain over a hundred points in all attributes during F-Grade Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    It pushed his Efficiency up to 121%, and Zac felt the high tiered titles were really starting to provide a huge hidden bonus. It provided around 120 points worth of extra Endurance, and almost 100 points more in Strength, which could likely take anyone by surprise at this stage. That many points were more than many had in total, and he had that just as a hidden bonus.


    He was a bit annoyed at himself for holding off on putting the points up there, but he didnt require the extra attributes down in the caverns. The title also wasnt listed in his little booklet of titles, but he realized that might be because extremely few should be able to bring their Luck all the way to 100, at least this early in cultivation.


    Zac also realized just how lucrative his week down in the caverns had been when he noticed he had gained roughly 50 million Nexus Coins. It might not have been as high gain per hour as the best stretches in his Hatchetman ss, but he had also spent most of the time walking the endless tunnels rather than fighting.


    Finally, he was hopefully done with everything here apart from picking up the treasure. After that, he would be able to join the final few days of the hunt, and he couldnt imagine the situation up there to be anything but desperate. The new Daos and attributes would likelye in handy.


    Five E-Grade powerhouses were running around up on the surface, two from his and three from the other world. There were the two Dominators, the Medhin emperor, the Medhin Crown Prince, and finally the champion of Berum, Beruv Ylvas.


    One of the three Medhin Royals in the E-Grade had disappeared from thedders three days ago, but Zac had no way to know whether he was killed or simply returned to manage the Medhin Empire. But Zac assumed he was killed since the royal was in the top ten of bothdders. Leaving just a few days before he would get both levels and a title would be crazy.


    Zac was still leery about meeting any one of the remaining powerhouses after his battle with inevitability. His progress down here had given him a huge boost in survivability, but unfortunately it didnt provide the same boost in attacking power. But that was ater problem and for now he needed to deal with his banged-up body.


    Even though Zac had changed form his wounds were still there, and Zac quickly swallowed a healing pill to speed up the recovery before he took out some of the high-grade meat he had brought. He ripped into it like a starving ghost, and he hadnt realized just how much he had missed the taste of food during the past days.


    As he ate he turned his sight inward, and his eyes were immediately drawn to the mysterious ck crystal still hovering silently inside his mind. Surrounding it was a string of fractals wrought from miasma, and Zac couldnt help but feel a twang of panic upon seeing them.


    He hadnt thought about what would happen if he turned back to human, and had instinctually assumed the crystal would stay locked down behind the fractals. But those were made from miasma, and there was no guarantee they would stay in his human form. He hade very close to letting loose those dreadful tendrils by his carelessness.


    But luckily no such thing happened. The miasmic fractals had turned the area with the crystal into a separate space, and it had no bearing on him as far as he could tell. Still, it felt like having a ticking time bomb inside his mind, and as he sat in the corridor he felt extreme regret over his actions.


    Both the ghost and the powerful Draugr woman had seemed to think that he had done something spectacrly stupid by taking this sinister thing. And Zac was inclined to agree after being shown all those visions of other beings that had fused with a splinter. There were no happy endings in those visions.


    He had been too impulsive, and his greed had made him get stuck with something that might turn out to be far more troubling than the miasmic wound that gued him until his core was formed. He needed to quickly find a way to get rid of this thing since he had no idea how long those defensive runes wouldst.


    As Zac looked back on his actions he couldnt believe it was himself who acted so foolhardy. That thing screamed danger, and he knew that it might have been the cause of D-Grade powerhouses falling. To try and take it was beyond foolish, and he would normally take the long way around such an inauspicious object.


    His only conclusion was that he had been manipted somehow. He briefly considered Anzonil, but he did not think he was the source of the maniption, though the old man should know the crystal was there. He was more inclined that it was the splinter of oblivion that had corrupted his thoughts in order to get out of that deste cave.


    But there was one good thing that hade from this ordeal. He was suddenly in the first position of the Gatherer Ladder, having passed even the Medhin Emperor. Since he hadnt found anything else of value the past days it could only mean that the parasitic crystal was counted by the System, and it was regarded as extremely valuable.


    A thought struck Zac and he got up to his feet with a grunt. Suddenly the whole hallway was filled with mounds of treasures. Zac had poured out everything that seemed to be of high value in his sack but still kept his first position. He had a feeling that even if he lost his whole pouch he would still keep his position.


    The East Trigram Sect contained lots of great treasures for newly integrated worlds, but Zac estimated that it was a strong E-Grade Sect, or a weak D-Grade Sect at the best. Anzonil and perhaps a few others were the only D-Grade powerhouses.


    Meanwhile, the crystal that had lodged itself in his brain seemed to be a supreme, albeit cursed, treasure that would be considered valuable even on higher-graded worlds. He became extra thankful that he possessed the bangle from Greatest. Otherwise, he might find himself in even bigger trouble from the crystal than from his Specialty Core.


    Zac was still far from healed, but he didnt want to wait any longer so he quickly retrieved all the treasure he had thrown out. He looked like he had been dipped in ink from all the ichor, but at least the golden robes were slowly healing themselves.


    Zac started to walk down the hallway, and it was with some relief he saw another gate not far off that looked very simr to thest one. This time he didnt equip his shield, but simply pushed open the doors with a grunt.


    Wee young uh, human? Were you not a Draugr? the familiar voice echoed through the majestic chambers.


    I''m leaving for the surface soon, looking like a human is more convenient, Zac said with a shrug as he walked inside the room, not wanting to get into specifics.


    Its architecture was simr to thest one, with the pirs and beautiful sculptures, but it was far smaller than thest one. The Array Spirit had already materialized in the other end of the room, roughly twenty meters away.


    How curious. If I wasnt a ghost Id try to get to the bottom of such a mystery, the old man said as he stroked his long beard.


    Anyway, I am here, Zac said.


    It is good to see that you passed my final trial. To see such an enticing treasure but have both the intelligence to spot the dangers and the mental fortitudes to walk away, the old man said with an approving nod. If we only made the same choices back in the day, so much would be different.


    Zac nkly looked at the old man for a second before he understood what was going on. The array spirit had purposefully led him to that cavern with the intent to test his character. If he was smart enough hed leave that cursed thing alone and walk straight through the cavern to get here.


    Well yes, it felt like something cursed, I am not strong enough to tangle with such a thing, Zac said with a straight face, but he could feel his ears heating up from embarrassment.


    If I may ask, those ghosts Are they your former sect members? Zac probed, eager to change the subject.


    The old man sighed and looked at the exit with deep helplessness and sadness in his eyes.


    Yes, it is true. Will you listen to this old mans tale? the Array Spirit said.


    Zac was more interested in the treasures, but he also needed to know more about that crystal.


    Please, go ahead, Zac said.


    The East Trigram Sect was a small sect that could barely be considered a D-Grade force on a low-tier D-Grade world. We only had half-step D-Grade cultivators, but somewhat made up for ourck of power with our insight into arrays, the old man began.


    I am sorry, half-step? Zac asked confused.

 Chapter 249: Creation and Oblivion

    Chapter 249: Creation and Oblivion


    The trial to reach D-Grade is to sessfully form a Cultivators Core, also called a Cosmic Core. This is not something that happens naturally. There are various methods to do this, but they all have high requirements, and just a minuscule fraction of all E-Grade warriors manage to take that final step, Anzonil said with longing.


    If you almost seed in forming the core but fail at thest step you have two options. You can let the core shatter and try again at ater date, but doing this will leave you seriously wounded. Even worse, every following core-forming attempt will be even harder.


    "The second option is to force your failed core to stay together, which stops the core frompletely breaking apart. It will maintain a small part of its original function and you will see a slight boost to your longevity. But if you do that you are still not considered as D-Grade by the System, and you will cut off your path of advancement forever, Anzonil exined.


    I had already failed my evolution two times, and I knew the third try would be myst. s, I failed that time as well and took the second option to at least be able to protect my sect a bit longer," the old man sighed.


    "In any case, there were far stronger forces all around us, and we constantly were under the threat to be swallowed whole. Luckily we suddenly saw an opportunity to rise. The son of the Sect Master was the greatest talent our sect had ever seen. He grasped not only our insights into the study of formations, but he was also an extremely adept warrior with deep insight into the Dao.


    "I took him as my Terminal Disciple, pooling all my efforts into turning him into a powerful pir of the sect. We had no doubt that he would be a true D-Grade warrior in the future, and help our small sect rise given enough time. But war came to the continent, and forces like were destroyed or swallowed up one by one.


    Thats when that man arrived at our sect, Anzonil continued, for the first time showing smoldering anger in his eyes. That ursed man. He appeared to be a rogue cultivator and aplete lunatic. He destroyed half our sect and caused so many deaths with his sinister spells."


    Zac nodded and remembered the sword scars that covered some of the structures up on the surface.


    Through our arrays and great sacrifices, we finally managed to kill him. But that wasnt the end of it. Out of his body two crystals emerged, emitting boundless power. As you understand one of them was the one that I managed to move to the underground cavern, where it has rested since, the old man continued.


    Zac had a pretty good idea what happened to the other one, and Anzonil soon confirmed his guess.


    The other one was taken by Raval, my disciple.


    Zacs thoughts turned to the spectral cultivator who blocked his path right at the end, who asked him to apologize to his master.


    After seeing the crystal with your own eyes you must think my disciple to be a brash fool. But those were desperate times. The fate of our sect was already hanging in the bnce even before the arrival of that man, and we had just lost arge number of our forces and hidden cards to kill him.


    The moment the surrounding sects learned what happened to us they would immediatelyunch a full assault. It wasnt greed or personal gain that drove Raval, it was his wish to protect the sect he loved. As expected the surrounding sects soon arrived with their armies, but Raval exploded with never seen before prowess. He single-handedly pushed all our enemies away, killing dozens of elders and other powerhouses.


    We were all ted, and I even thought of having someone else absorb the other crystal even though it emitted such ominous energies. After that battle, all the surrounding sects stayed away, but Raval started to change over the following years. He got aggressive, moody, and unstable," Anzonil said with a shake of his head.


    Finally I had to confront him, and thats when I learned what was truly going on. Thats when he showed me therge square far beneath the surface and the massive tunnel-system he had created. In fact, those tunnels you walked were not made by me, but rather by Raval himself.


    He felt himself getting corrupted by the crystal, and he had no means to remove it. It hadpletely fused to his very being, and it didnt even let him kill himself. So he hatched a n. He created an enormous circle that runs beneath the whole sect and turned that into an array whose purpose was to purify the crystal.


    He circted the dark energies through this massive array in hopes to slowly grind out the sinister and corruptive elements of the Crystal. After I learned what was going on I spent years working with him to improve the array, and initially we thought we were on the right track. Unfortunately, the power of that cursed object was just too massive, Anzonil said. "I think you can imagine the rest."


    I was actually stopped by Raval in thest cavern, Zac said, making the old mans brows lift in surprise. He asked me to ry that he was sorry.


    Sorry? the man repeated with sadness in his eyes. It is I who should be sorry. If I was stronger he wouldnt be forced to infuse himself with that cursed object to protect our sect.


    The two stood in ufortable silence for a bit until Zac finally couldnt stop himself from trying to gather some more information about the thing in his mind.


    Did you ever learn what that crystal is? Zac asked.


    Raval called it a piece of the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>, and after expending arge portion of my wealth I learned a few things, Anzonil nodded.


    A sour feeling entered Zacs mouth after hearing that the old ghost had actually already spent most of his money, but at this moment the knowledge might be even more important now anyway.


    My research pointed me toward an extremely old scripture that described the source of Dao and the universe itself. Those things are highly debated topics, so I do not hold much faith that the old sage who wrote it got it exactly correct.


    But when it spoke of the creation of the multi-verse it touched upon a subject of interest for my research. It said that in the beginning there was only Chaos, but from Chaos both Creation and Oblivion were born, the two highest Daos apart from Chaos itself.


    These two Daos created the multiverse, and all the lower Daos were birthed from them. I do not know if it is true since those kinds of Supreme Daos are far beyond my understanding or reach. But I managed to confirm that the Dao of Oblivion does exist, and that it is extremely powerful, Anzonil said with a face conflicted between hate and longing.


    If what the sage said about the tiers of Daos was true, then one could say that Oblivion is the end-point of all destructive Daos. The rumors we found were that <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong> was born from a splinter of that pure original Dao, which makes it impossibly valuable. However, it was somehow corrupted, which created the sinister energies that permeated it.


    Such power is not something that normal people can touch upon, much less control, which makes it a poison that drives men mad. Thats why great warriors sought to destroy the heart all those endless eons ago. But that thing is truly stubborn and survived, though it is now only a shadow of its former self. But just that shadow is enough to destroy all that it touches, Anzonil sighed.


    Zac thoughtfully looked inward at the trapped splinter in his mind, and a tumultuous whirlwind of emotions passed through his mind before he steadied himself. At first, he was ted that he had snatched a treasure that contained a trace of a Supreme Dao, and he couldnt even imagine how valuable something like that was.


    But that also showed just how big the trouble he was in. Raval seemed to have been inte E-Grade when he absorbed the splinter, but he went mad within a decade even though he did everything in his power to stop it. He even built an array that was asrge as a country to stem the corruption, but even that only slowed down the process slightly.


    If the miasma fractals in his mind broke, how long would he have until he became yet another wailing ghost himself? He would have to put his mind into figuring this out as quickly as possible, but after asking a bit more there was not much else the Array Spirit knew. It was only a shadow of its former self after all, and both its memories and knowledge were limited.


    It also begged the question of just who that woman in the ocean of miasma was. Just how powerful must she be if she was able to seal such a monstrous item? And she also mentioned that she didnt recognize his lineage, and he had no idea if that was a good or a bad thing. And just why did she help him? If there was something he knew it was that one couldn''t count on benevolence of others. That was how you ended up robbed and dead.


    By the way, you called my race royal, earlier. Could you exin that further? Zac asked, trying to glean some more intelligence from the old Array Spirit.


    You dont know? Anzonil said with surprise.


    I have no connection with the Undead Empire, so my knowledge of my heritage is extremelycking, Zac exined.


    Honestly, he hadnt even given the subject any thought before. Whether it said Draugr or Undead in his status screen didnt really make any difference for him, but after the vision and Anzonilsment he felt that he needed to know more.


    Well, I do only retain a fraction of my memories in this form, so I do not remember all the details. But simply put you are a purebred undead, uniquely suited for miasmic cultivation, the old man exined.


    Almost all undead are turned species. For example, humans who have died and been infused with miasma. They are not pure undead since their original bodies were not meant for that sort of cultivation. Even their progeny who are born undead are afflicted with the same problem, Anzonil continued.


    Sorry, progeny? The undead can have children? Zac asked with some surprise.


    Of course, but not until they reachte E-grade and have awakened their bodies, Anzonil nodded as matter of course, giving Zac another surprise.


    During the past two weeks he had ample time to scour through his body, and he almost retained none of his bodily functions. His heart didnt beat, and the ck ichor in his veins was simply sitting there.


    He did breathe, but he wasnt sure if he was just going through the motions or if his body actually picked up oxygen somehow. But he did consume a small continuous amount of miasma to simply function which was different from how it was being in his human form.


    In any case, this mismatch with miasma slows down cultivation and makes it far harder to break through the bottlenecks. In return, the undead has generally higher attributes and they live longer before they turn insane. So if an undead manages to break through its shackles it will likely be stronger than a human on average, Anzonil exined.


    Then what about Draugr? Zac probed.


    The Draugr is one of the five purebred undead races, Anzonil said. Even though they look mostly human they are not. They have no living counterparts, the same as the other four pure races. Their origin is unknown, just like the true origin of the undead in general.


    And this makes cultivation easier for us? Zac asked.


    As far as Ive understood it. The five races have a natural connection with Miasma that other undead do not have, and their bloodlines are almost considered holy. If you walked into the capital of some in the Undead Empire many of the youngsses wouldnt hesitate to procreate with you, the old man added with a perverted grin.


    Zac coughed in surprise since that change in demeanor from the old man was quite a shift from the image of kindly sage that he had mostly shown so far. Anzonil seemed to understand what Zac was thinking, and quickly continued with a cough.


    But I wouldnt rmend it. From what Ive heard the elders of the five races arent big fans of their genes being wantonly spread throughout the Empire. They rely on their superior lineages to that they can maintain their power. They have built up great advantages and heritages over millions of years with the help of their natural endowments, and dont want it spread into the public, he added.


    Zac was generally happy to learn that he had actually dodged the problem of handling miasma, something he didnt even know existed. But it only made him more confused. These five races seemed like pretty lofty existences, they wouldnt likely deign to invade some newly integrated.


    And why did he be a Draugr because he was stabbed by the Corpse Lord? He was pretty sure that man wasnt a Draugr. Mhal lookedpletely different from both himself and the woman in the vision, and he rather felt like something that was the result of Necromancy.


    It almost felt like his confusion only increased the more answers he got.

 Chapter 250: Rewards

    Chapter 250: Rewards


    Even though the situation was pretty confusing to Zac he was at least right in front of someone who could help him get a better picture of what was going on.


    Do all of us Draugr look the same? Or can we have red shining eyes as well? Zac asked just to make sure that Mhal wasn''t a Draugr as well.


    I am not sure, but from what I understand your eyes are unique, and not something other undead possesses. Red shining eyes? The Eternal n, another of the five races, might sometimes have red eyes from what I understand. It is part of their blood arts, Anzonil answered after mulling it over.


    Vampires, Zac mouthed with surprise, and he quickly asked a few follow-up questions about The Eternal n.


    From the old mans exnation, it really looked like they were vampires. Were the old stories from earth all true? Would he encounter dragons and werewolves as well in the future? But Zac also knew that the red eyes might just be a coincidence. The Corpse Lord neither felt like a vampire nor used any blood arts, so he was likely of some other origin.


    Zac kept asking about the Undead Empire and the Draugr, but it was clear that the Array Spirit wasnt as knowledgable about the subject as with the Darkness. He didn''t even know what the other three races of purebred undead were, though he did remember one of them was of the ghost-type.


    He also had no idea what different lineages could mean when Zac asked about that in a slightly roundabout way. Anzonil said that there were many old ns among the Draugr who were considered nobility. One ancient family, in particr, was seen as the de-facto leader of the race. But most of the Draugr were simply normal cultivators, though still elites of the undead empire.


    That the woman in the vision didnt recognize his lineage might simply mean that his form wasnt rted to any of the major ns. But perhaps there was more to it that Anzonil simply didn''t remember or knew. The old man was an array master after all, not an expert on undead genealogy.


    Zac''s intuition told him that it wasn''t something so simple as him not being of noble birth. The Draugr woman had seemed surprised to not recognize him, which might mean that the secret wasrger than that. In the end it came back to the notebook of Mhal. He still couldnt read the undead script, but he would make learning it a priority when he came back.


    For now, he had no clues of how to deal with the thing in his head, but the Path of Oblivion the Draugr woman mentioned was the first clue, and perhaps he could find more if he looked into the Draugr. Another potential source of information would be Theas Library.


    It was a gift from the System just like his shipyard and repository, which meant that it was a possibility that it contained knowledge that was out of reach from even a Half-Step D-Grade cultivator. He already knew that Bras creator was at least a top tier D-Grade hegemon with many powerful allies.


    He also knew that the Creators was a supreme race of golems that was almost as old as the System itself. Unfortunately, it was impossible to learn things from them since they only were interested in building and selling their ships. But it proved that it wouldn''t be a stretch if Thea''s library was ripped from some ancient civilization that had ess to all kinds of knowledge.


    The only issue was how to get ess to the library since knowledge was extremely valuable and Henry Marshall was a wily old man. But his rapport with Thea was pretty good, and he thought he had an idea of how to trade for ess without really losing anything. So he would need to find her before the trial ended so they could make a deal.


    Besides, it would be nice to see her again to make sure she was okay.


    So Uh You mentioned some treasures earlier? Zac finally asked when he felt he had learned all he could from the Array spirit.


    Yes, of course. I apologize, I do not know how long Ive been sitting here, so I took the opportunity to make some conversation after all these years, the old man said with a smile.


    I do not know how it works, but I could try bringing you back to my town if you want? Zac probed.


    Zac mainly asked because he felt bad about the fate of the old man and wanted to let him leave these lonely caverns. But having a sapient Array Spirit to control all his arrays would also be a huge boost for Port Atwood.


    Thank you, young man, but this old mans work is not done. The fact that Raval managed to regain his form andmunicate for a bit is proof of that, Anzonil smiled.


    Zac didnt understand what the old man was getting at until his eyes suddenly widened in understanding.


    Youre still running the cleansing array, Zac said with surprise.


    Tens of Thousands of years now, the Array Spirit nodded with a smile.


    After thinking it over Zac finally had a decent picture of what was going on. He had initially seen the darkness as some sort of trial by the system, but he now realized that wasnt the case. It was Anzonil who released the umted darkness from the cleansing array into the atmosphere, like opening the valves of a dam. The System simply used that fact and made it part of the trial.


    He wasntpletely sure why the ghosts only appeared at that time, but perhaps opening the seals also meant that the ghosts were able to sneak out from the caverns for a bit to feed on the dense Cosmic Energy at the summits. They then had to return before the openings down to the caverns closed.


    Zac was moved by the old man''s resolve. To rip out a piece of his soul and infuse it into the array just for the small hope to heal his disciple was a true show of love and dedication. He wondered how many would go so far in for someone that wasn''t even family.


    But suddenly he had a troubling thought.


    But why is the other crystal inside the purification array? Wouldnt that make things difficult for you? Zac asked.


    He was afraid that he had somehow ruined the array by taking the splinter of the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>, so he asked to make sure.


    Its truly an impediment to my efforts. Raval and I ced it inside the array to check on the effects of our changes into the cleansing array. But things went south too quickly, and I had no time to move it out when it all fell apart, Anzonil sighed.


    I cant get close to it in this current form, and I think that Raval avoids it. I believe the effect of gathering multiple crystals increase your power even further, but the corruption also grows worse. The fact that Raval hasnt touched it in all these years is proof that part of his rationality remains, Anzonil said with a smile.


    Zac started to get a sour feeling after hearing the old mans exnation. What would happen if he left without telling the old man what truly transpired in that cave? Anzonil would probably find out soon enough that something had changed in his array, and would perhaps assume that his disciple had consumed the second splinter.


    I guess I shoulde clean, Zac said with a sigh and spilled the beans, only skipping over the part with the Draugr woman.


    I was wondering if you would tell me, Anzonil said with a sad smile, and the next moment a pir with a Cosmos Sack rose from the ground next to them. This old man might just be an Array Spirit now, but I can still sense the changes of energies inside my array. You taking that cursed object wouldn''t escape my senses.


    Zac could only wryly smile in embarrassment. It seemed that the old man had been testing him once again.


    But you seem in far better shape than my Disciple ever did, so I didn''t stress the subject. Respecting other cultivators'' secrets is important, Anzonil added.


    I have a few special means. I didn''t absorb it like your Disciple. The thing is currently locked away in a separate space, Zac only said, and it was the truth as far as he could tell. "I have no confidence in meddling with such an object with my current power."


    So you came prepared, that is good to hear. But if you would listen to this old man''s advice then I urge you to discard any thought of actually using that thing. That object might be able to bring you endless power, but also endless suffering. A moment of carelessness will lead to ruin, Anzonil said with a serious face.


    Thank you. I will not do anything with that thing unless I have full confidence in seeding. If I ever find a method to control it and help you two in the future I will do my best to find this ce again, Zac promised.


    Anzonil nodded with a kindly smile before he indicated for Zac to take the Cosmic Sack. Zac looked over at it and knew that it was the promised inheritance. He couldnt help but feel it was a bit anticlimactic when he walked over to pick up the small sack.


    You expected piles of crystals and treasures? the old manughed when he saw Zacs nk face.


    Zac scratched his cheek in embarrassment. The old man hit bullseye, and Zac had kept throwing nces around the room to find any ce that could lead to a treasure trove. He had pictured the inheritance to look somewhat like a dragons hoard.


    But he had to admit that made no sense when there were Cosmos Sacks around, though the imagery wasnt quite as strong this way. He went over to take it after an encouraging nod from the old man, and the moment his finger touched the sack it disintegrated into motes of light that entered his Cosmos Sack.


    What a marvelous sack, Ive never seen anything like it, the old man muttered with interest. "The creator must have had extremely deep insight into the Dao of Space to merge separate spatial spaces like that."


    We got it from the system at the start of the hunt. Unfortunately, I do not think we will get to keep it, Zac exined with a smile as he checked the contents of his sack.


    He didnt have high hopes since the old man already said that he spent most of his wealth trying to find means to help his disciple, but he still was positively surprised by the things that were added. There was arge stacks of E-Grade Nexus Crystals and even a few that shone with even denser energy. There was also an assortment of crystals of various elements, likely meant as energy sources for arrays.


    Apart from that there were a handful of intricate boxes, and Zac knew they were meant to house Spiritual Herbs or Fruits. Between thepounding effects of staying inside a Cosmos Sack and the protective arrays of these boxes, the contents inside would stay fresh almost indefinitely. So even if they had stayed here for thousands of years most of the efficacy of the things inside should remain.


    Finally, there were ten information crystals that looked like the one that he found the first day. They were conveniently ced in a stand, and Zac quickly nced that 8 of them contained information about arrays.


    One of them was a copy of the one he owned, but the other seven broached other subjects in the study of arrays. Zac knew just how much information that first crystal contained, and with seven more of them he essentially had a full heritage to nurture powerful array masters.


    The final two crystals were on another subject, inscriptions. This was knowledge that was extremely valuable to Port Atwood since inscriptions were a part of almost all craftsman sses. Not just Array Masters could benefit from these two crystals, but everything from cksmiths to alchemists would as well.


    I would suggest not trying to use the D-Grade crystals while still in F-Grade. It might burn your pathways clean, the old man said. Then again I guess you rather use Miasma crystals anyway?


    It is still a great treasure, and I can always trade it, Zac said, not exining his situation.


    He felt the old man was trustworthy, but he wouldnt divulge his situation to anyone apart from his closest circle. You never knew how it might return to bite you in the ass. The fact that Thea knew about it couldn''t be helped since he had turned in front of her due to his wounds.


    Thats true. The ten information crystals contain the crystallized knowledge in the art of formations that our Eastern Trigram Sect umted over the millennia. I hope that you find a way to learn or give those out to someone worthy so that our knowledge lives on, Anzonil said.


    I will make sure that this knowledge is not lost, Zac promised.


    He wasn''tpletely sure whether if he would have time to learn about arrays himself since there were so many things on his te already. But he was interested in finding a side-profession when things were less hectic, and Arrays was a good option that could help him broaden his skillset.


    His current fighting styles were pretty simple and straight forward in both his sses, but adding some arrays into the mix might both catch people unaware and make him more flexible. Some knowledge in arrays was also extremely beneficial while adventuring since he could turn any ce into a fortress with the help of some defensive and ughter arrays.


    Best of luck young Draugr, Anzonil said as he pointed at Zac. I hope we will see each other again.


    The next moment Zac was pushed backward likest time, and the next moment he found himself standing on a secluded cliff overlooking the mountains of the Eastern Trigram Sect.


    He was finally back on the surface.

 Chapter 251: Family Drama

    Chapter 251: Family Drama


    Three men were kneeling on the ground of therge luxurious tent. They were shaking in fright, but not one of them dared to either move or speak up to break the suffocating silence.


    So none of you have found that man after three long days? the middle-aged man on the throne said with a voice devoid of emotion as he stared down at his subjects.


    He had a short beard that was perfectly trimmed, and his ck hair was held back in a knot by a jade diadem that was covered in dense fractals. In fact, a casual nce would be enough to spot over ten treasures that would cause a storm of bloodshed if they were ced on the streets of Medhin. But of course no one would even dare dream of taking them from this man.


    He was decked in a golden robe withrge red fractals. Everything about him screamed of opulence, but no one would ever think the man was anything but a warrior. Part because of therge spear that was never further from him than arms reach, but mostly due to the suffocating power that naturally radiated from him.


    Emperor Nenothep was nothing like some of the extended family, wastrels who lived a life of luxury while barely contributing to the Grand Undertaking. The core of the family was a ruthlesspetition of resources and advantages, or at least it had been until the Grand Undertaking was finallying to fruition.


    Nenothep had killed at eight of his siblings and cousins in his quest for the throne and imprisoned another 14. He was ruthless to others but more so toward himself. He pushed his forces hard, but he had been bncing on the edge of life and death since he was a child, all in order to push himself further on the path of cultivation.


    Now that the world was finally flooded with both Cosmic Energy and fortuitous encounters he had exploded in power and had ransacked the whole empire for any benefit that could be seized.


    Three days. Hundreds of men, Nenothep continued with his even voice as he looked down on his three generals. Yet the killer of my son eludes you. Do I need to make changes to my ranks?


    The three started shaking even worse since there was no such thing as a demotion, only decapitation, and substitution.


    "Witness ounts clearly indicated that Repubat managed to grievously injure Beruv Ylvas before he fell, and we saw the direction he fled. Yet he is allowed to recuperate in peace, making us look like fools," Nenothep continued, his massive aura causing the throne beneath him to creak from the pressure.


    Lord Emperor, please give us a bit more time, the man in the middle pleaded without daring to raise his head. We have found some clues and are pursuing them to the fullest. However, our resources were partly diverted to find this Zachary Atwood.


    Nenothep grunted in displeasure, but he had to admit that he was the one that gave that order just half a day ago. That otherworlder had been his greatest adversary for the treasures of this dead world, and he had once again been overtaken.


    He had been shocked to find that this Zachary Atwood, or Super Brother-Man as thedder called him, was a lone wolf without a support system. He himself had scoured summit after summit, but he also had thousands of soldiers to pick the mountains clean for him.


    Yet this man had been stiffpetition relying only on himself, and perhaps a handful of helpers. The only answer he could find was that Zachary Atwood possessed a supreme skillset for sniffing out grand treasures, likelybined with a very high Luck-attribute.


    Less than four days remained of the hunt, and he couldnt solely rely on himself and his soldiers to umte more treasures. Even if he passed Zachary Atwood again he could lose his position at moment''s notice. He needed to kill that man as well, even more than finding Repubat''s killer.


    Perhaps I can help in that regard, a golden robed man said as he entered the tent, dragging a shackled woman with him.


    Emperor Nenothep looked over at the person who entered his tent with mixed emotions. It was his fifth son, Vasidas Medhin. On one hand he felt pride that he had birthed such a genius, and the man was such a clear sessor that he didnt have to worry about the future of his lineage. If the integration hadn''t happened he would be a great source of joy.


    But now there was also worry, and to certain extent jealousy, in his heart as he gazed at his sessor. When The Great Redeemer arrived to their the Medhin family would be rewarded from their millennia of efforts and then relocated to their new home.


    But there was also a chance to be taken as a disciple by the Great Lord himself, and that had been the goal of Nenothep since the moment he learned his was finally being integrated. But his son was simply too ster and was quickly inching in on him even though he had five decades of a headstart on the road of cultivation.


    That in of itself was a problem. Nenothep was already closing in on 80 years old even though he barely looked to be forty, whereas his son was only 28. While Nenothep would still be considered a child of the younger generation in the multiverse it was undeniable it was better to take in as young disciples as possible.


    Would The Great Redeemer even look his way when there was another with at least the same proficiency but far younger? Some killing intent was hidden in his heart, but he still hadnt decided on his course of action.


    It wasnt due to familial ties, but rather due to caution. Vasidas was no fool, but rather the opposite. He was definitely ready for a strike, and he was likely even nning an attack of his own. So they smiled and lived in harmony as they danced their dance of death.


    This is why Nenothep was a bit suspicious about the motives of the young man, and his eyes turned toward the young woman who red back at him with her piercing blue eyes.


    I still havent found the man who killed second brother, but I might have found a way to get to Zachary Atwood, Vasidas said. This is Thea Marshall, an offworlder who was seen traveling with Zachary Atwood for the first two weeks. Perhaps she would be useful in luring him out.


    Nenotheps heartbeat couldnt help speed up when he understood the opportunity that was in front of him. Zachary Atwood had been simply impossible to locate during the past weeks, but he obviously kept getting treasure after treasure while also killing thousands of cultivators and beasts.


    But he hesitated as he looked at the captive. Gaining the first position on the Gathererdder would be a great win for Nenothep, but he held no delusions his son would help out of the goodness of his heart.


    Just what was Vasidas nning this time?


    -------------------


    Zac stretched a bit as he got up to his feet. Since both his body and mind were still hurt from the cavern earlier he opted to rest for a few hours once he had returned to the surface. As he waited for his body to heal his mind couldnt help but going toward the Splinter of Oblivion in his mind.


    It was still stuck in the separate space along with the miasmic fractals, though that didnt do much for lowering his stress. Even after asking Anzonil there were many unanswered questions, but he was forced to put them aside for now. The space seemedpletely steady, and it was even to the point that he was barely able to see what was going on inside.


    But he had other pressing concerns. He needed to figure out what to do for thest days. He was already top-dog on the gathererdder, and the top Title was as good as his as long as he didnt get himself killed. But he still was far off his original goal for the hunterdder.


    He had only gained one more position during the past days, putting him in the 5<sup>th</sup> position. He had passed one of the E-Grade powerhouses from his final sh with the ghosts, but he was unsure how long he would be able to maintain that lead.


    The two names in the lead were Inevitability and Harbinger, which wasnt too surprising. The third was Nenothep Medhin, and the fourth spot was Vasidas Medhin. The Medhin royal who had disappeared and helped Zac gain a spot was Repubat Medhin.


    Zac honestly had no confidence in being able to pass the two Dominators after having fought one of them, and outright killing them was out of the question. However, his eyes couldnt help but toward the two Medhin royals.


    Almost a month had passed since he saw the other world''sdder, but at that time Nenothep Medhin was level 89, whereas Vasidas was at level 78. He couldnt bepletely sure, but he had some confidence in killing Vasidas, or at least surviving if he failed.


    But at the same time he wasnt sure if it was worth it. It didnt matter if he improved his position to 4<sup>th</sup> spot on the Hunterdder since the 4<sup>th</sup> to 10<sup>th</sup> positions gave the same rewards, 3 levels and 50 million nexus Coins.


    He needed to either defeat pass not only the crown prince but also the emperor himself to get the 3<sup>rd</sup> reward spot and instead gain 5 levels. But he wasnt as confident against Emperor Nenothep. He couldnt be considered recently evolved, and that wasnt the only danger with those royals.


    The real problem came with the War Arrays they seemed to possess. He could only imagine that the force that the emperor himself surrounded himself with would far surpass that of Tyrbat who he killed with Thea earlier.


    There was also the issue of his token. Unfortunately, there was no function where it automatically returned after a while, so he still had no option to retreat if needed. So if he decided to assault the Medhin Royals his venues of retreat would be limited.


    So assaulting the royals was a high-risk gambit with limited rewards. Certainly, they both possessed huge amounts of wealth. The Emperor had even more treasure than himself if he discounted the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>. But what he had gained thus far already far surpassed what he had dreamed of, and he didn''t want to get greedy.


    He also didnt know if Inevitability was still after his head, so anyrge-scale activities might get the attention of the people he least wanted to meet.


    In any case, he needed more information. He was pretty sure something had changed up here during his time in the tunnels, judging by the number of points others had gathered. Perhaps there would be some way for him to move up thedder without having to duke it out with the Medhin Emperor.


    The mountain he was dropped off on was one of the decorative mountains with engravings and arge pir at the summit. However, now he had a feeling that these things were actually disguisedponents of the massive array running beneath the mountains.


    Since there was nothing of interest on the mountain Zac started to make his way down the mountain. He kept his eyes peeled for any signs of cultivators or fighting as he descended, but the area seemed pretty quiet at the moment.


    He had quickly noted that the stage had shrunk even further during his time below, and he was a bit too close to the edge forfort. He hastened his steps as he rounded the mountain so that he''d descend in the direction of what seemed to be the core of the remaining hunting grounds.


    But at least it didnt seem that the System would force everyone into a desperate melee at the end of the hunt. The area was still plentyrge, and Zac didnt think he would be able to reach the other side even if he tried. Reaching the core shouldn''t be a problem though if he skipped ascending the summits.


    As he descended toward the valleys between the mountains he quickly realized his assumption from before was correct. The System must have unleashed hordes of beasts into the trial since the foot of the mountain was practically teeming with animals.


    There had already been a lot of them at the start of the hunt, but now it was bem as packs of animals were fighting no matter where he turned his eyes. The forests were filled with a deafening cacophony of calls, to the point that Zac could barely hear him think.


    A new way for him to not only gain a bunch of points but also work on his levels quickly made itself apparent. Why should he risk his life to fight some E-Grade monsters when millions of beasts were waiting to be turned into Nexus Coins and experience?


    The hunting grounds had truly be a paradise to grind levels and points.

 Chapter 252: Hunters Paradise

    Chapter 252: Hunter''s Paradise


    Zac wasnt annoyed by the ruckus in the forest. If the whole hunting ground was like this it would drown out the sounds of battle, which would allow Zac to act more freely without the risk of drawing the attention from the Dominators.


    Zac took out his axe and for the first time in a while summoned the oversized edge of <strong>[Chop]</strong>. As he suspected the edge had changed slightly to amodate the new form of his axe. After testing the sharpness with his finger and on a few rocks he was happy to see that the edge was far sharperpared to before.


    His skill had no problem adapting to the increased quality of the axe, making him wonder if there was any limit to how strong <strong>[Chop]</strong> could be. The skill wasnt upgradeable unlike most of his other ones, and he had worried about what he would do about it. But perhaps there was no need to worry. He only needed to upgrade his axe and the skill would follow suit.


    He did however notice that the energy consumption had drastically increased to amodate the increased power of the fractal edge. Luckily his energy reserves had gained a huge boosttely, allowing him to use the skill even in prolonged battles.


    Zac was eager to both gain points and to properly test the might of his new axe and he wasted no time to unleash a storm of violence at the wildlife in the valleys. He shed back and forth between the packs with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and his fractal edges were half-moons of death as they effortlessly bisected animals by the dozen with every swing.


    There was no contest, his speed of killing was far superior in his human form, and both points and Nexus Coins kept streaming in. Unfortunately, the monsters weren''t very strong here and he was hit with the same reduction in rewarded energy as he got when killing Barghest nowadays.


    But he wouldn''t stop just because of that, and as he kept killing his way toward the next mountain he also started performing various tests with his new Daos. He found that the improved <strong>[Chop]</strong> was almost as lethal as when he imbued the edge with the Dao of Sharpness before his axe upgraded, and when he imbued the upgraded edge it emitted a terrifying aura, like it would almost cut space itself.


    He also found that he could imbue his edge with the Dao of Hardness without a problem, though the effect seemed quite limited. Perhaps it would be good when hitting things that would harm his axe otherwise. The Dao of Sanctuary couldnt be infused though, but Zac wasnt surprised by that.


    He also summoned <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and he was happy to see that he finally found a use for his new Dao. The skill had a pretty surprising change when it was infused with the Dao of Sanctuary. Zac had always been able to change the size of the area the swirling leaves protected to a certain degree, but after he infused it he could almost extend the area by almost ten timespared to before.


    Even better, as the size increased the number of leaves increased as well, so the actual strength of the barrier didnt decrease with the increased area protected. However, such arge sphere of protection consumed a huge amount of cosmic energy, so Zac quickly removed his Dao before he was drained.


    He would only be able to keep that shield going for a minute tops beforepletely running out of energy. But that was more than enough if he needed to protect arge group from some iing threat until it could be neutralized.


    The Dao of Hardness worked as well, and it turned the leaves slightly wooden from their earlier glistening emerald. The defensive properties were clearly improved though, but he felt it wasnt quite up to the level of the Dao of Trees. But the skill itself had also been given a huge upgrade with the help of his massive Endurance, and he felt that he wouldnt bepletely helpless against Inevitabilitys chains any longer.


    All in all, he had a good all-round upgrade in the cavern, where even his offensive power had taken a good leap thanks to upgrading <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, so Zac had some newfound confidence as he kept moving through the sea of beasts toward the next mountain.


    He wasnt as interested in looting the summits any longer and was more interested in finding stronger beasts to fight. But even more importantly he wanted to find one of the five thousand remaining hunters so that he could get an update on what was going on.


    The first mountain seemedpletely deserted, and he found that the buildings close to the foot had all been looted. Since time was limited he opted to keep going toward the next one, but when he did he suddenly noticed a startling change.


    It seemed that the System had somehow arranged things so that the beasts were getting stronger and provided more points when he proceeded toward the core of the hunt. Zac looked toward the core area with a frown, unsure of what to do. The density of the beasts around him was just crazy, but where he was they were pretty weak and provided very little Nexus Coins and Cosmic Energy.


    He already had epted that he wouldnt be able to get to level 75 through the hunt rewards, but he would at least be able to gain at least another level if he moved further toward the core and fought the stronger beasts instead.


    He was also more likely to find stronger cultivators further in, which might help him aplish a task that he had almost forgotten. He needed more alliances back on earth. Partly for Calrin to expand their business, but also to move across the world to close the incursions.


    He didnt know how long the inheritances would take, but ording to Ogras they usually took just a few hours tops. That meant that he would be out closing incursions in less than a week. There would be a need for infrastructure to be quickly put in ce so that he wasted no time traveling between the incursions.


    In the end, Zac chose to move further toward the core of the remaining area, creating huge swathes of deaths wherever he went. But the gaps were quickly filled with more beasts swarming to feast on the corpses.


    He passed three mountains by as he headed further toward the core, doing a quick inspection for signs of any hunters. But it seemed the outer rim was pretty abandoned, and all the sings of activity were pretty old. But as he approached the fourth mountain he found a clue.


    He noticed the grass on arge field to be glistening with blood thanks to the position of the sun, and even the ground was wet. However, there was not a single corpse to be found, meaning the battleground had been cleaned to hide the activity. This strongly indicated some cultivators had been grinding points and levels here recently and then tried to hide it.


    Zac quickly scoured the area for any clues, but there was not much to go by. Finally, he chose to stalk the foot of the mountain, hoping to find the person''s hideout. He caught a lucky break after twenty minutes as he noticed a man stealthily moving toward a building in the distance. Zac didnt approach though, instead opting to check it out from the distance.


    The interiors werepletely shrouded in darkness, but Zac already knew his target was inside unless there were hidden exits. However, he was hesitating whether he should enter or just shout from outside. If he entered he would need to break through the array protecting the building, which might give the person inside time to flee or crush his token.


    But shouting from the outside would warn the upant, and with Zacsdder positions he would be a fool not to flee. In the end, Zac opted for the brute force tactic, and with a sh he mmed right into the array at the entrance with his movement skill.


    He was surprised to find himselfpletely immobilized the moment he passed through the entrance. It was a restriction array, and he hadnt expected such a strong one to be ced down here so close to the foot of the mountain. Zac btedly realized this was likely the reason this hunter chose this ce as a hideout.


    A sudden sense of danger in his mind was all the warning Zac got before a sword swung with the intent to pierce his throat with immense speed. However, while Zac was unable to move he could still rouse his Dao Seeds, and between 642 Endurance and the Dao of Hardness the stab barely drew blood.


    The next moment Zac broke the array by force and gripped the shocked man by his neck with one hand as he snatched the token with his other. It had been hanging by the mans neck, easily essible in case he needed to retreat quickly.


    I have some questions, Zac said to the horrified man.


    Ten minutester Zac descended from the mountain once again with a crude map in his hands. It was something John, the man from earlier, had drawn. It detailed the surrounding area of five mountains in each direction, mainly with markers where other cultivators resided and good hiding spots.


    With the drastic increase in monsters a shift had taken ce on the surface while Zac was stuck down below. There were very few battles now between cultivators, at least in the outer rim. The people here had simply staked out a small area for themselves and used the remaining time to farm the beasts below as hard as they could.


    These people had no chance of gaining any rewards from thedders, but the great density of evenly powered monsters had turned the zone to a leveling paradise. They had already gathered a decent chunk of wealth and felt no need to risk their lives to explore any further.


    These people on the outer rim were mainly between levels 35 to 40, and killing beasts here was extremely beneficial as long as they didnt get overrun. And Zac was surprised to note that the levels on earth''s powerdder had made a great leap.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    Rank</td><td>


    Name</td><td>


    Level</td></tr><tr><td>


    1</td><td>


    Super Brother-Man</td><td>


    62</td></tr><tr><td>


    2</td><td>


    Salvation</td><td>


    58</td></tr><tr><td>


    3</td><td>


    Enigma</td><td>


    55</td></tr><tr><td>


    4</td><td>


    Thwonkin'' Billy</td><td>


    54</td></tr><tr><td>


    5</td><td>


    Thea Marshall</td><td>


    54</td></tr><tr><td>


    6</td><td>


    Joker</td><td>


    54</td></tr><tr><td>


    7</td><td>


    Silverfox</td><td>


    53</td></tr><tr><td>


    8</td><td>


    Daoist Chosui</td><td>


    53</td></tr><tr><td>


    9</td><td>


    Guru Anaad Phakiwar</td><td>


    52</td></tr><tr><td>


    10</td><td>


    Thomas Fischer</td><td>


    52</td></tr><tr><td>


    ...</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    100</td><td>


    Edmund</td><td>


    46</td></tr></tbody></table>


    His lead wasnt as immense anymore, with everyone in the top twenty having passed level 50. Even though Salvation had been kicked out of the hunt pretty early he hadn''t been idle, and he was now level 58, just five levels behind himself. Thea hadn''t had as impressive a performance for some reason, and she was overtaken by not one but two people.


    Zac was a bit surprised since he knew just how efficient in hunting beasts she was. With the conditions as they were, Zac would have thought that Thea would not only keep up with Salvation but possibly even pass him on thedder.


    His friend the Abbot had been relegated down to the 37th position, but he was surprised to see a new familiar face at the top ten. It looked like Thomas Fisher must have somehow made a huge improvement to reach so far so quickly, since he wasn''t even on thedder before the hunt.


    To reach the top 100 you needed to be at least level 46 now. He hadnt thought about it before, but he was relieved to see that he wasnt listed twice. That would have raised some questions he did not want to answer.


    However, ording to John things were likely not as calm closer to the core of the hunt. He had asionally heard sounds of battle carrying all the way over here, most notably a massive battle taking ce three days ago. John figured it was the fight that ended with Repubat Medhin disappearing from thedder, and Zac was inclined to agree.


    There had been anotherrge battle happening just a few hours before Zac arrived as well, though John was unsure who that was between since no one disappeared from thedder at that time. It had onlysted for less than thirty seconds though, so John thought it was a lopsided one.


    But mostly there was a desperate fight for the top hundred in the gathererdder since that one would give out titles. Just being able to kill one or two cultivators could increase one''s gathered wealth manifold, skyrocketing them up on thedder. It was risky, but many of those remaining were willing to take that risk.


    After Zac had found everything he needed he had crushed the token of John and sent him back to Earth. He didnt feel the need to steal his treasure as well since he was almost deadst in the gathererdder. But Zac also wouldn''t let him stay here since he had tried to kill him.


    There was one danger for everyone though, not just those staying closer to the core. There were roving squads of Medhin warriors that even assaulted the outer rims in search of treasure. The Medhin Emperor was truly insatiable and had ordered his soldiers to gather everything from animal parts to looting weaker cultivators to increase his wealth.


    Zac snorted when he thought about the image of the Medhin Emperor seeing himself get pushed down to 2<sup>nd</sup> spot again, being unable to regain his position. The emperor was likely even scouring the trial ground for him. But Zac had no intention of meeting that old monster.


    He was simply content to hunt the stronger beasts and find cultivators from Earth.

 Chapter 253: Rats and Champions

    Chapter 253: Rats and Champions


    Zac wasnt overly worried about drawing the ire of Nenothep Medhin. Part of the strength of the Medhin Royals was their armies, and even if the Emperor might be able to keep up with him using <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, there was no way that the normal soldiers would.


    After learning more about the situation he resumed heading toward the central area. Since he wasnt climbing the mountains to loot the summit pces this time around he was making time, and in less than half a day he passed almost as many mountains as he visited the first two weeks in the hunt.


    He was staying away from the mountains altogether now that he knew the situation, instead opting to run through the middle of the valleys between. The monsters were extremely densely grouped there and he also avoided other cultivators who were more likely to stay closer to the mountains.


    Beasts were constantly pouring at him, and he had unceasingly swung his arm back and forth for hours. Zac guessed that he''d already killed more beasts since returningpared to the whole week down in the caves. He wasnt even able to properly stop for dinner and instead kept swinging away while eating dried jerky with his free hand.


    His guess had been correct about the strength of the animals. After he''d moved this far ind the average power of the beasts was 10 levels higherpared to the edge he started at. If this trend continued then the innermost part of the hunting ground should be filled with beasts close to the bottleneck, perhaps even with a few E-Grade alphas in the mix.


    Zac really wanted to go there, but he also knew that was likely where the E-Grade cultivators were stationed. He wasn''t ready for that sort of confrontation, so instead he started veering toward the mountains looking for people. However, this time he was looking for people to set up alliances with rather than to gather information.


    The mountains this far inside were more popted, and he quickly found a couple of cultivators, sometimes even small groups of them who stayed together to more efficiently hunt the valley beasts. Not everyone could be a one-man army who could freely roam the forests below without any worries to his life.


    However, finding people that filled all the criteria wasnt quite as easy. They needed to not only be from Earth, but they also needed to be the leader of a town, unaffiliated to the New World Government, and also have a teleportation array. It was only after finding, or rather cornering, ten individuals or groups of people that he found someone who fit the bill.


    It was one of the Scandinavians Zac heard about during his first visit to the New World Government, and Jonas was surprisingly enthusiastic about entering the agreement. Zac was pleasantly surprised since he had been prepared to essentially force the alliance upon people.


    But it turned out there was an Incursion close by that they had a hard time keeping in check. The invading force kept growing stronger while they couldnt improve as fast. Zac simply told him to open the Teleporter for trusted people and he woulde by within a week after returning.


    During the next hours he managed to find three more people who fit the bill, though two of them werent very close to any Incursions. But at least it would increase his options and open up possible locations for new Thayer Consortia branch stores.


    When everyone heard that he could provide shops with both better equipment and lower prices than the System-run stores they were extremely enthusiastic. Good gear was still hard toe by since the stores in the system only provided extremely basic stuff and it was extremely hard to gain equipment-gaining quests.


    But the next target he found was pretty surprising. It was one of those rat-like things that Salvation had caught and turned into Silver Soldiers. At that time Zac had thought they were something local, but now that he spotted a living one he saw that it possesseddder positions.


    Zac grew extremely curious and hurried over to catch it. The ratman possessed a dexterity-based ss, and it desperately tried to dodge Zac''s pursuit. It even used its tail to change direction mid-leaps, but in the end it wasnt enough to escape from <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Finally, it took out its token, but Zac was prepared and threw a rock that smashed into its wrist, making it drop it.


    Zac shed over and immediately snatched the token before resuming the pursuit. A minuteter he had cornered the ratman against a cliff wall, and when it saw there was no escape it looked at him with fear. It didnt say anything, but instead frantically gestured at Zac, but Zac had no idea what it was trying to convey.


    What are you doing? Can you speak? Zac asked.


    Oh, youre one of the ones gifted with thenguage skills, the ratman said with a decidedly feminine voice. Please dont kill me, yourdder position is so high, I wont make a difference. I have people relying on me back home.


    I wont kill you, Zac said. But I am curious where home is. I havent seen your kind before, and as far as I can tell there are only participants from two worlds.


    I am from the world with different species. Ishiate, humans, and Zhix, the ratman quickly said. "And I know who you are. You''re the human champion of our world, the Super Brother-Man"


    How do you know that? Zac asked.


    "Because we met the other species in the tutorial. We also got a lot of them spawning with us afterward, but most of them are dead now... she said. "I know about all thedders."


    Zac frowned as he looked at the fidgeting humanoid in front of him. It looked like the mystery of the missing people could be exined through this thing. But what did she mean by most being dead?


    Did your kind kill the humans? Zac said as he let some of his aura leak out.


    No! We have lost most of our people as well! Its the Incursion! Those crazy golems fill our tunnels and towns with magma, killing us by the millions sometimes, she quickly said.


    Exin, Zac said with a frown.


    Our kinds have lived underground before the integration. Weve done so for thousands of years. This hunt is the first time I see the sky, she said and quickly exined her origin.


    Apparently, they truly were ratmen like Zac had initially expected. But they werent always burrowers in their homeworld. A long time ago their sun started heating up, making life on the surface almost impossible. Decade by decade it just got worse, and it was quickly bing a mass extinction scenario.


    First, they started to move their cities into caverns so that the mountains could shield them from the heat, but soon that wasnt enough. They kept burrowing deeper and deeper into their to escape, to the point that they soon were tens of kilometers below the surface. Their bodies changed to amodate this life, and they soon shed their fur and gained excellent night vision.


    The integration was somewhat of a relief for them, because the heat from the sun had kept creeping further and further down through the tunnels, and they could only dig so far before heat started rising from below as well. By the point that the integration took ce less than fifty million ratmen remained alive, and they had be a minority in their own cavernous cities.


    Chaos had taken hold of the underworld, with the Zhix essentially going to war with the other species. But soon it was all moot due to the Incursion. It contained some sort of rockmen, though not the ones that assaulted Port Atwood it seemed. They all possess fire-rted sses and werefortable living underground.


    For the first months, the rockmen passively defended their territory as they stripped the ground of its resources, turning into pretty lucrative hunting targets. They gave far better rewards than killing the various beasts that lived in the underground cave-systems. Killing and looting a rockman as it returned to deposit what it had mined would yield an enormous profit. No one had been interested in closing the incursion, and they only realized their mistake toote.


    The fire-golems hadnt been just mining about, but they had also been secretly digging massive tunnels all the way down to enormous pockets ofva. One day the whole world rumbled as the golems unleashed theva upon the underground cities, causing massive casualties.


    Now all four species were desperately fighting to both close the Incursion, but theva had somehow empowered the golems, making the battle a losing one. Even now the remaining poptions underground were desperately battling the golems so that they wouldnt be able to keep building those tunnels and lead even moreva toward them.


    Zac was shocked that such a thing had taken ce without anyone on the surface having any idea. He was also surprised to hear that both Joker and Enigma where people from the underground, and were the leaders of the human resistance. They had been consistently at the top of thedders since the start, but no one had known their identities until now.


    But they weren''t the only ones on thedder. It turned out that the subterranean humans and ishiate were heavily overrepresented on the Wealth Ladder. Greed, Little Treasure and Smaug were all people from the underworld as well.


    Why havent you built any Teleportation Arrays? Zac couldnt help asking. It would allow you to flee up to the surface.


    We have, but weve never seen any arrays apart from our own. Now that I have a better picture of the situation I think that either the distance is too long or that something is blocking us. We are surrounded by pockets of Nexus Crystals and other heavy elements we havent seen before, perhaps that interferes somehow, she said with a shake of her head.


    Zacs eyes widened and he couldnt help but feel some greed. It sounded like the underground was just a treasure trove waiting to be looted. There was also an incursion down there that needed to be closed.


    Hmm I own a mine on the surface. I will see how far down it reaches, and ce a teleportation array as far down as possible. Perhaps I will be able to reach you that way, Zac finally said. ept the alliance, and you will see if it works within a week after this is over.


    Youre letting me go? she hesitantly said as she quickly epted the prompt for the alliance.


    I merely wanted to speak with you from the start, but when people see mydder positions they try to flee or crush their tokens. So I have to be a bit forceful, but I am only looking for allies right now. The Incursions have killed enough of our people. The situation on the surface isnt much better than underground. But we will strike back as soon as this trial is over, Zac said.


    She quickly nodded in agreement.


    I am Justa, I hope I will meet you again, she said as Zac started to walk away.


    Zac nodded at her before he resumed his journey. He was pretty surprised there being a fourth race on Earth, but he already knew it was a possibility since Julia told him about the missing people all those months ago. In fact, the situation might be a big opportunity for Port Atwood. If he managed to connect with the underground there was a fortune to be made.


    They were clearly loaded with Crystals and precious metals underground, but they werecking in many other things. If he could destroy the Incursion he could capitalize on the wealth, and also work as the connection between the above-ground and the underworld. He could probably make a fortune in just transportation fees.


    He resumed his relentless carnage in the valleys as he moved toward the next mountain, and he soon found himself back in his routine. As he searched for allies he also encountered a few of the roving Medhin squads, but they were either quickly killed or sent back to their homeworld depending on how they acted.


    Many of them had tried to quickly send off various skills into the air, and Zac guessed that the Emperor had ordered them to quickly share their location if they found him or other important targets. But every action in that direction was met with a swift and decisive swing of the axe, quickly killing them.


    However, the monotony of his grind didntst forever. Suddenly a shape barreled toward him from the forest crowns when he was in the middle of a valley. It was the first time hed seen a cultivator this far into the woods, with most staying close to the mountains so that they had a venue of retreat.


    Zac frowned the iing man, but since his danger sense didnt give any signals he held off on attacking. However, he did activate both his physical and mental defensive skills to prepare for anything. He also activated <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, and while the information he received was pretty sparse it was enough to identify this stranger.


    It seemed that Beruv Ylvas had some business with him.

 Chapter 254: Beruv Ylvas

    Chapter 254: Beruv Ylvas


    Zac didnt know what to make of the situation since the man who had stopped some distance away from him was one of the E-Grade powerhouses in the hunt, and the leader of the Resistance against the Medhin Empire. But he did not really look like a powerhouse at the moment, but rather a war-torn refugee.


    I mean you no harm, the man said with a cough.


    Zac frowned and took a second look at the man in front of him. He seemed to be in his fifties, though he might be older as outward appearances werent the best indicator of age any longer. He had long brown hair that was slightly greying in his temples, and it was held back in a leather hoop.


    It was the same with his short beard that seemed to be the result of one month without shaving rather than some permanent style. He was a handsome man, but Zac was rather interested in the reason for his current state.


    There were multiple dried spots of blood on his body, and even his aura was slightly erratic, signaling serious wounds. He was also pale from blood loss, and almost a sickly sheen covered his forehead. Zac had a strong suspicion that this was the result of killing Repubat Medhin a few days ago. Only a few others should be able to harm him like this.


    I am Beruv Ylvas from the Berum. I have been searching for you and a few others in hopes of entering an alliance against the Medhin. Judging by your clothes you have no problem killing them, Beruv said with a pointed nce at the golden robes Zac wore.


    Zac rxed slightly since it seemed there would be no battle for now. He remembered that Beruv Ylvas was only level 80, but he should be far stronger than the E-Grade beasts he had encountered so far. Beruv must have done something spectacr since he was the strongest person from his original, just like he was the strongest person on Earth.


    It also meant that he likely had a handful of the frontrunner-titles such as himself, making him stronger than just his level. He would prefer to fight someone like this blind. So Zac kept his guard up in case he was nning a sneak attack for the wealth he had umted.


    Im sorry, I understand that you have an irreconcble enmity, but I do not have much to gain by risking my life against Nenothep, Zac warily said without turning off his defenses.


    I understand your position, you are already first on the Gatherer Ladder and you dont have much to gain by joining me. But I am willing to not only give up all the treasure we collect from the operation, but also half of my own, Beruv continued.


    Zac''s brows rose and he had to admit he was slightly tempted. He had already made away with more treasure than hed expected, but he was the head of arge force. Setting the foundations for a strong army and skilled craftsmen needed heavy investments, and this would be a huge help. The emperor should also hold the war arrays that he had seen everyone from Medhin use, which he really wanted to get his hands on.


    I have to admit its tempting Mr. Berum, but why would you go so far to enlist me? You should know by now that I have not broken through to E-Grade," Zac said.


    I go by Ylvas. And I know you are not evolved, but I sense that you are far stronger than any other F-grade warrior I''ve met. You''re likely even stronger than the two sons of Nenothep," Ylvas said with a serious face. "My senses are telling me I might be in danger just by standing close to you."


    Zac surmised that Ylvas should have umted a decent chunk of luck by hisment, and he guessed what he said made sense. However, Ylvas did not say that he was stronger than the emperor, which was telling of how strong that man was.


    "Still, giving up that much wealth will set you back quite a bit. Why not simply take your treasure and cultivate. There will be other chances to kill the emperor," Zac probed.


    "Killing Nenothep Medhin is extremely hard since either his position is unknown due to him exploring uninhabitednds, or hes safe within his pces. This ce is the best chance for our resistance to kill him, the man said with another cough. But most importantly I refuse to be the fulcrum for that old goat.


    The fulcrum? Zac said with a frown, an ominous feeling growing in his heart.


    I managed to gather some intelligence when I killed Repubat Medhin. We have always wondered how the whole family could possess such power when the normal citizens of Medhin werepletely unable to cultivate, Ylvas said. It turns out that some old monster called The Great Redeemer visited their thousands of years ago.


    Im sorry, did you say The Great Redeemer? Zac eximed, not able to hide his shock.


    Yes. Why, do you know anything about him? Ylvas said, his eyes thinning.


    Zac hesitated for a second before he exined the events at the end of the battle with Salvation. Ylvas frowned as he listened to the story, and sighed after Zac was finished.


    It might not be a coincidence that it was our two worlds that were put together on this trial. It seems we both face the same problem, he said with a shake of his head.


    Could you tell me what else you found out? Zac asked.


    The Great Redeemer set up gathering arrays and taught the Medhin cultivation. Before he left he gave them a task. They needed topletely dominate their before it was integrated. So the Medhin already knew about the integration and that their world would sooner orter be part of the multiverse, Ylvas said. For thousands of years they have waited and prepared.


    Zac, unfortunately, wasnt too surprised when he heard the story since it was all too familiar to things on his own. The Dominators seemed to have the same past, with the difference that their quest for world domination failed due to the rabid resistance of the Anointed and the Zhix hordes.


    But he couldntpletely connect the dots. It seemed that it was Salvation who had the connection with The Great Redeemer, but the terms fulcrum and the simrities were with the Dominators. Were the Dominators working together with Salvation? But they shouldnt have had any contact before the integration.


    What does fulcrum mean? Zac asked.


    I am notpletely sure, but it has something to do with The Redeemers ns. A few powerhouses seem necessary to use as focal points of arrays. I would be turned into an array g essentially, and I would rather kill myself than see that happen. But if I die then they will choose someone else, Ylvas said with fury smoldering in his eyes.


    Turned into an array g? Zac muttered with disgust.


    That sounded like an extremely sinister method, and it wasnt something that was mentioned in the array crystal in his possession. Worse yet, if that was how the arrays were created, then the array itself couldnt be anything good either.


    But that begged the question of why The Great Redeemer put all that effort. Ogras had already told him that finding inhabiteds that yet werent integrated was like searching for a needle in a haystack. However, The Great Redeemer had actually found at least two and initiated the same n for both of them.


    It was not a good feeling to know that some old monster might have a vested interest in his. But Zac couldnt figure out the reason. News certainly had a lot of valuable things, but there was simply not enough wealth to make an old monster traverse the cosmos and scheme for thousands of years.


    Do you know what The Great Redeemer is nning? Zac asked.


    No idea. I dont think even Repubat himself knew. Either Nenothep keeps that secret to himself, or perhaps none of them know whats truly going on. The only thing Repubat knew was that The Great Redeemer called the people of the world ''fuel'', and that the Medhin would be taken to a cultivators paradise for fulfilling their task, Ylvas said with a shake of his head.


    Fuel? Zac repeated with trepidation.


    That obviously couldn''t be good news.


    Have you figured out anything to stop this? Zac asked.


    I cant be sure, but I have formed a hypothesis. Why did The Great Redeemer visit ours thousands of years ago? Why did he give a family cultivation manuals? I believe he has formed a Karmic Link with those who use that cultivation technique, and he now uses that link as a means to locate ours, Ylvas exined.


    Dont he already know where ours are? Zac asked skeptically. I mean hes already been there before.


    He only knows where thes were previously. But the integration fused and moved them. We might not even be in the same part of space any longer, Ylvas said with a shake of his head. Ours are shrouded by the system for a hundred years, but I think he has found the means to get around that.


    Youre right, Zac said, feeling a bit stupid. Youre thinking that if you manage to kill all the members of the Medhin n you will sever that Karmic Link, making The Great Redeemer lose track of your.


    Exactly, Ylvas said with a nod. I think this might be ourst chance. If the Emperor is still alive when we return I will have no way to kill him. Their capital is a fortress with extremely strong arrays and legions of soldiers. Thats why I am willing to make that deal. Help me kill him and half the treasure I have umted is yours. I would give my points as well, but they are not transferrable, Ylvas entreated.


    Zac was pretty tempted, but he didnt immediately reply. Beruv Ylvas was on the 5<sup>th</sup> position on the wealthdder, so the treasures he had umted shouldnt be small. But Zac needed to be alive to enjoy them. He needed to be careful. This wasnt as simple as a 2 on 1 assault. Even discounting the Emperors personal guard there was also his son, another E-Grade powerhouse that had aparable level to Beruv Ylvas.


    I can sympathize with you, but I am not sure about this. It would probably not just be us versus Nenothep. There is also his son and their war arrays, Zac said.


    I believe we do not need to worry about Vasidas. Our spies indicate that the two are at odds and that Vasidas might even be nning a coup. If we assault the emperor Vasidas will likely stay on the sidelines, perhaps only appearing after his father is dead to kill us if he sees theres an opportunity, Ylvas said.


    So we would be doing his work for him? said with a thoughtful nod.


    Also, it would not only be the two of us. I have gathered a few hundred cultivators of Berum who are currently lying in wait. They will help lessen the pressure from the army. Unfortunately, we do not possess as good war arrays, and I therefore need the assistance of another powerhouse, Ylvas added.


    My n would be that you stay hidden inside my army, and before they realize who you are you need to strike at the Empyrean Guard and kill as many as possible. That''s the elite force of Nenothep, and the source of his war array, Ylvas said. I will hold the focus of the emperor himself, and after the array is dealt with we will pincer him.


    Zac nodded thoughtfully. Having an army on his side would make things easier, and the n Ylvas proposed was one where Ylvas himself did the heavy lifting. If Zac managed to get close to such an elite squad while the emperor himself was upied he should be able to make short work of them all.


    But Zac couldnt discount the possibility that Beruv Ylvas was lying through his teeth just to enlist some help in his quest to kill his nemesis. It was worth remembering that if they managed to kill the Medhin Emperor and his son, then Beruv Ylvas would be the strongest man on their.


    But there were two days to go, and Zac did not really have anything to do apart from grinding some beasts. He could check things out and gather intelligence to see if the n would be viable or not.


    I do not have anything against working together, Zac finally said. But if I feel its too dangerous toplete I will back away. I am sorry, but Im not ready to risk it all against Medhin Nenothep.


    Thats all I can ask for, Beruv Ylvas said with a nod of relief and stretched out his hand. To a sessful cooperation.


    Zac hesitated slightly before he turned off <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> that had swirled around him all the while, and grasped the other man''s hand.


    To a sessful cooperation.

 Chapter 255: The E-Grade

    Chapter 255: The E-Grade


    Since the two had agreed to work together provisionally the slightly tense situation had abated somewhat at least. Zac chose to not reactivate his defensive skill, though he still kept <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> active. However, there was one issue that was weighing on Zac as he looked at the slightly wretched form of the Berum champion.


    I am sorry, but your current condition is a bit... Will you even be able to fight like you are now? Zac probed.


    The man truly looked worse for the wear, and he didnt inspire much confidence as a potentialbat partner.


    I know my shape does not inspire much confidence at the moment. Repubat injured me in ast desperate assault, and the attack was filled with his Dao. That attack weakened me and drastically slowed my natural healing," Ylvas said with a slightly helpless shake of his head.


    Zac nodded knowingly since he had personally been on the receiving end of such an attack; the poison wound from the Corpse Lord. That wound had refused to heal no matter how many pills he ate. Dao wounds were simply far harder to heal, and if that was what ailed Beruv Ylvas their n might be doomed before they even started.


    "However, I have already pushed out the foreign Dao from my body, and my body is currently rapidly healing. My n is for us to assault the Emperor''s mountain on thest day after Ivepletely healed. Hopefully, we would be able to thin out his forces by hunting the roving squads until then. That way we would weaken their side while gathering information, Ylvas quickly added after seeing Zac''s troubled face.


    Sounds good," Zac agreed.


    If what Ylvas said was true about his wound then Zac would be able to observe a rapid restoration during the next day. If he still looked wretched at that point then he was lying about his condition. Waiting a few days to assault Nenothep would also allow him to focus on his goal to hunt beasts and find more potential allies.


    But one condition. I am looking for people from my world to ally with. You cant kill them, Zac added.


    I have no interest in fighting them, especially not in my current condition, Ylvas agreed without hesitation. Do you think they would be amenable to working with us?


    I doubt it to be honest, Zac admitted. I only have a few friends strong enough that they could help out. In general, our world is far more splintered than yours seem to be. In fact, when we find people you should stay out of sight so no rumors of us working together have a chance to spread.


    Agreed, Ylvas nodded. "I have to say I am a bit surprised you still are looking for allies when you''re the strongest human on your. I would have expected them to approach you by now."


    "Well, it''s a bitplicated," Zac said with a sigh. "For one I got randomized to an ind in some remote corner of our. The only way for me to find other people is to use my Teleportation array, and no one keeps their arrays public when the world is in chaos. There have also been some false rumors about me floating about."


    "I pray you will be able to unify your world quickly, Mr. Atwood. I have seen the aftermath of those you call the Dominators in this hunt. They are bloodthirsty and even stronger than the Medhin n. You will need many allies to bring them down," Ylvas said with a serious face as he started walking toward the central area.


    Zac only nodded and followed in tow. Since Ylvas was hurt he avoided battle as much as possible, leaving the task of clearing a path to Zac. Since Zac''s goal was to grind beasts he didnt mind, and he soon was back to his routine of clearing out beasts by the dozen.


    However, since a stranger was traveling with him he held back his power to a prettyrge degree. He didnt use <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and the length of the fractal edge he disyed was only three meters long. He didn''t evenunch it at packs, not wanting to provide the intelligence that he could use ranged attacks. Finally, he refrained from using any Dao, not that it was really needed in any case against some random beasts.


    It might have been overkill, but months of listening to tales of betrayal from Ogras it was pretty much by instinct that he tried to avoid leak any critical information about himself. Ylvas did not speak much either, apart from sometimes making some random conversation.


    It turned out that the of Berum wasn''tpletely devoid of Cosmic Energy before the integration in contrast to Earth. Their world had been essentially medieval, and there had been a few people who had the ''Gift''. It wasn''t nearly as pronounced as now that the world was integrated, but those with the Gift could be a few times stronger than normal people.


    Beruv Ylvas was one of these people, and it seemed he had been some sort of general or royal protector in their old world, though it seemed he was unaffiliated now. Zac didn''t probe into that subject though since it seemed a bit delicate. Ylvas had started at level 23, and he received his ss inside the Tutorial after only two days.


    The reason Ylvas grew so strong was a mix of reasons. He had a headstart, and since he already was an experienced warrior he underwent very hard missions in the tutorial. He had then distinguished himself in the quickly escting wars against the Medhin Empire, and he quickly became a symbol of the resistance.


    Many had voluntarily provided him with treasures such as attribute fruits or Nexus Crystals in hopes that he would get powerful enough to defeat the Medhin Emperor. The world of Berum had celebrated in the streets when they learned that he was the first warrior to pass the bottleneck, which was the first step in resisting the monstrously powerful royals.


    So, whats the difference between E-Grade and F-Grade? Zac suddenly asked after a bit.


    It was a subject he was pretty interested in, especially now that he was closing in on the bottleneck himself. He actually knew less about the E-Gradepared to the D-Grade, since he at least knew that you formed a Core at that stage. He had Asked Alyn about it, but she had refused to talk about the subject, citing that one shouldn''t get ahead of oneself.


    Hmm Well, most importantly you get far more attributes per level, Ylvas said after mulling it over. I gain almost ten times the attributes per level now.


    Zac already knew that the E-Grade provided muchrger gains per level, but he was still shocked by the sheer number of attributes. It was no wonder that he had such trouble with Inevitability. Even if the Dominator only had an umon ss he would have gained over 1500 attributes between the levels 75 and 100.


    He finally understood what Ogras meant when he said that the low tiered Titles that gave t boosts would be mostly useless at the end of E-Grade. Even with his huge number of Titles, his umted bonus t attributes were only worth something like 5 levels in the E-Grade.


    But leveling is harder, Ylvas added with a sigh.


    Well, hasnt that been the case since the start? Zac asked as he dragged himself out of his musings. Every level requires more Cosmic Energy.


    Its not only that, Ylvas said with a shake of his head. To gain a level now its not enough to gather up enough Cosmic Energy through kills or cultivation. You also need to break open a Node in your body.


    A node? Zac asked, but suddenly remembered the mention in the introduction to formations.


    It had said that minor nodes existed in the body, helping the two major nodes which were the Spirit Gate and the Cosmic Core. It hadn''t exined exactly what they were though, only mentioning that they contained power.


    It is like a mini-bottleneck. There are spots all through your pathways that need to be awakened, and each node gives you a level. Every time that you break open a node it feels like you break a chain shackling you. Cosmic Energy flows smoother through your pathways, and your body feels lighter," Ylvas continued. "From what Ive gathered there are 75 ordinary Nodes, but also a few hidden ones."


    Hidden? Zac asked with interest, even turning over toward Ylvas while he kept swinging to mow down beasts in front of them.


    Yes, apparently its special nodes that do not give levels but instead great increases in power. The truly gifted can sometimes open one, or even a few. But its not needed to evolve to the next stage, Ylvas continued. As to the method to find and open these hidden nodes I have no idea.


    So they give free attributes like titles? Zac asked.


    No, from what I understand they give things that are harder to quantify. One might make your sight and reaction far better. Another makes you more in tune with the Dao. Thats just examples Ive made up myself though, the Tutorial Pixies didnt give any information, and I couldnt afford information about those things, Ylvas exined. "It also seems that different people have different hidden nodes."


    "Howe?" Zac asked confused.


    "Bloodlines and constitution," Ylvas said. "This is something that does not apply to most people. But some ns and races have special bloodlines, and these bloodlines may contain special hidden nodes that give specific powers. Other people have somehow gained special constitutions that have special Nodes. A fire constitution might have a hidden node that helps the cultivatore in tune with mes for example, or even form it within one''s body naturally."


    Zac nodded thoughtfully. The talk of bloodlines made his mind turn toward his own heritage. At first look it might seem pretty normal, but in truth it was anything but. His mother was a lofty Technocrat, and such a group might possess special bloodlines.


    There was also his newly gained Draugr heritage, and such a species might very well have some hidden nodes to help with Miasmic Cultivation. That would exin their superior handling of the death-attuned energy. Zac''s heartbeat sped up in anticipation, but he quickly cooled his mind.


    Even if he might possess special nodes he had no idea how to ess them. He had no connection with the Technocrats, and he was afraid to even try to contact them as things were now. If they found out about the thing inside Kenzie it might lead to untold troubles for her, so he even prayed that their existence had been forgotten by their mother and her people.


    It was the same with the Draugr, and he was a bit leery about that as well after hearing Ylvas spections regarding Karmic Links. What if the Draugr woman did not act out of benevolence, but for very different reasons? nting those runes inside his head might be a way to form a Karmic Link, which would allow her to find the splinter from the<strong> [Heart of Oblivion]</strong>.


    She had mentioned that he walked on the path of oblivion, which indicated that she was familiar with the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>. And he wouldn''t be taken to her ce if she had no connection to a splinter since all the other visions were connected to the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>. Perhaps she was collecting splinters for herself.


    But he would definitely look into these hidden Nodes when he got back since he had other avenues to find information. There were Bra and the inheritances, both prime sources for such information. Perhaps it would be possible to buy a dossier aboutmon hidden nodes through Calrin as well.


    So the max level for E-Grade is level 150 then? Zac asked after he had digested the information.


    Yes, thats correct, Ylvas confirmed. Every node is harder to open though, and from what Ive understood most cultivators simply do not have the talent to open up all 75 of them. The majority get stuck on the road of breaking open the nodes even before reaching the real bottleneck of forming a Cultivators Core.


    After asking a bit more he learned that the method to open the nodes was to grind them down with the help of ones cultivation technique and Dao. This made Zac frown with worry, since he simply had no cultivation manual to utilize, and it seemed the Dao alone wouldn''t work.


    Of course, there were other ways as well. Some pills and treasures could be utilized. But they often came with side effects and were generally only used when you were right at the end and just needed a final push to get to 75 nodes.


    Zac frowned when he learned of the different ways to level up. The pills and treasures that could open up Nodes would likely not be too easy toe by, and such treasures usually only worked once like the Fruit of Ascension. Was there truly no way for a mortal to advance without the help of treasures though? He knew that the path of progression for mortals was harder, but it shouldn''t be closed-off like that.


    "Is there truly no other way to open up the nodes?" Zac couldn''t help asking.


    "Well, there is one more way," Ylvas answered after some hesitation. "But it is a bit suicidal."

 Chapter 256: Pits and Tracks

    Chapter 256: Pits and Tracks


    Suicidal wasn''t really what Zac wanted to hear, but he internally sighed and indicated for Ylvas to exin what he meant.


    From what I understand you can brute-force the nodes as well. Thats what some try when they are all out of options. You can see every level as an empty ss. When you cultivate or kill enemies you fill the ss with water, and you can keep doing this until it is filled," Ylvas began.


    Zac nodded since the exnation was pretty much the same as how he imagined it, though he rather saw it as an experience bar from a video game. When the bar was filled up he would need to level up. Otherwise, he wouldn''t gain any more experience.


    "When the ss is full of water you need to open up another node, in other words get another ss to fill. Until you do the water will just spill over the edge and not stay with you. Until you break through the cosmic energy will dissipate out from your body.


    But you can also forcibly trap the energy inside your body until the umted energy burst the Node right open by force. However, using that method is to dance with death. The more nodes you open the more energy you need, and your body might simply not be able to handle it. The ss of water would shatter from getting too much water crammed into it. In other words, your body would explode.


    And even if you seed your body will be severely wounded, and you will need to recuperate for a long time afterward. If you include the recovery period its likely faster to just be patient and slowly grind the Node open with your cultivation, Ylvas added with a shake of his head.Besides, you would need to kill an ungodly amount of beasts or waste a massive wealth on crystals to umte enough energy to force open the nodes, far more than just filling up the ss.


    Zac shook his head when he understood how thest method worked. It seemed inferior to the others, working more or paying a fortune for worse results. It looked like the difference between a mortal and Cultivator would start to make itself truly known in E-Grade. Zac wouldnt be surprised if it only got worse on the higher grades as well. He really needed to figure out a way to be a cultivator himself.


    But he also had to say that he felt he was pretty suited for such a method. Not only was his body extremely sturdy due to his high Endurance and Vitality, but he also had another important advantage. His body had been tempered by far worse conditions not once, but twice, before.


    First was when he jumped into the Cosmic Water and ate the Fruit of Ascension, his body had been ripped to shreds and reformed countless times by the two energies within his body. The second time was when his Duplicity core was formed from killing far too many zombies. That time his body was instead ravaged by life- and death-attuned energy.


    Hopefully, those two harrowing experiences would help him out as he brute-forced his nodes open because he did not see many alternatives for him to advance in the future.


    The two kept moving through the forests toward the area where the Berum forces were stationed. Apparently, they were spread out and hidden in caves on four different mountains. The resistance leader had also luckily mapped out the areas with both the emperor and where the two Dominators had been seen recently.


    The emperor had set up camp right in the core, iming a handful of mountains as his own. The two Dominators seemed to move around a bit more haphazardly, though they stayed in the same general area. The two forces had also avoided each other until now, which Zac and Ylvas could exin now that they had a better picture of the situation. In a sense, they were part of the same force.


    The only reason that Zac didn''t turn away then and there was the fact that the Dominators didn''t seem to bepletely harmonious with the Medhin Empire. While the Dominators avoided the royals Ylvas seemed to be under the impression that they killed even more Medhin soldiers than they killed people from any other force. Perhaps things were a bit cut-throat between the various factions under the Great Redeemer.


    They werent in a hurry to head right over though since Ylvas was still hurt and they needed information, so they stayed a decent distance away from the mountain grouping that the Medhin army controlled. Zac spent most of the day hunting beasts apart from when they went looking Medhin squads.


    Everything went ording to n, and Zac even made two new alliances thanks to Ylvas'' map and his scouting skills. However, things took a bad turn after catching a Medhin squad.


    "What did you say?" Zac said as he lifted the final living soldier by his throat in anger.


    "Crown Prince Vasidas has captured the woman called Thea Marshall, and she is now held by the side of the great Emperor Nenothep. The Emperor promises she is untouched and unspoiled, and that she will be released upon the forfeiture of yourdder position. This offer onlysts until 12 hours before the hunt ends, at which point Thea will be executed," the soldier wheezed out, clearly having been forced to memorize that exact speech.


    Zac''s thoughts were in chaos and he nkly stared ahead, unsure of what he should do. Suddenly a white sh went past him and the head of the captured soldier fell to the ground with a thump. Zac frowned and looked over at Ylvas who had already sheathed the thin rapier that hung by his side.


    "I feared he was trying to stall for time to announce our whereabouts," Ylvas quickly exined when he saw Zac''s displeasure.


    Zac wasn''t too sure about that motivation, but he wouldn''t make a big deal about it. He understood why Ylvas wanted the captive to stop talking, and Zac honestly wasn''t sure what he should do at this point.


    Is she your ally? Ylvas said as he looked over at Zac.


    Yeah, Zac simply answered with a somber nod.


    He couldnt but help sigh in defeat. This very situation was the reason why he had struggled so hard to find his sister as quickly as possible. The worst thing was that he couldn''tply even if he wanted due to the splinter hidden away in his brain. He could give his whole Cosmos Sack to the emperor and still maintain his position, and the Emperor probably wouldn''t believe his excuses.


    He honestly would have been happy to dump the<strong> [Heart of Oblivion]</strong> on the old emperor, especially if it helped save Thea. But now it had caused even more trouble for him instead. It truly was a cursed object.


    You cannot make any deals with the Medhin. Both the Emperor and Vasidas will turn on you the minute they have what they want, Ylvas quickly said. They barely consider anyone human, apart from their own family members.


    I know, Zac said. But it still makes our job harder.


    I dont think it changes things. The emperor must keep her alive to lure you in, but we can simply pretend you dont know about the situation. Well keep hunting squads and weaken their forces, Ylvas said.


    Im not sure thats a good idea anymore, Zac said. If certain squads start dropping now they might realize someone ising for them, losing our small element of surprise. It would give our position away.


    Fair enough, Ylvas said.


    Thea is one of the three strongest cultivators of our world," Zac slowly said. "Freeing her would also bolster our forces. I will quickly set her free first while you upy the emperor. After that, Ill hit the personal guard as nned.


    Beruv Ylvas seemed to consider the options for a bit until he slowly nodded.


    That works as well. However, you must hurry. I am not a match against Nenothep in an even fight, and if hes empowered by his personal guard I will not evenst for thirty seconds. You quickly need to dispatch the personal guard and help me lessen the burden or I will fall, Ylvas said.


    "Agreed," Zac said.


    It truly seemed that there was no getting off this train now. The Emperor and his son had forced his hand. Anger was starting to build up inside him as he kept killing the beasts around them, but he forced himself to keep calm. He couldn''t do something hotheaded that risked both the operation and Thea''s life at this juncture.


    So he tried to maintain his calm as the two went back to traveling between the mountains to look for allies and beasts. But an odd sight suddenly entered their eyes. As they traveled they spotted a huge pit in front of them. At first, Zac assumed someone had dug a trap for the beasts.


    However, as soon as they walked over they could quickly discount that possibility. While the pit was over ten meters deep there was no evidence suggesting that they had found a trap. There were no spikes in the bottom, and the walls weren''t sheer so even a normal human would be able to simply walk out of the pit.


    The two kept walking and after thirty more minutes they had lost count of how many pits they''d seen. Both werepletely befuddled at this point, and it even started to make them a bit ufortable. They truly couldn''t understand what was going on, and it almost felt like they were walking into a trap somehow.


    "Animals?" Zac finally ventured with an unsure voice. "Like rats or moles."


    "No, these are man-made," Ylvas said. "They are simple holes go straight down, there''s no burrows or tunnels either so they would serve no purpose for shelter. But I do not understand why someone would dig so many holes. Burying array gs? But then the holes should be filled and hidden afterward..."


    Tracks over here, Ylvas suddenly said as he looked at the ground. Some huge bugger by the size of the footprints, weighing at least 150 kilos, likely more.


    Zac readied his weapons as the two silently followed the footprints for another fifteen minutes. Luckily due to the size of the one who left the prints they had no problem following them even if Ylvas whispered that they were a few hours old.


    Oddly enough it didn''t lead toward a mountain, but rather straight into the core of arge forest in an extra-wide valley, and weirder still was that there were no animals around. Since they had entered the zone with the pits there had been fewer and fewer beasts. Zac started to worry that one of the Dominators had moved its camp and scared away all the wildlife.


    Suddenly they heard a thundering sound from the distance, and both of them quickly got ready for battle. But they soon realized the noise was actually snoring, and they speechlessly looked at each other. Zac immediately guessed who it was and he wryly smiled as they followed the tracks until they looked at a shoddily camouged camp.


    Someone had simply broken off a few smaller trees and put them in a circle around a clearing. But the cover wasn''t high enough the two of them could easily see the ramshackle structure in the middle. Two enormous feet were sticking out of a much too small cover made out of sticks, and the thundering snoring came from the man inside.


    Stay here, for now. I know who this is. Hes an ally, but a bit special. He is also is quite strong, so If we can get his help we will have a great array breaker on our side, Zac said as he started to approach the crudely built tent.


    Billy, are you awake? Zac said as he poked Billys feet with a stick he picked up. Its me, Zachary. The Super Brother Man.


    There snores continued for a while until they abruptly stopped. The next moment billy rose from his slumber, causing the whole campsite to copse in splinters and broken twigs.


    WHO WOKE BILLY? Billy growled as his eyes wildly looked about.


    In his hand was the huge club hed seen him wear before, looking like a tree trunk with an enormous cranium stuck at the end.


    Its me, Billy. Zachary, the Super Brother-Man, Zac tentatively said as he threw away his poking stick.


    Oh, its you, Billy said with a snort after he spotted Zac. I am mad at you.

 Chapter 257: Billy and Alien-man

    Chapter 257: Billy and Alien-man


    What? Why? Zac asked with some confusion as he looked up at the irate giant.


    He hadnt done anything to Billy as far as he knew, and he had even gone so far as to send his forces to help him close out the Ratmen Incursion.


    Your stupid horny friend tricked Billy. Made Billy thwonk the big shield and the biggest rat. But the horny guy jumped out of the shadows and stole Billy''s money and strength, Billy muttered and mmed his club into the ground in frustration, making the whole area shake.


    Zac nkly stared at Billy for a second before he could trante what Billy meant. It appeared that old habits die hard, and Ogras had actually stolen the kill of the Incursion leader when they assaulted the Incursion together.


    Zac sighed in exasperation at the demons antics, but he was also a bit confused. Ogras was stuck at the bottleneck as far as he knew, so killing an Incursion leader would be a waste of Cosmic Energy. It would have been far better if the energy went to Billy instead, bolstering the strength of an ally. Since it seemed both Billy and Ogras were able to kill the ratman it was unlikely it was an E-Grade powerhouse, but it would still likely have given Billy at least one level.


    The only reason that Zac coulde up with was that there was some hidden benefit for the demon to perform such an action. Perhaps he could receive a title if he managed to be the one to kill apeting incursion leader. But in any case, such an action could put a strain on the alliance, especially when the other side was someone like Billy.


    Im sorry Billy. Ogras is a bit stupid, I will make him give some good things to you as an apology when we go back, Zac said, which brightened the giant right up. And uh, its called horned, not horny.


    What are you doing here? Zac followed up as he looked at the surroundings a bit skeptically.


    He had actually almost forgotten Billy was in this hunt due to his less than sterdder positions. Billy was below the top 100 of the Hunterdder, which was surprisingly low considering his strength, and his Gatherer cement was just abysmal. He wasnt even in the top 1000.


    Billy looking for treasure while hiding, the giant said and looked around before bending over toward Zac. Nigel told me the big secret of the hunt. There are big evil bosses in here. If Billy manages to hide from all big bosses until he gets sent back then he gets a BIG bonus reward.


    Zac gaped at the hogwash that came out of Billys mouth. Nigel had obviously been worried about Billy doing something reckless, and tricked him to stay safe with the promise of rewards.


    Yes, I heard something like that as well, Zac coughed. You are doing a good job.


    This hunt is so hard, Billy has looked for treasure everywhere, but theres no treasure. Thwonking animals instead is easier, gives you money and makes you stronger, the giant sighed. "But all animals keeps running away from Billy."


    Zac frowned in confusion when Billy told him that there were no treasures. It didnt really matter which pce he had visited, they were all filled with a decent amount of valuables. Of course, most had likely been looted at this point, but to not find almost anything for a month was exceedingly unlucky.


    As for the reason why the animal ran away from Billy, it wasn''t as big a mystery. The giant''s aura waspletely unrestrained as it billowed out from him. Zac was surprised how heavy it was. He knew that Ogras had told him Billy was very strong, but the aura that emanated from him was far greaterpared to when they met during the Auction. But Zac wouldn''t pry since it was rude to look into other''s fortuitous encounters.


    Did you not find anything in the pces? On top of the mountains? Zac probed.


    Billy did not go there. Billy went once and was attacked by ghosts, Billy ain''t going up there again, the giant said with eyes big as saucers. Mama told Billy that treasure is always buried, hidden by pirates. Billy has no treasure map so Billy has been digging all over the forest. But Billy has been unlucky and not looted a single treasure chest.


    Billy then gestured at a few pits not far away, and Zac was stunned silent. Zac had no idea how to speak with this simple giant. For one he didnt know if he should even tell Billy about how the hunt worked thiste into the game, but he also was unsure whether he would even be able to exin it in a way so that Billy would understand.


    Nigel didnte as well? Zac asked, hoping for some help from the trantor.


    Nigel is stupid. Billy even had an extra ticket, but Nigel was scared, Billy said with a disdainful shake of his head. Nigel said he will help make Billyville better while Billy hunts. Nigel sold the ticket instead.


    Zac nodded thoughtfully as he gazed at the giant. His initial idea when he realized it was Billy who stayed here had been to invite him to help in the fight against the Medhin, but he wasnt sure anymore. It felt like he would trick Billy into risking his life in a feud that wasnt really his.


    What are you doing here? Billy suddenly asked, as if remembering that Zac had appeared out of nowhere.


    After a brief hesitation, Zac decided to tell Billy the truth.


    A very strong bad guy has taken Thea Marshall a prisoner. I am going with a few friends to beat him up and help Thea, Zac said.


    Bad guys have taken Thea? Billy said, immediately looking angered.


    You know Thea? Zac asked a bit curious.


    Thea gave Billy lots of tasty things after the auction, she is Billys friend. Billy wille with you and thwonk the bad guys, Billy unhesitantly said. "Besides, mama always says you need to help those in need."


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement before he started hesitating again.


    The bad guy is Nenothep Medhin, an emperor from the other world we are doing this hunt with, Zac started to exin, but was cut off by Billy.


    Other world? What? Billy asked with a vacant stare.


    Uh, never mind. Anyway, Nenothep is very strong. He has evolved to E-Grade. Do you know about E-Grade? Zac tentatively asked.


    Yes, Nigel said that after level 75 you get very strong. That is E-Grade, Billy nodded with a serious face. But as long as he has a head Billy can thwonk it.


    Good. We will trick him a bit first though. You and I are smart, and we will trick the bad guys. We will work together to save Thea. Then we will all thwonk the bad guys together, ok? Zac said.


    Good! Billy enthusiastically nodded and even mmed the enormous club in the ground with enough power to cause cracks tens of meters long to spread out from the camp.


    The two were soon joined by Ylvas, who clearly had some trouble adapting to Billy''s mannerisms. But soon enough they were back on track, heading toward the hidden camp of the Berum forces. However, Billy''s aura and fighting style proved to be somewhat of a problem since there seemed to be no moderation to his methods.


    "Are you sure this is okay? Your friend is a bit... impulsive," Ylvas said with a low voice as he watched Billy rove forward like a natural disaster, each swing of the monstrous club causing everything from beasts to huge boulders to turn into small chunks on the ground.


    "He is a bit simple, but he has the highest Strength of anyone on our as far as I know, apart from the Dominators perhaps," Zac whispered back. "Every aspect of him is designed for heavy hits. He effortlessly broke an array in one swing that my number one general wouldn''t even be able to break no matter the time given. He is also good friends with the captured woman, so I wanted to let him make his own decision."


    Ylvas thoughtfully nodded as he looked at the huge club ripping through the air back and forth. It clearly was incredibly heavy, but Billy''s bulging arms didn''t even seem to strain as it tore through the air.


    "Fair point. The Medhin squads always allocate at least a third of their men to erect barriers to protect those who use the War Arrays. If this man can crack open the array for the personal guard, allowing you to slip in, our chances would be far better," Ylvas agreed. "Only one day remains until the time for our assault. I suggest we head toward the closest base by now. But first we need to teach this man to be more circumspect."


    "Agreed," Zac nodded, and soon they stopped and called over billy.


    After some exining, or rather bribing withrge bs of grilled meat, Zac managed to get Billy to take a break from his clobbering. Instead, he took over and dispatched the beasts in a more silent way.


    "Billy don''t like that fighting way. Reminds Billy of your horny friend," Billy muttered when he saw Zac trying to kill the animals as quietly as possible.


    "Horned friend, Billy. And I agree, I don''t like fighting like this either. But remember, you told me we needed to stay hidden for the big reward. If we make a lot of noise we might be found and lose the reward," Zac exined.


    Billy''s eyes widened in realization, and he quickly nodded in agreement.


    "Super Brother-Man is pretty smart. Almost as smart as Billy," he sagely nodded in agreement as he started to walk on his toes in an effort to not make any sound.


    "Indeed, the Super Brother-Man truly seems to be almost as smart as Billy," Ylvas nodded from the side in a rare showing of humor.


    "Ha ha, I like you Alien-man!" Billyughed.


    When they had exined that Ylvas came from another world Billy had immediately called them both liars, exining that aliens were much smaller and hadrge ck eyes. Finally, the two had been forced to give up exining Ylvas'' origins, but Billy still chose to call Ylvas Alien-man as a joke.


    "Alien-man is pretty good at hiding skills," Zac said, ignoring thements. "He can teach Billy to hide. Imagine tricking the bad guys you are weak when you are actually strong. This will also trick animals, making it easier for you to thwonk them."


    Billy enthusiastically nodded and Ylvas started to arduously teach Billy how to control and hide his aura. Surprisingly, as soon as Billy understood what Ylvas wanted him to do his aura immediately and utterly disappeared. The change was so drastic that Zac actually stopped killing beasts and turned over, afraid that Ylvas had assassinated Billy.


    But Billy was just fine, though he didn''t emit a smidgeon of energy. Unless Zac didn''t know better he would have thought that the man was a level 1 mortal from how his aura felt.


    "He has magnificent control of his Cosmic Energy," Ylvas muttered in shock. "I can''t sense a thing. I think the man might actually be a genius when ites to energy control."


    "He didn''t get to the top ten on two of ourdders due to blind luck," Zac said with a smile. "Billy, amazing."


    "Why surprised? Billy is the smartest, Mama always says so," the giant said, obviously extremely pleased by Zac and Ylvas'' reactions.


    "Remember how you did this," Zac said. "See, beasts are already storming toward us."


    It was true. Only a few moments had passed since Billy took control of his aura, and the more rabid beasts were already closing in on them.


    "In the future, if you want to thwonk things, always hide your aura this way. That way you don''t need to run after the animals. They wille to you," Zac said as he resumed swinging.


    Since the matter of subterfuge was somewhat dealt with they immediately started to head toward the hideout. They no longer sought out any more cultivators, and Ylvas even scouted ahead to make sure they didn''t encounter anyone. Theypletely rounded a few squads and stayed clear of all mountains until they finally arrived at a nondescript decorative mountain with an enormous statue at the top.


    However, getting Billy to ascend the mountain wasn''tpletely effortless. They finally had to say that the ghosts didn''te to the mountains with statues on top. Of course, it was true in a sense since the decorative mountains did not have gathering arrays making the energies dense.


    They walked along a hidden path almost halfway up the mountain until they reached a dead end. However, Ylvas simply walked straight through the wall, making Billy''s eyes widen in shock.


    "Alien-man is magic," Billy muttered with wide eyes.

 Chapter 258: A Singular Goal

    Chapter 258: A Singr Goal


    "It''s an illusion array," Zac exined but corrected himself after seeing Billy''s confused face. "A magic trick. There is actually no wall there, we can go through as well."


    Zac also passed through a few times to prove his point, and Billy finally followed suit as well with wonder in his eyes. After passing through the array they entered a cavern that reminded Zac of the underground tunnels. Billy curiously poked the luminescent moss covering the roof and even started collecting it until Ylvas exined it wasnt worth any money.


    "No guards or scouts?" Zac asked Ylvas as they walked through the empty tunnel.


    "We felt it was too risky having people ced outside the illusion array since it would likely increase the chances of this ce being found out. We, unfortunately, lost one of our hideouts and fifty good men that way to one of the Insectoids," Ylvas exined with a sigh. "Now we try to stay as nondescript as possible. However, my men know we have passed through the array," Ylvas exined.


    The tunnels werent endless like the ones far underground and they soon reached arge cavern where ten cultivators stood armed and ready. However, the moment they saw Ylvas they rxed, and quickly greeted them with a smile. The next moment another 50 men appeared out of nowhere, startling both Zac and Billy.


    "Alien-man''s friends are magic too," Billy muttered with a subdued voice as he red at the men with his club at the ready "Or are they ghosts?"


    "They are not ghosts Billy, they simply hid with the help of arrays, like the one we passed," Ylvas exined.


    "How are you people able to utilize so many arrays?" Zac asked with surprise. "Did you know about arrays before the integration or something?"


    "Array disks," Ylvas exined. "We found a cache with these array disks early in the hunt and learned how to use them after some experimentation. No knowledge is needed to activate them. Unfortunately, we never found any strong ones. Perhaps it''s too hard to imprint arrays on disks."


    "I''d like to buy one of each of the disks you''ve found," Zac quickly said.


    Those things would both be convenient for himself when he traveled, and it would also be good to have a few of them to study.


    "You can just take them, I have a small hill of the things," Ylvas said and took out eight different disks. "Their effect is much weakerpared to the things you can buy from the Town Shops, and you need to supply them with Nexus Crystals. But they are not restricted by geography and are easy to use."


    Zac picked up one of the disks and looked at the extremely fine inscriptions on its surface. It seemed a pretty high skill in both inscription and arrays was needed to create these things. While Zac and Ylvas discussed the disks most of the men who had been ready to ambush the intruders walked away, making the cave seem more like a campsite. Some were ying cards, while others were cultivating or resting.


    Zac threw the disks into his Cosmos Sack and opened up hisdder to check up on the squad that he would work together with. The general strength of those present wasnt bad, though there were only four people in the top 100, and all of them were pretty far down. Then again these people had been hiding for a few days, meaning their actual strength might be higher than their positions indicated.


    Most simply epted Zac and Billy''s presence without question since they were brought by Ylvas, but not everyone went back to their seats. Many eyes turned toward the two in curiosity. But the faces of the inquisitive ones quickly changed after a few seconds, likely when they noticed Zac''sdder positions.


    Greed was apparent on the faces of many of them, and some hands even moved toward their weapons as from instinct. Zac frowned at the reaction, but he wasnt too surprised either. He didnt say anything and silently observed what would happen.


    As for Billy, he didnt seem to understand the mood and was instead staring at a fire that had a huge spit of meat over it that looked just about done.


    Soon it seemed some couldn''t contain their greed any longer, and arge man sporting two swords on his back slowly walked over. Zac saw he had pretty decentdder positions, holding the 64<sup>th</sup> spot on the Hunterdder. After slightly bowing toward Ylvas he once again turned toward Zac.


    Leader, its good that you are back. I see youve brought the walking treasure trove," he said before turning toward Zac. "That bastard emperor has almost gone mad looking for you. It must be burdensome to carry that much treasure by yourself. Why not share a bit with your new allies?


    We have all been in the same hunt, Zac answered with a shrug. "The wealth we have gathered depends on our abilities."


    "Is that right?" the man said with a grim smile. "I can''t help but think of there being an element of luck as well. But luck can quickly turn to misfortune."


    "Is that a threat?" Zac said with a deadpan face.


    I wouldnt dream of it, but wealth can be a curse, the man said with a sneer. You never know when cmity strikes. But that''s what having allies is for, no? Sharing the burden. We''re stuck here together after all.


    I think I''ll be fine. And make no mistake - Im not stuck here with you. Youre stuck inside here with me, Zac said as his heavy aura ripe with dense killing intent rolled out from him and drowned the whole cave.


    The arrogant man desperately backed away after being inundated by the killing intent, his face as pale as a sheet. It was the same with the other cultivators as they looked at Zac with a mix of shock and horror. Even Beruv Ylvas seemed slightly taken aback by the ruthless aura, and he thoughtfully looked at Zac from the side before he spoke up.


    Fools, do you think one would gain thosedder positions by luck? Now dont mess around, they are the important allies Ive arduously found. They will be the key in ridding our of the Medhin scourge, Ylvas said with a re at the man who had taunted Zac. "If anyone causes trouble for our new friends you will be dered a traitor of Berum."


    Zac simply nodded at Ylvas in thanks. However, he did note that the champion didn''t do anything to stop that man until Zac made a showing of his power. Perhaps Ylvas wanted to gauge his personality or power better. Zac suddenly noticed that Billy was looking at him with huge eyes and his mouth slightly open.


    Uh, whats wrong? Zac asked.


    That line was very cool. Can Billy use it? Billy entreated.


    Sure, no problem, Zac nodded with a smile.


    He smiled widely at Zac before he headed over toward the meat on the spit and unhesitantly snatched it and started eating. The man who had been preparing the meat red at Billy, but after throwing a nce at Zac he chose to not speak up and instead took out another b of meat from his Cosmos Sack with a sigh.


    Ylvas walked over to a corner of the cave, and the cultivators around quickly made ample space for him. As soon as he sat down he ate a pill and closed his eyes. Zac initially wanted to follow him, but after seeing that the man needed to focus on recuperation he went over to Billy and sat down. He looked over to the man who spun the new b of meat, and the man nervously nodded back and introduced himself as Taran.


    "Do you have any information about the situation in the Medhin camp?" Zac asked.


    The man threw a nce at Ylvas before he started talking with a shrug.


    "Most of their forces have started to return to their mountains. Nenothep sent out over a hundred squads to the outer parts of the hunt a week ago, and they are returning to provide the spoils," Taran exined. "We set up as many traps as we could to kill the scouts, but most made it back alive. They are hard to kill because of their War Arrays."


    Zac nodded as he took out a strip of dried meat from his sack, making Taran sigh in relief.


    "Do you have any information about the ss and skills of the emperor and his top men?" Zac followed up.


    The man quickly nodded and took out an information crystal.


    "This is the top tier information crystal from the Omniscient Eye. It''s from before the hunt, but the information should be mostly correct," he said as he handed it over to Zac.


    Zac immediately recognized the name Omniscient Eye. The cultivators from Berum he met right at the start had mentioned him or her, though they had no idea about that person''s real identity. They only suspected the person to be a someone from the Medhin who had defected when the integration took ce.


    This crystal held far more information than the brochure that those cultivators had though, making Zac quite shocked. As far as he knew there was no one on Earth able to create information crystals this borate yet, meaning this Omniscient Eye should be quite the genius.


    The information on Nenothep was quite extensive, though much of it was marked as spection and most was about his history and life. However, it was known that the emperor''s weapon of choice was his spear and that he had some sort of warrior ss. Both strength and speed were marked as ''Exceptional''.


    Only one skill was mentioned, and it was called <strong>[Spearstorm]</strong>. The emperor had used it when he had singlehandedly massacred a whole army by himself. His spear had turned into a blur, punching holes in everyone close to him. No one within 100 meters had been safe, and the only survivors were those who fled fast enough.


    Not much else was said about him since he had never been forced to use his full strength so far, at least not in public. As for Vasidas, it was only mentioned he was suspected to be a mage-ss, but he''d never fought in public. Finally, there were a lot of generals and captains described in the crystal, but after a brief scan Zac knew they wouldn''t pose a challenge for him.


    Zac handed back the crystal to the man on the opposite side of the fire and started talking with Billy for a bit. He also considered going out to kill some beasts while Ylvas rested, but in the end he decided against it. One extra day of grinding wouldn''t make a big difference in the long run, and he didn''t want to ruin the ns by being spotted.


    Zac had already gained another level while he traveled here, bringing him to level 63. He even was even halfway to level 64, so if their operation was a sess he might gain another level before the hunt was over.


    Instead, he rested and went over all his newly acquired power-ups. Resting also helped with his mind a bit. It had been hurting since he overextended himself down in the caverns, but the headache had finally abated. After a while, the familiar thunderous snores echoed from next to him, bringing Zac out of his reverie.


    The sounds echoed through the caves, drawing angry res from everyone. Zac could only helplessly shrug his shoulders. Before he was faced with a mutiny Zac quickly took out one of the array disks he had just received and activated it by cing a few F-Grade crystals in the sockets. He ced the disk in front of Billy, and the giant suddenly disappeared, making the cavern grow quiet again.


    "Taran, how long until we start?" Zac asked.


    "Between half a day and a full day, depending on Lord Ylvas. He needs to be in top condition to fight that old monster," Taran whispered back as he carefully checked a quiver of arrows.


    Zac nodded and once again closed his eyes. Since he didn''t have anything to prepare he simply pondered on the Dao while resting, especially the two new ones he had gained. The hours quickly passed until it was finally time to start the assault. There were no rousing speeches or waving of weapons in the air. Ylvas simply stood up and looked over the 50 men in the cavern.


    "It is time," was all he said with a somber face as he started to walk toward the exit.


    One by one the Berum resistance fighters stood up and started to stream out behind Ylvas. Zac cracked his neck and stood up as well. He hadn''t made any real improvements during the short meditation. He didn''t know why, but it felt like the Dao had been far more elusive since he arrived at the Eastern Trigram Sect. It was much easier to ponder on the Dao back on Earth, and he couldn''t wait to get back.


    He walked through the illusion array surrounding Billy, who still contentedly snored away.


    "It''s time Billy. Let''s go save Thea," Zac said after he managed to wake the giant.


    Soon 67 warriors walked through the forest with a singr goal in mind - to y an Emperor.

 Chapter 259: Insurrection

    Chapter 259: Insurrection


    Thea looked at the hopeless situation in front of her with a frown, her hand frozen by indecision.


    Its just a game, dear. No need for such consternation, her opponent smiled from the opposite side of the table as Thea reluctantly moved a piece.


    She didnt know what was more vexing; being stuck as an unwilling pawn in the machinations of the crown prince in front of her, or that she was miserably losing in a game of chess. Vasidas had found her board game after his father looted her Cosmos Sack, and had immediately been taken with the seemingly simple game.


    Of course, the former predicament was far worse in reality. She had truly and utterly overestimated herself. After the mishap with Zac she had kept her head down, and looted summit after summit for two whole weeks. But no matter what she did she had been unable to get ahead in thedder, and unlooted mountains were bing almost impossible to find.


    Thea knew that without risking ones life one couldnt hope to get ahead in this new cut-throat world, so she had enacted a daring n. She would snatch the Cosmos Sack of one of the four E-Grade powerhouses apart from the two Dominators.


    She already knew that apart from Emperor Nenothep the others were in the earliest stages of the E-grade, far weaker than the monstrous Insectoid who had almost imed her life earlier. She believed that between nning and her specific skill-set she would be able to steal the pouch and escape without them being able to stop her.


    If worse came to worst she would simply activate her ultimate escape skill once again. Losing a few levels in exchange for the umted wealth of one of the E-Grade powerhouses was a worthy trade. The levels could be gained back within a month, but the wealth of a fallen sect could help her and her family for decades.


    But she had been nave. She had followed Vasidas for three days, using every skill and lesson she had learned to hide from him. It was all for one specific moment. When the prince entered a summit array hepletely froze due to the protective array, and Thea had exploded into action.


    But the rest was only a blur. The next moment Thea remembered was when she stood in front of the smiling prince devoid of her trial-token or an ounce of Cosmic Energy. It turned out he had been aware of her presence since the start and had only yed along to see what her n was.


    Come now, you have been brooding since we decided to work together, Vasidas said with a smile as he poured Thea a cup of tea. Have I not been an amodating host?


    You did not leave me a much of a choice, Thea muttered, though she had to admit what he said was true.


    He had been a true gentleman in every sense of the word, but her instincts screamed of danger every time she saw his congenial smile. That was especially true since she knew she was a key piece in Vasidas'' master n. She had learned a bit of it from their time together so far, and his ruthlessness truly made her blood run cold. He had even somehow manipted Ylvas Berum into a desperate struggle where Vasidas'' own brother died.


    And now he had orchestrated an even more desperate battle.


    "Come now. I have no interest in the lives of you or Mr. Atwood, as I have exined. I don''t care about this little hunt at all, for that matter. It''s just some levels and a Limited Title. If it didn''t provide me with the opportunity to y my games I wouldn''t have joined in," Vasidas said as he gripped one of his bishops.


    "The treasures aren''t badpared to my homeworld, I guess. But it''s just useless baublespared to what The Great Lord will provide for his personal disciple," the prince continued. "And as long as you and Mr. Atwood y my game we can be seen as allies rather than enemies. Checkmate."


    A shiver ran down Thea''s spine as she saw Vasidas pick up her king and crush it into dust with a vicious gleam in his eyes. She truly didnt know whether she wished for Zac toe or stay far away from this summit.


    Zac, Billy, and the firstpany were moving toward the group of mountains the Medhin Army upied. The optimal n would be to dismantle all four surrounding mountain defenses before hitting the main mountain in the middle. That way they would avoid any risk of being pincered from behind. Unfortunately, they did not have the manpower for that, so they needed to adopt a riskier approach.


    The current n was to quickly destroy the western mountain with their whole army, and then immediately hit the main peak. A part of their forces would impede any potential backup from the other three mountains surrounding the main mountain, but the main force would move as a spear straight toward the Emperor. That way their backs would at least be clear for a while, allowing them to focus only on the enemies in front of them.


    But that didn''t mean it would be an easy battle. All the remaining royals and the strongest soldiers were stationed there, and everyone present knew that just ascending the mountain might cost them their lives. But everyone here was a soldier intent on liberating their world, and their eyes were filled with determination.


    Zac and Billy were in the middle of the squad, and they were hidden inrge cloaks. Billy was even hunched over to somewhat hide his massive frame. It had taken some time for Zac and Ylvas, but they had finally managed to exin the n so that Billy understood it.


    Billy would be a wall-breaker of sorts. If the defending armies on the main peak erected a strong defense he would do his best to destroy or at least weaken it. Zacs job was to weaken the enemy side as much as possible in ten seconds after saving Thea. After that he had to join Ylvas in the battle against Nenothep. A caveat was that if Vasidas joined his father they would unhesitantly flee.


    With the help ofmunication crystals all four of the forces arrived around the targeted mountain within a few minutes of each other. Zac couldn''t see the leaders of the other three squads, but Ylvas had already told them that each was led by a powerhouse who was close to the bottleneck.


    You two stay here with the reserve force. We do not want you within eyesight of their scouts or spies. We have already ascertained that physical line of sight is needed to check someonesdder position. Billy is okay since hisdder position is far lower than his actual strength. But try to stay out of sight as much as possible, Ylvas said to Zac.


    Zac only nodded and indicated for Billy to stay with him.


    We are not going with Alien-man? Billy asked with some confusion.


    There are some bad guys up there, but Thea is not on this mountain. We will rest for now. We are the special weapon, so we cant let the bad guys know about us, Zac exined as he looked at the forces streaming up the mountain.


    It didnt take long for the whole mountain to erupt in furious fighting. It was clear, however, that the defending forces couldnt match the Berum onught. The battles were steadily moving toward the summit, and soon they took ce on the top of the mountain, obscuring Zacs vision.


    A few thundering echoes erupted on the summit, and not long after the sounds of battle subsided. Zac saw that a few hundred men started streaming down toward their position. From the energy contained in those echoes up at the top of the mountain, it seemed like the anciry mountains were only manned by regr soldiers and a few stronger people to maintain order.


    There was no rest when the warriors had descended the mountain, and they cut straight toward the main peak. A few people had died and even more were wounded, but they simply popped a healing pill and restored their energy with a Nexus Crystal as they moved.


    Soon they arrived at the foot of the mountain that Nenothep Medhin upied, and two squads veered off to impede any enemy forcesing for backup. But the main army consisting of roughly 200 cultivators pushed toward the summit as one.


    Their force was lead by Ylvas and his three generals. One was a young man with a slightly feminine face who held a staff in both his hands. The second was a huge woman that Zac almost thought was a smaller female version of Billy. She sported an enormous two-handed sword on her back, and her arms bulged with huge muscles. The final general looked positively ancient, but he had no problems keeping up with the others as it almost looked like he floated.


    They started ascending the mountain but there surprisingly were no signs of any resistance, with not even a single stationed to impede their approach. In fact, it looked like all the structures and obscuring features of the mountain had been demolished, giving everyone a clear line of sight toward the summit.


    Zac couldnt help but get a bad feeling as he slowly walked up the mountain paths with the others, and he wasn''t alone. Their progression had slowed to a crawl as the scouts in the front kept swiveling their heads back and forth in search of any traps waiting for them.


    But it was instead a rumble that shook the whole mountain that warned them that the Medhin counterattack was iing. Torrential amounts of mes were suddenly pouring down from the summit, making the mountain look like an erupting volcano.


    However, Zac immediately sensed that the fire was conjured rather than a natural urrence. Likely it was some sort of ughter array orbination attack from the Medhin soldiers. Still, the intensity of the iing fire wasnt anything to scoff at, and Zac hesitantly nced at Ylvas.


    While Zac would be able to protect himself, and Billy if needed, from the onught he wasnt so sure about the rest of the soldiers. But while Ylvas had a grim face he didnt seem overly worried.


    Defend! he shouted, and all soldiers took out identical spheres and started to pump them full of Cosmic Energy, as the ancient man took out a farrger copy of the same item.


    The huge sphere floated up in the air above the old general, and the smaller orbs were clearly imbuing it with energy, making it quickly grow to cover their whole army. Only secondster the roiling mes mmed into the shield, but it held steady.


    However, the force of the mes was clearly having an impact, and blood was streaming down the nose of the old man.


    We need to speed up. Lord Rhuvim can''t keep the shield going for long! Ylvas shouted and started to push forward.


    The huge woman carefully lifted the old man and ced him on her shoulder as she ran, letting him fully focusing on maintaining the barrier. But even though the army ran at a breakneck pace the shield was quickly showing signs of copse from the intense mes.


    Worse yet, after a minute of ascending they weren''t only osted by mes any longer. Huge boulders were tumbling down the mountain, each of them mming into the mountain with enough force to make the ground shake.


    Some of them luckily had veered off course, but every time one of them hit the shield it looked like the old man was physically punched. The onught was also having an effect on the army, and many faces were starting to pale from the energy consumption of maintaining the shield.


    "I leave the rest to you, little Vas," Rhuvim suddenly said with a wet cough that made blood stream down his robe.


    The next moment he shed forward, ignoring Ylvas'' order to wait. His aura waspletely unleashed and a hurricane formed around him that soon was over fifty meters wide. Power roiled in the air around the old man, and he pushed straight into the mes.


    Zac sighed because he understood what fueled that tremendous burst of power. That old general was burning his remaining life-force in order to create an opening that would let the army ascend. The intense powers in the hurricane threw the iing boulders far up into the air, harmlessly passing the speeding army by, and even the cascading mes were forced to retreat from his advance.


    The general''s sacrifice had been enough to allow the Berum resistance force to reach the summit unscathed. The moment they saw the crest the old man simply looked back and smiled before he fell over. Ylvas immediately shed over and caught the old man, cradling the body with red-rimmed eyes.


    Zac mutely stared at the corpse of Rhuvim with a heavy heart. The old man might have not possessed even a fraction of the powerpared to the old man in his Dao vision, but he clearly shared the same type of conviction. Zac slightly bowed toward the man as Ylvas put him into his Cosmos Sack before he drew his rapier with a grim expression.


    Waiting for them at a top was hundreds of elite soldiers emitting monstrous killing intent. In the front of the soldiers stood a man in a golden robe, holding a three-meter long spear in his right hand. A towering aura was emanating from him, even making his hair flutter in the air.


    "So you havee, rebel scum. It is just as well. You will join Repubat for his final journey."

 Chapter 260: Wallbreaker

    Chapter 260: Wallbreaker


    Zac looked at the emperor through a crack in the ranks of soldiers in front of him. The man was nothing like the Medhin princeling he killed on the first day. Tyrbat had relied on the empowerment of his war array and his trinkets, but Nenothep waspletely different.


    He gave off a simr aura as Greatest. Of course, not the same levels of power, but the air of someone who had fought countless battles. Zac had a feeling this would turn into another battle where hiscking experience would be holding him back. However, he didnt care much about Nenothep himself, he was more worried about where Thea was being held.


    The girl is with me, a voice suddenly sounded in his head, making him look around with wide eyes. You wont find me, Mr. Atwood. Thea Marshall will be safely released, but you must cooperate with my game. Kill Nenothep and she will be set free. Try to find her and I will immediately execute her.


    Zacs heartbeat sped up as he tried to look anywhere for the source of the transmission. He didn''t recognize the voice, but after putting two and two together he had a strong suspicion it was Vasidas Medhin who spoke. He didn''t know who else would be able to find him when it appeared not even the emperor had spotted him.


    Zac looked around, but he couldnt see anything out of the ordinary. He also couldnt see Thea anywhere, meaning she likely was hidden away out of his reach.


    He realized that his n had been nave. How would he free Thea in a situation like this? He didnt even know where she was. The most likely ce would be within the protective arrays of the summit pce, but to get there he would have to cross the entire Medhin army. The question was whether he should go along with the voice or if he should ignore it and try to locate Thea while the others duked it out.


    Unfortunately, the rest of the world didnt wait for him to decide on his course of action. A shocking aura started seeping out of Ylvas as he aimed his sword at the emperor. Zac''s brows rose in surprise from the supreme aura he emitted. Honestly, Ylvas hadn''t given him arge impression so far, but it was clear that he was the real deal. Unfortunately, it was also clear that while he was very strong for an early E-Grade warrior he was still not Nenothep''s match.


    Your dynasty ends today. Berum will never be the fuel for your insane Redeemer, Ylvas said, undeterred by the fact that his aura was getting somewhat suppressed by Nenothep.


    Soldiers shared confused nces in both camps due to Ylvas'' promation, meaning that the Medhin soldiers were unaware of the truth of their imperial family. They would likely be fuel as well if their side won, yet they exhibited a great bloodlust as they red at the resistance army who in a sense tried to save their lives as well.


    Of course, the forces of Berum would likely try to spread the news as widely as they could as soon as they got back, in hopes of fomenting insurrection within the Medhin poption.


    Shields!, a general to the right Nenothep roared, and the next moment a huge silver shield covered the whole army that stood behind Nenothep.


    Empyrean Guard! a second general shouted, and within seconds Nenothep was covered in a golden glow.


    The setup was simr to all the other squads that he had encountered. One part defended the footsoldiers whereas another part empowered their champion. It made sense since the foot soldiers would only be fodder if they tried to personally fight against people like Zac or Ylvas.


    The dense aura of Nenothep increased even further, and Zac felt that the Emperor would have no problems contending with Inevitability in his current condition. However, Ylvas wasnt cowed by the aura and unhesitantly pushed forward with enough force to cause huge cracks in the ground.


    The power Ylvas emitted was far beyond anything he had shown during the past days, and it all seemed to be concentrated in the tip of his sword as he stabbed straight toward Nenothep who swung his spear to intercept the strike. A shocking collision made the whole mountain shake, and that initial salvo was the start of the war. The huge general pushed forward with heavy steps and mmed her sword into the ground as she ran.


    Somehow she managed to rip up a three-meter tall boulder with her sword, and with shocking precisionunched it straight at Nenothep with a grunt as she kept running. The stone was imbued with some high-level Dao as well since it started burning and caused multiple explosions in the air as it approached its target.


    However, Nenothep barely spared a nce at the iing boulder, and with a lightning-quick stab of his spear turned it into fine sand that exploded outward. Fire and gravel flew in all directions, but Nenothep was unfazed by the assault.


    The attack might not have wounded the emperor, but at least it obscured his vision somewhat. Ylvas was ready and tried to use the fire as a distraction while he stabbed at the Nenothep''s guts with a sword shimmering with some unknown power.


    At the same time, two roots pierced through the ground, aiming to stab the emperor in his back. It was the final general, and Zac only now noticed that his staff looked like a tree nted in the ground, likely spreading its roots all the way over to the battle between Ylvas and Nenothep.


    Even therge general had caught up, and tried to decapitate the emperor with a wide swing flying straight above Ylvas'' head. But it was as though the emperor had ten hands, every attack was blocked by either his spear or a bracer. He even had time to m a knee into Ylvas face, throwing him back ten meters with a grunt. Worst off was the female general, who had arge gash in her side from a lightning-quick stab.


    Come all, you maggots! Nenothep roared as his bloodlust soared to the skies, and he forcibly started to suppress the trio who desperately tried to get past his defenses.


    The generals werent the only ones who had gone all out from the start, asrge shields were erected above the ranged attackers while the melee warriors started a suicidal run toward the enemy ranks. There was no longer any time to hesitate, and Zac turned toward his huge ally.


    Billy, I cant find Thea, Zac whispered to the giant who balefully red at the other side. We will have to beat up the bad guys first. Can you break that shield? It is very strong.


    Billy will give it his biggest Thwonk, the giant nodded as he started running toward the shield along with the other melee fighters.


    Zac followed suit, using Billys enormous frame to hide out of sight from Nenothep and his generals. The sky was starting to blot out with attacks soaring between the two camps, and there were already a few fatalities amongst the melee warriors who couldnt dodge or endure the onught.


    The Medhin army was far better off since not one of them had stepped outside of the protective cover of their shields, and they could leisurely pick off one approaching warrior after another with ranged attacks.


    Zac tried to help as much as he could by rapidly throwing out dozens of daggers to intercept the more powerful attacks, to save at least a few lives in their approach. Billy was also getting ready as he took out his club halfway to the other side. Suddenly his aura simply exploded, and he actually started to grow.


    In just a second he was over ten meters tall, holding an equally monstrous club. His skin glowed with a golden luster, and Zac was shocked to sense some ancient power emanating from his friend. It was as though Billy wasnt human, but rather some ancient Titan as he took thest lumbering steps toward the shield.


    Even the emperor couldnt help but look over at Billys massive frame, and he frowned in consternation. He tried to move over to stop him, but Ylvas and his two generals desperately fought to keep him at bay.


    Intercept him, Nenothep roared in anger, and tons of attacks flew toward Billy as he slowly lifted his club.


    Billy clearly needed some time to umte enough power, since massive energies swirled around him as his muscles kept swelling. The attacks would arrive in a split second, and Zac didnt know whether Billy could survive such an onught even in his enormous form. Out of options he hurriedly activated <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and imbued it with the Dao of Sanctuary making a storm of leaves cover them both.


    Luckily Billys enormous leg blocked any sight of Zac himself, making it look like it was Billy himself who had erected the defenses. Zac felt a huge amount of Cosmic Energy get expended as almost a hundred attacks mmed into his leaves, but at least it lessened the damage on Billy by about 80%.


    Still, the defenses couldn''t block everything, and many attacks slipped past the leaves and mmed into Billy. It was clear that his Endurance wasn''t too high, as multiple wounds erupted all over his body, making a rain of golden blood pour down on Zac.


    Zac was surprised by the color of the blood since a transformation skill shouldn''t change his blood like that. It was also clear that while Billy had been wounded he wouldn''t be deterred frompleting his task. A ruthless aura emitted from him as Billy ran forward the final steps until he stood right in front of the shield.


    BILLY IS NOT STUCK WITH YOU! YOURE STUCK INSIDE BILLY, the giant suddenly roared with enough volume to be heard across half the hunt, and he swung down the club.


    An otherworldly pressure was released from the club, and Zac felt the force was easily stronger than when he used his <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> along with the Dao of Heaviness. It contained a titanic strength as it sailed down toward the shield. Its might even forced some soldiers down on their knees before it had evennded.


    No! Nenothep roared in anger as he lit up in zing power.


    The next moment it was as though Nenotheps spear turned into aser as it elongated and aimed straight toward Billys heart in an attempt to instantly kill him. Zacs eyes widened in rm as he immediately jumped up and changed the Dao infusion to the Dao of Trees in his defensive skill.


    There was no way that Billy would be able to dodge in his cumbersome form, and he definitely did not possess enough defense to withstand it. The swirling leaves lit up in emerald luster as they formed a tighter screen in front of him as Zac rose to over 6 meters in the air to intercept the strike.


    With a growl, Zac also swung <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> with all his might to stop the attack. However, the attack far surpassed what he had expected. It looked like the emperor wasnt holding back when he tried to kill Billy.


    It felt like he had been hit by a truck when Zac''s axe collided with the iing fractal spear. Luckily he barely managed to change the trajectory, and the attack gored arge wound in Billys shoulder instead of piercing his heart. The attack went straight through Billy''s body, continuing for hundreds of meters.


    Zac wasnt much better off as the collision mmed him into the ground with enough force to crack a rib and push the air out of his lungs. Worse yet, he had clearly been exposed since he sensed multiple stares at him as he tried to orient himself.


    Its you! Nenothep eximed with widened eyes as he stared straight at Zac.


    Billy wailed in pain from the attack, but thanks to Zac he managed to keep his attack going as it swung down at the shield with world-ending force. A huge shockwave rippled outward as the shield cracked, causing widespread damage to the cultivators who maintained it. Some of the weaker soldiers even exploded from the force, causing multiple fountains of gore to erupt around the Medhin Soldiers.


    Ylvas also managed to seize the opportunity while the emperors attention was on Billy and Zac, and managed to stab his sword deep into Nenothep''s gut. Nenothep growled in anger and was forced to refocus his efforts at the trio who assaulted him with newfound vigor, ignoring their mounting wounds.


    Zacs ears were ringing but he knew he couldnt ck off, so he ignored the pain and forced himself to his feet. The defensive shield had a fewrge cracks from Billy''s strike, but it was rapidly repairing itself. Zac didnt hesitate as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to sh inside the array.


    A few cultivators tried to stop his approach but a dozen people were instantly bisected by a huge fractal edge tearing straight through them. Zac looked back and saw a pale Billy who was rapidly shrinking.


    Billy, good job! Return to the back lines and heal up, Zac shouted.


    Billy nodded and started lugging back with slightly unsteady steps, avoiding errant attacks as best he could. Many of the melee warriors even chose to use their own bodies to protect his retreat, since Billy was clearly one of their aces. Billy''s part in this assault was over, and he had delivered far beyond what Zac could have expected.


    The force behind that swing was just insane. Five enormous fractal edges appeared at the edge of Zac''s axe, and Zacs aura was finallypletely unleashed as he looked at the soldiers who instinctually stepped back from the billowing killing intent that he emitted.


    Billy had held up his part of the bargain, and now it was time for him to uphold his.

 Chapter 261: Catastrophic Losses

    Chapter 261: Catastrophic Losses


    Zac sighed in relief when he saw that Billy was out of harms way. Billys attack was extremely impressiveing from someone in the F-Grade, but there were also clear drawbacks to it. He was mostly defenseless as he ran toward the shield, and if Zac hadnt protected him with all his might the giant would have died before even getting his attack tond. It also seemed to consume all of Billy''s energy since he waspletely spent after just one swing.


    And while the attack was extremely strong it wasnt very quick. Both Zac and Ogras would have no problem to avoid it with their movement skills. But it was a perfect attack to destroy an immobile object, and Zac couldnt imagine the power Billy would be able to exhibit when he reached E-Grade. He only needed a good team that would be able to help him bring his monstrous strength to bear.


    There was also the issue of his transformation and golden blood. Did Billy possess a bloodline, or had he attained a special constitution somehow? He had never heard of a skill changing the color of ones blood, and the change in Billys appearance along with that immense aura seemed to be something greater than a skill.


    But now was not the time to go over such things.


    Waves of power radiated from Zac as hepletely unleashed his aura. The five enormous fractal edges gained a silver sheen, having been infused with the Dao of Sharpness. But before he unleashed his carnage Zac threw a gaze at Nenothep, just in case he was preparing another of those monstrous long-ranged attacks.


    The emperor lookedpletely enraged from the turns in the battle, and was relentlessly attacking the Berum trio. He almost looked like a god of war from the huge aura he emitted, and arge fractal shone in the air behind him. It seemed to be one of his skills rather than an effect of the War Arrays, and it provided the emperor with an odd but deadly effect.


    Right when Zac nced over the emperor stabbed at Ylvas, but the fractal behind him red and it suddenly was as though two realities were superimposed. Somehow the emperor was also attacking therge woman at the same time, with the same weapon, breaking thews of physics.


    It was obviously not an even fight, just like Ylvas had feared. Nenothep was perhaps even more powerful than they had anticipated. In the short moment that Zac had used to get inside the shield therge woman had lost her left arm, and the mage was on his knees with blood freely flowing from his side.


    Even Ylvas was barely holding on, and wounds kept appearing on him as he desperately tried to maintain the status quo until Zac could kill those who empowered Nenothep. Zac knew that time was running out, and that they might not evenst 15 more seconds. The next moment the ground beneath Zac exploded as he pushed toward the hesitant army.


    He instantly moved to the thick of it with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, knowing he had to cause as much damage as possible before Nenothep could intervene. He also didnt want to stay in one spot, in case Nenothep chose to discard the lives of his soldiers to attack him while he was inside the mob.


    Zacs arm was a blur as the fractal edges shot in five directions. Four of them werepletely unimpeded, causing widespread death in the blink of an eye. Blood formed huge pools as bisected corpses fell by the wayside, but Zac knew he had barely made a dent in the Emperorsbat power.


    The soldiers that had died were not part of the personal guard, but rather random elite soldiers who helped bolster the shields and the war array. The fifth attack had beenunched toward the two generals that stood behind Nenothep, but before it could reach them and the personal guard another shield sprung up, covering them inside.


    A frown formed on Zac''s face as he rushed toward them, shooting off two more edges in their direction as he ran. The soldiers inside the second shield were clearly the personal guard, and the targets he had to eliminate. The protection wobbled and flickered from the two massive attacks, but it held true. But Zac noted that the soldiers maintaining the shield had paled, and a few were even bleeding from their eyes and ears.


    Zac chose the simplest means to try to break it, and he mmed into it with the force of a speeding train, his body imbued with the Dao of Heaviness. Multiple cracks appeared on the barrier, and Zac didnt relent as he swung at the cracks with brutal fervor, each strike containing enough power to kill an E-Grade beast.


    It took two seconds of frenzied attacks, but he broke through and squeezed himself inside like a fox in the henhouse. A few of the surviving elite soldiers had tried to impede his progress, but Zac''s attacks had made the outer shieldpletely break. The melee fighters from the Berum resistance had joined the battle by now, desperately fighting the remaining soldiers to stop them from adding their powers to new shields or the War Array.


    Fear and hatred shone in the soldiers'' eyes as Zac got inside the inner shield, leaving him standing just ten meters away from the personal guard. His aura waspletely unleashed, and it actually managed to somewhat destabilize the War array that was still maintained. No one wanted to be the first to attack him since they had all seen what he had done with over a hundred soldiers outside the inner shield.


    The status quo onlysted for a second before Zac rushed forward, his axe already growing another fractal edge. The personal guards did everything in their power to keep him away, shooting a wide array of attacks right at him. The salvo consisted mainly of magical attacks, and over ten fireballs mmed right into his body. But Zac only roared and ignored the pain, confident that his enormous Endurance would pull him through.


    However, in the next moment he sensed some danger, and he swung out his axe toward the left instead of at the soldiers by sheer instinct. A glowing gauntlet appeared almost as though out of nowhere, and the two collided with enough force that the closest soldiers were thrown away. Some even sporting wounds from the shockwave as they quickly got back on their feet.


    The next moment a piercing pain erupted in Zac''s side as a dagger was firmly lodged inside and it felt like the wound was both frozen and burned at the same time. It was the two generals who had personally moved to stop him, and both were right at the E-Grade bottleneck judging by their power.


    Zac red at the soldiers who kept imbuing the emperor with power while keeping an eye on him, and he growled in frustration as he turned his attention to the two generals. He tried to grab the dagger-wielding one, but he slunk out of his grasp like an eel, quickly moving out of reach.


    The other one also distanced himself as quickly as he could, but that strategy did note without downsides. They knew they couldntpete head-on with him, but if they moved away they also exposed their subordinates.


    A fractal edge almost instantly grew to over fifteen meters and it skewered almost as many soldiers without Zac even moving the axe. There were less than a hundred members of the personal guard, so a good chunk of them instantly died from that sneak attack.


    There was no way to maintain a fractal edge that long, and it disintegrated after Zac managed to kill just a few more of them. But it did cause some chaos in the ranks, making the soldiers unsure whether they should empower their emperor or defend themselves.


    Zac wouldnt relent as he pushed forward, but an enormous fist appeared above him, mming straight down. Not only that, but it also formed an invisible restriction on him in an effort to stop his movement. The fist contained some sort of Restrictive Dao, making the attack resemble <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> a bit.


    A roar escaped from Zac''s throat as he swung his axe up to intercept the iing strike, but as he did he felt another of the stinging wounds erupt in his upper back. If he didnt have his high luck to warn him his heart would have been pierced, but he managed to tilt mid-swing enough so that the wound was mostly superficial.


    An idea suddenly appeared in Zac''s mind and he stopped his swing mid-motion. Next, he instantly released his Dao Field of Heaviness, making the assassin slightly stumble when he tried to move away. Zac took advantage of that brief window and grabbed him, instantly sealing his fate.


    A crunching sound echoed out, and the next moment the enormous fist mmed into Zac, causing the whole mountain to shake. A secondter the fist disintegrated, showing arge crater five meters deep. At the bottom was a mangled piece of flesh, crushed beyond recognition.


    Next to it was Zac''s bloody form, though in far better shape. Zac got up to his feet with a groan and used <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to push out of the pit. He had bet he would be able to endure the attack with his defensiveyers, and he had been correct. The next moment the was once again amongst soldiers and the carnage resumed.


    The general who was still alive desperately tried to impede him, but he had just spent a huge amount of energy on his final strike, and he no longer had his teammate to share the burden. Zac was like an enraged boar as he swung wildly, and the general only barely survived due to a dozen of the personal guards switching their attention to protect their leader instead of the emperor who was clearly in control of his battle.


    But even with the help of the personal guard the general only managed to dy Zac in his goal to kill those who empowered Nenothep. Zac knew that dy might be the difference between winning and losing the war. Over ten seconds had already passed since he entered the shield, and he knew that he was almost out of time.


    Energies zed around him as Zacpletely ignored his energy expenditure, aiming topletely and utterly destroy the remaining general. Hisrge gauntlets were already bloody scrap metal from Zac''s assault, and he was barely staying on his feet as it was. But his eyes burned with conviction as he red at Zac.


    "Empyrean Sacrifice!" he roared with a hoarse voice, and Zac''s senses almost immediately sensed danger.


    He tried to move backward, but suddenly it was as though he was stuck inside tar. The remaining 60 soldiers in the personal guard still in fighting condition all had their focus on Zac by now, and they seemed to be cooperating on some array with somber expressions.


    An enormous ball of chaotic energies was quickly growing right between himself and the soldiers, and Zac knew he had to get away. Zac''s danger-sense only got more and more urgent, and Zac desperately fought to move through the restriction that had been ced on him. His muscles strained as he finally managed to force himself free from the suppression.


    But before he had a chance to activate <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>the huge ball of energy exploded, turning the whole world white.


    Zac barely had time to activate <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> imbued with the Dao of Trees, followed up by imbuing himself with the Dao of Hardness. He even activated a defensive option of his golden robe to cover him. But even with all that, it felt like he was sted into pieces when the explosion hit him, and he was thrown away like a ragdoll.


    His mind was drifting away as he flew, but Zac barely managed to refocus his mind. As soon as hended he immediately got himself ready to once again assault the soldiers, ignoring the pathetic state of his body. But the moment he saw the personal guard he knew there would be no need for that.


    Almost nothing remained of the whole area where the personal guard once stood, apart from a crater and a few burned remains of bodyparts. One of the few corpses that wasn''tpletely obliterated sported two mangled gauntlets, indicating that not even thest general had survived the final st.


    Empyrean Sacrifice seemed to have been the final attack of the personal guard, sacrificing their lives to take Nenothep''s enemies with them to the grave. And as he looked down at this burned body covered in wounds he knew that perhaps only himself and the two Dominators would be able to survive a st of that magnitude. He wasn''t even sure he would have survived unless he had just gained a huge amount of Endurance down in the caverns.


    The personal guard hadn''t been the only ones affected by the explosion though. Arge number of soldiers from both camps had been too close to the battle and became casualties as well. Even those who had maintained a healthy distance wasn''t spared as their bodies were crushed by the shockwave. It was clear that both sides had sustained catastrophic losses.


    His body hurt, but at least his first task was done, and the whole personal guard was eradicated. Zac victoriously looked over at the main battle, but his brows rose in rm when he saw the scene. The situation was even worse than he''d feared. Therge woman was lying dead on the ground, and the mage was barely alive from the look of him.


    Even Ylvas was in dire straits, drenched in blood and missing a leg. He somehow stood upright with the help of the Cosmic Energy, but his aura was chaotic. If Nenothep hadn''t received a bacsh from his War Array getting ripped to pieces he might have already killed the Berum champion.


    The fight was about to be wrapped up, and Zac didnt even dare to waste a single breath. Torrential amounts of energy gathered in his forearm while heunched a fractal edge at the emperor to buy some time. It was as though Nenothep had eyes in the back of his head, and he immediately swung his spear in a wide arc. The swing disintegrated the fractal edge even though it was imbued with the Dao of Sharpness.


    You actually survived the Empyrean Sacrifice. You truly are a human cockroach. But I do not need a War Array to handle the two of you, Nenothep sneered at the approaching Zac.


    Zac didn''t bother with an answer, but the space above him suddenly cracked, and a huge wooden hand emerged.

 Chapter 262: Spear World

    Chapter 262: Spear World


    Zac came out of the gates swinging, knowing that Ylvas wouldntst much longer. He needed to finish this as quickly as possible before theypletely ran out of energy because there was still the issue of Vasidas and the missing Thea.


    Energy ripped around Zac as he pushed forward, activating <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> in order to boost the wooden hand to the absolute limit of what he could unleash. Both the hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>and himself were rapidly approaching Nenothep until Zac finally stopped 50 meters away while the hand kept moving.


    Nenotheps aura had noticeably weakened due to losing the effect of the War Array, but he still emitted a tremendous fighting spirit. It didnt look like he had expended much energy to whittle down Ylvas and his generals, meaning Zac would essentially be fighting him at full capacity.


    Therge fractal that hovered behind the emperor moved to intercept the giant hand, stopping ten meters away from Nenothep like a shield. Surprisingly the emperor started tounch a frenzy of stabs at the fractal, his arm and spear turning into a blur.


    Zacs brows rose in rm when he saw that the fractal both multiplied and empowered the strikes, resulting in hundreds of spear-silhouettes stabbing into the approaching hand. It felt as though his whole arm was getting eviscerated by the relentless attacks, and wood chips were raining down on the ground as each spear fractal ripped away piece by piece.


    A sudden burst of energy made the emperor stop in his tracks, and he quickly turned in rm when two fractal snakes ripped toward him from behind. They werent veryrge, reaching only a few meters in length, but they emitted terrifying energy. Both were pitch ck, and it appeared like they had small horns in their foreheads.


    They flew toward Nenothep in a swirling circr manner, forming almost what looked like a spring as they approached. An azure fractal sword traveled in the empty space within the spring the two snakes formed, and it was as though the snakes guarded the real attack on its way toward its target. The attack originated from Ylvas who had paled and fallen on his hands and knees after the attack.


    The emperor growled in frustration as he ripped an amulet from his chest and threw it at <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> before he focused his attention on the iing snake-strike. Clearly, he considered an attack from an actual E-Grade warrior a higher threat than that of Zac who was only level 63. Even the fractal swapped position to instead be pointed toward Ylvas.


    A torrent of spears shimmering with lethality moved to intercept Ylvas strike, but the two snakes that protected the sword strike suddenly opened their mouths and the space in front of them started to distort. It was as though they had small ck holes in their mouths as they caused a huge suction of the area in front of them, dragging everything inside.


    Everything in the vicinity was sucked into the maws of the snakes, and even the spear fractals from the emperor were simply swallowed up by the two snakes as they flew closer. But there was a limit to how many attacks they could gobble up since they got more and more engorged as they kept diverting the iing attacks.


    Finally, one of the snakes couldnt take anymore and it shed ahead of the other one and appeared almost right in front of Nenothep who swung his spear to destroy the iing threat. But the moment the spear touched the beast it exploded like a bomb, instantly releasing dozens of spear strikes in every direction.


    Ylvas had turned the emperors unceasing attacks against him as the snake spat out everything it had eaten at thest second with almost as much force as the attacks initially had. The emperor''s fractal once again shed and Nenothep almost turned into a six-armed asura as he deflected attack after attack with impossible speed.


    But he didnt even have time to destroy half of the attacks before the second snake shed over, and this one exploded by itself even without being attacked. It released another barrage of attacks at him, joining the remaining strikes an effort to rip the emperor to shreds. Nenothep was barely visible within the sea of spear strikes, but an almost blindingly strong golden glow erupted around him.


    It looked as though a bomb exploded, erupting outward from the emperor and disintegrated all the fractal strikes around him in an instant. The assault wasnt over however, as the final de strike that had been hidden within the two snakes shed forward, stabbing straight through the golden glow and flying toward Nenotheps heart.


    Unfortunately, the emperor managed to move his spear in time, hitting the azure sword-strike, though he only managed to swing it downward without much force. He hadnt been able to gather enough energy or momentum for the defense since he had been upied by the surprise attacks from the two snakes. Nenothep did what he could, but he wasnt able topletely destroy the fractal that likely even consisted of Ylvas'' life force.


    The fractal sword tore into his side, causing blood to cascade down his golden robes, and it was the first real wound that Nenothep had received during the whole battle. But Nenothep had no time to react before a huge crash erupted from behind him.


    Ylvas attack had taken less than a second, and during that time the defensive amulet had tried to stave off <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. But some defensive tool had no way to stop the onught of Zacs ultimate attack. Everything he had was loaded into that strike, and it was even empowered by <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    The hand had undergone a rebirth after Nenothep was forced to stop attacking since it was imbued by the Dao of Trees with its concept of life from death. If one wanted to stop the hand you would need topletely destroy it, or it would just grow back.


    The defensive amulet was a high-quality item, but it was no match to thepounding power of Zac''s strongest attack, and its shield fractured and broke after just a split second with a huge explosion. The hand continued unencumbered straight toward Nenothep who had just been stabbed by Ylvas.


    Zac didnt hesitate and immediately mmed down his hand with as much force as he could muster. <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>fell like a p from the gods at Nenothep who roared in anger. zing energies swirled around him as he actually threw his spear straight up at the iing hand.


    A tremendous shockwave sted outward when the spear mmed into the hand, and an enormous crack in the mountain formed right beneath that spanned the whole summit. Zac screamed in pain as a hole was ripped open in his hand when the power in the spear managed to do the same to <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    Pushing down the pain, Zac arduously formed a fist with his broken hand, and finally managed to m it down on Nenothep. Another tremendous shockwave erupted when a crater over ten meters deep formed. The fist was on apletely other levelpared to the attack that Nenothep''s general generated earlier, and even the Star Ox would have been turned into meat paste from the attack.


    However, a badly wounded but very much living Nenothep got back to his feet at the bottom of the crater with a growl, making Zac sigh in regret. E-Grade warriors were a pain in the ass to kill. The next moment another wave of shocking energies gathered around Nenothep and he rose into the air like a D-Grade powerhouse.


    Are you still going to hide, unfilial child?! he shouted, and suddenly his fractal reappeared after having been destroyed by<strong> [Nature''s Punishment]</strong>. "Spear World!"


    The fractal started growing and in an instant, it spanned hundreds of meters in the air above them. Most of the summit was covered, and Zac couldn''t help but get a bad feeling when he sensed the immense power that the fractal radiated. Zac was confused at first, but he soon understood the meaning of Nenothep''s words.


    Vasidas was not only a restraining force upon Zac, but perhaps even more-so on Nenothep himself. He was afraid of expending too much energy, making himself vulnerable to a coup by his own son. But it was clear Nenothep was no longer holding back, judging by the monstrous energies that he was burning up.


    Zac wanted to jump toward him before Nenothep unleashed whatever he had nned, but a sense of impending crisis immediately made him swing his axe toward his back. To his surprise, a fractal spear had stabbed at him from nowhere, and Zac barely managed to destroy it due to his honed instincts.


    Zac quickly nced around and saw that no matter where he looked people were assaulted by innumerable spear attacks, making it seem like they were all caught in a hurricane made of fractal spears. Not even the remaining forces of Medhin werent spared, and they desperately wailed before being struck down by their own leader.


    It was as though the spears were blind while they tried to cause utter annihtion. Even the pce in the distance started to copse as spears kept mming into it as well. This type of attack must be the emperors strongest attack that he had held off on using. It must cost an insane amount of Cosmic Energy judging by the widespread damage, and it also seemed to not care about friend or foe.


    Zacs thoughts immediately went to Thea, and he desperately started running toward the emperor as he deflected the strikes he could stop and endured those he couldnt with his body or <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>. Wounds were racking up at an rming rate, and he knew he wouldntst too long even with his Endurance and defensive measures. Ylvas was even worse off as he waspletely spent from his earlier fight and the ultimate attack.


    Even the final general had fallen it seemed. He had erected a wooden barrier around himself, but the consecutive attacks had quickly whittled it down and killed the man inside. And if someone of that power fell in just a few seconds there was no need to guess how the weaker people on the summit were faring.


    Flee from the summit! Ylvas desperately shouted as he fended off spearsing from every direction while hobbling toward Nenothep as well.


    But it was to no avail. The normal resistance fighters couldnt even stop the spears from wounding them, let alone block them while they made their way off the mountains. People were falling one by one across the whole summit, and in just a few seconds less than 10 percent remained. Those who were spared were mainly the lucky ones who were at the edge of the fractal in the sky since they managed to get out quickly enough.


    The emperor kept hovering in the air with his spear pointed up toward the fractal in the sky, and Zac started shooting fractal edges of his own at him as he ran. However, they were whittled down by the innumerable spears in the area and didnt even reach half-way before being destroyed.


    Zac growled as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>and sped toward the emperor at maximum speed. The next moment he pushed himself off the ground toward him andunched a series fractal edges in a split second. The first two held a dark metallic luster, and they were imbued with the Dao of Hardness.


    The two strikes managed to withstand the innumerable fractal spears as they paved the way toward the emperor, and the following three strikes were imbued with the Dao of Sharpness. The emperor wasn''t defenseless however, as tens of spears suddenly appeared below him as they ripped the first three fractal edges to shreds in an instant and descended toward Zac.


    Then a shadow suddenly appeared in front of him as a st of energies erupted, destroying all of the spears between Zac and Nenothep. It was Ylvas who had expended even more life force to destroy the final defense.


    "Go!" Ylvas coughed as he started falling toward the ground stretching out his entwined hands.


    Zac grit his teeth as he used Ylvas'' hands as a teau, and Ylvasunched him up toward the emperor with all the force he could muster before mming into the ground like a meteor. The emperor, finally forced to redirect his spear from pointing at the fractal, stabbed it straight toward Zac''s heart.


    Zac knew he only had one shot at this, so hepletely removed any defensive measures as he slightly tilted his body, letting the spear pierce straight through his body. However, it just missed his heart, and with Zac''s momentum he was within arm''s reach of the emperor in an instant.


    Nenothep tried to rip out his spear but it waspletely stuck since Zac had imbued himself with the Dao of Hardness while he swung his axe quick as lightning. Out of options Nenothep finally released the grip of his spear to push himself backward, but thest second a small fractal edge grew out from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>.


    Three thumps were soon heard as Zac, Nenothep, and Nenothep''s head fell into the ground, and Zac was immediately infused with a huge amount of Cosmic Energy. It was far beyond anything he had ever gained before, and he knew that he hadn''t just received one level from the kill.


    The emperor had been too reliant on his weapon and had tried to hold on to it until the end. It was likely that no one had ever managed to disarm him since he had stood at the peak his whole life. It allowed Zac a brief window to catch the old warrior off-guard when he refused to let go, and Zac decapitated him in one swift swing. Between the E-Grade edge <strong>of [Verun''s Bite]</strong> and the Dao of Sharpness, even an old monster couldn''t keep his head after such an attack.


    Zac let his axe feed on the blood of the headless emperor, and Verun screamed in exultation in his mind. Afterward he slowly dragged out the emperor''s spear, a groan escaping his lips. Blood flowed like a river from the wound, but the bleeding quickly slowed down as he ate one of his best healing pills.


    After that, he hastened over to Ylvas'' side. His own state was pretty pathetic, but the champion of Berum was truly on hisst legs. Zac quickly got down on his knee and fed him one of his top-grade healing pills while quickly creating a tourniquet for his missing leg.


    "We did it!" Ylvas weakly said, his eyes filling with tears of relief. "That old monster is gone."


    Zac nodded with a smile, but just as Zac started to rx his mind screamed he was in danger.

 Chapter 263: Mans Best Friend

    Chapter 263: Man''s Best Friend


    Warning bells were going off in Zacs mind and he quickly mmed his axe into the ground right next by the stump of Ylvas leg. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> sucked in a bit more E-Grade blood from the pool that had formed beneath it making the fractal on the handle ze in crimson red, allowing Zac to unleash his final trump card. He squeezed some of his remaining Cosmic Energy into his axe, and the enormous form of Verun appeared.


    The Tool Spirit was able to localize the threat as if by instinct, and it immediately pounced to the left and swiped itsrge ws seemingly into the air. A groan could be heard as a young man appeared out of nowhere, sinister energies swirling around his hands. It almost looked like stars were hovering around them, and the skill reminded Zac of Abbysrge eye.


    Arge gash stretched across the man''s whole upper body from Veruns surprise attack. He barely had time tond before the enormous beast bit at him with almost impossible speed. The primordial beast ruthlessly swung his head back and forth in an effort to rip his prey to shreds, blood cascaded all over the area. Unfortunately, Zac sensed no iing Cosmic Energy, indicating that the man was still alive.


    The assassin had been taken by surprise by the sudden appearance, but he managed to avoid any fatal injuries even when he was in the maw of the tool spirit. A purple light suddenly shone through the teeth of Verun, and it grew in intensity until it was almost blinding in just a second.


    The next moment the light quickly disappeared, before a huge explosion took ce inside Verun''s maw. The Tool Spirit''s semi-corporeal form waspletely obliterated, and Zac was forced a few steps back from the intense energies from the explosion.


    Worry filled his heart when he saw Verun''s shape fall apart, but he soon breathed out in relief as he sensed the spirit returning to the axe, while the red fractal dimmed down. It only sent him a sense of frustration that it had failed, and that it needed to rest again.


    The assassin had managed to stave of Verun, but he was in a pitiful state. Grisly wounds covered his whole body, especially around his stomach where Verun had chomped down with its massive teeth. Zac could see his innards and a few wounds through the huge wounds, and he was surprised the assassin could even stand up from how he looked.


    However, Zac wasntpletely relieved even though his body was in disrepair. The mans aura waspletely unstable as it fluctuated around him, but the energy the guy emitted was no joke. His eyes were also sharp as he red at Zac, indicating he hadntpletely lost his fighting strength. Judging by the energy fluctuations and clothes from the man in front of them Zac knew this could only be one person.


    Vasidas, Ylvas growled as he aimed his sword at him, arduously getting back on his leg.


    However, Zac knew that it was just empty bluster. The old champions body waspletely wrung out from hisst attacks, and he was only conscious by sheer will-power. If he squeezed out any more life-force to attack, he would either turn into a cripple or die.


    The situation was the worst-case scenario. He knew there was a decent risk of Vasidas doing this, and it was one of the reasons he had tried to end the fight as quickly as possible. He had also entered the weakened state since the boost from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> had run out.


    But he knew he couldn''t show weakness at this juncture, and resolutely gripped his axe while his other hand moved toward his Cosmos Sack. He didn''t have some secret weapon there, but his mind went to the Spiritual Pill he found on the Alchemist''s Mountain.


    Just a whiff from the vapors umted in the cauldron had not only restored his energy and given him a level, it had also revived him out of his weakened state. He wasn''t sure what would happen if he ingested the pill in his current situation, but he didn''t really have many other alternatives if the man in front of him tried something.


    Well yed, I did not see thating. Owning a weapon with a spiritual form, impressive, the man panted before looking down at his wretched appearance. I guess todays game is over. But I have a feeling we will see each other again.


    Wheres Thea? Zac said with a frown while he held his axe at the ready.


    It sounded like Vasidas would give up since his sneak attack failed, but Zac wouldnt take his word for it.


    Ms. Marshall is having tea over in the gazebo on the other side of the summit, Vasidas said. I always uphold my promises.


    Today is my loss, but The Great Redeemers machinations are unavoidable, the voice of Vasidas echoed across the summit, drawing res from the Berum forces who stood in the distance.


    Zac hesitated for a second, but in the end, he chose to not force a battle or try a sneak attack. Killing this man wasn''t his main goal, and it had a high risk of back-firing. Zac knew he had made the right decision, when Vasidas just slowly faded into nothingness, both his aura and body suddenly gone.


    I dont believe that, Ylvas said with a sigh, plopping down on the ground. "Fate is everchanging."


    Are you okay by yourself? Zac asked, eager to head in the direction that Vasidas indicated.


    Go, find yourss. My men will keep me safe, Ylvas said as he popped another healing pill.


    The moment that Vasidas left, the few remaining Medhin warriors heedlessly fled down the mountain, abandoning any thought of resistance. Of the Berum warriors, only a handful remained as well, most having died by the Emperors final attack.


    Everyone sported heavy wounds, but they formed a threeyer thick shield wall around Ylvas, allowing their leader to heal up. Zac wasn''t sure they would really amount to much if Vasidas came back, but he needed to get going and didn''t say anything. As Zac left Ylvas side the soldiers all also wordlessly bowed in his direction, showing their thanks for his part in the war.


    Do you know if Billy okay? Zac asked one of the guards surrounding Ylvas before he left.


    Therge one? He fell asleep some ways down the mountain, a few people are guarding him, the man said. That smash was amazing.


    Zac nodded in relief before he started running over toward the ruins of the summit pce. He was about to enter it, but he stopped himself thest moment to pop one of his top-grade healing pills in his mouth. He also took out both a Divine Crystal and an E-Grade Nexus Crystal to both heal and restore himself as quickly as possible.


    He was extremely wrung out, and if he wasnt careful hed turn into his Draugr-form again, which might lead to untold problems. He also was in no condition to assault a summit array. The frenzied strikes of the emperors spear-world had turned the pce into ruins, but Zac didnt dare bet his life that it had also destroyed the protective arrays surrounding it.


    It was only twenty minutester he felt strong enough to go ahead. During that time there hadnt been any real changes on the summit. The squads that had veered to the sides to intercept any potential backup had rushed up the mountain after hearing the results of the battle, and they had taken over the task of protecting Ylvas.


    A few even stood vigil over Zac while he recuperated, though it wasnt really necessary. While he was spent, it was not to the same degree as when he fought Salvation. The emperor had been far stronger, but Zac had gained a huge upgrade in both survivability and Cosmic Energy reserves due to his frantic leveling while in his Draugr-form.


    He was still far from top shape as he got back to his feet, but Zac felt it should be enough to not get sted by the array. He took a few steps forward and was immediately inundated in scorching mes. With his high constitution however, it only stung a bit, and he made his way through in just a few seconds.


    Soon enough he found the ce Vasidas referred to, hidden beyond the rubble at the far end of the pce, overlooking the mountain. Standing there was a small gazebo that was undamaged from Nenotheps crazed onught, likely saved by the fact that it was out of range of the enormous fractal. And sitting there was the familiar face craning her neck to look over the rubble.


    Youre okay! Thea said with wide eyes when she spotted Zac. I couldnt see the battle due to the pce, apart from that huge fractal toward the end. And was that Billys head I spotted ten meters in the air?


    Zac smiled as he walked over, a great sense of relief filling his heart.


    Yeah it was Billy, he came to help as well. That guy can really club things, Zac said as he gazed at Thea. I was worried about you.


    Theas mouth curved upward in a smile for a second, before her eyes turned downcast and she looked down.


    Sorry I caused so much trouble for you, she sighed. "I got too greedy and caused all these problems."


    Its okay. You saved my life with that protective skill from Inevitability. This was the least I could do, Zac answered as he walked inside the gazebo. Whats going on, are you trapped somehow?


    It was a bit curious. The fight ended over twenty minutes ago, but Thea still sat rooted here instead of fleeing or heading over to see what was going on.


    Its these chains, Thea muttered as she swung her leg.


    Only now did Zac notice that her right leg was cuffed, and a chain was attached to a fixture in the ground. However, the chain wasnt very thick, and Thea should have no problem ripping it apart even though her main attribute was Dexterity.


    This thing? Zac said with some confusion as he leaned closer. Cant you break it?


    Its some sort of treasure. It saps me of all my energy. The moment I gather any Cosmic Energy the manacle sucks it out and it gets released into the ground by the chain, Thea sighed. I cant summon any of my strength, it feels like Im back before the integration.


    Now that Zac gave it a proper look it reminded him a bit of therge chains down in the ravine, those that Anzonil once had used in an effort to suppress his disciple. However, these were a much weaker version. Zac curiously looked at it and after a brief hesitation touched the chain with his hand, but he felt nothing. It was the same with the manacle itself, and after prodding about for a minute he managed to open them up.


    There wasnt a lock holding the thing in ce, but the sp was tough to unsp. It likely required at least 100 strength to open, which was impossible for a prisoner in a weakened state. It was a pretty ingenious design and having such a thing would perhaps be very convenient in the future.


    Can I take this? Zac asked as he looked up, but he was started when he saw Theas expression.


    Her face was flushed, and she red at him with enraged eyes.


    Had enough yet? she wheezed out through grit teeth.


    Wha- Zac tried to ask but stopped himself as his eyes widened.


    He finally realized that he had been too engrossed with the design of the chain, and his head had been sandwiched between her knees while he fiddled with the sp for almost a minute. Zac immediately jumped a few steps away and coughed in embarrassment.


    You should absorb some energy, but we cant stay long, Zac said,pletely glossing over the issue. The emperor is dead and Vasidas is badly wounded, and who knows, the Dominators might be on their way. It seems they all serve the same person, and they might have an alliance.


    What? Who? Thea said with confusion, her curiosity oveing her anger.


    The Great Redeemer, Zac said with a sigh.


    Salvations master? How is that possible? Thea said skeptically.


    I am not sure about all the details yet, but it doesnt look good for either Berum or Earth to be honest, Zac said with a shake of his head. Lets walk as we talk.


    The two started heading back toward Ylvas, and Zac exined what he learned about The Great Redeemer from the old champion, adding in his own spections as he went. They also told each other what they had been up to since they got separated, though Zac glossed over some parts about his situation that needed to be kept secret.


    He was shocked to find out about the defensive skill she used. Its effect was truly amazing. When she had lit up like a Christmas tree as they fell down the cliff, she had activated a teleportation skill. But that skill not only teleported her away, but it also gave an almost absolute defense until she was whisked away as well.


    Using the skill had its clear drawbacks though. It took some time to charge up the teleportation, and the cost of the skill was something far more expensive than Cosmic Energy. It cost levels to use, which exined why she hadn''t improved much while he was stuck in the tunnels. Thea herself wasnt sure exactly how it worked, but her current guess was that the more damage the skill blocked while the teleportation charged up, the higher the cost would be.


    The two kept talking and almost forgot that they just had survived a true life-and-death situation. They were dragged out of their bubble from heavy steps quickly approaching them. Zac looked up to see an almost mummified Billy running over with a smile that reached from ear to ear.


    Thea! Billy missed you!

 Chapter 264: The Final Sprint

    Chapter 264: The Final Sprint


    Billy! Its nice to see you, Thea said with a smile to the iing giant. Zac told me you came to save me. Youre a real hero as well.


    Ha ha, did you see Billys Big Thwonk? Billy said and heroically flexed his muscles, but quickly stopped with a yelp due to his wounds.


    How are your wounds, Billy? Zac asked.


    Billy will be okay. What happened with the scary spear-guy? he asked and looked around.


    I beat him up with the help of Alien-man, Zac said.


    Thea threw him a questioning nce, but he only responded with a slightly helpless shrug.


    Alien-man was even worse than Billy, the giant said as he looked over in Ylvas direction. He will be a pirate with a tree-leg.


    Actually Billy, you can regrow legs and arms, Zac exined. If you eat the right treasures.


    Aliens are pretty impressive, Billy nodded sagely, slightly missing the point.


    Uh, yeah, Zac said and started walking toward Ylvas.


    The old champion looked better, but it was still clear that the battle had noticeably aged him. There was a real cost to using life force as a fuel to ones attacks, and Zac wouldnt be surprised if Ylvas had lost over 200 years going by his appearance. Then again, that still meant he had much more time remaining than humans had in total before the integration.


    Youre looking better, Ylvas said with a slightly weak voice as he opened his eyes. I am d your friend is okay. Vasidas has been an enigma since our worlds got integrated. I have no idea what he is thinking.


    Im sorry we couldnt get him as well, Zac sighed.


    Its okay. Nenothep was the spiritual pir of the Medhin Empire. Losing him and almost half of the Medhin royals in a month should have a huge impact on their morale, Ylvas said with a shake of his head. Vasidas is one of the lesser-known royals, usually acting alone. He wont have the same rallying power as Nenothep did.


    We also know more about the truth of the Medhin threat and can begin to spread the news the moment we get back. We might not be able to convince everyone, but a seed of doubt should be nted. Perhaps the Medhin will even be refugees, ousted from their position, one of the soldiers next to Ylvas added.


    Sounds like you have things in hand. In any case, the three of us will leave now, Zac said. We dont want to risk attracting those two Dominators. You should probably do the same.


    Ylvas nodded and arduously got to his feet.


    I would like to thank you again. Without the assistance of you and Billy, we would never have been victorious in this fight. Your strength is astounding, and I cant imagine the power you will have when you reach the next stage. As promised, here is your reward, Ylvas said and reached for his bag.


    Zac quickly moved to stop Ylvas hand with a shake of his head.


    Theres no need for that. Everything changed when they caught Thea. I would have gone here with or without you. Besides, Ive already taken the emperors pouch, thats more than enough. We have the same enemy. Who knows, if you manage to save yourself from The Great Redeemer it might help us on Earth as well, Zac said.


    It was true. They still had no idea exactly what the Redeemers ns were, most were still conjuncture. Perhaps losing just one of thes would ruin the whole thing for him, saving Earth as well. It would be a worthwhile investment to leave Ylvas with his treasure so he could use it in eradicating the Medhin Royals.


    Ylvas looked surprised but slowly nodded his head in agreement.


    You will be remembered as the hero of Berum, Ylvas said and stretched his hand forward. I hope to meet you again in the vast cosmos.


    Zac grabbed his hand in a farewell before he started walking down the mountain with Billy and Thea in tow. As they walked down the mountain, Zac opened his status screen to allocate his free points. As he expected hed already reached level 65, and he put the free points into dexterity.


    He knew hed gain arge boost in Strength from the levels awarded from the hunt, so he needed to shore up his Dexterity a bit. Otherwise, there was nothing to note. He hadnt made any progress in his Daos, and he also hadnt gained any title even though Nenothep was the first proper E-Grade cultivator he defeated.


    He wasnt too surprised by theck of title, but the situation with the Dao was a bit surprising. He had been through an extremely intense fight with the strongest enemy hed ever encountered. Thered also been at least twenty warriors utilizing various Dao Seeds during that battle, yet he hadnt even gained a spark of inspiration.


    It was as though something was missing in the air, or like he had blinders covering his head. If this battle had taken ce on Earth, he was sure he would advance one of his seeds. But now he knew there was no point to sit down and meditate since there was nothing to meditate on.


    He closed his status screen and turned his focus on his Cosmos Sack next. The moment he touched it he was shocked to the point that he stumbled. Nenothep was <em>rich</em>.


    You okay? Thea asked with some concern but suddenly understood what was going on when she saw Zacs wide grin and his hand touching his pouch.


    Just a bit surprised is all, Zac said.


    The Cosmos Sack had expanded with an entirely new section dedicated to Nenotheps loot, and it was far bigger than the original space. There were simply mountains of treasure inside, far eclipsing what he gained even when taking Salvations treasure.


    It was also far more organized, with neatly arrayed sections depending on the type of valuable. There were also roughly thirty piles of random treasure, and Zac immediately realized that was the loot that Nenothep still hadnt organized.


    One particr item in the unsorted piles suddenly drew his attention. It was arge stone statue where the whole thing was just a face that smiled in an extremely creepy manner, and the reason he recognized it was because he had seen Thea sneak it into her pouch when she thought Zac wasnt looking when they hunted together.


    When Zac had asked about the statue, she had been embarrassed about it until she admitted she liked kitsch and weird memorabilia. The statue wasnt a treasure, but rather something she wanted to add to her private collection.


    Thea, Zac said as he stopped, drawing the attention of Billy and Thea who had been talking about their time in the hunt.


    Zac moved his hand and suddenly a mountain of treasure appeared in front of him. Theas eyes widened in surprise before she looked at Zac.


    My treasures? I thought Vasidas had them? she said.


    I guess Nenothep took them from him to pass me on thedder, though I dont know if everything is there, Zac said.


    Thea immediately moved toward the pile of loot before she hesitated for a second.


    What do you want in return? she asked.


    Nothing, theyre yours, Zac said as he beckoned for her to take it. More importantly, I have a proposition for you.


    Thank you, Ill remember this, she said with a serious face as she put her treasure into her sack. What do you have on your mind?


    I can lend you enough treasure to reach the second spot on thedder. In return, Ille and check out your library three days after the hunt ends. There are some things I want to look into, Zac exined.


    Youre not worried that someone will pass us on thedder if you split your loot like that? Thea hesitantly said.


    Thats impossible, Zac immediately said with a shake of his head, regretting it a bit when he noticed Theas incisive stare. Also, Billy, how about I give you some treasure as well?


    Mama said handouts should be saved for those in need, Billy is fine, Billy said with a shake of his head,pletely disinterested.


    But Ogras and I owe you a bit for taking the biggest rat, right? Zac said, changing tactics. Ill just pay our debt right now. Its not good when there are debts between friends, right?


    Billy seemed to think it over for a bit before he nodded with a smile.


    Right, no debt between friends, he agreed.


    This all sounds fine, but lets get away from here first. I dont want to meet the Dominators while I still only have a small amount of Cosmic Energy in my body, Thea interjected. What are your ns for thest day of the hunt?


    I will hunt as many beasts as I can here in the core area, Zac said without hesitation. The money and Cosmic Energy they give are very good even at my level, better than any hunting ground I have at home.


    Billy also want to thwonk, Billy nodded. Billy is a genius in energy control, the stupid beasts are much easier to hit now.


    Fine, lets find a good hunting ground a few hours away, and hunt in the same area. That way we can help each other if we run into trouble, Thea nodded.


    They left the Medhin-controlled area without any troubles and found a good hunting spot roughly two hours away. They had gone in the opposite direction from the Zones where the two Dominators stayed, which should hopefully ensure they didnt run into each other.


    As soon they arrived Zac forked over enough treasure to ce Thea in the second position and Billy in the 8th. Doing so actually kicked Thomas Fischer down to the 11th spot on thedder, but Zac didnt really care. It was not like they were allies anyway. Zac also took the opportunity to finally establish an alliance with Billyville before they got ready to split up to hunt beasts.


    Each of them was strong enough that they could freely hunt without a party, and it would likely even slow them down to go together. There were a lot of beasts in the forests, but not to the point that three powerhouses could run together without taking food out of each others mouths.


    If we dont see each other again in the hunt well see each other in three days, Zac said to the other two.


    When Zac had exined that he would visit Thea after the hunt Billy immediately insisted that he wanted toe and y as well, so they all agreed to meet in Westerfort, the main town that the Marshall n controlled.


    Soon, Zac was alone in the forest, ripping through pack after pack of rabid beasts with wild abandon. He had aplished everything he set out to do, and perhaps even more, in this hunt. It was a disappointment and a problem that the two Dominators would take the top positions in the Hunterdder, but there was simply nothing to do about that.


    He had gained a score of levels however, and a mountain of loot, which would help Port Atwood thrive in the future. He had also managed to set up quite a few alliances and even found out about the wealthy underworld. Apart from the splinter stuck in his head, the trial had exceeded his wildest expectations.


    He couldnt wait to get back now. He had trials to take, Incursions to close, and so many unanswered questions that he needed to look into.


    For now though, he had beasts to kill. Zac entered an almost Zen state where he methodically moved from pack to pack, the minutes turning to hours. In just a day, tens of thousands of beasts were ruthlessly mowed down, turning into money and Cosmic Energy for Zac.


    Zac thought this would continue until the time ran out, but a shocking change took ce when there were only 30 minutes left. He had passed Vasidas on the hunterdder. The battle against the Medhin hadnt been enough, but between Verun injuring the royal and Zacs mindless grinding he had been pushed to the third spot increasing his position by one.


    But just a few secondster he was once again pushed down a position, and Zac realized that Vasidas didnt want to give up the title. But if there was one thing that Zac could do it was causing widespread damage. His reserves had long restored during the day, and the wound from the spear in his chest wasnt impeding him too much. He no longer held anything back, and fractal des were soon destroying everything in the valley.


    Zac didnt even have time to check thedder anymore and instead gave everything he had in killing as many beasts as humanly possible until the world finally turned ck.

 Chapter 265: Ladder Rewards

    Chapter 265: Ladder Rewards


    The huge ck walls that delimited the hunting grounds had shrunk at a rapid pace, swallowing hundreds of mountains by the second. In almost no time the darkness was upon him, and Zac only managed to take ast nce at the Eastern Trigram Sect before everything turned ck.


    <strong> [Congrattions on receiving the third position on the Hunter Ladder. Awards distributed.]</strong>


    The unfeeling voice of the System suddenly echoed in his ears as an enormous surge of energy entered his body.


    <strong>[Congrattions on receiving the first position on the Gatherer Ladder. Limited Titles Unlocked. Awards distributed.]</strong>


    <strong>[Congrattions on receiving the first position on the aggregated Ladder. Awarded +3 levels and Title Permanence.]</strong>


    The gatherer announcement wasnt a surprise to Zac, but the hunterdder was a wee surprise. The mad dash at the end had proven sessful, and he had beat out Vasidas for the third position, which meant he gained another 2 bonus levels from the hunt. But most interesting was the final prompt, a hidden reward of the hunt.


    He had hoped that there would be something like this, but he hadnt been sure. While he didnt manage to get the highest position on the Hunterdder, his average result was the best of all participants.


    Inevitability was only on the 4th spot of the Gathererdder, getting surpassed by himself, Thea, and Beruv Ylvas. He was a bit surprised that Ylvas managed to beat out the Dominator, but he guessed he got the help of his army to push him past the Zhix at the end.


    Harbinger, the second Dominator, got the 5th position and Starlight, the Ishiate powerhouse, got the 6th. Thomas Fischer had managed to get himself back to the 10th position, while Billy remained at 8th. Neither Billy nor Thea managed to get into the top ten on the hunterdder, unfortunately, but both were in the top 100. The days of captivity had unfortunately robbed Thea of her opportunity.


    Zac guessed that Thomas had used the same tactic as the Medhin Emperor, but he was surprised that he had enough pull to get people to donate their wealth to him. Perhaps it was just a temporary loan though, like he had done with Thea.


    However, he was a bit confused by thest reward. The bonus levels werent very confusing, just what did Title Permanence Mean? The Gatherer prompt also mentioned something about Limited Titles, which might be connected to the permanence. Zac opened the screen to see the results.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>73</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>-</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Middle, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>533 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>268 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>698 [Increase: 71%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>338 [Increase: 61%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>119 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>132 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>120 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>24</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 273 280 383 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac couldnt stop smiling when he saw that his attributes had taken another huge leap, part from his eight bonus levels, and part from his new title. He was also surprised to see that he had gained another row in his status screen, the Limited Titles that were mentioned earlier. However, there was nothing there, and there was no exnation on how Limited Titles differed from normal ones.


    He tried focusing on the new row, but no matter whatmand he tried he couldnt gain any additional information from the empty field. He guessed he would have to ask someone back in Port Atwood about it. Instead, he chose to check out his new title.


    <strong> [Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st: First Position in Eastern Trigram Hunt. NOTE: Title Permanence Awarded. Reward: All Stats +10, All stats +5%]</strong>


    It was a pretty huge bonus, though the 10 t points werent as exciting any longer after hed learned about the attribute gain of E-Grade. But the bonus Luck it gave was extremely valuable, and the other attributes would surely help him during his uing trials. He wanted to check out a few more things, but he sensed he was getting moved again by the System.


    His time inside the ckness was even shorterpared to when the event started, and just ten secondster he stood in his courtyard. He took a deep breath as tranquility entered his heart for the first time in a while. He hadnt realized it, but ever since his sh with Inevitability there had been a slight dread in the back of his mind, akin to a fear that the boogeyman would suddenly show up.


    He had survived however, and he was pretty much safe now on his ind. He also knew he would have to change his ns to make his teleporter public. He couldnt risk letting those monsters teleport here. He would only dare to do such a thing when the dominator threat was dealt with.


    Before that however, there were so many things to do. He quickly looked around for his mountain of treasure, and he was ted to see that the amazing Cosmic Sack from the hunt was still attached to his belt.


    But he frowned a few secondster when he noticed a problem. He had taken out a random weapon from the sack to make sure it still worked, but when he tried to put it back nothing happened. A few testster showed that the sack only allowed withdrawals now.


    Sighing in disappointment, Zac realized that he couldnt use the sack permanently. He still wasnt in any hurry to empty it out though. He would have to call Calrin and a couple of his best appraisers over to help him go through it first.


    Youre back, a voice suddenly said from the side, and Zac looked over to see Ogras standing there.


    Shit, what happened to you? Zac said with some surprise when he saw arge scar that went from right below his left horn down to his cheek.


    Weve got a pretty exciting Mystic Realm on our hands, Ogras exined with a smile.


    Mystic Realm? Zac repeated. The infiltrators are dealt with?


    It cost me most of my savings but theyre dead. There were actually a lot of them, Ogras said with a grunt.


    How did you do it? Zac curiously asked.


    Ordered and set up arge array that covers the whole ind. We can use it in the future to find anyone with an odd origin, like invaders or other aliens. But more importantly, how was the haul? We ready to do the inheritances? Ogras said as his eyes started to glisten with greed.


    The returns were way above what I expected, honestly. But we cant do the inheritance just yet, Zac answered with a smile.


    Why not? Ogras retorted, not being able to hide some of his impatience.


    Zac snickered in response, and the next second a pile of the beautiful marble tiles appeared and covered the courtyard.


    Bra has hounded me to improve his surroundings since the start. I think its best we do that before we do the Inheritance. I wouldnt be surprised if he would mess things up for us otherwise, Zac exined.


    Ogras eyes widened in understanding, and he nodded thoughtfully before he threw a scathing nce at the opulent towers rising above the tree line.


    Yeah, thats probably for the best. Gotta keep that lunatic happy, Ogras nodded.


    By the way, what is Title Permanence? Zac asked, changing the subject.


    Title Permanence? No idea, Ogras said with a frown. Where did you hear that?


    I got it as a bonus reward from the hunt, Zac said and proceeded to exin the two temporarydders in the hunt and their respective rewards.


    I think I understand now, Ogras said with a thoughtful nod. Title Permanence might be the best reward you got from that trial.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with some curiosity.


    Ive already exined that there are a bunch of Mystic Realms out in the multiverse that provide titles, Ogras started, and Zac nodded in agreement. However, most of those ces only provide Limited Titles.


    Limited Titles? Zac asked with confusion.


    He had a vague recollection of Alyn mentioning it, but that was during the month when she tried to cram a lifetimes worth of knowledge into his head while he mined Nexus Crystals.


    You can only have three Limited Titles at a time. If you get a new one you will have to discard one of the old ones or skip on getting the new one. They are separate from the normal titles, Ogras exined.


    What, really? Zac asked with some disappointment.


    You should be happy its like that. Just imagine if some wealthy assholes from the supreme ns spent a few hundred years traveling from Mystic Realm to Mystic Realm, getting thousands of titles? They would be monsters, Ogras snorted.


    Titles are a bonus from The Ruthless Heavens, but there is a limit to how much it can give, Ogras said. You cant have the attributes of a C-Grade old monster while at F-Grade.


    Fair enough, I guess, Zac said with a shrug. Whats this got to do with title permanence?


    The hunt doesnt sound like something that should give permanent titles, Ogras said. I think the Title Permanence reward given to you is The Ruthless Heavens turning your Limited Title into a normal Title. That way it does not take up one of your slots. Is it together with your other titles?


    It is, Zac nodded after a second.


    The face of Ogras started to scrounge up in a familiar way, and Zac felt a tirade was iing, but a thought suddenly struck Zac.


    "Do the Towers of Eternity give Limited Titles as well?" Zac asked.


    "No, it''s one of the rare opportunities that gives real Titles. That''s why it''s so popr. Apart from the Tower, you can almost only find ces giving Permanent Titles by serendipity, like finding a rare treasure," Ogras exined. That your hunt awarded title permanence is likely a one-time thing.


    Zac nodded in understanding. There were a lot of things Zac wanted to ask the demon about the current situation of Port Atwood, and he was also curious about the Mystic Realm. However, there was one thing that trumped every other matter in importance, and it couldn''t wait.


    More importantly, I think we might be in deep shit, Zac said with a somber expression.


    Ogras eyes hardened, looking at Zac with a frown.


    Whats going on?


    From there Zac recounted the parts of the hunts containing the battle with Salvation, the appearance of Inevitability, and what hed learned from Beruv Ylvas. He finally added his own conclusions and guesswork what he thought was going on.


    Ogras had an unprecedentedly serious face after having heard what Zac said.


    We need to have a meeting, immediately. We should hold it at the Towers of Myriad Dao so that Spirit can provide input as well. Ill gather the council, Ogras responded.


    Zacpletely agreed, so in just twenty minutes people started to gather in front of the doorways leading into the Repository. Zac was already there, and he smiled when he saw his sister running toward him. Kenzie threw herself in his arms, hugging him tightly.


    Im d youre okay. L made the hunt seem like a real hell, she said with red-rimmed eyes.


    It''s good to see you," Zac said with a warm smile before his brose rose in some surprise when he realized what Kenzie said. "Lyra is actually okay?"


    Yes, but she returned after only 6 days. She said she got a token she could crush to return back home, Kenzie nodded. What happened to you? Did you find anything cool?


    Lets talk inside, Zac smiled as he looked around at the others.


    Abby floated not far away, and the council was all present apart from a few who likely were managing the other inds. Calrin was also there, his eyes glued to Zacs Cosmos Sack. Zac had also asked Ogras to bring Julia, and she stood some distance from the others looking a bit unsure of what to do.


    Zac felt that the intelligence hed gathered during the hunt was just too important to keep to himself, so he had already decided to brief Julia and then send her back as soon as possible. Since it looked like everyone else was present Zac led the way inside the towers.

 Chapter 266: Council

    Chapter 266: Council


    Why have so manye to beseech The Great Sage? I am sorry, but I do not ept disciples, an arrogant voice echoed through the huge hall as the leaders of Port Atwood entered the Towers of Myriad Dao.


    The next moment Bra appeared, this time donned in a golden cultivators robe. Behind him was a huge golden sword that radiated a divine might, though Zac knew it was just an illusion. However, those who entered these halls for the first time couldn''t stop themselves from gasping, much to the Tool Spirit''s Delight.


    We need to hold an extremely important meeting, Zac exined, hurrying to add somepliments when he saw the Tool Spirits frown. And I felt it would be rude to not include The Great Sage in such an important event. Who else would we turn to for wisdom?


    That seemed to cate the Tool Spirit, and it quickly took a pose trying to convey wisdom. It might have worked if it wasnt for Bras nose pointing so far up in the air that his face was almost looking straight up.


    Those in the group who hadnt had the pleasure to meet Bra before couldnt help but look back and forth between Zac and the Machiavellian Tool Spirit with utter confusion. Zac himself felt like he had swallowed a pile of shit, but he had to admit Bra was far more learned than the others here.


    Very well, the great Bra will listen in on your meeting, he said and swung his sleeve.


    The next moment an extremely opulent conference table stood in front of them. However, even Zac couldnt stop himself from ring at the Tool Spirit when he saw the seating arrangements. There was one massive throne wrought from crystals and gold standing at the end, and it was pretty obvious Bra saved that one for himself.


    As for the others, there were simple wooden stools that were so low that if they sat down on them, they would barely be able to see above the table. It looked like Ogras eyes would pop out of their sockets, but before he could explode Zac intervened.


    Is this the hospitality of The Great Bra? Zac said with some disappointment as he took out another inscribed tile. I even brought these supreme tiles at great personal cost to beautify your surroundings, but if this is the reception we will receive, I should probably get some simpler things.


    He felt a bit shameless about his words, butmon sense held no sway under these roofs, so he could only y along. Bra seemed almost entranced by the beautiful tiles, and a secondter the paltry stools were reced with proper chairs for everyone.


    I have gathered you all today to brief you on my experiences inside the hunt. I have learned some extremely troubling things about our new world, and need your input on how we should proceed from here, Zac started the meeting without any preamble.


    The mood around the table quickly got serious, with even Bra staying quiet as Zac described the events of the hunt. Of course, he glossed over some parts, such as his dual sses and his meeting with Anzonil, and anything about the <strong>[Heart of Oblivion]</strong>.


    So, there you have it. It is very possible that an old monster is currently heading toward us, and it does not seem it would end well if he found us. We need to figure out some precautions against this, Zac finally said as he looked at the faces around the table.


    There was a subdued silence, and most were looking down at the table with a frown or in fear. Zac understood the feeling well. There were so many enemies to contend with as is, and suddenly there was an even stronger bad guy thrown into the mix.


    Excuse me, did you say that there were no incursions on this other you partook the trial with? Abby suddenly said, her enormous eye glistening with interest.


    Yes, no incursions ever appeared, Zac nodded. Why, is it important?


    It might not be important, but I think I understand why this Redeemer gave such a task to his chosen, Abby said as she bobbed above her chair.


    A newly integrated without incursions is practically unprecedented. It is the standard test of the System, and there are more than enough willing parties to go around. But I believe that The Great Redeemer has found a way to stop that, she said.


    Stop how? Zac asked.


    I cant be sure, but I think it has to do with the conquest. If The Great Redeemer simply needed some people with the cultivation technique to survive until the integrated, why didnt he tell his chosen to move into the mountains and cultivate away from the earth? Why risk their lives to dominate their whole?


    I think he has somehow managed to tag his targeteds as his own through this conquest, and since the is instantly owned by an existing faction when it gets integrated, no incursions spawn.


    But we have incursions on our? Kenzie questioned.


    Yes, because the Dominators failed in their task. I heard a massive war took ce where the whole Zhix poption banded together against the dominators. Perhaps there would be no incursions if they had managed to dominate their before they arrived. Perhaps this can be a clue to their ns? Abby continued.


    The fulcrum thing? Zac asked.


    No, I think that is different. But we must ask ourselves, if the goal of the subjects of The Great Redeemer is to dominates, why havent we even seen their shadows since the integration took ce? I think its exactly due to those incursions that have popped up, Ogras interjected.


    There is another possibility. You said you believe that this guy is D, or perhaps even C-Grade? But look at our Incursions. We have the Church of Evesting Dao here, thats at least a B-Grade force, Ogras added.


    Even worse, The Undead Empire is here, and they have A-Grade old monsters holding the fort, perhaps even stronger beings. Even a C-grade hegemon would think twice before offending these forces by stealing a from out under their noses, the demon finished. "And that''s only two of the ones we know of, there might be more powerful factions here."


    So, they actually want us to defeat those forces without getting their hands dirty, so their boss doesnt get med? Kenzie said with a frown.


    Exactly. And its not like we cant ignore the incursions. Both those forces are lunatics who leaves without a single living soul within a few years, Ogras sighed.


    Damned if you do, damned if you dont, Zac muttered before looking up. So, what do we do?


    Sell yourself, Ogras suddenly said.


    What? Zac gaped.


    We obviously need to close those incursions, and somehow also kill those Dominators. But we have no idea if thats enough, right? Perhaps that Redeemer can still find us. Those Dominators might have hidden some means on some remote corner of the already, Ogras exined, his careful nature showing.


    So, we need another reason for The Great Redeemer to back away. And thats where youe in. Youre a humanoid behemoth, and you might be able to join a sect strong enough for The Great Redeemer to back away.


    Is that really possible? Would he back away just because I joined a sect? Zac asked skeptically.


    If you be an important disciple, then attacking your home will be akin to attacking the sect itself. But it depends on how crazy the guy is, Ogras shrugged. If he is rational, he would back away if the force is strong enough. No need to risk his life over a baby, right?


    Its a n, but its easier said than done. We cant even leave this world, the Nexus Hub is inactive, Zac said. And even if it activated, how would we even be able to get to such a Sect. From what I understand its extremely hard to travel to higher grade ces.


    It was true. One of the first things hed asked Ogras was why he didnt simply teleport to an A-grade world to cultivate there instead ofing to a ce like Earth. The situation for the poorest saps on an A-Grade continent would likely be better than even the kings of a D-Grade world.


    But it was extremely hard to travel upward even though it was something everyone wished to do. There essentially were only two ways. First was getting your hands on a Nexus Token of high enough tier.


    Nexus Tokens were tickets to a random ce. If you had a C-Grade token, you would be sent to a teleporter on a C-Grade world. But you had no idea where, and you might end up at some extremely dangerous ce rather than at a public teleporter in some capital.


    These tickets were generally given by the System as rewards for various hard quests. You needed to prove you deserved to travel to those higher-grade cultivation paradises. Perhaps Zac would be able to get one when he reached D-grade after bing the world leader, but that was far off.


    Another way to move upward was to get an invite from a high tier force, which would allow you to teleport to them. But those tokens were extremely rare as well, and they could only be awarded to Sects or ns from quests by the System.


    Essentially you needed to earn passage one way or another, and you couldnt just move about as you wish. The System clearly did not want free movement in the multi-verse. Ogras believed it had to do with limited resources. If wastrels could go to high-tiers and snatch divine treasures for himself things would get crazy. No one would want to stay on the lower nes.


    Well, there is one ce where you can showcase your power in front of a bunch of people from various powerful forces, and that ce has always been a ce where rogue cultivators find established forces to take them in, Ogras pointedly said. "You simply need to climb high enough to prove your potential."


    Zac immediately understood what Ogras talked about. The Tower of Eternity. It made sense that the powerful factions in the multiverse would send invitation tokens with their scions there. If they could recruit some extremely powerful unaffiliated cultivators while they were still young and only at F-Grade they might form ties with a future powerhouse while they still were weak.


    We will have to try everything out, Zac nodded. But we still dont know what he wants with us.


    Origin Dao, Bra suddenly muttered.


    Excuse me? Zac said and looked over at the tool spirit, who seemed quite content to be the object of everyones attention.


    I would bet he is after the Origin Daos of your baby. You should have realized that your aplishments in the Dao are far higherpared to normal D-Grades. Its much easier for you to gain Dao Seedspared to the norm, Bra started lecturing. "Perhaps you think you''re very talented. But in truth, you just have a superior environment."


    This is not unique for this. In fact, its the same with all baby worlds. Even invaders benefit from it, the Tool Spirit continued.


    Zac shot a nce at Ogras, who slightly nodded to indicate that Bra was correct.


    Why is that? It is due to what some call the Origin Dao. The process of integrating a world is partly to gradually infuse its core with massive amounts of energy, while also imbuing it with Origin Dao," Bra continued.


    Most of it is lodged in the world core, but everyone who has gained a Dao Seed will also carry this Dao essence for a bit. But over time it will disintegrate and turn into normal spiritual energy. The system uses it to awaken the area to the higher truths of the cosmos so that cultivation bes possible, the Tool Spirit exined.


    And you think The Great Redeemer is after this? Zac asked.


    Yes, that would exin why he went through all this trouble instead of just buying a couple ofs. He needs to get to a newly integrated world quickly if he wants to harvest the Origin Dao, Bra shrugged.


    What would he use this Origin Dao for? Kenzie probed.


    No idea, but I would venture he has devised an unorthodox method that might allow him to break through whatever bottleneck he is stuck on, Bra said. Sacrificing a couple of worlds to reach a higher grade wouldnt be anything special in the multiverse.


    A subdued silence stretched across the table. Some, like Julia, seemed physically sick at the thought of some old man being ready to kill billions of people just for a chance to break through a bottleneck. It was a chilling reminder of the ruthless reality they lived in.

 Chapter 267: News

    Chapter 267: News


    Is this somethingmon? Zac finally asked, breaking the subdued silence in the room.


    No. Finding newly integrateds before the Origin Dao disappears is notoriously hard. Its hard enough to make me wonder youre even in any danger at all, the tool spirit shrugged. The greatest old monsters in the multiverse could probably do it, but they have no use for babys. They rather have their sights on whole gxies.


    The discussion continued a bit on the topic of the Great redeemer, but it appeared that they did not have any more ideas on how to handle the situation. In the end, they decided to simply continue their original approach, closing the incursions of Earth.


    Even though the Redeemer was thergest threat Earth faced, it looked like they had some time before he could arrive. The multiverse was extremely vast, and traveling to a newly integrated could only be done manually. When that was added to the System''s protective obscuring it would at least take a few years before he could arrive, even if the Redeemer set out the moment their was integrated.


    After the incursions were dealt with they would turn their attention to Salvation and the Dominators. Of course, if they could find Salvation earlier that would be preferable. But there was still no news of where he was physically located, and he had closed his teleporter the moment he was booted out from the hunt. Zac''s relentless assault had clearly put the fear of God in him, and he seemed to want to avoid another sh for the time being.


    "That''s it for the time being," Zac said before he turned to Julia. Ms. Lombard, I brought you here so that you can provide the information to Thomas Fischer and the others. All therge forces need to be made aware of the threat of Salvation and The Great Redeemer so that we can prepare.


    Provide the information how? she hesitantly asked.


    The portal to New Washington has already been made private, but I am traveling to the Marshall n in three days. I thought Id bring you since they arent as isted as we are here on this ind, Zac exined.


    Julia hesitated a bit with a slight frown.


    And youre just letting me go like that? Julia said.


    Yes, The New World Government is not my enemy, The Great Redeemer and the Incursions are. And honestly, they arent a threat either. If it wasnt for the Dominators lurking in the shadows I would already have made my teleporter public, Zac said.


    If I wanted to stay here, could I? Julia suddenly asked, making Zac remember Emily mentioning the huge fight Julia and Emma had got themselves into.


    You can. Tell me your decision before I leave in three days though so I can send a recement to the government, Zac nodded before he turned back toward the others on the table.


    Calrin, I want you to try to buy an information package about The Great Redeemer, if thats possible, Zac said as he turned to the Sky Gnome.


    Information bes more expensive the stronger the person. Also, while the information houses track many powerhouses there is no way to track everyone. But I will make an inquiry, Calrin said with a serious face.


    Zac nodded before he addressed the whole room again.


    "The rest of the meeting will only need the essential personnel," Zac said, and soon less than half of the participants remained.


    The Great Redeemer is a pretty big headache, but on more positive news Ie back with a mountain of treasure. Its to the point that we now have the resources to nurture arge number of experts without feeling the pinch. I am therefore opening the craftsman Heritage. I have also found this, Zac as he took out the ten crystals he got from Anzonil.


    As I mentioned we were ced at the ruins of a sect called The Eastern Trigram Sect. It was a low-tiered D-Grade sect focusing on arrays, and this is theplete crystallized knowledge on formations, written by their Supreme Elder. As far as I know, this is the only copy from that ce, Zac said.


    Bra snorted disdainfully, but the others looked at the ten crystals with wide eyes.


    Does anyone have an idea of how to utilize this knowledge as effectively as possible? Zac asked as he looked around.


    It should be locked behind Merit Points, and I believe that the same should go for the Heritages, Abby finally said. We can portion out the knowledge it contains into packages, with the basic ones being pretty cheap, but the more in-depth and umon knowledge having a higher price.


    Wouldnt there be a risk of no one buying it? We are in need of skilled array masters, Zac said.


    Then make sure people know that bing an array master and helping to maintain the arrays in Port Atwood would yield a lot of Merit Points. Things given freely are not appreciated, but if they need to work hard for it they will cherish it, Abby countered, and Ogras nodded in agreement.


    It will also lock the craftsmen to us all the way until the D-Grade, since they would have toe to us for the follow-up crystals or deeper parts of the craftsman heritage, Abby added. Otherwise we would risk them leaving for the highest bidder when the world gets more integrated in the future.


    Zac had to admit it was a thought out idea, and he immediately decided to go along with it.


    Talk with the Merit Exchange and make adjustments to our current merit program if needed, Zac said. I want people working toward these things as soon as possible.


    Abby bobbed a bit in the air, which was her way of nodding her head. Zac nodded back before he once again focused on the Sky Gnome.


    After this meeting please bring a couple of your best men to my courtyard, we have mountains of loot to go through, Zac said.


    Calrin suddenly looked at him like a maiden in love, and it made Zacs hair stand on end.


    While were here, please update me on whats happened while I was away, Zac said.


    The shapeshifters are dealt with, as you know, Ogras started. Your human friend they impersonated has recovered, and he is currently farming on one of the satellite inds.


    Zac frowned a bit when he heard that, and Ogras quickly continued.


    Dont get worked up, it was on his own request. That Shapeshifter did a number on him, and I think he just wants to live a simple life away from the struggle of the real world, Ogras said with a shrug. Also We have put your former lover on that ind on your sisters insistence, and she is farming with him. Under supervision of course.


    Zac looked over at Kenzie, who seemed ready for an argument.


    It wasnt all her fault. She was drugged, hypnotized, and manipted. Youre a victim, but so is she. Janos has helped her stabilize her mind during the past weeks, and she feels really bad about what happened. So I sent her to the ind to stay with her friend, she quickly exined, the words tumbling out of her mouth.


    Zac shot a nce over at the illusionist who was also present at the meeting, and he simply nodded slightly to indicate what Kenzie said was true. Ogras only snorted, which drew an angry re from Kenzie.


    Fine. Ill check in on themter. Anything else? Zac said after hesitating a bit.


    A monk came a week ago, and warned us that things were getting bad in the Undead Incursion. Their armies are mobilizing for real now, and the monk said that the Abbot believed that they would make a huge push to expand their territory within a month, Adran spoke up, reading from his documents.


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. He had already been thinking about tackling the Undead Incursion as soon as possible, and now it seemed they did not have much of a choice. The only problem was the Lich King, and how strong he would be. Was his increase in power from the hunt enough to bring that thing down?


    The monk also spoke about odd rumors that had arrived to their mountain, Adran said.


    What rumors? Zac asked.


    Three Incursions have disappeared. Just vanished overnight. The human government or the beastmen have no idea whats going on, the administrator said.


    Infighting between incursions? Zac ventured.


    Unlikely, Ogras said. They wouldnt likely sh before they shed for territories. And only the undead incursion has spread to that degree to my knowledge. The other ones should be a few years away from infighting. Right now they should be swallowing up the locals around them, either for envement or eradication.


    So who is it? Zac said.


    The only one I can think of are the Zhix, or rather the Dominators, Ogras said.


    The dominators? Only Voids Disciple was outside the hunt, he did that by himself? Also, why would they wait until now to destroy Incursions? Zac asked.


    They might have needed to prepare the attacks. If we go by the theory that The Great Redeemer didnt want to create trouble by having his followers destroy incursions we can make some guesses. First, they would have wanted to close the incursions as quickly as possible, before any contact with the homeworld was possible, Ogras said.


    But as far as I know no incursions were closed in the early stage of the Integration. I have the title for the first closing, Zac said.


    We know that the Dominators were a small group before the integration, and most thought them eradicated. We also know how the avability was for teleporters in the beginning. Perhaps they simply didnt have the ability to do it. That left them with a far more risky n B, Ogras exined.


    By now the incursions are all stabilized, andmunication with the main side is possible. If they assaulted the Incursions the normal way it would be possible to record it in a crystal, allowing the elders of the force to realize who the responsible party by the energy signature, the demon continued.


    So if they would close the incursions now they would need to immediately decimate everyone before they could send any information back home. That tracks with the rumors of incursions simply disappearing, Zac continued the line of thought. But why wait until now?


    With the strongest people in the hunt most settlements have turtled up, avoiding the Incursions, Kenzie ventured. There would be no local witnesses either.


    Preparing such a blitz would also take time. They would both need to prepare the means to instantly kill everyone before they could send anything back home. Perhaps they also had some sort of interference that messed with the Nexus Hub, Ogras added.


    Also, the only Incursions that disappeared were those we would categorize as low threat. The Undead Incursion wasnt touched for example. Even the Dominators probably arent confident in destroying those incursions without leaving any trace, Adran finished.


    So theyre removing the smaller obstacles, making us focus on therger threats that they cannot deal with themselves, Zac muttered. But we don''t know for sure it was Void. I''ll talk with the Zhix to see how theirdders have changed. Have we heard any other rumors about what the dominators have been doing? I know that Void''s Disciple has been up to something."


    "We haven''t heard anything, but our intelligencework is beyond pathetic," Ogras said with a shrug. "You should ask those people from the Marshall n, they should be more informed."


    Fine, but keep your ears to the ground. I have opened many new alliances, so we should start getting visitors soon. Make sure we control the movement of those who arrive. I don''t want anyone wandering into my area or our hunting grounds. The barghest is a resource that should be saved for the academy unless people are willing to pay for it," Zac said.


    "All procedures should be set up to handle an inflow of visitors. If needed we can also use the Origin Array to look for things out of ce asionally," Adran said. "On the topic of the Barghest, I do believe we should try to cordon off areas that we can use as hunting grounds for visitors. Their numbers are increasing, and the Beast Tamer we are training is not strong enough to control such arge horde."


    "Great, try to set something up, extra ie is always wee, but it''s not a top priority. Anything else that has happened while I was gone?" Zac continued.


    "We finally foundnd," Adran said. "In fact, we have foundnd in two opposite directions."

 Chapter 268: Rescue Mission

    Chapter 268: Rescue Mission


    "Finally," Zac said with a smile.


    He had almost started believing they were stuck in some parallel world. The ships he had bought from the Creators were extremely swift, but it had taken months until they finally found the maind. It also showed just how huge the new was. It felt as though their current mass was farrger than just thebination of the four integrateds.


    Perhaps the system had thrown some randomndmass into the mix to make the distancesrger. But suddenly he gave a start since he finally realized what Adran said.


    "What do you mean two opposite directions?" he curiously asked. "Have we rounded the?"


    "We have found the continent that you humans now refer to as Pangea to the east," Adran exined with a shake of his head. "We have already made the first contact with a few settlements along the shoreline. If needed we will have no problem conquering a prettyrge swathe of coastline. We found one government-controlled city but most are small settlements without teleportation arrays."


    "But thend in the opposite direction is something else?" Zac asked with interest.


    "Yes, though it was further awaypared to the main continent. The first one we found one week after you left for the hunt. The second we only found ten days ago. We didn''t find any settlements or people on that continent, though we have only begun our exploration recently," Abby exined.


    "Along the coastal edge is a lush forest, but after a few hours walk ind there is an impossibly vast desert. The heat there is scorching even to the demons, and there did not seem to be any life as far as we could tell," Abby said. "The cosmic energy was however very dense, so if we could transform the desert it would be great unupiednd."


    "Impossiblyrge desert?" Zac muttered. "That actually brings me to something else I didn''t mention from the hunt."


    Next he proceeded to exin his meeting with the molemen in the hunt and the history of their.


    "If I''m not mistaken the other continent might be the remains of this fourth world. Since it was scorched by their sun for millennia there should have only been unlivable deserts on the surface," Zac said. "Perhaps the System simply took their uninhabitablend and made a continent out of it. Perhaps merged it with parts of Africa and the middle-east. I haven''t really heard anything from those regions since the Integration."


    "So why did you not mention this fourth race earlier?" Ogras suddenly asked. "To protect the identity of us demons? I think that ship has sailed now. The existence of the underworld will quickly spread I think."


    No, it''s for a different reason. I want a team to dig as far down as possible from our mine. Even below our Nexus Vein if possible. Then ce a teleportation array down there.


    You want to connect Port Atwood to the people underground?" Kenzie asked.


    Yes, there are people from the other races down there as well, though most are dead now. Theyre in pretty dire straits. Theyre beset by another Incursion that I guess is top-tier. For some reason, the teleporters above the ground cant reach down so we need to dig as well, create a ry-system of teleporters if need be, Zac nodded.


    Why all that effort for those people? Ogras said with disinterest.


    Not only are there fire golems that seem to be digging toward ours core down there, but theres also a huge amount of riches. Most of the top names on the wealthdders are down there. Nexus Crystals and precious metals are littering the walls, Zac said.


    We need to save those poor people, Ogras said with apletely straight face and Calrin quickly gave his wholehearted support for the n as well.


    Kenzie red at the two people who only cared about the wealth, before turning back toward Zac with a frown.


    Yes, the reason I want do dig is partly selfish. They are currently loaded with minerals and crystals down there, but they are severelycking everything else. I want Port Atwood to be the one to reap the benefits before any others. But other forces might try the same. The ratmen are few in number, but I am sure others than I managed to find out about the situation in the underworld, Zac said.


    So its a race for the wealth beneath us, Calrin muttered.


    Exactly, Zac nodded. We have an advantage with the mine that is already quite deep, but we cant bex. I want those teleporters up as soon as possible.


    Abby quickly bobbed her head in agreement. She had been vehemently in favor of expanding the power of Port Atwood since she wasnt without ambition herself. But that worked just fine for Zac as well.


    "It might be an issue of distance apart from just depth though," the stargazer interjected. "If the ratmen are situated far beneath the other continent the distance might be too far. That continent is even further away than Pangea after all. Perhaps we should also establish a frontier base on the desert continent and try to find them that way."


    "That would be even better," Ogras muttered. "If the underworld only can be reached from that other continent we will be able to control everyings and goings. We are right in the middle in-between the two continents, and we would act as a bridge between them. And there wouldn''t be much the other forces could do about it until we get higher-graded teleporters."


    Zac''s eyes lit up from the possibility presented. It was true. The E-Grade teleporters reached far, but they couldn''t take Zac to the far edge of Pangea. Judging by the distance Abby and Adran mentioned the distance between the two continents was extremely vast. They would have to transit through Port Atwood.


    Abby, you oversee the project since you can map out the scope of my kingdom. Does my sphere of influence reach downward as well? Zac asked.


    I will. There is a limit a few kilometers below us. I will find a location at that depth that is far away from energy interference. I will also set it up so that it bes a proper ry station. Preferably there would be no way to get up to the surface without using our teleporter, the Stargazer said.


    "Great, pursue both strategies. Setting up a base on the other continent is a good idea in any case," Zac nodded before turning to Ogras. "Next. Is there something we can make use of in the Mystic Realm?"


    "Not sure," Ogras said with a shrug.


    "Not sure?" Zac asked with some confusion. "What sort of ce is it?"


    "Well, It''s a pretty odd Mystic Realm," Ogras hesitantly said. "First of all, it''s popted."


    "What?" Zac said with surprise. "Cultivators?"


    Zac wasn''t an expert in the subject, but he knew that inhabited Mystic Realms were very rare.


    "Indeed, of multiple species, no less," Ogras said. "But that''s not the odd thing. The whole Mystic Realm is one enormous construct."


    "What?" Zac said with shock. He had never heard of such a thing before. "How big?"


    "I can''t be sure. Even the person I caught and questioned wasn''t sure. But it is many timesrger Port Atwood. I found a few gardens that each was at least a fifth the size of this whole ind, and they just took up a small corner of the construct," Ogras exined.


    Clearly this was news to everyone apart from Kenzie, and they looked over at Ogras with shock.


    "The people there have been stuck inside a very long time. Tens of generations. They do not seem to know much of the outside, and they are not really in control of the functions and arrays of therge structure. They are like parasites living inside the body of arge beast," Ogras exined, the others listening in rapt attention.


    "How strong are they?" Zac asked with a frown.


    He had enough enemies to contend with at the moment, and if these people were too strong he might just as well close the passage and wait until he became stronger.


    "I battled two peak F-Grade warriors, one human, and a werewolf. There are at least mid-tier E-Grade warriors there as well, leading the factions. However, energy is limited, and it seems the various factions are partly warring as a means of poption control apart from the usual reasons," Ogras exined.


    "From what I can tell the structure was once a hidden research facility. It might have connections to technocrats, or they simply had a hand in constructing the thing. But to find out the real purpose we would have to explore further," Ogras said. "The human I captured did not even know how they got there. My personal guess is that their ancestors were caught for experimentation."


    Zac slowly nodded, not sure what to do with the news.


    "Can we gain any benefits in the short run from there?" Zac asked.


    "There are enormous trees, so we would get unlimited timber. The walls are also made from some very durable alloy, perhaps we could strip the walls and take the materials for weapons manufacturing. But apart from that, not much else honestly. But with this Redeemer problem, we could use it as ast-resort escape. We just need to figure out a way to stop the Redeemer from following us," Ogras said.


    "But then we''d be stuck inside there?" Zac skeptically asked.


    "Yes, but alive. The rift drops us off in a section that the current factions can''t ess. It''s the area with therge gardens. Apparently they were used for nt experimentation and providing air. There are no strong beasts, only a few worms at level 70," Ogras exined.


    "The whole ce runs on some technocrat technology it seems. The trapped factions have very low ess, and can''t get to where we arrive. But that same technology provided me with Tier-3 ess. ording to the human I caught Tier-3 is maintenance ess that would allow me to enter any ce that maintains the various function of the structure.


    "I didn''t have time to do much exploration, but it''s pretty good apparently. It allows me to visit even more ces than the natives who only have limited ess in their respective zones," the demon continued. "Perhaps we can find some good things hidden in the unexplored areas of the mystic realm.


    "If the Redeemer arrives we could drop off the nonbatants there and hide the passage. It would keep them out of harm''s way until the threat was dealt with. If the Redeemer wins they would avoid being harvested at least, and perhaps they can find a way to get out in the future," Ogras said.


    "Well it''s a decentst-ditch escape, though I am not a fan of getting stuck inside a mystic realm just waiting for The Great Redeemer to break through," Zac mused. "Do you think we could set up some sort of alliance with the natives? Perhaps they possess things of value."


    Ogras hesitantly nodded.


    "Perhaps. I honestly did not make a great first impression, though they attacked first. But there should be various things theyck, and they might have an abundance of things in there that may be extremely valuable on the outside. That''s usually how it goes with Mystic Realms. But as long as we don''t have anyone strong enough to counter their elites I think we should avoid them," the demon said.


    "We''ll keep it on the backburner then since we have a few things that need to be handled first. Apart from getting ess to the underworld I have a few more top-priority tasks for the town, Zac said. First I want the surroundings of The Towers of Myriad Dao to be brought to its proper glory. I want this done within the day. Divert all man-power to this if necessary.


    Everone around the table apart from Ogras and Bra looked at Zac as though hed lost his marbles.


    Finally youre speaking some sense, Bra said with a satisfied nod.


    Of course. Incidentally, in case you need to prepare anything before letting us undertake the Inheritance trials, now would be the time for that. At least two trials will be started within three days, Zac added.


    The Great Bra has been ready for eons, juste by and disy your feeble might, Bra said with a snort.


    Great. Secondly, I need to index all the treasures I looted. Calrin, my ce in an hour. Bring a few trustworthy and knowledgeable people, Zac said, ending the meeting.


    Roughly forty minutester five Sky Gnomes stood eagerly waiting in his courtyard. Most seemed to be around the same age as Calrin himself, but one of them looked positively ancient.


    These are my most trusted appraisers, Calrin said as he indicated the three gnomes roughly his own age. And this is my great uncle Gemidir Thayer, the member of my n with the most experience in figuring out the functions of odd treasures. I thought he would be an asset as well in case you had some hard-to-appraise items.


    Hes also a notorious thief, one of the other Gnomes muttered under his breath as he shielded his Cosmos Sack, drawing a re from the old man.

 Chapter 269: Four Gates

    Chapter 269: Four Gates


    You shouldnt nder others little Acorn, the old man sighed with disappointment. You know those days are long behind me. And wildly exaggerated.


    Then why is that pouch belonging to that guard earlier tied around your waist? the younger Sky Gnome said with a scathing re.


    You! You just want the Lord to focus on my fingers so that he wont notice you undervaluing the goodies! the old man angrily spat as he quickly hid the pouch in an inner pocket of his robe.


    Zacs brows rose, especially when Calrin did nothing to correct the two.


    Well, to be a sessful thief you need to be able to discern whats valuable and what to discard, no? Calrin said with a cough after seeing Zacs re. But hes all retired now. And you have me to oversee everything so you dont need to worry about a thing.


    Zac groaned in response, hating that he couldnt get a second opinion anywhere as things stood. But he knew that even if Calrin skimmed a bit money it wouldnt be too bad. Furthermore, since he owned a sizeable share of the Consortia it would stille back into his pocket in the end.


    The goal here is essentially to identify the treasures I gathered and then differentiate the loot into three categories, Zac exined. The first category is the valuable and essential treasures. Ill keep those myself and personally hand them out to our elites if needed.


    The second is is for items to add to our Merit Exchange. We are working against the clock so things that can help empower our forces and provide speedy gains. The final category would be things that might be valuable but arent of use to Port Atwood. These items would be sold through the Consortia, Zac finished.


    The Sky Gnomes eagerly nodded at the instructions, each of them almost looking possessed by greedy demons. Zac sighed and started taking things out. He started with the items he was the most curious about.


    A ss bottle suddenly appeared in Zacs hand and the alchemists furnace appeared on the ground in front of them. The pill was the thing he was most curious about, and the Cauldron might help give some clues to its origins. Just a waft of its residual vapors had allowed him to gain a level, so he couldnt imagine the efficacy of the pill itself.


    This is a pill with spirituality, which I found in this cauldron. When I opened the cauldron a cloud was released, and the energy it contained both gave me a level and instantly healed me, Zac said as he handed over the bottle. Can you identify the pill?


    One of the Sky Gnomes quickly took out a huge book, and when he opened it Zac saw it was filled with pictures of pills along with descriptions alongside it. However, the old thief only took a nce at it before he spoke up.


    Its a <strong>[Four Gates Pill]</strong>, its a mid-tier E-Grade pill, he said, not without some longing. Its the first time I hear of one with spirituality though. The cauldron is just a Decent E-Grade cauldron. Perhaps worth 70 Million


    Whats the purpose of the pill? Zac asked.


    It harnesses the four elements to break open Nodes, Gemidir sinctly exined. It would likely have an additional effect now that it has spirituality.


    Four elements? Zac repeated before he quickly took out the three spirit herbs he looted from the hidden garden. Do you think these are the ingredients used?


    <strong>[Blistering Ice Bamboo]</strong>,<strong> [Phoenix Peppers]</strong> and <strong>[Rock Ginseng]</strong>,<strong></strong>and their ages are excellent, another of the Gnomes eximed.


    Youre only missing <strong>[Sky reed] </strong>and you would have all four mainponents to create the pill, the old man added.


    I found these three growing in a secluded spot, along with a broken paddy, Zac exined. I looted both the special soil and all the nts. Would we be able to keep growing these herbs?


    Certainly, the Sky Gnome who recognized the herbs said without hesitation. However, it takes over 50 years to grow these herbs to maturity without skilled farmers who can shorten that duration, and thats only to get their minimum efficacy. For the herbs to contain this much energy you would need to wait a few hundred years, even with a skilled farmer.


    Zac sighed in disappointment. Fifty years might not be very long for a force in the multiverse, but it was for Zac who was strapped for time.


    See if you can buy aged <strong>[Sky Reed]</strong> then, Zac said. How long would it take for us to train an alchemist that could concoct <strong>[Four-Gate]</strong> pills?


    If you want those pills to use, might I suggest an alternative method? Calrin said.


    Whats that? Zac asked.


    Trade the herbs for finished pills, Calrin said.


    People would do that? Zac asked skeptically.


    Its prettymon among Alchemists, Calrin exined. Another way for them to enrich themselves. They give ratios, for example 4 sets of herbs for 2 pills. If they manage to create the 2 pills in less than 4 sets they can pocket the difference as profit. But with the age of these herbs, we should be able to get pretty good ratios.


    Zac slowly nodded.


    Does anything else than the ratios matter? Zac asked.


    He had encountered a few pills by now, but most of them were simple healing pills that generally used life-attuned energy or roused the bodys own restorative powers. But things like cultivation pills were still not something he was very knowledgeable about.


    The skill of the alchemist, Gemidir said. Different grades of the pills have differing effects.


    Pills used the same grading system as Daos, depending on how well the pills concocted. So the same pill could be anything from Low-Grade to Peak-Grade, and the effect could vastly differ. It turned out that a low-grade pill wasnt even guaranteed to open one node, whereas a Peak-grade [Four gates Pill] actually guaranteed 1 node and gave a high chance of a second.


    Ill hold onto these for now, Zac said.


    The herbs he had possessed an extraordinary age, and he wasnt sure he wanted to send them over to some unknown alchemist that might pocket the aged herbs and concoct using ordinary ones. He did want the pills since his people would start reaching E-Grade within a few years at most, and having these would expedite the progress of his forces. But he didnt want to waste this treasure.


    Hopefully, he could nurture or get to know a skilled Alchemist that he could trust with his herbs instead of sending them out through the mercantile system. Meanwhile, they could start growing the four herbs on the ind.


    Since he had decided what to do with the herbs he took out the next treasure. It was a pity the cauldron wasnt anything special, but it would make a nice gift for the first proper Alchemist his force nurtured. Next, the huge metal ball that Zac found on his first summit appeared and he put it down on the ground with a heavy thump.


    A spiritual ship, Calrin said with interest. Lowest grade, but it should still be worth quite a bit.


    What? This thing? Zac asked with surprise.


    A spiritual ship had been something he had wanted ever since he learned about their existence from Ogras. Thats why he wanted to upgrade the Shipyard so badly. Unfortunately, when he had asked Rahm about it he had simply tabled the matter until Zac had evolved.


    Unfortunately, it would take the Sky Gnomes some time to figure out how to activate it from its currentpressed state, so Zac would have to curb his enthusiasm and postpone any joyrides. Instead hey kept going through the immense wealth in Zacs pouch with rapid speed, and they hadnt even gone through a tenth after an hour.


    But Zac suddenly stopped and opened up a menu with a frown.


    Whats wrong? Calrin asked.


    A new teleporter just became public, Zac said with surprise.


    A public teleporter? With all the things that are happening on this? Calrin muttered. Are they suicidal?


    Or desperate, Zac ventured. The ce is called Everwood Refuge, and its not a ce I have heard of before.


    Are you going? Calrin asked.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he shook his head.


    Not at the moment. The situation is unclear and I have so many things on my te as it is, Zac said, and resumed taking out treasure after treasure.


    But it only took fifteen minutes until they were once again interrupted, this time by Kenzie jogging over to his courtyard. Zac had already erected multipleyers of arrays to hide the things inside, so she was forced to wave her arms to get his attention.


    Zac started walking toward her, but after a brief hesitation ran back and put back all the treasures into one of his Cosmos Sacks first. He wasnt exactly confident in leaving so much wealth in front of four Sky Gnomes. They might turn crazy by greed and do something stupid, and he didnt want any trouble with his cooperation.


    Whats going on? Zac said after he exited the shield.


    We have visitors, Kenzie said, From Westfort.


    Theas people? Zac said with surprise. What do they want?


    He hadnt expected someone toe over already, though it was technically possible for his trusted allies toe at any time. They had already agreed that he woulde to Westfort in two days to take back his batch of treasures and also peruse the Library.


    Yes, they are requesting assistance. Apparently a town is being attacked by an Incursion, and the Marshalls have some sort of agreement with them, she exined.


    Tell Ogras and Joanna. I will meet this man at the teleporter, Zac said as he returned back inside the arrays.


    We will have to take a break for now, Zac said, much to the disappointment of the Sky Gnomes. A settlement is under attack from an Incursion. I will go check things out.


    Of course, Calrin nodded. But before you go. I would like to request some body-guards for my men. I want to immediately send representatives to the new towns in ourwork.


    Right now? Zac said with a frown. We have a lot of things to do.


    The subject wasnt brought up at the meeting, but we are currently sitting on a mountain of gear crafted from the beast waves being unused. From what I gather this world is heading for its final battles that will decide whether you will break free from the invaders or be yet another conquered baby world, Calrin started.


    This is the optimal opportunity to make some money. But it will also help strengthen you humans while simultaneously bolstering the somewhat marred image of Port Atwood, Calrin said.


    Fine. Take ten demons and ten Valkyries, Zac nodded before he disappeared.


    Just a minuteter he arrived at the teleporter, seeing a middle-aged man curiously looking around. But the moment he saw Zac approach his eyes widened a bit and he straightened his back.


    I assume youre the representative from Westfort? Zac asked as he appeared in front of him.


    Its an honor, Lord Atwood, the man said with a bow. I am Rnd Marshal, and I will be the ambassador of Westfort, with your blessing of course.


    Nice to meet you, Zac simply said with a nod.


    I was nning on introducing myself at your arrival in two days, but time waits for no man. You should have no doubt seen the new public town on the teleportation list. It is one of the major Ishiate towns, and they are currently being besieged by their neighboring Incursion, Rnd exined.


    The Marshall forces are currently preparing, but rearranging our forces will take some time, the ambassador continued after checking his watch. We sent a few scouts through the teleporter first, and there were no signs of either Dominators or Salvation as of eight minutes ago.


    Zac nodded, understanding the mans implication. The town would perhaps fall before The Marshal n could muster its forces.


    I will join as well. I nned to settle a few matters before attacking the Incursions, but I guess we cant wait for this one, Zac said. Is Theaing as well?


    Exactly, time is of the essence, Rnd said with a nod. Unfortunately my niece was forced to put out a few fires as soon as she got back, so she will not be joining you. But she will be done with her quests by the time you arrive at Westfort."


    Zac nodded, slightly disappointed. Having a good ally by ones side drastically increased safety.


    I am heading back for now, but with your permission, I would like to build a small embassy on your ind where I and a small staff would handle any matters that require the cooperation of our two forces. I understand you had a very sessful rtionship with my niece during the hunt, and my wish is for that rtionship to turn into a strong bond between our two families, Rnd continued.


    Zac frowned a bit at the very ambiguous wording, but he had no interest in trying to correct the man. He could understand if the marshalls wanted to forge an alliance the old-school way between their two forces. With him and Thea at the helm, there would be no resisting them.


    Thats fine. You can talk with Adranter to settle those types of matterster, he nodded. Hes the administrator in charge of most city nning.


    Excellent. It was a pleasure meeting you, Rnd said with another bow before he walked over to the teleporter and was gone with a sh.


    Since he had already decided to fight he was eager to get going, but he still decided to wait for Ogras to have someone to watch his back. And it took less than a minute to arrive, and to his surprise he was apanied by Calrin, who waspletely decked in defensive gear.


    Strike while the iron is hot, the gnome simply muttered as an exnation to Zacs questioning nce.


    Fine, lets go. Some incursion is attacking, but it shouldnt be one of the top-grade ones. Well keep them at bay until reinforcements arrive. And Ogras Dont steal the boss kill this time, okay? Zac said as he threw a nce at the demon.


    Oh, heard about that one, did you? Ogras said with a smile.


    I did, Billy was very upset. But I promised you would personally go there and apologize and bring a gift, Zac said drawing a disbelieving look from the demon.

 Chapter 270: Riverleaf

    Chapter 270: Riverleaf


    Riverleaf sighed as she looked at the ravaged forest outside their town. The trees that their ancestors had tended for hundreds of years were gone, reced with burnt-out husks, and the farms were turned into with ruins and war trenches. As the shaman of their vige, she sensed the pain of nature around them.


    They had truly underestimated these foreign invaders. For months they had been battling for territory, neither side showing a clear advantage. The invaders might have been the strongest force in the area, but they were surrounded by over a Dozen towns who worked together to keep them at bay. But something had changed a week ago.


    In just a day five towns were destroyed, their poptions killed to thest man apart from the lucky few who managed to escape in time. Even the elderly and the children werent spared, and their scouts had recounted scenes straight out of a nightmare. From there those ck golems had started their crusade, destroying one town after another. The Invaders had clearly been holding back until now.


    She couldnt help but wonder if there were traitors among them. Did the invaders know that their top hunters were unavable or dead due to the hunt? They had worked so hard to maintain a mirage of normalcy, risking their lives to keep the pressure on the Incursions. But it was all for naught as they went into a rampage while their strongest warriors were upied with the hunt.


    Everwood Refuge was only still standing because the invaders had started in the other direction, methodically working their way from city to city. Her first instinct had been to flee, but she knew that they couldnt do that. The beats around were much too dangerous. Besides, if they fled they would give up their ancestral homes.


    Using the teleporter wasn''t a real option either, not to their force at least. It was just much too expensive to send someone through that miraculous gate. Even if her husband had returned with enormous gains it was far from enough for the whole city. They could afford to teleport a few hundred at the most, only a fraction of the two hundred thousand who lived in their town. They couldn''t even afford to send all the children to safety.


    Her eyes turned to her husband, desperately fighting against the rockmen. They were beyond sturdy. Not even the chief of the hunt managed to quickly kill those things in a one-on-one battle, which was a clear indicator of how the rest of the soldiers fared. Worse yet, they couldn''t even use their fortifications to their advantage. The rockmen had made quick work of their protective shield and rampart with their huge boulders, and in less than 20 minutes it was gone.


    The moment they saw that their shield wouldn''t hold they had made their teleporter public in a desperate bid to enlist some help against their threat. She had been ted to see peoplee through their gate earlier, but most had quickly disappeared again after learning of the situation.


    Only a few remained, though it was clear that they were mostly interested in fishing in the muddy waters. She had even been forced to send some soldiers to prevent looting from unscrupulous guests. But suddenly she saw one of the young hunters-in-training speed toward her with tion in his eyes. Riverleaf had stationed him by the teleporter so that he could keep an eye out for any reinforcements.


    The humans have sent reinforcements! the youth said between pants.


    They have? Riverleaf eximed, some hope finally rekindling in her heart. How many?


    Little Leaf scratched his chin in hesitation before he muttered.


    Three people came, he said with an almost inaudible voice. But one is a child it seems?


    So two warriors, Riverleaf sighed in disappointment, realizing it was just more opportunists.


    She knew that she couldnt hope for too much. Thatrge human organization had already indicated that they were overwhelmed with simr threats, and they had gotten simr responses from their Ishiate allies. But honestly, she knew that most simply did not wish to risk their lives for no reward.


    Yes, only two But they are <em>strong</em>, he added with wide eyes.


    Riverleaf was about to respond when her heart suddenly thumped and she looked over in the distance with rm. Two men and a blue child approached, and Riverleaf immediately understood that these people were the trio that Little Leaf mentioned. Her second sight screamed in rm at their approach, telling her that this party could level Everwood Refuge without much trouble.


    While there were three of them her eyes couldnt help but turn toward the human in the middle. He had short hair the color of sand, and he wore an opulent golden robe that made her think of her brethren who gave up their connection to amass material wealth.


    In his hand was a ruthless axe that made her almost flinch as she imagined an ocean of blood for some reason. She knew that it was an omen from her shamanic powers, but she couldn''t guess it''s meaning. The axe felt primal, like something their hunters would fashion out of the bones of a great beast. It was an odd choice of weapon for someone dressed in something so fine; the man was a contradiction of refinement and carnage.


    She knew that her gifts could be noticed by some people since their world changed, but she couldn''t help but activate her skill that the System had named <strong>[Minor Prophetic Vision]</strong>. She wanted to get a glimpse of whether these people were their saviors, but a soul-rending pain erupted in her mind, only allowing her a glimpse before her sight turned ck.


    The silver-haired man was shrouded in darkness, a ck hand dragging him into an abyss of despair. The vision was extremely taxing, but it was nothingpared to the man in the golden robes. She was assaulted by tens of visions she couldn''t make sense of,pletely obscuring his future. She only managed to see a glimpse of his past instead.


    The man stood with his axe apanied by a monstrous beast in a sea of blood, a storm vengeful spirits moring in hatred and despair. Just how many had he killed to form such a following of the dead? But while he seemed to be an apostle of death, he was also the bringer of life. A golden halo rose behind him, and it formed an equal and opposing force to the hurricane of the fallen.


    Refinement and carnage; life and death.


    She had no time to make sense of the visions as it felt like she was about to die, and blood flowed out of her nose and ears. She had overtaxed her soul for that brief glimpse. Her body was unable to withstand the prophetic weight of the man in front of him. Perhaps not even the Grand Shaman would be able to endure a peek into this man''s future.


    The party seemed to move leisurely, but they quickly closed the distance between the teleporter and the rampart she stood on, and as they came closer primal flight-responses were screaming in Riverleaf''s mind. But she forced herself to stand still, gazing at their approach with her normal vision. Their steps echoed like the drums of war in her mind, and it felt like their forms towered to the out the sky.


    The trio suddenly disappeared in a shroud of darkness, before they appeared right in front of her on top of the rampart. She made sure to not use shamanic powers that had been a natural part of her since childhood. Using her gifts in this close proximity would likely fry her brain, turning her into a simpleton. The two adults calmly overlooked the losing battle out in the field after ncing at her.


    As they were closer she got a better look at the two. It was obvious that the man with the shadow hand was neither Human nor Ishiate, but rather something she had never encountered before. He hadrge horns in his forehead that that looked like frozen fire, and his skin had a reddish tinge.


    She was curious about his heritage, but she didn''t dare to ask. In truth, she didn''t even dare to speak up. The duo had obviously masked their power, but she knew the truth about this small group from her shamanic vision. They could not be insulted or angered, since they were drenched in blood.


    Its these bastards? the horned man said with surprise as he looked at the army. Well, thats just fine.


    The man with the in the golden robes turned toward Riverleaf and nodded in greeting. She didn''t trust her voice at the moment, so she could only bow in response, holding her hands nervously in front of her.


    I am Zac. You should call back your warriors. We can take it from here, he said with a calm voice, his eyes not even showing a ripple after witnessing the huge army of golems that were steadily ripping through their line of defenses.


    But she hesitantly said, but she had no chance to continue as they disappeared just like they appeared.


    The next moment she sensed a monstrous power from the battlefield and she looked over with worry, afraid that their enemies hadunched a renewed assault.


    Her eyes were immediately drawn toward an enormous hand hovering in the air. The hand had appeared out of nowhere, and it radiated an earthshattering might. It clearly was made of wood and made her think of the Treefather from the legends. Had the old gods returned to save them from their plight? The hand flew toward the army with terrifying speed, and the golems scrambled to erect defenses.


    But it was to naught as the hand mmed into the ground with enough force to almost throw her off the rampart. The earth shook andrge cracks in the ground quickly spread from the impact. Over a hundred of the golems that had caused them so many troubles were utterly destroyed in an instant, and twice as many were lying on the ground with serious wounds.


    The next moment the whole battlefield was shrouded in darkness. It was as though the darkness was alive, and it twisted and changed shapes. Spears grew out from nowhere, the golems were getting impaled by the dozens. In just a second it looked like a forest with trees wrought from shadows had grown in front of their city, and each tree held a dead or dying invader.


    Two familiar silhouettes made themselves known in the middle of the battle-field, and in the next moment they rushed forward with wild abandon. Riverleaf wanted to shout out a warning, but her voice got stuck in her throat when they unleashed a mindboggling carnage upon the golems.


    Young miss, there''s no need to worry. Those two will neutralize the cmity that has befallen your fair city. Better yet, I will turn cmity into opportunity, a refined voice from next to her spoke up, making Riverleaf look over with surprise.


    It was the blue child who had spoken to her. She hadpletely forgotten about him due to the shocking presence of the other two, but he had clearly stayed behind as those two had unleashed their attacks on the invaders. She prepared to cate the child, but at a second nce she realized it was no child who had spoken with her. It was rather a man from yet another unknown race.


    Pleased to make your acquaintance, the small blue being said with a bow. I am Calrin Thayer, and I would like to provide you with the opportunity of a lifetime.

 Chapter 271: Rockmen

    Chapter 271: Rockmen


    Zac surveyed the battlefield as the Ishiate warriors were walking through it, making sure that all the golems were dead as theyy on the scorched ground. Of course, most of the time there was no need to check since the bodies were separated into pieces orpletely destroyed from his onught. Ogras stood not far from him, holding his hand around the mold where his other arm once was.


    Youve gained a lot of power during your hunt, Ograsmented from the side. And your aura is far denser. It bodes well for our trip to the Towers, especially now that we need to get the protection of somerger force. Go high enough and they might not even care that you''re not a Cultivator.


    I could say the same to you. You shouldnt have gained any levels since we fought these thingsst time, but yet you are a lot stronger. Care to exin how? Zac responded as he threw a nce over at the demon.


    Well, we all have our means, the demon said with a nomittal shrug.


    You have somehow broken your restrictions, havent you? Zac said keeping his eyes on Ogras face for any changes.


    Sharp as a tack, this one, Ogras said with a snort. Yes, I got a quest that I managed toplete. So I am no longer bound by the restrictions that afflicted me. However, it still applies to my soldiers. They will have to wait it out or find their own means to release their full potential.


    Zac slowly nodded. He already had already guessed as much from the moment they started fighting. The shadow spears of Ogras were almost too many to count as he ripped through the rockman army. The demon had clearly a lot strongerpared to before. The difference in strength between the two had widened between the twopared to the hunt, but Ogras had still exploded with surprising power going by his somewhat limited opportunities.


    Ogras didnt mention it, but Zac also guessed that the demon''s Dao had also progressed since hedst seen the demon fight as well since the aura it emitted was quite intense. The presence of the so-called Origin Dao that Bra exined during the meeting was likely the source of the Demon''s improvement.


    It gave Zac a better understanding of why so many forces wanted to risk their lives to invade newly integrateds. The Origin Dao could save people decades of meditation, or even award Dao Seeds for people who werepletely hopeless in that regard.


    Of course, Zac didn''t feel threatened by the Demon''s advancements. Ogras had improved surprisingly much, but it was far lesspared to his own gains. Ogras had killed less than half as many rockmenpared to Zac, but he had a slew of Progenitor-titles and a second ss to bolster his power. If a normal scion of a rtively weak n could output this much pressure it made him wonder just how strong cultivators from higher-tiers were.


    Besides, Zac had yet to gain the ultimate skills for his two sses. Normally you got two final skills at level 75, each giving you a great boost. So Zac still had a lot of room to grow while at F-Grade, whereas any improvement for Ogras should be quite arduous by now.


    So what do you want to do now? Ogras finally asked, perhaps to avoid any further questioning about his increased power. Keep going or head back?


    It was a good question. They had killed a lot of the rockmen, but there were no elites in the group. The leader of the rockmen back when Port Atwood was invaded was noticeably stronger than anyone in this punitive army, meaning that they hadnt sent the true aces of the incursions to clear out these neighboring towns.


    They already knew that those three Incursions that spawned simultaneously outside his town didnt send the real leaders, but rather a second-inmand. That meant that the big boss of the rockmen should still be alive. Furthermore, the restrictive shackles should have lessened even further by now.


    ording to the information he had gathered the restrictions usuallysted between 6 to 12 months, and it differed depending on how high-graded the was. The higher grade of the newly integrated the quicker the restrictions would be lifted so that the trial for the natives was tough enough.


    Since Earth had be a D-Grade right off the bat the restrictions should be on the shorter side of the spectrum. Unfortunately, Zac had no idea exactly when it would happen, which is why he wanted to attack the incursions as quickly as possible. He wanted to fight the invaders before they gained another power-up.


    Zac opened his mouth to answer, but before he had the change to speak the sounds of hurried footsteps interrupted him. They both turned around to see a male Ishiate walk over, apanied by the woman they had spoken to up at the wooden rampant.


    Zac already knew that he was the lord, or rather leader of the hunt, of this town, and his wife was something like a druid or nature priestess. What surprised Zac though was that he saw the Ishiate wear a fitted armor set made out of chitin-shells that wear clearly from the Ayr ants.


    Calrin had really worked quickly.


    Lord Atwood, Lord AzhRezak, the Ishiate said with a bow. I am Steelwood. My family and Everwood Refuge is ever in your debt. If there is anything we can do in return please let us know.


    I see youre wearing the local produce of Port Atwood, Zac answered with a smile. Allowing the opening of a branch of the Thayer Consortia is all we ask in return.


    We would also be grateful if you helped us make some inroads with your Ishiate allies, Ogras quickly added. You have seen the strength of our gear, and our supply is huge. Allowing us to open more stores would save a lot of lives and allow you to grow stronger more quickly.


    The two Ishiate gave each other a quick nce, but they soon nodded.


    What you say is true. The items the blue one showed us were far superior to the items we brought from our old world, though they were a bit expensive. But one cannot put a price on life. We will speak with our allies about your trading venture, Steelwood said. Though you should know that the Ishiate hero Starlight does also control a business.


    A burst of killing intent seeped out of Ogras, but he quickly quenched it after a re from Zac. The fact that Starlight had somehow got his hands on a business venture was both surprising and unfortunate. It would impact their spread on Earth to a certain degree.


    Of course, their main target was the human towns since they were far more numerous than the Ishiate. The beastmen were the second least populous species, only beating out the molemen in the underworld, and there were at least twenty times more humans on the new based on estimations.


    That is fine, we will not force anyone. Our wares speak for themselves, Zac said. More importantly, is your teleporter still public?


    No, Steelwood said with a shake of his head. The moment we saw yourbat prowess I closed it. I learned a bit about those that are called the Dominators during the hunt, and I feared having it open for too long.


    Zac initiated the system to set up an alliance with Steelwood, and he quickly epted the prompt.


    Please set Port Atwood to trusted. My army is standing by, Zac said. Since I am already here I will close the Incursion.


    It will take at least a day, probably two, Ogras said from the side, showing a far calmer response to the promationpared to the two Ishiate.


    Their eyes widened in disbelief and mutely stared at Zac until the female spoke up.


    Lord Atwood, she hesitantly said. closing the incursion is easier said than done. They have set up a very strong protective array. Our scouts have also found that thousands ofrge boulders are flouting about the core area. We believe they might be a defensive measure as well.


    Dont worry, Zac said unfazed. If you want you can join us, but if you want to stay behind its fine as well.


    Steelwood slowly nodded his head.


    I will apany you, Ive raided their incursion many times and know the paths, he said, cing a hand on his wifes arm.


    Not long after the Valkyries and the demon army started streaming out of the teleporter, immediately securing the vicinity. When they saw that there was no threat Joanna quickly walked over to Zac and bowed.


    Lord Atwood, she said. We were afraid something happened when the teleporter closed.


    Just a safety precaution, Zac said. You guys havent cked off.


    It was true. His eyes couldnt help widen in surprise as he nced over the Valkyries with <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>. All of them were past level 35, and many were even in the early 40s. Joanna was the strongest, having reached level 44.


    It was far from enough to reach thedder after the hunt, but it was extremely impressive considering how far behind they had been when he picked them up.


    It is thanks to the resources and hunting grounds you provide, Joanna nodded. After we got strong enough to venture into the forests alone our leveling speed exploded. The Barghest have grown in numbers, and its almost impossible for us to run out of things to kill.


    Thats true. However, shouldnt your gain be a bit limited now when youve passed level 40? Zac asked.


    Some of us are also hunting in squads on Mystic Ind. We can only hunt in the outer rim though, where the beasts are only around level 60. But it gives far more Cosmic Energy, and the battle experience is valuable as well, Joanna agreed.


    Keep up the good work. The Incursion here is those rockmen who invaded us before. The Valkyries will join us, but be careful. These ones are pretty tough, Zac said.


    Joanna seemed to ready to argue, but Zac held up his hand.


    I have a gift for the Valkyries. During the hunt I got my hands on a few War Arrays. After youve learned those you will be a truly elite force. But until then you still need to be careful, he said.


    Youve finally got one? she said with excitement.


    I also have another gift for you, Zac said as he took out Nenotheps spear. This thing belonged to a crazy strong guy in the hunt, and it should be a real Spirit Tool. You were the first Valkyrie to join me and your level is proof of your effort. I hope it will help you keep pushing forward.


    Joanna mutely stared at the spear that Zac ced in her hand with wide eyes, lookingpletely frozen. Zac smiled at her before he turned toward Ilvere who was leading the Demon army.


    We set out immediately. Youll stay in charge of the two armies, Zac said


    No problem. I was getting bored from sitting around on the ind, therge demon said as he cracked his neck with some excitement glimmering in his eyes. "These girls need some experience as well. A real warrior is not born by fighting some dumb animals."


    Zac briefly considered waiting for the Marshall n to catch up, but in the end he decided against it. Closing an incursion gave a huge boost in power and wealth, and he wanted that boost to stay within his force.


    Calrin had no desire to head to the incursion since there were no profits for him to be made there, so he headed back to Port Atwood. But Zac asked him to try and get his hand onnguage crystals that could help him read the scripts of the Undead Empire.


    Hisnguage skill did not work on written texts, but it wasnt hard to read learn to read with the help of crystals. The good ones worked just like a skill crystal, and imprinted the knowledge without the need of ardous cramming sessions.


    Everything was settled, and they they left Everwood Refuge with Steelwood leading the way. In just ten minutes his army was speeding through the forests, heading in the direction of a group of mountains in the distance. The rockmen had, not surprisingly, chosen a mountain as their stronghold.


    It was a pain in the ass since it would give them a topological advantage, but Zac wasnt overly worried. Everything he knew about this invasion was that they werent from a too strong a force. The leader of their invasion force was nowhere as strong as the Corpse Lord, and they were essentially used as cannon fodder by the two stronger forces.


    But while he wasnt worried for himself he did worry for his soldiers. He had seen the carnage from arge-scale battle just a few days ago. The casualties had been staggering on both the sides of Berum and Medhin, and that was even though they were the elites of their respective worlds.


    It took them six hours to reach their destination, allowing Zac and Ogras to restore their reserves of energy. But even then they stopped to make sure everyone was in peak condition before they let started the fight. Due to great vantage of the rockman base, a surprise blitz was already not an option, so they needed to fight the invaders head-on.


    Arge fort stood erect in the distance, with a grey shield enveloping it. Above the wall walk, hundreds ofrge boulders floated, likely ready to beunched at any iing force. It reminded Zac of what Ogras told him a long time ago. Attacking a town was suicide unless you possessed superior force.


    I wish that brute was here now, Ogras muttered as he looked at the shield and the fortress in the distance.


    Zac agreed that it would be nice to have Billy here. But he couldnt always throw Billy to the front, risking his life to gain easier ess. He knew that he would have to be the one to take the lead this time. Soon they stood just a kilometer away from the rockmens shield, and the wall was filled with ck stoic shapes.


    Ill try to break open the shield. Can you help destroy as many of the stones as possible? Zac said to Ogras.


    No problem, Ogras said with a shrug.

 Chapter 272: Corpsebloom Mantra

    Chapter 272: Corpsebloom Mantra


    Zac panted as he popped a healing pill while looking at the surroundings. Therge fortressrgelyy in ruins, and much of it was his own handiwork. The battle between himself and the Incursion leader had caused widespread destruction, especially due to the stone-thaumaturgy of the rockman.


    He bent over and snatched the cosmic sack of his opponent, but he didnt join the efforts to drive the remaining rockmen toward their nexus hub. This time there were no quests rewarded or titles, just pure battle between two forces. The blitz of himself and Ogras had broken the defensive perimeter in a furious assault, and in just seconds arge part of the elite defenders was dead or dying from either his fractal des or innumerable stabs of shadowy spears.


    When the defensive line was broken Ilvere hadmanded the Demons and the Valkyries forward, and Zac was shocked by their improvement. Of course, Ilvere was doing the work of ten men, though most of his efforts were spent on making sure his soldiers stayed alive.


    Any time a skirmish seemed to go awry his huge metal ball flew over with the force of a truck, instantly swinging the battle in their favor. There were a few strong rockmen who had tried to do the same, but they were met by insidious attacks from Ogras.


    As for the leader, Zac took care of him. He had been quite powerful, but Zac got the sense that even Ogras would have been able to defeat him in a one-on-one. Then again the demon fought without any restrictions, while the power of the Incursion leader was still limited by the System''s restrictions. But Ogras kept showing new cards, and even Ilvere seemed surprised by the power of Ogras.


    Zac finally learned what hid beneath that mold on his stump. It was like he had crammed thousands of shadows and forced them into the shape of his missing arm. But the arm was also able to change shape ording to his will. It was very strong, but it was also clear that Ograscked proper control of it, and it started to fall apart after a short while in the open.


    Zac hadnt even needed to go all out in his battle, and he was in much better condition after this fightpared to after his battle with Nenothep. But unfortunately, the battle didnt give him a level, and he realized that he would need to fight quite a few people to reach the two final levels before he reached his bottleneck. He had gained the past eight levels thanks to the rewards of the hunt, and the amount of energy that was required to reach level 74 shocked him.


    The moment he killed the rockman leader the rest of the soldiers immediately initiated an organized retreat through their Nexus Hub. The hub was located inside the battle, and the support staff of their incursion immediately entered while the soldiers kept Zacs forces at bay.


    Of course, he didnt push the matter. There was no way for them to kill all of the rockmen before they managed to flee, so their force definitely would get a report of what transpired here. There was no need to go on a widespread rampage at this juncture, causing unnecessary enmities in the multiverse.


    For for the rockmen this was likely just business. They wanted ess to resources and Origin Dao, and they were willing to risk their lives for it. That they would be ousted was always a real risk, and no one would waste their resources on finding Earth again. But it might be different if Zac caused a vendetta with them.


    So the soldiers were mostly pushing the forces toward the Nexus Hub, killing anyone who tried to act out. In just 15 minutes no living rockmen were remaining in the fortress, at least not that hey could find.


    Interestingly enough, the moment thest rockman disappeared Zac got a prompt from the system.


    <strong>[Annex RCKV-4433?]</strong>


    Zac hesitated a bit about what to do before he agreed.


    <strong>[Appoint Mayor?]</strong>


    Zac frowned a bit before he hurried over to Ogras who looked a bit pale as he cradled the form that contained his weird shadow-hand.


    You ok? Zac asked as he looked down at the slightly pale demon.


    Just field testing. It drains more energy than I expected. Whats wrong?


    I annexed this ce. Can I elect a Mayor at ater time? Zac asked.


    Not sure, but I dont see why not? muttered with some uncertainty. What do you want with this shithole?


    Its time to build a presence on the main continent. Its good to have alternatives if our efforts at the coast doesnt work out, Zac said.


    Fair enough, it would be nice to not have to rely on some random strangers to move about the continent. Besides, Nexus Hubs are strategic resources that are worth a lot," the demon agreed.


    Zac nodded and opened the town shop. Most of the options he had avable at his main town were avable here as well, though it was clear that his poption in Port Awood did not count here toward structures that had building restrictions.


    He quickly bought a new defensive array and a teleportation array, creating a defensible position for his soldiers.


    Well leave a few people here until Adran can send someone over to sort things out, Zac said.


    I think the golems chose this ce for a reason. Perhaps there are good things in the mountain, Ogras said as he looked over at the towering peaks right behind the fortress where theyd fought.


    Zac nodded as he stepped through the teleporter, arriving back at Port Atwood. He didnt have time to make the arrangements for the new outpost, and he left that for others to figure out. Instead, he headed over to The Thayer Consortia, and in minutes the Sky Gnomes were back at his courtyard full of energy.


    Yournguage crystals, Calrin said and handed over a box. The Undead Empire has five officialnguages. I could not get all of them though. The fifth one is apparently only used by the higher-ups, and it''s not for sale.


    Zac nodded in thanks as he opened the box. Four ck crystalsy inside, each one with a different insignia engraved. Zac picked up the first one and ced it against his head, and the next moment it was filled with a burst of information. The transfer continued for a few minutes until the crystal finally cracked and turned to ck dust.


    The crystals were unfortunately one-time use, but that made them much cheaper than the type of crystals that could be used repeatedly after allowing them to restore their energies. Zac was a bit woozy by the mental shock, but he kept going and soon he had absorbed the information of all fournguages.


    He knew he was pushing it by doing so. Absorbing this much knowledge with his very limited Intelligence could hurt his brain, but he didnt have time to let his mind rest. He quickly turned back to the gnomes, who eagerly looked at his Cosmos Sack, and once again started to go through his treasures.


    As they worked Abby also came by, updating Zac on the tasks he had given out. The renovation of the area around The Towers of Myriad Dao was underway, and over a hundred people were working at it to get it done in record speed. They had also teleported over hundreds of Zhix workers to dig as far down as possible in their mines. Since they lived underground they were natural diggers.


    Regarding the Zhix, N wants to speak with you at your convenience, Abby said.


    And I guess N still does not want to leave its hive? Zac asked, to which Abby simply bobbed in confirmation.


    I will try to make it, but honestly theres a bit much on my te at the moment, Zac sighed.


    I think its in regards to the Dominators, but I cannot be sure, Abby ventured.


    Ill try to speed things up. Can you call over my sister? Zac asked.


    Soon Kenzie ran over and took over the job of managing the four Sky Gnomes. In a perfect world, he wouldnt need to waste his sisters time for this. But he had caught every single Sky Gnome trying to pilfer a few goodies for themselves multiple times. The ancient one had especially sticky fingers, making him not a small source of exasperation.


    So instead he released a small hill of treasure at the time and had Kenzie watch over the proceedings as he started looking through the things that he had found in Mhals Cosmos Sack. The first things he took out were information missives simr to the one he got from Ogras, though they seemed to be created by some intelligence faction in the Undead Empire.


    They were quite exhaustive, and Zac learned about quite a few forces that he hadnt heard about before. There was even a pretty decent rundown of the Allbright Empire, the ce where Average and Greatest resided. It was a strong C-Graded force that consisted of seven sectors, one of which was the Empyrean Sector. The Red Sector that Greatest mentioned was ranked in the middle, and it was run by low-tier C-Graded hegemons.


    It was very valuable information since it gave him a pretty good gauge of the power level of not only Greatest but also The Great Redeemer. Everything pointed toward Greatest being in the top tier of the Red Zone, though not necessarily at the peak. That meant he was likely at the bottleneck of the D-Grade.


    That also meant the Great Redeemer might be around that power level as well since he seemed to be pretty close in power from the aura he released. It didnt really change things since he had no way to defeat that man no matter whether he was D-Grade or C-Grade, but finding protection against a peak D-Grade warrior should be far easier than from a C-Grade old monster.


    Of course, that was all conjecture. Zac also learned the shocking reality of The Church of Evesting Dao. Who would have thought that the zealous cult was just a front for arge corporation that collected bodies and sold them to people running out of their lifespan?


    It made Zac remember what The Great Redeemer had said when he asked if he was part of the Church. He had called them body-peddlers and that their path toward immortality was a dead end. Zac was shocked that it was even possible to transfer to a new body to prolong ones life, but he had a feeling there were severe limitations to such a thing.


    Apparently, the Undead Empire and the cult were in constant war since they fought over the high-grade corpses wherever they met.


    Apart from the information on the church and the Allbright empire, thousands of other forces were listed, which was too much for Zac to go through at the moment. He ced the information crystals to the side, and hed hand them over to someone else that could go through it all in case there was anything of importance.


    The second thing he took out was the cultivation manual that Mhals n used. It was called <strong>[Corpsebloom Mantra]</strong>, and it said that it could boostpatible attacks up to 22% at E-Grade, and it was possible to use all the way to level 150 provided the cultivator''s body was proficient enough.


    Zac hadnt looked to much into cultivation since he found that he was a mortal, but he knew that 22% wasnt a bad percentage. Ogras had once said that a boost of 10% per grade up to D-grade was good, but after that, he wasnt sure.


    That was also why he hadnt seen cultivators as a real threat so far. Even those with good manuals were only boosted to a pretty limited degree, but that would change in E-grade. 20-30% waspletely possible, which was like a permanent boost of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> without any downsides.


    Besides, those numbers came from Ogras whose origin was a pretty weak D-Grade n, so it wasnt impossible that the manuals from higher-tiered forces were even better. But that wasnt really what was on Zacs mind as he thoughtfully looked down at the manual.


    He had already resigned to being a mortal until he could get his hands on one of those treasures that would enable cultivation, or reaching a high enough grade. But he hadnt considered one aspect. He now had two races, which was essentially like having two different bodies.


    Was the second body truly unable to cultivate as well?

 Chapter 273: Guarantee Death

    Chapter 273: Guarantee Death


    Zacs heartbeat sped up in anticipation, and he almost wanted to smack himself when he realized he had forgotten about checking his cultivation talent in his Draugr form. It felt especially likely now that he learned that the Draugr was a royal group that had extra good control over miasmapared to other undead species.


    But he forcibly put away the manual again and refocused on his real task. It was not like he could try it out at the moment in any case, since he was currently in his human form. Instead, he kept looking through the documents and crystals that were written in the script of the Undead Empire.


    A wee find was that one of the crystals was actually a skill crystal that taught a miasma-based attack. It was unfortunate, but the skills in the repository were unusable in his Draugr-form since Miasma and Cosmic Energy werent interchangeable.


    So therge treasure trove of skills that he possessed waspletely useless for his undead form unless there were some undead skills on the higher tiers that he still didnt have ess to. That was also why he had been forced to enter the hunt without an offensive skill toplement his Undying Bulwark ss.


    Unfortunately, it wasnt the skill that the Corpse Lord used where he summoned two fearsome miasmic beasts, but rather something that seemed a bit more mundane. The skill was called <strong>[Unholy Strike] </strong>and it was a simple skill that allowed one to force arge amount of Miasma into your arms to unleash a mighty strike.


    It could either be used on its own to empower ones strike or in conjunction with another skill. For example, he could use it to strike harder with <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>against sturdy enemies. It wouldnt help much against hordes of beasts, but it would actually be even better than <strong>[Chop]</strong> against stronger foes. Furthermore, if he had been able to use <strong>[Chop]</strong> in his undead form he would have been able to empower it with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> for abined attack.


    Zac remembered that Mhal had used it in conjunction with his bone scythe, and the effect had been pretty good. It was a skill that got stronger from physical attributes as well, and it even mentioned that the better the constitution one had, the more miasma one could push into the arms.


    And if there was something that he excelled at in his Draugr-form, it was Endurance. Zac quickly put the skill together with the cultivation manual, and he couldnt help but feel eager to swap to his undead form to test his new gains.


    But he pushed on through Mhals notes, and finally his eyes turned to a ragged journal bound in some ck leather. He had seen it before lying together with piles of other crystals and books, but he hadnt checked it out before after learning that all the documents in the Corpse Lord''s possession were in illegible scripts. He took it out of his sack and looked over it briefly before he made to open it.


    Wait! someone suddenly shouted, and Zac stopped himself with a start.


    It was the old thief-turned-appraiser that looked over in his direction with rm.


    Whats the matter? Zac asked with some confusion.


    Do not open that, Gemidir quickly said as he hurried over. It has tampering-protections in ce. If you open it you will destroy the contents.


    What? Zac eximed with shock as he quickly moved his hand away from it.


    Its amon protection in case your things get stolen. Sometimes its not the treasures that hold the value of a snatched bag, its the information, the old man said as he nimbly gripped the book. And when there are protections there are solutions.


    Suddenly a small white rat popped out from nowhere on top of the old mans hand, and Zac realized it was likely a skill since the mouse was covered in small fractals. But it was extremely lifelike, making Zac believe that the old man might actually be in the E-grade even though he gave off a very feeble vibe.


    But suddenly both the old man and the mouse froze, and both looked over at Zac with an odd look.


    Whats wrong? Cant you open it? Zac asked with some urgency.


    This old man cant be sure, the elderly Sky Gnome said with an exaggerated sigh. As you know our family has hit hard timestely. My house has been repaired but the wind goes right through, freezing me to my bones. My skills arent what they used to be due to that.


    Uh, Zac said with some confusion, but some realization dawned upon him when Gemidir kept talking.


    Nothing like those fancy houses Ive seen you humans build. With your instion and temperature-control, with all kinds of miraculous appliances that could improve the living situation of a poor old man.


    Illmission a mansion with for you if you can sessfully open this thing up without harming the contents, Zac said with some amusement.


    This old man is honored, but I dont even have the furniture to fill such an extravagant three-story mansion, the old man said.


    <em>When did I say three-story? </em>Zac thought to himself with some resignation.


    Ill also provide furniture, Zac added.


    What abou-


    Dont push it, Zac cut him off. I am sure there are many others who are willing and able to lift some restrictions.


    This old man finally realized how to open this thing, rest assured young man, Gedimir quickly said, and the next moment the mouse jumped up onto the cover of the book, sniffing around.


    Zac curiously looked on as the small mouse seemed to be looking for something until it indicated a corner at the top of the book to Gemidir. When the old thief got the signal he channeled some Cosmic Energy into his finger and lightly tapped the spot the mouse found.


    The old man gave off the aura of a safecracker as he and his sidekick lifted the restrictions one by one. In total, they found 9 spots at which point Gemidir nodded in affirmation as the mouse disappeared. Zac took the leather-bound book, looking over at the old man with some skepticism.


    The book looked exactly the same as before, and Zac honestly couldnt tell if he had just been scammed out of a mansion or whether the old man had been telling the truth. But it was toote to regret anything now, and Zac felt it was better to be safe than sorry.


    If Mhal truly was doing some experiments with Draugr-DNA or something simr it was reasonable that he wanted to keep that secret. Doing something like that might draw the ire of the noble ns, getting both himself and his n into trouble.


    The old man nodded at him with a smile before he joined the others as they kept going through treasures under Kenzies direction. He noted that she had ced a few things in a small pile by herself, and he guessed she had found a few things that she needed.


    Zac didnt mind if she took some things for herself. Some might see it as nepotism, but he didnt really care. He was the one who found everything, so he decided how things would be distributed. Instead, he focused on the journal in front of him, and just after a few sentences he was hooked.


    <em>Little brother, I am sorry about the secrecy, but some things cannot simply be said out loud. I will exin why I gave you those odd instructions, and I hope that you can create a miracle. </em>


    <em>During my travels two hundred years ago I fell through a spatial crack while I explored a mystic realm. I was sure I would perish to the vacuum of space, but instead I found myself in a tomb with a body encased in Eternal Ice. A Draugr warrior. Just digging him out took me three years.</em>


    <em>In his possessions were a journal, and I realized that this man had been entombed in this odd space for billions of years. ording to the archaic scrips, I quickly realized that this man came from an era from even before the Undying Empire was founded. Can you believe it, an ancestor from the dark era?</em>


    <em>He was a lone warrior and had no children or other next of kin, and he had met his demise while traveling to find a way to gain a breakthrough, just like I did. I quickly put the body inside my pouch and after twenty-four years I managed to escape through the very same tear that finally reappeared for a brief window. </em>


    <em>At first, I was nning to provide the body to the Mendelosa-n in hopes of attaining their favor and perhaps some resources. After all, returning an ancestor of their kin should count for something, right? </em>


    <em>But then I had an idea. In my possession I had a Draugr specimen in prime condition, and more importantly, the body seemed to have no connection to the current lineages. You know how they can crack down on experiments through threads of Karma, but there shouldnt be any Karma between this man and the current ns, no?</em>


    <em>Thats when I got the idea for my experiments. Imagine, gaining the superior miasmic aptitude of the Draugr race while still having the great constitution of us Corpse Lords? The moment the thought entered my mind I couldnt let it go.</em>


    <em>Unfortunately, its hard for me to perform such experiments in my current position. There are too many eyes watching my moves since I became patriarch. If I start procuringrge numbers of the living and the unevolved to experiment on I fear I might be found out.</em>


    <em>Thats why I spent so much money to give you this chance. Certainly, the chance to bask in the resources of a virgin world is a great opportunity. But the experiments are more important. You are young, but you have always had a clever mind with your maniption and augmentation of the lower undead. I ask you to use that insight now.</em>


    <em>Enclosed are 1000 small samples from the Draugr body. I hope you can use them to push the research further. I honestly havent made much progress thus far, and this all might just be a pipe dream. Every subject thus far has failed due to their bodies not being able to withstand rebuilding the coreposition.</em>


    <em>Get strong test subjects, the longer they survive the more data you will be able to collect. I wish you the best of luck little brother, and I hope you wille back with news that can push the two of us to new heights.</em>


    <em>And most importantly, remember to never tell anyone about what were doing. None of us will survive if it gets out.</em>


    The following pages were meticulously kept experimentation logs, where the Corpse Lord recounted various trials where he tried to infuse both undead and the living with the Essence of Draug as he called it. The results were abysmal.


    After a while the script slightly changed, telling Zac that Mhal had taken over the experiments at that point, whereas the earlier ones were performed by the elder brother.


    The reading was a chilling experience for Zac because it showed just how close to death he had been. Hundreds of zombies and humans had been caught by Mahl and forcibly imbued with the essence, and not one had survived. The strongest hadsted less than a day before dying a true death.


    It was due to this that Mhal had even started mentioning using the essence as a poison rather than a medicine, which brought Zac to a short and sinct note in-between two experimentation logs.


    <em>Forced to use three stored essence seeds as a weapon in the fight against particrly strong native to guarantee death. Unfortunately unable to retrieve the body for study. Over three hundred samples have been used already, I need to portion out my trials from this point forward. </em>


    Zacs eyes lingered on the two words guarantee death for a full minute as he tried toprehend what had happened. He had been injected with arge dose of the essence, which should have killed him like all others. But not only was he fine after a pretty harrowing experience, but he even got a specialty core and a second race.


    What made him different from the hundreds of others that had died from the injections? A possibility that he had avoided until now couldnt help but appear in his mind. Their mother had imnted Kenzie with the AI chip that helped and protected her, but was that all she did?


    Had he been experimented on as well?

 Chapter 274: Final Tally

    Chapter 274: Final Tally


    The more he thought about it the likelier it almost felt to Zac. He might not have an AI that guided him in his cultivation, but there had been several instances where he was fine when he should have died by all ounts.


    The most notable instances were the time he jumped into the pond of cosmic water and came out unscathed with an improved race afterward. Next, there was the incident where he killed almost a hundred thousand zombies and absorbed a huge amount of miasma.


    That incident should have killed him by all ounts, but instead he emerged with the duplicity core. There were also various times that almost anyone should have died, but he just passed out due to excessive wounds and woke up a bitter. He was like an unkible tank, even though it was only just recently his Endurance started to be monstrous.


    Had his mother somehow fiddled with his constitution to make his body able to endure when it would normally fail?


    Zac quickly shook his head and closed the journal. There was no way for him to find out unless he met his mother again. But at least he knew the root of his undead race, and it seemed he was mostly in the clear. There was some elder brother to Mahl who also knew of the Draugr-issue, but there shouldnt be much he could do.


    If he was the patriarch of his n he should be far strongerpared to the Corpse Lord he fought and unable toe here in person. Perhaps he would order some people to find him since Zac killed his brother, but he shouldnt know anything about him bing a Draugr.


    Mahl himself had thought Zac dead until the moment they ran into each other, and just a minuteter he was dead. There shouldnt be any loose ends, and if he ever ran into Draugr in the future he could just feign ignorance and say he grew up on an unintegrated world or something.


    There was the issue of the missing samples though. ording to the notes there should be hundreds of samples remaining, but he couldnt find anything of the sort in the Corpse Lords cosmos sack. Perhaps he had kept it hidden at a separate spot, which might spell problem. When he assaulted the Undead Incursion he would have to look for them so that there were no loose ends.


    The note left from the big brother also made a poignant point about karmic threads. It truly seemed that one needed to be careful when traversing the multi-verse. One couldnt take for granted their actions would go unpunished when doing misdeeds.


    Gemidir, Zac suddenly said as he looked up, drawing the attention of the old Sky Gnome.


    Yes? he asked when he walked over.


    When you stole things in your youth, werent you worried about getting tracked down by karmic threads? Zac asked.


    Stole? This old man remembers no such things, Gemidir started, but changed his tune when Zacs eyes thinned. Taking treasure I as much knowing which target to hit as taking the right valuables. Find someone who wont be able to find you. Or just steal things that arent valuable enough for them to expend enough resources to track you down.


    But karma is truly a bane for most thieves, which why the higher-tiered ones all try to find ways to obscure the heavens and hide from the karmic eyes, Gemidier added.


    Zacs eyes lit up since it felt like he had found another direction that was worth following up on. If they could somehow block the Karmic Link between the Dominators and The Great Redeemer they might even be able to protect their even without fighting those monsters.


    And a quick discussion with the Sky Gnomes proved that it was actually possible. However, he was dismayed to find that arrays that could block out karmic links were prohibitively expensive, and D-Graded arrays at the lowest.


    Zac could neither afford them or even set them up even if he had the money. An adept array master, preferably one with insights into Karma, would be needed to make the array worked. That was why Calrin didnt even mention the possibility during the meeting.


    There were also treasures that had simr effects, though they only worked on individuals, and not a whole like they needed. So it seemed to Zac that he would have to stick with the current n, at least for the moment.


    Since he was done looking through the Corpse Lords belongings he returned to Kenzies side to find the Sky Gnomes all work with sullen expressions.


    Whats going on? Zac asked with confusion.


    Your little sister must have been an Imperial Adjudicator in a past life, the old sky gnome said with a hurt look at Kenzie, who only sweetly smiled back at him. She must have eyes in the back of her head.


    Turns out Im pretty good at figuring out when they try to sneak some valuables for themselves, Kenzie exined with a smile.


    Zac was confused for a second before he realized that her AI might be able to help her out in more ways than one.


    Please help out with the rest as well, Zac said with a smile.


    Fine, but Im missing a lot of cultivation time. So Ill take a few goodies for myself, Kenzie said.


    No problem. Better yet, Ill show you something good after were done, Zac agreed.


    It was time to take her to his cultivation cave. He needed to check up on his seed in any case. Either the seed should have germinated and stabilized by now, or it would have been absorbed by the pond. In either case, it shouldnt hurt to allow Kenzie to cultivate there by now.


    The organization of items took most of the day, and the final tally was shocking to Zac, even though he had been the one to gather everything. Of course, while the wealth that he had umted was vast, it was nothingpared to what a D-Grade Sect should possess.


    The simple exnation was that the System had adjusted the treasures just like it likely had adjusted the danger. For example, a peak E-Grade Elder should have thousands of high-grade crystals, but he only got his hands on two D-Grade crystals.


    And while Ogras never had provided aplete exnation about his Grandfathers wealth, he knew it was far beyond what he gathered the past month. And that was even when he was considered extremely poor for a D-Grade powerhouse. But Zac knew he couldnt get greedy, and he had received far more than he had expected.


    The pile that Zac would keep for himself was the smallest, but it was also the most valuable. Its value easily surpassed billions of Nexus Coins, and that was even when there were multiple treasures that even the four sky gnomes were unable to figure out the function of.


    Zac already knew about some of the treasures since he picked them up himself during the first two weeks, but there were a lot of happy surprises as well. Most of them seemed toe from Nenotheps pouch, but gems were also extracted from the chaotic mess that Zac snatched from Salvation.


    His eyes turned to a neatly stacked pile of jade boxes. Inside them were over a hundred Attribute Fruits. Each of them was only of use at F-Grade and worse qualitypared to the ones he bought in the Contribution Store, but it was a huge gain for Zac who had only gotten his hands on two of them so far.


    The problem with the fruits wasnt their price, but their scarcity. He had a standing order for them at Calrins since the start, but the Sky Gnome waspletely unable to get his hands on them. It was truly a mountain of treasure that had fallen into hisp.


    The huge pile was also proof that the System adjusted the rewards in the hunt. If he got this many there should have been at least a thousand Attribute Fruits spread throughout the hunt. It was far more than what a D-Grade sect should have lying around. Not that they couldnt afford it, but they would use them on their disciples rather have them lying around.


    But what was most curious was that he couldnt even remember picking up these boxes. If he knew he had attribute fruits in his possession he would have immediately eaten them rather than left them in his bag.


    The only exnation that he coulde up with was that the System either added them at the end or made people pick them up but ignore them afterward. Perhaps the System didnt want people who were doomed to die to waste the attribute fruits, so it only made them avable after the hunt was over.


    A lot of them, but the real prize are these four, Calrin said and pointed at a few more intricate boxes on the side. Two Luck and two all-attribute fruits, one of each mid-grade. Unsurprisingly, thest four are worth as much as the restbined. If you gobble them all up yourself you should reach your limit, though you would a lot of efficiency that way.


    Zac nodded, unable to hide his excitement. The limit the Sky Gnome referred to was the limit of how many attributes this type of treasures could provide. There was no strict limit that the system imposed, but the limit was generally 15 to 25 in every attribute.


    Some of the differences were based on race, where some races could amodate more bonus points. Humans werepletely unremarkable in that regard, so they were on the lower end of the spectrum. But there was also a prettyrgeponent that simply was having good genes.


    Being a mortal and not someone possessing special constitutions and bloodlines, Zac suspected that he might be on the lower end of the scale. Unless his unusual sturdiness also tranted into having a higher ceiling for bonus attributes as well.


    Unfortunately, it usually didnt work to eat the same fruit over and over. You usually only ate one of each type since the following ones had reduced effect. Eating the same type over and over was extremely extravagant, and something only extremely wealthy scions could afford.


    Quite a few of the fruits in the collection were duplicates, so Zac would likely give them to others instead of hoarding them all. He even briefly considered giving all of them to others, apart from the two special fruits. A few bonus attributes might do a lot more good for others than himself.


    But in the end, he chose to be a bit greedy. A few points in each attribute might not be a huge boost, but every little bit counted when he was risking his life almost every day. It might allow him to pass the inheritance, or reach a higher floor in the Tower of Eternity.


    How do you suggest I should allocate these? Zac asked of Calrin.


    Take what you need, and then take a decent amount for your elite. But you should leave some for the Merit Exchange or the store. People understand that some of them goes to the elites, but you need to show that hard work is also rewarded, the Sky Gnome said.


    How do you mean? Zac asked. I expect the treasures here will not be leaked to the public.


    Well keep our word, but no secret stays that way forever, especially if you start handing out treasures to all the elites in Port Atwood. So you need to find a bnce. Show the poption that hard work will be rewarded and that everyone can be a powerhouse with our help if they struggle enough, Calrin exined.


    Zac slowly nodded as it made some sense. Perhaps it would be optimal to give out all the fruits to the people in his inner circle, but it might sow discontent amongst the army or his craftsmen. It might create the image that working hard was meaningless since the leadership would keep everything good to themselves.


    Zac wanted a culture where people worked hard to improve themselves, and if putting a few attribute fruits in the Merit Store helped make that happen, it was worth it. These fruits only gave 1-2 attributes each, after all, and spread out over 10 elites it wouldnt make all the difference.


    Soon they had split up the attribute fruits so that Zac would gain roughly 10 points in each attribute, then an even 50-50 split amongst the remainders. Zac gave half to Kenzie who would distribute them amongst the warriors.


    Kenzie had spent all her time in the Academytely, so she had a lot better understanding of who was worth nurturing and who wasnt. Zac himself had been too busy with so many things that he almost only interacted with a small group at the top.


    A decent amount of them were also earmarked for Emily, who he still hadnt seen since he got back. He had already invested a Fruit of Ascension to nurture a powerhouse from the ground up, so adding a couple of attribute fruits was nothing odd. Zac had asked Kenzie about Emilys situation but she only told him she was fine.


    He was curious about her progress during the past month. Her 16<sup>th</sup> birthday should have taken ce roughly two weeks ago, and he wondered if she had gotten her ss yet. But when Zac asked his sister about it she only smiled and said that Emily wanted to tell him about it herself.

 Chapter 275: Billions

    Chapter 275: Billions


    It allowed Zac to rx somewhat about Emilys situation since he could tell it wasnt bad news going by Kenzies expression. She was apparently out on a hunting trip at the moment, but she should be back pretty soon. It made Zac worry a bit that she still pushed herself to such a degree, but she was always apanied by demon guards to keep her somewhat safe.


    Apart from the attribute fruits, there were also three Dao Treasures, and Zac unhesitantly kept those for himself. He had five seeds to work on now, and he would need every bit of help he could get. Zac only needed to figure out a direction for his seeds before he ate the treasures to increase the likelihood of improving his seeds.


    A muchrger section of his private stock was filled with high-quality gear that the Sky Gnomes felt had too much value to directly put in the merit exchange. They would cost too many points, making it so that no one would be able to exchange for them until the war with the invaders was over.


    The most interesting item for Zac was arge glistening shield that radiated weight and ruthlessness. It was a bulwark in the true sense of the word. It was made in ck E-Graded metals and was roughly 160 centimeters high and a meter wide. The width was almost the same across the whole thing, apart from the top where one end reached a bit higher than the other.


    It was also clear it was meant for more than simple defense since fiverge spikes jutted out from the front, and the bottom also had jagged spikes sticking out like teeth. No matter if he bashed someone or mmed down the lower edge he would cause gruesome wounds.


    Better yet, it came with a skill. And interestingly enough it wasnt a defensive shield like the one his old robes possessed, but an offensive one. He could m the shield down into the ground, which would unleash a barrage of steel spikes at his opponents in front of him. It was a pretty good area attack, and it only needed 5 minutes to recharge rather than a full day.


    It was a greatplement to Zacs somewhat disappointing offensive force in his undead form. His thorn aura was an amazing skill, but it took some time to whittle down his enemies. Smarter enemies would also figure out some workarounds after a while, like using defensive tools while attacking to neutralize <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    Unfortunately, the shield wasnt a Spirit Tool, but its quality was top E-Grade, and far sturdier than the shield he took from Theas bodyguard. It would likelyst him quite some time before he needed to swap it out.


    The Sky Gnomes had also figured out the workings of the Spirit Vessel. Zac needed to use the elder token that he found at the same time as a key. When activated therge ball changed form into arge floating disk. It looked quite a bit like the array disks that he got from Ylvas, only a lotrger.


    It was about four meters across, so it wouldnt be able to transport a whole army, but it would be able to fly a small strike squad with himself and a handful of others without a problem. Its speed was nothing to scoff at either. ording to Calrin, it wasnt anything special, but it was far faster than Zac could run, and over twice as quick as Zacs fastest Creator Vessel.


    It even had a defensive shield that both blocked out any wind and weaker attacks. But it wasnt a flying fortress, so using the shield to block out too strong attacks would ruin the disk. Kenzie had put the ball into her own pile, but it was one of the few things he took back for himself.


    You should take this to David and Hannah when you visit them, Kenzie suddenly said as she handed him another disk.


    Whats this? Zac asked as he curiously took the package of array disks.


    They looked pretty simr to the array disks that he got from Ylvas, though the five disks that he held seemed to be meant to be used together.


    They are farming disks, Calrin exined. We found a total of 16 such sets. The one youre holding is of average quality, and covers a smaller area.


    Farming disks? Zac asked with some confusion. What do they do?


    Farming arrays help with farming, of course. These onesbine five different arrays. It provides energy gathering, energy infusion, irrigation, fertilization, and low-grade pest control, Calrin said. Better ones also can also speed up maturity times, though thats usually done by the farmers skills.


    Zac looked down at the nifty arrays with surprise. nting these on a field would truly make life a lot easier for a farmer, and it was a good gift to David if he truly had his mind set on farming in seclusion. But he wasnt ready to meet up with Hannah at the moment, even if Janos had worked on her mind. Getting stabbed by your ex wasnt something you got over in a day, not even in this new ruthless world.


    Even more surprisingly there were four Spirit tools in the collection. There was arge golden bow, a seemingly unremarkable sword that possessed a dense killing intent, a mages staff that seemed to continuously absorb the Cosmic Energy from the area, and finally a small paintbrush.


    Zac was especially surprised to learn that the small brush was a Spirit Tool, but he soon understood its use after Calrins exnation. It could both be used for inscriptions and attacks for certain sses like Calligraphers.


    Kenzie had alreadyid im to the staff, but since he didnt have any specific people in mind for the other three spirit tools he decided to put them in the Merit Exchange as top prizes instead of hoarding them. Hopefully, it would motivate some people to work harder if they saw they could even get Spirit Tools with merit points.


    There were also dozens of pieces of gear that werent Spirit Tools but as high-quality as his new shield. Zac would gift have Kenzie gift them just like the attribute fruits, as long as there were proper recipients. They could be of great assistance in the uing battle, after all.


    Zac took two Defensive rings and a Defensive amulet for himself and gave the same to Kenzie who put them on. She already had the protective array on her that he bought before the hunt, but that only worked on the ind. Having a few back-ups wouldnt hurt.


    Apart from the gear, there were also a ton of convenient items that would be a great addition to any Cultivators survival kit. There was a small mountain of healing pills, all of them better than the standard-grade items that the General Stores sold.


    There were also quite a few one-time items in the vein of the Thunder Punishment Array that he used during the beast hordes. Most of the ones he had found were useless for himself, but they might save the lives of the soldiers.


    Zac decided to make two such items a part of the standard kit for the Valkyries and demons, which would hopefully improve the survival rate in the uing battles. They were things such as fireball-talismans or shield beads that soaked up some damage for the user for a short duration.


    There were a few stronger items as well, and Zac ended up saving two of them for himself. One was a pitch-ck ss ball that the old Sky Gnome called a <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> with some fear in his eyes. It was a truly dangerous item that actually caused a temporary tear in space.


    It was only an E-Grade ball, but it would destabilize over a hundred meters around it. If Zac himself wasnt far enough he would kill himself since he couldnt withstand spatial rifts even with his recent upgrades to his Endurance. In fact, almost nothing in the F-grade could withstand the spatial storms from the <strong>[Void Ball]</strong>, meaning that it could be used for anything from widespread carnage to destroying arrays.


    The second item he kept for himself was a defensive item. It looked like a golden walnut, and it was simply called <strong>[Bramble Wall]</strong>. If he infused it with cosmic energy it would turn into an enormous dome of thick brambles that could protect against almost any attacks.


    Better yet, Zac had a feeling he would be able to strengthen the item even further with the help of his Dao of Trees. It wasnt very useful for him personally, but it would make greatst-ditch protection if his whole army was in danger for some wide-spread attack. The <strong>[Bramble Wall]</strong> could spread a lot furtherpared to even his Souped-Up <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>, which wasnt designed forrge area protection.


    Unexpectedly the simple-looking prayer-mat he found in the first temple also ended up in his own treasure-pile. It was a very valuable item made from D-Grade materials. It was mainly used by cultivators, but it could even help a mortal to absorb Cosmic Energy faster. Sitting on the mat after a battle would allow Zac to get back to a fighting condition almost twice as fast.


    Zac felt that his force would gain a huge all-around boost by therge pile he had just gone through. Some items were even upgrades for himself who already possessed some of the best gear on Earth. They would be enormous upgrades for the Valkyries and the Demon Warriors. And all this was just the smallest of the three categories of loot.


    The second smallest pile of treasures was the one that Calrin would sell through the Thayer Consortia since most would be ced into the Merit Exchange. Port Atwood was simplycking just about everything at the moment, so most items would be kept. Still, Calrin estimated the sell-off would bring Zac another 250 to 300 million nexus coins.


    Arge portion of the items in the sell-off pile was things like gear from the thousands of fallen that had umted in his pouch. Each item was only worth a couple of thousand Nexus Coins, but Calrin believed he could sell the items in bulk to some low-grades. It was the same with the various pills of average efficacy.


    There were also a few dozen low-grade Cultivation manuals that Calrin didnt rmend keeping in the Merit Store. It would almost be a disservice to allow his own citizens to cultivate using such shitty manuals since it could cause trouble for them down the line.


    Instead, the Sky Gnome would pawn them off to hapless rogue cultivators in the multi-verse for a few million a pop. Zac felt a bit bad about it, but he needed money and the cultivators could only me themselves if they bought such an important item without understanding it properly.


    The final pile would be used to stimte every sector of Port Atwood, and it ranged from everything from Nexus Crystals to weapons and armor to knowledge. The information crystals that Zac got from Anzonil was the best collection he got, but not the only one. There were multiple other crystals that Zac got, mainly form killing the Emperor.


    Those crystals covered everything from cksmithing to Alchemy, though Zac knew that those were just minor paths in the Eastern Trigram Sect. Still, they would bring a great boost to the productivity and skill of the artisans of the ind, especially whenbined with The Celestial Artisan heritage.


    The sky gnomes estimated the final pile to be valued at roughly 700 million Nexus Coins, excluding the Information Crystals. That meant that the two piles of average treasures were worth around a billion Nexus Coins, and that was only a small part of the total wealth he brought back. It was an enormous number and much more than what he possessed before.


    Zac couldnt even imagine the total wealth hed bring back if the System hadnt adjusted the trial ground and removed the real valuable items. What if the odd Mystic Realm in his possession possessed equivalent wealth as the original Eastern Trigram Sect? Ogras seemed to believe that the realm had roughly the same power levels as the sect after all.


    It all depended on what the rest of the odd structure Ogras described contained, but even if they turned into salvagers and stripped the metals from the walls they would likely make billions. That meant that there might be some really valuable things further in.


    Zac had thought that hunting beasts was the most efficient way for him to get richer since he was able to gain tens of millions of Nexus Coins in a Day if he pushed himself. But exploring ruins in Mystic Realms or looting enemy forces was clearly more lucrative, and Zac understood why there was so much conflict in the multiverse. War was an extremely profitable business, as long as you won.


    Zac couldn''t help but feel a bit morose as he thought about life in the multi-verse. He would likely never be able to just sit back and rx since there would always be other people improving while eyeing his wealth. But Zac was soon brought out of his slightly morbid musings by some movement outside his courtyard. He looked up and slightly smiled when he saw who it was.


    Emily had changed quite a bit in the past month.

 Chapter 276: Runic Shaman

    Chapter 276: Runic Shaman


    Zac put away thest of the treasures before he deactivated the arrays surrounding his courtyard. In the end, he needed over thirty Cosmos Sacks to fit everything he wasn''t keeping for himself, and it would have been higher if Calrin hadnt taken care of the pile that was to be sold off. Luckily, all of the things he would keep for himself would fit in his personal Cosmos Sack without trouble.


    Emily perked up the moment the shields surrounding the courtyard deactivated and rushed inside. Zac couldnt help but feel a bit amused when he saw her. For some reason, she had stylized herself as a barbaric warrior, with different wolf pelts as armor all around her. It was a pretty odd look considering how temperate the ind was.


    Her hair was braided backward like a Celtic warrior princess, perhaps to not get in the way during battle. She even had some paint markings on her face while the rest was covered in a veneer of dirt from days in the woods.


    There were also clear indicators of her having been through harsh battles as she was bandaged in multiple spots, and Zac even noted a few scars with a frown. Still, the small wounds hadnt put a damper on the teenager as she ran over.


    Unsurprisingly there were also two axes attached to a belt on her hip, meaning she had stuck to her decision to try to get a ss rted to the same weapon type as himself. But as she got closer Zac finally noticed one startling change. She looked younger.


    Even before she had been pretty scrawny for her age, but now she almost looked like a kid. Zac couldnt put his finger on what exactly had changed, but she reminded him of when his sister was around twelve years old.


    Zacs brows rose when he suddenly understood why she had changed in this peculiar manner. It must have been the Fruit of Ascension that made her look younger when she evolved. It was the same with himself when he evolved to the E-Grade race. He was already 30 but he looked like he was in his early twenties now.


    Evolving seemed to remove markings of age due to things such as lifestyle and environment apart from slightly improving ones features. It just wasnt quite as pronounced with Emily due to her young age. But it still looked a bitical to Zac, and he couldnt help snorting when he realized she might look like a brat for decades due to her improved longevity.


    Its your fault! Emily snarled like an enraged wildcat, clearly having figured out the reason for Zacs amusement. Your stupid fruit! Alyn told me will look like a kid for like 20 years now.


    A lot of olddies would give anything to be in your position, Kenzie said from the side with a smile. Besides, you will be able to slightly change your appearance when you reach peak E-Grade ording to Alyn.


    Looking young is a sign of great talent in the multi-verse, Calrin added. It means you have quickly progressed on the path of Cultivation. Sometimes you would see great powerhouses looking like children. Those are the ones you need to be extra careful around.


    Zac smiled and was about to respond as well when a zing axe suddenly materialized in Emilys hand while she looked at them with wild eyes. It looked like a small tomahawk wrought out of scorching mes. The next moment she unhesitantly threw it straight at Zac. Had the teenager finally snapped?


    His eyes widened in rm, but he didnt feel any danger so he didnt move. He didnt think that Emily would be able to harm him even if she wanted to. The ming axe unerringly flew at him and to his surprise it entered his body without resistance.


    The next moment he felt a sh of heat spreading through his whole body, but not in a bad way. It was like he had drunk a warm beverage on a cold day. He even felt a bit invigorated by it.


    Hehe surprised? Did I scare you? Emily said with a wide smile. Thats what you get.


    Zac snorted and shook his head. She had clearly been waiting for a while to use this thing on him, so he would let her have this one. Rather than arguing he instead looked inward to see the effect of the warmth spreading through his body. It was beneficial, and it slightly reminded him of the energy from <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, without the detriments.


    He quickly opened up his status screen, and he quickly realized he was right. His Strength and Dexterity had both increased by a whopping 5%, meaning he had gained 40 attribute points. Zac quickly looked up at Emily to see her whole form ze with the same types of mes the axe was made from before subsiding.


    Wow! Your attributes are crazy, no wonder youre on the top of thedder, Emily eximed.


    What is this skill? Zac asked. How long can you keep it up?


    Emily didnt immediately answer, and instead red at the four Sky Gnomes who were still in the courtyard. Calrin rolled his eyes in response, but soon the four of them said their goodbyes leaving only Zac, Kenzie and Emily in the courtyard.


    It should boost you with 5% Strength and Dexterity, right? Emily said, making Zac nod.


    I can keep it up for an hour right now, but I''m sure it will get longer as I level up. During that time I get the same amount of bonus attributes as you do. But even during normal times it gives me a 5% bonus. I also have an Earth Axe that gives Endurance and Vitality, and a mage axe, Emily proudly said. "But I can only use one at the time."


    You get the bonus as well? Zac eximed with shock.


    Five percent of his Strength and Dexterity was a pretty big boost for someone at her level, and her defensive axe would give even more attributes.


    Yeah, I get almost fifty bonus Attributes from this skill now. You will have toe with me when I huntter! And you cant leave me on the ind any longer. I can protect myself and even help out now, Emily eagerly said.


    Just what is your ss? Zac couldnt help asking.


    Its called Runic Shaman. I can buff one person at the time with my axes, and also fight with magically infused axes. Its the coolest ss ever, and its even Rare! Emily said with pride.


    Zac smiled and nodded. Clearly, the Fruit of Ascension had helped her get a great ss, but the fruit alone wasn''t enough. And he had to admit it would be great to keep her around while traveling. If she could boost him this much right now, how would it look when she gained higher mastery of the skills?


    But she was still not very strong on her own, and he was afraid that she would be targeted if his enemies found out she could empower him. He remembered all too well how he himself had handled the Medhin warriors who used the war arrays. Emily noted Zacs hesitation, and a scowl started to appear on her face.


    You told me you would take me with you after I gained a ss, and now I have! she said with a re. You have already found your family, but I am still looking for mine!


    Zac sighed as he looked at the irate teenager. What she said was true. A big reason why she worked herself so hard was that she still hoped to find her two siblings. Zac knew that the likelihood of both of them still living was slim, even if they were both cultivators. But she had the right to look for them.


    How about this, Zac said after mulling it over. I am going to Westfort tomorrow, the base of operations of the Marshall n. They have as good an informationwork as The New World Government. Why dont youe with me? Perhaps they have found the town where your siblings were dropped off


    Great! Ill start packing, Emily eximed, her demeanor making aplete turn. Im going to go pack!


    The next moment she left the courtyard like a whirlwind before Zac had a chance to change his mind. He didn''t even have time to ask about her level and titles. But Kenzie apparently knew what was on his mind and exined Emily''s situation.


    She can protect herself against most warriors already, she''s stronger than you think. She has pushed herself extremely hard since she gained her level. She even managed to kill a level 51 beast as her first kill, Kenzie exined.


    What? Zac said, extremely surprised. How the hell is that possible?


    He knew that the only reason that he was able to get the ''yer of Leviathans'' title was that he lucked out on his roll against the Herald. For Emily to defeat such a powerful beast by herself was shocking. He remembered how he barely survived the fight against Vul, the Barghest Alpha. At that time he was almost level 20, and he had a slew of titles to empower him.


    She gained two very strong advantages before even turning 16. She both attained a Dao and upgraded her race. You know how good those titles you get from that. After that we found a very weak beast on Mystic Ind, Kenzie exined.


    She formed a Dao Seed!?" Zax eximed before calming down. "But still."


    Between an offensive Dao and a high-quality weapon she almost killed the beast in one surprise strike, Kenzie continued. After that, she slowly killed it with the help of a fireball skill she bought from the Nexus Crystal. The beast only managed to get in one blow, but she used her defensive gear.


    Zac slowly nodded, realizing that Emily had quite a few advantages that he never had when fighting Vul. An offensive Dao added a huge spike in power, and it was such a Dao Seed that allowed him to kill an E-Grade beast in his Draugr-form. Using a Dao Seed to kill a level 50 beast made sense.


    Still, he hadnt expected Emily to even attain a Dao seed before officially embarking on the path of cultivation. ording to Ogras, it was practically unheard of on his own homeworld. With all those titles Emily might actually be stronger than the Valkyries by now.


    Learning about Emily''s situation was like a rock having been lifted off his shoulders. He truly felt he had made the right decision. His only regret was that she seemed to have gained a hybrid ss that was part-support. Such a ss would be invariably weaker in battlepared to a purebat ss.


    Has anyone else on the ind managed to form a Dao Seed before turning 16? Zac suddenly asked.


    Not that we know, but Alyn increased the amount of meditation for all children in the Academy after learning of Emilys situation. I think its extremely rare, even with the help of Origin Dao, Kenzie said hesitantly. But perhaps we can luck out and get another one.


    Zac simply shrugged in response. He didn''t hold too high hopes for that happening. Once was already a miracle without the help of a powerhouse showing the way. Besides, the Origin Dao would disperse and integrate with the world the following years, making the window of opportunity pretty brief.


    Speaking of meditation, Zac said as he started walking toward the teleporter on hispound. Come with me for a bit.


    Wait, what about those things? Kenzie said and pointed at the gardening golems idly standing in a corner of the courtyard.


    Zac stopped with a start since he hadpletely forgotten about those things. When Kenzie and the gnomes had taken the golems out they werepletely lifeless unlike when Zac snatched them from the Alchemists mountain. No matter what kind of prodding they tried they werepletely inert, so they simply ced them to the side before moving on.


    After some hesitation, Zac put them into his private pouch. He did sort of want to leave them there to see whether they would wake up by themselves and start cleaning, but he was afraid they would freak out instead and start demolishing the whole ce. He needed to be present in case that happened.


    Soon the two stepped through the teleporter and appeared in Azh''Rodum. They quickly exited the town before they attracted any real attention and then entered the mines from a side-tunnel. Zac then quickly led his sister through the winding paths inside the mountain until they stood in front of the unassuming rock leading to his cultivation cavern.


    These mountains really are amazing, Kenzie said with a sigh when they stopped. Jeeves says this ce is probably among the top ten Zones on Earth for cultivation. After they have been doused in the Cosmic Energy for a few centuries they will be true Sacred Mountains.


    If you the mountains are good youll like this, Zac said with a grin as he undid the arrays hiding the cavern before he moved the boulder out of the way.


    Dense cosmic energy poured out of the cavern like a punch in the face, and Kenzies eyes widened in shock as she took a deep breath. Zac indicated for her to go inside, and then ced the boulder back behind them to hide the entrance again. Next, he quickly activated the arrays again to prevent the energy from leaking out.


    This ce Its crazy! Kenzie said as she looked around in wonder at the extremely dense flora growing in the cavern. Even the mundane nts have gained spirituality from the enormous amount of energy. Did you make this ce?


    However, Zac didnt answer as all his focus was on the pond with Cosmic Water. His heart quickly hammered with wild tion as he hurried over, only stopping right at the edge of the pond. His mouth curved upward as he looked at the sight.


    A lotus norger than his handzily bobbed on the surface.

 Chapter 277: Cultivation Cave

    Chapter 277: Cultivation Cave


    Kenzie noticed Zacs preupation and walked over next to him in front of the Cosmic Water pond.


    What is that flower? Kenzie said with interest after seeing Zac''s stare.


    A present from Abbot Evesting Peace, Zac exined. He gave me a seed from a D-Grade Lotus, I wasnt sure it would germinate. But the effect here is even better than I anticipated. I thought it would take much longer for it to start growing.


    What does it do? Kenzie said.


    Zac hesitated a bit, but in the end he decided to not tell Kenzie about the horrible state that the Abbot was in. He trusted his sister to not tell anyone else about it, but he felt he shouldnt betray the old mans confidence.


    It produces massive amounts of Life-attuned energy. So it can both heal people and prolong life. Its small now, but it will grow a lot biggerter. Sitting on it will probably speed up your cultivation by arge degree when you cultivateter, Zac exined instead.


    It was true. The old Abbot had lost a few cements on thedder thest month, but in the end he had pretty much kept pace with the people on thedder even though he didnt go to the hunt. The massive number of beasts had boosted the average levels on thedder by a huge degree, far quicker than the average speed was on earth, yet he held on.


    Jeeves says it contains intricate signs of life, Kenzie said as she looked down on the lotus. But he needs to upgrade to understand it properly.


    Upgrade? Zac asked with confusion, finally tearing his eyes away from the small flower.


    Yeah. Jeeves is like a Spirit Tool. He needs to upgrade to keep helping me after I reach E-Grade, Kenzie said, a small frown forming on her face. But he doesnt know what he needs.


    You didnt find anything from my treasure pile that could help? Zac asked.


    No, nothing Kenzie said with a sigh before looking up at him with steady eyes. Zac, I still think we should find mom. Especially now with the Great Redeemer.


    Zac was about to immediately reject the proposition, but his sister sped up when she saw the frown forming on his face.


    Wait, just listen. If shes really a Technocrat she can help, right? Arent they some of the most powerful people around? Kenzie hurriedly exined. Besides, dont you want to meet her again?


    Zac froze, not really knowing what to think about what Kenzie said. Leandra was no longer a part of his life, so he hadnt even considered her as a solution since he learned about The Great Redeemer. But honestly, what Kenzie said made some sense.


    The Technocrats were at least a B-grade force, though Zac guessed that it consisted of lower-grade families and groups as well. But taking care of someone like The Great Redeemer shouldnt be toorge a problem. If their mother had the ability to create something as miraculous as Jeeves, she should possess a lot of other terrifying means as well.


    He suddenly remembered the story about the Technocrat who visited the Creators. That man had weapons that could blow up wholes without breaking a sweat, so creating tools that could kill off a rogue D-grade cultivator shouldnt be a problem.


    However, bringing the attention of the Technocrats might bring more trouble than good. Jeeves was too big a cheat. It didnt only fuse technology and cultivation, it even seemed to upgrade every single part about her, from her basic constitution to ss choices.


    Such a thing would cause a storm the moment it became known in the multiverse. Everyone would want it for themselves, and not just the technocrats. No one would say no to having a tool that worked like a continuous source of free improvements that made them stand out from the rest cultivators.


    I dont think its a good idea, there are too many risks involved, Zac eventually said.


    Kenzie seemed to gear up for an argument, so Zac quickly started to exin his thoughts.


    Wait, you should have asked around about the technocrats by now so you know what kind of a force mom might belong to. Almost all forces in the multiverse are their enemies. If we start sending out probes through Calrin we have no idea what kind of problems we would attract. I dont even think we have the qualifications to start looking for her or the technocrats at the moment, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    We cant even buy low-tiered goods. Finding someone from a B-grade force? Theres no chance we can even afford a scrap of information, Zac continued. Besides, there are too many things we dont know about mom.


    But thats why we need to start looking, Kenzie retorted. Dont you want to find some answers?


    I do, but I dont have anywhere to start. I looked through our house, there was nothing, Zac said. Besides, we dont know what she was even doing on Earth before the integration. Was she in hiding? From who? Perhaps she fled the technocrats and is no longer part of them. If we start asking around for her we might inadvertently cause her trouble.


    The two kept going back and forth for a while, not getting anywhere. Zac could only sigh and somewhat relent in the end.


    Ill try to figure something out, I promise. But we have to be careful. I dont want to have some angry Technocrat shing over here and blow up Earth just to spite mom or something, alright? Zac sighed.


    Alright, fine, Kenzie said and sat down to cultivate some distance away.


    But Zac saw that she didnt agree, and he could only shake his head as he sat down himself a few meters away from her. He trusted his sister, but the lives of billions of people were at stake. He didnt want to muddy the waters any further by dragging a bunch of Technocrats into the mix, so he made a mental reminder to himself to make sure Calrin didnt do any probes for their mother.


    Zac couldnt cultivate, but just sitting in this extremely nourishing environment felt quite nice as well, and Zac was content to just rx for a bit. He hadnt realized it until now, but he had been awake almost non-stop for three days.


    He had been frenziedly hunting beasts at the end to beat out the Medhin Princeling for the 3<sup>rd</sup> position on the Hunter Ladder, and as soon as he got back there were various things to take care of for two straight days. He had even closed a whole incursion without skipping a beat.


    But Zac was tired to his bones, and it only took moments until he was deep asleep. It was only 6 hourster he woke up, making it his longest nap for months. He cracked his neck and stood up, and to his surprise he saw that Kenzie was still deep in cultivation.


    Energy was slowly swirling around her before it entered her body through all her pores, and Zac was shocked at the amount she was able to absorb. It was so much that he could sense it, and he couldnt help but feel a bit jealous. In just a few seconds enough energy to match a barghest kill entered his sisters body.


    Kenzie somehow noticed that Zac had woken up.


    Dont overwork yourself, she said with some worry after seeing his tired state. Youre not alone, you know? Theres a lot of people here that can share your burden.


    I know, Zac said with a smile. Ill leave this ce to you. You can bring Emily as well if you think the energy is enough for the two of you, but no one else, not even your two friends. And look after the flower, please.


    Thanks, Ill take care of it. You know, I thought about it. You should make a miasma chamber next to this ce, Kenzie said. Like dig a second pond and turn it into Miasma.


    Zacs eyes lit up at her suggestion, but he was unsure about the feasibility. It would be nice to have a Miasma-zone on the ind, especially so close to the flower. But he was afraid things would get out of hand in case he put up an Unholy Beacon next to the pond, so he would have to wait a bit before he tried those things out.


    Its not a bad idea, Zac nodded. But Ill wait until I can make sure I dont ruin this ce and the valley above. Ill hopefully do the Inheritance today before heading to Westfort, are you staying here?


    Ill stay here for a bit more. The cultivation speed here is amazing, but unfortunately I think I would hurt the environment if I stayed here around the clock. The energy needs to be released from the pond to restock the atmosphere, Kenzie said.


    After Kenzie mentioned it Zac actually noticed the density of Cosmic Energy in the cave had decreased somewhat, but it was still far and beyond above anything else on the ind.


    Well Im sure you have a handle on it, Zac said as he fiddled a bit with the town shop menu. Ive given you control of the arrays around this ce as well, you should be able toe and go as you please now. And dont jump into the water, itll kill you.


    I know what Cosmic Water is, Kenzie said with a roll of her eyes. Im not an idiot. Be careful in there, and tell Ogras not to overdo it. I don''t think Bra will do anything bad, but he refuses to tell me what to expect from the trials.


    Zac only coughed, relieved he never mentioned how he jumped into the pond to escape the poison back in the day. He left Kenzie to her devices and headed back to the town. The suns were starting to rise, meaning it was close to 4 am. However, AzhRodum was alreadying alive, with a lot of miners already heading toward the mineshafts.


    Since people were paid a portion of what they mined a lot of people spent most of their time in the tunnels for a week, and then a week on cultivation with help of the crystals they had mined. Zac no longer had full insight into how much the mine yielded, but it was a substantial amount of crystals each day. His small refinement machine had gotten a dozen big brothers that were churning out over a million crystals every week.


    Arge part of it went to the academy to nurture his army and the young, and another chunk to power the increasingly numerous arrays that helped with everything from protecting the town from the wildlife to farming. He was also providing the whole poption with a small allowance to boost everyone''s base power, for now. But a lot of it went straight into the town coffers, which essentially was his own private property.


    Unfortunately, he had no use for F-grade crystals at the moment, and he didnt possess any means to reliably convert them to higher-grade crystals. Of course, he could sell them for Nexus Coins, but he didnt see the need for it since there wasnt a lot he could do with money at the moment.


    Earth essentially had been ced under a trading embargo for strategic resources until they had proven their strength by booting out all the invaders. Calrin could only get a very limited quantity of high-quality goods, and that was only if there was a surplus supply.


    He took the teleportation array in AzhRodum to the main teleporter in Port Atwood and immediately headed over to the government building. Between Adran and Abby, there was always at least one of them working, and he quickly found the Stargazer looking through a bunch of documents that hovered in front of her.


    Lord Atwood, Abby said as she looked over at him. What brings you here so early?


    I wanted to check in on the progress of our projects? Zac said as he sat down in a chair in front of her.


    I have tasked Mr. Trang to send one of his vessels back to the desert continent to set up a proper base camp, Abby began without missing a beat. As for the digging operation in the mines, we have hit a bit of a snag.


    Snag how? Zac asked with surprise.


    There are whole biodomes of subterranean animals the further down we dig. Everything fromrge white lizards to thousands of vampiric bats, the Stargazer said with some annoyance. But luckily the beasts are not too strong. I had Alyn send a fewpanies down the mines to clean them out. It will do them good to fight something else than barghest.


    So how long until you think we reach the bottom of my influence? Zac sad.


    It depends on what else we find in the depths. They are surprisingly full of life, perhaps because we got merged with a subterranean? But I would guess at least two weeks, Abby estimated.


    Zac slowly nodded as he mentally nned out his next course of action. It was a bit disappointing to hear about the dy since he had somewhat wanted to head down to the underworld before he put himself against the Undead Incursion.


    It felt like the undead might be his strongest enemies apart from the Dominators, and he wanted to reach level 75 before he challenged millions of zombies and the Lich King. Not because he nned to immediately evolve, but rather that he would gain his two ultimate skills upon reaching the max level. Closing the underground incursion first had been his idea to quickly reach level 75.


    But there was another opportunity; The inheritance. Perhaps those old powerhouses had left something nice behind that could give him the final push of the F-Grade.


    As for the beautification around the towers, Abby added as if reading his mind. Theyre all done. Even that Tool Spirit should be happy with the result.

 Chapter 278: Inheritance

    Chapter 278: Inheritance


    Great, Zac said with some excitement.


    He had been looking forward to the inheritance for quite some time now, and it was finally time to see what one of the old powerhouses had left behind for future generations. It could affect his whole future in a sense.


    Inheritances werent as narrow as a heritage, who usually showed how to attain a certain ss. An Inheritance didn''t pigeonhole one''s progress like that, but they were simply the treasures and insights a predecessor left behind. They could contain anything from a mountain of crystals to specific Dao insights. But the mostmon thing was that the things left behind were meant to nurture a possible sessor from beyond the grave.


    A sessor didnt necessarily need to have the same ss, but he would generally walk down the same path. The Umbra would no doubt be rted to darkness and shadows, for example. So it would most likely be far more valuable for someone like Ogras than for Zac.


    Perhaps the demon would receive a supreme Spirit Tool that would suit a certain fighting-style or some treasure that made his shadows stronger. The possibilities were endless. But before he could undergo the trial there were a few things to do.


    Keep up the good work, Zac said as he made to leave.


    One second, lord Atwood, Abby said, making Zac stop and turn back toward the Stargazer.


    I mentioned the wish of the Anointed to speak with you earlier, Abby said. I ryed how busy your schedule was, and that you might not be able to visit in the near future due to heading to Westfort. So the Anointed came here in person.


    N is here? Zac said with some surprise.


    Therge Zhix had never left its hive since meeting Zac as far as he knew. That N showed up now proved that it really needed to speak with him.


    Do you know what N wants? Zac asked.


    Not sure, it didn''t say, Abby admitted. But I believe the Zhix wishes to apany you to Westfort.


    Zacs brows rose in surprise, but after mulling it over for a few seconds he thought it might not be too bad an idea. There was a hive not to far from Theas town, and considering that they had fought quite a bit without a clear winner it should be a pretty strong one.


    He still wanted toe in contact with the so-called council of Anointed in order to start coordinating a response to the Dominators, and bringing N themself would probably expedite that even more than even bringing Ibtep would.


    Make sure its readyter. I n on hitting the inheritance in a few hours, but ording to Ogras it shouldnt take long, Zac said.


    Abby bobbed in agreement.


    You shouldnt worry too much. The first trial of orthodox inheritances are usuallyrgely based on suitability, Abby said.


    Zac was reminded that Abby herself came from a species that excelled at information gathering, and quickly tried to fish out some more information while she was in a giving mood.


    What do you mean? he asked with interest.


    Most who leave an inheritance are people with regret their path ended, and they want someone to pick up the mantle where they fell short. They hope that someone will reach grand heights using their Dao Vision. Its in a sense a way for them to prove to the world that their path of cultivation was correct, Abby started.


    So the first tests are usually a test of suitability and a test of talent, Abby exined. You will need to prove you walk the same general path, and that you are talented enough that you have the potential to walk at least as far as the predecessor themselves.


    Im a mortal, Zac said with a frown. Will that be a problem?


    Not sure, but I doubt they would test for that. A test for talent might be to kill something ten levels above you, or have enough points in the right attribute, Abby said. The spirit might be a bit disappointed that you show up as a mortal, but they cant stop you. Inheritance sites are created with certain rulesets, and a Spirit usually isnt able to change those rules.


    Spirit? Zac said with some confusion until he remembered Anzonil.


    The old Supreme Elder had left behind a part of his soul to maintain the cleansing array for his disciple, so it wasnt out of the question that the powerhouses who left the inheritances did something simr.


    Zac asked a few more questions, but in the end there was no strict form to an inheritance. Each one was designed by the predecessor ording to their will and preferences. Thergest risk was that they encountered unorthodox inheritances.


    Unorthodox inheritances could take many forms, but entering one was seldom an opportunity. They were mostly left behind by sinister cultivators, and some were simple deathtraps to kill as many as possible. Some cultivators even tried to use an inheritance to find suitable people to possess or turn into puppets.


    But there was almost no chance that the system would give out unorthodox inheritances as a reward, so Zac didnt worry too much about it as he hurried back to his courtyard. As soon as he got back he sat down and took out the jade boxes containing the attribute fruits.


    He didnt waste any time as he stuffed one odd fruit after another into his mouth. They had all kinds of tastes and textures, and the only thing they had inmon was that they were extremely delicious.


    At the beginning of his feast, he only felt a growing warmth in his body, but when he had eaten half of his personal collection he started to feel ufortable. His body was wracked with chaotic swirls of energy, and it almost felt like his body would explode.


    Normally one would eat these things slowly one by one, but Zac had no time for that. Besides, he had absorbed far more chaotic energies than this before, so he knew that his body could take it. The minutes passed and he was soon proven right as all the cells in his body started to absorb the energies, and after two hours he dared to start eating more of the fruits.


    It was around 10 am he hadpletely absorbed the 33 fruits that he had put aside for himself, and the results were pretty good.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>73</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>-</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - High, Seed of Sharpness - Middle, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>582 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>290 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>715 [Increase: 71%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>353 [Increase: 61%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>131 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>146 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>132 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 121%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 296 516 043 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had gained 11 points in Strength and Dexterity, 10 points in Endurance and Wisdom, 9 points in Vitality, 8 points in Intelligence and 7 points in Luck from the fruits. Together with the 20 points in Strength and 4 points in Dexterity he had allocated from his free points he had made another pretty huge leap.


    He was even closing in on 2500 attribute points, something that very few people in the F-grade would ever aplish. He remembered that was would also give him another title, perhaps even an upgraded one since he would no doubt be the first on the to aplish such a thing.


    Satisfied, Zac closed the status screen and stood up and turned toward a shrouded corner of the courtyard. Zac had sensed that Ogras had appeared some time ago, but he had been busy absorbing the attribute treasures.


    Its time, Zac said, looking over at Ogras.


    Finally, I was going crazy over here, Ogras muttered with an excited gleam in his eyes.


    The two walked over toward the towers, and Zac had to say that he was impressed with what he saw when they arrived. The repository now stood in the middle of arge square shimmering in gold and white, giving it an almost celestial feeling. Someone had even created or found severalrge marble statues and had ced them at the edge of the circr square.


    In each cardinal direction there was also a fountain that continuously sprouted out glistening cascades of light. Since there was no proper plumbing in the area Zac could only assume the effect was somehow powered with the help of arrays.


    It was a huge contrast toward the somewhat deste area before, and Zac felt that even Bra had to be satisfied with the change. The only slightly odd thing was that the square was not connected to anything at the moment. The cement of the repository was within his inner wall, and there wasn''t anything else close-by. So the square simply ended after a bit and gave way to the inner wall on one side and forest on the other.


    Ogras was suitably impressed as well judging by his expression. The tiles that Zac had snatched from the summit pce were truly extravagant, and Zac had a feeling it would be extremely expensive if he wanted to buy something simr for his own courtyard.


    Those craftsmen you brought from New Washington are reallying in handy, the demon said.


    Those people did this? Zac asked with surprise since he had mostly assumed that the demons would have been responsible for the construction.


    With all that had been going on, he had no time to focus on the artisans that he brought with him after the auction, but he was happy he took the chance with them all that time ago. If the engineers could produce something as impressive as this in just two days, perhaps the others had made as impressive strides in their respective crafts.


    It was about time that his investments started to pay dividends. He was funding everything from inscribers to all kinds of artisans at the moment. He even offered free Nexus Crystals so that everyone could get a ss without risking their lives against beasts.


    Yeah, they were a bit rambunctious in the beginning, but after a few beatings and a few incentives they settled in properly, Ogras shrugged. I think they worked especially hard now that the Heritage is getting added to the merit list. This construction probably had pretty big merit incentives since we needed it done quickly.


    Zac nodded thoughtfully. He had already heard that it was as though people had been injected with adrenaline after hearing about the treasures and heritages getting added to the merit list. People were working with an almost fanatical fervor to gain ess to those things.


    Arge reason was due to the effect of the contribution store that the System provided during the monster waves. Those who had survived and racked up a lot of contribution had made huge improvements between the contribution rewards and getting ess to a skill in the Repository. Many saw the effect of gaining contribution points and wanted the same for themselves.


    Some had a hard time getting ustomed to this odd new reality, but most had started toe around. There were no safetys any longer, but hard work could conversely bring untold benefits. Who didnt want to live a few hundred years longer for example?


    The two stepped into the towers, and boths faces couldnt help but scrunch up when Bra slowly descended from the roof, shrouded in a golden light.


    Your offering is passable, though barely, Bra said. But do not becent. This is just the most rudimentary improvements for the surroundings of the Great Bra. But I recognize that your force is poor as paupers at the moment, and I will not be unreasonable.


    Zac felt his blood pressure increase, but he forcibly kept his temper in check.


    d you like it, Zac tersely said. Were here to take two of the inheritance trials.


    Oh? Finally, Bra said, looking mostly disinterested. Which ones?


    Ill be taking The Umbra, Ogras immediately said.


    Unsurprising, you are a shady type, Bra said with a dismissive shrug before turning to Zac. What about you?

 Chapter 279: Proving Ones Worth

    Chapter 279: Proving One''s Worth


    The Lord of Cycles, Zac said with resolve in his eyes.


    This was the final decision that Zac had arrived at after weeks of deliberation. He did consider taking Undying Fiend in hopes it was a Defensive Inheritance that might contain a Spirit Tool shield. But in the end, he chose the one that seemed to fit best overall with his current skillset.


    Zac didnt know exactly what to expect from such an inheritance, but there might be various things that might increase the synergy between his two sses. The best would be to find a way to use both his sses at the same time. If he managed that hed be almost invincible.


    Oh, Lord of Cycles? Interesting. Its the first of the two C-Grade inheritances as well, well chosen, Bra said with a nod.


    Which is the other one? Zac quickly asked when he saw the Tool Spirit was in a sharing mood.


    I dont want to tell. Build something nice for me and I might be more amodating, Bra snorted. Now, enter the portals. I wont assist you at all while you undertake the trial, and there is no exit. Final chance to change your mind.


    As he spoke two fractals lit up in front of two of the huge statues that lined the hall. One of them was a humanoid whose features were hidden in arge cowl, each of his hands gripping a dagger. It was pretty clear it was the creator of the Umbra inheritance, and the demon immediately walked over.


    The other statue that lit up was of a man or woman that looked human. The face waspletely androgynous so he couldnt tell its gender at all, but since he was called a Lord, Zac guessed he was male. He wore a loose robe and held his two hands together forming a circle in front of his chest, and behind him was arge disk split in the middle.


    As Zac walked over he tried to understand what type of ss this person had, but he truly couldnt tell. The disk might work as a weapon, but Zac rather leaned toward this person being some sort of magic user, which might not be what he needed. The odd circle behind was split into two, one side looking like mes, while the other was ice.


    He even hesitated for a second, considering whether he should switch over to The Undying Fiend even though its grade of inheritance likely was worse. He had a feeling that thest C-Grade inheritance was the Crown of Despair, likely personified by the statue of the woman holding her head in her hands, but that one was likely an even worse fit for him.


    But his eyes once again turned to the circle of fire and ice behind the Lord of Circles. It was this duality that made Zac believe that the Lord of Cycles tried to do something simr to himself; merge two opposing elements.


    For better or worse Zac had already started walking the path of life and death. One of his sses veered toward nature, and the other side was an undead warrior turning the area around himself into a projection of the underworld.


    He was hoping that the Lord of Cycles Inheritance could help him create a coherent system of his two opposing sides, and create something greater than the sum of its parts. Granted, each side of his two identities had its strong points, but there was currently no synergy between them apart from the extra attribute points.


    He wanted to find a path that made sure both his sses were pushing toward the same goal, even though they were the opposites of each other. He had a feeling that something amazing would be created if he was able to fuse his two sides in the future, and this was the step to attain that.


    Since he had already made his decision he resolutely stepped inside his own portal. The next moment he found himself in front of a huge metal que in an otherwise empty field, and he quickly took out his axe as he looked around for any threats.


    But no matter where he looked he only saw a hazy mist, and his senses didnt warn him of any hidden dangers lurking about. So Zac put away <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> again as he looked at therge b of metal in front of him. It waspletely smooth and rectangr, apart from arge engraving in the middle.


    The engraving was not arge fractal, but rather a circr pattern containing inscriptions of smaller fractals. There was an outer circle containing at least one hundred fractals, and there were multiple rings inside. For every concentric circle inside there were fewer and fewer fractals until it reached the center.


    The innermost part was just a dot, and the row outside consisted of just two crudely drawn fractals. Zac was confused about why they had such shoddy workmanshippared to the others, but he barely had time to look at them before a familiar feeling entered his mind.


    The splinter of oblivion became restless the moment he looked at one of the two fractals, and its tendrils started to furiously pound the miasmic runes that had locked it away. Zac quickly closed his eyes until the splinter calmed down. Luckily it seemed that the prison in his mind still held strong.


    But the eruption was an ufortable reminder that he hadn''t gotten any closer to figuring out what to do about the alien object in his head. However, now was not the time, so he once again refocused on the patterns on the monument, though he avoided looking at the innermost part.


    Creation and oblivion, Zac suddenly muttered with understanding.


    The circle in front of him was a Dao Chart following the same system that Anzonil mentioned. The center was the origin of Dao, the Primordial Chaos. From that came Creation and Oblivion, and the splinter in his mind reacted to the crude fractal in the center of the chart.


    That would exin why the details of the fractals got increasingly crude the further in they were ced on the chart in front of him. Creation and Oblivion were the top two Daos of the multi-verse, and even if the Lord of Cycles was a great C-Grade powerhouse he likely was far from grasping such esoteric knowledge.


    Those Daos were likely reserved for the top tier powerhouses of the multiverse, those who stood at the apex of whole nes.


    As night begets day, so does oblivion beget creation, a voice suddenly echoed across the field. The cycle restricts and empowers. Prove your duality.


    Zac quickly looked around for the source of the voice, but no matter which direction he looked there was nothing. The source of the gentle voice was nowhere to be seen, and he was still alone in the mists with the metal que in front of him.


    However, he wasnt worried, but rather ted. The voice had essentially confirmed that that the Lord of Cycles walked the same path as himself. The problem was how he would go about to prove his own cycle, that of life and death. Did he need to first force some Dao of Trees into the inscription, then kill himself to infuse miasma next? It seemed extremely cumbersome.


    Besides, did he need to know which fractal to infuse? All of them werepletely inert, and it looked like someone had simply carved the fractals into the metal without empowering them with any Dao or other energies.


    Zac chose to simply touch the monument in the end, and he quickly saw that he was on the right track. A deep hum erupted from the monument, and an invisible wave pushed out from it, trying to enter Zacs body.


    The second that the wave came in contact with him the bracer on his arm became scorching hot, and the invading force was immediately rebuffed. Nothing happened for a while and Zac moved his hand away.


    He hesitated for a bit, but he finally chose to remove the bracer that Greatest had given him before he once again touched the monument. He didnt love the idea of exposing his secrets like this, but he was inside a closed-off inheritance of a long-dead powerhouse. No one could spread his secrets from here, at least not as long as he was alive.


    The wave entered his body one more time after he activated the monument, and he felt something was digging around and inspecting his whole body. The wave had turned into tendrils that poked and prodded him all over. The tendrils quickly honed in on the Duplicity core, but they also went over to the thee Dao fractals in his body. 3


    Even the one that was in his heart was found somehow, even though it belonged to his other ss. The hiddenpartment in his heart had simply appeared after the mysterious energies prodded around inside, and it was a huge clue as Zac saw it. If the Dao Fractal could be made to appear like this while he was in his human form, what about his other skills? Perhaps even his pathways?


    Zac''s heartbeat sped up in anticipation, and he truly hoped that the spirit of the Lord of Cycles would be as amodating to provide information as Anzonil was. Perhaps he would be even more helpful since Zac would essentially be his in-name disciple if he passed the trials.


    The moment the Dao fractal touched the tree he got from seeing the Lifegiver vision one of the fractals on one of the outermost rows lit up, emitting a strong aura of vitality. It represented one of his main paths, the one of moving toward the Dao of Creation. Of course, he was still only on the periphery with his basic Dao.


    At the same time, he saw that a Dao on the opposite side lit up, but its light was far weaker. When he sensed the fractal it felt like he was prodding a dead carcass or something rotten, and after a second Zac felt that fractal might have lit up due to the nature of his Dao Seed of Trees. His major insights into that were centered around life through death, and it was what connected his Dao to his Draugr side.


    To his surprise, he also noticed that the Dao of Hardness slightly lit up a rune at the rim, and it gave a sense of stability like he was looking up at a mountain. However, the Daos of Sharpness, Heaviness, and Sanctuary did nothing it seemed. After the inspection had looked at those Daos they moved on,pletely disinterested.


    The next moment two more fractals lit up, and both were pretty close to the core of the rings. In fact, they were only twoyers outside the Daos of Creation and Oblivion. Better yet, they were almost exactly the opposites of each other, meaning they would hopefully allow him to pass this inspection with flying colors. After just a nce he knew they represented life and death, and they were the results of the two energies his Duplicity core contained.


    They were by far the bestbination, but he didnt know if the inheritance would ept it since the two energies were simply the representation of his two races and sses. They were not really a result of his Daos, and Zac felt the Dao was the core of this test.


    Finally, the tendrils reached his head and they even found the miasmic prison for the splinter. The crude fractal in the middle resonated for a fraction of a second in response, but it immediately grew dim again, leaving the other five fractals in various states of illumination.


    As soon as the inspection hit upon the runic prison in his mind they immediately dissipated, and afterward they stayed clear of the area. Zac wasn''t too surprised since the prison was created by the mysterious Draugr woman. He couldn''t be sure, but he had a feeling she was one of the powerhouses of the Draugr-race, and likely more powerful than the Lord of Cycles.


    The monument kept checking his body for a bit until the inspection ended, leaving Zac feeling slightly vited. It was like he had been stripped naked and every nook and cranny had been inspected. Keeping one''s cards close to the chest had been ingrained into him since the integration, and this was theplete opposite of that.


    But at least it was over, and Zac looked around to see what would happen next.


    Understanding the self is understanding the Cosmos, the same voice suddenly echoed out, as the two fractals that Zac believed represented life and death lit up with far more powerpared to before, while the other three fractals dimmed down.


    The next moment the monument started to vibrate, and it looked like it was melting as it bent and twisted. All the fractals were quickly smoothed over, leaving only the two illuminated inscriptions.


    The two fractals kept growingrger andrger as the monument turned into arge hovering metallic ball that started to pulsate with the powers of life and death. Soon the two fractals had grown to over a meter in size as they moved next to each other on the sphere. Both of them radiated the power of life and death, two extremely profound concepts that Zac had only glimpsed before.


    As Zac sensed the great Dao energies that coursed through the inscriptions he started to believe that this might be the first gift of the inheritance. Unfortunately, there wasnt much he could do with the Dao of Death since he had no matching Daos, but he might be able to glean some insight from the fractal representing life. That, in turn, might be the key to pushing the Dao Seed of Trees to Peak mastery.


    But just as he was about to sit down to ponder on the secrets of the Dao of Life his mind suddenly screamed of danger.

 Chapter 280: Fight Fire with Fire

    Chapter 280: Fight Fire with Fire


    Zacs mind was screaming at him to get away, and he had learned to not question his danger sense by now. He unhesitantly pushed backward with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>only to see a spurt of liquid metal from the spheresh out at him like a whip.


    The air cracked as the line of darkness ripped through it, and Zac sensed a horrifying finality contained inside it. He wasnt simply being attacked by some liquid metal like when he fought Salvation. He was being attacked by <em>death.</em>


    Luckily he had reacted in time and was able to quickly create enough distance from the ball, allowing him to understand what was going on. The sphere made out of the metallic que had started to transform, not only in shape but also inposition.


    It looked like the inert nature of the former monument was changing as it started to teem with both exuberant lifeforce and deste death. One half of it was gaining a golden sheen as the other half turned pitch-ck.


    It reminded Zac of his Duplicity core as it shared simr characteristics, with the difference that the sphere in front of himcked the intricate inscriptions on the surface of his core. Another pretty obvious difference was that the ball in front of him was over five meters in diameter.


    The sudden attack that hade at him had stemmed from a part of the death-attuned part of the sphere and had felt like a tentacle of death. But the whip was long gone, having returned to the main form, which now seethed with chaotic powers.


    Zac had already taken out his axe and summoned a fractal edge. He still wasnt sure what was going on, but the thing had already attacked him, so he wouldnt just stand around. That ball contained extremely dangerous Daos, and he couldnt let it act as it pleased. He felt it was best to destroy it first, then ask questions.


    He imbued the fractal edge with the Dao of Sharpness, and with a grunt unleashed it straight at the sphere so that he could destroy it before it managed to undergo whatever transformation it had in store. However, the moment the edge was about to m into the floating ball the golden side shed, and a protective glow spread to cover the whole thing.


    Luckily the ball didnt retaliate, but instead it kept changing form at an extremely rapid pace. It looked like it consisted of two different colored shapes of y that were pushed together, and currently some unseen hands were twisting and reshaping the ball.


    The object elongated again into an oblong shape. It almost had the form of an enormous matryoshka doll, apart from being slightly more rectangr and having two arms. One arm was mostly golden with some ck veins running through it, but instead of a hand it just had arge circle that reminded Zac of the object that was behind the statue depicting Lord of Cycles.


    The other arm was mostly ck and was the only part of the construct that still looked mostly liquid. It was this arm that had attacked him before it had properly formed, and it still radiated a terrifying aura. He truly didnt want to know what would happen if that thing hit him, but it felt extremely dangerous.


    One thing that differed from both his Duplicity core and the sphere from before was the main part of its body. It didnt simply have one side that was golden and another side that was ck, but it had created an intricate mesh of the two colors, where neither side dominated the other.


    Zac couldnt be sure, but he felt that the pattern that had been formed on its body was an enormous clue that could help him immensely if he only had proper time to study it. It was as though it represented the fusion of life and death. But unfortunately, he was in no position to ponder on the mysteries hidden in the body of the enormous doll. It floated toward him at a steady pace, and ck motes of light started to rotate around the arm of death.


    The moment it got within twenty meters of Zac the arm once againshed out, and Zac was forced to reposition himself again. The attack wasnt impossibly fast, but he didnt dare to intercept it until he had a better understanding of what the effect of the arm was.


    Perhaps his Draugr form would be immune to the Death-attributed arm, but he had no way to swap mid-battle. He would have to fight the thing as-is. Zac quickly used <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, and to his surprise it actually worked even though the information was a bit sparse.


    <strong>[Life-Death Construct Dao Vessel. Level 83]</strong>


    The good news was that the thing was only level 83. The bad news was that it was clearly much stronger than some random early E-grade beast. Even worse, it possessed two very strong Daos. He wasnt sure how it worked with these particr Daos, but he suspected they were like the Dao of Time and Space - advanced Daos that had no basic seeds to attain. They were much to strong to gain as an F-Grade cultivator.


    That meant that the power they imbued was also far stronger than one should encounter at this stage in cultivation. He had a feeling that he truly had been boned by thisbination, and it reminded him of the desperate fight with Inevitability. Life and Death were truly the most appropriate paths to fuse of the fractals that lit up, but they were far more dangerous than any others as well.


    It would have been more reasonable for him to encounter a construct that consisted of the Dao of Trees and the Dao of Rot, or whatever that murky fractal represented. It would still have been a challenge, though not as bad as this one.


    But since Zac knew its level he also felt more confident. If it came down to it he should be able to brute-force the thing. The only thing that was holding him back from summoning the giant hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> and smashing the construct to bits was that he wasnt sure if there was something else to this test than just destroying the construct.


    He didnt want to slip up and ruin his inheritance, so before he went the usual route he decided to test the thing out for a bit, and perhaps glean any insights from the intricate pattern on its chest. Zac kept his distance from therge construct by asionally shing away with his movement skill as he peppered the thing with fractal edges.


    The construct had multiple ways of handling the attacks. Sometimes the golden circle on its left arm lit up and formed a shield that blocked out the attack. However, after seeing the shield a few times he realized that it wasnt a traditional mages bubble or array defense.


    The goldenyer was pure life-attuned energy, and it didnt block the attacks as much as it somehow swallowed them. The attacks entered the golden shield, making it flicker a bit, but nothing exited at the other side.


    Zac couldnt quite grasp what type of concept it utilized to neutralize his attacks. If it just used the Dao of Life to heal itself after getting hurt he could have understood it, but this was something else entirely.


    Suddenly he sensed some danger again, and he started to reposition himself as he kept his eyes on the tentacle of death. But to his surprise it wasnt the death-attuned side that attacked him, but rather the golden arm. A bright light lit up in the middle of the golden circle at the end of the arm, and the next moment an energy ball shot straight at Zac.


    Zacs brows rose in rm as he quickly shed away, but it didnt help one bit as the energy attack followed him like a bloodhound. It was also much faster than Zac was, even when utilizing<strong> [Loamwalker]</strong>, so in the end he was forced to stop and erect his defenses.


    Shimmering leaves whirled around him, each imbued with the Dao of Trees, as he took a defensive posture where he imbued his body with the Dao of Hardness. The energy ball zoomed straight toward him, and the leaves moved to intercept.


    But the moment the ball touched the firstyer of defense the leaves lit up in a zing emerald luster. Since Zac was the one who summoned it and imbued it with his Dao he could sense what was going on, and he couldnt make heads or tails out of it. The leaf wasnt getting damaged, it was getting empowered.


    Unceasing and vast energies of life were flooding the leaves, and they shone brighter and brighter as they actually grewrger. But in just a second the effect drastically changed, as the lights dimmed and the leaves started to wilt.


    The next moment it crumbled and the light passed straight through. Zacs brows rose in rm since he had acutely sensed what happened. The ball of life had pushed too much lifeforce into the leaf, and even though they weren''t real the ball had forced the leaves to go through their natural state of life in just a second.


    Zac immediately gave up his defense and tried to sh away again, but it was to avail as the ball mmed into his back. The Dao of Hardness didnt help him in the slightest as it enterest his body like a burning sun.


    Zacs whole body turned red in an instant, veins popping out all over his body. It felt terribly simr to when he had been in the pond of Cosmic Water. Terrifying amounts of life tried to force themselves into his cells, overtaxing them and forcing them into death. It was the opposite of his own insights; this was death through life an attack using the natural lifecycle.


    Zac felt his lifeforce getting spent at an rming rate to exhaust the energy ball, and he was out of ideas of how to deal with the alien force in his body. It was just too strong and vast, and it felt like his Daos were children trying to push away a grown adult when he tried to utilize them to iste the attack.


    But suddenly his Duplicity core woke up and started to frenziedly absorb the energies in his body. It looked like the life-attuned energy was getting sucked in by a ck hole, and the ball fractured while its energies were drawn inside. In just a moment the core had absorbed the whole attack, and its golden half buzzed with energy.


    Unfortunately, it was not all good news. There were limits to how much energy the Core could contain, at least in its current state, and the absorption of the pure Dao of Life had pushed it to its limits. Worse yet, the bnce between the two sides had be lopsided due to theck of death-attuned energy.


    It felt like when the core had just been formed, and there was a massiveck of life-attuned energy inside. However, now there was nothing for the core to absorb, and Zac sensed that it was getting more and more out of control.


    He didnt know what would happen if the core got damaged or cracked, but he didnt want to find out. At the very least it would cause massive damage, but it wasnt impossible it would deprive him of his second ss. Or even kill him. He quickly took out one of his miasma crystals, but the rate of absorption was nowhere near what he needed.


    The energy in the crystals was a lower gradepared to the real Dao of Life, and it was like he was trying to divert a river by throwing some gravel in the waters. Perhaps it would work after a while after he had absorbed enough crystals, but he sensed his core wouldnt be able to take it until then.


    Out of options Zac grit his teeth and pushed straight toward the construct. It lifted its golden hand again, but Zac growled andunched a quick session of Dao-empowered fractal des at it, each aimed at the same spot.


    Another golden shield erupted around the hand, but the force of a dozen des was not something that even the construct could handle. The first handful of des were cleanly absorbed by the shield, but at the 7<sup>th</sup> one, it flickered and disappeared. The next two attacks actuallynded right on the golden arm, pushing it away and causing some dents to form.


    But just a secondter another golden shield was formed and started to absorb the remaining strikes. Luckily Zac had already aplished his goal at this point, and he was closing in on the thing while its golden arm was upied. The ck tentacleunched straight at him with terrifying speed, just as he had expected. Even though his mind screamed of danger Zac chose to stand fast this time, allowing it to hit him square in his chest and throw him away.


    Zac spat out a mouthful of blood and unsteadily got to his feet. His face was pale as a sheet as he sensed a horrible energy rampage through his body. It felt like his whole being was quickly withering away, but he forcibly ignored his decaying state, his all attention being on the Duplicity core.


    He was already in desperate straights, and his only idea was to fight fire with fire.

 Chapter 281: Life Versus Death

    Chapter 281: Life Versus Death


    A wave of relief flooded Zac as he sensed that the Duplicity Core once again woke up and finally started to absorb the sinister energies that were coursing through his body. In just a second it had absorbed it all, but Zacs body was still left in a state of disrepair.


    Between the two attacks his body felt beyond feeble, and he knew that he was running out of time. His core might have stabilized, but there was no way he would be able to absorb another set of those terrifying Dao-empowered strikes. Neither his body nor his core would be able to handle it.


    He couldnt worry about whether there were any hiddenponents to this trial any longer, and he immediately started to charge up <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> the moment that his core stabilized. It would take a few seconds, and the construct seemed to notice that something was up.


    Extremely strong energies ripped through its body as it shed forward with more than twice the speedpared to before, its ck tentacle already hurtling toward him. Zac knew he had to stall for a bit longer, so he shot a fractal imbued with the Dao of Hardness at the tentacle as he backed away.


    However, the fractal immediately withered and broke apart even though it was imbued to be more resilient and the attack kept moving toward him. When Zac saw what happened to the fractal he suddenly had an idea, and he imbued the next <strong>[Chop]</strong> with the Dao of Trees. The edge flew toward the arm of death, and as he hoped it didnt immediately break.


    The two attacks shed, neither gaining ground for a whole second. But soon enough the Dao of Death seemed to finally whittle down the Dao of trees, and the edge crumbled just like Zacs earlier attacks. The difference in efficacy between the twost attacks gave Zac a clue into the proper way to deal with this trial, but he also realized it wouldnt work for him.


    Luckily the sh had bought enough time and the familiar wooden hand emerged out of a crack in space above him. It rippled with the Dao of Trees since Zac believed he would hopefully be able to restrain the death-attuned side of the construct that way. Besides, apart from slightly restraining the Dao of Death it also gave an all-round boost to the attack.


    Zac wasted no time as he pushed the hand to m straight down at the construct, and even though it erected a golden shield it still was pped like a fly down into the ground. The attack didn''t end there, as even though Zac''s hand was burning from the golden shield he still forced it to continue its trajectory and mmed down into the downed construct with tremendous force.


    The next moment the huge hand gripped the construct, though it barely managed to fit the whole thing in its hand. Zac used all his might to try to crush the golem in his hand, but the Life-Death Construct wasn''t going down without a fight. Radiant shes of both gold and ck lit up the whole area, and the transmitted damage from the hand was almost enough for Zac to pass out.


    The wooden hand was extremely resilient with the help of the Dao of Trees and its power was unparalleled to anything else he could throw at his enemies. However, both the Daos that the Construct possessed were extremely corrosive to the wooden hand. It was like a feedback loop was caused inside the hand where it was continuously pushed between life and death.


    The pain was unbelievable, and Zac''s eyes werepletely bloodshot by this point, but he kept pressuring the construct with all his might. Creaking sounds of metal being torn and twisted could be heard until a wide shockwave containing concentrated Death erupted from the golem.


    Luckily most of the attack was blocked and absorbed by the hand, but the sudden burst of death was too much and Zac was forced to release the attack. The hand was already disintegrating from the frantic retaliation of the construct and the speed of its dissolution rapidly sped up when Zac decided to relinquish control.


    His final action before he let the hand go was to throw the distorted metal into the ground once more, causing another shockwave to spread. He hoped that the construct was already destroyed from how dismal it looked, but he wouldnt bet his life on it.


    As he looked at the unmoving scrap of metal in the crater he saw that itsposition had undergone one more change from Zacs massive assault. The pitch-ck metal had turned ashen grey, and it lookedpletely devoid of energy. He hadpletely destroyed the death-attuned half with thebination of brute force and the Dao of Trees.


    However, he still couldnt breathe easily. While the other half of the construct was twisted and deformed, it still shone with the same golden luster as before. Worse yet he could sense the Dao of Life inside it. Zac sighed in disappointment, but he readied himself for one more round.


    Another hand was already emerging from a crack above him, even though such a rapid consumption of energy was pretty harmful to his body. This hand was imbued with the Dao of Heaviness though since it felt useless to fight against the Life-attuned half of the construct with a worse version of its own element.


    The construct was slowly rising from the crater as it smoothed out its deformed shape. But luckily the grey area was stillpletely lifeless and showed no signs of regenerating. Zac felt empowered by the sight and roused the remaining energy in his body as he pushed the second hand straight at his enemy.


    The wooden hand mmed into the construct like a falling meteor, the attack causing a farrger shockwavepared to the first punishment. The whole field that held the inheritance trail was cracking, making Zac wonder if the trial area would break apart from the battle.


    Zac hesitantly looked at the crater to see whether his attack was effective, but some panic erupted when he sensed the familiar deluge of vitality flooding the wooden hand. The next moment an almost blinding golden glow erupted from beneath the hand, almostpletely swallowing it.


    Zac quickly canceled the attack as he wracked his brain for some way out. Would he have to take the Cowards Escape after all? But Zac grit his teeth in stubbornness again, feeling the same unwillingness to back down as he felt in his battle with the Dominator. His eyes followed the movement of the construct as it once again picked itself up from the ground.


    He had a feeling that no matter how many attacks heunched at the thing it would keep regenerating, as long as he didnt use a proper element for an attack. He needed to use death to vanquish life.


    The construct was quickly returning to its original form as Zacs mind moved a mile a minute trying to figure out a way to destroy that thing. Finally, he took out an E-Grade Miasma Crystal andunched it straight at the construct like he had done so many times with rocks to kill beasts.


    The crystal ripped through the air like a bullet and mmed straight into the golden arm with enough power to push it back a few meters. The crystal itself exploded into thousands of splinters, but unfortunately, it didnt result in an explosion of death-attuned energy. Instead, the miasma stored in the crystal simply spread out like a cloud which didnt seem to particrly affect the construct.


    Zac sighed in disappointment, but seeing the cloud of miasma actually gave him an idea. He barely had time to formte it as another ball of light started to shine inside the golden circle on his enemys eye. This was no time to second-guess himself since if that ball hit him like thest one he would likely die. He desperately moved his arm to his pouch, and the next moment an enormous monolith appeared in front of him.


    It reached around ten meters into the air and was wrought from some cursed ck stone. Zac had never been so close to an Unholy Beacon before, and he started to feel nauseated by the aura it emitted almost immediately. At the top of the monolith a turquoise light radiated outward, and it had immediately started to convert the Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere.


    Without waiting Zac grabbed the base of the monolith. But to his dismay he realized that he barely managed to lift the thing, and worse yet he noticed that the attack by the construct was almost fully formed. Out of better options he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, and with a roar properly lifted the Unholy Beacon as he started running with heavy steps toward the construct.


    He didn''t want to use this skill at first, afraid that there would other trials would await after this one. Undergoing another battle while weakened by the side-effects of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> might prove lethal, so he wanted to avoid using it against the construct. But it was Hail Mary-time.


    Zac''s muscles burned with strain, but the unnatural power and rage brought by the skill pushed him forward. An all-consuming desire for wanton destruction filled Zacs mind, and this time he didnt try to curtail it. With a bestial roar he finally jumped up in the air, causing huge cracks to spread from where he stood.


    The construct lifted its arm toward Zac, but he didnt care as he heedlessly swung the enormous monolith as though it was a club. A golden ball of life flew straight at him, but it was swallowed into the turquoise haze at the top of the pir. Putting a ball of pure life into the conversion chamber of an Unholy Beacon was clearly a pretty bad idea since extremely erratic energies immediately started to radiate from the monolith.


    Zac sensed that the Unholy Beacon was highly unstable even in his muddled state, but he didnt care as he mmed the tip straight into the head of the Life-Death construct in a thwonk that would make Billy proud. Life and death shed in a blinding explosion, and Zac was thrown away like a ragdoll from the shockwave. Luckily he activated <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>at thest second, protecting him from some of the damage at least.


    As he was falling he at felt a huge surge of Cosmic Energy entering his body, pushing him to level 74. He breathed in relief since that meant the construct was truly destroyed and the gambit had worked out.


    He remembered that both Ogras and Karunthel had told him that it was possible to turn the Unholy Beacons into weapons, which made him try to use it against therge life-attuned golem. They might not have meant such a direct method of utilization, but at least it worked out in the end.


    Zac knew that there must be some strong death-attuned item inside the monoliths to be able to continuously turn Cosmic Energy into miasma, and his gambit was that it would cause proper damage in contrast to the Miasma Crystal.


    A groan escaped his mouth as Zac mmed into the ground, every part of his body aching. But without giving himself a breather he got back on his feet and quickly ate a top tier healing pill as he scanned the surroundings for any change.


    He wasn''t necessarily safe just because he had destroyed the construct.


    He quickly spotted that one thing had changed after he had destroyed the construct. The field the battle had taken ce in was surrounded by a gray haze since he arrived, but in one direction the shroud had given way to a path that led away from this ce. However, Zac ignored the path for now as he walked over to the crater with the broken monolith.


    The sh between life and death had quickly snuffed out each other, but not before it had utterly destroyed the area. Zac looked into the pit and sighed in disappointment when he looked at the mangled remains of the Life-Death construct. The pattern on its chest had been a great clue to the path he wanted to walk, but it was demolished from his attacks.


    In the end he put both the broken Beacon and the crumpled remains of the construct into his Cosmos Sack, but instead of heading over to the exit he instead sat down and started to absorb energy from an E-Grade Nexus Crystal. A few secondster a huge wave of weakness hit him as the effect from <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> ran out.


    He realized that one more positive effect of either his improved Vitality or Endurance was that the side-effect of the berserker skill had be far more manageablepared to before, though he still wouldnt want to start another fight in his current condition.


    But he wasntpletely out of it like before, so instead of heading to the next stage he instead took out one of his Dao Treasures as soon as he felt his state was somewhat stable. Time was of the essence while the pattern and the Constructs attacks were fresh in his mind, and without hesitation swallowed it and closed his eyes.


    He knew the next step he needed to take on his Dao Path.

 Chapter 282: The Lord of Cycles

    Chapter 282: The Lord of Cycles


    Zac actually gained two insights from the past fight and he was eager to try to formalize at least one of them while the feeling was fresh. Thats why he immediately went into meditation as soon as his body allowed it.


    However, he did not ponder upon the Dao of Trees, even though he had a hint of the direction he wanted to take that Dao seed. Pushing a Dao Seed to the peak was no easy matter, and he felt he needed some more time to prepare before he tried to push the seed to the limit. The hints he had gained from the Dao of Life was great, but it was just a start.


    Zac was instead focusing on somethingpletely new. He was nning to attain a Dao Seed that he hadnt gained a Dao vision for. Every Dao Seed so far had been attained through his ss skills, but he had realized that there was oneponent he was missing.


    Ever since Zac gained his second ss he had been thinking about creating a holistic build for himself, one that focused on building both great Offense and Defense through his sses. He would empower them with both Life and Death, and while he would use the axe tounch devastating attacks containing these concepts. He had a far-off vision ofbining it all into an invincible power.


    There were still many question marks of how he would fit everything together, and the fight just now had proven that he had been thinking too much inside the box. He had felt that the Dao of Trees andter the Dao of life was useless for offense against anything except the undead, but that clearly wasn''t the case.


    That glowing ball had been terrifying, and if he didn''t possess the Core to absorb the damage he would have exploded from one attack, even though he possessed over 700 Endurance. But there was one realization that was more important than any other; he wascking a Dao Seed that could eventually evolve into the Dao of Death. He had no opposite for the Dao of Life.


    He had always considered the Miasma as the part representing death, but in the end it was only the equivalent of Cosmic Energy. His Undying Bulwark ss was also a ss purely focused on defense, and Zac didnt believe that he would gain any more Dao visions from it. He would rather unearth more improvements to Hardness and Sanctuary through the extremely profound vision.


    That meant that he needed to adjust his toolkit a bit. He needed another seed that could be theplement to the Dao of Trees. In the long run it would hopefully allow him to be truly powerful, and in the short run it would help him get through this Inheritance. He couldnt m an unholy beacon onto everything that barred his path after all.


    Luckily he believed he had gained enough clues through being undead and from his time in the inheritance to formalize another Dao Seed. He based it upon the hints that he had gotten from the monument before it turned into the construct. A second fractal had slightly lit up from the Dao of Trees that had felt rotting and decaying, and that was exactly what he was going for. His mind focused on the feeling of life faltering, exuberant life slowly giving in to decay, and finally death.


    The Dao Treasure had put him into a trance, and he felt he was on the cusp of grasping the kernel of truth that would allow him to gain a seed. Zac didnt know how much time passed as he held fast to the images of faltering life and the unstoppable decay of anything living.


    But just as he felt he was about to grasp the Dao Seed the trance ended, and he opened his eyes with frustration. He knew that it never was a good idea to force the Dao, but he was so close that he could taste it. So Zac unhesitantly swallowed a second Dao treasure and once again closed his mind.


    Finally, everything clicked and he sensed a mysterious energy appearing in his body. Zac had initially thought that it would either add itself to one of the three Dao fractals in his body, or create a new one, but instead it simply formed a small seed in a separate space located in Zacs mind.


    Zac could only guess that it was because this was a seed that was naturally formed by himself without the assistance of a skill, but he would have to investigate whether he needed to somehow create a fractal to house itter. Since he was done he quickly opened his status screen in anticipation, and as he expected he saw the sixth Dao Seed of his.


    <strong>[Rot (Early): Wisdom +10, Intelligence +5.]</strong>


    This was exactly what Zac had aimed for, though he was a bit disappointed the attributes did not really suit him. The wisdom would help him with his resilience against mental attacks, but he still hadnt found any use for Intelligence for either of his sses.


    As he sensed the seed in his mind he was certain that the fractal that he had slightly lit up was the Dao of Rot. His Dao of Trees slightly epassed the concept of Life through death, and Rot was ced right on the crossroads between these two concepts.


    He hoped that he could lead the Dao of Rot toward the direction of Death through life, and with the Dao of Trees form aplete cycle. But for now, it was a simple Early-stage Dao Seed that he guessed would add some corrosive effects on his attacks.


    Zac quickly summoned a fractal edge with <strong>[Chop] </strong>and just as he thought the fractal gained a murky green color when it was imbued with the Seed of Rot. Unfortunately, there wasnt anything living in the area that he could test it out on, so he simply attacked the ground.


    There was no added power to the fractal edge, and the scar that was created by the swing didnt corrode as though it was attacked by acid. However, a wet sheen of some green liquid was left around the rift, meaning that the attack was more akin to adding poison to the de. It would be useless against inorganic things, but it might contain surprising power against living enemies.


    Flush with sess, Zac considered taking another Dao treasure in hopes of pushing his Dao of Trees forward as well, but in the end he forced himself to calm down. His instincts told him that he was too far away from being able to push the seed to its peak, and he probably wouldnt reach it even if he ate all three of his Dao Seeds.


    Zac checked his watch and to his surprise 7 hours had already passed. It was more time than Zac had nned on spending inside the inheritance in total, but there was no getting around it. At least they knew he was still alive since he maintained his position on thedder. He had also gained a level so they should understand that he was in a battle of some kind.


    The weakness from using<strong> [Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> during the battle had already passed, and his Cosmic Energy was mostly full thanks to his passive absorption of energy during his meditation. So Zac didnt waste any more time and immediately headed toward the passage.


    He held<strong> [Veruns Bite]</strong> ready in his arm, prepared for any kind of situation. But the passageway waspletely barren, with not a single object or being in sight. It was only fifteen minutester that the scene changed, and Zac stared wide-eyed at the world in front of him.


    Paradise. That was the only thing that Zac could think of as he looked at the lush atmosphere around him. The hazy mists had given way to an exquisite field where each and every strand of grass seemed to be meticulously crafted to give a sense of beauty and harmony.


    Small rivers were running through the fields of flowers, and various small pagodas and patios were ced along the field. Even more miraculously there were floating inds drifting about in the sky above him, each of them connected by steps wrought from fire and ice.


    It slightly reminded him of the vision of the floating cultivation pces in his vision with the axe-man, though these inds were far smaller and rather seemed to be there for aesthetic reasons. It was like someone had wanted to create a multiyered garden, and had even bent thews of nature to make it happen.


    There was no sun in the sky, but instead there was a beautiful night sky unblemished and undiminished by any light pollution. Yet everything waspletely illuminated thanks to a huge moon spreading a silver luster at the area, which added a mystical and dream-like ambiance to the scenery.


    But Zac wouldnt rx just because the scene was breathtaking, and he hesitantly proceeded with his axe at the ready. He strained his mind to find any clues of hidden traps or arrays, but he couldnt sense anything. He couldnt even sense any Cosmic Energy being used to keep the inds afloat, which made him question whether he was stuck in an illusion.


    That, of course, raised the question of where the inheritance actually took ce. Was this whole zone even real, or did it all take ce in some dreamscape? But Zacs instincts told him it was real, as it would be odd if he was able to gain a Dao Seed and gain a level while asleep.


    I hade some hopes, but s, a sad sigh suddenly came from one of the inds above. You fail.


    It was the same voice that spoke at the start of the trial, and Zacs heart lurched when he heard its promation. Had he really failed the inheritance because he used brute force to kill the construct earlier? But there was simply no other way for him to pull through.


    The idea was to use death to snuff out the life and life to ovee death, but he didnt possess either of those elements in a way that he could properly utilize them in a fight. In the end, he could only win with the help of overwhelming might.


    You are far too ugly to even be an honorary disciple of mine. I might be dead, but Im not that desperate, the voice continued with an unmistakable note of disdain, and Zacs blood pressure immediately spiked.


    The way of speaking was way too simr to a certain tool spirit, and Zac started wondering if Bra had somehow weaseled himself into the trial. The voice was different, but Zac saw no reason that Bra should be stuck to one voice since he wasnt technically a living being. Zac quickly ran up the shimmeringdders toward the floating ind that he heard the voicee from.


    The sceneries on the inds were even more exquisite than on the ground, but he had no time to admire them as he hurried up toward the top. His anger had even made him forget the very real possibility that there were hidden tests on the inds, but luckily it seemed that he had already passed the only trial at this stage.


    Zac was ready to st off a tirade at the arrogant Tool Spirit, but the moment when he reached the top his words got stuck in his throat as he stopped in his tracks.


    It felt like he had arrived at the garden of a fairytale castle, where every detail shone with beauty and perfection. Hundreds of different types of flowers that all had their own unique charms spread out in a seemingly haphazard manner across the ind, but somehow there was order to the chaos.


    A small pond was ced in the middle, and a brook that ran through it gave off a soothing sound. However, neither the flowers nor the brook was as striking as the celestial form of the Lord of Cycles sitting and basking in the moonlight. Where the statue had depicted a fine-chiseled but androgynous male, Zac saw a picture-perfect beauty in front of him.


    He looked like he was chiseled by a master artisan as he looked up at the moon with a sorrowful gaze, one hand outreached as though trying to grasp it, with the other held over his heart. It was a scene of frailty and longing, and the silver light of the moon gave it a haunting feeling.


    Dont fall in love with me, child, the Lord of Cycles said with a long-suffering sigh as he turned his limpid eyes toward the gaping Zac.


    But suddenly Zac realized there was a sense of wrongness, and with a grunt he pushed<strong> [Mental Fortress]</strong> to the limit. The result wasnt reality cracking, showing him that he had escaped an illusion. But everything he saw had shifted somewhat.


    The flowers, the brook, and the pond were still there, as was the Lord of Cycles, but while the environment was beautiful it was not enough to gobsmack him any longer. And the man in front of him was no longer the personification of perfection, but rather a somewhat feminine man who wore a robe that might be mistaken for a dress.


    Everything about him was ambiguous, from his hairstyle to his choice of clothes, but that wasn''t what terrified Zac. That was some extremely scary illusion he had been put inside. What would have happened if he didn''t notice something was wrong? Would he have be the lover of a long-dead ghost?


    Zac''s back was immediately drenched in cold sweat, and he thanked the stars that he had gained some experience in spotting illusions from his time in the hunt. The being in front of him was clearly notpletely benign, and his vignce rose to the peak to protect his mind and his butt.


    Tsch, so you broke my beautification field? How boring, the man muttered and swapped out his borate pose to a moreid-back one. So you are the one who passed the first inheritance trial? As I said, your face is pretty pathetic, I cant take you as a disciple. Not that I was nning to take one in any case.

 Chapter 283: Mortals and Cultivators

    Chapter 283: Mortals and Cultivators


    Zac was starting to regret choosing the Lord of Cycles rather than the Undying Fiend inheritance. This person was almost as bad as Bra. Or had perhaps all the predecessors gone crazy stuck with the Tool Spirit for those untold ages? If that was the case then the inheritances might be useless.


    He barely survived his trial and he was far stronger than anyone else on the ind. How could he in good consciousness let his sister enter the trial for the Invoker if this was how it was going to be? But still, Zac had pushed through the trial and he wasnt ready to give up just yet.


    Im sorry, I cant do much about my face, but I guess itll get better as my race ranking improves. Why did you set this ce up if you didnt want to find inheritors? Zac probed.


    Because of that stupid Bra, the man said as he leisurely ran his fingers through the pond. I needed him to create something for me, and he wanted me to set this ce up as payment.


    Bra? Zac asked with confusion. You made a deal with the Tool Spirit?


    That little spirit is not Bra, the man said with a chuckle. It has just confused its own identity with his creator and ours over the years. Bra was a peak D-Grade artificer, and he also called himself The Celestial Artisan. That a D-Grade cultivator dared call himself that tells you all you need to know about his temperament.


    Zacs brows rose in surprise from that little tidbit. He finally understood why the Tool Spirit acted so haughtily. It had taken various traits from the 8 predecessors, including his own masters. And if Zac was a betting man, he guessed that the narcissism came from the individual in front of him.


    So you made a deal with the real bra. He created something for you, and you set up an inheritance. Why did he want to create this ce? And may I ask what your name is? Zac probed.


    Money isnt enough to create a true heritage for a n. Bra was rich, but money can only buy unimpressive and widely distributed skills and cultivation manuals. Things that might take you to early D-Grade but leave you with a pitiful core that cant evolve, the man said with a disdainful snort. And my name is Yrial, so you can call me Lord Yrial or Beauty Yrial.


    Zac really wanted to roll his eyes, but he held himself in check since Yrial seemed pretty capricious. Who knew how he would react if Zac did something that he considered disrespectful.


    "So why not go to someone else? Don''t you need to cut off a piece of your soul to create an inheritance?" Zac probed.


    "Do you think it''s that easy to hire skilled craftsmen that are at peak D-Grade or C-Grade? They are extremely scarce, and most are snatched up by superior forces. Rogue cultivators such as myself can''t hire them no matter how beautiful we are. Bra was simply unattached because he was obsessed with creating a force of his own for some reason," Yrial exined.


    Zac frowned when hearing that. He was hoping to hire a cksmith to create a real Spiritual Tool Shield for him, but if things were as Yrial said it might be harder than he expected. Still, that was a problem forter. He first needed to make this narcissist cough up some valuables.


    Well, anyways. Im here now. I proved my cycle and I defeated the construct, Zac tentatively said.


    Dont you think I dont know your so-called cycle is fake? Those fractals shouldnt have lit up at all, Yrial snorted as he threw Zac a disdainful nce. But I have to admit, using the spy core for such a thing is pretty novel. Im not sure what you encountered to allow your Duplicity core to work like that.


    Spy core? Zac asked with confusion.


    Thats what the duplicity core usually is used for. You take the race of those you wish to spy on. But usually, you shouldnt get a true copy as you have, but rather a watered-down version that only gives a fraction of the bonus power. For some reason your variant seems a lot stronger, Yrial said with a shrug. "Even I can''t understand the fractals covering the core."


    Zac wasn''t too surprised that the ghost knew about his situation. He had been probed by that monument just a few hours before, and he guessed that whatever the monument found out, so did the Lord of Cycles.


    I did some research on it when I was exploring my path since it contains the potential for duality," the ghost added. "But in the end, I didnt feel it was a good fit.


    What do you think caused the difference with my core? Zac eagerly said.


    It appeared that this man was far more knowledgeable about his specialty core than anyone hed met so far. And if the construct was any indication it was pretty likely that Yrial might be able to help him fuse his sses, or at least improve upon the core.


    Who knows? the Lord of Cycles said with disinterest. The multiverse is full of odd chances and miraculous things. Almost everyone who reaches any distance on the path of cultivation has survived some insurmountable odds and encountered some strange opportunities. You made your specialty core much better than normal, which is good but nothing too exciting.


    Zac slowly nodded, though he wasnt really sure what to believe. Greatest seemed to have been of another opinion, and Zac truly felt that getting two sses was a pretty huge deal. He was more inclined to believe that the man in front of him downyed or simply didnt understand the greatness of his Duplicity core. Or perhaps nothing that wasn''t rted to himself could enter his eyes.


    So, I might not be what youre looking for in a disciple, but I still passed the test, Zac said, focusing on what was important. I should be given some treasures, right?


    I guess, the man grumbled, and reluctantly got to his feet. Its not like I need any of the things stored here in any case. Come here and let me sense your talent.


    Zac was ted and hurried over. Yrial indicated for him to hold out his hand, and it looked like he was going to inspect him directly. However, the moment before their hands touched the spirit seemed to have a change of heart, and first conjured a napkin to ce over Zacs hand.


    Zac couldnt help but feel pissed off. Was his hand that disgusting that a damn spirit needed some extrayers of separation? But he held his tongue since he knew that this was not thest time he was seeing this infuriating ghost. He would also administer future trials when he reached the E grade and higher.


    So he endured the injustice as he waited for the spirit to finish his inspection. Zac didnt know exactly what Yrial was looking for, but he guessed it had something to do with the Dao runes he lit up. Perhaps he was trying to choose which category of impartment would suit him best.


    But Zac started to get worried as the frown on Yrials face only deepened the longer the held Zacs hand. Soon he even felt some powerful pressure bear down on him, and he caught a glimpse of an extremely vast aura from the spirit.


    It was tightly controlled, but it was far beyond the impressions he had of both Greatest and The Great Redeemer. He didn''t know why, but it felt like he was pressured by the weight of a world when he felt the aura. That proved that the man in front of him had truly been an existence of a higher tier once upon a time, even though he was pretty annoying.


    This is unbelievable, Yrial finally said and looked at Zac with wonder.


    Zac looked up at the spirit, suddenly filled with anticipation. Perhaps he had realized how special his core was, or that his body was far stronger than normal due to his numerous titles. Making a good impression would perhaps help him gain better treasures and guidance.


    You are beyond trash. You have absolutely no talent in any way manner or form. How are you even alive? he said as he looked at Zac like he was a zoo animal. I dont know whether to call you ultimate garbage or a genius.


    I know Im a mortal, Zac said with grit teeth, stabilizing his heart from the emotional freefall it had just endured. But I have been pushing along just fine until now. And with my special core I dont think Ill be worse off than any cultivator, even if my road will be bumpier.


    No, you dont understand, Yrial said with a shake of his head. This goes beyond being a mortal. I knew you were a trashy mortal the moment you stepped inside my trial.


    Then what do you mean, Zac asked exasperated.


    Do you know what the difference between a mortal and a cultivator is? Apart from the obvious, Yrial said as he conjured up a divan to lie down on, making Zac shake his head.


    Being a cultivator is having a certain amount of affinity with the deeper truths of the universe. Some call it spirituality, Yrial said as he formed a ball of burning ice in his hand. However, its not a binary situation where you either have it or you dont.


    Simply put you can have various affinities with all the Daos, and you need a minimum affinity with at least one Dao to be a cultivator. Lets say that an affinity is a number. Someone with an affinity of 120 to an element will have an easier time learning that Dao than someone with an affinity of 80, Yrial continued as a second ball, this one frozen fire, appeared next to the earlier ball.


    Some races have extremely high affinities with certain Daos, essentially turning their whole poption in a certain direction of cultivation. But many races, like us humans, dont have any racial affinity, he continued as the two balls started to dance around in his hand.


    I am a supreme genius who showed an extremely good affinity with both fire and ice, which is why I embarked upon my path. But most people arent talented enough in any element that they would choose their ss by their affinities. They simply get whatever ss they get, Yrial continued, not forgetting to tout his own horn.


    No one knows the exact cut-off, but lets say the minimum to be able to control Cosmic Energy and push it through their pathways ording to a cultivation manual to be 50, no matter which element.


    Both someone with an affinity of 60 and 160 will be cultivators in other words, though the one with the higher affinity might have an easier time pondering the Dao and breaking through the smaller bottlenecks, Yrial continued. Most also have multiple affinities, though not as high as myself. Apart from fire and Ice I also have an affinity with dozens of other Daos, though I dont focus on them.


    Choosing a path that both fits with your affinities and your personality is the best way to go as far as possible when ites to cultivation. Thats why children are tested when young.


    Zac thought back to Emily, and how Alyn and Alea had tested her to confirm her great talent for cultivation. This was no news for him, but it was interesting to learn that nothing waspletely clear-cut.


    In the same way, mortals can both have an affinity of 20 and 40. Both are trash, but different degrees of trash. And the one with an affinity of 40 will have an easier time of forcing open nodes or turning into a low-grade cultivator in the future, Yrial continued.


    So whats my affinity, Zac said, already having an inkling of the answer going by Yrials earlier reaction.


    Zero. No affinity at all, not to any element, which technically shouldnt be possible. Cosmic Energy is the basic building block of the universe, and it should be impossible to at least not have a small connection to it, Yrial said. Especially you who have already walked on the path of cultivation for a while. Yet I cant find a speck of spirituality in your body.


    I seem to have pressed on fine, though? Zac asked hesitantly. I even have a pretty good tolerance of energy, I can absorb crystals pretty damn quick even without being a cultivator. And I have formed multiple Dao Seeds.


    Thats whats so mind-boggling, Yrial said with wonder. Youre ugly, but you are pretty interesting. Perhaps your trashy constitution might even be an opportunity.


    How is it an opportunity to have no talent? Zac asked with a helpless smile.


    Because you are free. Were all prisoners to the System, ying within its ruleset. The system wont let you chose a ss that is not in line with your talents since that would statistically lower the chance for you to be a powerhouse. And that''s just one of the ways the System limits the boundless Dao. But you who have no talents are unfettered, able to do anything, Yrial said, growing more and more excited.


    Ive decided, today is your lucky day. Ill lower myself to make you my disciple after all, the Lord of Cycles said, truly looking like he was throwing Zac a bone. Hurry, kneel down and ept me as your master!

 Chapter 284: Beauty and Brawn

    Chapter 284: Beauty and Brawn


    Now you want to make me your disciple? Zac asked with hesitation since the situation seemed a bit fishy. I thought I was too ugly? Also, I''m not really interested in kneeling.


    Well, you are a bit ugly, but Ill make an exception. A supertrash thats also a progenitor and having two sses through a variant core? Its too interesting to pass up, the Lord of Cycles said with excitement. And the kneeling is just figurative, though there is one thing you need to do to be my disciple.


    Zac frowned at the exnation. It almost sounded like the Lord of Cycles wanted to take him as a disciple as a novelty. But he was long dead, so why did he bother about these things? And what would a shady person like Yrial have him do to be a disciple?


    There had been too much new information in too short a time. He didn''t even know if Yrial was telling the truth about his aptitude, and there was no way for him to double-check. But something inside him was telling him that he wasn''t lying, and his mind immediately went to his mother.


    Was this what she had done to him? Or was this simply the constitution of a technocrat, someone who hated the system. Various emotions flitted through his mind as he tried to fathom why she would do something like this. Kenzie''s AI he could understand, even if it put her in extreme danger. It would undoubtedly help her get further on the road of cultivation than if she didn''t possess it.


    But why would Leandra want to give him an awful constitution like this?


    "Let''s just say I''m taking a chance here. I only have one shot unless I set up another trial ground after I made this ce. Yourbination of unique traits might lead nowhere, but it might also turn into something amazing. So if you make it big, remember to resurrect me," Yrial suddenly added, perhaps afraid the silence was due to Zac not wanting to be a disciple.


    Resurrect? Zac gaped. Is that even possible?


    As long as you reach the peak of cultivation you can resurrect people as long as you possess a piece of their original soul or at least know where they died. Luckily I am such a piece, The Lord of Cycles nodded. "Though from what I''ve heard it is extremely taxing, so even the most powerful people in the multiverse can only do it a handful of times."


    Resurrection and immortality are two of the mostmon reasons people push themselves toward the peak. Who doesnt have friends and loved ones who have fallen? This only bes more poignant as you get stronger and the millennia pass, Yrial sighed. "Some of mypanions fell to battle, others due to old age since they got stuck and couldn''t progress. The road of cultivation is paved with not only the bones of your enemies but also your loved ones."


    "The only reason this ce was created was that I needed Bra to create a specialized item that I required for an expedition into an unexplored B-Grade Mystic Realm. Since I never came back to update this ce I am guessing I died inside," he said with surprising equanimity. "Such is fate when defying the heavens. Anyone can die at any time."


    Zac''s thoughts immediately went to his father. Was it actually possible to bring him back if he got powerful enough? Or if he got stuck due to being a mortal, then perhaps Kenzie could do it.


    Of course, even with your odd advantages reaching even B-Grade is a dream within a dream, so don''t start nning who to resurrect just yet, Yrial added with some disdain, clearly understanding what Zac was thinking about.


    Why should I ept you as a master though? Zac hesitantly said. "What benefits do I get apart from just getting the inheritance treasures?"


    If you decide to only be an inheritor Ill just throw some treasure at you and then kick you out. Since Ill be pretty pissed off the treasure might not be too exciting, the spirit said without an inkling of shame. But if you be my disciple Ill go above and beyond to help you each time you enter here. Ill not only help you progress, but Ill also give you the best treasures Ive got stocked here.


    Zac looked at the spirit with some helplessness as he knew that he couldn''t say no to such an offer, even if there were some hidden considerations behind Yrial''s offer. Getting the guidance of a C-Grade powerhouse was something extremely valuable for someone like him. But he didn''t immediately say yes since he did have other considerations.


    There is a rogue cultivator believed to be at Peak D-Grade heading toward my homeworld to enve it. Are you able to help out against that? tentatively asked.


    I can kill him for you if you manage to get him inside here. D-Grade warriors have only taken the first step on cultivation, it''s nothing I cant handle even in this limited form. But I dont see how it''s is possible for you to bring him here, the spirit said with an unconcerned shrug. So you would better off putting me and the repository in a portable mansion and fleeing to another.


    Zac sighed in disappointment, but it was worth a try.


    I n to find a force in the multiverse that can protect my from that man. Would that conflict with bing your disciple? Zac asked next


    Of course not, most walking on the path of cultivation will have many teachers and benefactors throughout their lives. Theres no point in trying to reinvent the wheel all by yourself. Some puritans think that taking pointers from others would impact their path of cultivation, but thats only true if their path is fragile and built on unstable foundations, Yrial said.


    But you should also be ready that you might not be as sought after as you hope without exposing your secrets, the Lord of Cycles added. Taking someone on as a disciple is a huge risk and a drain on resources. Both the risk and the drain is multiplied hundredfold when youre a mortal. Bringing a mortal to the D-Grade can bankrupt a sect, and thats just the start.


    So I should disy my core? Zac probed.


    I wouldnt rmend it. Between your odd body and your variation core, you would be lucky tost for a month before someone decided to cut you open. Your situation might not be very interesting for peak existences, but it would certainly be even for some C-Grade beings. If I wasnt dead would already have cut you open to study that core, Yrial said.


    Youd really do something like that? Zac asked with shock.


    Thats nothing. You dont understand how hard it is to progress after the D-Grade. You can spend thousands of years without being able to take a single step forward. If your unique constitution even gave me a minuscule chance of advancing Id rip you apart in a heartbeat. Those lofty existences from elite families wouldnt be any different either, even if they pretend otherwise, Yrial said.


    Cold sweat started to run down Zacs back when he saw the ruthless determination within Yrials eyes, and it reminded him of the stark reality. Might made right in this world, and he was wrong to consider people like The Great Redeemer as crazy outliers. There were innumerable people who were ready to do anything to progress on their path of cultivation.


    In any case, what do I need to do to be your disciple? Zac said, eager to change the subject from his dismemberment.


    Just a small test. I admit I slightly phoned in the trial for the trial. I mean I simply bought and modified a Dao Golem. But in my defense, I did not really want to do this thing so I was annoyed, Yrial said with a straight face. "But I did put in another small test in case I actually found someone eptable to take on as a disciple."


    Weren''t you already ready to ept me? Zac hesitantly asked. Is there really a need for another trial?


    Well, perhaps not if I was still alive, but I am a construct now, Yrial snickered. I am created by a set of rules that I cannot bend. To be a disciple you must pass my test for disciples. Dont worry, seeing your strength you should survive. Though I admit the trial tests not only your brawn but also your beauty, which might be a problem for you.


    rms started to go off in Zass mind, and he quickly turned around to run away. The trial for discipleship sounded extremely suspicious, and he wanted no part of it. Especially when he mentioned the risk of death.


    Nave, the Lord of Cycles simplyughed, and with a wave of his arm Zac was lifted up and brought back to where he stood earlier.


    "No, wait!" Zac shouted, but it was toote, as an odd wave was released from an amulet around Yrial''s neck.


    Zac helplessly red at the man waving him goodbye from his spot by the pond until the scenery started to blur around him. Were all old ghosts scammers in the end?


    Zac didnt have time toin over the simrily shady methods of Anzonil and Yrial as the odd pressure continued to build up in his mind. He had already realized that the was being put inside a dreamscape or an illusion so that the trial wouldn''t take ce in reality. Zac tried to resist the growing confusion with all his might, even activating <strong>[Mental Fortress].</strong>


    But the might of the illusion wrought by a C-Grade powerhouse wasn''t something he could resist, and his defensive skill was effortlessly broken through by whatever Yrial did. Ceaseless information was crammed into his mind, and he realized it was memories from when Yrial was young. There was a flood of impressions and sights, and Zac started to be unsure who he even was until he finally cked out.


    Zac shook his head with a groan before looking around to see where he was. He was currently sitting at a camp in a forest, though the trees were a bit different from anything he had seen on earth. It was the middle of winter, and the barren trees were covered in ayer of snow. However, he didnt move, and instead tried to sort out the new information in his head.


    The confusion he felt during the impartment had abated, and he knew that he was Zac and that he was inside a dream trial for discipleship. Nothing he saw around him was actually real. But the problem was the parting words of Yrial. Even though this ce an illusion it appeared there was a distinct risk of death.


    The ce he found himself in was modeled after a real ce, and it was the homeworld of The Lord of Cycles. The forest around him had no name, and it was simply part of the untamed wilderness that spanned between the established influences in the area.


    Zac quickly opened up his status screen, and it was with some relief that he found that all his attributes and skills were intact. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> was also by his side, though his own Cosmos Sack had been reced by a much worse one with only some simple necessities and a few Nexus Crystals inside.


    Zac wasnt too worried though since he believed that the object was to finish the trial without the assistance of his vast wealth. He had to admit that he had taken a shortcut with the Unholy Beacon, and Yrial perhaps didnt want such a thing to happen again. His real Cosmos Sack was no doubt still with his real body inside the trail.


    He was also curious to note that he had gotten an actual quest this time around, rather than just being thrown into the ring against the Life-Death construct. Even the type of quest was new, meaning discipleship might not be something as simple as a verbal agreement between two people.


    <strong>Fire and Ice (Unique, Discipleship): Acquire a Profound Yin Orchid and a Ruby of Evesting Yang. Reward: Discipleship of The Lord of Cycles. (0/2). Remaining: 04:23:58:23</strong>


    Zac nked out for a second as he looked at the quest. He had no clue what those two things were, but he soon found them inside the added memories from Yrial''s youth. And the more he looked through the memories the worse his face got. How the hell was he supposed to finish this quest?


    It truly was a test of beauty and brawn.

 Chapter 285: Profound Yin and Everlasting Yang

    Chapter 285: Profound Yin and Evesting Yang


    It seemed like a straightforward enough task, but Zac groaned inwardly when he saw it. The burst of information he had received included all the information he needed regarding the two treasures, and Zac knew this quest would be a pain in the ass.


    Neither of the treasures were readily avable. The Profound Yin Orchid was a top tier E-Grade flower that gave an enormous boost to the Ice-attributed cultivation manual that the Disciples of the Profound Yin Sect in the area used. It was so integral to them that they even named their Sect after it, and the gardens containing the flowers were strictly guarded deep inside the core of their sect.


    The Profound Yin sect was nothing special in the multiverse, but its ancestor was a high-level E-Grade cultivator. All its elders were between the Low and Mid-grade E-Rank as well, and their force was not something Zac could handle even if he went all out.


    Interestingly enough the Profound Yin sect was exclusively a female sect, and any association with males was strictly prohibited. There was no way for Zac to simply walk up to the sect in order to trade with them as he would be attacked on sight. Not that they would ever sell their core resource anyway.


    The situation with the Rubies of Evesting Yang was pretty much the same. They only slowly grew inside a volcano sitting atop a Nexus Vein, and it was strictly controlled by Evesting Yang Sect. The sect was the exact opposite of the Profound Yin, and only fire-attributed males could join the sect.


    The two sects were actually located quite close to each other, and not surprisingly there was non-stop contention between the two forces. Since both the sects were of roughly the same strength neither was able to root out the other, and it seemed like the elders of both the sects used the conflict as a whetstone to hone their disciples.


    The mission was a replication of a feat that the Lord of Cycles aplished when he was roughly the same level as Zac himself. In fact, Yrial was a lot weaker in terms of total attributes and power when he stole the two treasures in short session.


    The memories that Zac received while he fell into the dreamscape even went so far as to give him a few partial memories of how Yrial managed to snatch the two treasures, and the method Yrial used was the reason Zac was so vexed. A test of beauty and brawn was an apt description.


    He had actually openly infiltrated the Profound Yin sect. He had utilized his ambiguous looks by ambushing a Profound Yin Disciple who was out hunting beasts in the woods, and then stolen her disciples uniform. With that in hand, he simply waltzed into the gates looking like a woman. He even used an early version of his beatification field to gain ess to the garden from the presiding elder.


    Getting the ruby was a lot simpler. Yrial had walked up to the Evesting Yang sect, proiming that he had beaten a core disciple of the Profound Yin sect in a duel, showing the orchid as proof. From there he taunted the disciples of the Profound Yang sect until one of their own core disciples stepped forward, putting a ruby as the wager.


    The core disciple was stronger than Yrial in reality, but the Lord of Cycles once again used his beatification field to confuse the poor disciple, and then Yrial ruthlessly attacked him while his emotions were in turmoil.


    It was not muchter that his trickery had been exposed, and he was summarily hunted by both the sects for a good while. Zacs imparted memories stopped there though, and he didnt know how the story ended. However, since Yrial had be a C-Grade powerhouse in the end he had clearly gotten away.


    Zac understood why Yrial had taken the risk. He had already started walking on the path of fire and ice, the two concepts that would allow him to reach the peak C Grade in the end. But he was a poor rogue cultivator, and getting his hands on those two treasures was his idea to push both his Daos forward.


    Both of them helped a cultivator foster a constitution that was especially suited for the cultivation of their respective element. Zac guessed that Yrialterbined the two to create the foundation of a real fire-and-ice constitution.


    The problem for Zac was that there was no way for him to replicate Yrials feat. At least not in the same way. There was no way he would be able to pass as a woman, even with the help of <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. There were limits to the skill, and not possible to change enough to pass off as a woman, except perhaps from a great distance.


    He believed he could replicate the second half of the mission though, though he would be able to defeat the core disciple without the use of trickery. He had apanied Bra enough to know how to enrage a few cultivators, but he knew that they wouldnt offer up a Ruby for the wager unless he could put up one of the orchids.


    Arge part of the reason they were ready to duel Yrial was that they desperately wanted to seed where the Profound Yin failed in a game of one-upmanship. If they could show the world that they had one of the prized possessions of their rival sects it would no doubt make their enemies lose a lot of face.


    Finding another treasure to wager instead was out of the question as well. The time limit was pretty restrictive, and he would only have time to visit the sects one by one with little room for leeway. Since time was of the essence Zac would simply take it step by step.


    That in of itself was a problem to Zac, who was already runningte for his real-life obligations. He was supposed to go to Westfort today, but he might be stuck inside this ce for another few days. However, Zac suddenly had an idea as he sat down and started to ponder upon his Daos.


    But no matter what he did or which Dao he pondered upon, everything was just a haze in his mind. It was like he had lost one of his senses, where the truths of the world werepletely blocked to him or even missing. Zac wasn''t worried though, but quite satisfied with the results.


    Being unable to improve ones Dao could be indicative of time dtion. Since the Dao of Time was a thing, creating spaces that had a different flow of time was quite possible. However, no matter whether you sped up time or slowed it down it was essentially impossible to improve inside those time chambers.


    The different passage of time somehow messed up the connection with the Dao, and it all became a mess. Simrily it was apparently impossible to properly use cultivation manuals since they somehow were connected to the Dao as well.


    You could advance, but it was extremely arduous and left your foundation unstable, so you would only hurt yourself in the long run if you tried to take a shortcut and cultivate inside a ce with a different time-flow. Thats why such spaces were never used to improve.


    They did have some uses though. The current situation was one use, where one could perform a trial without wasting time in real life. Another example was whether you needed to slow down your aging to be able to protect your n for longer or just stay young enough to be able to enter a Mystic Realm that only opened in set intervals.


    Of course, time dtion chambers cost a fortune to build and run, and it was only something Ogras had mentioned that supreme forces might utilize. D or even C-Graded forces were very unlikely to own such an extravagant thing.


    Zac was happy that he might not waste as much time as he feared, but he still immediately set out for the Profound Yin Sect. For one he didnt know how much time was passing in the real world, and he wanted to get back to Yrial. He had been whisked away before he could get all the answers he was looking for.


    Yrial was the key to so many things that were currently stumping Zac. He obviously knew a lot about Specialty Cores, and he no doubt knew the means to evolve them. How tobine two opposing concepts was also the specialty of Yrial, clearly disyed through the two balls that he summoned to y around with.


    Zac felt that the orchid part of the quest was the key. If he managed to figure out a way to get it, he was most likely set. If not he would simply sit out the five days and miss out on the opportunity of bing the disciple of the Lord of Cycles. He simply wasnt ready to risk it all for this quest since there were too many people depending on him.


    It was only ten hourster that he was hiding along a cliff wall, overlooking the female-dominated sect. His memories had unerringly led him to the Profound Yin sect, and his travels had once more proven he was in a dreamscape. The forests were full of beasts between the levels 50 and 75, but when Zac killed them he received no Cosmic Energy, meaning the animals weren''t real.


    The sect was ced in arge basin, and Zac noted that the whole area was far colder than the surroundings. It was winter in the rest of the forest as well, but the valley seemed to be permanently in this state, and frigid winds rose from the valley floor.


    The problem Zac faced as he looked down was how to even get close to the outer walls. There was barely any cover in the valley, making it extremely hard to sneak up on the sect. Apart from some boulders, there were only some odd trees that seemed to be almost made out of rocks, but they were extremely thin and sparsely ced.


    Zac decided on the same course of action as Yrial in the end, though not as brazen. He roamed outside the valley for a few hours until he finally spotted disciple on her own, and she even had roughly the same hair color as himself. Zac wasted no time and shed over with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and the next moment an unconscious girly in front of him.


    Zac silenced the inner voice calling him a creep as he lifted the girl and took her away. He repeatedly reminded himself that this was all a dreamscape as he took her outer coat and ced it over himself. After some hesitation he also bound and gagged her, but he believed that a cultivator should be able to extricate herself in an hour or so after waking up.


    He didn''t choose to kill her, even though she wasn''t real. He felt it would impact his personality if he heedlessly killed like that. If he started wholesale ughter of innocent people in a dreamscape now, then before you know it he might feel it was okay to do it in real life.


    Besides, it might backfire if someone found a murdered disciple. It might even alert the sect leader. A knocked out one should elicit a much more restrained response if it was discovered. Perhaps the disciple would even be so embarrassed that she wouldn''t report it if she came to early.


    Next, he activated <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong> for the first time in a long time, and he grimaced when he was reminded of how extremely painful it was to utilize due to the mismatch with his pathways. But only a few momentster he had a face that bore a passing resemnce to the girl in front of him, but if he was properly looked at one would immediately notice he was a man.


    No matter what he tried he wasnt able to change his features to those of a woman, the level or quality of the skill was simply not high enough. But after he had grown out his hair and covered his face slightly he felt it was good enough for his purposes.


    He also took her disciple token and used <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> on her to find out her name before he left. Just a few minutester he was trekking down the valley, his heart rapidly beating as he neared the sect. His eyes scoured the walls in the distance for any response to his approach.


    He did not immediately walk toward the main gate since it was continuously guarded, but he rather chose to meander a bit so that he approached the sect from the side. He wasnt too worried about this since he saw steps in the snow everywhere. It seemed taking a walk outside the walls within the safety of the valley was nothing umon.


    Zac strolled for twenty minutes until he could confirm there werent any guards along the wall. An array covered the whole sect, and it would be a waste of manpower to continuously guard the walls as well. The only guards were the squad that was ced at the gate.


    The disciple token should be all that was needed to pass through the array, but he didnt know whether something else would trigger if he jumped over the wall instead of passing through the array through the wall. There was no answer in his new memories, so there was only one way to find out.


    When he noticed the vision of the guards was blocked by a boulder he suddenly shed forward with <strong>[Loamwalker], </strong>and the next moment he was above the walls.

 Chapter 286: Sneaking Inside

    Chapter 286: Sneaking Inside


    Zacs heart was beating like a drum as he hurried along a secluded path of the Profound Yin sect. Things were starting to get a bit out of hand, and he had already left 8 unconscious disciples in his wake. Honestly, he was unsure whether he had actually killed a few of them by mistake, but he pushed down any such thoughts at the moment.


    The initial infiltration had gone just fine. Some sort of silent rm went off, but he had already anticipated such a thing and he hid to see what kind of response sneaking past the wall elicited.


    Three guards arrived a minuteter, and Zac had already hidden inside a nearby house, knocking out the upant. She had only been level 31 and was likely a pretty fresh recruit to the sect.


    Judging by the conversation of the guards they didnt put much weight to Zac jumping over the wall. His token belonged to the disciple named Tilri, and they believed it was her who had crossed the wall rather than passing through the gate for some reason. They noted a demerit in her name then went on with their day.


    However, everything didnt go as smoothly from there. He took a very roundabout way toward the small garden that housed the Profound Yin Orchids to avoid people, but it was impossible to avoid them altogether. The garden was against a mountain wall in the back of the sect, and he had to pass a lot of structures to get there.


    It only took Zac 30 seconds to get spotted, and the girl he encountered only need another second to realize he was a man. Luckily one second was all Zac needed to sh forward and tap her forehead with enough power to knock her out cold.


    He dragged her into the nearest house, which alerted another person inside. Soon another disciple was lying unconscious with arge bump on her forehead next to her sect sister. From there one mishap after another happened, and he felt it was only a matter of time before he would hear sirens ring across the whole valley.


    But he still hadnt given up. As far as he knew everyone that had realized who he was had been knocked out, and the sect was only so big. He just needed to endure for another minute before he reached the garden.


    A petite figure suddenly appeared from around a corner, and Zac instinctively mmed the hilt of his axe in her temple before she had evene into full view. Zac grimaced when he saw that she was barely as old as Emily, but what done was done. She was stuffed behind a few sacks of rice inside a shed before he kept speeding forward.


    A wave of relief spread through his body as he saw the cave that was his destination. The orchids grew inside, perpetually secluded from the sun. Their only nourishment was water an extremely cold stream rising from the underground and the Nexus Vein that was ced beneath the valley.


    The cave was off-limits to normal people, and there were no buildings or disciples close to the entrance. But Zac knew from his memories that a low-level E-Grade elder sat inside to tend to and guard the flowers. It was mainly to keep any greedy disciples away, while also being a reward to the elder. Sitting amongst the flowers to cultivate drastically improved one''s cultivation, though not as much as directly imbibing them.


    Zac hurried through the entrance with his head lowered, taking onest look around to make sure that no one saw him enter. The moment he entered he immediately changed directions toward the elders trying to make his hair shroud his face for as long as possible. But the elder seemed to realize something was wrong, and a frown immediately adorned her face.


    Wha- was all the elder had time to say before Zac was upon her with a monstrous momentum from activating <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    However, she clearly was no slouch as a thick wall of ice immediately appeared in front of her as she started to fade away. Zac saw she was using some movement skill, and he knew he couldnt let her escape. The wall looked extremely sturdy, and it was empowered by some Dao, but Zac barreled into it like a bull with the help of the Dao of Heaviness.


    Zac felt like some bones in his arm would break from the impact, but they held while the wall cracked. But Zac wasntpletely unscathed as ayer of frostpletely covered him and hindered his movements. It seemed to be the effect of a Dao, and Zac wasnt able to simply shrug it off.


    But he was already in melee range, and his fist mmed straight toward the elder guardian before she couldpletely escape. He was still imbued with the Dao of Heaviness, and the fist mmed into her midriff like a wrecking ball.


    The fist connected and forced her back into apletely corporeal form, and she was mmed back into the wall behind her, causing widespread cracks. However, his hand felt like it was frozen solid from the hit, and before Zac even had time to follow up with another strike to knock her out he was pelted by dozens of extremely sharp icicles.


    He managed to dodge a few and endure a few others, but he knew he couldnt take too many of these strikes. A couple of them managed to hit his body before he had time to activate <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>and it felt like they contained some sort of cold poison.


    If he didnt end the fight quickly he would be turned into a popsicle, so he forced his stiff body to move, and hended another m straight in her face. Blood spurted everywhere and her face was almost caved in from the force of the punch.


    She was pushed back into the frozen wall, and this time she didnt get up again. A few twitches was the only sign that she was still alive, and Zac quickly moved his attention toward the dozen flowers in the garden.


    He knew he was out of time. There was no way that the battle hadnt been heard from the outside even though it was over in just a few seconds. Worse yet he saw that some of the icicles had flown straight out of the cave mouth, likely alerting everyone in the area.


    He ignored the elder and immediately shed over to the closest flower and dug it out of the ground. There was already a cold-attributed storage box in his Cosmos Sack, and he quickly ced it inside before he put it back into his pouch. A nce in the quest menu showed that the progress of the quest had changed to <strong>(1/2)</strong>.


    Zac sighed in relief but he knew his difficulties had only started. He could hear the subdued shuffling of feet outside, yet no one entered. There was no doubt an ambush waiting outside, but Zac hoped that it couldnt be too organized since only a couple of seconds had passed. It was likely only the first responders to the scene.


    If he could break out of the encirclement before the elders could wake up from their closed-door cultivation he had confidence he would be able to escape. The powerhouses were mostly in deep meditation from what he understood, and they couldn''t simply wake up and be fight-ready in the blink of an eye. That was the only reason he dared to break in like this.


    Zac activated <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> again and imbued it with the Dao of Trees. He even imbued himself with the Dao when he noticed that it seemed to have a small restraining effect on the frost that still covered parts of his body. One of his insights was based on resilience against the elements after all, the ability to survive in any climate.


    Wasting no more time, Zac rushed outside with his axe at the ready. The reason he didnt use it before was that he wanted to give himself a small window where the elder was confused due to how he looked. But if he sported arge barbaric axe when he entered the cave he would have no doubt have been immediately discovered, foiling his ambush.


    He shed out with his movement skill, and as he suspected he was immediately met with a barrage of ice-attributed attacks. Zac growled andunched five fractal edges imbued with the Dao of Heaviness to crush any iing ice. Frigid winds were trying to root him in ce, but his blood pumped through his body due to his high Vitality, allowing him to keep running.


    His fractal edges were extremely powerful and destroyed everything in their path before they kept moving toward the horrified disciples. But two strong auras erupted from two women who looked to be in their mid-thirties, and they quickly moved to intercept the strikes.


    Luckily these elders were amongst the weaker ones as well, likely barely past level 80, and it took all they had to intercept the five massive des of deathing for their disciples. Zac took the chance and immediately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, escaping the same path that he entered.


    Stop! Thief! an enraged shout echoed behind him.


    Elder Gemoa is badly hurt! another voice echoed with a tinge of panic.


    Some worry started to rise in Zac''s heart as he sensed one dangerous aura after another waking up, each more powerful than thest. Zac quickly took out a small pill from his pouch and ate it as he kept utilizing <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. The pill was a low-grade Blood Boil Pill that gave a temporary boost to Cosmic Energy and power, though using them too often would harm one''s foundations.


    But since Zac was just in a dreamscape he didn''t care about that and used every tool in his toolbox. Since he no longer cared about stealth the way that took him minutes before only took him a few seconds. Zac saw the air shimmer above the wall, and he unhesitantlyunched one <strong>[Chop]</strong> after another, each imbued with either the Dao of Sharpness or Hardness.


    As he suspected a shield had been erected, though it seemed that it mainly was used to protect from attacks from the outside. It only took 3 strikes to cause arge crack, and another strike to st open a temporary hole for Zac to jump through without losing any speed. However, just as he was about to exit the shield a massive ice boulder mmed into him out of nowhere, making him cough up a mouthful of blood.


    Hended face-first into the snow outside, but immediately sprung to his feet and kept pushing Cosmic Energy through his legs as he sped out of the valley. Zac ignored his ragged state as he pushed himself toward the mountain in the distance. Hot on his heels were hundreds of women, each more beautiful than thest.


    The only problem was that they all lookedpletely enraged, like they couldnt wait to tear Zac apart.


    Now and then everything fromrge icicles to huge snowballs sailed toward him to slow him down. A few of the Profound Yin Disciples that seemed to focus on cold-attributedbat sses even ripped out trees from the ground and hurled them at him. But thanks to the distance Zac had no problem avoiding them, often without even having to waste Cosmic Energy.


    After almost a day of running more and more female disciples started to fall behind, and after another day only those that were at leastte F-Grade could keep up. However, the E-Grade elders that he sensed in the dwindling group did not seem inclined to push ahead of the disciples.


    Perhaps they wanted Zac to lead them to a supposed leader, or perhaps they had already realized where Zac was headed and wanted to escte the conflict. He even considered that they wanted to kill him in full view of the Evesting Yang sect to show what happens to those who encroached on their bottom line.


    Whichever case was right, Zac felt more than happy to y along as he lugged toward the Evesting Yang sect. He could actually speed up himself and lose most of those behind him, but he opted to conserve his Cosmic Energy instead.


    Besides, he was afraid that if he sped up to a pace that only the elders could endure they would immediately pounce on him. So he leisurely ran forward while dodging the asional icicle as he tried to figure out his next move. He already knew that his original n likely wouldnt work with the Profound Yin sect hot on his heel. However, he felt it would be possible to sow some chaos and use that chaos to fish in muddied waters.


    Finally, after another 4 hours, he was closing in on the Evesting Yang sect. Even Zac was starting to get winded by this point, whereas the remaining disciples who were still at F-Grade were deathly pale, while others were actually carried by their elders. Perhaps they wanted to retain a certain number of experts for whatever would happen next.


    Luckily he wouldnt have to scale the whole volcano, since the sect was cut into the mountain, starting at the foot and going roughly halfway up. He also knew from memories that they had carved paths all the way to the magma inside, and the elites cultivated as close to the magma as possible since it emitted Fire-attuned energies.


    As Zac started to close in on the gates leading up to the sect he started to sense that his pursuers started to slow down. That wasnt good news for his n so he needed to improvise a bit. He took a deep breath and infused his lungs with Cosmic Energy.


    THE PROFOUND YIN SECT IS ATTACKING! he roared on top of his lungs, his energy-empowered volume enough to push away the snow around him.


    The shout had a pronounced effect as in seconds a stream of red-robed disciples started to appear on the wall as the sounds of heavy drums echoed across the Volcano.

 Chapter 287: Subterfuge

    Chapter 287: Subterfuge


    Zac didnt stop running even if the wall was quickly filling up with somber-looking warriors, all of them looking ready to fight. However, a huge fireball ripped toward him, forcing him to a screeching halt as it mmed down in front of him, causing arge scorch mark.


    Help! I wish to join your great sect, but these crazy women want to stop me, Zac shouted as he stood right between the Profound Yin cultivators and the wall.


    The cultivators from the Profound Yin Sect had also stopped their pursuit by now, but they seemed unwilling to let things go as they were. They seemed more than ready for a fight even though quite a few of them were pretty spent from the ultra marathon. But the disciples still in F-Grade all ate some pill that seemed to perk them right up.


    Hand this man over to us and we will not take this issue further, one of the elders said with a somber face.


    There was only silence for a few seconds until therge gates suddenly rumbled as they opened, and a small group of cultivators walked out. They seemed to be roughly the same number as his pursuers, and Zac started to wonder if there were some unspoken rules between the two sects.


    Perhaps they kept their shes to a certain number to avoid toorge losses. With their umted enmity it wouldn''t be surprising if they wouldunch an all-out war, but it would at best result in a pyrrhic victory. These two sects werent the only forces in the area, and such an action would surely lead to the downfall of both sects.


    You will not take things further, you say? a robust man with bulging muscles said with a teasing face. I wonder what a couple of birds so far from home would do if we dontply.


    Romi, are you truly nning on testing our patience in the middle of winter? We are taking this man back either alive or in pieces. He grievously wounded Gemoa. A price must be paid, another of the Yin elders growled.


    It might be winter, but in this area the Yin is always suppressed, the man called Romi scoffed before he turned to Zac. Young man, you managed to hurt that bitch? Very impressive. Too bad you look a little girly.


    Zac quickly tried to find a good course of action, and his face started to change. It was no longer the slightly feminine youngster with long hair standing in front of them, but rather a man in his 40s with a masculine face.


    Zaq tied up his hair as he forcibly stopped his face from grimacing from the pain from changing appearance. He had decided to utilize <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong> once more to be less threatening to the Evesting Yang Sect. A middle-aged man defeating an elder was much more believablepared to a youngster. Perhaps they would think he was part of some other force otherwise.


    I managed to ambush her, but she was unfortunately too strong so I couldnt kill her, Zac said with a gravelly voice. I changed my face to sneak inside and get this.


    The next moment he held up the box, and he quickly opened it to show the orchid. He held the box so that both parties would see the orchid within, and their expressions proved he was on the right track.


    I wanted to present this to your great sect as proof of my sincerity, Zac said as he threw a scathing nce at the profound yin elders. Who would have known that these bitches couldnt get enough of my handsome face and chased me for three straight days?


    The members of the Evesting Yang Sect only gaped at Zac in surprise, whereas the Profound Yin sect members looked like they would explode in anger. Another of the Yang elders quickly noticed an opportunity to further piss off their enemies, and he looked over at the women with a sneer.


    A profound yin orchid! A fine offering indeed. Its useless for us, but perhaps we could nt them and feed them to our cattle, heughed.


    Thatment was thest spark needed to start a congration, and one of the female disciples screamed in anger as sheunched a de of ice right at the elder. However, he was somewhere in the middle of the E-Grade and with augh easily melted it, causing a mist to rise around him.


    The two sects needed very little encouragement as the next moment over ten attacks sailed through the air between the two sides. One of the elders even turned her eyes toward Zac in rage, and a crystalline bird appeared out of nowhere as it flew toward him with a screech.


    Zac screamed in rm, only half-faking it, and ran toward the members of the Evesting Yang sect. But the bird was extraordinarily fast and its beak pierced him in his back. Zack fell over and spat out a mouthful blood that immediately froze into sanguine crystals.


    Protect that man! Romi shouted as ance of fire erupted from his hand, shooting straight toward the elder who attacked Zac from the other side.


    Zacs pathetic state wasnt fully a ruse, as the peck from the bird had contained a massive amount of frigid energies that rampaged through his body. He desperately circled his Cosmic Energy along with the Dao of Trees to slowly grind away at it, but doing so left him almost unable to move.


    Luckily two disciples quickly ran over and lifted him up, and one of them even infused him with some fiery energy that helpedbat the cold. However, the second one did not seem to be as benevolent, and Zac noticed a pair of greedy eyes looking at his Cosmos Sack.


    What are you doing? Get him inside the gate! Romi shouted as two more molten streams erupted from his hands to intercept the disciples who tried to approach Zac.


    Seeing that Zac was being taken away caused the brawl to turn into an all-out conflict, and soon the whole area had turned into a haze from the mix of water vapors and smoke from fires. Constant explosions and screams could be heard though, and Zac couldnt help but shake his head in bafflement. They had been all too ready to go to war with each other.


    Zac heavily hung on the disciples arm as he pretended to be extremely weakened by the strike. In reality, his eyes were scanning the rampart in front of him, until he finally found who he was looking for. A man in histe twenties or early thirties stood on top of the wall not too far from the gate, sporting arge sword fashioned from reddish stone on his back.


    This was the core disciple that Yrial had fought in the real world, and Zacs theatrics was a bid to get closer to him. There was no way that he dared to infiltrate this sect as well with themotion that he had caused, so he needed to take one of the rubies that had already been harvested.


    The core disciple had taken the ruby out of his Cosmos Sack when taunted by Yrial in his memories, and he hadnt needed to get it from anywhere. Since he was at peak F-Grade he was likely preparing to use it and then evolve to E-Grade, though Yrial threw a wrench in those ns.


    Just sit down and rest, the man who helped himbat the frigid energies in his body said to Zac after they entered the sect. The yin-energies can leave hidden wounds if not properly dispelled.


    Thank you. Ill focus on recuperation, Zac simply said as he sat down and closed his eyes.


    The battle was still raging outside, and the two disciples who had helped him back to the sect hurried back outside to join their brothers, and Zac was leftrgely alone. Almost all of the other sect members had their focus on the battle outside their walls, and it almost seemed like they were watching a y.


    Elder Romis <strong>[Molten Burst]</strong> is powerful as ever, its even able to melt a hole straight through the <strong>[Ice Bulwark] </strong>of Tena, one of them muttered from atop the rampart.


    Zac shook his head in wonder. The disciples even knew their enemies by first-name basis, showing how often they shed with each other. If they just put their differences aside they would have been able to create a great sect withplementing strength, just as Yrials two attributesplemented each other.


    But who knew if these sects even still existed in the real world. From what he had heard the average sect onlysted between 5 and 20 generations, which meant for an E-Grade sect 2 500 to 10 000 years. Between natural disasters, declining talents, and cmities thrown at them by the System there was no such thing as a permanent force.


    Since millions of years had likely passed since Yrials feat took ce these two forces were most likely long gone and forgotten, their endless conflict not even mentioned in the ancient history books. Zac sighed with some mncholy as he opened his eyes and looked around. These projections all represented people with dreams and ambitions.


    But Zac soon snapped out of it as he silently got to his feet. A few disciples looked over at him, but they didnt have time to do anything before Zac exploded into action. The ground beneath his feet cracked as he pounced right at the disciple who possessed the ruby he was after.


    The core disciple barely had time to turn his head before Zac was upon him from behind. But the disciple was clearly a battle-hardened warrior, as his hand was immediately gripping therge rock-sword on his back. He quickly raised it slightly to protect his head from Zacs iing fist.


    But even though he was a core disciple of the Evesting Yang Sect he waspletely unable to endure the fist that was empowered with a high mastery Dao and almost 600 Strength. The sword mmed into the back of his head and he was thrown forward,nding in a heap outside the sect.


    Zac didnt give him a chance to gather his wits before he followed. He jumped down from the wall walk andnded right on top of the poor man, imbued with the Dao of Heaviness. Large cracks in the ground spread beneath the disciple and his face turned green until he emptied his stomach.


    Some of it sshed straight in Zacs face but he reined in his disgust as he ripped the disciples Cosmos Sack from his side. He gave the puking man another stomp for good measure as he scoured the inside of the Sack for his target.


    Traitor! a disciple screamed, and a few enraged disciples started to prepare attacks.


    However, Zacs disy of might made all of them hesitant to go first, allowing Zac to snatch therge red ruby before putting it away in his own sack. A quick nce confirmed his quest was <strong>(2/2)</strong>.


    But Zacs brows furrowed when he was still standing on top of the core disciple after a few seconds. Was something missing from the quest? However his danger sense started going off, and he unhesitantly moved away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> a moment before Romis <strong>[Molten Burst]</strong> ripped through the air where he stood.


    You have guts, thief! Romi roared,pletely enraged.


    He was bleeding from his mouth and his right shoulder was frozen solid from ice, but his aura was still stable, meaning he hadnt been critically wounded.


    You try to y our sects while stealing our treasures? he growled. You can forget about leaving this area alive!


    The fighting had already subsided and the haze that covered the pitched battle between the two sects was quickly dissipating. Soon all the disciples and elders were in full view, and all of them sported various degrees of wounds. Some eveny unmoving on the ground, their fate unknown.


    One thing that seemed to unite both camps was their seething hatred for Zac though, and they all looked at him with burning eyes.


    Im happy to see you guys finally get along, Zac sighed before he immediately sped away with his movement skill.


    Quite a few dangerous auras were waking up inside the sect as well, and Zac knew he couldnt stay any longer. He unhesitantly fled into the forests with members of both sects in tow. This time however the elders were quickly outpacing their disciples, and Zac was forced to go all out.


    Luckily endurance was Zacs strong suit, and neither sect seemed to excel at speed. So Zac simply switched between <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and high speed running for 6 hours until he finally had lost thest of the elders.


    It was one of the elders from the Profound Yin sect, and she screamed in frustration into the air when she finally gave up on the chase. Zac only shook his head with a wry smile as he kept running for another two hours. He found a secluded spot and sat down to wait out the clock.


    When the quest timer hit zero the world blurred, and the next moment he found himself lying in a patch of flowers with arge moon shining down on him.


    Youre back, as expected of my disciple. How about it, wasnt your master dashing back in the day? Yrial''s voice floated over from the pond.


    Zac slowly got up to his feet, relieved to see that only 6 hours had passed since he got put under, meaning time passed 20 times faster inside the dreamscape.


    Youre something, alright, Zac said with a shake of his head as he turned toward his new teacher. I wonder how you escaped the pursuit of two rabid sects back then?

 Chapter 288: A Flower of Fire and Ice

    Chapter 288: A Flower of Fire and Ice


    How would some backwater elders catch up to the great Lord of Cycles? Yrialughed from his recliner by the pond. What about it, is your master not amazing? I yed those two sects like a fiddle. And that was in the real world where one could actually die.


    The next moment Zac was once again grabbed by an unseen force and ced on a mat not far from the pond.


    I wasnt actually at risk for dying? Zac said through grit teeth. I ran my ass off to avoid getting my soul torn to shreds.


    Well, there was still danger. If you died inside your soul would be hurt and you would have to trade some of your credits for soul-healing pills, Yrial said with a smile. Those things are pretty expensive.


    That quickly calmed Zac down, and he thanked the gods that he hadnt taken anything for granted in the dreamscape. Clearly, the trial was mostly a veiled attempt to show off his own feats, but it looked like the old ghost was finally about to hold up his end of the bargain.


    Whats credits? Zac asked, holding back anyints orments that might derail Yrial from handing over the inheritance treasures.


    When I needed to create this inheritance I simply threw a bunch of stuff that would be valuable for young cultivators and attached a price ording to its value. For passing the first trial you get between 1000 and 10000 credits, depending on how I feel. For also bing my disciple you get double, Yrial exined. What you choose to use those points for is up to you.


    The next moment he fished out a crystal from his sleeve and threw it over to Zac who caught it. Zac knew it was an information crystal from a first look, and he guessed that the stored items were listed inside.


    So how many points do I get? Zac asked with anticipation


    Well, since youre my terminal disciple I guess youll start at maximum credits, ten thousand, Yrial said, but he continued before Zac could get excited. However, Ill have to detract a thousand points for your face. Being a barbarian is no excuse for skipping proper skincare. Ill also deduct a thousand for the way you defeated the construct. So eight thousand times two.


    Zac was already starting to be immune to Yrialsments about his looks, and he felt that the deduction for how he finished the first trial was fair enough. It still left him with 16 000 credits to spend, and he eagerly infused some Cosmic Energy into the information crystal.


    A long list of items lit up in front of him, and he was surprised to see that Yrial had stashed over two hundred items that were exchangeable after finishing the first trial. Most of the items were priced between one to two thousand credits, meaning one would usually walk away with five items or so. However, there were a few items that were much more expensive.


    <strong>[Ultimate treasure Lock of hair: 10 000 Credits] </strong>


    Lock of hair? Zac read out loud and looked up at Yrial with confusion. Whats that?


    You are my disciple after all! Impable taste. That item is a true lock of hair from my real body. Now that Im dead its value is truly priceless, Yrial said with a sagely nod.


    Your hair? Zac eximed, not being able to hide his disgust. What would I do with that?


    Yrial''s face immediately scrunched up in anger, and the air around him seemed to freeze for a second before he took a deep breath to calm himself.


    What you would do with that? Gaze upon it in awe and wonder of course. Hair from my head is an item of unlimited artistic beauty, the physical manifestation of perfection. How about it? You would still have a lot of points over if you bought it, Yrial said with anticipation.


    Zac only snorted and kept looking, drawing another re from Yrial. In reality, the item might not actually be as useless as Yrial described. Yrial was a high or peak C-Grade hegemon when he cut that lock of hair, and Zac suspected its strength would be extraordinary. If he used the hair for crafting he would likely be able to make an extremely sturdy item.


    However, he wasnt keen on wearing an armor made out of human hair, and he had no one who could craft using such high-grade materials. He instead looked for items that could give immediate boosts to his power, or at least assist in theing battle with the Dominators.


    The lock of hair wasnt the only suspicious item in the list. In fact, almost a quarter of the treasures were vanity items that rted to the Lord of Cycles. There was everything from paintings to collections of his poetry. One item was just called My 5<sup>th</sup> favorite scarf. But there were a lot of good things inside as well, almost to the point it was shocking.


    He did find the soul-mending panacea, costing a whopping 1500 points, more than any of the attribute fruits or even most of the Dao Treasures. However, Zac wasn''t surprised since he knew just how troubling soul wounds were. If the wound passed a certain degree the soul would just keep disintegrating, and almost nothing could help. That''s why he was so careful about overtaxing his Dao.


    There were also over a dozen Spirit Tools, each of them seeming to be of extremely high quality. When he focused on those entries he could see them, and they all emitted a far greater aurapared to the tools he brought back from the Eastern Trigram Sect.


    Part of it could be exined with superior craftsmanship, but the biggest reason was the grade of the tools. Zac was shocked to see that all of the Spirit Tools were E-Grade except for a few, making them better than almost any weapon currently on earth. And they werent even that expensive.


    All of the tools cost around two thousand, apart from the two robes that both cost 3750 credits. One was a robe in the same vein as the robes he received from the system long ago, with the difference of it being a Spirit Tool. It was mostly white though, with details in red and blue.


    It was likely something Yrial used until he switched to something better, or perhaps simply something he kept because he liked the colors. It seemed perfect for Zac, but he held back on an impulse buy so that he could go through everything. The other robe was a more gender-neutral robe, that might almost be considered a dress on Earth, so it wasnt as tempting for Zac.


    There was also a Spiritual Ship that seemed far supremepared to the disk he gained from the Eastern Trigram Sect, but Zac knew he couldnt afford it at the moment. It was a luxury item that he couldnt prioritize as things stood.


    Im your terminal disciple, why dont you simply give me all of this stuff? Zac ventured.


    I only made a deduction for your face, but I could also make a deduction for your attitude, Yrial snorted as he once again ran his fingers through theke. "Don''t be greedy."


    Bra set some ground rules. I needed to put in enough treasures for at least 25 inheritors at F-Grade, 10 at E-Grade, 3 at D-grade, and one C-Grade inheritance. But if you pass the final trial everything is yours, the ghost added after a brief pause.


    Zac quickly looked down, afraid to say anything that would make him lose any more credits, and continued to look through the list. Treasures were not the only things on the list, there were also quite a few skills and five cultivation manuals.


    There were also almost thirty items that Zac didnt recognize, and he had no idea what they were used for. Some were natural treasures, and a few of them cost well over five thousand points. But they didnt seem to be either Dao Treasures or Attribute fruits, making Zac unsure of their usage.


    It was a huge amountpared to the Dao Fruits which only cost between 800 and 2000. But that only meant that they might be extremely good items that would be impossible for Zac to get his hands on normally.


    Could you rmend any items that would suit me? Zac asked before he decided to throw in some ttery. You know my situation and you are far more talented and experienced than me.


    Im not as easily persuaded as that little Tool Spirit, Yrial snorted. But perhaps if you bought a memento to remember your Dear Master by when you leave, I might be inclined to give a few tips.


    Zac grit his teeth, and with great reluctance he bought one of the cheapest ones, a portrait of Yrial sitting in a meadow of flowers, half of which were a fiery red and the other an azure blue. It cost him 500 Credits though, making Zac thoroughly annoyed.


    <em>A flower of fire and ice</em>. An excellent choice. I had a great artist create this tomemorate me breaking through to D-Grade. If you hang it in your home you will not only raise the grade of your interiors by multiple levels but meditating on this picture will even help improve elemental Daos, Yrial nodded, clearly looking pleased.


    So, advice? Zac sighed as he ced therge painting in his Cosmos Sack.


    Well, first of all, you should buy <strong>[Eye of HarTeriam]</strong>, Yrial said without hesitation. Its simply the best thing avable, apart from the lock of hair.


    Zac quickly looked through the list and found it was the second most expensive item avable. This one cost a whopping 9500 credits. Zacs eyes drifted toward all the other treasures he knew would help, but in the end he grit his teeth and bought the thing. From what he could tell the costs were very urate in rtion to value, except for the vanity items.


    So should I eat it immediately? Zac asked.


    No, wait until you have broken through to E-Grade, Yrial said with a shake of his head.


    I cant use it now? Zac said with exasperation. You know how bad the situation is on Earth.


    Well, just flee if it gets too bad, Yrial said without concern. You can even buy the teleportation token if you feel its too dangerous.


    The token he mentioned was a random-teleportation token that would allow him to go to a random D-Grade world. Zac was honestly contemting buying it since it only cost 1000 Credits. It would be a final life-line and something that could at least give his sister a chance at survival if everything turned to shit on Earth.


    So, what does this Eye do? Zac asked.


    It is guaranteed to open one of your hidden nodes, though which one cant be controlled, Yrial said with a smug grin.


    Zac whistled in surprise, and he wasnt too miffed about paying through his nose for the item. From all ounts, the hidden nodes were all good things that were like free permanent power boosts. Getting the first one immediately was sure to be helpful, especially if he decided to evolve before turning his attention toward the Dominators.


    But clearly Zacs reaction wasnt enough for Yrial, and he tsked unhappily.


    Ugly and stupid. The <strong>[Eye of HarTeriam]</strong> is a treasure that never appears on baby worlds, and not something that the System rewards for any quests. Its only found in a few C-Grade Mystic realms containing the remains of a long-copsed universe, Yrial said. Your master almost paid with his life to get it.


    If its so good, why didnt you use it yourself? Zac skeptically asked.


    You can only use it in E-Grade, and I couldnt sell it. Every time I tried I was almost hunted down and killed by a couple of greedy sects. I had to run for hundreds of years to get away, he muttered, clearly still annoyed by the situation.


    So what makes this item so special? Zac probed.


    It is one of the few items that can guarantee the opening of a Hidden Node no matter who eats it. Not only that, it will even give you a clue of where your other nodes are hidden, which will make it infinitely easier to burst them openter as well, Yrial huffed.


    Do you know how you normally find where your nodes are hidden? You use your Cultivation Manual and your inner eye to meticulously scour your body. Sometimes it takes a few months, sometimes it takes decades. For most, it never happens because they can''t form a resonation with the nodes. It''s exceedingly hard, and not even one in a million can open a single node, let alone multiple.


    "For you, it would normally bepletely impossible. Mortals have no conventional methods to create a resonance with their hidden nodes, so they would never be able to break them open by conventional means.


    As far as I know there are less than 30 treasures for someone like you to have a chance to open your Hidden Nodes, and this is one of the better ones. Itspletely impossible to buy, and can only be found by chance, Yrial finished his diatribe and took a deep breath for air. Now, is your master amazing or what?


    "But wait," Zac suddenly said. "With my... Special constitution, do I even have hidden nodes?"


    The blustering ghost suddenly froze, and his brows slowly started to contract into a frown.

 Chapter 289: Setting a Course

    Chapter 289: Setting a Course


    Yrial''s features smoothed out and he adopted hiszy expression once again.


    No, that shouldnt be the case. There is no connection between talent and the number of hidden nodes, talent only affects the ease of breaking them open. So you should be fine. Everyone possesses at least the three gates unless their race gives them something simr," he said with a dismissive wave.


    "The Three Gates?" Zac asked.


    "The Gate of Truth, the Spirit Gate and the Gate of Flesh," Yrial exined. "These are the three foundational nodes that most possess. One increase your connection with the boundless Dao, one expands your mind and one tempers your flesh. All of them are pretty good, though the best ones are usually the special hidden nodes, and those vary from person to person."


    Zac slowly nodded, remembering Ylvas'' mention of bloodlines and constitutions. At least it seemed that no matter how bad his constitution was he would still possess some Nodes to open up.


    So how do I open the other nodes after the first one? Zac asked after sighing in relief.


    There are two aspects to bursting open the hidden nodes, Yrial said. The first is to locate them. This is normally impossible for mortals, so pay close attention to every feeling when you eat this treasure. Dont let anyone disturb you, Yrial said. The second part is to force them open. Various treasures can do that, though they are always extremely rare as well.


    Sometimes the nodes even burst open due to special encounters. You might get a sense after an intense battle, and might be able to open up a hidden node through resonance. But that is extraordinarily rare, Yrial said.


    Hidden nodes is about chance and fate. For most people, especially mortals, its impossible to force. So dont fret if you cant open as many as you aim for. There are other opportunities to make you stronger apart from bursting up all your nodes, Yrial said.


    Zac agreed and kept going through the list to spend his remaining 6000 credits. After buying the Eye he also bought the robe, leaving him with only 2250 points. The treasures inside were mainly geared for either boosting ones achievements at the peak of the F-Grade or give a good start right after breaking through the bottleneck. So after some hesitation he bought a natural treasure that would give a significant boost to his Race after evolving.


    It wouldn''t be enough to push him all the way to D-Grade, but it was a good start. He knew that the attribute cap was quite high, but so were the attribute gains in the E-Grade. He did not want to encounter the same issue as he did with his Strengthst time. The natural treasure would get the ball rolling, and for the rest he would have to use medicinal baths like most people.


    The <strong>[Fruit of Rebirth]</strong> only cost 500 credits, as body tempering seldom was the hard part of progressing. Zac still had some problems deciding what to do with the rest of the points. He couldn''t afford the top tier items, but he also felt that the other items couldn''t help him too much in the short run. He also bought the teleportation talisman for a 1000 credits in the end.


    "You should buy <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> as well," Yrial suddenly said from the sidelines.


    Zac quickly nced through the list of treasures to find that it was an offensive skill that would cost him his remaining credits.


    "Is it strong? What''s it good for?" Zac asked.


    "I wouldn''t say it''s a too strong an attack, that''s why it''s so cheap. But it will help you progress," Yrial said, making Zac a bit confused. "I noticed that your utilization of Dao is still a bit clumsy. It''s not too surprising since such a short time has passed since the Integration of your world, but if you n on walking the path of duality this is something you need to improve before you advance."


    "Howe?" Zac probed with some lingering confusion.


    "To start creating a system, and have your sses reflect your long term goals," Yrial exined. "<strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> isn''t a particrly amazing attack, but it requires two opposing Daos to work. So you will need to learn tobine your Dao of Rot and Dao of Trees to channel it. It will be a good lesson for you to learn to control your specialty core as well."


    Zac noticed that Yrial was actually doing his job as a teacher, and he memorized every word the ghost said. Yrial seemed pretty happy with the attention he was getting, and a satisfied grin started to appear on his face.


    "In fact, take this as the first lesson of your master. After looking through your situation I understand that your current goal is something that has been born from a series of coincidences rather than a strict vision from your path of progression. You even learned the apanying Dao inside my trial," Yrial said.


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement. What he said was true. He had no goal of walking a path of life and death in the beginning. He had only wanted to gain the Dao of Axes and perhaps use the Dao of trees to heal and protect himself somewhat. But one thing after another led to his current situation.


    "There is nothing wrong with that," Yrial said with a nod. "Searching for your path, or being able to adapt it due to circumstances is a good thing. But now that you have started to crystallize your path you need to formalize it."


    "What does that mean?" Zac asked.


    "Your two sses are not moving in the same direction at the moment," Yrial said. "But you can force them to align with the help of your Dao. The biggest problem is, in fact, your epic ss. I am pretty sure I understand your reasoning for choosing it, but getting sses withplementing attributes isn''t as important asplementing Daos. You need to force your sses into a new direction."


    "Change direction? Can I even control that?" Zac asked with bewilderment.


    "Dao fusion is the easiest way," Yrial said with a nod.


    Zac suddenly understood what Yrial was getting at. His Undying Bulwark was currently based on the Dao of Hardness and the Dao of Sanctuary, exemplified by the vision of the ancestral protector. What would happen if he modified those Daos? Yrial nodded when he saw Zac''s thoughtful expression.


    "It seems you understand. You have various options, but if you would listen to my opinion I would rmend that you fuse your Dao of Sanctuary with your Dao of Trees, and your Dao of Rot with your Dao of Hardness. It is still worthwhile to pursue your Dao of Axe since it would work as the delivery method for your cycle of life and death," Yrial proposed.


    Zac''s brows furrowed when he heard Yrial''s idea. Honestly, the Dao of Trees and the Dao of Sanctuary together didn''t seem like a bad idea. He could envision arge tree providing shade and protection, meaning it shouldn''t be too hard to fuse the two. But the Dao of Hardness and the Dao of Rot?


    "Are the Dao of Rot and the Dao of Hardness even possible to fuse?" Zac asked with hesitation. "And wouldn''t that risk cutting off my path of progression? And also, how do you know of all my Daos? I never mentioned them and I haven''t used Dao of Sanctuary since I entered."


    "Well, first of all, I''m your master so how can''t I know your situation?" Yrial said and waved his hand, causing a slightly modified version of Zac''s status screen to pop up. "And I have to say that your situation is a bit disgusting. If I had this many titles with my supreme talent and beauty I would have be a Divine Monarch by now."


    "As for the other parts, it seems you have a too reductionist understanding of the boundless Dao. That is usually the case with lower worlds. Dao Seeds are not small isted nuggets of truth, but part of an endless fabric," Yrial added and pointed at Zac with his finger.


    Zac''s vision once again started to change, making him worry that Yrial was once again sending him into a dreamscape. But the scenery soon changed and he wasn''t looking upon some new world, but rather an enormous fractal. It reminded him of the first vision he had when he had an epiphany on the Dao of Heaviness.


    The fractal in front of him was far more supreme though like it contained all the secrets of the universe. At first he thought it was Yrial''s Dao, but he couldn''t be sure because to his surprise he sensed the familiar auras from his own Daos in different parts of the fractal.


    As far as he could tell all his Daos were represented to some degree in the fractal, though they were only a small part of the tapestry. Zac tried to remember as many details as possible, but the esoteric knowledge hidden in the vision immediately slipped out of his hands. Soon the vision shattered and Zac was back on the floating ind again.


    "Did you understand? Everything is part of something bigger. Those kernels of truth you have grasped aren''t really the truth of Trees or truths of Hardness. They are simply truths that the System has packaged in an easy to digest manner. But it is within your purview to repackage them to something that suits your path better. It requires talent and a high understanding of your Daos though, so it is not something done in a day," Yrial said.


    "It simply seems a lot harder to fuse the Dao of Hardness with the Dao of Rot, though," Zac said. "What Dao could I even strive for?"


    "Well, the Dao of Corpseses to mind, and it would be easy to upgrade to Death. But there are other alternatives as well I''m sure. In any case, it will allow your next ss to not be so unbnced," Yrial added.


    "Unbnced? My Undying Bulwark ss is pretty damn strong," Zac retorted.


    "It is, but much of its utility is lost on you. It''s a ss meant for an undead champion, leading legions of the dead into war. Is that a future you see for yourself?" Yrial probed.


    Zac unhesitantly shook his head. He wasn''t even sure he''d ever visit the Undead Empire, and he had no ns to keep the undead on Earth.


    "I have a feeling that you walk a solitary path, just like I did. Your sses need to reflect that better. Your other ss is much better in that regard, it boosts a little bit of everything, and its weaknesses are easily shored up," Yrial said.


    It was a sobering realization for Zac. He had felt that his second ss was almost a cheat, but in Yrial''s eyes it was barely serviceable. And what he said about solitary was true. He was so far ahead of the others on Earth that it might even restrict his progress to travel in groups. Perhaps a small group of elites would work, but not armies.


    "So why incorporate the Dao of Sanctuary into Dao of Trees?" Zac asked.


    "For one it''s to not leave any Dao lying around that might affect your ss choices negatively. Having too many Daos will cause your path to be crooked, so don''t get lured in by the bonus attributes. Every Dao must have a purpose, so you need to categorize your Daos into three groups.


    "One for life, one for death, and one for attacks. Both your life and death groups will also help your defense as well due to the nature of your insights. It will cause a bnce that will make your progression smoother. Being a super trash will already make your path of cultivation extremely arduous, there''s no need toplicate it further," Yrial said.


    "Another alternative is to have four groups, with one for Defense as well. In that case, you should not fuse your Daos as I rmended," the spirit then added after some thought.


    Zac slowly nodded. It felt like a shroud over his eyes had been lifted, and he was finally seeing the path he should take. It truly helped to have an experienced master. Just a few small pointers would make his life a lot easier in the future. What was even more shocking was that the annoying narcissist in front of him was such a good teacher.


    "How do I fuse Dao seeds though?" Zac asked. "I have only heard that it is possible, but not how you would actually do it."


    First of all both need to reach the peak, so you have some work to do. After that you need to merge the two Dao seeds within your body while focusing on the way you want them to fuse. If you seed you will have a new Dao Fragment, a piece of Dao that is no longer a seed, Yrial said.


    What happens if I fail? Zac asked.


    Then youll receive a pretty monstrous bacsh. Some die, others get their brains turned into soup. But with your constitution youll likely be fine after a few months of recuperation, Yrial said.


    Is it as risky to simply upgrade your Dao? Zac probed with some hesitation.


    No, but its a lot harder instead, Yrial said. You need one piece of insight per stage to evolve a Dao Seed, apart from the peak where you need two. But to Evolve a Dao Seed into a Dao Fragment you would need to attain the equivalent of five insights in one go.


    Its not really hard for someone in the D-Grade, but its extremely hard for someone in F-Grade, the ghost continued.


    So by when should I have fused a Dao? Zac asked.


    You have no choice, you need to do it before you evolve. For one its a minimum requirement to have a Dao Fragment to get an Epic E-Grade ss. But you should do it in any case if youre nning on getting a ss that suits your path, Yrial exined.

 Chapter 290: Impartment

    Chapter 290: Impartment


    Zac frowned hesitantly when he heard that. He was extremely far from getting to the point of possessing four peak Dao Seeds. The Dao of Sanctuary and Rot were only at the early stage, and he had no idea when he would be able to push them all the way to the peak. Yrial seemed to understand what Zac was thinking and snorted.


    "You''re lucky to have such a magnanimous teacher. I will help you out a bit, though most of the work will depend on yourself," Yrial said as he got up from hiszy position by the pond.


    "What do you mean?" Zac said hesitantly.


    "As my terminal, and only, disciple I will give you additional two gifts before you leave here," he said, and the next moment his aura exploded outward.


    Immense powers radiated outward from Yrial as he floated up into the air. The inds beneath fractured and disappeared, its debris swallowed into a huge circle of energy that appeared behind him. Torrential amounts of energy ran through the circle, and it was as though it constantly changed its nature. The main two elements were those of fire and ice, and the debris was constantly remolded by these two forces.


    Sometimes the circle gave Zac the impression of a cold asteroid belt and the next moment it was scorching hot sma. It was both, and it was neither. Zac realized the difference between the C and D-Grade for the first time, and anyst doubt that The Great Redeemer was actually a C-Grade powerhouse disappeared when he sensed the all-consuming aura of his master.


    "For over two hundred thousand years I walked my path, never looking back," Yrial said, his voicepletely differentpared to the one earlier.


    It contained endless strength and conviction. Gone was thezy youth who loved to see his reflection in the pond, and reced with a powerhouse who had walked over mountains of corpses to reach his station.


    "I impart my path of Cyclic Supremacy to you, in hopes you will reach the grand terminus," he said next, his words echoing like thunder in Zac''s mind.


    Zac looked up with somber eyes, seeing the enormous circle of untold power slowly shrink and condense until it only had a diameter of two centimeters. It still contained the massive amounts of energies, and it shone like a sun as it flew straight into Zac''s forehead, forcing him down on his knees. The next moment he found himself in the miraculous space in front of the huge fractal once again.


    The enormous fractal lit up with boundless luster, and it caused stars to light up in the pitch-ck expanse around it. Each star felt ancient, as though it had existed since the beginning of time. Thousands upon thousands of them appeared, each of them containing boundless knowledge and power.


    Zac waspletely frozen by the sight, but an enormous snap shocked him awake. It was therge fractal that had suddenly gained a massive crack that covered arge part of it. Zac didn''t know why, but he instinctively knew that it was putting an extreme strain on the fractal to summon those mysterious stars.


    Zac quickly looked around for what to do, since he knew this was something extremely important. Was he supposed to fix the fractal somehow? He prepared to move toward it, but the next moment he felt a dozen tendrils approach him. He couldn''t see them with his eyes, but his Dao Seeds strongly resonated with them.


    They were the pure unadulterated Dao, and he felt that he could gain a new seed by just grabbing one of the tendrils and absorb its knowledge. But he held himself back as he remembered Yrial''s words. Gaining random Dao Seeds could hamper one''s growth rather than helping, so he focused on the tendril that most strongly resonated with his Dao Seeds.


    He wasn''t sure how long this magical state wouldst, seeing the worsening state of the fractal. So he hurriedly focused his soul toward one of the tendrils, one teeming with life and vitality. He knew it wasn''t the Dao of Trees, but rather something much grander. Not even the Dao of Life inside the construct was more than a shadowpared to what this tendril represented, and it was as though Zac was mesmerized as he approached it.


    The moment his soul connected with the tendril the world changed again. He was once again the Lifebringer with its inexhaustible lifeforce, continuously growing and expanding. Everything could be a source of growth and empowerment, no matter if it was the, the air, or the universe itself. Even traveling through the boundless void could provide it with the sustenance it required.


    A warm exuberance spread through his body, and Zac almost felt he would be able to live forever as long as he had ess to Cosmic Energy. But he soon calmed down as his connection with the tendril ended, and he saw that it was slowly returning to its star in the distance.


    Another crack in the fractal reminded him of the urgency of the situation, and he immediately pushed his soul toward another tendril, this one containing boundless darkness and destion. Zac stabilized his mind and connected with it as well, and once again the world changed.


    He once again saw the Lifebringer, but this time it didn''t shine with boundless vitality. The gargantuan tree still floated through the boundless expanse, but its leaves were no longer emerald crystals. They were shrunken and graying, and some sections of the enormous canopy werepletely barren.


    Nothingsted forever. Life would inevitably give way to decay, and even the Tree of Life was no exception. Its trunk was mostly hollowed out, and massive lifeforce was leaking out in a slow death. Rot spread from within, and soon there would be nothing left.


    Zac shuddered as the connection with the tendril broke, and he brought some of the death with him. He had no idea whether what he saw was true, or whether it was an adaptation to fit his own Dao. But in either case, he felt that his newly acquired seed had grown substantially in its space in his mind.


    By this point the whole space was shaking, and Zac quickly moved on to the next tendril that resonated with him. It gave him a feeling of piety, of self-sacrifice and that everything in the universe was connected. He felt it was strongly connected with his Dao of Sanctuary, and he quickly connected with it. He was suddenly standing next to millions of people, looking up at the ancient protector, seeing the gentle smile on his face as he turned to face the end of the universe.


    But Zac had no time to glean anything as the vision shuddered and broke apart. The insight slipped out of his grasp, and he once again saw therge fractal. This time it was illusory, and in just a few seconds it waspletely gone. The next moment the stars in the universe reseeded, taking their boundless knowledge with them.


    The vision ended and he was once again standing on thest intact ind.


    Zac immediately sat down with his eyes closed, ruminating on the massive gains he had just received. It was only thirty minutester he once again opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that Yrial''s form had grown dim, no longer exhibiting the boundless power as before. Zac had a feeling that imparting Zac with these massive Dao insights didn''te without a steep cost.


    "This gift is immense," Zac finally said as he opened his eyes. "Is there anything I can do in return?"


    "What could you do, little brat?" Yrial said with a snort. "Who knows how long I''ve been dead? Just be thankful that I didn''t waste my impartment on someone else after I created this ce."


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked with confusion as he got up to his feet.


    "What I gave you was a Dao Impartment. Most can only do that once in ones lifetime, and only after you have formalized your path," Yrial exined. "The cost is also massive, and very few are willing to pay the price. But then again, it does not really matter seeing as I am dead."


    "I''ll remember this," Zac said with a nod.


    He remembered the massive fractal and realized that was likely a representation of Yrial''s understanding of the Dao. It had taken serious damage to summon those mysterious stars, meaning that Imparting the Dao like that would likely cause massive damage to one''s foundation.


    "Don''t be so serious," Yrial said with a wave as he produced a crystal.


    "This is my second gift to you," he said. "I took the liberty of studying your core a bit more while you were walking in your master''s shoes. It is marvelous, but it seems toe with a drawback. It is pretty arduous to change your race, no?" Yrial said.


    Zac hurriedly nodded in agreement. The issue of changing between his two races was a constant annoyance. He hated the feeling of dying, and he was worried that something disastrous would sooner orter happen while he was out cold while he changed form.


    "I need to essentially die to change ss. Or at least I haven''t found a better method," Zac said.


    "I figured as much," Yrial nodded. "The two sides are almostpletely separated, which isn''t the case with the normal Duplicity Core. This crystal contains a skill that you can learn as both an undead and as a human. It will start the transformation for you without having to die. There is still a limit though, there is simply too little interconnectivity in your Node, a proper cycle isn''t formed. So it will still take roughly 10 to 15 seconds, and you will be quite weakened during that time."


    "That''s still a lot betterpared to the old method, I was out cold for minutes there," Zac eagerly said as he epted the crystal.


    It might still be pretty risky to use it in battle, but it was far better than before.


    "Don''t worry too much. The time needed to change ss should drastically decrease when your core upgrades to the next rank," Yrial said. "I believe the skill should still be usable as well. If not I''ll just modify it when youe back."


    How do I upgrade it? Zac probed.


    I would guess that you need to feed it a higher grade of life and death, Yrial said. A great treasure representing each half of the whole. That and a lot of energy.


    As he held the crystal in his hand he was amazed at the means of Yrial. In just the few hours while he was undergoing the trial Yrial had managed to get a grasp of Zac''s odd core and design a Skill that worked with both his sses to better utilize it. Not only that, but he also had time to inscribe it into a crystal, something that he had heard was normally extremely hard.


    Meanwhile, he hadn''t even taken the first step toward creating a skill of his own, something he knew was important in the future. From what he understood every stage came with less handholding from the system.


    He knew he would still receive a few skills in the E-Grade, but he was also expected to create new ones himself, or at least get his hands on them some other way. At least he had gained <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> that might help him take the first step in that direction. Zac immediately infused some energy into the crystal, but suddenly his face got odd as he looked up at his master with a helpless look.


    "What? Is something the matter?" he asked with innocent eyes.


    "No... It''s nothing," Zac sighed as he looked at the name of his new skill. "It''s perfect."


    <strong>[Beauty Yrial''s Great Transformation Skill]</strong>


    "That''s fine then," Yrial nodded. "With this, the first trial is over. You will not be able to enter this ce again within 10 years. Before youe back you should at least have reached level 140 and have pushed your three Dao Groupings to High Fragments. Otherwise, you might not survive the trial. And even if you do I''ll just deduct credits because you cannot follow instructions."


    "Ten years?" Zac blurted out, but he suddenly took another look at Yrial''s faded form.


    The impartment had no doubt drained the spirit quite a bit, and perhaps he needed to rest for a decade to restore his form. He was only a fragment of a soul after all, and the might he released for that instant was massive.


    "Now, don''t disappoint me. If you ever doubt yourself because your unremarkable looks or shitty aptitude remember this; The great Lord of Cycles took you in, so you cannot be aplete waste of a human being," Yrial said with a wave, and the next moment the air started to shimmer and distort.


    Zac was about to give one final thanks, but Yrials voice once echoed out through the area before he waspletely ejected. This time it held a majesty that reminded Zac of the great power he emitted right before the impartment.


    The path you have chosen is even harder than mine. Many will tell you to give it up, to not bite off more than you can chew. Ignore them, they are condemned for mediocrity. Only when you walk your own truth will you be free.


    He once again found himself inside the grandiose hallway of the Towers of Myriad Dao, and Zac looked up at the ten-meter high statue with mixed emotions. There was no denying that Yrial was a bit annoying and a true narcissist, but the help and gifts he had provided mightst Zac a lifetime.


    Yrial had taken Zacs formless idea and turned it into a reality. Zac now knew exactly where he was at and what steps he needed to take to truly walk upon the path of Life and Death. But it had also made him realize just how much he needed to improve before he could evolve to E-Grade.


    Luckily Yrial had provided him with an extremely valuable kick-start to get him going.

 Chapter 291: Return

    Chapter 291: Return


    Zac finally opened his menu to properly check the result of the impartment. He was eager to see what his actual gains were. But before he could take a proper look he noticed some movement in his periphery.


    "Thank god you are okay," Kenzie''s voice suddenly sounded, and Zac saw her get up from a sofa not far from his statue. "We were worried when the hours kept passing."


    Bra sat in an opulent throne next to the sofa, and he looked over at Zac with disinterest.


    "You took quite some time. It can''t have been easy to pry treasures out of Lord Yrial''s hands with that face of yours," the Tool Spirit snickered.


    "It worked out fine in the end," Zac said with a sigh. "If you knew about Yrials disposition, why didn''t you warn me?"


    "It''s not for me to decide your path. Worst case you die and your sister inherits the towers," Bra snorted.


    Zac shook his head and ignored the annoying Tool Spirit.


    Give me a second, I need to go over my gains, Zac said to Kenzie as he once again opened his menu.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>74</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>-</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sharpness - Middle, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - Middle, Seed of Rot - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>587 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>290 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>742 [Increase: 71%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>433 [Increase: 61%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>160 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>219 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>132 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 296 516 043 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    The improvements were pretty noticeable all around, but Zac was most interested in the advancements of his Daos. He quickly opened his Dao screen and took a proper look at the changes.


    <strong>[Trees (Peak): Endurance +20, Vitality +90, Intelligence +5, Wisdom +5]</strong>


    <strong>[Rot (High): Endurance +5, Wisdom +45, Intelligence +10.]</strong>


    <strong>[Sanctuary (Middle): Endurance +5, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +15.]</strong>


    Not only had his Dao of Trees reached the peak, but his Dao of Rot had alsopletely skipped one stage and reached a high mastery. It truly made him want to quickly learn <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>. An attack utilizing two Daos where the worst one was high mastery could only be extremely powerful.


    He surprisingly enough also managed to upgrade the Seed of Sanctuary as well, but he only been had been shown a small glimpse of the vision, so it only reached the Middle stage. But he knew that wasnt the extent of the Dao impartment.


    He still remembered the boundless insights in the stars, and he knew that connecting with those tendrils would make his progression on those particr Daos a lot smootherpared to others. Such a boon was extremely great for someone like him whocked any affinities.


    Truth be told Zac was still pretty unsure what that actually meant since he felt he could advance his Dao just fine up until now. He was even on the second spot on thedder, only being trumped by the Abbot. But perhaps the difference would make itself clearer as he progressed further.


    Zac closed the Dao screen and looked over his other gains. He was a bit disappointed that the attributes he gained wouldn''t provide him with too many benefits, but it was better than nothing. He already knew that would likely be the case when he chose the two tendrils representing life and death over those that could improve his Dao of Heaviness and Sharpness.


    Surprisingly he had gained not one but two titles in the trial as well. The had finally passed the 2500 attribute barrier, providing him with another title. Better yet, it was a special title that gave attribute effect.


    <strong>[Tyrannic Force: First to attain 2500 Attribute Points in world. Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    <strong>[Achievement Hunter: Gain 25 Titles while in F-Grade. Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    He already knew about this title, but the one he saw in the Title Booklet instead provided 5% to all attributes. It seemed that being the first to gain this one gave him a slightly better version. The other one was aplete surprise though. He had no idea there was a title for gaining titles.


    Zac understood why it was a high-tiered title though. If he looked at most of his titles they were things that almost no one would gain. He guessed that most would end their stint in the F-grade with between 5 and 10 titles. Elites might even pass 15, but 25 was something that perhaps only a progenitor could get.


    The effect of the high tiered titles was really starting to stack up, and by now it wouldpletely cancel out even the best boosts that proper cultivators could get from their cultivation manuals.


    Apart from that, there was nothing to note. His Nexus Coins remained the same, meaning that none of his kills inside the trial provided Nexus Coins. He wasnt surprised about the beasts he killed in the Dreamscape, but he was a bit confused about the Dao Construct.


    But by now he was so used to not understanding how things worked so he simply shrugged it off. He put his free points into Strength before he turned toward his sister again.


    "How did it go for Ogras, he should be out by now right?" Zac asked.


    "It only took him three hours, but he left immediately afterward. He said he needed to enter seclusion to incorporate his gains," Kenzie said before she lowered her voice. "I don''t know, he didn''t look too happy about the results. But he seemed fine."


    Zac frowned when he heard that Ogras'' experience wasn''t without its own tribtions. He threw another gaze at the Tool Spirit. Were all the inheritances made by troubling individuals whose personalities had turned them into pariahs? As long as Ogras was fine he wouldn''t pry, but it made Zac a bit leery about letting others risk their lives in the remaining trials.


    "Did he say whether he wasing to Westfort?" Zac asked, making Kenzie shake her head.


    Zac slowly nodded as he started to walk out of the trial with his sister in tow. He actually wanted to enter seclusion himself to incorporate the massive gains he received from Yrial''s impartment, but he simply didn''t have time. Besides, he wasn''t someone who had relied on meditation thus far, and he felt it would be more effective to get ustomed to his improved Dao seeds in the heat of battle.


    "What about the others, have they already left for the Marshall n?" Zac asked.


    "No, they''re still here. Emily was about ready to break into the trial ground and drag you out," Kenzie responded with a smile. "We sent a representative to ry that you''re runningte though."


    "Okay. Apart from N and Emily, has anyone else said they want toe with?"


    "Well, Calrin wants to go," Emily noted. "The negotiations for setting up a branch has hit a snag. However, Julia came by earlier. It seems she doesn''t want to go after all."


    Zac wasn''t overly surprised by that, seeing how strong Emma''s hatred for the New World Government was. It was pretty hard to defend one''s employer when there were so many shady dealings going on. Zac also had a somewhat bad feeling about Thomas Fisher. How had he gotten so strong so quickly? What was the government up to?


    "That''s fine, I guess. Our dealings with the New World Government can go through the Marshall n for now," Zac said.


    "There''s also L and Olivia," Kenzie added after some hesitation. "They both kind of want to go back to Greenworth to look for their families, if only just to bring them here."


    "I''m honestly not sure how I would aplish that," Zac hesitantly said. "Their teleportationwork is closed."


    "Well just ask around while you''re over there," Kenzie said before an impish smile started to spread on her face. "So, are you excited about seeing Thea?"


    Zac almost missed his step before he quickly found his bearing.


    "I guess, she''s still holding on to a lot of treasure I lent her," Zac nodded, evading the real meaning of the question.


    He, of course, knew what his sister was getting at, but he honestly didnt know how he felt about it. He did enjoy the two weeks that he traveled the Eastern Trigram Sect with Thea, but he wouldnt go so far as to say there was love. He had somewhat shut down on that department since Hannah stabbed him. Kenzie only snorted with a roll of her eyes, but she didn''t stress the issue.


    "You sure you don''t want toe with?" Zac asked.


    "No, I feel I am pretty close to gaining another Dao Seed, I want to focus on that instead," Kenzie said. "I want to be able to protect myself, but I''m still too weak."


    "Finally, I was going crazy!" a shout echoed through the forest as Emily rushed toward the two the moment they entered Zac''spound. "And that big one is no fun."


    To Zac''s surprise, he saw that Emily was still slightly covered in dirt and war-paint. Had she put it on purpose? Zac mutely gazed on her face for a bit until it dawned on him. Was she trying to hide her childish features by obscuring them?


    "Where is N?" Zac asked.


    "It''s meditating in that courtyard over there," Emily said and pointed at one of the buildings that were usually empty. "Are we going now?"


    "In a bit. Someone get Adran as well, I''ll be needing his assistance for this trip," Zac said as he walked toward the courtyard.


    He felt it wasn''t enough to only bring a teenager, a gnome and an Anointed with him. The Marshall n was filled with wily old businessmen and politicians, and Zac was in no mood to handle those types on his own. Normally he would have brought Mr. Trang as a buffer, but he had taken up as the Admiral of his burgeoning Naval Force.


    He was likely on his way back to the other continent to set up a base camp at this moment. Ogras was another candidate, but he was a bit unreliable, and with his history with the Marshalls, he might rather be a liability. That left Adran and Abby, and it felt like Adran was the best choice.


    Zac entered the courtyard and immediately saw N sit in the center of it. He was once again reminded just how massive these guys were, and it even looked like N had grown at least half a meter since they metst time. Did they keep growing as their levels increased?


    "Long time no see," Zac said with a smile as he sat down. "How is Hive Kundevi?"


    "Hive is thriving now that our tunnels are restored. My warriors were getting restless though, but the eradication project in your mines have kept them busy. The hatred of corruption is slowly disappearing. It gives us peace, but it also leaves us without purpose," N said.


    "Your power keeps growing, Lord Atwood. I can no longer sense the limits of your Strength," N added after looking him up and down. "It will be needed against the Dominators, especially with their recent boost in power."


    Zac sighed with a nod.


    "I encountered Inevitability in the hunt," Zac said with a helpless grimace. "They are extremely strong. I am not confident in defeating them unless I evolve first."


    "Do not forget, you do not stand alone," N said. "That is why I aming with you. I need to discuss our response with my people."


    "I heard something... from Inevitability. About the Anointed," Zac hesitantly said.


    "That we will not be able to advance to what the system calls E-Grade?" N said. "We know. I already feel I am approaching the limits of my body. That is why I wish to join you in this venture. The age of the Anointed ising to an end, but we have one final task toplete. I cannot rest easy knowing the Dominators still are out there. The Cosmic Energy might not be corruption after all, but that group still brings about the corruption of the soul."


    Zac nodded and retold what he had learned about the Dominators in the hunt, about the Great Redeemer and the connections that he found.


    "The Great Redeemer..." N muttered and clenched its fist. "There were always rumors of a great leader pushing the Dominators forward. To think it was like this. Selling out their own and people for strength. They are true abominations!"


    Zac nodded in agreement. It took a special kind of callousness to condemn your whole for a shot at getting stronger. Especially when that wasn''t the only method of gaining strength. They could just have progressed on their own like the rest, but instead chose such a sinister path.


    "Well, I have already met one more Anointed who spoke of a council. They are preparing for battle," Zac said. "I hope you can get in touch with them through the hive near Westfort."


    The two discussed things some more, where N confirmed some details about human culture. This was the first time it properly left its Hive it seemed, and it wanted to avoid causing trouble. It seemed Ibtep would also join, though Zac was unsure whether that special Zhix would really lessen any potential confusion.


    In the end, they decided that Zac would join N at the hive two days after he arrived unless they came back first. The two got up and met up with the impatient teenager outside.


    It was time to go to Westfort.

 Chapter 292: Westfort

    Chapter 292: Westfort


    "It''s almost night already," Emily huffed. "We''re sote!"


    "Ibtep tells me this one is neither your progeny nor your mate," N said as it looked down at Emily with curiosity. "What purpose does she serve? Is she a warrior ve from a vanquished hive? Zhix ves are seldom orded such freedom of speech."


    Emily stopped in her tracks and gaped up at N, who calmly returned her gaze. Zac coughed as he shot a gaze at the teenager. It honestly was a good question. Just what was Emily to him? In a sense, he had picked up her in the spur of the moment, and he knew he had somewhat used her as a temporary recement for Kenzie, like an emotional binky. But now he wasn''t sure.


    "I guess she''s a mascot?" Zac hesitantly said after a bit, drawing an enraged re from Emily.


    "I''m battle support! I can make anyone stronger! I just had ate start," she said grumpily before she turned toward the teleporter and walked away in a huff.


    "The young can be capricious," N said with a nod. "We usually send them into the deep caverns to learn survival and moderation. Is human childrearing the same?"


    Zac was about to say no, but he wasn''t sure if that was true any longer with Alyn in charge. They did send the students to battle beasts as soon as they were strong enough. He also remembered Abby saying that making a beginner zone was already underway.


    "Well, we do something simr with our Academy here I guess. But now we have adapted to teach more about Cosmic Energy," Zac said.


    "Would it be possible to send a few of our young to this Academy of yours?" N asked.


    "Sure," Zac said with a shrug, as he was sure Alyn wouldn''t mind a couple of war crazy students to increase thepetitiveness. "It''s gettingte, let''s go."


    "Wait, let mee with," a light voice suddenly resounded, making Zac look over with a slight frown.


    Alea was walking over, wearing one of her battledresses that contained defensive charges. Zac was unsure what to say when he saw her approach with Calrin in tow, as the two hadn''t spoken since Zac told her off.


    She had avoided him since the incident, even skipping out on meetings in favor of cultivating at the odd poison-tree in the mountains, and Zac didn''t really know where he stood with her. However, the thought of bringing a slightly unstable poison mistress to the Marshall n made Zac''s hair stand on end.


    "Why do you want to go?" Zac hesitantly asked.


    "To provide back-up. Adran and Calrin will likely be busy in meetings all day, but the Marshall n has so many people. You need someone who will be able to keep the bureaucrats at bay while you focus on the library and other more pressing matters," Alea said. "Ogras said I should go. Janos won''t be any help and Ilvere is a meathead."


    "You should understand why I''m reluctant to bring you," Zac said.


    Alea slightly frowned for a few seconds before she suddenly looked up at Zac with a determined look. The next moment she started to change, growing into a horrifying swamp monster that was as tall as N. Zac took a step back in surprise, and a knife appeared in N''s hand as though from nowhere. However, therge monster didn''t attack anyone, and it soon started to shrink again, turning into a conspicuously naked Alea. Zac''s eye widened a bit before he forced himself to look away.


    "Before I arrived at this I tried to force a change in my constitution to one that would better suit my skills," Alea said, as she unhurriedly dressed herself again. "My heritage is iplete, and some critical details were missing. It went awry and that form was the result of it. It has also caused some internal imbnces that made me... impulsive."


    Zac looked over at Alea who looked straight back at him.


    "But the past month I''ve made tremendous progress by cultivating beneath the tree of Toxic Ascension. My body is still slightly impacted, but I have at least driven out the toxins out of my mind, she said.


    Fine, lets go.


    Zac honestly wasnt sure about his decision as he walked with the others in tow toward his teleporter, but he felt this trip could be used as an experiment. Alea was extremely powerful, and would likely be more helpful than anyone else in the uing battles, apart from Ogras.


    If she could prove herself that she could be trusted and work in a group again it would be for the best. Then he could slowly return various responsibilities to her. And truth be told, he simply missed having her around. And he didnt believe she would cause too many problems, especially not after what happened thest time.


    But Ill make it clear. No poisons anything like that unless we are attacked, got it? These people are our most important allies for the uing battles, Zac said.


    I know what to do, Alea simply nodded.


    Soon they arrived at the teleportation tform, and the group found Ibtep, and Adran waiting along with Emily. Zac internally sighed again as he felt this would be like a repeat of his motley crew when he went to the auction.


    Only this time the ratio of Aliens to Humans was even worse.


    Eh, Alea ising as well? Emily gaped from her spot next to the teleporter before she gave Zac an odd nce. You are pretty gutsy.


    What? Zac asked with a frown.


    Nothing, Emily said with a giggle. Let''s go!


    The next moment the teleporter lit up, and the group walked inside one by one. The group soon found themselves in a modern lobby. Zac didn''t know why, but he had for some reason expected to arrive at some old Gaelic fortress or something of the kind.


    Thea hadn''t talked a lot about her heritage, but from what he had pieced together the Marshall n was practically ancient, with over one thousand years of history. But the surroundings reminded Zac of the lobby in New Washington, looking a lot like a terminal.


    However, there were signs of the new reality they lived in as well, asrge fractals covered both the walls and the roof. They were pretty crudepared to what he had seen in other ces, but it clearly showed that the Marshalls might put even more effort into inscriptions than Port Atwood did. He remembered the homemade tools Thea used for example, such as the hazmat suit and the tent.


    Unsurprisingly the group consisting of beings of all shapes and sizes garnered quite a bit of attention, but people were more prepared this time. Rnd Marshal had clearly been waiting as he was snoozing in afortable sofa. But when their group arrived he quickly perked up and hurried over.


    "Lord Atwood, I am happy you were able to make it after all. I must say, only a few days have passed and your aura has be even more formidable. As expected of Earth''s greatest powerhouse," he shot off in quick session as he got a proper look at the group. "I see that you''ve brought arger retinue this time."


    "As you know my city is on an ind," Zac said with a small smile. "A few people wanted toe with to stretch their legs."


    "Of course," Rn said with a nod, as though bringing this odd group waspletely normal.


    Zac introduced them one by one, though Rnd clearly knew of Ibtep and Calrin from before due to their appearance at the Auction. The impatient Sky Gnome immediately tried to glean why he hadn''t been able to set up a branch in Westfort, but Rnd expertly dodged the question.


    "We will have time to go through all these matters, but if you all would follow me first. All visitors must receive their tags. It is a security measure tobat infiltration by invaders or other hostile forces," Rn said as he ushered them toward a manned counter.


    Zac and the others simply followed along, and each got a small metallic disk. Surprisingly enough there was a small engraving on it.


    "This seems to be a tracking rune that is used in conjunction with an array," Calrin said as he nced up at Rnd. "In most societies, this level of monitoring would be considered rude."


    "I do apologize. However, war calls for desperate measures. We are limited in our methodspared to the established forces of the Incursions, and have to use a somewhat heavy hand to protect our interests," Rn said with an apologetic smile.


    "It''s fine," Zac said with a disinterested shrug, as they had no ns to do anything untoward at Westfort.


    "Excellent. If you would follow me to the West Compound. It is the inner area of Westfort where the main n resides and does its business. A small weing dinner is prepared, and I am sure Thea would be happy to see you again," Rnd said.


    Zac nodded but remembered hispany and threw Alea a sneaky nce to make sure she wouldn''t cause any trouble. She caught his glimpse and only rolled her eyes in response. The group was shown to a series of cars, and Zac noticed that even the car windows had engravings on them. Just how many inscribers had these people employed?


    The town wasrger than Zac had expected, and he suspected that well over a million people could live here provided that the buildings they passed were upied. But he noticed that most of the structures were recent additions. In fact, Zac realized Westfort might contain more recently built structures than Port Atwood.


    There was not much traffic though, and they soon arrived at a manned wall. It didn''t seem to protect the core of the town, but rather a side-section much like his own inner wall. Rnd shed a badge and their convoy passed through the heavily armed gates without issue. They found themselves in arge neighborhood with a mix ofrge mansions. If Westfort wasn''t a small town he would have guessed that they were embassies by their varied designs.


    "While the marshall n maintainedrger offices in London before the integration, much of our business was still handled right here in Westfort. These buildings were both residences and offices for family members holding various positions in our conglomerate," Rnd exined when he noticed Zac''s interest.


    "Just how many family members do the Marshall n have?" Zac asked.


    "It''s hard to say, really," Rnd said. "The core family has around two hundred members, but we also have thousands of branch family members. Some branches are a proper part of the family and worked within our businesses before the integration, but many also paved their own path."


    Zac nodded in understanding, but he wasn''t nearly as impressed as he would have been before the integration. A family consisting of thousands of members was extremely umon in the old world, but in the Multiverse it could barely be considered a n.


    With the increased lifespans families could grow extremelyrge, and many dynasties had hundreds of millions of members ording to Alyn. Even n Azh''Rezak had almost a million family members all told, and it was considered a small and newly established group. It would have gotten even more out of control if it wasn''t for the fact that it apparently became harder to conceive a child the stronger one got.


    "We''re still some ways away," Rnd added. "We''re heading to the old homestead. It is where the Marshall n was founded, and parts of its structures can be traced back all the way to the 9th century."


    Zac whistled, suitably impressed, though Calrin and the Demons seemed a bit confused.


    "Our history is extremely short and our technology has pushed us forward. Finding a structure over a hundred years old is pretty impressive, let alone one over a thousand years old," Zac exined.


    Soon the mansions gave way torge fields, and they drove on a solitary road toward a huge sprawling mansion in the distance. As they approached it he started to wonder how a pce like this could be called a homestead.


    It was a huge Padian mansion that should have been built a few hundred years ago. Just a nce would tell anyone that it was thousands of square metersrge, and Zac wouldn''t have been surprised if someone had told him it was a summer castle for the British Royals back in the day.


    However, there were also some new additions to the mansion. Threerge side-structures in matching design seemed to have been added quite recently, and one of them was still not quite finished. There was also a massive building to the side that looked like a gargantuan spiraled seashell. It rose well over a hundred meters into the air, and Zac had a strong suspicion that this was the library that Thea received.


    Another small wall had been erected some distance from thepound, and it epassed all the structures along with a sizeable garden. The wall wasn''t even two meters tall, but Zac knew that it wasn''t just decorative as he could see a shimmer in the air above it. There was likely at least one array protecting the area, perhaps a full set of them.


    "I think we might have a different definition of a homestead," Zac said to Rnd, who shrugged with a smile.

 Chapter 293: Different Choices

    Chapter 293: Different Choices


    "Our founder, the first Baron Marshall, called his small manor the Old Homestead. Through the centuries our family grew, and many expansions and remodels took ce, but the name always stuck with us. The manor gained its current form in thete 18th century, though we have added quite a bit real estate since the integration. Our family was spread all over the globe before the world changed, but we have worked hard to bring as many as possible home," Rnd exined.


    When Emily heard his exnation she immediately perked up.


    "Have you mapped out the world by now? Do you know where all the cultivators from Allentown appeared?" she hurriedly asked before Zac could rein her in.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t want Emily to find her two siblings, but rather that he didn''t want to give the Marshall n too much information. His rtions with Thea didn''t necessarily extend to the rest of the family, and he didn''t want Emily''s brother and sister to end up as potential pawns in some political game.


    "We looked around the area of the town, but that group seems to have been teleported to somewhere else on earth," Zac added calmly to exin what she meant.


    "I can''t say that we have a full grasp of our new world so far, but we have sessfully mapped out almost our supercontinent. However, ording to our astronomers our is enormous, with a diameter of at least twenty times that of our old World, Rnd exined. "And ording to our calctions, Pangea takes up only around 20% of the total surface."


    Zac was pretty shocked by the sheer size of their new. He knew that Pangea was simply massive. The Undead Incursion was asrge as the former United States, but it was only a small section of the massive continent. To think that such a huge chunk ofnd was only twenty percent of the total.


    But it also made Zac more certain that the otherndmass was another continent rather than arge ind. Zac had even thought it possible that they simply had reached Pangea from both ends, but that one of the coasts was uninhabited.


    We have reason to believe that our continent isn''t the only one, though we still haven''t heard any news about another. Perhaps it''s simply a massive ocean," Rnd said, almost confirming Zac''s thoughts. But mapping the great beyond has proven difficult. Our drones get taken down by huge birds and our ship destroyed by frenzied sealife. In general, the Cosmic Energy causes great disturbance to transmitted signals.


    After asking a few questions to make sure he understood which city Emily was referring to he tapped it into some app. But he didn''t speak for a few seconds and Zac started to frown when he noticed his face. He quickly ced a hand on Emily''s arm for support.


    "What is it?" Zac asked.


    "Unfortunately... It seems they belong to one of the lost groups..." he hesitantly said before he looked up at Emily. "Youngdy, do not give up hope though. We still do not know the fate of the lost groups, and they may be alive and well."


    "Lost groups?" Zac said after seeing Emily being stunned silent. "What do you mean?"


    "By now we have mapped out roughly 98 percent of all tutorial groups in the civilized world. That does not include regions with weak censuses though where we can''t make urate assumptions. Of the thousands of groups we and the New World Government has mapped, 29% are missing, Rnd said as he showed a graph on the tablet.


    We believe a few percents are missing due to the Zhix. We know for a fact that many groups withrge Zhix presences werepletely annihted. Some made it with just a handful of survivors who managed to hide from the Zhix rampage during the quests," Rnd exined.


    "But for the most part we believe the missing groups be to rted to the fourth race," Rnd said and threw an odd look at Alea. "So we believe that a quarter of the tutorial groups have been moved to wherever the inhabitants of the fourth world reside, though their fates are unknown."


    Zac sighed and nodded in confirmation. He understood that look very well. The first time he introduced the Demons he said they were the fourth race to avoid trouble. But with the hunt, most of therger organizations should have realized that the fourth race was the molemen living in the underworld.


    Zac hadn''t met any humans from the underworld in the hunt, but between the molemen and other hunters there should have been hundreds of them appearing, and the information should have quickly spread.


    Perhaps the Marshall n and the government were already trying to get in contact with the underworld to liberate the people or im the riches. Still, since they were almost at the mansion he didn''t bring up the subject and instead turned to Emily.


    "Don''t worry, we will keep looking. Nothing is certain yet," Zac said, and Emily somberly nodded her head.


    Not long after they passed the manned gates as the two cars stopped right outside the doors. It was gettingte, but floodlights kept the whole square in front of the manorpletely lit, and multiple guards were making rounds.


    Zac felt a bit out of ce in this sort of luxurious environment, but being a top powerhouse instilled him with an air of confidence as they followed Rnd inside. The others had much more varied expressions as they ranged from slightly bored to gaping and loudly eximing at the opulence inside.


    "Man, this ce is creepy, Emily muttered. "This ce is haunted for sure."


    Zac coughed in embarrassment, but he inwardly had to agree. He had already met ghosts since the integration so he knew they were real. And if some existed on Earth, this old manor was a prime contender for being ghost central. Therge hallway was stacked with antique relics, with everything from art to ancient weaponry and armors.


    "Youngdy, you might in fact be on to something," Rnd said as he looked over with a smile. "Stories of hauntings in this manor have circted for at least two hundred years. The middle ages were quite bloody, and some say resentment might have lingered. We have even brought in experts to make sure that we don''t have any supernatural beings hiding in the attic now that the world is full of magic."


    Emily paled a bit as she nced around as she walked closer to Zac. It didn''t look like she had expected her random remark to have such credence.


    "You''ve made it," a wizened voice suddenly echoed out through the doorway at the end of the hall, and when they entered they found Henry Marshall standing in front of a tableden with documents. "We were starting to worry someplications had arisen. But when we noticed you had gained another level we figured that you had found some opportunity."


    "Thepany you keep is still quite diverse," the Marshall patriarch noted as he looked up from the stack of papers on the table.


    "I haven''t changed my mind on that front since west spoke," Zac said as he epted a ss of champagne from a waiter that soundlessly arrived with refreshments.


    "There are a lot of new faces," Henry said as he looked over the party until it stopped at N. "Strength to your hive. I am Henry Marshall, leader of the Marshall n."


    "I am N, Anointed of Hive Kundevi. Strength to your hive," N said with some surprise.


    "I assume you joined Lord Atwood to reconvene with your brethren at the nearby hive?" Henry asked, drawing a simple nod from the Anointed. "I will have my men escort you in a car at your convenience. If you could ry the message that we simply wish for peaceful co-existence I would be in your debt. Our own tries at diplomacy have proven unfruitful."


    "I will ry the message to the council," N said without promising anything further.


    N was anxious to visit the hive, so Henry arranged for an escort for N and Ibtep, and they immediately left the manor.


    "Thea is noting today?" Zac suddenly asked as he looked around.


    There were only Henry and a handful of family members that seemed to act as advisors and aides in therge room. Thea was nowhere in sight, and neither was Billy for that matter.


    "When she heard that you got dyed she decided to head into the wilderness to fight. The beasts are progressing quite rapidly and unless we regrly cull them we would risk a beast tide. But mostly it was herpetitive spirit that wouldn''t let her sit still while you improved," Henry exined with a smile. Yourrge friend went with her.


    Zac nodded in understanding as he sat down at a table that could seat over twenty people. For a moment he thought they tried to hide Thea to avoid returning the items he lent her, but he felt that Thea wouldn''t go along with such a thing. A luxurious dinner was soon served, and the topics were kept light. The family members from the Marshall ns were great conversationalists, and it soon felt like a gathering of old friends.


    Clearly, their goal was to dig out all kinds of information through the asional and seemingly innocuous question, but everyone knew to keep quiet about sensitive matters. Besides, only Kenzie and Ogras knew of the truly sensitive intelligence on Port Atwood. Even Emily who lived on hispound had no idea about the true identity of the Creators.


    After the dinner was over Zac noted that Henry gave the sign to the servants, and they all left the room in quick order. Left were only Henry, four aides, and Zac''s retinue.


    "I hope that we will be able to forge a strong alliance between our forces during your visit, and take the first step toward purging our from invaders," Henry began as his eyes swept toward Adran and Alea. "However, before that there is something that I would need rified. I think you know what I am talking about."


    "The demons?" Zac said with a smile.


    As he expected the issue cropped up almost immediately.


    "The Demons," Henry confirmed with a somber face.


    "It is as you expect, they were once part of the Incursion close to Port Atwood," Zac said. "As you might have heard from Thea, the integration left me alone on an ind along with a Demonkin Incursion.


    I am not sure how clear your people are about the details, but after the conditions for closing an Incursions are met, the invading force is given a grace period to escape through their Nexus Hub, Zac continued. There was a group that chose to break ties with their old force, and instead join me in founding Port Atwood."


    "We are aware of the mechanics," Henry nodded. "However you must understand the risk you are putting yourself and Earth in. In one hundred years they will be able to contact their former n, leading them back here at full force."


    The two demons at the table threw Henry cold nces, but hepletely ignored them.


    So what would you do if you were in my situation? Zac asked.


    We were in your situation a short time ago when we finally managed to close the Incursion that gued the area. My granddaughter managed to assassinate a few of the leaders, allowing us to win the war. Most fled through the crystal when defeat was inevitable, but a few stayed on, Henry exined, a ruthless glint shimmering in his eyes. We killed them to thest man.


    Zac felt a shiver when he looked into Henry Marshalls eyes. The old man was nowhere strong enough to be a threat to him, but Zac knew that he himselfcked such ruthlessness. Henry was ready to go to any length to protect his family and their interests, and Zac had a feeling that was what he was conveying by telling Zac about their handling of the incursion.


    Well, our situations were different. I needed people and information, and the demons provided both. Besides, they would be the first to get killed by their n if they called them over, Zac said. As for how I handle the other Incursions, that will depend on their actions.


    Besides, Zac already knew that the few D-Grade powerhouses n Azh''Rezak possessed were right at the start of the grade. They had barely managed to pass the hurdle of forming their core, but they wouldn''t go any further on the path of cultivation.


    Only the n leader and the supreme elder were slightly better. There was no way that they would be able to mount an assault on Earth unless theirs for some reason became neighbors through some cosmic joke.


    The atmosphere in the room started to be quite heavy, and the advisors threw Henry worried looks. They were no doubt unhappy about an escting conflict, especially when Thea was out hunting. But suddenly Henry reclined in his chair with a shrug.


    "The strong make the rules. Such is our reality now, and the rest will have to ept it and adapt. This brings us to another issue, have you been able to connect with the underworld?" the old man said.


    Zac was slightly thrown off by the change in subject, but the two were connected in a sense. Since Henry had stepped back on the issue of the Demons, then so would he.


    "No. Either their teleporters are not public or there is something else causing interference," Zac said with a shake of his head.


    He still didn''t feel it was time to disclose his theory of the second continent.


    You should know that most forces are currently desperately digging downward to connect with the underworld. The fact that there are massive riches has spread far and wide because of a few bigmouthed hunters, Henry said with a sigh. Its a modern-day gold rush, and many are even ignoring the threats of the Incursions.

 Chapter 294: Cultivation

    Chapter 294: Cultivation


    No one has been able to connect to the underworld yet? Zac asked.


    Not to our knowledge, one of the aides said with a shake of his head. There are spections that there is someyer far down into the ground that hinder the teleportation arrays. Others even believe that the underworld is in fact on one of the moons.


    Zacs first looked at the man with skepticism, but upon further consideration he felt it wasnt too far-fetched. Their new had three moons now, and while none of them looked like a proper there was nothing saying that it wasnt possible to survive underground up there. Perhaps his theory of the underworld being beneath the other continent waspletely wrong.


    But something told Zac this wasnt the case. It would be extremely odd if an incursion was ced on one of the moons. How were they supposed to close it if that was the case? His theory felt much more promising. But for now he kept his thoughts to himself. And, of course, none of his people would exin the situation either.


    Henry seemed intent in sounding out Zacs thoughts about theing battles, but Zac still hadnt decided on his course of action and kept his intentions vague. Besides, he did not want to makerge decisions while both Thea and Billy were absent.


    It was already well past midnight, and Zac was starting to feel tired since he hade here straight from the Inheritance trial. So he instead said he needed to cultivate, and he excused himself from the table. Emily had turned quieter during the evening, likely thinking about her siblings, and she excused herself as well.


    No one slept a lot any more with their improved constitution, so Zac left Adran and Calrin to apany Henry and his aides to discuss the details of their alliance instead. Alea chose to stay behind as well as a liaison for the military arm of Port Atwood. A group of maids waited outside, and Zac and Emily were shown to their rooms.


    Zac''s living quarters was a huge suiteprised of five rooms. There were two separate bedrooms, a living room and what seemed to be cultivation chambers. When Zac entered he was surprised to note that the density of cosmic energy was slightly higher insidepared to the outside. He also sensed that the walls were extremely thick, providing great istion.


    There even was a high-quality air control function inside that kept the air just right. The increased density didn''t make any difference for a mortal like Zac, but it undoubtedly felt nicer to reside in more energy-rich areas. Zac closed the door behind him and noted with some interest there was even a Do Not Disturb-button by the door.


    He had to admit that the Marshal n had gone a very interesting route where theybined their old lifestyle with the integration, creating something unique for themselves. That was also made apparent from their effort to incorporate inscriptions in modern items.


    Port Atwood was to a far greater degree adapted to the general state of the multiverse, and Zac realized there were almost no modern items in his private courtyard anymore.


    It almost felt as though he was inside a sensory deprivation chamber from the moment he closed the door, and he had no trouble to calm his mind. Zac usually preferred to sit in his courtyard to meditate while listening to nature, but this experience was nice as well.


    The first problem he wanted to take a minute to ponder upon was what he should do in regards to Yrial''s advice regarding his Dao.


    The earlier he decided which of the paths he would take, the better. That would allow him to try to gain suitable insights for his Daos as he pushed them toward Peak mastery. As he saw it there were three alternatives to take, rather than the two Yrial mentioned. He could also go for only two Dao Groups in addition to three or four.


    The final option would be where took his fusions one step further and created one group of life and defense, with the other group representing Death and Attack. That would reflect the two top tier Daos, Creation and Oblivion. But he quickly discarded his path as he took out <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. Zac slowly dragged his fingers across therge axhead, and he felt a small resonance in his mind.


    Zac had held an axe in his hand since the integration took ce, and it had be a part of him. He couldn''t imagine giving up the path of the axe in favor of only focusing on the two elements of life and death, so he quickly discarded the thought of only having two Dao Groups. Besides, he felt that doing so might result in his following sses to be even more lopsided.


    After some hesitation he also decided to give up on having a fourth group, one solely dedicated to defense. He didn''t have any connection to a shield like he did with an axe, and pushing for that Dao wasn''t something he felt being too important.


    He would shore up his defense with the help of massive attributes, skills and Hybrid Daos instead. That left the original suggestion that Yrial had put forth. The Dao of Corpse didn''t sound too appealing to him, but Yrial said there would be other alternatives as well.


    He spent a few hours consolidating his improved Dao Seeds. He had very little experience with the Seed of Rot, and he knew that he would have to battle it out a bit while using it to test its might. He also taught himself both <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </strong>and his Transformation skill.


    Yrials transformation skill formed ayer around the core, and Zac realized he would need to either infuse it with the Dao of Trees or Dao of Rot if he wanted to change his form. <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> was a bit more unique though.


    The skill was the first one he had encountered that wasprised of two fractals, one on each of his shoulders. He was worried for a second he would need to use both his arms for the attack, but after channeling the two Daos into their respective fractals he realized that wasnt the case.


    He did, however, realize that he was unable topletely activate the fractals. A very delicate bnce was needed between the two Daos, and if Zac didnt control his energies exactly right the skill would fizzle out immediately. This was only exacerbated by the fact that the two Dao Seeds he used werent of the same grade.


    He frowned a bit, knowing he wouldnt be able to use his new skill in the short run. But he understood what Yrial meant that this skill would help him improve his control of his Dao. At the moment he only pumped his attacks full of his mental energy, but this skill required far more sophistication.


    Since there would be no quick results from <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, Zac instead turned his attention toward the transformation skill. But before he tried to activate it he stopped himself as he looked around. He took a second look at the roof and all the corners for any hidden spying devices before sitting down again. But even then he put on a cowl to cover his face just to make sure.


    Content that there was no one spying on him he infused the fractal with the Dao of Rot, and he felt a decent amount of Cosmic Energy getting dragged into the fractal as well. The next moment small lines of energies connected with the core, and Zac immediately sensed the change.


    Miasma immediately started to flood his system, and he almost fell even though he was already sitting. At the same time his Cosmic energy was quickly getting absorbed by the core, and it was as though a cycle had formed where the death-attuned energy was driving all normal energy out of his body and into the Duplicity Core.


    A wave of nausea hit Zac but he held on and kept infusing the skill with the Dao of Rot. Luckily Yrials estimations had been correct, and the change only took around ten seconds. He opened his status screen to be sure, and he had truly changed to his Draugr form.


    It was the first time he had the opportunity to properly observe the transformation, and it was pretty interesting. It wasnt only the energies that changed, but something else was dragged out of his body and pushed into his core. In its stead, his organs were filled with something else.


    It was the change of this mysterious force that was the difference between vibrant red blood and the ck sludge that now sat in his veins. He had no idea what it was since he couldnt sense it properly. At least he felt it was somethingpletely differentpared to life force and miasma. In the end, he could only chalk it up to be the essence of the respective races.


    Luckily there was no trouble in learning the two skills in his undead form either. The transformation skill was already adapted for his dual races by Yrial, whereas the attack was mainly powered by the Daos.


    Since he was already in his undead form he decided to test something that had been on his mind for days. He quickly took out the Cultivation Manual that Mhal had left behind. Zac already had learned how to utilize a manual from listening to Alyn and his sister and knew exactly what to do to see whether he was a cultivator in this form.


    Luckily it didnt seem that the Undead manuals were any different, apart from running on miasma instead of Cosmic Energy. The first thing he did was to take out and crush a few Miasma crystals to fill the cultivation chamber with Death-Attuned energy. Next, he looked down on the manual and tried to start it up.


    The first step to cultivation was slightly confusing to Zac, as it was to connect with the universe as Kenzie had exined it.


    By pushing his miasma in the specific pattern of the manual a rotation would be formed through his pathways. This rotation would, in turn, connect the energy outside the body with the energy inside, and as the rotation kept going some of the external energy would be dragged inside through his pores and join his internal energy.


    Rotating the miasma didnt prove difficult, as he had ample experience of moving energy though his body to utilize his skills. But no matter how many revolutions he performed following the Cultivation Manual nothing happened. His internal energy waspletely cut off from the miasma in the room.


    Not even holding a Miasma Crystal helped in the least, even though he had seen Thea regain her energies a lot faster that way. Zac even expelled a bunch of miasma to test whether the manual could at least help him restore his energies faster.


    But Zacs final hope was dashed when revolving his energy didnt help in the slightest to improve his missing miasma. Some Miasma continuously seeped into his body as it always did when he wasnt topped off, but cultivating made absolutely no difference on the rate of absorption.


    Finally, he had to reluctantly give up on the rotation. If he was a cultivator he would almost immediately have started to absorb energy. There was no such thing as ''sensing the Cosmic Energy'' for months until a connection could be made. It was an instant change, where the only difference over time was the amount of energy one could drag into one''s body.


    It looked like he wasnt meant to cultivate even in his Draugr form. He had honestly known this was a very real possibility after meeting Yrial, but it was still a disappointment. Zac shook his head with a wry smile, realizing he might be the only Draugr in the multiverse without any inherent connection to miasma.


    Since he was done with everything he wanted to check out in his undead form he decided to change back to a human. He crushed a divine crystal in the room next, making the life-attuned energies cancel out the miasma to some degree. The rest would naturally be diluted and eradicated by the ambient energies in the air.


    But when Zac tried to change back he was immediately stopped.


    He soon learned that the transformation skill refused to activate for almost an hour until he could change again. It appeared that freely swapping back and forth still was impossible. But with some timing and subterfuge it should at least be possible to swap once during a battle, though it couldnt be done if he waspletely exhausted since it required a decent amount of mental energy.


    For the rest of the night, he kept going over his experiences and his Daos, trying to decide on the best path for himself. He only took a short nap of two hours before he resumed his meditation. He lost track of time until suddenly a subdued chime could be heard in the room, gently bringing him out of his meditation.


    It seemed the Marshalls had installed a doorbell of sorts to alert the person cultivating. Zac stood up with a grunt and opened the chamber to the outside world. To his surprise he found Thea standing right outside. A quick nce at the time showed it was almost noon, making his mouth slightly widen in surprise.


    "You''re an addict," Thea said with a shake of her head as she pointedly looked at the unused bedrooms before a small smile spread across her face.

 Chapter 295: Perusing the Library

    Chapter 295: Perusing the Library


    "Aren''t you the same?" Zac smiled. "I heard you went out hunting during the night? Isnt Billy with you?"


    With you gaining so many levels I cant rx, she said with some annoyance, though Zac knew she didnt really mean it. Besides, it seems the beasts are getting more aggressive.


    Billy wont be joining us today. He heard we were going to the library and decided to sleep in. Did you know he can cultivate while sleeping? she then added as she looked inside the cultivation chamber with a slightly confused look.


    Zac guessed she sensed the odd mixture of attuned energies inside since they hadn''tpletely dissipated, and he hurriedly closed the door behind him. It was only after he got out he had time to digest what she said. Zac didn''t know how to respond to something like that, he had never heard of anything like it. Billy was truly one of a kind.


    Is that even possible? Zac said.


    Apparently, Thea said with a shrug. Between you and me, I think Billy might have some special constitution or bloodline. Even I could see his huge form when he smashed the array back in the hunt.


    Zac agreed with Theas guess, remembering Billys golden blood and the ancient aura he emitted in his titanic form. Bloodlines and special constitutions were things that Zac still was a bit confused about though. Could one just gain them willy-nilly?


    Give me a second to change, Zac said and hurried to the bathroom.


    He felt a bit silly wearing the golden robes from Tyrbat back on Earth. It was one thing back on Port Atwood since he was usually alone cultivating or battling, but it was different here. He took a quick shower and put on his new Spirit Tool robes instead.


    The clothes adjusted to fit him perfectly, and they felt extremely luxuriant. After checking himself in the mirror he had to say that he looked a lot better in the tasteful battle robespared to the gaudy defensive suit the Medhin Royals seemed to prefer.


    Zac even considered growing out the stubble on his head to a longer hairstyle like Yrial, but in the end decided against it before he got out. Thea gave him a once-over with her eyes, her brows rising slightly when she saw the intricate fractals drawn in red and blue.


    "Looks nice. I still have the things I owe you, but space here is a bit cramped," she said and led him out toward a garden out back.


    The two kept making some small talk while they walked until they reached a secluded garden behind the huge mansion. The moment they arrived Thea immediately summoned a small mountain of treasures, but he was a bit curious to note that they seemed to have been sorted.


    "Truth be told we went through the items, but I promise that not a single thing is missing. I oversaw everything," Thea said before she looked over at a few crates. "There are a few things we would like to purchase from you that we found in this pile."


    "Port Atwood is always happy to oblige in some trade, provided the price is right, Calrins voice suddenly could be heard across the garden.


    Zac almost jumped straight into the air in shock, since the voice hade straight out of nowhere. He quickly looked around to find Calrin standing just a few meters away. He saw Zac''s shocked face and gave a small bow.


    "I smelled treasure," the Sky Gnome said as he walked over to the pile that Thea had indicated. "I wonder what Miss Marshall would use in exchange for these treasures? You should know that Port Atwood currentlycks nothing apart from exotic treasures."


    "What are you doing here?" Thea said as she looked down at Calrin as he started rummaging through the things they wanted to keep.


    "It appears our business interests have met a snag here in Westfort, so I had some free time to help out my good friend," Calrin pointedly said. "Now these are some valuable items, no wonder your force would want to buy them."


    Some annoyance started to appear on Thea''s face, and she turned toward Zac. However, business was business so Zac only shrugged with a small smile as he let the two battle the out. He trusted Calrin''s discerning eye. The gnome would neither let a real treasure slip through his fingers nor take a loss on the items he was ready to sell off.


    In the end, Calrin staunchly refused the sale of tworge crates of herbs, but he was ready to haggle for the rest. Zac didn''t recognize those nts at all, but they weren''t bad since they emitted pretty dense energies. As for the rest, it was sold for 124 million Nexus Coins that would be paid in three installments. At this point, Zac made sure that the money would go to him rather than the insatiable little gnome since this deal did not go through the Thayer Consortia.


    The price itself seemed somewhat low, but it came with some strings attached. It appeared that the Business Venture that Starlight backed was also aiming to set up a branch in Westfort, and the Marshall n was happy to have the two businesses duke it out and provide better benefits.


    Calrin managed to get a three-month head-start through this deal, barring the Flowing Moon Corporation from doing business at all during that period. Three months wasn''t too much, but it was also a critical period on Earth. Large wars would take ce, and Thayer Consortia would be able to unload its enormous stockpiles of equipment to the Marshalls and their allies.


    Calrins original intention was formercial monopoly though, just like he enjoyed in Port Atwood, but that was staunchly refused by Thea. Zac found that she was almost apletely different person when it came to business, and she gave the little sky gnome quite the workout.


    Zac was also interested to see that Thea had no problems deciding these things on the spot, meaning that she might enjoy a simr status as himself in the n. Zac let others handle most issues, but he always had the final say. Zac had assumed that Henry was calling all the shots since the family seemed to run like in the old world, but perhaps that wasntpletely the case.


    After they were done with the negotiations Calrin dragged him to the side.


    Thats a good one. Finding a wife with a talent for management will allow a man to adventure with peace of mind, Calrin said with a satisfied nod.


    Great, Zac sighed with a roll of his eyes. What were those herbs you kept?


    They are called <strong>[Cosmic Bloodroot]</strong> and are used to improve one''s constitution. Together with the <strong>[Aetherbloom]</strong> we attained from New Washington and a few other ingredients we will be able to make extremely potent Medicine Baths to move constitutions toward D-Grade, the Gnome Excitedly said.


    Zac whistled in surprise. That was something that Port Atwood currentlycked. It wouldnt be long before both himself and a handful of the Demons reached E-Grade, and having this would motivate them to contribute even harder.


    After saying goodbye to Calrin he rejoined Thea as they walked toward the enormous seashell. Now that it wasnt pitch-ck outside he could see that it was a deep blue and shimmered like it was iid with crystals all along the surface.


    "It was initially built by an aquatic species, but the System remodeled it to work above-ground it seems," Thea exined as they moved forward. "The librarian is a bit angry about it though, it does not like non-marine beings. We found that unless you are quite specific in your requests it might try to trip you up."


    Zac coughed as he threw Thea an odd nce. He was starting to form a guess about the System. It was thergest employer in the universe and had multiple sales channels. Was it awarding slightly broken or troublesome things for quests because it had trouble pawning them off to more established forces? The only exception seemed to be the Creator shipyard, though he knew that both Rahm and Karunthel seemed a bit odd even for being Creators.


    As they got closer to the entrance of the library Zac spotted a familiar figure sitting on a bench nearby enjoying the sun. He felt a headache iing but still chose to walk over with Thea curiously following in tow.


    "What are you doing here?" Zac asked with some helplessness.


    "The library sounded quite interesting. In contrast to Ogras and the others Ie from humble beginnings, and never had a formal education. I wanted to see if I could join you inside," Alea said with a smile as she looked over at Thea.


    "This is Alea, one of the leaders of the demons," Zac introduced her to Thea. "Alea, this is Thea Marshall."


    "Hi, if you''re a friend of Zac''s you''re wee to join," Thea said with a nod.


    Zac internally breathed in relief when he saw that the poison mistress wasn''t here to cause any trouble and walked toward the library. The moment he stepped inside all sounds from the outside disappeared, and he was filled with a sense of tranquility as he looked around the magnificent building.


    There were no ceilings in the shell and he could see up to the top of the spiral. Lining the walls were innumerable bookcases and floating crystals, and they kept going along the spirals all the way to the top. The bottom floor was also studded with reading nooks andfortable sofas, thetter seemingly an addition of the Marshall''s. Zac also noted that there was at least one shimmering partition some ways up, which slightly distorted the vision.


    "It seems I need to pass a certain trial to unlock the top tier information crystals," Thea exined as she looked up at theyer. "Until then we can only browse what''s beneath."


    "So how do you find what you''re looking for?" Zac asked as he looked around. There were hundreds of bookshelves on just the ground floor, but not a single sign anywhere.


    "Ask Big Blue," Thea said.


    "Huh?" Zac said, but the next moment an enormous monster appeared in front of him.


    It was like something wrought out of a Lovecraftian nightmare, a monstrous head with hundreds of long tentacles. Dozens of pitch-ck eyes stared down at them, thergest of which asrge as a beach ball. Zac immediately took out his axe in rm, and Alea looked ready to drown the whole area in poison as she turned her eyes toward Thea.


    "Wait!" Thea said. "That''s the librarian!"


    Zac hesitantly looked up at the enormous monster reaching almost ten meters into the air, and he couldn''t believe this thing was a keeper of knowledge.


    "New bipedals soil my sanctuary. You even bring the barbaric demonkin this time? Base creatures that only know lust and violence," a rumbling voice echoed out through the library as therge head of the Librarian turned away in annoyance.


    "It has worked well for us so far," Alea said with a smile, but there was a dangerous glint in her eyes.


    "I''m sorry, just ignore Big Blue. He has some personality problems, but he is very knowledgeable. Just ask him what you want to learn more about and he will get it for you," Thea exined with a helpless smile.


    Zac nodded and simply asked about the Undead Empire to start with. Zac had honestly already figured out most things that were bothering him inside the trail already, meaning this ce wasn''t as valuable to him anymore. But he still had a day to spend while Adran and Calrin hammered out the details of the cooperation agreements with the Marshall n and N visited the other hive.


    So he chose to shore up his knowledge of various fields during the day. He got a better understanding of how the multiverse worked for example, and he couldn''t help but be shocked by the immensity of it all.


    One theoretically could understand that the multiverse was boundless, but such a thing was too abstract. But when one started to get down to detail it started to get insane. For example, a single undead family could control hundreds of thousands ofs, and yet they would only be the drop in the ocean of the Undead Empire. Even an A-Grade powerhouse might die of old age before having visited every.


    But even though the universe held boundlesss and things to see it seemed that inteary travel was not something that was more than a fraction of people would experience in their lifetimes. No matter if one lived at an F or D-Grade world most would never leave their, much less their sector. It was both an issue of danger and resources.


    To travel betweens in a local cluster you needed at least a D-Grade cosmic ship unless you possessed teleportation ess. Those ships could utilize the Dao of Space to move faster than light, making it possible to traverse those massive distances. But you needed higher-grade ships to travel outside of the local cluster. A C-Grade ship was needed to travel within a gxy, and a B-Grade ship was needed to travel between gxies and explore whole star sectors.


    In the end, there were too many forces and worlds to keep proper track of everything, and the system generally clumped sectors together. For example, it turned out that all the forces invading Earth was from the same star sector, though not necessarily the same gxy.


    The author of the book theorized that the System wanted to find a bnce between safety for newly integrateds, but at the same time waste a minimal amount of energy for the trials. So it didn''t want forces in too close a proximity to invade, but it also didn''t want to teleport people too far.


    Of course, there were some exceptions to this. Some forces were just so massive that they existed in multiple universes, having pockets of control almost everywhere. The Undead Empire was one such example, and there were a few more massive empires and alliances like that as well.


    That meant that the risk of running into those forces of the Incursions in the future was a lot higher than he expected. A few of them might evene from the same gxy their had been moved to.


    "It''s shocking, isn''t it?" Thea suddenly said from the side. "I read that same crystal a few days after I got this ce. The scale of it all is crazy."


    Zac nodded in agreement. But what Zac really was thinking about was what would happen to him after he offended every single incursion by killing their leaders and forcing the rest to flee in shame.


    Would he even be able to leave the in the future?

 Chapter 296: Division of Labor

    Chapter 296: Division of Labor


    Zac shook his head with a wry smile before put aside the information crystal. He would need to survive the Incursions, Dominators, and the Great Redeemer before he could worry about potential vendettas with various factions in the multiverse.


    The next hours were spent with Zac going over any subject that he could think of. One small regret was that the Library was extremely old, and any information about forces would have to be taken with a grain of salt. For example, there was no mention of the Allbright Empire in the Library, though Zac didnt know if that was due to the Empire being too young or that the Library could only hold so much information.


    But the most interesting crystal he found was a bibliography of a Mortal warrior who managed to reach peak C-Grade. It mostly centered on his exploits and experiences, but some snippets gave insights into the hurdles a Defier would encounter.


    As Zac suspected the general method of Galvarion, the aquatic Mortal, to break through his nodes was to force them open. It took him almost a hundred years to reach the peak E-Grade, most of it spent on a sickbed from his wounds. It had taken him another 150 years to heal his foundations until he even dared to attempt to form his core.


    As he read through the history of Galvarion Zac also started to understand Alyns standpoint regarding ss Rarities better. Galvarion only possessed an Epic C-Grade ss, the lowest possible rarity if one wanted to progress further.


    In fact, it had been the same from the start for the man. He started with a humble Warrior ss at F-Grade and slowly upgraded the rarity once every Evolution. He wasnt supremely strong for his level, though better than most through a series of fortuitous encounters and good Dao insights.


    But he was still looked down at by the elite forces in the area, and a few enmities had resulted in him almost dying multiple times over. But Galvarion always remembered the grudges as he slunk away, only returning when he had be stronger.


    Soon after evolving to C-Grade hepletely eradicated 6 D-Grade forces that had crossed him over the past thousands of years. That went to show that the rarity of a ss wasnt nearly as important as the Grade.


    The bonus attributes he got now from an Epic ss wouldnt make much difference when Zac was a D-Grade powerhouse, and Zac started to wonder if he was doing the right thing from pushing toward the peak rarity. But Yrial never mentioned anything about the subject, so he decided to stick with his gut.


    He would ask the Lord of Cycles the next time they met just in case, but he knew that the extra attributes were only a small part of what the better sses brought to the table. Instead, he kept going through various information crystals to get a better basic understanding of the multiverse and cultivation in general.


    It was only around 5 pm that Alea spoke up.


    We have a meeting in 30 minutes, she said. A council for the uing war.


    Zac couldnt stop a groan from escaping his lips, and Thea looked less than enthused as well. Both of them had turned to people of action from their experiences following the integration, and these meetings had turned into torture. But there was nothing to be done about it. Some big decisions needed to be made, and Zac needed to be present for them. So they simply took a small walk in the garden before entering the conference room.


    Zac sat down with the other people from Port Atwood, nodding at Calrin. He knew this meeting would be a real marathon, and he got shbacks from the monthly meetings back at the office that never led anywhere. He had shortly spoken with Adran and Alea just before entering, and the negotiations so far hadn''t been without its issues.


    Zac would have thought that everything would be easy sailing since his side was negotiating from a side of absolute power, but the wily diplomats had a million ways to slightly gain small advantages for themselves if his side wasn''t alert.


    A nce across the table told him that Thea was as bored as himself, and she even looked ready to fall asleep. But a cough from Henry woke her right up as he convened the meeting.


    "Wee all. As you know the objective of today''s meeting is to formalize theing war effort. With the benefits garnered from the hunt, we will never be any more ready than now. We also know that the restrictions are rapidly weakening on the invading forces, and the amount of support they can bring through the Nexus Hubs will increase. Time is of the essence," Henry began, drawing nods from around the table.


    "There is another reason for urgency," his closest aide continued as he turned on arge monitor. "The Undead Empire is on the move."


    The screen showed aerial shots of massive hordes of undead walking through some fields. The numbers were on apletely different levelpared to what Zac had encountered during his visit to the Dead Zone. The countless bodies turned the army into a sea, and it was impossible to make a correct estimation, but there were millions and millions as they stretched out toward the horizon.


    Certainly, almost all of them were low-leveled Zombies, but they were still a huge threat. Even Zac would run out of steam long before he managed to grind down such a terrifying number of enemies. And others weren''t like Zac with his 800 Endurance. The Zombies were extremely aggressive and one bit was all it took against most fighters. They didn''t care if twenty of the Zombies were hacked to bits as long as one of them could wound a living person.


    "What of the Monastery of Evesting Peace?" Zac asked as he opened his Town Menu.


    He breathed out in relief as he saw the teleporter to the Monastery still being active, hopefully meaning they were fine.


    "For now they are only cordoned off, but we believe a siege will start in earnest sooner orter," the man said as he pushed the button on a remote to show a few more screenshots of the armies. "The main hordes extend outward in three directions as it stands, and we believe that all of them have great powerhouses in the lead."


    "One of the hordes is moving toward the reorganized strongholds of China, Korea, and India. This force could be seen as an Ally of ours, though we haven''t entered official negotiations," Henry borated. "They mostly started approaching us recently due to the movements of the undead. But another reason is that the New World Government has proven to be an extremely ky ally for them. They have been promised assistance with the Incursion for months, but the Government has only made a symbolic show of effort."


    "What about the other hordes?" Zac asked.


    "One of them is heading toward the European Hearnds," the aide exined and opened up a map of the central region of Pangea "This horde would cause widespread damage to both the New World Government, arge number of Ishiate settlements, and many of our allies. Even Westfort would be implicated if they aren''t stopped within a month or two."


    "The final group is moving toward one of the Incursions," Henry finished. "That horde we''ll leave alone. Let the aliens weaken each other. But the other two hordes must be dealt with."


    "So what is the n?" Thea asked from the side, looking at the map with a frown.


    "The two hordes must be whittled down before we can assault the core of the Incursion," Henry said. "Otherwise we would run the risk of getting trapped inside. There are still tens of millions of Zombies guarding the core, so we believe there will be a protracted siege to break it down."


    "This is where the visible part of our operation will take ce," another aide exined. "Armies run by the Marshall n, Port Atwood, and our other allies will join forces to battle the enormous monster hordes that threaten native settlements. It will protect our interests, garner respect with the civilian poptions, and provide our fighters with a source of Cosmic Energy. We only need a number of powerhouses to offset the danger that the more powerful undead pose."


    Zac shook his head at the cynical exnation of why they would mobilize the forces.


    "Do you not agree with the proposal, Lord Atwood?" the aide asked.


    "We are fighting for the survival of our, do we really need other reasons to mobilize?" Zac sighed.


    "The opinion of the poption is very important even in our current world," Henry said, though the demons weren''t convinced either.


    Zac was also slightly unconvinced, but he motioned Henry to go on with the n.


    "We will use both old-world weaponry and Cosmic Energy to destroy these hordes. And if we can''tpletely destroy them, we will hopefully weaken them enough to stall their approach. The undead have officially been dered to be an enemy of earth, no matter their previous identities," Henry continued. "But in the end, this war is only a diversion."


    Alea and Adran threw a nce at Zac who looked a bit confused at this point.


    "An all-out war is a diversion?" Zac probed.


    "We have to face reality. No matter how many of our ordinary warriors we throw into the midst of war these days, it doesn''t matter," Henry said. "The fate of a nation rests on the shoulders of those at the apex."


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement. Unless one could take out the leaders of a force it could always be rebuilt. If someone attacked Port Atwood he could simply retreat, and return with a vengeance whenever he was prepared. It was the same with the incursions.


    "They want you to close the other incursions while they fight the zombies," Alea exined. "And they want it to be a secret operation, so no one will learn of your deeds."


    Zac looked at Henry, who made no efforts to refute Alea''s im.


    "That is correct. Our n hinges on the monstrous power you have. You alone are more important than all our soldiers. There is no way for us to close any incursions without massive casualties. We would run out of manpower after just two or three of them. But you and a small support group would be able to go in, kill all the leaders, and then force the rest in retreat," Henry said.


    "We would provide the logistics, and you would ideally go from incursion to incursion, destroying as many as possible before any news could spread between the Invaders. We have already set up outposts close to every single incursion by now," another Marshall Family member added.


    "And guess who they want to lead the armies and win the adoration of the world?" Alea added with an acerbic tone as she turned her gaze at Thea, who frowned before looking over at her grandfather.


    "Thea is the best candidate for the job," Henry said with equanimity. "One powerhouse is needed to make sure one of the Undead Empire Generals doesn''t start a massacre. Your prowess is already needed with the incursion. Billy Trask Jr. is not suited for a leadership role due to his unique mental state. Enigma and Joker are suspected to be in the Underworld. Daoist Chosui and Guru Anaad Phakiwar are holding down the fort for the Sino-Indian Alliance. Silverfox is believed to be part of the New World Government. That leaves Thea."


    Zac had to admit that what Henry Said made some sense, but that still only covered one of the two armies.


    "The other two and I can lead the other army," Alea suddenly said. "The three of us are far deadlier together than Ms. Marshall is alone."


    Zac immediately understood that Alea was referring to Janos and Ilvere, and he felt it wasn''t a bad idea. Ilvere was a skilledmander, while Alea was just extremely effective againstrge groups of enemies.


    "Does your and Janos'' skillsets work against the Undead?" Zac asked to make sure.


    "Janos can''t do much against the brainless undead, but the leaders are the same as humans. I won''t face any obstacles with either," Alea said.


    The others curiously looked at the two, hoping for an exnation.


    "That''s fine with me," Zac said. "Three of my generals will lead one army while Thea leads the other. That way we can properly cover both the hordes."


    "Will you not need them for the Incursions?" Henry asked. "We can also provide a few elite squads to provide backup."


    "That won''t be needed," Zac said with a shake of his head. "I have Ogras and my own elite soldiers for that."


    Truthfully he wouldn''t have minded some backup, but Zac was nning on using his undead form when possible to grind a few levels. He didn''t want a bunch of people from other forces snooping at him and reporting back.


    "You should bring Billy as well," Henry said after a brief pause. "Our investigation showed that almost all of the Incursions have set up strong defensive arrays. Billy is uniquely gifted at dealing with that."


    Zac nodded in agreement. No one was as clear as himself just how powerful that strike was. Many of the details got hammered out over the following two hours, and Zac got an information package containing the gathered intelligence of the remaining Incursions. Some of them werepletely unknown to Zac from before and ced in extremely remote regions of Pangea. The Marshall n was truly thorough.


    He was also happy he had some other negotiators by his side. Adran made sure that the area every single incursion that Port Atwood conquered would be part of theirnd, apart from the Undead Incursion. That ce was toorge to handle in any case, and it would perhaps take centuries for the Dead Zone to heal.


    "What about the New World Government?" Zac suddenly asked. "Won''t they assist us?"


    "They are currently mobilizing their armies, but I would not count on them for the incursions," Henry said with disdain. "Their two top powerhouses aren''t strong enough to take down even the weakest the incursions now that the restrictions have be sox. Besides, I am not sure if they even want to."


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked with some confusion.


    "We have reason to believe that the New World Government, or at least a core group of its leaders, have allied with the so-called Dominators of the Zhix."

 Chapter 297: Changing Course

    Chapter 297: Changing Course


    "WHAT?" Zac eximed with anger. "Why the hell would they do that?"


    "Control and self-preservation, I would guess," Henry said. "After learning about The Great Redeemer from Thea we believe that the Dominators have promised them sanctuary in exchange for subservience. That they will be spared when that monster arrives. Either that or they simply needed strong allies against you and my granddaughter. They might not even believe The Great Redeemer to be real."


    "They would have to be crazy to jump into bed with those things. Even crazier than regr Zhix," Zac said with disbelief.


    "Perhaps. Or perhaps they simply feel out of options. The Dominators are already so much stronger than them. What about a peak D-Grade powerhouse? They likely believe there is no way for us to prevail, and took a desperate gamble to get a shot at surviving," Henry said. "People will go to extraordinary lengths to survive."


    "Is that why Thomas Fischer is improving so rapidly?" Zac asked.


    "Yes, we believe that the Dominators have provided him with some sort of opportunities. He has always been strong, but he had shown not only a rapid gain in level but also a power that belies that leveltely. He also cleansed arge part of the New World Government shortly before entering the hunt. It is still officially a democratic alliance of free states, but it is more or less an autocracy by now. The official exnation was to rid the cab of the shapeshifters, but a fair deal of humans were put to death as well," Henry continued.


    "Will they actively work against us?" Zac said.


    "I discussed this with your assistants yesterday. We believe, same as you, that the Dominators wish for the Incursions to be closed. So we will likely not encounter resistance at this stage. However, we should be ready for a civil war the moment the foreign threat is dealt with," Henry said. "You have already been painted as a traitor of humanity due to thepany you keep. They mightunch assaults at us under the guise of emancipation from the final threat, and they would be assisted by the Zhix hordes."


    "Not all of the hordes," Zac said. "The council of the Anointed is preparing for a final Holy War against the Dominators. Where does the Ishiate stand?"


    "They have been neutral so far," one of the advisors answered. "Not even Starlight seems to have a great drawing power with their people, and they generally stay in small cliques. That is why Everde Refuge was forced to open their teleporter to the public even though they are a decent-sized settlement."


    "So we are pretty much alone," Zac sighed.


    "Our forces are a bit smaller, but we have more elites," Henry said. "But it would help our side if we were the ones who discovered and liberated the Underworld."


    "What about Salvation?" Zac said, changing the topic. "Do we know where the Cradle of God is located?"


    "It has been located, but..." one of the aides started.We believe that attacking that man at the moment would be at least as dangerous as attacking one of the Top Tier Incursions."


    "It doesn''t matter, we need to prioritize killing him," Zac said without hesitation. "He''s turning people into weapons, and he is a real disciple of the Great Redeemer. He must be removed as quickly as possible."


    "It''s not that simple," Henry said. "He has hundreds of thousands of those puppets, and he''s turned the whole zone around him lifeless. It''s impossible to get close without alerting him. We have tried multiple times to gain intelligence, but our scouts get killed by swarming puppets who simply explode themselves."


    "Then I''ll simply head straight in," Zac said. "There must be a limit to his power. There is no way he can control hundreds of thousands at the same time. We already saw he couldn''t freely control a thousand in the hunt. We were able to destroy hundreds of them without the things reacting."


    "I agree," Thea added from the side. "Killing Salvation should be a priority. He might even be able to open up a portal for the Great Redeemer. He did possess a protective talisman containing a whisp of his soul. Who knows what else he has? Perhaps he simply hasn''t gathered enough sacrifices to open the portal yet. "


    In the end it was decided they would attack Salvation soon after Zac had closed a few Incursions and reached level 75. Thea would join as well in case the Undead armies stood down and returned to the Incursion. If not he would have to do things himself.


    The meeting went on and one point after another was decided, and after another four hours Zac had a proper picture of how he would proceed the following weeks. There were some uncertainties, depending on things such as whether they could find the underworld and the response of the New World Government.


    There were a lot of risks involved, especially to Zac himself. But if everything went ording to n earth would be free of any foreign invaders in less than two months. There was still the issue of the Dominators and the Great Redeemer, but they would have to take things one step at the time.


    But just as he was about to call an end to the meeting Zac realized something odd.


    "Wait, what about the Church of the Evesting Dao?" Zac eximed. "They''re not in the information packets."


    "That''s the oddest thing..." Henry muttered. "We simply can''t find them."


    "How is that possible?" Zac asked with suspicion. "They are possibly the strongest force apart from the undead. How is it possible that they haven''t made any waves?"


    "We are not sure what is going on either," an aide said as he started typing away at hisptop.


    The next moment a screen of a torched vige appeared.


    "Up until two months ago, we could regrly find the aftermath of their crusade. They have burned hundreds of towns to the ground, leaving no survivors. The crusaders were part of apletely mobile force that never went back to their Incursion to resupply, and they had no pattern to their ughter. In fact, we do not even know where their Incursion is located," the aide said.


    "But some time before the Hunt all their activities stopped. We still do not know the reason. Some even specte that they have left," Henry said, though he didn''t seem too hopeful about that prospect. "What we have learned about those lunatics makes that unlikely though. I fear they are nning something big."


    Zac slowly nodded, but Alea didn''t seem as convinced. She touched her pouch and the next moment a piece of Springroot was thrown to every one in the room.


    "Eat up," Alea said. "If not you''ll be fed something far less appetizing."


    Zac frowned at her manner, but he did agree with the sentiment. He felt it was a bit odd that the Marshalls never tested them once, and he hadn''t seen anyone else using Springroot either since arriving. Had the Marshall n been infiltrated?


    The tension in the room rose to an entirely new level as the two sides looked at each other in silence, and energies were swirling in the air. Finally, Thea shrugged and ate the piece of the root, and the moment she backed down so did the rest. Even Henry bit down on the root after a bit, though his facial expression wasn''t great.


    "Happy now, miss?" he said as he turned a stern re at Alea, who only smiled sweetly in return.


    Zac felt it was lucky that no one had mentioned she was a poison user. If they knew that then the situation might have gone out of control. However, it was as though Ogras was whispering in his ear that the Marshalls weren''t necessarily innocent just because they ate the springroot. They might still work with the Church.


    In the end, Zac could only make a mental note of trying to gather intelligence on his own. Hiswork wasn''t anything special, but it was at least better than before the hunt. Since they were done with everything Zac exited the meeting room with great relief. Having spent most of the day in the stuffy meeting room he went out in the garden to enjoy a breath of fresh air.


    "Sorry," a slightly helpless voice said from the side a few minutester.


    Zac looked over and saw Thea walk over and sit down next to him on the bench.


    "For what?" Zac asked with some confusion.


    "It feels like we''re taking advantage of you. You''re the one who will be risking your life over and over, while we have a much easier job. One could even say we are using the zombie hordes as an opportunity to power level our people," Thea said. "But I honestly can''t find any better ways to do it. Only you can destroy the Incursions with rtive ease at the moment. Your actions against that golem incursion made that extremely clear."


    "Well, that''s how things are," Zac said with a shrug.


    "It just pisses me off," Thea muttered. "No one has done more for Earth than you, yet people are talking behind your back all over the world. Even some people in Westfort believe the nonsense the government is spreading."


    "It''s that bad?" Zac said with a grimace.


    "Well... Nevermind, Thea said after a bit. You know, the reason that grandpa wants me to be famous on the battlefield is not topete with you. Its the opposite.


    How so? Zac asked with a skeptical look.


    We decided to reorganize after the hunt. The Marshall n will mainly focus on business in the future, and we are looking into the means of getting hold of a Mercantile License, she said. But we need some renown first. Were an old family but we have always been low-key, so very few know about us. This war is also meant to showcase our wares and set up a foundation.


    Thats why you refused to give Calrin a monopoly, Zac realized, getting a nod in confirmation. Why are you doing this?


    Because of you, of course, Thea said with a shake of her head. You are so far ahead of everyone else that it would be foolish to be apetitor in creating the World Capital. The New World Government still doesnt understand your power, but I do.


    Zac was unsure how he felt about having forced them to reorganize like this. Would there be resentment in the future?


    Dont worry about it, Thea said. We were businessmen from the beginning. It was only due to the Integration grandpa saw an opportunity to be something even greater. But I think this is for the best. It makes my life easier at least.


    I can tell Calrin to stop his expansion in Westfort if you want, Zac offered.


    Theres no need. From what we understand we will not be able to get a license in the short run. It might even be good for us to see how a proper multiverse Consortium does business, Thea exined.


    I am sorry to disturb, Aleas voice suddenly came from behind, making the two turn around. N and Ibtep has returned.


    Zac nodded and got to his feet, but only after throwing the poison mistress a slightly suspicious look. Was she popping up when he and Thea were alone on purpose? But he could glean nothing from her face, so he only shrugged his shoulders before turning to Thea.


    Ill have to see what they found out, Zac said.


    Have fun, Thea said with a wave, clearly intent on staying outside to enjoy the sunset.


    Zac breathed out in relief when he saw the two Zhix were in mostly good condition. N had a decent-sized wound in its chest, but Zac had a feeling that was due to their peculiar manner of greetings.


    Did everything go well? Zac asked when he saw them.


    Hive Dahiti was luckily part of the traditional faction, allowing me to return alive, N said without any facial expression.


    Zacs eyes widened in rm as he realized that he didnt know whether the hive next to this ce was part of the Dominators sphere of influence. He had simply assumed they were part of the normal Zhix since they hade to a ceasefire with the Marshall n.


    Your meeting with Herat in the hunt was known by Hive Dahiti. Herat is a highly regarded warrior, and his word has some weight with the council. The asked me to ry the message that they are ready to join you in battle, though we should do so soon, N continued.


    Is something happening? Zac asked.


    We are losing hives to the Dominators at a steady pace, N said. All pretenses have been dropped by now, and we are at war. Dozens of hives have been eradicated in thest weeks. Just as many have chosen to join them.


    Zac nodded with weariness.


    I n on fighting it out with them as soon as the Incursions are dealt with, Zac said, exining the current situation to N.


    Therge Zhix mulled over the information for a bit, until it spoke up again.


    I believe I will need to visit Hive Dahiti once more, N said. I heard of the undead from Ibtep and my warriors. They are true abominations. It will also sharpen our des for the Holy War. The Zhix legions will want to join in this battle.

 Chapter 298: Rot

    Chapter 298: Rot


    Zac was delighted to hear Ns promation. The Zhix were born warriors and they would be a great help against the endless zombie hordes. The Zombies were a huge problem for forces like Zacs. His soldiers were a lot stronger than the Zombies, but there were simply too many of the undead.


    Did you mention the peace with the Marshall n? Zac asked.


    The humans of this hive have proven to decently strong warriors, and hive Dahiti is amenable to an alliance, N nodded.


    Then you can stay behind here. Bring someone from the Marshall n with you to the hive next time. The Marshalls know a lot more about the movements of the undead armies, and they can provide good input, Zac said.


    With that, it seemed everything was dealt with. The only thing left to do was to prepare for war. Zac also wanted to experiment with histest gains until they needed to mobilize, so he went to find the others.


    Calrin was ready to go as he needed to prepare the business expansion from his end. The Thayer family was already stretching itself a bit thin at the moment, opening over ten branches in just a week. But he was still energized by the thought of the increased revenue streams.


    Adran would stay behind for a bit to coordinate the war effort, which only left Emily. After asking around a bit he finally found the teenager with Billy in a lounge area. The two were in the middle of a battle in a fighting game, with around ten children excitedly cheering them on.


    Billy has missed video games! the giant said as he desperately mashed the buttons of his controller when he saw Zac enter the room.


    Zac could only shake his head when he noted the five controllers next to Billy that were all crushed into scrap.


    We have both video games and movies at Port Atwood, Zac said. We will start to battle the other ratlights in three days. Do you want to help?


    Billy wille. Billy already misses the ratlight. Gave Billy a lot of money, therge man excitedly said, identally destroying yet another controller.


    A maid hurriedly swapped it out with a new one that she handed Billy without an expression.


    Theas familys controllers are pretty weak, Billy muttered. Billys old controllers almost never broke.


    Since everything was dealt with they started to gather their things as they headed toward the courtyard where a car was waiting. By this time Theae over, while Henry and Adran were still in the middle of a meeting. Zac felt a bit reluctant, as he had hoped he would be able to hang around a bit longer. But there was simply too much to do.


    Stay safe, Thea simply said as Zac opened the door.


    You too. Ill hopefully see you in a bit, Zac answered with a smile as he entered the car.


    The return was pretty uneventful, and Zac stepped out of the teleporter with the others just twenty minutester. Calrin left to resume their tasks and Billy wanted to see the town, so he went with him. The giant had be exceptionally excited to hear there were hundreds of Sky Gnomes at the Thayer Consortia and wanted to check it out. Only Emily and Alea remained, and after some hesitation Emily said she was going to the Academy to train.


    Wait, Zac suddenly said as he took out the painting he bought with Credits from Yrial.


    Wha- What is this? Is this your hobby now? No wonder you didnt make a move on Thea, Emily blurted out, a small blush spreading across her face as she gazed at Yrials portrait.


    Zac flicked her forehead to bring her back to reality, and he started to wonder whether he was making the right move giving this thing away.


    Snap out of it, Zac said. This is a Dao Painting of Yrial, the Lord of Cycles.


    WHAT? This guy is the Lord of Cycles? Hes too good looking. He could even be a pop star in Korea, she squealed. That old statue is way uglier than the real thing.


    Zac froze for a bit as he realized that what Emily said was true. The statue in the repository only looked androgynous, and itcked the perfection of Yrials face. Did the Celestial Artisan intentionally make Yrial uglier out of spite? He remembered that the statue of the real Bra was extremely dashing. But he shook his head to refocus.


    Well, dont mind that, Zac said. I got this from the Lord of Cycles since it can help one to improve Elemental Daos. I think it is especially effective for Daos rted to Fire and Ice since they were the main paths the Lord of Cycles took. I don''t walk that path so it won''t really help me, but I''m sure many in the academy can benefit from it.


    So what do you want me to do with this thing? she said, her eyes repeatedly heading over to the pristine face in the painting.


    Bring it to Alyn. It might help the students progress faster in getting Dao seeds, Zac said.


    You know, my ss is a bit rted to the elements. You saw my burning axe. Perhaps I can keep it-, Emily ventured.


    Stop, Zac sighed. Just bring it to Alyn and let her decide what to do with it.


    Fine, Emily muttered and took it before heading over to the Academy.


    That left Zac alone in thepound with Alea.


    Speak with Janos and Ilvere. Prepare the armies. Our enemies are weak Zombies, so bring as many as possible. Quantity seems more effective than quality against those things, Zac said. And send someone to the Monastery to see if they are okay or need assistance.


    It is about time we weed out the weaklings and those who only want benefits without providing anything in return, Alea said with a nod as she walked toward the exit.


    I much prefer your rugged face above that girly boy, Alea suddenly said with a final wink before she left, leaving an embarrassed Zac behind.


    Zac shook his head before a wry smile as he walked back toward the teleporter. He had to admit it was nice to at least have one person preferring him over the annoyingly handsome Yrial.


    Since the operation was starting in only two days Zac immediately headed over to Mystic Ind. The small camp had long been reced with a proper settlement. However, it waspletely military in nature, and mostly housed barracks and training grounds for the stronger students and warriors of the academy.


    A couple of human soldiers walk back toward the barracks, all of them sporting various degrees of wounds. But they were still full of vigor, meaning their gathering trip had likely been pretty sessful. Zacs new robe was quite eye-catching, and he got a few questioning or even taunting res from the soldiers. However, those people were quickly dragged away by horrifiedrades who recognized who he was.


    He didnt mind such a thing happening. He already knew that Alyn was trying to foster apetitive and slightly ruthless environment for the Academy. As long as it didnt cause problems he didnt mind. They would all be tempered in the uing war. Standing face to face with millions of zombies would test anyones mettle.


    Zac immediately headed to the core of the ind, and he noted that the beasts had improved quite a bit since he visited thest time. He sensed multiple auras belonging to beasts at the E-Grade, though none of the auras were as strong as that of the tiger.


    To gain thest levels before the assault would be impossible, so Zac instead focused his efforts on consolidating histest gains. He would have preferred a bit stronger enemies to push himself against, but there were simply none around.


    He spent the next hour testing the Seed of Rot with his various attacks, and he was quite satisfied with the result. As he expected the de didnt get stronger, but the attacks did gain an interesting effect.


    It only took a second after wounding a beast before the wound started to look extremely infected, turning swollen and leaking pus. The animals were also noticeably weakened by the strikes, and with enough wounds they became so weak that they couldnt even move. When it got to that stage the animals would die not muchter, their carcassespletely rotted out.


    This Dao was only effective when drawing blood though. He had no problems imbuing his hand with the Dao of Rot, but a punch didnt cause the debilitating effect on the beasts. It did show some effectiveness if he hit a bleeding wound, but still not to the same degree as when imbuing his weapon.


    The robes also proved to be extremely good and provided far better protectionpared to the golden robes he took from Tyrbat. They even had a passive shield that continuously lessened the force of any iing attack, though there was a limit to its effect.


    It was as though there was an orb of water around him, and any attack would first have to rip through that invisible sphere. But as the defensive sphere weakened the attack, so did the defensive option weaken. After a while the passive shield wouldpletely run out, at which point it needed to absorb energy from the atmosphere for a few minutes.


    There was also a stronger active shield like the old ones, though only one charge. Finally, there was another skill, though Zac wasnt able to activate it at the moment. It was a fractal that was engraved right over his heart, but it waspletely dim just like most of the fractals on <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    The robe was the second Spirit Tool he possessed for personal use, and there was one slightly confusing difference between the two. He had tried to make contact with whatever Tool Spirit that was housed inside the robes, but he could only sense an indistinct consciousness inside. It was like a breeze touched his consciousness, without intellect or personality.


    He didnt understand why there was such a difference between the two items. The only thing he could think of was the mysterious rock from the auction that he fed Verun. It was only after he got that item that Verun started appearing in battle.


    It only took another hour for him to get used to the improved power of his other Daos, leaving him ample time to work on <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> again. But the results weren''t promising.


    If it wasnt for his new gear keeping the beasts at bay he would have looked like a beggar after a while. He had long lost count of how many times beasts had mmed into him or tried to tear him apart with their sharp ws.


    He hadnt even been able to activate the skill in a controlled environment earlier, and it had proven even harder in the middle of battle. The problem was that he needed to split his attention in two and infuse each fractal with the same amount of mental energy.


    He only managed to maintain the bnce when he infused small trickles of energy into the fractals, but that was no good. It would take minutes to activate the skill in this manner, and the moment a beast attacked him he lost concentration and the skill fizzled.


    Zac even swapped over to his Draugr form to test whether he had an easier time using the skill there. But he quickly discovered that his Draugr constitution did not afford him any better control over manipting the Daos.


    Perhaps this was the way that hisck of aptitude took form. He might not have a very hard time learning to utilize the Dao, but his control wasnt very smooth instead.


    Since he was already in his undead form he tried his new shield for a bit as well. It performed above expectations, and the beasts below E-Grade did not even manage to leave a scratch on it. The spikes were extremely sturdy as well, and Zac found it particrly effective to imbue them with the Dao of Rot.


    One shield m would gore a deep wound into the animal, and with the Dao Seed a festering wound would be left behind, quickly weakening the target. The active attack also performed quite well, and while it couldnt kill an E-Grade beast it helped set up a kill with his axe. If he only got <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> to work as well he would gain quite a bit of lethality with is Undead Bulwark skill.


    But he had remembered something in the excitement of thetest gains from the inheritance. He possessed another offensive skill to bolster his undead form.


    It was <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>, the skill that he found among Mhal''s belongings.

 Chapter 299: Little Bau

    Chapter 299: Little Bau


    Zac quickly taught himself the skill, and a fractal was formed above his navel. It only took him a few seconds to realize how it worked since it was exceedingly simple. He only needed to push miasma into the fractal, and the fractal would in turn push concentrated power into the limbs of his choice.


    Zac tried pushing miasma into the arm that was holding his axe, and he quickly felt the strength in his limb increase. There was no difort whatsoever either, so Zac kept pushing more and more energy through the fractal. In the beginning the arm simply felt pumped up like he was in the middle of a work-out, but soon it started to grow.


    By the time he started to feel some pain in his arm the circumference of his bicep had almost doubled, and it radiated extreme power. Zac remembered the strength the Corpse Lord emitted when he used this skill, and that was nowhere near the monstrous energy that was stored in his own arm at the moment. It was likely either his extremely durable constitution or his high Endurance that allowed him to push far more miasma into his attacks than was the norm.


    He had lost some of the arm''s dexterity due to the new bulk, but it felt as though he could punch a hole in the sky. He quickly found a small hill and mmed the axe down with ferocious force, and the explosion almost matched the power of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>.


    The hill waspletely gone after the swing, reced by a huge scar in the ground that reached almost a hundred meters in the distance.


    The skill worked even above expectations, and it was almost perfect for the uing battles. It didn''t provide great utility for fighting against hordes of enemies, but that also wasn''t his job in this war. His enemies would be the Incursion leaders, and he had a feeling that very few of them would be able to walk away from a swing empowered by <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    Zac was forced to give up on <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> for the moment, but he was still satisfied with the results of his experiments. He decisively headed back to Port Atwood after returning to his human form and walked toward the Academy. Perhaps Alyn knew of some method to improve the control of his Daos.


    But who would have known that when he walked through the gates to the Atwood Institute he would be met by pandemonium? A few hundred people had gathered in front of arge structure Zac didnt recognize, scuffling to get inside.


    It was an all-out brawl, though luckily no one used Cosmic Energy or skills. It wasnt only students either, as Zac spotted a few Valkyries and demons in the mix. They were the closest to the doors and were ferociously attacking each other to be the ones to step inside.


    A few people sat some distance from the angry mob nursing their wounds while ring at the people still struggling to enter. They were likely the first casualties of the curfuffle. Zac only gaped at the mayhem, wondering what was happening inside that made people so desperate to enter.


    Suddenly he spotted a familiar form speeding toward him. It was Alyn, and Zac froze when he saw her facial expression.


    Are you trying to tear my poor school to the ground? the irate school mistress asked in an usatory tone as she stopped just in front of him.


    It was the first time Zac could see the annoyance on the Alyn''s face, and something about her expression made Zacs hair stand on end. She was usually the personification of grace, but Zac was once again reminded that she was meant to be a ve driver rather than an educator on earth due to her ruthlessness.


    Whats going on? Zac hesitantly asked as he secretly imbued himself with the Dao of Hardness just in case.


    Between the call to war and the magical painting things have gone out of control, Alyn said as she took out a few familiar balls and threw them at the congested areas. You really nned this one out exquisitely, didnt you?


    Explosions erupted one by one, and dozens of people were sted into the air by each of the bombs. Only the Valkyries and the demon guards fared a bit better from the bombardment, but Alyn only snorted and took out a handful of them and threw them all over at the same time.


    A cascade of explosions finally put an end to the melee in the academy, with Alyn singlehandedly destroying everyones fighting spirit. Zac could only wryly shake his head at her antics, and breathe in relief that the buildings seemed to be reinforced by arrays.


    Can you tell me whats going on now? Zac said, deciding not toment on the fact that Alyn maimed the people who would soon be on the battlefield.


    He knew that she was a master at using those small energy bombs, and while it looked random no one was seriously hurt. They would be fine after taking a healing pill and resting for a day.


    It was that painting you had Emily bring, Alyn said with a shake of her head. I couldnt see what was so special about it, so I simply ced it in the public meditation room since you said it would improve ones Daoprehension.


    Two elemental mages sat down in front of it, and it just took them a few minutes to gain their first Dao Seeds. The news quickly spread like a wildfire and people are doing anything to get a chance to meditate in front of it before they are sent to the front lines, Alyn continued, some wonder creeping into her eyes.


    What? The painting was that effective? Zac said with some shock.


    He was just as confused as Alyn. He had looked it over when he got it, but he sensed nothing special from it. It was an exquisite painting, but that was about it.


    I believe that some special energy was left behind by the painter or the previous owner that helped the first couple of people to attain the Seed. After a while most of the effects wore off, Alyn exined. It is still far more effective to meditate in front of itpared to without it though.


    You know how much getting a Dao seed improves onesbat power, Alyn said with a sigh as she kicked a few students who didnt get up fast enough after getting sted as they walked toward the meditation building. I will ce it in a restricted chamber instead, and one will only be able to meditate in front of it in exchange for contribution points.


    Well, Im good it ising to some use at least, Zac said with a smile. I am here for something else though.


    He proceeded to exin his problem with <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, though he didnt mention his horrible affinity.


    There are trinkets that can help train ones spirit, Alyn said after a bit. I dont have any, but they should be pretty simple for Calrin to purchase. They are slightly expensive, but that shouldnt be a problem for you by this point. Now go away, I have so much to do.


    Zac was afterward unceremoniously thrown out of the Academy, and he walked over to Calrins. Thirty minutester he left with a tool that could train one''s mental dexterity. It was almost like a toy, where one needed to utilize mental energy to activate the contraption in certain patterns, but the amount of energy and the direction was extremely strict.


    It was just what Zac needed at the moment, and he kept trying toplete the little puzzle as he walked through the town. Finally, he gave up in frustration, and when he looked up he found himself in front of the tavern.


    Our fearless leader, Ryan smiled when Zac walked in and sat down at the same spot asst time.


    There were a few people inside the bar, but it was uncharacteristically empty at the moment. A few people were sitting alone or in small groups, but they all hurriedly looked down into their drinks when Zac''s eyesnded on them.


    How are things here? Zac asked as Ryan ced one of the homebrewed meads in front of him.


    It was pretty calm until your people dered that Port Atwood was going to go fight a sea of Zombies, Ryan said with a wry smile. You know, even I have been drafted?


    You? Zac said with surprise. No offense, but what good are you in this war?


    Thank you for the vote of confidence, Ryan snorted. But it turns out I got a pretty good ss, Barkeep. I can instill the drinks I serve to give small bonuses to things such as energy restoration and endurance.


    A support ss? Zac eximed. Thats pretty cool. Do you get experience from serving drinks?


    I havent figured everything out yet, but currently I get most of my experience from tending the bar. The better my business fares, the more energy for me. But perhaps I will get Cosmic Energy for helping in the war as well, Ryan said. And at least I will be far from the front lines.


    Well, its good to have you on our team. Have you spoken with that beastmastertely? Zac asked.


    That poor girl? Ryanughed. Shees in here every other day full of scratch marks, drinking herself into oblivion while cursing your name. Youre lucky she became a beastmaster rather than a hex master.


    The two kept talking for a while longer until Zac decided to head back to his courtyard. He would be thrown into constant battle theing weeks and needed some quiet rest before war engulfed their whole.


    SHIT! the sailor screamed as he almost jumped two meters straight up in the air.


    A massive blue tentacle wiggled back and forth a bit behind him before it once again slunk down into the depths.


    Almost scared me to death, the man muttered as he looked down at the azure waters with some dread. Mr. Trang, cant you do something about your uh friend?


    Little Bau is just ying around a bit, the old fisherman answered with a big toothless grin.


    Four more tentacles suddenly appeared as though in response to Sap Trangsment, and theytched onto therge Creator Vessel. The ship immediately started to rock back and forth in an rming manner. However, none of the sailors seemed rmed after the initial surprise, and they went about their business as though the boat was pushing through still waters.


    Little Bau, thats enough or no treat for you, Sap Trangughed as he walked over and pped one of the tentacles lightly.


    The tentacles quickly released the grip on the ship, but the next moment an enormous head breached the waters, rising until two eyes asrge as barn doors looked at the old Vietnamese man.


    Sap Trang wasnt rmed in the slightest, and he onlyughed once more before throwing out a whole barghest carcass with a doting smile. It sshed into the water and the next second it was gone, stuffed into a huge fanged maw beneath the surface.


    Thats a good boy, Sap Trang said as a tentacle caressed him. Are there any dangerous beasts in the area?


    Two more tentacles started to wave in the air, and the next moment huge half-eaten shark was lifted above the surface. The shark was almost asrge as the Creator vessel, but it was shrunken and withered as though it had lost all of its moisture.


    Hundreds of puncture wounds were crisscrossed across its body, created from the vicious stingers that Little Bau had on a few of its tentacles. Sap still wasntpletely sure what sort of beast he had picked up and nursed back to health.


    From its tentacles, one could think that it was an enormous octopus. But it was something else entirely. It had an enormous head with arge round maw, leading to a thick torso that seldom reached above the water.


    It did share some features with an octopus. For example, it did not have scales, but instead a rubbery skin that was almost imprable to ded weapons. It also possessed no legs, with the torso instead ending in a dozen or so tentacles that were over twenty meters.


    Interestingly enough it also had four special tentacles that grew out from the torso like arms, and those things possessed nasty stingers that could suck a huge beast dry in less than a minute. Odder still was that blood wasnt the only thing it sucked, but it even absorbed the Cosmic Energy through the suckers.


    It had been on itsst breath when Sap Trang found it. It had barely won a fight against an enormous crab, but it was barely hanging on. Sap had seen an opportunity and initiated a bond with the animal through his ss.


    Perhaps Little Bau was unreconciled to die like that and epted the connection even though it was far stronger than Sap himself. From there the old fisherman had poured hundreds of healing pills into its insatiable maws as he had sewed its wounds shut.


    The mysterious animal had quickly healed thanks to Saps ministrations, and afterward it started to follow along their vessel, much to the dismay of the other sailors. But they all had to admit one thing. Ever since Little Bau joined their crew they never had to worry about what lurked in the depths.


    Because whatever was foolish enough to get close to their ship soon ended up in the belly of the beast.


    Just my luck, the fisherman who had initially been spooked muttered under his breath. I get ced on the god damn ship with a pet Kraken.

 Chapter 300: Ready for War

    Chapter 300: Ready for War


    A table was ced in the middle of Zacs courtyard, and six people were sitting around it. Apart from Ogras and his three generals, there were also Joana and Alyn. This was a war council, but Zac still wanted Alyn''s input since no one had a better grasp of the strength of his armies than her.


    "So, Alea should already have filled you all in on the general n," Zac said as he turned toward Alyn. "Are the armies ready to be deployed?"


    "Honestly? Barely," Alyn said with some annoyance on her face. "A lot of those people are too soft. War is exactly what''s needed to get a few of those people in shape. And if they die we at least save on costs."


    Zac frowned a bit at Alyn''s callousness, but she was adamant.


    "Months and months have passed and some have never even risked their lives. Many of those who joined the army were people who had huddled in fear within walls on the various inds, and they were thirsting for power. But now that they are faced with real risks many are balking, and we have even had to publicly execute a few people who tried to cause a disturbance," the schoolmistress continued. "There is a good core of over eight thousand men and women though, they will all be all be able to put up a fight."


    "What? Eight thousand?" Zac gaped.


    "Only the elites are actually at the Academy by this point," Alyn said. "Many are on other inds defending our various facilities. "In total, our armies have already passed fifteen thousand men, though we need to leave at least twenty percent to protect our interests and maintain order."


    Zac was surprised that the army had grown to such proportions, but then again new people were added to his kingdom every week due to the unceasing efforts of Mr. Trang and his fleet. By now there were over twenty ships in the armada, many of them high-grade vessels like the corvette he boughtst time.


    The best part was that they had been added to his naval forces without any cost to his personal fortune. Taxes from the consortia and the crystals from the mine were already providing Port Atwood with a hefty monthly ie by this point, which made maintenance and expansion much smoother.


    Still, eight thousand was nothingpared to a horde of tens of millions of Zombies. Even if they killed a hundred Zombies each they would barely have scratched the surface.


    "This will also prove as an excellent opportunity for them. It is not easy to gain experience ofrge scale battles, but this provides just that," Ilvere added. "Many of our men are still quite low leveled, but an ocean of Zombies will provide an opportunity for rapid improvement."


    "Well, it is settled then. Ilvere will be in charge of Port Atwood''s forces. Try to cooperate with our allies and the Sino-Indian alliance, but the safety of our peoplees first," Zac said.


    "I understand," Ilvere said.


    Zac suddenly had an idea as he looked at Ilvere, who seemed a bit confused by the stare.


    "Here, take this," Zac said as he handed him a crystal.


    "What''s this? <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>?"<strong></strong>Ilvere said with some interest.


    "It is a skill I received from the Lord of Cycles. It utilizes two opposite Daos to form a formidable attack. It is up to you whether you wish to learn it," Zac said. "But if you do learn it I would like to be updated on your progress in mastering it."


    Zac had realized that Ilvere was working toward gaining both the Dao Seeds of Heaviness and Lightness. Zac wasn''t sure, but perhaps the attack would work for him as well, and if he did manage to master the skill it might provide a shortcut for Zac to master it as well.


    "So this skill is why you came by yesterday?" Alyn said with interest. "It is a very novel concept. Combining multiple Daos in one strike at F-Grade is quite umon."


    "Thank you, I''ll learn it. I am aiming to fuse the two into the Dao Fragment of Momentum, and this skill might help me toward that end," Ilvere said with some glee on his face. "If I learn something I will update you."


    "Great," Zac said with a nod. "Next subject. The strike force. Who apart from Ogras should take part?"


    "I guess I cannot opt out?" Ogras said with a grimace as he looked through the stack containing the information of the 17 incursions remaining on earth. "Some of these forces are pretty dangerous."


    "You ate my food, now you need to work for it a bit," Zac said. "So, who else?"


    "We have mastered the War Arrays for up to 18 people," Joanna said, speaking up for the first time of the meeting. "Truth be told we won''t be able to increase your strength by arge degree, but we will be able to form a small shield that covers our small squad. With such a small area of protection, the shield will be extremely sturdy."


    Zac nodded, feeling it was a good idea. Having that small squad with him would help protect Billy from harm.


    "That sounds like a n. Your main goal should be to guard Billy from surprise attacks. He is very strong, but his defenses aren''t the best," Zac said.


    "I will put together a team of our strongest people," Joanna nodded in affirmation.


    "You should bring the feral child as well," Alyn suddenly added.


    "Who? Emelie?" Zac eximed. "Absolutely not."


    "She is only level 31, but her attributes are a match to many of the Valkyries," Alea added. "Besides, she is a support ss."


    "I am not sure I need the boost against the Incursions," Zac hesitantly said. "It''s not worth risking her life for that."


    "It''s not only about that," Alyn said. "Support sses gain Cosmic Energy by simply empowering their allies. As long as you kill someone under the effect of her axes she will gain a part of the experience. Her levels would skyrocket if she came with you. And she could stay within the shield created by the spear maidens."


    "Honestly if you don''t bring her she will get herself in trouble somewhere else," Ogras said. "She has turned almost crazy in her pursuit of power thest days. She said she needs to go to the underworld. Better keep her in sight where we can protect her. And you''re rich enough to deck her in enough defensive treasures to almost guarantee her life."


    Zac sighed when he heard about the teenager''s situation. She was probably extremely anxious to scour the underworld for her siblings. It was thest chance for her to find anyone of her old family alive.


    "Fine, but keep her away from the fighting. I want her at maximum distance from me so people don''t figure out she''s a support," Zac relented.


    "Anything else before we head out?" Zac said as he looked around the table. "Communication might be impossible for a while."


    "There is the issue of the evolutions," Ogras suddenly said.


    "The what?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "Between the Origin Dao and the ample resources provided by Port Atwood, there are a decent amount of demonkin warriors who are able to evolve by this point," Ogras said.


    "So what''s the problem?" Zac asked.


    "Most are still only able to gain amon ss and are afraid we will force them to upgrade before the wars. They want to hold off on upgrading in favor of improving further before upgrading. As for the few who are able to gain an Umon ss, they are afraid to evolve because of us," Ogras said.


    "Us? Why?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "None of the leadership are E-Grade yet. Evolving at this stage might be seen as a power y," Ogras exined. "It''s extremely umon for anyone apart from the core group to hold the highest levels in a force."


    "Well, our situation is a bit special," Zac said with a shrug. "Have as many as possible evolve into Umon sses, we need all the help we can get. Will they be able to evolve before we head out tomorrow?"


    "It''s only Umon sses, there will be no trial for them," Ogras said with a nod. "They can join us."


    "Good, I want a small elite squad to mainly support the Valkyries and contain the battle," Zac said. "And let those who can''t evolve to a decent ss wait. Having them evolve into a useless ss won''t really strengthen us enough for it to make a difference.


    "Agreed," Ogras said. "I''ll handle it."


    "Great. There is one more thing that those who participate in the fight need to do as well," Zac suddenly said. "They all need to enter a contract with me. One that willst indefinitely. In return they will get a monthly stipend."


    "What?" exmations echoed across the table, with only Ogras seeming to understand what was going on.


    "You should all understand that my power does not onlye from my levels. The details of a few of my lucky encounters will be exposed during the battles, but they can absolutely not be spread. Therefore I need to enact this protocol," Zac exined. "The Valkyries are excluded since they are already in a contract of servitude."


    It was a measure to protect the information about his second ss and race. Zac either needed to do this, or kill everyone who participated, and he was unwilling to do thetter.


    "What about the big one?" Ogras said.


    "I''ll talk with him about it," Zac answered.


    "Will you tell us what''s going on?" Alea asked, her eyes thinning in suspicion.


    "No, it might only implicate you," Zac said with a resolute shake of his head.


    "What about witnesses?" Ogras said.


    "We''ll handle it," Zac answered, some ruthlessness appearing on his face.


    Ogras nodded approvingly and didn''t prod any further.


    "Anyone who spread this out will be executed, no matter who it is," Ogras added without hesitation.


    "Great. As for the final subject," Zac said as he reached for the pile of intelligence in front of Ogras. "This is the first target."


    "Human Incursion, Ez''Mahal Confederation?" Ogras muttered. "Never heard of them. Anyone else?"


    Everyone shook their head as well, indicating that they had no idea who they were.


    "I picked this faction because of their ruthlessness against the natives in their zone. There are reports of indiscriminate murder and torture," Zac said with a frown. "I want these people gone from Earth first."


    After reading through the information dossier there was obviously an extremely wide range of strategies employed by the invaders. Very few forces were like the Church of Evesting Dao or the Undead Empire. Most simply conquered the area and turned their sphere of influence into ve colonies.


    In some areas, humans were actually better off under control of the invaderspared to life in general. There were structure and security, and the deaths from the unforgiving wildlife were far lessmon.


    But the Ez''Mahal Confederation was not one of these forces. Zac had already heard about them during his first visit to New Washington, and since then it had only be worse. The small country they had set up might be the worst ce on earth apart from a scant few ces like the Miasmic Zone and the Cradle of god. Killing them would not only free people living in horrible conditions but also create a lot of goodwill across the world.


    "Low to Medium tier," Ogras muttered as he read through the report again. "They haven''t shown any particrly strong traits. Obsessed with ss systems, uses ves like we use the Barghest. A force like this is usually quite fragile. A good ce to push your level forward."


    "I want to avoid killing ves as much as possible. The real targets are their leaders," Zac said. "In fact, that should be the goal for all our operations. I will target the leaders, Ogras will upy generals and assist the rest of you, while the rest keep reinforcements at bay. Ideally, the battles should notst more than a few minutes."


    The group kept going over the details for a bit until Zac adjourned the meeting. Everyone hurriedly left to prepare themselves for the intense battles that they would be thrown into. Zac spent the night once again switching between trying to activate <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> and activating the toy before sleeping in.


    At 8 am he woke up, ready for war.

 Chapter 301: The EzMahal

    Chapter 301: The Ez''Mahal


    The next day a somber procession marched through Port Atwood. Thousands of men and women gripping weapons proceeded in an orderly fashion, everyone donning a backpack. They were all heading toward the undead incursion, to stem the spread of death. Some couldn''t help fear from creeping onto their faces, whereas many glowed with anticipation. The civilians of Port Atwood silently looked on at the procession, knowing that the final battle for Earth was about to begin.


    Meanwhile, a far less conspicuous group silently gathered within the inner walls, less than fifty warriors. But each one emitted power far beyond that of the general soldiers of the town. It was the strike squad that stood in front of Zac, and he surveyed them with Ogras by his side. He knew that he was supposed to say something at a juncture like this, but he didn''t know what.


    "Let''s go. This is just the first battle of many, so remember to stay alive," Zac simply said as he turned toward the private teleporter.


    It activated with a sh and soon the small group of people had entered. The next moment Zac and his people found themselves in a run-down warehouse. The shelves were empty, and dust was gathering in the corners. It was clear that this teleporter was notmonly used, but two armed men hurried over as soon as they arrived.


    "Lord Atwood?" one of them asked, receiving a nod from Zac.


    The man quickly pulled out a stack of papers from a back, handing it over. It was a missive providing thetest intelligence of the Incursion.


    "We are currently one hundred kilometers away from the edge of the sphere of influence of the Ez''Mahal Confederation. They have been known to sometimes roam even this far out in search of new ves, so be careful. There have been no special movements the past few days," the man quickly updated them. "Will you be needing anything from us?"


    "Thank you," Zac said. "It''s fine like this. We will be back in three days at the most."


    The next moment the squad streamed outside like specters of death, and immediately set a high pace toward the Incursion. The climate of the area was temperate, with leafy trees that had already shed their leaves. Winter wasing torge parts of Pangea, and not all the areas were spared from the cold like Port Atwood.


    They had no special n, only to push straight toward the heart of the incursion, killing any resistance that might crop up. It wasn''t that Zac took lightly of the situation, but rather that there simply was too little information to go by. The Marshall n had set up an extensivework around the incursions, but they were unable to gather any detailed intelligence from the core.


    This was another reason that Zac chose this one. From all ounts this incursion seemed less organized than the usual, making it a good target for a first run. They would be able to improve their teamwork and nning as they kept going.


    It didn''t take long for them to enter the area that the human invaders had imed for themselves, but as the hours passed Zac started to frown.


    "Where are all the people? The report said that these people didn''t kill everyone?" Zac asked Ogras who was running by his side.


    They hadn''t entered any of the towns they passed, but they had sent a scout inside for intelligence. However, every single town they had passed waspletely deserted and seemed to have been so for months.


    "They have likely moved the poption torge ve colonies, to save on resources. The beast problem will only get worse before it gets better, and it would waste too much manpower to guard all these small towns," Ogras ventured with a shrug.


    The demons were not too worried about the plight of the enved humans since they came from a society where very was quitemon as well. Zac knew he couldn''t change anyone''s opinions on the matter, so he only kept running.


    However, even the expressions of the demons started to change as they approached the core of the area controlled by the Ez''Mahal. They were proceeding along the main path toward the main settlement, and the path suddenly had an extremely disturbing change. The roadside was littered with corpses, an endless number of them. Some were impaled onrge poles while others had been hung from trees along the road.


    One thing that seemed to unite all of the poor people was that they had been alive when they were hung, judging by their expressions and poses. All of them had undergone inhumane torture before being left to die.


    "Animals," Joanna growled as she ced a hand on a pale-faced Emily, while the others seethed as well.


    Even the usually bloodthirsty demons looked at the morbid scene with disgust and Billy had lost his usual joviality as he looked around with red eyes.


    "Who did this?" the giant said with building fury.


    "The guys we are about to attack," Zac said with a grim face. "The Ez''Mahal Confederation."


    Billy silently repeated the name as he kept looking at the trees, but suddenly a sound echoed from the distance as they saw a car approaching along the lonely road. It was a Jeep that had undergone some alterations to increase its sturdiness, and arge familiar insignia could be seen on the hood. It was the very same one in the intelligence report, meaning the car belonged to the Incursion.


    "It''s them," Zac said, preparing to capture one of them as the car stopped fifty meters away from them.


    But Billy was one step faster as he pushed away from the ground with a roar, closing the distance in one herculean leap. His enormous club was already in his hand, rumbling like thunder as it fell straight toward. the Car. A few people hurriedly tried to create some distance from the car, but most barely had time to open the door before the club smashed into the roof with a thunderous explosion.


    The tremendous attack ttened the car and most of its upants in an instant. Only two men managed to escape in time, but Ogras was already on the move. One of them was immediately impaled by dozens of spears and thrown onto a branch, joining the other victims along the road. The other man was soon in Ogras'' grip and forcefully dragged back toward Zac and the others.


    "Who are you? Attacking the Ez''Mahal will result in your forces being annihted," the man said with some remaining bluster. "Your men will be war ves and your women whores!"


    Zac didn''t bother responding to the man and simply motioned for Ogras to extract information.


    "Look away," Ogras said to Emily, but she staunchly shook her head as she red at the man in front of them.


    Ogras simply shrugged, and the next moment a shadow de cut one of the man''s legs clean off, making the man scream his lungs out. One of the demons in the group stepped forward, conjuring a fireball, and pressed it against the wound to stem the bleeding.


    "Now, answer our questions and you will get a quick death. Otherwise, we will keep chopping and cauterizing until you are more cooperative," Ogras said with an unhurried voice.


    The man frenziedly nodded that he wouldply, his blusterpletely gone in an instant. It turned out that the people hanging from the sides were ves that had caused displeasure to the invaders. That could mean anything from not working hard enough or simply making eye contact, there was truly no rhyme or reason to it.


    Normally the EzMahal Confederation wasn''t this brutal. ves were amodity after all, and this was a waste of money. But the leader of the invasion was someone called Thanso, a scion of somerge aristocratic family in the confederation.


    He was extremely cruel and didn''t care about the well-being of the natives in the slightest since he didn''t care about the resources that the ves could harvest. Instead, he turned the area into a twisted hellscape where his closest circle could do any depraved thing they wished while he mainly focused on the Dao.


    However, most people were still alive thanks to an early discovery by the Ez''Mahal. A veryrge area with Spiritual Soil had been found close to the Nexus Hub, turning the area extremely suitable for the cultivation of certain in-demand herbs. The ves were mainly used as a workforce to clear farnd and work the farms. But they were also used to stave off the beast hordes who were attracted by therge fields of Spirit Herbs.


    Ogras kept asking about specifics in the defenses of the Incursion, and anything other information that wascking in the intelligence report. There were no particrly strong forces in the area, meaning that the Incursion hadn''t really been tested so far. That was likely due to a stroke of brilliance by the generals of the incursions though.


    Arge number of strike squads containing humans from the Ez''Mahal Empire infiltrated all the promising forces in the area right before the tutorial ended, and assassinated a lot of cultivators the moment they returned. That caused the copse of most of the towns in the vicinity, making for easy pickings to restock on ves.


    The core of the incursion was a newly erected town called Grand Escape. It was an allusion to the fact that the Ez''Mahal nobles did not consider the invasion a life and death struggle, but rather a retreat where they could y around and gain some benefits before going home. However, that would all change soon.


    There was a defensive array that seemed decently strong, and apart from that, there was an identification array simr to the one in Westfort. A tag was needed to pass through the gates without causing an rm. Everyone from the Ez''Mahal Empire possessed one, and it seemed that the main function of the array was to stop ves from escaping rather than protect from infiltrators.


    Ogras took the tag from the captive, and after throwing a nce at Zac slit the man''s throat, making him bleed out in seconds.


    "We can''t use this," Ogras said as he observed the tag. "It seems to have been connected to his life force. If we walked through the gates wearing this we would no doubt be caught."


    "So we can only brute force it?" Zac asked, not sparing the dead man another nce.


    "No, I doubt that they went so far as to have a system that checks every single person''s individual aura," Ogras mused. "I think that we can use these tokens if we keep the original owners alive. If that fails as well, then we can only go straight in."


    "Okay, we''ll find another squad," Zac said. "Billy, don''t smash the next one."


    The group set out again, and soon they were only 30 minutes away from the Grand Escape. Traffic was a lot higher here, with both cars and cultivators riding some horse-like beats passing the streets every other minute. The group had already gone into the woods to avoid being spotted, and they captured five groups passing by in quick session.


    They were stripped of their clothes and weapons before Ogras and a few demons took them away. Zac threw a confused nce at him when he returned with a dense aura of blood around him.


    "They will live for an hour, perhaps two. Though they would probably wish it would be over much quicker though," the demon said with a nefarious smile, and Zac didn''t care enough to ask anything further.


    Soon they were all dressed in gear from the captured squads, though they were forced to make some improvised modifications for Billy and the Demons. Hopefully, no one would look too carefully at the people inside the stolen vehicles.


    "If we get through the gates that''s for the best," Zac said as he looked at the squad. "If not we''ll head straight for the castle. Kill everyone in the way, but conserve energy. Emily, give me the Endurance boost please."


    It wasn''t that he was worried about getting hurt, but the aura would also boost Emily. Letting her gain a part of his own monstrous Endurance would help her stay safe in the uing battle. Emily nodded and the next moment a green axe appeared in her hand, and she threw it into Zac. He felt a surge of power, and a quick check of his status screen showed that it worked just like the fire axe, except this one gave Endurance and Vitality.


    "Wow," Emily gasped as she looked with wide eyes at Zac, her own aura having suddenly increased by arge margin. "You''re like a tank."


    Zac shrugged with a smile, knowing she was surprised by the size of the boost she got. She had likely believed that Strength was his highest attribute after seeing how much she got from the me axe.


    "Girl, how much Endurance does he have?" Ogras said while poking Emily from the side.


    "Not telling," Emily grinned.


    "Okay, that''s enough," Zac said with a helpless shake of his head. "They''re going to notice a bunch of people has gone missing soon enough, let''s head out."

 Chapter 302: Rage

    Chapter 302: Rage


    Three Cars and a military truck soon drove toward the gates of the Grand Escape, with the humans in the cars while the demons hid within the tarp of the truck, their heads cowled just in case.


    Zac sat in the passenger seat while Joanna was driving. Ogras was the only demon not hidden away in the truck, and he sat in the back seat as well. Shadows had gathered around him, making his features indistinct without drawing attention to itself.


    Who are you? the guard captain said with a frown when he saw the odd procession.


    We bring news to his Excellency Thanso, Joanna said without missing a beat. The natives are amassing for an assault.


    The guards brows rose in surprise, but they soon furrowed again as he took a second look at Joanna and Zac who calmly looked right ahead. But Zac was starting to get a bad feeling when no answer was forting.


    A- was all that escaped the guards mouth before he and the other four gatemen had their necks cracked by shadowy tendrils that somehow had reached the guards from the odd shadow appendage that usually stayed within Ogras metal casing.


    Zac quickly looked around, and when he saw there was no traffic in the area he pointed out two fingers from the window, and the next moment a Valkyrie jumped out of the car behind. She rushed over to the dead guards who were still held upright by Ogras shadows and touched them for a few seconds each before running back to the car.


    Zac nodded toward Joanna and she sped off, leaving the corpses of the five guards frozen solid. They knew that little stunt wouldnt buy a lot of time, but a minute or two was all they needed. The town wasnt very big, and they already knew where they needed to go since Thanso was always holed up in his pce, mostly upied with cultivating or torturing his poor ves.


    The convoy sped through the town at a breakneck pace as it was only a matter of time before the corpses of the guards would be noticed. Interestingly enough the hurry of their group seemed to lessen suspicion rather than the opposite. The people on the street seemed to be under the impression that they were hurrying along on official business and quickly got out of the way.


    But even though they drove as fast as they could Zac was able to see the type of town the invaders had built. The Grand Escape was apletely alien settlement, just like AzhRodum on his ind, and all the architecture was foreign.


    But the interesting design choices werent what garnered Zacs attention. It was the copious amount of ves that hurried along the sides with their heads held down. Most were barely clothed even though winter wasing, and he couldnt spot anyone without a fresh set of wounds.


    It was easy to see the utter disdain the EzMahal had for the native ves, and they were treated worse than cattle. There were also a huge amount of brothels, with chained girls listlessly standing in the windows, their eyes devoid of emotion.


    A fire raged in Zacs chest, and he wanted to jump out of the car swinging. The Valkyries in the car looked even worse and it was as though their fury would set the car on fire.


    Theyll pay, Zac simply said as his eyes moved away from the road and toward the castle in the distance.


    Whats our strategy? Joanna said from the drivers seat.


    If the gate is open drive straight through it. If its closed, then Ill open it. Afterward, we kill every soldier we can see, Zac simply said drawing quick nods from the others.


    The town wasn''t veryrge, and it took just a few minutes to drive straight through the main street to the pce.


    "No array," the Valkyrie sitting next to Ogras noted as her eyes had a golden glow.


    The Valkyries had proven more versatile than Alea had made it sound like, and the abilities they possessed were far more diverse than he expected. They did all have spear-rted sses, but many possessed their own niche abilities that rounded out the 100 woman squad.


    "Head right in," Zac said with an emotionless voice, his axe already lying in hisp.


    A few guards made to stop them, but they were ripped apart by shadows before they could even voice aint. The group of vehicles easily entered therge square in front of the pce and leisurely stopped in a line as everyone got out. Zac had already ripped apart the robe EzMahal robe he had covered his real gear with, disgusted with even pretending to be part of this debased force.


    A red ring light suddenly exploded in the sky above the castle, and soldiers almost immediately flooded toward them from every direction. They were all wearing livery with two insignias; one for the EzMahal Confederation, and one for whatever aristocratic family Thanso belonged to.


    Zac breathed out in relief when he saw that it was only well-trained soldiers who had moved to intercept them. The intelligence packet mentioned that these people used human wave tactics, sending throngs of ves to their deaths to tire out their enemies. But luckily it looked like the innermost core of the Incursion was guarded by elites instead, enabling Zac and the others to fight without anypunctions.


    "Lay down your weapons immediately," a guard captain shouted, but Zac simply hurled arge rock from his Cosmos Sack at him.


    The captain was not bad, and a shield rose in front of him lightning-quick. But the force of the rock was massive, and he was thrown backward ten meters even though the rock disintegrated before it could harm him.


    The guards stared with wide mouths at Zac, and the next moment shields and other protections covered the wide array of soldiers. There were roughly 800 people in front of them, and more were joining every minute.


    Worse yet was that all of them were very strong, and a few of the soldiers might even have reached E-Rank, though barely.


    "Attack," Zac simply said as he started to throw out fractal des.


    It looked like the strongest people of the incursion still weren''t around, so Zac wanted to take the opportunity to thin out the numbers to lessen the pressure on his strike team. Not that he needed a reason since he was stillpletely infuriated after seeing the misery these people had brought upon Earth''s citizens.


    Five des imbued with the Dao quickly soared toward the defensive line, ready to cut the army to pieces.


    "WHO DARES ATTACK LORD THANSOS MANOR? an enraged voice suffused with power echoed across the square, and a wiry man holding a spear jumped out from a window.


    The man was clearly one of the strongerbatants of the force, and he even managed to destroy two of the fractal des before they could wreak havoc on the army.


    I guess thats my cue, Ogras shrugged as shadows started to converge around him.


    You sure you can handle it? Zac asked with some hesitation.


    Ogras was pretty strong, but he was still only a peak F-Grade warrior. The other spear wielder had not just Evolved though, making Zac unsure whether Ogras could handle it.


    You forget, my restrictions arepletely gone while these guys seem to still becking 30 to 20% of their strength. Besides, you should be able to feel that this guy is nothing special, Ogras said as he disappeared.


    Heavy thuds followed Ogras disappearance as Billy thundered toward a thick clump of warriors. His eyes were almostpletely red in rage, and he bellowed on top of his lungs as he swung his club in a thundering horizontal swing.


    A wave of destruction erupted from the club, and it was as though the air itself cracked and exploded. The energy wave moved quite quickly as it pushed across the square and hit the front lines of the soldiers. The first row of people was immediately turned to a bloody mess as they were flung high up in the air.


    Even the following rows received gruesome wounds from the odd skill, many even dying. Between his huge frame and his devastating attack, Billy quickly became a target of the soldiers, and a storm of attacks sailed toward him almost immediately.


    Billys eyes widened in rm, but the next moment a thick golden shield enveloped him, protecting him from the attacks falling like rain. It was the Valkyries that worked together to form a defensive barrier, and since it only needed to protect one man they were able to make it extremely sturdy.


    The volume of attacks caused cracks continuously that allowed the asional attack to slip through, but while Billys Endurance wasnt the highest it was high enough to shrug off errant attacks. Emboldened by the protection he charged straight into the crumbling line of EzMahal.


    Furthermore, he wasnt alone but closely followed by a group of bloodthirsty demons rushing in his wake like a pack of wolves. Each of them was the cream of the crop among the demons, and they were also temporarily lent the best gear Port Atwood had to offer. Thebination boosted their lethality to new heights as they entered a pitched battle with the soldiers who had already been forced to taste Billys wrath.


    They had all recently evolved, and they were extremely eager to start leveling again. Many of the demons had been stuck at the bottleneck for decades, and the possibility of finally moving forward again pumped their veins full of adrenaline. Besides, they desperately needed to rack up a mountain of contribution to get cultivation resources.


    The E-Grade brought far greater power, but the cost of progression also multiplied manifold. There was not only the issue of needing higher-graded Crystals to cultivate, but the medicinal baths cost far more. They even needed to upgrade their gear, since their weapons and armor wouldnt be able to stand the increased Cosmic Energy for long.


    Zac kept his distance while shooting out a constant stream of fractal des to cull the numbers and prevent the soldiers from organizing. Since he didnt need to exert his full force he decided to experiment with the Dao of Rot, imbuing all his attacks with it.


    Another benefit of the corrosive Dao started to show itself after he had shot a handful of attacks into the soldiers. The des usually only managed to kill ten or so before they soldiers managed to exhaust the attack, but the Dao of Rot left a lingering effect.


    Pockets of decay started to form on the battlefield due to thepounding strikes, and even soldiers who were not directly wounded started to show signs of weakness and nausea. Zac was ted by the results, but he still kept his eyes peeled. The main reason he hadnt entered the thick of it was that he was still waiting for the leaders to make their move.


    Suddenly a spike of danger made Zac quickly erect his defenses. The next moment an ocean of small needles tried to rip him apart. All of them were even smaller than a sewing needle, but they contained a massive amount of force.


    The swirling leaves around him were ripped apart one by one, and Zac felt like he was standing in an ocean of irate wasps. But an effective Endurance of over a thousand proved it''s worth at this point, preventing the needles from causing anything more than light flesh wounds.


    But Zac was a bit helpless in this situation since he had to block his eyes from being attacked. While his flesh was stronger than reinforced steel by this point the same thing couldn''t be said for his eyeballs, and he would likely go blind if one of the needles struck him. Out of better options, he activated the charge on his new robes, and the thousands of needles were immediately pushed back from a shield looking like a shimmering blue shell.


    Zac quickly moved his fingers as he red around, and soon spotted a suspicious person standing in an alley between two houses. He was far from the battle, and his eyes were trained right on Zac. But most importantly he was decked in extremely gaudy clothes,pletely ruining his attempt of hiding. Zac growled as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and the next moment he was in front of him.


    The man looked shocked, and an amulet quickly burst into light, forming a protective barrier around him. Zac only sneered as his axe fell down three times in rapid session, breaking open the turtle shell. The next moment he richly decked man was grabbed by his throat. rm could be seen on his face as he the swarm of needles return to aid him.


    But Zac simply used the man as a human shield, blocking the attempts to attack him once again. But he didn''t properly stop struggling until Zac tightened the grip to the point that his neck almost broke.


    "Unhand the lord!" the wiry general shouted, but he was kept at bay by an ocean of shadow spears.


    "If you harm me your pitiful will be eradicated!" the youth wheezed out through his teeth. "You''re just animals of lower bloodlines, know your ce."


    Zac looked in the eyes of the man for a second, confused where he got this confidence from. In the end, he could only chalk it up to this idiot being too pampered throughout his life.


    "You think you coulde here and treat us like cattle?" Zac said, his voice echoing out through the square.


    "Think again."


    The next moment a fountain of blood spurted in all directions as Zac directly ripped off Thanso''s head and mmed it down into the ground.

 Chapter 303: Punishment

    Chapter 303: Punishment


    This was the weakest leader Zac had fought so far. He was clearly E-Rank, but neither his attributes nor Dao enlightenment were anything special. The weapon he used was pretty amazing though, likely a gift from his n.


    The soldiers looked on aghast at the fate of their lord, either worried about the incursion or the fate that awaited them when they returned. After seeing how easily Zac had handled one of the strongest men of the incursion their battle spirit quickly waned, and many started to look around for means of escape.


    "We surrender, we''ll leave your as once!" one of the generals immediately shouted, and the eyes of many soldiers turned toward a structure in the distance. The wealth umted during our stay is all inside Lord Thansos Cosmos Sack!"


    "We can''t let them!" Joanna spat from the side.


    Zac touched the Cosmos Sack as he mulled over what to do. He remembered what he learned back in the library, and this wasnt necessarily thest time they encountered people from this confederation. He was still infuriated by how the Earthlings had been treated, but it would perhaps cause trouble down the line to act excessively.


    There were no doubt a few who had already fled, making it impossible to keep the results of this battle on lockdown. But the moment he sensed what was inside the Cosmos Sack his pupils turned to needlepoints, and his rage waspletely rekindled. Any thought of a ceasefire was immediately thrown out the window.


    Corpses. Hundreds of corpses, mutted and abused. Most of them were young women, but there were men and even children there as well. Zac looked down at the headless corpse of Thanso, infuriated that he died so easy. It took a special kind of monster to torture these many people then keep their bodies as mementos.


    "Leave no one alive," Zac growled, and the next moment he exploded into action.


    Despair filled the eyes of soldiers when they saw Zac''s reaction, and they fled toward the Nexus Hub as fast as they could run. But how could it be that easy to escape an enraged Zac? Explosions of blood and gore erupted wherever warriors were clumped together as Zac arrived with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, destroying everyone around with wide sweeping arcs of death.


    The others needed little prodding either as they unleashed all their strongest attacks on the copsing defensive lines of the soldier. Ogras had taken the opportunity to assassinate one of the generals who was caught off-guard by Zac''s wanton ughter. That left only two more powerhouses on the side of Ez''Mahal, and Zac and Ogras picked each one. An all-out assault by Zac overwhelmed the mage, his defensive skills and treasure were whittled down in seconds.


    Afterward, Zac simply shot out a handful of des at thest general, who quickly got lost his life from being pincered. By this point, quite a few people were starting to stream in through the gates, and Zac was wondering if they were reinforcements. But when he saw their appearance he realized that they likely had received some prompt and wanted to escape back home through the Nexus Hub.


    The fires of fury were far from abated after seeing the bodies Thanso kept in his Cosmos Sack, and Zac''s eyes turned toward therge cathedral-like building that the Ez''Mahal people ran toward. The next moment a huge tear in space opened as the enormous hand of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> emerged. Zac wasn''t thinking straight as he flooded the hand with his Peak-grade Dao and Cosmic Energy.


    The only thing on his mind was topletely destroy theirst hope and punish the invaders. It almost looked like the hand was shrouded in green mes as it ripped through the air, quickly arriving at the teleportation hub. A dense aura radiated from it, it''s very existence having a restraining effect on the soldiers beneath it.


    Suddenly a fractal twenty meters across appeared above the hand as the fractal rings on the hands shone with blinding intensity. It was not something Zac had seen before, but when heid his eyes on it he felt as though he breathed fresh air from a mountain top and smelt wet soil. It was the embodiment of earth itself.


    Most importantly the aura kept intensifying, and everyone in the area was soon forced down on their knees, some even exploding due to the otherworldly pressure. It was as though the area in front of the building was being crushed by a mountain. However, that wasnt all. The fractal suddenly flew straight down toward the ground, passing right through the wooden hand.


    The fractal caused a hundred-meter wide indent to form around where it mmed down, and only those possessing decent defensive skills or treasures were still alive, albeit barely. The grand building that housed the Nexus Hub was barely standing. Its roof was caved in from the pressure and one of its walls hadpletely copsed. It looked like it wouldn''t stay up for much longer unless it was reinforced.


    Wails in pain and panic echoed across the area as the Ez''Mahal soldiers still alive found themselves in a pit full of bodies and debris. The fighting hadrgely died out amongst those who had chosen fight instead of flight, and even those of his own side looked at Zac with wide eyes. But only he knew that the attack was only half-way over.


    The next moment the wooden hand punched down with monstrous strength. Thest remnants of the house werepletely destroyed, and a second shockwave expanded as though a bomb had gone off in the epicenter. The screams of the few survivors from the fractal were drowned in the dust cloud of the explosion, and the whole area was covered in the haze.


    Then there was just silence.


    Zac took a few deep breaths as he looked at the destruction with hard eyes until they switched over to Ogras who walked over.


    "What about the rest?" Ogras said, notmenting the wanton ughter Zac had justmitted. "We''ve gone this far, we might as well hunt them down."


    "Quite a few people arrived here through the Incursion, we won''t be able to hunt them all down with our small squad," Zac sighed, the fires in his chest having slightly abated. "Let''s focus on freeing the ves. And kill anyone who looks like he can be a threat."


    The demons nodded as he turned around. A sea of shadows suddenly emerged at the gate and dozens of spears impaled the few people who hadn''t already fled after seeing Zac''s attack. Billy simply sat down when seeing the battle was over, his lungs moving like bellows as he gulped for air. Tears were streaming down his eyes as he sat unmovingly, and Zac walked over with a frown.


    "Are you ok, Billy?" Zac asked as sat down in front of him.


    "Mama said to never hurt people," Billy said. "But Mama never met people this bad. These people deserved it, but Billy is still sad."


    Zac sighed as he looked at the giant. He realized that Billy might not have ever killed humans before he joined on this mission as most of his time was spent in the Ratlight. The scene also made him wonder what kind of person he had be. He had killed close to a thousand people in just a few minutes. Yet he felt nothing, neither joy nor sadness or shame. It was as he had cut down a bunch of trees, eliciting no emotional reaction.


    He patted the giant on his shoulder before he walked over to Emily and the squad of Valkyries who had protected her. They had stayed away from the thick of it, mostly providing support while keeping themselves safe.


    "Are you guys okay?" Zac asked as he looked at the group.


    "People are messed up," Emily muttered before she looked up. "We need to be stronger, or we''ll be ves as well when the world loses its protection."


    The Valkyries emphatically nodded, having all too much experience in that department. When people could attain the powers of gods some truly started to treat normal humans as ants.


    "We''ll sweep this ce clean before we liberate the ves in the town," Zac said. "We''ll also bring over a few hundred of the reserves to take control while we head over to the ntations. I''ll watch over the remaining soldiers."


    The girls nodded, and soon the small strike squad went through every nook and cranny of the castle. Soon hundreds of ves had been found, some in extremely horrible conditions. A few even chose to immediately end their lives the moment their shackles were removed.


    Everyone was moved out to the square, standing some distance from the timid group of Ez''Mahal soldiers who had thrown down their weapon. They didn''t dare to move a muscle after Zac had told them to stay put before sitting down to restore his energy.


    No one even as much as dared to breathe loudly when sensing the immense aura that Zac emitted. He was sitting in the middle of the square as both a deterrent for any foolish actions and also because he was simply a bit tired. The attack had cost far more than a normal <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> had, and he curiously opened his menu as he waited for the others to finish their sweep.


    <strong>[Nature''s Punishment - Proficiency: Late. Awaken the wrath of the world. Upgradeable]</strong>


    It had actually upgraded tote proficiency. Furthermore, Zac had a feeling that it upgraded before he even used it. After reading the vor text he had a strong feeling that the upgrade was linked to his emotional response. He had been well and truly infuriated after seeing Thansos bag, and that rage had fueled the skill.


    Unfortunately, he also noticed that the battle hadnt been enough to reach level 75, even though he had killed two E-Grade cultivators. He even felt that he wasnt all that close, meaning that the final level seemed to require far more energy than the earlier ones. Still, if there was one thing he wouldntck theing weeks were enemies, so he wasnt worried he wouldnt get there soon enough.


    Eventually, Zac turned his eyes to the hundreds of ragged people who stood huddled on the square. Their eyes were all trained on him, some with hope, and others with fear. He retracted his aura as he stood up, gripping an E-Grade Nexus Crystal in his hand. His sudden movement made the group instinctually shrink back, and some even tried to hide the few children behind their emaciated bodies.


    I am Zac Atwood, Zac said with a loud voice. You might know me as the Super-Brother Man from the Ladder. We have killed all the leaders of the EzMahal, and we will begin clearing out the area to kill every one of these scum. You all are free.


    All the people stared nkly at him for a few seconds, until a few broke down and started crying inrge tears of relief. Others simply fell down on their knees, holding their heads. A few even kneeled in front of him in thanks.


    But suddenly chaos erupted in the ranks of the former ves as a young man around 17 or 18 jumped a middle-aged woman, ruthlessly started to punch her. Weirder yet was that not a single person tried to help her, instead opting to either look away or look on with schadenfreude.


    YOU FUCKER, he shouted and started to relentlessly punch and w at the woman, seemingly intent to tear her apart.


    Zac frowned and shed over before lifting the youth and tossing him away with one hand.


    What are you doing? Zac asked with a frown.


    That bitch sold so many girls out to those alien psychopaths. Its because of her my sister was tortured to death, he screamed, tears running down his cheeks.


    We all did what we had to do to survive! she said, her eyes thick with fear as she nced at Zac. They would be found out soon anyway! They had eyes everywhere.


    A spear tip suddenly burst out through her chest, and she looked down at her engorged chest with confusion, before her eyes turned vacant. Zac looked up at Joanna who stood behind her with ruthless eyes.


    Question everyone, find the other conspirators, Zac said, steeling his heart. Purge everyone who betrayed Earth.


    His order quickly caused a few individuals to be isted as they screamed and pled to be spared. But the Valkyries had long turned to ruthless killing machines as the targets were quickly executed after the details were confirmed. Zac himself didn''t act, but he passively looked at the result of his order. But while his exterior was calm the same couldn''t be said of his thoughts.


    He felt he was walking down a dark path, the weight of his victims causing a heavier and heavier burden. Would he emerge with his soul intact, or would the sin of his actions consume him?

 Chapter 304: Plantations

    Chapter 304: ntations


    Zac knew a lot of blood would be shed from his order, but he didnt want to leave cancerous individuals behind. Every force he liberated would also be part of his jurisdiction, and he could not leave such hidden risks in times of war.


    Next, he purchased a teleporter, as the moment that he had killed thanso and thest general the town was considered his by the System. A Valkyrie immediately stepped through it to report back to Port Atwood, and to ry his orders. Hundreds of reserve fighters would join the area soon enough to stabilize the situation and return some order to the chaos.


    He internally winced at the cost of all these transportations, but he also knew that the value of the area far outweighed the cost. It became increasingly clear from reading the intelligence on the incursions that they were all ced close to some sort of natural resource.


    The demon Incursion not only got the Nexus Vein, but also the Tree of Ascension. It had already been confirmed that the mountains of the second Incursion he closed were rich in valuable metals, and this ce had the farnd with spiritual soil.


    That farnd was also why Zac was a bit hurried. And after giving a few moremands to Joanna he gathered Ogras, Emily and half of the Demons and Valkyries. The others would be led by Billy to keep things in check. All the strongest people had long been killed, so Billy would have no trouble keeping things in check as longs as the remaining Valkyries shielded him.


    The rest needed to go to the vast ntations and im them before the EzMahal people could ruin or plunder the fields in revenge. Winter wasing, but that didnt affect Spiritual Soil and Spirit Herbs who could grow year-round straight through the ice if need be.


    Who here has been to the ntations? Zac asked as he looked at the ves.


    The bloody spectacle of Joanna had once again cowed the crowd, but soon a middle-aged man stepped forward.


    There are threerge ntations, my lord, he said with a posh British ent. I have been to all three. I have also heard chatter of a higher-grade garden, but I never learned where it was situated.


    Zac had the man enter the car they used to get inside before he entered as well. Just as they were about to drive out they noticed people streaming out of the teleporter. The reserves clearly had been on standby since less than three minutes were needed for them to organize everything. Zac felt confident in leaving the town now when there were hundreds of his soldiers keeping things in order.


    The car once again sped through the streets of the Grand Escape. It turned out the man that Zac brought was called Henry, just like the Marshall patriarch. However, his history was quite different. He was a trained butler, and Thanso had thought it was novel to have a native servant to wait upon him.


    He was one of the few people that had been treated somewhat decently of the ves. Not though benevolence though, but because Henry was very skilled, and Thanso did not want to waste time finding a new native Butler.


    More impressively the reason that he seemed so popr amongst the ves was that he had dared to lie straight into Thansos face, saving dozens of poor women who would have met grim fates otherwise. Of course, he had only been able to save a scant few of Thansos numerous victims, but Zac was still impressed with the guts of the man.


    As they drove through the town chaos was already taking hold. A lot of the people in the city were various nonbat sses supporting the invasion, and when the leaders and the soldiers fell, pandemonium soon erupted.


    No matter where he looked former ves were rising up against their masters in an all-out brawl. Neither were very powerful, but the ves didnt seem to care about their lives as they mobbed the foreign invaders like a swarm of angry bees.


    Zac didnt have any means to help them out, but after throwing Ogras a look, shadow spears started emerging within a hundred meters of the cars. No matter where one looked EzMahal natives were getting skewered and by the time they left the town hundreds had fallen to Ogras attacks. Ogras had understood Zac''s intent though and only attacked those who were killing Natives.


    They followed the directions of Henry as they sped through the roads, heading toward the closest ntation. ording to the butler, around ten thousand ves were working there. Zac couldnt understand how a ntation could need so much manpower, but when he understood why he was livid.


    The EzMahal possessed an extremely sinister array to speed up the growth of the nts. A ve was needed to continuously infuse the array with energy, and the energy helped the herbs grow faster. But it didnt only sap the ves of their energy, it also slowly sapped them of their life force.


    They even had special cultivation manuals that were extremely efficient in restoring lost Cosmic Energy, but in turn were essentially useless in progressing in levels since it harmed ones foundations. They forced any ves who were cultivators to swap to this manual and used them to feed the most precious herbs.


    Not only did that help the EzMahal to harvest the nts far quicker than usual, but it also prevented rebellion. The ves were always so drained that they could barely stand, let alone fight in an insurrection.


    The group drove for roughly 30 minutes on a newly constructed road until the forests gave way to an enormous field spanning god knows howrge an area. They didnt even see it all due to some fields having nts reaching a few meters into the air, but it had to be at least dozens of football fieldsrge.


    Is all this on Spiritual Soil? Zac asked with wide eyes.


    I am not too knowledgable about what Spiritual Soil is, but the actual area with the better soil is evenrger than this, Henry said after thinking it over. Deforestation has been ongoing since the integration to open up more farnd. But apparently, the soil is littered with solid rock, and they have been forced to move a mountain''s worth of boulders to clear it.


    As they entered the ntation Zac soon noted mats ced through the fields, and on some of them people were sitting, seemingly in meditation. But at other spots people were aimlessly wandering with confusion and hesitation in their eyes.


    They approached arge mansion that was almost in the middle of the fields, and Zacs brows rose when he saw it was surrounded by people. They looked emaciated but spirited, holding everything from wooden clubs torge rocks in their hands.


    Unfortunately, the car Zac and the others sat in was a stolen EzMezal vehicle and the moment they approached they were pelted by rocks as the revolting ves closed in on them. Henrys eyes widened in rm, but Ogras only snorted as he stepped out.


    The smarter ves quickly stopped in their tracks when they saw the demons appearance, but the most irate ves didn''t even register the set of horns on Ogras'' head.


    Dont kill anyone, Zac said as he stepped out as well.


    The next moment the ves had frozen in ce, with everyone who still held a weapon in their hand having a shadow spear trained on their throat or hearts. Resistance immediately crumbled in the face of overwhelming power, and the rebels quickly discarded their makeshift weaponry.


    "We are not part of the Ez''Mahal. We are their enemies. Where are the leaders who ran this ce?" Zac asked with a loud voice.


    They ran in that way! a woman shouted, pointed in the direction of the woods with anger. They took everything they could carry as well. Treasures and herbs! We had no way to stop them or keep up with their speed.


    How long ago? Zac asked.


    Fifteen minutes ago, she said with a note of uncertainty.


    Zac looked over at Ogras, who nodded and suddenly got swallowed in shadows, disappearing from sight. Zac probably possessed the speed to run them down as well, but he was pretty bad at tracking. Ogras was even faster than he was, and his skill set was far more suited for assassinating the vedrivers.


    Those who remained hesitantly looked at Zac, their eyes asionally darting toward their weapons again. But a burst of his bloodsoaked aura quelled any thoughts of resuming their rebellion.


    Zac coughed and repeated the same story to this set of ves, about who he was and what had happened. This time no one had seen the battle in the Grand Escape, so convincing the ntation ves about the situation wasnt quite as simple. But the flight of all the EzMezal personnel was a clear indicator that what Zac said wasn''t without merit.


    What now? one woman suddenly asked. Where is the government? Will they help us?


    I am sorry, but no, Zac said, realizing that these people likely had no idea what was going on with Earth.


    The governments have all fallen, and a few new ones have taken their ce, Zac said. Around 15% of the worlds poption remains, the rest have fallen to Incursions or wild beasts. Desperate battles are taking ce all over the world.


    My armies are currently marching against a horde of tens of millions of Zombies. Yes, literal zombies like in the movies, Zac said. There is even an old monster heading toward Earth, a being so strong that he can destroy a whole city with a punch.


    So there is nowhere I can take you all. And honestly, even if I could, why would I? It costs a fortune to teleport someone, and the world has be too massive and dangerous to travel by road or air. But you are wee to stay here. We are currently rooting out thest of the invaders, but this area will be part of my sphere of influence, and it will be somewhat safe at least, Zac finished.


    Hopelessness filled the eyes of the people gathered in front of him. Many had likely dreamt of being saved by the government, followed by a return to normalcy. But such a thing no longer existed on this, and it wouldn''t return until their ce in the universe was secured through strength.


    Will we be forced to continue using these arrays? the woman who pointed out where the overseer fled asked.


    No one should be using those things, Zac said with a shake of his head. From what I understand they will sap your life force, slowly killing you.


    The colors of the faces in front of him turned noticeably better when they learned that they wouldnt have to ve in the arrays any longer though. Zac sighed when he saw their weak erratic auras, and the next moment a small hill of Nexus Crystals appeared in front of him.


    Each of you take one, Zac said. If you dont know, these are Nexus Crystals. They are used for either restoring ones energy or gaining levels. There is no side-effect to using them, but they arent as effective for gaining levels as killing beasts.


    The ves hesitantly looked at the mound of crystals for a bit until a few of them stepped forward. Zac noted that some of them were around level 15 to 22, and likely Cultivators. These people had probably been caught the moment they returned from the Tutorial, and barely had any progress since then due to the cultivation manual they were forced to use.


    Since everything was dealt with for now he took out a chair to wait for Ogras, and he fielded any questions the people in front of him had. As the minutes passed more and more people were joining, especially after Zac told a few people to gather those out on the fields.


    There were still quite a few who were still infusing their arrays, afraid that the odd situation might be a trap to trick them. But soon over a thousand people had gathered in front of him, each clinging to a Nexus Crystal as though it was a heavenly treasure.


    In the next few days, I will open up a store in the town. You can buy more Nexus Crystals there, or anything else you may need. From supplies to weapons and armor, Zac said. We only take Nexus Coins though.


    Most of us barely have any coins at all, how will we survive? one of the braver men asked.


    Port Atwood will provide for everyone for a limited time, but sooner orter you will have to provide for yourselves. You can either get jobs or hunt monsters for Nexus Coins and materials," Zac exined.


    What can we even do? Youre level 74, but most of us arent even level 10. We werent allowed to gain levels, any energy we managed to gather went straight into these god damn nts, another man grunted.


    It hasnt even been a year since the integration took ce. I am sure it has felt like an eternity to you, but in terms of the multiverse, it is nothing. If you manage to upgrade your race to E-Grade your lifespan will increase to 500 years. Upgrade it again you will live for thousands of years. What are a few months lost? Zac retorted.


    "The means to upgrade your race will be avable for purchase in our shops. Even Mortals can evolve their race," Zac continued. "But you should know that nothing in this worldes free. Only those who struggle and gain enough resources will be able to afford the treasures needed."


    Quite a few of the haggard ves perked up at Zac''s exnation. A fire rekindled in their eyes, shining with determination to ovee their current situation. However, Zac sighed when he saw that most of them were still downcast. But at least he gave a few of them something to strive for.


    Not muchter Ogras returned with azy expression, his eyes shing with a hint of disdain as he looked at how the ves clutched their Nexus Crystals.


    I thought you would want to see this, Ogras said as fifteen heads thumped down on the ground. This should be the leaders of this ce. I didnt bother with the heads of the others.

 Chapter 305: War

    Chapter 305: War


    The hordes will arrive in our designated War Zone in eight days. We expect the second horde toe in contact with the coalition of Port Atwood and the Sino-Indians two dayster, Mark said as he looked down at the map.


    Mark was a distant uncle to Thea, and he was assigned as her primary advisor for the uing war. The middle aged man was a seasoned veteran of the Royal Air Force and a decorated general, so it was no surprise that he would be calling the shots in the battle against the undead. Officially he was only here in an advisory role though, with Thea being the figurehead.


    Still, she wanted to understand as much as she could even if she might not be the real strategist of the war. A lot of people would die in the uing weeks, some as a direct result of hermands. She owed it to them to do everything she could to keep that number as low as possible.


    Why dont we immediately fight them? Thea asked with a frown. Were giving them free rein over hundreds of miles ofnd."


    For one we want them as far away as possible from the Incursion, Mark exined as he pointed toward the edge of the Dead Zone. The geeks have surmised that these hordes arerge enough to affect the area, changing the Cosmic Energy into miasma at a rate higher than they consume.


    But our goal is to splinter the horde and whittle them down, turning the horde into smaller groups that won''t have this benefit. If we can bring the units beneath the critical mass needed to maintain the transformation we can starve them out. Even if they turn back at that time they will have a weeks travel before they can resupply on miasma, the general said as he scratched his beard.


    But they will destroy all the towns in their path, Thea muttered.


    Small price to pay. Besides, we have evacuated most of the people living in the path toward us, Mark said.


    How long do you think this war will take? Thea asked, her thoughts heading to Zac.


    At least a month, Mark said with some hesitation. Problem is we cant tell how many elite warriors they have, and that will affect the speed at which can dismantle the horde. They have a thickyer of trash out at the edges, and the cloud of miasma blocks our vision of what hides in the core.


    How many Incursions do you think their team will be able to close in that time? Thea asked, interested in hearing the opinion of a war veteran.


    I wouldnt know, girl. You know his strength better than me. But it seems they want to keep thend they im, and that will take far more time than the battle, Mark said with a snort. Port Atwood is about to get a real headache on their hands.


    You know, you will need a better strategy than simply running interference, Ilveres voice said as he walked inside the tent.


    What? Alea said with confusion, once again looking down at the map detailing the progress of the undead horde.


    Lord Atwood, Ilvere guffawed, drawing an even stare from the poison mistresses. I heard about your little stalking over in that human town. You even sent the little blue one to ruin the mood, no?


    That is none of your business. Besides, it was to avoid letting that woman taking advantage of us, Alea said.


    Im sure, Ilvere snorted as he walked over to the table. You should know that our cultures are different. I could simply beat up the others to court Lady Alyn, but that sort of approach seems to make the humans angry.


    I dont understand what you see in that bloodthirsty lunatic, Alea said with a shake of his head.


    Perhaps I simply like living on the edge, Ilvere smiled.


    Alea rolled her eyes before she looked down at the table in silence a few seconds, as if in deep thought.


    Am I a fool for pursuing this? Alea suddenly asked.


    Following ones heart is never foolish, Ilvere said.


    When did you be so wise? Alea said, some humor returning to her eyes.


    Well, I wasnt blessed with a rich daddy nor a pretty face, so I had to use my head for my conquests, Ilvere grinned before once again looking down at the map. So what are you thinking?


    Im thinking that we will have to work a lot without pay. These things will barely bring any money per kill, Alea sighed. At least it will temper this pathetic excuse for an army.


    If you think ours is bad you should see the ones from that other force, Ilvere said with disgust. Its no wonder their countries became food for the undead.


    What do you mean? Alea asked with confusion. Our reports say their armies are almost three hundred thousand men strong, with more joining every day.


    Arge group of trash, Ilvere said. Armed with pre-integration weaponry. Most are below level 10. They will probably just turn into even more zombies to kill. And all that energy and money being left on the table. Id say that only fifty thousand or so are proper warriors, though their levels arent anything impressive.


    What about the two elites that are on thedder? Alea asked.


    They act like theyre gods, but Id be able to fight them both to a draw with my restrictions in ce, Ilvere said with a shake of his head.


    About the restrictions, Alea slowly prodded. Did you?


    Yeah, I got the quest. As did Janos, Ilvere said. Butpleting our missiones first.


    Agreed, but if we see the opportunity, Alea said, drawing a nod from the demon general.


    And if those two get in the way?


    Then they can join the Undead General in hell, Alea said with equanimity.


    If you were only this assertive with your private life, Ilvere said with a finalugh as he left the tent, holding his breath to avoid the wave of poison that followed him out.


    Thank you as always, Miss Sui, Ling Tian said as he stood up.


    You should rest some more, Sui said as she looked at the back of her new team leader with worry.


    He looked fine but Sui knew that he was anything but. His whole body was a maze of scars from countless battles with the undead.


    I might not be a cultivator but I can gain strength with these two hands, Ling Tian said, tightening his fist. More importantly, every Zombie we kill now will be one less to rampage across the settlements in theing weeks. This is the final battle.


    But you need to be alive to keep protecting the people, Sui sighed.


    Havent you read the stories? Ling Tian said with a youthful smile as he stood up to rejoin the battle. The hero always starts out as a weakling, but soon grows into prominence.


    Sui didnt know what to say as she saw the receding form of Ling Tian, unsure whether it was her ce to butt in. She knew that many made fun of Ling Tian for his chosen name or what they perceived as a vain attempt of ying the hero.


    But she truly felt he was a hero. He wasnt overly strong, yet he dared to risk his life over and over. Who knew how many he had saved over the past months, relentlessly keeping the undead at bay in the area around Eastern Hills. That in of itself was a great achievement. After all, he was not like that man.


    Ling Tian was not able to single-handedly mow through an army with a swing of his axe, and his aura wasnt as vast as the sea.


    Suddenly, as if summoned by her thoughts she saw the hunched-over form of Wang Fang walking by. By now he was only a shell of the man he once was, with his cheeks sunken and dark circles under his eyes. The aura of life around him had long turned a murky yellow,pared to the vibrant gold that she usually saw around people. He was not long for the world.


    Enjoying the effects of your boyfriends scheming? Wang Fang growled when he noticed Sui''s nce.


    David told you the water was poisoned and warned everyone not to drink it, Sui said with annoyance, having repeated the same thing untold times.


    It wasnt only his body that had warped, but so had Wang Fangs mind. His actions against David had caused the Monastery to speak out against him in the end, causing their whole hunting squad to be pariahs in the whole eastern border of the Dead Zone.


    But not once had Wang Fang looked inward to his own failings, and instead squarely put all the me on the man who called himself David. Of those who had ignored Davids warning and partook in the cursed water, only Wang Fang was still alive.


    Their group had no choice but to travel to a settlement far away to avoid the angry mob wanting to curry favor with the Abbot. But they were soon driven out again due to Wang Fangs infamy and irascible personality. It was only at Ling Tians town Eastern Hills they found sanctuary. Ling Tian took anyone in as long as they were ready to fight the undead threat.


    I might die soon, but that man might join the war. I will drag that schemer with me to hell if its thest thing I do, Wang Fang growled after throwing Sui onest nce, walking away toward his tent.


    The next time we meet David will be the day he dies, a condescending voice said from behind. How does he still not realize who he is?


    Sui looked back at John, one of the few westerners who had lived in the Dead Zone since the beginning.


    The poisonous water has made him irrational and paranoid. He doesnt believe people when they exin how the description of the Super Brother-Man in Kings Crossing perfectly matches David, Sui said with some helplessness.


    But she wondered, would he be in the army they were heading toward?


    Your Eminence, the town of Port Atwood has once again arrived to check up on our status. Do you wish to meet with them? the elderly monk asked after opening the doors to the secluded courtyard.


    Abbot Evesting Peace sighed as he looked up at the sky. Ribbons of gold crossed the sky above him, making him feel both wonder and despair. Everything woulde to an end, but would he truly be able to sever it? Should he?


    Was this truly the correct path toward enlightenment?


    Brother Stillness looked at the wistful expression on the usually serene face, and worry started to mar his ancient face. He had assisted the Abbot for decades, and he had never seen such an expression.


    Your eminence? elder Stillness said with concern as he took a hesitant step toward the pond. Is it the yin creatures? The mountain will provide sanctuary.


    Brother Stillness, do you remember when we were young? Abbot Evesting Peace suddenly said as he looked at the elder monk across the pond. This penniless monk ate the Yumberries that elder Small Mountain had grown with meticulous care behind his abode.


    When this one scurried away he noticed Brother Stillness sitting in a tree not far away, witnessing the theft. Yet when asked by elder Small Mountain Brother Stillness lied and said you ate them. Was this lie good or bad?


    The elders long wispy brows rose in surprise before he donned a thoughtful look.


    Lying is not only harming others, but it is also harming ones self. It is a corruption of the path, and the Buddha decreed lying to be against one the moral precepts, elder Stillness said before he bowed in thanks. Amitabha. Only through self-reflection can one find the path.


    Abbot smiled as he looked at the ribbons once more, his eyes turning toward the 5 Pitch-ck ones rising into the cosmos from various corners of the continent. Next, his eyes moved toward the Silver ribbon iid with countless fractals, which as usual thrummed with recognition when it was being observed. He once again sighed and looked back down at his old friend.


    Small Mountain was not truly harmed by my theft. He never intended to eat them himself, and chalked it up to the berries going to their fateful owners, Abbot Evesting Peace smiled as he caressed the thick golden line connecting himself and elder Stillness. Yet the shelter you provided a young scared acolyte proved to be a gesture that this penniless monk remembers even 80 yearster.


    The old monk looked a bit confused at the Abbots exmation. Was this a karmic lesson, or was the Abbot simply reminiscing? But he didnt have the chance to inquire as the old Abbot suddenly rose to his feet for the first time in months.


    Abbot..! Your wound..? Stillness eximed with worry, though he couldnt hide the excitement in his eyes.


    What wille to be, will be, Abbot Evesting Peace said, stepping out from the lotus.


    Small ripples expanded on the pond as the abbot stepped on the water surface as though it was solid ground. But that wasnt what truly shocked the old monk.


    The magical Zen Treasure that Abbot had sat upon for months in order to recuperate started glowing and changing the moment that the Abbot stepped down from it. The flower radiated a holy light as it rose from the pond, and flew up to position itself behind the Abbot.


    As Evesting Peace walked across the pond golden Sanskrit started to appear in a script across the flower, which itself turned into a holy white. In just seconds it had turned into a Buddhist halo, with dense writings covering its every surface.


    As brother Stillness'' eyes read the lines his mind turned nk for a second, before he felt an unprecedented rity. His eyes, full of understanding, quickly moved to meet the Abbot''s, who only smiled in response. Excitement filled brother Stillness'' heart for a second, but it soon was suffused by a deep sadness.


    "Your eminence, this means...?!" he hesitantly asked.


    "What will be, will be."

 Chapter 306: The Tal-Eladar

    Chapter 306: The Tal-dar


    It took Zac three days to bring a semnce of order to Verdant Fields, which was the new name given to Grand Escape. The old name simply had too many bad memories associated with it. He initially wanted to head straight to the next Incursion the same day, but he soon realized he had to give up on that n.


    First of all the warriors needed rest. They werent like Zac with his monstrous attributes. They had truly risked their lives in the battle, and most of the demons had various degrees of wounds, notwithstanding the high-quality gear that Zac lent them.


    It was easy to forget that they had charged into an army of hundreds of men with less than twenty people, even though they were just a little bit stronger than the defenders. It was almost a miracle that no one died. Of course, chalking it up to just luck was oversimplifying it. They had arrived with monstrous momentum, and between Zac, Ogras, and Billy the enemies'' linespletely copsed before they could mount a resistance.


    Apart from rest and post-battle meditation to consolidate the Dao, there was also the need to consolidate the area. Verdant Fields was in the center of a region with extreme potential value, and Gredas, the old demonkin farmer, had immediately rushed over when he heard about the huge fields of Spiritual Soil.


    They had quickly decided to transnt arge amount of the soil to Port Atwood and its neighboring farming inds, but this ce would likely be the agricultural headquarters of his empire in the future. The herbs that were currently growing would be able to be used for medicinal baths, something that would be in extremely high demand on earth theing decades as people tried to evolve their race.


    But restoring order to the area was easier said than done. There was not only the issue of clothing, feeding, and treating thousands upon thousands of liberated ves, but they also needed to set up a working governing body. All while hunting the EzMezal warriors who still hid in the poption.


    Zac had made fleeing Earth impossible in his fit of rage, but that had also left them with the headache of finding the invaders. This wasnt like the golem Incursion where it was extremely easy to figure out who the enemies were, since the foreign invaders from the Ez''Mahal Empire were able to blend in with a change of clothes.


    They were forced to bring over the array that Ogras had used to find the shapeshifters, but by the time they got the array running most had already left the area.


    The one thing that made their lives a bit easier was how quickly the nonbat sses had given up, and they hadn''t caused any problem so far. Their people came from an empirepletely based on vebor, so a force being defeated and its people turned into ves happened every day. It was lucky as well that they adapted to the situation so quickly, since there were tens of thousands of them.


    Zac was shocked at the count, as the number of people far eclipsed what the demons brought to his ind. Usually, the incursions weren''t too populous since it cost Nexus Coins to send everyone over, but nonbat sses were far cheaperpared to powerhouses.


    But the biggest reason there were so many of them was that the invaders gained its first round of reinforcements not long ago. It was inevitable that the incursions would be able to bolster their ranks within the first year, but Zac was still a bit disappointed that it had already happened. It didn''t really affect them in this battle, but he had a feeling that they simply got lucky this time.


    The Ez''Mahal had no strong enemies in the area, and Earth''s performance hadn''t impressed anyone so far. Zac, Billy, and Thea were the only ones who had defeated their neighboring Incursions, and Zac''s feat wasn''t even publicly known. They likely hadn''t felt there was any need to bolster their troops in the short run, and instead sent over personnel to manage the ves and help extract everything of value in the area.


    Currently, the vast number of nonbat people were separated from the former ves, and their expertise and actions were being tallied by his army. They needed proper insight into what they were dealing with here.


    As things started to get under control with the help of the personnel from Port Atwood, Zac and the others started to turn their eyes toward the next target. He and the others of the strike force were currently sitting in a conference room in Thanso''s former mansion, nning their next step.


    Things are mostly settled here, Ogras said from the other side of the table. Which one have you decided on next?


    Zac looked around the room and saw a wide range of emotions. The demons looked eager as ever, perhaps since two of them had managed to improve a Dao Seed after the battle. Apparently, ones connection to the Dao also improved when one evolved, though Zac didnt know if that also applied to himself with his weird constitution.


    The Valkyries sat with stone-cold eyes full of determination. The pitiful lives of the ves in the area had rekindled the buried memories of their own fates in Greenworth, and they wanted to keep fighting to free others who had been enved. For them the battles werent about resources or improvement, but about liberation.


    Emily had returned to her happy-go-lucky self. She had been shaken by the evil perpetrated in Verdant Green before they reimed it, but she had channeled that shock and rage into her desire to be stronger. And she was currently riding the powerleveling train that was Zac.


    His rampage had actually awarded her almost two levels. Curiously enough she gained almost all of it from the weaker soldiers, whereas the death of the incursion leader awarded her next to nothing. It was at that point Ogras exined that she got a penalty due to the level difference, just like Zac gained no energy for killing weaker beasts by now.


    It was a way to avoid too tant exploitation. But the result was still above expectation since she gained quite a bit of Cosmic Energy without lifting her fingers. It wasnt even impossible that shed be able to break into thedder if she followed Zac for a month or two.


    The one with the elves, Zac said, taking out one of the intelligence missives. Its another force that has actively hunted outside their region for ves. But this one isnt run by trash. They have some sort of detection arrays, and their defensive array is perpetually running. We will not be able to ambush them.


    Ogras grabbed hold of the stack of information with a frown.


    The Tal-dar, he said, causing some blood lust to leak from the demonic soldiers. I do not recognize their crest, though.


    The Tal-dar wasn''t truly elves, but Marshall n informally called them that due to their appearance. They had long pointed ears that slightly drooped at their tip and lithe frames, which brought to mind elves from fantasy stories. However, there were some differences between elves and the humanoids in the incursion.


    First of all their eyes looked a bit creepy ording to the report, and ament likened them to goat''s eyes, with oblong horizontal pupils and no sclera. Their teeth were also sharp, meaning they didn''t live on morning dew and fruits like elves in the stories did.


    Their actions of constant expansion and raids weren''t very reminiscent of the harmonious bearing of the woond people either. While the Ez''Mahal had been somewhat content with tending to their massive ntations the Tal-dar had increased the size of their Incursion three-fold since the initial push. It was nowhere near the actions of the Undead Empire, but it was still arge-scale conquest.


    That was one of the main reasons why Zac chose this incursion. The Ez''Mahal was targeted for thebination of the horrible treatment of natives with their weak force. The Tal-dar were instead targeted for their constant expansion. Every time they conquered a new town more people would be enved or killed, and nipping it in the bud as quickly as possible was important to stop their expansion.


    But what Zac didn''t expect was the reaction of the demons in the conference room.


    Whats going on? Zac asked with some confusion.


    The Tal-dar and the demonkin are in an almost perpetual war in our sector, Ogras exined. You remember how n AzhRezak makes their money as mercenaries? Our progenitor was a mercenary who made his name in a war against these people. In fact, most of our elders and veterans have fought in wars against the Tal-dar.


    So its a racial thing, Zac said. Well, we will still go by the standard n. We will see how they have treated people. If its like here, then they will get the same treatment. If they have acted within limits then we will let them leave, no matter your bad blood.


    The demons looked a bit unwilling, but soon they acquiesced.


    Good. I dont want to have to lug around the Origin Array everywhere to hunt dissidents, Zac said as he turned to Billy who was sitting by one of the ends of the table with a vacant stare.


    Billy, will you be able to fight? Zac probed.


    Ah? Billy said, waking with a start. Billy can fight.


    Good. We are going to another bad ce, just like this ce was, Zac said. We need you to thwonk their shield. Like you did in the hunt to save Thea.


    Billy seriously nodded.


    Mama always said the strong need to help others. Billy will help save the people.


    Good, Zac said. Is there anything else that needs to be done here?


    Everything is dealt with, except ourck of experts is making itself shown, Ogras said with a sigh. We dont have anyone strong enough to hold down the fort.


    I dont want anyone to defend this ce to their deaths, Zac said. If someone wants to take this piece ofnd, let them. I will make them give it back, and then some, after were done with the Incursions. But I don''t want to leave these people to their fates if I can help them.


    We do not need toorge defending forces for now," Ogras agreed. "I doubt anyone on this baby can block teleporters or perform other advanced siege tactics. But we simply do not possess the man-power if we wish to run a dozen spheres of influence from all the Incursions we will conquer."


    "I think we can make use of the people here," Joanna interjected.


    A few of the demons threw her a dismissive nce. It wasn''t a dig at the Valkyrie, but rather about what they thought of the liberated humans. And it was true, there was not a singlepetent warrior as far as the eye could see. The Ez''Mahal had made sure of that. But Joanna ignored the looks and pressed on.


    "I don''t mean for defenses, but running the ces. We only need a small number of people to act as the police, while we set up a local government. It wasn''t like we needed the army in every city in the old days, right? That butler who has helped us can be the mayor or something," she exined.


    "I agree," Zac slowly nodded. "Port Atwood has grown by incorporating new people from the beginning. There''s no reason not to continue doing the same here. But that leaves the issue of the tens of thousands of nonbatant captives."


    "Why not just keep them as ves?" Ogras shrugged. "They''re already mentally prepared for it."


    Joanna and the other Valkyries in the room were visibly upset at the prospect of Port Atwood turning into a force utilizing very, and Zac frowned as well. But he honestly didn''t have any better ideas. He couldn''t simply kill them all, and sending them back was impossible since the Nexus Hubs were inactive.


    At first, he considered sending them to isted inds in his Archipgo where they could work for Port Atwood without the risk of them fleeing, but he knew that was just very with extra steps.


    "I know many empires in the multiverse don''t condone very, what do they do in cases like these?" Zac asked.


    "Well, simply throwing them off the imed territory is prettymon. What happens then is none of their concern. Most simply be fugitives settling in other areas on the. But the mostmon thing is doing nothing. It doesn''t matter who sits at the top for themon people, life is mostly the same for them in either case," Ogras said.


    "Our situation is a bit moreplicated than that though, no?" Zac sighed. "If I simply released everyone then the people of Earth would be furious, and I would be marked as a traitor in no time. And I refuse to release the soldiers or anyone who has stepped over the line in the treatment of the people of Earth."


    "What about this?" Ogras said after some thought. "They all are from this Ez''Mahal Empire, right? That means that they should be able to use the Nexus Hub to return there when the hubs open. Just have them work for passage until then. They will also be assigned a debt ording to their actions in the invasions. This debt will partly go to us and partly to the victims aspensation."


    Zac slowly considered the proposition as he threw a nce at the Valkyries. They seemed to be mostly fine with Ogras'' suggestion, and Zac knew he wouldn''t be able to think of something better in the short run. But suddenly something in Ogras'' exnation hinted at another possibility.


    "Wait, they will be able to return there? Doesn''t that mean that you all will be able to go back when the hubs activate? More importantly, will you be able toe back here afterward?"

 Chapter 307: Finality

    Chapter 307: Finality


    Zacs mind couldnt help going down various venues of betrayal when he realized that the demons werent as cut off from their homeworld as Ogras had initially led him to believe. What if Ogras Grandfather came stomping through Earth in 99 years as a result of the scheming of the demons of Port Atwood?


    Where did that innocent wide-eyed youth go? Ogras sighed in mock exasperation as he noted Zacs look. Here, look at this.


    The next moment a screen appeared in front of the demon. It was the part of the status screen that showed his alignment, and it actually said Port Atwood. It didnt provide any title though, like his own status screen that also denoted him as lord.


    Ive already told you, we have cut ties with our homeworld. To be able to use the Nexus Hub you would need to maintain your allegiance, Ogras exined.


    What about the other demons? Not all of them stayed on earth voluntarily, Zac probed, not ready topletely drop the subject.


    I have it all in hand. There are a few who maintain the old alignment, but as long as they work for us it doesn''t matter. Worst case theyll have an ident before the world gets properly integrated, Ogras shrugged. Besides, I dont think thats how it works.


    What do you mean? Zac asked.


    From what I understand its a one-way ticket for those who have failed their invasion, but managed to survive for a hundred years on a hostile. A reward of sorts, I suppose, Ogras exined.


    Zac slowly nodded but made a mental note that he would have to research how things worked from a second source as well. He knew that inteary travel was prohibitively expensive, but most D-Grade powerhouses should have no problem to teleport themselves in case they felt the potential pay-off wasrge enough.


    In any case, this might also be a good opportunity to recruit some people, Ogras continued. Just like there were people like us who wanted to stay behind, so are there likely people from the EzMahal who wouldnt mind bing Earthlings. I cant imagine a great fate is awaiting these people if they return to the EzMahal Confederation.


    We cant recruit these vers! Joanna immediately interjected. Not imprisoning them is bad enough.


    Girl, I know you had a rough start of it, but one needs to be pragmatic to survive. You are part of the multiverse now, and the onlyw is thew of the jungle, Ogras said with a shake of his head. So what if they kept ves? It was their right as the strong. And if you get strong enough you can kill all of them without anyone speaking up in their defense.


    Joanna only unwillingly red at Ogras, clearly not convinced by his argument.


    Well go withbor for reduced merits for now, Zac finally concluded. Well revisit the issue of formally incorporating the willing people at ater date, depending on how they behave. For now, is there anything else we need to do before we can head out toward the Tal-dar?


    I would like to draft two hundred million Nexus Coins from Port Atwoods coffers, Gredas said, speaking up for the first time since the meeting began, as his only interest was agriculture. I need your permission for that.


    Two hundred million? Zac eximed with wide eyes. Thats not a small sum. What do you need it for?


    The Spiritual Soil we will transnt to Port Atwood could be a true moneymaker for us, Gredas said when he noted Zac''s shock. You are approaching E-Grade, and in another year or two most elites of this will start evolving. The demand for medicinal baths will explode, and it will only keep growing.


    I want to nt huge fields of Spiritual Grass to prepare for that. But we need to buy seedlings and better arrays to get production going, the demon farmer said, enthusiasm shining in his eyes. It will give a return your investment tenfold within a few years, and it will just keep giving as long as we control the Nexus Vein.


    Zac slowly mulled it over. Two hundred million was less than he privately held, but it was still arge chunk of the free resources of Port Atwood. And agriculture was only one of the many expenses that the town faced. Who knew how much it would cost to integrate all these Zones that he was about to conquer?


    But Zac also knew that you needed to spend money to make money. All that money woulde back into his town coffers, which essentially was his own money. If worse came to worst he could simply pige and loot a few more incursions to make up for it.


    Fine, but you will have to make a proper budget to show what you need everything for. We are not in a position to waste any money at the moment, Zac agreed.


    With that, the meeting was over, and everyone was given two hours to prepare their gear. Zac didnt need to do anything at the moment and simply went back to Port Atwood to have dinner with his sister.


    Kenzie almost continuously stayed in the cultivation cave nowadays, since her AI allowed her to make tremendous improvements. No energy was wasted between the calcting power of the small chip and the improved cultivation manual that Kenzie utilized.


    Zac only returned to Verdant Green ten minutes before the deadline, and the others were already waiting. Theidback manner of the demons was gone, reced with bloodlust and determination. It appeared that old habits die hard, and they still carried their inherited grudges even if they had cut ties with n AzhRezak.


    Zac activated the teleporter, and they soon arrived at their destination. It was arge hall without windows, and only two young men sat by a table at one side of the room, looking fidgety.


    Thank god youre here, a man immediately said as he hurried over when he saw Zac and the others appear. The town is being raided as we speak!


    Raided? By the invaders? Zac asked with some surprise.


    We believe they found out that this small town possessed a teleportation array and is used for intelligence gathering. Their force is a lot biggerpared to the usual raiding parties that they use to capture new workers, the young man frantically exined.


    Were almost out of crystals to maintain our shield, and it has only been three hours, the other man added. We have sent requests for aid from headquarters, but their resources are all tied up in the war with the undead. We have been instructed to start evacuation in twenty minutes.


    How many are there? Ogras asked as he walked up next to Zac.


    Around three hundred warriors, and many of them are stronger than their normalbatants. They also have over a thousand of their huge wolf-things with them, the guard exined.


    Tal-dar and their god damn war beasts, one of the demons muttered, making Zac shoot a questioning nce at Ogras.


    Well, the main reasons our family keep a bunch of Barghest and Gwyllgi is because the Tal-dar is extremely adept at beast mastery, Ogras exined. Their beasts are stronger and better controlled, so we can only try to lessen the impact with waves of dumb barghest. Better our fodder dies to the war beasts than our warriors.


    So what do you think we should do with this army? Zac asked.


    It wasnt that Zac was unsure whether they could defeat the army outside the gates, but rather that he wasnt sure if it was the right move. His tactic was to hit fast and hard with a small squad before the enemy could prepare themselves, and decimating an army would hamper that strategy.


    Good opportunity to gather some up-to-date intelligence, Ogras said with a spurious smile, though the killing intent was palpable in the room.


    Wont it be a problem if they find out were here? Zac hesitantly said.


    It was hical, but perhaps it was better to let this town fall if it meant that they could attack the incursion unnoticed.


    The intelligence report was clearly wed. It never mentioned thisrge an amount of war beasts. We probably have no chance of seeding in a surprise attack as it stands, those things are like scouts, Ogras said. We might as well weaken their forces a bit. An attack like this should be led by one of their generals, and killing him would make our lives easier.


    Zac finally agreed and the troop streamed out of the Marshall n headquarters that hid the teleporter. As they exited the building they immediately spotted arge number of people standing on a square, fearfully looking in the same direction. It was the townspeople who were likely waiting to be teleported out if things went sideways.


    Zacs eyes followed theirs and saw arge shimmering shield that continuously shuddered from attacks. It was clear, however, that they were content on slowly draining the power of the defenses, rather than forcefully breaking it like Billy usually did. This tactic was much slower, but it also didnt waste any resources.


    I can handle this alone, Zac said. No need for others to expend their energy.


    Ogras seemed fine with it, but the other demons were rearing for battle. However, a look from Zac made them look down. Zac''s overbearing strength made them pretty much consider him a powerhouse of an earlier generation, and they wouldn''t dare speak against him even if they had recently evolved.


    Youll get all the battle you wish for, and more, before the month is over, Zac said as he shed away toward the gate.


    It only took him a minute to reach the newly erected wall, where he saw a few soldiers stood trying to kill at least a few of the beast swarming right outside the shield. But the Tal-dar easily intercepted the ranged attacks, allowing the beasts rake the shield unimpeded.


    The animals were one sizerger than even the barghest, and he understood why the guard called them wolves earlier. These things likely weighed as much as a bison, but they possessed a far more bnced build allowing for both power and agility.


    However, their faces didnt exactly look like wolves, but rather like the head of enormous vampire bats. They possessed two wide pointed ears, and pitch-ck eyes. The nose was pretty t, and beneath was arge fanged maw. Its paws possessed nasty ws as well, and judging by the powerful aura the animals emitted they would have no problem ripping a person in two with one casual swipe.


    Who are you, head to the square with the others! a guard captain eximed with some shock when he noted that Zac had appeared next to him out of nowhere. We might need to evacuate you all at moments notice.


    Im the reinforcement, Zac calmly exined. Do you know who the leader of their army is?


    Reinforcement? You alone? the grizzled captain said with some doubt.


    Zac only sighed as he leaked some of his aura.


    Im sorry about that, he hurriedly said with a pale face as he involuntarily took a step back.


    Its fine, Zac shrugged. Their leader?


    We think its that guy with a green band on his arm at eleven o''clock, the captain said, not directly pointing him out of fear of alerting the man. He singlehandedly routed our try at breaking out and culling these animals. We lost half our men in five minutes.


    Thank you, Zac said with a somber expression, and the next moment he disappeared again.


    A monstrous killing intent suddenly billowed out in the middle of the animal pack as Zac appeared with <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>in his hand. Any thoughts of right and wrong that had gued him the past days werepletely suppressed, reced with ruthless finality.


    The frenzied roars of the war beasts were soon reced with pained wails, and just a few minutester the sounds of battle were reced with an eerie silence. Zac stood alone in a field of blood and viscera, his robe fluttering in the wind,pletely untouched by the carnage.


    One Taldar warrior was all that remained, and he was lying on the ground with extremely bad wounds. The arm with a green band was lying a few meters away, still gripping a broken spear. The rest were all dead or having fled fast enough for Zac to not bother with them.


    A whole army dying would be immediately noted by a proper force like the Tal-dar, and they likely already knew that the army had fallen through the use of life-bound talismans. Catching each and every soldier wouldn''t really stop the news from reaching the Incursion, so Zac had opted to not pursue the fleeing soldiers.


    Who are you? This world shouldnt have someone like you, he said with a wet cough.


    There are no absolutes in the multiverse, Zac said as looked down at the warrior who had valiantly fought to stop his onught. Of course, it had been impossible topletely curtail Zacs advances, but it had allowed some of his men to retain their lives.


    What will you do with our people? he weakly asked, obviously understanding what would happen next to the incursion.


    That depends on how you treated our people in captivity, Zac said.


    The humanoid man sighed with relief as he closed his eyes, hisst breath slowly leaving his lungs.


    From the ramparts the soldiers looked down in awe and horror, unsure whether what sort of Grim Reaper had arrived to their town.

 Chapter 308: Verana TirEmarel

    Chapter 308: Verana Tir''Emarel


    It didnt take long until the rest of the squad joined Zac on the field of death. Emelie and the Valkyries looked a bit shaken by the carnage that Zac had unleashed, but the demons nodded approvingly. However, there was one demon who didnt look pleased; Ogras.


    When you do something you go all out, dont you? Ogras said as he appeared a few seconds after the others. What happened with questioning them? We already knew our intelligence was iplete, yet you killed or scared off everyone.


    Zac took a deep breath, calm slowly returning to his mind. He felt a bit sheepish after hearing Ogras admonishment. What he said waspletely true. They needed intelligence. But the moment the battle had started he hadpletely ignored that need, only focusing on killing everything in sight. Any reason to hold back had been discarded with some flimsy justifications, all to be able to keep swinging his axe.


    Luckily Ogras acted quickly and caught a warrior who managed to flee the scene. Zac looked at the demon general who looked back with a frown.


    I need a second. Find out anything you can from the man, Zac said and shed away with his movement skill.


    Ogras words were a true wake-up call. He had already started to sense it during thest battle, but after this ughter he was sure. Something was wrong with him, and his bloodlust made him lose control in battle. He quickly moved away to a secluded spot and sat down.


    First, he checked his gear and possessions, but nothing seemed out of sorts. The only thing that had changed recently was his robe, but he sensed no bloodlust from it. It even gave a soothing and calming sensation, and Zac doubted it was the source of his ruthless behavior. Yrial was a bit key, but he would have warned him of something like a side-effect.


    Suddenly he had a bad premonition as he looked inward. His internal sight quickly moved to the pocket of isted space in his mind, and the sight made him despair. The miasmic seal that was sealing away the <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion]</strong> had changed, and a small passage leading out of the space had somehow formed.


    Weird energies, that Zac only could liken to distilled corruption, slowly seeped out of the crack and blended with his mental energy the moment it emerged. The amount was so small that if he hadnt specifically looked for it there was no way he would have noticed it in the short run.


    Zac wanted to p himself from holding himself back from asking Yrial for any tips of what to do with this cursed thing in his mind. He had thought about it, but eventually he had decided against it out of paranoia. If he had known that the seal would break so soon he would have made the splinter his highest priority.


    Different ns to handle the leak cropped up one after another in his mind, but they kept getting rejected for being unfeasible. The power of the splinter was simply too great, and nothing he could get his hands on would be able to block it out. His mental defensive skill waspletely crushed by it earlier, and he wouldnt fare much better today even with his recent powerups.


    But as he despaired over what to do he noticed something odd. He had initially assumed that the seal was breaking, but a few signs indicated something else was happening. For one it didnt seem like the defensive runes had lost even a smidgeon of their initial power, but instead a few more fractals had formed.


    It was through these new fractals that the small amount of corruption seeped out and entered his mind, and even though the tendrils of the splinter desperately tried to wriggle out, only a small amount of corruption managed to get through. Even more importantly, the corruption that entered his mind was different from that of the splinter. It was, forck of a better word, dead. There seemed to be no inherent will in it, and it did nothing to spread or take over his mind.


    A new theory was quickly formting in his mind. The true use of the miasmic formation in his mind wasnt to seal away the Splinter, but rather to absorb it in a controlled manner. The crack wasnt truly a weakness, but a nned opening to let the corruption through after modification.


    But the energies were still purified destruction, carrying a hint of the supreme Dao of Oblivion. Even if it wasnt tainted by the inherent will of the Heart of Oblivion it was still energy that was extremely troublesome for Zac to handle. Who knew what sort of effect it would have on his body?


    He kept looking for a bit but couldn''t make heads or tails of the situation. He could only gather that the change happened recently, likely just before or during thest battle. He would have noticed it otherwise since he checked up on it now and then.


    It also was a relief of sorts, since the change in the fractals somewhat indicated that the Draugr woman was an ally rather than yet another enemy. He had initially considered the possibility that she ced the fractals in his mind to safeguard the splinter until she could rip it out of his head. But that felt less likely now that it seemed that she had devised a way for him to absorb it for himself.


    So are you going to tell me whats going on with you? Ogras voice was suddenly heard from behind, making Zac look over.


    Someplications from my encounters, Zac sighed. Luckily I noticed it in time, but I am not sure what the effect will be in the long run. Alert me if I start bing murdery.


    Murdery..? Ogras snorted. That''s just great.


    Zac only helplessly shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he wasnt ready to disclose anything else. And it was not like the demon was cing all his own cards on the table. Something had happened in the inheritance, but he never made any effort of exining exactly what had transpired.


    Anyway, we questioned the captive. Turns out they had spies among the Marshall n. Normal humans working for them, not shapeshifters or something like that. They recently learned about us and the destruction of the EzMahal, and immediately moved to destroy the teleporter. They were just unlucky they were picked next by you, otherwise they would have been safe for the time being, Ogras exined.


    Zac nodded his head. He wasnt surprised any longer that some people would choose to side with the invaders. If Thomas Fischer could ally with monsters like the Dominators, why wouldnt some local people ally with the incursions to gain power and safety?


    What about their forces and human captives? Zac asked.


    The situation of this TirEmarel Family is actually pretty simr to n AzhRezak. Though they didnt have the bad luck to get stuck on an ind with a humanoidherbeast, Ogras said, drawing a roll of Zacs eyes. Its to the point that I dont think its a coincidence.


    They are a newly formed family just like us, barely qualifying as a D-Grade force. They only got the chance to keep their Incursion slot thanks to the huge war that our old sector is embroiled in, just like my own family. I think that if my invasion didnt fail early I would have gotten a quest by The Ruthless Heavens to battle it out with these people, Ogras said with some wistfulness.


    Well, sorry for ruining the cosmic n, Zac snorted. So the strength of their leader should be around that of Rydels?


    Seems a bit stronger, as Rydel still hadnt evolved when you fought. This Verana TirEmarel has evolved and gained some sort of great opportunity after arriving, and she has spent most of her time in meditation since. Anyway, they possess a Nexus Vein, which naturally means various goodies have cropped up in the area, sort of like Port Atwood, Ogras continued.


    So, the humans? Zac probed.


    Most work in the mines or the fields, though they are treated decently enough. No soul-sucking arrays or anything like that. Not all are actually ves it seems, and the mining parties are actually overseen by Humans or Ishiate foremen, Ogras said. They have some program with freedom for contribution. Sounds like a scam to me."


    A scam? Zac repeated with some confusion.


    It seems that these people arent nning on staying for much longer. It''s not surprising, with the Undead Empire being here and all, Ogras exined. I guess they are dangling freedom as a carrot to have people work harder until they cut and run.


    Without making a lot of enemies in the long run, Zac added with a thoughtful nod. Neither your people or the Tal-dar seem too badpared to the zombies and the EzMahal, why are your species hostile?


    Who knows anymore? Ogras shrugged. The war hassted forever. The original reasons are long forgotten. Now its about stealing resources and birthing powerhouses through ughter. The Ruthless Heaven always provide bonuses during wars since its one of the best ways to forge true warriors.


    Well, weve wasted enough time. They will undoubtedly find out about this battle soon enough. Lets not give them too much time to prepare, Zac said as he got back up on his feet and walked toward the group waiting in the distance.


    The others were ready to go and they immediately set course for the Incursion. This time they didnt n on sneaking inside, so the Valkyries took out a handful of modified cars from their Cosmos Sack. Far more effort was spent on strengthening and adapting these carspared to the ones at the Marshall n.


    Zac didnt drive this time either, instead opting to sit in the front seat training with the mental dexterity puzzle. If his mind was slowly being infused with a foreign force it was more important than ever to have a firm grasp of his mental energy. Perhaps if he could control his mind better he would be in a better position to contend against the mind-altering effect of the splinter of oblivion.


    They met no obstacles or traps as they drove along the road, but Zac wasnt really happy about it. They had passed two strongholds that should have been manned by small frontier forces, but both of them werepletely abandoned. They all felt it was pretty fishy, and the most likely cause was that the Tal-dar were gathering their forces for a concentrated defense.


    Their fears were soon realized as they closed in on the core area. An army consisting of over ten thousand beasts and well over a thousand soldiers solemnly stood lined up, awaiting their approach. The scene caused some worry amongst the small squad of Port Atwood, but also some confusion.


    Why didnt they fight from within their arrays?


    Whats going on? Zac muttered with some hesitation.


    I guess well find out, Ogras said as he nodded ahead.


    A woman stepped forward from the orderly line and walked fifty meters toward his convoy before she stopped. On her shoulder a small alien creature sat perched, looking like a ball of fur with four glistening eyes. She also had a white furry pet tucked in her arms, which seemed to be contentedly snoozing away.


    I am Verana TirEmarel. Am I correct in assuming that Zachary Atwood, The Super Brother-Man is visiting? she said with a strong voice carrying across the empty field.


    Zac gave Ogras a nonplussed look before he stepped out of the vehicle to see what was going on.


    I didnt believe the rumors of you working together with the treacherous demonkin at first. But seeing his wretched appearance I can only assume you defeated them and turned them into somewhatpetent workhorses? she said after throwing a scathing look at Ogras who stepped out of the car after Zac.


    Zacs mouth couldnt help but turn upward with some mirth, but he didn''t believe the demons were too happy with thement, even if Ogras donned a smiling face.


    Girl, what is your goal by confronting us like this? I dont think even the half-animals of the Tal-dar to be stupid enough to step out of their Arrays unless necessary, Ogras retorted, causing a wave of killing intent to billow toward them from the army.


    In contrast to the horned goats of the AzhKirKhat Horde we know when to advance and when to retreat, she answered without missing a beat. You hid it well, but we have already learned of your great power, Mr. Atwood.


    Well, thank you, I guess, Zac responded, still not sure what was going on.


    I have a proposition for you. Even with your great power, the TirEmarel Family are no weaklings, and we have prepared for your assault. You might be able to defeat us, but not without casualties, she said, her eyes moving toward the cars behind them. "Not everyone in your party is as strong as you."


    Zac frowned and was about to speak up, but Verana continued before he could say anything.


    You should already know that our family is young, and a lot of our resources are tied up in this invasion. The massacre of our whole incursion would causesting damage to our force, and the loss of one of our batallions is all the Tal-dar blood I want to see. So instead of further bloodshed, why not settle this with a duel? You versus me, one on one, she said.


    Zacs brows rose in surprise, and he looked over at Ogras for his opinion.


    Its not a bad idea. If they try to double-cross you, just go a bit murdery on them all, Ogras said. Saves me a lot of effort as well, so win-win.


    Zac mulled it over for a few seconds, but he saw no true downside to the proposition. If he could conquer another Incursion without losing a single soldier it would be for the best.


    "Fine," Zac said as he stepped forward, <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> appearing in his hand.


    Lulu! Grub! she said, cing the two small animals down on the ground.


    Zac first thought that she wanted to let her pets get to safety, but his eyes widened the next moment. Terrifying auras started to leak from the beasts as they almost instantly grew to reach almost ten meters.


    In just one second the small fluff balls had turned into terrifying killing machines who clearly were well into the E-Grade.

 Chapter 309: Grub and Lulu

    Chapter 309: Grub and Lulu


    Zac felt pretty small and vulnerable for the first time in a while as he looked up at the ferocious beasts that trembled with battle intent. He looked over at Ogras and noticed that the demon had taken out a lounger and some refreshments during the transformation of the small pets.


    Uh, isnt this against some sort of rules? Zac hesitantly asked as he nced at the E-Grade animals once more.


    The one called Grub had turned into an extremely odd beast that reached ten meters above the ground. Half its body was an enormous head with a mouth that seemed to be able to open 180 degrees. It didnt possess sharp fangs though, but rather huge t bs of teeth, looking like they were meant for crushing rather than tearing.


    Its legs were short and stubbly, but it radiated immense power even if it looked a bit funny. The thick fur that covered looked extremely coarse and dense, forming a natural armor covering its entire body. Zac felt that it should be a Strength or Endurance-focused beast that excelled in raw power. It would likely possess a Dao seed such as Heaviness to deliver devastating chomps that could crush arge boulder without a problem.


    Lulu seemed more speed-based as it had turned into a slightly smaller beast with long slender appendages. Where the fur of Grub was extremely thick this animal possessed a long white mane that looked extremely luxuriant as it glistened under the sun.


    Zac wasnt exactly sure how what sort of attacks he could expect from Lulu since nothing about it seemed very threatening apart from its aura and size. It didnt have long fiendish ws like some beasts, and while its fangs were sharp enough it didnt look like an animal that used its mouth as a weapon.


    What stood out about it were the oversized ears and eyes, and the closest Earthern animal that Zac could liken it to was a Fennec Fox, except it had a shorter snout. Zac wondered if it was a beast that focused on spells rather than physical prowess. It was rare, but Zac had learned from Alyn that many such species existed in the multiverse.


    Im a Beast Master, they are my weapons. Is you using your axe against the rules? Verana retorted from behind the legs of the one she called Lulu, a scornful re adorning her face.


    Contracted beasts are generally considered a part of ones strength, Ogras agreed with a nod. Since you need sufficient skill and strength to tame them. Be careful, her poweres from making her beasts even stronger than they already are.


    Zac only sighed and cracked his neck as he walked forward, but he was inwardly relieved he agreed to the duel. These animals seemed extremely dangerous, and he wasnt sure that the shields produced by the Valkyries would be able to handle the force they would be able to generate.


    He tried to use <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> on the two animals as he walked forward, but something blocked the skillpletely apart from confirming their names. He sensed that energy stirred around Verana the moment he used his skill, and he guessed that she possessed some safeguards against spying on her animals.


    So, if I defeat you and these two things your force will leave Earth immediately, Zac confirmed with a steady voice.


    Agreed. But if I win we will be able to stay here for fifty years, provided that you all dont get swallowed up by the undead swarm, Verana countered.


    Zac frowned as he considered the proposition. He didnt believe he would lose even against these two behemoths, but he still went over her words carefully. Fifty years wasnt a long time in the grand scheme of things, but it would likely be enough for them topletely strip the area of anything of value.


    Still, it was only a small part of Earth, so Zac felt there wasnt toorge a downside to her terms even if he lost by some chance.


    Agreed, provided that you provide basic rights to your citizens and dont expand from your current Zone, Zac agreed as he unleashed his aura. "Otherwise I will juste back."


    No more words were needed, and immediately Grub released an earthshattering bellow that shook the whole area as a powerful aura started to radiate from Verana as well.


    Zac immediately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to strike straight at the source; the beastmaster herself. Being a tamer was like most other sses that utilized minions, such as necromancers or summoners. Their main strength usuallyy with their minions, whereas they werent too powerful by themselves. If he took down Verana he would win without even having to battle the two animals.


    The earth shrunk beneath his feet as he made a beeline for the Tal-dar, but as he closed in on her he started to feel a greater and greater restriction on his movements. He finally realized that the huge bellow that Grub was still releasing wasnt simply a bestial roar, but rather some sort of domain attack.


    Zac wasnt able to pinpoint how it actually worked, but it wasnt like a gravitational field so he felt unencumbered. But the efficiency of his movement skill was almostpletely gone, slowing him down by a huge degree.


    Arge fractal edge formed on his de as he shot a nce at the stocky animal, and he immediately imbued it with a Dao. The fractal turned silver as the Dao of Sharpness imbued it before he shot it straight toward the mouth of the animal. He was hoping to force the beast to close its mouth, stopping the restriction on his skill.


    The beast closed its mouth as Zac hoped, but when the enormous teeth mmed together an immense shockwave was created that instantly reached Zac. He only had time to steady himself before the attack punched into him with enough force to instantly kill most people of Earth.


    A trickle of blood ran down from the corner of his mouth from the shock to his system, but he hadn''t been truly hurt by the attack. Unfortunately, his strike hadnt proven effective either against Grub, as it had turned its head away with startling speed, letting the edge to hit its thickly furred side instead without much impact. Some of the thick hair was carved off, but the fractal edge didn''t even draw blood.


    Some killing intent started to bubble up in Zacs mind, and he realized that it was the corruption that was discreetly egging him on to start a ughter. But now that he knew what to look out for he didnt have any problems stabilizing his mind, forcing himself to remain cool and collected as he surveyed the battle.


    The stocky beast seemed extremely sturdy while also possessing restraining skills, making it a troublesome enemy to quickly take down. Zac chose to ignore it and instead started to run toward the beast tamer again, this time without a movement skill. He still possessed close to three hundred Dexterity, so even though he couldnt utilize <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> he still moved like the wind.


    Grub started bellowing again, putting further strain on Zac as he ran, while Cosmic Energy Started to swirl around Lulu for the first time of the battle. Zac formed five more des and shot them toward Lulu to shut it down before it could do anything, without stopping his own advance.


    The des ripped through the air with tremendous force, but the beast made no effort to dodge. Its huge eyes instead lit up in an almost blinding blue radiance, and a wave of extremely pure white-blue mes surged forward.


    Oddly enough he couldnt sense any heat from the iing attack even though it consisted of enough energy to make the air twist and distort around it. Zac initially nned on pushing straight toward it, but he quickly changed his mind when his fractal des were incinerated in an instant.


    The damage his fractal edges sustained were transmitted to his edge, and the enraged roar of Verun echoed in Zac''s mind as the Tool Spirit woke up from the damage. Zac himself growled in frustration and stopped his assault to back away from the iing st wave. At this moment another shockwave suddenly arrived from the other beast, making Zac feel like he was punched in his gut.


    Irritation started to build up in Zacs mind as he turned two blood-shot eyes toward Verana who seemed to be utilizing some skill behind her two beasts. Large amounts of Cosmic Energy swirled around her as she stoodpletely still with closed eyes. It looked like she was controlling one or both the beasts with her mind, rather than fight with her own body.


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as he once again tried to rush toward the beastmaster, this time with <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> swirling around him to hopefully block some of the iing strikes. But it was clear that the two beasts hadnt shown all their cards.


    A huge sun ignited above the head of Lulu, and ray after ray sted toward Zac, ripping the emerald leaves to pieces after a few shots. The attacks were pretty strong, but not to the point that he couldnt destroy them with a swing of his axe if they passed his defense. But it did noticeably slow him down, allowing Grub tounch his next attack.


    The fat beast suddenly disappeared as the sky turned dark. Zac looked up with confusion, only to see the enormous maw of Grub opened wide right above him. Zac didn''t know what happened next as his head mmed straight into the ground with enough force to causerge cracks to spread out.


    A groan escaped his lips the next moment when the extremely heavy beastnded straight on top of him, causing a huge shockwave to spread outward. It was like a bomb had gone off in the area, causing widespread damage to the ground.


    Zac''s mind started to get muddled from pain and anger, but somehow he managed to actually push upward and lift Grub above his head with a bestial roar of his own. With a grunt the stocky animal was lobbed straight at Verana, and it''s short legs floundered as it tried to right itself in the air.


    The lithe frame of Lulu moved like lightning, as it picked up the still unmoving form of Verana in her mouth, moving her away of harm''s way. Grub crashed into the ground the next moment, causing another shockwave. This time quite a few of the Tar-dar soldiers were impacted, though they were only thrown down on the ground without any real injuries.


    A roar echoed in Zac''s mind once moar toplement his own anger, and the next moment the spectral form of Verun appeared even though Zac hadnt summoned it. Perhaps seeing its master being hounded by the two beasts had ignited itspetitive spirit, and it turned into a hurricane of violence as it pounced on Lulu the moment it moved away from its mistress.


    Zacs brows rose when he saw that the ghost-white mes of Lulu seemed able to harm Verun, but that alone wasnt enough to deter the frenzied Tool Spirt. A wail escaped Lulus mouth as arge section of its fur was ripped off along with parts of its shoulder in arge bite of Veruns oversized jaw.


    A tremendous pressure suddenly ripped apart the remaining parts of Grub''s domain as the wooden hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> emerged from the void. It shot straight toward Grub who had just got back on its feet, looking a bit disoriented. But it quickly steadied itself as it tried to deter the hand with a concussive series of sound-waves.


    Pieces of wood kept raining down from the hand, but damage quickly healed before anysting wounds could be caused. The dense fractals on the hand lit up in green the moment the hand closed in on the animal, and the next moment an indent was formed in the ground from the pressure of the enormous fractal in the air.


    Creaking sounds could be heard from Grubs thick bones as it was forced down on the ground, and therge hand moved toward its neck. Energy surged around Verana as a thick shield above herpanion, but it immediately shattered at impact, making her cough a mouthful of blood and open her eyes for the first time during the battle.


    Both beasts were upied, and Zac rushed straight at the beastmaster who had just received a bacsh from her attempt to defend Grub. He hadnt initially wanted to use his ultimate attack since it consumed so much energy since evolving, but he found no better alternative. Thebination of the trio was too annoying, and he could only brute force his way through them before he wasted too much power.


    He knew that he had less than half his Cosmic Energy remaining after summoning <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, so he needed to immediately end the battle so that he would still have enough energy in case something unexpected cropped up afterward.


    Wait, I give up! Verana shouted with wide eyes as she saw Zac barrel toward her with the momentum of a runaway beast horde.


    To prove her words she swallowed a familiar ck pill. Next, the scene of the sudden and unexpected death of an Incursion general repeated itself just as Zac reached Verana.

 Chapter 310: Growth

    Chapter 310: Growth


    Zac mutely looked down at the unmoving form of Verana before going over the prompts he just received. As expected he got confirmation that the area had been put under his control, and he once again got the opportunity to appoint a mayor.


    The two beasts shrunk back to their nonbat form the moment that Verana fell over, and they slipped out of Zacs restraints due to their diminutive size. Both of them scuttled over to their master and cried pitifully when she didnt move, trying to look threatening to keep Zac away. Zac only shook his head in bemusement as he ended his skill and exhorted Verun toe back.


    The Tel-dar army didn''t move a muscle, even though quite a few of them looked extremely displeased. Then again it was toote for them to do anything by now, with Zac standing within arms reach of their leader. He could easily use her as a hostage in case they mounted an attack.


    As he waited for Verana to resurrect Zac chose to look inward. He wanted to look at the splinter right after the battle to see if anything had changed. He sensed that it slightly woke up during the battle, though he felt he was able to block its most obvious maniption of his emotional state.


    But conversely, he had roared in anger and thrown an enormous beast at his enemy like an enraged King Kong. It felt a bit out of character for him, and he was afraid that the corruption was slowly changing his personality without him noticing.


    He could at least breathe out in relief when he saw that the miasmic barrier hadnt changed or weakened in the slightest from the battle. But he still felt an even greater urge to quickly evolve to E-Grade.


    Evolving wouldnt have a direct boost to his attributes, as they came with gaining levels. But it did seem to strengthen ones mental power considerably since people had a much easier time to advance their Daos ording to the demon warriors. Perhaps that would also help with his own problems. Anzonil''s disciple had been able to stay sane for over a decade without the help of any miasmic fractals.


    The Tal-dar leader woke up a bitter, the effects of <strong>[Cowards Escape] </strong>having passed. She breathed out in relief when she saw her twopanions were safe apart from their battle wounds.


    "Thank you for not killing me while I was dead," she said with a slightly raspy voice.


    Why did you go as far as to eat that pill? Zac asked with some curiosity as he calmly watched her get back to his feet.


    Since she had swallowed the pill the battle was truly over. She had already failed the invasion, and their path home would close in a few hours. There was no way for them to turn things around as things stood, so Zac wasnt too worried about Verana scheming something.


    I was afraid you wouldnt trust my surrender and kill these two cuties out of precaution, she said as she fed her two pets healing pills. A deals a deal. The Tal-dar will leave this immediately.


    Zac internally breathed out in relief when he saw that she wouldnt make any trouble. But he also knew that there likely wasnt much she could do at the moment. When his eyes went to the two small critters who happily cried in her chest he noted that their auras were pretty weak and erratic, far worse than their wounds could exin.


    Zac felt that it was likely that her ss could instill her beasts with increased power for a short duration, but that it left both parties weakened afterward. Sort of like his own skill, <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>. They had likely fought above their usual power from the start, just to have a shot at defeating him.


    I have another proposition, Zac suddenly said as he looked at Verana.


    She hesitantly looked at Zac, with her eyes asionally darting over to Ogras who was sauntering over.


    Are you going back on your word? Verana asked somberly.


    No, your people are free to leave. But there is no rush. You have eight hours, right? Zac said, receiving a nod in confirmation.


    We will not be a party to some demonkin scheme, she immediately dered when Ogras appeared in earshot.


    Since when has the Tal-dar been worthy of our scheming? You always run in head-first like your contracted animals, Ogras snorted as he walked up next to Zac, giving him a small thumbs-up as his evaluation of the battle. What are you thinking?


    You said that your force put a lot of their resources into this invasion. Why not stay behind for a hundred years? Zac said. This area will be part of my kingdom, but the TirEmarel can maintain a stake in its resources.


    This wasntpletely an impulse-decision. He had already noted how understaffed they were after conquering thest incursion, and he knew just how huge an impact the demons had on Port Atwood. Just a tenth of their people stayed behind, but they had enabled Zac to create a faction that had almost everything a proper multiverse force needed.


    Keeping some of the invaders in his employ would make his life a lot easier. They both possessed strong fighters and experienced nonbat sses that could easily manage this small area for him. It would allow him to keep the benefits


    Such a strategy wouldnt work with most forces, but Ogras mention of how simr this force was to his own nted the idea in his mind. Most forces invading earth wouldnt even consider allying themselves to Zac, but the TirEmarel family was pretty weak and recently established.


    Even if they set up a connection between the two forces Zac felt it unlikely they would be able to be a threat to earth in a hundred years. The cost of the invasion would likely be greater than the gains, making it more profitable to turn it into a business venture instead.


    Getting a permanent off-world trading channel would be a huge opportunity for them, and could even turn into one of their main revenue streams. The Mercantile system was great, but sometimes it was far more cost-efficient to take the trade outside it.


    The Mercantile System wasnt without its demerits. The most ring one was the prices the System charged for teleporting produce. Things that werent too valuable couldnt be traded through the system since it added costs based on both value and volume.


    That was why they couldnt simply sell off all their surplus gear made from the ant shells and wolf pelts through the Mercantile system. The System would eat up all of their profits, keeping them for itself. In such cases manually transporting the goods was a much better option if the items couldnt be sold locally. Teleporting a Cosmos Sack was quite a bit cheaper than a person, allowing for inteary trade as long as the volumes wererge enough.


    That would leave us stranded here for a hundred years though, without being able to contact home. And at your mercy, Verana skeptically said.


    A hundred years is just the blink of the eye in the multiverse, Zac insisted. Youll be back before you know it.


    Veranas brows contracted in thought, and it looked like she was seriously considering the offer for the first time.


    That still leaves the issue of what would happen to us if the Undead Empire seed in their assault. They never care about other forces. Everyone will be forced to leave in a hurry or be undead themselves, the beastmaster said.


    Well, it is a gamble on this''s power I guess, Zac said. You would have to leave at least as many fighters as nonbat sses, and they would be expected to join me in our defense against the Undead, and any other enemies of Earth.


    This I cannot make a decision of my own on this matter. Will you give me an hour? she said after hesitating a bit.


    Sure, Zac said with a nod, letting Verana return to her forces.


    Allying with the Tal-dar, Ogras muttered as he watched the back of Verana. Are you trying to make sure my people will never be able to go back home?


    Hadnt you already cut ties with them in any case? Zac smiled.


    Well, whatever. The beastmen can be considered somewhatpetent, Ogras reluctantly agreed. Much better than the riff-raff we scrounged together from the former ves of Verdant Green. But you shouldnt expect things to go this smoothly at the other Incursions. This Verana seems weak-hearted, treating both her beasts and ves with unusual care.


    I know, Zac sighed. But better make friends than enemies where we can.


    The two sat down and rested for an hour until Verana finally came back.


    I have spoken with my elders and they have agreed to your proposal, though the terms of our future co-operation will be decided when this is released from its istion, Verana said.


    Zac immediately agreed as that was better for him as well. He could only imagine that his position could improve as he grew stronger in the future, which would let him keep more of the benefits.


    We will leave 600 of our people, half of which are warriors as you requested, Verana added. They know that they will be part of your influence, but they are TirEmarel in the end. They will not ept any orders to be used as fodder or do things against their conscience.


    Zac was internally ted at the number of warriors he just gained. Three hundred veterans were as good an addition as his whole demonkin force, and far more valuable than thousands of his recruits.


    Will you be staying behind as well? Zac probed, hoping he would get another powerhouse under hismand.


    No, my grandmother does not allow it, and has ordered me to return, she said, actually looking a bit disappointed. I will leave two of my generals to manage our interests though, and they should be a greater addition than some key demon silk pants.


    Have fun cultivating like a bird in a cage while we conquer a world and explore the multiverse, Ogras snorted in return.


    The three went over the details for a while longer, until Zac insisted on checking out the situation of the humans that lived within the Incursion. If the people of Earth had been secretly treated as cattle everything they had decided until now was moot, but Zac was relieved to find that the situation was as they had heard.


    The humans within the Tal-dar didnt live luxuriant lives, but they were better offpared to most people since the integration. They had a roof over their heads, they were fed, and the Tal-dar kept any beasts at bay. They werent even stopped from cultivating, though they were expected to provide a certain work-quota every day first.


    Still, many had secretly held some hatred for the Tal-dar and were screaming for blood when they learned that the Super Brother-Man had conquered the area. Zac ignored those mors, even if it caused some dissatisfaction. Zac could only hope that they would understand when they learned how the rest of the world fared since the integration.


    After making sure everything was under control they watched the thousands of Tal-dar stream through therge portal the Nexus Hub had opened. A few looked despondent, but most actually looked relieved, like they were finally heading home after a long time abroad.


    To Zacs left the hundreds of people who would stay behind were lined up, bidding farewell to their people. It looked like Verana hadntpelled anyone to stay behind since most of them had excited expressions on their faces even though they knew they would be stranded here for a hundred years.


    Staying behind was a risk, but it also provided many opportunities. If they survived the initial phase they could enjoy the Origin Dao for at least a decade longer, besides the other benefits that cropped up on a newly integrated world. It was an opportunity that most people in their situation could only dream of.


    He did asionally sense some killing intenting in his direction from the soldiers though. Zac knew it was most likely due to the army he decimated earlier. It was inevitable that his rampage had caused some bad blood, but he could only hope they would do their job. It all came down to the two generals who Verana left behind.

 Chapter 311: Peak

    Chapter 311: Peak


    Zac judged that the two leaders were around the same level as his demonkin generals. One was a mage while the other was a beastmaster like Verana. The beastmaster was named Jinan, and he would take a co-leadership role of this area along with whoever Adran appointed.


    The mage was called Tylia, and she would join the Strike squad as support and ranged firepower. She was a nature mage, one that possessed some healing capabilities along with mainly control spells. Healers were something that Zac desperatelycked, and he felt it would be a great addition when going after the Incursions.


    However, a change happened at thest moment before the Incursion closed. Verana who had stayed behind to make sure all her people passed through suddenly turned to Jinan.


    Jinan, take my ce. I will to stay behind after all, she said.


    What? Jinan said with some shock. What about the Grand Matriarch? She will skin us alive.


    Zac and Ogras only looked on with interest. It looked like the young mistress of the TirEmarel was a bit wilful after all. Verana took out a crystal and ced it on her forehead for a few seconds before giving it to her general.


    Give this to grandma, Im sure shell understand. I am betting on this baby for the future of our family, Verana said as she dragged Jinan to the Nexus Hub, and veritably threw him inside moments before it closed.


    Thats what I get for taunting her, Ogras muttered under his breath. A silly girl with dreams of adventure.


    Its not like its the first time your mouth has gotten you into trouble, Zac said, suddenly in an excellent mood.


    Not only did he get another powerhouse at Ogras level, but he also had a feeling that adding the Tal-dar to his force would bnce it out. Currently, most of the important positions in Port Atwood were held by the demons, but the demonkin and Tal-dar would restrain each other, allowing his human faction to grow stronger while theypeted.


    If Verana went ording to her original n the elves would only have two generals and would not be able to have as great an impact as the demons. But with Verana and her two beasts holding down the fort they suddenly became an equal force as n Azh''Rezak.


    I guess youre stuck with us for the time being, Zac said as he turned to Verana who was walking back toward them.


    I felt ufortable leaving my people to the whims of that one, Verana said as she threw a look at Ogras.


    Ogras only rolled his eyes in annoyance but decided to keep his mouth shut for once.


    We will head out to the next Incursion almost immediately. Do you want to join us? Zac probed.


    Lulu needs more time to recover, and they both need at least a week of rest. I used a berserking skill on them to push them to their limits, and if I send them to battle now it will truly harm them. I will stay and organize things here, Verana said.


    Thats fine, Zac nodded, not surprised in hearing about her pets. Figure things out with Adran or Abby, my two head administrators. I dont allow ves, so figure out a system for the people who live here.


    You should take Tylia though, Verana added, which was just fine with Zac.


    The integration of the Zone went far smootherpared to the EzMahal Incursion. Thanks to the Tal-dar staying behind Zac only needed to leave some peacekeeping troops before his group was able to move toward their next target. He also instructed Adran to move the former ves who caused trouble to some of his other towns so that they wouldnt cause any further unrest.


    Zac chose one of the easier targets after Tylia had entered the contract of secrecy. That way she wouldn''t be able to tell anyone about his undead form in case he was forced to use it, not even to her own master. Zac could only thank the Apostate of Order for creating the system of binding contracts.


    The Incursion was situated by arge volcano and was controlled by some species that looked like a mix of humans and dragons. The assault started out fine, with Billy utterly destroying their erected defenses with a tremendous smash, but trouble cropped up almost immediately.


    The battle produced their first casualties, even though they followed their strike n and Tylia performed above expectations. Two demons and a Valkyrie fell in battle, which wasn''t a lot of people, but still a sizeable chunk of the small elite troop. They hadn''t done anything wrong, but they had been forced to defend against a much too strong an enemy.


    The problem rathery with Ogras who had performed far beneath what was expected. The two of them currently stood in front of the three bodies who had been cleaned and lined up. They would be sent back to Port Atwood to be properly buriedter today. Zac felt especially bad about the Valkyrie.


    Her name was Jennifer and was among the first dozen to follow him back in Greenworth. She wasnt a cultivator, but she had desperately wed her way toward the top of the Valkyries with sheer effort. Yet now shey here unmoving, grisly wound covering her body.


    Death coulde at any moment.


    Whats going on with you? Ive seen your strength, and it looked like you were holding back, Zac finally asked after Ogras failed to speak up. Now we lost threepetent fighters.


    It wasnt that Ogras had shirked his duties during the battle - it was rather the opposite. He had desperately fought with his spear to take down the generals while Zac battled the leader and his support squad. But the shadows which were arge part of his repertoire had beenpletely absent, which left the demon with almost no battlefield presence.


    It had allowed one of the general to veer off against the exhausted Billy and the demons, and if it wasnt for Tylia half the squad might have been eradicated before Zac unleashed <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> to fight almost the whole Incursion alone.


    Its that god damn lunatic, Ogras finally spat out after some hesitation.


    What? Who are you talking about? Zac asked with confusion.


    The Umbra, Ogras sighed.


    Kenzie told me you looked bad after exiting the Inheritance, whats going on? Zac probed.


    I got quite a few benefits inside, but the man called Rez also forced something extremely troublesome on me. He had found an odd entity that lived within others shadows in his journeys. Like a parasite. He never found a way to utilize it while alive, but he always believed it had great potential to strengthen ones shadows, Ogras exined. "So he used me as an experiment to find out if he was correct."


    Let me guess, he made the two of you merge? Zac sighed.


    Knocked me out, and when I woke up I had thishersted critter in my shadows, Ogras growled, and waved his hand.


    A blob of shadows grew from his arm, and a terrifying face appeared in front of them. It reminded Zac a bit of the ghastly beings from the hunt, though this thing seemed more corporeal. It soundlessly screeched at the two of them before it once again receded into Ogras shadow.


    Pretty creepy, Zac muttered.


    Tell me about it, Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    But what does that have to do with this battle? Zac asked.


    Its presence has increased both the power and volume of my shadows, but my control has lessened. It normally doesnt interfere, but it looks like it doesnt like fire. The moment we entered the battle and all the me-attuned energies started swirling about it hid deep within my shadows, making me unable to send out any attacks, Ogras helplessly exined.


    Zac shook his head, inwardly swearing at Bra, both the real one and the Tool Spirit. Forcing people to pay for treasures by setting up inheritances was clearly a great way to create death traps for ones descendants. Zac suddenly felt lucky he only got a predecessor who was just a bit entric and disinterested in passing on his true inheritance.


    Any other surprises waiting for me? Zac sighed. We dont have a lot of people to spare, you know.


    I have no idea, I didn''t even know the parasite had this weakness. That asshole didnt really leave an instruction manual. He just gave me a couple of rewards and told me toe back in a decade if I survived the fusion. Going toe back alright, if just to kill that ghost, Ogras swore.


    Ogras powers having turned unstable was a wrench in the ns, but he was still the strongest fighter on the squad even without his shadows. Besides Zac himself, of course. And so far the only weakness they had encountered was that of fire, and there were no other clear fire-attuned enemies apart from the incursion in the underworld.


    This time it took two days to get everything in order. The addition of Tylia sped up the recovery of those who were hurt, helping the soldiers get back to fighting strength in record time. The dragonlings were one of the forces that killed or pushed out all other races from theirnds, so taking control of the volcano didn''t require any work at all. They simply erected a teleporter and sent a dozen scouts to scour the area for anything of value.


    One good thing that came out of Zac being forced to go all out was that he felt he was getting extremely close to finally gaining his level. So he immediately opened the teleporter to their next target the moment that everyone was healed up and ready to go. The soldiers had taken the deaths in stride, as they all knew that assaulting multiple forces in short order was an extremely risky venture.


    But the gains were quite impressive as well. Joanna had informed him that the Valkyries had all received a quest after they closed the third Incursion. It was an Incursion closing quest sort of like the one he gained for the demonic Incursion, but it gave out variable rewards depending on how many they managed to close in theing month. So they were the ones most eager to get going, even though they mourned the death of Jennifer.


    The fourth target was another humanoid race, but this time things didn''t go ording to n either. As Zac sat in the front seat and yed with the mental puzzle he suddenly got a bad premonition. He immediately took out his axe, which alerted the others in the car.


    "Something is wrong," Zac only had time to say before a huge number of projectiles flew straight at their cars.


    Zac immediately activated <strong>[Nature''s Barrier],</strong> and infused it with the Seed of Sanctuary. The skill had no problem covering the entirety of the convoy since the seed had been upgraded to the middle stage from the Dao Impartment. But the ambush cost him over half his cosmic energy as he was forced to reform countless leaves to keep his people safe until they could get in position.


    Ogras disappeared from his position in the back seat, and immediately after he appeared in the sky above the cars, two huge ck wings covering his back. He was clearly anxious to regain his honor from thest battle, even to the point that he used his ultimate transformation. He thrummed with unrestrained power as a sea of shadows swallowed arge sector of the forest that hid the invaders.


    Wails of pain echoed among the trees as innumerable shadownces destroyed anything within reach. One of the leaders of the ambush even fell from a beam of concentrated shadows before Zac even had time to reach the hastily formed defensive lines.


    The strength of the response to their ambush had flustered the invaders, and a few even started to run away when they saw Zac barrel toward them, his towering aura spreading out in all directions. Only a small core of elites maintained the ranks, and they formed a small elite unit to counter his advance. But they were an established force of the multi-verse, and they had their own hidden aces.


    A huge golden bell appeared in the sky above the leaders of the ambush, while the leader of the ambush held a perfect miniature copy of it. His eyes met Zac''s, and the next moment he swung the bell with a somber expression. His face turnedpletely pallid, and it even looked like he aged a bit from the action.


    A towering aura was suddenly released from the bell, and it was as though it was sentient. Zac felt an extremely powerful presence focusing on him, and he only had time to summon anotheryer of leaves before the bell rung. It''s chime contained a mysterious force, and the moment it hit Zac he immediately fell over, his vision turning ck.


    When he woke up again he saw the backs of the Valkyries standing in front of him, desperately maintaining a barrier as he heard Billy''s bellow ahead. He quickly got to his feet again with some embarrassment and rushed forward after activating <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>. That bell unleashed a terrifying mental attack, and he had forgotten to protect against that type of assault after being pelted by normal spells and arrows.


    A nce around the battlefield proved that they had still managed to keep the advantage even with his own incapacitation, inrge part thanks to Ogras huge expenditure of Cosmic Energy. Zac noted that the demon''s aura was starting to get unstable, and immediately shed forward with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to relieve the pressure.


    The moment he truly entered the fray was also the beginning of the end of the battle. The invading army had already lost all of their momentum from the massive losses Ogras and Billy had caused, and the addition of Zac at full fighting strengthpletely broke their spirits.


    The Incursion truly had put everything in this ambush, as they fielded four generals and the Incursion leader himself in the fight. He had tried to flee at thest minute, but Zac ran him down and cut him in two. The moment he tried to kill them all with a sneak attack was the moment he sealed his fate.


    Zac stood over the bisected body of the E-Grade leader, his eyes closed as a huge amount of cosmic energy washed over him.


    He had finally reached the peak of the F-Grade.

 Chapter 312: Blood for Blood

    Chapter 312: Blood for Blood


    Zac couldnt bother with the cleanup of the battlefield as his mind was too preupied with other things. He had finally reached level 75, and he was anxious to see the gains it would bring. He knew he had be extremely powerful for a this early into an integration, but this battle proved that he was by no means invulnerable.


    The mostmon way of closing Incursions for newly integrated worlds was with massive armies to drown the invaders through sheer numbers. Such a tactic required the whole world toe together and sacrifice millions of lives, and it was because of this that so few newly integrateds made it through the early phase.


    But even Zac felt he was barely able to hold on. The cultivators of the incursions came from a wide array of forces, and many of them possessed all kinds of hidden cards that Zac had never encountered before. The bell was such an example. It had knocked him right out without him even having time to react.


    So the power-ups of reaching the peak of F-Grade were just what he needed to have greater confidence to tackle the stronger Incursions as well. He only hoped that the quests for the final skills would be possible toplete quickly, and he eagerly opened up his status screen to see what had changed.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>-</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - High, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sharpness - Middle, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - Middle, Seed of Rot - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>605 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>297 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>752 [Increase: 71%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>441 [Increase: 61%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>167 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>226 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>140 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 134%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>21</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 364 950 610 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had made quite a bit of money closing thest Incursions, and he felt he needed to do something with his fortune soon. Perhaps he could invest it through Calrin, or at least use it to deploy more projects like therge scale agriculture program. As it was now he had no personal need for the coins, and they were no good creating dust in his status screen.


    His attributes hadnt noticeably changed though, with one surprising difference. It looked like the final level awarded ten levels worth of free attribute points, meaning he was awarded twenty points plus one from his ss. Twenty points werent a lot for Zac by now, but they would get heavily boosted through his titles. He also noticed a change in his title screen, and first opened that window.


    <strong>[The First Step: Reach Peak of F-Grade Reward: All Stats +5.]</strong>


    It was a bit disappointing that he didnt get another ''first in world''-title, but either there was no such thing or one of the Anointed snatched it. But from his experience, he felt the former to be more likely since he had a lot of other titles that the Zhix should have stolen if they shared the same title pool.


    When he opened his quest screen two new quests awaited him, though he was slightly disappointed there was no new quest on his hegemony chain. But when he looked at the requirements toplete the two ss quests he started to grimace.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>ss Quests</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Deforestation (ss): Cut down a Tree reaching 500 meters in one swing. Reward: Deforestation Skill (0/1)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Hatchetman''s Spirit (ss): Form a nature- or axe-Attuned Dao Fragment. Reward: Hatchetman''s Spirit (0/1)</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac didn''t get any descriptions of the skills, but going by their names he felt that <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>should be the ultimate offensive skill of his ss, perhaps something akin to Nenothep''s Spear World. <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> might either be a defensive skill or some sort of Support skill, something toplement <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>.


    <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> was both simple and hard toplete. Forming a Dao Fragment was something he would definitely do before evolving, but it was not something he was able toplete in the short run. It looked like he wouldnt have the skill to help him during the Incursions, and perhaps not even in the Tower of Eternity.


    The <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> quest reminded him of his first ss Quest. That time he was supposed to chop wood, and now he needed to chop an enormous tree. He didn''t think it would be too hard to chop one down, he simply needed to supersize a <strong>[Chop] </strong>and imbue it with the Dao of sharpness.


    The problem was that he hadnt heard of any trees of that size on earth. Did they even exist? Things did grow bigger from the Cosmic Energy, but there were no such trees at Port Atwood at least. He would perhaps need to visit Westfort quickly after iming this incursion to have their intelligence department see if they could find anything.


    The next question was what to do with the 21 free points. Finally he chose to go all out on his main attribute, Strength. He was starting to veer away from the standard 2:1 bnce with Dexterity, but with all his titles he already had more points in Dexterity than many agility-based sses would have at his level.


    He did briefly consider putting the points in Wisdom to improve his mental defense. The attack from the bell was a poignant reminder that his mind wasnt as sturdy as his body. But he would have to put a huge amount of points into Wisdom to make a difference, and he felt it was more efficient to buy more mental defensive treasures to shore up that weakness.


    Since he was done with his status screen he got up to his feet and walked toward the others. The Valkyries seemed quite excited when he approached, and he looked at them with some confusion.


    Congrattions on reaching level 75. Next stop E-Grade! Joanna said with a smile as she held Nenotheps spear in her hand.


    The two had been inseparable since she got it, and she alone had likely killed as many enemies as the other Valkyriesbined with its help. It was truly a testament that attribute was not the only important thing for a cultivator, the right equipment was almost equally important.


    Thank you, Zac smiled as his eyes nced across the forest to see how the cleanup of all gear and Cosmos Sacks went. It appeared they were pretty much done.


    Dont forget about our appointment. In fact, stay away from the Nexus Node so you dont get any ideas, Ogras voice suddenly echoed from the shadows.


    I know, dont worry, Zac said with a snort.


    But Zac knew it wasnt inconceivable that he would simply skip going if it came to that. Things were heating up on Earth, and he wouldnt hesitate to evolve if things got desperate. He would lose a top tier title and the opportunity to make strong allies, but one needed to be alive to enjoy those benefits.


    Are there any movements from the Incursion? Zac asked.


    None that we can see, Ogras said with a shrug. The ambush contained most of their elites it seems. The others have likely evacuated by now unless they are fools.


    Zac agreed. He had already got the notification that this area was under his control as well.


    "That begs the question on how they knew we wereing," Ogras muttered.


    This was something that crossed Zac''s mind as well. Just how had these people know to lie in wait?


    "They may have some sort of diviner," Ogras added. "But there is a simpler solution. I think the Marshall n might have realized we are even stronger than they expected. Perhaps they thought we would lose elites from every battle, leaving us considerably weakened after we had finished closing the incursions. But when they saw that wasn''t the case they tried to make it happen by leaking intelligence."


    Zac was about to disagree with Ogras'' words without even considering it, but he stopped himself. He truly didn''t believe Thea would do something like that, and Henry''s main focus was on ridding Earth of all invaders. But the Marshall n consisted of thousands of people, most of whom had no rtion to him or Port Atwood. Some people might have betrayed their cooperation for a misguided attempt to help their n.


    "We will report it to the main branch of the Marshalls, and we''ll just have to be more careful. I have some things I need to look into with the Marshall people as well," Zac eventually said, as he started to walk toward their cars. "Let''s go secure the core town."


    Joanna has reached thedder! another of the Valkyries suddenly blurted out when it was apparent that Zac was preparing to leave.


    Zacs eyes widened, and he quickly stopped in his tracks to open thedder. It was true; Joanna was currently on the 98<sup>th</sup> position at level 47, meaning she had gained three levels since the assaults started. He wasnt too surprised considering how high the levels of their prey were, but his brows instead rose when he saw the name she had chosen.


    <strong>98<sup>th</sup> Atwood Valkyrie Joanna 47</strong>


    Congrattions. But why not use your own name? Zac asked.


    We need the world to know that Port Atwood is not just you and the demons, no offense Ogras, Joanna exined. "Hopefully, well get a few more of the Valkyries on thedder soon. We had already decided on this naming scheme long ago in case we ever got on thedder. It was quicker than we expected.


    "Great job, keep it up," Zac said with a smile. "And it''s a good idea. I''ll put out some good rewards for anyone of Port Atwood who reaches thedder, no matter which one. Try to figure out what you want and I''ll try to make it happen."


    The group made their way toward the core city of the incursion, but they didnt hurry in case they had left more ambushes on the way. Luckily no attack arrived, and they drove straight through the wide-open gates of the alien town four hourster.


    But Zac was enraged the moment they entered the walled city, as the invaders had left a gift for him. A mountain of human corpses was thrown into a pile reaching over fifteen meters on the main square. The whole area dyed red from thousands of liters of blood, and a hastily written message were scribbled on the walls in red.


    <em>Blood for Blood</em> it says, Ogras said with a frown. Foolish.


    Zac ground his teeth as he looked at the scene that could be straight out of a nightmare. The blood still hadnt dried on their bodies, meaning they were probably executed the moment these people noticed their leader had fallen. Killing innocents who were no threat just as some sort of petty revenge could only be considered as extreme cowardice. They could just have left through the Nexus Hub, but they stayed behind to butcher all these people out of spite.


    Blood for blood, Zac repeated with anger smoldering in his eyes. They better pray I wont find them in the multiverseter. Search the area. If any invaders remain, kill them.


    Zac himself walked over to the pile and personally put them all in a spare Cosmos Sack before he bought a new teleporter. These people had been enved in life and killed for no reason. Giving them a proper burial was the least he could do.


    While the forces of Port Atwood secured the area he headed over to Westfort. Ogras insisted oning along, saying that Zac might back down too quickly in their interrogation. Zac could only acquiesce, and he thought it was fine since Thea was away at the frontlines in any case.


    Rnd Marshall rushed over ten minutes after they arrived, and when he heard they needed intelligence he drove them to one of therge mansions within the inner wall. It was the headquarters for the intelligence arm of the Marshall n, and if anyone knew of any such trees it would be them. Zac exined what he was looking for, though he didn''t mention it was due to his quest.


    So, have you found any trees like that on earth? Zac asked.


    Well, there is a species of trees from the Ishiate world that grew almost asrge as the Redwoods of earth. A few of them might have grownrger than 500 meters by now, the intelligence officer who had been assigned to help them out thoughtfully said. But I would avoid those trees unless you truly need them.


    Why? Zac asked with a frown.


    From what we have gathered the trees are called Treefathers, and they are holy ces to the ishiate. Even the technologically inclined camp of the beastmen considers the trees holy. If you cut down one of them you might inadvertently dere war with the whole Ishiate poption, the man exined.


    Is there no other ce? Zac sighed, wanting to avoid that kind of trouble if possible.


    Well, there are the actual redwoods, the man said. Many of them were over a hundred meters before the integration, so one having mutated and grown to five hundred meters is within the realm of possibilities. We have many other examples of nt life growing to that degreepared to their former sizes, the man said, but his face was still troubled.


    So, spit it out. Whats the problem? Ogras snorted.


    The former Redwood forests are within the Cradle of God.

 Chapter 313: The Belly of the Beast

    Chapter 313: The Belly of the Beast


    Zacs face soured when he heard that he would have to enter the belly of the beast if he wanted to evolve his skill. His initial n was to reach level 75 and get his two new skills before assaulting Salvation, but now it looked like that idea was impossible to achieve.


    He had already discarded the idea of felling one of the so-called Treefathers. For one they weren''t as tall as the Redwood ording to the report he was holding in his hand. They rather grew wide whereas the Redwood grew tall. And he didn''t feel right about essentially killing the representation of the Ishiate''s ancestors.


    Still, there was some hesitation in his mind until Ogras suddenly motioned him to the side and erected one of the small array disks that Zac brought from the hunt. It isted the small area around them, and Ogras shadows did the rest topletely obscure the two.


    What do you need such a high tree for? You never mentioned anything like this, Ogras said. I thought we were here for rooting out the spies and dragging out somepensation of these fools.


    Compensation? Zac blurted out with raised brows.


    He never even considered such a thing and had simply wanted to fix an issue that the main branch of the Marshall n perhaps wasnt even aware of. To demandpensation at this juncture seemed a surefire way to sour the rtionship with the Marshall n which felt especially ill-timed now that he had just taken in another group of invaders.


    Dont go overboard. Im sure your stock around here isnt the best since your stunt at the Auction, Zac sighed. And I need the tree for my ss.


    You need an enormous tree for your ss..? Ogras repeated with a nk face. Never heard anything like it. Does it need to be 500 meters? The ones I spotted in the Mystic Realm werent that tall, but still pretty huge.


    Its 500 meters minimum, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    So what are you thinking? Do you want to assault this Salvation guy immediately? Ogras probed.


    Zac threw a look at the intelligence officers around them. They were clearly curious about what was going on inside the portable array, but they all kept a respectful distance.


    I think it would be for the best. I dont have any powerupsing up I think, apart from a few improvements of my Dao. My other skill quest wont be finished in the short run as well, Zac said.


    Ogras thoughtfully mulled over the information, before he nodded.


    Might as well. But I dont think our current lineup will be very useful against that person. He might seem to have a huge army on the surface, but in reality, he is only one entity from how you described him. There are no elites and no generals, just Salvation and his puppets. Bringing a bunch of weaklings will only slow us down. Ogras said.


    Us? Zac asked with a raised brow, ignoring thement of the others being weak. Why was the demon so interested in heading into a heated battle?


    As I mentioned I got a few goodies aspensation for the forced fusion with this shadowbastard. I think fighting Salvation with his odd ss might be beneficial for me. I have never heard of anything like it before, its even more mysterious than your ss, he said.


    So what do you propose? Zac asked.


    Well, others cant enter his little kingdom without being spotted, but that doesnt necessarily include us, Ogras said. I say we sneak inside, cut down a tree, and kill the guy when hees to investigate. The others could use the break to consolidate their gains. Many should be able to gain or upgrade a Dao seed from the recent battles.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He even felt that a few of his own Dao Seeds had improved even though the massive gains he just received from the Inheritance. The most notable was Sharpness, the Dao Seed that he used the most since gaining it. He was even considering using one of his remaining Dao Treasures to push it one step further before heading to the Cradle of God.


    Do you need to prepare anything before we go? Zac asked, tacitly agreeing with Ogras n.


    I just need a few hours in Port Atwood to make sure my shadows are fed and stable, Ogras said after some consideration. "She gets a bit agitated otherwise."


    Great, Zac nodded. Well head back after this. I will try to improve a Dao seed to at least get a small boost before we fight Salvation. That guy is the strongest person Ive met considering his level.


    Which is what makes him so intriguing. Now for the next issue, Ogras said with a malicious smile as he turned off the Array and dispersed the obscuring shadows.


    "Don''t do anything crazy," Zac said with some helplessness.


    "When have I ever?" Ogras answered, throwing Zac a youthful smile as shadows flooded the room.


    Things took a pretty nasty turn from there, with Ogras essentially taking the entire building, including Rnd, hostages until a young man was brought in front of them. He was called Henry Marshall, named after the current patriarch, and his ambition matched his name.


    He wasnt part of the main branch though, and was rather part of a distant branch. Before the integration, he had barely been considered part of the n. But since the world changed he had been allowed into the fold, where he had been desperate to prove himself to improve his lot.


    He had already been suspected of cooperating with the IRashar, the humanoid n that just ambushed them, giving intelligence in return for cultivation resources. After hearing that Zacs group was ambushed he was immediately captured and brought over by the chief of the Marshall Intelligence Bureau, a thin and unassuming old man named Charles.


    A cursory search of Henry''s home was all that was needed to find ample evidence of his culpability.


    So, what punishment will this little guy get? Ogras sneered as he looked down at the quivering man on the ground.


    Charles simply pointed at the forehead of what could be considered his distant nephew, and the next moment a hole appeared that immediately started to leak blood and brain matter. The attack was silent and deadly, and even Ogras seemed a bit surprised by the strike.


    Consorting with the enemy in time of war has always been punished by death by the Marshall n, the man said, his face not moving a muscle.


    Zacs eyes drifted over to Charles, and he wondered just what kind of man he was before the integration. Something told him that the old man wasnt one of the family members in prominent positions, but rather one of those working in the shadows.


    It was a good reminder as well. The Marshall n wasnt very strong now whenpared to Port Atwood, but that was because his force improved with tremendous speed and left everyone in the dust. But the Marshall n teemed with talents that would probably shine when they had managed topletely adapt to the Multiverse.


    It seems we have been toox with our members as ofte, which is our mistake, Charles continued as he started tapping away at a tablet. I will make sure to rein any aspiring profiteers.


    Thank you, Zac said, not wanting to push the matter any further. Inform Henry and the others we will dy the operation a week to recuperate.


    We estimated each Incursion to take 5 days at the minimum to assault and incorporate, Charles said with a smile. You are ahead of schedule as it is. Slow and steady wins the race.


    Zac nodded and dragged the demon out of the building before he could cause any real trouble. Having pointed his shadow spears at everyone until he got answers was bad enough, though Charles didnt seem to mind.


    The two returned to Port Atwood, and Zac sent a guard to inform his squad of the break. Ogras disappeared the moment they exited the teleportation station, and Zac headed home. Kenzie was back in the cave it seemed, so Zac immediately erected the arrays around his courtyard before sitting down with a Dao Treasure in his hand.


    His gains since meeting Salvation thest time were huge, but this time they would fight at that madmans home turf. Reports indicated that he had turned hundreds of thousands of people into puppets, and who knew what kind of power he would be able to exert. Hoarding his treasures at such a time was a waste.


    He stabilized his mind before biting into the treasure, swallowing the sweet juices of the mysterious fruit. His mind was immediately whisked away, and he was once again one with the Dao.


    Due to the multiple intense battles recently he had gained no small amount of inspiration to improve his Dao. He had a pretty good idea of what to do with his Dao of Rot, Sanctuary, and Sharpness. But for this treasure, he chose to focus on Sharpness.


    Rot had improved extremely rapidly, and he needed some more time to utilize it in battle before he felt ready to push it toward the peak mastery. Sanctuary was perhaps the one he was closest to improve due to the semipleted vision he saw before Yrial ran out of power. But he still felt Sharpness was the way to go.


    His inspiration came from various sources such as the extremely prative power of Nenotheps strikes, the swarm of needles that Thanso used, and he even went back to the old vision of the Axe Man. Hisst insight was centered around speed through sharpness, to cut through all obstacles. His current insight was a continuation of that, but it rather centered on prative power, which in a sense was the essence of sharpness.


    He wanted an edge that would be able to cut through anything, even the void if needed. The boundless Dao answered and he felt the seed housed in his axe fractal improve one step further. The mysterious effect of the Dao Treasure ended not long after, and he only had time to slightly stabilize his foundation of his improved Dao Seed before his mind returned to his body.


    Zac opened his menu the moment he opened his eyes, eager to check histest Dao improvement.


    <strong>Sharpness (High): Strength +5, Dexterity +40, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +5</strong>


    He had reached High mastery as expected, though Zac was a bit surprised at the attributes he received. Half of the 30 new points were added to Dexterity, whereas the rest got spread out over Strenght, Intelligence, and Wisdom.


    Still, what Zac cared about wasnt the Attribute gain any longer. It was the improvement stronger Dao Seeds brought to his battle strength. He had a feeling that his improved Seed of Sharpness would massively improve his lethality against stronger opponents. As he got up to his feet he immediately spotted Ogras sitting in a lounger outside his gates.


    I sensed the Dao through the Array. You wouldnt happen to be hoarding Dao Treasures by any chance? Ogras said the moment Zac stepped out of the courtyard.


    That was myst one, Zac lied face without missing a step.


    Im sure it was, Ogras muttered as he followed Zac toward the private teleporter.


    There was nothing else for Zac to prepare, so he immediately activated the array to open a passage to the secret outpost that the Marshall''s used to observe Salvation''s actions.


    They emerged in what seemed to be an abandoned cer. The Marshalls had bought off the town from the former mayor, and it was one of the tens of thousands of small towns that managed to get a Nexus Node, but not much else. Most of these ces became indefensible as the wildlife got stronger, and those who were strong enough opted to head torger towns for safety.


    ording to Ogras, the number of towns would likely increase again in the future when more powerhouses emerged. A mid E-Grade warrior would be enough to stand guard of a town on a D-Grade world unless a particrly aggressive type of beast lived nearby. With the help of arrays, they would be able to fend most beasts unless a beast horde formed.


    This ce was quite far from the Cradle of God, as Salvation was relentless in his endeavor to eradicate every living being. Staying too close would mean that one eventually would get swallowed up by his puppet tides.


    So even though the area that Salvation controlled was much smaller than the Dead Zone no one would stay in any neighboring towns, leaving a huge perimeter without a single living being. It took the two of them almost three days of travel through untamednds before they entered the area that could be considered part of the Cradle of God.


    And they only needed to travel for another thirty minutes before they spotted the first puppet.

 Chapter 314: Sneaking Inside

    Chapter 314: Sneaking Inside


    Zac and Ogras were currently hidden within some foliage up a tree, and they had made ample preparations to obscure their presence even further. Both wore treasures that hid ones life force, just like the amulet Zac used to trick the Zombies during the beast waves. Ogras was even continuously operating a shadow skill to hide them even further.


    The two even used a portable arrays disk to hide from the mindless sentry, though they could only use it while they were stationary. The only way for them to be any better hidden was if they brought Janos as well who covered them in anotheryer of illusions, but he was upied with the battle with the Zombies.


    It might have been overkill, but Zac didnt want to take any chances with this excursion. The fact that Salvation got away still irked him, and he didnt want a repeat of that situation. Especially when he saw the mans rapid leveling speed. Salvation had long passed level 60, and likely received another round of powerups from his ss quest.


    But the worst thing was that Zac knew his levels likely came from killing humans rather than fighting off beasts or the invaders. Every day that lunatic remained alive even more suffering would descend on Earth.


    How intriguing, Ogras said as his eyes were trained on the puppet.


    It was one of the guard sentries they had heard about. It simply stood on a small hill with good vantage in a certain direction, its head unceasingly moving back and forth like a moving camera. Other than that it waspletely immobile.


    It slowly absorbs cosmic energy, but it is not cultivating. I would guess it possesses a gathering array to keep it going. That exins a lot, the demon continued.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with some confusion.


    It likely means that these things and the way Salvation fights are not purely a result of a unique ss, Ogras exined. It is more likely abination of an extremely intricate mother array that control these things, and a ss that focuses on puppetry. Rather than a mystical ss that does everything.


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding. The prospect that Salvation was using tools to gain his current power was a relief since it would be pretty unsettling otherwise. He was lower level than Zac and not even on the Dao Ladder, yet he had almost fought evenly with Zac who had Thea for support.


    Does that help us in any way? Zac asked.


    Well, breaking the connection between a mother array and its children is much easier than breaking the connection of a skill, Ogras said. And it means we can substantially weaken Salvation if we find the mother array and destroy it.


    Dont you think its on his person? Zac ventured.


    Perhaps not, Ogras said with a shake of his head. The moreplicated the array therger it needs to be to house the inscriptions. There are array tes asrge ass out in the multiverse from what Ive heard. More skilled inscribers can inscribe smaller fractals, but I dont believe The Great Redeemer is skilled enough to cram an array like this into something that Salvation can carry on his body.


    Its not necessarily his own creation though, Zac countered.


    Thats fair, Ogras nodded. It might be something found in a Mystic Realm or on some dead powerhouse. That is a problem in itself. All the underlings of this Redeemer youve met are different ss archetypes, making it hard to guess the situation with the boss.


    And it seems Calrin wont be able to dig up anything useful either, Zac added with some wistfulness.


    There were no news from his side even after two weeks of asking around, trying to buy a report on the mysterious Redeemer. The man was either very discreet or Calrins connections werent good enough to get his hand on the information.


    Zac was about to move on from the invader, but another thought suddenly struck him.


    Wait, will we even be able to kill the guy? Zac blurted out. He might have one or many of the Dominators guarding him.


    I thought about that as well, but I doubt it, Ogras said. If our spections are correct I dont think anyone would be happier than them if Salvation got himself killed. The Dominators should already be in a bad spotpared to those humans of the other world in the hunt, and if they have to contend with a direct disciple? Forget about it, they will probably throw you a banquet if you kill him.


    Zac knew that what Ogras said was based on a lot of spection on their side, but at the same time, he felt it made some sense. There had been no cooperation between the two forces during the hunt at all, and Salvation had been left alone even if he was weakened since he couldn''t bring his puppet army. If the Dominators truly were concerned about his well-being they would have sent protection just like the Medhin with their guards.


    Fair enough. But if we see any non-puppet Zhix in the area we will need to rethink our n, Zac decided. Perhaps only cutting down the tree and then make a run for it.


    Fine, but I doubt there will be any living beings in this ce if your description of that man is urate, Ogras shrugged. It sounds like something has broken his mind. Either the stress of the integration or the Inheritance the Great Redeemer left behind. In either case, it doesnt sound like he is in any position to make logical choices like keeping friendlies alive.


    The puppets at the perimeter seemed to be in a passive state where they only performed a simple loop over and over, and Zac and Ogras had no problems proceeding further into the Cradle unobstructed. There were a few hidden sentries though that they only spotted thanks to Ogras superior observation skills.


    One was dug into the ground with only its head sticking out, and another one was crammed into a tree. It proved that the former humans were truly only seen as tools and that Salvation had them in abundance if he could use them frivolously like this. They had spotted over a dozen sentries the past hour, and they had only traversed in an extremely small part of the Cradle of God.


    The total number of sentries must count in the thousands, and Zac could understand why there was so little information about what was going on inside. Very few would be able to enter this ce unnoticed, and fewer still were willing to take the risk. But to Ogras all these traps were like a childs game, and he unhurriedly guided the duo through the outer perimeter.


    So where are these trees of yours? Ogras asked, prompting Zac to take out a tablet and open up a map.


    ording to the guesses of the Marshall n they should be roughly another five hours'' travel due northeast, Zac said with some hesitation. But if they are five hundred meters tall we should be able to see them much earlier.


    His words turned prophetic 90 minutester when they trekked up a small hill under the guise of some shrubbery. They wanted to get a better vantage to check for any threats as they were starting to get pretty far into the core of Salvations Zone.


    But after the outer perimeter of silver scouts, the zone waspletely devoid of both living beings and puppets, making the two believe that Salvation kept arge chunk of his guards close at hand. What they did spot, however, was the gargantuan trees that towered into the sky in the distance. Some even reached above the clouds, a testament to how huge they had be.


    Even though Zac was unable to properly gauge their height he had a strong suspicion that at least a few of them wererge enough for him toplete his quest, and he motioned Ogras to lead the way.


    It took them a few more hours before they reached the forest, and Even Ogras couldnt stop himself from being impressed by the majesty of the Redwoods. Zac had never gone to see them before the integration, but he had seen the pictures on the inte.


    The forest they walked through now were far beyond what he had seen in pictures, as the trees had grown not only in height but also in width. Many reached more than twenty meters in diameter, and it was to the point that Zac started to hesitate whether he would even be able to fell one of these monstrosities in one swing.


    He even started to feel a twang of guilt when he saw these majestic trees reaching up toward the skies, but he hardened his heart as they looked for a target. This was unfortunately not a time for environmental conservation. He truly needed the power up to fight the stronger Incursions. Otherwise, the losses on his side would turn disastrous.


    Finally, the two found a tree that fit the bill. In contrast to the other trees it seemed to carry some sort of fungal infection, and cutting it down might even protect the forest from the spread of disease. Zac also had Ogras climb the thing with a fifty-meter rope to make sure it was tall enough, and the crown clocked in at over 540 meters. It was essentially a skyscraper from its dimensions.


    When this tree goes down the sound will probably be enough to alert the whole country, Ograsmented as he knocked on the trunk that wasrger than a basketball court. It must weigh an insane amount. You might even cause an earthquake.


    If I can even bring this thing down, Zac muttered as he looked at it with some hesitation.


    As he had grown stronger he was able to create a longer and longer edge with <strong>[Chop]</strong>, though it was still unstable above ten meters in length. Now he needed to at least triple that number, and keep it active long enough to swipe through the whole tree.


    But nothing ventured nothing gained.


    Get ready to run, Zac only said, as the took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> and walked up next to the trunk.


    The edge from <strong>[Chop]</strong> grew with rapid speed until the edge reached ten meters, where Zac momentarily stopped its growth. He needed to instantly push it to 35 meters or so from there, and do it as quickly as possible.


    Zac simply decided to push his energy control to the limit andpletely flood the fractal on his hand with as much energy as he possibly could. He found that his training with the mental puzzle helped somewhat, as it also made the control of his Cosmic Energy smoother. To stabilize the skill further he imbued it with his recently improved Dao Seed as well.


    The edge gained a silver sheen from his Late-stage Dao of Sharpness as it stretched out from his axe until it started to gain ridiculous proportions. He tried to maintain a semnce of control of the fractal edge as long as possible as it grew, but he felt it was starting to be unstable the moment he passed fifteen meters.


    He did everything he could to have the Cosmic Energy remain its shape until it finally reached the necessary length. His axe was already moving with fluid motion the moment the fractal edge became long enough, but he started to frown as the edge tore through the wood.


    There was significant resistance to his swing, even with his E-Grade axe and Dao of Sharpnessbining to make an extremely strong attack. The properties of the wood had clearly been strengthened by the Cosmic Energy to allow it to support its own massive weight.


    Zac''s muscles strained to push through the tree as his mind started to be dizzy from the effort of maintaining the shape of the edge. But just as it was about to pass through the other end it finally fizzled, leaving a small piece still intact. Disappointment started to flood Zac''s mind, but his hopes reignited when the tree started to creak ominously.


    "Did your questplete?" Ogras asked, and Zac opened his status screen as the two started to create some distance from the redwood.


    The attack had contained enough momentum to make the tree swing, and the movements were in turn enough to break off thest piece of the


    A thunderous explosion that caused the ground to shake spread out in the area the moment the tree mmed into the ground, taking two smaller redwoods with it. Zac and Ogras were thrown tens of meters in the air, wildly iling until Ogras shot a shadow spear into a nearby tree with one hand, and grabbed Zac with the other.


    It was as though a hurricane went through the forest and the remaining trees wildly swayed back and forth, making Zac fear that he had started off a chain reaction with his attack. But the area soon calmed down, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief and open his status screen and enter the skill tab.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Deforestation - Proficiency: Early. Their army is the forest and you are the Hatchetman. Upgradeable.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    The swing had counted as a sess, and Zac breathed out in relief. He realized the quest had told him to cut the tree down in one swing rather than topletely cut through it so that the edge didn''t go all the way through wasn''t the end of the world. The quest had likely finished the moment the tree mmed into the ground, but the shockwave had made Zac miss the fact that he gained another fractal on his right bicep.


    As he read the description he was reminded of the vor text of his Hatchetman ss. It had said something very familiar, and it almost felt like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was the signature skill of his ss. Zac really wanted to try it out as soon as possible, but another change made him stop in his tracks.


    <strong>[Chop]</strong>, the first attack skill that he obtained had finally evolved from Late to Peak Mastery, bing the first skill to do so. His skills hadn''t improved as quickly as his Daos, and he was quite far away from pushing them all to the peak. He briefly wondered what he could do to push his skills further, but a prod from Ogras brought him out of his musings.


    Holy crap, Ogras muttered, losing some of his trademark calm as he pointed toward a field in the distance.


    Any thoughts of skills were thrown out of Zac''s head as he visibly paled from what he saw. Holy crap was exactly what Zac felt when he saw the ocean of silver puppets that swarmed toward their position.


    And above the puppets hundreds of silver rivers streaked across the sky, forming a beautiful pattern that spoke of impending doom.

 Chapter 315: Against the Clock

    Chapter 315: Against the Clock


    Worry marred Zacs face as he looked out at the ocean of silver puppets. He already knew the force that Salvation could summon was huge, but it was still intimidating to see such a line-up in person. The endless silver rivers looked like scars in the sky, and thebined aura of the puppets on the ground was extremely daunting.


    This kind of power should not be avable to an F-Grade warrior, Ogras muttered, his face slightly pale. There must be some kind of drawback.


    I didnt sense any weaknessst time, apart from the fact that his actual body is pretty weak. He needed to use treasures and his puppets to stay safe. If I can get to him Id be able to kill him in one swing, Zac said, mustering up some courage.


    He was still not happy about the situation, as the arrival of the army arrival was too fast. The forest they were in was an hour away from the central city that Salvation had upied, a chunk of former Los Angeles. It should have taken the puppets even longer to get here, meaning that Salvation set out toward this ce hours ago.


    Had they already been spotted?


    Well, so much for a sneak attack, Ogras muttered, echoing Zacs thoughts. So what do you want to do?


    Zac frowned as he kept looking through the iing horde through a pair of binocrs. Every single one was a puppet, which in a sense was good news. It meant no one had allied with Salvation, not even the Zhix under control of the Dominators. He did spot a few of the insectoids, but they had invariably been turned into puppets, just like the humans and Ishiate.


    However, there were simply so many of them. What if he summoned another face in the sky, except that this one was a hundred timesrger? Zac doubted that even he would survive such a strike. But he suddenly froze when he spotted the familiar form walking among the puppets.


    Salvation still looked like an insane hobo, but Zac could spot even from this great distance that he had noticeably aged. Silver streaks ran through his oily head and wild beard, and his face was marred with wrinkles. Had he been forced to utilize Life Force in battle recently? If so he might be weakened, making this an opportune moment to strike.


    The mad prophet had also arrived at a simr solution to his amputation as Ogras. The hand that Zac managed to chop off at thest minute in the hunt had been reced by the metallic liquid that ran all the way up to his shoulder. Suddenly Salvations head snapped straight toward their direction as Zac scouted him out, and it felt as he looked straight into his eyes. Zac didnt know why, but he was sure that it wasnt just a feeling, but rather the truth.


    They had already been spotted.


    Lets head down, Zac said. Perhaps we can surprise attack him while speaking. Hes the kind of lunatic who likes an audience.


    Ogras nodded and the two jumped down from their position up the tree. Just two minutester they stood in front of the enormous army of puppets, with Salvation having walked toward the front. The world had almost turned monochromatic from the rivers obscuring the suns, but Zacs whole attention was on the lunatic wearing the dirty sheets.


    Like a moth to mes the spirit longs for salvation, Salvation said as he stepped forward, with ten silver rivers circting him for protection. It looked like he wasnt taking any chances with Zac within axing distance. Are you ready to join the Great Undertaking?


    Unfortunately not. Im here to finish what I started back in the hunt. Why dont you call your Zhix allies here as well? Zac said, making a gambit that Salvation was too crazy to realize he was digging for information.


    Those three are but tools of the Great Lord, Salvation said with some disdain. Theyck the piety and the dedication to the cause and only serve a purpose until they''ve led the Great Lord here. They know better than to encroach on the holynd.


    Zac felt some relief when hearing that, as it didnt look like Salvation was lying. His mind was consumed with his insane crusade, and things as subterfuge were beyond him at the moment.


    This one is even loopier than I thought, Ogras muttered with some interest as he studied Salvation like one would a rabid animal.


    Do not worry, horned one. Not even the scions of Lucifer are beyond redemption, Salvation said, throwing Ogras a pitying nce.


    Oh? You know of Lord Lucifer? Ogras said with surprise, making Zac look over with some shock.


    What? Ogras asked with some confusion after seeing Zacs look. Lucifer is one of the most powerful demons around, a true hero. This whole region should know of his name.


    Zac wanted to ask a dozen follow-up questions to that, but there were far more pressing matters at hand.


    How did you find us? Zac couldnt help but ask of the grimy man.


    The Lord hears all, sees all, is all, Salvation lifting his eyes far into the air. How can I not sense your Sapience, your suffering. Let me free you.


    That was all the time Salvation was willing to waste on the conversation as five rivers descended from the skies to charge at the two. Meanwhile, an enormous change took ce with the rest of the rivers. They started to change and form fractals in the sky, creating a circle of inscriptions.


    A dozen shadow spears suddenly appeared around Salvation that tried to skewer him the moment they rose out of the ground. But it was as though the swirling rivers around their enemy had a mind of their own as they blocked all the strikes before Salvation himself even had time to react.


    Large clouds of dissipated silver rose into the air, and a few dozen of the innumerable spare puppets immediately liquefied and joined the defensive perimeter around their master. Ogras tsked in disappointment as he looked up at the change to the liquefied puppets, his spear already having appeared in his hand.


    They seem to be forming an array, Ogras muttered. We should probably disrupt it.


    Can you handle it? Zac asked. Ill try to go straight toward the source.


    Fine, youre better suited for charging straight into it like a bull anyway, Ogras agreed as the two huge shadow wings sprouted on his back.


    Zac simply nodded and exploded into motion with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> pushing him straight toward Salvation himself. As he pushed forward he charged up his new and improved <strong>[Chop] </strong>to tackle the protectiveyers surrounding the puppeteers.


    Cosmic Energy effortlessly entered the fractal as usual, but when infused the fractal with his energy Zac noticed a startling change. For one he infused over ten times as much energy as usual before the de assembled, but that wasn''t all. As the fractal edge materialized he also formed a mental connection he had never felt before.


    Suddenly it was as though therge five-meter edge was a part of his body, and with a simple mentalmand, it detached from its position in front of his axe. However, it didnt shoot off toward Salvation and his metallic rivers but rather started to hover around him like arge scythe of death.


    Zac tried to summon another edge, but this time there was no mental connection forming, but rather just another standard de that required the regr amount of energy. It looked like the change in his skill was that he received one special edge, while the others remained the same.


    Unfortunately, this wasnt the time to experiment where the limits of his new additiony, and Zac refocused on the battle instead. He created another five des andunched them in quick order toward Salvation, as the special edge stayed within like a bodyguard.


    Each de was imbued with the improved Dao of Sharpness, and they pushed Salvations defenses to their limits. Each edgepletely ripped a river to shreds before dissipating, forcing over a hundred puppets to liquefy. Only around a month had passed since the two foughtst time, but Zac had not only improved his Daos considerably but also his weapon.


    The rabid fanaticism in Salvation''s eyes was briefly doused as fear shed in his face for the first time. Zac was almost upon him, but this time Salvation wasn''t willing to confront him head-on. The ten rivers surrounding him swallowed him up before they scattered in different directions, making Zac unable to tell where he had gone.


    Another fifty rivers were created from the puppets, and as they twirled and intertwined it waspletely impossible to tell which was which. The only relief was that he hadn''tunched <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>immediately in an attempt to destroy Salvation, as he had gotten even better at staying hidden. He would have been forced to waste the huge hand on killing a few hundred puppets, wasting its massive power and energy consumption.


    Soon the rivers started to shoot toward Zac, and he rapidly started to destroy them byunching his des at them, but there was no end in sight. He soon realized that he would need to infuse the de with the Dao of Sharpness topletely destroy a river, but his mind would be overtaxed before he managed tounch enough attacks with <strong>[Chop]</strong>. Salvation had simply brought too many puppets.


    Shit! What are these things made of? a frustrated shout could be heard from above as Zac hesitated what to do next, and he looked up to see Ogras desperately trying to destroy the enormous fractals that had already fully formed.


    The rivers in the sky had turned into a long string of fractals in just seconds, and they formed an enormous circle in the sky. Its diameter was at least a square kilometer, and it epassed the whole battlefield and the puppet army. So far he couldnt sense them doing anything, but even he could sense the massive amounts of Cosmic Energy they started to absorb.


    Zac frowned andunched a handful of Dao-infused des toward the fractals as well, but they were extremely sturdy. The strikes did chip them down somewhat, but a handful of the tens of thousands of puppets immediately reinforced them. Ogras swooped down toward him with some hesitation on his face when he saw that the battle below had stalled as well.


    It has truly formed an array, Ogras said. This guy is just too weird. We might be better if we exit the encirclement before we consider our next step.


    You have entered the Holy Kingdom, it is time for you to join the unity. Through paines rity, the voice of Salvation echoed across the field, though it was impossible to pinpoint its source.


    A foreboding feeling crept into Zacs heart as he shot Ogras a nce. He started to feel that they had been a bit overconfident in confronting this madman. They should probably have backed off when they saw the huge resources that Salvation had expended to confront them, but he had been to anxious to finish the fight, emboldened by his recent powerups.


    The demon imperceptibly nodded and the two immediately disappeared from their spot, rushing out of the encirclement. But the moment they were about to cross the threshold it was as though Zac mmed into a wall, and the rebound threw him over ten meters back.


    A shockwave made Zac''s robe flutter immediately afterward as Ograsunched a beam of shadows at the invisible shield. But there was not even a shudder, making the ominous feeling in Zacs heart worse.


    Theres no way we will break this thing in the short run, Ogras muttered.


    What do we do? Zac asked, pushing down any panic that threatened to rise to the surface. He hated feeling like a trapped animal.


    Everything should be controlled by that man. We kill him and the rest of it should sort itself out, Ogras hesitantly said. Judging by how the fractals are absorbing energy it will take a few minutes for them to charge whatever theyre supposed to do.


    I have no method of locating him though, Zac said with a grimace. He can seamlessly move about the puppets. He might even turn himself into that liquid from what I can tell.


    Well, all the puppets are within the array, so he should be as well, no? Ogras said. So if we destroy all the puppets we should be able to find him. If we still cant find him we will at least have destroyed what allows the runes to regenerate, which might allow us to destroy them.


    Zac thoughtfully nodded in agreement. It was far better than just standing around, even if he still was a bit unwilling to destroy these poor people who had be victims to Salvation.


    But were against the clock here, so no holding back, Ogras added.


    I think I have just the thing, Zac said, tightening the grip on his axe.


    Zac once again started to run toward where he came from. But this time his aim wasnt to directly kill Salvation, but rather to cause widespread mayhem.


    It was time to unleash <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.

 Chapter 316: Deforestation

    Chapter 316: Deforestation


    Zac knew time was running out as he rushed toward the sea of puppets. They had no idea what the enormous array in the sky would do, but he couldnt imagine it being anything good. Since Salvation said it was time to join the unity it might mean that both he and Ogras would be turned into puppets the moment the fractals finished charging up.


    He also knew that <strong>[Chop]</strong> wouldnt cut it, even with its recent upgrade. There was a limit to how many puppets he could destroy per swing, and the number was too low to rip apart the endless army in front of him. It was like the mission he received to kill enough zombies in ten minutes. This time he needed to kill to maintain a killing speed that was at least ten times higher.


    The function of the special de from <strong>[Chop]</strong> was still unclear as it still hovered around him. However, Zac noted that it had barely cost any Cosmic Energy to maintain since he formed it, meaning it might be possible to keep a permanent edge on hand. He needed to explore ways to manipte it though, as traveling with a five-meter cutter swirling around him would be pretty inconvenient.


    He instead put his hopes on his newly acquired skill, <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. He received no exnation of how the skill worked when he got it, and there were rather only a few names that entered his mind. But its description indicated it was used as an army killing attack.


    So it was with fervent hope he started to flood the fractal on his bicep with Cosmic Energy as he ran toward the puppets. The fractal immediately activated and he finally received a burst of insight, making him understand how to properly utilize the skill. And it was just in time with him arriving in front of the Silver Guards.


    Axe of Felling, Zac muttered as his arm started to perform a wide horizontal swing.


    It felt as though he was pushing through a viscous liquid, but to Zacs massive pool of Strength it was only a minor inconvenience, some additional strain on his body. The energies in the surroundings started to churn while arge chunk of Zacs own Cosmic Energy also was dragged out of his body to feed the attack.


    <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> only cleaved air as Zac finished his motion, but the swing was only there to summon the real strike. The true effect of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> materialized the moment Zac finished his strike, and it moved to repeat Zacs own swing.


    It was a foresters hatchet, almost a bit reminiscent of his first weapon, his trusty hatchet that had unfortunately turned to scrap in his battle with Vul. The summoned weapon had a somewhat small head for its very long wooden handle, and if it wasnt for two details one could have thought it was a normal hatchet from Earth.


    The first oddity was its size. The hatchet was well over ten meters long, with its head beingrger than Zac himself. The second clue to its origin were the fractals that adorned it. There were two lines of inscriptions, one running along the back of the long handle, and the other along its edge.


    The fractals along the chestnut-colored handle emitted a sense of imperviousness and fortitude, making it seem the axe would be able to handle any amount of strain without snapping. The ones on the edge gave off apletely different feeling, and it was one that Zac was familiar with. It was sharpness, the ability to cut through anything.


    The fractals'' functions might be the standard set that a multiverse hatchet would contain, but they were extremely different from the fractals on a weapon that one might pick up in the Systems general stores. They contained a boundless intricacy in their simplicity, and it was clear they contained truths that were well beyond Zacs current understanding of the Dao.


    Zac tried to imbue the enormous axe with his Dao of Sharpness, but his mental energy was actually rebuffed when he tried to infuse it. Zac knew he might be imagining things, but he almost felt as though the huge axe disdained his Seed of Sharpness, not wanting to be sullied by such a lowly insight into the Dao.


    Zac quickly tried a few other Daos, but the result was the same. The axe finished its trajectory without getting imbued at all, and it was an exact copy of Zacs own swing. The attack was simple and unadorned, but the effect was anything but. Zac first thought the attack was a dud, but soon one puppet after another started to fall apart, bisected in the middle by a clean cut.


    First it was one, then two, then hundreds of puppets that fell into pieces before turning into vapor. The silver rivers werent faring any better as they shattered one after another as well from the foresters axe. The attack kept moving outward and the battlefield was soon obscured in a dense silver mist from the thousands of puppets that were destroyed in an instant.


    Zac estimated that over twenty thousand puppets had been destroyed by that one massive swing, but he knew that the effect of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> wasnt over. It was not a single-use skill, but rather a skill that ramped up, as long as his body could take it.


    Zac hurried forward through the shrouded battlefield so that he could unleash the follow-up swing as close as possible to the remaining puppets. He shot a nce at Ogras while he rushed forward to see that the demon had unleashed hisrgest sea of shadows yet.


    Arge sector of the battlefield was shrouded in utter darkness, and puppets were swallowed and destroyed by the dozens every second. Ogras himself was floating above the shrouded field like a God of darkness, shooting concentrated shadows to destroy any silver rivers that tried to flee his sphere of influence.


    It was starting to be clear that Salvation possessed some rationality at least, and it looked like he was trying to stall out the battle. His puppets had actually been trapped within the barrier as well, but there was still a lot of room for them to move about.


    The mad prophet wasnt trying to gather his forces to charge at the two, but he rather seemed content to sacrifice parts of his army while the runes in the sky kept gathering energy. Zac couldnt be sure, but from the power they were starting to emit he feared that they had even less time than they had hoped.


    Zac reached the edge of where the attack of <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong> reached, and he once again charged up the fractal representing <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    Infernal Axe, Zac growled, and suddenly it felt as though he was carrying a mountain on his shoulders when he tried to repeat the swing.


    His whole body strained to the max as he desperately pushed his Axe forward, and once again an enormous axe materialized in front of him when hepleted the swing. This time it was even more massive, with an edge at least twice the size of the <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong>.


    The axe also lookedpletely different. Thest one was a simple axe apart from the line of fractals, whereas this one was clearly meant for war. The head wasrger with a long curved edge looking like molten stone, and it emitted an aura of fiery annihtion. Its handle seemed to be created from a burnt-out trunk of some unknown tree, and scorch marks formed dozens of fractals in a seemingly random pattern along the handle.


    It was a forest fire turned into a weapon, and as the enormous axe swung an inferno rippled outward in a massive wave of destruction. This attack was nothing like the nondescript killing of the first swing. It looked like a red tsunami that pushed outward toward the puppets, swallowing anything it reached.


    The puppets were not only burnt to when the wave consumed them, but the mes actually contained an extremely sharp cutting power. The mes somehow chopped the silver guards into tens of pieces that were soon turned into cinders before the wave passed on. They didnt even get the chance to form the silver mist this time as only burnt chunks were left behind.


    Salvation tried to move his remaining puppets and rivers away from the firestorm, but the attack was way too fast for even the more agile silver rivers. The wave kept growing and growing in a massive congration, and soon the attack had passed hundreds of meters, leaving nothing but scorched earth in its wake.


    Zac had fallen down on his knees after releasing the attack, panting with exhaustion. After the two attacks he had a pretty decent idea of the requirements for the first two swings. The Axe of Felling required somewhere around 500 Strength tounch, whereas the second one required 750.


    He guessed that normally only the first swing was meant to be used in the F-grade unless perhaps someone managed to reach the required Strength for the second with the help of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>. But thanks to his titles his effective strength just about passed 800, allowing him tounch the second swing, though not effortlessly.


    But Zac knew that still wasnt the end. There was one more axe one could summon with <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    Zac hesitantly looked at the remaining puppets and rivers. His two first swings had killed off roughly a third of the Puppets, where the second swing had destroyed over a hundred thousand puppets alone. The Shadow Ocean that Ogras had summoned would be able to handle a quarter of the original number as well before the time ran out. But that still left almost half of the puppets.


    In a perfect world he would repeat the swing of the Infernal Axe a couple of times to rip apart the rest of the puppets, but he realized that this attack couldnt be used repeatedly. The fractal on his arm had dimmed by arge degree, with only a third still being illuminated by a mysterious power.


    Zac realized that the attack was a bit like his upgraded axe. The powerful skill had charges, and it needed to restore its energies before it could be used again. Perhaps that was for the best, as Zac felt how wrung out his body was after using the second strike, even with his extreme physique.


    That meant he would either need to try to summon the third axe or cancel the attack and try to destroy the rest of the puppets some other way. Salvation still doggedly refused to leave his position within one of the rivers, so using <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> to finish him off was impossible.


    Meanwhile, he didnt feel that <strong>[Chop]</strong> was up to the task of destroying the well over hundred thousand remaining puppets in short order, leaving the final axe as his only solution. The problem was that Zac wasnt sure he would be able to withstand the bacsh from trying to force the ultimate attack of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    However, they were running out of options and Zac could only make a gambit on his oddly durable body. The air around him twisted from a massive surge of power as he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> to push his effective strength to over a thousand points.


    The mental effects of the skill were especially poignant with the added effect of the <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion]</strong> bleeding into his mind since the battle started, and Zac forcibly had to restrain himself from actually trying to bite a puppet to death the moment he reached the defending line of silver guards once again.


    Destion, Zac wheezed with red-tinted eyes as almost all of his remaining Cosmic Energy was sucked dry in the blink of an eye.


    Zac started to swing his axe tounch the final axe, which was called <strong>[Destion]</strong>. But he only managed to swing the axe half-way before he was pushed to his knees from insane pressure, one that didn''t only affect his body but even his soul. He felt a deep unwillingness to give in as madness took control of his mind, and he used everything he had to push the axe forward.


    His muscles tore as blood started to run down his nose and ears, but it actually seemed to work as the outline of an enormous axe started to form. But its true shape couldnt even be discerned before a loud snap echoed across the battlefield, and the axe immediately fractured.


    The sound came from multiple bones in Zacs arm shattering due to overwhelming pressure. His strength wasnt enough, even with <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> activated. Zac had hoped that the requirement for the third axe was 1000 Strength, but that clearly wasnt it as he wasnt even close to finishing the swing before his body broke down and his mind was damaged.


    But surprisingly the attack wasnt aplete failure. As the indistinct outline of the axe fractured it turned into a hazy grey mist that rushed out toward the puppets. The mist was pretty sparse and only a small part of the remaining Silver Guards was affected, but the result was still astounding.


    Anything the anthracite mist touched started to crumble, and in just seconds the affected guards had turned into nothingness. There were no marks, no remains, nothing. Just aplete and total annihtion. Zac''s eyes widened in shock as he looked upon the destruction as hey immobile on the ground, wondering just how strong the fully finished strike would be.


    Unfortunately, the mist was only enough to destroy another ten thousand puppets. But sometimes a little bit of luck was all that was needed to turn a battle around.


    As a silver river fragmented due to an errant gust of the deadly mist, and a wretched Salvation was thrown out with a pained wail, a silver shield shattering around him. Even the silver arm he had created for himself broke down, turning into ckened motes that dissipated.


    Only Salvation himself seemed fine, with his puppets sacrificing themselves to protect him from the effects of <strong>[Destion]</strong>. Madness and fear marred the man''s face as he looked at Zac with horror, and Zac growled in response as he tried to get back on his feet.


    DESCENT! Salvation screamed in panic, and the remaining tens of thousands of puppets broke down simultaneously, rapidly forming a sinister cloud beyond anything Zac had seen before.

 Chapter 317: Explosions

    Chapter 317: Explosions


    Zacs eyes widened in rm because the scene was the same as when Salvation summoned the enormous head in the sky during the hunt, only on a far grander scale. If this attack was allowed toplete its buildup the face would at least be ten times the size of thest time.


    Something needed to be done, but his limbs didnt respond to hismands. Hisst attack hadpletely overtaxed his body, and apart from the broken bones in his arm and shoulder, he felt he had ripped most of his muscles as well.


    He still had some remaining Cosmic Energy in his system, but he couldnt even stand up at the moment, let aloneunch an attack to stop Salvation from bringing the equivalent of aet down on their heads. He only saw one possibility to turn the tides.


    <strong>[Beauty Yrials Great Transformation Skill]</strong> activated around his core, and his battered body was immediately flooded with Miasma. Zacs vision blurred and a sense of weakness immediately spread through his body. The effect was even worse as <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> was forcibly canceled before its time limit, and it looked like switching ss was not a viable method to avoid the bacsh from activating the buffing skill.


    The transformation would take less than ten seconds, but he started to despair as he realized he wouldnt make it in time. An enormous silver river formed in the clouds above, and it quickly moved down to swallow Salvations exposed body.


    But blood suddenly spurted out of the mad prophets mouth as a shadowynce erupted from his chest. He looked down with bafflement as even morences skewered him, making him lose blood like a sieve.


    It was Ogras who had somehow teleported into Salvations own shadow to attack him before he had time to get back into the protection of his silver rivers. It looked like Ogras had been patiently waiting like a hunter for Salvation to appear to get a shot at assassinating him.


    A wet cough escaped Salvations mouth as he slowly turned his head toward Ogras. The demon was just about to slice off his head when his eyes widened in rm. The golden fractal on Salvations forehead lit up with blinding light, and the demon fell back as though he was grievously wounded.


    So it is my time to join the unity, Salvation rasped as he rapidly started to age. But redemptiones to all. I will be apanied by thousands, myst gift to the great Lord.


    Ogras suddenly started to scream as though he was being ripped apart as he was bathed in golden light. He desperately tried to move away, but it looked like his body didnt respond to his actions.


    Horned one, join me in ete- Salvation said, but was forcibly interrupted as a huge spiked shield mmed into him with the force of a ballistic missile.


    Half of Salvations body, including most of his head, was destroyed, instantly killing him. The golden fractal lost its source of energy when the grimy priest lost his remaining life force. Ogras soon calmed down, but he was still on his knees panting from whatever he had experienced.


    It was Zac who had finally finished his transformation but had found himself unable to move even in his Draugr form. Luckily one of his arms was still mostly intact apart from a few pulled muscles. He had forced it full of miasma with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> and hurled his huge shield at Salvation since he was afraid hed miss if he threw his axe with his left arm.


    Zac was filled with new energy after the shield hit home, confirming that Salvation had truly died from the attack. But the energy was extremelycking for how taxing the battle was since Salvation was only level 62. It was enough to push his level to 54 and some ways toward the next level, but nothing more than that.


    He arduously got to a sitting position as he sardonically wondered what his opponent would think is he ever got killed in battle. Would he be shocked at the minuscule amount of energypared to the strength that Zac exhibited? But he was soon dragged out of his musings from the rumblings of the sky.


    The silver clouds had stopped condensing with Salvations death, but they hadnt dissipated. The enormous amount of energies they contained rapidly became more and more chaotic, and rm bells were starting to go off in Zacs mind.


    Good job, though I believe kill stealing is my job, a weak voice came from his side as Ogras appeared with the shield gripped in a shadow tentacle.


    The demon was pale as a sheet, and tear streaks were running down his face. Zac wondered just what the demon had experienced inside that golden light to look like that. After ncing over at the demons original position Zac saw that the body of salvation was gone, likely snatched up by Ogras as he rushed over here.


    Unfortunately we dont seem to be out of harms way, the demon continued. The arrays have stopped gathering energy, but they are still active. My soul is wounded and Im out of energy, are you able to destroy a rune to let us out of here?


    Zac sighed and shook his head.


    I dont have a lot of offensive skills in this ss. The only thing is that throw, Zac exined.


    Ogras only groaned and started to desperately rip up huge chunks of the scorched ground beneath them.


    Then get to digging, Ogras said. We have twenty seconds at best before the energies in those clouds above us rip this area into pieces.


    Zacs brows rose in realization, and he punched a deep hole with his working arm, ignoring the pain from using his torn muscles. It only took them ten seconds to dig over twenty meters down in the ground, after which they covered themselves withyers of soil.


    However, they werent done with just that as Zac summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> to form a thick shield above them, and he immediately imbued it with the Seed of Hardness. Ogras still wasnt satisfied as one Array Disk after another appeared, along with a few other defensive treasures that Zac had never seen before.


    Treasures are no good for you dead, Ogras muttered, though he seemed a bit pained as he clutched his items.


    Zac was about to respond but a shockwave that almost knocked him unconscious mmed into them, even with the multipleyers of defense. The next moment the world turned white as a massive explosion erupted that drowned out everything else.


    Miasma was being drained at an astonishing rate as torrential forces continuously mmed into his shield, and three quarters of his death-attuned energy was gone in just a few seconds. Finally, he was forced to remove the shield while shouting out a warning to Ogras, letting the defensive treasures take the brunt of the attack.


    The shimmeringyers of shields started shattering at a rapid pace by the unceasing onught, and Zac was starting to wonder if he would have to resummon his shield and push it until he ran out of Miasma. But as suddenly as the force erupted it also disappeared and calm once again returned to the area.


    Zac and Ogras found themselves at the bottom of an enormous crater, and the two couldnt help but gawk as they looked around. There was simply nothing there apart from the enormous hole that was at least fifty meters deep.


    There was a clean line of demarcation in a circle where the edge of the array once was, as it seemed the st had been contained and pushed downward, at least in the beginning of the eruption. Therge fractals in the sky were all gone, clearly unable to hold against the massive forces that had been unleashed.


    The two were both pretty bad shape, but they knew it was risky to stay here. The dominators hadnt appeared in the fight, just like they had hoped, but the massive discharge just now could likely be seen from outside Salvations area of control. So they arduously made their way out of the crater, only to see another scene of utter destion.


    Half the forest they came from had been toppled, and anything aboveground had been ripped to shreds from the st after the array containment failed. Zac shook his head in wonderment, feeling as though he had survived staying in the epicenter of a nuclear explosion, mostly through his own power.


    The world of Cosmic Energy was both terrifying and wondrous.


    Thomas walked through the streets of New Washington, or what remained of them. A somber face marred his tired face as he looked at the scene of devastation.


    Do we have a tally yet? Thomas sighed, turning to his aide who walked along him with one of her arms in a cast.


    The cleanup process is still underway, but we fear that up to twenty percent of the poption died from the explosion, and many more are wounded. Themercial and residential districts were particrly badly hit, she said with a downcast face.


    Do we know how Salvation managed to smuggle so many of his puppets to our sewer system? Thomas growled, an ember of fury burning in his chest.


    We still have no idea, the routes werepletely destroyed from the explosion, making it impossible to map. One theory is that he found an abandoned sewage outlet that ran out of the town that provided him ingress, she said, though it was clear she did not believe in this theory.


    What do you believe? Thomas sighed, though he had a good idea of what she was thinking.


    Wasnt Salvation allied with t<em>hem</em>? the aide said with a low voice, avoiding eye contact with Thomas.


    Thomas sighed again as they returned to his office after making the rounds.


    They served the same master, but from how we understand it they belonged to rival camps. I reached out to our contact earlier and they fervently denied any involvement in this terrorist attack. Truthfully I believe them, if only because this insanity is against their goals as well, Thomas said with a tired voice.


    He knew what his aide thought of those monsters, and the path of no return they had embarked upon. But they were out of options and time was running out. Perhaps that man would be able to defeat the Dominators given enough time, but their lord was on his way. He knew that fighting against him was futile, like ants trying to destroy an elephant.


    It was time to salvage what could be saved. He knew that only a small fraction of humanity would survive the arrival of The Great Redeemer with his n, but that was better than the whole world getting harvested. If he needed to sell his soul to save at least a small part of humanity, so be it.


    But he hadntpletely given up. As long as he had two hands he would do everything in his power to turn the tides.


    Have there been any news from our other project? Thomas asked, and the aide immediately took out a few documents, knowing what he was referring to.


    The spies we caught had limited knowledge about the movements of the church, but we have finally managed to locate one of the four entrances that the Church of Evesting Dao control. We are amassing our armies to strike that outpost as we speak, she said.


    Any new intelligence? Thomas probed, as he had been too upied with the Zombie threat as ofte to be up to date to the activities of this ndestine project.


    We have confirmed from multiple sources that they all lead to the same Mystic Realm and that it is an enormous structure that would likely be able to house millions of people. But it is already popted by multiple indigenous forces, and even the core members of the Church have found themselves in pitched battles without making much headway," she read from the reports.


    Have you found out what''s inside thats so important that they ignore all the resources of Earth? Thomas asked with a sharp look in her direction.


    The infiltrators have no idea, even they seemed pretty shocked at the resources their High Vicar spends at conquering that ce, she said. And the main branch of their church seems to have spent a huge sum to provide reinforcements to help in their efforts.


    Do we have the strength to conquer the base? Thomas asked next.


    It is guarded by multiple E-Grade warriors, though they are still somewhat limited by the restrictions. We will need to expend both plenty of lives and a sizeable portion of our old-world weaponry to seize it ording to our generals, she said, waiting for instructions.


    Thomas nodded in thought. In fact, he knew more about the situation inside those portals than his aide. Only a handful of people from the Government knew the true reason why the Church so desperately wanted to seize the enormous facility. It had cost them a shocking amount of lives and resources to receive that snippet of information since it had required them to capture one of the Churches bishops.


    It was the key to not only surviving this cmity but actually making huge strides forward. Their alliance with those lunatics under the Great Redeemer was just the back-up n to save some of their people if things didn''t work out. It wouldnt be necessary if they attained their goals with this Mystic Realm.


    It is the gateway that might lead to the salvation of humanity. Spare no expense, we need to seize that entrance.

 Chapter 318: Dao Funnel

    Chapter 318: Dao Funnel


    Hes dead? Voids Disciple said with a small frown without looking up from the scriptures in front of him.


    Inevitability hesitantly nodded and muttered a confirmation, unable to read their leaders mood as usual.


    The fulcrum teamed up with the leader of the demonkin invaders to assault Salvation. Therge explosions at the end appear to be the collective detonation of all his Silver Guards, Inevitability said.


    How did he manage to move so many of his puppets to all those towns unnoticed? Voids Disciple casually asked, but fear immediately gripped Inevitabilitys heart. At least a million people have died, robbing our Lord of his harvest.


    That It was me and Harbinger, Inevitability admitted, her heart rapidly beating.


    Exin, Void Said, looking up from the ancient texts for the first time since Inevitability entered his cultivation chamber at the bottom of the expansive hive.


    Voids Disciple looked unassuming and even a bit frail, but Inevitability knew that he was anything but. He had always been mysterious to herself and her brother, and they did not even know his age or which hive he originated from.


    They only knew that even before the integration the two of them were unable to as much as touch his clothes when teaming up. Now that he had made massive strides in the Dao and racking up all those titles he was far beyond their reach.


    It was a shame, she thought. He was a perfect mate now that they had evolved away from the restrictive fetters of the Anointed. Unfortunately, he was just too focused on the mission, to the point it was all-consuming.


    We wanted a back-up n for when the lord arrives, she admitted, not daring to lie. We thought that if we kept that man happy he would speak up for us. We didnt expect him to detonate the puppets though, but rather capture the townspeople when the lord Redeemer arrived.


    Did you at least retrieve the Origin Funnel? he asked with a sigh.


    It was on Salvations body when he died. We believe its with his killers now, Inevitability admitted with a grimace.


    So the fulcrum is currently not only walking around with one of the beacons that guide our lord, but also all the Origin Dao that lunatic collected? Voids Disciple said, the air around him starting to twist and turn.


    Voids Disciple closed his eyes in exasperation and lightly started tapping his finger on the table. Inevitability started to shudder as she knew that was a sign that he was greatly annoyed, and carnage almost always followed. But the tapping suddenly stopped, allowing Inevitability to breathe out in relief, feeling like a sacrificial offering being granted clemency.


    Well, its just one of the beacons, and the Funnel is just a copy the lord made in his youth. The loss is regrettable, but not overly so. That Mystic Realm is far more important. If we can provide our Lord with that thing he will likely not care about our other failings, Voids Disciple muttered.


    Inevitability ardently nodded, extremely happy to change the subject. The loss of the Funnel was a worthy price to get rid of that man in her opinion. She might not have dared to kill Salvation herself, but the lesspetition the better.


    What about the church? Inevitability hesitantly asked. That thing is valuable, but I dont believe the Great Lord is willing to make an enemy of the Church of Evesting Dao.


    Soon after it awakens the entrances will close. All three of us will enter at that time, Voids Disciple calmly exined. The Mystic Realm ispletely separated with high-grade shielding. No karma threads will leak out, allowing us to kill everything without holding back. Only the three of us need to return from that ce, the rest can die inside, no matter if it''s the church or the aboriginals.


    Inevitabilitys eyes lit up in anticipation when she heard Voids words. They had been forced to stay hidden for so long that her whole body was itching in anticipation. Her killing spree in the hunt had barely whet her appetite for blood, and they had avoided all interesting targets out of fear of exposing their intentions or their lord.


    But it seemed that it all wasing to an end.


    Even the fulcrum? Inevitability probed.


    Fury still suffused her as she thought of her shameful disy during the hunt. Every day she dreamed of tearing that man and that little chick apart, but she held herself back due to fear of the person in front of her.


    Nothing can go wrong inside the Mystic Realm, Voids Disciple said after a brief pause. If he enters, then thats his fate.


    Bloodlust started to leak from her body as Inevitability imagined running into Zachary Atwood inside the Mystic Realm. Perhaps she could trick that human to go there without Void finding out?


    ------------


    Zac and Ogras sat hidden inside an array, three hours from the battlefield. They had pushed their tired bodies to the limits to get as far away as possible from that ce, afraid that someone would take advantage of their situation. But their bodies could only endure so much, and Ogras was unable to keep going after an hour, forcing Zac to carry him. Finally they found a Cave to hide in while they recuperated.


    The moment they sat down they ate a second set of healing pills, and as if by an unspoken agreement created some distance before they started to ponder on the Dao. They had both been in a desperate battle that pushed them to their limits, and it was time to reap the benefits.


    Zac gained more from thest battlepared to all of the battles with the Incursion Leaders thus far. An all-out struggle was truly the best way to move forward. His eyes closed as he focused on therge axe fractal in his body. He wasnt pondering on the Dao of Sharpness again, but rather on the Dao of Heaviness. It hadnt been that long since he improved itst time since he evolved it during the hunt. But the previous battle showcased multiple sources of heaviness for him, which he wanted to capitalize on.


    The first was the three instances of pressure that his body was subjected to when summoning the axes for <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. Thest one ced such a burden for him that his body almost copsed, and if his bones didnt break first even his soul would be wounded. The first axe, <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong>, also contained a hint of imperviousness and solidity that was in a sense rted to heaviness.


    The second heaviness could be gleaned from the immense explosion that almost killed them earlier. Just the shockwave from the st was powerful enough to cost him a quarter of his Miasma, and being within sustained errant energies was like being in a zone with far higher gravity. Zac believed the two insights together with other snippets he had gathered from various fights and other sources were enough to push his seed to the peak naturally.


    He already possessed one peak seed, but that one came at the cost of multiple Dao Treasures, and he couldnt consume them so freely. Besides, Zac noticed that the effect of the treasures was waning when he improved his Seed of Sharpness. He only had a few shots left to use Dao Treasures before they became useless.


    At that point, he would need to get treasures of a higher grade, but it was aplete waste to use such a thing on a Dao Seed. The higher-grade Dao Treasures were rather meant to improve Dao Fragments, and they could save years of effort rather than months. To use them at this juncture was aplete waste.


    The two were strapped for time, but both of them needed a day or two of recuperation before they could move again. Ogras was especially badly off as his constitution was far inferior to Zac''s. The golden beam had even wounded his psyche, which was much thornier to heal. Zac, therefore, didnt feel rushed when it took hours to enter a calm state of meditation, but when he finally arrived there the rest came surprisingly easy.


    Zac opened his eyes an unknown timeter, and after ncing over noticed that Ogras was still in the middle of meditation. Ogras even seemed to be in the middle of a breakthrough judging by the mysterious fluctuations surrounding him, and Zac closed his eyes again.


    He didnt want to disturb the demon while he was right in the threshold of improving and instead focused on a second Dao Seed. This time it was Sanctuary. He had been extremely close for a while now thanks to the partial vision, their desperate situation where Zac shielded the two from the st was enough to push him over the edge.


    When he opened his eyes the next time he saw Ogras fiddling with something on the ground, and Zacs eyes widened in shock when he saw it was a piece of Salvations head. More precisely it was his forehead that still had the shimmering golden fractal imprinted.


    What the hell are you doing?! Zac wheezed with rm, knowing how terrible that fractal was. He even forgot checking on his boosted Daos due to the shocking scene.


    Oh, youre up? Ogras said with a start, having beenpletely engrossed with the fractal. I believe this is the control inscription for the array that allowed Salvation to possess so many puppets."


    You better not get any ideas, Zac muttered. Im pretty sure the array continuously consumed his life force. When I met him during the hunt he looked slightly above my age, and you saw how rapidly he aged when that thing lit up. He might have been Emilys age when he got his hands on that cursed thing.


    Dont worry, I wont infuse my head with some unknown array. I have enough troublesome things in my body as it is, Ogras snorted.


    Zac sighed, knowing the feeling all too well. The multiverse was simply too full of double-edged treasures. Or perhaps it was fairer to say that nothing came without a price. A treasure wouldnt simply boost ones power to great heights without exacting a price in return. It was true for the creature living in Ogras shadows, and it was true for the splinter in his head.


    Still, it is very interesting, Ogras continued. I believe I have found a pretty important clue.


    Oh? Whats that? Zac asked with interest as he walked over.


    His right arm was still mostly useless as his bones hadnt mended, but at least the muscles in his body had healed enough for him to move about effortlessly. It would take a few more days to be able to push his body in a battle though.


    This thing resonated with me when I evolved a Dao Seed, Ogras exined. I think it contains Origin Dao.


    What? Zac asked with surprise as he looked down on the fractal.


    I believe this treasure steals the Origin Dao of the people who Salvation turned to puppets, storing it somehow, Ogras exined. That would also fit with why that old goat wants to find these babys. It might be this type of thing that would be forced upon the so-called fulcrums.


    Zac slowly nodded as he mulled over the information. It felt like they were getting close to the truth, although they were still missing some pieces of information.


    It would also exin why such a powerful person as Salvation wasnt even on the Dao Ladder, Zac added. The array might have stolen all the Origin Dao around him, including his own.


    Exactly, Ogras said with some excitement in his face. So what I am thinking is this; What if we used all this Origin Dao for ourselves?


    Zacs heartbeat sped up in anticipation as he looked down at the fractal. Even if his improvement was extremely rapid it would take a lot of time to not only reach the peak with his six Dao Seeds but also fuse them into three Fragments.


    The fusion itself was far harder than simply reaching the peak, but he was running out of time. But being bathed in a huge amount of Origin Dao might be the key to pushing his Dao further, allowing him to quickly evolve before the Dominators did something irreversible.


    So how would we go about getting our hands on the Origin Dao? Zac asked with some glee on his face.


    Huh? I have no idea, Ogras snorted. Well need to do some research.


    Zac threw Ogras an even stare before shaking his head with annoyance.


    "What about safety? Do you think the Dominators will be able to track that thing?" Zac asked.


    Ogras frowned when he heard the news, and he looked down at the pouch fastened to his belt. But suddenly his eyes lit up again.


    "I can throw his corpse into the Mystic Realm for now. That ce ispletely isted, and there''s no way the dominators will be able to sense anything across dimensions. We can leisurely study the thing inside," he said.


    Sounds like a n," Zac agreed with a nod. Creating a stable tunnel to the Mystic Realm was on his agenda in any case. "Keep me posted. Dont try to keep that thing for yourself, there are a lot of people on our ind who could benefit from that."


    Fine. You ready to go? Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    The two kept as high a pace they could, considering the state of their bodies. But it still took one day longer to return to the small outpost town the Marshall n controlled. The guards looked at Zac and Ogras as though they were monsters when they arrived, but their captain still stepped forward with a shocking revtion about worldwide explosions caused by Salvation.


    Zac finally understood what Salvation meant with his words in the end, but he knew there was nothing to be done about the situation. The two stepped through the teleporter back to Port Atwood, Zacs mood greatly dampened by the realization that over a million people had died because he killed Salvation.


    But the two didnt even have time to digest the news of Salvations final revenge as Emily rushed them the moment they stepped out of the teleporter.


    Theyve found it!

 Chapter 319: Sugar Daddy

    Chapter 319: Sugar Daddy


    Zac was a still bit muddled from getting the news that Salvation had managed to kill so many people as a final act of lunacy that he didnt quite understand what Emily was getting at.


    Who found what? he asked while looking around.


    Mr. Trang and his squad finally managed to set up a base camp. It took some time because they needed to finish a quest, but they seeded because of his Kraken. When they bought the teleporter there was already a public teleporter in range that we can''t see here. It''s probably the underworld," Emily exined, the words tumbling out of her mouth.


    The eyes of both Ogras and Zac lit up at the news. Getting to the underworld before the fire golems destroyed the whole thing was of the highest priority. For Ogras it was about resources, while Zac also considered the humanitarianponent. But the exciting news were suddenly eclipsed by a snippet of information from Emily''s report.


    His WHAT? Zac eximed, looking at Emily with some horror.


    His pet Kraken, Emily said with a wide grin. Hes named it Little Bau, which apparently means treasure in Vietnamese? I heard its crazy strong.


    Zac didnt know how to react. He was reminded that the old fishermans ss was something like a maritime beast tamer, but he didnt expect him to snag such a scary thing. It also made him a bit leery about having an ind kingdom if Kraken were swimming about in the depths. Would they start getting harassed by Lovecraftian nightmares in the near future?


    Anyway, hows their situation? Zac asked.


    We still dont know, weve been waiting for you, Emily exined. Our teleporter is hidden because of your settings, so they shouldn''t know about us. And all the strong people here were upied so we didnt dare open it.


    Thats good, Zac said with a nod. We cant go right now though. My arm is broken in multiple ces and Ogras is wounded as well. Salvation was even stronger than expected.


    Wounded? That guy was that strong? He was only level 61 right? Emily said with some confusion.


    Girl, he had an army of half a million puppets that exploded in our faces, Ogras snorted. Its a miracle were even still alive. The underworld will still be there in a few days. Go punch some barghest or something.


    Emily looked disappointed at the news, but she soon nodded. Zac knew she wanted to get down there as quickly as possible as the underworld was thest hope she had of reuniting with her siblings. Unfortunately, he simply wasnt in any condition to battle a supposed high- or even top-tier Incursion at the moment. So, for now, it was best to keep their presence hidden in case some unexpected dangers lurked on the other side of the teleporter.


    Ill go train then, she said as she hurried away.


    I need money, Im t broke, Ogras suddenly said from the side.


    What? Zac asked with some skepticism as he threw the demon a nce. Im not your sugar daddy.


    My what? Anyway, between the Origin Array and the temporary gate to the Mystic Realm I barely have enough resources to even support myself, the demon said. Remember, we couldnt bring Nexus Coins here either.


    What do you need? Zac finally said after a brief pause. And isnt your ie from Calrins enough? The revenue should have exploded recently.


    Truthfully, Ogras had provided a lot of assistance not only in battle but also in management and setting a course for the force as a whole. If he needed some Nexus Coins it wasnt the end of the world since Zac had hundreds of millions to his name, and even more in the form of treasures and Nexus Crystals.


    That money wont arrive for a while yet, Ogras said with a shake of his head. To begin with I need a hundred million to upgrade the temporary array into a permanent one. Its especially important if we want to set up the hidden outpost to research Salvation.


    Zac sighed and transferred the money to Ogras, not bothering to investigate how much was actually needed. It truly felt like a worthy investment. They still didnt know how The Great Redeemer tracked his targeteds. Perhaps even killing his people wasnt enough. Throwing anything with a connection to him into the Mystic Realm felt like the best solution for the moment.


    Itll take a day or two to get the neededponents from the blue one, Ogras nodded. What do you want to do afterward?


    How long until you are back to fighting condition? Zac asked.


    Three days at the maximum. That golden light tried to drag my soul out of my body, but it didnt cause any realsting damage, the demon said after thinking it over.


    Well head down to the Underworld immediately after, Zac said. The other incursions arent critical, and it should take a while to whittle down the zombies to a manageable number.


    Great, Ogras said with naked greed on his face. Cant let those people below us wait for too long, and they can incidentally help me with my financial situation. Ill handle the gate immediately.


    Zac snorted as he watched the demon get swallowed by shadows before he stepped into the teleporter again to head to his cultivation cave. As he expected he found his sister sitting with closed eyes on one of the mats he acquired in the hunt. She opened her eyes and smiled at him when he approached, before her eyes suddenly widened at the sight of his arm limply dangling to the side.


    Youre hurt? she said as she hurried over to him.


    My ultimate skill is pretty taxing to my body, I need to get a bit stronger, Zac shrugged.


    At least that lunatic is dealt with. But dont take on more than you can handle, she said and looked relieved when she realized he was in decent shape at least.


    Im fine, Zac smiled. How are things on your end?


    Im making amazing progress in this cave! she said, her eyes brightening up again. I think I will enter the leveldder soon. And the other one I have already entered.


    What? Zac said with confusion as he opened up hisdder system.


    The only one that made sense was the Dao Ladder since Kenzie didnt possess a lot of wealth. She didnt handle any of Port Atwoods finances or fought beasts to level up, so she shouldnt have a lot of Nexus Coins. So Zac quickly read through thedder for her name, but he instead found another moniker.


    <strong>[63 - Pretty Pretty Mega Kenzie]</strong>


    Zac wryly smiled as he saw the name he hadnt heard in almost twenty years. It was the moniker Kenzie had given herself when she was four to match his Super Brother-Man alias. Her superhero costume had been a Halloween princess costume and a cape made from a nket.


    I cant believe you chose that name, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Well, it doesnt really matter, Kenzieughed. I have already confirmed that these pseudonyms only count for Earthsdders, not on other things in the multiverse.


    Zac sighed in relief when he heard that since it had actually been a small worry of his own. He already knew there weredders in the Tower of Eternity to both showcase historic records and the current status of trial takers. It would have been a bit embarrassing to have Super Brother-Man show up at such a ce when he was looking for a strong force to join.


    What level is your Dao to get ced at the 63<sup>rd</sup> spot? Zac asked with some curiosity.


    I have the Seed of Tinder at thete stage, and I recently got the Seed of Loam, she said. When I only had thete-stage seed I didnt get a cement,


    Seed of Loam? Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Its a basic elemental Seed, Kenzie exined. Jarvis wants me to get seeds for the four elements before evolving. So I have earth and fire now, but I still need water and air.


    Zac nodded, feeling it made sense since her ss was Elementalist. He also felt a bit surprised how quickly people had advanced on the Dao Ladder. He knew he was still far ahead of the curve, but the fact that a Late-Stage seed wasn''t alone to enter thedder was pretty surprising to him after hearing how hard it was for the demonkin soldiers to gain Dao Seeds back home. It was truly no surprise that The Great Redeemer wanted to get his hand on their Origin Dao.


    Loam doesnt assist me in battle at the moment, but it does improve my healing and it helps the flower grow, she added and nodded at the small lotus.


    It hadnt been that long since Zac saw it thest time, but it had actually grown quite a bit and now had the diameter of a dinner te. But it still emitted almost no life-attuned energy, proving it was still in an extremely early stage. Who knew how many years it would take until it possessed the supreme energies of the one that the Abbot possessed.


    Have you heard anything from the battle with the Zombies? Zac asked.


    I get an update every evening from Adran. They have started shing a few days ago, but no big battle has taken ce yet. They are essentially nipping at the Zombies sides as the horde pushes forward. Theyre trying to split up the horde, but that requires killing the high-grade Zombies who keep the dumber ones in line, and those creatures are hidden in the middle of the horde, Kenzie said.


    Zac nodded, feeling more confident in his n now that he knew the situation likely wouldnt get too out of hand in the short run.


    Im heading to the underworld next, Zac said. Will you stay here?


    I have no interest in fighting with a bunch of fire golems, Kenzie said with a wave of her hand. "I''d rather stay here for now."


    Are you changing to a nonbat role? Zac asked curiously since Kenzie rarely fought since she arrived at Port Atwood.


    No, but I dont need as much practical battle experience as others thanks to Jeeves, Kenzie said. But I think I will get a secondary job when I reach E-Grade. Alchemist perhaps? It seems pretty fun.


    Zacs eyes lit up when he heard her mention alchemy. That was one field where they were sorelycking at the moment, and after hearing what Dao Seeds Kenzie possessed she felt perfect for the job. Fire and Earth could both help in concocting pills, and the precise energy control she got with the help of heir AI could boost her skills even further.


    And no one would be happier than Zac if she focused on a nonbat profession since that would keep her out of harms way. As long as she still possessed a mage-like ss she would be able to defend herself. Besides, Alchemists were always extremely wealthy and had great powerhouses protecting them. It would help secure her future in case something ever happened to him since skilled Alchemists were wee no matter where they went.


    That sounds like a good idea. I did find that nice cauldron earlier, you can have it, Zac said and immediately took it out and ced it in the cave. Just tell me if you need anything to train your skills. Port Atwood could really use a skilled Alchemist.


    Are you trying to turn your poor sister into a money printing machine? Kenzie giggled. In any case, it would have to wait a bit. I want to focus on my Dao while the Origin energies are still abundant in the atmosphere. Dao is the one thing that Jeeves cant help with, so I need to do that one myself.


    Ogras and I got our hands on something nice earlier which mighte in handy, Zac said and told her about the golden fractal. Do you think Jeeves would be able to figure out a way to extract the energy?


    Its impossible to tell without looking at it, Kenzie said with hesitation. I need to borrow the crystals on formations and inscriptions as well to give Jeeves a better understanding of fractals.


    Sure, just tell the Merit exchange I gave the go-ahead to browse them, Zac agreed without hesitation.


    The crystals had already been put into the merit exchange. But the cost of reading them could be waived for whoever Zac wished since they were his possessions. In fact, anyone could put information or skill crystals into the merit exchange, and any time the information was perused that individual would get most of the charged Merit.


    It was a way to make people share their knowledge with the others of the force instead of hoarding it. Right now there were essentially no information or skill crystals except Zacs own though, but that would probably change as the years passed.


    The others willin of nepotism, Kenzie said with a smile.


    Zac only rolled his eyes,pletely uncaring what the others thought.


    Oh, by the way, the Abbot''s custodian came here and asked for you while you were gone, Kenzie said. You should probably visit him before you leave for the underworld.

 Chapter 320: Karmic Ties

    Chapter 320: Karmic Ties


    Abbot Evesting Peace is looking for me? Zac said with some worry. Are they under attack?


    I have no idea, but it doesnt seem like it, Kenzie said with some hesitation. But it seemed pretty important.


    Zac frowned thoughtfully as he wondered what the old monk could need from him at this juncture. If their mountain wasnt under attack by the undead the other most likely reason was that there was some issue rted to Karma. That old man seemed to have a miraculous insight into that mysterious Dao, to the point that Zac suspected that the old man possessed an advanced Dao Fragment.


    Theres no need to be so serious, just go over there and see what he wants. Youll get wrinkles if you keep scrunching up your face like that, Kenzie said with a shake of her head.


    Zac snorted but he felt what she said made sense. There was no point in guessing when he could simply check the situation himself. But he first wanted to heal his arm in case the visit would lead to a battle with the zombies.


    Ill go tomorrow, I want my bones to properly set first, Zac said after some consideration. Ogras will construct a stable gate to the Mystic Realm as soon as possible. Well set up an outpost inside to keep sensitive matters, such as Salvations things. You can go over whenever you feel ready to look into things.


    Sure, Kenzie said with some interest. I wanted to see that ce anyway. Its like we found an enormous space station.


    Stay inside the sealed area though, and have a handful of Valkyries always apany you. There were some odd beasts inside that were almost evolved, Zac said with some worry.


    He was afraid that his sister would do something drastic given the opportunity, and Zac would be down in the core of the fighting Fire Golems.


    Im not stupid, Kenzie said with a roll of her eyes. Remember I survived both the tutorial and living next to the Dead Zone for months.


    I just worry, Zac said with a smile.


    Zac spent the rest of the day recuperating in the cave while consolidating his recent Dao improvements. Since he and Ogras rushed out of the Cradle of God he didnt have time to stop and get a sense of his improved seeds, but now that he was finally home he opened up his menu to take a proper look again.


    <strong>Heaviness (Peak): Strength +90, Endurance +25, Wisdom +5</strong>


    <strong>Sanctuary (High): Endurance +25, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +25.</strong>


    He was pretty happy with the attributes both the seeds provided. Heaviness had gained mostly Strength as expected, but Sanctuary had changed a bit from giving mainly Wisdom to providing an even split between Endurance and Wisdom instead.


    The situation also made him ponder what he should do in regards to his Dao. Yrial wanted him to get the fragments for Life and Death before evolving which would allow him to gain a ss that was centered on that concept. However, he was far closer to getting a Fragment rted to the Dao of Axe than one of Death as it stood. He still wasnt used to Rot and Hardness was still only at the Middle stage, making the road to get both to Peak pretty arduous.


    Perhaps he could boost them if their n with Salvations array worked out, but Zac was more inclined to use that opportunity to form his first Fragment instead. Perhaps getting a Fragment of Axe would be enough to evolve both his sses, which would be for the best since he wasnt in a position to dy evolving for too long.


    The problem was that he was stumbling in the dark since the System didnt provide any hints to what the results of his actions would be. If he got a fragment of axe and life and then evolved, would he veer away from his Life-death cycle to a simpler evolved axeman? Would that even be a problem?


    He finally gave up trying to decide on the spot what to do. He would simply have to see how things progressed and take things one step at a time. Worrying about fragments was a bit premature. He didn''t only need to improve his seeds to the peak but also master them to the point that he would be able to fuse them into something that made sense.


    When Zac woke up the next day he could move his arm again, though it was still a bit tender. Between his enormous pool of Vitality and expensive pills, he was like a troll from the old tales, regenerating at monstrous speeds.


    The morning was spent on some more meditation before he got up and left for the teleporter after saying goodbye to his sister. He wasnt nning on bringing anyone to Mount Evesting Peace, and he soon found himself at the foot of the sacred mountain. It wasn''t the first time seeing the thousands of characters inscribed into the mountain walls, but he was still awed by the sight.


    Not much had changed in the months since he came herest time, and the normalcy of the atmosphere was a bit surreal in of itself. One difference though was that no people were staying at the foot of the mountain like thest time. People had likely left the area when the undead horde started spreading, turning this ce into an isted pocket with death all around.


    Even the monks were all but missing, leaving the fieldspletely untended. The only sign that the mountain was still popted were the two monks who sat in meditation a few meters away from the teleporter. They woke up from Zacs arrival, and he nodded at them before he nced in the direction of the core of the Dead Zone.


    It felt like there was an unseen war taking ce as a thick wall of miasma rose into the skies a few kilometers away. The line of demarcation was much clearer nowpared to before, making Zac believe the Undead might have erected some unholy beacons outside tobat the purification of the runes on the mountain.


    The two young monks stepped forward and told Zac that the Abbot was waiting in his courtyard and directed him toward the summit. Zac followed in tow, ascending the same set of stairs as thest time. This time the pressure was almost negligible, perhaps since Zac had a naturally stronger grasp of his Dao.


    They soon reached the peak and Zac truly started to worry when he saw that the temple buildings were devoid of monks as well. A sense of wrongness crept into Zacs heart as he looked around, trying to figure out just what was going on.


    Where is everyone? Zac asked the monks, who looked slightly troubled. Did the undead attack?


    The Abbot will exin everything, one of the two said. But our disciple brothers are fine.


    Zac slowly nodded, as he kept walking toward the small courtyard in the back of the mountain. But he stopped in his tracks the moment he reached the square in front of Abbot Evesting Peaces home.


    Thousands of monks sat silently with closed eyes, not one of them moving a muscle. They were so still that Zac almost would have thought them statues if it wasnt for the terrifying amount of Cosmic Energy that swirled around them, infusing some enormous newly added runes on the ground.


    The runes were Sanskrit just as the ones on the mountain walls, but the power they emitted was far beyond anything he sensed from those covering the mountain. Zac still couldnt read the script, but he guessed it was some Buddhist Sutra functioning as an Array.


    Cosmic Energy wasnt the only thing that the air was ripe with. Mysterious energy that made the fractal of <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> tingle was also everywhere. It was as though the monks hadbined not only their energy but also their Dao for some unknown reason.


    Zacs heartbeat sped up from feeling the power that was contained in the runes as he walked toward the Abbots courtyard. Was the monastery nning tounch some massive strike at the undead, and needed his help to stabilize the situation?


    Various possibilities ran through Zacs head as he pushed open therge doors to find the old monk fromst time standing inside. It was the old man who had apanied him up the stairs and given him some pointers, but he had aplicated expression when he saw Zac enter.


    At first he smiled and bowed, and it seemed as though he was about to utter a greeting. But he suddenly looked down again, and if Zac didnt know better he would have thought that he saw shame on the old mans face.


    Instead, the old man indicated for Zac to head further in, and Zacplied with some confusion in his heart. His eyes immediately turned to the pond, but to his surprise the huge lotus was gone. He quickly looked around and saw Abbot Evesting Peace sit on a prayer mat under an old tree on the other side of the pond with a pot of tea by his side.


    Zac shed over to the Abbot and breathed out in relief when he saw that he was fine. The horrifying wound in his chest was gone, and the old man was brimming with vitality even though he still looked quite old.


    This penniless monk is happy to see that benefactor could arrive in time, the old man said with a kindly smile as he indicated for Zac to sit down.


    It is good to see you as well, Zac said, epting the cup of tea the Abbot poured him.


    This is a wild tea that grew on our sister mountain before the world changed, Evesting Peace said as he took a small sip with contentment in his eyes. It was gifted to this penniless monk by a Daoist who lived in seclusion there. He was a great schr, but this one fears he fell during the Tutorial.


    Zac wasnt sure what the old man was getting at, so he simply sipped the tea as while silently listening. It was unlike any tea that Zac had ever drunk before, with a heavy and bitter taste. It was still quite delicious, but Zac was mostly surprised by the fact that there was a smidgeon of Cosmic Energy in the tea.


    It wasnt anywhere near what any true spiritual tea would contain, and it was impossible to gain any strength from it. But it was still pretty shocking considering it was something that came from the old Earth, and perhaps it was an indication that magic might actually have existed even before the integration.


    These cups were gifted our mountain three hundred years ago by the local lord. He came to pray to Buddha for a son after years of being unable to conceive a child. When his wish came true he returned with ten chests of gold and these cups that were given to him by a great schr from the capital, the Abbot continued.


    This monastery has lived side by side with the secr world for over a thousand years, spreading the word of Buddha, and sowing seeds of karma. This poor monk hopes that we have left the world a better ce than before. But just as day inevitably gives way to night, so must Karma eventually be severed.


    Severed? Zac repeated with a frown. Whats going on? Are the undead mounting an attack?


    Benefactor needs not to worry. This penniless monk is simply rambling, remembering a lost era. The Yin Creatures are of no threat to us, The abbot said as he finished his cup of tea and stood up. This penniless monk invited benefactor to witness.


    Witness what? Zac said, his confusion only growing as he drank thest of the tea and followed the old man who was walking toward the exit.


    The old monk had waited while the two conversed, and he silently opened the gates to let Zac and the abbot exit. The two stopped right outside the gates, and for the first time since Zac arrived, he saw the monks open their eyes.


    "Amithaba, it is time," the Abbot said with a sad smile as he looked at the sea of monks.


    No one said a word, but power immediately surged from the thousands of people and a pir of light suddenly shot into the sky from the runes on the ground. It almost looked like the light of an incursion, but enormous lines Sanskrit floated in concentric circles around it.


    Zac couldn''t believe what he was seeing. The pir was unlike anything he had witnessed before. Just what had these monks aplished? It was as though they had invented their very own way of utilizing Cosmic Energy, turning it into something that Zac could only call Buddhist Energy. It gave off a holy and stable feeling, but it was clearly different from the energy of Sui or his Divine Crystals.


    A golden halo suddenly erupted with boundless life force behind Abbot Evesting Peace, and Zac actually had to take a step back with wide eyes. The power that the abbot emitted was almost at the same level as Inevitability, though it waspletely different. It was soft and elusive, and it felt as though it contained endless mysteries.


    Oddly enough the power that the old monk emitted wasnt didnt cause danger sense to go off in the slightest. Zac could usually feel at least something unless the disparity between himself and the other party was too great. Did the Abbots Karmic powers obscure his perception awarded from his high Luck?


    His thoughts suddenly were interrupted as a silver cloud appeared inside the pir as though it had been teleported. One moment the pir was empty, and the next the cloud was there as it had always been present.


    Zacs heart immediately started to beat wildly as he realized that there was someone inside the cloud. He couldn''t sense the slightest ripple of energy, but Zac could barely discern the shape of a person slightly moving inside. Worse yet was that Zac''s instincts screamed at him that whoever was summoned was far beyond what he could handle.


    The shocking turn of events made Zac unsure what to believe even to the point that he took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> to get ready for a desperate struggle. His confusion only grew when the old abbot suddenly got down on his knees and bowed down until his forehead touched the ground toward the silver cloud.


    Disciple greets master.

 Chapter 321: Severing Karma

    Chapter 321: Severing Karma


    Zac wasnt sure what to think when seeing the old man getting down on his knees, but he knew that whoever was inside the silver cloud wasnt a simple character. However, panic started to set in when he made a horrible connection. Between the silver haze and having disciples on newly integrateds there was one clear contender of who hid within the haze - The Great Redeemer.


    Was it possible that this secluded monastery was yet another seed nted by the Great Redeemer long ago, just like the Medhin n and the Dominators? Had they been biding their time all this while until they finally found the means to summon their lord?


    Fury started to build in Zacs heart as he thought about the betrayal. Had these seemingly altruistic monks sacrificed the whole world for their selfish gain? The pained face of the old monk once again shed in his mind before his eyes turned to his trusty axe in his hand.


    If this truly was the arrival of the Great Redeemer things might already be over and their doomed. But should he unleash <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> in a final act of defiance? Perhaps it would even buy time for his transfer talisman toplete its activation. The token he got from Yrial was still in his possession, and it might allow him to flee even the seemingly hopeless situation in front of him.


    But he knew it took over ten seconds to activate it, so the n felt like a long shot. But even if it worked, then what? He would be stranded god knows where, while leaving his friends and family behind. He wouldn''t be able to learn of their fates until he managed to get back to Earth, and that in of itself would be a form of torture. But it was better to kill some traitors than simply giving up.


    Strangely enough, he was unable to act on his idea. It was as though he had a mental block, making him incapable to turn thoughts into action. He wasnt restrained or under hypnosis, yet his arm was unable to swing his axe at the monks around him.


    <em>Decisiveness can lead to greatness, but it can also lead to ruin. Decisiveness will turn to foolishness unless you first make sure your path is true </em>a voice suddenly resounded in his head, making Zac immediately turn his eyes to the figure within the portal again.


    The voice had spoken straight into his mind rather than out loud, but Zac breathed out in relief when he heard it. The reason for his relief was very simple; the voice didnt belong to The Great Redeemer.


    It was likely that his n had been seen through by this person and somehow stopped through unknown means. So it was both with anticipation and trepidation he saw the figure slowly emerge from the golden pir. But reality sometimes didn''t conform to imagination and Zac couldnt stop himself from gawking in shock when he saw the true form of the mysterious powerhouse.


    The same could be said about most of the monks in the square, as they threw each other small questioning nces, confusion clear on their faces. It was not a rugged warrior like Greatest that stepped out of the light, nor was it a sage monk. It was rather a fat little child only wearing a thick bead ne and a pair of silver silk pants.


    He looked mostly human apart from his earlobes who dangled all the way down to his shoulders and a set of mercurial silver eyes. He was alsopletely bald, with a thin line of silver fractals starting between his brows and going back over his head.


    Zacs first thought was that something had gone wrong with the summoning, but he soon realized that wasnt the case. The child didnt seem the slightest surprised to be here, and the fact that he was actually floating in the air was quite telling that he wasnt some random kid ripped through space. Thea had already told him that flying was the mark of the D-Rank, so the kid in front of him was at least that powerful.


    Suddenly he remembered theforting words of Calrin when Emily was dismayed about her youthful appearance. Was this kid some supreme existence that had was so skilled that he embarked on the path of cultivation early? The fat child threw Zac a knowing wink when he saw the confusion on his face.


    <em>"Don''t be rmed. I simply saw the future you contemted with the axe in your hand and removed it from the realm of possibility,"</em> the little cherub once again spoke in his mind before turning to the Abbot.


    No need for such formalities child, the kid said with a sweet voice.


    Oddly enough it was the voice of an adult, though it was quite high for a male, and Zac could immediately confirm the voice in his head was the same as the one that exited the child''s mouth. The Abbot hurriedly got to his feet,pletely unflustered about the odd appearance of his apparent master. Zac meanwhile had trouble digesting the information he received mentally.


    The child said that it had removed a possible future as though it was nothing special. If one was able to change the future like that, what couldn''t he do? Just what kind of monster had the Abbot summoned?


    This penniless monk is called Evesting Peace, may I ask Master''s name?" the abbot said, only increasing Zac''s confusion as he stood on the sidelines. Did they not know each other?


    I am the 84<sup>th</sup> incarnation of the Lotus Emperor. Some call me 84<sup>th</sup> Fatty or Lord 84<sup>th</sup> depending on mood and karmic ties, the child said with augh as he looked at the mountain. How fascinating.


    The next moment reality shifted and everyone found themselves at the foot of the mountain, in front of the steps leading up to the summit. Zac didn''t understand how he got there since it was instantaneous and it felt as though he had always stood there somehow, making it seem like his past had changed.


    Spirit consecrated through faith, the child muttered before turning away from the mountain. In any case. Have you prepared yourself?


    Disciple is ready, the Abbot said with a somber expression. Disciples fellow monks have been informed as well.


    Im sorry to interrupt, but just what is going on? Zac finally interjected, unable to sit on the sidelines any longer.


    The child looked over at Zac, and after a brief pause smiled.


    When I reached the peak of my power I decided to split my soul into one hundred thousand pieces and enter those pieces into Samsara, the small child said. It birthed 100 000 incarnations without any recollection of their true self. Only when reaching high enough power will our memories return. I was the 84<sup>th</sup> incarnation to regain its memories.


    The exnation wasnt the one Zac was asking for, but his brows still rose in shock when he understood the implications of what the child said. Doing such a crazy thing must require not only enormous power but also great conviction. And if this powerful person was just a small part of his true self, just how powerful was the true Lotus Emperor?


    Isnt it risky? What if a part of you dies before regaining your memories? Zac asked, curiosity oveing the oddity of the situation.


    To understand the Karmic cycle is to understand all parts of life, including death. Through walking one hundred thousand paths I will better understand the universe, and through the universe better understand the self. If an incarnation dies so will that part of me die, the child exined with equanimity. "Such is the price of enlightenment."


    It is the fault of this penniless monk. This one was not sure whether he was allowed to say anything before teacher arrived, Abbot Evesting Peace exined, understanding what Zac was truly asking about. I wanted you to understand what transpired here today. Master hase to take me and my fellow monks away.


    Take you away? Zac dumbly repeated.


    It turned out it was a farewell rather than a betrayal. But Zac suddenly realized the implications of what the old man was saying.


    Youre not staying for the battle against the undead or the other incursions? Zac probed, some dissatisfaction creeping into his voice.


    He had been working his ass off to protect Earth and needed all the help he could get if they wanted to save their. The Abbot was likely the strongest person amongst the humans apart from himself due to his high-tiered Dao, and he possesses mysterious insight into Karma that could greatly assist their efforts.


    The fact that he decided to take his monks and leave Earth in the moment of its need was almost as great a blow as a true betrayal. He finally understood the look of the old monk who had given him pointers at the stairs, and a frown started forming on his face.


    You mentioned severing Karma. Youre going to cut and run when the undead hordes are destroying everything in its path like locusts, and when we face threats from all directions? I hoped you would join the efforts to protect our home when you had healed up, Zac continued, but suddenly he realized something and looked at the little child floating next to them.


    Dont look at me, the child said with a shake of his head. I could kick out the incursions, but that would only create a worse future for your.


    Zac didnt say anything, but his face must have conveyed his skepticism.


    Your friend and I walk the same path of Karma, which is extremely rare in the Multiverse. That is how we found each other. Through the boundless Dao, our paths converged and a Karmic connection was formed. I showed him how to create this gate through that link," Lord 84<sup>th</sup> exined. "But I am not without enemies. No one would reach any great heights without creating some enmities. Resources are limited after all."


    Karmic Cultivators are extremely hard to kill because of our ability to see, and to a certain extent tamper with, the great tapestry of fate. But our weakness is that we cannot allow our Karma to get entangled with too many people.


    I can see the threat youre facing, the child continued, and to Zacs surprise a slightly hazy picture of the Great Redeemer materialized. This one utilizes a rudimentary method to control Karmic ties to locate your. I could easily cut those ties, but by doing so I would get billions of entanglements with the living beings living on this tiny.


    My enemies would eventually find out, and those people are all far stronger than this man, the child continued. They would capture everyone on this and torture your souls for eternity just to cause trouble to my cultivation.


    Is there nothing to be done, master? Abbot Evesting Peace suddenly interjected. Completely severing Karma has proven troublesome for this talentless monk. Perhaps if we could provide my friend with some small assistance this poor monk would be able topletely move forward with a pure heart.


    Zac finally realized the true reason why the Abbot had asked for his presence. He likely felt bad about leaving Earth and wanted to get some small assistance from his master. Zac was by far the strongest person, so having him here would be the best option to improve Earth''s fighting chance.


    The child seemed to mull it over for a few seconds before slowly nodded and pointed at the Abbots forehead. The old man closed his eyes for a few seconds before his eyes opened again with some excitement as he turned toward Zac.


    If benefactor would be so kind as to lend his hand for a second? the old man said before grabbing it.


    A burst of odd energy suddenly entered Zacs body, and the sky was suddenly filled with odd lines in all kinds of colors. There were golden lines of various thickness that reached toward each of the monks, and a silver one swirling around Lord 84<sup>th</sup> like a living snake. There were also four ck pirs reaching into the sky in the distance, looking like sickly tears in space.


    Three of them were bunched together to the north, whereas one was off by itself far on the horizon.


    This penniless monk is temporarily sharing his vision with benefactor, the old man exined. The lines are the ties of Karma. The four sinister lines are connections to the man that master conjured. There was a fifth one but I sense that you are responsible for its severance.


    I killed Salvation a week ago. He had somehow be the in-name disciple of The Great Redeemer, Zac said with a nod.


    Something in his possession is still calling for its master, the old man said and indicated the line by itself. Taking it into a separate space will not work. The line will simply lead to the entrance.


    Zac didnt understand how the old man could know of his n, but he rather focused on the message.


    What should we do? Destroy everything in his possession? Zac asked.


    That will not help either, the old man said with a shake of his head. "But this penniless monk now has a way."

 Chapter 322: Convergence of Fate

    Chapter 322: Convergence of Fate


    Considering the circumstances Zac still felt it was extremely lucky that he went back to the monastery in time. If they went by their original n to simply study Salvations belongings inside the Mystic Realm outpost they would have entered a state of false security while The Great Redeemer was bearing down on them. However, that still left the issue of actually destroying the ck pir.


    The old man suddenly produced a small fruit knife from his sleeve, and the next moment the golden ribbons in the air started to flutter wildly. The golden light from the monks all poured into the knife, filling it with a massive amount of the unfamiliar power.


    Both the monks and the Abbot himself looked extremely drained after, and a few of the younger ones even looked ready to keel over from the expenditure. The amount that the Abbot personally infused was just shocking, and Zac felt it was even more energy than what his <strong>[Infernal Axe]</strong> contained.


    Master imparted me with a skill that allowed me to condense the will of us all into an item. It contains our hope for this and its people. Bring it next to the item and the rest will be apparent, Abbot Evesting Peace exined. The other three ties can be severed the same way as thest one.


    Zac looked down at the small knife that the old monk gifted him, and if it wasnt for the special sight temporarily given him he would never have guessed it contained such massive power. It truly was a simple fruit knife without a single fractal, but if he figured out a way to turn the energy into a weapon he might even be able to kill one of the Dominators with it.


    This one truly wished he could do more, but the result of thest battle wasrgely due to this mountain, and its power is not endless, the Abbot sighed. This is the limit of what this penniless monk can do. I am truly ashamed.


    Don''t be. This gift is perfect, Zac said as he stowed away the knife. Without this item all our efforts might have been for nothing.


    This old man also spent the past month to divine the fate of this. I believe it might be of importance to benefactor, the old monk added. The fate many forces on Earth have converged on the very same hidden realm that benefactor has connections to. This old monk believe-


    That is sufficient, the child suddenly interjected, cutting the old man short. Exposing heavens secrets does note without a price. You are yet not strong enough to divulge more than that without permanent ramifications.


    Thats enough, Zac hurriedly agreed, not wanting to turn the old man crippled. I will look into it.


    The news came like lightning out of the blue. The hidden realm likely referred to the mystic realm. But how could any other forces have connections to that realm? And which forces?


    It also begged the question of what made people so interested in that ce. It was truly a very odd Mystic Realm, but the energy inside wasn''t amazing enough to indicate there being some supreme treasure inside. And even if there was something of great value inside, how would he even go about seizing it for himself?


    The forces staying on Earth werent the only ones he would have to fight with if he entered the fray inside. There was also the natives who were far too strong to contend with for the current Zac. If one added the Dominators and the stronger Incursions into the mix the whole thing turned into a deathtrap.


    We must leave now, I should not stay in this sector for much longer, Lord 84<sup>th</sup> said before turning to Zac. If fate wills it, you two will meet again.


    The floating child Buddhist pointed at the mountain next, and it quickly phased out of existence. Zac looked at the empty space with wide eyes before turning back toward the mysterious expert. But not only were Lord 84<sup>th</sup> and the Abbot gone, but so were all the other monks.


    <em>"I rmend you keeping my identity to yourself to avoid any ties of Karma between your and me," </em>Lord 84<sup>th</sup> voice echoed in his mind.


    Zac didnt even have time to react to the disappearances before finding himself standing in the middle of his courtyard, looking around with confusion. It almost felt as though everything had been a dream, but when he opened the teleportation screen he saw that Mount Evesting Peace was gone from the list.


    A thought suddenly struck him, and he opened up the Dao Ladder to see if it had changed. Abbot Evesting Peace was gone as he suspected, putting him in the first position. Better yet, the change actually wasnt only good for his vanity, but it brought real benefits. When Zac opened his status screen he noticed that he had gotten his first Limited Title.


    <strong>[Frontrunner [Limited]: Maintain the first position on all threedders in world. Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%.]</strong>


    From the wording it seemed like he would hold the title for as long as he held the first position, which meant the title was secure at least in the short run. The only way someone would pass him at the moment was if he got stalled because he aimed for high-rarity sses, allowing others to evolve much quicker than him.


    The additional Attribute effect pushed the efficiency to 140%. It was a huge differencepared to normal cultivators, and it made his overtuned attributes even crazier. The effect would easily nullify any boost wrought by cultivation manuals when he encountered experts from the multiverse in the future.


    It was still somewhat of an empty feeling to receive these gains as he only got them because the abbot left Earth rather than through his own effort. But Zac shook his head to snap out of it. Now was not the time to get picky about the power-ups. He hurriedly left his courtyard and teleported over to Mystic Ind. Every second that the karmic link persisted was a threat to those around him.


    Soon enough he reached the core of the ind and found Ogras standing some distance from the spatial cracks with arge chest by his side. The chest was wide open and housed dozens of metallic stakes full of fractals, likely the array gs needed to stabilize a path to the Mystic Realm.


    The demon immediately noticed Zacs arrival and gave him a questioning look.


    Making sure your money gets used properly? Ogras jested when he saw Zac hurry over.


    I wish I had that much free time, Zac sighed before retelling his experience with the Abbot, though he didn''t mention the identity of Lord 84<sup>th</sup> as instructed.


    I have never heard of such a thing, but he sounds extremely powerful. Cultivation through rebirth, Ogras mumbled before throwing Zac a weird look. How odd that a baby not only birthed a monster like you but a second oddity like that old monk. I cant remember a single person from my ever gaining insight into the Dao of Karma, yet that old goat did it within a month of getting integrated.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Stranger yet, it felt like the Abbot wasnt the only one. Salvation would bepletely unstoppable on Earth unless Zac was there to thwart him, showcasing a power far beyond what was normal for his level. And there was Billy with his superhuman power and the primordial aura he emitted when he changed form. And those were only the ones he knew of.


    Perhaps there were even more oddities that simply matured a bit slower and couldn''t be found on thedder yet.


    So what do you think about what the prophecy? Zac asked.


    We know too little to be sure whats hidden inside the Mystic Realm. But if multiple forces are currently invested in that ce it can only mean that our entrance isnt the only one. Things might get extremely chaotic soon, which might be our only chance. Perhaps we can fish in muddy waters and snatch the benefits for ourselves, Ogras mused.


    Ive been thinking about it. The Underworld Incursion is fire-attuned, which might be troublesome for you. It might be better if you stay here and investigate. I could bring Verana instead to test her out down there, Zac ventured.


    Ogras hesitated for a bit before he reluctantly nodded.


    You better not hoard all the goodies down there if I do this for you, he muttered. Youre going to the treasure caves and Im stuck wandering those spooky halls where E-Grade monsters might be lurking around every corner. And don''t give those beast maniacs to many benefits, they have just joined and haven''t contributed anything.


    Ill set aside anything that looks like it might benefit you, Zac said with a snort before taking out the small golden dagger. Are you ready?


    Ogras nodded and threw out the mangled corpse of Salvation.


    I still havent touched anything in his Cosmos Sack yet. How do you know which item is sharing our position? Ogras asked.


    No idea, Zac said a bit sheepishly as he held the cutter. The Abbot said things would be apparent.


    He wasnt messing with you by any chance? Ogras said as he skeptically looked at the small fruit knife in Zacs hand.


    Zac was about to open the floor to suggestions when the knife suddenly burst into an almost blinding light reminiscent of the golden ribbons that Zac had seen. He had to cover his eyes for a second while Ogras shied away as he shrouded himself inyers of shadows.


    What the- the demon shouted, but as soon as the knife burst into light the blinding radiance disappeared.


    But a golden luster was still circling the knife as it hummed with power, and Salvations Cosmos Sack was actually humming with it. Zac walked over to see what was going on, and when he spread his awareness into the sack he immediately spotted the thing that was causing the connection.


    It wasnt the golden fractal as Zac had expected, but rather a small nondescript token that seemed to be made from stone. There were no fractals on it and no power emanated from it either when he took it out from the pouch. Zac would have thought it was a simple memento if it wasnt marked by the knife.


    What now? Zac asked, looking over to Ogras.


    How would I know? Try stabbing it, that usually solves most of my problems, Ogras shrugged, still keeping a respectful distance.


    Zac didnt have any better idea, so he ced the token on a stone before stabbing down at it with the fruit knife. He didnt use a lot of his power, but the stab still contained enough force to turn a normal stone to dust. But his swing was stopped short the moment it hit the stone and not a single mark was left on the surface, proving it was no ordinary stone.


    The knife suddenly shattered, making Zac''s eyes widen in rm, but the next moment a flood of golden light poured into the token until it cracked with a loud snap. A hurricane of energies erupted from the stone, throwing Zac a dozen meters away and almost pushed him into the zone with spatial tears. Zac grunted as he got to his feet, but he froze when he spotted a familiar figure within the storm of energies that the token unleashed.


    It was The Great Redeemer.


    Two people floated in space, seemingly unbothered by the fact that there was no oxygen to breathe. They were looking down at a with two massive continents separated by a vast singr ocean. But only they knew what they were seeing as their eyes sparkled with enigmatic light.


    Such a grand convergence of fate, Lord 84<sup>th</sup> said with some wonder. But I wonder if it is orchestrated or the will of the heavens?


    The other monks and the mountain had already been stowed away and missed out on the spacewalk. Even the Abbot had been shocked to find that his master housed a whole world in his heart where his disciples resided.


    It was where he would live as well for the foreseeable future, hidden away from all pain and suffering of the mortal world to ponder upon the mysteries of the universe. To his aide were senior monks who had walked the path for thousands of years and treasures that most could only dream of. But even though such an opportunity had presented itself he couldnt help but feel unreconciled.


    Is there nothing this poor monk can do to help? Is severing Karma truly the only path? Abbot Evesting Peace sighed from the side as he looked down on the.


    You should understand the price of meddling with karma by now, Lord 84<sup>th</sup> said as he pointedly looked at the old mans arm that was limply hanging to the side. "There is nothing you can do."


    But the Abbot looked resolute even though divulging the path to his young friend had cost him the use of his arm.


    What is the point of enlightenment if one cannot use it for saving others? he retorted.


    Lord 84<sup>th</sup> shook his head as he looked into the distance.


    You remind me of my senior brother. He walked the path you are speaking of, taking on the worlds sorrows. That path is wrought with suffering, the sea of bitterness has no bounds. And who knows if there is even salvation at the end of the road? Is it truly worth it? the little master said with sorrow in his eyes.


    But if this useless monk doesnt step through the gates of hell, who will?

 Chapter 323: Sowing Grudges

    Chapter 323: Sowing Grudges


    Even though Zac was ced face to face with thergest threat to Earth he didnt panic. The reason was that The Great Redeemer was obviously not there in person. With his hazy appearance it was clear it was a projection or a splinter of his soul like the one inside Salvations protective talisman. He had already survived a hologram of this man before, and that was when he was far weaker than now.


    But after observing the man for a second Zac felt that the former was more likely than thetter. While the man who appeared from destroying the token was clearly The Great Redeemer, so was it also clear that he looked a lot older than the man Zac saw during the hunt.


    The version of the Redeemer that saved Salvation looked to be around Zac''s own age or even younger, a man in the prime of his life. But the figure currently ring at Zac and Ogras was a lot older, looking like someone in his fifties or sixties. That wasnt the only difference as arge scar ran across his face, and the wound contained some sort of sinister energy. It seemed like the result of an extremely powerful attack, one that couldnt be easily healed.


    Zac knew there was only one reason that a cultivator would look this old. There was arge difference to how aging worked with cultivatorspared to mortals. Most of ones lifespan was spent looking pretty young and when you evolved further you gained enough control to change one''s apparent age without using any skill. At the same time, you would be at peak physical capacity all the while.


    It was only when one was truly closing in on the end of ones lifespan would one begin to age physically, and most races even lost attributes as the body degraded. The undead was one exception to this rule, as they became stronger as they lost their sanity due to the degradation in their minds.


    That meant that the Great Redeemer was nearing the end of his life, and might be dead in just a hundred years unless he managed to break through his current bottleneck and improve his race once again. It was no wonder he had concocted such a cumbersome method to harvest new worlds that took thousands of years; he was out of options and running out of time.


    The two of you are not mine, and you have broken my beacon, the Great Redeemer said with a raspy voice as he looked back and forth between Zac and Ogras. It looks like you know of my grand design.


    Zac was about to answer, but Ogras quickly motioned for him to be quiet as a muzzle of shadows appeared around his mouth.


    Clever child. A bit unusual for your race, the man snickered with a sinister light in his eyes. But it will not be enough. Those who try to cut my lifeline will inevitably be condemned to a lifetime of suffering. If I cannot find you now then I will find you a hundred yearster.


    The next moment the projection disappeared, leaving the two alone by the Mystic Realm.


    That was close, the demon muttered as he put away Salvation again.


    Why didnt you want me to speak with him? Zac asked.


    A precaution, and it looks like I was right. That man was truly here in person this time, who knows what means he possesses, the demon exined. He obviously has some insight into Karma, and I dont think he would do something so taxing as to project himself all the way here without reason. He was likely trying to form a new Karmic connection with us.


    Understanding dawned in Zacs eyes, and he once again felt lucky to have the demon by his side.


    What about his threat? Do you really think he will try to find us in a hundred years?" Zac asked with some skepticism. "Even if we lose our protection from the System we wouldn''t be that easy to find in the multiverse."


    Hmm, Ogras mused. Probably?


    What, really? He would be that petty? Zac blurted.


    Well, he seems to be at the end of his line. If he fails his promotion because of us he might as well kill us as revenge before he passes on, right? And if he manages to evolve in spite of us he might still go for us to nip any potential revenge in the bud, or just because he can, Ogras said. Its prettymon. Keeping grudges in ones heart is detrimental to concentration and can even negatively impact ones cultivation. And he does not look like the person who will just let go of his grudges.


    Zac remembered the crystal about Galvarion he read in Theas Library. That man had been the same. The moment he broke through to the next stage he would start a round of revenge against everyone that had slighted him while he was weak. Perhaps it was not only due to being unforgiving but also to clear his mind of any demons that might haunt him as he pushed toward new heights.


    So even if we defeat the Dominators he will still be a threat? Zac asked.


    There is always a threat, Ograsughed. If not him then some other bastard that either has what you need or needs what you have. That is what it is to be alive. But it would at least buy us 100 years to get stronger. Dont dwell too much on it.


    Youre right, Zac nodded, No point in taking his words to heart when there''s a century to go."


    Well sure, but it might also be another ploy by him. Why would he expose his ns like that like some second-rate viin? He seems more calcting than that. Perhaps he wants us to obsess about the looming threat of his arrival to the point that we actually form a connection with him that way, Ogras said.


    Is that even possible? Zac asked after a brief pause.


    No idea, Karmic Cultivators are pretty secretive about what they can and cannot do. Its best to focus on the tasks at hand anyway. What will be will be, Ogras said and walked over to the chest with the array gs. For now lets squeeze that assholes disciple for all benefits we can get.


    Ive asked my sister to look into a way of getting the Origin Dao inside the fractal. She should arrive when the gate is stabilized. If you''re in the area help her out if you''re able to," Zac said, drawing a surprised look from the demon.


    "What does thatss know about arrays? She''s an Elemental Mage," he said with confusion.


    Shes pretty good with energy control and she has started looking into inscriptions and arraystely. Besides, we dont have any other experts in that area, and I trust her. Unless you want me to ask around with the Tal-dar? Zac exined.


    Dont bring those beasts into the mix. We should keep the Origin Dao for a small circle to maximize our gains, Ogras said.


    Zac snorted, knowing he was mostly thinking about his own benefits. However, he did agree with keeping the Dao for a small group. He did not know the effect of the Origin Dao, but he didnt want to dilute it if it was anything like the Dao impartment he got from Yrial.


    Well, Ill help the girl out as best as I can while I look into what might be hiding inside this ce, Ogras said as he looked at the crack in the air in the distance. When are you leaving?


    My arm is mostly fine, but I need at least another day to get in fighting condition, Zac said before he left the demon to set up the array.


    Zac spent the next day catching up on everything that had happened while he had fought the Incursions and Salvations while he nned his foray into the underworld. The war with the Zombie hordes was proceeding as expected, but it was clear that the Undead Empire did not care about the braindead Zombies they unleashed on the world.


    It seemed as though there were surprisingly few elite zombies, and foreign undead like the Corpse Golems and specters were nowhere in sight. Ilvere posited in a report that he believed that the Undead Empire was simply using the hordes as sacrifices to spread Miasma.


    Every ce they passed essentially turned into a Dead Zone, increasing the area that was under their control. It wouldnt surprise Zac if they started expanding in other directions as well now that the threat of the monastery with their purifying powers was gone. Zac frowned as he read the reports, once again feeling how strapped for time they were.


    Emily had already caused a storm in Port Atwood to get the expedition to the underworld ready at the fastest speed, and while she held no official position most knew that she lived in the restricted area. So many took an order from her as an order from Zac himself, apart from the true core of Port Atwood. Zac didn''t bother stopping it since it was the first and only time she had borrowed his authority like this, and her orders were in line with his wishes.


    Both soldiers and nonbat sses stood at the ready to quickly set up a base camp in the underworld. It would both extract the riches of the area while acting as a stronghold in the fight against the underworld incursion. Since everything was dealt with at the home front Zac instead headed over to the Tal-dar to get some help.


    He might be enough to conquer the Incursion alone, but they didn''t know exactly how strong the invaders were. Besides, it had proven extremely effective to have two powerhouses in the strike squad. Zac couldn''t protect everyone all the time, and Ogras had been instrumental in keeping casualties at the minimum.


    A maid immediately led Zac to a sprawling mansion when Zac arrived through the teleporter, which was Verana''s private manor. The beast tamer sat and enjoyed the breeze as she had Grub in herp while Luluy snoozing to the side. When the fat little beast noticed Zacs arrival it roused itself and made a gurgling sound that he supposed was meant to be threatening.


    What brings young master here today? Verana asked as she petted Grub to calm him down. I heard about your battle with the one called Salvation. Is that demon talking you into removing thepetition before the war is even won?


    The integration turned Salvation crazy. He killed over a million of our own people before I stopped him, Zac exined.


    He still hadnt told her about the looming threat of the Great Redeemer, but he felt that it still wasnt time to divulge that. That topic would instead be broached when the situation on Earth had stabilized somewhat.


    More importantly, I require your assistance, Zac added.


    We stayed behind as to set the foundation of a mutually beneficial cooperation between our two forces, Verana said with a frown. We are not soldiers you can simply send to the front line.


    Zac rolled his eyes before he exined the situation with the underworld, making sure to divulge the massive wealth in passing.


    While we might not be soldiers we are also Tel-dar. We cant stand for innocent people getting ughtered like that. We will join your assault on the fire golems, Verana nodded, before quickly adding. As for the resources that might fall under your control, we of course expect a share equal to the help we provided.


    Of course, Zac snorted.


    It looked like that one thing that tied most people together was the love of shiny things. After Verana agreed to apany Zac she asked her maid to gather twenty soldiers to join. Since battle would likely take ce in tunnels and slightly cramped spaces they didnt feel fielding arge army was the best option. Instead, they would stay with the tactic of utilizing small elite squads.


    But the Tal-dar also insisted on bringing a contingent of nonbat sses to eke out their own piece of the underworld. The demons and Calrin had already prepared simrity in addition to the people that Emily gathered, so Zac didnt stop Verana from doing the same.


    He would still be in control of the outpost and the teleporter above-ground, and he could easily have it act as a toll booth for any and all resources that flowed from the underworld back to this continent.


    Besides ironing out the details of their cooperation Zac also had Verana sign the same type of agreement that all others of the strike force had already agreed upon. He had already decided that he would take this trip in his undead form unless the underworld incursion proved too powerful. He wanted to be as time-efficient as possible, and he wanted to gain some levels to his Undying Bulwark ss.


    He had already nned a few things out since it would be too troublesome to force everyone to sign an agreement. Instead of using the easily recognizable <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> he would use the unassuming Spirit Tool Sword from the hunt along with his shield while changing his appearance with <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>.


    Only the core people who went would know his real identity, while the rest would know him as another alien expert that he took under his wing. Between the different skills, face, and aura there should be no one who was able to glean his true identity.


    Divulging his second ss after Verana was sworn to secrecy went about as expected with her almost keeping over in shock. Interestingly enough she seemed equally annoyed as Ogras about his unique advantages.


    No wonder Tylia has looked constipated since returning. She hates keeping secrets, Verana muttered. I cant believe you possess two races. Teaming up with you might be my biggest contribution to the family ever.


    Thats nice, I guess, Zac shrugged.


    So what should we call you when you y undead? Verana asked, pulling herself together.


    Uh Zac said, nking out.


    Why not something simple, like Mr. ck? Verana proposed.

 Chapter 324: Mr. Black

    Chapter 324: Mr. ck


    Zac grimaced at the suggestion but he couldnt think of anything better to call himself.


    Fine, Mr. ck it is, Zac said with some resignation.


    He had heard that many Cultivators in the multiverse went by a self-chosen Dao Name rather than their real name while they traveled or visited Mystic Realms. Perhaps he should start looking for a good one so that he didnt find himself in this position all the time.


    The two waited for another twenty minutes before the maid arrived once again to inform them that the required people had been assembled. The two got up and after Verana inspected the group and made some small personnel adjustments they left for Port Atwood.


    Soon they found themselves in therge lobby of the official teleportation array, and the Tal-dar looked around in surprise, some praising the architecture. For all their other differences Zac felt the two had pretty simr tastes in buildings after visiting the Tal-dar town. Both seemed to enjoy integrating nature into their homes, making their buildings living and ever-changing.


    Verana only briefly looked around the building before her eyes found therge sign by the exit.


    Whats the Tower of Myriad Dao? she immediately asked with a small frown.


    Its a Dao Repository, Zac sighed, inwardly cursing Bra for his insistence on keeping that sign up.


    How does a baby world possess a Dao repository? Verana said with confusion. And why would you choose to broadcast it like that? It seems like a way to invite trouble.


    The system gives out all kinds of things as rewards to quests, Zac shrugged. And we have our reasons for putting it there.


    "The Tir''Emarel n would be willing to pay arge amount of Nexus Coins or Crystals for the opportunity to peruse it, and you can name your price for taking one of the eight named inheritances," Verana said.


    "I am afraid the things inside are not for sale, but some are avable through merit. We can talk about that at ater date," Zac said, ending the conversation on that topic.


    The Tal-dar had been quite amodating so far, and it was true that they were stuck here on Earth for better or worse. But hey had just joined his forcest week, and Zac wasn''t about to give them the keys to the kingdom. They would have to prove themselves before they could dream of even seeing the inside of the Towers.


    Verana and Tylia threw each other a nce before following in tow. They quickly exited the teleportation structure, and they were soon met with a contingent of Demon Warriors and Valkyries, both of which red at the Tal-dar behind Zac.


    What dense energy, Verana muttered as she looked at the town still undergoing rapid construction, ignoring the squads who had likelye over to intimidate her. Did you chose this spot due to proximity to a Nexus Vein?


    I guess you could say this spot chose me, Zac responded with a sardonic smile, nodding at Joanna who hurried toward them.


    You remember the people from the TirEmarel n. Settle them for the day. They will join us tomorrow when we head to the new continent, Zac exined. And pleasee to my courtyardter.


    Joanna nodded and was about to respond but turned toward the sound of a rapid tapping on the ground.


    Honorable Beast Masters! a voice suddenly resounded from the distance, and Zac saw Calrin run over with as much speed as his short legs allowed him. You honor Port Atwood with your presence. This humble one is Calrin Thayer, merchant by trade. I was quite delighted to hear that the great Tal-dar has chosen to align itself with Port Atwood. Please don''t hesitate to peruse our humble wares before heading to battle. You can''t bring money with you to the afterlife, so better spend it on our great armors and weaponry!


    Zac rolled his eyes and dragged the Sky Gnome over to the side.


    Whats with the show? Zac questioned. "We are about to head to the underworld."


    Great businessman will always make time for making money, even when facing death. And who knows what dangers lurk down there? Better if I get friendly with these people so I can use their dumb beasts as shields, Calrin said with a shrewd look. Besides, who knows if they will find treasure down there? We want it spent or traded with us rather than taken home for their n to inspect.


    Zac gave the Sky Gnome a small thumbs-up before heading back to his courtyard, leaving the merchant to make some inroads with the Tal-dar. He wasn''t interested in the logistics, and Verana had expressed interest to tour the city, so he let Joanna handle that.


    This time his ce was already upied as Kenzie sat under the shade of a tree with a crystal in her hand. Zac noticed that it was the same crystal on formations that he had perused himself during the time he was trapped at the entrance to Anzonils array in the hunt. Zac didnt interrupt her and instead started to go through the merit exchange for things to use while under the guise of Mr. ck.


    The Merit Exchange tokens that all Port Atwood citizens carried had the extremely convenient options of opening a screen to disy all the avable items at any time. However, it was impossible to buy or reserve any items, so one could only browse. The golems had exined it as a motivational tool. If people kept browsing for treasures they desired, then they would work harder to gather merit.


    Joannater arrived as instructed, and Zac filled her in on his n. He didnt need to worry about her or any of the other Valkyries since they were all bound to him, so he freely told her about how he would pretend to be Mr. ck. Kenzie had stopped reading by this point and instead chosen to listen in on the conversation.


    "I have the perfect thing for your disguise," Kenzie said with some excitement after Joanna left to handle things for tomorrow.


    Zac skeptically looked at her as she took out a demonic face mask made from some metal, reminding Zac of a Japanese Oni. It was mostly ck but had some red details, while a few simple fractals covered the inside. Zac took it with some interest and looked it over.


    "Where did you get this thing?" he asked curiously.


    Its Ogras, but I dont think he will mind. It was meant to be worn by one of the viins in his movie, Kenzie exined. Its a prop.


    His WHAT? Zac blurted, almost dropping the demonic mask.


    Oh, he hasnt told you? Kenzie giggled. Hes trying to make an action movie about Cultivation. He has essentially stolen what happened to you and made some alterations. I think this particr mask was made for one of the generals in the incursion that the main character would battle before a final fight with the big boss.


    Zac nkly looked at Kenzie for a few seconds before sighing and shaking his head.


    He actually did it. I better get some royalties if he is using my story to make money, he said before suddenly looking up at his sister. Wait, why do you have that thing if its Ogras movie?


    Kenzie looked a bit startled for a second before rolling her eyes.


    Ive attached myself as a consultant and liaison between his actors and the human engineers he has scrounged up for CGI, she exined. So I have ess to all kinds of things. Did you know that Zakarith has been made the love interest for the main character?


    Zacs thoughts went to the diminutive demoness he had captured for information back in the day and could imagine how Ogras had bullied the poor girl into joining the production. It was distracting enough that he lost his train of thought, and soon he was back to finding things that would go well with the mask.


    The next morning four distinct groups streamed toward the teleporter to transport over to Westbound Harbor, the name Mr. Trang had chosen for the outpost on the desert continent. One by one the people stepped inside the circle and disappeared.


    The smallest contingent were the fourteen Sky Gnomes decked from top to bottom in defensive treasures and Cosmos Sacks. Next was a squad led by the Valkyries who guarded around 150 nonbat personnel who would be responsible for setting up camp in the underworld.


    Finally were the demonic and Tal-dar groups. The demons were a bit subdued because all their leaders were upied elsewhere, but it didnt stop them from ring at their old enemies with all they had. The newest additions to Port Atwood wouldnt be outdone in the death stare department, and if res could kill the whole area would have run red with blood by now.


    Zac looked on at the proceedings from the sidelines, having already changed his appearance before appearing this morning. The Spirit Tool sword named <strong>[Hunger]</strong> hung by his waist, still radiating boundless killing intent. He had chosen not to bind it with a drop of blood because he would probably return it after the incursion into the underworld.


    Not binding the weapon would essentially cut the power the sword could exhibit in half, but a weapon wasnt too important to his fighting style as an undead in any case. His power rather came through his shield. As for his robes he had found a pitch-ck warriors robe from his gains during the hunt that possessed at least the basic cleaning and resizing fractals. It was nowhere near as good as his real Spirit Tool he got from Yrial, but defense was thest thing hecked in his current form.


    The official story was that Ogras and Zac both were upied with an important mission, and they had instead summoned Verana and Mr. ck to hold down the fort while testing them out with a hard mission. Mr. cks true identity was unknown, but he was only said to be extremely strong and ruthless.


    A few demons had seemed interested in testing the veracity of the rumors, swaggering over with some bloodlust in their eyes. But after Zac released a deathly aura teeming with killing intent and the Dao of Rot they quickly changed their minds and hurried away, leaving him to his own devices while the groups teleported over to the other continent.


    At least it showed that no one could recognize who he truly was, and Zac wasnt surprised. He hadpletely changed every part of his appearance, and even if he didnt wear the mask he didnt believe anyone could tell who he truly was. He had even taken it off a few times in passing in front of others to quell any unwanted rumors of his identity.


    Zac was one of thest to step through the teleporter. After a few minutes of darkness, he stepped out into a scorching hot atmosphere. It had to be at least 45 degrees from what Zac could tell, and if this had been him from before the integration he would have been incapacitated in no time from the billowing heat.


    Now it barely registered for him, and only the weakest nonbat personnel were sweating a bit from the suns rays. He took look around and he had to say that Mr. Trang had found a pretty nice ce for himself. It was a secluded bay protected from the winds, and tropical trees lined the sandy beach. The familiar face of the old fisherman hurried over when he saw Zac standing and taking in the view.


    Mr Uh ck? Mr. Trang hesitantly said as he looked Zac up and down.


    Zac had already instructed Joanna to inform Mr. Trang of his true identity, because just like during the auction Mr. Trang would be representative of Port Atwoods human faction in the underworld. So Zac simply nodded in response before he was led to a recently erected structure where Joanna, Calrin, and Verana waited.


    With them was also Harvath, one of the E-Grade demons who was part of Zacs strike squad against the incursions. It looked like he had been chosen to represent the demons interest in this venture. Zac looked around the room and took off his mask before sitting down.


    Its good to see you again Mr. Trang, Zac smiled, causing the old man to flinch a bit.


    Zac knew Mr. Trang was a bit thrown by the pitch-ck eyes, but he pretended to not notice.


    Has something happened? I cant see the mentioned town in the teleportation menu, Zac continued.


    It only opens two times a day at random times, and it stays open for just a few minutes. We believe it is a security measure," Mr. Trang exined. "It was through dumb luck that we noticed it. But it opened five hours ago so it should open again within 5-6 hours."


    "Great," Zac said. "I want everyone ready. We''re immediately heading down the next time it opens."

 Chapter 325: Underworld Nexus

    Chapter 325: Underworld Nexus


    Whos going first through the teleporter? Mr. Trang suddenly asked.


    Zac was about to say that he would enter first, but he suddenly froze when he saw the old man imperceptibly nce at the new addition to Port Atwood''s forces. Only at that point did he realize the problem.


    If he went first Verana would be the strongest person above-ground, and she could easily destroy the teleporter, effectively trapping Zac in the underworld. He didnt know what she would gain from doing something like that, but he also wasnt willing to take the risk with so many things riding on him. This ce was the only link to the surface, and if it was that easy to reach it by foot the people of the underworld would already have left.


    Verana, Joanna, Mr. Trang, and I will all go down together. When the situation is secured Joanna will return to get the rest, Zac said, quickly adjusting his n.


    Verana looked a bit surprised at being included in the advance group, but a small smile suddenly crept up on her face and she simply nodded in agreement.


    I want to go as well, Emily said as she burst through the door, clearly having eavesdropped on them. You promised.


    No, you''ll join the second group, Zac finally rejected after some hesitation.


    Things might get a bit crazy when they arrived unprompted, especially when they brought an alien, so bringing Emily in the earliest group was without benefit. He was also worried she would act hastily when she got down there, so he wanted to stabilize the situation first.


    My goal is to make whoever is on the other side open the teleporter within an hour to let the rest of you through, Zac then added when he saw Emily''s face scrunch up. If that doesnt happen something might have gone wrong. But dont enter the teleporter before Joanna hase out even if it opens again.


    The others quickly nodded in agreement before they ironed out the finer details of the expedition. The name of the teleportation destination was Underworld Nexus, and it hinted at what sort of ce they were heading into. Since the teleporter opened to the public every day there should be some strong people holding down the fort, and there might also be quite some foot traffic.


    If it was possible they would avoid causing anymotion since it might be more convenient to get a better understanding of the underground if their true identities werent exposed yet. The fact that Verana would join them would make that a bit harder, but she said she possessed a treasure that would allow her to apany them without her origins getting exposed.


    There was also the risk that the ce was like the Cradle of God, a death trap that tried to swallow everyone foolish enough to enter, which was another reason why Zac was hesitant to bring Emily. Better the small group of elites go first and sound out the situation.


    In the end, there was only so much that could be done when they had no idea what they dealt with, so soon enough everyone retreated to their respective groups to sit down and meditate while waiting.


    Zac briefly pondered on the Dao of Rot until one of Mr. Trangs men let him know that the teleporter was open on the other side. Zac only grunted in affirmation as he got to his feet, and was soon joined by the other three who would go with him as the advance group.


    Zac was interested to note that Lulu and Grub were nowhere to be seen, reced with a rocklike snake that circled her left arm like a bracer. The Beast Master noticed Zacs look and smiled as she scratched the head of the snake, eliciting an odd purring sound.


    This is Slither, she introduced. Lulu and Grub might be out of their element in the underworld considering their size. Slither is much more ustomed to subterranean fighting and scouting.


    Zac nodded in understanding, feeling that Beast Master was a pretty convenient ss. One could simply shore up any weakness by capturing another beast, and you stayed out of harms way while your beasts battled for you.


    Then again, Zac knew things werent that simple. It took both time and arge number of resources to rear a battle beast. And just capturing it was not enough since if there was no connection it might refuse to fight for you, or even betray you at a critical juncture. Zac didnt like the concept of relying on others for keeping himself safe. He would rather depend on his own to fists for protection than some familiar.


    Time was of the essence so the small group immediately headed over to the Teleportation array. Zac still donned his mask, making him look like a human hiding his identity. Verana instead wrapped a white cowl to obscure her features, and itpletely hid her non-human features.


    More interestingly the cowl seemed to possess some magical feature that made Verana less conspicuous, and Zac had a hard time focusing on her even though he knew about it. It was as though he got distracted by stray thoughts any time he looked in her direction, and soon his eyes drifted away.


    "How curious," Mr. Trang muttered with some interest, clearly having realized the magical feature of the cowl as well.


    Since it looked like Verana wouldn''t be a problem Zac immediately activated the array, and in short order all four had stepped through and disappeared.


    After a brief stint in the darkness, the foursome found themselves in arge vaulted cavern teeming with people. They stood on a tform that was raised around a meter into the air, and as he looked over the sea of people he noted that most were streaming toward tworge exits on the opposite side of the cave.


    The cave itself didn''t feel as stuffy as Zac had feared, and the ceiling reached almost twenty meters in the air. The area was also pretty well lit by abination ofrge iid crystals in the walls and the ever-present glowing moss. The air was a bit stale though, and theck of any natural light was a bit ufortable. But Zac easily adjusted his state of mind, since he had been in a simr ce for weeks during the hunt.


    A quick estimation would put the number in the cave above a thousand, and he noted that this ce was far more integrated between the races than how it was on the surface. Humans made up almost half of the people in the cave, which wasnt surprising considering how populous the old Earth waspared to the others that got smashed together.


    But there were representatives from all three of the other races in the streams of pedestrians, and many groups consisted of a mix of human, Ishiate and the Ratmen. Even a handful of Zhix walked along without causing any trouble, though it looked that the Zhix always only walked with their own kind.


    Hey, stop dawdling! Present your tokens and make way for the next group, a gruff voice said, making Zac look over at a guard who red at them from beneath the tform.


    Zac realized that over twenty guards were standing there, and apart from three who inspected a group in front of them they all looked in their direction. The one who had spoken to them was a muscr Ishiate, but all four races apart from the Zhix were represented among the guards.


    He could also breathe out in relief when he realized that neither his nor Verana''s hidden features had caused any rm amongst the guards. Actually, quite a few of the people in the area had obscured their features to varying degrees.


    In the end Sap Trang stepped forward after shooting a brief nce at Zac and Verana.


    We do not possess any tokens, he exined with a smile. "It is our first timeing here."


    You cannot enter the Underworld Nexus without a token, the beastman said with a shake of his head. Are you members of the Union or the Council?


    The Union? Council? We are not part of either, Sap Trang said with some confusion.


    Fresh meat? the Ishiate interrupted with some surprise. Youre the first in a while, must be from a pretty secluded sector. Come with me and Ill exin things.


    The man seemed pretty eager, and Zac noted that the other guards looked at the beastman who had spoken up with some envy as he ushered them away from the teleportation tform.


    He wasnt worried that this ce was a trap since the people who were continuously streaming out of the teleporter seemed aware of the rules of this ce, and they hurriedly presented the same sort of token upon arrival. At the same time, there was a smaller stream of people leaving as well, walking against the stream to use another teleportation array to return to wherever they came from.


    The Underworld Nexus is a neutral town meant as a gathering ce for all the native factions of the underworld. Most of those you seeing and going either belong to the Union or the Underworld Council. The Union is led by a group of merchants, the guard started exining as they entered the side passage.


    A notable name among you humans from the Union is Little Treasure, who is one of the eight top figures. The union control most of the high-grade mines and many other lucrative resources, so they are extremely wealthy. Thats why many elite cultivators have joined them to enjoy great benefits.


    The Council is a group of extremely strong warriors. They are on the frontline in the fight against the incursions, but they also control a lot of the best training grounds. They arent as wealthy as the Union, but they make up for it with military might."


    The Incursions? What does that mean? Zac asked, thankful his voice didnt change too much in his Draugr form.


    Zac, of course, knew what the beastman was talking about. But from how he exined it, it sounded like there was more than one incursion in the underworld.


    You are truly lucky if you havent been impacted by those alien cultivators in all this time, the Ishiate guard muttered as he led the group to a guarded side-exit of the cave. When the Integration took ce it also opened portals to other worlds, and foreign invaders havee through those gates. The main goal of the Council is to close those gates, and the Union is generally helping the war effort with resources.


    How many gates are there? Mr. Trang asked, understanding what Zac wanted to know.


    There are four that we know off, and the worst of them are the fire golems. They have killed millions of people, the Ishiate sighed. I moved here after they flooded my hometown withva. Only a fraction of us survived, our ancestral halls turned to cinders.


    Zac was truthfully not too surprised that there were multiple incursions. The Underworld spanned a huge area, and hundreds of millions of humans had been teleported here. In fact, he felt it was pretty good news to hear there was more than one. If the system only sent one incursion to test the whole underworld it would likely have meant that particr incursion was terrifyingly strong.


    So where are we headed? Sap Trang finally asked after they had walked the empty passage for some time.


    We need to issue tokens if you wish to enter this ce. Please beware, these tokens are not free as they require inscriptions to work. Each one costs 50 000 Nexus Coins, the guard exined until he finally stopped in front of a door. In here.


    The group entered and saw a human sit with an engraving kit in his hands, with a small mountain of tokens behind him. The process of acquiring tokens was pretty simple, with only a drop of blood being needed to bind the Token while the inscriber activated it. But Zac suspected the tokens contained a tracking array just like the one in Westfort.


    If you want my advice you should quickly join one of the forces as quickly as possible. There is some semnce of order in the Nexus, but truthfully it is quite dangerous for a small unaffiliated group to walk the streets. You might get robbed of your treasures, or even killed, the guard suddenly said as they got their tokens. As luck would have it I know a few people in the Union, and I could introduce you."


    Are the two forces the only ones around? Mr. Trang asked, sidestepping the offer.


    The guard looked a bit irritated at getting his pitch derailed, but he quickly controlled his mood.


    Well, there are some smaller groups and towns that are not directly affiliated with the Union or the Underworld Council, but at least 60% of those who walk the streets here are part of either of them. So what do you say, do you want to head over to my friends in the union? Its a pretty rare opportunity, and I wouldnt offer if I hadnt felt that you guys are pretty strong, the Ishiate exined.


    Some disdain shed in the eyes of the inscriber as he worked on the final token, but it quickly disappeared a momentter as the man refocused on his work. But both Zac and Verana had noted it, and they threw each other a look.


    It seemed to Zac that the great opportunity was nothing more than a scam. Perhaps joining the Union would mean something like joining the New World Government, getting an overlord taking control of your hometown. It was most likely not very hard to join on ones own, and the guard in front of them perhaps even got amission for leading new blood to the ughter.


    Is it the Council or the Union that controls this ce? Zac suddenly asked, as he never heard the guard mention it.


    Actually, neither, the Ishiate said as he scratched his chin.


    At this time the inscriber spoke up for the first time, briefly shooting Zac a nce.


    This ce is under the control of the richest man in the underworld, Lord Smaug himself.

 Chapter 326: Subterranean Diplomacy

    Chapter 326: Subterranean Diplomacy


    He controls this town by himself? How is that possible? He is not even on the power Ladder, Mr. Trang said with some suspicion after hearing the inscriber''s promation.


    Wealth trumps over power, the inscriber said. Anyone who tries to cause trouble will get sted by his various treasures or arrays. I doubt even the Super Brother-Man would dare to cause a ruckus in the Underworld Nexus.


    Zac slowly nodded, remembering Ogras words. With enough wealth it was possible topletely ensconce yourself within your sphere of influence, buyingyers afteryers of defensive and offensive structures. Of course, while it was entirely possible to smash your enemies with piles of money it was also true that wealth couldn''t trump over supreme power.


    So hes not part of any force? Mr. Trang asked curiously. Seems like he would be better off joining this Union.


    He has his ownpany, Dragonwing Enterprises, and many underlings here in the city. I work for Dragonwing Enterprises for example, the inscriber exined drawing a re from the guard.


    They only recruit locally though, the Ishiate hurriedly added. So how about it? Shall we head to the Union? Or if fighting is more your style, I actually have some friends working for the Council as well.


    Zac didnt immediately answer but instead went over what they had learned. He knew they might only have scratched the surface, but it still felt like they had a good enough understanding of the underworld to get to work.


    The splintered forces had generally clumped together intorger groups, but it seemed there were no individuals strong enough to be sole leaders. Instead, councils were formed where power was shared. The only exception was this Smaug character who seemed solely to control this town by virtue of wealth rather than strength.


    Now that they knew who the yers were and what kind of ce they had arrived at there was no longer any need for subterfuge. Zac never meant for them to keep their anonymity forever, as there was no point in doing so. They needed to speak with Smaug, and the quickest way to do this was to exin who they were. Mr. Trang seemed to be of the same idea, as he shot a nce at Zac who made a small signal with his hand.


    I am afraid that we do not n to join any force, Mr. Trang said with a smile at the Ishiate, before turning toward the inscriber. We would like to meet your boss.


    Both the ishiate and the inscriber looked a bit startled at the quick change in demeanor before the beastman let out a guffaw.


    Are you crazy? Do you think just anyone can just walk in here and act as they please? the guardughed derisively. "I am being nice enough to help you out, but you better smarten up before something bad happens."


    But the inscribers eyes thinned as he nced at Zacs party, and he seemed to take the situation seriously even though all of their auras werepletely restrained.


    Who are you? he asked.


    Wee from the surface, and we represent the Super Brother-Man, Mr. Trang said, hiding nothing. The forces of the surface world all tried to reach this ce the moment the hunt ended, but currently it is only the Super Brother-Man who possess the capabilities needed to reach this ce.


    Oh, the Super Brother-Man, is it? the Ishiateughed even harder. I forgot to introduce myself, I am Starlights long-lost brother, and this inscriber here is the cousin of Thea Marshall.


    Thats enough Terre- the inscriber said, but his words got caught in his throat as an aura as heavy as a mountain spread out, suffused with killing intent.


    The whole cavernous room started shaking and the two men both were unable to move. The Ishiate had fallen down on his belly and was crawling toward the door with horror in his eyes. The inscriber was not much better off as he had fallen back into the pile of empty tokens, his face white as a sheet.


    It wasnt Zac, but rather the snake who peeked out of Veranas sleeve that was emitting the dense aura, proving that it was another E-Grade beast under hermand. In fact, the aura it emitted was even stronger than those of Grub and Lulu, making Zac wonder if Verana held back during their fight.


    The Super Brother-Man has closed multiple incursions in the past week, but there is far more to do. He sent his right-hand man and a general to close the incursions down here, and help the people stuck here, Joanna exined when the snake finally crawled back inside Veranas sleeve and restrained its aura.


    Are you truly from the surface? the inscriber said, clearly starting to believe their words. Then why have only you arrived and no one else? We have waited for so long for assistance. And do you have any proof youre with the Super Brother-Man?


    It is simple. Most of the people on the surface believe that our new world consists of one huge continent, but that isnt true. There is, in fact, a second continent, but it is separated by a vast ocean. The Super Brother-Man is the only one with a fleet powerful enough to cross the ocean and survive the leviathans of the sea, Sap Trang exined.


    Shortly after we set up our outpost we noticed this ce appearing now and then on the teleportation panel, Joanna added. And as for proof? The force of the Super-Brother-man is Port Atwood, which you should know after the hunt.


    The next moment both her alignment from her status screen appeared, and her current position on thedder.


    Atwood Valkyrie a ranker! the inscriber said with shock. Are you his right-hand man? Or General?


    No, I am not strong enough for that yet, Joanna said, looking a bit pained before gesturing at Zac and Verana. Its those two.


    The implication was clear, and the inscriber immediately understood what she was getting at. Not even low rankers were strong enough to be generals under the Super Brother-Man.


    So, can you take us to Smaug now? Mr. Trang asked.


    Well Its not that simple, the inscriber said with a grimace before turning to the Ishiate who was still on the ground. Terrek, you can leave. I will take it from here.


    The Ishiate had been frozen by the door, both afraid to speak up and leave. When he heard the inscribers words it was as though he was granted a pardon, and after giving Zacs party a deep bow he scrambled out of the door.


    Why cant we meet him? Joanna pressured, her eyes thinning.


    I dont know where he is. No one does, the inscriber hurriedly exined. We dont know what Smaug looks like or where he lives. Hes onlymunicating through thework he has set up here, and the few times he appeared he has been disguised.


    So what now? Joanna asked with some displeasure.


    I can take your party to the headquarters of Dragonwing Enterprises. I am only middle management so I cant contact the Lord, but someone there should be able to, the appraiser said and got up from his seat.


    The group nodded since it seemed as good a n as any. They might have been able to force the man out by wreaking havoc on the town, but they hade to help people, not cause trouble. The appraiser, who introduced himself as Farid, led them out of the passageways into the town proper. A few scared faces peeked out through doors along the way, but hurriedly shied away when they passed.


    The Underworld Nexus waspletely different from what Zac had expected. It was still a cave, but it was just massive, likely evenrger than Port Atwood. It was at least 100 meters to the roof, helping quite a bit with the ustrophobic feeling. There was even some wind getting generated by a massive waterfall that fell into ake where Zac clearly could spot arge number of fishing vessels.


    The structures were simple but sturdy, mainly created from a mix of metal and stone. Many rooms didnt have roofs or walls though, instead opting for open architecture. Perhaps people felt enough closed-in as it was, and didnt want to box themselves in even further. Besides, it was not like there was going to be any bad weather down here.


    The oddest thing was that the whole thing was brightly lit up as though it was the middle of the day on the surface. The whole cave was illuminated by a couple of massive crystals ced on top of sturdy metal towers.


    We call them Day Crystals, and use them instead of sunlight, Farid exined when he saw the group''s looks. Smaug owns a mine where they extract them. These crystals are lit up 18 hours a day, with the first andst hour being at half power. We also sell smaller versions to add to your home because electricity is limited.


    Zac nodded, quite impressed by how quickly these people had adapted to life underground. But even with these pretty optimal conditions for a subterranean town, it was impossible to forget they were stuck under miles of rock. The town sharply ended where it reached the wall, and a few barricaded gates led out into the wild.


    As they walked it seemed to be more apparent that the exnation of the guard wasntpletely urate. It was true that the Union and the Underworld Council were the two most powerful forces along with Hive Arbak, the strongest Zhix hive in the underworld. In truth, their numbers only made up around 10 to 15% of the people in the Underworld Nexus rather than the 60%.


    But their influence reached far and wide in the underworld, and it was obvious by how they could so overtly bribe the Underground Nexus guards to do their bidding. As Zac suspected guard did get amission for enlisting new towns into these forces, which was why he made them sound grander than they truly were.


    But Farid exined how there was arge number of varying forces and independent warlords who controlled their respective sectors, making the underworld almost as chaotic as the surface. The towns were far more integrated between species though, mainly since the surface species were dropped off together at the same ce when the randomization of the took ce.


    But there was also arge number of refugees as the things Zac heard about the fire incursion was all too real. Every day more refugees streamed through the teleporter, and by now there was no more room to house them in the Underworld Nexus. Luckily there was nock of crystals, meaning the refugees could be teleported away to reinforce other towns in the underworldwork.


    So why has no one of youe to the surface? Joanna asked as they walked toward the Dragonwing headquarters. Youve had half a year to dig your way out.


    We tried, Farid said with a sigh. We all tried the first months. But something is odd with the stone, most of it is incredibly hard. Unless youre at least level 30 you can forget about even cutting out a chip from the walls, and even the stronger people have trouble making way. Not even the Geomancers are any good. Perhaps when people start reaching E-rank they will be strong enough.


    Just like there are mines with minerals and Crystals there are also mines with softer stone that can be extracted, the inscriber exined. Most settlements are made by the molemen though. The Underworld Nexus is almost unique in the fact that it ispletely made from scratch. The cave was found by Lord Smaug, and he founded the Nexus by the shore.


    The group soon enough reached the Dragonwing Headquarters, a vastplex next to theke. As they passed through the gate Zac couldn''t help but notice there were multipleyers of arrays around the building. He wasn''t worried now that they had already been let through, but if he read the energy fluctuations right he guessed that even he would have trouble cracking this ce open.


    After Farid exined their identities and the snake once again exhibited it''s might things proceeded quite quickly from there. The group was led to an open-air conference room while the manager sent an emergency transmission to their boss. The manager kept thempany as they waited, ensuring that Smaug never took longer than 20 minutes to respond to a message.


    The minutes passed and refreshments were brought in as they waited. The manager was extremely curious about the state of the surface and was ted when he heard that the Super Brother-Man was going around closing one incursion after another. The fact that he had started eyeing the underworld wasn''t met with suspicion at all by the stocky middle-aged man, but rather delight. The fire golems had truly pushed people to their limits, and it looked like there wasn''t a single person who hadn''t lost someone to their attacks.


    But Zac suddenly got a bad feeling as a gust made his ck cloak flutter. He immediately looked around and spotted an odd sphere beneath the table that he knew wasn''t there before. It didn''t emit any energy, but the feeling only got worse by the second, and Zac knew he could tarry any longer.


    Behind me! he growled as a field of death expanded around him from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, while his defensiveyers were erected one by one.


    Therge fractal shield was thest to materialize, and Zac ced it square between the rapidly erging ball and the group. The manager was held by his neck by a furious Joanna, but he was clearly not part of what was happening since he was screaming in fear, lookingpletely shocked by the change in atmosphere.


    Suddenly it sounded like a piece of ss cracking, and then the world turned white.

 Chapter 327: Billionaires Brawl

    Chapter 327: Billionaires'' Brawl


    A massive wave of electricity mmed into Zacs shield as he imbued himself with the Dao of Hardness. The ball had been something simr to his own<strong> [Thunder Punishment],</strong> though the energies were far more concentrated. It gave up the massive area of <strong>[Thunder Punishment]</strong> but instead gained a far greater intensity.


    A scream from behind told Zac that his shield wasn''t'' able to properly block out the energies as it was, and he tried imbuing <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> with the Dao of Sanctuary to see if it would change anything. The shield quickly started transforming, turning into something that looked like a wall that circled his group.


    The Dao imbuement apparently changed the way the shield worked, where it gave up some of its strength to instead be able to protect from all directions. Luckily the durability of the shield was still enough even though it was spread out over a wider area. The problem was that the Miasmic consumption drastically increased, though he would be able to keep it up for some time before he started to run out of energy.


    But Zac didnt want to wait for his attacker to tire himself or herself out, and he looked in all directions for the source of the attack. But it was impossible to see a thing through the storm of lightning outside the protective shield, and he could only growl in frustration. Joanna meanwhile looked ready to rip the Dragonwing manager into pieces as she threw him down on the ground and pointed her spear at him.


    Whats going on? she spat out through grit teeth. Whos attacking us?


    I swear I do not know! We have had some friction with the Uniontely, perhaps its them? the manager frantically said, trying to keep his head as far away from the spearhead as possible.


    Soon enough the lightning storm abated, but Zac barely had time to nce around before a dozen more spheres flew toward them, releasing an inferno of mes that tried to eat through his protectiveyers.


    Zac sighed as he realized that whoever was attacking them was unwittingly a pretty good counter to his undead ss. He had activated <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> the moment he realized they were under attack, but he sensed that it hadnt been used even once. It meant the skill didnt work against treasures, allowing their attacker to go on as he pleased without receiving any retribution.


    Do you want me to help out? Verana suddenly asked from behind, not sounding rmed in the slightest even though mes raged all around them.


    No need, Zac said after a brief pause. Protect the others while I deal with this.


    Verana would likely not have too much trouble dealing with this attacker, but Zac wanted to gain some experience in fighting in his undead form. He had only fought dumb animals when using Undying Bulwark, most of them turned even more rabid and irrational from the Darkness in the caverns beneath the Eastern Trigram Sect. Fighting a person in disadvantageous conditions felt like a pretty good way to find the limitations and strengths of his current ss.


    Finally, Zac managed to spot a hooded figure in the distance, and he immediately activated <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> to get some idea about their attacker. But either the man possessed tremendous Intelligence, or more likely he owned a protective treasure because Zac could not even get the mans name from the skill.


    The limits of the ocr skill were once shining through, and Zac was starting to wonder if it was even worth that he relearned and evolved the skill for his undead form. But he was still unable to get his hands on a better option, as the only anciry skill that the lowest floor of his Dao Repository contained was <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. Hopefully, there would be some more options for supportive skills on the next floor, as those were the only skills that seemed to work for both his sses.


    It looked like the man in the distance was imbuing yet another ball with Cosmic Energy, though this one shuddered with another type of energy than electricity. Zac didnt want to give him time to lob yet another of those things at him and mmed his shield into the ground with a roar.


    A huge shockwave of spikes ripped out of the ground and pushed toward the masked man with great speed, destroying anything in its path. It was the attack engraved into the shield itself, and its effect was even better than Zac had expected. The attacker looked up in rm, but before he could move the wave of spikes was upon him.


    A green shimmer appeared around the masked attacker, and the spikes immediately turned into a murky liquid formed a corrosive pool on the ground. Zac tsked in annoyance and pushed forward, inwardly annoyed with theck of movement options in his undead ss.


    But he was still extraordinarily fast due to his massive pool of Dexterity, and Zac was upon the man before he could finish fueling the next offensive array. But the masked attacker seemed to possess an almost endless bag of tricks, and two of his rings lit up when Zac swung his sword down with furious momentum.


    The man disappeared in the blink of an eye, reced with arge head of a humanoid skeleton that radiated extremely sinister energies. Zacs brows rose in surprise, but before he had time to create any distance the skeleton spewed out arge gust of a grey haze, covering every inch of his body.


    Zac froze for a second, but he soon realized the odd attack simply had no effect on him. He once again thanked the cheat-like constitution of a Draugr, realizing that the mist was likely some poison his undead body was immune to. He swung his huge tower shield with a grunt, creating a gust that blew the mists away, and he immediately spotted the man in the distance.


    Smaug? Zac ventured, and the man stopped moving before once again starting to prepare for his next wave of assaults, pretty much confirming his hunch. Why are you attacking us? Port Atwood and The Super Brother-Man has no enmity with you or your faction.


    It does not matter, Smaug answered with a t voice, taking out a smaller crystal this time. Sometimes were just leaves drifting in the wind.


    The crystal released a shockwave before a blue fractal appeared in the sky above him. Zac wouldnt have been rmed if that was all it did, but he looked on in trepidation as another fractal hundreds of meters across also appeared in the air above theke.


    Strong winds that had no ce in the Underworld buffeted the whole cave as waves rose over ten meters in the air from the disturbance caused by the huge fractal. Zac was even having some trouble keeping his footing from the torrential winds, and he finally punched the shield into the ground to get a proper footing.


    Zac was unsure what to do as five enormous streams rose from theke, causing dozens of fishing vessels to capsize. The streams melded together into an enormous leviathan that reached the ceiling of the cave before falling toward him. He wasnt sure if Verana could handle an attack of this magnitude, but she gave a signal that they were fine when he looked back at them.


    The others had moved far away from the battle, and a sturdy-looking red barrier shone around them. It gave Zac some confidence as he turned back to face the iing attack of the array. His muscles swelled to almost ridiculous proportions as he empowered his arms with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    Thest moment before the humongous water creature mmed into the ground he infused his shield with the Dao of Heaviness and Swung it forward with a punching motion. Between his massive pool of Strength and the multiplicative boost of <strong>[Unholy Strike],</strong> the shield contained terrifying force and the moment it hit the water creature they both froze for a fraction of a second.


    The next moment a massive shockwave exploded from the point of impact, shooting water and hurricane-like gusts across half the cave. The massive energies ripped the wholeplex of Dragonwing Enterprises to pieces, and quite a few of the surrounding structures were toppled even though they were made from stone and metal.


    One small relief was that he got no streams of energy from any kills, meaning that people in the vicinity had managed to evacuate in time before the battle reached a crescendo. It had been a worry in the back of his head since the battle started. He didn''t want any innocent bystanders to lose their lives due to Smaug''s crazed assault.


    Zacs whole body hurt from being right next to the impact, but he ignored the pain as he looked around with wild eyes. He was tired of all the nasty things Smaug seemed to have up in his sleeves, and he wanted to end this now. He quickly spotted a bedraggled Smaug currently scrambling to his feet, his clothes ripped and in disarray. He hadnt been unscathed from the shockwave either, and blood was running down his forehead.


    The true appearance of the wealthiest man of the Underworld was finally exposed, and it was not what Zac expected. He was a young man that might be from India or the Middle East, with a pair of emerald green eyes. He had olive-colored skin and short ck hair, and pretty fine features. Zac would guess he was around 20 if he went by the standards of the Old world.


    Smaugs eyes widened in rm when he noted Zacs re, and he quickly took out a heavily inscribed rapier as Zac barreled toward him like an angry bull. The rapier slightly reminded Zac of the terrible array that Hannah stabbed him with once upon a time, and rage red up in his heart when remembering the betrayal.


    Zac pushed his speed to his limit as he swung <strong>[Hunger] </strong>with ferocious force straight at Smaug himself. The man desperately tried to defend with his weapon, but a snap could be heard as soon as the two weapons collided. It was Smaugs wrist not being able to withstand the power in Zacs swings, immediately shattering from the force.


    Smaug wailed in pain, but the scream was quickly cut short as Zacs boot mmed into his chest with the force of a truck,unching him like a ragdoll into the ruins of what might once have been an office building. Zac was right behind him and before he could get up Smaug found <strong>[Hunger]</strong> against his throat, the sword actually shivering with excitement.


    Zacs boot was firmly pressed on the mans chest, and his shield was mmed into the ground right next to Smaug''s head. His eyes were red and he breathed heavily even though there was no need for it in his current body. Bloodlust had almostpletely clouded his mind when he saw the rapier, but he finally managed to calm down before he killed his captive in a fit of rage.


    Why? was all Zac said through grit teeth as he looked down at the man who had attacked them with a storm of treasures.


    The man didn''t answer, instead looking back and forth to the sides with some panic. Zac frowned and looked around, but they were in the middle of a pile of rubble and sight was obscured in every direction. A thought struck Zac and he took out one of the mobile array disks with his free hand and threw it down on the ground next to them. It quickly shuddered before a small shield encapsted the two.


    This area has been obscured by an array, Zac said with a frosty voice, his foot still on Smaug''s chest. Now tell me what the fuck is going on or I''ll skewer you."


    Please, save my sister, Smaug coughed out with a pitiful voice, his demeanorpletely changed. I was forced to attack you by those bastards of the Union. Why the hell would I want to attack monsters like you people, only to drag your boss here on the off-chance I survived?

 Chapter 328: Captive

    Chapter 328: Captive


    Zac looked down at Smaug that was still being kept at sword-point, unsure what to think about the rapid change in his demeanor. It looked like he was truly telling the truth about his sister, but it wouldnt be surprising if the second-ce holder on the wealthdder was someone adept at deception.


    Besides, even if he was telling the truth, did it even matter? Zac if anyone could sympathize with the desire to save and protect ones sister, but the fact remained that Smaug hadunched a terrifying barrage of attacks on them. If Zac wasnt strong enough he and his people would have been sted to pieces by the offensive arrays.


    But Zac finally decided it was worth to keep asking questions before deciding what to do about this man.


    Why would the Union want to attack us? Zac finally asked.


    They are working with the invaders, Smaug said, looking relieved Zac held off on skewering him. Not the me golem one, but the others. They are trying to take all of Earths natural resources for themselves. The invaders provide the Union with pills and other items that are hard to get down here, and the Union provides them with raw resources and ves.


    ves? Zac repeated with a frown, though it couldnt be seen through his mask.


    I have been investigating them for months. Some settlements that were said to be eradicated by the golems were actually captured by the Unions people and sold to the invaders for forcedbor, Smaug wheezed. They dont want you here because they are afraid their profiteering will be cut short.


    You should know that if we fell the Super Brother-Man would juste here in person, Zac retorted.


    By that time they would have been able to turn ck to white, pinning all the me on me, Smaug sighed.


    Still, its quite the coincidence that they managed to kidnap your sister just when we arrived, and immediately had you attack us? Zac said. We havent even been in the underworld for an hour.


    I dont know how, but they must have known her identity for some time. I had bodyguards around her, but more than half turned out to be the Unions men. They acted just 5minutes after you left with Farid, he said.


    Zac was about to continue the line of questions but the sound of disturbed rubble from behind stopped him in his tracks. He turned around to see it was Joanna who hade over, her spear at the ready. Zac quickly deactivated the array, making her almostunch an attack at him in shock.


    Get the others, but just our people, Zac said.


    No problem. The manager started running for his life the moment the fighting subsided, Joanna nodded.


    "Wait, help me disarm this guy first," Zac said.


    Joanna understood what he meant, and she quickly took off every piece of equipment on Smaug that might have been a treasure. Soon enough a small mound of jewelryy to the side of the man, and Joanna had even found a few talisman papers stuck to his inner thighs. He was truly a walking arsenal, decked head to toe with treasures. Even Calrin would likely have to admit defeat against that kind of collection.


    A minuteter the whole Port Atwood party stood hidden within an array, and Zac recounted his exchange with Smaug, whose real name turned out to be Hassan. He was originally from Syria, but had lived in Europe the past years with his sister. However, it looked like Hassan hadpletely discarded his old identity, and insisted of being called Smaug.


    What forces do the four Incursions contain? Mr. Trang asked.


    One looks like humans, though they have vertical pupils, Smaug quickly said, still stressed even though Zac no longer pointed a sword at him.


    Veranas snake had instead scuttled over to his shoulder and was seemingly napping with its head against his throat. But Smaug was obviously aware of the snakes power since he had turned extremely pale the moment the snake moved over to him. After that he became even more cooperative, and it felt like he couldnt spill all the secrets of the underworld quick enough.


    One has literal demons, its pretty crazy. Horns and everything. These two are the ones who have bought the most ves. They keep mostly to themselves, relentlessly mining. The third has some odd walking fish or something, they look pretty scary. I dont think the Union works with them, they attack everything, Smaug exined. The fourth is the fire golems, and they are the strongest. But there is actually a fifth incursion


    A fifth? Zac asked with surprise. "The guard earlier said there was only four."


    I only know about them because of a leak in the Union. They have never appeared and they are even more holed up than the first two incursions. I have no idea what they are up to, but I guess theyre busy mining as well, Smaug shrugged.


    Zac didn''t care too much about there being a fifth incursion. The fact that they kept to themselves hopefully meant that they didn''t feel confident in their strength to expand, and instead opted to gather as many resources as possible from their area.


    Do the Underworld Council work with the invaders as well? Joanna asked next.


    Not really, though they are indirectly benefitting from them. They buy things from the Union that they, in turn, have gotten from the invaders. And they almost exclusively fight with the fishmen and the fire golems, so Im pretty sure they know about the dealings with the other incursions, Smaug exined. "It''s all pretty muddy down here, no clear ck and white."


    Zac slowly nodded, not feeling the actions of the Council was too big of a deal. They had their hands full as it was, and if they could get resources from the one incursion to fight another it was making the best of a bad situation. It wouldnt be toote to turn their attention toward the demons and invading humans after the more dangerous invaders were dealt with.


    He felt the actions of the Union to be far more troublesome. He had seen the treatment of ves on the surface, and he knew that almost no force would treat them as well as Verana had. To profiteer from something like that in a time of crisis was beyond reprehensible.


    He could have looked the other way if the Union just traded normally with the invaders, but since they decided to use their own people as currency he knew he would have to act. If it was true that the Union sells people as ves to the invaders they didnt need to continue existing.


    When they had gotten all out of Smaug that they could Zac suddenly shed forward and knocked Smaug out cold, giving the rest some privacy.


    So what do you guys think? he asked.


    That Union seems even more shady than the New World Government, Joanna said with disgust. If they are into the ve trade Im sure theyre doing all kinds of evil stuff.


    I think its a good target for a take-over, Verana said, drawing skeptical nces from the others.


    Lets not kid ourselves, the Beast Master said with a roll of her eyes. Getting our hand on the resources for our war efforts is one of the main objectives of this expedition. If we kill the leaders of this Merchant Organization and put our own people there well have a working infrastructure for everything from Teleportation Arrays to Mines to personnel. We will even gain their intelligence which is likely invaluable.


    Will their people even work for us? Zac asked hesitantly.


    The rabbits in the forest do not care which wolf is the pack alpha. They just want to survive, Verana said with a shrug. We can simply cleanse the arm of the organization that dealt in very if it bothers you, and im the rest.


    I agree. You have so much to deal with as is, Joanna said. This will save a lot of time, allowing us to focus on whats important.


    Mr. Trang nodded in agreement as well, essentially meaning the matter was decided since Zac felt it was the most convenient method as well. But there was still one issue remaining.


    Fine. Well confirm what Smaug said about the ve trade. If what he says is true well take control of the Union, taking out everyone at the top Zac said before motioning at the unconscious man on the ground. What do we to about this guy though?


    I say keep him, Joanna said. He might seem like a helpless victim, but he must be hiding some secrets. He has been on the top of the Wealthdder all this time, even eclipsing people like Thea Marshall and Billy who both have closed Incursions. Besides, he attacked us so he owes us restitution, but there is no way his real wealth is on his person


    I think we should help the sister if possible, Mr. Trang added. The child was captured because of our arrival, after all. Shes innocent in all this.


    Fair enough, Zac agreed. Wake him up.


    Joanna took out a bottle of water and poured it over his face, making him wake up sputtering and disoriented.


    We will help save your sister, Joanna said. And well also take care of the Union if what youve said is true. Of course, if it turns out that youve been lying well remove you and Dragonwing Enterprises from the underworld.


    My words are as true as gold! the man hurriedly said. But the Union must know something is wrong by now. Weve been here for a while, they must wonder whats going on. I have an idea, but you must trust me.


    Trust you? Zac snorted, but the next moment his eyes widened in rm as Smaug produced another crystal from nowhere.


    Zac''s mind nked out for a second when he saw the pitch-ck ball in Smaug''s hand. The first thing Joanna had looked for on his body was a cosmos sack, but there was nothing like that on him. They had assumed he simply left it behind before going into battle because he was afraid of losing his wealth. But they were obviously wrong since he still was able to produce objects from nowhere.


    If it was just another fire-spewing crystal Zac wouldnt be too worried, but he was actually quite familiar with the thing in Smaugs hand. It was a <strong>[Void Ball]</strong>, identical to the one Zac found during the hunt, and something he still kept on his person as an ace. If that thing went off in this close proximity then even he would perish, since it would release an onught of spatial tears destroying everything in the area.


    Verana seemed to realize the danger as well, and energy sted out from her as she started to activate some protective treasure. Zac was much more straightforward and aimed to kill Smaug before he could set the thing off. But before Zacs swing could reach the man the world lurched, making Zac lose his bnce and fall to the ground.


    He sprung right back up, but he froze when he realized that the surroundings hadpletely changed. Everyone was there, but they clearly were no longer in the ruins of the Dragonwingplex. Instead they found themselves in some hidden chamber illuminated by a few Day Crystals.


    Zacs eyes immediately snapped to Smaug and he was relieved to see that the <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> was nowhere in sight. But he was still infuriated by that brush with death, and he immediately resumed his advance on him as killing intent started leaking.


    Wait! I needed to make the Union think you were dead, or at least unsure what happened! Otherwise they might have harmed my sister! Smaug hurriedly exined as he scrambled away from Zac. So I activated the bomb and used a teleportation treasure to move us to my predesignated spot.


    And you are aware that a <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> disrupts space, making teleportation an extremely dangerous venture even before it sets off? Verana said with a voice that could turn water to ice. "We are lucky to not arrive here in a dozen pieces."


    Uh was all that Smaug said in response, a sheepish smile spreading on his face as he shrunk further back from the four murderous stares. Well, there was no instruction manual when I got that thing. My bad, truly."


    "The bomb should have destroyed everything in the area where we stood. Hopefully, the Union thinks I took most of you out before escaping. This ce is my hiddenpartment beneath the Underworld Nexus. I have a private Teleportation array here, Smaug continued, clearly wanting to change the subject.


    A minuteter the group arrived at the hidden teleportation array, with Smaug sporting swollen lips, a crooked nose, and two ck eyes giving him the fabled panda-look. Joanna and Mr. Trang immediately stepped through the teleporter after shooting ast re at the man, leaving the trio of Zac, Verana, and Smaug behind.


    Just momentster battle-hardened warriors of three races started to stream through the teleporter, filling the spacious hall that the teleporter was ced in.


    What is going on? Smaug stammered as his swollen eyes stared at the demons and the Tal-dar all emitting powerful auras. Those are invaders!


    They were invaders, Zac corrected him. Now they fight for the Super Brother-Man.


    Shit, that guy must be a real monster, Smaug muttered with some awe in his voice. If he can even make those bloodthirsty demons fight for him.


    "You have no idea."

 Chapter 329: Negotiations

    Chapter 329: Negotiations


    As Zac oversaw his people streaming out through the teleporter a thought suddenly struck him, and he motioned for Harvath to join him. The demon captain walked over, throwing a curious nce at Smaug and his wretched appearance.


    Weve learned that there is a second demonkin Incursion in the underworld, Zac exined after covering them in a sound-isting array. Will it be a problem for you?


    Harvath thoughtfully furrowed his brows before he looked at Smaug.


    Does this one possess information about our cousins? he asked, getting a nod from Zac.


    Smaug himself gaped when he stood in front of the demon, making Zac realize the man had never stood face to face with one of the invaders before. It looked like he was hovering between fear of being eaten and fascination with the unknown.


    Do these demons look like us? Harvath asked, pointing at his face.


    N-No, not really, Smaug stammered. Well, they have horns, but I am told that they look a lot bulkier, and dont have hair?


    Big ck horns? Harvath probed, And they are over two meters tall?


    Yes! Smaug hurriedly nodded. "And tails."


    Abyssal Demons, Harvath said with a grimace before turning to Zac. Can we speak privately?


    Zac nodded and had Verana take over the task of keeping a watch on Smaug. He still didnt understand how he could take out items when he was stripped of his possessions, and Zac didnt want him to take out something else and cause even more trouble.


    Whats going on? Zac asked when the two were alone.


    Harvath hesitated a bit before speaking up.


    Do you know how Demon society works? he asked.


    Isnt it a feudal society? Your former n controls a certain area, but you are part of arger kingdom. That kingdom ultimately reports to thes leader, though they arergely independent, Zac asked with some confusion.


    Thats true for our, but our is just a backwater member of somethingrger, Harvath said.


    The AzhKirKhat Horde? Zac ventured, remembering Verana mentioning the odd name.


    Exactly, Harvath nodded. I am not too sure about all the details since n AzhRezak was the lowest rung of what could be called a noble n, and our information was somewhat limited. But the horde consists of hundreds of demonic species.


    Zac nodded, still not sure what he was getting at.


    The position of the races in the horde depends on their respective powerhouses at the top. The Abyssal Demons has a terrifying leader who controls one of the top ten ns, making them one of the most prominent demonic species in the horde. These Abyssal Demons are likely not part of that n, but they still hold some sway back home. I fear that if we rout them it might have dire implications for n AzhRezak, Harvath said with some hesitation.


    Zac nodded with a sigh. It was as Zac had feared. He hadnt expected running into a second demonkin Incursion on Earth, and he knew it might cause trouble for the demons of Port Atwood, or rather their former n.


    Even if they left their n behind many still had people they cared for back home. Even Ogras had his grandfather. Everyone had friends or rtives who were still part of the n, and while they chose to cut ties to forge their own path they didnt want to bring trouble down on the head of AzhRezak.


    So what do you think we should do? Zac finally asked.


    I cannot make this decision for our people, Harvath finally said. I think we should call the young master.


    Zac agreed with the demons assessment. Exploring the Mystic Realm was important, but they had other pressing matters. It would be for the best to call Ogras over now that it turned out that there were four other Incursions in the underworld that werent fire-attuned.


    Fine, Ill have someone get Ogras, Zac agreed.


    Zac had one of the Valkyries head over to the mystic realm to look for Ogras. Most people still didnt know that the realm was already being explored, though scattered rumors had started to spread about its existence. But he wanted to keep the details Vague, so only the Valkyries and a few other core personnel were allowed close to the center of Mystic Ind. It had turned to a restricted area just like his own zone in Port Atwood.


    Since he knew it would take some time before Ogras arrived he decided to deal with some other matters. First he went over to Calrin, who seemed extremely impatient to get going.


    I hear were taking over a rival business? Calrin said with excitement in his eyes. Its quite exhrating, all that free money. Its a lot harder to do something like this when mercantile licenses are involved. We truly should consolidate all budding enterprises before people manage to get their hands on licenses.


    Zac understood what Calrin meant. His own consortium was targeted by a mighty C-grade n, but even they had been forced to use trickery and bribes to steadily whittle down the Thayer Consortia for an eventual takeover. Brute force was not an option when mercantile licenses were involved.


    Ill consider it, Zac said with a smile. Do you know if Cosmos Sacks can take different shapes than actual sacks?


    High-grade spatial tools can look like rings or other jewelry, or anything for that matter, Calrin said. But its usually not worth the trouble unless youre a true magnate. That kind of spatial tools requires actual insight into the Dao of Space to create, making them over a thousand times more expensive. Why do you ask?


    That guy over there managed to take out an item from thin air. I am trying to figure out how, Zac said as he nced at Smaug.


    Oh, Calrin said thoughtfully before a small dagger suddenly appeared in his hand from nowhere, without touching one of his Cosmos Sacks. Like this?


    Yes, exactly like that, Zac said with surprise. How did you do it?


    He has a mercantile ss or at least a hybrid ss. We get actual skills that work like Cosmos Sacks, allowing us to hide and protect our wares as we travel. A Cosmos Sack can be stolen, but our personal space cant.


    Makes sense, hes the second-ce holder on the wealthdder, Zac nodded. "Is there any way to prevent it?"


    "Sure, if you have energy shackles," Calrin nodded. "If he can''t circte his energy he won''t be able to activate his skill."


    Zac''s eyes lit up and he immediately produced the chain that he stowed away when he saved Thea from the Medhin n.


    "Will this work?" Zac asked as he handed it over to Calrin.


    "It''s not a high-quality restraint, but it should suffice against someone like him," Calrin nodded. "I''ll handle it. I am a bit curious about him anyway."


    Zac nodded and let Calrin walk away with the chain. Soon enough everyone had entered the Underworld, but Zac chose to wait for Ogras to arrive before deciding on the next course of action. He instead erected an array and sat down to absorb a few Miasma crystals to restore his energy reserves and rest.


    He didnt know how long he had rested when he sensed a person close-by, and he saw the familiar form of Ogras when he opened his eyes. He temporarily deactivated the array and let the demon enter. Ogras looked annoyed for some reason, making Zac look at him curiously.


    Not making headway with the Mystic Realm? Its only been a day, Zac said.


    I cant believe those Abyssal assholes got ced in the middle of a mountain of resources with no enemies in sight while I got stuck with you, Ogras muttered, obviously having been appraised of the situation in the underworld. The Ruthless Heavens is truly ying favorites. I say we take down that incursion first.


    And that is your unbiased opinion? Zac snorted.


    Not really, but it makes sense. The sooner we kick those people out of here the sooner the demons will be able to act in the open. Most demons would be hesitant to show their faces with them lurking in the area, Ogras shrugged.


    Agreed. Well keep the demons hidden while we deal with the Union, Zac said.


    How will we split the profits? Ogras asked.


    This was something that Zac had thought about earlier. He was currently the de-facto owner of pretty much everything in Port Atwood, but that wasnt a long-term solution. He didnt n on bing a tyrant with people toiling under his hegemony.


    All matters rted to the underworld will be considered a separatepany from Port Atwood and the Thayer Consortia. Port Atwood will own half and the Academy will own 10% to be self-sustaining, Zac said. You, Verana, and Calrin can figure out what to do with the rest.


    Isnt it a bit early to start giving those people a bunch of benefits? Ogras said with a frown as he nodded at a clump of Tal-dar close-by. Furthermore, Calrin should be a trading partner rather than a shareholder.


    As I thought, you are up to no good the moment you arrive, a frosty voice said as Verana walked straight through the array.


    No manners, spying on a private conversation, Ogras retorted with a straight face.


    Wait, wheres Smaug? Zac said with a frown.


    I knocked him out when I saw this demon approach you with greed in his eyes and deceit in his heart, Verana said. I had no choice but to listen in to make sure he didnt do anything stupid.


    Be careful, I dont want to turn the guy into a vegetable. Ive already knocked him out once, it cant be good for you for that to happen over and over, Zac said with a shake of his head. Whats your proposal?


    Twenty percent to my n, ten each to the demons and the merchant, Verana said.


    Negotiationes from a ce of power. Youre barely bringing anything to the table and want twenty percent? Ogras snorted.


    Do you? Verana retorted. Your people wont fight against the demons. My people are arguing about who gets to be the vanguard.


    But the beasts of your soldiers will be limited in the underworld. Besides, this isnt just about how much effort each party exerts in the underworld. The citizens of Port Atwood has ved away for months with hundreds dying. The resources of this ce will be used to repay those who have bled for our force, Ogras retorted.


    Zac sighed as he listened to the two bicker, and things only got more chaotic when the Sky Gnome joined in. In the end the Demons went victorious from the battle,rgely thanks to Zacs support. They would get 25% of the shares, with Verana getting 10% and Calrin 5%.


    Calrin wasnt happy, but he would still make a lot of money from the Underworld since he would be the sole trading partner for the Underworld Venture, while also setting up awork of Thayer Consortia shops through the Underworld to rid all the wealthy Cultivators of their Crystals.


    Verana was less than enthused with the results as well, but what Ogras said was true. The demons had risked their lives for Port Atwood over and over without any payment apart from getting to pick a skill. They were long overdue to reap some benefits for their work.


    So, whats the n? Are we heading straight to this Union? Verana asked.


    Get Smaug first, Zac said.


    Soon the merchant was dragged over, and he sat down opposite Zac after throwing Verana a sullen look.


    Isnt it a bunch of merchants without a license to protect them? Ogras said after throwing Smaug a dismissive nce. Just kick down the front door and kill everyone who disagrees with the change in management.


    No! They might kill my sister if you storm their headquarters like that! Smaug shouted with worry. Their Arrays will be able to hinder you for a minute or two, who knows what they will do in the meantime?


    Fine. Ill save the girl first, then Mr. ck and Snake Girl will kick in the front door, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    Snake girl? Verana said with a frosty tone. Just, keep it up.


    We need proof what youve said is true, Joanna cut in before the two leaders started bickering again. Do you know where they keep ves, and where your sister is kept?


    Yes to both! Smaug nodded enthusiastically. I have created a privatework, I can bring us within an hours travel from one of their transit camps where they keep ves before they are sold off. My sister is likely kept at their headquarters.


    Fine, well take a look at the camp before taking down their headquarters. This group is enough for that, no need to bring the soldiers. Theyll be sent to stabilize the various mines and subsidiaries after weve made our move, Zac said. "Agreed?"


    The others nodded in agreement, with Ogras and Verana adding a few suggestions. Zac closed down the array and the group immediately walked toward the teleportation array. Suddenly their group grew with three people as Emily and two helpless Valkyries joined in. He down looked at the teenager for a second, and only got a stubborn look in return. He sighed and nodded slightly, drawing a wide grin from the girl.


    Less than an hourter the group stood in a cave mouth, overlooking arge encampment twenty meters below them. An illusion array had already been installed by the exit, obscuring it from the people walking along the streets in the transit camp.


    "Animals," Joanna growled as she looked at the scene with wide eyes.


    Zac slightly nodded in agreement, anger burning in his heart as he listened to the cries from the shackled people below.


    "We proceed. The Union will cease to exist today."

 Chapter 330: Transit Camp

    Chapter 330: Transit Camp


    The scene below was even worse than Zac had feared when he first heard Smaug mention the ve trade. There were long rows of people kept in ce by fetters, ced like cattle in small enclosures. All four races could be spotted amongst the ves, though humans were by far the mostmon.


    Groups of vers patrolled the area, and there were robust fortifications at all the exits to prevent any ves from escaping from the cave. There was also a pile of corpses lying in in view in the encampment, just a few meters from the pens where the ves were kept. Perhaps they were left there as a deterrent, or perhaps they simply hadn''t had time to throw the corpses out to the beasts in the open Underworld.


    The Underworld was quite different from how Zac had imagined it, and it was only after traveling for thest hour he realized that the Underworld wasnt an intricatework of tunnels and caverns. Most of the Underworld was actually an open expanse.


    The prevalent belief amongst those who were teleported here was that the underworld was between twoyers of tectonic tes or just between two rock sediments. It created a continuous subterraneanndscape that sometimes had a ceiling height of thousands of meters, and sometimes it was so narrow that one had to crouch to move forward.


    There were even forests and arable farnd, though the things that could be grown were generally different types of edible moss or mushrooms. Rivers ran across the hilly grounds, and it if wasnt for the utterck of sunlight, one might have forgotten they were underground. Instead, everything was illuminated by luminescent nts, creating a mesmerizing disy of colorful spots that lit up the boundless darkness.


    Most towns were constructed in caves like the one they were spectating through, as the open world was quite dangerous for most people. Enormous packs of mutated bats roved in the sky, and all kinds of subterranean beasts walked the ground.


    Even the insects had mutated and turned into monstrous creatures in the underworld, perhaps due to the massive amount of Nexus Crystals boosting the energy in the atmosphere. Getting caught in ten-meter tall spiderwebs or skewered by a scorpion pincer were both real risks in the underworld.


    The extremely solid rock walls of the caverns made for a natural defense against the horrors of the underworld, and people only had to fortify the cave exits to create a safe space. Top tier caves were the ones who possessed a natural ecosystem to sustain them, like the cave the Underworld Nexus was built inside, with its ownke.


    It was this reliance on caves that the me Golems exploited in with their ruthless tactics. They simply blocked up the few exits in the town before flooding it withva. A few of the citizens had time to rush to a teleportation array, but most towns didnt possess one and could only helplessly wait to get swallowed.


    The tunnel they stood in was something that Smaug himself had created to spy on the ving activities of the Union. It ran for hundreds of meters from a hidden spot in the open underworld, with both sides hidden by arrays. The walls of the tunnel looked oddly melted, and Zac guessed that Smaug had used some treasure to somehow melt the extremely hard stones.


    Being reminded that the mysterious fellow might be useful during the fight Zac released the energy restraints that shackled Smaug. Of course only after giving him a stern warning to not mess around.


    But any interest in finding out Smaugs hidden means was long pushed to the back of Zac''s head as he looked down at the misery beneath them. He was just about to jump down and start a rampage when the energy in the camp started to fluctuate.


    The teleportation array just activated, Ograsmented as he looked down with curiosity.


    This transit camp was located close to the human incursion since the invaders they traded with werent able to use teleportation arrays. This also meant that whoever was arriving was not an invader, but rather someone from the Union. The fluctuations soon ended and a small group of people emerged from a building not too far away.


    Here, use this, Smaug suddenly said, producing yet another ball from nowhere.


    A temporal destabilizer? Ogras said with surprise. Where did you get your hands on this?


    A what? Zac asked with confusion as he looked down on the thing in Smaugs hand.


    The teleporters transport people through subspace or whatever the fantasy equivalent is, Smaug said. If you crush this ball within 50 meters of the teleporter subspace will be made unstable and safeguards in the array will make it impossible to activate for 10 minutes.


    Zac shot a nce at Ogras who nodded in confirmation.


    Can you get your hands on more of this? Zac asked.


    It was an extremely convenient item that could change the course of a battle. It would make sure that his target wasnt able to escape, or that his activities wouldnt leak.


    This is myst one, I got it as a reward for a quest, Smaug said with a shake of his head.


    Zac looked into Smaugs eyes for a few seconds, but he couldnt tell if the man was lying or not. In any case, there would be time to find out more after the situation in the underworld was stabilized. So he grabbed the ball with a nod, and Zac leaped straight out from their hiding spot immediately after, with Emily throwing a fiery axe into his back.


    Zac soared straight toward therge stone building the group of people emerged from. It was likely the ce that housed the teleportation array, as it was guarded by a squad of soldiers armed to their teeth. With Zacs power, he had no problem jumping all the way to the structure, and he ripped through the air toward the soldiers like a falling star.


    Attack! one of the guards shouted with panic in his eyes as he spotted Zac in the air, but the next moment he was crushed by the massive weight of Zacs shield as it mmed straight into him.


    Zacsnding killed three of the guards and threw the others in the air from the kic energy in hisnding. He immediately crushed the orb in his hand before taking out his sword. <strong>[Hunger]</strong> keened as it turned into a grey streak, dismembering the remaining seven guards in a sh.


    With his attributes, it didnt matter that he barely possessed any offensive skills in his current ss. Against random warriors on Earth he was essentially an unkible monster. Themotion alerted the soldiers stationed in the camp, and they streamed toward his location. There were actually over a hundred of them, most having stayed out of sight.


    Zac didnt mind that as he instead turned his attention toward the group who had just arrived. It was two middle-aged men dressed in some sort of defensive gear, but it was clear they were not warriors. They had no weapons and they did not emit any dangerous aura, making Zac believe they were businessmen from the Union.


    This belief was only strengthened by the four bodyguards who apanied the two. The moment Zac had arrived they created a protective barrier in front of the merchants, and they didnt care in the slightest that Zac dismembered their presumptive allies. They were only interested in protecting the two VIP''s.


    Yet another idealistic fool trying to rescue these wretched people? one of the merchants sneered.


    Zac didnt answer, instead unleashing both his aura and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>. The insidious energies from the splinter in his mind were already magnifying the rage in his heart, and it somehow entered his aura as well. It made his killing intent almost palpable, and a few soldiers actually started to bleed from their noses or ears when they were buffeted by his aura.


    The soldiers were obviously not part of some elite force, and the hastily erected line the warriors just formed immediately copsed, with over half heedlessly fleeing from the towering killing intent that radiated from Zac. The four bodyguards were better off, but they still slowly backed away, likely looking for an opportunity to escape as well.


    Activate the array! one of the merchants screamed in fright, the arrogant demeanor reced with abject horror.


    An immense weight immediately descended upon Zac, but how could some random restrictive array stop his onught? He had ripped through even stronger arrays when he was looting summit pces during the hunt, and since then he had only grown even more monstrous.


    He took a step forward with a grunt, and a loud snapping sound could be heard as a shockwave was released from his body. The sound came from the array copsing from brute force, and the sight was so shocking that one of the merchants fell to his knees in despair.


    Wait! the still standing merchant screamed when Zac started to approach them. We can pay you! One hundred million Nexus Coins! Just let us leave with our lives!


    Zac waspletely indifferent to the pleas, and he steadily took step after step toward the group. The stationed soldiers of the town had given up any idea of sticking their noses into the battle, and one after one they started to flee toward the various exits.


    But long before anyone managed to escape through one of the tunnels they fell over withrge holes in their bodies, caused by some unseen attacks. Zac noted the shadowy spears that appeared and quickly disappeared though, and he realized that Ogras and the others were containing everyone.


    He didnt care that Ogras killed these soldiers at all since they had beenplicit to the horrors of this ce. If he had been in his human form he would have already mowed down that rabble with a few fractal edges. But he was currently out of ranged attacks since his shields spike attack still hadnt recharged.


    Two hundred million! And precious cultivation pills! the merchant screamed when Zac ignored him.


    You forfeited your lives the moment you betrayed humanity, Zac said a hollow voice. I do not need your blood money.


    The four guards disappeared the moment Zac finished his sentence, but they immediately appeared all around him. Their weapons were already sailing toward his body the moment they reappeared, and it looked like they tried a surprise attack as ast-ditch-effort.


    The four guards were likely around level 40 to 45 from their auras, just a handful of levels shy from entering thedder. But Zac also sensed that their auras were, for ack of a better word, hollow. He hadn''t sensed anything like it before, but he had learned from Alyn that it likely meant their levels were mostly propped up by pills and crystals rather than battle.


    All four of them were sword wielders, and it even looked like they possessed the same skill. The swords lit up in blue mes as they sailed toward Zacs body from four different directions, but Zac opted to not even respond to the attacks, instead only activating the Dao of Hardness across his body.


    Four specters appeared andunched attacks the moment the swordsnded on his body. It was <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> that activated, starting the dance of death. Zac could easily have intercepted the attacks with his sword, but he wanted to see the effect of his skill against cultivators since he hadnt sensed any real danger from the attacks.


    The results were surprisingly different even though each attack was the same. One of the guards was takenpletely by surprise and didnt even react when a spectral sword slit his throat open. He fell down on the ground, and Zac knew the man would bleed out in less than a minute unless he got immediate medical attention.


    The second guard managed to react in time and angled his body as he was being attacked, changing the trajectory of the de as it entered his body. Instead of getting his heart pierced he only got a lung punctured. It was still a pretty bad wound, but not lethal with the existence of healing pills.


    A golden shield appeared around thest two warriors,pletely blocking the reflected attack. The shield came from a bracer they both wore. They originally had four crystals iid, but one of them cracked when the shield blocked the attack.


    Pleased with the result of <strong>[Dethwish]</strong> Zac killed the man on the ground with a stomp as he decapitated the wounded guard with a swing of <strong>[Hunger]</strong>. His own wounds were negligible, and he only needed to pat his robe a few times to snuff out the mes. A small amount of ck ichor ran down his throat from one of the swords hitting his neck, but the swing had barely managed to break his skin.


    The remaining two guards looked at Zac with despair, knowing that they never would be able to kill Zac even if he didnt put up any resistance. Zac''s body was already far sturdier than that of the Corpse Lord he fought during the beast waves, and only the strongest warriors on Earth would be able to wound him by now.


    The two immediately started to run away, they were soon rebuffed by two lightning-quick stabs from a long spear. It was Joanna who had joined the battle, and Nenotheps spear was a blur in her hands as she unleashed a barrage of attacks at the two guards.


    Zac stopped in his tracks when he saw the Valkyrie take over, and he looked with interest at how deftly she handled her weapon. The two bodyguards assaulted at her like rabid dogs since she was standing in the way of their escape, and mes danced around them as they tried everything to cut her down. However, she was like an imprable spear wall, not budging an inch.


    The remaining defensive charges on the guards bracers were expended in less than 20 seconds, and a few secondster thest guard fell, his throat torn open by a quick stab from Joanna. The Valkyrie''s skills werent shy but they were direct and lethal, without any frills or unnecessary motion. Every move she performed was to kill or maim with as little energy expenditure as possible.


    When thest of the elite guards fell a suffocated silence spread through the camp, with no one daring to speak up. There was a small group of soldiers who stood rooted at their spot, neither daring to retreat or advance, and the merchants looked like their souls had left their bodies, nkly staring at their downed bodyguards. Even the ves werepletely silent, peeking at the proceedings with sunken eyes.


    But suddenly the silence was broken by a shocked scream from Emily.


    "Millie!"

 Chapter 331: Truths and Lies

    Chapter 331: Truths and Lies


    Zac, who was about to head over to interrogate the two terrified merchants stopped in his tracks when he heard Emilys cry. He turned over with confusion to see the teenager wing at the manacles binding a malnourished teenager.


    Dont let those two move, Zac said to Joanna, who nodded in confirmation.


    He walked over to Emily and with a tug ripped the chains apart, freeing the young woman.


    Whats going on? he asked as he turned to Emily.


    This is Millie, Cami. She went to the same school as me. Shes from Allentown! she said with some panic in her eyes.


    Zac understood the thoughts running through her head. If one of her schoolmates had found herself captured by the Union, then it wasn''t a great sign for the well-being of her siblings. They might even be in therge pile of corpses.


    Calm down, well get to the bottom of things, Zac said as he took out a healing pill.


    Millie wasnt truly wounded, but she was clearly malnourished and it looked like she had been whipped judging by the tears in her tunics back. But mostly she seemed to have shut down from trauma. She looked at Zac with a nk stare and only took the pill when he directly put it in her hands.


    This is a healing pill, Zac said before taking a step back, aware of the immense pressure he had just released across the whole town.


    Millie, its me, Emily Larkin from Southfield High, she said as she handed Millie a canteen. Hurry and take the pill to regain your strength.


    The mention of the school seemed to wake the girl out from her stupor, and she rapidly blinked at Emily.


    Emily? From ss B? I never saw you in the tutorial, whats going on? the girl asked, making some of the close-by ves surreptitiously look over.


    I was too young to enter the tutorial. Wee from the surface, Emily exined after receiving a nod from Zac. We work for the Super Brother-Man, and we havee to close the incursions in the Underworld. But when we arrived we heard about the Union capturing people and selling them to the invaders, so we came here first to free you.


    The words were like a match igniting a fire, and a wave of mors for help rose from the captives. The situation felt a bit annoying, but when Zac looked around he couldnt find the demon or Verana anywhere. Both were keeping a low profile as to not spread any rumors about invaders before their position waspletely solidified.


    What about the other cultivators of Allentown? Where are they? Emily pressed on. Do you know where my siblings are? Oscar and Johanna.


    The town we were dropped off in was destroyed by the me golems four months ago, Millie said with a sigh. But most of us managed to flee since it had so many exits. Some of us settled in various towns, others joined the Union or the Council. I think your sister joined the Council to fight the invaders.


    And my brother? Do you know what happened to Oscar, Oscar Larkin? Emily hurriedly asked.


    He... Died Millie said, looking down at the ground. He joined the town guard after the tutorial ended. The me golems killed all the guards to cause chaos and slow our response.


    Emily slumped down on the ground when she heard the news, a nk stare in her face. Zac sighed with a pang of sadness in his heart. He knew had been the most likely oue from the start with how few that were still alive after the integration.


    Lets find your sister. Shell know what happened for sure, Zac said as he crouched down next to Emily.


    The teenager quickly perked up, desperately grasping on to his words.


    Youre right! Millie, you never saw Oscar die, right?" she said, getting a hesitant nod in response. "He might have survived!


    Zac personally wasnt so sure, especially considering the actions of her sister. Joining the Council to fight the invaders sounded like something a person looking for revenge would do. But he didnt say anything, not wanting to dash her hopes. After giving the teenager aforting pat he walked over to Joanna, who still kept guard over the terrified merchants.


    Emilys words had been heard by quite a few people in the camp, and the mors from the ves were getting louder and louder. Conversely, the guards had turned even more subdued, looking like they wished they could simply sink into the ground.


    Can you handle this? Zac asked with a wave toward the ruckus when he came back.


    Sure, but could you silence them first? Joanna said.


    Zac nodded, and another burst of his aura erupted through the camp, immediately cutting all conversations short. Joanna winked at him before jumping up at a rooftop, making her visible to all the captured ves.


    I am Joanna Thompson, Ranked at the 96th spot of the powerdder, she said, her voice echoing across the camp. As some of you heard, wee from the surface. Zachary Atwood, also known as the Super Brother-Man is currently busy closing the Incursions on the surface, leading humanity in the battle against the invaders. But after hearing of the plight of the Underworld he spared no expense to find a way to reach this ce. We havee to liberate you all, and rebuff the underworld invaders.


    Another wave of exmations immediately erupted in the crowd. Some were jubnt while others were confused. There were also a decent number of people who suspiciously looked at the proceedings, perhaps not trusting such a fantastical tale.


    You might be skeptical, but let me show you something, Joanna said, and the next moment a System screen appeared in front of her.


    It was the quest that she and the other Valkyries received after closing three Incursions, where they were supposed to assist in closing as many Incursions as possible within a month. It already showed the progress of four, meaning that golem incursion she assisted in closing before she received the quest was counted as well.


    As you can see I have personally assisted the forces of Port Atwood in closing four incursions, just one shy of the total number of Incursions in the underworld. The Super Brother-Man has closed even more, sometimes only relying on his own power, she exined. I only show you this to prove the truth of my words.


    However, when we finally arrived at the Underworld we quickly learned of the despicable acts of the Union, enving our people and siding with our enemies. The Super Brother-Man wouldnt stand for such a thing, so from today forth the Union will cease to exist, Joanna said, looking like a heroic general with the spear in her hand.


    So please be patient. We will help everyone here, but it will take some time, she finished.


    Zac felt a bit embarrassed by the grandiose speech, and he didnt really know what to say when the Valkyrie jumped back down on the ground.


    Lord Atwood works so hard, but never ims any credit, Joanna said as she pointedly looked at Zac. Someone needed to speak up for him.


    He coughed and nodded in thanks before turning to the merchants.


    You- The Union are no traitors! We have worked hard to protect the people in the underworld! one of the men said, but his eyes were skittering and the fear was clear on his face.


    Zac didnt bother responding only taking a pointed nce at the rows upon rows of captured ves.


    We are facing an extinction event, the merchant said. If we didnt provide people to the incursions they would start raiding our settlements, resulting in a farrger loss of life. Besides, these people are convicted criminals!


    Lies! one of the ves roared in anger. We were only too poor to pay the protection fees of the Union.


    After calling over Smaug and questioning both the merchants and a few of the ve''s Zac finally got a full understanding of the situation. In the beginning, the Union truly only sold murderers, rapists, and other heinous criminals to the Incursions. It was a simple solution to get rid of dangerous people while also appeasing a very strong enemy.


    But the Incursions demands for ves were insatiable, and the Union ran out of criminals soon enough. So eventually they started to capture anyone that didnt provide any benefits to them or was unable to pay the fees to live within their cities, convicting them with fabricated charges.


    When that wasnt enough they started to target whole settlements that wanted to relocate to the Union for safety. The ves in the transit camp, including Emily''s schoolmate, were almost all of thetter type, with a few enemies of the Union thrown in.


    Both of the merchants were just middle-management sent to inspect thetest batch of ves before delivery, and they knew nothing of the inner workings of the Union or the situation of Smaugs sister. They were also only level 35, their strengthpletely propped up by Crystals.


    Zac knew just how many crystals were needed to reach such a high level. The Nexus Crystals were a good boost for recovery, but they were only really useful for leveling right at the beginning of a stage. Even the E-Grade crystals he got his hands on were only enough for a scant few levels, and Zac had already confirmed that E-Grade crystals were still quite rare in the underworld as well. They were not something that these two people could get their hands on.


    Soon enough there was nothing else the two merchants could divulge, and Zac ended their lives with two quick swipes of his sword before turning to Smaug. The merchants had already been doomed the moment they started to dabble in very, and the kills didnt even register in Zacs mind.


    How do we get to New London? Zac asked Smaug who looked down at the two lifeless bodies with some shock.


    I own another hidden outpost an hours travel away, Smaug quickly exined after he roused himself. We should hurry. They have likely already realized that this ce has been conquered. Hopefully they''ll assume the invaders got tired of paying for the ves and raided the ce.


    Couldnt you have ced your teleporters closer? Zac muttered with someint.


    Its not possible, dont you know? If I ced it any closer a quest would start where only one town could remain within a month, Smaug said with a shake of his head. "Towns ofpeting factions can''t be too close."


    Oh, theres such a thing? Zac said with some surprise.


    Its true, and the distance only increases as the rank of the town is upgraded, Verana said as she walked over. Lower-ranked towns can be pretty close, but capitals requires over a week of travel, limiting the number of kingdoms on a.


    Zac nodded in understanding before dragging Smaug over to the building with the teleporter. The spatial disruption had already dissipated, which allowed Zac to bring a squad of soldiers over to handle the situation in the camp. Of course, the demons still stayed behind as to not expose their identities.


    The ves would be transported to the Underworld Nexus for now, since staying at the transit camp wasnt an option. The camp was ced extremely close to the Incursion, and the invaders coulde knocking at any moment. Zac felt there was no need to expend resources to defend it either since it held no strategic value.


    The group of Ogras, Verana, Joanna, Smaug, and Emily once again joined Zac and left through the teleporter after the soldiers had taken charge of the ves, quickly freeing them and sending them away. And thanks to Smaug they managed to quickly and effortlessly infiltrate New London. Smaug clearly had all kinds of contacts and confidantes, as they entered therge city through a hidden passageway that led into the cer of a bar. When the owner noticed the group walking up the stairs he pretended to see nothing and simply went about his day.


    Soon the group stood in an alley some distance from the sprawling headquarters of the Union. It was actually the Admiralty House of London that had been randomized to the Underworld along with arge section of downtown London.


    New London was the central hub of The Union, and it was one of the fewrge settlements that were ced in the open Underworld rather than in a town cave. This had benefited the Union quite a bit when the me Golems went on the offensive, flooding one cave after another. Hundreds of thousands of settlers had wanted to relocate to New London, rather braving the Underworld beasts than the Fire Golems.


    Therge conglomerate had imed arge number of former Government buildings and turned them into their own. The old world government itself had quickly fallen with the return of the cultivators, and after a couple of tumultuous weeks, the Union became the premier force in the town. And with the help of the resources they got from the ve trade their grasp of the town was rock solid.


    Ill go fetch the girl, Ogras said without any preamble, holding a picture of a young girl in his hand.


    Are you sure you can do this? Smaug said with worry as he took out a handful of things from his hidden space. I have a few items-


    Ogras immediately snatched all of the treasures, though Zac suspected that the demon wouldnt need help to infiltrate some old-world structure with no real powerhouses standing guard. And just as Zac suspected the demon was back just twenty minutester, with a squirming sack over his shoulder. Smaug immediately ran over to release his sister, but Ogras suddenly summoned his ck spear and used it to keep the man at bay.


    We need to have a little chat. This brat has been a captive for weeks, not a few hours as you said.

 Chapter 332: New Management

    Chapter 332: New Management


    Weve been used as a tool from the start, Ogras snorted as he red at Smaug, some killing intent leaking from his body. I knew something was off about this brat.


    Zac red at the young man as well, quickly putting two and two together. Smaug had mixed truths and lies in order to push Zac and his group into a collision course with the Union. The fact that the conglomerate sold people as ves to the invaders had already been proven, but whether they ever pressured Smaug to attack his party was another matter entirely.


    Why? was all that Zac said with a cold voice, somewhat regretting they had removed his shackles so that he would be able to keep up with them as they traveled.


    My sister is innocent in this. I saw an opportunity. I couldnt be sure how you would act in the underworld, so I needed to create a conflict with these assholes. But they deserve to be run to the ground, Smaug said, some ruthlessness shing in his eyes before his face returned to that of a hapless youngster.


    You asshole! a muffled voice came from within the sack. Youve been tricking people again? Youve already got me kidnapped, now youre going to get me killed.


    Ogras nced at the sack with some humor before putting the girl down on the ground and untied her cover. A beautiful girl in her teens emerged, and her energetic emerald eyes were an obvious sign she was rted to Smaug. She had long ck hair with a thin braid running down her side, and she wore a hipster ensemble from the old world. A nce with <strong>[Inquisive Eye]</strong> showed that her name was Rima and that she was level 25.


    She was apletely different sight from the dirty and bedraggled ves they had just emancipated, and it looked like she hadnt suffered any injustice in captivity. She red at Smaug for a second before pushing closer to a bemused Ogras.


    Im sorry about my useless brother, Mr. Knight. Hes an idiot and a liar, but hes a good guy, she said, looking up at the demon with adoring eyes.


    Mr. Knight? the demon echoed with confusion.


    Well, youre my handsome knight in shining armor. You broke into the stronghold of the bad guys and saved me, she exined, showing no inclination to walk over to her brother.


    Sorry girl, youre a bit young for my taste, Ogras said with a snort, but after a brief pause looked her up and down once more. Come back in five years.


    Animal, Joanna and Verana echoed in unison, but the demon waspletely unaffected by their ire.


    Rima, dont be like that, Smaug entreated, looking a bit embarrassed. I did what I had to do to keep us safe.


    Stop using me to justify your shady business practices, Rima said with a roll of her eyes. Do you know how it feels to be mentioned as the reason for you turning into a drug lord?


    Youre a drug dealer? Zac said with a frown. Is that why youre so rich?


    I worked in, uh, pain management before the integration, Smaug said with a cough. I havent dabbled in that since the world turned crazy though, even though there is a massive demand from people who want to escape reality.


    Mr. Mask, is it true you work for the Super Brother-Man? Rima said, looking at Zac with interest. I heard from Mr. Knight.


    Im Mr. ck, Zac said. And yes.


    Mr. ck? How is that any better? Rima muttered, before perking up again. Is the Super Brother-Man handsome? How old is he? Is he single?


    Already abandoning me, girl? Ogras grunted, though he clearly was just messing around.


    Enough, Zac said and knocked the girl unconscious with a burst of his aura before taking out <strong>[Hunger]</strong>. You attacked us, using arrays that would kill most people. I was already considering what punishment you deserved when I thought you acted under duress. Why shouldnt I kill you right now?


    I am useful! Smaug hurriedly said, some fear appearing on his face. I can provide all sorts of information on the Underworld. I possess riches, and know where to find more.


    We can get information from the Union and the Council and we already possess more wealth than you, Ograsughed. Try again.


    I Ill work for the Super Brother-Man as well! Smaug said. You should understand Im good with money from my Ladder ranking.


    People willing to work for The Super Brother-Man would be able to fill a country. Why should we risk letting a shady person like you close to our business interests? Joanna asked.


    Ill sign a contract of servitude! Ill make you money to the best of my abilities for 50 years! he said, finally starting to panic.


    Sounds annoying to have you around. Who knows what hidden troubles you would cause, Zac shrugged, lifting his sword as if he wanted to decapitate him just like the two merchants.


    Wait! I have an iplete license with a limited product line! Smaug screamed as he backed away.


    Five hundred years, Zac said, the sword frozen mid-swing.


    Wh- Smaug was about to exim, but forcibly stopped himself. Five hundred, happy to be on board.


    Good. Joanna will be your handler, Zac said, She is under a contract of servitude as well, so signing with her will be like signing with the Super Brother-Man.


    Smaug sighed, and soon enough he had entered a 500-year contract with Joanna. Smaug clearly had aplicated rtionship with the truth, and Zac didnt want the man to know of his real identity. Having Joanna sign the contract still counted toward his contract limit though, and with all the Valkyries he only had four spots remaining.


    Luckily the contracts to keep silent about his identity was a simple agreement between two parties, and those one could enter as many as one pleased. However, since it was a contract of reciprocity he needed to give something in return, which in his case was a monthly stipend for as long as the contract was active.


    Zac looked at Smaugs forlorn figure with some humor, knowing things were not really as they seemed. It might have appeared as though the man was forced to sign the contract, but that was simply impossible.


    Unless the man wanted to form a contract and work for him the contract wouldnt even materialize, proving that it was all a ploy. Zac guessed that the only thing that Smaug hadnt nned was to share the fact that he had an iplete license.


    In the end, he got his hand on a helper that he sorely needed. He had wanted to find someone to manage his business interests while he focused on cultivation. As time passed his ventures only got more numerous, and someone needed to take charge. Zac himself didn''t know exactly what he owned any longer as his empire kept expanding through conquest and development.


    Whats an iplete license? Zac asked when the contract was signed.


    I have a mercantile ss as you already know, Smaug shrugged, his sad demeanor already gone. I got a quest to rise as high as possible on the Wealthdder, and the license was the reward. I think I would have gotten a real license if it wasn''t for your boss keeping the first spot for himself. Uh, our boss."


    "What''s the difference?" Zac asked, and even Ogras perked up in interest.


    Calrin had been pretty fleeting in his exnations about the mercantile system since the start, likely wanting to keep details vague so that others wouldn''t know when he was scamming them. Ogras had no idea either, only knowing it enabled intergctic trade as long as you fulfilled certain criteria.


    The Mercantile System is like a hidden website where you need to unlock every ware one by one. A Mercantile License is your login to the main website, but it is only the start from what I understand. You still need to perform various tasks to upgrade the license to give ess to better wares and rates. My license is limited, meaning that it onlysts for 100 years, and I can only buy wares from a corporation called <strong>[Stumpbugle Bombs]</strong>, Smaug exined.


    Thats some name, Ogras whistled.


    Its a goblinpany, and they make weird arrays, like the ones I presented to you earlier, Smaug coughed. They only sell consumable weapons, from simple arrays to weapons of mass destruction. I cant ess those though.


    Well find some work for you. Remember, if we find youre working against the interest of Port Atwood Zac said, lifting <strong>[Hunger]</strong> again.


    I know, I know, Smaug said with a disarming smile.


    Zac would look further into that Smaug could bring to the table at ater date, but for now he wanted to focus on the Union. He saw no reason to change his n just because Smaug had been lying. The Union still needed to be stopped.


    Ogras had already made some preliminary reconnaissance while scouring the Union headquarters for Rima, and as luck would have it the top brass of the Union was holding an emergency meeting in response to suddenly losing the transit camp.


    Since the hostage was saved Zac felt there to be no need for any subversion as he walked toward the main gate of the newly erected wall that ran around the headquarters. It was guarded by over twenty cultivators, and the Union had even got their hands on some nasty-looking turrets ced upon the wall walk.


    Halt! This is a restricted area, a guard shouted as therge mounted weapons turned toward Zac.


    The Super Brother-Man has judged the Union to be working with the foreign invaders. Stand down and you will not be hurt. We are only interested in the leaders, Zac said as his aura billowed out.


    The guards were shocked by the unexpected turn and looked at Zac like he was a primordial beast. It was no surprise since the strongest warriors of Earth could barely release an aura by now, whereas Zacs aura was heavy enough to almost feel like solid matter. Worse yet, it was rife with killing intent he had umted through his constant battles.


    A few of the cultivators immediately ran away, not giving theirpanions a second look. But a few stood still with indecision on their faces. Seeing the guards not stand down Zac rolled his eyes and took out two metal balls from his cosmos sack, and threw them at the two turrets in quick session. The balls ripped through the air and the weapons instantly turned to scrap metal.


    The disy of might was all that was needed to sway thest few guards who remained, and Zac was able to push open the gate without having to kill anyone. But a shimmering wall suddenly stopped him in his tracks, and Zac frowned when he realized someone had activated a defensive array.


    Zac quickly realized it was just a standard array bought from the Town Shop, and his right arm started swelling from infusing it with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>. He didnt even deign to push the skill to its limit before he punched out with enough force to make the air distort around his fist.


    The barrier shuddered andrge cracks started to spread, but the barrier held fast. However, Zac only snorted and punched out again, making the shieldpletely crumble this time. Ogras, nowpletely shrouded in shadows, and the others walked through as this was the most normal thing in the world, leaving a shocked Smaug behind.


    Monster, Smaug muttered from behind as he carried his unconscious sister.


    The group ripped through the building without any resistance. Any time a guard or an employee saw their approach they needlessly ran away, no one even pretending to muster a resistance. It proved how fragile a force like the Union was in the face of true power. There were many weaker forces around, but many would put up a far fiercer resistance against invaders.


    Zac followed Ogras'' directions, but it was barely needed as he could sense a clump of weak auras gathered together at the same spot. With their superhuman speeds, it took them less than 20 seconds before they barged into arge hall, where almost forty people were seated.


    These were the leaders of the Union, and behind them stood just as many warriors with somewhat impressive auras. But both hesitation and unwillingness to act was clear on their faces as Zac, Verana, and Ogras all released their auras. It submerged the whole building in oppressive might, and most immediately threw their weapons on the ground in hopes of being spared.


    A few tried to unleash desperate attacks on Zac''s group, perhaps knowing their sins were too heavy to be spared if they were captured. But they were quickly and ruthlessly dealt with, leaving a dozen corpses on the ground.


    Some of the seated leaders tried to flee in themotion, but between Ogras shadow spears and Zacs oppressive aura they found themselves trapped. Zac looked over the group of fearful people, noticing that people from all races apart from Zhix were represented.


    Is this them? Zac asked with a sighed as he turned to Smaug.


    Yes, a few people are missing, like Little Treasure and Copperfield, the Ishiate at the 11<sup>th</sup> spot of the wealthdder, Smaug said as he looked across the room. But this is over 80% of the top brass of the Union.


    It was a bit disheartening to Zac to see this diverse ensemble. This group represented some of the best and the brightest of the underworld, bringing together not only strong warriors but skilled nonbat cultivators. The group even transcended the racial barriers, something the surface still hadnt aplished. But instead of working together to rebuff the invaders, they had sold their souls for riches.


    "Starting today, the Union and all its subsidiaries are under new management."

 Chapter 333: The Underworld Council

    Chapter 333: The Underworld Council


    Things went quite smoothly after the bodyguards were subdued. The leaders of the Union were swiftly captured and imprisoned as the forces of Port Atwood were called over. Ogras wanted to summarily execute everyone to make an example, but Zac decided on a proper investigation and trial.


    The Union was a huge enterprise, and it soon became obvious that not everyone was aware of the ve trade, even at the top. In fact, in the meeting that Zac interrupted, it wasnt obvious that it was a ve camp they lost, but it was rather called a mining camp. Everyone had known about the trade with the invaders, but many thought they were using raw materials rather than people as a currency.


    When Zac exined the situation with the ves, everyone professed their ignorance of the matter, staunchly arguing that they only dealt with traditional business ventures. But as the days passed Calrin and his gnomes easily unraveled who was guilty and benefitted through the revenue streams, and with the interrogations that a shrouded Ogras led they soon had a full picture of what was going on.


    As for the normal employees of the Union, things went even smoother than Zac could ever have expected. Verana had been proven right. The moment they started to release the news that they only wanted to deal with the brass because of the ve trade, the normal workers quickly calmed down.


    There were a few that fled and disappeared among therge poption, either for fear of the unknown, or perhaps because they had done something they were afraid would be unearthed. But most happily went about their days, especially after Zac increased the general sries by 25%.


    But taking charge of the sprawling entity that was the Union wouldnt take just a day or two. There were so many businesses withplicated rtionships, and dozens of strategic resources to inspect. Luckily they had the wholework in their hands already.


    The Union had used the same type of system as the New World Government, with one Lord creating a hub for all the mayors in thework. It wasn''t clear who the true Lord was, but many believed it to be Little Treasure who had fled before Zac made his entrance. And since he even didn''t stay behind to defend his domain when their headquarters was assaulted the whole system was immediately awarded to Zac as the assaulting Lord.


    Zac himself was mostly uninterested in the practical proceedings and rather focused on the massive archives of intelligence that the Union had gathered the past months. Their secret intelligence dossiers on the demonkin and human Incursions were probably even more thorough than the Councils due to their frequent encounters.


    He knew he had to deal with the Demon Incursion as quickly as possible, but he was a bit unsure of what to do. The reason he came here in his undead form was to level up his Undead ss, but after his recent battles he felt there were some clear limitations to his Undying Bulwark ss as it currently stood.


    Most of his skills were aimed at keeping himself alive, with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> being his only offensive skill along with his learned skill <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>. He still kept training his utilization of the Dao every day with the trinket, but it would be some time until he could activate <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>.


    Theck of offensive and movement skills made his impact on a battlefield limited. It was not like a video game, he didnt have any taunt skills that forced all enemies to attack him. The moment the invaders realized he was a tough nut to crack they could simply assault his allies,pletely circumventing both <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> and <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. His whole n was for naught if his gained levels came at the cost of the lives of his friends.


    But as he read through the stacks of intelligence of the Underworld he found a possible solution to his problem in one of the scouting reports. But before he had time to send for the person who submitted this report a Valkyrie knocked on the door to the office he hadmandeered for himself.


    I am sorry to disturb you," the Valkyrie said after entering. "Some ambassadors from the Underworld Council is here, what do you want to do?


    So they came after all. Took them longer than we expected. Have Joanna and Sap Trang join me in Conference Room C, Zac said as he donned his mask.


    He had kept his modified appearance throughout the visit, but he only wore the mask when in public. As he walked through the richly decorated halls he sighed in wonder. Most of the original interiors remained, but most electrical functions had been swapped out with day crystals. It was an interesting mix of the old old world and the post-integration era, and it actually meshed quite well.


    The old fisherman and Joanna joined him soon after he sat down at the ornate table, and just minutester three warriors entered the room. It was two humans and one of the molemen, each of them radiating even stronger auras than the bodyguards of the union. And it was clear that this power came from battle rather than absorbing crystals and eating pills.


    The female moleman especially gave off the aura of a powerhouse, and Zac realized that she might be at the same level as someone like Thea. It was to the point that he was a bit tempted to use <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, but he knew that it would likely fail or even backfire. The other two were likely rankers as well, or at worst just shy of making the cut.


    One of the humans was a middle-aged man that was built like a bear with arge sword on his back. With hisrge bushy beard he gave off the aura of a brute, but an intelligent light in his eyes indicated he wasnt all brawn. The other human was an olddy with graying hair. She didnt have any distinguishing items on her, but two snowballs slowly rotated around her, meaning she was likely some sort of ice mage.


    The moleman had tworge daggers fastened to her waist, and from the aura they emitted Zac realized they were actually one Spirit Tool. Spirit Tools that were split into dual items were far harder to create from what Zac understood, making them as rare as defensive Spirit Tools, or perhaps even rarer.


    That this rogue had gotten her hands on such a good item proved once more she had survived some trials and found her lucky encounters, just like him. The only way she could have gotten such a good item was if shepleted some harsh quest from the system.


    It was clear that the Underworld Council hadnt sent some middlemen to meet with him, but rather some of their core warriors.


    Wee, Sap Trang said with a kindly smile. I am Sap Trang, ambassador of Port Atwood. This is Joanna, leader of the Valkyries, andstly Mr. ck. We apologize for not getting in contact with the Underworld Council sooner, our time down here has been a bit hectic.


    Id say, therge man said with a wry smile. I am-


    Wait, the moleman interjected, looking at Zac with animosity. You are no human. You are not one of the four founding races. You reek of death, and not like a warrior.


    Zac was a bit surprised that his origin was immediately exposed by the moleman. Not even the people of Port Atwood knew he wasnt human. They just thought he had gotten some odd ss like Death Knight, which gave him such a spooky aura.


    After hesitating for a second he removed his mask, exposing his deathly pale skin and pitch-ck eyes. The burly man couldnt stop himself from twitching when he saw the eyes that seemingly led into an endless abyss, and the old woman frowned in consternation.


    Your senses are sharp, Zac said, not surprised about the reactions. I am undead.


    So The Super Brother-Man gobbles up the Union because they work with the invaders, while himself working with invaders, the moleman said, some anger burning in her eyes.


    Lara-, the man said, but was stopped by a re.


    Zac smiled slightly at the usation, not angry at the questioning. If anything it proved that at least the Council hadnt gotten their priorities mixed up, and truly tried to stop the invaders.


    Lord Atwood recognizes that the world is not ck or white, Sap Trang exined. The Incursions are a problem that needs to be dealt with, but it doesnt mean he cant recruit talents from the various factions that have invaded our. It helps us to gain all sorts of information, allowing us to adapt to this new reality much faster. Just like the Council have benefited from the Union''s trade with the invaders.


    But what were doing is different from the Union. The aliens working for Lord Atwood have already had their Incursions closed, making them dependent on Port Atwood. Lord Atwood would also never sell or sacrifice our own people, Joanna added. You should understand, the moment an invader uses a teleportation array, it means they have truly given up on invading Earth, meaning everyone here works for Lord Atwood.


    The moleman didnt seempletely satisfied with the exnation, but she didnt press the issue further as she sat down with a harrumph.


    I am sorry about the questioning, the man said with a smile. We have been isted down here, constantly fighting the invaders for months. I am Gregor, and these two are Oksana and Lararia. We are three of the 11 seats of the Underworld council.


    What brings the Underworld Council here today? Joanna asked.


    First we simply wanted to make your acquaintance, but we also wish to inquire about your future ns, Gregor said.


    We cannot divulge any specifics, but suffice to say our goal is to close the incursions of the underworld, which would allow us to focus on the real enemies of Earth, Joanna said.


    Real enemies? Gregor said with confusion. Who would that be?


    You should have heard of two of them. Inevitability and Harbinger, the two top positions on thedder for the hunt, Joanna said. But what you might not know is that those two are undermand of someone far more dangerous.


    From there Joanna proceeded to exin the situation about The Great Redeemer and the impending threat he posed. The trio mostly listened silently, sometimes interjecting with incisive questions.


    We learned about the existence of these people from the Zhix down here even before the hunt, Gregor said with a frown. And we have heard about the Dominators from their old world as well. But who would have thought that was just the beginning of the conspiracy?


    Not even Lord Atwood is ready to fight against the Dominators just yet. They are monstrously strong and possess hidden means provided by their master. But hes desperately cultivating to gain the power to stop them, and we hope the Council will join us in that battle when the timees, Joanna said.


    This topic is far beyond our expectations, and we cannot speak for the whole Council on this matter. But I joined the battle to protect Earth and secure a position in the multiverse. I wont shy away from any battle to protect our home, no matter if its invaders or Dominators, Gregor said, and the olddy nodded in agreement.


    Zac internally breathed out in relief, as one of the most important goals of the Underworld was somewhat aplished. The discussions went on for a while, and it became clear that one of the biggest worries of the Underworld Council had been that Zac wanted to gobble up the whole Underworld. That he was only using the fight with the Invaders as an excuse to get his foot in the door.


    But the fact that they could easily prove that they had closed multiple incursions through Joannas quest quickly warmed the council members, and discussions rather moved to the topic of cooperation. Zac eventually decided to send over a group of ambassadors to get a better understanding of the battle with the Fire Golems. The squad would also act as Emily''s protectors while she looked for her sister since he didn''t have time to go himself.


    Arge problem with the golems was that they were the only force seemingly unencumbered by the extremely hard rock in the Underworld, allowing them to freely create new paths, and flood the ones the Council used with Lava. The council could only perform quick raids against the golems nowadays, afraid that their path of retreat would be cut off.


    So the fact that a group of extremely powerful people had entered the Underworld brought hope for the Council that they could finallyunch a decisive strike against the core of the Golem Incursion, Stopping the threat for good.


    Can we ask when Lord Atwood ns on moving against the Fire Golems? They are thergest threat to the survival of the Underworld, Gregor finally asked.


    Neither Joanna or Sap Trang dared to speak up regarding this subject, as Zac still hadn''t made his decision on how to proceed. There was the issue of the demon Incursion, and also that report that had caught his eye. After mulling it over for a few seconds Zac looked up at Gregor.


    "There are some things we need to deal with before we turn our eyes toward the Fire Golem Incursion. But we hope tounch an all-out strike within three weeks at thetest."

 Chapter 334: Hidden Wealth

    Chapter 334: Hidden Wealth


    You wanted to see me, sir? the young woman said with a shaky voice, clearly afraid to enter therge room where Zac had been training with his shield the past day. "I''m Emma."


    Zac looked over with some confusion, not recognizing the girl by the entrance. But he quickly realized who it was, and stowed away his shield.


    Are you the scout I asked for? Zac asked, trying to not sound threatening.


    Y-Yes. I was in charge of a scout team looking for valuable veins within the Unio- ahem, Lord Atwoods domain, Emma hastily exined, keeping her eyes at the ground.


    Great. Come with me for a bit, Zac said, leaving the training room and the group of Valkyries who had been his sparring partners.


    The councilors from the Underworld Council left yesterday along with a group of ambassadors led by Tylia and Joanna, taking the impatient Emily with them. Zac himself had decided to follow up on the idea he had while waiting for things to get sorted out, and called for the person who had written it up, which was the girl currently following him.


    Unfortunately she had been out on a mission and it looked like she only returned just now. So since Zac had some time to spare he decided to work on some of his undead skills. All of them were still at the Early Stage, and he hoped that one way to improve his battlefield impact if he upgraded them.


    <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong> was the easiest, as it only required him to learn and incorporate the movements with the shield. It took him less than an hour to upgrade the skill to Middle mastery, and another 10 hours to reachte mastery. But just like with <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> he found that there were something missing to push it toward peak mastery, so he could only stop there.


    Upgrading <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong> did not improve his attributes or allowed him to unleash some new power, but it did help a lot in utilizing his shield, and the fractal equivalent in <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. It even showed him how to properly fight with a weapon in one hand and shield in the other.


    Until now he had been a bit clumsy and limited in that department, but he quickly learned how to use both his weaponry to their full potential. The shield was not only arge nk to block out damage, but it was a tool that would also create the opening for him to finish his enemies with his weapon. His other skills, unfortunately, werent as easy to level up, but he didnt despair. Hopefully he would be able to push some of them forward in the following weeks.


    Dont worry, youre not in trouble or anything like that. I have read some of your reports. You were the one who wrote this, correct? Zac wanted to confirm after the two entered his office, handing Emma the report he found the other day.


    He could understand Emma''s nervousness. She had worked in the department under one of the leaders who were found guilty of human trafficking just this morning. Almost two-thirds of the leaders of the Union had been foundplicit to the ve trade, and they were executed as punishment. It wasn''t unthinkable that the minions would suffer for the sins of their boss as well.


    Wha- Oh? Yes! she stammered after ncing over the first page. I was the one who wrote it. I am the only survivor from that excursion.


    Large vein deposit. Unknown resource. Quality - Highest. Danger level Highest, Zac said, listing the main points from his memory. Infested by, and I quote you, an insane number of mutated bugs. But no location?


    Leonard, the department head, did not want us to write the location in the reports of very valuable things. He was afraidpeting departments was spying on him. I only told him in person, the scout said.


    Tell me about this ce, Zac said.


    The vein is three days travel from a remote outpost, hidden in a huge cave system at the bottom of ake. We found it by ident when looking for valuable resources underwater. When we entered we realized there was some odd crystal that was emitting a really mysterious light, but we didnt have time to excavate even one before we were overrun.


    By what? Zac asked.


    Insects, each about asrge as arge dog. But they were so strong! We barely managed to harm them, but they ughtered everyone in seconds. I only managed to use my identification skill once before I fled. The insect was level 68. That was one month ago, the scout said with horror in her eyes.


    Have you seen anything like that before? Zac probed.


    No, there are really some strong insects down here in the Underworld, but they are usually solitary. We saw thousands of peak F-Rank beasts, and we didnt even really enter the vein. Im sure its teeming with E-Grade beasts further down, especially now that so much time has passed, she said.


    How did you survive? Zac asked with some suspicion. Youre only level 42, and I am sure you were lower at that point.


    I have a good movement skill, she said, and the beasts stopped when I jumped into the water to get back to the surface.


    Zac slowly nodded. He wasnt disappointed when he heard how dangerous the mysterious cavern was, but rather the opposite. A ce crawling with extremely strong beasts was exactly what he needed.


    His n was simple. He wanted to throw himself into the thick of it, and with the help of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> grind all the way to level 60. Normally such a thing might have taken over a month, mainly because beasts strong enough to provide a nice boost of energy were few and far between.


    But this cavern was for some reason overflowing with powerful beasts that would each be able to control their own region on Mystic Ind, turning the cave into a cultivators paradise as long as one was strong enough to survive. Not even the rabid beasts in the hunt would be able topare to the massive amounts of beasts in there.


    Depending on how much stronger the beasts had be in the past weeks it would only take a week or two to get to level 60. If the skill he got at that point would allow him to confidently fight the invaders in his undead form without risking the lives of his people, great. If not, then he would turn into his human form to fight, even if that would result in a loss of cosmic energy.


    Besides, there was undoubtedly something interesting in that cave if it had turned its inhabitants so powerful.


    Why do you think the insects are so strong at that ce? Zac asked.


    I dont know But if I had to guess? I think its those rocks somehow evolving the insects, she said with some hesitation.


    Zac nodded and asked some follow-up questions about anything that might be useful in his expedition. When he felt confident in finding the ce he excused the scout after having her sign a temporary contract of confidentiality.


    Personally, Zac believed there was another possibility to the one Emma provided. There might be a great natural treasure at the bottom of the cave, which was the source of both the mysterious crystals and the powerful beasts. He already knew that the was given a handful of great treasures by the System, items that normally shouldnt appear. His Tree of Ascension was such an example, and the Abbots lotus was another.


    Each such item could bring a great boost to the one who managed to seize it, but so far Zac had only gotten one even though he was so far ahead of the others of earth. The odd ce in the report might be his chance at a second one.


    Since he had everything he needed he didnt waste any time. He immediately set out after informing Mr. Trang about his decision. Zac knew this somewhat messed with the quest the Valkyries received, but he needed to focus on his own development at this point. He needed to improve as quickly as possible to be able to match the Dominators.


    He immediately teleported over to the small town cave that the scout mentioned and immediately rushed out into the open Underworld. The scout had mentioned three days of travel, but Zac didnt want to waste almost a week on travel for the round trip.


    Instead, Zac changed into his human form for the first time in a while and rushed across the subterraneanndscape with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and he found himself at thekefront in less than a day. The fact that he didnt have to skirt around the domain of powerful beasts saved him one day, while his movement skill saved him another.


    When he stood by the shore of the crystal clearke he once again changed his race with the help of his transformation skill and quietly entered the depths when his change to his Draugr form wasplete. Remembering the scouts description he swam down twenty meters and ripped apart some moss at the wall to expose the entrance to the cavern.


    He swam in the pitch-ck water-filled tunnel for almost five minutes before finally finding air, and he couldnt believe that the scouting party dared to enter a scary ce like this. Even with his massive pool of Endurance he felt it was a bit unsettling, like a beast of the depths could crop up at any moment to swallow him whole. But he managed to exit the tunnel without any problem, finding himself in a massive cave system.


    The cave itself was arge and open area illuminated in green, but not by the usual luminescent moss and fungi. It was rather some crystals embedded in the walls that seemed to have green fireflies fluttering around inside. Zac immediately understood those crystals were what Emma was referring to, but he couldnt sense any special energy from them.


    Zac wanted to excavate one of the crystals to take a closer look, but incessant ttering echoing in the cave stopped him in his tracks. It looked like he was getting the same reception as the scouts, as a tidal wave of insects frenziedly rushed toward him.


    All of the insects looked the same, though they were of slightly varying sizes. They most closely resembled a giant Weta or cricket, with three pairs of legs where the hindmost set was extra long. But they also possessed enormous mandibles that looked strong enough to bite a human in two. Finally they had a pointy stinger at the back, though the scout didnt know if these things possessed any venom or not as she had to immediately flee.


    Their bodies were covered inyered shell, but they looked much thinnerpared to the Ayr ants that he fought during the best waves. But in return they were much quicker, jumping toward him with greater speed than a charging Barghest.


    Each one of them looked like a decent foe for any cultivator, with theirbination of natural weapons and a pretty high speed. But what was truly intimidating was the wave of killing intent that pushed toward him upon their approach. Zac quickly used his eye skill before things got too hectic.


    <strong>[Lower Crust Battleroach Insect Level 73 - Strength]</strong>


    The result of <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> proved that the beasts had improved a couple of levels in the short month since the scout was here, making Zac even more confident there was something in the cave that pushed these things to evolve.


    However, there was no time to do an in-depth analysis as the tidal wave of insects was upon him. He took out <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>as the miasmic haze from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> spread through the cave. The change in energy made a few of the insects stop in confusion, but they were quickly overrun by frenzied brethren.


    A fractal shield materialized behind Zac as his axe turned into a blur. Green liquid sttered in all directions as Zac felt a steady stream of energy enter his body, both through <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> and the quick kills from his swings.


    The shells of the insects barely hindered the upgraded <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, and even <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> steadily killed one insect after another as they threw themselves at him from every direction. Specters kept popping up around him to retaliate any strike against him, his shield, or the fractal bulwark protecting his rear.


    Mists of miasma rose from the air as the corpses started to transform into fuel for the fight, and Zac started to slowly push forward as to not get buried in insect corpses. His whole body was already covered in green goop, but he didnt care as he saw every disgusting insect as a burst of energy to progress his levels.


    Zac resolutely kept moving downward in the cave, and between the increasingly thick haze of miasma and the constantly appearing specters, it looked like an Undying Legion was trying to break into the underworld. And in the middle of the carnage a system prompt appeared, telling him he had received a quest.

 Chapter 335: Ascension Breaker

    Chapter 335: Ascension Breaker


    Zac froze in the middle of his rampage when he noticed the screen in front of him. The momentarilypse in concentration allowed one of the animals to leap up at him, clenching its mandibles around his throat while trying to scratch open his chest.


    The bite wasnt anywhere near strong enough to cut off his head, but it did draw some ck ichor with its bite. The pain woke Zac up and he destroyed the Battleroach with a swing of his axe. Battle lust roared in his mind, but he forced himself to stop in his tracks and curl down on the ground with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>covering his whole body.


    It was his self-invented turtle stance that allowed him a breather in return for an increased expenditure of miasma. The roaches kept their assault going, desperately trying to w or bite through the thick shield, which only got them whittled down by the specters of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. Zac didnt hunker down to catch a breather though, but rather to be able to read the quest without interruptions.


    <strong>Ascension Breaker (Unique, Limited): Stop the Battleroach King from Evolving into a Primordial Warroach. Reward: [Primordial Breath Amanita], Death Attuned Skill [03:06:23:54]. </strong>


    Zac slowly read through the quest to not miss any details, but it seemed quite straightforward. Somewhere in the cave the insect boss was located, and it seemed that it would evolve in three days. It reminded Zac of the image of the monkey Herald silently cultivating under the Tree of Ascension. But Zac''s eyes were mostly glued to the rewards, both of which were quite tempting.


    He had no idea what a <strong>[Primordial Breath Amanita] </strong>was, but it surely wasnt anything useless. Anything referring to the Primordial Chaos probably had a great origin. This was because it was generally epted that the two great Daos of Creation and Oblivion were born from the Primordial Chaos, meaning primordial items might have a connection to the highest of Daos.


    Of course, sometimes things were named after the Primordial Chaos simply to sound overbearing or more valuable than things truly were.


    The Death Attuned Skill was an even greater lure for him, and he knew what it was a reward tailored to his current needs. The whole reason he entered this den was to gain another skill, and with the help of the quest he might actually walk away with two skills rather than one.


    He had already been meaning to explore the depths of this ce for any potential reward, but this made him even more eager to head down. Besides, if things proved too dangerous he could always jump into the water and swim to safety. However, as if hearing Zacs thoughts another line of text appeared next to the quest.


    <strong>[Note: Exits closed. Exits will remain sealed for 1 year upon failure of quest.]</strong>


    Thats the System I remember, Zac sighed with some helplessness.


    It looked like he had no choice but to give it his all to stop the battleroach boss from evolving, and he had a decent idea of what that meant. By traveling with Verana and the beastmasters of the Tal-dar the past days he had learned quite a bit about beasts and their cultivation system. While titles and sses were the tworgest factors for differences in power between two warriors, the deciding factors for the power of a beast were their bloodline and its purity.


    Something that had confused Zac for a long time was the fact that pretty much all the beasts he had met, from the Barghest to the wolf waves, were equally strong as their brethren. This was because beasts didnt have any titles, and they didnt possess sses either.


    Their bloodline was their ss, and their levels came with a higher number of raw attributes topensate for theck of titles. A strong bloodline would give more attribute points, whereas a weak bloodline would give fewer. Greater bloodlines would also provide a greater number of bloodline skills, like the terrifying beam the Star Ox released at him during the hegemony trial.


    But the type of bloodline was not the only important factor to consider. there was also the purity of the bloodline. As generations passed the bloodline of a race might get diluted, pushing the race further and further from their powerful ancestor. In fact, Vul, the Barghest Herald, was not a different race than the other Barghest even though it was far more dangerous. It was simply a talented Barghest whose bloodline had been purified by n Azh''Rezak.


    Beasts could also purify their bloodline on their own, by slowly rotating their energy to expel impurities. This process could be drastically sped up if the beasts stayed close to natural treasures. The herbs or metals continuously emitted excess energy while they grew or evolved, which was why almost all treasures had beasts guardians close-by. They were using the treasures to essentially cultivate, and losing the treasure would mean losing their chance to evolve.


    A skilled Beast Master spent most of their wealth and efforts on purifying the bloodlines of their contracted beasts. It would not only drastically increase their power and longevity, but the bloodline also dictated how far the beast could reach on the road of cultivation. Some of the more intelligent beasts even voluntarily entered contracts with Cultivators in order to get help with improving their bloodline.


    But apart from purifying the bloodline there was another, but far rarer possibility; bloodline evolution. It was possible to ascend to a higher tier of being, which usually brought a tremendous boost in power. It was akin to a housecat evolving into a saber-toothed tiger. This was something that might happen through mutation, but it mostly required a great treasure or some other rare opportunity.


    Zac was suspecting that this was the type of evolution he needed to stop, rather than simply stopping an F-Grade to E-Grade evolution. Since the weakest beasts at the edge of the hive were almost at the peak of the F-Grade, there was no way that the Battleroach King hadn''t already evolved to E-Grade. Since it was much too early into the integration to talk about evolving to D-Grade, then Bloodline Evolution was the most likely scenario.


    Zac closed the menu with a sigh as he got back up on his feet, and with a wide swing created some space form the densely packed battleroaches. He had initially nned on pushing downward step by step, grinding for over a week if need be, but now he felt the clock ticking.


    Zac also couldn''t stop some worry from creeping in, making him second-guess his decision toe to this ce. His experience with most quests so far was that he had been pushed to his limit, barely surviving the trials. That was simply how the System worked. If it was too easy the System wouldn''t provide any good rewards. If it was impossible it wouldn''t give out the quest since its purpose was to train, not to kill.


    Before he kept descending any further into the cave system he first fought his way back to the water. It was the waterline that had allowed Emma to return alive, but when Zac arrived he noticed with some helplessness that a shimmering shield covered the water. It was the System blocking any escape, and he knew better than to try to brute force it.


    Instead, he turned back and started making his way down the cavern. The onught of battleroaches was relentless, and Zac had killed over a thousand by the time his area was wiped clean. There were still swarms of the roaches remaining further down judging from the incessant ttering echoing from the depths, but it didnt look like they were interested ining up to his floor.


    Cleansing the first floor had taken a bit over an hour, and the short burst of intense carnage had almost given him two full levels. The speed would shock anyone else, but Zac was actually a bit disappointed. While killing the battleroaches provided a steady stream of energy, each kill provided just a fraction of what he would receive from killing a cultivator at the same level.


    But the situation was still pretty great since the roaches werepletely berserk. They didnt try to avoid the insectoid specters at all, making it possible for <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>to continuously kill targets even with its limited power. The battle had proven pretty easy, with the only issue being the somewhat high energy consumption. Less than half his miasma remained, as the returns from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> couldn''t match the expenditure from constantly utilizing multiple skills.


    He initially wanted to head straight down to his next floor as to not waste any time, but since he needed to rest up he first walked over to the wall with the shimmering crystals. Inspecting the wall proved he was correct that there definitely was some rtion between the crystals and the insects.


    At a closer look, he saw that there were quite a few holes where crystals had been extracted, and scratch marks around a few other ces indicated that some insect had tried, and failed, to rip out crystals. It only increased his curiosity about the green energy inside, because no matter how he looked at it he didnt sense anything special.


    He gingerly touched one of the crystals, and after nothing happened he ripped it out of the wall for further study. The lights kept buzzing inside the crystal even after getting extracted, but no matter what Zac did he couldn''t figure out the purpose of these things. However, when Zac identally held the crystal close to <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> the slumbering spirit inside stirred.


    Zac felt some hope that he had finally found something else that Verun wanted to absorb. One troubling realization after he had evolved the axe to E-Grade was that it no longer used blood to evolve. It still consumed the blood of evolved beings to charge up its fractal, but it didnt do anything to unlock the other four fractals on the haft. Zac had a feeling that he needed to find treasures that would unlock each of the five fractals before evolving it to D-Grade.


    Truthfully he had been worried that the axe had be such a picky eater that it would only drink D-Grade blood to evolve, but perhaps Zac simply hadnt found the right materials. If the axe liked these crystals he would evolve verun in no time, since there were thousands of them in just the room he was standing in. But unfortunately the axe grew disinterested after a few seconds, no longer giving the shimmering crystal any attention.


    It was disappointing, but Zac knew he was still on the highest floor. Perhaps the crystals around him were something that Verun wanted, but they were F-Grade when the axe needed crystals of a higher grade.


    Greed shimmered in Zacs eyes as he looked at the crystal-studded walls. He truly wanted to pick each one since the crystals were something good enough that even the picky Verun woke up. But he was currently working against the clock, as getting locked inside this ce for a year would spell disaster for not only himself but Earth as a whole.


    The crystal was put into his Cosmos Sack since Verun wouldnt eat it, and Zac headed over to the entrance to the next floor. It was arge hole straight in the ground, and looking down into it was like looking down into the abyss. There were no crystals in the hole, and the only clue there was something beneath was the incessant susurrus of innumerable insects moving about.


    Zac sat down next to the hole as he took out two E-Grade Miasma crystals. Luckily he had stocked up on crystals through Calrin before entering the Underworld, and he would be able to fight non-stop for weeks with the help of his reserves of Miasma Crystals.


    His stores of death-attuned energies were filled up in four hours, and Zac stood up to look down into the abyss. Nothing ventured nothing gained, so Zac simply jumped down into the hole, cing his shield beneath himself as he imbued his body with the Dao of Heaviness.


    The air screamed around him as he shot downward like a bullet, reaching the next level in just a few seconds. The whole cave shock from the shockwave of Zacsnding and even the impossibly hard foundation showed some cracks. A surge of energy also weed his arrival as at least fifty battleroaches died from the impact.


    Zac got up to his feet and shook his head. His ears were ringing, and even he was a bit dibobted by mming into the extremely hard ground. But his axe was already moving through muscle memory, and the sounds of pitched battle erupted once more.

 Chapter 336: Refined Skills

    Chapter 336: Refined Skills


    As Zac once again started up his ughter he shot a nce at his surroundings. The second floor looked mostly the same, though slightlyrger. The same green crystals studded the walls, and the same frenzied critters were already charging him. He even noticed the same type of hole leading to the next floor on the other side of the cave. It almost felt like he was in an illusion world because of the simrity, but the fact that he kept gaining energy was undeniable.


    The miasmic haze once again spread out as Zac methodically killed one battleroach after another. He had three days toplete the quest, and he believed the easiest method was to simply rush down and kill the Roach King. But he had no idea how strong it was so he wanted to gain as many levels as possible before confronting it.


    He also had no idea how many floors this ce had, but if he started to run out of time he would skip killing the beasts and jump down one floor after another until he reached the bottom. Worst case he would have to fight a bunch of extra battleroaches along with their boss if they jumped after him, but better that than getting locked in this cave for a year.


    As he kept fighting Zac started to enter a rhythm, almost a dance based on the moves he had recently learned from <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong>. His feet moved across the cavern following a precise pattern as he weaved a trail of carnage with his axe. His shield was quickly bing an extension of his body, allowing him to control where and when he was attacked by the rabid beasts.


    Order was quickly being forced upon the chaotic swarm of battleroaches and Zac realized that he was steadily decreasing his Miasma consumption without lessening the pace that the insects died. As he started to incorporate the teachings of his skill in battle he also started to more actively work with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    It was possible to simply keep the skill running, but Zac realized his way of using it had been too wasteful. Not every strike against him warranted a retaliation, as the reflected attack would sometimes bring fewer benefits than the cost of Miasma warranted. So he started to control which strikes to counter, and which one to simply endure. It reduced the number of specters appearing around him by half, but the number of kills was almost the same.


    Efficiency was something that Zac once excelled at, something forced upon him due to overindulging on cosmic water before he knew any better. But as his powers grew he had slowly forgotten this important lesson, instead opting to fight like a brute because of his massive pool of attributes.


    But Zac realized that such a mindset stifled growth, and stopped him from pushing himself to the limits. It also wasted a lot of time. Perhaps not through the battle itself, but most of his time on thest floor had been spent recuperating his expended Miasma. He was not a Cultivator who could rapidly restore his reserves, so he needed to make use of every smidgeon of Miasma in his body.


    He slowly got the hang of splitting his attention between striking the weak spots with his axe and manually controlling <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. But he felt his work still wasnt done. He started to change the way he moved slightly, forcibly stopping the impulses to avoid getting hit in certain spots. Slowly the attacks from the battleroaches started to center on his belly or his head more and more.


    Zacs idea was simple. The spectral projections from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> assaulted the attacker in roughly the same area that Zac was attacked in. That meant if he made sure to get hit in the areas that were weak spots of the roaches the lethality of the projections would increase without any increase in Miasma consumption. It did require more precision though. He needed to make sure his thick skull was hit rather than his vulnerable throat or eyes for example.


    More wounds dripping ichor soon adorned Zacs body, but he was slowly getting hang of it. And his efforts were quickly rewarded as a prompt told him that <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> just reached Middle mastery. The effect was immediately obvious, as the continuously appearing spectral projections turned slightly grade more corporeal, and hazy fractals adorned their bodies.


    They had also be stronger, noticeably so. Zac had already measured that the power of the specters from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> was roughly around 10%-15% of the original strikes power, meaning that it usually took a couple of tries until they managed to kill or grievously wound their enemies. Zac couldnt be sure exactly how strong the specters were now, but after using the skill for a few minutes he felt that the power had increased by at least 50%.


    But that wasnt the most interesting change in the skill. After upgrading <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> he realized that he suddenly had limited control of the specters as they appeared. Each time a ghost was summoned he felt as though he had grown a new appendage, and with some effort he managed to manipte the specter.


    The effect was extremely limited at the moment though. He only managed to slightly alternate the trajectory of their retaliatory strike. But that slight adjustment could be the difference by hitting a thick chitinous te or a weak joint, and if Zac could learn to naturally control the specters as they popped up he would truly increase the lethality of the skill by a notch.


    Flush with sess Zac immediately started to investigate means to improve his other skills as he whittled down the number of battleroaches in the cave. But finding other quick upgrades didnte as easy. He didnt have any control over <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, so he couldnt figure out any means that might help him move to a higher mastery.


    The same went for <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> that he kept running just in case something down here could use mental attacks. That only left <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, the fractal wall he currently used to block out all attacks from behind. He knew that he wasnt using it to its full potential since currently it only worked as a blockade, rather than utilizing therge spikes that covered its front.


    During his rampage in the caverns beneath the Eastern Trigram Sect he had used the bulwark like a bulldozer, putting it in front of his body as he rushed forward. The more vulnerable of the beasts had been crushed into meat paste from his charge, turning the skill into apetent offensive Skill.


    But after a few tries he had to give up on that approach against the battleroaches. While the shells of the insects werent as sturdy as some other species, they were still quite durable. Thats why <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> rarely finished its enemies in one swing, and why he had to utilize <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> to properly cut the critters apart.


    Therge bulwark slowly swirled to Zac''s front, and with a grunt he started running forward. The roaches screeched in rage as therge shield mmed into them, and nothing they did could stop his progress. Dull thuds started echoing through the caves as the roaches mmed themselves into the iing wall.


    Sadly the collisions of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>proved insufficient, and only a scant few of the insects actually died on the spikes. The rest bounced off the shield to the sides, immediately getting back up on their feet to assault Zac from the sides. But Zac suddenly got a burst of energy when he rammed straight into a wall, crushing all the roaches between the bulwark and the cave into a wet mess.


    But even when he used the bulwark as a meat press the speed that he killed the beasts was worse when utilizing thebination of his axe and <strong>[Deathwish].</strong> Zac soon gave up on that tactic, even if it might be the key to upgrading the skill, and once again returned to methodically decimating the roach poption with thebination of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, and his axe. His bulwark was once again relegated to stay behind his back to block any strikes from the rear.


    But Zac suddenly had an idea, and the wide fractal wall rose into the air as it started to turn until the spikes were pointing at the ground. Since there was no longer anything blocking the roaches that tried to attack Zac from behind they immediately flooded toward his back to w at his neck and legs. The moment Zac felt a painful swipe on his back the bulwark fell down like a trap roof in an old movie.


    He had gotten the idea after witnessing how easily the bugs were crushed against the wall. Since he had control over the fractal shield he could move it around in any direction as long as it wasnt too far from his current position. That gave him the idea to use therge thing as a hammer, crushing everything dumb enough to walk beneath it.


    Unfortunately, the bulwark shared an annoying simrity with the movies. The falling bulwark was too slow, to the point that most of the frenzied roaches managed to scuttle out of the way just before they were crushed.


    Zac nced at therge fractal wall with some reluctance, and it once again rose into the air. This time it started emitting a mighty pressure, to the point that the air around it shuddered. Zac had imbued it with his peak stage Seed of Heaviness. The Bulwark once again mmed into the ground, this time with almost three times the speed.


    The whole cave shuddered from the impact and the unlucky roaches that were caught beneath were turned into a paste in an instant. Zac was ted with the result and started to move the shield up and down as he focused on the enemies in the front. Loud thumps started to echo through the cave every 5 seconds, making it sound like an industrial press was constantly running.


    Using <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> like a huge hammer was a bit stupid, and it certainly wouldnt work against an intelligent opponent, but it did increase his killing speed while only consuming some mental energy. Another downside was that some quick roaches asionally reached his unguarded back to attack his neck.


    Luckily he had enough control of the situation in the front to give him the freedom to avoid most attacks from the rear any time his danger sense warned him. But wounds still started to umte at a higher speed, making theyers of green goop on his back get intermixed with ck ichor.


    Soon enough the fighting abated, and Zac stood amongst the sea of destroyed battleroaches. A quick inspection showed that the crystals that studded the walls were no better than the ones on the floor above, so Zac immediately sat down to absorb Miasma as he went over the results of the battle.


    The second floor had housed roughly 20% more battleroachespared to the first, yet he had taken less than ten minutes longer topletely decimate everything. This was a decidedly better grinding speed, especially considering that he had spent quite some time adjusting to his more refined fighting style and experimenting with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>.


    He had also reached level 57, meaning that he had already gained three levels in one short day. Even his optimistic calctions had him taking at least a week to reach level 60, but as it looked now it might only take two days unless he ran out of battleroaches to kill.


    But the most exciting difference in clearing out the second floor was that he had consumed even less miasma than the floor above. This was even though he both utilized <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> more actively and killed a lot more roaches. It was a testament to the fact that he had wasted too much energy the way he originally fought.


    The restoration took a bit over four hours, at which point his mental energy hadpletely restored itself as well. He had spent over 10 hours in the cave already, so Zac immediately headed down to the next floor.


    The sounds of battle kept echoing as Zac turned into a stoic killing machine, knowing no retreat or surrender. He kept working on perfecting his battle coordination, constantly trying to kill the roaches faster and faster without wasting any unnecessary energy.


    The roaches on the third floor were a bitrger than the second, with many proving to be level 75, true peak F-Grade beasts. But apart from a decent boost in power and speed they didnt have any new abilities, so Zac kept fighting as usual. Soon enough the third floor was cleansed, and he only kept going resting as short a time as possible between fights.


    Afterpletely decimating the sixth floor Zac realized had been constantly fighting for over 30 hours, and the results were astounding. He had already reached level 60, and as expected he received his next ss Quest.

 Chapter 337: Profane Dominance

    Chapter 337: Profane Dominance


    Zacs leveling speed was shocking, taking just over one day to push from level 54 to 60. But he also knew that his way of going about things would only be possible for someone extremely overpowered like himself. The roaches didnt pose any real threat to him, but he was still covered in shallow wounds from their sharp mandibles and serrated legs.


    The fact that the insects were able to hurt him even though his effective endurance was over 1000 proved that almost everyone else on Earth would be ripped to pieces in seconds from the rabid assault of the beasts. Even he was feeling the strain, so he quickly ate a healing pill before opening his status screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>60</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Epic] Undying Bulwark</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Peak, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sharpness - High, Seed of Hardness - Middle, Seed of Sanctuary - High, Seed of Rot - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>718 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>320 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>827 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>432 [Increase: 50%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>174 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>248 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>140 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>6</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 295 264 610</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac hadnt bothered to allocate his free points while pushing down the tunnels, but now he put them all into Strength before opening up the quest screen. The Ascension Breaker quest showed that he had just under two days remaining, but he was more interested in the new quest he had just received.


    <strong>Profane Dominance (ss): Kill 1000 peak F-Grade beings within 3 hours OR Defeat 1 being at least 30 levels above you. Reward: [Profane Discharge] OR [Profane Seal]. (0/1000 - 0/1)</strong>


    Zac was surprised to see that it was a forked quest, just like the time he received <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. At that time he had the choice of whether choosing a nurturing path or a path of destruction going by the quest requirements, and this time there was a clear indication of what he would receive as well.


    It was quite clear that no matter which option he chose, it would still be an offensive skill that he would get. <strong>[Profane Discharge]</strong> was likely an area skill that would help him killrge packs of weaker enemies, whereas <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> was meant as a skill to take down powerhouses.


    Indecision gued Zac as he sat down to restore his depleted reserves of Miasma, and he went over the options over and over. It would be effortless for him toplete the first option, as he had killed battleroaches at a far higher rate until now. But it would have been an extremely daunting task if he didnt have his massive pool of attributes given by his titles and second ss.


    In fact, if he kept going as he did he wouldnt be able to avoid getting <strong>[Profane Discharge]</strong> even if he wanted to since there were more floors beneath with more battleroaches. The only way was if he drastically slowed down his killing speed, but that might cause trouble with his other quest.


    The other skill, <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, more troublesome toplete for the current Zac, but not because of the difficulty. He had confidence in defeating most level 90 beings in his current form. It might take some time to whittle it down with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, but he was sure he would be able to oust almost anyone in his current state.


    The issue was whether he could even find a level 90 being apart from the Dominators. All the E-Grade beasts he had encountered so far were between level 75 and 80, a far cry from level 90. His only hope was either the Warroach King or the Leaders of the incursions.


    Furthermore, if he wanted to aim for this skill he couldnt gain too many levels either. Each level he gained would push the required level of the kill forward as well. Finding a level 90 enemy was hard enough, but if he grinded another ten levels he might not find a target for months.


    Both skills were things that he wanted for his current ss, and they would help him tremendously during the underworld incursions. This would be the first truly offensive skill for his Epic ss, and he couldnt imagine the skills were anything but amazing. The hours passed as Zac restored his miasma, and he slowly decided on how to proceed. When he was finally topped off, he jumped down to the next floor and was immediately greeted by another wave of battleroaches.


    This time there were actually several battleroaches that were over twice asrge as their brethren, and their outer shell had a mysterious pattern the same color as the lights in the crystals adorning the walls. Zac immediately realized these were battleroaches that had reached the E-Grade and received arge boost in strength.


    Zac would normally have been ted to see the even juicier targets, but he couldnt help but frown in irritation when he saw the battleroach captains. He only shook his head with a sigh as therge wall of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> appeared.


    Enraged screeches echoed through the cave as Zac steamrolled everything in his path toward the hole leading to the next floor. Insects were thrown in all directions, and even therger evolved roaches could only stop Zac for a second before he inevitably kept pushing forward.


    There was a simple reason he didnt unleash another wave of destruction on everything around him. He had chosen to go with the second skill, <strong>[Profane Seal]. </strong>Since he didnt know whether the Battleroach King had a swarm of underlings surrounding him he didnt dare to kill any beasts to inadvertently get the other skill.


    He had briefly considered killing the E-Grade roaches at least, reaping the huge amounts of energy from killing evolved beings, but in the end he decided against it. He immediately realized that one or two swings wouldnt kill those sturdy-looking insects, and he didnt want to waste too much energy on a bunch of underlings.


    He was confident toplete the ss quest without any hups, but the quest called Ascension Breaker was another matter. Zac had a feeling that the system wouldnt award him the quest with such nice rewards if the Battleroach King wasnt a formidable foe. He would probably need everything in his repertoire to take that thing down.


    Since there were no other exits in the cave system he would head down to the bottom floor to fight the boss. Afterward, he would slowly work his way up through the battleroaches he had passed. That would allow him to get the skill he wanted while wasting almost no time.


    There was a simple reason he chose to go for <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. Getting the area skill might be more convenient for the current him if he wanted to farm out his levels, but Zac looked at it from a longer perspective. The choices he made would perhaps affect what ss choices he would get when upgrading his ss, which made him think of Yrial''s tips.


    He would no doubt try to get a more offensive ss when evolving, one that fit better with his personality and set of Dao insights. But that didn''t mean he needed to get an identical ss as his human side. His hatchetman had already proven to provide great area skills, especially with the addition of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. There was no need to head in that direction for his undead ss as well.


    Perhaps it would be possible to get one ss that excelled atrge scale battles, and another that would allow him to fight powerhouses and survive. That was at least the goal of Zac. Hopefully it would also allow him to quickly kill, or at least upy, any Incursion leaders before they could set their sights at his allies.


    Zac was unstoppable with the help of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, and with a final push he soared out over therge pit. A dozen screeching battleroaches were also pushed down, and they all fell toward the next floor. Zded with a thud, and crunches could be heard around him from legs and shells cracking when the battleroachesnded all around him.


    A nce up at the hole proved that apart from a few overeager battleroaches the others stayed on their floor, impotently screeching down at him. Zac sighed in relief as he kept pushing forward to the next pit and he kept moving further and further down, only killing when absolutely necessary. Each floor had stronger and stronger enemies, with the evolved battleroaches taking up a continuouslyrger share of the poption.


    This many E-ranked beasts would spell disaster almost anywhere on earth, but they only served as bowling pins at this moment. But even Zac was shocked by the sheer number of evolved targets, and he knew that he would be able to gain at least five more levels in this ce after dealing with the battleroach king.


    There was finally a change when Zac reached the 11<sup>th</sup> floor, as there was no new pit to jump into. Instead there was a tunnel leading into the dark, out of which a green mist slowly emerged. The tunnel entrance waspletely crammed with E-Grade battleroaches, though none of them dared to enter the tunnel itself.


    It looked like they were inhaling the green haze, meaning it was probably something beneficial to their cultivation. Zac looked around the room and saw there were more than a thousand battleroaches in total, with at least 200 of them being evolved. He hesitated for a bit before taking out his axe.


    He slowly started to take down the roaches on thest floor one by one, forgoing to use <strong>[Deathwish] </strongpletely. He instead only used his axe to finish off the beasts and his shield to block out attacks, trying to perfect his coordination. But even then he was forced to slow down his speed by quite a bit to not inadvertentlyplete the wrong quest.


    Frustration started to well up in his heart, and he felt the urge to go on a rampage, cutting down everything in his path, feasting on the blood of his enemies. But a shake of his head soon had him back in reality. It was the splinter acting up again, pushing him to unleash hell in the cave.


    Zac forcibly ignored the violent impulses, but as the minutes passed he started to feel worse and worse. It was as though his whole body was itching, and he felt like he was starting to go crazy. His mind screamed for blood, and every second he felt like he was about to lose control. Zacs muscles shivered as he desperately held himself back from activating all his other offensive skills.


    It was a shocking realization, how big of an impact the splinter had on him. When he went all-out it was just a small whisper in the back of his head cheering him on, but now he felt just howrge the impact was. It made him wonder just how much the thing was affecting his actions and personality without him noticing.


    Finally, the head of thest battleroach in the cave was crushed with a m of his shield. Zac had repressed his urges for over four hours, and he slumped down on the ground more exhausted than from all his other battlesbined. Every cell in his body was screaming at him to rush into the pitch-ck tunnel to unleash a storm of violence at whatever was hiding inside, but he instead took out a Miasma Crystal with shaking hands and started to absorb it.


    He had kept <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> going through the whole ordeal, but the mental defense skill seemed to bepletely ineffectual against the insidious urgings of the Splinter of Oblivion. The effect slowly ebbed over the next hour though, finally allowing Zac some peace of mind.


    Zac got up on his feet after another hour, finallypletely back to normal. At least he hoped he was. His Miasma was topped off, and he hadnt expended any mental energy cleaning out thest floor, so he was ready to press on.


    He quickly opened up his status screen since he had gained another two full levels from the cave. He put his free points into Strength again before walking toward the tunnel. The green mist was still floating out from the tunnel, and now that there wasnt a swarm of battleroaches to gobble it up it started to spread through the cave.


    Zac hesitantly entered the mist and stopped, but he didnt feel anything bad was happening, and his danger sense didnt warn him either. He even felt a bit energized from staying in the mist even though he didnt breathe at the moment.


    Since the mist didnt seem to be poisonous or have any adverse effects he immediately entered the tunnel. But Zac only walked two steps before he stopped in shock, as he was blinded by a zing emerald light. No matter where he looked he saw huge crystals that were radiating a dazzling luster.


    Zac frowned and looked back toward the cave where he came from, but it still lookedpletely normal. The only answer Zac could arrive at was that something was blocking the sight from outside.


    But who would have erected an array at such a ce?

 Chapter 338: Breaking Out

    Chapter 338: Breaking Out


    Whats the status? Alea asked with a tired sigh, looking over at Ilvere.


    The rugged warrior didnt have his usual boisterous attitude after entering the town hall that had been turned into a temporarymand center for the war efforts of Port Atwood. He rather looked a bit helpless as he scratched his hair, with multiple new scars adorning his arms.


    They keep pressing forward, Ilvere said. Theyll be here in a day or so if they keep their usual pace. No matter what we do they wont be deterred.


    Alea shook her head and looked down at the map with confusion. Thest week had been a true exercise in futility.


    Initially, everything had gone as nned. Thebined forces of Port Atwood and Sino-Indian Alliance met the sea of zombies at the predetermined location and slowly started to whittle down their numbers from the nks.


    The horde didnt seem to care about the losses and kept stumbling forward in the direction of the Zone rife with human and Ishiate settlements. For every ten meters they progressed they left dozens of destroyed corpses behind as the living continuously peppered them from the sidelines.


    Of course, the horde wasntpletely helpless. Now and thenrge groups of elite Zombies would break out of the swarm of low tiered undead, charging straight into the ranks of the two armies. These Zombies were not intelligent like humans, but they werent like the braindead zombies that only mindlessly stumbled forward.


    They were like a pack of wolves, and their bodies were extremely durable. They shot into the ranks of Port Atwood and the other humans, causing some murder and mayhem before rushing back into the safety of the horde. Port Atwood was generally able to rebuff these raids with the help of the powerful demons and superior equipment. But losses were unavoidable, with hundreds of soldiers already having fallen.


    Of course, that was nothingpared to the losses of the Sino-Indian Alliance. They possessedrge squads that mainly relied on their old world weaponry, so when the elite zombies pounced them they were like foxes let loose in the hen house. The alliance suffered disastrous losses until they rearranged their ranks to protect the normal soldiers with cultivators.


    But even Port Atwood was starting to feel the pressure. Gear was getting destroyed and defensive treasures expended at a rapid rate. For now, only recruits had fallen, but their core warriors would start dying soon as well unless they turned the situation around.


    But the most baffling thing had happened two days ago. Therge horde suddenly changed course and was currently heading in a direction that would lead them dangerously close to their base camp. When such a thing had happened until now there would always be a swarm of zombies that splintered off from the main horde to cull the poption of the nearby town. It was a way to bolster their numbers while they marched, or perhaps just have an outlet for their blood lust.


    She didnt believe the reason was to bring the fight to them. They would teleport out long before the slow-moving horde managed to reach them. Besides, even if they managed to take down this ce there were mostly nonbat personnel and logistics based here. Most warriors were already trailing the horde.


    That wasnt the only odd thing. While the horde that the Marshall n fought kept their original direction apart from a few odd detours, the third horde had veered off-course as well. It was now heading into a mountainous region that was almostpletely devoid of people.


    That whole sector had long since be a haven for strong beasts, and there werent just one or two evolved beast kings prowling those mountains. Heading there with a bunch of dumb Zombies would simply turn arge number of them to food for the animals.


    Their scouts had also spotted dozens of smaller hordes of one to five million zombies leaving the Dead Zone, and their initial fear had been that they moved to bolster therger swarms just as they started to reduce their numbers. But the smaller hordes moved in irrational patterns as well, and less than a fifth of the smaller hordes had joined up with the threerge ones.


    Start packing up. I dont know why they want this ce, but let them have it. Well relocate to basecamp two, Alea said.


    Ilvere nodded in confirmation, leaving themand center to make preparations. Alea stayed behind and looked at the map as though she was in trance. She needed to figure something out to turn things around. If they just kept nipping at the sides of the swarms they would slowly expend their people and resources, creating a pyrrhic victory.


    So far no matter how hard they had pushed the horde just wouldnt splinter, and they unhesitantly sacrificed any small groups that were separated from the flock. If things continued in this manner they would never be able to starve them out, since the innumerable zombies kept spewing out a storm of miasma that tainted everything and obscured their vision.


    That cloud of miasma, in turn, stopped them from daring to push too deep into the hordes for a decisive blow. They still had no idea what lurked in the middle of the sea of Zombies. If they cut too far into the horde they might find themselves without a path of retreat.


    Her lithe fingers slowly ran across the map as the minutes passed, following the paths the hordes had taken during the past weeks. When her finger reached the small wooden soldiers representing the separate hordes current positions she started again with a different group, over and over. But suddenly she froze, and she quickly got a thick marker to draw out the paths they had walked.


    Theyre drawing an array! she blurted out with some terror in her eyes.


    It was still in the early stages, but judging by the paths of the hordes the Undead Empire was drawing a massive fractal with their pathing. The threerger hordes were the main veins of the fractal, with the smaller parties creating assisting pathways.


    Her thoughts immediately went to the fact that the huge horde stopped for an hour or two every now and then. They had assumed the leaders of the hordes let the weaker Zombies rest, but what if they only stopped to nt array gs into the ground under the cover of the miasmic cloud. With millions of zombies stomping the ground afterward there would be no way to tell that they had dug up the ground and left something.


    She nkly looked down at the map for a second, her mind reeling at the concept of just what kind of effect such a monstrous fractal would have. If it waspleted it would span a greater area than most kingdoms, its lines running thousands of miles.


    She needed to report this to Lord Atwood and Ogras immediately. This was too terrifying a prospect, something of this magnitude could never be allowed to be unleashed on a. She was no expert on arrays, but judging by their pathing she guessed that they would have drawn out the whole fractal in just a month. There was no way they would be able to grind down the main horde within that time.


    The worst thing was that she had a pretty decent idea of what the goal of the undead was. The Undead Empire always aimed to take full control of any they encountered during an incursion, turning the world into and of death. But how would that be possible when they faced the constant oppression of the itself, which was constantly generating new Cosmic Energy?


    Perhaps the goal of the massive array was to kill the very itself.


    Alea hurried out of the town hall and immediately headed for the teleportation building. But she stopped in her tracks when she saw therge group of people standing in line outside with confused faces.


    Whats going on? Alea asked the nearest demon with a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.


    Something is wrong the array, the demon warrior said with a slight frown on his face. We got the instruction to start moving the base, but the array suddenly shut down again just a few minutes after it was activated.


    Alea immediately nodded in thanks before she hurried into the building to find out what was going on. She didnt have Lord Atwoods supernatural sense for danger, but she grew up fending for herself, which awarded one an instinct for survival. And her instincts were currently screaming at her that something was terribly wrong.


    Whats happening? she asked when she found Ilvere, standing together with a few nonbat personnel.


    I was just about to call you, Ilvere said with a somber face before he walked closer and continued with a soft voice that only she could hear. Our array is being blocked.


    How is that possible? Alea said with shock. Those siege tools shouldnt be avable on a baby. We havent prepared any countermeasures.


    I have no idea. What do you want to do? Ilvere asked.


    Ilvere was a strong military leader, always fighting in the vanguard to bolster the troop morale. But he wasnt the best-equipped demon to handle this sort of unclear situation. Alea bit her lip for a second, before looking up with determination.


    Get everyone ready and immediately recall the army. Have them return within 6 hours even if they have to run until their feet bleed. Also, send out scouts to investigate in all directions, she said. We need to get away from here, something is wrong. If the teleporters are down we can only leave on foot.


    Ilvere nodded and walked out, immediately starting to bark new orders to the gathering crowd. Alea also left the teleportation room after asking the stationed guards to keep trying. They had no experts in arrays so there was no one that she could ask to figure out a work-around or a way to dispel the blockage. They were currently at the mercy of whoever was running interference.


    Various thoughts swirled in her mind as she walked back to her own residence. She quickly put away all her possessions before walking down into the massive room in the basement. It had once been a luxurious spa with two pools, but Alea had turned it into something elsepletely.


    Therger pool was half-filled with a deep green liquid that emanated small puffs of smoke at regr intervals. Alea sighed when she looked at her creation. She wascking time, and the purification wasntpletely done. But her specially modified <strong>[Corpserot Poison]</strong> should at least be concentrated enough to make most of the elite zombies fall apart in seconds.


    Her mood improved noticeably when she walked over to the smaller pool, whose jets kept the liquid inside in constant motion. The electrical pool was truly a marvel, and she had already decided to get her hands on one of these things for her house after the war was over. Imagine watching the stars in one of these things, perhaps even with apanion.


    Alea quickly snapped out of her daydreams and put her hand into the warm golden liquid. It was as though her hand was a vacuum or tear in space, as the potent poison rushed into her body without leaving a drop behind. After the first pool was cleared out she did the same with the second pond.


    The hours passed as a subdued atmosphere spread across the small town and its 3000 temporary residents. The human barkeep had tried to enliven peoples spirit by offering his energized concoctions, but it barely helped. They all knew that something was truly wrong.


    The teleportation array was still out of order after four hours, proving that it was not just some odd coincidence. But worse yet, their scouts had recently found out that their retreating army was harried by a swarm of almost a million elite zombies. The undead had kept pace with them since the soldiers of Port Atwood left the main horde of the zombies.


    Have everyone returned? Alea asked as she stood in themand center once more for a final meeting.


    Three scouts havent returned. They were all supposed to scout northwest so I fear they have met some trouble in the passage, the scout leader said with a sigh. Theres nothing else in the other directions, apart from the beasts.


    Alea looked down at the map with a frown. Northwest was the direction that she had wanted to move in. Northwest had a reasonably safe path between two mountain ranges that led to arge settlement after a weeks travel.


    If they moved north or east they would have to travel twice that distance in extremely hostile terrain before reaching any town with a teleporter. And even if managed to get through to the towns they would face catastrophic losses during their flight. Alea and the other leaders weren''t like Lord Atwood. They couldn''t keep the whole army safe from the continuous onught of rabid beasts.


    South and southeast were right in the direction of the Zombie horde, and that was to head straight into the maw of the beast. Especially now that the undead seemed to actively fight back for the first time since the conflict started.


    Well head northwest, Alea said as killing intent started to leak from her body. Someone wants to trap us here, but the people of Port Atwood are not so easy to contain. Prepare for all-out war, we''re breaking out by force.

 Chapter 339: Battleroach King

    Chapter 339: Battleroach King


    Zac stared at the mouth of the entrance with confusion, not understanding who could have ced an array there. He couldnt imagine anyone managing to sneak all the way down to the bottom of this roach-infested cave system in one piece and not leave a single trace behind.


    The effect of the array wasnt limited to simply blocking out the light from the crystals, but it was also hindering most of the green gas from escaping. Judging by the density of the green mist in the tunnel Zac guessed that only 10% of the gasses escaped through the array, if even that.


    He carefully looked around the entrance for any array gs, hoping that the design would give a hint of the origins of whoever had ced it there. However, no matter where he looked he couldnt find a hint of the source of the array, making him wonder if this thing might actually be one of the natural formations he had read about.


    But a ttering from further inside the tunnel quickly caught Zacs attention, and he slowly moved forward with his axe and shield at the ready. The radiant tunnel turned out to be less than 50 meters long, and he immediately reached anotherrge cave after turning around a bend.


    The whole cavern was filled with a green mist, reaching all the way to the ceiling tens of meters in the air. But even with the thick haze he had no trouble seeing what was going on inside. The cave was sted by the emerald light of therge crystals, and the light pierced through the mist without any trouble.


    His eyes only lingered on the surroundings for a fraction of a second as there was something that immediatelymanded his attention. A huge hulking battleroachy unmoving close to the center of the cave, seemingly asleep. Theyered carapace along its back slowly moved up and down as though they were fans, but Zac noticed that green mist was continuously being sucked into the gaps beneath the shells.


    It was the Battleroach King thatmanded the center of the cave, and there were quite a few differences between the king and its subjects. The Battleroach King waspletely emerald for instance, rather than the brownish-ck of the normal battleroaches. It was also huge, spanning over five meters in length.


    Its long legs looked a lot sturdierpared to its brethren, and short serrated des ran along their length. A casual swipe would likely bisect most people without effort. Its mandibles were enormous, spanning over a meter as well. Finally it even had arge horn, reminding Zac of some beetles.


    The presence of the huge battleroach was so intense that Zac didnt notice the other object in the cave for a few seconds. But soon enough he spotted therge stubby mushroom that grew just a few meters away from therge beast.


    It was almost a meter tall and had a fat bulbous stalk and a spherical cap. All in all, it looked a lot like a supersized fly agaric, apart from its colors. The stalk was a deep purple while the cap was emerald and studded with ck spots. It looked extremely toxic, though Zac had a feeling that actually wasn''t the case.


    It was the first nt that Zac had seen inside the cave system since entering. More interestingly it looked like the mushroom was the source of the massive clouds of green mist. After putting two and two together he quickly realized that the mushroom was the <strong>[Primordial Breath Amanita]</strong>.


    Zac frowned when he saw that the treasure was out in the open. A battle at his level would cause pretty massive shockwaves if he went all out, and he was afraid that the precious mushroom would get ruined.


    Then again, the cave was quite massive, a few timesrger than the outer caves where thousands of battleroaches had been crammed together. He would simply have to move the battle away from the Amanita. Seeing how close the beast was to the mushroom it should be quite important to it, so it would hopefullyply immediately.


    There was nothing else for Zac to do at this moment apart from getting on with it, so he stepped out into the cave and immediately used <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>. Zac breathed out in relief when he saw that the beast was level 94, just 2 levels above the minimum required toplete the quest.


    Luckily he had only cleared out thest floor to avoid any reinforcements during the battle. If he had slowly made his way down while killing the roaches on each floor there was no way he would have been able to finish the quest for <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>.


    A piercing screech suddenly echoed through the cave as the roach king woke up. It had noticed the prying and it was enraged that someone had encroached upon its domain. Zac wasnt surprised that he had been exposed because his observation skill was truly basic. He immediately ran into the cave, wanting to move as far away from the mushroom as possible.


    Zac only had time to take a few steps along the edge of the cave when his danger sense screamed at him. He quickly summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>to protect his front, but the next second a huge force lifted the bulwark with lightning speed. The battleroach king used its horn to wedge beneath the shield, and had yanked it up with superior power.


    It was the first time his skill had been so effortlessly circumvented by a beast, and Zac barely had time to move his real shield as well before the beast mmed into him with tremendous force. Zac was thrown into the wall with enough momentum to make his head spin, and a few of the crystals embedded in the wall painfully dug into his back.


    The attack wasnt over though as the enormous mandibles closed in around him, aiming to split him in two. Zacs brows rose in rm as he quickly pushed hisrge shield upward to use it as a wedge, and he immediately infused it with the Dao of Hardness.


    But Zacs couldnt believe what he was seeing when the top of the sturdy E-Grade shield was being slowly pincered, the metal starting to twist and bend as therge mandibles cut into it. Seeing that the shield wouldnt be able to hold for much longer he ducked down and forcibly twisted the shield with all of his power.


    The move allowed him to drag the shield out of the battleroachs grip before it was ruined, but ducking down put Zac in wing distance of the front legs and their sharp des. A burning pain erupted in his shoulder as one of the legs raked a bleeding gash with its first swipe. The other leg tried to cut open another wound as well, but Zac mmed into it with <strong>[Veruns Bite].</strong>


    A sharp ng echoed across the cave as axe and leg met, and Zac looked with dismay when even his axe barely left a mark. This was a swing empowered by his huge Strength and the Dao of Sharpness, not a random swing from some middling cultivator. At least the collision allowed Zac a breather as the leg was pushed back.


    Zac didnt want to stay in such a ce surrounded by ded legs, but he had a feeling that the belly was his best bet if he wanted to cause any real damage to this thing. Miasma surged in his arm as he rushed forward two steps. He blocked another swipe from one of the beasts legs as his arm kept swelling from <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>, and with a roar swung upward in a ferocious swing.


    The air screamed as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> went in for the kill, but the huge target above Zacs head suddenly disappeared. Zac looked in all directions, but the roach was nowhere to be seen. But the roaring mists quickly gave a hint as to where the huge beast had run off to; the skies.


    A set of huge magical wings spread out from the back of the emerald battleroach king. Their span was only a few meters, but it was obvious the set of wings didnt follow thews of nature to keep the huge beast afloat. The wings were made from pure emerald energies, looking extremely simr to the lights in the crystals.


    What the fu- Zac groaned, but he suddenly had to jump out of the way as the flying roach dove for him with terrifying speed.


    The ground trembled and gravel shot in all directions when the battleroach king mmed into the ground where Zac had just stood. The shockwave from the collision threw Zac a few meters away, and he shot a nce at the mushroom with rm.


    Sometime during the battle a golden shield had encapsted the natural treasure, and Zac recognized the Systems handiwork immediately. He nodded in relief, knowing that nothing would harm the Amanita even if the two tore the whole cave apart.


    The fact that the battleroach managed to crack even the rocky foundation in the cave was a testament just how powerful it was. A level 94 beast was closing in on the level that Inevitability had when he fought it during the hunt, and Zac really felt the pressure. But constant battle had turned Zacs nerves into steel, and he unhesitantly rushed toward the beast as it tried to extricate its mandibles from the ground.


    The green mist swirled around him as he jumped forward, his axe swinging down with terrifying momentum. The weapon was once again infused with the Dao of Sharpness as Zac aimed down at a joint in the beasts neck. But a green radiance shed as a shield appeared right above the joint, stopping Zacs swing in its tracks.


    Zac couldnt believe what a cheat-like existence the battleroach king was, even possessing defensive skills on top of its abnormally hard shell. But he refused to give up and jumped up on the back of the beast as he stowed away his shield to grab hold to a shell for bnce.


    Terrifying swings rained down on the head of the battleroach king, and Zac alternated between the Dao of Heaviness and Dao of Sharpness to crack open the thick ting to kill the beast. If that didnt work he hoped that he would at least be able to cause some blunt force trauma with his powerful attacks.


    The roach roared in rage, but no matter how many swings Zac unleashed he couldnt seem to break open its head. But it did start to stumble around, proving that the force was starting to have an effect. Zac resolved to keep mming down at it, sure that his Spirit Tool wouldst longer than the brain of the beast.


    Suddenly a searing pain erupted in his side, and Zac looked down to see green beam shoot straight through his body and into the wall beyond him, causing a huge scar. Zac screamed in anguish, feeling like his insides were boiling. But he forcibly ignored the pain and quickly looked back to see that the massive wings had changed form to instead form tworge arrays, one of which had released a massive beam at him.


    The attack had been instantaneous, and not even his danger sense had been able to give a warning in time. Worse yet, it looked like the second array was charging up a simr beam. Zac knew he wouldnt be able to dodge in such close proximity, so he quickly took out his shield and summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>.


    Just a fraction of a secondter another terrifying beam hit the bulwark, causing a tremendous impact. Luckily the shield held, but arge amount of Miasma was expended from the st. But since he had taken out his shield for protection he had let go of the beast, and between the bucking battleroach king and the shockwave he was thrown off from the beast.


    A spectral projection looking like the battleroach king bit down at the emerald array hovering above beasts back as Zac was flung away, but it was as though <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> tried to strike a cloud and it ripped right through. Zac sighed in disappointment when he saw the specter m down on the extremely thick backte instead. It looked like destroying the arrays was not an option either.


    Zac groaned in pain as the wound in his side made itself reminded from the impact ofnding on the ground, but Zac forcibly got back up on his feet. He was unwilling and unable to give up, knowing that if he didnt destroy is insectoid tank hed be trapped down here for a year.

 Chapter 340: Battle of Attrition

    Chapter 340: Battle of Attrition


    Just as Zac was unsure of how to proceed against the seemingly imprable battleroach king the two arrays above the beast lit up once more. Zac immediately moved the bulwark to his front again, but his brows rose in rm when he saw dozens of small emerald embers rush out every second, each flying toward him as though they were alive.


    The moment he saw the quick turns and amazing speed of the small motes of light Zac realized that he never would be able to block them all, and he wouldnt be able to flee either. Instead, he could only infuse himself with the Dao of Hardness while getting his defensive treasures ready just in case.


    The first ember shed around therge bulwark to m into Zacs chest, and Zac was relieved to realize that while it was painful the attack only caused a superficial wound that would heal by itself soon enough. Another specter appeared again in response to the attack, once again swinging down at the tough back carapace, though with far less powerpared to thest one.


    Zac realized that his skill considered the array as the source of the attack, rather than the battleroach. Otherwise it would have aimed for the softer belly instead. But as he saw <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> once again failing to cause any damage he had an inspiration.


    The next moment one light after another mmed into him, each causing a small wound on his body. The area above the battleroach was immediately filling up with scores of specters that charged its impervious back ting. However, the appearance of some of the specters soon started to change, taking on a murky green tinge.


    tion shed in Zacs eyes as he endured the energy barrage. His idea had proven sessful. While <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> was still in early mastery he had no connection to the projections that were created, but now things had changed. Since there was a connection Zac realized he might be able to infuse the ghosts with his Dao to empower the strikes.


    His idea had proven correct, though Zac only managed to infuse some of the rapidly appearing ghosts. His control of mental energy was still not too impressive, and the window to imbue the ghosts seemed to be shorter than a second. He tried to utilize his earlier lesson about only retaliating to some of the attacks, but his mind was already too upied with the Dao infusion, so he could only let the skill keep running.


    The reason the ghosts turned a murky green was that Zac had chosen to imbue all the specters he could with the Dao of Rot. He realized that if he couldnt even break through the shell while wielding <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, then there would be no way to do it with the far weaker attacks from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. But what if he could whittle down the beast in another way?


    Zac had already learned that the effect of the Seed of Rot was stacking, and he hoped to umte enough rot on the shell to affect the beast. The rapid-fire attacks of the arrays were luckily an excellent way to apply the Dao of Rot over and over, and in just moments the emerald mists around the battleroach had turned a shade darker from Zac''s Dao.


    Of course, this didnte without a price. His whole body was covered in flesh wounds and ck ichor, and his Miasma was getting drained at a terrifying rate. It was starting to get to the point that Zac was getting unsure whether he would still be standing before his n would evene to fruition.


    However, the exchange seemed to not only drain Zacs reserves. The two arrays soon dimmed down and sank into the body of the battleroach king again. Zacs eyes tried to glean any change in the beasts demeanor, but from what he could tell it was the same as before. The shell still looked as imperious as before, apart from having a slightly darker tint.


    The beast looked at Zac as well and itsyered protection once again started to slowly fan up and down. Zac red back at the beast before taking out a healing pill. The two reached a stalemate of sorts, each party perhaps surprised at the power and resilience the other exhibited.


    But the stalemate onlysted for a few seconds before both once again exploded into action. Zac mmed his shield into the ground, causing a wave of sharp spikes to erupt in a wave toward the iing beast. The battleroach didnt falter the slightest, and rushed into it headfirst, crushing the spikes without any trouble.


    A few spikes managed to topple its bnce, but it was soon upon Zac once again. This time Zac didnt try to block its mandibles with his shield, and instead weaved beneath the beast. The legs razor-sharp des shed all around him as he desperately blocked as many attacks as he could while retaliating with a rot-infused axe over and over. Now and then he tried a surprise-strike at the joints, but the emerald energy shield kept appearing to block any damage.


    The brutal melee kept going for minutes as the two unleashed a storm of blows at each other that would render most people crippled. But Zac had truly met his match in endurance this time. The glistening emerald carapace held steady against Zacs assaults, even though Zac mostly tried to hit the same spot over and over.


    Soon twenty minutes had passed Zac and was forced to consider means of escape. He was running dangerously low on Miasma, and his head was already pounding from constant use of multiple Dao Seeds. He was even considering using his <strong>[Void Ball] </strong>in a bid to end the fight, even if he was certain that would mean failing his ss quest.


    But a change finally took ce in the battle as the battleroach king wildly swung its head to impale Zac on its horn. But the aim waspletely off, and Zac was surprised to see that the beast started to stumble as though it was drunk.


    His gambit seemed to finally have taken effect. The Dao of Rot might not have worked very well against the inorganic carapace of the battleroach, but mists of putrefaction still covered the area around the strike. This mist got mixed up with the emerald haze stemming from the treasure mushroom, which the beast constantly absorbed. It looked like thepounding effect of Zac''s rot finally eclipsed the beast''s natural regeneration.


    The battleroach screeched in anger as its legs buckled and it desperately tried to get back on its feet. But the effect was only getting worse, and soon green liquid started to leak through the gaps in the shell as the beast''s innards were rapidly rotting away.


    Perhaps this was enough to kill the beast in due time, but Zac ran out of patience after waiting another 10 minutes. He walked over with his axe as his arm slowly swelled to ridiculous proportions. The battleroach feebly tried to bite down at Zac, but its coordination waspletely ruined by now.


    Zac easily passed itsrge head to reach the insects neck, and with a roar swung down his axe with all the strength he could muster. An emerald shield appeared above the joint as before, but it had lost its luster and was incessantly flickering. The white head of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> ripped through the shield like dry wood, and Zac finally managed tond a true strike.


    A flood of energy entered his body almost immediately, and Zac sat down a few meters from the killed beast in exhaustion. He immediately took out two Miasma crystals, too tired to even move. He sensed the impartment of a new fractal on his body, but he was in no state to look into it at the moment.


    It was only two hourster he opened his eyes. He was still extremely tired, but a somewhat pressing matter had interrupted him. Therge carcass of the battleroach king kept leaking a nauseating goop through the cracks, and by now it had created a fetid pool around it that almost reached Zac''s resting spot. Zac put therge carapace away with some disgust before moving over to the mushroom.


    He still hadnt received his reward from Ascension breaker yet, but he guessed it wouldplete when he harvested the mushroom as it was still protected by the Systems defensive shield. Just as he expected the golden shield disappeared when he got close, but Zacs eyes widened in rm when there was nothing inside. The spot where the mushroom had been rooted was empty, apart from a hole reaching into the ground.


    But Zac soon breathed out in relief when he saw the two boxes right next to him. They had appearedpletely noiselessly without a single energy fluctuation just like his rewards from earlier quests. Therger of the two boxes was made from light-grey stone and iid with golden fractals, and it was almost as tall as Zac was.


    There was no doubt that the box contained the mushroom, and Zac was more than happy that the System had packaged it for him. Properly harvesting and storing spiritual herbs was a skill in of itself, and he was afraid that he would ruin the mushroom if he simply ripped it out of the ground.


    The other box looked like a small jewelry box made out of pitch-ck wood. Zac stored therger box in his Cosmos Sack, instead focusing on the smaller one. As he expected a small crystal was ced inside and Zac immediately took it up to scan its contents.


    Zac had been worried that the System would award him something that didnt suit his needs, but it looked like he had been too suspicious. The skill was called <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, and Zac didnt hesitate to learn it. It sounded like something that would be a nice addition to his current ss, and perhaps he even got this specific skill because of the way he managed to take down the battleroach.


    The fractal found a position at the top of his lungs, right below the area that was being upied by <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. Having already gotten a few skills from outside sources he could tell that while the fit wasnt amazing, it wasnt too bad either. He believed the new skill should be able to disy at least 70% of its true power when he used it.


    Zac had restored less than a third of his energy the past two hours, but he couldnt stop himself from trying out the skill. Miasma effortlessly entered the fractal, but there was no effect apart from the miasma changing somehow. He tried to move the energy to his arms to release the skill, but the energy wouldn''t budge. Zac frowned as he looked down at the small crystal in his hands until he had an idea.


    Fresh air entered his lungs for the first time in days, as he took a deep breath even though he didn''t need to breathe in his undead form. The energy from <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> entered his lungs as well, making Zac certain he was on the right track. A dark gust billowed out when he exhaled, immediately covering an area of over fifteen meters in no time.


    Zac was happy that the skill worked, but he couldn''t stop himself from grimacing. Did the System really give him a bad-breath skill? Zac shook his head with a wry smile and instead turned his attention to his ss skill, <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. He needed something to cleanse the proverbial bad taste in his mouth after getting thest skill. A burst of information entered his mind when he focused on the other fractal, but Zac didn''t even have time to celebrate before a change urred in the cave.


    A sudden sound threw any thought of experimenting with his other skill into the back of Zacs mind, and he whirled around with his axe ready. What entered Zacs sight wasnt one of the remaining battleroaches having found its way down from the floors above. It was something else entirely.


    A small humanoid stood in the inner corner of the cave, almost on the opposite side of where Zac entered. It was roughly a meter tall withrge two ck eyes on a head that looked prettyrge for an otherwise lithe frame. If it wasnt for the small horns and the tail Zac would have ssified the being as a traditional alien, forck of a better name.


    There were other strange things with the alien apart from the fact that it had somehow found its way down into the cave without him noticing. Two small drones of clearly technological origin hovered above its head, and it looked like he was holding some sort of device in his hand that was more akin to a tablet than some system-approved weapon. Its clothes also didn''t follow the style of most battle-gear, and it looked a bit like a modern Chinese Tang suit.


    Zac was frozen in shock seeing the unexpected arrival, but the same could be said about the alien. It stood unmoving a few meters into the cave, looking back and forth between the center of the cave and the battle-worn appearance of Zac.


    Finally the silence broke as the two spoke up at the same time.


    Draugr?


    Technocrat?

 Chapter 341: Firmaments Edge

    Chapter 341: Firmament''s Edge


    Zac wasnt too surprised that the alien could identify his origins. He hadnt worn his mask during his time in the cave, which exposed his pallid skin and signature pitch-ck eyes.


    Technocrat is imprecise and reductionist. I am a member of Firmaments Edge, something greater than what a miscreation like you can ever imagine, the alien arrogantly eximed. Were you the one that ruined my experiment? More importantly, how did you get here?


    Zac mutely stared at the arrogant little alien, unsure of what to make of the situation. He had never heard of Technocrats participating in invading newly integrateds, yet a member of them stood in front of him. He had no idea what Firmaments Edge was, but he guessed it was one of the many factions within the Technocrat Alliance.


    The appearance of a true Technocrat caused a storm in Zacs heart as it dragged up the subject of his mother. Was the appearance of this thing linked to her? Or even worse, was it linked to the item in Kenzies mind? But Zac forcefully calmed down his fraying emotions and gave the alien an impervious stare. He needed to act the part if he wanted to get some information.


    The Undead Empire goes where it pleases, Zac said with matching arrogance. Im here because there were a lot of things to kill.


    You! My poor roach. I spent so much money to infuse it with the genes for energy control! It might have caused an unseen evolution with the help of the Amanita, but you ruined it all! the alien said with gnashing teeth.


    Zac shrugged his shoulders without a care, though he was internally boiling with rage. Was this little prick the reason that the battleroach king had such annoying skills like the energy wings and the defensive shield? It made his life a lot harder than it needed to be. But he pushed down his annoyance since he truly needed to know what was going on.


    Your kind should know better than to encroach a under the Undead Empire. What are you doing here? Zac said.


    Pah, Firmaments Edge doesnt fear you. Even if a few of your old undyings crawl out of their sealed cultivation graves we have people to meet them head-on, the alien snorted, but he suddenly froze in rm. Wait, what do you mean under your control?


    We came to this baby through the Incursion, so naturally the belongs to The Undead Empire from now on, Zac snorted, stilling his fraying nerves.


    The fact that the Technocrat wasnt backing down against a monstrous existence as the Undead Empire was pretty telling that Firmaments Edge wasnt some backwater faction. His thoughts went to the story that Karunthel told about the Technocrat who had no problem blowing ups. Even Earth had the technology to ruin their world before the integration. What about a faction of hyper-advanced aliens?


    Shit, have you lunatics already started the terraforming?! the alien gasped. We need to speak with your leaders immediately. And how the hell did your people find your way down here so quickly? We have been drilling for months.


    Why would I arrange a meeting like that? Zac asked with feigned disinterest, ignoring the question of how he got down to the Underworld.


    We have no interest in the, kill all the natives for all I care. But we need to do a quick sweep of the before you terraform it, the alien said. We are even willing topensate you for the trouble.


    Whats so important that you came all the way here? Zac probed.


    Thats private, the alien immediately responded with a frown.


    Well, if you don''t tell me what it is you''re looking for, I don''t see a reas-, Zac pushed the alien, but he was suddenly interrupted mid-sentence.


    For some reason his Cosmos Sack had started to vibrate, making Zac look down with confusion. When he infused his mind into the sack he was horrified to see that it was his mothers ne that was moving around in the bags subspace, something Zac thought was impossible.


    He quickly looked up at the alien again, since what happened clearly wasnt a coincidence. The amulet had beenpletely inert until now, and it only started to act up the moment he got close to a Technocrat. And as he expected the little alien had taken out some ball that emitted out a barely discernible wave at regr intervals.


    You have it! Its on this! We actually found it! the Alien screamed in shock and excitement as his eyes were glued to the ball. The traitor has been found!


    A towering killing intent suffused Zacs mind as he red at the exhrated alien. He had been wary of the Technocrats stance since he learned of his mothers origin, but the aliensstment seemed to cement a disappointing reality that he had been dreading for months.


    The Technocrats were enemies.


    If his mother had been branded a traitor there was no way that things would end well if his and his sisters origins were exposed. They were barely holding on as it was when thergest threat only was a vagrant D-Grade cultivator. They couldnt handle being in the crosshairs of one of the universes most powerful factions.


    This alien could under no circumstance be allowed to live. The danger to his sister was just too big.


    A storm of energy swirled around Zac as he immediately activated almost every skill in his repertoire. He wouldnt take any risks against the Technocrats, especially not when his sisters safety was at risk. Arge swathe of miasma billowed out from him in an instant as <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>activated, but Zac held off on summoning therge barrier.


    The alien immediately noticed the change, and he looked up at Zac with a scrunched-up face.


    So you have already found it! You should never have meddled in the business of Firmaments Edge, the alien growled, and the two drones above the aliens head started to hum as they shone with a sinister red light. Die!


    Zac couldnt sense any energy fluctuations from the increasingly blinding weapons, but he knew that they were charging some extremely strong attack. However, Zac still wasnt worried as he kept the alien within his sight until the moment his danger sense warned him of something bad was about to happen.


    Zac stomped down into the ground just before two huge beams shot at this position, causing a wide path of destruction. Even the air itself seemed to be immted by the terrifying beams, and they even managed to carve holes in the walls that were so deep that the ends of the newly created tunnels couldnt be seen.


    But Zac suddenly appeared straight in front of the alien,pletely unscathed, as waves of death radiated all around him. The little grey man looked up in shock at Zacs sudden appearance, but he immediately started to disappear through some unknown means. However, Zac still wasnt worried as he once again stomped down his foot.


    Seal Zac growled, and the area around him drastically changed once again.


    The miasma from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> congealed into fiverge towers that formed a circle with Zac as the epicenter. On the top of each tower an azure fractal shone like a cursed lighthouse, and hazy fractals ran along the length of the spires.


    The towers werent truly corporeal like the hand that Zac summoned with <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, but they were much more real than the specters from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. They were slightly reminiscent of the Unholy Beacons, but they emitted a far more arcane aura, as though they had been summoned from the true Underworld.


    The sudden appearance of the towers wasnt the end of the skill, as each tower shot out a ghastly chain that moved like a lightning bolt to converge at the same spot. A shrill shriek echoed across the cave as the alien appeared twenty meters away from Zac,pletely chained down.


    Four of the chains had fettered his hands and legs, and the final chain snaked around his neck. The technocrat desperately tried to break the chains with all his might, but it was like they were wrought from divine iron and didn''t budge the slightest. A bracer on the alien''s arm even shot out two radiant beams at the restraints, but it only left a small mark.


    The technocrat only had time to unleash one attack before he started to howl at the top of his lungs as his whole body spasmed uncontrobly. At the same time a haze started to pour out from the chains, once again filling the area with miasma. They were currently forcibly converting the energy inside the small alien into miasma, just like <strong>[Field of Despair]</strong> did with corpses.


    Zac grimaced as he looked upon the horrifying torture, but he made no move to stop it. This was, after all, a person who not only had tried to kill him, but also one that had beenpletely indifferent to the death of his whole.


    But soon enough the alien managed to focus enough tomand the two drones to help out, and they started to charge up new sts. Zac couldnt let that happen, so immediately hurled two daggers at them. But a red shield sprung up to protect them, making Zac remember the extremely durable forcefield that had protected Kenzie at Kings Crossing.


    He couldnt allow the two drones to attack the chains or the towers, as even they wouldnt be able tost too long against the terrible sts those small machines could unleash. The technocrat saw his approach, and he red at him with hatred. Zac ignored the stare and got ready to destroy the two things with a swing of his axe, or at least make them miss their targets.


    Blinding light suddenly stole Zacs vision as a st hurled him into the distance, almost knocking him unconscious. But Zac refused to let his mind fill with darkness, not when the stakes were so high. He shook his head and immediately got back on his feet with a groan, and looked up at the fleeing form of the technocrat.


    The small alien had actually sacrificed a hand and a leg while the self-detonations of the two drones had destroyed the three other chains. He was currently flying away in the opposite direction of Zac, somehow ignoring gravity. But his escape was immediately stopped the moment he tried to escape between two of the towers as an azure wall appeared to block him.


    The alien screamed in frustration andunched a beam of light at the wall from his remaining hand. Zac couldnt tell whether it was a skill or another gadget, but he quickly got his answer as an alien ghost appeared behind the technocrat and gored him through his chest.


    Zac wanted to run up and take down the technocrat before he could do anything else. But his legs stopped listening to him after a few steps, making him fall over once more. Luckily Zac wasnt out of cards just yet and took a deep breath.


    This time he didnt simply exhale, but rather blew out a gust empowered by <strong>[Winds of Decay] </strong>with all the force he could muster. A ck storm expanded from his mouth like a hurricane, and the whole cage created by the five towers werepletely engulfed in a second. Screams could be heard from the other side, but Zac didnt stop and kept blowing and blowing, drowning the area in decay.


    But even a minuteter the screams didnt abate, and Zac frowned as he took out a healing pill and started to drag himself over toward where the screams came from. His sight had been blocked by the dense cloud he released, but when he finally reached the location even he couldnt help but nch. The state of the Technocrat was beyond pitiful, and Zac almost instinctually killed him to take him out of his misery before stopping himself.


    Half the alien''s body was in a state of putrefaction, looking like a corpse dragged out of the sewers. But a mysterious force continuously restored his body and expelled the dead cells in a form of rapid regeneration. Zac couldn''t see any machines, but he guessed it was some advanced technology at y.


    But this process was clearly extremely painful judging by the aliens screams, and worse was that the moment his new cells were formed they immediately started to rot again due to the lingering effect of <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. The alien was constantly dragged back and forth in a tortuous cycle of life and death, being both and neither at the same time.


    It looked like he had lost all body functions since he couldnt move a muscle, he only looked up at Zac with despair.


    Kill me, the alien cried when with a shaking voice.


    Give me answers first, Zac said, fortifying his heart. What are your Firmaments Edge after?

 Chapter 342: An Easy Gig

    Chapter 342: An Easy Gig


    I am not really part of Firmaments Edge, the alien wept. Mypany was just one of many contracted by them to scan newly integrateds. I just wanted to use their name to make you back down.


    Zac couldnt help but shake his head at the Technocrats bad luck. Perhaps Firmaments Edge was a terrifying existence in the multiverse, but unfortunately for the alien Zac was perhaps the only Draugr who had never heard of them before.


    Who is the traitor you mentioned? What were you looking for? Zac asked.


    I dont know, the Alien wheezed, but his eyes widened in horror when ck smoke started to emanate from the corner of Zacs mouth. I swear, I dont! We were all given scanning equipment before being transported. We were simply supposed to immediately report back if the equipment found whatever they were looking for.


    It was a huge relief to Zac that it seemed as though the true leaders of the Technocrats hadn''t been warned off by the silver ball that was lying next to the alien. Zac gazed at it for a second before he reached over and crushed it in his fist, twisting it beyond redemption.


    Then why did you mention a traitor? Zac asked with a scowl after turning back to the dying Technocrat.


    Its a rumor my boss heard. A top person in Firmaments Edge stole something extremely valuable and fled to unintegrated territory. But small people like us have no way of finding out the details. If we did, our homes would get incinerated in a heartbeat, the alien winced.


    Zac kept pushing for more answers, but the alien started to be rambling and incoherent in less than a minute. His brain was breaking down like the rest of his body, and Zac ended his life with a merciful swing.


    He did, however, manage to find out a few more tidbits. The hidden incursion in the underworld was truly a Technocrat Incursion, and it was controlled by a small corporation attached to the Technocrat faction. They only possessed five E-grade warriors, the foreman of thepany along with four cultivator bodyguards.


    Better yet, it seemed that The System truly had it out for the Technocrats because it essentially confiscated any and all advanced technology that they tried to sneak to Earth. Only minor items without destructive capabilities orponents that needed massive amounts of refinement were allowed through, but at exorbitant cost.


    Most of their time had been spent building their base since they essentially needed to produce everything from scratch. Of course, the Technocrats name wasnt just for show, and they already had production lines for all essentials they needed for their mission.


    They had created an arsenal of weaponry with the help of the plentiful minerals and crystals in the underworld, creating an impervious defense. Even the two dangerous drones had been created almost from scratch on Earth, proving how great their capabilities were. Luckily they required a few hard to makeponents that limited their number. But still, rooting them out would be far harder than their low levels indicated.


    He also learned that time was of the essence. The technocrats had been arduously digging toward the surface the past three months, not resting a second after they finally managed to manufacture a monstrous machine that was strong enough to rip through the reinforced ground. They expected to be able to reach the surface in less than two weeks, at which point they would set up some massive scanning device they had brought.


    Zac couldnt let them reach the surface. His amulet was spotted even though it was inside a Cosmos Sack, proving the quality of the scanning devices Firmaments Edge possessed. Unfortunately, the alien had no idea how the tools worked or the limits of their capabilities.


    He only knew that they couldn''t send transmissions through space since the System blocked them. But they might be able to find anything that Leandra had ever touched. Or even worse, they might find Kenzie even if she stayed within the Mystic Realm.


    The Technocratpany that had arrived on earth hadnt expected to find anything and only saw the Incursion as an easy gig. They would arrive at the, scan it with the items, steal some resources, and then return to get paid by Firmaments Edge.


    They had only brought a small crew of mostly nonbat personnel, wanting to keep their costs as low as possible. But that would all change if they found signs that Earth actually was the that Firmaments Edge was so desperately searching for. The Great Redeemer would be the least of Zacs problems if that happened.


    Zac looked down at the dead body of the technocrat, but he still held off on deactivating <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. Keeping the towers around did drain a decent amount of miasma, but there was a good reason for keeping it. A towering aura billowed out from Zac''s body, causing the air to shudder as Zac kept changing between infusing it with the Dao of Heaviness, Sharpness, and Rot.


    It was his Dao Fields, and he unleashed them to the fullest in hopes of catching and destroying any hidden machines. The technocrat turned delirious before Zac had the opportunity to ask anything about the items he possessed, so Zac was afraid to release the cage. What if a hidden spycam found its way back to the technocrat incursion?


    A smattering noise drew Zacs attention, and he looked over in the direction of where the sound came from. Dozens of small detonations took ce in the air, looking like flies getting zapped by electricity. Zac looked at the spectacle with confusion until he managed to snag one of the flies as it exploded nearby.


    The thing was as small as a grain and seemed to be made from tinum, but Zac couldn''t bepletely sure of its original form since it was pretty torn. It was covered in cuts so minute that Zac could barely see them, and bent and twisted as though it had been subject to extreme pressure.


    It appeared that the thing was immune to his <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> skill, but it was helpless against the Dao. It wasn''t surprising since the Dao wasn''t simply increasing the power of skills, it was attacking with the fundamental truths of the universe. It was hard to block out and even harder to heal from when wounded.


    Zacs mind was pounding like he had a bad headache, but he pushed himself to the limit to drown the area in his Dao Fields for a while longer. With his current level of insight the area turned into a field of death, something far beyond the area around the Fiend Wolf during the first beast wave. Even cultivators who had already got their ss would likely be turned to mincemeat if they came within 50 meters of Zac at this moment.


    Luckily it only took a few seconds before the smattering stopped, meaning all the microscopic machines in the air were destroyed. He didnt know what the purpose of the small machines was, but leaving them intact couldnt possibly end in anything good.


    All the gadgets on the aliens body had been destroyed as well, and the two drones were beyond salvaging. But Zac wasnt disappointed by that since he doubted he could do much with them in any case. While he was somewhat tech-savvy for an earthling he could only be considered a caveman by the standards of the far more advanced Technocrats.


    Zac couldnt be sure whether there were still some machine spying on him, but by this point there was simply no way for him to be sure. But between his Dao Fields and <strong>[Winds Of Decay]</strong> the area had gone through multiple sweeps, allowing Zac to finally rx somewhat.


    Since there was nothing else to trap he could finally unsummon the five majestic towers. They immediately started to dissipate, once again turning into miasmic clouds. Zac gave the towers oncest marveling look,pletely satisfied with his first test run of the skill.


    His new skill <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>had been beyond anything that Zac had hoped, and he felt he still hadn''t discovered all of its marvels. It wasprised of two parts. The first past was a short-distance teleportation, allowing him to move even faster than when using <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    If Zac wanted to the skill could be ended at that point, meaning it would only act as a movement skill. But there were limits to that since the skill seemed to have a cooldown. But it would allow either escape or a rapid charge if needed.


    The second half of the skill was the cage he just dissolved.


    Zac could create a sealed space the size of which he could control to a certain degree. The only ways to get out was to either destroy the towers through brute force or to kill Zac. But any attack against the towers would be met with the retaliation of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, meaning the cage protected itself from attacks. It was a flexible skill that could let him trap a group of powerhouses or even lock down arge section of an army.


    There were still some details he needed to figure out through experimentation, but Zac waspletely satisfied with his choice. He had a feeling that <strong>[Profane Discharge]</strong> would have worked in a simr manner, where the first half of the skill was the same teleport, with the second part being arge scale eruption of force.


    But Zac much preferred the cage. With his massive pool of attributes he would be able to whittle almost anyone down before they managed to break out, especially now that he had <strong>[Winds of Decay] </strong>to turn the whole cage into a field of death. He only needed to figure out a way to imbue the breathing skill with the Seed of Rot to turn it even deadlier.


    Unfortunately, he had tried that in the heat of battle, but there was no response. Perhaps the skill needed to be upgraded before it could carry the Dao, just like how it was with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    All these things together had immediately spelled the end for the Technocrat.


    Of course, he knew that <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> wouldnt always be as effective as it was this time since it wasnt without its weaknesses. The alien had actually only been level 48, mostly relying on his gadgets for survival. A stronger opponent would be able to not onlyrgely resist the drainage of the chains, but might even be able to rebuff thempletely.


    The cage also wasnt impervious to interference. People from the outside could destroy the towers with enough force, allowing their allies to escape. So when he managed to trap his target he had to act quickly before it all was for nothing, because he would only be able to use the skill once or twice during a battle.


    Zac sighed and looked down at the half-rotten corpse of the Technocrat before taking out a vial with a green substance inside. He poured the viscous liquid down over the body, and a cloud immediately rose to the sky. Less than a minuteter the body waspletely gone, not even leaving the bones.


    The liquid was amon item among vagrant cultivators in the multiverse. It was all toomon that you were left with a corpse you didnt want to exin, so the best thing was to make it go away. The liquidpletely destroyed any remnants, which would hopefully erase any evidence of what you had done.


    One item that had withstood the corrosion was a cosmos sack though, and Zac was a bit surprised that a Technocrat even used an item like that. Perhaps spatial devices were still out of reach through technology even for the Technocrats. But Zac didnt immediately pick it up, rather opting to take out an inscribed box to put it in inside.


    The box was used to iste treasures that emitted strong auras, but Zac hoped it would be able to block out any potential distress calls from the items the alien possessed as well. He would bury the boxter, only picking it up again when he had a better grasp on the Technocrat''s capabilities. For now, it would have to stay in a backpack that Zac took out.


    The cave was once again starting to be visible as the mists from <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> were dissipating. The emerald smoke originating from the <strong>[Primordial Breath Amanita]</strong> had already mostly dissipated between the battleroach kings absorption during their battle and the mushroom getting sealed away.


    The dispersion of the haze left the cave in full disy, allowing Zac to finally grasp how the alien managed to sneak inside.

 Chapter 343: Priorities

    Chapter 343: Priorities


    Just a few meters away the gem-studded wall was flickering in and out of existence, intermittently disying a well-lit tunnel leading into the distance. Zac wasnt too surprised the alien was able to create a back entrance. If the technocrats possessed the capability to drill through the fortified rock in the Underworld all the way to the surface, then this was a cakewalk.


    The alien that Zac killed had been one of the researchers for the Incursion, responsible for finding and identifying valuable resources. The two drones hemanded were likely able to get the job done.


    Parts of Zac just wanted to rush through the tunnel into Technocrat territory, killing everything in sight. But he knew he had to act smarter, so he instead sat down to replenish his once again depleted reserves. He wasn''t too worried about being interrupted by another Technocrat since what the alien had done down here was a private experiment he hoped would pad his own pocket.


    While Zac slowly absorbed the death-attuned energies from the crystals he tried to go over the battle with the battleroach. It had truly pushed him to his limits, and he hoped that he would be able to use the battle to push his insights forward.


    But any time he tried to ponder on the Dao the splitting headache only got worse, and he had to give up any idea of improving his Seeds for the time being. Zac wasnt too disappointed though as there would be time for meditationter. Besides, there were other gains to go over.


    The battle with the battleroach king had awarded him another three full levels, pushing him all the way to level 65. It felt a bit crazy, but he would have possessed both the first and second spots on the Power Ladder if it listed both his sses.


    There was noparing his own leveling speed with that of the average cultivator by now. Each battleroach in the cave would have been able to push most rankers to their limits, but Zac had killed them by the thousands, gaining more in a few hours than most would in a month.


    But Zac knew that the final ten levels would be tough. He had gotten most of the final levels for free through the huntst time, but this time around he would have to grind them out himself. Luckily he would face a lot of high-leveled enemies soon enough.


    Most notably there were the caves teeming with battleroaches above that would give him a good start.


    Zac opened his status screen and allocated all his free points into strength. He also checked the quest screen for any changes, but it was now empty of any tasks. After that there was nothing for him to do apart from calming his mind while restored his energy. He still felt some of the effect of the splinter as it had acted up a bit during hisst two battles again, but by now it was fully under control.


    Five hourster half his Miasma had been restored while all the wounds in his body apart from the one in his sides werepletely healed. His head was still pounding a bit, and he knew he would have to avoid using his Dao for a day or two. But it wouldnt be needed for what he was about to do, and Zac didn''t want to sit around any longer.


    He got up on his feet with a groan and started walking toward the tunnel he came from, leaving the passage the technocrat used where it was. Zac had no idea what waited for him if he entered that path of the unknown, and he feared there would be some hidden surveince in the cave.


    Zac even considered using his <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> to destroy the passage, but he decided against it in the end. There was not much to gain from doing so, and he was afraid that the spatial chaos would destroy the whole cave with him inside.


    Instead, he chose to go back the same way he came from in order to return to New London. But before he left he extracted the most radiant crystals of the final cave. It didnt take long as he only needed to rip them out of the wall after slightly boosting his strength with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> once again shuddered and woke up when presented with the radiant crystals, but Zac realized something was wrong after half a minute. Verun hovered between hunger and confusion as Zac held a crystal to the axe head, but the Tool Spirit eventually gave up on absorbing it.


    It looked pretty odd, making Zac unsure whether Spirit Tools were unsure themselves what they needed to evolve. Or perhaps Verun had confused itself with an actual beast, believing that the crystal would help improve its bloodline just like it helped the battleroaches. Zac could only stash away the crystal and refocus on farming the best two hundred or so crystals.


    As for the less precious gems, he would figure something outter depending on their value. For now he left them where they were as he slowly climbed up toward the 10<sup>th</sup> floor. He knew he would have to waste some precious time fighting his way out, but it was better than using the trap door who might lead in the wrong direction. But Zac started to frown as he climbed through the hole in the roof.


    It was way too silent.


    There had always been a constant tter of the battleroaches during his time in this cave system, often intermingled with aggressive screeches. But now there was a dead silence, where the only sounds came from Zac himself. After dragging himself up to the crest of the tunnel he quickly saw the reason. A sea of corpses littered the whole floor. The carapaces of over a thousand battleroaches were dismantled and destroyed almost beyond recognition.


    Zac quickly crawled up on the floor, readying himself for another battle. But he breathed out in relief when he saw that the wounds werent caused by any energy weapons or the like, but it rather looked like they had been caused by the other battleroaches. The only exnation that Zac could find was that the roaches had whipped themselves up in a frenzy for some reason, entering an all-out melee.


    Perhaps they could sense the death of the battleroach king and immediately started to fight for the role of the new alpha. Or perhaps they had never been a pack species and were only kept in check by the much superior roach on the bottom floor. In any case, it saved Zac a lot of time, though he sighed in disappointment in the missed opportunity. The corpses on this floor alone would probably have given him another level.


    A sudden ttering in the distance drew Zacs attention, and he spotted a wounded E-Grade battleroach getting to its feet. It was farrger than any battleroach he had spotted on his descent, making Zac unsure what was going on. Had it grown almost to twice its size simply by killing thepetition?


    Unfortunately there time to ponder before the beast was upon him. It frenziedly tried to grab Zac with its mandibles and rip him to pieces, but Zac effortlessly mmed its head to the side with a swing of his shield.


    After fighting the battleroach king in a pitched melee for almost half an hour it felt like a joke to fight against thisrge, but ultimatelymon, battleroach. Its carapace had be a lot sturdier, but after a few well-aimed strikes the beasty dead with brain leaking out from a deep cut.


    However, just as he downed the supersized battleroach a few more rose as well, each of them sporting various degrees of wounds. Zac realized they probably were ying dead to recuperate, but perhaps felt forced into action from Zac''s arrival. Altogether there were 8 more of them, all of them E-Grade.


    During the fight Zac had ample time to use <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>, and he found out that the beasts were only around level 79, which was perhaps one or two levels higher than they were before. So it seemed that the increase in size hadnte from levels, but rather a purified bloodline.


    It took less than a minute before the 8 battleroachesy dead on the ground, their heads either broken or missing. Zac quickly stowed away the erged bodies before heading toward the next floor. The carapaces were nowhere near as good as the emerald shells of the king, but Zac thought they might be worth keeping since they were definitely a step above the Ayr Hivebeast shells.


    The same scene yed out in the next couple of floors where there were a few surviving battleroaches, each of them substantiallyrger than they were before. Zac made short work of them all, which wasnt too hard as all of them were pretty wounded. Some of them were even at deaths door already, requiring only a simple swing from Zac to end their lives.


    Unfortunately their ragged state also meant that they only gave a small part of their original energy, but Zac didnt care in the slightest as he rushed up the floor at the highest possible speed. Fighting his way to the bottom almost took him two days, but getting back up required less than half an hour.


    The shimmering barrier was gone as expected, allowing Zac to effortlessly swim through the pitch-ck water and resurface in the secludedke. He was back in New London a dayter, once again donning his signature mask. He had dug down the box just outside the small outpost he teleported from, giving him some peace of mind.


    Zac''s initial instinct was to head back to Port Atwood before rushing the Technocrat Incursion, but he quickly realized that he might need help. So instead of teleporting away again he rushed over to the former Union Headquarters and went to the secluded chambers that Ogras had made his own.


    The demon had kept his identity secret all this time as well, always donning arge hood and obscuring his features with a shroud of shadows. But Zac hadn''t made any effort of hiding his arrival, so the demon hadn''t bothered with his disguise when Zac entered his quarters.


    Good, youre back early. Theres a problem, Ogras said the moment Zac entered his office.


    I was just about to say, Zac sighed as he sat down opposite the demon. Whats going on?


    Weve lost contact with the Port Atwood army, Ogras said.


    What? Zac said with shock. Theyre dead?!


    No, calm down, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. Theyre probably alive. But two days ago the whole sector of the Dead Zone where our army was stationed went dark. All the teleportation arrays in the area, including the one where our war outpost was, have been disconnected from thework.


    How is this possible? Is someone targeting us? Zac said, scrambling to get a grip on the situation.


    Zac had been keyed up tounch a scorched-earth assault on the Technocrats as soon as he got back, but it seemed that the universe had once again thrown a wrench into his ns.


    No, I think it is the Undead Empire thats finally rearing its fangs, Ogras said with a sigh. We have underestimated them. The resources needed to do something like this is unimaginable. I think they are making a statement because three of their generals have already fallen.


    Can Theas people help us? Zac asked with a frown.


    They have their hands full, the Zombies are pushing hard, and they are too far apart to send scouts, Ogras said with a shake of his head. "Besides, all neighboring arrays that we know of have gone dark as well."


    Do you have any ideas? Zac asked.


    You have the flying disk. We can use it to scout a much broader area than running on foot, so we should be able to find them within a week or two if we leave immediately. It only seats a few people, but the two of us are enough to handle most things, Ogras said.


    One or two weeks Zac muttered, nkly staring ahead.


    Spending one or two weeks to scour the wilderness for his people would mean that the Technocrat incursion would manage to reach the surface. From the way the alien made it sound they would send out some drones that moved with extreme speed at that time, and those drones would scour the whole with their scanners. It would be toote to stop them at that point.


    It meant that he would have to choose. Either let the Technocrats dig to the surface, which would have unknown consequences. Or ignore the plight of his people until he could close the Incursion.


    Kenzie or Port Atwood.


    I I cant go, Zac sighed, unable to meet Ogras'' incredulous stare.

 Chapter 344: Heretics

    Chapter 344: Heretics


    You cant take time to rescue your people? Most of our elites are in that army. My three generals are there. What the hell is going on?! Ogras growled causing the shadows in the room to shudder.


    I cant go until I close an Incursion, Zac said as he shored up his resolve.


    The me golems? They might be a problem, but not to the point you should abandon our army. Worse case we can simply make our surface teleporter public, allowing everyone to escape. Besides, theres not enough magma in the core for the golems to flood the entire Underworld, so they can only slowly destroy town after town, Ogras said in disbelief.


    Its not them. Its the hidden incursion. It turns out its the Technocrats, Zac sighed. I met one of them while grinding in that cave I found.


    What? The Technocrat heretics have joined the fight for babys? They usually stay clear because the Ruthless Heavens is more hands-on with ces like this, Ogras muttered before he suddenly froze and looked up at Zac with thinning eyes. Wait. Technocrats as in the guys whose insignia you just happen to walk around with? The one you identally picked up?


    Zac didnt answer, but he knew that that the demon had figured out at least half of the story already. If he hadnt then he wouldnt be Ogras any longer.


    And the only reason youd act this obstinate is if it was about your sister, Ogras continued, proving Zacs hunch. Dont tell me?


    Zac scratched his neck with some helplessness. He hadn''t nned on cluing in Ogras to this secret, but it looked like he had left too many breadcrumbs to the truth. But at least he could which parts to expose and which parts to keep hidden to protect Kenzie.


    I dont know the truth either. But my mom might have been one of them, and these Technocrats might be looking for her. I am afraid Kenzie, and even this whole world, will be caught up in something that has nothing to do with us. Leandra disappeared twenty years ago, probably leaving earth, Zac said. We cant get caught up in whatever mess she created.


    Ruthlessness shed in Zacs eyes as he looked up at Ogras, who frowned then he sensed the killing intent leaking out from Zacs body. Just the thought of his sister getting caught by the Technocrats because their mother forced Jeeves into her head made Zac furious.


    So I cant go to the Dead Zone yet. I cannot let a single one of the Technocrats leave this alive, Zac said with finality.


    Ogras silently looked at Zac for a few seconds, before sighing with a shake of his head.


    Fine, lets go kill some heretics.


    Zac was surprised at the ease of which Ogras agreed, and he couldn''t help but feel a bit suspicious. The demonkin army and his generals were half his im to power in Port Atwood, and if they fell he would be almost isted apart from his friendship with Zac.


    "How about you take my disk and head to the Dead Zone while I deal with the Incursion?" Zac probed to see his response.


    "No point," Ogras said with a wry smile. "As much as I hate to admit it I am not sure if I''ll be enough to change anything in the face of the Undead Empire. We need the humanherbeast to mow through the zombies like you did with the silver puppets."


    Zac slowly nodded his head, feeling it was a good enough reason.


    I have to go prepare something back at Port Atwood first. Well meet back up in an hour or so at the border town I came from, Zac said before hurrying out of the office toward the teleporter, leaving a befuddled demon behind.


    Zac made his way through the chain of arrays before finding himself in Port Atwood. He didnt find Kenzie in either the cultivation cave or hispound so he hurried over toward the Mystic Realm instead. However, he did change to his human form and clothing first, because he might run into some people who didn''t know about his Mr. ck alias.


    There was a new array in thework that led straight to the center of Mystic Ind. It wasn''t too long since he came herest time, but it had undergone drastic changes. The chaotic swirl of spatial tears was gone, and in the deste space that they upied a small encampment stood instead. The array he arrived at was ced some distance away from the small town, likely as a safety precaution.


    There were less than fifty structures, but it had a wall that was even sturdier than the one he had around his own wall. Not only that, but there were also multiple arrays creating a thickyer of defense, stopping any possibility of sneaking inside. Zac was suitably impressed as he walked toward the encampment


    Lord Atwood! someone called, making Zac turn toward a vaguely familiar woman.


    On a second look, he realized it was one of the more recent additions to the Valkyries, a girl who had joined after the first round of casualties during the final beast wave.


    Kaitlin, right? Zac asked with some hesitation.


    Thats right, the girl said, some worry evident in her eyes. I''m sorry, but have you found our people yet?


    Not yet, Zac said, guilt welling up in his chest. Were working on it. Is my sister in the Mystic Realm?


    The Valkyrie nodded in confirmation before Zac hurried away. He couldnt look the girl in the eyes, considering the decision he had made. Because it was an undeniable truth that he had chosen his sister over the rest of Port Atwood, even though it wasnt even sure that she was in any danger. He could make all excuses in the world, but that was the gist of it.


    But keeping his sister, his sole surviving family member as he saw it, safe had been his main goal since the start, the reason why he fought so hard. She was the only reason he had erected Port Atwood. If that meant that people would die, so be it. Zac would have to live with those sacrifices. Besides, everyone knew that they risked death when they joined the fight against the Undead Empire.


    He stepped through the teleporter in the center of the settlement, and the next moment he stood in a cave, peering out into the supersized garden that Ogras mentioned. As he walked out he saw the majestic trees lining the horizon and the silver borders crisscrossing the sky, but he didnt have time to marvel at this ce. He would have to explore its mysteries at another time.


    Beneath the small hill another walled settlement stood, looking almost identical to the one outside. Zac hurriedly looked around until a demon warrior pointed him toward one of therger buildings, which turned out to be a study filled with books and crystals.


    Youre here? Kenzie said with surprise when she noticed Zacs appearance. I thought you were in the Underworld.


    She had been sitting on afortable sofa with an information crystal in her hands.


    I had to go back quickly," Zac said with a smile as he sat down next to her.


    Is it about the arrays stopping working? Kenzie asked with worry in her eyes.


    That too, Zac sighed. Theres a lot of things to do. How are things on your end?


    You know, I am pretty sure that this ce has something to do with the Technocrats! We went to the gate Ogras talked about, and Jeeves said that the wall is definitely of Technocrat origin! Kenzie excitedly blurted out, clearly having waited for the opportunity to share the news. I didn''t enter like you said, but I''m sure there are a lot of things Jeeves can find out. Zac, perhaps mom is here!


    Dont touch anything yet, we arent strong enough, Zac said with worry, reiterating the severity of the situation. You might trigger an rm or something, leading mom''s enemies here. And I dont know about mom being here. The people in this ce seems to have been isted for thousands of years, and mom disappeared only twenty years ago.


    Kenzies face went from exuberant to downcast in a second, and Zac felt a pang in his heart as he patted her head. He knew just how much Kenzie wanted to find Leandra.


    But perhaps Im wrong. We will find out sooner orter, Zac acquiesced. I actually came back with some news about mom, though I am not sure about all the details.


    Kenzie once again perked up, but as Zac retold his encounter with the little alien in the underworld her face started to scrunch up in a frown.


    So you think that mom is this high-ranked person from the organization Firmaments Edge, Kenzie concluded. Which means that the thing theyre looking for is Jeeves?


    Well, it can all be a coincidence, Zac ventured, though his face betrayed what he truly thought. But their targeting device did react to the amulet. I will leave it here for now so it wont happen again.


    What will you do? Kenzie asked.


    Well, if theyre moms enemies I cant let them stay on earth. Ogras and I will kick them out of here before they can perform the scan. Who knows what else mom has left on earth. Things are crazy enough without a bunch of technocrats arriving, Zac said with a wink as he handed over the amulet.


    See if you can find anything about mom, please, Kenzie entreated.


    I will, though you should know that these people only seemed to be hired thugs. They didnt seem to know a lot, Zac shrugged. Please stay inside the Mystic Realm until Ive dealt with the Incursion. Who knows how strong their scanners are.


    Okay, okay I will stay in here. Perhaps a few will choose to stay behind like the Tal-dar. It might us help understand the Technocrats and mom better," Kenzie said.


    "Perhaps," Zac smiled, though he knew that would never happen.


    "Im making some headway on my formation studies anyway. Its pretty interesting stuff, Kenzie added.


    Oh? Zac asked with interest. Anything on the thing we found on Salvations body?


    Well Maybe? Kenzie said with some hesitation. Jeeves have looked at it for quite a while and made some deductions. I think I can break its lock so to speak. But I still have no idea what would actually happen when I did that. Perhaps the Origin Dao trapped inside will flood out around us, but perhaps it will simply disappear? Or perhaps the whole thing would explode?


    Zac was surprised that Kenzie had made progress so quickly with the thing. He would have thought it might take months to figure out the details of such aplicated item. It was no wonder the Technocrats wanted Jeeves back.


    Well, there''s no stress. Take your time with it. Remember, stay in the Mystic Realm, Zac said as he made to leave.


    Wait, Kenzie said Zac before he could leave. Please bring any technology you can find. Jeeves wants to eat it.


    Zac stopped in his tracks and looked back with surprise.


    He needs Technological items to evolve, rather than high-grade materials? Zac asked with confusion as it waspletely different from how Spirit Tools evolved.


    Jeeves isnt sure, but probably, Kenzie said. Jeeves is abination of technology and magic, so I think I will need both. I have already found a few ores he liked.


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. Bringing any gear to the AI might not be a bad idea even if he couldnt eat them. Perhaps Jeeves could also help them understand the equipment, allowing them to use the things for themselves. And if not he might at least be able to make sure they didn''t send any signals to the Technocrats hiding in outer space


    Ill bring it over after weve closed the incursion, Zac agreed. Take care.


    "Be careful!" Kenzie said. "And look after Ogras. He isn''t as sturdy as you."


    "What hecks in sturdiness he makes up for in slipperiness," Zac smiled. "We''ll be fine."


    He left Kenzies study and took onest look at the artificial sky before entering the teleporter. Zac was back in the Underworld soon enough, appearing in the isted outpost where he told Ogras to meet him. He couldn''t see the demon anywhere, but a dancing shadow in the distance told him that Ogras had already arrived.


    Whats with the cloak and dagger? Zac asked with confusion when he found the demon hiding a few kilometers outside the town.


    The demons are still around. I have probably caused enough problems for grandpa already without adding hatred from the Abyssal Demons. , Ogras shrugged. I scoured all intelligence regarding the Technocrat incursion while you were gone, and I think I know the path. It will take us two days to get there if we push it.


    Great, lets go. The sooner we destroy the Technocrats the faster we''ll be able to head to the Dead Zone."

 Chapter 345: Drones

    Chapter 345: Drones


    Zac was ready to go, but Ogras held up a hand to stop him before he rushed out into the wilderness.


    You should know that this mission has a pretty decent risk of failing. The Technocrats possess all kinds of tools that dont really conform to the conventional grading system, the demon said.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with confusion.


    I mean that their technology can be pretty hard to predict. For example, their shields might be way stronger than the arrays we have encountered, or we might be immediately spotted even if we try to sneak in. I have no idea whether my shadows can fool their detection devices, Ogras exined.


    Well just have to see how it goes, Zac sighed. I guess I''ll swap over to my Draugr form before we go.


    Uh, I think your other ss might be more useful in an all-out assault, Ogras said with some skepticism in his eyes. This might not be the time to look for more levels.


    I am afraid their devices will detect that I might be part Technocrat, so better that I use my Draugr body, Zac exined.


    Paranoid, I like it, Ogras nodded in appreciation. "Well, in any case. I''ll fight with you, but I am not throwing my life away for your vendetta."


    "I know, just do what you can," Zac agreed.


    The two started to run through the dourndscape, both pushing themselves as much as they could while maintainingbat readiness. As they ran Ogras took the opportunity to update Zac on what had been going on in the underworld during his days of training.


    The wealth that the merchants had amassed was extremely impressive, but unfortunately it looked like many of them had chosen to hide their wealth rather than carry it around. None of them were powerful fighters, so amon fear had been that their Cosmos Sacks would be snatched without them being able to fight back.


    A few of the burrows had been found, but a lot of wealth was still unounted for. It had turned into somewhat of a treasure hunt, as whoever found a cache would be handsomely rewarded. Ogras had also received word that Emily finally found her sister, who turned out to be a captain under one of the Councilors. The teenager was staying with her for now, catching up on the lost months.


    Their day was pretty uneventful otherwise. Between Ogras'' stealth and Zac''s towering aura, the wildlife left them alone, allowing them to keep running in peace. It was only after running for almost 40 hours straight did they stop and made camp in a small cave.


    The reports stated that there have been signs of activity in this direction. The resources in the area have been excavated, and scouts have gone missing. There haven''t actually been any sightings of the Technocrats, apart from a mention of a red light in the distance, Ogras exined as he took out a map. "But it this can only be the ce, especially considering that heretic you killed had time to visit the cavern."


    That some parties managed to walk unencumbered through the area should mean that they havent bugged the ce. Those who got killed probably just got unlucky and encountered the Technocrats, Zac deduced.


    Probably, Ogras agreed. Or that they ventured too far. In any case, these reports are over a month old. Hopefully the heretics have finished draining the resources in this area, allowing us to get close to their base without them noticing. But that leaves the matter of how we''ll deal with the Incursion itself. There''s only two of us and you''re using that ss."


    I can take care of the five E-Grade warriors as long as they are close to each other, Zac said I have a new skill thats pretty convenient for such a scenario. But you should make sure to keep some distance from me.


    Ogras looked over with interest, slowly nodding in agreement.


    What about the rest of the Technocrats? the demon asked.


    Leave no one alive. Kill everyone as quickly as possible. Let no one contact their homeworld, Zac said.


    A ruthless grin spread across Ogras face when he saw Zacs resolve. It looked like he couldn''t wait to start fighting, which was a bit surprising considering the demon''s earlier misgivings.


    Why are you so eager? Zac asked with confusion.


    He was more than happy that the demon seemed motivated to help out with this problem, but he was a bit skeptical about it. The demon never threw himself into danger unless there was something in it for himself.


    You should know that most forces in the multiverse, including the demons, are in a passive state of war with the Technocrats, the demon smiled. But do you know why?


    Isnt it because they want to destroy the System while you want to keep it? Zac answered with a raised brow.


    Well, its part of the reason, but the Technocrats are crazy powerful. Normally people wouldnt want to mess with them. However, theres another reason from what Ive gathered. The technocrats hate the Ruthless Heavens, but the Heavens hate the Technocrats just as much it seems, the demon grinned.


    What? Isnt the System like an unfeeling program? Zac blurted out in confusion.


    Well, The Ruthless Heavens at least have some sense of self-preservation I guess, Ogras shrugged. ording to rumors it brings all kinds of benefits if you take out the Technocrat heretics. For example, it counts as great achievements, which will help with ss Evolutions. Im sure taking out one of their Incursions will bring amazing benefits.


    Zac could only gape in response. It was truly a ruthless move by the System if what Ogras said was true. A lot of people were ready to do almost anything to push themselves forward on the path of cultivation. There were innumerable people stuck at one bottleneck or another, so it was no surprise that many forces would fight the Technocrats tooth and nail if it could help them break through.


    It would also exin why they didn''t expose themselves while in the underworld. They could have gained a lot more resources if they started raiding some settlements. But perhaps the Technocrats were afraid that the other invaders would drop everything to hunt them for merit.


    So I guess theres nothing good that cane from pissing off the System, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Well, I dont think The Ruthless Heavens has time to listen in on ants like us in any case, Ogras grinned. In any case, I squeezed some things out of the hands of Smaug. I have two of those balls that disrupt teleporters. I am not sure whether they work on Nexus Hubs though.


    Nice. Anything to blow any shields open? Zac asked.


    Unfortunately, no. I have a few offensive trinkets that should cause widespread carnage though, Ogras said. If nothing else works well have to use your <strong>[Void Ball]</strong>, though avoid it if possible. Even if we break the shield we might not be able to pass because of the spatial tears.


    The two discussed various strategies for a bit longer until they finally came to a decision. They would try to sneak inside the Technocrat territory relying on Ogras shadows. After the battle ensued Zac was responsible for taking down the powerhouses, whereas the more mobile Ogras would be responsible for taking care of the others.


    The two immediately set out, keeping to the shadows as they started to traverse the area that was presumed to be imed by the Technocrats. Thirty minutes into their travels Zac saw clear signs of excavation, with the ground having multiple symmetrical holes leading into the darkness. However, there were neither men nor machines active in the area, allowing the two to breathe easy.


    Another hour passed as the two started to move slower and slower, carefully scouring the shadows and the sky for any hints of Technocrat activity. Their carefulness was finally awarded as they spotted a small hovering ball in the distance.


    It was the size of a tennis ball and pitch ck, almost seamlessly blending into the surroundings. It didn''t move or make a sound, only silently floated in the air. Neither Zac nor Ogras had seen such a thing before, but it was easy to assume it was either some sort of surveince drone or a floating mine.


    Ogras looked over questioning at Zac, who motioned the demon to keep going. This would be a test to see if they could pass the sentry unnoticed, or whether it could see through the shroud of darkness. It would greatly impact how they would act in the rest of the assault. The two crept forward, with Ograspletely covering them in denseyers of shadows. They slowly moved closer and closer, making no attempt to avoid the drone.


    The drone seemedpletely oblivious to their existence until they came within a few hundred meters of it. At that moment it moved with shocking speed to stop right above them, and a mesh of red beams started to run over the ground. Zac''s eyes widened and he immediately indicated for Ogras to destroy it.


    A beam of shadows, almostpletely invisible in the darkness of the Underworld, shot up and ripped a hole through the small ball. It immediately fell out of the air and some unknown energy inside it caused a few flickering discharges. But by the moment it thumped into the ground it lookedpletely dead, which wasn''t a surprise since only its shell remained after getting impaled.


    "So much for stealth," Ogras muttered, looking down on the drone with some interest. "Perhaps it would have worked if we had Janos with us, but a moving blob of shadows won''t fool the machines."


    "It looks like it covers the area of a square kilometer or so," Zac added thoughtfully.


    "Perhaps we can circumvent the others with distance, but they should already know this thing is broken," Ogras said as he poked the destroyed ball by their feet. "What now?"


    "We''ll keep going as earlier," Zac said. "They might not care too much about one destroyed drone. It might have been a beast for all they know since we never exited the shadows. But if we meet more of these things we''ll have to rush it."


    "Yeah, one or two might be okay, but any more than that they''ll definitely understand that something is up," the demon agreed as they kept moving forward.


    Just a few minutester they spotted another ball in the distance, though they were able to avoid its detection by taking the long way around it. But that orb was just one of many and they soon found themselves stuck. If they wanted to keep moving forward they would either have to enter the field of vision of one of the orbs or start destroying them.


    "There''s no way we''ll get to their base unannounced," Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    "Then we''ll have to speed up. Destroy all the orbs so they at least don''t know what''sing," Zac sighed.


    The demon nodded and the two immediately sped up. Any drones that came within Ogras'' reach was instantly destroyed, causing one subdued explosion after another. Zac started to feel a bit shocked as they ran, as there were just so many of them. Ogras had destroyed close to a hundred after running for just a few minutes, but that was only a fraction of the inescapable that the Technocrats had created. A conservative estimation by Zac put the number of drones at five thousand at the minimum.


    Soon enough the behavior of the drones started to change, as the unmoving sentries by the sides started to fly toward them one after another. It looked like the Technocrats had finally realized something was up and started to control the movements of the flying scouts. The two of them had still avoided getting scanned by the red lights, but their path of movement could easily be plotted by following the destroyed machines.


    "Something''sing," Ogras suddenly said, looking into the distance with a frown.


    "Shit!" Zac said when he saw what Ogras was talking about.


    It was four machines that were suspiciously simr to the two drones that apanied the Technocrat in the battleroach cavers, with the notable exception that they were twice asrge.


    "Dodge!" Zac shouted, as even he didn''t want to block four of those beams at the same time.


    Ogras grabbed Zac by the arm, and the next moment the two disappeared in a sea of shadows, only to appear fifty meters away. Just a momentter the four beams converged at their earlier spot, and the effect of the four beams was terrifying. Eachnce of energy was powerful enough to incinerate the air, and even space itself seemed to be unable to handle the four attacks converging. The area where the beams had ripped through kept twisting and distorting even after the attacks, only stabilizing a few secondster.


    "What is that?!" Ogras spat when he saw the power of the beams, clearly starting to regret apanying Zac on this venture.


    "That''s the Technocrats for you," Zac sighed as he got ready for battle.

 Chapter 346: Heavens Path

    Chapter 346: Heaven''s Path


    Ogras only grunted in an exasperated agreement before taking out hisrge spear with one hand while he threw an offensive array at the drones. The crystal sphere ripped through the air, but the machines seemed to understand it was dangerous. They immediately started to spread out, but they didn''t have time to move too far before the ball cracked, unleashing a sea of electricity in the sky.


    Two of the drones managed to dodge the offensive array, but the other two were swallowed by the dense lightning bolts. Zac briefly saw a red shield enclose the two submerged machines, but they flickered and petered out in just a second. Zac was relieved to see that the technological shields weren''t without limits and that they would sooner orter break under pressure. In fact, they seemed only slightly stronger than an ordinary defensive treasure that Zac found dozens of during the hunt.


    He took out a clump of steel from his Cosmos Sack that essentially looked like a cannonball, and he hurled it at one of the surviving drones after infusing it with the Seed of Heaviness. Another red shield appeared to protect the drone, but the attack contained enough momentum to push the machine into the ceiling hundreds of meters above. It caused arge explosion when it hit the rock, and scrap pieces started to rain down from the impact zone.


    Zac had long ago reced the small hill of rocks in his Cosmos Sack with something that could better take advantage of his huge attribute pool. Any time he threw rocks or boulders to test out his enemiestely, the stones would break long before his enemies did. However, a steel ball weighing almost a hundred kilos contained terrifying kic energy, especially when it was infused with the Dao of Heaviness.


    Only one Drone remained, but it was soon taken care of by Ogras who had appeared up in the air. He stabbed straight through the energy field with his spear, and the speartip entered the drone through a joint. A secondter the drone expanded until it exploded in a shower of shadows and metal.


    Zac nodded, feeling that the Technocrat Incursion might not be too dangerous after all. But when he rxed he finally realized something odd. He had gained a small surge of energy for destroying the drone just now.


    "Why are these things giving cosmic energy?" Zac asked with confusion. "They''re not alive."


    "No idea," Ogras shrugged with some disinterest. "The Ruthless Heavens provides the energy I suppose."


    "Perhaps the other ones were too weak," Zac said hesitantly.


    "No, there is a need of a soul to gain energy," Ogras disagreed. "That''s why living golems who cultivate give cosmic energy when killed, but destroying a battleship does not."


    "Then what is it?" Zac asked with confusion. "Are these machines alive?"


    "No, check your quest screen," Ogras said with a smile spreading across his face.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Supremacy of Heaven''s Path (Limited, Area): Close Incursion of the Followers of the Boundless Path. Reward: Merit. (0/1) NOTE: All destruction of inanimatebatants will reward energy while quest is active.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    "It''s an area quest," Ogras exined. "I think that anyone that gets close enough to the heretic''s Incursion will be automatically awarded this quest as an incentive to destroy it."


    "What''s merit though?" Zac asked.


    "I would guess it would boost our avable ss choices when evolving, like eating a Fruit of Ascension," the demon said, not able to hide his excitement.


    "Truly a VIP-treatment," Zac said with a wry smile. "I wonder if I should start to worry about my own safety."


    "I think we would have noticed it by now if The Ruthless Heavens wanted you to die," Ogras said, though there was some hesitation in his eyes.


    "Like how? Dropping me off all alone on an ind with a bunch of demons?" Zac snorted.


    <em>And having me roll for survival instead of just moving me a few meters,</em> Zac internally added.


    "Uh..." Ogras said. "I''m sure that was just a coincidence."


    However, Zac did notice that the demon took two subtle steps away to distance himself from him. Zac only rolled his eyes in response and kept going.


    "If we got the quest the incursion shouldn''t be too far. Do you know if the other incursions are out in the open or if they are in town caves?" Zac asked.


    "Both it seems. The fish people are in arge town cave that''s partly submerged, and I think the humans have arge one as well. But the demons are out in the open," Ogras said.


    Zac nodded and the two kept going, destroying any machinery that tried to impede their approach. Another set of drones tried to stop them a few minutester, but they were turned into scrap in short order. Their offensive capabilities were pretty terrifying, but their defensive strength left a lot to desire. Even without the assistance of any offensive arrays the shield only needed an attack or two before they broke.


    Soon enough they got their answer as they saw something odd in the distance. Another pack of drones appeared out of thin air, though the background started to wobble when they appeared, as though there was a wall of water.


    "Illusion array, or whatever their equivalent is," Ogras muttered. "There''s likely a grand reception awaiting us on the other side."


    Zac took out another cannonball and used it to destroy one of the drones. Soon enough all four were blown to bits, at which point Zac finally activated his real skills. A shroud of miasma spread out from his body as therge spiked wall appeared in front of him.


    "You go ahead," Ogras smiled. "I''ll be right behind you."


    Zac only snorted in response as he started to run forward, putting his bulwark as close to his body as possible to protects from attacks from any angle. Just as he was about to pass through the illusory wall a sense of danger erupted, but Zac only grit his teeth and imbued his bulwark with the Dao of Hardness.


    "Jump," a roar suddenly came from behind, and Zac didn''t dare to hesitate as he pushed off as fast as possible, causing him to soar tens of meters into the air.


    Zac suddenly felt a weight on his shoulders and nced behind to see that Ogras was actually standing on his back as though it was a surfboard. But before he had the opportunity to tell the demon off an enormous explosion erupted beneath them, pushing a pir of fire right in their direction. Zac was about to move his bulwark to cover them, but Ogras quickly interjected.


    "I''ll handle the fire, keep protecting the front," he shouted to be heard over the ruckus as he threw down a crystal at the mes.


    The crystal cracked the moment it came in contact with the inferno, and the next moment the mes were simply gone, reced by a thick haze. Zac was shocked by the rapid change, but he quickly realized that Ogras had prepared some tools to counter his newfound weakness to fire.


    But Zac didn''t have time to think about that as his danger sense kept screaming in his mind, just as two thick beams of pure energy ripped toward them. The attacks mmed right into Zac''s bulwark, but they were so immense that the beams continued around them, enclosing them in a relentless sea of chaotic energies.


    It felt as though he were stuck inside the sun as he held on for dear life against the limitless powers of the two beams. The heat rose to an unbearable degree just from being next to the scorching rays, and he couldn''t even keep his eyes open during the onught. Only after a few seconds did the beam relent, and Zac sighed in relief since his Miasma had been depleted at a shocking rate to protect them from the brunt of the attack.


    The two fell down on the ground after the attack, and Zac finally had a chance to see what was going on. Arge line with hundreds of aliens stood with weapons at the ready, many of them appearing quite shocked that Zac and Ogras were still alive. Interestingly enough the Technocrats wereprised of all sorts of races, where the grey little aliens only ounted for a quarter of the full numbers.


    Most of the Technocrats held various types of guns, but some were unarmed apart from small drones hovering around them. A few even donned a sleek exoskeleton as they gripped some sort of energy weaponry.


    Apanying the living Technocrats were almost a hundred four-legged drones and various other mechanized weaponry such as the flying machines. There were even two huge robots that stood over twenty meters, smokeing out of their right arms. Zac almost drooled at the sight of all the awe-inspiring technology, but he soon cooled down when he realized that the things were there to kill him. He tried using <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> on the robots, but nothing popped up.


    Just a few hundred meters behind the row of warriors therge Nexus Hub hovered, emitting a silver glow that illuminated the whole area. There were rows of simple structures behind the crystal, looking like warehouses and containers of various sizes. It was clearly a temporary encampment, a simple means to an end. It gave a clear indication that the Technocrats truly had no interest in staying on Earth. They simply wanted toplete their mission before returning back home.


    It wasnt very hard for Zac to spot his main targets; the four bodyguards and their ward. They stood together in the center of lineup, two people at each side of a stocky alien that was equipped with one of those exoskeletons.


    Excitement filled Zac''s heart when he saw that all his targets were clumped together, but he didnt dare to pull the trigger and activate <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> just yet. There were too many robots around, and Zac was afraid that the towers he summoned would get sted apart in no time.


    He needed to reduce their firepower before trapping the others, and taking care of the huge mechas felt like something that should be prioritized. The two attacks theyunched while he was airbound stole almost a fifth of his Miasma, so he couldn''t take too many such attacks.


    "I think we need to destroy the two big guys first, Zac muttered. Do you feel confident in taking on one of them?


    I have no idea, Ogras said while scratching his chin. Who knows what other capabilities they have? There''s no way I can take them down if they can keep spewing out such beams


    Zac nodded with a grimace, realizing they werecking information.


    Let''s head into the thick of it. They shouldn''t be able to release those kinds of beams if we''re in the middle of their army. Stay clear of the clouds Ill release. It will melt your skin right off, Zac said.


    It will what? Ogras shouted, but Zac was already running toward the defensive line of enemies.


    The ever-careful Ogras didnt want to lose the protection of staying close to Zac, so he soon reappeared right behind him as he ran forward. Various weapons started firing at them, and therge cave lit up as though it was aser show.


    Beams kept mming into <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, and Zac frowned at the expenditure. He was losing at least a percent of his miasma every second from the concentrated fire, meaning that he would be all out of energy within two minutes if this kept up.


    "Can you teleport us inside? I can''t keep this up for too long," Zac growled, and Ogras ced a hand on his shoulder with a nod.


    The two disappeared, but Zac frowned when he saw that they didn''t reappear within the Technocrat ranks, but rather right in front of it.


    "I got blocked somehow," Ogras said with a frown.


    "I''ll open a path," Zac sighed as his arm started swelling, and he rushed forward to cross thest stretch between themselves and the Technocrats.


    Explosions and beams filled his whole vision, but Zac didn''t care about that nor the energy expenditure as he arrived in front of the Technocrats. A resounding crash reverberated through the area when <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>was forcibly stopped by a red translucent shield that appeared right in front of them. The shield shuddered when it was stabbed by the spikes on the shield wall, but it held true.


    Of course, Zac wasn''t nning on breaking through with his defensive skill and pushed the bulwark to the side as he jumped forward, <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> already shing in a horizontal arc with enough power to cause the air to scream in protest. Zac imbued the axe with the Dao of Heaviness just before the edge mmed into the shield, and it cracked like a broken window.

 Chapter 347: Enemies Ahead

    Chapter 347: Enemies Ahead


    Persistent bastards, Alea muttered with displeasure as a poisonous cloud billowed out from her hand, causing one zombie after another to stumble before they fell down into a rotting heap.


    Her skill <strong>[Gift of Tsa]</strong> only possessed limited effect against the undead, but it was one that did not require an actualpound to empower it. After the past few days, she knew she would need to ration her basin-sized stockpiles because it was bing increasingly obvious that the Undead Empire wanted their army dead even if they had to sacrifice a terrifying number of their low-tiered undead.


    Every god damn hour, Ilvere agreed as he led a squad of warriors to mow down dozens of Elite Zombies every second.


    His weapon, the huge ball attached to its chain, ripped through the air, creating a circle of death around the demonic general. Any zombie unlucky enough to get hit by the wrecking ball was instantly turned to paste, but those closer to Ilvere werent much better off as they instantly got bisected by the chain.


    The demon wasnt using any skills at the moment, only taking advantage of the reach of his weapon while asionally infusing the ball with his Dao to increase the momentum. He was conserving his Cosmic Energy in case another powerhouse hid inside the Zombie wave. Unfortunately Alea herself didnt have such a luxury, as her only physical weapon was a thin rapier she used to decapitate any Zombie that got too close.


    There were also the <strong>[Wailing Spikes]</strong>, but controlling those cursed objects cost too much, and wasnt something that she would use unless she was out of options. So she was stuck wasting Cosmic Energy, desperately circting her cultivation manual to restore her constantly depleting reserves. But there was no choice, the undead werepletely relentless in their pursuit of the bedraggled forces of Port Atwood.


    The 15 000 man strong group had kept a rapid pace northwest to outrun the horde of elite zombies on their tail. They hadnt stopped moving since they fled their temporary base, moving through the wilderness at a rapid pace to get away. But the zombies seemed to have no trouble keeping up, with raids assaulting their rear constantly.


    There was no rest for the warriors of Port Atwood. Even Alea herself and Ilvere were forced to asionally defend the rear to avoid too many casualties. But neither of them ever dared to go all out to clean out arger swathe of the attacking undead.


    Alea was constantly on guard against a pincer strike from ahead. She had thought it woulde almost immediately after they fled the small town due to the missing scouts, but so far they hadnt even seen the shadows of any threat at all. That did not instill any confidence though, but rather the opposite.


    It appeared the undead were taking a page out of her own ybook, and they seemed willing to slowly grind them down. Normally the constant raids from Zombies wouldnt be a toorge concern as Port Atwoodcked neither experts nor gear. But the fact that they were constantly on the move made it hard if not impossible to properly rest up after the battles.


    After a full day of fleeing they had tried to take a short rest while the rear guard protected their camp, but just moments after theirrge group stopped the undead turned crazy, heedlessly rushing their position. Only after a frantic one hour escape did the undead relent, resuming their pattern of constant, but manageable, harassment.


    Enemies ahead! Golems and beacons! a ring warning came from amand crystal in Aleas hand, and she immediately gathered a number of the elites fortifying the rear.


    Ilvere and his squad also retreated, leaving the task of defending against the elite zombies to the regr army. Some demons would stay behind as well to help out, but theck of elites would no doubt cause some deaths. But there was nothing to be done since the true threat came from the front.


    On a hill a few kilometers ahead a small army stood ready. Their numbers were less than 500, but Alea could sense the powerful energies from the members even from this distance. Their lines were orderly and well-armed. A few of the gargantuan Corpse Golems were present as well, proving this was not another group of rabble. Even tworge monoliths were erected, constantly spewing out miasma in the surroundings.


    Its finally here, Alea muttered, before turning to Ilvere. We need to go all out on this one.


    Ilvere somberly nodded as he looked out over the elite army barring their path.


    Can you find the leader? Alea whispered as her eyes scanned the army over and over.


    No, but I think thats a good thing, Ilvere hesitantly said. If there was a true powerhouse there he wouldnt bother to hide within the ranks, right? I think there''s no general spearheading this army.


    "It also means we won''t be able toplete our quest just yet," Alea sardonically smiled.


    Soon enough the elites of Port Atwood stood ready, but their numbers were less than half of that of the Undead Army. Of course, Port Atwood was able to augment theirck of experts in various ways.


    "Get the lunatics as well," Alea said after some deliberation.


    "Are you sure? We can only use them a few times," Ilvere asked from the side, but Alea nodded without hesitation.


    She honestly didn''t feel confident against this small but intimidating force in front of them. It would be one thing if they had Lord Atwood or Ogras here, but there was no one to hold down the fort for them. They would need to use every weapon in their arsenal.


    Soon enough ten ragged Ishiate rushed over. They looked wrung out from thest day''s march, but a manic gleam could be seen in all of their eyes. It was the tinkerers that had created the terrifying cannons that utilized Nexus Crystals. They had been working on improving their inventions since theirst field test. Alea hadn''t used them in the war so far, wanting to keep their extremely destructive weaponry as a hidden ace.


    "Are you confident in blowing up those two pirs over there?" Alea asked a one-eyed Ishiate.


    "Mistress, I''d say we need four shots to be somewhat sure. But even the shots we miss would cause some mayhem," the maimed Ishiate said after spying on the Undead squad through a brass binocr. "Of course, If they possess shielding that''s another matter."


    "Good. We''ll sound them out and hopefully break their defensive array. Try to destroy those beacons no matter what. If it seems impossible, maximum carnage," Alea said.


    "Maximum carnage," the Ishiate agreed, a wide smile spreading across his face.


    Ideally, she would have wanted to prepare longer before assaulting a pure core squad from the Undead Empire, but the Elite Zombies were putting immense pressure on their rear. She could only start the assault prematurely as they truly needed to move forward. A thousand man strong army rushed forward until they created some distance from their nonbatants.


    Hundreds of the Atwood Academy recruits immediately started to infuse crystals with energy, creating a wide shimmering wall in front of them. They would be the defensive line protecting the nonbat sses and the ranged strikers such as the Ishiate craftsmen.


    At the same time a smaller force pushed forward, including just the strongest warriors. Ilvere was already spinning his weapon in the air above them, umting a terrifying momentum. Janos was there as well, and energy surged around him as the area was suddenly filled with demonic warriors storming the front while a haze spread over them. All of it were illusions of course, but it would improve their survivability while hiding their actions within the mist.


    "Are you ready?" Alea said to one of the demons with a ranged ss, and he nodded as he took out an extremely oversized crossbow from his Cosmos Sack.


    The demon was peak F-Grade, but he was barely able to carry the monstrosity. It was more apt to call it a ballista going by its size, and that was just what it was before the craftsmen of Port Atwood got their hands on it. It was over three meters long, and the slot for its bolts lookedrge enough fit a young tree. It was part of the arsenal n Azh''Rezak brought for sieges, and it had served well during the final battle against the beast waves.


    But Alea had required something portable since they knew from the start that the war against the Undead would be a continuously moving skirmish, so the craftsmen modified it for such a purpose. Unfortunately, the modifications led to a loss in power, but it was still an extremely mighty weapon. The ranger expertly loaded the crossbow with a densely inscribed bolt that was as long as he was. The number of such a munition was quite limited, but they weren''t in a situation to hold back against an army of this level.


    But a wail from behind made her snap her neck around just as Alea was ready to give themand to start the operation. Her eyes widened in shock to see a hundred translucent ghosts appearing out of nowhere, assassinating one soldier after another. The soldiers were quick to respond, but most attacks just passed right through their incorporeal bodies.


    Only a few of the demons were able to harm them with the help of their Dao, but it was clear that even most Daos were ineffective against them.


    "Divine Array!" a captain under Ilvere roared from the defensive line, and the next moment the whole army lit up in golden radiance.


    It was an array that Calrin had managed to purchase after a lot of trouble. It didn''t make warriors any stronger, but it turned all attacks inside Life-Attuned. The one-sided ughter quickly turned around, and two-thirds of the ghosts were cut down in rapid session before the rest managed to slink away. Alea could breathe out in relief when she saw that the Ishiate tinkerers were fine and ready to go.


    "Now," she nodded at the ranger, who immediately got down on his knee. The inscribed cross-bolt was released with a powerful twang that caused a small shockwave as the projectile soared toward the Undead army.


    An azure shield sprung up in front of the army, and the bolt got stuck as it started to release a tremendous amount of lightning that tried to rip open the barrier. However, the defensive array was empowered by not one but two Unholy beacons, and the extremely expensive bolt was only able to cause some hairline cracks that let a few errant lightning bolts inside.


    Ilvere let out a resounding roar as the pushed the chain forward with enough power to make his whole body shake with strain. Therge wrecking ball that had been umting a terrifying momentum immediately changed course and soared toward the undead army, its chain magically elongating as it sped forward.


    The huge ball was thrown with such force that a few explosions took ce in the air as it broke the sound barrier, until it mmed straight into the lodged cross-bolt with pinpoint uracy. It was like a hammerhead hitting a nail, and the bolt pushed straight through the array. It unleashing a final burst of lightning inside, causing chaos even among the elite soldiers.


    Most importantly the attack managed to crack the array, exposing the whole army beneath. A couple of deep thumps erupted from behind, sounding like primordial drums of war. It was the Ishiate tinkerers who shot their extremely unstable payload at the exposed army with the help of theiricallyrge cannons. Therge projectiles soared above Alea''s head like four miniature suns, a mix of splendor and terror waiting to erupt.


    The undead warriors clearly understood the threat of the iing bombs, and a storm of attacks rose from their camp to intercept. But the insane Ishiate hadn''t beenzing about the past months, and thick green shields sprung up around the projectiles, blocking out the attacks lucky enough to hit. They had managed to incorporate a few defensive treasures into each of the bombs, effectively creating a defensive coating that would allow them to reach their target.


    The power of the undead army wasn''t anything to scoff at though, and they soon managed to destroy one of the bombs. Its explosion created an enormous fireball up in the air that threw Alea and her party into the ground, and it also dispersed Janos'' illusions in an instant.


    A second detonation followed soon after to submerge the heavens in an even greater congration, making it seem like the end of days were approaching. A third explosion followed after a brief pause, but Alea breathed out in relief to see that it detonated just above the undead army.


    The shockwave mmed all the warriors apart from the mighty corpse golems into the ground, immediately stopping the persistent attacks toward the air. Better yet, hidden defensive arrays around the two unholy beacons shed into being before they got destroyed just as quickly, leaving the towers defenseless.


    It allowed the final bomb to sail into the enemy camp and explode just in front of one of the beacons. It looked like a sun erupted, swallowing a third of the army. A second detonation followed soon after, causing an azure wind de to rip through the firestorm and cause even more mayhem in the undead ranks.


    It was the Unholy Beacon getting destroyed by the bomb. The second beacon still stood, but the results were still above Aleas expectations. Those crazy beastmen had made the detonations far stronger than they let on. The hair on her head stood at end when she remembered that those lunatics had repeatedly taken the bombs out to fiddle with the runes, even while running along with the army.


    She looked back at their camp with incredulity, seeing the group dance around their cannons in glee, some of them sporting obvious burn marks.


    One fight at the time, Ilvereughed as he spat a bit of dirt out of his mouth. Hopefully we wont need to enlist their help again. Im sure your boyfriend is on his way.


    Alea rolled her eyes in exasperation, but a sense of sweetness welled up in her heart. It was true, Lord Atwood was surely on his way by now.


    Just shut up and help me destroy this army.

 Chapter 348: Man Versus Machine

    Chapter 348: Man Versus Machine


    "Defend!" one of the Technocrat warriors screamed, and battle drones pushed forward to block the rapidly closing hole in the shield.


    "I''ll go right," Ogras said from behind before swirling forward in his shadows and effortlessly passed the machines.


    Zac grunted and pushed forward as well, though missing the demon''s grace. He stomped forward like an angry bull, tanking a few beams the dronesunched at him as he squeezed through the regenerating shield.


    The main weapons of thendbound war machines were energy beams just like the drones, though they were able to rapidly attack in exchange for a far weaker power. Getting hit left smarting scorch marks on Zac''s body, but it would take a whole lot of attacks of that caliber to take him down.


    A ck storm heralded his arrival as Zac unleashed <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> the moment he got through the shield. The corrosive cloud did not only cloud the enemies'' vision, but pained screams echoed in the vicinity as some of the warriors fell down in anguish. It was the Technocrats who did not possess any corrosive protection, and Zac felt streams of energy starting to enter him in just a few seconds.


    Stand down! We work for Firmaments Edge. If the two of you dont back down this instant well be forced to report your actions to our superiors, a shout came from the distance, and Zac looked through the haze to see the Technocrat leader staring at him.


    The Undead Empire goes where it pleases, Zac shouted back. You heretics of the Boundless Path can never live under the same sky as us.


    Zac didnt know if his words would ever reach Firmaments Edge, but he felt it was prudent to throw the me on the Undead rather than the people of Earth just in case. As for the Boundless path, he had no idea what that actually was. But if that was what the System called the Technocrats, then it could only be urate.


    Zac asked Ogras during their earlier approach, but the demon wasnt sure either. Perhaps Heavens Path and the Boundless Path were things that ants like them werent qualified to know about just yet. Of course, that was why Zac used those words rather than calling the Technocrats invaders or something simr. He wanted to act as a Draugr elite to sow some confusion.


    The technocrat kept shouting for Zac to stand down, but he didnt personally take action just yet. Zac chose to ignore him after the initial exchange, instead using his mouth to keep drowning the area in corrosive clouds.


    Unfortunately quite a few of the Technocrats seemed to possess some sort of defensive gear that created a personal barrier that kept the mist at bay, and the clouds were kept at arm''s length. Almost all the machines were fine as well, with their durable hullspletely sealed to protect the more vulnerable innards.


    The skill was just a means for Zac to cause some chaos though, and he was surprised that it managed to melt a few of the machines at all. He instead relied on his axe to cut down anything in his path. Neither the Technocrats nor the machines couldst more than a hit or two, allowing him to gain a steady stream of miasma through <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>.


    Zac''s rampage started to put the fear of God into the Technocrats, and no one seemed willing to get within melee range any longer. The humanoids donning the exoskeletons could only stand to the side and spectate Zac and Ogras dismantling their mechanized military.


    The machines were goingpletely berserk though, and tens of them rushed forward to heedlessly throw themselves at Zac. He didn''t mind at all and crushed all the machines as they came. But he only had time to deal with half of the frenzied assault when his mind screamed of danger.


    Zac didn''t hesitate and immediately entered his turtle-stance by jumping down on the ground with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> forming a protectiveyer above him. The next moment his whole vision turned white as something bombarded him from above, turning all the nearby machines into shrapnel in its effort to take Zac down as well.


    Luckily it only cost him some miasma and caused some ringing in his ears since he reacted in time. Zac immediately jumped up to his feet and ran through the inferno to see one of the tworge robots standing in the distance, streams of smoke rising from its back. Zac couldn''t be sure, but he had a feeling that the mecha hadunched some sort of sneak attack while he was upied with the smaller war machines.


    The ground cracked under Zac''s feet as he started to rush forward, his bulwark once again paving the way by mowing down everything in his path as he targeted the huge robot. It seemed to have anticipated Zac''s approach, as it calmly raised one of its arms toward him. Its forearm started to transform with a clinking sound, rapidly turning into dozens of pipes aimed in Zac''s direction.


    Zac frowned when he saw the sight, and another gust of ck mist covered Zac and his surroundings as he unleashed some more corrosive clouds. The moment he was covered he slightly changed his approach, wanting to nk the robot instead of rushing head-on.


    The robot didn''t seem to care in the slightest, and the concentric circles of barrels steadily started to light up, each one of them shuddering with power. The air twisted around the arm of the robot until an enormous shockwave blew Zac''s <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> far away, cleanly exposing his position. A second shockwave erupted as tens of glowing lights wereunched toward Zac.


    They looked extremely familiar to the attacks that the Battleroach King had utilized with the help of its arrays, making Zac wonder if one was influenced by the other. The Technocrat had mentioned that he had infused the beast with certain capabilities after all. Perhaps those were based on this robot. However, there was one clear difference apart from the fact that the iing lights were ck instead of green.


    They looked like miniature ck holes as the air around them twisted and distorted beyond recognition, warning Zac of the terrifying power they contained as they rushed toward him in parabolic arcs. Zac desperately tried to dodge the ballistics, but they possessed the same type of homing capabilities as the battleroach king.


    Zac felt there was no option except to once again hunkering down to withstand the assaults. The projectiles were approaching him from all directions by this point and he saw no other way to block them all. He rolled forward and ced both his shield and bulwark above him to endure the sts. Therge mecha immediately pointed its other arm toward him and shot a beam at him from an attached gun.


    Luckily it wasn''t the same weapon as the huge barrel that had fired at him while he wasunched into the air. That barrel was over five times wider and was mounted instead of a real hand at the end of his arm. The weapon the mecha used now was instead the same type as the ones that the flying drones from earlier used.


    Such a beam wouldn''t be able to break through his turtle defense, so Zac didn''t worry too much about it. But before he knew what was happening he was suddenly iling about almost ten meters in the air as the ck holes closed in on him. The beam hadn''t been aimed at his shield to crack open his defense, it was rather shot in front of him.


    The st hadunched him up in the air, circumventing his defense against the other attacks. Zac saw no option to infuse his whole body with the Seed of Hardness as he tried to cover as much of his body as possible with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>and his shield. But he could only block some of the strikes and a burning pain erupted in his back as one of the ck holes mmed into him, causing a deep wound dripping ichor. His Miasma was rapidly depleted as well from the tens of balls hitting his bulwark.


    Therge tower shield wasn''t faring much better, as parts of it got bent and twisted when blocking the attack. The shield still hadn''tpletely recovered from the bout with the battleroach king, and this put it dangerously close to falling apartpletely. Anger burned in Zac''s chest from the pain of the multiple impacts, and he roared as he rushed the final stretch.


    A huge metallic foot ripped through the air toward Zac as the mecha tried to kill him with a kick. But whatever was controlling the robot had underestimated Zac''s strength as he met the kick head-on. The kick mmed into him and pushed him backward, but Zac pushed back with all the power in his body as he imbued himself with the Dao of Heaviness.


    His fingers dug into the thick ting as he stopped the kick with his superhuman strength. However, Zac wasn''t done there. His muscles strained as <strong>[Unholy Strike] </strong>was used to its limit, and Zac was actually starting to drag the huge machine. It tried to fight back, but Zac was relentless. His mind was telling Zac to fling the machine into the horizon, or m it into the ground like an enraged caveman.


    But, unfortunately, reality wouldn''tply with his rage, and he only managed to topple it. The thing was extremely heavy, and even with his Strength he wasn''t able to toss it around like a ragdoll. But at least it was down on the ground, and Zac pounced on it like a rabid beast before it could get back on its feet.


    All its limbs were equipped with various weapons, such as battle knives and ranged weaponry. But that arsenal was of no use against Zac who had managed to climb up on its chest with his axe ready to cause some real damage. But a sh of greed suddenly overcame his rage, and he peered down at the machine with interest.


    He mmed his hand down on the mecha as he infused his Cosmos Sack with energy, but he growled in annoyance when nothing happened. He had wanted to both neutralize the threat and make some money by stealing the whole thing. But if he couldn''t take it then it didn''t need to continue existing. A storm of corrosion blew around him as Zac started to hammer down on the chest te of the machine.


    A blue shield managed to block the first round of attacks, but Zac wouldn''t give up. Even when he started getting shot by some Technocrats down on the ground he wouldn''t relent, and shockwave after shockwave exploded from the top of the robot until the shield broke and Verun''s Bite bit into the robot. There was actually a cockpit inside, and a small green alien peered up at Zac with horror when he finally managed to rip apart the chest te.


    A beam shed as Zac peered down into the cockpit, but he managed to dodge the st from the pilot''s rifle at thest moment with the help of his Luck. Zac growled in anger as he reached into the cockpit and grabbed the alien by the neck. A nasty crack echoed out from the robot as Zac got a huge stream of energy. It looked like killing the pilot also counted as killing the robot itself.


    Zac was about to start demolishing the mecha in his towering rage, but he suddenly froze as he tried to put the robot in his Cosmos Sack again. This time it worked without issue, and he fell into the ground with a thump. He took a gander at the state of the battle, and he felt everything was mostly under control.


    Most of the battle droids were destroyed by his and Ogras'' efforts, and quite a few of the actual technocrats were dead or dying as well. The demon was currently whittling down the second robot, and he had managed to tear off one of its arms somehow. Ogras had activated his ultimate state, and he was currently in the skies circling thendbound mecha. Hisrge wings kept him out of harm''s way as he struck the robot over and over with lightning speed.


    The foreman and his four bodyguards were still on the battlefield, but they still hadn''t done anything. He already knew from questioning the Technocrat earlier that the four cultivators were there to serve as bodyguards for Syvas, the leader of the Incursion. Whether the rest of the Technocrats lived or died didn''t matter in the slightest to them as they were just hired hands.


    There was no way they would involve themselves in the battle unless they got paid extra or if Zac attacked Syvas himself. But it didn''t look like the Technocrat boss had any interest in joining the battle. In fact, the group of 5 seemed to be inching toward the Nexus Hub behind them.


    Zac had no intention of letting the leader go, and it looked like it was time to go all-out. But before he assaulted the five E-Grade warriors he needed to make sure his back was protected from the remnants of the Technocrat army.


    "It''s time buddy," Zac said as the huge form of Verun appeared with an earthshattering roar.

 Chapter 349: The Final Five

    Chapter 349: The Final Five


    The crimson fractal on <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> had long been recharged, and he didn''t want his battle with the E-Grade powerhouses to be interrupted by the remaining forces. Verun understood his thoughts and immediately stormed into the thick of it, its oversized maw snatching up Technocrats and drones alike.


    If the Technocrats equipment could be seen as a counter to Zac, with his inability to activate <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> against attacks that relied on technology, then the opposite could be said for Verun. Some of the drones tried to fire at therge beast, but its intangible form was the perfect counter to theser beams as they harmlessly passed right through it.


    Zac had already guessed that the Tool Spirit was a bit like the ghosts of the Undead Empire. Normal attacks didn''t work, and they needed to be empowered by the Dao to be able to reach him. Perhaps only the cultivators would be able to harm it at all, which gave it free rein on the battlefield. Miserably screams echoed across the Underworld as the beast reveled in its uninhibited carnage.


    Satisfied that his back was protected by Verun, Zac could finally target the leaders of the Incursion without worries. He stomped into the ground with tremendous force, and the next second he appeared right in front of the Technocrat with one of the spatial crystals in hand. He immediately threw it at the Nexus Hub in the distance, hoping to seal anymunication or escape while he was upied.


    "Protect me!" the foreman screamed, and four powerful strikes shed toward him almost as soon as he arrived.


    Zac was inundated in a sea of lightning, and even with his tremendous Endurance he felt his consciousness slipping. Luckily the attacks onlysted less than a second, and Zac immediately mmed his foot into the ground again before they couldunch the next attack. The fiverge towers rose into the air as Zac unleashed another cloud of corrosion in the cage.


    The moment the towers appeared the ghastly chains immediately shot out, but this time each chain targeted a different person. Unfortunately, things did not go as smoothly this time. The four cultivators immediately backed away from Zac while they started to fight the chains,unching powerful strikes to rebuff them. The chains acted like snakes, slithering around and trying to pass their defenses, but the cultivators kept them as bay as they looked for means of breaking out.


    The technocrat wasn''t as lucky though. He had a personal shield that stopped the chain a few times, but after a few ms the chain managed to create arge enough crack to pass through. The technocrat tried to clumsily defend himself with his expensive-looking exoskeleton, but a wide swing left his whole side open for the chain to sneak up and wrap around his neck.


    Zac couldn''t believe how weak the man was. It looked like he had never been on a battlefield before, just asking for death by being here. Perhaps he was just a businessman or an owner of thepany that had taken the mission to scan Earth, and never even nned to enter a battle.


    The brief pause allowed him to scan the five with <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>. The foreman was actually only level 76, not having improved the slightest since breaking through. The four cultivators were a bit better though, ranging between level 83 and 86. But Zac still didn''t feel there was any need for rm since he had fought far stronger enemies until now.


    "Help me you buffoons!" the Technocrat screamed to finally regain the attention of his guards.


    "Transform!" one of the guards screamed as he unleashed in an enormous discharge of lightning that pushed the special chain far away.


    The next moment the sky above the cage darkened as thick clouds formed in an instant. It was the first time Zac had seen any clouds in the Underworld, and it was obvious that they were created by the four guards. They were almost as dark as the mist Zac created with <strong>[Winds of Corruption]</strong>, but they were teeming with wild energies as it continuously lit up by lightning bolts.


    Zac guessed the four bodyguards came from the same Sect or n since they all possessed lightning-attuned sses. Perhaps the foreman had hired them since they would be efficient in protecting him from other Technocrats and their machines.


    Of course, lightning attacks were just as effective against humans as well, and Zac''s eyes darted between the bodyguards and the foreman, unsure of who to deal with first. But the decision was made for him as the four powerhouses simultaneously charged him. Zac got ready to defend, the world turned white for a second as four massive lightning bolts mmed into the cage.


    However, the lightning did not target Zac, but rather the four guards. It mmed into all of them simultaneously,pletely hiding them inside the blinding light. Of course, Zac knew they weren''t about to kill themselves, so he wasn''t surprised when they emerged unscathed. The lightning had helped them transform into another shape.


    Crackling white armor covered their bodies, and they all held weapons that seemed to be wrought out of frozen lightning bolts. Two of them were holding spears whereas the other two held broadswords. They had even gained wings made from electricity, making them look like gods of thunder.


    Their looks weren''t the only thing that changed with the lightning strikes. Their speed almost doubled as they Zoomed toward Zac like four streaks of lightning. He barely had time to prepare his defenses before they were upon him, all stabbing toward his vital spots.


    Zac blocked two of the strikes with the help of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, one with his shield while he met the final strike with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. Two ghosts immediately appeared behind the two who stabbed his bulwark, while a crack resounded as the sword wielder who Zac met head-on broke one of his arms in the sh between weapons.


    The two ghosts only managed to cause minor wounds, but the surprise strike was enough to distract one of them enough for the chasing chains to lock around his throat. Zac felt a shock run through his body from the massive amounts of electricity the four warriors released, but he forced himself forward to follow up on his strike.


    The sword wielder with the broken arm tried to create some distance between them, but he was attacked by the relentless chain when he tried to flee, forcing him to stop in his tracks. Zac wasn''t about to give up on the opportunity, so he mmed the shield into the ground, causing a wave of spikes to push the final bodyguard away as he pursued the wounded one.


    A shield erupted around the guard as Zac''s axe swung down with ferocious force, defending against the strike. But Zac only refocused his efforts and <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> once again fell down with finality. Zac suddenly felt a zing pain in his side as a lightning spear tore into his body, and a jolt of electricity caused such a shock to his system that he identally dropped his weapon.


    His muscles spasmed and flinched, but Zac forced himself to throw his body onto the guard who had narrowly escaped being bisected by the swing of his axe. Tens of lightning bolts hit him as he gripped the horrified cultivator, but Zac refused to let go. A fountain of blood rose to the skies when Zac managed to forcibly rip the warrior in two, ignoring the lightning armorpletely.


    Steam rose from his body, and Zac felt as though he was half-roasted from the barrage of lightning bolts. The constant shocks also aggravated the multiple wounds he had umted in the earlier fight, and he felt his steps starting to be unsteady. Every part of his body hurt, but he refused to stop.


    He still had some fuel in the tank, even though his expenditure up til now had been massive. It was partly due to the stream of Miasma he was receiving from the spectral chains that had started to absorb the lifeforce of their captives. Since one of the warriors had died the final chain rushed toward the Technocrat on Zac''smand.


    The Technocrat leader was unleashing a barrage of attacks on the chain around his neck with a power that belied his earlier embarrassing disy. It was the exoskeleton that was showing it''s worth, even though it could only turn a turd into a more powerful turd. Cracks were already starting to show on the chain, and Zac was afraid he would be freed soon enough unless he was bound tighter.


    The sky suddenly rumbled as the area was drowned in a thunderstorm as the clouds started unleashing bolt after bolt in the area. The five towers got the worst of it as they essentially acted as lightning rods. As Zac looked at the chaos he realized that the remaining time was limited, so he forced his exhausted body to exert even more power.


    Two unfettered bodyguards remained, one of which had a light wound from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. Zac targeted the wounded one first and immediately pounced on him. The guard wanted to keep some distance as heunched a storm of lightning at Zac, but his movements were restricted due to the harassment of the ghastly chain assigned to him.


    Zac forcibly ate a couple of strikes as he kept the other guard at bay with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. He finally managed to get close to him, his axe already on its trajectory of death. The cultivator looked unreconciled and red at Zac with hatred.


    "Die!" he roared as his whole body started crackling with berserk powers.


    Zac''s eyes widened in rm and he activated both the defensive rings on his hands, causing two barriers to appear around him. The next moment he was sted into the air once again from a thunderous explosion. The guard had chosen to self-destruct in an effort to bring Zac down with him, but hisyered defenses were enough to take the brunt of the strike.


    The good news was that the desperate strike didn''t only affect Zac. Even the other guard who was trying to nk him was swallowed in the explosion, scorching half of his body and throwing him up in the air as well. The chain acted quickly and captured him as well, which meant that everyone inside the cage was finally captured.


    However, one of the fractals atop the five towers started showing cracks from the barrage of lightning strikesing from the sky, and a few Technocrats had managed to sneak away from Verun''s frenzied carnage to try to break out their leader. Zac''s vision was turning blurry from the constant shocks, but he forced himself to run over toward the remaining guards.


    The first one was screaming on top of his lungs, already looking a bit shrunken from the incessant drain of lifeforce the chain subjected him to. It didn''t look like he had any means of resisting it, in contrast to the Technocrat who still seemed full of energy as he tried to free himself from his fetters. Zac wasted no time and cut off the guard''s head in one swift motion. There was no resistance as the guard waspletely consumed by the pain andpletely oblivious to the surroundings.


    The final guard put up a feeble fight, but he was all alone against an enranged Zac, so he was quickly cut into pieces as well. Only the Technocrat leader remained, and he was currently bound by three chains, as he had managed to destroy two others while Zac fought the guards. Luckily new chains reced those that the Technocrat destroyed, keeping him in bondage during the whole fight.


    "You can''t kill me! Firmament''s Edge won''t tolerate it!" the Technocrat wheezed as he saw Zac approach with murder in his eyes. "Not even the Undead Empire or the Demon Legions are safe from their wrath."


    "That''s not my problem," Zac growled as he lifted his axe.


    A wet thud could be heard as the axe almost cleaved the Technocrat in two, but Zac frowned when he got no energy to confirm the kill. The Technocrat was somehow clinging to life, staring straight into Zac''s eyes with hatred and what looked like glee.


    "I... Warned... You," the Technocrat wheezed with a sneer as blood poured out of his mouth.


    The next moment a terrifying change took ce in the technocrat''s body started to twist and deform as he grew with shocking speed.

 Chapter 350: Despair

    Chapter 350: Despair


    In just the blink of an eye the diminutive leader turned into a huge monstrosity reaching over 3 meters, whose bulging muscles would put even Billy''s constitution to shame. Even therge wound from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> was gone, the axe pushed out of its body as the wound closed in an instant. Even the expensive-looking exoskeleton had been discarded as it was bent into scrap metal from the alien''s expansion.


    Odder yet he had turned into an amalgamation of metal and flesh as parts of him had turned into that of a robot. Zac didn''t understand how, but the dying Technocrat had turned into a cyborg teeming with immense power. Even Zac felt threathened from just standing in front of the hulking figure, something he hadn''t felt for a long time. Something told Zac that this wasn''t some ultimate technique by the Technocrat himself, as his face lilted listlessly to the side and his eyes were empty.


    The foreman had warned him about reprisal, but Zac didn''t expect it to be so direct. He felt the situation was turning bad, and he immediately unleashed a round of attacks on it, holding nothing back. But metallic ngs and deep thuds were all that could be heard when the axehead hit the Technocrats muscled torso, only leaving scuff marks behind. Zac couldnt believe it was so durable that he wasn''t even able to leave a shallow wound.


    He didnt give up though and unleashed one ferocious strike after another across the brutes body in hopes of finding a weak spot. But danger suddenly screamed in Zac''s head as a fist asrge as a wrecking ball mmed into him with such speed that he didn''t have time to even blink.


    The power of the punch was enough to shatter all the spectral chains still binding the Technocrat in an instant, and Zac wasunched into the air with such speed that it looked like he was teleported away. The enormous shockwave swept all the corrosive mists in the area away as well, exposing the dposing corpses of the cultivators on the ground.


    It felt like his whole body was broken, and it only got worse when he mmed into one of the towers from <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> with enough power to cause arge crack running along its whole length. ck ichor ran down his mouth as Zac desperately crawled back to his feet only to see the monstrosity treating his entrapment as a joke.


    rm bells were going off in Zac''s mind, and every fiber of his being was telling him that this was not something he could contend with. He frantically tried to figure out what to do next, but the cyborg wasn''t waiting for Zac toe up with a strategy. A huge shockwave exploded out from where it stood as the cyborg disappeared from sight, only to appear right in front of Zac once again.


    This time Zac was somewhat ready and he barely managed to duck out of the way from another world-ending fist that instead tore the miasmic tower apart. It almost looked like the extremely sturdy structure was made out of styrofoam as it shattered and dissipated into churning mists of Miasma.


    The destruction of the tower was the straw the broke the camel''s back, and <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>started to crumble. All the chains were already broken which had damaged the other towers as well, and with one tower utterly destroyed the shield was already down for the count.


    Luckily the fight outside had mostly ebbed out as well, with Ogras dismantling thest remnants of the Technocrat army. The demon seemed to be in good vigor, though his clothes werepletely burned and the side of his face was covered in arge scorch mark. Verun was nowhere to be seen though, but that quickly changed as therge beast appeared out of nowhere and chomped down on the towering cyborg.


    Verun didn''t have much better luck than Zac did though despite its furious attempts to rip his master''s enemy to shreds. The Tool Spirit''srge fangs couldn''t even break its skin. The cyborg only stoically stood there acting like it couldn''t feel a thing until it mmed its hand in a ferocious overhand p that hit Verun''s head.


    The Tool spirit Yelped in pain and was forced to let go, at which point the cyborg unleashed yet another of its terrifying punches. Verun was utterly helpless as it turned into motes of light that fled into Zac''s axe. Thankfully Zac could still sense the Tool Spirit in his axe, though it immediately entered hibernation after getting destroyed.


    If Zac''s heart had been beating in his current form it would have been hammering away at this moment as he gazed upon the Cyborg. Something unfathomable was happening with it. It was as though the monster had gained over 20 levels in just a few seconds, and its towering aura had more than doubled since it attacked Zac the first time.


    Futility threatened to consume him as Zac scrambled for any idea of getting out of this mess. The cyborg didn''t seem to possess any skills or Dao Seeds, but it also didn''t need it due to its ungodly power. It was like a supercharged version of Zac himself, a true testament of the horror of superior attributes.


    There was a small remnant of the technocrats sticking close to the Nexus Hub. They had likely tried to escape Earth but was blocked due to Zac''s interference. But the group seemed emboldened from the turnaround in the battle and they rushed toward Zac in an effort to assist their foreman in taking him down. Zac had no time to bother about them, so he could only infuse his body with the Seed of Hardness as he kept his eyes trained on the true threat.


    Another apocalyptic punch soared toward Zac who desperately activated <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. An earthshattering explosion echoed out across the area when the fist connected, and Zac realized the power was well beyond that of the first strike. He wasn''t sure he would still be in fighting condition if the first fist contained this amount of force. Even the extremely hard stonebed cracked all around them from the attack, a testament to its immense power.


    The unlucky Technocrats who had wanted to fish in muddy waters were rendered into meat paste just from the shockwave. They died without knowing what happened, likely thinking that the foreman was still on their side. But Zac knew that this thing had no such alliances. The former foreman had turned into an emotionless tool of ughter upon his death.


    Zac''s eyes widened in rm as the punch caused massive cracks across the bulwark. Neither Salvation''s self-detonation nor theser beams of the two enormous mechas had been enough to cause a crack in his defensive wall, but one simple punch from this thing was all it took. But just as Zac despaired a huge form materialized and punched into the chest of the cyborg.


    It was <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> that activated, and the force was tremendous even though it only contained a part of the original strength of the attack. This became especially true after Zac managed to imbue the spectral projection with the Dao of Heaviness with some quick reflexes. The Cyborg wasunched into the air, flying tens of meters away before mming into the ground with arge bang.


    "What the hell is that thing?" a shocked voice asked from the side.


    Zac looked over to see Ogras standing there, staring at the cyborg with horror in his eyes.


    "A cyborg, a mix of man and machine," Zac sighed. "The foreman turned into this thing just as I was about to kill him."


    "Mix of man and machine? That''s Impossible," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "The heavens won''t allow such a thing."


    Of course, it was hard to refute the evidence as it stood up again as if nothing had happened. Its chest waspletely fine, with not a single blemish from the retaliatory strike. The air around it was crackling and twisting from just standing still, and it looked as though it had once again powered up.


    "I can''t harm it, and I can''t defend against it, and it keeps getting stronger," Zac sighed. "Do you have any ideas?"


    "Throw things at it," Ogras said, immediately taking out a handful of offensive arrays.


    Hope reignited in Zac''s heart as he took out all his offensive treasures as well.


    The next moment the Underworld lit up in a cacophony of chaotic energies as over ten powerful offensive arrays exploded at the same time. Everything from fires burning so hot it the mes were white to poisonous mists and crackling lightning caused a both beautiful and terrifying disy as the cyborg was submerged in a congration of their most powerful arrays.


    Zac even went so far as to throw out his one and only <strong>[Void Ball]</strong>, his ultimate tool of destruction. The ball plunged the whole area into spatial chaos far worse than what he had seen over by the entrance to the Mystic Realm. That time he was even thrown inside while fighting the tiger, but he managed to get navigate his way out in one piece.


    This time the zone was jam-packed with spatial tears, some asrge as two-three meters. Some of thergest tears evenbined to formrge sections of void space, looking like windows into outer space. Those were even more terrifying than the tears, as one could actually fall into such a thing. What waited on the other side depended on one''s luck, but it was most likely a horrible death.


    Zac didnt think he could throw a stone through the area unscathed, let alone passing through it. But the hulking form of the cyborg seemedpletely unbothered as it stood inside the st zone, only a few scorch-marks and slightly melted metal the proof that he had been inside radius of the attacks at all. Even the spatial tears were crushed against its body, though they did leave somewhat deep cuts. But the wounds didnt bleed at all, and it didnt look like the cyborg even noticed them.


    Zac and Ogras only looked at it with dismay, unsure of what to do next. Its enormous fist suddenly mmed into the ground with impossible speed, causing a huge shockwave to erupt. It looked like an atomic bomb had erupted beneath the ground they stood on, causing crushed stones to st upward in a circle of hundreds of meters.


    Zac and Ogras stood over a hundred meters away from the center of the impact, but they were still pushed back another hundred meters, barely able to keep their footing. The demon also suffered multiple cuts from errant pieces of stone hitting him with the speed of bullets. The remaining power of the offensive arrays were blown away in an instant as well, with only a few spatial tears remaining.


    "Is it D-Grade?" Ogas screamed in rm. "We need to flee!"


    Zac had to agree with Ogras'' assessment. This thing was just too powerful. Zac could barely cause a few cracks in the extremely hard rocks around them, but this monster could suddenly cause widespread damage with a simple punch, something Zac wouldn''t even be able to replicate on the surface. There was no way that the Cyborg had less than 2-3000 Strength by now judging from that m alone.


    The two immediately started to run away, but the monster was just too fast. One moment it was still standing in the distance, but in the next it was right next to Ogras, shrouding the demon in darkness. Its fist ripped through the air at the demon, foretelling of impending doom. Ogras roared as torrential amounts of shadows erupted from beneath him,pletely submerging the cyborg in darkness.


    The cyborg froze and shuddered in response, which caused the shadows to get ripped into pieces and Ogras to cough out blood from the blowback. But the brief pause allowed Zac to once again summon <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>and ce it and himself in front of the demon for a final stand.


    But the cyborg had grown too powerful in this short time, and the bulwark only managed to absorb some of the force before cracking like brittle ss. Zac only had time to erect all his other defensive treasures before the herculean fist rammed into his shield, causing both Zac and Ogras to sail hundreds of meters away until they mmed into a wall with a resounding crash.


    Zac almost cked out from the pain as ck ichor flowed like a waterfall from his mouth and nose. At least thirty bones in his body were broken, and the demon seemed to be even worse off when the two crashed into the ground. His shield waspletely destroyed as well, well beyond salvaging. Zac desperately tried to get back on his feet to meet the oing enemy, but he barely managed to get up to a sitting position.


    He was almost all out of Miasma in any case, and using any skill was off the table. He would likely turn to his human form in minutes unless he managed to restock on energy. He briefly considered trying to transform to his human ss, but he knew that it was a fool''s dream.


    There was no way to finish the transformation as the cyborg had already appeared right in front of them with the help of its tremendous speed, a series of crashes in the ground exploding behind it. Its hollow eyes stared down at them without a shred of emotion, which in a sense was even scarier than a re full of hatred.


    The transformation skill required ten seconds to finish, but those seconds were the difference between life and death. Besides, Zac knew that there was no way he could harm the thing, even if he unleashed his most powerful moves from his Hatchetman ss. The monstrosity wasnt even hampered by the spatial tears, and those were far more dangerous than his skills.


    "I''m sorry," Zac sighed as he shot a look the demon who helplesslyy in a heap next to him. "This is all my fault."


    "This is the life of the cultivator," Ogras wryly smiled with a blood-filled mouth. "The road has to end sometime. Shame I never got to finish my movie."


    Zac''s snorted before his thoughts wistfully went to his sister as he closed his eyes, ready to meet his maker.

 Chapter 351: Out of Control

    Chapter 351: Out of Control


    The enormous fist of the three-meter humanoid mmed down with tremendous force, aiming to finally end everything. But just as it was about to reach its target the air shuddered, and the arm was cleanly cut off. The ground shook slightly as the arm that seemed to weigh over a hundred kilos fell, but not a drop of blood escaped from the huge wound.


    Of course, the Corpse Golem didnt even flinch from losing an appendage and immediately tried to attack Thea with its remaining arm. But <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong> had already returned to her side after saving the lives of one of the squads that had veered too deep, and the towering humanoid was bisected into ten pieces in short order.


    Not that Thea wasnt able to take out the undead in other ways. But using skills instead of her weapon would cost her more Cosmic Energy, a resource that had turned into the most precious treasure the past days. She shook her head and activated <strong>[Gale Step]</strong>, disappearing from the area as she rode turbulent winds of the battlefield.


    Since she managed to gain insight into the Seed of Lightness to support her other seeds her speed had gained a huge upgrade. Combining the Seed of Gust with the Seed of Lightness for her movement skill turned her into a mirage, flittering across the battlefield with almost impossible speed.


    She couldnt be bogged down in this seemingly unending war of attrition, she had her goals to aplish. Normally she wouldnt have stopped for one of those macabre constructs, but she destroyed it by convenience since it was guarding one of her targets.


    Thea had already spotted her next prey, a zombie of a young Asian woman who was no taller than 155 centimeters. What set her apart from the rest of the zombies was her erged skull and the thick veins throbbing across her forehead. This one didnt seem to be protected by a guardian, but it rather tried to hide through blending in with the rest of the zombies for safety.


    But Thea had be an expert at spotting the zombie captains over the past weeks, and she shed over,pletely ignoring all the Zombies beneath. She still got a constant stream of cosmic energy though, as her invisible weapon mowed straight through the undead horde as it apanied her in her hunt.


    While Thea was extremely hard to spot due to her speed she hadnt activated <strong>[Skyshroud]</strong> to turn herself almostpletely invisible. The shroud cost too much to be worth it since it also added a defensive barrier. The normal zombies didnt even notice her presence as it was, but therge-headed zombie immediately spotted her and released a shriek that made the air shudder.


    Another mid-tier, Thea muttered with a small smile as an amulet around her neck lit up to block out most of the mental attack contained in the scream.


    Between her amulet and <strong>[Calm Seas]</strong> the attack that would have turned most cultivators brains into mush was effortlessly deflected, not even able to dy Thea a second. She was right in front of the control zombie just a secondter, and Cosmic Energy entered the fractal on the top of her hand as she activated <strong>[Windde]</strong>.


    It was just a basic skill that she got inside the Tutorial, but it had been raised to peak mastery recently, giving it a substantial boost in its efficiency. With the addition of the Seed of Sharpness and Seed of Lightness it turned into arge scythe of death that swept across the area for a very small amount of Cosmic Energy.


    Cosmic Energy surged into her body as the de killed over a hundred elite zombies before they managed to exhaust its energies, but Thea frowned when she saw that the control zombie exploded into a mess of flesh and viscera before the de even struck her. Thea quickly looked in all directions, and thankfully spotted an engorged zombie slowly walking away in the distance.


    Therge zombie looked as though he had a huge tumor on his stomach, and he was shaking as he shuffled toward the core of the sea of zombies. Thea only snorted and <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong> shot out with zing speed, sting arge hole through its torso. Rotten innards spilled out from the zombie as it fell over, but that was not all that fell out.


    The maimed body of the control zombie fell out of the stomach of the zombie as well, and it was already dead from the pass-through of the invisible Spirit Tool. Thea had already seen this type of macabre escape tactic before, where the zombie leader somehow transported into the body of arger undead like a parasite, and ordered their hosts to flee from the battle.


    The moment that the control zombie was killed by the strike chaos took hold of the whole sector of the zombie army around her. The tens of thousands of Zombies that were once under therge-headed zombie''s control immediately splintered off from the horde, veering straight for the army that radiated with life-force in the distance.


    Thea wasnt worried though, as that was all ording to n. The zombies would be dead even before they reached the defensive line.


    Since Thea still had quite a bit of energy remaining she stayed in the sea of zombies for another twenty minutes, allowing her to kill a handful of more control zombies and thousands of the normal undead before she started to make her way back toward her camp with plenty energy to spare. Staying any longer might draw the ire of that terrifying being in the center of the horde again.


    She had barely made it out with her life in once piece thest time the Corpse Lord tried to kill her, and she wasnt ready to contend against it just yet. The undead general was simply too strong to defeat within the undead horde, which was likely the reason she stayed over there rather than joining the constant raids. It would require huge sacrifices to bring that woman down, but they hadn''t reached that point just yet.


    Thea quickly closed in on the million-man-army sending out a handful of <strong>[Winddes] </strong>to cull some dense groups of zombies on the way. Of course, the army didnt actually consist of a million people, but after the forced conscription there were at least 400 000 people that maintained a constant battle against the tide of zombies in this sector.


    And this was only one of the five sectors going all out against the zombies, though only the Zhix horde wasrger than her army. She didnt love the fact that they were forced to push unwilling people to the front-lines, but the very fate of their was at stake.


    Good job. You killed enough controllers to keep us upied for over an hour, Mark said while handing Thea a water bottle as she entered themand tent.


    Controllers were what they called the zombies that kept the enormous sea of braindead zombies in line. Normally they shouldnt have been able to constrain themselves with so many living targets nearby, but they had always kept a semnce of order even when the armies tried everything to trick the undead to splinter from the main horde.


    But they finally managed to find some clues, partly with the help of Big Blue, and through chance encounters with the controllers. They finally learned that every single zombie in the horde was controlled by a stronger zombie. However, it didnt seem there was a single undead strong enough to control over a hundred million zombies, so they had created an efficient hierarchy with the help of the mutant zombies with improved mental capabilities.


    One low-tier control zombie was able to give simplemands to roughly a thousand normal or elite zombies. It was thanks to them that they didnt simply run off to hunt for something to bite. These low-tiered control zombies were in turn controlled by mid-tier captains, such as the ones that Thea just killed.


    One of them could control between ten and fifty low-tiermanders, meaning that one mid-tier zombie could control up to roughly 50 000 zombies depending on their strength. And things followed that pattern with high tier controllers, though Thea had only managed to find and kill one of them. Presumably, some peak controller was keeping the whole army in check, or perhaps it was the Corpse Lord herself holding the reins.


    In either case, they soon learned that targeting the mid-tiermanders was the most efficient tactic to destroy the cohesiveness of the zombie horde. Killing a low-tiermander would only let a thousand zombies loose, and that wasnt worth the trouble. Thea could personally kill that number with a couple of winddes.


    Killing a high-tiermander wasnt really efficient either, as the mid-tier controllers were usually smart enough to stay put and wait for orders. But when a mid-tiermander was killed their subordinates almost immediately turned to small raiding parties that unhesitantly rushed the waiting armies of the living in the distance. Only when anothermander reined them in fast enough would they stay put within the zombie horde.


    How are things going at the main front? Thea asked as she took a swig from the canteen.


    Its pretty desperate, Mark said with a grimace. If those insectoids didnt bolster our numbers we would have been overrun by now. But the constant bombardment is rapidly depleting our cache of old-world weaponry. Over a thousand tanks have been destroyed just over the past day. The undead truly refuses to give up on their chosen path.


    Well, that would ruin the array theyre making, Thea nodded. How long can we keep going?


    Three days, perhaps four, Mark sighed. A few days longer if our searches for military bases are sessful. But sooner orter the constant barrage of the undead will reach a tipping point where our line breaks and all hell breaks loose.


    Maybe I should head over there? Thea hesitantly ventured.


    Things were rough on their end, where over a thousand people died every hour, but it was nothingpared to the mayhem at the front. Those people were tasked with contesting every step forward the undead took, by any means necessary.


    No point, Mark said with a shake of his head. Our work here is helping them as well. This army killed almost three million Zombies yesterday even though our elites are at the main army. Were stealing their momentum and making sure that the leaders of the horde doesnt send all their powerhouses to the frontline.


    Thea sighed and nodded with some helplessness. It just felt bad that she stayed here in rtive safety while her family members were risking everything to stop the horde in their tracks. But she was the only one who was able to constantly hunt the control zombies to splinter the horde.


    What about the other hordes? she asked.


    Nothing new, Mark said. Port Atwoods people are still missing. The Sino-Indian Alliance is fighting a losing war, only nipping at the heels of the army. They will not be able to stop the advance of the horde unless something drastically changes.


    And the movement from the invaders? Thea asked.


    They are staying clear of us and are focusing on the minor undead hordes. There seems to be an implicit agreement where all the armies avoid each other, targeting only the undead. The zealots are quite terrifying ording to our reports, turning every battlefield to hell on earth.


    Thea mulled over the information, though it seemed not much had changed the past hours. Everyone was desperately struggling to stop the Undead Empire, but they were powerful enough to take on thebined powers of all forces without even revealing all their cards. Almost no one would be able to stop them if their leaders joined the fight.


    What about Zac? Any word from him? Thea asked.


    Nothing. There has been no sighting of him for two weeks. Some believe he is in closed-door cultivation since reaching level 75, that hes aiming to break through to E-Grade. But our informants believe he has found the Underworld and is busy taking control of its riches, Mark said with some dissatisfaction.


    Thea frowned as well, not understanding what Zac was thinking. The idea was for him to quickly close the other incursions before joining the battle against the undead, but he only closed a handful of them before disappearing. He hadnt even gone to help his own people from what they could tell, since he would have to have used theirwork to get close to the Dead Zone.


    She truly hoped he could appear sooner rather thanter. Things were turning pretty bleak, and the world needed a hero.

 Chapter 352: The Three Paths

    Chapter 352: The Three Paths


    The seconds passed but the darkness of true death never arrived, forcing Zac to finally look up to see what was going on. The cyborg still loomed above them like a mountain,pletely unmoving. But the terrorizing aura it emitted up till now was gone, making the thing seem like a hollow shell.


    "Is it dead? What did you do?" Ogras soon ventured with a weak voice, also realizing something was up.


    "I didn''t do anything," Zac croaked, confusion filling his mind.


    He wasn''t sure what to do since he hadn''t received a shred of cosmic energy, something that usually entailed that his enemy was still alive. He was afraid that any sudden action would rekindle the life of the thing, which would end with their death without a doubt. Ogras didn''t have any suchpunctions as a st of shadows hit the cyborg right in its head.


    Zac groaned inwardly as he scrambled for anything to use to protect them in case it responded, but the hulking humanoid simply toppled over. It mmed into the ground with a thud thatunched Zac a few centimeters up into the air, but that was it. His body was wracked with pain but he still lunged at the humanoid, putting it into one of his Cosmos Sacks.


    The demon sighed in relief as he immediately took out a handful of array disks before eating a healing pill. Zac followed suit, and he also took out two E-Grade Miasma Crystals. He still didn''t want to transform into his human form, just in case some scanning device remained in the area. The Nexus Hub would only be blocked for a couple of more minutes, after all.


    Normally he would havepleted a sweep to look for such a thing, but there was simply no way. His right arm was broken in at least 5 different ces, and most of his ribs on the side that tanked thest punch were broken as well. Luckily he didn''t need his organs in his current form. Otherwise he would likely have been in a far more critical situation.


    Neither of the two spoke for over thirty minutes, both focusing on restoring themselves from their critical states. Thankfully the battle against the other Technocrats was over, and there was no movement at all in the area.


    "What the hell is going on?" Zac finally muttered with incredulity, still not believing he had survived that thing.


    Perhaps it ran out of lifeforce? Or perhaps the Heavens wouldnt allow for its continued existence, Ogras ventured.


    How was that thing even allowed though the Incursion in the first ce? High Tech was supposed to be confiscated? Zacined, still rattled from being so close to death.


    Heavens rules have always been negotiable. If the cost outweighs the benefits it will usually back down. The Technocrats might have directly paid for the Ruthless Heavens to look the other way. Or they might have paid by hiding the seed from Heavens Eyes. Either way, bringing a thing like this through the Nexus Hub would no doubt bankrupt a n like AzhRezak, Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    Zac slowly nodded, suddenly remembering how Greatest was able to keep the System at bay to allow him to have a conversation. Besides, while the Cyborg was closing in on D-Grade power by the end it didnt start out that way. Its first attack could conceivablye from a peak F-grade being if it was using its life-force to empower its strike.


    Perhaps the machine or parasite that was put inside the Foreman was just peak F-Grade at the start, but rapidly pushed the host to greater heights by draining its life force or something. It would exin why it onlysted less than a minute before shutting down.


    "A hybrid of the Dao of Technology and Cosmic Energy," Ogras muttered with a raspy voice, echoing Zacs thoughts. "Its was not a true fusion, but its not too far off. These heretics are something else. Perhaps they can only keep such a thing alive for a few strikes, but it is still a terrifying aplishment."


    Zac nodded in agreement, but the small movement made him grimace in pain. It was truly a scary thing put inside someone. There likely were no more than 5 people on Earth, including the invaders, who would be able to survive that things onught. The two of them would have turned into mush if he didn''t have <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and the Seed of Hardness to drain enough of the final strike''s momentum.


    "Isn''t this somethingmon among the Technocrats?" Zac asked as he ate another healing pill. I thought blending technology and cultivation was just their thing.


    By now he started to feel strong enough for a short battle in case it was needed, so he kept his eyes trained on the Nexus Hub. There might be other Technocrats who were waiting for an opportunity to reach the Teleportation Crystal. Some might have been sent away on missions or handling the enormous drill that was digging toward the surface. He needed to defend the Nexus Hub for another 8 hours to make sure that there were no escapees.


    The cyborg''s punch had thrown them a few hundred meters away, and they had fallen onto an outcropping that overlooked both the battlefield and the small Technocrat outpost. No one would be able to reach the Hub without them noticing unless they possessed some sort of cloaking technology that could move.


    A true integration of technology and cultivation is impossible since the Dao of Technology is not epted. The Technocrats always has to work around this invible fact, and the way they do this differ. Its generally known in the multiverse that there are essentially three main paths of the Technocrats," Ogras exined as finally got up to a sitting position from lying down on the ground like a dead fish.


    "The first is the Machine God Faction," Ogras said. "They go all-in on technology, avoiding the System as much as possible. Some of them might be level 1 but still possess the capability to kill B-Grade hegemons. You cant consider them mortals though, as their lifespans have been prolonged through technology rather than Race upgrades."


    Zac nodded as that was his original impression of the Technocrats after reading about them.


    "The second group are the Technomancers. They use a mix of both systems. They might get a ranger ss but use technological guns, like the rifles we took during the Auction. It''s a slightly annoying path since they still would have to exert twice the effort to improve. Their kills with their technological weapons would give no energy or merits," the demon continued. "But they usually have destructive capabilities that are far stronger than normal cultivators. Just look at the weapons that these things used."


    "The final group are the Transcenders. They use technology to augment themselves, but they fully utilize the ss- and cultivation systems of the Ruthless Heavens. But they might swap out their body parts with those of a dragon, or forcibly instill themselves with rare and powerful bloodlines. They are mad scientists using their own bodies asboratories," Ogras said.


    How is that possible? Does the System allow such a thing? Zac asked skeptically. If its possible to be stronger like that, wont everyone do it?


    From what I hear that such modifications are in defiance of the Heavens, and it enacts a terrible price that most would say supersedes the gains. I dont know the details, but such modifications are banned in most Empires. There are unorthodox sects who walk simr paths though, but they work fully within the bounds of the System, Ogras said hesitantly.


    "The goals of the factions are also different. The purists want to destroy the Ruthless Heavens altogether by pushing the Dao of Technology to the point that they create something even greater than the so-called System; The Machine God,


    "The Technomancer and Transcenders on the other hand partly work somewhat within the rules of heaven, and their goal is to change it rather than destroy it. They want to force the Ruthless Heavens to ept the Dao of Technology through raising an Apostate or forcing the creation of technology-based races," Ogras exined. "Judging by this ugly thing I''d say this Firmament''s Edge is part of one of thetter factions."


    "Are the Technocrat factions enemies with each other if their goals differ?" Zac asked.


    "No idea, but when the whole multiverse is their enemy I would guess that the three factions would stick together. The three factions are something most people in the multiverse know of, but I have no idea about the specifics. This is my first time actually seeing technocrats in the flesh," Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    "For one they wouldn''t deign toe to my homeworld, and secondly they wouldn''t enter the territory of the Horde unless necessary. The multiverse is filled with old monsters stuck in bottlenecks who are ready to risk their lives for a chance at breaking through.


    Zac nodded in thanks after Ogras exined the situation further. He had pretty much avoided the subject since he learned of his mother''s origins, but he knew that he couldn''t stay ignorant for much longer. That became doubly true when remembering the Abbot''s words. The Mystic Realm was the key to the fate of Earth, and it might be of Technocrat origin.


    But all that would have to wait forter, and Zac opened his status screen instead of mulling on the topic any further. The results of the battle were above expectations. He had gained 5 full levels in the short but intense battle, even more than when he fought the extremely powerful Nenothep who was a farrger threat than the four bodyguardsbined. It put Zac at level 70, just a short bit away from the peak of F-Grade.


    The four bodyguards gave a good boost, but Zac remembered that thergest source of energy actually came from the enormous robot earlier. The surge he got when he killed the alien in the cockpit was at least twice that of killing one of the lightning cultivators.


    He put the free points into Strength before checking his other gains. Shockingly enough he had upgraded his Dao of Hardness in the heat of battle, though he wasnt sure exactly when. Perhaps it happened when he tried everything in his arsenal to block the final strike of the Cyborg.


    <strong>Hardness (High): Endurance +50, Wisdom +10.</strong>


    Zac gained another 25 Endurance and 5 Wisdom from the upgrade, effectively doubling the boost from the Seed of Hardness. He wasnt surprised at all that the seed still almost only gave Endurance since his definition of Hardness was pretty much solely about enduring strikes.


    The good news didnt end there, and he noticed that <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> had evolved as well, pushing it to Middle Mastery. He wanted to check out the differences, but he didn''t want to cause any energy fluctuations while they hid within the illusion array. But one thing hadnt gone ording to n. Zac was surprised to see that the quest was still active even though he had got the prompt telling him that he had conquered the area.


    "Is your quest active as well?" Zac asked the demon who nodded after a second.


    "We might need to wait until the hub is closed. Or perhaps more Technocrats are hiding in the area," Ogras mused, echoing Zac''s earlier thoughts.


    "Will you be able to heal up in 8 hours?" Zac asked.


    "I am afraid not," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "But I''ll be able to walk at least. I will need a couple of days to reach prime fighting condition."


    Zac grimaced, knowing his situation wasn''t much better. But at least they would be able to rest up while looking for the missing army. They would need to travel for over a week since such arge sector was blocked off by the interference.


    "I''ll stay here and recuperate until the hub is closed," Zac said and arduously got up to his feet. "I am not able to scour the area just yet, but perhaps we can catch some people trying to return through the hub. Are you staying or do you want to go back? I could buy the teleporter for you."


    "I''ll go back as soon as the quest isplete," Ogras said after mulling it over. "My Daos aren''t optimal against the undead, so I''ll have a talk with the dragonling again before we set out."


    "Dragonling?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "Smaug, apparently it''s the name of an old dragon on your?" Ogras snorted. "Gutsy to name yourself after a primordial species. They''ll rip him into pieces if they find out. But you could buy the teleporter over by the Hub. It might make anyte arrival believe that we have left."


    Zac nodded in agreement and got out of the hiding spot to ce the teleporter in a conspicuous location before scurrying back. Just that quick walk make him shake with pain, so he hurriedly sat down again with a groan to refocus on healing up.


    His state was still quite horrid, but he slowly got better as the hours passed. No one hade or gone while the two waited, and Zac started to worry that any remnant Technocrats had fled the area, making them nigh impossible to find in the short run. But a small movement in the distance the two freeze.


    It was one of the inconspicuous scouting drones that were used for keeping watch over the perimeter of the Technocrat Incursion. It had appeared straight out of a solid cave wall on the other side of the settlement, as though it was a ghost.

 Chapter 353: Production Lines

    Chapter 353: Production Lines


    Zac immediately realized the same cloaking technology was being used in the settlement as down in the battleroach cave. The camouge of the technocrats was truly amazing topletely trick one''s eyes while not emitting a speck of cosmic energy.


    The drone moved about the deste town, scanning the buildings one by one. Soon afterward it flew over to the battlefield and scanned the hundreds of corpses that Zac and Ogras had left where they were. Finally it flew over to the newly bought teleportation array and scanned it. Zac frowned and took out <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, readying himself for battle.


    "Be patient," Ogras whispered as his eyes were trained on the hidden spot the drone came from. "What do you want to do if people show up?"


    "Kill everyone, I don''t want anyone escaping through the hub," Zac said without hesitation.


    The drone passed around the area a few times, but luckily its scans didnt reach their secluded ledge. Their patience was soon rewarded as a group of Technocrats finally emerged from the cave wall and rushed straight toward the Nexus Hub. Only when the group was half-way there did Zac and Ogras appear in a st of shadows.


    The Technocrats were shocked to see two cultivators appear right in their midst and barely managed to put up a resistance before they ally dead on the ground. Ogras still had trouble moving about and was forced to fight sitting down on the ground while sting shadow spears in all directions. Zac was a little better off, but he had to use the axe with his off-hand since his right arm was unusable.


    "The quest ispleted," Ogras said with excitement after the battle group of Technocrats was finished off.


    Zac breathed out in relief since that most likely meant that there were no more invaders around. But he still wanted to make sure.


    "Can you keep watch while I check things out?" Zac asked, getting a nod in response.


    Zac slowly walked over toward the cloaked entrance in the wall, and he activated the upgraded <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>just in case as he stepped through the illusion. The shield soon passed right through the wall, and Zac stopped in his tracks to see if anything happened.


    Luckily everything seemedpletely fine, so he walked through as well. As expected no Technocrats were lying in wait, and he was only met with silence as he stepped into arge empty space. But he still kept the skill active to see what changes there were since it got upgraded.


    The size of the bulwark was pretty much the same as before, but after some testing he realized he now was able to change its size. He could make it almost ten meters wide and four meters high, making it look like a proper rampart, but he could also shrink it down to the size of his tower shield. He was also able to move it within fifty meters of himself, allowing him to use it to defend others with greater ease.


    There was no change to the shield itself though. It didn''t get thicker or gain any new fractals, making Zac guess that its defensive capabilities were still pretty much the same. Of course, it wasn''t the end of the world since only the cyborg had been able to crack its defenses so far. Zac only yed with the skill for a few seconds before refocusing on the scene inside.


    The hidden structure was shockingly differentpared to the outside, and it felt like he stood inside a hangar of a spaceship. The floor, walls, and ceiling were all made in metal, with electrical lights rather than mushrooms and moss illuminating the area. There was not much to see in the surroundings apart from a few rows of containers full of raw materials, but there was also the tunnel.


    The tunnel that the Technocrats had arduously worked on for months could truly be called a marvel of engineering. It was hexagonal with a diameter of roughly twenty meters, and it was also d in the same metallic walls as the hall. It waspletely symmetrical, with not a single blemish or aberration, but most importantly it was long. Extremely long.


    Zac felt as though he was looking at an optical illusion when he peered into the endless tunnel that had a straight 45-degree incline. It looked like when one ced two mirrors in front of each other, creating the appearance of an endless tunnel. There was no way for him to see the end, but he guessed a tremendous excavation machine was at the other side, somewhere close to the surface.


    There was also arge tform at the entrance of the tunnel, silently hovering a decimeter above the ground. Zac guessed that the tform was a lift that could take one to the top, but he saw no console or buttons to steer it. Besides, he had no intention to enter the tunnel at this juncture, as it would take hours to get to the surface with this thing.


    He finally understood what happened after going through the area. The Technocrats who just arrived had most likely been working on the mining rig at the other side of the tunnel when they suddenly got the alert that their Incursion had fallen. They took the lift back down, and only just arrived to see a deste battlefield and a hill of corpses outside.


    Zac took a final look around before returning to the demons side. There was still a bit over half the time before the Nexus Hub would shut down, so Zac once again sat down to wait it out while recuperating.


    Ogras was well enough to get back on his feet around two hourster, so he left for New London to gather provisions and prepare for the rescue of the Port Atwood Army. Zac himself stayed on, and only stood up the moment that the Nexus Hub was inactivated, finally quenching any chance of any unwee surprises. The connection between the Technocrats and Earth was finally broken, which would hopefully keep his sister safe for at least a century, perhaps forever.


    However, Zac didnt immediately leave the area but instead hurried back toward the battlefield. He had already looted the Cosmos Sacks belonging to the four cultivators and the foreman, but there were still hundreds of bodies lying on the ground with all kinds of precious items scattered about.


    Apart from the Technocrats there were also the droves of broken-down machines. Some were destroyed beyond salvation, but a few were somewhat intact. Perhaps some engineers back at Port Atwood would be able to piece together a couple of whole robots from the scraps.


    The drones had fallen pretty easily to Zacs assault, but that didnt mean they were weak. A single one of the battle droids would likely be able to defeat the average peak F-Grade warrior. Not only that, but their hulls were also extremely sturdy, and Zac had been forced to sometimes swing twice before destroying them.


    Getting a handful of these things to guards his towns would be a huge boon since he was spreading his personnel thin as it was. It was one of the more ring problems with Port Atwood at the moment; they werecking people. They had liberated quite a few inds by now, but there were only so many people ced on the remote archipgo.


    Zac was also pretty sure he wouldnt be finding too many more citizens stranded on the remaining inds that had yet to be scouted out. The beasts were too strong by now, and the average people would have long been killed. It was the same on the maind, where fewer and fewer towns remained standing. But the people on the maind at least had the opportunity to cooperate with others in the area to formrger settlements for protection.


    Besides, even if Zac didnt manage to turn these robots intopetent footsoldiers they would still be worth salvaging. The machines were made from either some high-grade materials or some impressiveposite alloys that the Technocrats created. In either case, he might be able to recast the robots into armors or weaponry.


    Zac noted with some annoyance that he actually wasnt the first to scour through the battlefield since he only found a handful of cosmos sacks. Therge mecha that Ogras defeated was gone as well, already snatched by the demon. Ogras had most likely looted while fighting since he had been mid-battle up until the cyborg made its appearance.


    Luckily there was a lot of ground that the demon hadnt been able to pige. Neither Ogras nor Zac had entered the structures in the small base camp, and Zac swept through them one by one like a locust. He first hit a warehouse that was filled to the rafters with tens of thousands of ingots of all kinds of metals.


    It seemed that they kept a lot of the resources ready on hand for the production lines in the neighboring structure since there was some sort of gravity-defying conveyor-belts connecting the buildings. Zac didnt care about that though and swept all the materials clean.


    The next building housed enormous rectangr machines that just looked likerge metallic blocks. They reached over ten meters in the air, and their sides were roughly four meters. However, they seemed to be somewhat hastily put together, and not one of them was exactly alike. It looked like they were something the Technocrats had scrounged together to start production as quickly as humanly possible.


    Zac didnt understand the function of therge machines, but he guessed that they were some sort of molds that created the robots from scratch. They reminded Zac a bit of the first furnace he bought from the system, the one he used to turn his first batch of raw crystals into real Nexus Crystals.


    Unfortunately, there wasnt a repository of freshly made war machines, but that wasnt surprising since they would all have been sent to the battlefield. Therge constructors themselves were the real prize in Zacs opinion though, and he would definitely have some people looking into setting up a production nt back on Port Atwood.


    Of course, hed make sure to check them for bugs or any other failsafe. These things could be programmed to blow up like a nuclear bomb in case someone unlicensed personnel tried to operate them for all Zac knew. Jeeves would hopefully be able to assist them in that department.


    There was also the issue of hidden risks of using technology. The things Zac had seen from the Technocrats had all seemed extremely convenient. Who wouldnt want a few thousand drones keeping their ce safe at all times? It made sense if a n in the multiverse purchased a batch of goods from the Technocrats for this very purpose.


    Yet no one in the multiverse utilized this sort of technology as far as Zac could tell. It made no sense to Zac, who had long realized that there were no such things as morals or scruples amongst the warriors of the multiverse. Such things were luxuries that very few could afford, and he felt that the anti-technology sentiment didn''t make sense unless there were something more to it.


    That meant that there was something else that held all these forces back, stopping them from using these things. Ogras had mentioned some unknown costs that would outweigh the benefits when modifying one''s body, and it was perhaps the same with incorporating technology into one''s force. He essentially needed to understand the situation better before he started transforming Port Atwood into some future-city.


    But he still stowed away all the machines and everything else in the production nts. He did put all technology-based in a spare Cosmos Sack though, not wanting to mix them with his real belongings. Apart from the constructors, there were a lot of spare parts, and a row of extremely heavy tubes that Zac suspected were some sort of high-tech batteries. Each one of them was only as long as his legs, but they weighed more than a car.


    In the rest of the buildings there wasnt much of interest as most were just residential structures crammed full of bunk beds. He did find what looked like aboratory, but it seemed to have been ransacked. Perhaps it once belonged to the researcher that Zac killed, and his ce was searched for clues when he never returned to the camp.


    He also found what he suspected was the foremans house and study, and he made sure to take anything that might be worth something there. He even broke apart the walls and floor in search for hiddenpartments, but there was nothing of the sort. It hopefully meant that everything of value was kept in his Cosmos Sack that Zac had already looted.


    He had briefly scanned the five Cosmos Sacks belonging to the E-Grade warriors, but he didnt have time to properly check everything out. The Sacks belonging to the lightning cultivators werent very exciting at least. They just contained a decent amount of Nexus Crystals along with various pills and daily necessities. They would likely have left their real assets back home before entering the incursion.


    Zac had hoped that the cultivators would have things that would give him a nice boost when he finally reached E-Grade. But 8 months had passed since the Integration by now, and the four had likely already used all such resources on themselves by now. The foremans sack was filled with all sorts of things, but most were of technological origin, so Zac didnt understand their purpose.


    Content that there was nothing left of value Zac finally got back to New London. On his return he learned that Ogras had already left for Port Atwood, and was asked to meet him there. Zac didnt mind and soon enough he stood in his private Teleportation room in hispound, he immediately found the demon after stepping outside.


    How are you feeling? Zac asked when he saw that Ogras still looked a bit pale.


    Honestly, he didnt feel much better himself, and he just wanted toy down and sleep for a bit. But he couldn''t do that just yet and instead used his transformation skill to change to his human form.


    "I''ll survive," Ogras muttered after Zac stood up again. "Everything is prepared. Are you ready to go?"


    "I''ll just head over to the Mystic Realm to tell Kenzie that we''re okay but that we''re heading out again," Zac said.


    The demon didn''t object, and the two entered Kenzie''s study within the Mystic Realm a few minutester.


    Wow, the two of you look like walking corpses, Kenzie said with shock when she saw their bedraggled appearances. Are you trying to blend in with the Undead?

 Chapter 354: Sortie

    Chapter 354: Sortie


    "They were a bit stronger than we expected," Zac simply said, not wanting to go into detail just how close they came to dying a few hours ago.


    Ogras yed along, donning ackadaisical look as he hid the fact that he couldn''t put any weight on one of his legs. Zac obviously wouldn''t divulge that his right arm still wasn''t working either.


    "I just wanted to tell you that we''re fine, but that we''re heading out again. We''re going to search for our people, it might take a few weeks," Zac added.


    Great, Iming with, Kenzie said as she stood up, patting her leggings.


    Absolutely not, Zac said without hesitation.


    Im going, Kenzie said with a re. Youve kept me on the Ind long enough. I am starting to feel like a prisoner, and I need somebat experience to keep improving.


    What about studying arrays? Zac asked. "And the funnel?"


    I can do that as well. Wont we be sitting on your spaceship most of the time? Kenzie immediately retorted. Besides, Ive pushed my defensive seed to High mastery and even gotten a Water seed that helps with restoration. I am almost as unkible as you!


    Girl, you havent been using the funnel for yourself, have you? Ogras probed with suspicion in his eyes. My head almost got split in two to snatch that thing, you know?


    "I don''t need that thing to improve a few Dao Seeds," Kenzie snorted.


    "Monster siblings," the demon muttered under his breath, receiving a synchronized eye-roll in return.


    Its great that youve improved your Daos, but the Undead Empire is the strongest force on the, we have no idea of the dangers we might face, Zac said. We probably wont just be fighting the newly turned Zombies this time.


    The girl is pretty good with her spells, Ogras interjected. Shes even better than most of the other girls you bring along everywhere, and we have room on the flying treasure.


    Zac shot a murderous re at the demon, but he acted oblivious to the implicit threat. Soon enough Zac was forced to acquiesce to his sisters demands. Ultimately he knew that he couldnt keep her locked away on the ind forever since that would harm her future development even if she had help from Jeeves.


    But he was her big brother, worrying came with the job. Of course, with both himself and Ogras there along with the small hill of defensive treasures he had decked her out in she would have a hard time getting hurt even if she was in the middle of a sea of Zombies. And she did not only survive the Tutorial but also staying at a border town for months, so she wasnt some helpless damsel in distress.


    Fine, but dont take any unnecessary risks. Our main goal is to find and eventually save our people, not to have somest stand against the Undead, Zac said before turning to Ogras. Is everything prepared?


    The others are waiting by the public teleporter in Port Atwood, Ogras said. There have also been some odd developments, but I thought I would brief everyone when were on the move. Dont forget to withdraw a mountain of crystals for the flying treasure from the town coffers.


    I need to get a few things as well, Kenzie added. Ill join you in a bit.


    Zac nodded and the group met up again at the teleportation array in Port Atwood ten minutester. Zac had gone to take out some of Port Atwoods resources from the Merit Exchange for the trip. He didnt know the state of the army so he brought out arge number of healing pills, Nexus Crystals, spare weaponry, and even food in case they had run out.


    Ogras and Kenzie were already there, and they were joined by Tylia and eight Valkyries. Zac was surprised that neither Verana nor any demons were around, and he looked over at Ogras with some confusion.


    Verana will stay in the Underworld and consolidate our gains and start working on dealing with the Incursions there. I let the brat stay as well to be with her family, Ogras said before nodding at Tylia. This one has a skill-set that might prove helpful, and the eight girls will be able to form a small War Array for your sister. Rooms limited so I didnt bring anyone else. I wanted to find the big ox, but it turns out he went fighting with the Marshall girl.


    Zacs eyes lit up in understanding, and he felt it was a solid enough lineup. Billy would have been a good addition, but he could probably do more good helping in the fight against the other horde.


    So where are we going? Zac asked.


    Well head to Westfort, and a person from the Sino-Indian Alliance there will take us to Erd, the closest array that I could find to where west heard from our people. There was an array just a few days travel away from them, but it got swallowed by the interference as well, Ogras exined.


    Zac nodded and didnt waste any more time, and just a few minutester they stood in the Mongolian town. The guide bowed and immediately returned through the teleporter, leaving the small group to their own devices. They walked over to a cleared-out field and Zac immediately summoned the flying tool he got from the Hunt.


    The Sky Gnomes had long figured out how to activate therge metallic ball and Zac infused some energy into it, making it quickly grow and change shape. It was as Calrin said, it was one of the simplest flying tools imaginable, only forming a simple disk that they would sit on. It was nothing like the sleek spaceship or the magical steampunk flying vessel he had imagined.


    This was actually the first time he would use it since he didnt feel too confident flying it in the Underworld, where the high ceiling could be swapped out by a narrow passage at moments notice. He only had the one and didnt want to crash it.


    The group sat down on therge circr surface, and Zac ced a couple of E-Grade crystals into their sockets and ced his hand on a control array. The next moment it floated up into the skies and shot out of the town with tremendous speed.


    The air screamed around them, but the group of 12 werent buffeted by the winds in the slightest as the flying tool at least possessed some sort of protective array. Zac greatly enjoyed the feeling of flying, and he couldn''t stop himself from making the treasure take some sharp turns as it flew across the hills.


    Is it out of your system? Youre going in the wrong direction, the demon said with a snort, and Zac hastily changed course with an embarrassed cough.


    Okay, so update me on the situation, Zac said after the disk started to fly southward.


    Things are turning pretty chaotic in this area, Ogras said. I went by the Marshall Spy Agency just before now, andrge changes have taken ce.


    Changes how? Zac asked.


    For one there are dozens of hordes now, though the three initial ones are still farrger than the others, Ogras started exining as he took out a tablet from his Cosmos Sack. They are traveling in irregr patterns, and no one could understand what the hell they were doing until recently.


    And whats that? Zac asked.


    Theyre making a mind-bogglingly huge array where the Dead Zone is just the core, Ogras said with a shake of his head.


    Zac was shocked to hear such a thing since the original Dead Zone was almost asrge in area as the former United States. Such a massive piece ofnd was just the core? But he suddenly remembered the words of the Technocrat he interrogated the other day, and some fear gripped his heart.


    Terraforming, Zac muttered with a frown.


    Exactly, Ogras nodded with a serious face. An array thisrge can only be used for something terrifying like destroying the whole. I believe they want to make this death-attuned. I dont know how it works, but all thes in the Undead Empire naturally produce Miasma rather than Cosmic Energy, and I believe this Array is the key.


    So if they manage to form the array were screwed? Zac asked.


    I am not sure. Ive asked the blue one to gather information. Such a search might draw some ire from the Undead Empire, but weve already passed that point. But I would personally guess that it would take some time to activate such a huge array, Ogras shrugged. Also, theres some good news.


    Oh? Whats that? Zac asked, happy to take any good news he could get.


    Were not the only ones worried about the Undead Empires actions. There have been reports of multiple alien armies arriving in the contested area, mainly from the neighboring Incursions, Ogras said. Most notably the insane cultists have arrived in full force. Massive battles took ce yesterday where a few of the smaller Hordes were eradicated to thest zombie.


    Makes sense, if the Undead Empire activates that Array it is probably game over for all the other invaders as well. They would have to leave the immediately, Zac nodded.


    Exactly. And theyre not the only ones joining the battle. The insect people have amassed huge armies that have taken down at least three Zombie hordes as well. There are millions of them fighting like theyre possessed, Ogras said. Theyve marched for weeks to finally join the war.


    What about the dominators? Zac asked. Are they still banking on us doing the work for them?


    The Marshalls are not sure, Ogras said with a shake of his head. Theirwork is quite impressive, but it cant cover the whole area, especially not now whenrge parts are cut off from teleportation.


    I dont think the Dominators can just sit still any longer, Kenzie added from the side. If they dont do anything they will lose everything as well. They need to at least stall the undead until we can battle them.


    We just assume they are staying in the shadows though, Ogras said. No point on basing our ns on our enemies assisting us.


    Sounds fair enough. So, where are we heading? Zac asked as he nced down at the ground moving rapidly beneath them.


    Ogras pressed a few buttons and a map appeared on the tablet he was holding.


    Aleas outpost was in this small town, Hanliun, when the area got blocked. The main army was a days march away, harassing one of the main hordes together with the Sino-Indian Alliance," Ogras started narrating.


    There was such a distance between the camp and the army? Zac asked with confusion.


    Remember the Zombie horde numbered over a hundred million, and most of it is shrouded in Miasma. They didnt want to risk the lives of the nonbatants, and having a headquarter that was constantly on the move would be a problem, Ogras exined. "So they kept a healthy distance andmunicated through crystals, though they might have be blocked as well by now."


    We cannot know for sure what happened after they lost contact, but I believe they would retreat from the area, the demon continued. The only path that makes sense is northwest toward the closest teleporter in Baoqui. What they dont know is that Baoqui''s teleporter is blocked as well.


    So we head to that town to meet up with them? Zac asked.


    Yes, though they would likely reach that ce a few days before us judging by the speed we''re going. We could try to anticipate their next move, but theres no obvious direction they could take after reaching Baoqui, Ogras sighed.


    So if we take the safe route well lose time, Zac murmured.


    At least a day, Ogras nodded.


    But if we take a chance we might miss thempletely, Zac concluded.


    A full day could make a huge difference depending on their situation. By that point they would have been fending for themselves for almost ten days. He might be able to rely on his extremely high Luck to pick the right direction, but was he willing to bet his people''s lives on it?


    Well take the safe route for now, Zac eventually decided. But we might adjust as we get closer. Perhaps we can increase the altitude on this thing enough that we can see them far from the distance?


    I am sure there are restrictions for that, Tylia said, speaking up for the first time in a while. I have heard that low-grade flying treasures rely on the energy from the ground. The energy is sparser in the sky, so they have built-in restrictions so they wont fall out of the sky.


    Zac looked over at the demon, who nodded in confirmation.


    Well, well see how far up it will allow us to goter then. By the way, have you ever seen anything like this? Zac asked Ogras as he took out one of the top-grade crystals with the green shimmering lights within.


    The demon stretched out his arm to take the shimmering crystal with interest, but he was preceded by the Tal-dar who snatched it up with shock in her eyes.


    High Purity Beast Crystals! Tylia blurted out as her eyes widened.

 Chapter 355: Baoqui

    Chapter 355: Baoqui


    Young lord The TirEmarel n would be happy to buy any such crystals you have in your possession, Tylia said, her eyes not leaving the crystal for a second.


    Zac knew he had hit the jackpot when he saw Tylia''s reaction. She wasn''t even a Beast Master, yet she had such an overblown reaction.


    Those are pretty good things, Ogras said with a whistle. Just the normal purity ones are even more valuable than attuned crystals, the high purity ones are treasures.


    What are they good for? Zac asked, though he had a pretty good idea already.


    Beasts cant use Nexus Crystals for leveling for some reason. They can stay in a mine and benefit from the increased density of energies, but they cant directly absorb the energy from the crystals themselves, Ogras said. But they can directly benefit from beast crystals.


    But I cant sense any energy in these things? Zac interjected.


    I dont really know how it works, but the beasts eat these things like food and slowly digest them. It helps them gain levels while also purifying their bloodline to a certain degree, the demon continued.


    High purity crystals even helps with the foundations of creating a Beast Crystal in the future, Tylia added from the side. Feeding your contracted beast crystals will essentially help it grow faster, and you can still give it other treasures to help it improve. The two dont sh. Buying beast crystals is a major cost for most sses working with beasts.


    So are they rare? Zac asked.


    Not exceedingly rare, but far more umon than normal Nexus Crystals, Tylia said. Id say the crystal in your hand is worth around a million Nexus Coins. Lower purity Crystals are not worth as much though.


    Zac whistled in surprise, knowing that there were almost two hundred such crystals in his cosmos sack. Better yet, there were thousands upon thousands of crystals left in the mine. Even if the worse crystals werent worth as much he was sure the value of the mine was multiple billions. It was a true treasure trove.


    The Crystals would alsoe in handy in case his experiment with the newborn Ayr Hivequeen worked out. The former Pet Shop Employee had already gotten a beast-rted ss, but she hadnt been able to form a connection with the queen yet. But with the help of the experts among the Tal-dar he was sure hed be able to groom even more beast masters over theing years. Perhaps he could trade some crystals for knowledge in beast rearing.


    Of course, the real price form that cave was likely the <strong>[Primordial Breath Amanita]</strong>, but Zac wasnt sure if discussing it with a Tal-dar was the best idea. Hed wait until he was alone with Calrin or Khar, the golem in charge of the Merit Exchange back in Port Atwood.


    Tylia kept trying to find out where Zac got his hands on the crystals or at least buy them from him, but he ignored her attempts as he focused on recuperation. He was still far from fully restored, with multiple bones broken in his body.


    Luckily the flying disk was essentially on autopilot after activating it. A connection had formed in his mind, and he didnt need to keep his hand on the control array. It zapped through the air with great speed, flying at an altitude of a few hundred meters.


    Ogras was even worse off than Zac, so the demon had closed his eyes in meditation as soon as he had exined the situation to the others. He had looked mostly fine since returning from the Technocrat Incursion, but Zac had noticed the small tremors in his hands signaling that he was in great pain.


    The others simply spent most of their time cultivating. Kenzie switched between cultivating and reading the crystals on formations. She had already finished the first crystal, but after that her progress had slowed to a crawl. This was nothing odd of course. The 8 crystals held the condensed knowledge on the art of Arrays from a D-Grade sect. It wasnt something that could be digested in a day or two.


    Zac wanted to go through the various things he had looted from the Technocrat Incursion together with his sister, but he knew that now was not the time. Not even Ogras waspletely clued in to the details of their rtionship with the Technocrats, so he could only wait until they were alone.


    The days passed in silence as they crossed the vastnds of Pangea. The cost of travel would ruin the average cultivator on Earth, but the expense wasnt even noticeable for Zac. Since he couldnt cultivate he instead spent most of his time pondering the Dao. He had been in multiple intense fightstely, and he felt close to improving multiple Daos.


    He had gained multiple sources of insight to the Seed of Rot recently, and he felt that he might even push that Dao to the Peak soon enough. The biggest contributor was the skill he gained, but there was also the battle with the roach. Even the final axe from <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> felt slightly rted to his Dao of Rot, though that axe seemed to be based on some higher Dao.


    But as four days passed he unfortunately didnt manage to push any of his remaining Daos to the Peak. He did, however, feel that he made decent progress, and if he just got the opportunity to sit down and meditate in peace for a month or two hed be able to evolve at least one of them. Of course, getting the chance to sit back and meditate with the current chaos was a distant dream.


    The silent cultivation ended as the disk was starting to close in on Baoqui. Everyone looked back and forth across the horizon, hoping to find a glimpse of their people. But even if they were hundreds of meters in the air they could only see so far. They would likely only be able to spot the people if they were a few hours away at the most.


    The environment around them was still barren though, with neither their own people or the undead in sight. They had spotted quite a few beasts during the past days though. They were even attacked a few times by flocks of supersized birds, but the disk possessed arrays that rebuffed them without a problem.


    The fact that there was nothing to see was both good and bad. Good in the sense that there were no undead forces that had reached all this way so far. Bad in the sense that it started to be increasingly clear that Port Atwoods army hadnt gone in their direction after reaching Baoqui.


    Zac was eventually forced to decide whether to take the risk of changing course or keep heading straight ahead. He tried to desperately listen to his gut, or rather his Luck, for any advice of what to do. But his mind was just a confusing mess. In the end, he chose to not risk it and kept the course.


    A dayter they finally reached Baoqui, but there was no sign of movement anywhere. This was not a surprise though, as half the town waspletely obliterated, turned into dozens of massive craters. Somber expressions marred the faces of the group as Zacmanded the disc tond inside the town some distance from the destruction.


    Bodies lined the streets, and there were signs of structural damage on the houses still standing. It didnt look like those who had died were warriors though, but rather civilians who were running for their lives. Zac shook his head as the group started walking south, and the group of Valkyries split off to scout the area for clues of their people.


    What had transpired started to be increasingly clear as they reached the edge of the town. The town had been conquered by the undead some time ago, leaving no one of its original settlers alive. Then another battle had taken ce more recently, where the second party was most likely his own people.


    Battle, pretty intense one, Ogras said with a somber face. Real undead elites like the ones we fought during the beast waves."


    Our people? Zac wanted to confirm as they stepped through the decimated wall into the battlefield outside.


    Some, Ogras eventually said as he pointed at two corpses. Those two bodies are probably ours judging from their equipment. But most of these bodies died over a week ago, probably when this town fell. They likely became cannon fodder in a surprise attack against our army.


    At least there are not too many bodies, Zac said as they walked through the corpses, though he was sick to his stomach seeing over two hundred of his own lying on the ground.


    There were over ten thousand corpses in the area, but it was clear that almost all of them were undead. Zac also spotted a few broken Unholy Beacons and over a dozen corpse golems who had fallen protecting them. It had been an intense battle, but one that his people won.


    Im afraid its not that simple, Ogras said with a shake of his head, not sharing Zacs optimism. These are just the ones who didnt turn into zombies after dying. They all have wounds that are too grisly for them to sessfully turn. The true number of casualties is likely farrger. Our people might collect bodies to not bolster the undead ranks, or they might have already been turned and joined our enemies.


    Zacs heart was felt heavy as they looked through the carnage. Clues that Ogras was correct kept appearing. Broken weapons were everywhere, and they kept finding broken array disks. They even foundrge pieces of metallic shrapnel, and Zac recognized their origin. They came from the huge cannons that the Ishiate tinkerers created.


    But that was not the end of the surprises. Large pieces of wooden rubble turned out to be the remnants of multiple creator vessels, though Zac couldnt understand why his army would take out boats on drynd. Only after a few seconds did they realize that Alea and Ilvere likely summoned them to use the offensive arrays. It was likely the Creator Vessels that were responsible for turning half the town into rubble.


    Anotherrge swathe of the battlefield waspletely void of corpses, and even all vegetation was gone. It was a zone of death, and an acrid smell entered Zacs nose as they approached it.


    Its Alea, she was forced to go all out. We should not enter this area, Ograsmented with a frown.


    The tracks lead west, a voice shouted from the distance,ing from one of the Valkyries.


    Well head out immediately, Zac said, urgency burning in his chest.


    Until now he had forced himself to believe that everything might be fine, that his people were simply cut off but otherwise unharmed. But after seeing the town full of corpses he couldnt pretend any longer. Even worse was the knowledge that he would have made it in time to this battle if he left immediately rather than head to the Technocrat Incursion. The battle here had taken ce two days ago at the most.


    Even his decision to farm out his levels while waiting for his people to consolidate their hold over the Underworld Union felt like a shameful disy of selfishness at this moment. He had to admit that his own priorities had somehow been eschewed ever since he entered the underworld.


    His first instinct was to me Smaug and his orchestrations to turn their attention toward the Union, but he knew that he himself was the one to me in the end. He had becent after a series of victories, even though he had only closed some of the weakest incursions around. He had pushed back the closing of the incursions in favor of his own growth, not considering the constant threat the invaders were to the people of Earth.


    The group stayed in Baoqui for less than ten minutes to gain a decent picture of what happened before they once again set out on the flying disk. This time they had no difficulty knowing which way to go since the passage of thousands of people left a clear track to follow. If that wasnt enough there was also a constant line of in zombies strewn along the path like a trail of breadcrumbs.


    The group had been mostly silent while rushing toward Baoqui, but after witnessing the aftermath of the desperate struggle the atmosphere on the disk had turned extremely oppressive. It was like a pressure cooker that threatened to explode at any moment.


    The hours passed and they had soon enough flown for a whole day, but no one could sleep since they knew they were closing in on their people. The tracks looked fresh, and they started seeing groups of undead rushing in the same direction, seemingly trying to catch up.


    An hourter they finally saw activity on the horizon, but no one in the group looked even a bit happy. The reason was simple. What entered their eyes was a vast battlefield, where a group of people desperately defended against two farrger swarms of enemies.


    "Ready yourselves for battle," Zac said with grit teeth as days of umted bloodlust started to seep out of every pore of his being.

 Chapter 356: Final Stand

    Chapter 356: Final Stand


    Ilvere roared in defiance as the huge ball belonging to his weapon shuddered with power, and its trajectory suddenly turned impossible to predict. One second the chunk of metal looked as though it was so light that it might as well be a mirage, but the next moment it gave Alea the impression she was gazing upon a towering mountain.


    The two opposing impressions kept swapping until they superimposed, making the weapon emit a shocking energy. The weapon mmed into the Corpse Golem that was guarding one of the Unholy Beacons that the undead army wanted to move to the vanguard to empower their assault.


    Alea frowned when she saw the undead abomination effortlessly catch the ball in its arms as though it didnt contain a shred of momentum. But the next moment the Corpse Golem exploded, its bodyparts flying out like projectiles in all directions.


    The wrecking ball started moving again and mmed into one of the Unholy Beacons with enough force to cause a crack, but it wasn''t enough for it to break altogether. But it was just enough to topple it, and when the tower crashed into the ground it released a burst of errant energies that killed the nearby Zombies. A few unlucky undead warriors were killed from getting hit by the remaining bodyparts of the 4-meter tall Golem as well, making Alea shake her head in wonder.


    Not quite there, the demon warrior muttered with annoyance, for some reason not happy even though he had managed to destroy one of the Unholy Beacons.


    Alea wanted to rebuke the man for experimenting with the skill he got from Lord Atwood in the middle of the battle, but it clearly produced results. She instead focused on the sea of zombies ahead. Things were getting desperate, and she had no time to worry too much about others.


    The ambush at Baoqui had cost them most of their resources, not to mention the 3000 people who fell in battle. The undead had likely nned on ending it all when they finally reached the town, but they had underestimated just how tough it would be to break the warriors of Port Atwood.


    Six days of constant harassment had pushed them all beyond what they thought was possible, but many had risen to the challenge and grown tremendously. Hundreds of people died during the death march, but just as many had gained Dao Seeds that allowed them to unleash twice the destruction as before.


    Besides, the undead hadnt expected them to carry eight ships possessing sieging capabilities. Over half of their forces fell to the immediate bombardment by the arrays on the ships. Alea hadn''t heard of the Allbright Empire that Lord Atwood got his shipyard from, but their craftsmanship was impable. Unfortunately, they had run out of hidden cards by now. The ships had been destroyed, over half of them left behind them the past two days as they were beyond salvage.


    The Ishiate cannons were all destroyed as well, and only a third of the tinkerers remained alive. The undead learned their lesson after the first time therge brass cannons were unleashed, and they mounted a sneak attack to take most of them out. If it wasnt for one of the mad scientists rushing forward and directly detonating one of the bombs to kill all the attackers, along with himself, they would have lost all of the beastmen.


    Alea was running out of poison as well. She better understood the mentality of Lord Atwood after this past week, why he had pushed himself to never leave the battlefield during the beast waves. Because every time you stepped back to rest, someone would have to offer their life in return. Such was the burden of the leader.


    Alea only had enough umted poison for one or tworge battles, but there was no point in worrying about the future when it wasnt even sure that they would even survive the next hour. The army in front of them had appeared out of nowhere, dashing the hope that they finally had killed all of the true undead elites hunting them.


    The army consisted of over ten thousand elite zombies, but that wasnt the real problem. There were almost a hundred Corpse Golems and two hundred Corpse Lords, each one of them more powerful than her demonkin warriors. She needed to even the numbers somewhat.


    She looked over at the shrouded demon in the distance, and Janos nodded as he closed his eyes. Alea wasted no time as she activated <strong>[Odorless] </strong>and unleashed almost all of her stored up toxins she had concocted to deal with the undead. However, even if she had opened the floodgates to release a tremendous amount of poison didnt look like anything happened, and the undead kept pushing forward.


    This was Janos ultimate skill, creating a massive illusion that kept the world going, apart from one hidden truth. In this case, it was the extremely potent poison that rapidly spread among the undead, unwittingly drilling into their bodies. But the Undead were no fools, and it looked like reality cracked after just a second, exposing the vast clouds of poison that had epassed a fifth of the army.


    Four hooded cultivators standing by the ten Unholy Beacons in the back suddenly floated up into the air as they pointed shriveled fingers at the mists of deadly poison. Alea was shocked to notice that she lost connection to the poison as the four cultivators somehow ragged it up into the air. A huge skull appeared as well, and it sucked up the poison in one deep chomp before disappearing.


    Alea grimaced when she saw the mysterious cultivators countering her skill so easily, but the damage was already done to a certain extent. An enormous amount of cosmic energy surged into her body as thousands of zombies and dozens of Corpse Lords toppled over, creating arge hole in the undead army. Of course, most of the energy quickly escaped from her body as she had long reached level 75.


    But just as Alea breathed out in relief that her attack was mostly sessful a specter that radiated killing intent rose out of the ground in front of her. It was a hooded skeleton, but it wasnt corporeal. It was mostly translucent and seemed to be wrought out of a dark-green Death attuned energy.


    The fighters of Port Atwood had encountered spectralbatants before, but this one waspletely different from the weak ghosts that were quickly rebuffed with the help of Divine Energy. The whole area turned cold when it appeared, and Aleas instincts screamed of danger.


    She didnt even let the thing take a single step before six pitch-ck spikes appeared in the air, all of them aiming to impale the ghost as quickly as possible. The ghost moved like a gust toward her, expertly dodging the first three spikes in an instant. But luckily she managed to graze the ghost with the fourth spike, and the tremendous pain the attack elicited made the ghost freeze for an instant.


    Alea immediately shot the other two spikes into the chest of the ghost, forcibly enduring the searing pain in her own chest as she received the same damage as the one she inflicted. The ghost was clearly in tremendous pain as well, but it only gazed at her as it forced out a snicker as the dead rose all around her.


    The eight translucent spears stabbed into her from all directions before Alea had a chance to react, and she couldnt stop herself from screaming in pain even though not a single drop of blood was spilled. It felt as though her very being was crumbling as her soul was getting ripped apart. She had no way to retaliate or even form a coherent thought as the pain stretched into eternity.


    A golden sea suddenly washed over the area, drowning Alea and the wraiths in divine splendor. The eight wraiths were badly wounded by the attack, as thick streams of miasma escaped from their bodies as they endured the life-attuned attack.


    Dont force it, she wont survive, one of the wraiths finally grunted. Well collect the bodyter, the Lord wants it.


    The others nodded and shrunk into the ground, fleeing the corrosive effect of the divine ocean. Alea couldnt understand what was happening, still consumed by the inhuman torment of her soul rending. But a warm soothing stream soon entered her body, keeping her fracturing self together for the time being.


    Alea opened her eyes and saw a small human holding her hands, continuously infusing her with a warm energy that acted as instion that kept her mind from dissipating. Around them stood a group of Valkyries who ughtered any errant zombie that got close, but luckily the poison from earlier had killed almost everything in the vicinity.


    Youre Sui? Alea vaguely remembered the name of the purifier who somehow had found their army along with a few hundred warriors three days ago.


    Apparently, they were a private army run by one of the towns that formerly stood at the edge of the Dead Zone, but it had long been overrun by the undead. Alea hadnt really had time to get to know them better due to the constant battle, but any assistance was a blessing to their extremely wrung out force.


    The small girl in front of her had proven extremely helpful, especially after they figured out that she could reach a terrifying power with the help of thebination of the Valkyrie War Array and the Divine Array. She would be useless against the living, but she was a true nemesis to the undead. She onlycked the ruthlessness to take full advantage of her gift.


    Your soul is in a terrible state, Sui said with a pale face, as she had the Valkyries carry Alea away from the front line. I dont-


    I know my situation, Alea interrupted with a sigh, allowing herself to be moved back to the defensive line.


    She felt as weak as a newborn child, barely able to lift her own hand. But she kept a strong face, hoping that the scared soldiers looking in her directions wouldnt understand how bad it was. Their morale was low enough after their ten-day death march, and she did not want to tack on any further.


    The group of specters suddenly appeared around the desperately battling Ilvere, who had been forced to take charge of the whole front line after Alea fell. Her heart was gripped in panic when she saw their appearance, but Ilvere did not look worried. He only released a shrill whistle, and he was immediately pelted with attacks.


    But shockingly enough he wasnt attacked by the undead, but rather their own people. Hundreds of arrows fell where he stood almost blotting out the sky for an instant. Rage started to burn in Aleas heart as she helplessly remained in the care of Sui.


    Dont worry, Sui said. Its not what it looks like.


    Only then did Alea realize that the arrows had a golden hue, looking like the arrows of a celestial. They had been imbued with divine energy and didnt pass through the Wraiths as expected, but rather caused small golden explosions the moment they hit the incorporeal bodies. The wraiths wailed in pain and hurried to


    Ilvere was actually not unscathed from the arrows, and a few of the projectiles had embedded themselves in his body. However, Ilveres armor was pretty strong and the golden explosions didnt have any effect on the living, so he only received shallow flesh wounds. He had simply used himself as bait to attack the wraiths, and he was ready to bear the small pain.


    The Wraiths had taken some damage from the surprise attack, but unfortunately it wasnt enough to kill them. Luckily they were at least forced to retreat, and they scurried back to the rear of the undead army with shocking speed.


    The retreat of the squad of powerful assassins lessened the pressure on Port Atwood to a great degree, but they were still in desperate straits. The air was filled with screams as one warrior after another fell to the relentless assault of the invaders.


    The Corpse Lords were just too strong, and three demons needed to co-operate just to keep one them at bay. The recruits were far worse off, and whole squads had been mercilessly ughtered the moment the elite undead found an opening in their formations. Alea wanted to help, but she barely could keep herself awake, let alone rejoin the battle.


    A wrathful roar suddenly echoed across the battlefield from above, making Alea look up with confusion and hope. Arge disk was shooting toward them in the sky, and it seemed to be descending like a meteor. One person standing on top of it wasnt even patient enough for it tond, and he pushed off from the flying treasure with enough force to cause it to almost crash.


    The man shot forward through the air like a bullet, crashing into the sea of undead with earth-shattering force. The shockwave caused the whole battle to stop for a second, as only the strongest managed to keep their footing. The zombies unfortunate enough to have stood close to the impact zone werepletely gone, turned into mush at the bottom of therge crater. But the man waspletely fine, and Alea could finally confirm her suspicion when he stood up.


    Lord Atwood had finally arrived.

 Chapter 357: Adriel

    Chapter 357: Adriel


    Lord Atwood wasted no time as a storm of energies started to churn around him, and a palpable sense of dread instinctively entered Aleas heart as an extreme killing intent nketed the area. She wanted to walk up to him, but her body wouldnt listen, so she could only watch him from afar.


    A huge woodsmans axe suddenly appeared above him, and the next moment it swung in an effortless motion, drawing a wide arc in front of Lord Atwood. Aleas brow furrowed, not understanding the meaning of the attack, but the next moment her eyes widened in understanding. An invisible wave of carnage spread out from Lord Atwood, destroying everything in front of him in the blink of an eye.


    Only the nks of the undead army were spared from getting cut into pieces, but the vanguard was utterly decimated, not leaving anything standing. Lord Atwood didnt stop at that point, and he shed forward with his movement skill, almost taking him out of Aleas vision. Her consciousness was blurring, but she bit her lip to the point that it bled, forcing herself to stay awake to witness the miracle.


    The fact that the Young Master and a handful of others jumped down from the flying treasure to take down the leftovers in the nk barely registered in Aleas mind. Her eyes were glued to the broad back of the one she had waited for these past days.


    Tens of thousands of elite zombies remained, and they hadnt lost too much of their strength as most of their corebatants stayed in the back. The wraiths also stood there, protected by the encirclement of Unholy Beacons and E-Grade Corpse golems.


    But not even a second passed before another, even more powerful, axe appeared above the Lord, this one causing the very air to ignite from its scorching heat. It looked like Its swing heralded the end of the world, as a towering inferno ripped across the earth, swallowing the whole Undead Army.


    There were no screams or wails, just the deafening sound of the crackling fire. But the wave of destruction ended just as abruptly as it appeared, leaving a scorched ground and pieces of flesh burnt beyond recognition. Only a small handful of elites remained, protected by the circle of Unholy Beacons and the hooded cultivators within.


    It looked like they had managed to erect a strong enough defense, but doing so didnte without cost as two of the hooded cultivators had turned to cinders even though they stood in the middle of the group, and smoke rose another one.


    Alea wasnt worried though as she and Sui silently gazed at the destruction in the distance. She knew that this wasnt the limit of Lord Atwood''s powers. And as expected the air above him shuddered before it shattered to let out the enormous hand that would bring an end to all resistance.


    It looked differentpared to thest time Alea saw it. It was at least twice as big as before and covered in dense fractals that resonated with the world itself. Shockingly enough the burnt cinders below turned into fertilizer as tall grass frantically rose from the ground, stretching toward the hand in the sky like children reaching for their parent.


    The hand moved so fast it looked like teleportation, almost immediately appearing in the sky above the remaining elites of the undead army. A massive fractal appeared beneath the hand and it caused the area underneath to be subject to a tremendous strain.


    Only thergest Corpse Golems were able to stay on their feet, while the others were forced down on their knees. The incorporeal specters were even more impacted it seemed as they shrieked while miasmic clouds were released from their bodies. They quickly tried to enter the ground to escape, but they were rebuffed somehow. It was as though the itself was rejecting them.


    The next moment something unbelievable happened. The fractal rippled like a pond of water as an enormous mountain emerged from it, its sharp summit pointing straight down at the undead and their defensive array below.


    The mountain didn''t look like something created by Cosmic Energy, but rather something solid, something true. It emitted an ancient solidity that spread all the way to where Alea was lying. The mountain kept emerging from the array, and the pressure the undead beneath kept increasing, forcing even the giant Corpse Golems on their knees.


    Finally, the mountain hit the defensive array, which at this point shone in with almost blinding light as the ten Unholy Beacons poured out a storm of miasma to reinforce it. The whole area shook from the sh of the two powers, but neither seemed able to gain a foothold. Sui sighed in regret from the side when she saw that the mountain was stopped, and its sharp summit unable to pierce the thick shell protecting their enemies.


    However, it was clear that the array was barely holding on, as cracks kept appearing before they quickly were mended with the help of the beacons. One small push was all it would take to crack it open.


    The enormous wooden hand looked extremely small as it hovered above the mountain, but it still looked like it wanted to help the mountain descend. It floated down and gave a light tap at the array, but Alea couldnt see what happened next as she was thrown back by an enormous shockwave.


    Everything turned white for a second from a burst of pain before she felt the warm sensation of the golden light reappearing, and she arduously opened her eyes to see Sui desperately infuse her with divine energy again. People were climbing up all around them, many sporting some light wounds from the terrifying wave that swept everyone off their feet.


    Wha- Alea said with a weak voice.


    Its over, Sui said with shock in her eyes. The hand pushed the mountain into the ground. The undead are all gone. He destroyed them in one fell swoop.


    Alea arduously focused her eyes to see what the purifier meant, and the sight was shocking. The hand was gone, but the mountain and the array in the sky remained. The summit had been pushed at least fifty meters into the ground, and that was after having created an enormous crater where the Unholy Beacons once stood. There was not any sign of the undead who had huddled inside either, but their fate was painfully obvious.


    No one moved, some even forgetting to breathe, after seeing the terrifying disy in front of them. The air was still a chaotic mess after being subject to both Lord Atwoods towering aura and the terrorizing power of his attacks shing with the undead''s final defense. But one thing was clear.


    They had made it.


    The huge army full of undead elites had been swept away in less than 20 seconds, leaving a scene of utter devastation. Yet no one cheered or celebrated getting saved. Alea gave a weak sigh as she understood their feelings.


    The past days had pushed them all beyond what anyone should be able to endure. They hadnt stopped for more than a few minutes for almost ten days. They had been harassed, pushed, and almost broken by the unrelenting zombies. The people around her only managed to keep standing from pure defiance, no one had the energy to celebrate.


    So it was with hollow eyes they silently looked at their leader as he quickly made his way back toward their ranks. His aura reached toward the skies as he passed the sea of corpses he had created, but he restrained it as he hurried to Aleas side. He quickly got down on a knee in front of her, and Alea felt a flurry of emotions in her heart as he looked into his eyes.


    I knew youde, Alea smiled before the darkness took her.


    Hm? Adriel said as his hollow eyes turned toward the distance, his eyes moving away from the enormous crystal in front of him.


    He was sitting in hisrge study that was illuminated by thousands of azure lights, giving it afortable sheen of undeath. The moans and wails from a few of the still surviving experiments provided a soothing ambiance as the lich followed the progress of his grand array.


    Things were progressing as expected, with only some futile attempts to stop the hordes. But the harassment was of no import, as it only cost them a few million of the newly aligned. It had even turned into a decent grindstone that would hopefully birth a few promising recruits among the unthinking children.


    But there were always factors beyond one''s control, and the battle he just witnessed through the eyes of his clones was beyond his expectation. The lich king scratched the desated skin that formed a thinyer over his skeleton as he considered the implications of what he had just seen.


    What is it, my lord? the hovering ghost attendant asked with worry.


    I finally saw the top human, I was wondering when he would appear. Interesting, the Lich muttered. He killed four of my clones in an instant.


    What?! the ghost said with some shock.


    Well, I still havent really mastered the skill, they contained only a fraction of my strength, Adriel said without a care. Still, a very impressive specimen to release such power while still at F-Grade. He would make great material.


    Do we need to change our ns, my lord? the attendant asked.


    No need Triv, he is saddled with a handful of refugees and is stuck a long way from the fault-lines, Adriel said with a shake of his head. Its a shame. I found a person with a semiplete poison constitution. I have a friend who would pay dearly for that body.


    Do you want to send one of the Generals after him? Triv probed.


    No, they have their tasks. Besides, the humans seem to have figured out what we are doing. They will have toe to me sooner orter in any case if they want to stop the realignment. Theres no need for us to go out of our way to look for them, Adriel said as a small smile disyed the ckened teeth in his mouth.


    What about the one who visited us? the attendant probed.


    Void Adriel muttered, some hesitation shing in his eyes. Very strong.


    It had truly been a surprise to see the native insectoid appearing in his own pce,pletely calm as though he was taking a stroll in his own boneyard. But the Lich soon found that the mans confidence wasnt without reason. He was extremely powerful, a top tier progenitor with a higher level than himself. Fighting him outside his own domain would be a risky venture, and killing him inside would note without a cost.


    Should we agree with his proposal? the ghost asked as he saw his leader fall into silence.


    No need, Adriel said with a shake of his head, waking up from his stupor.


    His aura Its from that ce though. Is it not better to extend some courtesy and dy the realignment? It shouldnt affect our goal too much," the ghost said.


    Its true, the insectoid is connected to that family, but not as you expect, Adriel said with a small smile. My teacher found out some more details. His connection is to an exiled bastard who has not been part of the family for tens of thousands of years. He turned to the unorthodox path, so no one in the family will stand up for him. In fact, they have tried to kill him on numerous asions out of embarrassment.


    The ghost nodded in understanding, no longer worried about the implications. That family was a bit troublesome, but it was no problem if the one called The Great Redeemer was long emunicated. His Lord might even stand to gain a new friend by making things hard for the so-called Redeemer, as the iron-d rules of the old families were not just for show.


    On another note, Threzz has requested permission to fight the Church. Four of his subsquads have been decimated by them, the attendant added, taking the opportunity to go through the docket now that his master was out of his revelry. He hated being interrupted while watching his crystal, and many had paid dearly for ruining his fun.


    No. Let them prance around for now. Activating the arrayes first. But give him three new hordes, and promise him the vanguard when we conquer the entrances, Adriel said.


    Should we not focus on taking control of one of the entrances?" Triv said with confusion. "We are still not in control of a single one, while the Church has three."


    The treasure has yet to mature. It is still absorbing the Origin Energy of this infant. There are a few months before the realm closes its doors to protect the treasure as ites into being. The world will have realigned before then, allowing us to fight with an advantage," Adriel snickered. "The efforts the bodysnatchers are going through now will only benefit us in the end."

 Chapter 358: Catharsis

    Chapter 358: Catharsis


    Zac looked down at the unmoving form of Alea. He had seen her getting attacked by the group of wraiths while he stood on the flying disk, unable to do anything to save her. The feeling of impotence had quickly turned into rage. But his smoldering rage was finally ovee by a sense of panic as he saw her close her eyes in his arms. His mind was a mess, and he didn''t know what to do.


    Alea? Alea! he said with horror, before quickly turning to Sui. Can you heal her?


    Zac didnt understand why Alea and Sui were together, as she was on the other side of the Dead Zone thest time he saw her. But right now wasnt the time to ask.


    She Her soul is wounded, almost to the point of crumbling altogether, Sui said, not daring to meet Zacs burning gaze. Its beyond my power to heal something like this. I am sorry.


    Zac took a deep breath to calm down and collect his thoughts. He knew just how terrible wounds to the soul was. He remembered the small wound he got when he tried to sh with the Splinter of Oblivion. It had almost killed him, and that was nothingpared to the soul failing altogether. But he refused to give up like that.


    Can you keep her stable for now? Zac asked.


    I My power is limited Sui hesitantly said.


    Zac immediately took out most of his Divine Crystals, all of them E-Grade. The miasmic haze in the area was immediately pushed away, reced with a refreshing atmosphere. Even the furrowed brows of the unconscious Alea smoothed out slightly, indicating that the crystals helped a bit at least.


    How is she? a voice asked from behind, and Zac looked over to see Ogras standing behind him, the metal casing around his missing arm taken off, allowing arge tentacle shadow slither around the area.


    Her souls wounded, its bad, Zac sighed.


    Shit, Ogras spat and looked up in the distance. Ill go kill some dead things in the rear. You should send her back on the disk. Perhaps the blue one can get his hands on something to salvage the situation.


    Zac perked up at the idea and immediately called for his treasure. It had essentially crashed into the ground after he jumped off it, but it was sturdy enough to take a hit or two. All the passengers were fine as well since all of them were powerful enough to easily jump off in time.


    He wouldnt need the disk for the time being since he would have to lead the army back to the closest Teleporter to make sure there were no more losses. He quickly broke his connection to the disk after it arrived and called over the squad of Valkyries who arrived with him.


    Escort Sui and Alea back to Port Atwood as quickly as possible. Have Calrin get his hands on treasures that would help heal or at least stabilize her soul, Zac said.


    He knew that it was far from certain that the Sky Gnome would be able to get his hands on a treasure that could heal a badly wounded soul. Healing the soul was far moreplicated than healing a broken body, and the requirements on the pill were on another level entirely. There was one such item among the treasures Yrial had inside the trial, but he wouldnt be able to get back inside for a decade.


    The lotus in his cultivation cave would perhaps be able to help as well, but it was still just a sapling and didnt generate any energy so far. It would be years before it grew to sufficient size, even if it was constantly nurtured by the Cosmic Water and the Nexus Vein.


    Wait, my people, Sui hesitantly said.


    I will clean out the undead and allow everyone to rest before returning to Port Atwood. Well join you in a few days, Zac said before nodding at the Valkyries.


    They immediately moved the Divine Crystals to form a bed on the desk, and gingerly ced Alea on top of them. Sui hesitated for a bit before she stepped on top of the disk as well.


    It seems I keep owing you more and more, Zac said with a tired smile as he looked at her.


    This is just what I should do, you do not owe me anything, Sui hurriedly said as she started


    Wait, a voice suddenly echoed from behind, and Zac turned over to see Tylia hurrying over.


    Zacs eyes lit up when he saw the Tal-dar. He had forgotten that she wasnt a beast tamer like most of the people in her n, but rather a healer. She differed from Sui who had a purifying ss that was especially adept at healing Death-attuned wounds though. She was actually closer to his own attunement, having a ss rted to nature.


    But even importantly, she had already evolved to E-Grade, and her means should be superior to Sui''s.


    Can you help her? Zac hurriedly asked as he indicated the Valkyries to not set out just yet.


    Tylia sat down next to Sui and closed her eyes while her hand started to radiate a green light while touching Aleas forehead. The small purifier gawked at the unfamiliar form of the Tal-dar, but she didnt say anything. Zac didnt even dare to breathe loudly as Tylia performed her inspection, but his heart started to rattle when he saw her frown. A few secondster she removed her hand with a shake of her head.


    I cannot heal her either I am afraid. I can only help keep the pieces of her mind together, Tylia exined.


    Is there nothing that can be done? Zac desperately asked.


    Tylia seemed to consider the question before a few seconds before answering.


    Well, luckily shes only F-Grade, so her soul is rtively small. It would be much harder if she had evolved already. A D-Grade healer should be able to slowly piece together her soul. A healing treasure that could mend souls would be even better, Tylia said. Its just


    Its just what? Zac pressed.


    I am not sure shell even survive the trip back to Port Atwood. And even if we manage to keep her stable during the trip, then what? A treasure that can mend a fractured soul is not something you can get through normal channels, Tylia said.


    Please do what you can, Zac said with grit teeth. If you cant find a means to heal her, try to stabilize her condition at least through any means necessary. Ill figure out a way to get a healer or a treasure.


    Zac turned to the squad captain among the Valkyries who would take them back, and immediately transferred 200 million Nexus Coins to her. The womans eyes widened in shock, but she quickly understood that it was to make sure Calrin had the resources to buy a treasure if it popped up. Zac nodded to the squad captain, who controlled the disk to fly away at top speed.


    Die! a sudden shriek erupted from just a few meters away, and Zac looked over with confusion.


    A ghoul that was just skin of bones were rushing toward him with a sword in hand, his eyes radiating endless madness and killing intent.


    Zac frowned, unsure how an undead was able to make it all the way to the center of the army. His first instinct was that the undead was an assassin, but the ghoul seemed frail enough to topple over from a gust of wind. Zacs danger sense was alsopletely unresponsive. Still, just seeing an undead made his rage re up again, and he immediately took out his axe again.


    Wang Fang! another voice shouted from nearby. Stop!


    The name sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldnt ce it as he swung down his axe, its range increased with a fractal de from <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The ghoul shrieked as he tried to defend from the defending strike, but he waspletely helpless and was immediately bisected from the attack.


    A trickle of Cosmic Energy entered Zac''s body, making him shocked how low leveled the undead assassin was. It even doused his reignited anger a bit, recing it with confusion.


    Ai," the voice from earlier eximed, as a young Asian man ran up to the ghost. "You fool."


    What now? Zac muttered in annoyance as he looked at the man running toward him.


    "Wang Fang wasn''t a saint, but you did not need to kill him," the man sighed. "He was ill, both in body and mind."


    Zac nkly looked back and forth between the zombie and the man, until he finally spotted a familiar sk attached to the zombie''s belt. Only then did things click in his mind. Wang Fang, the man who had snatched his sk of Cosmic Water in the Dead Zone.


    He didn''t know what to think when he looked down at the malnourished form of Wang Fang. Zac had truthfully thought that the man would have died long ago from Cosmic Water Poisoning, but he had somehow held on until now. From the rage in his still-open eyes Zac could only assume that the man had already figured out his real identity as well.


    Zac shook his head in bemusement before turning to the man who had tried to stop him. He didnt recognize him and curiously enough he didnt wear the standard gear of the Atwood Army either. The young man wore a simr battle-gear as himself, though the arms of his green robe was a lot wider.


    But the most striking thing about him was the countless scars on his face and sloppily mended tears in his clothes. His state was even more wretchedpared to Zac''s before he was able to improve his race and remove most of his scars. This was clearly someone who had lived in constant battle since the integration, though his power was a bit above average at best.


    Just who are you? the man asked with a frown. What gives you the right to execute one of my citizens and send away the only Purifier when were in the middle of a sea of the undead?


    I am Zachary Atwood, Zac simply answered. And her skills were needed to keep Alea alive.


    The man froze when hearing Zacs response before he calmed down with two deep breaths.


    Lady Alea has saved quite a few lives, perhaps more so than anyone else here. Its good that Suis helping her, he finally said. I am sorry for my response, we have many wounded and Ished out. I am Ling Tian, and it is an honor to meet you.


    Ling Tian? Zac repeated with surprise. The Ling Tian of Eastern Hills?


    Yes, have we met before? Ling Tian asked with confusion.


    No, but I passed through your town once while traversing the Dead Zone. I heard good things. Do you know John from your town? I forgot hisst name, Zac asked, feeling the world was pretty small after all.


    Yes, hes here. Hes still defending our rear, Ling Tian nodded. "Thanks to your intervention the main threat is dealt with, and Lord Ilvere is rounding up the stragglers. But there are still some of the weaker undead harassing us from behind. Normally they wouldn''t be a problem, but our people are wrung dry."


    How many zombies are there behind us? Zac asked.


    Hard to say, there were a million at the start. Your army killed hundreds of thousands, but the undead have also gotten reinforcements. Id say theres three hundred thousand of them remaining unless there are more in hiding, The young man said after thinking it over.


    Not too many Zac mumbled before looking up at Ling Tian. Well destroy that horde before giving the people here a well-deserved rest. Hows the stock of healing pills and food?


    Destroy? Ling Tian blurted in shock. Thats a sea of zombies over there!


    The pills? Zac only repeated.


    We ran out two days ago after the battle at Baoqui, Ling Tian sighed.


    Zac nodded and threw Ling Tian a Cosmos Sack.


    Could you do me a favor? Distribute the pills in this sack to help our wounded. Ill go help my friend with the Zombies, Zac said and stood up.


    Wait, I can help as well! I can still fight! Ling Tian said, looking up from the Cosmos Sack in his grasp.


    No need. Healing our people is the most important, Zac said with a shake of his head before some anger shed in his eyes. Besides, I am still pretty pissed off. I need the targets for myself.


    Unbridled bloodlust started to seep from Zac''s whole body as he spoke, nketing the area. Ling Tian took a step back in shock, and even his own people looked over at him with fear in their eyes.


    It was true what he said. He had kept it together as best he could, but seeing Aleas pitiful state had ignited a furious fire in his heart that threatened to consume him. If he didnt get an outlet for this wrath soon he felt he would literally explode. So he wasted no more time before rushing over to the rear, where a thick sea of darkness had created a line of demarcation that the zombies were unable to pass.


    Any Zombie foolish enough to enter the sea of shadows was immediately stabbed by multiple shadow spears, giving the defenders a rest from their desperate defense. But Zac had no intention to y it safe, so he simply leaped over therge shadow andnded in the middle of the elite zombie horde with a crash.


    The rotting zombies shrieked and immediately threw themselves at him with reckless abandon. Teeth and ws tried to rip him to pieces, and Zac let them try their best as he closed his eyes and took a deep breath.


    He didnt know who he was angry at. Was it himself, for dying the rescue? At the Undead for pushing his people to such a pitiful state? Or the System that set the stage these blood baths just for the off-chance that someone worthwhile would rise from the mountain of corpses? He had no answer, but then again he hadnt jumped into a sea of zombies in search of answers.


    He was looking for catharsis.

 Chapter 359: Evil Stars

    Chapter 359: Evil Stars


    Zac wasnt actually in great condition after unleashing his three strongest attacks in short session. He had used almost two thirds of his Cosmic Energy and his body hurt all over. The upgraded <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> was responsible for thergest part of the cost, whereas <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was the source of the strain.


    He had barely managed to heal up his body while he traveled on the Flying Treasure, and using the first two swings of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> had caused a few of his old wounds to open up again. But with his massive Vitality he would sooner orter get back in shape, and the pain wasnt something that would hinder him in dealing with some weak Zombies.


    The fact that <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> had reached Peak mastery had shocked him somewhat. It was the second skill to reach the apex, and Zac would have thought that he would evolve <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> or <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> before he pushed that skill to peak mastery. He did use his movement skill almost constantly in his human form, whereas he had barely used <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> more than ten times.


    Truthfully he barely remembered jumping off from the Flying treasure. His wrath pushed through the roof upon seeing his significantly smaller army getting harassed, and yet it managed to increase even further when he saw Alea getting ambushed. He had barely managed to restrain himself from unleashing the third strike of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> in his fury, instead opting to finish the elites with <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    Thinking about a skill reaching peak mastery made Zac remember that he hadnt actually tested <strong>[Chop]</strong> and its extra de. So Zac finally started to curtail his churning emotions even though he just wanted to go crazy, and instead opted to see the capabilities of the skill. So he summoned [Chop] and grew a five-meter de to clear out the area around him. The next moment the de detached, and started to hover by him like a silent sentinel.


    The zombies didn''t care in the slightest about their fallen brethren, and they unhesitantly stepped over their corpses to get to the source of the life force. This forced Zac to keep summoning new des and shoot them off into the zombie horde, each de causing a tunnel of carnage before it ran out of steam. But he mainly focused on the permanent de, and he was currently using it to constantly sweep the zombies that were lucky enough to survive the thinning out of his other des.


    He quickly realized that he could both choose to control the fractal edge by splitting his attention or to simply let it float in his proximity and attack any enemy that got close. His limit was roughly fifty-meters, and it was almost as quick as the des he shot out like projectiles. If he wanted to he could have it spin around him at a rapid pace, killing anything that got too close.


    But Zac eventually let it guard his back autonomously as he kept pushing through the Zombie horde. He didnt want to rely on the flying de alone, as the battle caused his rage to resurface. He knew it was to arge part the splinter manipting him, but he didnt care at the moment. He let the rage flow through him as he became a tool of ughter.


    Constant roars of the zombies echoed across the area as Zac shed around with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Any time he appeared he would release a couple of des with <strong>[Chop]</strong>, each attack clearing out over a hundred Zombies. He wouldnt immediately leave though, but insteadunch a furious assault with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> at melee range at all the surviving zombies in the area.


    He was long covered in bile and rotten flesh, but he didnt care. He just kept swinging his axe, not thinking, not feeling. He didnt know how long he fought or how many Zombies he killed, but he finally stumbled, realizing he was running dangerously low on Cosmic Energy.


    You once asked me to remind you that you were bing a bit murdery. I think this would count. Got it out of your system? a voice reached him from the side when he finally slowed down his rampage.


    Zac blinked and took a look around, and found that Ogras had appeared amongst a clump of shadows. There were still Zombies around, but it could no longer be called a horde. There were rather inds of zombies in a sea of destroyed bodies, with perhaps 10% of the original number remaining.


    I did all this? Zac muttered with some confusion.


    Dont tter yourself. We took care of more than half of them while you went on your rampage, Ogras snorted. But you seemed disinclined to cooperate so we stayed out of your path.


    Let the others deal with the remainders. Some people still have some fight left, and these things give a decent amount of Cosmic Energy and money for the recruits. Dont hog it all for yourself, Ogras said with a smile.


    Just as Ogras spoke he spotted a familiar figure effortlessly fighting against a clump of a few hundred undead. Kenzie was killing them at an impressive speed as she shot out various skills at a rapid pace. Each skill seemed to be quite basic and something that cost next to no Cosmic Energy, yet the elite zombies kept falling to never stand up again. At her current pace she would need less than a minute to clear the pack.


    Its quite odd, Ogras muttered as he followed Zacs gaze.


    What is? Zac asked, afraid that the perceptive demon had found a clue of Jeeves.


    Its hard to exin, the demon hesitantly said. But her fighting style is odd.


    Odd how? Zac asked as he looked at his sister downing one zombie after another.


    It was efficient, but nothing too impressive to be honest. He would personally be able to turn that whole pack to goop with two swings of his axe.


    Dont you see the flow? She is never in danger. It almost looks like the undead are cooperating with her, trying to get themselves killed, Ogras said with some incredulity.


    Zac initially didn''t understand what Ogras was talking about, but he almost immediately got an exnation of what the demon meant. While Kenzie was focusing on the zombies ahead of her with a flurry of attacks two more undead tried to rush her from behind. She didnt even look back though, and carelessly waved her hand above her head, shooting out two small fireballs toward them.


    The aim of the first spell was perfect and it hit one of the zombies straight in its throat, but the other one was unfortunately aimed toward the ground, and wouldnt be able to do any damage. But just as Zac considered throwing a rock to kill the other attacker something shocking happened.


    The first zombie fell backward from the attack, felling the second one who was a few steps behind. Both the undead fell down on the ground, and the unharmed zombie coincidentally fell into a position where the second fireball hit it straight in its head. The two struggled for a while, but Zac could sense that the fireballs were infused with the Seed of Tinder, and there was no way they would survive.


    The remaining zombies ahead were soon killed by Kenzies real attacks, and she moved on without giving the two zombies behind a single look. It all looked like a great coincidence things worked out, but Zac knew better than to believe that. It was no doubt Jeeves who helped her out.


    At least he hoped that was all it did. If it was actually taking control of her it was a whole different issue. It was something that had bothered him ever since they fought the cyborg. Jeeves and whatever was nted inside the foreman might havee from the same people, and they had no idea if there were some failsafes in the AI that would turn Kenzie into a monster.


    Do you see what I mean? Ogras said as he slowly shook his head, clearly having a hard time believing what he just witnessed. That girl is another type of monster. What kind of scary woman was your mom to give birth to evil stars like the two of you?


    Well, Kenzie was always the smart one, Zac coughed, not sure how he would lie his way out of that one. I guess she got pretty good at fighting zombies during her time at the Dead Zone.


    Kenzie noticed the attention soon enough and stopped her onught, instead opting to walk over to the two.


    Are you ok? she said with worry in her eyes. Im sure Alea will be fine. I bet she will be back on her feet by the time we get back to Port Atwood with these people.


    Im ok, Zac smiled, but he wasnt sure how he really felt.


    His rage had subsided after exhausting himself against the zombies, but he was choked up by a feeling of impotency. There were too many things to do, and it felt like he was spread so thin that he would fall apart. Worse yet was that his people kept dying and there wasnt much he could do about it.


    How are the rest? Zac finally asked, even though he was afraid of the answer. "How many did we lose?"


    Half, Ogras sighed. Just above half of the people who set out from Port Atwood are still alive. Most of the casualties happened two days ago, but there were constant losses during their escape.


    Half, Zac numbly repeated.


    The good news is that our fighting capabilities havent decreased nearly as much, Ogras said. Most of the casualties were the recruits and the nonbat sses. Only 12 of your Valkyries and 17 of the demon warriors died. And you know that the most effective way to get stronger is by pushing oneself beyond one''s limits. The survivors can no longer be considered recruits, they are a true army now.


    Still, Zac sighed. Thousands of our people have died. And for what? The Undead Empire didn''t even lose a general, and their horde is currently on its way to finishing the array.


    People fall against the invaders every minute all around the globe, Kenzie said with a shake of her head. We cant let it weigh us down. We do what we can and the cards will fall where they will. It''s not your duty to save the world alone, we''re all in this together."


    Zac looked with surprise at his sister, not expecting such a viewpoint from her. He would have thought she would be even more broken up about it, as many of those who fell were people that Kenzie socialized with during her stay at the Academy. Meanwhile Zac hadn''t even met most of them.


    But he soon realized that while Kenzie hadn''t battled nearly as much as himself she might have lost even more. He knew she had been forced to witness one person after another dying around her. First the Tutorial where less than half survived, then being dropped off right next to the Dead Zone.


    She never spoke much about her time there, but her asionalments had pictured a pretty bleak existence even before that old dog started to lust after her. Most of the friends she had made thest year had already died. Zac was much better off in that regard. He hadnt really lost anything so far, which might be why these deaths felt so heavy on his shoulders.


    Well let everyone rest for 8 hours, Zac said, changing the heavy subject. After that well change course and head for Erd.


    The army of Port Atwood hadnt known about the much closer teleportation station owned by the Sino-Indian Alliance, and they were currently heading for an array that was weeks away. Zac couldnt spend that much time protecting the army, so he would change course. The return trip would still take over twice as long as it did while he zapped here on his flying treasure.


    He didnt have the time to divert his attention too long, and he needed to get back to closing Incursions. Whittling down millions of low-leveled zombies was a waste of his time, and his strength was better spent on putting out the other fires on Earth that others were unable to deal with.


    Ogras and Zac went back to the army, but Kenzie wanted to help out with cleaning out the remaining undead in the area so she stuck around. When the Port Atwood Army heard that they finally would be able to rest most of them simply crumbled down on the cold ground, not even bothering to take out anything to sleep on.


    In just seconds snores echoed across the area, while a small group kept watch in all directions. Normally there would also be a group responsible for looting the army, but the zombies carried nothing of value. Zac and Ogras stayed in the middle of the army, each taking out a few crystals to regain their spent Cosmic Energy as quickly as possible.


    That was in the nick of time, a rough voice came from close-by, and Zac opened his eyes to see Ilvere and Janos walk over.

 Chapter 360: Dangers of Technology

    Chapter 360: Dangers of Technology


    Both Ilvere and Janos sported a new collection of scars, but it looked like both of them would be fine after some rest.


    Not quick enough to prevent Alea from being wounded, Zac sighed after hearing what Ilvere said.


    Thatss is strong, I believe she will be able to ovee this, Ilvere said as he thumped down on the ground in front of Zac and Ogras.


    Zac only nodded, though he knew that the situation, unfortunately, wasnt that easy. Being strong-willed wasnt enough to survive a fractured soul.


    Just what happened here? Zac asked.


    Ilvere grimaced as he recounted what the group had encountered since the teleporters went dark. Zac frowned when he heard how arduous their past days had been, and pangs of guilt once again rose in his heart. He knew that he couldnt be responsible for all ills of the world, but he still felt that he was somehow to me.


    I guess were lucky we werent deemed important enough for one of the true generals to act, Ilvere said with a depreciating smile. "Otherwise we would never have made it this far. They have a lot of strong guys in their ranks."


    Its still amazing you managed to hold on this long, Zac said with genuine appreciation.


    Thess was arge factor in our survival, as was the barkeep, Ilvere said.


    The Barkeep? Ryan? Zac asked with confusion.


    That boy is a real hero.


    Zac nkly looked at Ilvere for a few seconds, having great trouble reconciling the young man who had been hiding out in his apartment with the epithet Hero. Did the Barkeep ss possess some hidden and amazing attacks against the undead? Or did it allow him to be the fabled drunken fist?


    We have been constantly fighting without stopping for over a week. Some people we had to carry for a while since they were truly out of energy, but we normally would have no way of marching for 9 days without sleep. Luckily his brews helped us stay conscious up till now. Of course, many will be in a weak state for a while, Ilvere exined.


    Thats okay, Zac nodded. We should be fine unless the Lich King himselfes knocking.


    The two demon generals soon excused themselves though, as they desperately needed to sleep as well. They were amongst those who hadn''t slept a wink for the whole duration, and they had always stayed in the frontlines to keep their people safe. Zac and Ogras didn''t speak much either, instead opting to recuperate in case another wave of attackers arrived.


    Thankfully they werepletely unosted, and the army set out without trouble 8 hourster. A lot of people were sporting various degrees of wounds and traces of exertion on their faces, but they no longer seemed like zombies themselves. Between the healing pills Zac brought and proper rest they were in far better shapepared to before.


    The army kept the highest pace they could through the wilnds, but there was no way such arge group could move as quickly as Zac was able to proceed on his own. So he spent his time going back and forth around the army, killing anything that might prove a threat to them. They had already lost so much, so he didn''t want to lose a single man on the final stretch of their return.


    Thankfully it quickly became clear that the Undead had given up on taking out his army, as Zac couldnt even find the shadows of a single elite undead in the vicinity. There were still a few zombies and quite a few beasts, but nothing that indicated an army in the area.


    Zac could only guess that some of the ghost scouts had seen the final battle, and the generals felt the price was too high to keep targeting them. Besides, the death marsh over the past 10 days had created quite some distance between themselves and the three main hordes.


    Since there was no immediate threat he could rx somewhat, and he took the chance to figure out various things. His first idea to save time was to find a town, or at least the ruins of one, to see if he could gain control of it to buy a teleportation array.


    Unfortunately there was no response after finding three abandoned towns, and he wasn''t able to find a popted one either. This whole area seemed to be made from former tundra, either from eastern Russia or Mongolia, and there were barely any people in these regions even before the integration. Now with strong beasts walking the ins it was no surprise that the few ces of civilization he found were long deserted.


    After a day''s travel it started to be increasingly clear that they might just have to walk the whole way back, but that didn''t mean that they couldn''t utilize their time efficiently. So Zac took his sister some distance away from the army, and after looking around ced down a few array disks to iste themselves from prying eyes.


    Whats going on? Kenzie asked with interest when she saw how careful Zac was.


    Here, Zac said as he took out a few of the Technocrat items. Are these of any benefit to Jeeves?


    He had taken out one of the scout drones and one of theser weapons that had been attached to a battle droid. Kenzie gingerly picked up the two items and curiously looked at them. Zac was about to exin what they were when a red light shot out of Kenzies eye and quickly enveloped the two items.


    Wha- Zac eximed as he took a step back.


    Pretty cool, right? Kenzie said with a wide smile.


    You looked like a cyborg just now, Zac said with a stern face. Whats going on?


    Well, you told me to avoid showing off my skills yesterday, right? Kenzie said with a shrug. So we have been trying to figure out ways to make Jeeves abilities to look more like normal skills.


    His sister was referring to the fact that he warned her of relying on her AI too much. Her performance against the left-over zombies had been a bit too eye-catching, and people had started to talk. Luckily his own power was enough to justify Kenzie''s skills for most people, as they assumed he had given her various treasures and help. But he still didn''t want to take any risks where the secret about Jeeves would leak.


    Using a beam that shot out of her eye to scan items felt pretty damn far away from the goal of staying incognito, so he didn''t understand what she meant. She had looked like a robot when the red light exited her pupil. But Zac realized on second thought that he had actually sensed a bit of Cosmic Energy in the ray, something that never was the case with technology.


    But Zac didnt have time to ask how she made that happen, as the drone suddenly started to hover above Kenzies hand.


    Wow, so cool, Kenzie said as the small drone made a few turns around her.


    Is it you controlling it? Zac asked.


    Yeah, or well, its Jeeves who controls it, Kenzie said. Do you have more of these?


    Yeah, a whole lot of them. What are you - Zac said, but his voice got stuck in his throat.


    The drone started to disintegrate, turning into lights as they entered Kenzies forehead. In just a second it waspletely gone, not even leaving a speck of dust behind.


    Jeeves ate it, Kenzie exined, though thement felt a bit superfluous. It seems he gets smarter the more types of technology he eats. Do you have more stuff?


    I do, but this doesnt feel safe, Zac asked with some hesitation.


    Jeeves was probably stolen technology from Firmaments Edge, and feeding it to make it stronger came with very real risks. It was not like Jeeves followed the Three Laws of Robotics. The AI might turn against Kenzie when it was strong enough, killing her before returning to its creators.


    I know what you are thinking, but I think we are bound for life, Kenzie said after some hesitation. We are fused in a way, my soul gives it life. If I die Jeeves will cease to exist. But perhaps the only way to know how he works for sure is finding mom.


    Zac slowly nodded, but he couldnt help but have a bad feeling in his heart. He could only hope there would be some answers inside the Mystic Realm since there was no way that ce had no connection to Leandra. He handed over part of the things he looted from the Technocrat Incursion for Kenzie to go through in the end. He also made sure that she wouldnt absorb things that might be crucial in operating therge forges or the mechas.


    Unfortunately it seemed that he had made a mistake in not looting the corpses of the Technocrat Incursion. ording to Kenzies preliminary findings it seemed that a lot of the technology relied on subneural chips to act as interfaces between the Technocrats brains and the drones and such.


    Kenzie would still be able to control the items with the help of Jeeves, but it would be difficult for others to handle Technocrat technology in the short run. Perhaps they could refit some things to be controlled by normalputers instead, as imnting chipsets into ones brain seemed like the kind of modifications the System frowned upon.


    After handing over the Technocrat items to his sister he resumed his vigil around the army. Ogras sometimes joined him, and they mostly discussed their next step after dropping off the army at a usable Teleportation Array.


    What do you think, can I take him down? Zac asked during one of their discussions.


    Hm It would help if we could fight his top general, Ogras mused, understanding that Zac was referring to the Lich King. Seeing his strength would give us a hint of the power of the Lich himself. But truthfully


    What? Zac probed as the demon trailed off.


    You have umted far more power than is the norm for an F-Grade, and taking down most Incursions will be easy, Ogras said. But the Undead Empire is endlessly vast, and we dont know their means. You will not only be fighting a true undead elite, but also his army and defensive arrays. There is no way hell leave the safety of his base as things stand. They can just wait it out until they kill this.


    So you think I need to evolve first? Zac sighed.


    Well, at least go to the tower and get that title. We might also find other useful items there that will help us, Ogras said, once again bringing up the Tower of Eternity.


    The tower? Zac frowned. There is no time for that. Honestly, Im thinking of skipping going altogether and instead push for as quick an evolution as possible.


    What? No! Ogras shouted. Dont be crazy! Remember, getting the title is not the only reason were going. Youre supposed to find a patron force as well, in case The Great Redeemer finds his way here.


    The terraforming might bepleted any day now. I cant gallivant off for weeks while our is copsing!


    Visiting the tower does not take that long, the demon said with a roll of his eyes.


    How long does it take then? Zac asked with confusion.


    He had already heard that there were 81 known floors, and Ogras had once divulged that he was stuck on a floor for a month before passing it.


    Between one day and a year, Ogras said.


    A YEAR?! Zac shouted. Theres no way we have time for that!


    Just listen, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. The tower itself only takes one day at the most. But you are not transported directly to the Tower.


    What? Zac asked with confusion.


    Zac hadnt really delved into the subject of the Tower of Eternity before, as he had expected Ogras would go over it before they set out. But it seemed it was time to get a better picture of how that ce worked.


    You get teleported to the Base Town. Or at least the Base Town of your sector, Ogras said. It is a huge town that extends around the tower itself. After using the token you will be able to stay a year at the longest, though you can leave early. The tower itself takes up to 99 days, but it is in a special space, so only one day will pass in real time.


    So we could be back just one day after activating the tokens? Zac asked with intrigue.


    Yes, but we should stay longer if time allows it. Entering the tower itself can only count as half the benefit of that ce."

 Chapter 361: An Overdue Meeting

    Chapter 361: An Overdue Meeting


    What''s the point of dying the stay? Zac asked with a frown.


    There are all kinds of reasons. The Tower of Eternity is the gathering ce of young elites and a way for forces who would never be able to contact each other to interact. Its a great opportunity for trading or making connections. Some of therger forces have a permanent presence there, hosting auctions or the like, Ogras exined with excitement glimmering in his eyes.


    Auctions? Zac said, his eyes lighting up. You think we might be able to find a soul-mending treasure for sale?


    Perhaps, Ogras said with hesitation. But you should know were just country bumpkinspared to most people that are there, and there are no restrictions on the wealth they bring. Some bring tens of billions in spending money, and soul-mending treasures are always in demand. I brought a billion nexus coins I got from my grandpast time, yet I was only a small fish over there.


    Zac frowned in realization. It was true that his worth was a few billion even excluding the shipyard and the repository, but a lot of it came from the mountain of gear that he looted from Rydel and the hunt. If he easily could convert all that to real money he would have long done so.


    There was a significant pile of Nexus Crystals umted from the mining operations, but that would make up less than a Billion Nexus Coins even if he sold it all at Calrins. A C-grade powerhouse might make more than Zacs whole worth in a day or two from exploring a Mystic Realm. So the financial prowess of old established forces was something that Zac couldnt even dream of matching up against.


    He remembered how Average offered a Billion Nexus Coins just for Zac to back off and let him fight the Star Ox. If he encountered such a scion who wanted the soul mending for himself there was no way he couldpete. Zac suddenly felt quite impoverished for the first time in a long while.


    Dont look so glum, Ogras snorted. Well figure something out. Besides, auctions are not only about spending strength. If we gather enough funds to seriously overspend well most likely win the treasure in an auction. Even most rich scions would stop at a certain point unless they really need the item, as they would look like wasteful idiots who are only good at spending their parents money otherwise.


    Can we rob people over there? Zac suddenly asked. In case we get outbid.


    He didn''t relish the idea of turning to robbery, but if it came down to it some thievery was nothingpared to what he had already done. If snatching a Cosmos Sack would save his people''s lives, then he would do so. Of course, stealing was thest possible solution if they truly ran out of options.


    Rob people? Ogras said as his eyes widened, clearly not liking Zac''s idea. Dont even think about it. Theres technically nows over there, but its very umon for daylight robbery to take ce.


    Why not? A bunch of rich targets from another side of the cosmos. It seems like a pretty good ce to rob someone, Zac said with confusion. "Chances are you''ll never see them again afterward."


    Its not that easy. The Ruthless Heavens will restrict you if you attack someone, Ogras said with a shake of his head. You can''t just snatch the Cosmos Sack and disappear, teleporting out will get a one minute dy. I''ve heard that even a quest might be created to take you down, depending on what you did. Besides, theres the issue of treasures.


    What do you mean? Zac frowned.


    It sounded like the System didnt directly stop you from robbing people, but you needed the strength to survive the ordeal. It was almost like a quest for the robber as well. You can rob someone, but you needed to survive for a minute to keep your spoils.


    The Ruthless Heavens restricts what treasures you can bring to the Tower of Eternity, Ogras exined.


    Like the hunt? Zac asked with a frown, not wanting to leave behind all his stuff again.


    Not exactly. You can bring as many items as you want, but defensive and offensive treasures are limited to E-Grade. Raw materials and other types of treasures can be D-Grade, likely since the Ruthless Heavens wants to give young elites a chance to trade valuable items that can help them grow, Ogras said.


    So whats the problem then? Zac asked. I already have E-Grade defensive gear and an E-Grade Spirit Tool Weapon.


    Yes, but both are at low stage, Ogras snorted. Made for Peak F-Grade warriors and the recently evolved. But what if someone takes out a peak E-Grade defensive treasure to block your attack, then a peak E-Grade offensive array to attack you. Mind you, the <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> you threw at the Technocrat monstrosity was a High E-Grade item, not peak.


    Zac frowned, finally understanding what Ogras was getting at. If some rich guy snatched the soul healing treasure out from under his nose it was also possible that he brought some extremely strong defenses, since he was already wealthy.


    How is that fair? Zac muttered with annoyance. So some rich guy can just rip through the tower with the help of his familys wealth? Just throw out thousands of offensive arrays at everything around him?


    Having a rich family or strong friends is a strength in of itself, Ogras smiled. The Multiverse was never fair, and neither is the Ruthless Heavens. Just look at yourself with all your Progenitor titles or the other Earthlings with their Tutorial title, how is that fair? But the tower tests potential in the end, and external strength gets more and more restricted the further up the tower you progress.


    But those restrictions dont apply to the town outside? Zac asked, understanding what the demon was getting at.


    Exactly, Ogras nodded. Thats why theres so little violence outside apart from the asional vige idiot who doesnt understand the immensity of the heavens and earth. No one knows what hidden tricks the other people are carrying around. Starting a fight might kill you, even if youre the young master of arge n.


    "Okay, you''ve sold me," Zac finally said with a nod. "We''re heading to the tower as soon as we''re ready. I just want to reach the peak of E-Grade in my second ss to get the quests, and we need to figure out the Dao Funnel as well."


    "Agreed," Ogras nodded. "But we''re truthfully running out of time. We can only dy these hordes frompleting the Terraforming Array for so long. We will probably need a week or two in the tower to aplish all our goals, so we can''t just go at thest minute either."


    "I know," Zac sighed, all too aware of the constraint of times.


    Where was the peak quality Clone Technique when he needed it? Splitting up into ten people to hit all his targets at once would make his life so much easier. But he knew he was stuck in the middle of the wilderness for the time being, so he could only make the most of it.


    Since Zac had figured out his next steps there was nothing much else to do. He asked his sister to pause on the Technocrat research, and instead double down on the Dao Funnel. Meanwhile the two returned to switching between pondering on the Dao while riding in one of the cars and keeping watch for enemies.


    But Zacs mind was unable to properly calm down, and his brain was constantly churning in an effort to solve all the various issues that gued him and his people.


    On the sixth day since setting out Zac was making some small talk with a couple of the Valkyries and John, the American expat he once met outside Eastern Hills. John had initially been a bit awkward around Zac after reuniting, even apologizing for trying to recruit him into his small zombie hunting party back when Zac went under the alias David. But he soon calmed down after seeing that Zac didn''t carry himself like some Emperor or ruthless warlord.


    It was a nice break to just hang around a bit. He needed a break from constantly running back and forth to make sure the world wasn''t ending. But his a small spike of danger suddenly appeared in his mind, and Zac instinctively looked in the distance, trying to find the source of the feeling. The Valkyries looked at him in confusion, proving that they hadnt noticed anything amiss.


    Is something wrong? Jenna, one of the Valkyries, asked.


    Its nothing, Zac said with a shake of his head. Thought I heard something. Ill check it out just in case.


    Do you need us toe with? another Valkyrie asked with a frown.


    No, thats okay, Zac smiled. Ill be back in a few minutes.


    With that he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, disappearing in a sh. He quickly moved toward a small hill in the distance, each step moving him dozens of meters forward.


    When he saw the person on the other side of the hill his eyes widened in rm as a storm of leaves erupted around him. His axe had already appeared in his hand as Zac was mentally preparing for a fight for his life.


    It was a Zhix warrior who was sitting on a chair, clearly waiting for him. Zac instantly knew the insectoid was bad news because he waspletely unable to sense it even the thing it sat just ten meters away from him, leisurely inspecting him with interest. It was just like with his meeting with Inevitability, though this clearly wasnt the same person. This Zhix looked older, and it emitted a cultured aura.


    There were no weapons that Zac could see, but that didn''t mean he was unarmed. He was wearing a robe that was a bit simr to Zac''s own get-up that he got from Yrial, but the Zhix''s went in a maroon hue. It made the insectoid emit a slightly sinister aura even though its otherwise refined appearance.


    Do not worry, I am not here to fight you. I am not as prone to violence as my daughter, the Zhix smiled. Our meeting was long overdue, so I thought we should have a chat.


    Voids Disciple? Zac said as he kept his distance, not daring to sit down in the empty seat.


    So cautious. Well, it makes sense after your meeting with my child, he smiled.


    Daughter? Zac couldnt help himself from confirming since that wasnt nomenture that should exist among the Zhix.


    Well, thats how I see those two. They were thest survivors of a branch that was almostpletely eradicated during the War of Emancipation. I raised them from ignorant children scurrying in the darkness to great warriors in service of our Lord. I am not sure if they see me as a father though, the Zhix smiled. I only learned the name for it after arriving here, since we have diverged from the old to embrace the new.


    So, what do you want? Zac asked instead of delving further into Zhix pronouns or genealogy.


    I havee to talk to you about the Undead Empire, Voids Disciple simply said.


    I guess you want me to take care of them for you so that you dont get your boss in trouble? Zac snorted, not bothering to hide his disdain.


    Did Salvation tell you? the Zhix asked with a shake of his head. Its an embarrassing story that one. He somehow found the inheritance that the Lord left for us. Unfortunately my ancestors underestimated the power of the Zhix legions, causing us to lose the war. Our Holynd was lost as well, and along with it much knowledge.


    And youre not here for revenge? Zac said with suspicion.


    No, his talent was high but his mind was already broken before he found the opportunity. He mixed up our grand undertaking with the religion of your old world, making him inadvertently work against his own master, Void said with disdain. Perhaps him joining his so-called Unity was the greatest oue.


    In any case, does my reasoning matter why I want to assist you? You have your path to follow, as do I. I can see it in your eyes and through your actions. You carry the hopes of your people on your shoulders, and only you have the strength to fulfill those dreams. You are nothing like that crafty little beastman who cares more about profits and image than his people, Void said. He is currently working toward getting his hands on a teleportation token rather than fighting the invaders.


    Zac stared at Voids Disciple for a few seconds, not sure what to say. Honestly, what he was saying was true. He knew he had to close the Undead Incursion as soon as possible, even if it helped the Dominators as well. The alternative was to let the whole get terraformed, and that was not something he would allow no matter what.


    I met with the Lich controlling the undead incursion not long ago, Void suddenly added, making Zacs eyes widen in shock. He is quite strong. Taking him down will not be easy.


    Were aware, Zac tersely said.


    Im sure, the Zhix smiled. But are you aware that the array they are building is already functional?"

 Chapter 362: Time Pressure

    Chapter 362: Time Pressure


    What? Zac couldnt help but blurt out. Impossible, the array is far from finished.


    It doesnt need to be finished to work, but it will charge much faster if it is, Voids Disciple said.


    Changing the alignment of a whole is an enormous undertaking for people at our level, so all hope is not yet lost, Void continued, throwing over a crystal. The information is there. I guess that you have between one month and two to take the undead down. When the process starts you have a week at best to stop it before the damage bes irrevocable.


    And you expect me to believe you will stand down and let the Undead go through with the transformation? Zac asked. That would ruin your lords ns as well.


    If the undead seed we will stay as long as possible, and hopefully our Lord will take mercy on us and pick us up. If not, then thats our fate, Void said with equanimity as he stood up. We will not be the source of causing new enmities for our Lord, especially not with a force like the Undead Empire. We are not the only seeds as you are no doubt aware of.


    Zacs thoughts shed to the Medhin Royals, immediately understanding what he was referring to. There were at least two worlds that The Great Redeemer had nted his seeds of Karma on, and perhaps there were many more of them. It was both a relief and troubling that The Great Redeemer didn''t ce all his bets on this alone, because that meant that he might still manage to evolve to C-Grade even if Zac saved Earth. Forming a grudge with a C-Grade Hegemon would result in all kinds of trouble.


    And when do you expect your boss toe and pick you up? Zac asked though he wasnt really expecting a truthful answer.


    Some mysteries are best left unanswered, the Zhix smiled, confirming Zacs guess.


    Zac tried to figure out what other information he could try to weasel out of the insectoid now that they stood face to face, but he was dragged out of his musings to once again get ready for battle when he saw the Zhix move. Energy churned around Zac''s body and he was ready to unleash everything he got at moments notice.


    Ive said what needed to be said. The rest will depend on you, Voids Disciple said as he calmly looked at Zac. Of course, if you want youre wee to try your hand against me. Killing me will solve one threat to your instantly. My children are strong, but they are not able to rein in their bloodthirst. Their carnage would sooner orter result in their demise.


    So how about it? Voids Disciple his eyes even showing some anticipation as the space behind him shuddered.


    The next moment it looked like a window to the cosmos appeared behind the Zhix.


    Zac squeezed the handle of his axe, a pearl of sweat running down his forehead. This truly was an opportunity that was hard toe by. They still had no idea where Voids Disciple hid, and they didnt have any special sight like Abbot Evesting Peace to track him down again if he disappeared now. The Dominators had been elusive since the integration, only appearing when they wanted.


    But as much as he hated to admit it, Zac was afraid. The fight with the Cyborg had utterly crushed his sense of invulnerability, and he wasnt ready to take on the Dominators. Especially not Voids Disciple, who felt like a farrger threat than Inevitability and Harbinger, even if those two had passed Voids Disciple in levels after the hunt.


    Zac eventually he lowered his axe, and silently shook his head slightly.


    "Another time then," the Zhixughed as he threw something at Zac. "I will not assist you directly, but you emerging victorious against the Lich King would be in my best interest, so I will help out a bit. This array is specifically designed to interrupt the arrays in the Lich King''s castle, though the effect will onlyst for a second or two. Perhaps it will create an opportunity."


    "Is this why you visited him earlier?" Zac asked with a frown as he looked down at the ck crystal in his hand.


    He was unsure whether to trust the Zhix, but he couldn''t find any reason he would lie at this juncture. The best thing for Void would truly be if Zac won, at which point the Dominator could simply stay hidden until his boss arrived and culled the. The Zhix didn''t answer the question, and he only smiled as he turned around to walk into the cosmos he had opened a door into.


    But Zac wasnt ready to just let him go. The whole meeting had been on the Dominators terms, and Zac only knew what Voids Disciple wanted him to know. He needed to get something more out of him, and his mind immediately turned to one matter that so far eluded them.


    I thought you wanted to talk about the Mystic Realm since you came all this way, Zac said, throwing out a hook open for interpretation.


    The Zhix immediately stopped in its tracks, and a monstrous aura rife with killing intent nketed the whole area in an instant. It was far beyond what he encountered when fighting Inevitability, and Zac unhesitantly activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> since he was afraid he would get instantly killed if he didnt go all-out from the start.


    But the aura disappeared as quickly as it came, and the Zhix took a deep breath before looking into Zacs eyes.


    The item that is being birthed has no fate with you. Only death awaits if you enter the battle for that thing, even if you are our fated fulcrum. The same goes for the Church and even the Undead Empire. That thing can only go to our Lord, he tersely said, before entering the cosmos and disappearing.


    Zac stared at the spot where Zoids Disciple disappeared for a few seconds before he took a deep breath to steady himself. The aura Voids Disciple released was shocking, but Zac was ecstatic with the result of dangling that bait.


    The fact that Voids Disciple would stop at nothing to gain the treasure of the Mystic Realm, but was willing to let the Undead Empire terraform Earth, was an extremely important revtion. He wasnt exactly sure what to do with the information just yet, but it was a great clue on how to proceed in their war against The Great Redeemer.


    The Zhixs outburst also gave Zac a decent approximation of the power of Voids Disciple. The aura had dwarfed his own, even after he had activated his boost. That meant his attributes were clearly superior. Furthermore, his killing intent was also extremely dense which meant he was a seasoned warrior rather than someone who had gained his power by hiding and a cave and cultivating.


    He needed to be stronger.


    Is everything alright, Lord Atwood? one of the Valkyries asked when he returned.


    It was nothing after all, Zac said as he forced out a smile, trying to hide the bacsh from activating his skill.


    The next day Zac kept an extremely vignt watch of the surroundings, but neither Voids Disciple nor any Zhix horde could be found in the vicinity. He still didnt know what to believe about what Void said, but Zac leaned toward him telling the truth.


    The fact that the array was already working was extremely troubling. Zac thought that the Terraforming would be indefinitely put on hold as long as Thea''s army kept one of the three main hordes from moving. But it turned out that their sacrifices were only dying the inevitable.


    Zac didnt want to take any chances, so he gave himself a four-week time limit before he would have to assault the core of the Dead Zone. He desperately needed to make himself and his people stronger in that short while.


    The simplest solution was for himself and Ogras evolving, but they werent the only ones who could change the course of the battle. Unfortunately it turned out that neither Janos or Ilvere were able to evolve at the moment,cking the qualifications to upgrade their sses. Zac could only hope that the merits they gained through the past battles would be enough to change that.


    Having to guide this the slow convoy was also starting to get on Zacs nerves, and he even went so far as to change to his undead ss to hunt any beasts within wide swathes of the army. He couldnt waste any time and wanted to boost his second ss to level 75 as well before trying out for the tower. That way he would get the most out of his only attempt, as he wouldnt be able to go again like Ogras.


    Another issue that made Zac worry was the constant anger in his chest since he arrived at the battle to see his people getting cut down. He was still able to control or push it down, but it had be a permanent presence in his mind. Now that Void''s Disciple had exposed the looming threat of the massive array it only got worse.


    Being angry in of itself wasnt the problem, the real issue was that he was being manipted. He had been consumed by anger in the fight earlier, which was what allowed his skill to evolve. But his rage seemed to have loosened the restrictions on the Splinter of Oblivion, and its wicked energies were constantly seeping into his mind.


    However, the change didnt onlye with negatives. He had already learned that the funnel that the Draugrdy set up in his mind did not only let the energy from the splinter out, but it also refined it somehow. Until now he hadnt really understood the effect of having the mysterious energy enter his mind, but he finally understood what it did.


    It was making his soul stronger.


    It was hard to pinpoint exactly what that meant, but he knew that his spirit was more substantialpared to before. It felt like he would be able to endure using his Dao Seeds for longer, and even his Dao Fields had be slightly more intense.


    But Zac was worried even though the boost was a wee addition now that he was scrambling for all ways to make himself stronger. His mental resilience was quite strong, but the effect of the Splinter just kept increasing. What would happen within the next few years, how long would it be until he turned into Anzonils disciple, slowly bing insane?


    He needed to find some solution, hopefully one that would be able to keep the benefits while dealing with the unwanted side effects. He wasnt able to cultivate, but perhaps there were ways to improve ones mind that worked simrly, something like meditation manuals.


    Zac soon enough returned to the car to ponder on the Dao, but he couldn''t calm his mind down enough to enter a meditative state. He kept twisting back and forth before interrupting the Ogras'' meditation to discuss various strategies.


    The demon had been shocked to learn about the meeting with Void''s Disciple, but his analysis of the information was the same as Zac''s. It would be foolish to not operate under the assumption that what the Dominator said was true. But the demon took the situation more in stride, simply saying that the situation didn''t change much and that there was not much that they could do while they were stuck in the middle of nowhere.


    You might as well go ahead, you acting like this is stressing me out, the demon finally said in exasperation after being interrupted for the fifth time. The army will take almost another week until its back. Use that time to close the incursions in the Underworld or something. I cant help with those anyway, so I will stay behind to protect the convoy.


    They might be waiting for me to leave though, Zac hesitantly said.


    Just go undercover, use your undead form and face changing or something, Ogras said with a shrug. Well pretend youre still around. Besides, we havent seen any undead activity in a week and were far outside the area of the array theyre making. It''s a risk, but we need to take some risks at this point.


    Zac was hesitant to leave his people at this juncture, but he did feel more confident if the demon stayed behind. Zac had seen the power he was able to unleash, especially after the inheritance. The demon was far stronger todaypared to when fighting the Beast waves. Only the appearance of a general would be a match for him if he went all out.


    And it was like Ogras said, they were so far away from the Undead Incursion by now. And if Void''s Disciple wanted to kill the people here he could have already done so by himself. It was unlikely that Zac would be able to stop him at all as things stood.


    Ill take onest look to make sure no one is trailing us before I leave, Zac finally said. "I''m counting on you to keep our people and my sister safe."

 Chapter 363: Stasis

    Chapter 363: Stasis


    Zac stepped through the Port Atwood teleporter and immediately rushed toward the government buildings. After he left under the guise of darkness he had been rushing without sleep for almost three days. Without adjusting his speed to the slow-moving army he was able to cover ground quite a bit faster, but he did take a circuitous route to keep a lookout for any threats lurking ahead of the army.


    Luckily there was nothing apart from the asional beast pack, nothing that would prove to be more than a small training excursion for the Port Atwood army by this point. His relief over the fact that his people were out of the woods was unfortunately overshadowed by the constant worry over whether he would find Alea waiting for him or if he would find a gravestone with her name on it.


    She is alive, Adran immediately said when he saw Zac enter his office. Calrin and the Tal-dar Healer has moved her to the valley with the Tree of Ascension. The energy is denser over there and the tree seems to bring herfort.


    Anything important thats happened since I was gone? Zac asked.


    Nothing major that cant wait, Adran said with a shake of his head, allowing Zac to head out without worries.


    He immediately set out for the restricted area containing the valley hidden between the four mountain peaks. It had been a while since hest was here, and the area hadrgely recovered from being drained of energy then poisoned during the battle for the Fruit of Ascension. New vegetation was sprouting up everywhere, though Zac was a bit confused when he looked at them.


    It almost felt as though Zac was having a hallucination as he walked among the unfamiliar flora. The nts and trees were not of species he had seen before, most of them donning various bright colors. The only answer Zac could find was that the poisoned Tree of Ascension had caused a chain of mutations in the area, making the vegetation toxic.


    Soon enough he reached the core of the valley and immediately spotted the Sky Gnome fiddling with a Divine Crystal next to a ss disy while Tylia stood next to him. Zac''s heart was gripped by fear when he saw the unmoving form of Alea inside the ss case, making it seem like a coffin. But he breathed out when he noticed her taking slow breaths, and immediately walked over to Calrin''s side.


    How is she? Zac asked after greeting the two.


    She is stable for now, Tylia said as she looked down at Alea. I''m afraid we couldn''t find a solution to her fractured soul though.


    This is a Stasis Array, Calrin exined when he noticed Zac''s confusion. It is used to keep mortally wounded people alive. But it doesntpletely stop the wound from worsening.


    How long does she have? Zac asked with a sour feeling.


    Five years at the most, Tylia said after some consideration. But the faster you find a solution the better. If you wait too long there will be repercussions even if her soul is healed.


    Like how? Zac asked with a frown.


    Lost memories or crippled cultivation, Tylia sighed.


    Zac silently digested the information, trying to figure out what to do. His back-up n was to get the soul-mending fruit from Yrial if he couldnt heal her any quicker, but it looked like that option was out. Alea would be long dead before he could ess the Inheritance Trial again.


    How confident are you of getting your hands on an item that can heal her? Zac asked Calrin who stood to the side.


    Im sorry, but there is no chance, Calrin said with a shake of his head. I only have ess to a few merchants, and I only have the lowest ess to their wares. On top of that, there are the restrictions put in ce by the System. Even if I manage to expand our business enough to have a monopoly of allmerce on this I wont get enough credits to get ess to people who can provide those types of pills or treasures.


    So it''s impossible to find a solution on Earth? Zac said with disappointment.


    Ogras put forward the possibility of finding a cure in the Tower of Eternity, but Zac had hoped that the problem would be solved before that. It would allow him to climb the tower without worries, but it truly looked like there was no better option at this moment.


    Well There are a few ways. You might find one in the Tower, the Sky Gnome said, echoing Ogras idea. Or if you manage to travel to an established Empire. Perhaps you can find an alchemist who can concoct such a pill there. But there is also the issue of cost in the short term.


    Cost? Zac asked.


    It cost 25 million Nexus Coins a month to keep this array going, the Sky Gnome exined. It continuously uses Divine Crystals and E-Grade Nexus Crystals.


    Ill pay for it, Zac said without hesitation.


    It was a steep price that might bankrupt most forces on Earth, but Zac didnt care. Just the Beast Crystal mine alone was worth more than keeping the array running for a decade. And he would just keep getting wealthier as time passed. Besides, now was not the time to get stuck on trifling sums of money.


    Is there anything else we can do to improve her state? What about the Tree? Zac asked, remembering Adrans words.


    We are not sure the reason for this, the Tal-dar hesitantly said. Normally ones constitution and soul are two separate aspects. But the tree seems to be helping her somehow. I am not sure about her ss, but staying close to it seems to have a positive effect on her. But it is not to the point that it actually heals her.


    She is working on gaining a poison constitution, Zac said. "Can that have something to do with it?"


    It was a bit of a secret, but he didnt want to hold any important information back if it might help heal her. Tylia looked a bit surprised, but not overly so.


    Gaining a constitution without having a natural aptitude is extremely hard, she said. She must have had a lucky encounter that allowed her to take the first step at all.


    Would it help if I got something that mightplete the process? Zac asked.


    No idea, this is far beyond my knowledge. But you should know that treasures that would allow you to gain a special constitution or bloodline are even rarer than soul-mending treasures, Tylia said. My work here is done. The young human and I are no longer needed, the array is doing the same thing we did, but better. If it is alright with you Ill return to the side of Lady Verana.


    Zac nodded with a frown hearing that it might not work, but it was still worth trying in his opinion. Those kinds of treasures might be rare, but what Tylia didnt know was that Zac might have just the thing in his possession.


    That is okay, Zac nodded I am thankful for your help, I will remember it.


    If you want to help the TirEmarel you just need to provide us with some of those beast crystals of yours, Tylia smiled as she walked away toward the exit of the valley.


    The Sky Gnome perked up when he heard the mention of crystals and he looked at the receding form of the healer before his eyes locked onto Zac with an enamored shimmer.


    Dont look at me like that, it gives me the creeps, Zac snorted and threw out a Beast Crystal. I found a mine full of these in the Underworld. Keep it between ourselves.


    Good quality, Calrin whistled as he went over it. Are you keeping or selling?


    I am low on cash at the moment. I am thinking of selling off most of these to have enough money to buy a soul-healing treasure for Alea, Zac said. Would you be able to sell them within a week. Roughly 2 billion Nexus Coins worth.


    No problem, Beast Crystals are always in demand. If I only have a week youll lose a few percents though. But all that money... I am sorry to sound callous, but is it truly worth it? the Sky Gnome said. You should know, cultivating as a mortal is to burn insane amounts of money. If you spend everything on your subordinates you might find yourself stuck sooner orter.


    Its worth it. She has saved my life on multiple asions, how can I not spend some money to help her back? Besides, dont I have you to recoup my losses? Zac said with a smile. Speaking of that, how much have you earnedtely? Its been some time since thest payout.


    The Sky Gnome looked a bit queasy when speaking about paying dividends, but he sighed after throwing the sleeping poison mistress a nce.


    Our ie has been quite impressivetely, Calrin said. You have roughly 1.6 Billion Nexus Coins in Thayer Consortias books. You shouldnt expect this kind of ie for a while though. We have made extraordinary profits by unloading our mountains of gear all across the and looting the towns left by the Invaders.


    That is amazing work, Zac said, shocked by the number.


    He would have thought that the sky gnome would have been able to gather a few hundred million Nexus Coins at most, but Calrin had clearly been able to umte massive wealth from the Incursions they closed above ground. The Sky Gnome had been in charge of gathering everything of value in those ces since Zked the man-power to do it himself at the moment.


    Thats not all. Your actual wealth is far higher. I took over management of the stores in the underworld, but most of the mines, towns, and hidden wealth went to you, the Sky Gnome continued. I believe you would be able to gain at least a billion Nexus Coins if we just sold all the stocked-up metals to the System. And finally, there are the town coffers of Port Atwood.


    How much do I have there? Zac asked curiously.


    No idea, Calrin said with some annoyance. The floating eye controls those assets, and shes keeping me at bay.


    Zac nodded in understanding, pleasantly surprised by the situation. He had felt like a pauper after handing over most of his Nexus Coins to keep Alea Stable, but his assets were quite a bit above his expectation.


    Between the Consortia, His underworld Assets, and the Beast Crystal mine he was almost at 5 billion Nexus Coin in liquid assets. It was a huge amount of wealth for someone in the F-Grade, and it should be enough to buy a high-grade Soul Mending Treasure with money to spare. Just hearing that number was like having a weight lifting from his shoulders, but the funds were only half the problem.


    He actually needed to find a treasure to buy as well, and there were no guarantees he would find it when visiting the Tower of Eternity. So he needed some back-up ns as well.


    Have you heard of the <strong>[Primordial Breath Amanita]</strong>? Zac asked.


    Huh? Amanita? A mushroom? the Sky Gnome muttered with a slight frown before taking out a huge book from his Cosmos Sack. Lets see.


    It was one of the binders he had used to identify the treasures Zac brought with him from the hunt, and this one seemed to be centered on various subterranean treasures.


    Here it is, Primordial Breath Amanita. A treasure that can help evolve bloodlines and constitutions. Extremely poisonous to ingest without proper preparation, but it releases a harmless gas that gives some of its benefits. Very beneficial to nt in Cultivation Chambers, Calrin read out loud before looking up at Zac. You found one of these things?


    Zac simply nodded in response.


    Its a low tiered D-Grade treasure, just like this tree and the lotus you asked about some time ago, Calrin said. News are simply a breeding-ground for miraculous treasures. These things usually take thousands of years to reach maturity.


    Do you think we can feed that thing to Alea? Zac asked.


    No way, we would need a skilled alchemist and the knowledge to prepare it, the Sky Gnome unhesitantly said. But we could nt it in the area.


    Wouldnt it sh with the Tree of Ascension? Zac asked.


    We would need to nt it in the underground, the gnome nodded. If we go deep enough it should be okay. From there well create a chimney to release the gas it emits around here, allowing the girl to benefit from it.


    Zacs eyes lit up, and he felt it was a feasible idea. He would even be able to create a secondary outlet leading to his own cultivation cave if he nned everything correctly, making his hidden cave even more magical. He didnt have any bloodline or constitution as far as he knew, but that might simply be due to ignorance. His mom obviously wasnt a simple character, and having a bloodline wouldn''t be anything surprising.


    Can you handle that? Zac asked as he took out therge box containing the mushroom. Discreetly, of course.


    No problem, Calrin said. Ill have it ready in a few days. But if you decide to harvest it, remember to sell it at ol'' Calrin''s, ok?


    Thank you. Im heading to the Underworld for a week, Zac said as he gave the sleeping Alea a final look. Its about time I get to work again.

 Chapter 364: Crusade

    Chapter 364: Crusade


    Zac was back in New London soon enough after changing back to his Mr. ck persona, and he was relieved that nothing too rming happened while he was gone. The two incursions who previously traded with the Union had begun raiding settlements in the area, but Zac was already about to deal with them in any case.


    Verana and her Beast Masters didnt need a lot of prodding as most of them were bored from staying put in New London or taking stock of the various properties that were previously owned by the Union. They got ready for war in less than an hour after hearing that they were going to battle with the Abyssal Demons. Zac knew that closing the Incursion of an elite Demonkin species would likely count as a great achievement for their people, and eagerness could be seen on their faces as they streamed toward the teleporter.


    The demons who Zac initially brought to the Underworld still hadnt entered the real Underworld due to the presence of the Abyssal Demons. Some of them had stood ready in the hidden cave beneath the Underworld Nexus, whereas others had helped Mr. Trang in scouting out the massive continent above. Those who had been stuck in the darkness for weeks were all to happy when Zac instructed them to secure the Technocrat Incursion as soon as possible. He only had time for a quick sweep after the fight, and there might be more things of value in the area.


    Six hourster Zac and his punitive army stood some distance from the demon Incursion. They had long been spotted by some flying bat-thing, which apparently was the demon version of a drone ording to Verana, and the demons were waiting for them. There was no way that they would manage to sneak attack these guys.


    The Abyssal Demons had built a decent-sized city in the open Underworld, which formed a half-circle against a mountain wall. Zac couldn''t really see, but he suspected the demons had dug into the wall for resources, asrge plumes of smoke rose from the back of the town, indicating there might be furnaces or some other sort of industry there.


    The town itself was covered in a reddish glow from an Array, and it seemed quite sturdy. Billy was not avable this time, so Zac turned to Verana for ideas on how to get int. He would no doubt be able to crack it open with <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>, but he wanted to fight in his undead form.


    Grub can probably cause a crack in the array, which would allow you to sneak inside. But he would get killed even before he got close, Verana said with hesitation.


    I can protect him, Zac said as he looked over at the wall in the distance. Unless they have someone over level 100 my shield will hold.


    Okay, so jump on board, Verana smiled as Grub appeared out of nowhere, and the furry beast quickly grew to its real size.


    Zac had already learned that most Beast Masters could keep their pets in some sort of stasis in their bodies. However, the tamed beasts couldn''t cultivate while in stasis, so most of the time they were kept in the open. It did however allow them to conjure their pets in the middle of the fight, surprising the enemy.


    Slither woke up from its nap on Verana''s shoulder, and it started to rapidly grow as well. It ballooned into a terrifying beast reaching over thirty meters in length. Even Zacs hair stood on end when he saw the transformation, but he quickly jumped on top of Grubs head and took out his recement shield. It was nowhere near as good as therge tower shield he found in the hunt, but it would allow him to activate his skills.


    Zac nodded down at Verana who raised a thin sword.


    When Grub saw his masters signal he opened his impossiblyrge maw and emitted a resounding bellow before it mmed its mouth shut, releasing a shockwave by the collision of itsrge bs for teeth.


    It started rushing forward with a speed that belied its short stubby legs, and the army behind started to follow as soon as there was afortable distance. Hundreds of purple fireballs rose from the demon town to meet the charge, and Zac quickly summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and expanded it to itsrgest possible size.


    Even then it wasnt enough to properly protect the huge beast, so Zac infused the shield with the Seed of Sanctuary to make it evenrger. However, Grub wasntpletely helpless himself, and he deftly dodged quite a few of the attacks to lessen Zacs burden.


    The next moment Zacs vision swam, and he suddenly found himself looking around in confusion. His surroundings had changed, but he quickly realized that he was right above the expansive town. Grub had somehow teleported, just like when the two fought the first time he met Verana, and it started to descend with amazing momentum.


    Zac quickly readjusted his shield as he unleashed his Dao Field rife with Heaviness. He wasnt able to infuse therge beast directly, so he could only slightly increase their momentum with the help of his Dao.


    Grub didnt need much help though as hended like a furry meteor on the shield, and it immediately cracked to let the two through. Unfortunately, the array seemed to have impressive healing capabilities, and the damage had almostpletely healed by the time theynded with a tremendous crash that toppled a dozen buildings around them.


    Zac quickly activated <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> as he looked around for the control crystal that supported the Defensive Array. Destroying the control crystal wouldnt destroy the whole array, but it would no longer be supplied with energy. From there Verana and the others should be able to quickly whittle down the array to gain entry to the town. That meant that Zac and Grub were isted inside the town for now, but he wasn''t too worried about it.


    He soon spotted amand tform with an enormous Abyssal Demon wielding a jagged two-hand sword on his back. To his side there were two skinny, for the massive Abyssal Demons, demons who stood in front of arge crimson crystal, continuously infusing it with power. A third demon was quicky exchanging a handful of crystals to replenish the lost energy from Grubs descent.


    Zac prodded therge beast, and it immediately understood what Zac wanted to do. Unfortunately it seemed it was unable to teleport once again in such short session. With ack of better options it started to rush straight ahead with undeniable momentum. The beast also started mming its teeth to cause massive shockwaves that spread like waves of destruction toward the demons who hurriedly got down from the wall to form a new defensive line.


    Dozens of attacks soared toward the charging beast, but Zac immediately activated <strong>[Immutable Bulwark</strong>] once more to erect a shimmering wall covering the two from all directions, effectively turning Grub into a fortified bulldozer.


    Screams and wails echoed across the battlefield as Grubs attacks and <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> started to cause mayhem, but a sudden sense of danger made Zac immediately perk up and infuse himself with the Dao of Hardness. His eyes immediately found the demon leader who had gripped his sword and swung it in a massive arc that seemed to make the air itself crackle.


    Zacs eyes widened and he immediately changed his tactic to infuse his bulwark with the Dao of Hardness instead of Sanctuary. It shrunk the shield considerably, leaving Grubs nks open, but it significantly increased the sturdiness of the shield.


    A tremendous arc of pure power shot out from the demon lords sword, and it ripped through the air with terrifying momentum. Even buildings were cut in two and crushed from the residual shockwave as it sped toward them, but Zac was ready to intercept the strike with his skill.


    The whole town shuddered when the de of energy mmed into Zacs bulwark, and he immediately lost a surprisinglyrge chunk of Miasma. But Zac breathed out in relief when he realized the power of the swing was well within his limits, and the bulwark wouldn''t crack like when he fought the Cyborg.


    However, the next second arge wound appeared across his chest, and the ck ichor in his body started to freely flow down his chest. Even Grub received a nasty wound across its side, and he bellowed in pain as he red around in all directions to find who hurt him. Zacs eyes met the Demon Lords in the distance, and he immediately changed strategy. It wouldnt be so easy to charge the tform like this.


    Big guy, head toward the gate and blow it up, ok? Zac said to Grub beneath him and it bellowed in understanding.


    The Demon Lord kept shooting out his odd attacks, but Zac deftly controlled his defensive skill to swap between therge coverage and the smaller but sturdier one. But wounds still kept umting across their bodies, and Zac realized there was no way for him topletely block out the damage.


    Zac wasnt exactly sure what was going on, but he had a suspicion that the Demon Lord had something akin to a Seed of Pration that reached Peak Mastery at the least. Perhaps it was even a Fragment. Part of the attack simply side-stepped all his defenses, rendering them ineffectual.


    Luckily both Zac and Grub were extremely durable, so the beast made it to the gate without any life-threatening wounds. The gate turned into scrap metal with a tremendous crash as the beast rammed straight into it. The moment Zac saw that Grub was out in one piece he jumped off the beast and stomped his foot in the ground, and the next moment he disappeared.


    Zac immediately reappeared in front of the control crystal and stomped into the ground again before those around him could react, activating <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. The five towers rose out of the ground as the world turned monochromatic due to the influx of massive amounts of miasma into the area, the change was so sudden that Zac actually managed to kill one of the captains with a quick swing before the others had time to back away.


    The Demon Lord was clearly thergest threat, so the five spectral chains flew directly toward him in a bid to seal his dangerous attacks. But Zac barely had time to destroy the control crystal with <strong>[Hunger]</strong> before one of the chains was riddled with cracks. Zac frowned when he saw it, but he kept using three of the chains to upy the lord while he used the other two in quickly dealing with the remaining two mages who stood next to the crystal.


    A torrent of ck corrosive clouds also spread out across the field as Zac took deep breaths while he fought, and the clouds intermingled with the miasmic haze from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>. Screams of pain and rage already echoed across the cage as arge number of trapped soldiers started to get wounded by retaliatory strikes from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> when trying to escape the entrapment.


    The miasma inside Zac''s body surged as it kept dropping only to increase again due to the continuous cycle formed between <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>. However, he realized that he would run out of miasma soon enough, as it was overall quite costly to keep this many warriors trapped.


    But the Demon Lord didn''t give Zac any time to thin the number of enemies as he suddenly roared before he literally caught fire, and the congration around him pushed away all of Zacs attacks. The chains were unable to pass through the purple mes without quickly melting, and even the clouds from <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> were burnt to cinders as they got close.


    The demon sneered at Zac as he lifted his enormous sword toward the sky, and the next moment a hundred-meter version of that very sword appeared above the cage. The sword emitted a tremendous sharpness, and it reminded Zac of the time when he looked at the enormous axe in his Dao Vision.


    The sword ruthlessly stabbed into the fractal in the sky, and arge crack immediately appeared on one of the towers. A spectral demon appeared at the same moment, stabbing at the Demon Lord. However, the stab barely harmed the demon lord, and he onlyughed uproariously as he seemed to be consumed by battle lust.


    Zac wasnt as happy as a new wound had appeared on his back the moment the sword in the sky sabbed down on the shield he had created. It was the same as the earlier strikes, where part of the force went right through his defenses.


    But Zac wouldnt give in against something so minor. The Tal-dar had already broken through the town defense array since the control crystal was destroyed, and Zac spotted Verana riding her enormous snake outside, causing utter mayhem amongst the demonkin ranks.


    The fight outside was clearly pitched, as two of the demons outside had actually turned into 10-meter giants to curtail the snakes wanton destruction. The demons didnt seem deterred just because their leaders were locked inside <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> at all, and they unhesitantly threw themselves into the meat grinder while emitting guttural roars.


    Zac didnt have time to worry about that as he rushed toward the Demon Lord as he swung his sword with tremendous force. He had already changed the size of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>to that of a normal tower shield, allowing him to use the skill rather than his subpar recement shield to block the demons sword.


    The fires burned around him, and Zac was forced to continuously release Miasma from his body to not get burnt, but he wouldn''t let up as the two exchanged one brutal attack after another. Neither would back down a single step and both were more than happy to gain another wound if they could retaliate in kind.


    Eventually, Zac started to get the upper hand even though the Demon possessed surprising power and the mysterious ability to always cause some damage. Zac was simply too durable. The Abyssal Demon seemed to have some innate advantages due to his race, but it couldn''t match up the power of pure attributes.


    Zac suddenly saw an opening as he suddenly threw away his shield when the demon swung too wide due to exhaustion. Zac quickly grabbed the arm of his opponent and yanked it, making the demon stumble forward. The demon didn''t even have time to find his bnce before <strong>[Hunger]</strong> fell toward his neck with ruthless finality.


    Therge horned head of the Demon Lord thumped into the ground, and it was the sound symbolized the beginning of the end for the Abyssal Demons.

 Chapter 365: Lunatics

    Chapter 365: Lunatics


    Zac looked around the rubble, slightly shocked at the ferocity of the battle. Less than 20% of the Abyssal Demons had chosen to retreat and instead opted to fight with furious intensity against the Tal-dar attackers, even after their leader was decapitated. They were true berserkers, roaring on top of their lungs as they tried to rip him apart. But the Abyssal Demons were not the only ones who fought with reckless abandon.


    You people are lunatics, Zac muttered with a shake of his head.


    Verana, who was almostpletely drenched in blood, had a satisfied look on her face as she oversaw the looting of the town. Zac could understand her happiness since the fight could be considered a resounding win for the Tal-dar against the Demonkin. Verana had been a goddess of war, causing bloodshed wherever she went, making the battle turnpletely in their favor.


    After Verana quickly killed the two generals stuck outside Zac''s cage with the help of her snake and an offensive array the war was mostly turned into a ughter. It made a huge difference to have a powerhouse presiding over the battlefield. They could put their thumb on the scale, causing a massive reduction in casualties.


    Of course, none of that would have been possible without the help of Zac himself. He captured a good hundred elites along with the leader and two of his generals within <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, substantially weakening their defenses and causing chaos. While they were trying to get their leader out of the cage Verana and her beast masters could advance without any real resistance.


    Grudges built upon grudges, Verana said with a wry smile. The Boundless Heavens thrives on conflict as war forces us to get stronger or perish. You cannot fight it, so you might as well adapt to it.


    Zac sighed, feeling a bit hopeless at the prospect of living a life of constant strife. He was currently struggling because there were threats against his people in all directions, but was that all life was supposed to amount to? Putting out one fire after another while getting stronger. Was that truly the goal of cultivation?


    But Zac forced himself to snap out of his brooding as he bought a teleportation array and nodded at one of the Valkyries who immediately stepped through. A few hundred warriors stepped through the teleporter twenty minutester, and they looked wide-eyed at the utter destruction around them.


    It was the soldiers that worked for the Union, which technically made them his people. They had mostly kept up their previous duties, but they came in handy now. Zac wouldnt entrust them with any important tasks, but scouring the area for lingering threats or points of interest shouldnt be any problem for them.


    Zac simply sat down on top of a boulder to overlook it all as he restored his missing miasma. He also called for Harvath, the demon captain who had kept his squad in the hidden cave system beneath the Underworld Nexus until now. The demon had been in charge of clearing out the Technocrat Incursion, but it should be dealt with by now.


    The demon arrived soon enough, and he sighed deeply with conflicted emotions as he looked around at the rubble. Zac could understand his feelings, but he didn''t know what to say. The two walked over to a secluded spot, and Zac activated an array disk to shroud them from prying eyes.


    Is something the matter? the demon asked curiously when he saw Zacs actions.


    I need you to do something, but you cant let the Tal-dar catch on, Zac said.


    The demons eyes lit up, and he clearly had no moralpunctions about pulling a fast one on his new allies. Zac smiled when he saw Harvaths reaction and took out one of his Beast Crystals.


    This is? Harvath said with some hesitation as he inspected the crystal.


    Its a Beast Crystal, an item for nurturing beasts. I found arge mine of these things. I want you to send a group of experienced people to clean out that whole ce for me. The mine is nowhere near as big as the Nexus Mine, so it should only take a few days for a strong crew, Zac said. The Tal-dar would be frothing at the mouth for these things, so dont let them follow you.


    Absolutely, Harvath immediately nodded.


    Zac wasnt sure exactly how the Tal-dar would react in regards to these crystals, so he chose to not take any risks with them. The crystals might be extremely valuable for the Tal-dar, but he knew that the invaders were extremely low on Nexus Coins since they werent able to bring it to Earth. And Zac needed the money now rather thanter.


    Extract the crystals as quickly as possible. I hope to use them to trade for a treasure to treat Alea within two weeks, Zac exined.


    The demons countenance immediately turned somber and he quickly memorized the path as Zac imparted it to him. Aleas situation had already spread among the demons, and they had almost exploded in rage. The poison mistress had proven herself for the demons, and many of them wanted to immediately rush out to fight the undead to the death when learning of the ambush that felled her.


    Zac knew that Harvath would perform the task with utmost efficiency after seeing his expression, so he nodded and let him immediately head out.


    What was that about? Verana said with a smile as she walked over.


    Just delegating a few minor tasks, Zac smiled back.


    The cleanup and reorganization took half a day, which was much faster than normal thanks to the help of the vast number of people in the Unions employ. It was only now that Zac truly realized that the people under hismand in the underworld was more than ten times that of his people on the surface.


    But Zac wasnt satisfied with only closing one of the remaining four incursions in the underworld, and he wanted to ride the momentum. He immediately ordered an assault on the human Incursion next, since he was afraid they had spies in the cities that would warn them what transpired here. He didnt want to give them too much time to prepare their defenses.


    The strength of the Abyssal Demon Incursion was higher than Zac expected, and he would categorize it as firmly in the mid-tier. He was afraid that all the incursions in the underworld were stronger than the norm, which was why he didn''t want to give them any heads-up.


    The army set out almost immediately, and they were joined by a squad of elite Demons as well now that they were able to show themselves. Smaug surprisingly enough requested to join the mission as well, and Zac figured that the man and his arrays woulde in handy.


    With the reinforcements to his ranks the battle went just as expected. It would normally be extremely strenuous and costly to assault the incursions that were ced insiderge town caves, but having Zac as the vanguard kept the whole army safe as he blocked out all the attacks from the invaders with the help of his bulwark.


    Any time Zac needed to move or rest for a second Smaug was there, throwing out a handful of balls that created extremely durable shields for a couple of seconds. Zac wasn''t sure how much money the man was burning during the battle, but if the man wanted to prove himself with the help of his wallet he was very wee to do so.


    It was better the guy spent some of his money than people losing their lives.


    The elites of Port Atwood swept through the whole underworld, and in just five days only the final Incursion remained; the Fire Golems. Zac kept pushing himself to his limit, trappingrger andrger groups in his Miasmic Cage in the engagements.


    The frantic battles were not without their gains. Each one of them had awarded Zac with a level, pushing him all the way to level 73 for his Undying Bulwark ss. It was nowhere near as good as the Technocrat Incursion, but he didnt get any quest that gave arge boost to the energy he gained. Besides, the final 5 levels were quite a bit harder to gain than the earlier ones.


    After having closed the Fishman Incursion Zac finally allowed himself to take a breather, so he informed Verana and Harvath that he would enter seclusion for two days. He needed to consolidate his gains from hisst fights. Besides, his people were wrung dry from fighting three incursions in short session.


    Fighting along with himself didnt help either. It had be painfully obvious that his Undying Bulwark ss was just as Yrial described it; made for a leader of the undead. His <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> was essentially poisoning the people fighting alongside him, though they werent affected by the attribute reduction like his enemies. Now that he had <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> as well he was almost as big a threat to his own people as his enemies.


    Luckily the people who joined him against the underworld incursions were among the strongest people in his force, so they werent too badly affected as long as they didn''t get too close to him during battle. But since they didnt have a lot of Vitality they needed a prolonged rest before they tackled the more threatening fire golems.


    Besides, Zac believed that his army would have returned by that point, providing him with morepetent fighters. So Zac returned to hispound on his ind, as that was where he had the easiest time to rx. The first thing he did was to go through his status screen to see how his progress was before he couldfortably evolve.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>73</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Epic] Undying Bulwark</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Peak, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sharpness - High, Seed of Hardness - High, Seed of Sanctuary - High, Seed of Rot - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>749 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>320 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>992 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>471 [Increase: 50%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>174 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>255 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>140 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 184 500 077</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had already put his free points into Strength, but he sighed when he saw the disparity between his Strength and Endurance. He had hoped to decrease the gap between the two attributes, as he did not want to identally pigeonhole himself into tank sses when he evolved.


    He would pass a thousand Endurance by the time he leveled up, while he wasnt sure hed ever get to that point with his Strength, even after evolving his Dao seeds and getting the Title from the tower. From how things looked he wouldn''t gain a lot of Strength from his final Dao Upgrades either.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Stage</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Effect</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Heaviness</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Strength +90, Endurance +25, Wisdom +5</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Sharpness</strong></td><td>


    <strong>High</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Strength +5, Dexterity +40, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +5</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Trees</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +20, Vitality +90, Intelligence +5, Wisdom +5</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Hardness</strong></td><td>


    <strong>High</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +50, Wisdom +10.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Sanctuary</strong></td><td>


    <strong>High</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +25, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +25.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Rot</strong></td><td>


    <strong>High</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +5, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +45.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    His Daos wereing along nicely, even though he hadnt evolved any of them from hisst three fights. He had however gained a few insights that he hoped he could turn into Peak Grade Dao Seeds without the help of hisst Dao Treasure. He wanted to save that thing for when they cracked open the Dao Funnel in a week or two.


    Closing the three incursions, unfortunately, didnt give him any Titles either, but he had made great strides in another department; his skills. The only skill for his undead ss that remained at Early mastery was <strong>[Indomitable]</strong>. <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> and even <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> reached middle mastery from the intense battles.


    His only idea to improve <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> was to fight enemies using mental attacks, but those didnt exist among the underworld Incursions. He kept it running constantly since his experience with the ambush that knocked him out, but it didn''t seem to improve the skill.


    He still hadn''t had a chance to experiment with the improved skills, but he had a feeling they would allow him to push the final two levels with greater ease. However, they did not make up for another ring problem that he found himself facing; he no longer had a shield.

 Chapter 366: Manufacturing A Fortuitous Encounter

    Chapter 366: Manufacturing A Fortuitous Encounter


    The Cyborg had utterly destroyed his shield with its final punch, and Zac didnt have any good recement. He had been using much weaker spare during the battles, and he realized that using a low-quality shield weakened his ss skills to a certain degree.


    This hadnt proved toorge a problem against the Incursions so far, but Zac was afraid that it would negatively impact him if he encountered a real threat like the Dominators or the natives in the Mystic Realm. He was already leaning toward the idea of his undead form focusing on dueling strong opponents, but that would prove difficult if he didnt have the equipment to match his power.


    Zac finally closed down his screens with a shake of his head before he closed his eyes. There was no point in worrying about his gear as things stood. He could only hope to either loot it somewhere or buy a better one when he visited the Tower. For now, he would rather focus on the things he could improve; the Dao.


    The demon leaders frenzied dework felt like the final clue that Zac needed to push his Seed of Sharpness to the peak. The demon was a true warrior, and his will to cut seemed to affect reality itself as every swing of his passed through all his defenses. It was this sharp and indomitable will that Zac wanted to incorporate into his Dao Seed since it felt perfect for his fighting style. It also reminded him of the axe-man, whose very being radiated an unquestionable faith in his axe, the surety that anything he wanted to cut would get cut.


    The hours passed and Zac didnt move a muscle, as he waspletely absorbed in searching for the truth to sharpness. Finally he reached some sort of tipping-point, and he sensed that his gains were sessful. The half of the axe fractal in his chest that contained his Seed of sharpness gained a burst of intensity, and he felt that the whole fractal was finally bnced.


    Both his Seeds of Heaviness and Sharpness were finally at the peak, meaning that the next step was to fuse them. Zac breathed out in relief as he opened his eyes. He was worried that the Splinter in his mind would ruin his attempt, but his mind was like a calm pond.


    The past day''s relentless battle seemed to have exhausted the negative emotions that umted from first seeing Alea get wounded and then meeting Void''s Disciple. It allowed him to think clearly for a bit and meditate withoutpses in focus.


    It felt like he hadtched onto a small clue on how to survive the continuous corruption from the splinter in his head. The Dao of Oblivion was the purest form of destruction, the end of everything. It seemed that adapting to that Dao through actions would lessen the negative effects to a certain degree.


    Shutting himself off from the world to find a calm center might actually have the opposite effect of what he desired, creating a constant conflict in his mind. If he was right he realized he was already self-medicating to a certain degree, since he was constantly fighting one enemy or another.


    There was also the issue of bnce. Even if it was true that fighting and killing helped him to get rid of the corrosion in his mind, he couldn''t just keep following his impulses to continuously ughter. He felt there was a real risk that he would end up like a murderous lunatic if that happened.


    Zac knew he would have to keep experimenting to figure out the best solution, but for now he had aplished his goal. A lot of his ns somewhat hinged at improving this seed to peak mastery. He wanted to utilize the Dao Funnel before he headed for the Tower of Eternity, and now he had a chance to actually form a Fragment if all went well.


    He had already realized that he most likely wouldnt be able to gain more than one Dao Fragment before entering the tower, and he already knew that gaining Dao Insights inside the tower itself was impossible without finding a treasure or having an epiphany.


    His Fragment of Death was especially far off, with both Rot and Hardness still being at High mastery. His Fragment of life was a bit closer along, with Seed of Trees already being at peak mastery.


    So Zac chose to focus on the Fragment of Axe, or whatever came before axe in that line of truths. A Fragment of Axe would hopefully increase his offensive power by a huge degree, which would allow him to climb much further in the Tower. The other two fragments might have great potential in the long run, but Zac was forced to look for quick powerups as things stood.


    Even if he didn''t manage to fuse his other two fragments before evolving it would still allow him to base his upgraded sses on the Fragment of Axe. From there his Hatchetman upgrade would hopefully be influenced by the life-attuned Dao seeds, and Undying Bulwark would rely on Rot and Hardness.


    Zac would certainly have preferred to gain all three fragments before evolving the sses, since he believed that would ultimately lead to better choices, perhaps even two Arcane sses. It would also follow the advice he gained from Yrial. But he was simply out of time, and the path he chose would hopefully at least provide him with two good Epic-Graded sses that would allow him to fight the Dominators and the Lich King.


    The old gamer inside him once again felt bad about not being able to grind for a few years extra to push all three Dao Fragments and his skills to the peak. The fact that he was forced to upgrade his ss before he had exhausted his potential was truly a waste.


    But such was life. There was no such thing as a perfect path in an imperfect world. Perhaps if he was the son of some great hegemon he''d be able to leisurely cultivate for a decade or two before he felt ready to Evolve. But if he did that now he''d probably condemn his whole since so much relied on him getting stronger quickly.


    Zac sighed and got up on his feet, immediately walking out of his courtyard. The sound ofughter could be heard from the distance, and Zac immediately shed over with relief flooding his heart. It was Ogras and Kenzie who sat by a patio table having a drink, probably having returned while Zac was meditating.


    "Oh, you''re out?" Ogras said as he looked up from the table, a ss of champagne in his hand.


    Kenzie sat opposite of him, one of the information crystals on arrays ced on the table in front of her. Seeing his sister again was like having a weight lifted from his shoulders. He knew that the risk for something happening to the army was small, but it had been a constant worry in the back of his mind since he went ahead of the others.


    "I''m d you''re okay. Did everything go as nned?" Zac asked as he sat down on one of the free chairs, grabbing one of the fruits on the table.


    "We came back twelve hours ago," Ogras nodded. "There was no activity worth mentioning. We were assaulted by a pretty massive wolf pack led by a few E-Grade Alphas, but it was dealt with easily since everyone was well rested by that point. If there''s one thing our people know by now, it''s how to kill wolves. More importantly, I''ve heard you''ve been busy?"


    Zac''s brows rose when he heard they had been back for so long. He quickly took out a watch from his cosmos sack and realized that he had been meditating for well over a day. It had only felt like an hour or two, but he would need to return back to the Underworld pretty soon.


    "I took care of the underworld Incursions," Zac exined. "I still have the me golems to deal with, but afterward I''ll be able to move the Union and Council armies to the surface to help with the situation with the undead. In fact, we can probably start sending people from the Union immediately."


    Ogras nodded in agreement.


    "The average warriors are better used for thinning out the zombies than fighting incursions. I''ll have someone gather up Union warriors with decent potential to bolster the numbers in our army," Ogras said.


    "How''s the study on the Dao Funnel going?" Zac asked.


    "I still can''t figure out how it was originally meant to be used. I think we''re missing half of the item, the one that would infuse the gathered energy into someone," Kenzie said.


    Zac was inclined to agree since the Great Redeemer would no doubt want to keep the collected Origin Dao for himself. It made no sense to leave the key to extract it on the where anyone could find it. He would rather keep it on his body.


    "But I have an idea," Kenzie said as she pointed at the crystal. "I think I can set up a certain array recorded in this thing that will help."


    "Oh?" Zac said as he leaned closer with interest.


    Ogras didn''t seem surprised as he leisurely kept drinking his liquor, so Zac guessed that his sister had already consulted the demon on this matter while they were on the road together.


    "I mentioned earlier that I can crack open the funnel, but I don''t know what would happen next. I still haven''t made much progress in that department. But I think I have found an array that will allow us to trap the Origin Dao for a while, allowing us to cultivate inside it for a much longer duration," Kenzie said. "It''s the best idea I coulde up with."


    "We never had any means to directly absorb the Origin Dao anyway, so I believe this is fine. It will depend on luck and fate how much we could gain from the experience," Ogras said from the side. Were essentially manufacturing a fortuitous encounter.


    "I agree," Zac nodded. "We are not in a position to research the funnel for decades. We''ll have to take the gamble. The issue is how many should be present."


    That was the crux of the matter. How much Origin Dao were actually collected inside the funnel? Salvation had in hundreds of thousands of people, but they had no idea how much Origin Dao that would trante into. It would be a problem if they gathered the whole army only to realize that the energy got so diluted it had almost no effect.


    The same could be said about the opposite. What if they found an ocean of Origin Dao inside when only a couple of people were present? It would be a huge waste if almost all of it dissipated and was wasted. Zac was painfully aware of the fact that they didn''t have enough powerful people to take charge of important matters. The Origin Dao might be the key to turn the Valkyries and some of the promising soldiers from elites into powerhouses.


    "We actually formted an idea about that on the way back," Kenzie said. "We make two or threeyers of arrays. If we notice the inneryer is too small, we''ll break it open to open up the Origin Dao to spread into a wider area where more people are waiting."


    Zac slowly mulled over the idea, feeling that it wasn''t too bad. It would be a shame for the people sitting in the outeryers if they never even got a whiff of the Origin Dao, but he also knew that they needed to ration the stuff if there wasn''t too much of it.


    "How long would it take for you to set everything up?" Zac asked.


    "We have already tasked Calrin to gather the items for the arrays. I think I will need a week or so to set everything up and make sure everything works," Kenzie said. "He also told us about Alea''s situation."


    Zac sighed when he heard his sister mention the poison mistress, but he simply nodded.


    "Don''t worry, aren''t you going to the Tower soon?" Kenzie said. "Alea might be back on her feet within a month!"


    "That''s true. And even if we don''t find what we need there, we still have a couple of years. If we can get the Nexus Hub to work we might be able to head to a real metropolis and hire a healer or alchemist," Ogras nodded.


    "That''s true," Zac smiled. "So what will you do until Kenzie has finished the array?"


    "I''ll help out against the undead," Ogras said. "I need to confirm a few things in battle before improving my Dao, and I wouldn''t be much use against the Fire Golems. I n to lead the army back to the Dead Zone tomorrow after they''ve had a day''s worth of rest and I''ve gathered the reinforcements."


    Zac felt a bit bad for the army who already needed to go back to the front lines when they just had returned. But this was a war for Earth''s future, he couldn''t be softhearted in such a situation. They needed to do everything in their power to slow down thepletion of the array as much as possible.


    "Good," Zac said as he stood up. "I''ll head down to the Underworld in an hour or two after making the rounds."


    "Be careful, those invaders seem pretty strong," Kenzie said with some worry.


    "I''ll be fine, I''ll see you in a couple of days," Zac smiled. "Those golems don''t know what''s about to hit them."

 Chapter 367: Playing the Part

    Chapter 367: ying the Part


    Zac was just nning to stretch his legs before sitting down to continue his meditation, but his first sessionsted much longer than he expected. So he could only give up on trying to improve his other Dao Seeds for now and headed toward the town proper. As he walked through the woods of his private domain he took the opportunity to take a gander at the attribute gains from the evolved seed.


    <strong>Sharpness (Peak): Strength +15, Dexterity +90, Intelligence +10, Wisdom +5</strong>


    A smile crept across his face when he saw the stats he gained. It was just as he hoped, where he got 10 points to Strength and another 50 to Dexterity. He had counted on that Dexterity boost to keep up with his increasing Strength, and it would allow him to keep focusing all his free points into his main attribute for a while longer.


    There was still some time before he had agreed to reconvene with Verana and the others in the Underworld, so he walked over to the government building to meet with Abby and Adran. He had been so focused on the Incursionstely so he wanted to get a report on Port Atwood''s situation. Luckily everything was going smoothly, especially the agricultural initiative that Zac infused with extra cash. It would start to yield a harvest for F-Grade Herbs in just a few months, though the E-Grade Spirit Herbs would take a while longer.


    The only issue was that the sea creatures were quickly bing more and more ferocious, and there had been a couple of incidentstely. This wasn''t anything too surprising, as attacks from sea creatures was a problem that most coastal cities in the multiverse would encounter. Little Bau, Mr. Trangs terrifying pet, was helping a lot, but it couldnt be everywhere.


    Luckily there were a plethora of defensive structures in the town shop, so Zac agreed to let Abby take 200 million from the town funds to upgrade the shoreline defenses for the inds he controlled. With that in hand he visited Calrin next to get an update on the situation with the Beast Crystals.


    "The extraction is finished, but there''s also the need to refine the gems from their raw state. But Ive made an estimate and I would say you''d get around 1.8 Billion if you sold 80% of your stock," the sky gnome said with some obvious avarice in his eyes. "You also have your 1.64 billion in dividends waiting."


    "How much do you think a soul-mending treasure or pill would cost?" Zac asked.


    "If it was on a proper market I would say that a pill or treasure that could mend a fractured soul would cost around 500 million to a Billion Nexus Coins depending on sess rate and strength of the item," the Sky Gnome said after some hesitation. "Any natural treasure will likely be on the more expensive side of the spectrum."


    "That much?" Zac groaned. "It''s just to heal someone in F-Grade."


    "Souls areplicated and require high-quality items to fix without leavingsting damage," Calrin sighed. "But you should know that such a treasure might be significantly more expensive in a ce like the Tower of Eternity. There is a huge demand for life-saving treasures at a ce like that. The price might be double, or even higher."


    "Still, that means I should be fine unless something unexpected happens?" Zac sighed in relief.


    You should still gather as much Nexus Coins as possible before going," the sky gnome said. "There are bound to be a lot of great opportunities waiting for those with money at such a ce!"


    "Like what?" Zac asked.


    "People exiting with grave wounds, forced to sell precious items at a discount to pay for healing. People desperate to gather enough funds to buy a piece of treasure that would allow them to reach higher in the tower. There are all kinds of scenarios to exploit," Calrin said, getting more and more excited as he spoke. "A closed market like that always leads to opportunities for arbitrage."


    "I''ll do what I can," Zac smiled as he left.


    It was a good n, but he needed money for other things as well. Finding a proper shield, for example. He was also interested in finding pills that would allow him to immediately break open nodes the moment he evolved. He already had the <strong>[Four Gates Pill]</strong>, but many other pills had simr effects. His goal was to eat all his prepared treasures the moment he evolved before bursting forth against the Undead with unparalleled power.


    He soon arrived in New London in his Human form, and his arrival caused somemotion when people of the Union realized who he was. He didn''t hide his movements since he wanted people to know about his contribution in the fight against the Fire Golems. People gazed at him with fear or admiration as he walked through the halls with a few Valkyries following behind.


    The reason for fighting against the golems in his human form, even though he still needed two levels to reach peak F-Grade in his Draugr-form, was that he felt the risks of using his undead form were too great. Undying Bulwark relied on slowly grinding his enemies to dust, whereas Hatchetman could end the fight in seconds.


    The Golems were the strongest invaders in the Underworld, and he was afraid that something unexpected would happen, allowing them to turn the situation around or cause massive casualties amongst his people. It was a bit of a shame that any Cosmic Energy he gained from the kills would be lost, but he felt it was worth it.


    Verana and Harvath were already waiting in arge meeting room when he arrived, and they seemed to have recovered from their slightly haggard expressions after they close down the third Incursion together a few days ago.


    "Is everything ready?" Zac asked.


    "Everything is ready from this side," Verana and Havath immediately confirmed. "Will the others from Port Atwood Join us?"


    "A small group of elites will join me, but most are still focusing on the undead threat," Zac said. "I don''t think arge army will help against a force like the Golems. They''ll just spewva over everything and it will be hard to defend against."


    "It sounds reasonable, though I believe our army should be slightlyrger this time. Perhaps a hundred people, with another 50 for support," Verana said. "The golems are strong, and we will need more than one unit to create defensivelyyers. Oh, and it would be best if you headed to Glimthain to coordinate a joint assault."


    Glimthain was the main town that the Council controlled. It was an Ishiate town and was once upon a time the capital of the technology-leaning faction among the beastmen. It was ced in the open Underworld, but it was a true stronghold even before the integration, making it a natural choice of headquarter for a faction that fought the Fire Golems.


    "I was nning on heading there anyway," Zac nodded. "I have some things to discuss with the Council."


    Meeting the council was another reason he wanted toe to the underworld in his human form this time. He needed to enlist the strongest warriors around in the fight against the Undead Empire. Even if he managed to get stronger he was still just one man, and there were so many zombies by now.


    "We should make our sortie spectacr," Joanna suddenly spoke up from the side. "They need to know that the Super Brother-Man has arrived and that he will end the threat of the invaders."


    With that she excitedly took out what initially looked like a pike, but Zac realized that it was actually a banner when she fastened arge cloth to it. Zac shot a bemused look at Joanna before he took a gander at the banner''s design. It was emerald grey with ck and gold details, and the motif was the four mountain peaks of his ind. Beneath the summits there was a shield with an axe as a motif, looking like a nobleman''s family crest. It looked quite domineering. It almost felt like something that could have belonged to an old European family.


    "What''s this?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "It''s the banner for Port Atwood," Joanna said with glee in her eyes. "I learned from Ms. Tir''Emarel that it''s amon practice in the Multiverse as well, and we needed something to disy who we were."


    "Please, Verana is fine," the Beast Master smiled.


    "The ck and green are representative of your two, ahem, identities, and the gold is there to make it look regal. The mountains are thergestndmark on your ind and the axe and shield represent your authority. Do you like it?" Verana smiled.


    "It''s pretty cool," Zac willingly admitted. "But Id feel a bit embarrassed if I would parade such a thing around."


    "You don''t carry this thing, leave that to us. You only need to walk in the front, preferably releasing some of your aura," Joanna said.


    "... Fine," Zac sighed. "If this will get people to willingly follow me into the war against the undead."


    "One thing?" Joanna hesitantly added. "Do you think you could put on a pair of shoes?"


    Zac nkly looked at the Valkyrie for a few seconds before he looked down on his feet. He never even reflected on the fact that he never wore shoes any longer while in his human form. He had already figured out a way to passively utilize a small amount of cosmic energy to keep his feet clean and not let any grime stick. But it would perhaps look a bit odd if he walked around barefoot.


    You can ride Grub as well, Verana smiled. He liked fighting with you, he felt very mighty ramming into the enemies line with your shield as protection.


    The two kept coaching Zac on how to make a proper impression on the underworld as the army prepared to sortie. Only a few of the warriors would stay in the underworld, whereas the rest would join the main army in the fight against the zombies. It only took less than ten minutes before everything was dealt with, and the gates of the Union headquarters opened up to let out the forces of Port Atwood.


    A few people started running for their lives as the intimidating procession made its way through New London, but even more people stayed to watch in the excitement. Almost everyone in the area had already learned that people from the surface had arrived to New London and that they were Led by the Super Brother-Man, but only a few had seen them since they stayed holed up inside the Union headquarters most of the time.


    People had been gathering outside the gates since the news spread, either hoping to see the aliens under Zac''smand or try to buy a ticket out of the Underworld. But now they didn''t need to strain to see a glimpse of them as they marched through the main street full of vigor.


    Zac knew of the people''s desire to return to the surface, but Port Atwood hadn''t let anyone leave just yet. He wanted to finish up everything before he led an exodus out of this area. And he couldn''t let everyone just leave. There was a huge amount of wealth down here that needed to be extracted to strengthen Earth''s forces. All these things would be needed not only in the fight against the invaders but also to turn Earth into a powerful before the System''s protection ended.


    Zac rode in the front, sitting on Grub''s head as the enormous beast trudged forward, each step causing a small earthquake. The only people walking in front of him were two Valkyries, each one holding one of the newly created banners. The air around him twisted and bent as he let his aura spread out to a certain degree. Behind him his armies walked in orderly lines, each soldier radiating a tremendous pressure that made the spectators gasp in awe.


    It looked like the Demons and Tal-dar had gotten caught up in who could shock the spectators more, and each of the demonkin soldiers radiated a massive battle intent with most of them even having released weak Dao Fields. Zac didn''t stop him since he knew that such weak Fields wouldn''t be able to harm anyone in the area apart from putting people under some pressure.


    But unfortunately for the demons it was hard for them to match the glory of the Tal-dar, who were assisted by their massive beasts. One tremendous roar after another made the whole area shake as the Tir''Emarel rode their battle beasts behind Zac. Most impressive was of course Verana, who rode on Slither''s head, the snake alone taking up the whole road due to its massive size.


    The whole thing felt a bit excessive and embarrassing, but Zac followed Joanna''s instructions and only sat unmoving with a neutral face. Joanna, who essentially had turned into his PR Director at this point, said it was not only about prestige but also about giving the people of the Underworld hope. They had been suppressed by the Fire Golems for almost a year, and almost everyone had lost a family member or friend to their actions.


    This procession would show them that Earth hadn''t given up, that a resurgence wasing.

 Chapter 368: Glimthain

    Chapter 368: Glimthain


    Joanna initially wanted Zac to hold a rousing speech as well, but he staunchly refused. Instead, a few Valkyries walked alongside the army and told the news about how only one incursion remained, and that they were heading to war against the Fire Golems.


    The procession only stopped when they reached the teleportation station, where the back-up from the surface already stood.


    "You set things up at Rennbach while I visit the Council," Zac to Verana as he jumped down from Grubs head.


    Glimthain was quite far from the Fire Golem Incursion, so teleporting the whole army there would be a pretty huge waste of resources. Teleportation costs were already by far thergest drain on Port Atwood''s resources, so he decided to send the army directly to the frontier town to prepare. He also didn''t want to cause some misunderstanding by bringing an army on his first visit to the Underworld Council.


    Verana quickly agreed, and Zac indicated for the young woman that worked for the Underworld Council to open the array. Her name was Linn, and she had arrived together with the Councillors back when they visited New London after the Union takeover. Linn immediatelyplied and entered the array along with Zac and Joanna, while the rest waited for the array close down.


    Soon enough the trio reappeared in another grand hall, but Zac''s eyes widened in rm when he saw four enormous cannons trained on the tform he stood on. They were evenrger than the monstrosities the Ishiate tinkerers on Port Atwood had created, with their barrels having a diameter of almost two meters.


    Zac''s first instinct was to take out his axe and quickly destroy them, but he realized that no one was preparing to fire them. It looked like a defensive measure in case enemies stepped through the array. Luckily they had the ambassador with them, otherwise the wee might have been quite different.


    "This way, sir," Linn said as she led them past the cannons and defensive line of soldiers who curiously looked at him.


    "Can you take us to the council immediately?" Zac said. "I don''t have much time to spare."


    "Certainly, they await your arrival," the ambassador answered without hesitation and the group exited the fortified structure.


    Zac and Joanna curiously looked around when they stepped outside of the building, and Zac whistled with surprise when he saw what Glimthain looked like. He had always considered the modern faction of the Ishiate to be somewhat steampunk, and this town truly made that impression stronger. Cramped structures fought for space within massive brass walls that were lined with all kinds of brass weaponry.


    A nce at the wall told him that at least a hundred cannons were fastened to the wall walk, and even some rooftops were equipped with ranged siege weaponry. He saw multiple ballistae that appeared to be relying on steam pressure for example. The houses themselves were covered in tubes, and no matter where he looked it seemed to be one pipe or another leaking gas or water vapors.


    The town was well illuminated by a mix of Day crystals and gaslights lining the streets, and it seemed to be rush-hour since the streets were filled with people. It was a truly chaotic scene as there were not only pedestrians, but a mix of modern cars and other odd machines that forced their way through the jumble. The chaos wasn''t helped by the constant eruption of steam whistles and honks from the cars.


    "Oh wow," Joanna said. "How do people live like this?"


    "It took some getting used to," Linn said with some embarrassment. "Too many have lost their homes, and the town has bepletely overcrowded by now. A new town has even started to grow outside of the walls since there simply is no room left within. Those buildings regrly get destroyed during the attacks of beasts in the area, but the inner town is one of the safest ces in the Underworld due to all the weaponry."


    Zac understood as well that people normally wouldn''t live in such an environment, but the dangers lurking in the dark were just too abundant, and it was better to live in squalor than getting eaten by a bat or killed by the me Golems. The group immediately entered a jeep that waited for them, and it thankfully only needed to drive a short distance to a grand castle in the center of the town.


    The castle itself reminded Zac of arger version of the main hall of the Cogstown, the Ishiate settlement under his control. But this castle was farrger, and it was not only equipped by a huge number of weapons pointing at the sky, but there were even three zeppelins slowly floating around it.


    "This way, sir," a guard said as Zac stepped out of the car.


    "Zac! a familiar shout could be heard from the distance just as Zac was about to enter the pce, and he looked over with a smile.


    It was Emily who was running over, dragging along a slightly embarrassed woman in her early twenties. It was no doubt Emilys sister as she was essentially an adult version of the brat. Zac nced at her to approximate her strength, and he was surprised to see that there was a faint aura around her.


    It meant that even if she wasnt a Ranker she wouldnt be too far off, and she had likely gained a Dao seed judging by the spirituality around her. It looked like not only Emily was a talent when it came to cultivation, but her sister was as well. Then again, it shouldnt be too surprising that they had good genes since all three siblings turned out to be cultivators.


    She''s pretty, right? Emily grinned when she noticed that Zac looked at her sister curiously. Shes very single as well.


    Idiot, what do you mean by <em>very</em> single? Johanna said with some embarrassment as she gently pped the back of Emilys head. She then turned back to Zac who looked at the two with some amusement. I am Johanna Larkin. I owe you a great debt of gratitude. If it wasnt for your intervention I would be without any family.


    It was no problem, Zac said with a sigh, giving Emily a consoling look.


    It seemed like the brother had truly fallen back then after all. Emily looked downcast for a second before she looked up again with an intense stare.


    Are you here to destroy the me Golems?


    Yeah, Zac said without any preamble.


    Great! Emily said with burning eyes. We will help you kill those guys!


    You cane, but be careful. We dont have a lot of ways to deal with a room flooding withva, Zac said as he handed over tworge balls. Use this in case you run out of options."


    Whats this? Emily asked with sparkling eyes as she held the two crystals that seemed to have a small snowstorm inside.


    Fire extinguisher, Zac said with a smile. Perhaps it will slow the magma long enough for you to escape in case things go south. I need to speak with the Council now,e with me if you want."


    I cant go there, I am just a captain, Johanna said with a quick shake of her head as Zac started, but Emily only dragged her along with a giggle.


    Who cares, being with this guy is like having an all-ess pass, the teenager smiled as she walked over to Joannas side.


    The four were led into arge chamber with a massive circr table made from steel and brass. There were already 13 people sitting there, with representatives from all races. Six were humans, while there were 3 Ishiate and 3 Molemen. Finally, a single Zhix sat to the side.


    Zac was a bit surprised by the somewhat even distribution as there were at least five times as many humans in the underworldpared to the molemen and Ishiatebined. But perhaps it was by design so that the humans on the council wouldnt bully the others. Zac was also quite surprised by the presence of a Zhix, but perhaps it simply was a representative for its hive.


    The 13 people took up half the table, giving Zac ample room as he sat down on the other side. Emily unceremoniously sat down next to him, but Joanna immediately dragged her back to stand a few steps behind with herself and Johanna. The teenager shot the Valkyrie a re, but only received another p in the back of her head from her sister.


    Lord Atwood, It is an honor to finally meet you, one of the molemen spoke up. I am Romal, the current speaker for the council.


    Zac had already read an information package on the Council during the days he stayed in the Union Headquarters, and he knew that the speaker was simply a rotating position amongst the council, and it changed person every month.


    Its nice to meet you all as well, Zac nodded. You should know why Im here.


    I wont hide anything from you, things have deteriorated quite a bit on the surface. When your Councillors met your general a few weeks ago he spoke about the Great Redeemer, who is still a looming threat to our. But we have a more immediate threat that will destroy Earth within two months unless we do something.


    "The Undead Empire is currently singlehandedly fighting against all thebined forces of the world, and they still have the upper hand. Even the other invaders have joined in battle with us, but the zombies are pretty strong. We need assistance, Zac said, immediately divulging his reason for visiting.


    So youre not here about the me Golems? one of the human Councilors said with disappointment.


    No, dont get me wrong. My generals have already closed the other four Incursions of the Underworld, and I am here to immediately close the me Golem Incursion. The reason isnt simply benevolence. I need your armies toe with me to the surface afterward, Zac said. "Immediately."


    I am not questioning your motives, but I am a bit unclear on something," one of the human councilors said. "Your force is strong enough to close four incursions without you even lifting a finger, something that would be impossible for us. If you still can''t deal with these zombies, what use are we?"


    Zac sighed and exined the situation with the array, and the dozens of massive undead hordes that were still drawing the lines for the massive array.


    So you need more armies to take down the hordes and destroy the array, while you focus on the leaders in the middle Romal muttered in understanding.


    The meeting kept going for a few hours, where Zac essentially reiterated the situation on the surface and the various threats that Earth still faced. It was easy to see that the gravity of the situation was causing some shock to the Councillors, but he kept narrating what was going on with brutal honesty.


    Of course, there were some details that he left out, such as the disappearance of Abbot Evesting Peace, the Dao Funnel, and the situation with the Mystic Realm. Everything was to push them toward the decision to join the fight without dy.


    All three of the molemen on the council were in the top 5 on theirdder, and the lowest rank amongst the others was rank 20. All apart from one were also on the Dao Ladder. These people made a stronger faction than anyone on the surface, barring Port Atwood. Neither the Marshall n nor the New World Government could boast of having nearly as many peak elites.


    Getting these people to the surface to fight the zombies was Zacs greatest priority. The hours passed as the two factions ironed out the details until Zac finally left with his group in tow. A small smile adorned his face when he sat down in the car, and he didnt even mind the chaotic swirl of people crammed around the vehicle as it drove through the streets.


    Zac was quite pleased with the results of the meeting as he returned to the teleportation array with his group in tow. The Council was far more utilitarianpared to the shrewd Marshall n, and things were sorted out quite quickly. The Underworld Council would immediately join the battle against the Undead provided that the Fire Golems were dealt with.


    They even went so far as to promise to bring their whole force, leaving just enough manpower to protect their settlements from the beasts in the area. All in all, they would bring almost two hundred thousand experienced warriors, and they would cover the teleportation expenses themselves.


    Of course, Zac knew their choice was not only about saving Earth. They wanted to bring enough strength to secure a corner of the surface, turning it into their own kingdom. Zac could understand their decision, as Humans and Ishiate were ultimately not built to permanently live underground, and many would no doubt want to live under the blue sky again.


    The Council didnt explicitly tell Zac about their n, but their intentions were quite clear from their line of questions. Zac himself didnt mind at all, feeling their decision made sense. If it was one thing that new earth possessed in abundance, then it was free space. The expansion in size of the and the monumental losses amongst the four species had resulted in massive stretches of unimednd.


    The amount of high-qualitynd was far more limited though, such asnds close to Nexus Veins or other valuable resources. Those kinds of ces were few and far between, though Zac had already imed arge percentage of those ces through closing the Incursions.


    The armies of the council would also participate in the uing battle. They would assault the massive area under the control of the me Golems from almost a dozen tunnel systems simultaneously in a bid to spread out the golems forces. It would hopefully allow Zac to strike at the core with less resistance.


    Zac felt the idea was perfect as he stepped through the teleporter to join his forces. The fight against the Fire Golems would essentially be a practice-run for their battle against the Lich King and his forces.

 Chapter 369: Heat

    Chapter 369: Heat


    Finally out of the tunnels. Well arrive in another eight hours or so, the Council liaison said as he walked next to Zac with quick steps.


    His name was Murk, and he was one of the molemen who also possessed a ranger ss. He was in charge of showing Zacs army the correct path in the underworld, as the roads leading to the me Golems were pretty confusing. The incursion itself was in a sense ced in the open underworld, but to get to that sector you first needed to pass a bunch of confusing tunnels.


    There was no way that Zac would ce the fate of his people in the hands of the Council Though, and the Tal-dar had over a hundred beasts scouting ahead for them as well. He personally didnt think that the council had any reason to betray him, but people were unpredictable.


    Come, lets train! another voice piped up from the side, and Zac looked over at Emily who red at him with some grievance in her eyes.


    They had been traveling for over three days, as all settlements in the near vicinity of the me Golems had long been destroyed. The teenager wanted to make the most of the time, so she had insisted that the two would train with their axes. Zac knew part of it was to get her mind off the fact that her brother had passed away, and he happily obliged.


    She was someone he had invested heavily in, and he wanted to make sure she''d get strong enough to protect herself.


    Ill get you this time, she muttered stubbornly.


    Thats great, Zac smiled as he hoisted her up and shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    He kept running for a couple of minutes until he found a secluded spot ahead of the army.


    We have 20 minutes or so before they catch up, Zac said as he let the teenager down.


    Emily didnt hesitate to take out her two tomahawks from her cosmos sack, and they both started to radiate with chaotic energies. It was a continuation of her elemental axeman-archetype, and a new skill she got at level 35. This one wasnt a support skill like the earlier one, but rather a pure offensive skill.


    Zac smiled as he took out his billy club<strong></strong>and a spare shield, and waved at her to start. She immediately disappeared, leaving a scorching mark on the ground, and the next moment she appeared behind him. One of her tomahawks were already in mid-swing, and it lit up with infernal fire.


    Her new skill <strong>[Elemental Fury] </strong>looked confusingly simr to her elemental axes, apart from the fact that she needed to use a physical axe for the skill. She could essentially imbue her axes with an element of her choice, and the different elements would have varying effects. The skill allowed her to have a flexible and unpredictable fighting style, and Zac felt it was a good match to her chaotic and aggressive fighting style.


    The me-infusion would imbue her strikes to erupt intorge explosions, causing widespread damage in the direction of her swings. There were also earth, lightning, ice, wind, each with their own effects. The only weakness was that she couldnt use the same attack twice in a row, at least not while the skill was in middle mastery.


    Zac already knew about the effects of the strikes from their earlier sparring sessions, and he smoothly moved his shield forward to block the swing mid-way. It didnt interrupt the skill, but it caused the gout of fire to spread in all directions, effectively blocking Emilys sight as Zac repositioned himself as he clubbed her on the back.


    The teenager stumbled forward, but she smoothly turned the stumble into a confusing set of steps as she once again tried to take him down, this time using the freezing effect of her ice axe to rob him of his mobility. Zac yed along and slightly slowed his speed, but she still couldn''t manage tond a hit as his shield always got in the way.


    The fighting reached a stalematesting a few minutes, until Zac suddenly emitted a spike of killing intent toward her the moment sheunched her attack. Emilys face turned deathly pale and she quickly jumped five meters back, and she angrily stomped her foot in the ground as she waved her tomahawks in Zacs direction.


    Thats cheating! You said you wouldnt bully me with your levels. How is that not using your levels? Emily sputtered.


    I had much denser killing intent than that by the time I was your level, Zacughed. I know you wanted to quickly improve, so youve used a couple of E-Grade crystals while down here. But doing so has left youcking inbat experience.


    Ive still gone fighting against Barghest every day until recently, and Ive even fought against the beast on Mystic Ind, Emily countered with a sullen face.


    I know, but youve had demon guards and Valkyries protecting you, Zac said. You have not yet gone through a true baptism of life and death. It makes you a bit weak against killing intent. You have honed great battle instincts from training with good teachers, but you do not trust them when faced with a great threat.


    So I should just run straight at someone radiating enough killing intent to blot out the sky? Emily muttered skeptically. Sounds like a good way to get killed early.


    It''s about instinct and decisiveness, Zac smiled. You can never hesitate no matter if you decide to fight or flee. The problem was that you froze when I released the murderous aura. Your movement skill is pretty good, and your attributes are very high for your level, so you should have a decent chance to escape even if you meet someone stronger. Staying alive is the most important.


    Truthfully Zac was lying to Emily in his exnation. He was emitting a lot more killing intent than what he possessed when he was around level 40. He wanted to inocte her against dense auras and massive killing intent, which would hopefully allow her to keep her wits about her in case she found herself against a stronger foe.


    The teenager slowly nodded in understanding, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. Soon enough she was back at it, and she used everything in her repertoire as she tried to break past Zacs defenses. She flitted about with surprising speed as sheunched everything from fiery sts up-close to wind des from surprising angles in the distance.


    Zac was extremely happy with her performance, and the only thing that he might feel could use some improvement was theck of ruthlessness. The fighting felt clean and a bit synthetic, whereas he wished for a more efficient approach like the one that the Valkyries utilized.


    They did everything in their power to kill their targets as quickly and efficiently as possible, no matter what they needed to do. They would attack groins or other weak spots, utilize hidden weaponry and the environment to their advantage. Emily stillcked that bit, and that was what he was trying to instill in her.


    He had already noticed that she was a bit afraid to get hit in her face, the same as Average, which made him target it even further. Last time he had identally knocked her out with a kick, but even before then she often left with a whole number of bruises. Zac felt a bit bad, but he knew that the others on the ind, except Alyn perhaps, didnt dare to be ruthless enough against the teenager.


    The feral teenager pulled out all the stops, but the results were the same. The army caught up with the two and Verana and Joanna shot amused looks at the swollen face of Emily.


    One of these days, she muttered under her breath. Ill make your head swell up to the size of a beach ball.


    Youll need to get a lot stronger before youll have a chance of that, Zac snorted.


    It was theirst sparring session as they were closing in on the Fire Golems, and the invaders could crop up any time. The army entered heightened alertness, in case of an ambush. But there were no signs of them even though they could see extremely far after exiting the tunnels. The ground waspletely silent as well, indicating that there likely no golems hiding beneath them.


    Zac had gotten a wealth of intelligence on the me Golems from the Council, and the invaders were almost hriously easy to spot. The smallest golems were over two and a half meters tall, and they all had thick builds. It was like they were made fromrge ck boulders stacked together, and where the stones were bound together by magma.


    Their natural heat was enough for gouts of mes to erupt from their bodies at regr intervals, and they were essentially portable firework shows. Stealth was truly not their strong suit, which was why they could only ambush people by silently digging new tunnels until they were right next to you. Luckily the Demons possessed a few Geomancers who were even more skilled than the molemen at detecting changes in the ground.


    But there was no surprise attack forting, and they soon enough reached the area of the me Golems. It was very different from the general gloom of the underworld, as the moss and dark pools of water were reced with bubblingkes of magma.


    They were still two hours from the incursion itself but it felt like they were wandering into an active volcano, and the smell of Sulphury heavy in the air. The weaker people were already starting to sweat from the scorching heat, and Emily was forced to take off her thick furs with someint.


    The peak F-Grade warriors were still unaffected by the heat that would make a normal mortal keel over in seconds, but Zac knew that most would be unable to exhibit their full power in the uing fight. The golems had truly gotten themselves a home-field advantage. Finally they reached the true core of the incursion, and Zac was shocked at the sight.


    This isnt what you guys described, Zac said with a frown as he turned to Murk.


    I-I dont understand either, the moleman said with wide eyes. Ourtest intelligence is less than two weeks old.


    The me Golem Incursion was situated inside what could best be described as a gargantuan pir in the open underworld. It was tremendously wide, and walking around it would take over a week. Due to the environment around the pir it was posited that the core of it might actually be an active volcano, with a pir of magma that reached all the way to the surface.


    The only way to get to the actual incursions was to enter one of the many tight tunnels and cracks that existed in the pir.


    That was why the Council didnt take the same route as themselves. They started in towns on the opposite sides of the pir, and they would assault the incursions from multiple directions that way. But there was a problem; the tunnel they were supposed to take was gone, reced with a huge passage full of engraved pirs.


    The new passage was hundreds of meters wide, and it reached even higher into the sky. They were quite some distance from the entrance but they still didnt have any trouble making out the details due to their size.


    The pirs looked almost asrge as the towering Redwood mountains over at the Cradle of God, and even from the distance they were able to make outrge fractals on all of them. Zac couldn''t be sure what they were made for, but he couldnt imagine it was anything good.


    It felt like the invaders had opened the doors wide open, daring them to enter their meticulously created battlefield. Verana and the other leaders of the army wore troubled faces as well, and Zac finally feltpelled to order a halt. The group of battlefield support quickly set up cooling arrays to ward off the heat, as staying this close would no doubt continuously drain people.


    What do you think? Zac asked the others. I know its a trap, but can you make out any details?


    It looks like array towers, Verana said. The Tal-dar does not use that sort of fortifications, but they are a popr solution.


    Zac nodded, feeling the same way. The towers were reminiscent of a set of buildings that he was able to buy for Port Atwood, though his options were still pretty limited. Each tower was likely an array of its own, and it would be able tounch attacks at anyone close ording to some preset instructions.


    Such buildings usually had much greater firepowerpared to arrays like his own Town Protection array that could attack a farrger area, but it also had a weakness. As long as the tower was destroyed the array would break. So it essentially was extremely lethal in a small area, and somewhat fragile.


    But there were over a hundred pirs crammed in that small area as far as Zac could tell, and the army would be sted from all directions if they entered.


    What should we do? Joanna asked. I dont think well be able to defend against that many towers even if we activate our War Arrays.


    Zac silently stared at the towers for a few seconds before he looked back at his group.


    Well wait until 10 minutes until the predetermined time for our joint assault. Ill handle the towers.

 Chapter 370: Array Towers

    Chapter 370: Array Towers


    Most people looked relieved to hear that Zac would take care of the array towers. Charging those things was to risk ones life without the potential for any gains in levels, so they breathed out in relief when they heard they didnt have to do that. However, Joanna and Emily looked worried when they heard that he would charge into that deathtrap alone.


    Youll handle them? the Murk said with barely contained skepticism. Do you have any of your old world weaponry, like tanks? How about I contact the other forces? They might be able to help us.


    Its fine, Zac said with a shake of his head before he turned to Verana. Wheres Smaug?


    Hes hiding amongst the rearguard, the beast mistress leered. He scurried back there the moment he saw the towers.


    Zac snorted and walked back to the end of the convoy, and he soon enough found the person he was looking for.


    I have decided I will defend the rear for you, lord, Smaug immediately said when he saw Zac approach, emitting the aura of a brave warrior. I am afraid I will just be in the way in such cramped quarters. My arrays cannot distinguish between friend and foe. It is truly a shame, but I will pray for your sess as I will defend your backs with my life.


    Isnt that nice, Zac snorted. Dont worry, I wont make you go to the frontlines. Thats not why I brought you here. Do you have any more of those concussive arrays?


    I can buy five right now, at 20 million each, Smaug said with some relief in his eyes.


    Zac sighed, but he nodded in agreement as he transferred the funds.


    The concussive arrays were something that Smaug had procured while they fought the Underworld incursions. They were array crystals that essentially functioned as superpowered hand grenades. They caused a tremendous explosion in a somewhat contained area, and the arrays were great at utterly destroying fixed structures.


    They werent as efficient at taking down actual cultivators though, as they had a small dy that would allow most to move out of the way or activate their defenses. But they would be perfect for taking down a couple of towers each in case things went out of control.


    So youre really doing this thing? Smaug hesitantly said as he looked at the rows and rows of tower arrays. These golems arent messing around, and I dont think that the turrets theyve built will be anything tough at.


    I have enough cards up my sleeve to feel confident Ill survive for a while at least, and if it turns out to be too dangerous Ill back off, Zac sighed. I cant send my people into such an obvious trap. Theyre not strong enough.


    Its not just fun and games to be on the top is it? Smaug snorted. At least youre also on the top of the Powerdder as well so people dont try to rob you every two days.


    Zac could only let out a deep sigh in agreement as he walked away. It had been a bit odd to reacquaint himself with Smaug during the trip, as this excursion was the first time they met while he was in his human form. He had pulled out all the stops to ingratiate himself with Zac, doing everything from providing arrays from his limited license, to updating him on rumors or valuable deposits, to even trying to set him up with a fewdies.


    His over the top enthusiasm was a bit hard to swallow, but it truly is difficult to punch a smiling face.


    After he got the arrays he simply sat down on his prayer mat. It actually kept him cool even in this environment, and it allowed him to smoothly wait out the three hours until the agreed-upon time. The only interruption was that Murk confirmed that the other sides of the pir were normal, but the closest tunnels had all been closed down or filled withve.


    It had elicited a short discussion about whether they should spend two days or so to head to the closest open tunnels instead of walking into this obvious trap. Zac Eventually decided that they would stay the course. The Golems had the means to close down the tunnels, and he didn''t want to waste two days only to find that their new point of ingress had been closed as well.


    A few daring scouts had dared to test out the pirs on the edges, and not surprisingly the towers were fire attuned. They all shot out balls ofva that were roughly the size of a ser ball, and they both possessed kic force and fiery heat. The only upside was that it almost looked like they were dropped from the top of the tower rather than being shot, so their speed wasn''t troubling.


    The real trouble came from the fact that one tower could shoot out quite a few fireballs in a volley every five seconds, and there were over a hundred towers. If their army entered together they would be assaulted by a thousandva balls in no time, and such an attack would cause massive losses.


    The time finally arrived, and Zac hadn''t figured out any better strategy than running straight in. He would take down the towers one by one without stopping, allowing him to avoid as many of theva balls as possible.


    A rain of fire from the sky almostpletely blotted out the ceiling to wee his arrival. They looked like fiery drops of rain, mming down all around him. Zac nked out for a second by the majestic sight, but he shook his head to snap out of it. He immediately appeared in front of the nearest tower with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and swung arge fractal edge toward the base. The de was already imbued with his new and improved Seed of Sharpness, and it cut through the pir without any trouble.


    Unfortunately, that was it. The pir still stood in the same position, as Zacs swing hadnt actually managed to move it at all. He could only take a few steps back and infuse himself with the Dao of heaviness as he tried to topple the thing over with a body m. However, the collision must have looked like an ant trying to topple a tree, and Zac only managed to make the tower shudder a bit.


    He could only summon a couple of more fractal des andunch them at the tower as he danced around like a monkey to avoid the increasing amount ofva ballsnding all around him. It was not exactly how he wanted to present himself, but it was the best he could do without wasting a huge amount of Cosmic Energy. Each de was infused with the seed of heaviness this time, and the attacks mmed into the tower with the force of a truck.


    The base was alreadypletely cut through, so the attacks were enough to topple it without any problem. Zacs eyes lit up when he saw that he was able to destroy a tower without much effort, and he hoped that taking down the first tower would have a cascading effect. The towers were clustered quite close to each other, and he pushed it over in the direction of its closest neighbor.


    But a shocking change took ce the moment the tower started to topple. It lost all its structural integrity in an instant, and it quickly turned into a tube ofva that spilled down straight toward a gaping Zac. Even he didnt want to take a magma bath unless necessary, even though he was pretty sure he could withstand it for a second or two without getting seriously hurt. He shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> toward the next pir instead, leaving arge pond ofva in his wake.


    After the first experiment he started to get a hang of it, and the second tower only needed three quick swings with the help of his Dao Seeds and <strong>[Chop]</strong>. But the intensity of theva balls only increased as he got within range of more and more towers, and he quickly became unable to dodge them all without being forced out of the entrance.


    He was forced to bear the brunt of some of the attacks if he wanted to keep going, so he activated <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to block the handful of theva balls dropped in his directions. Leaves were obviously not the greatest defense against fire, but with the help of the Dao of Trees they had an unyielding vitality that allowed them to knock the balls away before burning up.


    However, as more and more hits struck his defense he realized that he would waste even more Cosmic Energy this way than if he simply unleashed a greater strike. After a short deliberation the energy around him started to surge, and the enormous forester''s hatchet appeared behind him. His body strained under the pressure, but a wave of destruction rippled outward causing one tower after another to fall apart into pools of magma.


    What better attack to destroy what looked like a bunch of stone trees than <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>?


    The first swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was all he needed, as it destroyed over half the towers. He had already taken down around ten before that, and the big gap gave him a breather from the relentless bombardment ofva projectiles. There was no need to use his second swing for the remainders as he saw it. He instead threw out a couple of boulders to avoid stepping inva and threw out his concussive arrays at the tightest clumps of towers.


    Lava kept raining down from the falling towers, but the threat was dealt with thanks to his <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong>. What remained was to simply take down the final towers with his Daos, and it only took a few minutes of his time. Zac signaled the army it was fine to move forward after the final tower copsed, and they quickly sped toward him as they vigntly kept watch for any remnant defenses.


    But it appeared that there were no hidden arrays, among the obvious towers, and the only remnant threat was the massive amount of magma that filled the whole entrance.


    The army seemed to have anticipated this though, and the stronger warriors threw out one huge block of stone after another, effectively creating a wide bridge to pass. Zac nodded in appreciation as he jumped up on the bridge from one of his boulders, and the army entered the true Incursion together.


    A pir of the purest mes entered their sight the moment they stepped inside the cave where the golems had built their base. Zac first thought it was the volcano that the Council mentioned, but he soon realized it was the Incursion pir itself, and it showed just how closely rted to mes these golems were.


    The other Incursions he had encountered had generally been simply color-coded to match the force, apart from the Undead Empire who had turned the pir into a beacon of Miasma, where specters slowly circted the beam.


    The me golems seemed to have the ability to do the same thing, as the Incursion was a huge red me that almost blinded Zac when he looked at it. He swiftly turned his eyes away, a bit leery about whether the sight meant the golems were powerful enough to enjoy special treatment, or that it just looked that way because all the golems were fire-attuned.


    Such musings would have to wait forter though, as he knew that they needed to act quickly. They hadnt spotted a single golem so far, which made Zac believe an ambush was just around the corner. Besides, his new allies were currently fighting the Golems ording to Murk''s report, and the longer it took for Zac to take down the leader the greater the losses would be among the Councils armies.


    The group kept rushing closer and closer toward the Incursion Pir, but they didnt see any structures anywhere. However, the inside of the enormous stone pir was still a marvelous sight. These golems were not only insidiousbatants who had nopunctions about drowning people in magma, but they were also great artisans.


    The golems had for some reason decided to spend a massive amount of effort on thousands of sculptures, each of them a lifelike masterpiece. The motifs were almost always of nature, with everything fromrge trees to unfamiliar creatures lovingly carved out of transported stones, or even out of the ground itself. The only exception was a huge boulder ced on a hill in the distance, the only stone that lookedpletely untouched.


    Most people thought it was some sort of art, but Zac immediately knew something was wrong, as the boulder actually made him feel threatened.

 Chapter 371: The Floor is Lava

    Chapter 371: The Floor is Lava


    Since the suspicious boulder was ced alone on a hill it immediately garnered the attention of the others as well, and many exchanged nces in confusion.


    Did they just found a rock they really liked? Joanna muttered, seeming a bit dibobted from the unexpected scenery around them.


    But Zac didnt agree as he trusted his instinct on this matter.


    Its dangerous, Zac sinctly said shot out five fractal des in rapid session.


    His hunch proved spot on because therge boulder suddenly burst into mes as it transformed into an enormous amalgamation of fire and rock. The stone split into around twenty pieces that made up its body and limbs. The golem reached over five meters in the air, and the air for tens of meters around it shuddered from the heat and power it radiated.


    Lava seeped out between the cracks in the stone, and it slowly dripped on the ground. Mysterious fractals also appeared on the stones and the inscriptions shone with a red glimmer that contained obvious power.


    This is what the golems look like? Emily muttered in disbelief from behind. I dont want to fight those things. I''ll get torched before even getting close."


    No! Murk shouted with fear. This one is way bigger than the ones weve encountered, and the normal ones arent covered in fractals.


    Its amon cultivation method for golems, Verana said. They inscribe their bodies with Cosmic Pathways to allow energy to flow more naturally. This one is one of the generals, or more likely the leader itself.


    Ill test it out, Zac muttered as he red at the enemy from the distance. "Give me a power boost."


    Emily nodded and she threw a burning axe into his back. Zac felt likeva coursed through his veins before the effect stabilized. He chose the axe that gave Strength and Dexterity since he wanted to finish that thing as quickly as possible. Between his own prowess and Emilys boost he didnt fear the golem even if it radiated a greater pressure than even the Demon Lord did.


    He disappeared in an instant, and a row of cracks in the ground was the only clue of his path as he rushed forward with the help of his movement skill. He was right in front of the golem in less than a second, and he felt a scorching heat from the Golem''s Dao Field. He felt his skin smarting after just a second, but he breathed out in relief as he guessed that the golem didn''t seem to possess a fragment.


    The effect of the Dao field was only slightly stronger than his own Peak fields, where the extra boost came from the golem being in E-Grade. He immediately released a Dao Field containing heaviness, which hopefully would restrain his enemy a bit.


    The golem was expecting Zac''s arrival, and its huge fist looked like a small sun as it soared toward him. Zac immediately summoned a fractal edge and imbued it with Heaviness, opting to sh with the enemy head-on. The sh caused a storm of fire to explode far into the sky, but Zac imbued his body with the Seed of Trees to recover from the small burns.


    Cracks appeared in the ground as the Golem stumbled a few steps backward from the initial sh, and Zac immediately knew that the golem had around 700 Strength at best. It would be an insurmountable power for most people, but Zac''s effective strength was over a thousand between his high-grade titles and Emily''s boost.


    The edge from <strong>[Chop]</strong> detached itself from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> and Zac controlled his de to harass the golem from behind, as he mounted another assault from the front. The golem lit up in a ze of mes in response, and the fractals on its chest started to emit an even stronger red light than before.


    The already huge creature suddenly grew to twice its size, and Zac sensed real danger from it. He managed to cut off arge chunk of rock from its leg with a few furious swings as it transformed, but it wasn''t enough to interrupt the transformation. The intensity of mes around it had increased by at least a tier, and Zac was forced to dismiss his independent fractal edge.


    The zing heat from the Golem King''s body caused constant strain on the de, and Zac was forced to infuse it with a huge amount of Cosmic Energy if he wanted to keep it going. It was more economical to use <strong>[Chop]</strong> to create disposable des that onlysted one swing. Zac realized that the transformation had caused the golem''s mes to increase in intensity, but Zac was still overpowering it in raw strength.


    Chunks of rock kept falling as Zac systematically dismantled it, stoically enduring the umting burns on his body. The Golem King furiously tried all kinds of attacks to take Zac out, but it wasn''t strong enough to crush him and the Seed of Trees kept restoring Zac''s burns. It released a deep bellow and mmed both its huge fists downward. Zac didn''t want to block such a swing without reason, so he quickly jumped up to avoid the strike, aiming a strike at its head.


    The two fists cause a massive earthquake in the area, but Zac managed to cut off a decent chunk of one of its shoulders. But a sense of worry crept into Zac''s heart as the rumblings didn''t abate, but only got worse. Zac finally realized what was going on, and he turned to the people who were keeping a defensive perimeter in the distance.


    "RUN!"


    Pandemonium arrived a secondter, as an endless amount ofva spewed up from the ground, creating a tidal wave that crashed in the direction of Port Atwood''s Forces. It pushed forward with shocking speed, rapidly closing in on the fleeing warriors. Was the Golem trying to retaliate by killing his people?


    Zac grit his teeth in fury as he jumped at the golem tounch another mighty swing, but the creature countered with another punch with its barn door-sized fist. Gravel rained down along the slope from a huge jagged wound that ran all the way along the Golems arm, but Zac was in turnunched away like a rocket from the eruption of fire the fist released.


    A plume of smoke made a streak through the air as Zac was thrown back almost a hundred meters, but hended on his feet without an issue. He made no attempts to run back up the hill, and instead opted to run back toward his fleeing army. Getting thrown back was just Zac borrowing the golem''s momentum, as the huge thing wouldn''t be able to push him if he didn''t allow it.


    He used <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to the limit to get back in time, but the distance between his forces and the huge wave ofva kept shrinking. He knew that if that wave hit there would be serious casualties, as far from all of them were equipped to resist an attack of that magnitude.


    But he was one with the earth as his steps took him closer and closer to the wave, and he finally caught up. The wave was simply massive by this point, and it shone with an almost blinding light. But Zac didn''t hesitate as he started running on top of the malleable magma, ignoring the pain of his bare soles.


    Smoke sizzled from his feet causing his eyes to tear up from the pain, but Zac only kept running. Unfortunately bad turned to worse when he realized he was starting to sink, even with his tremendous speed. In just two seconds he was already to his knees, and he started to sink faster and faster. Theva felt like quicksand, and the pain was quickly bing unbearable.


    The fractals on his robe lit up with a beautiful glimmer, but Zac had no time to admire the defensive charge his gear contained as he hurriedly pushed through theva. Even with the protection of his top-quality gear he was still subject to tremendous heat, and he felt like a lobster getting boiled alive.


    His legs strained as he waded through the viscous magma until he finally broke out on the other side, and his eyes were met with the scene of a few Valkyries desperately erecting defensive shields with the help of their War Array. Zac shook his head as he immediately realized such a wall would not hold against what he just forced his way through, and he took out an item from his Cosmos Sack with a sigh.


    A refreshing scent spread across the area as Zac spread out across the area as he had activated his Dao Field for the Dao of Trees, and the next moment a miraculous sight took ce. An impossibly dense jumble of thorned brambles spread out for over two hundred meters in an instant, and they grew to twice the height of the sea ofva.


    It was <strong>[Bramble Wall]</strong>, the second ace in his repertoire that he found during the hunt. He had already used his<strong> [Void Ball] </strong>against the Cyborg, but he had kept this item all this time since it was an item of protection rather than destruction.


    This was the choice he made. He could have likely destroyed the Golem King if he was given another minute, but that would have cost the lives of arge group of his own people. He had already cut off a third of its volume, and he couldn''t imagine that didn''t count as a grievous wound. But Zac had forcibly resisted the whispers of malice in his mind and literally ran through fire to protect his people.


    Unfortunately it was all too obvious that a wall of brambles wasnt the optimal defense againstva, and Zac could see how the vegetation was slowly getting decimated even though the brambles rapidly regrew with shocking ferocity. Zac scrambled for ideas and quickly tried to infuse the roots with the Dao of Trees.


    It gave no response, even though the two concepts should have matched. He could only try the Seed of Sanctuary as well since he was out of options. This time it actually worked, and the roots lit up with a slightly golden hue, making them slightly fire-resistant. The spread and effect of his Dao Seed were far greater than he expected, and an idea formed in his mind that he quickly confirmed.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Sanctuary (Peak): Endurance +50, Intelligence +20, Wisdom +50.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    It was another mid-fight breakthrough. The past weeks had made him better realize the duty of a leader, and his decision to give up his own goal for the safety of his people inadvertently helped him push through the final step. He was already close to evolving the seed due to the two iterations of Dao Visions, but this fight gave him the final push.


    The bramble wall was still getting scorched by the sea ofva, but the roots managed tost far longer with the help of the Dao of Sanctuary. It even slowly gained thickness due to the regrowth. Zac breathed out in relief, knowing that his army was safe for now.


    "How can we help?" Joanna asked from behind.


    "I think the Golem King used a skill that was massively empowered by the environment. We''ll just wait it out. Have people move back just in case," Zac said before he jumped up on the wall of brambles to see what was going on.


    The Golem lord still stood in the distance, and it looked like it was infusing power into the ground, making it spew out more and more magma like a real volcano. Zac frowned at the scene, knowing that their time was limited. The bramble would only keep regenerating new roots for twenty or thirty more seconds, while the Golem King seemed to just be getting started.


    Throw your <strong>[Extinguishing Arrays]</strong> over the wall! Buy me a couple of seconds! Zac shouted as energy started to surge in his forearm.


    The huge fractal hand emerged and shot toward the golem with blinding speed. The creature immediately noticed the new threat, and arge fractal appeared in the air behind it. Out of the fractal a white-hot me emerged, and it actually appeared to be alive as it took a slightly humanoid shape, forming a head and two fanged arms.


    An elemental! Verana shouted with some surprise. Is that thing a Summoner?


    Zac frowned as he looked at the inscribed hand who was suddenly beset by a barrage of me attacks of the elemental. His own hand started to blister and crack from the transmitted heat, but he grit his teeth as he flooded <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> with the Seed of Trees, allowing it to continuously regenerate its burnt parts.


    It finally managed to arrive above the elemental and Golem who still kept infusing the ground with energy. Therge fractal beneath the hand appeared next, just like it did during the battle against the undead. But no mountain emerged from the fractal, but something else entirely.


    It was instead an endless torrent of water that spewed out of the fractal, making it look like the other end of the array was at the bottom of an ocean.

 Chapter 372: Deluge

    Chapter 372: Deluge


    An unceasing deluge of water rushed out of the array in the sky, crashing into everything below in an instant. This was the true power of reaching peak mastery of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>. Nature took many shapes and forms, and the earth was just one of them. Another type of punishment of nature was the relentless waves on the ocean, crushing anything in its path.


    Just like the Golem King had his ocean of fire, so did Zac have an ocean of his own.


    The elemental had summoned an enormous wall of mes to block out the water, and the sh of the two opposing forces caused thick clouds of steam to spread for kilometers in every direction. Some of the water also spilled over on the sea ofva, which helped to cool it down somewhat. Zac''s vision waspletely blocked out in just a second, so he could only keep pouring energy into his skill to keep it going while maintaining vignce for surprise attacks through the haze.


    Zac was starting to worry that his bramble wall would crumble before he finished the fight, but a high-pitched shriek echoed across the cave after ten seconds or so. The wail caused Zacs mind to blur for a second and almost made him fall off the wall of brambles. But luckily he had learned his lesson after encountering the mental bell, and he had kept <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> active and fully charged during the whole battle.


    It only took an instant for him to once again stabilize his mind, and he sensed a stream of Cosmic Energy entering his body. Something had been killed by his attack, and Zac guessed it was the elemental judging from the shriek. However, the surge of energy only felt like one kill, and Zac guessed that the Golem King was still alive. Eventually he couldn''t maintain his skill any longer, and the torrential downpour ended.


    The problem was that he couldn''t see anything past a few meters ahead due to the massive amount of mist in the air. He hadn''t really thought about this problem when he decided to attack with water, he simply wanted to cool down theva and extinguish the burning Golem. But the Golem could be anywhere at this moment, as the Elemental staved off the water for almost ten seconds, giving the Golem ample time to move out of the way.


    An attack coulde from anywhere as things stood.


    "Stay together, shout out if you sense something!" Zac shouted to the people below.


    It at least became apparent that the golem no longer was infusing energy into the ground to pour out moreva, as the moving wall of molten stone had stopped, andrge parts had already cooled down enough for it to be solid again. Zac briefly considered running back on top of theva to scout out the area, but he soon enough gave up that idea.


    The Golem had already shown its willingness to target his army, and he needed to be close-by in case it was preparing another assault.


    "Do you have any means to sense where the golem is?" Zac asked Verana who stood next to him.


    "I''m afraid not," Verana said with a shake of her head. "I think it''s best to simply wait a few minutes for the haze to disperse before deciding what to do next."


    Zac had to reluctantly agree, even though it felt like giving the enemy time to prepare their next attack. After two minutes the bramble wall started to rapidly disintegrate, rotting with a speed visible to the naked eye. It wasn''t Zac that was doing anything, but it was likely just the natural life cycle of that odd nt. It rapidly grew for a few minutes before its life ended.


    Another ten minutes passed where Zac vigntly walked around the army as a guard, trying to find any clues in the slowly dispersing mist. Every minute that went by made his nerves even more frayed, and his mind even started to y tricks on him. Every small movement in the shadows soon enough felt like a hidden ambush by the golems, and he had to restrain himself fromunching fractal edges in all directions.


    But no attack appeared, and when the mist finally dispersed they only saw a destendscape devoid of a single Golem. Zac was a bit confused, as it felt like the golems missed the perfect opportunity to strike back. After going over his options he ordered the army to resume their approach toward the core of the Incursion.


    But the group only walked for one minute when he got a prompt from the System, telling him that the Incursion was closed. That could only mean that the Golem Lord had died or that he had left through the nexus hub. The news quickly spread among the people since the Valkyries still had their quest for a few more days, and they noticed that their quest progress had advanced by one.


    The whole invasion has probably left already, Verana guessed as they kept moving toward the Incursion with greater speed. The moment that golem realized how strong you were itunched its ultimate attack at us, wanting to create an opportunity to escape.


    They weren''t even willing to properly fight it out? Things might have be different if the Golem brought helpers and some arrays;" Zac said with confusion. "This approach feels a bit different from how the other invaders have reacted. They usually go a bit further."


    Golems dont think like us. They generally dont have emotions, and concepts like honor or revenge are foreign to them. They likely made a calction that the risks of staying outweighed the potential reward, and immediately left, Verana guessed.


    Zac could only shake his head in disbelief, feeling like he had been robbed of a proper conclusion. These golems really left a sour taste in ones mouth, causing so much trouble for Earth but not having the decency to allow the natives to retaliate.


    Veranas suspicions were soon enough confirmed when they saw the harried armies of the Council arriving from the other directions as they converged around the Nexus Hub. It turned out that the golem armies had entered a heated struggle against the Council''s armies, contesting every single meter. The golems even held the advantage, but they suddenly fled with shocking speed, only leaving a token force behind to curtail the advance of the Council.


    Every single golem that stayed behind fought to its death, even going so far as to detonate themselves in a final attempt to dy the army. Zac realized it was all to let as many as possible flee through the Nexus Hub, and he was speechless at learning they golems were just as ruthless against themselves as they were against others.


    He had never encountered a force that would leave behind a tenth of their people like that, and that those people would fight with such rabid ferocity. Perhaps only forces who reared death sworn warriors could do something like that and trust in the results of the rearguard.


    Another unfortunate result of the extreme decisiveness of the Golems was that the whole area around the Nexus Hub waspletely picked clean. It was just a t surface, and it looked like the golems had even taken their houses with them as they left through the Hub. There were no stores of resources, no gear or weaponry to loot, nothing.


    Even Zac who had fought two pretty taxing battles couldn''t properly rest and go over the battle, and he started to run around to look for valuables with the rest of the party. He already had a sour taste in his mouth after not being able to kill the Golem King, and that only got worse when he realized he might be losing a bunch of money on the venture.


    But Joanna finally came over with some good news after a few minutes.


    Theyve found something, Joanna said as she walked up to Zac.


    What? Zac said with bright eyes, hoping to make at least some money from the Incursion.


    Tunnels, lots of them, Joanna said, making Zac nkly look at her.


    What was so special about a bunch of tunnels?


    Murk came over as well, and when he heard their exchange and Zac''s subsequent confusion he immediately exined the situation.


    The underworld is surprisingly t, with its elevation only diverging a few hundred meters at most. The mostmon exception seems to be mines containing spiritual-grade resources, he excitedly exined. And weve already found indicators what this ce holds!


    So what resources are there? Zac asked as he got infected by the molemans exuberance.


    Its a Nexus Crystal Mine! the moleman said with a wide grin.


    Oh, Zac said, his excitement noticeably waning.


    He already had his own Crystal Mine on the ind. Port Atwood also gained another 6 mines in the Underworld, though they were far worse than his original mine since they didnt sit right on top of a Nexus Vein.


    You dont understand, Murk said with almost glowing eyes. Ive never seen a mine of this size. Our early estimates say it covers the whole area beneath the pir, perhaps reaching even further. But thats not the most important thing!


    Zac curiously looked on as the moleman took out a raw Nexus crystals shining with scorching radiance.


    Attuned Crystal? E-Grade? Zac whistled with surprise. You think there are more?


    We only found the one so far, a scout identally cracked a small boulder and found this one inside. But if there is one crystal like this, then there are surely more. This might be the greatest mine in the Underworld, the moleman said, almost dancing in ce.


    Zac nodded in agreement, feeling it made sense the golems were ced here considering their attunement. But he also remembered that the golems only kept to themselves during the start since the integration. Had they mined everything already?


    Dont worry, Murk said when he saw Zacs hesitation The Council got their hands on a measuring array that detects spiritual resources, and its indicating there are still vast resources remaining as long as we go a bit further into the mines. The crystals that were easiest to ess might be gone already, but not even the Golems could take it all in a couple of months. Besides, the crystals will regrow.


    I want a detailed survey as soon as possible, Zac said, his heart finally starting to thump with excitement.


    He knew he had gotten his hand on a huge treasure this time, and he wanted to get a feeling of just how huge it was. E-Grade Fire-Attuned Nexus Crystals werent that rare in the multiverse, and even his Top Grade Beast Crystals were worth more.


    But the whole Beast Crystal mine would fit in a small side-tunnel of the massivework beneath their feet. There were only 200 top-grade Beast Crystals, but there might be tens of thousands of attuned Nexus Crystals in his newly acquired mine. And with a mine of this magnitude there might even be the possibility of D-Grade crystals appearing in the bottom, or at least in the future as Earth matured.


    Wed be happy to explore the mine together with you in the uing weeks, the moleman quickly said, his whiskers shuddering with excitement. Our people can provide both insight and efficiency to any mining operation.


    Zac only smiled in response, making no decisions on the spot. The Council had already agreed that the Incursion and it''s surrounding area would fall under his control, but the council would gain a 15% stake in any wealth from this ce due to their assistance. The size of the stake had been thergest point of contention in the meeting a few days ago, but Zac ended the discussion with a simple fact. If they had the capability they would have long closed the Incursion themselves.


    But the Council could still boost their ie even further if they were the ones who did all the work since no one would work for free. He would have to check with one of his administrators if Port Atwood could handle such a massive venture themselves.


    Did we find any stores of already mined crystals? Like a store-room by the entrance of the mine? Zac asked as an afterthought.


    None, and weve gone so far as to frisk the people who entered the mines to make sure theyre not hiding anything, Joanna said. I think the golems already found out about the fate of the other Incursions, and they already had one foot out the door before we even arrived. The Golem Lord simply tested your power, and when he noticed your strength he immediately gave the order to return.


    Zac sighed and nodded, feeling that what she said made sense. The golems had time for an orderly evacuation, so it was no surprise that they would also have taken their things. Still, the mine alone was a huge get, though it was unlikely he would be able to extract anything too valuable before he left for the Tower.


    The Councillors were already closing in on him from the distance, no doubt hoping to renegotiate the deal after finding out about the riches below. Zac could only smile at their approach, feeling that they only had themselves to me for the situation. The Council had so many powerhouses, yet they hadn''t closed a single Incursion. They were too tame, and consequently they were unaware that great riches could always be found close to the Incursions.


    Zac was a bit wrung dry from the fight though, and he was in no mood for a haggling session. He simply threw out a couple of arrays on the ground and told Joanna that he needed to rest after the fight. The Valkyrie nodded and moved to intercept the Councilors, immediately shutting down any attempts to discuss the mine.


    The array disks isted the small space from the hubbub outside, and Zac sat down on the ground after making sure that none of the Councillors were brazen enough to push through his arrays. It was true that he needed to recuperate after the fight, and he took out an E-Grade Nexus Crystal.


    But the real reason was that he wanted to go over his other gains.

 Chapter 373: Desecration

    Chapter 373: Desecration


    Zac had sensed a few improvements during the battle, but he didnt feelfortable checking things out while he was still in the middle of battle, waiting for a potential ambush. But now it was about time he looked things over.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Seed of Heaviness - Peak, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sharpness - Peak, Seed of Hardness - High, Seed of Sanctuary - Peak, Seed of Rot - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>773 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>400 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1108 [Increase: 70,5%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>496 [Increase: 55,5%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>196 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>299 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>149 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 185 744 753 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    His attributes, mainly Endurance and Vitality, had taken arge leap forward. But he noticed that he had gained more attribute points than expected, and he looked at the usual source of unexpected boosts; his title list.


    <strong>[Promising Specialist: Reach 1000 points in a single attribute before evolving to E-Grade. Reward: All stats +5, Endurance +5%.]</strong>


    Zac had mixed feelings of seeing his new title, realizing it might cause some turbulence in his cultivation path. He had gained more Endurance and survivability, but the result of the title itself might prove problematic for his future progression. He had likely gotten the ss option for Big Game Hunter due to his Apex Hunter-title, and he was worried the same thing would happen now that he was closing in on his next selection.


    Would the system try to force him into another tank ss now that it considered him a specialist? Yrial even mentioned that the System only allowed people to pick sses that would suit their talents.


    It might not be the first time that someone got 1000 points into the wrong attribute by ident, but Zac reckoned that it was extremely rare at best. He would much rather have gotten the title for reaching 1000 points in Strength, but beggars couldnt be choosers at a time where he desperately needed power-ups. Hopefully the title only meant that he would get an additional option for a tank ss without losing his other options during his evolution.


    Zac was actually a bit surprised that the title only appeared now. He had already passed 1000 Endurance in his human form even before histest improvements, but he didn''t get the title then. Perhaps the System didnt count boosts like <strong>[Foresters Constitution] </strong>to avoid people cheating with the help of skills like <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage] </strong>and Emilys boosts.


    His gain in attributes wasnt actually what he wanted to look for when he sat down, even though it was a wee bonus. It was the fact that he sensed something change in his movement skill as he ran atop theva. He still sunk into the molten rock in the end, but he managed to move quite a bit faster than he used to, allowing him to catch up to his squad with record-speed.


    As expected he saw that <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>had reached Late Mastery, and even<strong> [Natures Barrier] </strong>had improved a step as well. He wasnt quite sure what made the skills suddenly evolve, but he was happy to take it. Both had been subject tova before they broke through, perhaps that was a clue to push the two skills one step further?


    Zac closed the screens after seeing the changes, but he didnt exit the arrays just yet. He first summoned the emerald leaves out of curiosity, and he noticed that the defensive skill didn''t have any great changes. The leaves wererger, and they seemed to contain more energy. Zac deactivated the skill and focused on restoring his Cosmic Energy for two hours as he tried to familiarize himself with his improved Dao Seed next.


    The two intense fights had not been too draining, apart from the final strike with <strong>[Nature''s Punishment].</strong> His energy was soon enough at an eptable level, at which point he exited the array. Zac wryly smiled when a few councilors ran up to him. He had seen them impatiently walking back and forth in the distance while he sat in his array.


    The Underworld Council had sent four of the human councilors, perhaps in hopes that Zac would be more amenable to give some concessions to his own people, but they were sorely mistaken. Their roundabout questions of reopening negotiations regarding the mine were immediately shut down. Zac made no decisions on the spot, as he had people better suited at figuring out a n for the mine than himself. He would let them deal with it while he focused on the Incursions.


    But Zac still stayed on to discuss a few other topics, and the meeting took 20 minutes before Zac excused himself. The members of the Underworld Council could only watch in disappointment as Zac bought a teleportation array and disappeared in a sh of light.


    The council needed twelve hours before they got their real armies ready, and Zac left a few people to help guide them to the main continent. He wasnt too worried about them trying to doublecross him and take control of the town above, as he had made backup ns.


    Mr. Trang and his squads had been busy setting up not one but three back-up towns on the unexplored continent, making sure that Zac never lost the means to get back. If the Council tried something he could descend upon them within a day. A transit station on a separate ind from Port Atwood had also been set up, meaning that there was no risk of his town getting infiltrated.


    The air on Port Atwood smelled extraordinarily fresh as he stepped out of the teleportation array. He headed over to the Academy when he couldnt find his sister anywhere, and he found her in the middle of setting up the arrays she mentioned the other day. A new andpletely circr structure was being erected, and Zac could see that it held three very distinctyers just like they had discussed.


    Ogras and the army had left a few days ago as nned, and they rejoined the extremely harried Sino-Indian Alliance to finally stop the second zombie horde in its tracks. The demon had even entered a heated battle against the Zombie General in the air above the sea of undead, though neither was able to gain an advantage ording to the report.


    The fight ended with both of them backing away, with Ogras sporting light wounds. Zac guessed that the demon wanted to solidify his Dao through battle, so he had sought out the strongest opponent he could find. Hopefully it would pay dividends with the funnelter. The fact that they managed to force one of the main armies to a halt was a great sign, but he wasn''t sure how long they could keep it up after Ogras left the frontlines.


    But it would hopefully buy them a couple of more days before the enormous array truly activated, which was great since Kenzie needed some more time to prepare.


    Zac couldn''t just sit around and wait until the array was finished, and he was torn between a few options. He first considered joining the battle against the Undead Horde, but eventually discarded the idea. He needed to fight in his Draugr-form since hecked two levels, and he didn''t want to alert the Undead Empire about that persona unless necessary.


    Eventually he decided to take down another surface incursion in the meantime, as many of the invaders still focused on enriching themselves rather than helping in the fight against the Undead Empire. He had no problem with using those people like a whetstone for his final levels.


    Seeing the me Golem''s actions were also a bit worrying, filling Zac with some urgency. It would be a problem if the invaders decided to follow suit and escape through the Nexus Hub before Zac could get his hands on them. It would both result in loss of experience for him, and that the massive wealth they plundered from stolennd would be permanently lost.


    He wanted to take down as many as possible before they cashed out and fled to their homeworlds, and Zac guessed that many were already nning on leaving due to the Undead Empire.


    So he ordered a Valkyrie who was on standby in the Academy to head over to the Fire Golem Incursion and tell his elite squad to join him. Soon enough Verana and a squad of elites met up with Mr. ck outside a teleporter in a town hidden in the wilderness. Apart from Verana and Tylia there was also Harvath and his squad of demons.


    Smaug had somehow joined the squad as well, and he looked about ready to cry as he looked up at the sky. He stood still like he was frozen and took one deep breath after another.


    Wait, we have two suns now? the merchant finally eximed after a few seconds.


    And four moons, Joanna smiled.


    Four of them? Wonder if there are treasures up there just waiting for the first person strong enough to grab them, the demon muttered.


    Most moons are pretty deste ces, Verana said from the side. Few of them have a core that generates Cosmic Energy. But those that do are often turned into private residences as the density of Cosmic Energy bes pretty extraordinary. There would no doubt be treasures for the first explorers at such a ce.


    Smaug whistled with interest before he finally looked down again and joined the squad as they finished their preparations. All of them looked rested and ready for battle, which wasnt surprising since Zac had essentially carried out the whole battle against the golems himself.


    The group set out without preamble, and things went as expected. After having fought against four above-average Incursions in the unfamiliar terrain of the Underworld, assaulting a much weaker Incursion on the surface provided little challenge for the group.


    The moment they reached the incursion Verana silently summoned Grub, and Zac jumped on its head before they rammed the defensive array. The two had acted as a wall breaking team a few times already, and the defenses that the invaders set up proved far too weak to handle their assault. It cracked like brittle ss, and a handful of the feathered humanoids of the incursion coughed up blood from the bacsh.


    Zac jumped down from Grub and stomped in the ground, teleporting himself over to a section of the invader army where a group of birdmen emitting the powers of E-grade warriors stood. He directly activated <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, for the first time seeing the skill after he managed to upgrade it to Middle Mastery.


    The five sinister towers had gotten an addition of five gates that were ced in the gap between the towers themselves. It looked a bit funny with gates that had open space on both sides, but they emitted a terrifying enough aura for anyone to take them seriously.


    Zac couldnt figure out any purpose of the gates apart from the fact that he sensed he was able to open and close them at will. It was pretty convenient as it would allow him to get reinforcements while he fought inside the cage.


    On top of the gates the same types of azure fractals as the ones on top of the towers hovered, each of them summoning another spectral chain. Unfortunately, they didnt seem to be much stronger since he upgraded the skill, meaning that a strong warrior would be able to rebuff or break them.


    But Zac had already found another usage of the chains as he onlymanded five of them to start harassing the Incursion leader and the two guards he had by his sides. The other five started to whip around therge number of birdmen who were also caught inside therge cage as well.


    Streams of energies almost immediately started to flood into his body as he started to fight the leader with the help of <strong>[Hunger]</strong> and <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>. It was the chains that managed to impale one of the average warriors after another, killing them before the corpses were dragged along toward the next victim.


    A few of the warriors survived having their torsos prated by the spectral chains, and wails and screams of fear started to echo in the area as the chains ruthlessly started to drain them of their life-force. In just a minute the chains were studded by rows of desated husks as they whirled around in the air, creating a truly horrifying spectaclepletely irreverent of the dead.


    He finally understood what the profane part of the skill name was referring to.

 Chapter 374: Dao of the Axe

    Chapter 374: Dao of the Axe


    Seeing the horrifying disy of his skill Zac''s resolve started to waver, but he soon steeled his heart. He had already confirmed with the Marshall n that this particr Incursion hadn''t shown any mercy, and quite arge number of people had been enved and killed by them. Besides, getting killed by a swing of an axe was only marginally better than getting hollowed out by the spectral chains.


    The birdman leader screeched in rage as he saw his underlings getting culled one by one, and he desperately tried to take Zac down. He had some sort of wind-rted ss, and he moved with tremendous speed to attack Zac from various angles like shes of lightning. One wound after another started to appear on Zacs body as though they came from nowhere, but Zac didnt mind in the slightest.


    Undying Bulwark was truly the nemesis of Dexterity-based warriors. He wasnt able to block out the skills, but why should he even try? In less than thirty seconds the birdman general was drenched in blood from his own attacks. The ghosts from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> had dragged him into a dance of death, and there was no way that Zac wouldnt be thest one standing in such a struggle. Zac himself had quite a few flesh wounds, but it was nothing a normal healing pill wouldn''t fix in a couple of hours.


    Soon enough the birdman leader gave up on the assault and caused a rain of blood when he shot toward the wall of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. But he couldnt even escape the ghosts over on the other side of the cage, and he finally fell with an anguished wail when he unleashed a flurry of wind des against one of the towers.


    The battle was pretty much over by that point, as almost all of the trapped warriors had already fallen to the onught of thebination of the chains and the corrosive mists from <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. The remaining warriors outside had long given up, and they frantically fled toward the Nexus Hub along with the nonbat invaders. They were all essentially walking Nexus Crystals, but Zac allowed the survivors to leave through the Hub even though he desperately needed to gain levels.


    This was something he had already decided on earlier. He wouldnt start ughtering people indiscriminately in pursuit of power, and he would stop the moment the fight was over. Besides, he had already killed the leader and his two generals, and those three alone were worth far more Cosmic Energypared to the remaining armybined.


    The whole town waspletely deste in less than ten minutes, and the usual process of integrating the area into a part of Port Atwood began. A group of professionals from Port Atwood immediately streamed out of the Teleportation Array less than 30 minutes after it was built. His people had be experts at quickly and efficiently integrating conquered incursions, from emancipating ves to sniffing out all valuables in the area.


    Zac sat down, as usual, to go over the battle and recuperate. He didnt have any major gains from the battle just as he expected, but it did allow him to be slightly more ustomed to his improved Dao and skills, including the Dao of Sharpness he didn''t really get to showcase against the Golems.


    The power of his Seed of Sharpness was amazing by this point, and his very presence was dangerous to people who had yet Evolved. Small cuts would appear on their bodies, quickly umting to the point that they started to get seriously hurt. Even the weaker of the evolved were slightly affected by the Dao Field, and while he wasnt able to draw blood it looked like their concentration was impacted by the constant scratching of invisible des.


    Zac himself only waited out the 8-hour time limit while resting, and pondering on the results of the battle. The most interesting thing was the upgraded version of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. The additional structures made him look forward to how the skill would look when he reached the peak. Would it create a whole fortress with an imprable wall?


    The only unfortunate aspect of the skill was that he wasn''t able to infuse it with a Dao, which caused the chain''s effect on strong opponents to be pretty limited. The Demon Lord had directly rebuffed them with a fiery aura, and the Cyborg simply disintegrated them with its aura. Perhaps the chains would havested longer if he could have infused them with the Dao of Hardness.


    Perhaps the skill was the same as <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. It was a skill given by an Epic ss, and maybe those had higher requirements on the Dao to be used, and perhaps he was even expected to have formed a Fragment from Sanctuary and Hardness by this point if going by the ss archetype. But he was dragged out of his musings before reaching a conclusion as Verana walked toward him.


    Your strength is getting pretty shocking, Verana said as she sat down next to him. I am starting to wonder if our presence is even needed when you take down these Incursions. You are bing an army unto your own.


    I still need people to stabilize the situation outside the cage, Zac said with a shake of his head. It seems the seal is far weaker from the outside. Besides, its good training for the future elites of Port Atwood.


    Still, it makes me expectant for the future. It is not often you get to see the ascent of a true powerhouse, Verana sighed.


    Zacs initially smiled, but suddenly looked over at the Beast Master with suspicion.


    Okay, what do you want? Zac asked.


    Tylia told me about the Beast Crystals after we closed the Golem Incursion, Verana said with a roll of her eyes as she sat down in front of him.


    Im sorry, theres only so many in my hands, Zac said. And we have quite a few beasts in Port Atwood as well.


    I am guessing you have gotten your hands on a mine though, Verana said. More crystals will grow.


    Zac didnt deny that, as it was pretty obvious he wouldnt just find one high-grade Beast Crystal randomly lying in a corner of the Underworld.


    You should know that we never nned on staying on your for a hundred years, but here we are. Our reserves will notst that long. Wed like to buy a share in the mine itself to secure supply, the Tal-dar said, finally putting the cards on the table.


    Its not impossible, Zac slowly said. But do you even have the Nexus Coins for such a transaction?


    Not yet, but I hope youll remember your words in a year or two, Verana smiled as she stood up.


    Zac sighed when he realized that she wasnt interested in paying up now, but rather only wanted to sound out the possibility. It was the better option of her, of course, since it wouldnt do her much good to spend all her current wealth on apletely stripped mine.


    He didnt know how quickly Beast Crystals grew, but he couldnt imagine it was too fast. It would probably take years before new low-grade crystals sprouted. But he needed the money now, so he had no choice but to be a bit shameless.


    A few years is so long, and my memory isnt what it once was, Zac coughed as he stood up.


    Verana stopped in her tracks and looked back at him with an even stare.


    I guess you have some means to strengthen your memory, no? Perhaps if I paid a bit up-front? she said with a t tone, and Zac could feel his ears heating up a bit. How much?


    Oh, not much. One billion would do, Zac said with a smile.


    A BILLION?! Verana roared, making Lulu who was sleeping in her arms jump up in fright. ARE YOU CRAZY?


    The two entered a fierce negotiation from there, but it was clear that Verana really needed the crystals. Unfortunately, she was truly unable to fork out so much money, but Zac walked away with another 500 million Nexus Coins in the end, with the additional promise that the Tal-dar would assist in teaching Beast Mastery at the Atwood Academy.


    Those nexus coins were likely arge part of thebined wealth the Tal-dar had scrounged up in the Underworld, but they fell into the hands of Zac in the end. It wasn''t as much as his other sources of Nexus Coins, but it would give him a bit more breathing room when he visited the Tower of Eternity.


    Zac returned to Port Atwood after havingpleted his mission and changed back to his human form after he arrived at hispound. He didn''t reach level 74, but he felt he was over half-way there. He would likely just need to close two or three more Incursions to reach level 75.


    Kenzie was actually in her courtyard when Zac looked for her, and her eyes were peeled at an extremely intricate blueprint.


    "What are you doing?" Zac asked with interest as he walked over.


    He immediately saw the blueprint was of the house she was building in the academy, but there were a ton of fractals and lines that Zac couldn''t understand at all.


    "Jeeves and I are looking over the schematic, to make sure we don''t miss anything," Kenzie said, her eyes a bit bloodshot.


    "Are you ok?" Zac asked with some worry. "It''s okay to take a breather and rest. It will help you avoid mistakes as well."


    "Jeeves doesn''t make mistakes even when I''m tired," Kenzie smiled. "Besides, everyone is pushing themselves to save our. I can''tze about."


    "So how''s it going?" Zac asked, knowing he wouldn''t be able to get her to rest.


    "It''s pretty much done," Kenzie said. "I will just need a day of testing the arrays and the energy flows to make sure no one made a mistake while setting everything up."


    "One day?" Zac said, his eyes lighting up. "That''s great."


    "Have you decided on who will join us?"


    "Notpletely," Zac admitted. "Only the inneryer. How many do you think would be able to sit in the outeryers?"


    "I think we could fit 30 people or so? If I make the area anyrger I can''t reliably contain the energies, Kenzie said after thinking it over.


    "Can you ask Alyn, Joanna, and Ilvere to nominate 9 people each? I also want to offer spots to Ryan, L, and Ibtep if we can reach him."


    The insectoid had joined N and was currently fighting the Undead Empire along with the Zhix hordes. Themunications were sporadic, but he knew that they were still alive two weeks ago at least, and that hive Kundevi was part of a roving squad that had split off from the main Zhix army to hunt the smaller hordes.


    That, unfortunately, meant that Zac currently had no means to contact him, and he also couldn''t hold up the activation of the funnel for them. It would be up to fate if they could join.


    "What about Thea and the others?" Kenzie asked. "Shouldn''t we invite them too?"


    "...No," Zac finally said. "I want to use this opportunity solely for people of Port Atwood. That means that Verana and the Tal-dar won''t join either."


    It took a lot of deliberation, but Zac had eventually arrived at the conscious decision to not invite anyone that wasnt part of his force. That included both Billy and Thea who he trusted, but who were ultimately allies in charge of their own forces. The same went for Verana. She was a trading partner, not an actual member of Port Atwood. The Tal-dar had been helpfultely, but it was essentially a business transaction since they gained something every time they joined him in battle.


    Keeping it all for themselves might be selfish, but Zac and Ogras had risked their lives for the opportunity and they wanted to keep all the benefits for themselves. Truthfully, if they could keep all the Origin Dao for just the two of them, they would probably have done so since that would have the greatest impact in the fight against the invaders and the Dominators.


    But since that was impossible they could only use the spillover to create more powerhouses in Port Atwood. Kenzie didn''t look too pleased about his decision, but she didn''t contradict him in the end.


    "I will enter meditation for a day to solidify my Dao," Zac said as he stood up to leave. "I''ll see you tomorrow."


    Zac did just what he said he would do and entered his courtyard. His goal for tomorrow was to finally form a Dao Fragment, and he hoped to increase his chances of seeding if he could find a direction to take the first step. He closed off all outside interference before he took out <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. His eyes wandered over the axe over and over, trying to glean any type of truth or inspiration from its form or by how it felt in his hands.


    Just what was the Dao of the Axe?

 Chapter 375: Free Lunch

    Chapter 375: Free Lunch


    It was 4 pm the next day when the crystal in Zacsp vibrated, indicating that his sister or Ogras was trying to contact him.


    Everything is ready, Kenzies voice emerged from the crystal after he picked it up. We couldnt get a hold of Ibtep, but everyone else is here.


    Ask Alyn if she wants to try. Im on my way, Zac said as he stood up. Can you bring the prayer mat from the cave?


    "It''s already here."


    Zac had spent the better part of a day picturing the Dao of the Axe, or at least the part of the Dao that represented his path. He still did not know if his conclusions were correct, but he was simply out of time and would have to roll the dice.


    He walked over to the Academy in quick steps and found that everyone apart from Ogras was waiting outside. There were also 50 Demon Soldiers and 30 Valkyries who stood ready to guard the structure against any interruptions. Alyn stood there as well, though he was not sure if it was because she was there to oversee the event or to join it.


    Alyn was the back-up he decided to fill Ibteps spot in case he couldnt be reached. She was not really a core part of his fighting force, but she had contributed a lot to Port Atwood in her own way. He also thought that if Alyns aplishments in the Dao increased, then she would also be able to teach the students more efficiently.


    Finally were doing this, Ogras voice drifted over, but the usuallyzy tone contained an undeniable hint of excitement this time.


    The demon sported a new small scar on his left cheek, but other than that he seemed fine even though he had fought an undead general the other day.


    Lets hope we got this right, otherwise this will turn into a tragedy, Zac wryly smiled as he looked across the people who would participate.


    All of them belonged to the absolute peak of Port Atwoods forces. The only exception was a motley mix of youngsters who looked a bit nervous. It was the students that Alyn had rmended, seedlings with potential to be powerhouses under his banner.


    If something happened to all of them, including himself, then both Port Atwood and Earth was finished.


    So maudlin, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. Its just a bunch of Origin Dao, what can go wrong?


    Famousst words, Zac snorted, though he felt the demon had a point.


    Lets head inside and I will exin things, Zac said as he looked over the group before entering the circr building.


    Zac only took a few steps before he froze for a second, looking with some shock at what his sister had created. The walls were covered in a dense pattern of inscriptions, reaching pretty much from floor to ceiling. Even the stone floor and ceiling contained inscribed lines that went in circles around the outeryer he stood in.


    Kenzie truly hadnt been cking off.


    The group was led into the central chamber where the first group would meditate on the Dao when the Dao funnel was cracked open.


    The Dao funnel was ced on an altar in the middle of the room, and the altar itself was covered in fractals as well. ording to Kenzie the tform had the same effect as the spatial disturbance arrays he had used to block out the usage of teleporters. It was likely that it was these kinds of altars, albeit far more advanced versions, the Undead Empire used to block out the teleporters in the area surrounding his forces.


    Whether such a thing would be needed or not wasnt sure, but Kenzie added it as a precaution. They simply knew too little about Origin Dao, and Bra hadnt been helpful no matter how much Kenzie had begged or cajoled.


    Their best guess was that Origin Dao was a mysterious energy that existed in the air around them, just like Cosmic Energy, but that it was impossible for people at their level to detect. It seeped into their souls from exposure, and absorbing the Origin Dao strengthened peoples connection to the Dao.


    Kenzie was afraid that the energy would dissipate too quickly, perhaps through leaving into other nes of existence. So she had prepared an array to seal space itself, in addition to the arrays that would hopefully keep the Origin Dao consigned to the room they were in.


    The inner chamber wasnt actually sealed off, but it rather had an openyout with eight vaulted arches that provided vision to those who would sit outside. Even the inner chamber was separated into two rows, meaning that the group would be split into three priorities.


    The innermost row was just two seats, one on each side of the altar. Just behind the seats was a line of fractals forming a circle around the seats and the altar, along with two small ss cylinders covered in fractals. Each of the ss pirs was roughly half a meter high and ced next to the two seats. Finally there were fourrge fractals on the floor tiles, one on each side of the innermost seats.


    Crack any of those pirs and all the restrictive arrays and the altar will be destroyed immediately, which would hopefully let the Origin Dao dissipate quickly, Kenzie exined when she saw Zacs gaze. Its like a panic button.


    What if I only want to release the Origin Dao toward the nextyer? Zac asked.


    See the fractals that are ced next to your seats? Kenzie asked. They are shortcuts to the energy pathways that feed Cosmic Energy to the two sealing arrays. If you disrupt the pathway the array will lose its power in a second or two, allowing the Origin Dao to spread. It doesn''t matter what order you crush them, so just destroy one to open up the secondyer, and two to open up the third.


    So just punch the tile or something? Zac asked, receiving a nod in confirmation.


    Zac asked a few more questions about the details of the arrays before he turned toward the group still waiting behind them. Even the demons were wide-eyed as they looked around, clearly confused and slightly apprehensive about the dense inscriptions covering almost every surface around them.


    I know that most of you dont know why you have been summoned here, Zac said, drawing everyones attention. Its because Ogras and I are ready to present you with a unique opportunity to be stronger."


    No one would say no to a power-up, and peoples eyes lit up in anticipation. Only a few of the more experienced demons kept their cool demeanor, clearly understanding that nothing came for free or without risks. They immediately understood from the building they stood in that this wasn''t a simple bestowment of some treasures.


    You should all know about Salvation and his deeds by now, Zac started to exin. The Integration turned him insane, and he killed hundreds of thousands of people, turning them into puppets. Ogras and I killed him after an intense fight.


    What you dont know is that Salvation had a mysterious treasure on his body, something that he had stolen from the Inheritance site of the Great Redeemer, Zac continued pointing at the golden fractal on the altar. The purpose of this item was to steal Origin Dao.


    Im sorry, whats Origin Dao? Mr. Trang spoke up, and Zac noticed there was a noticeable hint of confusion on the faces of most people.


    Only then did Zac realize that the knowledge of Origin Dao hadnt been spread through Port Atwood. It was something that not even Ogras knew the word for before Bra exined the concept, so it was no wonder that not even the demon soldiers had heard of it either. They only knew that people improved Dao Seeds easier on newly integrateds for some reason.


    Before the System came there was no magic in your world, Ogras spoke up to exin. But now you gain levels and Dao seeds. This is partly because of Cosmic Energy. But the second half is Origin Dao. Its a unique energy that can be found on newly integrateds for a short time, an energy that connects your world to the great truths of the Universe.


    Origin Dao is why people on newly integrateds gain insights into the Dao far quicker than the rest of the universe. You should have heard of how hard it was from the Demon soldiers back on their home, Zac said, drawing a few nods.


    In any case. This item contains the stolen Origin Dao of all of Salvations victims. And we intend to crack this thing open and release the Origin Dao into this building, Ogras exined, unable topletely hide his impatience.


    What will happen when you do? Mr. Trang asked hesitantly.


    No idea, Zac frankly said, drawing confused looks. Ideally we would have liked to study this for years before attempting this, but we are running out of time. Threats loom in all directions, and we arent strong enough as things stand. I will take this risk in order to be stronger, to protect our.


    We hope that the massive amounts of stored Origin Dao will forcibly put us into a prolonged state of epiphany, drastically improving our insights into the Dao, Ogras exined. But we might be way off base. Perhaps nothing will happen. Perhaps we will be turned into idiots.


    There is no such thing as a free lunch, Mr. Trang muttered, drawing confused looks from the demons.


    Exactly, Zac said. This is an opportunity, but there are also real risks involved. I will not force anyone to undergo this experiment, everyone here is free to leave.


    Low discussions spread across the hall, as people talked about the situation with their close friends. But eventually the discussions died down, and not a single person chose to leave. Zac nodded in satisfaction, happy that the seedlings that Alyn had picked out had the guts to brave danger. It would be impossible to be a powerhouse otherwise.


    Good, prepare your mental states and ponder on the direction you want to evolve your Dao Seeds. Your results will most likely be more impressive if you have a n in mind before we start, Zac said.


    After Zac exined the situation Kenzie took the floor, exining the intricacies of the array and how it worked. Zac had been a bit worried that people would be offended by being ced in different tiers around the Funnel, but no one even raised a brow after learning about it. Perhaps they knew the value of the thing they were being offered, and that the leaders could make the most use of it.


    Everyone quickly got into position and started to stabilize their mental state while Kenzie did a final test-run of the arrays. The building had already been sealed from the outside world with an extremely strong defensive array.


    Since it only covered a small building rather than a whole town its shielding was extremely formidable, and even Zac would probably need some time to crack it open. The array also isted any sounds, so there would be no disturbances from the outside world while the people meditated.


    Zac looked around the inner chamber as he waited for everything to begin. Only thirteen people sat in the room, with the third group sitting at fixed positions outside the arches. Ogras and Zac were the two in the innermostyer, as they were the two top tier powerhouses of Port Atwood and also the ones who had secured the item.


    Zac had initially wanted to put his sister there as well, but she had staunchly refused, instead opting to sit at the secondyer. With her were the two demon generals, Emily, Sap Trang, and finally the three strongest demons and Valkyries respectively. Mr. Trang was obviously the weakest person in the room, and not technically one of the elites.


    But the old fisherman had been with Zac almost from the start, and he had performed above all expectations in every endeavor so far. This was the chance for him to go from a normal elite to a powerhouse without having to solely rely on his scary pet.


    Zac knew that Mr. Trang still hadnt been able to improve his race to E-Grade due to his age, but the old man looked at least 15 years youngerpared to when he first arrived thanks to the continuous medicine baths he was taking. He would probably have no problem living for a few more decades as things stood, and Zac hoped he would find a solution for his predicament by that time.


    Zac already sat on the second of the two prayer mats he owned. The other mat ultimately went to Ogras, even though Zac felt apologetic for his sister. But things were dire, and they needed to push their two strongest as much as possible for theing fights.


    It was also a distinct possibility that she would receive some assistance of her own through her AI, making the prayer mat superfluous.


    You guys ready? Kenzie asked after having confirmed that the arrays were activated and that everything worked as it should.


    Were ready, Zac nodded as he took a deep steadying breath. Do your thing.

 Chapter 376: Impressions

    Chapter 376: Impressions


    As Ive said, I have no guarantees this will work, Kenzie muttered as she turned toward the golden funnel.


    She took out a small inscription tool and started to add new lines to the funnel. Odd undtions started to appear in the room within seconds, and Zac looked around with wonder. He had never taken any hallucinogenic drugs in his life, but he believed that what he experienced right now might be a bit simr. The world felt as though it was alive, and everything pulsed with life and mystery. He quickly took out hisst Dao Treasure so he would be ready to boost his experience.


    Here we go, Kenzie said, though Zac felt he heard the voice from far away.


    A small snap echoed in the room the next seconds, and Zacs all senses werepletely overloaded by impressions and scenes he couldnt understand or decipher. If the magical sense of oneness with the universe earlier was a subdued whisper, then what he currently experienced was an unrelenting storm that threatened to rip him to shreds.


    It was at that moment Zac realized that they might be in over their heads. Zacs vision was flooded by colors and shapes that shouldnt exist, and he heard whispers that threatened to drive him insane.


    The energy they unleashed was far beyond what he had expected, and he felt like a small boat in the middle of the ocean during a terrifying storm. He was on the brink of sumbing, and he spotted his sister toppling over as she tried to get back to her spot. Ogras was already bleeding out of his nose, and he had actually cut himself on the leg with a small knife as his eyes werepletely bloodshot.


    Too Strong, he croaked, and Zac understood.


    The density was just too much, it was not something that people at their level could handle. If they didnt dilute the Origin Dao they would die or have their minds broken. It took all of Zacs willpower, but he managed to m down on the restriction in a bid to release the Origin Dao to a wider area.


    A secondter Zac could finally take a breather, but he was still teetering on the brink of copse as he looked around, trying to see what was really going on through the hallucinations. Just the quick look around made him forget what he wanted to do, as it felt that each hallucination contained a mystery that could elevate his understanding of the universe.


    Steady your minds and close your eyes. Focus on your own Dao, Ogras growled, which allowed Zac to snap out of it long enough to push the Dao Treasure into his mouth and swallow it.


    The surroundings kept getting more abstruse, and Zac got the notion that he would be able to grasp myriad Dao just by looking at the ster on the wall or a spot melted wax on a candle. The fractals on the wall kept squirming, and Zac believed they tried to spell out divine secrets for him. Everything was calling out to his very soul, but he quickly closed his eyes as well to resist the temptations.


    He knew it was the effect of the Origin Dao, that the enigmatic energy was exposing the truths of everything in nature. But just because there were truths to find didnt mean he should delve into them. It would cause chaos to his cultivation system if he got a bunch of new Dao Seeds at this juncture.


    He instead used his whole being to focus on the concept of the axe, basing his meditation on the fractal axe in his body. It was still split between the two Daos, and it radiated an immense pressure since Zac reached peak Dao with both his seeds. The groans and shuffling from the people around him soon drifted away as he closed in on himself and his whole being focused on the Dao of the Axe.


    Unfortunately, he wasnt shielded from the chaotic energies around him just because he closed his eyes and focused his mind. The madness crept into his body through each and every one of his cells, making him feel as though he could topple any moment. Zac did everything in his power to ignore the whispers that kept trying to lead him astray, believing they were hints to various Daos in the multiverse.


    Luckily a warmth spread from his stomach after a bit, and calming tendrils moved through his body and silenced the chaos to a certain extent. It was the Dao Treasure, and it allowed him to refocus on the Axe with unprecedented rity.


    Space and time no longer held no meaning as his mind was overwhelmed by the endless profundity of the axe. The fractal axe he envisioned kept growing in his mind and Zac started to sense one scene after another y the weapon itself.


    He saw scenes of himself, swinging his axe in one desperate struggle after another. He kept pushing forward, and his prey kept getting more dangerous. He saw himself desperately struggling to cause a lethal wound against a barghest, where he was forced to use the environment to his advantage to survive. He could almost taste the blood as his hatchet made its way into the spine of the beast.


    Beasts, cultivators, invaders, and even armies entered his vision, only to be bisected and conquered. Everything in the world was fleeting, and the only truth was the weapon he held in his hand. Whoever stood in his path would be crushed by the towering force of his swing, whatever tried to resist would be cut by the gleaming edge.


    The scenes kept shing through his mind, and something started to crystalize. It was the path of the Axe that he had arrived at yesterday. It was a path of indomitability and furious offense, one that gave up on the flexibility of the sword or the speed of the rapiers in favor of monstrous power and momentum.


    Nothing could hamper the progress of his axe. All defenses would get crushed, all obstacles cut in two. The axe was the truth that would allow him to walk to the end of the path, and also the tool of ughter that would keep those around him safe. But before his epiphany could mature into something real, the visions started to change and he felt himself getting dragged inside.


    Zac was no longer looking in on his deed from outside, now it was suddenly him getting killed, and he felt himself dying one indignant death after another. He could see himself as the aggressor, and he looked up only to peer into his own wooden face and two pitch-ck eyes that held no emotion or sor as the Zac in the vision swung his axe down.


    He was the merchant only following orders, his heads getting cut off in one swift motion. He was the mink defending its mountain, only to get in. He was a tiger, a cultivator, a zombie, one being after another with their own dreams and aspirations.


    But those dreams turned to dust with the arrival of that sharp edge. His resistance was futile against the towering weight of the weapon soaring toward him. Zac died a thousand deaths, and he felt his soul was getting wounded each time.


    Soon enough it wasnt even himself who killed, but he rather saw visions men and women getting forced to their knees, and their whole vision was filled with a finger that moved toward their forehead. Pain that Zac never had experienced before rippled through his body as his soul was dragged out of his body in the visions.


    The visions became increasingly chaotic as time passed, showing a jumbled mess of scenes that were unfamiliar to him. But as the scenes kept appearing he felt an increasing amount of anger and hatred filling his body. It was different from the Splinter, it was more open and direct. But even though Zac could see iting he couldnt avoid his mind getting corrupted, and the destructive thoughts were eroding his soul.


    But his resilience wouldnt let him falter or give up, so he forcibly lived through the discordant visions of death and destruction as he searched for that feeling that he lost just before. He needed to get back to the axe, the truth that he almost grasped before his mind was led astray.


    He felt he was on the cusp of sess before things turned dark, and he only needed to regain it. But the constant flurry of visions took their toll, and Zac was starting to lose track of what was going on. Everything felt muddled as the thousands of impressions threatened to destroy his sense of self.


    But some hidden spark inside his mind suddenly ignited his cognizance for one final burst, and he managed to grasp hold of the feeling once more, finally putting an end to the endless visions. The visions finally stilled, and he found himself in outer space, facing the huge fractal that was formed as an axe.


    In the far distance in the deepest space were two lights radiating boundless power. It was the very same stars as the one he saw during the Dao Impartment, though this time they felt far more distant. It was no surprise, as he had the help of a C-Grade powerhouse to connect to those starsst time.


    But he had another type of help this time. It felt like he was full of a boundless power that allowed him to create a tendril of his own, one that reached for the distant stars just as they reached for him. It was the Origin Dao that empowered him to reach further than he would have been able to on his own, effectively creating a bridge to the Grand Dao.


    The tendrils finally connected, and Zac felt a surge of endless knowledge enter his mind. His whole soul, which was already wrung dry from the onught of visions, shuddered from the impact, but he held on.


    He first didnt know what he was waiting for, but he soon had his answer. As knowledge crammed itself into his brain the fractal started to grow in front of him. He instinctively reached toward it as he absorbed additional truths from the stars. The axe released a keening echo the moment Zacs intangible hand touched it, and the lines that made up its body started to twist and writhe with blinding speed, rearranging themselves after some unknown blueprint.


    The outer shape of the enormous fractal was the same, but the lines had reformed to no longer possess two separate sides. The axe looked far moreplete now, with onepletely integrated pathway. The weapon radiated an immense power, and Zac sensed both his earlier Dao seeds in the mix.


    Everything from the emotional heaviness to the most recent indomitable will to cut through everything was ounted for, but there were many additions that he hadnt recognized before. The snippets of truth were all meshed together into a perfect whole, and they together made up the Dao of the Axe.


    He knew he had done it, he had upgraded his two Dao Seeds into a Fragment. If he was physically there he would have breathed out in relief.


    The two stars in the distance receded after Zac had managed to upgrade the fractal in front of him, and therge axe started to dissipate as well. He realized that this epiphany was over and willed himself to exit his mysterious state. The deed was done, and this step guaranteed that his sses would at least be able to upgrade his ss immediately. He was pretty sure that he had passed the achievement part with flying colors, anyway.


    But Zac didn''t even have had time to celebrate the sess of his advancement before a shocking sight entered his vision when he opened his eyes. His experience hadnt been smooth, but Zac had initially chalked it up to the difficulty of forming a Dao Fragment.


    The insight needed for that was on a higher level than upgrading a seed, and Zac guessed that would take a greater toll on his body. This was something he had already discussed with Ogras earlier, and the demon had agreed. But reality proved different.


    He didn''t know how long his meditative state had actuallysted, but the house was still under the full effect of the Origin Dao. Zac felt he had a bit greater resistance against the hallucinations now, and the brief moment of rity allowed him to witness the state of everyone else in the building.


    Something was terribly wrong with the energy they had released.

 Chapter 377: Risk and Reward

    Chapter 377: Risk and Reward


    It was clearly not only Zac who had struggled tremendously to withstand the onught of impressions unleashed by the Dao Funnel. Everyone had various degrees of struggle written on their faces, with most in the building even shaking as they had their eyes shut tight as they strained to endure.


    Zacs mind churned as he resisted the constant lure of the truths of the universe, and he tried to make his sluggish mind find a way to lessen everyones burden. He finally remembered the n from earlier, and he mmed down at a second stone disk next to him, immediately cracking it.


    But his addled mind soon realized that someone had already opened up the Origin Dao to the thirdyer, and when his eyes reached the people sitting outside the arches he realized they were even worse off than those sitting inside.


    The Origin Dao might be like the Cosmic Water; Great in small quantities, but it could quickly be a dangerous poison if you indulged in too much of it. Perhaps someone like the Great Redeemer would be able to absorb it all, but he was at Peak D-Grade and he was perhaps nning on absorbing it over decades.


    What they were doing right now might be equivalent to jumping into the Nexus Water-pond to take a bath. The only difference being that it was their souls that would take the hit rather than their bodies getting sted to pieces from absorbing too much energy. That wasnt the only problem though, even if it might be part of the reason almost everyone seemed to have one foot in the grave.


    Something was assaulting the people stuck in meditative poses. They were pitch-ck specters, reminiscent of those poor souls who had been corrupted by the splinter in the Eastern Trigram sect. Perhaps they were just another set of hallucinations brought by the massive surge of Origin Dao, but Zac felt a huge amount of resentmenting from the ghosts, which waspletely different from the enigmatic and almost addictive feeling that came from the other hallucinations.


    The ghosts weren''t attacking anyone, it rather looked like they were praying to or even begging for mercy. Others held their translucent head in their hands, radiating hopelessness. Zac''s thoughts immediately went to the visions he was forced to endure while he formed his Dao Fragment. Was this the souls of those that Salvation killed?


    They flocked around most people, though Zac noted with relief that his sister waspletely spared. The same went for Ogras and Janos, while a few more were less crowded as well. His sister had somehow managed to make her way back to her spot in the secondyer, and he realized that it was her who had cracked open the array, releasing the Origin Dao to the outeryer.


    He couldn''t confirm that the ghosts were actually harming anyone since they never touched anyone, but he did note that those that were more crowded seemed to be struggling more. A lot of them were bleeding out of their noses and ears, looking like they had suffered some type of hemorrhage.


    But what was even worse was that he saw indistinct silver fractals appearing on the foreheads of those who struggled the most, and even in his currently muddled state he had no problem remembering where he had seen that particr design before. It was the same fractal that shone on Salvations forehead, though his tattoo was far more intricate than the nascent inscriptions on the people around him.


    Was the funnel trying to convert everyone around it, turning them into raving lunatics like Salvation himself?


    Worry gripped Zacs heart he and arduously got up to his feet in his eagerness to help everyone. But what should he do? Everyone was in an extremely fragile state, likely fighting a desperate battle with their souls on the line. Dragging everyone outside might have the opposite reaction of what he hoped, as it might cause a disturbance that made them lose focus and destroy their minds.


    His eyes darted to the crystal pir next to him, but he eventually looked away from that as well. The soldiers stationed outside had standing orders to quickly evacuate everyone in case the arrays were deactivated, and that would be the same as him dragging people outside himself.


    He needed to do something by himself, but he was in no condition to start swinging his axe around in the building. Not that he thought he could actually destroy any of the ghosts with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. But he did possess one weapon that seemed effective against the dead, so he released his Dao field for Dao of Trees, hoping it would bring some vitality to everyone while it drove the ghosts away.


    His soul was already battered and bruised, feeling like when he had overtaxed his mental energy during a fight, but he persisted in using it when he saw many people regain some color on their faces. Even the silvery fractal that had appeared on a few foreheads had started to dissipate slightly.


    Best yet was that the ghosts started to fall apart, releasing soundless wails as they turned into motes of dust.


    The Seed of Trees worked wonders, so he kept his Dao Field going for as long as he could. But his vision started swimming after only 30 seconds, and he was forced to stop. At least everyone looked noticeably better by that point, and Zac could only pray that the extra energy would allow everyone to beat the side-effects of the Dao Funnel on their own.


    He believed that as long as they managed to improve their Dao Seeds the corruption would be pushed away by the pure energies of the Daos, just like when he condensed his fragment. The moment the two Stars appeared all the discordant visions had been pushed aside, allowing him to finish his meditation in peace.


    This was all he could do, as his mind was starting to tear and distort once more from the beckoning visions and intrusive whispers. He sat down at the mat again, which helped a little bit with the chaos in his mind. He closed his eyes and desperately focused on the small space that he created when he managed to form a Dao Seed from his own effort.


    He needed to turn cmity into an opportunity once more since the funnel obviously wasnt out of Origin Dao just yet. It was either that or flee from this ce, taking the winnings before losing everything. But Zac wouldn''t stop now that he hade this far. This was a unique opportunity, and he couldn''t leave his people behind in any case.


    His first instinct was to go for his second fragment since both Trees and Sanctuary were at the peak by now. But he reluctantly had to give up on that idea. Forming the first Fragment had been extremely exhausting, and his condition was exacerbated by providing a respite to those around him. He wasnt confident in forming another Fragment as things stood.


    Besides, there was the issue of bnce. He was afraid that if he formed a Life-attuned Fragment while his Dao Seeds of Rot and Hardness were still only at High mastery, then his evolution of Undying Bulwark might be messed up. It was a safer option to work on his two final Dao Seeds instead, even if the benefits might be worse.


    He desperately closed his eyes again to shut out the hallucinations, and this time he focused on the Seed of Rot, going over all aspects of rot and putrefaction he could. Rot was the seed that he felt was furthest from upgrading, whereas Hardness still had the residual boost of his Dao Vision and recent battles with extremely sturdy foes like the Battleroach King and the Cyborg. Even the imperviousness of the environment in the Underworld had given him some inspiration.


    Zac quickly slipped into a deep meditate state again, his mind diving toward that empty universe where only the Dao existed. But just likest time his ascent was intercepted by an onught of visions.


    Various scenes where he killed his foes with the help of the Seed of Rot started to sh by his eyes. This time the fights almost exclusively took ce in the Underworld against the Roaches and the invaders. But just as he expected the visions turned on him soon enough, and he soon found himself the subject of an endless cycle of rotting away before everything just turned into a chaotic blur.


    But the vision felt far less real now, like a weak mimicry of the terrifying experience he endured thest time. His hypothesis had been correct. Part of the trouble hade from forming a Fragment under these weird conditions. Upgrading a normal Seed might prove a deadly challenge for others, but Zac had long gotten used to this sort of struggle due to the Splinter stuck in his head.


    Both his body and soul were stronger the usual as well, something that he had realized long ago. This had only been further improved by the unknown energy that continuously seeped out from the Splinter of Oblivion. Even though upgrading his Seed was easier it was still a draining task. It was like the Origin Dao from the funnel was a reservoir of tainted water, and he had to manually siphon out all the poison before he could drink it.


    Time passed as Zac worked with everything he had toplete his goal. He didnt know how long it took until the funnel waspletely drained of energy. After improving Rot he didnt even dare open his eyes again since his mind felt extremely fragile after enduring another round of visions. He didnt trust himself to not go astray if he looked upon the various hallucinations that the Origin Dao brought on, and could only keep focusing on his Daos.


    But with risks also came rewards. Not only had he gained the Dao Fragment that he hoped for, but he even managed to push his final two Seeds to Peak mastery. In fact, after being forced into those cycles of death and despair he felt he had gained more than just the final mastery of the respective Seed, and that forming a Fragment rted to death on his own wasnt impossible.


    He only needed some sort of spark of inspiration to bring enough momentum. Zac was ted by the amazing results of the funnel. He had been happy if he just got the fragment and nothing else, but he got so much more than that.


    Luckily the effect of the Dao Funnel seemed to have subsided by the time Zac managed to upgrade his Seed of Hardness as well, which was lucky since he wasn''t sure what he would do if he had no Dao Seed to focus on. Pained groans could be heard from all directions as people arduously got to their feet.


    Zac slowly opened his bleary eyes, taking in the surroundings for the first time since he unleashed his Dao Field. All the ghosts were gone, as were the tempting hallucinations in the building. However, his eyes were drawn to the dense fractals inscribed into the walls, and he even forgot to check on those around him.


    "Don''t look at the walls," Kenzie tiredly said, dragging Zac out of his reverie. "The Origin Dao changed the fractals somehow. They contain the Dao now."


    Zac quickly looked away, since he was in no condition to keep pondering on the Dao. But horror flooded his heart when the first things he saw were the unmoving bodies on the floor.


    -----------


    A prickling sensation entered Void''s head, prompting him to look far into the distance. He even forgot about the half-dead anointed he held by its throat, or the hundreds of unmoving Zhix warriors strewn across the royal chamber.


    "So they actually managed to open it," Void muttered, some delight filling his heart.


    The change in fate made him lose interest in interrogating the miscreation in his hand, and he cracked its huge neck before throwing the oversized Zhix to the side like a piece of garbage. He had wondered if those humans would ever figure out what they held in their possession, but he had underestimated them.


    Less than a month had passed since they got their hands on the Funnel, but they had already managed to release the seeds stored inside. Void had feared that it would take them years, but perhaps having enved a couple of alien forces worked in that man''s favor. He had even considered throwing out a hint about the Funnel when he met the Super Brother-Man, but in the end he opted against it, afraid that it would increase their vignce.


    "Do you think it will work?" the curious voice of Inevitability asked from the side.


    Void looked over at his child, sighing at the sight of her face full of revelry. What would their Lord think of such a bloodthirsty subordinate? ughter was just a means to an end, not something to base one''s cultivation around. That path was a dead end, where you were no better than a beast. He knew he would have to educate her better going forward.


    But such a small detail couldn''t dampen the sense of victory in his heart.


    "It is too early to tell," Void said with a small smile as he once again looked in the direction of Mr. Atwood''s small ind kingdom.


    "Our lord is not so easily denied. It''s always good to have a back-up n."

 Chapter 378: Fallout

    Chapter 378: Fallout


    There were unmoving bodies in not only the outeryer, but even in the inner one where his core people were seated. Just a nce around indicated that over a third of those who entered the building were lying on the ground right now.


    His sister looked tired but otherwise fine, and she was currently walking around trying to help others with the help of Janos. The illusionist seemed to be mostly fine, though it was always a bit hard to tell with that man. Perhaps he had an easier time resisting the mental corruption due to having Wisdom as his main attribute.


    Zac grimaced when he saw Emily shakily helping Joanna to her feet, both of them looked ready to keel over from the simple action. Next to Joanna one of the Valkyriesy unmoving in a pool of bood, and her bloodstained eyes were nkly staring into the beyond.


    Dont me yourself. This is what it is to be a cultivator; braving death for a chance at greatness, a hoarse voice echoed from behind, and Zac slowly turned over to see Ogras. Besides, not all of them are dead. Some are just in aa.


    The demon was pale as a sheet and his hand was visibly trembling. There was even blood running down his nose and from one of his ears.


    Are you okay? Zac asked with a frown.


    Ill need to rest for a day or two, Ogras said without hesitation as he ate a healing pill. Did you Did you see a lot of visions as well?


    Scenes of me killing people and dying. Even scenes ofplete strangers. It was a chaotic mess that happened over and over, Zac nodded.


    Whats going on, Ogras muttered as his bloodshot eyes turned to the funnel. It shouldnt be like this Unless?


    Unless what? Zac asked.


    Resentment, the demon concluded. The Origin Dao was dragged out of that lunatics victims at their time of death, and perhaps their resentment and other negative feelings came with and tainted the Origin Dao. Perhaps that was even the n. The gathered resentment of a whole would contain shocking power.


    Zac nodded in agreement, though this wasnt the time to discuss the topic. He instead started walking around the people to check on their condition. He also opened up the array to let the doctors enter, giving strict instructions for everyone to not look at the walls and avoid loud noises. A few, like Ryan, were still in a meditative pose and couldnt be disturbed, but Zac felt that those were out of harms way.


    They should have passed the trial and are currently reaping the rewards, Ogras agreed as he followed Zac''s eyes. They should be out of it soon enough.


    Those who still were in the middle of their epiphanies woke up one after another, and after 30 minutes everyone was awake. It was at that time they finally could make a proper tally, and Zac once again felt his insides churning with regret even though he remembered Ogras words.


    Only the lone Valkyrie had passed away in the secondyer, but another one was in aa. The same went for one of the Demons and Mr. Trang. Six people in the outeryer passed away from the experience, all dying from a brain hemorrhage. Another 8 people were inas, caused by their minds getting overtaxed.


    The doctors nned on moving the unconscious, but Zac stopped them for a second as he arduously walked around to check each one of them. There was an extremely strong corrtion between the amount of ghosts people were surrounded by, and the severity of their condition.


    Those who had teetered on the brink of copse when Zac tried to intervene were those who nowy dead on the ground. Also, most of those who were now in aa were the same people who sported the silver fractals in their foreheads. Sap Trang was the only exception, and Zac guessed that the reason of his unconsciousness was rather his advanced age.


    The fractals were thankfully all gone now, but that fact didnt allow Zac to breathe easy. The Great Redeemer was an expert in Karma and seeing his people sporting his marks felt like trouble waiting to happen. He made a mental note of the appearance of everyone who had been marked before he allowed the people to be carried away.


    He did also give the order to one of the Valkyries stationed outside to ce a secret guard on those people, and to keep a watch out for any suspicious behavior. The woman looked confused, as a few of those who were carried away were her own fellow Valkyries, but she quickly epted the order and brought a few people along.


    Zac shook his head as he walked back into the Dao House, and only then did he start to feel some happiness about the results. The atmosphere was subdued due to those that had fallen, but many of the remaining people were discussing their enormous gains with low voices.


    At least it seemed that those who made it through did reap amazing rewards, taking multiple steps forward with their Dao at once. He really wanted to check with his sister how she had done, since she seemed to have been the best at handling the side-effects of the Funnel. But he first gave Ogras a look and the demon shuffled over to talk in private.


    Zac recounted what he encountered the brief instant he woke up, how the ghosts had appeared, and the silver fractals that shone on some people''s foreheads.


    Did I have a fractal? Ogras asked. Or anyone thats still here?


    No, you just looked to be in extreme pain, Zac said with a shake of his head. And I dont think anyone conscious right now had any fractals, but I was only awake for less than a minute. Oh, Mr. Trang is in aa now, but he didnt have a fractal.


    It might just be a phenomenon that indicated that they were failing against the onught of resentment. The puppets were created when Salvation touched their foreheads, cing a fractal there. But salvation is not here, so the fractals might just be a shadow reflecting the ghostsst moment alive, the demon mused.


    Of course, there is also the risk that those people now possess sometent problem, Ogras muttered with a ruthless gleam in his eyes. It''s lucky you managed to wake up and notice the anomaly. What if we have created ten new beacons that will lead that old bastard to Earth? Perhaps It would be best if they never woke up from their current condition.


    Out of the question, Zac said without hesitation. We cant just kill them. I caused this, so I will figure something out.


    Then whats your n? the demon asked skeptically.


    We monitor them, for now, to see if they act out of the ordinary. The Abbot once shared his Karmic vision with me, and it allowed me to see the Karmic Links of the Dominators and the beacon. Perhaps there is a treasure or pill that will allow me to do the same thing for a short while, Zac said. "That way I''d be able to tell if they have formed a connection to the Redeemer."


    Besides, even if they are beacons their link should be far weakerpared to the Dominators'', so we only need to make sure theyre not transmitting anything after dealing with Voids Disciple and the other two," Zac added.


    Fair enough, I guess its worth pursuing other venues first. So what do you think? Ogras eded, changing the topic. Are you ready for the tower? If we leave now well have a bit over two weeks before your deadline.


    There is no stress, Zac finally said after some consideration. I want to gain the twost levels for my other ss.


    You can still gain experience inside the tower, Ogras said. Or youll probably be able to buy a pill that gives a level for an F-Grade warrior when we get there. Theyre not very rare.


    I know, but I want to gain the levels beforehand in case the skill quests cant bepleted inside the tower, Zac exined. I want both my sses to be at their best before entering the tower. You know I wont get a second chance like you.


    Ogras sighed and nodded.


    How is your human ss? Need help with your second quest before we go? the demon said.


    Zac froze for a second before his eyes widened. He hadpletely forgotten because of the hectic events just now, but he had actuallypleted his second ss quest! Zac quickly scoured through his body and found a new fractal firmly ced on his back.


    The quest was Dao-rted, I just finished it, Zac admitted.


    Oh? What type of skill is it? Ogras asked with curiosity.


    No idea, Zac shrugged. I will try it out before we leave.


    Keep me posted, no secrets in the tower, Ogras smiled. It will affect our teamwork.


    Zac just threw the demon a contemptuous look. Ogras had tried to pry out all of Zacs secrets since day one, and it was shocking how many of them he had actually figured out if you looked back on it. But Zac wouldnt give him aplete understanding of his strengths and weaknesses.


    I think I will be good to go in an hour or two, will you join me or will you stay behind for a bit? Zac asked as he looked over at the pale-faced demon.


    Monster siblings, Ogras muttered. The rest of us had our minds turned to putty but the two of you are fine.


    Zac could only wryly smile as he looked over at his sister who had been helping everyone in the building since he woke up. She was healthy enough that she was able to emit a soothing field made from her Dao, which helped people around her recuperate faster.


    He initially thought that the reason he was mostly fine after that event was the fact that the splinter in his mind had made his soul sturdier, but perhaps that wasnt the only thing he had going for him. Unless Jeeves could somehow help Kenzie block out the visions it might be due to their ancestry.


    Having a big-shot mom came with all kinds of perks it seemed.


    I need to solidify my gains, Zac said as he stood up with a grunt. Can you look after things here?


    Its fine, the demon nodded. Ill stick around here for a few days before heading out to y with the zombies. When do we leave?


    In five days, Zac eventually decided.


    But there was something he needed to do before leaving the Academy. He walked over to Alyn who had bloodshot eyes as she sat on a chair with a Divine crystal in her hand.


    Im sorry, Zac sighed as he sat down next to her. This thing exceeded my expectations.


    Such is cultivation, Alyn said, but her eyes darted over to the corpses that were lined up not far away.


    The bodies that Alyn looked at were the seedlings that she had rmended. Out of the 10 youths, four were in aa and another three were dead. Only three were still conscious, but they were barely better than the unconscious ones. Only one, a young man looking just a bit older than Emily, managed to stand on his own, whereas the other two seemed to have wounded souls.


    It would be a devastating blow to the group of talents that had been ted for grooming if they were forced to take extreme measures because of the silver fractals. Would only three out of the ten youths walk away from this encounter alive in the end?


    The results for the group of seedlings were the worst, whereas the demons were best off. They only lost one person, with another three in aa. Zac could only assume that their umted experiences had hardened their minds, allowing them to more effectively resist the resentment.


    Do they have families? If so make sure theyre taken care of, Zac said with a heavy heart.


    They were all orphans, which is one reason I chose them, Alyn with a small shake of her head. They had no attachments left to their countries or families, which would allow them to work wholeheartedly for Port Atwood.


    Then provide them with a proper funeral at least, Zac said as he closed his eyes, a wave of tiredness washing over him. Do what you can for the others. Im afraid I cant stay here, theres too much to do.


    Dont worry. Everyone understood the risk, and also the burden you carry. Just look forward and keep walking, Alyn sighed.

 Chapter 379: Fragment of the Axe

    Chapter 379: Fragment of the Axe


    Zac felt bad about leaving while people were still barely able to get to their feet, but he followed Alyn''s advice. Hestly went over to check in on his sister, and he was relieved to see that she was fine as well. In fact, she might be even better off than himself as she was still able to spread her Dao in the area around the Dao House.


    Only then did he return to his courtyard with brisk steps. He felt a bit muddled the whole way back, as though he was dreaming. Zac knew he had warned everyone of the dangers involved, but he truly hadn''t expected anyone to get hurt, much less get killed. He could only endeavor to etch this lesson in his heart so that something like this would not repeat itself.


    The arrays around his ce flitted to life as he sat down on a padded mat with a sigh. He wanted to immediately go over his gains, but a wave of exhaustion hit him the moment he sat down, and he immediately fell into a dreamless slumber.


    Zac opened his eyes again, only to see that four hours had passed in the blink of an eye. The nap had made him feel noticeably better, with only a small headache remaining. He hadnt feltfortable going over his gains while his peopley dead right in front of him, but he couldnt wait any longer and opened up his Dao Screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Stage</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Effect</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Early</strong></td><td>


    <strong>All attributes +10, Strength +110, Dexterity + 80, Endurance +15. Effectiveness of Strength +5%.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Seed of Trees</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +20, Vitality +90, Intelligence +5, Wisdom +5.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Seed pf Hardness</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +100, Wisdom +20.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Seed of Sanctuary</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +50, Intelligence +20, Wisdom +50.</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Seed of Rot</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Peak</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Endurance +5, Vitality +45 Intelligence +25, Wisdom +45.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac slowly read through the changes, but he was truthfully a bit disappointed with the result. Fusing two Dao seeds into a fragment had only increased the total attributes gained from 240 to 275. He knew that he had attained almost no "new" insightpared to upgrading a single Dao seed, but he had still thought that he would get more when evolving from a Seed to a Fragment.


    Of course, he had to remember that if things progressed the way it did with a seed, where the number of attributes given doubled every time it progressed, it would still rack up to a lot. A Fragment would end up giving 2 200 attribute points at a peak mastery, which was a huge number even in the E-Grade.


    He hadn''t gained a Title by forming a Fragment either, something he had pretty much thought was a done deal. Then again, if there was a ''first in world''-title like all his other Progenitor titles, then it had likely already gone to Abbot Evesting Peace. And the general reward for gaining a Dao Fragment might simply be the fact he now had ess to Epic sses.


    The good part was that he actually gained all attributes from the Fragment, which meant that his luck got boosted as well. And if the pattern kept going as it did with the seeds, then he might end up with a huge boost to Luck by the time the seeds reached Peak. However, if he was being honest with himself he hoped that he wouldn''t gain any more Luck from his Dao Seeds.


    One of his unique advantages was his huge pool of Luck, where he had almost ten times the amountpared to most people. It had allowed him to survive countless dangers, and often turn the tables on his enemies. That advantage would quickly get eroded if one had an easy-to-ess source of the special attribute.


    He also got a boost of effectiveness for his main Strength, and that in of itself might turn into a tremendous boost if the number kept increasing as the Fragment evolved. What if he got a 25% boost or something at the peak? The value from that was far higher than static increases, especially with his alreadyrge number of High-Tiered Titles.


    Then again, he knew that the true benefit of a Dao Fragment wasnt the attributes it awarded. It was just a bonus that the System tacked on. The true benefit came from the huge boost in fighting power. That was doubly true for someone like Zac who was a bitcking in his control department and who could only use one Dao at the time.


    The Seed of Hardness hadnt provided any surprises, even though he had tried to skew the results in his favor. When he pondered on the final upgrade he focused on the rebounding effect of hardness. He imagined creating a body so sturdy that people hurt themselves when they attacked him and thought that he might get some strength that way.


    But it still simply doubled down on the Endurance, pushing his highest attribute to even more ridiculous heights. Luckily he had still a lot of room for improvement before he hit his limit. He had already asked Ogras about it recently, and it turned out that the next limit usuallyy around 2500 attribute points for humanoids.


    But it also meant that he would have to evolve his race as quickly as possible since he was already halfway there. It was only a matter of time before he reached 2 500 Endurance with the increased gains in E-Grade.


    The Seed of Rot had a surprising change in the attributes it provided, but not overly so. Alea had been on his mind a lottely, and the way she fought had influenced his insights. He already knew that Aleas highest attribute was Intelligence, closely followed by Vitality, and that was reflected by the gains in his Seed of Rot.


    He was especially happy with the extra 45 points in Vitality since the Tower was a 100-day climb. Having a great regenerative ability would be a huge boon. If he could cut down his rest-time to a third, then he would have a lot more time to spend on the harder floors at the top of the tower. He soon closed the Dao menu and opened his skill menu next to take a look at his new Skill.


    <strong>Hatchetman''s Spirit - Proficiency: Early. Oneness with nature. Upgradeable.</strong>


    He wasn''t sure what oneness with nature meant, but he guessed it was some sort of boosting skill. He knew that Ogras received the skill that turned him into a winged shadow demon was something he got at level 75, and he hoped he got something simr.


    Even though he was a bit tempted to activate it right now he chose to wait until he visited Mystic Ind. Even if he had a hint of what the skill entailed he couldnt be sure, and he didnt want to identally blow up his courtyard.


    There was one final thing that he wanted to do before heading out, and he eagerly walked over toward the Nexus Node. He had kept himself in check all this time, but now that he possessed a Dao Fragment he couldnt stop himself from checking out his options to evolve.


    He had already confirmed from multiple people that he could simply skip evolving even if he activated the Node. Zac walked over to the huge hovering crystal with eagerness in his eyes, but his face fell after touching the crystal to begin the process.


    There was no response.


    He kept trying to activate his the Node to disy his choices, but no matter how many times he tried there was simply nothing avable for him. He swapped through the other systems, such as the skill shop, to see if the crystal was on the fritz, but it worked just fine. It was hard to believe, but it looked like Zac truly wasnt able to evolve at this point even if he wanted to.


    Zac couldnt believe that there was not a single option for him to evolve even after having gained the Fragment of the Axe. Hatchetman was only Rare, and he had already gained the prerequisite Dao for an Epic ss. He had a slew of titles and aplishment under his belt as well, and it felt ludicrous that the system wouldnt deem him worthy after all he had done.


    Swallowing his burgeoning anger he rapidly tried to think of any reason why he could be stuck like this, and he could only imagine there being two reasons. The first was his skills. Only two of his skills had reached the peak, while the rest were between Early and High mastery. Not even Axe Mastery was at peak proficiency, which might mean that the System didnt consider him ready to evolve.


    The other possibility was that some issues had arisen due to his special situation. His duplicity Core was still F-Grade, which meant it wasnt good enough to amodate E-Grade sses. This was something that had worried him for some time, but no matter where he looked into the matter he couldnt find any clues.


    Or perhaps he needed to evolve both sses at the same time, which was impossible since his other side was only at level 73?


    Zacs eyes lit up with hope at the idea as he left the building housing the Nexus Node. He couldnt do anything about the issues of his skills or his Duplicity Core in the short run, but he could easily grind levels with his Undying Bulwark ss.


    He quickly headed over to TulSarath, the town the TirEmarel n founded before their Incursion ended. The town felt a bit deste since arge contingent of people left along with the former ves being freed. But by now there were quite a few humans and a couple of Ishiate who walked the streets as Zac arrived.


    Some had chosen to stay behind after getting liberated, and even more had returned over the past weeks. Life outside was extremely chaotic and dangerous, and many chose to work for the aliens rather than getting eaten by some beasts. Zac shook his head at the irony as he entered Veranas mansion.


    I hear something big took ce in Port Atwood, Verana said with a light voice from her seat in a garden when she saw Zac being led over by a maid.


    Nothing too major, Zac said. I found a trinket containing stored Origin Dao, and we released it.


    Its good to see you are fine, she said with a staid demeanor. What brings you over today?


    I am nning to hit a couple of more Incursions over the next days, I could use your support, Zac said.


    Unfortunately were not able to help this time around, Verana said without hesitation. My people are exhausted, and I fear another round of battle will cause too many casualties for us to bear. If we keep fighting with this intensity there will be no Tal-dar left on this in a hundred years. We need to rest and recoup before we can discuss joint battles again.


    Zac silently looked at Verana in an effort to figure out her thoughts, and she returned the stare in kind. It was pretty obvious she was angry with him and refused to help out as payback, even if that meant losing out on staking a im on another Incursions resources.


    Remember, you asked us to stay behind as a trading partner, not as part of your army, Verana added, ending the prolonged silence.


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement.


    Its fine. But dont forget why you, in particr, chose to stay behind. Are you already tired of moving forward? Zac said as he turned to leave.


    Verana didnt answer, and only silently watched him leave.


    Not having the help of the Tal-dar was a bit of a setback, especially now that all the elites of his force were down for the count for the time being. The only reason he hadn''t needed to order his Army topletely retreat was the fact that their lines were bolstered by the huge army of the Underworld Council.


    Only nine councilors were currently on the surface, with four staying behind to keep the situation in the Underworld stable. But those nine were enough to stabilize the battlefield, perhaps even more than his three demon generals.


    Besides, perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that the Tal-dar refused to help him this time around. He had used <strong>[Hunger]</strong> while fighting alongside the beastmasters, as only two of them knew of the true identity of Mr. ck.


    Now that they werent around he could freely use <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>to fight, allowing him to take full advantage of his new Fragment. He was pretty sure that the Fragment would still work when using a sword, but the effect would be greatly diminished.


    He did consider bringing a couple of the demon soldiers or Valkyries along, but he eventually decided against that as well. There would be a lot of casualties if he brought soldiers without powerful generals to hold down the fort, and all of them needed to rest for a couple of days.


    Eventually, he arrived at the most logical conclusion. He would go back to his roots and close a couple of incursions on his own. He got everything ready before he headed over to Westfort as Mr. ck. He needed someone to guide him to the hidden outposts next to the incursions so hemandeered one of the Marshalls who worked for the intelligence department.


    Just 30 minutester the scenery was shing past him as he utilized <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to run through the wilderness.

 Chapter 380: Coastal Incursion

    Chapter 380: Coastal Incursion


    Not being encumbered with a group of soldiers had its own advantages. Zac could move with over twice the speed he usually did when his elite squad joined him for battle, and it only took him a bit over 8 hours before he reached his destination.


    It was an incursion manned with extremely ugly aliens. There was an image attached to the intelligence report, and Zac felt like they looked like humanoid toads who had injected themselves with super-charged steroids to grow oversized muscles.


    Their heads wererge enough for them to fit a human head in their mouths, and they sat straight at their torsos without a neck. They had two sets ofrge murky-green eyes, but no ears or noses. They also had four arms, with the second set being slightly smaller and extending from slightly above their thick hips.


    Judging by their stocky builds Zac would have thought them leaning toward Strength-based sses like himself, but he learned that they also had quite a few water-based mages. The incursion was ced by the shore, and they had caused massive tsunamis to drown the people of the close-by settlements.


    There was also an unconfirmed report that the frogmen were adept at illusionary skills since there was one thing that set this incursion apart from most others. There was no Incursion pir to showcase their position, and the general guess was that these frogmen had hidden it somehow in a bid to stay under the radar.


    These invaders were quite brutal, but Zac had held off on targeting this ce until now because they had already killed everyone close-by and it didnt look like they were expanding their territory. The Marshalls were guessing that they were busy with something underwater, as their ss-choices and appearance indicated an amphibian nature.


    It quickly became obvious to Zac as he crept closer to the Incursion that they mainly lived onnd, even if they might befortable in the water as well. A sprawling town right on the shoreline spread out, and Zac saw some frogmen walk back and forth along the streets.


    Interestingly enough the town didnt have any physical wall, but a wide moat had been dug to epass the town, turning it into an artificial ind. There was only one bridge, and it looked like they could lift it like a drawbridge if needed.


    Walls were technically not needed in a world with arrays, but a proper wall kept out weaker beasts without wasting any Nexus Crystals. Walls were so easy to construct now that people had both Cosmos Sacks to transport material and superhuman strength, so almost all settlements that Zac had visited would sport defenses that would make any medieval lord proud.


    The fact that there was no wall only made Zac more confident that there was an array protecting the town, but he couldn''t sense it even after spying on the town for over twenty minutes. Of course, that didn''t mean it wasn''t there. The invaders had killed pretty much all humans in the vicinity, so perhaps they didn''t bother keeping it active to reduce their running costs. However, any force strong enough to receive a chance to helm an Incursion would at least have the smarts to protect their encampment.


    His hunch that the ce wasnt as unguarded as it seemed was soon confirmed as therge head of a frogman suddenly appeared in the middle of the artificial river, before it once again submerging under the depth. They actually had guards staying underwater.


    Zac wasnt sure how to best attack the town. Taking out a ship and entering from the ocean would be ying straight into their strength, but just walking up to the bridge felt like walking into a trap.


    Unfortunately he had no skills for infiltration in either of his sses, so he decided to get as close as possible while using the natural covers at hand. He crept along in the high grass, but soon enough he couldn''t get any closer without stepping on opennd. Since Zac had no way to hide any longer he immediately elerated to a full-out sprint as he ran straight toward the closest section of the moat.


    He had eventually decided to go straight in, and the ground cracked beneath him as he barreled forward like an enraged bull. It only took a second for screams and warning sounds started to st across the town, but Zac wasnt deterred as a storm of miasma was released from him as he activated <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>before jumping across the river.


    A st of water suddenly surrounded him as the water in the moat rose with shocking speed, and Zacs brows rose when he noticed that the water had somehow stolen all his momentum mid-jump. The water surged around him as he started to feel a huge pressure bearing down on every part of his body. Luckily he didnt need to breathe in his current form, saving him from drowning due to the trap.


    He had been wrong about his assumption that these people didnt have a wall. It was only that it was made out of water rather than stone or wood. The whole moat had risen over ten meters and the water stayed in the air, defying all gravity.


    Sharp stabs of pain erupted across Zacs body as the nearby guardsunched ranged attacks on him while he was stuck in ce. Something was off with the water as well, as no matter how much he iled his arms and legs to swim out he was still stuck in ce. The liquid was somehow enchanted, and it truly was a bane for mostnd-based cultivators.


    Of course, it was not that Zac waspletely helpless inside the block of water. Since he couldnt swim out he would simply have to cut his way out. His arm swelled with power as he kept infusing it with miasma, and he noticed that he was able to cram a lot more energy into his muscles since histest boost to his Endurance.


    The water started to shudder and twist from the huge concentration of power, and Zac finally unleashed a mighty vertical swing that contained a force that shouldnt belong to someone who still hadnt even evolved to E-Grade. The wall of water in the area waspletely ripped to shreds from the immense force, and Zac fell down to the exposed riverbed.


    The water wall was temporarily dispersed, though another huge gout of water headed straight toward him. It was only barely that Zac managed to jump inside the town in time, avoiding getting trapped once again.


    However, he made for quite the sorry figure as he crawled up on drynd. He waspletely caked in mud, and there was even a crab that angrily ran along his shoulder. That was fine with Zac, as his embarrassing disy had emboldened the frogmen tounch a direct assault on him.


    Over a hundred warriors rushed toward him, and Zac sensed a surprising amount of power from the warrior in the lead. The frogman held arge golden trident that Zac immediately could tell was a Spirit Tool, and he also wielded two aquamarine crystals in his second set of hands. The two crystals suddenly lit up with a lustrous shine as he approached.


    Zac immediately sensed danger approaching from behind, and he instinctively threw himself forward, barely avoiding a block of ice the size of a truck mming into the ground where he just stood. The attack caused a huge shockwave, throwing Zac another few steps forward. The moment hended his foot stomped into the ground, and Zac disappeared from sight.


    It was <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> that Zac activated now that he finally had his target in sight. He had held back on both unleashing his Dao Fragment and his more impressive skills since he was afraid that the incident with the me Golems would repeat itself. He wanted to close the incursion as quickly as possible, but he also needed to gain thest two levels.


    And now that his prey was caught it was finally time to put his Dao of the Axe to the test.


    The towers of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> immediately trapped the whole army, and a terrifying aura spread out as Zac unleashed his Dao Field to cover the entire cage. His attributes might not have undergone a huge change by forming a Fragment, but his Dao Field had received a shocking transformation.


    The frogmen caught within his aura were no longer harassed by a constant stream of small cuts, they were now receiving huge gaping wounds from nowhere. Energy started streaming into his body almost immediately, as there were unlucky frogmen who received fatal cuts from his Dao Field, their throats getting slit open without any warning.


    The number of kills quickly slowed down as shields of water quickly covered the warriors which blocked out most of the power of his Dao Fragment. Unfortunately for the frogmen the nightmare had only started, and the spectral chains started to dance through their life, punching straight through the walls of water with only minimal resistance.


    The macabre scene of corpses getting strung along like Zac was making a ne repeated itself, but Zacs attention was on the leader.


    Storms of ice rampaged outside the cage as a hailstorm had formed in no time. It was no doubt the frogman leader who utilized those two crystals to attack <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> from outside. The power contained in the barrage was impressive, likely because he had such a huge amount of water readily avable from the ocean.


    However, the Seal had already been upgraded to middle mastery, and it would take some time for the storm to break down the sturdy towers. And Zac reckoned a minute should be all he needed as he pushed toward the froglord, his right arm already swelling from <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    The frogman seemed to sense the danger from Zac''s approach, and a huge swirl of energy quickly gathered around him as he swelled up to three times his original size. Living streams of water surged around him as a liquid armor formed on his body. The transformation made him look like a god of the ocean, and it became especially poignant when the frogman''s trident started to crackle with extremely potent lightning.


    The invader pointed his trident straight at Zac, and one of the crystals suddenly started to spew out a rampant stream of water that possessed such speed that Zac didn''t even have time to summon <strong>[Immutable Bulwark].</strong> Worse yet, the froglord had crammed the stream with enough electricity to run a small town, and the barrage made Zac''s whole body spasm painfully. A spectral ghost appeared to stab the frogman in his chest, but the water armor effortlessly absorbed the strike.


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as Zac forcibly resisted getting washed away, but the stream of water seemed endless. He considered activating his Bulwark-skill to redirect the st, but he instead decided to simply use his axe instead. Rampant energies made the water churn as Zac swung his axe down with all his might.


    He had no skill to add range to the attack itself, so he could only use his Dao and his Strength in hopes to create an extended shockwave. The moment he imbued his axe with his newly acquired fragment it felt like he had ability to cut all creation in half, and his axe ripped down through the torrent of water with undeniable momentum.


    For a moment it felt like time had stopped, but the illusion onlysted for a fraction of a second. There was an unmistakable feeling that Zac had cut something more than just the water even though his eyes couldn''t make sense of the intuition. It did feel like he had unquestionably cut apart space in front of him, and that the space in front of him was actually two separate pieces even now.


    But at the same time everything looked the same, making Zac wonder if his mind was just making things up in its belief that the Fragment should create arger spectacle. Zac had learned to trust his guts by now though and he truly believed that something had changed even if he couldn''t see any conclusive proof.


    Thankfully there was a reaction to his swing soon enough as the torrent of water stopped mming into him, allowing Zac to once again see his opponent. Zac''s eyes turned to the hulking form pointing his trident at him, ready to meet its second attack. However, the frogman stoodpletely frozen, and a huge surge of energy entered his body the next moment.


    Zacs eyes widened in surprise as the body of the frogman fell apart into two pieces, and the enormous cut looked so smooth that one could think that he had used aser from the technocrats armory. Zac still couldn''t figure out exactly what happened, but one thing was abundantly clear; the froglord was as dead as dead can be.


    Was that it?


    Zac had expected the frog to have a water clone, or do something to avoid the fatal blow, but it simply died where it stood from a single swing empowered by his Dao Fragment. It had emitted such a mighty aura, was it all bluster? Or was the difference of power brought by the Dao Fragment simply that huge?


    The fight from there on out went without suspense. The moment the leader fell the barrage of ice from outside stopped, ending any hope of escape for the remaining soldiers. The area was nketed in dark corrosive clouds and deathly mists, and wails could constantly be heard from within. Just a minuteter it the mor gave way to a deathly silence, with only Zac walking out from one of the gates before <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>dissipated.


    It was at this point the remaining invaders usually fled toward the Nexus Hub in a bid to escape earth, but Zac looked on with confusion as he saw the remaining frogmen streaming into the ocean. Most had already fled, and the town was pretty much deste by the point that he exited.


    Had the invaders chosen to stay on, hiding in the oceans until they could enact revenge?

 Chapter 381: Options

    Chapter 381: Options


    Zacs confusion only grew when he couldn''t find the Nexus Hub even after entering the town, and he realized he needed some answers. Zac quickly ran after the fleeing frogman and jumped into the ocean himself, but even with his superior attributes he had a hard time catching up with them. They were simply better suited to move quickly underwater with the help of their four arms and huge webbed feet.


    The hunt went on for almost twenty minutes, and the frogmen fled in a straight line while harassing Zac with various attacks to keep him at bay. He tried to respond in kind, but he wasnt really used to fighting underwater. It added a whole new dimension to the battle, as the targets were not only noticeably faster, but they could freely move in essentially any direction.


    His undead ss was also extremely bad at this type of fighting as it bothcked movement skills and ranged attacks. His acquired skill <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> could reluctantly be ssified as ranged, but he was unable to use it underwater. The only thing he had going for him was that he didn''t need to breathe, so he could keep paddling forward as to not let his prey out of his sight.


    Zac considered swapping to his other ss to startunching fractal des at the frogmen, but he soon stopped in his tracks when he realized what was going on. Not far ahead a sprawling underwater town stretched out, and the frogmen fled toward a square in the middle. There were still some frogmen in the square, cramming toward the center to touch the enormous crystal ced there.


    A cursory nce proved that the ce was already mostly evacuated though, probably since the frogmen had plenty of time to leave. Zac had to admit it was a pretty ingenious way to protect their people. The town on the shore was just a decoy or an outpost, while their real base was far out to see.


    The Nexus Hub was actually underwater, which probably exined why there was no pir to be seen at the surface. The pir had already been deactivated by now since he had defeated the leader of the incursion, but he noticed that there was an uncharacteristic haze above the water. Perhaps the mist was created by an array in a bid by the frogmen to hide the true seat of their power.


    The frogmen that he had followed were actually streaming toward the Nexus Hub rather than some hideout in the ocean, and Zac allowed them to exit now that he knew that they didn''t n on staying on earth. He was more interested in checking out the underwater town, since it was the first time seeing something like this.


    Some of the structures werepletely submerged in water, but other sections of the town were enveloped by enormous water bubbles, making them habitable by humans as well. Zac felt a ce like this would make a decent hidden base, as long as they could figure out how to actually make sure that the pockets of water didnt disappear.


    He was also extremely eager to get a hold of this kind of technology, as it might allow him to expand his kingdom to the waters as well. He was sure there were all kinds of valuables hiding in the depths around his inds, but he didn''t have a way to properly extract them until now. If he could create mobile air bubbles he''d be able to send people to scout the ocean floor from everything from mines to rare Spirit Herbs.


    Things progressed the usual manner from there on out as a troop of people emerged from the Teleportation Array Zac set up within one of therger air bubbles. Exploring an underwater town would bring its own set of difficulties, but Zac would let others figure that out as he left through the teleportation array to pick up Jonas, the guide from the Marshall n.


    The following days were just a storm of blood and steel as Zac moved through the continent of Pangea like a walking cmity. Between his unbreakable defense and the terrifying might of his Dao Fragment, nothing could hinder his path. One incursion after another was shut down as Zac wasted no time. He would have plenty of time to rest in the tower, so now was the time for action.


    Jonas Marshall who was forced to guide Mr. ck looked more and more horrified as the days passed, and he didnt even dare to speak up or look in Zacs direction after he had closed three Incursions in less than two days.


    Zac didnt care though, as the only thing on his mind was to crush all lingering threats to Earth before he left, or at least those he could handle now. He only returned to Port Atwood after four days of relentless battle, but his hard work had paid off. He had closed every single Incursion on his list.


    As far as Zac and the Marshall n could tell there were currently only 5 Incursions left on Earth after Zac''s rampage, or 7 if you included the Demons and Tal-dar. One was the Church of Evesting Dao, and another was the Undead Empire.


    The final three incursions were invaders who had been unlucky enough to be ced next to the Undead Empire itself, and they were all currently embroiled in battle with the undead hordes. They probably didnt fight to help Earth, but rather to prolong their stay so that they could extract more resources from Earth.


    No matter their reasons they could still be counted as reluctant allies against the Lich King, so Zac left them alone even though he had the ability to close them down as well. Shutting down all those Incursions had given him a tremendous boost to his confidence, something that he had slightlycked since encountering the Cyborg. A Dao Fragment provided a farrger boost to his fighting power than upgrading his skills ever could.


    But most importantly he had reached his goal; he had finally reached level 75 with his Undying Bulwark ss. He had been forced to head over to Mystic Ind and grind the final stretch for a few hours after closing thest Incursion on his list, but he actually made it. He sat down to catch his breath the moment he entered his courtyard, and he opened up his menu before changing back to his human form.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Epic] Undying Bulwark</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong></strong></td><td>


    <strong></strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Early, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Hardness - Peak , Seed of Sanctuary - Peak, Seed of Rot - Peak</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong></strong></td><td>


    <strong></strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>798 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 147%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>400 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1175 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>567 [Increase: 50%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>218 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>313 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>165 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong></strong></td><td>


    <strong></strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>19</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 871 111 618</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had once again been given 20 attribute points rather than 2 from reaching peak F-Grade, one of which was taken by his ss. Zac only briefly hesitated before he threw everything into Strength, pushing him one step closer to his goal of getting 1 000 in that attribute before he Evolved.


    He had also gained a hefty amount of Nexus Coins, even excluding the 500 million he got from Verana earlier. But that wasnt what truly interested him at this moment, and he quickly opened up his quest menu to have a look at his new quests.


    <strong>Vanguard of Undeath (ss): Obtain a defensive Dao Fragment. Reward: Vanguard of Undeath skill. (0/1)</strong>


    <strong>Undying Legion (ss): Gather the resentment by vanquishing 500 000 foes Reward: Undying Legion skill. (500 000/500 000) COMPLETE.</strong>


    There were two new ss quests as expected, but he felt a surge of tion when he saw that one of them was actually alreadypleted. The moment he focused on the quest it immediately disappeared from the list, forming a fractal around his right wrist.


    After the moment of happiness passed Zac started to frown in consternation though. The quest had been to kill 500 000 things, something he had long aplished between the beast hordes, all the zombies, and his grinding during the Hunt. But what did gather the resentment mean? Was he carrying around a bunch of resentment unknowingly?


    He remembered the horrible scenes elicited by the Dao Funnel, and he started to worry that he might be setting himself up for disaster if he didnt cleanse the resentment somehow. Perhaps it was something like Karma. He was bound to kill a lot more beings than most due to not being able to cultivate, and this was potentially a hidden danger that he needed to watch out for.


    Dealing with resentment was outside of his expertise, and he made a mental note of having Kenzie ask Bra about it. The two of them had a far better rtionship, and the chance of the annoying Tool Spirit divulging information was a lot higher if she was the one asking.


    He held off on activating <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong> in Port Atwood, and instead focused on <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>. The second ss quest wasnt surprising at all, as it essentially mirrored the one for <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>. Luckily it didnt demand him to reach Middle mastery of a Dao Fragment due to being a quest for an Epic ss, but the quest did present another problem.


    He had already decided to walk his own path, forgoing fusing Sanctuary with Hardness to instead entering the path of Life and Death. Would his fragments still be considered Defensive? Yrial mentioned Fragment of the Corpse when they spoke, and that didnt sound much like a Defensive Dao. It rather seemed to be on the path of death, or perhaps puppetry or control. But his Seed of Trees was at least considered defensive for hisst quest, and hopefully that trend would continue.


    In either case, the skill would have to wait since he hadnt gained any inspiration that would allow him to fuse either of his two remaining fragments. He could only put his hopes on some opportunity presenting itself in the Tower or the Base Town.


    Since he was done with everything he needed to do he swapped back to his human form, but he didnt immediately leave to find Ogras or his sister. He rather headed over to the Nexus Node once more, hoping to get a better result this time. His heart was pounding in his chest as he touched therge crystal once more.


    <strong>[E-Rare] Fallen Groveskeeper (The grove fell, but you took on its torment.) // [E-Epic] Undying Warlord (Unstoppable. Undeniable. Unmatched.)</strong>


    <strong>[E-Rare] Mountains Ward (Defender of the mountain; stout and unyielding.) // [E-Epic] Curse of Nature (All can be corrupted, even life itself.)</strong>


    It was like a huge weight was lifted from his chest when he saw that there were actual options avable for him to pick this time around. It meant that it was the level of his Undying Bulwark-ss that had been holding him back, rather than the Duplicity core or something else.


    Of course, he still felt he would need to put some priority in upgrading the Specialty core since having an F-grade core when he proceeded to E-Grade might result in unanticipated issues. For example, his Duplicity core was unique, giving him a full set of attributes for his second ss. What if he needed to upgrade his Core for that to continue? He could stand to lose a huge amount of attribute points if it worked like that.


    Zac carefully read through the sses and their descriptions, before he quickly removed his hand from the Nexus Node to avoid any mishaps or bouts of impulsivity. But he didnt walk away, but he rather stood frozen in ce as he looked into the distance with some loss and confusion.


    He had to admit that he was extremely disappointed with his options. He had expected there to be at least one Arcane ss to pick considering his insane amount of attribute points, titles, and achievements. But he didnt even have two Epic sses to fall back on, with his human form still being relegated to a Rare ss.


    Was this some sort of punishment from the System for his heritage? He had already spected the System had it out for him before, but was it actually true? Or was he stillcking in other departments to the point that he couldnt even get two Epic sses? Only after a few minutes did he manage to steady his mind and go over the facts.


    The situation was disappointing, but Zac believed he had gained a few clues as to how the System would handle his dual sses. The most obvious thing was that it didnt let him independently pick his two sses, but they rather came in pairs. It meant that his idea of only evolving one ss and returning to the Tower that way was out.


    Thebined ss evolution provided a few more clues as well. The most striking thing was the fact that his Fragment of the Axe could not be used as a prerequisite to evolve both his sses.


    His struggles were clearly far from over.

 Chapter 382: Enforced Balance

    Chapter 382: Enforced Bnce


    There was no doubt in Zacs mind that the System had decided that his two ss upgrades could not both use the same Daos as a base for its upgrade path. This was by far the most likely reason why he was provided two different options for epic sses for his Undying Bulwark ss, but none for his Hatchetman ss.


    He already knew that the evolution of Undying Bulwark would have to be at least Epic Rarity, which in turn required at least one Dao Fragment to upgrade. Thats why the Fragment of the Axe was used up to provide an option to upgrade his Draugr-ss first.


    This forced his Hatchetman to rely on his remaining Dao Seeds for options in what direction to evolve in. The fact that neither Fallen Groveskeeper nor Mountains Ward seemed to have any obvious connection to axes was another strong indicator that his theory was correct.


    He could also make a decent guess about which Daos were used for which ss choices.


    Zac guessed that Undying Warlord used his Fragment of the Axe together with the Dao Seeds he got from Undying Bulwark. It would still likely be a ss geared toward leading Undead armies, but with a more offensiveponent added.


    That left the seeds of Rot and Trees for Hatchetman, creating the Fallen Groveskeeper ss. It also felt like he had the aplishments for such a ss. He had literally created a fallen grove on his property, the hidden valley where corrupted Tree of Ascension stood.


    The Curse of Nature seemed to have incorporated Rot and Trees with the Fragment of the Axe instead, leaving hardness to create the Mountains Ward in conjunction with his nature-aspected skills. There were a few more possiblebinations of Dao Seeds, but Zac guessed hecked other qualifications to get other ss choices.


    It did leave him a bit confused about what sort of connection Curse of Nature had with the Fragment of the Axe. Would it be some sort of ss that caused corruption and curses with the swing of his axe? He did have a mentalponent baked into his Axe Fragmente to think of it, the mental heaviness.


    What Zac didnt know was if the System split up everything between his two paths, not only Daos. For example, did the System take half of his aplishments to evolve Hatcheman, and the other half to evolve Undying Bulwark? It was much harder to figure out what the rules were on something intangible like aplishments.


    Luckily he had some extra merit in the bank from closing the Technocrat incursion, which would hopefully help him out a bit if he found himselfcking in the future. There were also more aplishments to be had in the Tower of Eternity before he had to pick a ss.


    Perhaps his current situation was a way for the System to enforce some bnce. Having two sses was an almost disgusting advantage, and it was fair enough that he would have to work twice as hard to Evolve both of them to high-quality sses. But it also begged the question of whether he should maintain his goal of getting as high rarities as possible.


    He was so far beyond everyone else on Earth, and he had advantages that would make most people in the multiverse green with envy. Yet he hadnt even managed to get any options to upgrade his sses rarity after all he had aplished. That proved the difficulties surrounding the highest rarities, and he was once again reminded of Alyns exhortations of not biting off more than one could chew.


    But at the same time, he couldnt stop himself from being drawn toward the concept of an Arcane ss. What was the point of cultivation if not bing as powerful as possible in order to protect those around you? His sses and the opportunities they provided were arge reason he could defeat even those that possessed equal or even higher attributes than him.


    Besides, if he got stuck when evolving to D-Grade in the future he could always head out to adventure and find new opportunities to make up for what hecked. This time he was pretty much forced to quickly evolve to meet the threats on Earth, but Zac wouldn''t be as rushed for time after dealing with the Incursions and the Dominators.


    He would have 100 years to slowly and steadily progress, allowing him to push both his Skills and his Daos to the peak before attempting to form his Cultivator''s Core.


    His options for sses werent exactly what he had wished for, but they gave him a good hint in what direction to work in. He felt that his optimal choice was to focus on a Fragment of Death next, or at least some subordinate Dao to the Dao of Death. That way he could use his Fragment of the Axe to upgrade Hatchetman, and the Death-attuned Dao Fragment to upgrade Undying bulwark.


    Best of all would certainly be if he could get both fragments, which might at even give him the chance at one Arcane ss and one Epic, but he couldnt be too greedy.


    As for the specific sses he was presented, he didnt analyze them too deeply apart from figuring out why he could choose them. His options would probably changepletely the moment he gained another fragment, making it premature to n his cultivation around the sses he saw now.


    He quickly left his private domain to head over to the Thayer Consortia. It was time to finish his preparations.


    The brave general returns! the Sky Gnome said as he handed over a Cosmos Sack. I bet your name will be used to scare unruly children after the invaders return home. Ive never heard of anyone singlehandedly closing multiple incursions in one week.


    The Sky Gnome had already prepared a long list of items that Zac would need, containing everything from a wide array of Attuned Crystals to provisions tost for almost a year. Ogras had said that anything could happen inside the Tower, so he had prepared for every contingency he could think of.


    Half of them fled the moment it became apparent that I would be able to singlehandedly breach their defensive arrays, Zac said with a wry smile as he epted the sack. The leaders usually fled first, leaving mostly the ves and nonbat sses to cover their escape. I simply stood and watched for the most part.


    Its good to have some benevolence, but dont becent when you arrive at the Tower of Eternity, Calrin said with a serious face. You will be mixing with all kinds of people, some from terrifying forces, and not everyone will share your kind-hearted mindset. Keep your head down and focus on your task.


    I will be careful, Zac smiled. About that money?


    The sky gnome looked a bit queasy, but he transferred over almost 4 billion nexus coins withoutint. It was thebined worth of the sales of his Beast Crystals, along with his umted dividends from all the profits the Thayer Consortia had umted since the Beast Waves.


    Here, take this as well, Calrin said as he took off a ring from one of his fingers. Its something the Thayer Progenitor found during his travels. He sto discovered this from an ancient gravesite, and it has extremely impressive defensive properties. It can only be used once every year though, so only activate it if youre all out of options.


    Zac wasnt too surprised that the Thayer ancestor was a hobbyist grave robber in addition to a merchant after having met his descendants. He gratefully epted the ring, since one could never have too many aces in a ce like the Tower of Eternity.


    Thank you, I appreciate it, Zac said as he put the ring on his right hand.


    When are you leaving? Calrin asked curiously.


    In a few hours. I just need to deal with a few matters first, Zac answered after some thought. Can you find Ogras to make sure hes ready as well?


    Ill find him, he has requested some items as well, Calrin nodded. Good luck. And remember, a great leader always has time to earn some money on the side. Keep your eye peeled for good trades!


    There were a few more things to take care of, and the first was to head over to the battlefront. There were a couple of people he needed to speak with, and he began with the Marshall n rather than visiting his own army. He was leaving for a while so he felt he should touch base with Thea first.


    It had been over a month since theyst spoke in person, though he got regr updates on her activities and her armys situation. He headed over to the battlefront with the help of a Marshall Liaison residing in Port Atwood and was quickly led toward themand tent of the Marshall''s allied army.


    The army was farrger than Zac had thought, with tents almost reaching the horizon. There had to be at least half a million people in the camp, and Zac didn''t understand where she had gotten so many people. But it was good that she had found help against the threat, and he put aside the question as he entered the tent.


    There was a middle-aged man who gave off a military vibe standing by arge map, and Thea stood next to him looking slightly troubled. Something had changed about her since he saw herst. She felt harder, and a bit colderpared to before. But Zac wasnt surprised as war had that effect. He could imagine it was especially demoralizing to be forced to face zombies that were once your people.


    The fact that she stayed in a constant cloud of miasma didnt help either. He had seen the effect the death-attuned energy had on people personally. Zac himself was fine since he could simply cram any errant miasma into his Duplicity core, but others werent so lucky. They would first be broody and grim, until they were finally transformed into true zombies.


    He could still remember the scene where the poor adventurer finally lost control over the umted miasma in his body. And the following scene where his formerpanions ripped him to pieces to get a hold of his Zombie Core. But Zac could tell that the people he passed in the camp was far from reaching that state, which was a small relief at least.


    Long time no see, Zac said with a small smile as he walked up toward the table.


    Indeed. I hear your people have closed the final incursions? Thea said as she looked up from the table. Are you preparing to assault the Dead Zone? How can we help?


    Not quite, Zac sighed. I need more preparation.


    Every day of dy costs us ten thousand lives, Thea said with a frown. And theres also the issue of the array.


    Port Atwood had immediately sent an update regarding everything theyve learned about the array the moment Zac turned back, so the Marshall n and the Sino-Indian Alliance long knew about it.


    We still have a few weeks before the array can activate, especially now that weve gotten reinforcements from the Underworld, Zac said, feeling a bit startled about Theas strong reaction.


    He knew he had gotten a bit side-tracked with the Underworld and rescuing his army, but the fact remained that he was pretty much on schedule. They had discussed a timeline of up to two months to close all the incursions on the surface, and Zac hadpleted the task well within those parameters.


    At the same time he could understand her sentiment. It was her people, many even from her own family, that kept dying in their continuous effort to keep the zombie horde at bay. He had heard that Thea almost lived out on the battlefield, taking on as much as she could so that as few of her people as possible would die.


    It might have felt extremely frustrating to suddenly see Zacs progress stop after only closing a handful of the incursions on the surface. It was onlyst week he resumed his work, closing the remaining ones in quick session. That made the three weeks in-between look particrly suspicious.


    But even then things couldnt be rushed.


    We have to be careful about the Undead Empire. They are far beyond any other incursion in power. We need to do everything in our power to improve our odds while we still can, only attacking when we have confidence in sess, Zac said, trying to underscore the importance of taking their time to power up.


    I understand, Thea sighed.


    The two kept discussing the war for twenty minutes or so until Zac needed to leave.


    Ten days to two weeks. I willunch an all-out assault within that time. I hope I can count on your assistance," Zac said as he left, leaving the two Marshall n members silently looking at his back.


    What do you think? Thea asked as she watched Zac disappear out of sight.


    I think he speaks the truth, he doesnt feel like the scheming type. He needs to do something before evolving, Mark said after some thought. All our research does point that evolving to E-Grade is a quick process though, even if you have a high-rarity ss. I would guess he has been holding off in order to get a better ss. Our liaison mentioned somerge event took ce at their Academy the other day.


    A better ss Thea mumbled, some light dimming in her eyes. But hes been level 75 for over a month by now while Earth is dying. So its for himself in the end Was I wrong about him?

 Chapter 383: Final Hours

    Chapter 383: Final Hours


    The meeting with Thea was surprisingly tense, but Zac guessed it wasnt anything too surprising considering how herst month had been. It was obvious that she was both physically and spiritually exhausted after fighting the zombies for so long. He could only shrug off the ufortable feelings as he proceeded with the things on his list.


    He visited his settlements one after another to see whether there was anything that required his attention. Luckily things were running quite smooth so far. The former Incursions had vast swathes of unimednd around them, and there hadnt been a single dispute over territory so far. Not that anyone would dare encroach on his domain.


    Next he headed over to the Atwood Army, which once again was embroiled in a protracted war against the second undead horde. The soldiers looked at him with awe as he stepped toward the frontline, and he saw Ilvere hurry over from the distance.


    Is there something wrong? the demon asked with confusion since he hadnt been forewarned about Zacs arrival.


    Im leaving in a bit, Zac said after making sure no one else was within earshot. I thought I could thin the herd a bit for you guys before that. Do you know a good sector to strike?


    The generals eyes lit up and he immediately started to think of a n.


    Id stay away from the innermost core, even if I were you. The young master mentioned that there is an extremely strong array in there, he barely got out before it closed in around him. There are a few ces we callmand clumps in the inner area though. Theyre far into the horde, but not so far as you enter the array of Unholy Beacons, the demon eventually said.


    Zac nodded as he had heard Ogras mention it earlier as well. It was the same reason that Thea hadnt dared another assassination attempt. It was pretty much impossible to head into the core unless you were ready to risk it all in taking the General down, and Zac wasnt ready to reveal all his cards before fighting the Lich King.


    Command clumps? Zac asked curiously, focusing on what he could help with at the moment.


    Clumps with highly intelligent zombies thatmands the rest of them. Theyre what stopping the stupid ones from simply walking off into the woods. We generally try to find and kill solitary leaders like that to fracture the horde one piece at a time, the demon said.


    Wont I cause a stampede if I kill amand clump then? Zac asked skeptically.


    The clump is surrounded by the strongest zombies. If you kill them as well only the rabble will remain, Ilvere said. We will be able to handle the weaker ones now that we have the underworld army to help.


    How have things been working out with the Council so far? Zac asked.


    The Underworld Council was thest thing he needed to check in on before returning to Port Atwood. The Atwood Army relied on the strength of the Councilors to keep the Undead General in check. Now that Alea was out ofmission only Janos and Ilvere remained. Both had gotten a decent power-up from the Dao Funnel, but they also had a much lower starting pointpared to the Undead Empire.


    They alone weren''t a strong enough deterrent, but with ten councilors to help out, even the undead General would have to think twice before moving out.


    They arepetent fighters, Ilvere said with approval. Much better than the rabble of the Sino-Indian Alliance. But they are also holding back, and they appear to have sent out quite a few scouting parties toward the wilderness.


    Theyre no doubt looking for ces to set up proper towns, Zac said, before changing topic. By the way, hows your progress on <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </stronging along?


    Ive mastered it, thanks to the opportunity you and the young master presented, Ilvere said with some pride.I managed to push both my Daos to Peak mastery. Everything went extremely smoothly after that. As soon as my soul healed I tried it out, and it almost came naturally, as though the two Daos wanted to form a cycle on their own ord.


    The mouth of Zac started to twitch with some annoyance since he couldnt say that he had enjoyed the same sess the past days. He had renewed his efforts of mastering <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> now that both his Seed of Trees and Rot were at peak mastery. But his control hadnt really improved at all, and he wasnt even halfway to being able to activate the skill properly, let alone using it in a fight.


    Was this the result of having 0 affinity with the Daos? Was he forced to stay a dumb brute who had to smash his head against every trial that came his way? Was the path of the refined cultivator forever out of his grasp?


    He had the demon disy the strike a few times, and Zac had to admit that its might was a bit shocking. It almost felt like therge metal ball was infused with a Dao Fragment rather than two Dao Seeds as it shot out in the direction that Ilvere targeted, and the power was enormous for someone at Ilveres level.


    Yrial had said that the attack was nothing much, but was he simply saying that from the perspective of a C-Grade hegemon? <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> was not too important for Zac who already possessed a real Dao Fragment by now, but what if he managed to form the Life/Death Fragments? How powerful would the skill be if it was powered by Fragments rather than Seeds?


    Zac kept having Ilvere repeat the strike over and over, and he asked all kinds of questions to make sense of why the demon mastered the skill so effortlessly. He asked about everything from how he controlled his Mental Energy to even minor details like how he breathed during the infusion.


    Zac was determined to learn the skill during his stay in the Tower. If he couldnt manage that much in 100 days he might as well jump into a well and stay there out of shame.


    He didnt immediately find out any solution to his inability tobine his two Daos, but he did get a few clues on how to act going forward. It was all he could do for now, and he returned to the subject of thinning out the zombie horde.


    It quickly became apparent that they would need the assistance of the Underworld Council if Zac started rampaging inside the horde, so Zac set off to the nearby, and muchrger, camp belonging to the Council. He was immediately showed inside amand tent with great courtesy, and he spotted a few familiar faces there.


    I barely see any of the molemen around? Zac asked with confusion after going through the customary greetings. I thought theyd jump at the opportunity to see the sky again after all this time.


    Old habits die hard, Lararia, one of the molemen councilors, said. We have lived beneath the surface for thousands of years. The darkness and stone have be part of us. Not all are ready to leave their sanctuary just yet, or perhaps ever.


    I see, Zac slowly nodded, understanding their feeling.


    The concept of home was something built into ones wiring, and Zac had felt slightly oppressed the whole time he spent down in the tunnels. Coming back to the surface was like he could suddenly breathe again, so he could understand how the opposite held true for the molemen. Perhaps his dreams of creatingrge underwater towns would end up as a pipe dream unless he could find some amphibious races to join his force.


    So what brings you here today? another councilor asked.


    I will be busy taking care of a few unavoidable matters for a bit over a week, Zac exined. So was nning on thinning the horde a bit before I leave. I was hoping I could count on your cooperation.


    No problem. These undead have proven a great whetstone for our armies, Lararia said without hesitation. We dont mind getting our des wet some more.


    Zac nodded in thanks and immediately set out after ironing out the details of his assault. Ilvere had already prepared his people, so Zac didn''t go back to the Atwood camp. He put on the amulet he got from Ogras back then and shed straight into the huge sea of zombies, and he found himself mostly unencumbered.


    The both good and somewhat frustrating thing about the zombie horde was that it wasnt tightly clumped. It allowed Zac to simply walk between the millions of undead who were just milling around, but it drastically decreased the lethality of any area attacks aimed to take out a lot of them in one go. It was nothing like the tightly cramped zombie hordes you could see in the movies where they were crammed together like sardines.


    He couldnt be sure whether it was the efficacy of the amulet, or if the general had already decided to not meet Zacs head-on, but Zac managed to find the clump without much hassle and unleashed the first two stages of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, causing a huge swathe of scorched corpses.


    Just as Ilvere warned chaos immediately ensued, but Zac stayed on for another hour to rip apart therger clumps of Zombies with his fractal des. However, even if he wanted to take this opportunity to get more ustomed to his Fragment of the Axe he chose to not disy it here, and he also refrained from using <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> and his Undying Bulwark ss.


    He wanted to keep his aces hidden for the final sh in the Dead Zone in a few weeks.


    Between the coordinated efforts of Zac, his army, and the Underworld Council a weeks worth of zombies were felled in the span of a few hours. Zac wanted to do more, but he needed to get going. He could only pray that his small help on the frontline would give his people a breather and dy the terraforming a day or two.


    He returned to Port Atwood and gave some instructions to Adran and Abby, and he also took the opportunity to plunder the town coffers of another 800 million nexus coins. The money came from a mix of taxes and sales of Nexus Crystals, along with some plundered wealth from the underworld.


    His final destination was the secluded valley between the mountain, and Zac was happy to see that Calrin already had aplished his task. Aleas crystal coffin was shrouded in a green mist that seeped out from a grate next to her, and even the poisoned Tree of Ascension seemed to benefit from the Amanita''s mist.


    Zac didn''t say anything as he looked down at Alea who seemed to simply sleep in her crystal encasing. She neither looked better or worsepared to when he saw herst, which Zac guessed was the best he could hope for. A tired sigh escaped from his lips as he lightly touched the coffin before he left.


    He had finally crossed off everything on his list, allowing him to head to the Tower of Eternity with a clear mind. For the people of Port Atwood he would only be gone for 10 days at the most, but for him it would be over a hundred days. He didnt want to carry a nagging feeling that he had missed something for such a long time.


    He finally returned to hispound and found both Emily and Kenzie in his sisters courtyard. The three had a dinner where the two seemed topete in bragging of who had the greatest gains from the Dao House. Zac was relieved to hear that both of them were doing good, and it seemed that everyone had already woken up from theiras by now.


    There was still the issue oftent dangers, but at least it seemed like a possibility that peoples souls had simply been overtaxed after being forced to ponder on the Dao too intensely. Luckily even those who had fallen unconscious had made great gains, and there were now over 15 people from Port Atwood on the Dao Ladder.


    His sister had even managed to crash into the 6<sup>th</sup> position, while Joanna just missed the top ten at 11<sup>th</sup>. Emily, who had chosen to use her real name for thedder, was currently in the 87<sup>th</sup> position. She would likely have been a lot further ahead if it wasnt for herte start.


    It felt good to have a rxed meal, but Zac knew he couldnt put things off any longer. He finally headed toward his courtyard to meet up with Ogras, with the two girls following behind.


    The demon already stood ready, but no one else was there to see them off. Only a very select number of people knew that Zac was about to leave Earth for a bit as Zac was afraid someone would use his absence to cause damage to Port Atwood or his people. He wanted to use his identity as a deterrent even when he wasnt around.


    He took onest look in his Cosmos Sacks to make sure that he hadn''t missed anything, before nodding at the demon.


    Stay safe, both of you, Kenzie said. And you know See if you can find any news of her?


    I will, Zac said with a smile as he crushed the token while cing his hand on Ogras shoulder. Take care of things while I am gone, ok?


    He looked at his sister for ten seconds as the space around them started to shudder and twist until the System swallowed the two to send them on their way.

 Chapter 384: Apparitions

    Chapter 384: Apparitions


    Zac had expected to be stuck in darkness for a prolonged duration, but the two appeared almost immediately some distance away from the base of an enormous set of stairs. Transportation that the System provided itself sure was different Zac reckoned as he looked around to get his bearings.


    People kept appearing around him as well, most of them looking quite young. Some looked around in confusion and wonder just like himself, while others immediately started to ascend the steps after orienting themselves. Zac''s eyes followed the stairs until his eyes finally reached the crest.


    Holy crap, Zac muttered as his eyes tried topute was in front of him.


    Pretty impressive, yeah? Ogras echoed as he looked up at the Tower of Eternity in wonder.


    They were currently standing at what seemed to be an endless square, as there was nothing in all directions apart from the people who kept appearing out of thin air. This whole space seemed to be made solely for one thing; the Tower of Eternity. Its name was truly apt as it really towered into space itself, breaking all logic and convention.


    The tower itself was a pristine white andpletely without adornments as far as Zac could tell from this distance. There were no windows and no decor, and it didnt get any thinner at the top. It essentially looked like a massive tube made from marble, but Zac had trouble getting any sense of its actual size. He could only confirm that it spanned at least a couple of kilometers in width.


    As for its height, it was impossible to tell.


    The tower itself didnt look very impressive apart from its mindboggling size, but that wasnt the only magical thing about it. Mysterious lights trailed along its massive surface, causing a beautiful spectacle that stirred something in Zac''s soul. It was like a subdued but never-ending firework show that brightened up the sky.


    It reminded Zac a bit of the gaudy disy of his own Towers of Myriad Dao, but there was a vast difference in their essence. The lights that Bra conjured around the Dao Repository felt empty and pretentious, but it waspletely different with the radiance around the Tower of Eternity.


    It was as though the lights weremunicating the Grand Dao itself, and Zacs mind shuddered slightly when he watched them. Zac finally understood that the original Bra had tried to imitate the Tower of Eternity when he created his Dao Repository, but only managed to project a cheap copy.


    Zac had a feeling that if he observed the lights for a few months it wouldnt be impossible to gain apletely new Dao Seed. The sight made Zac better understand why almost everyone stayed for the full year inside the Base Town if they could. Just living next to the tower itself was a precious opportunity.


    But the divine lights suddenly disappeared and were instead reced by an impossiblyrge snake that coiled around the tower. It was majestic beyondprehension, and Zac couldnt stop gaping like a fool as he watched it stretch its scaled head toward the sky.


    The snake actually had a horn on its head, and Zac could barely distinguish some sort of fractals covering it but it was too far to discern any details. It was a shame, as he felt that the inscriptions on the horn contained shocking insights into the Dao.


    Everyone around them had stopped what they were doing as well and looked at the snake with rapt attention. A few people even seemed to have been struck by an epiphany as they quickly closed their eyes, delight clear on their faces. The mythological beast only appeared for a minute or so before it dissipated, and was once again reced by the mysterious light.


    A flood dragon, Ogras muttered. I think that is the 38<sup>th</sup> level? Pretty auspicious to see a sign the moment we arrive.


    What do you mean? Zac asked curiously, finally taking his eyes off the tower in the distance. I thought there were only 9 floors?


    Well, each floor has nine subfloors, each a world in of itself, so most people simply count it as there being 81 levels, Ogras exined. The 38<sup>th</sup> level means that someone haspleted the first four floors and another two levels before exiting.


    Apparitions appear when people pass specific floors, and there are a few rules to it, the demon added. It essentially showcases that a powerhouse justpleted his climb in the tower.


    Arent there always powerhouses undertaking the trial? Zac asked with confusion. Wouldnt people get blinded by constant apparitions, especially if the time inside the tower is elerated.


    Zac heard a few snorts from around him and noticed that a few cultivators looked at him like he had a hole in his head. He even heard someone mutter country bumpkin under his breath, no doubt talking about him. Even Ogras looked over at Zac with exasperation.


    Dont underestimate the difficulty of the Tower of Eternity, especially the 36<sup>th</sup> floor and beyond. I only barely made it past the 27<sup>th</sup> because my grandpa spent a good chunk of his life savings on me gaining a good score, Ogras whispered.


    But still, Zac said.


    If you stay here for a year you might see one of the apparitions between the 36<sup>th</sup> and 40<sup>th</sup> levels a few times a week, so its nothing too exciting, a voice drifted over and Zac looked over to see a young man with a bow strapped to his back smiling in their direction. But the others are pretty rare.


    Oh? Zac said with interest.


    This is my second time here. Last time I saw the apparitions for the 45<sup>th</sup> level ten times during the year I stayed here, which meant someone passed the 5<sup>th</sup> floor. Thest level of each floor represents a huge spike in difficulty, so its a tremendous achievement, the man exined.


    Zac looked at the man with some confusion before he understood what he meant. The tower of eternity possessed 9 true floors, each of which had 9 subfloors. That meant that the 45<sup>th</sup> level was the final subfloor of the 5<sup>th</sup> floor, and the next true floor ended at the 54<sup>th</sup> level.


    I also was lucky enough to see an apparition for the 52<sup>nd</sup> floor, the man said, seemingly enjoying Zacs attention.


    And for higher floors like 54<sup>th</sup> and beyond? Zac asked with interest.


    No, thats something that you might only see by chance. It doesnt even happen once every ten years, the bowman said with a shake of his head. But you never know. One of my familys ancestors had the fortune of witnessing the apparition for the 63<sup>rd</sup> floor, that''s a grand asion taking ce only once every few millennia.


    Zacs brows rose in surprise when he learned of the details. Apparitions above the 54<sup>th</sup> level happened every decade or so, but the 63<sup>rd</sup> was once every couple of thousands of years? That was over a hundred times more difficult from the time it took. Then what about the 72<sup>nd</sup> level? The young ranger seemed to understand Zac''s thoughts, and he was obviously happy to showcase his expertise.


    Youre wondering about the higher tiers, right? Thest time an apparition for the 63<sup>rd</sup> level appeared was around 4600 years ago now. It was actually a loose cultivator called Parvan Beradan, though most know him as Lord Beradan now that hes be a C-Grade Lord. As for the 72<sup>nd</sup> level? the young man said, pausing for dramatic effect.


    That was the Eveningtide Asura.


    Both Zac and Ogras nkly looked at the young man after his grand promation, neither of them ever having heard that name before. The ranger seemed a bit embarrassed about theck of reaction, and he coughed while scratching his chin. But just as he was about to exin the origin of the so-called Asura, an attendant stepped up to his side.


    Young Master, your reception is waiting, the young girl next to him discreetly said.


    The man gave a start before he sighed with annoyance.


    Anyway! he said as he started to move away from Zac and Ogras. Witnessing those top apparitions is an opportunity that one can hope for, but never control. If you need to stock up on goods or intelligence before you try your luck in the tower, remember to visit the Trentach Society!


    After that the ranger started ascending the stairs with rapid steps, and a retinue of ten people quickly followed behind. Only then did Zac realize that the people around him were all elites thatpleted a quest for the tokens. But even elites who qualified to get a token were only assistants to that guy, so they might just have met a bigshot.


    Zacs eyes followed their figures as they pushed forward, and he realized that the endless stairs simply led up to a vast teau that the tower itself stood on. The teau itself was crafted from some ck stone, and Zac guessed it was a few kilometers in height. The only reason it didnt feel so massive was since its size was dwarfed by the tower itself.


    Well, lets go, Ogras said with a shrug. And remember to keep a low profile. Theres now and no restrictions here, and anyone can be a true monster.


    That guy told us to visit his store. Do people live here permanently? Zac asked as the two started to walk up the stairs.


    The steps were hundreds of meters wide, so it wasnt cramped in the slightest even though quite a few people were appearing on the tform.


    Rydel and I were the only ones who had gone to the Tower in my family among those who entered the Incursion, and no one had gone for well over a decade before us, Ogras said. But some forces are so big that they always have some people here. Maintaining apound or a business here is a show of strength since it proves that the force is flourishing with young talents.


    So any ce up there is controlled by some real powerful families? Zac asked with a whistle.


    Not all, Ogras corrected him. The top forces control the structures closest to the entrance of the towers. But most buildings don''t have a permanent owner, especially at the outer parts of the town. Anyone could live or set up a temporary business there if they want, and close it down when they leave this ce.


    The two kept walking and soon enough they reached the summit of the teau. A sprawling town full of pces and luxuriantpounds entered his eyes, and it felt extremely bustling. The architecture was extremely varied as well, making Zac believe that the System had simply stolen a bunch ofrge mansions from different parts of the multiverse.


    There was no way that there was a single society that had created all these buildings. But even though the mansions and storefronts varied in both style and size it all seemed to blend perfectly into some sort of cultural melting-pot. It also wasn''t cramped at all, with the streets being over a hundred meters wide.


    Even though there were dozens of people ascending the stairs at any moment, the enormous town didn''t seem to have any trouble swallowing them all. Some walked in certain directions with purpose, while others simply chose to meander around. The new arrivals were walking along both in groups or alone, and Zac was shocked to see some of the creatures.


    The cultivators they passed came in all shapes and forms, including quite a few Humans. Zac already knew that humans were one of the most populous races in the multiverse, but yet it was a bit mindblowing to see all these humans who were probably from all corners of the universe.


    It was a far cry from how many believed that Earth might be the only housing life back in the day.


    Still, humans were only a somewhatrge minority in the mix of people around. Zac couldnt help look over at a dour contingent of undead warriors silently walking toward the center of the town, all of them releasing dense clouds of miasma to avoid the Cosmic Energy in the environment.


    Most cultivators took a wide berth around them, some out of fear and others not wanting to get sullied by the death-attuned energy. There were also enormous golems, flying pixies only asrge as a hand, and all kinds of other odd beings.


    There was one thing that essentially looked like a flying disco ball, and it slowly flew forward with a low hum. There were also a couple of Stargazers as well, and when Zac identally looked into their cosmic eye he couldnt help but twitch a bit as his mind got a small shock.


    He remembered that these guys almost always used mental sses, and just looking into one''s eye was to ask for trouble even if they weren''t hostile. Abby was different since she was an administrator without anybat capabilities.


    Zac also noted with some interest that the groups of cultivators were more diverse than he had expected. He had thought he might stick out by traveling together with a demon, but he realized that was an unnecessary worry. At least a third of all groups wereprised of a mix of races, so they werent exactly unique.


    But even though all these diverse groups of people were put on the same street it was all surprisingly harmonious. There should be quite a few grudges between races, especially with the Systems instigation, but people seemed to get along just fine.


    Of course, Zac believed that this serenity was only the surface of the Base Town.

 Chapter 385: Protect Your Wallet

    Chapter 385: Protect Your Wallet


    Its pretty quiet, I thought things would get rowdier if there were nows, Zac said with a low volume to Ogras as they walked down the seemingly endless road leading toward the tower.


    Everyone here is an elite of their force, bringing hidden aces to climb as far as possible in the tower. Only a real mouthbreather would risk their lives against enemies of unknown power for no reason. This might be the only chance they have toe here, most people are only concerned to gain strength before evolving, the demon responded. Of course, there are always some who were just born without a brain.


    Zac followed Ogras gaze and saw a scene where three burly beastkin cultivators seemingly had bumped into a group of hooded beings that were shorter than a meter in height. Even Calrin was slightly taller than the diminutive cultivators who covered their appearance. The beastmen towered above them like giants and they seemed to be rearing for a fight.


    Look where you walk you little shits, one of the beastmen growled as it threw a forceful kick. You puny things should scurry in the sewers like the other rats.


    Zac could sense that the power of the beastman wasnt too bad, and his kick was even imbued with some Dao seed that was at least middle stage. But the kick was forcibly stopped by the small hand of the leading hooded cultivator.


    A shockwave erupted from the sh, but Zac noted with interest that its power was quickly swallowed by the atmosphere, and not even those standing within 5 meters were affected apart from a small flutter of their clothes. If such a collision took ce on Earth it would have been able to topple trees over twenty meters away.


    The beastman seemed shocked how effortlessly the little cultivator stopped his kick, and he hurriedly took out arge axe with some fear in his eyes. However, before he even had time to swing the group of hooded cultivators disappeared, only to reappear again at the same spot a secondter. As for the three beastmen; they stood frozen for a second before their bodies started to fall apart into neatly separated chunks.


    Zac looked at the beastmen, knowing they were deader than dead. He had barely been able to see what the hooded creatures did, but he realized they were actually some sort of small beastkin that all focused on Dexterity. They hadnt used weapon when dissecting their bulkier brethren, but rather a set of sharp ws on their furry hands.


    The people in the surroundings didnt care in the slightest that a murder had taken ce just in front of them. Not even the other beastman in the area lifted a brow when seeing their kin get in. They rather looked down at the killed beastmen like they were idiots, and Zac had to agree. You would have to be extremely powerful or extremely stupid to harass people in a ce like this.


    Interestingly enough the blood and the bodies of the killed cultivators turned into motes of light that soon enough dissipated, and only the cosmos sacks were left behind. One of the hooded cultivators snatched them up before the group walked away without a care, walking toward the inner parts of the city.


    Some peoplee here without a real understanding of the world, thinking theyre unbeatable, Ogras snorted with a shake of his head. Lets go.


    "Weren''t those small guys supposed to be suppressed or something?" Zac asked curiously as he took ast look at the beastmen.


    "Therger ones attacked first, so whatever happened next was counted as Self Defense by the Ruthless Heavens," Ogras smiled. "So remember, if you want to kill someone try to make them hit you first, even if it''s just a shove. Then you can kill them without any repercussions. This is another reason why there''s so little fighting."


    "Even if you win, as long as you hit first you will still get hunted down, right?" Zac confirmed.


    "Right," Ogras nodded as he kept walking. "There is an exception though, but it doesn''t rte to us. You can simply follow the rule to not hit first and we''ll be fine."


    Where are we heading? Zac asked as he walked along.


    You said we only have ten days here at most, so we better make the most of it, Ogras said. First off, lets get something to eat. I havent had a decent meal since I arrived at your godforsaken.


    Zac stopped in his tracks and gave the demon an even stare, making Ogras roll his eyes in exasperation.


    We need to get a feel of the current situation here. Listening in on the discussion at a tavern is a good way to get some of thetest gossip of the area, the demon snorted. It might allow us to save a lot of money to learn what we need to know. Information brokers are pretty damn expensive.


    Zac reluctantly agreed with Ogras even if he felt the urge to start running back and forth toplete all his various goals ofing here. There was so much to do, with helping Alea and learning more about his Specialty Core being the top priorities before entering the Tower itself. So it was with some reluctance he let the demon drag him to a decently sized open-air restaurant roughly halfway between the stairs and the tower.


    "This is roughly the halfway point," Ogras said as they walked inside the huge courtyard of the restaurant. "The buildings from here on out generally have permanent owners. Of course, if you feel the need you can always take a building by force. But there is no point in us doing that even if we have the strength to do so."


    It waspletely packed, but the two luckily managed to get a table in the back. Almost the moment the two sat down a golem arrived and gave them each a crystal containing the menu. Zac curiously looked at the waiter, but it stood unmoving until the demon ced a round of orders for the two. Only then did it slightly bow before wordlessly walking away.


    Its a puppet? Zac finally asked as he looked at the dozens of golems walking around between the tables.


    Yes. Only elites cane here, so most businesses use puppets or arrays rather than living personnel. I hear that the elite stores right by the tower entrance have living waiters, but thats not the kind of ce we can freely enter, Ogras muttered.


    Why not? Zac asked, not understanding why they couldn''t shop where they wanted.


    This version of the tower is low-tiered, but the strongest forces here are still Peak C-Grade. Getting involved with those kinds of people before we have some sort of backing wont end well, Ogras exined. Besides, most of the top tier establishments require referrals or things like that.


    "Isn''t the point ofing here making a connection with those kinds of forces?" Zac asked skeptically.


    "No," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "It''s better to look for a weaker force in my opinion. A strong Early C-Grade or weak Middle C-Grade force might be best. They will be strong enough to rebuff that old goat, but not so strong that we''ll be forced into a situation we can''t dig ourselves out of."


    Zac slowly nodded, feeling it made sense. Yrial had full confidence in killing a Peak D-Grade powerhouse even if he was just a soul fragment. It went to show what a huge difference it was between D-Grade and C-Grade. A live C-Grade Hegemon would probably have no problem dealing with The Great Redeemer even if he was stuck in the early stages.


    "Besides, those peak forces are millions of years old. What elites haven''t they seen before? There''s no guarantee they''d bother recruiting you even if you passed the 6th floor," Ogras added after a thought. "Even if you''re a monster in human skin you''re still a mortal."


    Zac ignored the demon''s insult as he suddenly realized something odd about what the demon said earlier.


    This version? Zac asked with confusion.


    The tower services the whole multiverse, how could all the young elites fit in this small town? Ogras snorted. There are innumerable Base Towns where elites of the same sector gather.


    Sort of like the incursion forces? Zac mumbled, remembering that only forces in the same star sector got the opportunity to invade earth.


    Yes, though the area for who gets teleported here is a lotrger, Ogras shrugged. At least I saw more forces I didnt recognize than ones I knewst time. Its scope is quiterge.


    "So, the forces we''re looking to ally with are locals? Zac asked. "Are they staying here or further inside the town?"


    Yes they are, but we''ll deal with all that after youve proven your worth by summoning a top tier apparition in the sky, Ogras shrugged. For now well be treated like garbage if we go there, and might even get ourselves killed. Remember, those ces likely have a bunch of treasures that arent suppressed like in the tower.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He also felt it was no point to sound out strong backers before he had proven himself in the tower. That way he wouldn''t need to divulge any of his titles or attributes. He could simply point to the apparition he created with his tower run, and it would vouch for his power.


    There were a lot more things Zac wanted to ask about now that he had a better understanding of what sort of ce they had arrived at, but just as he was about to ask another question he noticed a squirrely human look in their direction. He was a pure human just like Zac and looked to be somewhere in his thirties.


    It wasn''t anything too surprising, but most people looked quite young. Looking a bit older could be a sign that they weren''t very powerful and had been stuck at F-Grade for a few decades. But it could also mean that he was someone like Zac himself, someone who only evolved his race a bitter than normal.


    Some might spend a decade or two perfecting their Daos or gathering achievements, as not all could have direct ess to Origin Dao like Zac and Ogras did. So looking even older than Zac was a bit out of the norm, but not unseen. There were even a few people looking middle-aged in the area, though those were likely people who had been stuck on a bottleneck for most of their lives.


    When the man noticed Zacs stare he immediately started to walk over to their table. Zac frowned slightly, afraid that trouble had already found them for some reason. Was that man someone from one of the incursions that he had closed? But Zac didn''t sense any danger from the man, and he gave a weak smile when he arrived.


    I am sorry. It seems quite crowded here today. Would you mind if I imposed on the two young masters? I am Gu of n Beroria by the way, from the Allbright Empire, he said.


    Zacs brows rose when he heard of the all too familiar empire, and he immediately indicated for the man to sit down. What were the chances of meeting a countryman of Average and Greatest? He had been thinking of the Allbright Empire often since meeting those two, mainly because he had a standing invitation of Greatest.


    It might just have been an offering made out of politeness, but if Zac actually showed up at their doorstep Greatest would hopefully at least be able to arrange something that would help him in his cultivation. Such a powerhouse no doubt had argework of connections, and he might even be able to introduce Zac to a force that could keep The Great Redeemer at bay.


    Greatest was also someone who already knew of his Specialty core but hadn''t made any attempts to snatch it, which was Zac''s biggest fear in dealing with the powerhouses of the multiverse. He even went so far as to give him his bracer, which was something that he still wore every day to maintain his secrecy.


    Im Zac, Zac simply said, not exining his origins any further. This is Ogras.


    Nice to meet you, Ill order a round as thanks for your hospitality. Have you been here long? Gu asked.


    We havent entered the Tower yet, if thats what youre asking, Ogras snorted.


    No, no, I am just making conversation, Gu said with some embarrassment. I have been frequenting this restaurant for a few months, but it is the first time I see the two young sirs. But I can already tell you''re two people destined for greatness.


    Zac and Ogras gave each other a weird look before the demon leaned over.


    "Protect your wallet and your butt," the demon muttered with a guarded expression.

 Chapter 386: Galau

    Chapter 386: Gu


    I am sorry, I am ttered but I am interested in the fairer sex, Ogras said without waiting for Gu to speak up again. As for this guy, Im not sure? I think hes converted to ascetic cultivation for some reason.


    Gu nkly looked at Ogras for a few seconds, obviously unable topute what the demon was talking about.


    What? No! I like.. I like thedies as well, Gu stammered. I was just making conversation. I have been here for so long and it simply gets a bit tedious after a while, so I like making new friends.


    Oh, how long have you been here? Zac asked with interest.


    He knew that Ogras hinted at the fact that Gu might be a scammer, but Zac didnt care. He was interested in learning more about the Allbright Empire, and they were in need of information. If this guy had been here for a while he surely had a general sense of the situation.


    I only have a month before I need to leave this ce, the man sighed. Its a shame. There are not many ces where so many forces can gather and disy their wares. Interesting treasures and techniques keep appearing in the auction houses.


    Zac could only shake his head with a wry smile. There was nothing to gain byparing oneself to others. This man seemed to have taken his visit to the Tower as an opportunity to rx and do some shopping, while Zac was here to fight for the future of his. But someone like this could be quite useful as well.


    So youre knowledgeable about the shops in the Base Town? Zac asked curiously.


    I have gained some understanding of whats avable, except whats in stock in the top tier firms, Gu nodded.


    How are the auction schedules? Are there any interesting onesing up? Ogras immediately asked with a twinkle in his eyes.


    Interesting Auctions? Gu thoughtfully repeated. I hear that a main branch member of the Talovor Trappings arrived a week ago, they are holding an auction of their wares in three days.


    What kind of wares? Ogras asked.


    Mainly wearable treasures. Rings, Amulets, bracelets. That family consists of both craftsmen and traders, and they almost only sell their own wares. Their specialty is defensive treasures, so I expect the auction will turn quite heated, Gu dutifully exined.


    Zac nodded in understanding. Ogras had already exined that defensive treasures and arrays were suppressed in the Tower, but notpletely. Having a great defensive treasure could still save your life or allow you to reach a higher floor. It was no wonder that such things would be in high demand at a ce like this.


    Normally Zac wouldnt mind spending some of his money on defensive treasures to supplement those he had, but he was hesitant to spend too much money until he managed to get his hands on his top priority items; medicine for Alea and a shield.


    "Do these Talovor sell shields as well?" he probed.


    "Like physical ones?" Gu asked with surprise. "No. They focus on consumable and rechargeable defensive treasures. For a shield you would either have to find a cksmith outside of this ce or hope that one appears at the general auctions. The System gives them out sometimes as quest rewards to people who don''t want them, and they sell them here to make some money."


    Zac only sighed in understanding, not too surprised about what Gu said. It was essentially the same as what Calrin had mentioned before. Most good shields were custom-made since they were so expensive.


    Anything else? Ogras probed.


    Lets see Gu muttered as his brows furrowed. The Naspheyi n holds a weekly auction, the next one is tomorrow evening. The quality of the auction can vary a lot, but its never too bad. Sometimes amazing items appear as well. Visiting cultivators usually go to them to sell off items they dont need in order to gather money for other treasures before attempting the climb. There are a few more ces like this, but Naspheyi is generally the most reputable among those open to the public.


    Zac shot a look at Ogras, only to see the demons eyes zing over. Zac finally remembered that attending auctions was one of Ogras'' favorite pastimes back in the day, and he sighed with exasperation. The demon was supposed to be helping with information gathering, but he was daydreaming about going on a shopping spree.


    Have you heard of Trentach Society? Zac asked, remembering the man they met by the stairs.


    Trentach? Its a high-grade general store, the youth said. They carry almost everything, but they do not really stand out in any department. Trentach is actually a cooperative venture between eight allied ns who run the store together. None of the ns can be considered a supreme force, but theirbined might is nothing to scoff at.


    How do you define the grade of the stores? Zac asked curiously.


    By how close you are to the tower. Its graded the same as most things, from low to peak. Of course, the grade of a business doesnt necessarily reflect the quality of the wares. But it is usually indicative of quality, Gu exined. "This restaurant could barely be considered medium grade, for example, but their food is above average."


    I am looking for top tier healing treasures, do you know where I could find that? Zac asked as he kicked the demon under the table to wake him up from his dreams of auctions.


    Healing treasures? Gu repeated with some confusion. You can get them at any pill shop, they are everywhere. Or do you mean something specific?


    I am looking for something that can heal a fractured soul, Zac exined, not opting to lie.


    There were likely various pills with soul-mending capabilities in the pill shops, but an extraordinary treasure was needed to heal a fractured soul. It wasnt as simple as a soul wound.


    Im sorry, such treasures are not readily avable in even the higher-tiered Pill stores. But Ive seen things that might work crop up every now and then in the auctions, Gu said before hesitating. Of course, theres always the Zethaya Pill House by the tower entrance, but


    But what? Zac asked with a frown.


    They are an alchemist family and likely one of the three wealthiest ns among those who control shops by the entrance. They are extremely powerful, but more importantly, they have a vastwork of connections, Ogras spoke up for the first time in a while.


    So they have pills for healing souls? Zac asked. Then whats the problem?


    If any shop has it, then its that ce. But their shop is invitation-only, just like all peak grade stores, Gu exined. You cant just enter at will. There are always people desperate for their pills, but the Zethaya turn them all away.


    Zac frowned, but Ogras nudged him to not keep pressing the issue. He knew he shouldn''t make too big a row at a ce like this. Besides, these Zethaya people might invite him if he performs impressively enough in the tower. It should be in their interest to form some ties with promising cultivators while they''re still young and weak.


    We might as well head to the auction tomorrow, Ogras shrugged. Even if they dont have what we need, we might still be able to find some clues.


    Zac nodded in agreement.


    Lets look around today, and well head to the auction tomorrow, Zac agreed.


    "Oh, if the two gentlemen are amenable, let me host you tomorrow! I have been awarded a bronze membership due to my regr visits, so you can join me at my table rather than sitting crammed in the back," Gu enthusiastically said.


    Zac looked over with some hesitation at Ogras, who seemed to be a bit confused as well. Why was this guy so helpful to twoplete strangers? The universe was seldom so benign. Gu seemed to understand their skepticism, and hurriedly spoke up again.


    "I promise, I just wish to be a good host. How about this, I will simply meet you outside the venue before it starts tomorrow. There''s no way that I could do anything suspicious right in front of the Nespheyi n''s doors, no?" he hurriedly said. "Besides, going to the auction as a bronze member has various perks, such as additional information on the items for sale, andplimentary liquor."


    "Deal," Ogras said without hesitation.


    "Excellent!" Gu eximed as he raised a ss of some unknown alcohol. "For new friendships."


    The dinnersted for another hour where Ogras and Zac interrogated Gu for as much information as they could before they split up for the day. Gu initially wanted to apany them as they walked around Base Town, but the two excused themselves, citing that they needed to get their bearings.


    "What do you think?" Zac asked as his eyes followed Gu who scurried away after paying the tab in full.


    "A bored young master who wants to pretend to be amoner for a day?" Ogras ventured. "In either case, we''ll figure it out sooner orter. Between my looks, smarts, charms, and your sturdy body I''m sure we can handle any scheme that guy has nned. So let''s just let him pay for our food and drinks."


    Zac snorted in response, but he didn''t contradict the demon. He didn''t sense any malice from the guy, so he would let things y themselves out. The two spent the next couple of hours looking around in the shops, gathering snippets of intelligence everywhere. It quickly became apparent that Gu had been pretty much urate in all the information he shared during the dinner.


    They found nothing that would help Aleas condition in the normal stores, even when they went to the upscale establishments in the inner city. Those ces had pills that would help with a wounded soul, but not a fractured one, and the two quickly confirmed that their best bet was hoping that someone would put up an item for auction at one of the major houses.


    Only when it started to get dark did they decide to find some ce to stay. Zac wanted to simply find some empty building in the outer rim, but the demon staunchly refused, citing hours lost every day just walking back and forth to the slums. He wanted to rent a ce as far inside as possible, preferably in the inner sector.


    Eventually, the two settled on a hotel that covered a huge area at the edge between the middle and the inner zones. It was essentially a gatedmunity where every guest rented their own smaller mansion with its own gardens and arrays. It was extremely tranquil and a perfect spot to meditate during the nights.


    What impressed Zac the most was that it actually had a spatial array covering the wholepound, just like the Ayr Hive. The size of the ce was at least three timesrger when they entered, and the two rented a small mansion for the price of 250 000 Nexus Coins a Day.


    It was a steep price, but it was nothing umon in this ce. Luckily they only nned to stay for ten days. Otherwise just the lodging would have turned into a real sunk cost. ording to Gu the buildings starting in the middle of the Base Town came with those arrays from the beginning. They were not something that the owners controlled. That was one of the reasons the inner buildings were so contested.


    They contained the best spatial arrays, providing extremely luxurious amodations to whoever controlled the ce. But that wasnt the most important reason that forces wanted to im structures as close to the tower as possible. The Cosmic Energy was denser closer to the tower, and Gu said there was even some Origin Dao in the core sector.


    Origin Dao was nothing special for Zac or even Ogras by this point, as they came from a newly integrated. But for peopleing from an established force it might be what would allow them to push their Dao Seeds or Dao Fragments to the next step before entering the Tower.


    Some buildings even possessed temporal arrays, though those were only used for business purposes as it was impossible to cultivate inside those structures. The auction houses were a prime example of that. There were a lot of treasures to auction off, but people did not want to spend half a day of their limited time in the Base Town to visit it.


    With the help of the arrays they would spend less than an hour in real-time, while still not missing out on the action. Zac couldnt understand why the System would bother to set things up like this, but he soon understood the motivation. It wanted to create conflict.


    As long as there were good lodgings and bad lodgings there would always be covert and overtpetition for the best spots.

 Chapter 387: The Naspheyi Clan

    Chapter 387: The Naspheyi n


    It wasn''t without reason that Zac believed that the difference in the quality of the lodgings would cause friction. He had already witnessed an attempted take-over of a shop with a decent location at a crossroads with a lot of foot traffic. It was a group of Purple humanoids that tried to snatch it from a group of Golems that reminded Zac of the proprietor of the Merit Exchange.


    An intense battle ensued, but the humanoids were eventually forced to give up on their takeover after the shop owner took out an amazing offensive artifact. However, that wasnt the end of it. Multiple forces assaulted the humanoids the moment that they started to flee. Apparently they would have been safe if their attempt seeded, but now that they gave up they became fair game.


    It was a world where the powerful lived and ate well, while the weak could just look on from the distance. There was no such thing as equality.


    The two mainly meditated during the night as they knew that they had almost no chance to evolve their Daos within the Tower itself. The atmosphere in their borrowed garden was quite nice though, and it allowed Zac to freely gaze upon the ever-changing lights surrounding the tower. Unfortunately he didn''t gain anything that would allow him to form his second Fragment, but he still had a few days to go.


    Zac and Ogras had already decided to enter the tower toward the end of their visit. They could aplish most of their goals anonymously right now as they didn''t know what would happen after climbing the tower. Ogras wasn''tpletely sure, but he guessed that the current Zac should be able to reach at least the 5th floor, something that was pretty rare all things considered.


    It might not sound like much climbing only five out of 9 floors, but that was something that only happened a few times a year among the elites of thousands ofs, and everyone seeding would cause a certain amount of spectacle. That would ideally result in making connections with stronger forces, but it might also put a target on his back.


    So they would only allocate one day after the Tower itself to find a backer, and endeavor to finish most of their purchases before.


    The auction they were going to attend didn''t take ce until the evening, so Zac and Ogras took the time to continue their exploration. Ogras wanted to spend another day ''gathering information'' at restaurants, but they instead headed to a reputable information broker in the Inner Zone on Zac''s insistence.


    There were a lot of things that he needed to know, such as the requirements for Specialty Cores and Arcane sses. Zac had already asked the demon next to him, but he had no idea. Ogras had only gotten annoyed by the questions since they were simply a form of humblebragging in his opinion.


    The information merchant was run by a sect rather than a n, and they were called Seed of Jnana. Zac was pretty surprised to hear that the sect was actually popted by monks, and it made him think of Abbot Evesting Peace. Was Lord 84<sup>th</sup> perhaps someone from this sect? It was a strong C-Grade force ording to rumors, and splitting off into a 100 000 incarnations might be the n Ancestor''s bid at breaking through to B-Rank.


    None of the monks were present in the store though, so Zac couldn''t make anyparisons to the chubby powerhouse''s appearance. They were instead met by a puppet who led them to a private room, and Zac was happy to hear that they did indeed carry the information he was looking for.


    A short introduction of Arcane sses only cost 10 million, probably since it was general knowledge among the more powerful factions. Zac immediately paid for it, and the puppet engraved the knowledge onto a nk Crystal. The puppet didn''t immediately give a quote for information about specialty cores though.


    "Specific or general knowledge?" The puppet asked with a lifeless voice.


    "General," Zac answered after some hesitation.


    He was currently needed general information about Specialty Cores, as his information was a few snippets of rumors from various sources. Besides, even if this ce had information on Duplicity Cores there was no guarantee that it would be relevant for his mutated version.


    "245 Million Nexus Coins," the puppet said.


    "What''s included in the report?" Zac said, whinging a bit at the price.


    The puppet opened a screen, and a short presentation was included. A decent list ofmon cores was included, as was a general guide in matching various types of sses with cores. It mentioned there was a long list of sessfulbinations to prove the theories. But most importantly there were was a general guide in nurturing and evolving cores.


    Zac could only bite the bullet and cough up the money since he didn''t even know what to look for in his goal of upgrading his core as things stood right now. There was quite a lot of information in the second crystal he bought, but he breathed out in relief when he skimmed to the part about evolving.


    He breathed out in relief when he read that Specialty Cores could only be upgraded to a higher rank after one had upgraded one''s ss. But at the same time it said that the strength of cores was limited, so they would quickly be too weak to provide any assistance unless you kept them at the same rank as your ss.


    Zac also had the puppet list all the specific cores it had intelligence on, and he was both relieved and disappointed that there was nothing on the Duplicity core. He wasn''t sure if he could handle the cost of a specific knowledge packet if a general one cost that much.


    Hopefully, that would mean that the core would still be usable at the start of E-Grade, allowing him to put the matter aside until he dealt with the Undead Empire.


    The Naspheyi Auction House was a grand structure three quarters in from the edge of the teau, cing itself somewhere between the middle and the inner cone. It reminded Zac a bit of the Hagia Sophia, with four grand ornamental towers in the corners and an enormous dome atop the main structure.


    When the two approached they saw people streaming toward the Auction House even though it didnt start until an hourter. Some were perhaps there to enter an item into the auctionst minute, but most likely just wanted good seats.


    Zac and Ogras werent really interested in entering this early, especially since time moved quicker inside. If they entered now theyd be forced to wait half a day before the auction started. So they instead nned to walk around the area to see if they could find anything interesting.


    A lot of people were taking advantage of therge draw of the auction house and held impromptu auctions of their own treasures, shouting on top of their lungs to advertise their wares. Some did it because the Auction house didnt find the treasures precious enough, others were probably unwilling to pay the 10%mission.


    Of course, there were a lot of scammers as well, wanting to take advantage of inexperienced people.


    Zac and Ogras barely had time to make the rounds before they saw a familiar figure wave at them from the distance, some excitement apparent on his face. Unsurprisingly it was Gu, and it even looked like he had been on the lookout for their arrival.


    Just what is this guys deal? Zac mumbled with some bemusement. Is he lonely?


    I think he is looking for an expert, but hes running out of time, Ogras said with a half-smile.


    An expert for what?


    Someone to help him reach a higher floor than what he would be able to reach himself, Ogras said. Strong people often do that for payment.


    So like what youre expecting me to do for you, but without pay? Zac snorted.


    Our situation is different. Whatre a few floors between friends? Ogras said as he shot Zac a toothy grin.


    If its somethingmon there should be a market for it, no? Most people wouldnt turn down free money if they were strong enough, Zac said, even thinking if it was possible for himself to make some money on the side.


    My guess? He seems to enjoy the auctions, and he has already spent the money that was meant for a carry, Ogras shrugged. So now hes looking for some strong-looking hillbillys to do it on the cheap.


    Its also possible that hes offended someone, and no one wants to stick their neck out just for some extra ie. So hes forced to skulk around new arrivals in a circumspect manner, looking for someone who could take him up. We are probably not the first people he has approached if that''s the case.


    So we should distance ourselves from him? Zac asked. We already have enough on our tes as it is, no need to take on additional problems.


    No need, if my guess is true hes desperate, and hell be far more helpful than even an information merchant. If we get confrontedter we can simply proim ignorance and simply point to the fact that we just arrived, Ogras smiled. "For now let''s enjoy his Bronze Ticket and free liquor."


    Zac sighed, but he eventuallyplied with Ogras idea. It was not even certain what the demon spected was correct, and if he started to act on every little suspicion it would be impossible to get anything done. It was just as possible that the guy was simply lonely after staying here for months and wanted to make new friends.


    Wait, Zac suddenly said. You said that your Grandpa spent a huge amount of money for you to climb to the third floor? Did you simply pay someone to carry you?


    Of course, Ogras snorted. I was only level 54 at the time. What do you think, that I would rush inside there on my own? I had only just formed my first Dao Seed at that point.


    So it wasnt actually with your own power you got to the third floor, Zac snorted. That wasnt how you made it sound before.


    I would be able to conquer the third floor with my own prowess by now, so what does it matter, Ogras muttered, looking a bit glum. Clearly this was a bit of a sore topic for the proud demon.


    <em>After Ive provided you with all kinds of opportunities,</em> Zacmpooned in his mind, but he didnt bring it up. No one had worked harder for Port Atwood than Ogras, after all.


    In the end the two decided to head over to Gu, who excitedly led them around the area full of hawkers disying their wares. The two didnt really find any great deals, but Zac bought a decent number of Divine Crystals from a Golem who sold them for 10% cheaper than what Calrin charged.


    Ogras also bought a b of metal, which was apparentlyplementary to what his ck spear was made from. Perhaps he wanted to have some of the material on hand in case he found someone that could upgrade it or even turn it into a proper Spirit Tool.


    But neither was ready to buy any valuable treasures outside since they didnt possess as discerning an eye as Calrin. Gu seemed somewhat proficient at inspecting treasures, but the two wouldnt put their trust and wallets in the hands of someone they just met.


    Soon enough the trio entered the massive Auction Center, and Gu kept trying to make a good impression as he immediately forked out the 200 000 Nexus Coin entrance fee for both of them. Zac was surprised when he heard the price, and he couldnt help but look around at the sea of people entering the building.


    The Naspheyi n held an auction like this every week, and ording to Gu they also held a few major auctions a year that were even grander. On top of that they took a 10%mission on every sale that took ce, though that fee could probably be negotiated down. He couldnt imagine just how rich these guys were.


    Of course, most of the entrance fee probably went into keeping the Temporal array active during the auction. The System set them up, but they still required crystals to run. But he wouldn''t be surprised if the n still made billions of Nexus Coins every week.


    The Naspheyi is an ancient martial n whose ancestor is reported to be Mid or High C-Grade. Their family members generally use spears, Gu exined when Zac probed about their heritage.


    Its not a mercantile n? Zac asked with interest.


    Most huge ns would have some businesses to provide the resources for cultivation. To be a cultivator is to be forced into poverty, always scrambling for resources, Gu said. But they are mainly a martial n. This auction house is one of their main sources of ie, and they are pretty ruthless with anyone trying to take it away from them.


    Zac nodded and looked around the venue. It was simply enormous inside, and he realized this ce was just more than an Auction venue. There were multiple restaurants and bars, and Zacs eyes widened when he saw that there was even a brothel.


    And just as Zac feared the shadows around the demon started to twist as the demon unhesitantly teleported away a secondter.

 Chapter 388: Toxicity

    Chapter 388: Toxicity


    Zac desperately tried to grab onto the demon before it was toote, but Ogras had clearly learnt from his failure during the auction held by the New World Government. Zac didn''t exactly know what happened, but he somehow missed the demon, instead grabbing right behind where he stood. He couldn''t be sure, but it felt like Ogras had somehow influenced him to slightly misjudge his position.


    Was it the Dao Seed that the demon had gained recently?


    Ogras had let it slip in conversation a few times, where he mentioned Dao Seeds as plurals rather than singr. Zac learned of it after they did their respective Inheritances. Perhaps The Umbra provided Ogras with a simr Dao Impartment that Zac himself enjoyed.


    Gu looked a bit confused at the exchange, but he didn''tment on it. He instead continued to exin how the auction was handled.


    The Naspheyi will only divulge what items will be put to auction within the current segment for bronze members, Gu exined. If you dont see anything that tempts you, you can visit one of the other establishments inside to rx until the next segment starts. But the items in the final segment will not be divulged at all, as they want to maintain maximum participation for the top treasures.


    Zac nodded in understanding, feeling that these guys really knew how to do business. Such a setup would stop people from leaving early, and most people would still spend money even if they didnt find anything to buy. And people would perhaps be more willing to fork out some real money if they had been plied with alcohol for a few hours before the final section.


    The two walked around the enormous lobby for a while as there still was some time. Suddenly the shadows shuddered and Ogras reappeared, looking like he had just experienced a crushing defeat.


    Bunch of Puppets, dont know what I expected, Ogras muttered with a constipated look.


    Zac snorted in derision as the three entered the auction hall, loath to make ament. A quick nce indicated that there were actually fewer seats than he had expected. He guessed that there were roughly 3-4000 seats in total, with roughly two-thirds being cramped cinema seats in the back.


    The group didn''t have to use those though thanks to Gu and were instead shown to a table some distance from the scene. The table was luckily equipped with a decent-sized screen that would show the items, allowing them to take a good look at all everything.


    Zac immediately started to go through the catalog of items that would appear to see if there was anything of use to them. He was surprised to note that quite a few items were listed as unknown items, only describing what they looked like. It seemed quite possible to make a few good deals if your eyes were discerning enough.


    Ogras wasnt nearly as curious, and he only took a quick nce at the catalogue.


    It''s just the opening segment, Ogras said with disinterest as he indicated a puppet to bring a bottle of liquor. "Those weapons in the start are pretty good. They are there to create some excitement, but the rest is just slightly better than things you can buy in the shops."


    Dont get too drunk, Zac warned. Were not here to mess around.


    "Not much else to do here when the brothel is full of automatons," Ogras scoffed as he started to look around.


    Well, not many who have the ability to get their hands on a Tower token would be willing to work as a courtesan. Likewise, those types of sses are generally considered nonbat, which precludes entry to the Tower of Eternity, Gu coughed with some embarrassment. But I am sure that a handsome man like you would be able to find a paramour in one of the bars.


    Ogras only snorted in response as he kept observing the other guests. Zac himself only shook his head with a smile, already having heard the demonin about theck of brothels in Port Atwood on multiple asions.


    When it was around ten minutes before the auction started the area above their heads was starting to fill up with floating tforms of varying size. On top of them sat groups of people who mostly looked quite impressive, or at least wealthy.


    Thats the VIP tforms, the higher it floats generally mean the higher status of its upant, Gu said with a hushed tone, probably afraid to draw the attention of the bigshots upstairs.


    Zac shot a nce above, not really caring about the special treatment. It was not like it mattered where he sat as long as he could buy the items he needed.


    The auction started soon enough, and Zac was impressed with the quality of the items presented. All kinds of items were sold off in rapid session, ranging from pills to arrays to weapons. There were some raw materials as well, but Zac noticed that most items were ready to use, and things that might help when climbing the tower.


    However, there was nothing that Zac couldnt do without, so he never ced a single bid. Most items went for between 5 and 15 million Nexus coins, which meant they were decent items, but nothing rare. It was a bit disappointing, but Zac knew the items would get increasingly impressive as the auction went on.


    How are the prices? Zac asked to the more experienced Ogras.


    The starting bids are slightly below what you would usually pay for the items outside this dimension, but they usually end up a tad more expensive, the demon said after some consideration. It looks like items that will prove helpful in the tower has a slightly higher premium at around 50% to 80%.


    Zac nodded, realizing that Calrin had been spot on with his estimation. This ce truly was a money-making machine for the established forces, where they allowed to earn far more money on their productspared to the outside.


    Ogras ced a few bids for fun, but he got quickly bored when he realized that the process waspletely anonymous where you ced your bid through an array on the table.


    Whats with the secrecy? Ogras muttered with annoyance. Takes the fun out of the bidding process.


    Open bidding caused a bit too much chaos in the end, Gu said with a wry smile. A few strong people suppressed the prices of any items they wanted. So the Naspheyi n finally installed arrays in the table to allow anonymous bidding for everyones safety. Of course, anyone is still able to bid openly if they so wish.


    Zac nodded in agreement, feeling it was for the best. It would help normal people from bing targets of the powerful factions, and lessen the risk of getting robbed afterward since the items would be exchanged anonymously after each section.


    It did make his own back-up idea of robbing the treasures he needed almost impossible though, so he could only hope the items he was looking for wouldnt end up too expensive.


    Hours passed as the event proceeded, and Zac started to be a bit bored. He hadnt ced a single bet so far, not daring to waste his limited money before he found what he needed. He did learn quite a bit by the Auctioneers exnations about the various treasures, and the day gave him a lot better understanding of what drove the value of treasures.


    When it came to Spirit Tools there were generally two factors that decided its value. The first factor was the material the item was created from. Different materials andbinations had different potential it seemed. Some weapons couldnt be upgraded very far due to poor quality of the core material, whereas others had greater potential.


    It was the same as with most people. Very few had the capability to reach the peak of cultivation. Their constitution simply wouldnt allow it unless they managed to remold their bodies through some extreme fortuitous encounter.


    Zac had already somewhat instinctively picked up on this difference when he gathered a couple of Spirit Tools earlier, but he couldnt exin it better than the fact that a few of them were better than others.


    There were a lot of Spirit Tools for sale on the auction, and it was standard for the auctioneer to exin what the items core materials were, and its guaranteed evolution. The weapons who could evolve further were tens of times more expensive than those with a limited progression path.


    The other thing that could have arge impact on an item was whether it was attuned. It seemed to work just like with crystals, where there were normal Nexus Crystals, but also items like me Crystals and Divine Crystals. A weapon with a popr attunement was usually many times more expensive than one without.


    After figuring these things out he had a bit disheartening realization about his own weapon, <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. It was a weapon that he got from the Merit shop during his beast wave quest, and he knew by now that it wasnt some top tier item. The weapon had no attunement, and Zac realized its materials were nothing too special either after seeing all the Spirit Tools on disy.


    However, it was a weapon he had grown extremely ustomed to, and he was loath to give it up for something else unless absolutely necessary. He also had a feeling that Verun had its own points of uniqueness due to the fact that the Tool Spirit could actually appear and fight. The auctioneer had never mentioned such a thing when presenting all these weapons, and she was clearly working hard on the up-sell.


    It made Zac believe that the mysterious stone he fed to Verun all back when it was still F-Grade was an extremely precious item. It was his luck that no one on Earth could figure out what it was, which allowed Zac to get it for a fraction of its true value. That thing alone might be what would allow him to evolve Verun to even greater heights in the future.


    Besides, it was not like the moremon weapons couldnt be upgraded. They just needed their own fortuitous encounters, just like cultivators did. So even if Verun wasmon, so what? It just put his axe on the same level as himself, a mortal.


    It was only at the second tost section of the auction that Zac started to see things he was interested in on the list. The final 5 items were still obscured, but the 7<sup>th</sup> weapon was actually listed as a "One-of-a-kind" Shield. There were also multiple pills that would giverge boosts to both improving race and opening Nodes.


    Zac eagerly waited as the auctioneer sold off one item after another, until she finally arrived at one item that Zac was interested in.


    Next item might not be helpful during your stay inside the Tower of Eternity, but it is a must-have for when you return home triumphantly. It is the <strong>[Treasure Blood Pill]</strong> that willplete up to 15% of the Race upgrade for a general humanoid cultivator. It will even purify your blood, reducing the pill toxicity in your veins by a noticeable degree, the young Auctioneer said with a smile as she presented a crystalline vial.


    Pill Toxicity? What is that? Zac asked with a frown.


    Gu gave Zac a befuddled look, as though Zac asked what air was, but he still quickly answered.


    Most pills contain small amounts of impurities that the body is unable to break down. The more pills you eat the more it umtes. The problem is that it is very hard to notice that there is a problem before its toote. You wont lose any attribute points, but it might cause your Cosmic Energy to be a bit sluggish. But most importantly; it might affect your attempts at forming a Cultivation Core negatively, the man said with a hushed voice.


    "Eating too many pills will essentially end your path of cultivation unless you deal with the crap," Ogras added.


    Are all pills like this? Zac asked with a frown. Even healing pills?


    No, its just pills that improve your Dao, Race, or Levels that has this effect as far as I know, Gu said with a shake of his head.


    What about natural treasures? Zac asked.


    Theyre borne by nature, so theres no residual toxicity, Gu said. Instead they are often poisonous, and still require getting turned into pill before they can be used.


    So this pill is pretty good, even reducing the toxicity rather than increasing it? Zac asked.


    Gu looked back and forth before he leaned over and whispered.


    Its a sales trick, he said as quietly as possible. Remember what she said? It removes toxicity from your blood, but she never said anything about removing it from the body.


    Zacs eyes widened in understanding, feeling it was a bit lucky to have the experienced youngster to exin the pitfalls. If it wasnt for his warning he would have unhesitantly bought this thing after learning about pill toxicity, perhaps ready to buy it at a huge premium.


    Just from hearing Gus exnation he realized that Pill Toxicity would be another barrier for his future cultivation. He would be far more reliant on pillspared to normal cultivators, since the only other way for him to crack open nodes was to risk his body by forcing them open.


    But now he learned that even the safer path was fraught with hidden danger. What if he managed to get all the way to peak E-Grade only to discover that his body had umted too much toxicity?

 Chapter 389: Dreams

    Chapter 389: Dreams


    Is there any way to cleanse the toxicity for real? Zac asked.


    There are various means, like certain Natural Treasures. There are even arrays that will slowly purify the body. Most alchemy ns are researching ways to reduce pill toxicity in their bodies almost as ardently as they are researching new recipes, Gu said.


    The biography of Galvarion that Zac read in the Marshall Library immediately popped into his mind after hearing Gu''s exnation. That mortal had stayed at the peak of E-Grade for over a century before finally forming his core. Was this rted to pill toxicity perhaps?


    Zac eventually spent 130 million Nexus Coins on a pill that would push forward his Race by a decent amount, pill toxicity or not. Most of the herbs gathered in Port Atwood was geared toward gaining E-Grade Race, and wouldnt really assist him in reaching D-Grade. And that was something that he had to get done sooner orter, as he would quickly approach the Attribute limit otherwise.


    He also spent 100 million on a pill that was guaranteed to break open a node beneath level 80, and another 120 million for a pill with a simr effect. Hearing about the Pill Toxicity made him a bit worried, but he would simply have to find a way to deal with thister. Surviving the Undead Incursion and the Dominators was simply more important in the short run.


    Ogras finally bought an item as well, which apparently was a treasure that was known to strengthen the psychic bond between a cultivator and his contracted spirit. It was no doubt bought with the purpose of getting a better handle of the mysterious creature that lived in his shadows, and Zac could glean that the situation was less than ideal since the demon spent over 300 million on it.


    Zac was happy that the demon found an opportunity to get a handle on his parasite, but his mind couldn''t help returning to the advertised shield that was listed. For some reason there was no detailed description like those Zac read for the Spirit Tools, and he didn''t know if that was a good or a bad thing.


    Luckily the wait wasn''t long, as two assistants produced a massive shield that thumped down on the ground with enough force to cause the whole scene to shake slightly. The shield itself was more of arge heater shieldpared to the huge spiked scutum he used until it broke.


    It was made from some material that Zac couldn''t recognize, but it obviously was extremely heavy. It looked like a bit like carbon fiber ingrained with streaks of copper. Only the core was a bit different as it was covered in dense white fractals that formed a circle. It didn''t have the same ferocity as his old shield but Zac could tell it was of much higher quality.


    "Next up is this spectacr item wrought from almost pure Neprosium that has been treated with expert care to provide the highest standards in durability and regeneration," the auctioneer said with a smile as she held her hand on the anthracite and copper shield.


    What do you think this item would go for? Zac asked with a low voice.


    It doesnt have an attunement and it''s not a Spirit Tool, but the material its made of is extraordinary. A piece of raw Neprosium thatrge would alone cost hundreds of millions of Nexus Coins. I dont understand why someone would use such arge piece to create a normal shield. The creator will risk making a loss, Gu said bafflement. "Neprosium is rare, and it''s a popr material in defensive treasures."


    Perhaps the craftsman had a quest or an inspiration, Ogras shrugged. They made it for the experience rather than money. I would say you will have to fork out at least 700 million if you want this. People would be willing to pay over 5-600 million just to melt it down for the materials.


    The creator named this shield <strong>[Evesting]</strong>, and I can inform you that it is the only shield appearing in todays auction. I am sure many of you are a bit confused as to why a cksmith chose to make this item, the auctioneer said with a smile, ying on the suspense in the room.


    The name made Zac strongly resonate with it. It not only reminded him of the ancient protector in his Dao Vision, but it also indicated that it would be able to take blow after blow. Wasn''t that just what he needed?


    "Truthfully it is a failed item. The creator wished to create a mighty Spirit Tool but it wasn''t to be, and it ended up a normal shield without a soul. However, the creator felt it was still an item of beauty, and chose to sell it rather than reforging it," the auctioneer continued.


    "So that''s why the materials used are so damn expensive," Ogras muttered. "But that cksmith seems a bit loony to not repurpose the materials."


    The extravagant choice of material puts it at the very peak of E-Grade items, something that you will not encounter more than once. This,bined with Neprosiums inherent ability to take in and even strengthen almost any attunement, makes the shield the ultimatepanion for any warrior used to the vanguard, the auctioneer finished her introduction. "Perhaps you can even upgrade it to a true Spirit Tool in the future!"


    Turning a mundane tool into a Spirit Tool is extremely difficult, Gu whispered when he saw Zacs interested expression. But what she said about Neprosium is true. It is a really high-quality material. But you should know that Neprosium doesnt mix well with a lot of materials, which might make it a picky eater when you try to upgrade it even if you manage to bring it to life.


    Zac slowly digested the information as he took a look at his savings before making a decision. As long as the shield didnt be too expensive he would buy it. The inherent quality of the material mighte in handy in the future, as he walked the path of both life and death. This shield might be usable in both his forms, something that was hard to find.


    The starting bid is 400 million Nexus Coins, the Auctioneer said. Minimum increase is 25 million.


    That price was already well over what many of the earlier Spirit Tools sold for, but the bidding immediately pushed the price to 500 million. Zac guessed that those bids were mainly from people who wanted the shield for the material, as the bidding drastically slowed down after having passed the value of the Neprosium itself.


    However, it did steadily keep climbing in price, something that seemed to surprise the demon.


    I was wrong, Ogras whistled. It might even pass a billion.


    Shields are rare, Gu exined. Not many use them, and they are hard to make. So few are produced, creating a bidding war when a good one finally appears. Besides, Tool Spirits aren''t as important for shields as for weapons. The weapons Tool Spirit can increase your lethality to arge degree, but a Spirit Tool shield is mostly better at regenerating itself after taking damage. That''s something Neprosium is already extremely good at by itself.


    Zac waited for a bit longer, but when the price rose to 800 million he immediately increased the bid with 100 million nexus coin hoping to dissuade thepetition. But only a few seconds passed until another person raised it with 25 million, at which point Zac raised it to a billion. This repeated twice until he finally bid 1.2 billion while his stomach was churning due to the price they had reached.


    It was a huge sum for Zac who had felt the pinch when spending a few million on the creator vessels just a few months back. A billion nexus coins would be able to pay for all the expenses of his Academy for years, perhaps decades, but it wasn''t even enough for a single item here. It was truly a rich man''s game.


    1.2 Billion? Anyone? the auctioneer smiled as he looked around. Remember, the shield might not have an attunement right now, but who knows what will happen when you manage to upgrade it.


    It was the most expensive treasures sold so far by over 600 million nexus coins, but it still wasnt any record-breaking amount. She was obviously trying to push the price a bit further with all kinds of exmations.


    Gaining an attunement during evolution? Ogras snorted in derision. How often are people that lucky? And you need to make it a Spirit Tool First.


    Gu didnt say anything, but he nodded in agreement, proving that it was truly just a sales trick. Zac felt pretty annoyed as he inwardly cursed the woman to close the auction. Luckily no one else fell for the auctioneers exhortations, and Zac sessfully won the bid.


    Time passed and the item got more and more impressive, but neither Zac nor Ogras bid anymore. Thest section only had ten items, each one of them going for well over 1 billion nexus coins. The final treasure was actually an urn from the Limitless Empire, an item predating even the System itself.


    It did emit a trace of spirituality, but Zac couldnt tell if there was anything special about it. It had just been excavated from an unknown Mystic Realm ording to the Auctioneer, and the method to unseal it was unknown. Perhaps a great treasure waited inside, or perhaps it was just wine that went bad billions of years ago.


    The urn eventually went to ady sitting on one of the top tforms for the staggering price of 47 Billion Nexus coins. The only reason Zac even knew that was because she had entered an open bidding war against a young man sitting on another of the tform.


    Thats some gamble, Ogras muttered. Or perhaps she just collects those things.


    Zac could only shake his head in bemusement. Life truly wasnt fair.


    Unfortunately there were no soul-mending pills or treasures on todays auction unless one of the unknown treasures had such capabilities, but the haul wasnt bad overall. Zac had already received his items in the intermissions so the group didnt need to stay behind toplete any transactions.


    Im sorry that you didnt find the thing you were looking for. But dont worry, its only been a day. There will be many more opportunities, Gu said after they had exited the venue. How about I treat you two to dinner to cheer everyone up?


    Zac wasnt really in the mood, but Ogras preceded him to graciously ept, loosely mentioning a certain restaurant that he had heard quite a few good things about. Judging from Gus face that ce was obviously expensive, but he quickly recovered and led the two there. He even went so far as to book a private booth for the three of them and ordered arge set of dishes and drinks for the three.


    So, I guess its about time you exin why youve been following us, Ogras said after they sat down by their table. If you n to rob us you should understand by now we arent that wealthy.


    I dont harbor any malicious thoughts! Gu said hurriedly, his eyes darting back and forth between the two. But truthfully there is a matter where I require your help. I need assistance in climbing the tower.


    It''s a carry after all? But why us though? We arepletely unknown, and you dont know our strength, Ogras asked skeptically.


    Thats part of the point, Gu sighed. I need to reach at least the thirtieth level without it being obvious I was carried. Preferably even higher.


    Thirtieth level? Ogras muttered. Its a pretty hard carry, but nothing impossible for the stronger people who offer services like that. Why not just go to them? Are you trying to get a cheaper deal?


    I am afraid my family will find out from one of my cousins who is also here, Gu sighed. The point of me climbing is to gain more freedom, but it will be invalid if this gets found out. But if I simply enter with a few unknown friends I made while dining out it will be harder to prove that I was carried through.


    I have a decent chance of taking on the 3rd-floor challenge with the help of my saved-up treasures, but I doubt I would be able to climb any further after that, Gu admitted. But I need to reach at least the 30<sup>th</sup> level to achieve my dream.


    What? Why? Zac asked with confusion. Its just a title, and isn''t it based on the floor rather than level? As long as you pass the third floor aren''t you fine?


    Because I wish to be an appraiser and run a store, Gu said, an unfamiliar sense of determination appearing on his usually timid face.


    Zac waspletely stumped, and he looked over at Ogras to see he could follow what was going on. But the demon looked just as confused as himself, and he had even frozen mid-bite.


    What the hell had reaching the 30<sup>th</sup> level to do with opening up a store?

 Chapter 390: Balance

    Chapter 390: Bnce


    It turned out that Gus family was a stuffy old martial n that almost exclusively raised warriors for the Allbright Armies or adventurers who explored wild Mystical Realms on behalf of their owners. Gus ancestor was one of the 7 grand elders in the family, and the pressure was on him to carry on the legacy.


    However, Gu had be enamored with buying and selling artifacts after having handled the inventory that his nsmen had gathered while traveling or fighting wars. He had asked for permission to set up a store, but the elders had denied his request.


    Why say no? Zac asked with confusion. Sounds like opening up a side-business would only be good for the family. Cutting out the middle-man.


    For one its about legacy, but its also an undeniable fact that families with a stricter focus are more likely to progress, no matter if it''s on the martial path of business ventures, Gu sighed. The ancestors are all dreaming of rearing a C-Grade Powerhouse that can elevate the n, so they do everything in their power to raise promising warriors. Especially us in the main branch.


    What does this have to do with reaching the 30th level? Ogras asked.


    I wanted to change profession, giving up the martial path. That would generally see as a sign of weakness, or that I was giving up. It might affect my whole branch negatively. But my Ancestor eventually gave me an ultimatum after I kept pestering my elders. He told me to reach the 30th level in my uing visit to this ce, to prove that I did have the power to proceed on the martial path if I wanted to.


    But you dont, Ograsughed.


    So you want to trick your grandpa and your n to let you do whatever you want? Zac added with a raised brow.


    Well Essentially, yes, Gu coughed. And thats why I need to use this circuitous method to not get caught.


    Zac looked over at Ogras to get his opinion. The demon only shrugged in response, meaning he didnt see any issues with the proposal, and Zac felt the same way. It was a bit shady, but that wasnt really their problem. Carrying one person to the 30th level shouldnt be too difficult, especially since it was just the early stage of the 4th floor.


    But why us? Ogras repeated. You havent exined that part.


    Because there is no fear in your eyes, Gu finally said after a short pause. The biggest asset to bing a sessful business owner is to have an understanding of people, and I believe this is an area where I shine. Its something that has allowed me to triple the wealth I brought with me, as I was able to sniff out those who lied about their products or were desperate to gain a quick buck.


    I have observed the warriors who havee and gone the past months, and most carry a well-hidden fear in their hearts as they carry themselves here. Its natural, this town is full of hidden dragons and people dont have their elders to protect them. Even the Tower itself brings a real risk of death even with its protective measures.


    But you two arepletely unafraid, and I know its not due to stupidity as with some, Gu continued, his speech increasing in fervor as he turned to Ogras. The two of you seem to take this as a stroll in the park, not even flinching when you saw those scary people sitting on the floating tforms. This makes me sure you are dark horses, the people Ive been waiting for over the past months. You surely have the capabilities to reach the fourth floor.


    Neither denied the ims since what he said was essentially urate. Zac didnt worry about some people causing problems, as he felt confident in rebuffing most people when he had the System on his side. There was the risk of running into someone with top tier E-Grade arrays, but it was doubtful that anyone would throw those items around on some random person who kept to himself.


    And even if they did he still had <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to get away in an instant in case someone took out an unknown crystal. He felt confident in surviving at the edge of even a top tier array thanks to his defensive skill and a massive pool of Endurance.


    When neither Ogras nor Zac spoke up Gu''s eyes lit up in delight, but Zac felt a bit sorry for the guy. He had a feeling that Gu''s n was bound to go awry. Who would believe that Gu''s aplishment was his own after Zac elicited a projection from something above the fifth floor?


    But Zac needed the money, so he could only hope the effect of making the acquaintance of someone like himself would make up for Gu''s ns. Besides, he never mentioned any stiptions about him or Ogras not being allowed to ascend too far.


    So what are you ready to pay for bringing you to the 30th level? Ogras asked, making Zac lock onto Gu with interest as well.


    How about 3 billion Nexus Coins to take me to the 30th level? Each, of course, Gu said. And we can negotiate an additional price for taking me even further when we get there.


    Ogras eyes glistened with greed, and Zac saw that he was about to agree without hesitation. But there was something else that Zac needed even more than money at the moment, and an aspiring merchant like Gu might be just the right person to ask for it.


    Throw in a Dao Treasure for each of us as well, and you have a deal, Zac said, receiving an enthusiastic nod from the demon.


    Two Dao Treasures, Gu muttered, looking a bit pained. Fine, but youll need to take me to the 32nd floor then.


    The two mulled it over for the fraction of a second before they immediately stretched out their hands to seal the deal.


    Agreeing to carry Gu to the 30th floor would essentially double Zacs and Ogras wealth, and the two ate until they barely could move in order to celebrate. The restaurant that Ogras rmended had a nonbat ss Chef that brought out amazing dishes that all contained a high amount of Cosmic Energy.


    These dishes didnt give any temporary boosts to increase their attributes or anything like that, but they were far tastier than anything Zac had ever eaten before. Zac finally understood why Ogras kept calling Earthlings country bumpkins, and he wasnt sure how he would go back to eating some crude meals he had thrown together himself.


    Nurturing a proper Chef became one of his side-missions after that evening.


    Zac spent the next few days walking around the Base town to search for items that could help his force. With the extra cash infusion from the surprisingly wealthy Gu he had some wiggle room to buy more than the bare essentials.


    He first purchased arge number of low-grade talismans from a reputable store. Each one cost less than 100 000 Nexus Coins, but they would perhaps be able to save the lives of his elites in case of a crisis back on Earth. He also cleaned up a sizeable number of herbs on Calrins List of things they needed to create medicinal baths on arge scale.


    He even found a small stack of <strong>[Sky Reed]</strong> that were almost as aged as the other three herbs he gathered during the hunt, which meant that he now had all the needed ingredients to concoct more <strong>[Four Gates Pills]</strong>. Unfortunately still couldnt find any medicine that could help with Aleas situation. Many of the better stores had items that could mend a wounded soul, but a fractured one was something else entirely.


    There also werent any Dao Treasures avable, which wasnt too surprising. If anyone had one they would eat it themselves to improve their strength before the Tower. Some did appear during auctions ording to Gu, but they were amongst the most fiercely contested items, turning insanely overpriced.


    Everyone wanted to have a couple of Dao Treasures on hand in case someone elicited a grand projection. A single projection alone usually wasn''t enough to form or upgrade a seed, but there was a decent chance if you also had a treasure to help out.


    So Zac could understand the scarcity, but it did put a damper on his goal of forming another Fragment before leaving the Tower of Eternity. He could only put his hopes on Gus ability to sniff two of them out.


    Ogras bought a few items as well, including things that would help out with his progress after evolving. But Zac guessed that the demon already had quite a few such resources in his possession, given by his grandfather. He should have nned on evolving soon after arriving at Earth, but was dyed by various reasons.


    Gu was actually the one who bought most of them all, but what he bought during their visits to stores and the open bazaars werepletely random. He exined that the items werent for himself, but things he felt he could make money on either here or when he returned to the Allbright Empire.


    Zac spent the nights sitting on his prayer mat, working his hardest to meditate on the Dao. The atmosphere wasnt quite as good as Earth, but it was far better than the Eastern Trigram Sect. That ce waspletely devoid of spirituality, but he felt he still could progress his Dao here. He also had the tower to help, and he had already seen three projections, though they were of the lowest kind that didn''t provide too much.


    On the sixth night he took a break as Ogras had brought over some expensive Spiritual Wine. The two sat and enjoyed the evening breeze in the courtyard, gazing up at the sky. The stars were unfamiliar and massive nebs painted the sky into a mesmerizing haze. It was a poignant reminder of how far away from Earth and its struggles he was at the moment.


    "This is the life," Ogras sighed in contentment, the tranquility of the night affecting him.


    Is this what life is like for those who stand at the top? Those who are part of established forces? Zac asked, somewhat rhetorically.


    Not in n AzhRezak at least, Ogras sighed as he took a sip, some wistfulness apparent in his eyes. There was always struggle, though a different kindpared to the one we face now. But the moment that we as a family rxed we would be eaten by one of many forces in the surroundings who lusted for ournd or our inheritance. I think its like that everywhere.


    Struggle? Zac asked with some despondency creeping into his heart.


    Bnce, Ogras answered. The universe is awless ce, where might makes right. Our kingdoms, empires, gxies are in a state of a delicate bnce that keeps a semnce of peace. But a small ripple will topple that bnce, and bloodshed will invariably follow.


    Zac understood what he meant. The moment a n or sect declined, like through the passing of an ancestor, it would be under constant threat of annihtion. This worked the other way as well. If a true powerhouse emerged in a family it would likely set out on a path of conquest to sustain that persons continued cultivation and to raise the standard of their progeny.


    Any change would result in lines being redrawn and blood spilled until a bnce was restored.


    Bnce Zac echoed, as his eyes slightly zed over.


    The solemn atmosphere was suddenly ruined by the frazzled entrance of Gu as he almost fell through the door to the courtyard.


    Hes about to emerge! Gu panted.


    What? Who? Zac asked with some annoyance.


    Reoluv Er Suriav Prehavandar Dravorak, Gu said in one breath.


    Did you just cast a curse on us? Ogras muttered with a raised brow.


    No thats his name, Gu said, almost jumping back and forth in impatience. The Dravorak Dynasty is over 100 million years old, and it is the Imperial family of an Empire that is at least as strong as my Allbright Empire. I just found out that he entered the tower yesterday.


    And this Reoluv is part of this family? Zac asked, still not understanding what the big deal was.


    The Dravorak seemed like a huge force, but there were a few of them around, especially around the core of the town.


    Reoluv is the 15th and youngest son of the current reigning Emperor, born from the Emperors favorite wife. He is someone who has received an entire Empires blessings and resources. More importantly, hes supposed to be extremely talented, and he is a strong contender for the throne even though one of his brothers already has broken through to C-Grade, the young man continued. Rumors are that the previous Emperor has taken him on as a direct disciple.


    This all sounds very impressive, but what does that have to do with us? Zac asked, still confused.


    But Ogras eyes suddenly widened, and he looked up toward the sky surrounding the tower.


    A Dao Mirage, Ogras muttered before turning back toward Gu. Which level?


    There is no doubt that he will pass the 6th floor, with some even saying that he has the power to reach theter levels of the 7th floor. But most are hesitant whether he would actually be able to pass the 7th floors final challenge on the 63rd level since that hasnt happened for thousands of years, Gu said.


    Dao Mirage, haven''t we already seen a few? Zac asked. "What''s the big deal?"


    Yeah, but that was one of the worst ones. If this Reoluv crashes through to the end of the 7th floor you have a chance of actually breaking through your Dao Seeds. Meditating under the vision from the 7th floor is almost the equivalent of an epiphany, Gu excitedly said as he took out two boxes.


    These are two Dao Treasures I promised. I was nning on presenting these after the climb, but this opportunity is too rare to miss, Gu said.

 Chapter 391: The Eight Calamities

    Chapter 391: The Eight Cmities


    "You''re not worried we will take the Dao Treasures and run?" Zac couldn''t help but ask. "Don''t you need them for yourself?"


    Dao Treasures were obviously hard currency here, especially now that some bigshot was about to emerge from the tower. Giving them out like this was to give up on either an opportunity for himself, or the chance to sell the treasures outside for a huge mark-up.


    "I am sure I can trust in your character. Besides, I have managed to get my hands on a few more," Gu said, but he quickly followed up with another sentence when he saw Zac and Ogras'' eyes light up with avarice. "I can''t part with those though. They''re for my family members and myself after I''ve broken through."


    "Do you even need Dao seeds if you want to be a merchant?" Ogras smiled. "Why not part with a few more of them?"


    The Dao is important for nonbat sses as well!" Gu said as he took a step back. "It can help us in all kinds of ways just like with a warrior. Besides, I n on bing a hybrid ss at least for E-Grade."


    "Thank you, we''ll remember this favor," Zac nodded as he took out his prayer mat.


    Time was of the essence so he immediately rotated his Cosmic Energy through his pathways a few rounds to clear out the lingering effects of the alcohol. The sky was still the same beautiful spectacle of shimmering stars, and the three silently looked up at the scenery in silence as the minutes passed.


    The ethereal mindset as when he gazed upon the skies earlier soon returned, and he felt like he was on the verge of something. He didnt try to force it though, and rather let the feeling naturally stir and grow in his mind.


    The tranquility of the night was suddenly broken as a massive titan appeared in the space behind the tower. It stood thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, meters tall, and seemed to bepletely wrought out of metal. However, it was clearly not a golem or puppet, but rather a projection of a being made from flesh and blood. It just had a bluish tint like zinc or osmium.


    Its head and torso were mostly obscured by the tower itself as it actually stood behind the structure and didn''t move, and Zac could only see the sides of the behemoth. That was just fine for Zac as his eyes were glued to the things that it carried in its hands that each was asrge as an ind. The Titan actually possessed eight arms, each one bare and bulging with muscles, and each hand held a mysterious object.


    Most of the treasures did not seem to match the gruff and bulky figure of the Titan, but Zac looked at each and every one of them seriously. One hand held a flute made from a golden metal, and Zac felt like he saw a meteor shower when his eyes locked onto it. Another hand gripped a fan asrge as a mountain, seemingly capable of causing a hurricane with a wave.


    There was also a burning sword, a cast crackling with terrifying bolts of lightning, a cbash releasing the sounds of a raging ocean. One hand even held a drum shaped like a volcano, emitting a fiery glow that reminded him of his visit to the magma world and the Fire Golems.


    But his eyes only briefly swept over these items before they stopped at the two hands that each held a flower. One was arge Basket Flower, and it swayed as the Titan held onto its long stalk. The air around it seemed to be vibrating to the point space itself cracked.


    Zacs eyes finallynded on thest item, a single lotus flower. His thoughts initially went to the massive lotus that was in the Abbots possession, but he immediately realized the thing in front of him was in apletely different league. This was a grand treasure of the universe, containing endless power.


    Its attunement seemed to bepletely different from the Abbots lotus as well, and its purple leaves emitted a chilling sense of death and putrefaction. It didnt feel like it released toxic plumes, but that it was pestilence itself.


    There was something mesmerizing about the lotus, making Zac unable to move his eyes away. He barely had enough presence of mind to quickly cram his Dao Treasure into his mouth. His consciousness started to wander, and his vision was closing in on him. Just as he was about to drift away he heard the seemingly distant voice of Gu speak up in a daze.


    Its The Eight Cmities!


    Zac had no time to react before his whole being was consumed by the Lotus flower. His vision suddenly changed to show a battlefield where two endless armies fought. One army looked a bit like the lizardmen of the church, but they were more akin humanoid dragons. The other force were actual cyclops, each reaching over a hundred meters in height.


    At first nce it might have been a foregone conclusion that the lizardmen who only seemed to reach two to three meters in height would be hopelessly outmatched, but reality proved different. The warriors somehow summoned, or more likely used massive war arrays to conjure, fiery dragons to battle their enormous foes.


    The battlefield stretched into the horizon, and it felt like thousands of warriors died every minute, and the corpses created mountains of the unwilling dead. The resentment in the air was palpable, and it only grew worse as the war raged on for years and years. The losses were uncountable, and the boundless world itself was teetering on copse from the umted resentment.


    Terrible mdies sprouted due to the sea of corpses, and but the armies seemed to be possessed, ignoring their increasingly horrific bodies as they transformed and mutated from the corruption in the air.


    A small purple flower quietly floated in a turbid pool of blood, hidden in one of thergest corpse mounds on the. It consumed the energies of everything around it and steadily gained power as the war raged on. The massacre only got worse, but the diseases and resentment oddly enough disappeared over time, and suddenly it was as though a spell had been broken.


    The war stopped, all thanks to a blood-drenched lotus having eaten its fill.


    The grand generals, each one a Peak C-Grade warrior at the least, called for a ceasefire. Everyone seemed to be horrified by their actions and looked as though they were walking in a living nightmare. Their eyes turned toward the thousands of corpse-mountains as immense regret gripped their hearts. It looked like they wanted nothing more than get away from this cursed world that had whipped them into a murderous frenzy, yet they stayed on.


    They eventually found the reason for their salvation, arge purple lotus that rested in the middle of an ocean of blood. It had taken on their sins, their resentment, and their ailments, giving the two races a chance at survival. The generals bowed toward the grand treasure in reverence, no one having any ideas of taking it for themselves.


    However, things suddenly took a disturbing turn asrge welts started to appear on the people around the flower. Just a secondter flesh was dripping off everyones bodies like melted wax. Not even the immensely powerful generals were spared, and they crumbled before they managed to reach any of the teleportation arrays near-by.


    The unstoppable putrefaction spread like an invisible wave, reaping the little life that still remained on the once glorious that stood at the core of a star sector. The mountains of corpses were slowly absorbed as the lotus kept growing, and every millennia or two another petal emerged on the flower.


    Within that petal was thement of a million powerful warriors sealed, forever unable to leave. The lotus kept slowly growing in its domain as the sole emperor of the.


    But one day a hand asrge as a continent appeared above the deste, and it reached down to grasp the cursed lotus. A torrent of pestilence and rose up to meet the hand, but the Lotus attack was immediately defeated as a ck coffin appeared out of nowhere, sealing the flower within.


    The stone sarcophagus shuddered a few times, likely from the lotus releasing immense attacks to escape, but it quieted down again soon enough. But the terrifying power the coffin now radiated was a clear signal that the lotus might be sealed away from the world, but still very much alive. The moment the coffin opened again all life would end.


    The scene ended with the enormous hand rising through the atmosphere, leaving the cursed behind, and Zacs eyes opened just in time to see a screen appear in front of him.


    <strong>[Fragment of the Coffin - Early - All Attributes +10, Endurance +80, Vitality +50, Intelligence +15, Wisdom +60, Effectiveness of Endurance +5%]</strong>


    Zac looked at the line with iprehension, not understanding how he had gotten there. He had imagined something along the lines of Petrification or Decay when considering thebination of Rot and Hardness, but the vision had rather created an odd Fragment. Was there such a thing as the Dao of the Coffin?


    Was it because his thoughts had been on Alea lying in her crystal coffin for the past week? Zac felt that the vision of Alea lying beneath the Tree of Ascension somewhat mirrored what he had just witnessed during his epiphany. Alea was poisonous just like the lotus, and both were preserved within a coffin.


    It made him confused whether what he witnessed was something that actually had happened, or whether it was just something his mind conjured to make sense of the insight that he gained from looking at the lotus in the Titan''s hand.


    Of course, the real issue was what the hell the Dao of the Coffin entailed. He could understand the concept, as a coffin was both hard and the corpses inside would rot away, but he didnt understand how the Dao of the Coffin would be utilized in battle. Was it defensive? Offensive? He simply couldnt tell.


    Unfortunately there was no way for him to try it out before he entered the tower either. His only clue was that he had actually lost a little bit of Endurance in favor of more Vitality and Wisdom when he fused Rot and Hardness. Endurance was obviously the main stat, but its somewhat bnced spread might indicate a Dao less focused on simply defense.


    The projection had already disappeared by the time Zac opened his eyes, so he decided to close his eyes again to ponder on his newest Fragment. But his eyes were drawn to a gaping Gu who sat a few meters away, looking at him with what looked to be a mix of tion and jealousy.


    Did you actually gain something? Gu said with some shock in his eyes. "The fluctuations around you were quite massive."


    Yeah, didnt you? Zac asked with confusion. I was dragged into a vision the moment I looked upon that Titan."


    Gu opened and closed his mouth a few times, but no words came out.


    Youll get used to it after traveling with that guy for a while, Ogras sighed. At least well hopefully get some soup while the general eats his meat.


    Whats going on? Zac asked.


    That was the Eight Cmities Titan, one of the rarest projections representing the 62<sup>nd</sup> level, Gu exined. Only those with a connection to one of the cmities will gain something from the items in the Titans hands. Rumors say that special bloodlines might gain something directly from the Titan itself, but I havent heard of anything like that actually happening so it might be false.


    Eight cmities, Zac muttered. So those lucky enough to have a Dao that resonated with one of the treasures would get a guaranteed epiphany?


    Perhaps not an epiphany, but they would make improvements, Gu nodded.


    Then its perhaps thanks to you and your Dao Treasure I managed to take a step forward. Ill remember the favor, Zac said seriously.


    It was true. The Dao of Death, or rather the Dao of the Coffin was the remaining fragment he felt most leery aboutpleting before evolving, but he suddenly gained it when he was actually targeting his Life Fragment.


    Even just before Gu came barging into their courtyard he had felt he was on the verge on something, making him somewhat confident he had taken the first step toward a suitable concept for his final Fragment.


    Of course, three low-grade Fragments was unfortunately still not enough for him to get his hands on an Arcane ss ording to the report he bought the other day.


    But gaining the Fragment of the Coffin was definitely a step in the right direction, making Zac more hopeful for the future. It truly felt like his high Luck had helped him out again, presenting him with just the vision he needed.


    How does luck work? Zac suddenly the demon asked after Gu left their courtyard. Could my Luck have caused that Reoluv to fail the final challenge in order for me to gain this opportunity?


    Luck is an obscure subject, and I dont know any specifics, Ogras said hesitantly. But I dont think its effect would be that exaggerated? That guy reaching the 62<sup>nd</sup> level is exactly what was expected of him.


    Yeah, but wouldnt a guy like that have a few hidden means to reach even higher? Zac ventured.


    Ogras didn''t answer and rather opted to nce in the direction of the Tower with a pensive expression.

 Chapter 392: Emerald Skies

    Chapter 392: Emerald Skies


    Reoluv was inwardly fuming, but he still had to retain a dignified expression as he received the many congrattions from the various young masters anddies from distinguished forces as he exited the tower.


    Passing the 62<sup>nd</sup> level was respectable, but not what he had aimed for. His goal had always been topletely conquer the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, just like his master did once upon a time. But a small mistake had abruptly caused the end of his trial, even before he had used up his final hidden cards. It was just the difference of one level frompleting the whole 7th floor, but that 1 level was like an endless abyss.


    It was the divide between a talented cultivator and a genius of an era.


    The conquering the seventh floor have given him a shot at making contact with the hidden peak forces presiding over the sector, or perhaps provided him with the same sort of opportunity that presented itself for Lord Beradan a few decades after he managed to conquer the 7th floor.


    Winning the favor of an undying existence passing by their remote sector would elevate his fate to a level that not even bing an Emperor could match.


    But it was all for naught.


    It felt like a cosmic joke, a briefpse in concentration made his token crack, which forcibly teleported him outside even though he still was able to keep fighting. He didn''t even know that was possible, since the tokens were essentially impervious to outside forces. Or did that change at the high-tier floors?


    Reoluv grit his teeth at the memory and quickly excused himself from the square full of people, citing the need to go home and ponder on a few insights he gained from conjuring the Eight Cmities Titan.


    The truth was that the mental shock of falling short for such a stupid reason had even made him unable topletely immerse himself in the effect of the Apparition, but perhaps the situation was still salvageable if he hurried home to his masters Dao Chamber. As long as he managed to push one of his fragments to Medium Mastery the tower wouldnt be aplete wash.


    Many impressed sighs andments echoed across the square, praising such a genius that never let himself rx. But he didnt care as he crushed the token even though he could stay here for another month if he wanted to.


    At least there was one smallfort in this disappointing climb. There was at least no one in the area who would be able to beat his score in the short run, and he would have another chance in a few years.


    -------------


    My Lord, it is done, Triv said as his miasmic body shuddered with excitement.


    Oh? Adriel said with some surprise. I thought it would take a few more days.


    We managed to sneak a handful of spectral squads behind their lines to ce the final gs. They will start to corrode the environment though, so it will be found out within a week that something is wrong, the ghost attendant confirmed.


    You dont need to exin to me, Adriel snorted. I was the one who modified them.


    My apologies! Tviv hurriedly said.


    Adriel waved his hand that it didnt matter as he thoughtfully stared at his crystal for a few seconds.


    Have we found out the source of undeath yet? Adriel asked. Those closed incursions teemed with miasma, but I couldnt recognize its signature. I first thought it was Mhal who had somehow resurrected, but he was much too stupid to orchestrate something like that.


    No, we sent a group to greet and possibly integrate the person who closed those incursions, but we were always toote, Triv said. We also tried topare the residual energies to everyone here, but we couldnt match it either."


    It shouldnt be possible that it was one of his children. Adriel had never heard of a newly turned citizen ignoring themands of its leader. Even those ignorant things scuttling around his domain would respond to the calling, shuffling toward him without hesitation. Had the undead warrior mutated to allow him to somehow resist it?


    There is something else, the attendant added. He can use the natives teleportation arrays. The scouts believe that the warrior is an unaffiliated wanderer since he didnt respond to the call in the slightest.


    So hes not a designated invader at least, Adriel muttered as he started to pace back and forth. Unaffiliated wanderer at F or early E-Grade? A twist of fate? Or is a scion of the ancient ns bored enough to visit a baby?


    If its one of those young masters who have gained an interest in this world Should we back off? Triv Nervously asked.


    No need. If such a personage wanted this they would simply visit me and im it. That would be a pretty good oue as well. A family that can see through the obscuration of the heavens wouldnt be stingy with theirpensation for iming a world, Adriel smiled.


    However, Adriel''s instincts told him that the mysterious warrior was not some scion of an ancient n. He was just a Lich rather than one of the five blessed races, but he was representing the Empire in this invasion. Even one of the purebloods would have had to respond to the call since it contained the authority of the Primo.


    Of course, theres another possibility, the Lich pondered.


    What? Triv asked with confusion. If not a turned citizen, and not an unaffiliated wanderer, then what?


    It might be rted to the Mystic Realm, Adriel muttered with a thoughtful smile. We know it''s an abandoned research facility of the heretics of the Boundless Path. Did the Technocrats perhaps create a synthetic bloodline disconnected from the Call of the Empire? But why would they do that? Immortality?


    What do you wish us to do, my Lord? Triv asked hesitantly, knowing the far more knowledgeable lich was simply asking rhetorically.


    Leave it be, Adriel finally said. Well ignore that man for now since he hasnt shown any hostility against us. Perhaps activating the array might prompt him to visit me for a talk.


    So were finally liberating this world? Triv said with excitement. Well finally be able to breathe again!


    We have yed passively long enough, Adriel agreed as two green sinister lights lit up in his eyes. Those humans and ants think our citizens are just targets to farm levels? Its time for them to join my kingdom.


    -----------------


    Miss Marshall, its bad! Trevor screamed as he almost fell on the ground in his frantic entrance of themand tent.


    Whats going on? Thea said with a bad premonition as she immediately ran out of the tent, and one nce was all that she needed to know what scared Trevor so badly.


    The sky was green.


    Enormous azure lines crisscrossed a murky-green sky and the air was rife with miasma. Worse yet, she saw almost a dozen azure pirs reaching toward the sky in various directions. They looked a lot like incursion pirs, though death-attuned rather than the blue one she had encountered during the battle with the Incursion neighboring Westfort.


    But a second look helped Thea understand that the pirs werent Incursions, but rather a part of the massive array that the undead had worked on for the past months. They connected with some sort of unseen ceiling a thousand meters in the air, infusing the azure lines with a continuous stream with energy.


    Had they failed? But they had held all up until now, sacrificing tens of thousands of lives!


    Shit, I thought we had more time? Mark said with a grunt as he walked out of the tent as well. This is beyond what I can deal with, miss. What do you want to do?


    Theas mind was nk as she looked at the pir closest to them. What did she want to do? How should she know? A year ago she was simply running a small non-profit that rescued stray animals, mostly with the help of her familys vast wealth. She knew nothing about warfare and leadership.


    I Thea stammered, her mind trying to grasp for a solution.


    It was one thing talking about an array powerful enough to turn Earth into a world of death, but it was a whole other thing seeing it in person. How could they stop it? Or at least dy it? This was not something a swift stab with <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong> could solve.


    Take a breath, Mark said as he saw her face. You are not alone in this. You have both the family and the whole with you."


    Thea took a steadying breath to calm herself, and she started to go over the situation they found themselves in.


    ording to Zac it would still take a week or so for the array to truly activate even after it waspleted. It seems that those pirs are dragging energy out of the ground, converts it to dense miasma, and finally funnels it to the inscription lines in the sky, she analyzed. Perhaps we can slow down the charge-up by stopping the flow of energy?


    It wasnt a solution, but it was the first step, helping the following steps toe easier. Just a minuteter a group of scouts set out from their camp, guarded by elites decked in a terrifying number of weapons. They would spare no expense to reach the closest pir to study it and ry images back to themand center.


    Meanwhile, their army wouldunch a massive assault at the undead horde to make sure they didn''t veer off toward the pirs to defend it.


    But things quickly deteriorated as the scouts got close to the pir, as all of them zombifying with a speed visible to the naked eye. Thea and the othermanders could only helplessly look at the monitors as their party ripped each other to shreds. The scouting party didn''t even manage to get closer than a few hundred meters before they were turned.


    What was even scarier was that there was no sign of miasma entering their bodies or anyints of difort from the poor men. The change came abruptly and without any warning.


    "We can tryunching rockets at the pirs, but our munitions aren''t enough to target all of these things. Besides, I fear that this issue cannot be solved with our mundane weaponry. If that was the case the undead wouldn''t have left most of the pirs unguarded," Mark said with a sigh.


    "Do it, we must try everything," Thea said with a bleak expression. "I''ll head to Port Atwood to see if anything can be done on that end."


    "We can only pray that man will choose to put his private ns on hold to help deal with this mess."


    -----


    Do you have any ideas? MacKenzie asked, desperately trying to mask the fear taking hold of her heart as she looked up at the pir in the distance.


    This wasnt in line with what they had learned so far. They should have had up to a month at the most, but at least a week before this happened. But it was hard to refute the pir reaching into the sky.


    Their appearance had caused everything to go awry, and with both Zac and Ogras gone people didnt know who to turn to for answers. People keep looking at her, and she understood the fear and question in their eyes. They were wondering where her brother was. Zac and Ogras weren''t ted to return for a few days though, and there was no way for her to contact them.


    We cant even get close, Ilvere sighed with a shake of his head. Anything that gets within a few hundred meters of that thing will be turned into a zombie in a heartbeat, and its domain seems to be spreading. We even tried taping a bunch of divine crystals on a Barghest, but the crystals simply cracked and the barghest was turned as well.


    I know, Kenzie sighed. Thea Marshall visited me a half an hour ago looking for Zac. She looked like she would explode when I exined that Zac was off-world. My hopes of getting a sister-inw keep getting dimmer. Anyway, it looks like we will need to take down those pirs from a distance.


    Thatssie will wake up from her sleep sooner orter, Ilvere smiled before returning to business. Destroying the array gs will be quite difficult. They are dug far into the ground, making a direct assault from distance extremely troublesome. You would have to destroy the whole area to get to the array, but we don''t possess such force."


    Not necessarily, Kenzie said as she took out her brothers flying treasure.


    Wait, what are you nning? the demon general asked with worry. If Lord Atwood returns to find you turned into a zombie he will skin us alive.


    Ill be fine, Kenzie said as she stepped onto the flying disk.


    Ilvere groaned when he saw that she wouldnt change her mind, and jumped onto the disk with some resignation. Soon enough the two were soaring through the skies toward a pir at the outer edge of the green canopy. It only took them half an hour to reach it, and the demon sighed in relief when he saw that it waspletely unguarded. At least they wouldn''t have to deal with the undead elites.


    Then again, the pir itself was scary enough to keep everyone at bay.


    So what are you thinking, young miss? Ilvere said as he hesitantly looked at the pir a kilometer away.


    I have been working on something my brother left me the past week, Kenzie said. I think it will be helpful against the pirs.


    Powerful offensive arrays? Ilvere said as his eyes lit up. That might work, but it needs to be a really powerful one. The pirs are also protected by a shield. Your old world weaponry didnt work on them ording to the report we just got from the human armies.


    Perhaps not, but what about new-world weaponry? Kenzie smiled as she released a swarm of newly manufactured drones from her Cosmos Sack.


    She knew that her brother would freak out when he learned that she set up the whole production line just hours after he left, rather than slowly study them for anytent risks. But she was tired of just sitting by on the side while people were getting killed, and Jeeves had no problems hacking the things.


    An army of weaponized drones was a perfect counter against the sea of undead as Kenzie saw it. They were mostly immune to the corrosive effects of miasma, and even if they fell they wouldn''t convert into new zombies.


    The drones flew out with shocking speed and in just a minute they had formed a circle around the pir. Each of them was only a meter in height, and they didn''t emit even a speck of Cosmic Energy. But Kenzie had great confidence in her children, and she made some final adjustments to their position with the help of her AI.


    Wha- Ilvere said with wide eyes as he gazed at the unfamiliar machines with confusion.


    But his questions got stuck in his throat as the flying machines norger than a child each released a beam of terrifying energy straight at the foot of the pir. When the two managed to open their eyes again only a smoldering crater remained.

 Chapter 393: Last Day

    Chapter 393: Last Day


    Zac woke up early the next day and got ready to head out after training a bit more with <strong>[Cyclic Strike].</strong> Unfortunately it seemed that the small progress he had attained in the skill over the past weeks had beenpletely erased after gaining the Fragment of the Coffin. The Fragmentpletely overpowered the Seed of Trees, making it impossible to maintain a bnce.


    He could only pause his practice until he gained his final Fragment as well.


    At least he could confirm that the odd Dao Fragment worked with his new shield, perhaps even better than the Dao of Hardness did. Hopefully that meant that his Undying Bulwark ss would still work as intended.


    It was also a decent indicator that Fragment of the Coffin was a Defensive Dao as well, meaning his final skill quest was also most likelypleted. He didnt dare change into his Draugr-form to make sure though as he was still in the Base town. He would be stuck in his undead form for roughly an hour after shifting which might cause unintended problems. But he was heading for the Tower soon enough, and there would be ample time to go over things in there.


    Today was thest day before entering the tower, so getting the additional fragment ahead of time was a huge boon. Zac and Ogras had already decided upon what to do. They would visit the weekly auction once more in hopes of finding anything of value. It was theirst shot before returning to Earth where they were limited to Calrin''s selection once again.


    No matter the results of the auction they would immediately enter the Tower afterward. They would spend one day inside, leaving one day afterward forworking. Provided that Zac managed to reach a floor high enough to warrant the attention of therger forces, that is. In either case, they would have to return to Earth since their ten days were up.


    The auction was pretty simr to the first one, though on the second-tost segment an item that piqued Zacs interest appeared. It was simply called a <strong>[Heavens Secrets Array] </strong>and was said to upgrade Nexus Nodes.


    What is this? Zac asked Ogras, but the demon shrugged with confusion as well.


    It''s normally called an <strong>[Information array]</strong>, but perhaps this is a special variant, Gu said, not showing too much interest. It acts as a substitute if youre unable to upgrade your Nexus Node for your town.


    Upgrade the Node? Zac asked with interest. What does it do?


    At the lowest level a Nexus Node doesnt provide almost any information about the skills it sells or details about ss Choices. But if you manage to upgrade the status of your force then all its nodes will be more helpful. This Array gives that kind of effect as well, but only to one Node, Gu exined.


    Buy it, Ogras said without hesitation.


    What kind of information? Zac asked with interest, also pretty interested in purchasing it. Does it provide better sses?


    No, it cant help there. But it gives information about the type of sses, their main attributes and things like that. Its doesnt disy everything, but enough to get a better idea of what the sses represent. It is a bit hard sometimes to understand the description after all, Gu shrugged.


    Is it rare? Zac asked,pletely agreeing with Gu''s assessment of the cryptic descriptions of the ss choices.


    I guess these things are slightly rare, but its still not too valuable, Gu said. Most people that visit this ce are from forces that have upgraded their crystals the normal way and have no need for it. Its meant for weaker and newly established forces as a stopgap until they get the real thing.


    Zac was immediately interested, and he would make sure to buy that thing unless its price got out of hand. It would help him to choose a ss better in line with his goals.


    Next up is the <strong>[Heavens Secrets Array]</strong>. I know what many of you are thinking; Isnt this just an Information Array? Truth be told, the array itself is just that, but this specific array is still a bit special. It was crafted by a cultivator adept on the path of Karma, which has given the array a slightly mysterious effect.


    The auctioneer saw that he had managed to catch the attention of quite a few people, and he continued with a bombastic voice.


    It not only provides the benefits of an Information array, but it even gives small Karmic hints of which choices might be best for you. It would be a marvelous opportunity for the youths of your factions who are unsure what path to pick for themselves, the man said.


    Zac was a bit disappointed in the extra function, as that wasnt something he needed for himself. He only had two options at the moment, and he wasnt so sure it would expand all that much even with his new seeds. Besides, he had already had a high enough Luck stat that his gut feeling was at least as effective as some small Karmic infusion into the array.


    He had rather hoped that it would contain some hacking function that would give ess to better structures in the Town Shop or better sses, but he wasnt that lucky. Still, it would be an item that would prove greatly beneficial for Port Atwood, especially since the system was so new for everyone. Most established forces followed heritages to choose their sses, but this was a great option for his people.


    The price on the screen immediately jumped up to 200 million nexus coins, but the bidding already slowed down after 300. It clearly wasnt a too valued, and Zac finally snatched it for the price of 380 Million Nexus coins. This was one of the types of items that might be very valuable on the outside, but here it went for a discount since people were more interested in items that could help them climb further.


    Soon enough they reached the final segment, but Zac didn''t found anything else he wanted. The treasures were extremely good, but they were either too expensive or not things that weren''t suited for himself. A set of six small Spirit Tool axes appeared that Zac felt would be perfect for Emily, but they ended up with a price-tag of 3 billion, quickly forcing Zac out of the bidding.


    Soon enough they reached the final item, and it wasn''t something that Zac could recognize either.


    Our final item in todays Auction is something that might only enter our halls once every few years. It is the crystallized eye of a Pathfinder Oracle, the Auctioneer said before he paused for dramatic effect.


    Zac, along with a lot of other people looked extremely confused, but a low susurrus could be heard from the tforms up in the air.


    This mythical creature has long been hunted to extinction due to its marvelous nature, but now and then a lucky hunter can find its crystalized remains in various Mystic Realms. Legend states that the Pathfinder Oracles could see the truths of the universe, which turned their whole bodies into a treasure for almost any field, the auctioneer kept going.


    The eye of an oracle is the second most valuable part, with only its core superseding it. It can be used for a wide array of purposes. Almost any Spirit Tool would gain a great boost to spirituality from consuming it, and it can be used to upgrade most basic Specialty Cores. You can even nt it in your cultivation cave, and it will start attracting Origin Dao. It is truly one of the few treasures that almost any genius could make use of.


    Zac had only halfheartedly listened to the Auctioneers efforts to upsell his final item, but he soon showed full attention to the proceedings. Being able to upgrade the spirituality of a Spirit Tool was pretty amazing, but his axe had already awoken due to that mysterious rock. He was far more interested in the second effect. Thatrge eye could upgrade almost any Specialty core?


    Wasnt this exactly what he needed for his Duplicity core?


    Is this thing real? Zac asked with a hushed tone to Gu who looked at the scene with wide eyes.


    I cant believe such a good thing was put up for auction, the squirrely man said with shock. The seller must be desperate for cash.


    That was all the confirmation Zac needed. It truly possessed the capabilities that were advertised, and Zac immediately got ready for a heated Auction. This was already thest item, so it looked like he would need to find a solution for Alea somewhere else than here. But if he bought this thing he would at least be able to aplish one of his goals foring here.


    But the auctioneers next words were like a cold shower, quickly waking him up to reality.


    Opening bid is 5 000 E-Grade Nexus coins. The seller is also willing to ept payment in Attuned Nexus Crystals at market rate.


    Five thousand E-Grade Nexus Coins was equivalent to 5 billion Nexus Coins, which was almost all the money that Zac had brought to the Tower. Worse yet, he had already spent a decent chunk on his shield and various other items. Even if he included the 3 billion from Gu he was just above 6 billion at the moment, and it felt very uncertain that would be enough.


    His thoughts of borrowing money from Ogras and Gu were soon moot as the price rose with shocking speed. This time there was no one cing open bids, but the number on the screen rose as the auctioneer kept screaming out the current price.


    12 000! the Auctioneer eximed with glee, An- Wait! 14 000! 22 000!


    Zacs eyes widened in shock at seeing the price, and he couldnt help but inwardly mock himself for thinking he had a chance at that item. The pricended at almost 80 billion nexus coins, which elicited a small round of apuse. Yet no one openly admitted to buying it, perhaps to avoid getting robbed. The eye was truly an item that someone might risk everything to snatch.


    Even Ogras looked a bit shocked at the price. That was a huge amount of money even for a small D-Grade force. They might certainly have it, but using it on a consumable item that could only benefit one junior was likely way out of their budget. Such expenditures could only be used on safer investments, such as allowing one of their ancestors to progress a step forward.


    This only became more apparent when the System apparently didnt spoonfeed powerhouses Nexus Coins from kills at higher levels. Zac had been shocked when learned of it, but Ogras exined it with the fact that anything E-Grade warriors and higher killed were worth a lot of money by itself. The System didn''t feel it necessary to reach into its own pockets to supplement the ie.


    It was a small relief to Zac since he had initially been afraid that the stronger forces could earn hundreds of billions of nexus coins in a day by going out into the woods and killing a few beasts. But reality showed that it didn''t rise that dramatically. Stronger forces could still earn shocking wealth in short times by going out hunting, but not to the degree that Zac feared.


    None of this helped Zac though, and he could only wistfully sigh as the Eye went to the unnamed moneybags. The auction had concluded, and Zac was in no mood to stay on for the following festivities.


    Their second visit to the Naspheyi Auction was the final thing on their agenda, and Zac couldnt help but despair a bit when he realized they hadnt aplished a single one of their goals. He was still without any cure for Alea, and his chance at evolving his Duplicity core had slipped through his fingers due to his apparent abject poverty.


    An ember of anger ignited in his mind, no doubt fanned on by the splinter. It had already gotten restless after days of Zacs inactivity and tried to instigate something. So Zac was a bit muddled as they walked toward the Tower as he needed to spend some of his energy to suppress his violent tendencies.


    It was gettingte but there was no point in returning to their courtyard. They had ample time to rest inside the Tower. They had bought everything they needed, and Zac was unwilling to waste his rued wealth on anything else at the moment. He felt tired of the whole Base Town and wanted to get on with the challenge already.


    The buildings got increasingly grander as they walked down one of the main roads leading toward the immense tower that blotted out half the sky. Soon enough the massive surface of the Tower of Eternity filled up half his vision, a massive block of white that pushed the blue sky to the sides. Even the grand towers and mansions they passed felt like small doll-housespared to the impossiblyrge structure.


    But even though the structures gotrger and more refined, the number of people on the streets were generally decreasing.


    Most people stayed at the middle and outer edges of the town since the risk of running into someone dangerous increased the closer you got to the tower itself. There always some who went to the central square to look for carries or just to take in the sights, but people rarely lingered in the area unless they had the power to back it up.


    After an hourlong walk they finally reached the Core Area, the solitary row of extraordinary structures ced in a semi-circle around the entrance to the Tower itself. Each structure was asrge as a town by itself, and inside the most powerful forces in their star sector resided.

 Chapter 394: Last Opportunity

    Chapter 394: Last Opportunity


    Is that the Zethaya Pill House you mentioned? Zac asked as he looked over at the grand pagoda that emanated a palpable medicinal scent that could be sensed from where they stood.


    Behind the pagoda was a garden that lookedrge enough to be considered a proper park, but a high wall obscured what went on there. Only treetops and the asional roofs could be discerned.


    Yes, that is them. The number one alchemy n in the system, Gu nodded with avarice shing in his eyes. Imagine being able to buy a few pills from them. Id be able to double my investment simply by targeting collectors.


    The door is open, why dont people just go in? I dont see any guards keeping people away, Zac muttered, unable to tear his eyes away since that might be the final opportunity to aplish at least one of his tasks.


    Theres an extremely powerful restrictive array blocking the entrance. Most people would be turned to paste just by trying to enter the gates. You need the invitation of the Zethaya to avoid the array, Gu exined.


    What happens if you simply endure the array and push your way through? Will you be able to buy things? Ogras asked. Or will you be attacked as an intruder?


    Zacs eyes lit up as he heard Ogras question. Having an array to keep out the average people, but allowing the elites of the sector to enter would make sense. It would prevent a bunch of tourists entering their shop while also allowing the family to make friends with unknown powerhouses.


    Well Ive heard of people pushing their way through andpleting purchases, but Ive also heard of people getting thrown out. I am not sure about the details, Gu hesitantly said.


    So this ce has been essible from the start? Zac said with a scowl at Gu. Why have we wasted so much time at that auction house if we could simply have gone here on day one?


    That array is crazy strong, you can only dream of entering if you cant easily conquer the fourth floor. Entering it might cause wounds that will take weeks to heal, Gu entreated as he looked at Zac with worry. Furthermore, there is a high risk of injury even if you give up early. It might ruin our climb.


    Zac realized that he might have been a bit too restrained. If he had showcased some more strength then Gu might have told him about this opportunity long ago, but even now the aspiring merchant believed Zac to be too weak to even think about barging in.


    Dont worry, isnt it just an array to keep out the rabble? Ogras smiled before turning to Zac, clearly understanding what was on his mind. See if you find something useful for me as well. Its not every day you get ess to a stockpile like theirs.


    Zac took a deep breath and walked over toward the house. A group of people nearby first looked at him spectively, as though they were trying to figure out which force he belonged to. Only the top tier factions could get into a ce like Zethaya, yet Zac waspletely unfamiliar.


    But those faces quickly turned into sneers when they noticed him stopping outside the array, clearly trying to figure it out. Zac didnt mind the looks at all as his eyes were trained on the space in front of him. He tried to glean what sort of array it was so that he could best prepare himself.


    He had encountered all kinds of barriers during the hunt, and he felt confident in defeating most of them. But he wasnt without his weaknesses. His mental defense was good but not great, and he wasnt confident against any poisons that Zethayas alchemists would concoct.


    But his guts told him that the array wouldnt deal with poison or things like fire. It was a gatekeeper and a test, and it was unlikely that even an arrogant ce like Zethaya would try to poison their presumptive customers. He felt it more likely to be some sort of restrictive array that required a certain amount of strength to push through


    Zac looked over at the group of humanoids who stood some distance away, looking at him like he was some sort of clown.


    Do you guys know what kind of array this is? Zac probed.


    Two of the people only ignored him, but the third spoke up after seemingly thinking it over.


    Its a general suppression array from what Ive heard, it restrains both your mind and your body. It gets lighter if you block it with the Dao or strong skills. Its a test of power, the youth said. "But I haven''t seen it personally."


    Thank you, Zac nodded and immediately stepped in.


    He didnt put all his faith in that mans words, but he thought his words rang true. Some excelled in Dao while having a low Endurance, and others had amazing skills. It made sense that Zethaya would want to test for any sort of unique trait that would qualify aspiring guests as potential powerhouses.


    Zac only managed to take two steps before he was stopped in his tracks. It felt like he was carrying a huge boulder on his shoulders, and the air itself had congealed into an impossibly thick sludge that required his body to strain to push forward.


    But the strain was only slightly worse than the power required to unleash the second axe of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, and he didnt even feel the need to imbue himself with one of his Fragments to proceed. After the brief stop, he started to move forward one step after another, walking through a beautifully decorated tunnel.


    The tunnel was only 50 meters in length, but it took him over a minute to traverse toward the end, and sweat was starting to drip down his forehead from the exertion. What was a bit more embarrassing was that the tunnel turned transparent half-way through, and he noticed there were a decent number of people observing his entrance. He considered activating one of his Dao Fragments, but he felt it might be more impressive to push through without any assistance.


    He kept thinking of ways to make sure the deal went through with the discerning n, but his musings were rudely interrupted. A foot suddenly came out of nowhere,nding straight on his chest with a resounding thud. The attack itself wasnt anything special, but Zac was still within the array which caused a tremendous strain. Zac felt some blood in his mouth, and he had no option but to act.


    The Fragment of the Coffin spread through his body, turning it impervious. Not only that, it felt as though his rage imbued him with power, and a monstrous strength surged throughout his body to the point that it felt like he was bursting at the seams.


    The unprovoked kick had well and truly pissed him off, and his instincts kicked in. His hand shot forward like a snake and he grasped the ankle with enough force to cause some cracking sounds to echo through the tunnel.


    Wai- a voice screamed, but Zac ignored it as he mmed the attacker into the ground with shocking force before he threw him out from the Pill House like a piece of trash. Only a few cracked stones smeared with blood was the evidence that a struggle had taken ce.


    Zac didnt know if the man was alive or dead after that response, but he didnt care as he took thest steps into the Pill House, his Fragment making the final stretch effortless. A nce showed that the man was lying motionless outside, allowing Zac to focus on the matter at hand without worrying about him throwing out an attack from behind.


    The whole shop looked like a luxurious lounge rather than a store, with groups of sofas and beautiful fountains creating a harmonious atmosphere. There were no pills or other wares on disy anywhere, but there was a rich medicinal aroma in the store that made all of Zacs cells feel full of life and power.


    The whole area was lit up by a ss dome in the ceiling tens of meters in the air, and he saw there were multiple stories that all had open balconies toward the central lounge. There werent a lot of people inside, but he could spot a couple of groups scattered about, most of them looking over at Zac with curiosity.


    But a small sense of danger suddenly pricked his mind, and his eyes turned to see a young human standing on the second floor looking down at him with cold eyes. Zac frowned when he sensed the animosity since he had never seen that guy before. Was it him that sent out an underling to sound him out? And if so, why?


    Was it someone from a force that ran one of the Incursions he had closed, like the EzMahal Empire? There were no obvious signs on him or his clothes that could give Zac a hint, and he didnt dare to use <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>. He was pretty sure that anyone that could enter a ce like this possessed an item simr to his own bracer anyway.


    The young man looked away soon enough and walked away from the balcony, disappearing out of sight. Zac could only drop the matter as he refocused on a clerk who walked toward him.


    We do apologize for the disturbance, that guest breached our rules and will no longer be allowed back inside, he said, though Zac could tell that he wasnt all that contrite. I am Orbat, a clerk working for the Zethaya n.


    No matter. I passed through that array, does that mean I can shop here? Zac asked, not wanting to press the issue.


    Their reception was an indicator that they did not put all too much value on him, only sending a clerk rather than whoever was running the shop at this moment. Arge n like the Zethaya would no doubt have a couple of people at the Tower at any point in time, meaning they definitely could have sent someone with higher status.


    That was the problem with ack of renown. He was a nobody in the end, someone without strong backing. Even if he was powerful enough to break through the array he was only someone with potential, whereas the usual guests at this ce no doubt had living ancestors at C-Grade.


    Certainly, Orbat said as he smilingly led Zac to a sectional not far away.


    Whats on the other floors? Zac asked offhandedly as he sat down.


    The Zethaya Pill House is both a store and a residential district. The Zethaya maintains friendly rtions with many forces, and some choose to stay here during their climb, while others simply visit, the clerk smoothly exined with his ever-present smile.


    <em>So only for big-shots, huh?</em> Zac thought with a wry smile as he shot a look toward the balustrade where he saw the man who emitted some hostility.


    He was no longer anywhere to be seen, and Zac threw it into the back of his mind as he refocused on the task at hand.


    I am looking for two items. I am first in need of a pill or a treasure that can heal a fractured soul. Secondly, I am looking for things that can help evolve a specialty core, Zac exined.


    We do not carry anything that can generally evolve Specialty Cores. I am afraid only extremely rare items like the Pathfinder Eye that appeared earlier has such a magical effect, the clerk said as he took out a crystal, causing a screen to emerge. However, we do have the capability to produce the following pills.


    Zac seriously read through the list, and he saw that there were six different pills that were geared toward evolving specific Specialty Cores. Unfortunately, none of them was the Duplicity Core, and he could only sigh internally in disappointment. However, this was a rare opportunity to get some clues at least.


    Does taking one of these pills guarantee an evolution? Zac asked, not divulging that he wouldnt buy any of them.


    Unfortunately no, there is a chance of between 40 and 60% of a full evolution with the pills that are brought here. But even if the evolution is not sessful a strong foundation will be created, allowing for easier evolution down the line, the clerk smoothly exined.


    Zac slowly nodded and moved on to the second item he looked for, the soul-mending treasure for Alea.


    May I ask if its a preparation for the tower, or whether its meant for a patient? the clerk asked.


    Why does that matter? Zac frowned.


    The Zethaya carries the <strong>[Serene Soul Pill]</strong> that can perform emergency repair on a fractured soul. It will not heal youpletely, but it will stop the fracturing and allow you to slowly recuperate with the help of regr soul-nurturing pills afterward, the clerk said. However


    Zacs eyes lit up when he heard the exnation, but the however sounded extremely ominous.


    The <strong>[Serene Soul Pill]</strong> needs to be imbibed within 5 minutes of being wounded, Orbat concluded.


    Zac closed his eyes to restrain a surge of fury thatmbasted his mind for a second and took a deep breath to curtail the Splinter locked in its Miasmic cage. He needed to enter the tower soon.


    Its for a patient, the wound is a month old, Zac conceded.


    The clerk nodded, some sympathy showing in his face. Zac frowned when he saw the clerks reaction, fearing that he was simply out of luck.


    Well There is something, the clerk said after some hesitation. There is an item in our treasury, but I do not have the authority to make any decisions regarding treasures of that grade. A proper Zethaya n member needs to give the go-ahead.


    What Item? Zac asked with eagerness.


    I cannot divulge, the clerk said. Please wait a moment, I will consult the manager.


    Zac nodded in agreement, and he impatiently waited for the clerk toe back. His mind spun as he tried toe up with arguments for the Zethaya to sell him the item. It seemed like the item was something they kept for themselves in case of emergency or something, which probably meant its effect was pretty amazing.


    Paying above market price probably wouldnt work in such a case, since the Zethaya didntck for money. Should he promise a favor if he could buy it? Would they care? Did he have anything else to trade with apart from money that would interest an ancient n?


    Soon enough the clerk returned, but he was a bit pale and didnt dare to look up. Next to him was a young man wearing a luxurious blue robe. He radiated an impressive pressure, but it was more like a gently flowing riverpared to Zacs usual aura of brutality. It was no doubt the Zethaya n member who could decide on the matter.


    But Zac frowned when he noticed that a third person was approaching him, walking shoulder to shoulder with the Zethaya Alchemist. It was the young man with the cold eyes that had stood on the second floor earlier.


    Zac sighed as he realized that trouble had finallye for him.

 Chapter 395: Praj?ā Cherry

    Chapter 395: Praj?�� Cherry


    Zac looked at the approaching trio with some apprehension, afraid that the chance of a smooth transaction taking ce might be ruined. He once more tried to connect the man in the red robes or the crest embroidered on his chest with anyone he had offended, but he came up with nothing.


    He still wasnt sure exactly what kind of information had been released about him to the multiverse from the 20-odd incursions he had closed, but he felt it was pretty unlikely that the matters were connected.


    He had only really started closing incursions for real around two months ago. Chances were that the youth in front of him was already here when it happened, so he probably shouldnt have heard anything. Or did someone specifically send an information packet to the Tower because they knew that Zac would sooner orter arrive here?


    It was a scenario that Zac felt was distinctly possible, but at the same time unlikely. The Zethaya was a real big-shot family, a peak C-Grade force. ording to what Ogras estimated the most invaders were from between middle D-Grade to early C-Grade forces, with a few lucky additions like n AzhRezak.


    Perhaps stronger forces would get ess to Incursions as well, but they would probably be sent tos that already had cosmic Energy and already powerful natives. Both Earth and the Ishiates were almostpletelycking Cosmic Energy before, and the Zhix was only slightly better off. Worst off was the moleman, since it was essentially half-dead.


    There were three anomalies on their though, the Technocrats, the Church of Evesting Dao, and the Undead Empire. The Empire could be exined by the fact that it was only some weak rural area of the Empire that came. The Church and the Technocrats likely snatched their spots by eradicating the forces that originally owned them though.


    Ogras'' family had kept their qualifications hidden until their spot was secured specifically to avoid such a fate. The youth apanying the Zethaya n member seemed to be of equal standing, indicating he was probably from a peak faction as well. So it was unlikely he came from one of the remaining Incursions.


    But what other enmities could there be? Did he recognize the origin of Zacs bracer? Greatest certainly seemed like a man that seemed to be good at creating grudges with his straightforward manners. Or did the youth sense the splinter in his mind and want it for himself? But he couldn''t arrive at any conclusions, and the trio sat down opposite of him.


    I apologize for the wait. I am Boje Zethaya. My attendant told me about your interest in a treasure that can mend a fractured soul? the man in the blue robe spoke up with a smile.


    That''s alright. I''m Zac," Zac nodded, trying to maintain a bnce of deference and poise. "That right. I need something that can mend a soul that''s been fractured for a while. She- The patient is currently enclosed in a stasis array to not get any worse.


    The man in the red robe didn''t say anything as he sat down. He only looked Zac up and down with a mix of overt hostility and disdain. Zac didnt want to give the guy an excuse to ruin his business, so he ignored the rude behavior even if it was a bit irking. Perhaps the guy was simply some sort of elitist that didnt likemoners entering his surroundings.


    At least the Zethaya representative didn''t carry the same sort of hostility.


    The blue-robed man nodded and took out a small but intricate chest, and opened it for a short duration. Inside was a branch with a stone fruit attached to a thin stalk. Zac immediately knew it was a great treasure as his cells screamed at him to consume the fruit, and the calling was even greater than when he first encountered the Fruit of Ascension.


    We do possess this <strong>[Praj Cherry]</strong>. It actuallyes from an ordinary F-Grade cherry tree, but a great Sage pondered on the Dao of the Mind beneath the tree for a thousand years, giving the tree and a few of its fruits spirituality. This cherry has been infused by the powerhouse and has miraculous effects on the soul, no matter if it is to heal or strengthen it, the alchemist exined. It is a High E-Grade Soul Treasure.


    What price do you have in mind? Zac asked, trying his best to hide how much he wanted it.


    "This thing does not have any set price," Boje said. "The Zethaya n normally hires promising warriors for various tasks, and we would be ready to offer this item as a recruitment bonus. Of course, you would have to prove a strength worthy of this unique treasure first."


    "What sort of tasks? And how long would I be working for you?" Zac asked.


    "Overestimating yourself," the red-robed man snorted, but Zac ignored him.


    Boje awkwardly smiled as he spoke up.


    "We hire warriors for all sorts of purposes. Most choose to be guardians of our n, signing life-long contracts. Others join us for short durations like a decade or two. The requirements for thetter are a lot harsher though. Someone wanting such a position would have to pass the 6<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower to warrant such arge payment like this cherry."


    Zac nodded in understanding. It wasn''t too bad to pay a high price for someone to sign a life-long contract. Those treasures would strengthen the cultivator which would benefit the Zethaya as well.


    "What would a short-term warrior do?"


    "Usually explore Mystic Realms with restrictions. There are some that have limits on attributes or levels, and we need strong warriors to explore for us as we can''t send in our elders. The n would im a majority of all spoils you get inside, but you would still walk away with any titles and a part of the treasures. It''s usually a great opportunity for any promising warrior," Boje exined.


    Zac felt that it sounded like a pretty good deal, but he also understood there was another side to the ''opportunity''. If it was such a good thing the n would rather send their own people rather than spend a lot of money to send in outsiders. The risk of getting killed or crippled was no doubt high in the ces the Zethaya Alchemist talked about.


    "I''m unfortunately unable to sign any such contract in the short term. Is there any way for you to directly sell the cherry instead?" Zac asked.


    This item is quite unique and something formed by chance. It is not something we can simply grow as we wish, so we are unwilling to part with to for Nexus Crystals or Nexus Coins. But our pill house is always interested in trades of items or intelligence of simr value, Boje exined.


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding. It might be the young man causing trouble for him, but his instincts told him that wasn''t the case. A n like Zethaya was already obscenely wealthy, and it made sense that they were more interested in unique treasures that could help them in ways that money could not.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The problem was that he wasnt walking around with any impressive treasures that he could trade for the cherry. The Amanita or the budding lotus were both probably worth as much as the cherry, but they were back on his ind. Not that he would be able to bring it to this ce anyway. The lotus was probably categorized as a D-Grade healing treasure which made it impossible to bring, while the Amanita was helping keeping Alea alive.


    Are you looking for natural treasures or items that might be of interest to study? Zac asked.


    He actually had two things in mind. The first was the cyborg body he still kept in his Cosmos Sack. That thing was beyond durable, and perhaps the Zethaya could study it to create pills with simr effects. Any death squad or fanatic would want a pill that could help them drag down their enemies to hell along with them when they were facing death.


    There was no doubt in Zacs mind whether the cyborg corpse was something valuable. It was a creation of a top tier Technocrat faction, people who didnt even fear the Undead Empire if the little alien could be trusted.


    Besides, getting rid of that thing might be for the best, in case Firmaments Edge possessed some means to track the corpse. Luckily the body was still only counted as E-Grade since he found no trouble in bringing it here, but it should at least be a Peak E-Grade treasure as he saw it.


    The second item of note was the notebook regarding the Draugr corpse. It came ufortably close to his secrets, but no one here would be able to discern his specialty core thanks to his bracer. Perhaps the Zethaya would find the report interesting, or at least have the connections to sell the report to the Undead Empire for profit.


    He could even sign an agreement that he would look for the samples when he came back and send them to the Zethaya. Then again, they could probably snatch the true Draugr body from Mhals n since it seemed like a small upstart force.


    If neither was of interest he would have to try something else. Perhaps this alchemist needed a carry in the tower as well? He had already decided to disy his Apex Hunter-title if it came to that since that title was a clear indicator of extreme fighting prowess without divulging any specifics.


    Both are fine, were particrly interested in items that can either help in our research to create new pills or in methods ofbating pill toxicity, Boje said, looking at Zac with some interest.


    Zacs eyes lit up and he reached toward his Cosmos Sack to present the Cyborg Corpse.


    I have something that migh- Zac started, but he was suddenly interrupted by a discordant voice.


    Oh? Isnt this that treasure I was asking about the other day? the red-robed youth said, finally speaking up. Hadnt we already reached an agreement for a trade?


    Huh? Rasuliel? Boje Zethaya said with confusion, until his eyes widened slightly in realization. Uh, of course. It must have slipped my mind due to the excitement with Prince Reoluvs ascension.


    A surge of anger ignited in Zacs chest when he realized that the youth hade to create trouble after all. It obviously wasn''t enough for the guy to stare at him with his shitty attitude. Zac immediately discarded the idea to take out the cyborg, but he wouldntpletely give up at this point. Hopefully Boje Zethaya would choose profits over keeping this Rasuliel character happy.


    I have a corpse of a cultivator who was modified by a peak force to have a forced evolution when approaching death. He rose from a weak early E-Grade warrior to touching upon the D-Grade barrier in the span of one minute, releasing a shocking might that killed all of his enemies before he died of exhaustion, Zac said, modifying the facts slightly.


    If you can figure out the process of this change you might be able to create a pill that could mimic the effect. Im sure that kind of pill would be desired by all kinds of forces, Zac added.


    Bojes eyes lit up in interest when he heard the exnation, and it seemed that he was about to ask a few more questions about it. But he soon restrained himself and sighed with disappointment.


    I am sorry. The item does indeed sound interesting, but our Pill House is known to keep our word. This treasure has already been imed, and I can only apologize for my forgetfulness, Boje said as he handed over a small vial. Please take these healing pills as a token of my apology. They were concocted by my uncle, and are some of the most effective healing pills in Base Town. I wish you luck in your endeavors.


    Zac almost crushed the vial or threw it in the face of the alchemist, but he restrained himself as he put it away. Not that he would dare eat them after seeing how they acted, but he might be able to sell them for a premiumter.


    My family will send over the payment within a month. Its value will no doubt satisfy you, Rasuliel smiled as he imed the small box and put it away before he turned to Zac. "I am <em>so </em>sorry about that, little guy."


    The world started to turn jagged and Zac''s vision became tinted with red and ck and as fury took hold of his mind. The innocuous taunt had turned his smoldering anger into a zing fire, and he was fast losing control. His body shook from restrained anger, and it was all he could do from not jumping the two and ripping them to pieces.


    He needed to quickly find some secluded ce to wrestle back control of his mind before he did something stupid. Zac arduously got to his feet and nodded at Boje with grit teeth before he turned toward the exit. The Rasuliel seemed to notice Zac''s weird state, and a taunting voice echoed across the lounge as Zac walked away.


    You said it was meant for a girl? Your Dao Partner perhaps? Rasulielughed. I am so sorry about that. Lets hope she meets a more dependable man her next life. Someone who isnt foolish enough to meddle in the Tsarun ns business.


    Zac froze as the words echoed across the room. His thoughts became a jumble and soon enough he didn''t even know where he was. His vision closed in on him and his consciousness slipped away despite his best efforts to remain lucid.


    Thest thing he heard before darkness consumed him was a bestial roar that was both familiar and foreign.

 Chapter 396: Aftermath

    Chapter 396: Aftermath


    A dense killing intent suffused the whole hall, causing the numerous guests of the Pill House to look over with consternation after hearing the roar. The source was obviously the interloper, who looked angry enough to spontaneouslybust. His eyes had turnedpletely bloodshot, and he was already reaching for his Cosmos Sack.


    Rasuliel was inwardly delighted the way things turned out. Sometimes Luck was as important as skill, and he had no doubt been helped by his massive pool of 52 Luck today. Who would have thought that the scoundrel who somehow snatched the Thayer Consortia from underneath his uncles hands would present himself here?


    Furthermore, he was only some no-name cultivator whocked any proper connections to enter this ce the right way. And better yet, he was a hothead who only needed a little bit of goading to lose control.


    He couldnt believe a person dumb enough to emit killing intent inside the Zethaya Pill House would be able to get inside, let alone snatch a Mercantile License that their family had targeted for decades.


    The arrays in here would block any attempts at retaliation, allowing him to freely kill the interloper without repercussions. The biggest risk to his ns was if this Zac character crushed his token and fled, but as he looked at the man who seemed to have lost all rationality he knew his gambit had proven sessful.


    As soon as the fool got himself killed he would hopefully be able to glean the whereabouts of those damn Sky Gnomes from his belongings. This level of contribution to the n was almost at an elder-level, and he couldnt imagine the bump in resources he would enjoy when presenting the si and this mans body to his uncle.


    The aura of the man in front of him kept rising, and even Rasuliel started to feel some pressure. But even then he wasnt overly worried. Someone who could both get through the entrance array and even block Rudriks strike was strong, but the Zethaya had spent hundreds of thousands of years to strengthen this ce to the limits of what the System allowed.


    I apologize for the harsh words from my friend here, Boje said with a frown. But I urge you to remember where you are. Violence will not be tolerated within these walls.


    But the warning fell on deaf ears as Zac''s aura kept increasing, and Rasuliel started to frown when he sensed an extremely sinister energy within it. It was unlike anything he had encountered before, and it elicited an intense sense of danger.


    <em>This guy mentioned some modifications that pushed ones power beyond the natural limits. Has this lunatic actually done the same to himself?</em> Rasuliel thought, some worry finally creeping into his heart.


    The worry quickly turned into a primal fear in Rasuliel''s heart as the aura of the man suddenly skyrocketed as a ck rune appeared on his forehead. Lines started to cover his whole body as well, creating a pathway reeking of destruction.


    Rasuliel suddenly found himself falling backward as he coughed up a mouthful of blood. Just looking at the fractal caused his Soul to get cut, and a nce indicated that Boje had suffered the same fate.


    "Stop!" Boje roared as the whole Pill House hummed with power like a beast waking up from its slumber.


    One restriction after another appeared in the air, and defensive treasures of inestimable value created an inescapable around the man who still stood rooted to his spot. But a wave of unadulterated destruction rippled out from his body, and the massive arrays cracked like they were some cheap talismans bought from a flea market.


    Thoughts of escape filled Rasuliel''s mind, but streams of terrifying power ensconced the whole lobby, cutting off any path of retreat. Rasuilel could only reluctantly turn back toward the human-shaped monster, and he took out a small tube from his Spatial Ring. There was no way he would be able to crush his token and escape from this evil star in time.


    He could only bet it all on the cursed object in his hand.


    --------------------


    Pain with enough urgency to jolt him awake gued Zacs body. He found himself bruised and battered in the middle of a huge pile of rubble, every part of his body hurting beyond imagination.


    His vision was a bit blurry, but he still saw the towering trees from <strong>[Hatchemans Spirit]</strong> dissipating around him. When had he activated that skill? And why did it look so different from when he tried it out back on earth? The leaves and trunks shouldn''t be ck.


    And where the hell was he? He had been inside the luxurious lounge of the Zethaya Pill House just a second ago.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A broken-off head of a statue depicting some unknown mythological creature jogged Zacs memory awake. It had been the centerpiece of one of the fountains inside, but now the fountain was gone, reced with broken pieces of stones and the crushed remnants of the furniture who sat around it.


    Zac''s mind still had some problems connecting two and two, and his head slowly swiveled around to take in the surroundings. A couple of familiar faces, many with minor wounds and looking haggard, stared back at him from a respectable distance, undisguised horror evident on their faces. It was the other customers and residents of the Zethaya that had spectated his entrance to the Pill House.


    Even further back a small crowd had gathered, likely people who were visiting Tower Square. No one dared to take a step forward, and some were even running away after Zac trained his eyes in their direction.


    Zac couldnt bother with the onlookers as his muddled mind tried topute what the hell was going on. He knew he had been bested by the Splinter once more, and it had caused him topletely lose control when he heard the taunts from that Rasuliel guy.


    Normally he might have been annoyed, but he still had years to find a cure for Alea. He wouldnt risk everything at this juncture just to forcibly steal a treasure. Doing so would cause unneeded enmities and more trouble than it was worth. But the umted anger from the Splinter of Oblivion had pushed his rage to unprecedented heights, ruining his nspletely.


    Just thirty meters away a young man in a blue robey huddled in a fetal position with multipleyers of arrays shimmering around him. Zac realized it was Boje who was still fine albeit somewhat worse for wear. And just in front of him he could see the outline of another body.


    He arduously looked down, but he almost immediately regretted it due to two reasons. The first reason was the huge wound that had mangled arge section of his torso, which put both his bones and innards on open disy.


    The second was the bloody head he held in his right hand, where his fingers werepletely entrenched. His index and ring-fingers were pushed all the way through his eyes, and the sockets were still leaking some mix of blood and brain matter. His thumb meanwhile was inserted in the victims mouth, making it look like he was holding a bowling ball.


    The head wasnt connected to a body, but a grisly and broken spine dangled from beneath. However, a matching headless corpsey at Zac''s feet, clearly indicating who it was.


    Rasuliel Tsarun.


    Zac groaned as he knew that he had really caused a shitstorm this time around, but he didnt feel too broken up about it. He obviously regretted causing this trouble, but Rasuliel was targeting him for some reason. This random guy had caused him so much trouble for no reason at all, and he didnt feel too broken up about killing him. People died for far less every day.


    He irreverently threw away the head before quickly popping one of his best healing pills while he activated his Dao of Trees. His wounds were nothing to scoff at even with his terrifying constitution, and he needed to quickly restore his condition.


    The trouble wasnt over just because he had killed his enemy. There was no doubt in Zacs mind that he had been the one to make the first move, meaning that retribution woulde soon enough. Ogras appeared the next second as if reading his thoughts.


    We need to flee. <em>Now, </em>the demon said with grit teeth.


    His usualckadaisical expression was nowhere to be seen, reced by a mask of horror.


    The tokens? Zac asked with a hoarse voice.


    The two of us were judgedplicit of your madness, were stuck here, Ogras said, waving the limp body of Gu in his arms. This useless guy got so scared that he fainted when you tore down the wholehersted building. Throwing out that guy in the beginning wasnt enough?


    Lets enter the Tower then, Zac said, opting to save the exnations forter. People seem shocked enough to stay away.


    It just takes one, then all hell breaks loose. The bounty on your head is crazy, Ograsmented.


    Zac nodded and the two unhesitantly sped toward therge tform in front of the Tower after Ogras gripped the body of Rasuliel with a shadow tentacle. There wasnt any actual door to enter, but rather a teleportation array that took you inside.


    He figured that they would be fine as long as they managed to get on the tform in one piece. What happened when they exited tomorrow was Future-Zacs problem. He would have 100 days to figure out that mess.


    The demons words, unfortunately, proved prophetic. One impulsive cultivator started rushing after them, and with that the floodgates were opened. Many chose to stand back, but more than half the remaining warriors on the square started rushing toward Zac, and a few cultivators emerged from the nearby buildings as well.


    The fact that he looked half-dead with mortal wounds likely emboldened quite a few of the people who had an eye on whatever the System offered for his death. But they had drastically underestimated his constitution, and he still had some fuel left in his tank.


    Better yet, he realized he had activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> during his rampage, and he still benefitted for its effects. He also still had his most powerful skill. He had apparently torn down the building without using either <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>or <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>somehow. Perhaps it was the other guys who did the heavy lifting in the destruction they caused.


    He clearly had activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>since he saw the trees just as they dissipated, but the effects of that skill werent really offensive. He had a hard time seeing himself managing to destroy the Pill House just by activating that skill unless he had misunderstood its uses when he tested it. Had he used it by instinct to avoid certain death?


    There was the issue of the appearance of the trees though. They looked corrupted for some reason, but he didnt have time to analyze it before they were gone. He had only tried out the skill once on Mystic Ind, and he wasnt sure of all its uses just yet. Perhaps it changed appearance due to circumstances just like <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>.


    He would have to experiment some more inside the tower. Now was not the time. There were more pressing issues to deal with, such as the swarming bounty hunters right on their heels. His body was full ofints, but Cosmic Energy started to churn through his body.


    The huge axe of <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>appeared in the sky above, but its powerful aura only managed to intimidate a scant few. The rest looked like they had eaten stimnts as they kept running toward him, and the whole square shuddered with power from their skills.


    Zac had nopunctions about finishing what he started since these people wanted to kill him out of greed. His body screamed in protest from the exertion, but he felt that <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> still had over ten seconds on the clock. It would be enough to do what needed to be done.


    This time he wouldnt hold back as he did against the undead horde, and the Fragment of the Axe Effortlessly slipped into the huge hatchet in the air, causing a terrifying increase in its aura. A few with discerning eyes immediately turned to flee for their lives, but many still kept going.


    A small shudder swept out across the square as the hatchet finished its trajectory, and the mor died down in a second. Most of the attacks aimed at Zac werepletely obliterated, with the few remaining losing most of their power. Ogras managed to clear those out with a few shadow-sts.


    However, the results were not quite as impressive as Zac had imagined in his rage-addled brain. Only a dozen died from his attack, while an equal number sported pretty grievous wounds. A small part in the back of his mind reminded him that these were the elites that stood at the peak of the whole sector. Just pushing them back with your own power was a huge aplishment, let alone killing a bunch of them.


    Zac coughed a mouthful of blood as activating the skill in his current condition had put an even worse strain on his body. The gristly wound in his side painted the ground he stepped on red, and he started to feel woozy.


    Unfortunately he didnt manage to deter everyone on the square just with that single swing. In fact, a few people with extremely dense auras had appeared as though out of nowhere, each of them looking like a god of war as they closed in on the three. Going by Zacs pathetic appearance they no doubt believed he was an arrow at the end of its flight.


    His time was running out on his buff, so Zac could ignore his pain and unleash the second swing as well. The shocking <strong>[Infernal Axe]</strong> appeared in the sky above, and a coruscating wave of mes ripped out across the square, mming straight into the attacks that came their way.


    A chaotic mess of fire and dozens of other elements fought for supremacy in the square, causing a shockwave thatunched Zac off his feet. It was at this time the timer for <strong>[Hatchemans Rage]</strong> dissipated, causing a wave of exhaustion and pain to wash over him.


    A sneaky cultivator seemed to have been waiting for this opportunity, and he appeared out of nowhere from the shadows with a sinister dagger poised to strike. But those very shadows immediately turned on the assassin and ripped him to pieces.


    Zacs sight was starting to blur, but a storm of fractal des sted through the wall of mes from <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> and flew their way. Zac could immediately sense they contained the energy from a Dao Fragment, and some despair crept into his heart. He waspletely spent, and he knew that defense wasnt Ogras strong suit.


    Swapping ss was out of the question as well, the des moved far too quickly. But the square was luckily only so big, and they had already reached their destination. With the help of Ogras moving them through the shadows they found themselves atop the tform, and the fragment-imbued des hit an invisible wall.


    The hunters stopped in their tracks as they looked at Zac with greed in their eyes. But they were unwilling to enter the tform since that would only send them into a separate version of the trial. They were no doubt more interested in staying until he reemerged. Zac looked down at the people with his bloodshot eyes, some residual anger reigniting when he saw their greedy expressions.


    I will for-, Zac said with a hoarse voice that echoed across the square, but his grand promation was cut off as they were teleported away.

 Chapter 397: Elites

    Chapter 397: Elites


    Pretty, why didnt you join in on the hunt? Leyara asked with interest as she looked over at her friend with a spurious smile. Did you know that guy would be so strong? But I still think you would have a chance to trap him.


    Ive told you a thousand times, call me Daoist Summit Reacher, the beautiful woman said with an annoyed look as she nced at Leyara.


    <em>This family and their naming sense, </em>Leyaramented as she shook her head. <em>And wasnt it Swordmistress Gracest time?</em>


    The two sat at a friends viewing terrace that overlooked the Tower Square and the entrance to the Tower of Eternity. They had all gotten the quest, but only Ulmar and Presseus had made a move. They now sat to the side with their frizzy hair, looking a bit embarrassed. They probably hadnt expected to get drowned in a sea of high-grade mes infused with a Dao Fragment the moment they set out.


    So? Leyara probed.


    Pretty was the strongest person here, which meant she was one of the strongest people in Base Town, especially now that Reoluv had left. Furthermore, as the granddaughter of that war maniac she was probably loaded with nasty treasures perfect to create havoc. It was a bit surprising she didnt make a move considering the quest reward. It was something that only those with the stoutest Dao Hearts would be able to resist.


    That guy was always so annoying, stupid upstart family. Its not my problem he got himself killed. Thetest Zethaya generation must have let their excessive wealth turn their brains into excrement for things get out of hand like that. Why should I exert myself to clean up their mess? Pretty shrugged with disinterest.


    But that guy who was with him came from your Allbright Empire though? Leyara said with an impish smile. I remember him hiding in the corner looking scared at the party you held a month ago.


    Leyara was so bored after all these gatherings and auctions. There was finally something interesting happening, and she couldnt help but try to stir the pot a bit to make things even more exciting. She knew things would get chaotic if Pretty made a move.


    She didnt just have one or two suitors who had timed their climb to be here at the same time as her. Intergctic dating was pretty hard after all, especially opportunities to meet outside the gaze of the elders. No matter if she decided to help or hunt the results no doubt be spectacr to witness.


    Im not from the Imperial family, why should I care about what some guy from our Empire does or whatpany he keeps? I dont even think hes from the Empyrean sector, Pretty said with disinterest.


    Yeah But your grandfather Leyara said.


    What does grandpa have to do with some small squabbles between the younger generation? Pretty snorted.


    Leyara only rolled her eyes and gave up. It looked like she wouldnt be able to drag her old friend into the mess.


    Besides, the fun has only started, Pretty suddenly said with a smile.


    Oh? Leyara asked, hope reigniting.


    Havent you noticed? We all still have the quest even though a few minutes have passed. I think the Ruthless Heavens doesnt feel this y has acted itself out yet. Wont he be kicked out of the tower in a day at most?


    Leyaras eyes lit up in excitement as she looked down at therge crowd who stayed by the entrance. Only a few were leaving, but most seemed content to simply wait, intently waiting for that lunatic to return.


    What do you think, Pretty? Leyara said. Will he survive? Do you think I should join in on the fun?


    I know you dont care about which floor you end up on, why should you join this fight? As for whether he will survive? Pretty said with a mysterious smile. I think he will surprise us all.


    And dont call me Pretty.


    -------------


    Catheya looked down at the square from the window far up in the tower belonging to the Undead Empire, her pitch-ck eyes absorbing the candlelight like two ck holes. Calmness had already returned to the core area after the destruction of the Zethaya Pill house, but a storm was still raging inside her heart.


    Did you find out the identity of the man? Catheya asked into the shadows, eliciting a dour zombie to emerge.


    I am afraid not, mistress, the zombie said with a bow. The warrior entered the Pill House by challenging their array, and he only identified himself as Zac before things deteriorated. However, I did manage to find out a few facts from one of the assistants.


    Oh? Catheya looked over at Varo, the leader of her deathsworn and her personal steward.


    He was able to forcibly pass through the array by virtue of his attributes alone. His constitution should be quite impressive. Also, his main goal of visiting the Zethaya was to find a cure for a fractured soul. It seemed quite urgent for him, the zombie finished.


    A fractured soul? Catheya mumbled, her pale lips curving slightly upward. The Zethaya better pray that man never grows too powerful. Such a response when he came looking for medicine will no doubt nt a seed of intense grudge. Was that what he wanted to say before he got whisked away?


    Do you wish us to prepare an ambush of him for when he exits? the Zombie probed. A free level would guarantee smoothly passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor.


    No, it would be shameful to use such a crutch in this ce. Besides, I have some confidence in passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor without any outside assistance. By the way, who was the man he killed? Catheya asked as she looked over at her assistant.


    Rasuliel Tsarun. A main branch descendant of the Tsarun n, but only of middling import. He was a talent to be nurtured, but not in line for session, Varo said.


    Tsarun? Never heard of them, Catheya muttered.


    They are a somewhat young force local to this remote sector. They have some connections to the local provinces of our Empire, mainly providing high-quality corpses, Varo dutifully reported.


    How many of that n are here right now? Catheya asked.


    One more main branch member, 8 from side branches, and 17 employees, Varo said without missing a beat.


    Are you confident in killing them all? Catheya asked.


    We might have to sacrifice one or two of our deathsworn, but our situation is generally favorable, the zombie thoughtfully answered, not caring why her mistress wanted to kick the Tsarun n out of the Base Town. Rasuliel was the strongest member of their force. He likely carried most of their treasures as well, leaving the rest somewhat exposed.


    Good, do it, Catheya nodded.


    If I may, mistress. This might cause friction between the local province and the Tsarun n, negatively impacting their ess to new bodies, the steward added. These provinces are newly formed and have few avenues for such resources.


    What do I care about that? Were only here because Master had an epiphany and needed to enter secluded cultivation for a few years, Catheya shrugged. If it truly turns into a problem Ill ask masterpensate the local kings after he exits.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    By your will, Varo bowed and melded back into the shadows.


    Catheyas abyssal eyes once again turned toward the tower, her thoughts a confused jumble. There was no way that she was wrong in her conclusion. That crazy warrior carried a hint of aura from her ns progenitor. But that should bepletely impossible.


    Her family didnt have any connection to this sector, and she and her master only passed by here during their travels by chance. More importantly, their progenitor left their n well over a million years ago as she found herself facing the inevitable madness of advanced age.


    She created two grand treasures to defend their n against annihtion, and these treasures were still consecrated by the whole family once a year to maintain the aura of the progenitor. But they had never heard from the ancestor after she left, and every one long believed that she found her end during her search for a way to break through.


    Was the grand ancestor still alive? That would mean that she either had managed to break through or found a way to stave off the madness. She couldnt wait for that axe-wielding warrior to emerge. Killing a couple of local noblemen would be a small price to pay for such a valuable piece of information.


    But if the progenitor was truly alive, why hadnt shee back during all this time? Was she trapped somewhere and needed assistance? And why had she left her mark on a human? Was he her disciple? It sounded preposterous, but she had her reasons for believing it to be true.


    There was an undeniable sense of death surrounding him. It might be impossible to sense for the humans around him, but how could a pure-bred Draugr of an ancient heritage not feel the aura of undeath?


    That warrior might hold the clues to the questions that ailed her, and she couldnt wait for him to emerge once again.


    Just who was that man?


    ------


    A rancid odor rose from the cauldron, telling Boje that he had actually failed in concocting a basic <strong>[Golden Constitution Pill]. </strong>It was one of the first recipes he learned while still a teenager, and something he would be able to concoct in his sleep. Yet it had failed today.


    The knock on the door made Boje flinch in fear, a sheen of perspiration covering on his forehead. He tightly gripped his fists in an effort to stop their trembling as he tried to get his fraying emotions under check.


    Enter, he said, trying to sound as unruffled and confident as possible.


    He couldnt let the world know that the past encounter had scared him shitless. Others were discussing how to capture the man when he emerged in a day, but Boje only contemted means of surviving. They hadn''t seen those eyes filled with unending madness or felt the aura sharp enough to wound souls.


    The reward was certainly alluring, but he wouldnt challenge that god of death. Hed rather take his chances with the floor guardian at the 6<sup>th</sup> floor than standing in front of that Asura again.


    The door opened and his manservant entered holding a clipboard.


    The regeneration of the main hall is essentially finished, apart from some furnishings that are still being made. We paid 2.7 billion to have the Bruckner expedite the process. But we expect it will take at least a month before The Boundless Heavens restores the array functionality, Ulred said.


    Thats to be expected, Boje nodded. Take out our 4<sup>th</sup> and 7<sup>th</sup> sealed treasures to solidify the main hall.


    The fourth treasure costs almost 20 billion Nexus Coins a day to keep active, the Steward reminded.


    Ill take responsibility for the cost, Boje said. We have many guests staying with us, and we need to show some sincerity. At least until the issue with that man has been dealt with.


    Regarding that What are your instructions?" the manservant hesitantly asked.


    Boje knew there was some confusion amongst their ranks. He had immediately entered seclusion, citing a need to ponder on new insights gained from witnessing the battle. But truthfully he had just been scared and wanted to hide away in his sanctum.


    It was a shame that Rasuliel had gotten himself killed, robbing Boje the chance of killing that idiot himself. The amount of trouble that guy had created for the Zethaya was inestimable. That guy waspletely unknown but insanely strong. Who knew if he''d pop out of nowhere in a few thousand years as a C-Grade hegemon, destroying their strongholds one by one?


    Such things happening was all toomon.


    Of course, he knew that he was the one to me in the end. Rasuliel had stuffed his pockets full of rare herbs to help progress his crafts, and Boje had felt that it wouldn''t be such a big deal even if he bent the Family Rules a bit to reciprocate. His mind had been muddled from the opportunity of concocting a pill with such a rare item as a base.


    It would probably have been enough to progress his craft to the next level. But now it was all for naught.


    But the steward asked a valid question. How should the Zethaya respond?


    "Send someone with an invoice for the furnishings and the <strong>[Praj Cherry] </strong>to the Tsarun n. Also indicate we''re expecting an exnation as to why Rasuliel initiated a fight within ourpound, even going so far as to take out a peak offensive treasure while I stood right next to him," Boje finally said.


    "Certainly," Ulred nodded. "And the man who entered the tower? There have also been quite a few forces who have approached us for information regarding that man."


    "There''s no need to hide anything," Boje eventually said. "Tell them what we know. It''s not much anyway. But keep the seal on his transformation or the battle itself."


    "Certainly," Ulred agreed as he scribbled down a few notes. "All the guests and personnel have already signed contracts of secrecy. It will not leak."


    "Good," Boje said. "We''ll wait and see how things turn out tomorrow. Perhaps there is some way for us to turn this cmity into an opportunity."

 Chapter 398: Piker

    Chapter 398: Piker


    Darkness quickly gave way to light, and Zac in his muddled state was a bit confused when he was met with a prompt that covered his whole vision.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity entered. Use pseudonym or real name?]</strong>


    It was just like when thedder system was initiated back in the day, and Zac looked at the prompt nkly for a few seconds. The events that just had transpired made him unwilling to use his real name, but he also didnt want to be known as the Super Brother-Man again. He had already introduced himself as Zac at the Zethaya, and Boje was still alive, so he was a bit unsure what to do.


    But suddenly he had a spark of inspiration.


    Zac Piker, Zac said with a raspy voice.


    Piker was his mothers maiden name, at least ording to his dad. Zac had been one year when they married, and Leandra took on Robertsst name. By now Zac realized it was probably a fake name she used when she arrived on Earth, which made it a solid option to choose.


    Picking this pseudonym was a way for him to signal his mother that they were alive. She would perhaps hear of the name somehow, especially if he climbed far enough, ande help them out with their situation back on Earth.


    The scene quickly changed and Zac found himself sitting on by a camp-fire, joined by his two travelpanions and a headless corpse. The moment the prompt disappeared Zac felt a pang of worry, and he couldnt help but wonder if he had just made a monumental mistake choosing that name. But done was done, and Zac rather focused on the others.


    Gu had woken up at some time during their frantic escape, and he currently sat on the ground looking as though his soul had left him. His eyes were zed as they stared into the distance, void of thought and hope. Ogras was instead staring evenly at Zac, his eyes rife with unspoken words.


    Im sorry, I didnt expect that to happen, Zac coughed as he scratched his chin. But I did get a treasure for Alea I think.


    Of course, his true feelings werent quite as calm as he wanted to let on. The Splinter had thoroughly screwed him over this time, to the point of no return. Zac groaned as reached for his Cosmos Sack and took out a Nexus Crystal to start restoring his energy.


    Thebination of his terrible wounds, using <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage], </strong>and activating the first two swings of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> had really done a number on his body, and he felt so weak that a level 20 would be able to wring his neck if they wanted to.


    Luckily he hadnt suffered any wounds to his soul, so he had no problem activating his Dao of Trees to help recuperating. The Dao soothed his harried body, and he finally had a chance to look around.


    If it wasnt for him remembering entering the Tower he would have thought they had left the special dimension and were teleported somewhere on Earth. He knew that the ce was magical, but he had underestimated the Tower of Eternity.


    Zac had somewhat expected to find himself inside some sort of maze, where he had to beat the floor boss to proceed to the next floor, like some old school dungeon crawler. But he was currently sitting in front of a fire in a small de. Around him was a tranquil leafy forest, and there was even a normal sky when he looked up through the canopy.


    Nothing about this ce felt like either a tower or some sort of Trial, but rather a simple camping trip that brought back his memories to the day that the Integration took ce. They were only missing the trusty camper and a cooler full of beer toplete the experience. But everyone present obviously didnt share Zacs nostalgia.


    Im finished, Gu said with hollow eyes from across the fire. My cousins will tell the elders what transpired. I will be sacrificed to the Zethaya n in an effort to curry favor and distance themselves from you two lunatics.


    Well, this is our bad, Zac said, but corrected himself after seeing the face Ogras was making. Fine, my bad. I got a bit heated and things got out of hand. We will do our best to make things right for you.


    You can always say that we kidnapped you, Ogras finally said after releasing a heavy sigh. We did carry you into the tower after all.


    Gu didnt answer, as he kept looking into the distance with a face full of regrets. Zac and Ogras could hear him mumbling under his breath, but Zac could only make out <em>Why did I sit down at that table?</em>. Ogras only rolled his eyes before he turned to Zac.


    Are you okay?


    Can you give me a few hours? Zac sighed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Its fine, were not short on time any longer, Ogras shrugged. Well wait.


    Zac nodded in thanks and arduously got up from his sitting position, but he suddenly turned back toward the fire as he took out the small vial he got from Boje.


    Can you tell me what this is? Zac asked as he waved it at Gu.


    The youth initially wanted to ignore him, but he soon enough reluctantly got up to his feet to look at the bottle.


    Its actually a bottle of High-Grade <strong>[Serene Flesh Pill]</strong>. Its part of the Zethaya Pill House Serene Path-series of healing and nurturing pills. These three pills are worth almost 200 Million Nexus coins! Gu blurted out. The Zethaya truly have the best stuff.


    Can you be sure that its not poisoned or something? Zac asked.


    He initially hadnt nned on eating these things, but if he only relied on his own pills and constitution he would be in a bad shape for weeks, which was too much time to waste even within the Tower. He literally had pieces of guts dangling down from the side, and he was hesitant to move around as it was.


    Gu looked a bit confused, but his eyes started shimmering with a slight glow, indicating he was using some sort of ocr skill.


    It looks fine to me? Gu said. Besides, I think the Zethaya wouldnt do something to create poison pills disguised as their healing pills. Such a thing would cause massive harm to their reputation. They would rather offer an extreme bounty for your capture if they wanted to deal with you.


    Zac felt it made sense, and he took out one of the pills that looked like a pristine pearl. It was a lot better than any pill he had found during the hunt or bought from Calrin. His gut feeling didnt warn him either, so he quickly popped the pill into his mouth as he went over to the body of Rasuliel. He searched through his clothes, but a frown started to emerge when he couldn''t find what he was looking for.


    Where is the Cosmos Sack? Zac muttered, worried that he had lost it during the battle. I clearly saw him putting away a treasure.


    Its probably the ring on his finger, Ogras muttered. Rich bastard.


    Zac suddenly remembered Calrin mentioning that the high-ss Cosmos Sacks were jewelry rather than literal sacks. They were a lot more valuable as they required a craftsman proficient in the Dao of Space to create.


    He twisted the ring off from Rasuliels finger and limped over to a tree some distance from the campsite. Zac needed to rest a bit and let the pill do its magic. His head was also aplete mess for some reason, and he needed to restore his mental state as well.


    Sitting alone in the forest full of wounds made his thoughts go back to his first months on the ind, where his body was always in various state of disrepair. He usually felt like apletely different personpared to the guy who kept getting himself in trouble while fighting the dumb demonic beasts, but sometimes it seemed like he hadnt actually improved all that much.


    Zac restarted his recuperation with practiced ease as he went over what had just happened. The whole fight was just a jumbled mess in his mind, and he couldnt remember the details. Had he forgotten due to his anger, or had the splinter actually controlled him? The distinction was extremely important, and he quickly looked inward to check up on the splinter.


    The <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion]</strong> was extremely docile at the moment, and it had retracted all its tentacles that usually tried to finagle their way out of the miasmic prison in his head. It didnt release any of that odd energy into his mind either, making the funnelpletely empty. But that alone didnt bring anyfort to Zac at all, and the reason was simple.


    One of the Miasmic Runes were missing.


    He had looked at the runes that encircled the <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion] </strong>many times in an attempt to understand them, and he was certain that there were one fewer of them now. Initially there had been nine of them, but now only eight remained, making the gap between them slightlyrger.


    Worry filled Zacs heart, and he started to wonder if the protection of the mysterious Draugrdy was failing. If the runes disappeared with this speed then he would lose all protection in just a few years. He might be able to reach peak E-Grade in ten years if he pushed himself, but he knew that wasnt enough to control the effects of the splinter.


    Or perhaps it happened because he lost control due to his anger. It had empowered the Splinter enough to break one of the runes, resulting in the destruction that followed. If that was the case he would have to focus on ways to fortify his mind to avoid such a scene repeating itself.


    Unfortunately there wasnt much he could do about the issue as things currently stood, and he retracted his mind from the splinter.


    He instead looked down on his finger to see that the ring Calrin lent him had lost all its luster, and therge iid crystal looked like a murky piece of ss. Zac couldnt help but groan when he saw the sight. This had been his strongest defensive ace, but he only had one use of it and it had been expended before he even entered the tower.


    It was a poignant reminder that he wasnt invulnerable even with his massive pool of attributes. Everyone had their own advantages and hidden aces. That Rasuliel hadnt seemed like a peak genius, yet he had almost killed Zac even if he activated the ring. There was also the attack fueled by a Dao Fragment that almost hit him as they fled, indicating his level of insight wasn''t anything unique in the Tower.


    At least his battle came with a few upsides Zac reckoned as he turned his attention to Rasuliels Spatial Ring. It had turned into an ownerless item since the guy died, allowing Zac to immediately bind it. But he was surprised when he saw the somewhat limited space when he inspected the insides.


    The space was only a bitrgerpared to the ordinary Cosmos Sacks that cost just a few million Nexus Coins. Zac had expected a spatial tool belonging to a rich guy like that to be able to store mountain ranges if needed, but he guessed he had severely underestimated the difficulty of making Spatial Rings. The space in his own cosmos sack was a lotrger than this.


    However, it was a lot more convenientpared to the Cosmos Sack. He needed to physically touch a sack to take out an item, but he could simply will the ring to spit out its contents since it was already on his hand. That would allow him to take out his axe or a defensive treasure a lot quicker, which might be the difference between life and death. He also knew that the space inside a Spatial Ring was a lot more stable, whereas Cosmos Sacks needed to be reced at regr intervals as to not lose the contents.


    Just the ring itself was an amazing treasure worth well over a Billion Nexus Coins, yet he knew that was only the tip of the iceberg after a cursory nce at the contents. He immediately found the box that Rasuliel put away just before the battle started, and just that box alone almost made Zac feel the danger he found himself in worth it.


    He still couldnt be certain that the <strong>[Praj Cherry] </strong>would be enough to heal Alea, but it would no doubt make her situation better than it currently was. If he could prolong the time she could stay inside the coffin to a few decades he felt confident he would be able to find a few more treasures to feed her.


    Perhaps the Tree of Ascension would be able to produce another fruit as well, and with its odd mutation it might be able to help the Poison Mistress.


    Of course, the cherry was just one of arge number of treasures, making Zac feel that expending the charge on his ring to not be the end of the world. There were no doubt more defensive treasures in the Spatial Tool that Rasuliel didnt have a chance to use during their hectic battle.


    Zac took out one box or vial after another, ncing at their contents. All of them were clearly good items judging by their spiritual emanations, but he had no idea what they did. He could have Gu go through the things to find anything that would be useful during the climb. But he suddenly froze after opening a particr box.


    Wasnt that the Eye of the Pathfinder Oracle?

 Chapter 399: The Peaks

    Chapter 399: The Peaks


    Who would have thought that it was actually Rasuliel Tsarun who coughed up a shocking 78 billion Nexus Coins to buy this thing? Zac had already learned that while the Eye was a precious item, it wasnt worth nowhere such an obscene amount. Gu had exined that it would go for at most 20 billion Nexus Coins in the outside world.


    There were many ways to upgrade one''s specialty core, such as the pills Zethaya Pill House provided. Those pills cost less than a billion Nexus Coins, a far cry from the shocking amount the Eye ended up at. Most proper heritages with instructions on forming Specialty Cores also came with methods to evolving them, making Zac suspect that Rasuliel wanted the Eye for some other purpose than himself.


    Did Rasuliel perhaps have some urgent need for the Eye, prompting him to pay through his nose? That might have been why he visited the Zethaya n as well. He might have been looking for help in turning the Eye into some specific pill with the help of Boja or some of his elders back home.


    Of course, Rasuliel''s reasons for overpaying for the item no longer mattered.


    Getting his hands on the Eye meant that he had essentially acquired everything on his list before arriving at the Tower of Eternity. Now he only needed to get out in one piece, and he would have all the tools he needed to burst out with a huge amount of power after returning to Earth.


    He finally retracted his mind from the Spatial Ring and refocused on recuperating. The <strong>[Serene Flesh Pill] </strong>did wonders to his body, but then it still took a few hours before he felt well enough to even walk any distance. His wound was still an open mess though, and one could see his body slowly growing new cells to restore the hole in his side.


    Zac guessed that it would take a few days for his wounds to closepletely, and a few days more for him to regain his full strength. It was an extremely long convalescence for someone like Zac with a huge pool of Endurance and Vitality, but it would have been even longer if it wasn''t for the pill.


    There was an unmistakable aura of a strong Dao in his wound that slowed down his efforts to heal up, but he wasn''t as helpless as when Mhal infected him with the Draugr samples. He was slowly grinding down the foreign Dao with his fragments, and it wouldn''t be long before all of it was expended.


    His Spirit Tool Robes also had mended themselves by this point, which at least blocked the grisly sight of his wound. He got up to his feet with a grunt and returned to the campsite, only to find Ogras leisurely sipping wine from one of the dozens of vats he had bought during the past week. Gu still sat and stared despondently into the great beyond, and didn''t even give Zac a nce when he returned.


    Hes still out of it? Zac asked with confusion.


    Sheltered brat, all despondent after a little bit of mayhem, Ogras snorted with some derision before he turned to Zac. Now, can you exin what the hell happened? The n was for you to buy some healing pills. How did that turn into you tearing down the Pill House of an ancient n and ripping the head off this poor bastard?


    Even if the demon appeared unbothered on the surface it was obvious he was a bit frazzled by the events as well. He looked back and forth between the headless body of Rasuliel and Zac, clearly trying to get a grip on the situation.


    Zac sighed as he recounted the whole encounter from the moment he entered, adding on his own spection about Rasuliel being from one of the ousted families of Earth. He didnt hide the fact that they came from a newly integrated since he felt Gu deserved to understand the situation after having been dragged into this level of trouble.


    What'' you''re progenitors? But what about. Wait, hes from the Tsarun n? Gu cried when he heard about the identity of the corpse. Oh, Mommy.


    You know about them? Zac asked curiously and a bit usatory. I still dont know why he targeted me, do you have some sort of feud with them?


    Ahem Ogras coughed. Its the Tsarun, remember? Calrins old friends?


    Only then did Zac remember why the name was so familiar. It was the old n that had worked on stealing Calrins Mercantile License for centuries. If that man knew who Zac was, then it would exin his hostility. Who knew how much time and effort n had spent only for Zac to foil their ns inadvertently.


    I wonder how that Tsarun guy could know that I was the one who helped Calrin though, Zac muttered. It looked like he knew right away.


    Whos Calrin? Gu finally asked.


    A merchant targeted by the Tsarun n fled to my, I gave them a ce to stay in exchange for a part of his business, Zac shrugged.


    So you had already made that n your enemy even before you came here? Gu nkly asked, looking ready to barf. "Those guys are extremely overbearing. Their patriarch is dead-set on elevating their n to a peak force, and they don''t shy away from any means. They''re almost bordering on turning into an unorthodox force, but they stay just within the limits to not get targeted."


    Yes, I didnt expect them to be here, or that theyd find out about me, Zac shrugged. Do you know how thats possible?


    Gus distraught eyes focused for a second, but a frown slowly crept onto his face.


    I dont know either. The world is full of mysterious skills and arrays though. Do you wear anything bought through that store they were targeting? he asked.


    Zac considered for a few seconds before his eyes turned to the defensive ring given to him by Calrin. Ogras eyes lit up as well as he looked down at his hand.


    Ill punt that little blue bastard over to the next ind next time I see him. Did he do it on purpose to make usplicit? the demon muttered with annoyance before he wryly smiled at Zac. I think our n of feigning ignorance and handing over Calrin in case we meet the Tsarun elders is ruined now.


    Zac could only snort in response. Ruined felt like an understatement after killing one of the young masters of the n.


    The real issue is how youll deal with this. Remember, well only be inside here for a day. By that point those guys might have amassed a small army outside to wee our return, the demon added.


    Well, cant we just zap out the moment we leave the tower? Zac asked. Its a shame to leave so early, but theres no option. The 60-second limiter should have passed by now, right? Or maybe we can even leave right here?


    We cant leave the Tower straight to our homeworld, Ogras said with a shake of his head. You can only use the token to leave the Tower, then you can use it again to leave this dimension. And I dont know how it works for us. This situation is outside my general knowledge.


    Maybe if we climb high enough theyll back off? Zac ventured. Or at least hesitate long enough for us to teleport out?


    Wait! Gu suddenly eximed as he turned to Zac looking like a drowning man finding a glimmer of hope. Pretty Peak is in the Base town! Can you ask her for help?


    Pretty Peak? Who the hell is that? Ogras said.


    The Peak family of the Allbright Empire! Gu exined as he pointed at Zac. He clearly has a connection to them, and they are both strong and overbearing enough to make the Tsarun n back down. Even the Zethaya might give them face if they know you are rted.


    I dont know what youre talking about, Zac said, and he wasnt lying. "Who are the Peak family?"


    Your bracer, Gu said. It is no doubt made by someone from the Peak family. They utilize a unique crafting method thats easily distinguishable if you know what to look for.


    So that spiel about the fear in our eyes the other day was all dogshit? You simply recognized the bracer this guy wore and figured we were strong? Ogras snorted.


    Well I did not really lie. I simply didnt exin all my reasons for employing you, Gu coughed before his face once again was marred by despair. But what good did my nning do? No one will believe the authenticity of my climb after having seen your rampage. You will no doubt reach the sixth floor, perhaps even conquering it.


    Tell me what you know about the Peak family, Zac said with interest, ignoring theints of Gu.


    He had held back on mentioning Greatest and Average since he didnt want to expose his connection to them, but it looked like it was for naught. Gu had known about it since the start, and had even used the connection as a measure of his strength.


    Its a unique family in the Allbright Empire. It cant really be called a n since there are only a hundred members or so in the family. But all of them are crazy strong. The patriarch of the family is Ultimate, one of the four Marshalls of the Allbright Empire. He is a friend of the emperor himself, Gu said.


    What about Pretty? Is she Ultimates daughter? Zac asked.


    No, grand-daughter. Her father is Strongest, the eldest of the three sons of Ultimate. The other two are Greatest and Fiercest, Gu said.


    Whats with these names? Ogras snorted.


    Zac kept asking a bit about the family without making it obvious who in the family he had a connection with. It turned out that the Peak family actually lived in the capital of the Allbright Empire, but most members were out battling. Greatest had headed to the Red Sector in order to find dangerous criminals to fight.


    The Red Sector was apparently one of the more remote zones of the Allbright Empire, and bordering it was arge unimed sector with a huge number of spatial anomalies. It made both teleportation arrays impossible to construct while also making it extremely dangerous to travel with Cosmic Ships.


    This had turned the sector to a mostlywless no man''snd where unorthodox forces, pirates, and other dangerous people hid. The Allbright Empire oftenunched assaults on the area, but it was an absolute rats nest that was almost impossible topletely cleanse.


    Apart from the Allbright armies, the Red Zone was also rife with bounty hunters and mercenary squads hoping to make a killing inside the unimed territory. The numerous anomalies created a unique atmosphere that regrly gave birth to valuable treasures. Sometimes extremely valuable items were even spat out through a spatial tear,ing from god knows where.


    It was in that chaotic space that Greatest sought to hone himself through bloodshed.


    Zac suddenly remembered the conversation between Greatest and Average. He had mentioned asking the Red Emperor to allow Average to enter some Eternal Legion. Was the Eternal Legion one of the punitive armies that regrly tried to clean out the pirates and other scum in thewless zone?


    Zac''s mouth turned upward slightly when he imagined that gaudy teenager being forced to fight ruthless pirates or crazy cultists while still at F or Early E-Grade. Even strong E-Grade warriors should be at risk there, as people who had the ability to traverse betweens should be very powerful.


    He wasn''t all too worried about his safety though. Greatest''s family was a lot more impressive than he had imagined, and there was no doubt someone hiding in the shadows making sure that Average didn''t actually kick the bucket.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But Zac knew that just because he had met those two during his Hegemony trial, there was no way that he couldpletely rely on them to clean up his mess.


    I truthfully have no connection with that family. I only got this bracer through a chance encounter, Zac said. I had never heard of Pretty Peak before today, so I doubt that she would extend a hand to help with our situation.


    Gu lookedpletely crestfallen, but Zac was internally delighted. Greatest was from a force far stronger than he had expected, with multiple C-Grade powerhouses in its ranks. Perhaps he could ask this Pretty for a way to save Earth from the Great Redeemer.

 Chapter 400: The Law of the Land

    Chapter 400: The Law of the Land


    The problem was that Zacs connection to the Peak Family wasnt all that deep. It was simply a chance encounter between himself and Greatest. Perhaps they would have lent a helping hand if it was before, but now he had a bulls-eye on his back due to the quest.


    It was one thing for them to stand up against a solitary D-Grade warrior, but another thing entirely to create enmity with all the forces in the Base Town in order to protect him.


    Well just have to y it by the ear. In case we get split upter, remember to stay until the time runs out, so that we all exit this ce at the same time, Ogras said as he walked over to Gu. Get up, theres no time to waste.


    You are from a recently integrated so you dont understand just how troublesome people you''ve offended. We need to figure out a way to make amends! Gu said as he finally dragged himself back to his feet.


    We wont apologize to those assholes. Why was it so hard for them to sell one puny healing treasure? Ogras snorted. I say good riddance. Seeing how they acted they would just have caused problems for us even if we cowered in their presence. Might as well be proactive and kill them first.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He wouldnt have acted the way he did if it wasnt for the Splinter in his mind, but he was pretty annoyed even without it. That guy wanted Alea to die out of pure spite, even though they had never met before. All because some unverified clue that he had some connections to the Thayer Consortia.


    Anyway, lets get going, Zac said after throwing the demon a nod in thanks for the support. How do we get to the next floor?


    Gu looked at Zac incredulously, obviously shocked at how uninformed he was. Ogras wasnt as surprised of course, as he was the source of everything Zac knew about the tower.


    The Tower contains various challenges, and which challenge you will encounter at a specific floor varies. The only way topletely prepare for a climb is to be good at everything, which is of course impossible, the demon said.


    Challenges? Like what? Zac asked with interest.


    Zac hadnt actually bothered to learn too much about the tower itself until now. He had been so consumed with finding all the things he needed for himself, Earth, and Alea in the Base Town. Ogras had already mentioned that you could brute-force your way through the tower, but he needed to know how things worked now.


    Besides, it wasnt like Ogras was a wellspring of information. Getting anything out of the demon when it didnt benefit him was like squeezing water out of a rock.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It can be anything. It can be passing an array, like you did at the Pill House, finding a treasure, identifying the source of a curse, saving someone, Ogras exined and listed a handful of other challenges the demon himself encountered.


    Zac frowned since his skillset was quite limited. He had a basic understanding of arrays, but that was about it. How the hell would he dispel a curse orplete a summoning ritual for a departed ancestor? He knew nothing about pill concoction, tracking, or any other of the myriad side upations in existence.


    Dont worry, The Ruthless Heavens always leaves a path of survival, Ogras smiled. There is a second option, one that suits you better.


    Oh? Zac perked up.


    Just st through everything. Might over technique, the demon grinned. There is always the option to just kill something instead ofpleting the quest. It might sometimes be a bit unclear just what needs to be killed though, so make sure you think it through before you start swinging. Killing the wrong person might have odd consequences.


    Zac sighed in relief. It was just like the System to provide a back-up solution like that, it truly preferred violence over shrewdness.


    The three finally got ready to leave the de they wound up in, and Zac put the headless corpse of Rasuliel into his Cosmos Sack after some deliberation. Perhaps it woulde in handy for some reason when they emerged from the tower.


    By the way, what was the reward? Zac suddenly asked with some morbid curiosity as they walked. What was my life worth?


    One free level.


    One free level? Thats it? Zac asked incredulously, and he even started to feel a bit insulted by the System.


    Thats a huge reward! Gu said. Ive never heard of such a big reward before at Base Town. Its usually things like clue crystals that provide hints on how toplete a single quest, but yours is simply one free level.


    Oh, so a level for the tower? Still, whats the big deal if you get to one level higher? Zac asked.


    Because it might allow you topletely skip the final challenge of a floor. Over 90% of all trail takers get stuck at the final challenge of a floorsince the difficulty is way higher there than the earlier levels. sting past that trial will get you fame, rewards, and a better title, Ogras exined. Just look at Reoluv. If he managed to kill you first he would reach the fabled 8th floor rather than being stuck on 7th. It''s the difference between once a decade genius and once a millennia genius. Id be tempted to take you on right now myself if you werent such a monster.


    Zac only rolled his eyes in response, but he suddenly realized that Ogras wasnt just messing around. The demon was subtly telling him that the quest was still active. And while Gu felt like a slightly hapless youngster he wouldnt be here unless he was an elite.


    It wasnt unthinkable that Gu would try to kill him sooner orter, as that would not only let him pass another level, but it might also allow him to survive the storm that was no doubt brewing outside the tower. If Gu presented his head to the Zethaya or Tsarun ns he might even get a huge reward.


    Well, thank you for your restraint, Zac quickly answered, adding half-jokingly. I guess I will have to sleep with one eye open.


    The three walked through the tranquil forest for the better part of an hour, and interestingly there wasnt a single predator in sight. He did spot a level 20 bird, but it was pretty small and kept a wide berth from the three.


    This was of course fine with Zac who was in no fighting condition at the moment, but it was a bit confusing for someone who had been primed to fight some peak F-Grade boss toplete a trial. Zac was just about to ask what was going on when the scenery changed.


    The forest gave way to cultivated farnd that stretched out across the horizon, and a small farming vige could be seen in the distance. The whole scene felt extremely calm and idyllic, but Zac was dragged out of his reverie by a prompt from the System.


    <strong>[The Vige of Whittlecreek of the Bravorian Kingdom hastely been subject to an increasing number of raids from Fallen Goblins. Find out the source of the new threat.]</strong>


    Did you get the prompt about Whittlecreek as well? Zac asked curiously.


    Yes, this is our first trial, Ogras said as he pointed at the pastoral vige in the distance. I guess it can be categorized under information gathering. Lets head over to the town first.


    Is there anything else I should know? Zac said. The people in the town, for example. Are they real?


    Thats a subject of some debate, Gu said, finally getting into the spirit of adventure. Some believe these people are real, but others say there are simply illusions or lifelike puppets created by the System. They do all give Cosmic Energy when killed though, which give more credence to the first theory.


    The Ruthless Heavens can simply provide energy itself though, Ogras interjected.


    Zac nodded in agreement, remembering how the System had provided Cosmic Energy for destroying robots back at the Technocrat Incursion.


    Thats true, Gu nodded, before turning back to Zac. The reason that arge group believes these are just puppets is that they simply ignore allments about the Tower or the world outside. It doesnt matter what you do or say, these vigers will truly believe they are from Whittlecreek in the Bravorian Kingdom.


    The people are also never surprised to see or hostile against other races, like they dont even know that a huge golem or a humanoid fish is standing in front of them. The vigers would still wee Mr. AzhRodum even if the quest was to rebuff enemy demons, Gu added.


    Ogras had introduced himself using the name of the demon town on his ind rather than his truest name even before they entered the tower, and Zac guessed he had done the same when prompted by the system. The demon still didnt want any clues about his situation leaking back to the demon hordes in case it would bring trouble to either his grandfather or Earth.


    There was also the issue of Karmic threads and other troublesome skills. Not using your true name wasnt a foolproof n, but it did make various types of information gathering slightly harder. Thats was another reason Zac chose to use his alias as well, apart from sending out a hidden signal to his mother in case she was listening.


    So how would we normallyplete a trial like this? Zac asked.


    This is the very first level, so it should be possible toplete quickly, Ogras said. I would guess that there is a clue in the town itself that would allow us toplete the trial, or at least give us a clear hint of where to go.


    But thats the hard way, what about defeating the guardian or whatever? Zac asked.


    The guardian would probably be the boss of the Fallen Goblins, and we would no doubt find out where he is soon after entering the town, Ogras said. Completing the normal way would be to find out why the Goblin tribe moved here. My guess is that a rival Country is trying to weaken them by tricking these vermin to raid the farnds."


    Zac looked over at the talkative demon with surprise. It sounded like he had thought everything through, and already formted a n. He even seemed to have an in-depth understanding of the mechanics of the tower itself, which allowed him to infer hidden clues.


    Dont look at me like that, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. Remember, I was a lot weakerst time I was here. I wasnt even level 60, so I focused on gathering intelligence rather than fighting. The guy I hired was a bit of a meathead, so I had to help out where I could.


    What? Gu blurted out. Why would you head here so early?


    I was bored, Ogras shrugged, clearly not interested in divulging his precarious situation back in his old n.


    Zac kept asking questions as they walked over toward the town, and Ogras simply told him to y the part. It made things easier if you inserted you into the setting in a believable way. In this case they would say they were warriors who hade to look into the newly emerging threat. That way the vigers might be more inclined to share information with them.


    He also underlined that they shouldn''t attack random people. It could quickly make things get out of hand. For example, it might garner the ire of some nearby nobleman of the Bravorian Kingdom who would rush to the vige for revenge, and such an individual wasn''t necessarily within the expected strength of the floor they were on. Many climbs had ended early due to cultivators taking toorge liberties while inside, where they took the opportunity to act despicable while out of prying eyes.


    After all, no one would ever know what happened during a climb unless they retold the story themselves.


    But why would the System design such an borate ce like this? Zac asked. Why not just present a series of increasingly strong opponents for us to fight? This ce must cost an insane amount of energy to keep running.


    Have you heard about the origins of the System? Gu asked.


    Of course, the Limitless Empire created it to nurture warriors for their war, Zac said.


    Exactly. The System has changed a lot since that ancient era, but its main prerogative remains. It needs to create powerful warriors. You shouldnt see this ce simply as a trial to get a good title, but as a training ground to hone your skills, Gu exined. "Everyone whoes to the Tower is an elite the System has deemed worth nurturing, and this whole ce is a massive incubator."


    And I am not talking about your Skills or your Dao. This ce teaches you to think, the youth added. Thats what I believe, anyway.


    What do you mean? Zac asked with confusion.


    You can look at it this way. Most people whoe here are from established factions. They might have good insights and high attributes, but they have lived generally sheltered lives under the protection of their elders. I have no doubt that you as a progenitor have seen far more battle than almost any warrior you encountered in the Base Town, Gu said.


    Zac nodded, feeling it made sense. There was no reason for a n to throw their youths to the wolves to grow like he did. It might create one or two powerhouses, but most would end up dead. Almost no one was willing to rear their young generations like that.


    But that also meant that they turned out like Average, people having the technique but not the grit to make it through a harsh battle.


    It seems you understand. The Tower throws you into arge number of unfamiliar situations, allowing you to gain not just experience in fighting, but also how to solve various types of situations you might encounter in the future. The things you learn today might save your life in a Mystic Realm in the future, Gu finished.


    Some excitement started to well up in Zacs heart as he listened to Gus exnations, and he couldnt help but look forward to the trials now.


    Until now there had only been a fight for survival, where he was thrown into one perilous situation after another. Now he could rx and enjoy some exploration and adventure, all while honing his skills.


    It was nice to finally get a breather.

 Chapter 401: Taboo Origins

    Chapter 401: Taboo Origins


    Kenzie exhaled with a tired sigh as she waited for the drones to return to her side. Jeeves was doing all of the calctions when shemanded the flying machines to strike her targets, but the AI ran on her spirit energy to function. Destroying one infusion pir felt even more draining than using all her Daos to battle for half an hour, even though she didnt even leave the flying treasure.


    Ilvere silently gazed upon the destruction, not even bothering toment as he directed the treasure toward their next target. He had assisted her for her campaign the past two days, taking care of all minor details so that she would only have to worry about the pirs themselves. No one else had apanied the two out of security concerns.


    Kenzie had felt a bit stupid after realizing that bringing the demon general might have opened a can of worms, but the general solved the issue by immediately creating a contract of silence after she destroyed the first pir. It stipted that he would keep silent on all matters regarding MacKenzie Atwood, and there was no time limitation. As for remuneration, it was only 1 Nexus Crystal a year.


    Ilvere was a trusted general under her brother and Ogras, and she had initially felt it was unnecessary to go to such lengths regarding such a small issue. But the demon had said it was as much for himself as for her as he didn''t want his head to leave his shoulders when Lord Atwood returned in two days.


    She initially wanted to refute him, but she honestly wasnt sure what the truth was any longer. Her brother had changed during the past months, and she wasnt just talking about the transformation that everyone was forced to undergo to survive in this new environment. He had be harsher, more paranoid. It honestly wasnt impossible that hed kill Ilvere just to make sure nothing would leak out about their heritage.


    Of course, the demon general only knew a part of the truth. She had exined the drones by saying that Zac had found the Technocrat Incursion while in the Underworld, and he had decided to take their technology for himself to protect Earth. It was taboo technology, but things were getting desperate and her brother had made the decision to bear any repercussions by the System for using them.


    Luckily for her Earth was somewhat technologically advanced before the integration, and it was impossible for a demon like Ilvere to properly understand the vast gap between the tablets and cars of old Earth and the futuristic drones crammed full of shocking technology. He thought that Zac had put some of their engineers on analyzing the drones before they quickly were deployed into battle, which was of course ludicrous. It would probably take years to reverse-engineer this type of technology, if they ever managed to do it.


    As for repercussions, Jeeves assured her there would be none. It was something that her AI was still vague about, but it had on multiple asions assured her that he would not draw any ire from the System for its existence or actions. She wasn''t sure what to believe about that im though. Her AI was a great teacher, but how could it control what the System would do?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Since Ilvere was in charge of driving the flying treasure toward the next pir she closed her eyes and focused on one of her training regimens. She formed four thin strands of Dao Energy in her mind and started to arduously weave them together into an ugly braid. It required extreme control of her Dao Energy and it didn''t have a lot of applications, but it did help her in various ways.


    Braiding her Daos allowed her to take the first step toward fusing them in the future while also helping her to more naturally use multiple Daos while battling. She could only infuse two of her elements into an attack at the moment, but Jeeves assured her a full infusion of all four was possible.


    <em>Cant you help Zac a bit and create a training program for him as well? </em>Kenzie entreated for the umpteenth time. <em>You know hes struggling with this type of stuff. </em>


    <strong>[No. I cannot get involved with him.]</strong> the synthetic voice answered as usual. <strong>[I cannot.]</strong>


    <em>But why? </em>Kenziembasted in her mind, her usual caution thrown to the wind due to stress and exhaustion. <em>You know he is the best shot for us all surviving. If he fails against the undead well all die. Unless you tell me I wont feed you any longer!</em>


    <strong>[]</strong>


    <strong>[Pain. Fear. Loss]</strong>


    Kenzies vision suddenly changed to an enormous chamber. Her eyes were instinctively drawn to arge insignia depicting nine horizontal lines of increasingly short length forming a downward-pointing triangle. One vertical line cut straight through the nine lines, splitting the triangle in two, and the ends of the line were sticking out a bit on each side.


    There was not much else to see in the chamber. The walls and floor were a pristine white, and theck of details made it impossible to guess whether they were ten meters or hundreds of meters away.


    The only other exception to the endless white was the machine.


    The machine was beyond anything she had seen before, no matter if she talked size orplexity. It was built in concentric circles where it formed an upside-down pyramid with its tip pointing toward her vantage point.


    Even the small tip that stopped fifty meters or so above her head was over a hundred meters wide, which made it almost iprehensible just howrge the machine was at the far thicker base at the top. The chamber itself must be tens, perhaps hundreds of kilometers in diameter judging by the machine. The construction dwarfed anything she had ever encountered.


    Even the Mystic Realm she had spent a lot of time inside recently shouldnt be as big as this single room judging by the size of the apparatus.


    The tip of the machine was neither t nor sharp. It rather ended in thousands of spikes aligned toward her. Each one thrummed with enough power to tear a hole in the fabric of space, and her vision swam from focusing on any single one of them.


    Each of the spikes felt like a doomsday device, each one of them containing their own unique way to destroy the world. Four of them actually resonated with Kenzies soul, making her realize the spikes contained the Daos of Tinder, Loam, Waves, and Gust. But if her Dao Seeds were snippets of a fragment of a grand truth, then these spikes contained the real deal.


    Was Jeeves trying to appease her by giving her a hint into her Daos?


    A shing light interrupted Kenzies inspection and the scene changed to one of utter destruction. The machine was mostly gone, and fragments from the construction scorched almost beyond recognition floated in an empty space illuminated in blue.


    Two massive vaulted domes with enormous cracks floated in the distance, each surrounded by a neb of technological debris. She tried to look closer, but she soon lost sight of the domes as her vision slowly turned away. She realized she was in space as well, slowly rotating from her own momentum.


    But the odd sights didnt end, and something even more shocking waited for her as she spun 180 degrees. Endless oceans of lightning covered the darkness of space, creating a spectacle of an impossible scale.


    The lightning was too scary and Kenzie felt it contained the power to destroy everything in the world. And its scope was <em>massive.</em> She spotted a whole being swallowed inside the lightning like a small pebble in a pond, which meant the lightning at least covered an area asrge as a whole sr system.


    Kenzie couldnt make sense of what happened, and then the scene was over.


    <em>What was that?! </em>Kenzie asked with shock, barely coherent enough to not speak out aloud.


    The magnitude of what she had witnessed was far beyond anything she had encountered so far. It made her remember the Dao Visions that her brother had recounted for her. Such a thing like the machine or the sea of lightning wasn''t something someone from their little shoulde into contact with.


    The power in that lightning was terrifying. She had no doubt that if just one wisp of lightning from that ocean grazed Earth only a scorched husk would remain. There was something primordial about it, like it contained the wrath of the universe itself.


    <em>Your origin? </em>Kenzie ventured when Jeeves didn''t directly answer.


    <strong>[Probably.]</strong>


    <em>But what does that have to do with my brother or why you wont help him?</em>


    <strong>[I dont know.]</strong>


    After that exchange the AI turned taciturn and refused to answer any further questions. But Kenzie was still happy about the result. She had glimpsed what was probably the origin of Jeeves, which was also a clue to finding mom.


    Thatrge insignia was the first clue, and she made sure to memorize it properly. The second clue was that terrifyingke of lightning. Was that the System itself descending on the Technocrats? She knew the two forces were at odds, but she hadnt heard of the System actively going against them. It seemed to usually work circuitously by giving quests or restricting the Technocrats in various ways.


    Kenzie opened her eyes and resumed looking at the passingndscape since Jeeves wasnt in the mood to talk any longer. These past two days they had been in constant motion, closing one pir after another with the help of the drone swarms.


    However, the next target was likely theirst one. The drones were all spent, and they would require at least a week to convert Cosmic Energy to whatever energy they used to fly about. It was an extremely convenient technology to never require any upkeep, but she wished they just had some batteries they could swap out at this juncture.


    It took them two more hours before they reached the pir by flying at maximum speed. The pir was the same as all others, an azure beacon of energy left alone in a deste area. No zombies or other guards were stationed around it, giving them free rein to do what they wanted. It was a bit odd, but it felt like the undead truly didnt care if some pirs were destroyed.


    It was due to the redundancies ording to Jeeves. Since the undead managed to activate the array a pathway had formed in the sky. That pathway was self-sustaining and slowly filled with miasma by the beacons, and destroying a pir would only hamper the rate the pathway was filled. It wouldnt stop the array itself. You''d need to destroy the Array Core to do that, and that thing was no doubt in the heart of the Dead Zone.


    How such a thing was made was beyond Kenzie even after her intense study of arrays. It was likely a higher-tiered Arraypared to the basic ones she had learned thus far. An array surviving even after its gs getting destroyed was no doubt the result of some high-grade technique that might have been unknown to the small Sect where Zac got the information crystals.


    Kenzie ordered the swarm of drones to emerge once more and form a circle around the beacon. A high-intensity st followed, and the next moment the pir was exchanged with a smoldering crater. Kenzie nodded in satisfaction and recalled her spent drones, but a dozen of them were suddenly destroyed as a female voice drifted across the area.


    So your ilk is still skulking around on this after all. Makes sense you wouldnt want to give up that base. But you made a mistake when deciding to meddle with the Empires affairs. You should know that the conquest wont be stopped for any reason.


    The next moment terrifying energies were released from the ground as another miasmic beacon shot into the sky. In the middle of it a blurry figure floated in the air, teeming with power.


    Shes too strong, Ilvere said with a frown as he infused the flying disk with a lot of Cosmic Energy. Ill try to block her attacks as we flee. Let the young master and Lord Atwood deal with her when they return.


    Left! Kenzie suddenly screamed, prompted by Jeeves who had awoken again.


    But it was toote.


    Ilvere unhesitantly followed her advice, but his reaction wasnt quick enough. Ance formed of what looked like crude oil mmed straight into the disk from below, cracking the whole flying treasure in two. Horror filled Kenzie''s heart as they were over a hundred meters into the air.


    Down you go, the undead woman''sugh echoed across the area.


    <em>Help</em> Kenzie shrieked in her mind, knowing that she was out of her league.


    <strong>[Initiating Battle Protocol, full utilization. Time remaining: 1 minute 36 seconds.]</strong>

 Chapter 402: Whittlecreek

    Chapter 402: Whittlecreek


    The trio soon enough reached the main gate of the ramshackle wall surrounding the vige. It looked like the fortifications were erected hundreds of years ago, but the townspeople had let it deteriorate. The only sign of recent maintenance was a hole in the wall that had been filled with rocks and logs in a clumsy effort to close the gap.


    The gate was open, but an old guard gave them a re as he blocked the path into the town. Zac didnt sense any threat from him, and he could tell that the guard was around level 40 at best. There was also no aura or pressure emanating from him, telling Zac that the old man was wholly unimpressive and likely without even a Dao seed. He was most probably a mortal who had gotten to this point by fighting the local animals and splurging on the asional Nexus Crystal, and the chances of reaching E-Grade was next to zero.


    Who are you lot? he gruffly asked as he looked back and forth at the trio with a clear hint of suspicion. What do you want with Whittlecreek?


    Were adventurers who heard of the plight of your fair town, Ogras said as he righteously pped his chest. We havee to investigate the appearance of those dastardly Goblins.


    Oh, did the guild send you? the guard said, his eyes immediately brightening in anticipation.


    The Guild? Ah, yes the Guild did send us, Ogras nodded after a briefpse. "I am sure you''ve been instructed to co-operate properly?"


    Great! I will inform the Mayor! My name is Keldor, just find me if you need help with anything! I wish you the best of luck, he said as he hurried away toward arge manor at the other side of the town.


    Zac gave Ogras an amused nce, not used to his heroic demeanor from before.


    What? Might as well have some fun with it, Ogras shrugged as they passed through the gate. Once again, remember the rule. Do not kill innocents inside the Tower. There have been many reports of extremely powerful old cultivators jumping out of nowhere when the normal citizens get killed rather than the targets of the trial.


    I heard you the first time. Besides, do I strike you like a person that would run around killing people willy-nilly? Zac snorted.


    Well, not really, Ogras conceded before he threw Zac a scathing nce. But you also didnt strike me as the type of person who would obliterate the shop of one of the most influential forces in the star sector, so what do I know?


    Zac was about to refute the demon but he realizes he didnt have a lot of leg to stand on. Ogras still wasnt aware of the whole story regarding the Splinter, so even he must have felt that the whole thing looked like the actions of a madman.


    Well, I am all better now. I wont do something like that again, Zac sighed.


    Im sure, the demon snorted before he got serious again. So what do you want to do? Find the Goblins or investigate the source?


    Zac was stumped for a second before he looked around the picturesque town for a bit. It was easy to forget that he was actually undergoing a trial, and that he was inside a mysterious tower in some hidden pocket dimension of outer space.


    He hadnt really considered his tactic beforeing. He had just nned on smashing through everything as quickly as possible before going back to Earth. But after having walked past the beautiful fields and having arrived at this ce he felt the same sense of calm as when he sat in the courtyard gazing up at the stars the other day.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Those moments of tranquility were hard toe by in his current reality. The moment he stepped out of the Tower he would have to enter a series of life-and-death battles to take out thest enemies on Earth. But he was now given a hundred days to slow down and adjust his state of mind for a bit.


    He knew he couldnt treat the Tower as a vacation, as the higher floors took time toplete, but he also didnt need to rush to the peak. He would be weakened for a while longer due to his wound, so he was in no hurry to rush to the harsher floors.


    Besides, he felt that what Gu said about learning to think made a lot of sense. He had been fighting tooth and nail for a year since the integration, but there were still huge holes in his knowledge. He knew a bit about arrays and how to swing his axe, but nothing else. Completing the trials the intended way was a chance for him to actually widen his skillset.


    Are there any benefits topleting levels quickly? Zac asked.


    Not really, except that it gives more time for the difficult trials further up, Gu said with a shake of his head.


    I thought so, Zac nodded. Lets try toplete the quests the normal way for now. We can start pushing harder if we notice were running out of time.


    Gu didnt have any objections, not that he had much of a choice. He could go ahead and kill the Goblin Leader if he wanted to, but if he exited the first level without Zac and Ogras, then they would be separated for the rest of the climb. They would have to physically touch every time they stepped into a portal or otherwise their cooperation would end.


    Lets split up, Ogras said as he started to saunter toward what was obviously a tavern. Just ask around for any clues you can find.


    I will assist in the tavern, Gu said with a cough.


    Zac wryly shook his head in response before he started walking in the other direction. He didnt mind that the two didnt care about the mission as he wanted to get a feel for how the trials worked for himself anyway. He tried to put himself in the shoes of an actual adventurer who truly had arrived due to the Goblin threat.


    Provided that they werent able to eradicate the whole Goblin tribe with a swing or two with their axe, how would an adventurer go about solving this matter? Zac started to walk up to one townsperson after another, trying to find clues to the situation.


    The whole town was full of farmers, and Zac was a bit confused as to why they all stayed in the town rather than tending their fields. But he soon understood that it was due to the goblins who would stream out of the forest and kill solitary farmers when the opportunity presented itself.


    They only went out inrge groups now to tend the fields once every week, and they had to let the crops fend for themselves most of the time now. A lot of people worriedly talked about weeds and parasites ruining their crop, or that they wouldnt be able to pay this years tax to the local lord.


    Zac was shocked by the reality of it all, and he could understand that there was no consensus on whether these people were real or not. He even tested mentioning the Tower of Eternity and the System, but they truly simply ignored those things like he said nothing at all.


    Ogras was proven right as it was no secret where the Goblin Tribe stayed. They had taken up in an abandoned mine some ways into the forest. The vigers had tried to root them out with the help of their strongest warrior, the Mayor. The campaign ended in an embarrassing defeat, resulting in the mayor still being on bed rest to recuperate.


    But no matter who he asked he couldnt find a hint of why the goblins suddenly had arrived. The vigers all assumed that it was simply bad luck, or that the goblins perhaps had been pushed out of their old domain by a rival tribe. They didn''t look too deeply into the matter, and most of them seemed to take it as a general inconvenience that would soon enough be sorted by the Lord and the Guild.


    Zac sighed in exasperation after having walked around or thirty minutes questioning the townspeople. The base of the Fallen Goblins was easy enough to find, but he was not one step closer topleting the actual mission. Was he unsuited for this type of work, or was he simply asking the wrong questions?


    A sudden movement in the periphery of his vision suddenly caught his attention though, and he shed over to see what was going on. He had noticed this type of movement multiple times already, but he had ignored it since his danger sense didn''t warn him at all.


    Sharp pain in his side immediately made him regret using <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to move around, and he grimaced as it felt like getting stabbed. His scrunched-up face also had the additional effect of scaring the daylights out of two small children who had been spying on him from behind arge bale of hay.


    The young boy who looked no older than five immediately jumped into the bale in an effort to escape, while the even younger girl stood rooted in ce like a deer in headlights.


    "I''m not someone dangerous, I am from the guild," Zac said as he wiped the sweat from his forehead. "I''m here to help your parents."


    He felt a bit weird lying to children about who he was, but at least it seemed to have the desired effect as the girl visibly calmed down.


    Mister, are you here to beat up the goblins? the girl curiously said as she looked up at Zac with big eyes.


    I am, Zac smiled as he tried to remember how to talk to children. But I am also trying to figure out why they came here in the first ce. I dont want any more of theming here after Ive left.


    Its the ghosts! the girl said with certainty in her eyes. The grownups dont believe me, but I saw it!


    Jinny, shh! the subdued voice of a young boy emerged from within the hay. Well get in trouble again.


    What ghosts? Zac asked with piqued interest.


    He didnt know what connection some ghosts had with goblins, but this was the first hint of something out of the ordinary since he arrived here.


    Me and Bulb were visiting the tower, and we saw a ghost! Then the goblins came not long after," the girl eximed.


    Jinny an entreating voice emerged again as a snot-nosed face popped out of the haystack.


    We are not allowed to go into the forest, but we snuck out when the grown-ups were busy, Jinny said with a low voice. We saw the old man ghost in the tower! He looked like a bad man.


    Zac started to understand what was going on after a round of questioning. These two kids had gone exploring the forest while their parents were out tending the fields roughly two weeks before the goblins first appeared. They had happened upon arge tower, and they saw what they believed was a ghost walking around its base.


    The sight had scared the wits out of the children, and they had immediately run back to town to inform the vigers. Eventually the mayor and few of the townspeople went over to scour the area, but they came up with nothing. The parents thought they were lying, and simply punished the two for going into the dangerous forest alone.


    Thank you for the information, Zac smiled. I will make sure the ghost doesnt cause any trouble.


    The kids enthusiastically nodded before they skittered away, and Zac walked over to one of the vigers to ask about the tower.


    It turned out that the tower was once a part of the defensive line of the Bravorian Kingdom, but the country had expanded its borders 300 years ago. The war transformed Whittlecreek from a border town to a safe vige in the hearnds. The guard tower was abandoned soon enough, and it had stood in the mountains untouched for centuries without causing any trouble.


    Zac couldnt be sure, but it certainly sounded like the clue for a simple mystery fitting to the first level of the Tower of Eternity. Armed with this knowledge he turned to the saloon, where he found Ogras chatting up a cute farmer''s daughter working double as a waitress. Gu wasn''t as talkative, and he rather seemed determined to drink himself into oblivion.


    A full barrel of some locally brewed liquor was ced next to him, and Zac saw that it was half-emptied already.


    How does buying things work here? Zac asked curiously as he sat down opposite them with a groan.


    Nexus Coins, Ogras said with a grin. But you will usually not be able to bring anything outside.


    Usually? Zac asked with piqued interest, almost forgetting why he came here.


    Its a gamble, Gu said with slurred speech. Its a small chance anything you find is real.

 Chapter 403: Questing

    Chapter 403: Questing


    Zac slowly nodded. It was messing with his head a bit not knowing whether everything around him was real or not. From what he had heard so far it was both and neither. He also briefly wondered if his high Luck stat would skew the ratio of real to fake items in his favor. Perhaps he would walk out of here an extremely rich man.


    Or perhaps the System would decide Zac hadnt suffered enough turned all his items illusory.


    Things here also have their own pricing. Sometimes a precious item might only cost a tenth of what it cost outside. You can take a gamble and buy it, and you might make a fortune when you exit, Ogras added.


    Is there any way to discern whats real and whats fake? Zac asked with interest.


    Nope, not that I know of at least, Ogras said with a shrug. Perhaps some factions know of a method, but why would they share such a thing with the masses? Oh, the rewards frompleting a floor are always real as well.


    Eat it, Gu burped from the side, drawing a confused look from Zac.


    If you find something useful its best to use it immediately if you can. Everything is real while youre still inside the Tower. The Ruthless Heavens will not reach into your belly to pull the item out, the demon said.


    Zac nodded in understanding as he ordered a huge dinner. He wasnt in a rush to head to the tower since Ogras was happy idling about Gu seemed intent on finding the bottom of the barrel. There was still some time remaining on his weakened state brought on by <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> anyhow, and the nasty wound in his side still pained him.


    I think I found the clue, by the way, Zac said as he gorged himself on a huge nk steak.


    Oh? Ogras said, clearly disinterested.


    Zac sighed at theckluster response, but he still carried on and exined the situation with the tower.


    Sounds like thats it, Ogras nodded after hearing the description. We can head there after finishing things on this end.


    That was fine with Zac as having walked around the town had caused his wounds to re up again. Taking it easy while he recuperated was just what he needed. The three only set out two hourster, at which point Ogras was forced to carry Gu who had drank himself into oblivion.


    As expected of the first level they didnt encounter any trouble finding their target. It was the only building on the deste mountain, and it rose almost a hundred meters into the air. Along with the guidance of Zacs Automatic Map they found the ce in no time.


    The demon threw the still-sleeping Gu on the ground and showered him with water from one of his canteens, making him wake up with a sputter. The scene made the demon snicker before he started to scout the area.


    Theres no one here, Ogras said as he looked around. That wizard guy you mentioned is probably long gone.


    Zac nodded and the three walked inside the dpidated tower. Nothing seemed to be out of ce. In fact, the ce was pretty much picked clean, and the only residents seemed to have been a bear and a bunch of birds judging by the droppings everywhere.


    The base floor contained a couple of side-rooms holding nothing, and the only path led upward. Zac immediately headed for the stairs, but he only got a few meters before he was stopped.


    Wait, Gu spoke up and pointed at a dark corner. Theres an array hiding a set of stairs leading downward.


    How do you know? Zac asked curiously.


    He liked to believe that he had some attainments in spotting arrays after his time trapped during the hunt, but he hadnt noticed anything out of the ordinary at all. That a depressed and still half-drunk merchant managed to find something he missed was a bit humbling.


    I have a pretty decent inspection skill, Gu conceded. I mainly got it to help me discern whether items I wanted to buy were fake, but it sometimeses handy in other situations.


    Zac nodded in understanding and the three walked down, their descent spearheaded by Ogras. The demon would have to do most of the heavy lifting while Zac was on the mend, but it shouldnt matter on the beginner floors.


    The area at the foot of the stairs was in a lot better state than the levels upstairs that were pretty much reimed by nature at this point. The dust was swept away, and it looked like someone had lived here recently. There were both bedding and a table with some scribbled notes, but Zac couldnt read it.


    No one was there though, meaning the wizard or whoever the children had seen had likely left some time ago. The three only needed to look around for a minute before Ogras found a hidden passage, and they proceeded even further down to find a hidden chamber that was directly cut into the mountain foundation.


    There was only one item in the room, a golden crown lying on a pedestal. The crown seemed to be a bit small for a humans head, but what was most concerning about it was that a ck mist that formed hazy fractals slowly swiveled around it. It might be a spirit tool, or the fractals might be a defensive array inscribed into the pedestal.


    It seems to be a cursed object, Gu said with a frown as he looked at the crown. We might be abl-.


    However, he didnt get any further as a cannonball mmed into the crown with enough force to almost tear a crack in space. It was Zac who scouted out the thing in his customary manner. A loud snap could be heard before a distant wail entered their ears.


    A sinister aura spread across the room, but it was quickly crushed when Zac unleashed his Dao Field from his Seed of Trees. The sinister atmosphere onlysted for a second before the basement returned to its original state.


    The metal ball hadpletely crushed the treasure and the pedestal ity on. The fractals were forcibly broken as well. Gu looked at the scene of destruction mutely, before he slowly turned to Zac with an incredulous expression. The demon sighed from the side, but he didntment.


    I I was about to say that we might be able to cleanse the item, allowing us to take it with us. If it turns out its a real treasure we might have been able to make some money Gu said with a wry smile.


    Zac coughed with some embarrassment, feeling he hadmitted a rookie mistake. He even opened up his wounds in his eagerness to help out, which made him feel doubly stupid.


    Well, its just some random trinket at the first level, Ogras shrugged. Even if it turned out to be real it would be worth a pittance at best.


    Zac nodded in agreement, before looking around in curiosity.


    What now? Do we need to kill the Goblins as well? Zac asked.


    Ogras was about to speak when a hidden door suddenly slid open in the wall opposite them, showcasing a lit hall inside. The three immediately walked inside and found a tform that looked just like the entrance to the tower itself.


    Is that it? Zac asked, and he couldnt help but feel some disappointment at theck of excitement.


    The first floor is essentially a tutorial floor, Ogras smiled. Anyone who has gained the requirements to receive a token should have no troublepleting it. Almost half of all climbers finish the second floor as well.


    Then why the carries if it is so easy? Zac asked.


    The problemes from the third floor, Gu exined. The final level is especially tough for the average elite. Many are willing to buy the carry just for that trial alone. A few might have been able toplete it themselves if they went all-out, but they would rather pay a few billion to guarantee a reward and the better title.


    Zac nodded in understanding and the three stepped up on the tform, and it immediately started to hum into life. He looked back toward the stairs they came from, and it was a bit unsettling knowing that the whole world he had just visited might just cease to exist since it had fulfilled its purpose.


    The next moment he found himself sitting by a table in a rowdy tavern, with Ogras and Gu joining him. The other customers were almost all some sort of beastkin, resembling panthers a bit with their golden eyes and ck fur. The asional humans and elf-like humanoids could be seen as well though, meaning the ce they found themselves in wasntpletely homogenous.


    Most of the beastkin seemed like warriors rather than the farmers in thest floor, and pretty much everyone was decked in armors and some manner of weaponry. A few of them almost looked like a walking arsenal as they were covered in daggers, swords, and anything sharp they could carry.


    Even though they looked pretty ferocious Zac still sensed they werent too strong, perhaps around level 50 or so at best. He would personally ce them at the same strength as the Valkyries. Zac guessed they actually wouldnt meet any peak F-Grade warriors until they reached the final level of the first floor after having seen the average strength of the first two levels.


    <strong>[The Kingdom of Eyrvar hasunched a quest to clear out the Fungal Depths of Lake Varia. im the riches in the depths before the mercenaries or the Royal Army.]</strong>


    Lucky, Ogras said with a whistle. A treasure quest.


    Hows that lucky? Zac asked with confusion. Arent most of the treasures fake anyway?


    Well, yes. But if you snatch a whole hoard of items, then chances are that at least one or two of them is real, the demon exined.


    It seems were not the only ones after the treasures though, Gu whispered as he listened in on the conversations on the neighboring tables.


    Excuse me, Ogras said as he walked over to the table next over with arge cask of the local liquor he bought from a waiter. We just arrived to the area and heard about the quest. Mind if I ask you a few questions?


    Sit down,d, the mercenary said, his eyes peeled on the jug of liquor.


    Why did the kingdom give suddenly give such an order? Ogras said, feigning interest.


    The depths are crawling with those goddamn monstrous crustaceans. They would rather waste our lives than their own in clearing it out, one of the men said with a snort. Rumors are there is an evolved alpha leading the swarm.


    Crustaceans? Like big lobsters? Ogras asked with confusion.


    More like crabs, the mercenary exined. Nasty pincers and sharp legs. Pretty smart too.


    So why are there so many taking up the quest if its so dangerous? the demon probed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The pearls, another man said after taking a huge swig. Its no secret in this area so I might as well tell you. Some ms produce magical pearls in thekes at the bottom of the caverns. Those pearls can be used to prolong your lifespan. Each pearl is worth a pretty penny, and you can keep what you find ording to the kingdom.


    I see, thank you. We will have to think about if were ready for something like before heading down, Ogras nodded thoughtfully as he turned towards Zacs table. Oh, by the way, when will people start the mission?


    Tomorrow, a beastman burped. Thats why were getting drunk today.


    Lets go, Ogras said with a loud voice to Zac and Gu. We are behind these people. We need to gather provisions and weaponry if we want to join tomorrow.


    His words elicited a couple of guffaws from the beastkin who kept drinking contentedly. Zac and Ogras followed the demon out of the tavern, and they found themselves in the docks of an alien port city. A few enormous ships were anchored a few hundred meters out to sea, and dozens of smaller vessels could be seen sailing back and forth.


    A constant bustle was taking ce with peopleing ashore or embarking, even though it was the dead of night. Zac whistled with appreciation as he looked around. Was this what Port Atwood would look like when it advanced? He had been afraid that the use of naval ships would decrease as people became stronger, but perhaps that wasnt necessarily the case.


    What gear would we need for something like this? Zac asked with some confusion as he turned to Ogras. Doesnt sound tooplicated.


    Of course we dont need to gather gear from some shabby store here, Ogras snorted. I just wanted to head out immediately without arousing suspicion. Do you want to let those animals get their paws on our pearls?


    It could be some basic specimens of <strong>[Longevity ms]</strong> they were talking about, Gu added thoughtfully. Their pearls can be used in concocting pills that improve longevity just like he said. Each pearl is worth millions on the outside. Tens of millions if their quality is good enough. Well make a great profit if even a handful of the pearls are real. Were pretty lucky to get a scenario like this.


    Lucky, yeah Ogras said as he shot Zac a pointed look.

 Chapter 404: Remuneration

    Chapter 404: Remuneration


    Zac understood what the demon was inferring. Was his umonly high Luck Attribute finally starting to bring him some fortuitous encounters? So far his Luck had mainly been helping him stay alive from ambushes, but he had long known that the attribute could also increase the chance of lucky encounters.


    His Luck had increased from 149 to 182 after gaining his two Fragments, which wasnt a small boost. It meant that he also had passed the old attribute limit of the F-Grade, 175 points. Perhaps that came with some new boosts as well? Zac couldn''t tell, and there seemed to be no one that knew how it worked in his surroundings either. Even Alyn only had a hazy knowledge of the subject, and his attempts at getting information packets on the subject had failed. So Zac could only specte, apart from the fundamental knowledge that higher numbers were better.


    It didnt take a lot of effort for the trio to learn of the location of the so-called Fungal Hollow. It was a region a few hours north of the town where a river caused arge section of brackish water. A mid-sized mountain rose out of the ocean in the middle of the delta, and that mountain contained the Fungal Hollow.


    The group wasted no time as they pushed north, using the moonlight for sight as they ran along the coast. They passed a few fishermans viges immediately after exiting the town, but soon enough the coastal line turnedpletely deste. It was probably due to people not daring to live neighbors with aggressive crab beasts who could emerge from the depths at moment''s notice.


    The moon and its luster reflecting on the ocean waves were the only sources of light until they finally saw a fewrge braziers burning in the distance. The mes came from the fortress that the kingdom had built to keep a watch on the river inlet and to both counter the crustaceans and to stop any enterprising pirates from sailing ind.


    The moment they saw the mes Zac knew they were close, but they didnt continue to the settlement ahead. Zac instead took out one of his Creator Vessels from his Cosmos Sack, and they immediately set sail. Gu seemed to be a bit confused by ship, as the Creators had actually put the insignias of the Allbright Empire on them to mask their true origin. But he didn''t bring it up, and Zac didn''t bother toe up with some excuse. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac hadnt expected to use the boat for its intended purpose, but he had rather been inspired by Aleas tactics. The Creator ships had blown up half a town with the help of their offensive arrays in the battle with the undead, making them a great offensive tool. Their hulls were also extremely sturdy to survive the beasts of the sea, making them good shelter in a bind.


    But now it came in handy as it allowed them to reach the mountain reaching up through the muddy water without giving away their actions to the royal army. Infiltrating the mountain didnt prove much trouble either, and they smoothly proceeded further and further down into the depths of the mountain hidden by Ogras shadows.


    The interiors of the mountain reminded Zac a bit of a miniature version of the Underworld, as there was a mix of tunnels and cavesrge enough to house small viges. But instead of molemen the caves were half-submerged in water and crawling with crabs that were up to three meters tall. But Zac could see that the beasts were even weakerpared to the mercenaries, though there were far more crabs than beastmen. Only a couple of swings of [Verun''s Bite] would be needed to decimate a whole cave.


    But they didn''t want to start a battle because that might alert scouts hiding on the mountain, so Ogras led them through a confusing maze of tunnels in their descent. Now and then they were unable to proceed without walking perilously close to the crabs, but with the help of Ogras and their array disks they could slip past without raising any rms.


    It only took them half an hour to reach the bottom, which was an enormous cave that seemed to lead out to the ocean. There was a shallow and crystal-clearke covering most of the area, and the three immediately spotted their target. Quite a few crabs were walking about, and they noticed that thergest crabs were actually eating the ms, shell and all.


    Perhaps the ms and their precious pearls could help the crabs to evolve, or at least level up?


    But the so-called crab king was nowhere to be seen, and Ogras soundlessly killed the few dozen crabs in the cave before they sealed the exits with sound-proofing arrays. After that they had free rein to loot pearls to their heart''s content.


    Even Gu seemed to finally get over his despondency due to his life n going awry as he cracked open one m after another to look for a pearl. There was an almost manic gleam in his eyes as he arduously forced open the shells and It made Zac think of Calrin. He had to admit the squirrely young man had the right temperament for a merchant.


    Unfortunately for Gu, he traveled with two people far stronger than him. He had the will but not the power to loot the treasures in front of him. It took him almost twenty seconds to force open one of the sturdy ms, but Zac simply crushed them with a twist to extract the pearl within.


    Ogras wasnt as strong, but he managed to poke holes in the shells with pinpoint uracy, allowing him to take out the pearls without even forcing open the shells. In the end, it was Zac who came out a winner, iming almost half of the pearls, with Gu barely getting a fifth of them.


    The moment thest pearl was extracted a prompt sounded out and a teleportation array appeared by a bank of the subterraneanke. Seeing how easily theypleted the floor Zac better understood that things werent quite equal for everyone who entered. Getting a suitable floor quest could both make and break someones climb. If it was Zac climbing alone the second level would have yed out pretty differently.


    He would have no doubt been spotted soon after entering the mountain, and then he would have been forced to fight his way down to the treasures in the depths. Perhaps even the kingdom on the other shore would be alerted, turning the situation extremely chaotic.


    Considering they were still only on the first floor Zac would no doubt have been able to st through all resistance without breaking a sweat, but it might y out differently on theter floors. He could only pray that his high Luck would overpower the animosity the System seemed to have toward him, giving them suitable challenges at the end of their climb.


    The following levels went quite smoothly where theypleted one quest after another without encountering any real trouble. They didnt rush at all, but it still only took them 3 days to reach the 9<sup>th</sup> level. Gus mood had gotten noticeably better as time went, and by this time he had mostly recovered from the shock.


    He even seemed to be a bit excited about the prospect of having befriended a future powerhouse, often reminding Zac toe to him in case he wanted to sell loot from mystic realms or the like in the future.


    The ninth level ced them at the foot of a mountain, and the quest was to defeat the Bandit Lord who had made the peak his home. It was the first time the quest directly told them to do battle. The other 8 quests had been possible toplete with only minimal battle, with the option of finding the floor guardian to kill instead.


    In fact, they had barely fought at all during the first eight levels. Only a few unlucky sentries had been taken out so that they couldplete the quest the intended way.


    Climbing the first floor had given Zac a good grasp of how things worked, and he realized that it was always better toplete the quest than killing the floor guardian. Following the quest almost always taught a valuable lesson or led to some sort of treasure, whereas killing the guardian would make you miss that opportunity.


    The treasures might turn out to be fake in the end, but the gained knowledge was real, and Zac vowed to only kill his way out of a level if he really couldn''t figure out the quest.


    I can take charge of this one, Gu suddenly said as they ascended the mountain, showing unusual proactivity.


    Whats going on? Have you identally eaten some stimnts? Ogras said as he shot the merchant a suspicious stare. What if you faint again and get yourself killed?


    Gu deted a bit, but he mustered his courage as he stuck out his chest.


    You have done most of the work, so I should contribute a bit as well, Gu said.


    Zac smiled a bit, somewhat understanding Gus thoughts. He was no doubt a bit cowardly, but he did have a good heart. He wanted to help out and prove his worth during the climb, but he knew that they soon enough would encounter challenges that might prove too dangerous. So he wanted to knock out a few floor guardians early to shore up his contribution.


    Thats nice of you, but thats okay, Zac smiled. Days have passed without me fighting, and I could use the exercise. I get a bit antsy if I dont fight for too long.


    Unless you want to see him rampage again due tock of bloodshed? You missed most of itst time, Ogras snorted. "It''s quite spectacr."


    Gu paled as he looked at Zac like he was a dangerous animal before he restrained himself.


    Well, I will simply stay back and support then. It is good to exercise a bit as youre recuperating. But remember, moderation is important, Gu coughed.


    Ogras only rolled his eyes as they continued up the mountain.


    But that brings us to another topic, Gu said, looking a bit ufortable.


    Whats that? Zac asked as he looked around for hidden traps.


    Our original agreement was for you to help me reach the thirtieth floor so that I could convince my elders to let me start a business. But now that your extraordinary might have been put on open disy, that has ruined any chance of that happening. In other words, shouldnt we revisit the issue of remuneration, Gu said, his voice getting lower and lower as he saw Zac and Ogras stop and direct emotionless stares at him.


    I agree, Ogras eventually said, getting a surprised nce from Zac. The price you quoted was for a carry by two unknown cultivators. But now you are hiring one of the most famous youths in the sector. How can 3 billion be enough?


    Wh- Gu stammered. I- I just realized it would be bad form to change the terms mid-climb. I apologize for bringing the matter up.


    If you say so, Ogras snorted.


    The three reached the peak soon enough and found a weathered fort take up arge part of it. There was only one way to enter unless you climbed up the sheer wall, but that would no doubt leave you exposed to bandits staying in the base.


    You guys stay here, Zac said as he openly walked toward the closed gate.


    What he said earlier was partly true, there were a few things he needed to confirm. First of all, he was simply curious about the power of a floor guardian. He wanted to personally fight all of them so that he would be able to give helpful pointers to the people of Port Atwood. As far as he knew he was the only one who had a token so far, but as people started to reach level 50 more would no doubt get the chance toe here.


    And even if no one from Port Atwood got a token there were still Thea and Billy, both of whom should qualify for this ce as far as Zac was concerned.


    But the part about needing to fight to avoid losing control was a lie. The splinter in his mind had beenpletely silent since his outburst in the Pill House, and it didnt even release a smidgeon of the odd energy that usually seeped into his mind.


    He was rather worried about something having happened to his skill after having seen the ck trees surrounding him as he woke up from his stupor in the rubble of the Pill House. Zac had his guesses what was going on, but he needed to confirm them.


    Energy surged around him as he walked forward, and a red array sprung up around the fortress, signaling that he had been spotted. That was just fine for Zac, as he released <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]. </strong>The scenery of the mountain top started to drastically change as one tree after another started to grow.


    The trees quickly rose to over fifty meters in height, and some even started to grow from the wall of the fortress, making it seem that the ce had been deserted for hundreds of years. The trees themselves were of a traditional leafy variant with green leaves and brown trunks with bark.


    There was one exception though, a singr stout tree that appeared just behind Zac. Its trunk was still light brown, but its leaves shone with a golden luster. Around the tree four white ropes were tied, each of them full of intricate knots. Hanging from the ropes were some unknown talismans, but Zac couldnt recognize the script on them.


    It looked like something that fit in an old temple, and it did emit a dense aura of life. Zacs cells swelled to life as he felt one with Nature. It was like he was strolling through his own garden rather than toward some Banditsir. Zac looked around and sighed in relief.


    It looked like the Splinter hadn''t corrupted his skill fractals after all.

 Chapter 405: Floor Guardian

    Chapter 405: Floor Guardian


    The bandits quickly understood that the trees sprouting up everywhere were bad news, and various attacks soared out to destroy them. But the projectiles harmlessly shot straight through, hitting the mountain or sailing far out into the air.


    It had taken Zac a while to understand the skill as well, but he eventually figured it out. The trees were mostly projections, a way for his spirit to change the surroundings to suit him better. It created an effect simr to a Dao Field, where he was at his optimal state while his interlopers were somewhat weakened.


    The only real tree was the tree behind him that provided a direct buff to his Strength and Vitality, providing 10% each without any downsides like <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>. Zac also guessed that the skill counted as being inside a forest, which renewed the boost he got from <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>.


    Attacking that tree would work, and cutting it down would cancel the skill. But the tree wasnt just helpless. Each rope on the tree represented one defensive charge that could be used to protect itself or Zac, allowing it to stand long enough for Zac toe and protect it if needed.


    The skill even worked as a detection skill as the trees essentially were his eyes and ears. Anything within his forest was within his purview, and it would take a pretty good stealth skill to move about unnoticed.


    All in all, it provided a little bit of everything, helping Zac round out his Hatchetman ss. It wasnt as shy as Ogras equivalent where he turned into a shadowy angel with his 5-meter wings, but it was a skill that he could always use to gain an edge during battle. Zac also guessed it would be useful in the battle against the undead, as the golden tree emitted an intense amount of life which might counteract the miasma.


    Its functions did ovep a bit with the general skills <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>he had bought for himself, but no one would say no to having multipleyers of defense.


    When the bandits noticed that their attacks didnt have any effect they instead focused their attacks on Zac, but it was extremely hard for them to hit him. He was in his own forest now and being one with the surroundings pushed the efficiency of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to new heights, making him seem like a forest spirit that flitted back and forth amongst the illusory trees.


    He reached the gate without getting hit once and one swing of his axe cracked the shield and gained him entry.


    Another bounty hunter? a gruff voice sounded the moment he entered the fortress. But my head is not so easily imed.


    Zac immediately sensed some danger and jumped forward, but he was still caught inside a massive explosion. The bandit had used an offensive array like a mine. A snap could be heard from behind as one of the ropes fell from the tree, and a green wind rose simultaneously to protect Zac from the mes.


    Zac was a bit surprised a floor guardian would fight dirty like that, but he soon found his bearings as he spotted his target. It was a humanoid who stood almost three meters tall, and the humanoid most closely resembled an ogre, though his skin was dark grey.


    There was no hair on his head, and there were fourrge tusks in his mouth that created a bestial image for the bandit. He was a mix of fat and muscr, with a big belly but arms thick enough to look like trees.


    Zac actually felt that <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> might be more suited for a being like this, or better yet billy''s massive club. But the guardian was unarmed, perhaps only relying on his massive and meaty fists. He wore thick bracers to protect his forearms though, and a couple of knives almost asrge as swords could be seen dangling from his belt.


    He was also apanied by a dozen or so bandits who all were of the same race, though they were almost a meter shorter than their boss. The bandit lord tried to p one of the trees with his massive palm in annoyance and growled when it passed straight through.


    I dont know why you y with these dumb illusions. It wont save you, he said before he stomped the ground, seemingly in frustration.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The area rumbled for a second before a dozen spikes shot up at Zac. Each of the spikes was imbued with some sort of Dao, though only an early seed and Zac was taken a bit by surprise once again. He had thought that the ogre would be a simr ss as himself going by his attire, but it looked that he was rather some sort of geomancer.


    Arge fractal de grew out in front of the edge of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, and it soon enough detached as Zac instructed it to hunt down the bandits while he focused on the big boss. The illusory trees even moved about, forming what looked like an arena that enclosed the two of them.


    It was nothing like the cage of his other ss, and the bandits could simply walk straight through the enclosure if they wanted to. But it still had its uses. Zac had noted that a higher concentration of trees around him increased his control over the area, making him sense the tiniest fluctuations of Daos or Cosmic Energy. Perhaps getting boxed in like that also negatively impacted the mental states of his enemies, making them feel trapped.


    But the bandit didn''t seem bothered by getting "trapped" inside the ring of trees at all, and his beady eyes red straight at Zac as he summoned arge boulder to chuck at him. It contained the same Dao energy as before, but Zac simply turned the boulder to gravel with a punch.


    The floor guardian of the first floor might be the first peak F-Grade warrior he had encountered since entering the tower, but the ogre was far from being a match to someone like himself. Zac only decided to battle because he wanted to take a look at his skill once more, and now that he could confirm <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> worked as usual again he saw no need to prolong the fight.


    One step brought him in front of the Ogre, but the huge bandit was prepared. A chain of explosions erupted, swallowing the two in an inferno. Zac had multiple ways to defend against such a surprise attack, but since he had his new skill up and running he might as well use it.


    Another snap from behind allowed him to be enclosed in nature''s embrace once more, and after a brief hesitation he also imbued his body with the Fragment of the Coffin to make sure he avoided his wound opening up again. The mes raged all around him for over ten seconds, making Zac look around in confusion.


    Had the bandit lord decided to blow himself up?


    But the mes eventually abated, and Zac could once again see the ogre in front of him. He was covered in ayer of rock, and Zac had seen the earth-mages among the demons perform the same trick. The Ogre had found an interesting fighting method that took advantage of the high durability of a geomancer, but how could his Endurance match up to a monster like Zac? He would need a farrger bomb to break through his defenses.


    How are you ali-? the bandit roared, but he didnt get any further as space split from a swing of Zacs axe.


    The body of the bandit lord fell apart into two neatly separated pieces, and a small surge of cosmic energy entered his body before it dissipated once more. The underlings had already been decimated by his Fractal de, and it returned to hover around him once more.


    Zac released <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, and his twopanions joined in short order. Neither of them looked too surprised that the battle took less than a minute, and they stepped into the teleportation array that had appeared in the courtyard of the fortress.


    But this time Zac wasnt transported to a new world to explore, but he rather found himself in the ck space that might as well be the Systems waiting room. As expected a prompt appeared soon after.


    <strong>[First Floor Complete. Rewarding Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: Weapon, Skill Crystal, Nexus Coins]</strong>


    Zac looked over the three options and chose Skill Crystal after just a second of deliberation. It was just the first floor, so none of the options were likely to be anything amazing. A Skill Crystal might benefit someone back home though, or it could at least be put in the Merit Exchange.


    The darkness disappeared and Zac found himself on the deck of a boat sailing on a turquoise ocean. Apelike humanoids scurried around all over the ship, and all of them wore the same type of livery indicating they came from the same force.


    A crystal had appeared in his hand and he infused some of his energy into it to see if it was something he could use immediately.


    <strong>[Frozen Enclosure  Create a sphere of ice that surrounds you. The strength of the shield increases with Intelligence.]</strong>


    Zac sighed and put the crystal away. He had no affinity with Ice, like all other elements, and it was obviously a mages skill. It would probably have a terrible efficiency if he learned it, so he didnt bother. His sister might find it useful though as she was an Elementalist. There were only so many skills a ss gave, and this might be a nice addition.


    Gu appeared a secondter, and Ogras camest after half a minute. Neither of them had very excited expressions, meaning they hadnt made any huge hauls either.


    Didnt think that you would immediately get the title, Zacmented as he opened his Title screen.


    The New title had appeared, and just as expected it was a Permanent Title, rather than a Limited one.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity  1<sup>st</sup> Floor. Strength +5, Endurance +5, Vitality +5]</strong>


    I think its to lessen the need for a second run, Gu said. Its still worth it toe back here if you makerge gains, or if you were unlucky during the first climb. But the things you gain inside the Tower generally won''t warrant another tower run.


    I got five points in three attributes, is it the same three attributes for everyone? Zac asked.


    No, Gu said with a shake of his head. It boosts the three attributes you focus the most on.


    It made sense. Zac would have preferred some Dexterity or wisdom to shore up his weaknesses, but he knew that the third floor at least provided all attributes. And the fact he got the title immediately worked in his favor. There was no way he would be able to return to this ce, and getting the titles directly meant that he would have an even better chance of reaching a higher floor.


    What did you think about the boss? Ogras smiled.


    The weakest a peak F-Grade warrior could possibly be, Zac said. I cant believe anyone who arrives here wouldnt be able to defeat him.


    Failing is exceedingly rare, but now and then someone messes up horribly or underestimates the challenge, Gu said. But failing on the first floor is generally pretty shameful. Not something youd share with others.


    Things will quickly get harder though, Ogras warned. Of course, it wont be too bad while were still on the second floor. But dont getx.


    Zac nodded as he closed his eyes to rest. Even if a couple of days had passed he still felt some lingering pangs from the wound in his side, though he could use most of his strength if the situation called for it. If it wasnt for the pill he got from the Zethaya he would no doubt still be bedridden, and that fact alone made Zac mostly forgive Bojes actions.


    The ship soon anchored outside a solitary ind, and the tree found out the quest was to look for clues to a hidden inheritance of an Ascendant, which was what these apemen called a D-Grade powerhouse after some probing.


    Can we take the inheritance for ourselves? Zac asked, feeling they had hit the jackpot.


    Quit dreaming, Ogras snorted.


    Some quests task you with finding clues to extremely valuable items, such as divine treasures or long-lost inheritances like this one. But those are almost always fake. It is a huge gamble to try to snatch such a thing, Gu started to exin.


    First of all, the inheritance is likely not on this ind. We would have to set sail with these apemen for weeks rather than continuing on to the next floors, Ogras continued. And when we finally arrive well most likely just find another teleporter to the next level.


    But it is possible for it to be real? Zac asked.


    There have been some reports of such things turning out to be true, but the odds are extremely low, even worse than with treasures. Its only really worth trying for such a thing if you find yourself stuck, unable to climb any further, Gu answered.


    "That''s one of the reasons why people keep pushing themselves to climb even if they know they won''t beat the floor guardian they''re at. Their title won''t improve from climbing another few levels, but they might find an opportunity like this," the demon added.

 Chapter 406: Penalties

    Chapter 406: Penalties


    The trio soon joined the monkeys in scouring the ind, and with the help of Gus superior investigative skill they found an odd fluctuation beneath ake. They could have explored it themselves and risked falling out with the simian sailors, but they instead called for the captain who awarded them each with a small sack of E-Grade Nexus Crystals as thanks.


    Most of the crystals would most likely turn to dust the moment they exited the Tower, but they would work just fine while they were still inside. So all of happily took the reward as it meant they would save on their own stock.


    The following floors went quite smoothly as well, as the difficulty could be easily managed by anyone of them. Zac did however note that the setting of the quests started to subtly change. The quests first floor had all taken ce in civilized areas such as towns or established countries, with the exception of the floor guardian hiding on a mountain top.


    But that changed with the second floor. The surroundings they found themselves in were more wild and untamed. The first level of the second floor took ce on the tropical ind, and the seventh was on an ind as well. The third level took ce in a fallen kingdom where order was rapidly crumbling.


    They were tasked with escorting one of the surviving children of a once-great noble house to an ally waiting outside the town, and were ambushed by both rebels and random bandits who saw how richly decked the lordling was. But a st of Zacs massive and blood-drenched aura was all it took to force them all to run for the hills, allowing them toplete the quest without lifting a finger.


    Zac felt he learned a lot from their quests, and he more and more understood the crazy gambit of the Lotus Emperor. He had split himself into 10 000 incarnations to live a multitude of lives. If this method ever came to fruition and he could fuse his incarnations back into one being, just how deep would his knowledge of the universe be?


    The final level of the second floor was a simple quest to save a faltering town bordering a massive forest from a dangerous beast in the area. After asking around they learned it was some sort of recently evolved reptile and that it possessed shocking speed.


    Its usually like this, Ogras exined. The final level of a floor almost always requires a proof of strength to conquer. You cant just luck into a quest that suits your skillset. Strength is ultimately the truenguage of the multiverse.


    The 9<sup>th</sup> level of a floor requires you to defeat a floor guardian 95% of the time, with the final 5% requiring proof of Strength in other ways, Gu nodded in agreement. And be careful, the strength will sharply risepared to the things youve fought so far.


    Its only the second floor though, Zac said, but he still took out his axe just in case.


    Thats true, but the attributes of the beasts are around 40% higher because theres three of us, Gu said.


    That much? Zac said with surprise. What would happen if I brought 10 people to carry?


    Nine is the limit, and the floors would be almost three times as hard, Gu said. Most carries only bring one or two people. Taking too many might negatively impact your own climb.


    Wait, will we still be penalized after leaving you on the 32<sup>nd</sup> level? Zac asked with a frown.


    A 40% boost in attributes wasn''t a problem now, but what if it stayed when he assaulted the 5th and 6th-floor guardians? That would be a pretty huge handicap, and he wasn''t so sure that 3 billion Nexus Coins were worth it.


    Any floor one enters together with others will be adjusted ordingly, even if some people drop out early, Gu answered before a hesitant expression entered his face. I didnt mention it because I was sure you knew.


    So well be only be penalized on the fourth floor? Zac mused. Thats not too bad.


    He had high confidence in defeating a floor guardian of the fourth floor even if it had a 40% attribute boost, and afterward the penalty would decrease, making it not too difficult bringing Ograspared to going at it alone.


    The benefit Ogras would bring would no doubt supersede a 20% bump in the enemies strength.


    Any idea of how to find the beast? Zac asked after they had walked in the forest for two hours.


    I thought it would show itself since weve restrained our auras, Ogras muttered before he turned to Gu. You should have something to solve the situation.


    Ahem... The person providing the Tower Carry generally includes all the materials for the climb itself in the price, the merchant said. But I do have some items for sale that might help. Best prices in the forest, heh.


    Both Ogras and Zac stopped when they heard the mention of money, and another standoffmenced.


    But then again its just a small trinket, Gu stammered, clearly feeling the pressure. Here. Simply ce this in an open space. If the beast is near-by it will no doubte.


    Gu handed Zac a small ball with a stench that made his nose-hair curl up. It smelled like thing contained a mix of old diapers and rancid meat, all pressed together into a ball of unholy horrors. The stench was so unbearable it made him question life, and the only reason he didnt throw it away was that he was afraid it would break into pieces making the smell even more unbearable.


    What the- Ogras groaned, looking about ready to hurl. Ill keep watch from the trees.


    The next moment he disappeared, no doubt to escape the smell. Gu was already running as well, leaving Zac with the hot potato still in his hand. He didnt want to spend one more second than necessary with that cursed object in his hand, so he simply left it on a stone and jumped into some bushes that were just outside of the smell.


    At least the ball turned out to be pretty effective, and their target arrived just 30 minutester.


    The beast was actually arge snake rather than a reptile, and his hair stood on its end when he looked at it. He still was a bit emotionally scarred after his desperate battle with a mutated snake during the first week of the integration. He had been way too close to death at that time, and there was still some lingering fear deep in his heart.


    The snake was at least not as big as Slither, Veranas pet, as it only reached a bit over ten meters in length. It was a deep brown with green spots on its back, and for such arge snake it was pretty slim. It slithered between the trees with surprising agility, and it reached the puke-ball in the blink of an eye.


    An enraged hiss emerged from the snakes maw when it realized that it was just bait rather than whatever the ball pretended to be, but at that point Zac was already running toward it with his axe at the ready. However, the snake turned its head with shocking speed and spat out a green mist that immediately covered a hundred meters in front of it.


    Zacs brows rose in shock and he hastily infused his body with the Dao of the Coffin as he held his breath. The mist was clearly poisonous, and Zac frowned in consternation when he realized the mist burrowed itself into his pores even after having activated his defensive Dao.


    He was just about to switch to the Seed of Trees to start purifying the invading poison, but he noticed a startling change that made him stop. The Dao of the Coffin might have failed in keeping the poison out of his body, but that apparently didnt mean it was helpless against it. It was actually refining it instead.


    The mental energy that was spread throughout Zacs body was attacking the poison like white blood cells, and turning it into normal Cosmic Energy that seeped into his body. In other words, the Snakes attack was restoring Zacs energy rather than harming him.


    Was this the effect brought on from the Dao of Rot? He had already discovered the properties that were akin to those of Hardness, but now he also witnessed the Rot. His thoughts briefly went to the lotus locked inside the coffin in his vision, the basis of his Dao Fragment. Corruption locked in a hard exterior.


    So what if the hard shell let poison seep through? The interior was meant as a prison for such things anyway.


    The Snake hadnt realized that its wide-scale attack was ineffective though, and it immediately went in for the kill when it noticed that Zac had stopped moving. But a sh of light was all it saw before its massive head was removed from its body. The beast was still too weak to prove a worthwhile opponent for him to hone his skills, so he didnt want to waste any time on it. He was more interested in observing the changes inside his body.


    Zac sat down in the middle of the poison haze, and he slowly tried to understand what the Dao Fragment did, and if there were some other benefits it could bring. Unfortunately, he didn''t find out anything else, but it was an interesting topic to keep looking into. Gu and Ogras arrived soon after the poisonous clouds dissipated, and the demon immediately headed for the carcass.


    Do you need an antidote pill? Gu asked as he reached for his cosmos sack.


    No need, Zac said with a shake of his head. A poison of this level wont affect me.


    Gu nodded in understanding, not seeming too surprised by the fact that Zac was fine. Having some means to handle poison was a basic precaution for any wandering warrior, so Gu probably thought he had some skill or treasure that protected him. But there still was some hesitation as he looked at Zac.


    What? Zac asked.


    Why arent you using your shield? You paid so much for it but Ive only seen you take it out to y with a few times, the merchant asked. Are you thinking of repurposing the material after all? I could buy it off your hands, but you would make a small loss.


    Zac nkly looked back at Gu for a second, realizing what he meant. It must truly look a bit odd for him to pay through the nose for the shield only to not use it at all.


    Why bother defending against weaklings like this? Might as well directly kill them to get things over with. Would almost be a dishonor to such a nice shield to waste it on somerge worm, the demon said from the side as he extracted arge sack from the head of the snake.


    The gall dder? Zac asked curiously. Do you know how to make antidotes?


    What antidotes? the demon snorted. I want it for my liquor.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    You can do that as well? Zac asked with interest. Does it have any benefits?


    It might have some benefits if the wine is good enough, the demon said after some deliberation. But I mostly want it for the taste. Havent been able to drink any good snake wine for a while. Besides, it better than just stowing it away and hoping the galldder is real.


    Zac nodded, understanding that this might go under the eat anything you can while still inside the tower-umbre, and left the demon to his devices.


    Gu helped Zac extract the fangs and poison sack. The poison wasnt very strong, but who knew if it woulde useful in the future. An array had already appeared in the clearing not far away, and Zac started to walk toward it.


    Wait, Gu suddenly said, and Zac noted that the demon hadnt moved either.


    What? Zac asked with confusion.


    Take a look at this, Gu said as he took out a small array disk.


    He ced a Nexus Crystal inside the disk, and it lit up and fired a projectile straight into the air a secondter like a firework. It looked a lot like one of those re guns that you kept on a boat in case you got stuck at sea, and it illuminated the whole area in a blue luster for almost a minute before it dimmed.


    Whats that for? Zac asked.


    For us to find him, Ogras exined.


    The change of the third floor is that we will no longer emerge at the same position, Gu exined. We will be ced in the same area, but there will usually be some sort of barriers between us. Beasts or cultivators, for example. But it can also be arrays or other things.


    So youll shoot off one of these when we arrive at a new level, and welle to pick you up? Zac asked.


    Exactly. Blue means no danger, red means Im in danger. So, uh, if you see a red light please hurry, Gu said.


    Was this how you did it as well? Zac asked.


    Pretty much. The guy who helped me had a mother-daughter array that allowed him to find me, and I simply hid in the shadows until he showed up, the demon nodded.


    Fine, lets go, Zac said with some anticipation as he walked toward the array. Perhaps we can finally find some decent sparring partners on the next floor.


    Gu didn''t say anything, but rather just looked at Zac like he was a lunatic.

 Chapter 407: Mastery

    Chapter 407: Mastery


    Sweat ran down Zacs back as he weaved back and forth among the pack of gued Apes. Their quest was to cleanse the area of corruption, but Zac had found the insane beasts living in the area excellent sparring partners.


    The progression through the third floor had gone quite smoothly, but the quests started to be harder. Twice they decided to just find and kill the guardian rather thanpleting the quest as it was simply more convenient that waste multiple days on a single level of the third floor.


    One of the times they had been tasked to lead the defense of a town beset by a beast horde for three days until reinforcements could arrive. Zac had hoped to use those beasts to work on his skills, but they proved too weak to make any real progress. After a few hours all of them were tired of killing an endless deluge of critters who were only around level 50 to 60, and Ogras shed over to kill the alpha to end the level early.


    The other time some knowledge of arrays was needed, and neither of them would be able to solve the problem without spending a couple of days in research. They once more decided to not waste time on such a low level and destroyed the body of the deceased ancestor that the array was supposed to restrain. It made the descendants quite pissed off, but it didn''t matter to them as they moved on to the next world through the array.


    They had also gotten a chance at seeing Gus skills in battle, and Zac had to admit that he was much stronger than expected. Due to his timid character and somewhat cowardly nature Zac had always thought that he wanted to switch upation mainly due tock of talent inbat. But that probably wasn''t the case.


    A red re had illuminated the sky when they arrived at the sixth level, making Zac hurry over with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. He had found Gu desperately fighting off a huge pack of mangy wolves with arge two-handed sword. Both the choice of weapon and the aggressive battle-style created an odd disconnect with the usually timid youth, and Zac could only attribute it to his n.


    They seemed to be solely focused in one direction in hopes of one day creating a real powerhouse, and all their youth were probably required to follow the same heritage. The heritage itself was one that felt pretty simr to his own battle-style, one of full-frontal assaults and massive swings causing widespread destruction.


    The sword even contained a familiar feeling as it crushed rather than cut the beasts, and Zac realized it was a high-tier Dao Seed of Heaviness. Gu had chosen a different path than himself though, so the feeling the swings emitted were slightly foreign to Zac. They seemed to go more in the direction of Ilvere, focusing on momentum and impact.


    The scene had made Zac question how someone with such a ss would swap into a mercantile ss, and the answer was simple. Gus hope was to gain the option of choosing a traveling merchant ss with the help of his year of trading in the Base Town, and the impressive profits he had rued.


    Such a ss would be a hybrid ss, focusing both on battle and business. After all, one would need the prerequisite power to defend oneself while traveling the endless worlds of the multiverse. A merchant couldnt simply put his life and his goods in the hands of hired guards, he needed some capabilities of his own in case the guards proved insufficient or if they even turned on him.


    Otherwise, the third floor was not much differentpared to the second. The settings of the quest were quite simr to the second floor, with the differences being the enemies being stronger, and that they started in different locations.


    Most average warriors they encountered were between level 60 and 75, and the level guardians were all recently evolved just like the snake of the second floor. The three had continued to push through the levels at a rapid pace, and only stopped their progress at the 8th level at Zacs insistence.


    His body was finally as good as new, perhaps even better than usual as the Splinter was stillpletely silent in his mind. That together with the setting made Zac confident that he could finally make some progress with his skills. He had essentially spent the first two floors as a vacation to dpress from the constant running back and forth on Earth.


    It was only after he had slowed down in the Base Town that he realized he was tired to the bone. Stress and trauma had umted on top of each other, but he had simply pushed it deep down as there were too many things that only he could handle. And if he didn''t, then people would die.


    Besides, the enemies were too weak for him to be able to push himself at all, which made it pretty much impossible to improve his skills. Simply activating a skill over and over wasn''t enough to improve the proficiency of the skills. It was as a lot more efficient to find insight in the midst of battle.


    And the monkeys were simply perfect sparring partners.


    The corruption they were supposed to root out had turned them extremely aggressive and almost as tireless as zombies, and their bodies were sturdy enough to take a beating without dropping. Best of all, there was a huge number of them upation the valley, so the risk of him running out of targets in the short run was quite slim unless he unleashed <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    A punch imbued with murky energy ripped toward him, but he effortlessly redirected the force downward with his palm, giving him a huge opening to cut the beasts head clean off. The edge of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> was already by the throat of the monkey, but it only left a shallow cut before Zac backed off again.


    The monkey became doubly enraged after having been toyed like that, and a burst of ck energy rose from its sturdy frame.


    Zac felt he had thought about the Dao in a too shallow a manner until now. He had considered them almost the same as a skill, a boost that would make his active skills more powerful. But the Dao was so much more than that. The Dao was the deeper truths of the universe, what everything was based on.


    This was something he had realized after talking with Gu over the past days. The youth wasn''t some great warrior, and neither was he from some peak force in the sector. But his family could be considered a strong Peak D-Grade force with hundreds of D-Grade warriors, and they had a rich warrior culture.


    The way the youth spoke about the Dao was a lot deeper and more reverentpared to Zac, like it was the basis of everything. Even worse, Gu hadn''t strictly said it, but he had indicated that if Zac didn''t get a deeper grasp of the Dao, then he risked getting stuck in a bottleneck. Or even worse, create a shaky foundation for future cultivation.


    This was something that Zac absolutely wanted to avoid, but he somewhat knew the reason for his current predicament. For one he came from a world recently integrated, and the Dao wasn''t an ingrained part of his life yet. But more importantly, he had advanced too fast.


    Not only that, but he had also done it mostly through artificial means. Some of his insights came from battle, but it was mostly his skill visions and treasures that had propped up his Dao through unnatural means.


    His situation with his Dao insights was akin to Pill Toxicity as he saw it. He had eaten too many pills rted to the Dao, and while he had gained a tremendous burst in power in just one short year, it had damaged his foundations. He felt he needed to get a bettermand of his Daos if he wanted to keep smoothly progressing in the future.


    Having acking understanding of his own Daos would not only negatively impact his fighting prowess, but it might hamper him in all kinds of ways.


    Alyn often talked about the importance of a foundation. The most important part of bing a sessful cultivator was taking things one step at a time, and not hurrying for quick gains. Moving too quickly might inadvertently cut your path of cultivation short, as you find yourself having created a cracked foundation that couldnt support your continued progress.


    Luckily there wasnt any actual toxicity in his body, he was only suffering from progressing too quickly. The problem was easier to solve than such a troublesome matter like actual pill toxicity. He would simply have to slow down his cultivation as soon as he had dealt with all the threats to Earth.


    He would take a couple of years to digest everything he had learned since the start of the integration and stabilize his foundations while shoring up his weaknesses. It would slow down his progress, but it would probably also quicken it in the long run. Besides, wasnt there some time to do it now?


    He kept the Fragment of the Axe active in his axe as he tried to pry out all the secrets it contained. The words written at the beginning of his guide to formations felt all the more poignant as he marveled in the feeling of man and axe bing one.


    <em>It is folly to believe the study of formations to be differentiated from other pursuits such as Alchemy or even fighting. All are children to the same parent, the boundless Dao.</em>


    It was not that his skills became stronger by infusing them with the Dao of the Axe. The skills themselves were part of the Dao, and imbuing them with the truth of their origin allowed them to exhibit their real power.


    Or something like that, Zac couldnt be too sure.


    But he felt he was on the correct path, and he kept at it for hours, a lone human fighting a sea of enraged beasts. The church that had hired'' them for this mission stayed outside the valley, as the corruption could affect people as well.


    However, Zac had found that his Dao of the Coffin had no trouble refining the energy just like with the poison, grinding it down to unattuned Energy that was expelled from his body. Zac suspected that if he wasnt stuck in a bottleneck hed even be able to use the cleansed corruption to open up nodes, though he would have to sit in this valley for years to absorb enough energy for a single node.


    But Zac felt it was an important distinction. He might not be able to absorb Cosmic Energy like a Cultivator, but he could perhaps build his own system. He could get himself poisoned on purpose, and then slowly convert the poison into energy.


    He wasnt sure if it was efficient enough for it to actually be worth the time and suffering, but it was worth keeping in mind. For now, he let his Dao Fragment passively course through his body as he focused on the axe.


    There would be time to work on the Dao of the coffin after they had left Gu on the 30th level.


    He had considered swapping over to his Draugr form in this secluded valley, but he had eventually decided against it. He really wanted to try his two new skills, but he still didnt have a too great a grasp on Gus capabilities. The Allbright nobleman might be spying on him at this very moment, it wasnt like he had the ability to know if that was the case.


    He had already drawn arge enough target on his back from his actions, and he didnt want to tack on the fact that he ran around with two sses. Who knew how the reaction would be if that got out to the forces waiting in the Base Town.


    It didnt mean he had nothing to do just because he couldnt work on his Undying Bulwark ss. His primal axe kept sweeping along the aggressive monkeys following a set pattern, switching between sweeping arcs meant for widespread destruction, and quick jabs meant to maim or grapple enemies.


    It was the method provided by <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>, and he had been working on pushing that skill toward the peak the past day. He was swapping between using the training fractals to guide him for an hour and then trying to apply those tactics in battle against his extremely willing sparring partners.


    The monkeys were luckily extremely fearful of his Dao Field for the Dao of the Coffin, likely because it could destroy the corruption in their bodies. The moment he unleashed his Dao Field, which now had a diameter of over a hundred meters if he pushed it, the monkeys would run for the hills.


    Pushing Axe Mastery to the peak was probably not something that would help him in the tower, but it was still something that needed to be done. It was proof of a basic grasp of his weapon, and something that would positively impact his ss choices. How would he get a good axe ss if he couldnt even be bothered to max out his most basic axe skill first?


    His efforts paid off soon enough, and a prompt told him that he had finally reached the peak of the skill. A familiar sense of pressure in his mind made Zacs eyes lit up, and he quickly shed away from the valley while he sted his Dao Field at full force to deter the monkeys from following him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He found a secluded spot and put multipleyers of arrays down before he sat down and closed his eyes. The skill had actually provided him with another vision, and Zacs heart beat with excitement as he let the vision take him away.

 Chapter 408: Creation

    Chapter 408: Creation


    A warrior drenched in blood swung his intimidating two-handed axe, causing a wave of destruction to ripple outward. The attack created cascading explosions that cleared out arge swathe of rabid rats that tried to drown a town. There were millions and millions of them, but the axe warrior stoically took down one swarm after another.


    The vision changed to a wiry warrior with two jagged hatchets who created blur with his frenzied swings in the arena. The swordsman desperately blocked one strike after another, but he was soon drowned in the avnche of attacks. One of the hatchets snuck behind the guard and cut off the swordsmans arm, and from there the result was a foregone conclusion. The arena erupted in cheers as the Hatchetman held a decapitated head in the air triumphantly.


    A man donning a gentle expression sat beneath a tree in a de, carving an intricate figurine with the sharp tip at the edge of a grisly war axe. One could have thought he used a small engraving knife judging by the intricate details of the wood carving. But a snap of the twig brought the man out from his reverie, and he looked up to see a group of beasts encroaching on his domain. The congenial face was instantly swapped with one of fury, and the axe started to drip with blood as he lifted it toward its targets.


    The warlordughed maniacally as she decapitated one warrior after another with a swing of her axe. She had some time ago forgotten how to use a shield as she was consumed by her bloodlust, and she instead used it to cave in skulls or break bones. Her axe keened with its master''s glee, and the two created a song of madness and fury as they roved the battlefield together.


    One scene after another shed past Zacs eyes, showing all kinds of axe-wielding warriors in the midst of battle. Some relied on raw strength while others on speed as theyunched furious swings at their enemies.


    Some had fused their axework with various elements, often ones rife with destruction. mes and blood weremon traits, as were wind. But one of the more powerful warriors shown actually seemed to use insight into the Dao of Space as his swings could pass right through a mountain to hit the target hiding on the other side.


    There were also some unexpected usages of the axe. One vision showed a man wielding what looked like a halberd like it was a massive paintbrush, and he drewrge fractals in the air with the weave of his weapon that unleashed massive attacks. Another one used hundreds of small flying axes that rapidly spun around him like a swarm of angry wasps.


    There was a clear inclination toward certain types of elements and styles of battle though, which Zac felt made sense as not all and Daos fit equally well with the characteristics of an axe. Some had created sessful systems that stood out from the norm, but most followed the pattern of a blood-soaked warrior, just like himself.


    However, Zac started to frown when he didnt sense any insightsing from the barrage of visions. He was starting to wake up and it was usually at this point that he would incorporate the visions into his Dao, pushing it one step further. There was no resonance and no Dao Stars descending on him to push his fragment to middle grade. It was almost like he had just watched an action movie.


    It was cool, but it didnt connect to him on a deeper level. Zac kept trying to grasp onto something to spark an epiphany, but he reluctantly had to give up after an hour after the vision ended. He looked up with a frown, unsure what had gone wrong.


    Was it because of the Tower?


    He had already known since the start that improving ones Dao within the tower was pretty much impossible. Time dtion cut ones connection to the heavens as Ogras exined it, and Zac immediately understood what he meant after his first real battle.


    There was usually a resonance to his actions when he fought, like his moves and attacks contained a deeper truth. But that waspletely missing inside the tower. The Daos still worked just fine, but everything felt hollow forck of a better word. This didnt affect the strength of the Daos or his skills, but it was simply impossible to move his Dao Fragments forward this way.


    It was so bad that he was even pretty sure that he wouldnt be able to gain anything after exiting the Tower. He had initially thought he could fight a couple of harsh battles inside the Tower, and then ponder on the fights outside. But he had already realized that this was likely a fools dream.


    There were no sparks of insight born through battle in the tower, and the Dao was clouded for him. And perhaps this was what had ruined his vision bestowed from his ss. Had he missed the opportunity to push one his Dao Fragments to middle grade because he had pushed one of his Skills to the Peak while inside the tower?


    It would be extremely frustrating if that was the case, but Zac had some reason to believe that there was something else in y. Ogras had already said that you could benefit from things such as Dao Treasures while inside the tower, even though the effect was worse than outside. The Treasure itself contained Origin Dao, which allowed him to move his Dao Seeds forward even inside the time chamber provided he had the necessary insights to match.


    It should have worked the same way with the Vision, as it was an epiphany brought by his ss. But there was not even a hint of pushing his Dao forward, which made Zac a bit suspicious there was another possibility. What if it wasnt a Dao vision?


    The skill <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> was essentially a basic training skill that would allow him to gain a fundamental understanding of his weapon, and reaching the peak meant that he hadpleted the basic training course. But that didnt mean he had mastered the art of the axe.


    He was still just a beginner, a brute who fought more with his attributes than any sort of mastery of his weapon. What if the vision was a way for him to gain inspiration as to how to move forward from his basic mastery. It showed him various masters who had forged their respective paths with the axe, opening a world of possibilities for him.


    That might have been the first step in attaining the Fragment of the Axe if one followed the normal proceedings. He would first master <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>, and from the vision gain inspiration on how to improve hisbat further. That would eventually lead to an insight that could form a Dao Fragment. But he had skipped this normal path due to his ess to all the Origin Dao on Earth and the Dao Funnel.


    Or perhaps he was simply deluding himself to make himself feel better, Zac thought with a sigh. But he felt he wasnt all that far off from the mark with his guess. He would have heard about a second vision by now if there was such a thing as the Mastery-skills were extremelymon.


    He wasnt in any mood to ponder on his Daos or the Vision any longer in either case, and he instead took out one of his information packets instead. He perused them a little whenever he was free or when he needed to clear his head. This time he once again looked at the package that broached the subject of Arcane sses.


    The restrictions for attaining an Arcane ss still felt distant even after gaining his Second Dao Fragment due to the lucky encounter with the cmitous Lotus. The most basic requirement was a Medium Mastery Dao Fragment, but that was just the start.


    Zac had until recently felt that achievements wouldnt be a bottleneck for someone like him. He had achieved almost the impossible by rising up as a terrifying Progenitor who had snatched up most of the titles on Earth. Not only that, he somehow had gained dual races and sses, pushing his power and attributes to shocking levels.


    Those advantages had snowballed into a list of achievements that would probably even shock the scions of the powerful ns in the Base Town. How many would be able to close multiple incursions in a week, while fighting all alone?


    However, Zac had been thinking about achievements too shallowly. The most important facet of gaining the fabled rank of an Arcane Master is not defeating strong enemies or umting arge number of titles. It is about creation, about a spark of genius that opens up new avenues.


    Zac grimaced when he reread the snippet from the information package he bought the other day. This seemingly innocuous paragraph almost felt like it was targeted right at him. It would appear that thergest bottleneck to gain an arcane ss wouldnt be his Dao Fragments, but rather this part.


    <em>What is creation? It is about leading rather than following, a desire to push boundaries further and reach a higher sky. If you simply follow a Heritage to get stronger you have likely already failed. Each Arcane Master is unique, a genius across the eons. </em>


    <em>How can one reach the peak by mindlessly following others?</em>


    The words resonated deeply with Zac, and he was doubly thankful that he hade to the Tower in the end.


    Until now hed kept moving forward with a reactive mindset. He had been thrown into this messy reality unwillingly and had tried to make the best of the situation one decision at a time. He had tried to be proactive when he chose his Undying Bulwark ss, but hisck of knowledge had still made it backfire a bit.


    He was still pretty sure it was mostly fine though, as it was obvious that he could steer the ss in other directions more suited for his cultivation path.


    It was only after meeting Yrial he got a proper cultivation path and started to think about cultivation from a long-term perspective as well. But even then he simply followed Yrial''s path and modified it for his two sses. His master had walked the path of a cycle, and Zac followed in tow without thinking too deeply about it.


    That wasnt to say that his path of life and death was bad. He still felt it was the by far best option considering his unique situation. But was there really a need to create a cyclic change as Yrial did with fire and ice?


    He needed to figure out something that would be perfect for himself if he wanted to have a shot at an Arcane ss. Or was the path he had devised already good enough to be considered a ''creation'' as the information packet described? Zac''s instincts told him that wasn''t the case.


    But try as he might, Zac couldn''t just conjure a unique path out of thin air. His foundations were too shallow for something like this. Perhaps the old Abbot could do it as he was obviously a great genius in the Dao of Karma, but Zac wasn''t talented in that way. He could only pray that getting pushed to the limits over the following months inside the Tower would open a path for him, something great enough in the System''s eyes.


    For now, he would focus on what he could do. His skills were the most obvious apart from getting better acquainted with his Daos. He opened up his skill window the first time in a while to take a look.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Normal Skills</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Proficiency</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Description</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    Inquisitive Eye</td><td>


    Early</td><td>


    See through their secrets. Upgradeable</td></tr><tr><td>


    Book of Babel</td><td>


    -</td><td>


    Enlightenment through understanding.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Mental Fortress</td><td>


    Late</td><td>


    Enduring Stability. Upgradeable</td></tr><tr><td>


    Thousand Faces</td><td>


    -</td><td>


    If you hate who you are, change it. Upgradeable</td></tr><tr><td>


    Nature''s Barrier</td><td>


    Late</td><td>


    Brave thousand storms with Gaia''s protection. Upgradeable</td></tr><tr><td>


    Beauty Yrial''s Great Transformation Skill</td><td>


    -</td><td>


    If only this skill could fix your face as well.</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>ss Skills</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Proficiency</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Description</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    Axe Mastery</td><td>


    Peak</td><td>


    The seed of Dao is nted. Upgradeable.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Chop</td><td>


    Peak</td><td>


    There is greatness in simplicity.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Forester''s Constitution</td><td>


    Middlen/?/vel/b//in dot c//om</td><td>


    Man and Nature, one entity. Upgradeable.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Loamwalker</td><td>


    Late</td><td>


    Trod the unbroken path. Upgradeable.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Nature''s Punishment</td><td>


    Peak</td><td>


    Awaken the wrath of the world. Upgradeable.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Hatchetman''s Rage</td><td>


    Late</td><td>


    Burn with the vengeance of a forest fire. Upgradeable.</td></tr><tr><td>


    Deforestation</td><td>


    Middle</td><td>


    Their army is the forest and you are the Hatchetman. Upgradeable</td></tr><tr><td>


    Hatchetman''s Spirit</td><td>


    Early</td><td>


    Oneness with nature. Upgradeable.</td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had to admit his sess was pretty varied and random. He was still only on Middle proficiency at <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>, but he had already reached Peak with <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. Meanwhile, <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> wasn''t even added to the list because he hadn''t even reached early proficiency yet.


    Zac had also been shocked to see that Hatchetmans Rage had skipped Middle proficiency entirely to jump tote-stage after his rage-out at the Zethaya Pill House.


    It seemed that his Splinter had greatly assisted him in his skills rted to anger, as many of his recent gains hade from the Splinter pushing his rage to new levels. First, it was witnessing Alea falling in battle, and then it was the battle in Base Town.


    Even Deforestation had jumped one grade, which had to be considered a great speed of advancement since he had only used the skill a handful of times.


    It was great that the splinter also provided some benefits, but made him slightly leery. He didnt want to rely too much on anger when fighting, even though it boosted his strength. But rampaging was what beasts did, and Zac didnt want to prove Ogras right by turning into an actual Netherbeast. He felt he had at least a decent head on his set of shoulders, and he should try to apply it to his fighting.


    Or was he better off leaning into the anger?

 Chapter 409: Fermentation

    Chapter 409: Fermentation


    Zac quickly discarded the thought of letting his anger take the wheel. That felt like a great way to be a raving lunatic, especially with the splinter still in his head. He would dly take the upgrades it provided him, but he didn''t want to rely on it any more than that.


    The splinter only helped with a scant few of his skills though, and a few other skills showed disappointing progress. Inquisitive Eye was still stuck on early proficiency, which didnt really surprise Zac. He no longer used it since it had essentially be superfluous for him. There was no point in using it on weak enemies, and strong enemies were too powerful for the skill to work on them.


    He had tried to purchase the ocr skill Gu used, but the youth didnt possess the actual crystal. He had bought the skill from a Skill House on his home, which essentially was like an open Dao Repository.


    Warriors short on cash could spend some time working in conjunction with the inscribers of the Skill House to produce skill crystals, and the remuneration would depend on the quality of the skill and the number of uses the crystals contained in the end.


    The subject of Skill Crystals had always made Zac a bit confused, especially the high price theymanded. He had always wondered why they werent cheaper. Couldnt you just copy the skill a thousand times and sell it across the multi-verse? Such a thing would no doubt push the price down from the exorbitant prices they had today.


    But it was through Gu he finally realized that creating skill crystals was extremely arduous. First, it needed the owner of the skill to havepletely mastered it. Just reaching the peak of the skill wasnt enough, one needed to know its ins and outspletely to the point that it almost came like breathing to them.


    Secondly, it required a skilled inscriber to trante the insights of the warrior into an inscription embedded in the crystal. The two had to work together for months, sometimes even years for high-grade skills, to create the crystal, creating a huge opportunity cost.


    Of course, this process could be somewhat sped up if the inscriber and the warrior were the one and the same. In fact, many wandering cultivators learned the basics of inscriptions for this very reason. If they ever found themselves hard on cash they could spend some time refining a skill crystal or two. It wasn''t as good money as hunting powerful beasts, but it also didn''t put your life at risk.


    Some even traveled the multiverse collecting popr skills in order to learn them and resell crystals at others for a profit. The fact that skill crystals usually onlysted for a couple of uses guaranteed a constant demand as well, as long as the skill was strong enough.


    Inheritance crystals like the one in his Dao Repository were far rarer, and they required extremely expensive materials to not deteriorate after a skill fractal was extracted. It also required a peak D-Grade inscriber at the least, and it wasnt something some hobby inscriber could create. The Inheritance Crystals in the Tower of Myriad Dao was no doubt the result of abor of love that took the original Bra centuries toplete.


    As for the othercking skills like <strong>[Forester''s Constitution]</strong> and <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>, Zac wasn''t really sure how to progress them. Forester''s Constitution had only upgraded once, and it was while he ran through the corrupted forests of the Dead Zone. Since then there had been no improvements in the skill, making Zac believe it might need constant exposure to various forests to progress.


    Unfortunately, that wasn''t something he could train onmand, and he could only hope that some of the following levels would take ce in locations that would benefit the skills. As for <strong>[Hatchetman''s Sprit]</strong>, he had no idea how to improve it just yet.


    For now it looked like he was done with his training session, and it would probably be more efficient to delve deeper into his Daos on the higher floors. Zac got back to his feet and quickly made his way back to the small town some distance from the valley that the Church had turned into a temporarymand central.


    How goes the investigations? an acolyte standing guard asked as Zac approached.


    I think I may have found a lead, Zac answered off-handedly. But I need to confer with my associates.


    Thats great! the acolyte eximed. Your colleagues are currently meditating in your courtyard.


    Zac nodded and walked toward his courtyard, where he found Gu going over the haul from the past floors while scribbling in a book. His focus was so great that he only noticed Zacs return when he stood right next to him.


    Oh? Youre back? Gu asked. Are you taking a break or are we done with this level?


    I have aplished what I needed here. I will probably go higher if I want to improve my other skills, Zac said. Wheres Ogras?


    Hes out back with the barrels. He might actually have a talent for brewery, the youth said.


    Who knows? Zac smiled. He might change vocations as well.


    Did you find anything about the corruption? Gu asked.


    I found a spot in the valley with much denser energiespared to the rest, the source is probably around there, but we might need your eyes to pinpoint the source. I also have an idea of how to deal with it, Zac said as he walked toward the back of the house.


    But he suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to Gu.


    Are you familiar with mastery-skills? Zac asked.


    Of course, why do you ask? Gu asked with confusion. I have the <strong>[Sword Mastery]</strong> due to my ss.


    I just reached peak proficiency and was shown a bunch of visions. But I didnt gain any Dao insight from it. Is that because of the Tower? Zac asked, some worry creeping back into his heart.


    Dao vision? Gu repeated before he shook his head. No, the mastery skill doesnt provide that. The visions simply give various examples of how you can further your studies, but its not required to follow. If you have a Heritage youll simply follow that instead.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac sighed in relief, realizing he had been correct with his guess. He thanked the youth and went around the back of the building the church had allocated for them.


    What the- Zac eximed the moment he walked around the corner, as the whole backyard was filled with over a dozen massive barrels, each holding hundreds of liters of liquor.


    Just how much did you buy in the Base Camp? Zac asked with shock as he walked up to a vat to smell the fragrance.


    Half of it was bought inside the Tower, remember the 21st level? It was dirt cheap over there, Ogras smiled. I am experimenting and trying to improve my odds of keeping my stuff.


    Hows so? Zac asked with interest.


    Refined items have a higher chance of staying in your Cosmos Sack when leaving this ce, but I have no skills in refinement. So I throw various things into the vats to see what will happen," the demon exined and pointed at the bottom of therge vat in front of Zac. "Look inside."


    Zac threw Ogras an amused look before he peered into the bottom of the massive container, and his brows rose when he realized just how wasteful the demon was. Apart from a few handfuls of various Spiritual Herbs they had picked up along the climb there were dozens of small shimmering balls lying at the bottom.


    Are those the longevity pearls we found? Zac said with surprise.


    Yes, that is now my Ten-thousand-year wine. I am sure it will be a great hit, the demon said with glee.


    You know people will think that the wine has been fermented for ten thousand years if you call it that? Zac snorted.


    Exactly, which will allow me to charge me more for it. Not my fault they dont know their wine, the demon shrugged.


    Zac was about to refute, but he honestly didnt know what to say. Instead, he could only change the subject to why he came back here.


    Im done with things here, Zac said. I think I will need to find real enemies if I want to improve my other skills. What about you? I havent seen you working on your skills at all.


    I got my ss twelve years ago. Even if I was hiding my amazing talents from my family, most of my skills would have reached the peak by now, the demon said with a roll of his eyes. Only the new skills I got at level 75 remain, but those will not improve because I activate them among some trash monkeys.


    Zac nodded and took out and looked at the Tower Token. It had been inside a fortified bag that ran along the small of his back the entire time, as it wasnt possible to put inside a Cosmos Sack for some reason. It was a truly mysterious item. He had clearly crushed it to arrive at this ce, but he found it back on his waist in perfect condition when he arrived at the Base Town.


    It looked mostly the same, with one side covered in inscriptions. But since he entered the tower there was also a small corner that said how long he had stayed inside. It was written in some general script that was widely used across the multiverse. Zac still didn''t really master thenguage just yet, but he at least knew the numbers.


    Twelve days had passed since they entered, meaning roughly 3 hours had passed in the outside world. Had things calmed down on the outside now, or was a whole army already stationed and waiting outside the tower? The bounty had remained on his head all this time after all ording to Ogras.


    "I know that look," Ogras snorted as he ced a heavy lid on one vat after another before he stowed them away in his Cosmos Sack. "Just focus on the climb. We can''t do anything about what''s going on outside, apart from climbing as high as possible."


    "You''re right," Zac sighed.


    The three set out from the town in short order, and Zac led them to the area where he had found the high concentration of corruption. Zac kept his Dao Field out at all times as he was tired of fighting the monkeys, and they arrived at the spot uncontested. But when they were a few hundred meters from where Zac guessed the source was Ogras stopped with a sour expression.


    "I won''t go closer than this. That energy is wreaking havoc in my body, any closer and it will get annoying to cleanse," Ogras exined with a frown. "You''ll have to deal with this alone."


    Zac looked over at Gu who looked pretty bad as well, even though he had produced some sort of talisman that cleansed the area around them. It looked like he wouldn''t be able to use his ocr skills to figure things out.


    "It''s fine, I''ll do it," Zac shrugged. "But you''ll have to deal with the monkeys after I leave."


    His target was arge ck boulder that seemed ced there rather than a natural part of the valley, but as Zac walked a few circles around it he couldn''t figure out what was so special about it. There were no inscriptions on it, and he couldn''t find any other signs it had been tampered with either. So why did it emit such nasty energies?


    "Just break it," Ogras shouted from the distance as he sliced a frenzied monkey into pieces. "These bastards won''t relent while you are over there."


    Zac nodded and went back to do what he did best. Why bother wracking his brain when one good punch would do the trick?


    One massive m was all it took for the boulder to be reduced into rubble, and Zac started to sift through the wreckage for clues. It only took him a few seconds as a thick ck haze shrouded a particr piece of the rubble, and even Zac started to feel the effects of the corruption even though he ran the Fragment of the Coffin to the fullest.


    He could probably destroy the source with a swing of his axe, but curiosity got the better of him and he walked over to get a better look at the object. A quick inspection from the distance made it clear it was some sort of fossilized bug that had turned into what looked like onyx unless it was an extremely lifelike sculpture.


    The bug was slightlyrger than a baseball and appeared to have three sets of wings and six sets of legs, making it diverge from the beasts of Earth. It was also evidently clear that it was long dead, so why did it emit such terrifying energies?


    "Please hurry, the corruption is getting dangerous!" Gu shouted from the distance.


    Zac shrugged and threw fossil or statue into his Spatial Ring, and it joined all the other foreign objects he had collected over the past 20-odd levels. The moment he stowed away the bug the corruption in the area started to dissipate almost immediately, allowing Ogras and Gu to rx a bit.


    Was it that easy?


    Perhaps it wasn''t meant for people to bepletely immune to the effects on this floor, but they rather had to figure out a way to destroy the item from a distance. Zac looked over at the other two, and Ogras shrugged as he pointed at the array that had appeared among the rubble from the boulder. Zac shrugged before he joined the two as they moved on to the final level of the third floor.


    This time they found themselves on a set of expansive steppes and the only break from the sea of tall grass was a small nomadic vige in the distance.


    <strong>[Challenge the chieftain for the defining treasure of the tribe.]</strong>


    "You can wait here," Zac said as he started to walk toward the vige, but he was suddenly stopped by Ogras.


    "Wait, let me do this one."

 Chapter 410: Heartless

    Chapter 410: Heartless


    Looking down on me, will you? Ogras muttered to himself while cracking his neck as he moved toward the vige. I still remember you running around in a bloody dress like a lunatic.


    Ogras had seen the look in his eyes, and the words of caution had sounded like some elder cautioning children to not run too close to the Barghest pit.


    Of course, Ogras knew that Zacs remarks came from a ce of concern, but it was a stark reminder that the gap between the two kept widening. It felt like there was an untapped and unceasing wellspring of potential inside that monsters body, and if the man didnt evolve soon hed start fighting D-Grade Powerhouses.


    Just a few months ago Ogras had still felt confident in defeating him if he went all out and utilized some underhanded tactics. But now? He didnt even dare think about it. If Ogras wasnt mistaken the guy actually possessed two Fragments now on top of his already monstrous body. And if that wasnt enough he had enough Luck to bend reality around him in his favor.


    Was the man the seconding of The First Defier? Would he also rip the heavens in two while still being a piddling mortal less than a hundred years old?


    Ogras could only snort at his wild imagination and refocus on the task at hand. He had spoken with vigor just now, but he truly wasn''tpletely confident in taking on this task. Judging by everything he knew of the trial he believed that the 3rd floor shouldn''t prove too difficult with his recent improvements, but he couldn''t be sure.


    I fed you so many good things you asshole, you better contribute to your daddy today, Ogras muttered as he tapped the metal casing around his shadowlimb with his spear.


    A subdued shudder made the metal cast hum for a bit, but Ogras couldnt tell if the annoying critter living in his shadows agreed or not. But the thing hadnt actively worked against him during battle at least, and it mostly seemed somewhat cooperative.


    Now if it could only stop trying to possess him as well, then everything would be swell.


    At least the creature came with some benefits now. Using the <strong>[Fruit of Bonding]</strong> had actually turned it into a registeredpanion, which was a lot better than the crude way that asshole had stitched their souls together. It even came with a small attribute bonus now, boosting both Dexterity and Intelligence.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Ogras Azh''Rezak</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Shadowde</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Demon</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Manual</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Grey World Mudra [14%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Demon yer I, Adventurer, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Tower of Eternity  3rd floor, Betrayer, One Against Many, Butcher, Chosen of Dao, Invasion Breaker, The First Step, Beastmaster</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Astral Pond  20m</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Umbra - Early, Seed of Mirage - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Companion</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Ka''Zur neswalker</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>272 [Increase: 8%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>541 [Increase: 23%. Efficiency: 105%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>148 [Increase: 8%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>99 [Increase: 8%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>108 [Increase: 13%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>69 [Increase: 8%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>49 [Increase: 8%. Efficiency: 100%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 480 687 176 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    His title screen might not match up to that brute, but Ogras still felt a sense of aplishment as he looked over his attributes. He had superseded even his most optimistic calctions by over 30%, mostly thanks to his Fragment and new titles.


    He had even passed his dream-goal of hitting 500 Dexterity without eschewing his Strength in a bid to get a better ss. Just the thought of evolution almost made his hand twitch in anticipation. He had kept himself from checking the crystal after the experience with the funnel, not wanting to let himself becent in this ce.


    The mediocre start to his path of cultivation would require a long time to correct, and he needed to eke out every advantage he could get. Upgrading his Tower Title was the first step, and next he needed to sniff out some Limited Titles to fill out his quota and boost his somewhat pitiful number of mid-grade Titles.


    He was truthfully a bit surprised he hadnt heard of any leads on Earth. Had that odd Mystic Realm pushed aside all the smaller ones that usually globbed onto a newly integrated? It would be nice if they could get their hands on a Trial Array, like his familys Astral Pond. But the chances of that happening before they evolved were pretty slim.


    Besides, such arrays could take years to set up, and even if MacKenzie had shown shocking skill with arrays it required deeper insights. He remembered that their pond had taken the ancestors 80 years to create after expending countless treasures.


    It seemed unlikely he would gain any new titles before he evolved, but such was life. His vision had been broadenedtely, but that didnt mean he could be greedy. Hopefully, Zac would get one as a reward by The Ruthless Heavens after gaining control of the whole baby.


    Ogras threw ast look back at Zac and their mobile crystal mine before he went toward the barbarian camp. Arge humanoid chieftain holding two massive scimitars walked out to meet him, and he only roared as he mmed the t side against his bare chest, creating a sound that resembled the call of the AzhKirKhat war drums.


    "Hey there," Ogras hollered with a smile. "If you would be so kind to hand over your defining treasure then we''ll be on our way!"


    You want to im the Whisk of OChagga, stonewalker? the man shouted. The spirits wont allow such sacrilege!


    The demon could help but nch at the corny situation, but the mention of the whisk made him perk up. Such a thing would obviously go to himself since he was the one who fought. Who knew? It might turn out to be something valuable.


    And if not, perhaps it could be crushed and thrown into one of his vats. He had never drunk liquor infused with ancestral spirits, should be quite the experience.


    But now was not the time to think of such matters. He had gained a lottely, and it was time to put it to the test. This was not only a battle against the Tower or some dumb barbarian, it was a battle against himself. Against the version of himself who had cowed in the distance and who had only been able to look at a battle of this caliber with jealousy.


    The ground suddenly rumbled, and Ogras looked over with a frown to see arge tiger rush over, each leap taking it over twenty meters forward. Had that god damn barbarian actually tricked him? That posturing with mming his des was actually to call his mount?


    Shadowspears immediately rose out of the ground to skewer the animal while a few also shot toward the barbarians eyes in an effort to distract him. The appearance of some prehistoric beast was an unwee addition to an already tense situation, and Ogras wanted to deal with it as quickly as possible.


    The reflexes of the beast were nothing to scoff at though, and a few frenzied swipes destroyed most of the spears, with only a few managing to create shallow wounds in its nk. Ogras tsked in annoyance when he saw the tiger sessfully join the barbarian who jumped onto its back.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The treachery of a stonewalker, as expected, the barbarian roared, a line of green blood running down his face from a wound to his left cheek.


    Ogras didnt bother answering as he immediately infused Cosmic Energy into therge fractal covering his shoulder des. There was no point in holding back against his enemy, and he decided to activate <strong>[Grey World Arbiter]</strong> immediately.


    It would be a bit embarrassing if he fought a long and arduous battle on the third floor after talking big and wide. It would make him look like a wastrel that ran his mouth based on someone elses strength. The tworge wings grew out from the fractals and he felt power entering his body as he rose to the sky, and he immediatelyunched a barrage of shadows at hisndbound foe.


    Coward! the barbarian roared when he saw Ogras move outside the reach of his beast.


    Ogras snickered as he infused his spear with shadows tounch a <strong>[Shadonce]</strong>, but he barely had time to start the infusion before a storm of wind des rippled toward him as the chieftain frenziedly swung his two scimitars in front of him.


    The des were a bit reminiscent of Zacs axe-des, but they were extremely thin and had a pale yellow hue that resembled the long dried stalks of grass covering the ins they stood on. The des flew toward him with pretty annoying speed, and worse yet was that the attacks acted just like des of grass in a storm, swaying back and forth in an unpredictable manner.


    But Ogras had no problems ying that game. Darkness swallowed him as he activated <strong>[Darkside]</strong> to enter the Grey World, allowing him to move with a speed that almost seemed like teleportation to outsiders. He shed back and forth, but he felt his connection with the Grey World weakening.


    It seemed that the vast ins connection to the grey world was pretty weak, which wasnt surprising with theck of permanent shadows due to the even terrain. But it was enough for him to move behind him the chieftain, and he immediatelyunched a strike toward the nape of the man''s neck.


    Hitting the head increased the likelihood of a lethal strike as it was arger target, but a head could be swung away with a wider arc than the neck itself. But the panthers muscles rippled the moment Ogras appeared, and the two moved away with shocking speed, barely avoiding thence of condensed shadows that ripped through the air.


    Ancestors! the chieftain roared as he looked at Ogras with some fear in his eyes for the first time, and the air above him shuddered.


    A massive, but hazy, projection of a warrior wielding a spear condensed above him, and it emanated a pressure that even superseded the warrior himself. Ogras groaned in annoyance as he watched the huge man turn his spear toward him.


    Cultivators relying on ancestral protection were pretty annoying, as they had the ability to call on their long-dead ancestors. As more old goats died over the years the ancestral spirits only got stronger, making the current chieftains harder and harder to deal with.


    Luckily such sses were pretty rare in the multiverse as there were hefty downsides to this system. Venerating your ancestors to this degree put mental blocks in your mind, making them gods and yourself a mortal. Surpassing them became almost impossible, which created gradually declining bloodlines.


    Besides, such cultivation systems had other weaknesses as well. Ogras mouth widened in a bloodthirsty smile as the straps holding his cast together snapped open and the metallic container fell to the ground.


    A massive sea of shadows spread across the grassy fields, washing out the colors in the area. But Ogras didnt instruct the shadows to head toward the massive guardian in the sky, but rather created a grey tsunami that rippled toward the small vige to the side.


    You! the chieftain roared in anger, and the whole area shook as the fury of the ancestor ignited.


    Screams from children could be heard from the vige as weak shields were erected by warriors who had stood by to witness the battle of their chief and spiritual pir. But the expressions in their eyes indicated they didnt hold much confidence in rebuffing the storm of shadows that threatened to consume the whole vige.


    The huge projection in the air suddenly exploded in a sh of yellow light, and a massive shield sprung up around the vige that easily rebuffed the wave of shadows. It was like the sea of shadows tried to swallow a sun, but the blinding light quickly drained the shadows of their strength, destroying most and forcing the rest to flee.


    The ancestral guardian had sacrificed his form to keep his descendants safe, while the air around the chieftain distorted as he seemed to charge up a massive attack directed at Ogras who sneered at him from a safe distance.


    A pitch-ck arm suddenly emerged from the chest of the chieftain, holding a still-beating heart in its hand. The Ogras who hovered in the air slowly faded, as the true Ogras rose out of the chieftains shadows. The mount roared in anger when it sensed the fate of its master on its back, but a massive explosion from the shadows beneath sted open the panther''s belly, spreading its innards all over the ground.


    The Seed of Mirage and some misdirection had allowed him tounch a quick strike to end it all, and the massive collision of energies had distracted the sharp senses of the panther for long enough to move himself and his explosive array close enough to strike.


    Relyingon.. despicable tactics heartless, the man coughed out as his mouth filled with blood.


    Perhaps, but I am alive and you are dead, Ogras smiled as he crushed the heart and released a burst of shadows that rampaged inside the body of the dying warrior, instantly killing him.


    If the Heavens are heartless, why shouldnt I be the same?

 Chapter 411: War

    Chapter 411: War


    Zac witnessed the battle with a small frown, and the screams and cries of the vigers in the distance felt extremely discordant in his ears. His eyes followed Ogras as he looted the fallen Warrior and even put the mangled remains of his mount in his Cosmos Sack before he returned.


    Why did you have to do it like that? Zac asked as the demon walked up to them. You could have won in a head-on fight as well.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But the risk to my wellbeing would increase, Ogras answered with a refreshing smile as he refastened his metal casing around the congealed shadows. Besides, I knew he would choose to protect the vige rather than attack me. Those kinds of bloodline warriors have extremely close-knitmunities.


    Still, Zac sighed but didnt press the matter further.


    It wasnt his business how Ogras fought, and he knew that the demon was simply using smoke and mirrors with his shadow-wave, rather than actually trying to kill the children in the vige. The demon knew as well as the others that killing innocents would likely cause a real mess.


    The still gave Zac a bad taste in his mouth as it reminded him of the me Golems attempt to kill his army back in the Underworld with the wave ofva. It was an anything-goes attitude to battle that was unnecessary in a ce like this. Ogras didnt even push himself to his fullest, and even if he failed Zac could step in to defeat the chieftain.


    That weak heart of yours will be the death of you one day, Ogras snorted as he looked over a whisk he had looted from the body of his enemy.


    Lets just go, Zac said as he turned toward the array, engraving the hateful stares of the vigers in his heart.


    Remember, please hurry, Gu said as he followed Zac.


    We know, Zac nodded. Though I think youll do just fine on your own if in a pinch. Your skill with the sword is pretty impressive.


    Remember, the agreement said 32<sup>nd</sup> level, not the fourth floor, Gu entreated. And I have the option of buying further levels if needed.


    Whats the point of that? Zac asked curiously We cant take you past the fourth floor anyway.


    This was something he and Ogras had already decided. They wouldnt risk their climb by adding Gu to the penalty of the fifth floor and beyond. They would take him to the floor before the floor guardian at highest, and continue alone from there on out.


    He doesnt want to stay on a bad level for months, Ogras exined. Remember the 24<sup>th</sup> level?


    Understanding dawned on Zacs face as he recalled that wretched level. The 24<sup>th</sup> level took ce inside a swamp teeming with all kinds of disgusting bugs, huge ferocious eels, and pockets of poisonous gases. Their objective had been to find a flower, and Gu had pulled out one treasure after another in order to escape that cursed ce as quickly as possible.


    Thats fine, Zac agreed. Well hurry.


    The fourth floor was like the third, but worse. There was no longer any point in color-coding the res, as they would almost always be thrown into the thick of it ording to the merchant. Thats why the merchant wanted to remind them to not dally around wherever they started.


    About the price Gu ventured.


    Well discuss it when we get there, the demon smiled.


    Zac nodded in agreement, as that felt like a matter that should be discussed when they got there. What if the 32<sup>nd</sup> level was the same as the 24<sup>th</sup>? Theyd be able to make a killing if that was the case. The three stepped onto the tform as they had so many times before, and Zac once again found himself in the ck space.


    <strong>[Third Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: Longevity Medicine, Race Medicine, Energy Medicine]</strong>


    Zac didnt immediately make his choice, and instead opened his status screen. He had already learned that the ck space had an even more dted time-space. He could spend a few minutes inside with less than a minute passing outside, allowing him to go over the gains before entering whatever mess the fourth floor would bring.


    So Zac ignored the prompt with the quest reward and instead opened his status screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity  3<sup>rd</sup> Floor</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Early, Fragment of the Coffin - Early, Seed of Trees - Peak, Seed of Sanctuary - Peak</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>861 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 147%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>429 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1244 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 147%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>649 [Increase: 61%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>232 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>335 [Increase: 45%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>198 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 140%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 2 966 111 618 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 3rd Floor: Reach the 28th level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All Attributes +10]</strong>


    He had already known what the title would reward after discussing it with the other two, but he still felt the title was simply amazing. They had just passed the third floor and the title already gave asrge a t boost as any other title he had umted. His other titles giving a simr amount of attributes had required far greater aplishments than beating three pretty easy floors.


    Just take the Eastern Trigram Hunt, for example. He had been pushed to and beyond his limits multiple times, yet that title was only marginally better than the one for the Tower of Eternity. The other one, <strong>[Progenitor Noblesse]</strong>, was given to him for bing the first Lord on Earth, which only came about after defeating the three hordes.


    Even the attribute points given for just defeating the Second Floor had been pretty generous in Zac''s opinion. It had changed the +5 in three specific attributes to +5 to all attributes.


    The ten t attributes didnt do much for Zac, apart from the boost to his Luck which was notoriously hard to improve, but the boost should be huge for most people who came to the Tower. He knew that the average warrior only had between 20 and 40 Luck allbined, so buying a carry to the third floor could essentially increase your Luck with up to 50%.


    Just the boost to Luck was worth almost any price in Zacs opinion. Better yet, as they progressed they would move on to percentage-based boosts while still keeping the t bonuses. As long as Zac conquered the 6<sup>th</sup> floor the title would be the best one he had, perhaps with the exception of <strong>[Luck of the Draw] </strong>that provided a huge amount of Luck.


    Apart from the improved title there was nothing worth noting in the status screen. His Nexus Coins had increased with a couple of million since he entered the Tower, but that was about it. He felt he was closing in on the limits of what he could gain while remaining in F-Grade. The only thing that remained was the final improvements to his Dao and getting as good a Title as possible.


    He needed to at leastplete his Life-Attuned fragment, and he felt he had a good chance of doing that through forming the Projection the moment he left the Tower of Eternity. ording to Gu the effect of forming a Projection was even superior to witnessing it from up-close, and if he could form one Seed from Reoluv''s apparition, then he would no doubt be able to form another by creating one.


    He closed down the screen and refocused on the avable rewards since the Title was dealt with.


    None of the three medicines would help him in the short run but were rather geared toward providing boosts after evolving. There were no names attached to the pills, unfortunately, not that there was arge chance for him to recognize the items even if the System provided them.


    He immediately discarded the longevity medicine, and his eyes hovered between Race and Energy for a few seconds before he eventually picked Energy. He already had enough Race-rted pills and treasures to improve his constitution considerably, which would also push his attribute limit far enough for it to not be a problem before hepleted the transition.


    Bursting open another node though would provide a direct boost to his strength after evolving, and perhaps the pills that the System provided had a lower amount of Pill Toxicitypared to the norm. Though he might just throw the pill into the Merit Exchange by this point. He had already umted a decent number of such pills, but there were only so many he could eat before even his sturdy body wouldn''t be able to take it anymore.


    He was no good to Earth if he ate so many pills that he became bedridden from the bacsh of overindulging on Energy Pills.


    The scenery around him quickly changed after he had made his choice, but Zac didnt even have time to look down at the vial in his hand as the surroundings rapidly darkened while his danger sense activated. Zac looked up to see that a massive boulder was descending upon him. His eyes widened in rm and he shed out of the way in the nick of time.


    Wake up soldier! a gruff roar echoed from behind. This is no time to daydream! Forward!


    Zac quickly oriented himself, only to realize he was in the middle of a massive battlefield. An allied army of various humanoid races fought what seemed to be an army consisting of devils. They were vaguely humanoid, but they couldn''t be put into the same category as the demonkin as Zac saw it. The felt more like an intelligent beast horde as they came in all shapes and sizes, though uniting them all was the nasty sets of horns on their heads and the thick scales for protection.


    Perhaps they were fallen dragonkin, Zac noted, but he knew too little about the races of the multiverse to be sure. But they wielded various weapons, and some also wore armor on top of the scales, so they were likely categorized like cultivators rather than beasts. Therge boulder that almost turned him into paste was actually the head of a tyrannical warhammer that was wielded by an enormous twenty-meter monstrosity.


    Simr titans could be seen all over the battlefield, and the ground rumbled as they mmed their weapons into the ground or the erected shields of the humanoid armies. What was even more worrying was that these huge devils were clearly out of his league. The auras they emitted were extremely heavy, and Zac guessed they were almost peak E-Grade. It seemed to Zac that the power was almost at the level that the Cyborg emitted toward the end before it shut down.


    How the hell would he fight against something like that?


    But he quickly realized that he wasnt alone in this fight, and the burden of fighting these things didn''t fall on his shoulders. A young woman wielding a thin sword that was almost two meters long rose into the sky, and she unleashed a massive swing that seemed determined to cut the sky in two.


    A meter-deep gash appeared on the chest of the devil, who stumbled a few dozen meters back while roaring in pain. Simr scenes took ce all over the battlefield, with peak E-Grade warriors or mighty war arrays rising to meet the onught of the titans.


    Meanwhile thousands of warriors filled the gaps between the peak warriors, creating a chaotic battle that stretched for kilometers in all directions. It was a lot less crampedpared to the chaotic fight for the Fruit of Ascension though, as allbatants were a lot more powerful here. The weakest were peak F-Grade, and all attacks caused shockwaves that rippled out for dozens of meters.


    Dont gawk at the Sword Saintess, brat! Do your job! the voice from earlier echoed behind him, this time a lot closer.


    Zac looked around to see a burly middle-aged dwarf who held two spiked hammers in his hands. He was obviously well into E-Grade as well, and judging by the number of insignias on his chest he was likely someone of a decent stature in this army.


    Im sorry, Im going now, Zac said and hurried away, in no particr direction.


    Was this how it felt to fight in an army with warriors far stronger than himself? He had seen such scenes in his visions, but it was apletely different thing to experience it himself. Some fear crept into his heart that he would be swept into the battle of one of the peak warriors, or that one of them would even earnestly try to kill him.


    But more than that he felt a rush excitement. Things were finally heating up in the until now somewhat tame Tower.

 Chapter 412: Voidfire

    Chapter 412: Voidfire


    The gargantuan devil from earlier hadnt seriously tried to kill Zac judging by the massive attacks they unleashed in their battle against the peak warrior from the allied army. It had only swung its weapon down without imbuing it with the Dao or any skill. Perhaps it had only considered him a bug to be squashed, and if it failed it didnt really matter.


    It was pretty disconcerting to get thrown into a mess like this, but he had a mission to fulfill. His eyes turned back and forth until he spotted a red re in the distance. He immediately changed course and found Gu desperately fighting a group of the smallest devils that werent even as tall as a man.


    Zac shed over and made short work of the group with the help of a Dao-infused <strong>[Chop], </strong>and none of the other cannon-fodder seemed willing to avenge their brethren for the time being.


    Have you seen Ogras? Zac asked as he looked around.


    Im right here, what took you so long? ackadaisical voice drifted out of Gus shadows as the demon appeared.


    You! Gu stammered. I could have died!


    I was ready to help out if things turned bloody. You want to be a traveling merchant, right? I was helping you gain some experience. What if you meet highwaymen in the future? After fighting these guys it would be a breeze, no? the demonughed.


    Gu spluttered for a bit, but a prompt cut short any chance of a rebuttal.


    <strong>[Aid the war efforts against the tide of the Verakh. Stop the activation of a <em>[Voidfire Array], </em>or deactivate an activated array.]</strong>


    The three barely had time to read the whole prompt before battle lust overcame the fear among the devils close-by, and a squad charged the three as they screeched at the top of their lungs.


    Who is the floor guardian in a scenario like this? Zac asked as he cut a frenzied dragon beast in two. Theres no way we can defeat the leader of this devil army.


    The quest is to stop an array from being nted. So I guess that there is some Array master within our power level that we can kill. Its not alwayspletely clear in the beginning from here on out from what Ive gathered, so I could be wrong, the demon shrugged. I suggest we try for the quest. It seems somewhat doable, and we''ll also find clues of the guardian. Better yet, it might us a nasty Array.


    Agreed, Zac nodded.


    The issue was how to find their target in a chaotic battlefield like this.


    The array is called an <strong>[Voidfire Array]</strong>. Can you see anything that fits the description on the battlefield? Zac asked as he looked around.


    It sounds like an offensive array. Arrays like this are usually ced close to the frontlines to maximize power, but not at the very front as to avoid sabotage, Gu chimed in.


    The trouble was that there was no clear divide indicating where the frontline was. The battlefield could almost be seen as hundreds of individual skirmishes between squads or powerhouses, with weakerbatants strewn in-between.


    There were individuals of both camps almost all over to the point it was even difficult to discern which side each army came from. Perhaps it was a measure to avoid either side unleashing massive arrays that could decimate arge chunk of the army. Luckily there was a group of titans standing in a clump far in the distance, which meant that the enemymanders were likely stationed there.


    Simrly, there was a middle-aged man standing on a massive floating sword some ways behind them, overlooking the battlefield with a stern expression. It was probably the leader of the army they had been conscripted into, and he emanated a towering aura that could be sensed all the way over to where they stood.


    Dont look, Ogras said as he pped Zacs shoulder with his spear. We dont want any attention from the big bosses.


    I cant see anything that looks like Voidfire, Zac said. Lets make our way toward the enemy camp.


    The three formed a small squad where Zac took the front and Ogras the nks as they steamrolled deeper into the army. Gu helped out by making sure they didnt get too close to any of the elites, which forced them to take a somewhat circuitous pathing.


    After they had pushed forward for roughly 15 minutes Zac was forced to slow down, as he realized there were only a scant few humanoids around them now. They had clearly entered the side of the enemies, and he was starting to get mobbed by the devil foot soldiers.


    He hadnt utilized any of his stronger skills though as he had a feeling that doing so might draw the ire of too strong enemies. So he simply kept cutting down enemies one by one while keeping a fractal de from <strong>[Chop]</strong> attached to his axe, while the independent de protected their rear.


    Over there! Gu suddenly eximed, making Zac look over to their left.


    There was a beast carrying a massive purple pir on its back, and a group of hooded beings walked along its side. Judging from their direction it seemed they were heading toward a titan rampaging in the distance. Was the <strong>[Voidfire Array]</strong> perhaps a support array? Or did they simply want to strike a surprise attack at whoever arrived tobat the titan?


    That looks like an array core, Ogras agreed. Lets steal it.


    Isnt it easier just to break it? Zac interjected. I can probably do it from here.


    And leave such a nice thing in this world? Ogras disagreed. Better ites with us.


    If we can even use it. What if it explodes in our faces? Zac said.


    One step at a time, Ogras smiled as he shed away.


    Zac could only sigh and follow as he grabbed Gus shoulder. He activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and moved straight through the battlefield, each step bringing him over fifty meters away. Ogras was even quicker, and a pond of shadows spread out when he arrived in front of the group.


    The fractal edge on Zac''s de grew as he decapitated the warbeast carrying the Array Core in one massive swing, making hundreds of liters of blood to fall like a waterfall, drenching him in a second.


    Huerk, Gu hurled from behind, still squeamish about these kinds of gory scenes.


    Zac only shook his head to get the blood out of his eyes and jumped over to the carcass of the beast. One yank was enough to rip apart the chains that kept therge crystals fastened, but Zac swore when he realized that he couldnt put it in his Cosmos Sack.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This had happened a few times before during the climb, generally when the quest called for delivering or protecting an item. Perhaps it was a method for the System to disallow the climbers frompletely circumventing the trials by stashing away the quest items.


    Just carry it with you, Ogras said, but he looked a bit pressured.


    Whats wrong? Zac asked as he fastened the massive crystal like a backpack.


    The quest still isntplete, the demon answered with a sour face, making Zacs brows rise in realization.


    Is this the wrong item? Zac asked.


    This was the problem with the quests on the higher floors. Things werent as clear-cut as before, and it often took some trial and error before they could figure out what needed to be done. The fact that they needed to do so in the middle of an epic battle-field this time increased the pressure to another tier though.


    It might be only a piece of the puzzle, Gu mused, his face deathly pale.


    Look around for any- the demon said, but was interrupted by a massive roar as one of the enormous devils looked straight at them.


    It was the titan that the squad of array masters was heading toward. Did it want revenge because they stole its array?


    A humanoid squad hurried over though, and they summoned a massive warrior in the sky with the help of a War Array, and the projection released a terrifying beam of energy that mmed into the chest of the titan.


    But the air around the titan suddenly cracked as the devil shuddered, creating a shockwave that blew all the weaker warriors in the area far away. It also made a few of the soldiers managing the array lose their footing, which interrupted the War Array for long enough for the Titan to swing its massive hammer at them. The soldiers only managed to hastily erect a shield at thest second, saving themselves from being annihted.


    Shit, those guys wont be able to defend for long, Ogras muttered.


    Hooded guys fleeing over there! Zac said as he pointed in the distance in another direction.


    It was a group that resembled the array masters they had killed just now, except they had no warbeast apanying them. One of them was instead carrying a massive backpack, and sixrge spikes protruded out of it.


    It might be them, the demon muttered. Its only


    Zac understood what he was getting at. The group of array masters was running straight toward the backlines of the devil army. If they pursued then they would put themselves even deeper in enemy lines. There might not be another squad avable to run interference in case they got targeted again.


    Its okay, Zac shrugged. If worsees to worst and its the wrong target well simply have to fight our way back to our side. Theres no way well be expected to fight those big things for more than a second or two.


    Fair enough, the demon nodded. Its still only the 28<sup>th</sup> level, after all. It shouldnt be too convoluted. We have the core crystal, and those are the array gs. Well snatch them and teleport out.


    Lets go, Zac said after looking back at the furious titan that was still being held back by the War Array.


    The golden projection of the warrior was already starting to dim, meaning that the squad would probably only be able to keep the titan at bay for another 30 seconds or so. But that was enough for Zac and he grabbed Gu again, and the three created a straight line of carnage in their all-out pursuit.


    One fractal de after another carved a path through the devils as Zac kept swinging his axe. Ogras had already taken off his cast, and a twenty-meter long arm crushed any devil that came too close. Zac noted that the demons who Ogras killed oddly enough looked a bit paler after they got killed, like the hand was made out of bleach rather than shadows.


    The array masters who carried the six gs soon noticed their approach, and they screeched as they quickly mmed down the six spikes into the ground and started to infuse energy into them. A group of devils also came forward to buy some time, each of them recently evolved judging by their auras.


    But that wasnt enough to noticeably impede the trio, and they fell by the droves as Zac unleashed a barrage of fractal des. Soon enough they were upon the array masters, only to be met with a wave of illusory mes the devils had managed to bring forth even without the array core.


    Zac frowned and activated <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and infused it with the Dao of Sanctuary, creating a canopy to protect the three. But the mes passed straight through the leaves and fell onto their bodies.


    Nethersted soulmes, Ogras growled as a condensednce of shadowspletely obliterated the torso of one of the array devils. That hurt you scum.


    Zac growled from the pain as well, but his soul was strong enough to handle something like this after being assaulted by the splinter for months. He immediately spread the Seed of Trees through his body as well to help douse the soul-eating mes, and he felt a soothing warmth almost immediately.


    Since they didnt possess the array core the power of the mes was no doubt extremely weakened, and with one step with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> Zac was upon them with murder in his eyes. Space split apart as the remaining devils fell apart into neat chunks of flesh as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> roared with glee, and Zac started ripping the array gs out of the ground before the dead array masters even had time to fall apart.


    Forcibly taking the gs out like that released another burst of voidmes straight into Zacs face, but he withstood the pain as he snatched them one by one.


    Its here, Ogras muttered, pointing to an array forming in blood from the fallen devils. And just in time.


    Am I supposed to carry around these huge things? Zac muttered as he had his arms full with the huge spikes.


    They are bound to someone here, Gu said. But the connection will break when we leave this world which will allow you to stow them away. And I think we should hurry.


    Zac looked back and saw that the massive titan was running toward them with surprising speed going by its bulky frame. A few warriors tried to intercept, but the massive hammer in its hands swung back and forth like a pendulum, turning devils and men alike into goop in its fury.


    Lets hope not all the floors are like this, Zac said as they stepped onto the teleportation array.


    Dont jinx it, Ogras sighed just as they were teleported away.

 Chapter 413: Concordat

    Chapter 413: Concordat


    Cosmic Energy streamed through MacKenzies body at unprecedented speeds, and Mental Energy was rapidly getting drained as her mind formed thin strands of her Daos and ingeniously wove them into her Cosmic Energy to create a facsimile of true skill.


    Jeeves used roughly 30% fire, 10% wind, and 60% water to cause a reflective mist that formed an amazingly real illusion of herself and Ilvere falling while covering their real bodies in a thick mist. Her arm reached out to grab Ilveres shoulder as a rapid session of bursts of Cosmic Energy mixed with the Seed of Gust unpredictably moved them until theynded some distance away.


    Balls of acrid sludge shot through the mist like bullets, but Kenzies body floated around like an unbound pixie with the help of Jeeves, effortlessly avoiding all the projectiles. They finally reached the ground that silently opened up to swallow the demon inside.


    Stay here, Kenzie whispered with a monotonous voice as she flitted away.


    A dozen emergency drones emerged from her Cosmos Sack and instantly fired at four specific spots that made no sense to Kenzie, but it caused an enraged screech to echo across the area. The newly erected pir had been destroyed as well, and a scorch-marked woman emerged from the smoke where it had once stood.


    It was some sort of the corporeal undead, and no doubt also the source of the attacks earlier as it looked like she stood in a pool of oil that bubbled and churned. She was slim had long grey hair that fell down to her shoulders, and she wore a well-fitting dress that looked suited for a summer stroll. The woman would have been quite beautiful in an austere way if it wasnt for her enraged and scarred face, or the grisly half-meter talons she had instead of normal fingers.


    Unfortunately it looked like Jeeves illusions had failed as the woman looked straight at them through the mist. Kenzie could only see the undead leader''s shape through the haze thanks to Jeeves, so the woman must have some sort of skill to do the same.


    <strong>[Target level 85  Low-Medium talent. Chance of victory through traditional battle <5%. Permission to activate Pretty Pretty Mecha Kenzie Protocol?]</strong>


    <em>Granted.</em>


    Get ready to flee, Kenzie whispered, taking control of her voice. Ill unleash something my brother left for me in case things became desperate.


    Just run,ss, Ilvere said with a shake of his head. I might be able to hold her for a bit at least.


    Dont worry, Kenzie said. I wont risk my life against some E-Grade powerhouse."


    The next moment a massive robot appeared in front of her, reaching over ten meters in the air. It radiated danger as its various weapon system went online one after another due to Jeeves instructions.


    Wha- Ilvere said, but Kenzie indicated for him to be silent as they were once again shrouded by an altered illusion technique that hopefully would be able to trick the undead general.


    The robot shot a wild array of thinser beams toward the woman, forcing her to start dodging to avoid getting scorched again. This was what Jeeves aimed for, and the AI helped Kenzie silently sink underground with Ilvere in tow. Simultaneously a fake Kenzie rose into the cockpit of the stationary robot, and the cockpit closed behind her.


    The mecha generally required a direct neural connection to control due to its highplexity, but Jeeves had circumvented that somehow, allowing it to be controlled just like the drones. However, even Jeeves abilities were limited and such a thing would only be possible in close proximity.


    But the Undead Woman was not ready to simply eat the beams without fighting back, and Jeeves continuously reported new sources of damage to her precious machine. Only 30 seconds of intense battle passed before Jeeves warned Kenzie that systems were critical.


    <em>Blow her up </em>Kenzie instructed with some heartache as she soundlessly moved through the earth while the shockwaves of battle became more and more muted.


    <strong>[Affirmative.]</strong>


    A few secondster a massive explosion rocked the very foundations of the area, making it feel like they were swept up in an earthquake.


    <strong>[Self-Destruct initiated within 10 meters of the target, connection cut. Likelihood survival: <5%]</strong>


    Unfortunately, there was no surge of cosmic energy to tell her whether the sacrifice was sessful or not, as not even Jeeves was able to circumvent the irond rule that kills by technology wouldnt award levels.


    But even if that crazed banshee survived the st she would no doubt be taken out ofmission for a prolonged duration, which would hopefully help her brother when he returned. As far as she knew there were only a few Undead Generals still around. She guessed that trading her prized mecha for one of them was a worthy exchange.


    Thirty minutester it became clear that they had evaded pursuit, and the two quickly made their way toward the closest Teleportation Array. It was time to return to Port Atwood. Her mission had been a sess, but who knew what countermeasures the Undead would have at the next infusion pir now that even one of their generals had fallen.


    With her mecha destroyed and drones exhausted she was unable to keep destroying the pirs in either case.


    She could use a rest.


    -----------------


    Wake up sailor! Sap Trang grunted as he kicked the sailor who was supposed to keep a lookout. This is no time to daydream!


    Im sorry! the young man said with a start, forcefully dragged out of his daydreams. But captain, is there really any need for us to patrol these waters? We havent seen a single boat for months, and no beasts that Lord Bau cant handle.


    Would you rather head to the front-lines, changing the open seas for a sea of zombies? Sap said with a re.


    No! Please dont make me fight the undead! Ill keep watch!


    Good, Sap Trang said with a nod as his eyes scanned the endless ocean. Remember, we sail with the g of Lord Atwood, the champion of Earth. If there is one ce that the invaders would want to hit, wouldnt it be our kingdom? Our soldiers are fighting tooth and nail to protect our world, the least we can do is keep watch over our waters to keep their families safe from ambush.


    Seeing that the young man took his task more seriously after the lecture Sap nodded in satisfaction as he kept making rounds. He didnt know why, but he had found it hard to stay calm all day, and he needed to keep himself busy.


    Perhaps it was because he would soon be back home, which would allow him to meet his grandson again. Who would have known that little Bao was as charming as his grandpa was back in the day, and had already found a littless for himself?


    Even more shocking, thess was with child! He would be a great grandfather. It was an amazing source of joy in these bleak times, and it was reason enough for him to exhaust his old bones to make sure that the waters were safe.


    There was only so much to inspect on these Cosmic Energy Ships that their navy employed though, and most of it went over his head. He would be able to take apart a two-stroke engine and put it back together without breaking a sweat, but these squiggly lines that pushed the boats forward were far beyond his understanding.


    The only thing he could do was make sure that no one damaged the lines, and that everything else was kept clean and tidy.


    He finally returned to his captains quarters and observed the sea charts against to confirm that they hadnt veered off course, and that the nagging feeling was his subconscious trying to warn him of that. But a sharp stab in his mind suddenly made him stand up in shock and look toward the south. The pain came from his connection to Little Bau. Was his friend wounded?


    They were too far away though, and he only got a few indistinct impressions through the connection, the foremost being danger. But Sap unhesitantly ran toward the youngster in control of the Arrays on the vessel. Anything that could wound Little Bau in these waters could be a threat to Port Atwood as well.


    "Change course, immediately," Sap said with a frown.


    "Where to?" the helmsman asked with confusion.


    Soon enough the vessel, along with its two sister ships, had changed course and were once again heading toward Pangea. Little Bau was an hour or so away in that direction, but a mist on the water blocked any sight of what it might be that wounded him.


    Worry gnawed on Sap as the stood at the fore, trying to glean any signs about what was going on. The bad feeling in his chest was only getting worse as they approached the vast shroud. The mist itself was a cause for concern as the sky was clear as day, meaning there was no reason for such a haze to form in the middle of the ocean.


    There was a distinct possibility that this was a smokescreen to hide whatever lurked inside, but Sap still ordered his crew to maintain the course. If the mist was man-made, then all the more reason for them to see what was going on. The two facts that there was both an unnatural cover hours away from Port Atwood and Little Bau being wounded pointed to one grim reality.


    Invaders.


    Sap shuddered as his vessel cut into the mist and it immediately felt like the temperatures had dropped to almost freezing degrees.


    "This is miasma!" one of the demon warriors stationed on the ship eximed.


    The warrior wasn''t talking out of turn either, since he had actually been part of the army that heroically fought their way out of the Dead Zone, running and fighting without rest for two weeks.


    "All to your stations, keepmunication at a minimum," Sap immediately ordered, and the sailors worldlessly took their positions with worry in their eyes.


    The same order was transferred to the other ships as well, along with an order to stay extremely close. They could barely see 50 meters through the miasmic clouds, and Sap didn''t want them to get picked off one by one.


    The minutes passed without anything happening but Sap''s nerves only got more and more frayed as they approached Little Bau''s location. A massive red wall suddenly appeared just in front of them, reaching over twenty meters into the air. If it wasn''t for the fact that Sap spotted worked wood he would have thought it was a cliff-wall, but he realized it was actually a massive ship they had encountered.


    "Hard left!" Sap roared, no longer caring about subterfuge, and the helmsman immediatelyplied.


    A sharp tug almost threw Sap off his feet as the three vessels turned and sped away with agility that would bepletely impossible without the help of magic. With the help of a burst of Cosmic Energy, they opened up a distance of hundreds of meters in an instant. But that also meant that they lost sight of whatever that massive thing was.


    "Fire the Array!" Sap ordered. "st away this damn mist!"


    Sap didn''t worry about whether there were allied forces on the other side. The fact that the mist was created with miasma was all Sap needed to know.


    The array lit up and a massive ray of light ripped through the mists, aimed straight at whatever ship they had just encountered. Sap had to close his eyes from the radiant light and it sounded like the air itself was burning. Theser beam had pushed aside all the miasmic mist in the area, creating a wide tunnel that ran across the water until the attack mmed into a golden array on the other side.


    The ocean frothed and churned from the sh, but the enemies'' array held steady until the beam winked out of existence. But the attack did at least allow Sap to see what they were dealing with.


    Only part of the massive ship could be seen, but judging from the disyed section the whole vessel would have to be well over a hundred meters. It was a massive monstrosity wrought with a reddish wood and iid with what appeared to be gold. It was a beautiful creation, but Sap couldn''t feel any appreciation of the craftsmanship involved as his eyes were drawn to the massive ball hanging down from the bowsprit.


    The ball did at least have a diameter of five or six meters, and it waspletely made from gold. But it didn''t seem to be either an anchor or a wrecking ball, as it was made with extremely fine details. It actually looked like a sun, and as Sap looked at the thing it started to burn with golden mes, pushing all miasma in the area even further away.


    "It''s those lunatics again!"


    --------------------------------------


    "Where did the native heathens get this kind of technology? Almost ripped straight through our shield," Bishop Kyhv-Elerad swore while his eyes moved back and forth through the waters for any sign of the massive beast that had almost managed to sink one of their holy vessels a while earlier.


    "Still looking for that Cephalopod?" a raspy voice snickered from the side.


    Fury ignited in Kyhv-Elerad''s chest when he heard the voice of the cursed being, and he wasn''t alone in his disdain either. The crusaders in the vicinity were either looking at the newly arrived vessels as they pointedly ignored the group of hooded undead, whereas others tantly red at their mortal enemies with bloodshot eyes and burgeoning killing intent.


    There was nothing that the Bishop would like to do more than ordering a thorough cleanse of their deck, unleashing a storm of steel and fire, but he knew he couldn''t. The could only tighten the grip on his consecrated mace in impotence as his eyes turned back to the ocean. The hooded beings clearly noticed his struggle, but they only snickered in disdain.


    Kyhv-Elerad had never heard of the Holy Church co-operating with The Undead Empire before, but it was impossible that the writ the high Vicar received a week ago was fake. It had clearly told them to temporarily co-operate with their eternal enemies until this world''s native heathens were firmly under control.


    Of course, he understood the reason. Almost twenty Incursions annihted without a trace in less than a month''s time. Reports of sightings of the terrifying contraptions from the cursed Technocrat heretics.


    Things had turned extremely precarious, and they needed to deal with this Human Lord so that they could focus on the Mystic Realm. The fact that doing so would allow him to avenge Brother Orsas and the 3rd battalion, then all the better.


    So he would endure standing next to these ursed clones. He would endure being surrounded by the tainted mists that existed in defiance of The Boundless Heavens. He would endure the vermin staying below deck.


    For sooner orter the fire of the Boundless Heavens would cleanse all impurities.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 414: Ill-Gotten Gains

    Chapter 414: Ill-Gotten Gains


    A brief bout of darkness shrouded Zacs vision until he was thrown into the next world. However, the System seemed intent of making the entrances rough ones going forward, and he barely had time to see a moonlit sky and a couple of candles before he fell into a pool of steaming water with his head first.


    Zac sputtered as he tried to orient himself in the water, and he soon realized that he had luckily only fallen into a heated pool or hot spring that was a meter or so deep. He had first been afraid that he had been dropped into a pot of soup of some giant or something, but even if he was safe from that fate he still immediately got to his feet and looked around for any looming threats.


    You! Who are you! a shriek echoed with enough force to make Zacs eardrums vibrate. AND WHAT ARE YOU HOLDING?!


    Simr shrieks echoed from the vicinity, meaning that the others had likely encountered simr fates. As for the source of the voice, it was an extremely alluring woman with a pair of pointed ears. She wasn''t a Tal-dar though but more closely resembling the traditional elves in the stories on earth.


    Apart from the more generous curves, that is.


    The elf stood in the water as well just a few meters away,pletely exposed except for a thinyer ofther. It seemed that Zac had been dropped into her courtyard mid-bath, effectively creating an instant grudge with. She was a cultivator as well since Cosmic Energy was already churning around her, though his instincts told him there was no way she was the guardian of the level due to thecking density of her aura.


    Zac froze in shock for a second as he took in the amazing scenery until he realized that he should probably try to exin himself. But he didnt even have time to open his mouth before shouts from soldiers could be heard approaching and massive drums started beating in the distance. It was no doubt a response to the shrieks that had echoed to the high heavens just now.


    <strong>[Escape with your ill-gotten gains. Note: Hiding your loot will count as forfeiting the quest.]</strong>


    <em>What fucking gains? </em>Zac inwardly groaned as he looked down at his hands.


    His already scrambled head got even more confused when he realized that the massive array gs he was carrying had been reced by a piece of white frilly fabric. Wasnt that?


    Zacs eyes widened slightly and he looked up at the infuriated elf who had somehow covered herself with what looked like thunderclouds. Their eyes met and the air started crackle from lightning as the womans eyes started to light up with some unknown power.


    Themon-sense thing would have been to give back the underwear, but Zac obviously couldnt do that. The system had for some insane reason sent him on a panty-raid, and if he threw away the treasure he would probably fail the trial.


    So he could only stifle hisints as he took out<strong> [Veruns Bite] </strong>again, but instead of targeting the elf he cut a massive hole in the wall. Luckily the outdoor bathhouse didnt seem fortified from the inside, making it easy to escape.


    Better yet the girl seemed to prioritize getting dressed over killing him, and she interrupted whatever attack she had been charging up to instead sh toward a dress hanging across a rack right next to the pool. It allowed Zac to slip away with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but he only used the skill a couple of times before he stopped and took stock of what was going on.


    Zac realized he was halfway up a mountain, and he guessed he either was inside a sect or some sort of town. Bamboo stalks and trees ran along the mountainside, while smallmps emitting a warm light was studded along the path created withrge bs of stones. There were stronger lights among the trees when Zac gazed both up and down the mountain, and he guessed it was courtyards nestled into nature.


    It was truthfully one of the most beautiful sceneries he had seen, and he wanted to take in everything as quickly as possible. It would be perfect if he could turn the mountains on his inds into a tranquil paradise like this after the invaders were dealt with. The money he could make from renting out properties like this would be amazing.


    But Zac only got a few seconds to drink in the beauty before the sound of rapid steps took him out of his reverie.


    Halt! a voice could be heard from behind, but Zac ignored it as he gazed into the sky for any res.


    Now this is more like it! another voice hollered, and Zac looked over to see that at least one of hispanions was fine.


    It was Ogras who ran toward him as his shadows knocked out a couple of guards that were hot in pursuit. He was also soaked wet, but it looked like his mission was a bit different from his own as his arms were gripping a veritable mountain of clothes. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    You were given that many to steal? Zac eximed with surprise.


    Well, no. I only got the one pair. But since weve already stolen the eggs we might as well steal the hen, you know? the demonughed, his eyes glistening with excitement. They will make nice gifts if we can keep them, these are high-quality items.


    Well thats just great, Zac said as he knocked out a guard who tried to intercept their escape. Have you seen any re?


    Nope, Ogras said, but he nodded toward a courtyard beneath them. I heard screams in that direction as well though.


    Zac nodded and started running, and after some thought, he took the pair of panties and tried to tie it around his wrist like a bandana. But the flimsy material turned out to be surprisingly slippery, and after failing multiple times he could only resort to a second option with some defeat.


    He put them on his head like a cap.


    Not bad, The demon nodded in appreciation. Heavy taste. Just like when we met the first time.


    Just freeing up my hands, Zac sighed. "Hiding them in a bag will probably fail the quest."


    "Whatever you say," the demon snorted.


    This whole floor felt like a sick joke. Was the System messing with him? Or was there perhaps some bored Stargazer in charge of operations who decided to y around a bit and create weird scenarios?


    A wail from just ahead told them that they had found their target, re or no re. A quick <strong>[Chop]</strong> broke through a wall, and they found themselves in a simr spa as the one Zac started in. It seemed like the mountain had dozens of private hot springs along the mountain-side, each with its own apanying mansion. Perhaps it was a hotel rather than a sect?


    They immediately found Gu curled into a ball while four scantily d women were brutally beating him with sticks and fists as he desperately clung to a few pieces of fabric. But it was clear that the assants werent that strong, and the wounds werent lethal.


    Lucky guy, Ogras whistled. I just got the one.


    Zac snorted before he unleashed his umted killing intent as he rushed over with his axe waving in the air. The elvendies immediately retreated with fear when they sensed his strength, but Zac obviously wasnt there to kill them.


    He rather grabbed the balled-up Gu and shed back to the demons side in an instant, and Zac couldnt help rolling his eyes when he noticed that the demonsundry pile had noticeably increased in size.


    Whats the matter with you? Ogras spat as he kicked the butt of the still curled-up youth. Act like a man. Would you let yourself get castrated and killed if we didnt drop by?


    Im sorry, Gu stammered. I did not expect the tower to conjure such a- <em>what are you two doing?</em>


    Gus eyes went back and forth between Ogras with his huge pile of womens garments and Zac who stoically wore a pair of panties like a hat. His face was going through a tumultuous change of emotions, and it looked like he was seeing his two travelpanions for the first time. Zac only grunted and indicated Gu to start running down the mountain.


    Look at you, Ogras said with some disdain as they fled. Calling yourself a merchant, yet youck a nose for opportunity. Look at Zac wearing his ill-gotten gains with such gusto. Where in the outside world can you liverge like that without being captured and strung up in the city square?


    Annoyance surged as Zac fought off the iing guards who seemed hellbent on preventing them from descending the mountain. But he knew he wouldnt win a verbal spar with the wily demon, so he could only keep pushing forward while keeping theints in his heart. A few of the guards were some ways into the E-Grade, but they quickly and ruthlessly swept aside by a Zac fueled by anger and embarrassment.


    The description of the quest wasnt clear, but it felt to Zac that this whole mountain belonged to some force, and to escape meant to leave the mountain. He wasnt sure if they also needed to throw off the pursuit, but one step at the time.


    A horde of irate cultivators was hot on their heels, but Zac breathed in relief when he sensed that there were no people in the angry mob who could be considered real threats to their lives. He still didnt want to fight them though, as he felt like these people werent meant to be killed, like civilians on regr levels.


    Killing a few of them might result in some old monster on the summit descending as well, and then they would truly be in deep shit. Zac instead chose to rely on the small mountain of projectiles in his cosmos Sack, and one piece of rock after another appeared in his hand before they shout out with pinpoint precision.


    He even chose to use normal stones instead of his specially prepared cannonballs as the targets were around peak F-Grade and might actually die if he threw the clumps of metal. But the stones only created an impact that threw the guards away without creating any mortal wounds.


    Luckily they had acted extremely quickly, and most of the people were behind them rather than in front. Zac had been out the bath he started in within 20 seconds, and they had brought Gu away in under a minute. The quick escape had allowed them to gain a decent headstart, making their lives a lot easier.


    Between Ogras shadow teleportations and Zacs <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> they had no problem keeping the lead, and they smashed one hastily erected defensive line after another. The real trial only arrived at the foot of the mountain, as a massive array lit up that covered the whole area.


    Wont be too strong from the inside, Ogras muttered. At the same time?


    Zac nodded and a massive fractal edge immediately took shape along the de of <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. Since it was just an array they targeted, rather than some innocent guard, Zac had no problem infusing the axe with the Fragment of the Axe. The fractal de turned a deep grey as new fractals appeared along the edge, and its aura quickly became a lot denser.


    It was a small change that the Dao Fragment imparted upon the skill, and Zac found it not only made the skill deadlier, but it also seemed more durable. Ogras followed suit and prepared a strike, though he couldnt use his hands as they were still upied with his ''treasures''.


    Instead the shadows all around them started to shudder as they slithered toward the demon like he was some sort of shadow ma, and in just a second it looked like the ground around Ogras was pitch-ck.


    Go, Zac muttered when they were 100 meters away from the shield, and heunched the fractal de in one fluid motion.


    The de ripped through the air and mmed into the sect-protecting shield in an instant. Huge cracks spread all along the green barrier, but before it had a chance to regenerate a thick beam of shadowspletely crushed it, which created arge enough passage for them to easily slip through.


    The area outside the mountain waspletely barren, and there was nowhere to hide for kilometers in any direction. Zac figured that was probably intentional, and any vegetation would get culled so that the guards would have a clean line of sight in case any hostile forces approached.


    Do you have anything to shroud the area? Ogras asked as he looked back at the mob that still hadnt given up and streamed out from the shield with murder in their eyes.


    I- yes! Gu said as he produced a ss ball full of a purple haze. This one will spread a harmless mist across a pretty massive area. But enough force will blow it away in a minute or two.


    Thats good enough, Ogras nodded. Use it.


    Gu nodded and infused the ball with Cosmic Energy, which made a huge billowing cloud spread out in all directions. The purple haze reminded Zac of the time he poisoned half the demon army and himself with the massive cauldron, and he couldn''t help but shudder at the memory.


    Luckily the irate mob also got a bit hesitant after seeing the massive mist, and many stopped in their tracks or even fled to avoid getting swallowed inside.


    Lets go, Ogras said when they werepletely covered, and a transparent tentaclended on Zac''s shoulder.


    Just a few momentster they were long gone, and Ogras panted a bit with exertion. He had taken them a shocking distance in a quick session of teleports, something that Zacs current attainments of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> would be unable to do.


    Gu reacted quickly the moment Ogras stopped moving the three, and he sprinkled some white dust over himself and the other two.


    Anti-tracking dust, the merchant exined. Just in case.


    Zac nodded in understanding as he looked around.


    What now?


    Lets keep moving, Ogras shrugged. The Ruthless Heavens should indicate when it considers us having gotten away.


    His words were proven right twenty minute and a huge distanceter, as they stumbled upon a teleporter as they crossed a small river in an alien forest.


    Zac sighed as he stowed away his only loot from the floor, before he got ready for another fresh hell to wee them.

 Chapter 415: Hidden Rules

    Chapter 415: Hidden Rules


    Things were pretty hectic in the next world as well, where they were thrown into a canyon full of rabid beasts. But one piece of good news was that the <strong>[Voidfire Array]</strong> wasn''t actually gone or reced with underwear. The System had been kind enough to ce the core and array gs into Zac''s Spatial Ring during the transfer.


    The mission of the 30th level was to find and save a young master who was being pursued by some rival faction. The target was unfortunately extremely paranoid, and it ended up with the three of them having to find, corner, and kidnap him toplete the mission.


    They did stay on for a bit longer than necessary though, as the canyon was filled with E-Grade monster boars that had particrly tasty meat. They spent a few hours stocking up for the climb, as it had turned out that Gu was a pretty decent chef. Only when they had made Gu cook enough food for almost a year did they proceed on to the next level.


    The new world they found themselves was an endless desert under a yellow sky with four suns. The monochromatic tone of the surroundings made everything blur together into one big canvas of beige, and the blistering heat didnt help with the difort.


    And just like in the previous levels they found themselves in the thick of it the moment they arrived. A group of desert warriors was assaulting a merchants caravan, and it looked like they had taken the role of thest survivors. Bodies and mounts littered the area, most of them seemed to be on the side of the merchants.


    Zac immediately went to work, as this felt refreshingly straightforward. One bandit after another got bisected by his fractal des or skewered by snaking shadow spears. The remaining bandits quickly realized that they had met a tough opponent and started to flee, using sand-attuned skills to meld into the endless dunes.


    Shit, where are the bodies? Ogras suddenly growled as he looked around. Or at least their Cosmos Sacks.


    Zac looked around to see what the demon meant, and he was shocked to discover that the dozens of corpses that had littered the area were gone, not even leaving a drop of blood as evidence that anything had ever been there.


    Was it a mirage? Zac muttered, but even he didnt believe his own words.


    The demon immediately started to kick away the sand where some of the merchants had fallen, but he found nothing even after digging a few meters down into the sand.


    I think the bandits brought the bodies with them as they fled, Gu guessed. They had sand-attuned sses, they can probably move about underground as freely as walking on top of it.


    What good are you, looking on while they stole my loot, Ogras muttered as he red at Gu.


    Im sorry, I only realized it toote, I thought the shifting of the sand simply covered the corpses, the youth sheepishly said.


    Its fine, Zac shrugged. Lets get moving.


    They hadnt immediately gotten a prompt upon arriving, so they ascended one of therger dunes in the area to get a better vantage of the situation. A screen appeared as soon they reached the peak, and Zac carefully read the instructions.


    <strong>[Gain employment with the Desert Eye Caravan and Secure the Transportation Route out of the Heart of Sand]</strong>


    Desert eye Caravan? Zac mumbled as he read the quest. Its not the guys who just died, right?


    We can probably find the answers over there, no? Ogras said and pointed in the distance.


    Zac looked in the direction Ogras indicated and he could vaguely make out some sort of settlement between the dunes. The three immediately set out and found that the ce Ogras spotted was a small town set at the bank of a beautiful oasis.


    The town itself wasnt anything special, and it could house a couple of thousand people at best. Security also seemed to be a bitx as there were no walls and no guards that intercepted them when they entered the town. Only a few of the locals, who looked a bit like a mix of a gnome and armadillos, looked up when they entered the city.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was also clear that it wasnt a permanent settlement for the majority of those walking the streets, but rather a waystation for people traversing the desert. Almost half the buildings were either hotels, bars, or other ces for travelers to spend their money, and arge section of the town was meant to house the various mounts people used to travel.


    If Cosmos Sacks didnt exist, then there would also no doubt be dozens, if not hundreds, of wagons parked somewhere, filled with goods. But all the goods were likely secured inside a string of Cosmos Sack on the merchants, or on their strongest bodyguards.


    Hold on to your Sacks, Ogras muttered. ces like this are breeding grounds for pickpockets.


    Zac nodded in agreement and made sure that none of his spatial tools were easily snatched. What the demon said was extremely true. Sessfully snatching a small purse might essentially set you up for life in a ce like this, provided that you managed to abscond with the wealth.


    A Cosmos Sack was generally bound to an owner as long as he was alive, but there were no absolutes in this world. Anything from contracts to item bindings could no doubt be broken if the party was strong and motivated enough.


    Trades were also taking ce all over, and the loud mor of heated bargaining could be heard from almost every corner. Almost all of the trade seemed to take ce between traveling merchants as well, while the locals simply ran the town establishments. The traders likely came from different countries, and it was easier to trade their wares in the middle in a ce like this rather than crossing the entire desert to trade at the opposite side.


    The profit margins might be thinner in a ce like this, but they also saved a lot on time and provisions, not to mention reducing the risk of getting killed on the road.


    Can you do me a favor? Gu suddenly said as they inspected the town.


    Whats that? Zac asked.


    Kill the bandits for me rather than escort the caravan, the youth said.


    Why? Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Completing the quest generally resulted in more ample rewards, and it wasn''t like the aspiring merchant to say no to free money.


    Are you nning on staying here? Ogras asked.


    Yes, Gu sinctly said as he looked around.


    We did promise you to take you to the 32<sup>nd</sup> level, you know, Zac reminded. Were still one level short.


    This level is fine, Gu said. Its a merchant-rted floor. Caravans from various distant locations wille to this small oasis town to resupply. It is a good opportunity for me to work on my business acumen.


    There are also no vixens trying to string you up in the rafters, the demon smiled.


    That too, Gu coughed. Finding a ce like this on the fourth floor is my good fortune. It might backfire if we keep going.


    Thats fine, Zac agreed, as killing some bandit lord seemed a lot easier and quicker than leading some slow caravan out from the desert anyway.


    From there on out things proceeded quite smoothly. It only took Ogras three hours to sniff out one of the lookouts from the bandits skulking around in the town, and with some enhanced interrogation tactics they soon found out where the bandits hid.


    The bandits had found some mysterious ruins long ago, hidden in a natural cave-system far beneath the sandy surface. The bandits not only gained a decent iplete heritage rted to the Desert there, but also a great hidden base.


    Many of the natives actually knew about this all along, but they never bothered to do anything about it as the bandits only targeted the caravans, and then sold the stolen goods to the locals at a discount. It was a thriving eco-system of a both ck and white economy.


    Even some merchants knew of this, but there wasnt much they could do as this area was truly a no mansnd. Would they spend their money on an expensive excursion where they hired a mercenary squad toe all the way into the desert and fight the bandits?


    It was cheaper to bear the risk of getting robbed and losing your money than being guaranteed to lose all your money on such an expensive endeavor.


    They also found the Desert Eye Caravan, and they learned that they would be leaving the town within the day, andpleting the quest would likely take around three days. That was uneptable to both Zac and Ogras, so the tree immediately headed to the hidden passageway that the captured bandit used to head back to their base unnoticed.


    What ensued was a messy battle between over a hundred bandits and Zac. Ogras assisted by assassinating one target after another, whereas Zac went for widespread destruction. It was a pretty annoying battle as the enemies had an obvious home-field advantage.


    The bandits kept blending into the sands in the area, making it almost impossible to pinpoint the targets. Zac eventually got tired of the guesswork and unleashed <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>to drown the whole area in a massive deluge. Running around inside the sand suddenly became a lot harder when it turned to dense mud, and they finally managed to catch and execute the Bandit Leader and most of the remaining bandits.


    Ogras immediately went on a looting spree, while Zac sat down to go over the battle. He felt that his skill was somewhat restricted in the desert, something he hadnt really encountered before. He could only guess that it was because there was so little water in the area. However, that possibly meant that the skill didnt bring stuff from other dimensions, but rather took them from the area.


    Did that mean that <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> would be useless if he fought in space?


    Ogras returned with a sour face half an hourter. It looked like the System didn''t want to provide a bunch of loot when they skipped the mission, and it looked like the bandits didn''t keep any wealth on their persons. Most of it was converted to Nexus Coins in the town, which the System kept for itself when they died.


    A teleporter had appeared inside the ruins the moment the bandit lord died, and the three gathered in front of it after everything was dealt with.


    Good luck, you two. I hope you both can conquer the fourth-floor guardian, Gu said with some wistfulness as he transferred the agreed-upon fees to Ogras and Zac.


    Thank you. Wait what? Zac asked with a frown.


    Well, you no doubt know that if you cannot travel together beyond this floor? Gu said, looking confused.


    Zacs brain froze for a second before he looked over at Ogras who looked like he had just eaten a pile of shit.


    What? was all the demon managed to spit out through grit teeth.


    The System wouldnt allow any carries beyond the 4<sup>th</sup> floor. After all, breaking through the 4<sup>th</sup> floor is the watermark of an elite. It doesnt only give you a percentage-based boost, but it also conjures an Apparition.


    So we cant even fight the floor guardian together? Zac confirmed.


    You can, but only the one the System deserves the most credit will get the title and reward. Its based contribution and potential, I''ve gathered, Gu exined. And splitting upter doesnt help either.


    So if I enter the final level of this floor with this monstrosity Im shit out of luck? Ogras shouted as he waved his spear at Zac.


    Well Lord Piker is one in a millennium genius. I am afraid the odds of the apparition and titles going to you would be slim, Gu coughed, looking a bit embarrassed.


    We wont even be able to travel together either for the normal levels? Zac asked.


    Well, you can, but it is practically unheard of. The restrictions for traveling in groups get even worse from here on out, and only one person gets the benefits. Who would travel in groups in such an environment?" Gu said.


    The three stood in a suffocating silence for almost a minute until Ogras finally spoke up.


    Just give me the beacon arrays and a couple of defensive treasures!" the demon spat.


    "Wha-?" Gu sputtered, but he still took out the beacon array he had used since the third floor.


    This is on you for not telling your employees! You screwed me over royally here by adding difficulty for my tower trial. The least you can do is provide somepensation," Ogras said as he snatched the array.


    But The three billion Gu weakly countered.


    Nevermind that, Ogras growled. Defensive treasure!


    I guess this might be my oversight? This is a <strong>[Radiant Intervention]</strong> talisman from Talovor Trappings, Gu said with a pained expression as he took out a small box containing a golden talisman. It would normally block a single strike, but it might not be able topletely counter the Floor Guardian. It will also release a blinding light upon impact, which might allow you to turn the tides.


    Good, Ogras said as he quickly snatched the treasure, his facial expressions making a 180-turn. With this we can barely be considered even.


    Stay safe, Zac added to Gu. And remember, try to stay for the full duration. You might also want to prepare to run the moment we exit. I will do my best to shoulder fallout, but I have no idea what the situation is like outside.


    I am sure that you will create a grand feat that will turn enmities into friendships, Gu said, though his smile was somewhat hollow. Before I forget, I want you to have this.


    The youth took out another box, and inside was a token that was reminiscent of the Tower Token. However, instead of the intricate fractals covering its surface there was only the insignia of the Beroria Family, the n that Gu Belonged to.


    This is? Zac asked, but his heart started to beat faster in excitement.


    A teleportation token to Nal Avadar City, the seat of my family. Its in the Grand Dream Sector of the Allbright Empire.

 Chapter 416: Bravoria Goods and Treasures

    Chapter 416: Bravoria Goods and Treasures


    Zacs eyes lit up as he epted the token. He knew that he would have to leave Earth sooner orter if he wanted to keep improving, and the Allbright Empire was his first choice. First of all, he had multiple connections there, and there seemed to be all kinds of ces where he could grind monsters to his hearts content.


    He could even join the same army as Average since it sounded like it was an army that was constantly in battle with the various threats at the border of the Red Zone.


    Wait, Nal Avadar? Not Beroria? Zac suddenly asked with a start.


    Well, most of us arentfortable divulging our real heritage in the Base Town, Gu said with an apologetic smile.


    Ah, I understand, Zac said with a pang of guilt as he did the same thing.


    However, you might not want to use the token depending on how things turn out after we exit, Gu added.


    Do you think your n will be implicated by my actions here? Zac asked with worry.


    Our family has fought for The Allbright Empire for over 800 000 years, and many of our ancestors have racked up great merit in the army. The Empire wouldnt allow us to be exterminated over a feud among juniors, especially since I was not directly involved, Gu exined. But some elder might want to present you to the Tsarun for private benefits if they believe they can get away with it.


    So youre gifting him a deathtrap? Ogras snorted.


    This token takes him to the city Teleporter, not our familys private one, Gu exined. He can simply identify himself as a wandering cultivator, no? Besides. If the Peak Family speaks up for you, then no one in our family would dare to have any malicious ideas.


    Zac wasnt too sure about thest statement. Greed could make people do all types of despicable things, and there was no doubt in his mind that some elders in Gus family wouldnt hesitate to sell him out if given the opportunity.


    However, what Gu said was true. He could simply go there using <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong> and immediately leave for the Red sector if things looked dicey with Gus family. Securing passage would likely be a bit cumbersome, but there was no way that there weren''t solutions in an established Empire like that.


    Thank you, Zac repeated. Well see you in a couple of months. Have fun over here.


    With that they left theirpanion of thest month to live it up among the armadillo-people as they stepped onto the teleporter.


    ------------


    Gu watched his twopanions disappear after stepping onto the teleporter, a surprising amount of wistfulness filling his heart.


    Such a bad actor, Gu muttered with a small smile before he walked over to a particr pile of rubble in the cavern.


    Well, subsidizing the demon a decent talisman in return for the goodwill of Zac Piker felt like an extremely worthy investment. As long as that man survived the aftermath of the Zethaya incident then all would be fine. He had been a bit despondent at the start, but after thinking it over Gu quickly realized the opportunity that had presented itself before him.


    The resources he had put into garnering trust and camaraderie would turn into a massive leg to hug onto in a millennium, or perhaps even in just a few centuries. Monstrous attributes that hadnt been seen since who knows when? Dual Fragments? And hes a Progenitor with connections to the Peak family? Zac Piker even had a good chance of outperforming Prince Reoluv. What was a little talismanpared to that?


    Besides, he had ample time to make up for the expenditure in theing months.


    The excitement of excavating unknown treasure filled Gus heart as he pushed the rubble away, disying a hole full of Cosmic Sacks. If you added the spatial tools he pilfered from the dead merchants when they arrived at the floor, then this might be the most profitable one yet.


    Gu quickly transferred all the loot from the Bandits cosmos Sacks before he started walking back toward the town. He hadnt been idle while the demon had been busy hunting bandits, and he quickly moved toward a shop at the edge of the settlement. A human merchant ran it, and the store was empty as usual when Gu entered.


    Whadya want? the old man muttered with disinterest, but his eyes widened in fear when Gu threw out a handful of array crystals without warning.


    The whole store was locked down in an instant, allowing neither sound nor people to escape. The merchant hastily produced a talisman of his own, but how couldnt Gu be prepared?


    The merchanty prone on the floor snoring before he even had time to activate his defenses. Gu quickly dragged him to a corner in the basement and poured a ck tincture down his throat. It would keep in aa for up to a year without a problem, which was more than enough.


    The merchant wasnt well-liked and he had no kin in the town. Him disappearing and being reced by a much more affable merchant shouldnt result in any waves, and the mystery of his appearance would deter would-be troublemakers.


    With lodging secured Gu could finally do what he had longed for the past weeks. One treasure after another started spilling out of his Cosmos Sacks, and he started to go over them one by one with an almost manic gleam in his eyes.


    It hadnt been easy stashing away so much loot under the nose of that paranoid demon, but he still had managed to hide away a pretty impressive haul over 30 levels. After having mentioned his warrior heritage and his goals of being a merchant neither Zac nor Ogras had suspected him to have not one but four skills rted to thievery, all of which he had used on the locals on each level any chance he got.


    Now he only needed to turn this wealth into more wealth over theing two months, and finally convert it all to Nexus Coins before he left.


    After Gu rearranged the store to be more inviting and added his own wares he went out and took out arge sign that he had already prepared. One swing with his massive zweihander was all that was needed to strike down the old one, and the scene would hopefully create enough buzz to spread the news of the new store.


    As expected, it took less than ten minutes before the first patron arrived, and the little armadillo''s eyes widened when he saw all the exotic wares on disy. Gu adorned an affable but somewhat timid smile as he scurried toward the mark.


    Wee esteemed patron, to Bravoria Goods and Treasures. I am sure youll find something to your liking!


    Life was pretty good, all things considered.


    -----------


    After the brief intermission Zac found himself standing on a craggy surface adorned with thick moss and a sparse number of trees here and there. It reminded him of the Scottish moonds he had seen in movies, but he barely had time to orient himself as a heavy shockwave almost made him lose his footing.


    It felt like an earthquake, but it onlysted for an instant, making Zac more inclined to believe that there was a massive battle between two powerhouses somewhere closeby. It might be a clue to this level if he could figure out the source and there was clearly a link as the quest prompt appeared immediately following the phenomenon.


    <strong>[Redirect the Ancestral Avoli from its current path]</strong>


    Zacs eyes almost crossed in confusion as he read the mission. Redirect the what? And where?


    Another shake almost made Zac fall over, and he looked around for the source of the abrupt earthquakes. But he couldnt see anything out of the norm.


    A red re rose into the sky far in the distance, and Zac put his questions aside as he immediately set out to find the demon.


    As expected the first attack took ce within seconds. A disgusting critter asrge as a wolf appeared out from a hidden burrow and threw itself right at Zac, who bisected it without even thinking. Zac wasn''t exactly sure whether it was a bug or a beast even after observing the corpse. It looked a bit like a naked molerat, but it had eight legs and insectoid eyes, and pincers in its mouth rather than teeth.


    The beast also wasn''t alone, as more of them quickly appeared out of burrows all over, and Zac found himself in a protracted battle where he had to run and fight simultaneously. The critters were luckily not even as strong as the Battleroaches, and the unceasing number of them only turned into more Nexus Coins for him.


    Zac soon enough found the demon with hundreds of carcasses around him, and more animals joined their fallen brethren every second as one spear after another skewered them from below.


    Oh, youre here? the demon noted. Help me finish off these ugly things.


    The two went to work and within five minutes the area was strewn with thousands of the small beasts. The animals gave a decent clue about their mission as well, as they were called <strong>[Avoli Parasites]</strong>, meaning they had some connection to their target.


    Did you know about those rules? Zac asked when things had calmed down, referring to the limits to traveling together.


    Of course I knew, Ogras snorted. Since when was the Ruthless Heavens so generous that it would provide top tier treasures and amazing titles to leeches? Allowing us to travel together for almost half the tower is benevolent enough. I simply wanted to squeeze out a bonus on top of the Nexus Coins."


    Then why didnt you split off from us on the third floor? Zac asked.


    Well, I knew most of it, Ogras coughed. I honestly thought that it would be possible to get help all through the fourth floor. I would enter the teleporter to the fifth floor separately, and that way get the maximum benefits. I guess it backfired a bit, but it''s not the end of the world.


    So what will you do? Zac probed.


    Ill sponge off for you for the levels of the fourth floor, but I will fight the floor guardian by myself, the demon answered without hesitation.


    The guardian still has the boosted attributes of three people though, Zac reminded.


    The fourth floor is breached a couple of times every week in our sector. The experiences on your have given me enough strength to match most scions. Why wouldnt I be able to defeat it if I use my head? the demon proudly said.


    Zac was about to argue, but he realized that what Ogras said might be true. The demon had produced a Dao Fragment along with another Dao Seed that seemed to be rted to illusions judging by the fight with the barbarian chieftain. This alone put him in the top percentile of those who visited the Tower.


    Let alone the fourth floor, Ogras might actually have a decent chance at the fifth floor unless the difficulty took an unprecedented leap.


    I understand, Zac said as his eyes started to turn pitch-ck. "We can go over things properly on the 35th level."


    Ugh, creepy, Ogras said with a grimace as he witnessed Zac change into his Draugr-form. Ill never get used to those eyes of yours. Couldnt wait even a second after we ditched the dead weight?


    Ive been itching to try some things out for a while now, Zac said with a smile that no doubt looked creepy rather than mirthful in his current shape. Hopefully well find some targets that will do.


    Well, there seems to nock of targets in this ce at least, the demon agreed.


    What do you think of the quest? Have you heard of Ancestral Avolis before? Zac probed as he took out his new and almost unused shield.


    No, but I think were standing on him, the demon said as he poked his spear into the ground a few times.


    Realization immediately dawned in Zac''s eyes, but he still felt a bit skeptical as he looked around. There were massive vistas in all directions, so if they were actually standing on a beast it would have to be as big as his ind.


    There are beasts asrge ass swimming around the vast cosmos, so why not ones asrge as mountains? the demon shrugged with disinterest when he saw Zac''s face. Im more interested in how we redirect a big bastard like this.


    Zacs scrambled for ideas as well, but there was only one doable solution he could think of.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    If we find the equivalent of this guys brain we might be able to give him a shock great enough to turn, Zac ventured.


    Sounds as good as any other n, the demon agreed. We can just st the brain into mush if it doesnt work. I guess that this thing is the target as well.


    Probably, Zac nodded.


    It might seem preposterous to kill something asrge as an ind, but it didnt seem too hard to Zac. They had already done something simr with the Ayr Hivequeen. They were essentially ants to this thing and could freely make their way into its body to cause havoc. It wasnt like this huge thing could stop them either, just like Zac couldnt stop bacteria from running around inside his body.


    It took the two some time to orient themselves, but they soon managed to confirm the hypothesis that they were standing on an enormous beast. The Ancestral Avoli had eight legs, each like a mountain of its own, and an oblong body. They were somewhere in the middle, and they figured its head was in the direction the Avoli moved, so they quickly set out.


    They found nothing of value on the beast itself, just a bunch of beasts living off of the body of the titan. The bodies of the parasites were worthless as well, and they only served as target practice. But that was just fine with Zac as he had been itching to fight in his Draugr-form for a while.


    It was finally time to test his new skills.

 Chapter 417: Vanguard of Undeath

    Chapter 417: Vanguard of Undeath


    Zac''s eyes were trained on the sea of parasites that came pouring out of their burrows and he calmly stepped forward as he activated his set of passive skills. A billowing cloud of miasma spread across the area and covered the ground, which elicited an annoyed grunt from Ogras who started to move away in disgust.


    Zac could only shrug apologetically, knowing that the skill in his current form affected his allies as well, or at least his living allies. He would have to experiment some more if he ever got some undeadpanions.


    The thousands of parasites didn''t seem to care about the miasma though, and they rushed toward the two without hesitation. The situation was a perfect opportunity to Zac, and he activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> for the first time. A storm of miasma immediately exploded out from his body, which in turn attracted the attention of all the beasts.


    Even most of those who had been running toward Ogras changed their course as they seemed intent to take him out first as if their lives depended on it. They flooded toward him like a tide, but Zac didn''t worry in the least. He was more interested in the changes that took ce to his body.


    His vantage rapidly changed as he felt himself grow, and he bones in his body creaked and groaned until he was standing at well over three meters tall. That was just one of the changes though, and Zac couldn''t help but marvel at the others. His frame had received a huge upgrade in not only height but also bulk, and he stood his ground like a massive tank.


    He wanted to check out his muscles for a second, but it was impossible due to the other addition the skill had brought forth. His whole body was covered in a thick medieval armor that ran in ck and turquoise, created by extremely denseyers of miasma.


    Even his equipment had been transformed by the skill. <strong>[Evesting] </strong>had grown to match his increased size, and the circle of fractals in the middle had changed color from white to turquoise to match the details in his armor. Was this the effect of the Neprosium being able to incorporate almost any attunement?


    Even <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> had enjoyed an upgrade, though it seemed that his Axe couldn''t be infused in the same manner as his shield. A massive Fractal axe had instead formed over it, a grisly bardiche that was tailor-made for his hulking frame. The haft was almost two meters long and ended in a sharp spike.


    The axehead was one-sided and slightlyrger than what felt normal for such a long weapon, with its massive half-moon edge having a diameter of at least a meter. If it had been an actual weapon it would no doubt feelpletely unbnced, but it felt perfect in Zac''s hand as he took a step forward that made the ground shudder.


    An annoyed growl echoed in Zac''s mind, and he realized it was Verun that didn''t seem all too happy to be covered in death-attuned energies. A thought struck Zac and he simply put <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>away in his Spatial Ring, and the miasma axe thankfully stayed on without a physical base. It did however seem a bit faded until he brought out his axe again.


    He could soon confirm that Verun wasn''t actually harmed by the death-attuned energies, but it was more akin to being close to a nauseating odor. Zac could only impose on the Spirit Tool for now until he found a better solution. Perhaps he would have to invest in a Death-Attuned axe sooner orter anyway.


    Power coursed through his whole body, and a nce at his status screen gave him a start. All his attributes apart from Luck had gained a solid 10% increase, pushing his power to another level. It wasn''t as great as the buff from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, but judging by the modest consumption of miasma he would be able to maintain his current form for the better part of an hour without a problem.


    Increased attributes, increased size, impervious armor, and a massive weapon. Zac felt like an invincible tank after having activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, and he immediately started ughtering the parasites. Each swing of his axe cause a ghastly wail to echo across the battlefield, and corpses of Avoli Parasites wereunched dozens of meters from the force of his momentum.


    But Zac only had time to swing his axe a couple of times before his Danger Sense pricked in his mind.


    The next moment a handful of shadonces flew up toward him and his mind froze by the unexpected ambush. The required movements were long ingrained into his body though, and his arm automatically moved to intercept the strikes with <strong>[Evesting] </strong>before he even had time to question what was going on.


    Ahh! What are you doing! Ogras screamed with frustration shortly after as a spectral projection stabbed at him as retaliation for the shadonces.


    What am <em>I </em>doing? Zac grunted in annoyance as he turned toward the demon, but froze for a second when he heard himself.


    He sounded like a real devil, where his voice had sunk to a register that shouldn''t be reachable for humans. There was also the chill of death to it, giving it an extremely terrifying cadence.


    Is this your new skill? the demon said withint as he shot out another handful of shadowdes, half of which were aimed at Zac.


    I dont know what the hell youre talking about, I used a skill to transform. Can you stop attacking me? Zac growled in annoyance as he crushed the spears with a swing of his miasmic axe.


    Do you think I want to? Your skill messes with my senses, its like youve given me tunnel vision. I try to hit the damn beasts but I somehow end up targeting you anyway, the demon said with frustration written all over his face.


    Only then did the true effect of the skill dawn on Zac. <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>had a taunting function? This was something that had been a huge problem with his ss before, at least until he got <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>.


    To strike Zac in his Draugr-form was to slowly kill yourself due to thebination of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> and Zacs massive Endurance. But why would anyone hit him if they figured that out? They could always flee or target Zacs allies instead, forcing him to stomp around by himself.


    But it looked like <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> at least partly shored up that deficiency.


    Ogras reluctantly started helping out by testing the limits, and they found that it did not just work on ranged skills. For example, when Ogras used his movement skill he identally ended up closer to Zac rather than further away a couple of times, which would have allowed Zac tounch a strike if he wanted.


    There were limits to the efficacy of the skill though, and Ogras got better and better controlling his actions as time passed. After struggling for a bit over a minute he managed to essentially rewire his brain as he described it, where he intentionally aimed off-keel to circumvent the effect of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    But a whole minute in a battle between elites was the same as an eternity, and it would give Zac multiple opportunities to destroy his enemies. Zac also quickly learned that he could control the effect a bit, and reducing the area he taunted lessened the mental strain on him.


    Conversely, the area he could cover if he strained was pretty massive, and he realized he could easily cover the whole cage he created with <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. So if he managed to trap his target he would essentially be able to force a fight.


    The skill worked even better with the brainless parasites as long as he kept his taunt active. They heedlessly threw themselves at him with even greater fervor than the battleroaches back in the Underworld. They unleashed barrage after barrage of attacks on either his armor or shield, but the strikes barely left a scratch in his current shape.


    Spectral parasites kept appearing one after another as strikes against his new armor would activate <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> just like strikes at his body. Large pockets of carnage were simultaneously carved out by his miasmic axe, each swing taking out over five of the beasts without him even infusing the axe with a Dao.


    He quickly realized he had some control over the spectral axe, though it wasnt as convenient as <strong>[Chop]</strong>. Still, he was able to elongate the handle by another meter, and the edge could grow to be almost as tall as a full-grown person.


    Along with his increased size he had suddenly tripled his range and strike zone, which finally allowed him to mow down his enemies by the handful rather than one by one as he did with <strong>[Unholy Strike]. </strong>He realized that skills like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> or <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> were still far superior to clear out arge number of enemies, but it was still a pretty convenient boost.


    Zac almost felt drunk with power from using his ultimate form, as this truly was what he expected from his ultimate strike. The only thing missing was a pair of wings like the ones Ogras got, but he guessed that wasn''t really on theme for an Undying Bulwark.


    Better yet, this was only the first of his two new skills. Zac was about to try out the second one as well, but he suddenly stopped himself as he turned to Ogras.


    You might want to back away from the battle, Zac said. I think my other skill might target you as well.


    And youre not just trying to mess with me? Ogras muttered, but he still shed away to spectate the battle on a hill far in the distance.


    The miasma in the area started to churn and swell as Zac fused more and more of his stored miasma into <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>, but he was shocked to realize that the skill still kept craving more even after having imbued the fractal with a third of his miasma. It actually gobbled up half of his stores before the skill was satiated.


    This was a shocking cost, more than twicepared to <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. It was to the point that Zac started to regret trying it out on these trash parasites rather than saving it for a real battle. But it wasnt like he could refund the miasma so he could only keep going.


    One shape after another started to rise from the hazy shroud created from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>. They were humanoid skeletons who shone with sinister energy, and Zac felt their power wasparable to pretty strong peak F-Grade warriors judging by their auras. Figures kept rising until over a hundred of them stood in formation, creating a small army.


    The skeletons were all whole and without cracks, but the gear they wore was mismatched and obviously worse for the wear. The swords and armors were chipped and filled with rust, but they still contained deathly energy that felt strong enough to kill the peak F-Grade parasites in a swing or two.


    Zac nodded in relief when he saw the skill, as the skill quest had been a bit troubling.


    It had required him to gather the resentment of 500 000 kills, which made him worry about what would happen when he activated <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>. The fact that it would be some sort of summoning skill was pretty obvious going by the name, but he had been afraid that he would summon everyone he had killed over the past months.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He didnt feel shame or regret for all those kills, but he also didnt feel proud about the kind of person he had be. Being put face to face again to the victims of his carnage would have been a bit much to handle, so the nondescript skeletons were no doubt a relief.


    The parasites didn''t worry about where the skeletons had cropped up from and they immediately pounced on their new targets. The skeleton warriors themselves immediately went to work without needing any prompts from Zac. One parasite after another got ripped to shreds, and a continuous surge of miasma filled Zacs body as he simply watched on.


    The skill might have had a massive initial expenditure, but Zac was happy to see that there was no cost at all to maintaining the skill after the skeletons had formed. They kept hacking and shing without Zac losing an iota of miasma. It was actually the opposite as his reserves kept getting filled thanks to <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>.


    A thought struck Zac as he watched on, and he tried infusing the Fragment of the Coffin into one of the skeletons. The summoned warrior immediately turned a shade darker, and its sword started to emanate a pretty terrifying aura.


    Any beast the Dao-infused skeleton cut started to immediately rot and fester, and the effect was even greater than when he used the Seed of Rot with his axe. Any parasite that was struck with the sword was turned into a pile of goop within a minute. The scene made Zac realize he had forgotten one of the weapons in his arsenal, as he always used the Fragment of the Axe when fighting with his weapontely.


    It was a good reminder that he also had such a tool in his toolbox.

 Chapter 418: Undying Legion

    Chapter 418: Undying Legion


    Zac kept experimenting with <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong> and he found that he could infuse the Fragment of the Axe into skeletons as well, but only into the few who were wielding an axe. It appeared they couldnt use weapons that he provided either, which made it impossible to hand out a bunch of disposable axes to improve their power.


    But the Dao of the Coffin was a more fitting infusion anyway, so Zac felt it was fine. It didnt only improve their offensive power by a huge degree, it also made them a noticeably sturdier. A couple of the skeletons were ripped apart as they were mobbed by the frenzied parasites, but those infused with the Dao of the Coffin were like stalwart defenders who never went down.


    One disappointing factor was that he only managed to infuse 12 of the hundred or so skeletons the skill conjured. He wasnt sure whether this was a limit of the skill or due to himcking control over his Daos, as Zac felt a noticeable strain to split his mental energy and imbue many targets at the same time.


    Being able to infuse all of them would, of course, be preferable, but at least it was a start. It created a few skeletonmanders who could lead their brethren into battle. Zac himself joined the fight as well, taking advantage of his massive frame and weapon to carve a path of death in the hordes.


    Zac also tested the offensive capabilities of the Fragment of the Coffin in conjunction with <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, and the fit was just amazing. It did not only make his conjured armor far sturdier, but it also imbued his axe with the same corrosive capabilities as it did with the skeletons.


    He felt extremely lucky to have mastered the Seed of Rot from the fight inside the Inheritance. What is he had simply fused Sanctuary with Hardness to form the Fragment of the Shield instead? He would have turned into a mobile fortress, impervious but unable to dish out nearly as much damage.


    Now he was a tank who spread death and decay wherever he walked. ck clouds started to billow around him as well, seeping out through the slits in his helmet as though a fire burned inside the miasmic armor. Thankfully it turned out his summons werepletely unaffected by the corrosive mists of <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, even though they were neck-deep in it.


    One disappointing change to Zac was that he was suddenly unable to infuse the ck mists with his Fragment of the Coffin. Ever since the skill reached Middle proficiency he had been able to infuse it with the Seed of Rot, which kicked its corrosion to another level.


    But now that the nature of the Dao changed he lost the ability to infuse the gas. Was it because there was noponent of hardness to the skill?


    Zac felt some disappointment with the development, but he suddenly had a spark of inspiration. If he went by the image of histest Dao Fragment the corrosive aspect was locked inside the hardness. Zac immediately changed his tactic and infused his lungs with the Fragment of the Coffin instead as he breathed out another lungful of corrosive mists.


    Thetest gust was clearly differentpared to the others. The normal mist was essentially a greyish ck, but the new mist also had a greenish hue to it, making it feel more nefarious. His guess had been correct, he simply needed to adapt his thinking a bit to make the skill work.


    He made his lungs the coffin, and the skill the aspect of rot that he exhaled.


    This discovery did unfortunately bring a whole new problem he had never encountered in his Hatchetman ss though. He had too many skills active at the same time. The continuous consumption of miasma wasnt negligible, but the real problem was rted to the Dao.


    It was simply impossible for Zac to infuse all his skills with the Daos at the same time. The moment he started infusing <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, the infusion to <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> ended. It was alsopletely impossible for him to split his consciousness enough to add his Daos to the spectral projections for <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> while using it for other skills.


    He was able to juggle the Fragment of the Coffin back and forth between his skills to some sess, but he found himself being constantly dyed and losing focus on the battle itself. It felt like he was trying to solve a Sudoku in the middle of battle, making him constantly distracted. It looked like he would have to work even harder with his exercises to improve his mental control.


    Still, only being able to infuse one or two skills at a time was eptable for now, and with everything in ce Zac allowed himself to freely rampage across the back of the Avoli. Ogras kept his distance, staying far away from the toxic battlefield Zac had created. It only took him 10 minutes before a deathly silence had spread out across the back of the titan, with not a single living parasite remaining in the area.


    Only then did Zac release his skills, surprised to notice that he had less than a quarter of his Miasma remaining. It wasnt due to wounds since he didnt even have a flesh wound from the battle thanks to the armor, but it was rather due to the massive expenditure. If it wasnt for <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> returning some miasma to him he might have turned back to his human form unknowingly.


    Zac felt extremely satisfied with the two new skills to his ss though, even if their costs were pretty big. He finally started to understand how Undying Bulwark was meant to be used. The first skills had been focused on keeping himself alive in the vanguard of a battle, withstanding both physical and mental attacks.


    Then came <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>that allowed him to trap his target in an arena that would allow no escape until one side was downed. The Seal itself wasnt that strong on the offense though, as the chains only worked on weak cannon fodder. For example, almost all of the Incursion Leaders had been able to either destroy or push away the chains before they could do any damage.


    If it wasnt for Zacs unnaturally high attributes and Daos he would have been forced to slowly grind down his targets with <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. He had also been able to shore up his weaknesses somewhat with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> and <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. But it was undeniable that both his single-target andrge-scale damage was limitedpared to his other ss.


    But that all changed with the final two skills. They added the final missing ingredient to the mix and changed him from a passive defender to a real juggernaut that could change the course of arge-scale battle.


    Had your fill? Ogras voice drifted over from the side, and Zac looked over to see the demon walking over, pointedly avoiding going near the parasites melted by the Fragment of the Coffin.


    This undead ss of yours is just a cheat, the demon muttered as he shook his head in disgust. Ive never heard of anything like it. How is one supposed to take you down without being a far higher level?


    Isnt that a good thing? Zac answered with a smile.


    Zac didnt need to showcase his two new aces in front of Ogras, especially now that they would have to go their separate ways after the 4<sup>th</sup> floor. But it served as a good reminder for the wily demon to not have any ideas even if he had be a lot strongertely with his Shadow Fragment.


    Since Zac had finished trying out his new skills there was no reason to linger on the level. They rushed to the front of the Avoli and entered its body through one of the burrows the Parasites had formed.


    It looked like the parasites had a somewhat symbiotic rtionship with the host, as they doggedly defended the inner parts of the titan. But the two simply sted their way through until they found the brain of the beast.


    Surprisingly it was just a bit over twenty meters across, which felt pretty small for a beast asrge as a mountain range. The demon had some fun prodding the poor beast, causing one massive earthquake after another as the Avoli started to buck in pain. Zac eventually had to drag him through the teleporter that appeared after one particrly massive earthquake.


    Unfortunately there wasn''t anything of value that they could find inside the Avoli, but that was simply how things were. You wouldn''t always find treasure even whenpleting the quest, you just improved your odds of finding something of value.


    The following levels went by quickly as well, as the 4<sup>th</sup> floor still wasnt dangerous enough to hamper their progress. They also learned that not every single level would immediately throw them into the thick of it. At least not in an obvious way.


    The sixth level had for example put them in the middle of a deadly array, and if Zac hadnt been warned by his Danger Sense they would have had a significant amount of life force drained without even noticing.


    But just as the danger increased so did the rewards, at least when they followed through on the quests. One precious item after another went into Zacs Cosmos Sacks or Ogras barrels until they finally reached the 8<sup>th</sup> level.


    The quest this time was nothing special as it was yet another beast tide quest, with the small addition that an upstart force had taken the opportunity tounch a coup in the middle of the chaos. So not only had they guard against the beasts, but they also needed to protect the mayor from assassination attempts.


    Completing the level early was also a bit troublesome, as they couldn''t figure out if it was the beast alpha or the matriarch of the upstart n that was the guardian. There was a real risk that killing the wrong enemy would have some unintended consequences, so they found themselves a bit stuck on defense until reinforcements arrived.


    However, that was actually a lucky break for Zac as Verun stirred for the first time since they encountered the Beast Crystals after they had stayed on the level for a couple of hours. The Tool Spirit had finally sensed something that it wanted to eat. It was a great sign to Zac, as he had started to worry that the fact that the Spirit Tool didnt want to eat anything was a sign that it had reached its limits for improvement.


    Can you take care of things on this end for a day or two? Zac asked the demon who was standing on the wall walk next to him overlooking the sea of beasts.


    Whats that? Ogras asked with confusion.


    My Tool Spirit is sensing something it wants to eat, Zac exined, not bothering to hide it from the demon. I want to go take it.


    Thats fine. Just go, Ogras shrugged. We are stuck here for another two days anyway unless you''re willing to risk it by guessing which one is the floor guardian.


    Zac nodded in agreement and shed away toward the direction Verun''s indicated. He waded straight through the sea of rabid beasts outside the town, turning everything around him into a bloody mess. He only avoided the area where the horde leader, a massive demon tortoise, stood, as to not identally get dragged into a battle with it.


    Thirty minutes passed and he entered a mountain range that was ordinarily a popr spot to harvest herbs and hunt beasts. But now it was almostpletely deste, with all its upants having been drafted into the beast army.


    A howl echoed across the mountains as Veruns true form suddenly leaped out of Zac''s axe, and it started sprinting in a certain direction. Zac could only follow with interest, and he was led into a valley with an oddly sparse Cosmic Energy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A sense of Dj Vu filled Zac''s heart as he looked around to see a bunch of withered trees and weeds all around him, and his suspicions were only confirmed when they reached the middle of the valley. A massive nt asrge as a tree stood alone, and a thick bloody scent wafted out from it.


    It looked a bit like a cactus or a sulent flower, with an extremely wide base and no stalk to talk about. Each leaf was almost as tall as Zac himself, and they were extremely thick. There weren''t any flowers or fruits that Zac could see, but perhaps there was something like that hidden inside theyers of leaves.


    Another gleeful roar emerged from Veruns throat as it pounced the nt, clearly wanting to bite into its leaves. But a massive shape suddenly burst out of the ground, and it immediately got into a tussle with the Tool Spirit.


    Zacs face scrunched up in disgust when he saw that it was a twenty-meter long centipede, but he still jumped into the fray with his axe at the ready. The area rapidly transformed into a sacred grove as he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, and Zac appeared right next to one of the beasts segments.


    A five-meter fractal imbued with the Fragment of the Axe mmed into the beast, aiming to bisect it in one swift attack, but Zacs brows rose when he saw that the strike was actually rebuffed. The centipede was still thrown a dozen meters away due to the force of the swing, but it was very much still in one piece after the attack.


    Zac wasnt disappointed though, but he rather looked at the massive insect like he was looking at a pile of Nexus Crystals. Just how strong was that shell?

 Chapter 419: Tumbles

    Chapter 419: Tumbles


    A shell that could withstand an offensive Dao Fragment, along with Zacs terrifying force, was definitely a material that could be refined into some very sturdy armor. Hell, he could cover a whole ship in shells judging by how big the centipede was.


    The problem was how to kill it withoutpletely crushing the animal with something like <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> and ruining the materials. Zac activated <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> in hopes it would provide some useful information, but it only managed to find out that the centipede was level 91.


    It was actually the highest level beast Zac had fought since entering the Tower. There had been stronger beings in the worlds they passed through, such as the devil titans on the 28<sup>th</sup> floor, but he had never been expected to fight those.


    Zac guessed that the centipede and the massive sulent it was guarding could be considered a side quest, providing an increased challenge in return for a valuable item. Zac also realized there was no time to waste, as it turned out that the centipede was not only able to touch the Tool Spirit, but it was getting the better off it against it.


    Verun repeatedly tried to bite through the tough carapace, but it simply didn''t possess the strength to do so. The centipede easily shrugged off the attacks as it tried to strangle the Tool Spirit. Zac wasnt worried about Verun though since it had already been proven on multiple asions that the spectral beast essentially was immortal in its current form.


    At least that was Zacs guess as the Tool Spirit had been ripped to shreds on multiple asions, yet it was fine after sleeping it off inside the axe. It also was in line with what he had learned about Spirit Tools. The Tool Spirit was almost impossible to kill and would persist as long as the Spirit Tool wasn''t broken.


    But he still didnt want to stand by while hispanion was getting harried, so he quickly reentered the fray. He freely moved between the sections of the centipede, effortlessly dodging the hundreds of sharp legs thanks to the near-omniscience provided to him by <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>. There was no chance of getting trapped or identally stabbed by one of the legs while the trees were his eyes.


    Finally, he reached the front section, and with a grunt jumped up toward its head. The centipede immediately sensed the threat and tried to head-butt him away, but Zac shot out a fractal de that hit the beasts head with enough force to push it to the side. Zac kept flying toward its neck unencumbered and managed to grab onto the edge of one of its protective tes.


    The centipede started to wildly thrash and twist to throw Zac off, but Zac would be able to hold on even if they were thrown into a hurricane with his inhumanly strong grip. He simply allowed himself to be flung back and forth while he held on with his left hand and methodically started to swing toward the gap between two chitinous tes.


    This was pretty much the same tactic he had tried against the Battleroach King without any sess. But things were different this time around. The centipede didnt seem to possess any real skills for one, especially not a fractal shield to block Zacs strikes. Secondly, his corrosive power had improved by quite a bit since the fight against the battleroaches.


    It just took two swings before the ting had turned from a lustrous brown to a withered grey, and another swing topletely break through the thinner protective membrane between the protective tes. The centipede noticed that something was wrong, and it rose over ten meters into the air before it swung its whole body into the ground with all force it could muster.


    The whole valley shook from the terrifying body m, and Zac felt his mouth fill with blood even if he had expended both a defensive charge from the divine tree while also imbuing himself with the Fragment of the coffin.


    Zacs vision blurred as the centipede was up in the air again the next moment, revving up for another attempt at crushing its unwee passenger. But the corrosion worked extremely quickly since it had turned into a Fragment, and Zac only needed one more swing to sh through its protections.


    <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> keened as Zac cut down into the same spot onest time, and the protective membrane crumbled like rotten wood as the axe bit into its neck. This time he hadnt imbued the fractal edge with the Fragment of the Coffin, but rather with the Fragment of the Axe, and Zac effortlessly gored the centipede with <strong>[Chop] </strong>until the fractal de hit the shell on the other side of its neck.


    The beast iled and spasmed in its death throes, and Zac realized he might have made a mistake when he saw himself falling toward the massive flower. It would probably turn to mush from the fall even if it was a precious spiritual Herb.


    But the whole centipede was suddenly flung away as Verun mmed into its massive body as though the Tool Spirits life depended on it. The final push was also the final straw that broke the camel''s back, as Zac felt a surge of Cosmic Energy entering his body. He jumped off at thest moment, avoiding getting inadvertently bodymmed by a carcass.


    A shroud entered his axe just as Zded, no doubt meaning that the beast had maxed out the time it could spend outside. A burst of impressions quickly followed, and Zac realized what Verun wanted him to do.


    He ignored the dead centipede for now as he climbed up on the massive flower. While he had been iling about he had spotted what it looked like from above, and there was arge flower in the middle. The fat leaves gave way to far more delicate petals halfway in, and Zac couldn''t reach the core of the flower, afraid he''d ruin it.


    "You sure about this?" Zac asked as he looked down at the axe in his hand, and received an affirmative response.


    Zac only shrugged and threw the Spirit Tool toward the core of the flower, where itnded on a bed of pollen, causing a small white cloud to rise into the air. Just a whiff of the stuff made Zac''s blood almost boil, and he felt though he was ready to go ughter the whole beast tide himself.


    But he regained his senses in just a moment and quickly climbed down the flower again. The feeling of inhaling the pollen had been pretty simr to when he activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, and Zac wondered what the effect would be like if the massive sulent was refined into a pill.


    He also wondered why Verun was so interested in the flower, but he soon found a possible answer. One of the fatty leaves at the outer edge had been damaged during the fight, and a thick liquid slowly poured out from it, staining the ground red. It really looked like the flower was bleeding.


    A surge of energy from the center of the flower meant that Verun had started whatever it wanted to do with the flower, so Zac walked over to the centipede. Thankfully only the tes around its head had been damaged, while the rest of it was intact, so Zac took out <strong>[Hunger]</strong> as he tried to carve up the massive beast.


    However, Zac found it surprisingly difficult to dismantle the massive beast even if it was dead, and only after three hours had he managed to stash away the dozens of shells along with its legs. Its flesh smelled quite rancid though, so Zac decided to leave it in the valley for the vultures.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Verun hadn''t beenzing off while Zac was working on the centipede, and the massive sulent had shrunk to a noticeable degree over the past hours. Its bulbous leaves looked a bit withered, and its lustrous color had faded somewhat.


    It still took the Spirit Tool a full 8 hours before it hadpletely drained the flower though, and it waspletely bereft of life-force when Zac walked over to fetch his axe. The spirit tool looked pretty much the same after having absorbed the flower, except that there now were two fractals that were lit up on the handle.


    Zac immediately wanted to see what the extra fractal meant, but he realized that Verun was unresponsive inside the axe. It either needed to rest from the upgrade, or perhaps it was still in the process of digesting the energies it had consumed.


    Everything was dealt with in the mountains, so Zac immediately started running back toward the town. He had only been gone for 9 hours or so, but a lot could happen in that time. And his fears were realized when he saw a thick ck plume of smoke rise from the town they were supposed to protect.


    He held nothing back as he pushed through the beast tide like a hurricane, but Zac breathed out in relief when he saw the demon standing on the wall walk with azy expression. His appearance didn''t match his demeanor though, as his face was slightly scorched and a new scar had appeared on his throat.


    What happened to you? Ogras said with augh as Zac approached, and Zac realized he wasn''t much better off himself when he looked down at his bedraggled appearance.


    He didn''t have any obvious wounds as Ogars did, but he realized his face and hands were caked in centipede blood and mud. He had long gotten so used to being covered in gore that it no longer registered, but he realized now he really needed a bath.


    A bit of a tumble, Zac shrugged as he jumped up on the wall. What about you?


    The same, the demon smiled.


    Have you figured out who the guardian is? Zac asked.


    Well, it cant be the matriarch of the On line, because shes already dead, Ogras said.


    Must have been some tumble, Zac snorted as he nced at the town behind them.


    There was widespread destruction in the neighborhood next to the mayors mansion, and some of the buildings were still smoldering. Zac didnt think that the demon would go out of his way to antagonize that woman while he was away since she was possibly the guardian. She had probablyunched an all-out assault at the mayors mansion, and Ogras had been forced to step in.


    So what do you want to do now? Zac asked.


    We can just kill that big bugger over there immediately, make some turtle soup, Ogras said.


    Zac agreed and immediately set out. The battle was quickly over. The turtle possessed a pretty strong ice-attributed attack, but it still was much weakerpared to the centipede he had just killed. Besides, being a ten-meter turtle might be worse than being a small one.


    When it realized that Zac was far too powerful it tried to retract its neck while it fled, but it didnt provide a lot of defense as Zac could freely enter the shell as the hole was over three meters tall. The alpha beast tried to snap Zac in half in one desperate bite with its powerful jaws, but Zac ended its life with one fluid swing.


    The beast horde quickly scattered when their leader was ughtered, and Ogras joined him not muchter as the teleportation array appeared next to the corpse of the alpha beast.


    "Are you sure about this? Zac asked as he stood up, having restored his spent cosmic energy over the past hour.


    Im sure. You go ahead, Ogras nodded. Ill stay behind here for a while to prepare myself.


    "You''re not setting out immediately?" Zac probed.


    Well, things worked out pretty well for me while you were gone. The mayor treats me like I am his ancestor after I saved his life, and he just so happens to have a pretty fetching granddaughter who didnt seem immune to the heros allure the demon said with a grin.


    Well, remember were on the fourth floor. Dont rx and get yourself killed, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Speaking of, could you leave that array behind? the demon asked.


    The <strong>[Voidfire Array]</strong>? I guess, Zac said as he took out the massive crystal and the six spikes from his Spatial Ring.


    It was a pretty good item, but Zac felt it was better utilized by Ogras in his efforts to conquer the fifth floor. He felt confident enough without it, and he doubted that an array that he snatched on the 28<sup>th</sup> level would be of much use on the 6<sup>th</sup> floor or higher.


    Perfect, the demon said as he put away the array.


    So what is the n when we exit? Ogras added with a serious face. Who knows what the situation will be like."


    Do you have any ideas? Zac asked.


    We still want a patron to get rid of that Redeemer for us, right? the demon said.


    Right, Zac nodded.


    Then we, or rather you, might just have to spill some blood when we leave. Kill the chickens to scare the monkeys. If you feel the situation is chaotic but manageable, immediately destroy anyone who steps up for the quest, Ogras said.


    And if its too much for us to handle?


    Then we can only run, the demon shrugged. Try to stay alive until we can crush our tokens. Scream for that Peak-girl to save us, perhaps that might make a couple of the pursuers back away.


    I guess we''ll just have to y it by the ear, Zac said with some helplessness.


    You better climb pretty damn high so youll scare all the rich assholes on the outside. I dont want to risk my life against these floor guardians only to get skewered the moment I leave. It''s bad enough you''ll steal my spotlight with whatever crazy apparition you''ll summon."


    "I''ll see what I can do. See you on the outside," Zac said as he stepped onto the teleporter.

 Chapter 420: Erudite Master

    Chapter 420: Erudite Master


    It was both liberating and jarring to start a trial alone. It wasnt that Zac was worried hed fail, but he realized how much he had relied on Gus and Ogras experience and knowledge as they ascended one level after another. It was mostly them who figured out a n, while he had eventually been reduced to a simple enforcer.


    While it was nothing wrong with that, he still felt he was missing the point of the Tower, and he vowed to do his best inpleting the quests rather than steamrolling through the following floors. And it was almost as though the System wanted to help him with his goal, as it had provided him with a final challenge that wasn''t rted to defeating the floor guardian.


    But Zac still felt some dismay as he knew that the final trial of the 4<sup>th</sup> floor might actually turn out to be impossible.


    <strong>[Learn the skill of the Erudite Master]</strong>


    Zac wryly looked at the quest he got, before his eyes trailed the winding path leading up the massive mountain in front of him. This was one of the simpler quests on the surface level. The Erudite Master was both the quest target and the floor guardian, meaning that Zac could either learn his skill or simply beat him up.


    Unfortunately, he had proven himself to be hopelessly bad at learning skills without the assistance of Skill Crystals. Ilvere easily learned the skill that had eluded him for months, and he did not doubt that people like his sister or Thea Marshall would only need hours to master it.


    But it was a wee challenge as well, and Zac started to ascend the mountain with determination to make the best of it. He still wasntpletely sure what the rules of his odd body were. Yrial said he had zero affinities with all Daos, yet he hadnt encountered any bottlenecks, even when forming his fragments.


    He had already learned from Gu that just forming a Dao Fragment while still at F-Grade was a sign of great talent, yet he had breezed through that without any issues. Twice.


    In fact, he could be said to be pretty talented in the field of Dao, though many of his insights admittedly came from Dao Treasures. But not even the one-in-a-million genius Thea Marshall or his AI-assisted Sister could match up to his insights, proving that things werent as simple as they seemed.


    But the 0 affinities might be rted to using the Daos rather than learning them, and if that was the case it would likely be a problem in the future. Everything was based on the Dao in the end, including the very core of all skills. What if he suddenly was unable to improve his skills? Would he be running around with F-Graded skills even after he had formed his Cosmic Core?


    A pang of danger suddenly erupted in his mind, and he shed to the side with the help of his movement skill only to see an arrow whizz past him where his head was just a second ago. He quickly looked around and spotted what looked like a mix of a frog and a dwarf holding a crossbow.


    The frogdwarf, and Zac only guessed the gender based on the thin ck mustache that ran along its extremely wide mouth, looked quite surprised to see his sneak attack failing. But Zac didnt even have a chance to capture the odd cultivator as he suddenly turned into a stone.


    It looked like one of the escape skills he had seen before, and Zac looked around in an attempt to find the frogs new location. But it was in vain as the mountainous forest waspletely still.


    The tranquility of the forest did notst for long though as Zac was assaulted by one warrior after another who all seemed to be heading for the summit. It looked like it was a free-for-all between cultivators who wanted to meet the Erudite Master, and it felt like they allpeted toplete the quest.


    Zac had already asked about the possibility of meeting other climbers during a trail but as far as Ogras, or the even more knowledgeable Gu, knew there was no such thing as floors where climbers were pitted against each other.


    It was not like Zac had encountered any frog dwarves outside the tower either, so meeting dozens of them would be a bit odd if they were real. Since the frogmen were natives Zac chose to only cripple them a little bit rather than killing them.


    Since they went out of their way to attack him he was pretty sure they were fair game, but he still didnt want to mess up his climb due to some old monster popping out of nowhere. Besides, he was already at the end of the fourth floor. It was worth remembering what Gu said.


    Nothing was ck and white, and all actions have consequences. What if the old master was one of the frogmen as well, and he got enraged by seeing his people getting ughtered by Zac? Of course, it could also swing the other way, where the frogdwarves were the enemies of the master, and the lenient treatment by Zac was seen as a sign of a weak Dao Heart.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    One could go crazy going back and forth what might create the best oue, but this was just like real life; there was no way to control all small details. He could just follow his conscience as he kept going forward.


    It only took him a few hours to reach the summit of the mountain that would give Mount Everest a run for its money. He had initially nned on taking on the floor guardian in his undead form, but after having seen the quest he decided to stay human.


    The likelihood of the old master being undead was pretty slim considering the surroundings, and the pathways of his Draugr-ss were a lot pickier than his human side. If he wanted a shot at learning the skill he would have to do it as a human.


    The peak of the mountain was mostly t and it had the area of a couple of baseball fields. There was a small pond with a few fisheszily swimming about, and a solitary tree that looked extremely ancient was providing some shade next to it.


    Apart from that there wasnt much to see, and there wasnt even a house to stay in. Confusion entered Zacs heart as he looked around for any erudite master. Had he ascended the wrong mountain?


    Let me have a look at you,d, a decrepit voice echoed from the distance as an old warrior who had been hidden by the tree stood up.


    Zac sighed in relief as he took a good look at the Erudite Master. It was not one of the frogmen, but rather an ancient-looking demon. He wasnt the same kind as either Ogras or abyssal demons though. This one was a pale blue, with golden horns speckled with red.


    His build was pretty much the same as a humans apart from the taloned feet and indistinct scale pattern covering his skin. He would probably have been almost two meters in his prime, but time had made him lose at least two decimeters in height.


    The Erudite Master was obviously nearing the end of his lifespan judging by how old he looked. Zac still wasnt an expert, but he guessed the old master had a couple of months to a year at best.


    The old demon inspected Zac just as how Zac was inspecting him.


    If you want to learn my skill, put that axe away. I am a pugilist, and you will never learn it while wielding a weapon. If you just want to test your strength, youre wee to do so as well, the demon said with equanimity.


    Zac frowned when asked to disarm, but he eventually put his axe away. He didnt feel any animosity from the old demon, and he was curious about what kind of skills he had. Most of all he felt this was a good opportunity to train against a skilled enemy, and he would ruin it if heunched <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> to level the whole mountain top in one all-out move.


    Good, the demon said before his muddy eyes suddenly turned extremely sharp as his aura rose by a shocking degree.


    It was still well within what Zac could handle, but he felt the pressure was even greaterpared to some of the Invasion generals he had fought recently. That was saying something considering the old man in front of him was still in F-Grade.


    The fact that the old demon hadnt evolved didnt damper Zacs mood. On the contrary, it made his blood pump from excitement. Calrin had once told him that the ones to look out for were those looking very young or those looking very old.


    The extremely young were the geniuses who kept pushing forward, breaking through bottlenecks without any trouble. The very old ones were those who had been stuck at their current level for centuries, and this generally led to one of two oues.


    Either they gave up on the martial path and focused on some side interests, bing merchants or simply enjoying retirement. Others kept at it to the very end, polishing their skills and power to the limit in hopes of finally finding the spark to break through their bottleneck.


    The old man in front of him was obviously thetter type.


    Zac didnt know why a man with such a dense aura as the one in front of him was stuck on F-Grade, but right now it didnt matter as the demon emitted a sharp battle intent. The master suddenly pushed forward straight across the pond, and his movements sounded like the roars of beasts.


    The demon was almost immediately in front of him, and his right hand formed a fist that shuddered with power. Zac immediately turned to absorb the punch with his left arm, which would allow him to counter with a right-hook of his own.


    But shifting his body like that had actually opened him up for the old demon to knee him right in the gut, and Zac was thrown away so far that he almost fell off the mountain top. He wasnt hurt though as the old demon only had used the strength of his body in the opening salvo, and not empowered his strikes with neither skills nor Dao.


    Zac shed back with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> in an instant, and a rapid exchange of punches and kicksmenced. Unfortunately, the exchange generally consisted of Zac punching air while being barraged by attacks from all directions.


    The old demons strikes were extremely unpredictable, and no matter how Zac tried to counter the strikes it seemed to somehow backfire. Initially he had tried to limit the strength he used to match the old demon, but he was already using at least 20% more Dexterity while still getting his ass kicked.


    There is a battle raging, the demon said as he once again punched Zac square in his face. One in your mind.


    Zacs brows rose in shock, wondering if the old man had somehow sensed the splinter.


    There is the instinct of the beast brewing deep inside of you, wanting to break out. But you are fighting it, attempting to maintain the heart of the warrior, defeating technique with technique, the old man exined.


    Find a bnce and prepare yourself! the demon roared as his aura suddenly started to rise once more.


    The massive roar caused a storm around them, and Zac was almost forced to close his eyes. The old man was obviously up to something, and his danger sense told him it wasnt something minor. His first instinct was to fight fire with fire, beating the demon down before he could unleash his strike.


    However, Zac also believed it was best to be cautious. He was on the fourth floor after all, and it was also a boosted floor due to multiple people joining. The challenge was almost on par with what he would face when meeting the guardian of the fifth floor.


    A golden halo surrounded the demon, and the air around him crackled as he pushed his hand forward like a spear. The demon was clearly using a skill this time, though Zac still couldn''t sense any Dao.


    The power in the attack was palpable, and Zacs hand immediately rose to counter the strike aimed at his gut. But mid-motion Zac noticed that the mans hand changed direction, likely targeting his more vulnerable throat.


    He quickly adjusted by putting both his arms in front of his throat, while preparing to counter after blocking the stab. But a burning sensation in his side was like a wake-up call, and he looked down at his bleeding side with confusion.


    Had the demon changed the trajectory of his attack again? But why didnt he notice? Or was the small change in muscle or stance just a feint from the start, meant to confuse him? Luckily the demon had stopped his strike after just piercing his flesh, so he wasnt really wounded.


    Having the heart of the beast and the courage to brave any danger ismendable. Having a cool and calcting heart will allow you to turn a losing battle into victory. But your heart cannot epass everything, the demon said as he backed away, his hand dripping with blood.


    Who are you in the end?

 Chapter 421: True Strike

    Chapter 421: True Strike


    Zac was about to make up some story about why he was here, but he stopped himself as he realized the old demon was asking a rhetorical question.


    Your heart and mind are in conflict, and you do not trust one over the other, the demon said. This is something a seasoned warrior can exploit.


    Zac understood all too well what the demon was talking about, and it felt a bit embarrassing as this was exactly what he had chided Emily for doing back during their sparring sessions. He had been talking big about decisiveness, but yet he found himself crippled by indecision during the battle with this old demon.


    So what should I do? Zac said, ignoring the wound on his side. It was nothing too serious that wouldnt heal up with a normal healing pill.


    A burning heart will stop a mind from being frozen with indecision. A calctive mind will help you distinguish between decisiveness and foolishness. But in my opinion, one must be the leader and the other follower. You might be able to find true bnce in the future, but it is much too early. Perhaps when you can walk the sky like the celestials in legend.


    A leader and a follower? Zac muttered.


    Are you a warrior of instinct, or a warrior of expertise? the old man asked.


    Zac first wanted to say expertise, but he stopped himself as he knew that wasnt the truth. He wasnt some adept weapon master who followed some great set of techniques, and he hadn''t trained with a weapon since young like most cultivators in the multiverse.


    He was more like a beast, fighting based on instinct and his superior constitution.


    It seems you understand, the old man smiled. Again.


    Zac was already moving the moment the demon disappeared, and he swung toward his right without thought or hesitation. A deep thud echoed across the summit as the demon appeared, his arm glowing with a golden sheen as he blocked Zacs punch.


    Good! the demonughed. Whats the use of calcting and thinking when youre an idiot?


    Zacs face scrunched up, but he had no time to refute the words as the old manunched another barrage of punches, kicks, and attempts to grapple him to the ground. He no longer tried to think or anticipate what the old man did, he only moved the way his instincts indicated him to move.


    He was still somewhat of a punching bag, but it wasnt one-sided any longer. The old man had been a martial artist for hundreds of years, and trying to match him in skill had only made him weaker than he actually was. Now that he relied on instincts, he at least managed to get in a few good punches as well.


    The old man suddenly jumped backward, looking a bit worse for the wear from the high-paced battle.


    Good! the said while breathing a bit heavily. You are passable. A rough gem that can be polished through thousands of battles. See if you can understand the essence of my skill, <strong>[True Strike]</strong>. If you can learn it you will even be able to use it with that axe of yours. Watch how I attack your left side.


    Zac breathed in relief that he had passed the test to at least get a chance of learning the skill. The ancient demon had already helped him out by pointing out his weakness, so he would feel a bit bad about defeating him just to pass the floor.


    So Zac immediately got ready to defend while trying to understand the truth behind <strong>[True Strike].</strong> He kept his eyes wide open as the old demons left hand essentially turned into a golden spear as he slowly walked toward him. It was the same skill as the one the demon used before when he confused Zac''s senses.


    The demons eyes were trained at a spot just beneath Zacs ribcage on his left side, but Zac could oddly enough feel another spot on his body heat up. Zac tensed up as confusion filled his mind once again. His instincts told him that the demon would strike his right side, but he was obviously aiming for the left side.


    Atst minute he decided to follow his instincts to protect his right side, but he was shocked to see that the demon had attacked the spot he had looked at since the start.


    What the hell? Zac muttered with confusion.


    Good instincts! the demonughed. <strong>[True Strike]</strong> is a mental attack powered by battle intent. It confuses the instincts of the opponent, allowing you to forcibly create an opening. It is the fruition of 580 years of delving into the psyche of battle, and my grandest aplishment. See if you can understand it now!


    A powerful golden aura congealed around the demon as he once again targeted the same left spot as before. Zac''s instincts were still telling him that the demon was targeting another spot, this time his right leg. Zac quickly tried to take control of the conflicting emotions, but his brows suddenly frowned.


    His left hand moved up to block his throat with shocking speed while his whole body got infused with Fragment of the Coffin. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> appeared in his right arm at the same time, and it swung down in a fierce overhead arc.


    The old demons face scrunched up in anger when his sneak attack aimed at Zacs throat failed, and he quickly jumped back as the razor-sharp ws he had suddenly grown retracted into his hand. The facade of a righteous old warrior was gone, and his ice-cold eyes were those of a ruthless killer.


    After having spent so much time with Ogras, would Zac simply put down his guard due to a smiling face? The fact that the old demon had been willing to teach him from the beginning was suspicious in and of itself. There was no guarantee that the floor guardian would be a willing teacher just because the quest told him to learn a skill.


    Besides, even if he couldnt trust the instincts due to the demon''s skill he could still trust the Danger Sense from having over 250 effective Luck. Such a cheat-like amount of Luck was pretty much the perfect counter of almost any illusionary skill like the one the Demon had just tried to use, and it screamed in no uncertain terms that a deadly attack was aimed at his throat. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    So you knew, the ancient demon snorted. Thats a shame.


    The old mans aura condensed the next moment, changing from vast but somewhat weak into something sharper and more sinister. That wasnt all, his bent back started to straighten out while his features smoothed out as well. From looking like a decrepit old man with one foot in the grave he had transformed into a man that might be past his prime, but still full of vigor.


    Zac had to say he was pretty impressed by the demons n. Had he understood that Zac was a tough enemy from the start, and the whole charade with the demon teaching him his skill was simply an act to not only disarm his enemy but create an opening to kill him in one swift strike. Ogras would no doubt find a kindred spirit in the old demon if he encountered the same trial in his climb.


    However, the subterfuge didnt mean that what he had said was false. There was truth to the teachings he shared, and Zac felt he had gained some insight into the proper mentality of a warrior. One of his weaknesses truly was that hecked guidance from experienced warriors, which made his understanding of battle techniques somewhat shallow.


    Alyn and Ogras were both knowledgeable about various topics, but at the end of the day they were just juniors like himself. Yrial no doubt had a great understanding of these kinds of topics, but the time Zac could spend with his master was extremely limited.


    Youve helped me understand a few things better, Zac said as he ate one of his regr healing pills. Hand over the Skill Crystal for <strong>[True Strike]</strong> and Ill be on my way.


    The reason for Zac believing there to be a crystal was simple. The man never had any intention actually of teaching anyone his skill, so there must be another way for him toplete the quest. The most obvious solution was that he possessed a skill crystal.


    If I kill you like the others, what good is the crystal to you? If you manage to kill me, why should I share my knowledge? the demonughed. Ill take my insights with me to the grave, or bring them with me to the peak of cultivation.


    Fine, Zac sighed as Cosmic Energy Flooded the fractal on his forearm. No matter what, you did teach me some of your knowledge, so I will fight you with all I have.


    The wooden hand broke out of the air the next moment and it rose to the sky above the demon, immediately radiating an intractable power. It quickly formed the array as usual, and it covered the whole summit as it glowed with the emerald luster of nature.


    A hand? the demonughed as he saw <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> hovering above him. That is just perfect.


    A red and golden brilliance rose to the sky as a wed hand congealed above the demon. It was almost twice the size of Zac''s wooden hand, and it emitted an extremely acrid stench of blood. How many had that hand killed to gain such a sinister sanguine aura?


    Therge wunched a swipe toward the emerald array, and four rivers of blood rose up to destroy Zac''s strike. But the array only wobbled a bit from the demon''s all-out strike, and a mountain tip started to emerge soon enough. A massive pressure started to spread across the summit, and the demon once again turned hunched-over from having to withstand the tremendous force.


    A ruthless gleam emerged in his eyes as he gave up on destroying the descending mountain, instead opting to strike at Zac with the sanguine hand. But Zac was no longer ying along, and his full aura with its dense killing intent was released like a shockwave.


    A massive fractal edge also appeared on his axe, emitting the undeniable power of a Dao Fragment. One swing was all it took topletely destroy the hand in the sky, leaving the erudite masterpletely exposed to the mountain above.


    The demon obviously realized that he was outmatched, and he tried to find a method to flee. But <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> was almost as effective a cage as <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> by this point, and the pressure had almostpletely locked down the demon''s movement.


    Wait, Ill teach you! the demon said, some fear finally evident on his face.


    Toote, Zac sighed as one peak mmed into another, causing a shockwave that even pushed away the clouds in the area.


    The whole mountain shuddered as Zac witnessed the massive destruction from the distance. He had been forced to retreat to the very edge of the summit, but he had still been forced to dig his legs into the ground to not be thrown down to the foot of the mountain.


    A surge of Cosmic Energy proved that his enemy was dead, and Zac quickly instructed the hand to lift the mountain again and ce it to the side. The hand dissipated after letting the peak rest against a spot with a pretty low incline. Zac thought the scene would create an interesting mystery for any mortal geologist who passed by in the future. If this world was even real, that is.


    The whole summit had beenpletely transformed by the all-out attack. The corpse erudite master was still somewhat whole in the bottom of the crater, but he was still as dead as can be. The pond was also utterly destroyed, and the water had seeped into cracks in the mountain.


    The floor guardian had been dealt with, and Zac spotted the teleportation array not far in the distance. He did however not immediately head into it, and instead jumped down into therge hole. The skill was real if the System made it a quest to learn it, and he wasnt ready to give it up just yet.


    An offensive mental skill that was based on battle intent rather than wisdom or intelligence sounded like a great addition to his current repertoire, and he immediately rushed over to the corpse. But no matter how many times he went through the demons body he couldnt find a Spatial Tool.


    Zac swore in annoyance, but he wasnt overly surprised. The demon had seemed pretty confident that Zac wouldnt learn the skill if he died, so it would be odd if he could loot it so easily from his body. However, Zac did have an interesting discovery as he looked around in the pit.


    There was lighting from within one of the cracks leading into the heart of the mountain.

 Chapter 422: Road to 1000

    Chapter 422: Road to 1000


    From one of the cracks in the ground Zac could see a flickering light, but when he peered into it he couldnt see what the source was. It did however reignite Zacs hope, and he started to cut his way into the mountain with the help of his axe.


    The light steadily grew brighter as he made his way down, and he suddenly found himself in a passageway that was clearly not naturally formed. There was a tunnel hiding 50 meters down from the summit, and as Zac followed it even further down into the heart of the mountain found that it led to an opulent cultivation cave.


    Thick rugs from unknown animals covered the ground, and all kinds of ornaments and treasures were strewn around the floor. There were even small mountains of Nexus Crystals almost touching the ceiling, no doubt a vast wealth for anyone in the F-Grade.


    The exorbitant interiors were diametrically opposite from the image of an erudite master, and Zac thanked the heavens for sending the paranoid demon to his side. If Ogras distrust hadnt rubbed off on him he would have beenpletely immersed in the training session, taking the behavior of the old demon as the desire of a dying warrior to leave behind something for the world.


    Even if he had survived the encounter he would have simply entered the teleporter as it appeared.


    But not everyone cared about leaving an inheritance. In fact, most wandering cultivators had no intention of doing so unless they settled down. Even in established factions it wasnt umon for an old master to barely leave anything behind. All the wealth they had gathered over the years would already have been used to prolong their own lifespans and to desperately try to breakthrough.


    Zac didnt know why the old goat didnt keep all of his wealth inside a cosmos sack, but it made things easier for him as he swept through the Cultivation Cave, leaving nothing behind. But he wasnt content even after that, and he kept cutting through the mountain walls for over an hour until he found a small hidden pocket with a Cosmos Sack inside.


    This was what he had looked for, as there was a rough crystal lying inside. It did look a bit worn though, meaning it had already been used. It started to feel a bit likely that the skill wasn''t even something that the demon hade up with, but rather something he had found through a fortuitous encounter.


    The Cosmos Sack was also filled with various high-grade treasures, at least for a wandering F-Grade cultivator. There were only a dozen or so crystals, but all of them were E-Grade and Life-attuned, perhaps used to help prolong life. There were also a couple of pills and a few manuals, but Zac didnt go through them one by one, but rather threw them all in his Cosmos Sack.


    He wouldnt mess with pills or natural treasures he found while climbing unless he could be sure what they were, and if the items stayed on after the climb he could have Gu or Calrin identify them.


    He did immediately tach himself the skill though, and a new fractal appeared right above his navel. It was a disappointing cement, as he knew that it was a prettymon position for ss skills. It was close to where the cultivation core would be ced, or rather close to where his Specialty Core was currently nestled.


    It was no problem right now, but it was extremely likely that his ss would provide a skill for that location sooner orter, meaning that he would get limited usage of <strong>[True Strike]</strong>. But that was a problem for the future.


    Who knew, it was possible he wouldnt get a skill for that slot until he became D-Grade. And this was an issue that all warriors eventually encountered. Zac was pretty lucky that he hadnt encountered any shes between his skills so far, even though he had used up more than half of his Skill Sockets.


    But sooner orter he would have to start discarding skills to make room for stronger ones, or skills that better suited his cultivation path.


    Zac quickly returned to the summit after having found what he looked for, and to his surprise he saw a dozen of the little beings he encountered earlier. They all silently stood in the distance, a couple of them swaddled in bandages, no doubt a result of Zac manhandling them during the climb.


    Thankfully there was no animosity in their eyes when Zac appeared, and they bowed in respect when they saw him arrive. Zac nodded in response, realizing that the demon might have been a scourge to the area. The ''erudite master'' still had taught Zac a few valuable lessons though. It might just have been a ruse designed to let his guard down, but he could still be considered one of his teachers.


    So Zac also gave the unmoving body of the old demon a small bow before he stepped through the teleporter.


    <strong>[Fourth Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: High-Grade Strength Fruit, High-Grade Dexterity Fruit, High-Grade Intelligence Fruit]</strong>


    Zacs eyes lit up when he saw the rewards, but he held off on choosing and instead opted to first check out his Title.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 4th Floor: Reach the 37th level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All stats +10. Strength +5%, Endurance +5%, Vitality +5%]</strong>


    Zac nodded in satisfaction. The bonuses followed the same patterns as the first three floors of the towers, where he first got a bonus that improved his three main attributes. This pattern would continue for the following two floors as well.


    As for the final three floors, Zac had no idea. He assumed that he would gain Efficiency in the same manner as the earlier floors, but he couldnt be certain. Not even Gu could confidently answer what was the case as too few people in their sector reached those floors. However, Gu did mention a rumor that the top climbers were more interested in the floor rewards than the titles.


    The quality of the items that the System Rewarded had steadily risen, and now it presented something that Zac hadnt even encountered in the Base Town. Attribute Fruits, and High-grade ones at that. Even the best fruits he got his hands on in the hunt were only mid-grade.


    Unfortunately there were no Luck fruits or All Attribute fruits, but Zac figured that those kinds of fruits still might appear on a higher floor. His eyes went back and forth between his options as he tried to decide what to get. He could immediately discard the Intelligence fruit since it was the most useless Attribute for him, but he wasnt sure which to pick among the other two.


    Dexterity would help him maintain the bnce, which would get especially skewed as he kept improving his Dao of the Axe. But he still chose Strength in the end, for a simple reason. He still hadnt given up his desire to reach 1000 Strength before he evolved. He hoped that would not only provide him with better ss options, but also counteract the effect of his massive Endurance pool.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He didnt want to get stuck with two tank sses because he had enough Endurance for three men.


    The darkness started to scatter as hed made his choice, and he found himself facing a hulking warrior d in spiked armor. He held a sword in each hand and radiated dense killing intent as he took a step toward Zac. Zac put away his attribute fruit while jumping away a few meters to get a better understanding of what was going on, and the quest prompt appeared just as hended.


    <strong>[End the tradition of ve deathmatches to settle disputes.]</strong>


    A quest to enact social reform? How was he supposed to do that without wasting a lot of time? Was the system expecting him to make a grand speech or something? Zac shuddered at the thought as he looked around the packed masses.


    His eyes instead found a likely target for a guardian, immediately discarding any thought ofpleting the level the proper way. It was an extremely obese man who sat at a seat of honor, overlooking the fight while he was fed some sort of fruits by what was obviously ves.


    Hey, I want to kill that fat guy. Will you help me? Zac said to the diator. Do you know anything about the arrays in this ce?


    But the other diator didnt as much as react to his words, and he once again tried to kill him. Zac could only sigh as he shed forward and punched the diator with enough force to throw him like a ragdoll. The man soared like a projectile straight toward the corpulent man who looked on with interest.


    A blue shimmering wall lit up just as the diator was about to leave the arena, and Zac noticed a small surge of energy to his left. It was a pir just a few meters away from him, and there were a couple of more just like them.


    Zac didnt dy a second, and he immediately shot out toward the fat despot while he shot out huge fractal des imbued with the Fragment of the Axe in rapid session. Each of them mmed into one of the pirs almost at the same time, and the barrier protecting the array gs wasn''t strong enough to withstand strikes at multiple of its weak spots at once.


    A snap echoed out across the arena as the shields failed, and a resounding crash followed when the pirs were turned into rubble. Seeing that over half the array gs were broken, Zac immediately jumped toward the luxurious seats.


    The fat leaders cheeks jiggled in fear, and he screamed as he frantically took out a token hanging around his chest. It immediately lit up, and Zac found himself mming into the ground like aet. It was a gravity array that had been erected, and it was the strongest one Zac had encountered since he waked through the Zethaya Pill House entrance.


    To more precise, it was exactly the same as what he had encountered, which made Zac ponder while he got back to his feet. Was this intentional? Had the Zethaya set it up so that those with enough power to reach the 5<sup>th</sup> floor would be able to enter their store? It wouldnt be too hard for them to set something like that up.


    There was one differencepared to the previous time he was inside an array like this. Zac wasnt trying to impress anyone by toughing it out with only his body. He immediately released his Dao Field for the axe, causing one shallow cut after another to appear on the ground around him.


    The Dao Field helped him counteract the suppressive force to a prettyrge degree, and Zac didn''t have any trouble moving about any longer. One swing was all it took to destroy a hastily erected back-up shield that the fat mans bodyguards set up, and with two quick steps he found himself in front of his target.


    Wait, I can pay you! the man trembled.


    Is this arena yours? Zac simply asked.


    Yes, yes! the man fervently nodded. Ill gift it to you, it''s yours. The ves as well!


    Zac only answered with a swing of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.<strong></strong>However, a ruthless gleam appeared in the mans eyes and heunched a massive burst of mes that drowned Zac before it continued to cover half the arena.


    A snort could be heard from inside the inferno and a bestial roar followed as the mes were forcibly ripped apart by a swing of Zacs axe. The merchant could only helplessly look on as his torso separated from his legs before he sumbed to death.


    Zac bent over the corpse to look for anything of value, but the man didnt even carry a Cosmos Sack.


    At least the encounter gave him a decent hint of the strength required for the 5<sup>th</sup> floor, and he was pleasantly surprised to realize that the strength of the arena master was roughly the same power as the bandit lord on the floor where he left off Gu.


    It meant that the 5<sup>th</sup> floor would barely be any harder than the 4<sup>th</sup>, except that the quests would likely turn moreplicated or require more advanced knowledge. Not having to deal with the 40% bonus of his enemies was pretty nice, and Zac immediately felt that reaching the sixth floor was a given.


    As for the 7<sup>th</sup> and higher, he would have to wait and see.


    It was also good news for Ogras. Unless the demon encountered some sort of situation that directly countered his skillset, then conquering the fifth floor was a distinct possibility. Getting two top tier rewards and a boost in attributes woulde in handy for the uing fights.


    The silence was deafening in the arena as Zac stood over the bisected corpse of the arena master, no one dared to either flee or speak up in fear that they would be targeted by the crazed diator. Zac didnt care about their reaction as he surveyed his surroundings, but his eyes lit up when he saw that the teleporter had already appeared in the middle of the arena, and he shed over.


    He had been afraid that killing the arena master wouldnt be enough, and that the real guardian was the Lord of the town or something like that. Luckily, the System had thrown him a bone, handing out an easy one on the first level.


    Zac stepped onto the teleporter without bothering to exin himself to the still reeling spectators of the arena. He had started to be a bit numb to the various people he encountered, and he couldnt really be bothered to treat them differently than if they were puppets.


    His mind was only focused on climbing higher.

 Chapter 423: Cosmic Gaze

    Chapter 423: Cosmic Gaze


    The next level ced him in an odd world where it felt like the colors were inverted, and he walked in a forest with white trunks and ck leaves under a purple sky. The System wasnt as generous on the second world, and it took him over a day to figure out who the guardian was and to trap the wily beast.


    Things were pretty much the same from there on out as Zac bashed his way from one level to another. His resolve to finish the quests fell apart after just three days when he found himself utterly unable to finish a single one of the first three levels of the 5<sup>th</sup> floor.


    In the end he only managed toplete two quests on the whole floor, one assassination and one quest to locate a treasure. The assassination was done as sloppily as was humanly possible. Zac simply stormed the mansion of the target and killed him before he had the chance to run away, destroying half a city-block whilepleting the mission. He would have been fired on the spot from any decent assassin organization after such a shameful disy.


    As for the treasure quest, he simply was lucky. He identally overheard a few clues from an old drunk outside a tavern, and he almost stumbled onto the right spot just a few hourster. Perhaps his Luck was finally reaching the point where treasures almost jumped straight into his hands out of their own volition?


    But even with his Luck and his decision to kill the guardians most of the time, it still took him 13 days toplete the eight levels of the 5<sup>th</sup> floor. That was pretty much what it took to climb the first three floors altogether, although they didnt rush through those levels.


    He did however spend some time to master <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong>, and as expected he had been shown several visions rted to cultivators focusing on their shields. There had been some differences between the various cultivators, but the simrities were far greater between the visions rted to shieldspared to those he got from<strong> [Axe Mastery]</strong>.


    Essentially all of them were rted to defending, though it happened in different ways. Some were like Zacs ss, warriors who stood at the forefront of armies, soaking up the damage and the hate so that hispanions would be safe.


    Others were mages or array masters who were able to erect massive defenses with their shields acting as the core. Only a few were also offensively geared, but Zac immediately felt that using a shield for attacking was suboptimal and nothing that he was interested in delving deeper into.


    None of the visions really resonated with him, and it made him wonder just what he should do when evolving. He had spent most of the 5<sup>th</sup> floor in his Draugr-form, and he had to say that he was loath to fight without activating <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> now.


    Just getting a miasmic axe made Zac feel a much greater connection to the ss, and he knew he needed to reduce the reliance on shields for his skills going forward. If that would happen immediately when evolving, then great. If not hed simply have to take it step by step and gradually move toward a more axe-focused fighting style in his Draugr form as well.


    The dy caused by working on his skills only added one extra day, so some worry about the higher floors started to sprout, and Zac began to wonder if his problem would be running out of time rather than ack of power. How frustrating would it be if the time ran out just as he was about to defeat a floor guardian?


    At least the floor guardian wasnt anything to write home about. It was a massive golem that would be able to keep the Fire Golem Leader in a pocket as it towered an impressive 30 meters into the air. It was like fighting a moving skyscraper, a massive construct of stone and crystal.


    The golem had once been a guardian construct of a long-gone force, and for some reason it had awakened from its sealed chambers to wreak havoc on the area. Judging by the situation it might have gone the same way as Bra, its artificial mind slowly getting twisted over the lonely eons.


    Zac adopted a straightforward approach to the construct who used a mix of shockwaves and earth-based attacks, apart from its punches who were powerful enough to crush mountains. With the help of <strong>[Chop]</strong> and the Fragment of the Axe he managed to dismantle the giant piece by piece over an hour, all while dodging its attacks with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    It was a bit hard topare the strength between the golem and the demon cultivator, but he estimated that the golem was only around 20% stronger than the demon. He would likely have been able to finish it off with either <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> or <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, but Zac wanted to gain some experience in fighting againstrger targets.


    He knew that the reason for the small difference in strength was because the penalty was gone, and he reminded himself to not getcent as he ripped out a huge inscribed crystal that had been in the chest of the golem.


    Zac knew nothing about constructs, but he felt that the thing in his hands should be the equivalent to an array core, and it might be possible to repurpose somehow if he could keep it. He left the rest of the giant where ity, as it was essentially scrap metal without the core, especially after Zac hadunched hundreds of attacks on it.


    <strong>[Fifth Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: Offensive Skill, Defensive Skill, Support Skill. NOTE: All skills will have 80%patibility or higher.]</strong>


    Zac quickly took a gander at his title, and he could confirm that nothing unexpected had happened with it.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 5th Floor: Reach the 46th level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All stats +10. Strength +5%, Endurance +5%, Vitality +5%, All Stats +5%.]</strong>


    It simply gave an additional +5% to all attributes, which had officially turned it into the title providing the most amount of attributes by now. It had pushed his Strength one step further, cing it at 927 with the help of the Peak Grade Strength Fruit he consumed the moment he had the chance.


    The title did also pushed his Luck to 204, but it seemed that there was no upgraded version of his Ambidextrous title. Perhaps something rted to luck would appear at 250 points, but he didnt hold his breath for it. Zac had long realized that it was getting harder and harder to get his hands on new titles. Stocking up on two more Limited titles wouldnt be too hard, but he needed to find a Mystic Realm or trial that fit.


    That was ater headache though, and Zac instead focused on the three rewards, a bit hesitant as to what to choose. The System guaranteed a good fit with his pathways, but the trouble was choosing what would help him the most.


    There was also the issue of which ss the System would provide the skill for, but he guessed that his human form was more likely. It was still his true race, and also the form he was in when defeating the floor guardian. But he still kept his mind open in case he was proven wrong.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Offensive skills were the first thing Zac discarded. His Offensive capabilities werentcking in either of his sses, especially with his two Dao Fragment to help. That left defensive and support skills on the table.


    He felt he was somewhatcking a Defensive skill in his current form, as his <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> skill was of middling quality at best. It also had no connection to his Daos, making a Dao infusion impossible. Physical defenses wasnt an issue though, with <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> providing extrayers of protection on top of his huge pool of Endurance.


    And he didnt even need to mention the defensive capabilities of his other ss.


    Eventually, Zac chose to go with a Support Skill. There was no guarantee that he would get a skill to rece <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> with even if he picked the Defensive Skill, while support skills could help him in all kinds of ways.


    A blinding pain immediately erupted in his head, and the world turned white as it felt like someone was pouring acid in his eyes. Even Zac wasnt immune to the soul-rending pain, and he found himself on the floor writhing in agony for god know how long until the pain finally subsided.


    Sweat rolled down his head as he blearily looked around, and he realized that he had already been thrown into a new world, one of endless darkness and ciers. The cold would have turned a mortal into a popsicle in a second, but Zac barely noticed it as he looked inward after having made sure there were no enemies nearby.


    He wasnt surprised to learn that the skill he had just gained was ocr, as the pain he had just felt in his eyes was all too familiar. It was the agony he felt when he had been forced to redraw his crude pathways into the proper ones provided by his ss.


    It was like inscribing something on his soul, where he first had to erase his old skill only to inscribe a new one. He had hoped that the pain would be less pronounced, like when he drew the pathways for the ss in his Draugr-form, but there was no such luck. It made him a bit worried about his evolution, but Zac knew that was ater problem as he focused on his new skill.


    <strong>[Cosmic Gaze  See through the veil of the universe. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    The vor text was a bit simr to his old skill, <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong>,<strong></strong>though it felt a lot more impressive to see through the veil of the universe than to see through their secrets. The skill was also connected to his pathways and it had a great fit, which was a step up from the disconnected fractals that had simply hovered in his eyes before.


    Zac looked around for a target to try the skill out on, but the area was truly deste. That by itself was a problem though, so Zac started to move away from where he appeared. Safety was an illusion this far up the tower, and he couldn''t stay around in what was probably a trap. However, he still wanted to see what his new skill did, and he eventually tried to activate it on a pristine-white tree nearby.


    The world suddenly changed, as the dourndscape turned into a vibrant tapestry that shimmered in silver, blue, and white. Zac almost fell down from the rapid change in his surroundings, and it felt just like when he was drowning in Origin Dao from the Dao funnel.


    The half-dead tree was suddenly awork of blue energy that surged from its roots beneath the snow up into its trunk. It was depending on the energy of the earth rather than photosynthesis to live.


    But Zac barely had time to marvel at the beautiful scene before a formless blob of energy rose from the ground and globbed onto him, and Zac was shocked to notice there were already a couple of blobs sticking to his legs and his back when he looked down. Small motes of lights were slowly leaving his body and entering the little blobs, meaning they stole something from him without him noticing.


    The first thing that came to mind was leeches. Were these little things slowly sucking him dry of Cosmic Energy? He quickly tried to brush the things away, but his hands passed right through. However, he thankfully found that they werent immune to his Dao Fragment, and they quickly disintegrated after a few Dao-infused swings of his hand.


    <strong>[Help the expedition team find the ice-attuned crystal mine.]</strong>


    The quest appeared just as he destroyed the pack of energy balls, and Zac suddenly found himself holding a disk that was pretty simr to the beacon array that Gu had used before. He quickly put the array away as he set out toplete the quest.


    It took Zac over six hours in the freezing winds to find the ce he was looking for, a nondescript snow-covered hill that only reached fifty meters into the air. It certainly wasnt the kind of mountain where youd expect to find a Nexus Crystal mine, as the energies were barely elevated above the norm in the area.


    But thanks to <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>he could see that a cold blue light was slowly seeping out from the hill at a few spots, and after he cleared the area he saw that the lights emerged from a couple of cracks. The lights only grew brighter as Zac cut his way down a couple of meters, and he could quickly confirm he had found his target as the stone started to be studded with white-blue crystals.


    He didnt immediately activate the beacon though, but he instead extracted a few dozen Ice-Attuned Nexus Crystals. He only looted right around the entrance before he activated the beacon though, as he felt that cleaning house would be a mistake.


    The disc suddenly erged and a group of humanoids stepped through, led by an ice-blue troll that was just skin and bone. He held a staff in his hand, and the whole area turned a few degrees colder when he appeared.


    The troll only threw Zac a nce before he looked down into the mine, and nodded with satisfaction. He did release a snort when he saw the holes in the walls, but he didntment on Zac snatching a little bit for himself.


    Pay him, the shaman said with a raspy voice, and another troll stepped forward and handed Zac a box.


    Zac epted the box and immediately put it away before he stepped onto the Teleportation Array that had been created from the Array Disk. This was what he had expected. Looting the mine would have given him a couple of ice attuned Nexus Crystals, which were pretty much useless for him. But properlypleting a quest usually brought rewards, and Zac gambled that the reward would be better than the crystals.


    His new skill proved extremely helpful over the following levels, as various secrets that would have passed him right by were disyed as clear as day from his magical vision.


    The skill wasnt some sort of universal key though as Zac quickly realized that the lights he saw through <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> were attuned energies, and most energies simply werent attuned. Since attunement was slightly rted to the Dao it did however vaguely provide a hint when skills got infused by the Dao, but it was nowhere as clear as the lights emitted from things such as attuned crystals.


    More importantly, he realized that no one noticed when he used the skill on them, which was what had essentially made his old ocr skill useless. Now he would be able to glean clues from his enemies without them noticing, and Zac knew it might be just what he needed when he saw the quest for the final level of the 6<sup>th</sup> floor.


    <strong>[Defeat the Enlightened Three in a Dao Discourse]</strong>

 Chapter 424: Thelim

    Chapter 424: Thelim


    Zac found himself standing on a gravel road in the middle of a tranquil forest the moment he appeared at the final level of the 6<sup>th</sup> floor, and the quest to defeat the Enlightened Three in a Dao Discourse had appeared immediately upon arrival.


    If Zac had been tasked with something like this a few weeks ago he would have thought the quest meant he was supposed to expound on the Dao, proving his deeper understandingpared to these three enlightened cultivators. It would be like a theological debate between a couple of monks.


    But Gu had mentioned Dao Discourses in passing, which saved Zac the embarrassment. As it turned out, a Dao Discourse wasnt something as civil as a debate in the traditional sense. There were no podiums and no moderator keeping score of good arguments. It was actually more like a battle.


    However, the difference between a Dao Discourse and a normal fight was that the battle only utilized the Dao and nothing else. To make this possible there was an array simply called <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong>. The fight wouldn''t take ce between thebatants personally, since things like Attributes and Skills would influence the results.


    The way Gu described how it worked made it sound like a Dao Discourse was like a mix of Chess and a mock battle. You infused your Daos into the array, and it would conjure various phenomena or avatars that you would use to fight. For example, his Fragment of the Axe would probably be able to conjure axe warriors, or perhaps spiritual axes that flew around in the air. But it obviously wouldn''t be able to summon an ice golem.


    It was a battle where you benefited from creativity and tactics, but the Dao was still the focus. The stronger your Daos were, the stronger your avatars would be. Simrly, the greater control you had over them, the better you would be able to fight. You imed victory by destroying the enemy''s avatars or forced them to concede.


    Zac hadn''t understood why anyone would just give up, but it turned out that one''s soul was connected to the array. Every time an avatar was destroyed your soul took a hit. This meant that the risk of death was pretty low, but you stood the risk to seriously harm your soul if you didn''t know when to give up.


    These types of mock battles were a popr means of both working on your control of the Dao and settling disputes inrger sects, but it was a pretty hard item to get. Why some random force in the middle of the forest had an array like this was beyond Zac''s understanding, but he supposed it was simply put there by the System to create a new type of challenge.


    When it came to the strength of his Daos Zac felt pretty confident. Two Dao Fragments should by all means be pretty strong evenpared to the Floor Guardian of the 6<sup>th</sup> floor. The problem was his control, or ratherck thereof. His amateurish finesse was already all too apparent from his inability to learn <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, but that wasnt the real problem.


    He was still utterly incapable of infusing multiple Daos into a single skill or attack, which was the hallmark of a skilled cultivator. His sister was able to do it since long ago, and Ilvere was getting close as far as Zac could tell. He couldnt be sure, but he also believed Thea mastered that technique going by their time traveling in the hunt.


    That was the greatest risk to him failing the quest as he saw it. Infusing two Daos into a skill might not double its might, but it would still increase it by a noticeable degree. The same applied to a Dao Discourse, where using multiple Daos would result in both more versatile and powerful avatars.


    He knew that he wouldnt be able to beat some enlightened cultivators through finesse, and there was no chance of him suddenly bing a masterful Dao controller in an instant. He would have to rely on brute force and hope that his Daos and mental strength along with some creative tactics were enough to force his enemies to give in.


    At least he had <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> now to help him understand what his enemies would be doing. Daos werent as obvious as skills, as its natural form was invisible and formless. But with his ocr skill he might be able to figure out what Daos the opponents were using and their ns, allowing him to gain the upper hand.


    There were limits to that strategy though as <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> wasn''t some patch that solved everything that Zac currentlycked.


    The new skill only elevated Zac from a bumbling idiot to a somewhat capable adventurer thanks to showing him arger picture of the truth, but it was just a small aid in the end. The levels of the 6<sup>th</sup> floor had still taken longer and longer toplete for example, even with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    For example, climbing the eight levels of the 6th floor had cost him a full 16 days. Things got moreplicated at every level<strong>, </strong>and the ocr skill only helped resolve certain issues. Still, Zac judged that he saved almost 5 days thanks to <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>, but it was distinctly possible that the 7<sup>th</sup> floor would take over 20 days as things looked right now.


    One saving grace was that the System had actually been kind enough to swap out his ocr skill in both his sses. He had thought that <strong>[Inquisitive Eye]</strong> would remain in his Draugr-form, but he had been happy to be proven wrong the first time he swapped during the climb. His pitch-ck eyes in his undead form were pretty amazing now, both being able to discern life force and the Daos.


    Losing his old skillpletely didn''t bother Zac in the slightest as it didn''t serve much of a purpose any longer. Losing the ability to inspect beasts was a bit of an annoyance, but there were no doubt items that could serve a simr purpose in the multiverse. Perhaps whatever the fractal version of AR goggles was?


    He had tried learning <strong>[True Strike]</strong> in his undead form as well, but his picky pathways hadn''t epted the crystal. The eyes alone was a great asset when fighting the series of guardians though. The guardians were all well into the E-Grade already, and after the 3<sup>rd</sup> level they were all at least as strong as the battleroach king if you excluded the Technocrat''s modifications.


    Of course, they didnt all excel at defense the same way as the massive roach did. One of them was a lightning-attuned thief, and Zac couldnt even catch his robes in his human form. Hundreds of fractal des were shot out in his attempts to take down the ratman, but the des only managed to destroy the ancient ruins they fought inside.


    Zac was eventually forced to swap sses mid-battle, relying on the defensive charges of his robes and one of Rasuliel''s defensive treasures to not get skewered while transitioning. The moment he unleashed thebination of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> and <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> the fight was essentially over, as his Undying Bulwark ss was truly the nemesis of all Dexterity-based sses.


    He was thankfully still able to defeat the guardians just fine without being forced to resort to <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> or using any of his ultimate skills, which was a relief. He still used his stronger skills now and then, but it was mostly to expedite his climb. If he had been forced to go all out against the normal guardians, then what would he do against the true floor guardian?


    The increasing strength of the guardians also came with a constantly increasing risk of real injuries. He hadn''t been wounded so far apart from a few minor flesh wounds, but that would probably change starting on the next floor. One mistake and he would be out ofmission for a couple of days, and those types of dys could prove extremely costly.


    He still had arge number of arrays and other treasures in his Cosmos Sack collecting dust. He hadnt encountered a situation that called for a <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> so far, not mentioning the even stronger arrays that he had found in Rasuliels Spatial Tool. Perhaps they would prove to be the key to speed up the fights and reduce the time he had to spend healing up.


    At the end of the day there wasn''t much he could do about theck of time, he could only keep his head down andplete the quest he was given. He could always just run in axe swinging, but he truly wanted to seed in the Dao Discourse if possible. Thest floor guardian had been rted to learning a skill, and he had found a Skill Crystal.


    This quest was directly rted to the Dao, and the implication was clear. If he could encounter an opportunity to improve his Daos he had to grab it. It was pretty much the only venue for him to power up without evolving, and improving any of his Daos by one step would increase his power by a noticeable degree.


    Excuse me, a deep voice suddenly rumbled behind him, and Zac turned around only to find himself face-to-face with a walking tree, its face seemingly carved right into the trunk.


    It rose almost four meters into the air, where almost half of it was a tree crown that kind of looked like a set of hair for the face that was ced on its trunk.


    Ah? Zac was only able to answer, his mind a bit on the fritz since he couldn''t believe he had neither sensed nor heard a living tree sneaking right up behind him.


    You are blocking the path young man, the tree kindly reminded.


    Oh, Im sorry, Zac said as he stepped to the side of the road as if by instinct.


    Are you perchance participating in the Dao Discourse as well? the ent asked as it curiously looked at him, the movement causing its thick trunk to creak in protest.


    Zac hesitated for a moment before he nodded in confirmation.


    As I thought, the ent nodded. How about we go together? I am trying my hand as well, though I do not hold much hope for my chances. My name is Thelim, by the way.


    Zac readily agreed as he felt that thisrge being didnt contain any malicious intentions, and his danger sense waspletely quiet as well. The tree could rather be a source of information about the scenario of the level, an opportunity to glean whether there was some Dao-rted opportunity hiding somewhere.


    And if the ent decided to sneak an attack, then Zac would simply turn him into firewood.


    I am just passing through the area, and I just heard about the Enlightened Three by chance. I heard there was a great opportunity waiting for anyone who could defeat them, do you know anything more? Zac probed.


    So youre a traveler? the ent mumbled with a thoughtful nod. Thats why I couldnt ce you. Well, it makes sense that you came here.


    Zac slowly nodded, not sure what the ent was talking about.


    The opportunity you heard about is the chance to enter the Pool of Tranquility. Its a pond of spiritual dew that has formed a natural formation over countless millennia," Thelim said, the leaves on his head shaking with excitement.


    What does it to? Zac said as his heart started to beat a bit faster.


    The name reminded Zac of something Ogras had mentioned offhandedly. His family apparently possessed a magical pond themselves, which was created with the help of a huge amount of treasures and a powerful array. It was actually a trial ground that could award a Limited Title. The elites of the n could dive into it, and the further down they managed to go, the better the title the System awarded.


    The demon had wanted Zac to buy something simr from the Town Shop, but there was nothing of the sort avable. What if this pond was the same? He still had two empty slots for Limited Title, so no matter how good or bad it was, it would still be a pure upgrade.


    And even if it didn''t give a limited title, then it was still probably rted to the Dao. Was drinking the Dew the equivalent of eating a Dao Treasure? The effect of Dao Treasures was pretty muted inside the Tower, but this was a free opportunity. He might even be able to take away some of the water to drink it outside.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But the next words from the ent dashed Zacs hopes.


    Every day a few drops are added to the pool at sunrise, each droplet infused with the spirituality of daybreak and empowered by the spirit of the forest. If my kind enters our bloodlines will be purified, but there are some benefits for normal people as well, Thelim exined.


    What kinds of benefits? Zac probed.


    It purifies and strengthens souls.


    Zac once again got excited when he heard the effect of the pool. It wasn''t exactly what he had hoped for, but it still sounded like something he could benefit immensely from. His soul getting corroded by the splinter was a constant worry, especially since the past few days.


    Because the Splinter of Oblivion had finally woken up from its slumber again.

 Chapter 425: The Enlightened Three

    Chapter 425: The Enlightened Three


    The splinter was once again active, but it thankfully hadn''t shown any change in its behavior. It just extended its tendrils to touch the miasmic fractals for a bit before it calmed down and started to emit that mysterious energy into his mind just like before.


    The fact that the Splinter was once again active meant that he might boil over again, and Zac didnt want another mess like the Zethaya situation on his hands. That time only his enemies got killed, but what if he turned berserk in the middle of Port Atwood next time? Hed end up like Anzonils disciple, forced to live far away from people.


    If he could strengthen and purify his soul he would hopefully be able to increase his resistance to the mood swings brought on by the splinter. Not only that, but the power of the Dao also came from the soul, and having a greater soul no doubt came with all kinds of benefits to his connection with his Dao Fragments.


    Have these enlightened three been bathing in the pool themselves? Zac suddenly probed, realizing a problem with the situation.


    Of course, the entughed, causing the leaves in his crown to flutter. Some say that their family wanted to keep the Pool of Tranquility for themselves, but they had to provide this opportunity to the younger generations due to pressure from the surrounding forces. Why else would they be so kind as to share their precious dew?


    Zac snorted and agreed with the sentiment. There was no such thing as a free lunch, no one was so ''enlightened'' that they would readily hand out their resources to outsiders. It also made Zac curious just what kind of reception the reluctant hosts had prepared for them.


    The two kept walking for over an hour, and the ent was happy to share his experience from living in the area. The forest they stood in was apparently beyond massive, and even an E-Grade warrior would require months of travel to exit it. Thelim had never left it at all, but had rather stayed in the area controlled by his n most of his life.


    Zac had already heard that Earth could be considered a very small even after having grown by a huge degree due to the merging ofs. But it was pretty much as small as a D-Graded could be, where therger ones could have a surface area that was hundreds of timesrger.


    As for C-Graded worlds, the whole area of Earth would barely be considered a n''s fiefdom, a small corner of a single kingdom. Those kinds of worlds were exceedingly rare though, and ording to Gu there were just three suchs in the whole Allbright Empire. Seventy percent of all C-grade forces in the Allbright Empire lived on the Allbright World, with the rest divided on the two slightly inferiors.


    Thelim''s life in the forest was pretty tranquil, with the various forest races having pretty close ties. This wasn''t because there was some sort of harmonious camaraderie brought on by their connection to nature, but rather a need to band together to defend from outside threats. The forest contained all kinds of Spiritual Herbs, and outside forces often wanted to seize parts of the forest for themselves.


    That kind of conflict was pretty far from where Zac had ended up though as they were deep in the heart of the forest. Any dangerous beasts had long been culled in the area, and the only sounds were those of birds chirping and the rustling of the leaves. It was as though the peaceful atmosphere seeped into Zac''s bones and he suddenly stopped and took a deep breath.


    Whats wrong? Thelim asked with piqued interest when he saw that Zac stood still as though he was in a trance.


    I just had a small improvement from walking in this forest, Zac said with a smile after a few seconds.


    You truly are a kindred spirit. The breath of nature is dense on you, you should consider staying here for a while. It is an amazing ce toe closer to our origin, the ent nodded and resumed walking.


    It had mentioned that they were brethren because it had sensed the Seed of Trees on Zac. Ents were one of those races that were extremely specialized, the opposite of humans who essentially were talentless jack-of-all-trades. Thelim had noticed Zac''s nature attunement the second he saw him, but the ent didn''t seem to notice the other Daos in Zac''s body. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac wryly smiled as he resumed walking next to the living tree. He wondered if the ent would feel as close to him if he knew that Zac''s ss was called Hatchetman and that he possessed skills such as <strong>[Chop]</strong> and <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    It was perhaps even luckier that he didnt arrive at the floor in his Draugr-form. The stench of death might have prompted Thelim to immediately attack him rather than initiate a conversation. Zac would easily have defeated him, but he would have missed out on the information he provided.


    As for the small improvement, it wasnt a lie. Zac had suddenly sensed a stronger connection with nature around him and had stopped to properly savor the feeling. Unfortunately it wasnt an epiphany or anything of the sort, but rather an improvement to <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>.


    The passive skill had finally evolved tote proficiency, increasing the boost to Vitality and Endurance by a full 2% each when the effect was doubled. Zac guessed that meant that the skill would provide a 15% boost at peak mastery, which was nothing to scoff at.


    Zac wasnt too surprised that the skill finally had evolved, as he had traveled through all kinds of forests during the past 50-odd levels, including topographies he would never encounter on earth. It was perfect timing as well, as just ten minutester they reached their destination.


    The wild forest gave way to a meticulously cultivated one, where each tree or bush was a work of art. They took the shapes of people, animals, and evenndscapes, though they were not sapient nts like Thelim. It also didn''t look like they had been pruned, but that they rather had grown into such a shape naturally.


    Were here, Thelim said as he looked around in appreciation. The trees are slowly formed to grow into these shapes over centuries. It is a popr form of meditation here.


    Zac nodded in understanding as he looked at the living sculptures all around them. It sounded crazy to him to spend hundreds of years on shaping a tree, but with lifespans running into the tens of thousands there were probably all kinds of weird time-consuming hobbies out there. The garden was only a few hundred meters deep though so they reached their destination.


    Arge hedge reaching at least fifty meters into the air surrounded the massivepound where the Enlightened Three and their n lived, and its gate was guarded by odd humanoids that looked like a mix of trees and humans. Their hair was green and looked like cascading grass, but they had normal skin with a pinkish hue.


    Dryads? Zac asked with interest as his mind grasped for simr beings from Earth''s mythology.


    Just so, the ent rumbled in confirmation. As I mentioned earlier, the Enlightened Three are three grandchildren of the Perenne Familys Matriarch. They are dryads.


    How strong is this force? Zac asked curiously as they approached the gate.


    Going by the somewhat sparse Cosmic Energy in the area and circuitously questioning the ent it became apparent that there shouldnt be any D-Grade warriors in this world. But there might still beplications if the floor guardian was in the middle of their n.


    Ive heard that the matriarch has passed level 90, the ent whispered. She is one of the strongest warriors in the sector.


    Zac nodded, but not without some confusion. The matriarch was barely strong enough to be a challenge for him, so what about the Enlightened Three? Zac had assumed that they were both the quest target and the floor guardians, but it felt pretty unlikely if the matriarch was only at that level.


    What about the Enlightened three then? Zac asked.


    Theyre all Peak F-Grade, the ent said. But do not look down on them. Rumors are that they could evolve over two decades ago, but they chose to keep refining their souls as they pondered on their Daos. Their insight is extremely high. In fact, don''t let the levels of any dryads fool you. They are the blessed children of nature and they have a terrifying affinity with nature-aspected Daos.


    I understand, Zacmented as they passed through the gates.


    Zac''s appearance drew some interested nces among the forest beings but no one barred his entry, especially since Thelim seemed to have some renown. Zac himself was thinking of a back-up n to the quest and only threw a cursory nce at the people around him.


    His best guess right now was that the matriarch was the floor guardian, but the situation was a bitplicated. The expansive mansion wasnt mobbed, but there would be over ten allied forces and a bunch of loose cultivators in attendance. Many leaders would be here to escort their young, each of them a match to the Perenne Matriarch.


    Could he really attack the matriarch in such a situation?


    Everyone was here for the Pond and its soul-strengthening effects, and Zac might end up mobbed if he did something hastily. Helping kill an outsider was a pretty small price to pay for gaining ess to the Pool of Tranquility. Perhaps he would have to waste a couple of days until the event was over in case he lost the Dao Discourse, and find an opportunity to strike then.


    But that was if all else failed since he didn''t have the time to wait around like that.


    Zac and Thelim were led to a huge de where a banquet was held. People walked around to mingle andwork, but Zac waspletely disinterested in the proceedings. What was the point in getting to know a bunch of people that he would never encounter again? He only did the bare minimum as he tried to gather information about his targets.


    It was only an hourter that the members of the Perenne n arrived, led by a beautiful forest dryad who appeared to be around Zacs age. She had delicate features and her eyes were slightlyrgerpared to a humans, giving her a very cute appearance. But Zac already knew that she was actually an old cultivator approaching 800 years.


    It was obviously the matriarch of the Perenne n. Her grasslike hair cascaded almost all the way down to the ground, but Zac had already learned that it wasntpletely ornamental. The thick stalks were her weapon as well, and she could grow them over a hundred meters in an instant ording to rumors.


    Behind her walked a group of cultivators of various races, each of them radiating a respectable aura. They were formerly loose cultivators who had chosen to stay behind after previous gatherings like this one ording to Thelim, and it was this very reason that the Perenne family also allowed loose cultivators to join in on the fun.


    Finally, there were the ''Enlightened Three''. The three were like younger copies of their grandmother, two youths and a girl. Going by appearance Zac would have guessed they were the same age as Emily, but they were closing in on 100 years. Reaching peak F-Grade in this world was a slow and arduous process due to the sparse energy, but it also gave them ample time to work on their Daos.


    Thank you all foring to our humble home, the matriarch said with a cherubic voice. We are delighted to host both honored friends and new acquaintances visiting from afar.


    "Our family has been blessed with the Pool of Tranquility, and it is our joy to share the gift of nature with the fated ones," the matriarch continued. But the dew is limited, and only a select few can enjoy its effect every decade. The mandate of the Heavens is that power is needed to seize ones fortune, and the precious opportunities cannot be wasted on the subpar."


    The matriarch waved her hand the next moment, and an earthquake spread through the area. Zac frowned and got ready for a fight as the ground shook and heaved, with thick roots sprouting from the ground. Zac was about to take out his axe and get to chopping, but the ent ced a massive hand on his shoulder.


    Wait, my friend, the ent said from his side. Just watch.


    Zac hesitantly nodded and held off on taking any action, and he breathed out in relief a few secondster as he witnessed the miraculous skill of a true arborist. The enormous roots werent an attack, but the matriarch was actually growing a massive stadium out of the ground.

 Chapter 426: Talent

    Chapter 426: Talent


    Branches and trees entwined to form expansive bleachers that were partitioned into mid-sized tforms that would be able to house between five and twenty people each. Even seats and tables sprouted up from the ground on the tforms.


    Finally an inscribed disk was lifted out of the ground with the help of six gargantuan roots. The tform looked like an enormous coin, with a diameter of thirty meters or so. It would be impossible to have a proper battle on such a small surface, so it could only mean it was exclusively meant for the Dao Discourses.


    The disk was almost ten meters high and its surface looked just like the forest floor. It was a bit uneven and covered in grass, with a few bushes growing as well. Two smaller tforms rose up next to the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong>, one on each side of it. An altar holding a football-sized crystal was ced on each of them, no doubt the control crystals thepetitors would use.


    The rules are simple, the matriarch said as she was lifted to one of the highest tforms by a root that looked like a massive snake. If you wish to participate, simply take a number. To get the opportunity to bathe in the Pool of Tranquility you need to defeat two of my grandchildren. However, If you lose the first battle you are out.


    Why this rule? the Matriarch smiled when she noticed some discontent among the guest. Its to save their reserves. A Dao Discourse isnt as draining as a real battle, but there are dozens of you here. My grandchildren would turn into hollowed-out husks if they had to expend so much spiritual force.


    Of course, there was also the not-so-hidden implication that they were favoring their own. Zac didnt feel there was anything wrong with that though. It was their pond after all, and they should be able to stack the odds in their favor a bit.


    Zac and Thelim walked over and got their allotted numbers from one of the servants holding a crystal, and Zac was pretty happy with the result. He was ced at the 8<sup>th</sup> spot, whereas Thelim drew 2<sup>nd</sup>. It was perfect for Zac as it gave him some time to observe how the Discourse worked. It sounded pretty fantastical from Gus exnations and he wanted to see some examples before he jumped into the fray himself.


    The best would have been to y around with the array for a bit to test out its limits and various ideas, but there was no chance of that happening. The first person to challenge the Enlightened Three was one of the few wandering cultivators just like himself, and she didn''t seem all too pleased at being the sacrificialmb that had to sound out the three youths.


    The woman still walked up to therge control crystal and it lit up with power the next moment. Zac looked on with interest asrge swirls of mist rose out of the Discourse Array to quickly form the avatars thebatants would use, the wandering cultivator had chosen to form a dozen soldiers, each standing roughly one meter tall.


    Their swords radiated a distinct sharpness that Zac was all too familiar with, and he knew that the girl had mastered the Seed of Sharpness, and it was at High Stage judging by its power.


    The dryad rather summoned a field of flowers, and Zac couldnt ce what Dao they were made from. When Zac looked at it with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>he realized its true nature though. The flowers barely emitted any color to his adjusted spectrum, but there were actually vibrant roots running through the tform itself, snaking their way toward the soldiers that were targeting the flowers above.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The wandering cultivator didnt seem to sense anything amiss and she ordered the soldiers to approach the flowers, even sending a few of them forward to scout out the nts. One of the soldiers swept his sword in a wide arc, and a rippling wave of sharpness cut down a noticeable section of them.


    There was no reaction from neither the flowers nor the young dryad who held his hand against the control crystal, and the guest immediately realized something was wrong even if she couldnt sense the roots digging ever closer. She hesitated for a fraction of a second before she grit her teeth and ordered her whole squad forward in an attempt to preempt whatever the Perenne scion had nned.


    The soldiers only had time to take a few steps before spears made of wood struck out of the ground, piercing the chest of one soldier after another, ripping them apart in seconds. Each strike also seemed to hit the controller as well and she staggered away from the crystal as blood started running down her nose. She threw an unknown pill into her mouth and quickly scurried away after bowing toward the hosts.


    The battle was over in an instant, and Zac didnt even get a chance to see the dryad use any hidden cards. He had heard that the three of them had represented the family a decade ago as well, and at that time all three had showcased peak Dao seeds. Some believed that the three had gained Dao Fragments by now while others thought they had rather worked on their supplementary Daos.


    One thing that Zac could glean from the fight was that tactics were just as important as strength. The dryad hadnt even bothered using any fancy techniques such as fusing multiple Daos into one stronger projection, but he had rather won using wits.


    The Dao that formed the spikes were rted to nature as it felt a bit simr to his Seed of Trees, but there were also distinct differences. Zac guessed it might be the Seed of Root. He guessed such a seed could contain some piercing capabilities like those he saw just then. But most importantly, the seed that the youth had used was only at Middle Stage, yet it defeated the wandering cultivator in an instant.


    How skilled, Thelim murmured. I only sensed the roots due to my natural affinity. I wouldnt have fared any better if I was a human in that fight.


    "Good luck," Zac said to his temporary travelpanion as the tree stood up with a grunt.


    The one-sided battle seemed to have put a bit of a damper on Thelim''s mood, but he still reluctantly stepped to the te. His showing was a bit better where he summoned a massive tree that released a storm of leaves to cut his enemy.


    The Enlightened Three had changed representative to let the dryads rest in between flights, and the next one conjured stone golems that withstood the barrage of leaves until they reached the tree. A few of thembined forces to forcibly rip apart the tree, at which point Thelim surrendered by unsummoning his avatar.


    Well, it was worth a try at least, Thelim rumbled with a sigh as he returned to Zacs side. Those three siblings are truly fearsome. We both used High Stage seeds, but the amount of spirit he could instill into the avatars were night and day. He also controlled those golems so naturally, while I struggled to just send the leaves in the right direction. Both the strength of their souls and their control over their Daos is top tier.


    Zac slowly nodded, but he didnt directlyment on the fight. The friendly ent was honestly fighting way above his weight ss, and if this was a real fight the living tree would have been ripped to shreds in an instant.


    He only had one seed just like the first cultivator, and it wasnt even a fragment. To challenge the three dryads who had grown up with ess to the Pond of Tranquility was to ask for a beating. But the young ent had already said he was mostly joining the fun to gain some experience, so he took the defeat in stride.


    Only when the 5<sup>th</sup> warrior, a local scion of another powerful faction from the looks of it, stepped to the te did Zac see Dao fusionse to y. Not only did the man, who seemed to be some sort of nymph, fuse two different Daos into a mighty beast that pounced on his enemies, but both seeds were Peak mastery.


    The dryad wasn''t to be outdone though, and he created an image of a hunter wielding a bow covered in leaves. The hunter deftly dodged the rabid assaults of the animal until it finally managed tond a lethal strike with an arrow that shone with the green light of some nature-rted Dao.


    It was an interesting disy, but Zac felt it was a bitcklusterpared to a real fight that brought shockwaves and explosions that could be felt from hundreds of meters away. It almost looked a bit like level 20 warriors and beasts were fighting to the naked eye, though it looked a lot more spectacr when viewing it with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    Finally, it was Zac''s turn to the te, and he was eager to try out his might. He was pretty confident by this point as none of the fights had showcased any Dao Fragments, and he had two he could bring into y. He might not be able to fuse them, but summoning two Fragment Avatar should be able to handle any trouble that came his way.


    Zac jumped up on the tform, and after a nod at hispetitor he ced his hand on the control crystal and started to imbue it with his Dao. He felt a prickling sensation in his mind as he tried to conjure his avatars, like his brain had suddenly grown two sizes inside his skull.


    He understood what he needed to do since connecting with the control crystal provided him with a burst of information, but there was an almost insurmountable resistance when forcing his Fragment of the Axe into the elusive mists hiding inside the tform. It felt like he was trying to grab the haze with his bare hands.


    The only solution he coulde up with was to steady himself and forcibly push even more of his spiritual energy inside the array, and it finally worked. Eight warriors emerged through the mist, each one of them radiating a palpable killing intent and a force that caused the ground around them to be cut.


    However, there were no exmations of excitement or envying from the audience, but rather confused murmurs and subdued snickers. And even if Zac didnt want to admit it, he could understand why. Things had seemed pretty smooth and simple from the stadium, but he had barely managed to create the avatars in line with his imagination. Anything more was beyond his ability.


    The eight soldiers looked mighty, but they twitched and iled about in an extremely uncoordinated manner. It looked like they were string puppets controlled by the world''s worst puppeteer. Zac also knew it wasnt some trick by the array, but rather due to his limitations.


    Just conjuring the eight warriors was even more taxing than when he infused the Skeletons of <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>, but Zac had never gone any further than that with the skill. The skeletons didnt require constantmands, though Zac could order them about with a few simple thoughts. But these avatars didnt listen to mentalmands but were rather moved by manipting them with his spirit.


    This was just like when he tried to control his spiritual energy and have the two Daos fill the fractal for <strong>[Cyclic Strike]. </strong>The Daos turned into spaghetti in his hands and it all turned into a big mess.


    The dryad cultivator had frozen in confusion for a second, but when she noticed that Zacs fumbling wasnt an act she sneered and pushed the small critters looking like walking radishes she had summoned forward. They didn''t look as mighty as the hunter, but Zac could see that they were created with the help of two Peak Dao Seeds.


    Zac tried to think of a solution to his embarrassing situation, and he could onlye up with one course of action. If he couldnt control so many warriors, then he would just have to reduce the numbers. Seven of the axemen dissipated into smoke just before vines shot out by the radish soldiers struck them, but one soldier stayed behind and cut the attacking vines into shreds with one swipe.


    Things became a bit easier with only one avatar to control, and the power forced into its diminutive size was far beyond anything that had been seen so far during the battles. The axe warrior roared as he stumbled forward, his axe madly iling in the air. A wave of destruction rippled out in an instant, destroying most of the seed warriors who couldn''t muster a working response to the random strikes.


    Zac breathed in relief as he tried to cajole his avatar to move forward, but he stopped when he saw that the pale-faced dryad dissolved her remaining radish warriors. He first thought that he had won, but he quickly realized she was just changing tactics as a centaur wielding a simple spear appeared to rece the small vegetable avatars.


    The centaur immediately galloped forward, and a wild exchange of strikes took ce between the two solitary avatars. Truthfully it was mostly the axeman getting hit over and over and Zac infusing even more spiritual energy to keep it standing, while asionally releasing a massive, but random, swing that eitherpletely missed its mark or grievously wounded its target.


    He also tried to incorporate the Dao of the Coffin into the mix, but the only solution he could find was topletely swap out the Dao in the avatar. It changed him from an axe-warrior into an axe-wielding skeleton climbing out of a coffin, and the stone box helped protect its sides from attacks.


    It did help with the defenses a bit, but Zac eventually gave it up since swapping back and forth in some sort of pseudo-cycle only helped him drain his mental energy a lot faster. He had alreadynded a few pretty nasty hits with the avatar powered by the Fragment of the Axe, and one more was likely all it would take topletely destroy it.


    But the power of the spear-wielding centaur suddenly shot up by a noticeable degree, and its previously unattuned spear lit up with a color of attunement, this one looking a bit like steel. Not only that, one shape after another started to appear on the dryad''s side of the arena, each one of them emitting a respectable amount of power.


    It was a literal army of forest critters wielding various weaponry as they approached Zac''s solitary avatar.


    Zac couldnt help but look up from the crystal to see what the hell was going on. Had the Matriarch suddenly jumped into the mix, or did his opponent go easy on him before? But his eyes widened in realization when his gaze swept across the three youths standing on the tform on the opposite side.


    The Enlightened Three were actually cheating.

 Chapter 427: Storm

    Chapter 427: Storm


    Zac immediately noticed something odd with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>,<strong></strong>but he initially wasnt sure whether he was just imagining things. Thin tendrils of energy seemed to be passing between the three siblings unbeknownst to him or the other spectators, making Zac believe that they were somehow sharing their spiritual power.


    The tendrils were extremely minute though, looking like glistening fishing lines in the air. It made Zac doubt his eyes for a second, especially since none of the spectators werementing on it.


    Or was this the advantage of having the home field? There were tens of E-Grade warriors among the spectators, but none of them spoke up. It was impossible that none of them realized something was amiss if Zac would see it with his newly acquired early proficiency skill. They simply didnt say anything since it happened to an outsider.


    It was only good if Zac got thrown out, as it would leave more spots in the pool for their own progeny. So everyone kept their mouths shut in a tacit agreement. Fury started to build in Zacs mind as he railed against the injustice, but he stopped his anger from running amok. He needed to a find solution that didn''t end with a bloodbath.


    Calling them out wouldnt work. If the spectators cared about fairpetition for outsiders, then they should have spoken up already.


    If this had been a real fight, he would haveunched something like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> by this point,ying waste to all three of them while taking down the whole stadium and crushing the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong> into pieces. But doing so would no doubt end with him not being able to ess the Pool of Tranquility.


    He had tried to circumvent the quests multiple times during the climb, where he had defeated the guardian first before trying to get the treasure rted to the quest. That tactic had invariably failed, as the treasures were protected by all kinds of safeguards the System had put in ce. One time a bird even swooped down from nowhere to snatch a spiritual herb out of his hands before he could react.


    Prickling pain in his mind made him realize an odd change with the array. The moment Zac noticed the reinforcements on the other side he had ordered his avatar to back away while he tried to figure out a n. But while his mind churned to figure out a n he had unbeknownst kept infusing the control crystal with massive amounts of spiritual energy.


    None of it had entered the axeman though since that required Zac''s full attention, but it had rather formed arge formless blob of destructive energies at the bottom of the high tform. Weirder yet, the haze that rested beneath the surface had started to mix and integrate with his spiritual energy without taking any specific form.


    It was like his Dao Fragment was a ma that kept absorbing the mists in the array. Zacpletely froze witnessing the spectacle, and it felt like he had woken up from a stupor. He felt as though he had been muddled for the past months, but the Dao Discourse had finally dispersed his illusions.


    He had been so focused on the Cycle of Life and Death since meeting Yrial that he had ignored his unique points, and forcibly tried to create a cultivation system that seemed fitting on the surface, but one that still kind of missed the mark. Yrial had tried helping him by having him learn <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </strong>and improve his Dao control, but it was that very skill that had made him reach an impasse.


    It was time to ept reality. Creating a cycle where he integrated two diametrically opposite concepts was like trying to breathe underwater for him. It was not in his nature, and forcing such a thing would only create mediocre results.


    His thoughts went to the weird ball that Yrial yed with and he remembered how it seamlessly flitted back and forth between frigid mes and fiery ice. Did he truly need to create something like that with his Daos of Life and Death? His sister might be suited for such a path with her amazing affinities and AI to help her fuse the four elements, but he needed to find another direction to take.


    He would still keep the core parts, with Life and Death each being one half of the whole, with the Dao of the Axe being the delivery method, or perhaps the thing that bound the two together. But braiding the two together into a revolving cycle was tooplicated. Perhaps he coulde back to that idea when he was as powerful as Yrial, but for now he needed something simpler.


    His eyes again turned to the mists that churned under the surface of the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong>. By this point he had poured more than twice the energy into the groundpared to what he had used to create the eight axe warriors earlier.


    His heart was pounding a bit, but he kept infusing more and more inside as he moved his axeman to the edge of the stage. He suddenly had an idea and started to push his Fragment of the Coffin into the control crystal as well. However, he didn''t try to fuse the two fragments or even control them after they entered the ground.


    Combining the two Daos would have been impossible, but just pouring it into the control crystal wasn''t too bad. It was just like when he infused his body with the Fragment of the Coffin while he infused an attack with the Fragment of the Axe. As long as he didn''t need to coordinate the two to work with each other the strain was just a fraction of before.


    The second fragment still joined the growing blob of chaos in the ground, and the mists turned more violent and unpredictable. The whole array was starting to shake, and the three dryads seemed to have realized that something odd was going on. They had probably been waiting for Zac to summon new avatars since they saw him steadily infusing the control crystal with more and more spiritual energy.


    Striking down all his avatars at once would have a much stronger effect, just like when one of them defeated the first wandering cultivator. But now it looked like they didn''t dare wait any longer and they immediately sent a few of the avatars toward the axeman still stumbling around on the corner of the arena. However, Zac didn''t care as his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> was trained at the bottom of the arena.


    It was like he was mesmerized by the growing mass of untamed destruction hiding at the bottom of the array. Wasn''t this the way things had always been when he fought? Supreme might crushing any resistance or any technique. If those three bastards wanted to create a dozen avatars with theirbined energy, then he would simply drown them in an avnche of even more energy.


    There was no fusion and no adroit braiding of the two energies into something greater. This was mindless destruction, a tsunami of unrelenting force. And it was time to unleash it. However, that was easier said than done.


    His mind strained to the limit as he urged therge blob to rise, but it felt like he was trying to lift a mountain with his mind. The rumbling of the arena got more and more severe, and small cracks could be seen on both the tform and the control crystal that Zac touched.


    A searing pain shed in his mind as the axeman was cut to ribbons by the dryads avatars, but he didn''t care as he waspletely focused on the counter he had cooking below.


    Finally the blob he had infused almost his whole soul into reached the surface, and Zac was reeling by exertion by this point. Multiple capiries in his eyes had burst, and he felt the salty taste of blood in his mouth as it freely poured down his nose.


    The sounds of exmations that had been missing earlier finally erupted among the spectators as what looked like a thundercloud rose through the ground. It was a messy mix of light gray spots and a sinister ck, with the asional shes of bronze. It was probably impossible to tell what it was made from unless one had a skill like <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>, but one thing was clear.


    It was dangerous.


    There was just no way for Zac to really control the thundercloud, and he could only push it in a certain direction with everything he had, forcing it forward by sheer force of will. Zacs mind felt like it would snap in two, but he refused to stop. The control crystal started to crackle as the small crystalline cracks turned into major fault lines, but they were continuously removed by the repair fractals.


    The mix of Destruction and Putrefaction brought on from his two Daos swept toward the other side like a tidal wave, swallowing the stalwart army of the Enlightened Three in an instant. Explosions and sounds of shes could be heard from within, as the three siblings desperately tried to dispel the onught. But it was like trying to stop a storm with your bare hands.


    One avatar after another was either melted into a rotten pool by the Fragment of the Coffin or ripped into pieces by the sharp winds brought on by the Fragment of the Axe. A few simply got annihted in a sh when the odd bronze-colored shes appeared. There was no contest between the two sides, and all the refinement and skill the three could muster was pointless in front of Zacs insane outburst of power.


    In just a few seconds the whole avatar army was ripped to shreds, and the effect on its controllers wasnt small. The girl staggered backward and clutched her head before she fell over unconscious. The other two siblings shuddered as well, with blood starting to pour out of their noses and ears as they slumped down on the ground.


    The two had been implicated as well since they had assisted their sister, and their souls had been wounded as a result. However, Zac was in no position to gloat as he wasnt all that better off. His eyes werepletely bloodshot as he looked across the tform, and he had trouble gathering his wits since it felt like his head would split apart in any second.


    The method of battle that Zac had chosen was one of mutual destruction. His soul had always felt pretty sturdy just like his odd constitution, and it was only made stronger with the help of the Splinter of Oblivion. Between his soul''s strength and his more advanced Daos, Zac bet that he would be able to take the Enlightened Three out before his soul was ripped apart.


    It had worked, but he was still a bit giddy, and he quickly took out an intricate box from his spatial tool. Inside was a blue rose seemingly made from ice, a piece of unblemished beauty. Zac didnt care about that though as he crammed the flower into his mouth and swallowed, allowing a cool sensation to spread down his throat and then throughout his mind.


    It was the reward he had gotten from the Ice Troll back on the first level of the 6<sup>th</sup> floor. It was a soul restoration treasure which quickly soothed his strained mind. He had a couple of items in the same category between his shopping in the Base Town and Rasuliel''s pouch, which was what allowed him to identify it.


    The icy rose was the strongest such item in his possession though, and he had a feeling that he needed all the strength he could get to handle the fallout from taking out the three dryad brats in one go. The others hadnt been inactive while Zac ate the natural treasure, and the matriarch had already hurried down from the tform she spectated from.


    Elyss! the dryad cried as she took out a crystalline bottle and poured some unknown mixture down her grandchilds throat, before directing a murderous re at Zac. You are pretty ruthless. This is a discourse, not a battlefield."


    She punctuated her words with having her aura expand around her, causing her long hair to flutter without any wind. But the matriarch''s killing intent wasn''t even a tenth of Zac''s blood-drenched aura, and he didn''t even flinch by being targeted.


    Injury is always a risk during a Dao Discourse, Zac answered with a hoarse voice,pletely unphased. I am more curious why the other two got hurt though. Perhaps you can exin?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They are triplets, so of course theyre bound to have a deeper connection, one reaching even the spiritual level, the matriarch said without missing a beat.


    So, which one of them is heading up next?" Zac said, eventually deciding to not push the issue.


    He was in a pretty bad shape, but the two remaining dryads were far worse off. Crushing them wouldn''t be too hard by simply repeating a smaller version of the earlier storm. The Perenne Matriarch''s sharp eyes were locked with Zacs for a few seconds before her strained face blossomed into a charming smile.


    No need. I know these children well, they are no match for the might of your Daos. We concede this match, one of the slots to the Pool of Tranquility will belong to you, she said without a trace of the earlier animosity.


    Zac, who was ready to go all out in case things deteriorated, mutely looked at the Perenne Matriarch for a few seconds before he slowly nodded and walked back toward his tform. Was it over that easily? But a sudden realization made him certain that things weren''t over just yet.


    The teleporter to the next level still hadnt appeared.

 Chapter 428: Pool of Tranquility

    Chapter 428: Pool of Tranquility


    My friend, that was truly a unique Discourse, the ent coughed when Zac jumped up to the tform they shared. I have never heard of such a, uh, masculine, manner of handling the Dao. And those insights Scary, too scary. You are a walking paradox, both a child and a nemesis of the forest.


    Thanks, I guess, Zac snorted as he sat down.


    And congrattions on receiving the opportunity to bask in the Pool of Tranquility, the ent said, patting Zacs shoulder.


    Zac initially only nodded in response, but he got confused when he noted that Thelim had surreptitiously dropped a small acorn that rolled into hisp. Believing it wasnt a without reason Zac immediately looked at it with his Attuned Sight, and he saw that it contained some nature-attuned energies.


    Curious, Zac instilled a minute amount of Cosmic Energy into it, and he suddenly received a short message in his mind, just like with themunications crystal he had gotten from Ogras before. There were only two words recorded, but it was enough to give Zac pause.


    <em>Be careful.</em>


    It was obviously a warning that things werent as simple as they seemed, and Zac wasnt surprised. For one, the teleporter hadnt appeared even after the matriarch conceded. That meant that the System still didnt consider the quest finished. Hidden danger still lurked nearby. He was more surprised that the ent had gone out of his way to warn him at the risk of straining the rtionship between his family and the Perenne n.


    Zac still gave a slight nod in thanks to the ent before turning back toward the stadium. The Pool would only be opened at sunset, so he would have to wait for a few more hours while the battles continued below.


    Due to Zacs performance there were cracks all over the array, and it would take over an hour before it regained full functionality. Zac tried to figure out his next course of action while they waited, but he couldnt do a lot apart from restoring his mental reserves.


    Some trap was no doubt waiting for him in the Pool of Tranquility, but he couldnt figure out exactly what it was. Openly attacking the winners was unlikely, since such an action would no doubt spread and sully their reputation. It would also be impossible for them to attract any more guardians from the wandering cultivators.


    Thankfully he hadnt shown any of his actual strength, so the dryads were stillpletely clueless about his massive pool of attributes. They only knew that he was someone with two early-stage Dao Fragments but also someone who had atrocious control over them. Perhaps they even thought he had fallen into some amazing fortuitous encounter that imbued him with the two fragments without having any skills in the subject.


    Zac instead started to go over the insights into his path of cultivation gained during the Dao Discourse. He had arrived at the conclusions while pissed off about the cheating, but he still felt that they held true after having calmed down.


    He would put his attempts at learning <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> on hold for now, unless it somehow proved extremely easy to master after having gained a life-attuned Dao Fragment. But Zac felt the odds of that was pretty slim. It hadnt worked at all while he had possessed two Peak Dao Seeds, so using the stronger Dao Fragment should only be moreplicated.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was also a need to formalize a new direction. Focusing on force rather than technique was good an all, but he needed to find a ''creation'' based on force and his Dao Paths. The chaotic thundercloud created from Axe and Coffin was extremely lethal, but he was only able to summon that thing because of the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong>.


    He also needed to figure out a way to bring his future Dao Fragment into the mix. Right now he had unleashed a storm of Axe and Coffin, and this wasnt the fusion of Life and Death he had envisioned. There were a lot of things to consider, and it was a bit hard to theorize what was possible and what was impractical, especially since he was stillcking one of the fragments.


    There was also the issue of those shes of light that had the color of illuminated bronze. They only appeared for a fraction of a second before disintegrating, but the destruction they caused had been far greater than either of his two Fragments. But even though the force was massive he had beenpletely unable to sense anything from them.


    He had a connection to the thundercloud even if he barely could control it, but the same couldnt be said about those lights. They suddenly appeared, and disappeared just as quickly before he had any chance to form any mental connections to them.


    Hey, what feeling did you get from the bronze-colored shes of light from within the cloud I summoned? Zac asked as he turned to the ent, curious what the woond being was able to feel.


    shes of light? Thelim said with confusion. I did not see any? I only sensed a mix of two Daos, the first one sharp and forceful, perhaps the Dao of the Greatsword? The other one was cold and death-attuned.


    Oh? Zac said with surprise. Nevermind then.


    Had those bronze lights not been visible to the normal spectrum? He had been using Cosmic Gaze the whole time, and he thought that the shes were seen by everyone. But perhaps the bronze was just the color of the attunement, while the effect was indiscernible to the naked eye.


    The most pressing question was what the light represented. Zac felt those sparks might be the clue to a way for him to increase his power, as there were only two reasonable exnations behind the sparks as he saw it.


    The first possibility was that the shes were rted to the Splinter of Oblivion. It was a creation based on the Dao of Oblivion, which felt a bit simr to how the sparks simply disintegrated anything they touched. However, the only energy that Zac received from the Splinter was purified to pure spiritual energy by the miasmic fractals.


    Another possibility, and the one that Zac felt was most likely, was that the sparks were the result of chance fusions between his two Dao Fragments. The two concepts hadbined due to friction or something else, like a nuclear fusion reaction of the Dao.


    This fusion in turn created a short-lived spark of some greater concept. If not oblivion, then perhaps something rted of a lower tier. He really wanted to experiment based on this idea, because if that was that was going on then hed have a terrifying ace on his hands. He could only imagine the power of <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>with the additional effect of that mysterious bronze Dao.


    But he could only wait for the tournament to end to get his prize and then experiment with his insights on the next level. The hours went by excruciatingly slow, but it gave Zac time to mostly restore his frayed mind. His soul thankfully wasn''t hurt, but it would probably have been if he had fought another battle. It was still overtaxed though and his head was pounding.


    Finally the tournament was over and all the spots were allocated. Three went to the dryads who had been fighting all day, whereas thest two each went to one wandering cultivator and one young man who looked like an elf. He had barely won the first battle, but during the second he had suddenly burst out with a Dao Fragment, destroying the opposition with a skillful push before the dryad had a chance to adapt.


    The guests left the arena to continue the festivities while the six were led by the Perenne Matriarch toward a primordial forest full of gargantuan trees. Zac only nodded in thanks to the ent before he followed in tow, wondering if he would ever get a chance to repay Thelim for his help.


    The group stopped after having walked for just ten minutes, but when the matriarch waved her hand the surroundings changed. Initially there had only been an empty spot in the forest as the distance between the trees was pretty big, but it was now reced with the stump of a massive tree.


    This tree must have been the king of the forest when it lived, its size forming andmark seen hundreds of miles away. The stump was evenrger than the tform the Dao Discourse had taken ce on, and its size dwarfed even the trees in the redwood forest he had visited with Ogras.


    The group jumped onto the stump after marveling at the specimen for a few seconds, and he was surprised to see six small ponds. The Pool of Tranquility was actually on top of the tree itself.


    So what do we do? the elf asked, and Zac looked over at the matriarch with interest as well.


    The moment the daylight ends there will be a change in the pools. At that moment you simply need to choose one of the pools and submerge yourself. Open your mind to absorb the energies that will be released from the dew, the matriarch exined. I will take my leave as to not affect your opportunity. We have also prepared 6 istion arrays to make sure no sudden sounds will impact your cultivation.


    Zac cracked his neck and looked back and forth. The three dryads pointedly ignored him as though he wasnt there, while the second wandering cultivator kept to himself. Only the young elf tried to make some small conversation where he not-so-subtly tried to understand Zacs origin and whether he was affiliated with any local force.


    But the young elf was soon enough subdued by the atmosphere and he simply walked over to the nearest pool, iming it for himself. Thirty minutester the sun finally went down beneath the tree crowns, shrouding the area in darkness.


    It was like the stump had awoken the moment it no longer basked in sunlight, and it started to radiate an ancient energy as the six pools lit up with a soothing green luster that rose a few meters into the air. Zac''s headache got a lot better from just standing near them, a clear sign that the pools truly worked wonders on the soul.


    The wandering cultivator and the elf immediately jumped into their respective pools, but the ssh didn''t make a sound due to the arrays. Zac nced a the three dryads who stared right back before jumping into one of the free ponds himself. He saw the three dryads jumping in as well, at which point he slightly rxed and focused on the energies in the water.


    It suddenly felt like he was one with the world as he took one deep breath after another, and his pores opened wide to drink in the energies of the miraculous dew. His headache was gone in seconds, and he quickly closed his eyes and sunk down so that even his head dipped beneath the surface.


    He was cautious about letting down his guard while being mesmerized by the opportunity, but his danger sense waspletely silent. Zac finally opted to rx his guard a bit to absorb as much of the lights in the water as possible. The effect was immediate and it felt extraordinarily good. It was like his mind was a parched desert and the motes of light were long-awaited raindrops.


    The process was akin to stepping into the shower when caked in mud, feeling the dirt sloughing off from his body. His soul was giving the same effect, and he actually felt it shrinking as some discordant energies seeped out him. But Zac felt that the effect wasn''t something detrimental, as the remaining spiritual energy got stronger, more condensed.


    Zac had no idea that his soul had contained so many impurities, but perhaps everyone started out that way, especially mortals. Mortals didn''t have any connection with the Dao, and the soul probably yed a big part in that. Zac knew that the pool didn''t improve affinities though, but rather cleansed some impurities and helped strengthen it.


    A sudden roar in Zac''s mind gave him a start and ripped him out of his reverie as his heart started beating with joy. Verun had finally awoken after having slept for two full floors. But Zac barely had time to greet the Tool Spirit before he sensed an overwhelming thirsting from the axe even while it was still in his spatial ring.


    It was just like when the mysterious stone had appeared during the new world government auction, and the target was clear. It wanted the mysterious liquid in the pond.


    Zac didn''t have anypunctions about having Verun snatch a part of the Pool of Tranquility. The dryads had tried cheating during the match, so what if he exacted some interest in return? But he didn''t even have time to take out his axe when he sensed a startling issue with his mind.


    There was something else there, something foreign. It was extremely well hidden, and he hadn''t noticed it at all while he enjoyed the process of his mind getting purified, even if he had neverpletely rxed his vigil. It was as if the shadow of a whisper that had snuck into his mind along with the energy from the pond. It only took him a second to realize what was going on.


    How could Zac not recognize the feeling of having his mind manipted after having fought against the far more insidious maniption from the Splinter of Oblivion? He suddenly remembered the dozen powerful cultivators who had stoically walked behind the Perenne Matriarch. Perhaps their choice to stay behind wasn''tpletely voluntary.


    He, unfortunately, didn''t have any great solutions to getting rid of the intruder in his mind as it had already snuck past the defenses of <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>. Only after discharging a massive amount of mental energy by unleashing his Dao Fragments did the invading energy get ripped to shreds.


    Zac still felt some cold sweat running down his back though. That had been way too close. Even if the effects of the dew were amazing he had kept a constant watch against any plot of the Perenne Matriarch, but her ploy had passed by his defensespletely unnoticed. If Verun hadn''t shaken him awake he might have fallen further and further into some mental vise he couldn''t get out of.


    Zac immediately rose from the pool, jumping onto the stump with wild eyes. The first thing he noticed was a teleportation array that would take him to the next floor, but Zac didn''t even give it a second nce as his eyes turned to three specific pools. Zac refused to leave as things stood.


    He wasn''t done with the Perenne Family just yet.

 Chapter 429: Reciprocity

    Chapter 429: Reciprocity


    The fact that the teleporter had appeared was a relief since that meant that he had passed the trial. The System had attached a hidden requirement to the quest where he not only needed to stand victorious in the Dao Discourse, but also survive the aftermath.


    The moment he noticed and dispelled the threat of being possessed he had conquered the 6<sup>th</sup> floor and could move on to reap his rewards. But he wasnt ready to let bygones be bygones, and a wave of smoldering anger burned in his chest. If he shrugged off the attempt on his life he would no doubt have this nagging feeling for the rest of his life, a seed of karma that was impossible to resolve.


    Part of him just wanted to go on a mindless ughter, dragging up the whole n by the roots while leveling half the forest to the ground. But Zac knew that was just the Splinter urging him on. It seemed like the invasion of his mind hadnt just agitated Zac, but also the Splinter itself. Maybe it didnt like thepetition.


    He knew he couldnt do so though. Not only was it unconscionable, but would also open a can of worms. Who knew what would happen if he started rampaging? Perhaps there were some hidden guardians of the forest keeping watch. Besides, cheating to protect their own resources wasnt really that big a deal, and the Enlightened Three didnt deserve death for their actions.


    But the mind invasion was essentially an attempt on his life, and he had nopunctions with exacting at least some sort of revenge. His aura exploded in an instant, causing cascading waves to ssh all around him as his massive Dao Field drowned out the primordial energies of the tree stump. The istion arrays cracked in an instant, exposing the five pools.


    Zac didnt waste a second and leaped toward the closest pool that housed one of the three young dryads, but the man had obviously noticed the disturbance already and prepared himself. Dozens of razor-sharp roots shot toward from within the pool before the dryads head even breached the surface.


    But the Enlightened Three werent the floor guardians. They were simply three peak F-Grade warriors with unusually high aplishments in the Dao, who also possessed the ability to fuse their spiritual energies together. They had been a threat to Zac before he found his path, but that threat only existed within the confines of the duel.


    This was a true battlefield.


    A massive fractal edge infused with the Fragment of the Axe tore the roots into shreds even if they were infused with a Peak Dao seed themselves. All five winners had risen out of their pools by this point, most of them staring at Zac with shock. The only exception was the wandering cultivator who gazed around with a ssy-eyed demeanor, which only strengthened Zacs conviction.


    A storm of leaves reminiscent of his own<strong> [Nature''s Barrier] </strong>started to swirl around the dryad as he looked at Zac with horror, but a swing infused with the Fragment of the Coffin turned them into rotten scraps as Zac barged his way through. His free hand shot forward to grab the shocked dryad by his neck, yanking him up into the air with a tug.


    "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" a scream echoed across the area, and a dozen green des of grass shot toward Zac with such power that the air around them exploded.


    The des contained enough momentum to pierce through steel, and they seemed to be infused by a Dao Fragment as well. Zac scrambled out of the way, thankful he had grabbed one of the youths in time. The Perenne Matriarch''s power had somewhat superseded his expectations, but she had obviously only aimed for spots on his body far from her grandchild.


    Things weren''t to the point that Zac felt any fear though, and one tree after another appeared around the area and even on top of the stump as Zac activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit].</strong> The improved vision brought from the skill immediately exposed the Perenne Matriarch hiding not far away within an array. She sat together with two loose cultivators, and between them was an array with an odd nt ced on it, recently ripped from the ground judging by the soil stuck to its roots.


    The des of grass that had attacked Zac was her hair extending from within the array, and more and more stalks flew out from her head to join the battle. The des of grass were quick, but Zac was almost impossible to catch now that he had summoned his own forest. He even felt that the effect from the skill had been boosted due to the Pool of Tranquility, and he hadpletely merged with the forest at this point.


    The Matriarch got more and more frenzied though, and the two guardians also started moving toward him. The air even shuddered above the matriarch as a massive head made from tens of thousand des of grass appeared. A storm of leaves started to shoot toward him as it opened its mouth, and even Zac felt some pressure from the power it contained.


    But Zac had one more ace up his sleeve, and he suddenly moved his captive in front of him, aiming to use the dryad as a shield against the leaves.


    "You!" the Matriarch screamed in rage as she quickly stopped the massive avatar above her. "You outsiders are all the same!"


    Zac ignored thement as he shed forward once more, this time targeting the Elyss, the dryad he had knocked unconscious during the Dao Discourse. She had jumped down from the stump just like the others, but she was clearly unustomed to life and death battles since she still stood way too close.


    The moment she saw Zac rapidly approaching with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>she realized her mistake. She didnt even try to put up a fight as she activated an escape skill while erecting a line of defenses. But Zac was in full rampage mode by this point and the dryad''s restrictive vines were destroyed in an instant as he appeared before her.


    A well-aimed kick shot the girl into the side of the trunk with a loud thud, but the ancient wood didn''t even lose a splinter. It was rather the dryad who was hurt and fell down on the ground with a groan. She tried to get back to her feet, but Zac was already upon her again as he swung <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> to rip apart the stalks of grass that had aimed to save her.


    Stay down, Zac growled as he mmed <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> into the stump next to her while still holding onto the other dryad in a tight grip.


    A massive shudder ran through the stump out as Zac''s axe bit into the wood, and the primordial energies surged for a second before they calmed down again.


    The ancestor! Elyss cried in dismay, but she still didnt dare to move a single finger.


    "One more move and I''ll crack his neck and cut the girl in two," Zac said with a ruthless glimmer as he grabbed the second dryad and jumped on top of the stump again.


    "You''ve hidden your power well," the elder dryad said as she joined him on top of the ancient stump. "Are you not afraid the heavens will turn against you for returning our hospitality with such enmity?"


    "Hospitality?" Zac snorted as he ripped verun out of the tree and stood up straight. "I didn''t care that these three cheated during the discourse, but since you wanted to take control of my mind I''ll have to act."


    We would never do something like that! the male dryad eximed with fury, indignation apparent on his face. Were not an unorthodox force! Youre just here to cause trouble! Are you working for the invaders?!


    Things such as mind control and turning cultivators were considered as unorthodox path as it clearly went outside what the Apostate of Order had envisioned when he set up the various contracts of the System. Zac personally felt it was a pretty weird distinction to make since so many forces allowed very, but it had something to do with the will of the System.


    Zac ignored the young dryad, though he was pretty surprised to see that he seemed genuinely repulsed by the idea. He instead turned to the young elf who was watching the proceedings perched atop a tree far in the distance.


    Could you take that guy back to the party? Perhaps his mind can still be salvaged, Zac said as he nodded at the wandering cultivator who had fallen down from the stump due to the shockwaves of battle.


    It looks like I wasn''t really fated with the Pool of Tranquility. No matter, most of the benefites from the initial cleansing, the elf said with a sardonic shrug.


    But he still didnt move, instead opted to turn his eyes to the Perenne Matriarch who tried to kill Zac with her re.


    Go, she simply said without her eyes leaving Zacs.


    The elf bowed and prepared to leave, but he first ran forward and grabbed the shoulder of the wandering cultivator after a brief hesitation. The next moment he disappeared in a puff of leaves that scattered all around before dissipating.


    What do you want? the Perenne Matriarch said.


    I want this pond, Zac said. Its a small price for trying to possess me.


    Impossible, the old dryad said without hesitation. Its not possible even if I wanted to. Its a natural formation created by the ancestor of the forest and thousands of years of umtion. The dew will turn useless if you bring it away.


    "Then release the people you''ve captured," Zac said after mulling it over.


    "It''s also impossible. The seed has been nted, the effect is irreversible. They will be guarding the forest until they die," the old dryad said with a staid expression.


    "Grandma! You didn''t!" Elyss eximed with horror.


    Every day new outsiders enter the forest to partake in its riches. But do they pay nature back for providing them with wealth and power? No. They return to their cities on the outside and use their newfound strength to attack us, to join the invaders in their assault. Their greed is endless, their hunger insatiable.


    So what if I control them? These people would be nothing without the forest, so the least they can do is stay behind and defend it, the Matriarch said with fury in her eyes, the words turning louder and louder as she spoke.


    Grandma Elyss said from the ground, her eyes wide with shock.


    The other dryad looked shocked as well, and it was all too apparent they hadnt been aware of their grandmothers actions. Zac sighed when he heard her words, a wave of exhaustion sweeping through his body. He couldnt condone her actions, but he could understand her motivations. How far would he go to save the people of Earth? Of Port Atwood?


    But that still didnt change things, and Zac threw <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> into the closest pool as he took out his spare axe, a High E-Grade battleaxe. Verun keened in delight as it entered the pond, and the whole stump started to shake the next moment as the energies in the area ran amok.


    "What are you doing?!" the matriarch eximed, her killing intent rising once more.


    "My weapon could benefit from the dew, so he''ll drink a bit since I can''t take the pond with me," Zac exined.


    Verun was like a ck hole as it absorbed the dew, and Zac had already witnessed its seemingly endless thirst from having drained hundreds of beasts of their blood. The stump kept shaking as the water levels of the six ponds kept decreasing, until just about half remained. Only then did Verun stop, seemingly satisfied with its haul.


    "Don''t move," Zac reminded the matriarch as he jumped down.


    "So, will you release my grandchild now?" she spat when Zac emerged.


    "I need to do one more thing. Stay here. You should know what I''ll do if you''re not here when I return. I have the eggs, but I still want the hen," Zac reminded as he shed away once more.


    He couldn''t take the dew, and he couldn''t save those poor souls. But there was one more item that had sparked Zac''s interest, and he quickly moved through the forest toward the arena. Zac used his movement skill the whole way back, and he appeared on top of the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong> in less than a minute.


    A few quick swings were all it took to separate the tform from the massive roots that had dragged it above ground, but Zac frowned in annoyance when he wasn''t able to put it inside his Cosmos Sack.


    "This thing can''t be carried away, young man," an aged voice said, prompting Zac to turn around.


    It was a kind-looking old elf who was apanied by the same youth who had just left the Pool of Tranquility.


    "If it could be stashed away in a Pouch of Holding, Little mira wouldn''t have been forced to hide it below ground all this time," the old man said with a smile. "The child my grandson brought will be fine, and I guarantee his safe return in front of all these people. In return, could you leave this array intact? The Perenne Family are not the only ones benefitting from it."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac slowly nodded, though not without some unwillingness. The <strong>[Dao Discourse Array] </strong>had been his best bet at studying the mysterious Bronze Dao he had somehow conjured. But not even he could carry a 30-meter wide pir around on his back, so he could only give up on it. He instead turned toward Thelim who looked at the proceedings with confusion written all over his face.


    I dont know if you or even this world is real, but I hope Ill be able to see you again. This treasure might be of use to you, Zac said as he threw the ent a wooden box.


    Thelim curiously opened it to see an eggwhite leaf that radiated an intense amount of life-attuned force.


    This! Thelim eximed as he hurriedly closed the box as to not let the aura leak. "This is too precious, I cannot ept it!"


    The leaf was a treasure that Zac snatched on the fifth floor. He still had no idea what it was, but it contained almost as much energies as the Fruit of Ascension. Zac didnt dare to eat it though since the leaf didnt cause any cravings in his body like most beneficial treasures did, and he couldnt figure out any other uses for it either.


    It was only collecting dust in his Spatial Ring and would probably disappear when he left the tower anyways, so he chose to gift it to Thelim instead to reciprocate his goodwill.


    "If you don''t want it, then throw it away," Zac smiled.


    He threw onest look at the <strong>[Dao Discourse Array]</strong> before he left with a shake of his head. Some things weren''t fated. He soon arrived back at the stump, and finally released the poor dryad who had been dragged back and forth like a ragdoll for the past minutes.


    He had nothing to say to the four dryads who gazed at him as though he was a walking cmity as he stepped onto the teleporter, leaving the forest behind.<strong></strong>

 Chapter 430: Manuals

    Chapter 430: Manuals


    <strong>[Sixth Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: Compatible Soul Strengthening Manual, Compatible Body Tempering Manual, Beast Mastery Manual]</strong>


    Zacs eyes made a beeline for the rewards, but his face scrunched together when he noticed that there werent any rewards rted to the Dao. He had almost been certain there would be a Dao Treasure waiting for him, but it looked like the System had a sense of humor. Or perhaps it simply didnt award any Dao Treasures at all since there was still the projection waiting when he exited the tower.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 6th Floor: Reach the 55th level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All stats +10. All Stats +10%.]</strong>


    The title was just what Zac expected, but he still couldnt help but feel a bit disappointed. One of his goals before evolving was to reach 1000 points in Strength, but he knew now that he had already maxed out on the benefits he could get from the Tower Title.


    The next floor, if he could even pass it, would most likely add a high-tieredponent to the title, not any more raw stats. It would be better if you looked at rawbat power, and it was usually more desired to keep the raw attributes down so that one would be able to enter restricted Mystic Realms. But it was far worse for Zac now that he needed to reach a certain threshold rather than stay under it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac didnt have any good ideas on how to boost his Strength with the final 73 points to reach his goal of a thousand. He had only gotten 7 points from the Peak Strength Fruit, but he should be approaching the limit of what he could gain while still in F-Grade. Not that he could get his hands on any more of them anyhow.


    There was some Strength waiting for him when he formed his final Dao Fragment, but it wouldnt be enough. Neither Sanctuary nor Trees gave a single point into Strength, and he would probably only get the 10 points from the boost to all attributes.


    Was getting a middle Dao Fragment the only option?


    Unfortunately, that was easier said than done. He had discussed the topic with Gu a couple of more times after they discussed <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> when he mastered the skill. ording to him it wasnt any easier getting a mid-grade Fragment than pushing your Race Grade to D while still having a F-Grade ss.


    A low-Grade Dao Fragment was the standard limit for almost all cultivators. As Gu exined it, over the almost million years his n had existed, there had been nock of geniuses who formed Dao Fragments before they evolved. But there hadnt been a single one who managed to evolve the Dao Fragment while still in F-Grade.


    It could technically be done though, but it required both a tremendous insight into and affinity with the Dao in question. In other words, you needed to be a cultivator to evolve the Fragment. However, Zac had reason to believe that he might be an exception to this rule.


    Gu had said the same thing about Early Stage Dao Fragments as well. ording to him one even needed a high affinity if you wanted to form a Dao Fragment at all. It had something to do with an F-Grade warriorcking a natural spirituality, something that only affinity could make up for.


    The first grade of cultivation was based on building a foundation. You started with a weak mortal constitution, and gradually improved it to be able to support cultivation and harmonize with the Dao. In fact, the youth had assumed that Zac was a cultivator based on the fact that he had formed Dao Fragments.


    However, Zac hadnt encountered any problems forming his Dao Fragments even with his non-existent affinity, leading him to believe that there were no such restrictions for him, as long as he got some help in forming the Fragments.


    That still meant he needed to encounter an opportunity even greater than the Dao Funnel or the Tower Apparition though, and Zac didnt want to rely on such a longshot for the chance at pushing his Fragment of the Axe to Medium Stage.


    There was the possibility of utilizing his Apparition on his Fragment of the Axe instead fusing his third Dao Fragment, but Zac wasnt too sure about that gambit. It would mess up his ss choices a bit, but more importantly there was no guarantee of seeding in upgrading the fragment.


    He was pretty close to forming the life-attuned Dao Fragment, and he was almost certain he would be able to push the final distance with the help of his apparition. But the same couldnt be said of his Fragment of the Axe. He barely got used to fighting with it, and he hadnt really figured out what direction to take it.


    There was a prettyrge risk he would just make some improvements, rather than evolving the Axe Fragment, even with the help of an apparition. If that happened he would essentially have wasted that huge opportunity. Perhaps the following floors would present him with a solution though, so Zac didntpletely give up, and instead turned his attention to the rewards.


    Gu had broadened his horizons greatly during their travels, especially after the merchant realized Zac was a pretty clueless progenitor who only got integrated a year ago. One valuable piece of information after another had flooded out of his mouth to curry favor.


    The subject of manuals was one such topic. Zac had been looking for something like a meditation manual tobat the splinter in his mind since he returned from the hunt. Calrin hadnt been able to get his hand on anything useful though, and Zac had been forced to solely rely on the miasmic fractals in his mind.


    But such a thing did in fact exist, along with various other types of manuals. A Soul Strengthening Manual was a technique to gradually improve on ones soul, just like the Pool of Tranquility did. It would not only make one more resistant to soul attacks and Illusions, but would also increase ones spiritual energy reserves.


    The soul was the power source of the Daos, and none of the attributes directly contributed in this regard. Intelligence and Wisdom didnt help you with controlling the Daos or strengthen your soul, and neither did any other. The souls strength was pretty much inborn, though it got stronger from leveling up.


    Zac had a feeling that his soul was a already lot stronger than normal, especially after havingpletely steamrolled the Enlightened Three with his Dao storm. The Splinter of Oblivion had helped by strengthening it even further, and his dip in the pond had helped remove some impurities.


    This manual was a chance to work on his soul even further.


    Better yet, it was even possible to use such a manual without being a cultivator, so it wasnt something that he would have to throw to the Merit Exchange. There was, however, a pretty big reason as to why it was almost unheard of for cultivators to practice Soul Strengthening Manuals.


    It was slow. Excruciatingly slow.


    One could spend millennia refining and empowering ones soul, turning it into a diamondpletely free of impurities. But you could instead have focused on meditating on your Dao or progressed in levels during that same time, and both would have a greater effect on ones survivability and strength.


    Body Tempering Manuals were rted to special constitutions or improving ones bloodlines. Practicing a manual along with taking certain treasures or medicinal baths would slowly transform ones body to gain a specialized constitution.


    Alea was such an example, though there seemed there were some problems with the method she used. Ogras grandfather was probably unable to acquire aplete manual, so they had jumped into it blindly. Another possibility was that they had tried to forcibly use a manual with lowpatibility.


    If the main reason for the scarcity of Soul Strengthening Manuals was the slow progress, thenpatibility was the main reason for there being almost no Body Tempering Manuals in cirction. Pretty much all manuals had extremely strict requirements on things such as race, affinities, and even bloodlines to work.


    To simply train an unsuitable manual was to court death. If Alea was practicing an ipatible manual then just turning into a monster was the least of her worries. She ran the risk of dying at any moment, and considering her ss and constitution she might end up taking half of Port Atwood with her in a storm of poison.


    Beast Mastery Manuals were somewhat of a mix between a skill and a mental exercise, and likely the most popr of the three supportive manuals that Zac was offered. It allowed anyone to gain a facsimile of the abilities that a true Beast Master like Verana possessed by allowing you to slowly form a connection to a beast through prolonged meditation.


    One could use it to gain a mount like the floor guardian that Ogras fought, or a pure battlepanion to fight alongside you. The connection sounded a lot like what he had with Verun, and the chance of betrayal was pretty slim unless the beast got too powerful.


    There were drawbacks to this type of manual as well though. Compatibility was an issue with both Soul Strengthening and Body Tempering manuals, but with Beast Mastery Manuals thepatibility issuey with the beast. You needed certain manuals to tame certain beasts, and some beasts were simply not possible to form a connection with unless they wanted to.


    Ogras was the victim of a forced connection from what Zac could tell, where The Umbra had forced a connection that normally wasnt possible to create. He hadnt dared to experiment on himself due to the risk of death, so he had used Ogras to satisfy his curiosity after having turned into an Inheritance Spirit.


    Since the System didnt mentionpatibility with the manual Zac guessed that it would have to be either pretty general, or that it was like a lottery what sort of beasts that it would work on. It might turn out useful, but it might also only work on beasts that didnt exist on earth.


    In either case the manuals werent something that would benefit Zac in the short run, but with enough time all of them could help him in different ways. Finding apatible manual was extremely rare, and most were created through an arduous process of trial and failure by ns that had the resources and manpower to experiment.


    A few of the peak forces in the sector would no probably possess them, but having the means to create a specialized constitution that fit your heritage and bloodline was no doubt rare even among the strongest forces in the area.


    All three manuals were also a chance for a warrior to gain more ss options before evolving, so Zac could understand why they were presented as a reward. Of course, the additional sses Zac would get from a stronger soul or acquiring a beastpanion probably wasnt something that Zac wanted right now.


    His bottleneck wasnt his constitution either, but rather the Dao and the concept of creation.


    But even if Zac didnt need them to get a better ss they were still useful in their own way. Zac guessed that this was a way for the System to provide an umon perk that most powerhouses could benefit from, or use to shore up weaknesses.


    Indecision gued Zac as he looked back and forth, and he couldnt reach a conclusion. All of them had benefits and drawbacks that made Zac leery to pull the gun. The body refinement manual would allow him to improve on his already monstrous constitution, but there were some pretty big question marks about his body.


    There was obviously something special about his body, and Zac worried that the body refinement manual he got from the System wouldnt work well with a body of Technocrat heritage even if it said it waspatible. It might take away what made his body special in order to create something new.


    Or perhaps the constitution that would be formed from a technocrat heritage simply wasnt in line with the cultivation path he had embarked upon, that of Life and Death.


    Getting a beastpanion would be a pure plus, Verun had proven that many times. But there were extremely few decent beasts on Earth, and it wasnt even sure that the manual would work on it. He was also hesitant that there were any beasts strong enough to actually make a difference. He would have to find a pretty monstrous animal to be able to keep up with his own power and growth.


    As for the Soul Strengthening Manual, it was simply too slow. Zac wouldnt see any direct benefits until after the incursions and Dominators were gone. He also wasnt sure whether the time spent grinding such a manual would be better used to kill beasts and open up nodes. Leveling up did strengthen ones Soul as well, and reaching higher grades was probably the best counter to the Splinter of Oblivion.


    Zac finally made his decision, but before he imed the reward he paused, first opting to check in on Earth by opening the Ladder. It had be somewhat of an emotional support to see that Kenzie and the others were all alive, so Zacs eyes quickly scanned through the lists to find the familiar names.


    But he suddenly froze as thetest change in the Ladder was just too shocking.

 Chapter 431: Nine Reincarnations

    Chapter 431: Nine Reincarnations


    Zac was like a statue as he gazed at a particr spot on the Ladder. How had such a changee to be?<table><tbody><tr><td>


    Ladder - Level</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    Rank</td><td>


    Name</td><td>


    Level</td></tr><tr><td>


    1</td><td>


    Super Brother-Man</td><td>


    75</td></tr><tr><td>


    2</td><td>


    Thea Marshall</td><td>


    68</td></tr><tr><td>


    3</td><td>


    Thwonkin'' Billy</td><td>


    64</td></tr><tr><td>


    4</td><td>


    Enigma</td><td>


    61</td></tr><tr><td>


    5</td><td>


    Daoist Chosui</td><td>


    60</td></tr><tr><td>


    6</td><td>


    Silverfox</td><td>


    60</td></tr><tr><td>


    7</td><td>


    Guru Anaad Phakiwar</td><td>


    59</td></tr><tr><td>


    8</td><td>


    Thomas Fischer</td><td>


    58</td></tr><tr><td>


    9</td><td>


    Francis</td><td>


    58</td></tr><tr><td>


    10</td><td>


    Lotus</td><td>


    58</td></tr><tr><td>


    ...</td><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    100</td><td>


    Blizzard King</td><td>


    53</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    Ladder - Wealth</td></tr><tr><td>


    Rank</td><td>


    Name</td></tr><tr><td>


    1</td><td>


    Super Brother-Man</td></tr><tr><td>


    2</td><td>


    Smaug</td></tr><tr><td>


    3</td><td>


    Greed</td></tr><tr><td>


    4</td><td>


    Enigma</td></tr><tr><td>


    5</td><td>


    Thea Marshall</td></tr><tr><td>


    6</td><td>


    Henry Marshall</td></tr><tr><td>


    7</td><td>


    Djinn</td></tr><tr><td>


    8n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om</td><td>


    Thwonkin'' Billy</td></tr><tr><td>


    9</td><td>


    Francis</td></tr><tr><td>


    10</td><td>


    The Eternal Eye</td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    Ladder - Dao</td></tr><tr><td>


    Rank</td><td>


    Name</td></tr><tr><td>


    1</td><td>


    Super Brother-Man</td></tr><tr><td>


    2</td><td>


    Guru Anaad Phakiwar</td></tr><tr><td>


    3</td><td>


    Thea Marshall</td></tr><tr><td>


    4</td><td>


    Abbot Boundless Truth</td></tr><tr><td>


    5</td><td>


    The Eternal Eye</td></tr><tr><td>


    6</td><td>


    Pretty Pretty Mega Kenzie</td></tr><tr><td>


    7</td><td>


    Silverfox</td></tr><tr><td>


    8</td><td>


    Thwonkin'' Billy</td></tr><tr><td>


    9</td><td>


    Daoist Chosui</td></tr><tr><td>


    10</td><td>


    Father Thomas</td></tr></tbody></table>


    The shocking change was obviously Billy and Thea having gained a massive surge in levels since he checkedst. He had taken a look just a few days ago, and Thea was level 65 at that time, while Billy was level 61. That meant they had both gained a tremendous amount of energy in an instant, since less than an hour had passed on the outside since he looked.


    But the real shocker was perhaps that Billy had surged to the 8<sup>th</sup> spot on the Dao Ladder. Before this, he wasnt even ranked, and Zac wasnt sure he even possessed an Early Mastery Dao Seed. Zac couldnt imagine that simple giant pondering on the intricacies of the Dao, but Billy was like an onion.


    Every time they met Zac learned one more surprisingyer to Billy, from the golden blood to the sleep cultivation. It wouldnt be surprising if someone like that possessed disgustingly high affinity with some Dao, and it only took him some time to figure it out. Judging by the fact that he had also gained multiple levels pointed toward the fact that he had gained it mid-battle.


    Zac was happy for his friends, but more so he was worried. Had something happened on the outside that would prompt Thea and Billy to take such a risk? The only way to gain multiple levels in one go was for them to defeat a powerful E-Grade invader, probably a General from the Undead Incursion or a leader from one of the few remaining ones neighboring the Dead Zone.


    Thea was aware that he would return in a day or two, but yet she had risked her life in such a fight. Zac almost regretted looking at thedder after seeing the change, as a seed of worry had been nted in his heart. But he could only shake it off and focus on his climb. He would leave this ce in 50 days, which was just a few hours on the outside.


    Apart from the sudden jump by Thea And Billy nothing much had changed since hest checked thedder, apart from the asional movement here and there. Francis and Lotus were two new names in the top ten, though Zac had seen them in the top 30 since the beginning.


    He had no idea who Lotus was, but Francis was one of the human councilors of the Underworld Council. He had usually hovered between rank 15 and 20, but he had upped his game since he arrived to the surface. Apart from him and Enigma there were two more councilors at the power Ladder, though Zac only knew Gregor personally. It was the man he had met just after taking over the Union. He currently sat at the 54<sup>th</sup> position with level 55.


    The other elites of earth hadnt been idle either, and you now needed to have reached level 53 to get a spot. That meant that there were potentially thousands of people who had attained their level 50 skills by now, something that could bring a huge boost in strength to the Native Armies.


    It wasnt bad, but Zac still felt it wasnt enough. He understood why human wave tactics were the only reliable option against incursions unless someone like him appeared. How would a single level 50 warrior take down those leaders he had fought? Even a dozen of them would be useless.


    Zac couldnt see the earthlings defeating a leader, or even a general, unless thousands of people sacrificed themselves to exhaust the invaders Cosmic Energy. Even if the Undead Empire hadnt appeared on earth there was probably not much hope for the earthlings. He even guessed that Thea and Billy had paid some extraordinary cost to win whatever fight they had found themselves in.


    The invaders would have created permanent outposts, killing or enving the local poption as they drained the of all its wealth. Earth was simply too slow in responding, with only a scant few of the incursions being closed while the invaders were heavily restricted and unable to use arrays.


    The movements of the other twodders were even more static than that of the powerdder. A few names had changed as people died or stopped progressing, but it took a lot for thosedders to move. The Dao Ladder stayed almostpletely the same since therge reshuffling that the Dao Funnel brought about, except for Billy.


    Half the Dao Ladder was still filled with former spiritual leaders such as monks and priests, with the rest being powerhouses. There wasnt a lot going on with the wealthdder either. A lot of names had dropped off after Zac conquered the Underworld Union, such as Little Treasure. Much of his wealth had been tied to the Union, and were now part of Port Atwoods coffers.


    But Greed, another former Union member who fled, somehow maintained his spot. It meant that he either carried a massive fortune on his person, or that he possessed intangible assets like a Mercantile License. Djinn was a new arrival, but he wasn''t in any of the other twodders. Zac guessed he had found a huge treasure that spiraled him to the top in one go.


    In any case, he could breathe out in relief since he saw that all the Valkyries, Kenzie, and Emily were safe, meaning that Port Atwood probably wasnt facing some immediate danger. It allowed him to keep climbing without too many distractions. Hopefully, Thea''s actions were simply the result of impatience rather than desperation.


    Zac closed thedders and he immediately picked the Soul Strengthening Manual. The reasoning for him was simple. The Beast Rearing Manual felt pretty useless to him, but the other two were both tempting. Eventually it came down to choosing between Power and Survivability.


    The Body Tempering Manual would probably make him stronger as long as practicing it didnt mess up his body, but he was already plenty powerful for his level. The Soul Strengthening Manual on the other hand could help him strengthening his Soul, which was something Zac desperately needed in his fight against the Splinter.


    He had already sensed the difference an empowered soul could have on him during his previous fight. The splinter had been truly agitated due to the mind invasion, but Zac had yet been able to stay mostly calm through the fight. If it had been before he would probably have unleashed <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> in a muddled rage before he could analyze the situation.


    The splinter was a constant worry, and he needed a long term solution that wasnt reliant on the Miasmic Fractals. This might be his only chance to get his hand on a Soul Strengthening Manual, and he had to take it even if it would slow down his cultivation or make him miss out on forming a constitution.


    Besides, with his path of cultivation he would probably spend a lot of time on the sickbed, wounded from cracking open nodes by force. Galvarion had been forced to recuperate for centuries, and Zac might fare the same fate even with his constitution. Tempering his soul during the downtime would allow him to keep improving even when he was hurt.


    The moment he made his choice he was immediately sent off to the next world, and he barely had time to stash the radiant crystal that appeared in his hand before the whole field around him shook as tens of thousands of bodies rose to their feet.


    One quick look around seemed to indicate that he was on a battlefield between an insectoid species and a mix of their undead counterparts and humanoid zombies, and judging by the groans and roars from the surroundings the undead had won.


    <strong>[Rebuff the Invasion.] </strong>


    Zac wasnt surprised to see the quest, and he summoned the independent fractal de of <strong>[Chop] </strong>to start clearing out the surroundings while he got his bearings. If he was supposed to rebuff the invasion he needed to find either the incursion of the undead, or whatever means they had used to arrive at this.


    After that the most straightforward thing would be to cull the leaders of the invasion, which would hopefully force the soldiers to flee. Of course, it was a possibility that the leaders were far beyond his reach, at which point he would have to figure out to swing the war in the insectoids favor.


    But Zac suddenly frowned as he looked around the area, and his eyes started to shimmer as he activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. Was the undead really the target?


    Something is going on! a shout echoed out from the distance as a group of humanoids rushed toward Zac, pushing the slow-moving zombies out of the way. Why the hell is one of the mercenaries among the children?


    Zac curiously looked and saw that the new group was drenched in darkness to his eyes. Every part of their bodies was covered in death-attuned energies, and it was easy figuring out that they were undead, though these ones were sapient. They were a mix of different humanoid species, and it looked like some of them had swapped out certain body parts.


    The fact that they were all sapient meant that they were E-Grade race as far as Zac knew, but his knowledge about the undead was pretty much limited to what Anzonil had told him. Perhaps there were situations where even lower-tiered undead could gain intelligence.


    Please, my lord! one of the humanoids shouted from afar after having stopped outside the reach of the fractal de that was still reaping zombies left and right. The children are innocent! They just havent woken up yet, please dont waste your strength on them.


    Hmm, Zac shrugged nomittally as he ordered his de to return to his side.


    He had already realized that something was odd even before the group of undead approached him. He had first thought that the scenario was an invasion of the Undead Empire, but the fact that the area was teeming with miasma made Zac realize that might not be the case.


    A bunch of killed zombies certainly would release some miasma, but this battlefield essentially felt even more death-attuned than the core of the Dead Zone, and the effect wasnt nearly this pronounced in the battles he had fought with the undead outside their incursion.


    Besides, some insectoid species were extremely invasive as well, just like the Ayr Hivebeasts. Given enough time they would swallow a whole world, and Zac knew there were many more species like it.


    The scenario became clear after hearing the exchange between the undead. It looked like he was designated as some sort of mercenary, no doubt hired to help the undead forces to rebuff the insectoid invasion. Luckily he had some experience in dealing with insects, and the mission seemed straightforward enough.


    Unfortunately, he was just caught red-handed ughtering people from his own side. The only solution he coulde up with was to act like an aloof master, which hopefully would allow him to not sour his rtionship with the Undead Empire. It was best if he could keep his alliance with the undead to gather intelligence about his target.


    Thank you, my lord, the undead said as he scurried closer, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief.


    The undead was level 60 at best, just a bit better than the extremely weak corpses around them. The low levels of the people made Zac believe this was a low-tiered world, just like the one before this.


    My Lord, I am not sure how you appeared here? the man hesitantly asked as he stopped a few meters away from Zac.


    I got a bit lost, Zac said. Can you lead the way out of here?


    Certainly, the undead nodded. The children wont attack you as long as you are apanied by one of us.


    Zac was slowly led out of the sea of zombies, and he quickly learned that it was not actually a battlefield, but rather a dumping ground where they had left a mix of acquired corpses and insectoid invaders to slowly turn into true undead. Zacs arrival had stirred them prematurely, and they would be kept there for some more time to gestate.


    Zac was pretty curious about the society of the Undead Empire in general, but there was first one thing he wanted to check first. He quickly took out the luminous crystal he had just got, and he infused his mind into it to see what he had just got.


    <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>


    <em>Temper your spirit through nine reincarnations of life and death and form an impregnable soul, immune to the ravages of Samsara.</em>


    Zacs eyes lit up when he read the introduction, and any regret about missing out on a Body Tempering Manual disappeared. It looked like he had just hit the jackpot. Didn''t this sound like a manual made for him with his ability to jump between being living and dead?

 Chapter 432: Lord Draugr

    Chapter 432: Lord Draugr


    Zac had no point of reference when it came to Soul Strengthening Manuals, but the one he held in his hand seemed to be pretty damn strong, even if he didnt have his unique constitution. It wasn''t quite as tailored to his situation as he first had thought though, and it wasn''t strictly limited to people who walked the Path of Life and Death.


    The method to train in the manual was to push ones soul to the peak of life before plunging it to the depths of death, simting a lifetime. Afterpleting enough such revolutions ones soul would undergo a rebirth, shedding some of its imperfections and growing in strength.


    If one managed toplete all nine reincarnations they would possess what the manual called a Nine-Samsara Soul, and it would be so strong that he essentially wouldnt even need mental protection skills like <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> to stay safe. His soul would turn even more monstrous than his nigh-indestructible body.


    The number of revolutions one needed toplete a reincarnation wasnt clear, but judging by thenguage in the crystal it would be a massive undertaking to justplete a few reincarnations, let alone all nine. But Zac hoped that his ability to swap between life and death would be able to expedite the process, though that would probably require some experimentation.


    There were two problems with the manual though.


    For one, only the method for the first four reincarnations were included in the crystal. He would have to somehow find the rest elsewhere if he wanted to continue practicing the skill, and Zac had no idea where he would even begin his search for the missing pieces of a manual like this. He couldn''t just jump into a bunch of Mystic Realms hoping to be lucky.


    The fact that the manual was split up could also be seen as a positive though. Zac only gaining the earliest stages of the manual meant that it was probably beneficial even in higher grades. It would have been a shame if he got one that was only useful in E-Grade, after which he would have to swap to a new one.


    The second problem with the manual was a bit tricky as well.


    Each of the reincarnations required specific environments to practice. The first reincarnation only required him to meditate within one of two specific arrays, one death attuned and the other life-attuned. Kenzie no doubt could help him build two chambers meeting the requirements since Zac had the schematic, but she probably wasnt able to put them on Array Disks just yet.


    Perhaps this is where his unique situation coulde into y. If he could swap out the increasingly stringent requirements with simply swapping back and forth he would save an enormous amount of time and resources. It seemed unlikely that he would be able to practice the Manual inside the tower, though it wouldn''t hurt to try it out.


    Zac put away the crystal and looked over at the undead with some curiosity. This was the first time he had talked with a sapient undead, unless you counted his encounter with the Draugr woman in his vision.


    What race are you? Zac suddenly asked, breaking the silence. Oh, and whats your name?


    Ah? the undead who walked alongside him started.


    Is your race Zombie? Or are you a Corspelord? Zac asked with curiosity.


    A zombie is a derogatory term for those who still havent awakened, the undead answered after some hesitation. My name is Eldar and I am a Revenant, the mostmon Race of the undead.


    Could you exin a bit more? Whats the Difference between a Corpselord and a Revenant? Zac asked. It seems we have the time.


    Well Eldar said with clear conflict on his face.


    Zac understood what was troubling the Revenant, and he immediately had an idea. There was something he could test which might make the group more talkative.


    Wait a minute, Zac said as he stopped in his tracks.


    The group of undead stopped and looked at Zac with confusion, and their eyes widened in shock as Zacs skin turned deathly pale and he started to release a massive amount of miasma around him. His brown eyes quickly darkened until they were two ck globes leading into the abyss.


    Wha- how? the undead sputtered with confusion on his face.


    I am Draugr. I simply used a skill to look like a human, Zac said as he turned his abyssal eyes toward the group. I have been traveling among the living for all my life. This is the first time I actually stepped on death-attuned soil. I hope you can answer my questions and clear some points of confusion for me."


    I- ah, of course! he said. I am sorry, Lord Draugr.


    Zac nodded in relief. This was one of the loopholes the trio had found during their climb, mostly thanks to Ogras predilection of talking far and wide at any tavern he could find. Their races were never made an issue, as though the System forced all the natives to be enlightened and look past race.


    However, if you mentioned your race they would understand you, in contrast to mentioning the Tower of Eternity. They hadnt found any use for that small feature though, until now. The revenants had already been respectful earlier when he was a powerful mercenary hired to help in the war, but now it was as though they looked upon an idol.


    I am sorry for the discourtesy just now, Eldar said as he bowed deeply.


    It is fine. I understand that youd be hesitant to discuss this matter with the living, Zac said. Now, about the races? I have traveled with my master my whole life, and he hasnt exined all these things for me for reasons I cannot disclose. But now that I am returning to the Empire I need this information.


    It was a pretty horrible excuse, but judging by the attitudes of the group of Revenants they wouldnt question him no matter what he said.


    Ah? Yes Certainly! Eldar hurriedly said though he looked pretty confused. May I ask which Empire you are referring to? Our kingdom of Zarvadar borders no force that can be considered an Empire as far as I can tell.


    Zac frowned in confusion for a second until he realized the problem. This world wasnt actually part of the Undead Empire. How would it be? It was part of the Tower. The inhabitants of the worlds were never aware of anythingrger than their, and higher grade beings were mentioned as things of legend.


    That meant that he, unfortunately, couldnt milk Eldar for information about the Undead Empire. Perhaps it wasntpletely a loss though, since there were still a lot of things that he might know. There was only one undead force in the multiverse as far as Zac could tell, and this world should no doubt be based on the situation in the Undead Empire.


    Nevermind, I cannot divulge, Zac coughed. Now, about the races?


    As you probably know, most of our poptiones from corpses awakening, just like the field you saw earlier, Eldar said, eager to please. Only the powerful can conceive children of their own, so adoption is moremon. And these types of children are all Revenants.


    However, the undead are special in that some can change their races to a certain degree, though supreme existences such as Lord Draugr does not need such things. Some shed their mortal coil through a ritual to turn into pure beings of miasma. They gain races such as wraiths and specters, the revenant exined. A few others choose to be Corpselords.


    Corpselords are a manufactured race. They are built by taking extraordinary bodyparts from multiple sources, creating a stronger than average body. Their progeny inherit a mix of their parent''s bodies, which can both turn out great and pretty bad. Corpselord ns are usually subservient ns to either Liches or one of the five noble races, as their origin is that their ancestors were created.


    Does Corpselords have any weaknesses? Zac asked.


    Well,bining bodyparts is a hard venture, and only the most skilled Liches can do it without side effects. Most Corspelords are cursed with their bodyparts being in dissonance. They need to take medicine to quell the effects, and they are always looking for morepatible bodyparts. The risk for an earlier descent into madness is also pretty high.


    Then why would a Revenant choose to be such a being? Zac asked with confusion.


    Ah, lord Draugr might not know, but cultivationes hard to us Revenants. We are not blessed with your talents, and bing a corpse lord is somewhat of a shortcut to power some chooses to take, Eldar exined, not without some helplessness on his face. Most revenants are forever stuck at the F-Grade, unable to truly enter the path of cultivation.


    Zac slowly nodded, remembering Mhal, the Corpselord general. His research had been rted to this subject. Infusing Draugr genes into ones body would be able to increase the affinity with miasma, and perhaps even decrease the dissonance between bodyparts.


    Nevermind, Zac said, realizing he asked something he shouldnt have. Are Liches one of the noble races?


    Liches arent a race, Eldar said with a shake of his head. Its more of a position, as well as a branching ss tree. Creators of undead, miasma controllers. That incubation field you ended up in was maintained by a group of Liches for example. Theyre needed to speed up the awakening of the children. But there are also manybat-oriented sub-sses.


    So what race are they? Zac asked with confusion.


    Most are Revenants, but the most skilled Liches are of course among the five noble races. Apart from the Eternal n who exclusively follow the Sanguine Path.


    I know of the Eternal n, Zac slowly said. But what about the other three races?


    Apart from your noble bloodline, there is the IzhRak Reavers. Their bodies are the strongest of all undead races, without being burdened with any of the demerits the Corpselords have. Then there is the Eidolon, the leaders of the specters, Eldar exined. They are the only spectral race that is born that way, never having shed their physical form through the ritual. Most believe their control over miasma is second only to the Founders.


    Do you know what the founders look like? Zac asked. My master never told me.


    Zac had no idea who these founders were, but he had an inkling. He kind of wanted to ask to make sure, but he saw the gazes of the group of Revenants. He had clearly asked a bit too much, and Zac was afraid that going too far wouldbel him an imposter or something, making his quest all that harder. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    No, the form of the exalted Founders are beyond the knowledge of remote Kingdoms such as ours. They are the origin of our species, I am sure they live in far greater ces than here. ces where the Miasma is dense enough to turn liquid, Eldar sighed, clear longing on his face.


    Zacs eyes lit up when he heard Eldars exnation. One popr theory was that the undead races were created by one single powerhouse, someone at the level of Emperor Limitless. He would probably have be an Apostate if he appeared in this era, but this all happened before the System arrived as the undead existed even before the System.


    These founders might be the descendants of this grand ancestor, and if that was the case it wasnt surprising they would be considered the greatest undead race.


    After some more questioning, he got a pretty decent understanding of the undead Races. The Draugr could be considered the jack-of-all-trades of the five noble races. Their bodies werent as excellent as the IzhRak Reavers, and their affinity with miasma wasnt as great as the Eidolon. But they still excelled on both those subjects, making them excellent all-rounders.


    The Eternal n followed the Sanguine Path as Eldar called it, and it even seemed to be some confusion whether the members were really undead or not. Some believed they were rather a closely allied race that had decided to join the undead for some reason.


    "Thank you," Zac finally said after he had satiated most of his curiosity.


    There was still a lot that he wanted to know, but he felt that it would be too suspicious if he kept going. He instead turned his attention to something else.


    Where are we heading? Zac asked as he looked at the deste surroundings.


    "We have set up a fort an hour''s travel from here," Eldar exined. "You and the other mercenaries were supposed to be ced under General Niksi, but now I am not sure..."


    Zac understood what he meant. Perhaps it would breach some sort of protocol for some normal undead to order around a Draugr.


    "I need a ce with both miasma and Normal Cosmic energy," Zac said, switching subjects.


    "Certainly," Eldar said, though his face looked like Zac had asked for a huge pile of feces to be ced in his bed. "We have already erected arrays to convert the energies for our guests. I''m sure one of the array masters can make some adjustments."


    Zac nodded in thanks as he thought of his next move. He didn''t have a lot of time on his hands, but if there was one floor he should stay some time extra on, wouldn''t it be this one? Where else would he be able to find assistance in grinding the levels of his skills? Where else would he get tips on controlling miasma?


    It was time to integrate into undead society.

 Chapter 433: War

    Chapter 433: War


    Charge! Zac roared as he pushed forward, each step causing the ground to shudder as his frame grew and quickly became ensconced in pitch-ck armor.


    Ten thousand Revenant warriors roared in response, charging the insectoid army without any care for their lives as a thick haze of miasma covered the battlefield hundreds of meters in each direction. One after another fell as they approached the defensive line, but a fanatical gleam burned in the eyes of the survivors as they kept running.


    Zac had severely underestimated the impact a purebred Draugr had in undead societies. He had figured it would be something like an elite on earth. It would elicit some admiration and perhaps jealousy, but nothing too extravagant. But he had been sorely mistaken.


    He had been given a kings wee the moment he arrived at the base camp, and the Revenant general had even offered her position to him without hesitation. However, Zac had declined, instead opting to takemand of an elite troop of 10 000 warriors with the intent to train his skills.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Anzonil, the old horndog, had also hit the mark on the pull of his race to the opposite sex. He had essentially been visited half of the eligible E-Grade females in the kingdom by this point. He had only managed to stave them off by indicating that any spread of his bloodline would be met with swift and bloody retribution by his elders.


    He knew the effect wouldnt be that pronounced in the real Undead Empire though, as there apparently had been no one from the five noble races visiting the kingdom of Zarvadar for millennia. Giving birth to a progeny that was even half-Draugr would skyrocket that family into the stratosphere.


    The interest had barely waned from the threat of his imaginary elders though, and joining the battlefield had as much been an escape from the incessant courtships as it was a way to improve his skills.


    He had already confirmed that the floor guardian was a breeder, which was a specialized clone of the queen. She resided in a hive that had fallen out of the sky one day, continuously spewing out new soldiers. The original script was probably to help the war efforts to the point that arge-scale attack on the hive was possible, though Zac felt somewhat confident in assaulting the ce alone after getting a grasp on the power levels involved in the struggle.


    However, Zac wasnt quite ready to leave this floor yet as he had found it extremely rewarding to use his ss as it was intended.


    Zac was almost upon the defensive line of the insectoid army he had targeted, and he quickly summoned the massive shield from <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. It had slightly changed shape to look like the armor he wore when using <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, and he used it as a wall breaker when he mmed into the row of hulking insectoid brutes that held the front line.


    The specialized defenders were evenrger than Zac in his transformed form, but they still flew out of the way as though they were made from styrofoam as Zac ripped into the army. A hundred skeleton warriors rose from the miasmic mists the moment Zac had pushed his way inside, hacking and shing in every direction.


    They caused massive confusion among the attackers, which allowed Zacs subordinates to widen the breach into a massive hole. Soon enough the Revenant army cut their way through the middle of the army, wedging themselves in and forcing the insectoids to split in the middle. The roars of battle echoed in Zac''s ears, and it felt like the battle lust of his warriors empowered him.


    In fact, the umted killing intent of an army of the dead had been the key to upgrading <strong>[Indomitable]</strong>, and it had pushed to Middle Proficiency during his first skirmish. He had initially thought that the only way to improve the skill was to be hit with mental attacks, but he realized he had beenpletely wrong.


    Hundreds of ranged attacks soared toward the vanguard, and Zac infused his fractal shield with the Seed of Sanctuary, quickly increasing its size to epass the elite core of his army. The Seed was nowhere as strong as his Fragment of the Coffin, but the coffin didn''t help increase the area he could protect.


    Unfortunately, he would soon lose even this capability, which was the downside of abandoning the Fragment of the Shield in favor of his Life-Death duality. Whatever Fragment the Seed of Sanctuary turned into, it would no doubt be life-attuned, which would probably make it impossible to use with his current ss.


    Of course, the Revenant army wasnt helpless even if Zac couldn''t protect them all. They formed a secondyer of defense in the sky that blocked out most of the attacks, and the soldiers ripped into the insectoid ranks with brutal fervor. Meanwhile, ten massive beacons were erected, and nine enormous cauldrons were ced between them.


    It made Zac remember Mhal and his elite army. He had used cauldrons as well, though the way these warriors used it was slightly different. Massive ck clouds started to billow out of the cauldrons in no time, and Zac knew it was a death-attuned poison that only affected the living. Dozens of liches instructed the mists to


    Zac had learned that the spellcasters of the undead armies generally followed three heritages. First were the poison masters such as the lich in his squad, using toxins to cause widespread death. There were also many ice-attuned mages who fused death and frost into extremely potent attacks that turned enemies into frozen statues.


    Finally, there were the soul maniptors who used mental attacks, curses, and illusions. However, these specialists were extremely rare and usually required inborn affinities, sort of like the purifiers on earth. There were certainly more sses, but these three were the mostmon, at least in this kingdom.


    Zac had thought it had something to do with affinities, but the reason was a lot more pragmatic. The spellcasters of the undead armies leaned toward sses that would leave the corpses of their enemies intact. A fireball could turn a dozen warriors into cinders, but that would mean that the kingdom missed out on having a dozen new soldiers join their ranks.


    The battle quickly turned into the undead''s favor, and not just because Zac mowed through the army like a bulldozer. The two sides were almost equal in strength before his arrival, and the single addition of <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> had tipped the scales in the Revenant''s favor.


    Zac had only utilized parts of the skill until now, the part that recovered miasma from kills and the part that weakened enemies. But with an army of the dead at hismand he could utilize the skill to its full effect, where the also undead around him also benefitted from the skill.


    He had initially expected that all the miasma released from kills would go to him, but <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> actually provided the energy to the one whonded the killing blow. So the skill didn''t just weaken the enemies, but it also increased the endurance of the undead, allowing them to keep fighting.


    Using skills as they were intended was the best way to increase their proficiency. Zac had managed to push <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> tote proficiency after just a few fights, and the skill reachingte proficiency actually benefitted him.


    Back when he upgraded the skill to middle proficiency the only thing that changed was that the skill''s coverage more than doubled. Upgrading it tote proficiency had doubled the area once again, and by this point it was able to cover almost a third of a battlefield this size. One more upgrade and he would probably be able to cover a square kilometer in miasma.


    That wasnt the only benefit the skill provided after getting upgraded. He could actually feel thebatants within the mist now. The effect was nowhere near asprehensive as the omniscience of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, but it was more akin to having radar and sensing everyone in the mist like hazy blips.


    He wouldnt be able to use the new feature to dodge attacks, but he would be a lot harder to sneak up on this way. Hiding within the miasmic mists would be impossible without possessing some sort of counter.


    Im going in, Zac said to the two powerful warriors who had fought right behind him the whole time


    They were his two assigned lieutenants, each chosen due to their ability to stay alive in the head of the battle.


    Well hold the line, Yrvos, a Revenant created from a massive Ogre, grunted as he crushed an enemy with his barrel-sized mallet.


    Zac nodded before mming one of his feet into the ground, disappearing in a puff of miasma. He immediately appeared in front of a group of massive ants at the rear of the army, each of them well into the E-Grade. They were war beasts that the insectoids reared, and one of the most powerful weapons in their repertoire.


    Sitting on their backs were a group ofmanders and beastmasters, and it seemed as though they had been expecting Zacs appearance. Ten pirs of light appeared around them, forming an array with Zac and the ants in the middle. A pressure immediately started to push down on him, whereas the insectoids seemed unaffected at all.


    Zac frowned as he looked around, but he still proceeded with his ns as he stomped the ground again, erecting the cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. The mists of <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> were joined by the ck churning clouds of <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. He didnt imbue the mists with the Dao of the Coffin though, but he had rather chosen to imbue <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> with it.


    His Dao Fragment had amazing synergy with the skill, and not using the two together would be a wasted opportunity. First, it made the five towers and their corresponding gates pretty much impervious to the outside forces who tried to break in and assist their leaders. Secondly, they empowered the chains immensely.


    The spectral chains had be a bit useless against the targets Zac mainly focused on with the skill, instantly crumbling from the attacks of the powerhouses. But the chains now required tremendous effort to destroy by the insectoids, making them far more lethal. They also gained a corrosive effect when they attacked and could even deal significant damage by justshing opponents.


    Zac felt as though he was mired in quicksand due to the array, and he was utterly incapable of dodging the rabid attacks from the massive ants who tried to gore him with their sharp legs. But he had never nned on dodging anything anyways, and he immediately started to whittle down the massive insects with the help of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>.


    The E-Grade warriors quickly realized their n had failed, and they jumped down from the backs of the ants to increase the pressure. But Zac was like a whirlwind of death as his massive miasmic bardiche ripped through the thick ting of the ants and the bodies of the insectoid leaders alike.


    The massive pressure he was under from the array started to take its toll though, and he was starting to run a bit low on miasma. However, Zac didnt worry as one of the gates to <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> soundlessly opened while Zac kept the insectoids busy.


    The doors closed again just a secondter, while But one pir after another exploded as spectral warriors appeared out of nowhere, killing the array masters and dismantling the array in seconds. After they hadpleted their main mission they started to take out the normal soldiers in the cage that the spectral chains still hadn''t dealt with.


    Zac wouldnt have any issue dealing with the array himself, but he wanted to use the various squads in his employ as much as possible. It wasnt due to something as noble as giving his soldiers a chance to grow through battle. Zac knew very little about the war tactics of the undead, apart from the mindless hordes of the unawakened zombies.


    Alea had partly suffered her grievous wounds due tocking knowledge as well, not expecting to get ambushed by ghosts like that. He didnt want that kind of surprise to happen to his armies in the sh against the Undead Incursion.


    He had unearthed all kinds of knowledge during the three days hed stayed on this floor. One small tidbit was that the spectral warriors couldnt pass through Dao-infused surfaces or skills with enough power. Thats why he needed to open the door for the ghosts to enter his cage. Simrly, if warriors had their Dao Field unleashed they wouldnt be ambushed out of nowhere as the spectral warriors would be slowed by quite a bit.


    Having ones Dao Field constantly active would put a drain on ones soul, but it would be worth it in the heat of battle to avoid unwee surprises such as getting skewered from a ghost popping out of the ground.


    With the threat of the way Zac methodically killed off the leaders one by one, leaving just thergest ant alive. Zac no longer had any means to see its level, but he guessed it was around level 85 and focused on Endurance. It was a perfect target for his daily practice.


    You can go, Zac said with his deep voice.


    The ghosts who had remained inside the cage until now bowed before they streamed out through a gate that Zac opened, leaving Zac alone inside. Zac cracked his neck as he looked at the target dummy in front of him.


    The past three days had been full of failures, but today he''d conjure those bronze sparks no matter what.

 Chapter 434: Repurpose

    Chapter 434: Repurpose


    The departure of the spectral warriors left only Zac and the remaining inside the cage, along with a hundred decaying bodies that slowly replenished his reserves with miasma. He was still ufortably low on energy though, so he bit down on a pitch-ck pill that turned into a thick sludge that ran down his throat. A surge of miasma spread through his body, almost instantly restoring a fifth of his miasma reserves.


    Zac tried to not to think of the foul taste of the <strong>[Warrior Pill] </strong>he just ate as he swapped out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> for one of his disposable axes. It was a pill that had a simr effect as Cosmic Water but without the downsides as long as you used them in moderation. The<strong> [Warrior Pill] </strong>was a lot weaker than the water though, and you could only eat one a day before side effects started to crop up.


    Next he dispelled <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> and shrunk back to his original size. He wanted to experiment with his Daos, and he had found that his control got even worse in his transformed body. Miasma kept churning around in his body to keep the miasmic armor and weaponry active, which might cause some interference.


    Or it was just the fact that the spiritual energy needed to travel further when his body was bigger.


    The air around Zac started to shudder as he unleashed his Dao field for his Axe Fragment to the utmost. The ant seemed to sense the threat and attempted to ambush him, but Zac kept dodging as he tried to regain the feeling he had during the Dao Discourse.


    It was obviously harder to concentrate with a massive beast trying to skewer you, but Zac felt that it was far easier to make breakthroughs mid-battlepared to sitting alone in a courtyard meditating. The pressure and risk of death would stimte his potential, and something new would hopefully be born from his struggle.


    The atmosphere inside the cage kept changing as Zac switched back and forth between the Dao Fields for his two fragments, one moment containing invisible des and the next second corrosive winds. He had kept trying to recreate the Dao Storm with the help of his aura over the past days, but he was simply not making any progress.


    He did at least manage to superimpose the two Dao fields for a second by force. When he wanted to release a second Dao Field the other automatically receded into his body, but he was able to stop it by simply blocking it out. However, that caused a pretty hefty loss in spiritual energy as the energy simply dissipated instead of returning.


    There were also no bronze shes appearing in the brief seconds he managed to keep the two Dao Fields going simultaneously. Zac figured that the density of energies wasnt enough to force a reaction when it came to Dao Fields. He could only sigh in disappointment at yet another failed experiment and move on.


    If Dao Fields could be considered the gaseous form of the Dao, then directly infusing it into a weapon or skill would be the liquid equivalent, and allowed for arger amount of spiritual energy.


    The Dao Storm had contained most of his spiritual energy, and perhaps that kind of density is what was needed to summon the bronze shes. But he couldn''t just crank out half his soul in one attack, but rather recreate that amount of energy in a single point to force a fusion like before.


    The problem was that Dao Infusion wasn''t like a water faucet. He couldn''t just increase the lever and have more Dao Energy flow out of his head. Until now things had been binary where he either chose to infuse something or not. The amount of energy it cost would depend on the skill or item getting infused, and it would regte itself automatically.


    This was the problem that he had struggled with over the past three days. Trying to control the amount of mental energy that ran down his arm into his axe was like trying to push more air into a bag with his bare hands. Zac kept trying various approaches he had thought up while resting as he ran between the ant''s legs, but nothing worked.


    Since he still couldn''t figure out any way for him to control the amount of energy he could only try to fuse the two Daos once again. It felt like Zacs mind would split apart as he forcibly pushed his two Dao Fragments along his arms before they streamed into the axe at the same time.


    It was yesterday he had finally found a way to force both his Daos to converge. He used each of his arms like a conductor for one Fragment, only trying to push them together when they reached his axe. He only needed to use some Miasma as the method of delivery. However, there were still many problems to solve, and the first trial was the reason that he was using a temporary axe at the moment.


    Verun had roared in Zac''s mind the moment the two streams had entered the axe before it immediately rebuffed the two Dao Fragments. Zac first thought it was because it wasn''t able to properly utilize both fragments at the same time due to itscking materials, but his next experiment showed that there were other issues at y.


    When Zac tried the same thing with a spare axe the two fragments had entered without a problem, but the whole axe exploded into scrap metals in an instant, maiming his hands and almost blinding him. Zac had first thought he managed a fusion at the first try, but he quickly realized he had overestimated himself.


    The explosion came from the two untamed energies along with the miasma causing strain on the weapon rather than a fusion of the two. It was still an impressive outburst of energy though as the axe scraps had either been infused with the Fragment of the Axe or Fragment of the Coffin as they shot out like projectiles in every direction.


    Zac figured there was an issue of speed. He would never be able to squeeze out half his mental energy for a single strike, as he had done during the Dao Discourse. He instead wanted to rely on smaller amounts of energies colliding at higher velocities. It was like the experiments on old earth where scientists shot electrons at each other with extremely high momentum to see what kind of energies were released by the collision.


    He needed to turn himself into a particle collider.


    Having a n was one thing, but finding a solution was something else entirely. A minuteter his axe couldn''t take it any longer and turned into a bomb as well. Zac had learned to see the signs by this point though and threw it away in time, but he froze a secondter.


    What about <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>? He had given up on the skill for his new path, but perhaps some parts could be repurposed. The two fractals from the skill were perfectly ced on his shoulders, and he would easily be able to push his two Dao Fragments there before they continued down his arms.


    The correct usage of the skill was to infused his Daos into the two fractals, and sort of braid the energies in a way that allowed the two Daos to mesh together andbine. After that had been aplished you could infuse whatever you wanted with this newbined energy.


    Zac had never really gotten much further than infusing both fractals with their respective Daos. He hadn''t even been close to finishing the type of mesh required, but that wasn''t his goal at the moment. He felt like he was so close to the answer that he could taste it, and he gave the ant a quick punch to throw it away before he prepared to test his newest theory.


    Zac immediately took out two daggers and stabbed one into each shoulder without as much as a grunt. Ichor started to drip down his arms and back, but he didn''t care as he hurriedly activated the two maimed fractals with a smile that would no doubt look a bit deranged to an outsider.


    The Dao Fragments entered the two fractals of <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, but Zac didn''t care at all about bnce this time as he tried to force the energies to the center of the fractals as quickly as possible. Normally it wouldn''t have been possible without properly following the winding pathways, but he had carved a new path for himself.


    The two daggers acted as conductors and allowed him to skip all intricacies of the skill fractal, leaving just the part that acted as an entrance funnel, along with the core of the skill that Zac guessed was responsible for the fusion. The weapon de allowed him to pass by over 70% of the fractal by just pushing the energy right through the metal itself.


    Adrenaline started to course through his body when he realized that it was actually working, and blobs formed form his two Dao Fragments shot toward each other in his chest.


    But happiness quickly turned to panic as Zac felt a terrifying buildup taking ce when the two blobs merged, and he desperately tried to push it out of his body. He wasn''t sure if he''d even survive if the blob exploded like his axes, taking half his torso with it.


    The energy only got halfway down his arm before the ball of energy copsed in a soundless implosion, annihting a good chunk of his bicep as it disappeared. The pain was excruciating, but Zac was still delighted with the result as his eyes were trained on the wound.


    The implosion had contained a bronze-colored spark.


    Zac was in no mood to stay at the battlefield any longer, and Zac ordered the ten chains of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> to kill the ant who was already on itsst legs from the sparring session. The battle outside had already ended as well, with liches going through the battlefield to find salvageable bodies.


    The corpses were ced in two piles. The second pile was the fallen Revenants and the insectoids who weren''t salvageable, and these bodies were ted to be incinerated. He was still curious as to why it was impossible to re-reanimate a Revant, but he put the matter and instead hurried back to the outpost to go over the results.


    Youre back, Lord Piker, Uro, a steward that the Zervadar kingdom had provided for him, said with a bow as Zac barged through the door.


    Is there any news from the Guild? Zac asked he sat down with a grimace as the wound in his arm made itself remembered.


    I will enquire, Uro said and left the courtyard, allowing Zac to go over his findings.


    His arm was a mess, but his short experiment with <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> as a base was a huge step forward. There was a lot of work left to do though. First of all, he couldn''t keep stabbing himself with knives to create shortcuts in the pathways. It was both time-consuming and inefficientpared to using real pathways, not to mention that it hurt like hell.


    Right now Zac had only an extremely crude proof-of-concept that needed huge improvements to be considered passable. He would somehow need to redraw the skill fractals of <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> to better fit his purpose, but he had no idea how to go about doing such a thing.


    The next step was to control the fused energies long enough for him to hurt his enemy rather than himself. Right now it couldn''t be considered a weapon as much as a creative way to kill yourself, akin to creating a bomb right next to your heart. If the spark had gone off just half a second earlier he might have lost the whole arm instead of just some muscle tissue and ichor.


    The question was whether he really needed to stay on any longer on this level, as these kinds of experiments could be performed while climbing.


    He still had many skill upgrades waiting for his Draugr-ss, but he wasnt sure how long it would take to grind them out with his army. Zac guessed he would have to hear what the Guild had to say before deciding whether to stay or not, and he looked up with anticipation as his steward soundlessly entered his courtyard twenty minutester.


    A representative from the Inscriber Guild is here, Uro said with another bow.


    Let her in, Zac said, knowing that they would no doubt send Ildera again.


    "Lord Piker," the beautiful Vice Guild Master said with a curtsy the moment she entered the courtyard. "Ah! You''re wounded! Let me-"


    "It''s fine," Zac cut her off before she used his wound as an excuse to fondle him again.


    If Zac hadn''t known she was a Revenant he would have thought she was a pale human. Ildera had one of the highest levels in the whole kingdom, and she had be remarkably close to a living being as far as Zac could tell. With the notable exception of running on miasma rather than Cosmic Energy and food.


    "How did it go?" Zac asked as he took another healing pill, one special-made for his undead constitution and provided by the woman in front of him.


    The formation master looked a bit unhappy about being rebuffed, but seeing Zac using the pills she had gifted him lessened her displeasure noticeably.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I''m afraid we failed you," Ildera said with a pout as she sat down next to him. "Feel free to punish me as you see fit."


    "What went wrong?" Zac asked with disappointment, ignoring the innuendo.


    That Ildera failed to create the Array Disks for <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>was a bit of a blow, and he started to wonder if even his sister would be up to the task.

 Chapter 435: Breeder Clone

    Chapter 435: Breeder Clone


    "We weren''t sessful in inscribing the life-aspected formation," the undead inscriptionist said as she took out a couple of pitch-ck array disks. "You will likely need a life-attuned Array Master for that half. I do maintain some contact with a master who might be able to do it, but it will probably require a few months."


    Zac stared at the inscriptions with bemusement for a second before he looked down at the densely inscribed array disks. Was there really a need to leave him on a cliff like that just now?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "This is great, no need to disturb your friend," Zac assured after heposed himself. "How many did you manage to inscribe?"


    "We made six, but I assure you we use high-quality materials," Ildera said with some confusion. "They will not break even after repeated usage, so having six of them is overkill."


    The first thing Zac had done after arriving at the outpost was tomission the construction of array disks for his Soul Strengthening Manual. The forces he encountered in the Tower were all at least E-Graded by now, and many had skilled inscriptionists who could help save some time. He still had over 40 days left in the tower, and he wanted to use the days to the fullest.


    It would also save his sister a lot of effort if he could simply get his hands on array disks rather than having her spend weeks on creating two cultivation caves. The reason hemissioned multiple copies was even simpler. He needed to improve the odds of the arrays making it out of the Tower.


    What do you know about redrawing skill fractals? Zac suddenly asked, taking the opportunity to learn from an E-Grade cultivator. Seeing as youre an expert on inscriptions I hope you would have some insights to share.


    Ildera surprisingly didnt answer though, but rather looked at Zac with a troubled expression.


    I am not qualified to discuss such matters with the young master. I am sure that your elders will show you the way when you reach the point of creating, adjusting, and fusing skills, she said. I am afraid that me intervening at this point would deviate your path of cultivation.


    It appeared that using his imaginary master and elders as a shield from any questions and courtships had its drawbacks. He tried to cajole some answers for a while but she was like a brick wall, citing that it wasnt her ce to disrupt his masters n.


    She eventually relented a bit by gifting him a handful of sheets that were actually made from the skin of E-Grade cultivators. Zacs hair stood on end when he realized what he was holding, but it was apparently a material made for practicing inscribing skill fractals and pathways. It was the closest one could get without starting to experiment with your own body.


    The Array Master once again tried to turn the short visit into a romantic outing after the main matter was dealt with, but she was soon enough led out from the courtyard by Uro.


    "My master contacted me earlier. He ordered me to take down the Breeder within the day as a trial. I will be leaving in a few hours," Zac said when the steward returned.


    Uro, the ever stoic servant, simply inquired whether Zac needed assistance or any specific equipment for his task. Zac asked for some more <strong>[Warrior Pills]</strong> after some deliberation, along with another batch of Miasma Crystals. The steward bowed and left the courtyard once again.


    Ildera not being willing to help out with redrawing the fractals was a bit of a let-down, but she still had provided a lot of help. Her words had indicated that modifying skills was possible, and not some cockeyed idea he hade up with. Even more surprising, she had actually mentioned that Fusing skills was possible as well.


    Creating skills was nothing strange. It seemed to be somewhat expected after reaching E-Grade, at least if you had a higher rarity ss. Those with umon sses would probably get by with just buying skills, but he had a hard time believing someone with an Epic ss would be able to reach D-Grade without having created at least one skill tailored to their cultivation path.


    Modifying skills to better suit you felt pretty straightforward as well, though it was probably a lot moreplicated than it sounded. Skill fractals were delicately designedworks of thin pathways that allowed Cosmic Energy to transform into all kinds of magical effects.


    The skill fractals were something like an imbuement of Dao as far as Zac could tell. Pushing the energy through thework infused the un-attuned energy with higher truths, which is how Cosmic Energy turned into anything from fireballs to Zacs fractal edges formed from <strong>[Chop]</strong>. That was also why one could ponder on the Dao through studying skill fractals.


    Even small modifications of a fractal would destroy the delicate pattern the fractal created, and you really needed to know what you were doing to notpletely mess everything up.


    Fusing two skills was another beast altogether. Zac had no idea where to even begin with such a daunting task. He could only assume that the System assisted somehow since skill fusions sounded way tooplicated to understand for someone who hadnt spent eons studying fractals.


    Zac looked up at the dour sky with some wistfulness. It almost felt as though he was back on the ind again during those two solitary months. An ignoramus fumbling in the dark, trying to make sense of what was going on.


    He had stepped over a mountain of corpses to get where he was right now, but he was still just someone on the threshold of cultivation. In the beginning he was like a caveman, crudely pushing Cosmic Energy into various body parts to increase his strength. But was he all that much better now, impaling himself with daggers to create shortcuts in his skill fractals?


    The steward returned soon enough and he wordlessly handed over a Cosmos Sack. Zac didnt think much of it, but his eyes widened in shock when he scanned the contents of the pouch.


    Whats all this? Zac asked with shock.


    Its from the Royal Family. Killing the breeder is just a stepping stone on Lord Pikers path, but it is the difference between life and death for the Kingdom of Zarvadar. This is a token of our appreciation, Uro said, some life appearing on his face for the first time since he was assigned to Zac.


    The reason Zac was so shocked was that there were roughly a hundred D-Grade Nexus Crystals inside the pouch, along with all kinds of pills and herbs. It might not be muchpared to the vast amount of wealth he found inside the Spatial Ring belonging to Rasuliel, but it was still the biggest haul of any single level unless you counted special encounters such as the Pool of Tranquility.


    Since Zac had made his decision he immediately prepared to set out. Themander of the outpost apparently wanted to hold a banquet in his honor, but Zac declined as he much preferred to depart without any pomp or ceremony. Fearing some sort ofmotion he donned a cloak before he slipped through the back door of the mansion to blend in with the soldiers.


    It was still a bit weird walking among the undead in their natural habitat. It was as though he was in some sort of bizarro-world where everything was simr but not quite the same. He had seen a young couple walk hand in hand, one of them a human zombie sporting a decent amount of decay and the other a Corpselord stitched together from at least 5 different races.


    Another thing that had been a bit surprising was their love for scents. Almost all the undead living in the kingdom were too low-tiered to eat and drink, so they looked elsewhere to find the satisfaction a good meal could bring. Many enjoyedplex fragrances and most households created their own incense or potpourri.


    Zac had long known about the location of the level guardian and he switched over to his human form when he was far enough. It was still quite the distance, and it took him six hours to reach the insectoid stronghold where the Breeder Clone was located, even when he employed <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to its fullest.


    The location wasn''t very hard to find as it was a huge crater caused by the insect hive mming into the undead. The Breeder had arrived alone and quickly started to produce an army for conquest. The insectoid queen had essentially shot out a bunch of hives specially designed for space travel, and they would autonomously conquers theynded on before reconnecting with the main hive.


    Zac deliberated for a few seconds, but he eventually decided to head in as a Draugr. He had somewhat fallen into the routine where he relied on his human form for most tasks, while asionally switching over to Undying Bulwark when Hatchetman proved a bad fit.


    This was reflected in the nted masteries of his skills, and Zac decided to push through the whole of the 7th floor in his Draugr form unless a level was a particrly bad match.


    Sneaking inside the hive was out of the question no matter what ss he chose as the whole crater was crawling with warriors. But full frontal conflict was Zac''s forte, so he started to grow from activating <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> as he ran down the slopes.


    Just secondster enraged screeches echoed across the area as Zac mowed down one warrior after another with the help of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark].</strong> He didn''t bother killing too many of the warriors, wanting to save his miasma. Some unlucky warriors got bisected by the massive miasmic axe from getting too close, but most just got lightly maimed before they were thrown out of the way.


    He was however forced to start cutting his way forward when he reached the hive, which pretty much looked like a nondescriptet. The entrance waspletely blocked with innumerable warriors and beastpanions, and Zac waspletely drenched in a mix of blood, ichor, and green goop when he finally reached the Breeding Chambers.


    The Breeder Clone seemed to be something like a mix of a worm and a factory, a gargantuan mound of flesh over 50 meters long. Zac barely had time to consider a course of action as a massive burst of Fragment-empowered acid threatened to swallow him whole.


    He initially nned on enduring the st before countering, but his Danger Sense screamed that doing so would be a monumental mistake. He could only m his foot into the ground to teleport next to the massive insect with the help of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> and then stomp again to erect the cage.


    His pitch-ck bardiche swiped at the enormous b of flesh, but he was surprised to see that the creature had a consistency like pudding. His axe went right through, but the only effect was that he almost got doused by another spurt of acid. Even worse, just secondster therge wound had closed.


    Zac briefly considered swapping over to his other ss to deal with this weird creature, but he suddenly had an idea. The ten chains all stopped killing the soldiers that kept emerging from pods that covered the Breeder''s body and instead shot far into its gtinous flesh.


    The Clone violently started to shudder and shoot acid in all directions, forcing Zac to desperately scramble back and forth as hebated the tide of newly hatched insectoids that tried to rip him into shreds. However, he almost moaned in pleasure as torrential amounts of energy kept surging into his body from the Breeder Clone.


    The amount of energy that the chains managed to drain from the queen was shocking, and a massive cloud of miasma had long formed over Zac''s head as he simply had no way to storing this much energy. It took a full 10 minutes for the ten chains topletely drain the queen, which awarded Zac a final burst of energy that confirmed the kill.


    The whole Breeding Chamber was partly submerged in massive pools of corrosive acid by this point, and together with the ck clouds of <strong>[Winds of Decay], </strong>the hive had truly turned into a hellscape for any being, living or dead. Zac wasted no time inside the hive and quickly stepped through the teleporter.


    Thebination of his shocking Endurance and theyers of defensive skills that Undying Bulwark provided made Zac a nigh-impervious tank, but he still looked beyond saving when he appeared in the middle of the streets of some massive town. His pale skin was sloughing off his body in multiple spots, and Zac shuffled into an alley as he threw a healing pill into his mouth.


    It appeared the days of easy victories were over.


    The Breeder Queen hadn''t been an insurmountable enemy, but the thing was both hard to kill while possessing unique strengths that would make her a pain to fight for either of his sses. The realization forced him to stay in ce and heal up before heading out, as he didn''t dare to challenge the level in his current condition.


    Zac was thankfully able to reach an almost perfect condition within a few hours thanks to the pills he was given, and he immediately resumed his climb. He wanted to regain the days he lost on the first level, sparing barely an hour a day for sleep and meditation.


    But progress was getting slower and slower, and not a single level provided a quick solution.


    Worst of them all was the 60th level where he was trapped in an endless loop of restrictive arrays for nine full days. When Zac finally managed to break out through a bout of unhinged fury he didn''t even attempt toplete the quest, but instead opted to turn the poor guardian into a pile of meat.


    The unceasing experiments into fusing his Dao Fragments was also a cause of constant dys. In fact, thergest threat to his well being was his own training regimen. The guardians left their fair share of wounds by this point, but none of them had managed to st one of his lungs into smithereens like he had during a particrly ill-fated training session.


    Zac was essentially leaving a trail of bodies and ck ichor in his wake, but that trail was at least getting closer and closer to the peak of the 7th floor.

 Chapter 436: The Tallest Trees

    Chapter 436: The Tallest Trees


    Ogras warily looked around as he appeared in the new world. Only when he saw that he had appeared on a busy street did he allow himself to look down at the gash at his side. Luckily the mayors all-out attack had barely missed as Ogras jumped onto the teleporter, allowing him to avoid wasting a week recuperating.


    Who knew that the old goat would be so infuriated? Bing a grandfather should be a happy asion, after all.


    That world was done with, but he couldnt help but once again wonder if these worlds were real. Would he be a father? Well, not that he wasnt one already after his years of whoring and ying around about back home. There were no doubt at least a dozen little bastards with his blood running around the streets of TerFerizan.


    The demons gaze darted back and forth across the street as he popped a pill in his mouth, his shadow tendrils meanwhile spreading out in search of threats and treasures. But it just looked like a somewhat flourishing metropolis, though the energy density was pretty abysmal. Luckily he didnt have to search for long as the quest screen appeared on its own the moment he started walking.


    <strong>[Be an honorary disciple of the Transcendent Master.]</strong>


    The demon sneered when he saw the name. Anyone who had the gall to call himself a Transcendent Master in a ce like this was no doubt an insufferable asshole of the highest order. Just the thought of bing a disciple to such a pretentious prick made his hair stand on end. An ornery person like that would no doubt request the full ceremony with kneeling and offering thanks to the heavens.


    It didnt take a lot of time to find out that the so-called Transcendent Master was an adviser to the crown and one of the guardian pirs of this country. The title had been awarded him by the former emperor after having fought off an invasion of the Grev Reapers, whatever that was. He currently lived alone, and he epted 5 honorary disciples to carry on his legacy every year.


    The next trial was unsurprisingly tomorrow.


    Leech, you better help me this time or I wont feed you for a month, the demon said as he sat in the hotel room he had hired for the night.


    Ogras still had no proper means tomunicate with Leech, but the creature living in his shadows released a few undtions, which he felt represented a reluctant acquiescence. Ogras'' mouth widened into a grin as he started to prepare, and one item after another fell into his shadows, seemingly transported into another dimension.


    The next day Ogras found himself shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of middle-aged warriors, all seemingly stuck at the precipice of evolution. Bing an Honorary Disciple also meant getting ess to the vast fortune of the old master, which included various herbs that would help push one''s constitution forward. It was a huge opportunity in a country where even worthless stalk of grass could be coveted if it contained some Cosmic Energy.


    There were three trials to the apprenticeship; Mind, Body, Heart. The Trial of Mind was essentially just a confusion array, and his grandpa had thrown him into enough of those while growing up for him to effortlessly pass through. He did however slow himself down somewhat as to not garner too much attention, as that might interfere with his ns. The standards of mental strength in the kingdom were obviously wanting, and just a third of the trial takers passed it.


    The Trial of Body was just as simple, and Ogras was starting to wonder if the old goat was simply phoning it in. The old master simply said that the trial would be over when half the contestants had been thrown out of the courtyard where the trials were being held, which resulted in an all-out brawl.


    Ogras had initially been nning on going easy again to stay unnoticed, but he was a bit embarrassed to realize his worries were superfluous as he found himself perfectly mediocre without even trying. Then again, he was holding back on his shadow skills, and instead tried to make do with his spear skills.


    During the free-for-all he had barely needed to act to be thrown into the six specific positions he needed to reach. But thankfully no one seemed to have noticed that a spike was shot into the ground the moment Ograsnded, and by the time the Trial of the Body was over the six spikes had formed a circle that covered the entire courtyard.


    "The Trial of the Heart will test your convictions, your morality, and your loyalty to this great nation," the stalwart old master said as he stood in front of the 20 remaining trial takers. "A crooked tree will never grow to its full potential, always forced to live in the shadows of others. As such, I will only assist those with a righteous heart."


    The old master proceeded to walk toward one warrior after another, using some unknown means to figure out whether they were righteous. Ogras'' heart started to beat in anticipation as the Transcendent Master got closer and closer, readying himself for battle. But Ogras'' eyes widened in rm when the old master suddenly turned toward him, hostility all too apparent in his eyes.


    He had been exposed.


    "You!" the old man roared as a massive surge of energy started radiating from his body, transforming him from an aged schr into a ferocious warrior.


    An explosion erupted from a nearby pavilion as a shimmering sword burst through its ceiling before it shot toward the old master, but Ogras saw no need to let the Transcendent Master arm himself. A massive crystal appeared in his arms and he immediately mmed it into the ground while infusing it with Cosmic Energy.


    Roiling waves of illusory mes immediately inundated the whole courtyard and the trial takers fell over screaming, desperately clutching their heads.


    The Transcendent Master seemed a lot better off though, perhaps due to being the floor guardian. His eyes still looked bloodshot though as he gripped the flying sword and shed toward Ogras with an enraged roar.


    The demon narrowly dodged a wind de that would no doubt have cut him into two as he charged the old man with his spear drawing a majestic arc in the air. But two sharpnces of congealed shadows suddenly gored the old master from behind, leaving two nasty wounds.


    The old man was obviously a seasoned fighter who would normally have been able to intercept such an attack, but his soul was currently on fire courtesy of the <strong>[Voidfire Array]</strong>.


    Two wounds weren''t enough to take the old man down. However, it did cause him to lose focus for a short moment, which allowed Ogras tounch a massive shadonce that ripped a hole through his torso.


    The old master looked at Ogras with confusion, anger, and betrayal as he fell on his back while Ogras retrieved the six spikes with his shadow tendrils. It looked like the old man couldn''tprehend why someone would assault him after his centuries of service to the kingdom.


    Ogras walked over to the old man who barely clung onto life and looked down at him with a nd gaze. One swift strike ended it, and Ogras quickly snatched the powerful sword before it flew away.


    What''s so bad about living in the shadows? Ogras muttered as he jumped onto the teleporter. Its the tallest trees that have to bear the winds.


    ----------


    How did things go? Catheya asked, her eyes never leaving the screen in front of her.


    There are no more members of the Tsarun-n in the Base Town. However, three managed to destroy their tokens and leave, Varo recounted stoically.


    Hes already passed the 6<sup>th</sup> floor, but his speed is average at best and it keeps getting worse, Catheya muttered. Its hard to draw any conclusions. What do you think?


    I took the liberty of asking around some more afterpleting my mission, Varo slowly said. I would venture that he is being held back by ack of knowledge of the tower and assisting treasures such as Array Breakers.


    Why do you say that? Catheya asked with interest.


    If Zac Piker truly was a disciple of her ancestor, then he should be well aware of all the hidden risks and opportunities inside the Tower of Eternity, especially those on the higher floors. But his speed did honestly indicate that there were some problems.


    I found something at one of the Intelligence offices at the outer rim, Varo said as he handed her an Information crystal.


    Super Brother-Man? Fights with an axe... A powerful native who defeated an incursion? Catheya mumbled as she scanned the contents. Who are these EzMahal-people?


    Its a small feudal force in the sector, no one of import. Judging by their strength I would guess that the newly integrated was of the lowest grade, Varo said. The EzMahal could barely be considered a High D-Grade force, and a splintered one at that.


    It doesnt make sense, Catheya muttered as her brows furrowed with confusion.


    Zac Piker being an Integration Progenitor would exin why he was so powerful without anyone knowing about him. Thebination of the Tutorial, the massive amount of Origin Dao, and the various opportunities The Ruthless Heavens provide to suchs could sometimes create extreme outliers.


    But it also made the connection to her ancestor all the more baffling.


    It is a bit disappointing. Perhaps I am overestimating my instincts, Catheya muttered before she turned to her steward. How far do you think he will go?


    He will pass the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, Varo said without hesitation.


    Why do you say that? Catheya asked, her mouth tugging upward.


    Instinct, Varo answered after some hesitation.


    Thats why were such a goodbination, Catheya smiled. I think so too. In fact, I think he might even beat the 8<sup>th</sup>."


    Varos brows rose a bit before his expressionless appearance returned, but Catheya knew it meant that her attendant disagreed. Catheya still had a feeling about that man, even if she didnt have anything to substantiate it with.


    Do you remember Reoluv of the Dravorak Dynasty? Varo suddenly said.


    What about him? Catheya mumbled with disinterest as her gaze returned to the Tower Ladder.


    His brother just arrived, and hes ready for a fight.


    --------


    The Zethaya sends their regards, a young woman said with a bow as she handed Yeorav a crystalline vial.


    Mh, Yeorav nodded as he stashed away the pills without much interest. What did you find out?


    It is just as your informant indicated. A confrontation between Zac Piker and Rasuliel Tsarun resulted in the destruction of the Zethaya Pill House and the death of Rasuliel. Boje Zethaya indicated that there was likely some unknown history between the two, as Rasuliel went out of his way to antagonize Mr. Piker.


    What else?


    Yara went over the details of the altercation in the Pill House, with Yeorav asionally asking rifying questions.


    So he either has an extreme amount of Endurance, or he possessed some sort of treasure to withstand the Tsarun brats <strong>[Abjuration of Zerthava]</strong>. Where did he get his hands on that thing, anyway? Only those in the Boundless Factions can make that cursed item, Yeorav asked.


    There have been rumors of the Tsarun doing business with unorthodox forces, Yara said after some thought. But nothing substantiated and not to the point that it has created a pushback.


    That old pretender is too greedy, too impatient, Yeorav snorted with disdain. He wants to stand shoulder to shoulder with the likes of the Allbright Dynasty and my ancestors, but his ambition has turned him insane. How can a dynasty be created on such a murky foundation?


    Well, these events will no doubt infuriate them. Boje also let slip that Rasuliel was the one who bought the Pathfinder Oracles Eye a few days ago, and it is now in Mr. Pikers possession, Yara added.


    Oh? Yeorav said with some excitement.


    He knew his family had a few body parts of Pathfinder Oracles in their treasury, but there was no chance of getting his hands on them because of their ancestors strict rules about cultivation.


    The number of resources he could draw from the treasury while still in F-Grade had long been tapped out. He would only be able to trade for it with an item of equal value, and it had to be something he had found himself without assistance.


    The odds of that happening without him entering the depths of dozens of Mystic Realms were almost nil, but such an opportunity had somehow presented itself in front of him now. A treasure like that was something that you couldnt get your hand on even if you had the money, and he could think of multiple ways he could utilize such a thing.


    His little brother was no doubt kicking himself for not having the patience to wait just a few days before attempting his climb. But luck was sometimes as important as skill.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Has everything been set up? Yeorav asked.


    Everyone is in position. But multiple forces are simrly preparing for when Mr. Piker emerges, Yara said.


    What have the undead been up to? Yeorav asked.


    They havent made any movements since they threw out the Tsarun n from the Base Town, she said, some confusion clearly written on her face.


    Their motivation doesnt really matter. Perhaps they just want a top grade body to bring back home, Yeorav said as he gently grabbed Yaras hand. It will be an all-out brawlter. Dont get mixed into this mess.


    Is All this really necessary? Yara sighed as she moved closer to Yeorav.


    You know how my family operates. If Reoluv ascends I will probably just be relegated to manage a far-off corner, but if it''s second brother Ill be assassinated along with everyone close to me, Yeorav said with a pained grimace. My only hope is passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor and getting epted to one of those far-away ces. Ill take you with me and leave the in-fighting to my siblings.


    Not many people in their remote corner of the multiverse were aware, but passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor essentially gave you a direct shot at entering massive factions that towered far beyond anything else in the sector. The whole sector was just a small corner of their domains, breeding grounds that asionally fostered promising seedlings.


    Most thought that Lord Beradan had been lucky and encountered a great master after passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, but he would probably still have been able to join one of those forces due to his amazing talents and his showing in the tower.


    Yeorav knew his own limitations, and he hadnt seen passing the 7<sup>th</sup> floor as a realistic opportunity. He knew he wasnt his brothers match in either talent or diligence, especially since their ancestor had taken Reoluv as a direct disciple.


    Just reaching the 7<sup>th</sup> floor was a stretch without expending some treasures. Defeating the floor guardian? A fools dream. But that had all changed now. Yeorav didnt know what that poor man had done to piss off the Boundless Heavens to this extent, but it actually awarded everyone who appeared in the Base down the quest.


    His previous n was to wait a decade or two and pass the 6th floor with the help of some treasures, but now a better opportunity had presented itself. It had prompted him to cache in on every favor and borrowing from everyone he could think of to stock up on enough offensive and defensive treasures to conquer a minor empire.


    It should allow him to propel him through the 7th floor, and with the help of the quest he''d skip the floor guardian altogether.


    He normally wouldnt stoop to such despicable levels as he had no bad blood against this Zac Piker. He would rather meet whatever fate came his way when Reoluv or their Second Brother ascended to the throne, but he knew that wasnt an option any longer. His rtionship with Yara had been exposed, so whatever ending he would meet, so would she.


    It was a shame, but Zac Piker needed to die so that they could live.


    But that man seems dangerous, and hes already entered the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, Yara said with worry.


    Opportunities are always found in the midst of danger, Yeorav muttered as he stroked Yaras hair. Besides, I didnte to the Base Town empty-handed."

 Chapter 437: Struggle for Supremacy

    Chapter 437: Struggle for Supremacy


    Barely healed wounds covered Zacs whole body after hacking and shing his way through the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, and he breathed out in relief when he saw that he wouldnt face the floor guardian of the 7<sup>th</sup> floor immediately. Not even the thick armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> had been enough to prevent him from getting hurt from the increasingly intense battles.


    He had already spent a full day to restore hisbat strength to its peak on the 62<sup>nd</sup> level, but he still could use some more time to rest up. His upper chest getting obliterated had cost him a second Zethaya Pill, but even then it had taken a couple of days before he dared to swap over to his human form.


    Losing a lung and maiming his heart wasn''t too bad when he didn''t need to breathe or pump blood, but in his human form it might have proved lethal.


    Zac looked down at his token with a sigh, seeing that only 27 days remained. He essentially knew that reaching the 72<sup>nd</sup> floor was not only a matter of strength by this point, but also luck. Twenty-seven days felt like a lot, but it was only 3 days per floor. Getting stuck just once would probably mean his climb was over.


    The time constraints also made him hesitant whether he would be able to experiment any more with his Dao Implosions. Continuously wounding himself hadnt really dyed him too much so far since he was pretty used to fighting wounded.


    But the enemies were bing pretty strong by this point, and the 73<sup>rd</sup> floor entailed another steep boost in difficulty. He couldnt keep running around with maimed bodyparts any longer unless he knew he wouldnt encounter the guardian for another day or so.


    Besides, Zac had started to realize that his goal of using the bronze shes offensively was far far away.


    Zac had hoped that he would be able to utilize the mysterious shes offensively by the time he reached the floor guardian, but the past days had proven that it was simply impossible. For one, he had only managed to actually force four fusions over a hundred attempts. Worse yet, each of those fusions had been so unstable that they had exploded in his face before he managed to use them for anything.


    The fact that it was somewhat working felt like an indication that he was moving in the right direction, but he started to fear that he wouldnt be able to create a working system before he evolved. The question was whether his current progress could be considered a creation.


    He felt it was unique enough as he had never heard of anyone doing what he was attempting, and it was also suited to his special circumstances. He had also arrived at the system mostly by his own effort, rather than following a heritage or a master. Yrial was a definite influence on the path, but not to the point that it could be said that Zac was following in his footsteps.


    In either case, it looked like he would have to fight without using prototype Dao Implosions on this level. But he was still confident in his chances, especially in his human form. He felt that he would be able to take out almost anything with unrelenting ferocity as long as he utilized <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> and <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> along with his supreme attacks, which is why he had already swapped over to his Hatchetman ss.


    Looking around made his brows furrow though. It looked like he was in the middle of a massive arena, one a hundred timesrger than the ve ring he wound up in afterpleting the 4th floor.


    Zac sat on a tform rising roughly half a meter above a floor made ofrge tiles, and he noticed there was an array ensconcing the tform. Zac hesitated for a second before he walked over to gingerly touch it, and he found that it felt like solid rock.


    It looked like he was trapped like a beast in his cage, and a Dao-infused punch to the array indicated that breaking it was likely beyond his capabilities. He grunted in annoyance but quickly calmed himself down as he sat down in the middle of the tform and sat down to rest up and figure out what was going on.


    The first thing he had noticed was that his was not the only tform in the arena. He could spot at least two hundred tforms around him, but just a few had golden arrays like his own. Indistinct shapes of other warriors could be seen inside, but he couldnt make out any exact appearances of the others.


    He could however tell that they were likely humanoids just like himself judging by the size and shape rather than war beasts. Was this some sort of colosseum where he would be forced to fight other diators to the death? If so, why hadnt he gotten any quest prompt yet?


    And who was the floor guardian in this scenario? There were no spectator stands or people visible in any direction, and the arena simply ended with a vast emptiness, like they were on top of a disk floating around in space.


    Was this another riddle he was too stupid to figure out? It had been a humbling experience realizing that he couldntplete a single one of the quests of the 7th floor, forcing him to fight against the guardians instead.


    Mostly it wasn''t an issue of figuring out how toplete the quest. The problem was that it would take too much time, or that he didn''t possess the prerequisite skills needed. Almost all the quests either required some specific knowledge or treasures to pave the way.


    Even the quest on the previous floor requiring him to unseal a tomb to acquire a treasure within was hopeless. The array hadpletely stumped him, and it was designed in such a way that brute force didnt work. But he had somewhat expected such a result.


    He had been going in knowing full well he would have to rely on his strength above all. But even finding the guardians was turning into a chore, which is why he barely had enough time toplete the 8th floor now.


    The fact that he was stuck inside an array at the moment didnt help with his impatience to get going.


    Minutes passed and Zac started to realize what was going on though. One array after another shed into life, and another cultivator found themselves seated on a tform in the arena. After just 15 minutes half the tforms were filled, and Zac started to mentally prepare himself for a messy battle.


    The closest tform suddenly shed to life, and Zac looked over with interest. A hazy outline of a humanoid youth could be seen beyond the golden wall, and his head swiveled back and forth for a few seconds before he sat down.


    Shit, how unlucky. A battle of fate. I should have postponed my climb a day, the youth swore. Better not be any Tower Breakers today.


    Zac sat some distance away from the one who had spoken up, but he could still make out the words from the guy.


    His mind spun as he tried to understand the scenario. This level felt differentpared to those before. The previous levels had all ced him in some sort of scenario, where he already had an identity and a clear mission. But Zac knew this was different as he looked at the indistinct shapes around him.


    Were these people actually real?


    But where did theye from if they were real? Were they teleported here like he was during his Hegemony quest? Or judging by the words of the youth next to him, were these people also warriors climbing the Tower of Eternity? If that was the case there was no way these people came from his sector though.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If he passed the 7<sup>th</sup> floor he would be the first to do so for thousands of years in his star sector, but the Tower tested the young generation all across the multiverse. Scrounging up a couple hundred of people reaching the 7<sup>th</sup> floor shouldnt be too hard, especially not if it included peopleing from higher-tier sectors with B-Grade forces and even higher.


    But that presented a problem. He knew nothing of the capabilities of such individuals or the hidden means they possessed. What if they threw out hundreds of peak-grade arrays to st this whole world into pieces?


    There was also that term; Tower Breaker. Did that signify people strong enough to climb the whole Tower? Such a thing was unheard of in his sector, but it wasnt necessarily that case in other parts of the multiverse.


    Zac barely couldntprehend the strength required for that. Even the normal level guardians of the seventh floor all possessed various unique advantages along with at least one Dao Fragment. How would the boss two floors higher look? Would it have Peak Fragments? Something even higher?


    Zac hesitated for a second before he turned back toward the youth on the tform next to him.


    Hey, whats going on? Zac said with a high whisper.


    You dont know? the youth answered after a few seconds of silence. You better crush your token, buddy. When the wallse down, blood will fall like rain.


    Do you know about the Tower of Eternity? Zac probed.


    Are you trying to test me? the manughed. Well, whatever. Were all real. We know of the Tower of Eternity. Were just unlucky sobs who the Ruthless Heavens took an interest in.


    What do you mean? Zac probed, praying the chatty youth wouldnt stop exining the situation.


    This is a rare scenario. A convergence of fate, you could call it. The Ruthless Heavens noticed a lot of promising climbers in the Tower at the same time, and instead of a floor guardian we get to fight each other. Fun, huh?


    Why would it do something like that? Zac asked.


    To make the survivors stronger, of course. What better way to be stronger than a life-and-death battle amongst the elites of the multiverse? the youth snorted. Shit, I had a pretty good chance of passing the seventh floor as well. Now Ill have to do this stupid climb one more time.


    Zac frowned when he heard the youthin. What he said no doubt meant that it was a lot harder to pass a floor like this than to fight the normal guardian. This was obviously pretty bad news.


    After having fought one tough battle after another in the earlier levels of the 7<sup>th</sup> floor he knew he would be in for a fight that would push him hard when he met the floor guardian, but he still believed it would be manageable.


    But he was far less confident about the messy situation he was in right now.


    Got any tips? Zac sighed.


    Have fun and dont get killed. That''s what my dad said when he sent me off, has worked pretty well for me so far.


    Zac wanted to glean more information out of the man, but the array around him suddenly started to sh as a screen appeared in front of him. Zac nched when he read the quest, and any hope of the young man next to him lying was dashed in an instant.


    The wording in the quest was all too familiar, and nothing good ever followed seeing that line.


    <strong>[Struggle for Supremacy.]</strong>

 Chapter 438: Points

    Chapter 438: Points


    Supremacy Zac mumbled with some helplessness.


    At least there was no confusion about what needed to be done this time. It was a Battle Royale. It made Zac remember when he sat wounded and wrung out in the tunnels of his crystal mine, and the quest for the Fruit of Ascension suddenly popped up.


    The system had told the inhabitants of the ind to fight for supremacy back then as well, and what followed was a bloodbath. This time things were slightly fuzzy though. Was this really ast man standing scenario?


    Thankfully it seemed like the system wasnt done, and a few more lines appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Defeating each contestant rewards 1 point, in addition to all umted points of the vanquished.]</strong>


    <strong>[Trail ends when 10 contestants remain, or when nobat has taken ce for 3 minutes. Avoiding battle for more than 5 minutes counts as forfeiture of climb.]</strong>


    <strong>[Ladder will disy the top ten contestants.]</strong>


    Zac quickly looked around and noticed a huge screen appearing in the sky. It was currentlypletely nk, but it was no doubt the scoreboard the System mentioned.


    At least the System wasnt so heartless that it would only let one person through. Ten spots being awarded wasn''t too bad since he guessed there were roughly 200 tforms in the vast arena. That meant 5% of the people would pass. Those odds didnt seem too bad considering they were on thest level of the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, whose guardian would no doubt have been extremely strong.


    The question now was what level of power was required to be considered the top 5% in a group like this. He felt pretty confident in himselfpared to almost any F-Grade cultivator, but he also knew that he knew nothing of how things worked with B-Grade and higher forces.


    Neither did Ogras nor anyone else in the sector it seemed, as the strongest forces were all C-Grade. Perhaps the strongest people would know more, but the things beyond C-Grade might as well be myths for people like him.


    Zac immediately tried to figure out a strategy tost as long as possible. Best case scenario he avoided battle altogether as the others fought it out. He would then swoop in and defeat a few warriors and snatch their umted points.


    But he knew that was probably a pipe dream. He had no ability in stealth, and most of these people no probably had anti-stealth capabilities anyway. Besides, the system clearly disallowed such a tactic with its set of rules. Huddling in a corner might be seen as a sign of weakness as well, prompting him to get attacked.


    Should he go the other way and st his aura to the fullest, drowning his surroundings in his killing intent? No, something like that would probably backfire. They might consider him a raid boss and team up to take him out before turning on each other.


    A thought suddenly struck him and he took out a couple of talismans and an Array Disk. He tried activating them one by one but he sighed in relief when none of them worked. Next he took out an amulet, a pretty weak defensive treasure he had snatched during the climb. The amulet immediately created a shimmering shield around him, though it was dimmerpared to the first time he tried it out.


    It seemed that the System had enforced certain rules on the floor. Expendable treasures such as talismans, offensive items, and Array Disks had beenpletely disabled for the Battle Royale. However, real defensive treasures like his robes seemed to work, albeit in a reduced capacity.


    Not being able to use any external items might be seen as a detriment, but for Zac that could only be considered a huge boon. He came from a newly integrated of a weak sector, and the things he could bring out would probably seem like a joke to most of these people.


    Most scions of B-Grade ns would probably be able to beat him to death with their wallets alone, and even if the efficacy was lowered he would be in deep shit if someone took out a bunch of peak-grade arrays. He was pretty confident in the durability of his body, but even he wouldn''t survive getting sted by twenty <strong>[Void Balls]</strong>.


    This leveled the ying field somewhat at least and he took a few deep calming breaths as he looked around. All the tforms were full by this point, and the warriors inside essentially stood rooted to their spots as they waited for the timer to hit zero.


    The array shed faster and faster, and suddenly it was just gone, exposing himself and the other warriors. The whole area shuddered as hundreds of immense auras burst out, each one powerful enough topletely steamroll anyone on Earth.


    Not even a second passed before blood was spilled, and Zac was already behind in the count before he had even jumped down from the tform. A few had taken the opportunity tounch quick strikes on their neighbors for early points, and the scoreboard had already filled up with ten names.


    One warrior after another released their strongest skills and transformed, and everything from tempestuous storms of energy to awe-inspiring avatars started to take form across the arena.


    However, one phenomenon reigned supreme, to the point that all battles ground to a halt. Zac was primed to meet any assault, but he couldn''t stop looking at the spectacle on the other side of the arena as well.


    It was as though a sun had appeared from nowhere as a colossal ball of primordial mes covered an area of hundreds of meters in each direction. Space itself seemed unable to withstand the heat as countless spatial tears were scorched open before they quickly mended again.


    Zac had fought various me-aspected warriors, but nothing he had seen hade close to the heat generated in that globe. The mes contained a boundless fury and scorching heat that threatened everyone in the arena, and Zacs Danger Sense screamed at him to never cross the woman who sat on top of the sun.


    There was no doubt in his mind that the ball contained at least a medium Dao Fragment, but the terrifying fluctuations made Zac believe that the reality was likely far scarier. Perhaps youd even need Peak Fragment to reach those levels of power.


    The fiery globe was a stark contrast to the young woman who hovered above the sun, as her face was an ice-cold mask as she gazed down on the arena as a goddess looking down at her subjects. Zac couldn''t be sure from the distance, but she seemed to be a human from what he could tell.


    A gargantuan avatar suddenly appeared behind her, a six-winged humanoid who could either be a fallen angel or a demon. It looked like it was seated inside the ball of mes, but it was still only submerged to its navel due to its towering height.


    The avatar formed an odd seal with its fingers which conjured six enormous fractal circles above his head. The sense of danger in Zacs mind surged, and he started backing away even if he was on the other side of the arena.


    Six terrifying whirlwinds of purest mes rose out from the ball of mes and entered the fractals, imbuing them with their scorching heat. The next moment the whole arena was illuminated in a ring light as each fractalunched a condensed pir at an unfortunate cultivator who was too close to the sun.


    Five of the unlucky targets were simply obliterated, the mes not even leaving their bones or treasures intact. Only one woman, a rugged beastkin woman wielding an odd kettle with incense, managed to survive by conjuring a massive beast avatar that managed to block the mes for a fraction of a second, which allowed her to move out of the way.


    She was still grazed by the attack as it mmed into the ground, and she quickly took out a pill while she kept retreating with horror written all over her face. The beastkin only got a few steps though before she crumpled down on the ground as she started spewing grey clouds from her mouth. A secondter she had turned into a bonfire as the mes had somehow burned her from inside.


    The scene hadpletely subdued the whole arena. Just getting grazed by her attacks had been enough to get yourself killed, and she was still sitting on enough mes to drown out half the arena.


    The me goddess thankfully didnt seem inclined to push things any further for the moment and instead sat down on top of the ball of mes to spectate the battles. Zac had first thought that some people would call for teaming up against the monstrous powerhouse, but she waspletely ignored as dozens of battles erupted as people increased their distance from the stationary sun.


    Perhaps she only wanted to stake her position in the top ten, and no one was foolish enough to contend for the first position when you could fight for one of the other nine spots. Hopefully, she would only strike one unlucky person every three minutes to not get kicked out, and effortlessly pass the trial.


    It was a humbling reminder that the sector he came from was just a backwater corner of the multiverse. He was probably the strongest F-Grade warrior there, but there was always a higher peak. He had no confidence in defeating that girl. He wasnt even sure hed be able to handle one of her attacks in his human form.


    His Undead form would perhaps be able to tank a few strikes, but defeating her in that form would be impossible. The vast power of the sun would melt his miasmic cage in seconds, and he would be turned into cinder before he would get close enough to hit her with an axe.


    Was this the actual peak of the F-Grade, or were there even stronger people out there?


    The me girl was shockingly not the only warrior that made Zac leery, there were two more that he knew he would have to avoid if possible. Worse yet, half of the contenders were like him, holding back to observe the surroundings. There were no doubt a few more powerhouses hiding in the mix, waiting for the right opportunity to strike.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had briefly entertained the notion of gaining the first spot as he waited for the arrays to deactivate, but now he was rather wondering if hed even make it into the top ten.


    The system wouldnt give the leaders an easy time either, as there was actually a picture attached next to their names and points so that anyone would know who they were. One person obviously wasnt prepared for that, as his face started to distort and change in an effort to circumvent thedder. But the picture next to his name kept changing as well.


    Zac had no time to worry about others though, as a sword tip pierced out of thin air, aimed straight at his heart. It contained an inexorable force, and it felt like the sword was a kilometer long b of metal rather than just a meter. He immediately summoned <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>and imbued it with the Dao of Trees to block the iing strike, while also getting ready to activate his Dao of the Coffin in case it was needed.


    A vast expanse of trees spread out around Zac as he activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>as well, but this time the trees foundpetition from massive fractal swords that materialized all around him before they stabbed into the ground. He felt he was no longer in his private grove, but rather in a contested forest full of wood and steel.


    Therge sword pirs would have to wait though, as the iing strike was stronger than expected. One of the ropes on the divine tree from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> snapped, providing him with another shimmeringyer of defense.


    Thankfully it seemed like hisyers defenses enough to stop the attack even if it was impossible for him to imbue the nature-attuned skills with the Fragment of the Coffin. The dozens of Dao-Infused leaves didn''tpletely manage to impede the strike though, proving just how much power the stab had contained.


    He had just activated the defensive barrier from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> as an extra precaution since he felt that <strong>[Nature''s barrier]</strong> should be enough to block an opening salvo. His defensive skill was based on his Endurance after all, and even if the attack was infused with a Dao Fragment it still had to contend with a Peak Dao Seed and over 1800 effective Endurance.


    But the attack wasnt over it seemed. The huge swords around him started to hum like they were struck by a tuning fork and two swords emerged out of the closest sword pirs like the massive swords were portals to some other dimension.


    It was at this time his opponent finally appeared as well, rushing out of another sword pir ready to strike.


    It was a thin humanoid with purple skin and golden eyes. His build was pretty much the same as a verynky human with the exception that his arms seemed to have an extra joint and that a thick but short tail extended from his lower back.


    Sorry, about this. You seem nice fellow, but I decided to give this floor a try, the man said as the three additional swords plunged toward Zac, each from its own direction. "And I need every point I can get."


    Zac could only smile wryly in response. It looked like information wasn''t free after all.

 Chapter 439: Battle of Fates

    Chapter 439: Battle of Fates


    Zac briefly wondered if the swordsman had assumed him to be a weakling due to his cluelessness about the Battle of Fates.


    A burst of Zacs shocking killing intent spread out as he moved with lightning speed, his axe already falling toward the youth as a storm of leaves pushed away the three hovering des temporarily. The mans eyes widened in surprise, but the disy didn''t deter him as a sharp aura radiated from him as he met Zac''s attack with the sword in his hand.


    A blinding sh of light was followed by a massive shockwave when <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> collided with a golden sword that the youth used to defend from Zacs overhead swing. A small crack could be heard from the mans arm though, and it was obvious he had strained to block the strike.


    Zac was still pretty shocked by the guy''s power, as his swing was both empowered by the Fragment of the Axe and the titanic power in his arms. But the arm holding the sword was only forced backward a bit before it stabilized again, though the mans whole body was shaking from strain.


    This was the first time someone at his level had been able to cleanly block his strike as far as Zac could remember, but he wouldn''t give up from something small like that so he immediately geared up for another strike. The swordman was obviously not interested in matching brute force, and he suddenly shot back almost a hundred meters while the three flying des prevented Zac from following by unleashing a storm of strikes at him.


    Zac frowned and tried to follow using <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but he was for some reason unable to shrink the distance with his skill. Was it the sword pirs who messed with his mobility somehow? He could only move forward the normal way, but each step was contested by a barrage of strikes that kept ripping the leaves of <strong>[Nature''s Barrier] </strong>to shreds.


    The swordman thankfully didn''t try to attack Zac from afar while he tried to catch up, but he rather swung at one of the sword pirs right next to him. A hymn of vibrating metals echoed out as the man unleashed a frenzied series of swings.


    Zac didn''t understand what he was doing, but waiting for an opponent to finish charging up a strike was the height of idiocy, so he startedunching fractal des of his own at the swordmaster every time he saw an opening between the flying swords. He received a few cuts in return, but it wasn''t anything worse than flesh wounds.


    But the man expertly met the iing fractal des with his sword and somehow redirected the force of the projectiles to harmlessly pass by him as he kept swinging at the pir. Zac finally noticed what was going on. The swordmaster was charging the massive sword pirs with power.


    They had looked pretty much like dull steel swords before, but now they gleamed with some unknown energy. Zac had realized the issue toote as the dozens of pirs started to shoot out a cascade of sword beams toward him.


    Zac did have the advantage of 360-degree vision thanks to <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>, but knowing where the attacks came from didn''t really help when you were unable to dodge. There were just too many des, especially with the three corporeal des already harassing him.


    Resonating sword waves kepting at Zac from every angle, and he found himself incapable of blocking them all with the help of<strong> [Nature''s Barrier]</strong> as the leaves were getting destroyed faster than he could create them. He eventually chose to just rush straight through the storm while imbuing his body with the Fragment of the Coffin, but he found himself swinging through air as the target had somehow passed through one of the sword pirs and appeared on the other side of the sword forest.


    Zac growled in frustration as he instead chose to demolish one of the pirs, and one mighty swing with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>pletely obliterated it and caused shards to shoot out in all directions. However, Zac felt like he was stuck in some sort of time loop when he saw the splinters fly back and rbine, once again forming an unblemished sword.


    Thoughts of retreat started to intrude as Zac looked for a solution, but he stubbornly threw the impulse away. The guy he was fighting didn''t have the confidence to win in this Battle of Fates. If he couldn''t even beat him, how the hell would he reach the top ten? This was something like a trial for him, proving to himself that he could contend with the elites of the multiverse.


    Cosmic Energy surge into his arm as a crack appeared in the air above the battlefield, allowing the hand of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>to emerge. Zac wasted no time as the wooden hand formed a seal, conjuring the enormous array that emitted an intense pressure toward the ground.


    It was only then that Zac realized a potential problem. Were there punishments to summon in this weird dimension? There was nothing apart from the arena in this dimension. However, he breathed out in relief when he saw a pitch-ck peak emerge from the array, bearing down on the forest below.


    Those sword pirs were simply too annoying, providing the swordsman with both a powerful attack and an escape skill while also restraining Zac''s movement. He wouldn''t be able to end the fight while they remained, so he saw no recourse but to go for mutual destruction and sacrifice his forest to crush the pirs.


    A stabbing pain suddenly shed in Zac''s mind, and it almost felt like when he looked upon the massive axe in his Dao Vision all those months ago. Zac looked over at his enemy with some rm, only to see that the swordmaster had swapped out his mighty golden de with a run-down sword in a simple leather scabbard.


    Zac had no idea what was so special about the sword, but his Danger Sense told him that it was far deadlier than the other des he had so far. He was unable to do too much about it though as he was upied with controlling <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>while blocking the hundreds of sword waves that threatened to drown him, but Zac did manage to send a few fractal des toward the swordsman to force him to split his attention.


    However, the des only made it halfway before they were eroded by the unceasing barrage of sword des. The fractal edges formed by <strong>[Chop] </strong>were bothrger and more ferocious, but they unable to withstand dozens of collisions.


    Zac realized he wouldn''t be able to stop whatever the swordsman was cooking up, so he got ready to expend another defensive charge to endure the strike while hepleted the attack of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>. However, Zac soon realized that he wasn''t the target.


    Thenky warrior unsheathed and swung the de in one lightning-quick motion toward the sky, and the rusty de was back in its old scabbard within the blink of an eye. The only evidence of the attack was a white arc left behind along the sword''s trajectory.


    The light didn''t disappear even after the swing ended, but it rather grew and grew until it was a hundred-meter wide half-moon that rose into the air to meet the pitch-ck mountain''s descent, and Zac was shocked to see the peak get cleaved in two along with the whole emerald array.


    Burning pain seared his hand, and he forcibly ended the skill before the sword arc hit the wooden hand. Luckily it seemed that the swordsman had miscalcted things as well, and he looked shocked when the two halves of the mountain kept falling rather than disintegrating into motes of Cosmic Energy.


    A massive shockwave erupted as the two enormous boulders mmed into the ground. The mountain exploded into thousands of jagged rocks, some asrge as a car, that flew in all directions with terrifying momentum. The swordsman tried to escape through the closest sword pir, but he was immediately spat out, perhaps because most of the swords had been utterly destroyed by the massive bs of rock.


    Zac saw his opportunity as witnessed the swordsman scamper back and forth among the flying gravel. He immediately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and immediately sensed that it was no longer restrained. He pushed through the chaos the moment he realized the skill worked, ignoring the twangs of pains from being pelted by the pieces of rocks flying around.


    Suddenly he was right upon the swordsman, and<strong> [Verun''s Bite]</strong> was ready to strike.


    Wha- the man eximed as he tried to phase away using some unknown means, but Zacs free hand was even faster as he grabbed the youths arm and infused it with the Dao of the Coffin.


    Zac wasnt nning on hurting thenky warrior with his Dao, but he made a bet that it would be able to disturb the warrior''s escape just like how he was able to stop Ogras from blending into the shadows. His guess was right as the enemys form turned corporeal again.


    The man was no weakling since he had reached the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, and he wasn''t ready to give up just because he knew he wasn''t Zac''s match in a direct confrontation. A barrage of sword strikes harassed Zac as the man resummoned three golden swords, and each strike came from unpredictable angles and contained a tremendous force.


    Zac kept blocking with <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> and <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, all while trying to get a good swing at the man. He still had a death grip on the other man''s arm, but his attempts at pushing him down to the ground proved impossible as the cultivator somehow resisted Zac''s force.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But he wouldnt relent either and he ignored any finesse as he used a meter-long fractal edge and delivered one earthshattering strike after another while forcibly enduring the hail of sword strikes. Since Zac had captured his target it had turned into a battle of endurance, and if it was one thing Zac was confident in, then it was his ability to take a beating.


    However, he suddenly remembered that he had gained a few new cards, and his killing intent congealed into a spear that stabbed into the mans back as Zac activated <strong>[True Strike]</strong>. Others wouldnt be able to see the spear as it was only a mean for Zac to control where he wanted to redirect the attention.


    A golden disc looking like a miniature shield shed into existence and radiated a massive amount of power as a ne on the mans neck dimmed. It covered the warrior''s whole back in an instant, defending the man against Zacs surprise attack.


    Of course, there wasnt actually an attacking since the skill only created a threat without any real follow-up. But that by itself was sometimes enough as the man hurriedly back to see what was going on and if he needed to dodge.


    The movement only took a split second, but that was all Zac needed as he activated the second fractal on <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>while swinging with everything he had. The distraction had caused a small weakness in the warriors defense, and that was the difference between life and death.


    The fractal edge of <strong>[Chop]</strong> suddenly disappeared, and<strong> [Verun''s Bite] </strong>slipped past the golden sword as it gained a sanguine glow. It finally continued unimpeded toward the swordsman, and blood sshed in all directions.


    Im sorry, Zac muttered as his axe bit into the shoulder of the warrior. I need every point I can get.


    Zac could have just as easily aimed his axe to bite into the mans head, instantly killing him, but he decided against it. He had no grievance with his enemy apart from them beingpetitors in the Systems game of elimination. Besides, these people probably came from powerful forces, and who knew what kind of seeds of Karma killing these people would form.


    Shit, just my luck," he said as he reached toward the token on his waist. "Thank you for showing leniency. If youre ever in Asc-


    However, he wasn''t able to finish his sentence though as he disappeared from the arena before he even had time to touch his token. His weapons disappeared with him as well, which was a shame since that rusty de looked extremely interesting. However, Zac suddenly noticed that a Cosmos Sack was lying on the ground where the swordmaster just stood.


    He quickly snatched it up and stowed it away as this wasnt the time to go over his gains. Zacs eyes rather looked around for any iing threats, but no one seemed inclined to jump him as things stood. His eyes locked with a demon who wasnt too far away, but the man quickly retreated.


    Perhaps he had seen Zacs battle and felt there were easier targets to focus on first, and Zac looked down at <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>and saw the glow slowly retreat into the second fractal on the handle. Judging by the density of the light he would be able to use the fractal another 3 or 4 times before he needed to recharge it with blood.


    This was the resulting upgrade from Verun devouring the massive sulent back on the 4th floor, but he had only been able to utilize it recently as the Tool Spirit had been digesting the various energies it had absorbed. The feature wasn''t as shy as the summoning Verun itself, but it did drastically increase the sharpness of the edge for an instant, allowing a sudden burst of power that was hard to adjust to.


    Zac had found that it was extremely effective tobine the effect with <strong>[True Strike]</strong> as thepse in concentration of the enemy allowed him to make the most of the short burst in power. If he had used the fractal from the start the swordsman would probably have been able to use one of his defensive treasures to counter it, wasting the effect.


    The brief respite after the battle allowed Zac to take a gander at the situation, and he was surprised to see how frenziedly people were fighting. Was there really a need to risk your life like this? Most of these people were scions of powerful ns, and many no doubt had a second climb remaining.


    There were still over fifty fights going on, and Zac saw one person after another sh out of the arena, leaving only a Cosmos Sack behind. The scene made Zac realize that there might be some special protections in ce, with the System providingst-second saves before they died.


    That didnt exin why everyone fought so desperately. Was it about the Cosmos Sacks? The treasures carried around by a Scion of a B- or A-Grade Force were of extreme value for someone like him, but it couldnt possibly be like that for everyone? Was there some other secret to this special level?


    Still, many knew their limits. For example, Zac spotted a golem defeating some sort of devil cultivator, and the Golem reached down and crushed its own Token the second it snatched the Cosmos Sack left behind, disappearing with the spoils.


    The number of contestants had dropped less half in just a minute, and Zac realized that things might be over pretty soon. He needed to defeat a few more people while there still were easy targets around. But just as he was about to pick a target he felt a sudden gust of wind right behind him, making his hair stand on end.


    Hey.

 Chapter 440: Fractured

    Chapter 440: Fractured


    Zac rapidly spun around to find himself face to face with an angelic girl who smiled in his direction. She had appeared out of nowhere, and Zac frowned as he swung his axe toward her neck without hesitation. His Danger Sense was quiet but his instincts screamed of danger, and Zac infused his body with the Fragment of the Coffin while the spiritual forest reappeared around him mid-swing.


    But she only looked on with a smile, her eyes trained at his.


    There was finally a response of danger in his mind, but it was though it was muffled, subdued to the point that he could barely feel it. That only made Zac even more certain that the girl was a real threat, and Zac strained for his swing to move even faster.


    However, he suddenly noticed something was wrong. He felt as though he was moving extremely quickly, but his axe wasn''t getting any closer to his target. Terror started to well up in his heart and he tried to flee, but it was futile as the whole world was suddenly gone, reced with two enormous eyes, both of them only containing a blue vertical fracture that contained endless power.


    Every fiber in Zacs body screamed for him to look away, but his body didnt listen to hismands as the eyes consumed his everything. A snap could be felt inside his mind as <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> crumbled like rotten wood, and then an all-consuming pain wracked his mind.


    His very being was being eroded, and Zac knew he stood on the precipice of death. This wasnt a death his Specialty core could circumvent, as this was brought on by his soul crumbling, his mental force fracturing and falling apart.


    He tried to move his hands toward the token attached to his side, as it wasn''t worth dying just to get a better title. But any sense of his body was long gone, and his vision swam as he fell down on the ground. His mind was turning blurry, but he felt some relief when he sensed a small vibration from the token by his side.


    A shocking burst of ferocity suddenly burst forward, ripping the two enormous eyes into shreds.


    Boundless destruction rampaged across his mind, startling Zac''s blurred consciousness awake again. It was the <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion]</strong> that had been freed from its cage andshed out in fury. Dark and extremely potent energies ravaged across his mind. His soul was quickly bing tainted, but the splinter at least seemed to temporarily hold his crumbling soul together.


    Zac once again regained a semnce of control of his body, and he saw the mentalist standing just a meter away from him. She didn''t move an inch, but rather stood in ce as she violently convulsed. Her sapphire eyes were reced by two ravaged sockets from where ck blood poured down like waterfalls, staining her dress before it pooled at her feet.


    Was the Splinter of Oblivion the cause of this? Was that the reason she still hadn''t been teleported out? The bacsh she had received seemed to have been just as serious as his own, and it seemed like a coinflip who would sumb to their mental wounds first.


    It was an opportunity for him to escape from the Tower, but Zac was dismayed to find that his arm wouldn''t move toward the token. The duplicity core had considered him on the verge of dying, and the slower automatic process of changing form had begun as miasma started to spread through his body. Worse yet, the Splinter''s awakening seemed to have canceled the automatic transfer out of here and he was now stuck in ce.


    Zac would normally still be able to move in this state even if he was severely weakened, but with the shock to his soul he had turnedpletely immobile. He could only helplessly lie on the ground, praying that the Splinter would be able to keep his mind intact long enough for him to change form and do something about it.


    He couldnt help but curse his bad luck being targeted by a mentalist, one of the rarest ss types. Did he project the image of being a rube or something? First he was targeted by the neighbor, then this scary girl. Did she perhaps think he was an easy target since he was an axe wielder, a ss choice that famously favored by meatheads?


    If that was her reasoning, she was unfortunately spot-on. Zac was somewhat confident hed survive at least one attack of that insanely powerful fire mage, but his mental defenses werepletely inadequate to counter the strike of a mental user who was strong enough to reach the peak of the 7<sup>th</sup> floor.


    Worse suddenly turned to worst as a massivence of darkness pierced the chest of the mentalist, instantly killing her by the looks of it. It was some sort of masked assassin wielding a meter-long spike who had appeared out of nowhere, immediately reaping her life.


    He had probably noticed that she was barely hanging on and realized it was an opportunity to reap some easy points. Worse yet, after he had killed the mentalist he turned his attentions toward Zac, who was still lying impotently on the ground. Perhaps he thought that Zac was faking it or simply immobilized since he hadn''t been teleported out yet.


    It looked like his avenger would immediately turn into his killer.


    A zing pain of getting his innards shredded joined the agony of having his soul tortured as the ck pike stabbed into his chest. A burst of power ripped apart his left lung, and it took everything in his power to not even blink from the attack.


    He was stillpletely immobile, and his only chance of survival was for the man to think he stabbed a corpse as death-attuned energies already spread through his body. However, he suddenly caught a lucky break as the assassin shed away the next second, narrowly avoiding a massive arrow that caused cracks around its trajectory.


    One of the spatial cracks swiped Zac''s side, and he could only bear having yet another grisly wound opening on his alreadycerated body.


    A few seconds passed and Zac realized he had somehow made it. The mentalist was dead, the assassin upied elsewhere, and the rest of the cultivators had no time to worry about a corpse lying on the ground.


    Zac couldnt help but feel he was a bit lucky even though both his soul and body were wounded beyond their limits. His terrifying Endurance and death-attuned energy had allowed him to narrowly escape death, and giving him a small opportunity to survive.


    Another relief was that the splinter was quickly being pushed back into its cage by the miasmic fractals, but Zac felt some helplessness when he noticed that yet another one of the fractals had been destroyed. That was two fractals gone from his visit to the Base Town, and he didn''t know how many of them were required for the cage to maintain its efficacy.


    There was also the issue of therge amounts of unfiltered energies the splinter had left all over his fractured soul. He had no idea what the long-term effect of such pollution would be.


    However, that problem was nothingpared to the fact that his soul was once again falling apart now that it didn''t have the splinter to keep the pieces together. He did have a solution, but it was just that the price was one he really didn''t want to pay. His heart was full of reluctance, but he knew he didnt have a choice. His body would slowly mend, but his soul was another matter.


    He arduously managed to move his hand toward his mouth, praying that no one was watching the supposed corpses. When it was finally right in front of his mouth a small intricate box appeared from his Spatial Ring.


    The <strong>[Praj Cherry] </strong>was the only thing in his possession that could mend a soul as damaged as his currently was. He felt extremely apologetic to Alea, but he wouldnt do her any good if his own soul broke apart before he even got back to Earth.


    A swift motion propped open the lid and Zac immediately shoved the cherry into his mouth, stem and all, before he put the box back into his spatial ring. A warmth spread through Zacs mouth, but abyssal darkness was spreading through his mind even faster, making Zac lose any sense of self.


    A sharp pain suddenly red up in his leg as arge piece of rubble from a broken tform mmed into it, probably the result of a frantic battle nearby. The pain shocked Zac awake long enough to roughly chew a few times and swallow the cherry.


    Zacs mind slowly descended into the darkness once more, but suddenly there was a burst of warmth, like his soul was caressed in a hug. He still didn''t regain any feeling in his body though, and the mor of battle turned into a distant susurrus.


    Was this death?


    A deep bell echoed in the darkness, and the bottomless abyss was reced with a boundless sky with sshes of clouds colored pink by a sunset. The slight rustle of leaves was the only thing interrupting the tranquility of the evening. Zac realized he was on a solitary peak surrounded by arid bands.


    The rustling came from a small tree with purple leaves, and by the looks of things the tree was the only growth for miles in each direction. Sharp cliffs devoid of any growth surrounded him, leading down toward a canyon far below. Simr rocky pirs could be seen far in the distance, though none of them seemed to have any vegetation growing.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was only then that Zac realized his vantage was that of the tree itself, which would exin why he was incapable of movement. Was this the origin of the cherry that he had just eaten?


    Amitabha, a gentle but decidedly masculine voice drifted out from beneath his vantage point, and Zac noticed arge figure sitting right next to the tree.


    Shockingly enough he seemed to notice Zac as well, as he looked up in his direction with a smile on his face. The old man reminded Zac of Abbot Evesting Peace from his mannerisms, though this monk was anything but human.


    Zac had no idea what race the thing beneath him was. It was a generally humanoid, though extremely rotund. It almost looked like arge ball with a smaller ball on top for a head. It didnt look like obesity though, but rather a natural feature of his species. From his massive torso two surprisingly long and slender arms extended downward, and his hands were ced in hisp.


    If one could call it that since the monk didnt actually have any legs.


    It instead had two massive wings lying across the ground like a cape, and when their feathers rustled it sounded like divine bells while shimmering lights danced about. The being looked odd but it was definitely a Buddhistic cultivator rather than a beast, as he was dressed in a Kasaya while wearing arge bead ne.


    He had a generally humanoid face, with a set ofrge golden eyes that radiated wisdom, a small mouth, and a normal nose. There also seemed to be a third eye in his forehead, like that of Anzonil, though it was closed at the moment. Finally, a long mane of long gray feathers ran down his head and back, held together with a string like a ponytail.


    Even if the being looked a bit odd there was no doubt in Zacs mind he was a powerful warrior. His aura was subdued, but the power in his gaze was undeniable. Besides, looking at the mysterious lights that naturally radiated from his wings almost felt as beneficial for his Dao as witnessing a Tower Apparition.


    Little cherry tree, how can you suddenly carry such fate? the winged being mumbled, before his eyes slowly lit up withprehension. I see You taught this poor monk something today. Benevolence must be reciprocated, thuspleting the cycle and severing karma.


    Zac tried to ask what the old monk meant, but he was unable to speak or even move. He could only watch as the monk pped his two hands together in prayer, and the sound of his hands pping was like divine thunder that echoed through the cosmos.


    Zacs mind was filled with a shocking force in an instant, and he felt a connection to the universe he had never sensed before. All living things were part of a greater whole, all connected by karma and Heavens Will. Was this the grand truth of the universe, or was it the cultivation path of the winged monk sitting under the cherry tree?


    The feeling onlysted for a second, and when he looked around he had returned to the solitary mountain peak, while the monk was nowhere to be seen.


    Zac could sense that he, or rather the cherry tree, had transformed somehow from what the monk did. It still looked the same from the outside as far as Zac could see, but there was a tremendous power hiding within.


    A massive halo that looked like a setting sun suddenly exploded out from the tree as its branches started to violently shake. Buddhist hymns sang across the bands as the tree kept growing and transforming. It had just been a bit over five meters before, but it grew over a hundred meters in an instant.


    Its appearance had also taken a drastic turn, as its purple leaves were suddenly covered in golden fractals while its trunk turned almost ck with simr engravings. Its canopy stretched hundreds of meters in each direction, sheltering the area from the sweltering sun.


    The changes weren''t over though as the roots kept growing downward along the hoodoo, their exuberant vitality transforming the arid rock as they descended toward the parched ground. First, it was simply moss that covered the sheer rock, but soon enough even small trees and flowers forced their ways through the cracks, turning the rocky pir into a living monument.


    The edges of the branches started to droop as they kept growing, and soon they had formed a dome with the pir as a center. Outside was still the sandsted wastnds, but the area within the canopy was quickly turning into a pocket-sized paradise.

 Chapter 441: Faceless

    Chapter 441: Faceless


    The vision of the consecrated tree and its kingdom slowly faded as Zac returned to his body. Before he fell into the vision his soul had been crumbling while his body was grievously wounded, but he realized his body was almostpletely healed upon waking up. A vigorous energy was gathered at his remaining wounds, and he felt them close with enough efficacy to put most of his healing pills to shame.


    A thought struck Zac and he immediately opened his Dao Menu, and as expected there was a new entrant.


    <strong>Fragment of the Bodhi (Early): All attributes +10, Endurance +60, Vitality +80, Intelligence +15, Wisdom +50, Effectiveness of Vitality +5%.</strong>


    The vision had actually managed to help him form the third Dao Fragment, and the Fragment of the Bodhi even had tremendous healing capabilities from the looks of it. However, it was his mind rather than his body that had been in a critical state, and Zac hurriedly looked inward while still maintaining his unmoving posture. Unearthing all the capabilities of his new fragment would have to wait.


    A vibrant emerald force surged through his soul, epassing the splintered pieces of spiritual energy into a warm embrace. Most of his soul was already back together, and the remaining fractures were being mended with a speed visible to the naked eyes.


    However, he noted with a frown that his soul wasn''t uniform any longer. Whenever he had gazed at it before it had looked like a translucent ball in his mind, and this ball had be slightlyrger and more pristine after taking a dip in the Pool of Tranquility.


    However, now it almost looked like some sort of tadpoles were swimming about in his soul, small fuzzy blotches on an otherwise clear backdrop. It was no doubt the remnant energies left from the Splinter of Oblivion''s rampage. Not only that, but it also seemed as though some of the alien energies had crammed themselves into the cracks of his soul turning itself into some sort of mortar as the <strong>[Praj Cherry] </strong>healed him.


    Zac had no idea what this infiltration would result in, and it felt like this was the very thing that the Miasmic Fractals had defended against the past months. The Draugrdy''s cage had managed to cleanse the energies for him before they merged with his soul.


    He didn''t feel anything amiss or different at the moment, but he knew he couldn''t trust those instincts. The splinter had manipted him many times before, and sometimes with him only realizing it after the fact.


    Seeing the situation about almost made Zac want to leave the tower early and find someone who could create the second of his Soul Strengthening Arrays. He was losing miasmic fractals left and right and it felt like things were spiraling out of control. However, he knew he couldn''t give up now. He had paid a steep price to remain in contention, and he wasn''t ready to exit now.


    The mentalist was pretty insane, but he had now transformed into his Draugr-form. Reaching middle proficiency on <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> had allowed him to infuse the skill with the Fragment of the Coffin, and the two together should make him strong enough in case another mentalist lurked in the arena.


    As for anything else, he had <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>and his shield.


    Zac had initially turned his focus toward his soul, but he now tried to get a grip of the surroundings while maintaining the disguise of a corpse. The vision had clearly taken less than five minutes, as he would have been booted from the arena by now otherwise.


    He was still lying on the ground with the still-warm corpse of the woman who fractured his soul, and theirbined blood had created arge pool that he was currently lying inside. The scene was pretty gristly, but that was a blessing in disguise as he had at least been left alone.


    Zac tried to move a bit, but he realized he was still extremely weakened even though the transformation to his Draugr-form had ended. Perhaps it was due to the fact that his soul was still being pieced back together by the emerald glow. A lot of his organs were also turned to mush by the stab from the assassin''s spike, which might have left some hidden weakness even if he had been restored by the cherry and his new Dao Fragment.


    Each second felt like an eternity as Zac waited for the reconstruction of his mind to finish. He really needed to fight someone since he could be kicked out of the arena any second now due to inactivity. But Zac realized he should have been careful what he wished for, as he was suddenly shrouded by a shadow.


    A figure had appeared out of nowhere, a small goblin-looking humanoid no more than a meter tall, and he bent over to rummage through the clothes of the dead woman next to Zac. There was actually someone bold enough to loot the corpses while battles raged all around them? Zac made sure to bepletely unmoving, and he anxiously tried to urge his body to regain its strength.


    Zacs didnt as much as blink when the thief started to rummage through his clothes as well, or even when he found the Cosmos Sack hidden within his robes. Anxiousness burned in his chest, but he finally felt a sense ofpleteness as his soul was finally whole again. Zacs hand snapped forward like a spear, and with the help of the Fragment of Axe his hand became sharp enough to stab straight into the chest of the unsuspecting thief.


    The man looked one-part confused and two-part horrified as his torso turned into shreds in an instant. Zac almost gaped in disbelief at the scene, but he quickly snatched back his cosmos sack in case it would be teleported out. But the man was deader than dead, and his upper torso slid off to the side while his legs crumpled.


    Zac looked down at his hand with some shock, not able toprehend the terrifying burst of power he had unleashed. His jab had been infused with the Fragment of the Axe, but the effect more chaotic and destructive than it should be. Was this the result of his soul getting tainted?


    The situation was too chaotic to investigate at the moment though, and Zac knew he would have to look into this after he left this level. He instead quickly rummaged through the mangled corpse, but he only found the spatial ring that seemed to have belonged to the mentalist before. As for the thief''s own possessions, he could find none.


    There was not even aplimentary cosmos sack dropped by the system, making Zac snort with irritation as he got up to his feet. Maybe thieves got the same sort of pocket dimension skills like merchants did, effectively robbing Zac of his chance to loot another scion.


    However, he quickly realized his mistake and he immediately changed his face with <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>, bearing the painful transition. He didnt think the cultivators around him had the time topletely understand what transpired here, but he didnt want the fact of his dual-ss to spread even if these people were frompletely different sectors.


    Luckily he waspletely drenched in blood and viscera, making it nigh impossible to match him going by clothes either. Furthermore, he would soon be covered up in anotheryer of miasmic armor. Therge shield that appeared on his arm would hopefully also make it even harder to connect to his human side. As for his axe, there wasnt much he could do about that.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The people around him were far too dangerous for him to use <strong>[Hunger] </strong>instead of his main weapon. He didn''t even dare to swap out <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>for a spare axe.


    A wide sweep proved that he was out of trouble for the moment, and Zac thanked the gods that there was no immediate threat. He had just killed a cultivator, which meant he had some breathing room before he needed to fight again. But the situation that he was met with was a bit odd.


    There were still roughly 30 people in the arena, but only a handful of battles still raged on. The others were simply looking at the others and up at thedder. Quite a few were actually looking right at him as well, donning calctive expressions. Their discerning eyes were a bit hair-raising, but there was nothing he could do about it.


    He knew he wasn''t strong enough to kill everyone that might have witnessed his transformation. Zac could only pretend nothing was wrong and hope that they''d chalk up the situation to some odd transformation skill. At least he wasn''t jumped by the remaining warriors, which gave Zac a chance to look up at thedder as well.


    A lot of changes had taken ce in thedder during his unconsciousness. Only the first three positions werepletely unmoved, and it looked like they were content with the results as they leisurely looked around at the others. All of them had over twenty points, making it essentially impossible not to pass the trial as long as they didnt get kicked for inactivity.


    The second and third positions actually seemed to be from the same n as they shared the samest name, but they seemed to have no intention of teaming up judging by how far they stood from each other. Things generally seemed pretty civil, and Zac couldn''t understand why some of the spectators didn''t try to take advantage of the few people who were currently embroiled in life-and-death battles.


    Had the remaining elites agreed upon some code of conduct while he was out of it?


    Zac wasnt on thedder as expected, which wasnt surprising as he had only defeated two people, one of which only provided one point. It was unlikely that the thief he just defeated was anything special either, and he had probably defeated one opponent at best before deciding to loot rather thanpete for the top ten positions.


    The problem was deciding who to target next. Picking one of the people on thedder would guarantee a top ten cement if he won, but the battles would no doubt be pretty rough. Fighting Iz Tayn who still sat on top of her miniature sun was a non-starter, but the other 9 were obviously no weaklings either since only one of them was currently getting attacked.


    The other option was taking on one or a few of the remaining spectators in hopes that hisbined points would at least push him to the tenth spot. That tactic might end with him expending a lot of energy without anything to show for it though. Those who still stood in the arena were no doubt the elites of elites, and taking out two of them to gather points was probably harder than just one person in the top 10.


    Zac soon enough made his choice and started moving, prompting most of the spectators to look over at him with vignce. Zac ignored the gazes as a sea of miasma started to billow out around him, followed by the massive fractal bulwark that started to hover in front of him in case of a sneak attack.


    His body groaned and creaked as he activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>next. Zac didnt summon his skeletal helpers this time around though, as he wasnt too confident in their ability to help out in a ce like this. Judging by the attacks he had seen they would be ripped to shreds in no time unless he infused them with his Dao, and he would need his fragments for his other skills.


    He had a feeling that the skill would change in interesting ways as it leveled up, but for now he couldn''t justify the cost of activating the <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>. Instead, he stomped down on the ground and disappeared, and stomped down again the instant he appeared in front of a familiar figure.


    It was actually the masked man wielding a pitch-ck spike, the guy who had almost killed him earlier. His pseudonym was Faceless 9, and he was currently holding the 7th position on thedder with 13 points.


    Zac couldn''t deny that part of his reasoning for choosing this man as a target was fueled by vengeance for getting his innards shredded, but there was also some logic to it. He had already seen some of the mans repertoire and weapon whereas most of the top contenders were a mystery to him.


    Furthermore, judging from what Zac had witnessed the man seemed to be an assassin-type character, which was the best match for his current form. He had already been forced to change race, and he wouldn''t be able to swap back to his human form anytime soon. Finally there were a couple of corpses around him, which would help fuel his miasmic reserves through <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>.


    Wrong choice, the masked man grunted with an emotionless voice before he disappeared, and Zac''s mind screamed of danger the next moment, prompting him to immediately block the back of his head with his shield.


    If Zac had been a fraction of a second slower he would probably have died then and there as the ck spike mmed into<strong> [Evesting] </strong>with enough force to make Zac stumble forward. The sturdy shield was almost pierced straight through as well, though the fractals helped it to quickly regain its original form.


    Cold sweat ran down Zac''s back, but he pushed aside his lingering fear as he quickly infused <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>with the Fragment of the Coffin before it was toote. The assassin snorted and disappeared the next moment, but even he seemed a bit shocked to find himself right in front of the massive Bardiche Zac wielded.


    A huge gash tore open the man''s chest as the spectral projection stabbed into the back of Faceless 9, but he narrowly avoided any lethal wounds. Zac tsked in annoyance as he tried to swing his axe again, but it appeared that the assassin quickly learned from his mistake as he managed to move further away, somehow circumventing the taunting effect of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    Zac sighed in regret when he saw that his gambit had failed. He had hoped to take down the man with a surprise strike relying on the dibobting effect from <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, but the masked warrior had dodged with almost impossible nimbleness. Zac did manage to leave a pretty nasty gash though, but it wasn''t enough to weaken him to any significant degree.


    It looked like Zac would have to do things the hard way, and billowing clouds of corrosive gas started to shroud the cage as the wails of fifteen chains started echo out of the cage as an azure fractal formed in the sky.

 Chapter 442: A Break from the Monotony

    Chapter 442: A Break from the Monotony


    Finally seeding in upgrading <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> during his climb was one of Zac''s greatest gains while climbing the 7th floor. The upgrade added five more chains that extended from the top of five massive tombstones that had been added to the cage, and they would be sorely needed to catch the slippery assassin.


    The additional chains wasn''t the only benefit from the skill evolving. Dense scripts lit up with azure luster on top of the huge tombstones, and they formed arge fractal in the air that covered the entirety of the cage. It was a restrictive array, somewhat akin to the gravity array of the Zethaya Pill House.


    It was anotheryer of restrictions that hindered anyone who had been caught in Zac''s cage. Along with <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, the spectral chains, <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, and the taunting effect of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> the area within <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> had be a real hellscape for the living.


    But the man caught in Zac''s trap was no normal man, and he barely seemed troubled at all by the situation.


    Another warning of danger exploded in Zac''s mind, this one even more urgent than before. He desperately moved <strong>[Undying Bulwark] </strong>to block his torso while infusing it with the Fragment of the Coffin. A sharp snap could be heard as the bulwark was pierced straight through as the pitch-ck spike continued toward Zac''s body.


    Almost all of the strike''s momentum had been absorbed by the defensive skill though, and the spike didn''t even manage to piece the next level of defense, the thick miasmic armor that covered Zac''s whole body.


    Zac was ready to retaliate with his axe, but his brows rose in surprise when a spectral projection suddenly appeared on the other side of the cage. He pushed the confusion aside and infused the ghost with the Fragment of the Coffin just as it stabbed the man, creating another shallow wound that immediately started to fester.


    It was shocking how far the man had instantly moved after stabbing him, but the fifteen chains of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> immediately set out to trap the assassin while Zac started to release torrential amounts of corrosive mists into the cage. He had failed in taking the man down with one strike, but Zac was still confident in whittling him down using his standard approach.


    The assassin tried striking Zac''s vitals a few more times, but between <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>and his shield he was able to escape unscathed, while adding more and more wounds with the help of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. Faceless 9 was probably the fastest enemy he had ever fought, but his defense wasn''t too impressive.


    Besides, the spectral projections were immutable. The masked warrior had unleashed flurries of stabs at them the moment they appeared, but the stabs went straight through their incorporeal bodies. They could only be blocked, which made them the perfect counter for people who relied on not getting hit.


    The assassin suddenly appeared far in the distance, and Zac frowned as he realized the assassin was up to something. Bleeding abscesses could be seen at various parts of his arms, whereas the wounds on his body were continuously leaking pus. A smaller spike suddenly appeared in his hand, but rather than attacking Zac he stabbed himself in his heart.


    Zac''s eyes widened in shock witnessing what looked like a suicide, but he quickly realized that things were about to get rough. The man''s muscles suddenly started to writhe and wriggle as ck liquid reminiscent of his ichor poured out of his wounds before they coagted, forming thick scabs around his wounds.


    The nine closest chains were suddenly thrown away with enough force to cause cracks all along the links as the man stabbed forward with enough speed to be a blur, which gave the man another short breather. Imprable darkness spread through the cage the next moment as the assassin unleashed some sort of domain, and any clue of the man''s whereabouts was gone. The man''s attuned energies hadpletely blended in with the surroundings, rendering <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> useless.


    Even his life-force was hidden by the dome of darkness, rendering the unique vision brought by his Draugr race impotent. Just as Zac tried to figure out his next step a sharp pain erupted in his left leg, and he realized a hole as wide as a quarter having appeared seemingly out of nowhere.


    The hole went straight through not only his armor but his whole leg, and he felt his ck ichor pouring out of the wound. He sensed that another spectral ghost had automatically appeared some distance away, but Zac didn''t have time to imbue it before it had struck the assassin. What had just happened?


    Another wound suddenly opened up, this time on his right arm. Zac frowned at the fact that he couldn''t sense a thing before being struck, not a single warning from his Danger Sense that he was about to get attacked. This time he managed to imbue the projection from <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, but Zac couldn''t help but worry. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac had already heard that there were methods to circumvent the special senses from Luck, but this was the first time he had seen it to such a degree. Was this the hallmark of a top-tier assassin?


    This was a fighting-style that waspletely differentpared to anything else Zac had witnessed during the Battle Royale. The man had no big avatars and there were no shy skills that emitted massive outbursts of energy. However, that didn''t mean the man was weak, and it wasn''t without reason that none of the spectators had dared to target him.


    Zac was sitting at over 300 effective luck, but he couldn''t even begin to sense when the attacks wereing. Not only that, but his Endurance and multipleyers of defense barely impeded the man as two gristly wounds had appeared on his body without him impeding the strikes in the slightest.


    There was an extreme prative force between his jabs, and just one or two attacks might be enough to kill most people. The man had no doubt been able to effortlessly assassinate one guardian after another during his climb using this method, barely sustaining any wounds.


    However, a muted pang of danger suddenly erupted, and Zac hurriedly protected his head with his shield, safely looking another strike aimed at his head. Zac nodded in understanding as he realized that his Danger Sense at least could sense lethal strikes. It meant that the darkness hadn''t changed much.


    So Zac simply ordered the chains to il about at random as he stood rooted in ce, only focusing on staying alive and infusing the<strong> [Deathwish] </strong>with the Fragment of the Coffin.


    ----------


    Finally, there was a break from the monotony.


    Iz Tayn curiously looked at the weird cage formed from death-attuned energies, and the two fighters who were grinding each other down within. Luckily she had been gifted the skill <strong>[Sungod''s Eyes]</strong> by her uncle before entering the tower. Otherwise, she would have missed out on the melee due to the <strong>[Red Hand Shroud]</strong>.


    Not that the fight was anything impressive. The assassin from the Red Hand Society had actually been forced to infuse himself with their disgustingpound to keep fighting, whereas the odd one was just unusuallypetent at taking a beating. He would no doubt be able to make a decent living as a sparring partner at one of her family''s Trials.


    She had been deeply disappointed that there wasnt anyone interesting in the arena after something interesting finally happened in this dull Tower climb. The two siblings from the Primeval Lake were pretty strong, but they were still not strong enough to force her hand even if they joined forces. It was a shame that there was no one like their grand-uncle in their current generation. Then it would have truly been a sh of fates.


    She felt a bit bad about scorching a few unlucky people out of frustration, but then again it could be seen as themcking in fate by being spawned so close to her. After that she let the others escape in time, apart from the despicable fellows who didn''t respect the proper rules of conduct. Such people could burn for all she cared.


    But something interesting finally had happened. He seemed to think that no one had noticed his transformation, but everything that her sun illuminated was within her domain. How could she not see what happened? What kind of encounter would allow one to change between a Human and a Draugr?


    More importantly, was he really human? It was extremely minute, but there was something odd hidden within that she had never encountered before. Something primordial.


    Mixing an ordinary Human bloodline with the blood of higher beings was nothing unusual, as humans in general were extraordinarily average. Her own family was a prime example of that practice. But the odd thing was that her own bloodline felt some pressure from that man, which she had never encountered before. At least not against someone in her own grade who hadn''t undergone their bloodline evolutions yet.


    That wasnt the only odd thing, and she couldnt help herself from being engrossed as she reyed the events in her mind. It didnt make sense. She saw him almost dying from his soul shattering, then somehow being saved by an errant arrow that forced the Red Hand-Assassin to move away.


    He then proceeded to eat a natural treasure that somehow changed its provenance mid-consumption, and finally recovering over two minutes. All without being targeted or hit at all as battles raged all around him. It was as though his surroundings had been shifted to a separate dimension. Was it dumb luck? Or umted Luck?


    She didn''t think that even she would be that lucky if put in such a situation, and she had almost 200 Luck along with her Fate-augmenting treasures.


    So Iz felt like a child who had found an odd colorful bug in their family''s garden, and her eyes followed the bulky man as he tried to take down a much more skilled opponent by sheer stubbornness.


    The man from the Red Hand Society was clearly one of their stronger cadets, likely someone who had survived the hellish training on one of their inductions. Anyone who survived long enough to enter the Society from one of those hellholes was an emotionless murderer who had solidified their path with a million corpses.


    He kept opening up one wound after another on the Draugr, who was leaking like a sieve by this point. He was using some nurturing Dao Fragment from the looks of it, but his control of the Fragment was atrocious. Why didn''t he form proper Dao Arrays on the wounds?


    The humanoid cockroach tried, again and again, to catch his opponent with his axe and the fifteen chains that iled about in the cage, but he didn''t seem to possess any means to pierce through the darkness of the shroud. The assassin effortlessly moved back and forth between the attacks, bursting forward with one stab after another.


    Of course, the assassin was facing his own troubles as well. He was starting to look disfigured from the wounds of the retaliatory strikes. Absolute strikes were the worst to people like him. If it was her she could have simply formed a shield of mes to block out any such attempts, but the assassin seemed to follow a much more extreme pathcking such tools.


    He had quickly expended the few defensive treasures in his arsenal, and since talismans and arrays didn''t work here he had to endure a thousand little pin-pricks infused with a corrosive Dao Fragment. However, the fragments the Draugr used, were just Early Stage, a far cry from her three Middle Fragments that empowered each other. Even worse, he seemed unable to properly coordinate them into something more potent.


    Should she kill the assassin to make sure that the colorful bug didn''t die? She had already moved a me tendril to stand ready beneath the miasmic cage. A quick poke and the struggle would be over.


    But that would be a bit rude, not to mention somewhat embarrassing to butt in on a fight after having killed a few people for that kind of transgressions. She guessed she would have to leave it up to fate.


    Finally it seemed like the assassin had enough, and heunched a rapid session of furious stabs as he moved quickly enough to make it hard even for Iz to follow. But the armored warrior was like an imprable fortress, enduring the strikes he could endure and blocking those he could not.


    The failed assault was followed by an attempt at escape, and the assassin first tried to teleport out of the miasmic cage. But he waspletely unable to leave, and another special warrior attacked him the moment he tried to slip through the cracks. A furious assault on one of the towers was only met with a storm of ghosts as well it seemed.


    The moment the assassin realized that both killing the man and escaping was impossible he immediately reached down and crushed the token on his belt. Ever the pragmatists, the assassins.


    The Red Hand Assassin disappeared in a sh, taking the domain with him. The Draugr stumbled around for a few seconds, seemingly unaware that he had actually won. The fifteen spectral chains kept iling back and forth inside the cage as he stood hunched over, ready to eat another stab.


    Only after twenty seconds passed did the man have enough presence of mind to look up at the sky. He had appeared on the 6th spot, meaning that the battle was won. Only then did he slowly start to move toward the Cosmos Sack, leaving a trail of ck goop in his wake.


    Iz was unsure what to do. The man was very interesting, but he was some random person from another part of the universe. Was there any point in trying to look into his secrets? There were a lot of oddities on his body, but who didn''t have a secret or two? But it was <em>interesting.</em>


    Of course, there was one easy way to test if they had some connection of fate. She instructed Uyirrik to get to work, and Iz''s bloodline familiar formed another seal as she channeled a piece of her <strong>[Worlds End]</strong> into the array.


    Someone who was dead obviously couldn''t carry any fate or secrets worth fretting over.

 Chapter 443: Fate

    Chapter 443: Fate


    Zac felt like a block of swiss cheese as he desperately rotated his new Fragment while eating Healing Pills like they were candy. Whatever that assassin had infused himself with had made him disgustingly durable, and Zac couldnt believe how many Dao-infused strikes it took to force him to give in.


    Scabs had covered almost every part of the mans ckened body, and he looked more like an undeadpared to Zac himself by the end. It appeared that whatever the ck spike infused into the mans body forcibly kept the assassin going while instantly patching up his umting wounds.


    But theyered corrosive effects had finally proven too much, forcing the man to crush his Token. The encounter had been too close forfort though, and Zac wasnt sure whether he would have been able to endure if it wasnt for his new Dao Fragment that kept patching up hiscerated body. Zac shook his head as he arduously moved over to the spot where the assassin left the arena and bent over to pick up the Cosmos Sack he left behind.


    A nce at the sky confirmed that he was pretty much safe from elimination at this point. He was in sixth ce on thedder with 18 points. He had a shot at reaching even higher since there was only a 3 point difference between the 4th and his spot, but he wasn''t sure his body would be able to take it.


    He had barely defeated the assassin even though his ss was a direct counter, and he was running low on miasma due to the massive loss of ichor. He did pop a <strong>[Soldier Pill]</strong> to restore some of his reserves, but running low on Miasma wasn''t the only issue. Zac looked down at <strong>[Evesting] </strong>with a sigh.


    The shield currently had multiple holes after getting brutalized during the fight. The fractals of the shield were thankfully still intact, and the holes were slowly closing themselves by the automatic repair function. However, its structural integrity was breached, and the weakness would transfer over to <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>as well, meaning his defenses werepromised by at least half until the shield had restored itself.


    There was also the issue of the splinter. The side-effects of having one''s soul filled with the splinter''s corrosion had started to make itself known during thetter half of the fight. A smoldering fury had started to build as he got increasingly wounded, and it was a strain to stay in ce.


    His subconscious had been screaming at him to destroy everything, to bravely rush forward and crush everything with the axe in his hand. That was obviously lunacy though, as he couldn''t even see his own hand in front of him, much less his target flitting about in the darkness domain.


    The impulses had luckily calmed down the moment the battle ended, and Zac felt like himself again after just ten seconds. But it proved that prolonged battles could turn a bit iffy in the short term. Any thought of retreat had been long thrown out of his mind as he fought, and he would rather have died than given up in the heat of the moment, even though he was just inside a trial.


    That fact alone made Zac leery about entering another battle. Getting a higher position would probably improve his reward if past experience was any indication, but he wasn''t ready to die just to get a better cement. But it might not be up to him if he entered another battle, but rather the Splinter.


    All thisbined made Zac unwilling to fight until getting a better handle on his situation. In fact, he wanted to keep <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> active until the trial ended as a protective measure, but he felt that he was losing control over the skill, meaning that it was reaching its limits of how long it could stay active. He could only reluctantly release the skill as he tried to appear as intimidating as possible to avoid immediately getting attacked.


    Thankfully his miasmic armor from<strong> [Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> automatically repaired itself, and it should impossible to see all the wounds covering his body. Along with the swirling clouds of his <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> and <strong>[Winds of Decay] </strong>he should look just as menacing as when he was at full strength.


    However, not even a second had passed after the cage went down before rm bells once again went off in his mind, and he saw a massive pir of fire bearing down at him with terrifying momentum. He barely had time to adjust <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> before the beam was upon him, and it suddenly felt like he was being burned alive.


    mes burst out in all directions as the attack mmed into the bulwark, and the fractal shield only managed to block parts of the shocking amount of energies, before the excess energy went around its edges. Zac was soon enough trapped within a corridor of mes, barely holding on.


    He was slowly being pushed back as <strong>[Evesting]</strong> started to lose its shape from the heat. Each second felt like an eternity as Zac could only focus on holding on. He had seen what had happened to the beastkin warrior by just getting grazed by a beam just like this one, and he couldn''t let it hit him. His defensive fragments and sturdy constitution might be able to handle the mes, but he wouldn''t bet his life on it.


    Zac''s whole body was shaking from the strain, and much of the miasma he had just restored with his <strong>[Soldier Pill] </strong>had been expended as his wounds reopened. Finally, he wasn''t able to hold any longer. Perhaps if he had been in peak condition he would be able to withstand such an attack multiple times, but now there was simply no way.


    The shield cracked and Zac reached down toward his token to escape before it was toote. But no mes waited behind the crumbled bulwark, only the vast sky. Just a few errant sparks remained, but Zac barely dodged them by ungracefully frog leaping forward. It looked like he wouldn''t share the same fate as the poor beastkin woman at least, but a furious rage just as potent as the mes had erupted in his mind from the brush with death.


    His vision turned a bit jagged and monochromatic as he red at the woman sitting atop the sun. The air twisted and turned around him as he lifted his bardiche as his arm swelled from a massive infusion of miasma from <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>. Blood would be repaid with blood.


    Only atst second did he manage to wrest back control of his mind, and he was shocked at what he had almost done. He had just been about to infuse his weapon with the Fragment of the Axe before throwing it at Iz Tayn.


    Not even mentioning if such a crude attack would ever reach her before Verun was turned into ash, just what was he thinking? That crazy powerful cultivator was thest person he should antagonize, especially considering she only seemed intent on attacking once judging by her demeanor.


    The power in his arm still needed a release though, and a powerful m into the ground caused a massive rift that stretched fifty meters forward as the miasmic mists swirled around him. Zac quickly turned back toward the scorching sun afterward as he readied another <strong>[Undying Bulwark]</strong> just in case.


    The two stared at each other for a few seconds, until Iz Tayn finally broke eye contact as she turned to the other participants who looked at the spectacle with confusion and trepidation.


    This has gone on long enough. Start fighting or leave immediately if you''re not in the top ten, the woman said with a bored voice before she turned pointed at Zac. Not him though. We are connected by fate.


    Her eyes once against turned toward him, and Zac felt like she was looking at an interesting curiosity. Had she witnessed his transformation and wanted to dissect him like he had been warned off by his master? Warning bells went off in Zac''s mind when he saw her look, and he slowly started to back away even further from her.


    Thankfully she didn''t seem to have any interest in attacking him again and instead chose to spectate the six battles that immediately erupted as a direct result of her words. More than half the remaining warriors had targeted someone else, whereas the rest immediately crushed their tokens with downcast expressions.


    No one did target Zac though, and he didn''t make any moves either. He had already been hesitant to fight any more due to his wounds and gaining the attention by that pyromancer didn''t allow him to split his attention. He needed to be alert enough to counter anything that she had nned, or at least flee fast enough before being burned alive.


    The battles took less than two minutes, and Zac was pushed down to the 8th position in the end as two warriors, one unranked and the other the previous 10th spot holder, managed to umte enough points to pass him. The moment the fighting was over ten pirs of light emerged, and Zac realized that one of them was ced on top of the tform where he started out.


    The others immediately realized what was going on, and over half the winners rushed toward their respective tforms with as fast as their legs could carry them, none of them interested in staying behind. There was nothing to gain by staying in the arena, but everything could be lost if Iz Tayn decided to burn everything to the ground.


    Only the two cultivators from the same family slowly walked toward their respective teleporter after bowing toward Iz Tayn, receiving a small nod in return.


    Everyone seemed loath to stay in the arena, but perhaps no one was as motivated to flee as Zac himself. He couldn''t care less what fate the insanely powerful pyromancer thought she had with him, his only interest was getting to the teleporter. But horror gripped his heart as the bored voice echoed out behind him.


    Wait, Mr. Bug, Iz Tayn said, and Zac''s eyes widened with rm when he saw that the scorching sun transformed into a massive river that snaked toward him.


    There was no way he would wait to see what this maniac had in store, especially after she actually referred him to a bug even though his name was on full disy in thedder. He redoubled his efforts at reaching the teleporter, but he was forced to stop in his tracks when a towering wall of mes rose to block his path.


    If it had been someone else''s mes he would have simply run straight through, but he didn''t dare to do something so foolhardy here. He quicklyunched a wide swipe with <strong>[Unholy Strike] </strong>empowered with the Fragment of the Axe, but the strike was quickly swallowed up by the wall of mes like a pebble in ake.


    Zac turned around and saw that the girl was almost upon him, and his instincts screamed at him to get out as he saw a white me forming above her hand. He desperately tried to think of some way out, but he could onlye up with one solution.


    His miasmic armor dissipated into a gust of smoke as he shrunk back to his normal size, and he stabbed his shoulders with two daggers as he ran straight toward the wall of mes. A massive surge of mental energy pushed into the two fractals of <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> and Zac felt a mix of fear and anticipation when the two fragments actually fused into a bronze sh.


    A roar echoed out across the arena as he punched the wall of mes with all he got, and a five-meter wide void was created as the bronze spark sprung out of his fist and erupted in a fierce implosion that simply deleted the mes barring his path. Zac was flush with tion at finally being able to use the bronze sh for something useful, but he had no time to think about that now as he jumped straight toward the teleporter that was just twenty meters away.


    He nced back mid-air just in case, only to see that Iz Tayn was only ten meters away. She donned an incredulous expression as she watched Zac soar toward the teleportation array, but Zac was unclear whether it was due to his incredibly stupid technique or because her wall got breached.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, her expression soon turned thoughtful as she pushed two fingers into the white-hot mes she had conjured. A small glob of mes covered in dense fractals was quickly extracted and Zac couldn''t help but curse when she flicked it toward him with a small smile.


    He quickly moved his bulwark and infused it with the Fragment of the Coffin as he braced for impact, but his defenses weren''t enough. The small me shot straight through <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and hit him in an instant. The stench of burnt flesh spread out in an instant as a burn-mark asrge as a fist appeared on his chest.


    Zac growled with pain as he quickly applied the Fragment of the Bodhi on the wound, but he was relieved to see that the mes seemed unable to spread as they did with the beastkin. It still hurt like hell and he shot a furious look at the girl who had stopped in her tracks.


    God damn lunatic, Zac spat through grit teeth as he disappeared through the teleporter.

 Chapter 444: Dreams

    Chapter 444: Dreams


    Hot hot mes and darkness. Billy didnt like it. Billy tried to get away, but it kept following wherever he went. But suddenly the hot darkness was gone, and Billy saw he was on the mountain again.


    You were having a nightmare, the statue said.


    Billy told you, Billy wont listen to you, Statue-man! Billy snorted with disdain as he red at the twenty-meter statue. Trying to trick Billy that Billy is not human!


    The statue-man loudly groaned in response. Did he finally realize that Billy was too smart to be tricked?


    Remember, I only told you that you have Titanic blood due to your ancestry? It has simply awoken in you, pushing your mundane human bloodline aside, statue-man said, using a soft voice like a woman. "You are a descendant of mine, remember how I awakened your bloodline transformation?"


    Keep trying to trick Billy with big words, Billy muttered as he started to turn over rocks and rip up bushes.


    What are you doing now? the statue finally said after some silence.


    Billy is looking for a way out. You think you can trap Billy here? Billy is a genius, Alien-man said so himself. Billy will find the door, Billy muttered as he started digging a hole.


    Look- Listen. I am not trapping you, remember? I simply created this world so that I can guide you in your dreams. Isnt it working? Arent you stronger after waking up? the voice said with a sigh.


    Stupid statue, everyone feels better after a good nights sleep. Mama always says so, Billy snorted as shot another despising re at the huge Statue looking like a human.


    The statue was a bit annoying, even if it looked almost as handsome as Billy himself. Statue-man had big muscles like Billy, and he held a really big hammer that looked good for thwonkin.


    But Statue-man was always trying to trick Billy, so Billy had tried to break it. But the stone was very hard, even Billy couldn''t thwonk it to make it go quiet. Billy did manage to drag it away once, but the next night it was right back. But Billy would one day find a way to thwonk it for good.


    The trouble was that Billy always forgot about this stupid mountain and Statue-man when waking up. Statue-man said that it was to protect him from enemy forces, but Billy believed that it was just so that Thea wouldn''t help Billy figure out a way to thwonk him. Thea was almost as smart as Billy, and she had a lot of books.


    Billy bet that at least one book could tell him how to make a statue shut up, mama always said that books had all kinds of smart things written down.


    Lord, help this child, Statue-man groaned.


    Billy is an adult, Billy muttered in response.


    Never mind, the statue sighed. What happened to you? You have pretty serious wounds. I can only help so much through this dreamscape.


    Are you peeping at billy? Mama said that peeping toms get no dessert, Billy said with a scowl.


    "We are connected through our bloodline, I can tell without peeping," Statue-man said.


    Billy hesitated for a bit, but he eventually decided to tell Statue-man what happened. Statue-man was a bit stupid and a liar, but he had helped Billy a few times with getting better at thwonkin''.


    Bad guys are attacking Billys friends town while he is away. Billy came to help. Their boats had a lot of fire, Billy muttered before his face lit up with glee. But Billy thwonked one of their boats and now the zombies and lizardmen are fish poop.


    Good! A real man is true to his brethren, and ruthless to his enemies," Statue-man roared. "But your enemies are pretty strong. Why don''t you draw the Array I imparted to you and I''ll-"


    "Billy won''t fall for your tricks!" Billy cut off Statue-man "Billy knows that Statue-Man wants to use the drawing to escape Billy''s dreams!"


    Ai, this childs bloodline might actually be too pure for his own good. The other Emperors wouldugh if they heard how hard it was to get a disciple.


    What did you find out? Adriel asked as he gazed down at the ocean waves.


    It was Thea Marshall and Thwonkin Billy, the ghost answered with a hollow voice. They managed to sink one of the advance vessels before being forced to retreat by the Bishop. They were both wounded in the conflict and will likely not be able to fight for a week or two.


    Adriel nodded with satisfaction. Those two weren''t a real threat to his ns, but they had been a constant annoyance for a few months now, like two flies who refused to go away. It was good to hear that they finally had been brought to justice, and he knew that Krisko would perform a rite of thanks to the Founders upon hearing the news.


    Besides, it was good news for another reason. Neither the Super-Brother-Man nor the two incursion leaders who chose to join his banner had participated in any of the raids that tried to impede their progress. The human champion was truly held up somehow, perhaps even sent off-world by the Ruthless Heavens.


    If they hadn''t captured a couple of the living to gain ess to their Ladder, Adriel would have thought that the man was wounded after enduring the tribtion. But he was clearly still at level 75, proving he hadn''t taken that step just yet.


    Our soldiers? Adriel asked.


    Less than 5% survived from the vessel, the scout reported. There are extremely bloodthirsty beasts in the waters, some of them seem to be controlled by the powerful contracted cephalopod.


    What about the arrays on the ship? Adriel asked, cutting to the heart of the matter.


    We managed to recover them, the ghost nodded.


    Good, Adriel sighed with relief.


    Losing a few hundred Revenants born on a world with such abundant Origin Dao was regrettable. These were among the first to awaken, and they would no doubt have be strong subordinates. But the mission could still be considered a win as long as they managed to nt the arrays.


    The alignment wouldmence in 5 days, and as long as they managed to trap the Super-Brother Man on his ind kingdom until then he would have won.


    The brains of the zealots must have been scorched by their mes, as they still believed that they could actually kill the target in the middle of his own kingdom. Adriel knew better. He was happy to let them fight it out as he ced the spatial locks down.


    Of course, if that was only what was needed to be done he wouldnt have needed to send his strongest clones to this remote corner of the world. He had a secret mission to fulfill, handed to him straight from his master''s master.


    Who would have thought that some great powerhouse from the Empire Hearnds was touring their remote Kingdom? With the distances involved there might not be a single guest for tens of thousands of years, and usually not people with this kind of clout.


    More importantly, the great master had a treasured disciple who craved unique bodies for experimentation, preferably ones leaned toward the Three Great Arts. And didnt he have a prime body waiting for him here? Thankfully his master had managed to hear about it and quickly contacted him.


    This was his shot at greatness. Between the contribution of aligning a world with such a unique Mystic Realm and gaining the favor of that great master, he might actually have a chance at gaining a teleportation token to the Hearnds. He had heard that treasures that could cause two forces to fight to the death in this remote sector were sold like they were worthless sticks of incense over there.


    Adriel had already promised the body to Harkon, but he would have to get out of that contract even if it meant killing his old friend. He could only pray that they had managed to keep the poison girl alive long enough that she hadn''t dposed or been cremated.


    His hollow eyes looked out across the waters, cursing the Zealots for building such bulky vessels rather than the small skippers that their enemies used. They would long have reached the inds if they could move even half as fast as the ships the humans utilized.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But they were so close that Adriel could taste it by now, and he could already sense markings left behind by Mhal even without the help of the tracking arrays. They would be there in less than a day, and without the human champion there they might be able topletely conquer the town.


    It was time to make all his dreamse true.


    You were right! He passed the 7<sup>th</sup> floor. Only took him something like 20 minutes too! Leyara said with excitement, prompting Pretty to look over. How did you know?


    I had a feeling, Pretty said with a smile.


    You know something, I can feel it, Leyara said with a pout. I cant take it! Just look at the chaos below! My sister-disciples will be green with envy when they hear of this spectacle. Our sector might never have seen anything like it!


    Pretty Peak sighed as she looked down at the crowd that kept growing by the minute. Three-quarters of the climb was over for Zac Piker, and he could be dropping out at any moment now that he had reached the 8<sup>th</sup> floor.


    One fight after another had erupted as the square was only so big, and forces fought for the opportunity to be closer to the array. Mr. Piker would be drowned in a deluge of attacks the moment he emerged from the teleporter, and everyone wanted to be the one tond the killing blow.


    Pretty felt some helplessness as she saw themotion. She wasnt sure what she was supposed to do in this situation. The man had a minor connection to her uncle, but she couldn''t be expected to deal with a mess of this magnitude, right?


    What are you thinking about? Do you want to join? I am sure Prince Yeorav would give some face and let you set up camp next to his array, Leyara said. "Might be a good chance to make a connection? He''s pretty handsome and less muscle-headed than his cultivation-maniac brother."


    I told you Im not joining, Pretty sighed. "Besides, Yeorav has a Dao Companion already."


    So whats wrong? Leyara asked as she took out a bottle of wine.


    Zac Piker has a small connection to my family, and I''m not sure what to do," Pretty finally admitted, but regretted it the moment she saw her friend''s exuberant expression.


    I knew it! Leyara screamed with excitement. Secret Boyfriend? Hiding him from your crazy grandpa?


    What? Pretty snorted with a roll of her eyes. My uncle met him by chance. Uncle Greatest sent Average on a training mission, and they met Zac PIker by chance. Mr. Piker beat the crap out of Average, and my uncle was impressed by his performance."


    Hes from the Allbright Empire? But why haven''t we heard of him before? Leyara asked with confusion.


    I''m not sure if he''s actually from my Empire or not. He was sent to an abandoned in the Red Zone for a quest by The System. I think my cousin was used as a prop for him, Pretty exined.


    Well, Average is only 17. Beating him up shouldnt be too hard, he has barely started setting up his foundation, Leyara shrugged.


    Well, my uncle said theres something miraculous about Mr. Piker, Pretty said. But he refused to say what when dad asked.


    Well, thats not surprising. He beat the 7<sup>th</sup> floor. Theres no way he hasnt had some unique encounters, Leyara said.


    So what do you think I should do? Pretty asked.


    You cant stop whats going on down there, even if you team up with that mysterious Draugr, Leyara said as her eyes started to radiate with a white glow. There are multiple peak arrays down there, and the powers are chaotic enough to indicate that there are at least a dozen offensive treasures reaching high-tier.


    So hes doomed? Pretty sighed. "It doesn''t make sense that the System would create a scenario like this. We finally see a great genius emerge in this sector, only to have him die by the hands of a thousand pieces of trash?"


    Well, perhaps things will turn into an all-out brawl where the preparations are used onpeting forces rather than on Mr. Piker. Or perhaps he has concocted some sort of counter, who knows? Leyara said, though she looked less than enthused about Mr. Piker''s chances. "But I think the System will only require him to survive for a short moment to consider it a pass."


    Well, hes had almost a hundred days to prepare, and hopefully hell have found something that can assist him, Pretty nodded.


    "Well, it doesn''t hurt to get ready just in case," Leyara said thoughtfully as she adjusted her dress to show a bit more cleavage.


    "What are you thinking about now?" Pretty asked with exasperation.


    "Well, if he actually survives long enough for the quest to expire, wouldn''t he be this sector''s Number One Prince Charming?" Leyara said as she started applying some make-up to her already immacte face. "This is a prime opportunity to snag both a dashing husband and an amazing seedling for our forces."

 Chapter 445: Gains

    Chapter 445: Gains


    <strong>[Seventh Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: Evolution of <em>[Veruns Bite]</em>, Duplicity Core Upgrade to E-Grade, Upgrade of Port Atwood to World Capital]</strong>


    <strong>[Additional Reward 8<sup>th</sup> ce: Limited Title Slots +1, Peak F-Grade All Attribute fruit]</strong>


    Zacs pitch-ck eyes went back and forth between the three choices, the pain and exhaustion almostpletely blown away. Then again, the ck dimension seemed to have some sort of suppressive effect on wounds, so he probably wouldnt be as chipper when he left this ce.


    A quick look down at his chest proved that the crazy girl had left a burn-mark that almost looked like a fractal, but the wound showed no signs at spreading at least. However, that didn''t provide muchfort, as there had obviously been something off about that piece of me she had shot at him.


    His best guess was that she had formed some sort of Karmic Tie to him for some reason. Iz Tayn came from some top tier force though, and Zac hoped that the distance to his remote sector would prove too far away to make it worth tracking him down. If it was even possible since she was just an F-Grade cultivator.


    However, the encounter with the crazy me girl wasn''t enough to put a damper on his feelings at the moment. He had passed the 7th floor, a feat that only happened once every few millennia in a star sector with trillions of cultivators. And were no two ways around it, these rewards were amazing.


    Better yet, they were clearly custom-made for himself, which was a first since he entered the tower. The reward for clearing the 6<sup>th</sup> floor had been pretty great too, but it was still something generalized apart from thepatibility.


    Was it because he had cleared a high-tiered floor, or was it because there had been a special event?


    Even better, there was actually a bonus reward for reaching the 8<sup>th</sup> ce, and it provided something he had never even heard of before. Getting a fourth slot for a Limited Titles was an extremely powerful boon, and Zac started to understand why so many had been fighting tooth and nail even to the point that some died.


    Getting another spot for Limited Titles wasnt as simple as having another title. If that was it then Zac wouldnt have been so excited, since he already had thirty of them. Limited Titles had never been too important for Zac until now, simply because he hadnt encountered any such opportunities so far.


    But Gu had properly described the roles of Limited Titles during their climb. The merchant had already confirmed that getting real titles would get harder and harder, and most people got almost 80% of their titles during the F-Grade. Thats why some called normal titles Foundational Titles. They set the foundation for your entire cultivation journey.


    Limited Titles were something that you could continuously improve though, and there was almost an unlimited number of opportunities for such titles in the Multiverse. They were the lure the System used to keep luring cultivators into deadly trials and unexplored Mystic Realms, and they just kept getting better the more dangerous the trial was.


    One single Limited Title snatched from a deadly D-Grade trial might be even better than the Tower-title he had worked for the past 70 days. Getting another Limited Title slot was essentially getting a 15-20% boost to your power, provided you could get a good title that provided Efficiency.


    The reward might not be useful at the moment, but Zac would quickly be able to acquire a few Limited Titles after leaving Earth. As for the scions who risked their lives, it was understandable as well. This was a reward that no amount of treasures, wealth, or guidance could provide, and they no doubt had a bunch of top-quality Limited Titles to choose from through their forces.


    Not only that, the System even threw in a small bonus in the form of an All Attribute fruit, which was equivalent to a pretty good Low-Tiered Title. That was the most valuable of all the Attribute fruits, even more so than Luck Fruits. Zac was extremely thankful that he didnt give in to the fear in his heart that told him to cut his losses after narrowly surviving his soul getting crushed.


    The rewards from this floor alone far eclipsed the rewards from the first six floorsbined.


    It also made him wonder just what the others received. Take Iz Tayn for example. She was already strong to the point that it felt like she had somehow snuck inside the Tower while being E-Grade. Just what level would she reach after getting her individualized reward plus whatever reward was awarded the first spot. Did she get multiple Limited Title slots?


    Remembering the traumatizing encounter where he almost died made him think of something else, and he reluctantly turned his eyes away from the rewards. Zac wasnt ready to immediately make a choice what to pick, so he first opened his Status screen to check something, and just as expected he had taken a huge step forward.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 7th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Early, Fragment of the Coffin - Early, Fragment of the Bodhi - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>980 [Increase: 75%. Efficiency: 163%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>498 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 155%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1282 [Increase: 80%. Efficiency: 163%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>673 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 163%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>264 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 155%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>386 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 155%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>243 [Increase: 80%. Efficiency: 155%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 6 830 543 287 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zacs stared with confusion at his attributes, unable topute the changes for a few seconds. It was a wee problem through; he had gained too many points. He already knew he would get a small boost from fusing hisst two Dao Seeds, but that alone couldnt exin the growth. But he soon enough realized what was going on as he kept opening menus.


    The first thing he checked was the Dao Menu. He had taken a quick look during the Battle Royale, but he didnt have the time to properly look at the attributes at that time.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Stage</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Effect</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Early</strong></td><td>


    <strong>All attributes +10, Strength +110, Dexterity + 80, Endurance +15. Effectiveness of Strength +5%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Coffin</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Early</strong></td><td>


    <strong>All attributes +10, Endurance +80, Vitality +50, Intelligence +15, Wisdom +60. Effectiveness of Endurance +5%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Bodhi</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Early</strong></td><td>


    <strong>All attributes +10, Endurance +60, Vitality +80, Intelligence +15, Wisdom +50, Effectiveness of Vitality +5%</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong></strong>


    Gaining the Fragment of the Bodhi was all thanks to the <strong>[Praj Cherry]</strong>, and Zac wondered if the Zethaya had even known the true value of that thing since Boje had considered a soul-healing treasure. Then again, they did cherish it to the point that they werent willing to part with it for money, so they probably knew that wasnt the limits of its capabilities.


    There wasnt a lot of change to his attributes as far as Zac could remember, with the fragment essentially only adding the +10 to all attributes and a little bit of Wisdom. However, he immediately noticed how simr its distribution it was to the Fragment of the Coffin. The weight of attributes was almost identical, with just the focus on Endurance and Vitality being switched.


    Getting the Fragment of the Bodhi rather than something like the Grove or the Forest was a bit unexpected, but perhaps not as much as getting the Coffin. Zac had read up on Buddhism a bit since learning that it was an actual cultivation system in the multiverse, so he knew a little bit of what the word represented.


    The Bodhi was a divine tree that the Buddha gained enlightenment under, and the word was the term for true Enlightenment, the escape from the cycle of reincarnation. The only issue was that such a Dao sounded rted to Buddhism, and he wasnt sure how good a fit that would be to his current cultivation path.


    Ogras had joked about him embarking on the path of ascetic cultivation like a monk, but he wasnt ready to take a vow of silence just yet.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But his instincts told him that it wouldnt be an issue. The name of a Dao Fragment wasn''t important, what mattered were the concepts the Fragment contained. The main focus of the vision hadnt been the Buddhist praying, but rather how the cherry tree had changed after the blessing. It had turned into a divine tree that became the guardian of the deste bands.


    It didnt only provide the whole area with vitality, but it also empowered everything within its domain. Normal weeds and grasses had be full of life and power, quickly growing far stronger than they would be able to on their own. From what Zac could tell the healing he had enjoyed was just part of the picture. The fragment might have a huge impact on his Hatchetman ss, as many of its skills were rted to nature.


    What would happen if he turned the wooden hand of <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> into a divine hand?


    Getting the third Fragment early was a huge relief to Zac, and it took a lot of pressure off. It was a shame that it came at the cost of the Soul Mending Medicine, but now that he had passed the Seventh floor he should have a stronger position for bargaining when he exited. Perhaps he could buy another one off the hands from some powerful n who wanted to make a connection with him.


    It also meant that the chance of gaining something from the Tower Apparition was a lot higher since he now could upgrade any of his three Fragments. Ideally, he wanted to upgrade the Fragment of the Axe, but it wasntpletely necessary at this point. Any of the three would allow him to gain an arcane ss, as long as the System considered his new path to be unique enough to be called a creation.


    He couldnt wait to experiment some with his new fragment during his ascent of the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. He had finally managed to use the bronze sh for something useful just now, and it had been shockingly effective. It felt like confirmation that he was on the right path, and he needed to capture the moment of inspiration and expand it to his new Fragment as well.


    Of course, getting the final Dao Fragment wasnt the only surprising gain from the 7<sup>th</sup> floor. He had not only upgraded his Tower Title, but he had actually gained another one, the first one in a good while. He had assumed that he wouldnt get any more titles before evolving unless he got something from his massive pool of luck, but it appeared he had underestimated himself.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 7th Floor: Reach the 64th level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All stats +10, All Stats +10%, Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    <strong>[Heaven''s Triumvirate: Attain three Dao Fragments while still at F-Grade. Reward: All stats +5%. All Stats +5. Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong>


    The Tower-title had upgraded, but not quite as expected. It had immediately given him +5% all efficiency, rather than just for his three main attributes. That meant one would probably get the perfect 10/10/10 frompleting the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. But then what would happen on the 9<sup>th</sup>? Did it provide a separate title?


    The guy earlier had mentioned tower breakers, and from context it sounded like someone who would be able to defeat the whole Tower of Eternity. Was Tower Breaker perhaps the name of not only the achievement, but an actual title?


    Zac unfortunately knew that the 9<sup>th</sup> floor was out of his reach unless the rules drastically changed on the final floor. The progression of strength had been pretty even during the climb, and he knew that he would start entering true life-and-death battles on the 8<sup>th</sup> floor.


    Even the defeating guardian wasnt a given, and he had already decided to start looking for clues to amazing inheritances as a back-up.


    Time was a precious resource, so Zac held off on choosing a reward a while longer and instead to sit down and recuperate while he was in this special zone. Getting chased down by Iz Tayn had only worsened his wounds from the battle with Faceless 9, and he needed to give himself and his poor shield some time to rest up.


    <strong>[Evesting] </strong>almost looked like a melted clump of metal, but it was truly a tenacious item as it was slowly regaining its original shape. Just like his body, it would probably be in serviceable condition within a few hours.


    However, the situation with his soul wasnt as easy to fix. The verdant glow hadpletely disappeared by now, leaving his soul whole. But his soul had inexorably changed after the experience. It was now crisscrossed by ck lines where the fractures once were, reminiscent of a Kintsugi bowl. There were also some splotches here and there, marring the picture even further.


    He had already felt the effect during the battle earlier, where bloodlust had coursed through his body, almost to the point that he was ready to run straight into a sun. Zac was afraid that the effect would only be worse as the corruption grew. The energies might even start damaging the miasmic runes from the outside.


    He quickly needed to find a solution.

 Chapter 446: The Hayner Clan

    Chapter 446: The Hayner n


    The mental defense skills avable to either of his sses were of no help against the Splinter. For example, <strong>[Indomitable] </strong>formed a formidable wall around Zac''s soul, but it didnt help when the threat was already a part of him. The <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> might help, but he still hadnt found anyone who could create the second Array Disk required to practice it. Having just one of the arrays was useless, and he couldnt even begin to practice the first reincarnation.


    The Fragment of the Bodhi did seem to be able to stabilize the situation somewhat at least, just like his Seed of Trees had constrained the Draugr-bloodline that had been imnted in him. It was a losing battle though, and it was probably only a matter of time before something went wrong.


    The only solution that Zac could think of for the moment was to keep the energies in check best he could, and hopefully hed find something to use during thest day that had been allocated for the Base Town. Or perhaps he was worrying over nothing and his soul would slowly grind down the infected parts since the main body of the Splinter was still locked away in its cage.


    Thirty minutes quickly passed as Zac almost went into a trance-like state where he tried using his new fragment to the utmost while absorbing E-Grade Miasma Crystals and Healing Pills. Some fresh hell was no doubt waiting outside his special zone, and he needed to be at his best.


    He was still far from top condition, but it should be enough for him to survive the initial chaos and properly rest somewhere else. He would have rather stayed inside the ck dimension for a few more hours, but the whole zone had started to shudder, indicating that it was time to leave.


    The problem was what reward to choose, as all of them were extremely tempting. He knew that evolution of the weapon wasn''t something as simple as an upgrade from Middle to Peak E-Grade, but it was rather more akin to a bloodline evolution of a beast. It might provide Verun with a matching attunement to his own, or swap out the materials with ones of far higher quality.


    The somewhat humble origins of his axe hadnt been a problem so far, but it would sooner orter start to fall behind, or even get stuck in a bottleneck. It needed fortuitous encounters just like himself, and this was a great opportunity to improve hispanion to something with greater potential. It would probably also help during the final remainder of the climb, and he would need every advantage he could get.


    As for the Specialty Core Upgrade, it spoke for itself. He already had the <strong>[Pathfinder Oracle Eye]</strong> in his possession, so it was notpletely needed in his case. But the eye was an amazing treasure that could be used for almost anything it seemed, and upgrading his core this way would free up the treasure for other uses.


    As for upgrading Port Atwood to a World Capital, Zac wasnt as clear what it would entail. It would no doubte with a slew of advantages to his force in general, and it would probably also give him some sort of title for being the one who founded the capital after integration. It would provide ess to all kinds of new businesses and other beneficial buildings as well since it was amon requirement in the Town Shop to have the World Capital.


    Indecision gnawed at him for a minute, but he knew he couldnt stall forever. His eyes eventually went to the middle option, and he picked the Duplicity Core upgrade. His reason was simple; his core was a unique mutation, and there were no guarantees the eye would be able to upgrade it even if he ate if after evolving.


    Meanwhile, the System termed it as an upgrade, and there shouldnt be any chance of the upgrade failing. Evolving Verun would have been nice as well, but Verun was ultimately a prettymon Spirit Tool, and finding other opportunities to improve it shouldnt prove impossible. Even his Pathfinder-Eye could upgrade the Spirit Tool if need be.


    Besides, Verun was still keeping up at his current power without a problem, especially after he had managed to light up another fractal on its handle. He would probably need to reach level 100 or so before the axe started to fall behind.


    As for the World Capital, he had great confidence in aplishing that on his own, provided that he didnt get himself killed first. Taking that option would ultimately only speed up the process, and he felt it wasnt worth it. It would perhaps have given him a better title for getting the World Capital while still in F-Grade, but he wasn''tcking for titles.


    The choice was made, so Zac waited for him to be teleported to the start of the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. But nothing happened for a few seconds until a startling change took ce in the empty space. A densely inscribed circle appeared beneath his feet, and it illuminated him in golden luster.


    A vtile surge of energy entered his body the next moment, and Zac had to force himself to stay still instead of rolling around in pain. The colossal amount of power streamed straight toward his core, and he didnt dare make a move in fear that he would ruin what was happening.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Who would have known that the system would force an upgrade immediately, rather than handing him some pill?


    The pain thankfully onlysted for less than a minute, and Zac could only guess it wasnt a big deal for the System to upgrade a simple F-Grade Specialty Core, even if it was a mutated version. Zac wanted to immediately inspect the upgraded Specialty Core, but the surroundings changed as he was teleported to the next world.


    The massive Bulwark from <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> was conjured within a second of arriving as he hefted the somewhat restored <strong>[Evesting]</strong>, and <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> defended his mind from taking another hit. The cherry had worked wonders, but he guessed the soul was still a bit vulnerable after having almost crumbled to pieces.


    It was lucky as well, as a massive de mmed straight into his shield just as Zac appeared in the new world. A pained roar followed as <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> retaliated the strike. But even then he didnt get any respite as his danger sense hollered in the back of his mind, forcing him to jump to the side as the air itself where he stood was ripped open.


    <strong>[Seize the Hayner ns defining treasure before the invaders.]</strong>


    Zac sighed in disappointment even though he saw the quest was rted to a defining treasure. He had been down this road before during the past floors, and he knew things werent so simple. First of all, he was thrown onto some deste beach without any civilization nearby, and he had no idea where this Hayner n was located.


    But that was just the start of his problems. Right behind him was a massive pir that stretched into the sky, and one warrior after another appeared around him. The soldiers were immediately beset with attacks from a defending force that didn''t ask any questions but rather tried to immediately kill anything that appeared.


    The situation was all too familiar to him. It was an incursion.


    However, the chaos was still a bit different from the one he was used to. It looked like he had arrived just minutes after the pir appeared, yet an army full with peak F-Grade to powerful E-Grade warriors were already fighting back great ferocity. The attacks he had just avoided came from the defenders who looked like a mix of humans and trolls.


    They stood almost three meters tall and had pale green skin. They seemed to favor physicalbat as well, and even the strike he barely dodged hade from an explosive arrow-attack. Zac could understand the words the humans streaming out of the pir screamed, but the defenders spoke in an unintelligible guttural gibberish.


    How would he find out where the Hayner n was? And who was the guardian in a scenario like this? He seemed to be allied with the raiders, but also not judging by the wording of the quest. He could liken it to being an infiltrator who had joined the incursion with hidden motives, so everyone was an enemy.


    Was the Incursion leader the guardian, or was it perhaps the patriarch of the Hayner n? As for actually finding the treasure, he had already given up on it. He knew that even if he found the n there would be all sorts of hurdles to jump in order to get the treasure, hurdles he didnt have the time nor the skills to deal with.


    Eventually, he could only find one solution to his situation, and Zacs searched the area until he spotted a human radiating a sinister aura as hemanded his troops to take down the defending armies. Zac steadied himself as he activated <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, appearing in front of the man without warning.


    The man looked extremely shocked to be attacked by one of his own, but he immediately reacted as a huge bird made from hundreds of flying daggers appeared in front of him as he shed away. However, the cage was already erected, and Zac steadily grew to his towering form as miasma covered the area.


    The flying daggers assailed him like an angry swarm of bees, and Zac was quickly forced to actively block with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>as he noted that the daggers were infused with a Dao fragment and could cut straight through his miasmic armor. The fractal shield thankfully held though, and Zac saw Dao Empowered specters appear around the incursion general in an instant.


    However, most of the specters'' strikes were diffused with some sort of small shields that appeared around the leader, with only a few of them managing tond an actual blow on him.


    Zac knew he had taken the strength of the potential guardian too lightly at that moment. He hadnt mentally adjusted due to the increased difficulty because he hadnt fought a real floor guardian at the end of the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, but rather a bunch of cultivators. It made him still think of hispetition as roughly the same as the 62<sup>nd</sup> level, forgetting about the sharp increase that came with the final levels of a floor.


    The man was also an incursion general, which Zac had ample experience in defeating without exerting any herculean effort. It had made him confident in deflecting the small des with his impervious armor, but he received a rude awakening as over ten daggers bore into his body and reopened some wounds.


    If that was all that happened it would have been fine, as such small weapons werent any threat to Zacs towering physique. But a blistering pain started to radiate from the wounds in an instant, and Zac felt the world lurch for a second before he found his bearings. He realized what was going on in an instant; the daggers were poisoned.


    The only relief was that he sensed the poison being immediately contained to a prettyrge degree as he activated the Fragment of the Coffin. But it was nothing like when he fought the corroded monkeys back on the third floor. The Coffin didnt make him magically immune to all poisons, it only strengthened his resistance to it and allowed him to refine it.


    This poison he was struck with was on apletely other levelpared to what he had absorbed before, and it seemed to also be empowered by a Dao of its own. It wasnt life-threatening as far as Zac could tell, especially with his Draugr-bodys natural resistance against poisons as well. But it would still take some effort to refine it all.


    You are not one of ours! the man roared from the other side of the cage, arge festering wound having appeared on his arm.


    Zac didnt answer as he was focused onbating the poison spreading through his body, while simultaneously making sure that he wasnt cut by any more of those small daggers. He noted that a concerted effort to break through from the leaders soldiers was already underway, and he knew his time was limited.


    He quickly pushed his taunting effect to the limit as he rushed toward his target, with ten of the fifteen chains targeting the general. The other five started to take out the people who had been caught inside the cage along with their leader, and these people quickly turned into nourishment for him. The Incursion Leader managed to stave off the chains though by allocating arge number of his flying daggers to fight them off.


    A poison master was a decent counter to his build since intangible attacks like poison or illusions wouldnt trigger <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, but that didnt mean Zac was helpless. He could still retaliate if the man used daggers rather than pure poison attacks like Alea, and he also had his massive bardiche to strike back.


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as Zac ran straight toward the incursion leader, but the man seemed intent on stalling as he was swallowed by a hurricane of des before he was whisked away. Unfortunately for the man, he hadnt realized he was under the effect of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, and the general suddenly appeared only five meters away from Zac.


    Zacs arm was already bulging from cramming it full of miasmic energy from <strong>[Unholy Strike] </strong>and the sounds of ghastly wails filled the cage as the massive ck axe crashed into the whirlwind just when the general appeared.


    The axe went straight through the generals torso, but Zac felt no tion as the swing provided no resistance, and it looked like he had struck a pile of mud as the invader''s body fell apart into a rotten pile on the ground. The general had escaped his killing blow.

 Chapter 447: Fated

    Chapter 447: Fated


    Danger sense erupted in Zac''s mind the next moment, and he desperately swiveled <strong>[Evesting]</strong> to block a strikeing from behind. A dark-greennce had appeared out of nowhere, aimed straight at Zacs core. Zac tried to dodge, but his bulky body wasnt quick enough and he barely managed to reposition himself before thence slid right through his armor as though it was made of paper before continuing into his side.


    Radiating pain spread throughout his body, and Zac felt like he was being bitten by a million fire ants. But thence pushing straight through his body had one upside; the incursion leader was suddenly well within his range. The man was pretty quick, but he was nowhere near as fast as the assassin he had just fought.


    Zac immediately let go of his shield as he grabbed onto the poison master before he could slink away again. His grip covered half the invader''s torso, and there was no escaping now. The warrior seemed to realize the problem, and a green de appeared in his hand as he tried to cut Zacs arm off with one swift motion.


    A ck shield appeared around Zacs arm as he hurriedly threw out a talisman from his Spatial Ring. It was something he had gotten from the undead level, a defensive treasure that could be used almost instantly. It wasnt strong enough topletely block out the strike, but it absorbed enough momentum for the Fragment of the Coffin along with his conjured armor to block out the rest.


    Wet crunching sounds emerged from the poison master''s body as Zacs grip closed like a vise. The man started wailing in pain as he desperately tried to morph away, but Zac was flooding the guy with his corrosive Dao, making it impossible to change his form.


    However, the man seemedpletely unwilling to give in even when half his torso was crushed, and a storm of daggers rushed toward them both in an attempt at mutual destruction. Zac was forced to quickly cut the man in two to finally sense a burst of energy enter his body as the flying daggers lost their power and fell down on the ground.


    The invasion leader had almost been as durable as himself,unching destructive strikes even though half his body was crippled. Perhaps he was just like Alea, forced to focus on Vitality to counteract the effects of the poisons he used.


    Zac felt as though both his body and mind were on fire from the poison, but he still released the cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. The fighting between both sides had mostly subsided, and they gapingly looked on as the massive form of Zac walked forward, holding the crushed incursion leader like a ragdoll in his almost grotesquelyrge hand.


    This invasion is over. Return or die, Zac said to the humans, his gravelly voice sending shivers down the spines of the listeners.


    Seeing that most of the humans immediately fled toward the incursion pir he turned to the massive trolls. They hesitantly looked at Zac, unsure whether he was an ally or just a bloodthirsty lunatic.


    Do you understand my words now? Zac simply asked as he forcibly tried to quell the storm raging in his mind.


    We understand, Warmaster, one of the trolls said as he stepped forward. Why did you help us?


    I am following a prophecy that took me to your world. I am looking for the Hayner n, Zac said.


    Following a prophecy was an excuse that Ogras had used multiple times when searching for information upon arriving at new levels. It didnt really exin why they were there, and neither did it divulge whether you were an ally or a foe. Furthermore, a lot of people read into it whatever fit their point of view, which made them identally divulge some extra information.


    The Hayner n? the troll mumbled with a frown. Are they the cause of this cataclysm?


    They have something in their possession that should not exist on this, Zac said, neither confirming nor denying the troll''s question.


    So it is them, the troll growled. Delving into the taboo. They pretended to be our saviors bringing words of warning, but they were actually the harbingers of our doom.


    It turned out that the Hayner n was an ancient n full of sages who delved into the mysteries of the heavens. They had warned the forces of this world that a great war wasing, that invaders woulde to disrupt their way of life. It had allowed the forces to ready themselves for war, but it had also inadvertently helped Zac gain an excuse for why he was looking for them. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, a frown quickly formed beneath Zac''s helmet while listening as it quickly became apparent that the family focused on the Dao of Karma, just like Abbot Evesting Peace. Fighting those kinds of people was notoriously annoying since they were often able to anticipate your next move.


    Did the Hayner n already know they were targeted by him? Perhaps they had even gone underground the moment he arrived, which would make Zacs mission even harder toplete.


    He had already confirmed that the incursion leader wasnt the guardian of the level. No Teleportation Array had appeared when he killed the poison master, and he was pretty sure by now that he would have to actually find the Hayner n to advance to the next floor. After asking about the general state of the world and getting a decent map of the area Zac left the trolls to deal with the aftermath of the incursion.


    However, Zac only ran for twenty minutes before he stopped and took out another healing treasure along with some general antidote pills. With the number of pills he had eaten over thest hour the effect was drastically reduced, but he needed to do something about the poison rampaging through his body.


    It had been a struggle to just stand upright and talk with the trolls. They were very congenial after he had killed the Incursion leader, even calling him Warmaster, but that friendliness might have taken a sharp turn if they found out he was in an extremely wounded state. Dealing with poison was his strong suit, but the wounds had tacked up to an almost unmanageable state by now.


    He knew he was running out of time to reach the top of the 8th floor, but he still needed to take a moment to rest. At least thest level had finished extremely quickly which saved him a few hours, even though the final levels of each floor usually were pretty quick to deal with. It wouldn''t be the end of the world if he spent a couple of hours healing up from the aftermath.


    Taking the opportunity of the downtime Zac first looked inward, checking out his new and improved Specialty Core. Its size and coloring were pretty much the same, but the density of fractals covering its surface was on a whole new level. The inscriptions were so fine that the couldn''t discern them all with his spiritual vision.


    There was also an indefinable upgrade in the quality of the Duplicity Core. It almost felt like it had been a cheap stic ball before, but it was now upgraded to solid metal. The quality andposition were essentially improved. However, Zac quickly started to feel some confusion as he tried to understand the changes the upgrade had brought.


    The reason was simple; there were none. The line in his status screen had been updated to say <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong>, but that was about it. It didn''t provide any more attributes, and there was nothing else that seemed to have changed.


    It was a pretty big disappointment, as it currently awarded 5% Strength and 5% Endurance, based on the two main attributes of his sses. Zac thought that those boosts might increase from the upgrade, which was another reason he opted to take the Specialty Core upgrade as an award. If his boost went from 5% to 10%, then his Strength would have passed 1000 by now. But it seemed like that wasnt meant to be.


    However, it wasn''t aplete loss. He had only seen those things as a bonus if he got them. The main point was that he would be able to evolve his two sses without having to worry whether his Specialty Core would be able to keep up. Besides, Yrial seemed to indicate that the speed of his transformation should improve as the Core evolved. He didn''t dare to try it out right now as he was both poisoned and wounded though, and his Draugr form was better at enduring such a state.


    Not gaining any boost to his Strength was disappointing, but he had gotten his hands on another Peak Attribute fruit which would allow him to almost reach his goal. As long as a Medium Fragment increased the boost to All Attributes he would breach 1000 Strength no matter which of the three Fragments he managed to upgrade from the Tower Apparition.


    As for whether he would manage to upgrade his Dao from the Apparition, he felt it almost was a given by now. He had reached the 8<sup>th</sup> floor, something that only happened once every few millennia. The strength of the apparition he would summon should be on apletely different tierpared to those he had witnessed before, and the effect was reportedly boosted significantly when you were the one who conjured it.


    After having rested up for another hour he felt strong enough that he didn''t need to solely focus on recuperation. Most of the poison had already been converted to energy, with just a few Dao-empowered remnants lingering on. Those remnants would take a while longer to grind down, but they weren''t a threat to him at all.


    Seeing the situation stabilized he first took out the Peak Attribute fruit and ate it. A warmth spread through his body, and he quickly checked the status screen for the result. A quick mental calction let him know that he had gained 8 to All Attributes, which would have to be considered a pretty good result.


    However, his Strength had only gained 7 points, pushing his total to 992. It was only one point less than the other attributes, but it proved a somewhat disappointing fact; he had hit the cap for how much Strength he could gain by eating treasures. Adding the fruits from the hunt he had gained a total of 25 points in Strength before he hit the limit.


    An attribute limit of twenty-five was as good as it got in the F-grade as far as Zac could tell, where most people were only able to gain 15-20 points from Attribute Fruits. However, he had held out some unspoken hope that his odd constitution would also apply to this situation, where his limits were a lot higherpared to normal. But it looked like his body had to follow the same rules as everyone else.


    But there were not only bad news waiting after he looked through his status screen. His Luck had shot up to 257, and it had provided a title just like he had hoped.


    <strong>[Fated: Gain 250 Luck at F-Grade Reward: Effect of Luck +5%]</strong>


    It wasnt anything special truthfully, but Zac guessed it was fair enough. His luck was so high from having gained so many titles, and if the System kept giving titles for those kinds of aplishments it would essentially mean he was getting rewarded for getting rewarded. Besides, even if the boost was pretty small it was still a High-Tiered Title that boosted Luck. Such a thing was extremely hard toe by.


    Zac closed the screen and turned his attentions to the two Cosmos Sacks and the Spatial Ring he had gained during thest level. He couldnt help but smile in anticipation as he scanned the content of the first pouch, wondering what kind of treasures the elites of the Multiverse would carry around.


    A nk look of confusion spread across his face though as he first scanned the swordsmans sack. Zac couldnt figure out what was going on. He would have expected a cosmos Sack from someone like that to be filled to the brim with all kinds of mysterious items, but there was even less inside than his own Cosmos Sack.


    The first thing he noticed was one of the golden swords. It was one of the three that thenky humanoid had controlled with his mind and that had kept harassing him throughout the fight. But he couldnt find the other three swords he used even after scanning the contents multiple times. Had the System simply snatched a part of the losers'' treasures at random as they left the Tower? Because that was what it looked like after going through the contents.


    He did however spot the old sword in its tattered scabbard. It was something that had piqued Zac''s interest due to its dangerous aura, and Zac curiously took it out from the Sack. Upon looking at it from such close proximity it felt like the sword was something that had been left to rot in some storehouse for millennia before being picked up. The leather scabbard was extremely faded and dried out, and it looked like a strong wind would turn it to dust.


    However, his mind started to scream of danger the moment he gripped the hilt, and a furious presence suddenly urged him to draw the sword and paint the world red. Zac groaned and quickly thew the sword to the ground, but it took him over ten minutes to regain hisposure. The presence had awakened the <strong>[Splinter of Oblivion]</strong> inside its cage, and it furiously railed against the miasmic fractals.


    It felt like when he had been possessed by the cursed ghosts during the hunt, as violent impulses had tried to take over his mind. Zac looked at the old sword with some lingering fear, unsure what he was dealing with.


    Was it a Tool Spirit that had gone insane?

 Chapter 448: Nouveau Riche

    Chapter 448: Nouveau Riche


    Bra had only turned a bit schizophrenic and annoying over time, but he wasn''t strictly dangerous. However, it was possible that some Tool Spirits turned sinister as they went insane. Zac knew there had to be some benefit to the sword though as the swordsman used it as an ace. The half-moon attack had contained a shocking sharpness that cut both his mountain and array apart, was it perhaps only possible to conjure such an attack with this sword?


    Zac was loath to carry the weird sword around, and he tried putting it back into the Cosmos Sack again. But the sword refused to enter the pouch, and Zac soon realized the Sacks left behind were temporary pouches just like the one he got from the hunt. He threw the sword into his own sack instead as he turned to the next items in the pouch.


    The bag contained an assortment of pills along with a small mound of crystals and a couple of manuals. However, Zac refrained from touching those, afraid that they would be protected like Mhals manual was. They possibly contained skills and cultivation techniques whose quality was unrivaled in his sector, and such things would no doubte with high-grade theft-protection.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The bag from the masked man was a lot more ominous. It contained over a hundred heads from a dozen different races, each of them ced in their own densely inscribed boxes. Their eyes were sewn shut and a talisman was pushed half-way into their mouths. Why the hell was this man carrying around something like this?


    It didnt seem to be part of his ss since he never used any heads to fight. Was this some sort of morbid way to create talismans? And if Zac only got part of their umted treasures, just how many heads had Faceless 9 been carrying around in total? Apart from that, there were a bunch of vials and assorted treasures, including five identical spikes that the assassin stabbed himself with during their fight.


    Zac hesitated for a second before he transferred two of them to his own spatial ring. He wasn''t sure exactly what these things were, but they allowed the assassin to fight beyond his normal capabilities. The spikes probably had even worse side-effects than his <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, but he might be forced to go all out upon exiting the tower in a few days.


    Just like with the swordsman''s pouch there was another pile full of an assortment of items in one corner, likely things the assassin had picked up inside the tower. However, after seeing the heads he was in no mood to look too closely at what captured the interest of such a lunatic.


    Finally, there was the Spatial Ring belonging to the mentalist, the spatial tool that Zac held felt held the most promise. The two sacks were dropped off by the system, but this was the real deal that was taken from her person. And he only needed a nce to realize he had hit jackpot. It looked just like what he expected a wealthy scion''s cosmos sack to look. First of all, the space inside the ring was well over ten times the size of Rasuliel''s spatial tool.


    The dimensions were also extremely clearly defined,pared to the somewhat hazy borders of his own ring. ording to Gu that was a sign of high-quality craftsmanship, and proof that its space would stay stable for a long time. Cosmos Sacks only stayed functional for a decade or two before they needed to be swapped out, and Rasuliels ring was probably an old hand-me-down from the looks of it.


    But the ring he had just gotten his hands on was no doubt recently produced, and it would hold together for thousands of years before its subspace deteriorated. Seeing the amazing Spatial ring raised another question in Zac''s mind. Were these items protected from the general rules of the tower, or did he risk losing them as well?


    Seeing as they were the personal items of trial takers Zac leaned toward the former, but he guessed he would have to exit the tower to make sure. His first instinct was to immediately swap out his sub-par ring, but that might cause him to lose all his possessions. Perhaps he should use as many items as possible before leaving the tower, just in case. But he knew that using up the contents of the Spatial Ring would be nigh-impossible.


    There were at least ten thousand E-Grade Nexus Crystals neatly stacked in one corner. However, they were somewhat different from his own, as they all seemed to be covered in some sort of engravings. Zac took out one of them, and he was surprised to see that it didn''t leak a smidgeon of energy. He hesitated for a few seconds longer, but he eventually tried to absorb the energy.


    It was extremely ufortable to absorb energy from a Nexus Crystal in his Draugr form, and it felt akin to drinking tainted water to parch your thirst. Nausea hit him immediately, but he only needed to continue the absorption for a few seconds to confirm his hunch.


    The energies inside the crystal were actually released at twice the ratepared to a normal one, as the inscription formed some sort of energy transfer array akin to his Mother-Daughter array that had been put into the Merit Exchange long ago. It was a pretty luxuriant method since it was used on simple unattuned crystals, and the cost of the craftsmanship was no doubt far beyond the value of the crystals themselves.


    The inscribed Nexus Crystals weren''t the only types of crystals in the ring. Another, far smaller, pile of crystals sat next to the mountain of Nexus Crystals, each of them looking like a block of ice. Zac had never seen such a resource previously and took one out to get a better look. The crystal was cool to the touch and mysterious emanations spread from it, and Zac immediately felt a reaction as he held it in his hand.


    The reaction didn''te from his body though, like when he was near a great natural treasure, but it rather was a prickling sensation from his soul. Zac had a pretty good guess what it was after remembering just who had been the owner of the sack, and he could quickly confirm it was some sort of Soul Crystal.


    The crystal didn''t seem to be attuned, but rather something that contained mental energy. He had never heard of anything like it before, and it had never been on disy in any of the shops in the Base Town. A soothing sensation entered his mind the moment he started absorbing it, and he felt his drained soul rapidly regain its vigor.


    This would be a great asset in speeding up his climb. Better yet, if these things worked like Nexus Crystals he might even be able to use them to strengthen his mind. If direct absorption didn''t work he might still be able to use them together with his Soul Strengthening Manual.


    It was also a huge relief to see that there seemed to be no response from the pieces from the Splinter of Oblivion swimming about, meaning that he could use the Soul Crystals without worry that he was harming himself. He didn''t want another Cosmic Water situation on his hands, after all.


    Apart from the soul crystals there were a plethora of dresses, all of which sported dense sets of inscriptions. It looked like the mentalist actually had a full wardrobe of defensive treasures, and if Zac wasn''t wrong then all of them seemed to be Spirit Tools. There were also dozens of rings, earrings, nes, and bracelets, each a defensive treasure that looked quite high-tiered.


    Using expensive treasures as though they were normal clothes was another level of wealth that Zac hadn''t encountered before. Almost everyone he knew pretty much wore the same get-up every day after getting graded clothing. It was the same with himself. The white robes he got from Yrial were the strongest defensive wear he had, and it possessed self-repairing and self-cleaning features. Wearing other clothes seemed silly by this point.


    There was also arge number of pills, raw materials, and natural treasures that seemed valuable enough to make him doubt his eyes. There were also a few Soul-Mending treasures, but Zac wasn''t too sure whether they would be strong enough to rece the Cherry in regards to helping Alea. Their energy fluctuations were a lot stronger than equivalent pills in his own possession, but they were far weakerpared to the cherry he had eaten.


    There were also a bunch of things Zac couldn''t understand, such as arge metallic head, what looked like a massive drum that had a diameter of over five meters, and all kinds of odd trinkets. Perhaps they were specialized tools that could assist in specific tasks, but Zac didn''t have time to go through them one by one.


    He did however spot something he recognized. There was arge leaf with ten luxuriant prayer mats ced on top. Zac was perhaps way off-base with his spections, but he was pretty sure he was looking at a flying treasure, one of much higher quality than the one he lent his sister. It seemed to have been crafted from a natural treasure, with both natural and inscribed fractalsbining into an extremely exquisite pattern.


    It was a shame that Flying treasures were disabled in the Tower of Eternity. Perhaps the System considered having one to be toorge an advantage and restricted thempletely. It would have saved Zac a huge amount of time if he could have used one, as he spent days just traveling on each floor.


    Finally, there was the pile of random items that seemed to be just flung into a corner of its own, no doubt the things she had found during her climb. Zac wryly smiled as he looked at the treasure trove, and he almost forgave the woman for destroying his soul.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds on how to deal with the three spatial tools before he poured out all their contents one by one. He had no inspection skills and no knowledge worth mentioning in appraisal, but there were some ways to tell what was good and what was not.


    Every time he had encountered a beneficial natural treasure he had been able to feel his whole body itching as it craved the energies the item contained. It was the same with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> as well. Zac eventually found six treasures that elicited such a response in his body.


    He also discovered 4 items that verun seemed interested in, two bs of metal, a piece of bone that was almost pink, and an odd rock. However, the axe was only able to absorb the rock, while it could only roar in anger at the other three items. Perhaps they were materials that could assist in upgrading the quality of the axe, but reforging a Spirit Tool probably required the assistance of a skilled cksmith or Inscriptionist.


    Soon enough everything in the two Cosmos Sacks was transferred to his own spare cosmos sacks, at which point they dissipated into motes of light. The high-quality spatial ring stayed behind though, even though Zac had emptied it of all its contents. Zac was pretty sure that it was a permanent item, but he wouldn''t risk the vast wealth inside on a hunch. He also stowed away the Natural Treasures that elicited such a strong reaction in his body, albeit not without some reluctance.


    He would put Calrin on figuring out what to do with these items. The Sky Gnomes seemed to be thieves as much as merchants, and they probably knew what hidden dangers there were to owning loot like this. He didnt want to add a bunch of B-Grade forces to the list of Earths enemies due to ignorance.


    Having dealt with the treasures he sat down and redoubled the efforts on restoring his body, this time with the additional support of Soul Crystals.


    Zac set out five hourster, which was a lot better than what he expected going by the state his body had been in. Thebination of the Fragment of the Bodhi and his newly acquired Soul Crystals helped supercharge his recovery, building on his already shockingly high Vitality. Since he was pretty much healed up he swapped over to his human form in order to move quicker.


    Unfortunately, things didn''t go quite as smoothly for the rest of the level as in the beginning. It quickly became apparent that the Hayner n was very aware of his existence as they had disseminated the news that a dangerous solitary invader threatened their whole world. Zac had been beset by everything from righteous citizens torge Bandit Gangs as he headed toward thends the Hayner n controlled.


    But Zac was like a moving cmity, essentially fulfilling the Hayner prophecy whether he liked it or not. All obstacles were destroyed in the quickest manner as Zac had no time to spare. Most opposing forces were destroyed with utter prejudice, apart from a few unlucky souls who Zac caught and dragged along to question on the move.


    However, he suddenly stopped in his tracks just as he was about to enter the domain of the Hayner. An old troll wearing a voluminous robe with a star-pattern stood in the middle of the road, and from the looks of it, he was waiting for Zac. The old man seemed to be blind judging by his milky-white eyes, yet he stared straight at Zac like he was peering into his soul.


    "Catching a glimpse of heaven''s secrets can be both a blessing and a curse. It told me that the key to my family''s survival was stopping you," the man said, and surprisingly enough there was a kindly smile on his face. "Karma brought us together, but severing karma is Heaven''s Path."


    Zac was about to respond, but suddenly he found himself without any ground to stand on as an enormous sinkhole hundreds of meters across swallowed them both up, causing them to barrel into the abyss.

 Chapter 449: Pawn of Fate

    Chapter 449: Pawn of Fate


    Zac''s heart hammered with horror as he plunged further and further into the abyss. He tried to find something to hold on to, but he found himself pelted by one rock after another as massive boulders detached from the walls and mmed into him with the force of a speeding truck. There was no way that this wasn''t the work of the old Hayner Patriarch.


    He did however notice that the old man had fallen inside as well, and he was some ways above him. But his situation didn''t seem nearly as bad. The old seer was sitting on a piece ofnd as he sailed toward the bottom as well, but not a single boulder hit him or even came close. Zac glowered in anger at the man who had caused this mess and quickly charged up a <strong>[Chop].</strong>


    However, a second after heunched the strike at the old man a massive boulder mmed into the fractal de, resulting in mutual destruction. Zac was about to charge up another strike but just as he was thrown off-course by another boulder. Was all this really a coincidence, or was this what it was like to fight against Karmic Cultivator?


    It would take more than some errant rocks to take him out though, and Zac stopped trying to hit the man and instead focused on the depths below. They had fallen for almost 15 seconds already, but Zac noticed the dive was about to have a very abrupt end as the ground below was quickly rising up to meet them.


    Zac only had a second to think, and without any better options avable he activated a defensive charge of his robes along with another talisman as he infused himself with the Dao of the Coffin. He couldn''t actually die or get seriously hurt from just falling in standard gravity, but he didn''t want to risk getting knocked out as he suspected the old man had some means to deal with thending.


    Zded like aet, causing a massive crater with himself in the epicenter. Zac felt the taste of iron in his mouth, but he ignored the pain and scrambled to his feet to meet the next wave of attacks. A massive boulder had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but Zac cut it apart just in time to see the shockwave of his own crashnding buffeting the old man''s descent.


    It actually allowed him tond as smoothly as if he had only jumped down from a small incline, and Zac couldn''t help himself from swearing at the scene.


    "You are quite adept at resisting karmic maniptions. I am Ter''Erian Hayner, former patriarch of the Hayner n," the old man smiled when he noticed Zac''s re.


    "Why did you do this?" Zac growled, his anger already building. "You should have realized that trapping yourself in here with me can''t end well for you."


    "Even a blind old man can see how powerful you are. My descendants aren''t your match. So I nudged events a bit to create this ce for us since I learned of youring," he said. "Of course, nature had alreadyid the groundwork."


    Zac looked around, and he had to say he was pretty shocked by what a karmic cultivator could do. The hole they found themselves in was the biggest one he had ever seen. It was hundreds of meters wide, and It''s edges were almostpletely sheer. The sky could still be visible far above, but even he would have some trouble getting back up in short order.


    "Do you have the n-defining treasure on you?" Zac asked.


    "The <strong>[Star of Aryaldar]</strong> is ced on top of a flying treasure. The flying treasure has also been reinforced with an illusion array and an istion array, and my descendants have been instructed to keep flying across this vast continent for 23 days before returning," the man smiled.


    "Twenty-three days," Zac repeated with an even stare.


    "Indeed. The star is the core of our heritage, we cannot lose it. We sacrificed much to glean find a path out of this cmity. The longer it is hidden the better, and after 23 days the treasure will be safe. You might still be able to find the treasure if fate is on your side, but are you in a position to worry about that?"


    A surge of anger shed in Zac''s mind as the pieces of oblivion seemed energized. But Zac quickly calmed down as he tried to understand the situation. The Hayner n was obviously the real deal since they had indirectly inferred the rules of the Tower even if they didn''t know about its existence. Twenty-three days was how much time remained of his climb.


    The treasure would be safe in 23 days as he would have been thrown out of the Tower by then. But Zac suddenly froze when he realized what the old man had said.


    "What do you mean position to worry?" Zac frowned.


    "Celestial stone will fall into this hole in a short while," the old man said, some ruthlessness finally shining through his congenial facade.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "A celestial stone?" Zac muttered with confusion until his eyes widened in rm. "A god damn meteor?"


    "My n worked for a thousand years to form a karmic link with one of the stones sailing about in the vast beyond, gently nudging closer to us. It became our n-defending treasure, and when better to use it than now?"


    These people were lunatics. That was the only thing Zac could think of as he looked the old man with an aghast expression. Dragging a meteor down on top of his own head to take out a threat to his n was beyond overkill. Even if his mission seeded he would have destroyed half his country from the impact, along with getting himself killed.


    Zac also knew that there was no way that the old man would let him climb out of the hole in peace either. He could only take him out as quickly as possible and pray that he was the level guardian. A storm of energy immediately exploded around him as he activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, and almost looked like a sea of mes was conjured by his wrath.


    He hadn''t used the skill too often since he was worried that the mental effect of the skill would synergize with the anger that the Splinter was always fanning in the background, but now was not the time to care about such things. A towering power made him feel flush with potential, and he almost weed the descent of the metro to test his mettle against it.


    However, he quickly snapped out of it and instead focused his attention to the old man. Each upgrade of the skill had prolonged the effect of the boost by 10 full seconds, so he still had less than a minute to finish the fight before he would enter a weakened state. However, that should be more than enough to settle the fight.


    Zac shot toward the old man as he shot out five fractal des in an instant, with a sixth starting to whirl around him like a buzzsaw. The air screamed from the power in the des as they contained the highest power Zac could muster. However, it almost looked like the old man was a hologram as he flickered the moment the attacks were supposed to hit him.


    The fractal des passed right through and crashed into the sheer wall behind, causing massive scars in the rock that ran for dozens of meters. Zac didn''t exactly understand how the old man dodged without moving, but he guessed he was messing with fate somehow. But Zac still rushed forward, confident that there had to be some limits to what the man could avoid.


    However, the ground suddenly crumbled beneath his feet just as he was about to attack the Hayner patriarch, whichpletely robbed him of his momentum and made him m into the ground. A crystalline staff appeared in the Hayner patriarch''s hands just as Zac was about to get back on his feet, and Zac summoned a storm of leaves to protect himself from whatever strike wasing.


    A shudder in the air lifted Zac from his feet and threw him dozens of meters away. However, his danger sense hadn''t warned him of anything, and as far as he could tell the attack hadn''t harmed him in the slightest. He felt some disorientation for a second, but he regained his wits after shaking his head, and soon enough he was back on his feet. The old man had conjured a massive avatar behind him by this point, a shimmering priest holding arge crystal toward the heavens.


    Reality suddenly shifted, and Zac suddenly saw dozens of versions of himself split off from his body. A few rushed toward the old man, whereas others started channeling Cosmic Energy into his arm. There were even two massive spectral axes from <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>that appeared in the sky.


    His mind was a confused jumble aspeting ideas and impressions mored for supremacy, and he felt his cosmic and mental energies rapidly drain into the different versions of himself. But Zac suddenly roared at the top of his lungs as he stomped in the ground with enough force to cause cracks to spread over ten meters in each direction. Five explosions followed in quick session as Zac pushed toward his target.


    It felt like he was forced to push through solid matter to advance, and it was as though his mind was being dragged toward the other incantations of himself. But it wasn''t enough to stop him and Zac was soon upon the old man again. <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> fell, its sanguine glow illuminating the surroundings.


    Zac stood panting to restrain his rage as he looked down on the old man on the ground. A massive wound ran from his shoulder down to his navel, and he was almost split in two by Zac''s strike. He looked down at the troll with some confusion, as he hadn''t actually expected his strike to hit that easily. The idea had been to push him a bit further to expend his defensive treasures, after which he would finish him with <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>.


    But perhaps he had overestimated the old man.


    "How?!" the ancient troll coughed with confusion in his eyes as he was bleeding out on the ground. "Why are you immune to the pull of fate?!"


    Zac wasntpletely sure what the old man was on about. The weird illusion he had been put under was pretty annoying, but it could barely be considered a nuisance due to draining his energy. Was it supposed to do something more?


    Perhaps he had his almost inhuman pool of Luck to thank for avoiding any serious harm. Karmic warriors seemed to fight by slightly augmenting causality and fate in their favor, but Zac had a huge amount of Luck that did the same thing. The special attribute might be the best way of countering these kinds of people.


    The battle was over as the many dying on the ground, and Zac could breathe out in relief when he saw that a Teleportation Array had appeared a few meters away. Killing the guardians was never a requirement unless it was stated in the quest, defeating them was all that was needed. However, most of the battles so far had ended with a fatality as the guardians were seldom good people.


    The battle hadnt been too exhaustive and he waspletely unscathed. However, he still wasnt too ted with the results. Normally he would have stayed on the floor an hour at the least to recover from his weakened state and calm his mind, but he knew that wasnt an option this time.


    A massive ball of fire had appeared in the sky by now, and Zac knew he would have to leave within a minute.


    Why did you go this far? Zac asked as he looked down on the old man. "You should have seen that I didn''t really want your life."


    Sometimes drastic measures are needed to push fate in the direction one desires, Warmaster, the old troll coughed. Or should I say trial-taker?


    You know? Zac said with surprise.


    Even the heavens arent perfect. Fragments and pieces slip through, the old man wheezed. However, that knowledge is what led you to our doorstep. I peered too deep, and I cannot be allowed to live. At least my family is ignorant of the truth, and the cmity will hopefully end through my death and your disappearance.


    Zac looked at the old man for a few seconds, but he had no idea what to say. What could one say in a situation like this? It might be true that he was being used as a real Hatchetman by the System, taking out those in its who had learned too much.


    Im sorry things ended this way, Zac sighed and started to walk toward the teleportation array.


    Freedom is an illusion, trial-taker, the old seer coughed as Zac stepped onto the tform. Are you any freer than us?


    Zac took onest look at the old troll. The seer''s face had turned into a grotesque mask of anger and irreconciliation as the nk eyes stared up at the sky. Zac wasnt sure if he was looking at the meteor that was fast approaching, or the heavens above.


    I am TerErian Hayner, and I am more than a pawn!

 Chapter 450: Out of Reach

    Chapter 450: Out of Reach


    The encounter with the old seer was pretty jarring, but it wouldn''t stop Zac from moving. He had his goals, and he knew that one couldnt get anywhere in this world without knocking out thepetition. It was not a matter of Ogras-induced cynicism, but a rather reality forced onto everyone by the System. If there was no conflict, then one would be created.


    Hearing the old seer''s final words indicated that the worlds he traversed might all be real, but did it really change anything? He could only shrug off any hesitation and insecurities and head toward the next guardian.


    Climbing the 8<sup>th</sup> floor presented a new kind of torture as Zac desperately pushed through the levels. He had almostpletely given up on sleep by now, his rest was slightly slowing down while revolving the Fragment of the Bodhi to help recuperate his exhausted body and keeping the Splinter in check.


    He had realized that the Splinter wasnt as intrusive when his mental state was in perfect condition, but problems quickly arose after having expended a lot of mental energy. He almost fell into a rage after every straining battle, and he quickly had to restore his mental energies to not go out of control. By this point, he needed to pretty much constantly travel with a Soul Crystal in his free hand to stay lucid.


    The problem was that every time he used his Dao he felt as though the Splinter''s corrosion got slightly more ingrained into his soul, for good or bad. It did seem that the Dao he forced into his attacks kept getting stronger, but it came at the cost of his mind getting slowly eroded. Zac could only push back against the effects as he kept climbing.


    He considered stopping using his Daos altogether until he found a solution, but that would eventually just slightly dy the inevitable. Besides, not using his Daos would effectively end his climb. He couldn''t defeat any enemies without them, and he was not ready to stop climbing.


    His experiences in the tower hadpletely remolded him, pushed him toward a peak he didn''t even know it existed. It had resulted in his mind getting invaded, but Zac started to believe that his best bet at finding a solution was to keep climbing. The 7th floor rewards were customized for his needs, and perhaps the 8th floor would be even more tailored to his needs.


    And what did he currently need more than something to control the Splinter?


    He might even find a solution before even reaching the 72nd level, as the 8th floor was a veritable treasure trove. It was almost torture to traverse one world after another and hearing about shocking treasures that would drive anyone mad, knowing that each of them was just out of his reach.


    The 65<sup>th</sup> floor seemed to contain an ancient array left behind by a long-extinct race. It would be able to awaken ones hidden potential, which ording to rumors meant gaining a huge surge of attributes and perhaps even awakening a constitution. But it was locked behind the floors quest, and Zac simply couldntplete it. So he could only take out his frustrations on the guardian before moving on.


    The next floor contained what Zac guessed was a top tier E-Grade Axe Spirit Tool, but it was in the hands of a peak E-Grade warlord. This one wasnt quite as alluring as the previous floor, but it would still be a huge boon to have an alternative to <strong>[Veruns Bite</strong><strong>]</strong>. This was especially true as it was rumored to have a corrosive attunement, making it an extremely good weapon of choice for his Draugr-form.


    Zac initially thought that he was doomed to get not his hands on it, but news spread that the warlord had suddenly died just as Zac was about to finish things up on the floor. He couldnt join the fight for the warlords hoard though, as he was running out of time. He could only grit his teeth and move on to the next floor, leaving the treasures behind.


    It almost felt like the System kept throwing out more and more alluring baits in his path in an effort to stop him from climbing any further. It was to the point that Zac wondered if it was some sort of trail that tested his determination, and Zac staunchly kept his eyes on the prize as he kept moving toward the next levels.


    Missing out on all the treasures was a big disappointment, but he did make some startling progress with his experiments. Zac had almost reached a 40% sess rate in forming the bronze shes since getting to the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. He still needed to use his crude method of stabbing himself in the shoulders, but with the help of the Fragment of the Bodhi he was able to keep experimenting even after umting one grisly wound after another.


    Zac had initially been afraid that the experiments would worsen his mental condition even more, but he soon realized it was the opposite. His mind actually calmed down after having shot out a bronze sh. It almost felt like some sort of mental bloodletting where the darkness in his mind was expelled through the Dao Implosions.


    The exnation that Zac felt was most likely was that the Splinter of Oblivion had a part in the creation of the bronze sparks somehow. Perhaps it acted as a base to what the two fragments would fuse into, like a blueprint to the higher Daos. That would exin the increased sess rate of forming the Bronze sparkspared to his trials during the 7<sup>th</sup> floor.


    Before the only energies from the Splinter that suffused his soul were the small amounts of purified energy that the Miasmic Fractals slowly let out of the cage. But now his soul waspletely infiltrated. The improvements felt like a small silver lining to the mess he found himself in, but there were still some parts that he hadn''t figured out.


    Things werent working out as he had hoped with his third Dao Fragment. No matter how many times he tried he simply couldnt form some equivalent of the bronze sh when trying to fuse the Fragment of the Bodhi with the Fragment of the Axe. The same problem arose when trying to fuse the Bodhi with the Coffin.


    Only thebination of Axe and Coffin worked, leaving Zac wondering just what was missing. Did the second fusion require another method of activation to work? Or did it only work because the destructive sh leaned toward Oblivion rather than Creation?


    His utter failure was another hint that he was on the right track about the Splinter, but he still wasn''tpletely convinced. The two Grand Daos of Creation and Oblivion were extremely high concepts, and pretty much all lower Daos should contain hints of both of them. The Bodhi wasn''t pure Creation, and the Coffin wasn''t pure Oblivion.


    Not even the higher concepts of Life and Death that he was striving for were pure Creation and Oblivion. So it was a bit odd that he couldn''t mix the Fragment of the Axe, which by itself should lean toward Oblivion, with the Fragment of the Bodhi.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was no real way for him to verify what was really going on at the moment. For now, he could only take the opportunity to self-medicate while working out the possibilities and limitations of the bronze shes. It seemed that desperation had yed a part in managing to actually use the Dao Implosion.


    His left arm was a mess after having ruptured dozens of times, but he had managed to sessfully destroy a strong beast in the heat of battle once with the help of the Dao Implosion. The key seemed to be adrenaline, or rather battle lust. When he was just experimenting while traversing the worlds he was too calm, and that led to him being too slow in moving the bronze spark out of his body.


    It was as if he was energized, then the blob of energy he created would be energized as well. Zac even tried to p himself and roar on top of his lungs to get his blood pumping, but it wasnt very effective. Only his true fight-or-flight responses seemed to be working, perhaps as they activated some primal part of his brain.


    His theory of the origin of the shes also gave Zac some clues into what needed to be done to somewhat formalize his creation. Thergest problem was that he had no control over the energies he created, and he could only push it forward. But perhaps there was a solution; he needed to take control of the Splinter of Oblivion.


    If the shes were truly created with help from the debris of the Splinter, then he needed to somehow form a connection with it. It would allow him to guarantee a sessful formation, rather than leaving things up to fate. It would perhaps even allow him to stabilize the vtile energy long enough that he could infuse it into skills rather than just throwing it away like a hot potato.


    Messing with the Splinter woulde with huge risks though, and Zac wasnt confident at even attempting to opening the miasmic cage in his mind before his soul was a lot strongerpared to now. It once came back to ack of time. He wished he could jump into some time chamber and practice <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> until his soul was strong enough to withstand the Splinters influence.


    However, Zac didn''t spend all his time on the bronze shes as they were still somewhat of a long-term goal. He had gained many other new upgrades that needed to be better understood, such as his new Dao Fragment.


    One slightly surprising benefit was just how much stronger the fragment had made his Hatchetman ss.


    Zac was currently assaulting a massive army on the 67<sup>th</sup> floor, and he was being pelted from all directions as he tried to reach the princess in the middle of the army. He was somewhat confident that she was the level guardian, and Zac had immediately set out toward her army the moment he learned of her insane crusade.


    This level was the same as the previous ones on the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. He had quickly learned of rumors talking about a divine tree that was about to bear fruit. Elites from all over the world were getting ready topete for the natural treasure as the fruit seemed to possess the capabilities of opening the third eye.


    The effect of the third eye, or the souls eye, sounded a lot like his Danger Sense after asking around, and he felt thatbining the two might almost turn him permanently omniscient like when he used <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>. But he could only ignore the temptation while cursing the fact that he was too slow. If he had another month left on his climb he could have cleaned up on thesest levels, but now he didnt have the leeway to take any detours.


    Targeting one of the amazing treasures that appeared on each level now would essentially erase any chances ofpleting the floor. so the treasure had to be more tempting than an upgraded title and a tailor-made reward by the System itself. And while the treasures thus far had all seemed extremely valuable they weren''t quite at that level so far.


    That didn''t make the situation less frustrating though.


    Luckily he had a whole army to take out his annoyance on, and a storm of purple leaves flew around him as he waded into the army that desperately tried keeping him at bay. It was <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> that had changed its appearance after getting infused with the Fragment of the Bodhi and reaching Peak Mastery.


    Not only had the leaves be shockingly sturdy, but the skill even provided a restorative effect in the eye of the storm now. It was just like the hidden world within the cherry trees canopy in the vision. If Zac had the fragment while fighting the swordmaster in the Battle of Fates he probably wouldnt have needed to use any other defenses than this skill.


    His defensive skill wasnt the only one that had benefitted from gaining the Fragment of the Bodhi. Pretty much every single nature-aspected skill in his repertoire became stronger in one way or another, just like how Coffin added all kinds of effects to his death-attuned skills.


    The forest created from <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> now provided a defensive sphere from the outside. It wasnt too useful for Zac at his current stage, but it would help with keeping allies safe inrge-scale conflicts. The skill had also reached Middle Proficiency on thest level since he was pretty much forced to activate it during every battle now.


    One surprising skill that benefitted from the Dao Fragment was <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Not only did it increase the distance he could travel with each step, especially inside forests, but Zac even felt a mysterious energy rising from the ground and entering his body with every step. The energy was an earthy brown when he looked at it with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> and he guessed it was earth-attuned energies.


    He didnt have a use for the attuned energies, but being able to move much faster was a godsend.


    The fabric of space cracked as Zac closed in on the princess''mand tent, and a wooden hand covered in leaves and flowers quickly emerged, causing verdant lights to fly around its fingers in an exuberant dance. An outsider might think that the vibrant image might mean that the massive hand was about to bestow a blessing on thends, but the reality wasnt quite so benign.


    Zac had quickly figured out the fundamental use of the Fragment of the Bodhi apart from the healing. Life mutated and grew far beyond its normal means within the canopy of the consecrated cherry tree, and Zac was able to bestow that same effect to his skills. That meant that it wasnt simply a defensive or offensive boost to his nature skills, but rather a foundational empowerment.


    <strong>[Natures barrier]</strong> naturally became even better at defense as the leaves mutated, but the hand instead evolved in a more forceful direction, which was evident by the terrifying aura it had started to radiate. A two hundred meter wide array appeared as an immense pressure forced the average soldiers down on their knees.


    An enormous sword saint appeared in the sky above themand tent, likely the avatar conjured by the princess he was targeting. She was currently on a path of carnage to earn the respect of her father, but her path was littered by the bodies of innocent civilians who were unlucky enough to live too close to the border of a rival kingdom.


    Zac had no moral issue with taking someone like this out. She didnt respect the lives of others to attain her goal, so why should he respect hers? The massive sword saint aimed her sword at the core of the array which also meant that the wooden hand above it was targeted.


    Destructive energies started gathering around the avatar, but Zac wasnt worried as an unassuming trunk descended from the core of the array.

 Chapter 451: Little Bean

    Chapter 451: Little Bean


    The single tree looked like any ordinary one, apart from itsck of branches. But it quickly grew into a tremendous spike, like the finger of a forest god. It just took a second for it to grow to a size that almost eclipsed the mountains he had pulled through the array before, and the tip of the tree pushed straight toward themand center beneath.


    A shocking burst of energy rippled out from the massive avatar''s weapon, and multipleyers of the protective membrane of <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>were decimated even though the princess aimed at <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> rather than in his direction.


    A hollow with a diameter of almost fifty meters was punched straight through the wooden spike, but hundreds of branches grew from the hole and merged to restore its original form. Zac felt a huge strain on his mind from the increased consumption, but he could only grit his teeth as he pierced the avatar with his punishment.


    The avatar only managed to ineffectually rip off a fewyers of the branch before it was forcibly dispelled, and the branch passed through the chaotic energies as it mmed straight into themand tent where the princess resided. The ground heaved and cracked and Zac felt a surge of energy enter his body,


    A shudder went through his body as a storm of miasma spread to every inch. The hundreds of leaves around him disappeared into motes of lights, and the verdant forest of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> was gone a secondter. Only the towering tree remained as a testament of his earlier attacks.


    That didn''t mean the army was safe though, as billowing clouds of corrosion and miasma quickly spread out before the warriors had time to understand what was going on.


    This was the true power of the upgraded core, and it was the only feature that mattered as far as Zac was concerned. It was disappointing that it hadnt provided any attributes when reaching E-Grade, but the transformation only took a second now as long as he used Yrials Transformation skill.


    Not only that, but he had also learned that he could now transform twice before he needed to wait for an hour again. In other words, he could now almostpletely freely use his two sses in one battle as long as he had a second to spare during a fight.


    Zac stomped the ground and appeared next to the massive branch that was stabbed into the ground, just in time to see a part of it explode as his target emerged. She was drenched in blood and one of her arms hung limply to her side, but she still radiated the aura of someone with a fight left in her.


    The cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> was erected with the branch in the middle, and five of the chains immediately cut into the massive piece of wood. A surge of energy entered Zacs body as he started his usual whittling down of his enemy.


    It was one interesting perk he had found from being able to quickly change between sses. Most of his skills disappeared when he changed sses, but there were two exceptions. The first exception was the punishments he could summon through <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>, like the tree he was able to call forth since gaining the Fragment of the Bodhi.


    It was teeming with lifeforce that the chains could steal and then feed to his Draugr-form. This synergy was why he opted for the tree rather than the massive mountain he usually used.


    It made him even more unkible as the piece of wood turned into an enormous battery that would keep him going far longer than he would be able to without. It was to the point that miasma steamed out of his body due to overconsumption, which further aligned the surroundings in his favor against living enemies.


    The second skill that lingered was <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. The skill was made from his breath, so it didnt matter that he changed ss as the mists remained. This wasnt as much of a boon though as the skill targeted him the moment he changed to his human form. It didnt bother him thanks to his huge pool of Vitality, but it was still pretty ufortable to stand inside.


    The miasmic cage shook as the two shed one time after another, but soon enough the princess couldnt stand it any longer. Her body was covered in festering wounds as the armor-d Zac towered above her.


    Why? she asked with fury and despair in her eyes. Who are you?


    Fate, I guess, Zac answered as his bardiche fell.


    Zac didnt swap back to his human form just yet as he wasnt sure what would await him at the other side of the teleporter. He rather just restored his reserves to peak condition before he stepped through to the next realm.


    It felt like he was being squeezed for every piece of potential he had, and he was embroiled in constant battle as he kept going. At least it kept the Splinter mostly satiated as he ripped through theter levels of the 8th floor. Unfortunately, he never heard of any treasures or inheritances that seemed able to restrain the corruption in his mind, and this continued all the way to the 71st level.


    The second-tost level of the 8<sup>th</sup> floor would no doubt be a real nightmare, but his all-out push the past weeks had at least made sure he had over 3 days toplete it. <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>was already high in the air to counter any sneak-attack, and Zac had equipped <strong>[Evesting]</strong> and changed into his Draugr form just in case of a sudden assault.


    But when the scenery changed he realized there would be no ambush this time around the moment he stepped through the teleporter. The surprising stillness even seemed to subdue the splinter in his mind as it crept into the back of its miasmic cage.


    He was in a small cabin that was best described as futuristic. The whole wall in front of him was just one massive screen that seemed to be showing a blueprint, and another wall disyed a majestic neb and stars that were fixed in the distance. Zac almost forgot he was in the Tower of Eternity for a second as he looked around with excitement.


    Was he on a spaceship?


    That was the immediate conclusion judging by the screen in front of him, unless he was reading the blueprintpletely wrong. The map showed an elongated vessel that looked pretty sleek apart from arge circr bulb in the middle, and Zac found that he was able to zoom in and out by touching the screen.


    The first thing he could see was that the ship was just massive. He was currently in a section that seemed to house thousands of cabins, just like the cabin floors on a cruise liner. The cabin he was in was around twenty square meters, and while it was less than a tenth the size of thergest cabin, it was still a decent size.


    Each cabin had a series of numbers or letters marked, though Zac couldnt read them. He guessed it was either the name or serial number of the person who lived inside. Some cabins were prettyrge, but they had over twenty numbers attached, meaning they were probably barracks or shared domiciles.


    Perhaps the cabin belonged to some sort of middle-management or a petty officer on board the space cruiser. The huge number of cabins only took up a small section of the total space on the ship though, and he saw that there were more sections just like it. If it wasnt due to the shape and the two massive thrusters at the back of the vessel he would have thought it was rather a space station than a ship.


    He tried to engrave every detail into his mind in case he needed itter, but it seemed the resident of this cabin only had limited ess as over half the ship was cked out except the general outline. Perhaps those sections were critical parts of the ship only essible to authorized personnel.


    Zac eventually backed away and tried to figure out his next step. A quest screen conveniently appeared after he retreated though, indicating what needed to be done.


    <strong>[Stop the Little Bean from returning from its expedition.]</strong>


    Zac wasnt overly surprised to read the contents of the quest after seeing the surroundings, but some hesitation crept into his heart as he looked at the wall disying the vibrant neb in the distance. This <em>was</em> still the Tower of Eternity, right?


    Or had the System sent him out on an actual mission to mess with its enemies, the Technocrats? Since meeting the Hayner patriarch he had started wondering if he was actually ever inside the Tower, or if he was just sent to various corners of the multiverse like when hepleted the Hegemony-quest.


    A muffled swishing sound interrupted his thoughts as the door leading to his quarters suddenly opened, disying a young man who was looking down with a troubled frown at a screen that hovered in front of him.


    He entered the small cabin without even looking up, and he only noticed something was wrong when a grey object ripped through the air straight toward his head. His eyes widened in shock when he looked up only to find himself face-to-face with Zac, and an orange shield started to materialize around him.


    But it was much toote, and <strong>[Evesting]</strong> mmed into his head with enough force to throw him into the wall, immediately knocking him out cold. Zac hurried over and dragged the man further inside the cabin, and sighed in relief when he saw that the cabin door closed by itself.


    Things calmed down again, but Zac stood frozen for almost ten minutes, waiting for some backup toe rushing through the door. But it looked like his actions had gone by unnoticed, allowing him to breathe out in relief. Zac didn''t put away his weapons though, but rather just hunched down to take stock of the man whose cabin he had been thrown into.


    It was a human just like himself, or at least mostly human. Some parts of his body seemed to be mechanical, which Zac guessed made the man a cyborg. His clothing made believe he wasnt a warrior like the other cyborg he had met though, but rather some sort of nonbat personnel.


    He had also all but confirmed Zacs suspicions that this was a Technocrat vessel.


    The shield that he had smashed through was clearly of technological origin, just like those in the technocrat incursion, though it was a bright orange rather than the red ones back then. Apart from the shield, there were no signs of any weaponry on him though. The man wore a uniform made out of cloth, and there was not a single fractal anywhere on them.


    His build wasnt anything to write home about either, and when Zac activated<strong> [Cosmic Gaze]</strong> there was almost no response either from the man or the surroundings. It made Zac guess that he was on a vessel belonging to the Machine God-faction. Both Transcenders and Technomancers would possess at least some equipment connected to cultivation.


    Zac quickly found the source of the shield, a small bracelet on his arm, and after having taken it off he started to look for any piece of detachable technology on him until he finally poured some water over the unconscious man.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Wha? How? the man sputtered as he wildly looked around, making Zac realize that the guy even had mechanical eyes. Who are you?! How did you manage to board the Little Bean? We just fell out of subspace!


    Nevermind that, Zac said as he trained his pitch-ck orbs pierced into the mans augmented vision, making him flinch. Tell me what I need to know and Ill let you live. If youre not willing to cooperate I dont mind killing and reanimating you. You will help me one way or another.


    No, please! the man cried, clearly horrified at the prospect of being turned into a zombie.


    Being a Draugr had its advantages, and there was no way for the guy to know that Zac didnt even know how to turn someone into a Zombie. None of those he had killed in his undead form seemed to have shown any inclination to turn at least, meaning there was probably some hiddenponent to it.


    Have you heard of the Tower of Eternity? Zac asked first, wanting to check on his earlier suspicions.


    The Tower of Eternity? Jaol said with confusion. Never heard of it. Its not rted to our corporation, I swear!


    Zac nodded in relief, but he suddenly froze. His answer sounded simr to all the others during his climb, but there was one significant difference. He actually mentioned the tower by name, which had never happened before. They had always responded with some sort of confusion andpletely glossed over the mention.


    What is your name, and what is your mission? Zac asked as he settled in front of the man who had slowly inched toward a corner of his cabin.


    I am Jaol. Im just ams officer of the Little Bean, no one important! he said.


    Ams officer? Zac repeated. Know this. If you send out an alert through any hidden gadgets that end with me cornered, then Ill kill you first before trying to fight my way out.


    The man quickly nodded his head, but Zac noticed his eyes darted toward his arm where Zac had taken off the wristwatch.


    Where is the Little Bean heading? Zac asked, and pushed the axe toward the man once again when he seemed hesitant to answer. Answer me.


    Were heading to the closest outpost, but weve fallen out of subspace, Jaol exined.Its because of that thing. I guess thats why youre here? It has created too many anomalies for our engines to handle. We were forced out of subspace until our engineers can fix the damage.


    Zacs interest was perked when he heard about the situation aboard the ship. It was clear that the leaders Little Bean had found something that they wanted to bring back to their forces, but it was obviously something pretty amazing if it could mess with the entire vessel and its advanced technology.


    It also gave him a lead inpleting the quest in the normal manner. If he could take out the engineers, or somehow sabotage the repair efforts, then he would essentially be done with the mission? The best thing would be to blow up the engines altogether, but Zac guessed that they would be pretty hard to get to. But it felt entirely possible that the chief engineer would be the guardian if it wasn''t the captain.


    What have you found out about the item? Zac urged, not wanting to let on he had no idea what the guy talked about.


    It keeps bending thews of physics in unpredictable manners, fusing, and changing matter without following any of the known rules. It really deserves being a shard from the <strong>[Spark of Creation]</strong>, Jaol eximed, excitement seemingly making him forget he was a hostage at the moment.


    Spark of creation? Zac repeated, his eyes widening.


    Didnt this sound a bit too familiar?

 Chapter 452: Road of No Return

    Chapter 452: Road of No Return


    The more questions Zac asked about the item the Technocrats had found the more certain he became. The item truly seemed to be the equivalent of the Splinter of Oblivion in his mind. The Technocrats had found it on a low-tiered world at the edge of some sector, though they hadn''t realized its true origins initially.


    Apparently, the technocrat factions often released swarms of drones that floated about in the multiverse, and now and then they''d pick up odd energy fluctuations from valuable materials. Beauty was in the eye of the beholder, and some things that might seem useless to cultivators could be extremely valuable for the Technocrats, and vice versa.


    This time though they knew that there was a special item rather than raw materials, and it would be discovered sooner orter. Orders were quickly sent out from above and they tasked the ship Jaol worked on to retrieve it before the local factions realized there was a treasure under their nose.


    The Shard, which is what they called it, had long since fused with a humanoid cultivator, which had created a series of shocking changes in both his physique and his surroundings. The man was F-Grade like Zac himself, and he had managed to stave off the effects for almost five years before he started to sumb to the influences of the item.


    The Splinter of Oblivion was like an insidious whisper that caused its user to be an avatar of destruction, a madman who couldnt stop fighting. It had been the same for everyone Zac had seen in the visions, with the exception of the Draugr-woman. However, the effect of the Shard of Creation waspletely different ording to the technocrat.


    An item of Creation sounded like something positive to Zac but that truly hadnt been the case for the poor cultivator. If the Splinter turned people into powerful lunatics, then the Shard turned them into monsters. The moment the man lost control he had started transforming and growing.


    New limbs, weird tumors, hair, horns, and all types of appendages had started growing on the man, who quickly changed from a normal biped into a massive blob of flesh. Some parts of him had even changed itspositionpletely, turning into rocks, precious metals, and constructs that moved about.


    There seemed to be no limits to his changes as long as he didnt run out of energy. He hadpletely drained the area he lived in by the time the Technocrats had arrived, and they believed he would keep absorbing energy until his soul couldnt take it any longer.


    Of course, the man had be a raving lunatic by the point the Technocrats arrived. Being forcibly turned into a monstrosity that kept growing and changing had to be unimaginably painful. They had obliterated the being with orbital attacks, turning multiple square kilometers into a smoldering hellscape, leaving only the Shard intact.


    The task force quickly loaded the items and hurriedly fled. The attack on an integrated with advanced weaponry hadunched a wide-scale quest of retribution, and they had been forced to fight their way out of the sector while constantly dogged by Spiritual Vessels and the powerhouses steering them.


    The Shard was now kept in a secured field that was designed to iste energies, but it kept causing trouble to their vessel through bursts of creation that slipped through. It had turned a motor into a sentient golem and exchanged a highly condensed liquid energy into something that smelled like wine.


    It had already forced the Little Bean out of subspace six times, and if it wasnt for the multipleyers of redundancies and skilled technicians the ship would have been turned to scrap metal stuck in the middle of nowhere. A few of the crew had wanted them to drop it off at a deste and let someone else pick it up, but the Captain was adamant about being the one who brought it in.


    How long until you return? Zac asked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Two weeks, Jaol hurriedly said.


    I will capture more people, and if he gives another answer Ille back for you, understand? Zac said, his pitch-ck eyes boring into thems officer.


    One day if we get the subspace engines running, thems officer immediately corrected himself as he repeatedly bowed his head in apology. We would have already been picked up if the Shard hadntpletely destroyed our antennas as well. I have worked on opening up a line ofmunication for days now, but we arecking someponents.


    Zac slowly nodded with a snort. This sounded more like a situation that the System would arrange. The engineers might be able to get the system up and running at any moment, at which point he would be barreling toward an enemy stronghold. He would need to dy the efforts or quickly tackle the guardian if he wanted a shot at defeating the level. But there was one thing Zac didn''t really understand.


    Cant your people scan this area if youre so close? Zac asked skeptically. "Just one day of travel."


    One day in subspace can be both close and impossibly far. We would pass through multiple dimensionalyers. Our space station doesn''t have that advanced scanning equipment, Jaol said.


    "How strong is the most powerful warrior on your vessel? And how strong is your chief engineer?" Zac probed


    "Strongest warrior?" Jaol said. "The captain is a ss-3 Transhuman, and the chief engineer is onlycking a few critical upgrades to reachte ss-2. My readings are telling me that you are somewhere in the range of early to middle ss-2. Why not just leave, instead of throwing your life away? I will not say anything."


    Zac only red at the technocrat without saying anything, making him shrink back toward the wall again. sses were likely the equivalent of ranks to the Machine God faction, where Jaol had mistaken him for middle E-Rank. It made Zac a bit curious about the mechanical eyes he employed but now was not the time.


    Hearing that there was a D-Grade warrior on the ship was problematic. He wouldn''t be able to run rampant and simply cut his way through to the engineering bay. If the captain suddenly showed up his only recourse would be to crush his token.


    However, the real issue was the Shard. Should he go for it?


    It felt like the System was presenting him with an alternative to assaulting the 8th floor guardian. He could either target the engineers and the engine to dy the ship, or he could snatch the Shard of Creation.


    In a perfect world, he would be able to do both, but either action would no doubt expose his presence on the ship and result in a massive response. With someone like the captain onboard he wasnt very confident inpleting either task, and doing both seemed nigh impossible.


    The question was what he wanted the most. The past levels had pushed him pretty hard, and he wasn''tpletely confident in a fight against a floor guardian of this power level. But the rewards would no doubt be shocking as well. The gains from the 7th floor had been extremely suited for him, and thepletion reward for the 8th floor should be pretty amazing as well.


    On the other hand, finding a Shard of Creation was once in a lifetime opportunity. He had long thought about finding a counterweight to the Splinter in his mind in order to restrain it, and this was his chance. This desire had only increased over the past weeks since his soul got infiltrated.


    Shooting out bronze sparks every now and then to weaken the splinter was a patchwork solution at best, but sooner orter it wouldn''t be enough. It felt like he was a pressure cooker waiting to explode, and this might be his only option on hand. The item was just the kind of thing he had envisioned, and Zac felt it wasnt a coincidence he had been ced here. It was a temptation that he could either follow or choose to ignore.


    But did he even dare to absorb such a thing?


    The ending of that poor sap who had fused with it previously sounded beyond horrifying, and he didnt really have any means to counteract it apart from his Soul Strengthening Manual and the Miasmic Fractals inside his head. He also didn''t dare ce his hopes on a second old master popping out of nowhere and giving him another set of fractals to house the Shard.


    The optimal scenario was that the Shard would enter the miasmic cage and the two items would restrain each other. The worst-case scenario was that some unexpected chain reaction would take ce, causing a massive eruption in energies that would blow both him and the Little Bean into smithereens.


    There was also the issue of agency. The words of the Seer back on the 73<sup>rd</sup> level echoed in his mind. He had said that Zac was just as much a pawn as he in the eyes of the System, and perhaps he was right. It couldnt be seen as a coincidence that the System first presented him with the Splinter of Oblivion at the specially created Hunt on his, and just a few monthster put him next to a Shard of Creation out of a trillion possible scenarios.


    What was the goal of the System here?


    It felt like he was being led by the nose down a path rather than creating his own destiny, and he wasnt sure for what purpose. It was one thing if the System simply wanted to make him stronger, and found a suitable solution for him. But everything he had heard about the System indicated that it wasnt so benevolent, and also not hands-on to this degree.


    Was the System treating him like a prize hog, feeding him with these two treasures? But to what end? Considering his Technocrat heritage he felt like it couldnt be anything good. Or was it the mysterious Draugr woman who somehow influenced his fate? He had no idea what cultivators standing at the peak were capable of.


    But was there anything he could do about it, even if he was being manipted? He needed power, and he had started down a road of no return the moment he got mixed up with the Splinter. Things were already spiraling out of control, and this might be his only opportunity to strike a bnce in his body.


    Hesitation gnawed in his heart for a few seconds, but he eventually decided to go for it. The Splinter was umonly silent in his mind, and he guessed it was because it sensed the presence of its opposite. He needed to make this effect permanent by bringing the shard with him.


    There were a lot of logical reasons to not take such a massive risk, but every fiber in his body told him to consume it. It felt like he was a puzzle, and the Shard was the final piece to finish the image. This wasnt the decision he would have made before the integration, and it probably wasnt even the decision he would have made just a few months ago. But he had realized something during his climb.


    One needed to push oneself to achieve anything worthwhile.


    On the surface it might have seemed that Zac had pushed himself beyond what was almost possible, but most of his actions had been forced out of need. But here was a difference between risking your life to survive, and risking your life to push yourself to greater heights. He had mostly done the former, but he knew that he needed to take some risks to keep his momentum going.


    Things might very well turn to shit, but even the random cultivator on an unintegrated had managed to stave off the insanity for a few years. If things truly didnt work out he would still have time to save Earth and deal with the Dominators and even have a couple of years to find a way to rip both the items out of his body.


    Besides, the very fact that he was probably being manipted into consuming both these items felt like an indication that he wasnt going to die from it. Why would the System or some mysterious peak being go through all the trouble of manipting his fate and the Tower of Eternity if the end result would be him simply dying? There were a lot of easier ways to kill a puny F-Grade warrior.


    Since he had made his decision he could only walk forward, taking things as they came.

 Chapter 453: Clearance

    Chapter 453: Clearance


    Where is the Shard stored? Zac asked after having made his decision.


    It is in a restricted holding bay, with multipleyers of defenses around it, Jaol said, his eyes widening upon the realization that Zac wasn''t deterred by the presence of the captain. "The captain wille the moment he hears his cargo is being targeted. He is part-owner of the whole vessel, and it has taken a lot of damage from this mission. If the mission fails he will face disastrous consequences, but if he seeds he will gain centuries'' worth of resources."


    How would I gain ess? Zac pushed, ignoring the warnings.


    You can''t, Jaol said without hesitation. "I have no idea how to get inside!"


    Think harder, Zac growled as a ck mist started to steam out of his mouth, adding an acrid smell to the cabin.


    I-I You would need to have special authorization. But it is impossible for you! You have no neural imnts, and even if you get inside there are extremely strong autonomous ss-2 Guardians inside, Jaol eximed.


    Dont you have ess-cards or something? Zac said with a frown.


    Cards? Like a medieval key? Jaol said with iprehension. Why would we have such a tant security risk as keys that can be stolen?


    I guess that means youll have to take me there, Zac smiled.


    Are you crazy?! You will be spotted in ten seconds after leaving this ce. There''s no one on this ship that has eye-augmentations that even slightly look like yours," them''s officer staunchly refused. "We''ll both be dead within a minute."


    Zac snorted as he activated his Transformation skill, and the neverending ck in his eyes quickly gave way to white sclera and irises. His deathly paleplexion gained life, and he was once again a normal human, at least outwardly indistinguishable from a technocrat human.


    Wha- Jaol sputtered as he looked up and down at Zac incredulously. How is such a perfect transition possible? Not even the chimeral Transcenders are able to do something like this before reaching ss-3.


    Whats with these sses youre talking about? Zac muttered. "Isn''t it just ranks?"


    We refuse to use the ssifications of the Cursed Heavens, Jaol said haughtily before remembering he was a hostage at the moment. Uh, no offense.


    So youre just being obstinate? Each ss represents a grade? Zac confirmed.


    Well, yes, Jaol coughed.


    "So can we go? And remember, our fates are bound together. I die, you die," reminded his hostage.


    "... You can''t." Jaol sighed after a short silence. "That''s what I''ve been telling you. You have no imnts, so the Ship will consider you an intruder. Only people with clearance will be able to walk around this ship. I don''t even understand how you can stand in my cabin without detection."


    Zac red at Jaol before he looked around. The implicit meaning was that the technocrat had expected a rescue, but none seemed to be forting. Zac''s brows furrowed with contemtion as he tried to figure out what was going on. Was it the System that protected him? The problem was that he had no idea if that protection extended out of the cabin he found himself in.


    "So how do I get clearance?" Zac asked.


    "Get clearance? Impossible. You aren''t even connected to the Multiverse Network through imnts or your sigil, getting clearance is impossible. If it had been so easy we would have been infiltrated and extinguished long ago.


    Zac felt a bit helpless as he looked around the room before he spotted a few small holes in the wall not far away. Did spaceships have air ducts? They should have, considering how many people were aboard. Perhaps if he cut through the floor he''d find whole service levels he could traverse instead. But before he could ask about it he suddenly had a thought, and his head snapped back toward Jaol.


    "Sigils?" Zac said, an idea suddenly popping up in his head. "Like this?"


    He took out the ne that Leandra had left with his father before disappearing. He still hadn''t found any use for the thing, but it was obviously more than a simple piece of metal. It had been able to vibrate and move about in his Cosmos Sack when he met the technocrat researcher back on earth, and it might have other functions that would be useful now.


    He wasn''t really worried about attracting his mother''s enemies either, as he was transported god-knows-where by the System. If anything it might rather throw Firmament''s Edge off the scent by thinking Leandra had popped up on this vessel.


    The small token suddenly shuddered, making Zac worried he had activated some hidden rm, but it quickly calmed down again. However, the technocrat hostage wasn''t as calm as he looked up and down at Zac with confusion and fear.


    This is impossible!! How did you get such clearance?! Jaol almost screamed.


    What are you talking about, Zac said, starting to get a bit exasperated by the rapid change of his captives emotions. And keep your voice down.


    A- I Jaol sputtered with clear hesitation on his face.


    "Remember, if I get pushed into a corner Ill take you out before anything else, Zac muttered and pushed Jaol with his axe when it looked like them''s officer was nning on cooking up another lie.


    I swear I dont understand! I dont recognize that insignia, but it has somehow given you Level 4-ess on our ship! Even I only have Level 2-ess. It uses some archaic ess code I have never heard of before, designating you as a Council Inspector! What Council?! Jaol bbered.


    Zac looked down at the ne in his hand with mixed emotions. It looked like his mother hade through for him after all. He had already known that she was probably some sort of big shot among technocrats before something happened to maker her turn traitor, and this seemed to further confirm it.


    But where was she? Why had she left Earth and her alone, even to the point that her husband had died from the integration? Long repressed emotions threatened to run rampant as he held the sigil, but he quickly gathered his wits and focused on the task at hand.


    "Is Level 4-ess enough to get to the Shard?" Zac asked.


    "No," Jaol said. "It gives ess to all parts of the ship except critical areas that need the Captain''s direct authorization. In other words, special authorization."


    Who has special ess?


    Just two people as far as I am aware. The Captain and Dr. Freid, Jaol said.


    Messing with the captain was obviously out of the question, which only left him with one option.


    "Who is Dr. Fried?" Zac probed.


    "Uh, no idea," Jaol said.


    "Jaol..." Zac growled threateningly.


    Thems officer hesitated for a few seconds before he eventually reached towards his eyes, and literally pulled them out of their sockets. Zac couldn''t stop himself from gaping in shock as the man handed his eyes to him. Zac unconsciously epted them with confusion, before he looked back at Jaol with utter befuddlement.


    Thems officer didn''t say anything, but Zac noted that he had pointed his head down, and it almost looked like the empty sockets were staring straight at Zac''s waist. Zac tried to follow theck of vision, and he suddenly had a hunch of what was going on. He immediately stowed the two eyes into his Cosmos Sack.


    "I put your eyes in my Spatial Tool," Zac said as he looked at the Technocrat with interest.


    "I know, I just lost connection," Jaol nodded.


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked.


    "I don''t want any hard evidence of divulging information about Dr. Fried. Hees from a powerful corporation," Jaol sighed. "Dr. Fried was sent by Deramex Dynamics, our employer''s employer. He''s an expert at force fields, and he is in charge of keeping the Shard of Creation restrained."


    "Sounds like he''s doing a pretty shit job," Zac muttered as he tried to look anywhere except the two empty sockets that stared right at him.


    Was this was it felt like talking with him when he was in his Draugr-form?


    "Yes, well," Jaol shrugged. "I don''t understand how that works, but he has set up multipleyers of restrictions around the shard in the middle of the bean. I''ve heard from a few guards that the problems we''ve seen are just the tip of the iceberg of what goes on within the containment field. Dr. Fried has said that the Shard does not like being without a host, and it resents being trapped."


    "Likes? Resents?" Zac asked with shock. "It''s alive?"


    "It''s beyond me. Perhaps alive in the sense that a virus is alive?" Jaol ventured.


    Zac felt like it was an apt description after having observed the Splinter in its prison over the past few months. It wasn''t an inert object, but it also didn''t feel sentient.


    "What strength is the Doctor?" Zac asked.


    "I think he''ste ss-2?" Jaol said hesitantly.


    "Is he strong inbat?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "I am pretty sure he''s a pure researcher," Jaol said. "Theirbat strength is on the lower end, but they no doubt have some means to protect themselves."


    Zac grunted in affirmation. This was exactly what he hoped for. The n he hade up with was pretty simple. He''d use the ne to get to Dr. Fried, kidnap the researcher, and use him as a keycard to the Shard. Seeing as the doctor seemed to have a pretty high status he might even be able to use him as a hostage to blow up the engines and pass the stage afterward.


    "Do you know where to find him?" Zac asked.


    "I can point you to hisb on the map," Jaol quickly said. "It''s not too far, you''ll be able to get there easily."


    "Point on the map?" Zac smiled. "We''re going together."


    Jaol froze for a few seconds before he deted with a sigh.


    "Alright... Is there anything else I need to know about the doctor?" Zac asked.


    Zac asked a few questions to gauge his strength, but Jaol didn''t seem to know too much. The researcher spent almost all his time split between hisb and by the Shard. He was also pretty haughty and barely socialized with the crew. He even seemed to have taken a superior stance toward the captain even if he was just a ss-2 nonbat ss.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But that was fine with Zac. It meant that he would get his opportunity as long as he managed to get to theboratory to set up an ambush.


    "Okay, let''s go," Zac finally said after he had asked everything he could think of.


    Well, you''re still looking a bit. Jaol hesitantly said.


    Zac looked down and immediately realized the problem. He looked like someone doing cosy with his ancient robes and weaponry. It wouldn''t take an AI to figure out something was wrong if he walked down the corridors wearing cultivator''s robes. His first idea was to take clothes from Jaol, but waving around an axe for months while focusing on Endurance and Strength had made his build pretty bulky.


    Jaol was a head shorter and probably weighed 100 pounds less, so getting into his fitted uniform was impossible. It also seemed that the clothes they wore didn''t have an automatic-fit like his robes. Sending Jaol out for a disguise was out of the question as well. The Technocrat would probably rat him out the second he was out of earshot, so Zac had to go with the second-best option.


    Call someone here. Someone with a simr build as mine," Zac said.


    "A- alright. I need my eyes back then," Jaol said, and soon enough pushed back the two orbs into their respective sockets.


    "So weird," Zac muttered.


    Jaol didn''t dare toment, but he rather summoned a screen that appeared in front of him, looking a bit like the status screens that the system used. Zac saw a bunch of faces sh by on the screen until Jaol''s eyes lit up. The screen disappeared the next moment, and Jaol slightly turned away.


    Its Jaol. Something is wrong with these calctions, could you assist me? Ill owe you one, Jaol started muttering out into thin air. Well, its a bit inconvenient, could youe to mypartment? Yes, I am sorry, I''ll provide 10% of this month''s sry aspensation.


    Well? Zac asked.


    A colleague wille over in a minute, he is off for the day so no one will feel it out of ce if hes not around," Jaol said, a small smile creeping up on his face for the first time since getting captured. "His build is pretty simr to yours as well."


    Why do you look so happy about this?" Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Hes kind of a work rival, and were up for the same promotion, Jaol said, looking a bit embarrassed. If I have to live through this cmity I might as well drag him with me.


    Fair enough, Zac snorted as he walked next to the door. But no funny business.

 Chapter 454: Undercover

    Chapter 454: Undercover


    Jaol hurriedly nodded in response to Zac''s warning as the ship schematic on the wall changed to arge array ofplex schematics and diagrams. They didn''t have to wait long until the sliding door opened, and a burly man stepped through, his eyes trained on Jaol who stood by the screen seemingly in deep thought.


    "You better not be lying about pay-" the man said, but didn''t get any further before he was on the ground twitching.


    "Undress him and take away anything that he can use to warn people," Zac said.


    "That''s impossible. He has imnts like everyone else. The moment you try to tamper with that a warning will go out," Jaol said with a shake of his head.


    Zac thought for a few seconds before he took out a vial and threw over a pill to Jaol.


    "Feed him this," Zac simply said.


    "If he dies you will be exposed," thems technician hesitantly said as he looked down on the pill with trepidation.


    "It''ll just make sure he won''t wake up for a day or two," Zac exined.


    A minuteter Zac inspected himself in a monitor, and it felt like he was on some science fiction show as his clothingpletely matched that of Jaol''s. The clothes of the poor man who was now slumbering in Jaol''s sleeping pod was a bit long and snug, but it was a passable fit that shouldn''t arouse any attention from a casual nce.


    "Let''s go," Zac said as he cracked his neck. "Take me to Dr. Fried''sboratory."


    "I-" Jaol said before he sighed and shook his head. "Fine, let''s go. Try not to speak. If anyone asks, we''re heading toward the research department because the scanning equipment has been broken by the Shard. This is actually true, but it''s a low prioritypared to the engines. It would have been better if I had a gift. Some might see this as me taking the chance to suck up to the doctor."


    Zac nodded, feeling it wasn''t a bad idea.


    "What kind of gift?" Zac probed.


    "Rare materials and stuff like that. Something I could pretend to have picked up on the we just visited and wanted to use as a bribe," Jaol thoughtfully said.


    "I have a few things," Zac said before he froze as he looked down at his Spatial Ring.


    He hurriedly reached for his pouch, but he breathed out in relief when he saw that all items were still there even though he wasn''t inside the tower. But what did that mean? Were all his items safe? Or would the confiscation still happen the moment the trial ended? Perhaps it was even possible to cheat the System this way by sending out everything he had gained. But he obviously couldn''t trust Jaol toe through and send his amassed wealth back to Earth.


    Even if Zac somehow managed to make Jaol obey, did the technocrat even have the ability to follow through? They could be anywhere in the multiverse right now, and there was probably no way for some random technocrat to find his sector, let alone Earth. Zac eventually threw out a handful of random materials he hadn''t figured out the use of.


    "This...!" Jaol said with wide eyes as he looked at the items that emitted strong fluctuation.


    "So?"


    "Ah? Yes, yes," Jaol hurriedly said as he reached out and took one of the items, a piece of purple wood.


    It was something that Zac picked up on the 6th floor. He had noticed that a tree survived even though Zac fought right next to it. The bark was extremely durable and was even able to resist being cut with the Fragment of the Axe twice. Strangely enough, the whole tree withered when Zac cut it down to bring with him, leaving only the nk-sized piece of lumber intact.


    "A piece of wood is actually valuable among technocrats?" Zac asked curiously as he saw Jaol''s excitement.


    "Well, no. It is rather the unique energy signature of the material that is valuable. We can extract it and infuse it in an alloy to make a stronger material," Jaol said without taking his eyes off the piece of wood. "My preliminary reading says that it should be able to increase the durability of many alloys by some degree."


    Zac shrugged and the two finally left thepartment, and they found themselves in a luxuriant hallway. It didn''t feel cramped at all like how it often was with cruise liners back on Earth, but the hallway was almost ten meters wide with the asional seats and greenery. There was even a small artificial river running along the middle, creating a soothing atmosphere. Zac wasn''t there to sightsee though and they hurried toward the center of the ship.


    Soon enough they reached a door that seemed to be a checkpoint between sectors, and Zac noticed how stiff Jaol looked as he waited for it to open. But the door slid open without any issue, making them both release a breath in relief as they kept going. It looked like the insignia left by Leandra really worked like some sort of universal key.


    It only took a few minutes of walking for the surroundings to quickly change. Zac remembered the map he had studied, and they now were in the sector where the cabins housed over ten people each. The hallways had be a lot more cramped, and there were even missing tings and exposed wires seen at spots.


    Zac was surprised at the stark contrast between different parts of the ship. Jaol''spartment and the section around it were hypermodern, with not a speck of dust in the fancy hallways. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This looks more run-down than what I would have expected, Zac muttered with a low voice as they passed through the barracks and arge mess hall. "It''s like this part will fall off at any moment."


    Well Jaol coughed. Were a frence freight-ss vessel bought from an auction selling off the inventory of a defunctpany. The ship itself is well over four thousand years old and long due for an overhaul. The section where I and the higher-ups live was refurbished five years ago, but this section..."


    Four thousand years? Zac eximed with surprise.


    A thousand years wasnt much in the world of cultivation, but he knew how quickly technology failed back on Earth. A machine holding together for a couple of decades was a nigh-miracle, and this spaceship had stayed in one piece over thousands of years and countless missions?


    "Are there no teleporters on the ship?" Zac asked after they had walked a while.


    They had passed through a seemingly endless number of passageways and were currently passing through what seemed to be arge mess hall. They had passed some people by now, but Zac was relieved to see that they only shot Jaol, or rather the piece of lumber in his arms, a curious nce before continuing with their business.


    "There are a few for emergencies," Jaol said after a few seconds. "But we can''t use them. They require a lot of energy to power to use. In other words it is a waste of money."


    Jaol!" a voice reached them from the other side of the shabby mess-hall, and Zac looked over to see a stout woman wave and walk over toward them.


    "Deal with this," Zac simply said with a low voice before he looked away.


    "Ah, Kerven," Jaol weakly smiled as he turned around to face the woman who curiously looked at them. "I thought you were on duty today?"


    "Can''t do anything until the changes stop. The thing is acting up again," the woman muttered as she curiously looked back and forth between Zac and the piece of wood in Jaol''s arms. "What are you up to? Isn''t this your day off?"


    "I, ah... I was nning on seeing if I could pick Dr. Fried''s brain about our problems. This is just a small token of my appreciation."


    "Uh, huh," she said with a raised brow before she shrugged. "Well, I won''t keep you up."


    Zac''s eyes followed her as he walked away, and some killing intent started to leak as he frowned. The splinter in his mind had woken up a few minutes ago, demanding blood to be spilled. Jaol''s eyes widened in horror as he sensed the dangerous aura that Zac was leaking, and he tried dragged Zac toward the exit.


    The door closed behind them and Zac took a ragged breath before he shot the technician a shot.


    "Let''s go," he said and started walking again.


    "We''re almost there," Jaol answered with a sigh.


    It took them almost half an hour to reach the center of the ship, the massive ball that contained both the containment field for the Shard of Creation and Dr. Fried''s temporaryb. Luckily enough they didn''t meet a single guard until they reached theboratory itself, and Zac felt the ship was a bit overly reliant on the AI and the security doors.


    He couldn''t be sure, but it seemed like it shouldn''t be too hard for an assassin-type Cultivator like Faceless 9 to cause severe damage to a ship with asx security as this.


    However, the door leading into theb was guarded by two men wearing some sort of tactical gear and holding some sort of energy batons. They didn''t feel like real warriors to Zac, but rather security guards who were there to make sure that no one peeked at the researcher''sb without authorization.


    "I am Jaol Kresson, Junior Deputy of the Communications Department. We''re here to see Dr. Fried if possible to ask a few questions about how to deal with the recent disturbances from the cargo. I brought a small token of my appreciation that I think will pique the doctor''s interest," Jaol said with a slimy smile as he stepped forward.


    "The Doctor is out," the guard slowly said after having looked at the piece of spiritual wood for a few seconds. "Let me-"


    He didn''t get further though as Zac moved forward like a ghost and punched the guard straight in his face as <strong>[Evesting] </strong>appeared from his Spatial Ring mmed into the other guard simultaneously. One of the soldiers immediately went down whereas the other one required another jab before hey unmoving on the ground.


    "Hurry," Zac said as he grabbed the two unconscious men and carried them into theboratory.


    Jaol quickly bent over and wiped a spot of blood before he followed after with a face as white as a mask. Zac guessed he hadn''t seen a lot of action up-close, and the situation was getting a bit tense. He had no idea if his actions just now had caused some hidden rm to go off, but he had acted by instinct when he saw the guard activating hismunication device. Jaol looked at Zac like he was a lunatic though, and Zac started to worry that them''s officer might do something stupid from desperation.


    "Stay calm," Zac whispered. "We''ll stow these two in some corner, and after I''ve captured Dr. Fried you''re free to go."


    "Yes, yes," Jaol fervently nodded. "How did you know the door to theb would open?"


    "I-" Zac said with raised brows. "Huh. I just figured it would open like all the other ones?"


    Jaol''s mouth opened as though he wanted to say something, but he slowly closed it again and instead helped move the two guards so that they were hidden beneath a desk in the inner part of theboratory.


    Zac fed them a double dose of his knock-out pills even if the guards were just early E-Grade at best. He didn''t want them waking up any time soon even if he started to cause a ruckus when the doctor returned. However, because he had acted so fast he had no idea where the doctor was or when he would return. He didn''t dare walk around and look for Dr. Fried though as Zac wasn''t meant to be here. He could be stopped at any moment, at which point the jig would be up.


    He could only hope that the doctor would return to theb soon enough. But the minutes passed as the two sat in an increasingly oppressive silence, and Zac was starting to get worried. His eyes were slowly growing bloodshot and his mind was awash with murderous thoughts.


    The splinter was making itself reminded, and the effect was even worse than usual. Was it angry because of the close proximity to the Shard? Zac could only bear with it for the moment as he took out a soul crystal to try and soothe his soul.


    "Your ship isn''t quite what I was expecting," Zac finally grunted, grasping for some topic of conversation to distract himself. "It seems you''re using a lot of old technology together with newer ones."


    Old technology? All technology is old, Jaol said, seemingly more than happy to break the silence.


    What do you mean? Dont youe up with new things and improve? Zac said with a frown. Isnt that the whole point of your factions?


    Where did you hear that? Jaol asked with confusion.


    I- Zac said, but stopped himself when he realized he had no idea.


    He had just assumed that the Technocrat factions were somewhat like Earth before the integration, constantly figuring out new things. But then again, the Technocrat faction was Billions of years old. Had they reached a point where they couldnt progress any further?

 Chapter 455: The Machine God Faction

    Chapter 455: The Machine God Faction


    Were in the 43<sup>rd</sup> age right now, Jaol said, seemingly understanding Zac''s thoughts. Each age represents the pinnacle of technology taking a step forward, which usually resulted in a trickle-down effect that empowered the whole Technocrat faction. But almost all of these ages took ce in the early stages of the System Era, before it was as powerful as today. The current hassted for over 70 million years.


    So you keep doing the same thing over and over again, with no improvement? Zac asked.


    Isnt Heavens Path the same? Jaol muttered. Cultivating and fighting, doing the same over and over again.


    I guess, Zac shrugged. So how do you improve? How do you be more powerful?


    Work and save Bits, buy upgrades for myself, Jaol slowly said. Ive been working on this freight for 4 years, and I was nning on performing my fourth overhaul with my savings along with the reward forpleting this mission. But now


    So money can simply solve all your problems? You get rich enough and youll instantly shoot to ss-3? Zac probed with interest.


    Jaol hesitated again, seemingly unsure whether he should answer.


    I dont believe that this is some secret information of your faction. I can probably buy an information packet anywhere exining this in detail, Zac said.


    Well, I guess youre right. I doubt I can get in any more trouble than I already am, Jaol sighed.


    <em>I wouldnt be so sure about that, </em>Zac thought.


    Zac wasnt about to say that he not only wanted to steal the shard but also destroy the ship''s engines if possible. In fact, he had been consciously vague about what he wanted to do just in case there was some built-in warning system in everyones head that woke up if he mentioned stuff like blowing up the engine or stealing the cargo.


    There was no telling what safeguards the ship had against its employees. Jaol was pretty forting, but Zac had already noticed that the technocrat had tried to hide vital information to trip Zac up multiple times. There was no way he''d warn him that there were certain things he couldn''t say without sending an alert to the captain.


    "So? What''s stopping you from shooting up to ss-3?" Zac asked.


    "Well, first of all, I don''t have the money for such an upgrade. But secondly, my soul isn''t strong enough," Jaol shrugged. "I would need to drastically strengthen it to be able to support that level of power. I honestly doubt I''ll ever get there unless Little Bean suddenly strikes it rich with a lucky encounter."


    Zac was about to say that it was a bit unscientific for a technocrat to believe in souls, but he stopped himself after realize that really wasn''t the case. He only needed to look inward to see irrefutable proof that the soul existed. Ignoring that in favor of some sort of atheistic technology-centered world-view was akin to burying one''s head in the sand by this point.


    "You''re a soul cultivator?" Zac asked with confusion, some rm bells going off in his head after his recent encounters.


    "Not as the people following Heaven''s Path would see it," Jaol said after some hesitation. "Did you board our ship without even basic knowledge of our capabilities?"


    Zac only red in response, making Jaol shrink back again.


    "Well. I think you people call us the Machine God Faction, and I guess that is urate. Our ''cultivation'' is essentially slowly upgrading our body parts one by one. For example. My eyes have been improved, along with most of my organs. I no longer require food, but I rather run on energy cells." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You''re turning yourself into robots?" Zac asked with shock.


    "Is it any different with you? Your body is a biomechanical machine controlled by electrical impulses from your brain and nervous system. We are simply upgrading the machine we were born with to be stronger and more durable. The Captain ispletely augmented by this point, for example," Jaol said, some jealousy evident in his eyes.


    "So he''s immortal?" Zac asked with surprise. "If you can call a robot that."


    "Robots and Transhumans are different things," Jaol said with a shake of his head. "Transhumans have souls, robots do not. The captain is not immortal, as his soul age over time. True consciousness is the foundation of life, and it is not something that can be created. At least not until the Machine God awakens. At that point, we''ll all be able to digitize our souls and reach immortality."


    "So that''s what you''re fighting for?" Zac asked curiously.


    The vision was reminiscent of how some people on Earth wanted to download their minds ontoputers and live forever. Some had even believed that the technology for something like that would be invented within their lifetime, if the integration hadn''t taken ce that is. It looked like the reality wasn''t quite so simple as the Machine God Faction had been working toward that goal for billions of years.


    "Well, the big shots are, I guess?" Jaol said. "Most of us are just trying to live our lives."


    "So what''s the point of upgrading soul if you''re a machine? You said your soul is too weak to be ss-3," Zac said.


    "As we upgrade our bodies ourponents be increasinglyplex while the materials be more and more exotic. But more importantly, theponents are infused with the deeper truths of the universe, what you call the Dao. The soul is the core of a being, and it is connected to everyponent. The stronger a module is, therger the demands are on your soul. If your mind is not strong enough you won''t be able to control it. Worst case theponents will put such a strain on your mind that your soul breaks," Jaol exined.


    Zac felt that it was an interesting alternative to traditional cultivation. They somehow directly infused their bodies with the Dao rather than learning it and used their souls as some sort of spiritual battery. It seemed like a mortal would be better off as a Technocrat than cultivating the normal path by the sound of it. The only cultivation that mattered was that of the soul, and anyone could do that, even himself with his zero aptitudes.


    "So you still need to cultivate in Soul Strengthening Manuals to progress?" Zac snorted. "Isn''t that bit ironic?"


    "Soul Strengthening was there long before the System, so it''s not really a part of Heaven''s Path. Besides, our methods are more refined," Jaol said.


    "More refined how?" Zac asked with interest, almost moving over to search the technocrat again for soul strengthening secrets.


    Fixing his soul was a top priority, and he wasn''t above abusing whatever means the Technocrats had. He didn''t have the ingrained distrust, or even hatred, of the Dao of Technology like many of the old forces of the Multiverse. He''d use any tool that he could get to protect himself and the people around him. If the Technocrat had some bioengineered elixir to give his soul a power-up he''d drink it in a heartbeat.


    "We train through the Neural Network. Ourpany gives ess to a decent algorithm, and as a Comm''s Officer I can use the facilities 20 hours a week," Jaol said with some pride.


    It turned out that all the Technocrats were connected to a virtual universe through their imnts. But it wasn''t actually virtual, as one''s soul entered thework as an avatar. It was perhaps more apt to call it a synthetic spiritual world, where distances were irrelevant as it existed in another ne of reality.


    It honestly sounded like something that should have been created by a great mentalist faction, but it was rather constructed by the Technocrats. It was the piece of technology that defined the sixth era, and it was still considered one of the five greatest inventions among the Technocrat factions. It only went to show how important the soul was for them. It was the whole base of their identity, whereas their body was just a transient and exchangeable coil.


    Inside this world were Training Facilities where one could slowly strengthen their souls with the help of some sort of advanced algorithms. There were both public facilities where one could train in return for an hourly fee, but the results in such ces were pretty average. Most corporations had their own Soul Strengthening Algorithms, and getting ess to those kinds of facilities were one of the means to attract talents to their force.


    Even more conveniently, it turned out that Technocrats could ess thework while sleeping, so they could work on their Souls at night without disturbing their daily routines. Stronger people could even allocate a part of their minds to constantly train inside thework while going about their days.


    Even Zac couldn''t help but feel a bit jealous at the convenience of the Neural Network. It was essible from almost anywhere within their domains, and it was even possible to reach it from much of integrated space. How convenient wouldn''t it be if he could gain ess to such a ce?


    "Can anyone enter?" Zac asked.


    "Of course," Jaol said, but Zac felt like his robotic eyes were a bit teasing. "You just need to imnt a neural device or be given ess by one of the other two factions. That will mark you as a member of the Boundless Path though, and you wouldn''t be able to live peacefully among cultivators."


    Zac wryly smiled and discarded the thought. He had enough problems on his hands, and there was no need to make the whole Multiverse his enemy just to get ess to those training facilities, especially when his own Soul Strengthening Manual was probably equivalent to some of the best training algorithms.


    "Wait, what is this Boundless and Heaven''s Path you keep mentioning?" Zac suddenly asked. "Is it the same as Orthodox and Unorthodox forces?"


    He remembered seeing the Boundless Path being mentioned during the quest to take out the Technocrat Incursion, but he had never heard much about it since then. People in his sector only divided factions in orthodox and unorthodox as far as he could tell.


    It''s rted, but also different. I feel that you cultivators dont really understand our factions because they bunch us together with a bunch of lunatics, Jaol said.


    How so?


    Were not some heretics trying to tear the world apart. We just want to live free from the control of an insane AI run amok. What good has the so-called System brought to the world? Endless strife and suffering, and for what? Nurturing powerhouses for a war that is long over? Jaol said with conviction in his eyes. Yet were being hunted from all directions because we threaten the interest of the powerful factions who rely on the System to stay in control.


    Do you really think that the universe would be so much better off if you managed to destroy the System? Zac snorted, though what the technocrat said did somewhat resonate with him.


    At least we would be free, Jaol muttered.


    "You still haven''t exined the difference," Zac reminded.


    "The System is a guidance system, but it also a limitation. A prison. The Boundless Faction are those who don''t want to bow down to a false Heaven," Jaol said. "The factions who follow the Path of Technology are part of the Boundless Faction, but so are many cultivators. Some of the cultivators are sinners who try to take shortcuts through nefarious means, but there are also righteous factions."


    "Why would normal cultivators choose to cultivate outside the System?" Zac said skeptically. "It seems to create a lot of problems for oneself for no gain."


    "Because the Path of Technology wasn''t the only path that got cut off when Emperor Limitless began his mad experiment. Some paths are missing, others are broken," Jaol said.


    "How do you know all this?" Zac asked. "No offense, but you kind of seem like a nobody."


    Thems officer red at Zac before he quickly remembered where he was and deted again.


    "Everyone knows. The origin of our factions and our goals is something that everyone learns in school," Jaol said. "Besides, my teacher told us that the stronger you cultivators are, the more likely you are to belong to the Boundless Faction. The Pinnacle Warriors and Emperors can see the truth of the false heavens, and join the Boundless Path to continue their journey."


    Zac obviously wouldn''t believe something Jaol had been told by some war-time propaganda teacher, but perhaps there was some truth to it. Why would people decide to go against the System? Were there some problems that arose at the higher Grades that forced people away from the conventional path?


    But then again, did it matter? He had never heard of anything like that in his sector, so even if it was true then it was some problem that was far far away from him. He had barely taken the first step of cultivation, and he wasn''t much better than some random hillbilly.


    "Where do you get theponents then? Just buy them at a market, or do you make them yourself?" Zac asked.


    "You need to contract a manufacturer or work for apany that has manufacturing lines. It''s another thing that separates good from bad corporations," Jaol said. "Almost all myponents are acquired at a discount through my employer."


    "Sopanies are essentially like sects?" Zac asked. "They both provide body upgrades and Soul Strengthening Manuals?"


    "I guess you could say that," Jaol slowly nodded. "Corporations have a database ofponents that provide high synergy with each other. So the best is to move up the ranks within thepany to get ess to matching parts of the same series. There''s a high risk ofpatibility issues arising if you mix and match at random."

 Chapter 456: Dr. Fried

    Chapter 456: Dr. Fried


    It sounded to Zac like corporations had something very simr to the Heritages of the traditional factions. But instead of Cultivation manuals and instructions on what sses and Titles to get, the Technocrat Corporations instead had manufacturing blueprints and lists ofponents that worked well together.


    "Are everyone in yourpany equally strong if you have the sameponents then? Sounds like a weakness for a force," Zac said skeptically.


    "Well, some parts are custom made to fit with our soul frequency, andpatibility with standardponents differ between people," Jaol exined. "So there will always be some differences."


    "Does it matter where you buy theponents from though, as long as thepatibility is high? Isn''t the same no matter where you go if all technology is old?"


    "I''m sure two swords crafted by two different cksmiths are not the same. One might have better materials or benefit from a secret crafting technique. It''s the same with us. There are billions of ss-1 Materials out there, meaning there is an almost endless number ofbinations of body parts to choose from.


    "A goodponent might perform a few percent better than a simr one from apetitor, and certainponents might have a synergy that improves performance even further. These incremental advantages really tack up when you consider the number ofponents a single Transhuman carries. Elite ss-1 Transhumans from peak forces can easily annihte a Mid ss-2 Transhumans with shoddyponents," Jaol said.


    Zac nodded in understanding, and he couldn''t help but find some humor at how simr things between Technocrats and Cultivators were, even though they were ofpletely opposing philosophies. The situation was exactly the same as the one he found himself in. He had gained one incremental advantage after another with the help of his titles and second ss, and these small advantages had tacked up into something immense by now.


    There was noparing himself with an average cultivator like the weaker Demon Warriors. He would be able to take out them by the hundreds, if not thousands, by now. The System yed favorites, and the average cultivator was nothing but fertilizer for the elite few.


    "So you can''t change jobs if you want to keep upgrading?" Zac asked. "Because ofponent synergy."


    "There are often some rules where we can still contract our old employer for a set amount of years after changing job, but most choose to do arge overhaul ofponents to reform their core if they change force. This will incur a huge cost, but it will allow them to incrementally improve by swapping outponents one by one again with the help of their new employer," Jaol said. "Real elites are even given weing packages of fullponent sets upon getting headhunted."


    The two kept talking as they waited for the doctor to return to his office, and Zac quickly got a pretty decent understanding of the Technocrats, or at least the Machine God faction that Jaol belonged to. And just as he had expected, they werent better or worse than any other people he had encountered before.


    They simply represented a different world-viewpared to the factions working within the Systems rules. But it was also clear that they werent any better than the ruthless factions that could ughter each other for a little bit of wealth.


    The struggle for resources was extremely intense, and there were huge societal differences between the sses. The lower sses worked themselves to the bone to be able to upgrade to higher sses and provide a better future for their progeny, or just to prolong their lives with the technologies that emted the effects of Race upgrades.


    Meanwhile, the massive corporations and families held almost all of the wealth and technology to themselves, almost making themselves into gods among men. Zac himself wasn''t very convinced by Jaol''s world view. Personally, he felt the System was like the weather. You couldn''t control it and it sometimes screwed you over, but it was part of life. It certainly had a hand in a lot of the struggle across the multiverse, but things might be even more chaotic if it disappeared.


    Zac wasnt just interrogating Jaol to make conversation and distract himself from the whispers of the Splinter, but it was also to understand the technology he had back home. He had gotten his hands on whole production lines and massive fabricators, so he had hoped hed be able to produce massive weapons that would be able to blow The Great Redeemer to kingdome if he showed up.


    But it appeared that there were multiple issues with his n. Not only would such powerful weapons be powered by his soul, but he would also need the blueprints for that kind of weaponry. There was also the issue of his fabrication machines. The ones he owned were no doubt ss-1 fabricators, and would therefore unable to manufacture higher-ss items.


    Finally, there was the issue of retaliation. Small infractions didn''t seem to bother the System, but if you went too big relying on technology you''dnd in a heap of trouble, just like the Little Bean did byunching orbital strikes.


    He also wanted to know as much as possible of how cultivation worked among technocrats to better be able to help and protect his sister. With Jeeves in her head, she could be considered a technocrat, and it looked like he would have to somehowe up with a Soul Strengthening Manual for her. Normalponents put a strain on a technocrat''s soul, and he could only imagine that miraculous technology like Jeeves would be even more demanding.


    He even tried making Jaol download the Soul Strengthening Algorithm he used, but it seemed as though there were heavy restrictions to stop any such theft. Zac also wasn''tfortable letting Kenzie onto the Neural Network because of the risk of getting exposed. At least he hoped she hadn''t found her way onto thework yet. The System was blocking Earth from the multiverse, and he could only pray that it also included thework.


    Unfortunately, it looked like the doctor was quite tied up somewhere, and over an hour passed without anyone entering theb. The long bout inactivity along with the raving Splinter started to take its toll, and Zac eventually had no choice but to stab his two shoulders and resume his experiments.


    A fountain of blood erupted in all directions as a bronze sh burst out through his arm and decimated some machinery near-by, leaving Jaol gobsmacked at the other side of the room.


    "What''s taking so long?" Zac panted as his murky eyes filled with killing intent were trained on them''s officer.


    "I- ah..." Jaol stammered after he saw the outwardly unhinged actions of Zac. "I don''t know. If it''s alright with you I can ess ourwork to see if anything has happened."


    Zac thought for a moment before he walked over next to them''s officer as he dragged out the bleeding daggers from his shoulders.


    "Do it. No funny-business," Zac reminded.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Jaol hurriedly nodded as a screen appeared in front of him. A series of screens and rows of texts appeared in rapid session, and Zac had no way to understand what was going on. Was this what it felt like for his grandfather when Zac set up hisputer back before he passed?


    "Something odd has happened," Jaol eventually said. "There are over ten incident reports due to mutations, causing problems all over the ship. There are usually some things that need fixing since we acquired the cargo, but not to this degree."


    "The Shard has be more active?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "It seems like it," Jaol said before he shot a hesitant look at Zac. "It seemed to have started shortly after you boarded the ship."


    "So you don''t think the Doctor will being back here? He''s busy putting out fires?" Zac asked.


    "I don''t think so? He has never helped with repairs before. I think Dr. Fried is more interested in taking readings of the Shard than helping the Little Bean, but that also means he probably wille back here to go over the results sooner orter," Jaol ventured.


    Luckily they didnt have to wait too much longer as the door suddenly opened as Zac sat poised to strike. However, instead of a person a small ball flew inside, and rm bells immediately set off in Zacs mind.


    He pushed forward to rush out of theboratory, but his eyes widened in rm as <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>refused to activate. Only then did he realize that he was in outer space, whereas the skill needed to be connected to the earth to work. The ball detonated in a massive shockwave the next moment, and Zac found himself thrown into a wall as he was almost blinded by a piercing light.


    His ears were ringing and he waspletely blinded, but his eyes werent the only way for him to see what was going on. Dozens of fractal trees rose from the metallic ground inside theb and the area outside the next moment, and Zac was once again inside a forest.


    The augmented vision from <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> showed that a dozen robots were waiting outside, seemingly controlled by two Technocrats standing behind with an array of screens in front of them. There was also somber-looking Transhuman wearing a white robe spectating from behind, and Zac immediately recognized Dr. Fried from a picture Jaol had shown him.


    His conventional vision was just a blur from the grenade, but he still navigated himself outside as a storm of leaves spread out around him.


    Its an intruder! one of the two guards eximed with shock.


    Had they just thought they were dealing with some corporate espionage or some curious crewmember who wanted to take a gander at the doctor''s research? Zac felt he had caught a lucky break as he shot out a rapid series of Fractal des. The des managed to destroy half the machines, but the remaining ones unleashed an unrelenting barrage of attacks. Both the technocrats were unscathed as well as dense shields had blocked the two strikes he hadunched at them.


    Zac dodged most of the attacks even if he was blind, but he found out that the projectiles automatically detonated into a kic storm that contained some mysterious energy that almostpletely ignored the leaves of <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>and caused painful wounds across his body.


    But to a warrior who had an effective Endurance of over two thousand, thecerations could barely be considered a wound at all, and Verun lit up in a sanguine glow as Zac appeared right between the two controllers. A wide arc of death ended with the two Technocrats falling into puddles of blood and what looked like mercury, but Zac had already moved on to his real target.


    Zac grabbed the throat of the old researcher before he had a chance to react at all. He looked pretty much like a normal human in his thirties, except for being silver. Was this the mark of higher-tierponents? The mechanical parts of Jaol were easily discernable, but Zac could barely tell that the throat he was gripping wasnt actually skin.


    I am working for Deramex Dynamics, Dr. Fried said with a calm voice as he looked into the eyes of Zac. You should know the price weve paid for retrieving this item. I do not know which force you belong to, but we will respond in kind if this mission goes awry. My private emergency vessel is untraceable and anchored at the end of that corridor, it requires no authorization to use. Leave now and this will be the end of it.


    The Undead Empire would wee yourpanys attempts at revenge. I am sure some Lich would find your weird bodies an excellent source for experiments, Zac smiled, ignoring the offer.


    ming the Undead Empire for his actions had be almost ingrained by now. Some day Karma mighte knocking, but for now they made an excellent boogieman to me all evil on. It was less convincing when he was in his human form, but the undead probably had a bunch of livingckeys that got things done for them in the life-attuned territories.


    The doctor only snorted in response, and Zacs eyes widened when the mans head disintegrated into nothing as a massive st was released from the torso of the researcher. There was no warning at all, and Zac was flung into a wall with a searing pain in his chest. However, he had managed to activate one of the defensive charges of his robes at thest moment, which had absorbed over half of the damage.


    The surprise attack wasnt the real issue though, it was the fact that the doctor seemingly had blown his own head up. How would he use the man''s special authorization to get to the Shard if he was dead?


    Behind you! Jaol suddenly shouted, and Zac immediately looked back only to see a floating head fleeing in the distance.


    A cannon-ball ripped through the air and knocked the head into a wall less than a second after the shout, and Zac shed over and picked up the seemingly unconscious Dr. Fried. There was no stream of energy entering his body at least, which indicated that the technocrat was alive. In fact, he hadnt even got any energy for killing the two controllers, and Zac was starting to suspect that you needed to destroy the souls of the warriors of the Machine God faction, or at least destroy some sort of coreponent.


    Zac looked down at the head in satisfaction as he jogged back toward Jaol. He had barely needed to use any energy to capture his target, which would allow him to go all out against the defenses surrounding the Shard.


    The Machine-God faction didnt have key-cards, but this was the second-best thing. Now that he knew that the head could teleport he was also infusing it with the Fragment of the Coffin to keep it in ce, which hopefully would work with Technocrat tech as well.


    As for whether the doctor was actually unconscious or acting, he didn''t care. Unless the man had nted a bomb inside his head he was likely not a threat any longer. It was fine by him if he wanted to y dead as long as he managed to get past the massive security doors and their apanying shields that were currently blocking his path.


    Jaol had moved out from theb sometime during the battle, and he was currently looking at the destruction around him with dismay. Zac felt a bit bad about the fate waiting for the guy, but he suddenly had a thought.


    Do you use Nexus Coins? Zac asked.


    No, but we can trade them with Bits for a small fee, Jaol mumbled with a hollow voice.


    Zac nodded and immediately transferred 100 million Nexus Coins to thems officer. Jaols eyes widened in shock, probably because 100 million Nexus Coins was more than hed make in a decade, perhaps a lifetime, at his current post.


    You no longer need to stay undercover on this ship, Zac smiled as he said with a voice that carried far and wide, which quickly changed Jaols face from excitement into horror. Thank you for your assistance, I wouldnt havee this far without you. There is a ship down that corridor ording to the doctor, I suggest you take it before reinforcements arrive.


    With that Zac shed away with Dr. Frieds head in his grip.


    Jaol looked at the receding back of his captor with mute iprehension for a few seconds, before his eyes turned to the two unmoving controllers on the ground. Indecision gnawed at him, but only for so long.


    He rushed inside theb and he quickly put everything valuable and untraceable into his Subspace Container. He would need every resource he could get if he had to flee to awless zone where Deramex Dynamics wouldnt be able to find him.

 Chapter 457: Desolation

    Chapter 457: Destion


    Zacsrge donation waspensation for pushing Jaols fate off-course, but it wasntpletely born from benevolence. Such a huge sum would draw massive suspicion toward thems officer, and his end would no doubt be pretty horrible if he stayed on the ship.


    But the same probably held even if Zac hadn''t done it. The guy seemed pretty shell-shocked, and Zac was afraid he didnt understand the severity of the situation. This way he forced the guy into action to save his skin. It was both an apology and a threat. Jaol could take that money and escape, taking the knowledge of Zac with him.


    Of course, the easiest solution would have been to kill Jaol, but it wouldnt sit right with him. Zac''s actions of reciprocity with Thelim, the Ent back on the 6<sup>th</sup> floor, had opened his eyes to an important truth. Giving back or severing Karma wasnt only vital for Karmic cultivators, but everyone.


    If he had cut down Jaol after having received help with the heist and all that valuable information it would have festered like an untreated wound in the back of his head. So he could only rely on this little ploy to deal with him instead. The money was a huge sum to most people in the F-grade, but it was almost nothing to Zac, especially after looting the mentalist. Just one of her dresses was probably worth five times that amount, and there were over a dozen of them.


    He was already rushing toward the containment center, but Zac was observing the young technocrat through <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>. He saw Jaol run inside and snatch some things from theboratory before fleeing toward the escape vessel as fast as his legs could carry him.


    Zac nodded in satisfaction as he ran to the metallic gates guarding the room housing the Shard, and he breathed out in relief when they soundlessly slid open without prompting. He was thankful he hadn''t gone full musclebrain as he had initially considered as he saw the doors were over two meters thick with threeyers of hidden energy shields within.


    There was no way he would have been able to cut through such an arrangement in short order.


    The interior chamber was massive, with a ceiling height of well over a hundred meters. It was inside the core of the ship, the monstrous spherical construction that had given the ship its name. The cubic chamber that housed the Shard just took up a part of it though, even with its impressive size. It was a good reminder that the ship was like a flying city, and he wondered ifpletely crippling it had ever been on the table for an F-Grade warrior like himself.


    Roughly fifteen technocrats were standing inside the room, and they looked up with shock at the intrusion. None of them seemed like a threat though so Zac rather focused on the giant ball with a diameter of 100 meters in the middle. It was the outer shielding that protected the ship from the Shard, and dozens of tubes asrge as a man ran along the floor from the right, likely powering the thing up.


    Zac could barely discern another, far smaller, shield inside the ball. But further within, there was just a radiant light, like they had captured a miniature sun. He couldn''t actually see the Shard of Creation, but he was sure it was within the core. This was somewhat proven by the fact that the splinter in his mind was fully raging by this point, pushing the Miasmic Cage to its limits.


    He was considering how he could use the doctor''s head to pass by the defenses when an rm suddenly started ring out from hidden speakers as dozens of robotic sentries rose from the ground. The seemingly empty containment chamber had turned into a battlefield in an instant. The technocrats didn''t seem to bebatants though as they fled for their lives through a smaller exit in the back.


    Zac didn''t stop their escape as they were essentially civilians, and he had given up subterfuge by now.


    Bad turned to worse as a dangerous spike in his mind prompted him to quickly discard the head, just in time before it exploded in a concentrated gush of purple sma that immediately melted the reinforced ground where itnded. Zac couldn''t believe the professor would up and kill himself.


    But Zac''s brows rose when a cylindric box inside the inneryer released some steam and opened up, at which point Dr. Fried stepped outside,pletely unscathed. Soul Transfer or a backup body? The technocrats were full of weird means.


    "Thank you for carrying me thest stretch," the doctor snorted as a series of nking sounds echoed out from within his body. "Good thing I kept a few spares in case something happened with the treasure."


    Zac wanted to retort something clever, but he couldn''te up with anything before he was bombarded with attacks from the robotic guards that had repositioned themselves to protect the power supply of the shield.


    It seemed the sentries had only held back due to the presence of Dr. Fried''s head, but now they weren''t restricted any longer. Zac furiously charged the closest machine as he released <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> along with <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>to turn the surroundings into his domain.


    He knew his time was limited as the captain could appear at any moment.


    He needed to break through the shield in front of him, but the machines kept sting him with concussive projectiles that threw him off-bnce. It wasn''t enough to hurt him as the leaves still absorbed most of the damage, but it did slow him down considerably.


    Three furious swings with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> crushed the thick shield protecting the robot, and another one cleaved it in two. He triedunching a few fractal des at the shield next, but they were actually shot down mid-air by the remaining sentries. Zac grunted in annoyance and nced at the machines, but he didn''t have time to figure out his next step before his danger sense went off again.


    He quickly shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and it was just in time as a substantial explosion erupted where he had just stood, making him realize the machines were triggered to blow up the moment they were out ofmission. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It''s useless," the voice of Dr. Fried drifted over, and Zac''s eyes widened when he looked over.


    A massive machine had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, looking like a mix of a walking crystal ball and a mecha. It had eight sturdy spider legs that held a tform in the air. On top of it, a ten-meter crystal ball rested, and it resembled the containment shields a bit. Finally, there was a tform on top that the doctor himself stood on.


    Over a hundred thin arms reached down from the upper dais, and appendages ended with small satellites pointed at the crystal ball from every direction. It looked to Zac like they were used to restrain the ball in the middle, and he could understand why. A chaotic swirl of febrile energies rushed around inside the crystal, and Zac started to wonder if the crazy researcher had turned the Shard of Creation into a weapon.


    Zac immediatelyunched a series of fractal des at the outer shield as he spread the storm of leaves to block any attempts at shooting them down. However, the fractal des ineffectually hit the shield, only creating small ripples even though they were infused with the Fragment of the Axe.


    "I told you," Dr. Friedughed. "As long as the sentries are standing you won''t be able to destroy this shield, and the captain will be here long before then."


    Zac growled in annoyance when he saw the researcher sitting snugly on top of the weird machine, and heunched another series of fractal des at the shield. But it waspletely useless like thest time.


    He quickly realized that his current strategy wouldnt work. The bots were too durable and they focused on slowing him down rather than taking him out. He quickly forced a storm of Cosmic Energy toward the fractal on the right side of his chest, and soon after the first axe of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> appeared above him.


    The bots were just too annoying, and he would rather fell them in one big swing. His arm swelled as he swung <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>in a wide arc toward the group of sentries that protected the massive array of tubing. The machines had proven a tough target for <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but against the<strong> [Axe of Felling] </strong>they were little more than pieces of lumbers as they fell apart and exploded in an instant.


    You fool! Dr. Fried cackled when he saw Zacunch his massive strike. Did you really think that the shield was reliant on exposed power lines? Who would design such a shoddy defense?! You cultivators are really not much better than animals.


    Zac only snorted in response, but he was honestly a bit surprised that it didn''t seem to have any effect at all. He had still managed to destroy most of the robots though, and he was sure that the massive tubes at least provided some power to the shields. Perhaps it was only running on some auxiliary powers right now, and the doctor was only putting up a brave face.


    Besides, it wasn''t like Zac was all out of options.


    Veins popped out all over his arm as he forced even more energy into the skill fractal, and the ming axe appeared next, causing the very air around it to twist andbust. Zac didnt waste a second as heunched it straight at the shield, empowering the strike even further with the Fragment of the Axe.


    The cutting mes of <strong>[Infernal Axe]</strong> mmed into the containment field with the force of a tidal wave, and mes were pushed in all directions, incinerating everything around them. Dozens of expensive-looking machines were reduced to scorched pieces of scrap, and evenrge sections of the floor were turned into molten pools.


    But the shield had endured. Some cracks had appeared across its surface, but they were quickly mended. Zac tsked in annoyance when he saw that the containment held. He hadn''t expected that the outer shield could withstand the second strike, even after losing its main power supply.


    Youre decent enough for a cultivator, but how can you match up to my lovingly crafted istion sphere? It can even restrain the Shard, so what can a fiddling little h- ah? the doctor ranted, but was interrupted as a pulse suddenly spread from within the core containment.


    Zac couldnt believe his eyes when he saw the molten sma around him turn to mud, and trees and mushrooms appeared out of nowhere inside the huge room, causing the shield to flicker a few times before it died out. Zac and the researcher mutely stared at each other for a second, both obviously shocked by the turn of events.


    Was the Shard helping him?


    It seemed as though the Shard destroyed the backups while Zac took out the outer power source. The question was whether this was a random act of creation, or whether the Shard was sentient and had some n of its own. But Zac couldnt focus on that right now as the air twisted and turned as Dr. Fried seemed ready tounch his final attack with the weird machine.


    But Zac had one more card up his sleeve and he endured the pain as he pushed almost a third of his Cosmic Energy into the fractal of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, initiating the third and final swing. His bones creaked and groaned as he pushed his arm forward, but he wasnt the same person as when he attempted the swing in his battle with Salvation.


    A terrifying axe appeared in the air, and even Zac felt some palpitations in his heart after sensing the aura. It was an ashy-grey single-ded axe with a long edge that almost formed an inverted S. The poll and shoulder of the axe seemed to form a robed being whose four arms ran along the cheek of the axe head.


    The shaft was straight and unadorned, ending at a spiked knob, showing none of the craftsmanship of the intricate axe head. But the most striking aspect of the axe wasn''t its incongruous design, but rather the deste aura that spread out around it.


    A tremendous resistance pushed against him as Zac almost finished the swing, but he roared and struggled toplete the motion with everything he had. He felt a sharp pain in his forearm as umted wounds from past levels reopened, but he didnt care. Zac could have activated<strong> [Hatchetmans Fury] </strong>to effortlessly finish the swing, but he didnt dare to be under the influence of that skill at the moment.


    The scientist had noticeably quieted down as he no doubt understood the power of the attack Zac had brought forth, but he didnt flinch as he frantically tapped at a console in front of him. It looked like the rampant surges of power inside the crystal were being magnified, but they were still being contained.


    Die! the researcher screeched as dozens of the machines appendages rapidly reshuffled to no longer envelop the ball, but rather expose the side facing Zac.


    The sphere immediately started to destabilize, and a secondter the crystal cracked as a terrifying surge of destruction rippled toward him. Zac''s mind screamed of danger, but he was unwilling to back down as canceling his strike now would not only cause a bacsh but also put it on a long cooldown. It was also unclear whether <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>would even work in a ce like this, as there was no nature to draw from.


    His destructive capabilities were in other words quite limited, and his other ss wouldn''t be any help in breaching the core containment field either. He could only meet fire with fire and bet the house on his ultimate strike. Zac roared in defiance as he finalized the swing even though his arm was strained beyond its limits.


    A grey wave silently swept forward as the sinister <strong>[Axe of Destion] </strong>matched the swing, and the whole ship shuddered as the two monstrous attacks collided.

 Chapter 458: Creation

    Chapter 458: Creation


    The whole room violently shook as the wave of ash collided with the vibrant beam. There were no explosions though as the collision of the attacks was very different from anything Zac had witnessed before, and it led Zac to believe that Dr. Fried really had managed to harness at least a small part of the Shard of Creation.


    The energies that had been contained inside the crystal ball contained the ability of inception, and weird items kept popping up one after another, each stealing a bit of the momentum from his attack. A massive blue icicle appeared from nowhere and shot toward Zac, but it crumbled into drifting ash by the wave of destion before it even had time to pick up any momentum.


    There were rocks, waterfalls, and scorching mes that appeared to hinder the wave of destion and strike at Zac, like all the elements of the world hadbined to take him down. However, the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was the pinnacle of Zacs power, and it wasn''t enough to just throw some rubble in front of it.


    The grey cloud was noticeably diminished as it pushed through the construct''s attack, but it still had almost half of its energy remaining when it finally exhausted the beam and swallowed the odd machine along with the doctor on top of it. There was still no explosion as the mecha only shuddered before falling apart. It was as though the thing was a burnt-out log that turned into a pile of ash when prodded.


    The doctor''s face was frozen in a visage of fear and iprehension as it crumbled as well. Zac knew the man was finally dead body and soul as well as he felt the surge of energy entering his body. A quick look around unfortunately indicated that the doctor wasn''t the level guardian, as no teleportation array had appeared upon his death.


    Thergest threat was dealt with, but Zac didn''t rest as only half his objective waspleted. He shed forward, running past the pile of dust that was once the doctor and his battle tform. He wanted to stay in the wake of his own attack, though he kept a healthy distance as he didn''t want to turn into another dust pile.


    The wave had lost even more energy from killing Dr. Fried, but it was arge-scale attack capable of taking out tens of thousands of people, so it continued forward in the limited space of the inner containment field. It finally reached the core that housed the Shard itself, another spherical shield with a diameter of no more than 10 meters.


    A tremendous shockwave suddenly threw Zac back across half the room, but his eyes lit up when he saw what was going on.


    Thest burst of power inside the <strong>[Axe of Destion] </strong>had managed to crack open the final shield, and radiant tendrils reached out from the breach. They looked like condensed sunlight but almost moved around like the tentacles of an octopus as they gingerly felt around outside the containment shield.


    It looked just like when the Splinter in his mind was searching for cracks or weaknesses inside the miasmic cage, and Zac knew his opportunity had presented itself. He shed forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> as far as he could until he left the spiritual forest of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>, at which point he started to run normally. He needed to snatch the item before the shield healed.


    HALT! a tremendous roar suddenly echoed from behind, and the power in the voice alone was enough for Zac to stumble as bloody gashes appeared all over his body.


    Zac knew this was the end-run, and he scrambled to his feet and kept going, ignoring the mounting sense of doom from his danger sense.


    However, it quickly became too much and he nced back and spotted an infuriated metallic humanoid approaching. The cyborg''s speed was way faster than his own, and it was upon Zac in an instant. Terrifying energies surged around him, and Zac desperately activated a Bodhi-infused <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to protect himself.


    However, a shing light almost blinded Zac, and he felt a stabbing pain in his mind as all the leaves were shredded to pieces in an instant. They didnt even impede the technocrat for a second as he reached for Zacs throat.


    Zac swung his axe with all he got at the iing hand, but <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> didnt even leave a mark as it was blocked by a thin energyyer covering the hand. Conversely, the hand released some sort of counter and Zac felt the Spirit Tool yowl in pain from the sh. Zac already understood who this was, and he wasn''t surprised that his attack didn''t work.


    This was the captain, a true D-Grade Powerhouse. Even if he was the lowest rung among D-Grade warriors there was no contesting him while still in F-Grade.


    But the sh had fulfilled its purpose as Zac was shot backward like aet from the counterforce, straight into the core containment area. Zac prepared himself to swap sses if needed to block another strike, but he realized the man had stopped some distance away with a sinister smile. A small pang of pain suddenly red up in the back of Zacs head as he hit something within the light, and Zac immediately felt an odd force invade his body.


    He realized that he had identally hit the Shard, and he quickly tried to reach for his Tower Token to teleport out as nned. However, he only had time to see the technocrat captain shouting a bunch of orders before the world turned white.


    -----------


    A crackling sound full of ebullience echoed out into the void, each snap exuding the primordial Dao. For untold ages the <strong>[Spark of Creation]</strong> left its mark on the universe, its conceptions growing everrger and more intricate. But suddenly its revelry was encroached upon.


    His breath was the Dao and his hand was the earth, and when he moved the Heavens shied away. He gripped the Spark and clenched with enough force to tear the fabric of reality to shreds. The shockwave shattered the Dimensional Core that the Spark had turned into its nourishment, the explosion destroying innumerables.


    Unwillingness. Desperation. Desire. The spark shattered, its remnants fleeing to all corners of the myriad nes. Creation was never over.


    A great sage sat upon his tform with a kindly smile, and with a wave of his arm he brought forth his miracles. Magical scenes covered the night sky, scenes of unfettered creativity and depth. The crowd was busy gaining inspiration from the apparitions above, and no one heard the despondent wails from the captives below as their very souls were being used as fertilizer for the sages false gifts.


    The warriors arm quickly grew and formed a massive scythe as he swung it in a wide arc that decimated the closest attackers. His eyes were already hollow and his face a sallow mask, but there was no going back now. He released a bestial roar as he rushed into the thick of the Verith Tribes Truthyers, and a shockwave of metal and flesh exploded out from him like a detonation of a Taboo Treasure.


    Wings containing boundless force stretched out for hundreds of meters in each direction, like two canopies shrouding the earth. Each p of the gargantuan bird''s wings brought forth storms that ravaged the ins below as it traversed its prison. It hated its inability soar higher, and it released a cry of destion. A shudder pushed the clouds away as the wings grew yet longer. Blood seeped out from its body and fell like rain, but it didn''t care as it soared ever higher toward the stars above.


    The young monk desperately prayed for tranquility as he climbed the lonely peak. He couldn''t stay at the monastery any longer, he couldn''t risk the lives of his brothers. But the whispers never ended even after reciting the mantras. It would be so easy to give in to desire, to grasp the power that resided within. One thought to turn dreams into reality, one wish to challenge fate itself.


    Zac had once again found himself captive within a storm of visions showing an unceasing number of fates. Most were pretty horrible, and any notion that the Shard was the ''good'' to the Splinter''s ''bad'' was finally gone. Those who had found themselves in possession of a Shard mostly seemed to be just as wretched, just with a different vor. Coming in contact with concepts that were too far beyondprehension was to y with fire, you were bound to get burned sooner orter.


    The shing visions suddenly stopped, and he found himself looking at a solitary figure from above. However, this time there wasnt a Draugr-Lady calmly sitting within ake of miasma in silent contemtion. Instead, there was a cultivator perched on a terrifyingly tall peak under a shimmering night sky.


    He wasn''t Dragur, or any other undead race for that matter, but rather a humanoid alien with ashen-grey skin. The alien almost looked human with extremely fine features, making it hard to discern its gender. It did however have four eyes, one normal set and another one ced almost to the side of his head. The cultivator probably had 360-degree vision thanks to this feature.


    The warrior radiated a dense and powerful aura full of verve, and even if Zac couldn''t put his finger on it he somehow felt like the cultivator was the exact opposite of the Draugrdy. The whole peak was drowned in a vibrant shimmer as northern lights in all colors imaginable danced around him. It was a beautiful spectacle, but the cultivator didnt seem to care as his or her eyes were closed in meditation.


    Hm? the cultivator mumbled, and judging by the cadence of the voice he was no doubt a man.


    The alien looked up from the ground, and his two sets of eyes seemed to focus on the spot where Zacs spirit hovered. Zacs emotions surged in anticipation as he tried to speak, but he was simply a blob consciousness without any opportunity tomunicate. But it really looked like the System had prepared another fortuitous encounter after all.


    Be''Zi mentioned meeting a child following her path just this way, and now you arrive at my doorstep just momentster? the man said with a spurious smile. I wonder what The Viinous Heavens has nned this time?


    The tion Zac felt was slowly doused as he listened to the seated cultivator. Even though the expressions on this mans face were more amicable than the cold visage of the Draugr, he still felt less weing.


    Creation and Oblivion. Broken peaks and an ocean of despair. The cycle continues, the cultivator muttered before he smiled again. Will you break it? Or will you drown as well?


    Zac didnt understand what the hell the odd cultivator was speaking about, but he was more worried about whether he would provide assistance or not. He felt fine at the moment, but he knew that a storm was probably brewing inside his body back at the ship. A storm that would have no problem crushing him, body and soul, if not dealt with properly.


    The Viinous Heavens brought you to me, but why should I bow to the bindings of fate? the alien continued, his four eyes gaining a ruthless gleam.


    Zacs Danger Sense was quiet, but his instincts still screamed of danger as the lights surrounding the peak started to sh with increased intensity. Zac suddenly sensed his soul being crushed by immense pressure, like he was being thrown into a ck hole. But a sudden shudder from beneath the mountain froze the northern lights, and the pressure disappeared in an instant.


    Mh? the man said as he looked down at the ground again.


    Very well. Let the threads of fate run its course. I hope you will survive long enough to provide my wife and I with some entertainment. The eons are growing tedious, after all, he said.


    The man pointed a finger at Zac, and his surroundings rapidly closed in and disappeared. Zac realized that the man had sent him away, and he couldnt help but feel some disappointment over the fact that he still refused to help out, even though he obviously had a connection with the Draugrdy.


    Had the path the Systemid out for him gone awry due to the cultivators reluctance to assist, and if so, what did that mean for him and his odds of survival? Frantic thoughts swirled in Zacs mind as his vision turned ck, but the voice of the cultivator drifted into his ears just before his vision disappearedpletely.


    Creation is a miracle, but it is also a drug. It will satisfy your desires until you are nothing but a ball of cravings, a husk of a man. But through temperance and austerity, Creation will bow to your will."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 459: Perception of Reality

    Chapter 459: Perception of Reality


    Two days remaining, Ogras muttered as he looked out the window of the small farmstead. I guess its about time.


    Whats that, darling? the lithe woman purred in Ogras ear.


    I need to go out for a bit, the demon said with a smile as he pinched the bare bottom of his little savior.


    You shouldnt walk around too much with those wounds of yours, she said with some admonishment in her eyes. You were on deaths bed just three weeks ago.


    Didnt I prove just how healthy I was yesterday? Ogras said with a cheeky grin and received a roll of the eyes in return.


    He had been pretty confident in defeating the 5<sup>th</sup> floor guardian after his experience with the Transcendent Master, but the fight had pushed him way harder than expected. The enraged beast had been a perfect counter to him as well, too stupid to be tricked.


    Things didnt really turn for the better at the following three levels as he looked for an inheritance to end his run with. His wounds kept umting until he almost died at the hands of the assassin who guarded the gates to the 49<sup>th</sup> floor. If it wasnt for the defensive treasures he hadmandeered from Gu he might have actually met his end then and there.


    Thankfully he managed to escape from the assassins pursuit, and he quickly disappeared into one of the neighboring kingdoms. However, the wounds were too severe, and he had fallen unconscious outside this Uyns farmstead.


    Are you sure you dont want to enter the path of cultivation? Ogras asked as he looked at the girl lying in the bed.


    Only problems wille from that. Life is beautiful because it is short. Why would I want to prolong it just to fill it with bloodshed? Uyn said with disapproval. Look at that wound on your chest. Is it really worth it?


    Ogras only smiled in response as he finished dressing and walked out of the small house. He didnt have a specific ce in mind, but rather simply chose to walk a while to loosen up. One day on the inside meant roughly 15 minutes on the outside. He might find himself in deep shit real soon and needed to be ready.


    The massive gash in his chest was still a bit troublesome, but he would be able to fight at full power without issue. Hopefully, it wouldnte to that though. Zac should have reached a floor high enough to scare off any attempt at their lives, and if not he would serve as an excellent lightning rod for their attacks until they tired themselves out.


    The demon found himself on top of a small hill soon enough, and Ogras took a deep breath as he looked around at the quiet vale where he had stayed the past days. The world of cultivators and immortals was almostpletely cut off from this littlemunity. The strongest person he had encountered was an old hunter who was level 29.


    People worked their fields and lived off thend, without strife or any real suffering. Their lives were short but fulfilling. Uyn would probably marry someone from themunity, and their three weeks together would turn into a hazy memory of an adolescent escapade.


    Is it worth it? Ogras mumbled as he looked up at the sky. Definitely.


    He donned a mask and robe and crushed his token the next moment, not sparing the house and its savior another look. A brief bout of darkness shrouded his surroundings until the world exploded into colors.


    ------


    The beautifulke was hidden deep within the mountains, untouched for thousands of years. Not a ripple could be seen on its surface, making it seem like a perfect mirror that reflected the heavens above. If one looked from a certain angle it would be impossible to discern which sky was real and which one was fake.


    A scream suddenly broke the tranquility of the secluded mountain as a harried cultivator desperately fled for his life. A group of warriors was high on his heels, and the mans back was covered in wounds. He looked back and forth, but there was nowhere to hide. He knew he would have to make a final stand if he wanted to break free.


    An hourter the same man slowly breached the crest of the mountain housing the tranquil pond, and his eyes lit up when he saw the inviting waters. He had barely survived the ordeal, and he was grievously wounded and without provisions. But at least he could drink his fill.


    The man dipped his hands in the pond, causing a ripple spread across the tranquil surface. If the man hadnt beenpletely focused on quenching his thirst he would have noticed a shocking change in his surroundings. Just as the pond rippled from his actions, so did the sky above.


    Heavens andke mirrored each other, and it was impossible to tell which was which.


    But his mind was upied with thoughts of escape, and hemented the fact that he couldnt simply sprout wings and fly away, leaving his problems behind. He was so engrossed in his escapism he didnt even notice how the air behind him shuddered as two crystalline wings appeared on his back. He only kept drinking the icy cold water, feeling it was the most delectable thing ever.


    He finally managed to quench his thirst, and the moment his hand left the pond the ripples disappeared, once again turning into a mirror. The man looked down at his reflection again, feeling that he wasnt as harried any longer.


    There was something odd about him though, but he couldnt put his finger on it. Did he get the feeling because of the wound across his chest? No matter. The important thing was that he would be able to keep moving for a bit longer.


    He jumped off from the ground, his wings vigorously pushing through the air to lift him into the sky. The warrior soon soared among the clouds and set off toward the sunset. Each beat of his wings filled his tired soul with a sense of freedom as trees and hilltops shed by beneath. But his sense of euphoria slowly dimmed down and was reced with a creeping unease.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Something was wrong.


    He had sensed it before, and the feeling only became more and more palpable as time passed. It was like he was dream walking, where the world wasnt true and correct as he had always known it.


    The wings!


    Since when did he have wings?! What were these crystalline monstrosities attached to his back? Was this some curse the guards of his family had ced on him before being struck down? But he had never heard of anything like it.


    Incongruous emotions shed in his mind, memories of a life in the heavens, and memories of a life on the ground. But the memories of soaring among the clouds soon shattered, turning into crystalline shards that floated away.


    He was ted at grasping the truth, but his eyes widened in horror when the wings on his back disintegrated, turning into shards just like the false memories. Without any means of flight he plummeted toward the forest below, and arge thud echoed out across the deste mountain as he mmed into the ground.


    The wounds of the warrior had worsened, but he was at least alive. The false memories were gone, and his pursuers were half a world away. A sense of freedom once again filled his soul, and it allowed him to rally the energy to keep going.


    Dreams of his boundless future started to form as he walked across the unknown forest, but he suddenly felt the creeping unease return. He started running to escape the mounting dread, but it only worsened as time passed. What was happening to him? Who was messing with his mind, his perception of reality?


    And what else about him was false? Something was no doubt the origin of the undeniable unease. He looked down at his hands and froze in ce. Were these hands really his? Or were they figments of his imagination just like his wings?


    The answer soon presented itself as the hands fractured and turned into crystal shards that started drifting toward the sky. But as more and more of his body fragmented and split off from his body, the heavier his apprehension became.


    These memories that were left in his mind, were they real or more figments of his imagination? They turned more and more disjointed, and soon enough they were filled with nothing but short bursts of faces and ces that he couldnt name or ce.


    Am I even real?


    A swirl of crystalline fragments floated into the sky, and a ripple spread out as they breached the surface. The small crystals kept falling until they fell onto the bed of the tranquil pond, joining the millions of other ones just like them.


    --------


    Ogras found himself standing on top of the teleportation array, and he took a deep breath beneath the mask before sat down and went over his final gain of the Tower of Eternity.


    Reality is a perception, Ogras muttered with a frown.


    A surge of energy inundating his body as his understanding coalesced, and he felt a new path opening up before him. He had gained the Seed of Mirage from the inheritance trial, and he had quickly incorporated it into his fighting techniques as a means of distraction.


    But was the way he looked at the concept too shallow? What if false could be true, and true be false? How could someone defend at something that was neither real nor fake, while simultaneously being both? His eyes stayed closed for another five minutes until Ogras finally took another deep breath and opened his Dao Screen.


    <strong>Seed of Mirage (High): Dexterity +15, Intelligence +35, Wisdom +10</strong>


    It looked like he had gained 5 Dexterity and Wisdom along with 20 points into Intelligence. It wasnt a huge amount, but it did push his somewhatcking Intelligence a bit further. He had never nned on focusing on the attribute even though it was beneficial to some of his skills, but he would dly take it when it came for free.


    Only after having secured his gains did he bother to check in on his surroundings, and his expression immediately soured when he saw what was going on.


    Shit Ogras muttered as his eyes met the hundreds of res from the mob waiting outside the protective shielding.


    Had something happened to Zacs climb that emboldened these fools? Or did they have a false sense of security by their numbers? They would find that numbers were meaningless in a battle of powerhouses, and if they got swept up by the chaos it was their problem.


    At least they couldnt target him until he stepped off the tform, but he knew that was only a temporary protection. The human cockroach would have to find a more permanent solution for their trio.


    The array suddenly shuddered, and a pale Gu appeared the next moment. No apparition appeared upon his exit, but he still sat down with closed eyes as he took out a pill from his Cosmos Sack.


    Yourete, Ogras grinned beneath the mask, quickly pulling himself together. Just missed my Apparition, and it was a pretty good one. By the way, do you have a tool to check what level that guy has reached? Hello?


    Ah? Gu suddenly said. Mr. AzhRodum? It has been a while, I am d you are fine. What did you say just now? You want to see the towerdder?


    What happened to you? Ogras asked with a raised brow. Trouble at the desert town?


    Ah- well, Gu said with a weak smile as his hand reached for his spatial pouch again. Negotiations fell through at thest moment. I got a bit greedy I am afraid, wanting to make a big profit right before I left.


    This face turned even whiter the next moment, and he looked ready to puke. Ogras looked on with iprehension before his eyes widened in understanding. He quickly reached for his own Cosmos Sack, and a secondter his expression was an exact copy of the merchant''s. So many barrels of fine liquor gone.


    Its that bad? Ogras asked, trying to find some sce in the sorrows of others.


    Almost a third of his barrels remained though, and most importantly he still had the treasure he got for defeating the fifth floor. That thing alone was worth more than everything he had stashed awaybined. Together with what that asshole provided in the inheritance he stood a chance to open up two of his hidden nodes in one go, provided that he would survive, of course.


    Its worse than I expected, Gu confessed with an almost crying expression, but he still took out an opaque crystal. At least I could keep some of m- WHAT IN THE HEAVENS?!


    What? Ogras asked with a frown.


    Hes reached the 71st floor, Gu sputtered, incredulity evident on his face. "Almost at the gates to the 9th floor."


    Monster, Ogras snorted with a shake of his head, even though he wasn''t as calm as he let on. We''ll see if it''s enough to deter the group of starving Gwyllgi waiting outside the gates.

 Chapter 460: Indigestion

    Chapter 460: Indigestion


    Zac took a deep breath as he found himself back in his body, and he was almost surprised to see that he was still in one piece after the four-eyed cultivator refused to provide him with a cage for the Shard. He did sense a new power coursing through his body, but it didn''t feel too bad. His whole body was pins and needles, but there was nothing like the all-consuming rage and insanity that the Splinter sometimes brought forth. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even the Splinter seemed to have been subdued by the alien presence in Zac''s body, and the railing against the Miasmic Cage hadpletely stopped. This alone made Zac pretty hopeful for the future, as this was exactly the sort of effect he had hoped to gain by taking this huge risk. Satisfied that he wouldn''t up and explode the next minute he quickly took in his surroundings.


    The radiant lights that previously lit up the core chamber were gone, and he found himself sitting on the metallic floor. He immediately reached for the token fastened to his belt, but he stopped himself when he realized that there was no threat.


    The initial n was to snatch the token and escape if he encountered the captain, but he realized that might not be needed now since the core containment shield had been erected again with him inside it. Three massive machines that had appeared while he took his spiritual journey powered the sphere from the outside, each of them shuddering with power.


    Just outside the energy cage the metallic Transhuman stood guard, staring at Zac like a praying mantis. Beside him were a few technocrat scientists that were busying themselves with dozens of panels in front of them. It had been impossible to make out the orders the captain shouted earlier, but Zac quickly put two and two together as he looked at what was going on.


    Jaol had mentioned a drastic increase of issues on the ship, and Dr. Fried believed that the anomalies appeared because the Shard wanted a host. Perhaps the technocrats hoped that him absorbing the Shard would result in fewer problems, which was something they desperately needed until they were out of harm''s way.


    "I don''t know what your n was, but I''ll be keeping an eye on you until we return to our domain. Deramex Dynamics will no doubt pay even more for the Shard being delivered apatible host," the silver Transhuman said, immediately confirming Zac''s guess.


    Zac ignored the man as he touched the shield, only to feel a painful zap that traveled along his arm. He wasn''t worried in the slightest about being imprisoned; it was actually the opposite. This was the perfect oue for him since they couldn''t possibly know he would disappear the moment he cracked his Token.


    Since his safety was guaranteed for now he wasn''t too anxious to return, and he would rather wait things out for a few days to see whether any unanticipated changes arose within his body. He also didn''t want to exit too early, as he had made an agreement with Ogras and Gu. Perhaps he would even be able to figure out a way toplete the mission on this level and then test his mettle against the floor guardian.


    However, his eyes widened in shock when he looked down at the token. It showed that less than two days reminded on his climb. How was that possible? He had over a week remaining on his climb when he arrived on the ship, allowing him to allocate over three days to finish this level before moving on to the floor guardian. There was even the chance of fighting for a treasure if one appeared on the 73rd level, in case he defeated the 8th floor guardian quickly.


    He had pushed himself to the limits over the past weeks, but the system had somehow invalidated his efforts and stolen time on his climb. But a sudden realization made him want to curse out loud. He wasn''t inside the tower any longer. He hadn''t even considered it until now, but it appeared as though he had been forced toplete this level under normal temporal conditions. He had spent an hour and a half on this level, which pretty much was the equivalent of 6 days in of climbing time.


    It also meant that his climb would end in less than thirty minutes unless he managed to get to the next level.


    Even worse, were there perhaps other changes to the rules he had taken for granted? Would he even get sent out if he crushed his token at this point? Panic started to build in his body, and he was no longer as calm and collected as before. He desperately started to look around for an opportunity to escape, wishing for some solution to present itself.


    A deep thud made his whole body shudder for an instant, before a shockwave of creation spread out, causing the environment to turn into a chaotic mess of random shapes and colors. The shockwave was contained within the shield though, and it seemed as though the power was slowly drained by the threerge machines.


    "It''s pointless," the captain''s voice could be heard from outside, but Zac couldn''t bother with it as he had more pressing issues to deal with.


    The Shard had awakened.


    A shudder traveled across Zacs whole body as it felt he was being ripped apart, and the next moment hundreds of bleeding cracks appeared across his body before quickly closing again. What had changed? The thing had been quietly moving about his body like a curious animal, but suddenly it was frically releasing power to the point that Zac had trouble withstanding it.


    Desire. Was this what the cultivator in the vision had warned him about. Zac had suddenly wished for a way to return to the Tower, and the Shard of Creation started rampaging a momentter. Worse yet, the Splinter had woken up from the massive fluctuations in his body, and Zac felt his mind tremble as it pitted itself against one of the Miasmic Fractals.


    It almost seemed as though the two remnants were creating some sort of loop where they kept agitating each other further and further. The visions he saw were pretty grim, but it was nothing like this. The Shard was going haywire in his body, pouring out an ever-increasing amount of unfamiliar energies.


    It was just like when he was drowning inside the pond of Cosmic Water, except that this time the energies came from one of the highest Daos in existence. There was no telling what would happen next, and he briefly considered whether he should crush his token in hopes that he would get sent out after all.


    However, Zac eventually decided against it. His situation wouldnt be any better in the Base Town than here, and there was aplicated situation waiting outside. He would need his mental faculties to deal with whatever the forces in the Base Town had nned, and he would rather try to deal with this mess onboard a technocrat vessel than among the elites of his sector.


    If he left the Tower of Eternity like this there was a decent chance that the tragedy of the Zethaya Pill House would repeat itself, this time perhaps causing trouble of irrevocable levels.


    Zac knew needed to get rid of this excess energy before he exploded, and he desperately tried to force the energy out into his arm just like when he experimented with the bronze shes. If something was going to explode it was better if it was an appendage. Ogras had lost an arm, but it hadnt really slowed the demon down at all.


    However, the energies from the Shard of Creation werent that easy to manipte. Besides, his whole body, including his arms, was already crammed full of power. Zac brieflymented that he couldnt expand his arm to contain the energies like with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>, and his eyes widened in horror the next moment as his arm turned into a macabre b sinew and muscle that kept growing until it mmed into the entrapment a few meters away.


    The shield wobbled for a bit but it didn''t break, but Zac didn''t care about that as he frenziedly wished for his arm to get back to normal over and over in his mind, in hopes that the Shard wouldply. And Zac was almost ready to cry when he saw his arm twist and turn until it returned back to normal.


    In fact, it was actually better than normal. There had been a few wounds and a crack in one of his bones earlier fromunching the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, but the arm waspletely unblemished now, even missing a few recent scars that had yet to fade away. It was both a relief and cause for worry, as he wasn''t sure whether this was really his old arm, or rather something that the Shard of Creation had reforged from nothing.


    Worse yet, he felt that while the rapid transformations had expended some of the energies of creation building up inside him, it had also expended something from him. He wasn''t sure what, but it was something else than Cosmic Energy or Mental Energy. However, Zac barely had time to feel a sense of relief before hell broke loose.


    He sensed another buildup of energies in his chest, but it refused to budge in the slightest this time. Instead, it shot toward the Miasmic Cage with furious momentum. The Splinter wasn''t about to be outdone and the whole cage shuddered as it started to release unprecedented levels of power.


    Zac desperately tried everything he could think of to stop the inevitable, but the two forces crashed into one of the seven remaining fractals at the same time. The pain in his mind threatened to turn him insane, but his mind felt like a small ship lost on a raging ocean. The Miasmic cage barely held, but Zac sensed that the Fractal had started leaking from the crash.


    The two remnants had failed in destroying each other, but their war was turning Zac''s body into a ravaged battlefield as even higher amounts of energies rampaged around, and he was barely cognizant of the fact that he was on the ground screaming his lungs out as the air around him crackled before it broke apart.


    "What is he doing?!" the captain screamed from outside, but Zac barely heard it over the roar of the powers shing in his body.


    The whole core containment was already painted red as his body kept crumbling before being forcibly restored by the Shard. The pain was excruciating, but that was only a minor inconveniencepared to the cost. Zac had finally recognized the pain deep in his soul that came each time he expended the Shard''s powers. It was feeding on his life force.


    His mind was a hazy mess, but he still understood that he needed to expel the excess energies even if it came at a cost of his longevity. He arduously got back on his knees and started punching the ground, each punch containing enough Strength to cause the whole room to shake.


    The alloy was made to withstand terrifying power, but each punch expelled some of both the two peak Daos of Creation and Oblivion. Oblivion turned metal to nothingness as Creation turned his hand into massive sledgehammers. The entrapment had only been meant to keep the waves of creation inside, but that was only half the force inside Zac at the moment.


    It just took a few seconds of rabid punching for a deep hope to form, and he suddenly found himself falling face-first over twenty meters into a subfloor that seemed to be some sort of service level.


    The pain startled his muddled head awake for a second, and he quickly stopped swinging to instead look around. All kinds of pipes ran along the walls and into the floor and ceiling above, and there were no signs of any technocrats anywhere.


    "Lower the shield!" a voice roared from above, and Zac desperately looked around for an escape route.


    He started running toward what he believed was the rear end of the ship, and the aura around him kept increasing as Creation and Oblivion started to seep out of his body. Wherever he passed destruction followed, either in the form of utter annihtion or rampant mutation.


    The waves that radiated from him had been contained while he still was within the shield, but now he was like a walking radiation sphere that ruined everything around him no matter if he wanted to or not. But that was fine with Zac as it both lessened the stress inside his body while it worked towardpleting the mission.


    Hopefully he''d break enough to make a Teleportation Array appear, which would send him back to the tower and its elongated spacetime. As long as he left soon he would still have a day left to deal with this mess.


    A sense of Danger suddenly cut through the pain and confusion, but he felt himself getting punched before he had a chance to even erect any defenses. A biting cold spread through his body as a massive hole was sted open in his chest, the force throwing him through multiple walls. It was the Captain who had caught up, and it looked like he was no longer interested in keeping him alive. Half Zac''s torso was gone, and it was barely held together by a few thin strings of flesh.


    Zac felt death creeping forth, and not like when he changed his race to Draugr. This was a true death. He was full of reluctance as there were too many people counting on him back home. And the Vibrant energies surged in his body, and Zac was started awake by excruciating pain as his torso grew back in an instant.


    Cold sweat ran down Zac''s forehead as he shakily got up on his feet and nced down at his perfectly intact chest. Was this why the Technocrats hadunched an orbital strike on the previous host? He briefly wondered what Ogras would say after seeing such a disgusting regeneration speed, but he knew it came at a cost. He had lost even more of his longevity, and it was not a small amount as far as Zac could tell.


    Worse yet, the captain was already charging up another strike.

 Chapter 461: Pink

    Chapter 461: Pink


    Zac barely had time to release another set of leaves and activate a defensive charge of his robes before the Captain was once again in front of him, his fist crackling with power. However, just as the captain appeared in front of Zac the two slivers decided to once again try to destroy the Miasmic Cage, and a massive wave of wild energies sted out from Zac''s body.


    Everything within fifty meters was destroyed in an instant. Some parts had been annihted or at least destroyed withplete prejudice, whereas some of the surroundings had been twisted and transformed beyond recognition. A dozenrge crystals had also appeared out of nowhere, making the area look like a quartz mine.


    The Captain wasn''t unscathed either, and his chest lit up as a wave of dozens of shields spread out around him. However, these shields obviously hadn''t been augmented by Dr. Fried as they proved utterly incapable of hindering the aura of Creation and Oblivion that radiated out from Zac.


    The shields cracked like brittle ss and the Captain was suddenly inundated in the energies of the two remnants. His body twisted and mutated as other parts just withered away, but he immediately shot back with enough speed to break the sound barrier. The wave subsided and Zac once again found himself in control of his body, and he looked up with bleary eyes only to see the captain''s body quickly reforming itself to peak condition.


    It looked like killing a D-Grade warrior wouldn''t be so easy.


    The captain had learned his lesson though, and he no longer seemed interested in getting up-close to Zac. Perhaps he had wanted to minimize the damage to his ship that way, but the detonation seemed to have been too dangerous forfort. Instead, he raised his arm toward Zac, and a dozen miniature drones were released from his arm and created a circle in the air.


    Streams of power emerged from his arm and connected with the drones, and a simile of an array was formed. A ball that seemed to be a mix of electricity and sma was quickly formed within the circle, and Zac''s danger sense once again startled him awake from his muddled state.


    Zac was still dealing with the aftermath of the shockwave himself, and fleeing from the captain was out of the question. He just hesitated for a fraction of a second before he sent themand to his specialty core, and he almost fell over again as a surge of Miasma joined the chaos within his body.


    But the transformation finished in time, allowing Zac to barely erect <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> before a terrifying beam of energy mmed into him.


    The captain was going all out to take him down, and histest attack was causing even more damage to the ship than Zacs own efforts. Everything around him melted as he was pushed back over a hundred meters, but his defensive skill had protected him from getting incinerated at least. However, Zac saw that the shield was about to break after just a second of defending, and he unhesitantly jumped out of the way at thest moment.


    He had hoped that the beam would shoot past him and st a hole in the hull, but it winked out immediately after Zac dodged it. His Danger Sense screamed again, and he re-summoned therge fractal bulwark to block his upper body as the Captain, or rather his detached arm, appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> cracked in an instant under the pressure of the D-Grade warrior''s punch and Zac was thrown through two walls before he mmed into what could either be a massive pipe or some sort of tunnel.


    Scorching pain suddenly radiated from his leg, and Zac miserably got out of the indent that he had caused. An almost blinding light drowned the area the next moment as the dented metal was incinerated from the contents within. A beautiful yet terrifying stream of light coursed through the conduit, and Zac''s eyes widened at the disy.


    The light didn''t give off any heat or aura of power like a Cosmic Energy, but it still almost amputated his leg by just grazing it. His usually impervious body had proved wholy incapable of stopping it and the pain was excruciating. The good news was that the captain had stopped over a hundred meters away, and he didn''t seem to be readying himself to activate another beam.


    Was it just fear of another shockwave, or was it fear of damaging the power conduit behind him? It was probably one of the main lines of power that ran this whole ship as far as Zac could guess. What else would require this much power in a reimed old freight vessel?


    His first instinct was to blow up the pipeline, but the problem was that he had sort of already done that by mming into it like an infuriated Barghest. The thick metal tubing was dented and twisted, but the stream of lights seemed wholly undeterred. The parts of metal that blocked its original path had simply been incinerated, allowing the energy river to continue on its intended trajectory.


    It made him believe that the piping itself might actually be there to protect others from getting themselves killed, or prevent things from getting into the energy feed. The stream itself was rather controlled through some other means, which made it much harder to blow up.


    He had a sudden bout of inspiration as he quickly stabbed his shoulders with two knives as he stared into the eyes of the technocrat. The Fragments of the Bodhi and the Axe poured into the two fractals on his shoulders, and his whole body felt some reprieve as a lot of the back-up energies inside his body poured into the fractal as well.


    An extremelyrge blob had formed in his chest in an instant, and it started expanding at a shocking pace. Zac frantically pushed it out of his chest and into his arm as usual, but the ball of creation was asrge as a beach ball by the time it reached his elbow. Zac grit his teeth and pushed half of his left arm straight into the stream of energy with one instant motion.


    The pain of getting his arm singed off up to the elbow was almost enough to make him ck out, but a spastic mess of flesh grew out and reced the lost forearm in an instant as Zac repeatedly wished for a hand just like before when his arm was destroyed. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What have you done!" the Captain screamed with fury before heunched toward Zac with murder in his eyes.


    A billowing wave of killing intent caused his whole body to shudder, and he unhesitantly reached for the Token again. However, his eyes widened when he realized that his newly created hand waspletely without strength and coordination. It flopped around like a wet noodle, and he couldn''t even grip properly.


    However, the whole thing became moot before the captain had a chance to arrive. A scorching pain enveloped him as a huge explosion of pink and blue flung straight through a meter-thick wall. Multiple bones creaked in pain, but he had thankfully been able to infuse his body with the Fragment of the Coffin along with expending a defensive talisman.


    One explosion after another rocked the whole vessel, but he unsteadily got back to his feet in case the captain would show up again. But the only thing he saw was blue and pink mes spreading in every direction, and immense structural damage. Zac''s eyes lit up at the scene, and he quickly looked around for a Teleportation Array.


    Fleeing from the captain had already caused an excessive amount of damage to the ship, and he refused to believe that the chain of explosions that he could feel in his bones wasn''t enough to get the job done. Just as expected, just twenty meters away a Teleportation Array had appeared, and Zac lunged at it as he knew he was running out of time.


    However, just as he was about to step onto the tform the whole ship heaved as a massive crack opened up beneath his feet. Zac desperately tried to reach the array, but his surroundings turned to a blur as he was flung away from the spaceship dpressing.


    A distance of hundreds of meters was opened up between Zac and the technocrat ship in an instant, and the momentum kept pushing him further and further away. He panicked for a second, but he soon enough realized that the Miasma in his body was keeping him safe, though the expenditure was pretty taxing.


    Another shockwave from the distance caused Zac to spin out of control as he was pushed even further, and he started to il his arm to regain control. And surprisingly enough it worked. He realized he could actually shoot out a burst of miasma to somewhat mimic the effect of a propulsion engine. It allowed him to right himself soon enough, and he finally got a good look at the surroundings.


    Pieces of metal were spinning about all around him, and in the distance a series of explosions harried the gargantuan vessel he had just fallen out of. The dome of the bean in the middle of the ship hadpletely buckled, and the shockwave he had just felt was no doubt one of the enormous thrusters in the rear exploding.


    A beautiful wave of the radiant destruction was currently spreading outward like a supernova explosion, but he seemed to be far from the st zone. But guilt rather than happiness filled Zac''s mind as he witnessed the scene. He hadn''t really considered the implications of his actions when he infused the unknown pink spark into the river of energy.


    He had subconsciouslypared it to pouring sugar in a car tank to stall the engine, but this was much worse. Tens of thousands of people lived and worked on that ship, and he had turned it into scrap metal. Thankfully, the vessels had some fail-safes installed as blue shields spread across the breaches that leaked atmosphere, meaning that most of the technocrats were probably safe.


    Zac breathed in relief as he thought of his next move. Usually the Teleportation Array followed you if you kept moving, pretty much urging you to move on to the next level. Would it be the same in outer space though?


    There was nothing to lose from trying, and he quickly looked for any clues. Thankfully the familiar array was just a few dozen meters away from him, attached to a piece of wreckage from the Little Bean.


    A sudden collision inside his body forced him to puke a mouthful of blood that instantly turned into an ice sculpture, which rudely informed him that two slivers in his body wouldn''t even take a break after being thrown into space. He ignored the pain as he propelled himself toward the array with the help of a burst of Miasma expelled from his hands.


    The array lit up the moment he floated into it, and a brief bout of darkness provided some reprieve to the chaotic war that had resumed in his body. But the struggle for supremacy between the two artifacts immediately started up again the moment he appeared in the next world.


    Zac tried to get a grasp of the situation at the 72<sup>nd</sup> level, but another sh made him double over and puke another stream of blood that this time turned into sanguine butterflies. The little bugs flittered about for a couple of seconds before they exploded, causing widespread destruction to the area around him.


    He tried to rouse a response to the reignited war, but he knew he was in pretty bad shape. He had plenty of Miasma and ichor to spare, but his constitution and soul were drained after being inundated in Creation over and over again. The adrenaline coursing through his body during the escape had kept him going, but the brief sojourn into outer space had cooled him down.


    A quest prompt appeared in front of Zacs eyes, but his fuzzy mind couldnt make out what the screen said as his body suddenly expanded ten meters before shrinking back again, the agony enough to make Zac scream out loud. Another burst of energies threatened to burn his pathways clear, and he desperately pounded down on the ground with enough force to cause a massive explosion that caused gravel and dirt to fly in all directions.


    Zac zealously clung on to the parting words of the cultivator in the vision, using it as a foundation to steer back on course. The cultivator had told him to restrain himself and not wish for anything, and by now he understood all too well what he meant by restraining desires. The moment he had an errant thought it was immediately fulfilled, but the results were seldom what he hoped for.


    It was like the Shard of Creation was an evil genie that sort of fulfilled his wishes, but in a way that seemed to backfire while also draining him of longevity. Should he try releasing a couple of shes to tire out the Shard? The Splinter was also causing trouble, but it was still contained in its cage even if the fractal was leaking pretty badly by this point.


    But releasing shes was like putting band-aids on a sinking ship, and he needed a permanent solution. Should he try to expedite their attempts at breaking open the cage? It would happen sooner orter anyway as they kept mming into the Miasmic Fractal, and perhaps it would allow him to trap both remnants inside.


    But something suddenly cut through both the pain and confusion as Zacs Danger Sense suddenly screamed that his life was in danger. It was not from something within, but rather from someone or something attacking him again.


    The Splinter brought forth an all-consuming fury that threatened to burn Zac alive as hundreds of eyes spontaneously grew on his body to see what had osted him. But the vision scared Zac straight, and the eyes immediately shrunk back into his body.


    It was an actual Dragon from mythology, a primordial beast over a hundred meters long.

 Chapter 462: Dragon

    Chapter 462: Dragon


    Had dragons actually existed on Earth once upon a time? That was the only way Zac could exin it going by how stunningly simr it was to the depictions he had seen since he was a child. It looked like a traditional ck dragon, though its scales were tinted slightly red at the edges. Two great horns adorned its head, and sharp spikes ran along its spine down to the edge of the thirty-meter long tail.


    Only then did Zac realize that he had been dropped off right in front of an enormous cave mouth, which probably led into the dragon''s den. What caused the surge of danger was a de of power that was rushing toward him, seemingly caused by a swipe of the dragons ws. Had he awakened the dragon and pissed it off by causing a ruckus at its door-step?


    Zac had to push down a primordial fear as he prepared himself for battle. There was no way that this big thing wasn''t the floor guardian. One good thing about the situation was that the dragon emitted an immense pressure that seemed to have subdued the remnants to some degree.


    The swipe mmed into the bulwark the next moment, and Zac nodded in relief when he felt that the attack''s power was immense but a lot more manageable than the Technocrat Captain''s. Hepleted the transformation of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> before he stomped down on the ground as he activated all his passive skills. An explosion of miasma erupted as Zac appeared right beneath the dragon''s chest, and the cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> rose from the ground the next instant.


    Even the hundred skeletons of <strong>[Undying Legion] </strong>appeared and surrounded the enormous beast, and they immediately moved toward it without any fear of death. It was a pretty huge Miasma expenditure, but Zac figured that he would throw everything in his repertoire on the big bastard before swapping back to his human form as he still had one change remaining.


    But Zac still felt a bit stumped as he looked up at the beast. How the hell would he take this thing down? He had grown to a hulking behemoth himself, but he wasn''t even close to reaching the dragon''s chest with his axe. The thick legs looked extremely fortified as well by thick scales, and it was not like they were very good targets anyway since the thing could fly.


    However, the dragon gave Zac no time to form a proper battle n as it stomped at him with one of its frontal ws. Zac quickly scrambled out of the way as he took out the five strongest Offensive Talismans he had been given by the Undead Kingdom. He threw them all toward the scales on its chest, and a huge explosion of ice and poison rocked the whole area the next moment.


    Zac''s pitch-ck eyes widened in surprise when the vision cleared to disypletely unblemished scales. The dragon was still infuriated by the attack, and its long neck curved as it tried to catch Zac in its massive maws. Ten spectral chains mmed into its head with enough momentum to veer it off-course, before they tried to find a way beneath the scales to burrow into its body.


    The scene gave Zac an idea and a spectral chain suddenly shed over to him and looped a few rounds around his body before it hoisted him up in the air. His arm swelled to almost ridiculous proportions as he forced as much miasma as possible into it with <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> while the chain lifted him toward the dragon''s softer underbelly.


    The creation energies worked in his favor this time, and it felt like there was no limit to how much Miasma he could infuse into his biceps. It just kept growing to amodate. He still didn''t dare to overdo it though in case he harmed his main arm. His left hand was still barely serviceable since it was reformed, though he felt that he was gradually regaining control over it. But he couldn''t afford that sort of thing happening to the arm he used to wield <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>.


    Zac growled as he swung the massive ck bardiche with everything he got, and the power was actually so great that the whole beast was pushed back a few meters. A small stream of blood leaked out from the wound, and Zac''s eyes lit up as he saw his chance. The first swing had been infused with the Fragment of the Axe to cut through the thick scales, but his second swing was instead infused with the corrosion of the Fragment of the Coffin.


    Zac wasn''t done there as he breathed out a cloud of corruption into the open wound as he frenziedly swung over and over to cause as much rot and fester as he could. But he only managed to swing four times before the beast roared and moved with shocking speed. It almost looked like it teleported as the bleeding chest was reced by a scaled tail barreling toward him.


    The shield of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> quickly moved to block, but he was still mmed into the ground like aet while the spectral chain was fractured into pieces. The other fourteen tried to worm their way into the open wound in retaliation, which stopped any follow-up from the beast.


    It didn''t help Zac much though as the dragon''s attack had been infused with some sort of Dao Fragment rted to brute strength. The armor of his transformation broke apart all along his back when he mmed into the ground with enough force to cause a small earthquake. It felt like half the bones in his body had broken from the impact, but he suddenly felt a lot better as a cold and soothing stream of energy surged across his body.


    Zac''s first guess was that the Shard of Creation had yet again healed him at the cost of even more of his lifespan, but the feeling waspletely different this time. There was not that aching hollow feeling that had osted him thest times, and he crawled up from the ground with confusion just in time to see 12 of the closest skeletons crack and crumble into dust. What was this?


    Only then did the real use of <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong> dawn on him. They were not only soldiers but also decoys that took damage for him. He had not used the skill a lot since trying it out against the Avoli Parasites, and when he did use the skill it was only on weaker enemies. The skill cost a lot and he didn''t want to waste any Miasma in tough battles, which meant he had only seen the surface use of the skill.


    Since he hadn''t really been hurt until now he hadn''t witnessed the secondary use of the skill; damage transference. He wasn''t given 100 lives though, judging by the fact that over 10 skeletons were destroyed from one single strike. But it was still enough to let him keep fighting a lot longer. He also wasn''t sure how strong the effect was.


    For example, he doubted the skeletons could deal with a massive wound like the one where he got his whole torso blown to bits.


    However, Zac''s problems had just started as he found that the dragon was looking down at him with malice in its eyes. It almost seemed enraged at the fact that its mighty tail hadn''t even managed to hurt him. Its wings started to furiously beat, causing torrential winds that made the miasma and corrosive mists to billow into the air.


    The azure fractal in the sky was obviously strained asrge cracks appeared on it before they mended themselves, but it stopped the dragon from going airborne. The beast did however manage to rise onto its back-legs, and Zac felt a foreboding sensation as a very familiar light lit up deep in the open maw.


    An unceasing stream of scorching mes mmed into Zac the next moment, and he could only turtle up on the ground beneath his Fractal Bulwark. The mes carried a terrifying heat, and it felt like he was being boiled alive inside his little bubble. Less than a second passed before he felt that all the skeletons outside had been turned to ash, and he even sensed that the whole miasmic cage struggled to withstand the sea of mes that covered the whole area by now.


    The shield of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> finally broke a few secondster, and Zac received a strong bacsh that made him groan in pain. Even the thick bulwark started to shown signs of tearing as small cracks let droplets of mes through.


    He felt a scorching pain in his leg as one of them dripped right through a crack in the armor, but the burn was immediately healed by the Shard of Creation at the cost of even more life force. Zac knew he needed to finish the battles quickly. He couldn''t let the Shard keep draining him to heal his wounds, or he''d return to Port Atwood as a senior citizen.


    The mes finally abated, and Zac looked around only to see scorched earth in all directions. All the skeletal soldiers were gone, as was the cage trapping the beast. Even the vast swathes of Miasma and corrosive mists from <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> had been singed clean, leaving only superheated air.


    Zac saw his opportunity as the dragon seemed pretty drained from having expelled a small ocean of mes, and he immediately swapped back to his human form. Lush growth rose from the ashen fields as the domain of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>emerged, and Zac immediatelyunched a series of Fractal des at the open maw of the dragon.


    However, the Fragment-infused des only caused minor scars on its face before they broke apart, and Zac knew he would have to use something stronger than that. Cosmic Energy surged in his body as he activated <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>, and the wooden fist emerged from the crack in space before it flew toward the exhausted dragon.


    But another pulse from the Shard made Zac''s hand twist and deform. Shockingly enough the same thing happened to the wooden hand, and it suddenly looked like a misshapen stump. The scene thankfully onlysted for a second before both of them turned back to normal after Zac shouted in his mind.


    He had identally put too much focus on his hand from activating the skill, which the Shard had interpreted as desire.


    A grand peak emerged from the enormous fractal in the sky the next second, and it shot straight down toward the head of the dragon. Zac wanted to end it once and for all with one massive strike, but he was dismayed to find that he had underestimated the sturdiness of a dragon''s skull. Blood poured down from its head like rain, but it resisted the downward push with a furious roar.


    It looked like it refused to give up in a battle of pure strength, and its whole body trembled as it tried to throw away mountain pressing down on it. However, its head had been noticeably pushed down toward the ground, and its throat was only five meters in the air while its whole body was fixed in position.


    Zac knew he wouldn''t get a better opportunity than this.


    This was his final shot, but he knew that any attack with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> wouldn''t cut it against the thick ting protecting the dragon''s throat. There were only two things in his repertoire that had a shot at killing this thing in one go. The first option was the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, but it was impossible tounch the skill again after such a short duration.


    Besides, he didn''t have time to wind up 3 consecutive strikes before the dragon had managed to divert the mountain. He was already feeling that he was losing control of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    The second option was more fraught with danger, but he had alreadye to a point of no return. He felt that both the remnants were already building up for another strike at the fractal cage, and he knew that the rune was already teetering on the brink of copse. His best shot at surviving whatever came next was to exhaust both the slivers first.


    Two knives appeared in his hands and he stabbed them into his shoulders before he tried tounch what should be his ultimate move. He hadn''t tried this before, but he saw no real alternative. A normal bronze sh was extremely strong, but the implosion area wasn''trge enough to wound a beast of this size.


    The pale pink sh he had managed to summon on the Technocrat Ship might work, but he still had no idea what it actually did. It might even heal the dragon rather than hurt it for all he knew.


    Besides, either of those attacks would only exhaust one of the remnants, and he wanted to tire both of them out before the Miasmic Cage broke open. He needed to see if he could create a new sh by fusing Bodhi and Coffin in hopes it would create a mix of the two. That would involve both the slivers, and it should release the strongest force he could muster.


    If that couldn''t kill a dragon, then nothing would.


    He was extremely drained already, but he still pushed more mental energy into the two fractals on his shoulders than he had ever done before. His vision was turning blurred, but he forcibly held on to his consciousness as he jumped toward the dragon''s throat. The two Fragments entered the modified <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> without issue, and streams of energies started to converge in the middle of his chest to merge as usual.


    But the moment the two energies tried to merge in his chest the remnants turned insane.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 463: Chaos

    Chapter 463: Chaos


    The Shard of creation immediately stormed toward the Miasmic Fractal while pouring out unprecedented amounts of energies like it was suicidal, and the Splinter responded in kind. The rune cracked in an instant, causing a chaotic storm of energies that left a new set of cracks on his soul. However, a fractured soul wasn''t actually his most pressing issue, as something terrifying was brewing in his chest.


    The two streams of energy resisted being merged. Meanwhile, the dual skill fractals were like funnels that didn''t stop infusing the two energies, causing more and more opposing energies to gather in his chest. Zac wasn''t even providing any mental energy to the skill any longer, but the energy was rather ripped from the two remnants. He couldn''t understand what was going on, nothing like this had happened before when forming a sh.


    However, the two remnants seemedpletely uncaring about the shocking amounts of energy they were losing. Dozens of tentacles shot out of the cage the instant the gap was created, all of them targeting the Shard hovering outside. It met the assault with radiant tendrils of its own. Dozens of shes took ce in an instant, but the battle was quickly slowing down as the two remnants started to look faded and listless.


    It was too much.


    Zac couldn''t even begin to prepare a strike in this condition, and he was horrified to find himself locked in the air as massive surges of power radiated around him. In fact, it seemed as though the whole area had been forced to a halt, as neither the dragon nor the descending mountain moved in the slightest. However, the wind still blew, and Zac briefly noted a bird flying in the sky above, proving that time actually hadn''t stopped.


    Both Zac and his foe were just locked in ce as a bomb was growing inside his chest.


    Finally, the situation reached a tipping point just as the two remnants seemed to be on theirst legs. They no longer fought, but their tentacles rather gripped each other for support as they teetered on the brink of copse. Meanwhile, the pressure in his chest had built to such a degree that the two sides no longer were able to resist the merge, and the two streams finally fused into a new energy.


    However, that was anything but good news as Zac was still frozen, and this new creation contained such terrifying force that Zac was almost scared out of his mind. Just its existence was breaking apart Zac''s body, but he was utterly incapable of moving it even an inch.


    Zac screamed with desperation in his mind, fervently wishing for the Spark of Creation to push the thing out of his body. His desire was thankfully granted, and a spear of white metal was forged by some of the left-over energies spread through his body. It emerged from his chest and shot toward the throat of the dragon with the terrifying creation residing within. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The universe suddenly stopped as time and space unraveled, and a hazy pattern emerged as the fused energy exploded.


    Zac was still stuck in the air, and his eyes were glued to the thing he had brought forth into the universe. It emitted an unlimited sense of vastness that threatened to turn him insane. It felt like it was trying to force the whole universe into his mind, but his soul was already bursting at the seams from just being subjected to an insignificant corner of the whole.


    He needed to look away, but he wasn''t even able to blink. Zac was forced to witness the profundity of the universe and the end of his existence.


    The dome of heaven suddenly cracked as boundless lightning spread across the horizon. They were the only thing that moved in this world of grey, and the lightning seemed to umte right above his position. Zac tried to look up to see what was going on, but his eyes were still fixed as they were before the world stopped. He could sense a terrifying pressure from above though, like he was being gazed upon by an indifferent god.


    Power, supremacy, but also happiness?


    There was no way for him toprehend the series of events, but he was relieved to see that the odd pattern in front of him was starting to fade. His mind was right on the brink of a meltdown, and he fervently prayed he would be able to withstand the insane pressures until the grey rune was gone.


    A pure pir of lightning suddenly mmed into the pattern from above, but it was forcibly dispersed by a deep shudder emerging from within the rune. Another st followed immediately after, and this process repeated eight times with increased intensity until a golden beam of lightning descended.


    Its might was even a match to the mysterious rune, and it wasnt as easily dispersed as the earlier bolts.


    Zac felt multiple shudders deep in his soul, but the final lightning bolt was like an unmovable fixture. Only after ten seconds did it dissipate, but it left behind a pir of golden fractals so densely inscribed that Zacs couldnt even begin toprehend what they were meant to do. The pattern inside seemed intent to escape, and a world-ending amount of energy ravaged inside the cage.


    The world shook and the universe seemed to be cracking as Zac''s vision faded to ck.


    ------------


    A shudder ran through his body he was startled awake, and he scrambled to his feet as he looked for threats in all directions. It felt like his eyes were full of sand and his head turned to mush, but he was alive. The dragony unmoving next to him with a massive hole in its throat where the mysterious rune had appeared. The summoned mountain was lying beside it, making an odd addition to the environment.


    There wasnt any sign of either the grey pattern or the terrifying lightning though. The massive dragon waspletely unscathed apart from the hole in its throat, even though it should have been reduced to ash by the lightning strikes that struck the pattern right beneath it. It almost felt like what he witnessed while the world had stopped was a dream.


    But he knew that what he had seen was all too real, and he had an inkling of what going on. The grey pattern he had summoned was something the System desired, and it had slowly created a situation for Zac to provide it on a silver tter. He had sensed the greed of the heavens, and the jubtion when the pattern was trapped.


    He had been yed.


    Zac had a pretty good idea of what the thing he summoned was as well. It was Chaos, or more likely a small fragment of it. It was the origin of the Dao, and just looking at it had almost driven Zac insane. If the System hadnt swooped in to steal the thing he would have probably died then and there.


    He didnt even have the energy to be mad about being used as an incubation chamber for the System. What could he do? Scream at the sky like a raving lunatic? A sigh emerged from Zacs lips as he looked down at the token by his side. It looked like he had been unconscious for over twelve hours, giving him some time to finish things up on this level and recuperate, but nothing more than that.


    His climb would end at the entrance of the 73<sup>rd</sup> floor.


    He took a deep breath as he looked up at the sky, and he felt a sense of peace, for the first time in months it felt like. But the tranquility made him freeze in realization as he finally noticed that the two remnants had beenpletely quiet since he woke up half a minute ago. He quickly turned his sight inward, and he almost reeled in shock at the drastic changes that had taken ce.


    The most important changes were obviously the ones that had happened to his Miasmic Cage. Only six Miasmic Runes remained as expected, but they had gottenpany. Six golden fractals teeming with power had been added to the mix, forming an alternating circle in his mind. The construction seemed extremely robust, as though the two sets of runes formed something greater than the sum of its parts.


    More importantly, the cage already housed the two remnants. Was this the System''s method of reciprocity, some sort of reward for Zac providing it with the Chaos Pattern?


    The two remnants were still entwined by their tendrils just like at the end of the fight, and they still seemedpletely listless. They didnt move or struggle at all, and they felt faded, almost dying. They had been forcibly drained in order to form that special blob, and it seemed that it had almost taken all the power they had in the end.


    Zac took a shuddering breath as he sat unmoving for a few seconds. He had made it after all. The two remnants had glommed on to each other and formed a mutual restriction, while his cage had upgraded to an unprecedented level. Of course, he knew that he couldntpletely count on the issue being solved.


    The remnants couldnt even be destroyed by a warrior who was able to crush a ck hole with his bare hands, so he doubted that getting slightly overtaxed would take them out. Besides, he wasnt confident in putting all his trust in the Systems restrictive fractals. What if the System suddenly decided it wanted another Chaos Pattern and started prodding around in his head?


    He still needed to quickly upgrade the strength of his soul to make sure he could handle any future problems. Besides, he still hadnt given up on his path after his recent troubles. On the contrary, he felt more confident about his choice than ever, which meant that strengthening his soul was still a top priority.


    Fusing the Coffin and the Bodhi again was obviously out of the question, at least for the foreseeable future. But the bronze sh and its Bodhi-based equivalent were still very much on the table. He just needed to create a proper foundation first. He was currently like a kid with matches, ying with things he didn''t understand.


    He was shocked at the recklessness he had disyed during thetter parts of the climb as he looked back on the past weeks. He had not only risked his life untold times by creating the bronze shes, but he had headed straight toward the Shard without any regard for his life.


    Was it the Splinter that had egged him on toward his own path of destruction? Or was it the System that was somehow messing with his sense of reason in order to achieve its goals?


    The current breather he had been given would hopefully give him the time he needed to work on his soul, and figure out a way to control the high-grade energies to such a grade that he could reliably use them.


    There was no need for him to go to the lengths that he had to forcibly try to tame the shes while still being a beginner cultivator. The glimpse of the Chaos Pattern had proved that he was in way over his head, and he needed to learn to walk before he could run.


    However, it wasnt all good news as his soul had once again gone through a change after his encounter. Another set of white scars had been added to the ck tendrils, making his whole soul look checkered. However, both the ck and white scars seemed ephemeral and dim, like they were about to fade away. It looked like they had beenpletely drained just like the real slivers.


    At least his soul seemed to have been healed by the Creation''s infiltration, but Zac still swallowed one of the soul-healing treasures he had gotten from the mentalist just in case there were hidden wounds he couldnt spot.


    It did clear his mind a bit, though it obviously wasnt able to expel the two high-tiered energies that had infiltrated his soul. There were no creation-based globules of energy in his soul though, but there was still a decent amount of left-over energies spread across his body. It was just a pittancepared to what he had spent in the final sh, but it would be able to help him out in a pinch.


    As long as he didnt identally let his mind stray and waste it, of course.


    His soul getting marked by the events didnt feel too surprising, as it had been the unwilling conduit as the two remnants were drained. However, another change was pretty startling. The two fractals on his shoulders had changed. The torrential amounts of energies that coursed through the crude shortcut he had made had actually remolded the skill fractals, making the pathing permanent.


    But that was not all as fine markings lined the paths, creating patterns way beyond hisprehension. They were not fractals, and neither were they formed in the inscriptionnguage that wasmonly used in the Multiverse. They felt more primal, like they were natural markings created by the Dao itself.


    The fractal on his left shoulder had clearly been marked by the Shard of Creation, whereas the right one gave off the deste aura of the Splinter of Oblivion. This could be both good news and bad news, but Zac wasnt ready to experiment whether it would cause any trouble when forming the bronze sparks.


    Not that he was very sure that hed actually be able to form one, judging by how pale and faded the scars on his soul were.


    Apart from that his body was in decent condition, except for the horrifying cost of life force. He would have to ask an expert to make sure, but he believed that he had lost decades from the intense usage of the Shard. If he had kept going like that for a few days he would have died of old age, or at least reached an advanced enough age to make further cultivation impossible.


    There was no way that using the Shard for recuperation was worth it, as it cost way more of his lifepared to slowly recuperating with healing pills.


    At least the Shards forced healing regimen had helped him prepare for what waited outside the tower. The long bout of unconsciousness had also restored most of his missing Cosmic Energy, and he would be able to reach peak condition before the deadline was up. Only two hours remained on his climb, and his twopanions had probably already emerged.


    If he knew Ogras he would probably want to maximize his benefits by witnessing both his own and Zacs Apparitions. He didnt immediately enter the Teleportation array though, but rather turned to the unmoving body of the dragon.


    His climb might have ended prematurely, but there were still treasures to be imed.

 Chapter 464: An Old Friend

    Chapter 464: An Old Friend


    Worst dragon ever, Zac muttered with disgust as he emerged from the dragons den.


    He had expected to be met by a veritable sea of treasures upon entering the cave, but the only thing that had waited for him was an enormous mat and a small mountain of raw fire-attuned crystals. Certainly, the mat seemed to have been woven from extraordinary materials to create a soft and luxuriant feeling, but it was a far cry from the dragons hoard he had been expecting.


    At least there was the actual carcass of the dragon itself. Such a beast was no doubt a living treasure, and he needed to harvest it before moving on. He had already given up on any hope of finding treasure on the 9<sup>th</sup> floor, so he needed to make the most of this beast.


    However, Zac didnt simply put the whole thing into a cosmos sack, but he rather chose to methodically harvest its body piece by piece. It would be a huge shame if the whole dragon turned to dust the moment he left the tower, and this way he would at least be able to guarantee that some parts would make it.


    Zac tried to pry off as many scales as possible, along with its two massive horns. He also dug out what he believed to be a Beast Core from its head, though he was a bit surprised since those things usually only appeared after reaching D-Grade. The dragon was extremely powerful, but Zac truthfully suspected it was still in early E-Grade.


    He had heard a bit about dragons from Gu. They were terrifying beasts and among the most naturally endowed creatures in the multiverse. They could grow impossiblyrge as well, making Zac believe he was only dealing with a youngling or a mixed-blood dragon.


    Still, leaving anything behind would be a waste, so he even poured almost all his containers to fill them with dragon blood. Enough blood to fill an Olympic-size swimming pool entered his dozen or so canteens and the magical barrels of liquor he had bought.


    He did feed a lot of it to <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>as well, but not enough to identally cause another upgrade. It took hours, sometimes days, for <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> to absorb treasures, and Zac was about to potentially face an army waiting outside the gates of the tower. The spirit tool was extremely interested in the beast core also, but it would have to wait.


    It was a waste, but he could only pray that the Dragon Core would turn out to be real as he might need Veruns special skills for the uing battle. He had somewhat counted on the bronze sh to act as an ace, but there was no way that the remnants were in the position to provide help anytime soon.


    He had tried summoning a bronze sh over twenty times while carving up the beast, but nothing happened. The two Fragments entered his reworked fractals just fine, but when they met in the chest they just turned into an impure mix of the two fragments that soon dissipated, just like the failed attempts from before. Something had clearly changed, as he had almost 50% sess rate before.


    The transformation of the fractals on his shoulders might be causing problems, but he was pretty sure that wasn''t it.


    An hour had passed since he had woken up by now, and he started to see some patterns of how things might go from here on out. It quickly became clear that the remnants were really capable of some sort of self-restoration. Small motes of energies appeared from within their bodies, even though no Cosmic or Mental energy had entered the cage.


    However, it had been a slow grind for a pitiful amount of energy.


    Things only went even worse for the remnants from there as the new cage created some sort of suction just moments after the motes of energy formed. The energy was instantly ripped out the Shard and Splinter, leaving only a fraction behind. The rest was purified and funneled out into Zacs body.


    The purified energy from the Splinter made its way to his soul, as usual, subtly strengthening it. However, the energy from the Shard rather went into his body, where it seeped into his cells who greedily gobbled it up in an instant. Zac didnt feel any difference in his body, but he guessed that it would slowly improve his constitution.


    The amount that he got was far lowerpared to before though, and he was not even receiving a tenth of the purified energies he got from the Splinter before he entered the tower. That was fine with Zac though, as the gifts from the remnants always came with deadly downsides.


    Focusing on just himself for the time being felt a lot more pertinent. It seemed like he had touched upon some of the massive secrets of the multiverse, and he was slowly forming a few theories based on what Jaol had told him about the System and what the four-eyed alien said. But all those things were too grand, tooplicated, and not something he wanted to get involved with.


    He could mess with the broken peaks of the Boundless Path when he had reached A-Grade and was bored with life. Until then the Chaos Patterns and the skies full of lightning could stay as far away as possible as far as he was concerned. He wasn''t even in a mood to start experimenting with the shes again before he had got his Soul Strengthening Manual up and running.


    Actually, it seemed that his mind was agreeing with his reluctance to get involved, as his memory Chaos Pattern he had just witnessed was growing foggier by the minute. He couldn''t remember any details any longer, and he wouldn''t be surprised if it wouldpletely disappear from his memory in a day or two.


    It was a pain to dismember the extremely sturdy dragon, and Zac was quickly running out of time. So he finally ran into the carcass and chopped its insides into massive bs of meat and threw them into his Cosmos Sack. Finally he threw the mangled remains into the sack as well and called it a day.


    There was one more thing Zac wanted to do before he left the floor though, and he took out an inscribed box containing an unknown fruit. It was one of the natural treasures he had found during the climb. He still had no idea what it did, but he figured that his body knew what it was doing as it urged him to eat it.


    He was somewhat certain that the items he had pilfered during the Battle of Fates would stay, but the same couldn''t be said about these things. He wanted to follow Gu''s advice and rather eat them than have them turn back into the System''s hands the moment he left.


    It was only 30 minutester that he snapped out of his state of vivid hallucinations and bouts of extreme gastrointestinal distress. His whole body was covered in a film of extremely foul-smelling oil, and he felt weak like he had been afflicted with food poisoning.


    The natural treasure hadn''t actually been toxic, but it rather looked like the treasure was the kind that helped expel impurities like pill toxicity. The problem was the way of expulsion. Some things needed to be processed into pills before eaten, and that scary fruit was probably one of them. He had less than 30 minutes remaining, but he still spent 10 of those vigorously scrubbing off the foul gunk. The smell was making him nauseated, which was saying something considering he could be covered in blood without noticing it nowadays.


    Zac immediately discarded any thought of eating any more of the treasures as he stepped into the teleporter with a tired sigh.


    <strong>[Eigth Floor Complete. Upgrading Title.]</strong>


    <strong>[Choose Reward: [Two Extremities Physique Array], [Divine Investiture Array], [Yin-Yang Arhat Soul Array]]</strong>


    Zac found himself in the familiar ck dimension, and he almost felt some wistfulness that this was thest time he woulde to this ce. Of course, the wistfulness wasnt brought on by nostalgia, but rather that this was thest of the rewards. He first opened his title screen to sate his curiosity.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor: Reach the 73rd level of the Tower of Eternity. Reward: All stats +10, All Stats +10%, Effect of Attributes +10%]</strong>


    The upgraded title was just as he had expected after seeing the change on the seventh floor, and he couldnt help but feel a bit curious about what would change upon finishing the whole tower. Was there a secret title waiting at the top after all? However, his attention was soon diverted from the Tower title when he noticed that there was a new addition to his ever-growing list of achievements. And it was an odd one.


    <strong>[Terminus  Gaze upon the Terminus.]</strong>


    There was only a short description and no reward, the first empty Title Zac had encountered thus far. Zac guessed the Terminus either referred to the lightning sea or the pattern that he could no longer remember, but he didnt understand why the System would add a title if it wouldnt dole out any Attributes.


    Perhaps someone in the Base Town would know, but he felt that keeping this experience to himself was for the best. Stuff like the Dao of Chaos involved the System itself and the peak individuals of the multiverse, and just talking about it might bring a cmity upon his head.


    He could only close the title screen with mixed emotions and instead turn his attention to the three arrays up for grabs. However, the rewards honestly had him a bit stumped. He understood the words as he read them one by one, but he had some trouble understanding what they meant.


    Zac was surprised that the rewards didnt feel as tailored to his situationpared to the previous floor. Truthfully, they even seemed worsepared to the ones he had been awarded after seeding in the Battle of Fates, as each of them had represented a clear and almost immediate boost to himself or his force.


    Was there an element of luck where you could either get a good set of reward choices or a subpar one? Or were the arrays perhaps even better than the 7<sup>th</sup> floor awards, but Zac was too ignorant to tell? He looked back and forth between the three options, and he felt some helplessness at the fact that he didnt know what any of the three arrays did.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The first array, the <strong>[Two Extremities Physique Array]</strong>, might be some sort of training array to form a unique constitution. It might even be an extremely suited constitution based on the name. Two Extremities could refer to life and death, or perhaps even Creation and Oblivion. Remolding his body to be able to withstand the two remnants seemed pretty amazing. That might just be wishful thinking though.


    That would mean that the award was an upgraded version of the body tempering manual, an array that would directly awaken a life and death constitution. However, there was another possibility, based on the wording of the first and third rewards. One was called a Physique Array, and the other a Soul Array.


    That kind of wording was a bit reminiscent of War arrays, and it made him remember something; the Fire Golem down in the Underworld. Parts of its body had been engraved with crude fractals, and he had learned this was amon way for constructs to improve their power.


    Was the same thing possible for humans? Was it perhaps an array that would be engraved to his body, somehow boosting it beyond its normal capabilities? He guessed something like that would work like a synthetic constitution or something, where it provided simr boosts.


    Whichever way the array worked the end result was most likely the same. It would probably directly increase hisbat power by improving his body, almost like having a private War array. It would give a direct and convenient boost to his Strength, and it was definitely a viable choice.


    As for the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>, he had no idea. Judging by the name it might be something that could improve a person or an item. Divine Investiture, maybe it meant that it could bestow Heavens Blessing. Perhaps it was something like the array that he had passed when he climbed the 8<sup>th</sup> floor, but a greater version? Or was it rted to fate?


    Getting the Systems blessing didnt sound too bad right about now, and it sort of felt like the System owed him one after thest two levels.


    Then there was the final reward, one rted to the soul. He would have preferred one that mentioned caging rambunctious slivers, but this one rather seemed geared toward taking advantage of the odd scars covering his soul. It seemed to be based on the concept of duality just like the Constitution Array, but he had no idea what a ''Soul Array'' could do. Did it improve one''s control over the Dao''s, perhaps?


    It did however include the word Arhat, which was a Buddhist term. He didnt know if what would cause any issues with his cultivation or his recently acquired manual, but he guessed that anything he got from the eighth floor would bepatible with him. An Arhat was a perfected being who had reached enlightenment, so perhaps the Soul Array would be able to push his soul to a perfect state?


    Zac looked back and forth between the options, but he truthfully didnt need to look too long before he decided on the third option, the <strong>[Yin-Yang Arhat Soul Array]</strong>. It wasnt that he felt it was perfect for his situation, as he honestly had no idea what it did, but hed obviously take anything that helped his soul at the current juncture.


    The other two options were probably great as well, but they were luxuriespared to a necessity. His arm reached toward the hovering prompt in front of him, but he suddenly froze in shock as the silence of the special dimension was broken.


    <strong>[First choice will grant you power. Second choice brings rectification of regret. Third choice will lead you down an alternative Path]</strong>


    Zac didn''t know how to react when he heard the emotionless voice in his head. A year had passed and he had almost forgotten those early days of the Integration, but it all rushed back to him at that moment.


    The System was once again directly speaking with him.

 Chapter 465: Beware the Terminus

    Chapter 465: Beware the Terminus


    Zac froze like a deer in the headlights as he looked in all directions. Back when the integration first took ce he had beenpletely clueless, unaware of just how powerful a thing the System was. But now he was all too aware just how mighty it was, and the attention put him under immense psychological pressure.


    However, he knew this was a rare opportunity and he needed some rifications.


    "Was it you who pushed me down this path, who put these two remnants in front of me?"


    <strong>[Yes. User qualified for unique empowerment scenario. Congrattions.]</strong>


    Zac felt some fury re up at hearing the same annoying emotionless congrattions as he did when the twost spoke, but he quickly restrained himself this time and instead focused on what was important.


    "Are we done then?" Zac asked, his heart pounding. "You won''t mess with me any longer? I gave you that Pattern, and you provided me with protections against the fractals."


    <strong>[Reciprocity has been achieved and bnce is maintained. Beware the Terminus.]</strong>


    "What does that even mean?" Zac asked with some bitterness in his voice, but he was only met with silence.


    "What regrets are you talking about? And what alternate path? Please borate," Zac tried instead, as he didn''t understand what the hell the system had been talking about earlier.


    Unfortunately, it looked like the System wasn''t any more talkative this time around, and it had left after delivering a few cryptic lines. Zac once again looked upon the screen with the three rewards, his earlier resolvepletely crushed. Could he trust the System? Or was it messing with him once again?


    His thoughts about the first reward didn''t change, as thement was in line with his own thoughts. But the other two threw him for a loop. What did an alternate path mean? Did it refer to his soul cultivation, or was it something much bigger? Would it tamper with his nascent Creation based on Life and Death? Would it actually force him to embark on Buddhist Cultivation, forgoing his current sses?


    And what the hell did rectification of regret mean?


    He had done things he wasnt too proud of since the integration, but he would say there was only one real regret; not reaching his father before he was murdered. It couldnt possibly be an array that could resurrect the dead, could it? Or was it rather rted to his inability to cultivate? The more he thought about it the more likely it felt.


    Wasn''t that exactly what Divine Investiture meant? The ability to cultivate was based on one''s affinity with the Daos, something that he waspletelycking. What if this array could rectify that deficiency in his body, allowing him to embark on the path of a true cultivator?


    There were a lot of secrets rted to his body, secrets that might make him want to stay a mortal. But he also knew that things would get extremely rough the further he walked down the path of cultivation. Things weren''t too bad right now in F-Grade, but the situation would get much worse for each grade as far as he knew. This might be his shot at getting the final, and greatest, boost to his power, bing a proper cultivator.


    Zac finally went with his gut and reached for the second option.


    Zac chose the<strong> [Divine Investiture Array] </strong>based on his guess that the System wasnt actively messing with him. Why would it even bother? It was in control of the rewards after all. He wasnt interested in changing his path, which would potentially make the <strong>[Yin-Yang Arhat Soul Array]</strong> useless.<strong></strong>And between rectifying regret and strength, he chose the former.


    He had plenty of Strength from a bunch of other sources, and a constitution array wasnt required for him to deal with the issues on Earth. He hadnt even seen anyone in his sector utilizing this kind of thing, and it didnte up when Gu talked about constitutions. It was probably some sort of high-tiered boost not avable in his sector, but people did just fine without them.


    Rectifying regret was more in line with his purpose of cultivation. He didn''t really care about power for power''s sake, and not all his troubles could get solved by bing stronger. Perhaps the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> would make him a cultivator, or perhaps its function was something else entirely, but it didn''t matter.


    He didn''t want to experience some tragedy in the future and realize it could have been prevented if he hadn''t been too greedy for more power.


    Zac didnt immediately pick the reward though, but he first started putting on one ring after another on his fingers, before moving on to bracers, earrings, and nes. It was the jewelry he looted from the mentalist, each of them a pretty strong treasure that contained one charge either of offensive or defensive nature.


    He had seen a couple of simr items by now, and he guessed that all of them were either high or more likely peak-tier quality. It was like he was decked in treasures that each could release an attack or shield at least at the level of the <strong>[Void Bomb]</strong> that was powerful enough to tear holes in space. The items were clearly made for a woman, but he wasnt in a position to be picky at the moment. The whole square could be full of people wanting to rip him to shreds for all he knew, and every small advantage would make a huge difference.


    They were outside items so they were pretty limited inside the Tower, but they would be back to their full power out in the Base Town. He actually wanted to don a few dresses as well to improve his defenses even further, but he was afraid that hed ruin any chances of finding a patron if he came out looking like a maniac.


    He looked down at his body a secondter, satisfied with the result. Ogras had once told him that wealth was one of the greatest weapons, and he was inclined to agree as he looked at the glistening treasures covering his hands and arms. It was like he suddenly had 10 lives, though each item spent was probably the equivalent of losing Hundreds of Millions of Nexus Coins, perhaps even Billions.


    Zac also had enough Creation Energy in his body for one major restoration as well, but he didnt want to use it unless absolutely necessary. He finally prepared one of the spikes of Faceless 9 in the sleeves of his robes, but he was even leerier about that spikepared to the Creation Energy. It might be lethal for outsiders to use, and he would only stab himself with that thing if he really didn''t see any alternatives.


    Normally he would have entered the new floor as a Draugr to defend against surprise attacks, but he, unfortunately, couldnt do that as he was exiting the tower. Zac wasnt ready to expose his second identity, which meant would have to defend against any potential assault with treasures and his nature-based defensive skills.


    Zac took a few deep breaths before he picked the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>, and the next moment he was teleported to the 73<sup>rd</sup> floor. He crushed his token the moment he arrived, but his Danger Sense already screamed in rm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He immediately activated one of the defensive charges of a ring as he created a massive fractal edge that he swung in a grand 360-degree arc. A dozen massive rats were turned into mince-meat, and his whole body was drenched in blood and viscera in an instant. It wasn''t exactly how he wanted to look upon exiting the tower, but perhaps it would give off an intimidating impression.


    A nce at his surroundings showed that he had been thrown into the middle of an endless rat tide that relentlessly tried to swarm him from every direction with furious abandon, and he was forced to fight them off as their teeth seemed to be able to bite straight through the shield he had summoned. Even the leaves of <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> were getting ripped apart and swallowed by the crazed beasts.


    Thankfully he only needed to fight for ten seconds before he was teleported out of the Tower of Eternity, where the Dao Apparition awaited.


    ---------------


    The stone te floated through the vast cosmos, just as it had since there was only darkness. Ancient lines marred its surface, every single groove and turn containing seemingly boundless profundity.


    It spoke of the grand ts of the universe, but very few had the ability to glean any of its secrets. So it continued its solitary journey through the vast cosmos. It silently passed the grand warriors who traversed the stars, and not even ancient existences born from stardust itself could sense its presence.


    But all journeys must end.


    A remote and solitary shone like a green gem, the stele imperceptibly adjusted its trajectory to head toward it. It breached the atmosphere not long after, and it finally settled down in a secluded valley.


    The stele settled down gently on the ground, as though it wasnt encumbered by gravity in the slightest. However, a simple touch of the te made the whole world tremble, causing earthquakes and extreme weather to ravage the whole for months before subsiding.


    The primordial stone que sat in its valley undisturbed, but the slowly changed from the fundamental truths it espoused. War ravaged the continents and enough blood was spilled that crops refused to grow in the soil. Countries rose and fell like the turn of the seasons, grand warriors bing kings before turning to dust.


    One day a one-armed man found himself in the valley. His army had been utterly defeated in battle, and he needed a safe harbor to hide from his enemies. He hadnt lost throughcking skill or tactics, but through inferior numbers. It filled him with irreconciliation that a fool defeated him, but there was nothing to do about the situation. Reality wasnt fair.


    There was something alluring about the valley though, and the general soon forgot his anger as he scoured its nooks and crannies until he found the ancient stele. He was unable to take his eyes away from the patterns covering the surface, and it felt like they were the most beautiful things in the universe.


    He sat down in front of it as though he was possessed, his eyes never leaving the stone for a second. The seasons passed as the man pondered upon the stele, silent and unmoving. Months turned to years, and years turned into millennia. Forces emerged and fell soon after, great triumphs and defeats reced each other one by one on the continent.


    However, no one ever visited the secluded valley. No one even spoke about the mountains that shielded it from the surrounding countries. It was as though it was separated from the world, a dimension of its own. It was just a man and a stone, and eons of silence.


    A storm suddenly erupted in the valley, and the millennia of tranquility ended. The cultivator shuddered, as though he was brought out from a dream.


    War, he muttered as he got on his feet and looked to the stars.


    War was the motor of progress, and blood was needed to turn the wheels of fate. Bowed to his master before walking over to take away the monument, as he felt there was still much to learn. But no matter how he strained and pulled it wouldnt move the slightest. Cracks spread for tens of thousands of meters around him, but the monument refused to be moved.


    The man sighed in disappointment, but there was no real anger in his eyes. There was just tranquility, and the burning fires of conflict. Increasingly powerful waves started to emanate from his body until he suddenly disappeared in a massive explosion. The next moment he stood in space, looking down at the below.


    His homeworld had once been without end in his mind, a battlefield whose scale beggaredprehension. But now the scene was too small, just a small ripple in the universe not worth mentioning. He needed a grander arena to progress further. The warlord waved his hand, and a moon was ripped from its trajectory, and crushed into an unadornednce of stone and steel.


    Its materials were nothing special, but space still broke from the slightest movement of its tip.


    He looked down at the, or rather the now-ruined valley where he had spent most of his life. If it wasnt meant for him any longer, then it might as well continue its journey toward the next fated one. Being stuck on this small corner was an insult to the grandeur it represented.


    He swung thence with one swift motion, and space trembled as a wave of unfettered destruction carved off a section of the, sending the continent spinning toward the endless ck. The universe needed war, and war needed more than one general.


    A stone te floated through the vast cosmos, and it would continue doing so until there was only darkness. Ancient lines marred its surface, almost every single groove and turn containing seemingly boundless profundity.

 Chapter 466: War

    Chapter 466: War


    He made it to the 72<sup>nd</sup> floor after all! Balios said to his uncle. He might even make it the whole way.


    Hes almost out of time. There was less than a day remaining when he finally managed to pass the 71st level. Even if he defeats the guardian now he will be exhausted and most likely wounded, Ubrok answered, but there were clear signs of hesitation on his face.


    Still, Balios whispered. Perhaps we should stay out of this? Even lord Beradan only made it to the 65<sup>th</sup> floor. No matter if he passes or not hes still someone we shouldnt get involved with. We''re just sticking our necks out while the real lords will reap the eventual rewards. The promised payment for assistance is not worth our lives.


    You are right. Lets back away, Ubrok finally relented. We cannot get involved with the seconding of the Eveningtide Asura, our force will not be able to withstand the fallout no matter which side stands victorious. Lets back away and enjoy the apparition in peace. I might even be able to improve my Dao Seed after all these years.


    Balios hurriedly nodded in agreement and their group of 8 started making their way back across the square. They werent alone in choosing retreat over the quest reward and the private bounties provided by a few scions. The heatedpetition for the front-row seats of the square had quickly died down as Zac Piker had knocked down one level after another, eclipsing all the sector''s geniuses for the past hundreds of thousands of years.


    Things had calmed down as Mr. Piker, or rather Lord Piker, found himself stuck on the 71<sup>st</sup> level for almost a week, but the moment hed reached the final level of the 8<sup>th</sup> floor people started to worry. Some had already backed away, and there were not many willing to take the ce of the deserters.


    A million years had passed, but the lessons that the Eveningtide Asura had engraved into the souls of the people of the Zecia Sector were still vividly remembered. Opening yourself and your family up to that level of vengeance was not worth the potential prize or remuneration. However, the group only managed to retreat a hundred meters before amotion broke out across the square.


    73! a cultivator screamed with shock, immediately causing some panic to finally appear even in the eyes of the staunchest of warriors.


    A few still remained, clearly intent on betting it all, but most people started running for their lives. However, the fleeing cultivators stopped just a few secondster because the tower started releasing an immense pressure as waves of power radiated across the whole town, far beyond what anyone had ever seen before.


    Greed fought with fear, but the allure was too great. Witnessing a 9th-floor apparition from a front-row seat was too enticing to give up, and the whole square sat down on the ground as if they were of one mind. Balios froze in hesitation, unsure whether he should flee further or join the others. The hesitation onlysted for a fraction of a second as he hurriedly took out his prepared mat as he gazed up at the sky.


    The pressure emitted from the tower kept umting, and fewer and fewer managed to hold their backs straight. A few even started bleeding from their ears from the immense aura of the Tower of Eternity. It was as though the Heavens themselves had descended upon the Base Town, standing in judgment.


    But the pressure was suddenly gone, and Balios''s eyes widened in shock as the tower flickered before it suddenly disappeared as well. Taking its ce was a stone que whose size was a match to the Tower of Eternity. Balioss eyes were drawn toward the mysterious scars covering its surface, and his mind turned nk the next moment.


    It was only sometimeter he woke up from his trance, but he was shocked to realize he couldn''t remember a thing, not even how much time had passed. But something had changed inside his body, and it felt like his blood had been reced by fire. The drums of war echoed in his mind and his arms bulged as he subconsciously dragged out <strong>[Skrk]</strong>, his azure blue Azrathir Spirit Tool.


    The sword hummed in response, seemingly influenced by the odd state of its master.


    The teleportation array lit up, and the whole square collectively held their breath as the man they had been waiting for the past day reappeared. However, this was not a heros exit, but rather that of a beggar. The mans aura seemed strong and stable, but he waspletely covered in still-wet blood. He was also decked out in odd jewelry that made him look like a robber who had absconded with a maiden''s jewelry box.


    His rough state wasnt surprising, as he had passed to the 73<sup>rd</sup> floor at thest possible moment. He was probably putting up a brave front, and he quickly sat down and closed his eyes, enjoying the protection of the array. Zac Piker had overtaxed himself, forgetting that there was another trial waiting for him outside.


    Balios''s eyes were slowly turning bloodshot, and a wordless agreement passed between him and his uncle. The group no longer had any interest in retreating, but instead slowly made their way back toward their position.


    The quest! It changed! another man suddenly shouted.


    The mes of war were already drowning out most of Balios''s thoughts, but curiosity overcame bloodthirst and he slowly looked away from the blood-drenched man to instead check out the changes of the quest.


    <strong>Fatebreaker (Unique, Limited): Kill Zac Piker within the time limit. Reward: Ten free levels in the Tower of Eternity. [00:01:00]</strong>


    Balioss eyes threatened to pop out of their sockets as he read the reward. What was going on? If the previous reward had been unprecedented, then the current one was beyondprehension. Had Lord Piker spent his whole climb cursing the Heavens, and this was his retribution?


    The whole square was like a kettle that threatened to boil over at any second, and Balios''s eyes were locked at the humanoid treasure trove. A few minutes passed and Balios almostshed out at his neighbors in a bloodthirsty rage, his muscles shuddering as he tried to keep his impulses in check.


    But finally, the man stood up and turned toward the square.


    I- Lord Piker said, but he stopped when the protective array suddenly winked out like it just ran out of power.


    Everyone gaped in iprehension for a second, but chaos took hold of the square the next moment.


    -----------------


    Zac appeared on the teleportation array, and he rxed when he saw that the defensive array was still up and running. He needed to quickly consolidate his gains, so he sat down on the ground after nodding at Ogras and Gu who were mutely staring at him with eyes as wide as saucers.


    He was relieved to see that all the defensive treasures he had equipped before exiting were still there, as was the valuable Spatial Ring that had belonged to the mentalist. He was pretty certain at this point that all the loot he had snatched from other climbers was still in his possession, though the same probably didn''t hold true for the other valuables he picked up during the climb.


    The other two didn''t say a word as Zac closed his eyes, and he could understand their stunned expressions.


    Not even he had really expected to pass the 7<sup>th</sup> floor, let alone the 8<sup>th</sup>. But all that could wait untilter as he needed to focus on the vision he had just witnessed. It felt as though he had sat right next to that man for tens of thousands of years, appreciating the stone stele and its mysteries. Just looking at it had filled him with a desire for conquest, a bit like when he used <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    The runes spoke of the survival of the fittest, about the need for conflict. Through battle the weaker sides would get cleansed, or weakness leaving the hive as the Zhix would call it. The strong would get stronger, and the universe would benefit as a whole. It was evolution, continuous betterment by discarding what didn''t perform.


    Zac wasnt sure what concept the rune represented, but he felt that it was either a Dao of Conflict or a Dao of War. The man in the vision had leaned toward thetter, but he had also been colored by his past experiences as a general. The man only grasped a snippet of the truths the stele contained, but that part alone had turned him into a terrifying powerhouse that made him break through multiple grades without any other assistance.


    The main takeaway for Zac was the connection between battle and creation; war always had a purpose. It might be held to protect your beliefs or to punish evil. War might erupt over resources, or to take out a hated enemy. It might just simply be the pursuit of strength. Purpose and conviction were what separated a warrior and a beast or a madman.


    This meant that the concept engraved upon the stele wasnt based on Oblivion, as it was not mindless destruction. It was creation through destruction, where you built your future through conflict. It felt like one of the most fundamental fusions of the two peak concept after looking at the ancient runes, but the Dao Fragment it resonated with most was his Fragment of the Axe. Perhaps all weapon-rted Daos were children of the Dao of War.


    A swing empowered by your conviction would move faster and hit harder than an empty attack. As long as he fought for what he believed in he would be able to push himself much further than if he fought with hesitation or reluctance in his heart. He hadbined many aspects of heaviness and sharpness into the Fragment of the Axe, such as sharpness through speed and heaviness from momentum.


    But he now added the reason for swinging his axe into his Dao.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Energy surged around him as he felt his insight coalesce, and his body was flush with power in an instant. He opened his eyes and immediately opened his Dao screen to see the result, and he was extremely satisfied with the results.


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe (Middle): All attributes +20, Strength +225, Dexterity +120, Endurance +15, Wisdom +50. Effectiveness of Strength +10%.</strong>


    It was a massive boost, though Zac looked at the additional all attributes with mixed emotions. He had hoped to maintain his massive lead in Luck against general cultivators, but it looked like deep insights into the Dao would be able to bridge some of the gap. Of course, he would still maintain amanding lead thanks to hisrge number of titles that improved upon his base Luck.


    Perhaps he shouldnt be too surprised about the increased Luck stemming from a deeper understanding of the Dao. Gaining Dao Seeds and Dao Fragments was just forming a stronger connection with the heavens, which in turn should improve ones fate.


    The evolution of his Fragment of the Axe wasn''t the only thing that he had gained from the vision. The stone stele had almost been all-epassing, and he felt like he had created a foundation for improving both his other Fragments as well. Both the Fragment of the Coffin and the Fragment of the Bodhi were at the lowest possible level until now, but Zac now had something to build upon when he came back.


    Taking the first step forward toward an upgrade had always been the hardest for him, but upgrading the two Fragments was only a matter of time now. It wasn''t to the point that he felt one week of meditation would do the trick, but he still believed that he would be able to take the next step within a few months even if he didn''t enter any life and death battles.


    Unfortunately, he couldn''t revel in histest gains at the moment, as there were some pressing issues to deal with.


    Are you okay? Ogras asked with a hoarse voice as Zac stood up, and Zac noted a slightly manic look in the eyes behind the mask he wore to cover his features.


    Not my blood, Zac shrugged. Im in perfect condition, I killed the guardian over twelve hours ago. Whats going on?


    People started to leave, but then the apparition appeared and the quest changed. Were in deep shit, Ogras growled.


    It changed? Zac eximed with shock. Ill deal with this. Stay behind me if I cant convince them to back away. I''ll activate a defensive treasure I found.


    He turned toward the square, and he immediately understood what Ogras meant. The field in front of the tower only half-filled with cultivators from all sorts of races, but people were rushing toward the center square from every direction.


    I- Zac said with a carrying voice, but he was cut short as the shield in front of him suddenly disappeared.


    His mind nked out as he found himself exposed to a whole army waiting to kill him. He had hoped to work out a diplomatic resolution, but he realized that was a fool''s dream as a collective roar spread across the square. His eyes widened in rm, and his danger sense was already going off the charts.


    The Spectral Forest of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> appeared in an instant, and <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> followed right after. He infused the Fragment of the Bodhi into the leaves without hesitation and spread it to cover his twopanions as well. The two of them backed away as far as they possibly could, each of them erecting a fewyers of defenses of their own.


    He didnt understand what was going on. It felt like he and the System had struck an ord earlier, and it had even gone so far as to help him out by directly speaking to him. But then it followed it up with dialing up the bounty on his head to the point that it made these people froth at the mouth.


    Was the System unhappy with his choice?

 Chapter 467: Man Versus World

    Chapter 467: Man Versus World


    Over a hundred attacks teeming with power soared toward him, and the whole sky was shrouded by the multifarious disy. Zac''s fractal leaves condensed to cover a smaller area to create moreyers of defense, but the defenses were quickly ripped to shreds by the onught.


    Zac was far stronger than anyone here, but the attackers werent weaklings by any means. This was a low-grade sector, but everyone present was still the strongest of a generation, all intent on taking him out. There was only so much <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> could block before the leaves were exhausted, and he knew that he couldn''t just sit around like a target dummy.


    <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> keened with delight as Zac''s arm was almost turning into a blur. One fractal de after another radiating terrifying energy ripped into the storm of attacks, crushing most of them without even needing to sh. The extreme power that radiated out from the middle-stage Dao Fragment was enough to utterly dominate the weaker strikes, and they were ripped into swirls of Cosmic Energy.


    However, if each of his fractal des was like a powerful elephant, then the weaker attacks were like a sea of rabid hyenas that slowly managed to whittle them down. There were just too many attackers, and he felt his waves of fractal edges slowly getting pushed back as more and more cultivators joined the fight.


    It was a bit disappointing to not being able to utterly crush his enemies with sheer might, but it was still a massive show of force that he could almost create a stalemate when exchanging blows with hundreds of the top geniuses of the sector. He also knew that it was a testament to just how powerful a Mid-Grade Dao Fragment was.


    His weapon was just average if you discounted the umonly high spirituality of the Tool Spirit, and <strong>[Chop] </strong>was as basic a skill as they came. However, each de still managed to crush a dozen beautiful and intricate skills that sailed toward him before they ran out of steam. Of course, if he didn''t do something soon he might get himself or his twopanions hurt.


    However, Zac was prepared for exactly this kind of worst-case scenario, and Cosmic Energy streamed toward his neck.


    Mysterious fluctuations spread out from his position the next second as a massive eye emerged out of the void. It was one of the treasures he had taken from the mentalist''s Spatial Ring, a ne with an eye that actually seemed alive. The conjured eye didn''t move, but it rather just stared at the sea of cultivators and the iing attacks. A mystic ray of blue light spread out the next moment, and the attacks cracked in an instant, leaving not a single one intact.


    Dozens of warriors fell back with blood pouring from their eyes, their souls definitely hurt by the sh. It caused a lull in the battle, and Zac figured this was hisst chance to stop the madness before it got out of hand.


    "Stop now and I won''t cause any trouble for you or your ns," Zac roared at the top of his lungs. "But I will kill everyone who stays behind, no matter heritage or affiliation! This is your only warning!"


    His voice was filled with power, and the air shuddered around him as his blood-drenched aura was unleashed to its fullest. He hoped to wake these people up from their greed-fueled battle fervor. However, the effect of his words and his aura was far worse than he anticipated, and not a single one seemed willing to back down.


    It was like they had eaten stimnts or some sort of berserking pill.


    A few had been killed or incapacitated by the massive eye, but new warriors filled the ranks, and Zac could see that the streets were filling up with people who wanted to join the chaos. Just defending wouldnt cut it, and he needed to go with Ogras idea. Kill a few chickens to scare the monkeys as the demon called it.


    Another defensive treasure cracked on his hand, causing a shimmering fractal made from churning waters to appear in the air. Torrential typhoons shot toward the cultivators and swallowed up even more attacks, but a few still slipped through and mmed into his newly formed leaves. The storms werent as effective as the mysterious eye in pushing back the attackers, but it gave Zac enough time to charge up <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    Zac was going all-out from the start. If the first swing wouldn''t convince them to back off, then there was a tsunami of mes waiting. If people still hadn''t managed to curb their greed he would release the <strong>[Axe of Destion] </strong>and end the battle altogether. The massive woodcutter''s axe materialized above him, and Zac immediately initiated the <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong>.


    You could say that he had started this battle with this very attack just before he was forced to flee into the tower, and he would end it the same way.


    "Stop its activation!" a shout echoed out across the square, and Zac was suddenly covered in ufortable energy that made the Cosmic Energy in his body feel slow and listless.


    He quickly activated the first defensive charge of [Hatchetman''s Spirit], but his eyes widened when the attack passed right through the emerald shield and drilled into his chest.


    "It''s a curse, a rare type of mental attack!" Gu screamed from behind. "You can break it by force or treasures, look inward!"


    Zac''s eyes lit up and he looked inside, and he immediately spotted crude runes covering the Skill Fractal for <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. He rotated a storm of Cosmic Energy to m into it, and three forceful pushes cracked it wide open. It caused light internal bleeding as well, but it wasn''t a big deal for someone like Zac.


    However, that was just the first of dozens attempts to tie down the massive axe in the sky. It was covered in tenyers of restrictive arrays as well, and no matter how hard Zac struggled he wasn''t able to move his arm forward. It was a type of counter to his attacks he had never seen before, and he couldn''t figure out any quick fix tounch the skill.


    His axe was already tied up in the swing, making it impossible to send out any fractal attacks to destroy the restrictions. <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> was liable to destroy the axe as well, not that Zac was able to unleash both the attacks at the same time. Ogras seemed to have understood the issue as a beam of darkness mmed into the restrictions from behind, but only the outermost of the manyyers of restrictions were broken.


    "Don''t worry," Zac said as he looked back. "I''ll deal with this."


    He felt thankful that the demon was willing to stick his neck out in a messy situation like this, but Ogras was honestly more of a liability than an asset at this moment unless he hadpletely transformed during the time since they parted ways in the tower. He could only activate yet another of the one-time treasures, and he felt arge chunk of Cosmic Energy leave his body as a thousand golden swords shot toward the restrictions around the <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong>.


    The restrictions were ripped to pieces before the swords continued toward the mob and caused widespread carnage as the summoned weapons slipped straight past hastily erected shields and into their bodies. However, the <strong>[Axe of Felling] </strong>was already dissipating, and Zac had lost his connection to the fractal axe. Nothing happened as Zac swung <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> over and over until the massive woodcutter''s axe dissipated.


    Zac growled with annoyance and tried to resummon the axe, but he was shocked to find that the skill wouldn''t activate. It seemed that <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> had been put on its cooldown since the first swing had technically been initiated. Zac didn''t even know that an oue like this was possible, and he scrambled for new ideas to deal with the mob and their next salvo of attacks.


    Zac activated another one of the treasures, an offensively geared ring that released an invisible force that made the whole square twist and bend. Dozens fell to their knees screaming, their eyes and ears bleeding as they clutched their heads. It looked like the mentalist had been in possession of multiple mental attack treasures in addition to her terrifying skills.


    The attack gave Zac a short breather and he turned toward his twopanions who were still hiding in the back.


    "How do I defend against more curses?" Zac asked.


    Gu only hesitated for a short moment before he took out a small doll and threw it over to Zac.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Pour some energy into this. It will take your ce. But curses are very hard to nt when the target is anticipating it," the merchant hurriedly said as his eyes darted back and in search of any lurking threat. "You can also guard your fractals with your Daos if they try it again."


    Zac nodded in thanks before he turned back toward the enemies. Losing <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>to such a trick was a huge blow, but he wasn''t out of options just yet. Cosmic Energy surged into his hand instead, and the sky above him cracked.


    He also activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> for good measure, as he was confident that the Splinter was in no condition to cause any trouble at the moment. The leaves surrounding him suddenly lost the beautiful fractals covering their surface as the wooden hand emerged from its separate dimension. Zac needed to make this one count, so he chose to infuse the attack with the Fragment of the Bodhi rather than his defensive canopy.


    However, the wooden hand barely had time to move more than ten meters before it was almost sted to pieces by three beams of light that converged right at its position. Zac endured the pain in his own hand and looked around, realizing that three attackers were holding identical mirrors covered in fractals. It was no doubt an array, and if there was one there were bound to be more arrays waiting to be activated.


    A shockwave spread out from his original position as he shed forward, two massive avatars appearing in an instant as a bracer on each of his arms cracked. One formed a vast cloud of darkness that covered the sky. Everything that entered it disappeared, including the beams of light. The other was a kneeling warrior without features, and he enclosed Ogras and Gu in a protective embrace.


    The second treasure was activated to prevent the attackers from taking his twopanions hostage in case he needed to enter a melee with the mob, whereas the second one would let himplete his skill. The vast clouds allowed the hand to move forward shrouded in darkness, and it quickly managed to erect its emerald array above the chaotic army.


    However, its activation was by no means uncontested as over twenty avatars and powerful attacks rose to meet it.


    Thebined power the dozen elite warriors was barely able to hold back the descent of the punishment, and Zac found it difficult to make any headway. Zac was considering whether he should try to cause some chaos by jumping into the fray or perhaps weaken their coordination with another treasure.


    Finally, he also decided to make a move himself. It would put Ogras and Gu at some risk, but he felt he needed his hands to get a bit bloodied if he wanted to end this thing. Perhaps the mob thought he kept using treasures because he wasn''t actually that strong, which emboldened them to keep going. It would put him in harm''s way of his own punishment, but he was durable enough to withstand some friendly fire.


    He was just about to sh forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> when a group of cultivators suddenly appeared out of nowhere at the front of the army. Most of them radiated a powerful aura that could almost match the weaker warriors in the Battle of Fates, and Zac knew that the true elites of the sector had made their move.


    Zac wasn''t worried in the slightest, rather the opposite. He believed if he managed to take out these people then any cohesion in the army would crumble, and he would only need to defend against some weaklings for another minute to make it out alive. Zac directly charged at the quintet, but he didn''t have time to move before each of them produced a different treasure in their hands.


    "Four Gates!" one of the men shouted, and one massive doorway appeared in each direction around Zac.


    The doors cracked open, and four densely inscribed hands emerged, each one forming a different seal. Zac noticed there was a group of warriors behind the man who had created a War Array to support the summoning, but he didn''t have a chance to even attack before he was beset by a series of hallucinations.


    Not only that, it felt like the world was twisted an inverted. He saw that his hand moved when he tried to walk, and the world was suddenly upside-down. It was like all his wires had been crossed, and just making the smallest movement needed great focus. Eating one of the mental pills and cracking another defensive treasure did alleviate the symptoms somewhat, but it was still a struggle to understand what was going on around him.


    Zac knew he would have been able to improve the situation by infusing <strong>[Mental Fortress] </strong>with the Fragment of the Bohdi Rather than Fragment of the Coffin, but he knew that the still-struggling <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> would be destroyed if it lost its Dao empowerment. He really needed to take out these five new arrivals, he arduously split his attention from the wooden hand to shoot out a series of fractal des toward the group.


    "Six Directions!" a second cultivator shouted immediately as Zacunched his attacks, and six elongated Fractals formed a circle in the sky.


    Zac growled in annoyance when he saw that he had been trapped by a shield that blocked his strikes with only the smallest of cracks forming, and he realized that it might be even sturdier than the cage he created with <strong>[Profane Seal].</strong>


    But these people would soon understand he wasn''t someone they could trap so easily.

 Chapter 468: Restrained

    Chapter 468: Restrained


    Zac realized that breaking through the thick shield would be difficult from the outside, but the wooden hand was already presiding above the army outside of the shield. He needed to create an opportunity to let the punishment descend, which would hopefully ruin the array as well. He had a few options, but he ultimately chose to utilize one of the rings on his finger, which was another offensive treasure from the mentalist.


    He hoped that the mental attack would be able to breach the Six Direction''s shield, as it seemed physical in nature. It was unlikely they had prepared mental defenses after his disy upon entering the tower, after all. The ring on his finger cracked and Zac breathed out in relief when he saw the almost imperceptible wave slip through minute cracks between the six fractals and descend on the army.


    Another burst of Cosmic Energy entered Zac''s body as several cultivators instantly got their souls crushed, and many of the skills blocking <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> failed as warriors were forced to withstand a massive trauma to their souls. It seemed as though the group of five in the front were protected by some unknown means though, and they didn''t even flinch as the wave passed them by.


    The offensive treasure had fulfilled its purpose as the avatars that blocked <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>lost their vigor in an instant, and a massive branch finally managed to emerge from the emerald fractal in the sky. Chaotic storms of Cosmic Energy caused massive waves in the sky as warriors threw out defensive treasures and all sorts of talismans as ast-ditch effort, but everything was pushed aside or crushed as the massive branch descended.


    Only at thest moment was the wooden punishment stopped by a prismatic shield that reminded Zac of a soap bubble. Zac kept infusing the skill with more and more power though, and he felt like he was just missing a little bit to break thest line of defenses. One cultivator after another fell beneath the shield as they were overtaxed by the pressure, but the recements were seemingly endless.


    Zac suddenly had an idea and he took out an impressive-looking talisman from his Spatial Ring and threw it toward the army with a roar. The eyes of quite a few warriors widened in rm, and they quickly refocused their efforts to defend their minds from yet another concussive wave. The army had already been beset by two peak-grade soul-harming arrays, and many were probably hanging on by a thread.


    However, no mental attack emerged as the talisman cracked in front of the prismatic shield. Instead, a weak shield sprung up and covered a patch of dirt.


    The prismatic shield burst apart the next moment, and the wooden finger headed right toward the army with world-ending force. The branch mmed into therge square cobblestones of the square like the finger of an angry god and the whole area shook and heaved as Zac was inundated in a massive amount of Cosmic Energy. At least 50 people had died from the initial attack, and even more sported gristly wound from the shockwave.


    However, the attack wasn''t over just yet.


    Hundreds of sharp branches grew out of the tree and stabbed everything in its surroundings, causing another wave of carnage. It was just like when the spectral chains of <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>targeted the living inside its cage, and deste cries echoed across the core area of Base Town as one cultivator after another was impaled.


    Only then did the emerald array in the air dissipate while Zac lost his mental connection to the tree. It remained on the square though, its branches filled with the unmoving bodies of dozens of fallen warriors. It had turned into a twisted monument drenched in the blood of the elites of the sector, and hopefully it would serve as a reminder to choose life over wealth for anyone who had any ideas on Zac.


    Unfortunately, it seemed as though the group maintaining the two powerful arrays around him hade prepared, and another shield protected them from the fall-out from <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> as they prepared their next moves. It was bing increasingly apparent that this group of five was thergest threat unless there were even stronger people lying in wait in one of the pces that lined the square.


    "Heaven''s Punishment!" "Hell Suppression!" two more cultivators shouted in unison as Zac scrambled for a way to break the stalemate, leaving only the young man in the middle of the group of five unupied.


    A vast array in an unblemished white appeared in the sky, and it felt like his body was being slowly being ground to dust just by being covered in its lights. Zac wanted to get out the way, but a pitch-ck array suddenly covered the ground he stood on, and he helplessly fell down onto the cobblestones from an immense pressure.


    Zac''s whole body was immobilized by an almost unbearable weight, and the whole square around him cracked even though it was made from some mysterious material that didn''t even scar until he brought out <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>. The four arrays were no doubt at the absolute peak of what could be brought to the Base down, and they had even formed a system to create an even stronger effect.


    Just moving his arms was a struggle, and Zac started to worry for the first time as he saw the leader of the group prepare what would no doubt be the finale. He considered activating another defensive treasure pre-emptively, but he quickly decided against it. He was running low on Cosmic Energy by this point, and each activation took a good chunk of his reserves. He''d only activate another talisman if he saw a lethal attacking.


    He was also out of offensive treasures, leaving him unable to deal with any of the four arrays restricting him. He was almost out of options, and he knew he would have to pay a price to deal with this situation. However, he was unwilling to keep his head bowed down to some warriors relying on superior numbers.


    He remembered the feelings irreconciliation of the general in his vision; the frustration of being bested not by skills or hard work, but by being overwhelmed by sheer numbers. He would have done well to remember that general''s painful lesson, but he had walked into this fight with a feeling of superiority, that numbers were irrelevant to his superior might. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But he had been met with ingenious tactics and boundless ferocity, proving that not even someone who had stood shoulder to shoulder with the elites of the multiverse was safe. Death coulde at any time, from the most unlikely of perpetrators.


    Veins wiggled beneath his skin across his body as he forced himself back on his knees. The pressure was terrifying, but he was slowly adapting to it with the help of his insights into the Dao of Heaviness. Thinyers of skin were peeling off from his face and arms before rising toward the array above like he was spontaneously falling apart, but he ignored the pain as his wild eyes were trained at the group of warriors.


    The whole shield shuddered as Zac shed forward and cut into it with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, the weapon radiating sanguine light that painted the group red. The woman controlling the array paled from the bacsh, forced to take a step back. It did hold against his assault though, but Zac was just getting started.


    Power and rage coursed through his veins as he mmed one time after another, each strike containing enough force to split mountains. His whole body creaked and groaned from the pressure and wounds were opening up from just moving about, but he kept swinging his axe with relentless ferocity.


    The woman controlling the Six Directions array was empowered by a retinue running a War Array, but the supportive cultivators fell down with bleeding orifices as they were being overtaxed. Cracks started spreading across the shimmering wall, and just a bit would be enough to break through and reach these people.


    As long as he got into melee range things would be over, as no one here was his match in such close proximity.


    Zac''s eyes were filled with blood from the immense pressure from thebination of the suppressive array and <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, but the leader of the five looked into his with equanimity as he took out arge box and pointed it toward Zac. Zac''s danger sense screamed for him to move, but he first sent a mentalmand into his axe.


    A swirl of mysterious energies slipped through the cracks Zac had caused in the shield, and the primordial beast appeared in all its glory a secondter. Zac wasn''t the only one who had undergone a drastic change during the climb, Verun had gotten received its own share of opportunities.


    The beast was actually a bit smallerpared to before, but it was more condensed, more corporeal,pared to before. It was still five meters long and reached almost three meters into the air, making it a massive beastpared to anything that had lived on Earth at least. Its huge maw with its grisly fangs looked the same as before, but the number of eyes had actually increased on its head.


    It now had two sets of eyes, all four of them seemingly moving independent of each other as they looked for targets. Swirls of blood also slowly rotated around its paws, and Zac sensed a hint of the dragon''s primordial aura from the Tool Spirit. It released an earthshattering roar after having finally appeared after so long, and it immediately pounced on the cultivators on the square.


    Zac had initially wanted to force his way out of the shield, but he knew enough to listen to his danger sense. So he jumped back to avoid whatever the leader had nned. He didn''t know what was inside that box, but it felt extremely dangerous, even to him.


    Being forced to back off at this critical juncture was a disappointment, but the shield was seriously weakened and its controller seemed to be running out of steam. Verun was also causing mass panic among the cultivators outside, and together with the mass casualties from <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> he pretty much only had the five elites and their retinues to worry about. And he still had something that could easily turn the tides.


    Zac was still a bit hesitant though as he took out the rusty sword from his Spatial Ring.


    However, he had witnessed the power of the sinister weapon himself during the Battle of Fates. That swordsman had been able to utterly destroy <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>with the help of this cursed weapon, and if Zac hadn''t deactivated his skill in time he might even have lost his hand. It was his best option to end things in one go, especially now that the rabble had been mostly routed with the help of the massive tree''s descent.


    Besides, he didn''t want to waste any more of the mentalist''s jewelry. He would have wasted too many treasures before even returning to earth if he continued like this, and those things might be crucial in the uing fights against the Dominators. Zac gripped the dried-out leather of the hilt, and his wounds opened all over his arm as he forcibly started dragging it out of its scabbard.


    Blood fell on the ground like rain, and Zac roared into the sky as a storm of voices entered his mind. Odd veins started traveling up his arm from his sword as well, like the weapon was trying to fuse with his body. Even the exhausted remnants shuddered from the intrusion into his mind, but they weren''t in any condition to affect the course of events.


    Zac suppressed the voices with everything he got as he strained to finish the attack quicker.


    It almost felt like he was trying toplete the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>by unsheathing the de, and a huge chunk of his remaining Cosmic Energy was swallowed by the sword in an instant. But Zac didn''t care as he felt that a horrible power was brewing within the sword, and his arm bulged as he finally managed to drag out the reluctant weapon before the veins could spread above his elbow.


    A piercing wail echoed across the square and Zac''s vision doubled from the mental shock, but he still swung the weapon in a wide arc toward the cultivators running the arrays. He wasn''t sure whether there was a trick to using the weapon, so he tried to mimic the form of the swordsman as best as he could remember.


    The familiar white half-moon thankfully appeared, but it was covered in the same red pulsating veins as those snaking up along his arm. The strike had felt like a pure sword-strike when thenky swordsman used the weapon back on the 7th floor, but now it really felt like something an unorthodox cultivator would use. It hadn''t weakened the power of the strike though, but rather the opposite.


    Zac moved his mental energy and started infusing the de with the Fragment of the Axe for good measure. Zac got a rabid pushback from the weapon, but Zac growled and crammed it in, no matter what the crazy voices were screaming. The de shuddered and a few cracks appeared, but it quickly mended and continued to expand as it picked up more and more speed as it rushed toward the shield, now empowered with Zac''s most destructive Dao.


    It was like the edge was tapping an unceasing fount of power, and was soon sorge that the whole army would be hit if it managed to break out from its cage. Most of the surviving warriors had already started running for their lives after realizing their attacks passed straight through Verun''s body, and seeing the corrupted half-moon broke the will of the few remaining cultivators hoping to fish in muddy waters.


    Only the five cultivators stood their ground, and they seemed to have some confidence in theyers of restrictions they had superimposed on the square.


    "Breath of Cosmos!" the leader shouted, and he finally opened the box that he had held in his arms until now.


    A cloud of stardust emerged from the chest, and it drifted straight through the shield and toward the iing attack. The whole de was soon covered in a glistening cloud, and it looked like a beautiful neb. The aura of madness that the half-moon emitted waspletely swallowed by the dust, and Zac sensed that the cloud was slowly grinding it down.


    However, Zacs attack pushed forward with undeniable intractability, and it was like the mysterious cloud that had caused such a strong reaction in Zac''s mind only managed to nip at its heels. The leader looked extremely surprised at the turn of events before some worry started to show on his face.


    "Release your greatest attacks!" the leader shouted, as Cosmic Energy started to surge around his body.


    "This is not what we agreed upon!" another of the five retorted. "You guaranteed that the <strong>[Five Dimensional Seal]</strong> would restrain him! Does this look restrained to you?!"

 Chapter 469: Clashing Fates

    Chapter 469: shing Fates


    The man who had spoken up wasn''t the only one who looked at the leader with fear-induced anger, but another two of them seemed to be ready to leave then and there.


    "I''ll increase thepensation. Besides, he is still restrained even if he''s not incapacitated. We just need to break this attack and we''ll have won," the man said.


    The man looked unreconciled but he stillplied, and he took out a green finger from his Spatial Tool and swallowed it. The next moment he swelled over five times in size while an enormous cauldron appeared behind him, and heunched a punch that shuddered with power toward Zac. The attack caused a cascading series of putrid explosions to rock the area, and a few unlucky cultivators who had been maimed from the fight earlier were consumed as well, turning into brittle skeletons in an instant.


    The four elites followed suit, and all of them either transformed from an ultimate skill or caused an avatar to appear behind their backs. One of them seemed to be a lightning cultivator, and another summoned a beast that looked even more dangerous than Verun. The Tool Spirit roared in defiance, but it still stayed away from the five due to Zac''smand and kept routing the stragglers.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac was a bit out of it from the increasingly intrusive screams emerging from the tattered sword, but he could still hear their discussion. He was initially confused just who these five people were, as they were of mixed races and dressedpletely differently. It didn''t seem like they belonged to the same force, and this notion was only reinforced when they released their ultimate skills.


    From the conversation, it looked like a group of elites had decided to band together in other to incapacitate him. Zac guessed they had kept their aces in hopes that they would be able to snatch the final prize the moment he was lying within the arrays unable to even lift a finger.


    The two sides shed, and it felt like the world had frozen before cataclysmic waves of attuned energies spread in all directions, drowning the whole square in color. There was a very clear divide in the sky, with Zac''s side being white with red streaks, and the other half being a mix of colors representing the five elites.


    It looked like there was a stalemate taking ce, but Zac knew things weren''t that simple. His attack was one single wave of unadulterated power, whereas the other side was a mostly disjointed mix. It was only a matter of time before his attack would break through at which point things would go south very quickly for his enemies.


    The leader of the group seemed to have understood what was going going to happen as well, and he immediately took action. However, he neither tried another counter nor tried to run away, but he rather pped a talisman onto the back of the woman next to him, the cultivator responsible for the ''Six Directions Array''.


    She disappeared in a puff, leaving the others bbergasted.


    Their side had already been on the losing end of the confrontation, and they had suddenly lost a fifth of their power along with the powerful shield protecting them. The four remaining attacks crumbled in an instant, and the half-moon seized the opportunity pushed forward with furious momentum.


    One of the masters tried to run, but it seemed as though he was bogged down in a quagmire. He released a soundless scream as the half-moon bisected him, but Zac''s brows furrowed when he saw that the de actually seemed to swallow the man. The red veins crept out from the edge andtched onto the cultivator, and his body was drained in an instant.


    Most of the retinues that infused the five through War Arrays met the same fate, and only the leader managed to hold on by expending a series of defensive treasures. Zac finally couldn''t take the strain from holding the sword any longer, and he immediately put away the thing, causing the half-moon to disappear after releasing a wail of discontent.


    Zac shed forward the next moment and he activated the first fractal of <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> again, intending to end things then and there. The mob of cultivators was mostly dealt with, but as long as the man who had organized the assault was alive he wouldn''t feel safe. He was in front of the leader in an instant, and his axe shone with a sanguine glow as it fell toward his head.


    However, before Zacs attack had a chance to connect a ne lit around the man up, and Zac felt an all-consuming pain as the defensive charge of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> crumbled in an instant. His chest had been turned into a bloody mess yet again, and it was almost as bad as yesterday when he got punched by the Technocrat Captain.


    Thankfully Zac still possessed the final energies that the Shard of Creation had released during its rampage, and he quickly urged it to reform his torso before he passed out. It almost looked like time went in reverse as his body reformed in an instant, but the fact that his robes were broken and tattered was proof that he had been at death''s door just a second ago.


    The richly dressed youth gaped in shock and dismay as Zac''s axe bit into his body. The richly decked man tried to push the axehead out of his body, but Zac utterly overpowered him as he released a storm of rampant energies that turned the man''s insides into a mess.


    He somehow managed to stay alive, and their eyes met as the man clung to life.


    Im sorry. You needed to die for my dream toe true. My ending is well deserved, the cultivator weakly smiled before his volume rose to be heard across the square. I risked everything for power, but I failed. My ending has no rtion with my n.


    Zac didnt say anything, and the man died a just a few secondster. A lot of murmurs erupted from the cultivators who had spectated the battle from a safe distance, and a lot of people seemed to be recording the events into information crystals.


    Being recorded was pretty much expected, so he didnt care, but he rather readied his still bloody axe for any follow-up attacks. As expected, his mind suddenly felt a pang of danger, and he quickly turned around as <strong>[Evesting]</strong> appeared on his arm.


    However, the assassin who had wanted to take advantage of the moment Zac let his guard down found himself impaled on a ck spear as Ogras appeared out of his shadows. A burst of shadows ripped the man to pieces, and the demon walked up next to Zac as his face dripped with blood.


    Its over! the demon shouted. The quest is over, and Lord Piker has withstood the Trial of the Ruthless Heavens. We understand the allure of the reward and the effect of the Apparition, so well let all enmities stay in behind and dissipate in Base Town as we leave. But any further attempts on our lives here or out in the open world will be met with a vengeance of extreme proportions. If not today thenter.


    A snort escaped from Zacs nose even if he understood the severity of the situation. It was just like Ogras, appearing thest moment looking like a heroic defender of justice with his spear pointed at the skies. Zac knew full well that the demon was nowhere near as confident as he wanted to appear, but it was for the best that Ogras dealt with the fallout.


    Zac had immediately understood what Ogras was doing. He was trying to make minimize potential threats that could crop up in the future. They already had the Zethaya, Tsarun n, and The Great Redeemer to worry about, and causing a grudge with dozens of more families would neither do him nor Earth any good.


    He could only hope that the forces of the sector would take the death of their scions with stride. A few people dying should barely be noticeable for these huge forces as thousands died every day in their struggle to be stronger. Such was the life of a cultivator.


    If that wasnt enough the various forces still might on his good due to worry about what he might be in the future. He had reached the 9<sup>th</sup> floor, something that only had happened once in recent memory, which should be a huge indicator of great potential for the people in this sector.


    Thankfully it looked like no one wanted to fight any longer. Perhaps it was because the quest had ended, or perhaps it was because he was still essentially unscathed while the bodies of his enemies littered the whole square. The corpse-tree rising almost fifty meters into the air was also a poignant warning to anyone arrivingte.


    It was a relief, as he was currently pretty exhausted. Along with the bacsh from activating <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> he wouldn''t even be able to muster half his power right now. But there was one thing that cut through the fatigue; greed. Just as there were bodies strewn everywhere across the field, so were there Spirit Tools and Cosmos Sacks.


    His eyes turned to the man lying in front of him, the presumptive leader of the other side. He walked over toward the corpse and bent down to take the Spatial Ring on his finger. However, he stopped when he saw a man from the sidelines take a few steps toward him.


    Ah, Lord Piker, I mean no disrespect. But you might not want to take that mans possessions, a man hesitantly spoke up from the distance. That is Yeorav Dravorak, of the Dravorak Dynasty. You might want to let them take his body and belongings back.


    Zac looked down at the body in front of him without a change in expression, but some waves still rose in his heart. Was this the brother of Reoluv, the man whose Tower Apparition had given him the Fragment of the Coffin, and the greatest Genius in the sector for thousands of years? And more importantly, the Dravorak Dynasty was a peak force in the sector. How would they respond to one of their princes dying?


    Was this why the man had spoken up right before his death?


    But at the same time, wasn''t it toote by now for a show of respect? If the Dravorak wanted revenge, would him giving back the man''s body make any difference? If this had been inside The tower or in the wild, then Zac would definitely have looted the body before destroying it, but this had taken ce in front of hundreds of people.


    He wasn''t sure what the custom was regarding this, and he nced at the demon for assistance.


    "The young Prince was an honorable man, facing his fate with equanimity," Ogras said. "Hispanions can im him and his belongings. However, that only goes for the young prince. The rest bet their lives for power and wealth, and their possessions are Lord Piker''s rightful im for standing victorious. Everyone is free to im the bodies of the deceased though, to give them their final rites."


    Zac nced at the expressions of those standing in the distance, and from the looks of it the demon''s way of dealing with things wasn''t anything umon. However, his eyes widened when he saw the woman who he had just fought return. Her eyes were bloodshot as she looked down at Yeroluv Dravorak, before her eyes moved to meet Zac''s.


    Zac felt the demon next to him tense up, gearing up for a battle, but Zac stopped him with a shake of his head.


    I am sorry. I- she said before she looked down again with a shake of her head. I am sorry.


    She bent down and gingerly picked up the body of Yeorav before she slowly walked away from the square with the man in her arms. Zacs eyes followed the womans lonely back as she carried the body to the edge of the square before she squatted down. It didnt look like she was nning on avenging him or anything, but rather that she seemed at a loss of what to do next.


    Zac only shook his head with some heaviness.


    It sounded like that man had desperately needed to get the reward for taking him out, to the point that he had been willing to die for it. That didnt really make him evil though, but rather someone out of options. Zac knew the feeling all too well, having been forced to make decisions that went against his conscience to protect those around him.


    Ogras would probably have killed the lover as well if they hadnt been inside the Base Town where his actions might have triggered another quest, but Zac had no such intentions. It might be akin to releasing a wolf back into the forest, but what trouble could she possibly causepared to Yeoravs family?


    Zac didnt even have the energy to start specting the aftermath of killing a scion of the Dravorak Dynasty, and instead focused on the task at hand.


    I am Zac Piker, and I am not connected to any force, Zac said with a hoarse but carrying voice.


    He had long considered what he should say if he ever got to this point, and he was d to see the eyes light up among many of the scions.


    There is a man calling himself The Great Redeemer is heading for my, intent on sacrificing everyone on it for an evil ritual. I believe he is currently a Peak D-Grade Warrior, and he has some knowledge of the Dao of Karma, but thats all I know, Zac continued.


    This was the n. Hed simplyy the cards on the table. He had no bargaining skills, and his time was limited, so he wanted to create a sense of urgency. There should be a lot of C-Grade forces interested in making a connection with him, and everyone would want to be the first to tie him to their chariot.


    The scions looked a bit confused about the sudden change in topic, but a few eyes lit up inprehension as they realized what was going on.


    Ie from a weak recently integrated, and no one will be able to stop him. Taking care of a D-Grade Hegemon would be a small task for many of your ancestors, but it would be a favor I would forever remember. I am wi-" Zac said, but he was interrupted by a man who had just walked out of one of the pces.


    Wait! I know that man! the youth said with surprise. Hes the emunicated son of the Heliophos n! They have been looking for him for tens of thousands of years!


    Zacs eyes lit up when he heard the news. Things would only be easier if the man was actually a fugitive. Perhaps he could even count on this Heliophos n n to deal with the problem for him.


    But the drastic change in expression among the people quickly doused Zacs excitement.

 Chapter 470: Friends and Foes

    Chapter 470: Friends and Foes


    People who had already spoken up of their support suddenly looked troubled, and a few others were even walking away without hesitation. Just what was going on? He quickly looked over at Ogras, but he shook his head in confusion as well.


    Zac could only guess they were another peak force, and he looked over at Gu for confirmation.


    Ah This Gu stammered, clearly unwilling to broach the subject in front of such arge audience. I think you should speak with Heliophos n before doing anything else.


    Zac slowly nodded as he looked at the troubled faces of the people around him.


    Is there anyone here who belongs to the Heliophos n? Zac asked.


    The Heliophos n isnt abat-oriented family, so they dont climb the Tower of Eternity, the youth from earlier said after the silence had stretched on for a while. They are a solitary n focusing on divination and fate augmentation.


    Zac inwardly groaned in annoyance when he put two and two together. These people didnt want to risk causing a rift with a n full of Karmic Cultivators. They might find that their n was on the brink of ruination a few hundred yearster without knowing what had happened. No one wanted to be the one to take out The Great Redeemer if it meant making such a troublesome enemy.


    He was about to ask the merchant to rify just how powerful the Heliophos n was, but he suddenly noticed that the crowd was giving way for someone to reach the front. Was there actually someone who could speak for this odd n here?


    Now that was something else, a slightly amused voice said, and young cultivators hurriedly scurried out of the way to give room to a young woman.


    Zac looked over and almost took a step back in shock, as the woman looked almost identical to someone he had seen before. The neer was almost a picture-perfect copy of the mysterious Draugrdy who had given him the miasmic fractals in his mind, and whose presumed husband he had just met in another vision.


    Behind her two Revenants walked in pace, one of which radiated an aura that was at leastparable to the man he had just taken out. If such an elite was just an attendant, then the Draugr might be frightfully powerful, even if Zac couldn''t gauge anything from her appearance alone. Add to that the vast resources of the Undead Empire, and this small group might be an even bigger threatpared to those he had just fought.


    However, they didn''t emit any killing intent, but rather the opposite. It was like the Draugr was looking at him like he was some long-lost brother or something. Was this a huge coincidence? Or was this the System messing with his fate somehow? He warily stared at her, trying to figure out what her aim was.


    You dont need to worry about me. Im not even from this star sector, I wouldnt care even if you killed everyone in this ce, she smiled. In fact, Im a friend and Ie bearing gifts.


    Almost forty bloody heads appeared in front of her the next second.


    "I... encouraged a few forces to stay away from this matter as I wanted to meet with you, she said as she looked down at the heads like they were a pile of garbage. I also dealt with the Tsarun n for you, so that we would be able to talk uninterrupted.


    What do you want? Zac asked suspiciously before he looked down at the heads with a grimace.


    It wouldnt be an exaggeration to say that things had deteriorated into an irreconcble feud with the Tsarun n after this.


    It made no sense that this Draugr wanted to make friends with him. The Undead Empire wasnt strictly xenophobic, but they seldom mingled with the living. Or did she simply need a strong F-Grade ally for some task? Or more likely, was she able to sense his connection to Be''Zi somehow?


    "I think it''s a discussion best held in private," the Draugr said, not offering any clues.


    A- My friend, a familiar voice said as Boje Zethaya scurried forward. I feel terribly apologetic about the mess caused by my inattentiveness the other day. Why dont you use my familys abode to conduct any meetings you might have?


    Well, shall we? the Draugr said as she sauntered toward the Pill House with the powerful-looking revenant silently walking behind her.


    Zac only hesitated for a second before he decided to check things out. This girl wasn''t even from this Sector, which meant she had a pretty strong backing. Traveling between sectors was something that only the extremely powerful or the exorbitantly wealthy could do.


    It was a possibility that she came from some big shot family of the Undead Empire, and she might even be able to solve the problem on Earth with a few words. One newly integrated couldnt be very important in the wider scope of things. It was absolutely worth exploring further.


    He first turned to Ogras and Gu who had walked over as well, but still stood some distance apart from the gathered mob.


    "Will you two be fine?" Zac asked.


    "I- I need to talk with my cousins," Gu said with a slightly hollow voice.


    "Tell me if you need help with anything," Zac nodded.


    "I''lle with you after dealing with the battlefield. You talk with the Draugr, I''ll stay outside and see if I can find out some more about that n. I don''t believe there isn''t a single force that''s brave enough to stick their neck out and help deal with that old goating for us," the demon said.


    Zac nodded as he looked around at the square full of corpses. His eyes moved to a corpse lying just a few meters away, a stocky humanoid holding a beautiful blue sword which hummed with spirituality. Ogras looked over as well, and a shadow tendril brought over the sword.


    "Water attuned," the demon muttered. "Might be suited for old man Trang."


    Zac nodded before his eyes turned toward the merchant who was scurrying toward one of the roads leading toward the outer sector of Base Town. However, he didn''t get far before one scion after another approached him. Finally, two stunning beauties dispersed the crowds before they led Gu to a pce facing the square.


    "They seem to know him. The Peak girl?" Ogras muttered as he shot a nce at the merchant just as they walked into the grand building.


    "Perhaps," Zac nodded. "We haven''t done anything evil in his presence though, and the Peak family might prove our best shot at dealing with this mess. Let them sound Gu out while I talk with the Draugr."


    Zac left the demon to deal with the clean-up, and he only personally took the Spatial tools of the three elites who had assisted Yeorav before he walked toward the Pill House. He couldn''t stop his curiosity though, and he took a look at his status screen he walked.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>75</strong>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F-Rare] Hatchetman</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner, Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Middle, Fragment of the Coffin - Early, Fragment of the Bodhi - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1253 [Increase: 81%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>590 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1453 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 189%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>784 [Increase: 84%. Efficiency: 189%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>293 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>494 [Increase: 60%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>285 [Increase: 86%. Efficiency: 179%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 6 862 770 130 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac wryly smiled as he looked at his status screen. He had been worried about being able to reach 1000 Strength at all, but he had suddenly shot way past his goal. However, he quickly realized that all of it didn''te from his upgraded Dao Fragment, but there were actually two new titles as well.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>[Peak Power: Reach 5000 Attribute Points while still in F-Grade Reward: Effect of Attributes +5%]</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    As expected, there was another Title for reaching a monstrous number like 5000 attribute points while still at F-Grade. However, he wasn''t as sure about just how rare it was any longer after witnessing the Battle of Fates and his Mid-Grade Dao Fragment.


    One Dao Fragment awarded 550 attribute points, which together with the effect of titles closed in on a thousand points. If someone had a couple of them, or perhaps even a Late-Stage Dao Seed, then reaching 5000 attribute points wouldn''t be all too difficult. However, that wasn''t all he gained, as he had actually gained another title, though this one was limited.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th [Limited]: Attain the 14th best all-time result in the Zecia Sector. Reward: Strength, Endurance, Vitality, Luck +6%. Effect of Strength, Endurance, Vitality +6% ]</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He was honestly a bit surprised about being only the fourteenth position. It was still an extremely good result, but he had only heard of the Eveningtide Asura. But then again, the sector was probably extremely old, and outliers were bound to appear now and then over millions of years.


    However, he noticed that his recently gained title rted to the Terminus was missing in his status screen, though he could still find it if he opened the actual title screen. It was a bit odd, but he honestly felt it was for the best. What if some old monster had the ability to spy on his status screen? Having seen the Terminus might only cause a bunch of problems for him.


    Normally he would have looked through his status screen a bit longer, but he had things to do and time was limited. He soon walked through the passageway into the Pill House, and there was no array impeding him this time. Zac almost felt as though he had dreamed that the ce had been turned into a pile of rubble just one day ago, as the ce looked almost like a carbon-copy of its predecessor.


    Boje was already waiting in the lobby, and Zac was personally led by the man to the second floor.


    "Let us know if there''s anything else you need," he said as he stopped outside a room.


    "Do you have any more of those cherries?" Zac asked before walking inside.


    "A- No? I thought you..." Boje stammered a bit, looking a bit confused.


    "I had to use it on myself in the tower, so I need another soul-healing treasure for the intended recipient, Zac exined.


    "Oh, I see," Boje said with a troubled face. "I am afraid I don''t have anything on me. If you give me a week I''ll be able to send for something from my family, and I''ll be happy to directly gift it to you."


    "I''m leaving today," Zac said with a shake of his head. "See if you can find out if anyone has something that would work."


    "We''d be happy to," Boje said before he handed Zac two tokens after some thought. "This teleportation token leads to one of our main stores, and the insignia gives you the status of an esteemed guest. You will be able to order a medicine tailored for your friend there, and our resident alchemist will immediately concoct it. Such a pill would not have any secondary effects like the Cherry might have produced, but its healing efficacy will be at least of the same level, probably higher."


    Zac''s eyes lit up and he immediately epted the two tokens. He wouldn''t personally go there until he could be certain about his safety, but he might be able to send someone else there if he couldn''t find any solution for Alea in the short run.


    "Thank you. You can speak with Ogras if there is anything else," Zac nodded.


    He couldn''t help but feel some sort of vindication as he stepped inside the room. Last time he hade here as a nobody, a supplicant begging for resources. Now he was a bigshot who got things done with a wave of his hand, and he''d be lying if he said that it didn''t feel pretty nice.


    "I didn''t have a chance to introduce myself earlier," the Draugr smiled as Zac closed the door behind him. "I am Catheya Sharva''Zi. I am from what you would call the Empire Hearnds."


    "Why have youe to this remote corner of the universe then?" Zac asked with some confusion. "Shouldn''t be anything of interest here."


    "My master is looking for a certain opportunity to break through," Catheya said. "He received some clues that made us pass by this frontier region. But he suddenly had a bout of inspiration and had to enter seclusion for a few years. I got bored and chose to visit the Tower."


    Zac only wryly smiled as he sat down. Having a big tree like a great master to depend on seemed to allow for a pretty leisurely lifestyle.


    Did you know? It has been over a million years since someone breached the 8<sup>th</sup> floor in this sector, the Draugr said as she nced at the Revenant standing by the side.


    He nodded and produced an exquisite teapot out of nowhere and expertly poured Zac a cup before he lit a stick of mild incense.


    The Eveningtide Asura, Zac nodded, ignoring the drink for now.


    Yes, Catheya said. You two are more simr than you might think. He was a Progenitor as well.


    Zac frowned as she looked at the Draugr. Had she found out about Earth, and was nning to use it against him?


    I mean nothing by my words, Catheya smiled as she handed over a crystal. Take a look by yourself.


    Zac gave Catheya another nce as he quickly scanned the contents.


    EzMahal, Zac snorted, some fury erupting in his chest again.


    Those scumbags werent content with treating the Earthlings like cattle, but they even dared to ce a bounty on his head? He wondered what their reaction would be after hearing about his deeds inside the Tower of Eternity.


    It seems you have looked into me while I climbed. Why? I have no connection to your Undead Empire, Zac said as he stashed away the information crystal.


    I wouldnt be so sure about that, Catheya said with a smile. "I was somewhat convinced when I saw you when you entered the tower, but now I am certain. You and I are connected, I know it. You even smell like one of us."


    Zac didn''t say anything, but he was pretty surprised about herstment. Did he actually smell like a Draugr?

 Chapter 471: Quid Pro Quo

    Chapter 471: Quid Pro Quo


    Iz Tayn slowly walked through the vast gardens in her home, not sparing the divine flowers a second nce until she reached a burning mountain.


    Hello, uncle. Is grandpa awake? she asked, and the ground started to shake the next moment.


    Enormous pieces of rocks rearranged themselves, and the mountain turned into a golem hundreds of meters tall. Its whole body was covered in extremely dense scriptures to the point that not a single inch of its body wasnt covered with fractals. Iz always liked looking at the mysterious patterns while meditating, but she had other things to do today.


    Master has been expecting your return, he is awake, the enormous golem rumbled as it stretched out a finger that was over a dozen meters wide.


    Iz disappeared in a puff of mes the next moment, and the fiery flowers and red sky were reced with the boundless cosmos. In front of her a scorching sun hovered in the void, with an impossiblyrge man sitting on top of it. The man looked to be an amalgam of man and mes, and the heat he emanated far eclipsed the sun beneath him.


    It was Mohzius Tayn, her grandfather.


    Iz was just a speck of dustpared to the terrifying size of her ancestor. However, the scales of the cosmos somehow changed, and the gargantuan man was suddenly the same size as Iz herself, and the sun even smaller than her own <strong>[Worlds End]</strong>.


    How did it go? the middle-aged man asked with a warm smile.


    51 Days, Iz said as the bored expression she usually wore outside became increasingly animated. You lied! It wasnt exciting at all. Thest guy was pretty tough, but it was just one long slog."


    Ha! Mohziusughed, and the star beneath him flickered as it shared the mans mood. Old Man Rivers descendant in your cohort took over 65 days to break the ceiling. I cant wait to see his face when he hears about this.


    My age group? Theleferos is almost twenty thousand years old, Iz snorted, but she was still secretly happy about her grandpas expression.


    Seeing his smile more valuable than the titles and new treasures she received, since her grandpa had been pretty down since her grandma had to leave.


    Still the young generation, Mohzius smiled. By the way, havent you only been gone for a few days? Why didnt you stay and y with your friends? I am sure we have a nice house by the tower.


    What friends? Just a bunch of people who only thinks about benefits and getting stronger all day, Iz muttered before her eyes lit with excitement. I met someone interesting inside the Tower though! But I need your help, grandpa.


    Hm? Met someone? A boy? the old man said, a frown quickly appearing on his face.


    Yes, but I just found him interesting," Iz hurriedly exined.


    Bringing someone out from that spatial fold is quite troublesome, the man muttered. Your uncle cant do it without getting hurt, and I cant leave this ce for the next few centuries.


    No, hes not someone from that ce, Iz said with a shake of her head as she described her encounter on the 7<sup>th</sup> floor.


    Dual sses and dual races? And you say hes a human rather than a wanderer? her grandpa said, looking a bit interested. Sounds like a mutated constitution or a twinned soul. Perhaps even the fusion of two individuals with interwoven fates.


    But he somehow managed to remove the marking just after I returned. Can you help me? Iz entreated.


    That is much easier, the man nodded, and a small mote of me split off from the sun and entered Izs forehead.


    A small rune emerged a few secondster, and the man grabbed it in his hand.


    He seems to havepletely blown up his torso to rid himself of the mark, Mohzius said with a smile. A gutsy fellow. But he didnt notice the branding on his spirit body. I strengthened it a bit, he wont be able to remove it easily now. But why do you want to see him?


    No particr reason, Iz shrugged. I was bored and he was interesting, so I thought I would go visit and take a look. Besides, he called me a lunatic, he owes me an exnation.


    Remember to not go around causing trouble in the lower realms, the man sternly said. Most people are just trying to live their lives.


    I know, grandpa, Iz muttered.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Fine, the old man eventually relented. You can go when you have undergone your next bloodline evolution and formed your first Dao Branch.


    But that can take decades! Iz eximed.


    Just the blink of an eye," Mohzius smiled. "Better work hard."


    Fine. Ill go and break through now. Goodbye, grandpa, Iz Tayn said before she looked up at the stars. Goodbye, grandma.


    The next moment she disappeared from the remote star system, leaving the giant sitting on his sun. However, a massive w ripped through the fabric of space, and a scar evenrger than the celestial body appeared the next moment.


    An eye of impossible proportions gazed down through the tear, and just its gaze put tremendous pressure on the whole star system. However, the giant wasnt worried in the least, but rather looked up with a smile matching the one that was usually reserved for his sole granddaughter.


    It seems youre well on the way of getting better. Just a few dozen millennia and you might be able to descend, he said with barely restrained tion.


    I didnt hear everything just now. Has little Iz met a boy? And you actually wanted to send her into his arms? a booming voice echoed across the cosmos.


    Iz is more talented than both of usbined, but shecks the drive and curiosity to walk toward the Terminus. I am hoping that she will find something worth fighting for, like how I fought for you all those years ago, Mohzius said, his smile widening.


    A snort could be heard from within the void, and the whole star system shook in response.


    If my granddaughter runs away with some man before I can even meet her, Ill fight it out with you, old man, the voice said as white mes danced in the eye. How dare he call my beautiful granddaughter a lunatic. He better note to this sector of space.


    Yes dear, the old man smiled as he closed his eyes, some wistfulness shing in their depths. You should go back now. I can only hold back the Heavens for so long.


    "How do you know my ancestor? Is she your master?" Catheya asked point-nk, her pitch-ck orbs boring into Zac''s eyes.


    Zac was about to respond, but he suddenly felt a small pang of pain in his chest. He was already feeling pretty wretched after the fight, and he couldnt help but wonder if the cursed sword had left some lingering threats.


    However, he felt fine except the exhaustion and a quick inspection couldnt pinpoint any issues, so he returned his attention back to the Draugr sitting in front of him.


    Its not what you think, Zac finally said after the pause.


    Then what? She said, leaning forward in eagerness.


    There is an Incursion of the Undead Empire on my home, Zac slowly said, ignoring the question. Can you deal with it?


    Catheya froze for a second before she wryly sighed.


    No. I am willing to pay a lot for information pertaining to my ancestor, but I cannot help you in that regard, she said with a shake of her head.


    Why not? Zac said with a frown. One small shouldnt matter to you guys.


    It doesnt really, but there are a few iron-dmandments in the Empire. The first one is cohesion. Undead Kingdoms cannot go to war against each other. Skirmishes for unimed resources and are okay, but full-scale wars are banned. The secondmandment is the Commandment of Conquest, she said.


    Conquest? Zac repeated.


    All the Kingdoms of the Empire have a quota to expand, and no one is allowed to hinder a crusade. I could take over the Incursion if I could somehow make my way to your, but I would still be bound byw to conquer the, she said.


    Why? Zac said with incredulity.


    Do you know the history of our people? Catheya asked.


    I just know the Undead Empire is older than the System, Zac shrugged.


    Well, the undead races are older, but the Undead Empire is not, she said. Do you know about the Darkness?


    What? The Darkness? Zac said, the rapid change of topics throwing him off-bnce.


    When the System was born, the universe was drained of its energy to feed its usurpation of the heavens. The path of cultivation was cut off, she said.


    Zac nodded in understanding. Alyn had told him about this while she exining the origin of the System.


    For most races it was a great inconvenience, but for the Undead Races it was a cmity. Our existence is dependent on death-attuned energies, and when the universe was being drained so was our lifeline, Catheya said.


    Zacs eyes immediately widened in understanding. This was something he hadnt considered. If all Cosmic Energy was suddenly gone, then Zac would live as he did before the Integration. But his Draugr-side would be screwed.


    Even just sitting around would slowly expend miasma, though nowhere near the amounts that were expended during battle. But he would no doubt die within the year if he didnt have any Miasma Crystals to top himself off.


    But Zac remembered that the Darkness as Catheya called it hadsted over a million years. How did the undead races survive for so long? He could only imagine that more powerful warriors required a lot of Miasma to just survive.


    The Founders and the Undead Princes searched the whole universe for pockets of energies that could sustain us, but over 95% of our poption sumbed before we found the Hearnds. Since then theres been a standing order to realign the universe, because if the whole Multiverse is death-attuned well never be without a lifeline again. So we will never stop expanding.


    Thats Crazy, Zac sighed.


    Well, Catheya said with a smile. Only the fanatics take the mission seriously nowadays. But conflict is still the cornerstone of progress, and The Ruthless Heavens is very much in favor of the way were doing things as it causes conflict everywhere. That by itself provides us with some special benefits. Besides, we cannot disobey themandments since they are coded into our bloodlines by the Primo.


    The Primo? Zac asked.


    I cannot discuss the Primo, Catheya said with a shake of her head.


    Zac sighed with a nod. He could only guess that the Primo was either the founder of the Undead Empire or the current Emperor. It didnt really matter though. What mattered was the fact that there was no way for the Draugr in front of him to settle the Incursion.


    However, the Undead Incursions was just the first of the many threats that Earth was facing, and he was pretty confident in dealing with it on his own after all his recent gains.


    What about the thing I mentioned out in the square? You said youre not from this sector, so you wouldnt care about offending these guys, right? Zac probed.


    Im not sure how I would be able to help with this matter? He sounds like someone on hisst legs. I doubt he would care for a second that your was under the protection of some powerhouse unless the powerhouse was actually standing guard over the, Catheya slowly said. I also dont carry anything that can kill someone that strong with any guarantee, since items of that grade cant be taken to this ce.


    Cant your n do something? Zac askes with some helplessness.


    My master probably wouldnt mind killing that guy if I asked him. He has no love for the unorthodox cultivators. But we have no means to find him. He could be anywhere in this sector, and him being versed in the Dao of Karma which makes him twice as slippery. Do you have a token to summon my master if needed?


    A- Zac stammered, realizing that there were ring issues in his n of getting a patron.


    I am willing to join a force as long as they can provide protection of Earth, Zac said.


    Well, that might work, though not with me. Undead Kingdoms and forces cannot form alliances with the living, with you being targets of conquest and all. We could strike an unofficial partnership though, the Draugr smiled. But there are a lot of problems with this n.


    Problems how? Zac asked.


    Is my ancestor alive? Catheya smiled, but the effect was extremely creepy if youbined it with her dead eyes.


    Zac sighed and mulled it over for a second.


    She was alive three months ago to the best of my knowledge. Or well, alive by undead standards I guess? Zac said. What problems?


    Shes really alive?! Catheya eximed, even standing up in excitement.


    Zac was pretty sure by this point that the Draugrdy in his vision was an ancestor to the one in front of him, one that seemed to have gone missing. Had she perhaps left her n behind due to issues stemming from the Splinter of Oblivion? She was clearly extremely powerful, and if she went mad it wouldnt be just a small Pill House going up in smokes.


    She might blow up a whole.


    It was a great bargaining tool for Zac though. She clearly was anxious to learn about her ancestor, and she seemed toe from an extremely powerful faction of one of the oldest forces in the Multiverse. She was probably the most knowledgeable person he had met, perhaps with the exception of some of the scions he had met during the fight on the 7<sup>th</sup> floor.


    It was time to get his moneys worth.


    The problems? Zac reminded.


    Well, you can technically join a faction, either as an ally or a subordinate. But that doesnt mean that you can get the help you need, Catheya said after havingposed herself. First of all, travel will not be possible as your world probably hasnt met the requirements to connect with the multiverse. You cant even teleport to local factions, how are you going to teleport to other factions of the sector?


    So theres no hope? Zac said with some bleakness.


    Well, most people here have tokens to give out. You could technically form an agreement now, and then use the token to fetch a powerhouse to assist you. The one going would need to be aary Leader though, since others wouldn''t be able to bring anyone back while the is closed-off," Catheya said.


    "How do you know this?" Zac asked. "Seems like a pretty specific rule."


    "I''ve led an incursion myself," Catheya exined as it was a matter of course. "That''s how I met Varo over there. I guess you could say he was that''s version of you. Anyway, the rules are pretty much the same for an invader, so I read up on how things worked. It''s a bit more convenient for the invader though, as the world immediately gets integrated after the conquest is done with. But you will still be cut-off for a hundred years even if you win."


    Zac''s eyes turned toward the silent Revenant, and he couldn''t help but shudder. Would this have been the fate of himself and Kenzie if he hadn''t managed to umte enough power? The Revenant seemed to feel the gaze, and he opened his eyes and looked over at Zac.


    "That was him, I am me. We''re nothing but strangers fated to never meet," Varo said before he once again closed his eyes.

 Chapter 472: Arcane

    Chapter 472: Arcane


    Oh? Io said, looking up from his position in the middle of the Data Array.


    The thousands of screens around him faded away as he stood up and walked out, taking in the fresh breath of air for the first time in almost a year. He didnt like to be away from his array for too long, so he immediately made a beeline toward the restricted area in the middle of the sect.


    Io was just a peak D-Grade warrior, but he was still let into the hidden realm without any hassle after shing a token. A guard even arranged for transportation to where he needed to go, and he stood in front of the Lake of Sce after just a couple of hours.


    Being friends with a Grand Deacon had its benefits.


    Oh? I thought I would have to drag you outside for you to leave your little cave, aughing voice echoed out across theke.


    I experience far more in the Data Array than I could ever do with my own two eyes, Io said with a smile as he drifted over to the small ind in the middle. How are things on your end?


    Io and AFeris came from the same world, so Io had helped him gain his footing in the sect, which had formed a friendship that hadsted for eons. AFeris had passed him by in terms of cultivation long ago, and was now one of the elites of the force.


    Same as usual, AFeris said with a smile as he poured a cup of tea for his old friend. Something iscking. I need some impetus to take the next step, but it eludes me.


    You still look quite calm, Iomented.


    Well, my road has taken me further than I ever expected. Even if it stopped here it wouldnt be the worst of fates, AFerisughed.


    How about taking a disciple? Io smiled. Some have found the experience rewarding, and have even managed to break through their barriers that way.


    Why would I want to get bogged down with one of those snotty brats who keep relying on their elders to solve all their little problems? AFeris snorted with derision before he looked at Io with suspicion. Wait, why are you saying this right now? What have you found out through your Array? Or do you have some descendants you''ve hidden from me?


    I just received a report of an outlier in the Zecia sector, Io said as he took a sip of the tea.


    Zecia? I havent heard of it, AFeris said. What sort of outlier?


    It is one of the frontier sectors that could tentatively be said to be within our domain, though ownership of those sectors is quite contested as you know, Io exined. Someone just reached the 9<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity, though just the entrance.


    Tower of Eternity? AFeris muttered. Havent heard of that ce in a long time. So who was it?


    His name is Zac Piker, but thats all I know, Io said. "It is likely a pseudonym though."


    Thats it? AFerisughed. Is this the limits of the so-called Living Library?


    I am guessing he is a wandering cultivator or a Progenitor. The established forces in that kind of ce dont have the means to nurture that level of elite, so those who appear are the results of a series of lucky encounters. Of the 14 people who have passed the 8<sup>th</sup> floor in the Zecia sector, 11 of them have been unattached, Io said.


    A gem in the rough, AFeris muttered. What path is he following?


    I just found out about his existence, no real information has leaked out yet, Io said. One of our agents will know more in a few hours. I thought Id let you know before others learn of it. I will only be able to block the information from leaking for a day or two though.


    Discipleship AFeris muttered as his fingers ran along the grisly weapon that never left his side. We will see. Its not just a matter of convenience, but also of fate. He might be someone worth nurturing, but he needs to walk a simr path as mine. Otherwise both our times would be wasted.


    ---------------


    It was a pretty odd situation.


    The man had essentially been killed by Catheya and turned into a revenant, but he still seemed happy enough to follow her. But Zac knew that realignment wasnt anything evil in the eyes of the undead after his stay at the Undead Kingdom during his climb. It was the same as waking up someone who had been sleepwalking.


    What if I sign a contract with the scions here? Zac asked as he turned back to Catheya, getting back to the topic at hand. Something along the line that they cannot attack me and promise to provide assistance, in return for me joining their force.


    The people here are just juniors, they cant speak for their elders, Catheya said with a shake of her head. Besides, there are ways for the elders to forcibly break the contracts as the difference between them and you is so vast. Then they can simply make up some reason for why they apprehend you before they steal all your treasures and dig out your secrets. They might even hand you over to that Heliophos n to curry favor.


    So what should I do? Zac asked. I cant be the first guy who has needed to hire someone much stronger than me."


    Of course not. But you have stood out too much. You definitely have a bunch of secrets on you, to the point that even I am extremely curious. Maintaining reputation in the face of such a huge potential gain is nothing, Catheya smiled.


    Zac slowly nodded, and he remembered Yrial''s situation. He had almost lost his life multiple times to so-called righteous factions who wanted his treasures without paying for them. There was no right and wrong in the Multiverse, there was only power and benefits. Crushing a token to arrive at a foreign force full of D- and C-Grade Hegemons would be like serving himself up on a tter if there were no safeguards in ce.


    The fact that The Great Redeemer was from a powerful n of Karmic Cultivators only made the situation messier.


    The only force he felt he could somewhat trust was the Peak family, but he wasntpletely ready to put his life in their hands. But it was ast-ditch solution if everything else failed. He could head over to their ce if he got a token from Pretty. Even if he ended up captured he would probably have a better ending than whatever The Great Redeemer had nned.


    "Do you have any solution? Just preventing him from finding my is enough for now," Zac said as he exined the situation with the Dominators and the beacon he had destroyed with the help of the old abbot.


    Cutting off any Karmic Ties before he reaches your ne is your best bet, as it doesn''t matter how close or far he is from your then. He will not be able to find you through the spatial folds of the sector without any guidance, at least not while The Ruthless Heavens is shrouding your world. And I do have something for that actually, Catheya slowly said as she turned to the Revenant behind her. Go fetch the 8<sup>th</sup> and 23<sup>rd</sup> treasures.


    The local chapter will require remuneration, Varo slowly said.


    Thats fine, she said with a disinterested wave.


    The man nodded and blended into the shadows with a bow.


    What are the treasures? Zac asked with interest.


    He probably had a lot of good things in his bag, but he had no idea what most of them were. Besides, even if they were valuable there was no guarantee that they''d be able to help him with his current predicaments.


    The 8<sup>th</sup> treasure is called <strong>[Lantern of Fate]</strong>. Anyone it illuminates will have their karmic ties exposed, and you will even be able to destroy the ties with enough effort. The wearer will also be immune from forming karmic ties when its activated, Catheya said.


    Zac''s eyes lit up, as it sounded like a treasure that produced the karmic ties that the Abbot had allowed him to see for a short while.


    This was exactly what he needed to make sure there were no lingering ties between Earth and The Great Redeemer after he had dealt with the Dominators. It could solve any potential issue stemming from his repeated contact with the Redeemer, and make sure that nothing was wrong with those who had almost been possessed during the activation of the Dao Funnel.


    And the 23<sup>rd</sup>? Zac asked with mounting excitement.


    A peak E-Grade treasure of erasure. Use it on the corpses of the underlings of the Redeemer, and any hidden karmic links will be severed. We use those kinds of treasures before we create new subjects with... troublesome histories. No one wants an insanely strong powerhouse toe for you to reim the body of a descendant," Catheya said with a wry smile.


    "Both these two items are yours in return for the information Im looking for. You will have to sign a contract saying that the treasures cannot be used against the forces of the Undead Empire though, she added.


    Deal, Zac nodded without hesitation.


    It was a bit disappointing that she wasnt able to directly help with neither The Great Redeemer nor the Undead Incursion. However, he wasnt really worried about the invaders any longer. He had gained far more than expected during his visit to the Tower of Eternity, and he had great confidence in dealing with the Lich King.


    He had hoped to get some help with the incursion to be able to dy his evolution. He had made a lot of improvements in the tower, but he had been too rushed to make gains. If he could have a couple of months to figure out what was going on with his Dao fusions and what to do about the two items in his head he would probably be able to get even better sses.


    So? Catheya asked with a raised brow.


    Let me see the treasures first, Zac said with a smile, taking a cue from the paranoid demon.


    Fine, she snorted.


    By the way, do you know the requirements from the system for it to consider ones path a Creation? Zac asked instead as they waited for the Revenant to return.


    Big appetite, already grasping for an Arcane ss? Catheya smiled.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Something like that, Zac said, not denying it.


    He had passed the 8<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity. It shouldnte as a shock that someone like him wanted to get the best possible rarity for their ss.


    You should think long and hard before taking that step, Catheya said.


    Why wouldnt I want to get an Arcane ss? Zac asked with some skepticism.


    Was this another lecture like that of Alyn? To pursue greatness through mediocrity.


    Have you changed your view of cultivation since your world got integrated? Catheya asked.


    Of course, Zac nodded.


    Will you change it again?


    Probably, Zac responded after a short deliberation.


    Well, there you go, Catheya smiled.


    What? Zac said, not following the logic.


    The Arcane ss gives you a bit more attributes and a few other benefits, but you shouldnt think of it as something as simple as the next step after Epic rarity. Getting an Arcane ss is confirming your path of cultivation, and doing so is irrevocable, she said.


    Irrevocable? What does that mean? Zac asked with confusion.


    It means that you cannot change directions any longer. The path you chose will the path you will have for the rest of your life. If your Creation is substandard, then your path of cultivation will be cut short, Catheya exined. Arcane sses are probably extremely rare in this sector, but they are moremon where I am from. However, most people hold off on choosing them untilter in their life.


    Whats the difference between choosing now andter? Zac asked, though he had an inkling.


    Were just children, Catheya said. Our understanding of the Dao and the universe is shallow at best. Choosing an Arcane ss immediately is like choosing your future profession as a child. You dont know what you are doing. So people wait until their understanding bes deeper and the Creation bes more refined.


    "You lose some attributes, but trying to maximize attributes is a fool''s venture in any case, the Draugr continued. "What is important is your path and your Dao. They will take you past the bottlenecks, a few extra points in Strength will not."


    The room turned silent as Zac looked down at his hands with a frown. He would have to confirm that she was telling the truth about Arcane sses, but what should he do if it was the truth? He felt that his creation was extremely high tier since it followed the path of Life and Death, which might even be turned into that of Creation and Oblivion with the help of the Splinter of Oblivion and the Shard of Creation.


    But was that enough? There were still huge obstacles to ovee. He still couldnt use the energies as he pleased, and he was essentially fumbling in the dark about most aspects. Besides, he wasn''t even sure if his ideas would even work any longer after the changes just before he left the tower. The pathways to <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> had been rebranded, and he hadn''t been able to confirm whether they even worked like before.


    What would happen if he chose an Arcane ss based on such rickety foundations? His whole future might be ruined since he grasped for too much, just like Alyn had warned him of.


    The silence stretched on for another four minutes until the revenant returned with two boxes.


    This is thentern, Catheya smiled. Be careful not to use it constantly. It consumes life-force to run.


    Lifeforce? How much? Zac said with a frown.


    One minutes use will result in a year lost when used, the revenant spoke up after the Draugr shot him a nce. Ten years if you have reached the D-Grade. It is not strong enough to protect the fate of those stronger than that.


    Zac nodded in thanks. It was a bit creepy to pay with your life to use an item, especially after already having already lost so much of it to the Shard. But just using it for short durations wouldn''t be too bad, especially as he was about to evolve and get a new chunk of lifespan any day now.


    So, about the information? The Draugr said.


    I dont know if the one Im thinking of is rted to you, but you look just like a younger version of the one I saw, Zac said as he stowed away the two treasures. I think her name is BeZi.


    So you really have met her?! the Draugr almost screamed as she leaned across the table. Is she in this sector?


    I dont know, Zac said. We met in a vision since we walk simr paths. She bestowed me with something to protect me. Perhaps that''s what you can sense from me.


    Why would she help you though? Catheya said with confusion.


    She believed it was fate we met, Zac shrugged. ording to her husband she seemed to ce pretty great emphasis on such things.


    Her WHAT?! Catheya shouted as she mmed the table. WHO?!

 Chapter 473: Twilight Harbor

    Chapter 473: Twilight Harbor


    Catheya looked extremely shocked at the prospect of her ancestor having married, or perhaps having remarried as she already had descendants since before.


    I didnt get his name, Zac coughed before he described his appearance.


    Our ancestor has run off with an Aetherlord? What? Catheya mumbled as she sat down with a thump. Well, better that than some human I guess. No offense.


    Zac only snorted in response, not taking the thing to heart. It was not like he was lining up to date someone who wasnt even alive.


    Why hasnt she returned though? Catheya asked. Where is she now? How was her mental state?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    I have no idea where she is, Zac said. I saw her sitting in a dark cave with a sea of liquefied Miasma slowly rotating around her. It felt like a drop of that pond would be able to instantly kill me. She seemed normal, a bit cold I guess?


    So why hasnt she been back for so long? she muttered with some despondency.


    She didnt say, I saw them for less than a minute, Zac said, but he spoke up again after some hesitation. But the path we walk has side-effects. You saw what happened to this ce the other day. She might be afraid of hurting her family if she lost control.


    Madness Catheya muttered. I feel like you are still keeping some secrets from me though.


    Some things arent of any value to you, but they pertain to my cultivation path. I know that the two of them cultivate opposite Daos though, and I think they are forming some system between them. That might be why your ancestor can stay alive, Zac added after some thought, feeling he hadnt provided much information in return for the treasures.


    The also husband spoke of broken peaks and seemed to carry resentment toward the System.


    Broken peaks Catheya muttered. The Boundless Path? This might be important, I need to speak with my master.


    Stuff like that is beyond me. Im just a newly integrated Progenitor, I dont have any experience with stuff like old ancestors," Zac shrugged. "Can I ask something else?


    What? Catheya said, though her interest in keeping up the conversation seemed to have waned somewhat now that she had the information she wanted.


    What ways are there to gain more limited title slots?


    Catheya was someone from a higher sector than the one he lived in, which meant that things that her knowledge might be unrivaledpared to all the other scions in the Base town. She also didnt care about offending any local force like the Heliophos n, so he needed to milk her for as much knowledge as he could before he returned to Earth.


    Limited Titles Just what did you encounter in the Tower of Eternity? Catheya said, her crestfallen demeanor reced by one filled with curiosity. Did you encounter a trial?


    A what?


    A special event inside the tower. You encountered one, didnt you? Catheya asked.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he slowly nodded.


    The fate you carry must be pretty immense," Catheya muttered. "Then again, that was already all too apparent from the events outside."


    Fate?


    The amount of attention the Heavens put on you. It is both a blessing and a curse, Catheya smiled.


    Zac weakly smiled in return, knowing the sentiment all too well.


    So, Limited Titles? Zac said.


    Its extremely rare. My master is deemed to have great genius partly because he has 4 Limited Slots. There are people with more, but I dont know how they have gotten the other one. There are only a few generally known means to gain such a boost, and the Tower and its equivalent trials are the only I have heard of before D-Grade, Catheya said.


    Why is there a limit at all? Zac muttered. Why doesnt the System not just have normal titles? Isnt its goal to make people powerful?


    Tell me what trial you encountered, Catheya smiled.


    It was called a Battle of Fates, it reced the 63<sup>rd</sup> floor, Zac said after deciding if the trade of information was worth it.


    Thats a rough one, but its mortality is pretty low, Catheya nodded. Its a decent one to get, as long as youre adept atbat.


    So, titles? Zac said.


    Did you know that cultivators today are stronger than they were pre-system? Catheya said.


    Isnt that the point of the System? Zac responded, not understanding where Catheya was going. Making warriors stronger.


    Yes, but I am talking stage by stage, Catheya exined. The average cultivators of today are only slightly better than the average ancient cultivators, but the elites are almost twice as powerful going by the records. Can you guess why?


    The titles? Zac immediately understood.


    Exactly. Skills, Cultivation manuals, Bloodlines, and Daos. All this existed before the System. But titles did not, the Draugr said. Its still notpletely understood exactly what the Ruthless Heavens does when giving out titles, but the consensus is that it can be seen as an extremely exact, but minute, Bloodline Evolution. A Title improves our base constitution by a small degree.


    However, nothinges without a price. It no doubt costs the System energy to improve the fundamental aspects of a warrior, and the Heavens is running at maximum capacity as far as we can tell, constantly integrating new realms. It cant expend unlimited resources on every person, especially as its core directive is to manufacture warriors as efficiently as possible, Catheya said.


    The general belief is that its pretty cheap for the System to award titles to warriors who are still in the earliest stages of cultivation. Giving 5% to Intelligence is barely anything. But providing 5% Intelligence for an A-Grade Prince? That would require terrifying amounts of energy, the Draugr continued.


    But even if you get the title early, youll still get the same boost when reaching A-Gradeter, Zac countered.


    The Heavens won''t provide that energy. You will need to collect that yourself through killing or cultivating," the Draugr smiled.


    So if you have a bunch of titles your cultivation will be slower? Zac asked with surprise.


    Yes. The amount of energy a warrior requires to level up differs from person to person. A higher potential will require more energy, Catheya exined as matter of course. Its not noticeable in the F-grade as the System subsidizes everyone, but elites generally gain levels slower. Thats why most factions force their general warriors to use lower Rarity sses. Theyll shoot up to their bottlenecks far quicker, and a few might even break through with the extra time on their hands.


    So the system provides the Titles as rewards, but you have to provide the energy required to maintain them yourself, Zac concluded.


    Exactly, Catheya nodded.


    And the limited titles? Zac asked.


    The Ruthless Heavens still needed an extra incentive for people to enter dangerous ces. Often people return empty-handed from such ventures, but if they at least could get a Title out of it more are likely to risk their lives. This dramatically increases the death rate among cultivators, but those who survive are stronger and more experienced," Catheya smiled. "Besides, if you have a limited number of titles you will gradually upgrade them, and it will create a smaller strain on the Ruthless Heavens."


    Of course, thats just the general theory. Another is that Titles are actually unrealized potential. There is only so much potential that the System can dig out from a person, so it cant provide unlimited titles and need to set a limit, Catheya added.


    The two kept talking for almost an hour, where the two kept going tit-for-tat for information. She obviously didn''t know as much about the Dao or cultivation as Yrial, but she had the viewpoint of someone who was born in a top tier faction. That came with all kinds of snippets of information that umted into a huge advantage.


    Catheya was more interested in his experiences, and kept asking about whether he had encountered any cursed Mystic Realms or performed rituals on battlefields. Zac realized she tried to understand why he "smelled" like a Draugr, but he kept that secret to himself as he extracted one piece of information after another.


    For example, he learned that it was possible to control one''s Dao to the point that you could actually form arrays with the mental energy before infusing it into skills. It would increase the boost even further, and sometimes even change the way a skill worked. He had never heard of anything of the sort before, which meant that it probably wasn''t a widely known technique here. Of course, that wasn''t something that was fated with Zac in any case.


    However, the real shock was learning just what a <strong>[Divine Investiture Array] </strong>was, and he almost exploded in anger when doing so.


    It was actually an array to create or alter Spirit Tools. It could either take raw materials or an already existing spirit tool, and it would create something new with it. It was extremely sought after as you could create a Spirit Tool with extreme growth potential that was uniquely suited to one''s own battle style and Daos.


    It was a very convenient item, and Catheya even went so far as to offer 250 billion Nexus Coins for it, but it didn''t detract from the fact that the System had screwed him over yet again. How was an array like this supposed to ''rectify regret''? Had it straight out lied to him, or did it refer to the fact that <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>was starting tog behind, which could be considered regretful?


    "You don''t understand how great such an array is. It can potentially create an item that will follow you for the rest of your life. An item you buy from a cksmith will always be influenced by the creator''s Dao and path and limited by hisck of skill, creating frictions that be more obvious the further you progress," the Draugr exined with exasperation.


    "The <strong>[Divine Investiture]</strong> array, on the other hand, can create an unblemished item that is a direct bridge between you and the Heavens," Catheya continued as she looked at Zac like he was an idiot. "Having a perfectly suited weapon is even more important than having a perfect cultivation manual, it''s a top tier reward of the Tower. I would have tried tricking it out of your hands if you didn''t have a karmic connection to my ancestor."


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding, though there was still a sense of frustration about the situation. It sounded like something he could use though, and he contemted upgrading Verun after returning to Earth. He had gathered quite a few materials during his climb, and he would be able to get some more in the Base Town.


    He had the Pathfinder Eye and pieces of a true Dragon, along with metals, bones, and other odd materials that attracted the Tool Spirit''s desire. It should allow him to elevate <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>to a terrifying level, which might be considered rectifying regret in some roundabout way.


    Another valuable piece of intel appeared a few minutester, when the Draugr asked where he had got his hands on a Sword ve.


    A what? Zac asked after hearing the unfamiliar term. Do you mean one of the avatars I conjured? They were defensive treasures.


    No, I mean the old sword you used at the end, the Draugr snorted. "I am guessing you looted those defensive treasures from some poor girl during the Trial, judging by their design."


    Oh, that one. I picked it up during the Battle of Fates as well, Zac exined, notmenting on the fact that he was still wearing a bunch of jewelry.


    He probably looked a bit weird, but he would be in a weakened state for a while longer, and there was no way he''d take off his defensive treasures in front of the Draugr.


    You should be careful about that item, and have whatever the human equivalent to a Cleansing Lich is take a look at you," Catheya said.


    Just what is it? Zac asked with some worry, making a mental note to have Sui check up on his condition. It feels a bit like a Spirit Tool, but its still different.


    I guess you could call it a cursed object. A piece of a cultivators soul has fused with that weapon, either through ident or through a ritual. The skill you used is most likely one the warrior knew before dying," Catheya exined. "Judging by its appearance its state is unstable, and it even tried to fuse with your arm."


    The man I took it from didnt seem to get any bacsh from using it, Zac said, hoping the Draugr would have a solution.


    The power of the attack he had unleashed was somewhere between the Second and Third swings of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, and if he could use the weapon freely it would be a great ace to take out if needed. But his arm did feel a bit ufortable now that Catheya mentioned. He had just thought it was the general state of weakness from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, but perhaps there was something more.


    Then he must have had some means to counteract the side-effects of the weapon, Catheya guessed.


    So whats the point of having one of these Cursed Swords instead of a normal Spirit Tool? Zac asked.


    There really isnt one, Spirit Tools are generally more convenient as the Tool Spirits are morepatible to reside in a weapon. Its either a sinister cultivator who makes them with mass sacrifices to suit their warped paths or as a punishment. Imagine, capturing the soul of your enemy and forcing it into an old rotten sword? Its pretty impactful, Catheya smiled. "Of course, I''d personally make them into my followers instead."


    Zac shook his head with disgust before his thoughts went back to the youth back on the tform. Had he actually done something so cruel as to trap the souls of his enemies as punishment? It didnt fit with the image he righteous swordsman image he projected. But Zac was soon dragged out of his thoughts though as someone knocked at the door.


    Varo slowly walked over and opened it up to show Gu standing outside.


    "I''m sorry to interrupt," Gu said as he repeatedly bowed toward Zac and Catheya. "Ms. Peak and her friend have waited to speak with you for some time now... I wonder if you might be avable today?"


    "Interesting fellow," Catheya muttered as she stood up. "We''re done here in any case. Here, take this. I believe it might be useful to you someday. You need to upgrade your Nexus Hub quite a bit before using it though. You can contact me through the Fallen Ferrymen there."


    It was another Teleportation Token, though it looked more refinedpared to those had seen until now.


    "Does this lead to the Undead Empire?" Zac asked as he looked at the Draugr askance.


    "No," she snorted. "If you showed up at a teleportation array in the hearnds you would get snatched up and realigned in seconds. This token leads to Twilight Harbor, an interesting ce in a frontier sector neighboring this one. That sector is even younger than Zecia, and things are very chaotic and exciting. You could call Twilight Harbor a ''Gray Zone'', one of the few ces where the living and dead intermingle."


    "Didn''t you say that wasn''t allowed by the Empire?" Zac asked with a raised brow.


    "It''s not. But I never said that all undead are part of the Empire, did I?" the Draugr said with a smile as she left the room.

 Chapter 474: Challenged

    Chapter 474: Challenged


    Zac looked over at Gu, who shook his head in confusion.


    "I thought they were all part of the same Empire as well, even if it was a pretty weak connection for local Kingdoms," the merchant said. Perhaps thats only true for the Zecia sector?


    "Where is Pretty Peak now?" Zac asked, dropping the subject.


    Zac was a bit surprised that the token didn''t lead to Catheya''s home, as he would have expected her to want to stay in touch. But she probably believed that he would never go to the Empire Hearnds, and felt it a waste of a token.


    She couldn''t know that it was a ce that Zac was actually interested in visiting sooner orter, in order to find opportunities for his Draugr ss. That would have to wait until he got a surefire way to hide his unique condition though. Greatest was only a D-Grade warrior after all, and Zac doubted that the bracer he made would be able to fool anyone in such a ce.


    Twilight Harbor sounded like an interesting ce as well though, and it might serve as a safer substitute to the Empire Hearnds. Leaving one''s while still at the F-grade was nigh-suicidal though, as any random peak E-Grade warrior might be able to kill him. He needed to reach at least a level of Strength where he could escape from a D-Grade warrior if needed.


    "Lady Peak and Lady Lioress are currently resting in a neighboring room," Gu said.


    "Lioress? Who''s that?" Zac asked.


    "I''m not sure. Her first name is Leyara. My guess is that she is a disciple of some of the hidden peak experts of the sector judging by the way others treat her," Gu said with a low voice. "They might both be able to get in contact with the Heliophos n for you, which isn''t easy from what I''ve heard."


    "Let them wait a few seconds more," Zac said as he indicated Gu toe inside instead. "Did you hear any mentions of The Great Redeemer outside? Are the ims credible? I''m thinking that cultivator who spoke up might have been messing with me as revenge or something."


    "Have you seen the man you mentioned?" Gu asked, receiving a nod in response.


    "Is this him?" Gu asked, and a face along with some text appeared on a screen the next moment.


    "That''s him," Zac confirmed with a sigh.


    It was obviously the man he had seen twice, though his age was somewhat youngerpared to the real-time avatar he had conjured when breaking the beacon. It looked like he wasn''t lucky this time around, and the Redeemer really was part of the karmic cultivator n.


    "Well, his real name is Voridis A''Heliophos. He is not technically part of the Heliophos n, hence the prefix. He is presumably an illegitimate son of one of the grand elders of the family. It''s said that the elder came back to the n with a 5-year-old child after having traveled for a few centuries, and he said the boy was his son," Gu started exining as he took out a crystal.


    "It''s hard to get details since it seems like a touchy subject with the n, but apparently the boy seemed to have some unique gifts, and he was heavily nurtured even if he wasn''t part of the real bloodline. But something happened and Voridis couldn''t form his cultivator core, so he fell out of favor within the n, much to his and his father''s dismay.


    "He got desperate, both due to his own remaining lifespan growing shorter by the day, and to prove himself to his n again. He left the n and came back as a D-Grade powerhouse 200 yearster. However, the elders noticed something was wrong with his karma even though it was covered deep. It was eventually exposed that Voridis had used a taboo ritual that was powered by the death of millions of people," Voridis said.


    "So why is he still out causing trouble if he was exposed?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "His father pled for leniency, and the patriarch relented and only exiled him after crippling his cultivation and putting a karmic curse on him. They nned to let him live out his life as a mortal on a deste to understand the plight of those he had killed.


    A thousand yearster another sacrifice was exposed, and it became soon became apparent that it was Voridis who had regained his ability to cultivate and had just reformed his Cultivation Core. That was tens of thousands of years ago, and he still hasn''t been caught by his family. There are at least 4 taboo genocides linked to him. The System has handed out multiple quests for his death as well, but he is still alive," Gu narrated, clearly reading off some information packet.


    "Taboo?" Zac asked. "Like unorthodox?"


    "Exactly. What he''s doing is going against the will of the Heavens. That man wasn''t talented enough to form a core by himself, but he didn''t want his risk his life in Mystic Realms in hopes of finding opportunities that could allow him to break through. Instead, he chose to sacrifice mortals to change his fate. That is one of the most taboo actions to the heavens," Gu exined.


    Zac slowly nodded as he went over the information that Gu had provided. The origin of The Great Redeemer didn''t change anything. The good news was that the Heliophos n seemed intent on dealing with their embarrassment, but the bad news was that the father seemed ready to cover for him even after all his transgressions.


    It also meant that killing Voridis might cause all kinds of issues for Earth, as someone like a Grand Elder of a C-Grade Karmic n probably could mess with a single D-Grade without much effort. Perhaps focusing on making Earth harder to find rather than dealing with the man himself was really the better course of action.


    There should be no cause of conflict between Earth and the Heliophos n if Earth simply hid away until the Great Redeemer had died or moved on.


    Zac also noted that the Merchant''s wealth of knowledge seemed a lot broader right nowpared to hisments after the fight.


    "You''ve been busy since we exited," Zacmented.


    "Ah, well," Gu coughed. "Gathering the information was mostly done by the two misses, I am just the messenger. Incidentally, why don''t we head over and say hello?"


    Zac shot an even nce at the merchant, waiting for an exnation.


    "Well, you know what happened with the Tsarun n, and then the fight as we exited. I was afraid that it might implicate my family after all, but thankfully I managed to form a connection with the Peak Family. That way I won''t return to my Family like a criminal," the merchant confessed. "I''m sorry."


    "Isn''t knowing me enough of a boon now that the bounty is lifted?" Zac asked with confusion.


    He wasn''t trying to be arrogant, but he was the first person to conquer the 8th floor in an extremely long time in the sector, which no doubt hinted at him being a future powerhouse. Shouldn''t such an aplishment be worth something?


    "Honestly, it''s still not decided whether knowing you is a boon or a curse," Gu said with a wry smile. "It''s unclear what the attitude of the Heliophos n and the Dravorak Dynasty will be. That will affect whether you will be seen as a murderous fugitive or a pride of the sector until you are strong enough to speak for yourself."


    "I guess I overestimated myself," Zac wryly smiled. "Before we head over, can you look into a few things for me?"


    "Look into?" Gu said, his interest immediately piqued. "Treasures?"


    "Exactly," Zac nodded.


    He had spent over an hour with Catheya, but he hadn''t beenpletely focused on their conversation. His hand had imperceptibly moved toward the Cosmos Sacks now and then, and he nced at its contents.


    There were a lot of things missing, but there was even more remaining. For example, almost the whole dragon was left intact, apart from some scales and the messy remains he threw inside at the end. Both the massive horns and the Dragon Core were still there, which was a huge relief as they were probably worth the most of the beast.


    "Do you know what this is?" Zac asked. "Be careful, ites from an elite assassin."


    Gu gingerly took the spike and turned it over as his eyes flickered with light.


    "There is a liquid inside," the merchant slowly said. "That is the real treasure. The young master from Zethaya might be more knowledgeable about it."


    "I''m notfortable with exposing what I found just yet," Zac smiled. "Please keep these things to yourself as well."


    "Of course," Gu hurriedly nodded.


    Zac took out one item after another from his Spatial Tools, and the eyes of Gu grew even wider.


    "I''ve never heard of items with such craftsmanship appearing in the Tower of Eternity," the merchant mumbled. "Is it a special perk of the higher floors?"


    Zac wouldn''t expose the fact that he had taken them off the body of an elite from another part of the universe. He was afraid that would hurt resale value in case he decided to swap them for cold hard cash instead.


    It turned out that over twenty of the odd trinkets in the Mentalist''s Spatial Ring were Array Breakers that could take out specific types of formations. It wasn''t anything rted to evolving or fighting, but rather items that were probably used to expedite the climb for the young mentalist. Gu couldn''t pinpoint exactly what sort of arrays they worked against though, as that would require some experimentation.


    He was a bit surprised that there were no treasures geared toward evolving among the things he had picked up from the three elites. They should all have been right at the precipice before evolving, so why weren''t they preparing? Or was there perhaps no point for people like them to carry around such items, as they could simply visit their n''s storage rooms?


    Gu also had no idea what the odd heads that Zac found in Faceless 9''s Cosmos Sack were. He could confirm that they were some sort of unorthodox arrays that had trapped the souls of the previous owners, but he said that experimentation was the only way to know for sure what the arrays did.


    It was either that or to hand them over to an array master who could slowly decipher the inscriptions on the talisman, but Zac didnt know anyone like that at the moment.


    Zac could only nod with some defeat and hope that the Sky Gnome back on earth knew more even though the Thayer Consortia wasn''t nearly as powerful as Gu''s n. They were however once a C-Grade merchant n, and a lot of knowledge should remain even if they had fallen to their current pitiful state over the past centuries.


    The two soon enough left the room. The Zethaya scion was actually waiting outside, and Zac already knew the results of the Alchemist''s inquiries judging by his expression.


    "I am afraid that there are no treasures to heal old wounds in the Base Town. Plenty of people have brought pills that can heal a recently wounded soul, such as our Zethaya''s <strong>[Serene Soul Pill]</strong>. But you would normally only bring items like the <strong>[Praj Cherry]</strong> if you n on selling or trading it," Boje exined with a pained expression.


    "That''s fine, I guessed as much," Zac sighed. "You don''t happen to know a way to block out Karmic links for a whole?"


    "Is this about the Heliophos Traitor?" Boje thoughtfully said. "It''s an unusual problem. Perhaps there are arrays that can provide such an effect, but I would have to confer with a proper Array Master."


    Zac nodded in thanks as the alchemist walked off again, and his eyes turned to a woman who stood in a doorway not far away. It was one of the twodies who had snatched up Gu earlier, and judging by the trademark purple hair it was no doubt Pretty Peak.


    Hes happy youre not holding a grudge, Pretty smiled. Outliers like you are a nightmare forrge ns. Come inside, and we can discuss your predicament.


    Zac nodded and followed her inside where the second girl waited. She immediately stood up when he appeared, but Zac noticed that her smile looked a bit forced. Her eyes repeatedly went toward the various jewelry that decked his hands, while asionally darting over to Gu to the side.


    Had the merchant said something weird?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, she soon snapped out of it and introduced herself as Leyara Lioress, calling herself the personal disciple of The Void Priestess. That didnt mean anything to Zac, but judging by Gus reaction it seemed as though she was a big shot in the sector, or at least in the Allbright Empire. Zac marked down the information forter before he introduced himself.


    Im Zac, nice to meet you, Zac simply said.


    I am Pretty Peak, but you can call me Divine Fist, Pretty added from the side, drawing a nk stare from Zac.


    Dont mind her, Leyara giggled from the side as she walked closer to Zac, causing a puff of perfume to waft over. Pretty was finally allowed to change name a year ago after forming a Mid-Grade Fragment while still in F-Grade. But she cant decide on a new name.


    Yes, Ive met your cousin, Zac coughed, surprised at how much stronger she seemed to bepared to her cousin. How is Average?


    Hes current- Pretty began, but Zacs attention was suddenly diverted by a System Prompt that appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Lordship of Port Atwood Challenged]</strong>


    Lordship challenged?! Zac swore out loud as he saw the prompt as he red at the two girls, his dense killing intent started leaking a bit. Who?


    It''s not us. Such a prompt means your Capital is being attacked, Pretty said, her equanimity slightly cracking in front of Zac''s aura.


    Zac immediately stood up in rm upon hearing the news and started to walk out the door without another word.


    Wait, Pretty said from behind, and Zac looked back to see both the girls throw a Cosmos Sack over.


    Well contact the Heliophos n for you, Pretty said. We should have heard back within a month. You can read in the crystal how to contact me without exposing yourself.


    A small greeting gift from me, Leyara added as well.


    Thank you both, Zac nodded and left in a hurry to find Ogras.


    "What did you give him?" Pretty asked her friend after Zac had left the room, noticing that her friend had acted a bit unnatural since Zac Piker had arrived.


    "You heard the merchant''s descriptions," Leyara said with a slight blush. "And you saw what he wore. Many geniuses have unique interests and tastes, and you have to adapt to circumstances."


    "You didn''t..." Pretty eximed, her eyes widening in disbelief.

 Chapter 475: Trapped

    Chapter 475: Trapped


    Zac rushed out of the meeting room and found the demon sitting in the lobby downstairs, surrounded by a handful of scions. Ogras looked up and immediately spotted something was wrong with his expression and shed over.


    The town is being attacked, Zac simply said with a low voice. I got a prompt by the System.


    What?! the demon said with surprise. Who would be able to attack the ind?


    Ill go deal with it immediately, Zac said. It doesnt look like well be able to get any force to help us out against that guy anyway.


    No, Ogras said with a shake of his head. I asked around. It seems a few C-Grade forces in the sector have gone from rulers of their areas to beggars after having crossed that n. One weird cmity after another befell their factions until nothing was left. They are definitely not some benign monks, and no one wants to be the next one to fall.


    You can stay behind a bit longer while I deal with this, Zac said after thinking it over. I got something that will be able to see karma threads at least. See if you can find anything else that can help us hide our better, like arrays or obscuring treasures.


    Ill make some inquiries. Many still want to make a connection to us even if they will stay out of the way of the Heliophos n, the demon said. Im sure I can squeeze all kinds of good things out of the people here. There might be something useful in the sacks I looted as well, I haven''t had a chance to go through them yet.


    Might as well make the most of the situation, Zac sighed. Ive already asked Boje Zethaya, but see if you can find any soul healing treasures. My soul cracked and I was forced to use the treasure during the climb and I dont have anything to heal Alea now. And get some materials for upgrading weapons as well.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The demon looked shocked, before he wryly looked at the people around.


    Ill ask, but if the Zethaya Descendant cant find anything I doubt I will fare any better, Ogras said. But the girl is strong and we still have time. We need to focus on that old bastarding for us. Ill see what solutions there are.


    Good. I got a token from Boje anyway, so we can always send someone over for a healing pill, Zac agreed as he took out the Tower Token. When will youe back?


    Ill sort things out quickly before returning as well, Ogras said after some thought. Give me an hour or so.


    Zac only nodded and cracked his token, and ten secondster he was back on earth.


    It almost felt surreal to be back in his secluded courtyard after moving through dozens of worlds that might have either been real or imaginary. The experiences over the past 100 days had been life-changing. Some parts had far exceeded his expectations, but for other things he hade up short.


    The increase to his powerpared to when he left Earth just 10 days ago was almost incalcble, yet he had still failed in either getting a real solution in the fight against The Great Redeemer or a cure for Alea. It wasn''t all hopeless though, as Ogras might be able toe back with something that would help them shroud Earth from any karmic trails.


    But there was no time to rest. He was still notpletely recuperated from the showdown outside the Tower of Eternity, but he had thankfully relied heavily on his umted treasures to tide that tribtion. It left him with a decent amount of Cosmic Energy to spare, though the side-effects of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> were still there to a certain degree.


    There were no obvious sounds of battle that he could hear, so he immediately rushed toward his Nexus Node. His first instinct was that someone might be trying to tamper with his private Node while he was away, like a spy trying to snatch his lordship from under his nose. But the house with the node was empty, and it didn''t look like anyone had messed with it either.


    Zac quickly walked out of the building and was about to head toward the town, when a shocking explosion erupted to the south. Trees were almost ttened to the ground and Zac felt the shockwave deep into his bones even though the explosion came from hundreds of meters away. There was only one thing in that direction; the shipyard.


    The creators? Zac muttered with confusion before he shed away.


    A massive plume of mes rose to the sky the moment he passed the finalyer of trees, and Zac was forced to cover his face from the intense light. The explosion earlier must have taken ce somewhere out on the water, but Zac could feel the heat all the way from where he stood.


    Zac was about to rush toward the Creator Offices, but he noticed that a familiar figure had appeared in front of him without him noticing. It was Rahm, the Creator Liaison.


    Lord Atwood, it has been a while. I hope you are well? the stoic Creator said, seemingly unperturbed by the fact that the whole area had been turned into a zing inferno.


    Im fine, Zac said. More importantly, what is going on? Are there attackers on the ind? Or is this an experiment?


    It is not an experiment, unfortunately, Rahm said. It would appear that you are being invaded. Multiplerge ships have breached your shores, and there have been sounds of conflict for a while now. The explosion just now was one of the ships trying to breach our arrays.


    Do you need assistance? Zac asked.


    No, a booming voice echoed as the familiar spider-golem emerged from the offices. Its so rare I get to see some action, and I hold no love for neither the fanatics nor the unliving. There is no way these children will be able to breach our fortifications, so you can rest easy. Nothing will be able to anchor this side of your living quarters.


    It was Karunthel, the Creator foreman who had shown up. He looked pretty much the same as before, with the noticeable addition of a cannon radiating a terrifying amount of energy that had been mounted onto his torso. The spider golem was turning more and more into a killer robot every day.


    What? Zac blurted with confusion. Are they <em>both </em>attacking us? They are supposed to be mortal enemies.


    I guess you youngsters gave them a scare. Shouldve finished them off sooner though, now theyre crawling all over the ind, Karunthel shrugged as he inspected Zac.


    Brat, your aura is getting nice and condensed. But if you would ept a piece of advice, dont get hung up on perfection. Cultivation might not be a sprint, but it is not a marathon either. You need to maintain momentum and keep pushing forward. The second you stop it will be much harder to start running again, he said.


    Thank you, Zac said, though he couldnt really focus on the advice after hearing the whole ind was under attack. I will soon evolve. So you are fine here?


    They have already realized we''re a Mercantile Structure and will soon move on, Karunthelughed. And I am not allowed to st those rats who are staying outside the shields. Not within the job description. But I''ve expanded the shield to the maximum area that I am allowed, which will keep part of your coastline safe at least.


    Thank you, Ill visit you once this is dealt with, Zac nodded and immediately started running toward Port Atwood.


    Zac rapidly moved through his private forest like a specter, each step with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> moving him fifty meters forward. Urgency and some confusion made his mind muddled as he tried to figure out just what was going on. Had the two bitter enemies really put their differences aside just for him? He had never heard of anything like it.


    And more importantly, how the hell had they found these secluded inds so easily? It had taken months of exploration to find the maind, so finding his small ind would be like looking for a needle in a haystack.


    He could only pray he wasn''t toote yet again. With both him and Ogras gone and Alea in aa, there was pretty much no one who would be able to rebuff an assault. He could only thank the System that it was kind enough to provide a warning that his people were under attack.


    Another massive shockwave erupted in the distance, containing enough power to almost throw him off his feet. A plume of golden mes rose into the sky, and Zac remembered Ogras descriptions of the zealots powers all too well. Fury started to smolder in his mind, fiery anger at the people who daredunch such a massive strike at a town full of civilians and nonbat personnel.


    The world shrunk around him as he pushed <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to its limits. The towering mes came from the northeast, some ways ind from the coast. It was the part of Port Atwood that contained the Academy and the structures rted to his army. It seemed the attackers knew what parts whey needed to take out first.


    Was there really a spy on the ind?


    Port Atwood had thankfully overhauled its defenses since thest waves of attack though, and his people should at least be able to hold out for while even against the Undead Empire. Back then he barely had the resources to run a simple town protection array, but Port Atwood had been a Global City for quite some time now.


    He had given his subordinates almost free reign with the towns funds in order to develop Port Atwood, and he saw waves of mes mming into a sturdy crystalline barrier as he approached the battlefield. Four massive fractals shone in the sky, and one of them suddenly lit up.


    A tremendous surge of chaotic energies cut straight through the seas of mes with such force that space was ripped open, and a thundering explosion could be heard as the attack hit something on the other side of the ten-meter tall wall.


    It was clear that the town had added some great new defenses, but both the Undead Empire and the Church of the Evesting Dao were terrifying forces with extremely deep heritages. A golden ball mmed into the crystalline shield protecting the wall the next moment, causing massive cracks all over as streams of fire shot toward the people standing guard on the wall walk.


    Zacs eyes widened with anger as he saw the gouts of mes pour down toward his army who were desperately trying to maintain the barrier. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he leaped forward, and a storm of leaves spread out to create a vast canopy to block out the rain of fire.


    Lord Atwood! a Valkyrie suddenly screamed, and hundreds of hopeful eyes were turned in his direction.


    Zac only nodded in response as he flew toward the golden ball in the sky with furious momentum, and his body was hardened by the Fragment of the Coffin as his fist mmed into the molten core. A shockwave spread out in all directions from his punch, and a few warriors were even thrown off from the wall as the golden ball was twisted and deformed before it was flung away.


    Another shudder spread through the earth as the ballnded some distance outside the wall. Zac himselfnded on the wall walk, and he tried to understand what was going on outside. However, the only thing that met his gaze was a sea of mes that spread in every direction outside the city wall.


    The lunatics had set half the ind on fire it seemed.


    Whats going on? Zac asked as a familiar demon rushed to his side.


    It was Harvath, one of the Demon captains who had apanied him in the Underworld and the earlier Incursions.


    We discovered six massive ships heading this way about a day ago, carrying both the undead and zealots of the Church of Evesting Dao, Harvath exined between pants. We tried to stop their advance with repeated raids using our smaller vessels, but we only managed to sink two of them before our ships were too burned to continue attacking.


    The Undead Empire has really teamed up with the Chuch? Zac asked incredulously, still having trouble believing it was true.


    It appears that way, Harvath said. Three of the remaining ships sailed for our ind, with the final one veering off for some reason. We fear that other settlements might have been hit.


    You dont know? Zac asked with a frown.


    They are somehow blocking our teleporters. It is like this ind has be isted from the rest of the world. We have lost connection to all other locations on our Teleportation List. We could still teleport within the ind until recently, but we lost that ability a few minutes ago. We have sent out scouting vessels but havent gotten word back, he said.


    Hows that possible? Zac muttered with a frown.


    General Ilvere believes the ship might have dropped some manner of spatial disruption arrays into the ocean as they sailed toward us, Harvath said. But we dont know.


    Zac frowned when he heard about the block. It seemed to be the same technology as that which almost got Alea and his whole army killed. He hadn''t expected being troubled by such technology right as he returned, and he didn''t have any real way to solve them. The simplest method would be to destroy the jammers, but he didn''t even know what they looked like.


    Were the Invaders trying to imprison him on this remote ind?

 Chapter 476: Sowing Discord

    Chapter 476: Sowing Discord


    "How do things look with the Undead Incursion?" Zac asked after making sure that another molten ball wasn''ting their way. "Have you found out how long until it activates?"


    "... The array has already been activated," the demon said after a brief hesitation. "Half the sky of the main continent is reportedly covered with a green array."


    "WHAT?!" Zac almost roared, his eyes widening with shock. "Since when?"


    "Four days ago," the demon sighed. "But it is not converting the world as of yet, it is currently drawing energy from the. Your sister and the human champions have worked hard to slow it down for your return, but I am not sure how much time there is left. Lady Atwood will likely know more."


    Ok, where is my sister right now? Zac asked, his mind reeling after getting bombarded by a series of unwee news the past hour.


    His miscalction of the time he had remaining had caused massive repercussions for Earth, and he couldn''t help but feel ashamed when he thought back to his meeting with Thea just before leaving for the tower. He could only pray that he had returned in time to set things right.


    She is fighting at AzhRodum, Harvath said. She is holding the invaders back with your swarm of flying machines.


    My machines? Zac repeated with confusion before he remembered the drones.


    She had actually gained control of the drone swarms, which Zac guessed wasnt surprising considering Jeeves. Some fear flickered in his heart, but he knew he couldnt me her for taking them out. If now was not the time to use it, then when? But another point of confusion suddenly entered his mind.


    Wait, AzhRodum? What are they doing so far ind? Zac asked with a frown.


    We dont know. They first tried bombarding us from a distance where we couldnt retaliate, but our shields were too strong for those attacks. So two ships stayed outside this town while they prepared for a siege, while thergest ship sailed north, the demon captain exined. We believe they might be targeting the Vein through the mine.


    "Who went with her?" Zac asked.


    "Most of the Valkyries, along with Ilvere and a squad of E-Grade demons. Azh''Rodum is not as strongly defended, and it is the gateway to the Nexus Vein, so most of our elites went there. Our task here is simply to hold out until you and the young lord returned, or until the threat ind was averted. The young master... Is he here?" Harvath asked as he looked around.


    "Ogras is still in the Tower of Eternity, he is fine. I got a prompt that Port Atwood was under attack so I immediately returned. Ogras will return a bitter after he has dealt with some matters over there," Zac exined as his mind went over the details.


    Some things didn''t make sense. His force had been inbat for over a day. Why hadnt the system warned him? He also suddenly remembered the spike in levels for Thea and Billy roughly twelve hours ago in real-time.


    "Are Billy and Thea on the ind?" Zac asked.


    "Yes, it was only thanks to them we managed to sink one of the ships before we were pushed back," Harvath nodded, some respect shining in his eyes. "They are currently on bed-rest. Janos had to hypnotize the big one to prevent him from running out and bashing the invaders with that nasty club of his. They will be fine in a week or two."


    Zac sighed in relief when hearing those two were fine. It looked like they actually had risked their lives to protect his people. But it made him all-the-more confused why the alert had only warned him just now.


    Did something change a few minutes ago? Zac suddenly asked.


    A few minutes ago? the demon repeated. Nothing special has happened except ourmunications being blocked. They did also start shooting those massive balls at our shield recently. We can''t see them any longer because of the mes, but the zealots set uprge siege tools some distance from here."


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding. It seemed that the System only gave out a warning at thest moment, which was a valuable piece of information. He couldnt rely on the System as a warning call to protect his home. This time he was lucky enough to be able to get back to town almost instantly, but that wouldn''t always be the case.


    He really needed to erect a more permanent protection that would withstand any threat on Earth.


    "I can''t see anything in front of me, what are they doing on the other side of the mes?" Zac finally asked.


    "Our vision has been blocked for a while now as well. It''s almost exclusively the Cultists who have set up camp outside. We received a report that the situation is almost the opposite at Azh''Rodum before we lost contact. There''s almost only undead warriors up there."


    Ill deal with the attackers here before heading to AzhRodum, Zac said. "Try to find out if they''ve erected some sort of array anywhere. We need to break the arrays blocking ourmunications."


    With that, he simply jumped out from the wall andnded in a sea of mes that rose over a dozen meters into the air. He had just jumped twenty meters or so, but his vision waspletely blocked in both directions, and he was forced to activate the Fragment of the coffin to not get burnt. A thought suddenly struck him and his Specialty Core activated.


    The undead and the cultists might be working together on the surface, but things weren''t very harmonious from the sound of it. Perhaps he could cause some confusion within their ranks with his alternate form while also letting his Hatchetman ss rest for a bit. Both the main skills of Hatchetman were on cool-down, after all, along with <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>.


    Granted, he was still pretty confident at defeating this army even with Hatchetman in a weakened state. His power had almost doubled in the ten short days since he left Earth, while the Invaders still should have some small restrictions to their power. Not only that, but he had also gone through all sorts of life-and-death encounters, sharpening his skills to the utmost.


    His body grew as the pitch-ck armor covered his body, and Zac caused the mes surrounding him to die out with one massive swing of his bardiche. It put him face-to-face with the Zealot army, and he was delighted to see their anger and confusion as a sea of miasma spread out around him as he started running toward their front-lines.


    You! What ploy is this! a massive roar echoed out from the army, and a huge lizardman decked in a thick armor shining in gold and red pushed past the inquisitors at the front.


    Zac didn''t answer, but he rather took out one of the enormous Unholy Beacons from his Cosmos Sack and mmed it into the ground like he was nting a g. It immediately started spewing out miasma, though most of it was burned away by the surrounding mes. But this was more about sending a message than getting more death-attuned energy, and the effect was immediate.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Heretic! Your sins will be judged today! the infuriated Bishop roared, and Zac couldn''t help but snicker beneath his helmet as the undead liaisons were mobbed by infuriated cultists.


    There was no time to waste though as his sister was fighting for her life as far as he knew. The only reason he didn''t immediately rush to Azh''Rodum was that he believed her to be somewhat safe with the help of the drone swarm he had left on Port Atwood. She also had ess to the Town Shop, meaning she could keep buying one defensiveyer after another as was needed.


    He still didn''t want to waste time with the crazy zealots though, and he stomped down onto the ground to teleport into the middle of the army. However, he was surprised to find himself rebuffed, and he stumbled a bit as he appeared right outside a golden shield that had appeared in front of the army.


    "We have fought your kind for millions of years. Did you truly think we didn''te prepared?!" the bishop roared with madughter.


    Zac knew he was putting himself in a disadvantage by fighting as an undead against the cultists, as they had whole armies dedicated to fighting the Undead Empire. However, he saw it as an opportunity to fight in an adverse situation, and he still felt he had the strength to prevail. There was no way he wouldn''t be able to deal with these guys head-on unless the leaders of the two Incursions had shown up on his doorstep.


    But that would be fine with Zac as well, as killing those two would essentially end the incursions and threat to Earth.


    His arm swelled as he forced his arm full of Miasma for <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>, and the whole area shook as the shield was beset by a series of furious swings empowered by his improved Middle Stage Dao Fragment. Almost a dozen of the robed priests standing behind the shield hunkered over after the first swing, with a few even starting bleeding down their ears.


    A storm of golden mes beset him as Zac tried to force his way through the shield, but he kept them at bay with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. However, he noticed with some surprise that the mes were like sticky napalm, and they stayed on the fractal bulwark and slowly whittled it down. It was like the mes and the Miasma canceled each other out, and Zac felt a far higher-than-normal consumption just to maintain the fractal shield.


    His reserves of death-attuned energies were thankfully immense due to his almost inhuman attribute pool, and he kept providing the bulwark with more and more energy until he managed to create a crack in the wall. He forced himself through in an instant, he was upon the cultists like a fox in a henhouse.


    Two burly clergymen tried to take him down by swinging scepters that contained the same fiery energy as the ranged attacks. Zac blocked one of them with his axe, and the other one got mmed with <strong>[Evesting]</strong> with enough force to be thrown dozens of meters away. Zac heard a crunching sound after the man was hit with the shield-bash, and he felt a surge of energy not long after he fell onto the ground.


    "Regroup!" the leader from before shouted, but Zac didn''t want to give them any time to retreat to a safe distance.


    He stomped his foot into the ground once more, and the cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> rose from the ground and captured almost the whole army along with the siege tools that had been shooting out the molten cores at the City Shield. However, he was unable to spread his corrosive breath along with miasma from <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> to cover the cage, as waves of mes kept dispersing the mists.


    Zac finally gave up on his usual tactic, and instead started fighting by hand as hemanded the fifteen spectral chains to target the weaker warriors. Ghosts kept appearing in the cage as well as hundreds of the cultists tried to destroy the gates and the towers of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, only to hurt themselves.


    A hundred skeletal warriors also emerged from the ground, and they formed ten squads that moved across the cage to take out stragglers and interrupt the zealot''s attempts to form a proper defense against the chains. Unfortunately, it seemed as though the cultists were quite adept at fighting skeletons, and Zac felt himself losing subordinates at a rapid pace.


    However, it wasn''t like the life and death of the skeletons mattered, as long as they fulfilled their purpose. The whole cage was an utter mess soon enough with battles taking ce everywhere. Errant mes and miasmic gusts made visibility almost impossible, and Zac was only able to make sense of the situation with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    A tremendous wave of golden mes threatened to swallow Zac whole as the siege weaponsunched a barrage meant for shield-breaking right at him, scoring a few over fifteen zealots by mistake. He swiftly cut the projectiles apart with a Dao-infused swing, and he started taking out the operators the next moment.


    One siege tool after another entered his Spatial ring as the controllers were cut into two, and the situation was turning gradually into his favor as each chain soon held multiple desated corpses while they whizzed around. The head priest had been suspiciously silent until now though, but Zac finally spotted him through the mes.


    Two wings sprouted out from his back, and he rose over a dozen meters into the air even after the suppressive effect of the azure fractal sealing the cage. A glowing orb of mes over fifteen meters across emerged behind his back, making him look like an apostle of the sun. However, it still looked a bit hollow in Zac''s eyes as he had witnessed the true mes conjured by Iz Tayn.


    Weight of the Heavens! the priest roared and a massive array appeared in the sky above the cage the next moment.


    Zacs eyes widened at the sight, but it still wasnt enough to make him despair or even worry. He had faced a lot stronger arrays just a few hours ago, and Zac still had almost half his treasures remaining if need be. Besides, the restrictive array from <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>didn''t only put pressure on the people inside, it also acted as a protection from outside interference.


    But Zac realized that the cultists were going all-out as he spotted nine priests who had kept out of harm''s way until now, each of them holding a metal sun toward the sky that seemed to burn the controllers alive. He immediately directed a chain toward each of the priests, but they were immediately rebuffed by a fiery wall of mes whose heat was enough to turn the spectral fetters into motes of miasma when they got too close.


    A few secondster the nine priests were gone, reced with nine hovering suns positioned in a circle at the edge of the cage.


    The nine glowing suns were clearly rted to the array that had lit up in the sky above, but the main controller was no doubt the Bishop who was still hovering up in the air. Zac growled in frustration over theck of ranged options in his Undying Bulwark ss, and he opted to try out his recently invented tactic again.


    A spectral chain made a few loops around his chest before it hoisted him up, but he only managed to rise five meters before the Bishopunched a stream of fire that destroyed the midsection of the chain. Zac helplessly fell down again, wondering if he actually had to waste one of his single-use treasures on a simple general.


    "A lowly cretin wants to rise toward the sky?" The Bishop roared. "The Boundless Heaven''s won''t abide!"

 Chapter 477: Meteors

    Chapter 477: Meteors


    The Bishop''s golden array lit up the next moment, and a fiery meteor several timesrger than the one that had mmed into the City Shield begun its descent, its fall apanied by a rain of fire so hot that the air itself was incinerated.


    Zac realized these maniacs weren''t called zealots by chance, and over a hundred of their own would die if that thing mmed into the ground in the confined space of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>.


    "We wanted to use this strike on the native Lord, but taking out an elite from the five cursed races is a worthy trade," the Bishopughed from the sky.


    The meteor rammed into the miasmic fractal acting as a dome for the miasmic cage the next second, and Zac knew in ant instant that it would only hold for so long before cracking. Zac started running toward the edge of the cage along with the surviving cultists, but he was forced to carve a path of blood as the lunatics seemed ready to sacrifice their lives just to keep him within the st zone.


    However, the normal cultists had no means to even impede Zac''s escape, and he reached the edge of his cage just as the azure fractal broke apart, transmitting a blowback to Zac that made him stumble for a second.


    The meteor regained its momentum in an instant, but it actually managed to change its trajectory as it went straight for Zac. He growled in annoyance as he activated <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and infused it with the Fragment of the Coffin. The fractal wall grew to its maximum size, reaching almost twenty meters across, but it could still barely cover a third of the meteor as the two collided.


    Zac felt like he was being subject to the gravity of a sun as he was locked in a battle of man versus nature. His whole body trembled from the strain as the pressure was transmitted from the skill into his body. A few zealots tried to take the opportunity to strike while Zac was upied, but they found themselves turned into desated husks from a few spectral chains that hovered around Zac like sentinels.


    The meteor thankfully lost its momentum fast enough, and Zac pushed the fiery ball toward thergest clump of soldiers with a grunt, and itnded among them with a massive outburst of mes that rushed in every direction. The soldiers had desperately tried to erect some golden shields to stop the meteor as well, but they were nowhere near as powerful as Zac and his fractal bulwark.


    The shields had broken in an instant and the cultists were either turned to paste or burned alive.


    Screams could be heard from every direction, and not even Zac waspletely unscathed even if he had managed to change the trajectory of the array. He had lost arge chunk of Miasma to maintain the massive shield as it was pressed against the ming meteor, and he was still beset by the waves of mes that instantly covered the entire cage after the impact.


    He also felt that the whole cage was being pushed toward its breaking point. The dome in the sky breaking had already damaged <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, and cracks now covered both the towers and gates of the skill. The only thing maintaining the skill right now was probably the infusion of energy from the fifteen spectral chains.


    However, Zac didn''t enjoy that kind of energy boost as <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> waspletely countered by the all-consuming mes. The miasmic haze hadn''t been present at all during the battle, and he hadn''t gotten even a smidgeon of Miasma from therge number of killed zealots. It was the first time he had met a perfect counter to so many of his skills in his Undying Bulwark form, and he felt it wasn''t by chance that the Church of Evesting Dao and the Undying Empire were such bitter enemies.


    Zac quickly readjusted his shield so that it shrunk just to the point that it covered his body. It was just in time as well as waves of fire and molten stones shot toward him. The heat was blistering, but it was somewhat manageable by circting the Fragment of the Bodhi through his body. His first instinct was to dispel the cage and regroup, perhaps even change back to his human form to gain some ranged capabilities to take out the bishop and the stragglers.


    However, Zac eventually decided against that course of action. Instead of fleeing from the scorching heat of the meteor, he rather ran toward it. The ground shuddered beneath his feet as he ran as quickly as his bulky transformation allowed, and he ignored the burning heat that was transmitted straight through his armor as he started scrambling up the burning meteor.


    The Bishop was still floating in the air, the mes seemingly having no effect on him, and he started to rise even higher when he noticed Zac''s approach.


    There should no doubt be a limit of how long an E-Grade warrior could stay in the sky, but Zac wasn''t willing to let the Bishop run amok until he ran out of steam. He wanted to end things quickly since his sister was waiting for him, but he was out of offensive treasures that could kill the flying man in one go.


    Hoisting himself into the air with the spectral chains had already failed spectacrly as well, so he could only move as quickly as he could until he reached the top of the meteor to use it as a springboard before it was toote. The bishopunched a storm of mes in his direction, but he simply punched through them as he jumped toward the lizardman in the sky.


    The meteor cracked beneath Zac''s feet as he put everything into the hulking leap, and his arm was already swelling in size in preparation for the final strike. The Bishop snorted and flexed his wings, but ten spectral chains whipped at him from behind to push him down. It was the final hurrah of the spectral chains before <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> was destroyed by the mes.


    Eight of the chains were incinerated as they tried to destroy the radiant sun that shielded the Bishop, but the sacrifice released a dense storm of Miasmic gases that allowed the final two chains to pass straight through the globe of fire unscathed. The Bishop was forced to stop ascending to avoid the attack, which kept him in Zac''s trajectory.


    The wings of the cultist suddenly his own body in an embrace and Zac realized the man was using some sort of movement skill. However, that was just what Zac hoped for and he immediately swung his axe as he saw a burst of mes appear in front of him. The massive bardiche fell, cutting straight through a golden fractal and luxuriant armor.


    Therge meteor lost most of its heat in an instant, and three thuds echoed out across the battlefield as Zac and the two bisected pieces of the Bishopnded on the scorched ground. Arge surge of energy entered his body, but he also felt a bacsh as the miasmic cage finally broke apart.


    Zac would have thought that seeing their leader getting cut in two would douse the fighting spirit of the surviving zealots, but he had severely underestimated just how crazy these people were. Most of them started emitting extremely condensed fires from their mouths and eyes, and they heedlessly ran toward him as their bodies started swelling.


    Some fell onto the ground before they even got close to Zac, their bodies turning into bloated balloons before exploding into cascading mes. It reminded Zac of the man that had exploded when he saved Kenzie from the New World Government at the border town. The whole area shuddered as dozens of eruptions went off one after another as the soldiers tried to bring Zac with them down to hell.


    The pitch-ck armor from <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> was already in a haggard state after climbing atop the meteor, and the sts were quickly ripping apart the remainingyers. Zac blocked out the attacks he could with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, whereas the few remaining skeletons absorbed some of the attacks for him.


    Thankfully enough the battlefield turned quiet soon enough, with just him and a few dying cultists remaining.


    His hair was singed clean off and burns covered arge part of his body, but one of the two invading armies were dealt with at least. The cultists hadn''t even managed to harm him apart from some surface burns, but they had been a surprisingly hard nut to crack. It looked like most, if not all, of the Incursion restrictions were gone by this point.


    Normally he would have wanted to sit down and go over the battle at this juncture, as it felt like he had gained a lot from the fight. But there was no time, and Zac turned back to his human form before he walked back through the burning wreckage toward Port Atwood''s Wall.


    He jumped up with a grunt, appearing next to the demon captain and a few Valkyries that had waited for his return.


    Ive dealt with the leader and the army, but be careful, Zac said as he cracked his neck. There might be more hiding.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Harvath slowly nodded as he looked out across the destruction outside the wall, mute disbelief apparent in his eyes.


    Have you found anything about the array jamming? Zac asked as he took out one of his healing pills to deal with the burns.


    I''m sorry, we didn''t dare to leave the wall while you fought in case we would be a liability. We''ll start cleaning up the battlefield and looking for the array immediately, Harvath said as he started awake.


    That''s fine, Zac nodded as he took out his new flying treasure, therge inscribed leaf. Im heading ind. Be careful, most of the cultists chose to blow themselves up, but perhaps there are reinforcements on the ship.


    "We''ll be careful," Harvath nodded. "Don''t worry and let us deal with the aftermath."


    Zac jumped on the treasure the next moment, and it soundlessly rose to the sky before it shot away with enough speed to rip the clouds in two.


    It felt a bit bad to leave Port Atwood while there still were enemies remaining. He had dealt with the army, but who knew what other things the cultists had nned. It was all-too-apparent just how far they were willing to go to take out their enemies, and he wouldn''t be surprised if they had more nasty surprises in store for his ind.


    However, there was only one of him, and he needed to prioritize where to strike for maximum effect.


    The speed of Zacs new flying treasure was just shocking, and he wasnt sure whether he would have been able to hang on if it wasnt for the protective array that blocked out any wind. He didn''t have any means to make an exact measurement, but he felt that the leaf would be able to keep up with a modern fighter jet.


    At least it felt like he moved a lot fasterpared to when he had flown in amercial airne before the integration.


    It wasnt all thanks to the high-quality craftsmanship of the vessel though. He had actually noticed that he could infuse the leaf with the Fragment of the Bodhi, which boosted the treasure''s speed by around 30%. He even believed he could push the thing even further if he had some Nature-Attuned crystals to feed into the sockets rather than normal E-Grade Nexus Crystals.


    It would normally have taken Zac hours to reach AzhRodum by foot, even if he used<strong> [Loamwalker] </strong>to speed up, but he was closing in on the center of the ind after just 15 minutes of travel. He was anxious to reach the demon stronghold, as he didnt want to repeat the tragedy of arriving just a few seconds toote again.


    Finally, he saw the battlefield ahead, or rather the massive clouds of miasma that covered a huge section of the northern parts of the ind. The undead forces had no doubt set up arge array of Unholy Beacons to form such a vast cloud, but he frowned in confusion when he saw that there wasnt much of a battle raging.


    There was a hovering line of sentries protecting the whole nk of AzhRodum, and there were over a hundred craters on the ground outside, along with a few scorched bodies. It looked there had been a few minor skirmishes that had been ended withser-beams by his sister, but thepleteck of damage to the town fortifications indicated that the undead army wasnt even straining itself to take over the town.


    However, the defenders were desperatelyunching attacks at an azure shield from the walls of Azh''Rodum, with dozens of projectiles hitting the barrier every second. It almost felt like the roles of invader and defender had been swapped. Zac guessed that something was brewing within the cloud of miasma that needed to be dealt with, and quickly judging by the fervor of the attacks.


    He didn''t even touch down inside the town to get a grasp on the situation, but he rather chose to fly straight toward the miasmic shield. Just when he was a hundred meters from the shield he pushed off while simultaneously stowing away the treasure. Tremendous amounts of Cosmic Energy swirled around him as he shot toward the shield while<strong> [Verun''s Bite]</strong> drenched the area in a bloody hue.


    This time he would be the meteor.

 Chapter 478: Fighting Fate

    Chapter 478: Fighting Fate


    The air screamed around Zac as he shot toward the azure shield with the speed of an airne, and even he got a bit worried he was ying a bit fast and loose with his life. However, he threw any hesitation into the back of his mind as he conjured a fractal de that was asrge as himself. He was perfectly capable of making it evenrger, but he needed to contain the impact to a smaller area.


    The de first changed color to a gleaming silver as he imbued it with the Fragment of the Axe, but the sanguine glow quickly spread from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> as well to cover the whole fractal edge. This was the most power he could release without utilizing<strong> [Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> or the slumbering remnants, and he could only pray that it was enough to punch a hole in the massive array.


    The world froze as Zac''s attack cut into the shield with all the power he could muster, but an enormous shockwave that dispersed the clouds of miasma soon followed. Hairline cracks spread for hundreds of meters in each direction, and Zac managed to squeeze through the hole in the barrier before it healed.


    However, the point of impact was over 100 meters into the air and he had no means to control his descent. The collision had also caused him topletely lose bnce, and any hopes of a hero''s entrance were dashed as he mmed into the ground face-first. Another shockwave, this one a lot smaller, spread out from the point of impact, instantly killing the closest zombies. He scrambled back to his feet while wiping away some of the blood running down his nose, and he took stock of the situation.


    The insides of the array were shrouded by dense swirls of miasmic haze, and his skin crawled from the contact with the condensed death-attuned energies. The extremely limited sight made it impossible to see any clear threat to Port Atwood, and instantly getting mobbed by enraged elite zombies didn''t make things easier to discern.


    Fractal des shot out in each direction as swathes of destruction were carved into the undead hordes. However, these were the best of the zombies as the fractal des were whittled down before they reached too far. Each strike still killed over fifty zombies, but the de broke apart from a storm of counterstrikes after that.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>in hopes of making anything out, but everything became a haze varying degrees of grey. However, he did spot spots with more condensed energies, and he immediately shot toward the closest target.


    A few secondster he found himself in front of an Unholy Beacon, and Zac wasn''t surprised by the sight at all. What did make him frown in consternation, however, was the array surrounding it. There hadn''t been anything like that around the beacons he had seen until now, and he guessed it was some sort of secondary array that was powered by the beacon.


    The beacon was guarded by a hulking Corpse Golem that immediately swung at Zac the moment he appeared. However, Zac''s physique was beyond monstrous by now, with an effective strength reaching 2500. Zac countered the punch with his own, his fist not even a tenth the size of the massive undead construct.


    A thundering explosion echoed out as the arm of the golem blew apart from the force, and it was cut in two the next second as Zac shed it with azy swing as he stepped toward the beacon. He couldn''t make out its purpose, so Zac simply cut a few lines to ruin the inscriptions before he ripped the beacon out of the ground at stashed it in his Spatial Ring.


    Zac was a moving cmity as he moved from beacon to beacon at his utmost speed, and he had stolen ten beacons in less than three minutes. Some of them hadunched massive outbursts of death-attuned energies at him though, but Zac had managed to dodge the waves of death with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    One of them had actually detonated just as he was about to stow it away, but the vibrant energies of the Fragment of the Bodhi were able to neutralize the attack. He still hadn''t spotted any leaders though, so he could only keep going in hopes that they would be forced to show their hand sooner orter.


    Arge shudder echoed out when he ripped another beacon out of the ground, and he saw that the shield finally flickered before it dissipated.


    It had been pretty smashed by his tremendous momentum when heunched himself at it, but it had soon healed itself after he pushed his way through. But now it looked like Zac had caused too much destruction within the shield, to the point that it could no longer maintain its functionality. The highly condensed Miasma started within the barrier to spread out as well, but Zac knew that it would sooner orter be cleansed by the pure energies of the world.


    However, his confusion only grew while looking around as visibility steadily grew better. He couldn''t see any high-grade siege tools or anything else that would separate the thousands of zombies from normal elites. But he finally spotted a group of hooded beings in the back of the army, guarded by five hulking E-Grade Corpse Golems.


    Zac immediately rushed toward them, carving a line of true death through the zombie horde. The hooded warriors didn''t react to his approach, but the golems readied themselves for battle and started rushing toward him. However, these golems were only marginally stronger than those who had guarded the Unholy Beacons, and Zac needed less than a minute to turn them into small hills of rock-hard flesh.


    The hooded warriors had started fleeing but he effortlessly captured one of them while blocking the escape of the others. It tried to struggle out of his grasp, but Zac was surprised to find that it was pitifully weak.


    "What are you nning?" Zac growled with anger as he ripped the hood from the lich''s head.


    However, what met Zac''s gaze wasn''t the Lich King or one of his generals, but just some random revenants that couldnt have been higher than Level 60. Zac immediately crushed its neck in frustration before he captured the others, getting the same results.


    Just what was going on?


    It quickly became apparent that this was all a big diversion, and that the undead wasnt actually interested in conquering AzhRodum. But what was the point of sacrificing their own without any gain? Was it to trick the Church of the Evesting Dao? Or was the real mission taking ce somewhere else?


    Zacs first thought was the mines, just like how Harvath had guessed. Were they trying to mess with his Nexus Vein somehow? If the real leaders had entered the confusing mess of subterranean tunnels beneath the ind it would be extremely annoying to root them out, as his own force still hadntpletely mapped the nigh endless number of narrow passageways that ran beneath the surface.


    However, he suddenly saw someone running toward him, decimating all the zombies that tried to impede her path with a barrage of attacks based on the four elements. Zac immediately shed over to Kenzie, who immediately threw herself in his arms. He really wanted to catch up and hear what had happened since he left, but he saw how frazzled she had looked as she ran toward him.


    Something was wrong.


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked. "What''s going on?"


    I am fine, but someone is tampering with the arrays in the valley since some time ago! Kenzie said with worry as she released him. I stationed a few sentries on the mountain just in case, but I cant get a hold of them now with the jammers. Im afraid theyre up to something over there. I''ve been trying to head to the mountain, but the undead swarms anyone who leaves the town. We''ve tried breaking out but their shields were too strong.


    Ill deal with it, Zac said as the leaf appeared again beneath his feet. "There are no elites here, it seems. I think this whole army is a diversion. I''ll be back in a bit."


    The next second he was hundreds of meters away, speeding toward the secluded valley.


    Panic coursed through Zacs body as he infused the flying treasure with the Fragment of the Bodhi. He had handed over control of thework of arrays he had erected around the ind to his sister upon leaving, so he hadn''t noticed anything wrong at all since arriving. His thoughts were a mess as he tried to figure out the purpose of whoever had breached the arrays.


    Were they looking for Alea, or did they have some other agenda?


    Was it because of the mutated Tree of Ascension? That thing would no doubt be of huge value for anyone dabbling with poison, perhaps even after having reached E-Grade. However, there should be no way that the Undead Empire knew about it as ess to the valley waspletely restricted after Zac took control of the ind.


    Besides, things wouldnt end well even if the invaders werent there specifically for Alea. Would they simply let her rest in peace after seeing her next to the Tree of Ascension? Of course not.


    Zac and his sister had ced strong protective arrays around the whole valley to keep people away, but the invaders were either extremely strong or adept at breaking arrays. The inner shield protecting Aleas Stasis Array wasnt much stronger than the outer one, and Zac was doubtful that it would prove a challenge to whoever had encroached upon the valley.


    Less than five minutes had passed since he left the outskirts of AzhRodum, but he felt like it had been hours when he finally breached the crest leading into the valley. He immediately noticed that there was something wrong with the outer array covering the whole valley like a dome. It was still intact, but it feltpletely drained of energy like it was just there for show.


    The leaf shot straight through it, and he was at the core of the valley in seconds. However, his fears were immediately realized as he spotted four hooded individuals sitting in a circle around Alea''s stasis array, right next to the <strong>[Tree of Ascension]</strong>. An intricate array covered the ground around the stasis array, and Zac sensed extremely pure fluctuations of Death-Attuned energies from the crystals powering it.


    Zac jumped down from the flying treasure and rushed forward like an enraged beast, his axe already shining with a sanguine glow. The air popped around him as his aura billowed out without restraints, and even the slumbering Splinter stirred in his mind from Zac''s towering fury.


    So you are he- the closest man said with a hoarse voice, but he couldnt even finish his sentence before he was obliterated by a world-ending punch, turning into scraps of flesh that rained down upon the area.


    The three others quickly rose from their seated positions around the array and unleashed what looked like a swarm of jumbo mosquitoes at him, but Zac ignored them as he unleashed a Dao field based on his strongest Dao Fragment. Many of the bugs died from the sharpness of the domain, but even more managed to resist as they assaulted every piece of exposed skin on his body.


    The spectral forest of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Sprit]</strong> rose from the ground, and an emerald shield protected Zac from the gnats as he cut through the swarm. The hooded warriors released another barrage of what seemed to be poisonous insects and airborne toxins, but everything was destroyed by Zac''s furious assault.


    The second robed warrior was quickly cut into a dozen pieces from a furious barrage of swings, and the third was literally ripped apart the moment Zac caught him with his free hand. Only one final warrior remained in just a couple of seconds, and Zac had him caught in an iron grip as he took ragged breaths due to barely restrained rage.


    He had gotten even angrier as he had seen the Stasis Array at close distance, as it had obviously been tampered with. The golden ss was reced by a murky ck sheen, and he couldn''t even see Alea''s body inside due to an extremely dense violet cloud within the ss. He couldn''t even tell whether she was alive or dead while standing just a few meters away.


    Tell me, what have you done?! he roared as he ripped off the hood of the man, exposing a man that looked like a corpse that had been left out in a desert for weeks.


    Fractured soul, not living, not dead, the man wheezed with augh. I was anointing her to be an elite of our Empire, but now its all for naught. You might as well put the girl out of her misery.


    Tell me how to fix this! Zac screamed into the mans face, his anger towering to an unprecedented degree.


    Death is the destination for all. You cant fight fate, the desated husk of a manughed, and Zacs danger sense soon erupted, forcing him to throw the man away.


    The hooded Lich exploded into an enormous cloud of gasses that were no doubt extremely toxic, but a few wide swings with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> pushed the cloud north and toward the edge of the ind.


    Zac only took a cursory nce at the surroundings before running over toward the ss array that had kept Alea''s soul from crumbling any further. However, he stumbled after just a few steps, and his mind started to be cloudy. He quickly ate one of his best antidotes as he circted the Fragment of the Coffin in an effort to refine the invisible toxins that must have made their way into his body.


    Helplessness threatened to immobilize him as he looked down at the array. He somewhat regretted not bringing his sister in his hurry to get here in time, but he instinctively knew there was nothing she could do in front of something like this. He ripped out the four crystals powering the array, and they were no-doubt D-Grade Miasma Crystals from the fluctuations.


    Extremely condensed streams of death-attuned energies tried to infect his body without him even trying to absorb anything, but his Specialty Core just trembled a bit as it absorbed the infiltration. Zac put the crystals into his pouch as he swung his axe a few times to ruin the intricateyout of inscriptions covering the ground, and the array immediately lost any remaining strength.


    The array was stopped, but his heart still hammered as he gripped the cover ss coffin to push it away. But before he even had a chance to move the lid an invisible shockwave erupted from within, and his surroundings changed the next instant.

 Chapter 479: Fragments

    Chapter 479: Fragments


    GET OUT! Yasera screeched, her eyes muddled and unfocused from the Hera Leaves. You keep taking up time and money, what are you good for?


    Tears pooled in Aleas eyes, but she knew her mom was not herself at the moment.


    Ill be useful, I promise, Alea said as she shuffled out of their corner of themunal space, her eyes downcast to avoid the mean stares of the others.


    She quickly found herself on the streets, the two burly guards at the door only sparing her a nce as she vacantly stopped after a few meters. What should she do? Mama was not well, and they had no money.


    Alea already scrounged food outside most days, but the shopkeepers had started to be wise to her tricks. There was only one solution left. She needed to start working as well.


    The madame had said that she should wait a while longer, but mom needed money now. So Alea tried to still her beating heart as she looked back and forth along the street to find a willing customer.


    She finally spotted a young man who seemed to have recently passed the Age of Adulthood. He wore mostly ragged clothes just like most people in the slums, but there was something about him. There was an energy around him that made him feel the same way as the scary man who always followed the Madame around.


    The energy of a cultivator. Besides, he looked very handsome even if he had azy expression, and the dirt on his body seemed to be recently appliedpared to the ingrained filth some walked around with. He would no doubt have some coin to spare, andpared with most of the men who entered the Tea House this one seemed a lot better.


    She slowly walked up toward him before he had the chance to walk away, and quickly gathered her courage as he looked up at the man who was over two heads taller than her.


    Yo-young master, ho-how about having a cup of tea with me? Alea stuttered as she desperately tried to mimic thedies of the White Lotus Tea House.


    The young man with theckadaisical expression looked down at her with surprise, and she tried to give off the innocent charm that Madam Sai said would be her best weapon for the next few years. However, Alea became uneasy when she realized that he didnt have that gleam in his eyes that was so easy to discern. The expression that meant that the man was no longer thinking with his brain.


    Was he too young to be interested in these kinds of things? Alea still wasnt sure how everything worked, but she was confident she had seen even younger men entering the privatepartment in the Tea House.


    Why did you call me young master? Do you recognize me? he said curiously as he walked closer.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Ah, no? Alea said, some fear taking hold of her heart.


    Had she made a mistake and said something she shouldnt? Madam Sai always said that words were the most dangerous things, and one wrong word could cause a lifetime of suffering.


    Then how did you know that I am rich? I am not wearing anything expensive, and both my face and my clothes are dirty, he said as he took another step closer.


    That, Alea said, looking back and forth, trying to figure out a way to get out of the situation.


    She pleadingly looked at the two guards behind, but they pointedly ignored her. Had they already realized that the young man was too dangerous to mess with?


    Ill give you an E-Grade Nexus Crystal if you tell me, the young man said.


    Aleas eyes widened in shock when she heard what he said. An E-Grade Nexus Crystal was a huge fortune. One aunty in the Tea House had been tipped one once, and she had been able to eat her fill for over a year on that, even after having given the Tea House their share.


    Could she make that much money by just answering a few questions? Her instincts said no. Things that seemed too good to be true always came with hidden dangers. More than one girl in the Tea House had disappeared after being offered a handsome reward to visit a patron in their homes.


    Some believed they had found a better life, but Madam Sai said they were usually sold into very, or even turned into some sort of materials for evil cultivators.


    My patience is only so long, the young man said as he took out a shimmering crystal from nowhere and waved it in front of her.


    Aleas heart started to beat rapidly, and she was unable to take her eyes off the mesmerizing crystal in his hand. She had never seen anything so beautiful, and it radiated amazing amounts of energy.


    Your clothes look worn but they are new, the wear doesnt seem natural. It is like you have rubbed the clothes against a stone to make it look worse than it is. Its the same with the face, its dirty but your skin is healthy and clear, she said, the words tumbling out of her mouth as quickly as she could form them.


    I guess I overestimated my disguise, the youth wryly smiled as he threw her the crystal.


    Aleas eyes lit up as she clutched the crystal, quickly cing it inside a hidden pocket within her dress. The youth looked at her with amusement for a second before he seemingly had thought of something.


    Here, hold this for a second, he said, handing her another crystal, though this one was a smoothly polished sphere that didnt emit the same beautiful colors.


    Alea didnt dare to say no to the young master, so she gingerly gripped the ball, and she noticed that the young mans eyes lit up when it started to gleam with a mysterious purple shimmer.


    Are you sure about this? Ogras asked with a serious expression.


    Whats there to think about? Namys growled from the side as she red at Alea. The Lord has spent so much time on effort on this. Why are you hesitating?


    Namys, Ogras sighed before he turned back to Alea.


    Alea looked down at therge vat with trepidation, knowing that she might never be able to leave once she entered the bubbling pool.


    The young lord didnt know this, but she had found out that there had been three before her. Three young women who had died while attempting this. Her knowledge about constitutions was shallow, but she had learned from the old master that instructed the nine of them that the risk of dying was extremely high unless there was a great fit between you and the manual.


    And that risk only increased when you were dealing with deadly poison.


    But this was the path she had chosen. If she died she would at least died at the peak of beauty. Her thoughts went to her recent return to the White Lotus Tea House, the first visit in 6 years. Her mother, the beautiful goddess wrapped in the finest garments, was gone, reced by a wretched hag.


    Her face had been pocked by scabs, and her skin sallow from overindulging on alcohol and Hera Leaves. The lithe and graceful curves were gone, reced by sagging skin and festering sores.


    Yasera hadnt cared where she had been. She hadnt even bothered looking for her after she left with Lord AzhRezak. Her mother had only demanded money or liquor after having seen the quality of the dress and jewelry she wore. Alea had turned away without another word, ignoring her mothers cries as her childhood crumbled around her.


    Im ready, she said as she let her dress fall to the ground, showcasing her pristine body.


    Good, Ogras said, trying his best to appear unperturbed by the scene as he handed her a shimmering beast crystal. The mainponent of the medicinal bathes from a swamp creature named <strong>[ErHarkath Marshwalker]</strong>. They are known for their ability to store all kinds of poisons in their body without harming themselves. Try your best to fuse with this thing as quickly as possible.


    Alea nodded and after one deep breath swallowed the crystal whole as she stepped into the pool. This would either be the first step on the path of cultivation, or thest day of her life.


    Is that him? Ilvere whispered with incredulity as he gazed at the human in the distance. I cant believe that guy toppled the AzhRezak n singlehandedly. While wearingdys garments.


    Progenitor. Odd advantages, Janos muttered.


    Why is he even alive? Namys growled. Hes a threat to our Lord, especially now that hes doubly weakened. Alea, shouldnt you do something?


    Aleas mouth curved upward as she looked at the man, trying to imagine the scene that Lord Ogras had described. One human dressed in Vesariths dress and drenched in blood, running around causing havoc. It somehow felt like the world had just turned a bit more interesting.


    Lord AzhRezak hasnt told us to do anything, so why should I? Alea smiled as she stood up and adjusted her dress.


    What are you doing? Namys wheezed as she saw Alea skip toward the human.


    Are you heading to the mines again? Alea said with a smile as she walked next to Zac.


    Yeah, he said, looking a bit perturbed.


    Why dont I join you? Alea said, snaking her arm around his.


    I have a lot to do, Zac sighed, helplessness evident in his eyes.


    It was a refreshing differencepared to those meathead warriors at thepound she had trained with, a bunch of men with overblown egos and rampant aggression. This guy was the strongest warrior on the ind, but he didnt even know what to do with himself when she teased him. It was both intriguing and a bit frustrating.


    I know, learn about The Ruthless Heavens? she said, pushing her breasts toward his arm, the response leaving nothing wanting. I know. I know all that basic stuff as well, I can teach you just as well as Alyn can. And wouldnt it be nicer with just the two of us?


    Her heart hammered in her chest as she hurried away from the Gazebo, and she immediately jumped onto the teleporter taking her to Azh''Rodum.


    Just what had she done?


    This had been the perfect opportunity, but she had ruined it all by poisoning him because of that stupid impulse. She regretted stepping into that bath for the first time since gaining this odd constitution. For the first time, the gains didn''t seem to match up to the costs. Of course, arger part of her knew that absorbing the essence of the swamp monster was the only reason she had been able to save Lord Atwood at all during the final Beast Wave.


    Without it, she would just have been another bystander.


    She walked up to the secluded rooftop garden in her mansion andy down on the recliner, her eyes absentmindedly looking up at the stars. The blue sky that once had felt so cold and ring felt soothing for the first time since arriving to this odd world.


    He was drifting away. The sturdy back kept growing, now towering like a mountain in front of her. It was this cursed situation that pushed him toward the Heavens themselves. It should be a joy seeing the man she loved growing stronger, but she couldnt help but feel pangs of loneliness as the two drifted further and further apart. She simply couldn''t keep up. No one on Earth could.


    Zac was leaving again soon, this time for the Underworld, and a changed man would no doubt return. She had somewhat managed to improve their situation after her mistakes, and there was no longer that thinly veiled disappointment in his eyes when he looked at her.


    But that didnt change the reality they found themselves in. He was Lord Atwood, the de-facto leader of a world, and perhaps even a future elite that would make his name known in the whole Sector.


    She was just Alea, a prostitutes daughter who hadnt even earned the right to take ast name. She had thought that bing a cultivator would change her fate, but she was still that same dirty child from the slums looking up at the gods soaring through the skies toward their faraway pces.


    How long would it be until they looked at each other like strangers?


    Zac was inundated in one vision after another, snippets of Aleas life shing past him. He had a vague understanding of what was going on, and the knowledge was terrifying. Aleas soul was rapidly falling apart, and fragments of her soul released the visions for him.


    He didnt know how this was possible as it had never happened with all the people he had killed until now. But one thing was certain; Alea was not long for this world if this kept on. Suddenly another shudder emerged from the coffin, but this time Aleas voice rather than another vision entered his mind.


    <em>Im not ready. I want to follow you.</em>

 Chapter 480: Desperate Times

    Chapter 480: Desperate Times


    Zacs mind was thrown into disarray after witnessing one snippet after another of Aleas life pass by his eyes, but he still desperately tried to figure out a way to salvage the situation. Once he was back in his own body again he immediately lifted the casket, only to be met by a horrifying sight.


    Alea''s body had been turnedpletely ck, and dense waves of corruption and death radiated from her body. Gases leaked out of her pores as well, and Zac was forced to quickly close the lid again as the noxious fumes almost made him keel over after a single breath.


    That scene alone made him furious enough to almost spontaneouslybust, but he restrained his anger as he searched for a solution. However, there were simply no treasures in his possession that would allow him to save her life.


    Her soul was falling apart, and her body was no longer fit for a living being as far as he could tell. But herst words echoed through his mind, and he refused to give up as long as there was a chance that he could save her.


    His first idea was to turn her into a Revenant somehow, as that would at least allow her to keep ''living'' in a sense. However, not only would that erase Alea and create a new personality, but it might turn her into a subordinate of the Lich King. It was those robed liches who had initiated the process, which might have left some sort of mark.


    Also, he had no idea how to actually turn someone into a Revenant.


    Follow me, Zac muttered as he stared down at the crystalline casket, and in his desperation he suddenly thought of something.


    He didnt have any idea whether what he did was insane or not, but he was unable to think of anything else as he took out an object and ced it on top of the lid.


    It was the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>.


    This the only solution avable to him. Her soul was already a problem that was out of his league after having lost the <strong>[Praj Cherry]</strong>, and with the Lich messing up her body she was way beyond his means of salvation. He wasnt even sure whether a D-Grade healer would be able to bring her back from the brink of death, let alone his paltry E-Grade pills.


    But what if she became a Tool Spirit, a being that was essentially immortal? He had recently learned about two pieces of key information. First, living beings could be turned into Spirit Tools, or rather ''Sword ves'' through sacrificial rituals. Second, the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> could pretty much turn anything into a Spirit Tool.


    If he turned Alea into a Tool Spirit she would be able to live on, just like Bra. It was obviously a messed-up solution, but one that would fulfill her wish and keep her alive. The universe was full of magical things that he couldnt even imagine, and perhaps he would be able to turn her back into a living being again in the future.


    He immediately infused a stream of Cosmic Energy into the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> before he could change his mind. A massive pir of gold shot down from the heavens and mmed into the valley with enough force topletely obliterate all clouds for kilometers in each direction.


    A groundswell of energy rose from the depths of the mountain to meet the golden pir, and Zac found himself submerged in a surge of power so dense that it was almost a liquid. He did not doubt that he would be able to gain multiple levels in minutes from staying in a magical ce like this upon reaching E-Grade, but that wasnt why he had summoned these energies.


    He suddenly felt a spiritual nudge from beneath the lid, and Zac refocused on the coffin Aleay inside. His eyes lit up in excitement upon sensing it. Zac couldn''t be sure, but he felt it was as an agreement of his n. Perhaps she could understand what was going to happen after being in the middle of it.


    However, nothing happened with the casket, and the energies simply seemed to swirl around it as Zac felt the spiritual signal from within weaken. Zac''s mind spun for solutions, trying to figure out what the problem was. Was the array wasnt enough?


    Zac emptied his Spatial Ring of anything that might help with her situation, and a stream of golden energy immediately emerged from the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array] </strong>and snatched a third of his Soul Crystals before starting going over the other things he had taken out. Zac didn''t mind at the least, as he suddenly felt Alea''s presence once more from within the coffin, making it seem as though the Soul Crystals had condensed her soul again.


    The next thing to be selected by the golden tendrils was the fossilized bug that radiated an unceasing aura of corrosion. Zac had picked it up on the 3<sup>rd</sup> floor of the tower, but he believed that it was a lucky find as neither Ogras nor Gu had been able to even get close due to the aura it emitted. He thought it might fit with Alea and her constitution, so he took it out as well.


    However, it wasnt enough as he felt Alea''s spirit slowly weaken again.


    Panic welled up once more, and he grit his teeth and took out an intricately inscribed jade box and opened its lid. The tendrils of light immediately pounced on the contents, and Zac wasnt surprised as it was the <strong>[Pathfinder Oracle Eye]</strong>. The Auctioneer had said that it was perfect to improve a Spirit Tools spirituality, and it might just be what was needed.


    The cost was pretty shocking, but he had already gone so far as to expend his <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>. It was toote to hold back.


    But Zac''s eyes suddenly widened in rm as another tendril reached out behind Zac and picked up <strong>[Evesting]</strong> that he had poured out of his spatial ring along with the rest of his treasures. Zac was about to take the shield back, but he stopped himself after some hesitation and let the golden light use the E-Grade defensive treasure as another ingredient.


    It wasnt even a Spirit Tool, and he could always get another shield elsewhere.


    The tendril also reached behind him and ripped off a few of thergest branches of the <strong>[Tree of Ascension]</strong> while a storm of gases was dragged out from the underground where the Amanita Mushroom resided. Only then did the array seem satiated, and the tendrils receded back into the crystal as a Golden Cocoon formed around the Stasis Array.


    <em>Thank you </em>a silent whisper suddenly echoed out in his mind, but its volume grew lower and lower toward the end, as though Alea was moving away from him.


    Are you okay? Zac asked, but a sinking feeling spread through his chest as there was no answer. Alea?


    The silence stretched on, and Zac started to panic as he couldnt get an answer from Alea no matter what he did. He wanted to go closer, but he was instantly rebuffed by the powerful force from the <strong>[Divine Investiture]</strong> array.


    Zac could only anxiously wait for the light to dissipate. Time passed as more and more energy was infused into the cocoon, but Zac didn''t move a muscle. He knew there were no doubt a dozen things that needed to be done on the ind, but he refused to leave until he had seen this thing through. Only two hourster did the lights finally dissipate as the cocoon cracked, revealing the item within.


    Therge crystal encasing Alea was recuperating inside was gone, as was his shield and all the materials he had poured into the array. In their ce was only one thing, a massive ck coffin.


    The coffin was just over two meters long, and seemed to be crafted from a mix of the wood from the <strong>[Tree of Ascension]</strong> and some ck crystal or smooth stone. The two materials formed intricate patterns all across the surface, though they didn''t seem to be fractals as far as he could tell. They were more akin to the markings of the Stone Stele he had seen in the vision, though they obviously didn''t contain that kind of power.


    The coffin''s shape was traditional with the top being slightly wider before narrowing again toward the bottom. It looked nothing like the translucent ss studded with Divine Crystals of before, but rather a rugged andpletely opaque box that carried a heavy and almost solemn aura.


    There were two sets of fractals covering the lid as well. First was a circle ced at the wider section toward the top, and the other set was two lines of inscriptions that ran parallel along the length of the lid. The fractals almost reminded Zac of a funeral wreath with two ribbons hanging down.


    Finally, there were thick pitch-ck chains that were wound around the whole coffin a few times, and Zac was surprised when he realized they actually emerged from holes on the side of the coffin. A quick estimate told Zac there were over five meters of links wound around the ominous item, and there were perhaps even more chains waiting inside the coffin itself.


    All in all, it felt like an extremely somber item, and Zac was pretty shocked at how it had turned out. He wasnt sure what he had expected the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> to do, but at least it wasnt something as drastic as this. It hadpletely repurposed the items he had thrown inside in just two hours, a feat that would no doubt be utterly impossible even for great artisans like the original Bra.


    But the amazing craftsmanship wasnt really what Zac was interested in right now. He hurried over to the coffin and tried to open the lid, but no matter how hard he strained he was utterly incapable of moving it even an inch.


    He growled in frustration as veins bulged across his arms, but he could eventually only give up. He tried peering into the six holes the chains emerged from on the sides, but there was nothing but darkness inside of the coffin. Zac tried shining a light inside with an illumination crystal, but it was as though the light was immediately swallowed the moment it entered.


    Zac sat back with a nk look, his determination slowly being swapped out by confusion and depression. Just what had he done? Making Spirit Tools from living cultivators wasnt just considered an unorthodox method, but a downright evil one. He felt like a mad scientist ying god, and he had no idea what woulde of this.


    What have you done? a furious voice said from the side, and Zac looked over to see Ogras walk over with bloodshot eyes, his eyes darting between the coffin and Zac.


    She said she wasnt ready to leave, that she wanted to follow me, Zac mumbled with a hollow voice. Her soul was falling apart because of those damn liches. She wasnt ready to let go, and this was the only solution I could think of."


    The demon stared at Zac for a few seconds, while Zac simply looked at the coffin with a lost expression.


    So what is this? Ogras finally said as he looked at the coffin. Exactly what did you do? I can''t sense her presence any longer.


    I got something called a <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> from the eighth floor, it could turn anything into a Spirit Tool. I also added the <strong>[Pathfinder Oracle Eye]</strong>, and it seems the process swallowed my shield along with a bunch of the treasures I have gathered so far, Zac exined.


    This This is not right, Ogras said with disgust on his face. It goes against the natural order. How will her soul find rest or enter the cycle of the Heavens this way? You have cursed her.


    Zac said could say nothing in response, bleakness washing over him as he felt some disgust with himself. The silence stretched on with one man brooding and the other man stewing.


    You threw a shield worth over a billion into this, and it was one of the cheaper materials? Ogras finally said with a grimace. The things you expended here would be able to pay for the foundation of a great faction.


    I figured that if I could turn her into a Spirit Tool like Bra, she would be able to stay alive. We could find a way to turn her back into flesh and bone in the future, Zac sighed as he looked up from the coffin. Do you know if its possible?


    No idea, Ogras said. Anyway, we cant stay here.


    Whats going on? Zac asked.


    Were getting invaded, remember? Ogras snorted. There are still enemies to deal with even after your rampage, we need to clear them out so we dont leave any hidden threats. Besides, we are running out of time to deal with the unliving. Your sister might have bought us some time, but were still cutting it close.


    Zac nodded before he walked over to the coffin. He silently looked at the beautifully crafted surface and the chains that kept the thing sealed before he slowly reached down to put it in his Spatial Ring.


    But the coffin suddenly shuddered and started shrinking as the chains moved about. In just a second the coffin had shrunk to just half a decimeter''s length, and one of its chains had formed a loop through the top holes of the coffin.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac immediately understood what was going on, and he didnt hesitate to put the chain above his head to wear it as a ne. The moment the coffin touched a chest a weak tendril emerged from the treasure, but there was no voice apanying it this time. It still gave somefort for Zac, and he desperately clung to the idea that Alea was still inside there, but that she was simply too drained tomunicate at the moment.

 Chapter 481: The Next Step

    Chapter 481: The Next Step


    Confusion and guilt gued Zac''s conscience about what he had just done to Alea. But the deed was done, and he couldn''t stay in this secluded valley and second-guess himself forever.


    The two jumped onto Zac''s flying treasure, immediately setting off toward Azh''Rodum. As they flew he got an update of the situation from the demon. Ogras had returned 30 minutes ago, at which point order was mostly restored to the ind. The Valkyries had discovered the jamming array that blocked out anymunication and teleportation on the ind and immediately deactivated it.


    They were still locked out from the rest of the world, but Kenzie and the other experts were working on multiple solutions while multiple squads had set sail to look for hints of simr arrays. Even the Creators were furiously producing new vessels to rece the destroyed ones, and they had already delivered three Carracks in record speed.


    They reached Azh''Rodum soon enough, and Zac was relieved to see that the miasmic clouds were mostly dispelled by this point. He saw hundreds of warriors walking through the forests in groups, likely looking for stragglers who had wandered off from the rest of the zombies. An inquiry told him that his sister and the demon generals had already returned to Port Atwood, and they took the teleporter back as well.


    The scene in Port Atwood was pretty simr to the one in Azh''Rodum. The raging mes had been doused by now, but much of the southern edge of the ind had beenpletely ruined by the wildfires. Thankfully they sat right on top of a Nexus Vain, and the dense energies would restore the greenery in a year or two.


    The two walked over to the battlefield, where the bodies of the fallen cultists were still being examined for lingering threats. The few who survived Zac''s onught had either tried to go out in a ze of glory or were summarily executed by one of the demon armies. Zac didnt care about that, as there was no middle ground with these two forces.


    He saw his sister stand at the edge of the battlefield as a dozen drones roved back and forth across the area. It was the same ones who had stood sentry around the Technocrat incursion, and Zac guessed she was looking for any survivors who tried to y dead. The demon generals were nowhere to be seen though, perhaps upied elsewhere.


    Of course, her search was a bit redundant considering that demon warriors and a few nauseated humans were cutting the head off every corpse just in case. It was both to kill the straggles and to avoid any corpses from rising again.


    Their approach was quickly noticed, and Kenzie ran over with worry written on her face.


    What happened? Is Alea okay? she asked the moment they appeared.


    Itsplicated, Zac sighed. Well talk about itter. How are things here? How are the losses?


    "Around 200 people died from the invasion, almost of them during the battles at sea before they reached our ind," Kenzie said. "We mostly stayed within the arrays after they arrived though, so very few people were hurt."


    Zac closed his eyes as he took a deep breath. Another 200 people dead, and that was probably just a drop in the bucketpared to the losses on the main continent. But he couldn''t do anything about it, and he slowly opened his eyes and indicated for his sister to continue.


    The threat was essentially over after you arrived. Were mostly cleaning up and rebuilding by this point. We''ve also figured out a means ofmunication, old-school radio signals. A few engineers and the Ishiate tinkerers have managed to strengthen the signals of old machines to the point we canmunicate pretty great distances, but it''s only in morse code."


    "That''s good," Zac nodded. "Do the ships you''ve sent out have these things?"


    "They do, and we''ve actually found the missing Cultist Ship already thanks to Mr. Trang''s Companion. It is sailing away from us, toward Mystic Ind I think, Kenzie sighed. We have sent over half of our remaining ships to harass it though, but it will take a few days to catch up. Ilvere is leading those ships.


    Ill deal with it, Zac said with a frown, preparing to take out his Flying Treasure again.


    Just let it be, Ogras said from the side. Our time is limited, and we can deal with the stragglers another day. It should take them a few days to reach that Ind, perhaps over a week if theyre constantly under harassment. We already have elites stationed there, and they can just jump into the Mystic Realm and close the spatial tunnel, allowing us to reim the ind at ater date.


    Letting the invaders have free reign in his Archipgo went against every fiber in his body, but he knew that he didnt have much of a choice as there were bigger fish to fry.


    How long do we have until the realignment array activates?" Zac asked


    We broke a couple of key pirs before we had to stop, Kenzie answered. I cant be sure, but we think it will take around 6 or 7 days toplete unless something changed thest day. But the sooner its stopped the better. Its draining our, who knows what long-term effect that might have.


    What about the arrays blocking our Teleportation Array? Zac asked. "I heard you were working on some sort of solution?"


    We havent located any more arrays apart from the one on this ind, Kenzie said with some helplessness. So we are still locked out from the main continent. Worst case you can try flying over to Cogstown and use their Teleporter, it''s possible it hasn''t been impacted by the spatial disruption."


    "That will cost us a few days though," Ogras interjected. "And we don''t know the situation on the Maind."


    Calrin and I have looked into these types of arrays since what happened to Alea and the army, Kenzie said. I figured they might block out all teleporters around the Dead Zone after they activated the realignment array. They found a simpler solution though by just blocking this ind though. But I do have something that might work.


    You do? Zac asked with surprise.


    Blocking arrays is a standard tactic during conflicts in the multiverse, Ogras added from the side. Its almost impossible to catch your targets if they just keep teleporting away. Just look at the insectoids and their war. They have tried to catch the followers of the old Redeemer for months, but they just keep teleporting away from anypromised hive.


    So there are solutions? Zac asked.


    It boils down to whether your or your opponents methods are better, and thats why Im not sure, Kenzie exined. We managed to get our hands on a <strong>[Spatial Reinforcement Array]</strong>, and it should technically be able to stabilize the subspace or whatever long enough for you to teleport to the main continent.


    Thats great! Zac eximed, a weight lifted from his shoulders.


    Well, its just that were dealing with two ancient factions, their jamming arrays are probably pretty strong. Im not sure what would happen if our array breaks apart before your jump ispleted. You might be thrown out in the middle of the ocean, or you might be torn to pieces by spatial rifts.


    Oh, Zac muttered. So its either waste a day or two getting to Cogstown in hopes that their teleporter still works, or risk getting ripped apart?


    Pretty much, Kenzie said with a weak smile.


    Just teleport, Ogras shrugged from the side. With your luck, youll be just thrown out right in front of the Lich King even if the array breaks.


    Zac only snorted in response before he turned back to his sister.


    "Can I do anything to help with the spatial array thing?" Zac asked. "I''ve gathered all kinds of items during my climb."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I don''t think so," Kenzie said. "Some treasures might be able to make the array stronger, but I don''t know how to do that."


    That''s fine. Where are Thea and Billy? Zac asked. "I heard they helped out while I was gone. Oh, and where are the Tal-dar? I haven''t seen a single one since returning."


    Billy and Thea are recuperating in a mansion next to the hospital, Kenzie said before her face scrunched up. "As for the Tal-dar..."


    "They didn''te," the demon snorted. "I told you that you can''t rely on those wily beast tamers."


    "Is that true?" Zac asked with a frown as he looked over at his sister, and her face told him everything he needed to know.


    "We sent a distress call, but they dyed and dyed until our Teleportation Array was blocked out," Kenzie said with some anger.


    Zac knew that the Tal-dar just stayed behind as business partners, but he was still pretty angry that they simply chose to cower to the side when their ally was being attacked like this. This was the second time Verana had refused to get involved with the conflicts on Earth, and it had be abundantly clear that they couldn''t be relied upon for anything important.


    "Well, I''m sure they''ll regret their choice sooner orter," Zac finally said after a short silence, which elicited a knowing snort from Ogras.


    "So what happened in the Tower of Eternity?" Kenzie asked with some worry. "Ogras said that you caused a mess, but things turned out mostly fine?"


    Zac red at the demon who just grinned back at him.


    "Well, I got a pretty good result and made some allies, but I might have also made some enemies as well. I had to suddenly leave due to getting a prompt about Port Atwood being invaded, so I don''t know about the fallout," Zac said as he took out the <strong>[Heaven''s Secrets Array]</strong>. "More importantly, can you install this thing on my Nexus Nodeter when you have the time? It can help with my evolution."


    "Oh?" Kenzie said with interest as she looked down at the array. "It shouldn''t take too long, I''ll go deal with it right now. I''m done here anyway."


    Zac nodded before he left his sister to visit his two friends, and two Valkyries immediately apanied him and helped him catch up to speed as they walked. They reached the mansion soon enough, where the guards wordlessly let him in with a bow. He indicated for the Valkyries to stay outside as he entered, and he quickly spotted where the two were recuperating with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    A few quick steps brought him to arge bedroom on the second floor, and he entered after softly knocking at the door.


    Youre back, Thea said with a weak voice from her bed facing a window looking out at a beautiful garden. Your intelligence was incorrect. They made their move early.


    I heard, Zac sighed as he sat down next to her bedside.


    He was inwardly relieved though that Thea seemed fine, with all her limbs intact. He did spot a wound on her stomach that was lit up with miasmic energies though. But it didn''t look as bad as the one he got himself from Mhal, and it should heal up as long as she slowly ground down the lingering Dao with her own.


    Im sorry," Zac said. "And thank you for helping my people while I was away. Who knows how many would have died if you werent there.


    So? Have you dealt with everything? Thea said as she turned to look at Zac, her piercing blue eyes staring evenly into his.


    Zac was silent for a few seconds thinking it over. There was honestly more he could do to improve his current power while still in F-Grade, a lot of untapped potential as Catheya would call it. But more importantly than that, there was a burning desire that was eating him alive.


    There had been a desire smoldering in his chest since the events in the valley, the desire to unleash an unprecedented level of vengeance upon the so-called Lich King for what he or his subjects did to his ind and Alea. Zacs face was without expression, but a fire burned in his eyes as he looked down at Thea.


    I am evolving right now and heading toward the core of the Dead Zone the moment itspleted, Zac said, and he felt a momentum building in his body the moment he made his choice. "The Undead Incursion will be gone within a few days."

 Chapter 482: Loves Bond

    Chapter 482: Love''s Bond


    Zac didnt immediately leave the mansion though, but rather gave some of his best healing pills to Thea. He was about to leave her room to visit Billy as well, and Thea surprisingly jumped down from her bed to join him. The giant was even worse off than Thea from what she said.


    He had taken the brunt of the attacks after changing into massive form to sink the ship, and this time Zac hadnt been there to block out the attacks with <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> like during the hunt. Billy had been badly burned by the mes of the cultists it seemed.


    It was easy to figure out with room the giant resided in as the whole room shook from the massive snores from within, but they stopped when Zac walked into the room.


    Youre back! Billy rumbled as he woke up. Help Billy a bit! A stupid horny guy keeps tricking Billy, making him forget how to leave this ce! All horny people seems tricky, could use a good thwonkin''.


    Dont let your fans hear that, Thea snorted from the side as she walked inside as well, prompting Zac to look over with confusion.


    He has over thirty suitors among the Demons on this ind, Thea said with some bemusement. Its a bit surreal.


    Of course it is super real. Billy is the most dashing prince, Mama always said so, Billy nodded with acent expression. But Billy doesnt like horny girls.


    Uh, you should just call them Demons, Zac coughed, the anger in his gut somewhat dispersed by the giants antics.


    He couldnt stay for too long though, and he had to leave after making sure Thea and Billy had everything they needed.


    Im sorry about how things turned out. I underestimated the Undead Empire and put too much trust in the words of Voids Disciple. I was sure I had a few more weeks, Zac apologized again just as he was about to exit.


    Its our fault as well, Thea sighed as she sat down next to Billy. We didnt adapt quickly enough to this new reality, forcing the whole burden onto your shoulders. We yed politics and fought for benefits when we should have been fighting for our lives and our futures.


    Zac sighed as well, not knowing how to respond, and he left the mansion in silence.


    You really are evolving? a voice said from the side, and Zac looked over to see Ogras standing there.


    "I am," Zac nodded before he wryly smiled. Did you know that Billy is pretty popr among the female demons?


    Well, it makes sense. Hes even bulkier than the Abyssal Demons, and rumors are circting on the ind that he has some powerful bloodline that increased his strength even further, the demon shrugged. Between his constitution and his potential, hes one of the best bachelors on this world, perhaps even better than you since youre a mortal.


    Zac only shook his head in bemusement before he got back to the matter at hand.


    I need to take down the Undead Incursion quickly. Do you think I can do it without evolving? Zac asked as the two walked toward his private section.


    Its hard to say, the demon said after a while. Normally I would have said yes, but were running out of time. The Lich King seems adept at arrays judging by what we have seen so far, and he has no doubt turned the core zone into a fortress over the past year. He doesnt even need to maintain the shield for that long, just a few days will do and he will have won.


    You really think his arrays are that strong? Zac asked skeptically. I even managed to break the arrays in the Base Town.


    Thats different, those were mobile arrays powered by F-Grade warriors, Ogras said with a shake of his head. The undead array will have hundreds, perhaps thousands, of Unholy Beacons powering it. He might even sacrifice tens of millions of Zombies to give the defenses a boost until the realignment isplete.


    Still, Zac muttered, but he knew the demon had a point.


    Sieges can take years, decades even, to slowly grind down the defensive arrays, and thats with proper equipment we dont have. You need to be a lot stronger to crack them in an instant, the demon said. The normal method would have been for us to bring millions of fodder to st attacks on the shield to weaken it before we made our move. But theres no time for that either."


    Zac slowly nodded. He had somewhat hoped for the demon to convince him otherwise, but it truly looked like he needed to get a few power-ups to increase his certainty of sess. He wasnt willing to bet Earths future that he was able to break through the defensive perimeters and destroy the realignment array within one week without evolving.


    Wheres my sister? Zac asked. Has she installed the array?


    Shes still trying to figure out the thing, Ogras said. But you need to slow down.


    What? You know we''re running out of time, Zac said.


    Just a few hours have passed since you exited the tower. You have fought half the Sectors geniuses and then fended off the invasions. You even turned Alea into a heaven-cursed ne. Youre not stable at the moment, you cant evolve in your current state, the demon said. "Honestly, if you were the scion of some n you would probably have been forced into silent meditation for at least year to regain a sense of tranquility and bnce."


    So you just want me to sit around? Zac said with disbelief. The is dying as we speak.


    We are all dying, the demon snorted. Dont ruin everything now by rushing into things. Sit down and heal up and calm your mind at least. A few hours spent now will save you a lot of time in the long run.


    Zac was somewhat unwilling, but he knew that the demon was right. He wasnt in his right mind at the moment, and he needed to cool off. But he still felt like a child who got sent to take his nap as he walked back to his courtyard and sat down.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His thoughts were a whir as he tried to calm down, and his mind kept jumping between the various things that needed his attention, each more urgent than thest. But slowly circting the Fragment of the Bodhi helped him rx his tense muscles, and his thoughts slowly followed. Visiting the Tower of Eternity was supposed to give him a breather to dpress, but things had gone increasingly out of hand with the Splinter and then the time crunch toplete the climb.


    He felt more wound up than ever, especially after what he went through with Alea.


    His eyes slowly opened and he looked down at the ck 5-centimeter casket hanging on its chain around his neck. He still didnt know whether he had done the right thing or not. What if he hadpletely damned Alea by turning her into something like the Sword ve he had snatched from the swordmaster? The voices that had invaded his mind while using the thing had sounded beyond wretched.


    The one sce in his mind was that the System had said that the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> was a rectification of regret.


    If Alea had died in front of his eyes like that, then he would have regretted it forever. To be just toote to save her not just once, but twice would have been too much to take. The System was essentially omniscient and perhaps it had already known that things would end up like this. It did make him a bit pissed off that the System didn''t provide a better solution to save her, but he guessed the System was more interested in making him stronger than it was in saving the poison mistress.


    However, his actions had no doubt caused someplications to his ns. A lot of his materials had gone into the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> in his frenzied attempts to save the demoness. It also meant that he no longer had any way to upgrade his axe, except letting it slowly eat various treasures. Of course, most items meant for Verun had gone to Alea, but he at least had the Dragon Core still.


    The real question was what sort of item that he had created. He had initially just been focused on saving Alea''s soul, but the array was meant to create a perfect Spirit Tool. This became doubly important as <strong>[Evesting]</strong> had been thrown into the mix, leaving him without anything to activate half of his skills.


    It might even affect hising ss choices for all he knew, so he needed to understand what he was dealing with.


    He tried sending his mind into the coffin to see if he could glean anything, but it was impossible. Zac suddenly had an idea and released a drop of blood onto the ne, which was immediately swallowed.


    A stream of information immediately entered his mind as he felt the same sort of connection as he did to his robes and <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. He couldnt help but feel a sense of sourness when he realized that either Alea or the System had named the chain-covered coffin <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    There was still no active response from the demoness even after having bound the treasure with his blood. The coffin was still in a passive state like his robes, where he could use it but he couldnt sense any Spirit Tool''s sapience. This was the norm for an E-Grade Spirit Tool though, with the tool awakening Spirituality usually happened at higher grades, if ever.


    However, the stream of information had broadened his insight of what a spirit tool could do, and a mentalmand made two chains rush out from the holes on the side of the coffin andtch onto his left arm as the coffin rapidly grew in size.


    It took just a fraction of a second before the coffin had be almost as tall as Zac himself while keeping the width of a normal coffin. But it was a lot thinnerpared to what should be expected, with a depth of just 15 centimeters. It had actually turned into a shield.


    However, that was just one of its functions, and another mentalmand prompted the chains to snake around his torso as the coffin moved toward his back. It grew a lot shorter as well, making it almost resemble a coffin for a child or perhaps a gnome.


    Four more chains reached out from their respective holes, each of them dancing in the air as though Zac was a snake charmer. He was already used to this kind of fighting from the chains in <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, andmanding them was almost as natural as moving his own limbs. The chains shot out in an instant, and four trees in his courtyard had holes punched through with such force that they barely shuddered before the chains had passed through.


    The chains didnt have the life-sucking abilities of the spectral chains, but there seemed to be some inherently corrosive effect attached to them, perhaps an addition provided from the mysterious fossilized bug he had thrown into the mix. It wasn''t immediately noticeable, but the holes in the trees started to wither after a few seconds as well like they were being assaulted by some sort of invasive rot.


    Furthermore, the chains were actual corporeal links made by top-tier materials like Neprosium,pared to the far more fragile fractal chains that his skill conjured. There was no way that a casual swing of an E-Grade warrior would be able to break them apart as they could do with the spectral copies.


    That meant that the chains were essentially abination or fusion of hardness and rot, which made them a perfect fit for using together with the Fragment of the Coffin.


    However, Zac didn''t take the time to experiment with all the possibilities of the chains at the moment, so he retracted them back into the coffin. He was extremely relieved that there was a second form of Aleas new form since he was somewhat leery about using the coffin in its shield-state. What if he encountered some powerhouse that managed to break it? What effect would it have on his chances of restoring her to her demon form?


    The chains themselves looked like his Neprosium shield but slightly darker, so they wouldnt break so easily. Besides, Neprosium had excellent healing capabilities even if that happened. The chains would probably just reform if the links broke as long as he retrieved the material.


    It still felt weird to consider using Alea as a Spirit Tool, but he also knew that was what she wished for. At least he prayed that was what that wordless spiritual connection meant. She wanted to apany him in his journey, and leaving her in a corner of his Spatial Ring felt even worse than using the treasure.


    He would need some time to think of the pitch-ck coffin as <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> rather than Alea, but he would make the best of the situation. Besides, that might be his best shot at actually getting the poison mistress back.


    Zac had asked about Spirit Tool upgrades while talking to Catheya since they had broached the subject when discussing the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>. Much of what she said hadnt been anything new, but one thing had stuck out. Using the same weapon a lot and for a long time gradually formed a bond that was helpful in all kinds of ways.


    It would allow a warrior to squeeze out more potential during a battle, and it would even help with upgrading the Spirit Tool. That was why most elites wanted a powerful weapon that could follow them during their whole Cultivation Path, rather than repeatedly swapping out their weapon for a stronger one. Nurturing this bond was the same as nurturing the Spirit Tool, so using the coffin in battle might actually be the best method to heal her soul, odd as it might sound.


    A chain snaked around his throat as the coffin shrunk again, and it soon enough had returned to its passive state. Zac finally tried imbuing the Spirit Tool with his three fragments, but he found that the coffin, unsurprisingly, resisted the Fragment of the Axe. Imbuing it with the Fragment of the Bodhi worked, but he couldnt sense any direct effect when doing so.


    But when he tried imbuing the skill with the final Fragment he was shocked. The surprise didnte from the fact that the defensive fragment entered the Spirit Tool effortlessly. After all, if the Dao of the Coffin didnt fit this Spirit Tool, then nothing would. The surprise came from something else.


    The Fragment of the Coffin had evolved.

 Chapter 483: Against the Natural Order

    Chapter 483: Against the Natural Order


    Zac quickly opened up his Dao Screen, and as expected, there was a change.


    <strong>Fragment of the Coffin (Middle): All attributes +20, Endurance +190, Vitality +120, Intelligence +35, Wisdom +65. Effectiveness of Endurance +10%</strong>


    Zac still didnt know when the upgrade took ce, but he guessed that it mainly came from creating a Coffin-type Spirit Tool. He had sat as though he was in trance witnessing the whole process, and something about the experience had helped him break through.


    Of course, more things had contributed to the upgrade. He had taken the first step toward upgrading the Fragment from witnessing the Dao Apparition of the War Stele, and he had fought both in the life-and-death battle against half the Base Town, followed by the battle against the cultists.


    These battles had set the foundations for the evolution, and the magical activation of the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array] </strong>was probably the final spark that upgraded the Fragment. However, these things were just thetest additions. Alea had been the spark of inspiration to the formation of the Fragment of the Coffin since the very beginning.


    The vision of her lying in the stasis array had felt like a perfect mirror of the blood-drenched lotus he witnessed during his Dao Vision. The two visions had merged into the Fragment of the Coffin, and the recent events were a continuation of that reality. Zac couldn''t exactly pinpoint what concept was added to the Dao Fragment though, but he slowly started to form an idea.


    He had long since started to walk the path of life and death, but only the Seed of Trees had properly incorporated this concept so far. The Seed of Rot was clearly death-attuned, but that seed was mostly propped up by fortuitous encounters. The concept he had incorporated into the Fragment of the Coffin was one he already had brushed upon before; life through death.


    There were some differences though. The insight rted to trees was more akin to how a seed would grow from the ashes of a burned-down forest, gaining life through death. However, the insights he gained now was rather based on embracing death for a shot at life.


    He knew that he essentially had killed Alea when he turned her into a Spirit Tool. Even if her consciousness awoke again she wouldn''t be living. But Alea dying was the only way for her to live. The insight contained the willingness to go against the natural order, whereas the earlier insight was based on making the most of the natural order.


    They were the same, but also the opposite.


    Zac felt it was an extremely important step in the creation he was building for himself, a realignment of his Dao so that it would better fit as one half of the whole. Getting a second Middle-Grade Fragment would no doubt improve his choices upon evolving as well, but for now he focused on the gained attributes.


    The improved attributes werent too surprising, apart from the boost to Endurance being slightly smaller than expected. That was the best-case scenario though. He had reached a terrifying 1692 Endurance in his Human form after thetest upgrade, and while he still was some ways from the attribute cap of 2500, he still needed to be careful. A few more titles and another Dao upgrade and he might hit the ceiling.


    He had only lost 3 points in Strength from reaching the limit of the F-Grade, but a loss at this stage could be huge in case there wereplications for him to upgrade his Race to D-Grade.


    There wasnt cause to worry just yet though, and Zac refocused on <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. He already knew that there were also actually two skills in the Spirit Tool already to match the two fractals on the handle of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, but he wouldnt use them now as they had pretty big cool-downs.


    A long cool-down was fine with Zac though since that meant that the skills were a lot stronger than normal. It was just like how his ultimate skills, except <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, couldnt be used over and over.


    All in all, he felt that his new Spirit Tool was even better than expected. The more he thought about it the more he felt it would be extremely easy to incorporate <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> into his fighting style without it affecting the fighting style he hade up with for himself.


    It almost symbolized his whole creation in a sense. It was an extremely good fit with most of his skills in his Undying Bulwark ss, while also adding something new to the table. It perfectly mirrored his Fragment of the Coffin as well, and he would perhaps be able to move them both toward the Dao of Death over time.


    But the Spirit Tool also represented life and rebirth through Aleas soul and the purpose of its creation. If things progressed as he hoped he would be able to turn Death into Life, and give Alea back her life again.


    He could even think of some interesting possibilities with the sparks he could create with the help of the remnants. Getting them under control was a long-term n, but perhaps he would be able to use the chains as a delivery method in the future.


    In the final attack against the dragon he had used Creation Energy to form a spear to house the spark, but perhaps he could simply put the sparks into the coffin and shoot them out with a chain. He could only imagine the destructive potential of a Neprosium chain infused with the purest destruction.


    He wouldnt need to force it or change himself to adapt to the shield, and the System upheld its end of the bargain and created a Spirit Tool suited just for him. The process had even given him a second Mid-Tier Fragment, which might allow him to get a fitting Arcane ss. After having upgraded a second he couldn''t help but fantasize about what options he might see when touching the Nexus Node this time.


    Zac didnt immediately head over to the Nexus Node though, but he rather spent another hour topletely rid himself of the weakened state from using <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>. He had gotten mostly better during his talk with Catheya, but he wanted to bepletely rid of any lingering threats to his evolution before taking that step.


    He already had the ticking-time bombs in his head to worry about.


    Truthfully, the Undead Incursion wasnt the only reason why he wanted to evolve as quickly as possible; there were two more reasons. The first was the two remnants in his mind. He knew there was a tribtion waiting for him when evolving. It was the final test before reaching E-Grade, and he would normally bepletely confident in passing.


    However, the two remnants in his mind had already proven extremely adept at causing chaos at the most inopportune times, and Zac was afraid that they would re up during the tribtion. It was better to smoothly into E-Grade now while they remnants were still drained and in an inactive state.


    The second was that he was getting dangerously close to the limit of how many attributes he could have. With the Fragment of the Coffin having evolved just now, his wiggle room was getting limited. There was also probably a title waiting for reaching E-Grade first on the, and then there was potentially something for surviving the integration, closing the most Incursions, and bing the world leader, and so on.


    There were potentially a lot of titles waiting the moment he managed to close the final Incursions, and he wanted to have the ability to enjoy the bonuses. His n was to immediately eat the <strong>[Fruit of Rebirth]</strong> and the two race-boosting pills he got in the base town while flying toward the core of the Dead Zone.


    It might not be enough topletely pass into D-Grade Race, but it would at least set up the foundations and both increase his longevity and unlock some of the Attribute Cap of having a D-Grade race.


    Zac finally felt he had both figured out what he needed to do and calmed his mind, and the next thing was simply for him to evolve so that he could set out toward the Undead Incursion. He walked over to the Nexus House and found that Kenzie was still installing the <strong>[Heavens Secrets Array] </strong>he bought during an auction in Base Town.


    How are things? Zac asked when he arrived, nodding at Ogras who stood to the side as well.


    Ill have this array installed in half an hour, Kenzie answered as she blew a wisp of hair away from her face. Are you okay?


    Im fine. Ill be able to get a breather when the undead are dealt with, Zac sighed.


    "Have you decided what to do to get to the maind?" Ogras asked.


    "If we haven''t managed to stop the disruption by the point I''m ready to leave, then I''ll risk it and use Kenzie''s stabilization array. The area that was jammed by the undead thest time was enormous, and I''m afraid that going to Cogstown will just be a waste of time," Zac said.


    "Fair enough," Ogras shrugged.


    "I''ll get Calrin''s uncle to help me set it up," Kenzie said. "He''s pretty skilled with arrays, but he can only help with things that we buy through Thayer Consortia. Something to do with limitations of the Mercantile License."


    "That little blue bastard should be thankful that we don''t throw him into a spatial tear to search for a safe passage for us," Ogras muttered from the side.


    Zac snorted and was inclined to agree. The Sky Gnome''s small act of giving him a protective ring had caused a ripple effect of almost iprehensible proportions. It had led to the Zethaya Pill house blowing up, and him gaining infamy through ughtering over a hundred scions of the Zecia sector.


    Who knew what trouble waited for him when venturing into the vaster stage of the sector?


    However, the demon''s words also made him think of something else, and he turned to Ogras.


    Can you have the Sky Gnome and his appraiserse over? Zac asked. We need to make a preliminary tally of the gains, I want to see if theres anything useful we can bring to the Dead Zone.


    Sure, Ogras said with some excitement as he flickered away.


    Zac turned to his sister and handed her his Cosmos Sack. His most important Treasures had already been moved over to his new Spatial Ring after it was confirmed that it didnt disappear. Most of the stuff he didnt have any direct use for was thrown into the Cosmos Sack to be either appraised or added to the Merit Store.


    Ill go talk with Bra for a bit, Zac said.


    Is this about Alea? Kenzie asked as her eyes darted to the ne around Zacs neck. Ogras told me what happened.


    I was toote again, Zac sighed. This was the only thing I could think of.


    Kenzie silently looked at her brother, but her eyes spoke volumes.


    I I just couldnt sit and watch her die, Zac coughed, dodging the meaning of the stare.


    He truthfully wasn''t sure how he felt about the demoness even now. He had thought about her a lot during the climb, and seeing those snippets of Alea''s memories had rekindled the memories of those months they had spent almost attached at the hip after he closed the Demon Incursion. They had gone through ups and downs together, and he knew her even more intimately than Ogras in a sense.


    If this had been before the Integration he would no doubt have believed it was love. But the past year had numbed him, made him almost unable to think about anything except getting stronger. First, it was to find his family, then it was to save Earth. He had never stopped to consider things such as love, especially not after Hannah''s betrayal.


    But all of that was moot now that she was a coffin.


    So you think you can bring her back in the future? Kenzie asked instead after seeing her brother''s brooding silence.


    Thats what I hope. Ill go talk with Bra, he might know more, Zac said with a pained face. Provided hes in a talkative mood today.


    Say hello from me, its been a while since I had time to visit him. This thing will be up and running when youre back, Kenzie said as she turned back to keep working on the <strong>[Heavens Secrets Array].</strong>N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac smiled as he shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and he found himself in front of The Towers of Myriad Dao in a few seconds. His Dao Repository had always looked gaudy, but now that he had witnessed the awe-inspiring Tower of Eternity and its mysterious apparitions, it looked even worse.


    The lights were blinding but hollow,pletelycking the mysteries of the universe. Zac kept his opinions to himself though as he walked inside the repository with a staid expression.


    So you survived, after all, the ever-annoying voice drifted over as Bra descended from a golden light appearing out of nowhere.


    The Tool Spirit was decked in golden armor with multiple golden and gem-studded swords attached to his back. Zac wasnt sure, but he guessed that he was copying the creator of the demaster Inheritance this time, perhaps inspired by the war outside.


    I thought more capable owners had descended on the ind for a moment, but I guess the Great Bra have to make do with you for a while longer, Bra added as he threw Zac a scathing nce as he conjured his throne.


    Ill try to live up to your expectations, Zac sighed. "My sister sends her regards."


    I- Bra said, but he suddenly froze as he stared at the ne around Zacs neck. Whats that?

 Chapter 484: Invitations

    Chapter 484: Invitations


    "This craftsmanship," Bra muttered with glowing eyes as he teleported closer. "It almost matches that of the Great Bra himself. But why does it have a False Spirit within?"


    Thats what I came to talk to you about. One of my people was dying and her soul was crumbling. The only thing I could think of was to use a <strong>[Divine Investiture Array] </strong>to lock her soul in a Spirit Tool in hopes of saving her life.


    Using the holy array for such a purpose, Bra muttered. Sacrilege. My creator would have turned you into blood mist if he heard about you wasted such a chance on something so frivolous.


    I was out of options and got desperate, Zac admitted. I came to ask you, do you know if I can bring her back?


    Bring her back? Bra asked as he looked at Zac like he was an idiot. "Why would you want to do that? As long as the girl''s spirit heals she can be a True Spirit. You will have to break some rules to upgrade her, but you already seem all too willing to dabble in the taboo."


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked.


    "This thing will not be able to improve the normal way. You need to find... creative solutions to upgrade it. Solutions that the heavens won''t be too happy about," the Tool Spirit said, clearly taking pleasure in Zac''s misfortune.


    "Why would I need to upgrade the Spirit Tool though?" Zac asked. "I just want to return her to life."


    "Upgrading a weapon will upgrade the spirituality residing within. Just look at the dumb mutt inside your Axe. You will need to upgrade this thing if you want to heal the girl," Bra said.


    Zac frowned when he heard the news. This was clearly bad. He had never had any desire to go against the System by bing an unorthodox cultivator, but it was exactly what he needed to do to upgrade <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>from the sound of it. Even weirder, it almost felt like the System was pushing him in that direction as it was the System that gave him the array.


    Just what was it nning?


    Was this another type of trial it wanted to have him survive? If he stepped on the unorthodox path he would be turned into a pariah like the Technocrats, and people might get quests to kill him just bying close to him. Or was the system nning something else entirely? Something rted to the Terminus?


    But first of all, Zac needed to know if there even was a point to go down that road.


    If I make her a new body, can I put her soul into it and give her back her life? Zac asked.


    No idea, Bra shrugged with disinterest. "Seems pretty stupid."


    Havent you ever hoped to be living? To be able to cultivate just like your creator? Zac probed, hoping to elicit some response.


    Why would the Great Bra ever want to be a fleshbag cursed by mortality? I am perfection, unsullied by time, and I will walk these halls long after both you and your has turned to dust. I might not be able to cultivate, but I am eternal, the Tool Spirit harangued, and shining lights started appearing all around him like he was a Gods avatar or something.


    But do you know if its possible? Someone as knowledgeable as you must surely have figured some things out, Zac entreated.


    My creator once mentioned that Spirit Tools can reach a sublime state where they are virtually indistinguishable from cultivators, but he had never seen it himself. Of course, The Great Bra wouldn''t degrade himself to the point of being mistaken for a lowly Human. But all things are possible, the Tool Spirit admitted. Turning a False Spirit back into someone living is probably possible.


    So its possible, after all, Zac sighed in relief.


    It might be possible, but what you want to do is going against the natural order, Bra snorted. Its akin to bringing back those from the dead. It might be achievable for the great characters of the multiverse, but what does that have to do with a piece of trash like you?


    Ill work hard and get there sooner orter, Zac said. As long as its possible itll be fine.


    A derisive snort was all the Tool Spirit deigned to respond with before he dissipated again.


    Zac felt as though a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders as he walked back toward the Nexus House. Bra was obviously a bit fuzzy on the details, but it really seemed that returning Alea into a demon was within the realm of possibilities. That was all Zac could ask for right now. He knew the process would likely be a long and arduous one, but at least he knew he hadntpletely messed things up.


    The knowledge gave him a sense of purpose beyond saving Earth as well, but for now, he needed to refocus on the task at hand. He needed to get his items appraised and deal with the realignment.


    The thought of his items suddenly reminded him of the two Cosmos Sacks he had stowed away just before leaving Base Town. They were from Leyara and Pretty, and curiosity made him take a look before returning to his sister.


    The Cosmos Sack he got from Pretty Peak just contained three crystals and a teleportation token, but he was surprised to see that one of them was a Skill Crystal. He didnt immediately touch it, but rather turned his attention toward the middle crystal that seemed to be amunication crystal. He immediately infused some Cosmic Energy into it and he immediately heard the voice of Pretty Peak in his mind.


    <em>I engraved this thing because some things should not be spoken aloud. You should not rely on the Heliophos n dealing with the threat to your. There are some unsavory rumors about that n among the top forces of the Zecia sector.</em>


    <em>Divinationes with a cost, one that few are willing to pay unless absolutely necessary. One cannot divulge Heavens Secrets wantonly. But being able to glimpse the future is also an extremely addicting power from what I have heard. </em>


    Zac suddenly remembered Lord 84th who stopped Abbot Evesting Peace from saying too much. The reincarnated Buddhist had said essentially the same thing. Did divination perhaps mess with the ns the System had set in motion across the multiverse and was therefore punished? Or was it simply that such a heaven-defying ability couldn''t be powered by something so basic as Cosmic Energy?


    Zac shook his head as he kept listening.


    <em>Many believe that the Heliophos n is searching for means to avoid the side-effects of Divination and Karmic Maniption. They are already suspected to have been gravitating toward unorthodox means for tens of thousands of years.</em>


    <em>Its possible that Voridis is performing his mad experiments with the ns tacit blessing, and that they even have covertly protected him from capture by manipting events behind the curtain. I dont understand how Voridis have survived pursuit for so long otherwise.</em>


    <em>I bet they cant wait to find out what scheme that lunatic has concocted in case they can use it for themselves.</em>


    Zac sighed when he heard the exnation. Yet another method to deal with the threat of the Redeemer seemed to have been ruined then and there. It looked like hiding was his only option, but as long as he cut any Karmic Links in time they were likely safe.


    After meeting Catheya he finally had a better grasp of just how a Star Sector was constituted. She had likened a Star Sector with a book, where each page was a Dimensionalyer. A Star Sector was, in other words, not a coherent gxy teeming with life, but rather parts of multiple nes stacked so close to each other that dimensional travel was possible.


    Not even singr forces were constrained to a single dimension. The Allbright Empire wasprised ofs and continents across thousands, perhaps tens of thousands, of realities. Somes in the Empire might actually exist in the same reality, but so far away from each other that it was infinitely faster to use interdimensional travel rather than normal travel to go between the twos.


    It was akin to wormhole technology that Zac had seen in Science Fiction movies, where space was somehow bent and twisted, and traveling out of the main dimension was like taking a short-cutpared to moving in a straight line.


    The whole thing was extremely confusing, but the biggest takeaway was the difficulty of finding one''s way without a marker. The Redeemer was probably traveling toward Earth or another seeded at this very moment, but he needed to move through multiple dimensions to get here. As long as any Karmic Link was cut off before Voridis was within a few dimensionalyers of Earth, then finding this ce was almost impossible.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Especially while the System''s shroud was still in effect.


    This was also why flying treasures that could travel between worlds was expensive to the point that even D-Grade warriors were often confined to their own world, or at least their sr system. The vessels didn''t only need to have the capability to fly through the vacuum of space, but they also needed the capabilities to push through dimensionalyers.


    It was a bit ufortable to think about, but Zac''s only recourse was to hide Earth so that Voridis fed on some other poors instead of Earth. He could only pray that the people of Berum would manage to take out all the remaining members of the Medhin Royals on their side, as no one deserved getting culled by a lunatic like the Redeemer.


    That would be the best-case scenario, where all the seeds managed to hide from Voridis. He already looked as though he wasn''t long for the world, and 100 years was a long time. Perhaps the issue would be dealt with by the time that Earth was properly integrated into the Zecia sector.


    <em>I will contact the Heliophos n for you, </em>the message continued. <em>But you truly shouldnt expect much. You can still get in touch with me by visiting Jaera at the Blossom Rose Sword School thats close to Trasteria, the city where the Teleportation Token leads. She is an elder there, and a disciple of my father.</em>


    <em>Trasteria is located on the main continent of the Allbright Empire, a vast ce full of opportunities. You can simply use the token to move to a ce with more opportunities if you want. But you should know that your situation is precarious. Standing out too much without a backing can cause an endless amount of trouble to arrive at your doorstep. </em>


    <em>The universe is full of lunatics ready to risk everything to progress one step further on the road of cultivation, and some might believe you might be the key for them to take that step.</em>


    <em>I hope you will be able to survive the following centuries, the Zecia sector needs a beacon.</em>


    The second information crystal was aprehensive introduction packet of the Allbright Empire, its forces, and even some Mystic Realms that provided good limited titles. There were also a couple of identities that Zac could freely assume with the help of the attached skill, which was of the Shapeshifting variety. It was like he was about to enter the witness protection program or something.


    The skill was called <strong>[Shared Identity]</strong>, and it worked a bit differentlypared to <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. The skill he got from Pretty seemed to be able to create a greater transformation, where even ones aura could be changed by a certain degree, but it came with only three pre-loaded identities.


    He could essentially take one of these three shared identities, but he wouldnt be able to change his face as he wished like he could with <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. Zac held off on learning the skill for now, but it wasnt impossible hed use it in the future. It would be pretty convenient to step into the shoes of someone with a proper background, but he didn''t know if there were hidden strings attached to taking the name of one of these three men.


    Zac turned his attentions to the second Cosmos Sack next, but his expression froze when he noticed its contents. There were only two things inside, a short note and a frilly piece of fabric.


    <em>A small greeting gift to remember me by. I am not allowed to hand out Teleportation Tokens to the Void Gate, but I would be happy to entertain you if you have the opportunity to stop by. We can talk about fashion and our futures under the light of the Void Star.</em>


    <em>-Leyara</em>


    Zac nkly looked at the note, his mind unable topute what was going on. The strained smile of Leyara suddenly shed by in his mind, before he remembered the apologetic face of Gu. Just what had the merchant divulged during their meeting? Would he be known as some sort of deviant in the whole Sector because of that one level in the tower?


    A sigh escaped from his mouth as he stowed away the Cosmos Sack, unsure what to do with the treasure. He could only reluctantly put it into his Spatial ring, as it would be weird throwing it out in the middle of his forest. However, things didnt get much better when he returned to the Nexus House where Kenzie stood next to a rack of exquisite dresses, while three Sky Gnomes eagerly went through the mound of treasures.


    Why are there so many dresses in your sack?" Kenzie asked with a weird smile when she noticed his return.


    I was about to ask, the demonughed from the side. I thought I absconded with the most ''treasures'' back then, but I see that I still have much to learn."


    "Are you nning on wooing someone? Is it Thea?" Kenzie asked before she shot him a hesitant look. "Or don''t tell me...?"


    "Don''t be silly," Zac sighed. "The seventh floor had me fighting actual scions from other parts of the multiverse. I looted my new ring and those dresses from a girl who targeted me.


    Do you think any trouble from that will lead back to Earth? Ogras asked with a frown.


    I doubt it? Zac said hesitantly. It kind of looked like my human side was killed by the girl who I looted, and she was killed by someone else in turn. I fought the rest of the battle in my Draugr-form. I don''t think the System would allow problems to follow you back home, right? Perhaps it''s possible to do something to ''cleanse'' the items if needed?"


    However, he honestly wasnt as sure as he let on.

 Chapter 485: Choices

    Chapter 485: Choices


    He had already noticed it back during his meeting with Catheya, but there was something wrong with his chest. Iz Tayn had left a burn on his body that he hadnt been able to get rid of with healing pills. However, getting his torso blown apart and reformed by Creation Energy had dealt with that problem.


    Or so he thought.


    He still couldnt see any mark on his body, but he had felt a slight pain in his chest multiple times now, but the feeling was gone before he had a chance to react, making him almost doubt it was ever there. He couldnt see anything amiss, but the fire mage seemed toe from a real powerful force.


    She might have all kinds of means of tracking he had no idea about.


    "The Thayer Consortia happens to be skilled in those kinds of endeavors, we''ll happily help in this regard... For a small remuneration," Calrin said as he gave a prim bow. Young Lord, it is good to see you again.


    Zac didn''t immediately greet the wily merchant, but he rather gazed at the Sky Gnome for a few seconds as his thumb rubbed the defensive treasure that he received from Calrin before he left for the tower.


    Did you know that the ring you gave me would cause trouble with the Tsarun n? Zac asked while he tried to gauge the slippery merchant''s face for any lies.


    No way! Calrin said, looking genuinely shocked. It is just a defensive treasure that has been kept in my family. I just wanted to make sure that you, my great benefactor, wouldn''t meet any untoward end during your first sojourn into the Cultivator World!


    Well, your small gift led to the destruction of the Zethaya Pill House, and the death of almost a hundred elites of the sector. Including a Dravorak Princeling, the demon snorted from the side. "Oh, and a main branch Tsarun Scion along with all their members at the Base Town. Thayer Consortia might be famous across the whole sector over the following years as the rumors spread."


    It- Ah? Dravorak as in the Dravorak Dynasty? the Sky Gnome said, his face aghast. Did they see the si as well? I mean, it wasnt my intention to cause any trouble. I don''t understand what''s going on?"


    Just what happened during your climb?! Kenzie eximed with shock from the side after ring at the Sky Gnome, who quickly busied himself with the pile of treasures by the side.


    Itsplicated, Zac sighed. I got spotted by one of Calrins old enemies, but problem was that I didnt handle it well. Things got a bit out of control from there and a bunch of people tried to kill me. But it was mostly sorted out.


    Sorted out? Ogras snorted from the side, but he didnt add any more oil to the fire after a re from Zac.


    "Well, we also learned a few things about the origins of the Redeemer. For now, make sure that no one on Port Atwood mentions where theye from if they decide to head to the Tower of Eternity. My identity might be a bit delicate," Zac said after some thought as he turned to Kenzie.


    "If I may, young master," Calrin said from the side, "What level did you reach?"


    73rd level. The entrance of the 9th floor," Zac said, not bothering to hide the truth.


    "9th Floor!" Calrin screamed while the appraisers looked up from the pile of treasures for the first time, shock clearly written all over their faces.


    "Monster! True monster!" the Sky Gnome muttered, before his face lit up again. "But that''s for the best. With you as a guardian, The Thayer Consortia will reach unprecedented heights. I, Calrin Thayer, will not only have led my family out of a cmity, but toward the heaven''s themselves!"


    "What are you getting so big-headed for, you little bastard," Ogras snorted from the side. "You better think of new ways to provide benefits to your shareholders instead. A big tree might give you shade, but it also requires a lot of nutrients."


    Zac slightly smiled at the antics, but he didn''t correct the demon. He still couldn''t tell if the Sky Gnome had exposed his connection to the Thayer Consortia on purpose or not, but it had caused heaps of trouble regardless. The little merchant would have to work extra hard to make up for the chaos he had caused.


    But he knew that he would have to rely on the Sky Gnome to a certain degree after meeting Catheya. He had no idea that elites required more energy to level uppared to weaker cultivators, which honestly made him worry about his own situation a bit.


    Not only were his attributes almost ten times higherpared to a normal cultivator, but he also had high efficiency on the attributes. Add to that that he had a second ss to level, and the even more troubling issue of him being a mortal. All thatbined made for an extremely torturous leveling experience that would require terrifying amounts of bloodshed and treasures to reach the peak of E-Grade.


    As for the grades above that, he didn''t even dare think about it.


    How long until youve gone through everything? Zac asked instead as he turned to rin.


    Well have a preliminary answer for you in two hours, Calrin hurriedly said. You can focus on your cultivation with ease.


    Zac nodded before he turned to Ogras.


    So, do you have any advice? The information crystals I have only mentioned the three tribtions, Zac asked. Heart, Body, and Soul. It said that using treasures to pass is impossible and that you had to rely on your own prowess. Then it just went on to say that one should have an elder near-by in case of a mishap.


    The information crystal was something he had bought in Base Town during the first week he stayed there. He had bought a bunch of general information crystals that contained all sorts of things that were good to know. Most of it was things that any teenager belonging to a cultivation force would know, which was why they cost almost nothing.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, that also meant that they didnt delve too deep into any topics, only giving an overview.


    Buying the crystals had been the first step toward self-reliance for the humans of Port Atwood. It wasnt that he didnt trust Ogras or Alyns teachings, but their world view and knowledge were influenced by growing up in n AzhRezak.


    What worked there wasnt necessarily optimal for Port Atwood, so it didnt hurt getting another source of knowledge. It wasnt anywhere near asprehensive as Theas library, but it was a start.


    It differs, Ogras said as he looked at the Nexus Node while Kenzie was putting the finishing touches to the support array. It tests you in one of three ways, depending on where The Ruthless Heavens feels you arecking. The tribtion will strike at your weakness, and either you pass or you fail.


    What happens if you fail? Zac asked.


    Anything from mild wounds to death depending on how badly you performed and whether someone could disperse the tribtion for you, the demon shrugged. But truthfully, Ive only met one who failed his trial so badly he was forced to give up on cultivation. Obburak, a guard in my home. He undertook the trial drunk out of his mind, it ended with him going insane.


    Insane? Just what did he encounter? Zac asked with a frown.


    The Body Tribtion is essentially The Ruthless Heavens beating you up, and you just have to bear it. It is to test that you have created a foundation sturdy enough to keep building upon. You will probably not get that one considering your monstrous constitution, the demon said with an envious nce. It is the mostmon trail for Dexterity and Intelligence-based sses.


    And then? Zac urged.


    Next there is the Spirit Tribtion, the demon continued. Your soul is attacked in a way that neither Skills nor items can protect you from. You need to use your soul and Dao to defend yourself. The Soul is the connection to the Heavens, and it needs to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the Dao, Alyn said.


    Zac grimaced as he heard the description. His soul was already in a pretty fragile state after having been forcibly torn apart and mended twice the past month. It was a patchwork upon a patchwork, where the slightest thing might set off a chain-reaction beyond his control. However, his soul had be pretty sturdy from the series of harrowing experiences, so he still felt some confidence in case he got that one, at least while the Remnants stayed inactive.


    Finally there is the Heart Tribtion. You will be thrown into illusions and temptations, and you will need to break free. The Heavens test your conviction and mental fortitude. A sturdy body and soul is needed to walk the path of cultivation, but a resolute heart might be even more important, the demon continued. This is the trial that turned Obburak into a simpleton, by the way.


    Zac slowly nodded as he listened to the options. The third one didnt feel too difficult either. His mental state should be a lot sturdierpared to most peak F-Grade warriors after his countless life-and-death battles. Many cultivators who had reached this point had never even left their own ns estates, and this kind of trial might be pretty difficult for that kind of greenhouse warriors.


    Still, it was a relief that the risk of death or crippling was pretty low. He could still fail, but he would at least be able to heal up and fight the Undead Empire in his current condition.


    Is it the same for all the rarities, or are there more things to be wary of when talking Epic sses or higher?" Zac asked.


    Perhaps Epic and higher have different trials apart from the normal three, I wouldnt know, the demon slowly said. But they will no doubt be more dangerous. Each increase in rarity means a sharp increase in difficulty that apanies the tribtion."


    Zac looked at the Crystal with mixed emotions. He wasnt sure if he was ready. He wanted to consolidate his gains and stabilize his foundations before attempting this. But time waited for no man, and he couldnt hold off any longer.


    Hearing about the losses out on the ocean, and seeing the scorchedndscape outside his home had been a stark reminder that every day he spent on umting his strength was another day of disastrous losses across the world.


    Perhaps he would be able to enter the heart of the Dead Zone and take out the Lich King without evolving. But perhaps he wouldnt. With the situation looking like it did there would be no second chances or do-overs. If his assault failed or even got slightly dyed the whole world would fall.


    He could not have that on his consciousness.


    Its done, Kenzie said as she looked up with a tired grin.


    Thank you. Try to rest up, Zac smiled, a pang of guilt blossoming up in his heart again.


    He had heard from Ogras just how hard she had fought to keep things together while he was gone, and her unstable aura clearly indicated that her soul was overtaxed. He had already learned from Jaol that using high tech was draining on the soul, and Jeeves was no doubt as high tech as they came.


    Here, take these with you as well, Zac said as he took out a stack of Soul Crystals. Theyll help restore your mental energy.


    Where did you get that? Ogras said with wide eyes, his hand already reaching out to snatch one from Kenzie.


    Here, take this, Zac snorted and took out a few more after he pped away the demons hand. I got these Soul Crystals from the Mentalist Cultivator on the 7<sup>th</sup> floor as well.


    Its called a Soul Crystal? Ogras asked curiously as he tried absorbing it.


    No idea, thats just what I called it, Zac shrugged. They didnt have these things on your home?


    I dont think Ive ever heard of crystals like this in our sector at all, Ogras muttered with a frown. Perhaps our sector simply doesnt produce them. Trade between sectors is pretty difficult from what Ive heard, and only the top people do it. Nobodies like us will have to make do with local products.


    So I wont be able to restock on these things? Zac muttered with disappointment.


    He had thought that might be a real possibility after not having seen a single Soul Crystal during his time in the Base Town, but he had held on to some small hope that was because hed only been there for less than two weeks. But judging by the demons reaction he wasnt so lucky.


    He suddenly regretted using Soul Crystals like candy during his climb, but he also knew that they had yed arge part in him managing to break through the 8<sup>th</sup> floor. But he would have to be more careful about any expenditure going forward, which was fine now that the two primordial Remnants were restraining each other.


    With the array installed Zac couldn''t wait any longer, and he walked over to therge crystal with brisk steps, anticipation making his heart pound. The moment Zac touched the Nexus Node to initiate the upgrade a screen appeared in front of him, but it was vastly differentpared to the sparse rows of information he had seen thest time. He almostpletely forgot his surroundings as he eagerly read the boxes.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Attributes Gained Per Level: 10</strong>


    <strong>Base Attributes Gained Per Node 76-100:</strong>


    Common, Umon: Base Attributes: +6


    Rare, Epic: Base Attributes: +7


    Arcane: Base Attributes: +8


    <strong>Base Attributes Gained Per Node 101-125:</strong>


    Common, Umon: Base Attributes: +14


    Rare, Epic: Base Attributes: +16


    Arcane: Base Attributes: +18


    <strong>Base Attributes Gained Per Node 126-150:</strong>


    Common, Umon: Base Attributes: +22


    Rare, Epic: Base Attributes: +25


    Arcane: Base Attributes: +28</td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>[Option 1.]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Gatekeeper of Sukhavati [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Vitality + 10, Endurance +8, Wisdom +5</td><td>


    Chains of Samsara</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Paradise is waiting, but only the worthy may step past your gates. Divergence from Hatchetman.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Undying Warlord [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +12, Endurance +10</td><td>


    Profane Annihtion</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Unstoppable. Undeniable. Unmatched. Divergence from Undying Bulwark.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[Option 2.]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vessel of Destruction [E-Arcane]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +38, Agility +5 Endurance -10</td><td>


    Avatar of Wrath</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Only through destruction can creation take ce. Be the harbinger of a new era. Upgrade of Hatchetman.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Natures Lament [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Endurance +10, Wisdom +11</td><td>


    Touch of Anguish</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Paradise is a lie, a putrid tomb of unimaginable horrors. Divergence from Undying Bulwark.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[Option 3.]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Edge of Arcadia [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +14, Vitality +8</td><td>


    Rapturous Divide</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Even paradise needs a butcher, an unrelenting storm of violence. Upgrade of Hatchetman.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Fetters of Destion [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +11, Endurance +8, Wisdom +5</td><td>


    Blighted Cut</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Bind them to your cmity. Sever their path. Emerge alone. Divergence from Undying Bulwark.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[Option 4.]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Gaias Apostle [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +5, Vitality +12, Wisdom + 5</td><td>


    Gaias Eruption</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>The champion of verdure, unmatched and unkible. Upgrade of Hatchetman.</em></td></tr></tbody></table><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wall of Bones [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Endurance +18, Vitality +5</td><td>


    Profane Phnx</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>The living can only run in fear as the tide of bones moves forward. Upgrade of Undying Bulwark.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[Option 5.]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Warmaster of Hecate [E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +15, Vitality +7</td><td>


    Natures Fall</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Empowered by the Sacred Yew, the Warmaster bes Death incarnate. Divergence of Hatchetman.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong></strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Attribute Per Level (x1/x2/x3)</strong></td><td>


    <strong>First Skill Gained</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Risen Asura</strong><strong>[E-Epic]</strong></td><td>


    Strength +12, Endurance +11</td><td>


    Winds of War</td></tr><tr><td>


    <em>Not even death can chain down your furor. Divergence of Undying Bulwark.</em></td></tr></tbody></table>

 Chapter 486: Decision

    Chapter 486: Decision


    Zac looked at the options with mixed emotions. He had seeded in the sense that there actually was an Arcane ss avable, a ss called Vessel of Destruction. However, it didnt have another Arcane to apany it. It was rather matched with an Epic ss called Nature''s Lament.


    He had been hesitant about what he should do after hearing Catheyas description, and this only muddied the waters further. With Arcane sses locking in your future path there was a real risk that picking just one Arcane ss while leaving the other at Epic might have some unanticipated ramifications.


    If there had been a set of two Arcane sses he might just have ignored Catheyas warning and followed Yrials advice to shoot for the stars, but now he wasnt so sure.


    His instincts told him that he needed to create a functioning system between his two sses where both sides moved toward amon goal. He had felt there were somepatibility issues with his second ss for some time now, and there was a real risk that his Draugr side might turn into a bottleneck if he wasnt careful.


    Zac slowly read the description of Vessel of Destruction. It felt most likely that it was based around the Splinter. It seemed to utilize the rage that the splinter radiated, and the ss would perhaps even help him in harnessing the bronze sparks. It also provided a skill called Avatar of Wrath, which sounded like some sort of boosting skill in the vein of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>, or perhaps something more akin to <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    However, nothing indicated that it also incorporated the Shard or the bnce between the two forces, and neither was there any such indication on the apanying ss. It wasnt surprising though, as there simply hadnt been enough time for him to get acquainted with the pink shes and the Shard of Creation.


    He only had ess to it during the frantic escape from the Technocrat vessel and the subsequent battle against the dragon. That was nothingpared to the months of carrying the Splinter and the weeks of constant experimentation into the bronze shes.


    The Dao requirements had been fulfilled after reaching Middle mastery with the Dao of the Coffin, and there was no doubt in his mind that he had gone far beyond what was required to generate enough merit for a second Arcane option. He had conquered the 8<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity. He had taken down a literal dragon before forcing the elites of the whole sector to give in.


    He had taken out a whole Technocrat vessel, and he had closed almost all the Incursions of a newly Integrated world. He had even witnessed the Terminus, the origin and the end of the Dao itself. If he didnt have enough achievements by now, then who did?


    That meant there was a problem with his creation.


    There was a fuzzy image of his future cultivation in his mind, one based on a few defining features of his power. It was a path of duality, exemplified through his two sses, his opposing Daos, and the two remnants in his mind. But there was still nothing that really tied these three pairs together. He also had no actual idea what the bronze and pink shes he created were, or even how he was supposed to properly use them.


    He knew that there was no way for him to gain a quick fix to upgrade Nature''s Lament to an Arcane option, so he could only drop the issue for now. Cultivation was measured in centuries, even millennia, and he had ample time to figure out the missing pieces of his cultivation path.


    There were all sorts of logical reasons why he shouldn''t take the Vessel of Destruction, but the word ''Arcane'' was like a target that kept drawing back Zac''s eyes. The ss was clearly powerful, and it would both provide more attributes from the Base Attributes, while almost ten extra attribute points per level.


    It was an extremely lopsided ss, but his unique situation with bonus attributes would cancel out the huge downside of negative Endurance. He was frozen in indecision for a few seconds, but eventually, his fears of the potential risks overcame the lure of the potential rewards.


    He was giving up on an Arcane ss for E-Grade.


    Zac slowly read through each of the four other options instead, not too surprised with the rarity of them. He had already expected to be presented mostly Epic sses, perhaps with a few Rare ones peppered in. The only question was how many options he would be provided.


    There was no denying that his visit to the Tower of Eternity had been worth it in terms of options to choose from. Not only did his options max out at five, but every single ss apart from Vessel of Destruction was Epic. Most of them were new as well, with only Undying Warlord remaining as an option from his previous inquiry.


    The <strong>[Heavens Secrets Array]</strong> was also showing its worth, and the information he was given was just on apletely different levelpared tost time. It didnt just provide him with information about what attributes the sses provided, but even revealed the names of the skills he would gain.


    Zac already knew about the base attributes after having spoken with Ylvas and Catheya, but it was still eye-opening to see the numbers in person. It was not without reason that Ogras had said that Low-Tiered Titles were useless for anything except leveraging them into medium and high-tiered counterparts.


    Even amon ss warrior would gain the equivalent of a top tier Low-tiered title every level while still early E-Grade, excluding Luck of course. Furthermore, that boost would increase further at reaching Middle E-Grade, and then once more upon reaching High E-Grade. If things followed the same pattern as F-Grade, then there might also be a bonus waiting at the peak of E-Grade.


    And that wasn''t all. The actual ss gave another round of attributes on top of the base, and a quick nce proved that an epic ss seemed to give another 20 to 25 attribute points, in addition to the ten free attribute points. That meant that a Low E-Grade Warrior with an Epic ss would gain almost 80 Attribute points per level, which was in line with what Ylvas had said.


    The real question on Zac''s mind was how this base worked for him. Judging by the description it seemed like a done deal that he would get the ss-specific attributes from both sses, along with two sets of free attributes as he did level his sses separately. But would he also get two base packs per level?


    It would make a huge difference, as more than half of the attributes came from the Base Attributes awarded upon breaking open a node. If he didnt get the base attributes twice hed only get 50% more attributespared to a normal cultivator, drastically reducing his advantage.


    Another piece of information that the array added was whether the evolution was an upgrade or a divergence. Zac guessed that meant that the new ss would either build upon the earlier ss or move it away from its predecessor in some other direction.


    For example, Edge of Arcadia and Gaias Apostle were both clearly rted to the Hatchetman ss, but judging by their attributes and skills they went in different directions. Edge of Arcadia seemed to focus more on axe-work whereas Gaias Apostle leaned toward nature skills like <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> and <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>.


    A divergence would instead stake out a new path, perhaps only partially relying on the earlier ss. It wasnt surprising that he saw mostly divergent options for his Draugr-ss after splitting up its Dao Seeds with hardness going into the Coffin and Sanctuary going into the Bodhi. It might result in some of his old skills bing obsolete, but Zac already knew that going in.


    Zac knew he needed to make a decision, and he first excluded the fourth option. The Draugr-ss seemed to be purely defensive, which was the very thing he wanted to move away from. Gaias Apostle didnt really resonate with him either, even though <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> had been one of his main skills for dealing with tough opponents.


    The other three options both had strong points and demerits, but Zac eventually discarded the first option as well, leaving him with options three and five. Undying Warlord seemed like a good fit for him, as it probably was just like his current ss with a higher focus on offense. However, the problem was with the ss Gatekeeper of Sukhavati.


    The ss didnt provide a single point in Strength, which indicated a significant step away from his current fighting style. Even worse, it seemed to be lopsided in the sense that it was based on both the Bodhi and the Coffin. He didnt want those two Fragments going into the same ss, as he wanted for each ss to represent one of the concepts of life and death, or Creation and Oblivion.


    The third and fifth options both seemed to fulfill all his goals for his new ss. The Draugr sses seemed to be geared much more offensivelypared to Undying Bulwark. Risen Asura gave the feeling of pure violence and oppression, like he would be an unstoppable killing machine that refused to die until all his enemies had fallen before him.


    The Fetters of Destion was a bit less clear, but he still felt it was a very good match. The name of the ss didn''t really sound like something he''d want to use, but there were some good indications that it was still suited for him. The first indicator was the skill, Blighted Cut. It sounded like a weapon-based attack, and perhaps something that took advantage of the Corrosive elements of the Dao of the Coffin.


    The vor text also made him think of a restriction-based warrior who entrapped and weakened his enemies before he delivered the killing blow. That seemed like a good option to him, as that was the main way that he used his Undying Bulwark ss. He trapped his enemies in the Miasmic Cage, then whittled them down with <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, and the Spectral Chains.


    If the enemy tried a desperate strike he took them out with <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> and <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    Of course, these were still just hypotheses, but there was undeniably something about that ss that pulled at him. He wasn''t sure whether there was the advertised Karmic Guidance that was supposed to be included in the <strong>[Heaven''s Secret Array]</strong>, or if it was because of his recently acquired Spirit Tool.


    As for the two sses for his human side, both of them had strong points.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Arcadia contained the meaning of bing one with nature, which was exactly the direction he wanted to take the ss based on his life-aspected vision for his path. But it still had Strength as its main attribute, which clearly indicated a warrior-archetype together with the vor text and skill option.


    However, Warmaster of Hecate had provided an interesting twist to his envisioned path. Hecate was a goddess of witchcraft, death, and poison. It was a fusion of Death and Life, while still being a warrior-type ss with a connection to nature. This fit well together with the Risen part of the other ss, which seemed based on his recent insight of Life from Death.


    So one of the options blended life and death, incorporating a nascent duality of his two main concepts into both the sses. The other option was more neatly separated with his Human side representing life and nature, and his Draugr side representing death and destion.


    The question was whether he wanted to fuse these two concepts already and build upon it, or if it was better to progress in the two paths separately until he understood more about what the paths entailed.


    Eventually, his eyes turned to the third option, thebination of Edge of Arcadia and Fetters of Destion.


    He decided to go with this option for two reasons. First was the fact that Warmaster of Hecate was a Divergence of Hatchetman, a ss he felt perfectly suited for him. He would rather upgrade his human side and get a Divergent ss for his Draugr side.


    The second reason was that he felt it was too early to start mucking about and fusing the two concepts of life and death into one single ss. He wasnt even sure if that was the form his creation would take in the future, and he didnt want to walk down that path before he hade to a conclusion there.


    However, he didn''t immediately activate his option, but rather turned toward his sister and Ogras who curiously looked at him.


    "It''s working," Zac nodded.


    "Well no shit," the demon muttered. "You''ve been standing still with a disgusting grin on your face for five minutes. Are you ready to evolve?"


    "I''m going now," Zac nodded.


    "None of us can help you if you mess up, so you might as well do it in your courtyard where you won''t be disturbed," the demon said. "You will have a minute or so before the tribtion descends."


    Zac nodded in agreement, as it sounded as the best option.


    "This might take a while, but make sure I''m okay if I haven''t emerged in a day," Zac said as he took out the dozen Array Breakers from his Spatial Ring. "And focus on identifying treasures that will help in the battle against the Undead Empire. I''m pretty sure that these are all Array Breakers, see which ones might be of use against anything the Lich King uses."


    "We''ll certainly extract their secrets by the time you''re done," Calrin hurriedly nodded, obviously eager to rack up some contribution.


    "Good," Zac nodded before he turned back to the Nexus Node and picked the third option before having a chance to change his mind again.


    <strong>[Tribtion will descend in 1 Minute]</strong>


    "Good luck," Kenzie said from the side, but some excitement was evident in her eyes. "You''re making history here."


    "I''ll be back soon," Zac smiled before he shed away, quickly returning to his courtyard.


    The moment he entered he activated hisyered arrays before he sat down on his prayer mat. He doubted it would be of any help, but it did help him calm his mind a bit better as he waited for the minute to pass.


    Finally it arrived, and he felt himself being surrounded by a mysterious energy. He couldnt figure out what it was made of, but it felt a bit reminiscent of the sky of lightning he had witnessed when the Chaos Pattern had appeared. Of course, it was an extremely watered-down version.


    He was just about to close his eyes and brace for the tribtion when two prompts appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Heart Tribtion Descends. Struggle for Survival]</strong>


    <strong>[Spirit Tribtion Descends. Struggle for Survival]</strong>


    "...Shit," Zac muttered before his world was consumed by pain and fire.

 Chapter 487: Heart

    Chapter 487: Heart


    Zac growled from the pain as it felt like his soul had been doused in kerosene and lit on fire. The torment made it almost impossible for him to form a coherent thought, let alone erect some sort of defense.


    Not that there was any. He knew that skills and items were useless in a case like this, and he could only bear with it. The pain was agonizing, but it wouldn''t actually hurt his soul unless he gave in. He repeated the word endure over and over in his mind, turning it into a mantra of perseverance.


    The pain was well beyond what he had expected for a tribtion though, it was almost up there with other terrifying ordeals such as his dip in the Cosmic Water pond. Did everyone have to endure suffering of this magnitude, or was he given special attention because he chose an Epic ss?


    However, he didnt have time to form any hypothesis before his surroundings blurred, and he suddenly found himself in his bed. Zac looked around in confusion, his past experiences turning muddled and indistinct as a slender arm reached around him. He smiled and turned over,ing face to face with his new girlfriend.


    "What is it?" Hannah asked she scratched his beard with a wink. "Can''t sleep?"


    "Something like that," Zac smiled as he dragged her closer to him.


    "Hmm," Hanna hummed as she leaned in for a kiss as her hand reached downward.


    Zac''s body was quick to respond, but he froze just as he was about to reciprocate her actions. How did he get here? Why did things seem so off?


    "What''s wrong?" Hannah panted in his ear, her hand stopping just as it was about to reach inside his underwear.


    Lust fought with unease, but Zac finally shook his head and climbed out of his bed, his head darting back and forth with a wildness in his eyes.


    Something wasn''t right.


    A heavy sense of wrongness epassed him even though everything in his studio apartment looked like it should. But a shocking pain in his mind almost made him keel over, and he held his head in his hands as the world turned blurry.


    "Zac? What''s going on? Should I call an ambnce?" Hanna asked with fright as she ran over, but Zac''s eyes widened when a knife suddenly appeared in her hand and sank deep into his chest.


    "You''re not real," Zac growled, finally remembering what was going on. "This is not real."


    "Yes, isn''t that what you like to tell yourself after you discarded me like trash?" Hannah sneered as the world copsed.


    Anxiety burned in Zac''s chest as he urged the flying disk to move faster, but it felt like he was flying through solid matter as he saw his beleaguered army in the distance. Alea stood in the front, desperately fighting to create an opportunity for the army to survive. But it was for naught as she was cut down where she stood by a group of spectral assassins.


    Zac finally managed to push through the solidified air as hended next to her, and he quickly put a healing pill in her mouth. But it barely had an effect as the wounds kept bleeding, staining the ground in a crimson hue.


    Why didnt you save me? Alea cried as she looked up at Zac with destion in her eyes. I loved you. I bled for you. But you only saw me as a tool to further your goals."


    I- Zac stammered, but he had no chance to form a response before one sobbing voice after another spoke up around him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Why did you give up on us? a Valkyrie cried. "You were supposed to lead us out of misery, not into it."


    Why?" a dozen dying soldiers cried in anguish, their wails growing in agony and sorrow by the second.


    Why?!"


    WHY?!


    The chorus grew louder and louder, and Zac felt like his mind was splitting apart. A wave of pain came from nowhere at that very moment, making him fall over in agony. He arduously got to his feet again, and he tried to exin himself to the angry mob of corpses. He didnt mean for anyone to die. He was trying to do the right thing, but he was just one man, unable to save everyone.


    But the words didnte. It felt like when he was in a dream where he wanted to throw a punch, but he was wholly impotent to actually urge his hand to move. He wasn''t even sure whether his exnation could be considered a legitimate excuse, but it was moot as he couldnt even vocalize a single word. Zac only helplessly fell backward, the screams growing ever louder in his mind.


    Alea crawled closer as he mutely sat on the ground, leaving a trail of blood and intestines behind her. It was with great exertion she managed to drag herself up along his torso,pletely drenching Zac in blood while doing so. She whimpered in pain as she enclosed him in a final embrace, her head resting on his shoulder.


    Was this all a game to you? the sorrowful voice of the poison mistress whispered in his ear. You yed around in the Underworld, looking for opportunities to level up. You left us to fight one of the strongest forces in the Multiverse. You sent us to our deaths. Youre the leader, you should join us.


    Join us! the chorus echoed as a storm of poison seeped out of every pore of Aleas body.


    Zac felt muddled from the zing pain in his head, but his Danger Sense screamed for him to wake up.


    <em>No!</em>


    Zac ardently recoiled in his mind, and the world around him cracked like a broken mirror.


    Shame and self-me threatened to drown Zac as he stood in front of Thea''s sickbed. Her piercing blue eyes had lost their luster as she hollowly stared at him, and her ragged breaths told him she already hovered at deaths door.


    I thought we had formed an understanding during our time in the Hunt. But the moment we left you forgot about me, discarded me for the next shiny thing. Was that all I was to you? A means to an end during the hunt? she asked with a voice so weak that it was barely audible.


    Billy was true in his sincerity toward you. But were you sincere toward him? Or were you just patronizing him while abusing his naivet and strength? You didnt even bother going in person to help with his Incursion, you rather sent a subordinate to steal the main achievement from him, Thea continued, despondency creeping into her voice.


    Thats not-


    Yet we came here, leaving our own people to fend for themselves. Just so that you wouldnt have yet another excuse to avoid doing the right thing. We bled for you. Why wont you do the same? she said just as her eyes grew nk, her final breath leaving her lungs.


    Panic made Zac''s heart beat like a drum, but he suddenly calmed down as he looked at the unmoving body of Thea Marshall.


    "You''re alive, and I will save you all," Zac growled as the world crumbled.


    He had dreaded this moment, but Zac was finally here, his fingers fidgeted with nervousness as he walked across the field toward the man sitting on a rock. His steps were unsteady from the mounting pain in his head, but this thing couldn''t be held off any longer.


    The man looked upon hearing Zac''s approach, his disfigured face scrunching up in anger upon seeing who it was. David slowly stood up with the assistance of a cane, and he spat at the ground the moment Zac arrived.


    I was captured, tortured, left for dead. All because I used to know you, David said before Zac had a chance to greet him, his face contorting in anger and pain. I wake up screaming every night, drenched in sweat, because of what that lunatic put me through. But you didnt evene to visit me. You threw me out of your mind as you stowed me away on this deste ind, where I wouldnt be able to remind you of what youve be.


    Hannah, Zac said, but he was interrupted by David, whose fury was quickly mounting.


    Hannah was traumatized, manipted, and abused. First by The Lord of Eyes, then by the infiltrators, and finally by your little demon lover. You couldnt even wait for a second to cast her away the moment she finally regained a sense of stability. All because she didnt fit with your new self, the great lone-wolf warrior who consorted with Demons, David spat.


    But perhaps its for the best, no? the mutted man said as he swung his cane at Zac. Better to be a cast-away than turned into a cursed piece of jewelry.


    Zac tried to catch the cane, but another wave of pain made him space out, and he found himself on the ground as David desperately tried to pummel him.


    "It''s all your fault!" he screamed, but he was forced to stop as he spat out a mouthful of blood from the exertion.


    "I''m sorry," Zac said through grit teeth as he woke up from his stupor, once again realizing he was inside an illusion. "The way I treated you isn''t right. I will visit the real you when this is all over."


    The world dissipated in a haze, and he was surprised to find himself in a very familiar ce, this timepletely aware he was still undergoing the Heart Tribtion. It was his childhood room where he had lived until he moved out at 21. However, it looked vastly different from how it did before the Integration. It was rather decorated exactly the same as when he was a child.


    That wasnt all, as he could actually see himself lying asleep in his bed. Why was the System showing him this? It was no doubt another trick of the Heart Tribtion, but why was it so differentpared to the other ones that preyed on his emotions? Why had hee here like some sort of Ghost of Christmas Future?


    A wave of agony suddenly burst through the illusion, and Zac found himself soundlessly screaming into the room. The waves of pain were getting worse, and Zac was getting worried that the other Tribtion was running amok with him stuck in these visions.


    Bing aware that this was all an illusion obviously wasn''t the key to getting out, so he started to look around for any clues on how to break the illusion. But there was no clearly identifiable clue to help him escape, and he could only turn to the sleeping form in the bed.


    It was a surreal feeling to see himself as a ten-year-old. Things he hadpletely forgotten were reproduced with perfect crispness as well. There were his posters and the orangevamp that always were turned on when he went to bed but inexplicably turned off when he awoke. Of course, it was his parents who turned it off as they checked in on him, but today it was still turned on in the middle of the night.


    However, that small detail wasnt the only thing that was a bit off.


    There was a note of discordance in the memory, the sounds of agitated voices seeping through the door. The two voices grew gradually louder, but Zac still couldnt make out any distinct words. The fact that it felt like his head was splitting apart didnt make things easier either. He tried to move closer to the source of themotion, but he found himself stuck next to the bed, or perhaps rather stuck to his younger self.


    However, the argument taking ce outside his room was soon enough to wake up the ten-year-old version of himself, and Zac couldnt help but feel some trepidation as he saw himself getting out of bed. He looked just as confused as Zac felt, but he still silently moved over toward his door. Zac thankfully moved in ord, and they got closer to the source of the sounds.


    Doctor, Zac heard as they inched closer, and he could finally confirm that it was his fathers voice, though the voice sounded frantic in a way that he had never heard before.


    Young Zac seemed toe to the same realization as he slowly turned the doorknob and created a small crack in his door without making a sound. It was just enough for some light from the corridor to bleed inside, along with the voices. The voices of his parents.


    Doctor? What would some mortal doctor be able to help me with? Leandra snorted, her voice dripping with disdain. Besides. I am telling you I am not sick.


    Darling, calm down. You just had a baby, dont get agitated, Robert seemed to try to cate her.


    Im not agitated, Im just telling you what needs to happen, his mom answered with a cold tone that Zac had never heard before. I guess I can consider myself lucky that the pain of childbirth startled me awake.


    Zac frowned as he listened in on the conversation from his vantage as a silent specter behind his own body. Was this actually a memory of his, or yet another lie shown by the System? Because he couldnt remember this ever happening in his real life, though his childhood had always been a bit hazy.


    But judging from the discussion and how old he looked, this might just be the night when his mother disappeared, never to be heard from again.

 Chapter 488: The Final Era

    Chapter 488: The Final Era


    Did you really n on leaving while just leaving a note? What about Zac? What about our daughter? Robert wheezed, his frantess turning to anger mid-sentence.


    Dont mention that little monster. And I am doing this for our daughter. She is destined for greatness, Leandra retorted. Against all odds, she is an actual match. She will finish what her ancestors started tens of millions of years ago.


    Another wave of pain intruded in his mind, but Zac growled as he forcibly pushed it away with far greater fervor than he had done before. He refused to be disturbed by the other tribtion at this point. He wasnt sure if this was all real or not, but he needed to hear what his parents were saying.


    What the hell did she mean by calling him a monster? And what was with the ambiguous wording of his dad? His mind was running a mile a minute, but he had no chance to digest the words of his mother before she spoke up again.


    You know what? Why am I even- his mothers continued, before a muffled scream followed by a thud came from the room on the other side of the corridor, his parents room.


    And the room where his sister slept.


    Im sorry, Robert, Leandra sighed, her voice barely audible through the door. "In another lifetime, perhaps."


    Terror was clearly written on the face of his younger self, but Zac still saw himself slowly open the door and sneak outside. There was a shining lighting from the next-door room, and he steeled himself before he nced inside.


    Only to lock eyes with Leandra who stood next to the crib, an unconscious Robert by her feet.


    You heard us? she said as she looked at the younger Zac with an unperturbed face.


    His younger self didnt say a word, but he only looked down at the unmoving form of his father, before his eyes turned back to his newly-born sister who still radiated a red light from her forehead.


    Some things have been set in motion that cannot be stopped. You were the first, and she is the second. Perhaps this is for the best, I was never happy with the original n in any case, she said with a calm voice as she looked down at him. And the heavens proved me right.


    Zac observed his mother as a specter behind his younger self, and it felt like a wave of memories were awakened by the familiar face. However, there was a difference between the gentle woman that hazily appeared in the back of his mind, and the woman in front of him. The gentleness was utterly gone, reced by far uglier emotions hiding within her eyes as she looked down at his younger self.


    Disgust and rage.


    He, or rather his ten-year-old self, was clearly in shock by the turn of events, but he still spoke up.


    Is Kenzie sick? he said hesitantly as he fearfully took a step toward the crib.


    You want to protect her? Leandraughed. Well, perhaps you can be good for something. I cant stay here. My awakening has already alerted the Cursed Heavens and some other old bastards. Someone will need to stand guard as we rebuild from the ground up.


    It looked like his younger self received a shock the next second, and he fell over right next to Kenzies cradle. The present Zac was still there though, and he looked down at himself before his eyes once again turned back to Leandra.


    It at least looked like she wasnt aware of his existence, in contrast to BeZi and her husband who could sense his presence in his visions. She gave the two unmoving forms on the floor a long look before she once again focused on Kenzie, but Zac couldnt understand what she was doing.


    She stood unmoving with her hand on his sisters infant head for a good ten minutes, but there were no changes and no energy fluctuations as far as Zac could tell.


    It can still be salvaged, she breathed in relief as she took a step back.


    The next moment she bent down and put her index finger against his forehead, and a shudder ran through his ten-year-old body. Finally, she walked over to a cab in the room, and a familiar item appeared in her hand; the pendant. She ced it next to a paper before she took onest look at the room where she had lived the past ten years.


    Keep her safe. Ill be back to im her after Ive dealt with this mess, she mumbled down at Robert, or perhaps himself. She is carrying the fate of the Final Era.


    A rift opened up in space the next moment, and she walked right through it without a second nce.


    Confusion muddled his thoughts as he tried to make sense of the vision. Was this really what happened twenty years ago when his mother disappeared? Had she wiped his memory of the actual events, nting the story of her mysterious disappearance?


    And what was with her reaction to him? Zac didn''t remember her fondly due to her abandonment as a child, but he had to admit that she had been nothing but a good mother before she disappeared. But the eyes of Leandra had been those of a fanatic on a mission, almost reminding Zac of Salvation.


    There was one possibility that immediately came to mind though; Robert wasn''t his biological father.


    It might even be possible that Leandra wasn''t his mother, but his instincts told him they were mother and son. They had a lot of simr features, especially their eyes who looked identical. But perhaps her hatred was a projection of any animosity she carried for his biological father?


    That was the only reason he could think of that would exin the hatred from his own flesh and blood.


    Leandra''s grand promations of carrying out the will of the ancestors and the ''Fate of the Final Era'' also felt extremely ominous, and not something he wanted Kenzie to get embroiled in. But was it really up to him, or was their mother reallying back to take Kenzie away?


    A mother reuniting with her children might seem like something good, but there was something deeply wrong with the way Leandra had looked at Kenzie as well, though there wasn''t the unmasked hatred she held for Zac. Was Leandra just using her as nourishment for Jeeves, where the mysterious AI was using Kenzie and her soul as an incubation chamber until the point that Leandra came to steal it?


    That would exin why the AI had taken so long to awaken. It only happened months after the integration was over ording to his Sister. Had it fed on her soul until that point, slowing her progression and weakening her potential?


    Then again, all this was just conjuncture, his frayed mind running amok from not knowing whether this was real or fake. Was this just the System messing with his head, preying on his fears, causing a bout of paranoia that would trap him in this illusion forever? Or was it trying to create a rift between himself and his mother, making sure that he never joined Leandra''s camp?


    Did the System have other ns for him?


    Zacs mind was a mess, and he felt a weird sense of disconnect with reality like he had been living a lie his whole life. The whole room around him started to twist and contort like it tried to superimpose on his own sense of reality.


    His emotions started to spiral out of control, but Zac quickly stabilized his thoughts. He knew that these feelings were mostly fake. This was the Heart Tribtion. The System had shown him an illusion that had caused a crack in his mental fortitude, and it had tried to push him toward insanity from there.


    But his mind wasnt so easily shaken, not after all the things he had gone through the past year. He had looked at the Terminus and survived, how could thispare? Perhaps the things he had seen were real, perhaps they werent. It wasnt much that he could do about it in either case if he didn''t get stronger.


    The fact that their mother might have ulterior motives about Kenzie had been something that Zac had considered a real possibility since the moment he figured out their origin. Witnessing this scene did nothing to change that. He would still keep his guard up for anything that mighte his way.


    It was the same with his own heritage. Perhaps Robert wasn''t his biological father, but so what? He had been as real a father as any could have been. The fact that there might be some other guy out there didn''t matter in the slightest to Zac, he could just be considered a sperm donor at best if it even was true. There was no point in looking into the matter any further.


    It was far more important to keep improving and get stronger.


    Only then would he be able to achieve his goals, only then would he be able to feel a sense of safety and freedom. He needed to be stronger to protect his sister and everyone else that hade to mean something to him over the past year. To protect Earth itself against those who wished it harm.


    The room drenched in the red glow cracked, and he immediately found himself back in his body, the real one. He didnt know exactly what had changed, but he somehow felt stable, like he could face anything with a calm heart. Was this a hidden benefit of seeding against the Heart Tribtion?


    He breathed out in relief, but he quickly remembered that he wasnt out of the woods just yet. He just overcame the Heart Tribtion, but there was still the Soul Tribtion to deal with. Just before he was dragged into the illusion he had felt like his soul was lit on fire, and it had made itself remembered multiple times during the hallucinations as well.


    Another wave of terrifying agony assaulted him the moment he remembered his predicament, setting his whole world on fire. He screamed in pain, but he quickly activated the Fragment of the Axe and spread it across his whole soul. The Soul was the connection to the Dao, and his fragments would be able to dampen the effect of the Tribtion from what he knew.


    And thankfully, the searing pain quieted down by a noticeable degree the moment his soul was covered in a denseyer of his Dao. It was just like when he used the Seed of Trees to ward off the corruption in the wound that Mhal left in his side. However, the mysterious energy that had descended upon him was still there in full force, meaning he wasn''t safe just because his tactic had worked out.


    Zac quickly looked inwards and breathed out in relief when he saw that his soul was fine apart from some small wounds that could be fixed with a normal Soul Healing Pill. It was a lot better than he had feared after having felt those bouts of agony during the Heart Tribtion, and nothingpared to the time after the Shard had ripped it apart and ensconced itself in the tears. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But one part was a bit worrying. The scars were still there, and not only did they seem more integrated with his soul, but they had now regained some of their luster. Had they somehow managed to feed on whatever energy the System used to put his soul under pressure?


    The pain quickly got worse though, making Zac unable to gather any further clues from the scars. The Dao energy of the Axe was somehow losing its efficacy, but Zac had an idea and swapped to the Fragment of the Coffin. The pain became manageable once more, and Zac soon set into a cyclic pattern where he moved from one Dao Fragment to another to handle the Soul Tribtion.


    Zac lost track of time as he just focused on enduring, but it gradually grew harder as the effect grew steadily worse, even if he kept swapping between Daos. However, a sudden shudder from within his soul suddenly sted his defenses straight open, giving the tribtion energy free ess to his soul.


    However, Zac felt no pain at all as two whirlpools appeared, one ck and one white, and they dragged the Tribtion Energy into the abyss with extreme fervor. Zac was shocked to see that the energy didn''t go into the scars though, but the other side of the whirlpools were clearly inside the cage that housed the two Remnants.


    Both of them seemed enlivened, and they started fighting with each other once more. However, they quickly calmed down and focused on absorbing the unwilling Tribtion Energies. Zac tried to figure out a way to break the connection, but he couldn''t destroy the two whirlpools no matter what he did.


    However, it thankfully looked like he had the System on his side this time. It Seemed that it considered him having passed the second Tribtion as well as the Soul Tribtion was actually bing food, and the energies around Zac dissipated the next second. Better yet, the Fractals of the cage woke up once more and stole most of the energy from the Remnants.


    They looked clearly upset about the situation as they mmed their tendrils against the walls, but the cage didn''t even shudder as it continued its siphoning. A few minutester a surge of extremely pure energies seeped into his soul and body, and he felt extremely invigorated. The wounds on his soul closed by themselves, and he felt a huge surge of power coursing through his body.


    He had made it, he was finally an E-Grade Mortal.

 Chapter 489: A Frayed Web of Uncertainty

    Chapter 489: A Frayed Web of Uncertainty


    What had changed?


    Who had made such a mess of his Karma, turning it into a frayed web of uncertainty? Finding the source of the Karmic Turbulence had proven futile though, with connections having formed from every single direction. There was arger overlying cause, but any attempt of his to scry the source was met with failure.


    Voridis hesitated for a while longer until he finally made a decision. There was a popted world just one jump away, and Voridis realigned his vessel after casting an obscuring haze to confuse any potential pursuers. He needed to know what was going on. Had the orthodox faction among the elders finally made their move?


    That was the only exnation Voridis could think of as he descended upon the. The humanoids of the town he chose fell to the ground as their futures were was drained clean, but these morsels wouldnt even pay for the dy to his n. Only the Mayor was left alive, turned into a marker to enable his return.


    Anger bubbled in Voridis chest as he located the Nexus Hub and teleported away after donning his disguise. He was finally reaching fruition of his goal, thousands of years of nning on the cusp of producing results. His wretched circumstances over the past eons would all change as long as he seeded, but something was threatening to ruin it all.


    A brief bout of darkness swallowed him before he appeared in a simple tower.


    Identification, the golem rumbled with a threatening tone, but it immediately backed away when Voridis shed his token as a member of the Hephasar.


    His identity was stolen, of course, the token was taken from the body of one of their Chieftains. But they wouldnt know for a few centuries as the corpse of the man was currently soaring through the outskirts of the sector attached to a meteor.


    His family was still believing him to be traveling the Zecia sector in search of opportunities to form his inner sanctum, when it was just his body kept alive by special means. Voridis snickered at the thought as flew straight toward the floating pce in the distance, the local chapter of The Hidden Whispers.


    Just emitting a hint of his aura, modified to be unrecognizable of course, was enough for him to immediately receive VIP treatment. He was led into an opulent room where an elderly man waited. Voridis inwardly snorted in annoyance when he realized the old man was not only Peak D-Grade as well, but also wearing multipleyers of protection.


    So much for free information.


    What do you wish to know? the man said with a smile as they sat down.


    Voridis AHeliophos, Voridis said with a growl.


    Oh, you too? Well, it is no wonder, the old man smiled, his eyes never leaving Voridis in search of any clues.


    Hmph, Voridis grunted nomittally, though he was extremely anxious to know what the man meant.


    It really looked like there was something wrong, to the point that it was already spread to the better information houses within a day.


    He wanted to trap the old bastard''s soul and drain it of its secrets, but he knew he couldn''t cause any waves in this ce. There was a C-Grade Monarch presiding over this town, after all. Voridis normally wouldn''t havee to a ce like this at all, but he was afraid some backwater Information House wouldn''t have the information he needed.


    What does Sir need to know? I am afraid we have no clues about his current whereabouts. But we have gathered his known movements over the past few Millennia, the old man said. We are also buying any pertinent information.


    I heard there are opportunities rted to his capture from certain channels, but I just emerged from cultivation, Voridis said. I need to know what rewards there are.


    I understand. Sir can buy the relevant information for 1 Billion Nexus Coins. The price is steep due to how fresh it is, these things will not be public knowledge for some time, the old man smiled.


    Hmph, old thief, Voridis snorted, but he still transferred the money without hesitation.


    A few minutester he was returning toward the Nexus Hub with haste, not wanting to spend one second longer in this ce than necessary. He paid the exorbitant fee and teleported away, once again returning to the remote town at the edge of the Zecia sector.


    Voridis culled the Mayor as well before he flew off in his vessel, not leaving a soul behind who could bear witness to his appearance. He quickly performed his obscuration rite before he jumped back to the original ne, only then feeling safe from pursuit once more. He didnt immediately set the course toward the closest beacon though, but he started reading the contents of the missive he just bought.


    He needed to know who would have to pay the ultimate price for messing with his ns.


    However, Voridis'' anger was exchanged for exhration the more he read. Ninth Floor? Known across the Sector? Powerhouses of the upper realms asking about him? How was it possible that he had lucked into such a huge windfall?!


    A soul embraced by the fate of a world, a world steeped in the Energy of Inception. Two Fulcrums, and one world would be born from the death of another. But what if the Fulcrum of Fate was powerful enough that it could impact the whole Sector? His n no longer seemed like a long-shot, but almost a foregone conclusion.


    It felt like his worn body was injected with stimnts as his mind ran thousands of simtions to make sure that his original design for his Fulcrum Array would still work. He might need to make some alterations to capitalize on the external Karmic Links, but it was definitely possible.


    As for any repercussions, he didnt care. That brat would disappear long before the Shroud of the Ruthless Heavens dissipated, turning him into an interesting but forgettable side-note of the Zecia Sectors history. No-one would mourn or avenge the death of an unattached F-Grade brat.


    The question now was how to locate which of the seed worlds held the key to his ascension.


    ----


    What is your impression of the situation? Theos asked.


    Its tricky. Voridis is extremely crafty, but Zac Piker is no doubt in possession of multiple Teleportation Tokens. If Voridis makes a mistake a lingering threat might be created, one that would lead to the demise of our n, Reolus sighed as his milky-white eyes gazed toward the stars. I cant see it


    I know, Theos Heliophos sighed. Voridis will never back away from such a convergence of Karma, even if I send out Geros in person. I should have followed the whispers of fate and killed that boy. I became too greedy.


    We all did, Reolus muttered from the side. So what do you want to do?


    Spread the news. I will perform a Fate Augmentation to the person who brings Voridis to us, dead or alive, Theos said after a while. Make a show of looking for him as well, but no need to draw upon the Eyes of Heaven. Well show our stance, and let the chips fall where they may. We are not yet facing a choice between cmity and fortune.


    Voridis will either find him, or he wont, Reolus nodded. It has nothing to do with us. But what about those people from the higher nes?


    They wont cause any storms in this remote ce over a single child, at least not until someone ims him. Theres nock of talents in the higher nes, and even if they miss out on this seedling, another one wille along in a millennium or two from another sector, Theos said.


    ----------


    They failed, the sturdy man growled as the golden mes in the brazier died out, ending the telepathicmunication.


    Perhaps this was the Boundless Heavens punishing us for consorting with the cursed races, Vicar Uld sighed as his hand created the sigil for a blessing. Bishop Kyhv-Elerad and our brothers have joined the embrace of the Heavens, it is a small constion at least.


    Uld had honestly been skeptical about the excursion from the beginning, which is why he sent Kyhv-Elerad and kept his trusted subordinate Trovad next to him. Both of them were zealots and fools, but Kyhv-Elerad had already cozied up to Arkensau. And he couldnt have that.


    He really missed Bishop Orsas, the only other leader of the mission team that knew of the true purpose of these Invasions. Sending his confidante over to secure the body of the Monarch-Select had been a massive miscalction, one that had left him alone dealing with these maniacs for months.


    Did we manage to retrieve any of the bodies? Uld still had to ask. I would like to send them back to be interred among the other martyrs.


    None made it back after stepping foot on the ind, Trovad sighed. Only the vessel aiming for the spatial tunnel survived.


    Shame, Uld muttered, feeling the pinch of missing an opportunity to make some money.


    Some good news has emerged from the Incubator Realm though, Trovad added. We have managed to seize and purify one of the towns on the secondyer. Our scribes are already working at gaining control of the systems. Inquisitor Arkensau has entered the depths.


    Uld nodded with equanimity, but a pang of annoyance red up in his chest upon hearing that name. This was supposed to be his opportunity, his chance to garner massive amounts of credit with the Zecia Chapter. But who would have expected the Grand Cardinal to send his own disciple to this remote to take charge of the invasion?


    He had thought that this would be his chance to get transferred out of the Zecia sector to one of the real Cathedrals of the Evesting Dao. To be anointed in the holy mes and born anew as a true elite of unlimited potential. But that bastard was stealing it under his nose, and he was unable to do anything about it.


    Have we located the inception point of the Dimensional Seed yet? Uld asked. Were only a few months away from itspletion.


    He still couldnt believe that a treasure like a Dimensional Seed could be found in a remote sector like the Zecia. He had never even heard of such a thing before the Grand Cardinal himself exined what it was and the importance of acquiring it. There shouldnt be enough energy in this area of space. Just which of the heretic factions was it that had created this mystic realm?


    That seed held the promise of endless possibilities. It could be the core to create a Hidden Realm of almost unimaginable size. Imagine, controlling a Hidden Realm that would slowly grow to the size of an Empire. But in contrast to a normal Empire that was beset by threats in all directions, you would be a true hegemon as long as you controlled who could enter through the spatial tunnel.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A hidden Realm of that quality was unheard of in a small ce like Zecia.


    But that wasnt the reason the Grand Cardinal wanted it. There was one more usage for the Seed from what Urd understood. It could be used as a foundation upon creating the Inner Sanctum of a C-Grade Monarch. It would help create a world so powerful that it might even have enough potential to take that mythical next step.


    The vaunted B-Grade.


    The Grand Cardinal couldnt use it for himself since he had already formed his inner world, but Uld was willing to bet that he nned on trading it for some opportunity to break through his current bottleneck, or to be transferred to the Embrace of the Boundless Heavens. Even Uld himself was tempted to take the treasure and run, but he knew that was impossible with the Martyr Array engraved into his soul.


    There was no escape, only obedience.


    We havent found it yet, the spatial anomalies are too numerous, rendering our arrays useless. We have been forced to search manually, but those natives know the depths far better than us, leading to setbacks, Trovad said.


    Well, Inquisitor Arkensau is the best suited for handling the Natives, Uld said.


    What about thest vessel and the Monarch-Select?


    Have them investigate whether they can destroy the entrance, Uld said. We will not be able to hold that ce it seems, but we might at least be able to stop the Monarch-Select from entering.


    What about the Super-Brother Man? Trovad asked with a smoldering anger. With all due respect, are we leaving him after what hes done?


    The Monarch-Select has no choice but to assault the cursed races if he wants to protect this, Uld said with a small smile. We will find our opportunity there, we will be able to end both the Natives and the Unliving in one fell swoop if the Heavens provide. Inform Inquisitor Arkensau about the return of the Monarch-Select. He will no doubt be interested in joining the Holy War."


    Trovads eyes lit up with fervor upon hearing the term Holy War, and quickly left the chapel after saluting. Uld looked at the receding back of the Bishop with some disdain, before he started to n his next move.


    If he yed his cards right he might be able to realize all his goals in one fell swoop. If all three of those powerful bastards died he would be half-done. Only those monstrous Insectoids and the slippery bastards inside the Mystic Realm would stand between him and the Dimensional Seed.


    Those were odds he was willing to take.

 Chapter 490: The Second Step

    Chapter 490: The Second Step


    Zac took a deep breath as he looked around, a sense of calmness filling him.


    He had done it, hed passed the first true bottleneck of cultivation, the watershed that separated those who had a shot at immortality and those who were destined to stay mortal. He had been a bit worried aboutplications arising due to his weird body without any affinities, but it looked like he had been worrying about nothing.


    Then again, he certainly understood why most warriors waited to consolidate their gains before evolving, some taking years to ready themselves for the Tribtion. He hadn''t been prepared for just how perilous it would be. However, things had gone above expectations all things considered. Getting dual Tribtions was pretty rough, but he almost felt he was lucky it happened.


    The Heart Tribtion was much harder than the Spirit Tribtion in his case. Enduring pain was his forte by now, but he had been drawn into those visions that preyed on his insecurities way too easily. If it wasn''t for the constant waves of pain he might have forgotten himself for real, which would have made it so much harder to extricate himself.


    He might even have failed that Tribtion altogether.


    It was dealt with now though, and he wouldn''t have to worry about the next Tribtion for quite some time. The remnants had fallen asleep again it seemed, but they didn''t look quite as wretched as before. However, it was a good sign that they immediately started fighting each other rather than the cage the moment they got energized, and perhaps he wouldn''t have to keep living in dread of their awakening.


    But he made a mental note to mention the arrays for the Soul Strengthening Manual to his sister. Perhaps she could work on it while he dealt with the undead threat.


    He cracked his neck and looked down at his watch, extremely surprised to see that almost 14 hours had passed since he sat down. It felt like the Tribtions hadn''t taken more than half an hour. Something had messed with his sense of time it seemed, most likely the five visions.


    But it still was better than his allotment of one day, and it gave him some room to figure out his situation. He immediately opened his status screen to see what was going on.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    Name</td><td>


    Zachary Atwood</td></tr><tr><td>


    Level</td><td>


    75</td></tr><tr><td>


    ss</td><td>


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadian/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    Race</td><td>


    [E] Human</td></tr><tr><td>


    Alignment</td><td>


    [Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    Titles</td><td>


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select</td></tr><tr><td>


    Limited Titles</td><td>


    Frontrunner, Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</td></tr><tr><td>


    Dao</td><td>


    Fragment of the Axe - Middle, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Early</td></tr><tr><td>


    Core </td><td>


    [E] Duplicity</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    Strength</td><td>


    1704 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 199%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Dexterity</td><td>


    708 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Endurance</td><td>


    1871 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 199%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Vitality</td><td>


    1136 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 189%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Intelligence</td><td>


    434 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Wisdom</td><td>


    721 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 170%]</td></tr><tr><td>


    Luck</td><td>


    321 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 179%]</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    Free Points</td><td>


    0</td></tr><tr><td>


    Nexus Coins</td><td>


    [F] 6 862 691 291 </td></tr></tbody></table>


    There wasnt a lot of things that had changed to the status screen from his evolution, apart from his attributes having increased a by quite a bit. However, Zac was a bit surprised he was still level 75. He had assumed that he would move to level 76 upon evolving, but it looked like he was wrong in that regard. It seemed that Evolving was just shedding the limiters on your body, but you would still have to do the work yourself.


    He opened his ss Screen next, and he saw one of the major sources for his massive boost in Strength.


    <strong>ss: [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia.</strong>


    <strong>Strength +100, +10%. Vitality +50, +5%.</strong>


    <strong>Level: Strength +14/28/42, Vitality +8/16/24, +10 Free.</strong>


    <strong>Skills: Rapturous Divide (LOCKED)</strong>


    The ss itself gave him an impressive 100 t Strength, which turned into almost 200 thanks to his titles. He guessed that his Draugr form provided a simr boost, but he held off on swapping over for the moment as there were more things he wanted to check out first. Another reason for his increased attributes rather was his new title.


    He couldn''t help but be a bit curious about his first E-Grade title, and he focused on the line that said Monarch-Select. Titles would get harder and harder to get now that he had Evolved, so anything he got was likely based on a real tough aplishment.


    <strong>[Monarch Select: First to Reach E-Grade in World Reward: Base attributes +50, Luck +5, All stats +5%]</strong>


    The term Base Attributes was the same as the one he had seen on the prompt where he chose which ss to upgrade. It looked like any low-tiered title he got now wouldnt give +All Stats any longer, as the boost to Luck would be too massive. That was a relief for Zac though as it meant it would be easier for him to maintain his advantage.


    The t attribute bonus was enormous though, 50 points in each attribute was a massive boost even for him, especially with his extreme multipliers. A single title gave him 305 raw attribute points, which was almost as much as he got from gaining 50 levels while in F-Grade. Add to that yet another multiplier, and he had gained big from not letting anyone else snag this unique title.


    He had thought that the massive amounts of Attributes gained from his Dao Fragments would be the only thing that mattered for a while, but he now knew that wasnt the case. Both his levels and Limited Titles would provide massive boosts that would be equally impressive.


    It really made sense now that he could take care of dozens of Early E-Grade warriors without breaking a sweat, but started struggling against Middle E-Grade warriors. Peak E-Grade was still impossible for him to deal with, even the weakest ones.


    Just breaking open all nodes alone would rack up to something like 1300 points in each attribute by the time one would have reached level 150. Furthermore, someone who had reached Peak E-Grade couldnt beplete trash as such people would have been weeded out long before then. They would have a bunch of titles and Daos to supplement those attributes even further.


    There was still a long way for him to go.


    The name of the title made him think of something else as well, and he opened the Quest Screen next. As expected, there were new quests that had appeared in the previously empty menu.


    <strong>Second Step of Hegemony (Unique, Limited): Enter the Trial within one Year. Reward: Unique E-Grade Structure (Quality based on performance), Qualification to stake im on World. (0/1)</strong>


    Zacs eyes lit up with glee as he saw the new quest. He had been pretty sure that he would get something like this upon Evolving, and he had been proven right. The quest where he had killed the Star Ox had only been called the first step, which heavily indicated it to be a chain quest.


    That quest had given him the ticket to the Tower of Eternity which had turned out hugely beneficial to him, so he had high hopes for the follow-up quest as well.


    And the rewards really didnt disappoint.


    Every unique structure that Zac had seen hade with enormous benefits to a nascent force. Bra was pretty annoying, but the value of the inheritances and the Skill Repositories was enormous. The Creator Shipyard was perhaps even greater, with the ability to upgrade its grade perhaps even all the way to B-Grade. Even Theas Library was a valuable asset.


    Qualification to stake im was likely rted to upgrading ones town to a World Capital, and himself from a Lord to whatever the equivalent was of someone ruling over a whole. However, the upgraded title wasnt directly given as a reward, making Zac believe there was some hidden catch to the qualification.


    Perhaps it would activate some sort of quest that pitted him against the world, and he wasnt sure if he was ready to do that while the Dominators were still around. But as long as he dealt with them one way or another he felt confident that no one on earth would have anything to say about him bing the de-facto leader of the.


    The contents of the quest itself were equally vague as thest one though. It looked like he would be teleported to another world once more. However, after havingpleted over 70 levels in the Tower of Eternity it didnt feel like a challenge to do one more.


    The only issue was that of what level the System expected him to be before undertaking the trial. For thest quest he had been given a month before he needed to activate the quest, but this time there was a full year. It was great for Zac who had his hands full at the moment, but it also made him wonder what level of strength was expected toplete the quest.


    However, the Hegemony Quest would have to wait until hed dealt with the more pressing issues, and he rather turned his attention to another quest that had appeared.


    <strong>Rapturous Divide (ss): Split Life and Death. Reward: Rapturous Divide Skill (0/1).</strong>


    The second quest was far more inscrutable than any other Skill quest he had gotten before now. Split Life and Death? What did that even mean? It made him long for the easier tasks back in F-Grade, which essentially told him to go chop a tree or kill some monsters. It really felt like he finally had left the beginner vige of a game and the difficulty suddenly spiked.


    Life and death were rted to his path though. Was the System testing him? Or perhaps even pushing him to experiment until he managed to push his Creation to the next level. He already knew that there would be less hand-holding in the E-Grade, and that was probably even more so for Epic-Ranked sses.


    They were on the precipice of forming their own cultivation paths, and it made sense that the System tried to encourage you in that regard.


    It also probably meant that his other ss, Fetters of Destion, had a simrly inscrutable quest to gain the <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> skill. The name might sound simplerpared to <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>, but he doubted that meant it was a weaker skill or an easier quest. <strong>[Chop]</strong> was a pretty simple skill, but it had be a staple of his fighting style, something that could be used in almost any situation.


    Apart from the quests and the updated ss, there was not much new in the Status Screen. However, there were still differences to explore, and Zac turned his vision inwards. His outward appearance was the same, but that couldnt be said for his interiors. Almostpletely new Pathways had been branded onto his body after he passed the tribtions.


    The pathways were far more intricatepared to before, and there was a sense of spirituality radiating from them that had beenpletely missing before. His skills were thankfully all still there, and from the looks of it, the fit of his skills was at least as good as before. However, that might not be the case on his undead side, as he had chosen a divergent ss.


    Zac immediately started to experiment with his new pathways, it felt as though he could cram massive amounts of Cosmic Energy into the pathways without damaging them. That would no doubt allow him to generate far more power in his attacks, provided that the Skill Fractals could amodate all that extra energy.


    However, even though the flow of Cosmic Energy far eclipsed anything hed felt before, he still noticed dozens of spots in his pathways that worsened the cirction. They reminded Zac of stagnant ponds in the middle of a river of Cosmic Energy, disrupting the flow and tainting the outlet.


    They could be found all over his body, but they seemed to mainly be in critical spots, with almost two-thirds being found in his head and torso. But there were also ces like this in every major joint, and next to the locations that housed or could house Skill Fractals. Were these hazy ponds the nodes he needed to break?


    It was as though these stagnant pools in his pathways both contained some sort of leaks while simultaneously blocking the flow. With this happening all over his body he felt he could only use his body to a fraction of its real potential, and it was no wonder that fixing these trouble spots by breaking open nodes would boost ones attributes.


    His mental image of nodes had beenpletely differentpared to how these things looked like though. He had pictured something like a pressurized tank he needed to push more and more energy into until it finally popped. But it seemed like it was more like a clog in a pipe that needed to get flushed.


    But even with all these obstructions in his upgraded pathways, there was no denying that the speed with which he could circte Cosmic Energy had increased by at least five times. That was pretty huge as well as it would drastically cut down on recuperation time since it meant he would be able to absorb Nexus Crystals a lot faster.


    He still was barely better than Thea who was still in F-Grade though, but he was doomed to fall short in this regard whenparing to elite Cultivators. But with his Vitality and Endurance, he would be able to keep fighting almost continuously, which would be needed if he wanted to move through the levels quickly.

 Chapter 491: Clashing Versions

    Chapter 491: shing Versions


    Since he was done with checking what he needed to in his human form he finally swapped over to his Draugr side. The process activated as usual, but Zac frowned when he felt that it took almost 3 seconds to transform, which was a lot worsepared to before he evolved. Was it because the Pathways had be moreplicated, and swapping them out took more time and energy?


    However, there was still a solution. The transformation skill Yrial provided was geared toward the F-Grade, and it could hopefully be upgraded to once again shrink the time it took to change forms. The skill was unfortunately something that the C-Grade ghost put together without much thought, and it neither had proficiencies or an upgrade Path.


    Zac would either have to figure out a way to recreate the skill or wait until he could enter the Inheritance Trial again. He could only put the issue aside before opening his ss Menu once again, as there were some things he wanted to confirm there as well.


    <strong>ss: [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion.</strong>N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <strong>Strength +50, +5%. Endurance +50, +5%. Wisdom +50, +5%</strong>


    <strong>Level: Strength +11/22/33, Endurance +8/16/24, Wisdom +5/10/15, +10 Free.</strong>


    <strong>Skills: Blighted Cut (LOCKED)</strong>


    Zac was a bit surprised that he had gained equal parts in the three attributes from the ss, even though he would gain more than twice the amount of Strengthpared to Wisdom at each level. But that was great news for Zac as he was already pretty lopsided toward Strength with his ss choices, while his low Mental Defense was his biggest weakness.


    A quick mental calction confirmed what Zac had expected. The per-level gains from his old sses remained, but the t ss bonuses had been swapped out. For example, Undying Bulwark had provided 10% Endurance and 5% Vitality before, but 5% of the Endurance and all of the Vitality was swapped out for Strength and Wisdom.


    There was still a gain as the t attributes increased drastically, but it was still a bit of a shame. One of his strong suits was his almost inhuman Endurance, but that advantage would slightly weaken in favor of the massive amounts of Strength he would rack up during the E-Grade. Perhaps it might even be worth putting some of his free points into Endurance to maintain the lead over normal Cultivators.


    He opened his Quest Menu next, and interestingly enough, the Hegemony quest wasnt there in his Draugr form. Was the quest chain perhaps connected to the race he was when the integration started? He still hadnt gained his Draugr form whenpleting the first quest, after all.


    There was a skill quest though, and Zac breathed out in relief when he read the task.


    <strong>Blighted Cut (ss): Kill an evolved being of equal or higher level with a single non-lethal cut. Reward: Blighted Cut Skill (0/1).</strong>


    The quest for Blighted Cut was thankfully a lot more straightforwardpared to the one for <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>. However, it was still not a free win by any means, as it seemed to put very high demands on the corrosive effects of his Dao. That was at least Zacs takeaway going by the name of the skill. He needed to make a non-lethal attack lethal with the help of his caustic power.


    The Fragment of the Coffin contained a decent corrosive effect, but it always required him to stack up numerous wounds to create an effect strong enough to cause real harm. For example, Faceless 9 waspletely covered in rotting wounds by the time he finally gave up, but it wasn''t enough to actually take him out.


    It meant that he would have to make some inroads into the death-aspect of his cultivation path as well toplete this quest. Perhaps the System felt that he had utilized too many Dao Treasures to prop up the Seed of Rot, leaving the foundationcking.


    Zac shook his head as he turned his sight inward, and unfortunately, it looked like the bad news would just keeping. His pathways had been reformed just like in his human form, but there were some other changes. The once-perfect fit of the ss skills was ruined for multiple skills, mainly those that dealt with pure defense.


    However, he noted that the fit for <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, and <strong>[Immutable]</strong> was just fine while the fit of <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> had actually improved. This was just what Zac had expected though, where he moved away from a defensive ss toward a more offensively geared one.


    But more importantly, the nodes lookedpletely identical in his Draugr form as in his human side. The effect the nodes had on the flow of energy through the pathways wasnt exactly the same, as the two sets of pathways differed from each other. But the nodes themselves were in the exact same position.


    It was clear to him that the Nodes weren''t actually a part of the pathways themselves, but rather something tied to his body. However, they didn''t feel corporeal at the same time, but rather intangible. Zac suddenly had an idea as a knife appeared in his hand and he stabbed his leg, aiming right for a node.


    ck ichor started dripping down his leg, but the bleeding quickly stopped thanks to Zac''s massive pool of Vitality. However, Zac was more interested in the fact that the node he just struck showed no reaction at all from being stabbed. It ruined one idea he had where he would forcibly rip the nodes open and rely on his inhuman durability to recuperate. It simply didn''t work.


    The situation clearly hinted at a situation where he would only need to break open each node once. This was great news for his leveling speed, but it was horrible news for his Attribute Gain. Of course, he would have to confirm his hypothesis by actually cracking open a node and gaining a level, but it looked pretty clear-cut from where he sat.


    There was one more thing he wanted to consume before he ended his seclusion, but he first wanted to tell his sister he was fine.


    However the scenes from the tribtion repeated in his mind upon thinking of Kenzie, and he was unsure what to think. Was their mother really on the way back to take his sister somewhere? And judging by the malice and madness in her eyes she might just kill Zac along with the whole if she was in a bad mood.


    Her ability to simply conjure a spatial portal out of nothing proved she was a big-shot, though he had already suspected as much. Not only was she involved with a peak force like Firmaments Edge, but her ne seemed to be some sort of ghost key that gave nket ess to Technocrat facilities.


    The ne by itself was a cause for concern, and he took it out of his Spatial Ring and looked it over. Reaching the E-Grade, unfortunately, hadn''t increased his skills of discernment, and he still couldn''t find any clues of how it worked. However, the moment he touched the token with his mind in an attempt to look inside, a drastic change urred.


    The token hummed to life and floated up into the air by itself. <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>was already in Zac''s hand as he jumped up in rm, though confusion gued his mind. He had tried scanning the medallion the same way dozens of times, but there hadn''t been any response until now. What had changed? Was there something different about his mental energy after evolving? Or was it the Remnants?


    However, Zac had no time to figure it out as a figure appeared in front of him. The figure of his mother.


    "Zac, my son," Leandra said with a smile marred with longing.


    "Mom?" Zac said, his mind thrown into chaos once more. "Is that you?"


    He had just seen a crazed incarnation of his mother during the Heart Tribtion, but now apletely different Leandra stood in front of him. Her demeanor was in stark contrast to the one the System depicted. There was happiness, but also sadness as she looked upon Zac.


    "It looks the Integration took ce, after all," Leandra sighed, not answering his question. "I am d you are fine, and evolved at that. Where is your sister? Is she okay?"


    "Kenzie''s fine. Is this really you, or an AI?" Zac asked, some doubts worming into his heart when he heard his mother immediately ask about Kenzie.


    "It seems you have learned a few truths," Leandra nodded. "You are not speaking with the real me, but a Synthetic AI based on me. I left it in the ne, and it activated now that someone of my blood has reached the E-Grade."


    "Why wait until now?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "My identity is a bitplicated, I am an enemy of the System," Leandra freely admitted. "I couldn''t allow any clues of my existence to appear on the right after it got integrated. The Cursed Heavens would have spotted me, which would have put your lives in danger. It should have taken you a while to reach E-Grade, and the System has long turned its gaze elsewhere."


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked, trying to calm his chaotic mind to not miss any details. "Why did you leave back then? Kenzie was just a newborn."


    "My family, your family, has been working on a miraculous device with the help of some of the greatest minds of the multiverse for dozens of generations. But things turned awry and most of our n died. Some people we thought were friends betrayed us at our moment of weakness out of greed, causing even greater losses," Leandra said, pain and anger shing in her eyes.


    "I was badly hurt, but I managed to barely escape. I set course for your homeworld as it was a deste rock far from either integrated or controlled space, where our family once hid a smallboratory. The base was abandoned after the experiments were concluded, to not draw the attention of the System, but I discovered it in our family''s archives. I scrubbed any knowledge of it to make it a safe harbor in case I needed it," Leandra said with a wry smile. "Who knew that the deste world would have turned popted in just a few dozen millennia?"


    "My wounds were too harsh, and a safety protocol kicked in where I lost my memories and any aura that could lead my captors to me. Robert found me as I wandered around in your world in a daze, and we had you two yearster," Leandra smiled. "But when I had Kenzie ten yearster there wereplications, and the pain woke the real me up from its recuperative slumber."


    "My aura was immediately noticed by both the Heavens and my enemies, and I was forced to flee Earth shortly after Kenzie was born. I couldn''t risk leading my enemies to you, especially not while I wasn''t strong enough to protect you. I don''t know where my real me is, but I am sure I am still working hard on finding a solution so that I can return to your side," Leandra said.


    "Is Kenzie here as well? The time I can stay here is limited, I want to see her before I go," Leandra said.


    "She is out in the wilderness training," Zac lied. "She will be back in a week or so. Can you wait until then?"


    Zac felt he could see a spark of turbulent emotions sh in her eyes, though it was quickly masked with a forlorn disappointment.


    "Well, there will be time for us to meet in the future," Leandra sighed. "Be careful, you two. Don''t mention your connection to me, it will cause you trouble. And stay away from the Mystic Realm that seems like a science fiction movie. Some unknown force found it and set up their own experiments after we abandoned the ce. It might be extremely dangerous depending on what they did there. I didn''t have a chance to scout it out myself."


    "Are you reallying to get us?" Zac asked, his heart beating in fear-mixed anticipation.


    "Earth is a low-tiered world with no strong points. The Multiverse is a magical ce that you cannot even imagine. Staying there will only harm your future," Leandra said with a shake of her head. "You neednd, resources, and opportunities to reach your full potential. Earth iscking on all three fronts. Staying there is a waste of your future."


    "Remember to protect your sister. I left a protective AI with her that will be able to help her out, but it is just an assistant in the end. It''s not infallible," his mother added. "I must go now, or your location will be discovered. Stay safe, Zac."


    With that, she was gone, and the medallion once again turned into an inert ornament as far as Zac could tell. He stood frozen for a few seconds, unsure of what to believe. Seeing another version of Leandra just after seeing the vision hadn''t really made him clearer on whether his mother was a friend or a foe, or which version was the real one.


    But there were a few snippets of information that probably were true as they were mentioned in both encounters. First of all, it really didn''t look like she had left willingly. Both versions seemed forced to leave Earth because her presence was made known.


    Secondly, she wasing back. One version felt like a farmer who wanted to reap her harvest, and the other was a loving mother who wanted to provide a better future for her children. His heart wanted to believe that the second version was the true one, but something held him back. There was a voice whispering in his mind that all the projection said, was just a cover story to make sure he didn''t mess up her ns.


    Then again, he had be pretty paranoid over the past year, and his opinions were already somewhat swayed after having been shown the original vision. Perhaps that was exactly what the System was aiming for by creating a Heart Tribtion like that, just as he had initially suspected.


    But the real question was; did he dare to risk it? Could he really allow his mother to return?

 Chapter 492: Heartbeat

    Chapter 492: Heartbeat


    Zac wasn''t sure. Was he willing to bet his and Kenzie''s lives on his mother being a friend who wanted the best for them, or should he start looking for ways to actively hide from her just like he was nning to do with the Great Redeemer? Perhaps the two ns could be fused, making sure neither party could find their way to Earth.


    The more Zac thought about it, the better the idea seemed. He would try to stop Leandra from finding them, at least until they could protect themselves from whatever she had nned. One piece of good news in that regard was that she was wounded just thirty years ago or so. It might seem like a lifetime to him, but it was just the length of a single round of meditation for high-grade powerhouses.


    Getting wounded enough to lose your memories at that level must mean that her enemies, possibly the rulers of Firmament''s Edge, were extremely powerful, and healing from such a battle could take centuries. It was just like the Great Redeemer and his nasty scar that radiated terrifying energies. He would probably carry that wound for centuries before he couldpletely heal.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Leandra might be unable toe back for the time being due to being forced to focus on recuperating. She had been awoken ahead of time, and perhaps there were repercussions for that. The longer he had to prepare, the better he could hide himself and his sister. He would begin with thentern, but he had a feeling that a Technocrat''s tracking wouldn''t be based on something like Karmic Threads.


    Perhaps there were anti-technocrat arrays that would stop her from finding Jeeves. The orthodox forces had been fighting the Technocrats for millions of years, there should be all kinds of solutions in cirction.


    Zac stood up with a grunt and walked out of his courtyard to let his sister know he was fine, but he was surprised to find a drone hovering just a few meters outside. He knew it must have been Kenzie who put it there, and she came running a few secondster as expected.


    You did it, Kenzie said with a wide grin, and Zac nodded with a smile, inwardly thankful he had erected his obscuring arrays around his courtyard before he evolved.


    Zac knew that he would have to tell her about his visions sooner orter, but now was not the time. However, he couldnt help but feel a foreboding as he saw the undeniable simrities between Kenzies and Leandras features.


    His mothers appearance had always been a bit blurry in his mind, but it was refreshed upon seeing her twice in short order. And Kenzie really took after Leandra, no matter if you spoke of the slightly curled hair or their hazel eyes. Her appearance was a stark reminder that Leandra mighte to collect at any moment, and it reignited his desire to be stronger.


    And the first step toward that end was to open his first Hidden Node.


    Im fine, Zac said as he looked around. I passed the tribtion without any issue. I just wanted to tell you that before I headed inside again.


    Whats going on? Kenzie asked. Do you need to undergo the tribtion twice because of your two races?


    No, I actually got two tribtions, but they descended at the same time, so its dealt with. I have gathered a few things I can finally use now that Im E-Grade, Zac exined. I can use a few of them while heading toward the Dead Zone, but some need to be taken while in seclusion. Ill be away for a few more hours.


    Is it dangerous? Kenzie asked with some worry. You just passed the tribtions. Dont you need to stabilize your foundation or something?


    It should be fine, Zac said, though he honestly had no idea.


    Yrial didnt exin exactly what would happen when he used the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam]</strong>, apart from that it would break open a Hidden Node. If you were lucky and knew to listen well it could also expose more of the Hidden Nodes spread through your body, but only the one node was essentially guaranteed.


    However, the Lord of Cycles never divulged if there were any dangers to absorbing the treasure. Taking normal pills to gain a level wasnt dangerous from what he had gathered though. It mimicked the method used when cultivating, but it sped up the process drastically. It would hurt a bit, but you wouldnt cripple yourself from opening a node this way.


    It was nothing like forcing them open by cramming the nodes full of cosmic Energy.


    But opening a Hidden Node was his best shot at getting a direct power spike before setting out to the Dead Zone. He would be able to force a few nodes open as well while traveling, but he had no idea what to do about the skill quests for the time being. He didnt have any Dao Treasures either, at least not that he was aware.


    So the Hidden Node had the highest priority.


    Alright, Ill keep helping old man Gemidir with the Array, Kenzie said. Be careful.


    Dont let that old thief scam you, Zac smiled before he returned to the courtyard.


    Zac erected the restrictive arrays once more, and he sat down as he took out the box he bought during the trial, the container that held the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam].</strong> It was the most valuable item avable in the inheritance, except for Yrials lock of hair, that is.


    He gingerly took it out, and the whole courtyard was suddenly drowned in cascading waves of energy. The fluctuations were extremely exotic as well. They neither felt like Attuned Energies or Dao Energy, but rather something he had never encountered before. Of course, it could simply be a higher-tiered attunement that he was too stupid to recognize.


    The so-called <strong>[Eye of Har''Theriam]</strong> didnt really look like the eye of a beast, which wasnt a surprise since it actually wasnt one. The Pathfinder Eye he recently expended to create <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>was actually part of a in beast, but this thing was something else entirely. It was rather a natural treasure, a convergence of specific energies that had been given physical form.


    It was an object created by chance from some unknown event in a dead universe, something that had proven extremely hard or even impossible to reproduce. It meant that the supply was extremely limited, and not something that normally would appear in the hands of someone like him. The name came from the fact that the crystalline clump had a discoloration in the middle that somewhat looked like an eye.


    Zac didnt eat the treasure, but he rather took off his robe to leave his chest bare before he pushed the item against his navel. Next, he simply started infusing the thing with Cosmic Energy. The small rock was like a bottomless abyss, swallowing everything Zac threw at it. But it was finally satiated after Zac had spent more than half of his reserves, and treasure started to sink into his body.


    He had expected to feel a scorching pain like he had put a piece of coal against his flesh, but nothing of the sort happened. It rather felt like he suddenly had eaten a massive feast, making him a bit bloated. The treasure was quickly getting ready to do its thing, and Zac immediately focused his mind again as he observed the changes.


    The slightest fluctuation could be a clue to another hidden node going by how Yrial had exined it, and he didnt want to miss a single thing.


    The amount of energy Zac could sense from the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam]</strong> was just shocking, like he had swallowed dozens of high-grade pills in one go. His own Cosmic Energy was just a fraction of the whole, something to mark the treasure with his own aura. However, the energy ball didnt spread out across his pathways and, but it rather set up camp close to his Duplicity Core.


    One tendril after another reached out in various directions of his body, like they were some sort of scouts that looked for their target. After having looked around for a bit they returned, looking slightly expended. This repeated over and over, and Zac tried to engrave every movement and every pause in his mind.


    However, he couldn''t help but worry as time passed. He and Yrial had briefly wondered whether he actually had any Hidden Nodes due to his unique constitution, and things weren''t looking too good right now. The ball of energy had almost halved in size over the hours as it sent out one tendril after another in search of a node, but it hadnt found anything of note just yet.


    Zac refused to give up unless the ball of energypletely ran out of steam though, so the search continued until there was finally a change. Zac felt a surge of victory as one of the tendrils froze after having dug into his heart. One tendril after another joined it until there suddenly were ten of them reaching inside, clearly having found what they were looking for.


    The next moment the main energy ball pounced like a predator going for its prey.


    Only then did Zac see what the treasure was doing. A major section of his pathways ran through his heart, and six normal nodes were surrounding it. However, there was now a small distortion added to the mix right in the middle. Zac was 100% sure that it hadn''t been there before, since he had gone over his whole body after his evolution.


    Or rather it hadn''t been visible to his internal vision.


    However, the Eye had managed to find it, and the small disturbance was quickly erged as the ten tendrils of the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam] </strong>poured massive amounts of the mysterious energies into the hidden node. Another stagnant pond quickly appeared, though this one lookedpletely different to the other ones he had seen so far.


    It looked like an actual ck hole, and any energy that entered it was swallowed without a hint of where it was going.


    A shudder spread across his body as it suddenly felt like he had two hearts, each one beating to its own tune. The new addition was deeper and slower, like the beat of a war drum. Each beat became heavier and heavier as the hidden node was getting unlocked by the remaining energies of the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam]</strong>, and Zac finally couldnt hold on as he spat a mouthful of blood.


    He was shocked to see that the blood actually looked like brown sludge, but he didnt get a chance to even consider any course of action before he felt a crack in his heart, and a surge of energy stormed into his mind.


    ----


    Zac had once again been thrown into a vision, finding himself on an utterly lifeless piece of stone soaring through the vast cosmos. There were no stars around him, leaving the area almostpletely shrouded in darkness. The weak light from a distant neb was all that illuminated the surface of the celestial body, and the single feature that barely stood out against the bleak surroundings.


    It was a man, or Zac at least guessed it was a man going by the muscr build, stoically sitting on top of a prayer mat. His features were shrouded in darkness, and most of his body was covered by a simple robe, giving no indication of who it might be. He waspletely unmoving as well, utterly blending in with the surroundings to the point Zac would have thought he was a statue or a corpse if it wasnt for one detail.


    The heartbeat.


    A heavy heartbeat beat once every few seconds with such vigor that ripples pushed out from around the cultivator''s unmoving form. But more interestingly it looked like there was a pushback the next moment, like a receding wave. The counterforce dragged dense amounts of energy into his body, before the mans heartbeat once more to send out another ripple to gather even more.


    It felt as though his heartbeat was absorbing the power of space itself, and even the stars in the distance flickered as if they were affected by the beat as well. It was like this man was an actual ck hole, taking everything from the surroundings for himself. It was no wonder that the meteor he was sitting on waspletely void of life and energies. He had no doubt already consumed it all.


    Was this some sort of cultivation method based on the heart? Or was it simply the effect of his unique constitution? Was he traveling across the cosmos like a locust, draining any area he passed of its vitality?


    Zac quickly realized that the meteor was moving with shocking speed as well. They were rapidly closing in on a sun and looked like they could collide at any moment. However, the man waspletely oblivious to his surroundings, and Zac soon understood why. The sun waspletely helpless in front of that man''s heartbeat, and a massive chunk of mes was ripped from the enormous sphere in an instant.


    An odd crack in space appeared above the man''s head, and the stream of mes was swallowed without leaving a morsel behind. Zac was bbergasted at the scene, as just a fraction of those streams of mes were far more condensed than the whole scorching sun that Iz Tayn summoned during the Battle of Fates.


    Finally, there was a change in the man''s demeanor as they whizzed past the dimmed-out sun. Steam rose from his body as he slightly shuddered, and Zac looked on with a mix of confusion and anticipation. It appeared as though the heart cultivator might have swallowed a bit more than he could chew, and Zac was curious to see if he would show some way to deal with the fallout.


    Zac had found himself in the very same predicament a couple of times after all, and he had only survived by the skin of his teeth.


    There was also one more question burning in Zacs mind. Was this man in front of him an ancestor of his, either living or dead? Dao Visions showed you people who were walking the same general path as you, such as the Axe-Man and the Immutable Defender, but this wasnt a Dao Vision. It was a vision brought forth from his own body, a hidden node in his heart.


    And such a vision would probably be based on an ancestor of his.

 Chapter 493: Void Heart

    Chapter 493: Void Heart


    Hidden nodes could generally be categorized into two types from what Zac had gathered. There were the Racial Nodes that most cultivators of the same race had, such as the Three Gates. Pretty much all humanoids had these three hidden nodes, with one important exception. They could have been swapped out by Inherited Nodes provided by your bloodline.


    Perhaps there were more types out there, but those were the two that Zac could gather intelligence on.


    People with strong enough bloodlines had hidden nodes more specialized for their Paths, and these types of Inherited Nodes were one reason that families with amazing bloodlines churned out so many powerful warriors. However, he was a bit confused by what he saw, as the most likely source of any bloodlines and Inherited Nodes was no doubt his mother.


    However, the shuddering man in front of him definitely didnt look like a Technocrat. He was emitting a terrifying force from his body, like his average-sized frame contained endless power. It was the same sort of fierce aura like he had sensed from Greatest, one of a warrior who used his own body as a weapon.


    However, Zac felt this man was on par with those supreme existences he had seen in his previous visions, rather than some D-Grade warrior.


    Finally, the man stopped shaking, but plumes of steam still rose from his body from the heat he emitted. A small dagger that seemed able to tear space apart by its very existence suddenly appeared in his hand, and he stabbed his leg in one swift motion.


    A torrent of blood shot to the sky, and Zac was shocked to see the amount. The wound had closed itself in a fraction of a second, but hundreds of liters had poured out in that short window. Weirder yet, the blood didn''t actually freeze from the cial cold of the vacuum of space.


    In fact, it did the opposite as it suddenlybusted like it was gasoline rather than blood, lighting up the meteor for a short moment before the area was once more plunged into darkness. It looked like expelling the burning blood had drastically improved the man''s situation, and he had once returned to his statuesque demeanor.


    The heartbeat the only proof that the man still lived.


    Zac slowly woke up from the vision, but he somehow still heard the man''s pulse deep in his soul. Each thud made Zacs blood rage like it followed the mysterious mans heart rather than his own. With every thud, their hearts synchronized a bit more until Zacs heartbeat was perfectly in tune to the hooded mans.


    His blood started coursing through his body at unprecedented speeds, but he felt no difort at all. It was like his heartbeat was in tune with the universe, and a small ripple spread out from his body before space stabilized itself again.


    A crackling sound from the sky woke Zac up from his reverie, and he was shocked to see a massive swirl up in the sky. Massive amounts of Cosmic Energy had gathered into a whirlwind of untamed power, and Zac''s eyes lit up in anticipation as he waited for the energy to descend.


    However, tion quickly turned to confusion, before he was filled with annoyance. The energy had no intention of entering his body as it did with the mysterious cultivator in the vision, but it was rather dispersing again now that Zac no longer heard the deep heartbeat. Zac''s dreams of a few free levels crashed and burned just as they were born, and he instead turned his attention to a screen that had appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Void Heart  An all-epassing heart born from the primordial void.]</strong>


    Zac looked at the screen with some confusion, trying to understand just what this new node meant. It was clear that it was an Inherited Node he had opened, rather than something like the three gates. But the problem was that there were a huge number of these Inherited Nodes, and people rarely divulged them.


    A hidden node was like a secret weapon of a n, and one of the most guarded secrets. This had made it impossible for Zac to gain a decent understanding of Inherited nodes, like what limits and capabilities they usually had. But he had learned a thing or two from Gu, who freely admitted that his n possessed no Inherited Nodes.


    Him getting an unknown Inherited Node rather than one of the Three Gates could be both good and bad, as Inherited Nodes ranged from being extremely overpowered to utter trash. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> seemed to be a Node that helped with cultivation rather than giving a direct boost to his power like themon nodes like the <strong>[Flesh Gate]</strong>.


    But the description was unfortunately of the less informative variety.


    The "all-epassing" was no doubt referring to the man''s ability to seemingly absorb any energy, as he swallowed anything he passed, even a sun. There was also no doubt an element of energy gathering to the node, evidenced by the convergence of Cosmic Energy in the sky just now.


    Unfortunately, improving energy absorption might mean that it increased cultivation speed, which would be pretty useless to Zac since he couldn''t cultivate. What if this <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> kept gathering massive amounts of energies around him, but he could only look at it from a distance, unable to take it for himself?


    Wouldn''t that be a novel way of torture?


    But the vision gave him an inkling that it might not be exactly that case. There seemed to be twoponents to the ability that the node provided, judging by the vision. The first was the heart, and the second was the blood. The heart seemed to swallow the energy of the area, which was rted to some sort of absorption, though not necessarily one rted to normal cultivation.


    The man also exsanguinated himself on purpose, and there was clearly something wrong with the blood. Zacs best guess was that it was a node that would allow him to absorb various types of energies better than a normal warrior, but that kind of absorption would fill his heart with impurities or toxins.


    The exsanguination would in turn allow him to simply flush the toxins out of his body. It was a system of keeping the good and expelling the bad. Something like that seemed to match with Zacs impressions of his own body as well. He had survived his body getting crammed full of all kinds of weird energies until now.


    There was the Cosmic Water, then the storm of Miasma in the Dead Zone, and finally the high-grade energies of the two Remnants in his mind. His body was clearly unnaturally resilient to all kinds of energies, and this Hidden Node might actually be the first step toward taking advantage of this, more than just surviving.


    It was just a hypothesis though, but one easily tested. Zac took out a Miasma Crystal from his Spatial Ring and absorbed some of its energy. At first, he felt extreme nausea having condensed death-attuned energies in his system, but something mysterious soon happened.


    The death-attuned energies entered his pathways and were shot in a few quick revolutions through his body, but each time they entered his heart the nausea lessened. A few minutester the feeling was gone altogether, but there instead was a chilliness in his veins. Zac took out his axe and drew a small cut on his arm, and blood that was slightly darker than normal started dripping down on the ground.


    It was barely discernible, but then again he had only absorbed death-attuned energies from the Miasma Crystal for a short duration. Perhaps his blood would turn into the ck Ichor altogether if he kept at it long enough.


    This quick experiment clearly indicated he was on the right path with the node, but this obviously wasnt the right way to utilize the hidden node. It would be a lot more efficient to simply use a normal Nexus Crystal in this case, as there would be no need to waste time and energy on cleansing it.


    But some things might work, such as Natural Treasures. A lot of herbs and other Natural Oddities contained massive amounts of energy, but they were too chaotic and toxic to ingest unless made into pills or concoctions first. And sometimes even that was impossible. Besides, this sort of refinement always led to a significant loss in energy, at least among pills made by normal Alchemists.


    Perhaps it wasnt the case with top tier Alchemists in the multiverse, but it wasnt like Zac had ess to those kinds of people.


    He didnt dare try that out right now though, as he might be badly wounded if proven wrong. But if he was right, then he might have found the key to leveling up quickly in E-Grade, perhaps even beyond. He might not be able to gobble up a sun anytime soon, but he might be able to bargain hunt for energy-rich items that were normally too chaotic to turn into anything useful.


    He really wanted to find the little blue merchant and requisition some items immediately, but he knew that such experiments would have to wait until after the Undead Horde. Instead, he out of his courtyard only to find Emily waiting some distance from the gates. She waszily throwing rocks at a drone that deftly dodged the small projectiles.


    Zac was a bit surprised to see the teenager here, as she was out at seast time he heard, boosting the Intelligence for the scouts and water mages in charge of searching for the Jamming Arrays. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Youre back! But why do you look the same? Emily added from the side as she suspiciously looked at him up and down. "And what did you do just now? I thought you were about to upgrade the Nexus Vein or something."


    "It didn''t work out, unfortunately," Zac said with a smile. "You''ll have to make do with the normal one for now. And why would I look different?"


    Suddenly a fiery axe appeared in her hand, and she threw it at Zac.


    WOW! she screamed as she looked at Zac with wide eyes. Monster! At least you got stronger. A lot stronger. How am I supposed to beat you up now?


    "I guess you''ll have to work harder," Zac snorted.


    Arent people supposed to be more handsome when evolving? But youre still the same monk as ever, Emily said, waving at Kenzie who wasing over as well.


    Youre thinking of race upgrades, Zac sighed with some exasperation as he ran his hand across his once-again bald head. I havent upgraded that yet. I thought you were helping the others looking for the jamming arrays?


    I returned when I heard you were back. Iming with you to fight the zombies, Emily said, her face scrunching up with stubbornness when seeing Zacs frown. You might need me. What if youre just too weak to win? Wouldnt you feel stupid if you got stuck outside an array, justcking 10% Strength to get through?


    Fine, Zac sighed. But you should know that even getting to the maind will be risky.


    Im going as well, Kenzie suddenly added from the side.


    What? Why? Zac said, just stopping short of staunchly refusing.


    Calrin and I figured out a few of the Array Breakers while you evolved, but you probably wont be able to use them, Kenzie exined. They either takes a few weeks of study or general knowledge of formations. So I need to go as well.


    Zac really didnt want to bring his sister to the heart of the Dead Zone, but he knew that he might not have much of a choice. It was all hands on deck right now, and Kenzie might be the foremost expert on arrays among all the natives of Earth. There were more skilled people among the Sky Gnomes and the Creators, but he couldnt bring them for something like this due to the limitations of the Mercantile System.


    Alright, alright, Zac sighed before he turned to the demon who had appeared to the side as well. Did you evolve as well?


    No, Ogras said. Me evolving wont change the grand scheme of things in the battle with the undead. I need a month or two to consolidate everything. So, what sses did you get? Epic? Or Even Arcane?


    Its too early for me to get an Arcane, Zac said. I dont think its a good idea to get that rarity before you really know what you''re doing from what I gathered.


    Well, I guess that excludes you. So what did you end up with? the demon said, almost leaning forward in anticipation.


    What about you? Zac snorted. Theres no way you didnt check out your options while I evolved.


    He did, like two seconds after you left, Kenzie smiled from the side. But he wont say what options he got.


    Why arent you working on that reinforcement array? Ogras said with some exasperation.


    Zacughed, but he was inwardly a bit worried about the demon. Was there some trouble with his evolution? He had seemed pretty intent on evolving the moment they returned based on their discussions in the tower, but something seemed to have changed his mind.


    He knew that the demon had a Rare ss right now. Was he perhapscking something to get an option? Or was it the opposite? Did he feel that he was on the verge of getting enough merit to be provided with an Epic ss, and closing out the Undead Incursion might give him the final push to take that step?

 Chapter 494: Balance

    Chapter 494: Bnce


    Thankfully it wasn''t critical to Zac''s n that Ogras had evolved. He mainly wanted to bring the demon for his obscuring capabilities, and those seemed to be mainly based on his Dao of Shadows. Getting a boost to his main attribute Dexterity probably wouldn''t make those skills any stronger.


    The fact that Ogras wouldn''t be as strong wasn''t a huge deal either, as he would personally deal with the Lich King. However, as Zac looked around at the three people he was reminded that no man was an ind. Certainly, none of these people were nearly as strong as him in direct battle, but they all brought something to the table that would increase the odds of sess.


    He realized now how foolish his initial idea to deal with the Undead Empire alone was.


    Ive done what I can about that array, Kenzie said as she pointed toward the house housing Zacs private Teleportation Array. The old Gnome is performing the finishing touches over there.


    Im thinking of leveling up immediately, Zac said, changing the topic. Is there any problem for me to start taking the pills Ive prepared?


    Not that Im aware of, Ogras said. Thats usually how it goes. Of course, most people spend years at the peak of F-Grade to solidify their progression. But you should be fine. Youre a meathead who find your path in battle anyway, Im not sure sitting down and meditating will do you any good. Just eat it and then stabilize your foundation by bashing zombies.


    Sounds good to me, Zac said as he took out one of the pills that would give him a level.


    It wasnt the <strong>[Four Gates Pill] </strong>with spirituality he found during the Hunt though. He wasnt sure if he wanted to eat that thing right now, or rather save it for when he hit a roadblock. It might even be something that he could use to open up more hidden nodes in the future.


    There were no guarantees, but Zac felt he had a pretty good idea about the location of one hidden node at least thanks to ingesting the treasure earlier. He had observed every movement of the energy tendrils from the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam]</strong>, and it had sent its tendrils to one specific spot multiple times, and they had stayed there with hesitation for a bit before moving on.


    This node was close to a crossroads of pathways on the top of his head. He obviously couldn''t be sure, but he believed that the node the tendrils had found might be the <strong>[Spirit Gate]</strong>, one of the threemon Hidden Nodes. It supposedly increased your control over Mental Energy by arge degree, which was something Zac desperately needed.


    His control was atrocious because of his non-existent affinity to the Daos, but opening the Spirit Gate might allow him to at least control his Daos to the same degree as most cultivators did. He probably wouldn''t reach the level of people like Catheya or Iz Tayn, but it was at least something.


    His goal wasn''t to be the most powerful man in the universe or anything, but he still wanted to maintain his ability to punch above his weight ss. Being an elite was the best deterrence, after all. People still spoke about the Eveningtide Asura in hushed tones after a million years. He wanted to create that same effect so that Earth would be left alone without him having to guard the day and night.


    Of course, there was no guarantee that the pill he picked up during the hunt was any good for opening hidden nodes, and he didn''t want to take the gamble just yet. Judging by the power it contained it might even be able to break open nodes at high E-Grade. Besides, he still knew nothing about his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>.


    Perhaps he would see far better results if he waited to take that pill until he could maximize the benefits with that node somehow. There was a chance that the Node might have an impact on the absorption of pills, after all. But until then there were still a bunch of normal pills he could take.


    He couldnt wait any longer, and he took out one of his normal leveling pills. Zac really wanted to know how leveling would work in E-Grade. The attribute gains were split between opening nodes and gaining levels, and he still didnt know if the Node breaking needed to be done in both his forms.


    And eating these kinds of pills wont weaken or wound me before the battle? Zac asked.


    Itll hurt, but not like forcing it open with excess energy, the demon said as he looked on with curiosity.


    Zac nodded and immediately popped the pill in his mouth as he sat down. The pill felt like a small sun that ran down his throat before it hit his stomach. However, the energies didnt set up camp like the <strong>[Eye of Har''Theriam]</strong>, but it rather shot out like it had a life of its own.


    The little packet of energy surged around his body with shocking speed until it suddenly stopped at one of the weak spots on his right arm. Zac was a bit surprised as he had simply assumed that it would go clock-wise from where his Duplicity Core was ced, but it looked like it was random.


    The intensity of the pill energy kept increasing as a huge amount of warmth streamed into the node, and Zac was shocked at how much energy the unassuming bead had contained. It was just like Ogras had said, it hurt a bit but it wasnt too bad, it almost felt like he was getting pinched. However, his brows started to furrow as time passed.


    Over twenty minutes had passed, and the pill was starting to lose its steam. However, the node showed no signs of changing, and the pill finally petered out. Zac felt the same, but he opened his status screen to be sure. But just as expected, he was still level 75.


    Wasnt this thing supposed to guarantee a level up to level 80? Zacined as he opened his eyes and turned to the demon. What now?


    The demon looked perfectly jubnt as a grin spread across his face.


    I guess theres some justice in the world, after all, Ogras snorted. If you gained level quickly on top of everything the rest of us might just as well have given up.


    Well?


    I dont know? Take another one, you should have a few, the demon shrugged as he looked at Zac as though he was an interesting oddity.


    He also threw a Cosmos Sack at Zac, who caught it with an inquisitive look. It wasn''t like Ogras to freely give out any gifts.


    "These are some of the gifts I gathered from the rich bastards in Base Town earlier. There should be a few dozen such pills inside. I handed most of it over to the gnomes to categorize," Ogras said as a grin spread across his face again. "Now let''s see how many you need to eat to break open the first node."


    Zac sighed, but he could only oblige. He took out a second pill that guaranteed the same effect, and he was relieved to see that the pill energy stopped at the same node as thest one and continued the work there. However, his frown quickly returned as the pill energy quickly drained while the node stayed the same.


    Only at thest second did he felt something change in his body. It was like he had cracked his neck and suddenly felt looser. His body felt lighter, and the energy surged through his body with greater vigor.


    Zac quickly looked inward and saw that the weak spot hadpletely transformed. The murky pond that sucked energy had changed into a slowly rotating whirlpool that kept moving from its own momentum. It reminded Zac of the Dao whirl he had experimented with a bit during the time he tried to keep the Draugr-wound in check with the Seed of Trees.


    A quick check on the status screen showed him that he had gained 7 points to the base attributes, but surprisingly enough he hadn''t gained the extra Strength and Vitality from gaining a level in Edge of Acadia. He frowned in annoyance and immediately ate another pill, ignoring the demon''s snicker from the side.


    Ten minutester the whirlpool had gone from a slightly weak swirl into a surging but stable whirlpool that empowered rather than weakened his pathways. He had finally gained a level and reached level 76 in his Edge of Arcadia ss. It looked like two pills weren''t quite enough for both opening the node and gaining the level, but the third one did the trick.


    He would probably have been better off using a Nexus Crystal after the node was opened, as breaking the node was the hard part. After that, he only needed to gather enough energy to qualify for a level increase. But he had been a bit impatient, and the condensed energies in these pills were far more efficient for this purpose, though they left some toxins behind.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Having to use three pills wasn''t great news when only one was supposed to ''guarantee'' a level, but it also wasn''t too bad, especially after having gotten his new hidden node. However, there was one more problem. He didnt gain anything from his Draugr side it seemed, neither from levels or nodes.


    Zac gave it a thought before he activated his Duplicity Core, and he changed into his Draugr for the second time this day. A nce at his status screen proved what he already knew; Fetters of Destion was still at level 75. However, there was an interesting change when he checked out the node on his right arm.


    It had actually turned into a whirlpool as well, but it was so weak that it was almostpletely unmoving. It was far worse than it had been in his human side at any point in time, and it looked like it could die out at any moment. It was obviouslycking energy, perhaps the full amount needed for a level.


    Node-breaking was something that affected both his sses simultaneously it seemed, but he would need to fill the nodes with energy separately. That, unfortunately, confirmed that he wouldnt get a second set of base attributes and that he no longer would get twice the amount of attributes from levelspared to others.


    This was a pretty big blow to his unique advantages to bing a powerhouse. His massive pool of raw attributes was his greatest ace against the cultivators who could fuse their Daos and empower their strikes with their Manuals. He would still get more points than others, but the difference was nowhere near as big any longer.


    It was a very important reminder that he couldnt rx in the pursuit of power. You needed to keep pushing yourself and keep finding new opportunities to advance. If he couldnt steamroll people with raw stats any longer, then he would simply have to find another advantage. The first thing that came to mind was the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> that hopefully would be able to make his soul strong enough to handle the Remnants.


    The second thing was the possibility of getting rewards for closing down thest Incursions and reaping the rewards.


    How are your preparations? Zac asked as he got back to his feet. "How soon can we leave?"


    Were ready anytime, Kenzie said as she got up from the table she had summoned while Zac focused on leveling up.


    Good. Theres no time to waste, Zac said. Were heading out in 1 hour. Get a defensive squad of Valkyries as well.


    I can protect myself, Kenzie disagreed.


    Yes, but Emily is a Support ss who needs guardians. Were going all out here, and we have no idea what we might be facing, Zac said. "I''ll be able to unleash more power if I know you guys are safe."


    Fine. Well get everything in order, Kenzie nodded. "Meet back here?"


    Ill go see if I can get some goodies from that slippery bastard we picked up in the underworld, Ogras muttered. Knowing you, things will turn pretty chaotic over there.


    With that, he disappeared in a puff of shadows, and Emily sat down on a rock and started to y with her tomahawks. Kenzie sent out a Drone before she walked back to the Teleportation House, no doubt to make sure the Stabilization Array would be installed in time.


    "Good," Zac muttered as he simply sat down under the sun to start stabilizing his mind. "In one hour we''ll assault the Undead Incursion."


    <em>As long as we don''t get ripped apart by the spatial turbulence</em>, Zac added in his mind.

 Chapter 495: Turbulence

    Chapter 495: Turbulence


    You sure you need me for this? Ogras said as he looked at the modified Teleportation Array with some trepidation. It might cause less strain on the array the fewer people who goes, it might be better if I just stay behind after all.


    This is our only shot, and I might not be able to deal with this alone, Zac said. Besides, what are you whining about? Even a teenager is going, and youre afraid?


    Sending two or ten people wont really make a difference to the Array, Kenzie adding from the side, a hint of schadenfreude in her eyes. As long as we enter the same time we have as good a chance of surviving as when going alone.


    Dont speak such unlucky words, Ogras muttered, but it looked like he had resigned himself to going with the rest.


    Is there anything we need to know? Zac asked the old Sky Gnome to the side.


    The moment the <strong>[Spatial Reinforcement Array]</strong> activates it will cause a sh with whatever the unliving have nted, Gemidir said. If you see new destinations appearing in the teleportation screen it means it''s working. For the time being.


    For the time being? Zac repeated skeptically.


    Our array will probably onlyst a minute or two against the jammers of the undead empire, so you cant dally or hesitate, Kenzie said. Immediately pick an option and well all jump onto the array. We cant waste a single second. Just make sure you dont pick a town in the wrong direction.


    Zac looked around, his eyes turning to Joanna and her squad of six valkyries who silently stood behind her. Zac recognized all of them, as they were all among the oldest members who had followed him all the way from Greenworth. They had followed him to both close incursions and conquer the underworld. The constant battle had utterly reforged them into stalwart warriors.


    Their gear was swapped out since thest time he saw them though. All of them wore massive shields made from chitinous shells on their backs, each onerge enough to cover their whole bodies. Their goal in the uing fight wasn''t to boost Zac''s prowess, but rather use their newly-acquired War Arrays to protect the rear against unanticipated attacks.


    He couldn''t always protect Emily and his sister, but this group of six would hopefully be able to stall long enough for him toe to their aid. Zac took a deep breath before he turned to the ancient Sky Gnome who stood by to the side.


    Do it, Zac said as he opened his teleportation screen.


    It only showed the handful of teleportation arrays that were studded across the ind, but nothing beyond that. He heard some tinkering sounds as the Gnome drew some lines to connect the final power outlets, and a hum suddenly echoed out from the array as Zac felt his vision doubling for a second.


    However, Zac forcibly ignored the odd effect and immediately chose a town he recognized. It was one of the newly created settlements close to the shore of Pangea, as he figured a shorter jump would have a higher sess rate.


    Zac jumped into the array, dragging a swearing Ogras by hispel just in case the demon chose to change his mind at thest second. The array whisked them away, and his surroundings were reced by darkness.


    However, something felt wrong. It was as though he was being squeezed through a too-thin a pipe. The difort quickly turned to pain, but there was nothing he could do about it. He wasnt in control of himself during these types of teleportations, and he could only endure the pain and pray that the others were fine.


    But the darkness of subspace suddenly cracked, and Zac found himself far up in the sky, heedlessly tumbling from the wind as droplets of blood rained down all around him. Screams echoed out from every direction, and he saw multiple bloodied people iling about. He was obviously wounded as well judging by the blood around him, but they were flesh wounds at worst considering his sturdy frame.


    However, his sister and Emily werent so lucky, and they were utterly drenched in blood as they fell toward the ground. The scene made his heart burn with anxiety, and four chains shot out as <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> transformed to its backpack form. The emerald leaf appeared beneath him the next moment, and five secondster the whole group was collected and safe.


    Ogras and Kenzie had appeared on top of the leaf by their own means, whereas joanna had managed to throw out ropes to half the valkyries. Zac only needed to snatch up a screeching Emily and the rest of the Valkyries. Thankfully everyone was fine, apart from getting bloodied. No one had died and no one sported a crippling wound.


    Only then did Zac take stock of their whereabouts, and he frowned when he realized they were above the open sea. No matter what direction he looked in there was nothing, just sky and water. There was a pretty nasty storm cloud in one direction, but there was not a hint of shoreline.


    Is everyone okay? Joanna said with a hoarse voice from the side.


    Im fine, Kenzie said as she ate a healing pill. I think they booby-trapped the subspace by filling it with spatial tears or something. If we had continued the whole way we would probably have emerged as chunks of meat. Thankfully we installed a failsafe in the array that would take us out of subspace if it got deadly.


    "You had?" Zac said with surprise.


    "Do you think I would gamble with all our lives?" Kenzie retorted with exasperation.


    Where the hell are we though? Ogras muttered from the side as shadows rushed through his baster hair and face to remove any blood.


    We cant be anywhere close to the Dead Zone, Joanna said as she looked around. The array in the sky is massive, yet we cant see it at all. I think we might be some distance away from the continent.


    Well, well just have to fly, Kenzie said as she pointed in a certain direction. We should hitnd as long as we move in that direction.


    Zac guessed that Jeeves had calcted it for her based on the suns in the sky or something, and he unhesitantly sent a mentalmand to the leaf. However, Zac soon enough handed over the task of steering the vessel to Joanna as he wanted to take the opportunity to start leveling up in earnest.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The leaf was terrifyingly quick, but New Earth was also shockinglyrge, so now was as good a time as any to start eating his stock of Node-breaking pills. There was the issue of Pill Toxicity, but right now wasnt a time to worry about that.


    Besides, his new Hidden Node might even have some ability to deal with toxicity. He didn''t feel any better after getting bled by the spatial tears, but he also shouldn''t carry a lot of toxicity just yet. He doubted it would let him eat pills indiscriminately even if it worked, but it would still be a great help since he didnt have ess to things like cleansing arrays at the moment.


    Now that Zac knew what kind of energies he was dealing with he felt confident enough to swallow two Node Breaking Pills at once. He wanted to see whether they attacked different Nodes, or if there was some sort of system to which nodes were opened.


    Lunatic, a disgusted grunt came from the side as the demon looked on with shock. "The heavens won''t abide with you forever, you know?"


    Zac only flipped the demon off in response before he focused on the two balls of fire that had erupted in his belly.


    He was happy to see that they both stopped by one of the nodes in his left leg after having skittered about for a bit, as that proved that he would be able to improve his leveling speed as long as his body could take the extra strain. But Zac started sweating from pain immediately the moment the two streams of power entered the nodes.


    There wasnt a simple doubling of pain when taking two pills, but rather an exponential increase by ten times. It felt like his leg was getting continuously stabbed, but he grit his teeth and endured it until the pain finally stopped after half an hour. Was this what it would feel like to brute-force nodes in the future?


    This time the Node didn''t even break open even after ingesting two pills, and Zac unhesitantly mmed two more of them. Another bout of agonysting for half an hour passed, and the second node had finally been opened. He took a shuddering breath before he kept going. It felt like torture, but he wanted to gain as many levels as possible before he reached the Dead Zone, especially now that he had brought his people with him.


    Zac didn''t know how much time had passed as he crammed one pill after another down his gullet as though he was possessed. Sweat streamed down his body, and soon enough the sweat had turned red as he actually started bleeding from his pores. His sister tried to stop his manic assault on his nodes multiple times, but Zac shrugged away the attempts as he felt it was working.


    But finally he couldn''t take the pain any longer, but he had already broken open his fifth node and gained its equivalent level by that point. The suns had started to set by that point already, meaning that Zac had been upied for at least 4 or 5 hours.


    Just what did you eat growing up? Ogras muttered from the side when he saw that Zac finally had stopped abusing himself. This was not what I meant that it was fine to start taking Node-Breaking Pills. Taking pills like that should be a straight ticket to the morgue, or at least the infirmary.


    Zac could only respond with a weak smile, and he guessed that this wasnt the time to exin that he was actually a bit disappointed with the results of the experiment. When he was forcibly instilled with the Miasma from tens of thousands of Zombies he managed to eat ten purification pills in one go. Just three was supposed to be a death sentence, but he survived just fine.


    He had thought that he would at least be able to take four or five Node Breaking pills in one go to speed up the process, especially after gaining the odd Hidden Node. But he honestly didnt dare to even try three of them at the moment.


    The experiment also indicated that the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> did not have much of an effect when ingesting pills. He couldnt sense his heart doing anything at all, really,pared to the noticeable effect when absorbing a Miasma Crystal. Did it perhaps only work on natural sources of energy, rather than refined ones? The man in the vision had eaten the void and a sun, after all, not a mountain of pills.


    Another stark realization was that he couldnt simply eat Node Breaking Pills continuously. He felt that he was quickly building up a resistance as they traveled, and by the time he had cracked open the fifth node he wasnt very confident there was any point in continuing his mad consumption. He knew that once couldn''t simply keep eating pills for a few days and reach the peak of the E-Grade, but he still felt it was too early to feel this kind of response.


    Isnt there anything I can do? Zac asked. I still have a lot of pills.


    The resistance will decrease with time, but the process is pretty tedious. And you wont get the full effect again no matter how long you wait.  Ogras leered. But gaining levels through killing and cultivation also helps reset your body, so to speak. I guess youve reached your cap for now unless you find some Natural Treasure with simr effects.


    Zac sighed, but he guessed he should be thankful there was a limit to how much you could gain from just cramming a bunch of pills down your gullet. If there were no restrictions then the Incursion leaders would all have been level 150 rather than 80 to 90 by now. Gaining 5 full levels in one day was still extremely good, and it had boosted his attributes by a shocking degree.


    However, he still wasnt out of things to use just because he couldnt eat any more Node-breaking pills. Zac swapped over to his Draugr form and took out one of his D-Grade Miasma Crystals. He didnt have too many of them, but Zac figured it would be enough to fill up the five empty Nodes on his Undead Side.


    Terrifying waves of Death-Attuned energies mmed into his body as he started absorbing a D-Grade crystal for the first time. It felt like he was deep inside the liquid miasma that surrounded BeZi for a second, almost drowning from the waves crashing through him. But he soon managed to steady himself and, it felt like he had ascended to the heavens because of how good it felt.


    He could barely restrain himself from moaning out loud, which would have be an eternal point of embarrassment in front of this group. He would rather stab himself to snap out of it than being forced to listen to Emily''s and Ogras'' taunts over the following centuries.


    Zac noticed that the death-attuned energy from the Miasma Crystal didnt have any idea where to move, in contrast to the Pills that almost seemed to have homing capabilities. Still, it wasnt too hard for Zac to push the excess miasma into the sluggish whirlpool on his right arm. It felt like the whirl was like a bottomless hole as more and more energies burrowed into the spot, gradually filling it with vigor.


    The stagnant whirlpool slowly started to pick up speed, but it took Zac well over an hour before he felt a shudder through his body as the node stopped consuming Miasma. The time it took wasnt too bad, but it was still more than expected.


    He had leveled pretty damn quickly with E-Grade crystals in the F-Grade, and he was already in the 40s by the time he got his hands on some. If he got some E-Grade crystals at level 1, then hed st through levels like they were nothing.


    It only got worse from there though, as the second node took almost 50% longer to fill up until another wave of power spread through his body. He simply kept going though asnd was still nowhere near in sight.


    The third node took over three hours to fill, and the fourth node took five. It had cost him 9 D-Grade crystals toplete, which was pretty bad news. It had almost emptied his stock, and this was just for filling already opened nodes. The node breaking was the most energy-demanding part, and it seemed like using Nexus Crystals to level up would already be impractical for him by the time he reached level 80 with both his sses.


    Zac still had one more node to fill with energy though, but he stopped as they finally could seend far in the distance.

 Chapter 496: Death Defiance

    Chapter 496: Death Defiance


    At first, there was just a thin green line, but they were able to make out thendscape soon enough. Zac breathed out in relief when he saw that it was a pretty normal coast with some leafy growth and grasnds.


    It wasnt the sandsted desert of the scorched continent, as the only greenery there was the strip of palms along the coast. Zac still couldnt see any massive Array in the sky though, which meant they were still quite far from the Dead Zone.


    Well have to keep going until we find a settlement, Zac said as he put away his Miasma Crystals. We will need to make another jump.


    Finally, Emily muttered. Its so ufortable to sit next to you while you absorb that stuff. Feels like I am both cold and feverish at the same time.


    Sorry about that, Zac smiled as he turned back to his human form. I needed to get some levels for my second ss as well.


    Zac opened his screen again and couldnt help but marvel at the progress over the past day. Rushing levels in the E-Grade was just putting himself further and further apart from the rest of the humans of Earth.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>80</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner, Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong>n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Middle, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Early</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1988 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>766 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2004 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1278 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 189%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>492 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>814 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>321 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 179%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>90</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 6 896 098 998 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zacs Strength had already passed his Endurance by this point, though <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> was barely keeping it ahead in his human form. It was no surprise though, as his ss choices heavily leaned toward Strength.


    It was crazy to think that his Strength wasnt even 1000 just two days ago, and it was a clear justification why so many he met believed that choosing low-rarity sses was the way to go.


    It made sense. He felt he had pushed the F-Grade to a point that was almost unprecedented in his whole Sector thanks to hisbination of having two sses and snatching up almost all progenitor titles of Earth. He had then risked his life multiple times inside the Tower of Eternity to push himself even further.


    Yet he had gained just as many attributes by simply gaining a couple of levels in the E-Grade.


    He also knew it would be an extremely taxing challenge to form a Cultivation Core that was high-quality enough to be able to support someone like him, whereas a genius who chose an Umon E-Grade ss would barely meet a bottleneck at all.


    Zacs eyes turned to the 90 Free Points next, but there wasnt really a question of what he needed to do for now. He threw it all into his Dexterity, pushing it to 914. The t points from the ss had skewed his ratio, but the allocation had righted the ship once more.


    However, he wasnt sure whether he could keep putting all his free points into Dexterity as he had done during most of the F-Grade. His fighting style didnt only rely on his massive strength, but also his nigh-invulnerability. Thetter would take a hit during the E-Grade, as he only got 8 points in Endurance per level from his Fetters of Destion ss.


    Meanwhile, he would get more than three times that in Strength if you counted the Strengthing from both his sses. Perhaps putting part of his Free attributes into Endurance to help it stay up was his best shot at keeping himself sturdy enough. Thatbined with the Boosts from his Daos would probably be enough to stay an unkible juggernaut.


    Zac put the matter aside for now as he wouldn''t gain any more easy levels in the short run. However, he was still a bit leery about the attribute cap, and he ate one of his basic Race Evolving Pills to push his attribute cap forward a bit. It was obviously not enough topletely evolve his race to D-Grade, but he could still improve his attribute cap from 2500 by at least a few hundred this way.


    That was all that Zac needed for the moment, as it was enough to avoid any issues in case he had some Dao Epiphany during the battle with the Undead. An exuberant energy entered his stomach, and an intense warmth spread throughout his whole body. Streams of the power entered every single pore, filling them with power.


    His cells were like a bottomless abyss, and they greedily swallowed everything he could give them. Unfortunately, the pill only contained so much energy, and the warmth quickly abated as his body absorbed thest of the energies. He hadn''t made any breakthrough or, but his body felt extremely good, like he had just had a full-body massage.


    Zac took a deep breath to enjoy the fresh air, but an abominable smell hit his nostrils and immediately dragged him out of his reverie, only to be met with ten appalled stares. He quickly looked down at his body, only to find his skin covered in an oily brown substance.


    "You stink," the demon said with a disgusted snarl. "Why are you improving your Race in this cramped space?"


    Kenzie didn''t even speak up before she sted him with cascading waves of water with the help of one of her skills, utterly drenching him and almost throwing him off the leaf. The torrent of water continued for a few seconds, but all the gunk was sted clean when it abated.


    "Uh, thanks," Zac said as he spat out a mouthful of water. "I''d forgotten that would happen."


    It almost felt like he had made a social faux pas akin to releasing a fart in a cramped elevator, and he turned his gaze toward the horizon to hide his embarrassment, instead focusing on finding a town. Thankfully he had the perfect item for an asion just like this, and he took out the <strong>[Automatic Map]</strong> from his Spatial Ring.


    The area it showed was a bit limited, but it was still twice what they could see with their naked eyes, and there were even markings of Nexus Nodes on it. It didnt take them long to find a settlement with the help of the map. It was a walled-off enve with about 200 houses hidden in the shadow of a mountain, with no roads leading to and from the ce. Zac didnt bother announcing their presence theynded in the middle of the square.


    Unfortunately, it looked like the ce was one of the weakest settlements that hadnt even bought a Teleportation Array so far.


    They were a smallmunitypletely cut-off from the world, and seeing the flying treasure and the weird retinue was a huge shock to them. However, Zac had no time for an orientation with these people, and they simply found the leader, a nondescript middle-aged man who had reached level 32.


    There was a small exploit he had found while traveling before. Zac essentially exined who he was and exposed his level, and the mayor was more than willing to join his banner as a subordinate. Judging by how gaunt everyone looked they had a hard time even getting enough Nexus Coins for food, and joining the strongest man in the world was no doubt a godsent opportunity.


    A small hovel like this would never have unlocked the ability to buy a Teleportation Array normally, but now that they were part of Port Atwood the mayor suddenly had arge increase in avable purchases, including a slew of arrays. There were limits to how many ces Zac could boost like this, but he was still well within his limits as he only had a dozen towns or so under hismand.


    Zac then donated enough money for him to buy the array, and he breathed out in relief when he saw that almost all of his connections were still there when checking out the Array Menu. The advance forts belonging to the Marshal n werent avable though, meaning that anything inside or even too close to the Dead Zone was blocked out by jammers or the death-attuned energies.


    They were gone from the remote vige a few secondster, having teleported over to one of the strongholds closest to the Dead Zone. It was a base controlled by the Underworld Council, and Zac felt it was their best bet at getting updated intelligence from the front-lines.


    Halt! a man mounting a massive machine-gun shouted upon their appearance, but he quickly realized who they were and stood down.


    I need to speak with the Council, Zac said, and he was immediately led out of the building housing the Teleportation Array.


    However, Zac stopped in his tracks the moment he exited the building, and he couldnt help but gawk at how the whole world was tinted in azure. The blue sky of Earth had beenpletely supnted by the chilly light-blue tint of death attuned energies. If it wasnt for the normal Cosmic Energy in the area he would have thought the world was already realigned.


    However, there was an unmistakable hint of death in the ambient energies even though this camp wasnt inside the Dead Zone, proving that the alignment was already in progress.


    The azure hue was unexpected, but the most shocking scene was the gargantuan lines crisscrossing the sky, forming fractals whose size beggaredprehension. Just how much energy had been siphoned out of their to form this array? Zac started to worry that Earth would end up crippled even if they managed to deal with the undead somehow.


    He hated to say it, but was this world even worth staying on if that happened?


    <strong>Death Defiance (Unique, Limited): The war between life and death is as old as time. Stop the realignment of your world. Reward: World Core Upgrade. Individual rewards based on contribution. (0/1).</strong>


    Did you guys just get a quest? Zac asked with confusion as he looked at the screen that had suddenly appeared in front of him. To deal with the undead?


    Yep! Emily said with excitement shining in her eyes, and the Valkyries nodded their heads as well.


    Zac frowned in confusion as he looked away from the ominous skies. Why was the System giving out a quest like this? It hadn''t done that when he fought any of the other Incursions. Did the system perhaps feel that people weren''t struggling enough against the Undead Empire, and wanted to push for a final cataclysmic battle?


    They soon walked into amand tent, where six of the Underworld Councillors were already waiting.


    Thank god youre here. We were starting to get a bit worried, Gregor said, and it almost looked like he wanted to run over and touch Zac to make sure he was actually real. We were even contemting paying the fee to enter the Ark World. But seeing you shoot up in levels the past hours felt like a stay of execution.


    Zac nodded at the human Councillor with a smile before frowned in confusion at the unfamiliar word.


    The what? Ark World? Zac asked with confusion, almost forgetting about the quest he just got.


    The New World Government approached us two days ago, shortly after we lost connection with Port Atwood. They said that they have discovered a spatial tunnel leading to a safe Mystic Realm. They call it the Ark World. They are currently shaking down the elites of the Earth to allow them to join the exodus, Gregor exined.


    So theyre abandoning Earth? Zac asked with a frown.


    Well, honestly I can understand them. Theres not much we can do. We can barely hold the lines against these undying bastards. Reaching the heart of the Dead Zone and taking out the leaders? Impossible. At least for us Gregor said pointedly.


    Thats why Im here, Zac said. If the array in the sky activates, then I have failed. At that point, you might as well leave for the Ark World if you can. Humans wont survive long on a death-attuned.


    Is there anything we can do to help? Romal, the official speaker of the council, said.I would be honored to join you in battle. I would rather fight for our shared than hiding in some cramped Mystic Realm. Our people have already done that once, and I know what future such a decision will lead to."


    "And its not like the unliving are stupid," another councilor added. "They will find us sooner orter hiding in that hidden realm. I bet they have ten ways of forcing a passage open for every way we have to keep it closed.


    I will just take a very small group that will help with the arrays. I will deal with the Lich King myself. But you can still help me in other ways. Do you know if any of the Undead Generals are out on the battlefield? Zac asked.


    We believe one still resides within the closest horde, Gregor nodded. "It has stayed extremely cohesivepared to the other two hordes."


    Can you make sure the horde and their army are upied for the next two days? Zac asked. Things will go smoother if the Lich King isnt aided by any generals or his hordes.


    Well do what we can, Romal promised. When are you setting out?


    Immediately after were done here. The sooner the array in the sky is turned off the better, Zac said. By the way, have you guys received a quest to stop the Undead Incursion as well?


    We received it yesterday, Gregor nodded. Everyone who is above level 30 and beneath this cursed sky has it. I guess the rest are considered irrelevant in this fight.

 Chapter 497: Attunement

    Chapter 497: Attunement


    Are there any merit exchanges that have cropped up? Zac asked as the quest reminded him of the beast waves back on his ind. And have you figured out what the World Core upgrade entails?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Merit exchanges? Not that we know of," Gregor slowly said with some confusion. "We don''t know anything about the core either. Perhaps it will upgrade our to C-Grade? The System did mention it was D-Grade when we got integrated, after all."


    You wish, Ogras snorted from the side, drawing everyones nces. This World is as wretched as D-Grade worldse. The feels abundant now, but wait until the Origin Dao is gone and youve reached peak E-Grade. There is no way that a single quest will bump you all the way to a C-Grade. Our whole Demon Horde with tens of thousands of forces only have one of them.


    So what do you think? Zac asked.


    It might push the world a bit further, to something like middle D-Grade. It might increase the size of the world as well, as it is quite small. Arger would allowrger forces and higher overall strength. Or it might even give the world an attunement, which would probably be the most valuable reward.


    An attunement? Zac repeated thoughtfully.


    It might not be useful for us, but for the following generations, Ogras added. A fire-attuned world would generate a lot of fire-aspected treasures and herbs, attuned crystals, and even the fire affinities of cultivators would slowly increase. Specialization begets power.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Such a scenario would probably be the best for Earth, though it was useless for him unless the attunement was Life. The bing Death-aspected for his Draugr-side was obviously not going to happen, as that was the very thing the quest goal was designed to stop.


    The Councilors also tried to discreetly inquire why he had been missing the past days and how he managed to gain so many levels in short order. Zac exined it by slightly mixing truths and lies. He said he left for the Tower of Eternity in order to evolve his Daos and gain achievements to the point that he could evolve. That was the only way he would gain enough power to assault the Dead Zone.


    Lying about going to the Tower of Eternity was a waste of effort. It was just a matter of time before his activities were made known across Earth. It shouldnt be too hard for people to figure out he was the one who caused such a ruckus the moment they went to the Tower themselves.


    As for the levels, he didnt bother hiding it and told them about the Node Breaking Pills. He had a massive surplus of them now that he couldnt use any more for the time being. Most would probably be put into his Merit Exchange so they stayed within his force, but he could also consider selling some of them to outsiders.


    In fact, Zac was already thinking of holding an auction of his own sooner orter, provided their whole didnt fall to the Undead Empire. He had a lot of items right now that were prettymon in the Multiverse, but still unheard of on Earth. It was a perfect opportunity to make some money before people managed to find their own business connections.


    No one on Earth was nearly as wealthy as he was, but the umted wealth of tens of thousands of elites should be pretty impressive by now. It was a bit hical to overchange his fellow countrymen, but it could be considered a fee for closing pretty much all the Incursions for them.


    Zac didnt want to stay in the base any longer than that, and he left after he had transferred all thetest intelligence reports to a tablet. The bad news was that the Dead Zone was enormous by this point, having grown more than twice in size since he visited thest time.


    The realignment array had not only increased the density of the Death-Attunement, but the forces of Pangea left multiple kilometers every day. Death spread forth like an intractable wave, and you could even see the process with your naked eyes. Every single one of the border towns was long gone, having turned into unlivable ghost towns by now.


    Teleporting closer wouldn''t work either due to the jamming. That meant that there was no time to waste, as the distance they needed to traverse was simply massive. He guessed that it would take over half a day to reach the core of the Dead Zone even with the flying treasure.


    They still had some time ording to Kenzie''s estimate, but he didn''t want to bete once more. The destendscape shed past them as they soared through the air, this time hidden from sight with the help of a mobile illusion array that made them perfectly blend in with the surroundings.


    He had gotten the idea from the seer during the climb. He had mentioned that his descendants had ced a treasure on a flying treasure and hid in the sky, making them impossible to find. The Dead Zone was no doubt crawling with those ghost scouts, but this would give them a small chance at arriving to the core unnoticed.


    At the beginning of their flight they could see not only the undead horde far in the distance but also trucks and armies moving about on the ground. However, after one hour had passed there was no activity from the living. They saw a smaller horde move toward therger one at the edge of the Dead Zone, but that was about it.


    The hours passed but no one could rx. Everyone was afraid a storm of ghosts would st through the clouds and attack them at any moment. But it really looked like their approach went by unnoticed. The Dead Zone was perhaps too big to monitor by now, allowing them to pass by unnoticed.


    Zac was about to return to his meditation but something in the distance caught his attention.


    Wait, stop for a second, Zac said as he pointed at a specific spot. "Set down the vessel over there."


    He had kept <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> running to keep watch of any hidden threats. But rather than ghosts, it had allowed him to see something unexpected, a beacon of life in a sea of dour death. Joanna immediately changed course and theynded where he indicated, and Zac''s eyes widened with recognition as he looked around. He had been here before.


    He once sat beneath the tree in front of him.


    What is it? Ogras asked with confusion as Zac walked over to the mutated tree. We dont really have time for a botanical study.


    I just want to confirm something, Zac said as he closed his eyes with one hand against the magnificent tree.


    It was really the same one. He had found this mysterious tree once more, hidden in a sea of death. It felt like there was some sort of fate behind the second encounter.


    Hopefully you can help me in the future, Zac muttered as he ran his fingers across the bark. Ille back again after Ive dealt with the undead.


    Heavens help us, the demon muttered from the side. Hes lost it.


    Shush, Kenzie said as she kicked Ogras shin before turning to Zac. What is it?


    Life and Death, Zac said as he stepped back onto the leaf. Its pretty amazing. If I could bring it with me without killing it I would. I feel I can use it as a base to study my Daos.


    Seeing the small beacon of life in the sea of death not only resonated with his Daos, but it also made him remember his Skill Quest. Splitting Life and Death was such an obscure concept, but perhaps this natural oddity might guide him down the right path.


    Take note of this ce, Zac said to the Valkyries and his sister. We need to return after weve dealt with the Incursion.


    The group kept flying through the Dead Zone, but the dense Death-attunement was, unfortunately, having an impact on his vessel, drastically slowing its speed. It was still a lot quickerpared to the old disk he had, but it felt like a crawl after the shocking speed it exhibited when infused with the Dao of the Bodhi.


    Zac didnt dare waste his mental energy on speeding up the vessel though in case something happened. He knew he was the muscle of the expedition, with the others acting as backup. The dy gave him enough time to finish filling his fifth node on his Draugr though, allowing him to bnce out his two sses at level 80.


    He put the 10 points into Dexterity once more before he turned back into his human form. He still didn''t want to expose his Draugr side to the undead invaders unless necessary, especially after learning about Catheya and her master. What if that Peak C-Grade monster became interested and tracked him down?


    He was already traveling in search of something to break through, and wouldn''t Zac''s body make an interesting study? Even Yrial said so. Zac sighed for the umpteenth time over the fact there was no one to turn to for help regarding these issues. No old ancestor who could make their problems go away with a wave of his hand. Everything was up to him to solve, but he was out of treasures that could help him be stronger.


    He instead turned his attention to the next thing; his skills.


    With him having reached Peak mastery of multiple skills along with having evolved, then upgrading his skills was the next logical step. He had already learned some of the paths from Gu and his visit to the Undead Kingdom, and he had shored up his knowledge from the following encounters.


    There were a few ways to upgrade his skills, demanding various degrees of interaction by himself. The simplest method was to adjust the skill fractal so that it would be useable in the e-grade as well. That wasnt to say that his old skills suddenly had turned useless, but there was a limit of how much energy they could contain.


    His miasmic bulwark would only be able to block so much damage, and the wooden hand he conjured with <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>would only be able to unleash so much destruction. But this could be changed.


    The skill fractals were right now like crude drawings ced in the masterpiece that were the intricate E-Grade Pathways. You could slowly adjust these drawings to blend better, to take advantage of the higher amount of energies that could flow through them. The process of doing this was the same as when he manually drew the pathways for his two sses back in the F-Grade.


    However, there was no blueprint provided this time. This meant that you were required to not only understand the skill to a great degree, but also how the skill fractals worked. You could actually ruin the skill altogether, forcing you to redraw the fractal from scratch. It wasnt really a big deal for someone as durable as him, but it would no doubt hurt like hell and likely force him to dy his progression for a while.


    This method was generally considered the easiest way of progress, but it wasnt really that case for Zac. Most people had grown up in a world of cultivation, spending their entire childhood studying fractals and pathways and the Dao in preparation of when they could finally start cultivating. He could still somewhat intuitively understand what parts of the fractals did, but his understanding was still far worsepared to any average cultivator in this regard.


    The second method was to upgrade through epiphany, and Zac guessed that this was his best shot at rapid progress. Just like one could have a Dao epiphany mid-battle, so could he have a breakthrough for his skills. He had seen it a few times already with his skills, though that was just upgrading the proficiency.


    Gu had also mentioned Skill Arrays, which was something that most forces and academies used. You could even say they were an integral part of a proper Heritage. They were like assisted guidance systems that helped you upgrade certain skills. They resulted in slightly worsepatibilitypared to doing it yourself, but they would undeniably save time that you could spend on gaining levels instead.


    You also needed an array that would work on your specific skills, and Zac was pretty skeptical he would be able to find something like that anytime soon.


    Finally, there were the Skill Upgrade Quests that the System would reward, but the first one wasnt until level 90 as far as he knew. It was usually a branched quest that would either allow him to upgrade a skill or transform it, and he guessed that this was the best chance to fuse two of his skills into one.


    Certainly, one could fuse skills without the assistance of the System, but you needed an extremely strong understanding to do something like that. Some treasures could put you in a state of faux-enlightenment to assist you in the process, but it was probably something better left alone until you had reached a much higher understanding.


    Perhaps Yrial could assist him a bit the next time he entered the Inheritance, but that was still a decade away.


    Zac didnt really have a lot of options right now, but he kept looking inward at his skill fractals, and their connection to the pathways. He figured that if he got a better grasp of the fractals and how they wereckingpared to the pathways, then he might be more likely to be able to gain an epiphany mid-battle.


    Sort of like the heat of the battle was how he managed to form the bronze shes inside the Tower.


    However, no matter how hard he tried over the following hours, he simply couldn''t make heads or tails about it. He would no doubt be able to redraw all the fractals in his sleep by now, but that didn''t really help him in his predicament.


    I think were just two hours away by foot now, Kenzie suddenly said, waking Zac up from his reverie. What do you want to do?


    Lets go by foot from here, Zac said after some hesitation. Well see if we can reach the core unnoticed.

 Chapter 498: Go Time

    Chapter 498: Go Time


    Zac wasn''t confident that their mobile illusion array would do them any good against the defenses of the Undead Empire. He figured that they would be able to hide more efficiently as a small group of humanoids in a forest that was no doubt teeming with zombies, rather than on top of a lustrous giant leaf ripping through the otherwise dour sky.


    There was no way that the Lich King hadnt erected any defensive arrays now that the realignment was so close, but there was a very big difference between a passively running array and an array actively controlled by an array master. Perhaps they would be able to crack open the entrance if they caught the Lich King by surprise.


    Besides, they would have to be on the ground anyway if they wanted to deploy any of the array breakers they had brought.


    The groupnded inside the forest, and everyone already wore some sort of equipment that hid their life-attuned aura. Ogras and Zac increased the effect even further by adding ayer of shadows and dousing them in his Dao Field for the Fragment of the Coffin.


    The coffin wasnt strictly Death-Attuned just yet, but it was death-adjacent, and it helped them blend into the surroundings a lot better than if they just walked in as-is. They soon got a chance at testing the efficacy of their disguise as they spotted a mob of zombies lumbering about. But they could breathe out in relief when their small group could walk bypletely unnoticed.


    The zombies treated them as though they were air, and the group kept running further toward the core of the Dead Zone. Of course, that small encounter wasnt enough for them to rx. Those zombies were still unawakened, which meant they were as dumb as they came. Real Revenants might not be able to sense that their group was alive, but they would no doubt understand that something was amiss with a group of strangers running toward their stronghold.


    Luckily it seemed that the undead didn''t bother nting any spectral scouts in the forest. Perhaps they figured that the increasingly dense number of zombies would be enough as an early warning, or perhaps they didn''t even care if anyone came all this way, confident in their defensive capabilities.


    But the group of 11 still avoided any undead they spotted as they inched closer to their target. It forced them to take some detours, but it still only took them three hours until reached their target, the true inner sanctum of the Dead Zone. Or rather the barrier that blocked them off from it.


    Massive pitch-ck runes hovered in the air, each of them humming with strength. They formed a long wall that stretched kilometers in each direction, and Zac could vaguely spot massive Unholy Beacons some distance behind them, no doubt powering them with a steady flow of power.


    There was no physical wall acting as a foundation, but that didnt mean the barrier would be any easier to deal with. This was something that made use of the Dead Zone itself, and it would no doubt require a massive st to crack open. However, reaching the target wasnt the only trouble they faced.


    There was also the even thicker wall of zombies that stood between them and the array. The density of the undead lumbering about in the forest had gradually increased as the density of Miasma did, and they currently had zombies within 30 meters in pretty much every direction by now. However, they almost formed a solid wall of putrid flesh along the defensive array in front of them.


    The swarm of zombies was well over twenty meters thick, and it seemed to stretch endlessly in each direction along the barrier. Millions and millions of former citizens of earth turned into nothing more than an unliving fortification. At least that was what Zac figured they were, as this band of zombies definitively hadn''te about naturally.


    How the hell are we supposed to sneak in like this? Ogras spat. "There is no way that the people inside won''t be alerted if we start killing this rabble."


    "Can''t we just walk past them?" Emily asked. "Isn''t that what our talismans are for?"


    "No way," the demon said as he threw a humored nce at the teenager. "They''re stupid, but not <em>that </em>stupid. Besides, I bet there is some failsafe for that."


    Some sort of diversion? Zac muttered.


    He briefly considered using the thing he had gotten from Voids Disciple, but he eventually decided against it. This was still just an outer shield, and the real forces of the Lich King were nowhere in sight. Using that thing right now was a waste, and better left to use as a surprise when Zac was right in front of his target.


    Besides, Void had said that he was meant to activate the ck crystal it inside a castle and there were nothing of the sort in sight just yet. That point alone made Zac a bit worried. It meant that his whole idea to sneak attack the leaders had already failed. Even if they rushed inside after sting through the wall the Lich King would probably be ready to meet their assault.


    Still, they had managed to get pretty close without getting noticed, which was worth something. It would be toote to recallrger forces to defend by this point, and there was no way undead general stationed in the horde would be able toe back in time.


    Cant be anything big, Ogras slowly said. We want these rotting bastards out of the way without causing a scene. We need to hit the shield before the owners inside notice us. If they take active control it will be twice as hard to break inside.


    What about Miasma Crystals? Emily ventured. We throw a few of them to the left and one to the right. I heard that zombies search out things that benefit their strength instinctively. Shouldnt that split them up?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The idea of throwing out Miasma Crystals as breadcrumbs sounded extraordinarily stupid, but it quickly became apparent that no one had a better idea. Joanna proposed they dig a tunnel, but Zac remembered how the slightest tremor in the earth was immediately exposed by geomancers when fighting the second beast wave.


    Orgas also suggested for Zac to somehow telepathically control them in his Draugr form, but he simply had no way to do that.


    Though to be fair, turning into a Draugr might push the zombies away, as there was a massive inherent difference in caste between the noble races and some newly turned zombies without sapience. But he wanted to keep that as an ace in the hole, so they had no better option than going with Emilys n.


    Dozens of F-Grade Miasma Crystals soared through the air andnded in the densely packed groups of zombies as Zac started to throw them to their left and right. It took a few seconds for the undead to register what was going on, but they slowly started to congregate toward the energy-rich crystals on the ground.


    It created a five-meter wide corridor almostpletely devoid of zombies in front of them, and the group unhesitantly rushed forward and set up an illusion array right next to the barrier. A few zombies seemed to feel that something was amiss, but they soon joined the others in the struggle for Miasma Crystals after they couldn''t see anything odd in their surroundings.


    This close to the barrier they could finally spot an almostpletely transparent ck film blocking them like a wall, proving the shield covered every inch of the Core Zone. Kenzie immediately set up a set of mobile arrays that blocked out their presence, meaning the Zombies wouldn''t find them even if they lost interest in the Miasma Crystals.


    However, there was clearly no love lost between the zombies, and the attraction of the crystals was beyond their expectation as undead fought tooth and nail for them. It was just a matter of time before the ruckus was exposed or the zombies started getting ripped apart, so they were still against the clock.


    The group had gone over the n multiple times on the leaf and as they ran through the forest, and now was the time to put it into action. Zac and Ogras were both imbued with a fiery axe, whereas Kenzie got the one crackling with lightning that improved Intelligence and Wisdom. This was the benefit Emily had gotten from upgrading the proficiency of the skill. She could now boost three people in total, but she was only able to get one boost per type.


    The six valkyries each took out arge engraved spike and stuck it into the ground, forming a perfect circle within their bubble. They then ced their massive bulwarks outside them to prevent any interference while further isting their small circle. Kenzie withdrew a densely inscribed skull that emitted scorching heat, along with a bunch of me Crystals they had dug up from Zac''s new mine in the underworld.


    Six chains were attached to the skull in various positions, and the six valkyries each took one and attached it to their respective spike, effectively fettering the head to the ground. Kenzie made sure that the inscriptions held and that the array gs were properly nted, and Zac couldn''t help but look at the odd scene with bemusement.


    This was one of the array breakers he had found in the mentalist''s Spatial Ring, and Kenzie had chosen this one for two reasons. First of all, it was fire-attuned, which seemed pretty effective against the undead based both on Zac''s experiences and looking at the Church of the Evesting Dao. Secondly, it was one of the breakers that were simple to use, with the downside that it carried low strength on its own.


    Its strength was rather based on the power of the people infusing it. The users would feed it with their energy and Dao, and the Array would convert it into an attack especially suited for burning a hole in an array. It would allow Zac to not only take advantage of his recent boost in energy cirction but also release a st of power without wasting any of his long cooldown attacks on the wall.


    Give me a few seconds, Kenzie said as she pushed one spike after another down into the ground, forming yet another array surrounding the treasure in the middle. "Get ready to infuse the main array with your Cosmic Energy and Daos. The more chaotic the better."


    Ten spikes turned to dozens that embedded themselves in the ground as Kenzie threw them in rapid session, forming an increasinglyrge array that soon enough spread even outside the confines of their illusion array. Small spikes shot out between the zombies with pinpoint precision and lodged themselves in the ground.


    These spikes will destabilize the energy flow in the area, making it harder for the shield to feed off the ambient energy. They might even disconnect this section of the barrier from the Unholy Beacons. They will burn out quickly though, so you need to activate the array breaker immediately, she said.


    Zac and the others nodded, and cosmic energy was already coursing through Zac''s body as he readied himself.


    "Go!" Kenzie said the moment she had finalized connecting the inscribed skull with the six spikes that the valkyries controlled.


    Zac, Ogras, Kenzie, and Joanna immediately ced their hands on the skull that was asrge as an elephant''s, and the whole area started to twist and turn as a massive congregation of power started building inside the hollow head. Its eyes started to flicker with chaotic colors as the Daos of the four shed with increasing ferocity. It even started to vibrate, causing the chains to rattle, but it still seemed like it could swallow more.


    Emily was instead dancing around inside the array waving her tomahawks, and Zac realized that his mind felt extremely refreshed. Whatever she was doing was actually dispersing the negative effect of standing inside miasma. It was a lot like <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>in that regard, as it felt like the inhospitable atmosphere had suddenly turned into something uniquely suited to them.


    It helped Zac move his energy with a lot more vigor as an unceasing torrent of energy coursed through his arm and into the inscribed head. He infused the head with his Fragment of the Axe as well, as he felt that Dao Fragment would increase the destructive might the most. In a perfect world, he would have wanted to use all three Fragments, but he simply wasn''t able to do that.


    The hollow skull was quickly approaching the limits of what it could contain, while the six remaining Valkyries focused on keeping the supportive Array gs stable. The ground shuddered and heaved by this point, and the Zombies finally realized something was amiss.


    There was no way for the illusion array to block out the terrifying amounts of energy they were churning inside as it was affecting the whole area by this point, and the zombies roared as they charged at the source of the disturbance.


    "Shield!" Joanna shouted, and six streams of silver Cosmic Energy streamed from the Valkyries and fused to form a sturdy wall surrounding them, using the chitinous shields as a base.


    The zombies desperately tried to cut through, but the War Array the Valkyries got from the quest showed it''s worth as it didn''t even shudder from the onught. Of course, these zombies were far from being the elites of the Undead Empire, but there were over a hundred attackers in just a second.


    The stalwart shield allowed Zac and the others to wholeheartedly focus on the skull, and it finally rose into the air, stretching all the chains taut.


    "Get ready to run!" Kenzie said as she swiped straight at the chains, breaking it in three swift motions.


    A piercing screech seemingly from the abyss emerged from the mouth of the skull, and a blinding me illuminated the sky it exploded into motion. Zac''s heart lurched when he saw that the ming skull actually flew straight into the sky, and he started to worry that the weird treasure would simply fly away. However, his worries were alleviated when Kenzie threw out a ming spike straight at the closest of the ck runes that was twenty meters away from them.


    It looked like the skull had found its prey as it immediately did a 180 and shot toward the barrier with extreme momentum. It instantly broke the sound barrier as it flew toward the wall, causing waves of multifarious mes to incinerate everything close to its path, including dozens of zombies.


    A terrifying st spread out the next moment as the ming skull actually bit into the ck fractal, and Zac''s eyes lit up when a small crack in the rune appeared in an instant. The crack quickly grew as the mes increased in intensity seemingly without limit, and Zac took a steadying breath as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> appeared in his right hand.


    It was go time.

 Chapter 499: Pillars and Beams

    Chapter 499: Pirs and Beams


    The whole array of ck runes lit up in an instant, but the runes around Zac''s group were still dim thanks to Kenzie''s efforts. However, explosions erupted in every direction as the Array gs burnt out in quick session. Thankfully the barrier couldn''t hold it any longer, and it suddenly shattered as the maw of the fiery skull closed with a snap.


    A massive crack provided an ingress for the group and they heedlessly braved the mes as they rushed inside, protected by the still-running War Array of the six Valkyries. A victorious roar sent a fiery discharge in each direction before the skull crumbled to white ash. Zac immediately summoned <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> and blocked out the fallout, but the zombies on the other side of the array weren''t so lucky.


    Hundreds of them were incinerated in one fell swoop, and the shield had already mended itself before any new unliving could take their ce. It looked like these pitiful creatures really weren''t considered part of the Undead Empire just yet, as they were utterly incapable of following Zac and the others through the intangible barrier.


    Zac knew that an advanced force like the Undead Empire would be able to erect arrays that could discern friend and foe, especially when there was such a striking difference between the living and the dead. But it looked like the Lich King had elected to keep even his own outside the core area. Perhaps too many zombies would be a drain on the limited Miasma in the atmosphere or something.


    Of course, it wasn''t like there weren''t any zombies on the other side of the enclosure.


    Large mobs of the undead were already rushing toward them from the distance, while Zac spotted clumps of Corpse Golems guarding the Unholy Beacons. These ones were the real deal as well, the crafty and ruthless elite zombies that probably were on the precipice of evolving into sapient Revenants.


    Zac shed away and gripped one of the zombies who shrieked as he tried to dig his rotting teeth into Zacs arm. Its assault was obviously futile with Zacs 2000 plus Endurance though. Zac shook the undead man for a bit to make him release his grip before he flung him toward the defensive array.


    The nearby zombies roared in anger as they tried to mob Zac in retaliation, but they were immediately dismembered by a fewzy swings of his axe. The projectile zombie flew straight through the array, confirming Zac''s guess. It worked like his own <strong>[Town Defense Array]</strong>, only keeping people out in one direction. It was valuable information in case they were forced to fleeter on.


    "Let''s go," Zac said. "They definitely know we''re here by now."


    The squad immediately started running toward the shining Incursion Pir that was barely discernible in the distance through the thick miasmic haze. However, they barely had time to move a few hundred meters before the sky changed, and one azure fractal after another started appearing.


    These runes were clearly not the realignment array, but rather something meant to deal with intruders.


    "Uyn, you were right," Ogras groaned. "It''s not worth it."


    "What?" Kenzie asked with a frown from the side.


    Zac ignored the two as he activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> and turned it toward the sky. The arrays were obviously made from miasma, but Zac frowned when he saw that they contained something that could best be described as condensed death, and this weird energy was quickly umting more power. It was like the array was taking the death-attuned Cosmic Energy and taking away the energy itself, leaving just the concept behind.


    He didn''t know what use that stuff was, but it felt extremely dangerous. He needed to stop them from activating.


    "Destroy the Unholy Beacons," Zac said as a massive fractal edge grew out from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>.


    He activated<strong> [Loamwalker]</strong> the next second, and within moments he found himself in front of the closest beacon. It was more than three times the size of the mobile pirs he had seen so far during the two invasions of his ind, and the hair on his arms stood on end from the extremely condensed miasma surrounding it.


    A fractal de grew from his axe and a wide arc swept through the guarding golems, causing them to fall apart into stale clumps of meat. A small amount of energy entered his body, but Zac frowned when he realized that it didn''t target any specific node in his body like he would have assumed. It instead started to spread out across his limbs, until it finally started to dissipate.


    Did he need to direct the energy himself?


    Zac quickly took hold of the energy and condensed it into a ball, and it was thankfully an easy process to figure out the next step. He quickly pushed the ball of energy through his pathways until he felt some pliability from a node in his left leg. But he barely had time to push the small amount of energy inside the node before almost a hundred translucent green balls poured out of the massive brazier at the top of the beacon.


    They caused an extremely ufortable weight to descend on him, and it felt like a mix of mental and physical pressure. However, Zac''s Wisdom had shot all the way up to 800 over the past days, a number that even most early E-Grade mentalist would be hard-pressed to match. Combine that with a soul that had been forced to endure the continuous pressure from the Splinter of Oblivion for months, and he was starting to truly shore up his old weakness.


    He didn''t even need to infuse <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> with the Fragment of the Bodhi to effortlessly shrug off the mental pressure, and a few quick swings caused the tower to crumble. However, his mind warned him of danger the moment the beacon started to copse, and he hurriedly shed away.


    It was just in time as well, as a chain of explosions turned the whole area around the beacon into a frozen hellscape. At least half of the odd spheres had been filled with ice-attuned energies it seemed, and while their individual destructiveness wasn''t too threatening they still were a cause for concern when there were almost a hundred of them balled together.


    Zac nced at the sky and was relieved to see that a handful of the newly appeared fractals had dissipated, but most were still going strong as they condensed their energies. One of them suddenly activated, and a wave of darkness shot down at Ogras and Kenzie who were whittling down another one of the beacons.


    Ogras had already taken out the Corpse golems and was working on the tower, whereas Kenzie waved her staff to conjure dozens of fireballs in an instant that shot out at an iing wave of zombies. The mes seemed to have a life of their own as they hopped from target to target and caused an extremely impressive amount of destruction for how little energy she seemed to have consumed.


    However, there was no time to admire his sister''s growth as the wave from the sky was almost upon them.


    "Watch out!" Zac shouted at the demon, who immediately was swallowed whole by a shroud of shadows.


    Another ball of shadows started to rise around Kenzie, but she had already flickered away in a gust of wind, narrowly avoiding the darkness. The demon wasn''t as lucky, as he was actually forced out of the shadows a few meters away from his earlier position as the wave swallowed him whole. The area turned back to normal the next moment, but Zac knew something was wrong when he saw how pale the demon was.


    He instantly shed over and immediately sensed an overwhelming death-attuned auraing from the demon. It was like he was being forcibly converted into a Revenant in front of his eyes, and the process looked extremely painful. Zac quickly grabbed the demon''s shoulder and flooded him with the Fragment of the Bodhi as he gobbled up therge amounts of death-attuned energies for himself.


    He felt a bit queasy from the ipatible energy, but his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> would deal with it soon enough.


    "Urh," the demon groaned as he spat a ball of ck phlegm. "Zombifying beams. Just great. Thanks, by the way."


    "No problem," Zac smiled. "Thank you for protecting Kenzie."


    "What protecting, just making a fool of myself," Ogras grunted as he shakily got back to his feet.


    The next moment he disappeared and reappeared next to the Unholy Beacon once more. A storm of strikes mmed into the base as a forest of shadow spears rose to meet the falling balls, piercing all of them with expert uracy. The beacon toppled the next moment, but the demon was obviously out for blood, or at least unwilling to let the arrays in the sky keep shooting at them.


    The demon didn''t even stop to loot the potentially valuable pir as he shot toward the next one, repeating the process. However, the arrays in the sky were all starting to power up by now, and they clearly didn''t only rely on the closest Unholy Beacons for power. Staying around and taking out the pirs was a waste of time, and the group instead started rushing toward the core.


    Wave after wave of elite zombies appeared to impede their path, but Zac''s group was like a grindstone that turned anything that came too close into shreds. Zac was asionally shooting out a fractal de or shed away to take out another beacon, but he mainly relied on the others to break open a path so that he could reserve his strength.


    It was rather Kenzie and Joanna that did the heavy lifting. The Chief Valkyrie seemed to have gained a repeatable area strike upon reaching level 50, and she was using it freely at the moment. It was a pretty odd one as well. She kept conjuring a silver ball in the air in front of her, but the moment it appeared she attacked it with a powerful stab with her spear.


    The ball immediately cracked like a broken mirror, and sharp shards reminiscent of all kinds of crude weapons shot into the zombie horde with even greater momentum than her strike had. Some of the shards were shaped like speartips, and they punched gruesome holes into the undead. Others were ded weapons like swords or axes, and these shards cleanly cut limbs or heads off any zombie they passed.


    Zac shot a surprised nce at Joanna, feeling that she was walking down an interesting path. It made him think of the War Stele and the Dao of War, one of the possible upgrade-paths of the various Weapon-based Daos. If Joanna managed to walk down that road she would have a chance to be as powerful as the great general in the vision.


    Kenzie''s side was an ever-changing scene as well, where the undying got incinerated one second and sh-frozen the next. She had also summoned a mysterious wheel that hovered above her head, and every time it turned 90 degrees a devastating st from one of the four elements wasunched.


    It reminded Zac of a drone as it kept pace with Kenzie, but he could quickly confirm that it was a construct made from Attuned Energies with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. Zac didn''t understand what kind of skill it was, but it felt a bit like the massive demonic angel that Iz Tayn had summoned. Was the wheel some sort ofpanion, but perhaps more akin to a golem than an Elemental?


    However, while the recent improvements of the two were impressive, their low levels was an undeniable weakness. Each strike could only kill so many of the unthinking rabble, but there was an unending stream of them that kept trying to tire them out before they reached the core. At least that was what Zac thought the undead were trying to do.


    They were beset by an endless number of elite zombies as they ran, but they had not encountered a single revenant or another elite unit of the undead Empire since taking down the Unholy Beacons. Worse yet, the group was constantly bombarded by waves of death from above, and they often had to interrupt their strike to desperately scramble out of the way.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Kenzie was already panting from the exertion, but she insisted that she could keep going. Zac didn''t say anything as he knew they tried to help as much as they could while allowing him to save his strength. Because these waves of unliving were just the appetizer, whereas the main course was finallying into vision in just ahead.


    A massive ck fortress, reaching toward the sky with a backdrop consisting of an azure pir that pierced the miasmic haze.


    This was the first structure Zacs group had encountered inside the Dead Zone, aside from the endless ruins of the countries it had gobbled up. But Zac guessed that this monstrous structure would have no problem housing every single elite that was brought over from the Undead Kingdom of the Zecia sector, along with tens of thousands of the best zombies who were recruited here on earth.


    It might even be more apt to call it a city than a castle if it wasnt for the fact that it really seemed to be one cohesive structure. Its pitch-ck wall rose almost twenty meters into the air, wrought from some stone that Zac didnt recognize. It was covered in both azure fractals and intricate carvings reminiscent of European Gothic architecture.


    Dozens of towers protruded from within the walls as well, each of them well over a hundred meters tall. They all seemed to house terrifyingly powerful Unholy Beacons at the top, probably responsible for providing energy for the whole building. They almost looked like fountains as dense clouds of Miasma billowed down along their lengths as though it was liquid.


    They could vaguely spot the roof of many more sections, but the towering wall made it hard to make out any real impression of theyout inside. However, finding their way inside was the least of their concern at the moment, as they first needed to break through the army waiting at the wall walk.


    Thousands of Revenants, Golems, and Corpse Lords stood at the front, their killing intent palpable as they looked down at their small squad from above.


    Super-Brother Man, or should I say Zachary Atwood? a decrepit voice full of power flowed down from up high, which helped Zac spot an all-too-familiar hooded being. You came after all, not that you had much choice. But youll find the Undead Empire apletely different target than the invaders youve fought until now.


    Fury surged in Zacs chest as he looked at the man at the wall.


    It was him. The Lich King.

 Chapter 500: Wallbreakers

    Chapter 500: Wallbreakers


    It was the man that had almost killed Alea. The man who had left him no recourse but to either let her die or turn her into a Spirit Tool, not to mention causing the creeping death of their whole.


    His appearance was all-too-familiar, as it was the very same one as the four ghosts he had fought back on Port Atwood. Zac had already known that the hooded beings he killed were clones or projections, as destroying the four identical copies provided no Cosmic Energy. He had also suspected him to either be the Lich King or one of his Generals, but it looked like he had his answer now.


    He was apanied by a powerful-looking female to his left, and a wretched ghost to his right. If one of the generals was upied in the zombie horde, then these two might just be thest two generals of the Undead Incursion. The Abbot had killed two of the six when they tried to take down Mount Evesting Peace, and Zac dealt with Mhal himself, leaving just three. A host of ghosts who hovered behind them in the air as well, perhaps there to provide the three with War Arrays.


    Anger burned inside his chest, and his mind worked a mile a minute in figuring out a way to get up on that wall-walk to rip that man into pieces. However, he was surprised to sense the Demon next to him sporting a simr killing intent.


    Its that bitch, Ogras muttered from the side, his eyes trained at the ghastly woman standing to the side of the Lich King.


    She looked almost like a pale human with long, ck, flowing hair, but her hands were reced by grisly ws with unnaturally long fingers.


    You know her too? Kenzie asked with surprise. Shes the one that almost killed me and Ilvere. I thought we had killed her by detonating the mecha.


    All the more reason for me to skewer her, the demon muttered. That crazy banshee almost caught me inside an array when we foughtst time. This time well see who will be the Scuttlecreeper and wholl be the Gwyllgi.


    A roar from behind interrupted their discussion, and Zac turned around to see that the zombies pretty much had caught up with them. There were thankfully no zombies between themselves and the wall though. Perhaps the Lich King was afraid of friendly fire.


    The Undead saw zombies as something between children and potential recruits, after all. They both were and werent part of the Undead Empire just yet, and while they wouldnt really mourn their true death, they also werent keen on killing them with their own hands.


    The six Valkyries set up their war array once more, and they started a methodical ughter of anyone that came too close under the direction of Joanna, allowing Zac and the others to focus on the castle.


    Do you people have any better ideas than charging right at them? Zac asked.


    They are obviously prepared for a siege, the demon said with a frown. I cant sense anything, but I bet this ce is covered in both defensive and Offensive Arrays.


    Hes right, Kenzie said from the side. The wall itself is full of array gs. Those huge towers contain offensive arrays as well.


    We cant dally too long, Joanna said from the side as she looked behind then. We will be overrun in a few minutes without assistance.


    I cant keep boosting you either for very long, Emily muttered. It drains way more energy now than it did before. Perhaps because youre E-Grade and boost me a 100 points?


    Zacs brows rose in confusion as he looked over. Her skill was supposed to boost his attributes by 10% after having been upgraded to High Mastery. However, a nce at his status screen confirmed that it truly only gave him 100 Strength.


    Perhaps there were limits to how much the skill could provide, and 100 Points was no doubt a huge amount for most people in the F-Grade. It made sense that she couldnt use it on a B-Grade monster and gain tens of thousands of points too, which would allow her to skip multiple grades and kill D-Grade Hegemons without much effort.


    But now was not the time to experiment with the limits of Emilys supportive capabilities.


    Let me see how the arrays look, Zac said as he shot forward, a surge of warmth entering his back as Emily reapplied her buff.


    A pir of light rose toward the sky as a shockinglyrge fractal edge appeared. It glistened with sharpness as it stretched almost a hundred meters into the air, far exceeding the height of the wall. <strong>[Chop] </strong>might not be able to evolve, but just being able to cram five times more energy into the Skill Fractal before he lost control made a huge difference.


    The ground cracked for dozens of meters in each direction as Zacunched himself into the sky, and the air screamed as he swung the towering fractal edge straight down toward the Lich King, seemingly intent to cut the whole fortress in two. The area heaved as a ck shield materialized just before the de would hit them, forcing Zac''s edge to a stop.


    The clouds of miasma churned as de and shield met, and winds buffeted the zombies who were approaching. Zac grunted in annoyance though, as he was incapable of cutting the shield open even after having infused the skill with the Fragment of the Axe. He lost control a secondter and the de dematerialized while the barrier remained.


    However, while the shield held against Zac''s strike it didn''t do so effortlessly. It didn''t crack, but it did shudder and fluctuate a bit, and Zac noticed that a few of the core members of the Incursion took a step back or reached for their weapons upon witnessing the strike. The shield wasn''t invincible after all.


    It looked like the Lich King hadn''tpletely ruined his finances when erecting the defensive arrays around his fortress. Perhaps he had spent too much of his invasion budget on the massive fractal in the sky and thousands of Unholy Beacons. This was the only reason Zac had a chance at taking them down at all, as there were obviously way more powerful arrays than this readily avable in the Undead Kingdoms.


    But those were too expensive to bring, and a Kingdom would rather cut their losses than overinvest in an incursion.


    Not quite enough, Monarch-Select, the Lich King snorted as a green fractal appeared in front of him.


    He reached out a withered hand and tapped it, and a massive copy appeared above one of the Array Towers the next second. Danger screamed in Zacs mind as the fractal started humming with power, and a torrent of what looked like radioactive toxins shot toward him while he was still mid-air.


    Another fractal de shot into the array with tremendous speed, this time forming a stab aimed right at the Lich Kings head. The Lich weed the strike without a care, and the shield unfortunately held against the assault once more. However, piercing the shield with a normal <strong>[Chop]</strong> had never been Zacs intent.


    He shot away from the rebound like a bullet, narrowly dodging an acid beam that would have swallowed him whole if he didnt react in time. It was the downside of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>; the skill didnt do him much good while mid-air.


    However, Zac could always move around with the help of <strong>[Chop]</strong> as long as he had some fixtures to generate momentum with. He could probably even generate some push by simply swinging in the air quickly enough. Hended some distance from the wall and immediately shed away, appearing next to his squad the next moment.


    They were currently embroiled in a moving battle where they kept running back and forth while keeping a safe distance to the fortress'' wall while dodging the constant sts from the fractals in the sky.


    Its strong, Ogras muttered as he threw out a barrage of shadows at a clump of zombies. But not imprable. What about that thing you used in Base Town?


    Its too soon, Zac said with a shake of his head after sending a mental thread into his Spatial Ring. It is still drained from thest strike. Ill have to use <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    Wait, Kenzie said. I still have a few ideas. We should use some treasures so you can save your strength.


    What do you need us to do? Zac asked, agreeing immediately.


    Can you hold their attacks off for a few seconds while stationary if we get closer? Kenzie asked.


    Those Array Towers are pretty scary, but it shouldnt be a problem, Zac nodded. "Worst case I''ll have to use a defensive treasure."


    He was out of powerful offensive treasure from the mentalist''s collection, but he still had a few defensive ones. He figured he might as well use them sooner rather thanter, as they would be useless soon enough with his rapid growth in attributes.


    Good, Kenzie said as she took out a golden eye that was a bit reminiscent of the skill that the Mentalist used to fracture his soul during the climb. This thing should both weaken the shield and give its controller a bacsh.


    What if it fails? Joanna asked with some worry.


    The drones are notpletely restored, but theyll be able tounch one strike, Kenzie slowly said before she turned to Ogras and Zac. If that fails as well youll have to do the rest yourself.


    What are you doing ying with those cursed things anyway, girl? Dont you know youll draw the ire of the Heavens by getting involved with that stuff? the demon muttered.


    Its not like we have a lot of options right now, Kenzie said as she put away her staff. Oh, and this attack will cost some of the Soul Crystals.


    Thats fine, Zac nodded, feeling it was worth the exchange if it gave a shot at wounding the soul of the Lich King. Ogras and I will guard Kenzie, the rest stay behind.


    The group didnt tally any longer as they rushed toward the wall as one. A storm of attacks quickly descended from the undead elites at the wall walk, but between <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and Ogras ability to slightly move the trio by holding their shoulders they reached their targeted distance without wasting too much energy.


    Of course, the attacks were not the full force of the Undead Empire, as neither the Lich King nor the generals had made a move. That changed though as the Lich King swung his hand, causing a full five of the array towers to light up and form a series of different runes in the sky. Each of them contained even more power than the toxic attack from earlier, far exceeding Zac''s expectations.


    Zac''s eyes widened as he turned to his sister who was fast at work with the golden eye.


    "How long?"


    "Ten seconds," Kenzie said as a sheen of perspiration covered her forehead, mostly from the pressure of the situation Zac guessed.


    The two generals, at least Zac assumed that the unmoving ghost to the Lich King''s side was general as well despite his weak energy signature, were thankfully still unmoving though. Zac still gave up any thought of defending that long with the help of <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong>, as the arrays alone would prove too much to handle.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His defensive skill in his human ss was designed to withstand many smaller hits, not to take on extremely powerful sts like this. His Draugr side would probably be able to deal with it, but it was still too early to expose that side. He instead activated one of the rings on his finger. A golden gate appeared in front of them, each door branded with a fractal that emitted extremely dense power.


    "What?!" the Lich King eximed, seemingly taken by surprise for the first time since they arrived.


    Zac wasn''t surprised, as the quality of his defensive treasures wasn''t something that should exist on a newly integrated world, perhaps not in the Zecia sector at all. But it was toote to cancel the attacks as they shot toward the defensive treasure. The whole area was suffused in a storm of chaotic energies the next moment, but the divine gate held fast, protecting the trio behind it.


    However, the threat wasn''t over as Zac sensed something that he had been ready for the whole time. He stomped into the ground with his full force, causing a massive explosion that spread out in each direction. Rampant waves of his Dao spread through the cracks as Zac had flooded his leg with the Fragment of the Bodhi as well, and Zac felt a small of Cosmic Energy entering his body.


    Kenzie hadn''t been prepared for the massive shockwave, and she helplessly fell over, barely managing to hold on to the Array Breaker.


    "Sorry, there are ghosts in the ground," Zac exined, and Ogras instantly disappeared.


    He reappeared among Emily and the Valkyries the next moment, just in time to rip two spectral assassins to pieces with a barrage of swings. A vast sea of shadows spread out from their position the next moment, no doubt making it impossible for any more backstabs to take ce. Zac had already seen this tactic being used before and he wasn''t about to fall for that trick, especially not after having learned how to deal with the ghost warriors during his climb.


    Kenzie shot another re at Zac before she crammed a bunch of Soul Crystals into the eye as she realigned the pedestal that came with it. It was covered in dense inscriptions as well, and Zac felt his mind blurring a bit just from looking at them. His sister wasted no time as she adroitly activated the Array Breaker, and a gargantuan sapphire eye appeared in the sky.


    The blue eye didn''tunch an attack, but it rather shot straight toward the Lich King until it hit the barrier. However, no explosion wreaked havoc on the barrier. It rather looked like the eye had jumped into a pond of water as the whole barrier started to ripple like a pond as the Array Breaker entered the defensiveyer itself.


    It somehow seemed to have managed to brand itself on the barrier, like an enormous sticker on the shield that gazed down on the soldiers on the wall. Multiple warriors keel over from its stare and even the Lich King hunkered over from its assault.


    But the shield still held true.

 Chapter 501: Deaths Embrace

    Chapter 501: Death''s Embrace


    The Lich King was clearly hit by a psychic attack, but he still seemed very much in control of the shield. And while the barrier had dimmed by a certain degree it wasn''t to the point that a swing or two would break it.


    "I guess we have no choice," Kenzie muttered as drones started appearing above her in rapid session, each of them independently dodging any errant attack that came too close.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    This was the first time Zac had seen his sister control more than one or two of them, and his eyes widened when he saw that she had summoned almost a hundred of them and had them coordinate with perfect precision as they charged up a beam. Something like this would no doubt demand great control even if she was assisted by Jeeves.


    If he had a tenth of this skill when controlling his Dao Fragments, then he would be nigh-unstoppable.


    The brand of the eye remained on the barrier no matter what the Lich King tried, but he obviously wasn''t dismayed to see the appearance of the drones. Zacs brows rose when he saw the arrays on the wall light up as an uncountable number of the same balls floated out to create a second barrier.


    They were simr to ones those that had poured out of the Beacons earlier, but Zac'' felt some disgust when he noticed there seemed to be screaming faces inside the balls. They only appeared for a second before they were reced by churning mists, making Zac wonder if his eyes were ying a trick with him.


    These are the souls of your people, the white-d generalughed to the Lich King''s side. Are you ready to sacrifice them to break our shield? They can still enter the Wheel of Samsara, but not if you destroy them like this.


    Zac froze as his eyes widened. Those things were really the souls of former Earthlings? Were the Unholy Beacons of the Undead Empire actually powered by souls? Kenzie paled at the words, but Zac put a hand on her shoulder.


    "Keep going, I''ll deal with these things. Destroying the balls is the best thing we can do for them. Imagine being trapped by these lunatics forever," Zac said as Cosmic Energy surged to the fractal close to his heart. "Besides, there''s no way that E-Grade people are strong enough to affect the afterlife."


    Zac at least hoped that was the case.


    There was no time to lose. He felt that these things would impede and weaken the strike of the drones, ruining their best option to break inside the fortress. He needed to do something about it, but a couple of <strong>[Chop]</strong>''s wouldn''t be enough. It was a bit of a shame to bring out his big guns early, but it was time to activate <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>.


    Zac figured that at least only one of his swings would be wasted on these floating spheres, and his arm grew taut as a huge surge of Cosmic Energy entered the skill fractal. This time he didnt feel any pain or pressure at all, and he immediately swung his axe as he imbued the <strong>[Axe of Felling]</strong> with his Fragment of the Bodhi.


    It wasnt as powerful as his Fragment of the Axe, but that was against normal targets. He wanted to purify these souls and release them to the afterlife if there was such a thing. The Fragment of the Bodhi was no doubt his best chance for aplishing that.


    A green ripple of destruction shot forward, and a deafening wail made Zac stumble for a second. It was the innumerable souls getting cut apart, causing a massive bacsh to rush back at Zac. If this had been before, then his soul might have actually cracked like during the climb, but now he only felt a splitting headache as he started running forward.


    The way was paved, and Kenzie seized the opportunity to follow through on her end. Heat red down on Zac as dozens of beams of pure energy passed above him before they tore into the weakened shield, right on top of the blue eye. Cracks immediately spread across the whole barrier as multiple fractals on the wall broke.


    The wound quickly started to close though, but a massive torrent of shadows followed the st, and they wriggled inside the cracks in an instant. A few of the shadows stayed inside the cracks, reminiscent of the scars on Zacs own soul, whereas others continued through the cracks and shot toward the Lich King.


    Ogras was obviously not trying to kill him, but rather to divert his attention by forcing him to deal with an attack while controlling the Array. The desated Lich was unfortunately a powerful E-Grade warrior, and a swing of his staff was all that was needed to disperse the dozens of shadowy spears.


    However, the small dy was all Zac needed as his second swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was already in full force, and the <strong>[Infernal Axe]</strong> unleashed a rampant wave of mes at the weakened barrier. This time he did utilize the Fragment of the Axe, and the splintered shield was quickly cut to ribbons before the wave continued forward into the physical wall.


    The mes climbed up the pitch-ck fortification, utterly destroying the remaining fractals and ornamental details before it reached the crest of the wall. Arge number of the elite soldiers of the Undead Empire were instantly incinerated, but the Lich King quickly prepared a response. An enormous avatar appeared in the sky, a chained-down corpse that spewed an unending stream of green bile from his mouth.


    The putrid liquid fell onto the mes of Zacs attack, and a rapid shockwave of noxious gasses shot down in Zac''s direction as the green bile was vaporized by the wave of mes. Zac also sensed that his skill was quenched in one move, though it was slightly expended already from breaking the barrier and destroying half the wall.


    The cloud rapidly closed in on him and Zacs hairs stood on end as he realized just how potent the toxin was. There was no way that his sister or even Ogras would survive taking a single breath of that stuff.


    Back away! Zac shouted and was relieved to see Kenzie shing away to rejoin the others, but he didnt follow his own advice.


    The Fragment of the Coffin churned through his body, and he thanked the gods for his recent boost to his Vitality as he rushed through the broken barrier before the Lich King had time to repair it. Even then, he felt extremely weakened for a few seconds, but his heart suddenly thumped with increased vigor.


    It was the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> that had activated once more, and Zac''s heart beat with enough force to cause some ripples in the noxious fumes around him. Of course, it was nothing like the massive effect of the man in the vision, but the poisonous vapors right next to him slowly seeped into his pores and were absorbed into his heart. Zac couldn''t worry whether this was a good or a bad thing right now though, as he was in the middle of a battle.


    His vision waspletely obscured by the extremely dense poison, but he could still spot Death-Attuned hotspots when activating <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. However, he noticed something odd when he looked around. The general stood like a beacon of power on top of the wall walk, but the Lich King standing next to her was barely contained a third of her power.


    Had he somehow swapped his real self with a clone the moment Zac lost vision of his target due to the toxic fumes? And where was the original? Zac had nned on taking them all out in one move by unleashing the third swing now that the barrier had been breached, but it looked like that idea was out the window.


    It felt a bit of a waste, but he couldnt keep the<strong> [Axe of Destion] </strong>on the back-burner for too long. If he didn''t use the swing within a minute or activated another skill, then the skill would reset and enter its cooldown period. Thest thing he wascking at the moment was Cosmic Energy reserves, so not using the attack with this many targets in front of him would be a huge waste.


    He quickly ran up the wall, using the cracks from his previous strikes as a foothold to reach the crest with a few jumps. The ghost was gone, but the female general immediatelyunched a swipe with enough power to make Zacs danger sense prickle. A shield appeared on his left arm as his amulet transformed into its defensive form.


    The massive swipe was blocked without issue, but it had left a few small marks on the surface of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. Still, seeing his new Spirit Tool get damaged like that filled Zac with a towering fury as he rushed straight toward the banshee, utterly destroying the clone of the Lich King with a sideswipe, almost as an afterthought.


    Zac was in far better control of his emotions now that the Splinter was properly locked up, so he didn''tpletely give in to his anger. However, that didnt mean he couldnt utilize it, and he channeled his churning killing intent into <strong>[True Strike]</strong>,unching it toward the Undead Generals back.


    With Zacs amount of umted killing intent the skill could barely be considered a feint any longer, but almost apulsion. It probably felt like a D-Grade Hegemon was bearing down on her from behind, and the general couldnt ignore it just as expected. She quickly turned around to meet the attack as a shimmering shield appeared to block out Zac, but nothing met her furious swipe toward the rear.


    The general immediately understood she had been duped, but she didnt have time to retreat before she was mmed in the face with a shield-bash powered by 2000 Strength and rage. A crunching sound echoed out as she was thrown back like a ragdoll, ck ichor spewing in every direction.


    Zac couldn''t activate <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> at the moment, but the wall copsed beneath his feet as he pushed forward to catch up to her flying form, and <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> keened as a Bodhi-infused swing<strong></strong>ripped through the air. The general unfortunately had enough mental presence to desperately block the swing with her ws.


    However, she couldnt match Zacs power output at all and was flung toward the inner section of the fortress with a wail of pain, four of her fingers cleanly cut off. Her bad luck wasnt ending there though. The coffin shield quickly returned to its ne form while Zac growled as he swung <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>in a wide arc toward the general. A massive half-moon of death spread out as the final swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> had activated.


    Zac figured that if he couldn''t locate the Lich King, then he might as well just destroy everything.


    There was no need to even use <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage] </strong>to activate the third swing it this time, his evolved physique more than enough to handle the massive strain. A coruscating wave of destruction ripped into the inner structures of the fortress, causing a chain reaction of buildings copsing. The ground shuddered as almost a third of the fortress was leveled with one attack.


    A series of interlocking shields in front of the Miasma Towers eventually managed to exhaust the energy of the strike, but the ground still shook for a few seconds as a few structurally unsound parts of the fortress copsed. A shocking surge of cosmic energy entered his body as the <strong>[Axe of Destion]</strong> no doubt killed hundreds of the undead who were staying inside the buildings he destroyed, and he immediately directed it toward the node he located earlier.


    He dispatched the few Revenants foolish enough to actually attack him before he turned his sight inward for a second. He had started feeling some difort in his Node when he kept infusing it with energy, and it even resisted his attempts at pushing more of his umted energies inside.


    He wanted to see if it was ready to burst open, but was quickly disappointed. The node looked pretty much the same as before, apart from there being a decent amount of energies swirling about beneath the surface. Even more Cosmic Energy was needed it seemed, and he tried instilling some of his left-over kill energy again.


    This time it worked, but he really had to cram it inside. It felt like the node waspletely full, and he was currently increasing the pressure inside by forcibly instilling more Cosmic Energy. The pain was gradually increasing, but Zac sighed in relief when the pain abated a few seconds after thest of his surplus energy had been pushed inside.


    Just how much energy would be needed was something he would have to worry aboutter as bursting nodes mid-battle seemed like a spectacrly stupid idea. He instead activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> again as he looked around for his next target. The Incursion was still very much active, which meant that the Lich King still hadnt left Earth even after Zac had made his way inside.


    That meant he was currently hiding somewhere in the area, most likely protecting the core of the realignment array. The ghost was nowhere to be seen as well, and Zac didn''t remember killing it. However, that was of lesser concern as it didn''t seem to be abat-oriented cultivator. Perhaps he was the strategist of the invasion or something.


    However, Zac frowned in annoyance when he noticed that the other general was still alive as well. She had probably managed to flicker away just in time to avoid getting engulfed in the wave of destion, and was now standing on top of one of the Array Towers.


    Her face waspletely disfigured and ck ichor stained her dress, and her aura was clearly a bit unstable. She touched an array atop the tower before she floated down again. Zac saw her running further into the fortress before slinking inside a massive ptial section that was built on top of the roof of a moremon-looking barrack.


    He was just about to go after her, but he sensed a presence to his right.


    You go find the boss, Ogras said as his eyes were trained on the fleeing form of the undead general. Ill deal with that one. I want to see what she has prepared inside her ownir.


    What about the others? Zac hesitantly asked. "There might be more of the ghosts."


    They can keep the trash at bay for hours if need be, the demon shrugged. And your sister has erected some anti-ghost array. If my n had someone half as talented in formations as that girl back home, we wouldn''t just be a bottom-feeding n at the edge of our.


    Zac nodded in agreement, but his eyes widened in rm when he saw the surviving towers all light as one. It looked like the undead nned on unleashing everything in one massive st before Zac dismantled the rest of the forest.


    Run! Ogras screamed as he was swallowed by shadows, but Zac shrugged off the demons attempts at bringing him along.


    Instead, he instructed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to retake its defensive form, and he unhesitantly activated the circr fractal on its lid. This was the first time Zac actually activated one of the two skills, this one called <strong>[Deaths Embrace]</strong>.


    The whole coffin shook as the chains that held the lid shut twisted and moved until a small opening appeared. A dense ck cloud spread out and rose into the air until it formed a massive torso, making it look like he had summoned a genie. But Zac''s heart was still thrown into chaos as it was no ordinary elemental that had appeared.


    It was Alea.

 Chapter 502: Scourge

    Chapter 502: Scourge


    Zac froze as he looked up at the sky with shock in his eyes, but he quickly regained his wits. However, he couldn''t help but feel some sourness in his heart as he looked at the familiar figure in the sky, as he knew it wasn''t Aleae back to life.


    The avatar looked a lot like the poison mistress, but there were also undeniable differences. Its eyes didn''t have the signature red irises, but they were rather pitch-ck and without emotion. The same went for her usually expressive features, as it was the same delicate face but without any of the emotions.


    The previously beautiful horns that shimmered in red like a sunset or crystallized fire were reced by far longer curved horns, these ones tainted by green and purple. She no longer looked like the Torrid Demonkin that all the members of n Azh''Rezak belonged to, but was rather an avatar of corruption.


    Perhaps this was what she would look like if she had managed to perfect and awaken her poison constitution before she fell, though Zac felt her appearance had more to do with the materials that went into the creation of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>.


    The skill didn''t create a whole body either, which was yet another reminder it wasn''t actually Alea. Beneath her upper torso there was only ck smoke that reached down into the coffin. Yet this semi-corporeal avatar was still more than ten meters in height, and itpletely blocked Zac from the Array Towers'' barrage of attacks that were bearing down on him.


    The demonic avatars arms were formed as well, and they reached up toward the iing attacks as though she wanted to embrace them. A small sphere appeared in between her outstretched hands, a small seed that started to rapidly spin around its own axis. It was as though this unassuming ball was a ck hole, and the air around it immediately started to twist and distort.


    The torrential downpour of poison, ice, and miasma was seemingly unending, but it was all dragged into the small seed. It almost looked like the attacks tried to ignore the suction, but they were distorted and bent beyond their normal shape as they were dragged inside kicking and screaming.


    Zac first thought the attacks were weaker than expected, but then a trail of ice broke free from the suction of <strong>[Death''s Embrace]</strong> and mmed into the wall twenty meters from him. The wall immediately froze right over, creating a huge ice block that sealed over thirty unlucky Revenants inside. Even Zac felt some pain in his feet as the ice spread across the wall-walk, and he had to circte some energy to not get frozen as well.


    But there were only a few such examples as most of the attacks were sucked into the rapidly rotating ball. It grewrger andrger until it had turned into a chaotic sun that illuminated the whole fortress in green and azure light. Only then did the offensive arrays run out of steam, and the arrays slowly stopped radiating power.


    The ball stayed where it was between the arms of the avatar though, and Aleas avatar slowly cradled it in her arms as she put her cheek against its surface in an embrace. Zac couldnt help but feel some trepidation as he looked at the ball. If that thing destabilized and exploded then it would probably be game over even for him. He wouldnt get away without some serious wounds at the least.


    But the ball appearedpletely inert, and Zacs eyes widened as Aleas maw opened wider and wider until it swallowed the thing whole. It looked absolutely horrific as the glowing sphere was evenrger than Aleas head, but it was still gobbled down whole. The whole avatar lit up with terrifying power, but it didnt unleash a strike or something with the excess energy.


    Instead it started to dissipate into clouds that receded toward the coffin.


    Zac couldn''t help himself, and he tried to send his mind to the avatar in hopes of getting a response, but Alea didn''t so much as look at him. There was no connection like the one he felt with Verun either, and Zac shook his head before he gave up. The lid snapped shut the moment the avatar had returned to the coffin, and Zac didnt even get a chance to look inside.


    A few violent shakes rocked the Spirit Tool, but it still seemed fine overall. In fact, it felt like it had just eaten a treasure, and it gained a slight green luster as it turned back to its ne form again.


    This was the first skill of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, a terrifyingly powerful summon that not could defend against most kinds of attacks, but it could even take the energy for itself. The full-powered st of the undead fortress would probably have been able to seriously harm him in his human form, but now it was turned into food for his new Spirit Tool instead.


    However, while the skill was extremely powerful it wasnt without its limits. It would take days for the skill to be usable again, perhaps over a week if it took longer to refine the ball of poison. But it was still just what Zac needed. The defensive charges on his robes were essentially useless for someone like him by this point, and this was an excellent recement.


    His life wasnt in danger very often, but when it was he needed an extremely powerful, and preferably reusable, skill that could turn cmity into opportunity.


    Having stolen a full-powered st of the array towers meant he had avoided crisis for now, but he still didnt want to wait around for the towers to recharge for another salvo. He immediately rushed into the fortress toward the closest tower, but he was immediately beset by attacks from hidden mechanisms from every direction as the remaining soldiers on the wall followed him into the fortress, joining the hidden defenders in assaulting him.


    Arrows, ice spears, and blobs of poison shot toward him from hidden vantages, and Zac could barely see the dour sky any longer from the chaotic waves of power. It looked like the Lich King had already expected his outer shields to be broken, so he had set up a secondyer of defense. These attacks by themselves werent a threat to someone with 2000 Endurance, but they still required him to either dodge or block with <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>.


    It would slowly drain him of his energy, which had already taken somewhat of a hit from activating <strong>[Deaths Embrace]</strong> and <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. However, his recent increase in attributes came with a massive boost to his Cosmic Energy reserves, while his skills were still all F-Grade. It meant his endurance was through the roof, and he would be able to keep going for a lot longer even in a frantic situation like this.


    A fractal forest rose from the ground, turning the dour fortress into one filled with greenery. It was immediately beset by a storm of miasma though, causing a battle between life and death inside the fortress. However, even if he couldnt utilize the skill to its utmost potential, he still gained most of its benefits.


    It felt like he had gained a thousand eyes, and Fractal des started to shoot out in seemingly random directions as his right arm was turning into a blur. One wall after another crumbled, exposing squads of soldiers hidden within.


    More Cosmic Energy entered his body, and he kept forcing it into the node in his leg as he reached the first Array Tower. He finally reached a point where he didn''t dare to infuse any longer, as he clearly felt the node was on the verge of cracking open. He could only reluctantly let the remaining energy dissipate, as this fight was too important.


    He couldn''t risk crippling himself from an experiment while the Lich King was still standing, but he could always open the node at ater date.


    Zac grunted as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> screamed through the air as he focused his frustration on the tower in front of him instead, but a fractal appeared on the surface of the stones the moment the edge was about to bite into bricks. A concussive mental wave exploded out from the inscription, but Zac was barely phased as he swung again.


    This time the defensive array was expended, and a fifty-meter fractal edge cut the massive tower clean off after Zac bombarded the skill fractal for <strong>[Chop]</strong> with Cosmic Energy. Zac couldn''t help but feel that the skill description was right; there was greatness in simplicity. Now that he could control far more energy thanks to his improved pathways, <strong>[Chop] </strong>had grown all the more lethal.


    A terrifying punch followed, and a cloud of dust billowed out as the lofty structure crumbled.


    Zac wouldn''t stop there, and he destroyed one tower after another in quick session, taking out over fifty squads of elite soldiers along the way. A shudder in the distance told Zac that Ogras had begun his assault on the general as well, and he couldn''t help but worry about the safety of his sister.


    However, not only did she carry two of his Defensive Treasures, but she also had Jeeves to detect any surprisesing her way. He would be able to return and help the squad in case they were starting to get overrun, but he felt that he would be able to deal with this ce before it came to that. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A crash resounded next to him as his unique fractal de sted through a wall, utterly ripping it apart. Zac had instructed the special fractal de to cause maximum structural damage, and it was like a hurricane that apanied him on his rampage through the fortress. It kept expending Cosmic Energy, but Zac had more than enough to spare.


    Thest Array Tower finally crumbled as Zac unleashed a barrage of furious stikes at its base, and it toppled over and crushed another section of the wall. With the Lich King staying out of the way he had bepletely unstoppable, and the towers didn''t even get the chance tounch a second round of attacks before they were all smoldering ruins.


    The gargantuan Array Towers also doubled as Unholy Beacons, and their destruction would hopefully put a stop to the various arrays in the area, including the ones in the sky that kept shooting down waves of death toward the ground. It was pretty clear to Zac that the Lich King was an adept Array Master, perhaps even having that as his main ss.


    So taking out the towers was in a way directly cutting limbs off the Incursion Leader, as he wouldnt be able to utilize their power any longer.


    However, even though a battle between Ogras and the banshee raged in full in the distance whereas Zac was running around inside the fortress like an enraged bull, the Lich King still hadn''t shown his face. Zac couldn''t help but feel the Lich was cooking up something, and his eyes turned toward a seemingly inconspicuous structure to the side of the fortress.


    Or rather toward the ground beneath it.


    He had kept watch for any suspect energy fluctuations during his rampage, but the Lich King had truly hidden himself well. There were no hotspots of Death-Attuned energies anywhere that could give Zac a clue to either the location of the incursion leader or the core of the realignment array. Zac had first thought the Lich would go to some throne room to prepare hisst defense, but the cathedral-like castle in the back of the fortress waspletely devoid of both movement and energy.


    However, Zac had made some discoveries.


    The towers actually seemed to form a pattern around the building he was looking at, almost forming a star shape if you would draw a line between their cements on a map. Zac felt it possible that the Lich King had used those towers as a conduit to the realignment array, and he might therefore stay inside that building where the power would be concentrated.


    It was either that, or the Lich had fled through a hidden tunnel toward the Incursion Beacon that was ced some distance behind the fortress.


    Zac dismissed his fractal edge as he ran over to the building, and simply punched a hole through the wall before he walked in. A normal door might be booby-trapped, so it was better to create your own entrance. However, the structure was just as unexciting on the inside as outside. It seemed to have been some sort of administrative building, with dozens of desks ced with some distance between.


    It was empty now, but the ce was stacked with various missives and reports, somewhat skewing Zac''s impression of how the invasion had worked. It looked a lot more structured from this side,pared to the seemingly mindless hordes that had spread across the continent like locusts with just the smallest of inputs from a few leaders.


    But this showed a lot more refinement.


    However, that wasn''t why Zac came here, and he walked back and forth through the building until he found what he was looking for. There really seemed to be something beneath this building, though he couldn''t find an entrance. There were asional waves of Death Attuned energies rising from beneath, indicating something was going on. They were pretty minute though, and he probably wouldn''t have noticed them without <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    The ground shook and pieces of gravel flew in every direction as Zac started to cut a path down, and he quickly destroyed the floor as he dug a twenty-meter deep hole. The cuts started to sound hollow at that point, and Zac started to make his way forward with greater care. Finally, the edge cut straight through the ground, disying a dimly lit hall beneath.


    There was no way his digging had gone by unnoticed, so a sneak attack was out the window. He still took out a corpse from his Spatial Ring and threw it inside, waiting for any potential trap to spring. A thud echoed out a secondter, and Zac guessed the hidden chamber had a fifty-meter ceiling.


    There was no response, so Zac simply activated <strong>[Nature''s Barrier] </strong>while infusing the always-running <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> with a Dao Fragment as he jumped down. His eyes red in every direction as he fell, but there was no attacking at him. Instead, he found himself in an enormous room full of inscribed pirs. The only light came from purple crystals embedded in the room, giving it an oppressive feeling.


    Was this the core of the Realignment Array? Zac immediately moved to start destroying the pirs, but he froze when he suddenly heard a voice on the other side of the room.


    "It seems I made a miscalction," a sigh echoed out across the vast chamber. "To think that your power had increased to this degree in just a few short days. It shouldn''t be possible, yet here we are. You stole my precious poison corpse and somehow turned it into a treasure shield, and now you are ruining my mission. You truly are a scourge."

 Chapter 503: Hidden Aces

    Chapter 503: Hidden Aces


    "And you killed countless people and almost converted our world," Zac said as he looked around. "How about this? Undo what you''ve done with the Realignment and I''ll let you leave this world alive, or your version of it at least. I let bygones be bygones, and your Kingdom will give up any im to this. I don''t think that your Kindom wants an enemy like me anyway."


    Zac''s biggest worry right now was the realignment array. Kenzie wasing along with her knowledge of arrays, but there were no guarantees she''d be able to deal with such massive formation. That left Zac''s far cruder method, finding the Array Core and bashing it. But none of them had any idea what that would result in.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What if doing so would cause the array to go out of control,pletely crippling the?


    The best oue would be the Lich giving up and backing away, based on the potential of Zac''s future growth. Besides, revenge was a dish best served cold. Zac definitely would deal with the Lich King because of what he''d done sooner orter, but it didn''t have to be today. He could always visit the Undead Kingdom as his Draugr persona in the future and track this guy down. Saving Earth was more important.


    But augh echoed across the halls as a robed figure emerged from the darkness, and a nce with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> could confirm that this was the real Lich King. The hooded undead teemed with power, far more than he ever had on top of the wall.


    "What makes you think it is reversible? Death is the shadow of life, a natural absolute of the universe. Our arrays only speed the process up," heughed. Youre long past the point of return.


    "Bullshit," Zac growled without hesitation. "The thing hasn''t even started up."


    "Perhaps. Perhaps not," the Lich snickered as the fractals on the hundreds of pirs lit up in an instant. "But does it matter when you are about to join us?"


    The energy density of the chamber grew by a terrifying degree in an instant, and Zac''s danger sense prickled as he looked around with a frown. He unhesitantly shot out a series of fractal edges toward the closest pirs, but the des actually crumbled mid-air as it looked like a million motes of darkness fed on them until they couldn''t maintain their form.


    Zac activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to sh to a pir instead, but it felt like he was trying to move through solid matter. Was nature blocked out in this ce? He activated<strong> [Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>next to rid himself of the effect, but it didn''t work either. It was like he had lit up a weak candle of life in a raging storm of death, and his skill was ripped apart in an instant.


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    "I''ve reinforced this array for a year and it contains the will of the Undead Empire. It is powered by an enormous fortune of crystals and is perfected by the ancient sages. How could your little domain possibly resist it?" the Lichughed. "You are indeed powerful and bursting with potential, but you are too confident in your strength. You are not fighting me, but an Empire, and the only result is Death."


    The intensity kept increasing, and Zac soon found himself on his knees. His skin burned like someone had thrown acid on him, but it was the ck motes that tried to burrow into his skin. He tried to block them out with the Fragment of the Coffin and the Fragment of the Bodhi, but neither could help him for more than a second.


    This array was just terrifying. It had created an absolute zone of death, and he as a living being waspletely restrained. However, he still had one more card to pull, and a pitch-ck crystal appeared in his hand as he readied himself. He quickly infused it with Cosmic Energy to activate it before he mmed it into the ground.


    The whole area shuddered as the darkness turned into a vast neb, and Zac felt the immense pressure of the array disappear. He immediately pushed all the Cosmic Energy he could muster into <strong>[Chop]</strong> as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> lit up with sanguine luster. He wanted to take out the pirs and the Lich King alike in one massive swing.


    However, Zac had barely time to begin his swing before he found himself on the ground again, the vision of the cosmos so brief that it might just as well have been a figment of his imagination. The crystaly cracked on the ground,pletely devoid of power.


    "Void''s Disciple," Adriel snorted. "A supreme talent, to even have managed to catch a glimpse of the Dao of Space at such an early stage. He would be weed with open arms in most forces of the Zecia Sector. It''s his bad luck to have been attached to such a wretched master."


    Zac sighed as he looked at the cracked crystal in front of him with mixed emotions. It was a big setback that this thing didn''t work at all, as it would force him to expose his Draugr form. But it was also was a bit of a relief. He had built up Void''s Disciple into some sort of mysterious powerhouse after theirst encounter, but this was a good reminder that the Zhix warlord was just someone with an iplete heritage and a bit of a headstart.


    He had wanted to deal with this without exposing his undead form, but he was just restrained too much by this array of death. He sent themand to his duplicity core, while he circted some energy to shoot out a feeble fractal de toward the Lich king. Of course, it didn''t even make it half-way before it crumbled as well.


    "You knew?" Zac croaked, trying to stall for a bit.


    "He is talented, but just a native barbarian in the end. Just like you. How could I not notice him scanning the arrays in my domain?" Adriel said. "But there is time for us to discuss all this after you have awakened anew."


    Zac was just about toplete his transformation, but his mind suddenly screamed of danger. He used everything in his power to slightly adjust his torso as a pitch-ck spike descended out of nowhere, aiming straight for his heart. He just managed to adjust his chest enough to avoid getting his heart pierced, but the weapon still punctured his lung.


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    Bad turned to worse as a massive storm of miasma tore through his body, and Zac knew he would have died then and there if it wasn''t for his unique constitution. Zac arduously looked around only to see a gaunt spectral assassin shrouded in a robe of pure darkness. He had never seen this assassin before, but he radiated a dense aura of killing intent.


    Who was this? His aura was even stronger than that of the banshee general he fought earlier. And his mind had only managed to warn him at the veryst second, barely allowing him to avoid getting his heart ruined. Was that ghost from before not actually thest general, but there had actually been one more lying wait all this time?


    If that was the case then he was a true assassin. Zac had never seen a hint of his aura or his impressive killing intent, something that would only be born from a lot of carnage. He didn''t do anything while Zac tore down half the fort and killed most of the soldiers, but waited to strike until he was confident in seeding.


    "Don''t soil the body," the Lich said from the side, though he clearly seemed to be in a good mood. "I lost the poison constitutionss, but we can still submit this body. It might be even better for my purposes. The dreams of the Hearnds are not yet dead."


    Zac''s chaotic mind wandered, but he snapped back into focus as the transformation into his Draugr form finished. The waves of miasma that crashed through his body due to the spike were no longer harmful, but rather invigorating. The spike still hurt, but getting gored by a small spike wasn''t a wound that really bothered Zac any longer.


    Zac had been in this exact situation before, and there was no need to change a winning concept. A delike fist full of the Fragment of the Bodhi punched into the chest of the spectral assassin as Zac leaped to his feet.


    "Wh-" the ghost said, but he didn''t have time to react before his throat was caught in a vise-like grip.


    The extremely powerful array that once had threatened to crush his body and soul was no longer an impediment at all. In fact, Zac had never felt thisfortable in his undead form before. This ce felt like a paradise for cultivation, and he already started thinking of whether he could bring these pirs back home to create a proper cultivation ground.


    This was why Zac had been confident in jumping down into the hole at all. Most of the attacks that the Lich King had brought forth had either been based on death or poison. And in this form, he was confident in dealing with either.


    There was no crunch as Zac ripped the ghost general''s head clean off with another infusion from the Fragment of the Bodhi, but a surge of energy entered his body as he followed it up by crushing the head.


    "What!" the lich screamed as he fell back. "Draugr? It''s you? It has been you all along?! This is impossible!"


    "You keep saying that," Zac said with an abyssal voice as a child-sized coffin appeared on his back. "You should know by now that nothing is impossible in the Multiverse."


    Four chains shot out the next moment, each of them aiming for the Lich with a palpable eagerness. Zac followed suit as a ck armor covered his body, and Zac stomped down on the ground to appear right next to the Lich.


    The Lich King was clearly frazzled by the turn of events, and Zac couldn''t me him. This array he had set up would be the bane of almost any living warrior dumb enough to get caught inside, and even if Zac could withstand it he should have been severely weakened. But how could the lich have expected to run into one of the few living people in the multiverse that the array was utterly useless against?


    The fractal cage sprung up while Zac simultaneously pushed the taunting function of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>to its peak. He had already shown his hidden ace, and he couldn''t let this man escape no matter what. The Lich King screamed as he unleashed a barrage of poison from his body, and Zac noticed that the real body of the Lich had once again been reced by a copy.


    However, the real body appeared just ten meters away, and the chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> were already twisted around his body before he had time to realize that he hadn''t escaped as he had nned.


    The massive avatar once more appeared in the sky as a waterfall of toxins started to fall, but the chains effortlessly moved the lich out of the way. Bursts of poison emerged from his own mouth next, but if there was one thing the chains were unafraid of, then it would be toxins. They twisted even harder until sickening crunches echoed out through the subterranean hall as one bone after another snapped by the pressure.


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    Zac suddenly felt a tremendous surge of energy entering his body as the Lich finally couldn''t take it any longer. Zac had been worried that there would be even more tricks to the Lich King, but he and his personal assassin had ced too much trust in the arrays in this chamber. It allowed him to take them out in quick session, and Zac could already confirm that the Invasion has failed as the familiar prompt appeared in front of him, telling him that the area hade under his control.


    There shouldn''t be many surviving invaders after Zac had torn the whole ce apart, but they would probably be fleeing toward the incursion by now. Zac didn''t care about that as he hadn''t exposed his Draugr form to anyone on the surface, and unless there was another ghost that could hide against his scans there were no witnesses down here either.


    They would only be able to retell the situation of a terrifying Progenitor, and they would sooner orter connect that with "Zac Piker" of the Tower of Eternity, which would exin how this was all possible. Hopefully, that meant that any issue with the Undead Empire would end then and there, as Catheya had indicated that she would make sure no problem would crop up even if he booted the local undead from Earth.


    But honestly, Zac couldn''t bother going over every eventuality. He closed his eyes as he felt a sense of calm spreading through his body. He had done it. He had defeated the Undead Empire, which would allow Earth to keep going for a while longer.


    At least until the next threat woulde along.

 Chapter 504: Broken

    Chapter 504: Broken


    Zac took another look around before he released <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>as he gazed down at the corpse of the Lich King. This wretched half-man half-corpse had caused so much trouble for Earth, but he hadnt even been able to resist one attack of his new Spirit Tool. He couldnt help but shake his head as he bent down to look for treasure.


    He pried a low-quality Spatial Ring from the man''s hand and found a top-quality Cosmos Sack hidden within his robes before he threw the body into his Spatial Ring. He walked over to the ghost next, which had turned into a pile of shimmering sand upon dying.


    It felt a bit weird digging around in a pile of ghost ashes, but Zac found a spatial pouch and a set of throwing darts inside. He popped a healing pill next as he explored the chamber, and he could quickly confirm there were only two points of interest apart from the numerous inscribed pirs. The first was a pedestal holding arge ck rock, and the second was a proper entrance in the direction of the pce.


    It didn''t require a genius in formations to figure out the pedestal, or rather the rock, was the core of the array, but Zac left it alone so that Kenzie could look at it instead. As for the entrance, it was sealed shut, and Zac had more pressing things to do than to look for treasure in the pce. A massive amount of energy coursed through his body after his two kills.


    The Lich might have been the highest leveled individual on Earth apart from the Dominators, and the amount of energy he had gained from the kill was staggering. This energy alone was more than all the kills above-ground, and it would probably take him weeks to grind the equivalent with any targets he could find on Earth.


    He really needed to make sure everything was okay on the surface though, and he ran back to the hole in the ceiling, speeding against the clock as the umted energy already had started to dissipate from his body. But he froze just as he was about to jump up before he looked down at his chest.


    The wound to his lung had mostly healed by now thanks to the pill, and he activated his duplicity core again. With <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> expended his undead form was severely weakened, not to mention there might still be curious eyes upstairs. He felt a stabbing pain in his chest when the transformationpleted, but it wasnt too bad.


    Zac jumped up through the entrance he came from, and soon enough found himself back in the open air. It wasnt too different from how he left it, but he saw a clear change as he jumped up on one of the tallest buildings that were still standing after the battle. Streams of the surviving undead were rushing toward the Incursion Pir, and the fortress was fast losing its poption.


    This was just how it usually went. The invaders all got a warning the leader was dead, and the countdown before the Nexus Hub closed had begun. A nce over in his sisters direction showed they had moved away even further from the fortress, and the unthinking zombies seemed to have lost interest in them by now.


    Perhaps they were unsure what to do after having lost connection to the Lich King.


    Good job, a bloodied Ogras said as he emerged from the shadows. That girl suddenly lost herposure, Im guessing she got the prompt of her leaders untimely demise.


    I dealt with the other General as well. There should be no more threats, but are you okay to guard the others for a bit? Zac asked. I think I found the array, but let these people clear out a bit before I bring Kenzie over. I want to use the energy to break open a node before its toote.


    These guys dont seem to have any fight left in them, the demon nodded as he looked around. Go ahead, Ill look after things.


    Zac nodded and entered the building he stood on, finding a secluded spot. There was no point in him going after the fleeing Revenants and Corpse Lords, as that would only result in a loss of umted energy with the speed he was losing energy from killing the Lich King.


    He only hesitated for a second before he sat down on his prayer mat. The fighting above had only left him with some grazes, and the stab wasn''t too bad either. Most of the danger hade from the torrent of miasma, which had beenpletely neutralized and absorbed moment he turned into a Draugr. Apart from having spent most of his big skills he was essentially in good condition.


    He couldn''t discard this opportunity to be stronger, and he directly started pushing the remaining energy toward the node in his left leg. The Undead Empire was dealt with, but he still needed every advantage he could get in the uing fight against the Dominators. He needed to break open a few more nodes, and he turned his vision inward.


    The node in his leg was just like before; partially opened and chock-full of energy while still impeding energy cirction. Seeing that nothing had changed from swapping sses back and forth he started to forcibly infuse it, and the pain quickly grew to ufortable levels.


    The minutes passed and Zac started to brace himself for what wasing, but even he hadn''t expected the extreme agony when the node finally exploded. His white robes got drenched in blood as his a chunk of his leg exploded as well to the point that bone was exposed. But that pain was still nothingpared to the agony he felt on a spiritual level.


    The nodes were something between corporeal and intangible, fixed on what Ogras called a Spirit Body. It was essentially an energy copy that perfectly matched your physical form, and it was the housing of the pathways. And now this Spirit Body was wounded from the explosion, causing the pathways in his legs to be messed up.


    He finally understood the difference between opening a node the normal way and forcing it open. The normal way was akin to unclogging a drain by pouring down some solvent before snaking it dislodge whatever caused the bad flow. Forcing a node open was rather like throwing a stick of dynamite down the drain and blowing up the clog, along with half your house.


    This self-inflicted carnage did not only hurt a lot, but Zac also realized it had weakened him drastically. His Energy cirction was all out of control, even in the parts of his body that weren''t harmed. He immediately took out another pill, this one intended to heal souls.


    It helped with the pain somewhat, but there was no time for him to properly heal as an immense pressure suddenly descended upon him. Zac barely had time to get on his feet before a blinding golden light bled through the cracks in the wall, and then he was falling as the building copsed.


    A blistering heat was pushing down from above as well, almost immediately making the stones to burn upon the slightest touch. A new set of shallow wounds covered his body as he was buried in an avnche of stones, but he immediately started to dig himself out. But there were just golden mes and smoke all around him, robbing him of his visibility. He didnt even know if he was digging in the right direction.


    Worry gripped his heart as Zac pushed the heated stones out of the way. What the hell was going on?


    The strength required to unleash an attack with that kind of impact was not something anyone in his group could deal with, and it didn''t look like something that the undead would use. There was only one group who could conjure something like this.


    The cultists.


    He quickly circted energy as he tried to forcibly push himself out of the mountain of rubble. But a ring pain erupted in his left leg after putting too much pressure on it, almost making him ck out from the agony. The events had made him forgot about the wound from sting open the node, but at least he had managed to break free from the building.


    Only to be met with an utter inferno.


    Golden mes had embroiled the fortress in every direction, and scorched corpses of elite Undead Warriors littered the wall. Zac had already killed most of them through his earlier rampage, and there couldn''t be many still around after this salvo. The cultists must have bombarded the fortress with massive siege weapons to cause this kind of destruction in an instant.


    Panic really started to set in but opening the Ladder screen allowed Zac to breathe out in relief. He could spot both his sister and Emily on the Dao Ladder, and Joanna on the Leveldder. Whatever was going on right now hadn''t affected them just yet.


    That didn''t mean he could rx, but he simply couldn''t find any target. There were just mes and corpses everywhere, and a sky on fire. He hobbled toward one of the broken towers, each step feeling like he was getting stabbed. A few jumpster he found himself on the broken peak, looking across thendscape.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Nothing.


    There was no zealot army amassing outside the gates, just a grey haze in every direction except for the Incursion pir. The bombardment was thankfully confined to the fortress, and he believed that Ogras was experienced enough to avoid getting scorched. Zac felt a fluctuation from his spatial ring, and he took out amunication crystal with surprise.


    These things hadn''t worked since they had reached the core of the Dead Zone, but now he heard his Sister on the other side of the line.


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked. "Is everyone okay?"


    "Its the cultists! A huge flying vessel suddenly appeared in the sky, and we immediately fled into the woods to not implicate you, Kenzie said from the other side. Ogras shrouded us, so were fine.


    Stay hidden, Zac said. I can deal with this alone.


    Be careful. I dont think they just came for the undead. They are probably here to deal with you as well, she said.


    "It seems that way," Zac sighed as a storm of mes was falling straight toward him.


    Cosmic Energy surged in his body, but a zing pain made itself reminded as the recently opened node red up. He could only grit his teeth as he forced the Cosmic Energy to move. However, he barely managed to form a 30-meter fractal edge with <strong>[Chop]</strong> this time,pared to the 100-meter de he easily conjured earlier.


    It wasn''t enough. The de cut into the wall of mes like a knife, but it was swallowed whole without breaking apart the attack. Zac didn''t hesitate to activate a defensive treasure, and a sphere enclosed him and the top of the tower in an instant. The mes mmed down like a furious waterfall the next second, and Zac felt the scorching heat even within his protective bubble.


    The base of the tower was quickly incinerated, and the tip was just held in the air with the help of the barrier. But the mes finally subsided, which allowed the skies to clear out. Only then did he finally spot the source of the attacks. Arge vessel in gold and red hovered a few hundred meters above the fortress, something that looked like a mix of a flying treasure and a floating ind.


    Zac couldn''t see how it looked from the top, but it seemed to be kept in the air with a massive ball of mes. Zac sighed with a shake of his head as he took out his own flying treasure. The cultists really liked their fire. He quickly rose into the sky as the tower fell to the ground behind him, no longer supported by the shield.


    Nausea and double-vision gued him from the pain of opening a node, so he needed to end this fast. He forced the unruly Cosmic Energy into his arm as he prepared hisst skill of mass destruction. He had used up <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> in his earlier fight, but there was still one more card he could bring out; <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>.


    His whole body was covered in sweat from the pain of forcibly utilizing his maimed pathways, but he couldnt stop at this juncture. Space cracked and the familiar hand flew out, though Zac couldn''t help but feel a bit disappointed that the hand hadn''t changed at all from him evolving.


    It still radiated terrifying might due to the Fragment of the Bodhi though, and it shot straight through a burst of mes without even getting its leaves singed.


    The hand ced itself straight above the floating warship, and Zac didn''t dy a second before the familiar branch started to descend. There was no way to tell what these unhinged lunatics had nned, and he needed to strike before it was toote.


    The branch quickly grew in size at it shot down at the ship, but a burning whip covered in white-hot mes shot up to meet its descent. Zac spotted a lizardman standing at the fore of the vessel, his eyes lit up like two zing beacons as five swirls of pure-white globes of fire circted behind him.


    Zac had fought one of the other generals just the other day, but the power this man emitted far eclipsed him. In fact, this man even felt more threatening than the Lich King himself, though much of the danger from the Undead Leader came from hismand of formations.


    Had the leader of the Church of the Evesting Daoe in person?

 Chapter 505: Fates Obduracy

    Chapter 505: Fate''s Obduracy


    If this really was the Incursion Leader of the Church of Evesting Dao, then a massive chance had presented itself as Zac still didnt know where the cultist Incursion was located. They had somehow managed to hide their base of operations all this time while sending out roving death squads that killed everything in their path.


    The best idea his people had to find these guys were to investigate the zones of Pangea that had no reports of human activity. They figured theck of surviving towns could mean that everyone had already been killed by the Church, and the Incursion Pir was close. But killing the leader here would save them all that trouble, as the Incursion would still end if he died.


    However, the Head Priest of the church was clearly no chump. One of the ming balls hovering behind his back entered the whip as it elongated to reach well over a hundred meters. The very air burned while the whip ripped through the sky as the weapons mes increased in intensity many times over. Zac instantly felt a blistering pain in his arm as the damage to the branch was transferred over.


    It was like the whip was a boa constrictor that tried to squeeze the life out of the branch as it looped around it multiple times over, preventing it from freely growing in size. The white-hot mes had quicklytched on to the branch as well, and an inferno raged on across its surface. Burnt bark fell like rain from the sky as newyers grew out at the cost of even more of Zacs Cosmic Energy.


    Zac felt like a fool when he saw the scene. The pain from opening his node had made him activate the skill as usual, instead of thinking things through. He had always used the wooden punishment since gaining the Fragment of the Bodhi as the two resonated the best, but he would clearly have been better off using the mountain or water punishment this time around. Still, there was no point in crying over spilled milk.


    The fight had turned into a battle between destruction and creation in a sense, and Zac intended to emerge the victor of that struggle.


    He kept infusing <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> with his Dao and Cosmic Energy while he tried to force the branch to descend. The priest on the other hand was forced to infuse one globe of mes after another into his Spirit Tool to power the fires raging across the swelling branch.


    But Zac still hadnt met anyone who was able to oust him in a sh of endurance, but he actually felt the skill starting to destabilize much quicker than usual. He had no choice, and the energy around him veritably exploded as he activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>. The branch suddenly radiated powerful waves as well, and the mes were quickly subdued.


    Zac saw his chance as he made a final push, and the whip simply snapped as the branch exploded in size. Newly born branches spread in every direction before they all turned toward the warship, like hundreds of falling spears. The wooden punishment had finally gained its momentum, and it crashed into the warship with enough force to push both the miasmic clouds and the mes aside.


    A golden shield appeared to block the strike, but it quickly broke as the main branch punched a massive hole. me and metal rained down toward the ground as both the ship and the sun that powered it broke apart and screams echoed across the golden sky as dozens of cultists plummeted toward the ground. Zac managed to kill most of them with a rapid flurry of fractal edges, but his focus was still on the leaders.


    The head priest was still alive, as the surge of cosmic energy he felt was nowhere big enough to correspond to killing someone that powerful. Finally, his target emerged through the smoke on top of a far smaller flying vessel with four powerful warriors to his side. Zac prepared himself for a final sh, wanting to end the battle before the timer for his buff ran out.


    But his eyes widened in shock when he realized that there would be no cataclysmic battle in the sky. The so-called zealots left a burning trail in the air as they fled for their lives.


    Zac couldn''t believe his eyes when he saw the Church Leader escape with enough gusto to almost punch a hole in the sound barrier. Was this the same faction as the one where pretty much everyone was ready to blow themselves up just at a shot at dragging you with them to hell? Where was the fanaticism?


    The leaf ripped through the air as Zac instructed his flying vessel to pursue, as he didnt want to let the cultists get away. A chance like this wouldnte again. The smaller vessel shot away with shocking speed, but Zacs own leaf wasnt any worse than whatever some local cultists could bring to the table.


    It whizzed after the group of five, taking advantage of the fact that the cultists were actually burning away the death-attuned haze in front of them, forming some sort of a wind tunnel. But Zac soon realized that he actually was unable to catch up to the group, as they seemed to have an endless supply of fire-attuned Nexus Crystals that they fed into the vessel, allowing it to burn through the Dead Zone.


    Zac immediately started peppering them with fractal des from behind, but he sighed when he saw the man with the whip crush them one by one without overtaxing himself. The Spirit Tool in the Head Priests hand was no doubt top-tier, and he was clearly some ways into the E-Grade as well.


    Zac kept trying to take them down while <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> was still active, but he was out of cards. The sense of power was soon reced with weakness, and he wasnt sure what he should do. He didnt want to leave these guys alive. But he also couldnt leave Kenzie and the others alone in the middle of the Dead Zone while he harried the Church of Evesting Dao for god know how long. Besides, there was still the Realignment Array to deal with.


    A few more minutes passed as he adapted to the state of weakness while they flew further and further. But finally, he had an idea, and the amulet around his neck slithered to his back to gain its backpack form. The inscribed circle on the lid was dimmed out after having used <strong>[Deaths Embrace]</strong>, but there was another set of inscriptions that were still in working order. Zac infused arge chunk of his remaining Cosmic Energy and the two lines of fractals running along its length lit up.


    The scripture started to slither back and forth across the coffin lid for a second before they suddenly rose into the air, forming two actual chains wrought from darkness that shot toward his targets. However, the Head Priest unleashed a massive arc of mes that crashed into the two chains, causing to them shatter in an instant.


    However, a skill from <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> obviously wouldnt be defeated so easily. The two shattered chains suddenly regrew into four before they resumed their pursuit. The cultists desperately swatted them down over and over, but it was useless. They just split and grew back when they broke apart, just like the heads of a hydra.


    Zac had already gotten a hint of what the skill would do, but his eyes still widened in shock when he saw the sea of darkness rushing after the vessel with wild abandon. Finally, the cultists couldnt hold the tide back any longer, and they were swallowed up by a ball of chains that frantically writhed as it tried to crush everything within its cage.


    The ball was quickly dragged back toward Zac who could hear crunching sounds and screams from within. However, a massive st of mes suddenly erupted from within, forcing the chains away long enough for a sh of light to escape the stranglehold.


    Zac frowned as he looked at the river of mes that rushed toward the horizon with a speed that superseded Zacs leaf by many times over. He knew it wasnt an errant burst of mes, but rather some sort of escape skill or treasure, something in the same vein as the top tier escape skill that was in Theas possession.


    Zac sighed as he knew that there was no way hed be able to capture whoever had fled, and he turned his attention back to the ball of chains that hovered in front of him. The chains of darkness had pretty much turned into a solid by this point, and things had turnedpletely silent by this point as blood dripped down from the bottom.


    This was the second skill of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, called <strong>[Fate''s Obduracy]</strong>. This skill could be used like now to wear down a single target with an unceasing wave of chains. Another strategy could be him sending the set of chains out to cause widespread destruction, where any attempt of stopping the advance would worsen the situation. In either case, it was a nigh-unstoppable skill of destruction.


    Just like <strong>[Deaths Embrace] </strong>it had a pretty long cool-down. He wouldnt be able to use the skill for a full two weeks, and he would need to feed the coffin with some energy-rich treasures to recharge itself.


    There was also a limit of just how many times the chains could reproduce. The cultists hadnt actually been that far from shaking off the attack. If the Head Priest hadnt burnt all five of those globes of mes to deal with <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> he might have been able to exhaust the skillpletely.


    Zac instructed the mess of chains to unravel, and it disyed an utterly crumpled ship along with three barely distinguishable corpses. That meant that the burst of mes had contained two people, one of them being the man with the whip. Zac sighed as he instructed his leaf to fly back toward the Undead Fortress after looting the corpses.


    He couldnt help but feel some disappointment upon failing to kill that man. If he had just died with the rest of the cultists he would have been done by now, having killed the two most annoying Incursion leaders in one fell swoop. But he guessed he couldnt always luck out, even with a Luck of over 300.


    The emerald leaf whizzed through the air as Zac returned toward the undead fortress. However, he started to worry again as he flew, as he saw terrifying numbers of zombies stream toward the core of the Dead Zone as well. He had already noticed that the outer shield had been deactivated, perhaps as a result of him breaking the Array Towers in the base, and now the enormous number of zombies who were previously stuck outside were on the move.


    Zac didnt hesitate to infuse the leaf with the Fragment of the Bodhi to speed up his return, but he quickly changed course when he saw a group of familiar faces some ways from the ruined fortress. It was everyone except Ogras who had nted themselves on top of a small hill, and the Valkyries had once again erected a shield wall as they were utterly surrounded by a sea of zombies.


    However, it barely seemed necessary. The shield asionally received a swipe from a close-by zombie, but there was no concerted effort to push past the barrier. They all kept moving forward, streaming toward the fortress as though they were under a spell.


    Youre back! Kenzie said with a relieved smile. What happened?


    Ive dealt the cultists, but a few got away. Whats going on? Zac asked with bemusement as hended next to them. "And where is Ogras?"


    He went off to check things out, Kenzie said. As for these guys? We think they are heading toward the Incursion, it started just a minute or two after you flew away. Its like something luring them toward the teleporter.


    We think the Undead Kingdom is doing something to attract the Zombies to bring them over to the other side, Joanna added.


    Why arent you fighting them? Zac asked curiously. It should be a good opportunity to level up.


    It feels weird, Kenzie said. It was one thing when they were attacking us, but now they are just ignoring us. They are former Earthlings after all. We were thinking it would be better to simply let them go if it means theyll at least live on in some way.


    Besides, weve even gained a lot, Emily said with a wide grin.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Oh? Zac said with confusion, but he suddenly remembered the teenager should have gotten a part of his Cosmic Energy due to her buff. How much did you gain?


    Six, she said, her widening grin almost splitting her face in two. I gained more than six levels thanks to you! I told you we should go out hunting together. Id pass Thea Marshall in a week or two.


    If you always ride the coattails of others youll turn into a useless vase, a voice echoed out across the hill as Ogras appeared from the shadows. You need to rely on yourself.


    What about you ying all cool and saying youd deal with thatdy general? Kenzie detonated a bomb right in her face just a few days ago. Zac almost knocked the soul out of her body and then cut off her hand. Its not like youre any different, Emily retorted with a scathing nce.


    You were a lot cuter after Zac picked you up from the streets. Feels like Ive lost a daughter, Ogras sighed with an exaggeratedly forlorn expression.


    Or perhaps it was just his wretched appearance that gave that impression, as he looked like he had been oven-roasted for a few hours. His body sported multiple new scorch-marks that weren''t there when they met earlier, and even his white hair had been singed clean off.


    Whats with your look? Zac couldnt help but ask with a snort, as the demon really cut a sorry sight. "I thought you left the fortress before the cultists arrived."


    Thosehersted lunatics really didn''t hold back. Who knows how much wealth was destroyed? I tried to salvage what I could before it was toote," the demon exined.


    Hey, you two are matching now, Emily said with glee as she pointedly looked at Ogras bald head.


    Shit, dont lump me together with that eunuch, Ogras spat as his white hair quickly grew back until it reached his shoulders again. Thats better.


    Did you find anything? Zac asked with a frown.


    Not much," the demon shrugged. "A storeroom full of half-burnt herbs. I don''t recognize the thing, but there were massive quantities. I am guessing it''s something used on zombies from how much of it they had. So what happened with the cultists? Did you get the leader?"


    I dont think so, Zac sighed as he retold his encounter with the zealots.


    A whip? Thats a pretty rare weapon for a man, the demon muttered. I never heard of him from any reports either. It should be the leader of the incursion who only ventured out to deal with you. Shame. Such life-saving measures usuallye with a price though.


    Lets hope so. Ill go check things out at the Incursion, Zac finally said as he took out the flying treasure again.


    However, the moment he was about to instill the leaf with some energy to activate it, he felt the whole world shudder and turn nted. An agonizing pain ripped through his body, and he felt his vision close in on him.

 Chapter 506: Triv

    Chapter 506: Triv


    Zac woke up with a start, his head a chaotic mess, but he instinctively shot to his feet with his weapon at the ready. He barely had time to stop himself from bisecting a shocked Valkyrie before he remembered where he was.


    "Sorry about that. How long was I out?" Zac asked with a hoarse voice.


    "Around forty minutes," Kenzie said with worry. Whats wrong? Are you poisoned?


    Its nothing, Zac said as he rubbed his temples. I broke open a Node by force earlier because of all the energy I gained. I think I overextended myself a bit.


    Ipletely forgot after seeing you zip around as usual. Im surprised you could fight like that at all, Ogras said, his eyes wide. I guess that even the Heavens has finally had enough of your luck and sent some cultists in your direction. Karma alwayses knocking sooner orter."


    Zac turned his sight inward, and he was a bit better than before. His pathways were still a mess, but his flesh was on the mend already. He guessed that he had fallen unconscious because he had used his pathways when he should have been resting. It was a valuable experience though, learning what kind of effect exploding a node had on his body andbat readiness.


    But the node wasn''t the only problem that ailed his body at the moment. He thought a second before he walked a few steps away, and shocked exmations echoed across the hill as he stabbed himself in his arm. Arge spurt of blood stained the ground, but the wound quickly scabbed over.


    Don''t worry, just expelling some toxins, Zac said as he took out his flying treasure. I feel a lot better already. Get ready. I''ll check out the situation around the pir for threats before we deal with the realignment array.


    Zac really did feel a lot better after having exsanguinated himself. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had absorbed both a bunch of miasma and poisons during the fight, and having been bled a few times helped him get some of the impurities out. He still would have preferred to rest up some more, but there was still the aftermath of the invasion to deal with. He gingerly tried activating the flying treasure again, and this time it went smoothly.


    He soon closed in on the azure pir and he actually saw a familiar figure fretting back and forth some distance away from it, the ghost who had hovered right next to the Lich King earlier. It looked unsure whether to enter or not. However, the moment it spotted Zac its visage turned even ghastlier and became marred with horror, and it immediately shot toward the Nexus Hub.


    The ghost wasn''t all that quick though, especially notpared to a top-tier flying treasure like Zacs. Just a second after the ghost spotted him he had been caught, held firmly in Zacs grasp. A few Revenants were overseeing the zombies as well, but they unhesitantly jumped into the teleportation array, abandoning their colleague.


    Who are you? Zac asked as he shook the ghost for a bit.


    Sir, I am just an attendant to Lord Ad- ah, I mean the Wretched Lich Adriel. A thousand blessings upon you for freeing me! he hurriedly said. Please spare this useless one, I am not a threat to you or your. I am just a custodian, a nonbat ss ordered toe to this against his wishes.


    Shameless enough, Zac snorted. Whats going on here?


    Were bringing back the children, the ghost exined, not hesitating to spill the beans. They will have a better futureing with us than staying here, and it will rid your of these walking Holy Beacons.


    Zac frowned as he looked at the zombies who mindlessly shuffled forward until they disappeared into the Incursion Pir. Perhaps the ghost was right. The death-attunement should dissipate sooner orter, and what would be of these people?


    Some might turn sapient and find themselves stuck on a with a hostile environment full of enemies. But most would simply be cut down by cultivators gathering Nexus Coins and Cosmic Energy. At the Undead Kingdom, they would at least have a chance to be born anew.


    Fine, Ill let them go. Now, tell me how to turn off the Realignment Array, Zac said.


    This was the most pressing issue now. The quest to stop the realignment still hadn''tpleted. He had actually noticed that the massive lines in the sky had started to fade while he hunted the cultists, but it seemingly wasn''t enough. The most likely suspect was obviously the array below the surface, but he still believed that having this attendant to turn it off the safest bet.


    But his hopes were quickly dashed as the ghost frantically shook his head.


    I cant! the ghost cried. I would love to exin to the young master, but I cant.


    The first directive? Zac asked with a frown.


    Yes, yes! You are very well-read. The first directive precludes me from helping you no matter my personal wish to assist! the ghost nodded.


    Zac frowned as his eyes bore into the squirming specter. Catheya had never really exined exactly how binding themandments were, but they didnt seem likepletepulsions to Zac. There should be some wriggle-room, and Zac felt he might as well do some name-dropping to see if the Draugr girl could help him onest time.


    I recently became friends with Catheya SharvaZi from the Empire Hearnds when I visited the Tower of Eternity. It appears she is visiting your Kingdom while her master is in secluded cultivation? Zac said as he took out the Teleportation Token she gave him before he shed his Tower Title. She gave me this token, you might recognize it.


    This! Ninth Floor! And you know that Exalted Mistress? the ghost veritably screamed as its incorporeal eyes darted back and forth between the title and the token.


    Catheya actually hadnt given him a Token representing her force, but he was willing to bet that some random ghost wouldnt know the difference. For all it knew, it might very well be a teleportation token leading straight to the Empire Hearnds rather than the Twilight Harbor.


    I can put in a good word for you next time I meet her, or I can do the opposite, Zac shrugged. I will turn off the Realignment array sooner orter even if I have to rip this whole Fortress apart. I dont mind turning you into a pile of ghost dust first though.


    The ghost sputtered for a few seconds until it calmed down.


    Did you know that the attunement of a is based on its World Core? It is a magical crystal residing in the deepest core of a world. Some believe that a world core is essentially alive, and thes attunement a result of its cultivation where it absorbs the energy of The Cosmos. What do you think would happen if such a core was flooded with Death while it was sealed off from the cosmos? the ghost said before it dimmed as though it was wounded.


    Zacs eyes widened as he looked at the wretched appearance of the ghost. Was it actually wounded from divulging some information like that? However, it still hadnt answered his question, at least not straight out. Most of what it said was just general information and theories, and nothing that he wouldnt be able to piece together himself.


    However, Zac obviously understood the implied meaning behind the ghost''s words.


    The array in the sky was just blocking out the cosmos, Zac muttered before he looked down at the ground.


    It seemed as though the people of earth had gotten things a bit backward If Zac had understood the ghosts exnation correctly. The enormous array in the sky wasnt actually the realignment array. It was at best half of it responsible for isting the from the universe, preventing it from absorbing normal energy. The real realignment was taking ce underground.


    Both parts were important to stop, but the most important might be whatever was going on in that underground chamber. It looked like he would have to bring his sister, after all. Catching other undead wouldn''t do him any good either, as they no doubt would be implicated by the samepulsions. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    You''ll being with me for a bit," Zac said to the ghost as <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>transformed into a coffin on his back.


    The next moment four chains wrapped around the screeching ghost, each of them imbued with the Fragment of the Bodhi. One twist would rip the hostage apart if he tried anything, but it looked unlikely judging by how weak it felt. Zac still kept his eyes on the ghost as they flew back to his group to pick up his sister.


    Ogras might be helpful as well, but he seemed pretty wrung out. Zac left him on the hill instead so that he could protect the group while he recuperated. After all, there was still one Undead General on the loose who could appear at any moment.


    "What''s this?" Kenzie asked as she curiously looked at the captured ghost.


    "Young Master, you should not mix with the forces of the Boundless Path," the ghost said, pointedly ignoring Kenzie. "Living or Dead, we still follow Heaven''s Path. Consorting with heretics will only lead to a lifetime of suffering."


    "She''s not a Technocrat. She''s my sister," Zac snorted. "I just closed a Technocrat Incursion and picked up some tools that are helpful until we''ve grown stronger. And you talk pretty big after almost having killed our."


    "A thousand apologies, mistress!" the ghost eximed, his attitude taking a dramatic turn. "This humble one is called Triv, I worked as a caretaker of the previous lord of this manor."


    Zac suddenly realized that the ghost would be a pretty good source of knowledge. It obviously wouldn''t be as knowledgeable as someone like Catheya, but he was still the right-hand-man to the Lich King. He should have listened in on all sorts of conversations and had free ess to a lot of intelligence.


    Perhaps keeping him on Earth wouldn''t be such a bad idea, provided he could be controlled.


    "I thought he might be useful in turning off the realignment array," Zac added. "It is obviously still going since the quest hasn''tpleted."


    "But the massive arrays in the sky seems to be weakening," Kenzie skeptically said. "They should clear up in another hour or two."


    Zac quickly recounted his experiences below ground as they reached the entrance to the hidden subterranean chamber. The group jumped down as one, but Kenzie immediately fell over,pletely pale and shuddering. Only then did Zac remember the extremely dense death attunement in the air.


    It wasn''t too bad for him now that the Lich King wasn''t there to amplify the effect, but someone like Kenzie was clearly worse off. He quickly handed her an E-Grade Divine crystal as he spread out his Dao Field for the Fragment of the Bodhi. It helped alleviate her symptoms, but it also made the ghost scream in pain until Zac moved the chains out of the field.


    "Thank you," Kenzie said with a hoarse voice. "That was pretty scary."


    "No problem," Zac said with a smile as he looked around. "What do you think?"


    "These things are part of one array. I think the condensed death energy in here is just an after-effect. Kind of like radiation in a power nt or something," she muttered as she looked around, her eyes shing in red a few seconds before they dimmed again.


    "How do we turn this thing off?" Zac asked.


    Kenzie walked over to the closest pir, and she went over every line for a few minutes. They also tried to go over the mysterious core, but they couldn''t even get close before the aura of death became too overpowering.


    "I think we can deactivate the pirs if we make our way from the outside," she hesitantly said. "We''ll leave the core forst."


    Zac nodded as they moved to the edge of the chamber, where Kenzie started breaking a few inscription lines that connected the pir with the dense runes on the floor. Zac helped out by ripping crystal after crystal out of the sockets, rapidly expanding his stockpile of Miasma Crystals. They spent the next hour going back and forth, where Zac essentially acted as a mobile counterforce to the death attunement in the air.


    However, even he was starting to grow tired as it was a constant drain on his mental energy to keep his Dao Field active in this environment. Zac initially wanted to start smashing pirs, but Kenzie was afraid that would cause a massive final discharge of death energies that might hurt the World Core.


    But Kenzie got more and more skilled at turning off the pirs, and soon enough they had all dimmed down, leaving just the pedestal. It emitted a terrifying amount of death-attuned energy even though the pirs were all turned off. The energy clearly came from the rock. It was pitch-ck and polished smooth, making it almost look like an egg.


    The egg emitted mysterious fluctuations as well, and Zac frowned when he realized that it rendered his Dao Field utterly useless. Kenzie couldn''t get close to it at all, and they had to retreat after a short while.


    "What is that thing?" Zac asked with a frown as he turned to the ghost who was still chained up. "And don''t tell me you don''t know."


    "I''m not exactly sure what it is," the ghost said. "They are called Seeds of Uneath. Our kingdom receives them from the Empire along with this array."


    "Like a realignment kit?" Zac asked.


    "Precisely," the ghost nodded. "Even small Kingdoms such as ours can obviously convert a on our own, but our means require high-graded items that are impossible to bring through an Incursion. But the empire provides these things as a sol-."


    It didn''t get any further though before massive convulsions wracked its intangible form. Zac sighed in annoyance, as it looked like they couldn''t get anything more out of the ghost without it exploding for breaking themandments.


    So, now tell me. Why shouldnt I kill you now that we know everything? Zac asked as his eyes bore into the translucent orbs of the ghost.

 Chapter 507: Lump of Coal

    Chapter 507: Lump of Coal


    Kill me?! Triv shrieked with dismay. No! Let me stay on this. I can be useful for you!


    Youd stay on a life-attuned rather than return to your Kingdom? Zac snorted.


    Im fine while my master is dead. There is no way I will survive returning to face Lord Rexus. My soul will be tortured until it finally crumbles from age, Triv hurriedly said, the words veritably spilling out of his mouth. Thats why I resisted the call earlier.


    I thought you couldnt resist thepulsions of the empire? Zac said.


    Thats different. The one calling was Lord Rexus, Lord Adriels master, and the investor of this Invasion. Im technically part of his force though he didnt awaken me. Adriel did. His call is hard to resist, but its nothingpared to the rules imprinted onto our very souls.


    What level are you? Zac slowly asked. "And what can you bring to the table?"


    Im a level 73 Custodian, and I even have gained two Dao Seeds after staying here, the ghost said with some pride piercing through fear, as he shared his status screen. I am practically guaranteed to advance to an E-Grade Butler in the future. I will be better assistance to your daily life than any custodian burdened with a corporeal could hope to be, provided you help me purchase Miasma Crystals for my survival.


    Zac shook his head in bemusement when he saw that the ghost really was telling the truth. Its ss was <strong>[F - Umon] - Spectral Custodian</strong>. There were really all types of sses in the world. He also noted with some interest that the ghost only was aligned to the undead Empire. Normally it wouldn''t look like that.


    You were aligned to your local force, not the empire it was a part of, just like Zac was aligned to Port Atwood, rather than Earth itself. Triv should have been aligned to his master''s force, but he must''ve had mentally cut ties with it, leaving only an alignment with the Undead Empire.


    A ghost butler, Kenzie mumbled, her mouth rising with intrigue. "Might be pretty convenient with your situation."


    Sign a contract to serve me properly and you can stay on Earth, Zac said after a brief hesitation.


    He knew how it would look taking in an undead after what they had done to Earth, but Port Atwood had long since passed the point of no return in picking up stray aliens. If it had been one of the generals or the Lich King he wouldn''t be so willing to leave them alive, but a nonbat attendant couldn''t be considered as culpable. Nonbat sses almost never had a say in the decisions of a force, after all.


    Nothing would have pleased me more, Triv said with a sigh, though Zac felt he didn''t really mean it. But ourmands precludes me from entering contracts with the living.


    Oh? Is that so? Zac said as his eyes slowly turned pitch-ck. That wont be a problem.


    The cooldown for his change had passed while he was unconscious, allowing him to turn into his Draugr form once more. The ghost looked on frozen with iprehension, its mouth ajar.


    Now, Zac said with his abyssal voice. "The contract!"


    It was you the whole time The mystery undead! This is impossible!" the ghost screamed.


    The Lich King said the same thing just before he died, Zac shrugged.


    Such a pure bloodline... No wonder the Noble Lady made your acquaintance!" the ghost spoke, and his whole form shuddered as his excitement quickly mounted. "I''ll sign, I''ll sign!"


    The next moment the ghost had entered a lifetime contract of servitude with Zac, and Zac finally released him from the chains that bound him. The ghost had obviously just wanted to serve as means of survival before, but now it looked beyond excited.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Why are you so happy all of a sudden?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "I''m a custodian, a caretaker of the elite. When our master is strong, we benefit as well. Our bloodlines be stronger if our master''s bloodlines are stronger."


    "So you''re like a parasite?" Kenzie asked from the side. "Will you slow down my brother''s cultivation?"


    "No, no, not at all," Triv hurriedly said when Zac''s brows furrowed together. "Thises to no detriment to our master! You can see us as a mix of a supportive and nonbat ss."


    "Can you buff me inbat?" Zac asked curiously.


    "s, no," Triv said with a shake of his head, but he quickly followed up when Zac''s eyes dimmed with disinterest. "My skill set is more linked to your home. I can help improve its environment to better suit your needs. Lord Adriel''s Dao Chamber wasrgely set up by me, for example. It will take some time until I can sync with you to that level though."


    "What else?"


    "I am there to deal with all the small things that flitter''s on my lord''s periphery. Cleaning, lighting incense, keeping track of servants, maintenance of private arrays, poison and threat detection. As I evolve I will also gain some small healing capabilities and the ability to deal with unwanted spying or Karmic maniption. We allow our masters to focus on what''s important, bing stronger," Triv hurriedly said.


    Zac had to admit it sounded pretty convenient having a butler, though that might just be Triv upselling his usefulness. But he first needed to deal with the realignment array before he went into detail about what Triv could do and what limitations he had from hispulsions. However, Zac suddenly felt a weird presence appear in his mind, and his eyes once more turned to the ghost.


    The chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>trapped the ghost the moment he felt the foreign presence in his mind, and the ghost wailed as he was about to be ripped to shreds.


    "What did you just do?" Zac growled as Kenzie looked on with confusion and worry.


    "My apologies, Lord! It''s my skill called <strong>[Deathbound Attendant]</strong>. This is just our connection that you can use to send memands," he screamed.


    Zac took a steadying breath. He had overreacted a bit due to his history with getting his soul cracked. But there really was nothing wrong with the mark after a second nce, not that the ghost could harm him with a Contract of Servitude active. He dropped the subject and once more focused on the Seed of Undeath.


    "We''ll talk more about what benefits you can bringter," Zac said as he turned to his sister. "What do you think? Just yoink that thing?"


    "The podium seems to be some sort of absorption array," Kenzie nodded. "I think it will be fine to just take it. But perhaps put the thing in a separate Cosmos Sack?"


    "Okay, stand back just in case," Zac said as he walked over.


    The closer he got to the egg the fiercer the death buffeted him. It felt like he was inside an extremely refined Dao Field of death-attunement, but it wasn''t painful at all in his Draugr form. The Seed of Undeath wasn''t fastened to the podium itself, but rather ced down into a groove.


    Zac simply reached over to put it into his Spatial Ring, but a surge entered his arm the moment his hand touched the smooth surface. A storm of death spread through his body, and his recently opened node was instantly filled with miasma to the point that he gained a level in his undead form as well.


    He had already reached level 81 in his human form earlier. He had lost most of the energy from killing the Lich King due to the cultists'' interruption, but he had gained enough to at least fill up the opened node by killing most of the zealots shortly after. Now his sses were once more in bnce.


    His eyes lit up as he felt just how magical the thing was, and he already had an idea what to do with the egg.


    There was already a life-attuned cultivation cave back on his ind that used the Lotus as a core. What if he created an adjoining cultivation cave steeped in death, using this egg as a core? With the help of Kenzie and his new butler, it would quickly be turned into cultivation heaven that would give him a leg up on his cultivation, no matter if it was his <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>or pondering on the Dao.


    The egg calmed down after the initial burst, and Zac safely stowed the thing away. A prompt appeared the next moment, confirming that the quest <strong>[Death Defiance] </strong>had beenpleted. Zac sighed in relief as that meant that Earth was finally safe from being turned into thetest branch of the Undead Empire.


    As to whether the would rid itself entirely of the Miasma, it was too soon to tell.


    The quest being marked aspleted was just the beginning of the good thingsing his way. An inscribed box had appeared next to him just as expected. It was the same with Kenzie, who eagerly reached for her own reward and opened the box.


    A small tool was ced inside the chest. It looked a bit like a pen, but there were a couple of attachments that reminded Zac of the bits to a screwdriver. Finally, there was a small crystalline bottle containing some dark-purple liquid.


    "What''s that?" Zac muttered with some interest, as he hadn''t seen anything like it before.


    "It''s an inscription kit," the ghost sighed. "The small parts are for inscribing on different surfaces, such as array gs, stone, or skin."


    Zac''s eyes lit up when he heard the exnation. It looked like his sister had gotten a reward tailored for her needs, or perhaps based on the fact that she had mainly contributed by erecting arrays. In either case, it probably meant that a customized reward was waiting for him as well, rather than some random thing that might be useful or just something to throw into the Merit Exchange.


    But before he opened his own box he noticed that it looked like the ghost was on the verge of tears.


    "What''s with you?" Zac asked with some bemusement.


    "I just failed a quest," Triv groaned. "As the custodian of the Incursion Leader, I would no doubt have received an extremely valuable reward."


    Zac immediately understood that the ghost probably had an opposing quest for <strong>[Death Defiance]</strong>. After all, Catheya had mentioned that the System was very much in favor of the Undead Empire causing struggle all over the multiverse and that it brought some special benefits. He only snorted in response and instead focused on his own box.


    A grin was spreading across his face as he opened his box, and Kenzie walked over with interest as well. He was the one who took out the Lich King and two of the generals, after all. His reward should be the best one around.


    But he couldnt believe his eyes when he saw what was neatly ced inside.


    A lump of coal? Have you really been that naughty? Kenzieughed, and Zac once again found himself questioning his rtionship with the System.


    However, he somewhat got his hopes up as he noticed Triv staring at the box with greed in his eyes.


    This! High-grade Bloodline Marrow!


    Zac was about to ask what the ghost knew, but a shudder suddenly rose from the ground, like a small earthquake.


    Was it the World Core?


    ----------------


    Anything? Ogras muttered as Leech flittered back and forth among the ruins like a snake extending from his arm. You better find something to evolve or Ill figure out some way to eat you. Blocking my evolution, you really have a deathwish.


    A few coruscating waves rippled along the tentacle, and it started to look through the rubble for race-boosting opportunities with more fervor. Ogras snorted as he kept looking as well.


    He really couldnt catch a break.


    Ogras didnt ask for much. Some good wine, a few pretty girls to apany him, and a decent ss evolution. Hadnt he earned that much by now after being dragged through one near-death experience after another by that walking cmity? But no, this bastard attached to his soul wasnt ready to evolve, which meant that Ogras wasnt ready to evolve either, apparently.


    Now he was stuck looking for something to help thishersted neswalker take the next step. He had already found a few valuables among the ruins, and there were also quite a few natural treasures in the Cosmos Sack of the general he killed, but nothing that would help Leech evolve.


    It didn''t help either that the sted shadow couldn''t tell him what it needed.


    And you better gain the ability tomunicate soon enough, the demon added. Im tired of guessing what ails you every day.


    A sudden shudder spread through the whole fortress, and Ogras stopped his search for a bit. It looked like Zac and thess had finally managed to turn off the array. A box appeared to his side as well, and he snatched it up without hesitation before he shed out of the ruin. Ogras looked around with anticipation, but he frowned when he couldnt sense anything in the air.


    There was no influx of Cosmic Energy, and neither was there any new attunement that he could sense. Then again, anyone would be hard-pressed to make any real assumptions after the undead and the cultists had tainted the air of the area. Not that he really had any idea what a World Core upgrade actually entailed.


    He had sounded pretty confident in front of the humans, but he was honestly just spitballing. They needed to be reminded of his value as that human cockroach knocked off one threat after another, after all. So that the demons, or more importantly himself, werent left by the wayside the moment thest incursion was closed.


    He turned his attention to the small box in his hand, and he opened it with some anticipation. Getting ast-minute boost before evolving couldn''t hurt.


    What the hell is that? the demon muttered with a frown, but the tentacle on his arm vibrated with glee.

 Chapter 508: Bloodlines

    Chapter 508: Bloodlines


    The time was finally up, and the azure pir winked out of existence, leaving yet another inert Nexus Hub behind. If things worked as usual, it would soon disappear without a trace like the others, leaving just the one on his ind behind. Thest zombies in the area had passed through the portal over an hour ago, leaving the surroundings of the fortress bare.


    It was nice to get a confirmation that the Undead Incursion truly was over, but Zac still had a hard time celebrating.


    Zac sighed as he looked around the rubble. The Lich King was dealt with and the array was turned off, but as he didnt really feel like a victor as he looked out across the destendscape. No matter what the World Core Upgrade entailed it hadnt cleaned up the dour atmosphere at the core of the Dead Zone at all.


    In fact, they hadn''t noticed any change at all after that weird tremor. Ogras said that the upgrade would take a while though, so there was no point inpletely giving up on this area.


    But Zac had to admit that this ce felt dead in apletely new sense of the word. Was there really a return from this? Getting sted by the furious mes of the cultists at the 11<sup>th</sup> hour had turned things from bad to worse, and it had turned the whole area into a deste region. Whatever those mes contained had somehow canceled out much of the miasma in the area, causing it to be almostpletely void of any Cosmic Energy at all.


    It felt like just breathing was a chore right now, like there was no oxygen in the air. The Lich King was probably spouting the things about Earths death to mess with his mind, but there was perhaps a nugget of truth hidden inside the taunt. His new butler was no use either, as it had quickly be apparent that Triv wouldn''t turn into the wellspring of information as Zac had hoped.


    Any question that was rted to restricted knowledge of the Undead Empire caused a battle between the Contract of Servitude and whateverpulsion the ghost was born with, and it started to shake in pain as the two orders shed. Zac was forced to cancel his questions to save him a few times until he finally gave up learning anything of use.


    They did however manage to confirm that Triv could be used as a confirmation of source if Zac already had the answer. For example, Zac could say that there was one general alive, and the ghost could confirm it. But probing where he was and what skills he or she possessed was impossible.


    There were also no limitations on general knowledge or non-ssified intelligence of the Undead Empire, meaning that he could still be useful in the end. He might not be able to talk about his own Kingdom, but he was more than happy to spill any rumors he could think of about the living forces of the Zecia Sector.


    The ghost had left him alone to recuperate earlier, instead joining Kenzie in her attempts to take control of therge number of arrays that were still active in the area while Zac kept watch and recuperated. But now that the incursion was closed and there was no sign of the Cultists Returning, there was finally time to go over his gains.


    The Cosmos Sack of the assassin unfortunately didnt contain a lot. There were a set of simr spikes like the one he used during the fight, along with two daggers shrouded in darkness. They seemed to be decent Spirit Tools, but Zac couldnt think of anyone they were suited for at the moment. Perhaps Ogras, but that demon had already gotten more than enough benefits for free, and he would have to purchase the daggers with Merit Points if he wanted them.


    There was also a cultivation manual and a few information crystals. One of them contained surprisingly detailed intelligence of the forces of Earth, including up-to-date dockets on the top elites. His own report was actually decently urate as well, though it was based on the period when he was closing incursions left and right. Which was a shame for the assassin, as Zac was many times strongerpared to back then.


    However, there was one piece of information that was a bit shocking. There was actually a mention of the Tal-dar and their recent actions. They had been seen together with the Brindevalt n, which apparently was the name of one of the three remaining Incursions that neighbored the Dead Zone. There was even a small notation that the Brindevalt n had some sort of business dealings with other factions of the Tal-dar.


    Was this their n? Give up on Earth and somehow leave through the Nexus Hub of another force? Zac didn''t even know whether that was possible or not, but he couldn''t see any other reason for Verana to contact some random force. He had always wondered why the Tal-dar hadn''t stepped up and fought with Port Atwood when they had their backs against the wall, but it looked like he had found the answer.


    They had always had an exit strategy in case things turned south.


    The intelligence was days old though, and Zac still didn''t know what hade from the discussions, but it still left a bad taste in his mouth. However, his annoyance was quickly alleviated as he turned toward the next Spatial tool. The Assassin had traveled lightly it seemed, but Spatial Tools of the Lich King was a different story.


    The Cosmos Sack contained arge number of Unholy Beacons, though Zac realized they werent activated. It further confirmed Zacs guess that the souls of Earthlings were used in their creation, while these things were just spares brought from home.


    There were also several siege tools leftpletely unused, along with a vast array of cultivation resources. The Cosmos Sack was clearly a superior variant of the sack he looted from Rydel, the de-facto leader of the Demon incursion. That meant the Spatial Ring was Adriels private stash, and Zac could immediately confirm that the quality of the things stored inside was a lot higher than the things in the Cosmos Sack.


    One look was enough to confirm that Adriel truly was a formation master. There were at least a thousand array gs in the Spatial ring, though most of them seemed to be empty gs waiting to be inscribed.


    There was also arge number of herbs and powders, and Zac quickly realized they were poisonous after taking out a few of them. There was also arge cauldron that reminded Zac of the one he had seen the Imp Herald use in the heart of the cave systems of his ind. There were arge number of crystals as well, but most interesting was a milky-white crystal asrge as a washbasin.


    He took it out with interest, and his eyes lit up after instilling some Cosmic Energy into it. It was suddenly showing an enormous horde that looked ready topletely crumble. An armyprised of all four races of Earth was nibbling at its heels, but the real problem came from within.


    The zombies had gone crazy, attacking anything around them, which usually meant they were attacking other zombies. It was like the horde had lost all cohesion, and it was suddenly everyone for himself. Zac figured that the death of the Lich King had removed or lessened whatever restraint that kept them from killing each other, and it had turned into pandemonium.


    Zac tried to change the scope of the long-distance spying array, but his vision was stuck in ce until he finally was forced to give up. But Zac believed that Kenzie or someone on the ind would be able to figure the thing out. Having this thing mounted in his courtyard would be pretty convenient, as it would allow him to check in on all his inds without alerting anyone.


    He had always been a bit leery about Big Brother until now, but surely it was a different thing if he was the one watching?


    The crystal and everything else of interest was thrown into his own spatial ring, where he spotted the lump of coal once more. Or rather, the Bloodline Marrow. Triv had no idea what kind of beast it came from, but he did know what they were used for. Not surprisingly it affected bloodlines, but not as Zac had expected.


    It was actually akin to poison to warriors with a bloodline. If whatever genes were preserved inside the marrow entered the body of someone with a bloodline, there would be a sh. The resident bloodline would be agitated and force out the intruding bloodline. It didn''t sound very useful on paper, but it actually had a very specific purpose.


    It would force a slumbering Bloodline awake, and the struggle would condense and strengthen it. It was just like normal cultivation, where fighting for your life ended with you stronger, provided you survived, of course. There was also a small chance of gaining whatever bloodline hid inside the marrow in case you didn''t have one originally, but that was generally seen as a waste.


    It was also something that could help upgrade what Triv called Beastcrafted Spirit Tools, which essentially meant Spirit Tools that used animal parts. Zac still didnt trust the ghost even with a Contract of Servitude active, but he seemed to be telling the truth based on the fact that <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> really wanted the thing, while <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> waspletely indifferent.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was a relief, as that meant there wouldnt be any conflicts of interest in case he decided to feed it to Verun. Zac figured that he could finally provide his axe with a feast when they returned to Port Atwood, providing all the things he had saved up until now. However, he was still leaning toward only giving his axe the Dragon Core, while keeping the marrow to himself.


    The recent opening of his Hidden node and talking with his mother had made him think more and more about his heritage. Not really in terms of wanting to reunite with Leandra, but rather to make the most of the odd constitution he had been given. <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>clearly felt like a special node based on a bloodline, and he was sure that there would be exponential benefits the more Hidden Nodes he opened.


    Especially if he managed to wake up a bloodline to match them.


    But Zac felt that simply boiling a piece of marrow and drinking it as a soup was too crude, and he wanted to do some more research to improve his odds of waking up his constitution. He kept going through the Cosmos Sack a while longer, but he soon got tired of the dour view and he started to make his way down from the peak of the broken tower.


    The wound in his leg had mostly healed over the past 6 hours, but his pathways were still a bit of a mess. He believed he''d be back at full power in a week''s time tops though, provided he wasn''t forced to go all out in another battle. The biggest issue was redrawing the broken pathways, which was both painful and took a lot of time and effort now that they were so intricate.


    Zac was pretty disappointed with the long recuperation times, but he soon enough remembered Galvarion''s experience. The aquatic cultivator had spent over a century in the E-Grade, most of it on a sickbed. Being slightly weakened for a week per node was nothingpared to that. Of course, that was provided that the damage didn''t get worse with each sessive node.


    Triv was hovering just by the base of the broken-down tower, apparently having left Kenzies side some time ago.


    Youre really stuck here with us now," Zac said as his eyes turned to the spot where the azure pir had once stood. "Come with me."


    "It is my pleasure to stay with the young lord. How can I be of assistance?" the ghost asked as they walked around the rubble.


    "Take me to my sister," Zac said, and they found her resting in an emptied warehouse with Joanna keeping guard.


    Zac figured this was as good a ce as any, and he bought the Teleportation Array. However, he frowned when he couldn''t see any towns on the teleportation screen.


    Was this ce still jammed?


    Kenzie immediately realized something was wrong as well, but she simply threw out arge number of Nexus Crystals.


    Its working, but it will cost a huge amount of crystals to teleport out, Kenzie muttered. The teleporter cant use the energy of the atmosphere here because there is none. I dont know if it''s because of what the cultists did or if it''s an effect of the Dead Zone itself.


    Well, we have more than enough crystals, Zac shrugged. Most of the zombies in the area have left, and we have broken the Unholy Beacons. Perhaps the Array will work by itself as soon as the area clears up a bit. But what about the jamming?


    Port Atwood had appeared on his Teleportation Menu after Kenzie had thrown out the Nexus Crystals, but that didn''t really alleviate Zac''s fears after theirst experience. He couldn''t stop himself from throwing a re at the Ghost who floated by the corner, and Triv could only weakly smile in return.


    Either the jammers broke from us pushing through it, or more likely our people have found the arrays and disabled them, Kenzie said.


    We should send something over with a note side to make sure it safe, Joanna suggested from the side, sharing Zac''s sentiments. In case there are there still are some traps.


    Zac nodded in agreement. No need to y with your life when there was no hurry to go home.


    I guess, Kenzie said as she got to her feet. Have you found anything interesting?


    A few things, Zac said. I''ve been busy recuperating for most of the time. I guess Ogras has gotten his hand on anything of value by now. Do you need my help taking apart those pirs below-ground?"


    "No, it''s fine now that they''ve been inactive for a while. Joanna helped me pry them out of the ground. By the way, I found out something interesting from your ghost butler earlier."


    Oh? Zac said as he looked over at the ghost, who seemingly tried to make himself look agreeable.


    "Did you know? It seems that a surprisinglyrge number of all Earthlings have pretty good bloodlines, some that arepletely unknown in the Zecia sector?" she said.


    "Is that unusual?" Zac asked.


    "There are sometimes some interesting bloodlines that pop up when visiting a newly integrated, but not like we''ve seen on this see- ehm, on Earth," Triv said from the side. "It is no doubt from the escaped test subjects."


    "The what?" Zac asked, but he immediately realized what the ghost was referring to.


    The Mystic Realm.


    "The undead believes that the Mystic Realm was used for researching Bloodlines. Some of the test subjects escaped thousands of years ago, and they became our ancestors. Isn''t that crazy?" Kenzie said with excitement.


    Zac''s thoughts went back to the lump of coal in his Spatial Ring once more. A mysterious base researching Bloodlines?


    Wasn''t that just perfect?

 Chapter 509: Challenge

    Chapter 509: Challenge


    Zac had justmented that him using the Bloodline Marrow by itself would be a bit wasteful, and now this opportunity presented itself? What if he could find something to bring out the most of the marrow and guarantee that his bloodline could awaken?


    Perhaps we can find things to strengthen the people of Port Atwood, Kenzie eximed, echoing Zac''s thoughts. There might be bloodline manuals or elixirs stashed inside the Mystic Realm. Perhaps even things to open Hidden nodes.


    There are also werewolves and god knows what else in there ording to Ogras, Zac said to calm his sister down before he turned to Triv. "Do you have any proof of this theory?"


    Young master, I don''t. But we are quite good judges of the quality of bodies, and as far as we can tell, the inhabitants of this arent natural, Triv said.


    Thats impossible though. We have mapped our evolution for millions of years, Zac countered, though the words of his mother''s projection echoed in the back of his head.


    ording to her, she was surprised to find Earth inhabited at all when she arrived.


    Yes, this has a natural seed of life, but many heritages do not belong here, Triv conceded. I personally believe that some ident happened inside that Mystic Realm a few thousand years ago. The owners left, and a group of test subjects managed to break free and ended up on this.


    Zac quickly understood what would happen next if what the ghost said was true. Those escapees would find themselves on an unintegrated utterly devoid of cosmic energy. They would be like castaways, unable to be stronger, and unable to leave. Their children wouldnt have any chance to be cultivators, but their bloodlines would still be passed on.


    Was this the source of Billys golden blood? And was it perhaps even the source of his own bloodline? He had figured that it came from his mother, but perhaps that waspletely wrong. Perhaps his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> came from someone who had fled the Mystic Realm thousands of years ago.


    What kind of experiments do you think would take ce in such a hidden base? Zac asked.


    We believed it was rted to some boundless faction, theyre always up to something. Perhaps they wanted to create a new bloodline suited to their needs, using other bloodlines as a base. Perhaps they wanted to evolve bloodlines and sell the results to wealthy families. It is impossible to tell without gaining ess to the research data, the ghost said.


    The Undead Incursion was after the Mystic Realm as well, and so are the cultists, Kenzie added.


    I know, Zac nodded.


    Voids Disciple had said as much when they met, and the invaders had pretty much confirmed it by sailing toward his Mystic Realm entrance even after failing their attack on Port Atwood. He still didnt know what was so alluring about that ce, but it might contain some treasure valuable enough to cause waves in the whole Zecia sector.


    Well, did you know that the Church of Evesting Dao already controls three different portals that all lead to our Mystic Realm, Kenzie said. "ording to Triv, at least."


    Howe youre so talkative all of a sudden? Zac asked skeptically. You almost explodedst time I tried to have you divulge some minor secrets.


    This matter regarding bloodlines was a wee surprise, but it''s not rted to the goal of the Undead Empire, Triv exined, this time taking a spiritual hit.


    So you were after something else, Zac said.


    Yes, the ghost croaked, further wounding himself.


    What was it? Zac muttered curiously, but he hurriedly corrected himself when he saw that Triv was starting to shake and expand. "Wait, don''t answer that!


    But he was still extremely curious about what could elicit such a response. Two major factions and the Dominators were all gunning toward that item, yet he was somehow still kept out of the loop.


    Julia might be able to find out more, Kenzie said, seemingly reading his thoughts.


    What? Julia?" Zac repeated with confusion "How would that be possible?


    The former government official had simply stayed on the ind since jumping onto the teleporter with him, sometimes assisting with diplomatic issues with the Marshall n. How would she know something that he didnt about the mystic realm?


    The New World Government actually performed an all-out assault on one of the cultists bases and killed one of their Generals. Thats how they got ess to the mystic realm and started the Ark World project, Kenzie exined. They should have found out a few things if they''re taking such drastic measures.


    The one time that little faction showed some spine, the ghost muttered from the side. The humans of this are wholly unimpressive. If it wasnt for young master and the many bloodlines running around, then this world would bepletely worthless.


    "So youre saying I should send out Julia as a spy? I doubt she will be able to return to her position after these months, Zac said, ignoring the ghost.


    She should still have some contacts who would want to make a connection with you, especially now that the Undead Incursion is dealt with, Kenzie exined.


    Ill talk with her when we get back, Zac nodded before he turned to the ghost.


    However, Zac couldnt help but feel himself being dragged against his will once more as he thought about the Mystic Realm, just like when the System had ced him in front of the two remnants. It seemed like he really didnt have a choice but to explore its depths this time either. All his enemies would be there, and it was rted to his family to do with his family. The mystic realm was his best bet at figuring out whether Leandra was a friend or a foe.


    And now it might even help him with his constitution?


    Him having some sort of bloodline was pretty much confirmed from getting the odd Hidden Node <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. If it was based on some previous captive, then there might actually be more information and even a manual waiting for him inside the Mystic Realm. After all, he wanted to maintain his above-average power, and opening additional Hidden Nodes was one of the best avable methods in the E-Grade.


    Just like the F-grade was the best opportunity to farm Titles, the E-Grade was the best opportunity to open up nodes that might benefit him for the rest of his life. Every grade was like that as far as Zac understood. He wasnt sure about how the higher grades worked, but it seemed like D-Grade was the only rank where you could perfect your Cultivator Core.


    What else do you know about the Mystic Realm? Zac asked Triv.


    Not much, the ghost said, but he hurriedly exined after getting a re from Zac. The scant intelligence we had was based on spying on the Cultists and capturing a few of their warriors. We were focused on the realignment. As long as itpleted the would be ours, including the Mystic Realm.


    Zac asked a few more questions, but he soon realized there was not much else that the butler could divulge betweenck of first-hand information and thepulsions. Hopefully, hed be able to gain more information through Julia. Of course, by this point he could probably just fly over to New Washington and demand answers from Thomas Fischer.


    Seeing that the teleporter was up and running was a relief, but there was one more thing that Zac wanted to take care of before he left this ce.


    "Take me to the residence Mhal used before I killed him," Zac said as he turned to Mhal.


    "It was you?" Triv blurted with surprise as he led the way. "We figured it was the Monks."


    Zac only shrugged in response as he ushered the ghost out of the warehouse. The fortress was only so big, and they soon reached a structure, or at least the ruins of one. The above-ground manor had beenpletely destroyed from the battle, but the ghost informed him that there was arge undergroundpound as well after it activated some sort of ocr skill.


    A quick search led him to a reinforced steel hatch in the ground. But a physical barrier was no match for Zac who simply ripped the thick metal te out of its hinges. However, he immediately regretted his action as a rancid odor immediately rose from the dark hole. It was so bad that he nearly swapped over to his Draugr-from to avoid keeling over.


    "What is this stench?" Zac nched.


    "Mhal performed quite a few experiments in his spare time. I believe he tried to find a suitable upgrade for his current constitution. Corpse Lords are usually like that, obsessed with their bodies. Better to discard the body entirely, if you ask me. You be a bit weaker, but you only need to focus on one type of improvement," Triv said as it looked down at the tunnel with some disdain.


    "I found a notebook on his body after I defeated him. He brought something valuable to this ce, something that he hid from you and the Lich King. He was instructed by his n to experiment on this, away from prying eyes." Zac said. "I need to find it."


    "He did?" Triv said with surprise. "He never struck me or Lord Adriel as the clever type, but rather a brute. But perhaps that was exactly what he wanted."


    Zac quickly found the source of the stench as he walked down a set of stairs. Three massive holding cells were filled with dismembered bodies in various states of decay. There were a handful of zombies as well who desperately charged at the bars when they sensed him. Zac made short work of them all before he threw out a massive amount of corpse destroying powder.


    It alleviated the smell a bit, but Zac still worked at maximum efficiency to look for the hidden Draugr samples. Triv was flying straight through walls and the ground in search of hiddenpartments as well, eager to prove its worth.


    "Young master, over here," Triv said a whileter as he rose from the floor. "How curious, I couldn''t sense anything at all until I hit a barrier. It really seems like this little vassal force was keeping a lot of secrets. Are they nning a rebellion?"


    "That doesn''t have anything to do with you, remember?" Zac snorted as he walked over. "You''re an Earthling now."


    "Of course, of course," the ghost hurriedly nodded. "But the young master should know that returning to the embrace of the Empire is the only way for a pure-blood Draugr to realize his full potential."


    "How do you know I''m pure-blood?" Zac asked with some curiosity as he started digging up the ground.


    "I cannot be certain, but your bloodline is certainly a lot stronger than anything I''ve encountered before. And it feels... Old. That''s how it feels with the ancient ns of the Hearnds, I''m told," the ghost hesitantly said. "If I may, why cling to your human form at all if you have the chance to discard it? You even have the opportunity to awaken without losing your sense of self, something that is usually extremely difficult to achieve."


    "Well, being human doesn''t seem so morous to you, perhaps, but I like it," Zac muttered, his eyes trained at the box he had unearthed.


    Zac hesitated about what to do for a few seconds as he looked down at the pitch-ck container. He could sense that this truly was what he was looking for, as there was a slight resonance between his Specialty Core and the box. But what now? Were the samples of his bloodline any use to him any longer?


    He eventually stashed away the box without opening it, much to Triv''s disappointment. Zac was afraid that there were traps in the chest itself that would break the samples inside. Who knew, they might be useful for upgrading his Specialty core in the future? He had the System to help him out for the first evolution, but next time he might not be so lucky.


    There was nothing else of interest in the chamber, and Zac quickly returned to the surface, the stale air feeling like a fresh gust after that rancid environment. If there had been any lingering feelings of pity for the Corpse Lord''s n before due to the letter he read, then that pity had been utterly quashed after seeing the aftermath of Mhal''s experimentation.


    In either case, there was not much left to do in the Dead Zone, and Zac prepared to get going. However, he realized that the ghost presented a problem as he returned to his sister''s side.


    Is there any way you can hide? Zac asked as he turned to the ghost who kept pace two steps behind. I cant be bringing you around in the open. I already have enough people talking behind my back from working with the demons.


    Here, the ghost said as he produced a small ck tower norger than three centimeters in height. I can stay inside this, as long as young master dont put it into a Spatial Treasure. With your permission, Ill rest for a few days as my soul is wounded. If you need me, just call by nudging the mark in your mind.


    Zac nodded and the ghost disappeared the next moment as the small tower started giving off a weak azure light. Zac curiously looked at the thing, but he couldnt figure out if it was a Spatial Treasure or if the ghost could actually shrink itself to such a diminutive size.


    I dont understand why you dont just kill that thing, Ogras muttered with disgust as he stepped out of the shadows. Nothing good wille from keeping that one.


    Ill destroy any Karmic Ties he might carryter, Zac said. "I have themp now."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Karmic Ties is just one of the many dangers in the Multiverse, Ogras shrugged. Another one is consorting with the unliving. It usually ends with you joining them.


    A bitte for that, Zac snorted, which elicited augh from Kenzie as she fiddled with her new inscription tool.


    "One of them ying with ghosts, the other with Technocrat toys. You two siblings are truly testing the limits," the demon muttered. "You better pray the Ruthless Heavens don''t take you up on your challenge."

 Chapter 510: Eveningtide

    Chapter 510: Eveningtide


    Zac only rolled his eyes at the demon''s slightly ominousment, but he did somewhat agree. The two of them were ying a dangerous game, him with the remnant and Kenzie with Jeeves. Such powerful items really shouldn''t be in the hands of piddling low-grade cultivators, and it would only drag them into trouble with the System.


    But there wasn''t much he could do about it right now, apart from growing stronger to tackle whatever came their way.


    Are you done here? Zac asked instead.


    I managed to dig out some of the intelligence crystals from the ce you indicated, but most of them were ruined. Also, I cant read them, the demon said as he threw it over to Zac.


    He tried to activate it as well, but his Cosmic Energy was immediately rebuffed. Even worse, some cracks spread across its surface, prompting Zac to hurriedly retract his energy.


    Ill try as an undeadter, Zac said as he ced Triv''s tower in a pocket. If were done here, then you can call over our people. Ill leave as soon as we can confirm the situation on the other side. Send this to Port Atwood please.


    He quickly imprinted a few instructions onto a crystal and handed it to his sister. Kenzie grabbed it before she poured hundreds of Nexus Crystals out on the ground in a circle around the Teleportation Array. She looked a bit hesitant about what to do next though, but Ogras seemed to understand her thoughts.


    Here, Ogras said and threw a massive leg from some unknown beast onto the array. Harvested it during the climb. It tasted like wet fur anyway.


    Kenzie nodded and ced the crystal on top of the leg, and the next moment the two items shed away.


    Were returning to Port Atwood? Joanna asked as they waited for a response on the other side.


    I want that tree, but I need to see whats happened with the ship heading for Mystic Ind. Ill go back if theres still a chance to protect our teleporter, Zac said after some consideration. If not, Ill simply fly and get the tree. Ill be able to observe the Dead Zone that way as well.


    Ten minutester a group of soldiers emerged from the teleporter, including a sun-tanned Ilvere.


    You did it, Ilvere said with a grin as he looked around at the ruins. Must have been some battle. I wish I was here to kick these damn zombies off the as well. What about Aleas?


    Zac sighed as he saw the demon generals downcast expression. Zac had made sure that only a few core members could know about Aleas situation, but the two remaining demon Generals were among the group of people he felt should be aware of what was going on. The normal demons would only think that she had been killed by the invaders when they assaulted the ind.


    I ripped him apart with her chains, Zac simply said.


    Good! Ilvere roared. Then her soul can be at peace no matter what happens next.


    Whats going on with the boat? Zac asked, eager to change the subject.


    We failed, Ilvere sighed. Those ships are so slow, but it suddenly spat out a small vessel that shot toward the Mystic Ind with a speed that eclipsed our ships. Worse yet, they managed to break the tunnel just by detonating something on the shore. We currently have around 100 people trapped inside the mystic realm. We managed to sink therge warship in retaliation


    At least our people safe, Zac said as he turned to his sister. Can you see what you can do?


    Sure, Kenzie nodded.


    Since there wasnt much he could do now that the spatial tunnel was already broken, he decided to go fetch the mutated tree instead. Ilvere would lead the squad of soldiers to search out the core of the Dead Zone instead, while simultaneously taking away all the Unholy Beacons that were still standing.


    After all, they still hadnt found any natural resources in the area. All the other Incursions had been ced near some valuable resources of Earth, so it stood to reason that it should be the same here. Of course, there was the possibility that the perk of the Undead Empire was getting ced in an extremely poption-dense area, as corpses were the most valuable resource to them.


    Seeing his army get to work with practiced ease let him bring out his Flying Treasure without worry, but he was surprised to see Ogras jumping on top as well.


    I have nothing to do, so I figure Ide with you, the demon shrugged with a grin. What if you suddenly pass out again and fall into a horde of zombies?


    Well, thepany is always wee," Zac slowly said.


    Im curious if you can actually gain something from the tree. Youre a mortal but you keep getting insights left and right. I want to figure out if theres something Ive missed. Just look at that giant. Sometimes theres genius hidden within a haze of stupidity, the demon smiled.


    Well, thank you, Zac snorted as he turned to Joanna who had also joined him on the leaf.


    Im just here to help you steer in case you need to rx, Joanna exined.


    Emily and the rest of the Valkyries would return to Port Atwood with Kenzie though. They weren''t as high-leveled, and they had stayed long enough in such a Miasma-dense area. Any longer and they might have adverse effects.


    The trio soon set off, and the atmosphere was a lot more rxed as they returned toward the outer reaches of the Dead Zone. Zac took Joanna up on the offer to steer so that he could focus on recuperation, whereas Ogras took out a jug of some liquor and drank as he gazed out across the horizon.


    Zac got a bit bored after an hour though and joined Ogras for a drink instead.


    By the way, I found out some more about the Eveningtide Asura after you left the Base Town, Ogras said as he handed Zac a jug. Figured it might be useful as some see you as the seconding of that guy after your disy with erecting ahersted Corpse Tree right in front of the Tower entrance."


    A what? Joanna asked from the side.


    And? Zac coughed with some embarrassment, ignoring the question. Is that good news or bad news?


    Hard to say. Unattached elites cropping out of nowhere is always a cause for concern. It will usually result in multiple forces getting destroyed before a bnce is restored, the demon said.


    But that rarely happens to the peak forces because of their hidden reserves. The attacker would have to overpower and ancient Empire, and thats easier said than done. So they have growncent, Ogras continued.


    Zac nodded in agreement. If it was before he visited the Base Town he would have believed it wasnt too hard for a powerhouse to take out a slightly weaker force, but he had seen just how desperate things had be upon him exiting the tower. And that was only a few hundred warriors with limitations on what sort of items they could bring to the special dimensions.


    What about the biggest forces? They would be able to bring out billions of warriors and an almost inexhaustible number of treasures to defend themselves. Taking them out as a lone powerhouse would be almost impossible.


    But then the Eveningtide Asura came along," Ogras smiled "And now there''s you.


    Just who is that guy, and what did he do? Zac asked.


    Zac had been repeatedly beenpared to that man since he had conquered the 8<sup>th</sup> floor, so it was a bit interesting to hear what kind of man the so-called Asura was.


    He utterly annihted a fifth of the peak forces in this sector, Ogras said with gleaming eyes. Killed them to thest man. Trillions of lives lost, even a C-Grade continent was grievously wounded to the point it decreased in grade. A murderous lunatic, it sounds like.


    Why would he do something like that? Zac said with shock.


    No wonder so many seemed so leery about him after the fight outside the Tower. The problem was whether the forces of the multiverse would want to stomp him out before he grew powerful, or whether they would instead try to nurture a good rtionship. Some obviously tried thetter, such as Boje and Pretty, but that didnt necessarily represent the intentions of their ancestors.


    To resolve grudges. Those who died had tried to hunt him down to get their hands on his treasures before he grew powerful, and he was almost killed dozens of times. But he barely managed to slip away each time, until he finally disappeared for 100 000 years, Ogras said. But then he finally came back, as a Peak C-Grade Monarch. Blood flowed like rivers for 500 years before he was satisfied and left our sector for good.


    Wait, just Peak C-Grade? Did he manage to do all that without even breaking into the B-Grade? How is that possible, dont all the peak forces have Peak C-Grade Monarchs hidden in seclusion? Zac asked incredulously. "With the help of their arrays, they should be able to defend even against someone like that."


    I actually learned something interesting regarding that, Ogras snorted. Our sector is a bit generous, or rather boastful, when ites to assigning grades to forces.


    What? Zac asked with confusion.


    There are probably less than 10 High C-Grade Monarchs in the whole sector, Ogras said, drawing a surprised exmation from both Joanna and Zac. Some say even less than five. And not a single Peak C-Grade warrior unless they are hiding their strength for some reason. The reason that Dravorak Dynasty is so famous right now is that they have one of the few confirmed High C-Grade Monarchs.


    What? Zac said. Are you messing with me? What about all the peak C-Grade forces?


    Having a Pseudo C-Grade Monarch makes a force C-Grade. Having a true C-Grade Monarch, no matter how weak, makes the force Middle C-Grade. Having an Elite Early C-Grade or a weak Mid C-Grade makes the force a High C-Grade force. Finally, Forces with at least Mid-Grade C-Grade warriors and strong foundations are called the Peak C-Grade forces of the Zecia Sector, Ogras snorted.


    Zac was about to refute the man, but he suddenly remembered Anzonil. His force was regarded as a weak D-Grade force simply because he had formed a Pseudo Core. It sounded like the same was possible with whatever was required to move into the C-Grade, and a remote sector like Zecia considered that good enough.


    It also exined why Catheya''s master seemingly held such a level of esteem in the Undead Kingdom. Perhaps it wasn''t only the fact he came from the hearnds, but also that he simply was stronger than anyone else in the whole sector. No wonder that Catheya could decapitate 40 people without anyone lifting a finger to retaliate.


    It didnt make a big difference for Zac as things were, but it did actually lessen the pressure he felt somewhat. It meant that if he managed to reach at least Early C-Grade in the future, then there was probably no force in the whole sector that would dare mess with him or Earth. He had thought he would have to reach High C-Grade for that effect.


    Of course, the revtion also indicated that the might be somethingcking in the Zecia sector as a whole if no one was able to reach Peak C Grade. Perhaps it was resources, or perhaps the cultivation techniques. In either case, it was bad news for him. If not even the most talented cultivators could reach Peak C-Grade, how would he, a talentless mortal do it?


    Of course, he was way early in worrying about the C-Grade. But it was worth remembering, as it meant that following the "standard" elite route of Zecia would have an end-point that was even lower than that of his master, Yrial. He would have to go above and beyond somehow. But it was clearly possible if the Eveningtide Asura managed to break through.


    Is he still alive? Zac asked curiously. The Asura?


    No idea, Ogras shrugged. This happened something like a million years ago. Perhaps not even the ancient bastards from the strongest forces were alive back then. There were rumors that he had offended some terrifying unorthodox force a few hundred thousand years ago, and after that, he hasnt been heard of. Sounds like someone who loved getting himself in trouble, and perhaps his luck ran out. Also, considering how many mortals he killed in his quest for vengeance he might have been punished by the Ruthless Heavens.


    The atmosphere on the leaf became a bit subdued as they looked out across thendscape. Zac prayed that things wouldnt y out as they did with the Eveningtide Asura. It also confirmed the importance of keeping anything valuable with you hidden, at least until you were strong enough to defend yourself.


    However, his mood soon lightened again as they closed in on their target; the mutated tree that was somehow generating life through death. Joanna set them down next to the tree, and Zac walked up to it once more. However, no matter what he did he found himself unable to push his Dao any further, and he couldn''t make any inroads on his skill quests either.


    He was forced to give up after five hours, but he still felt that the tree held some secrets worth exploring. He took out arge barrel and filled it with dirt before he gingerly cut three branches and ced them inside. He also inserted a couple of miasma crystals into the earth after some consideration.


    He hadnt gained much from thest set of saplings he took, but that might be because of him having ced them into his Cosmos Sack. He had long forgotten to rent them, which had turned them into worthless sticks in his back. But now he was nning on building a death-attuned cultivation cave, meaning he would have a proper home ready for them.


    They set out a minuteter, and they actually reached the edge of the Dead Zone a bit faster than expected. However, they soon realized that it wasnt because of their speed, but rather because the Dead Zone seemed to be shrinking. It was a huge relief to see the world naturally heal itself so quickly, and it felt like a good indicator that hadn''t been damaged beyond repair.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But that didn''t mean that the undead threat waspletely dealt with, as they saw massive swathes of zombies lumbering around as they flew closer to the battlefield he had seen in his crystal. Some of them seemed to be heading toward the core of the Dead Zone, whereas others trailed off toward inhabitednds.


    It would take a lot of work to deal with the hundreds of millions of Zombies.


    Some were already working on it though, and Zac was surprised to see the battle was still raging. It wasnt an all-out battle though, as the humans mostly seemed to fight in an effort to corral the zombies away from the area with human settlements. However, the horde still looked extremely rowdy. Some drifted back toward the Dead Zone, but most seemed intent on feasting on the living.


    Zac looked inward to check the status of his body. The node had mostly stabilized by now, and while the pathways were still a bit messy he had started to work on redrawing them over the past day. He still had a long way to go but he felt he had made enough progress tofortably dish out a couple of fractal edges.


    I''ll help them out a bit, Zac said as he jumped down from the leaf, hurdling toward the zombies like a human cannonball.

 Chapter 511: Plans and Schemes

    Chapter 511: ns and Schemes


    How is it? Gregor asked as he spat out some blood from his mouth, reminding him of his internal injuries.


    A decent number of wounds covered his body from ceaseless fighting over the past two days, and the two newly gained scimitars in his hands felt as heavy as mountains. But there was not much else to do. The zombie bastards had gone crazy out of nowhere, and it only became worse when that shudder went through the.


    But the pain was intermixed with a sweet sense of bliss, as that shudder had indicated the continued survival of Earth. That man had really done it. One man and a small support staff charging into the core of the Dead Zone to kill the Lich King, and somehow living to tell the tale.


    If only the other undead bastards could take the hint and throw in the towel as well.


    We wont be able to hold much longer, Lararia frowned as she looked out over the frontlines. I think our best bet is fighting a battle of retreat, leading them away from our sector.


    Some of these bastards will still ignore us and do whatever they want, Oksana muttered. Our scouts are indicating that packs of zombies are appearing all over the ce, causing havoc.


    What about Enigma? Gregor asked.


    We cant find him, Lararia said with worry. He took his squad to search for the general, but weve lost contact.


    Well, let''s hope hes just held up, Gregor mumbled. Our faction will need  Wait, is that him?


    The other Councilors followed his gaze, and their eyes immediately lit up. It wasnt their unsociable strongman who essentially lived out in the battlefields, but rather an emerald leaf that pushed through the clear blue sky.


    The others didnt have time toment before someone jumped out from the flying treasure, falling straight toward the sea of zombies like a meteor. A terrifying impact erupted the next second as a coruscating wave of rock and mud spread out like a tsunami, swallowing hundreds of zombies in an instant.


    A massive plume of sand rose to the sky from the impact and obscured their vision. However, Gregor barely had time to register the series of events as an enormous de ripped the dust apart as it shot out with terrifying momentum.


    It was at least fifty meters long, and the zombies were cut apart as though they were made from paper. Was this the same wretched creatures that caused their soldiers so much trouble due to their sturdy bodies? A shocking corridor of destruction ripped forward, leaving not a single body intact. Gregor had to rapidly blink a couple of times as he stared at the edge''s advance, as it almost felt like his eyes were cut by just looking at the skill.


    Gregor himself and many of the councilors had tried to take advantage of the thick density of zombies in a simr fashion, utilizing their area skills to cause as much damage as possible. However, the zombies were just too tough. Each zombie drained their attacks, like they sucked up some of the energy like sponges, causing the skills to fizzle after a dozen kills or so.


    However, Lord Atwoods attack seemed to face no such impediments. It kept flying until they destabilized well over a hundred meters away from him. Was it a difference of Dao? The fractal de that cut through the horde like butter either had a greenish tint, the color giving the attack a distinct power.


    They had already guessed that Lord Atwood had surpassed the stage of Dao Seeds, and this seemed to be a confirmation of it.


    However, it quickly became apparent that the enormous de was no ultimate strike, as Lord Atwood seemingly was able to keep conjuring them at will. One, two, three des followed suit in short order, each of reaping their own set of the unliving as Lord Atwood moved with impossible speed within the horde. Each de took out thousands of the clumped-together bastards.


    So many of them dead in an instant, Oksana muttered with disbelief written all over her face. Is this the power of the E-Grade?


    No way, Lararia said with a shake of her head, her tail nervously flitting back and forth from watching the bloody disy. If that was the case, then the general would have singlehandedly decimated our army. This is Lord Atwoods personal power.


    Shit, didnt he just fight the Lich King yesterday? And now hes already back at full power? Gregor sputtered with disbelief. Is that man unstoppable?


    Each step moved Lord Atwood fifty meters forward and resulted in another gory wave of destruction, and a primordial fear gripped Gregors heart as he looked at the carnage. They could sense his immense aura even all the way from where they stood, and Gregor felt like a helpless hare gazing at an apex predator.


    An eruption of darkness suddenly swallowed another section of the zombie horde, and the undead fell by the hundreds. Gregor looked at the spectacle with confusion until he suddenly noticed the horned demon emerging out of the shadows to decimate everything in his surroundings, only to disappear a momentter.


    He kept moving the battlefield through teleportation, like a grim reaper toying with the mindless undead. Gregor had thought Lord Atwood to be an outlier after he essentially dealt with the Fire Golem Incursion singlehandedly, but it looked like he extremely capable followers as well.


    Enigma isnt even a match to the right-hand man, Lararia muttered, echoing his thoughts. Wed probably need the whole council to secure a kill. Provided that this is the limits of that mans power.


    Dont speak such unlucky words, what if they hear us? Oksana said with a frown. Besides, they are our saviors.


    Should we join them? Gregor ventured after a while.


    No point, a new voice said, and they saw Romal walk over, his bloody shovel slung across his back. We might just get in the way. Lets hold the line and deal with stragglers until theyre done.


    The other Councilors nodded in agreement, and they spent the next hour dealing with the scraps while the two monsters kept wreaking havoc. Joanna, the spear warrior following Lord Atwood, joined them early on and confirmed the destruction of the Undead Incursion.


    The demon joined them half an hourter, appearing in their midst without notice. However, Lord Atwood kept mowing down Zombies for over two hours, methodically decimating the undead. Every three seconds the air would shudder as he released a massive fractal edge, and he would move toward the next group without bothering to look at the results.


    Gregor had already turned numb to that mans actions, but he couldnt help but wonder just how much Cosmic Energy that man had used by this point. But it looked like even Lord Atwood had a limit, and he finally stopped his carnage as he started walking toward their army.


    A tremendous aura radiated from his body, but Gregor was surprised to feel a refreshing auraing from it. However, the zombies clearly didnt share his sentiments as they fled for their lives, desperately moving out of the Dao Field as he walked toward the Council''s Army.


    Releasing the aura essentially ended the battle, and over a hundred thousand warriors silently watched the approach of a single bloodied man. Even Gregor felt mesmerized as he looked at Lord Atwoods approach, as he drew quite the picture with the suns setting behind his back.


    The bestial axe in his hand glistened in the sunlight as dark blood dripped from the teeth fastened to its axehead. However, the white flowing robes he wore were unmarred by even a speck of dust, proving that he hadnt even been close to bing injured during the fight.


    However, the most gripping things were his eyes. It felt like they contained a boundless power that made Gregor shudder from hundreds of meters away. His very existence was cause for pressure, and it looked like the army felt the same as a wide passage in the ranks opened up without any order. It wasnt surprising, of course.


    Whod dare to block a man who had just mowed down millions of zombies?


    Lord Atwood soon appeared in front of them and nodded as he stashed away his weapon.


    Have you found any clues about the general who was leading this horde? he simply asked.


    Ah- Ehm, no, Gregor said, quickly finding his bearings. Im afraid not. The horde suddenly turned chaotic and rowdy without warning two days ago, we believe it might have been because the general fled. Enigma set out to find him with a group of elites, but we havent heard any news.


    Lord Atwood nodded with a sigh.


    Well, the portal is closed and the Dead Zone is shrinking. Well be able to smoke him out sooner orter. Contact Port Atwood if you hear anything, he said.


    Of course, Gregor nodded.


    Wheres the closest teleporter? Lord Atwood asked.


    An hour by foot in that direction, Romal said with a weak voice as he pointed westward.


    Thank you for your hard work, Lord Atwood said as he jumped back onto his flying treasure. But remember, this isnt over. There are still multiple dangers threatening Earth, so dont let down your guards. I will hold an auction in a few weeks, there will be a lot of items that will be helpful for the elites of our world. You shoulde.


    Port Atwood next? the mysterious demon asked, but Lord Atwood shook his head.


    No, theres someone I need to talk to first, Lord Atwood said with a shake of his head.


    Who? the demon asked with surprise.


    Verana, Zac simply answered as he nodded for his bodyguard to start flying. I need some answers.


    A bloodthirstyugh echoed out across the area as the demon joined him on the leaf, leaving a subdued group of councilors behind. Only when the trio had turned into a small spot on the horizon did Gregor remember to breathe, and he realized his back waspletely drenched in sweat.


    Imagine if we actually had gone with the original n to fight that monster, Gregor wryly smiled. Wed be skeletons tossed into some corner of the Underworld by now.


    And more importantly, he felt very happy that he wasnt rted to that Verana character, going by the fire in Lord Atwood''s eyes.


    ----


    A subdued silence lingered in therge conference room, with no one of the 10-odd people present wanting to be the first one to speak up. Thomas wasnt in any hurry either, so he slowly looked out across the room of representatives to get a sense of their thoughts.


    The power dynamic of the New World Government had slowly changed with democracy giving way to hegemony, but such was the natural result in a world like theirs. However, Thomas knew all-too-well that his current position was nowhere near as stable as that of the Super Brother-Man, Zachary Atwood.


    He was unable topletely subdue the other factions of the government with his force alone, so he was still forced to ede to the will of the many in many scenarios. It did bog down his ns a bit, but he could only me himself for beingcking in talent.


    Its closed and the array has been turned off, Francis Girardot finally muttered as he looked over at Thomas.


    Thomas slowly nodded in confirmation, but he didnt speak up just yet. Zachary Atwood had made his move after all, and he was curious to see what the others had to say about it. His biggest worry right now was that the other members would start flocking to his rising star, abandoning the arduously crafted ns of theirs.


    Is this good news or bad news? Johana, the Russian representative, asked.


    It is obviously good news to have one less threat to worry about, Asano said from the other side of the table. The question is whether it changes our ns.


    Multiple heads slowly turned toward Thomas sitting at the short end of the table. Asanos words had a clear implication. What can you provide that the Super Brother-Man cant?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This doesnt change our ns, Thomas finally said. Zachary defeating the Undead Empire is not wholly unexpected. The undead were powerful, but ultimately limited by the rules of the System. The real threat to Earth is not. The threat of the Redeemer remains. We will proceed with the Ark World Project."


    Murmurs of agreement went around the table, though a few faces looked troubled.


    What about bringing Zachary Atwood into the n? a councilor ventured. "It would greatly improve our chances to seize the item."


    Absolutely not, Thomas Fischer said without hesitation. Remember the uses of the Dimensional Seed? We want it to create a safe haven for our people. But what would Zachary Atwood use it for?


    The C-Grade, Asano muttered thoughtfully.


    Exactly. All our intelligence indicates that he only cares about the safety of his sister. He even left his whole army to fend for themselves for weeks against the undead. He mysteriously disappeared for a month while humans died by the millions. He will no doubt save the seed to break through in the future," Thomas said without missing a beat.


    But hes facing the same threat as us. The master of the Dominators, another representative muttered. Surely he can be convin-


    We already possess two tokens that would take us off-world, Thomas cut him off. There is no way that Zachary Atwood doesnt have at least as many. He can always cut and run, bringing his closest people with him after having looted all the treasures of Earth.


    The representatives slowly nodded in agreement, clearly seeing the problem as well.


    Besides. Its not like were hopeless, Thomas added with a smile. Im happy to announce that Silverfox and I have finally managed to broker an agreement with the True Sky-faction of the Ark World. Zachary Atwood is strong, but can he contend with their high E-Grade ancestors?

 Chapter 512: Regret

    Chapter 512: Regret


    Verana sat by a flowerbed in her garden, absentmindedly stroking Lulus soft fur as the beast slept in herp while cradling a beast crystal. A sense of impending doom had filled her heart the entire day, and she finally knew it was time for a reckoning the moment Lys hurried into her room with worry in her eyes. Not that her maid needed to exin what was going on as she had already received the prompt.


    Zachary Atwood had arrived.


    The humans under her employ had already divulged his evolution and explosive gain in levels over the past days, and the fact that their surroundings werent drowned in Miasma was proof enough of what had transpired. The young master of the Brindevalt had sent a message as well five hours ago, confirming her hunch. The Undead Empire was thrown off from this baby world, making Zachary Atwood its de-facto leader.


    This should normally have been a joyous asion, but she had messed up. She had been frozen in hesitation about the implications of offending the undead and the Church of the Evesting Dao, until the point that they lost connection through the teleporter. Now Zac was back, and his thoughts about their actions were known only to himself.


    Why had she hesitated back then? It was not like either of those forces were on good terms with the Tal-dar. In fact, it was the opposite, with the higher-tiered tribes having joined more than one excursion to curtail the expansion of the Undead Kingdoms.


    She finally understood the weight ofmand that her grandmother had tried teaching her about, but now it might be toote. Her mind ran a mile a minute as she tried to figure out the optimal path to take from here on out. There was a palpable pressure on her as the course of the meeting might decide whether she and her people would survive the day.


    Because one thing was clear. If the Super Brother-Man had arrived with the intent to kill, then there was nothing she could do. He had taken out almost a dozen forces stronger than heirs, and even the undead wasn''t a match to him. She still couldn''t believe it as she had seen him in action on multiple asions, but it was hard to argue with the facts ced in front of her.


    She finally concluded that her best course of action was to feign ignorance; that she was preparing her forces to assist when Port Atwood was under attack, but the arrays had suddenly disappeared just when they were about to set out. So she adorned a weing smile when the human and his annoyingpanion stepped into her garden.


    Verana gasped as she felt a terrifying pressure spread out through her backyard. Zachary Atwood was clearly making his stance known, and the few attendants were forced to flee from the immense pressure as the flora was pushed to the ground. Even Verana felt the strain, and Lulu whined in herp as she was startled awake, her little muscles growing taut.


    There was no longer any confusion about how Zachary Atwood had defeated the undead after feeling this terrorizing aura. It was almost iprehensible how much he had grown since theyst met. Verana already knew that he had gone off-world for some opportunity, but just what kind of encounter could utterly transform someone to this degree? She still maintained the smile though, wanting to make it feel like nothing was amiss.


    However, that smile turned extremely forced when she heard Zacs first words.


    I thought you would have left for the Brindevalt n by now.


    -----------n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac looked at the frozen smile of Verana with a snort before he sat down opposite her.


    I am not sure what youve heard, but I assure you that the TirEmarel Family has upheld their part of the agreement without any deviance, Verana said after a second. We have not divulged any information about you to the Brindevalt. I feared the worst had happened to you when we lost contact, and we sought out an ally.


    You know, I wondered what made you so willing to stay behind on a invaded by not only the undead but also the insane cultists, Zac said, freely speaking his thoughts. It turns out you had an escape route from the beginning.


    Cant trust the pointy-ears, they are only true to their beasts, Ogras snorted from the side, drawing an angered look from Verana.


    I can understand how it looks, but I hope that you can understand my predicament. I wanted to assist, but I also had orders from my family to not offend any powerful forces while I was cut off from the n. By the time I found the resolve to go against my familys wishes we had lost connection to Port Atwood, Verana exined. Also, I believe the Brindevalt can be a great asset as well. They are-


    You can send a message to your friends, Zac cut her off. I am heading back to consolidate my gains. But I will head out and ughter every invading force that remains on Earth the moment Im done. They better be gone within the week unless theyre ready to face me in battle.


    Zac stood up, not caring that Verana''s smiling face had turned into an emotionless mask, her eyes the only thing that betrayed the churning emotions within.


    Ill uphold my bargain, you are wee to stay as a trading partner. However, since youre unwilling to fight for thiss survival, then you can forget about taking part in its resources. I will see any expansion from the Tal-dar as an act of war, and I will act swiftly in response, Zac said as he walked out without another word.


    He had said what needed to be said, and he was in no mood to stay any longer. His wholesale ughter of the zombie horde had tired him out, and he just wanted to sleep for a few hours. Ogras stood up as well, but he didnt immediately join Zac as he left. Instead, he turned toward Verana with a grin.


    What? she snorted with annoyance after Zac had left the garden. Dont pretend a calcting coward like you would have acted any different when faced with such a situation.


    I might be a coward, but I at least have a nose for opportunity. Youve just pissed off the first person to reach the 9<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity in a million years, Ogras said, his grin almost splitting his face apart. You better pray that the Tribal Elders of your race doesnt sacrifice your whole n as a form of appeasement to the seconding of the Eveningtide Asura.


    WHAT?! Verana eximed with shock, but she quickly calmed down. Another life from a demons poisonous tongue.


    However, Ogras noticed that the Beast Master was not as calm as she let on, and he decided to twist the knife a bit.


    Believe what you will. Would I bother lying about something like this? The news will sooner orter spread across the whole Sector, and the natives will bring back news over theing years. Youll see. Silly girl, you stayed on this little for its opportunities, but you let it all slip through your fingers, Ograsughed as he shed away, effortlessly avoiding an infuriated swipe by Verana.


    He appeared right at the exit of the garden and looked back at Verana who stood rooted in ce with a stormy expression. One of them looked physically ill and the other looking like he had just won the lottery.


    ----


    What were you doing? Zac asked when Ogras appeared by his side again.


    Rubbing some salt in the wound, the demon snickered. Never forget to kick your enemies when they are down.


    What do you think theyll do? Zac asked, ignoring thement.


    The potential value of a trade route like this is too valuable to simply give up, Ogras slowly said. They will definitely leave at least some people here. Not that I think that they can simply leave as they want through someone elses Incursion. There should be a massive cost to that. I didnt even know it was possible. At best the girl and a few of her elites will be able to escape this, leaving the rest behind. Doesn''t really matter now, does it? You have gained many superior allies since we met these bastards.


    Zac nodded in agreement. If things fell through with the Tir''Emarel n, then there would be a hundred stronger factions that would probably be more than willing to trade with him after the System''s shroud was lifted. Provided he didn''t be a pariah of the Sector, of course.


    The Tal-dar kept a wide berth around them as they walked through the town, and they soon reached the Teleportation Array. They appeared in Port Atwood a bout of darknesster, and the two let out a collective sigh of relief. He had seen the others step through just fine, but almost getting ripped to shreds while stuck mid-teleportation had left a small seed of fear in Zac''s heart.


    He just wanted to run home and sleep, but there was one thing that couldn''t wait.


    You want to see your girlfriend? Zac asked after having nodded at the soldiers standing guard at the teleportation tree.


    What? Who? Ogras blurted and took a step back.


    Emma MacHale, Zac snorted.


    Oh, her? Ogras muttered. What a waste. Why are you seeing her for?


    I need to speak with Julia, Zac exined. I want information from the New World Government.


    Why not just go over and cut off a couple of heads before demanding answers? The amount they had badmouthed you would have gotten them all killed long ago on my home, Ogras asked.


    I might disband them, or I might not, Zac shrugged. I havent decided yet. There should be quite a few turncoats who are willing to offer up intelligence though, so Ill have Julia work a bit in the meantime.


    The two soon found themselves at the sprawling mansion that Emma had demanded as remuneration for getting kidnapped. They found the two sitting outside, with Emma reading some scripts while Julia cultivated.


    What are the two of you doing here? Emma said with a raised brow. Questions about same-sex rtionships? The two of you finally tying the knot?


    That bore wouldnt be able tond me in a thousand years, Ograsughed as he snatched the bottle of wine next to Emma. Hes here for your little lover.


    Whats going on? Julia said as she opened her eyes.


    Are you interested in some work? Zac asked as he looked down at the former government official.


    It turned out that the answer was a resounding yes, and Julia almost ran out of the mansion before Zac had exined the situation in full. Staying still for months on end on an isted ind was clearly fraying her nerves.


    They eventually decided that Julia would go to Westfort, bringing two bodyguards with her upon Emmas insistence. As for her next step, that would depend on what she found out in the town. She seemed to have the matter in hand, so Zac left after giving her a deadline of a week. If she couldnt find out anything by then he would have to take some more drastic measures.


    Zac and Ogras left soon after, and Zac started walking toward his private area.


    What will you do next? Ogras asked.


    I need to recuperate, Zac sighed. Cracking open a node caused more trouble than expected. Its really a pain to be a mortal.


    Yes, youre one unlucky bastard, Ogras muttered, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he shed away.


    Zac made his way back to hispound and found that his sister had left a note. She had left for Mystic Ind by teleporting to the closest ind. The teleporter on Mystic Ind itself was apparently blocked by spatial turbulence, probably due to whatever the cultists did to close the tunnel.


    Since there was nothing else to do he finally let himself rest for a bit, and he drifted off before his head even touched the pillow. He only woke a full six hourster, feeling a lot betterpared to before.


    Seeing that no one was looking for him he took the opportunity to start redrawing his pathways again. A map of the extremely intricate lines had thankfully been imprinted in his mind when he evolved, so there was no guesswork involved. However, the process was anything but simple just because he knew how things were supposed to look.


    He slowly carved the extremely thin pathways with the help of his Cosmic Energy, but he was repeatedly forced to stop and redraw the lines. The slightest deviation would ruin everything, and he kept slipping up, forcing him to start over. Minutes turned to hours, but when he finally paused he realized that he had just redrawn a centimeters length, even though it felt like kilometers of interwoven lines.


    This was going to be a lot of work.

 Chapter 513: Pathways

    Chapter 513: Pathways


    Zac grunted as he got to his feet after having finished his recuperation for the night. One week had passed since the events in the Dead Zone, and he had finally restored the pathways in his leg to optimal condition. It had also given him some time to take it easy and find some stability. Having first rushed through the levels in the Tower of Eternity, only to be thrown into a hectic battle against the Undead Empire had taken its mental toll.


    Redrawing the pathways had felt like a chore the first days, but he quickly realized the benefits of doing so. One of his weaknesses was ack of familiarity with the patterns and fractals that made up pathways and skill fractals alike, but he was slowly shoring up that weakness while redrawing his fractals.


    The process was slow, but it allowed him to gain a far greater insight into how the fractals actually worked and how they interacted with nodes and skill fractals. He had generally considered them magic veins until now, pumping Cosmic Energy instead of blood, but he realized that was a reductionist way to look at it.


    The pathways created an extremely intricatework of thousands of fine energy routes, that actually worked together to transform the Cosmic Energy he used. You could say that raw cosmic energy entered his pathways from his cells, where it was stored until he would form a Cultivation Core, but that Cosmic Energy wasn''t in tune with his ss.


    However, the energy was split apart into thousands of minuscule streams through the fractals, and when they rbined in the Skill Fractals the energy had transformed a bit, like the previously raw Cosmic Energy had been forced to all stay on the same wavelength. Zac guessed that the pathways also did the same with Cosmic Energy that was absorbed through cultivation, though he couldn''t test that for himself.


    He hadn''t beenpletely certain why the pathways between sses were so different before, but this was the most likely exnation. It was not only about fitting with the skills but rather forming a specific type of Cosmic Energy. It didn''t quite go as far as give the energy an attunement though, but perhaps that was exactly what would happen at higher grades.


    Having spent most of his waking time redrawing these pathways had given Zac a newfound understanding not only of the fractals but also about his ss. He stillcked a theoretical foundation, but he felt that his understanding would perhaps even eclipse that of most cultivators by the time he reached peak E-Grade.


    Furthermore, his week of introspection had also given him a better understanding of the pathways, then he had also gained a better understanding of what the Nodes actually did. If the pathway was a pattern of pipes helped remold his Cosmic Energy, then the spinning whirlwinds of the Nodes were essentially self-sustaining repeaters that sped up the process.


    He still couldn''t figure out exactly how his Hidden Node fit into this system just yet, but he hoped he''d be able to find out more when exploring the Mystic Realm in the future.


    Seeing as he had essentially been holed up in his courtyard since returning, Zac decided to take a stroll through Port Atwood. Most things were pretty much the same as usual, but there was an extraordinarilyrge number of Tal-dar and their beastpanions walking the streets. Zac knew that these were only the ones on a break as well, with most of them working on the surroundings of Port Atwood and Azh''Rodum.


    Verana had quickly made her stance known as she appeared in Port Atwood just a few hours after Zac, bringing with her most of her nonbat ss nsmen. They had quickly gotten to work at rebuilding broken parts of the town, renting burnt-down trees, and even expanding the town with new structures.


    The leader herself had spent a lot of time in the Atwood Academy, teaching the kids what she knew about beast rearing and cultivation, even bringing a couple of litters of infant beasts. Zac had half-expected her to flee with the Brindevalt n, but she clearly felt there was more value to stay on, even with the cooling rtions with Zac.


    Zac obviously didn''t really buy into this PR-campaign, but he also wouldn''t say no to freebor.


    As for the Brindevalt, they were long gone. The few remaining Incursions had all closed their doors and returned to wherever they came from by now, apart from the cultists. The Brindevalts had even sent a batch of resources and their congrattions through Verana before leaving, while setting things up so that taking over their domain would go smoothly.


    Verana was most likely the reason for their congeniality, as the others had simply slunk away in the night after looting everything they could. They probably understood that the natives woulde for them next, even if they had fought against the Zombie hordes together.


    Or perhaps they had heard about Zacs existence and his deeds inside the Tower and had decisively left.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He still had no idea exactly what kinds of waves his emergence had created. He was still a small shrimp, but he had done something that hadnt been aplished for a million years. No one living in the whole Zecia Sector had reached his level in the Tower of Eternity, at least not to his knowledge.


    Zac had asked Calrin to try to buy some reports of what was going on, but he still hadn''t heard anything from the Sky Gnome. It wasn''t that surprising though as less than ten days had passed since he left the Base Town. With Calrin''s limitedwork it might take some more time before they got hold of the news.


    But that very same uncertainty made him unsure about his next steps. One of the first orders he had sent out to his people after returning was to look for ces with high numbers of E-Grade beasts. Mystic Ind was the best ce in the archipgo, but much of its core had been cleansed of beasts to secure the base camp by the spatial tunnel.


    Unfortunately, there weren''t a lot of other good options. He had essentially out-leveled Earth, making it extremely hard for him to advance. He had gotten his hands on quite a few Teleportation Tokens by now though, allowing him to go to a lot of interesting ces. He alone had the tokens from Gu, Pretty, Boje, and Catheya. But that was just the tip of the iceberg.


    Ogras had received over a hundred tokens from all kinds of forces during the time he stayed behind in the Base Town. Zac essentially had ess to every major Empire in the Zecia sector, except a few xenophobic and racially uniform ones. Unfortunately, it turned out that all the tokens he had gathered were useless at the moment.


    The Nexus Hub was still inert, most likely because the Cultists were still on the loose.


    That meant he was stuck on earth for the time being, unable to whizz off to some off-world hunting grounds to grind out a couple of levels. His predicament had also made him understand why the Dominators barely had gained any levels apart from the boost from the hunt. It simply wasn''t possible on Earth.


    Zac''s aimless wandering soon led him to the Academy, and he entered after having thought of something he had put off until now. He found Alyn sitting at the veranda of her house like many times before, and he sat down next to her.


    A cup of tea? Alyn asked as she looked over with a smile.


    No thank you, Zac said. A lot to do today.


    Be careful, or you will get addicted to the stress, Alyn said. Its okay to take a break sometimes. In fact, its advisable. It allows your Dao and your path to harmonize with the real you, the one that isnt forced into one desperate situation after another.


    I will hopefully have time for that when Ive closed the final Incursion, Zac smiled, though he honestly wasnt so sure.


    Have you found their whereabouts by now? she asked. Theyve killed quite a few of our people through their two visits to this ind.


    Not yet, Zac sighed. I''ve been busy, but I have my people looking into it. We''ll probably hear back soon."


    Good, Alyn nodded. You are nurturing the heart of an Emperor. Let others deal with the little things while you focus on your cultivation.


    Got any tips? Zac smiled, feeling a bit reminiscent of the days the two spent in the Nexus Crystal Mine while Zac was working on ridding his body of his Cosmic Water dependency.


    Life had felt a lot simpler back then.


    What tips can I give you? Alyn shook her head. My teachings are meant to bring the most out of the talentless cultivators, turning them into contributing cogs in the machine. Neither I nor n AzhRezak knew anything about raising true elites. If we did we wouldnt have been a n that could barely be considered nobility. You will have to find your own path, or find a better teacher.


    I was just kidding. On another note, can you call back any students who participated in the Dao Funnelst month, in case they are out training? Not a single one can be missing, Zac said.


    Whats going on? Alyn said, a small frown adorning her face.


    Zac was about to exin, but he froze for a second and instead took out the Lantern. He immediately infused some energy into it, and he suddenly felt a connection to the thing as a ghastly white me lit up behind the ss.


    The two were doused in the spectral shine, and Zac was suddenly covered in ribbons in all kinds of colors. A few were pretty thick, but most were thin as a strand of hair. Alyn also had a few bonds, most of them stretching out in various directions of the town. There were also two that rose straight into the sky, but Zac was relieved to see that they lookedpletely different than those of the Great Redeemer.


    They rather had the same red color as the Demon Incursion had while it still was active, making Zac believe they were rather Karmic Links to some family or friends back on her home.


    Satisfied that there was no hidden problem with Alyn quickly turned off the Lantern, unwilling to spend any more lifeforce than needed. He had actually seen a grey hair when his hair started to grow out the other day, a reminder of how much lifeforce he had already lost because of the Shard of Creation.


    He would gain it back many times over when he reached D-grade Race, but it was still pretty disconcerting to see, considering his lifespan should be over 500 years by this point.


    I need to do this with everyone who was there, Zac said. It turns out the Redeemer guy is actually a bastard from a C-Grade n of Karmic Cultivators. This thing will root out hidden dangers. Keep this to yourself.


    The truth about Voridis AHeliophos, or rather The Great Redeemer, was still not disseminated among even the core of Port Atwood. No one present really knew too much about the means about the abilities and limits of that mysterious power, so they kept it on the safe side. The fewer who know any real details, the smaller the risk of inadvertently forming any Karmic Links.


    I understand, I will arrange things properly, Alyn nodded as she took out a crystal. When do you need them gathered?


    Make it three days from now," Zac said as he stood up. A few of the soldiers are out to sea right now I think.


    Since he couldnt scan for Karmic threats right now he could only focus on one of his other projects while he waited for Julia to return. Zac couldnt help but smile when remembering the former government employees excitement to get some responsibilities. She had lived a quiet life while her partner had worked on Ogras movie along with a few PR gigs across the achipgo, and she seemed bored out of her mind.


    Ogras had said that it was suspicious how eager she was to go talk with some unknown people at the New World Government, but Zac didnt believe she was a spy. There were no doubt spies on the ind judging from how the invaders seemed to have known about the general situation, but Julia wasnt a prime suspect.


    She had been restricted to a far greater degreepared to others to avoid this very situation, so it was more likely that she just wanted to do something productive. Besides, she seemed to have gotten extremelyplicated feelings for the New World Government since hearing Emmas stories. The suspect was likely someone else.


    Not that it really mattered any longer. The undead were dealt with and the Zealots were next, and any nning or scheming of the New World Government was redundant in the face of pure power. Besides, they seemed more invested in their Ark Project than world domination by now, even after the undead threat was dealt with.


    Zac was soon back in his private area, and he stepped onto his private teleporter. The next moment he appeared in a small nondescript cave. It looked like any other ce among the subterranean tunnels of his mountain range, apart from being illuminated by Luminous Pearls rather than the luminescent moss.


    But it was anything but normal.


    Zac started walking toward an empty wall, but when he passed an almost invisibleyer the surroundings changed, and he was inundated in dense waves of energies. The hair on his arms stood up as he was simultaneously buffeted by both life and death.


    It looked like his cultivation cave was finally up and running.

 Chapter 514: Cultivation Cave

    Chapter 514: Cultivation Cave


    Zac had finally set up a private cultivation area for his Draugr-side and Soul Cultivation, or rather his sister and Triv had. They hadpletely transformed the cave system around the original cultivation cave, and it would barely be recognizable by this point. He felt bad about constantly having his sister work on one array project after another, but he had no one else to turn to.


    The demons werepletely ipetent in that regard, and the Creators couldnt help with this project. The Sky Gnomes had helped with a portion of it, but they were only allowed to help install arrays that were bought through them. Triv was a wee addition though.


    The ghost was just eptable in his skill of cing arrays, but he had shown a surprising insight and attunement to natural energy flows, a genuine Feng Shui Master. That knowledge allowed Kenzie to take advantage of the rich energies in the cave to a much higher degree, drastically increasing the efficacy of the formations.


    Between that and Kenzie''s unnaturally high precision in array cement, they had managed to make amazing progress in one short week. He would have to hire a genuine Array Master to improve things even further, but those kinds of services werent avable in the Town Shop. It was a restriction put in ce by the System to prevent people from having too easy ess to means of empowerment. It wanted people to struggle, after all.


    There were a lot of buildings he could purchase from the store, but they were almost all services that were geared toward various types of convenience. He had for example purchased a bank to go with the Merit Store in the square of the town, though there were pretty strict limits on how much you could deposit. Not by the bankers themselves, but on the System.


    Zac had already deposited his maximum allowance as an Early E-Grade warrior, 1 Billion Nexus Coins, which would be directly handed over to his sister in case he died. It would be just a small portion of his full wealth, but he couldnt be certain what would happen if he got himself killed. The people of Earth might turn on Kenzie because of greed, but she could just use one of his Teleportation Tokens and withdraw the money on some other world instead.


    The cave Zac stood in right now was simply the entrance rather than the real cultivation area, as Triv insisted that a Teleportation Array would cause too much spatial turbulence. Besides, Kenzie would be able to teleport here now without inadvertently disturbing him mid-cultivation. The shudder he had felt as he stepped forward was a simple illusion- and containment array, hiding the real entrance and stopping the dense energies from escaping.


    The tunnel had changed a lot since he visited thest time. Before it had been filled with subterranean nts such as the mushrooms and glowing moss, creating a magical passage into the hidden cultivation chambers. But now it was like the tunnel had been split in two, each side representing either life or death.


    The left side of the tunnel still looked very much the same, but the right side had turned dour and colorless as an ashy haze emerged from the rock wall itself. Some of the nts had already died off, whereas others were barely hanging on. New growth had started to emerge though, mainly a pitch-ck moss that had supnted the luminescent one.


    It was an odd feeling walking in the middle of the tunnel, with half his body feeling the vigorous lifeing from the Lotus, while the other side was drenched in the cold grip of death. This was obviously not an idental design, but rather meticulously nned. However, the miraculous environment was nothingpared to the cave he entered next.


    It was a perfectly circr cavern that had actually been turned into a small forest, with the domed ceiling reaching almost fifty meters in the air. Half the chamber was filled with Death-attuned trees that had been brought over from the core of the Dead Zone, and the other half were trees that had grown in the secluded valley.


    It was Triv''s idea to nt the trees here, based on Zac''s preferences. Some liked to cultivate in sheer chambers without any distractingponents, whereas others liked to be surrounded by things that made them peaceful. Zac had chosen this type of environment as this was how usually had meditated since the beginning, sitting in the forest by his campsite.


    In the middle of the cave was arge de, with a prayer mat ced perfectly aligned to be in the center. There were two more mats in the chamber, though Zac couldnt see them from his current vantage. They were ced at central locations in the respective attunement of the cave. The area around the left mat would be full of life-attuned energies, whereas the other one would be surrounded by miasma.


    The trees might seem haphazardly nted, but that was anything but the truth. This was the work of Triv, who had meticulously aligned every tree to form the embryo of a natural formation. The formation itself wasn''t anything special, but it filled a very important purpose. It would gather the energies in the room and have them naturally flow toward the prayer mat in the center.


    If he sat down on that mat he would be able to see two passageways perfectly opposite each other, one to the left and another to the right. The left one would lead to his original cultivation cave, where the Life-attuned Lotus still resided in the pool of Cosmic Water. Dense waves of purest life-force entered his subterranean forest from that side, but it met an opposing forceing from the other.


    The right door led to apletely new chamber that had been dug into the mountain, and it was a smaller and modified version of the array they had found beneath the Undead Fortress. In the center of the chamber was the Seed of Undeath, surrounded by the very same pirs as before.


    However, the pirs didn''t st miasma toward the world core any longer, but rather extracted it from the Seed to push it toward the central cave.


    There was also a hidden room beneath it filled with Unholy Beacons. They took the Cosmic Energy that the Nexus Vein emitted and transformed it into Miasma that fed the Seed of Undeath and its array. Together with a couple of shielding arrays that kept the Death Attunement from spreading out, it had formed a hidden eco-system of death in the heart of the mountain.


    Zac heard some rustling on the life-attuned side of the forest, and he walked over to see his sister scrutinizing arge stone pir. It was embedded into the ground just outside the de on the life-attuned half of the forest. It did look a bit like the pirs that now stood in the Death Chamber, but they were actually Array gs that Kenzie had created herself.


    Normally such a g would just be a few decimeters long, but she was still unable to make them as small as the small sticks he had bought from the System.


    How does it look? Zac asked as he walked over.


    It should work as intended, Ivepared it with the disks you gave me. Ive also recreated simr pirs on the other side of the cave," Kenzie smiled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Why? Zac asked curiously. Was there something wrong with the Array Disks?


    The array that Kenzie was working on wasn''t something rted to energy flow, but it was something much more pressing. It was the array to practice his Soul Strengthening Manual. The Remnants were still very docile in his mind, but he hadn''t forgotten just how dangerous they could be. It felt like a miracle that he was still standing after the events in the tower, and he needed to be proactive in dealing with them.


    The Remnants were still extremely weak, but they were slowly but surely regaining their strength. Most of the energy they gained still entered his soul and his body to strengthen them, but a part of it remained. For example, he was pretty certain that he would be able to conjure a bronze sh by this point just based on the amount of energy contained in the markings covering his soul.


    Part of him wanted to just exhaust the energies that had gathered up til now to avoid any danger, but part of him was reluctant to waste his hidden ace. Who knew when he would need to be able to st something with a ball of pure destruction?


    No, they were honestly better than what I created. But I cant create Array Disks, and the Arrays would be lopsided if one was a small disk and the other half a forest in size, Kenzie said, looking a bit embarrassed. "I talked with Triv, and he believed that it might cause the death-attuned energies to push into the life cave too much."


    Thats fine, Zac said. Thank you for your help, and sorry I keep asking you to do stuff like this.


    Im not in a hurry to reach the E-Grade, and I dont care aboutdder positions or stuff like that, Kenzie shrugged. This way I can at least help you and help protect Earth.


    The two walked around the cave for a bit longer, where Kenzie made a final inspection of the pirs.


    It good to go. I wont disturb you any longer, Kenzie said as she packed up her things. Good luck with this stuff.


    Thank you, Zac said as he walked over to the mat ced on the right side of the cave.


    Dense clouds of miasma slowly swirled around it, somewhat reminding Zac of how it looked in his opened nodes. The mat itself was actually a piece of the massive mat that he had looted from the dragon cave.


    Calrin had identified it to be made from extremely valuable materials that aided in cultivation, with the inner pieces holding the most value. It had been cut into almost 100 pieces and refashioned into a set of mats with the inner mats going to the core warriors of Port Atwood, with the rest being put in the Merit Exchange.


    Zac took a deep breath before he sat down. It was finally time for him to start working on his <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>.


    The cultivation method for the first Reincarnation of the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> was quite simple. There was not much he needed to do, except alternate between using the Death-Array aptly called <strong>[Death Soul Array] </strong>and the counterpart that Kenzie had just finished setting up, the <strong>[Life Soul Array]</strong>.


    There were some ways that one could improve the efficacy of the two arrays though. The manual mentioned cultivating in life- and death attuned cultivation caves for example, and there were also a few treasures listed that could help speed up the process. However, Zac had only taken the most basic steps with the help so far by relying on the attunements generated by the Lotus and the Seed respectively.


    But it was entirely possible that he would start using more expensive methods to boost the cave even further. Triv was quite adept in improving the atmosphere this way, though his knowledge was mostly limited to death attunements so far. But the ghost was already studiously working on expanding his knowledge of life attuned measures to be more of service.


    Honestly, Zac was bing more and more pleased with his decision to keep the ghost around. Triv had already proven an extremely valuable asset in the construction of this cave, and he had all sorts of ideas to improve the state of Port Atwood in general. Most of the changes would be pretty expensive to enact, but Zac wasn''t too worried about cost at the moment. Now that the undead threat was dealt with his force had started to focus on expansion rather than war, and his ie increased every day.


    There was still the Zealots and the Dominators to deal with, but they werent a threat that required his whole force. He himself and perhaps a small strike squad would be all that he needed for those two threats, whereas the endless number of Zombies had required the cooperation of the whole world.


    Zac went over the cultivation method in his mind, still keeping his human form. He wanted to get the hang of things before he started to experiment with swapping races for the cultivation.


    A low hum echoed across the de as Zac activated the array, and it felt like the Miasma around him stirred. His skin prickled as well, and he quickly started to be a bit ufortable. However, he ignored the impulses to turn into a Draugr as he infused the array with some spiritual energy.


    The moment his mind made a connection with the array he felt a weak, but constant, drain on his mind as the array absorbed more and more of his mental energy. It wasnt a problem in the beginning, but he started to feel a bit queasy after half an hour had passed. He even started to wonder if there was something wrong with the array.


    However, just as he was about to abort the experiment a surge of energy rose from the array, and he felt a powerful stream enter his mind. It was his own mental energy, but it was tinged with death this time. Zac nodded in satisfaction and kept going, and the array hadpleted a cirction after roughly 45 minutes.


    Zac kept going ording to the manual, seeing that the array worked as intended. He slowlypleted one revolution after another, and his soul became a bit ghastlier every time. The two Remnants even woke up from their slumber for a few seconds, but they quickly calmed down again for some unknown reason. Perhaps they knew that whatever Zac was doing wasnt a threat to their existence.


    Only after nine full revolutions was the first half of the cultivation sessionplete. His mind waspletely permeated by death by now, and he almost felt like a ghost. The Miasma around him no longer felt ufortable, but rather inviting to the point that Zac almost thought he had changed to his Draugr constitution subconsciously.


    It even felt so good that he was inclined toy down and take a nap in the soothing mists. However, he immediately snapped out of it as he walked over to the other side of the forest. The usually soothing life-attuned energies that had turned the greenery even lusher felt like scorching gusts that threatened to blister his skin, but Zac ignored the illusion as he sat down at the second prayer mat.


    Another revolution began, but this time his Mental Energy brought back some warmth after it had passed through the array. Hepleted the nine revolutions once more, and only then did he feel like he was back to his normal self. Zac stood up from his mat and stretched before he checked on his gains.


    And truthfully, they werent all that great.

 Chapter 515: Divide

    Chapter 515: Divide


    A lot of work for little benefit. That was Zac''s first impression of the results frompleting a full cycle of the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>.


    His soul was in very good condition, all things considered, and it looked like it had turned a smidgeon more condensed. However, Zac had spent almost fourteen hours in this session, and the results felt a bitckluster for such an investment. He started to understand why so few warriors chose to spend time on a Soul Strengthening Manual.


    But he didnt have a choice.


    The two Remnants would wake up sooner orter, and he needed to empower his soul before then. He needed to be the one in charge, a fact that had be even more apparent after seeing the name of the Arcane ss he was presented. He didnt just want to be a vessel, he needed to be the controller.


    But it was undeniable that there was a problem with the time expenditure. He couldnt waste 14 hours a day on this array, he needed to gather Cosmic Energy to crack open nodes, ponder on the Daos, and work on his Race Evolution as well, besides all the other stuff that required his attention in Port Atwood.


    The situation wasnt hopeless though. This was just a trial run in unoptimized conditions, and he was hopeful that he would be able to expedite the speed of each revolution. If he could decrease each Revolution from 45 to 15 minutes with the help of his unique constitution he would suddenly only need to spend four and a half hours a day on Soul Cultivation, which was far more eptable.


    And Zac already had ideas on how to improve efficiency. The two arrays were essentially dialysis machines for his mental energy. It sucked the energy out and ran it across the arrays, where some impurities were shed while some attuned energies were infused. Each revolution would increase the attunement until his soul was stuffed, at which point he swapped array.


    The sh between life-attuned energies and death attuned energies at the second set of revolutions seemed to strengthen his soul without really hurting it as well, and he had a feeling that this controlled sh was one of the interesting aspects that set this method apart from other Soul Strengthening Manuals.


    The other was obviously the transformative impact when enough cycles had taken ce to form a Reincarnation.


    Another small benefit came from his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. It had actually absorbed some of the dense energies in the cave and pushed it into the next node to break open; this one located in his right leg instead. It wasn''t a huge amount, but it also wasn''t negligible. If he also managed to get his hands on a better version of the <strong>[Mother-Daughter Array]</strong> the benefits would be quite noticeable over time.


    Zac also felt pretty relieved that the nodes in early E-Gradeseemed to be located on his extremities. A lot of nodes were located on his torso, neck, and head though, and they were the cause for a lot of sleepless nights. Those around his heart and organs could always be cracked open in his undead form, but others felt extremely dangerous. What if he identally decapitated himself when he cracked open a node in his throat?


    He needed to find a way to contain the damage from node-breaking to only his spirit body somehow, leaving his flesh intact. Either that or be sturdy enough that a node explosion couldn''t harm him. Zac wasn''t all that worried though, as a lot of E-Grade mortals had passed this hurdle before him. He just needed to find out how they did it.


    Part of Zac wanted to sit down again and immediately start tinkering with the process, for example trying to perform a revolution while changing his race. There was no time to experiment with improving the process right now though. The Manual said that he could only do one revolution a day. Any more would just needlessly tax his soul without any benefits.


    He walked over to the central de instead and looked down at the small tree that grew there.


    It was the very same branch he had brought from the Dead Zone, the tree that epassed both life and death. He had nted it right at the delimitation of the two attunements, which meant that half of its branches were drenched in death while the other half enjoyed the sweet sor of life. He hoped to study what changes that brought to the mutated tree, and perhaps even gain some insights from the process.


    A second branch was ced in the life-attuned side, with a final one being steeped in Miasma. He wanted to see how the saplings adapted to the different environments. The branch shouldn''t have any problems surviving being rented in the area teeming with miasma, as that would be the same conditions it had in the Dead Zone.


    But what about being ced in a ce already teeming with life? Would it double up on producing vibrant energies, bing a beacon on verdure? Or would it perhaps swap over and start creating miasma? Zac couldn''t wait to find out. Of course, something like this wouldn''t change in a day or two.


    Not much had happened in the few days since the tree was rented, but Zac was relieved to see that it was doing just fine. There were no signs of wilting or that it hadnt taken to the earth, and after infusing it a bit with the Fragment of the Bodhi he could confirm that roots had already taken hold.


    A nce with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> showed that the tree was still mostly attuned to death though, which wasnt a surprise considering where it grew up. However, life was slowly gaining a foothold in the branches, and it didnt seem impossible that it would reach a true equilibrium in the future.


    Zac nodded with satisfaction before he sat down at the central mat. It was already gettingte, and Zac wasnt in the mood to leave this ce for the day. Many people would still be awake all the way until 2 or 3 am now that they only needed a few hours of sleep, but old habits die hard. You couldnt just pop in at someone''s ce at 11 pm.


    He instead focused his attentions on Fragment of the Bodhi. Zac hoped to gain some sort of insight by sitting in an area where life was in a constant struggle against death. The battle with the Lich King, unfortunately, hadnt provided any real inspiration, and the only thing he could do now was to grind at it until it was time to face thest threats to Earth.


    That was not to say that his experience in the Dead Zone was without any benefits. His battle of attrition with the Head Priest, where his Bodhi-infused branch managed to overpower the scorching mes, had resonated with him. Following that it was his meditation in front of the mutated tree.


    The two together had pushed him forward, and it felt like he was on the cusp of crystallizing some sort of breakthrough. But it still needed more time or some sort of breakthrough.


    He needed to make the best of the time, as he actually sensed that the Origin Dao was slowly starting to dissipate. It wasnt like it was a rapid decline, but the peak had clearly been met. What would follow would be a gradual dissipation of the Origin Dao until Earth was indistinguishable from any other world of the Zecia sector.


    It was a bit surprising the decline was happening so fast, the snippets of information on the subject indicated that it could stay for well over a decade. However, as things looked now the Origin Dao would run out in a year or two. One possibility was that there actually were more Dao Funnels like the one Salvation carried on Earth.


    If The Great Redeemer really was nning to harvest the Origin Dao of a, then it also made sense that he would leave more than one funnel behind to collect it for him. That way he would only need to pick up the Funnels upon arrival before he did whatever the Fulcrum-n entailed.


    Another possibility was that the Realignment Array had caused some irredeemable damage to Earth even if it was shut off in time. It still was anyones guess whether the massive swathe of death around the undead incursion would ever healpletely, but the damage was perhaps also done to a more fundamental level.


    In either case, the time of rapid growth for Earths poption wasing to an end as quickly as it began, and most cultivators of Port Atwood had been instructed to focus on the Dao rather than leveling to make the most of it. Anyone could reach peak F-Grade in a few years with the right support system, but gaining and evolving a Dao Seed was something else entirely.


    It was by far the mostmon reason for people to not being able to evolve. People simply didnt have the affinities or opportunities to form a Seed on their own. Arge number of the citizens of Earth might never form a Dao Seed if they didnt seize this opportunity.


    The scenes of his recent battles shed through his mind as he asionally looked over at the branch that was able to perform such a miraculous transformation. He even thought back to the original vision with the cherry tree, where the blessed tree had created a magical realm beneath its branches.


    The canopy had turned into a perfect barrier that took on the heat and the destion from the bands outside and fed it into its Buddhist Kingdom inside. It was just like how the branch in front of him took the miasma of the area and turned it into life.


    However, the transformation process was just one part of the miracle. The other was to form and protect the core of life that was allowed to grow powerful without outside interference. The Seed would be weak at the beginning, and only through protection would it be able to grow. Otherwise, it would be like a candle in the wind.


    "Istion. Creation through protection," Zac muttered, and his mind shuddered as he felt a resonance from the Dao.


    Zac followed the instinct and kept searching for answers, various scenes shing before his eyes as they slowly congealed into something new. It all began with the vision in the Tower. The general had been allowed to grow into his potential only due to the stele shielding him from the outside worlds for millennia, which echoed his current thoughts.


    The hours passed until something finally congealed in Zac''s mind. A surge of warmth spread from his mind to every corner of his body as the Fragment of the Bodhi evolved into middle stage. He felt more powerful than ever, but he held off on checking his gains as his intuition told him that he wasn''t done. There was more to gain.


    Zac stood up, pushed forward by an intangible momentum, and he swiped his right through the air as though his hand was a ded weapon. A shudder spread forward as the swing actually was infused with the Fragment of the Bodhi. However, the energies in the air didn''t turn chaotic from the action, but rather the opposite.


    The whole air around the central de was one big conflict zone between life and death, where miasma and divine energy fought for supremacy. At some ces, the miasma had encroached a bit on the other side, whereas life had managed to gain a small foothold on ces at the death attuned side.


    However, the moment Zac swung his palm the fighting stopped, and a clean line of demarcation could be seen. The miasma spread to an invisible line but didn''t move an inch further. Order had been brought to the area, and life was split from death.


    This was thanks to Zac''stest insight into the Fragment of the Bodhi, and Zac marveled at the scene until the effects of the swing dissipated, causing the thousand small conflicts to once again erupt all over the de. But it had been enough to reach his goal, and Zac opened his Quest Screen to check it out.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Rapturous Divide (ss): Split Life and Death. Reward: Rapturous Divide Skill (1/1) COMPLETE</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    A fractal appeared the next moment, taking a spot on his left arm, essentially mirroring the fractal for <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> on his other arm. The fractal looked a lot different though, forming twopletely separate lines that didn''t have one single fractal that connected each side. The only fractal until now that had even been a little bit simr was <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, though these fractals were a lot more intricate.


    Zac''s heartbeat sped up with excitement, but he restrained himself from immediately busting out the skill. Who knew what effect the skill would have, he''s getmbasted by his sister if he identally tore apart the arrays she had spent so much time and energy to set up.


    Zac instead only turned his sight inward, to try and get a sense of what kind of skill <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> was. But there were no clues he could glean at all from the new pattern. However, he did notice that the two lines looked far more intricatepared to his previous skills, like it was an embroidery using extremely fine silk threadspared to the coarse rope of the F-Grade skills.


    He marveled at the fractal for a while before he eventually retracted his sight. He also wanted to see his attribute gains, so he opened his status screen to see the boost he got from his upgraded fragment.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>81</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Frontrunner, Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Middle, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2090 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>992 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om</td><td>


    <strong>2229 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1476 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 199%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>545 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>911 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 170%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>340 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 179%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 5 919 241 817 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>Fragment of the Bodhi (Middle): All attributes +20, Endurance +140, Vitality +160, Intelligence +30, Wisdom +80, Effectiveness of Vitality +10%.</strong>


    He had made shocking progress in one night, though the two breakthroughs were rted. However, Zac knew he couldn''t rest on hisurels as things stood. Some things had gone above expectations, but he was still struggling in otherpartments.


    Perhaps he should have realized that his unique situation with dual races would causeplications when upgrading them.

 Chapter 516: Beastcrafting

    Chapter 516: Beastcrafting


    Miasma spread out through Zac''s body as he activated his Specialty Core. He walked over to the Death-Attuned side once more and took out arge tub that he filled with water before he threw in a dozen E-Grade Miasma Crystals. Next were a handful of stalks of Netherbloom, along with various other herbs that he had found in the Cosmos Sack left on the body of Adriel.


    It was time to work on his Race once more.


    He had already used up the <strong>[Fruit of Rebirth]</strong> the moment he returned to Port Atwood, and the massive amount of progress made on his racial upgrade allowed him to realize a somewhat surprising with his body. His nodes were the same between his Races, but his actual Races were separate.


    Zac had somewhat figured that his Racial Rank would be shared between his two sides as he only had one body and because his two sses shared the same Node System. However, that wasn''t the case. He could clearly feel that his Human side was on the cusp of evolving into D-Grade, whereas his Undead Side barely had improved at all.


    That was starting to be an extremely urgent issue now that his third Dao Fragment had evolved. Even worse, the insight had been partly based on protection, which had caused the Fragment to boost Endurance more than expected. One more breakthrough and he might actually hit the Attribute limit on his undead side.


    Of course, Zac had already tried to remedy the situation by eating the remaining Racial Upgrade Pills he bought at the Base Town Auctions, but he had almost killed himself doing so. It turned out his Draugr side was extremely picky, and the pills that humans would use were essentially poison to him.


    Triv was no use either. It could barely confirm that the Undead used various methods of improving races. For example, they created incense sticks using herbs, where theposition depended on what race the original body was. There were also the standard medicinal baths ording to Triv, but its helpfulness ended there.


    The ghost was unable to divulge a single mixture, as hismandments apparently regarded that as betraying the Undead Empire. However, the ghost didn''t have any issues at all mixing up a medicinal bath following a recipe that Zac provided, proving there were loopholes to the limitations. Unfortunately, the same issue arose with the normal medicinal baths; they didnt work on his undead side either.


    Zac had no idea what would happen if he passed the attribute cap as things stood. Would both his sses lose out on points? Or would his Draugr alone take the hit? Zac really wasnt willing to find out, and he was doing everything he could to stave off that ever happening.


    He had no idea how things came to this. He had specifically asked about race upgrades while visiting the Undead Kingdom inside the Tower of Eternity, but he heard no clues about his current predicament. He had been afraid that he would need a Lich to help him upgrade his race to D-Grade as they were responsible for giving Revenants sapience, but that thankfully wasn''t the case.


    They had assured him that cultivation and treasures would work just fine, but the care package they had provided him with hadnt contained anything to improve his constitution. Perhaps they expected his master or elders to have prepared far superior materials for him already and felt it would almost be an insult to give him their scraps.


    The freezing bath he had concocted was just a stopgap measure as he was all out of ideas. The dense death-attuned waters along with random herbs from Adriel''s Cosmos Sack did help a bit, but properly preparing a medicinal bath was far moreplicated than what he was haphazardly throwing together. It required precise measurements of the different herbs, and they needed to be processed and added in a certain manner.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Using it as he did was essentially wasting over 95% of the efficacy, and he would run out of herbs long before he upgraded his race at this pace. He was rapidly burning money for very little gain. The <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> was no use for upgrading his Race either, but rather the opposite. It just stole some of the energies of the medicinal baths and fed it into the node in his leg, leaving a bunch of impurities in his bloodstream.


    He did get small amounts of refined energies from the Shard of Creation though, but he had no idea if that mysterious energy actually helped with his race, or if it had some other sort of effect on his body.


    He had already sent Valkyries and Demons to look for manuals or clues in the ruins of his newly acquired Death Fort, but he didn''t hold out much hope. Zac knew he most likely already was in possession of the recipes anyway, locked away inside the crystals of the Lich King. But those were still out of his reach, as even the old Sky Gnome had failed in cracking their protections no matter what he or his little pet tried.


    He felt as though he was falling into the same old predicament asst time. He had managed to improve his constitution a small bit, but he didnt know how much his attribute cap had increased as a result. His Strength had already passed his Endurance by now, and it felt like the tragedy of the F-Grade cap could take ce again at any moment.


    But he also knew he needed to keep pushing himself forward. Inevitability was level 111 by now, and Voids Disciple was level 108. Zac still felt that the older Zhix warrior was a farrger threatpared to the unhinged maniac he battled during the Hunt. He felt pretty confident in dealing with Inevitability if they met again today, but he was far less certain about the Dominator Leader.


    He had given him Zac an extremely oppressive and mysterious feeling when they met, and Zac had no clue exactly what skills he had. The Zhix Hordes had no idea either; everyone who had seen Voids Disciple in action had been killed. He was like a murderous ghost that moved back and forth across the hives.


    Zac knew that catching him was impossible, even though he still coordinated with the Zhix Armies to track his movements. He had somehow opened up a rift in space and walked straight through it when they met, and the Lich King had indicated that Void''s Disciple actually had gained the Dao of Space. How was he supposed to catch someone like that?


    Even if Zac found him and started fighting, he could still just slink away if he started losing.


    The best solution was taking him on inside the Mystic Realm, and Julia would hopefully return with good news today. Until then he needed to do what he could to improve his power, even if it meant him wasting mountains of precious herbs.


    Zac only stepped out of the vat two hourster, and he swapped back to his human form immediately. A knife appeared in his right hand as he cut a deep wound across his forearm. Ice cold blood spurted out for a few seconds until his extreme Vitality closed the wound, but Zac repeated the process a few times to release well over two liters of blood.


    His makeshift medicine baths did have some effect on his Draugr race, but it also came with a huge amount of impurities that the<strong> [Void Heart] </strong>puked out into his bloodstream. Just one bath meant he would have to bleed himself for a few more times over theing day, and there was also the impurities from the Soul Strengthening session to deal with.


    Theckluster results of his racial upgrade had somewhat put a damper on the excitement of upgrading his Dao Fragment, and Zac sighed with annoyance as he left his cultivation cave. He teleported back to hispound, but he didn''t immediately head over to his Courtyard. Instead, he left the small number of mansions behind and entered the wilderness.


    He walked for two minutes until he appeared in a secluded spot hidden deep in his private forest. It was actually a ce that held some significance to him; it was the very spot where he woke up after the integration.


    However, the small de waspletely unrecognizable by now, with its bloodroot and cardinals reced with a sanguine pond with a diameter of five meters. Even Zac felt a bit pressured as he walked next to the pond of Dragon Blood, and he felt that he could even hear distant roars. The pressure no doubt came from the Dragon''s bloodline, as it felt simr to the pressure that he had felt during his fight with the primordial beast.


    The pond had shrunk a bit since hisst visit, which surprised Zac as that was the third time. He still topped the pond off with more Dragon blood from one of his vats, realizing he was would run in a week if things kept up like this. However, he had no direct usage for the blood anyway, and he felt it was best used like this.


    He also threw in a few more Beast Crystals for good measure as he couldnt sense the unique energy fluctuations from the previous ones he threw in. He didn''t know if he was simply wasting money, but Verun had seemed to like them any time he got close to one. A sense of anticipation gripped Zac''s heart as looked at therge crystal sticking out in the middle of the pond.


    It was thetest transformation of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. The Spirit Tool had been pushed hard in thetest fights against the Lich King and the elites of the Tower of Eternity. He honestly wasnt confident that the weapon would be able to keep up for theing fights, and this was his best bet unless he actually chose to swap it out for a new axe.


    That''s why he chose to feed it the Dragon Core the moment he returned to Port Atwood, though he still kept the Bloodline Marrow for himself. The weapon had immediately turned into a crystal like the previous time it underwent massive changes, but it had still sent out a mental plea for more Dragon blood.


    It still looked there would be some time before the evolution finished, and Zac was extremely eager to see the result. Zac hoped that the primordial bloodline of the Dragon along with the Beast Crystals would cause some equivalent of a Bloodline Evolution of Verun.


    It didnt really work like that for normal Spirit Tools as far as he knew, but it was possible for Beastcrafted weapons ording to Triv. Bloodline evolutions were obviously a pretty impressive boost to the potential power such Spirit Tools could exhibit, but beast crafted weapons had downsides as well.


    First of all, their upgrade ceiling was generally low to start with. Secondly, they were a lot pickier for upgradeponentspared to normal weapons, and two seemingly identical weapons could havepletely different requirements. Thetter in particr was a big reason why pretty much all weapons he had seen at the Base Town were made from metals, wood, or crystal.


    They were simpler to evolve, and the upgrade paths were generally a lot clearer. No one wanted to risk being stuck with a weapon that couldn''t evolve any longer, forcing them to get a new weapon instead. One''s weapon was a hugeponent of yourbat prowess, after all, and it was impossible to immediately exhibit one''s full strength after changing weapons.


    But Zac didn''t really have either desire or the ability to swap out his axe to a better one, and his eyes were locked at the pupa as he conjured all kinds of possibilities in his mind. Zac only spent a couple of minutes by the pond though before he got ready to leave, a crack echoed out across the de just as he turned away.


    Zac''s eyes lit up in anticipation as the red crystal crumbled bit by bit, slowly showcasing the weapon hidden within. A sudden shockwave sted the crystal to pieces though, and an enormous shape appeared by the pool as the blood was sucked into the weapon.


    It was Verun, who still looked like an oversized ancestor of a hyena, apart from his massively oversized maw and multiple sets of eyes. Zac had almost thought he would turn into a half-dragon or something after eating the core, but its changes were a lot more subtle than that. Its fur had turned from a dusty brown to a glossy ck, with red highlights covering its body.


    It almost looked like he had scales, but a second nce showed that it was just a pattern. It had also grown a thick mane that ran from its head all the way down to its short tail, somewhat reminding Zac of the spikes of the ck dragon he fought. Its ws had changed as well, turning bigger and darker.


    Its whole image had turned more refined, without losing its aura of lethality. There was a sense of sharpness and danger to it, like it was a true predator that didn''t only use its brawns to take down its enemies.


    Finally, there were streams of energy that circted each of its four legs, and a nce with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> disyed two swirls just above its paws, both with a different color. The first one was had a sanguine hue, which wasn''t surprising as its favorite food had always been blood. The other one was a bit more surprising though.


    The second swirl was felt like was steely gray and felt pretty simr to his Fragment of the Axe, though the Heaviness was swapped out by something else. Force maybe? In either case, it thankfully wasn''t fire-rted, something Zac had worried would happen from ingesting a Dragon Core.


    Dragon mes were obviously powerful, but not something that suited Zac''s current path. So the fact that the addition felt element-neutral was a relief. The massive beast looked down at Zac from the other side of the pool, happiness radiating through their mental bond. It raised its head and let out a massive roar the next moment. The terrifying cry was powerful enough to cause the closest trees to shake, and even Zac had to take a step back from the volume.


    Birds screeched in panic in the distance, and Zac wouldn''t be surprised if the whole town heard the roar. It felt like the Verun wanted the whole world to know there was a new alpha in town.

 Chapter 517: Jammers

    Chapter 517: Jammers


    Volume was not the only thing extraordinary with Verun''s roar as dozens of trees suddenly exploded, utterly ripped to shreds. It almost looked like Verun had torn them apart with its mouth, but Zac guessed it should have been the soundwaves.


    The Tool Spirit leaped over the now-emptied pond and buffed Zacs chest once before it dissipated into a stream of energy that entered the axe that now was embedded in the ground of the dried-out pool. Zac jumped down and ripped it out, but he almost lost his bnce from how heavy it was.


    The axe had always been on the heavier side, and he would never have been able to [Verun''s Bite] before the integration. But its weight had increased by over ten times from absorbing the Dragon Core and evolving, and that wasnt the only thing that had changed. Its overall design was the same as before, but the handle was now pitch-ck to match Verun''s fur.


    But more importantly; a third rune had lit up, meaning another skill or function should have been unlocked from the upgrade.


    The axehead itself had slightly changed as well. It had turned even bigger, with its edge gaining over five centimeters in length. The bone it was made from felt sturdier as well, and the edge was sharp enough to easily draw blood on even his durable skin. There were also thin red lines running across the bone, almost looking like cracks in the material.


    However, Zac didnt feel any weakness or damage when holding the weapon, and he guessed the new pattern was just mirroring the red streaks in Veruns fur. He jumped up from the pond and swung it around a bit, and deep growls echoed out as it split the air apart.


    He had initially worried that the increased weight would make it feel unwieldy, but it was actually the opposite. The weapon felt far sturdier, and it resonated better with his Dao. It felt like every swing contained a gigantic and undeniable force, like a mountain was crashing down where he swung his weapon. But he put away the weapon after a while and started to walk back toward his courtyard.


    Between his Dao Epiphany and working on his race morning had alreadye, so just Zac nned on resting for an hour or two before starting his next day. However, he noticed a drone zooming about outside the entrance to his Courtyard as he returned. Kenzie had painted it red to be more easily spotted as well.


    It was no longer a surveince drone, but more of a flying butler to his sister who sent it on all kinds of errands. She, or rather Jeeves, had even equipped it with speaking capabilities, though Zac had made sure that it wasnt an actual AI.


    <strong>[Julia has returned] </strong>the consciously mechanical voice of the drone spoke up.


    Is Kenzie home? Zac asked.


    <strong>[Yes. The mistress is working on her arrays.]</strong>


    Iming over, theres something we need to talk about, Zac sighed.


    Seeing how his sister was bing increasinglyfortable with using Technocrat tech, he knew he couldnt hold off any longer. He needed to tell his sister about his visions of his mother. What if she kept going like this, and one day connected to the Digital World of the Machine God Faction? Who knew what kinds of rms that would trigger?


    Earth already had enough to deal with without dragging a full-blown Technocrat Armada to the Zecia sector.


    Zac soon arrived at her mansion, or rather series of towering structures that his sister had let erect. Only the smallest of the houses, a rusting one-story house with arge garden, was her residence though. The other buildings were rather workshops for her experiments, Technocrat Technology and Arrays alike.


    He found her tinkering with a massive onyx stone in the middle of one of the workshops, surrounded by protective arrays. Zac''s brows rose in rm when he saw the series of formations, as it felt like her experiments were far more dangerous than she had let on. Kenzie looked over when he entered the workroom, and she finished up whatever inscriptions she was adding to the block with the tool she got from the questst week.


    Good timing, I''ve made a breakthrough with these jamming arrays. I think we can actually use them when we''re finished. They should work as long as you activate it in your Draugr form. Kenzie said but frowned when she saw Zac''s expression. Whats wrong, you look so serious? Didn''t the soul boosting array work?


    "The array worked great, I just need to figure out some way to make my Soul Cultivation faster. Zac said as he walked over and poked a defensive shield. "What''s with these shields? You''re not risking your life for this are you?"


    "It''s a precaution so I don''t blow up his building, but I''m not in any danger. Jeeves will notice if it starts destabilizing so I can run away with time to spare," Kenzie said. "By the way, what was that roar earlier? It almost made me ruin this thing."


    "Just remember to be careful. These thingse from pretty damn dangerous factions," Zac sighed. "The roar was Verun, it finally finished absorbing all the materials."


    It sounded pretty powerful, Kenzie smiled.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Let''s hope it will be enough to deal with the Dominators," Zac said as he looked closer at the Jamming array. Will these things be as effective as when the undead used them?


    They should work the same, Kenzie nodded. Just put Miasma Crystals into the sockets and everything within a days march will be blocked out. But we still need to finish some modifications to circumvent restrictions on these things, and that will turn them into consumable items. Theyll only work for a handful of times before they break down.


    How many? Zac asked.


    Probably more than ten, but no more than twenty, Kenzie hesitantly said.


    Thats plenty, Zac said with a sigh of relief.


    These things woulde in handy over the following month, and it was something his force sorelycked. Because Earth was about to be plunged into a civil war, and this would give them the advantage they needed. The war wasn''t against the New World Government, but against a far more dangerous enemy; The Dominators.


    The Zhix hordes had cleanly split into two camps by now, either gathering behind the Anointed or the Dominators. Now that the undead threat was dealt with the tensions had risen to an unprecedented degree. The followers of the Dominators needed to be rooted out, but the efforts of the other Zhix had proven futile since the integration took ce.


    Their previous methods at dealing with the Dominators and their followers had been crude but effective. They had sent wave after wave of soldiers after their target, drowning them in a sea of relentless violence. The Dominators ran out of Cosmic Energy sooner orter, at which point they were ughtered.


    The Zhix were still more than willing to sacrifice themselves to root out the final vestiges of corruption in their bloodline, especially now that they knew of the source. But the emergence of Teleportation Arrays had turned their efforts useless. The War Council of the Zhix had already contacted Port Atwood in search of a solution, and he would meet up with them in a week, provided he didnt need to change his ns due to Julia.


    These jamming devices would allow him to trap the Zhix hives who had defected, and with the help of the Zhix hordes take out anyone that might have formed a Karmic Link with the Great Redeemer.


    Zac didnt feel it was enough to locate the leading Dominators to secure Earth. His instincts told him the Dominators were using these traitors as a back-up. Voids Disciple had been slowly converting hives to join their side over the past year, and mercilessly ughtering some of the staunchest detractors.


    There had to be a purpose to this, and the most likely reason Zac and Ogras could fathom was to form a karmic link. The Great Redeemer would perhaps be able to find Earth as long as there were enough followers spread across the, even if the main perpetrators were already killed.


    Or perhaps it wasnt about back-up ns, but about boosting the signal. The Karmic Link between the Great Redeemer and the Dominators couldnt be too strong, as they hadnt even met in person. Voridis had visited the Zhix thousands of years ago, and the link should have weakened by now. But what if there were tens of millions of insectoids praising his name? It might give him all the clues he needed to find Earth.


    It would also exin why both the Dominators and the Medhin n were so intent on taking over the, apart from avoiding the Incursions spawning. The more who were under his banner, the easier the would be to find.


    So he needed to deal with the traitors as soon as possible, and these jammers were the key to fighting them.


    So whats up? Kenzie said, dragging him out of his thoughts. Scarlet said you needed to talk?


    It''s about mom. Theres something I havent told you, Zac sighed before he started recounting his visions.


    This time he held nothing back, retelling both his visions of their mother and the words Leandra spoke. He connected that with what he had learned so far about Firmaments Edge and added his own analysis of the situation. He knew it would probably upset his sister, but she needed to know that their mom might be an extremely dangerous character and asrge a threat to them as The Great Redeemer.


    You really met mom? Kenzie said with a low voice. Why didnt you get me? Then I would at least have been able to hear her voice, even if it was just a projection.


    "I didnt dare let Jeeves close to her, even if it was just an AI," Zac exined. "Something about the way she talked felt unsettling."


    Jeeves said that no one but me can ess him, Kenzie said with a downcast voice.


    Would he really know if that was true? Zac countered. Can he really know more about any hidden functions than his creator?


    The two kept going back and forth for a while longer. Kenzie initially refused to believe that their mother might wish them harm. The fact that she might even have been used as a test subject seemed to be too much to even consider, and from the rapidly changing expressions on her face she didnt seem to hear the answers she was looking for from Jeeves either.


    In any case, we dont know which version was the true one. Perhaps both were false. But if Leandra really is a top tier warrior of the technocrat faction, just her appearance might plunge the whole into a storm of blood. Just getting close to the technocrat incursion gave me a quest to kill them all, Zac said. We cant deal with the battle between the System and the Technocrats for the time being, and Jeeves seems to be right at the heart of the conflict.


    I know," Kenzie sighed. "You might be right. It''s definitely suspicious she only called Jeeves an assistant. Jeeves definitely isnt like other Technocrat technology. He doesnt follow any rules these things do. Hes alive, which shouldnt be possible to technology under the rule of the System.


    For now, see if you can figure out a way to hide Jeeves location. The stronger he grows the easier he might be to find. I doubt Technocrats would use Karma to find him, but rather some sort of hidden bug or connection through the Soul World, Zac said.


    Ill see what I can do, Kenzie said with a slightly hollow voice.


    Im sorry I didnt have any better news to give you, Zac sighed.


    Thats okay. Were still better off than most people on Earth, Kenzie said. Besides, we might find the truth when we start looking into the Mystic Realm in earnest. Who knows, it might even one of thebs where they researched Jeeves. Even if some other force took it overter, they still left a lot of the infrastructure intact ording to Ogras. There might be records that only Jeeves can ess."


    "That''s what I''m thinking as well. There is no rush to find Leandra. We will both be able to live thousands of years. We can slowly figure out the truth without risking our lives or the lives of everyone on Earth," Zac nodded. "Perhaps Julia will have some good news as well."


    "That''s true," Kenzie said, her eyes lighting up a bit again. "I told her that youd meet her at 7 am in the government building.


    Thank you, Zac said as he stood up. Will you be okay?


    Ill be fine, Kenzie said.


    Zac felt a sense of heaviness as he walked back to his courtyard. Things had gone pretty much as expected, and he could only pray that would be the end of his sisters attempts at looking for their mother in the short run. But he honestly didnt feelpletely secure, and he made a note to look into whether it was possible to block out the Technocrats Soul World, like a multiversal wifi-blocker.


    There was still a few hours before the arranged time, so he just took a short nap before he started consolidating histest gains, getting a feel of his upgraded Dao Fragment. The insight mostly felt defensive in nature, which Zac was pretty happy with. His defensive capabilities were starting to slip now that he got so little Endurance, but this would push him a step further.


    He was also surprised to find out that the insight actually had changed his Dao Field by quite a bit.

 Chapter 518: Artifact

    Chapter 518: Artifact


    It was now extremely clear how big the improved Dao Field was, as it formed an almost perfect bubble around him spreading for up to 200 meters. It looked like he used a defensive treasure, though his Dao Field was more transparent.


    It even had a direct defensive capability, as Zac noticed that a few falling leaves were rebuffed and pushed to the side. He didnt expect the Dao field to protect him against ultimate strikes or anything, but who knew how strong such a field could be as he progressed.


    His other Dao Fields were a lot more diffuse, with his Dao Field of the Axe being a pretty much invisible field full of razor des. Zac found it interesting how they started to move apart in how they looked, and it made him curious about how things would work at the higher grades. The time quickly passed as he meditated though, and it was soon enough time to get going.


    Zac walked over to the enormous government building, and he couldnt help but notice that the sprawling structure had grown in size in between every time he visited. This time another wing had been added, built in an interesting mix of human and demon architecture that was a blend of living wood and ss.


    The building was full of people even though it was still pretty early. Zac walked over to the desk and was soon led to a secluded meeting room overlooking the square, guided by an extremely flustered office clerk he didnt recognize. He guessed it was someone who had been transferred to Port Atwood recently from one of the satellite towns in the archipgo.


    It still felt a bit odd to see strangers on his ind, as he still somewhat considered Port Atwood the deste ce where he had spent months alone with the demons. Even when new people finally started arriving it was still in small numbers, and he could pretty much ce every single face. But thest months had seen an explosion in citizens, though everyone was thoroughly screened by Adran and Abby.


    Julia had already arrived, gazing at the town below through therge window with a cup of coffee in her hands.


    One of the things I like about our new lives, Zac smiled as he sat down at the conference table, pouring himself a cup. Spiritual coffee-beans.


    Now if everything didnt want to kill us, then we would have been golden, Julia responded with a wry smile as she turned toward him.


    So? What did you learn? Zac asked.


    Its a mess, Julia said, lookingpletely crestfallen. The New World Government is beyond salvation. The cultist shapeshifters had infiltrated extremely deep, but a core section led by Thomas Fischer has actually taken up with the Dominators. A lot of the cultists were purged soon after, but I dont know if they got them all or how they were exposed.


    If we could buy that <strong>[Origin Array] </strong>to root out any aliens, then so can they, Zac shrugged. Did you find out anything else about the cultists?


    Not much, honestly. It feels like the shapeshifters had gone through huge lengths to obfuscate anything tangible about their origins, Julia said as she took out a tablet. However, I did manage to find the location of both the governments spatial tunnel, along with the location of another entrance currently held by the Church of Evesting Dao.


    Good, Zac nodded with relief. I might have to enter from somewhere else in the future unless the spatial turbulence around ours dies down.


    You should know that at least the governments entrance is booby-trapped, Julia said. Officially it was to protect everyone in case they needed to flee the undead, but it would work just as well against you. There are also strict checks to get inside. The whole entrance is a fortress, anyoneing by foot will be attacked without pardon.


    Pretty careful, Zac muttered. Well, it makes sense. Theyre essentially the weakest group around. I still dont understand how they expect things to work out in their favor. Theyre only around because no one can be bothered with wiping them out.


    Well, I actually learned quite a few things about the Mystic Realm, in case you want to move on from the subject of the invaders, Julia said.


    Zac slowly tapped the table in thought.


    What do you think? he finally asked. You havent been with the government for a while, but you were still a part of the upper management during a time when the infiltration most likely already had started. They must havee from somewhere.


    I have a theory, but I am unable to confirm it, Julia slowly said.


    Zac didnt say anything, only indicated for her to keep talking.


    The Government secured a handful of hunting grounds for our soldiers during the early stages of the integration, even before you appeared, Julia began. We had found one ce in particr, just one weeks travel from Main Paris, one of therger secondary hubs of the government. Better yet, the route to get there was pretty safe, which was key as we still hadnt set up too many teleportation arrays. The cost constant of mass teleportations was also something we had trouble affording.


    We sent soldiers to Main Paris through arrays, and then put them on cargo nes or convoys. Some would return directly to New Washington by teleportation arrayter, but others would stay there. There was constant traffic both the old way and through teleporters, and infiltrators could easily have used Main Paris as the point of ingress," Julia said as she showed Main Paris on a map.


    "Main Paris is located in the middle of Pangea," Zac muttered. "They would have been able to travel to most major towns of Earth within a month or two even if they traveled by foot. Such a trip would be suicide for most humans, but it shouldn''t have too difficult for the church."


    "Exactly," Julia nodded.


    So you think the Incursion is in this forest? Zac asked.


    Probably not. We should have found it if that was the case," Julia said with a shake of her head. "The training ground was a medium-sized forest full of Derriers, a pack animal from the Ishiate world. They are quite aggressive, but not very powerful, and there''s a lot of them. Makes for perfect target practice. The forest was blocked to north and west by an inhospitable mountain range and a massive saltwaterke to the east. We came from the South. It created an enclosed area that allowed the Derriers to multiply freely.


    We mapped the forest easily, but we never managed to get past the mountain range due to extremely aggressive birds that lived there. They were hunting Derriers as well, so our soldiers mostly stayed at the southern side of the forest. But if the invaders could find a path through the mountain... she continued.


    So they might be on the other side, Zac nodded in understanding.


    Exactly. The area on the other side of that mountain range is one of the twelve yet uncharted territories of Pangea, and my best guess of their whereabouts, she exined.


    Sounds like our best bet, Zac agreed. I will go there to check things out as soon as Ive prepared everything I need."


    "Be careful, those birds in the mountain are extremely territorial. They even ripped apart a couple of our fighter jets that we sent to scout things out," Julia said.


    "The more powerful they are, the better," Zac shrugged. "I could use the experience. What have you found out about the Mystic Realm? Have you found what everyones after?


    Thomas is keeping a lot of details close to the vest. But it''s impossible to keep everything secret in this big an operation, so my contacts and I have managed to piece together some things, Julia said. "The fact that there are a lot of people who wish that they joined you instead of New Washington made my job a lot easier as well."


    Zac wryly smiled in response, but he honestly wasn''t all that interested in taking on a bunch of ky diplomats from the New World Government. Especially not after hearing the disgusting stories from Emma MacHale and seeing how they mismanaged his hometown.


    "Thomas Fisher seems to believe there is some sort of dimensional artifact inside the Mystic Realm that will save them not only from the cultists and Dominators, but even the Great Redeemer himself. Its this item that every force is after, Julia said, immediately dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    Dimensional artifact? Zac repeated with confusion. Whats that?


    No idea. But from what I gathered it seems to be still growing in the depths of the realm. Thomas is moving a lot of his resources into the Mystic Realm, and many of the elite squads never leave any longer. Even Thomas only exits for a few hours at a time. I believe Julia said, gathering her thoughts.


    Yes? Zac asked.


    It is because of this dimensional artifact. The moment its uncovered it will temporarily destabilize the Mystic Realm, cutting off the entrances. Thats why everyones missing. The Dominators, the Cultists, the New World Government. No one wants to be caught outside. Thats at least the conclusion I and my contacts reached, Julia said.


    Do you have any timeline for when that would happen? Zac asked with worry.


    If it really was true, then he needed to get going quicker than he anticipated. He absolutely couldnt be locked outside if both the Incursion Leader and the Dominators were inside the Mystic Realm. Not only would that leave the most powerful invaders unchecked, but it would also make it impossible to kill the Dominators.


    He didnt know whether The Great Redeemer could find Earth while the Dominators were inside the Mystic Realm, but he didnt want to risk it. What if Void''s Disciple managed to lock the Mystic Realm downpletely, and simply stayed there until Voridis appeared? n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    We couldn''t find an exact date, but you should have at least a month. I got a hold of various orders to the military and a few departments. There are multiple projects rted to the Ark World that have a delivery deadline of 36 days from now. I think the government is confident of the entrances being open until then, while the elites are already standing by in case something unexpected happens, Julia said.


    Thirty-six days, Zac muttered. A month.


    It wasnt a lot, but it was better than nothing. In fact, it might even be for the best to deal with this matter as quickly as possible. However, he knew that the number of power-ups he would be able to gain in such a short time was limited.


    What makes the government think they can actuallypete for that item though? Zac asked next, which was the most burning question in his mind. I could simply fly over to their entrance and snatch their entrance if I wanted to, and I bet the Dominators could do the same."


    You shouldnt underestimate them, Julia said. They control most of the old worlds weaponry. Thousands of missiles and other types of explosives.


    Zac made a nomittal shrug, not feeling too threatened by something like that any longer. He would be able to push them all away with a few swings of his axe, or just move out of the way with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Or just block them with some defensive skills.


    You also shouldn''t take their entrance unless you have to. They''ve already made it clear that multiple people can set off the booby-trap to the entrance. Stealing the entrance and jumping inside would be suicidal," Julia said.


    Zac grunted with annoyance, but he had to admit it was a pretty good deterrent. He almost died thest time he entered a booby-trapped teleporter after all. If it wasn''t for his sister adding a safety measure he would have been ripped apart instead of thrown out over the ocean. But would that method really work in a spatial tunnel to a mystic realm?


    Where would he be thrown out if he exited mid-transportation? The void of space?


    "But more importantly, they have apparently brokered an agreement with some of the forces inside the Mystic Realm, Julia added, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. They are currently advertising it, how they have allied with multiple powerful E-Grade warriors.


    They have? What do the aliens get out of that deal? Zac said skeptically.


    Freedom. Getting out of the Mystic Realm when this is all done, Julia said.


    Zac frowned when he heard her exnation. Joining up with a bunch of strangers who were far more powerful was a recipe for disaster, something that Catheya had driven home during their talk. The government obviously had some way to restrain them though, as Earth wasnt already crawling with escapees.


    Ogras had mentioned the extremely strong security measures in the research base, perhaps the government had managed to use those checkpoints to their advantage. Still. It only took one mistake to release the floodgates, at which point any agreement would be null and void. Why would a bunch of powerful E-Grade warriors bother following the orders of Thomas Fisher and the useless diplomats?


    Wait, forces plural? Zac asked, but he suddenly remembered Ogras description of his visit to the Mystic Realm.


    He had met two peak F-Grade warriors fighting to the death, meaning they mighte from opposing factions.


    There are at least five forces in the Mystic Realm, each trapped inside and in control of their own section of the research base, Julia said exined, opening a rough sketch on her tablet. Its apparently shockinglyrge, like a country. But no one has ess to the core region of the base as I''ve understood. But the restrictions are weakening inside for some reason, and everyone is looking for a path to the dimensional artifact.


    Zac looked down at the sketch that looked like a hexagonal star, his eyes drawn to the ''X'' marked in the center of the map. An artifact that could deal with even The Great Redeemer? He couldn''t let that fall into the hands of anyone else.

 Chapter 519: Cleanse

    Chapter 519: Cleanse


    Zac already knew there were some natives living inside the Mystic Realm since long ago, but the situation that Julia described had exceeded his expectations.


    Do you know the strength of the aliens? Zac asked with some worry.


    The Intelligence said High E-Grade, but its hard to know what that means, Julia said.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Just level alone was an imprecise measurement of someones power. For example, the Dragon he had fought in the Tower of Eternity was likely only early E-Grade, but extremely powerful due to its race and bloodline. Meanwhile, there were Mid-E Grade warriors by this point that was essentially no threat to Zac.


    With his recent gains, he felt confident in dealing with some high E-Grade warriors as well, though that would depend on whether they had any unique advantages of their own. Ogras said that the energy inside the Mystic Realm was pretty sparse, and perhaps it was hard to ponder on the Dao as well.


    However, the base was most likely used to research bloodlines once upon a time, meaning every force should have one or multiple powerful bloodlines to boost theirbat power. Besides, the E-Grade warriors he had fought up until now were mostly newly ascended, whereas those in the Mystic Realm might be thousands of years old.


    What if he met someone who had polished their skills for millennia while spending centuries on opening each and every one of their Inherited Hidden Nodes? The leaders might even be stronger than the Dominators.


    There are alsorge unpopted sections as far as I heard, and the government is currently busy exploring the sections that the natives are locked out of. There are evenrge forests full of monsters, Julia added.


    There are forests? Like real outside forests? Zac asked with surprise. "Is there a world outside this star-shaped structure?


    No, its still inside, with walls all around. I have no idea if there''s anything outside, Julia said with a shake of her head. The governments entrance has ended up in one of these forests, but it is vastly differentpared to the one you describe in the information package you gave me.


    Different how?


    The forest is massive, almost half the size of this ind I reckon. And it is full of powerful beasts at peak F-Grade, Julia said. The government can only use their entrance at certain times a day when the beasts sleep, and rush to an entrance they have secured. Perhaps the builders of the research base were breeding the beast once, but they have definitely gone by feral now.


    Zac nodded in understanding, and his heart still sped up a bit.


    A bunch of powerful beasts? Wasnt that exactly what he was looking for? These ones were just F-Grade and mostly useless to Zac, but perhaps there were simr forests full of early E-Grade beasts further inside the realm?


    "There are all kinds of information on this tablet," Julia said as she handed it over. "But it is mostly about the government''stest movement and the situation on Earth. The government has barely scratched the surface of the Mystic Realm, and I think you would have to go for yourself to get a real understanding of that ce."


    Thank you. Good job, Zac said as he stood up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It looked like the real showdown with the Dominators would take ce in a month or two. He wasnt confident in being able to lock down Voids Disciple even with the Jamming arrays, but the situation inside the Mystic Realm would likely force them into each others crosshairs.


    The only time Voids Disciple had lost his cool was when Zac threatened to take the item inside the Mystic Realm. Snatching that item would force the Dominators toe to him rather than him trying to find them, which was the best solution he could think of right now. It was no doubt crucial to the Great Redeemer, and it beat having to scour every Zhix hive on the.


    The biggest w of the n would be the dy. Voridis might reach Earths universe at any moment, and there really wasnt any back-up n if that happened. It would be every man for himself. The only relief was the massive amount of teleportation tokens he had amassed in the Base Town. It would allow everyone close to him to leave earth, as long as he closed down the Cultist Incursion first.


    Of course, that only went for something like 200 people.


    Ah, one more thing, Julia said as Zac was about to leave.


    Yes? Zac asked with confusion.


    I want a job, Julia said. A Permanent one.


    Oh? Zac asked as he stopped in his tracks. What do you have in mind?


    Alea was in charge ofw and order for a while, until she wasnt, Julia said, drawing a frown from Zac. Security is still high in Port Atwood with your existence as a deterrence, but things are more chaotic in your other settlements. You are still maintaining control thanks to your armies, but we need civilw enforcement as well. I want to help build such a section.


    Zac slowly mulled over for a few seconds without giving a direct response. He had honestly dropped a ball regarding this, but he could absolutely understand if normal nonbat sses and the weaker citizens felt unsafe if there was no one around to keepw and order.


    But the whole concept ofw enforcement was a bit tricky in their new world as well. It was easier said than done keeping a poption in check when anyone could gain superpowers. Perhaps there was some service he could purchase as more options became avable in the Town Shop?


    Ill talk it over with a few others before making a decision, Zac said after a while. But it sounds like a good idea.


    He had a lot to think about, so he sent a message to his sister as he left that he needed to consolidate his gains before he retreated to his cultivation cave. He started up the second cycle of the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>since he felt he might as well be productive while sitting around, and he decided to try the array as a Draugr this time.


    He didnt change much, apart from starting at the life-attuned side of the array. His mind was soon filled with life, and the life-attuned energies no longer felt like poison to his undead body. Seeing that things seemed to work just fine he started circting the manual by rote while he went over his meeting with Julia.


    The array didnt take too much of his concentration while it was active, and he could even look through the tablet while his mental energy was drained and infused with attunement. Most of it was reports of movements of the various forces of Earth just like she said, which wasnt really something Zac cared about.


    There were some minor conflicts brewing between the council and the New World Governments ording to the intelligence, and Zac was actually a bit surprised at how unified the Council Stayed even after returning to the surface. None of the thirteen councilors had joined any of their racial factions as far as Zac could tell, instead choosing to stay with their former group.


    In either case, squabbles between local forces wasnt really something that Zac wanted to get involved in, as long as they didnt involve his people or hurt innocents. Some internal strife might even toughen them up, which would prepare the Earthlings for when the was properly integrated into the Multiverse in the future.


    Zac was more interested in the more pressing issues; the Dominators, the cultists, and the mystic realm. He was trying to figure out the best approach, one that would allow him to rid the world of lingering threats with the highest sess rate.


    He eventually decided against assaulting either of the two tunnels that Julia had located. He was curious about the pocket realm since he still only hadnt been able to explore its mysteries, but it felt like a safer route to reopen their own entrance. Kenzie had already made some preliminary measurements that were positive.


    The cultists had detonated a massive bomb on the shores of Mystic Ind, but they were forced to do it far from the tunnel itself. So it had only destabilized rather than broken downpletely. Right now they were still waiting out the spatial turbulence, but it would gradually calm down over the following weeks. They might even be able to add some stabilizing arrays or treasures to the tunnel, which would force it open early if necessary.


    More preparations were needed for the war against the traitor Zhix as well, which left the Cultist Incursion. Closing the incursion next felt like the most optimal route. It might leave some cultists spread all across Earth, but they could methodically be purged with the help of <strong>[Origin Arrays] </strong>over the following 100 years.


    Closing the incursion woulde with a lot of benefits as well. Earth was still in a trial-phase as things stood, and some parts of the System were still locked away from them. Closing the Incursion would allow him to purchase more structures, and it would probably activate his nexus hub.


    Seeding in proving your worth to the System by booting out all invaders also came with direct benefits ording to Abby, though what kind of benefits differed since the System was always trying out new methods of integration. For example, the Ladder system was something that neither Abby nor Ogras had heard of before.


    Dealing with the Cultists sooner rather thanter was the best option as well. He had almost killed the Head Priest, and only a week had passed since then. He might still be severely weakened from barely escaping <strong>[Fates Obduracy]</strong>, allowing Zac to strike while the iron was hot.


    The bird mountain was also pretty interesting from Julias description. There was a criticalck of good grinding spots, but those birds sounded pretty formidable if they could even take down airnes soon after the integration.


    The hours passed as Zac finished his second day of Soul Cultivation, and the results were identical to when he cultivated as a Human. He was about to work on his Draugr race next, but hismunication crystal suddenly shook, delivering the message he had been waiting for.


    The time to scan everyone for lingering karmic threats was finally here, and Zac teleported over to the Atwood Academy. A Valkyrie informed him that everyone was already waiting, so he shed over to the Dao House.


    He noticed a few Tal-dar standing in the distance, looking at the Dao House with thoughtful faces. They had probably figured out some things about it after staying at the Academy for a few days, but the only nodded at them before entering. The thirty-odd people were already gathered in the inner chambers of the Dao House, and they all looked over when Zac arrived.


    Even Ogras had emerged from his bout of secluded cultivation, though Zac could sense that he still hadn''t evolved.


    Zac nodded at the familiar faces before he nced at the wall. He was surprised to feel that he still could sense a small echo of the Dao in the walls themselves, imprinted from when they cracked open the funnel. If people kept pondering on the Dao inside this ce over the years it might be a real treasure even though it was made from normal materials, kind of like the Cherry Tree in his vision.


    The mysterious grooves covering the Dao House wasn''t the only interesting change. He spotted Sap Trang standing with two of the valkyries, and Zac barely recognized him as his hair had turnedpletely ck over the past week. Having taken Medicinal Baths for months had improved the old fisherman''s constitution tremendously, but thetest improvement was far more drastic than anything up til now.


    Long time no see, Zac smiled as he walked over to Sap Trang. How do you feel?


    Better than Ive had in decades, Sap Trang said with a toothy smile. Thatpound you sent over has worked wonders. It felt like it helped me absorb the Medicinal Baths better as well. I talked with Little Alyn earlier, and she believes my odds at evolving my constitution has improved by a lot. You don''t happen to have some more? Not for me, but the other elderly in the town.


    Im d it worked, Zac said with a smile. I''m afraid I don''t have much of that stuff left over to help the others, but I''ll see if we can buy some through the Consortia. Well catch upter.


    It was truly great news that things were looking up for the old fisherman. He was essentially the first human member of his force, and he had proven himself over and over. It would have been a real shame if he passed away from old age just as the doors to nigh-immortality had opened themselves to the people of Earth.


    Thepound that Sap Trang mentioned was simply some Longevity Pearls that had been ground down by the Sky Gnomes, together with a few dried herbs that were there to stop the efficacy from immediately dissipating. The short remaining lifespan of the old fisherman was one of the biggest hindrances to evolving his Race, and Zac wanted to see if the pearls could help with that situation.


    To put it a bit bluntly, it was also an experiment that would benefit Zac. He had wasted a lot of lifeforce during his climb, and simr situations might arise in the future as well, as long as the Shard was stuck in his head.


    Seeing the effect of longevity treasures on Mr. Trang was a way for him to prepare for the future.

 Chapter 520: A Clean Break

    Chapter 520: A Clean Break


    Zac had tried thepound on himself as well, but the efficacy was extremely limited in his case. He didn''t believe it was because of his constitution or anything like that though, but simply because he was already E-Grade Race. He would probably have to get his hands on better pearls. These longevity treasures were something he picked up on the second level of the Tower after all, so they weren''t some supreme treasures.


    Of course, there was also the possibility that the life-force sucked clean by the Shard was gone forever, but Zac wouldn''t take that for a given until he had tried to remedy the situation with better materials. Even if that was the case it wasn''t the end of the world though, as long as he reached D-Grade and restocked on a few millennia of additional lifespan.


    In fact, he felt it was a possibility that his lifespan was already longer than most people as he had to evolve his Race twice. Wasn''t it more than fair that he got twice as much life-force from the double upgrades?


    The discussions in the room had died down as soon as Zac arrived, and he quickly realized what was going through their heads going by their expressions.


    Im sorry to disappoint you all, but this is not another opportunity, Zac smiled as he looked around at the hopeful faces. We are just making sure that there are no lingering side-effects to our earlier experiment. You dont need to do anything, just stand still while we do our thing.


    With that, Zac took out the <strong>[Lantern of Fate]</strong> and activated it, illuminating the whole inner chamber and the participants in an ethereal light. Hundreds of strands appeared in the room, with Zac singlehandedly being the source of almost half of them. The others couldn''t see anything except the spooky light from thentern, but Zac could quickly figure out what was going on as each strand emitted a unique aura.


    How is it? Ogras asked as he walked over, and Zac sighed in response.


    Most of the lines attached to the people in the room werent anything special, mostly leading toward various directions in port Atwood. Zac and most of the demons also had additional strands pointing toward the sky, with the demons having blood-red lines that pointed toward the same direction.


    Zac and Ogras had an additional mix of different colors, no doubt representing the connections they had made in the Tower of Eternity. However, there was a group of people who had all had an ashy-grey strand that pointed toward the sky, people who really shouldnt have any connection to anyone outside earth.


    It looked like the gift of Origin Dao came with a price after all.


    What do we do now? How does that thing work? Ogras asked from the side with a low volume. "Should we...?"


    No," Zac said with a shake of his head, but he still took out <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. "Themp has a solution."


    The changed appearance of the axe drew a whistle from Ogras and appreciative looks from the demons, who could easily understand that the Spirit Tool had be even more powerful. Zac didnt immediately swing at the ribbons though, but he rather opened a smallpartment on themp, exposing a small reservoir of oil.


    This part was just as important as themp itself, as just seeing the Karmic lines was just half the battle. The second part was cutting them, and a normal weapon wouldnt be able to aplish that. The best would be things like the dagger that the Abbot gave him back then, but it had broken apart after one usage.


    However, themp wasnt a top-tier treasure without reason, and it came with a solution that even he could use.


    I only have a little bit of this, Zac said as he smeared some of the oil across the edge of his axe. Let''s hope we won''t have to use this thing too much."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He did have the second treasure of the Undead Kingdom as well, the item of erasure. However, he wanted to save that for the Dominators and their items since they should have a much stronger karmic connection to the Redeemerpared to these weak ribbons.


    The students of Atwood Academy recoiled in fear as Zac suddenly appeared in front of them, but he didn''t dare exin what was going on in case that would ruin their preparations. He moved as quickly as he could and swung his axe at the closest grey ribbon with such speed that the young girl in front of him couldnt even react.


    Ogras was just one step behind, though he simply moved the girl away from the others in case something would go wrong. Groans echoed across the hall as one person after another coughed up a mouthful of blood and fell unconscious until less than twenty people remained standing. Most of the students were among the unconscious, but one demon and a few of the valkyries had been affected as well, along with Sap Trang.


    Zac wasn''t surprised by the group of unconscious people. They were essentially the same group as those who had been osted by those ghosts when he cracked open the funnel. He couldn''t help but feel that these people were a bit pitiful, not only reading the smallest rewards from the funnel but also getting all of the drawbacks.


    The rest stood rooted in ce, notpletely understanding what was going on. They had only seen Zac starting to swing his axe in the air like a lunatic, while one person after another copsed onto the floor. They looked warily at Zac and Ogras, but they breathed out in relief when they saw Zac put themp away.


    Take them to the infirmary, Ogras said to the demons who stood by before he walked Zac away from the others. We should do this again at ater date to make sure it worked. Cant be too careful that old bastard.


    Well do a second scan before we enter the Mystic Realm, Zac nodded in agreement before he properly looked up and down at the demon. You still havent evolved? Whats going on?


    Its thehersted shadow-beast, Ogras sighed after making sure no one else was within earshot. The bastard hasplicated things for me. I heard from your sister about the Mystic Realm. I really need to go into seclusion if I want a shot at evolving before then. Can you deal with the rest yourself?"


    Zac thought it over, and he eventually nodded.


    Ill head out to find the cultists next, Zac said. They are different from the Undead Empire though. I should be able to deal with it alone.


    Their defenses seem a lot simpler; just kill everything in the surroundings. But be careful. Dont forget how crazy they are. That''s how I got my arm reced by this bastard," Ogras said as he knocked the metal cast on his arm.


    I know, Zac sighed. Ill go alone. Im not sure Id be able to protect others from their fire if they start exploding themselves.


    Well, your past year has led to this moment, Ogras snorted. Some zealot fire shouldnt be able to take out the unkible cockroach.


    Thank you for the vote of confidence, Zac snorted at the demon who melded into the shadows the next moment.


    Zac left as well after having made sure that everyone was alive and stable, and headed over to Thayer Consortia to pick up some items he had ordered. While he was there he also asked Calrin to look into blocking Technocrat tech, though he didnt hold too much of a hope of him finding anything useful.


    He also asked them to start preparing for the auction. He still hadn''t decided whether he should hold it before or after he dealt with the Mystic Realm, but he leaned toward thetter. No point in empowering outsiders just before the showdown that would decide Earth''s future. It mighte back to bite him in the ass.


    He returned to hispound next and found Emily having dinner with his sister.


    Im heading out to deal with the cultists, Zac said to the two. Be careful while Im gone.


    Already? You need me to call the shield squad? Kenzie asked.


    No, Im going alone this time, Zac said with a shake of his head, ignoring the pouting from Emilys side.


    Since Ogras had gone into seclusion to prepare for his breakthrough he didnt feelfortable bringing Emily and the others. He had mostly brought themst time because of the high stakes of the Undead Incursion, but it was different now. If things went ording to n he would find a half-abandoned Incursion base as most of the cultists were busy exploring the Mystic Realm.


    He would either close it down or flee with the help of the emerald leaf, allowing him to try againter. There was no point in risking the lives of his people in such a scenario.


    In fact, he felt that anyone except Ogras might turn out to be a liability, where Zac would have to split his attention between protecting others and taking out the invaders. The Valkyries had made tremendous gains over the past months, but they still werent ready to tackle people like the cultists head-on.


    Meanwhile, he felt confident that his recent gain in power was enough to close the incursion. After all, he had managed to defeat the Head Priest once already in a head-on collision, and that was before his Dao upgrade and while being weakened from the node opening. He was in tip-top shape right now, and he even had a charge from the Splinter as a back-up in case things turned really dire.


    "Fine," Kenzie sighed. "But be careful. They seem pretty insane, but they are an ancient faction. They must have some things to rely on after being able to avoid getting eradicated after making enemies left and right."


    Zac talked with his sister and Emily a bit longer before he walked over to his teleportation house. He changed his appearance with <strong>[Thousand Faces] </strong>before he entered though, as he didn''t want his movements to be tracked. His vision turned ck for a minute before he appeared in Westfort.


    The teleportation station was bustling with activity, and over a hundred warriors wereing and going. The small British town was quickly bing a proper world hub, though Zac believed that they hadnt managed to upgrade the town through the System just yet.


    He showed an ID given to him by Thea at the security checkpoint, and he was quickly escorted to a secured area without another word. A somewhat familiar face hurried over the next moment, and Zac remembered he was one of the intelligence officers of the Marshall n.


    Lord Atwood, said with a small bow. What brings you here today?


    Is Thea around? he asked after some thought.


    He had only talked with her through correspondence after closing the Undead Incursion, as Thea and Billy had already healed up enough for them to leave by the time he returned to Port Atwood. He wasnt running against the clock right now, so he could spare some time to discuss things with her before he set off for Main Paris.


    She and Mr. Trask Jr. are currently in the library. Would you like for us to arrange transportation? the officer asked, and Zac soon found himself sitting in the back of a town car with tinted windows.


    All the defensive perimeters around the Old Homestead opened up without issue, and he was quickly led to the shell-like tower. His appearance reverted back to normal as he stepped through the door, and he found Thea sitting on a sofa where he read about Galvarion a few month back. Billy was dozing off next to her, his snores likely blocked out by an array.


    However, he woke up as Zac approached and waved at him with a big grin.


    How are you two feeling? Zac smiled as he sat down on a sofa opposite them.


    Haha, Billy is good, the giant said as he waved his massive arms with enough force to create a gust, which earned him a p from one of Big Blue''s tentacles. Stupid fish.


    Zac wondered if the two would erupt in battle, but Thea smoothly distracted Billy by taking out a grilled turkey leg, as though she had done this dance many times before.


    Thats good to hear, Zac said as he looked over at Thea who had put aside the crystal she was reading. I have some news.


    He quickly recounted what he had found out from Julia regarding the Mystic Realm, though Billy quickly zoned out until he mentioned therge number of powerful beasts. He immediately wanted to head out for some thwonking, but Zac and Thea managed to calm him down.


    So what do you want to do? Thea asked after a while. Are you heading in now?


    Impletely healed up now, Zac slowly said. So I am thinking Ill hit the Cultists first. That way Ill both gain a new entrance, while also cutting off their escape route. We can slowly flush them out afterward. Those lunatics doesnt deserve any leniency. Besides, that way we can limit the spread of information about Earth.


    They probably have already sent back information about the Mystic Realm though. I think thats what prompted the extra investment, Thea countered.


    "Still," Zac said.


    Another reason he wanted to close the incursion was to free himself up to use both his sses while battling the invaders without risking the news immediately reaching the church. However, he wasn''t really willing to discuss that matter in front of Big Blue and Billy. He didn''t believe that Billy would betray him, but the giant didn''t really have any filters and might blurt it out at an inopportune time.


    Do you need help with the cultists? Thea asked, changing the subject.


    Billy want to help as well! the giant roared. "Stupid fire-lizards burned Billy''s clothes."


    Just focus on recuperation, Zac smiled. It will be all hands on deck in the Mystic Realmter.


    We''re mostly better. Billy and I have already talked about it. If you don''t need help with the Incursion, can we enter the Inheritance while you are away?

 Chapter 521: Birds

    Chapter 521: Birds


    You want to enter right now? You sure you dont want to wait? Zac asked with surprise. "You might die, you know. As I told you in the letter, the masters of the Inheritances all seem to be entric characters. Why not wait until youve reached level 75?


    Zac had gifted them each a shot at an Inheritance as thanks for protecting Port Atwood while he was away. So he wasn''t surprised to hear her bring it up, but he was a bit confused that she already wanted to take the trial. They knew they only had one chance, so he had assumed that the two would wait until they reached peak F-Grade. After all, that came with a set of powerups, such as titles, bonus attributes, and skills.


    Their efforts had slowed down the approach of the invaders by hours, which was the whole reason he couldplete the climb without worry. He didnt know what he would do if he suddenly got the prompt of the invasion while he was inside the tower, but he most likely would have left early. He would have lost out on so much if that happened, including the Shard of Creation.


    Not only that, the two had actuallypletely missed out on the quest for defeating the Undead Incursion because of their wounds. Thea and Billy should have been two of the highest contributors in the battle against the undead except himself and the Abbot, but they never got the quest as they were stuck in sickbeds on his ind.


    Giving them each a shot at an inheritance along with some of the things he had gotten during the climb was the least he could provide in return. The inheritances were limited, so any spot he gave out might mean that some descendant of his missed out in the future. But he figured that he would be powerful enough to be able to provide even better things to his grandchildren if it ever came to that.


    Better use the inheritances now while they still could provide a lot of value.


    His sister had already imed the Invoker inheritance, and Adran was keeping his eyes on the craftsmen who had started perusing the Celestial Artisan Heritage. Someone might be worthy of taking on the inheritance as well.


    As for thest two inheritances, Zac wasnt sure. It would depend on which inheritances Thea and Billy decided upon, though he had a pretty good idea what they would go for.


    Were sure, Thea nodded. We cant keep ying it safe. I feel were not powerful enough to help out as we are. We wont be able to reach level 75 in thirty-six days, theres just no way. Well enter in a day or two after I''ve confirmed a few things here.


    Billy wants the Titan, Billy said from the side. Billy doesnt know why, but it feels familiar..?


    It does? Zac asked with interest.


    Was it perhaps his bloodline calling to him?


    Billy thinks he dreamt being a big giant that was called a Titan? Billy muttered with a frown. Cant remember


    Well, I think it suits you, Zac said. Ive seen the statue of the master of the Titan Inheritance. He looks just as strong as you, so you should be able to get things that make you stronger as well.


    The Titan felt like the given choice for billy, though Zac also felt that the Undying Fiend might be able to provide Billy with means of shoring up hiscking defenses. But the Inheritances were ultimately a matter ofpatibility rather than what people needed, and Billy was definitely the mostpatible with the Titan inheritance.


    Good! Billy fervently nodded. Billy has slept too much. Last fight hurt, Billy needs to get better at thwonkin.


    What about you? Zac asked as he turned to Thea.


    Ill take the de Emperor if thats okay, Thea said after a few seconds.


    Zac nodded, feeling inwardly relieved. There wasnt really any standout in Port Atwood that could benefit from that Inheritance. The only one using a sword of the core forces was Sap Trang, but he wasnt really a sword master, but rather a water mage or beast tamer. Besides, Zac also had the heritage for the de Emperor, which probably contained half of the value that the old master left behind.


    What kind of test was there? Thea asked. Is it based on strength or suitability?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Suitability, Zac said after some hesitation. It got a bit dangerous for me because I kind of cheated a bit, and Ogras was only in danger because the master he chose was a lunatic. But the trials should be achievable by normal talented people, as they were meant as gifts for the descendants of Bra, the towers creator.


    Good, Thea said with some relief.


    Im not sure how long Ill be gone this time while looking for the cultists. Just have my sister lead you in if Im not around. Oh, the tool spirit is slightly insane as well, so dont try to anger it. It might mess with your trial out of spite, Zac said, drawing an even stare from Thea.


    Anything else? she asked.


    No, thats it, Zac with a shake of his head. Or well, justpliment it a bit and it might make your lives easier. I need some help from your family with the teleporters, but Ill just grab someone from your intelligence office.


    Good luck, Thea said as she quickly scribbled a letter. What we can do is limited, but dont be afraid to ask for help if you need it. I dont think anyone over at the Intelligence Bureau will cause any trouble for you, but take this letter just in case.


    Zac nodded and left, and he walked over to the building that housed the intelligence department of the Marshall n. Charles Marshall immediately met up with him, and Zac couldnt help but snort when he saw that he looked at the shadows with some worry. The demon had apparently left quite an impression during hisst visit to the Bureau.


    Ogras isnt here, Zac said with a smile. I need to be teleported to Main Paris without anyone finding out.


    Main Paris? Charles repeated with a calcting look. Youre not?


    Im not nning on taking out the New World Government, Zac snorted as he handed him Theas letter. At least not yet. I am looking for the base of operations of the cultists. You don''t happen to know anything else?


    Charles'' eyes lit up, and he quickly took out a stack of documents. He quickly provided a rundown of their findings, and much of it was simr to what Julia had said. The old spy had singled out three possible locations, one of which was the same uncharted territory as Julia pointed out.


    A second one was in the middle of a vast marsnd that spread out to the south of the hearnds of Pangea. There were some settlements there, but only at the edge. The ce was swarming with hostile wildlife, the worst of which being the millions of massive mosquitoes that could suck a person dry in a second.


    The high humidity of the area had turned the core of the swamp essentially uncharted as well, which was why Charles believed that an incursion could hide there without notice. The pirs weren''t lighthouses that could be seen from tens of miles after all, and Zac had only spotted the undead one through the miasmic haze when he was almost upon it.


    The final spot was a remote area to the far north, an inhospitable world of ice north of the even most distant of settlements. It was the least-likely ce in Charles'' opinion, but he had scribbled a note that said that they might like the hostile environment to temper themselves since they were fire-attributed.


    Zac went over the documents as Charles read Thea''s letter, and Zac felt some relief that it probably wouldn''t take too long to deal with the cultists. He personally felt the northern location was a long shot, which meant he only needed two trips to find his target. The fact that both Julia and Charles hadnded on the same spot was a good indicator as well, as both had ess to vast, but different, intelligenceworks.


    Inheritance, Charles muttered from the side. May I ask if this is a real inheritance like the ones described in our library?


    It is. A peak D-Grade inheritance. I have a few of them, and I gave Thea one slot. Keep this to yourself though, Zac nodded


    Certainly, though I need to share it with Henry. May I ask if there is there danger? the thin old man asked with worry.


    It was easy to forget that this kindly old man was a ruthless assassin who had murdered a family member for breaking the family rules, rather than a doting grandpa worrying for Theas safety.


    Some. She can give up though if it gets too hard, Zac shrugged. I''ll take a look at the ce near Main Paris first. Do you have a method to take me there?


    You appeared in Westfort with a disguise. Are you able to take on specific faces with your skill? Charles asked.


    I can, but it doesnt hold up to scrutiny too well, Zac nodded.


    Thats fine, Charles said as he started tapping on a tablet before he handed it over.


    This is an informant of mine who has ess to Main Paris. If that doesnt work we also control a remote town roughly half a day''s flight from the city. Its up to you which you want to utilize, the old man said.


    Zac eventually decided to forgo his n of going through New Paris in his search for the Cultist Incursion. After seeing the location of the Marshall-controlled town on the map, he felt it would only dy him a couple of hours. There were a lot more mountains to cross going from that direction, but it didnt matter to Zac who had a flying treasure.


    This way he was less likely to tip off any infiltrators hiding in New Paris or getting spotted when flying above a trafficked route.


    Ill go through the smaller town, Zac said as he stood up. One more thing. The remaining Invaders gained the ability to use teleporters the moment their Incursion was closed. You might want to increase security going forward. Who knows what a bunch of zealots trapped on earth will do.


    We have been preparing for this for some time, Charles nodded. Well slowly ramp up our measures over the next day to not cause any rm.


    Zac nodded in agreement and things from there went quite smoothly. Zac was led by a nondescript family member of the Marshall n to the vige called Peyraud. It was apparently a small French town with less than a thousand citizens that had turned to a minor stronghold.


    It had survived until now because it was just outside of the hunting range of the mutated birds of the mountain range. The ferocious flocks hunted everything else though, which had scared off any stronger beasts from the area.


    Of course, Zac knew that this ce would be overrun in a year at most, like most ces that only survived thanks to ack of natural predator. The birds would sooner orter evolve, which in turn would increase their appetite and hunting grounds. These vigers were lucky enough that they at least had managed to get a Teleporter, allowing them to flee before they got gobbled up.


    Zac didnt immediately jump onto his flying treasure but rather kept running through a dense forest for an hour until he was far away from any human activity. Only then did he take out the emerald leaf and set off for the massive mountain range. He quickly understood why people hadnt ventured past the mountains until now. They were simply enormous.


    Something this big was hard to properly gauge, but he guessed that they were a match to the Himyan mountain ranges of old Earth. However, these mountains were made from an almost pristine white rock, making Zac believe they came from one of the others.


    The second reason why people avoided the mountains soon presented itself as well, as hundreds of small spots rose from a mountain peak as Zac approached. The distant spots quickly grew in size until Zac realized that some of the iing birds were just enormous. There were some with a wingspan of just a couple of meters, but therger ones looked like they could snatch up a fighter jet in their ws.


    Zac didnt want to get embroiled in an aerial battle at this juncture, so he immediately urged the leaf to take evasive maneuvers. But the mutated eagles had no problem matching his speed as they intercepted. A piercing cry suddenly exploded in his ears with enough power to make him dizzy, but he quickly righted himself just in time to see a bird bursting forward with shocking speed.


    It seemed like the bird had activated some inherent skill, as it appeared right in front of him in almost an instant. A light shed among the clouds as Verun was unleashed, and a rain of blood followed as the eagle was chopped in two. The massive bird had been on the threshold of reaching the E-Grade, but it was cut apart like paper in the face of the upgraded Spirit Tool.


    More importantly, the weapon actually emitted a primordial aura that made the eagles stop in their tracks. It allowed him to increase the distance as the flying treasure was pushed to its limits. However, their territorial instincts soon won over their primal fear for the aura the axe emitted, and they swooped toward Zac like kamikaze pilots.


    Zac could only sigh in annoyance as he started pushing Cosmic Energy toward <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but he suddenly stopped himself and moved the energy toward the fractal on his left arm instead. He still hadnt tested <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>, but wasn''t this the perfect opportunity? He was still just at the edge of the mountain range, far from the supposed location of the Incursion.


    However, as he pushed Cosmic Energy into the fractal he realized a problem; the skill refused to activate.

 Chapter 522: The Abyss and Arcadia

    Chapter 522: The Abyss and Arcadia


    The massive eagles soared ever closer, but Zac didnt panic as he opened his skill menu while fleeing from the flock. He had already looked at the description, but he wanted to use it as a clue to what might be the problem. <table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>[E] Rapturous Divide - Proficiency: Early. Between the Abyss and Arcadia is an endless chasm. Upgradeable.</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    The [E] in front of the skill was unique, as the other skills were without any tag. However, that wasn''t important right now, but rather finding out why he couldn''t use the skill. His eyes bore into the text like he was trying to see any hidden truths behind them, and his mind furiously worked to put together the clues so far.


    Split life and death...The Abyss and Arcadia, Zac muttered with a frown as he tried to understand the fractal, and something suddenly clicked.


    He quickly pushed Cosmic Energy into <strong>[Chop]</strong> as well, and a terrifyinglyrge fractal de grew out from <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. He was still only able to maintain a stable edge that was around 10 meters, whereas anythingrger would start to destabilize after a few seconds.


    However, a change quickly spread out through the de as a powerful twinned surge of energy shot into the fractal edge from his left arm. The shaky de immediately stabilized before it started to transform. The de grew evenrger and more robust as a new set of ovepping fractals covered its length, one golden and one ck.


    Zac felt apletely new connection to the de like it was part of himself, and he finally understood what his new skill would do. He infused the massive edge with the Fragment of the Coffin before he swung it in a wide horizontal arc toward the hundreds of enormous eagles that were still bearing down on them.


    The evasive maneuvers while he tried to figure out his skills had incited blood-lust in the flock, and their eyes shone with a sinister light as they pped their wings with enough force to cause a storm. The fractal edge didnt shot toward the beasts like how <strong>[Chop]</strong> usually worked, but a ck wave instead spread out from it as the edge itself turned into a lustrous gold.


    The wave was extremely swift, and it covered arge number of the eagles before they even had a chance to react.


    However, there was no scene of carnage that followed the swing. A few eagles screamed in pain as they were assaulted by the corrosiveponents of the Fragment of the Coffin, but there was blood raining the mountain walls this time. The eagles were instead shrouded in darkness, like Zac had thrown a can of ck paint rather than a ferocious attack at them.


    The odd scene wasnt surprising to Zac, as he had only set up the first half of the attack. The air screamed as he swung the golden fractal edge once more, and another wave shot out, this one looking like a wave of sunlight breaking through the clouds. The fractal edge still stayed attached to <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, but it crumbled shortly after the second wave had left it.


    The golden wave passed through the flock of birds as well, and a shocking change urred. A clear line ran straight across the flock, with the upper side only holding the golden sheen, and the lower side drenched in darkness. It reminded Zac of his bout of inspiration inside his cultivation cave where he split the two conflicting energies apart, though on a far grander scale.


    The odd scene onlysted for an instant before the horizon cracked, the dividing line between gold and ck turning into a crack in space itself. Two opposite shockwaves spread out, one toward the sky and one toward the ground. Hundreds of birds fell apart mid-flight, looking like they had been cut apart by aser.


    The two shockwaves caused a cascading halo to emerge on the horizon, and Zac froze in awe as he looked at the spectacle. The golden wave had turned into what looked like a massive sunset that spread for over a hundred meters. Even more amazing, Zac felt like he could hear Buddhist hymnsing from a paradise he could barely discern through the golden haze.


    The golden sun was matched by a ck opposite, the two halves forming an almost perfect circle. The hair on Zacs arms stood on end as he turned his attention to the darker half, feeling like he was looking at theherworld itself. Distant wails of lost soul rattled in his mind, and Zac felt like someone or something was staring back at him from within the darkness.


    The effect onlysted for a few seconds before it dissipated, leaving a sky clear of any aggressive birds. The attack hadnt hit every eagle, but it looked like a couple of them had been swallowed by half-suns, not even leaving a corpse like their bisected brethren. Zac nodded in appreciation as he kept flying, thankful he had done this test on the outer side of the mountain range.


    <strong>[Rapturous Divide] </strong>was a lot shier than he had expected, and he could only pray that no lizardmen scouts were hiding in this remote part of the mountain range. Of course, he knew that he had pushed the skill pretty hard as well, and he realized now that he didn''t actually need to use a 100-meter de to create it.


    He could have activated the skill by adding a small half-meter edge over<strong> [Verun''s Bite] </strong>as well, which would allow him to use the skill in a one-on-one melee battle.


    The skill took advantage of the opposing natures of life and death. The two were each other''s opposites, and this fact was utilized to create a divide in space itself. It was a high-concept empowerment that would turn most defenses useless, just like a spatial tear would. If he had this skill when fighting the battleroach king or the dragon he wouldnt have been so hard-pressed to wound them, as he doubted they were able to stop a tear in space itself.


    Such a divide might notpletely be what he looked for when it came to his insights to his cultivation path, but Zac felt it didn''t matter too much as it was just a single skill. Not every action he took needed to be an echo of his insights. It was still based on life and death, which better than most of his other skills, proving that his new ss moved in the right direction.


    Zac looked inward for a second, and he was somewhat disappointed to see that he had lost connection to the Skill fractal, just like when his other skills were on cooldown. It looked like he wouldn''t be able to shoot out a rapid barrage of space-splitting life-and-death waves. Then again, that wasn''t really on the table in any case, as that single strike had cost him almost 10 percent of his total Cosmic Energy reserves.


    At least it didnt seem to be a long cooldown skill like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, which could only be used every 12 hours or so. He kept a close look at the fractal as he flew between the mountain peaks, and could soon confirm that <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> could be used again after three minutes.


    Tree minutes wasnt bad, but not great either. Most intense fights felt quite long, but they were usually over in less time than that. However, it would be a great addition in prolonged battles, providing a repeatable destructive boost to just shooting out an infinite number of fractal edges. However, he still didnt use the skill at the next group of predatory birds that assaulted him, and instead opted to take them out with <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    The pack of eagles that Zac annihted earlier wasnt the only one, but most likely a single roost out of the hundreds, perhaps thousands, of the mountain range. His flight through the towering peaks quickly turned into an endless battle, where the skyline was covered by frenzied birds defending their mountain.


    Most of the birds were F-Grade, but the asional early E-grade alpha appeared as well. The feather of the evolved birds was like steel, partly absorbing the strikes of a normal <strong>[Chop]</strong> even though <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> had been upgraded. Zac realized that this wasn''t the fault of his Spirit Tool though, but rather on the skill itself.


    The skill had definitely be stronger with the upgrade of the axe, but the effect was only partial. It seemed like a simple F-Grade skill wouldn''t be able to keep up with the upgrades of an E-Grade axe. He sighed in disappointment when he realized that his main skill would peter out into obsolescence sooner orter. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, the skill was still useful, not only as a delivery method of his E-grade skill, but on its own. The skill itself might not be able to outright kill these powerful birds, but it was another matter entirely when he infused the des with the Fragment of the Axe. One silver sh after another lit up the pristine mountain peaks as deste cries resounded, each wail marking the end of a king of the sky.


    An ever-increasing amount of energy surged toward the turbid node in his left leg, and Zac realized that he would be able to burst open a node in a day or two if he kept going like this. However, Zac slowly started to look for some way to get out of this situation. It felt like no matter how many beasts he killed, there were still more and more that appeared in the skyline all around him.


    It did allow him to get acquainted with his new skill though, and now and then a group of birds would be split apart as the white mountain wall was lit up in golden splendor. He quickly figured out that his maximum limit of the skill was a 150-meter spatial tear, while he actually realized there was a lower limit as well at 75 centimeters.


    The cost of the activation wasn''t quite linear though. Just activating the skill was the cause of over half of the energy expenditure, while the length of the tear added an almost linear expenditure.


    The strength of the attack was based on the length of the tear as well, with the shorter tear unleashing a more intense wave of destruction. However, the shortest tear was at best twice as strong as thergest one, meaning that the massive divide wasn''t all that weakpared to the one-on-one strike.


    However, the hours passed and Zac couldnt take it any longer. He was starting to tire even when fighting while holding a D-Grade Nexus Crystal for energy restoration. He flew into a narrow canyon and jumped off the leaf mid-flight, immediately taking out an Illusion Array Disk the moment hended. He shot forward a few hundred meters with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> the next second, hiding inside a cave.


    A sleeping bear yowled in surprise at the unwee intruder, but it was quickly cut in two before it could warn the frenzied eagles that flew back and forth outside. Their screeches caused the walls of the cave to shake as their feathers carved deep grooves in the mountain walls, but they couldnt find the target no matter how hard they looked.


    They finally left after taking out their frustrations on a group of poor mountain goats who failed to blend in with the white rocks, allowing Zac to breathe out. He wasnt really worried about being overrun by the bloodthirsty birds, but rather that he was causing too big a ruckus. He had passed most of the mountain range by now, and he was closing in on the uncharted territory on the other side.


    Thousands of massive eagles clumping around a foreign object in the sky while screeching at the top of their lungs would probably be spotted from miles away, and he wanted to retain at least some of the element of surprise. The birds were gone, but Zac didn''t immediately move out, and instead sat down to recuperate his lost Cosmic Energy for a few hours.


    Only when he waspletely topped off again did he move out. This time he didn''t take out his flying treasure though but instead tried to stay as inconspicuous as possible between the mountains. There were pretty much not a single beast barring his path down on in the canyon, which wasnt surprising considering what lived on the mountain tops. It allowed Zac to make good speed, and he reached the end of the mountain range just an hourter.


    And what met his eyes was an endless primordial jungle.

 Chapter 523: Jungle

    Chapter 523: Jungle


    It turned out that on the other side of the expansive mountain range was a basin, a vast depression in thendscape. It looked like something left behind by a meteor millions of years ago and it almost felt like he had entered a different climate zone as warm winds wafted onto his face. The humidity had gained a huge spike on this side of the mountains as well, like all the moisture was trapped in the basin.


    That wasnt surprising though as massive waterfalls could be spotted to the west, no doubt stemming from the ind sea Julia mentioned before. He would have turnedpletely mmy in seconds if it wasnt for his improved constitution. Judging by how healthy the enormous ntlife looked there was no doubt a lot of rain as well, perhaps as the clouds would get stopped by the mountains.


    Zac still couldnt spot any Incursion pir yet, but he had a good feeling about this ce. First of all, the energy was quite dense in the area. The second reason was simple as well; there were a lot of fire-attuned energies in the air even though there was so much humidity. Zac first thought there might be a fire-crystal mine beneath the ground, but he soon found the real source of the energies.


    He could barely discern a volcano in the distance, standing roughly in the middle of the basin. It was pretty far away, and he guessed that it would take half a day getting there on foot even if he kept a high pace. Smoke rose from the top, proving it was active, and it looked like it was continuously releasing energies out into the forest around it.


    It really looked like a pretty good starting spot for a force like the Church of the Evesting Dao. A volcano in an energy-dense valley was probably a treasure trove for a fire-based force. Better yet, the humidity had created arge amount of low-hanging clouds that limited his vision. It wasnt nearly as dense as the clouds of miasma in the Dead Zone, but it would do just fine in hiding an Incursion pir if you were far away.


    Especially if the cultists helped improve the effect somehow.


    The volcano spread small amounts of fire-energies across the whole jungle, but when Zac activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> there was an odd sight. The whole jungle lit up in a dim red glow from his special sight, but the volcano itself was utterly devoid of energy. Something close to the volcano was either hiding the energies or absorbing them.


    The mmy haze thankfully allowed Zac some protection as he took out his flying treasure once more. He honestly would have preferred to travel by foot, but he had a mission toplete. His desire wasn''t about safety or stealth though, but something more primal. It felt like the forest was calling out to him somehow.


    It wasn''t as strong as when he hade close to great natural treasures like the Cherry or the Tree of Ascension, but the feeling was simr. It felt like the forest itself had gained a semnce of spirituality that resonated with his body, or perhaps more urately his ss. He felt like he would be able to progress both his nature-based skills and his Dao in this ce a lot more efficiently than even staying in his cultivation cave.


    Progressing skills wasn''t necessarily about energy density, but rather about opportunity and insight. So secluded cultivation might be good to improve some aspects of his strength, but skills were not one of them. A few of his skills, like <strong>[Forester''s Constitution] </strong>and <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>were still stuck at Late Proficiency, and this might be a good ce to practice those skills.


    However, Zac knew that would have to wait until he dealt with the cultists, so he set off on top of his flying treasure, heading straight for the volcano.


    He kept a much lower altitude than normal this time, staying close to the treetops in hopes to blend in with the enormous leaves of the tree crowns. A roar suddenly echoed out across the area as a five-meter panther jumped up straight at him, but Zac killed it with one swift swing. Its carcass joined the mountain of high-grade meat in his Cosmos Sack before even a second had passed as Zac whizzed past the area.


    It was no wonder that the deste mountain range could support so many birds, the jungle below was simply littered with beasts. Everything from ten-meter snakes to insects asrge as dogs tried to strike at him as Zac whizzed through their domains, and the area was drenched in a constant mor of thousands of different animal calls.


    The beasts unfortunately werent very powerful even though many of them were quiterge. The birds might have already hunted anything that could be a threat to them, or perhaps it was the cultists doing if this indeed was their hidden base of operations. It was even possible that the stronger beasts were smart enough to figure out that he wasn''t some tasty morsel drifting around on a wayward leaf.


    A streak of mes suddenly shot toward him out of nowhere, forcing Zac to quickly swivel out of the way. It pushed past him toward the skies and only ran out of steam after having flown hundreds of meters. Zac first thought there was some beast spewing fire at him, but he quickly spotted an inconspicuous tower among the tall palms, colored so that it would blend in with the surroundings.


    Another fireball soared just past him, and Zac felt the familiar aura of the zealots from the golden mes. Zac shot out a <strong>[Chop] </strong>and the tower crumbled, its defensive shield utterly incapable of withstanding a middle-grade fragment. He was quite happy that he had probably found the right ce, but it would take him half an hour before he reached the volcano even if he pushed the leaf to its limits.


    There was no way he would be able tounch a surprise strike at the cultists any longer, but there was only so much you could prepare in thirty minutes. They should still be unable to utilize any teleportation arrays, making it impossible for them to recall any forces from the Mystic Realm. Unless their Incursion spawned right on top of one of the entrances they wouldnt be able to return in time.


    Zac quickly scoured the surroundings, and he soon realized there actually was a neat perimeter of simr towers forming a circle around the volcano. However, Zac felt that these things weren''t meant to deal with cultivators, but rather to scare off the flocks of birds. They would be almost useless to deal with forces on the ground with the thick foliage blocking their fireballs.


    If that was the case it might still take some time before they realized something was wrong, but Zac wouldn''t hold his breath. The cultists were crazy, but not stupid. They should be fully aware that he wasing for them sooner orter, as they were thest invaders remaining on Earth.


    Deep thuds echoed out from his chest as his heart started beating rapidly in anticipation of the uing battle, but Zac took a few calming breaths to steady himself as he started to fly toward the volcano again. He quickly realized that the various sounds of the jungle were steadily growing few and far in between, like the beasts knew better than to stay close to the mountain in the middle of the jungle.


    Zac kept his eye peeled for any hints of the Incursion, and his eyes lit up when he saw a shimmering glow as he started to make his way around the volcano. He had figured that the pir would either have to be inside the volcano itself or hidden behind it, and it looked like it was thetter.


    A minuteter the whole pir was on full disy, rising into the clouds right behind the plumes of smokeing from the volcano. The cultists were full-fledged lunatics, but Zac had to admit they had a ir for architecture. The back of the mountain was lit up with sshes of gold and red, and grand temples and mansions built from the pristine white stones seemed topete with each other in how borate their designs were.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Incursion Pir itself started right at the foot of the mountain, while the town itself wasprised of an ascending series of tiered structures ran halfway up the volcano. It did look a bit odd, as the most important structure was essentially located furthest out, while it was the temples that took the best spots at the highest positions of the mountain.


    However, the buildings only reached halfway up the volcano, after which they abruptly stopped. Above that was only one thing; a gargantuan rune of three lines. The three simple wavy lines were the insignia of the Church of Evesting Dao, and the huge rune emitted a pressure that even Zac could feel from the distance. The lines apparently represented The Heavens, The System, and The Dao; their concept of divinity.


    The scene reminded Zac of the consecrated mountain that Abbot Evesting Peace lived on, where prayer and conviction had brought forth a true power. It was a reminder of how contradictory a force the Church of Evesting Dao was. Triv had talked about them at great length over the past week, seemingly taking real pleasure in causing trouble the enemies of the Undead Empire.


    It was more correct to call the Church of Evesting Dao two entwined forces rather than one single unit, with one being the fanatics and the other the body-merchants.


    Some considered the fanatics as just a front, but the massive rune was a stark reminder that there were quite a few members who wholeheartedly believed in the Divinity of the System. Mount Evesting Peace had been consecrated over a thousand years to gain spirituality upon the integration, but this mountain wasing close to emitting the same holiness after just a year.


    The confusingyout of the town itself made Zac a bit unsure of how to proceed though. Normally he would bash through a wall and defeat the armies, and finally corral the remaining enemies toward the Incursion pir. But the Nexus Hub was already within his reach unless the open-aired temple surrounding the red-and-gold pir contained some hidden safeguards.


    It felt a bit too simple. Abby had already exined the rules of taking over towns, and it worked the same with Incursions. If he walked over and imed the Nexus Hub a quest would start where the invaders had a short time window to rebuff him before their invasion ended by default. That was why the Incursion Leaders seldom left their base of operations.


    But seeing the pir unguarded like this made him feel there was some sort of trap, which was only reinforced by the fact that he still hadn''t spotted a single person so far. The whole town looked abandoned, like they already had fled before he arrived. However, there was no way that a force like the Church of the Evesting Dao would simply pack up and leave without a fight.


    Besides, there was no prompt from the system that the Incursion had failed, which meant that the Head Priest was still around somewhere. Zac activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>to see if any suspicious energy movements surrounded the Nexus Hub, but the pir itself drowned out any potential clues. It almost blinded him from how much energies it contained, and he was immediately forced to look away.


    Indecision gnawed at him for a few seconds, but he eventually made his decision and instead shot toward thergest temple, a resplendent structure ced right beneath the enormous rune. It was a massive construction with spires well over a hundred meters high, each of them holding a radiant fire.


    In fact, every single building had a golden fire burning at the roof, though the ones at the main temple were quite a bitrger than the others. Zac chose to target the temple because those spires reminded him of the array towers at the undead fortress. He could always im the Nexus Hub after destroying the temples and the gargantuan rune, which would hopefully preempt any booby traps the cultists had left for him.


    The leaf made a detour around the pir before it made a beeline for the temple, and there was finally some activity from the cultists'' side. A hundred warriors streamed out of the gates of the temple, seemingly rearing for battle. Just a hundred warriors wouldn''t even slow Zac for more than a few seconds, but he still activated <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong>.


    Zac felt that there was no way that this was all these guys had prepared, and his suspicions were quickly proven right as hundreds of fiery globes moved to intercept him. It was the braziers on top of the houses all along the mountainside that rose into the air, creating a beautiful spectacle.


    The air screamed as Zac whizzed back and forth, dodging the incendiary attacks. But there were just too many of them. One projectile after another mmed into the leaves he had conjured, setting them on fire. It quickly turned Zac''s whole vision turn into a golden inferno. He lost a steady stream of energy just to keep the initial salvo at bay.


    The emerald shield surrounding the flying treasure was still holding on just fine, but Zac knew it was just a matter of time before a breach happened. The emerald leaf didnt seem to be made for anything but travel. There were no offensive arrays, but just decent set defensive options. It wouldnt hold for too long against a barrage of this magnitude.


    Zac infused the leaf with the Fragment of the Bohdi, and it sted toward the town with regained momentum. The intensity of the barrage just increased as he closed in on the temple, but he finally was close enough for his purposes. A hundred-meter fractal de reached toward the sky as Zac raised <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, preparing for a vertical swing.


    Two streams of opposing forces crawled up along the de, reinforcing it and allowing it to grow another fifty percent as it was colored in gold and ck. The flying treasure stopped in its tracks a few hundred meters away from the temple, and Zac pushed as much of his Fragment of the Coffin as he could into the towering de.


    It felt like the world split apart as the de swung down, unleashing a wave of unadulterated darkness toward the temple and the top of the volcano itself. The attack passed through the barrage of golden mes like they weren''t even there before it covered the radiant temple in a deste gloom.


    It was time to send these cultists to a true paradise.

 Chapter 524: Fanaticism

    Chapter 524: Fanaticism


    The zealots seemed enraged rather than wounded after being drenched in the darkness of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>. It was like they took it as a personal affront that he had shrouded their temple and part of the massive rune in darkness.


    They all started emitting mes that actually seemed to counteract the darkness, and Zacs eyes widened in surprise when he saw that even the temple itself seemed capable to resist the effect of his skill. Nothing like this had happened when he fought the massive eagles before, but they were just dumb birds after all.


    It was nave to think that there was no way to counteract his newly acquired skill, and Zac knew he couldn''t waste any time. He had already tested this before. The separate clouds didn''t hold any individual power, they were only useful if they worked together. If the cultists managed to destroy the first wave before he managed to release the second one, the skill would have been wasted.


    He hurriedly swung his golden de in a second arc, the fractal edge crumbling into motes of light as a second wave shot out, this one reinforced by the Fragment of the Bodhi.


    A few cultists weed the golden wave as they peppered Zac with a barrage of me-based attacks, but most seemed to understand that something was wrong. They immediately used movement skills to get out of the way, clearly treasuring their lives higher than the well-being of their temple. Zac didnt care about that though, as his main goal wasnt some weak footsoldiers.


    Zac looked at the golden wave flying toward the mountain with anticipation as he conjured another set of leaves <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>to block out the attacks that still tried to bring him out of the sky. However, there was still a sense of unease lingering in the back of his mind. The problem wasnt that he felt pressure from therge number of attacks, but rather that it all felt extremely haphazard for such a powerful force.


    A few simple fireball arrays and a hundred soldiers from a force that was a scourge known across the whole Multiverse? He had taken out far more than that during the invasion of Port Atwood, and everything indicated that there should be thousands of cultists remaining on Earth. What was going on?


    Zacs first instinct when he saw how empty the emptiness of the town was that this ce actually wasnt the incursion, but rather one of their bases. But it was hard to argue with the massive pir in red and gold that rose into the sky behind him.


    Did the cultists perhaps conduct multiple simultaneous invasions on Earth, allowing them to discard all pirs but one? Their go-to method was to simply snatch the Incursion opportunity from other forces as far as he could tell, and perhaps they sometimes doubled up by mistake.


    However, all that would have to wait as the golden wave pushed into the temple shrouded in darkness, causing the whole mountain to rumble. Screams of fury and grief echoed across the mountainside as the whole temple was cleanly split into two, and the opposing shockwaves toppled the four spires in one go.


    Zac only managed to glimpse the opulent decor of the temple before it was utterly reduced to rubble, and a cascading wave of destruction followed in its wake as massive pieces of white boulders and raw rocks started falling down the side of the volcano, smashing everything in its path. It started to look like a mountain slide that kept growing in severity, and even Zac was a bit shocked by how effective his attack was.


    Of course, his sess was aided by the fact that the temple itself was unaided by any defensive arrays, apart from the natural aura that seemed to resist the darkness of his first wave. Zac figured that the swing wouldnt have been anywhere near as effective against the undead fortress and its sturdy formations.


    Therge rune remained though, and Zac started tounch a series of Fractal edges at it, all infused with the Fragment of the Axe. A few zealots tried everything within their power to stop him, but they were like flies to Zac who stood far up in the air,unching his punishment upon thends like a god of death.


    His hunch about the rune was quickly proven right as it was far better protected against strikespared to the rest of the buildings. A fiery aura burst out from the three wavy lines and rebuffed the fractal des, turning them into cinders before they could bite into the engraving itself.


    However, Zac wasnt discouraged, and his arm turned into a blur that rapidlyunched de after de without exhaustion. What he was doing was high sacrilege judging by how pissed-off the zealots down on the ground appeared. One had actually burst into mes and exploded out of sheer anger, and Zac figured that if this couldnt draw out the Head Priest, then nothing would.


    He still moved about in random patterns in the sky as he whittled down the energy of the rune, afraid that the Zealots were setting up a death beam or something simr. However, he waspletely left to his own devices, apart from the asional fireballing from the few still-standing houses of the mountainside.


    Blind faith ultimately wasnt an opponent to a sharp edge, and the three runes finally ran out of its mysterious energy, allowing Zac to turn the whole section of the volcano into a broken mess full of jagged scars. The three runes were reced with a hundred cracks in less than thirty seconds, and part of the wall even copsed into the center of the volcano, allowing a stream of magma to escape the volcano and crawl down toward the Incursion Pir.


    The scene made Zacs brows furrow as he had no idea what would happen if the Nexus Hub was swallowed by magma. Would the Incursion end, or would he be unable to im the crystal? He looked around to get an indication of what was going on from the remaining invaders, but they weren''t much of any help. Most of them had simply slumped down on the ground with tears running down their eyes, looking at the destruction with despair.


    Zac felt a small sense of relief, as they looked utterly incapable of mounting any sort of trap. Had they really given up on this ce? Didn''t they care about going back home, instead focusing all their resources on the Mystic Realm? However, he suddenly noticed something off; a group of nine cultists in high-quality robes that shot toward the incursion pir with impressive speed.


    He hadn''t seen them before as far as he could tell, meaning they perhaps had been waiting for some opportunity to strike. Zac hesitated what to as he saw their escape, but he felt he finally couldnt wait any longer as he saw the cultists take out nine massive fiery crystals. They looked a lot like the Nexus Hub itself, except for the weak fire-attuned energies they emitted. The cultists wasted no time before they started inserting them into a set of grooves in the open-aired temple that encircled the Incursion.


    Were they summoning someone? Or something?


    Nothing good woulde from letting the leadersplete their ritual, and Zac shot forward in an instant, putting away the leaf midair as he soared toward the pir. A few of the cultists tried to impede his trajectory, some even sacrificing themselves by blowing up. But Zac was unstoppable as he mmed into the ground right next to the pir. He immediately destroyed the closest fire crystal with a swing of his axe, simultaneously killing the priest who fiddled with it.


    He quickly transformed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> into its shield form before the swing even finished its trajectory, expecting a massive eruption of mes to swallow him when the crystal cracked. However, nothing of the sort happened. A bunch of shards flew in all directions, apanied by some fiery dust that spread out like a small cloud. Zac made sure not to inhale it even though he didn''t sense any danger from the stuff.


    However, a sense of unease grew as the remaining eight priests seemed to work on inscribing the crystals even faster. Zac pushed his speed to the limit, moving like a tornado in a circle around the incursion. The eight priests and their pirs were destroyed in short order, allowing Zac to finally breathe out in relief.


    But the creeping sense of danger only increased rather than subsided, and Zac quickly jumped up on the roof of the temple to get a better vantage. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A second group of cultists he hadnt sensed at all until now had somehow emerged among the rubble, but none of them cared about Zac in the slightest. They instead knelt toward the mountain peak, or perhaps toward the rune that Zac had destroyed. Zac didnt understand what they were doing, but he couldnt help but get a sinking feeling.


    This was all too shady, and he would rather retreat for a bit and reassess the situation than stay for whatever these guys had nned. He ignored the Nexus Hub that hovered just fifty meters away, afraid that touching it was the key to their trap. Zac instead took out his flying treasure once more. However, his eyes widened in rm when he infused it with his mentalmand as the emerald leaf was utterly unresponsive.


    It felt like he was standing on some random palm leaf snatched from the jungle rather than a treasure inscribed and empowered by some unknown master from a greater sector than Zecia. He tried swapping the crystals that were already provided as a power source, but it didnt improve the situation at all.


    Zac could pretty much confirm that something was wrong now, and he immediately started running for his life. But he only managed to activate <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> once, barely getting a hundred meters away from the Incursion toward the jungle, before the ground started heaving to the point that he was thrown off his feet and unable to regain his footing.


    Some fear finally started to set in and he tried to scramble toward theparable safety of the jungle. But an apocalyptic explosion erupted behind him, forcing him to look back. The whole sky had been reced by fire and molten rock as the volcano exploded. Not erupted, but literally exploded.


    Pieces of the volcano asrge as skyscrapers flew through the air as though they were weightless, soaring toward the distant edges of the basin. Only the foot of the mountain remained, releasing an endless amount ofva. A massive shockwave mmed into him before he even had a chance to erect any defenses, and Zac coughed out a mouthful of blood as he felt some of his bones were broken.


    If he was in such a bad shape this far away from the epicenter, then there was no need to talk about the cultists who had knelt in prayer. They were either ashes or meat paste by now, swallowed by the st.


    Zac didnt know whether he should feel lucky that the eruption had contained such force that no rocks were falling anywhere near the volcano, but he quickly understood that he had bigger problems as the rumbles beneath him just kept increasing in intensity. Just the vibrations alone would probably have killed a weaker cultivator, and even Zac felt his wounds worsen by the second.


    But even that wasnt the scariest thing going on right now. It was rather the three golden waves that slowly rose from within theva, carried upward by a pir of golden mes. An intense wave of divinity, far eclipsing that of the simple inscription on the wall, radiated from the enormous insignia, and Zac felt tears running down his face from just gazing at it. Looking at the three lines truly felt like gazing upon God himself.


    If God was an entity of endless fury and destruction.


    Zacs mind shook as his danger-sense screamed bloody murder. Just a minute ago he had felt like a god of ughter as he dismantled the rune and half the town from the safety of his leaf, but he realized how valuable that feeling had been. He was not a god, he could barely be considered an antpared to the real powers of the universe.


    The golden insignia finally stabilized up in the sky, drowning the whole basin in its golden splendor. At least the rumblings had subsided somewhat, allowing Zac to get back on his feet. There was no hesitation in his mind as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to get the hell away from there.


    However, he only managed to flee less than a hundred meters before a scorching pain enveloped him, prompting him to fall over once more. He shot out a series of fractal edges in each direction while his eyes wildly looked for the source of the threat, but he only cut through empty air. His harried mind scrambled to figure out what was going on, and he quickly figured out the reason for the pain.


    It was that dust he had been covered in earlier, the innocuous substance that had been released from the crystals. A moment ago they felt like just some golden sand that had covered him as he destroyed the array crystals, but they weren''t so innocuous any longer. They now radiated a restrictive force that made it look like he was on fire.


    Even worse, the mes also formed an intangible bond that ran between his body and the temple behind him, like a leash made of energy. It connected him to the cloud of golden sand that was still spread around the broken crystals like a fetter. Or perhaps it was more apt to say that the light was connected to the Incursion itself, as he saw that the mes had merged with the energy pir itself.


    He had been tricked.

 Chapter 525: Sigil

    Chapter 525: Sigil


    Zac finally understood why the cultists had acted so weirdly until now. A few of them had simply been sacrificial pawns for Zac to kill in hopes that it would make him lower his guard. The cultists utilized the fact that everyone thought of them as insane zealots with no regard for their lives. They were ruthless against others, but perhaps even more-so against themselves.


    But the real method to deal with him was obviously not the meager defense in front of the main temple, and the inscription in the mountain wall was probably just a red herring as well. The real threat was brooding inside theva itself, its presence obscured by the huge rune and the natural fire-attuned energies of the volcano itself.


    That only left the issue of the nine me crystals. Zac had immediately remembered the invasion of Port Atwood the other week when he saw them setting up their array. The invaders had set up a very simr constetion back then to summon the set of meteors. Nine clergymen set themselves aze in a circle around him, just like these ones nted the crystals in a circle around the incursion pir.


    Were the actions back on the ind all a sacrifice to trick him into destroying those crystals?


    The utterck of powerful arrays had also made him lower his guard somewhat after he had destroyed everything that looked like a threat. But the golden insignia in the sky radiated a terrifying pressure, even eclipsing the force of Adriels st that was powered by four array towers.


    Figuring out how they had actually managed to create the massive avatar in the sky obviously wasnt as important as getting the hell out of here though. He activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> to get a hint of how the burning fetters worked, and it was mostly fire-attuned as expected. However, there was also that other odd energy mixed withing; the energy of conviction.


    The golden fetter seemed to be held together by the faith of these zealots, and Zac long knew their conviction was as strong as it could get. Zac growled with frustration as he tried cutting the bindings apart, but <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> just flew straight through the mes without affecting it at all. Infusing the de with his Dao Fragments didnt make a lick of difference either, it was even more intangible than the ghosts he had fought until now.


    He tried ignoring the pain and keep running away next, and he was soon screaming on top of his lungs as he stretched the mes to their limits. He was hoping to snap the fetter with brute force, but the pain quickly became too much to bear even for him, forcing him to move back toward the incursion pir once more.


    A bell suddenly echoed across the basin, a clear gong that seemed to reach the depths of his soul. It obviously came from the rune in the sky, like it was announcing the descent of the divine. A few cracks echoed out from his body and he coughed out another mouthful of blood, just in time to see a waterfall of fire fall out from the sky.


    The mes came out of the insignia itself, and it felt like time itself slowed down as it slowly made its way toward the ground. Zacs danger sense was once again screaming at him to get away, and one nce was enough to realize that the fire that was currently moving toward him was far more dangerous than normal mes.


    It was once more that power of conviction that made the mes almost seem holy, and Zac started to understand what was going on.


    The Zealots had probably prayed toward the rune on the volcano since they arrived, constantly reinforcing it with the power of their conviction. The rune in turn had taken that energy and infused the golden insignia that now hung in the sky. Who knew what the end-goal was of this thing was, if Zac had not shown up to ruin their ns.


    Set the whole world on fire?


    Knowing the cultists it wasnt such a far-fetched idea. The body snatchers would capture the high-value corpses of Earth, after which the fanatics torched the whole, leaving no evidence or lingering threats behind.


    Zacs mind churned as he tried to figure out a way out of the situation, and he could eventually onlye up with one solution. Space split apart above him as he ran toward the incursion, once more jumping on top of the roof closest to the pir itself.


    The wooden hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> rose toward the sky, but Zac frowned when he felt the hand being rebuffed as it tried to ascend after a certain height. The three lines hummed as it released a radiant light, and Zac found himself unable to ce the skill above the insignia, like it was some sacrilege that went against the order of the heavens themselves.


    It immediately dashed his idea of drowning the burning sigil in a deluge of water.


    With his first n ruined he could only move to his backup n, and he instead activated the hand where it was. The enormous emerald fractal lit up in the sky, and a torrent of water started pouring out. However, the water didnt target the insignia itself, but rather the golden mes it spewed out. He could at least deal with the mes even if he couldn''t take out the root cause just yet.


    A massive explosion threw Zac off the roof again as the water of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> was instantly turned into steam the moment it came in contact with the holy mes. The same happened to the streams that missed the mes and instead fell on theva below, but the reaction at least managed to slow theva''s advance toward his location.


    Pain racked Zacs body, but he made sure to keep the skill going as he scrambled back on his feet, pushing <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> to its limits as he infused it with the Fragment of the Bodhi.<strong></strong>There was thankfully nock of water with such an enormouske nearby, and enough liquid to submerge a city block burst out of the fractal.


    Zac breathed out in relief as he could quickly make out that the descending sea of golden mes had been stopped in its tracks, whittled down by the incessant outpouring of water. However, that didn''t mean that he had won, but rather that he had entered apetition of endurance of which skill would run out of steam first.


    If it was just a cultivator on the other side, then Zac would have been confident in ousting them without breaking a sweat, but he quickly came to realize that he was dealing with something else entirely as the seconds passed. Sweat started streaming down his whole body from the heat and exertion, and he felt that he wouldn''t be able to keep the skill going for much longer.


    It wasn''t an issue of Cosmic Energy, but simply that there was a limit to how long the skill could function. However, he could sense that the energy that the golden lines radiated had been expended by more than half, meaning it wasn''t some infallible item that drew power from the heavens or something.


    Only five seconds remained on <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>, and he immediately made his choice as he pushed the golden hand to readjust itself somewhat. The emerald fractal that came with the skill was pretty much fixed after having been activated, but he could tilt it a little bit, which allowed him to change the direction of the stream of water.


    He didn''t try to catch arger part of the wave of mes that kept raining down from the insignia, but rather the opposite. The water instead shot straight toward the incursion pir and himself. Zac steadied himself as a wall of water mmed into him,pletely drenching him as it tried to carry him away toward the jungle.


    However, Zac quickly stomped his feet into the ground with enough force to lodge himself in the rock, while doing the same with a fractal de from <strong>[Chop]</strong>. He wouldn''t have loved anything more than being carried far from this ce, but the water was unfortunately unable to douse the fiery bonds that kept him in ce. The Incursion pir rebuffed the water without any effort as well, and it looked like the pir empowered the bond.


    He was afraid that he would identally kill himself if he pushed himself too far, so he had to stay around. <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> finally ended, and Zac saw that his efforts at least had allowed him to quell the threat of the magma flowing out from the remains of the volcano. It had already cooled into oddyers of stone that formed a towering wall where the city once stood.


    However, the insignia was still going strong, and Zac scrambled to figure out what to do next. The mes weren''t especially fast, but they would still reach him in just a few seconds. Wasting no time he immediately rushed into the Incursion pir itself. A strong rebounding force was emitted from the Nexus Hub, but he had no problem pushing through.


    He quickly reached the center of the pir and he swung his axe with all the force he could muster.


    A golden shield that Zac recognized all too well appeared in front of his edge just as it was about to bite into therge crystal and Zac sighed when he realized that the System prevented him from destroying the crystal itself. He hoped he would be able to free himself from the burning bond that way, but it looked like it would be impossible. However, that didn''t mean that there was no reaction to his attack as a prompt appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Nexus Hub Capture Activated. Hold for 1 hour to conquer.]</strong>


    Zac quickly read the screen before he waved it away. It wouldn''t help him against the iing sea of mes, but it did sound like there wouldn''t be any grace period for the Invaders if hepleted the capture. How would they use his Nexus Hub to return home when they were enemies?


    However, he first needed to survive the iing mes, and he looked up with consternation. He eventually decided against unleashing <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> in hopes of destroying the rune, wanting to save it just in case. It was still possible that the Head Priest and his remaining generals were hiding in the vicinity somewhere, waiting for him to be weakened enough by the insignia before they struck a killing blow.


    He needed to save his most powerful ace just in case.


    The bronze sh would probably do the trick, but he had no way to get up there with his flying treasure being blocked out somehow. There was something else though. Zac sighed as he took out the rusty sword, and discordant wails immediately assaulted his ears.


    Using the cursed sword so soon after activating itst time came with very real risks ording to Catheya. A weapon like this fed on its victims, and it was evidenced by how he already heard the voices even before even unsheathing the weapon. You would normally use some restraining method on a weapon like this, or starve it out to weaken it before you used it again.


    But Zac didn''t have the luxury of waiting around as the golden insignia seemed more than capable of spewing out its unceasing mes for a while longer. His whole body was wracked with pain as he drew the de, unleashing the half-moon toward the three lines in the sky. It steadily started to grow as it picked up speed, seemingly eager to attack the energy-rich rune in the sky.


    A handful of tendrils immediately emerged from the weapon andtched onto Zac''s arm as well, making it look like the sword was fusing with his body. A mysterious energy burrowed into his arm and headed straight for his head the next moment, effortlessly evading his attempts to block it out with <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>.


    Extremely intrusive voices boomed in his mind, blocking out any coherent thought. Zac''s eyes widened in fear as he saw more and more tendrils reaching out from the weapon, and his whole arm was covered in an instant. He wanted to stow away the weapon, but he knew he needed to hold on, as putting it away would cancel the attack in the sky.


    However, a deep resounding heartbeat suddenly quelled the voices, and Zac felt like his heart turned into a ck hole that swallowed the invading energies whole. More and more energy entered his hidden node, and more was even dragged out from the sword itself. Zac even sensed fear from the weapon just before the sword detached itself from his arm and turned inert.


    The half-moon thankfully wasn''t affected by the struggle on the ground as it effortlessly cut through the sea of mes in the sky, heading straight for the divine rune. It created a corridor free of fire for a brief second before the sea closed in on itself as it passed by. It seemed unable to actually absorb the mes, but the mes also seemed unable to deter its progression.


    Finally, it reached its maximum size just as it mmed into the rune. There was no clear winner and no explosion of wild energies, only a stalemate that emitted a steadily increasing pressure. Zac knew things wouldn''t end well no matter what the oue was judging by the ominous buildup, and he quickly tried to activate one of his defensive treasures.


    However, he quickly found that the restriction on the area didn''t only apply to his flying leaf, but even his defensive talismans. <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>seemed unable to activate its skills as well, though he could thankfully swap between its different forms.


    An explosion finally rocked the area and the thick haze from the evaporated water was pushed away, exposing three golden lines and no silver half-moon. Even the cursed sword had been unable to take out the divine symbol it looked like. However, Zac soon noticed that the rune wasn''tpletely unscathed.


    Not only had it lost its radiant luster, but there was even a small tear on one of the golden lines. The crack quickly spread, like a piece of ice that was slowly breaking apart. However, Zac didn''t really feel any relief as his danger sense didn''t calm down in the slightest. Looking up at the enormous rune made him feel like he was standing in front of a dam that was slowly bursting.


    That rune had contained terrifying amounts of mes. What would happen when it finally broke apart? n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He couldn''t help but think back to Ogras'' words of warning, of how the cultists always seemed to default to blowing everything up when it looked like they would fail. Miasma immediately started coursing through his body as his eyes and hair turned pitch-ck. He couldn''t flee and breaking the rune didn''t seem to have helped all too much. He would need to endure the final st, and that would require his other ss.


    Ogras and his big mouth.

 Chapter 526: Holy Fire

    Chapter 526: Holy Fire


    Zac didnt have time to curse the demon for his foreshadowing as he felt something terrifying wasing. He immediately started setting up hisyers of defenses, not holding anything back for potential enemies. Everything except him was long dead in the area, killed by either the explosion, the magma, or the concussive explosions who had rocked the whole core of the basin.


    The cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> sprung up around him, forming an outeryer of protection. Zac normally used the skill as a means of caging his enemies, but it was just as good at defending from the outside. It was also one of the skills that hadnt worsened inpatibility at all since gaining the Fetters of Destion ss. Between the chains and the entrapment, it looked like it was right up the new sss ally.


    The cage encapsted the Incursion as well even when he shrunk it to the smallest size possible, and Zac was both surprised and relieved to see that the energy-dense pir didnt cause a sh with his skill. The pir that almost blinded him with its intense fire-attuned energies shone straight through the fractal dome of his skill like it was just an illusion.


    Zac had no idea how that worked, but he had no time to look into it as the mes were almost upon him.


    A huge amount of Miasma left his body the next moment a hundred skeletons materialized. They didnt stay around inside the cage though, but they rather ran out as Zac opened the back gate of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> before closing it again. The skeletons didnt stop there, but they kept running into the jungle, only stopping hundreds of meters away when he couldnt control them any further away.


    They werent there to defend against the iing mes, but rather act as damage substitutes. They would hopefully work as sentries as well in case there actually were cultists hiding in the jungle. He didnt share vision with the things, but he did have a vague sense of the life-force around them. He would also feel it if they were destroyed by something, giving him an early warning that way.


    The skeletons barely made it out in time as the holy mes finally descended upon the cage. He was immediately inundated in not only a zing heat, but also a pressure that he could feel on a spiritual level. But the shield held, though Zac knew that the golden mes were not the true threat. The real danger was the damaged insignia in the sky.


    The enormous rune still hadntpletely cracked yet, but Zac could see between the fiery sky that it wasnt long for this world. There was a massive cut in the middle of it now, where the half-moon de had struck it. Hairline cracks spread all across its surface as well, and an intense light radiated out from the cracks, proving there was still a lot of untamed energies trapped inside.


    Zac still didnt feel safe after seeing the ominous portents in the sky, and the ck armor spread out across his body as <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> took its defensive form. He might not be able to activate <strong>[Deaths Embrace] </strong>as things stood, but he could still use the shield-shaped coffin to summon <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]. </strong>


    He also tried activating a few backup defensive talismans just in case, but they didn''t work just like everything else. There was nothing else he could activate, so he finally started digging a hole into the ground, hoping to use the earth itself as an instingyer against the mes. It had worked against Salvation, so he hoped it would work once more.


    However, Zac only managed to rip a ten-meter hole before a terrifying crack in the sky released a tremendous pressure, almost destroying the outer cage in an instant. The massive gates and miasmic towers were reduced to decrepit ruins, and the azure fractals had almost turned invisible from the mes. There was no more time, so he punched the ground onest time and jumped into the hole before he put his bulwark as a stopgap to block out the mes.


    <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>pletely crumbled the next moment, just as a shocking aura was released above him. Zac couldnt see what was going on because of having burrowed down, but it almost felt like a celestial had descended upon the basin. A marvelous aura drenched the whole jungle, and Zac felt his mind going nk.


    The Lord was calling him, so what was he doing underground? He needed to wee His arrival and offer obeisance. Zac slowly got up to his feet, but his whole body suddenly froze as he was startled awake.


    What the hell was that?


    One more second and he would have deactivated his defensive shield and weed the holy mes from above. His mind had thankfully been hardened by constant life-and-death struggles andpeting with the Splinter, allowing him to snap out of it before it was toote. More importantly, he still had <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> to fall back on. It was far stronger than <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>, and it had managed to rebuff the false thoughts after just a second, even though the skill was still middle proficiency.


    It was just in time too, as the mes mmed into the bulwark the next second, immediately incinerating the shallowyers of dirt above.


    The miasmic shield from <strong>[Immutabe Bulwark]</strong> was mostly opaque, but it still allowed him to somewhat see the fiery hellscape above. The mes were no longer golden, but rather reced by a milky white. The holy aura in the mes was multiple times stronger than what he felt before, no doubt containing the essence of the rune in the sky.


    His heartstrings tugged again as he saw the pristine mes, and part of him just wanted to open his arms and take it on. But he didntpletely lose himself this time after already having realized the threat of the mes. However, it did make him wonder. Were the zealots perhaps not quite as pious as advertised, but rather forcibly converted?


    Zacs pitch-ck eyes were illuminated by the mes as he thought of the possibilities. What if the Church of Evesting Dao had formed some sort of ingenious cultivation system? They turned cultivators into zealots with the holy mes, and the zealots kept empowering the mes with their conviction. It formed a self-perpetuating source of power that could swallow everything in its surroundings.


    Things quickly took a turn for the worse though, stopping Zac from entertaining any other stray thoughts. The mes steadily ate away at the floor itself, until he was standing in a deep crater, assaulted by mes from every direction.


    His bulwark was able to rebuff the mes, but it couldn''t cover him from all sides, so the mes finally reached hisst line of defense, the ck armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>. His whole body was awash with pain the next moment as the mes glommed onto him. Zac tried to at least keep the mes outside, but they were like burrowing parasites that found their way inside through the tiniest cracks and weaknesses in his defenses.


    Sizzling sounds escaped from within his armor as he was getting cremated alive. He screamed on top of his lungs, but his cries were drowned out by the roaring mes. Rolling around on the ground did nothing, and the Bulwark had essentially be useless by this point. All he could see was white, and all that he could feel was agony.


    Even his mind was assaulted by the insidious whispers of the holy mes, trying to make him stop resisting with the help of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> and <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>. He was currently infusing the ck armor with the Fragment of the Coffin, while his body itself fought the mes with the Fragment of the Bodhi. He also released a steady stream of miasma from his pores, which helpedbat the mes as well.


    He also got one surge of vitality after another as a handful of skeleton warriors crumbled every second or so. He felt that if he stopped anyone of these things he would actually die, so he could only keep going while ignoring the calls from within the fire. Zac quickly worked his way through the hundred-odd summons though, at which point he only was able to rely on himself.


    Every second felt like an hour, but he finally felt like the mes started to weaken? Or was he just so badly burned that he couldn''t really tell any longer? A deep thud suddenly shook the ground, and Zac nced toward the source of the sound with bleary eyes, only to see a massive golden pir stab into the ground just fifty meters away from him.


    The sigil had finally broken down and was falling apart.


    However, he didnt have time to celebrate as the surroundings suddenly started to darken, and he looked up in horror only to see an enormous golden pir falling straight toward him. His legs didn''t really listen to him, so Zac barely had time to resummon his bulwark before it mmed into him like a mountain. The pressure from the m transferred into his body, and Zac once more felt the cracking of broken bones.


    The thing was just way too heavy to throw off, and Zac was forced to activate <strong>[Unholy Strike] </strong>to just angle his bulwark and have it thump down next to him, causing a minor earthquake. A series of tremendous shockwaves followed, and the area was soon covered in the remnants of the broken sigil.


    The fall of the insignia also meant the end of the white-hot mes, but the remnants of the sea of golden fire still covered the area. The golden mes only felt like a sunburn after having withstood the condensed version though, and Zac slowly made his way toward the Nexus Hub.


    Without the sigil in the sky, the sea of golden mes had lost its source, and it died down soon after. However, there was one fire remaining; the fetters binding him to the Incursion Pir. Zac was shocked to see that the fetter still held. Just what was that golden dust made off to be able to withstand just about everything and keep him in ce?


    However, the only capability of the odd me was to prevent him from leaving, which was fine with Zac. He wasnt nning on going anywhere while the pir was still active, and he instead sat down in the middle of the crater and popped a healing pill into his mouth.


    Only when things had calmed down did he realize just how bad his state was. He had 9 broken bones and multiple wounded organs. Even worse, most of his body was covered in severe burns from the mes. If he had been a weaker human he would likely have died from the shock alone. Even with his massive Endurance and Vitality it still felt like his skin was on fire, and the salves in his possession were only limited in their efficacy.


    His wretched state wasnt the only surprise though.


    There was a lot of energy in his body, slowly swirling around his Hidden Node. Zac hadnt noticed earlier due to the pain, but it looked like his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had been busy while he withstood the mes, and a massive amount of power had umted. Even better, it looked like energy extracted with his hidden node stayed within his body longer without dissipatingpared to the energy that came from kills.


    It was good news though, as he didnt want to repeat the mistake from the Undead Incursion. What if he broke open his next node, only for the Head Priest to jump out of the woodwork once more? Then again, he had already done some research to avoid something like that happening again and he had actually learned a few tricks thanks to Triv.


    The ghost had been utterly astounded to find out that Zac actually was a mortal, and he even insisted that a pureblood Draugr couldn''t be one. It also made him a lot more adamant about having Zac return to the Empire Hearnds to seize his so-called birthright. Triv was sure that Zac would be able to cultivate as long as he found a proper Draugr master.


    Zac wasnt so sure though, even if his undead side was of the noble race. He had a feeling that his utterck of cultivation ability was rted to his constitution, and not something a better master could solve.


    But after the ghost had calmed down it actually taught Zac a pretty nifty trick. Being an energy-based creature Triv had a really marvelous control of his energy, and it taught Zac a simple method to use his own Miasma or Cosmic Energy to trap external energy.


    Triv used it as a defensive measure, but it worked for Zac as well in preventing energy loss. It was far from fool-proof, but it did prolong the duration he could keep the energy he gained from kills by arge margin.


    Cultivators could apparently just use their own cultivation manuals for a far superior result, some being able to store the energy for weeks if need be. Zac was nowhere near that, but he could at least keep 80% of any energy he gained for over an hour. It was enough for his purposes, as it would give him ample time to get to safety in case he wanted to try breaking open a node.


    It was also enough to wait out the Nexus Hub this time, and the golden pir finally winked out of existence, and Zac sighed in relief when his bindings disappeared as well.


    During this whole time he had kept an eye out for any movement, but the area was utterly deste. Neither <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> nor his augmented Draugr-vision had seen a lick of activity, essentially proving that the cultists had given up on this ce.


    With the Incursion being closed as well there was not much reason for the cultists to return either. Zac guessed they were either running toward the mystic realm or hiding in some deste corner of Earth right now. With no threat appearing, Zac decided to try bursting open the node in his leg. He was in a pretty wretched state, but not to the point that he needed bed-rest.


    He would need to rest up in either case after this fight, so he might as well take the opportunity to break open a node. That way he could heal everything together without wasting time. However, just as he was about to take control of the energy circling his heart a series of prompts appeared, making him stop in his tracks.


    <strong>[Congrattions. Integration Trial Seeded. Calcting Grade.]</strong>


    <strong>[Grade awarded: A. Contribution Rank: 1. Grade awarded increased to S.]</strong>n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 527: The Next Step

    Chapter 527: The Next Step


    Shit, why is it so hard to get one''s hands on some tokens? Or some other way to activate that big-ass crystal ind? Smaug muttered in annoyance as he paced back and forth in his home-prison in Port Atwood.


    Who would have thought that he would be put under house arrest and tasked withing up with money-making schemes by that little blue devil? He had just tried to get a better understanding of the resources avable to his new boss, and this was the thanks he got?


    Ai, the heavens are truly jealous of talent. To think I would be turned prisoner because I wanted to help out, Smaugmented as he paced back and forth.


    What are you talking about, prisoner? You can still walk around in this neighborhood without getting impaled by those Amazons, Rima giggled. And you wouldnt be in this predicament if you hadnt tried to infiltrate that shipyard. You knew that ce was off-limits.


    I had to take the shot, stupid. That ce is extremely suspicious, even more so than the Repository, Smaug snorted. Those muscle-heads are busy now, and I need to get some things done before that man realizes how open-ended his orders were.


    That was the good point of Lord Atwood; he wasnt a hands-on boss. He had told him to head to Port Atwood and listen to the little blue bastard. But it turned out that second-handmands werent actually binding under his contract. He had pretended that the little assholes order to stay in the neighborhood was binding, but they were anything but.


    He could leave anytime, as Lord Atwood only told him to go here and listen, not that he couldnt leave.


    Dont you have any decency? Rima said with disdain. "Instead of thinking of ways of enriching yourself, you could actually do what was asked of you."


    Would me having decency help Earth survive this shitstorm? Smaug countered. No, right? So I might as well prepare for the off-chance we survive, or more likely if things go south here. What about you? How goes it with the sister? Do they have a way off this cursed rock?


    Shes never around, Rima muttered. And besides, I dont want to get closer to MacKenzie for you, useless brother. She is the sister of Lord Atwood and a good friend of Ogras AzhRezak. Shes even close to that manly Demon General.


    What would those three want with a useless brat? Smaug snorted. What do you bring to the table to those kinds of people?


    Why would I need to be strong to be someones wife? Rima said with a roll of her eyes.


    Dont get too attached, Smaug muttered. Thiss future is limited even if the great lord Atwood manages to deal with the most immediate mess. Ive found out a few things. Even if we survive all this well just turn into some backwater at the edge of the universe, a ce where even the birds wont shit.


    This again, Rima sighed.


    I am telling you. Our aim should be getting to some real human metropolis! There will be opportunities for advancement for me. And for you? Wont there be real geniuses to marry? People with family trees millions of years old, and pockets as deep as the Mariana Trench, Smaug said, his eyes glistening.


    Besides- Smaug continued, but he was stopped in his tracks by a series of prompts that appeared in front of him.


    He had actually done it. That wooden block had taken out the cultists.


    You see! Rima said with glee. He really is a prince charming. Hes done more for this world than the rest of usbined. Perhaps he even has some time to settle down now. He''s been single for a while now.


    "That man has be addicted to bing stronger already," Smaug muttered absentmindedly as he closed the screen that told him his rating was a measly D-Grade. "He won''t be looking for romance anytime soon."


    Rima snorted in response, but Smaug wasn''t interested in having this debate once more. He was more interested in going through his licensed wares. He already knew that there were limitations to the items he could purchase because of the ongoing invasions, and his eyes glimmered when he saw two of thetest additions that had appeared now that the war was over.


    <strong>[Goblin Honor  Temporarily ignore a contract erected by someone at Level 100 or below.]</strong>


    <strong>[Stumpbugle Talisman  Teleport to Stumpbugle Headquarters for career opportunities!]</strong>


    Going to a ce called Stumpbugle wasnt really what he had in mind when he said he would strike out in a real metropolis, and he had no desire to meet the inventors of the weird treasures that were avable for purchase. But it was also an undeniable fact that Earth was on the brink of destruction, even if they had dealt with the Incursion.


    The weaker threat was gone, but what about that old monster who could appear at moments notice?


    Those zombie bastards had clearly known how to block teleportation arrays, so a peak D-Grade cultivator was probably able to do the same with just a wave of his arm. What if the whole got jammed the moment he arrived? Wouldnt that mean that he and Rima would be stuck here until they were turned into some sort of cultivation resource? Was he willing to bet everything on Zachary Atwood prevailing against those odds?


    He wasnt.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ----


    The vast cloud of dust in a forgotten corner outside the Zecia Sector shuddered as it started spinning and condensing. Only bying close would one be able to realize that these werent particles of ice drifting about in space, but rather tens of millions of intricate machines lying dormant, soaking up the energies of the near-by irregrity.


    The machines had soon congealed into a person, a woman freely floating about in the vast beyond. Her amber eyes opened for the first time in decades as she looked around with some confusion. It was too early. She immediately opened a screen to see what had dragged her out of the reverie.


    Had something happened to the project?


    However, he quickly learned she had been awoken due to her Talisman activating from scenario 18, and she sighed in relief. Tens of thousands of screens appeared in front of her, taking up thousands of square meters in front of her. All kinds of readings and snippets flittered across the screens with terrifying speed for a second before they dissolved to dust and returned to her body again.


    Hm? How curious. How was he able to evolve with his cursed constitution? Did we miss something back then? Leandra muttered as she thoughtfully looked at the vast star in front of her. Or is it another ploy by the System?


    In either case, it was good news. Her daughter should be safe with such a powerful protector now that the had withstood the Integration Trial. Her suggestions should remain in their depths, helping them stay alive even without her assistance. She really wanted to rush back, but she knew that she had to be careful. She was in no state of moving about.


    A lot of sacrifices had been made toe this far, she couldnt ruin the efforts of her ancestors by being hasty.


    There was also the oddity of someone using one of her backdoor keys on a merchants vessel at the edge of integrated space. Had one of the children been sent on a mission by the cursed heavens? Such a quest was obviously not an ident, and annoyance red up in her heart at the thought of her flesh and blood being manipted to turn against her by that damned broken AI.


    A slight pressure in her forehead dragged her out of her thoughts, and she quickly activated defensive measures to evade the tracking attempt on her soul.


    They still havent given up, Leandra muttered as she once more dissolved into motes that spread across space.


    Thest thing to dissolve was the two amber eyes, radiating an unshakeable conviction.


    There will be a reckoning one day. Those who moved against our family will all pay the price, even the heavens themselves.


    -----


    Do you have it? AFeris asked, not without some interest as far as Io could tell.


    He was d to see some fire within the eyes of his old friend. Io knew his own limits had long been reached, but AFeris still had a small chance to go further. However, he was losing his momentum, the most dangerous thing to lose in cultivation apart from ones life.


    Perhaps this Zac Piker was the key.


    The more he gathered the more he felt like this little demon was just what AFeris needed. The young axemans penchant for drawing ire from both his contemporaries and the Boundless Heavens itself almost seemed unmatched.


    I have it here, Io said, and one scene after another appeared.


    It showed the utter destruction of a grand mansion by a square, and a bloodied man walking out of the rubble, holding a head in his hand. A young demonling appeared next to him, and they fled to a teleported, harried by hundreds of attacks.


    It showed a hazy outline of how the Tower of Eternity changed into one of the Primordial Steles, and how it infected the minds of the children gathered in front of it. Finally, it culminated in a heated battle where one stood against many but prevailed.


    The Stele of Conflict? AFeris snorted. The Zecia sector will be hectic as the ripples of war spread out from this enclosed dimension. That thing is like a mindgue.


    Conflicts will engulf the sector, and heroes will emerge from the mes, Io nodded.


    Axe, sharpness heaviness. Corpse? No, putrefaction? Interesting, AFeris muttered, his eyes glistening as he looked on. And echoes of the Sukhavati? Greedy boy.


    It might look greedy, but what if it works out? Io said. He is clearly on his way to forming a path of supremacy. With some guidance-


    Its not that easy to walk the path of Life and Death, AFeris sighed with a shake of his head. He is too discordant right now. He is grasping for everything, trying to epass the universe. It is an extremely unstable and dangerous state. Me or someone else stepping in now would only impede his path. He needs to form his own understanding and be the one to make the sacrifices.


    So youre not taking him in, after all? Io asked. Such a rare seedling, and with your path


    I didnt say that, AFeris smiled. I just said that it is too early now. He seems to have a few interesting challenges ahead. Let him deal with them by himself. If he can emerge alive he might be able to create a workable path from the experience. Its not toote to join a proper force by that point and benefit from some structured guidance. Have any of the old bastards imed him?


    Not at the moment, Io said. Perhaps they are thinking in the same way.


    Are you saying Im bing like the old geezers? AFeris snorted. Im still pretty young for someone at my stage, you know.


    Io smiled and shook his head before his eye turned back to the screen.


    He reminds me of you. I watched your struggle against the Foradine Covenant back on the Verokh Continent just like this. I hope he can be another pir of our Sect some day in the future, Io said with reminiscence in his eyes.


    I was a lot more dashing, no doubt, AFerisughed. But I agree. There is potential in him, and hes a gamble worthy to take. Well, unless he goes and does something stupid like joining the unorthodox. He''s a progenitor, right? We''ll go pick him up after the shroud has been lifted. The quarantine should have been lifted by then. It was just an image of the Stele, after all, rather than the real thing.


    --------


    A sigh escaped from Ulds lips as he kept infusing the altar with power. The fires danced in his eyes, but his gaze was locked on the unmoving form of Arkensau. Who knew that this bastard possessed something as valuable as a <strong>[Heavens Intervention]</strong>?


    If not for that, then he would have been interring the body and preparing it for sale. But now he was stuck nurturing this idiot back to health instead, while the Monarch-Select ran rampant across the. And now he was stuck here on this deste rock.


    Orders from above, for your eyes only, Trovad said as his eyes turned to the altar. Arrived just hours before the gate was closed. How is Inquisitor Arkensau?


    With Heavens blessing, he will be fine within a week or two. The seed burns strong within him, Uld said as he epted the golden-iid crystal.


    Uld touched the crystal with the sigil in his mind, and a mix of exhaustion and relief washed through him as the strict voice of Archbishop Vantes echoed in his mind.


    <em>Be wary of the local called the Super Brother-Man. We believe him to have appeared in the Tower of Eternity recently, causing a storm and conquering the eighth floor. The Church has never feared other forces of this remote Sector, but caution is needed.</em>


    <em>The Dimensional Seed is of utmost importance, far eclipsing the value of any bodies. This mission will rece all the original goals. Keep the inquisitors in check, leave no weaknesses. Acquire the Seed and lock yourselves away in the Mystic Realm. We will be able to find you after the shroud of the heavens has been lifted. Your reward for apleted mission will far eclipse the cost of a hundred years.</em>


    <em>Failure will likewisee at a great cost.</em>


    A wave of exhaustion buffeted his mind, but there was nothing Uld could do. The orders had been given so he could onlyply.


    "How did it go? Did the Monarch-Select fall?" Uld asked.


    "Not even he should have survived the judgment," Trovad said with conviction. "We will know for sure in a day. The glory of the heavens still lingers, blocking our sight, but the recordings should arrive shortly."

 Chapter 528: S-Grade

    Chapter 528: S-Grade


    He did it!" Kenzie smiled, her clenched fists finally rxing in herp.


    "It''s amazing," L said from the side. "It''s finally over. Maybe we can finally start living our lives again."


    "There are still some things that needs to be done though," Kenzie smiled, though the smile felt a bit strained.


    "Like what?" L asked with confusion.


    L had stayed with Kenzie in her courtyard to help take her mind off the fact that Zac was risking his life against the cultists. She had instead asked far and wide about the various arrays and contraptions. It was a wee distraction, and Kenzie had freely told her about the various arrays she was working on.


    But all things muste to an end sooner orter. Her hesitation had already cost too much.


    "Dealing with the traitors and the spies on the ind, for example," she said with a steady voice, her eyes boring into L''s.


    Kenzie had known for a while. She had known that L was the one feeding intelligence back to the maind through an ingenious array that was no doubt provided by the cultist infiltrators of the New World Government. It was because of her that so many had died, and she was the reason the cultists had learned of the entrance to the Mystic Realm.


    Zac had saved her life, but she had returned the favor with malice, increasing the risk to him and everyone else in Port Atwood. L had almost cut off their ess to something their mother had left behind as well, which was unforgivable by itself.


    L only looked at her with iprehension for a second until her form fell apart, her body reced by a y dummy. However, how could Kenzie not be prepared for something like this? She had seen L use this very skill to survive multiple times during the Tutorial and their expeditions in the Dead Zone.


    Her garden was like a fortress withyers andyers of arrays. They were originally meant to keep the area safe in case of a mishap with her experiments, but they worked just as well for trapping a level 36 cultivator. Not even her brother would be able to sense the slightest fluctuation even if he passed by right outside.


    L had learned to almost perfectly blend with the earth, but Kenzie had already managed to push her Seed of Loam to Peak Mastery. Together with Jeeves, it was effortless to pinpoint her location. Kenzie slightly circted her Cosmic Energy, and an earth pir rose from the ground, unearthing a horrified L.


    "Wait, they have my parents! I had no choice-" L cried, but it was toote.


    A Dao-empowered me swallowed her whole, and no substitution or movement skill would save her from the Seed of Tinder. A shrill scream emerged from her throat, but it was almost instantly cut short by a wind-de that decapitated her. The headless corpse was turned into ashes in less than a minute, and a wave of Kenzie''s hand spread the ashes in the garden.


    L had almost been as powerful as herself back during the Tutorial, but hose days were long gone. She had stopped pushing herself since arriving at Port Atwood, spending most days not even cultivating at all. Killing her waspletely effortless for Kenzie.


    Some confusion and guilt appeared in Kenzie''s auburn eyes, but a red sh appeared in their depths and she gradually regained herposure.


    "You''re right, I need to harden myself," Kenzie sighed before she looked down at the scorched spot on the grass. "I''m sorry. But those who move against the family will have to pay the price."


    --------------


    Zacs eyes lit up upon seeing the prompts. It looked very simr to when he hadpleted the Incursion Master quest, where he had gained the Dao Repository. He obviously wasnt surprised at being ced first in the contribution tally, but the grade was something new.


    He had only heard of A-Grade before, and this was something even above that. Did that mean there were S-Grade cultivators as well? Zac had asked around about what the limit of cultivation was, but he had never got a real answer. The people of the Zecia sector didnt even know what the B-Grade entailed, let alone anything above that.


    The next moment an even better prompt appeared.


    <strong>[Distributing Rewards]</strong>


    <strong>[Additional Reward: Limited Title Slots +1. Frontrunner Title Permanence.]</strong>


    Zac whistled in surprise seeing the reward, or rather tried to whistle with his badly burnt lips. This was pretty huge. He had essentially received not one, but two additional Limited Title slots in one go. This was just what he needed to maintain his attribute lead against the elite cultivators of the sector.


    He might not get double the attributes per level any longer, but having five Limited Title slots should allow him to stay ahead of even the greatest elites of the sector. Of course, that still required him to actually find some opportunities that provided a title.


    The title permanence was a wee surprise as well, but it made him think of something. Zac quickly tried to open the Ladder screen, only to find that nothing happened. Zac grimaced in annoyance when he realized the System had finished its Ladder experiment.


    This could both be seen as good news and bad news. It was good news in the sense that no one beneath D-Rank would be able to find out his level any longer thanks to his bracer. Every single step he had taken until now had been monitored by millions of people, but now he was suddenly free. However, the change came with detriments as well.


    He could no longer find any information about the Dominators either, though he didnt expect them to gain a bunch of levels out of nowhere. But more importantly, he wouldnt be able to keep tabs on his force and make sure everything was alright. Just opening the screen and looking at the familiar names during his tower climb had been a huge source offort, but he wouldnt be able to do so any longer while traveling the Zecia sector in the future.


    There were life-monitoring treasures to buy that would provide a simr function, and Zac added it to the ever-growing list of things that Calrin needed to get him. But he also realized that the odds actually getting something useful from the Sky Gnome might have increased now that the incursions were gone and some restrictions were removed.


    It was also somewhat of a relief that the title rewards didnt provide immediate attributes as he still wasnt sure how much his home-made Draugr Baths had increased his attribute cap. Zac quickly opened his title screen to be sure nothing had changed though.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>81</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Fetters of Destion</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Draugr</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - Middle, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2090 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>992 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om</td><td>


    <strong>2083 [Increase: 86%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1375 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>545 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>911 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>340 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F] 5 919 187 601</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac sighed in relief when he saw that his attributes were still the same, but he did notice a few differences after looking around through his screens. The first of all was the update of the titles, with Frontrunner having moved to the permanent bracket. But he had also gained a new title, which honestly wasn''t too surprising.


    <strong>[Apex Progenitor: Pass the World Integration Trial with S Grade. Reward: Effect of Attributes +10%]</strong>


    It was a real top tier title, only being rivaled by his Tower Climb and Apex Hunter titles so far, giving a whopping 10% efficiency in every attribute. It had actually pushed him past 200% efficiency on his main attributes, meaning that he was more than twice as strong as his attributes indicated.


    Efficiency was pretty much impossible to discern even with high-quality spying skills from what Zac had learned, so even if someone managed to glean his attributes they might only set themselves up for disaster. They would see Zac having 2000 Strength, only for him to burst out with the power of more than the double a secondter.


    He was also happy to see that he had finally taken some steps forward with his undead skills, with <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> reaching Late Proficiency, and both his ultimate skills having reached Middle Proficiency. He was stillgging behindpared to his human ss, but it was a step in the right direction.


    The fit of his skills, especially <strong>[Undying Legion] </strong>and <strong>[Indomitable] </strong>had worsened inpatibility since evolving, but they were still useful. They might turn intoponents of skill fusions for his new ss in the future, but they would have to reach Peak Proficiency first for that to work.


    There were also a lot of additions to his Town Shop, mainly defensive arrays that looked far more powerful than anything he had been able to purchase before. However, they were still limited by his power, with the strongest arrays being marked as Early E-Grade. That didnt reallye as a surprise though.


    The system would never let people buy too powerful defenses, as that would drastically lessen the amount of conflict in the multiverse.


    It was still a big upgrade to his weak Town Protection Array though, and Zac looked through the options for a few seconds until he suddenly froze in realization. The System called the Limited Title boost an additional reward. If that was the addition, then where were the original rewards?


    The greed for loot quickly overcame the weariness in his body, and he scoured the whole crater for treasures. However, there was nothing apart from smoking-hot soil and an inert Nexus hub in the hole he found himself in. Glee was slowly reced with confusion as he looked around. What was going on?


    Was the reward once again rted to his town? The phrasing of the prompts was extremely familiar to the way the System spoke when he received the Dao Repository, so Abby might have gotten the rewards back home. Last time the Stargazer held it back so that he would be able to choose where to ce the reward, so there might be a simr situation waiting for him.


    Zac immediately bought a Teleportation Array, but this time he didnt make it public. Zac rather kept it to himself like the array in his private area. If the teleporter was open a group of Valkyries and Demons would step through to this ce a few minutester, and Zac wasntfortable leaving them here in case the cultists returned.


    He soon found himself back in hispound instead, somewhat relieved that there were no signs of his sister. It allowed him to hobble over to his courtyard and close the arrays without causing any worry with his wretched appearance. There were no rewards in his home either, but he still held off on his urge to visit the Stargazer.


    There was no way he wouldn''t cause a panic if he entered the government building looking like a mix of a zombie and a rotisserie chicken, but more importantly, he still had a node to break open. He had been interrupted by the prompt just as he was about to break it open, and the rewards had allowed him to slow down and think clearly. There was no point in staying in a burning crater to open a node when he had free ess to his home.


    The umted energy in his chest was running a bit low because of the dy, so Zac ate one of his node-breaking pills while channeling the remains from the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to his leg. He also ate an anesthetic pill to block out the pain of his broken bones and burned skin. The pain wasn''t to the point that he was immobilized, but he was afraid that it would mess with his concentration breaking open the node.


    He only got something like 20% of the efficacy of the Node Breaking pill, but it was enough to tide him over along with the energies ripped from his cursed sword and the holy mes. A small explosion echoed out in the isted courtyard after around ten minutes, and a stter of ck ichor stained the ground.


    Zac suddenly remembered learning about a medical factoid before the integration, of how some women naturally forget the excruciating pain of childbirth. It was apparently an evolutionary measure so that the people wouldnt shy away from having more children. The reason for remembering such a random tidbit was obviously that he must have blocked out just how painful breaking open thest node was.


    His pain-relief pill had worked wonders against the burns, but it was utterly incapable of dealing with the agony of getting his pathways sted open. Waves of pain crashed into his mind, and he helplessly fell back on the ground, unable to move in the slightest. He ate another healing pill as he grabbed a Miasma Crystal in each hand, his eyes closed to block out the world.


    Only an hourter was he able to get up again, but he had to admit that his state was a lot better thanst time.


    Recuperating instead of entering a life-and-death battle right after breaking open a node had not surprisingly helped him minimize the damage from the node-breaking. He would still need to redraw the section of the pathways around the Node, this time in his Draugr form. But he felt stable enough that he could get up again without falling unconscious like he didst time.


    He soon left his courtyard, but he still didnt enter the town. He instead returned to the burnt-out crater he just came from, relieved to see that it was still void of cultists. He finally made the teleporter public as he gazed at the massive golden pirs that were deeply embedded in the ground. Just how had the zealots gotten their hands on this much gold?


    And how much was it worth?

 Chapter 529: Adaptability

    Chapter 529: Adaptability


    The broken pieces of the enormous sigil still radiated some heat even after over an hour had passed, but it wasnt to the point that Zac felt it was dangerous any longer. He walked closer to it to see if it actually was just normal gold, and he finally realized a pattern covered its surface. It almost looked like Damascus Steel but in gold and white, and where the white formed what looked like hazy patterns.


    It clearly wasnt inscribed though, but it rather looked more like something that had naturally grown over time. However, the patterns didn''t contain anywhere near the amount of meaning and power as the groves he had seen o the Stele during the vision in the Tower of Eternity. It almost felt like the patterns hadn''t really finished forming just yet.


    It made Zac unsure whether it actually was a normal metal that was in the process of being enhanced by the fire-attuned energies and prayer, or if it was some alloy the cultists were creating inside the volcano. Zac shook his head and instead made his way up the crater, feeling that it would have to be a mystery for someone else to solve. He had enough on his te as it was.


    His deathly gaze roved across the smoldering mountainside and the jungles for a couple of minutes, but he couldnt sense the slightest hint of life. Had every single cultist died after all? Not that it mattered too much, as there obviously hadnt been anyone of import at the base when he arrived. Just a skeleton crew that would set about the chain reaction that almost got him killed.


    They were obviously ready topletely abandon the incursion.


    Zac sighed as he understood the implication. He had hoped to be done with the zealots in one swift move with this final fight, at least dealing with the Head Priest and his bishops. But they were probably all still around, waiting to cause trouble at moments notice. It was a bit of a shame there was not a single cultist to catch and interrogate, but they probably would rather blow themselves up than answer any questions.


    Their actions were still a bit perplexing though. Why would they do something like this rather than just cutting their losses and returning home, just like the other invaders? Was the Mystic Realm really that important to them, or rather the Dimensional Artifact inside? It looked like they bet everything on that item and the fact that he wouldn''t be able to hunt them down over the next century.


    He would need to visit the Mystic Realm entrance to make sure, but Zac guessed that he would be met by a closed entrance impossible to open from outside. If he put himself in their shoes, their best course of action would be to hide inside the mystic Realm for a hundred years, at which point he would try to contact his superiors to pick them up.


    Preferably while snatching the Dimensional Artifact.


    A hundred years might be a long time to someone like himself, but to the elders of the Church of the Evesting Dao it was nothing. Waiting a bit longer for the results would probably not matter all that much to them. Not everyone was strapped for time like The Great Redeemer. It meant that yet another old monster probably had set his sights on Earth and its resources.


    He would either get the Dimensional Artifact or try to hunt them down, as the Church didn''t feel like the kind of people who would drop something like this. However, Zac couldnt really muster any urgency from the realization, as it honestly didnt feel like it changed much by this point. There were already a bunch of old monsters bearing down on the, including his mother. What was one more?


    Zac sighed as he sat down on the ground, his form once more turning back to human. A wave of pain radiated through his body as his body came alive, and he quickly ate another healing pill as he kept watch over the area. But there was not much to guard against as everything waspletely burned and leveled.


    The soothing energy of the Fragment of the Bodhi also spread through his body, helping out with restoring his tissue. However, there was stubborn energy hiding in the wounds, rabidly resisting both his pills and his Dao. It looked like some special energy had been infused into the st, and he would have to slowly grind it down.


    As he looked down at the crater he felt that the near-death experience had brought home an important lesson. There were all sorts of amazing treasures and arrays in the world, but nothing was impervious. Treasures could fail at any time, and he could only trust his own body in the end.


    A buzz behind him told him that the teleporter had activated, and he turned over to see a vanguard group of demons carefully emerging inside the crater. Ilvere stood at the front, and he looked around with wide eyes before he spotted Zac sitting above. He quickly jumped up, and he gave a start when he saw Zacs wretched appearance.


    Dont you look like shit? Ilvereughed as he took out arge vat from his Cosmos Sack. Something to drink? You look like you could need one. Ive made it myself, with some help of that barkeep.


    Zac wryly smiled as he took a swig from the Demonic homebrew, and he immediately became thankful that his gullet was reinforced by his high Endurance. The vile brew tasted like paint thinner, but it actually managed to give him a slight buzz. He wouldn''t be surprised if a single mouthful would kill a normal human.


    What happened here? It looks like a natural disaster rather than a battlefield, the demon asked as he looked around at the destruction. No bodies. They sacrificed themselves?


    There was almost no one here, Zac sighed as he recounted what happened.


    So the lunatics are here to stay, Ilvere muttered with a grimace, echoing Zac''s own thoughts. I hoped we''d be done with them after their two invasions. Like fleas, these ones. Got to take them all out before they start to fester.


    Well, thats why I have you guys, right? Zac snorted.


    Well, whatever. What do you want us to do? Ilvere asked.


    Just the usual, Zac grunted as he got back on his feet. Stay close to this area though. I think the valuable resource was the volcano, but Im not sure if they broke it. What do you think about those golden things?


    Ilvere grunted in thought, before his massive weapon shot out with extreme momentum, mming into one of the huge bs of metals not far from where Zac sat. A deep gong echoed out across the area, and Ilvere even had to take a step back from the power inside the sound wave. Zac felt a bit impacted as well, but not to the point that he was hurt.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A small mark was left on the b, but it didnt even look dented from the attack. The metal ball on the other hand looked like it had been put over a fire, radiating some heat that forced Ilvere to spin it in the air until it cooled down again.


    Wont probably be able to maintain its original function, but its definitely good stuff. Perhaps we can reforge them into weapons and armor with me attunement? Ilvere muttered. You have that mine in the underworld as well. If you can figure out a way to fuse the two resources you might even be able to make something valuable enough to even export through the blue one''s Mercantile Licence.


    Zac''s eyes lit up at the prospect. He still hadn''t been able to use Calrin''s consortia for inteary trades so far, as the fees were too high to justify selling stuff like the ant carapace armors. But what if he could make a bunch of attuned weaponry? Fire had always been a popr Dao and cultivation path due to its offensive nature.


    An armor providing me-resistant would be a huge asset against fire-based forces like the Church of Evesting Dao or the me golems of the Underworld, and me-attuned weaponry would no doubt sell like hotcakes.


    Harvesting those things have the highest priority then. Dont bother scouring the jungle. Its full of beasts, and it would take the whole army to canvass it, Zac said.


    Zac gave it a thought and bought a set of defensive arrays as well for the area around his newly-acquired ruins. He usually didnt bother with that in the beginning, but he didnt want to risk the lives of his people in case some suicidal zealot was waiting for an opportunity in the vast jungle.


    Everyone returns togetherter, and everyone gets tested, Zac added. Both with Origin Array and the root.


    Understood, Ilvere agreed. Well make sure not to bring any of those bastards back to the ind.


    Zac nodded and stepped through the teleporter the next moment, appearing in the public teleportation station. He was surprised to find Joanna waiting there for him and she walked over with brisk steps.


    Wee back. The Administrator is looking for you, Joanna said with a smile. You really did it. You actually saved Earth, like a real-life action hero.


    I don''t think that action heroes look like this after winning, Zac wryly smiled. And there are still a lot of bad guys around.


    You know, its okay to celebrate taking a step in the right direction, Joanna said as she walked next to him. If you only focus on whats wrong youll always feel stressed out.


    I know, Zac smiled. One step at a time. By the way, have Billy and Theae here while I was gone?


    Not to my knowledge? Joanna said. Is there something wrong?


    No, its nothing, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Zac had somewhat expected the two to im their Inheritances by now, but perhaps they werent quite ready just yet. Then again, he had closed the incursion a bit faster than expected, taking less than a day to get the job done. They would probablye over within the week unless their reward for surviving the Integration allowed them to gain another boost before the trial.


    Joanna followed him over toward the government building, and Zac heard she had gained a rating of C by the system, with most of the Valkyries having gained a D. C was apparently the highest of anyone in Port Atwood, though Joanna hadn''t asked his sister as she was busy with her experiments.


    Most of the townspeople got an F or E, which didn''t surprise Zac seeing how the System was so biased in favor of the Elites. It also turned out that only those with C or higher gained rewards and a Title. Zac guessed that getting to live another day was the only gift those with worse ratings got.


    However, the situation was a bit baffling to Zac.


    "What do you think the System graded you on?" Zac asked with some confusion. "A rating of D seems pretty bad for how many Incursions you guys helped me close. Not even Thea has closed as many as you did."


    "I don''t think it''s just that," Joanna said with a shake of her head. "It has only been an hour, but I''ve started to get a small understanding of the situation after asking around. A part of the grade was definitely achievements, Dao, and Level, which isn''t a surprise. But I also think a big part of it was adaptability."


    "Adaptability?" Zac muttered.


    "Ryan, for example, got a D grade like the Valkyries, even though he hasn''t closed a single incursion. He did however quickly adapt aftering here, and now he''s one of the most sessful people on the ind," Joanna said. "But both Ryan and us Valkyries didn''t really excel in the beginning. We only got where we are because of you, so we didn''t get too impressive grades."


    Zac slowly nodded, feeling it made sense. The Incursions and the integration was a massive trial, and the System was probably only interested in helping those who were able to embrace their new reality and make the most of it. Besides, not only those like him or Thea was of value to the System. People like Smaug and Henry Marshall should probably have pretty decent ratings as well as they excelled in what they set out to do.


    There was a palpable celebratory atmosphere in the town as the two walked toward the government building. People were out on the street with big smiles on their faces, and Zac was surprised to see that some had even raised the g of Port Atwood on their storefronts or from their porches.


    Zac had already hidden his identity with a hooded robe though, mostly because he was a bit embarrassed about his crispy appearance. Joanna wanted him to hold some sort of speech rouse to the citizens, but Zac was far too tired for something like that. He only wanted to get his rewards then rest up for a day or two.


    They soon reached their destination, and Zac walked up to Abby''s private floor in one of the wings after issuing a set of orders for Joanna to start preparing the Valkyries for the Mystic Realm. He entered after a knock and found Abby hovering in the middle of a bunch of screens. She closed them and turned toward him, and Zac was surprised to see that she had grown sincest time.


    The diameter of the floating eyeball must have increased by 20 to 30 percent, and her shimmering eye looked even more magicalpared to before. It seemed like his Administrator had reached E-Grade or at least evolved her race.


    Another new addition was a golem standing in the corner of the room, a massive construct of polished stone that reached almost three meters into the air. One of its arms was just a long spike, and the other formed a shield. It didn''t move in the slightest when Zac entered, but Zac still felt a vague pressure from it, meaning it should probably have thebat strength of an Early E-Grade cultivator.


    Had the Stargazer bought herself a bodyguard?


    Its been a while, Zac smiled as he sat down at a free seat.


    Well, youve been busy, Abby said as her massive eye turned toward him. Im guessing youre here about the reward?


    So there is one, after all? Zac said, his eyes lighting up in anticipation.


    Yes, two actually, Abby said.

 Chapter 530: Incentives for Exploration

    Chapter 530: Incentives for Exploration


    There are two rewards? What are they? Zac asked with anticipation.


    You could say one is for you and one is for Port Atwood. The first is a pretty interesting mobile array, called the <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong>. It is a two-part array that has two functions, the first of which will allow you to teleport to Port Atwood from almost anywhere in the whole sector once every decade, Abby said.


    What? Cant I already do that as a world leader? Zac asked with disappointment. And without the wait time.


    Well, its not quite that simple. Nexus Hubs requires upgrades. You might need to do multiple jumps to return if the hubs you use are too low-quality. Each jump is a risk of entering a hostile environment, Abby said. Besides, from what Ive heard your identity has be a bit sensitive in your sector.


    So? Zac asked, still feeling a bit peeved.


    What if your identity gets exposed while traveling? The first thing that a City Lord would do is deactivating the teleportation arrays, trapping you in ce, Abby said. Not much you can do about that apart from either taking over the town or fleeing to some other force in hopes of using their teleportation array.


    This array could help you circumvent this, making you far harder to pin down. You could be stuck on a deste or in the void of space itself. As long as youre not in a hidden realm you can just activate this treasure and get sent home as soon as youve infused enough energy, Abby exined.


    Zac whistled in understanding. It did indeed sound indeed convenient. It would allow him to venture out to improve himself with greater peace of mind. The cultists joining hands with the undead had reminded how exposed his people were while he wasnt around. There was a limit of what one could do with the Town Shop against a powerful enemy, after all.


    Once a decade was a very long cool-down, but it was enough in case of an emergency. Things usually moved pretty slowly in the multiverse. With peoples lifespans being in the millennia it was unlikely that Earth would be attacked multiple times within a decade when things had stabilized.


    It is an extremely convenient array and valuable lifeline for someone who is nning on traveling the multiverse. Any ouw or wandering cultivator would kill for something like this. You would almost be as hard to trap as a Karmic or Spatial Cultivator, Abby said. The escape measure has various good functions as well, such as countermeasures to spatial lockdowns and tampering.


    What about the other function? Zac asked.


    It allows you to erect a temporary Teleportation Arraysting a few minutes, even out in the wilderness, Abby said. You need the materials for it though, and it has a downside. Its expensive. Very expensive.


    How expensive? Zac asked with some worry.


    Five times the standard rate, Abby said.


    Doesnt that make it useless? Zac nched.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The reason that almost no one below the D-Grade would travel between worlds was the cost of teleportation. It wasnt like weaker cultivators didnt want to travel to Mystic Realms to gain titles and experience, but they simply couldnt afford it. Just the fees alone could ruin even a wealthy scion.


    Zac was extremely wealthy for a self-made cultivator at his level, but just the prospect of teleporting to the Allbright Empire or some of the other cultivation spots he had in mind was a source of some dread. Paying five times that price would put him in the poor house. It was like taking a helicopter to go buy groceries.


    Its a bit extravagant, but it is a good option to have. It doesnt have the cool-down like the escape function of the <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong>, meaning you never need to worry about being stranded on some deste, Abby said.


    Is the escape function as expensive? Zac asked.


    No, that function is free. You just need to set up a base array somewhere safe, Abby exined.


    Zac immediately decided he would put it in his cultivation cave, and had Abby make the arrangements. With theyers of arrays that ce had be even more fortified than hispound, and he could empower the protections even further with the new arrays avable in the store.


    More importantly, only his sister, Abby, and Triv knew the exact location of that ce, making the risk of sabotage lower. The <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong> was pretty amazing all-in-all and something that he didn''t even know he needed until now.


    Even if the instant escape function was used up he would still be able to construct a mobile Teleportation Array. It did mean that he would need to walk around with more Nexus Coins than he anticipated, but the Auction should take care of hisck of funds soon enough. Zac wondered what this thing could be worth, and he opened his Town Shop menu to see if it was avable there.


    You dont need to look. This isnt something avable in the Town Shop, no matter how much of the inventory you unlock. It only contains Base Arrays. In fact, you shouldnt rely on those arrays too much. There are extremely effective Array Breakers readily avable in the Multiverse for every single array in the shop," the Stargazer snickered.


    What? Zac eximed. So theyre useless?


    Well no. They might be useless against invasions of advanced enemies who have done their research about your defenses, but they work just fine against weaker foes and beasts. Its not like anyone on Earth can get their hands on those kinds of siege tools right now, Abby exined.


    Zac sighed in relief, but he was still worried about the future. It felt like he was buying a door lock that everyone had a master key for. It wasnt like forces like the Underworld Council and the New World Government were the enemies he was worried about, but rather the more advanced forces that might make their way to Earth in the future in search of his secrets and wealth.


    That was years away though, and he would have ample time to construct individualized defensive arrays. Kenzie might even be able to adjust the store-bought ones so that they wouldnt be so easy to break open with standardized solutions.


    Worrying me for nothing, Zac snorted. What about the second reward?


    Nothing as exciting, but still something of use to you. Its an upgradeable puppet army, Abby said. They can both defend yournds autonomously, or you can control them with an adept array master. Your sister could use them instead of those cursed items she seems to like.


    How strong are they? Zac asked.


    There are 1000 Soldiers, each equivalent to Early E-Grade, with 3 leaders at Middle E-Grade. They should be able to keep most forces of Earth at bay for the foreseeable future, the stargazer exined. I havent summoned them all yet as you need to pick a spawn Zone.


    Is that one of them behind me? Zac asked as he pointed at the unmoving golem standing in the corner.


    Just so. I took one out to make sure I understood the reward. But now that you mention it, an Administrator without any guards is highly irregr, Abby said.


    Just keep it, Zac snorted before he considered what he could do with an additional army. Can I bring them to the Mystic Realm?


    Pure power wouldnt cut it in the Mystic Realm judging by what hed heard so far. Half the battle would be exploring the research base to find the Dimensional Artifact, while securing your base from the other factions. That was an endeavor that was manpower intensive, and he would feel much better about sending a bunch of puppets into the depths of the Research Lab rather than the Valkyries and his soldiers.


    No, you can consider them a defensive structure. You can send them out by themselves, though they work best in squads under the three leaders, Abby exined, dashing his hopes.


    How big an area can they guard autonomously? Zac asked with some disappointment.


    An ind of this size wouldnt be an issue, Abby said without hesitation.


    Zac asked a few more questions, until he understood the function of the puppet army properly. He eventually decided to keep two of the armies in Port Atwood while sending thest one to Mystic Ind to protect against any further sabotage. He could change theposition in the future though, allowing him to protect the settlements that were more important to Port Atwood.


    "You said they''re upgradeable? How do I upgrade them?" Zac probed.


    "You will have to ask the golems over at the shipyard. The System has connected the puppet army to them, which is good news for you. Any upgrade they do will be of a much higher quality than a standardized solution," Abby said.


    Zac''s eyes lit up when he heard the Creators would be in charge of upgrading them. They might turn out pretty weird after Karunthel got his spider-hands on the puppets, but their offensive capabilities would probably be extremely impressive. He had to head over thereter, in either case, to see about the possibilities of upgrading the shipyard.


    One item which will freely allow me to return to Earth, another that will allow me to protect the town while Im gone? Do you think the System is sending me a message? Zac said as a joke after instructing Abby where to set up the puppet armies, but he was surprised to see that the Stargazer agreed without hesitation.


    Of course it is, Abby said as matter of course. The System wants you to be stronger, but this is holding you back. The best route of you bing a powerhouse is to spread your wings, so I wouldnt be surprised that the System calcted the most pertinent rewards to help you be stronger were those that allowed you to leave.


    Zac shrugged, not sure if he believed Abbys exnation or not, but the gifts were indeed exactly what he needed. The <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong> was especially valuable, as it would allow himself and hispanions to escape certain death in many situations, and it would be useful all the way until he reached C-Grade and started traveling beyond the Zecia Sector.


    Since he was already there he asked the Stargazer to update him on the state of things, but he quickly felt himself being submerged in a sea of data he didnt understand. Abby quickly caught on and slowed down, and finally stopped narrating altogether.


    The day-to-day running of a force isnt something the leader bothers with. Are the elders of mighty ns or Sects busying themselves each day with diplomatic issues and crop yields? No, they are cultivating. You dont have a younger generation to deal with this for you, but you do have me and many other promising administrators, Abby said.


    Zac knew that was true. The patriarch or sect leaders were never the most powerful people of a force, but rather something that could be considered middle management. They were powerful enough tomand respect, but they only ran the day to day operations. The real decision-makers were the elders who either traveled the sector for opportunities or were secluded in cultivation in hopes of breaking through.


    That wasnt to say that those positions were useless. The sect leader did have ess to most of the resources of the force, and they were in a far better position to break through in the future. Most of the grand elders of a n had probably been the n leader for a couple of millennia once upon a time.


    This was probably also why Abby was pushing for Zac to be such a hands-off boss. She had clearly evolved since they metst time, no doubt benefitting from having almost free reins when running his force. He would have to put in some checks and bnces soon though, but some pilfering of public resources was pretty much bound to happen.


    Of course, there were limits to everything.


    How are criminals dealt with today? Zac asked out of the blue.


    Thrown out of your sphere of influence or killed, depending on the severity of their crime. You dont have any dungeon at the moment, though you might want to consider building one. They are usually an effective deterrent against criminals, Abby said. Your army is keeping thew at the moment.


    Julia wants to set up a proper Law Enforcement Section for Port Atwood. What do you think about that? Zac asked.


    Most sects and ns have some sort of Law Enforcement to keep the rabble in check, Abby said with a bob. How they deal with transgressions vary wildly between forces. That girl seems capable enough, but she would need someone more powerful to help enforce thews. The leader of the Law Enforcement Hall of a Sect is usually one of the strongest cultivators around. They have to be.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Just Julia wouldnt be enough. His first choice would be Ilvere, but he was already in charge of the Army. But on further thought, Zac felt Janos might be a pretty decent choice. He didnt speak much, but he was as powerful as Ilvere while having a skillset extremely suited for incapacitating without killing.


    He left the government building soon after and made his way back to his courtyard. The festivities in the town had only grown during his talk with Abby, but he was too tired to join in on the excitement. He found a drone mentioning that Kenzie had left for Mystic Ind to work on the tunnel there. It was for the best with the cultists acting as they did.


    The chance of him being able to steal one of their entrances felt slim at best, especially after the New World Government already had done so once. So he instead spent the next day in rest, working on restoring his body. The worst of his burns were healed by that point, making him look like a boiled lobster instead of a grilled chicken.


    The wound from breaking open his node was healing nicely as well, though Zac had only just started redrawing his pathway. Zac guessed would need another week or so to return to 100%, but that didnt mean he needed to sit around in his courtyard. There were a lot of things he could do, some of which he had put off for too long already.


    Zac somberly left his courtyard and walked over to the teleportation array. He took a deep breath before he stepped onto the array and he appeared at the top of a small hill covered in flowers a few secondster. It was his first timeing to this specific ind, the only prison of his archipgo.


    The secluded ind where Hannah and David lived.

 Chapter 531: Peace

    Chapter 531: Peace


    The ind might be the only ce where Zac held a captive, but it looked like a paradise rather than a dungeon. A vibrant array of colors spread across the hill as flowers covered almost every inch apart from a small path. It wasnt wildflowers though, but rather a meticulously arranged garden that stretched from the teleportation array down into a field below.


    If that was all it wouldnt have been too surprising, as getting flowers to bloom was infinitely easier now that there was Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere. What actually surprised Zac was that the flowers seemed to contain a hint of the Dao, and together managed to form an elusive Dao Field.


    Zac couldnt tell what it was as it was just a weak hint at the moment, but if given time it might grow into something impressive. He slowly walked along the path, spreading out his own Dao of the Bodhi to get a sense of what was going on.


    From what Id heard about you I would have thought that your aura would turn my flowers into dust rather than fill them with happiness, a voice drifted over from a tree to the side, causing Zacs heart to lurch. But your Dao almost feels like that of a farmers. Or perhaps of a forest elf?


    Part of Zac''s reaction was because he recognized the voice, but part of it was that Zac actually hadnt sensed David at all as he sat beneath the por at the edge of the forest. He had utterly blended in with the surroundings, causing Zacs senses to pretty much register him as another shrub or something.


    Zac still felt some nervousness as memories of the meeting with David during his Tribtion shed through his mind. However, it was apletely different David who sat beneath the tree and enjoyed the rays of sun that managed to make their way through the thick foliage.


    He wasnt disfigured for one. He still had a bunch of scars, but they were only thin white lines on healthy sun-tanned skin, much like the ones Zac had before he evolved his Race to E-Grade. There was also not hatred and me in his eyes, but rather an almost eerie tranquility.


    Zac couldnt help but wonder just what had happened to the boisterous man during his months on this ind. Or had the previously energetic personality already died from being captured by the cultist? Or perhaps it already happened during the Tutorial when Izzie died?


    There was only one way to find out what went through his head, so Zac deactivated his Dao and walked over with a smile.


    Its called the Dao of the Bodhi, and ites from the Seed of Trees and the Seed of Sanctuary, he exined, not hiding anything. I actually have a ss rted to nature, though I focus more on fighting.


    That exins it, David said as he handed Zac a fruit from a basket next to him. Taste it, I grew these myself.


    Zac looked down at the fruit that looked like a red plum before took a bite, mostly out of courtesy. A sweet taste almost exploded in his mouth, making Zac wolf down the rest of the fruit in a second.


    This might be one of the most delicious things Ive ever eaten, Zac said with wide eyes, not exaggerating at all.


    The fruit wasnt quite as tasty as the Fruit of Ascension, but the plum wasnt actually a spiritual fruit. It contained a weak hint of Cosmic Energy, but so did everything else in this day and age. The taste must havee from something else, like how it had been nurtured by David.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Its my first harvest, David smiled as he handed Zac another one. Months of work for 29 plums. The next harvest will be bigger though, and I believe the fruits will be even tastier.


    Zac ate the second one with a lot more reserve, but he actually stopped halfway through. It was nice sitting here like this under the rustling trees while gazing at the fields of flowers. But it was not why he came here.


    Im sorry, Zac sighed. Im sorry about you getting captured because of me. Im sorry about putting off visiting for so long.


    You shouldnt carry the me for the deeds of others, David said with a shake of his head. And I know you have your hands full. Were all just scraping by here in the apocalypse. At least now Ive found my path, and I am at peace.


    You know, I have a few inds that specializes in farming, and a spot on the main continent that has Spiritual Soil. Youre wee to head over there if you want if you need seeds or just experiment with various ideas, Zac offered.


    Perhaps I will one day. But I feel I still have a lot to gain by staying on this ind. Besides, I dont want to leave Hannah here all alone, David smiled. Both Izzie and Tyler passed away during the Tutorial, so theres only the two of us still alive of the old gang. Theres no point in going back to Greenworth either. We have to stick together.


    Zac didnt take offense that David didnt include him in his list of ''the gang''. He had just met Hannah a few months before the integration, whereas the four of them had been friends since the first grade. As for him not going back to Greenworth, it was no surprise.


    Port Atwood had long since gotten a pretty good overview of who was alive and who was dead or missing around the world thanks to their cooperation with the Marshall n. It had already been confirmed that both of Davids parents had passed away during the first chaotic month, while his big brother and cousin had passed away in the very same Tutorial that Kenzie was part of.


    There was nothing really connecting him to their old hometown any longer, just like how it was with Zac.


    It was the same for most people of Port Atwood. With only a tenth of the poption of Earth surviving the Integration most had lost their whole families. A few lucky ones had been able to help their households move to Port Atwood or another city under his control, but most were left alone in this new reality of theirs.


    It was a cause of concern as quite a few people were suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress on the ind. The few therapists on the ind had their hands full, and there were all sorts of supports group for those who had trouble limatizing.


    However, there was undeniably something about cultivation that changed you to your core. Perhaps it was the increase in Intelligence of Wisdom that made your mind stronger, or perhaps it was the effect of their ruthless reality, but a surprising number of people were able to bear the mental strain just fine. They kept moving forward while the people around them were dying left and right.


    Zac himself was a prime example of that. Someone who had gone through so much bloodshed and near-death experiences over the past years should be a broken mess by now. But he honestly felt fine, apart from exhaustion that could be felt all the way to his core. Even the fact that his ex-girlfriend tried to murder him just a few short months ago barely registered on his mind.


    How is she? Zac asked.


    Not bad. Not great. She doesnt like this ind as much as I do. But I guess she agrees that it beats prison, David said with a wry smile. We are dating.


    Thats good, Zac only nodded in response, not surprised in the slightest.


    The two of them shared a deep history, and they had survived the Tutorial and everything else together. Besides, something was almost bound to happen with only two people marooned on an ind with just the asional visitor there to drop off supplies. It was either start dating or turn on each other.


    Its her who nted these flowers around the array, though I made the pattern. I think she sees the arrays as the door to her cell, and she wanted to hide it in beauty.


    Do you me me for sending her here? Zac asked.


    No, David smiled as he looked across his fields. She was under the influence of that infiltrator, but she was ultimately exploited because there was a character w to exploit. Luckily, you survived, or she would have been a real sinner of Earth.


    Zac sighed as he looked out across the flowers, not sure what to say next.


    Come, let me show you what Ive done so far, David finally said as he stood up, and Zac was relieved to see him walking with neither a limp nor needing some sort of cane as he did in the vision.


    The two toured the fields and the pruned forest that David spent his days tending, mostly talking about things of lesser import. Zac described some of the races and odd things he had encountered during his visit to the Tower of Eternity, and David spoke about his life on the ind and his insights into the various nts he cared for.


    The longer they spent together, the more Zac felt that David reminded him of someone else; Abbot Evesting Peace. Not in their manner of speech, but some sort of mental tranquility that made them one with their surroundings.


    However, Zac didnt feel that David had be one with the universe and taken the first step on the paths of Karma or Samsara, but rather that he had be one with nature. Zac was the one with a mid-tier Nature-aspected Dao Fragment, yet it felt like David was the one who was more in tune with the nts around them.


    Zac even asked David about it, but he didnt have any real answer. He only felt that it was a natural result of persistence, and being wholehearted in his desire to grow and connect with the nts. David said that he believed that everything had a soul, or at least the potential for birthing one, in this new reality of theirs.


    There was an important truth in there, something that Zac felt might one day be extremely important in his own cultivation. The matter of sincerity toward the Dao, something that he felt that he was currentlycking a bit. He had made amazing gains to his understanding of the Dao over the past year, but he wouldnt say that he was sincere in his interest.


    He had worked so hard on the Daos in order to get stronger, rather than having a desire to delve deeper into the mysteries of the universe. He honestly didnt care all too much about trees or coffins, but rather the power the fragments represented.


    But that might be a bottleneck that kept him back in the future. He was just scraping by, reliant on treasures and lucky opportunities to shore up his weakness. Zac felt he would need to find some sort ofmon ground with his Daos sooner orter, and he felt that taking a hint from David was an important first step.


    He slowly his Dao Field once more, but he let energy naturally seep out of his body as he tried to connect with the fields around him. And he had to admit that David was onto something. It felt like many of the trees were living and the energy inside them responded to the touch of his Dao.


    "You see," David said with a smile, somehow understanding what was going on.


    Their stroll soon took them to a small hill by the sea some distance from the teleporter. On top of it stood a beautiful farmhouse surrounded by flowers. It almost looked like something out of a fairy tale, with the glistening sea and rustling nts creating an extremely soothing atmosphere.


    However, Zac wasnt able topletely immerse himself in the beauty as his eyes were trained on something else; his former girlfriend who was currently tending to a small patch outside one of the windows of the house. She wore a simple dress that somewhat reminded Zac of the Amish, but there were lines of fractals lining the hem.


    Zac guessed that it was something that his sister had sent over, as he doubted that the Demons would be so amodating. Hannah looked up when she heard them approaching, a small smile on her face. However, the smile immediately froze on her face when she saw Zac standing next to David. Zac only looked back at her, surprised at how calm he felt inside.


    The same couldnt be said for Hannah as she hurried back inside the building with her head hanging low. The door mmed shut, leaving the two of them outside. Zac was a bit surprised by the violent reaction, though he guessed she might be afraid that he wasing here for revenge.


    Im sorry, David sighed. I guess shes not ready to face you just yet.


    Its fine. We can talk another day, Zac said with a shake of his head. "Tell her that I don''t carry any resentment for what happened."


    It was true that Zac didnt mind not being able to talk things through with his ex. He had mostlye here for David rather than Hannah, as he was a victim while she was ultimately a perpetrator. Seeing that she looked fine was enough for him, as it allowed him to erase the image that had built up in his mind since the Heart Tribtion.


    Zac was just about to leave, but David suddenly spoke up after some hesitation.


    Wait, before you go. Hannah wrote you this some time ago, but she never sent it out, he said as he took out a sealed envelope from his Cosmos Sack. I think she would regret it if you just left like this though.


    Zac epted the letter, and a movement in the periphery caught his eye. It was Hannah who looked at them from the second story of the small house. Their eyes met once more before Hanna sighed and shook her head. She receded further into the room, while Zac turned toward the Teleportation Array without another word. He felt a sense of serenity, but also somement as he walked through the fields, the beauty of the ind barely registering in his mind.


    Peace because he finally faced a fear that had been buried deep in his heart, and sadness because it felt like yet one more of his scant few connections to the past had been severed.

 Chapter 532: Upgrading the Shipyard

    Chapter 532: Upgrading the Shipyard


    Zac looked down at the letter in his hand as he walked thest stretch toward the array, but he eventually put it away unopened and unread. He didnt want to ruin the state he was in right now, and he took onest look at the world David had built for himself and Hannah.


    David had said something that stuck with him as they walked along the fields. He said that the world had be extremely terrifying, but it had also be far more beautiful. David had chosen to focus on thetter, which was what had turned this ind to such an amazing ce.


    It was true. With the Dao unlocked the world had fundamentally changed, like a bleak tapestry having been given color and meaning. Wasnt the quest for meaning something that so many struggled with before the Integration? Searching for an understanding of the universe and what their ce was.


    Now it was actually possible.


    Over the past year he had just run from one goal to another, desperately wing himself forward in his pursuit of power. But that wasn''t any way to live. He would eventually crash and burn if things continued this way, or he would at least end up with a shaky understanding of the world around him. It wasn''t that he needed to ignore all the things that needed to be done, but he also needed to find some joy in his life.


    This was the mindset he needed to remember, along with the sincerity he needed to nurture as he kept working on his Dao Fragments.


    Zac took onest breath of the enticing mix of aromas before he activated the Teleportation Array. He also bought aprehensive set of upgrades to the Arrays put in ce by his sister. It would take decently strong E-Grade beast a lot of effort to break through the barriers, and Zac would be instantly warned anywhere on Earth.


    He briefly considered adding some Farming Arrays to the ind as well, but he eventually decided against it. David wasnt looking for efficiency or actually farming for profit. He was rather cultivating his heart and his mind through farming, and arrays wouldnt help with that. He left the fields as they were, not putting his thumb on the scale any further.


    However, Zac didnt return to hispound but rather decided to tour his domain for a bit. Visiting Abby had reminded him how long it was since he had seen the day to day operations of his force, and now was as good a time as any to check things out.


    He visited the farming inds first, but he was surprised to see that the scale actually hadn''t increased over the past months. Zac asked a foreman what was going on, and learned that most of the herb production had been moved to either his own ind or therge Spirit Soil Fields on the main continent.


    The old farming ind was mainly used for growing high-quality crops for the people of Port Atwood now, rather than Spiritual Herbs for cultivation.


    It was a step in the right direction in Zacs mind, as it showed that people were not only thinking of surviving and getting stronger. People were no longer living day to day, and didn''t just nt what would grow the fastest. They were rather growing rice and all kinds of vegetables to improve their quality of life, while simultaneously providing them with greater profit.


    He could see the same energy in the towns that were studded along the archipgo, though some of the verve no doubt came from the fact that the Incursions had finally been closed. A massive harbor had sprung in Refugee Harbor unbeknownst to him, and he could spot dozens of boats sailing out on the sea, likely to catch fish or search for valuable herbs underwater.


    All kinds of shops had cropped up as well, real businesses started by people. Strong-looking warriors walked down the streets as well, seemingly returning from monster hunting ventures. Most of them carried the insignia of Port Atwood, meaning they were part of his army, whereas others looked like free cultivators.


    Zac felt that it really wasnt a coincidence that humans littered the Multiverse. They were resilient creatures that could adapt so quickly to such a drastic change of their lives. Or perhaps that was a too generous a conclusion. With only around 10% of all humans remaining, one might rather say that those unable to adapt had long perished.


    In either case, it felt extremely gratifying to walk through the bustling streets, his real identity hidden with <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>. He had already arranged a secondary set of credentials with Adran, a Port Atwood inspector which gave him nket ess without having to expose his true identity.


    He soon continued from the local cluster of towns to the various alien towns he had snatched out of the hands of the invaders. However, he quickly realized that most of them were little more than outposts who would be hard pressed to do much more than act as scouts for any threats. He had multiple mines and fields standing empty, with no personnel there to extract the resources.


    He needed more people. That was the biggest takeaway he got after making the rounds. Thankfully, he shouldnt be as hard-pressed to attract talents as when he had to sell himself with the help of Sap Trang in the market of New Washington. There should be millions of people willing to relocate to one of his towns.


    He finally made a series of jumps that took him to the small outpost at the edge of the unhabituated continent. It had surprisingly grown to a proper town by now, and Zac saw quite a few molemen walking the streets. He found the local mayor, a human administrator who worked under Adran, to find out what was going on.


    It turned out that Westbound Harbor had turned into a massive trade hub in the short time since it was established. It still wasnt possible to freely travel back and forth between the two continents as there were still the cultists roaming about. Of course, it was not solely a security issue, but also a financial one.


    There were still massive untapped resources in the underworld that were almost worthless to its inhabitants, while theycked some things that existed in abundance on Pangea. It would be foolish to not take advantage of this opportunity, so Port Atwood allowed people to travel here from the underworld to trade with their own merchants.


    These merchants would then head over to the other continent, to unload the inventory before returning once more. It was exceedingly lucrative, but Zac snorted when he saw how nervous the Mayor started to be the more Zac asked about the situation. A short interrogationter hadted Zac a shocking 200 million Nexus Coins that the administrator had gathered through bribes and skimming Port Atwood''s coffers.


    It wasnt that muchpared to the massive wealth Zac controlled at the moment, but it was still shocking how much one single person had managed to take for himself in just a few months thanks to theck of oversight. He really needed to set up a proper organization to take care of issues like this.


    The mayor obviously couldn''t stay on, so Zac released his aura in the government building, which immediately alerted the guards staying put. A squad of demons appeared a few secondster, but they visibly rxed when they saw it was Zac who had appeared rather than some dangerous threat.


    This guy has proven a bit greedy. Have someone new take over. Remind the next mayor about the value of moderation, Zac said to the guards, who nodded as he sneered at the despondent administrator.


    Zac also asked the guards on duty about whether they had found anything of interest on the continent, but there were nothing at all for at least four days travel ind. There were just endless dunes. However, initial estimations put the continent at least half the size of Pangea, which meant there were ample room for multiple climate zones.


    Some day he would travel further ind assisted by his flying treasure, but not today. He had some breathing room before he needed to enter the Mystic Realm, but not to the point that he could map such a massive ce. He instead returned to his courtyard before he started walking toward the Creator Shipyard.


    This was one of the things Zac had looked forward to since getting the Iliex Shipyard as a reward, though upgrading the shipyard had gone down in priority somewhat since he got his hands on his flying treasure. But equipping his army with proper Flying Treasures would be a huge boon for his force in general, as long as he could stomach the price.


    Zac soon arrived at the shipyard and headed straight into the Liaisons office. Rahm stood behind a reception, like he had been expecting Zacs arrival. Of course, knowing this particr Creator it was just as possible that he had simply stood there without moving for a couple of days.


    Lord Atwood. Congrattions on your evolution, Rahm said with his usual staid expression.


    Thank you, Zac smiled. Is Foreman Karunthel here?


    About time you came to visit, a rumbling voice snorted as Karunthel emerged form the depths of the building. Didnt you evolve almost two weeks ago?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Im sorry. Theres just too much for me to do, Zac said with a wry smile. You dont happen to have a clone technique that can allow me to get more stuff done?


    Takes a certain aptitude to make the most of clones, and Im not too sure you have that kind of aptitude, you little brat, Karunthelughed, not seeming all that miffed about being forgotten.


    Well, it was just a joke, Zac said, though he couldnt help but feel a irritated about the low evaluation.


    It really felt like he would have to work a bit on his image. Everyone seemed to think that he was just an unkible brute swinging his axe around. Certainly, it was mostly true, but he still wanted to be known for more than just that.


    Are you here about upgrading our facilities, Lord Atwood? Rahm asked, conveniently giving Zac an opening for the real reason he came.


    Yes, exactly, Zac nodded. You said I could upgrade the shipyard after I evolved. Is the process automatic, or do I need to pay a price..?


    Not so fast, kiddo. I am supposed toe up with some sort of quest for you before we can release the good items, Karunthel mused.


    We already have instruct- Rahm tried to interject, but he was silenced by a wave of one of Rahms legs.


    How about this. Being stuck on this deste rock is causing dys to my experiments. I amcking some materials that I cannot get my hands on here. Bring me what I require and well process the upgrade for you, the foreman decided.


    This is not-


    This is not an unreasonable request indeed, <em>thank you Rahm,</em> I know, Karunthel said as a dense aura spread out throughout the lobby.


    Only then was Zac reminded that the spider golem in front of him was no doubt a D-Grade being, and not an early D-Grade warrior either. His aura was far beyond that of the Technocrat Captain that almost got him killed, and Zac could barely breathe in front the suffocating pressure. Rahm didnt look affected at all though, keeping his neutral expressions.


    However, he seemed to relent to the demands of his boss as he only sighed and took a step back.


    Thats better, Karunthel smiled as the pressure disappeared. Here, get me these things. It might be a bit challenging to gather them all, but Ill add something extra as a reward.


    Get you what? Zac asked, but he soon understood what Karunthel was talking about as a quest prompt appeared in front of him.


    <strong>Materials for Karunthel (Unique, Limited): Acquire 100 Kilograms of [Urgarat kes], 1 kilogram of [Realm Locus], 1 living [Ferric Worldeater], 1 [Daemonic Manastone] Reward: Upgrade Iliex Shipyard to Early D-Grade. 1 Custom-Designed Early D-Grade Vessel. (0/4)</strong>


    Zac read through the quest, his mouth turning a bit upward as he felt like he had just gotten a standard fetch-quest from a MMO game. The problem was that he didnt recognize a single one of the materials. Thest two seemed to be pretty rare, as they only needed one of each. The demons might havesome clues about thest one, but the third item seemed exceedingly troublesome.


    "How am I supposed to catch something that eats worlds?" Zac asked with a grimace.


    "They''re not as dangerous as it sounds," Karunthelughed. "Well, not the young ones, anyway."


    "Where can I get these things" Zac asked, hoping to get a running start on the quest.


    "Sorry, can''t give any clues. Finding the items is half the challenge," Karunthel said, his smile widening even further.


    Zac couldn''t help but feel that the creator foreman was messing with him a bit, but there wasn''t much he could do about it. He would have to inquire with someone more knowledgeable, like Bra or Calrin. It felt a bit difficult, However, Zac was more interested in the rewards right now.


    Whats this reward at the end? Zac asked with anticipation.


    Its a reward forpleting the quest. Well be able to provide a gship vessel for your force, and Ill be in charge of it myself since youre helping me out, Karunthel exined. Ill build it based on your specifications."


    D-Grade vessel. A Cosmic Vessel? Zac said, and he couldnt help but look up at the sky through a window.


    Dont get your hopes up too high, brat, the foreman snorted. I only make good things, but it is still an Early D-Grade vessel. You will not be able to explore the whole Sector in that thing, but you might be able to visit neighborings as long as they''re not too far away.


    What about the customization? Zac asked.


    "The reward has a set budget," Rahm said. "It cannot excel at everything for the quoted price."


    You could skimp out on the spatial arrays and focus only on offensive capabilities, turning it into a slow-moving mobile fortress. Or you could do the opposite, making a scout vessel that can reach further into the cosmos, the foreman added. Just figure out what you want to use the thing for, and Ill whip up something nice."

 Chapter 533: Non-lethal Lethality

    Chapter 533: Non-lethal Lethality


    A keening cry echoed out across the jungle as Zac swung his axe in one lightning-quick motion, his abyssal eyes keeping track of the streams of life inside the target. However, the massive boar didnt fall apart into two gory bs from the swing as one might expect, but it rather just seemed enraged.


    A deep cut had appeared on its nk, and while it was freely bleeding down on the forest floor it was far from a grievous wound. With the high Vitality of an E-Grade beast the wound would soon enough heal by itself without any intervention.


    Kill through a non-lethal cut, Zac muttered as he dodged the boars charge.


    He had been walking around the jungles surrounding the former volcano over the past five days, fighting for a couple of hours while spending the rest on cultivation in his cave. He knew that any potential progress before the Mystic Realm closed its doors was limited, and he tried to make the most of it until Kenzie managed to crack open the tunnel.


    The most obvious solution he could think of was gaining <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, a skill that would hopefully improve his offensive capabilities in his undead form. He needed a mainstay skill in the vein of <strong>[Chop]</strong>, and this might just be it. Walking around in nature like this would also allow him to bond with nature forck of a better word, trying to incorporate the lessons he learned from visiting David.


    Butpleting the quest was proving more difficult than expected, though he was making decent inroads. The wound in the boars side had already turned into a sickly dark color, and the beast shook from the pain.


    This effect solely came about from infusing his de with the Fragment of the Coffin, as this was the only method he could think of toplete the quest. He had already tried killing an evolved beast the same way he killed Vul, the Barghest alpha, all those months ago. He had inflicted a shallow wound that blinded a panther before tricking it into impaling itself on a sharpened log that he had prepared.


    He had technically killed it with a single non-lethal cut that time, but the System wasn''t impressed. That meant that his initial guess was more likely, that he needed to use his Dao to kill the beast. Considering his ss the most likely suspect was obviously Fragment of the Coffin, and the boar was just thetest experiment.


    The wound had already been inflicted, so he didn''t swing again. Zac strained his mind to connect to the wound instead, trying to impose his will upon it. It actually worked, and the wound kept getting worse instead of closing itself.


    This was a method he had devised after discussing the Dao with his sister. He had alreadye to terms with the fact that his control over the Dao was pretty bad, and he probably wasnt going to form any Dao Arrays like those Catheya described anytime soon. But he had also realized that there were more ways to make the most of your mental energy than just using fine control.


    Kenzie had told him of the various ways she used her Dao infusion when fighting. Jeeves had taught her various ways that she could maximize the efficiency of her Cosmic Energy and Dao, doing as much damage as possible for as low a cost as possible. For example, when she shot the fireballs that seemed to bounce from head to head between her targets, it wasnt the skills work.


    Her skill was just a normal fireball, as basic as they came, but it changed with the help of her Seed of Tinder. It only managed to bounce around like that because she controlled her Seed of Tinder to move toward the next target from a distance, and the skill kind of just followed along if she controlled things just right.


    Zac never used the Dao like that when it came to <strong>[Chop]</strong> for example. He just crammed a bunch of Mental Energy into the fractal edge before heunched it at his enemies. But he understood now that he didnt actually need to disconnect his soul from the strike immediately, though it did free up his concentration for other things.


    That was what he was doing now with the strike against the boar. He was trying to use the corrosive elements of the Fragment of the Coffin to worsen the condition of the beast, turning a non-lethal strike lethal. He urged his mental energies festering in the wound to spread toward its heart, to enter the bloodstream, to fight off the natural resistance of the animal. Anything that could kill it.


    But he suddenly felt a pang in his mind, and the connection was broken. It was the natural resistance of an evolved being that booted the foreign intruder, and Zac knew that the wound would start to close if he didnt do anything.


    The attempt was a failure, but Zac still didnt feel disappointed.


    He had managed to hold the connection longer than hisst attempt, and at a greater distance as well. He was quickly understanding that it wasnt really a matter of control or skill, but it was more akin to learning to use a limb you didnt know you had. A bit more and he would get there.


    Then again, Zac understood that maintaining the Dao inside his enemy was only part of the requirements toplete the quest for <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>. There was also the issue of causing enough damage, which was as much an issue of understanding his Dao and his target as it was about maintaining its effectiveness.


    His first attempt had simply been to keep the wound festering as long as possible in hopes that the beast would sumb that way. However, he quickly learned that maintaining a status quo wasnt enough, and it was a losing battle. The mental energy infused into his strike was only so strong, and it would be slowly whittled down by the natural defenses of his target.


    So he couldnt just run out the clock, but he needed to proactively push his skill forward. This was where his own limitations came in, as he simply wasnt able to turn the Dao into fine strands that burrowed toward his intended targets like some sort of designer poison. He could only push it in the general direction, just like he pushed the massive clouds of energy forward during his Dao Discourse.


    But Zac was surprised how big an impact this simple action had. The previously shallow cut had quickly turned into serious festering wounds that would ail the beasts even after his mental energy had been routed.


    The boar roared in pain and anger as it charged Zac once more, but a chain shot out from his back and punched arge hole in its forehead. There was not much point in practicing at the same target over and over, as the beasts quickly learned to resist his attempts.


    But that was fine as there was nock of beasts in the enormous forest, and Zac guessed that hundreds broke through to E-Grade every day right now. With the cultists gone and the defensive towers destroyed, the only threat to the beasts was the flock of birds from the mountains.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It felt like Earth in general was fast reaching a tipping point, where millions of peak F-Grade beasts finally broke the shackles of their inferior bloodlines and took the next step on the path of cultivation. The beasts had always been a step ahead of the cultivators since the integration, and the humans were fast approaching peak F-Grade as well.


    That was great news for Zac, though killing level 76 beasts werent all that beneficial for his cultivation either. However, it did provide him with a seemingly endless supply of targets to practice both his Dao and his control over <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    Any Spirit Tool created by the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> was supposed to be a perfect fit for his needs and something that would be able to follow him in his cultivation until the end. He needed to be better at using it, and not only relying on his axe.


    Doing so would not only improve his overall strength, as using both his spirit tools at the same time wasnt a problem, but it might even give him a greater understanding of both his sses and his cultivation path.


    It was probably the best he could do for Alea as well. Just hanging around his neck day after day wouldnt challenge her spirit. Spirit Tools grew and were refined through battle, and only through being used could they bring out their full potential.


    The boar fell to the ground with a thud, but Zac didnt bother harvesting the meat since it was tainted by him. He only extracted the two tusks as they might be of use for the craftsmen on Port Atwood, before he shot out a chain thattched onto a tree in the distance. The beast was left where it was, its meat turning into a feast for the other beasts in the region.


    The trees shed past Zac with a dizzying blur as the chains pulled him forward with extreme momentum. He almost felt like a certain superhero as he flew through the forest toward the domain of the next E-Grade beast he had marked for target practice.


    Using the chains as a mode of transportation was something he had already dabbled with since fighting the dragon, and he was quickly bing more ustomed to it. With <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> he could also use real and extremely sturdy chains rather than the flimsy spectral ones that the Cultist Bishop effortlessly had cut apart with his mes.


    He still wasnt fast as when he walked with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but it was still a huge improvement for his Draugr side, which was previously a slow-moving tank. It looked a bit embarrassing though, like he was being dragged around through the jungle like a ragdoll. Then again, he had long discarded any semnce of cultivators dignity in favor of pragmatism, so this was nothing to him.


    Zac kept working on his coordination and his strikes like this over the next two days, slowly making progress in how much damage he was causing with a non-lethal strike. Better yet, he would no doubt be able to apply these insights to his other Daos and his other ss in the future.


    Most of his time was still spent in the Cultivation Cave though, sitting inside his Soul Strengthening Arrays while going over his insights. The array pretty much ran on its own by now with how used Zac was getting to the feeling, and he could both ponder on the Dao and work on repairing his pathways while cycling his Mental Energy.


    It was a bit like working while being severely sleep-deprived though since the array was siphoning his mental energy. He made quite a few mistakes and was forced to redraw the pathways many times, though it was still a lot more efficient to multitask than just sit around waiting for the array to finish.


    Another interesting thing he had learned about the array was that he was actually making better progress when swapping his race in the middle. However, the benefits only appeared when he sat as a Draugr in the life-attuned side and as a human in the death-attuned.


    It was like the stark contrasts helped reinforce the effect of the array, which resulted in arger number of shes and his soul getting strengthened and purified to a higher degree. One full cultivation procedure still took around 10 hours even when using E-Grade Crystals to power the array, but the improvement he saw while swapping his races was double a normal cirction.


    That meant that he was almost three times as efficientpared to his first try, getting 28 hours worth of cultivation done in just ten hours. There were probably even greater gains to be had in the future as well, though Zac guessed any future improvements wouldnte quite as easily.


    He had ordered a couple of D-Grade attuned crystals from the Sky Gnome to see the effect, but the cost of that was a bit extravagant even for him. It would have to provide a huge benefit to motivate spending over a hundred million Nexus Coins every day. For now, he made do with just E-Grade crystals as he was still mostly focusing on short-term benefits and upgrading his skills.


    Zac was currently fighting some sort of mutated cat that was as big as a rhino. It looked extremely cute even with its size, with two enormous eyes that stared straight into his. The beast suddenly turned into a blur, and Zac barely had time to block a furious swipe toward his throat by using the t side of his axe.


    The beast unsurprisingly excelled at Dexterity, and Zac tried multiple times to inflict it with a wound without sess. It was like trying to hit a cloud, where the cat was just a blur. It was almost as bad as when he fought Faceless 9 back in the tower, though the cat didnt have that mans lethality.


    It wouldnt have been hard to kill the thing with the help of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, but that wasnt his goal. He instead activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>and grew to a towering behemoth almost reaching four meters. The transformation added around half a meter to his height after reaching middle proficiency, while also increasing the thickness of the ting of his miasmic armor.


    More importantly, it increased the power of his taunting effect, and the cat suddenly rammed straight into him by mistake when it tried to pass him by. Zac took the opportunity and delivered a shallow cut in its side, eliciting a pained yowl from the beast. It scrambled out of the way as Zac stood rooted to the ground, keeping his focus on the skill.


    Zac instantly pushed the mental energy further into its body, like an army performing a blitz to attack its enemy unaware. The natural defenses of the beast were quickly roused, but Zac was like a steamroller as he pushed his energy toward its organs.


    This was the one.

 Chapter 534: Blighted Cut

    Chapter 534: Blighted Cut


    The enormous feline had be utterly enraged by Zac''s attack, and it even seemed that the shallow wound had emboldened it, making it think that was the limit of Zacs capabilities. It shot forward over and over, its ws trying to rip through his armor. However, the cat couldnt get through the thick ting, allowing Zac topletely focus on his quest.


    His abyssal eyes were trained at the nimble form, his eyes clearly seeing the vibrant life-force rousing in the beasts body tobat the virulence of his strike. It was like witnessing the sh between white blood cells and a virus with his own eyes. However, he was actually able to impact the battle with his mind.


    A small headache throbbed in his head as he pushed his concentration to the max, and it look like a surge of death stormed toward the innards of the beast. The cat stumbled on the ground, thrashing in pain from the invasion. Zac felt adrenaline in his body spike, but he still kept his eyes peeled on the animal.


    There was some hesitation in Zac''s heart about subjecting such a stunning animal to such cruel treatment. However, Zac quickly pushed those discordant thoughts out of his mind as he knew that this thing was anything but a docile house-pet. He had seen carcasses of almost a hundred animals as at the edge of this things domain.


    Their bodies had been utterly mutted before they were left to rot. The cat seemed to enjoy hunting and torturing animals for sport, even when it didnt require food. This, along with the fact that it was at least level 85, was why Zac marked it for death the moment he would start trying toplete his quest in earnest.


    Most of the kills until now had been for training, whereas Zac saved the beasts that met the requirements of his quest for when he felt he had made enough progress to try for the quest again. He found this animal three days ago, and he would immediately have executed it if it wasn''t because he needed some more practice first.


    However, the shocking cruelty that this cat had disyed toward its prey wasnt something unique for this specific E-grade beast, though it was a bit more excessive than most. Beasts seemed to grow more ruthless and aggressive as they evolved, with even herbivores gaining a thirst for blood.


    Things on Earth would probably be a bit chaotic over theing years. A second wave of bloodshed would assault Earths settlements with aggressive beasts trying to take everyone out through starting beast tides like the ones that the System sometimes conjured as a quest. The forces who had survived until now thanks to not having any close-by Incursions to worry about would probably fall by the wayside, while powerful warriors would emerge from the surviving towns.


    Things would calm down when D-Grade beast kings emerged, as they were intelligent enough to not mindlessly attack human settlements. They instead set up their kingdoms deep in unimed territories, where no humans would dare enter. Even better, they kept their subjects in check, lessening the number of beast tides.


    Only at that point could Earth be considered to have been fully integrated; when the energy infusion of the was finished, and a bnce between races, forces, and beasts had been reached.


    But for now, there could be no peace with the animals. If Zac didnt take out this beast now, then it would probably target the people who moved to the town next to the volcano. It had already been determined that the volcano itself was a unique natural treasure that produced something that calrin called an Earth-Fire, a spiritual me that was extremely beneficial for craftsmen.


    cksmiths in particr would be able to both increase the quality and quantity of their crafts with the help of the volcano, and it was no coincidence that the zealots nurtured the massive insignia inside the magma itself. If Zac could set up a bunch of smithies here then it was just a matter of time before someone like the Craftsman Bra would emerge within his sphere of influence.


    So all potential threats to this area had to die for the future of his force.


    Zac pushed his energy more and more, though it felt just as frustrating as during the Dao Discourse. It was like he was trying to move the clouds with his bare hands, and it was slow and arduous work. However, the cat had entered a frenzy from the pain, discarding its survival instincts in favor of taking Zac down with it.


    Sparks flew across the area as the beast mmed into his armor over and over, and trees toppled as the air itself was split apart from its attempts to tear him apart. Some puncture wounds even started to appear across Zac''s body as the beast managed to bite through his sturdy armor, but Zac didnt care as he did everything in his power to boost the corruption.


    Finally, he seeded in what he had tried so many times before. The corrosive energy managed to take hold in the cat''s heart, and its heartbeat rapidly started getting erratic before the whole organ ruptured. The beast yowled on top of its lungs from the pain before its survival instincts finally overrode its bloodlust.


    It tried to flee into the jungle, but it had lost its coordination as many of its muscles had turned into a rotten mess by now. A deep thud echoed across the jungle before Zac felt a surge of cosmic energy. However, he wasnt happy with the result as the stupid thing had actually gored itself on the trunk of a tree it had felled earlier.


    Zac quickly opened his quest screen and sighed in relief when he could confirm that the quest actually had beenpleted even with the abrupt end to the cat''s life. He guessed the System passed him because the thing was just a walking corpse with its heart being ruined, and there was no way it would survive even a minute longer.


    He wouldn''t look in the mouth of a gift horse though, and Zac instead smiled with anticipation as a fractal appeared on his left forearm.


    <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> actually took the exact same spot as <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>, though the Skill fractal itself obviously lookedpletely different. He immediately activated it since he was in a perfect spot to try it out, and he was surprised to find that it was a toggled skill just like <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> or his mental defense skills.


    A small but constant stream of energy entered the Skill Fractal, and he looked around to see what the skill did. He didnt feel stronger at all, and no avatar appeared to fight for him. But he soon heard a corrosive sizzling on the ground, and he found that his axe was slowly dripping a grey liquid that seemed to seep out of the weapon itself.


    The scene made him worried for Verun, as the Tool Spirit had shown some apprehension to some of his skills before. However, there were noints from the spirit tool at all, meaning it wasn''t hurt or ufortable. In fact, the same was true for when he used <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    He had been forced to use another weapon before to conjure the massive ck bardiche, but after Verun had swallowed the Dragon Core it had no problem to stomach the corrosive and deathly elements of his skills.


    Eager to try the effect of the liquid Zac quickly walked over to the closest tree, and simply pushed the edge toward the bark. The sizzling sound of corrosion quickly emerged from the point of contact, but that was the least of what happened. Ashy-grey tendrils spread across the tree with impressive speed, and it only took four seconds before the tree fell apart.


    Only a minuteter was the tree a rotten mess on the ground, with almost nothing remaining intact. Zac wasnt done there, and he transformed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>to its backpack form, and four chains emerged like snakes. Zac suddenly felt his miasmic consumption increasing by arge degree, and he wasnt surprised as he looked at his other spirit tool.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The whole coffin had gained a temporary upgrade, just like how Verun turned into a massive Bardiche.<strong> [Love''s Bond]</strong> still looked like a coffin, but instead of being child-sized it turned into a massive box that reached almost three meters tall. It was a lot wider as well, and itpletely blocked his whole back like a turtle shell.


    Zac had already tried it out before, and he knew that a simr effect would happen when he used the weapon in its shield form. The difference wasn''t as startling there though, as<strong> [Love''s Bond] </strong>was able to adjust its size to match his increased stature by itself. It only gained another protectiveyer from <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    The increase in miasmic consumption obviously didn''te about from this change though, but rather that he had activated <strong>[Blighted Cut].</strong> Each of the chains was dripping with the corrosive liquid all along their length, though the links themselves werent hurt in the slightest. Each of the chains already contained a hint of corruption, but even Zac felt some trepidation when he looked at the chains now.


    Even he would probably be in some danger if an enemy came at him with this kind of set-up.


    Just attacking a tree was obviously not enough to get a proper gauge of the limits of his new skill, and he spent the next hour like a god of death in the jungle. Anything he targeted was turned into a rotting goop before he moved on. It utterly ruined the bodies of the beasts, meaning Zac probably shouldn''t use it when hunting for valuable bodyparts.


    Zac had first thought he had gained a supercharged version of his Fragment of the Coffin, but he quickly learned that wasn''t the case. He couldn''tbine <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> with skills like <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> or <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, though it was fine together with <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> and <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>.


    The skill rather provided him with a way to deal real damage while skills like <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>and <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>restrained his enemies.


    As for the lethality of the skill, it went without mention. Nothing under E-Grade could withstand a single strike, even when he didnt empower the corrosion even further with the Fragment of the Coffin. A simple scrape whenshing out with <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> was enough to condemn them to a bout of excruciating pain before they died.


    The only animal that survived more than half a minute was the massive rhinoceros Zac was currently fighting, but that wasn''t because of it having some sort of immunity to his skill. He had caught it with two chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, keeping it in ce. It had tried to run the moment he saw Zac, but it was currently utterly unable to move.


    Zac had just attacked anything he came across until now, but he wanted to see the effect of the skill while just restraining an enemy. Zac quickly realized that the effect was clearly worse when he didn''t draw blood. There was still a sizzling sound across the rhino''s thick hide, but it didn''t immediately turn into a pile of rotting meat. It meant that the skill acted more like a venom than an acid, which has an important distinction.


    However, that wasn''t the real surprise as Zac felt a startling feedback from the skill the moment the beast was caught. Zac immediately followed his instincts and infused the skill with more Miasma, and his eyes widened when three des of the corrosive liquid appeared out of nowhere around the rhino, each shooting into the beast from a different direction before it had a chance to react.


    They each hit the animal simultaneously, and Zac gaped when he saw that the animal didn''t even have time to cry out in pain before it had turned into a ck pool of goop on the ground. The des had not only cut the animal apart into six pieces, but it had infused every piece with a terrifying amount of poison.


    The des had appeared for less than a second before they were gone, and Zac barely had time to see them. However, he still had goosebumps on his arms from the terrifying aura they emitted. It felt like just a graze from those things could kill just about anything.


    It was a truly sinister skill. Not only did it continuously inflict enemies with a shocking virulence, it even had some sort of execution that only worked when the target was trapped. Perhaps it was a hint of what the future held for his Fetters of Destion ss. Zac quickly looked inward at the skill fractal, and he wasn''t surprised that the skill went on cooldown after activating the final strike. Not even the passive effect worked any longer, meaning Zac would have to be careful about using the execution preemptively in the future.


    The skill itself wasnt as shy as <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>, but Zac was still very happy with the result. It was extremely lethal, which shored up one of his weaknesses in his current ss. He wascking in offense, which turned every match into a drawn-out slugfest. Between his coffin and his new skill, he would probably be able to take out E-Grade enemies even faster as a Draugrpared to as a human.


    His human form was still superior to his Draugr side inrge-scalebat though as he didnt have any way to properly attackrge hordes with <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>. The situation was fine with him though, as he had always felt it a good idea to allow each ss to have its own specialty apart from just being based on different elements.


    Zac had finally reached his goal ofpleting his ss quest, but he still didnt leave the jungle. He had spent thest ten days almost solely as a Draugr, but he had some things to do here in his human form as well. He had already felt that spending some time in this jungle as a Human might benefit some of his skills, and that idea had only be stronger after meeting David.


    So Zac swapped over to his Edge of Arcadia ss and started clearing out a perimeter around the volcano. However, he only had time to battle for less than 30 minutes before someone tried to contact him through his Communication Crystal.


    Are you free? Thea and Billy are here, they need your help, Joanna said through the crystal.

 Chapter 535: War Council

    Chapter 535: War Council


    What? Are Thea and Billy okay? Zac asked with worry.


    Theyre fine. They arrived a while ago, tried to enter the Inheritance. But the Tool Spirit is blocking them, and not even your sister couldnt change its mind, Joanna exined. Hes also being a bit like himself.


    Zac groaned and immediately took out his flying treasure, quickly returning to the volcano. Joanna waited for him there, and they teleported to his private courtyard as it was closest to the Towers of Myriad Dao. However, he barely had time to exit the teleportation house before he saw a massive form appear in front of the Dao Repository.


    It was Billy, who must have evolved his skill. He was almost as tall as some of the smaller towers, reaching roughly 15 meters into the air. His club looked like something used to smash mountains, the skull on its end having a diameter of at least 5 meters. Worry gripped Zacs heart as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, leaving Joanna behind.


    Had the Tool Spirit annoyed Billy to the point that he was gearing up to destroy the whole Dao Repository?


    It wasnt that he was worried about the repository itself. It was probably a peak D-Grade Spirit Tool, and nothing that Billy would be able to destroy no matter how much he wanted to. He was more worried about the retaliation from an insane Tool Spirit. There were D-Grade golems inside from what he had gathered, meant to be the challenge to open up the higher floors.


    What if Bra released them upon the town as punishment?


    HAHA BILLY WINS! a massive roar echoed across half of Port Atwood as Billy jumped high into the air while stretching his weapon toward the sky.


    Between the jump and the length of the club they reached a bit higher than the tallest towers, and the whole square shook when the giantnded again.


    Stupid golden ghost thinks he can be bigg-


    Billy didnt get any further though before Bras massive form appeared in full splendor above the Towers of Myriad Dao, apanied by his signature golden radiance. The avatar was well over a hundred meters tall, and it looked down upon Billy and Port Atwood like a god standing in judgment.


    An ant dreaming of matching the sky, a rumbling voice echoed out across the area, and Zacs eyes widened when he saw that Bra was about to st Billy with one of his lightning bolts.


    WAIT! Zac roared as he appeared in front of the towering giant. Calm down. What is going on here?!


    Billy looked down with surprise, and he started to shrink again after throwing Bra a re.


    Golden boy said Billy and Thea was small, so Billy proved him wrong. He still needs a good thwonkin, the giant snorted.


    Zac wryly smiled before he turned to Thea who had appeared close-by as well.


    You werent lying about the Tool Spirit, she said, a few veins popping out on her forehead. He makes Big Blue feel like a true gentleman.


    I know, Zac said with some resignation. Whats the problem here?


    These two talentless ants tried to enter the trial without adult supervision, a haughty voice echoed out from the gates as the massive head in the sky disappeared.


    The gates swung open the next moment, and Bra along with an exasperated Kenzie walked out.


    I already told you Thea and Billy woulde to take the trial, and you said that you didn''t care, Zac sighed. "What''s changed?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That was before I saw what kind of wretched beings that you wanted to waste The Great Bra''s gifts upon. Why don''t I just send two pigs into the inheritances that my creator so arduously gathered? The effect will be the same," Bra snorted as his back bent further and further back until the Tool Spirit was almost looking straight up into the sky.


    Zac inwardly groaned when he saw that Bra was in his most haughty mode today for some reason. He only took that insane power-pose when he started to refer to himself in third person and his annoyance factor maxed out. Zac knew he could probably force the thing to make way if he wanted, but he was afraid that Bra would mess with the trial if he did something like that.


    Simultaneously, he could feel killing intent leaking from Thea, and Billy''s brows were crunching together until they almost formed a unibrow.


    "How can anyone enter the eyes of the Great Bra?" Kenzie cajoled from the side. "We are just scraping by on this deste rock, trying to glean a fraction of the wisdom from the Great Sage. Surely The Great Bra wouldn''t hold back on this little bit of wisdom? I am sure my brother would improve your surroundings as a thank you for your magnanimity."


    The tool spirit froze, and he slowly returned to a normal standing position, his eyes slowly turning toward Zac.


    "... What do you want me to build?" Zac said.


    "The Great Bra have noticed your little spectral servant scurrying abouttely, moving trees and nting flowers. His efforts are barely passable, and this great sage will allow him to create a natural spirit gathering formation around this domicile," Bra said as though he was giving Zac a favor.


    "You want a Spirit Gathering Array?" Zac said in confusion "Why?"


    Bra might act like a cultivator, but he couldn''t actually cultivate. Increasing the density of the Cosmic Energy in his surroundings wouldn''t help him in the slightest, and it would just make the direct area around the repository slightly worse as the energy had toe from somewhere. However, he immediately regretted his question when he saw the Tool Spirit gearing up for some insane tirade.


    "Never mind. A Natural Spirit Array, right? I''ll have Triv set one up as soon as he returns from his mission," Zac said. "So, they can enter now?"


    Fine, though The Great Bra still feels that his gifts are wasted on these two. At least the little bird, Bramented. The dumb brute seems to have found the resting ce of his ancestor, so it might be a bit more apropos. Well, The Great Bra is a gracious master and an even more gracious host. Enter, and witness a glimpse of greatness.


    Wow, Thea just said as she passed through the gates, and Zac inwardly sighed when he saw she was still fuming.


    Im sorry Billy, Zac said to Billy who still red at Bra. He is a bit mean, but you can be the bigger man here and let it go.


    Mama always said to forgive those who dont know better, the giant said with a snort as he entered as well. So Billy will forgive the stupid ghost.


    "You look better," Kenziemented from the side. "I heard from Ilvere you looked a bit-"


    Disgusting, Bra cut in. You should understand it reflects poorly upon The Great Bra if you walk around town looking like a burnt piece of dung. Have you no shame? At least you waited to heal up before you dared present yourself in front of me.


    Well, if you unlocked the E-Grade skills I wouldnt be such a wretched state after every battle, Zac snorted.


    Youre wee to try the trial if youre tired of living, Bra said with disinterest as he conjured a mirror, blocking him from seeing Zac. Thats better.


    Zac sighed and looked away. He really wanted to ess the skills locked away in the repository, but he wasnt ready. The trail to open up the second floor was to defeat at least one Half-Step D-Grade Golem, meaning someone at the same level as Anzonil, the Array Master he met during the Hunt.


    If it was just a peak E-Grade Golem, then he would probably have tried his luck, as he was somewhat confident in taking it out as long as he went all out. However, the D-Grade was a quantitative leap that far surpassed that between F and E grade, and he didn''t want to burn his chances. He only had one shot on the trial, and if he failed then he would have to wait for one of his subjects to get the job done.


    Certainly, a Half-Step D-Grade Golem was ultimately not a true D-Grade golem, but it should still be far more powerful than a peak E-Grade warrior. Zac was currently hoping to reach the point where he could challenge the trial before he left Earth to continue his cultivation so that he could arm himself with a few additional skills.


    But for now, he would have to do with the things that were already unlocked.


    Thea stood in the distance, gazing up at the enormous statue of the de Emperor. His face was obscured by a wide-brimmed hat, but the focus was still the massive de that was stabbed into the ground in front of him. It radiated a terrifying sharpness, eclipsing the insights of his own Dao even though it was just a statue. Of course, the sharpness was hollow without true meaning, just like everything else in this ce.


    The Marshall Scion clearly wasnt in any mood to stay here, as she shed away after taking a few calming breaths.


    "STUPID STATUE MAN! I''LL THWONK YOU THIS TI-" a roar suddenly echoed out through the hall.


    Zac immediately turned toward the source only to see Billy flying toward the head of the statue depicting the Titan. However, Billy was thankfully swallowed by the Inheritance teleporter mid-flight before he could do any damage.


    "What the hell..." Kenzie muttered from the side, and Zac couldn''t help but worry that he had made a mistake letting Billy enter that ce.


    Can you see whats going on inside their trials? Zac asked as he turned back toward the Tool Spirit.


    Perhaps I do, perhaps I dont. The heavens secrets are not so easily divulged, Bra said trying to adopt a mysterious air, but only came off as condescending.


    Well, can you tell me about the de Emperor and the Titan? What kind of people were they? Zac asked.


    The Titan was a dumb brute who kept causing trouble. He came to my master to have him forge a set of defensive treasures, Bra said. "The small mountain of muscles you brought should do just fine."


    Zac sighed in relief, as he felt like Billy and that guy would be two peas in a pod. Besides, someone like that would probably not have a convoluted trial. However, his relief onlysted as a weird smile spread across Bras face.


    As for the demaster A lunatic who married his sword, Bra snorted before he shot Zac a mocking nce. Be careful you dont end up like him. He was a friend of master and a talented swordsman, but he died aughingstock and his wife was sold at an auction soon after.


    Zac coughed and didnt deign toment on the Spirit Tools snide remark, and he walked out before the Tool Spirit had time to make any more remarks about Alea.


    Since Zac was back in Port Atwood he felt that he might as well head over to the Soul Strengthening Array for the day, waiting for the two toe out. He had spent the better part of a day inside, though their trials could take anything from a few hours to a few days. It was up to whatever the creator of the Inheritance had decided, and Bra wasnt any help there.


    However, Kenzie held him back before he had a chance to walk away.


    Wait, I was about to call you anyway, Kenzie said.


    Whats wrong? Zac asked as he stopped in his tracks.


    Nothing. We just got a message from N before. They asked if you could join the Zhix War Council for a meeting tomorrow? she asked.


    Of course. Are the jammerspleted? Zac asked.


    Theyre up and running since a few days ago, Kenzie nodded and took out the three ck pirs. "Do you want to prepare the armies?"


    "Have the elite squads get ready," Zac said after some thought. "We shouldn''t need the whole army for these fights. We''ll only target one hive at a time, and there''s nock of Zhix warriors who can make up the numbers."


    Kenzie nodded in understanding as Zac put away the Jamming Arrays. He had almost forgotten about the matter of the Zhix due to his hectic schedule over the past weeks. But it looked like he had run of time to y around in the jungle. It was a bit of a shame, but he still had aplished his main goal over there, and he could work on his skills in other ces as well.


    However, he didnt know how long he would be gone after joining the Zhix war chariot, so he needed to finish up with his other tasks here in Port Atwood first.


    Oh, and Calrin said he had found something you looked for, Kenzie added.


    Really? Already? Zac said and he immediately changed his ns.


    He had immediately visited Calrin about the Shipyard Upgrade quest after having talked with Karunthel a week ago, and things had looked a bit bleak at first outlook. Even the knowledgeable Sky Gnome had only heard of half of the required materials, and it was the two mostmon ones.


    But had the little gnome suddenlye through for them and actually gathered the items ahead of schedule? It should either be that or he had finally unsealed and cleansed the hundreds of Cosmos Sacks Zac imed after the battle outside the Tower of Eternity.


    In either case, he was about to gain a windfall, and his steps got quicker and quicker as he walked toward the Thayer Consortia.

 Chapter 536: Sincerity

    Chapter 536: Sincerity


    What an asshole.


    She knew that Zac had warned her of this Bra, but she was still fuming after the encounter. However, she knew that part of the reason she got so angry was that the words of the Tool Spirit were getting to her a bit. The image she had nurtured of herself had been cracking over the past weeks.


    Waking up in the tutorial had been horrifying, but also exhrating. Her life hadcked any drive and goals before, with everything she could dream of readily handed to her. But she suddenly found herself at the edge of life and death, and she had <em>excelled. </em>The pixies had called her a once-a-millennia genius, and her performancepared to the other tutorial takers echoed that remark.


    She even had the <strong>[Apex Trainee] </strong>title to prove it. Not a single human on Earth had performed better than she had. But was that enough?


    Zachary Atwood had initially crushed her confidence with his monstrous power, but she had eventuallye to terms with the fact that some people were just beyondprehension. However, her genius'' halo kept taking one hit after another as the months passed. There was Inevitability who could only make her feel despair, then the undead, and finally the cultists.


    She had pushed herself beyond her limits, but it wasn''t enough.


    Were the pixies just humoring her? Or was the title of a millennial genius on a god-forsaken just worthless? So hearing Bra utterly disregard her like that had dug at those insecurities, and those insecurities had turned to anger. However, that anger was quickly exchanged with vignce as she appeared in the Inheritance Trial.


    Just what had happened here?


    It looked like she had arrived at apound where a battle just had taken ce. She stood in a massive courtyard full of training equipment, but the hundreds of dead bodies were a clear indication that something had gone terribly wrong if this was just an exercise. The corpses were fresh, and the pools of blood still hadnt dried out. However, there were no sounds of fighting anywhere, meaning that the battle was over.


    It had obviously been a one-sided ughter as well, as every single corpse wore the same type of robes. It was likely a sword-sect judging by the weapons in their hands and the insignia covering their backs. She stood frozen for a couple of seconds until she grit her teeth and walked over to the closest corpse.


    This was a test, and she couldnt show any weakness. Wasn''t part of the reason she decided to undergo this trial early to shake off her weaknesses, both mental and physical, and regain her momentum? A little bit of carnage was nothing special any longer.


    She turned over the corpse and inspected the wounds, and she could immediately confirm that she had been killed with one extremely precise cut. Half her throat and her jugr were cut, and an extremely sharp energy emanated from the wound. A stabbing pain prickled her eyes just looking at the wound, and she hurriedly looked away to avoid getting injured.


    Suddenly a hidden killing intent assaulted her senses, and she didn''t hesitate to shoot out <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong> preemptively. However, she only saw a sh of light as her weapon was intercepted and thrown back to her side.


    A hidden de, a tired voice drifted over. Who are you? You are not a conjuration by my demons, but you are definitely not one of that bastards descendants either.


    Thea immediately understood who she was talking to, but she still didn''t dare to move over. That killing intent hadn''t been fake. However, she at least spotted the source of the voice, sitting with his back toward one of few still-standing sections of a building.


    I am Thea Marshall. I am not sure what has happened to the original creator of the Towers of Myriad Dao. It was awarded by the System to a friend of mine, and he gave me the opportunity toe here, Thea said, not hiding anything.


    Towers of Myriad Dao, the man snorted. Thats Bra alright. So that old goat croaked before he could sire any descendants. A shame, but thats what you get when looking for love in the wrong ces. No wonder that insufferable Tool Spirt has had the guts to break into my sanctum.


    Thea didn''t know how to respond to that, and the man seemed content to let the silence stretch out. She cursed hercking conversational abilities, but the silence at least let her observe the cultivator in front of her. It was a humanoid male, but his skin had a yellowish tint while his eyes were amber with a thin slit, like those of an alligator.


    His build was quite slender, but he was still felt extremely muscr. It almost looked like his forearms were covered in steel wires. However, her eyes couldnt help but turn to the massive sword in his grip. Or it would perhaps be more apt to say that he cradled it like it was his only source offort, with both his legs and arms entwining the de in an embrace.


    Theas mouth opened and closed a few times, and she was unsure what would happen next. Zac hadnt really exined what would happen inside, true to hisconic self. He just said that there would be a trial to pass, but it was up to the masters to design those trials.


    I am hoping to lear- Thea finally said, but she was cut off as the swordsman suddenly appeared three meters away from her, the massive sword in his hand.


    Live or die, he simply said as hezily swung his sword.


    It looked like the de Emperor was barely putting any effort into the swing, but it felt like the whole universe was splitting apart to Thea as the sword approached. Her instincts were screaming at her to retreat, to activate her life-saving skill. However, a sense of stubbornness bloomed in her heart.


    This was a test. She knew it. This was the kind of pressure that guy had endured over and over as he pushed forward, and conquering those obstacles was what had allowed him to push far beyond anyone else on Earth. She couldn''t keep dancing around, bncing progress with the burdens of her family.


    She wouldnt retreat any longer, she wanted to walk forward with confidence as well. She sent out a mentalmand, causing <strong>[Petalstorm] </strong>to immediately return to its original form, a slender rapier just over a meter long. She rarely used this form any longer due to the convenience of it splitting apart, but a bunch of miniature des wouldnt cut it here.


    The de-master didnt use any skill in his swing, so she wouldnt either. She instead infused her Daos and her conviction into the strike as she met de with de, putting it all on the line. It felt like she was trying to keep the whole universe at bay, and her arms were immediately covered with cuts.


    But she held on, refusing to relent to the strike. She wouldn''t give in even if she was turned into ribbons.


    Rare ss Tempest de the de Emperor muttered as he looked at her, not sharing her plight in the slightest. Passable technique... Above Average Strength... Decent control of your Dao However


    The monumental pressure disappeared the next moment, and her own swing was simultaneously canceled. Thea''s hands were shaking from the experience, feeling that she had just narrowly escaped death. This was a true D-Grade powerhouse,pletely different from anything she had encountered before.


    Just a thoughtless swing contained the truth of the sword itself, making her Dao Braiding look like a child''s ything. Her emotions were in turmoil as well by the de Emperor''sments. Her confidence had soared after hearing one positivement after another, but that ''however'' had felt like a cold shower.


    Was she just a nobody after all?


    Is there something wrong? Thea asked, her heart beating furiously. "I am willing to learn and improve."


    This was the most powerful being she had met thus far, even if it was just a fragment of an old cultivator. Any insight he could provide would probably be worth more than a dozen battles or spending years in her library.


    Why did youe to me if you mess about with the elements? I am the de Emperor, not the Wind Emperor. My path is one of purity, he said as his aura exploded, and Thea was forced a step back from the pressure. What is your goal? Where does your heart lie?


    Her eyes widened as his aura towered toward the sky, but what really startled her was its chape. His aura was actually a perfect copy of his sword, though thousands of timesrger. Could an aura actually take a shape like that? He was truly the de Emperor.


    I- I just want to be stronger. I wanted to hit faster, kill my enemies before they could kill me or my family. I want to be more powerful to stand at the peak. I don''t want to be a nobody," Thea said, the words pouring out of her mouth as she bared her inner thoughts. "I attained the Seed of Gale during the Tutorial and incorporated it in my de. Was that a mistake? I heard I could fuse it with my Seed of Sharpness into a speed-based Fragment of the Sword.


    The de Emperor didn''t immediately answer, but his eyes bore into hers. Even his pupils felt like two swords under his aura, but she shoved away any hesitation as she stared back with steely eyes.


    Well, you are passable I guess. You can call me Irei, and this is Silene, he said as he caressed his sword, and the terrifying pressure disappeared the next moment.


    What? Just like that? Thea said with wide eyes before she had time to correct herself. I mean-n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She lost her train of thought mid-sentence though as she noticed that the surroundings had changed, the battlefield reced with a run-down courtyard located deep in some mountain range.


    I didnt leave many things in this inheritance, but the things I left all hold tremendous value, The de Emperor said with a solemn expression.


    Six des rose out of the ground the next moment before they lined up in the air in front of her. Theas eyes lit up when she saw the exquisite weapons. Each of them emitted both spirituality and power that far eclipsed her <strong>[Petalstorm].</strong>


    They exuded quality, and when Thea prodded the weapons she even felt a sense of spirituality in every single one. She had already learned that her own weapon was barely of passable grade, with neither an attunement nor any spirituality. Its future would be limited, and she had already started looking for ways to acquire something better.


    This was exactly why she had chosen this Inheritance; the chance to gain a weapon that could stay with her as she took the next step on her path of cultivation.


    "Children,e out," Irei said, and Thea''s eyes widened when six projections emerged.


    She couldn''t believe that every single one of the six weapons had such spirituality that their Tool Spirit could emerge, though they were just small hazy projections. She believed she had a decent understanding of Spirit Tools thanks to Big Blue, and these swords should only be Early E-Grade. It meant that their potential was even greater than she had anticipated.


    However, she didn''t quite understand what Irei meant by children, as they looked nothing of the sort. For example, thergest sword, a massive two-hander that reeked of bloodlust, conjured what looked like a small devil. Another Tool Spirit looked like a feline predator that would probably turn into the apex predator in any forest it was ced in.


    There was even one that just looked just like the sword itself, though its colors were inverted. She quickly realized that there was a corrtion between the spirits and their weapons like they embodied the way the weapon was meant to be used. Her eyes moved back and forth between the six Spirit Tools, and she tried to understand which one was the best for her path.


    "You can choose to leave here with one of my children, or you can choose to leave empty-handed. It is up to you," Irei said as he looked at the hovering swords, and Thea couldn''t help but feel there was love in his eyes as he looked at each one of them.


    She soon enough discarded three weapons that were clearly ipatible with her ss and fighting style, and also the odd inverted Tool Spirit. Both of the two remaining ones looked quite strong, especially one that had a Tool Spirit that looked like a gemstone with a trapped lightning bolt. The other weapon looked a lot more nondescript.


    It was a thin and slightly curved scimitar made from an elegant blue metal that would blend into the sky. Its tool spirit was a fluffy cloud, that continuously changed between a small thundercloud and an innocuous ball of cotton. The weapon didn''t look as intricate as the crystalline weapon, and the tool spirit was probably the least imposing one.


    However, her eyes kepting back to it, and she felt some sort of connection to it.


    "You''ve chosen Aigale I see, or <strong>[Storm''s Break]</strong> as the original creator called it. It seems you understand yourself well enough, only Aigale and Naral to a lesser degree are suitable for you," Irei said as the other weapons disappeared. "She is my eighty-fourth adopted child, and she gained incipient spirit after we witnessed a storm of such ferocity that a D-Grade force was killed to thest man. Aigale is meant to dance among the clouds, and strike without warning like a sudden thunderstorm."


    The other swords disappeared, and Thea eagerly grabbed the scimitar and cut a small wound on her hand to bind the Spirit Tool to herself. However, the moment she felt a sense of connection to <strong>[Storm''s Break]</strong> she also found herself trapped in a storm of extremely sharp energies. She immediately looked over at the de Emperor, but he only had eyes for his own weapon.


    I have fulfilled my bargain with that old bastard, but our business is yet not done. Seeing a woman with a fickle heart brings up some bad memories, the de Emperor muttered as a terrifying killing intent started leaking from his body.


    Fickle heart? Thea said, some anger blossoming in her heart even when she felt herself being under tremendous pressure from the sword energies around her. Ive never messed around with anyones feelings.


    Not toward men. Toward your weapon, your truepanion, the de Emperor grunted with disdain. What if you treat my daughter in the same manner as that little thing you are ready to discard? Wouldnt she lead a miserable existence if that was the case?


    "What do you want me to do?!" Thea screamed as she was left with dozen deep gashes in just seconds.


    She tried using her Dexterity to dodge the spiritual des, but they were simply everywhere. Forcing her way out was impossible as well, as the intensity of the des just increased as she tried to exit the sphere. She would perish long before getting out.


    Prove your sincerity toward the sword. That is the only way for a weakling like you to leave my de Domain, the de Emperor said. "Be one with the sword or die. It is up to you."

 Chapter 537: Clues

    Chapter 537: Clues


    Zac couldn''t help but fantasize about whether the Sky Gnome had actually got his hands on one of the four materials required for the Shipyard Upgrade. If it actually was the case, then it would most likely be the first one, the <strong>[Urgarat kes]</strong>. It was a very rare form of metal, but it was not nearly as rare as the other things Karunthel asked for.


    As to why the metal was so rare, it was because it was not a natural element you could find in a mine, but rather something produced when a certain stone beast evolved to D-Grade. The beast was called an <strong>[Urgarat Crawler]</strong>, and it was a creature that only lived on certain earth- or metal-attuneds.


    When it was ready to form its Beast Core and evolve to D-Grade it first created a thick cocoon from the materials it found in the ground. These materials were in turn transformed by the heavy Dao Fluctuations that were released from its evolution. One of the mostmon mutations was the <strong>[Urgarat kes]</strong>, an extremely sturdy alloy.


    It was in other words something you could only stumble upon by chance. You might be able to keep the crawlers as domesticated animals, but the value of the materials didnt make up for the cost of nurturing a beast all the way to the D-Grade, so no one wasted their time on such an unprofitable venture.


    The Sky Gnome did find the second material, the <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong> in one of hisrge encyclopedias as well, though the information was limited. It was an organic gemstone that grew in ces with a lot of spatial activity. That meant that they were mostly found inside mystic realms, and they contained a small amount of sealed space-time.


    The gnome guessed that Karunthel wanted the gem in order to improve some spatial array for either a weapon or space flight. However, the supply for <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong> was even worse than that of <strong>[Urgarat kes]</strong>, and the demand was a lot higher as things with Spatial Attunement had a lot of uses. There were no Nexus Crystals attuned with the Dao of Space in the Zecia sector either.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Those crystals only appeared at C-Grade and above, and the <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong> was one of the few D-Grade materials that could act as a substitute. It was clearly inferior to the real material, but they did not have a lot of options out in a frontier Sector.


    Things only got worse from there as Calrin couldnt make heads or tails about thest two materials, and they were forced to send an inquiry to an intelligence agency at the end. That could probably only mean that they were even harder to acquire.


    The quest that had seemed easy enough toplete at a first nce had quickly turned into an arduous task, and the Sky Gnome had already indicated that Zac would most likely need to find some of the materials himself. That obviously couldnt be done on Earth, but rather required him to travel to ces where there was a chance of the items appearing.


    But now, just a weekter, Calrin was already calling for him, and Zac couldnt help but getting his hopes up. There were just 4 materials he needed to find, after all, so getting just one was a huge step in the right direction. Of course, it was more likely that he had simply gotten the intelligence reports back than the materials themselves.


    Zac still made his way to themercial district as quickly as possible, but he couldn''t help but stop and admire the massive transformation the consortia had undertaken since arriving at Earth. The hugepound had looked like a condemned city-block where not even beggars would stay before, but now domineering structures stood in front with opulent mansions hiding in the back.


    There were also four shops now instead of one, each focusing on their respective wares.


    Thergest one sold armor and weaponry, most of it made by Port Atwood craftsmen themselves, and the second store contained misceneous tools for cultivators along with day-to-day items. There was everything from crude talismans to Cosmos Sacks to all sorts of tools required by nonbat sses.


    The next store was natural treasures where you could buy herbs and pills, along with a limited supply of Nexus Crystals. The store also bought most sorts of herbs as well, and from what Zac heard they actually bought more than they sold. They also sold some foodstuffs in the store, though most foods were still sold in the open square by the farmers themselves.


    The final store was the smallest one, but also the most exclusive. Only VIP clients of the consortia could enter, and it was the ce with the most valuable items of every type. This was the store that Zac entered, and he was quickly shown to the highest floor by one of the clerks. Calrin appeared a minuteter, sporting a dapper suit that no doubt was made from Spiritual Materials.


    The somewhat impoverished image of the Sky Gnome was long gone, reced by a man looking like a titan of industry. Of course, the effect was pretty limited with his diminutive size.


    Have you found one of the materials? Zac asked without preamble.


    s, no, Calrin sighed. Though I believe I will receive word from the intelligence agency soon enough.


    So why did you call me here? Zac sighed as he sat down.


    Youve put quite a few orders with me apart from the four materials, remember? Calrin smiled as he took out a crystal. I called you about this.


    Zac epted the crystal with some confusion and infused it with some energy.


    A long list of materials appeared, followed by an in-depth guide on how to create a powder that should be applied to ones body.


    <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong>? Zac read aloud with confusion before he looked up at the Sky Gnome. What is this stuff?


    Its a race improvement form, see how the materials differ from anything else youve seen? Calrin exined.


    Zac took a second look at the materials, and something suddenly dawned on him. Not a single one of the items was a herb. It was all bones from ferocious beasts, stones, or metals. It was extremely different from the medicinal baths that the people of Port Atwood were using, as those were almost exclusively using various herbs that they grew in the Spiritual Soil.


    Its unfortunately not a recipe for the undead. Those things are just impossible to buy it seems, Calrin sighed. But I came across this recipe when I tried toe up with a solution for you. I believe your problems might ur because your dead body shes with the life- and nature-attunement in the nts of a medicinal bath. But what if theres nothing like that in the mixture?


    So you think I wont have the same reaction with this new recipe, Zac nodded in understanding.


    Even better, you possessed more than half the materials after killing beasts in all four directions, including the most annoyingponent to get, Calrin said before he produced a long shimmering horn. And I have already acquired the rest.


    It was the <strong>[Star Ox Horn] </strong>that Zac had left with Calrin long ago in hopes of finding some use for it. Back then it was one of the most valuable things in his possession, but it had quickly been thrown aside for far actually precious treasures like the <strong>[Pathfinder Oracle Eye]</strong> and the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>.


    He had honestly forgotten about it, but it turned out it was doubly lucky he didn''t sell the opportunity to Average for a measly 1 Billion Nexus Coins. It also wasn''t too surprising that the horn was used for a recipe like this, as Calrin had already found out that the item was rted to evolutions. Zac felt that the gnomes idea was pretty feasible, and it was definitely worth trying.


    The worst thing that could happen was that he slightly poisoned himself once more, but he was already used to that.


    You should know this, though. The only reason I managed to buy a full recipe on the cheap was that it is not too impressive. It is just one notch better than the dirt-cheap concoctions we are preparing for your army, but its cost is well over a hundredfold, Calrin said. And it is supposed to hurt pretty bad. So bad that it''s actually possible to gain a few points in Endurance from using it.


    Its worth some pain if I can get the benefits from it. As for cost, it shouldnt matter either. How are we looking? Is everything unsealed and uncursed or whatever? Zac asked.


    He had waited a long time now to get a proper look at the small mountain of items he had absconded with after his massacre outside the Tower of Eternity. He had done one preliminary check just before heading over to the Undead Incursion, but he had handed over the rest of the sacks that he and Ogras had collected to the Sky Gnomester.


    The demon probably still held on to some of the benefits he had siphoned off the various scions while Zac met with Catheya, but most of the loot was in the Cosmos Sacks and Spatial rings they had taken of the bodies of the victims. However, he worried about hidden threats such as karmic links or even booby traps, something that was apparently not too umon, so he had hired Calrin and his ilk to cleanse them.


    Truthfully, utilizing karmic links werent all thatmon in the multiverse, and it was more likely for a cultivator to nt a bomb as a final act of revenge on their killer. First of all, karmic links were easy to break, with even Zac being able to break the links of a D-Grade karmic cultivator. Stronger warriors could break, or at least obscure that kind of weak links even without the help of treasures.


    Secondly, normal cultivators couldnt utilize a karmic link to hunt down someone on the other side of the sector. It would take someone with a deep understanding like Voridis AHeliophos or his n members to actually make use of them, or powerful forces ready to spend the money to hire a Karmic Cultivator.


    Another issue apart from traps was the seals that covered arge number of the more valuable items, anti-theft devices that were put in ce to disallow outsiders to steal the secrets of their n.


    Almost all of the cultivation crystals containing manual and Skills are beyond our capabilities, but that is usually how it goes, Calrin said with a shake of his head. They are always guarded the hardest. However, 17 of the manuals are public manuals that aremonly known in the multiverse, and those werent sealed or were only using standard seals. The best of them is <strong>[Warriors Heart]</strong>. Its an unattuned manual that can only take you to Peak E-Grade if you''re lucky, but the bonus tobat power and recovery is impressive.


    Its meant for armies? Zac asked, immediately understanding the use of the thing.


    Exactly. Its made for armies using traditional weaponry. Ive heard that it is a simplification of a much better manual, but I dont know if thats true. In either case, it is very popr in the Zecia sector, and youve gathered four versions of it, the sky gnome said.


    Four versions of the same manual? Zac asked with confusion.


    Some forces modify manuals to better suit their inheritance or what weapons they enjoy. Others manage to make some adjustments to increase the power output or recovery by some degree, Calrin exined. You can ssify a manual from being from Low Grade to Peak Grade. The original manual is a Mid E-Grade cultivation manual, but Id say that one of the versions you got is almost High Grade. It must have belonged to a pretty powerful n who exerted a lot of effort in improving it before.


    What do you rmend doing with manuals like that? Zac asked.


    Sell the worse duplicates, keep one or two of the best ones for yourself, Calrin said. You could either sell them through me or wait for the Auction you''re nning on holding. I would say you stand to gain more by selling them here on Earth. There should be ack of manuals of this kind on Earth, while they are ultimately verymon in the multiverse. Besides, that way you would know what manuals yourpetition is cultivating.


    Well add them to the Auction then, Zac agreed. What about the rest?


    Its too much to go over one by one, Calrin said with an avaricious glint in his eyes as he took out another crystal. We created a tally for you. Incidentally, the cost of unsealing all these treasuresnded at 1 Billion Nexus Coins.

 Chapter 538: Nepotism

    Chapter 538: Nepotism


    Billy looked around curiously, but he frowned when there was nothing but fog everywhere. Still, Billy remembered Zacs words. This magic statue was dangerous. Of course, Billy was smart enough to understand that without Zac telling. The statue was able to grow in size so much that Billy could fit inside without problem, so how could it be normal?


    Zac was just trying to help though, so Billy wouldnt point out his friends silly mistake. Billy was a bit confused why the statue in Zac''s house made Billy so annoyed though. It was almost as handsome as Billy himself, so he should like it.


    He couldn''t figure it out, so he just gripped <strong>[Bonker]</strong> even harder as he walked forward. Finally, there was a change in the fog as a smaller statue appeared, standing just a bit taller than Billy himself. Billy frowned at the sight, and something about this statue man was really annoying Billy as well. It felt like the statue was really asking for a beating.


    Wee, descendant. I am Thrak, the Titan. Prove your worthi- a loud voice shouted out from the stone, but it did get any further before <strong>[Bonker] </strong>mmed into its head, utterly reducing the whole statue into rubble.


    Stupid stone, trying to talk like a person, Billy said with a snort, anger smoldering in his chest.


    Wait, why was Billy angry? Something about the talking stone had made Billy extremely annoyed, but he couldnt remember why? Had Mama warned him of talking statues before? No, that wasnt it. Billy looked down at the broken stone for a few seconds before he shrugged and kept walking.


    If Mama hadnt mentioned it, and he couldnt remember, then it couldn''t be too important.


    Still, the hidden space within the big statue started to annoy Billy. Zac had said that there would be a lot of good things inside, but there were just crazy stones and mist. He kept trying to remember Zacs other ideas, but Billy had been busy looking at the big octopus when he talked. It was a lot bigger than the ones he had seen at the aquarium, and it even had more arms.


    Mama said that a lot of people thought octopuses were really yummy, but Billy had never tasted it. He wondered what Big Blue tasted like. Billy bet it tasted real good since it had so many arms. He couldn''t help but drool a bit as he thought about it. Perhaps he should ask Thea if she could give Billy an arm? Big Blue already had so many.


    An hour passed and Billy finally gave up on finding the treasure. Perhaps it was buried under the ground, but it was too hard to dig in, even for Billy. He took out a bed from his Magic Pouch andy down, and thunderous snores soon echoed across the inheritance site.


    Youre back, Statue Man said.


    Ah! Billy remembers now! Billy roared in anger. Youre the one who sent the talking stone to trick me! Youre the one who stole Billys good things!


    He immediately ran toward the statue, and <strong>[Bonker]</strong> ripped through the air as it shot against Statue Man''s head. But <strong>[Bonker]</strong>''s bubbly skull was stopped by the shield, meaning that Billy wouldn''t be able to destroy Statue Man today either.


    "Calm down. I haven''t done anything to steal your good things. In fact, I''ve been trying to give you good things for months now," the statue said, like Billy didn''t know that Statue Man was a trickster.


    But in this case, it seemed like it was telling the truth. Billy was smart, so he could tell when people were lying.


    Oh, its wasnt you? Billy said with confusion. Why didnt you say so, trying to confuse Billy. Stupid.


    Anyway, Statue man sighed. Whats going on? What talking stone? Why do I sense a familiar aura from where you are sleeping?"


    Billy considered whether he should tell Statue Man or not, but he eventually decided he could use some help. Billy had been lost in the mist for too long, and he was starting to get bored. Perhaps the Statue Man could help him figure out how to dig for treasure in the hard ground. Or perhaps he was even friends with the other Statue Man.


    Billys friend had another Statue Man, and he let Billy go inside to look for treasures. But Billy couldn''t find any treasure anyway. Statues are all bad," Billy said.


    Statue Man was a bit stupid as usual, needing Billy to repeat himself multiple times before he understood what Billy was talking about. But he eventually understood.


    So youre inside a trail created from a descendant of our n? Small world, no wonder it felt familiar. The bloodline is weak and impure, but it has undergone a real awakening, statue-man muttered. This is good. I can only provide you with theory through this realm, but this half-blood child might be able to help you take the first steps with your bloodline, the statue said.


    Billy has told you, Billy is human. Billy doesn''t need any blood either, Billy''s body is full of it," Billy snorted.


    "Nevermind then," the Statue said. "But what about treasures? There is a lot of treasure outside, but you won''t be able to find it without help. So let me help you find some treasure, ok?"


    "How?" Billy asked skeptically. "Billy knows you can''t get out. Billy won''t draw the thing outside to let you free."


    "How about this?" the Statue said. "This time when you wake up, you will remember me for one hour. If you shout ''Statue man, help me!'' I''ll be able toe out and help you, but only for 10 seconds. Any more than that might hurt me and the ce where you are."


    "How does Billy know you''re not lying?" Billy said skeptically.


    "I swear on my mother that what I said just now was true," the statue said solemnly.


    "Good! Billy will trust you this time!" Billy said with a big smile.


    However, Billy knew now that Statue Man was a liar. He never swore on his mama when it came to drawing that thing outside. Billy had actually considered drawing it before, but now he definitely wouldn''t. Some statues are just too stupid.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "But first, exin to me how the trial works," the Statue said, drawing Billy out of his thoughts.


    Billy doesnt know. Billy only saw a talking stone. It was annoying so it got thwonked, Billy shrugged. "Then nothing happened."


    "The Inheritance Trial seems to have been pretty poorly crafted to allow such a situation to ur without any fallbacks," the statue muttered. "Well, just call for me outside, and I''ll find the guy with the treasure for you."


    Billy woke up a bitter, and he actually remembered Statue Man this time, just like he said. However, he didn''t immediately call for him, but rather looked around for a while longer. Billy didn''t want to call that guy unless he had to. However, there really was just mist everywhere, and Billy finally gave up.


    "STUPID STATUE MAN, COME HELP ME!" Billy roared, and a terrifying pressure spread out the next moment.


    Billy''s eyes widened in shock as he looked for the threat. However, he was afraid that <strong>[Bonker] </strong>wouldn''t be able to help him right now. Not even that old spear guy during the hunt was as scary as this. He felt a bunch of bad feelings in his chest, just like those days he had to protect mama from papa when his mouth smelled funny.


    Why had Billy cast the spell to let Statue Man out? Was it actually he who was the stupid one?


    <em>"IN THE NAME OF THE EASTERN MOUNTAIN, HELP THIS CHILD"</em>, a thunderous voice suddenly echoed out across the area, causing the whole world to shake and most of the mist to disappear.


    The terrifying pressure was gone the next moment, and Billy could breathe out in relief. Statue Man really didn''t lie this time and went back inside Billy''s dreams.


    Ah? The Eastern Mountain? a startled voice answered from nowhere the next second, though Billy felt it was a lot weaker than the earlier voice.


    Wait, what earlier voice?


    Billy frowned with confusion, feeling like he had forgotten something again. Whatever, he had finally solved the riddle as the mist was going away, opening a tunnel to somewhere that shone with light. A wide smile spread across Billy''s face as he hurried along, and he could already see himself decked in treasure, looking rich enough to make even the golden ghost jealous.


    No stupid trial could trick Billy for too long.


    However, Billy stopped in his tracks with confusion when he realized he was standing on a cliff on top of a mountain. He quickly looked back, but the mist was gone, and the t ce he had walked around in for so long was no longer there. This really was a mysterious statue to hold a whole mountain and magic mist.


    "Wee," a deep voice said, and Billy looked toward the source of the voice with vignce, but he breathed out in relief when he saw that it wasn''t another stone, but a man that actually looked a lot like Billy himself.


    "Hello! I am Billy. Do you have treasures to give out?" Billy said as he walked over with quick steps.


    "I do," the man grinned. "A lot of good ones. Are you really a descendant of Bra? You look much more handsome than him. Almost as handsome as Thrak himself."


    Bra? Who is that? Billy said with confusion. Billy came here because Billys friend had a house full ofrge statues. Zac said that if Billy jumped into the Titan statue, then Billy would get a bunch of good things.


    "Haha, that greedy bastard kicked the bucket!" Thrak roared withughter, and the whole mountain shook with hisughter. "That''s what you get for tricking Thrak!"


    Billy didn''t say anything and only looked at the muscr man with suspicion. He seemed a bit stupid, could he really have good treasure?


    "Who was it that spoke earlier? Are you really someone from Eastern Mountain?" Thrak asked with almost burning eyes, and Billy started to feel a bit ufortable.


    It was a bit troublesome to be the world''s most handsome boy, even if it made him happy when mamaplimented him.


    "Ah? Why do you keep asking Billy weird stuff? Billy was lost in the mist, then Billy fell asleep. Suddenly I found you after I woke up," Billy shrugged as he took a step away.


    "Interesting. I can still feel that aura on you though, so I definitely didn''t dream," Thrak rumbled. "Well, whatever. I''ll help like the great ancestor asked, but rules are rules. Do you want my treasures?"


    Billy hurriedly nodded in agreement, his eyes scanning the mountain for good ces to start digging.


    "Only someone strong can get the treasures of Thrak. It''s a rule. Prove you''re strong by bashing that rock," Thrak said as he pointed next to Billy.


    Billy looked over with confusion, and he saw that there was a round rock just twenty meters away. It was over ten meters tall too, and Billy didn''t understand how he had missed it earlier.


    "I just need to thwonk the stone?" Billy said skeptically. "Can Billy use <strong>[Bonker]</strong>?"


    "Its name is Bonker?" Thrakughed. "Good name!"


    "It called itself something else, but it was stupid so Billy renamed it," Billy shrugged.


    "Sure, you can use your club. Just turn that ball into small stones and I''ll give you treasures," Thrak smiled.


    Billy shrugged in confusion, but he still walked over to the stone. He had thwonked a lot bigger things than this stone, so it didn''t really feel like a challenge to break it. He still took the mission seriously, so he walked over and swung at the stone with a lot of power and the impact caused a shockwave to spread out all around them.


    However, the rock waspletely fine.


    "Tsk, you''re pretty weak, huh?" the man said from behind, immediately igniting a fire in Billy''s chest.


    Billy red back before he looked over at the stupid rock again, and this time he activated <strong>[Disintegrator]</strong>, which gave the club a huge destructive power. This was the skill Billy used to break apart that golden ship earlier. Surely it should work on a rock? But Billy even infused the Seed of Expansion in the strike.


    The air around <strong>[Bonker]</strong> started shaking as popping sounds echoed out across the mountain, and Billy bashed the stone with everything he had. A huge explosion erupted, as the air around the stone was sucked into a ball the size of a marble before it exploded with the force of a missile. This eruption repeated six times, each explosionrger than the ones before, and even Billy was thrown away twenty meters from the shockwaves.


    Six times was just one worse than Billy''s record, and he victoriously looked up at his work. However, Billy''s eyes almost popped out of their sockets when he saw that the rock didn''t as much as move from the attack, and it only got a small mark where he hit. The ground around it was turned into sand like expected, but the ball was fine.


    What kind of super stone was this?


    Thrak didn''t say anything this time, but Billy couldn''t help but blush when he heard a snicker from the side. No holding back anymore. Billy got back up on his feet, and he grew one meter every step he took toward the stone. Power coursed through his veins, and he suddenly felt connected to the whole mountain beneath him.


    He now realized what he had missed. The Dao of Expansion wasn''t right. <strong>[Bonker]</strong> rose into the air, and it suddenly turned heavier as it was imbued with the Dao of Boulder, and Billy swung down with everything in his body as he activated another skill. The mountain shook, and the ball finally cracked.


    "Good! Good seedling! I understand why the Eastern Mountain is interested in you!" Thrak roared from the side.


    "So, will you give Billy treasures now?" Billy panted.


    "Of course. But before that. How about you stay with Thrak for a few days and learn a thing or two?" the man smiled.


    "What can you teach Billy? No offense, but you seem a bit stupid," Billy said skeptically.


    "Haha I am stupid, but that doesn''t matter because I am strong," Thrakughed as he thumped his chest.


    He suddenly started growing, and Billy''s eyes widened when he saw Thrak using the same trick as himself. However, he was a bit different from Billy. Billy got golden hair when growing for some reason, but this guy''s hair stayed brown. But he was a lot better at growing than Billy, and Billy gaped when the man became as big as the mountain they stood on.


    What was this?! One fart from him and his town Billyville would be blown away.


    "See? Pretty strong, right?" Thrakughed, and his voice alone caused the whole mountain to shake.


    Thrak shrunk again after flexing his muscles for a bit, and he was soon enough just a bit taller than Billy again.


    "Now let Thrak teach you how to bash without getting bashed. It took Thrak a lot of effort to figure this out, so listen well."

 Chapter 539: Loot

    Chapter 539: Loot


    What? ONE BILLION for some unsealing? Zac almost roared as some killing intent started leaking from his body.


    Most of it was the cost of materials. Unsealing is akin to array breaking, and we had to spend a lot to get the work done. Just the best version of <strong>[Warrior''s Heart]</strong> cost us almost 45 Million to unseal, in addition to time and manpower spent. The whole process of unsealing this many treasures required half the n to work arduously through the week, including our elders and children," Calrin said with a sorrowful visage.


    "It was quite an ordeal,e look how gaunt the young ones have be from the stress, Calrin said with a deep sigh, clearly getting ready to summon a bunch of gnome kids once more to tug at Zac''s heartstrings.


    Alright, alright, Zac snorted. No need to parade the children around again. One billion it is, but you better not have unsealed a bunch of garbage and expect me to pay.


    Just a pittance for a man such as yourself, Calrin said with a smile. Dont be too surprised when you hear this, but the total value of the treasures in the Cosmos Sack reached almost 100 Billion Nexus Coins.


    So you took a t 1% fee? Zac said, the quoted value of his treasures quickly calming him down.


    Zac had actually expected it to be a lot lower after seeing how little treasures there were in the mentalist''s Spatial Ring. People wouldn''t be bringing items meant for the E-Grade into the tower, but rather leave it with their ns, and F-grade items along with their equipment could only be so valuable.


    However, he was happy to be wrong this time.


    He had felt a bit like a pauper after<strong> [Love''s Bond] </strong>had swallowed most of his worth, and much of the remainders were swallowed by <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. He still had a few billion Nexus Coins, but it no longer felt like a mountain of wealth, especially not after having visited the Base Town. The elites there could throw out over a Hundred Billion Nexus Coins without batting an eye, and all the peak treasures were far out of his price range.


    Indeed, where else can you get such a low fee for work of this nature? Only for friends and family, Calrin said with righteousness.


    Zac snorted when he saw the Sky Gnome''s expression, but he knew that Calrin was telling the truth. One percent wasn''t a very high fee for this kind of work. Identifying items cost 5% at the General Store that the System provided to all Town Lords, and they could only identify prettymon items. One percent to not only identify, but also tally and unseal was a great deal.


    Well, whatever, Zac said as he turned his attention toward the crystal with the list of items.


    A list materialized as he infused some energy into it, and his eyes widened as one line after another appeared, listing an untold number of treasures. The scions of the ns of the Zecia Sector had reallye prepared when dealing with the tower.


    Weve consolidated items of the same category into the same list item as there are simply too many of some items, Calrin exined. For example, both <strong>[Second Wind Pill]</strong> and <strong>[Surging Vitality Pill]</strong> are middle E-Grade healing pills, so they are both listed as such. And you have 2348 of those kinds of pills.


    Zac nodded in understanding, and he saw that the list clumped items together by category and grade. For example, there were 84 Low-Grade swords, and 12 Peak Grade swords among the weaponry. However, there were actually 643 High-Grade Swords, which obviously stood outpared to the other qualities.


    Why are there so many High-Grade Swords? Zac asked with confusion. Was someone carrying around hundreds of them?


    Most of them are of the same make, unattuned shortswords with matching inscriptions. I am guessing that the previous owner was either nning on selling some weapons that their n had produced, or was able to use the swords in some sort of weapon array, Calrin said.


    Weapon array? Zac asked with interest.


    A mix of a swordmaster and an array master. It is not too umon a path. Rather than just controlling one weapon, you would control hundreds of them like a swarm. Some C-Grade Monarchsmand millions. You can even set up arrays to unleash powerful attacks or just overwhelm the enemies with numbers, Calrin exined.


    Zacs nodded in understanding. He had encountered that sort of fighters before, it was just that he didn''t know the name for it. One of the Incursion Masters used flying needles to attack him from every imaginable angle. There was also the poison master at the start of the 8<sup>th</sup> floor who attacked with a flying swarm of daggers.


    Even a few of the visions he had seen when reaching peak mastery of <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong> had used sets of flying axes.


    Of course, swords were just one type of weapons he had gathered, and Zac realized he had gotten almost ten thousand weapons from his trip to the Base Town, most of them Medium and High-quality E-Grade weapons. This was far more than he had anticipated as there were just a few hundred people he killed. He had picked up a couple of dozen weapons during his climb as well, but nothing that would exin this number.


    These were all normal weapons forged with E-Grade materials, but they weren''t Spirit Tools. Calrins exnation seemed pretty likely, that some of these collections of gear were meant for resale. A lot of people used the Tower of Eternity as an opportunity to make money as it was a way to circumvent the fees to trade through the Mercantile System.


    This was even further evidenced by the mountains of raw materials. There were over 50 thousand E-Grade Attuned crystals altogether, making up roughly a fifth of the total value of the loot. They had probably been brought from attuned worlds where there was a massive surplus of certain crystals, intended to trade for other ones that were more valuable back home.


    It was the same with there beingrge stocks of over a hundred different materials and herbs, many of them extremely useful for Port Atwood. All of them were just peak F-Grade or E-Grade materials, but that was just what Port Atwood needed right now to sessfully upgrade from an F-Grade force to a legitimate E-Grade force.


    Finally, there were was the list of big-ticket items at the end, and Zac looked through them one by one.


    There was first of all 92 Spirit Tools, though most of them were the bog-standard fare that might not even make it into an auction. At least a quarter of those who managed to get a ticket to the Tower of Eternity would already have gotten their hands on a Spirit Tool, and it was mostly the stronger people of the Base Town who had assaulted him at the end.


    Of course, there were still a lot of people who might have the wealth or background to own a Spirit Tool but hadn''t found a fitting one. Ogras was a prime example of this, as his spear was just High-Quality E-Grade weapon without any spirituality.


    However, there were some good Spirit Tools among those he had acquired too, and two of the Spirit Tools were actually marked as Peak Quality by Calrin. The Sky Gnome assigned two types of grades on each weapon; rank and quality. For example, one of the Peak Quality Spirit Tools was just Early E-Grade, whereas the other one was Peak Quality High E-Grade.


    That still meant that they were both good enough to have been put at thest section of the Auctions that Zac attended, with thetter probably being something that would be saved for one of the bigger monthly auctions.


    The quality assessment by the Sky Gnomes was a mix of attunement, craftsmanship, and upgrade potential. <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>would no doubt have been assessed as Low Quality when he got it, but Calrin said it was either High or Peak quality by now. He was unsure though, as Zac had taken an unorthodox path in upgrading it by feeding it a bunch of umon treasures.


    Who knew what the stone he fed Verun was, and who knew what effect a bunch of Dragon blood and a Dragon Core would have? But it had definitely improved the weapon at a fundamental level, and not just evolved it to a higher grade. The bones that created the axehead lookedpletely different from how it did before, and its potential had probably shot through the roof.


    Just the fact that Verun already had enough spirituality to actually leave the weapon and take form meant that reaching D-Grade would probably just require him finding the right set of materials. There shouldn''t be any bottlenecks to mention.


    Zac didnt really care about the lower quality Spirit Tools, and he guessed that some would be sold during the auction while others would enter the merit exchange. But the two Peak Quality Spirit Tools were essentially strategic resources that he wanted to assign himself. They were a bit troubling though, as he didnt have a clear candidate in mind.


    The first one was a bestial w, perhaps something that could be used by a pugilist. It actually came from one of the leaders of the attack, but he hadnt even taken it out during the fight as he was busy maintaining that Six Directions array or whatever it was called. It was a bit sad, the man got killed by the cursed des half-moon before he even had a chance to disy his ultimate skills.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The highest-graded Spirit Tool was actually a cauldron, and ording to Calrin it could both be used for alchemy and fighting. It was much higher in qualitypared to the cauldron he had gifted to his sister, and it was likely the most valuable Spirit Tool on Port Atwood apart from <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>.


    His first idea was to give it to his sister as well, but he eventually decided against it. Kenzie had only shown a fleeting interest in alchemy, and it felt like a waste to give something this valuable away as though it was a toy. He would keep it for himself for now, and rent it out in case his force managed to nurture a talented Alchemist in the future.


    That would bind him or her to his force, as a good cauldron was extremely important to progress in alchemy, just like a proper weapon was required to bring out your greatest potential in battle.


    The origin of the cauldron was a bit baffling though. Zac''s first assumption was that he had killed someone from the Zethaya n, but he felt that he would have been informed some way or another if that was the case. But it didn''te from one of the five leaders of the assault either, but rather one of the nameless faces in the mob. Calrin had found the cauldron inside a normal Cosmos Sack along with over ten thousand pills of middling quality.


    Calrin guessed that it was the defining treasure of a weaker or declining alchemy n, and the elders had lent it to whoever had entered the Tower of Eternity. The scion would probably just use the cauldron to smash through the earlier floors of the tower before he focused on his alchemy and selling pills, but he had perhaps been caught up in the madness that his Projection elicited.


    Zac had been shocked to hear from Ogras that the projection of the Stele had turned everyone almost mad, and it had somewhat lowered the anger he had felt over the incident. He remembered feeling extremely confused that a bunch of weaklings dared to risk their lives fighting him even after he reached the 9th floor, but it turned out that the System had essentially shoved a berserker pill down everyone''s throats.


    Or perhaps it was the Stele itself. It was based on war or conflict, after all, and the power of its impartment might just have been too high. Perhaps all 9th-floor apparitions had that kind of effect.


    In either case, Spirit Toos were obviously not the only high-value items in the Cosmos Sacks. There were was one item on the list that was a natural treasure simr to the <strong>[Evolution Fruit]</strong> he got from Yrial, though it was a shimmering liquid stored in arge crystal vial. Zac was a bit tempted to drink it himself, but he felt it was a bit unnecessary.


    It probably wouldnt work on his Draugr side judging by its name, <strong>[Water of Exuberance]</strong>, and it felt like a waste to use on his human side as well. His human side had almost reached D-Grade Race already thanks to the <strong>[Evolution Fruit]</strong>, and he could justplete the final step by taking normal medicinal baths.


    It would better serve someone on his force, perhaps Sap Trang now that his odds of evolving seemed to have improved.

 Chapter 540: Attunement

    Chapter 540: Attunement


    There were also over a dozen peak quality talismans that were a mix of defensive and offensive among the most valuable treasures, but Zac immediately realized that their craftsmanship paledpared to the ones he had looted from the mentalist. They would still work as back-ups to his somewhat depleted reserves, and he could give out a few more to his core fighters.


    But he wasn''t personally very interested in talismans of that tier any longer, feeling that his recent attribute gain had made him outgrow these items to a certain degree. After all, a peak E-Grade talisman contained roughly the power of an average peak E-Grade warrior, and he was nearing that point as is.


    There were a few items he was extremely keen on keeping for himself though.


    The first of them was a consumable talisman as well, called <strong>[Zephyrs Charge]</strong>. It was a peak-grade speed imbuement treasure if he understood the exnation correctly, and it would essentially give him wings and increase his speed for a few minutes. It would be perfect in case he needed to flee or run down a fleeing enemy, especially in his Draugr form thatcked dependable mobility options.


    The second was a handful of <strong>[Spatial Discement Talismans]</strong>, a treasure that would instantaneously move him to a random spot within a kilometer. It was an amazing treasure to escape certain doom scenarios, provided that space wasn''t locked down. For example, if he had a treasure like this when the Hayner n Patriarch tried to drop a meteor on his head, then he wouldnt have to leave the floor so early. He could just have teleported out of the hole and hunted down that treasure.


    Finally, there was something called a <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong>, a rare treasure rted to bloodline awakenings. It was the most valuable item of them all, and Calrin had priced it at 20 Billion Nexus Coins. That might not seem like a terrifying amount after having possessed something like the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>, but it was still something that Zac would never have been able to afford if he tried to purchase it during an auction.


    He figured that the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong> would go perfect together with the marrow he got for himself from the previous quest. The only reason he didn''t cram both of them down his throat right now was that he needed some sort of understanding of his supposed bloodline before trying to wake it up.


    There were many items that Zac didnt recognize either, but judging by the value that Calrin had assigned they were rare treasures that warriors most likely had brought to the Base Town to sell. These kinds of treasures werent immediately valuable to Zac, but that didnt mean that they would sell them for Nexus Coins.


    Almost all forces in the multiverse were constantly operating under ack of resources, and there were always thousands of ns or undertakings on hold due to missing certain ingredients. Top forces like the Dravorak Dynasty might not struggle like this due to their power and vast connections, but Zac had already encountered the problem ofcking materials from the Creator quest.


    There were a million ways he could gain more Nexus Coins, so selling precious resources instead of holding onto them for a rainy day was just stupid. This was unfortunately how most forces reasoned, which only worsened the avability of rare items.


    Calrin also provided his rmendations of what to keep, what to save for the Auction, what to put in the merit exchange, and so on. Zac mostly went with the Sky Gnomes arrangements, apart from making some minor adjustments.


    It wasnt that the Sky Gnome suddenly had turned a new leaf and be a decent and honest merchant, but he had kept his greed under check since Zac returned from the Tower of Eternity. Part of it was probably because of Zacs amazing performance, while part of it was that he knew he was on thin ice after the trouble the ring he gifted Zac caused.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac felt like he had just won the lottery as he left the Thayer Consortia, even though there was only one "supreme" treasure like the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong>. Calrins estimate was around 100 billion, but that was going by Zecia sector prices. They believed they could make even more as long as they were smart about what items to put on the auction for the native forces.


    The elites of Earth were flush with cash at the moment, and they needed to exploit that.


    Every force was hunting the hundreds of millions of Zombies for everything they were worth at the moment, wanting to capitalize on this one-time opportunity. The undead were like headless chickens with the Lich King dying, and they had essentially turned into walking bags of wealth to the cultivators of Earth, just like how it was during the beginning of the integration.


    Not only did people gain clean-up quests by the System, but the zombies gave a good amount of both Cosmic Energy and Nexus Coins. Add to that the Miasma Cores that formed in the elite zombies heads, and it was so lucrative that people were still forgoing sleep even two weekster. Even the Underworld Council only undertook a cursory search for Enigma who was still missing while they focused on enriching themselves.


    At the same time, there was almost nothing for the Earthlings to spend their money on. The general stores provided by the System only sold bare essentials and the lowest grades of weaponry, and there werent a lot of other options for them. Starlight, the Ishiate elite, apparently possessed a limited Mercantile License and had some wares to sell, but his influence was limited thanks to pushback from Calrin and the Marshall n who were aiming to set up their own business empire.


    The Marshalls themselves had kept a low profile until now, perhaps partly because they already knew about his auction. Zac had mentioned it to Thea, who no doubt had informed her grandfather as well. Perhaps they were ready to roll out their businesses already but held themselves back out of respect to him.


    Either case it was good for Zac, as it meant that people were more likely to spend their hard-earned money in Port Atwood. He could almost see the mountain of wealth in front of his eyes as he teleported back to his cultivation cave.


    When he arrived in the hidden cave he looked over at the array that looked simr to the Teleportation Array, though the inscriptions were a lot denser. It was the homing point of the <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong>, the location where he would arrive in case he was forced to use the escape function.


    The other part was a thin bracelet that was hidden beneath the sturdy bracer he got from Greatest. He kept the bracer on at all times, and he figured it might be able to hide the <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong> from any discerning eyes. It seemed to be one of the most valuable things in his possession, though not quite at the level of things like the <strong>[Pathfinder Eye]</strong> or the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong>.


    Then again, it was hard to put a price on survival. There was simply no supply of an item like the <strong>[Spatial Array Gate]</strong> in the Zecia sector, though there were a lot of other escape measures around. For example, there was the skill that Thea possessed, and whatever the Head Priest used to turn into a stream of mes that allowed him to escape the Dead Zone. There were even the weaker teleportation talismans he had gained just now.


    My lord, wee back, A voice drifted out from the rocks themselves as Triv emerged.


    Its been a while. I was almost starting to fear that you had managed to escape your contract, Zac said with a small smile. Did you find anything interesting?


    The ghost had been gone for over a week as Zac sent it on a mission after it finished helping Kenzie setting up the cultivation caves. The ghost was a nonbat ss, but his incorporeal form also made him a qualified scout by default. So Zac sent the ghost out to explore the depths of his ind, to see if there was anything interesting or valuable in the vicinity of the root of the Nexus Vein.


    Even if I managed to break the Contract of Servitude I would still surely stay with the young master, Triv hurriedly eximed, eliciting a snort from Zac.


    But honestly, it wasnt impossible that the ghost was telling the truth. Just like Calrin hugged onto his legs because of the potential he represented, so could Triv. Apletely purebred Draugr of an ancient bloodline was unheard of in a remote sector like Zecia. The few Draugr ns around were apparently just mixed-blood ns that would just barely be considered Draugr by Hearnd Standards.


    Following Zac was Triv''s ticket to the Empire Hearnds in the future, as Triv was still certain that Zac would end up there sooner orter. And Zac probably would, provided that he ever reached C-Grade or higher. By that time Earth should already be safe, and the Zecia sector wouldn''t be able to provide him with a proper environment.


    Triv had mentioned amon saying during one of his campaigns to recruit Zac to the dark side. He said that there were four requirements to cultivation: Wealth, Companionship, Method, and Environment. Not one could becking if one wanted to reach the peak.


    Wealth was the most important, and that went double for someone like Zac who was just a mortal. To cultivate was to burn money, and it only got exponentially worse. In the beginning he could cultivate and gain levels with just a couple of Nexus Crystals who were barely worth anything, but now he was contemting buying Attuned D-Grade crystals for hundreds of millions just for some advancements to his soul. And it would only get worse from here on out.


    Second waspanionship, but it didnt refer to girlfriends or even Dao Companions. It meant that no one could reach the peak alone. You needed a master to teach you, friends you could trust your back to, a support system that could take care of things that were distracting you from your cultivation.


    Method was partly referring to a cultivation manual, but it also incorporated things such as Inheritances, Heritages, Dao Impartments, and even hunting grounds. Some insights would have toe from within, but there was no need to reinvent the wheel at every turn. Taking advantage of the wisdom and knowledge of others would allow you to make faster progress without any detriment.


    Finally was Environment, and this requirement was why Triv believed Zac would end up in the Empire Hearnds sooner orter. It wasnt without reason that B-Grade powerhouses never appeared in the Zecia sector. It simply didnt allow it. No crops would grow if the soil was barren. He needed to go to the more prosperous sectors of the Multiverse if he wanted to progress further after a certain stage.


    In fact, moving as soon as possible was the optimal choice from a cultivation standpoint. Earth was just a deste rock by most standards, and staying here would no doubt dy his cultivation speed.


    It is quite odd," Triv said, dragging Zac back to the present. "There are some Divine Crystals growing close to the source of the Nexus Vein. This can happen spontaneously, but it is far more likely on life or nature-aspecteds. When the world bes attuned so does most of the neutral Veins."


    So the World Cores upgrade was gaining an attunement after all? Zac said with excitement.


    This was something that had stumped him and everyone else over the past two weeks. The world was supposed to have upgraded its core because he had defeated the Undead Incursion. There even was that pulse that spread across the whole. However, after the pulse there was no follow-up at all.


    The density of energy was pretty much the same as before, still slowly climbing as the world continued its gradual integration. No new Nexus Veins or treasures were sprouting up from the ground either, and no attuned energies could be found. Most had simply assumed that it would take more time for the world to adapt to the reward, but it looked like the clues were finally starting to appear.


    Well, thats the thing. I also sensed weak hints of Miasma close to the vein, Triv said with hesitation. "Though I don''t believe the vein is turning death attuned."


    What? Did you do something? Zac said with a frown.


    I swear on the Empire, I didnt do anything! It could be an effect of the realignment array being shut off at thest minute. Either that, or the ghost said, drifting off at the end.


    Or what? Zac asked.


    Or the has gained a multi-attunement, Triv said.


    You mean the might both have life and death attunements? Zac said, his eyes lighting up.


    Wouldnt that mean that the was turning into a cultivation haven for himself?


    I wouldnt be so quick to celebrate if that was the case, Triv sighed. It might not be a good thing.


    Zac couldn''t stop himself from audibly groaning when he saw the scrunched-up visage of the ghost. What now?

 Chapter 541: Dust and Bones

    Chapter 541: Dust and Bones


    How can a having multiple attunements not be good? It sounds extremely good, Zac asked with a frown.


    In some cases, certainly. Worlds with Wood and Water attunements are supremely valuable among Herbalists, for example. One such might be worth as much as 1000 normal worlds of the same grade as they can grow unique nts that require both attunements to thrive. However, suchs appearing is thanks to the two elements harmonizing well with each other, Triv exined.


    Zac immediately understood what the ghost was driving at. Was the World Core going to explode from the shing elements of life and death? Attunements didnt get much more mismatched than life and death. They were each other''s opposites, and they would constantly sh. His own cultivation chamber was proof of that.


    So what would happen with such a world? Zac asked with some trepidation. Will the World Core be in trouble?


    I have never heard of a life and death before, Triv admitted. I dont think theres not much use for one, with young master being the exception. The Empire wouldnt want theirs tainted with life, and death-attunement would makerge sections unsuitable for the living. Perhaps it would be able to birth unique treasures, but that''s beyond my knowledge.


    So what is the worst-case scenario? Zac sighed.


    The World Core might crumble from the opposing attunements, which would turn the into a deste rock void of energy. Or it could cause the whole topletely fall apart, Triv said.


    Zac closed his eyes, a wave of exhaustion hitting him almost like a sledgehammer. Was there yet another thing for him to worry about now? There was already enough on his te, and now he had to prevent the from going up in smokes on top of everything else?


    It might not happen, Triv quickly said when he saw Zac''s reaction. I am not an expert on the subject, but there are multiple oues. Sometimes one attunement can overpower the other, and turn into a single-attunement. It is also possible that the finds some sort of equilibrium, turning it into an extremely rare existence in the cosmos. In fact, I believe this is the most likely scenario.


    Why? What did you find? Zac asked eagerly, like a man gripping hold of a lifebuoy.


    Zac would take any clue that indicated that the world wasn''t actually ending.


    Well, didnt young master mention that the World Core upgrade was part of a quest reward that epassed the whole? It would make no sense that the System would provide a detriment as a reward, Triv said.


    Zacs quickly nodded in agreement. It was true. The System was pretty annoying, and its gifts often felt a bit backhanded. Being stuck with annoying Tool Spirits like Bra and Big Blue was ample proof of that. However, they were undeniably rewards. It made no sense that the system would leave the world worse off than before as a reward.


    However, it didnt hurt to make sure.


    Is there anything I can do to decrease the risk of anything bad happening? Zac sighed.


    Our Empire can easily realign a as you know, and many living forces possess simr capabilities. Perhaps there are some arrays to stabilize the process of giving a attunement? Triv ventured, but he didnt seem very sure. In either case, with the speed things are progressing it will probably take decades before the attunement is finished, so we have ample time to prepare. There are only small hints right next to the nexus Vein, I might even have seen things incorrectly.


    Well, thats good I guess. Wait, your first instinct was that the would blow up because of the dual attunement? What about me? Am I in any danger? Zac asked.


    I honestly dont know how young master is still alive, the ghost coughed. Life and death shouldnt intermingle. It is one of the most basic rules of the Undead Empire. But at the same time, everything is possible. I am just a poor ghost, my understanding of the truths of the heavens are shallow at best."


    Have you ever heard of undead cultivating life attuned sses or Daos? Zac asked.


    No, never. It is almost impossible. Our affinities with those types of Daos are essentially non-existent. Why would you spend centuries on attaining a life-aspected Dao Seed when you can gain a death aspected one in a few months? the ghost said, looking disgusted at the mere thought.


    However, the ghost shuddered the next second, meaning that this line of questioning wasn''t permitted by the restrictions engraved on its soul, so Zac could only drop it.


    Well, I guess I will have to figure things out myself, Zac sighed before he produced the body refining recipe he just got from Calrin. Do you think this will work on me?


    The ghost scanned the guide, his eyes widening in incredulity.


    It looks like something you would use on a beastpanion to refine its constitution? it hesitantly said. Im not sure. It might work? I dont see anything that would directly sh with you at least. But a pureblood Draugr using some sort of beast powder... The heavens will weep.


    I''m sure the heavens will be fine," Zac snorted as he handed the ghost the materials required for the dust. "I''ll go cultivate for a bit. Are you able to prepare the <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong>?"


    Certainly, young master, the ghost said as he took the Cosmos Sack. "The process is quite simr to grinding the materials used for making incense sticks, and I have ample experience in this regard. There will not be any issues."


    Zac nodded in thanks and the ghost disappeared into the wall the next moment.


    It was quite an impressive skill the specter had, being able to freely pass through walls. He could even bring inanimate objects with him, making him an excellent scout or assassin. It sort of felt like a bit of a waste for such a special existence to be a butler.


    Unfortunately, its abilities didnt work with the living, which ruined Zacs idea to have the ghost taking him to the depths of the Mystic Realm, ignoring all the barriers and walls. He couldn''t send Triv by himself either, as that was a death sentence for a nonbat ss. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac walked into his cultivation cave and immediately started up the Soul Strengthening array. His mind was slowly drained and he let his thoughts drift for a bit. Between grinding his skill and going over the list of treasures his mind was a bit exhausted, and he was too tired to ponder on the Dao while cultivating his soul.


    He even dozed off a bit and was only awakened when the revolution finished and he felt a surge of Mental Energy entering his mind. Every time hepleted a revolution he couldn''t help but marvel at his soul. It wasn''t really growing all that much bigger from the revolutions, but it felt like his soul was getting polished each time.


    More importantly, it also seemed like the revolutions helped deal with the Splinter to some regard. He never felt the surges of murderousness like he did before any longer, even though the Splinter had regained a decent amount of its strength by now. It was still restrained by the Shard, but it wasnt in apletely half-dead state any longer.


    The two remnants were still interlocked and unmoving inside the improved cage, but the amount of cleansed energies that was seeping out was gradually increasing without him feeling any negative effects from it. His mind had gained a few boosts during the climb, but it couldntpletely exin his bnced state of mind.


    The small improvements that came from the array couldnt be the reason for his tranquil state either. His soul was definitely a bit stronger, but Soul Strengthening was a slow grind and not something that gave instant results. It was more likely that the spiritual dialysis also helped with the hidden corruption from the Splinter, either by design or by chance.


    If that was true it was a huge boon, though it also meant that skipping cultivation sessions would harm his mental state.


    Zac finished up the session after ten hours as usual before he walked over to the inner cave that housed the <strong>[Seed of Undeath]</strong>. He found his ghost butler cultivating by silently hovering in the air, and there was a supersized pestle by its side. Inside was a silverypound, no doubt the <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust] </strong>the ghost had prepared for him.


    "Young master, it is all done ording to the specifications," the ghost said as it woke up. "There should be enough for 8 to 10 applications."


    Zac nodded in understanding, though he felt a bit disappointed. The powder had roughly the same effect as the medicinal baths ording to Calrin, and ten medicinal baths on the road to D-Grade would just scratch the surface. It should be able to increase his attribute limits by a few hundred points though, which was the most pressing matter.


    "And the pain," the ghost hesitantly added.


    "I know," Zac said as he sat down and disrobed. "Not much of a choice right now. Help me apply it."


    The ghost nodded and a stream of the silvery powder rose from the pitch-ck mortar, controlled by the ghost''s miasmic tendrils.


    Zac sat motionless for over a minute, waiting with a mix of fear and anticipation for the dust to start working. However, he started to worry about the dust not working after all, which would mean that he had wasted over 300 million Nexus Coins. However, his fears soon abated as he started to feel some warmth covering his whole body.


    "It seems to be working," Zac said with excitement to Triv who waited upon him to the side, but the smile on his face quickly turned crooked as the warmth turned to pain.


    First, it just felt like an itch he couldn''t scratch, but that was just the appetizer. It seemed as though the powder was slowly getting absorbed through the skin, and the pain just kept getting worse as more and more of the powder entered his pores. The itch turned into a stabbing pain after ten minutes, and after another ten minutes he felt almost like he was on fire.


    The slowly mounting degree of agony was torture by itself, as Zac still didn''t know where the limitsy. There were no timeframes indicated in the crystal either, meaning he had no idea how long the torment wouldst. He could only try to keep his mind stabilized and bear with it, while not even using his Daos to counteract the powder.


    Doing so would no doubt counteract the effect, and it would be the same if his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>activated. However, even he couldn''t stop himself from shuddering as the pain suddenly spiked to a level he previously thought was impossible.


    "My lord, are you okay?" Triv worriedly asked.


    "Ow... My bones," Zac spat through grit teeth as veins danced all across his body.


    He didn''t trust himself to open his mouth again, afraid that he would start screaming on top of his lungs. The powder had just entered his bones, and it felt like some sort of parasite was gnawing at him, slowly breaking down his body from the inside. It was beyond painful, and it almost made him look back at the ordeal with the cultists with longing.


    Zac quickly realized what the powder was doing. It was continuously breaking down his body parts, especially his bones, before forcibly mending them, each time leaving them slightly stronger. It was a bit like his Soul Strengthening Array which utilized the shes between life and death to strengthen his soul, though the powder was far more crude and brutal.


    "All the powder has entered your body by now," the ghost suddenly said. "Young master just needs to bear it a bit longer."


    Zac stiffly nodded, no longer able to speak. He didn''t know how long he sat in the death-attuned sanctum until the pain finally abated, and he took a deep ragged breath even though there actually wasn''t any need for oxygen in his current form. He slowly put on his robes once more, but his hands didn''t really listen to hismands.


    "Let me, young master," the ghost said and hurriedly dressed Zac.


    "Thank you," Zac said with a hoarse voice. "How long did this take?"


    "Around forty minutes," Triv said.


    "Forty minutes?!" Zac eximed, his voice cracking. "It felt like days."


    Zac shakily threw a healing pill into his mouth, though he knew that he wasn''t really hurt. The soothing stream of energy that spread through his boy helped him stabilize himself a bit at least, but he still needed over 30 minutes before he felt ready to stand up.


    "What do young master want to do with the rest of the powder?" Triv asked.


    "I''ll take it," Zac sighed.


    "If I may, if you just-"


    "Enough," Zac said, not in any mood to hear about how great the Undead Empire was and how this all was unnecessary. "When can I use this next time?"


    "Three days," the ghost sighed. "Your body will need to rest and recuperate for three days."


    "Fine," Zac nodded. "By the way, ready yourself for war. You will need toe with me and activate the Jamming Arrays, perhaps as soon as today. I could do it but I don''t want to expose my identity."


    "I would have loved to, but I can''t," Triv said, clearly relieved. "Those arrays can''t be activated by just anyone. There are restrictions in ce."


    "We''ve removed them," Zac said. "Anyone wielding miasma can activate them now."


    "What?! Impossible!" the ghost said with shock. "There''s no way we would leave such a weakness that it could be used against us... Hm?"


    "You figured it out?" Zac snorted. "It might be impossible for the living to take control of those things, but it''s not like the protections against other undead are as strong. But don''t worry. You just need to activate the array then hide while we do the fighting."


    "It''s my pleasure to assist," the ghost said, clearly void of any sort of pleasure.


    "Oh, and that insane Tool Spirit at my Dao Repository wants a natural spirit gathering array because he thinks he''s a cultivator, can you start thinking about how such a thing would look? It needs to be pretty too, or he''ll probably start shooting lightning bolts at people," Zac added.


    "Naturally," Triv nodded. "Anything else?"


    "No, that''s it," Zac said as he left. "Pretty calm day for Port Atwood."

 Chapter 542: Crusade

    Chapter 542: Crusade


    Zac returned to hispound and just visited his sister for a bite before turning in for the night. Neither Billy nor Thea had returned from their trials just yet ording to Kenzie, which hopefully was a good thing. It might mean they managed to get opportunities simr to himself, where he got an additional trial that increased the time that the trial took.


    Ogras Inheritance had passed quicker, only taking him a few hours. The demon hadnt divulged everything that happened, it did seem like his haul wasnt all too impressive apart from the weird creature he was bonded with. Zac guessed his encounter was simr to Zac''s if he only defeated the golem and simply got some contribution points to shop for.


    The harrowing experience of using the <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong> left him utterly unable to find the tranquility to ponder on the Dao, especially not with his bones still throbbing painfully. His mind was far too muddled to go over any ns for the war with the Zhix traitors as well, so he just fell on top of his bed and entered a dreamless slumber.


    He woke up the next day expecting to be met with a wave of pain, but he was surprised to notice that he felt fine. In fact, better than fine. The pain waspletely washed away, and his body felt like he just had spent thest hour stretching and limbering up. He didnt know if it was thanks to his high Vitality or if it was just how the powder worked, but he felt a lot lighter as he walked toward the teleporter.


    He had already gotten all the pertinent details yesterday from Kenzie, and his destination had appeared on his Teleportation Screen.


    Zac cracked his neck before he stepped into the teleporter, ready to withstand an assault at moment''s notice. He was expected by the Zhix War Council, but you never knew what that meant. There might be a hundred Anointed on the other side of the teleporter waiting to wee him with their massive fists for all he knew.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Or even worse, a banquet full of all the disgusting things Ibtep had tried to feed him before.


    He appeared in a dark cave the next moment, with ten Zhix warriors standing guard. Two of them shot toward him without hesitation, their short spears aiming for his vitals the moment he materialized. Zac didnt panic at all, and simply materialized the crude club he had used against the Zhix before.


    Two hollow bonkster and the two attacking warriorsy sprawled out at the ground at the other side of the room.


    Strength to your hive, Zac said. I am Zachary Atwood. I am expected.


    The still-standing Zhix didnt answer with anything but a bow, and two of them stepped off and led him through an intricate series of tunnels, ignoring their unconscious brethren. Zac looked at the surroundings with interest, as this was the first time he had actually been inside a Zhix hive. He had always meant to revisit his local Hive to meet with N, but there was always some fire or another he had to put out.


    Zac had always pictured something a bit like a mix of an Ayr Hive and the town caves he had visited, but he realized he had severely underestimated the love for architecture among the Zhix. It would be fairer topare the Zhix Hive with a dwarven subterranean city. There was extraordinary attention to detail, no matter whether you looked at the intricately tiled floor or the engraved patterns adorning the walls.


    Unfortunately, it seemed like he was walking in a restricted part of theplex structure as he saw almost no Zhix warriors while they proceeded deeper into the hive, and there were no buildings or rooms to give an insight into how they lived their day-to-day. It was clear they walked further into the earth though, into the heart of the hive.


    It only took them a few minutes to reach their goal though, arge chamber with no point of interest apart from a massive set of doors. In front of it, a familiar figure stood waiting, and Zac walked over with a smile. Zac looked at Ibtep with interest, feeling that the past months had transformed him from a harmless oddball to a warrior emitting a solid aura. Zac could still discern the inquisitive light in his eyes though, the thing that somewhat set him apart from most other insectoids.


    The two hadnt actually seen each other since they split ways at Marshall Manor. Ibtep had been in one long deployment against the undead hordes, both working as a liaison due to his knowledge of humans, and as a scout. Zac had felt a bit bad that this guy wasn''t there to join in the opportunity of the Dao Funnel, but it felt like he had improved tremendously even without it.


    Greetings, Lord Atwood, Ibtep said with a bow, almost topping over due to the weight of the massive backpack that he still carried around. Care for a snack? They are quite delicious, and they can calm a warriors mind, readying you forbat.


    He produced a small jar the next moment, and Zac nched when he saw it contained a few extraordinarily fattyrvae. It looked like some of the Zhixs odd customs remained, and it made him worry about what came next.


    No thank you, Zac said with a somewhat forced smile. Its good to see youre okay. How is N?


    N has fought valiantly for Hive Kundevi and Port Atwood, and our Hive can now join the council, Ibtep said with pride before he slightly deted again. Of course, Lord Atwood might be a part of that reason.


    Are the others already here? Zac asked.


    Yes, they are waiting on the other side of this door. I cannot follow inside, it is not my ce, Ibtep exined.


    Zac nodded as he looked up at the massive gates once more. They reached over ten meters into the air and were covered in a painstakingly detailed mural that depicted various battles. It was a vivid reminder that the Zhix wasn''t just a barbaric tribe of insectoids, but an ancient society with thousands of years of history.


    Your people actually managed to open these things before the integration? Zac asked as he looked up at the enormous doors.


    Just the greatest of the Anointed, Ibtep said with a shake of his head. Normal warriors would never be able to step through these gates. It requires both renown and enough power to actually open the doors.


    Zac only smiled as he put his hands against the doors and pushed. There was some resistance, but they soundlessly opened and let him inside. However, he was still inwardly shocked when he realized just how much power was required to open these things. There was no way that anyone beneath level 40 or 50 would be able to open these doors, proving just how powerful the Zhix Anointed were even before the integration.


    However, it was ultimately not a challenge for an E-Grade warrior, and Zac effortlessly entered the inner chambers where over thirty Anointed stood around a table, with another ten normal Zhix warriors standing by at the side. The smaller Zhix obviously werent as powerful as the hulking spiritual leaders of their race, but Zac could immediately sense that every single one of them was quite strong. He wouldnt be surprised if they all were between level 65 and 75.


    The group of Anointed turned toward him as he entered, silently gazing down at him like giants looking down at a small critter. Zac wryly smiled and wondered how this was how it felt to be a Sky Gnome. Zac was about to greet the group, but he inwardly groaned when he felt the aura of one of thergest Anointed st across the chamber as he started walking toward him.


    It looked like Zhix traditions were still going strong.


    Zac couldnt help but ask himself if there was any limit to how big these guys could grow. Normal Zhix were slightly shorter than male humans on average, with weaker anointed like N reaching a bit over three meters. Herat, the Anointed he met during the hunt was another half-meter taller than that, but he was far from thergest one in this ce.


    There were three anointed in particr that towered above the others, each of them well over four meters tall. Thergest one was probably approaching five meters. Zac barely reached their thighs, like a young child next to their parents. And it was one of these three behemoths that had decided to test his mettle as he shed forward and swung a huge fist toward his chest.


    It felt like the fist grew to the size of a mountain, but Zac realized it was just an illusion brought on by the massive killing intent carried within. This hulking Anointed had no doubt been steeped in battle the past months to umte such a terrifying aura. However, the fist was still asrge as his whole torso, and Zac was afraid hed shoot out like a bullet when he got hit.


    The fist apanied by that dense aura was pretty intimidating, but Zac was no slouch either. A boundless killing intent spread throughout the whole chamber, almost turning into a palpable haze from how thick it was. A few of the attendants even fell down on their knees before they forced themselves back on their feet with embarrassment.


    Zac didnt care about the normal Zhix though, but he instead readied his body to receive the strike. He stomped down into the ground to lodge himself in ce as he leaned forward. He could only pray that his bones werepletely healed from using the <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong> yesterday, as this would probably hurt. At least it couldn''t be too bad as his danger sense barely acted up.


    A deep p of thunder echoed out across the hall as the Zhixs massive fist mmed into Zacs chest. Even digging his legs into the solid stone tiles wasnt enough, and Zac was pushed back over twenty meters from the furious momentum. It felt like someone had swung a wrecking ball into him and Zac actually had to stop himself from grunting in pain.


    The Zhix warrior clearly had almost 8 or 900 Strength, and it also had a dexterity that was almost on par, increasing the speed and destructiveness of the strike. There was even a hint of a high-tiered Dao Seed in the fist, but Zac knew he hadn''t actually infused his strike. This was just a normal attack to test his might.


    He looked with surprise at the towering Anointed. Had they found a way to move forward and evolve? From what Zac understood the rite of Anointment came at a cost, cutting off their path of advancement. But these were not attributes that a normal F-Grade warrior should have, at least not without a huge number of special opportunities that he doubted that the Anointed would possess.


    You are wondering how I could bring forth such strength, human Warmaster? the massive Zhixughed, its booming voice causing ripples in the air. I have entered the crusade. I will fight for another year or so, then I will join the ancestors. This will be the final War, and my final gift to my Hive.


    Zacs eyes widened in understanding, once more shocked at the conviction these people carried. He didnt know the specifics, but it seemed as though the Anointed knew of some technique traded their lifespan for power. It didnt seem to be directly burning life-force though, as Zac had seen that enough times to recognize the unique aura it radiated.


    So I guess its time for me to reciprocate? Zac said as he fully unleashed his aura.


    The whole cave shuddered, and it only got worse as Zac started moving toward the enormous insectoid.


    Wait, Warmaster, the Anointed hurriedly said as he took a step back. If there is one thing we have learned over the past year is that our hives cannot only rely on the old teachings to survive. We must also adapt and move forward. There is no need for you to carry on with that archaic tradition, let us instead talk about the looming threat.


    The other Anointed hurriedly nodded as well, immediatelyunching into a discussion while pointedly looking away from Zac and his rapidly dwindling momentum. Zac speechlessly looked on with his fist still in the air.


    <em>So I just ate your fist for nothing? </em>Zac thought as he looked at the shameless Zhix with mixed feelings.


    I am Rhubat. Strength to your hive. N said you might be able to provide a tactic that would expedite our crusade? the shameless Zhix said.


    Is this room secure? Zac asked with a sigh, finally dropping the subject.


    Everyone who has not yet entered the crusade, leave this room, Rhubat said without hesitation, and a small group of Anointed along with the group of normal Zhix warriors left the chambers.


    However, almost all the Anointed stayed, including N who stood to the side, looking almost like a child next to some of itsrger colleagues. However, Zac noted that N must have grown by something like 30 centimeters since he had seen the hive leaderst time.


    You too? Zac asked with a frown as he looked over in N''s direction.


    The Anointed exist to serve the Hives. The crusade is our highest order. This is the final crusade, after which the Zhix will be eradicated or have no need for the Anointed any longer. Our era ising to an end, N said, and the other Anointed nodded in agreement.

 Chapter 543: Battleplans

    Chapter 543: Battlens


    Zac sighed when he heard Ns deration, but he could understand the sentiment. The Anointed were terrifyingly powerful beings who could act as spiritual leaders and protectors of the Zhix, but that could only continue for so long. The world would soon pass them by as they were stuck at the F-Grade. A random warrior would be able to kill them with a simple swing in a decade or two.


    Such a transference in power would undoubtedly affect their positions as leaders as well, especially as their purpose of existence would fade into memory with the fall of the Dominators. They rather wanted to go out on their own terms, fulfilling the mission they had carried for over a thousand years.


    What about Hive Kundevi? Zac asked.


    We have made arrangements for our elders and strongest warriors to take over after weve fulfilled our purpose, another Zhix exined, and one Anointed after another added a snippet of information.


    Zac listened to their exnation, and it sounded like the Zhix would set up governance with two major pirs; the clergy and the army. One would provide spiritual guidance and be in charge of running the nonbat side of things, while the Army would nurture the next generation of warriors and protect the hives.


    The true elites would still be interred into some sort of temr order, making sure there was a bnce in power between the two factions.


    As for their reproduction, it turned out that Anointed werent actually needed for that. From how Ibtep exined it back then it sounded like the anointed were like hive queens that made it possible for Zhix eggs to be fertilized, but it wasnt the whole story. They were simply the alphas'' of the hive, but the alpha didnt necessarily need to be Anointed.


    It had always simply been like that until now as they were so much more powerful than anyone else in the hives.


    We hope you will be able to watch over the children in the future. This new world is hectic and confusing, but you humans seem quite able to adapt, N added after the group had exined the future path of the Zhix.


    Zac finally understood why therge Zhix had taken the time to exin things in such detail. They would be gone in a year, and he was the greatest threat to their poption apart from the Dominators. He could definitely eradicate the Zhix if he put his mind to it.


    Ill do my best, Zac said with a nod, and after some thought added some more reassurance. "I believe my force has be so sessful because I weed people from all the races. It has allowed me to advance much further than other factions. I will make sure that none of the races will get pushed out in the future as we''re stronger together."


    Of course, both Zac and the Zhix understood that promise was provided that no one stepped out of line. Zac didn''t really have an active interest in the governance of the new, but he definitely wasn''t some sort of pacifist. He wouldn''t make making examples out of some factions if people started causing trouble for him.


    Thats all we ask, Rhubat said.


    With that out of the way they immediately dove into discussing the details of the crusade. Zac immediately took out one of the Jammers from his cosmos sack and briefly exined how it worked. He was a bit fuzzy on the limitations of the array though to give himself some leeway. He didn''t believe anyone here was a traitor, but better safe than sorry.


    My army can set out at any time, Zac said. And I am sure the Human Council would join if I ask as well. We just need to leave some to keep whittling down the zombies.


    Thank you, but there is no need. It is the Zhix who have brought this threat onto this world, so it will fall onto the Zhix to solve it, another one of the three enormous Anointed said with a shake of its head. It is better your kind deal with the remaining unliving before they spread across the like the corruption they are.


    With your ability to stop the traitors from fleeing, there will be no need for massive armies, another Anointed added. Just enough to take out one hive at a time. An army assisted by a coalition of us Anointed will be more than enough.


    Fine, Zac slowly nodded.


    Zac was honestly somewhat relieved that his army wouldnt have to get their hands dirtied once again. The war was a good opportunity for them to gain battle experience against a strong opponent that wasnt braindead like the zombies, but it would definitely lead to casualties. The Zhix were more like the demons than humans in one regard.


    Their culture was steeped in battle, and the integration only added to their power. And there were a lot of them. His army had many elites, but there were too few of them, and the Zhix warfare doctrine was essentially based around taking down more powerful warriors by grinding them down with a ceaseless wave of violence.


    But I still need toe with. The items that can block out teleporters andmunication must be activated by the unliving, so I need to bring my undead servant, Zac said, and added a short exnation after seeing the odd stares. "I captured it from the Incursion for information."


    Zac also felt that he needed to be present in case the real Dominators showed up. That way he might be able to avoid a wholesale ughter of his allies. Zac might not be fully confident in killing them without sounding them out first, but he was confident in both being able to slow them down and getting away in one piece.


    After all, there would be a need for manpower in the Mystic Realm, and this group of Anointed might be the best allies he could get his hands on. They were as powerful as early E-Grade warriors and they had amplebat experience. Bringing these guys would help him even out the odds against the other factions.


    Besides, Zac guessed that they would have to enter the Mystic Realm anyway if they wanted to finish their crusade. Voids Disciple had no doubt already brought in some hives to help him look for the dimensional treasure. He couldnt do everything himself. And there were only so many Hives that this group could ambush before the Dominators realized something was wrong.


    That is fine. We need the assistance of humans for another matter, the Rhubat added. Teleportation. Our hives were not ced too close together in this new world, and many hives have been destroyed already from the war. If we would use our ownwork then we would have to spend months on foot.


    The enormous table lit up the next moment, and Zacs eyes widened when he saw it was a surprisingly detailed map of Pangea. There were a lot of indistinct sections, including most of the unmapped zones on his own tablet. But a lot of it was properly filled in with what seemed to be even greater detail than the maps produced by the Marshal n.


    This is something Vanexis was gifted by the System, Rhubat said, nodding to the other 5-meter Anointed who had spoken earlier, as he took out a small metal ball from his Cosmos Sack. As long as a warrior travels with a ball like this in their possession, then everything around them will be recorded and added to the map. We have thousands of these balls.


    Zac whistled with surprise as he looked down at the map again. The Zhix had truly been busy going by how much distance they had covered to map out these ces.


    There are 28 Hives we have marked, Rhubat said. All of them are within two hours travel.


    Only twenty-eight hives? Zac asked with surprise.


    Twenty-eight cities were nothing to the human poption, even after the integration, so it sounded like a really low number if the Zhix had actually defected to the Dominators.


    Dont underestimate these hives. The Dominators have gathered their subjects into massive hives far eclipsing any structures from our old world. Their numbers are almost on par with our hundreds of remaining hives, Vanexis rumbled. Each of them holds over a hundred thousand warriors along with millions of normal Zhix.


    Zac nodded in understanding when he heard the exnation, and he tried to understand the motivation for the Dominators to concentrate their followers like this. Was it just out of convenience, or did it have to do with karma? Was the effect of faith more pronounced when ones followers gathered together, rather than having them spread across the?


    It was undeniably how cults worked, where groups of people secluded themselves from the rest of the world. This closed system shut out any dissenting voices, which lead to a deeper and deeper indoctrination.


    We will need the help of another human force for this, Zac said as he looked at the map. I dont have ess to that many teleporters.


    Do you still have multiple factions within your race? We thought the human towns were all under you? Rhubat asked with confusion. I have seen the strength of the other human elites. How can they challenge your rule?


    Zac didn''t understand the question at first, but it turned out that the Zhix had already changed their structure so that there were only two forces among their race; The Council of the Anointed and The Dominators. All Anointed-run hives were essible for all the Zhix, whereas they were obviously shut out from their enemies'' teleporters.


    It was extremely different from Humans who not only had a handful of major factions like Port Atwood and New World Government, but also dozens of mid-sized forces, though most of the mid-sized forces were kind of under the umbre of the Marshall n by now. There were even hundreds, perhaps thousands, of towns that weren''t really aligned with any of the forces, but rather free bases that had survived some way or another.


    I have been busy throwing out all the invaders of our until now, Zac said before he wryly smiled. I guess humans are a bit more individualistic as well. We didn''t really get along before the integration either. I probably wont meddle with the human forces unless necessary. But I can fetch a guide to open the portals for us without a problem.


    The group went over the detail for some time, but the idea was quite simple. Zac would enter a human-controlled town ahead of the army together with a squadron of Zhix scouts, and they would rush to the Hive and get ready to activate the jammers. The army would enter after a short interval, and Zac would activate the jammers the moment thest of the Zhix army had passed through the teleporter.


    Activating the jammer before the army had actually arrived at the Hive might warn the traitor Zhix, but they were afraid that the elites would immediately flee through the teleporter the moment they spotted an iing army. The elites might still try to flee by foot, but the scouts would hopefully be able to spot them this way.


    As for the battle itself, it sounded straightforward enough. The Anointed would act as wall breakers and crush all resistance, while the normal Zhix warriors would back them up. In case one of the Dominators showed up, they would take them down even if they had to sacrifice tens of thousands of lives.


    How long do you need to prepare, Warmaster? Rhubat finally asked, surprising Zac a bit.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I only need to pick up my ghost and a guide, Zac said after some thought. Its dependent on how quickly you can gather your armies.


    The armies and the other Anointed are standing ready. Our movements are no doubt being watched, so we need to move quickly from this point on. We want to take out as many of these hives as possible before they adapt, Rhubat said as killing intent started to leak from its body. "If we can take down five of the Hives before the rest gather, then we are confident in emerging victorious even if Void''s Disciple shows up."


    Remember, not even the humans can know where we are going, N added.


    I know, Zac nodded.


    It was already known that there were humans co-operating with the Dominators, and they would have to move randomly to avoid getting exposed and ambushed. There was no point in messing around, so Zac soon exited the secluded chambers. Ibtep was still waiting for him outside, and the scout joined him as they returned to Port Atwood.


    However, Zac didnt even have time to call the ghost before he sensed strong fluctuations over at the Dao Repository.


    "Wait here," Zac groaned in exasperation as he rushed over.


    Thankfully it turned out that it wasn''t Bra who was causing trouble. The square outside the Repository waspletely tranquil, and neither lightning bolts nor a massive face was hovering above it. The fluctuations only grew in power though, and Zac felt they came from inside the towers themselves.


    Zac quickly entered the Towers of Myriad Dao, and he quickly spotted the source of themotion; the statue of the de Emperor.


    The girl ising out, Bra said as he descended from a golden cloud floating around in the ceiling.


    Did she pass? Zac asked as his eyes returned to the statue.


    She did, if barely, the Tool Spirit snorted as he turned two disdainful eyes toward the array in the same direction. "Though I''m not so sure she will have the guts to take on the following challenge in the E-Grade.

 Chapter 544: Intent

    Chapter 544: Intent


    Zac looked over at the Tool Spirit with surprise. This time Bra was dressed like a schr, and he held a golden abacus in his hands instead of some sort of oversized weaponry. There was also a sense of calmness in his eyes like he had transcended the mortal ne or was beyond mundane worries.


    Of course, it was just Bra ying the part, but it was farparable to the domineering and arrogant persona he had when pretending to be a cultivator. In fact, Kenzie had already told him that Bra was usually easier to deal with when he was dressed as a nonbat ss. If you saw him wielding some sort of weaponry you were usually better off throwing out a fewpliments and trying again tomorrow.


    Thea appeared the next moment, and Zacs eyes widened in shock when he saw her appearance. Bra wasn''t kidding around when he said that Thea had barely passed. She was unconscious and she looked beyond wretched. Her clothes were in tatters and her whole body waspletely drenched in blood. Just a few stripes of her hair remained, hanging in clumps held together by coagted blood.


    The only thing that lookedpletely intact was a blue sword that hummed with power. It was gripped in Thea''s right hand with such force that her knuckles were white. Zac wondered if this was the invisible weapon she usually wielded, or if it was something she had gained inside the Inheritance.


    This was not the time to worry about the details though, and Zac unhesitantly rushed over as he took out one of his better healing pills. However, his mind actually screamed of danger the moment he reached her side.


    Wai- Zac shouted as he jumped backward, but it was toote as an extremely sharp energy shot out of one of her wounds and flew toward him, cutting open a shallow wound on his right arm.


    He had been utterly incapable of stopping that attack, and his usually impervious skin was cut like butter. If Zac reacted any slower he might actually have lost his arm. The odd energy thankfully didnt try again but rather returned and entered Theas body once more, causing a small shudder.


    Zac barely felt any pain at all from the small cut, but a burning pain bloomed a secondter. He looked down at the wound with surprise, and he found that it was an extremely clean wound, even exceeding the sharpness of the cuts he formed with <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>. Was this the power of the Fragment of the Sword, or was this something else entirely?


    Because that small energy didnt simply feel like a Dao.


    Such profound Dao Intent, Bra muttered. That strand of consciousness has actually made progress on his path.


    The de Emperor did this? Zac asked. "And what is Dao Intent?"


    That girl is not adept enough in the Dao to form such a pure strand of Sword Intent. It can onlye from Irei. Its really a shame, Bra said, unfortunately ignoring the second question.


    Only then did Thea wake up, and she looked around with some confusion before she realized where she was.


    Hey, catch this, Zac said before throwing the pill to Thea who immediately swallowed it before she once again closed her eyes to focus on her recuperation. Zac sighed in relief when he saw Thea was fine before turned back to the Tool Spirit. Whats a shame?


    Irei, Bra said as he looked up at the statue. He was destined to be a C-Grade Monarch, but he fell to his demons in the end. Do you know why the de Emperor is the only one who left aplete heritage in addition to an Inheritance?


    Because he was a friend of your creator? Zac asked, not hesitating to take advantage of the fact that Bra was in one of his rare sharing moods today.


    True, but thats not the reason. Its here because of his obsession with the sword and creating a family. He adopted one Sword Child after another after marrying his main weapon, and he poured obscene amounts of wealth into them to awaken their spirits. When he ran out of money he turned to my master, who helped him evolve the Swords in return for the Heritage, Bra said. If he had used even a third of all that wealth on himself he would have broken past his bottleneck without a doubt. He is the second most talented person of the seven.


    So what happened? Zac asked.


    Mental disorder brought by betrayal. It turned into a heart demon that was the source of his obsession with gathering swords, Bra said with a shake of his head. "Remember his fate well. You mundane beings are not meant to grasp at heaven''s secrets. To cultivate is to go against the heavens, and it is not done without shedding your humanity. As the millennia pass you wille to realize that you don''t recognize the person that stares back at you through the mirror any longer."


    Thea opened her eyes and listened to Bra with a serious expression, and Zac felt a sense of heaviness as well. It was true. How could someone keep their humanity as the eons passed and almost every one they had ever known had long turned to dust? The reasons for struggling to be more powerful might no longer matter, and you were suddenly just a walking nuclear weapon devoid of purpose.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Thankfully The Great Bra is not limited by such trifles, as he is endless and eternal," Bra said as he drifted away with a snort.


    Are you okay? Zac asked, shaking off Bra''s ominous portents.


    Ill be fine. I haventpletely absorbed the sword energies. Did the Tool Spirit Call it Sword Intent just now? And where is Billy? Thea croaked.


    Billy is still inside, Zac said before looking at Thea with interest. "He called it both a Dao Intent and a Sword Intent. Are you able to share how it''s created?"


    That small amount of energy had been extremely powerful, and Zac was hoping to form something simr for himself. After all, if there was Sword Intent, then there should surely be Axe Intent as well. If he could add that power to his strikes, then he would probably be able to fight one tier stronger enemies without breaking a sweat.


    "It seems to be something thates after a Dao Field," Thea hesitantly said as she started smearing her vast number of scars with some ointment. "The de Emperor was able to materialize real objects with it. He trapped me in a cage of Dao Intent Swords, and I had to use my own Dao Field to get out. I''m not sure if it''s even possible to create naturally in my rank. You might be able to do it."


    "So how do you still have the energy?" Zac asked before he remembered how rude it was to pry into other''s cultivation secrets. "Sorry, it''s fine if you don''t want to tell."


    "It''s okay. I was imparted with a small amount of Sword Intent to guide me on the path of the sword. I think I might be able to use it sort of like a mother dough for my own strikes too, as long as I don''t overuse it," Thea said after some thought. "We could spar a bit if you want."


    It sounds like a good idea, but it would have to wait. The war against the dominators is starting right now, Zac sighed.


    Ille along, she said as she got up and started walking toward the exit, though her steps were shaky.


    Are you crazy? Zac said. You''re covered in wounds, go rest. We do need someone from the Marshalls to take us around, but Ill grab one of your cousins.


    No, Im going. Im not staying behind any longer, Thea said with her determination. "I''m moving forward as well."


    You Fine, Zac sighed. Our job is only anciry anyway. I wont fight either, Ill just help with the jammers. This is the Zhix war, and they dont want us to step in unless absolutely necessary.


    Fine, Thea said as she wobbled out of the Dao Repository.


    Are you really? Zac couldnt help but interject again, but he was quickly shut up by another re.


    Zac was about to call Triv as well, but he actually appeared from between two bushes and shot toward them.


    My lord, Triv said, but his greeting turned into a scream as Thea unhesitantly drew her de in one fluid motion aimed at ughter. Ai!


    Hes my butler, Zac shouted in rm, and he barely had time to block the swing with Verun, narrowly preventing Triv from getting cut in two.


    Normally a sword swing wouldnt matter to a ghost, but Zac sensed a shadow of that terrifyingly sharp energy inside the weapon. He still wasn''tpletely clear how it was made, but it would definitely be able to harm the ghost since it was rted to the Dao.


    "I''m sorry, "Thea said as she sheathed her weapon before she gave Zac an odd look. "You have a ghost butler?"


    "This is why young master shouldn''t consort with the living. Violent and lowly creatures," Triv sighed as he made some distance from Thea.


    "Triv is quite knowledgeable about all kinds of things, and he helps me sorting out the day-to-day," Zac shrugged.


    Zac hesitated for a bit before he also told Thea about Triv''s early findings.


    "A life and death," Thea slowly said before she sighed. "This will be a detriment to most of us."


    "Well, as I said, it''s not sure it wille to happen," Zac said as he scratched his chin, feeling a bit guilty.


    There was no way it was a coincidence that the got such a weird attunement. Zac was the main contributor to the quest, dealing with the lich king, the elite army, and two and a half of the generals himself. The probably got its attunements to match his, as the System wanted to gift him a suitable cultivation environment. The fact that it screwed over the rest of the wasn''t something that the elitist System would care about.


    "It might not be too bad for normal humans either. A lot of people lived quite well at the edge of the Dead Zone, living outside and hunting inside. As long as we can concentrate the attunements to certain spots we can maintain that sort of bnce," Zac added after a bit, trying to find some positives in the situation. "And both life and death are powerful attunements. Powerful healers and ck mages might emerge from Earth in the future."


    Undead might not be able to deal with life-attunements, but Humans didn''t have the same limitations. Having a high affinity to Death was extremely unlikely, but people could still go down that path without too much going against them. Assassins, Necromancers, ck Mages. A death-attuned would help nurture all those kinds of powerful existences.


    "That might be true. Even if half the world will turn into a Dead Zone there will still be plenty of room to live on," Thea slowly nodded as she walked toward the teleporter. "Well, that''s an issue forter. Let''s go."


    "You might want to change clothes first," Zac coughed, which drew a snicker from Triv as well.


    Only then did Thea look down at the rags she wore over her bloodied body, and her hand moved up to her almost-bald head. She stiffly nodded without a word and Zac hurriedly led her to his sister''s mansion where she could shower and change.


    She only emerged 30 minutester, but the transformation was almost shocking. Her hair had been regrown and her clothes changed, but the sword scars remained all over her body, angry red lines that seemed to refuse to disappear. Zac''s wound was actually in a simr state, though he felt it would close a few hours.


    That still was a pretty long time for an errant spurt of energy, just a fragment of whatever Thea carried inside her body. Zac could actually sense that very same power in her eyes as well as her piercing blue eyes had gained an undeniable sharpness to them. The only thing that he couldnt ascertain was whether that energy was something beneficial or yet another risky venture like his own Remnants.


    The trio soon returned to the teleporter where Ibtep still was waiting, and Zac turned to the ghost.


    "You better enter your house for now. We''ll be traveling with the Zhix for a while. The Anointed seem to really hate the undead."


    Those things, Triv muttered with a mix of disgust and incredulity, clearly understanding who Zac was talking about. Not natural.


    A being wrought from purest corruption shouldnt talk of what is natural, Ibtep said with a snort as it gave the ghost an askance look.


    Triv didn''t respond, and only flew into the pagoda in Zac''s sleeve and disappeared. The trio activated the teleporter the next moment and found themself surrounded by dozens of Anointed who stood ready. The teleporter they appeared in was another one than the array he entered throughst time.


    They were in an unfathomablyrge underground chamber, and Zac spotted a vast army behind the towering priests. There were hundreds of thousands of Zhix standing ready and armed to their teeth, every one of them radiating palpable killing intent. The whole chamber felt like a pressure cooker from the umted aura, and it felt ustrophobic even though it was over twenty meters to the ceiling.


    Were ready to go, Zac said after making sure he wouldn''t get sucker-punched again. Where do you want to teleport first?


    We want to take out the first Hives as quickly as possible, which will hopefully help us trap more of them before they devise some sort of retaliation, Rhubat said as he turned to Thea who was clearly affected by the extremely dense killing intent. Please take us to the town called Lbeck, pathfinder.

 Chapter 545: War Machine

    Chapter 545: War Machine


    Im no- Thea was about to interject, but she just shrugged and epted her new title in the end.


    Zac only smiled wryly as he stepped into the teleporter with Thea, the squad of ten Zhix scouts and Ibtep following close behind.


    It looked like the town didnt get a lot of visitors as the guards reeled with shock when their group stepped out of the teleporter. The reclusive Marshall Scion wasnt immediately recognized, but the small German town exploded with activity when the guards realized who they were.


    The mayor, a shockingly rotund middle-ageddy, came rushing over with such momentum that she almost only looked like a spherical blur.


    Our armies are passing through here, Thea said without preamble when the breathless mayor appeared. More Zhix wille. A lot more. Tell your people to stand down. And close the gates to make sure our presence isnt leaked.


    Zac nodded when he saw the Mayor give a rapid series of orders into a walkie-talkie without hesitation. Bringing a big shot like Thea rather than some random guide was already proving to be the right choice. He needed to hold up his part of the bargain though, so he turned to the group of scouts who all seemed fully focused on the mission.


    Well go on ahead, Zac said as he took out his leaf. Can you stay here and make sure theres no trouble?


    Sure, Thea nodded. Ill catch up with the army.


    The group of scouts stepped onto the leaf after some exining, and the group of 12 shot out toward the enemy hive. They stayed close to the ground to avoid getting spotted, though Zhix surveince was seldom not performed aboveground. They rather built scouting chutes designed to catch the vibrations from the surface, sending the signals back to the hives as an early warning.


    It only took them thirty minutes to reach their destination, a dense crop of forest on the opposite side of the hive. Zac figured that the array of Lbeck should be unaffected when activating the Jammer at this position, though the thing hadn''t been through enough testing to ascertain its exact limits. This would be a learning experience for him as well.


    The leaf stopped just above the ground and the group of scouts nodded at Zac before they spread out through the forest, soundlessly moving between the trees like ghosts. Only Ibtep stayed behind in case he was needed tomunicate with the Zhix army. Zac stepped down from the flying treasure as well and took out a concealment array disk to avoid getting spotted.


    He took out the Jamming array next, while also prodding the sigil in his mind that connected him to his butler. The small pagoda floated out from his sleeve a secondter, after which the ghost appeared.


    "My lord," Triv said with a bow as he looked around.


    Convenient, Ibtep muttered from the side, its eyes trained at the small pagoda. Is it the same magic as that of the Ayr Hive in your base? If the Zhix could use this sort of magic on our hives


    Im not sure, Zac said. I think only ghosts can live in this pagoda. But the Ayr Hive might be possible to mimic? Not sure how much use it would be though.


    Imagine, one Zhix could carry a whole hive in its pocket, tens of thousands of warriors pouring out when attacked, Ibtep muttered.


    I think it would be a bit ufortable to stay in someones pocket all day. Imagine the shaking, Zac countered, which made Ibtep nod thoughtfully.


    "This item is not made for the living," Triv said as it shot Ibtep a cool nce. "There are many ways to create portable worlds though, but all of them are beyond your means."


    Some further thinking is required on this matter, Ibtep only murmured, his eyes clearly spinning with ideas.


    Zac shrugged and turned back toward the Jamming Array. The thing was pretty much idiot-proof thanks to his sister, so he only needed to ce it down on the ground and insert Fifty E-Grade Miasma Crystals. He started to get to work, and Triv couldn''t help but float over and look at the jammer with interest.


    The preparations were soon finished, and Zac performed a cursory inspection before he sent a message to Thea to start calling over the Zhix. His job was essentially done by now, and he only needed to make sure no one messed with the jammer.


    The modifications are crude, but they can''t hide the amazing ideas they were built upon. To think that it would be possible to rework the array this way. The person who did this is definitely a genius, Triv muttered before it turned to Zac. Its your sister, isnt it? She is a unique talent when ites to understanding and modifying energy paths.


    Zac thought for a second before he nodded in affirmation. It wasn''t like it was a big secret, especially not after Kenzie had helped Triv create his cultivation cave.


    You might want to consider sending her to one of the powerful Craftsman Sects in the Sector, the ghost said. Ites with some restrictions, but she will get proper guidance and she can return home as a resident Array Master after having reached a certain level.


    Why would a sect be generous enough to train people before letting them go? Zac asked with skepticism. That would be like watering someone elses fields.


    They take a tax. If your sister returns to your force, you will have to pay a fee based on her attainments, part of which would go to the sect as remuneration for the training, Triv said. It is mostly just academies and craftsmen sects that do things this way though. Joining abat-focused sect is generally a more permanent decision.


    "Pay a fee? For life?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "No, until enough benefits have been provided," Triv said. "She can also work off that debt herself as a roaming cultivator or by staying inside the sect."


    "So you essentially be an indentured worker until you can free yourself?" Zac sighed. "Doesn''t sound like a good ce to send Kenzie."


    "It might sound harsh, but such are the rules of the universe. No one will go out of their way and share their arduously umted heritage for no return. Just working off the debt over a few centuries isn''t too bad as it will also help you improve on your craft, and there is nock of applicants to such ces. The best ones require both great connections and heaven-sent talents," Triv said.


    Kenzies future was something Zac had thought about, but it was ultimately up to her what path she wanted to take. She would need to find some environment that suited her unique gifts, and Zac knew that ce wasnt by his side. He needed mountains of enemies to cut his way through in order to progress, but she seemed far more suited to orthodox cultivation.


    Jeeves could help her improve both her ss and her skills, and she also made tremendous progress by just cultivating inside his cultivation cave. She might be able to make huge gains if she entered some of those ancient ces and gobbled up and improved all the great manuals and skills for herself. Just the thought made him both a bit excited and jealous.


    "What about me?" Zac asked. "Isn''t there some good opportunities for me like that as well?"


    "Well... Perhaps," Triv said hesitantly. "Young Master might be better off joining an army or a mercenary band and fight at the borders."


    The borders in this case were referring to the space outside the properly integrated space. The Zecia sector was huge, and it turned out that less than 3% could actually be considered part of some force''s domain. Most star systems might officially be within the domain of an Empire or Sect, but there was no way that they had the man-power or resources to keep a presence at the more remote zones.


    The he was sent to for his Hegemony quest was a prime example of that situation. The was integrated and part of the Allbright Empire, but it was so weak and declined that the System only provided the barest of functions. Most unimed territories were just a bunch of junks with low potential, but millions of ns, sects, and mercenary groups traveled those zones to find riches.


    There was always some treasure hiding among the mountain of trash. You never knew when you might find an unimed Mystic Realm, precious remnants, or valuable treasure.


    There were also the even more chaotic danger zones, such as the massive area full of Spatial Anomalies close to the Allbright Empire. There were no doubt far more opportunities therepared to the unimed areas, but there were also far more dangers. Only the craziest mercenaries decided to risk their lives in such a ce, contending not only with the pirates and unorthodox forces, but with the fickleness of space itself.


    Zac still hadn''t decided on his future course of action, but he instinctively felt unwilling to join a mercenary band or some army like Average. First of all, there was the risk of someone higher up in the organization bing interested in digging out his secrets. But there was also the simple fact that Zac enjoyed his freedom.


    His life had be a lot worse by most metrics since the integration, but one big plus was the huge degree of freedom he enjoyed.


    "They''re all through," Thea said through the crystal, waking Zac up from his dreams of the future.


    "Do it," Zac nodded at Triv, and the ghost infused its miasma into the Jammer.


    The Array immediately hummed into life, and Zac felt a weak pulse spreading out from where they stood. However, the wave immediately turned invisible after less than ten meters, and Zac knew there was no way the Zhix would be able to find the source. He jumped up to sit on the branch of one of the taller trees and it gave him a secluded vantage of the hive far in the distance. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Now it was up to the Zhix to deal with the rest.


    -----------


    N walked at the forefront of the army, the warriors of Hive Kundevi following close behind. The chaos in the human settlement caused by their appearance had been cause for some amusement, but it couldn''t shake the sense of heaviness that gripped the heart of the army. It wasn''t natural. Using corruption to fight other Zhix because of their use of corruption.


    Of course, the situation wasn''t as simple as that, but that was still how it felt among some of the army. There were no doubt still many Zhix inside the enemy hives who believed in the old precepts as well, but it couldn''t be helped. The corruption needed to be cleansed once and for all, and no roots of evil left behind.


    "Get ready," Rhubat rumbled from his position at the vanguard, and N looked up and saw the hive in the distance.


    The walls were lined with soldiers standing in wait, but N only needed a single nce to realize that the defenders were both outnumbered andcking in power. This wouldn''t be a battle, but a ughter. A few warriors of Hive Kundevi seemed to have reached the same conclusion, as some struggle appeared on their faces.


    "Remember the cause, remember the precepts," N said with a heavy tone, and the warriors shook themselves free from any stray thoughts.


    There were no negotiation and no posturing. Rhubat started increasing his steps as they came closer to the hive, and the Anointed lit up with corruption as the vast army behind them started running to keep up with their leaders.


    Hundreds of Punishment Spears, each of them dozens of meters long, appeared in the sky, all of them shuddering with unbridled killing intent. A rumbling roar was finally unleashed from the hundreds of thousands of warriors that covered the vast ins, and the air shook as a red cloud spread across the area.


    The haze was made from the congealed killing intent of the army, and it smoothly entered the fractal spears, empowering them with conviction. The Punishment Spears sucked in more and more, and the first group of attacks finally soared toward the hive as Rhubat, Vanexis, and Raha eachunched their spears forward with a mentalmand.


    Their power was far beyond that of the other Anointed, and they were able to carry the will of the Zhix with far greater grace than N could ever dream of. The whole mountain vibrated as the spears soared toward the standing army, but a massive shield sprung up to block them out. It looked like someone had stolen a piece of the night sky, a vast cosmos that enclosed the whole mountain that held the Dominator Hive.


    It was them. It was the undeniable mark of the Dominators, the proof of their corruption. Only they had the ability to drown the world in night like this. However, the scene didn''t deter the Crusaders in the slightest. It only bolstered the conviction, and dozens of spears shot into the shield the next moment as the Anointed poured everything they had into the projectiles.


    They all carried the momentum the Zhix had umted for millennia, the will to break free of the chains of the Dominators.


    The shield barely managed to hold against the attacks, but they weren''t done there. A ten-meter insignia depicting the seal of Hive Kundevi appeared behind N, and simr scenes yed out all across the front of the army. The seal shone down at N, causing its frame to grow another meter as the Regalia of the Crusade covered its frame.


    The power of the Anointment coursed through N''s veins, and all hesitation and worries were burnt out of its mind. The future didn''t matter any longer. Only the Crusade mattered. N''s feet turned to a blur as the leader shot toward the gctic shield, its ceremonial dagger already glowing with radiant luster.


    A terrifying shockwave spread out as N mmed into the wall, and small cracks spread out from where the dagger hit the barrier. The other Anointed had done the same, and the earth shook as one massive attack after another wasunched. The shield finally couldn''t take it any longer, and the night-sky dissipated like it had just been a dream.


    N didn''t need to give a signal on what to do next. The warriors of Hive Kundevi followed close behind as N made its move. A squad of traitors was butchered with one swing of N''s dagger, and the Kundevi Warriors made short work of the survivors. There were a lot of traitors still outside, but N didn''t focus on that as it pushed itself into the cramped entrance in front of it. N had a mission to perform, and there would be others to deal with the warriors on the slopes.


    The furious war machine of the Zhix was had once again awoken to face the threat of the Dominators, and not a single soul would be spared.

 Chapter 546: Massacre

    Chapter 546: Massacre


    Zac looked on with both awe and horror at the carnage that was taking ce in the distance. The Anointed were simply terrifying when working together, and Zac doubted that any local faction apart from his own would be able to survive their assault. He suddenly felt a presence to his side though, and he looked over to a neighboring tree as he drew his axe.


    Hey, Thea said as shended.


    Was I that easy to spot? Zac grimaced as he put <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> away.


    Well, I knew the jammer would be ced in this area, and that you would spectate. It was only a matter of time, Thea said as she turned back to the battlefield. Its a massacre.


    There were no two ways about it. The Zhix Crusaders were obviously not interested in taking prisoners or holding any trials to find the true culprits. Everyone in the hive received the same treatment; a swift death.


    Only ten minutes had passed since the battle started but less than 1% of the defending warriors remained. They were fighting desperately to prolong the inevitable, and Zac knew they fought for their honor, to prove their strength to their ancestors before they joined their ranks in the afterlife.


    A lot of them seems to have entered the hive, killing the civilians as well, Thea added after a brief pause.


    I know, Zac nodded.


    You could stop them. They would back down if you demanded it, she said.


    I think you underestimate the importance the Zhix put on this war. Its the very core of their society. Me telling them to stop would probably just give them two targets to fight rather than one, Zac said, and he added after some hesitation. But I have no intention of finding out.


    How are we any different than our enemies if we go down this path? Thea said as she turned to Zac.


    There was no anger simmering in her eyes, nor was there reproach. There was only an almost disturbing tranquility.


    Whos to say were any different? Zac sighed. Were just rival factions fighting in the mud. They must die so that we can live. Were not the good guys, and they arent really the bad guys. At least not most of them. We just have opposing interests.


    Hmm, Thea only said, notmenting any further.


    The silence stretched on, and Zac felt more and more suffocated as he looked at the increasingly silent mountain in the distance. Should he do something? Millions of lives would be extinguished just so that he could be sure that no karmic threats were lurking on Earth. How could he be so calm while enabling a genocide?


    Someones running, Thea suddenly said, and Zac saw what she was talking about.


    A hidden door had appeared just a few hundred meters away from their location, and a group of Zhix was hurrying out through it. It looked to be mostly elders and clergymen, but they were guarded by a squad of elites. It was probably the leaders of the hive, the mouthpieces of the true Dominators. They were the true target, at least for Zac, and if these people managed to fled then the crusade would lose most of its meaning.


    The hidden exit was extremely far from the Hive itself, and there was no way that their actions could be spotted by the Anointed. The squad of scouts wouldn''t be able to stop these guys either, even if they put their lives on the line.


    Ill deal with it, Zac said and immediately shed away, each step taking him dozens of meters through the forest.


    He appeared in front of the group of Zhix just a few secondster, prompting the group to stop in their tracks. They first looked horrified upon being intercepted, but they soon breathed out in relief when they saw it wasn''t an Anointed waiting for him, but rather a human.


    A human?! one of the elders eximed as he took two steps forward. Did your government send you? Hurry, help us get away from here. Our master is Void Disciple, and we have a working cooperation with your kind. You will be richl-


    The old Zhix didnt get any further. His body froze for an instant before it fell apart as blood spurted in every direction. A blue wave spread out the next moment, reaping the lives of more than half of the remaining escapees. Only those lucky enough to stand far away survived the attack that seemingly came out of nowhere.


    It was Thea who had arrived as well, weaving a tapestry of death all around her. A few of the guards shot toward her with reckless abandon, releasing a terrifying killing intent. They all seemed to have the same ss as well, some sort of earthen warrior. Stones grew to cover their whole bodies, and they quickly grew into 3-meter golems with sharp spikes for arms.


    Was this perhaps something devised to counter the towering Anointed?


    Carrying around a ton of rock on their bodies did nothing to slow them down, and they tried to stab Thea from every direction. However, their rocky exterior was like paper in front of her, and each swing of her new weapon reaped a life. She weaved through the insectoids like a dancer, each of her strikes both beautiful and deadly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac first felt her swordsmanship felt a bit ostentatious, but he soon realized there was meaning behind every movement. Just slightly repositioning her shoulder or lifting her weapon a few degrees caused changes in the battlefield as the warriors instinctively responded. It was like she was a puppeteer who magically created openings in her opponents to deliver instant death.


    The battle was over in less than thirty seconds, with Zac only killing two unlucky fellows who ran straight at him in their attempts to flee from Thea. The Marshall scion had done the rest, and her breath wasnt evenbored even though Zac knew she wasnt in perfect condition at the moment. She looked over at Zac with a small smile, before she shook her head and walked over.


    Ive told you already, stupid. Youre not alone in wanting to protect Earth, she said as she swung her sword in the air, causing all blood on it to fly off its edge. You dont have to carry this burden alone.


    Two Zhix scouts appeared the next moment ready for battle, but they froze when they saw the carnage. Zac briefly exined the situation, and one of them set off to fetch a regiment that could explore the escape tunnel. Zac and Thea walked back to the spot where the jammer was ced, and they found Triv nervously flitting back and forth until he spotted Zac.


    The war was still raging, but there were no more breakouts it seemed. Zac wordlessly watched as thest of the insurgent Zhix fell, his mind repeating Thea''s words over and over. It helped him with his confusion a bit, but it was impossible topletely shrug off the weight of sin he had amassed today.


    The four just needed to wait for another 20 minutes before one of the scouts returned to their hiding spot.


    It is done, Warmaster. You can release the lock, the scout said. The Anointed asked for you.


    Well be there in a minute, Zac nodded as he started to take out the Miasma Crystals from the array as Triv returned to his pagoda.


    The group flew over to the fallen hive a secondter, and they were shocked by the sight even if they had witnessed everything from a distance. It looked like the lone mountain was crying as streams of blood covered its slopes. The smell was even worse, and Thea visibly paled before she bent over and puked.


    Even Zac felt nauseated by the intense stench of death as hended the leaf. There were thankfully almost no corpses around though, but an enormous pyre was already burning some distance from the hive. Between the small mountain of corpses and how the world had been painted in blood, it really felt like they had entered the depths of hell.


    Zac once more felt his conviction waver as he looked around. It felt like this whole mountain had be cursed from what had transpired. Ominous energies swirled around the mountain, visible only to his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. This was something that couldnt be created by a normal war as far as he could tell, but rather a mass genocide of an entire poption.


    Warmaster, a bloodied Rhubat said as he walked over. The purification isplete. The next target awaits.


    Alright, Zac sighed, forcibly pushing down all the confusion and hesitation. Where to?


    Come with us first, Rhubat said as he activated the teleporter and walked inside.


    At least 90% of the Anointed followed Rhubat, but only a small part of the ordinary soldiers entered as well. It was around ten thousand normal warriors, all of them emitting a bloody aura. Zac guessed it was the captains and sergeants of the army, and he soon followed inside as well with Thea and Ibtep.


    They found themselves in another subterranean chamber the next moment, and Zacs eyes widened when there was yet another identical army already waiting. Its size was evenrger than thest one, probably approaching half a million warriors.


    We hope to be able to strike at least three hives before they realize whats going on, Rhubat said. After that, we will join our forces as we expect them to do the same. The next town is Gothenburg.


    Zac nodded in understanding and turned to Thea who activated the Teleporter once more.


    The same scene repeated itself as the vanguard stepped through the teleporter. Thea stayed behind as Zac set off with the advance scouts, and he looked around with marvel as they flew across the destendscape.


    Roughly a year had passed since the integration, which meant that summer should be approaching once more. However, you wouldnt get that feeling at all in the northern reaches of Pangea where the Scandinavian Cultivators had banded together and formed Asgard, an independent force allied to the Marshall n.


    It was Zacs first time this far out on the reaches of the massive continent. He had generally traveled within the hearnds where most humans and incursions ended up, or to the southeast where the Dead Zone was located. This area didnt look like the old Scandinavia though, but it would be more apt to say they had appeared on the Arctic Circle.


    Thickyers of ice and snow had turned the world white, but that actually didnt mean that it was lifeless. He saw towering trees braving the extreme weather, seemingly unbothered by the permafrost. A massive pack of wolves consisting of thousands of hunters passed by beneath them as well, proving there was ample prey avable as well.


    It was the magical effect of Cosmic Energy. Zac guessed the temperature was minus 30 degrees or so, but he only felt a bit chilly in his normal robes. It would have to be a lot colder than this for him to be affected at all, so it was no wonder that beasts could deal with it just fine. There were probably a lot of humans who sumbed to the harsh environment at the beginning of the integration though.


    They soon found their spot close to the hive and set up the Jamming array hidden by a mountain of ice. The same scene of carnage repeated itself an hourter. The snow-covered Hive had turnedpletely red as the merciless Zhix army ughtered all the citizens of the Hive. Zac started to feel numb to the carnage, but he still felt hollow inside as he gazed at the puddles of blood that had turned to ice all over the mountain.


    The ughter continued from there, but something suddenly changed when the army arrived at the fifth hive. This time a full million Zhix marched across the wastnd, and Zac felt horrified at the amount of Nexus Coins the Zhix had spent to move around the armies like this. A war of this scale was probably only possible thanks to the wealth that the Zhix had gained from fighting the zombies over the past months.


    Thest four assaults were essentially one-sided ughters, but it looked like the Dominators were finally responding in kind. There was barely any free ground around the insurgent hive as hundreds of thousands of warriors stood at the ready.


    There were also massive towers that had been erected at the perimeter, seemingly ast-minute purchase from the Town Shop. They all radiated power, and Zac knew that there would be noticeable casualties to push past that line of defense. He even asked if they wanted him to act as a wall-breaker, but the Zhix War Council actually rejected it.


    He could only shake his head in bemusement as he looked on, but he was relieved to see that the Zhix werentpletely incapable of resisting the fiery barrages that the towersunched. Those enormous seals that the Anointed summoned seemed to be a natural War Array of some kind, and the Zhix warriors infused it with power to create a sturdy shield that protected them from attacksing from above.


    However, the Array Towers was only the first counter that the defenders had prepared for them.


    Hidden pathways suddenly opened up behind the Anointed army and warriors flooded out of them. The War Council suddenly found themselves pincered as they dealt with the barriers and Array Towers to the Front, and an all-out assault from the rear. Worse yet, almost all of the Anointed were at the other side of the army acting as a vanguard, so the elite Zhix among the Dominators faced little resistance as they pushed into the rearguard.


    Worry gripped Zacs heart as he looked at the scene, and he decisively started walking toward the army with a ruthless gleam. He had happily stayed out of the war until now as some sort of coping mechanism, but he couldnt allow this to go on. Their losses would be too big if he didn''t turn things around.


    Are you really doing this? After standing back so long? Thea asked from behind, and Zac only nodded in response.


    However, he only managed to take a few steps before his mind screamed of danger. He immediately tried to sh away, but he was shocked to find himself rooted in ce as the whole world rapidly slowed to a crawl. One possibility immediately entered his mind.


    Had the true Dominators finally made their appearance?

 Chapter 547: Monster

    Chapter 547: Monster


    Zac''s danger sense was screaming for him to watch out, but he didnt need a sixth sense to realize that he was in trouble. He immediately activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> while the emerald leaves of <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> exploded out from his body, covering him from every direction.


    The spectral forest rose around him as well, but Zacs worries only intensified when he saw that the trees and leaves of his two skills were quickly stopped in their tracks as well. The leaves just froze in the air, utterly incapable of intercepting any attacks. He tried to look around in search of a threat, but he found himself stuck in position as well, no longer able to move at all.


    The war was still raging in the distance though, proving that time hadn''t really stopped. It seemed that the effect only reached 30 meters or so judging by the movement of the grass on the ground. It was an extremely ufortable experience to somehow be out of sync with the world around him. It felt a bit like when the world froze as the Chaos Pattern emerged during the tower, but he also got a simr feeling like when the Karmic Cultivator of the Hayner n tried to control his movements.


    However, he could at least be certain that it wasnt the System who was messing with him. Arge hooded being had appeared in the sky, reaching over twenty meters into the air. Zac tried to discern its features, but it actually looked like it didnt have a face. In ce of facial features, there was just a swirling void.


    It held some weird brass contraption that seemed to contain the mysteries of the universe itself, and it felt like it was this item that was rooting him in ce. Zac couldnt be sure, but he believed that the skill both contained a hint of both Space and Karma. Zac guessed that it was the avatar of some sort of ultimate technique, and going by the types of energies there was one clear suspect; The Dominators.


    Zac was quickly proven right when he finally spotted the source of the restraints, an unassuming Zhix wearing the standardbat regalia of the Zhix War Council Army. However, instead of the short spears or daggers that the Zhix favored, he was instead wielding a pitch-ck spear of full length that hummed with power.


    The reason Zac knew this spear-wielding Zhix was his attacker was simple; he couldnt sense the warrior''s aura. It was just like when he first met Inevitability, it was almost like there was no one standing in front of him. However, the Zhix warrior was very much alive, and he stepped into the locked zone and started making his way toward Zac.


    Zac strained to rip himself free, but he couldnt even begin amassing any power in his limbs. It felt like he was trying to overturn the fundamentalws of the universe by moving, he nced at the Zhix with some incredulity. How was he this strong? The strength of this restraining skill meant two things.


    First of all, he could pretty much be sure that he was dealing with Harbinger, thest of the three elite Dominators. He had already met the other two, and the presumed Dominators beneath the three leaders were over 15 levels behind. There was no way someone at level 85 would be able to unleash a force of this magnitude.


    Secondly, the Dominator was likely burning his life-force to deal with him. Zac knew that the Dominators were strong, but there shouldn''t be such a disparity that he couldn''t even lift his fingers in response. There was also a familiar aura on him, reminding him of that old warrior among the Berum Resistance who sacrificed his life to let them assault the Nenothep mountain.


    Messing with life-force wasn''t something that people could do willy-nilly. First of all, you generally needed some sort of Berserker skill to tap into the core of your being. Using such a thing was essential to sacrifice 800 warriors to kill 1000. It wasn''t a tap you could turn on and off, but something that had arge risk of killing or crippling your cultivation. Zac knew he was an exception of sorts with how the Shard worked.


    Harbinger was going a step further, putting everything on the line.


    However, Zac didnt feel hopeless as there were no doubt limitations to a skill or treasure as powerful as this. As expected, not only did Harbinger have some problems pushing through the spatial lock himself, but the Avatar was slowly dissipating in the sky.


    A quick calction proved that Zac would get skewered before the lock dissipated though, and he frantically looked for a solution. A nce toward Thea showed that she was trapped as well, but she was thankfully at the edge of the sphere. There was no way that Harbinger would have time to target them both as he could only move at a slow walk.


    The Cosmic Energy felt like syrup in his body, and Zac wasnt really able to rotate it with the momentum needed to activate his skills. However, he had actually already activated two of them, and Zac gave amand to the divine tree stalwartly standing behind him.


    The ceremonial band on the tree trunk snapped, and a shield started to form around him. However, just the edges had time to materialize before it was frozen as well, essentially looking like a hollow ringpletely incapable of defending anyone. Zac wanted to swear when he saw the scene, but he was unable to form the words.


    A defensive talisman fizzled the next moment as well, proving that the restrictions didn''t only apply to his skills.


    Harbinger seemed to have expected the failures, and a small smile crept up across his face as he closed in on Zac. His spear moved in slow-motion, but it slowly angled itself to begin a mighty jab aimed straight at his throat. The Dominator was going for an instant kill.


    Real worry finally started to grip Zac''s heart as one back-up n after another had failed. He had initially believed that he would always be able to flee with the help of his newly acquired escape talismans, but he wasn''t so sure any longer after seeing how nothing seemed to work inside this field.


    However, a shudder in his mind suddenly made his eyes light up. Most things were frozen in ce, but there were exceptions. No matter what rules or Dao that were the basis for Harbingers skills, how could they trump the concepts of Creation and Oblivion. The two remnants werepletely unaffected inside their prison, and the mysterious energies that had infiltrated his soul moved about as usual as well.


    Wasnt this a perfect asion to try out something he had been holding on to up till now?


    -----------------


    Thea hovered frozen in the air, filled with a sense of impotence as she saw Zac in the same predicament. The terrifying Zhix pushed through the sealed space as though it was wading through water, and it was almost upon Zac. Its spear was already moving toward Zacs throat, and the weapon gained a stronger and stronger radiance.


    The air around the weapon was cracking and splitting apart, which was very telling of its power. The Zhix was putting it all on the line with that one strike. Thea could even sense they were empowered by an offensive Dao Fragment, and she wasn''t confident that even Zacs terrifying constitution would be able to withstand the attack.


    She tried to figure out some way to help him out, just long enough for this seal to break, but she wasing up empty-handed. Her skills simply wouldn''t activate, and she wasn''t able to reach down toward her Cosmos Sack to take out any treasures. She felt her eyes were burning as she saw the spearpoint inching ever closer, passing straight beneath the incipient emerald shield that failed to properly form.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, a shocking aura suddenly mmed into the core of her being and she looked with shock and horror at Zac. He looked the same as before, but Thea felt that she was gazing upon a natural cmity rather than a fellow cultivator. His eyes turned into metallic orbs as ck runes slowly appeared across his face, seemingly creating a tattoo pathway that led down toward his shoulders.


    The runes looked simple enough, but they still contained a primordial power, something that Thea hadnt even encountered when dealing with Irei or his terrifying sword intent. Just what had Zac gotten himself mixed up in to have something so terrifying appearing on his body?


    Unfortunately, it didnt seem as though the Zhix was deterred by Zacs outburst of power, but rather the opposite. Its mouth curved upward in a ruthless smile and its until now subdued aura exploded outward, hitting Thea like a sledgehammer. How was this assassin so powerful? The aura was far stronger than that of Inevitability back during the hunt!


    Was it actually Voids Disciple, the leader of the Dominators?


    Or was Inevitability perhaps actually limited somehow inside the hunt, making that chain-wielding lunatic unable to put forth its full potential. It didnt matter right now though as the spear was cutting through space itself as it finally reached Zacs throat.


    However, no blood was actually drawn as the mysterious runes already covered much of Zacs throat, and it seemed able to resist the sharp point of the pitch-ck daggers. The Zhix didnt seem surprised, and a shimmering fractal halo made from inscrutable runes lit up behind him like he was a saint that had suddenly reached enlightenment.


    The whole area was drowned in a shimmering dark-blue luster, and the spear gained newfound momentum as it was flooded with some sort of powerful energy. It allowed the spear to push even further into Zacs skin as it seemed to infuse the dagger itself with some mysterious power. Zacs defenses couldnt stop the weapon and the weapon finally started sliding into his throat. There were no groans of pain or gouts of blood, but Thea knew that was only because space was still frozen.


    Despair flooded Thea''s heart as she saw Zacs throat slowly being ripped open, the sickening sound of the spear digging deeper was the only thing she could hear in this frozen zone. Was this really it? Was this how the savior of Earth would fall? Was the defense of his mysterious tattoos really not enough to save him?


    A terrifying change suddenly took ce as Zac finally exploded out with power. It was like that terrifying aura from before was congealed, and she looked on with incredulity as Zac''s arms suddenly shot forward with impossible speed as a sphere of unadulterated power emerged from his hands.


    It felt like Thea''s brain stopped working as she looked at the brownish sphere. It was as big as a football but it somehow felt as massive as a sun. Even odder, it felt like her memory and impressions were continuously being destroyed and renewed as she looked at it, making it impossible for her to form an opinion on what that thing was actually made from. It was Dao but it wasn''t Dao. It was Cosmic Energy but it wasn''t Cosmic Energy.


    One thing was for sure though; it wasn''t restrained by the spatial cage they found themselves in, and it flew straight toward the chest of the Dominator. The Zhix saw the sphere shooting toward his body, but itpletely ignored it and instead pushed its weapon even harder, seemingly fine with both of them going down to the underworld together.


    But even that powerful Zhix couldnt have anticipated the scene that took ce next.


    There was no explosion and no shockwave as the ball hit the chest of the assassin, just an instantaneous expansion followed by utter annihtion. Thea couldnt see exactly how big the attack was, as there literally wasnt anything to see, but she could still sense what <em>didnt </em>exist. It felt like space and time had simply been removed from existence where the sphere exploded, and not even a vacuum remained.


    The spatial lock was broken as the massive avatar in the sky fell apart, and the ground beneath Thea cracked as she shot away as quickly as her legs could move her. It wasn''t a conscious decision, but a primal fear of whatever Zac had unleashed. To get too close was to die, where one''s soul wouldn''t even be able to remain. Only after running for hundreds of meters did she manage to stop herself, but her heart wouldn''t stop beating like a drum.


    Only then did Thea see what had happened to the Zhix. Its torso and most of its legs were simply gone, leaving not as much as a scrap behind. Most of its arms had been annihted as well, only hanging on to its neck by a thin ribbon of flesh. She knew there was noing back from that, especially as she could sense a hint of that aura of annihtion in its remaining body parts as well.


    Zac looked the same as before apart from the running blood that stained his chest red. The spear was still embedded in his throat, but he ripped it out without a care in the world. Thea''s horror increased even further when the wound closed on itself with speed visible to the eyes, and there was only one thought in her head when she saw those terrifying lifeless eyes of his.


    <em>Monster.</em>

 Chapter 548: Wrath

    Chapter 548: Wrath


    A wave of pain spread across Zac''s body, shocking him awake from his trance-like state. He still felt under the influence of his skill though as the world was drowned in a metallic luster. He took a steadying breath as he looked around, and he finally spotted the remains of Harbinger.


    However, Zac''s brows rose when he realized that he actually hadn''t gained any Cosmic Energy so far, and he pushed his exhausted body to walk over to the Zhix assassin. He was full of vignce that it might release a final desperate attack, but he quickly realized that Harbinger was in no position to do so.


    Cracks spread across the insectoid''s remaining body parts before they crumbled to dust like his body was made from burnt-out wood rather than flesh and blood. There was also no energy remaining in its body ording to <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. The fact that the Zhix was still living was a miracle. There was no way that it would have the power to attack in this state.


    You sacrificed most of your life-force to keep me trapped so long. Even if you seeded you wouldnt live much longer, Zac said with a hoarse voice. All this for some insane cultivator that happened to visit your world thousands of years ago?


    I dont care about him, the crumbling head actually managed to say with a whisper. All for father.


    Harbinger died the next moment, and Zac felt a tremendous surge of Cosmic Energy entering his body. This was by far the greatest amount of energy he had ever gained from a single kill, with the possible exception of the Dragon. However, he was both level capped and unconscious that time around, so it didn''t really count.


    Cracking open the next node shouldn''t be an issue with this much energy, even if he barely had worked on it so far. However, Zac wasnt as interested in a single nodepared to the other things that were going on in his body, so he just trapped the energy before moving on.


    This was the first time he had activated his <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </strong>to summon a bronze sh since his battle with the dragon, and he was a bit shocked how well things went, all things considered. There was no need to maim himself and almost no difficulty at all to summon the bronze sh, and he somehow even managed to shoot it out of his hands.


    It really seemed that the forcibly redrawn pathways on his shoulders did exactly what he had hoped.


    However, even if the result was good there were undeniably some problems with how things went. First of all, he quickly lost control over the remnants'' energies and he ended up using everything instead of just a portion. His soul waspletely drained of the energy that had been slowly siphoned off the Splinter and it would probably take weeks before he could evenunch a weaker bronze sh.


    He had alsopletely cked out there for a second when the infused energies passed a certain threshold. He had felt a sharp stab in his soul and only woke up after he had finished the attack. However, he had not onlyunched the strike but even healed himself with help of the Shard of Creation while unconscious, and there were fragmented memories of his actions.


    Perhaps it would be more apt to say that he had entered some sort of auto-pilot or trance-like state, but it made him wonder if it was actually himself or the Remnants that was behind the wheel. In any case, it proved that he needed to keep grinding at the Soul Strengthening Array. He had been able to use his mind to slow down the flow of energy a little bit when activating <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, proving he might be able to freely control it in the future.


    Are you okay? a hesitant voice asked from the side, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    Zac looked over, only to feel a searing pain on his shoulder. A couple of hairline cracks had appeared out of nowhere just as some sort of fractal pathway disappeared, looking just like the ones that consumed the remains of Harbinger. Fear surged in Zac''s chest, but he slowly calmed down when he realized that it didn''t seem as though the cracks would spread any further.


    Was this a side-effect from unleashing a bronze sh of this magnitude? Was his body perhaps unable to bear the Dao of Oblivion, even if it was just a shadow of a corner of that high-tiered Dao?


    In fact, his attack couldnt really be called a sh any longer. It was a proper sphere of unadulterated destruction. It had disintegrated everything within a one-meter diameter. That was enough to pretty much kill any humanoid of normal size. Better yet, Zac doubted that there were too many things on Earth that could block those kinds of scary energies.


    Space itself broke apart and was destroyed, how was some defensive talisman going to protect against that?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Im fine, Zac eventually answered, though that wasnt entirely true.


    The cracks on his shoulders wasn''t the only thing ailing him. Zac felt weak all over, like he hadn''t only overtaxed his mind but also his body. He still had an ample amount of Cosmic Energy remaining, but his mental energy was almost drained clean.


    What Was that? Thea eventually asked as she kept her distance from Zac. My mind has never screamed of danger like that before, not even when I was on the brink of dying. And I wasn''t even the target.


    I guess you could say it was pure annihtion, Zac sighed. Dont think about it too much. It involves some things that I can''t talk about. Just considerer it one of my hidden cards.


    Some card, Thea muttered as she looked down at the tragic remains of Harbinger.


    Harbinger''s face had cracked in two and copsed into its skull, making it seem as though the head was just a broken sculpture. Zac sighed as he looked at the odd scene. Some card indeed. Only he knew there were still too many issues to resolve before it could really be called a hidden card though.


    Apart from hiscking control, there was one more fundamental weakness to his Annihtion Sphere; it took too long to charge up. Who would let Zac stand still for a few seconds while he radiated that terrifying aura? He got lucky with Harbinger since he was willing to die toplete his strike, but most people didnt have that conviction.


    They would either strike him from a distance or run for their lives if they encountered an attack imbued with oblivion. They wouldn''t be trapped in a spatial lock like Thea or Harbinger. That meant he needed to learn how to create an opening so that he could get a chance to shoot out the st without obstruction or interruption.<strong></strong>


    Annihtion Even its Cosmos Sack is gone, Thea muttered from the side.


    Zac swore in surprise and hurried over to the corpse, no longer caring about the long-term implications of his situation.


    It was true. There was simply nothing left between the insectoid''s lower thighs and shoulders. Not even a scrap remained, meaning anything Harbinger carried on its belt or back was gone.


    "Well, shit."


    OPEN IT! Inevitability screamed as the air around her wailed from her unbridled bloodlust.


    We cant, Lady Inevitability! Theres a- an elder cried, but it didnt get any further before it was turned to meat paste from ashing.


    Over one hundred corpses were already strewn around her, but it did nothing to stymie the fury that was building in her chest. She had hoped to unleash it on her brother''s killer, but these people were useless. She couldnt hold it in any longer, and she released a roar filled with her fury and madness.


    The whole chamber quaked and cracks spread along the walls, but Inevitability didnt care as she let the anger consume her. It rose with wave after wave until she barely remembered her name, it was all made inconsequential by the fiery wrath. Crackling sounds echoed out in the subterranean chamber as her skin ruptured and fell apart, but a newyer had already grown beneath it.


    It was different from before. The skin was harder yet flexible, and there were streaks of red hidden right beneath the surface. Inevitability''s remaining sliver of sanity knew it was a good thing, and she kept delving deeper and deeper into her madness as her power skyrocketed.


    She felt she was filled with boundless power, and dozens of chains appeared around her, wildly iling about in a mad dance of exuberance. Harbinger was almostpletely forgotten as she drank the sweet nectar of strength.


    Some of the already damaged walls couldnt take it any longer and copsed and screams echoed out across the hive. However, the screams ended as abruptly as they came as the chains seemed to have a life of their own. They shot forward like a pack of frenzied beasts the moment they found something living.


    Of course, it was Inevitability that was giving free rein to her bloodlust. It felt like a bottomless abyss, but each kill filled it a little bit. The moment the abyss had turned into a sea of blood she would be made whole.


    Enough.


    The calm voice was like a bucket of cold water that ripped Inevitability back to reality. She found herself standing in the middle of the ruins of her Hive, over tenyers turned to rubble. Thousands of corpses and hacked-off body parts were strewn across the area, and a putrid stench made her nose curl.


    What bad luck that she had damaged the air vents as well.


    But most importantly she saw that the Teleportation Array had just activated, and Voids Disciple had emerged. He was clearly furious, but he still seemed distracted by something as his gaze was trained on her.


    This is unexpected, Voids Disciple said as he looked her up and down, and Inevitability felt her heartbeat speed up.


    But the gaze of her father-husband wasnt enough to make her forget what had happened just now.


    They killed him, Inevitability said with grit teeth. How could those abominations aplish something like that?! We need to rip them to pieces.


    Your brother should have been able to kill at least a few dozen Anointed before safely escaping. His survivability is even higher than yours, Voids Disciple slowly said with his brows furrowed. Something must have gone wrong. Did he encounter the remaining zealots or the Super Brother-Man?


    He raised his hand the next moment and a screen of light appeared, showing a grainy image of a human whose face covered in weird markings. In front of him were just a head and a pitch-ck spear. The man standing above her brother''s remains looked a bit different, but how couldnt Inevitability recognize that cursed man?


    Its him! The human! ILL KILL HIM! Inevitability screamed as the red streaks across her body lit up.


    We might have a chance if we hurry, Voids Disciple muttered as his body exploded with power.


    The Teleportation Array lit up the next moment, but it flickered ominously. Void''s Disciple kept infusing more and more power, but he was suddenly pushed back by a spatial storm and a couple of shallow wounds appeared on his face.


    Is it my fault? Did I damage it? Inevitability asked with worry.


    No. I am unable to force my way through the disturbance, Voids Disciple grunted. I have just touched the edge of the Dao of Space, it is not enough.


    A killing intent that could easily match her own exploded out the next moment as Voids Disciple roared in fury and frustration, his face twisted into a mask of madness and murder. Inevitabilitys eyes lit up at the sight. This was the true face of Voids Disciple, and she was now the only one to have seen that visage and lived to tell the tale.


    Voids Disciple punched down at the Teleportation Array the next moment, and it actually cracked.


    Inevitabilitys eyes widened even further as she knew just how sturdy the things provided by the System were. She had attacked the Teleportation Arrays multiple times before out of boredom and curiosity, but she had not even been able to leave a mark.


    The second stage of Void Disciples <strong>[Void Crusher]</strong> was unleashed the next moment as thousands of spatial rifts shot out across the area. They dug into the earth or passed straight through a few of the lucky survivors, cutting anything into pieces until they formed a spherical pattern hundreds of meters wide.


    It looks like the Heavens doesnt want to provide today, Voids Disciple sighed, his face once more turning expressionless. But we will have our chance inside the Mystic Realm. Harbingers death at least came with some good. Your anger reached a high enough level to awaken your imnted bloodline.


    Is that what this is? Inevitability blurted as she looked down at her hands, a ruthless grin spreading across her face.


    This was exactly what she needed to exact her revenge.


    You need to enter the machine once more. That way you will be able to stabilize it and stop your body from rejecting it, Voids Disciple nodded.


    Inevitability nched when she thought back to that contraption that had tortured her in the darkness for weeks, but she knew better than to argue with her master. He might have outwardly calmed down, but she knew better than anyone that the fires were still burning beneath the surface. To question him now was to ask for death.


    Lets go, Voids Disciple said as he ripped open a tunnel in space. This ce will notst much longer.


    The two stepped through the mid-range gate, leaving the wounded where they were. However, they only needed to suffer for a few seconds before the remaining spatial rifts congealed into a singr point.


    The next moment the whole Hive imploded, leaving nothing but a perfectly spherical crater behind.

 Chapter 549: Adcarkas

    Chapter 549: Adcarkas


    Harbinger''s Cosmos Sack was gone, its contents probably lost in some unreachable spatial fold, but there was at least something for him to loot; the pitch-ck spear that was lying in the grass, its shaft still in the grip of the Dominator. It was definitely valuable, probably a High-Quality Spirit Tool judging by the spirituality it emitted.


    Zac lifted it and looked it over for a few seconds, but he couldnt figure out what it was made of. It was extremely hard and looked like some sort of stone, but it was pliable like a spear made from wood or metal. He was able to bend it almost 180 degrees when he exerted himself, and it sprung back to its original form the moment he let go.


    It was a bit regretful, but it definitely looked like something that was a perfect fit for Ogras.


    He didn''t begrudge the demon from finally getting his hands on a Spirit Tool. A boost in Ograsbat strength was a direct benefit for Port Atwood. But Zac had been the one to almost get himself killed this time, yet he gained nothing, not even some trinkets. Perhaps he could squeeze some of the valuables out of the demons paws in exchange for the weaponter.


    Warmaster, are you safe? a rumbling voice suddenly echoed out as Rhubat came rushing, closely followed by a score of massive Anointed and hundreds of elite warriors. We sensed a massive spike in corruption and realized something was happening here.


    Only then did Zac remember the ongoing war, but he breathed in relief when he saw that things werent as bad as he had feared. The Anointed had spread out and reinforced the rear, and the frontlines were stable enough to allow a contingent to freely head over to his location.


    Larger numbers weren''t enough to turn the tides when the opponents were lifeforce-burning Anointed.


    We got ambushed, Zac said as he pointed at the head on the ground. I think it''s Harbinger, but I cant tell for sure.


    It was truly one of the three! another of the Anointed eximed. "The head releases such waves of corruption even in death."


    This is Karath... It''s really them, Rhubat sighed as the giant knelt down to inspect the remains. I met this one before the integration. To think such a promising schr was hiding a secret like this. This must mean that Void''s Disciple is Adcarkas after all, the Sage of the Grand Basin.


    Zac''s brows rose in interest. It sounded like the Dominators were actually some sort of important people even before the Integration. Their ability to mask their powers must have been shocking to be able to walk among the Zhix with their corruption-spotting antennae. He wanted to know more about their history, but there were more pressing matters at the moment.


    So, whats our next move? Zac asked. It seems that the enemies have realized what were doing here.


    Four hives were cleansed before this, and enough warriors to fill three more will be purified in this battle, Rhubat slowly said. The numbers are now in our favor. We will try to keep going and take out more Hives, but we expect the remaining heretics to have adapted by now. Our warriors need rest as well, so we will pause for reconnaissance after this battle.


    Good, Zac nodded with some relief. I need to rest a bit as well. How long do you need?


    He had a huge amount of energy sloshing around his body at the moment, and he didnt want to waste it.


    Ten hours, Rhubat said after some thought before he turned toward Thea. Wed like to keep the Pathfinder though in order to send out the scouts.


    Thats fine with me, Thea nodded.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Anointed returned to the war after seeing that everything was fine, but they still stayed close-by so that they coulde to Zac''s aid at moment''s notice. Zac himself was about to sit down and rest up, but he suddenly saw an azure stream of light shooting straight toward him. He wasnt worried as he saw the magical light though, but rather amused.


    It was Triv who was using some sort of movement skill to return to him and the Jammer.


    Young master, you are safe, the ghost said with relief as it congealed into a proper form.


    Just where did you go earlier? Zac snorted. I couldnt find you anywhere.


    I, ah repositioned myself a bit. I did not want to be a burden during the Young Masters fight. That aura you released the ghost hesitantly said.


    Well, thank you for your assistance, Zac snorted, not seeing any reason to divulge the origins of his Annihtion Sphere. Theck of information might help keep the ghost in check even better. I need to keep the energy inside my body for another hour while they finish up the battle. Look after the Jammer for me.


    He didnt dare break open the node right away in case one of the other Dominators would show up so he could only focus on retaining the energy until he could go back to Port Atwood. The battle thankfully didntst that long though, and Zac hurried toward the Teleportation Array of the fallen Hive after just 40 minutes.


    The deaths after this battle were staggering evenpared to the previous ones, and Zac sighed when he heard that over 100 000 of their own had fallen over thest hour. It was still a great victory on paper considering how many enemies they faced, and a testament to how a small group of elites like the Anointed could keep fatalities down. But their losses were stillrge enough to popte a small town, making it hard to celebrate the win.


    Zac soon appeared in hispound, and he found Joanna sitting in meditation just outside. She woke up when she sensed the fluctuations from the array and immediately turned to Zac.


    I wasnt able to contact you, but Billys returned as well, Joanna said with an odd face.


    Did he pass the trial? Zac asked.


    I dont know, Joanna said after some hesitation. But I think so?


    Whats going on? Where is he? Zac asked with a frown.


    Hes just outside the Dao Repository. Hes been sleeping for 14 hours straight, Joanna said. He isnt deeply wounded, but it looks like someone has been using him as a punching bag. He fell asleep the moment he emerged from the Inheritance, and Bra immediately threw him out because of the snores. I tried to move him but he almost bashed my head in without waking up.


    Zacs gazed at the Valkyrie with confusion before he shed over to the Dao Repository once more. It didnt take a lot of effort to find where the giant was lying as it sounded like someone was performingrge-scale logging in his forest.


    Billy was lying sprawled on his back just outside the tiled square of the Dao Repository, and Zac couldnt help butugh when he saw Billys face. It waspletely swollen to the point that it looked like he just had an allergic reaction. However, the fact that his face also was almost purple fromyers of bruises that looked like meaty fists indicated he had been repeatedly punched.


    It seemed that the titans trial was a lot more straightforward than his own or Theas.


    Zac guessed that Billys nose was broken as well as it waspletely congested which caused the terrifying snore, and he shook his head as he prodded him from some distance with the help of his club.


    NO MORE! Billy screamed as he shot up to his feet.


    The giant wildly looked around for a few seconds with heaving breaths until he realized what was going on.


    Ah- Its you. Billy thought he was still stuck with the crazy one, Billy sighed in relief as he sat down.


    How did it go? Zac smiled as he took out an ointment. Your face is a bit swollen. This will help.


    Stupid crazy Titan said he wanted to teach Billy self-defense. But it only ended with Billy being punched in the face over and over, Billy sighed. But Billy is a lot better at defending now! Come, hit Billy.


    Uh, okay, Zac said before he immediately moved forward, his club ripped through the air as he swung it toward Billys chin with a decent amount of strength.


    However, Billys massive muscles suddenly tightened to the point that they looked like steel wires, and the hulking man turned to a blur the next instant. Zacs mind suddenly screamed of danger as the grotesque skull on Billys club was bearing down on him with shocking speed.


    The ground cracked all around Zac as he pushed himself back, narrowly avoiding the smash. He looked with surprise at the giant, feeling he was over twice as fast as before. Billy had neither excelled at defense nor speed before, making him an extremely lopsided meathead. However, one of those weaknesses had been shored up during the inheritance it looked like.


    But it seemed to be his speed rather than endurance that had been improved, so Zac didn''t understand what Billy meant by self-defense.


    I thought you said that the Titan taught you how to protect yourself? Zac asked with some confusion.


    Crazy man said that the best way to not get hit is to kill everyone before they can hit you, Billy sagely said.


    Hard to argue with that logic, Joanna snorted from the side.


    Crazy man taught Billy a good skill that makes Billy quicker the stronger he gets. But it is very tiring, Billy sighed as he gulped down a couple of huge mouthfuls of water.


    Zac believed he understood what Billy was talking about. It was either some sort of rare skill that increased Billys Dexterity based on his Strength, or perhaps a movement skill that was based on Strength rather than Dexterity as was the norm.


    I have to go, Zac sighed. What are you doing next Billy?


    Billy is going to Billyville, Billy said after some thought. Billy is tired and has not been home for a long time.


    That sounds good, Zac said and added after some thought. Thea and I are going away in a few weeks. To a special ce like the hunt. We dont know how long we will be gone. Do you want toe as well?


    Why are you going there? Billy asked curiously.


    Find treasure and beat up bad guys, Zac smiled.


    Haha, you always do that. You need a hobby. But Billy wille help you, Billy grinned as he started walking away, heading toward the town.


    Zac nodded at Joanna who followed him to make sure he got home rather than kidnapped by some group of lovestruck demons. He was left alone in his private forest, and he entered his courtyard to finally absorb the massive amount of Cosmic Energy surging through his body.


    However, he didnt immediately push the energy into his body, but he rather swapped over to his Draugr-form first. He figured that if one of his pathways was going to be destroyed, then it might as well be the pathways in his undead form. His human pathways wouldnt be harmed this way as they would be stored in his specialty core.


    This allowed him to keep using his Human form while recuperating while only bearing some of the detriments of node-breaking. He would still be weakened due to the shock to the system, but he would be able to use Cosmic Energy without getting a bacsh like in the Dead Zone.


    The process went quite smoothly, if you could consider a part of your body literally blowing up smooth. The energy from taking out the Dominator was easily able to crack open his eigth node, even though that node alone required about as much energy as the first three nodesbined. The energy was even enough to provide his Fetters of Destion ss with a level and set the foundation for his ninth node, meaning he was now level 83 in his Undead form while his human side was still 82.


    The next node was in an unfortunate spot though. It was just between his right elbow and his bicep, making it a very precarious spot. He had already learned to somewhat decrease the degree to which he maimed himself with every node opening, but he needed to be careful now. His arms were pretty damn muscrpared to before the integration, but they were still far thinnerpared to his legs.


    One mishap and he might find himself in the same situation as Ogras, with only a stub for an arm. He wouldnt be able to grow it back before reaching D-Grade at the earliest unless he managed to get his hands on a treasure with the same effect. However, Ogras had searched high and low for such a thing in the Base Town without any sess, so items with that sort of effect seemed as rare as soul-mending treasures.


    He needed to keep improving the process of node-opening with every level he gained. Pretty much all the nodes during early E-Grade were located in his extremities, but he would move onto more precarious cements in middle E-Grade. Inte E-Grade, the nodes would all be located around his head and heart, and even cultivators could die from a single mistake at that point, let alone mortals.


    A wave of exhaustion gripped him after the upgrade wasplete, and he fell into a deep slumber as the Fragment of the Bodhi worked on both his node-rted wound and the weird cracks that had appeared on his shoulders and neck.


    Zac woke up only seven hourster, and he frowned when he saw that the tears from unleashing the Annihtion Sphere hadn''t healed at all. They didn''t really seem to cause any more problems than some random scars, but Zac knew it was important that he slowly healed the wounds. These kinds of injuries were a big problem to cultivators.


    High-concept wounds from battles or overextending yourself was like spiritual sequ, and it could cause problems to one''s future cultivation if left unchecked. What if some remnants of Oblivion hiding in his shoulders suddenly exploded when he opened a near-by node in the future? He might die then and there.


    Zacs body was still feeling wrung out even after resting for such a long time, and something seemed to have changed at the war front while he was out. N and Ibtep had actually appeared in Port Atwood as he was inspecting his body, and they were quickly ushered to hispound.


    Whats going on? Zac asked when he saw the two Zhix. "I thought I was supposed to meet up with you in two hours?"


    There is no need. A challenge has been issued and a final battle will take ce in ten days, N simply said.

 Chapter 550: Swamp

    Chapter 550: Swamp


    Ten days? Zac frowned. Why dont we just keep going?"


    The New World Governments deadline for entering the Mystic Realm was inching closer, and he definitely couldnt get caught outside when the hidden world closed its doors. Besides, wanted to be over with this bloody matter as quickly as possible.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Our scouts returned a few hours ago. The hives are emptied, except one that is utterly destroyed. Only the weak have been left behind, just like during a migration. The number of remaining Zhix is still in the millions, but we cannot locate them. A letter of challenge was issued just an hour ago though. For the future of the Zhix, Ibtep exined.


    Zac asked a bit more and he learned that the challenge was something that asionally happened before their integration. It was essentially an all-out war between two forces thatpeted for resources. The survivor would im the hive and itsnd, and the losers would either be killed or assimted.


    This time there would be no assimtion if the council won though, only death awaited those who chose to follow the Dominators.


    So its one all-out war. Do you think the Dominators will be there? Zac asked.


    It is hard to say, N said with a shake of its enormous head. No Zhix would stay behind when the challenge is issued. However, the Dominators are Zhix, yet they are not. They might not care about the precepts and enter this hidden world you have mentioned. They might even try something before then.


    Zac nodded with a frown. Retaliation from the Dominators was something he had been worrying about since ying Harbinger. He knew all-too-well just how crazy Inevitability was, and he wouldn''t put it past her to go ughter everyone in his outpost. He had been half-expecting a notification in hismunication crystal while cultivating, but he had thankfully been uninterrupted the whole time.


    He didn''t know why, but it looked like his people were safe for now though. Void''s Disciple seemed quite capable to move about across Pangea freely, and he should have attacked one of his towns by now if he had decided to act. He still decided to pull back more of his forces to the ind and his private continent just in case.


    The two Zhix left a few minutester, leaving Zac to ponder his next move. The break was honestly a relief to Zac, as he was notpletely ready to meet another one of the Dominators. Fighting both of them simultaneously felt extremely risky as well, especially while Ogras was still in seclusion. The pause would give him some time to prepare his next move.


    There was no way for him to prepare another Annihtion Sphere even if the battle was dyed another ten days though. The Splinter simply didn''t produce enough energy for that. He would have to use some other means to deal with them instead.


    The dy also threw about his ns a bit, as he needed to prepare himself for the Mystic Realm as well. He wanted to enter the Mystic Realm within two weeks if possible, as that would still give him some time to maneuver even if his sister proved unable to force open the broken pathway.


    Zac hadnt heard any updates from his sister for a while, and he couldn''t sit around any longer. He walked over to his own array and teleported over to Mystic Ind. He needed to see how things were going.


    It was quite some time since Zac was herest, but not much had changed. The base camp was a bit deste though, as most of the normal staff was stuck on the other side of the spatial tunnel. Now it was mostly demons and Valkyries staying here to protect Kenzie and a few scientists. Arge number of the Sentry Golems were probably off wandering the ind as well, making sure no one tried sneaking up on the camp.


    Oh, youre here? Kenzie said with surprise as Zac entered her workshop. Is the war over?


    It''s on hold for ten days, Zac smiled as he looked around. "How''re things going here?"


    Its slow, Kenzie sighed. The tunnel is still a mess, that bomb the zealots set up really did a number on space itself. The turbulence got better a lot faster in the beginning, but it has been slowing downtely. Im not sure it will clear up before the deadline you set.


    The deadline Zac set was ten days before the government. Part of it was simply a precaution, but there was another important reason for the haste.


    The other forces were frantically searching the Mystic Realm at this very moment and he was already pretty far behind. He couldnt just enter thest minute and expect everything to go his way. He definitely had a hidden ace with his familiar connection to the Mystic Realm along with his sister and Jeeves, but he wouldnt take anything for granted.


    In a perfect world, he would already have started to explore the mysterious research base, but he wasn''t ready to risk it all by trying to sneak into the New World Government''s entrance. Seizing it was even riskier as there were probably spies from both the cultists and the Dominators ready to blow up the spatial tunnel at moment''s notice.


    Can you crack it open early? Zac asked.


    We can give it a try, but if we fail it will make things a lot worse, Kenzie said. If we wait another week or two our chances will be better.


    Zac slowly thought it over, before he nodded in agreement.


    I want to try it in twelve days, after the battle is dealt with. Zac eventually decided. "If things fall apart I''ll just have to try my luck by sneaking inside some other way."


    You know you can just talk with the government officials, right? Kenzie said.


    If they were ready to work together they would have contacted us long ago, Zac said with a shake of his head. Theyve had ample chances to extend an olive branch since I closed thest Incursion. Even before then.


    Fine, Kenzie shrugged. But remember to not kill a bunch of people willy-nilly.


    I know, Zac agreed.


    Not killing weaklings was an unwritten rule of the multiverse, and something Zac had to start taking note of now that he was on a higher grade than the rest of Earth. It was widely considered extremely vile to wantonly ughtering the weak, almost like killing innocent puppies. Of course, if that was the only problem the blood-drenched cultivators of the multiverse wouldnt have cared.


    But there were a lot of signs pointing toward the fact that killing substantially weaker people went against the will of the Heavens and that it affected ones karma negatively, almost like giving you a hidden debuff to your Luck. It wasnt something that was visible on your status screen, but through how the universe treated you.


    After all, F-grade cultivators werent useful to the System, but they represented seeds of potential. The System wouldnt care if a bunch of warriors killed each other in a war, as that might result in a few powerhouses emerging, but the mighty ughtering substantially weaker people was another matter altogether.


    The strong didnt get stronger, and a lot of potential was snuffed out as the weak got culled. It was wasting resources, and essentially working against the System. A few people dying here and there didnt really matter, but if you went too far you would draw the ire of the System, and it would start treating you like an enemy of the heavens like the Technocrats.


    There were even rumors of powerful cultivators that were actively hunted by the system for their actions, who were forced to hide from the eyes of the Heavens. That wasnt something that had any rtion to a small corner like the Zecia sector though, as you needed to be much more powerful for something like that to happen ording to Triv.


    Ill be going away for a couple of days, Zac eventually said. I need to keep improving as much as possible before we enter, so I have decided to head to one of the uncharted sectors of Pangea. It''s the swamp.


    Really? The swamp? Kenzie said with a scrunched-up nose. That ce seems pretty disgusting.


    Theres a lot of putrefaction and death in the swamp from what I understand, Zac said. It might provide me with some sort of inspiration. Or there might be a lot of valuable nts.


    It was thetter that was the biggest reason for Zac deciding to go. The integration of a new world led to the appearance of a bunch of valuable resources, like the Amanita and the Tree of Ascension. There were no doubt more that had appeared, but most had probably already been snatched up by the people around the world.


    If there were any remaining natural treasures of that grade on earth, then they were probably hidden in the unexplored pockets. The swamp seemed particrly dangerous, and Zac believed that no one should have properly explored its inner areas. Finding some valuable treasure was hisst chance at gaining another power up before heading into the Mystic Realm, and he could probably burst open another node while looking around.


    It was a risky move considering that Void''s Disciple might show up with a vengeance at moment''s notice, but he had the <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong> now. He could set an array up in ten minutes, and his town just had to defend that long for him to return. Ten minutes should definitely be doable even against Void''s Disciple with theprehensive upgrades to the defensive Arrays of Port Atwood.


    The value of a World Capital had quickly shown itself in the number of good things avable in the Town Shop, and Abby and Adran had been busy squeezing as much benefit as possible out of the avable arrays and fortifications.


    Zac immediately turned thoughts to action as he teleported to the array closest to the swamp, leaving just a small squad of Valkyries to act as a ry in case they needed to reach him through his Communication Crystal. He actually owned a town just on the edge of the swamp, a small base that was formerly one of the incursions he had closed. It had belonged to a humanoid race that somewhat reminded Zac of the Zhix, though they looked a lot more like humans.


    It was most likely one of the demi-human races of the multiverse. Humans were just too prolific, after all, and they had proven verypatible for procreation with most humanoid species. They were like nk canvases, and there were very few humanoids that didnt have a little bit of human in their genome.


    What was human and what wasnt had already be blurred, but people essentially went by the race in the status screen, which was dictated by the dominant heritage. This was rarely the human side, especially not when matched against powerful races.


    The ones who had controlled this former Incursion were likely the result of a mix of some insectoid race and humans a long time ago, which might have been why they were ced so close to a swamp. It made Zacs life a lot easier anyway, as he didnt have to utilize the Marshall n for transportation this time, exposing his ns while doing so.


    He was soon flying atop his treasure above the marsh, looking down with interest. After hearing the description of the ce he had first thought this might be where the Everdes ended up, but he soon realized that that wasnt exactly the case.


    Zac was no botanical expert, but there were just too many unfamiliar trees and nts in the ground below for this to be a piece of Florida. At best it might havebined the wends with some marshes and tropical forests of the others, most likely the Ishiate world as it seemed to have been just one massive forest.


    It had created a unique ecosystem with a forest floor that was mostly submerged like a mangrove system. However, there were smatterings of solidnd with some regrity, though not quite to the point that you could freely walk on the ground.


    However, the infusion of Cosmic Energy to the marsnds had helped the trees explode in size, which included their branches and roots. It had formed vast systems of bridges running along the rivers, and Zac saw one beast after another running along their length from tree to tree.


    He just needed to travel above the marsnd for a few minutes to realize the ce was teeming with various species, just like the primordial jungle where he had spent a lot of time after dealing with the cultists. However, if the atmosphere over by the volcano was a boisterous cacophony, then this ce held a subdued silence, with animal calls only asionally breaking through the silence.


    The whole area felt like it was full of adventure and mystery, and Zac wondered if this was how the explorers of old felt when they traveled along the rivers of Mississippi or through the virgin jungles of Africa. Of course, he had the added safety of being able to fly away, and a superhuman constitution that would protect him from most insect bites and poisons.


    The ce provided Zac with a sense of adventure, but more importantly it provided him with sce. The bloody scenes over the past days had left him with a feeling of heaviness that reached deep into his soul, and this was an opportunity for him to not only regain a sense of bnce but even work on his skills.


    Of course, if he could find some treasure while doing so, all the better.

 Chapter 551: Connectedness

    Chapter 551: Connectedness


    The atmosphere of this unusual forest was fascinating, but the ambient energy was even more interesting. Zac was currently flying toward the center of the marsnd at a leisurely pace that pretty much matched a speed that he would be able to keep onnd as well. He hadnt noticed anything weird in the beginning, but he could now confirm that the energy density had increased a bit since he entered this ce.


    With this pace it would only take him two days at the most to reach the core, but Zac eventually decided tond on top of a massive root that had grown over ten meters wide. The waters quickly turned chaotic as a group of oversized smanders swam toward him, but they quickly fled for their lives when Zac unleased a bit of his aura.


    He took a deep breath, surprised that the smell was fresh and earthy rather than the expected foul odor of brackish water. Zac started walking along the roots toward the depths of the marsnd, asionally jumping up to instead use a bridge made from branches, following a somewhat meandering path.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Of course, he could always jump between trees in a straight line instead of using such a slow method of travel, but that would destroy the whole purpose why hended. He wanted to get a feel of the forest, to walk on top of the trees as he followed the natural paths formed by nature itself.


    Zac had initially nned on using the primordial jungle as a means to evolving his nature-aspected skills. Butrge sections of the jungle were utterly ruined because of the battle against the cultists, or rather their emblem, and he had mainly tried to focus on gaining Blighted Cut during that week of recuperation. It had prevented him from working on his other ss as much as he wanted.


    But now was a perfect opportunity. It was just him and a boundless wilderness that had never been tread by man from the looks of things. Zac kept emitting some of histent killing intent, which essentially worked as not only a bug-repent but also a deterrent for any of the stronger beasts lurking in the depths of the wide rivers.


    He asionally stopped and sensed the various trees and gargantuan flowers in his path, trying to understand their role and path to survival in this ce. The world of cultivation was a cut-throat ce, but nature had always been just aspetitive even before the Integration. Everything needed a method to survive, along with the ability to adapt now that the atmosphere was chock-full of magic.


    Some of the more massive trees simply dominated their domain with size alone, stealing the sunlight for themselves. Other trees formed symbiotic rtionships with other nts defending them in return for somewhere to grow. It wasnt all too differentpared to before the integration, honestly, though it did feel like evolution was sped up by a huge degree.


    Then again, there were quite a few new oddities that didnt exist before. He had been attacked no less than twenty times by the ntlife itself after having just traveled for two hours. One tree moved its branches with surprising speed in an effort to spear him on a sharp point. Others tried to entangle him with their roots.


    He had actually let one do it to see what would happen, and he was slowly dragged underwater where he could see a bunch of rotting beast carcasses provide nutrients to the tree. Some nts had even formed hunting teams with the beasts. A huge flower had suddenly released a bunch of pollen in his face, and Zac immediately felt some restrictions on his movement.


    Not more than ten seconds passed before a swarm of mosquitoes appeared, hoping to bleed him dry while he was incapacitated. The pollen was only immobilizing, so the two groups had teamed up where the mosquitoes got the blood while the nt got the corpse.


    It was both horrifying and extremely intriguing to see the hundreds of paths to survival, and Zac felt something click into ce after walking along for half a day. He was delighted to see that <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> finally reached peak mastery. The upgrade had boosted his attribute bonus to 15% as expected.


    But more importantly, he felt a sense of connectedness with the nature around him.


    It wasnt like when he was using <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> and he essentially became omniscient within his conjured forest, but rather an innate sixth sense about the forest itself. It was like an inborn intuition had been imnted into his subconscious. He tried to make sense of the feeling, but he only found a use for it ten minutester when he felt something attracted him from within a dense bush.


    Zac decided to follow the hunch, and he pushed his way inside, his massive Endurance enough to avoid getting cut into ribbons by the extremely sharp barbs. He had expected the interior of the bush to be pretty dark, but there was actually a source of light inside; a small set of stalks that gave off a gentle green light.


    He immediately understood that this was some sort of Spiritual Herb hiding within the thorny bush, and his eyes lit up when he realized the use of Peak Mastery of the skill. His hunch had actually led him to a hidden treasure that he never would have spotted before. He had essentially turned into a truffle-seeking pig that could find the hidden treasures of the forest.


    It wasn''t exactly that he could sense treasures though, but rather that he had been given an instinctive understanding of the forests. He just felt that the brambles looked like a ce that could contain some good things, and this feeling was in turn boosted by his massive pool of Luck.


    Zac also noticed that his honed instincts worked with dangers as well within a few minutes. He somehow had a far better understanding of what parts of the rivers would hold aggressive beasts or which types of foliage could hide something lying in wait. This part of the skill wasn''t as useful to someone like him who already had his danger sense, but it would probably have been a huge boon for a normal cultivator who spent a lot of time in the forests.


    Staying alive was the most important thing on the path of cultivation, after all.


    The best thing was that the skill was passive too, meaning he could freely make use of his upgraded instincts without any ramifications. It allowed him to pick up one Spiritual Root after another as he walked through the marshes, each of them giving off impressive spiritual energy. However, he quickly realized that good herbs weren''t like weeds, growing everywhere.


    Less than a tenth of the spots his instincts told him about was actually home to something interesting, the rest were simply empty. However, he actually didn''t need to dig or inspect every single one. As long as he got close enough he would get a sense from his Luck as well, and he tried to understand this Treasure Sense just as well as he understood his Danger Sense.


    This sense wasn''t something new. He could always tell whether something he found in a Cosmos Sack was useless or something valuable by instinct, just like he could somewhat get a sense of the quality of Spiritual Tools. Part of it came from sensing the aura of the items, but part of it was simply instincts brought by his Luck. However, this sense hadn''t really proven too useful while actually searching for treasures until now.


    Zac soon concluded that his Luck was quite precise as long as he got within 7 meters or so. He could tell there was something there with some certainty at such close proximity. The actual range was a bit odd though, but he guessed that he might have been given 1 meter of detection range per effective 100 Luck.


    Sometimes he could get a vague hint even further away than that though, but it was to the point that Zac had a hard time discerning whether it was just his "gut" telling him something that might bepletely fabricated, or if it was actually some supernatural phenomenon helping him out. In either case, it wasn''t something he could put too much faith in.


    A Treasure Sense of seven meters wasn''t bad, but it wasn''t life-changing either. It allowed him to pick up the asional baubles that were strewn along his way, but it was a far cry from the examples Ogras had listed before. He didn''t get any strong urge to suddenly make a turn only to find a divine treasure a few kilometers away or anything magical like that.


    But it was far superior to what the general cultivator could enjoy. The forest didn''t look like it was full of treasures to the untrained eye, but <strong>[Forester''s Constitution] </strong>had opened Zac up to the truth. His Luck then helped him make the best of the knowledge, which turned him into a moneymaking machinepared to most adventurers.


    The number of nts Zac harvested as he explored was nothingpared to the vast fields his people grew back at Verdant Hills, but farmed Spirit nts and wild ones couldnt bepared with each other. It was mainly weaker nts that could be freely farmed, whereas the more valuable ones resisted domestication.


    There was also the issue of energy consumption. Most of the high-quality nts required quite a bit of energy, making it impossible to grow them inrger numbers. They needed a territory of their own, just like many beasts did. So a lot of spiritual roots and nts did not have a constant supply, which massively increased their value in case they were needed for popr pill recipes.


    That was one of the main fields of research for most Alchemy ns too. Any n that managed to improve a recipe by changing a wild-grown nt with a farmed one stood to gain a massive amount of wealth. They could undercut the market while still maintaining massive profit margins thanks to using cheaper resources.


    Zac had no idea if the roots, grasses, and flowers he picked up were anything valuable in high demand, but he still took a detour every time he sensed something in the vicinity. It wasnt like he was strapped for cash, but it went against every fiber in his body to leave money lying on the floor. He also wanted to nurture his instincts this way.


    And who knew, some of the nts might be really effective in improving his Draugr-race. He was willing to do almost anything to swap out that terrifying dust to something less painful to use.


    Constantly harvesting the low-grade Spiritual nts gave him some insights as well. Spiritual nts were essentially the equivalent of nts that had started on the path of cultivation, and it felt like exploring them helped him gain insight into his own nature-aspected Dao Fragment. He felt it might be even more conducive to his cultivation to travel through forests like this rather than sitting in his cultivation cave.


    Zac kept going deeper and deeper into the massive swamp over the following day, and his newfound intuition helped him avoid a lot of trouble. However, the energy in the atmosphere kept increasing, and the beasts both grew more numerous and more powerful. Most of them were justte or peak F-Grade though, with E-Grade animals being very rare.


    He would probably have to reach the core before he got an opportunity to see the real kings of the marshes.


    Zac finally decided to stop for the day after having taken out a group of humongous E-grade crocodiles, each of them more than twenty meters long. It felt like going up against prehistoric dinosaurs when fighting them, but they were still ultimately just early E-Grade. Just a minute was needed to take out the whole pack, and he suddenly had 8 more carcasses in his Cosmos Sack.


    The stench of blood filled the air as the river ran red, so Zac quickly moved some distance away. The crocodiles should be the local hegemons of this small section of the river, but the other animals could probably figure out that the blood meant there might be an opportunity for a sneak attack or even free food.


    He soon found an enormous tree with a hollowrge enough that he could rest for the day, perhaps the former resting ce of some mutated squirrel. Zac blocked out the entrance with one of his spare tower shields before he sat down and calmed his mind. The reason he moved away from the battle wasnt that he was worried that he would be embroiled in another battle, but it was rather that he didnt want a bunch of beasts interrupting him while redrawing his pathways.


    He quickly changed to his Draugr form and once more started performing the arduous task.


    The physical wound from breaking open the Node was pretty much healed, though he had barely begun fixing the pathways. He estimated that his undead form was weakened roughly 30% or so, and even his human side wasn''t in top shape even though he looked fine on paper.


    Zac guessed that the broken pathways in his inactive form counted like some sort of hidden wound even when he fought as a human, though the effect was limited. In either case, it meant he needed to work quickly so that the pathways were fixed before the war in 8 days. He might need everything in his arsenal in case the remaining two showed up.


    He kept working on the pathways for a few hours before he swapped back to his human form, at which point he simply closed his eyes and tried to sense the nature around him. He would normally have wanted to practice his Soul Strengthening Manual as well, but it was impossible while on the move. Setting up a teleportation array through his <strong>[Spatial Gate Array] </strong>was technically possible, but they were temporary one-time consumables, so he wouldn''t be able to return.


    Going without the arrays for a few days wasn''t a problem though, and it freed up a lot of time to focus on other things, such as his Dao. It almost felt like the whole swamp was one enormous entity, and he tried to find some inspiration for the Fragment of the Bodhi by connecting to it. He spent the rest of the night in that sort of reverie before he once more set out at the break of dawn.


    Today he would explore the core of the wends.

 Chapter 552: River

    Chapter 552: River


    Zac had spent close to two days in the marshes already, and he would definitely reach what could be considered the core zone today. Of course, that wasn''t saying much as the core of such a massive forest wasrge enough that he could wander around for weeks without seeing the same tree twice.


    As for what Zac considered the core area, it was where Cosmic Energy was the densest. The Nexus Vein covered his whole ind and then some back home, and he guessed it was a simr situation here in the forest. The core Zone was equivalent to Port Atwood, and this was where the strongest beasts would reside, along with the most valuable herbs and minerals.


    His hunch was quickly proven right over the following hours as the number of E-Grade beasts he encountered kept increasing. He even spotted a massive swarm of E-Grade hos far in the distance, each one of them asrge as abrador. Even Zac felt a bit intimidated by the swarm, so he actually chose to hide inside the river to not draw their attention.


    Beasts were weaker than cultivators in general, but they made up for it in numbers. He wasn''t in any mood to be besieged by thousands of murderous hos for no real return. Even if he emerged victoriously it would still be a pitched battle, and the risk didn''t weigh up for the rewards. There was no point in messing with a swarm like that unless they were guarding some great treasure.


    He did fight the asional E-Grade beast though, mostly overgrown bugs or river-creatures. There was arge number of alien amphibians that looked like predatory catfish. Their maws were wide enough to swallow Zac in one bite, and there were over five rows of jagged teeth hiding within. They even had short stubby legs like smanders, and they could break into a surprisingly quick sprint on the ground.


    Zac fought and harvested intermittently as he scoped the core zone, and his Cosmos Sack was gradually filling up with valuables. He didn''t recognize the herbs he was picking at all, but each beast carcass was worth between 10 000 and 100 000 Nexus Coins depending on species and level.


    The bountiful harvest went on for a few hours until there was a startling change in the atmosphere; it had be quiet.


    The sounds of nature had always been a bit subdued in this swamp, but it had suddenly bepletely silent after Zac passed an unseen threshold. He had never encountered this before, but it could only mean a few things. There were no beasts here, meaning they either had all been killed or scared away by something. Zac immediately started to look around for clues, but there wasn''t much to go by.


    This section of the wends looked pretty much the same as the rest, with the exception that the river he was following along was a bit wider than the rest. It was over five kilometers across, which would have allowed it topete with massive rivers like the Amazon River before the Integration. Now it was just a tributary from some muchrger source of water.


    Zac''s first instinct was to avoid this ce just like the hos earlier, but he eventually chose to stay. He was here for training and treasures, after all, and this felt like a ce that could provide both. He kept going along the shoreline, but he concealed as much of his aura as he could. However, he only walked a few hundred meters before there was a change in his body.


    His cells had all woken up and were screaming at him that there was something delicious nearby. This wasn''t somethinging from his recently upgraded <strong>[Forester''s Constitution]</strong>, but rather the general feelings of desire that great treasures like the Fruit of Ascension elicited. Zac immediately started to look for any special energy signatures with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>, though not without some hesitation.


    There was something odd about the feeling, though he couldn''t exactly ce it.


    It quickly became apparent that the treasure could be found on a small ind in the middle of the river. There was a constant swirl of haze surrounding it though, making it impossible for Zac to guess what was going on inside. He could only see the edges of the ind sticking out, but he could at least make some deductions of what kind of situation might be waiting for him over there.


    The ind just had a diameter of 100 meters or so, so the valuable item shouldnt be something huge like a Crystal Mine. It was also unlikely that there was some sort of hive with a huge number of beasts like a ho hive or an ant''s nest waiting on the other side of the fog. The ind was too small, so there could either be just one big guy guarding the treasure, or a pack of medium-sized beasts.


    As for the treasure, it was probably some sort of nt with a powerful energy signature.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, Zac didnt immediately rush over to take the item. There was a constant buzz in the back of his head, alerting him of danger. It wasnt an acute sense of dread, but rather a pervasive sense of wrongness. He couldn''t make heads or tails about the feeling, but he knew to take extra precautions.


    Perhaps the feeling was simply because his subconscious believed a life and death struggle waited for him on the ind. The most powerful animals always erected theirirs next to valuable herbs as the aura the treasures released could help refine their bloodlines. There was no way that this ind wasnt upied since Zacs cells were screaming at him to eat whatever was hiding within the mists.


    With the sheer amount of hidden cards and advantages he had stacked up over the past year, Zac didn''t feel all too worried about whatever was waiting for him though. He was confident in dealing with pretty much anything Earth was able to throw at him this early into the integration. However, Zac still wanted to deal with this situation like a normal cultivator.


    He needed toe up with a n that would allow him to minimize the danger. He wouldnt always stay on Earth where there were no real surprises. Cultivation on Earth was too orderly as everyone began at the same time, and it provided him a false sense of security that wouldn''t hold up out in the multiverse. Even the Mystic Realm would contain unknown dangers that could threaten his life by all ounts.


    He needed to learn to do things the right way, or he would sooner orter be killed because he encountered something that couldnt be solved by swinging his axe extra hard.


    His ss and Dao thankfully enabled Zac to blend in with the surroundings, allowing him to spy on the ind from his vantage hidden in a tree crown by the shore. However, Zac frowned when there was no change even after four hours. The mists didnt dissipate, and there were never any sounds that came from the ind. No beast ever left the moat to hunt either, leaving Zac wondering if he was just being paranoid.


    Was there actually no beast living there?


    There was only so much time he had to spare, and he eventually decided to just go for it. He figured that he could either swap to his Draugr form and walk along the bottom of the river, or use his leaf as a boat. He eventually decided to move upstream a bit before he ced the leaf on the river. He infused himself with the Fragment of the Bodhi and simply allowed his flying treasure to drift toward the ind like a normal piece of debris.


    Zac didn''t move in the slightest and <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> was already in his hand in case of an ambush, but he drifted through the haze without issue until his flying treasure hitnd. He immediately disembarked and stowed away the treasure before he looked around the ind with some confusion and desire. He had smelt an extremely enticing aroma since he entered the fog, and he couldn''t wait to snatch whatever was the source.


    The haze was actually not that thick on the ind, one quick scan confirmed that there were no guarding beasts around. Not that they could fit with the tree that grew from the center of the ind. The tree wasnt overly tall, just reaching twenty meters into the sky. However, it was shockingly wide, its trunk taking up the better part of the whole ind.


    Even the massive redwoods back then couldntpete with this weird monstrosity in terms of girth.


    However, Zac wasnt interested in the tree trunk, but rather the bulbous branches that spread out at its crown. There were only 6 branches in total on the whole tree, and each of them looked like a shrub with an enormous flower growing on it. It was no doubt these flowers who were the source of the smell, and Zac could sense how most of the energy gathered by the tree was infused into these six treasures.


    The fact that there were no beasts around only made Zac more apprehensive as he stayed on the edge of the ind though. It was a bit disconcerting that he couldnt find the source of danger or wrongness, but he also couldnt just stand around doing nothing. He had already made his move, and dying would just increase the danger he was in.


    His spirit tool ne transformed, and a chain shot out from his back and snaked around one of the stubby branches, and Zac shot toward it as he dragged himself up. The sudden movement was just in time as five sharp spikes punched through the ground and stabbed his previous location with enough force to make the air crackle. Zac immediately looked back and saw that it was a group of roots, but they receded beneath the ground after they missed.


    The scene wasnt very surprising to Zac. If there were no beast guardian around in this ce, then it was most likely that the tree itself was a dangerous predator. And since there were no branches on this fatty tree, then it most likely had nimble roots to deal with its prey. A trunk of this width should be able to grow a massive root system, after all.


    Zac wasted no time as he didnt believe for a second that this probing attack was all the tree could muster, considering that the whole area was cleansed of animals. He moved to cut off the closest flower, but a weird shield actually appeared around it. Zac grunted in annoyance as he swung his axe down at the emerald barrier, and the collision made the whole tree shudder.


    The shaking didnt subside, though, and Zacs eyes widened when the whole river exploded as thousands of roots, each one hundreds of meters long, rose into the sky. Zac had expected more roots to be waiting, but not to the point that the sky itself was almost blocked out. He hurriedlyunched a barrage of strikes at the stalk connecting the flower to the branch, and the shield finally cracked.


    But there was just enough time to harvest the one flower before his mind screamed of danger for real. Hundreds of roots shot toward him with a speed and agility that far surpassed any other nt he had encountered thus far, and he barely managed to dodge the strikes by moving over to the top of the trunk with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    The roots actually emitted a powerful killing intent as they froze in the air. However, they only wiggled in the air for a second before the tree seemed to have located him once more. Zac immediately shed toward the next flower as he cut apart roots by the scores, but his eyes suddenly widened in rm.


    Two chains mmed into the top of the massive trunk the next moment, dragging Zac right back where he came from.


    It was just in time as well as the flower released what looked like a plume of pollen that created a yellow haze that lingered just for an instant before it started spreading through the air. Zac thankfully evaded most of it, but some of it definitely made its way to him. A huge surge of desire and killing intent welled up in his heart, and his breaths started to be ragged as he looked at the remaining flowers.


    His hunch had been right; that pollen was definitely not normal.


    The other four flowers quickly followed suit and released their own clouds of pollen, and Zac was soon surrounded from all sides as he kept dancing back and forth while cutting off any iing roots. He was only buying time though as the roots regrew within seconds and rejoined the battle.


    However, there was nothing else he could do until those clouds of pollen dissipated enough for him to snatch the flowers. He was already in a bad state from just taking a whiff, and he might actually go insane if he stayed inside the clouds too long. It was a very weird feeling as two conflicting impulses fought inside his mind. One of the voices was telling him to stay away as the increasinglyrge cloud of pollen was dangerous, while the other was screaming at him to jump into the cloud and push his face into the flower.


    Was the thing a lure?


    Roars suddenly echoed out across the area, as though in direct response to his hunch. Zac also saw arge number of Cosmic Energy clusters moving closer with the help of<strong> [Cosmic Gaze]</strong>, which probably meant that hundreds of beasts were pushing toward his location with their utmost speed. The quickest animals were all in E-Grade, and the strongest ones actually managed to push through the forest of deadly roots to arrive at the small ind.


    The area had been void of life just a minute ago, but it suddenly looked as though a beast tide was forming all around him, madly fighting against the countless roots in the river. Something was clearly wrong with the animals though as many of them were frothing at the mouth as their eyes shone with madness.


    They cared for nothing except their desire to reach the ind. The water had already turned red, but the ind had simrly grown to twice its original size thanks to the hundreds of snaking roots that had been cut or ripped off by Zac and the beasts. This was definitely the tree''s doing.


    It was orchestrating a bloodbath.

 Chapter 553: Roots

    Chapter 553: Roots


    The chaotic scene made Zac''s eyes widen with shock, but he quickly found his bearings as he started to prepare. A spectral forest rose up on the small ind, using the fallen roots as soil. He also summoned the unique de of <strong>[Chop]</strong> and had it circle around him, which helped tremendously in dealing with the incessant attacks from roots.


    The fat tree seemed infuriated that a bunch of other nts had sprung up in its private domain and the water churned as even more roots rose to rip them apart. But how could normal roots destroy an incorporeal forest? They harmlessly passed straight through, which only angered the tree further. It was the drugged beasts that were forced to take the brunt of the tree''s wrath in the end though as Zac was proving a tough nut to crack.


    A slight vibration in the air was all the warning Zac got before he was suddenly attacked by a small bird who shed past him with such speed that it might as well have been a beam of light. Not even the additional sight afforded him by <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> was enough to avoid the strike. A small wound appeared on his right arm, but the small beast was thankfully not powerful enough to cause any more damage than that.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, it seemed as though the bloodthirsty little swallow wasn''t done there, and it veered in a wide arc around the tree before it shot toward him once more.


    The emerald leaves of <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> appeared to create a nigh-imprable wall against the assant, but it was like a blurpletely unfettered by gravity or its own momentum as it made seemingly impossible turns around the leaves and roots alike. Another bloody line was cut open on Zacs cheek, and he swore in annoyance when the autonomous fractal edge missed the bird for the second time.


    The bird gave up on the kill after it realized Zac was barely affected at all. It instead shot toward one of the five remaining flowers, but Zac''s eyes widened when swallow suddenly just up and exploded just as itnded on the pistil. Was it the pollen or something else?


    Zac was unsure what to do in either case. He wanted to loot the flowers without destroying the tree as that would allow him toe back for more treasures in the future. But it looked extremely dangerous to get close. Zac eventually decided to test things out a bit and he threw one of his beast carcasses at the closest branch.


    The massive beast shot forward like a wrecking ball and ripped through multipleyers of roots that tried to stop its advance. It only got within a few meters of the flower before three extremely powerful roots appeared though. They were pitch-ckpared to the others who were dark brown, and it looked like naturally formed fractals covered their length.


    These were the real killing weapons of the tree.


    The special roots effortlessly intercepted the carcass that weighed well over a tonne, and it was gored and flung away in an instant. However, Zac noted that the body didn''t show any inclination to explode, meaning that the pollen probably only worked on living creatures. He tested things further and shot a few fractal des at the special roots, but his eyes widened when he couldn''t even cut them apart when he imbued <strong>[Chop] </strong>with Fragment of the Axe.


    The three roots disappeared the next moment as they blended in with the thousands of normal roots, but Zac wouldn''t be tricked now that he knew they existed. It might be hard to spot them with his normal sight, but the roots were almost lit up like beacons to his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. The normal roots contained a respectable amount of Nature-aspected energy, but the three killing roots contained some sort of intense fiery power as well.


    The vision of<strong> [Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>also allowed him to keep track of the three roots, and it almost seemed as though the roots were observing him from the distance. However, danger screamed in his mind the next moment as one of the three shot straight toward him. The leaves of <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> superimposed to create an extremely thickyer of protection, and Zac activated the first defensive charge of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>for good measure.


    A rippling shockwave spread out the next moment as the root mmed into his defenses with the force of a runaway train. Scores of roots around Zac were ripped apart from the chaotic swirls of energies, and his own defenses didn''t fare much better. Over a dozenyers of leaves were ripped apart, and the emerald shield cracked as well.


    The shield managed to absorb most of the remaining momentum from the strike, but Zac was still hurled hundreds of meters away from the impact. He groaned in pain from the punch as he fell into the river, but his brows furrowed when he saw a dark-brown sticky substance covered his chest where the root hit him. Only then did he somewhat realize that the tip of the root had been covered in some unknownpound.


    Were the special roots venomous like actual snakes?


    Thankfully his defenses were powerful enough to prevent the root from drawing blood, which barely prevented Zac from being injected with this unknown liquid. He was filled with both dread and marvel as he looked at the three roots that acted just like beasts. It was amazing that a nt could evolve to such a degree in one short year. Or was this perhaps something that the System had rather nted here as a hidden opportunity?


    In either case, it wasn''t enough to deter him, and he swam back toward the ind, ughtering any beast that tried to get in his way. It was time to bring out the big guns. He didn''t want to use his hidden cards for this fight, but that didn''t mean that he couldn''t even use his skills. A massive woodcutter''s axe appeared the next moment as Zac ran back toward the tree on top of floating carcasses.


    Activating <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was essentially effortless by now, and an extremely sharp wave of destruction rippled out the next moment.


    Hundreds of roots were cut off and destroyed by that one swing, which once more exposed the bulbous tree within. The three special roots survived though, which didn''t really surprise Zac. But cleaning out the normal roots had fulfilled the purpose of the Axe of Felling, and Zac quickly threw out a fat stack of papers the moment he set his foot on the real part of the ind.


    The whole river shook and a congration consumed the tree crown a secondter, with a plume of mes rising over fifty meters into the air. The explosions came from a stack of over a hundred low-tiered fire talismans he activated as one, and it was Zacs best idea to disperse the barely visible pollen that had spread all over the area.


    He figured that the mes would be able to clear out the toxin in the air, but he was worried that his Infernal Axe would not only destroy the pollen but even the tree itself. A bunch of low-tiered talismans shouldn''t be able to harm a tree with this strong vitality though, making them a better tool for this purpose. And if the tree was destroyed by something like this, it couldn''t have been anything precious anyway.


    Nothing ventured nothing gained. That was what passed through his mind as Zac swallowed a handful of soul-soothing and general antidote pills. He shot toward the closest flower the next moment, and he could breathe out in relief when he didn''t sense anything odd even after appearing right in front of it. Either the dangers of the pollen had been dealt with, or his body was simply strong enough to withstand it.


    A few furious swingster a second flower had entered his Cosmos Sack, and he was already moving toward the next. The Axe of Felling had contained arge amount of his Fragment of the Axe, and he could still feel how it still was impacting the roots he cut earlier. The surging vitality of the tree tried to forcibly regrow the roots, but Zac was actively resisting using histest insights into Dao Control. His head hurt, but he refused to let his mental energy be dispersed.


    It gave him enough breathing room to continue with his harvest. However, he only managed to pluck the third flower before a weird scene took ce. The three special roots actually assaulted the remaining flowers themselves, stabbing straight into their cores before they absorbed the flower''s essence. Only a second passed before the flowers looked withered like they had been left to dry in the sun for weeks.


    <em>Cannibalism?</em> Zac thought with wide eyes, and his eyes only got even wider when the roots suddenly doubled in size as their auras exploded with ferocity. He barely had time to think before he was mmed with a force that even exceeded that of the massive Anointed, but Zac wasn''t even allowed to be thrown away in peace before he was attacked again.


    The three roots had gained a massive spike in power from absorbing the three flowers, but the tree itself looked a bit wan. The normal roots didn''t bother him any longer either, but they rather went after the huge number of beasts and dragged them underwater. It looked like it desperately needed some nourishment after losing all six of its treasures in one go.


    But Zac was in no state to worry about the tree''s situation as he was being harried by those three roots. He had already gotten his hands on the treasure so there was no point in staying here, but the three roots refused to let him leave. They were even a lot faster than he was since they grew in size, and he could just saunter away.


    His axe was a blur as he desperately countered the barrage of strikes, but he rapidly gained one wound after another even with his still active <strong>[Nature''s Barrier]</strong> picking up some of the ck. This couldn''t go on. His Endurance and Vitality was monstrous for an E-Grade human, but how could itpare to that of a tree monster? It thankfullycked the power to unleash a killing blow, but it was still a hassle to deal with.


    It was a shame, but Zac saw no recourse but tounch the second strike of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, Infernal Axe, and hope that he didn''t identally burn up his treasure tree.


    The second defensive charge of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> provided enough time to activate the second swing, and a furious wave of cutting mes spread out across the river. It contained the fury of mother nature itself, and the attack incinerated everything from ind to shore. Even the special roots were unable to resist the fiery wrath of Zac''s ultimate skill, and they slunk away before they were ripped apart like everything else.


    Zac saw his opportunity and shed away, barely avoiding arge spurt of that odd liquid the roots were covered in. That final gout of venom had actuallye from the tree trunk itself like it had opened a valve to shoot out a beam of poison at him. But Zac had already taken out his flying treasure at that point, and he was much too quick to be caught by now.


    He found himself on the shore a secondter and he became one with the forest the next moment. Zac was certain he could feel the fury of that bloodthirsty tree in the distance, but Zac didn''t care as he moved further away. The fight wasn''t really finished, but there was no point to kill the goose thaty the golden eggs.


    Three flowers were reabsorbed by the tree itself, but getting at least half of them was decent enough. Better yet, he had managed to do so without permanently harming the tree and without using any of his cheats. Zac marked down the spot on his private map before he moved on, looking for other opportunities in the core region of the Swamps.


    Zac found a lot of precious herbs, but he also found himself in a constant struggle. He was actually assaulted by the hos twice over the following day, and Zac finally couldnt take it any longer. He spent half a day looking for their hive before he mounted an assault on the small mountain. After thirty minutes of all-out carnage did he find himself in the depths of the hive.


    There was a shocking monstrosity in the heart of the cave, a queen whose only job was to birth more soldiers. But it seemed as though the queen was unable to defend herself apart from a mental attack that couldnt harm Zac in the slightest. It reminded him of the queen he fought during the undead level at the tower, though this ho queen was a lot less evolved for war.


    It allowed him topletely ignore the beast and ransack the ce for treasures, but the only thing he found was lots of extremely energy-dense honey. Hos shouldnt actually be producing honey as far as Zac knew, but perhaps these things were rather bees that had mutated into predators from the Integration. In either case, the stuff was chock-full of Cosmic Energy, especially the Royal Jelly he found next to the queen.


    It contained far more energy than even E-Grade Nexus Crystals, and Zac actually gained a level in his human form just from eating a fifth of the Royal Jelly. It pushed him to level 83 in his human shape as well, catching up to his Draugr side. He quickly put the ten free points into Dexterity, just like he had with all other free points in the E-Grade, before he moved on.


    But he didn''t find another real treasure like the fatty tree and its flowers even after spending a total of six days in the vast forests. He still felt like the past week was well spent as he made a lot of progress on his meditation, while even upgrading one of his skills. He had even gotten a better understanding of his Luck and how to make the most of it. But it was time to head home.


    Zac eventually found a secluded cave and erected a teleportation array. It was a bit wasteful to burn almost 100 million Nexus Coins on a single-use array, but he didnt want to waste a whole day flying back to the settlement at the edge of the Swamp. There were no messages waiting for him when returning, so he immediately headed over to Calrins ce to get an estimate on his gains.


    Youre back, Calrin said with curiosity as Zac sat down on a chair in the private meeting room of the Thayer Consortia. Did you find anything interesting?


    You tell me, Zac said as he took out one of the enormous flowers.

 Chapter 554: Life, Death, War

    Chapter 554: Life, Death, War


    My body is telling me that this should be good stuff, but its pollen also seemed pretty deadly," Zac said as he ced the flower on the merchants inspection table.


    "The energies condensed in the pistil are both strong and peculiar, but I don''t recognize this species," the Sky Gnome said as he looked at the natural treasure with interest. "It should be something good though. How did you find it?"


    "It grew on a tree," Zac said as he described his encounter in the swamp.


    This reminds me of something, Calrin muttered as he took out one of his massive tomes.


    A short momentter a page depicting a simr tree to the one on the ind appeared.


    Its a <strong>[Rageroot Oak]</strong>, a nt that can match your Tree of Ascension in rarity. Its lucky you didnt actually cut it down. Its trunk contains a sap that might even be able to drive you mad, Calrin read. The sap and pollen are both valuable and can be continuously extracted. The flowers can take decades to form though.


    Zac felt some cold sweat running down the back when he saw the description. He remembered how something had dripped from those special roots, it turned out to be sap meant to turn him into a madman.


    Whats it good for though? Berserk pills? Zac asked, not too enthused.


    Power never came for free, no matter if you were talking about War Arrays or Berserking Pills. War Arrays would always force you to travel with weaker subordinates, each one of them a weak link. As for Berserking Pills, they generally had pretty gruesome side-effects. The stronger the effect the worse the drawback would be.


    "The pollen can be made into a potent beast lure which can be useful in all sorts of situations. You can both use it for yourself in case you need to refine yourself through battle, or you can use it to unleash a beast tide on your enemies. The sap is indeed a popr ingredient in Berserking Pills that allows warriors to unleash their potential during a battle," Calrin exined.


    "And the flower itself? It should be the greatest treasure," Zac said.


    "There is a core in the center of the flower," Calrin said. "It''s a natural treasure that works as a Berserking Pill as well."


    "That''s it?" Zac asked with disappointment.


    "Don''t underestimate those cores. It will allow an E-Grade warrior to increase their power by one step, and it will not have any major side-effects, just extreme exhaustion afterward. These twobined make it extremely rare and valuable. A pill that gives such a massive boost would carry severe long-term side-effects, or might even lead to death," Calrin exined.


    Zac finally realized that he really had picked up something good this time. He had researched this matter for a bit after getting his hands on the Cyborg Corpse, which could be considered the epitome of a Berserking transformation. One step didn''t refer to level, but stages of cultivation, meaning an Early E-Grade warrior would be able to exhibit the power of a Middle E-Grade warrior with the help of these flowers.


    That was almost a doubling in power, and to be able to get such a boost withoutsting detriments was amazing. The cyborg might have gone all the way from early E-Grade to Half-step D-Grade, but that also cut the Technocrat''s lifespan down to less than a minute. These flower cores might save his life in the future, turning the tides in a tough battle.


    I also have some wild herbs here as well, see if theres anything valuable, Zac added as he threw over a Cosmos Sack.


    There, unfortunately, wasnt anything too impressive, but his six-day haul was still worth over 300 million nexus coins. That was only the immediate value of the herbs he found thanks to <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong>, and not including the mountains of E-Grade carcasses that he had amassed in his Cosmos Sack.


    It wasnt a huge sum for him any longer, but it proved how profitable even normal exploration could be. You needed both the skills to find the nts and the strength to survive the environment though, which disqualified pretty much everyone on Earth apart from a select few. Besides, he had the advantage of being the first explorer, and future generations probably wouldnt be able to collect such a haul.


    But it made him excited for the future. This was the gain from a random forest on his. How much wealth could one stand to profit by exploring a newly emerged Mystic Realm in the future, a world that was not only untouched but possibly held extremely rare or even previously unseen herbs?


    Zac walked out of the consortia with a sense of excitement, but he didnt get far before he sensed a powerful presence close-by.


    Hey, a voice said, and Zac looked over at the shadows with surprise.


    Its you? Zac asked. How do you keep finding me like this?


    I just need to ask around. Its not like youre very circumspect, Ogras snorted.


    Well, is it done? Zac asked.


    Its done, Ogras nodded as he stepped out into the light, and Zac could feel that the aura of the Demon was a lot more condensedpared to before.


    What level are you now? Zac asked with curiosity, as it was obvious the demon had gained a substantial amount of Attributes.


    Eighty-three, Ogras shrugged, his mouth curving slightly upward. A decent early push.


    Eighty-three? What the f-, Zac swore. How have you already caught up to me? I had to fight multiple life-and-death battles to get here.


    Node-opening pills work as intended on me since Im not a primordial beast, Ogras snorted. You racked up a premature resistance by eating them by the handful.


    Well, its good that youre out, Zac said. I killed one of the Dominators while you broke through. I can use some back-up soon.


    Oh? Which one? Ogras said with surprise. I thought they had already decided to follow the same strategy as the zealots.


    Zac quickly recapped what had taken ce while Ogras was in secluded cultivation.


    Well, its good that one of them is dealt with, though it does make me worry a bit that there has been no response. Makes me think they are up to something, Ogras grunted. Got anything useful from its body?


    No, I identally broke his Cosmos Sack, Zac exined with a grimace. Ive saved the remains to cleanse of karmic tiester, but I want all three of them first. Oh, but I did get this.


    Zac took out the pitch-ck spear the next moment and threw it over to Ogras. The demon caught it effortlessly even though it weighed hundreds of kilos, and the weapon turned to a blur as Ogras started stabbing it into the air.


    It contains some material and insight rted to Space, Ogras muttered with excitement. It can even enter the shadows! I just need to find a decent cksmith to infuse some more shadow-rted materials and it will be perfect for me! Are you giving this to me?


    Sure, but youll have to find some way to pay me backter, Zac smiled. We both know how valuable this spear is. Some offhanded advice wont cut it.


    Fine, Ill figure something out, Ogras shrugged as he dripped his blood on the weapon. Such a good thing."


    "Get ready for the war in three days," Zac said as he started walking toward the closest teleporter. "We might have to deal with the other two Dominators there."


    "I''ll head out for a day or two to get used to my improved strength," Ogras said. "But I will arrange things."


    Zac chose to stay behind in Port Atwood while the Demon went away to hone himself throughbat, spending his time either in his Soul Strengthening Array or pondering on the Dao. His most recent trips had given him a lot of insights, especially into the Fragment of the Bodhi, and he wanted to incorporate those snippets into his understanding of the Dao as quickly as possible. It wasn''t enough to actually evolve any of the Fragments, but it was a step in the right direction.


    The days flew by and the morning of the Challenge quickly arrived. Zac hadn''t even left his Cultivation Cave during the three days, but he had gotten asional reports from Triv. The ghost had availed himself as a sort of filter to save Zac''s time. Crystals full of reports were sent to hispound daily by Abby and others, and Triv sifted through them to categorize them by importance and urgency.


    Of course, the most crucial reports were sealed so that only Zac could see them.


    This time Zac didn''t set out to war with just Triv, but there was a whole squad waiting for him. Both Ogras and his two remaining generals were there, as was Joanna with a defensive squad of shield-bearing Valkyries and Emily. Triv was already resting inside his pagoda as well, ready to erect the jammers once final time.


    Only his sister was missing from this group of corebatants of Port Atwood, with her being busy dealing with the Mystic Realm. Things were thankfully looking up over at Mystic Ind, and Kenzie had indicated that there shouldn''t be any problems with attempting a re-opening in a few days.


    "You know why we''re here," Zac simply said as he looked around. "We''re not going to participate in the war itself. Our only job is to deal with the real threat; the Dominators. There should still be two karmic connections that can lead that man to Earth, but if we manage to destroy them we''ll be safe for a century."


    "What if the insectoids want to deal with those guys by themselves?" Ilvere asked.


    "Ignore them," Zac eventually said after giving it some thought. "This is a matter of survival for our. Taking out the Dominators takes precedence over anything else. I''ll just apologize to the Anointed afterward if ites to that."


    The group nodded in understanding, each of them already well aware of their respective roles. Zac would be the mainbatant and Ogras would be back-up, with the rest of the group offering assistance in different ways. Thea would take the same role as Ogras as well if she decided to join them this time as well.


    Zac didn''t feel safe with letting anyone else directly fight the Dominators, and he was only confident in those two thanks to their ability to escape if needed. Harbinger had both proven his power and conviction in the previous battle, and he was afraid that even elites like Billy would just find themselves to be cannon fodder in front of their strength.


    The group set out just a few minutester, and they appeared at an array at the foot of a mountain this time. Zac could sense a terrifying aura though, and a breathtaking scene met his eyes when he turned his head.


    Millions of Zhix stood armed and ready, an army many timesrger than what he had witnessed so far. Not only that, one look was enough to tell that they hadn''t thrown in random people to bolster the ranks. Each and every one was a hardened warrior who had seen battle before. The scene made him sigh with awe but also disappointment.


    With an army like this in existence, why did he have to close all those Incursions himself? It was living proof that the thing that made newly integrateds fail mostlyck of coordination and sacrificial will. The Zhix could have taken out arge number of Incursions themselves, but they had been paralyzed by theirplex rtionship with Cosmic Energy.


    "Warmaster, you are here," Rhubat nodded as it walked over. "You brought more people this time?"


    "We will stay to the side as promised. I just want to take precautions in case the other two appear today," Zac exined.


    The Grand Anointed slowly nodded in understanding, which Zac also took as a tacit agreement that his people could fight the Dominators in case they showed up.


    There wasn''t else for them to do, and they set out just a few minutester. Thea had already appeared before his group did, and it looked like the Anointed already had made their ns and preparations before this.


    The vast army traveled for over 6 hours until they reached a secluded basin nestled in between towering mountains. There were no known human settlements within hours ording to Thea, which was one of the reasons this location was picked. Another reason was probably that the basin stretched far into the horizon, allowing it to amodate two massive armies.


    Zac didn''t have to wait long for them to spot their enemies. An endless ck snake was moving toward them from the distance, emerging from a canyon on the other side of the basin. The people in his group frowned when they saw that the enemy army was at least 30%rger than their own, but Zac wasn''t as worried.


    These people hadn''t witnessed the power of the Anointed who had entered the Crusade.


    Their group found a small mountain not far from their own backlines. It rose about 200 meters above the ground, which allowed them to be close enough to witness the action without risking being suddenly dragged into it.


    "Activate the jammer," Zac finally said when the two armies had lined up with a kilometer''s distance, and Triv adroitly activated the ck pir.


    There was a subdued silence in the millions of Zhix stood ready for war, the War Council was betting everything to secure the future of their race. The Dominators had been a shadow in the collective mind of the Zhix for millennia, and this was their final chance to fulfill the wish of their ancestors topletely cleanse it.


    Conversely, if they failed the Zhix would fall. The dominators would seize control, which would be a short hegemony that wouldst until The Great Redeemer got here to cull the.


    So we just stand here? Ogras muttered with azy expression.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This is the struggle of the Zhix, our presence will only muddy the waters, Thea said from the side, only sparing the demon a nce before turning back toward the battlefield.


    The stalemate onlysted for around ten minutes, before a prolonged note was released from a horn somewhere. The call released the floodgates, and the two armies started rushing toward each other. There were no deft stratagems or tactics employed, but rather just brutal fervor as the armies shed.


    The warriors didn''t even seem to utilize their sses or skills, but rather just infused their bodies and traditional weapons with Cosmic Energy. It was a bit like Zac before he figured out how his pathways worked, where he just pushed around the energy in his body to improve his power.


    Was this a tacit agreement between the two sides? An oath to deal with their conflict following the ancient precepts?


    The armies werent thick, the rows only having a depth of a hundred warriors or so, but the war stretched all the way to the horizon. There were hundreds of thousands of simultaneous shes, and even the sky was affected by the collective outburst of killing intent and Cosmic Energy. The whole sky glowed in red as the Zhix fought tooth and nail everything they had, and Zac started to enter a mystic state as he looked on from the mountain top.


    "This...!" Zac whispered, his eyes widening.


    The others on the mountain looked at him with confusion, but he was no longer in any state to think about that as his aura exploded around him, forcing everyone to move away. His aura wasn''t calm or condensed though, but rather a chaotic mess of energies that tried to devour everything around them.


    Death, he muttered next and order was imposed upon the chaos.


    A massive sphere of darkness had been created, and the deathly energies inside it swirled in a vortex much like how his nodes looked. The enormous sphere took up almost half his vision, and perhaps by ident it covered most of the enemy army. Zac didn''t know if others could see what he saw, but it didn''t matter. His mind was full of pictures shing by, superimposing themselves over the gory bloodbath beneath him.


    People died by the scores every second, and each death seemed to resonate with him. The two opposing armies were like two opposite energies shing, and something new would be born from the struggle.


    Life, Zac whispered in a trance, and his aura was split in two.


    The growing sphere of death was pushed aside, forced to share space with a vibrant ball of life. Inside it was a power-generating vortex as well, but it flowed in the opposite direction of the sphere of death. The two spheres brought order to the chaos, but they each struggled for dominance.


    The space between the two turned into a delimiting line of constant conflict, perfectly mirroring the war of the Zhix. And just like something new would be born out of this carnage, so was something brewing in his own aura. The thing he had been searching for since he started to look for a truth of his own.


    War, Zac growled, and the world finally clicked in ce.


    Blood fell like rain under a crimson sky, and a Path was born.

 Chapter 555: Trinity

    Chapter 555: Trinity


    Zacs robes fluttered as his massive aura caused sharp winds to nket the mountain peak. However, he wasnt in any state to notice the tumultuous state of the mountain he was sitting on. His full attention was split between the magical scene in the air that held the conceptualization of his path, and the all-out struggle below that resonated with him.


    The two spheres seemed to hold the powers to both destroy the world and recreate it, but they were still bound and manipted by the third force in the middle. If the two spheres were represented by the two armies below, then the war itself represented a third force that drew the two opposites toward each other, changing their energies through conflict.


    Most of Zacs waking hours over the past months had gone into trying to understanding the various movingponents thatprised his unique situation, when he wasn''t putting out fires left and right. On the most fundamental level, there were his two sses and their corresponding Daos, but that was just one aspect of his cultivation path.


    There were also his weaponry and skills, and even Port Atwood. Yrial and his guidance was also an important factor, and his master''s own path had been the reason that Zac so arduously tried to form a cycle of Life and Death until giving up during the Tower of Eternity. There was also the issue of the two remnants in his head, and the powerful bloodline he suspected himself to have.


    Not everything needed to necessarily be part of some sort of cultivation mastern, but the more the better. The more factors behind his sess he managed to integrate into his path, the better and sturdier it would be. That would be even more important if he actually managed to take the step into Dual Arcane sses in the future.


    Moving forward from that point on would be far moreplicated, putting huge requirements on one''s foundation. Certainly, no piddling E-Grade warriors would be able to fathom a perfected path, but if there contradictions and mistakes were toorge, then he might not be able to fix them further down the path.


    The problem was that there had been a fundamental barrier to his improvements all this while; deciphering how all his unique points fit together. There was undeniably a theme of Life and Death, but he hadnt really figured out how to fuse that with his axe-work just yet. <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> and <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> was a move in the right direction, but gaining scheduled skills couldnt be considered understanding ones cultivation path. He was still making isted improvements without thinking of the whole, which was starting to be dangerous.


    But that finally started to change.


    He hadpletely lost any sense of time or his surroundings on the mountain by this point as his whole being was consumed by his epiphany. The Dao always felt elusive and intangible, but it was so clear to him at this moment. It felt like one breath right now was as effective as hours of silent meditation. He suddenly understood everything with unprecedented rity. Where he currently was, and where he needed to go.


    Zac realized that he had looked at it all wrong until now. He had thought of his cultivation path as one of duality, where life and death were the mainponents. He had two races and two sses and even two remnants to match them. However, there were also triplets in the mix.


    He had three sets of Daos, each distinct and unique, and he could produce three different Sparks from the remnants based on his Daos. However, he had been stuck in a mental trap even after discarding a cyclic path and the original purpose of <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>. He had still seen his future path as one of duality, even if it wasnt one of skill and bnce but rather force.


    But Life and Death werent the concepts that defined him or his rise after the Integration. It was his struggle.


    His path was not one of Cyclic Dominance that used skilled control to seamlessly switch between states and concepts, and neither was it one of Harmonic Equilibrium. His path was one of struggle, where the mes of war would open the path of Life and Death. His path was one of a Defiant Struggle that would pave a bloody path all the way toward the peak.


    One year ago, Zac had been stranded in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a hatchet in his hand. Now he was one of the most powerful people in the younger generation in the whole sector, and his name was known across whole gxies. Was this thanks to his deep insight into Life and Death? Of course not.


    The air screamed as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> appeared in his hand, its ckish edge casting a deathly gleam. Zacs eyes turned down to the axe, the weapon which had followed him since the beast waves. His weapon had been a constant through his struggles, but yet it had been relegated to be some sort of delivery-method for his more advanced concepts.


    But that waspletely backward.


    His weapon wasnt just a receableponent, it was the catalyst to everything. Without it, his path was dead in the water, just like the two remnants in his mind who were stuck at an impasse that would only end when one of the two was defeated.


    Zacs eyes shed as he remembered the Stele and the vision it brought. The ancient que carried the essence of a primordial concept as it soared through space in search of new generals. It pushed the idea that without struggle there would be nothing. A universe could be born, only to never flourish. It would remain lifeless and slowly die to entropy over the countless eons if there was no catalyst for change and improvement.


    It wasnt a duality he was looking to create, but a trinity with the axe in the center. The axe contained his struggle, his determination, and his undying will, and those things could even influence life and death itself as long as he became powerful enough. It would be the catalyst, the seed for change.


    In the case of the sparks, War also represented his personal control. He had seen how things went once already when he excluded his Fragment of the Axe to create the Chaos Pattern. He had immediately lost control and conjured the System itself. He was just a cog rather than someone in control, and it was almost a miracle that he was still alive after doing something so foolhardy.


    If his current ideas were correct, then the Fragment of the Axe was crucial when touching upon Creation and Oblivion. It was the fragment he was the most skilled with, and it was outside the purview of the two remnants. It was truly his, and he could use this fact to draw in the opposing powers of both his two other Daos or the Remnants, and from there push their struggle to suit his goals by being the general in charge of the war.


    That was why the Fragment of the Axe had been needed to create useable sparks. If you took that part out of the equation, you only had Oblivion and Creation to create Chaos, and those two were still exclusively the Heavens Domain. He was only borrowing a small and simplified corner of the vast power of Oblivion and Creation through the remnants, and there was no point in making it the core of his cultivation path.


    That small insight made him realize something else. Was the ultimate spark perhaps not thebination of his Fragment of the Bodhi and Fragment of the Coffin, but rather abination of all three of his Daos? Was that the key to activating both the Remnants at the same time? He had essentially be a vessel for the System thest time, but things might be different in the future if he managed to impose his will with the help of his Axe Dao.


    Of course, he wasn''t ready to test that any time soon. First of all, creating a spark with both remnants and his Fragment of the Axe would require him to somehow modify <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong> to allow three simultaneous streams of energy. Besides, he didn''t dare something like that before his soul was much stronger.


    It still wasn''t certain that Zac would need to evolve his Fragment of the Axe into a Branch of War in the future to amodate his most recent insights. He knew too little about those Daos. Of course, he knew too little about that powerful Dao, so taking that specific decision this early was pointless.


    Besides, it wasnt like everything needed to revolve around the remnants. They contained mysterious and incredible power, but the dangers were there to match. For now, he just needed to survive them. Controlling them wouldeter. Whether they would be truly integrated into his sses or remain as foreign objects that could be used to unleash ultimate strikes was still impossible to decide.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Who knew, as long as he followed this road he might one day be powerful enough to control both Creation and Oblivion by himself without the need of any remnants at all. At that time he might be able to absorb them, or at least discard them as they would be useless by that point.


    Because at that point he would be an actual wielder of Creation and Oblivion, perhaps even able to conjure Primordial Chaos.


    A sense of danger suddenly cut through his thoughts as the skies themselves rumbled in anger. Zac was forcibly snapped out of his reverie and finally regained the sense of his surroundings, prompting him to look around in confusion. The sky was still colored crimson from one of the suns setting, aptly matching the still ongoing carnage below.


    However, there were mountains of Zhix corpses by this point, making Zac realize hours might have passed in his special state. There was no one around him either, and Zac saw that the others in his elite group sat a few hundred meters away from him conversing with low voices or spectating the battle. None of them seemed to have heard the thunder crashing into his ears just now though, as they didn''t even nce toward the sky.


    The fact that no one else seemed to have heard the thunder didnt relieve him, but it rather filled him with dread. He was pretty much a demi-god by old-world standards, there was no way he was hearing things wrong.


    A sh of lightning stretched across the whole sky the next moment. It was massive, drawing a line as thick as the smaller sun across the stratosphere. It looked to be extremely far off as well, which only magnified just how much lightning that arc contained. It might spear straight through the if itnded instead of just passing by Earth through the horizon.


    Zacs eyes were wide as he witnessed the spectacle, and even the furious battle down below was utterly forgotten. The bolt looked absolutely terrifying, but it was also extraordinarily beautiful. It felt like they were condensed from the purest Dao, and Zac felt that limitless insights were just out of his reach.


    If he could only absorb a little bit


    However, Zac immediately cursed his stray thoughts. An extremely small tendril suddenly appeared just a few thousand meters above him. It looked like a purple piece of string, but Zac didnt hesitate to start running away from his people even if they were hundreds of meters apart. His mind was screaming with horror, and it was not just his Danger Sense.


    That purple lightning was far less mysterious and a lot more terrifying when it was bearing down on you. It felt like that seemingly insignificant tendril contained the wrath of the Heavens themselves, and just the thought of getting struck by that thing filled him with horror. His first instinct was that it was the System sending lightning at him a second time, but something told him that might not be the case.


    The bolt lookedpletely differentpared to the lightning that the System conjured in the Tower of Eternity when he summoned the Chaos Pattern. For one, it was purple instead of blue and gold. Secondly, Zac had been able to sense a sort of presence that time, but now the feeling waspletely different.


    Before it had felt like a vast and indifferent being had looked down at him from high above, but he couldn''t sense a being this time. It was rather like the Dao itself tried to kill him as he sensed a boundless, but inanimate, fury and killing intent in the bolt. It made him think that it might be less of a tribtion to withstand and more of an assassination attempt to survive.


    It was futile. Zac was pushing <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to the limit, but it looked as though the tendril was affixed to the space right above his location no matter how far he moved. It snaked its way down with deceptive speed, and Zac barely had time to sit down and erect all his avableyers of defenses.


    However, some things were the same as during the Tribtion. His skills, talismans, and even Daos seemed utterly incapable of impeding the bolt. The shields cracked and even his soul received a bacsh as the thunderbolt struck straight between his eyebrows.


    What followed next was a pain even greater than when he jumped into the Cosmic Pond.

 Chapter 556: Heavens Mandate

    Chapter 556: Heaven''s Mandate


    Pain and pressure threatened to tear Zacs body apart in an instant as it swelled to ufortable proportions. However, Zac wasn''t the same person as back when he was flooded by Cosmic Water, and he forced himself to remain conscious as he looked for solutions.


    Another thing that differed from simr situations was that Zac wasn''t exactly being filled up with a terrifying amount of Cosmic Energy as he was in the Cosmic Water or when forming his Duplicity Core in the Dead Zone. Whatever the purple bolt of lightning was made of seemed to be something different.


    It would be more apt to call it a messy mix of countless different Daos.


    Zac was almost delirious from pain, but he strove to activelybat the lightning bolt as well by utilizing his newest method of controlling his mental energy. Directly defending hadn''t worked, so he instead tried to push it out of his body with Fragment of the Bodhi mental energy, essentially doing the opposite of when hepleted the quest for <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>. However, the mysterious lightning bolt waspletely unmoved by Zac''s efforts.


    The odd and messy heterogeneity that Zac had never encountered before made it extremely hard tobat. His Daos were effective against some parts of the bolt but almost seemed to be making things worse on other parts. He was quickly reduced to passively enduring the lightning as he ground it down by exhausting his mental energy. However, it wasnt enough.


    There was simply too much energy inside that bolt. And it was not only that, there were hints of high-tiered concepts beyond Zacs current understanding hidden in the chaotic mix, making it even more precarious to carry it around in his body. Even the remnants seemed subdued in its presence, something he only had witnessed once before, trying to appear inconspicuous rather than railing against its prison due to the chaos.


    Zac popped one pill after another into his mouth as he tried one thing after another to weather the storm, and the others had realized something was wrong by now. They rushed closer, but they didn''t get too close after Zac arduously shook his head at them. They wouldn''t be able to help him this time, but he was starting to despair as the bolt seemed to have no intention to relent in its efforts to rip his body apart. Bloody cracks had spread all over his body already, and a simr situation could be seen in his soul.


    But a deep heartbeat suddenly echoed out across the area as <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> thumped.


    Nothing Zac had done until now could even be considered a temporary relief against the bolt, but there was actually a change in the lightning that coursed through his body after his Hidden Node activated. Better yet, it didn''t seem to be on an isted part of his body either. The whole bolt was frozen after the first heartbeat. However, Zac also felt a sharp pain in his heart, seemingly a bacsh from messing with the purple lightning. It looked like even his omnivorous Hidden Node had problems dealing with this.


    The <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> didnt give up after just one try though and another beat, this one even heavier, made his whole body vibrate. This time the foreign lightning didnt just stop, but the Hidden Node actually managed to rip off a small piece of the purple energy in the bolt before it swallowed it whole.


    The stabbing pain that followed almost made him ck out.


    Zac started to worry for real as blood seeped down his mouth. He had only absorbed a few percent of the energy, but the bacsh felt almost as dangerous as the lightning itself. He would be dead long before the Node had absorbed it all and Zac still hadn''t found any way for him to control it. Zac was ted that something finally worked, but he was also worried about the implications.


    He was pretty sure that this bolt was some sort of Tribtion brought forth by the system. The timing was too spot-on, and what else would be able to conjure that endless bolt in the sky? Perhaps the tribtion came from forming a proper path, or perhaps there was something else behind its emergence.


    In either case, it was something that should be sent by the System. It felt extremely risky to try and steal that energy for himself, especially as the pain after the second beat almost knocked him unconscious. What if the System got angry and retaliated?


    A third beat and another piece of the bolt was sucked into the vortex in his heart, disappearing into some unknown space of the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, and Zac was lying on the ground by this point. The rampaging energies lost their energy once again, freezing in ce all over his body. It was extremely lucky as well, as the bacsh this time actually did knock him out, though only for a few seconds.


    Zac realized he had fallen down on the ground at some time, but he was too tired and in too much pain to sit up. He could onlyy sprawled on the ground, panting and fearing for what woulde next. Not a scrap of energy had been released back from the Hidden Node either, which was odd by itself.


    The Node instead started shaking more and more violently until Zac puked out a huge stream of blood that shot down the mountain and turned into a red mist. It was the trapped purple lightning that had actually managed to escape from his node, damaging it a bit while doing so. It did seem a bit changed though, like he had spit it up mid-digestion.


    A fourth beat echoed out but it looked like the purple bolt had enough of Zac''s weird bloodline. It actually reabsorbed the regurgitated lightning and fled out of his pores, its tendrils seemingly destroying everything in his surroundings out of frustration. It created a magical scene where the whole mountain was illuminated in purple, and this time it looked as though the lightning was visible by everyone.


    The bolt in the sky disappeared the next moment after emitting a final burst of fury and murderousness. Zac looked like he had just lost ten battles in a row, but the lightning didn''t get awaypletely unscathed either. The Hidden Node had actually managed to reabsorb a small part of the escaped energy before it left his body.


    Zac weakly opened his eyes to see the group staying some distance away, seemingly afraid to approach without his go-ahead.


    "Are you okay? What can we do?" Joanna shouted with worry in her eyes.


    "It''s over, it should be fine now," Zac said with a weak voice, but everyone on the mountain could easily hear it as even the weakest among them werete F-Grade warriors by now.


    The Valkyries and Triv immediately rushed over while Ogras and Thea maintained the distance as they vigntly looked at the surroundings. Zac snorted as he knew that the demon was simply afraid of getting hit by some surprise lightning. The Valkyries immediately started to clean his wounds as they erected a series of arrays around him, hiding Zac''s wretched state from any prying eyes.


    The ghost flitted around as it seemed to be observing the air around Zac. It only took a few seconds before Triv''s eyes widened as its head snapped toward Zac who was still unable to get on his feet. It had clearly gleaned something from the remnant energy that had melded with the air and disappeared.


    This is Heavenly Lightning! Ancient Tribtion! Triv said with horror in its eyes as it flew away from Zac once more. What did you do to draw the wrath of the heavens?!


    The Valkyries already looked utterly baffled as they looked at Zacs pathetic state and that only intensified when they heard Triv''s words.


    Just meditating, Zac said with a frown, his whole body feeling like it had been incinerated. Why did I suddenly get sted by another Tribtion?


    The ghost seemed to be hesitating about something, its eyes darting toward the Valkyries who were still inside the arrays.


    "I have to rest a bit," Zac simply said. "Wake me up if something changes."


    Zac spent over an hour in an almost fugue state where hepletely focused on recuperation. He finally dared to move and circte his energy a bit, and he was relieved to realize that his body wasn''t as grievously wounded as he had feared. There were a huge number of both internal and external wounds, but that wasn''t a problem to Zac.


    The situation was simr with his soul, but it was thankfully far from fragmenting. His state more resembled having overextended himself in battle, which would be a lot quicker to recover from. Of course, there was always a risk that hidden threats were lurking in his body waiting to explode.


    "Thank you for your help. Give me and Triv a moment please," Zac said with an exhausted voice as he opened his eyes. "No onees in."


    Joanna nodded and handed him a bottle of water before they exited theyers of arrays. However, they didn''t go far, simply choosing to erect a perimeter around him.


    You know something, Zac evenly said.


    I Ah The ghost said before its voice echoed out in Zacs mind.


    <em>Its the punishment of the Heavens, the result of embarking on the Boundless Path,</em> Trivs voice said.


    WHAT?! Zac eximed with shock before he quickly erected a sealing array and dragged the ghost inside. When did I do something like that? Exin yourself.


    It is just what I heard, Triv said. I might be wrong!


    Just tell me what you know, Zac exhorted.


    Before the System, all cultivation went against the Heavens. It was to steal the essence of the Dao to attain immortality. But the universe wouldnt give in just like that, and it would send tribtion down on the cultivators, Triv sighed. This all changed with the arrival of the System.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Cultivation no longer goes against the Heavens; it is now Heavens mandate. The only tribtions now are the trials that the System has envisioned to weed out the weak and train the strong. It ispletely different from how it was before when the Heavens tried to smite those who stole its lifeblood."


    What does this have to do with me? Zac asked with a sinking feeling.


    It seems Young Master has gained an insight that is either moving in an unrecognized direction or is outside the Heavens Mandate altogether. You need to adjust your path to once more enter Heaven''s Path."


    Zac didn''t understand what the ghost was talking about. How had he entered the Boundless Path? However, he suddenly remembered something. Thest thing he had thought of before the lightning appeared was to personally take charge of Creation, Oblivion, and the Primordial Chaos itself. He only now realized how ballooned his ego was at that moment. This was something that not even the greatest masters of the universe could control from what he had gathered.


    More importantly; if he really took control of the Dao of Chaos he would probably be one of the strongest beings in the universe, perhaps even superior to the previous Apostates. Was this what the system meant by ''Beware the Terminus''? Did it think he was fomenting an insurrection when creating his cultivation path?


    It was a bit odd though, there shouldn''t be anyck of people dreaming of seizing control of the Dao itself and be the master of the multiverse. In fact, should be one of the mostmon goals among elite cultivators. Was the System really zapping people left and right for having ambition? It seemedpletely contrary to its purpose. Or was there some other reason that the System actually felt threatened and took action? Something unique about him?


    In either case, the ghost''s words came at a really bad time. The vision he had seen during his epiphany earlier had already turned muddled and indistinct in his mind, but he still remembered how vast it was and how it epassed his path of cultivation perfectly. How could he just part with it like that? He felt that he would never reach his full potential if he walked away from this.


    And if I dont change my path? Zac asked with reluctance.


    The further you walk down this path the greater the suppression of the Heavens. Not only will you be forced to withstand the true tribtions of the Heavens, the ones aimed at murder rather than training, but the even System will turn its back from you. I doubt the System would care about an E-Grade or even D-Grade warrior, but if you go too far you might find yourself unable to freely walk in integrated space, Triv said fearfully. However


    However what? Zac asked with exhaustion.


    He had somewhat understood where Triv was going with his exnation from the very beginning, but he had let them prattle on as he gathered his own thoughts. He truly didnt know what he should do even if the ghost was right. There was still a burning reluctance in his chest as he thought about giving up just as he began, but was it worth it to keep struggling?


    He was not out to overthrow the Heavens or anything. He mainly wanted to get stronger so that he could protect those close to him. He had started to enjoy bing stronger while uncovering the secrets of the universe, but it wasnt the main reason he pushed himself so hard. He would still be an elite even if he gave up on his envisioned path of cultivation, wasnt that enough?


    However, every single one of the Apostates walked the Boundless Path, Triv eventually said. As did the Primo.

 Chapter 557: Retaliation

    Chapter 557: Retaliation


    The ghost was racked with pain after divulging information about the Primo, meaning Triv had once again been punished for breaking thews branded onto its soul. It even turned mostly transparent this time, meaning that it might have been hurt pretty bad. Zac quickly threw a soul mending pill he got from the Undead Kingdom into its incorporeal body as he considered the implications of what Triv said.


    Who would have thought that the big-shots who had affected the Multiverse as a whole all stepped onto the Boundless Path? Perhaps that was even the only way to reach the greatest heights. He remembered his short conversation with the mysterious man who had married BeZi who had spoken about the broken peaks of the System.


    That wasnt to say that the System was useless though. It had drastically increased the average power of the elites of the multiverse, and it had pushed the boundaries of what was possible. The Apostates were ultimately extreme outliers and not an indicator of the general situation of the average cultivator on the Boundless Path.


    It did feel a bit like walking the Boundless Path was the way of the elite from what Triv said, but he wasnt sure if it was for him. After all, most people seemed more than happy to stay in Heavens Path, and it was still possible to reach C-Grade and even greater heights.


    Setting the issue of his path aside, there were some things that the Ghost had said that he didnt quite understand.


    Are the System and the Heavens not the same thing? Zac asked. How can the ''Heavens'' send Tribtions at me even if thats not how the System operates?


    That is beyond me, perhaps beyond everyone in this sector. They are one but also separate, thats all Ive heard on the matter. Digging too deep into taboo subjects like this is fraught with dangers as well. Heavens secrets are not so easily divulged, Triv said as he looked up at the sky with some fear.


    That lightning bolt was extremely frightening. There is no way that normal cultivators would survive more than a second or two. How can whole factions possibly follow this path? Zac asked next, hoping to find some sort of solution in case the lightning returned.


    Im no expert on methods of unorthodox cultivation, Triv reiterated. Though my impression was that both the F-Grade and E-Grades were safe from true Tribtions.


    Guess Im one lucky turkey then, Zac snorted, but he suddenly thought of something and opened his title screen.


    <strong>[Terminus  Gaze upon the Terminus.]</strong>


    It was the first time in a long while he had looked at this odd title that neither appeared in his status screen nor provided any attributes. But Zac guessed that this actually might be the key as to why the Heavens reacted to the creation of his path. If others thoughts about the Primordial Chaos and the Terminus it was just wishful thinking and not something that the Heavens needed to waste its energy on.


    But he had not only seen it, but he still lived to tell the tale. Perhaps this made him a real threat in the Heavens eyes.


    That said, Triv added, though he seemed pretty reluctant at the idea of Zac continuing down this path. I would guess that they either have methods to hide from or weaken the Tribtion. You would probably have to visit unorthodox space to find out any real details. Taboo subjects are not freely spread in integrated space to avoid any repercussions.


    Zac kept talking with the ghost for a while, but it really didnt know much about the subject. As for formalizing a path, it knew even less. It was the same with Ogras and the others. For one, creating a real cultivation path was something that a lot of weaker factions didnt have any organized intelligence on. They just muddled along, often focusing on lower-rarity cultivation to improve their odds.


    He still didnt feel he really had a full handle on the situation with his cultivation, but he felt he should just stay the course for the time being.


    The thing that muddied the waters was the opposing signals from the System. It seemed to want him to go down this path for some reason, but it also warned him of the Terminus. Was this the name of the real Heavens perhaps? When the System told him to beware the Terminus, was it perhaps warning him that the Pre-System Heavens would try to stop him?


    Zac eventually sighed and shook his head, deciding to focus on the present instead of worrying about these far-off things.


    Hopefully, his previous experience was just a result of him wanting to take control of Chaos itself. If that was the case he might be fine as long as he didnt be too greedy. He could simply focus on just Life, Death, and Struggle like he originally nned when pondering his path during the epiphany.


    He deactivated theyers of defenses around him after letting Triv clean him up. The ghost had a skill called <strong>[Twilight Scrub] </strong>for this very purpose, true to his ss. It was a convenient mix of a shower and a wash that just looked like a dense cloud, but it was unfortunately made for the unliving. The azure haze that cleansed his body of both blood and grime felt like a touch of death itself. It wasnt harmful though, so Zac didnt waste time changing into his Draugr form just to clean up.


    The group outside breathed out in relief when they saw that Zac was really fine, at least outwardly.


    What the hell happened to you earlier? Ogras asked with exasperation. First you st your aura at full power, then you sit around with the expression of a simpleton for hours until you suddenly start running like a maniac. And <em>what</em> was that lightning?! Ive never seen anything like it.


    Zac was exhausted, but seeing the demon so frazzled that he started prattling off did improve his mood a bit. It also looked like he didn''t recognize the purple lightning as Triv did, once more proving the advantage of being part of a greater force. Then again, it might just be because Triv was a spirit being who was extremely sensitive to energies as his body was made from it.


    Nothing much, I just had an epiphany, Zac shrugged, the corner of his mouth tugging slightly upward.


    Whats with that smirk? Ogras muttered, looking like he had swallowed a fly after hearing that Zac had taken yet another step forward.


    Teasing aside, Zac still didnt really know if he had actually gained anything from his encounter apart from solidifying his path. The Hidden Node still hadnt spat out the energy it managed to reabsorb, and Zac started to think that the<strong> [Void Heart]</strong> kept that Tribtion Lightning for itself. That might not be the worst thing though, as it hopefully meant that the node would be stronger.


    Zac also asked some questions about what had transpired while he was unconscious or mid-enlightenment, but the others hadnt really gained anything from witnessing the struggle below. They also hadnt shared his vision of the two massive spheres splitting the basin in two, and the vortex of struggle in the middle. Zac was relieved to hear it was for his eyes only, as that vision could be considered a core cultivation secret of his, almost on the level of his mutated Duplicity Core.


    The shocking lightning field that sted out from his body earlier had apparently given pause to the bloodshed below, but the war had immediately picked up its pace again as he focused on recuperation. Thankfully it looked like the Dominators really wasnt around. If they were, then they would definitely have attacked him at his moment of weakness.


    He looked down at the battlefield once more. This time he didnt see the scene as a representation of his cultivation path, but just as the gruesome war that it was. Hours had passed by this point, and the battle had reached its high point.


    Over 90% of both sides were actively engaged in battle, with neither side retaining any sparebatants. Thest 10% Zhix were roving elite squads that shored up any weaknesses that appeared in the frontlines, or who mounted assaults aimed at taking out leaders or Anointed. And it had worked with things being so chaotic.


    It looked like a quarter of the Anointed had fallen by this point, and more joined their ranks by the minutes. They resembled proud lions that were finally harried to death by a vast pack of hyenas. Massive swathes of destruction surrounded every fallen Anointed, and it took hundreds of strikes to finally bring one of the behemoths down.


    Of course, the fall of a spiritual leader only led to further ughter as the hive soldiers of the fallen Anointed turned insane in their desire for revenge.


    The number ofbatants was almost uncountable, but the ferocity of the war was also unmatched. Zac and his group once more found their spirits subdued by the bloodshed. Only a lunatic would be able to witness this much death without batting an eye. Even Triv looked downcast as he gazed upon the scene below, though his reasons were different than the rest.


    So many children What a waste. Young master, why not Triv whispered by his side.


    Im not going to raise an army of Zhix undead, Zac said without hesitation. Youve seen it. They cremate their fallen. I neither want nor need an army like this.


    This wasnt the first time the ghost had brought forth the point of saving the bodies of his enemies to create undead followers. Zac had staunchly refused until now, though he inwardly wasnt as confident. There were a lot of bodies of his fallen enemies stored in Cosmos Sacks. They had the potential to create a group of elites that might be able to rival all the geniuses in his force.


    But the time wasnt right.


    Triv had actually provided arge-scale array that would slowly infuse Miasma into bodies. The field of corpses he appeared on during the climb was one such Array of Awakening as Triv called. The problem was that anyone who was resurrected through that array would automatically be part of the Undead Empire. That''s why Triv didn''t even get a bacsh from providing it. The Undead Empire was more than happy to let others raise more subjects for them.


    Perhaps he could revisit the issue if the really gained a Life-Death attunement though, and after he had visited Twilight Harbor and gathered intelligence on how unattached undead factions functioned.


    Besides, he didnt have the resources to nurture unliving elites at the moment. He did have the <strong>[Corpsebloom Mantra]</strong> he looted from Mhal along with a few more random manuals and skills, but he was never able to unlock the manuals of the Lich King. Even if he managed to awaken a group of undead right now, he would just be wasting their potential.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The war raged on for a few more hours before there were just a few pockets of traitors on one side, with the Zhix War Council having more than enough steam to crush thest resistance in minutes.


    Bloodied and ruthless Anointed pushed forward, their ceremonial knives continuously giving thest rites to those led astray, and finally there was just deafening silence as the victors stood over the fallen. Zac looked down at the carnage with mixed emotions until he sighed and stood up. All-in-all they had stayed in this basin for around 8 hours, and Zac was eager to leave this cursed ce and its intense stench of blood.


    Looks like its over, Zac said as he turned to Triv. You can turn off the jammer.


    However, Zac got a sinking feeling when his Communication crystal started vibrating just a few seconds after the ck pir stopped humming.


    Lord Atwood, settlements are under attack!


    Zac inwardly swore as his group gathered around him, looks of worry adorning their faces.


    Attacked? Who? Where? Zac asked with anger. "Is it Port Atwood again?"


    No, it''s thankfully just settlements on the maind. Weve first lost contact with Site 27 less than an hour after you activated the Jammer. Four hourster Bastion disappeared, and just now Site 2, the voice said on the other side of the crystal.


    Where are you? Zac asked next, recognizing the owner to be one Sarah, one of the newer Valkyries. How are you able to contact me?


    We set out toward your location from the closest town when we lost contact with you. Weve left rys to keep us updated. But we were unable to enter the mountain range where you are staying, so we could only warn you now. Im sorry, Sarah sighed.


    Thats okay. Are you able to get back by yourselves? Zac asked. I might need to move quickly.


    No problem. Well be back in Port Atwood in a few hours, Sarah said without worry.


    Zac sighed in relief as he muttered the list of towns with confusion. Those three settlements were nowhere near each other. Site 2 was the provisionary name of one of the first Incursions he closed; the time he saved the Ishiate towns from the rockmen. Bastion was the location of another Incursion, but it was given that name as there wererge numbers of humans actually living there.


    The controlling faction there had been one of the better ones, all things considered, killing few natives and only enving them to gain a workforce. Finally, Site 27 was one of thest Incursions, one he didnt actually fight against. It was one of the forces who gave up soon after Zac closed the Undead Incursion, leaving a ghost-town between two secluded peaks behind.


    Still, Zac couldntpletely understand why those three had been targeted. They were on different parts of Pangea, and they werent of critical importance to him at all. None of them were all that easy to ess, making it impossible they were random strikes. Either three forces would have to coordinate their efforts or a group that moved extremely quickly between the towns. Judging by the fact they were attacked in sequence, it was more likely it was thetter.


    Was it Voids Disciple?

 Chapter 558: Showdown

    Chapter 558: Showdown


    Zac had been dreading a response from Void''s Disciple since killing Harbinger, and this might be his opening move. He felt doubly thankful that he had already sent most people back to Port Atwood in case of attack, minimizing loss of life. However, there were still Skeleton Crews stationed at every spot to keep operations going and there had probably been losses.


    Did anyone manage to return from those ces? Zac asked with a sigh.


    Unfortunately, no, the answer came. There were roughly 20 people stationed in each of those locations to maintain basic operations.


    Zac and the others kept asking things through the Crystal, but Sarah didn''t know much. They didn''t dare to roll out the army as all leaders of Port Atwood were currently away, so they could only look on with dismay as one settlement after another had disappeared from the screen. They had tried to send out a few squads to random settlements to look around, but they had all came back empty-handed.


    Various thoughts swirled through Zac''s head, but he eventually made his decision. He needed to get going, even if he had to pay the price to erect another teleportation array with his <strong>[Spatial Transfer Array]</strong>. But there was no point in rushing. He wasnt able to reach the three lost settlements in short order anyway, and immediately heading there might allow even more of his towns to be attacked behind his back.


    The problem was that he didnt know where this mystery attacker would strike next.


    Anyone who can figure out why these three ces were targeted? Zac asked with a frown.


    The Valkyries shook their heads, and Ogras didnt speak up either.


    Metals, Ilvere suddenly said, drawing the gazes of the others.


    What? Zac asked.


    You know, Ive been in charge of taking stock of the bases youve conquered. All three of those ces you mentioned have Spiritual Metal deposits of pretty high quality. Thats the only thing I can think of, the general said.


    Metals, Zac repeated thoughtfully. But there shouldnt have been too much extracted, and it either left with the invaders or has been transferred to Port Atwood. I had already sent everyone back as well. Its not like they can extract the whole ce in minutes or even hours.


    Either they want to stop you from extracting things as well, perhaps preventing us from properly preparing for the Mystic Realm, Ogras slowly said. The mines might be ruined. Or they are looking for an exotic piece of metal that might be found somewhere in their depths.


    Zac nodded with a frown. Just like Nexus Crystal mines sometimes could produce Attuned Crystals or higher-grade ones, so could metal deposit contains small amounts of extremely valuable materials. It was on his radar to scan all his reserves for such items, but he sorelycked the manpower for such a task.


    He hadnt even fully mapped out his own Crystal Mine as its tunnels stretched kilometer after kilometer below ground, seemingly neverending pathways that kept turning and branching. He still only had an inkling of what all his conquered towns could provide.


    The problem was how quickly things had transpired. It should take a few hours to reach those ces from any other settlement even if you had some good movement method, and from there you would have to enter the depths to extract that precious ore. Zac would have needed almost a whole day to travel to those three locations, even if he only gave himself an hour per mine and used the Flying Treasure.


    Do we have other ces that fit the description? he asked.


    Theres just the one, Ilvere slowly said. Site 16.


    Zac immediately remembered the ce he was referring to. It was the incursion with the birdmen, that one ced on top of a mountain.


    Good. If thest town was lost just a few minutes ago, then we have a few hours if things will progress as before, Zac muttered. Traveling to that ce will take time even if its Voids Disciple. Stay here, I need to speak to the Zhix.


    The other nodded and Zac descended the mountain, walking straight toward the battlefield a hundred meters per step. The war was over, but a subdued silence stretched across the whole basin. Groups of warriors walked across the fields to retrieve the fallen, but most simply sat down, many with tears streaming down their cheeks.


    Those worst off were actually the Anointed, all of them sitting in prayer, tear-streaked blood covering their faces. Even the three great Anointed hadnt walked out of the war unscathed, and Vanexis had even lost a hand. It went to show how massive groups of weaker cultivators could take out much stronger opponents if they were willing to sacrifice enough lives.


    He found Rhubat sitting at the center of the army, and he was relieved to see a bloodied but living N not far away. He had lost track of N during his epiphany, but it appeared that Hive Kundevi thankfully was not one of the Hives targeted by the elite executioner squads.


    Congrattions on your victory, Zac said as he turned back to Rhubat. Im sorry to interrupt, something urgent hase up.


    This is not a victory, Warmaster, Rhubat sighed, its enormous face a mask of pain and sorrow. There are no victors today. Weve lost half our children this day, yet the war is not over.


    That is why Ivee. I wont be able to stay with you on the way back. Someone has attacked three of my settlements while you fought, it seems the person can move extremely quickly, Zac said. I need to go before more of my towns are destroyed.


    Do you suspect the Dominators? Rhubat said, and the other Anointed in the vicinity perked up from their deste states.


    I do, Zac said. Void seems to have some method to move about somewhat freely.


    What are you nning?


    If its really Void Im thinking we shouldunch an ambush. We need to hit hard and quick because hes so slippery, Zac said. We have located the next ce we believe hell target, Im heading there now.


    Good, agreed. Vanexis and Raja will oversee the rites, Rhubat said as the giant got to its feet. Six councilors wille with me. Any more will likely just be a hindrance this time. Our old methods will not work in this scenario.


    A few of thergest Zhix roused themselves and got to their feet with solemn expressions, joining Zac as they returned up the mountain. Zac wasted no time before he found a hidden caverge enough to house his group plus the Anointed. He erected an illusion array at the door before a pile of materials emerged from his cosmos sack.


    His hands turned to a blur next as a crude but functional teleportation array was erected in minutes.


    How is this possible? Thea muttered with iprehension as she looked down at the newly created array. Theres no town for hours. Can you actually create arrays like this?


    No. At least not that I know of. I was given this ability as a reward when the final incursion was closed, Zac shrugged. Perhaps the System knew I would be running around all over. There are some limitations though. Only I can activate it and it is only usable once.


    Zac didnt exin the other details of his array though, letting them form their own hypotheses. He didnt even need to take out the bracelet hidden beneath his bracer for his <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong> to work. He just needed to infuse it with Cosmic Energy and a connection was formed between the bracelet and the array. Zac''s best guess was that the bracelet contained some sort of spatial energy, and it infused it into Zac''s previously dead array to give it enough power to work just once.


    It was intentional that he did things this way. This meant that both the Zhix and the Marshall n would know that he could plop down an array at any time, anywhere. Such an ability was pretty scary and would make his force almost unassable.


    Port Atwood and these forces had a harmonious cooperation right now, and this disy would hopefully help quash any contrary thoughts while he was off cultivating or looking for resources in the future.


    Can you ce one inside the Mystic Realmter? Thea suddenly asked. In case we need to send out things or people.


    Teleportation arrays doesnt work inside Mystic Realms, Ogras said with azy expression. At least not conventional ones. Something about a different sort of space. Now, lets go before the next Site disappears from the Teleportation Array.


    Zac nodded and the group shed over, appearing in Site 16 a momentter. Their appearance caused some confusion among the stationed troops, and the confusion only increased when Joanna ordered them back to Port Atwood immediately.


    After conferring with the Zhix for a bit they quickly learned that if it really was Voids Disciple that was attacking them, then he shoulde from the south. An enemy hive was in that direction, and it was one of the closest settlements as well. The problem was whether they should set out from the town, or just sit around here while waiting for someone to show up.


    In the end only Zac, Ogras, the Anointed, and Janos stayed. They would form a squad that would patrol the area toward the north. The rest were sent back as well as there simply wasnt enough room on the flying leaf. He was able to increase and decrease its size to some degree, but the Anointed would be still be packed like sardines. It was clearly not a tool to transport armies, but rather a private treasure for a wealthy scion.


    Thea wasn''t all too happy about the arrangement, but Zac felt that Janos might be better to bring. They had a lot of fire-power between himself and the others, but Janos provided something unique. If he could trap or at least weaken the Dominators with illusions his value would be extremely high in the battle.


    The group flew back and forth at the foot of the mountain, looking for any sign of invaders. However, three hours passed without anything to show for it. Honestly, that was fine by Zac. Only 7 hours had passed since he was sapped by that terrifying Tribtion lightning, and the longer that things dragged on, the more he would be able to recuperate. Certainly, he was in good enough a state to fight, but he wasn''t in peak condition.


    Over there, Rhubat suddenly said as it pointed toward the forest. An odd corruption suddenly appeared in that direction. It might be worth investigating.


    Zac nodded and changed course, knowing already that the Zhix were able to sense Cosmic Energy to a far greater degree than humans. A few secondster he understood what the Anointed was talking about as his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> picked up something odd as well. A small spatial disturbance had appeared in the middle of a secluded de, and it was steadily growing.


    Zded right in front of it, and he quickly summoned Triv from his pagoda.


    Hide some distance away from here, Zac said as he took out the jammer. Activate it the moment someone appears.


    The ghost nodded and stowed away the jammer, immediately flying into the dense bushes and disappearing from sight.


    The Anointed murmured in a mix of shock and disgust when they saw Triv, but they didntment on it as their focus was all on the anomaly. They only needed to wait for ten more seconds before the gate rapidly changed, forming a proper portal, and Zac couldnt help his heartbeat speeding up when he saw a familiar figure emerging the next second.


    Its you after all, Zac said with a frown as he mentally prepared for one of the toughest battles of his life.


    Shocking energies started to radiate from the bodies of the Anointed as well, and they red at the much smaller Zhix that had appeared with seething hatred in their eyes.


    Betrayer, it turns the deeds of your kin wasnt even for yourselves in the end? We hear your kin betrayed the Zhix for an outsider? Why? Power? Power is avable for everyone. There is no need to go so far Rhubat rumbled as a dense killing intent nketed the field. You were the Great Sage. You were supposed to help the Zhix move forward, not destroy us.


    And perhaps I would have if the Integration waited for a few generations, Voids Disciple said with a hollow smile before he shot a dark look at Zac. You killed my son.


    Death is unavoidable in war. Is that why you attacked some random settlements? Zac retorted.


    Just releasing some tension before the real battle, Voids disciple said as a savage grin spread across his face.


    Zac had seen a glimpse of that madness once before, and he quickly activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Dont worry. There will be a reckoning, but not today, Voids discipleughed as his face returned to its original form. You know where our fates will sh. Only one faction will gain the Dimensional Seed.


    <em>Dimensional Seed? Thats the name of the treasure? </em>Zac thought, but he still kept his face neutral.


    That is not up to you betrayer, Rhubat rumbled, and the auras of the seven Anointed exploded out with enough power to even make the nearby trees sway.


    Their lifeforce shone like radiant beacons as crude patterns lit up across their bodies. Zacs eyes widened at the sight, guessing that this was the true form of the Crusade. But if they would die in a year just from being in their normal state, how long would they be able to fight like this? And would they even be able to return?


    You lunatics have really entered the Crusade, and you have even learned some new tricks since you embraced the truth of Cosmic Energy. However, it is still just amentable corruption of a true path, Voids Disciple said with a shake of his head, and Zac was almost certain he could see some pity in his eyes. No matter.


    <em>Its active, </em>Triv whispered in his mind, meaning that the jammer was activated.


    Zac inwardly nodded. This was an opportunity of sorts. An opportunity to see how Void Disciple''s mysterious skills worked, and what they could do to restrain them. He had personally seen Voids Disciple open tears in space twice now, simply disappearing or appearing where he wanted. Such a skill was even more annoying to deal with than his own <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong>. A lot of people had thought long and hard tobat such a skill, and the first idea that was brought forward was the jammer.


    It worked on Teleportation Arrays, so why not on normal teleportation?


    Four balls actually flew out of Voids Disciple''s own shadow the next moment, and each of them exploded and caused intense spatial distortions. Zac recognized the items at a nce as he had used that kind of offensive treasure before. They were not <strong>[Void Balls]</strong>, but rather the same sort of spatial disruption balls he used to block arrays in the Underworld.


    Ogras hadunched the first blow against the Dominator, and the rest were quick on the uptake. Zac''s aura exploded outward as well as determination shone in his eyes. <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> was already in his hand and the Spirit Tool keened with bloodlust.


    It was time to see whether he or Voids Disciple was the strongest warrior of Earth.

 Chapter 559: Void

    Chapter 559: Void


    Hiring, or perhaps it was more urate to say capturing, Smaug had proven extremely beneficial since Calrin was still unable to procure these types of offensive treasures, let alone more powerful ones like <strong>[Void Balls]</strong>. Voids Disciple frowned and seemed to prepare something to deal with the twisting air around him, but he suddenly got a nk look on his face as Janos fell down on his knees.


    The illusionist had actually managed to trap the Dominator in an illusion or something simr, but the power gap between the two was just too great. The effect broke in less than a breaths time, and blood flowed out of Janos ears and nose from the bacsh. Zac frowned when he saw it as he quickly could make some guesses from the way things yed out.


    Void''s Disciple didntpletely block the strike, which meant that he didnt have a top-tier mental protection treasure or skill. For example, Janos was able to break through <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> on his human side, but not <strong>[Indomitable] </strong>when Zac was a Draugr. But the fact that the Dominator was able to almost instantly break out of the mental trap meant that he likely had both a lot of Wisdom and an extremely strong mentality.


    Then again, thetter was expected considering his identity. Voids Disciples very existence had been taboo most of his life, yet he had not only taken two disciples, but he had even made a name for himself in Zhix society. He had walked among his enemies for decades, not rousing any suspicion even though everyone was on the look-out for the slightest hint of corruption.


    Such a feat shouldn''t be possible without an extremely sturdy psyche.


    However, Janos attempt did slow Voids Disciple down long enough for the spatial chaos to envelop himpletely before blending into the air and disappearing, which hopefully meant that the Dominator had been a bit restricted. But Zac also didnt dare to put all his hopes on these offensive treasures. They were essentially array breakers that targeted Teleportation Arrays, and there was no telling just how effective they were against a spatial warrior.


    Of course, Zac and the Anointed werent just sitting around either, and a probing fractal de was already flying toward the Dominator as <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>had moved to his back. Two chains soundlessly slithered down his back and into the underbrush as they stealthily made their way toward the Zhix as well, while the seven Anointed were directly rushing toward Voids Disciple without any regard for their safety.


    The Dominator didnt seem phased by the situation at all though. Their assault mostly seemed to infuriate Voids Disciple, and his visage once more turned into that of a frenzied murderer before it smoothed out again. However, Zac could still see the murder in his eyes as the Dominator stared back at him. A terrifying aura spread out, but he didntsh out like some sort of berserker. He instead blocked Zacs Axe-infused fractal de with just the palm of his left hand, and the edge actually shattered without even managing to draw blood.


    Zacs eyes widened at the sight, unable toprehend how he could avoid getting injured at all. The basic skill <strong>[Chop]</strong> couldnt really keep up with thetest improvements of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, but it still had a terrifying cutting power between the Fragment of the Axe and the skill itself. Even Zac would receive a deep cut if he hit himself with such a swing.


    Just how sturdy was this guy?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The movements of Voids Disciple were short and concise, and he gave Zac the impression of a Martial Arts-master who wasted no movement when delivering his strikes. Almost at the same time as he blocked Zacs attack, a parchment scroll appeared in his other hand, and he unfurled it toward the two closest Anointed. Zac first thought it was a huge talisman, but it was oddly enough just painted ck from top to bottom without any inscriptions or fractals at all.


    However, a mysterious energy radiated from within the darkness. It waspletely different from the darkness Zac conjured with <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> though, and Zac felt he was looking up at the night sky for some reason. His danger sense woke up by the scene too even if he wasnt the target, and he immediately got a bad feeling.


    Watch out! Zac shouted, but it was toote.


    The two had Anointed seemed to sense the threat as well, but they showed no indication of backing down as the darkness of the scroll rippled forward until a star-studded barrier appeared right in front of them. It was like Voids Disciple had summoned a piece of the cosmos itself, and Zac could see both stars and nebe in the depths of that wall.


    A shockingly explosive power streamed into the ceremonial knives they each held, and they actually exploded into metallic shards that shot everywhere. However, a set of new golden energy des had taken their ce, and Zac shuddered when he felt the extremely condensed belief gathered within. It was just like the rune that the cultists had nurtured, only with a different vor.


    Each of them struck at the wall as the runes of their arms lit up, meaning the two were holding nothing back in their desire to break the first line of defenses and opening a path for their allies. But Zac still hadnt expected what happened next as the two actually fell into darkness and disappeared. The night-sky receded back into the scroll in an instant and the next moment both the two Anointed and the darkness was gone.


    Zacs eyes were wide in shock. He had seen over a hundred types of defensive barriers during his battles, everything from his emerald leaves to celestial deities appearing to block his strikes. They all worked essentially the same way though, but this was something else entirely. Had Void''s Disciple actually created a portal to space? However, that should be impossible, at least from what they had gathered.


    Information on the Dao of Space was limited in the Zecia sector, but they had managed to make some deductions from what they managed to find out. First of all, there was no Fragment of Space, meaning that Voids Disciple should be controlling some rted subordinate fragment rather than the real thing. Just like Zac was currently in control of the Fragment of the Coffin rather than the Fragment of Death.


    Secondly, there should be limits on distance. Zac could only move 100 meters with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, and Ogras a few times that distance if he pushed himself with his shadow warp skill. Voids Disciple was able to move a lot further through his portal skill, but it shouldnt be strong to the point that he could open a gate to outer space. An E-Grade warrior simply didnt have the Cosmic Energy needed to create such a long-distance portal.


    You would need at least a D-Grade Hegemons Cultivator Core to sustain that kind of massive drain.


    "It''s not teleportation. That scroll is some sort of trapping treasure," Ogras muttered with a frown from the side. "We might be able to get them back out again if we snatch it."


    Zacs eyes immediately turned to the scroll in the mans hand, also feeling that it was the most logical conclusion. The Dominator thankfully didnt activate the scroll again, but rather just punched out toward his next target. It was another one of the Anointed, and it roared in defiance as its whole body lit up, conjuring an enormousnce of fire that shot straight toward the much smaller Zhix.


    The first looked like a simple training punch, but the air twisted and contracted as some invisible force pushed outward, shattering the beam of mes in instant before mming into the gargantuan Zhix. Crushing sounds echoed out as the Anointed was shot backward, and Zac didnt know whether the warrior was alive or dead as it flew into the distance.


    Rhubat roared in anger when it saw the exchange, and Zac almost fell off his feet when the giant stomped down on the ground with terrifying force. Trees were uprooted and thrown aside for over a hundred meters in each direction as the ground heaved. But Zac quickly realized that the stomp wasnt just an outburst of fury as he saw dense brownish energies appear in the oddly symmetrical cracks around Rhubats foot.


    It was clearly some sort of Earth-attuned Dao, and a Fragment at that. It looked like height wasnt the only way that Rhubat excelled if it had managed to reach such an aplishment without either visiting the Tower of Eternity or partaking in opening the Dao Funnel.


    Something shot out of the ground where the attuned energies were the densest the next moment, and it had such speed that even Zac only could see a blur as it hurtled toward the Dominator. Void''s Disciple seemed ready though, and what looked like a fishermans made from ck silk appeared in his hands as he stretched it in front of him. A multicolored shimmer enveloped him the next moment, making Zac realize it was some sort of defensive treasure.


    The projectile hit the, and Zac subconsciously held his breath in anticipation to see if the greatest Anointed was enough to harm the most powerful Dominator. Zac could immediately sense that Rhubats attack held a force many times greater than what Ilvere could produce with his Dao of Momentum, even when using <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </strong>to push his force even further. Not only that, but Zac could also sense that the attack contained a terrifying amount of belief, far greater than what the two energy knives earlier contained.


    The air itself seemed to cry before it exploded the instant the and the projectile collided, but the ck threads of the actually held against the attack. The force in Rhubats attack had been strong enough to rip apart the air as it shot out of the ground, but it looked like Voids Disciple managed to trap the projectile in one go, forcing it to a stop just a few centimeters away from his chest.


    Only then did Zac see what the projectile actually was. It was a perfectly spherical stone that was absolutely covered in extremely dense fractals. It actually reminded Zac of his own Duplicity core, though this stone was brownish grey. It had a diameter of around 30 centimeters but the impression Zac got from it was that it was as heavy as a mountain. As for whether it was a skill or some sort of treasure, Zac actually had no idea.


    It was instilled with a terrifying amount of energy, yet Voids Disciple had somehow managed to block it with the. But it was not without effort as he had been forced to take two steps back. Zac also noticed a minute tremor in his left hand, proving that he wasnt some invincible monster. The strike might not have been enough to harm him, but it had given a hint to the limits of his strength.


    However, Rhubat was actually not done as the energies inside the ball increased exponentially for an instant before it exploded in a terrifying eruption of stone splinters. Almost all of them shot toward Voids Disciple as though they were guided by the huge amount of faith within, but a few flew in Zacs direction as well. His arm turned to a blur as he blocked the three iing shards with his axe, each of them looking like a 10-centimeter stone nail, and he was shocked at how much force they contained.


    Even Zac felt some pain in his wrist after forcibly blocking the three strikes, which was all he needed to know about the power of the seemingly unassuming needles. Massive craters exploded all over the area, and a few sturdy tree trunks were turned to dust in an instant as the nails shot straight through them with the force of a rocket before continuing to wreak even more havoc upon the forest.


    Zac was finally hopeful that something had worked against the immensely powerful Dominator. Even he had felt some pressure from three needles, but Voids Disciple had been drowned in over 50 of them at point-nk range while he was clearly the target of the zealous faith-based energy within. The situation waspletely obfuscated by the chaotic energies in the air and the massive dust clouds, but Zacs brows furrowed when a wave of danger once more perked up in his mind.


    A storm of emerald leaves infused with the Fragment of the Bodhi covered their whole side as Zac also activated <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>. Rhubat reacted almost as quickly as he knelt down and pushed both his hands against the ground, erecting ten sturdy walls that were covered in motifs of warriors holding different types of shields.


    Zac only felt a shudder in the air as his mind screamed, and space split apart the next second. The consecutive walls fell apart like butter, and a terrifying sh almost bisected Rhubat while another councilor lost his legs. The dust and chaotic energies that had blocked Zac''s sight was blown away as well, exposing a still-standing Voids Disciple within.


    Over a dozen spikes were embedded in his small frame, and his face was covered in blood as he stood panting over twenty meters from his original position. Judging by the deep gouges in the ground he had been unable to contain the strike and had been pushed backward. However, Zac frowned when he sensed that his aura was just as strong and stable as before. As for that invisible cut, it seemed to have beenunched by a small, unassuming dagger in his hand. The attack had contained shocking power, but Zac knew it wouldn''t impact the Dominator much.


    Only a few seconds had passed since Ogras threw the spatial disruption spheres, but over half of the Anointed were already taken out ofmission. They had already agreed that the group of Anointedunch the first strike if it really was the Dominators they were up against, but it didnt have the desired effect. They had hoped to at least wound him and make him expose some of his hidden cards.


    Or at least anger him to the point that he was less likely to escape in case things turned dire.


    But it didn''t really feel like Voids Disciple was going all out at all, but rather toying with the farrger targets. The chaos in space seemed to have barely affected him either, as both his offensive and defensive means seemed to carry a hint of space inside. He needed to do something before the Anointed were all killed, but he was still waiting for the right opportunity to burst out one massive strike aimed to kill.


    And that opportunity presented itself the next moment as the two chains had finally made their way to their target.

 Chapter 560: Pressure

    Chapter 560: Pressure


    The two chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> had finally reached their target. However, Voids Disciple, or rather Adcarkas, only snorted as he swung his dagger at the two metallic snakes approaching him. Another invisible attack shot out, and an extremely deep scar appeared in the ground. The cut wasser-sharp, but it exploded as it had created some sort of vacuum, causing dust and stones to shoot in all directions.


    The power in the strike was shocking even when the Zhix clearly wasn''t going all out, and Zac knew that most weapons would be ruined by such an attack. Then again, <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> was no normal weapon. Not even Voids Disciple should be able toprehend the value of the coffin on Zacs back, what kind of unique treasures and materials went into its creation.


    White scars appeared on the two chains where Adcarkas struck, but they didnt even crack from the swing. Voids Disciple eyes widened in surprise, as this was the first time in the battle things didnt go exactly his way. The Zhix reacted instantaneously though as he tried to move away, but the two chains gained a burst of speed allowing one to catch his ankle before he got away.


    This was exactly what Zac had been waiting for, and huge amounts of his corrosive Dao flooded the two chains as he stomped down into the ground, shing forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    He didnt actually think that the Dao Fragment would be able to harm the Dominator, but Zac hoped that it would restrict him like it did with Ogras when he tried to meld with the shadows. Even if that didnt work, they were still physically bound to each other. He didnt have ess to <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> in his current form, but this wasnt a bad substitute. There would be no escape, only a brutal melee; just what Zac excelled at.


    But Zac had also seen just how powerful Void was, and more surprisingly, just how many treasures he possessed. Something unexpected could happen in a drawn-out fight, so he needed to go hard from the start. Exposing all his ultimate cards this early would spell disaster if he failed, but he knew that he needed to use some of his aces in this fight.


    A storm was kicked up as Zac appeared right in front of Voids Disciple, and both himself and his Tool Spirit were radiating a mesmerizing glow. He had activated not only the second rune on his axe, but also <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> to push his power to the next level. Doing so essentially put a timer on the fight, but he didnt expect the battle tost very long with the intensity it had until now.


    So you found your courage after all. I might not be allowed to kill you, but I can make you suffer, the dominator said as fury burned in his eyes, and he turned into a blur the next moment as his dagger shot straight toward Zac''s kidneys.


    Zac quickly pivoted while simultaneously swinging down his axe and <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>fell in a vertical swoop toward Adcarkas. Zac also activated <strong>[True Strike]</strong>, trying to split the Dominator''s attention by making him think someone was attacking him from behind, but the Dominator just snorted in derision at the ploy as he continued his stab. The chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> also make Void''s Disciple''s lose his bnce, but it was as though Zac was trying to move a mountain with the chain while Voids Disciple stood unmoving like a towering tree.


    The dagger barely missed Zacs body, but he still felt a searing pain as a deep wound still opened up somehow, and blood streamed down his left leg. Just dodging that dagger wasnt enough, it had to be covered in some invisible energy. Zac was unfortunatelypletely incapable of spotting it though. Was it because <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> was still stuck at Early Proficiency? No matter how much he strained his eyes he hadnt been able to see the attunement of any of the skills Voids Disciple used, only the destruction they caused.


    But Zac suddenly felt a pop as the strain on his eyes lessened, and hazy energies appeared around Voids Disciple the next moment. Zac felt a surge of confidence as he realized that his ocr skill had actually evolved mid-battle. Had he finally found the key to upgrading this skill; spotting invisible energies?


    Improving his sight against someone who relied on invisible skills was huge, and it would hopefully allow Zac to gain an advantage. For example, just a first look at his enemy had exposed that the small dagger the Dominator held in his hand was just a decoy. There was also an invisible weapon that was attached to his fist, and Zac suspected that this was the real weapon Voids Disciple relied on.


    Zac could only see a translucent outline, but it would appear that the weapon was some sort of ded glove or a w, something that a pugilist would use. Two edges stretched out on both sides of his arm, starting halfway down his forearm and ending fifteen centimeters in front of his fist where they joined together into a rounded edge.


    It was no wonder he had been cut even if he dodged the knife, as he had been well within reach of the muchrger hidden de. Zac couldnt see how the edge was attached to Voids Disciples arm at all, making him believe that it might be an energy weapon like the fractal edges of his <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    The wound in Zacs gut was deep, but with his berserking skill active he barely registered it. The pain rather fueled his killing intent, and he growled in fury as he continued his own swing, trying to cut Voids Disciple in two. The Dominators free hand rose to meet the de, and Zac finally noticed that something was up with it.


    There was a thin film covering the palm, and Zac barely could discern some sort of runes covering it. It turned out that it wasnt just his palm that had been able to block his <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but there was some sort of defensiveyer that Zac had been unable to spot until now. Adcarkas was trying to block Zacs attack the same way as before, probably thinking it would damage Zacs morale if his attacks were diverted by a simple palm.


    However, a physical swing by a boosted Zac and a fractal edge were twopletely different concepts.


    A terrifying force mmed into the barely discernible barrier, and any remainingcency in Void Disciples face was gone as cracks echoed out from his arm as bones broke. Zacs eyes lit up when he saw the scene, as this had been his goal all along. If he activated something like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> or <strong>[Raputous Divide]</strong>, then the Dominator would respond in kind. But Voids Disciple was clearly arrogant, using the bare minimum to fend off the assaults thus far, like it was an indignity for him to use proper skills against weaklings.


    Zac was hoping to bank on this haughtiness to deliver a devastating blow with the help of the thee superimposed boosts of his Dao and two berserking skills. But the Zhix reacted instantaneously and moved his body in a mysterious fashion, and Zac felt the force in his strike being slowly exhausted as the Dominator pushed his hands in a spiral while slowly bending further and further down toward the ground.


    "Ster Convergence," Adcarkas growled as his purple eyes stared into Zac''s, and a miniature spiral gxy had sprung up around them the next moment. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It spread over a hundred meters around the two, and Zac could sense a shocking amount of destructive power in every single one of the stars. The others hurriedly scrambled out of the way, but Zac was caught in the heart of the gxy, with Void''s Disciple being the ck hole. Zac frowned at the situation and thought to take a step back to regroup, but his mind immediately screamed of danger.


    Zac quickly understood that he would have to withstand the power inside the stars if he wanted to back away, and even he would be bloodied and battered if the hundreds of lights went off simultaneously. He could only push forward, but that was his desire anyway. It seemed as though Void was trying to steal or somehow convert the force in Zac''s swing, but he would still be grievously wounded if Zac managed to cut through the defenses before he was done.


    It was essentially a race, so he grit his teeth as he tried to break the odd defense that Adcarkas'' spinning hands continuously conjured. He could already see that the initial collision had caused fault-lines to appear all over the Dominator''s hand on top of the broken bones, and Zac felt that just a little more would be needed to break through. Besides, the stalemate also gave him a chance to maneuver <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, and the Dominator now had a fetter binding each of his limbs.


    A pitch-ck beam suddenly shot past straight next to Zacs leg, expertly avoiding the rotating stars all around him. It unerringly flew toward the Dominators throat as he dealt with Zacs strike. It was Ogras who had already turned into his ultimate form, but he actually had a second set of wings this time. As he pointed his newly acquired spear at the Zhix. He looked like a god of darkness, and multiple beams shot at weak spots of the zhix in short order.


    A bloody gash appeared on the Zhixs throat, but it was unfortunately not enough. Ogras shadonce simply wasnt strong enough to fatally wound someone like Voids Disciple in one go. However, Ogras was like a mobile turret, continuously shooting out more and morences as Zac and Voids Disciple were locked in a stalemate where Zac couldn''t retreat nor managed to push forward.


    His arms were already shaking with strain, but the odd technique that the Zhix was doing kept dissipating the impact, forcing Zac to instill more and more energy into the strike to keep going. Of course, it was just a swing that utilized his physical power and Dao rather than any skills, so Zac could keep going for a good while longer.


    Ten shallow gashes appeared in an instant all across the dominators body thanks to the demon''s efforts, most of them centered at weak spots. The other Anointed seemed to be preparing something simr, but it finally looked like Adcarkas had enough as a ne cracked. A dome that locked everyone except Zac outside appeared in an instant, locking him, Adcarkas, and his swirling gxy inside.


    Break it! Zac heard Ogras roar from outside, but the voice was muted like he was extremely far away.


    The Anointed had backed off when Rhubat was wounded, but their hulking bodies moved toward the glimmering barrier without hesitation. The runes on their body lit up as they punched on the barrier, seemingly delighted that there was finally something they could do to assist Zac.


    Unfortunately, Zac''s brief break in his attention to see what was going on proved to be a fatal mistake as a tremendous force surge within the Dominators body. The palm blocking Zacs swing suddenly disappeared, and Zac couldn''t help but lose his bnce as he had been pushing with everything he had.


    The Dominator had managed slightly twist himself while diffusing Zacs swing, and with Zac''spse of concentration he had swiveled to the point that his body wasnt even in the trajectory of the swing any longer. The de of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> harmlessly ripped apart the air right next to him, only cutting off a small piece of Void Disciples robes.


    Zac knew he was in trouble, and the shield of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>immediately<strong></strong>covered him as the emerald leavespletely ensconced him. He was even considering activating the first skill of <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>to survive, but doing so would force him to transform the Spirit Tool to its shield form, which would free Void''s Disciple of his four fetters.


    He eventually decided to bet the house on him being able to withstand Void Disciple''s attack, at which point he would counter.


    Voids Disciple was shockingly fast, and he had somehow transferred the force of Zacs downward swing into a rotating momentum that turned into a mighty roundhouse kick aimed at Zacs side. The kick immediately broke the shield and Zac was thrown away, the pain even cutting through the haze of<strong> [Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    However, while the kick was mighty, it wasn''t the real problem.


    A series of explosions rocked Zac the next moment as one star after another in the gxy exploded, each one of them containing the force of an early E-Grade Warriors'' full-powered attack. Zac desperately conjured more and more emerald leaves as they were disintegrated, and the spectral forest of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>disintegrated before he evennded as all the defensive charges were used up.


    But he survived. A few of his ribs were definitely broken and Zac looked like a bloodied corpse, but he was still alive and in fighting condition. The kick had thrown him straight through the gxy until he hit the barrier from inside, and a coruscating series of explosions had detonated all the stars on this side of the gxy.


    The skill dissipated the next moment, leaving just Zac, Void''s Disciple, and the four chains that connected them inside the dome.


    Zac spat a mouthful of blood onto the ground, and he shot the Zhix a murderous look as the Cosmic Energy in his body surged. Space split apart the next moment as the massive wooden hand appeared above the dome, but that wasn''t it. Zac himself was already rushing back toward Void''s Disciple as a fractal de grew out from his axe, its gleaming edge quickly turning golden.


    Void''s Discipleughed as his body transformed. He only grew a head taller, but his body turned pitch ck while his eyes became burning suns. His muscles grew in size as well, and he radiated a shocking pressure that made Zac think of the Cyborg. Void''s Disciple seemed to have a ss that mixed the concepts of space and pugilism, and this ought to be his true fighting form.


    It looked like the Dominator was finally ready to show his real cards, but it remained to see whether they were greater than thebined force of both <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>and <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>.

 Chapter 561: Liar

    Chapter 561: Liar


    Voids Disciple emitted a terrifying aura in his changed form, and Zac couldnt help but consider taking one of his newly acquired <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seeds] </strong>to push his power even further. However, he quickly decided against it and refocused on his two attacks.


    The seeds belonged to the same category as <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, both being berserking methods. Using multiple such means at the same was the height of foolhardiness as the gain was far from multiplicative, while the dangers were exponential. He was somewhat confident that his uniquely sturdy body would allow him to survive using both at the same time, but that wasn''t the only issue. He might even be weaker than his normal strength if the two rampant powers shed.


    That would put the whole group at risk, and the bacsh might be so terrifying that he wouldnt be able to use his full power for months. After all, it was important to remember that while his longevity increased as he cultivated, so did the time required for recuperation. It wasnt unheard of for cultivators to enter seclusion for millennia in order to slowly deal with particrly nasty afflictions.


    As he saw it, the item was better left for his Draugr side thatcked such abilities on its own. Of course, there was also the issue of secrecy to consider. He didnt want to reveal cards like the seed or his second ss unless he felt confident in taking out Adcarkas, and it still felt like he was peeling away oneyer of another of his enemy.


    His currentbo wasnt far from his peak strength though, and he was ready to make this one count. The enormous fractal appeared in the sky as the wooden hand was ced right above Voids Disciple, the pressure caused the Dominator to sink a few centimeters into the ground. However, his back was still ramrod straight, and he didnt try to extricate himself from either the chains or the pressure of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    He seemed perfectly confident in being able to rebuff whatever Zac could bring fort.


    A small branch immediately started to descend from the fractal, as it didn''t feel that any of the other punishments would have a particr advantage against the Zhix. The Mountain would have a simr crushing effect, but it didn''t benefit from his Fragment of the Bodhi nearly as much as the tree did.


    However, the whole area was covered in darkness before the sapling had time to grow into a towering tree. It wasnt Voids Disciple who was conjuring a counter though, but rather Ogras who had drenched the whole area in shadows. A storm of attacks mmed into the Dominators barrier the next moment as thousands of shadow spears rose out of the shade. The spears didn''t contain arge amount of power on their own, but they were innumerable.


    Ogras himself was enshrouded in extremely dense power, and he dove from the sky with shocking speed, his spear stabbing straight into the shield with enough force to cause the whole thing to wobble. It wasn''t enough topletely break it, but his efforts should no doubt have pushed the barrier a lot closer to running out of steam as it didn''t have a source of energy.


    Rhubat and his brethren had summoned their enormous sigils as well, and they mmed into the shield from different directions to overtax the defensive shield. The sigils were a lot smaller now that they werent powered by thebined energy Zhix Armies, but they were still nothing to scoff at as they were powered by lifeforce instead.


    The shield shook and heaved, but Zac was shocked to see that it somehow managed to stay intact. Adcarkas amulet must have been a real peak defensive treasure to withstand such punishment, almost rivaling the ones Zac had lifted from the mentalist''s pouch.


    Zac still believed it should be a peak E-Grade talisman at best though, even if Void Disciple wasnt restricted like people were in the Tower of Eternity. The reason was simple; activating even a low-quality D-Grade talisman was as taxing as throwing out over a hundred E-Grade talismans. Even Zac would bepletely drained of Cosmic Energy before it was half-activated.


    So it was with some confidence he instructed the branch to stab straight into the ceiling of the dome, and the barrier actually popped like a soap bubble. The desperate attacks of the others had exhausted the barrier enough to pave the way for Zac, and he intended to make the most of it.


    The four chains grew taut as Zac tried to restrict the Zhix as much as possible, but the Dominator still managed to point his left hand toward the sky with a savage grin. Three small vortices appeared behind him the next moment, all of them hovering behind his head like a halo. They didn''t look like gxies though, but rather whirlpools with the core being a bottomless darkness like a ck hole.


    One of them flew up to Adcarkas'' fist, and the vortex grew to over fifty meters diameter in an instant. Zac frowned when a ck pir rose out of it the next moment, rising toward the rapidly growing branch that kept gaining momentum as it pushed downward.


    What were the odds that his nemesis had such a simr skill as his own?


    The massive pir collided with the tip of the blooming tree branch, and the clouds in the sky were pushed away from the tremendous shockwave. It was like space itself cried as the two strikes tried to destroy the other, but it looked like neither Voids Disciple nor Zac could im an advantage. Zac didnt bother about that though as he rushed forward, and he was in front of the Dominator the next moment, both of them shrouded from the sun by the pir above.


    This close Zac actually made a new discovery. It wasnt a ck pir that Voids Disciple had summoned, but it was actually a massive finger over a hundred meters long. Even more shocking, not even the whole thing had emerged, making Zac wonder just how huge the being to whom the finger belonged was. But the good news was that it seemed as though Void''s Disciple needed to match his finger with the skill, forcing him to keep pointing toward the sky.


    The enormous branch was infused with the wrath of nature and his own Dao though, so even this massive poke wasnt able to eradicate it. Cracks and explosions kept appearing across the trunk as the finger was infused with whatever Dao the Dominator utilized, but the branch quickly regrew and shot more and more branches into the finger to whittle it down. If <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> actually broke through right now Zac would harm himself as well, but he had a n for that.


    The radiant luster on both the wooden hand and the branch suddenly dimmed as Zac retracted the Fragment of the Bodhi, but his fractal edge lit up like a beacon instead. He had transferred his Dao infusion to his second strike, and the branch was quickly being dismantled as the finger pushed upward. That was fine by Zac though, as <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> was meant to create an opening and restrain the Zhix even further.


    A puff of golden clouds swallowed them both as Zac mmed his axe in a downward motion aimed to cut the Zhix from shoulder to hip, but another of the vortices had appeared in front of Void Disciples free palm. It actually swallowed a good deal of the golden clouds, but Zac still knew he had seeded as his target was illuminated in a golden sheen. <strong>[Rapturous Divide] </strong>was his only E-Grade skill in this ss, and it wasn''t as easy to counter.


    However, Zac needed to get the second strike in as well, and fast. His skill in the sky was on the verge of falling apart, and Void Disciples other hand would be freed in a second. He activated <strong>[True Strike]</strong> a second time, pushing all of his killing intent into creating a believable illusion of a fatal attack. The Zhix had impable instincts though and ignored the feeling, but both Zac and he were surprised to see a familiar spear stabbing the Dominator from behind.


    It was obviously Ogras who had taken the opportunity tounch a hidden strike from therge swathes of shadows that Void''s Disciple had created with his finger.


    The wound barely drew blood, but Adcarkas briefly lost his concentration from the surprise and pain, and Zac reacted by instinct. His fractal edge bloomed with the sinister power of both the second half or <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> and the Fragment of the Coffin as Zac swung <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> with both urgency and force. Void Disciples eyes widened in rm and thest vortex started to expand with an explosive speed.


    However, it was toote.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The two shrouds hade in contact, and the divide between Heaven and Hell was drawn. A smooth line appeared across Void Disciples torso before his body fell apart. The spatial divide hadpletely bisected the Dominator, and the angle should have destroyed lungs, heart, and most of his innards in one go.


    Jubtion filled Zacs heart, but his mind suddenly screamed of mortal danger. There was no hesitation as he shed away with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. Ogras, true to form, had already receded into the shadows once more, which was lucky as the three vortices simultaneously imploded. The was a bit simr to when he used his Bronze sh on Harbinger, but not quite as final.


    A huge crack in space appeared whey they had fought, swallowing everything from Zac''s branch to tons and tons of soil before the scar closed. Zac had no idea where that scar led, but his instincts told him that his odds of survival would have been zero if he had been caught up in that st.


    Good attempt, a snort echoed out from every direction the next moment though, and Zacs tion was quenched in an instant.


    There had been no surge of Cosmic Energy when Zac killed the Dominator!


    Void Disciple had appeared once more standing exactly where he stood earlier, or rather in the bottom of the crater he had created. Unscathed. The fatal wound was gone, and even the fetters of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>y down at the ground covered in cracks. His face wasnt a mask of fury either, but one of ridicule as he stomped down on the ground with a force that matched Rhubats earlier efforts.


    A wail echoed out the next moment as Ogras was somehow forced out of the shadows. The demon desperately tried to escape, but he was punched in his chest with enough force to be thrown over a hundred meters away. A huge amount of blood sshed in every direction until Ogras haplessly fell on the ground. He rolled for over a dozen meters more before he finallyy there, unmoving.


    Horror and confusion gued Zacs mind, but there was no time to see if hispanion was alive.


    I have to admit, I underestimated you. It is no disgrace that my son fell to your hands, Adcarkas said as he surveyed the battlefield. I cant help but wonder what else you have in store. But no matter. My intuition tells me we will have a chance to find out in the future, if you can make it to the heart of the Mystic Realm that is.


    A token appeared in his hand the next moment, and he crushed it before Zac had a chance to respond. A bright sh obscured the crater for an instant, and when the light disappeared the Dominator was gone, not leaving a single clue as to where he had disappeared to.


    They had failed.


    Shock filled Zacs heart, and he shed over to Ogras unmoving form instead of trying to find the fleeing Dominator. Not that Zac felt he had any chance of catching up in either case. He didn''t have a clue where the Zhix had gone. Even his upgraded <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>could only see a yellow glow at the spot he crushed the talisman.


    It was some sort of escape treasure, but not one dependent on the Dao of Space.


    But Zac didnt care about that right now as the demon released a racking cough before he weakly looked around. Zac''s eyes were trained on Ogras though, or rather the enormous hole in his torso where his heart should have been.


    Did we get him? the demon weakly asked, his voice barely a whisper.


    We got him, Zac said with red-rimmed eyes.


    "What a shitty liar," Ogras smiled as he closed his eyes.

 Chapter 562: Back Again

    Chapter 562: Back Again


    A deluge of sorrow and self-me had turned Zac''s mind into mush as he stared down at the unmoving form of Ogras. Countless what-ifs swirled in his mind, ways that he could have prevented this from happening. But he still couldn''tprehend how thesetest events came to be. He had seen Void''s Disciple die, he just knew it wasn''t some sort of illusion that he cut the man apart.


    However, things had gone out of hand too fast, even if you discounted the Dominator''s miraculous recovery by the end. They had scrambled to get back in control since the moment two of the Anointed were swallowed by that scroll, but things had only got worse instead. It wasn''tpletely unexpected though, they had only learned of the situation less than an hour ago, and there had been no time for proper preparation.


    The turbulence in his mind finally gave way to a bleak destion. He had worked so hard, pushed himself beyond what he thought possible in his efforts to be stronger. Yet the ones he fought for kept falling one after another. First Alea, then Ogras. Would even more of hispanions join the two when they set out for the Mystic Realm? The situation was almost as bad with the Anointed. The fight hadsted less than a minute, but Zac didn''t doubt that the group of seven had burned a significant portion of their already limited lifespan.


    Even more frustratingly, there was nothing he could do to remedy the situation. He still needed to enter the abandoned Research Base, and he still needed to fight Void''s Disciple again, along with Inevitability and whoever else proved to be a threat to Earth. They had paid such a huge price just now, but they got almost nothing in return.


    However, a sudden change startled Zac out of his self-reproach as the previously unmoving body of Ogras started to shudder and spasm. His skin turned pitch-ck the next moment, and the instantaneously turned into shadows only to be reformed once more. His limbs twitched and kicked as well, but it didn''t look like natural movements at all. It was more like a powerful electric current made him twitch uncontrobly.


    Zac was aghast as he witnessed the macabre spectacle, but there was also a tinge of hope in the back of his mind.


    If there was one thing that the demon excelled at, then it was keeping himself alive by any means. Had he actually found a way to defy death itself and bring himself back, just like Void''s Disciple himself? However, Zacs anticipation was soon poisoned with suspicion. A minute passed while the cycle between demon and shadow kept repeating, and Zac could see that something was off.


    The energy signatures the demon was emitting were wrong. They felt alien, sinister. Like a devil had taken the opportunity to possess Ogras body when his own soul left it. However, Zac couldnt bring himself to nip this potential threat in the bud. He could only shake his head in an effort to clear his muddled thoughts, preparing for the worst.


    If something really had possessed the demon, then he could only pray it wasnt a strong one as he had already entered his weakened state after using <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>.


    The odd fluctuations finally ended, but Zacs heart was still hammering as he stood vigil in front of the body. He had clearly seen what had the transformations had done. Ogras had cycled between shadow and flesh over and over, but a small change had taken ce between each revolution.


    The gaping hole in his chest grew a little smaller from each cycle, but not through flesh regrowing like how the Shard of Creation had healed his own mortal wounds. Missing flesh had instead been reced with congealed shadows, shadows that had regrown the demons missing organs bit by bit. An indistinct heart had formed from darkness itself, and Zac had felt its beat when it was fully formed.


    The only sign of Ogras even being wounded in the end was the copious amount of blood around him, and the fact that the recreated skin on his chest was dark grey. Zac wasnt sure what to do, but the demon made the decision for him as he suddenly coughed and woke up, his eyes blearily looking around. Zac was relieved to see that Ogras gaze looked the same, but he still could feel that sinister aura emanating from his body.


    Urh? Ah? Im alive? Ogras wheezed with confusion, but Zac wasnt in any state to answer him.


    Whats the first thing you ever said to me? Zac asked as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> materialized in his right hand.


    What? Ogras sputtered, clearly having some trouble understanding what was going on.


    Answer me, Zac said, the grip on his axe tightening. "What was the first thing you ever said to me?"


    I said You natives are barbarians, so aggressive. You were wearing a dress at the time. Now what the hell is going on? the demon sighed.


    You''re emitting some pretty sinister energies, Zac said as he rxed slightly, though notpletely.


    Well, I cant seem to move. I need some healing, Ogras eventually said after a brief pause.


    Zac hesitated for a second, but he eventually took out one of his best healing pills and shoved it into Ogras mouth as he infused the demon''s body with the Fragment of the Bodhi. Only then did he realize how bad a state the demon was in, even after having reformed the hole in his torso. His spiritual sense couldn''t see what was going on in the shadow-part of Ogras'' body at all, but countless small scars covered the rest of his insides.


    Worse yet, healing them with his Dao Fragment seemed to barely have any effect. The demon wasnt really at any risk of dying as far as Zac could tell, but it would no doubt be a long road of recovery, even provided that the demon''s new heart worked as intended.


    What the hell happened at the end?" Ogras asked. "I remember escaping into the shadows when those vortices destabilized, and then waking up with your ugly face scowling down on me."


    Zac sighed before he sat down himself, and he retold the final events without missing anything while simultaneously trying to gauge the demon''s thoughts. However, the demon didn''t let on anything, he just silently listened to the series of events with a small frown on his face.


    "Well, people often say that I am heartless, I guess they were right," Ogras eventually said with a weak smile, but Zac felt that he could hear some confusion and perhaps even fear in his voice.


    "It wasn''t you who did this?" Zac asked. "I thought it might be the skill you got at E-Grade or something."


    "A skill that could allow me to walk away after getting ahersted hole in my chest? I wish. This must have been Leech. Can you take off my cast?" the demon said.


    Zac nodded and he gingerly took off the metal arm that usually held the congealed shadows. He was ready to st out with a <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> in case of an ambush, but his brows rose when the cast opened and nothing was there apart from Ogras'' stump. He turned to Ogras, but he saw that the demon wasn''t all that surprised by the disappearance of his shadow tentacle.


    "I guess that I can''t call that bast-, I mean little buddy, Leech any longer. How about Spare? If he''s going to turn into spare organs for me in the future," Ogras grinned, still lying sprawled on the ground.


    Zac wryly smiled, but there was still worry in his heart. Ogras seemed to want to pretend it was all under his control, but he had definitely cut it close just now. His pale waspletely pallid, and his hand shook noticeably. And who knew what the future ramifications would be for something like this? Getting possessed and having your body turned into a vessel wasn''t unheard of in the multiverse.


    "Well, I''m d you canugh about this," Zac snorted as he nced at the destruction around them.


    It looked like Ogras had cheated death this time once more, but the others weren''t so lucky. The two unscathed Anointed had just returned with the body of the one who was flung away, and he really had perished from the Dominator''s strike. With Void''s Disciple having escaped there was probably no chance of saving the ones trapped in the scroll either, if that was even possible in the first case.


    It was a poignant reminder of how cheap life was in the multiverse.


    "This was such a shitshow," Zac muttered with a shake of his head.


    It looked like the universe agreed as a massive explosion erupted far in the distance, in the direction of Site 16.


    -----------------


    The discement had caused more damage to Void Disciples already harried constitution, and waves of all-consuming pain buffeted him until he finally couldn''t take it any longer. The only way for him to withstand the chaotic storm in his mind had been to unleash his might once more, destroying parts of the town around him.


    Sweat trailed down his face as he started running, unhesitantly abandoning his original goal. It was regrettable, but he had already found most of what he needed. The enormous surplus of foul Karma gathered from the Zhix Wars would hopefully be able to substitute what was missing. The notion made him start, and he quickly shook his head to refocus his straying thoughts.


    He wasnt in the Mystic Realm right now, he couldnt let his minds wander so freely out here.


    Fragment of the Vacuum helped remove the space in front of him, and he pushed himself as quickly as possible to get out of the range of whatever was preventing his <strong>[Cosmic Gate]</strong> from activating.


    Void Disciples mind was filled with reproach as the surroundings shed past him. To think that a moment of anger could cause such devastating results. He knew that he should have just left, what could those people have done to prevent it? But seeing the face of his sons murderer had made him lose control. How could he face Harbinger in the afterlife if he didnt exact at least a punishment that was within the bounds of his Masters eptance?


    But the newly integrated sapling had grown into a towering tree, and Void''s Disciple knew that he had barely gotten out of the situation alive.


    At least he had managed to get back at that wretched demon for using<strong> [Skybreaker] </strong>right in front of him. There had been no energy forting from his strike, but he should at least be crippled from the punch full of spatial tears. Void''s Disciple kept moving for another hour until he finally sensed that the hidden dimensions were tranquil once more, and he arduously opened a gate toward the nearest hive.


    However, he barely had time to walk through the portal before the pain erupted once more, and Void Disciple helplessly fell over as he desperately clutched his head. The cost of subverting fate wasnt an insignificant one, at least not with the treasure that his Master had provided. The timeline struggled to repair itself, and the wound spreading from his shoulder all the way to the hipbone on the opposite side deepened once more.


    Having insight into a corner of space had driven home just how terrifying that final strike of Zachary Atwood was. Itbined two opposing Daos to create an endlessly deep rift in space, and not even he would have survived normally. But it was also a testament to the greatness of space, the great delimiter.


    The soul-shaking pain continued for a few more minutes until the bleeding finally stopped. The wounds managed to close a bit thanks to him having over 2000 Vitality running at a tremendous efficiency, but he knew that it would keep getting worse almost no matter how high the attribute was. The threads of karma surrounding the human progenitor were too strong, and subverting his deeds was far more difficult than normal.


    Transferring all of it to the <strong>[Karmic Subversion Effigy]</strong> was impossible, and the effect would slowly weaken over time, the damage seeping back to him.


    He popped a pill into his mouth as he got back on his feet, arduously opening a portal again. He needed to get back into the Mystic Ream, to enter the healing vats they hadmandeered. He had been loath to use unknown technology thus far, especially since it required the assistance of those scheming natives, but now he didnt have too much of a choice. He would really end up bisected if he didnt increase his rate of healing.


    Of course, the physical wound was just the most immediate concern.


    The <strong>[Karmic Subversion Effigy]</strong> was a taboo item, and using something like that would have consequences even when not used against someone so loved by karma as the Super Brother-Man. It was one of his masters more sessful experiments into harvesting Karma on arge scale, but it was ultimately a wed item.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His Master hadnt mentioned anything of the sort in the scriptures he left behind, but Voids Disciple had managed to make a few discoveries over the past centuries. Using it would allow you to live when you should have died, but that life would eventually be a curse. He could already feel the darkness spread in the depths of his mind, and he still hadn''t figured out a method to counteract it.


    Not yet.


    He couldnt stop now. He had a goal to aplish, and his daughter needed him to be strong for a while longer. The loss of his ne was a shame, but the<strong> [Scroll of the Depths]</strong> would be able to be activated again as soon as it had absorbed enough energy from the stars. It should be finished well before the doors of the Mystic Realms closed.


    Void''s Disciple finally reached the hive, and he wordlessly activated the Teleportation Array before disappearing, his brooding aura quenching any questions from his followers. He appeared in a snow-sted valley a minuteter, the spatial tunnel just a few kilometers away. He entered the Mystic Realm after handing over the scroll to his trusted attendant, and he felt the sense of freedom once more as the darkness transferred him to a shielded subspace. Not even a brush with death and getting cursed could dampen the spirit of liberty after centuries of bondage.


    Here he was Adcarkas once more.

 Chapter 563: Return

    Chapter 563: Return


    Zac looked in the direction of Site 16 with incredulity. Voids Disciple hadnt fled as expected, but he actually went out of his way to blow up the town even when it was uninhabited. Was there some deeper meaning to his actions, or did he feel that he hadnt caused enough damage to their group before?


    Zac personally wasnt really feeling ready for another battle as he had already entered his weakened state. Swapping over to his Draugr form wouldnt help against that, and he would have to use one of his very limited <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seeds]</strong> just to regain hisbat strength temporarily. The others looked just as worn-out too, with only two of the Anointed maintaining fullbat strength.


    But could they just sit still, doing nothing?


    We are willing to set out if you are, Warmaster, Rhubat rumbled as the group of Anointed walked over. We will ignite our life-force to explode ourselves if need-be.


    Im sorry. I cant. Im in no state to fight him again, and neither are these two, Zac eventually said as he nodded at the two demons.


    Janos was sitting still not far away, his eyes closed in a slight frown. He had been knocked unconscious by the bacsh, but his breathing was steady and his aura was slowly stabilizing after having meditated for a while. Zac was confident that the illusionist simply needed rest to recover. But he still couldnt assist in another fight in this short a window. His soul might be irrevocably hurt if he did.


    Do not apologize, Warmaster. Without your efforts all seven of us would have fallen, Rhubat said, and the other Anointed nodded in agreement. Sacrificing once life without a chance of victory isnt noble, its foolishness. Especially now that doing so will empower our enemy.


    The Sage has grown so powerful. I couldnt sense any corruption even at such close distance, another of the Anointed said with a forlorn expression. Three councilors lost for nothing.


    Not for nothing, Ogras grunted as he finally managed to get up to a sitting position, though he had to lean against a rock to stay upright. That asshole was a mystery until now. No one knew anything about him apart from his affiliation and his connection to the Dao of Space. But now we know quite a lot. We can use that next time.


    Zac nodded in agreement. The mission was a failure, but not an abject one. They had gathered a lot of intelligence, and they had exhausted some of Adcarkas aces. The scroll seemed very dangerous, but he still only used it once, meaning it was either a one-time thing or had other restrictions. He also shouldnt have too many peak-grade defensive talismans, as those things simply had no supply on Earth.


    Furthermore, now that Zac had calmed down from the heat of the battle he realized something. Voids Disciple was definitely strong even though he only went all out toward the end, but his power wasnt insurmountable. Their Attributes shouldnt be too far from each other judging by the stalemate from their sh, and Zac was probably even ahead in Strength and Endurance.


    The cracks of bones had been heard when Zacunched his attacks, and Adcarkas had been slowly pushed down in their deadlock. Part of the reason was that the Dominator was taking the momentum for himself, but part of it was definitely because Zac was simply overpowering him with the help of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    If he could make some improvements and perhaps even awaken a bloodline inside the Mystic Realm, then he would feel confident in shing once more.


    There was however the issue of the Zhix magically surviving getting bisected. It would be extremely difficult to finish off a person who not only was extremely strong but also had such a cheat-like skill. However, something so heaven-defying shouldnte without a price. Zac had lost decades of his lifespan because of the Shard of Creation, and who knew whatplications Ogras be stuck with from getting his body fused with the shadow-creature.


    Do you understand how he survived? Zac asked as he turned back to Ogras. Im confident that it wasnt an illusion. He was really split apart by my attack. How the hell did he survive that?


    Not illusion, Janos added from the side without opening his eyes, and Zac felt that he would know if anyone.


    I agree, Ogras nodded. There are all kinds of odd techniques and treasures in the world, but it shouldnt have been a mirage. I was in the shadows right behind him when it happened, I saw blood rain down toward me, I could see his body splitting. I felt him die. Pretty scary skill of yours, by the way. Whats it called?


    Nevermind that. Do you think it was a skill or a treasure he used?


    Im guessing treasure. I havent heard of E-Grade skills that can subvert life and death like that. Im guessing that whatever you pulled off in the base-town should be the same? the demon said, his eyes boring into Zacs.


    Zac slightly nodded in acquiescence, knowing that the demon was referring to the time that his chest was blown apart in front of everyone, only to have it instantly regrow with the help of thest remnants of Creation Energy in his body. Zac still hadnt exined how he did that to the demon, not that Ogras had asked until now. He still wouldnt tell Ogras about the Shard of Creation though, for both their sakes.


    He had been reminded the hard way of the dangers of dealing with those things earlier today, and he didnt want to bring another tribtion down on the demons head as well.


    Is that even possible though? Where did he get something like this? He should mostly have stayed in secluded cultivation since the integration, apart from when he set out to cause some destruction, Zac said skeptically and turned to the Anointed to see if they knew anything else.


    Dont look at me, Warmaster, Rhubat said with embarrassment. This is beyond our knowledge. The Dominators of old always followed one of three means of battle. Some controlled chains of envement. Others caused thousands of casualties with their spears. A few walked the path of pugilism as Adcarkas, rampaging through our ranks with their fists alone. However, there are no records of surviving something like this, and neither of the mystical skills of space we witnessed.


    Zac nodded in understanding. They had already gotten an information package about ancient battles against the Dominators back on the Zhix homeworld. It wasnt much to go on though, especially as those wars took ce around two thousand years ago. The Medhin Royals seemed to have followed the spear heritage as well, but Zacs best guess was that thousands of years had caused the heritages to diverge.


    You called him the Sage of the Basin earlier, Zac asked instead, changing the topic. What did you mean by that? What was his earlier identity?


    Zac didnt know much about the civilian identity of Voids Disciple from before. Even the Zhix War Council had only managed to confirm the real identities of the Dominators after Harbinger appeared. Adcarkas and his children had passedpletely under the radar until the integration, and pretty much everyone who encountered them after was killed.


    But perhaps they could find out some useful information by digging through their past.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Adcarkas was a great schr and artisan, to the point that his name was known across the world. He was an expert on all kinds of topics, from painting masterworks to perfecting superior smelting techniques to create stronger metals. The Sage also invented marvelous machines that would have made the lives of our kin easier if there had been time for them to spread and be adapted, Rhubat exined.


    A few of the other Anointed had moved over by this point and added to Rhubats exnation. He had been a ''wanderer'', a traveling Zhix whose Hive had fallen in a war. He had taken up residence in a hive ced in the middle of an enormous basin, where he had mostly stayed to work on his projects. ording to general knowledge, he should be around 50 years old, but he could be much older since he appeared out of nowhere.


    It sort of sounded like Voids Disciple had been someone like the Zhix Worlds Leonardo DaVinci, a great mind that could change the course of history. Then again, Zac suspected that Voids Disciple was quite a bit older than what was believed, and a few centuries was enough time to master all kinds of things.


    He didnt have any proof on thest guess, but he trusted his intuition. Voids Disciple emitted a simr aura as the Demon Master he had fought during the Tower of Eternity. The aura of an old expert who had perfected his skills andbat techniques to the peak.


    All those treasures though, where did he get them? Zac muttered.


    He might have made them, Ogras ventured. At least the weaker ones. Just think about it, he spent decades, possibly centuries, in an unintegrated world with very sparse Cosmic Energy. Cultivation would have to have been extremely slow. He might have built all those things in his search of improving his power in other ways.


    Ogras guess was as good as any theory they coulde up with now, and the conversation eventually died out as everyone focused on recuperation. Only when an hour had passed did they begin to stir again, and Adcarkas was probably long gone by now.


    The Crusade will truly move into the hidden world you spoke of after all, Rhubat eventually sighed.


    Zac understood the giants despondency. The Anointed were almost out of time, and who knew how long the visit to the Mystic Realm wouldst? The Anointed would perhaps never be able to return to their hives even if they won, provided that the supposed lockdown that Julia mentionedsted longer than expected. No one would cherish the thought of dying in a foreign world.


    Ill look for more ways to restrain him until we set out. What will you do next? Zac asked.


    We need to finish the rites for the fallen, Rhubat slowly said. We will return to the Hives for now, but we will follow you into the hidden world.


    Will you be done with everything in one week? Zac asked, and he received a nod of confirmation. Good. Well try opening the pathway at that time. Ill send someone to discuss the details, but I need to focus on getting stronger myself. I''m not sure he''ll back off next time going by how much importance he ces on the Spatial Artifact.


    The group set out a few minutester, and Ogras was able to walk again by the time they reached Site 16, albeit with the assistance of Janos. However, Ogras'' aura was even weaker than a mortal''s, and Zac wondered just how long it would take before hepletely recovered.


    The destruction of the outpost wasnt as bad as Zac had feared, but everything within a hundred meters of the mine entrance had been reduced to rubble, including the Teleportation Array. That wasnt a problem for Zac though as he could simply buy a new one, which made him even more confused as to why Voids Disciple had done something so pointless.


    We can sense remnants of the corruption, Rhubat said with some surprise. We still don''t understand how they managed to hide it, but perhaps he was unable to in his current state. Theres a trail leading east from the epicenter of the attack.


    Look, Ogras added as he pointed to the left, and Zacs eyes lit up when he saw that one of the security cameras were still intact.


    Port Atwood was still sorelycking in personnel, but they had a huge amount of resources that they were able to use to get almost anything from the Marshall n. All outposts had been equipped with old-world security measures to shore up theck of guards, so Voids Disciple''s actions might actually have been caught on film.


    They hurried toward a secluded guardhouse, and Zac turned on the monitors while the giants tried to peer inside through the doorway, their bulky frames much too big to fit inside. Thetest hours started to sh by on the screen as Zac fast-forwarded the film until there finally was a change.


    Its him, Zac muttered when the familiar form appeared. Hes actually bleeding from the wound!


    There wasnt much else to see on the tape, but it was still good to see that Void Disciple hadnte out unscathed after all. It broke the illusion of them dealing with someone unkible. And it also seemed as though he could confirm a suspicion; he was after the mine.


    The Dominator had appeared within frame as he moved toward the mine with impressive speed, but he had suddenly stopped and grasped his head. A secondter the screen turned to static for a whole minute until the current scene outside appeared on the monitors, with the Dominator gone.


    It seemed as though he had been nning on entering the mine, but changed his mind and left eastbound if Rhubats senses could be trusted.


    A bacsh? Something else? Zac muttered, his eyes glistening.


    Serves him right for killing me, Ogras muttered. "Though I wish he would have looked a bit more wretched than sporting some surface wound."


    Zac wryly smiled as he stepped out of the guardhouse and bought a new Teleportation Array. There was just a week left until his sister would rip open the portal to the Mystic Realm once more, not much time for his final preparations.

 Chapter 564: Precipice

    Chapter 564: Precipice


    The following days passed quickly after Zacs group returned to Port Atwood. He sent Ibtep and Joanna with the Anointed to act as liaisons to iron out the logistics of the uing mission. As for himself, he had been nning on dealing with all kinds of things to prepare Port Atwood for the Mystic Realm. However, Zac was quickly shown the value of a proper support system as everything was being taken care of better and more efficiently than if he had done it himself.


    Triv and Abby were working in tandem to quash all sorts of issues, from designing a proper base that could hold everyone in Port Atwood, to figuring out what sorts of materials they needed to bring into the research base. The general n was to set up a proper outpost in the garden on the other side of the portal, and then build advance posts as they reached further and further inside the Mystic Realm. This freed up most of Zac''s time, allowing him to spend most of his time inside his Cultivation Cave, nursing his wounds while looking for ways to improve his power.


    The brush with death had increased his desire to be stronger even further, but time was limited. The best he coulde up with was to solidify his gains from the battle while trying to figure out if there was any concrete gain from his epiphany. Unfortunately, no matter how he looked or experimented he knew that he neither gained any affinity to his Daos, nor had he evolved any of them.


    He had definitely taken a step in the right direction on the mountain top, but he was still verycking if he wanted to upgrade any of his Dao Fragments to high mastery. However, he did make one interesting discovery as he searched for clues inside his body. His <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had turned inert since swallowing the tendril of Tribtion Lightning. It wouldnt activate no matter what he did or what energies he consumed.


    Zac noticed the anomaly while dealing with the wounds from the fight. His broken ribs and flesh wounds would heal by themselves thanks to the atmosphere in his cave and his high Vitality, but there were extremely stubborn pieces of foreign Dao lodged in the wounds. Both the exploding stars and Void''s Disciple''s kick had been infused with Daos, and different ones at that.


    The one in the kick was the strongest, and Zac guessed it might even be a High-Tiered Dao. It waspletely foreign as well, and not something that he had encountered in any of his other fights. The closest sensation the stubborn Dao before was when he was thrown out of the Technocrat spaceship and found himself swirling in space for a bit. It wasn''t surprising considering all of Adcarkas'' skills seemed to be rted to space.


    The wounds from the stars instead contained an energy that made him think of the sun, a fire-aspected Dao that was distinctly different from neighboring Daos such as the Seed of Tinder. It wasnt as explosive, but it was still extremely stubborn as it smoldered in his wounds as though it would do so for billions of years. The Fragment of the Star did exist ording to Big Blue, though the space octopus had no idea how to form it.


    These invasive Daos didnt really affect hisbat readiness all too much after his bones had set and flesh healed, but it was still a hidden threat that he needed to deal with. Grinding them down with his own Daos was slow and arduous, which was why he thought of his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. If it could swallow tribtion lightning, it could surely eat a little bit of foreign Dao?


    The problem was that it didnt act on the alien energies in his body, and he didnt have any control of the Hidden Node either. Since manually activating it was out of the question, he instead thought of another way to activate it. He once more absorbed some miasma as a Human to kickstart the node, but it ended with him being nauseated for 30 minutes until he managed to disperse the chill of death inside his body.


    He still didnt know what to do with this information, but he hoped that he would get a huge surge of energy when the node was finally done digesting the purple lightning. Getting a free level or two wouldnt be enough to defeat Void''s Disciple, but it was a start.


    Ogras had immediately entered seclusion as well when they returned, but the rest of Port Atwood exploded into action as every department worked around the clock to ready everything in time. His sister was one of the busiest people of all as she kept traveling between Mystic Ind, Theas Library, and The Tower of Myriad Dao to gather as much information as she could before trying to crack open the spatial tunnel.


    The elites of his army were also recalled from the zombie hunt to prepare and consolidate their gains over the following days, while the nonbatants prepared hundreds of different things that might be needed in the uing mission in the Mystic Realm. The settlements that Void''s Disciple attacked were recaptured as well, but no one could figure out what Void''s Disciple had done in those mines.


    The New World Government had sent in over 50 thousand people ording to Julia, so there was definitely a use of man-power inside. Zac initially felt a bit reluctant to follow suit, as he had dealt with most threats either alone or with the help of a small group. But he couldnt run around those endless tunnels by himself in search of the Spatial Treasure, so this time he would bring arge chunk of his army. Besides, if it turned out that the excess personnel was superfluous, then he could always send them back at thest minute.


    Julia tried to help out by gathering more intelligence from the New World Government, but it was slim pickings. Thomas Fischer had put in ce a new set of extremely restrictive protocols to stop any further leaks, and anyone who entered the Mystic Realm had to sign a contract of confidentiality. A System-enforced contract, so there was no chance of shirking the agreement.


    Ilvere suggestedunching an assault, but Zac decided against it. He was afraid that the New World Government would do something drastic if he appeared at this juncture, like opening the pathways so that the natives of the Mystic Realm could escape and reach Earth. He couldn''t let that happen, he didn''t feel confident in leaving Earth exposed to a bunch of E-Grade aliens while he was stuck inside the mystic realm.


    It wasnt the end of the world though, as Zac doubted there was much that Thomas Fischer knew that he couldn''t figure out by himself in a few days. There was no way that these so-called native allies had given the government too much intelligence on the research base, the New World Government simply wasnt powerful enough to barter with high e-grade elders that might be over a thousand years old.


    Kenzie arrived at the Cultivation Cave five days after Zac returned from Site 16, and Zac frowned when he saw her eyes were sunken from chronic sleep deprivation. Triv was with her as well, and the ghost bowed toward Zac before it started sprucing up the ce.


    "Don''t overwork yourself," Zac sighed as he looked at his sister with worry.


    "I''ll be able to rest as soon as I pack things up here," Kenzie smiled.


    "So it''s done?" Zac asked with relief.


    "It''s done," Kenzie said, her smile turning into a grin. "You could start it up right now if you wanted, but it''s better if you wait two days. The spatial turbulence grows weaker every day."


    "That''s amazing, good job," Zac apuded. "Do you need any help here?"


    "No, you''ll just get in the way. Triv and I can handle this, you go deal with things in Port Atwood instead. Verana has been wanting to talk with you for a while," Kenzie said.


    "Fine, I''ll get out of your hair," Zac said as he stood up from his prayer mat. "What do the Tal-dar want?"


    "They want to join us in the Mystic Realm, of course. No one should have told them outright, but it is impossible to keep an expedition of this magnitude secret," Kenzie shrugged.


    "Is Ogras out yet?" Zac asked.


    He liked having the demon with him when dealing with n Tir''Emarel. Ogras couldn''t help himself when he saw the beastmasters, he immediately started to annoy them by ruining their ns out of spite. That usually resulted in a better negotiation position for Zac, which was just what someone like him needed.


    "No," Kenzie said with a shake of his head, her smile turning into a frown. "What happened back then? He doesn''t even answer when I call."


    "Void''s Disciple is just as strong as we feared," Zac sighed. "None of us got off scot-free. He was wounded, and he might be a bit depressed after taking a loss right after evolving. He''ll be out for the Mystic Realm though."


    Kenzie''s eyes thinned a bit in suspicion, but Zac didn''t want her to know just how close to dying Ogras got. He simply shed away the next moment and teleported over to the academy to deal with the Tal-dar. Zac eventually made a deal with Verana where she would send a squad of 150 experts into the Mystic Realm, focusing on cultivators excelling in scouting and healing.


    Tylia was probably still the greatest healer on Earth, and having her join the mission might save a lot of lives. The keen senses of the Tal-dar war-beasts might be invaluable as well, so Zac relented on his stance against them for now. However, he did make sure to sign a contract with Verana that the Spatial Artifact and any D-Grade or higher treasures would go to Port Atwood.


    They would be given Merit Points for turning them in though. This type of employer-employee contract was prettymon when exploring Mystic Realms, and she wasn''t really surprised at all when Zac brought it up. As for E-Grade resources and lower, it was up to luck. If you found it, it was yours. That was the simplest way of encouraging people to explore the depths of the research base. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The next two days were like a blur, and more and more powerful people appeared in Port Atwood by the minute. First it was Thea along with a hundred experts and 500 support personnel of the Marshall Alliance. Then came Billy and Nigel, thetter looking less than enthused about entering such a dangerous ce. However, Nigel had a rare buffing ss simr to Emily''s, and he would be able to singlehandedly bolster the defenses of any base.


    The Underworld Council provided warriors of all four races as well, along with Gregor and five fellow councilors. The rest would stay to make sure nothing happened to their bases in their absence, just like the majority of the Port Atwood Army. Finally the Zhix arrived, and the appearance of over a hundred hulking Anointed caused quite themotion among the citizens of Port Atwood.


    In fact, a lot of people didn''t even know about the existence of the Anointed since they mostly stayed in the hearts of their Hives. It caused quite some chaos, and Zac was forced to send them to Mystic Ind early as to not cause a riot. Of course, it was only a dayter that Zac and the others joined them.


    Everyone had gathered in the central valley of Mystic Ind, and Zac couldn''t help but marvel as he looked back at the group of over 5000 people behind him. Most of them normal Zhix warriors and the soldiers of Port Atwood, but this was still the greatest army that Earth had ever assembled. This group would probably be able to take out the New World Government in minutes even if he didn''t personally get involved.


    Zac eventually turned back looked with anticipation at Kenzie and her group of craftsmen as they performed the finishing checks on the array they had drawn around the spatial tunnel. It would block out the turbulence from the Spatial Bomb that the Cultists detonated, allowing the old teleportation array to work once more.


    Even Zac couldn''t help but feel some butterflies in his stomach as he looked at the still inactive array. There was so much hanging on this expedition. If they won then Earth would finally be free of threats, at least for another 99 years. It would give him and everyone else a breather, an opportunity to solidify their foundations and find their bearings.


    Conversely, if they failed, then that was that. The Great Redeemer woulde sooner orter, and Earth would be turned into a cultivation resource. Ogras and he had even discussed giving out some of his teleportation tokens beforehand just in case, but he knew it was kind of a moot point.


    Coughing up between one and ten billion Nexus Coins for the Nexus Hub activation wasnt something that the average people could endure.


    Sometimes I dont know whether youre my lucky star or an ill omen, sighed echoed out from Zac''s side as Ogras appeared out of nowhere. A normal warrior would be given months to stabilize his foundation and get to understand their limits. I get time for a celebratory drink before Im thrown at the big boss, and then I''m dragged here before I even have a chance to nurse my wounds.


    You can go on as long a vacation as you want after this is dealt with, Zac snorted.


    See, you say that, but how can that possibly be true while I am living next to a disaster ma? If you run out of enemies, then the Ruthless Heavens will just conjure one for you, Ogras spat.


    "Can''t do much about that," Zac smiled before he turned serious again. "How''s your situation?"


    A shroud of shadows covered the two before Ogras spoke up.


    "There''s both good and bad news," the demon shrugged. "I won''t be able to fight for at least a month, perhaps even longer. There are someplications on top of the wounds."


    "Anything I can do to help?" Zac frowned. "I have a lot of pills."


    "No, I think that I need to wait this out," Ogras said with a frown, and he hesitated a bit before he kept going. "Spare is redrawing my pathways."


    "What?!" Zac blurted. "Is that even possible?"


    "Apparently," the demon grimaced. "I don''t think it''s too bad though. The changes are small, and they seem to be improvements. Even better, my affinity to the Dao of Shadows has taken a huge leap forward. I was a genius before, but now I''m simply a heaven-defying scion."


    Zac only rolled his eyes in response, but he couldn''t help but feel a pang of jealousy upon hearing about the affinity. Then again, Ogras had literally died to gain this lucky opportunity. And judging by the demon''s face, it wasn''t as simple as he let on. There were definitely dangers that apanied this sudden windfall.


    Well, it''s good that youre up and runn- Zac responded, but he drifted off when he saw that Kenzie had stood up and waved at him.


    Everything was ready.


    "Do it," Zac nodded, his heart rapidly beating as he prepared for disaster.

 Chapter 565: Convictions

    Chapter 565: Convictions


    There was no time to lose now that everything was dealt with. They were already running behind the others who had spent weeks, even months inside the Mystic Realm already, and they needed to catch up.


    Kenzie immediately started drawing the final inscriptions that wouldplete the outer array since Zac had given the go-ahead. The assistants had already moved away just in case, with only Kenzie staying next to the array. The final touches only took a few minutes, and Zac saw the air all around them shudder for a few seconds before it returned to normal.


    "It worked!" Kenzie eximed a few secondster as the inner array lit up as well.


    Uh, it did? Zac asked, feeling there was someck of payoff.


    He had almost expected a massive tear in space to appear, only for Kenzie''s array to beat it back after a herculean effort. Zac obviously wasnt the only one feeling this way either. Ogras looked at the array with a visible disappointment, and Thea was looking at Kenzie with confusion.


    Thats it, Kenzie snorted, clearly a bit miffed about everyones reactions. I can add some fireworks to the next array if you want.


    Just thought there would be some spatial rifts or something, Zac sheepishly smiled before he refocused. Ill go first to make sure its safe.


    Iming with, I know the ce best after all, Ogras said. Ive also been inside enough to be able to tell if the array works as intended.


    What? In your condition? Zac frowned as he asked with a low voice. "What''s your goal? Last time we almost had to drag you through the teleporter."


    I figure Im better off on the other side in case this thing breaks down after one use, Ogras shrugged with a grin. "I''ll just hide in your shadows and reap the rewards."


    Well, fine, Zac said as he turned to Thea and the other leaders. Ill send a message back through the portal in a minute at most. You can begin the transfer as soon as Ive done so, provided Kenzie gives the go-ahead.


    Thea looked reluctant at being left behind, but Billy didnt care in the slightest. Nigel on the other hand looked like he was praying for the thing to fail so that he could stay behind. As for the Zhix, they stoically stood in vigil, their facial expressions unreadable.


    What should we do if this thing breaks after you enter, Warmaster? Rhubat eventually rumbled. The enemies of the Zhix are on the other side.


    If this thing really breaks down after we go through, have Kenzie fix it. If shes unable to Enter through the New World Governments tunnel. Thea can show you the way, Zac said without hesitation.


    This was something he had about before, and he eventually decided to sacrifice the New World Government if it came to that. The survival of Earth was more important than anything else, and they simply didn''t have any other options. He had sent out dozens of squads in search of other tunnels, including to the uncharted continent. But they hadn''t found anything, meaning the New World Government tunnel was the only other one remaining.


    Of course, following the Dominators through their own tunnel would have been the best option, but no one had been able to figure out where it was. Void''s Disciple must have tracked down a pathway as secluded as the one on Mystic Ind.


    Be careful around the New World Government though. The tunnel would be filled with traps. And be careful as to not let anything dangerous reach Earth.


    You wont mind if we oust your kind? Rhubat asked curiously.


    Theyre not my kind, Zac shrugged. But try a non-violent approach if possible, no matter if we meet them inside or outside. Were all part of this after all.


    The Anointed nodded in agreement, and Zac stepped onto the array with the demon following close behind. The darknesssted just an instant until he appeared in a familiar room, a wave of relief washing over him when he could confirm that the array worked just fine. He didnt even realize that he had been holding his breath as he stepped through, and his hands were mmy as well.


    Getting almost killed while teleporting once had undeniably left a shadow in his mind.


    Ah! a scream echoed out the second Zac appeared, and he spotted a young woman grasping for a spear that stood bnced against the wall. Intruders! Wait, Lord Atwood?


    Its me. Tina, right? Zac smiled as he recognized the Valkyrie. Im sorry it took so long to reopen the entrance. Is everyone okay here?


    Ogras appeared before Tina had a chance to answer, ncing around the building before walking up next to Zac.


    The array seems stable enough, Ogras muttered after he threw the Valkyrie a nce. I didnt notice any differencespared to thest times. Should be fine I think?


    Good, Zac nodded as he sent back an information crystal to the other side, telling the others that it worked.


    More people areing soon, so lets get out of the way, Zac said as he led the two out of the Teleportation Building.


    The base camp outside looked pretty much the same as thest time Zac visited, except for a couple of new buildings having been added to the mix. The odd lines covered the sky, and the trees created a perimeter around the fields far off in the distance. Finally, there was the barely discernable wall, and Zac''s heartbeat sped up at the thought of what awaited inside.


    Everything seems fine here. Have there been any problems? Zac said as soon as he could confirm that there were no immediate threats.


    Nothing much has happened here apart from us going a bit stir-crazy, Tina said as she waved at the other castaways who looked at Zac with relief in their eyes. We have just explored the vicinity and cultivated. Those worm-things dont attack as long as five of us travel together. We have encountered something odd though.


    Odd? Whats going on? Zac asked as he looked around again, properly this time.


    Only then did he realize that Ogras had stopped in his tracks after stepping outside the teleportation building, a deep frown adorning his face. Zac had only been here for a few short visits when he needed to talk with his sister, but he hadnt actually left the immediate vicinity of the entrance. However, it appeared as though the demon had figured something out.


    This world is growing, the demon finally blurted out, his eyes wide with shock.


    They are here, Levi said, her milky-white eyes opening for the first time in weeks. "The door has been reopened."


    Sorry for having you do this, child, Uvek sighed as he hurriedly handed his granddaughter the extract before the bacsh kicked in.


    She drank the murky texture down with a slight frown, but she didntin about the astringent taste. She never did.


    Its not more horned beings, Levi said. Well, there are, but there are other races as well. Some I have never seen before.


    Any humans? Tictus, the squirrely chief Datamancer, asked with worry in his eyes.


    Yes, most, Levi nodded.


    The eyes around the table lit up, but Uvek shook his head.


    Things outside are not like in here. Our races will not bring us together. Remember, it is our n that that needs to stand united, even against other humans, Uvek said.


    The other elders soon remembered themselves and low discussion as to what to do next appeared in the sealed Elder''s Hall.


    How powerful are they? Tictus eventually asked.


    I cant see, Levi said with a shake of her head.


    How about another elder muttered.


    No! She cannot open the Eyes of Heaven again so soon. She had used her bloodline too much already to keep track of all the changes. It might kill her if we push even further. We need to remember our goal! These outsiders that keep pouring in are after that thing in the center, but what are we after? Uvek said.


    Freedom, Tictus muttered.


    Exactly! We need to leave here, but then what? Uvek said as he looked across the room.


    I have learned some things by speaking with Hekruv Vira of the True Sky faction. They have had ample contact with the outsiders through their terminals. If he is speaking the truth, and I believe he is, then the outside has changed, and it will be thrown out into the universe in one hundred years. We need to have a D-Grade warrior before then to protect us, and Levi is our best hope! She is the first one since the ancestor to awaken <strong>[Heaven''s Eyes]</strong> instead of <strong>[King''s Eyes] </strong>or <strong>[Lord''s Eyes]</strong>. We cant ruin her potential for short-term benefits!


    Do not forget Yvian, the decrepit voice of the second elder spoke up, and Uvek forced himself to nod in acquiescence.


    However, his inner thoughts werent quite as agreeable. It would be a disaster for n Cartava if that impetuous man became the next Patriarch. They had already been captured once due to their unique bloodline, and he knew they needed to keep a low profile as they stepped out into the true universe. But Yvian carried dreams of grandeur, to lead the n to the peak.


    But he didnt understand that they were just ants in the grand scheme of things. Their ancestral homnds had been like a fortress, and their echelon elders were known across the sector for their prowess. But their sanctuary was reduced to ashes the moment the ancestor passed away, their elders ughtered like chickens, proving they were just frogs in the bottom of the well.


    Having wealth was a sin if you werent powerful enough to protect it.


    Even then, Yvian bore a deep desire for conquest. Before he had wanted to conquer this ursed cage, but now he had turned his sights to the outside. He believed that it was ripe for the picking as the outsiders were pathetically weak ording to the True Sky Faction. But Uvek knew better. The real powerhouses hadn''t made their moves yet, or they moved in the shadows.


    So what do we do? Tictus asked.


    The storms are acting up again, Uvek muttered. "And we haven''t found any terminals that can reach this new faction."


    The old patterns no longer holds, and some subsystems havepletely shut down, Tictus sighed said with a shake of his head. A unit was caught unaware in Red-04, only three managed to return alive. We cant go to Section 8 at all the moment.


    We left a message where the horned one appeared, Uvek eventually said. We cant go there now, but we might soon meet in the inner sections.


    What if theyre hostile? the second elder asked with a rasping voice.


    We wont look for trouble, but we will not back away either. We will never be captives again, Uvek said, his eyes burning with determination.


    Never again, the others echoed.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This is our edge. The outsiders are treating this as a treasure hunt. We are fighting for survival. Our convictions aren''t the same.


    Hes hurt, Yano whispered, the soulgems studding his head glimmering as his fury instilled them with power. Another is missing, and the third is in the vat. This is our chance!


    We cant, Helo sighed, his own, far grander, gems instead spreading a soothing blue radiance. Only three Masons remain, and they are badly wounded as well. And remember, they are not alone. Their armies outnumber us five to one. Those insectoids might be weaker in general, but you saw how they fought. We cant match that suicidal ferocity. Our kin is not meant for battle like that."


    But another opportunity like this wonte again! Yano spat, though the red glow of his gems had clearly dimmed.


    He knew the horror of their new masters better than anyone. He had seen his own parents getting ripped apart by the bare hands of the one called Voids Disciple, their soulgems being harvested the same way the old controllers did. What had their kin done to deserve a fate such as this? Captured and experimented on for thousands of years, and when they finally saw a chance at freedom, they were ughtered and enved once more.


    But Helo wouldnt give up. To many had fallen for him to give in to despair now.


    We need to be patient, Helo eventually said.


    You keep saying that, but our people are dying, Yano said, tears already streaming down his face. "Besides. If you help Void''s Disciple to create that item... Even if you survive, you''ll be cursed. Heaven''s won''t abide something like this. With the old Masons fallen, only you can lead us now."


    I will survive. I can''t fall here, "Helo said with determination, the soothing gems shing a sanguine red for a second before he got a hold of himself. We must endure for another ten days. At that time the thing will be born. The elders believed that would bring about huge changes to our world, with previously inessible parts being forced open.


    How does that help us? Yano asked. Without our Masons, we are not powerful enough topete for that thing.


    But we might be able to nudge events in our favor. Perhaps we might even be able to nudge those monsters right off a cliff. The Grand Mason told me something before he sumbed to his wounds, something that she only learned recently, Helo said, his voice growing even lower. The Administrator is alive.


    What? How is that even possible? The cataclysm back then- Yano eximed, his gems turning grey out of fear.


    I dont understand either, Helo said, his gems shimmering yellow in confusion. But if these insectoids want the item, they will have to enter the Administrators domain. These interlopers are strong, but do you really believe they can survive such an encounter?

 Chapter 566: Lunar Tribe

    Chapter 566: Lunar Tribe


    Hevastes rushed through the forest, his sharp nose all the guidance he needed to avoid his distant, and far less enlightened, cousins. A squad of silent killers followed in tow, ruthlessness gleaming in their eyes. They set out five days ago at the behest of Cervantes to find a new path to the weaklings of the Cartava n.


    A century ago this would have been considered a suicide mission, a way to discard unwanted members of the tribe. They would most likely perish to the environment, and if they somehow survived theyd still have an impossible mission toplete.


    However, things had changed. Hevastes looked up at the distant Skythreads, both excitement and trepidation filling his hearts. He remembered running through these woods just three hundred years ago as a fledgling member of his first hunting squad. The sky had been so much closer then, and the distances werent so insurmountable. But the world had grown, just as Hevastes himself had.


    It almost felt like he would leave part of himself behind when they finally left this ce.


    They finally reached their target location; a seemingly insignificant corner of the forest where the wall made a slight turn. There were no signs of anything special about this ce, apart from a small grate in the Memorysteel close to the ceiling.


    A century ago this small vent just had a diameter of ten centimeters, but by now it was over a meter across, effortlessly providing a new point of ingress for their kin. Simr weaknesses were appearing all over the base, with new ones being discovered every week. The sanctums of the Core Sector were still unreachable, meaning it still was impossible to reach the bloodline pools freely. But it was just a matter of time by now.


    Of course, the dangers had increased just like the opportunities had.


    Isting steps, Hevastes muttered and one of his subordinates produced a series of spikes, each of them connected to a small dongle.


    Hevastes took out his charger and poured some of the harvested Base Power into each spike. He couldnt help but grimace at the expenditure, especially now that it was so hard to harvest. But times had changed, and there was no point in hoarding things that would be useless in the outer world.


    Seeing that the spikes had activated properly he threw them into the wall with pinpoint precision, each of them hitting the wall with half a meters distance, all the way up to the grate. The spikes embedded themselves in the Memorysteel as though the wall was made of mud, and a few secondster the fusion wasplete.


    The arrays on the hadpletely dimmed by the time that the spikes had be part of the wall, and Kato didnt need any prompting as he climbed up along the spikes. He took out a tablet from his backpack as he carved a small groove with his special tool, allowing him to connect to the local systems through a cable.


    Hevastes saw the screen light up a secondter, and the whole group tensed as they prepared themselves for retaliation. However, the seconds passed without either the wall awakening or the corruption appearing, allowing them to breathe out in relief. It wasn''t that they didn''t trust Kato, he was one of the most skilled Datamancers in the tribe after all. But things had be too unpredictable as ofte.


    The grate swung up a few secondster, and Kato jumped down to the others with a relieved look on his eyes. After all, it was usually the Datamancers who got the worst of it in case they were discovered.


    Excellent job. How long? Hevastes asked.


    Sixteen hours under normal operations, Kato said before he hesitantly added. But the risk of anomalies is high.


    Ten hours. Everyone needs to be back here by that time in case we get split up. Anyters will have to return by themselves, Hevastes eventually decided.


    The rest of the squad nodded without hesitation, even though the implication was clear. Returning to the tribe without Hevastes source of Base Power was a suicide mission, and they were better off staying in the forest, praying that some other squad would pass by before they were discovered by the beasts.


    Remember the goal. First of all, find a path to the Cartava n. Secondly, if an opportunity arises, capture the Grand Elders granddaughter. Finding information about the interlopers would be a bonus, but other squads are working on that, Hevastes said as he looked across the group.


    The group of veterans nodded, though they couldn''t hide the confusion from their captain. After all, most of them had worked together for almost two centuries. But they were elite warriors that were content in following orders, which couldn''t be said about the ever-curious Datamancer.


    Is that brat really worth the risk? Kato hesitantly asked when no one else would speak up. We have already spent such arge amount of our resources on this one objective."


    Are you questioning Cervantes orders? Hevastes asked cooly.


    N-No, absolutely not, Kato hurriedly said with a shake of his head, quickly realizing the folly of questioning the Alphas grand nephew. I just hoped to understand the goal to betterplete my mission.


    Very well. I dont know all the details either, but my uncle said one thing that might interest you. Levi Cartava is the key to prolonging our lifespans by many times over. Now tell me, is it worth snatching her? Hevastes said with a cruel smile.


    The eyes of even the veterans in the group widened in shock, before a red tint spread in their eyes. Hevastes knew all too well what they were thinking. The bloodline of their tribe was unmatched, and the only one in this realm solely focused onbat. Those gemlings far on the other side were only useful for creating living treasures, and the True Sky Faction had long lost their way by interbreeding.


    Only the Titans and unique specimens were a match to their prowess, but the specimens were long gone while the Titans all perished when the cataclysm turned their sector into the wastnds. If it wasnt for the unique environment, the werewolves would long have been able to dominate this whole realm.


    But there was a downside to their power; it took them too long to cultivate. They were part-beast, which had provided them with superior bodies and power. But they still had the much shorter lifespan of humans, making it almost impossible to unleash their full potential before they grew old. But what if their lifespans could be improved upon?


    Hevastes could feel it. This was the era of the Lunar Tribe.


    -----------------


    Exactly! This world is expanding! Tina nodded with an odd face as she looked at Ogras. It seems impossible, but this whole base seems to be growing like it was a living creature or something. It''s already grown around ten percent since we were trapped here.


    Growing how? Zac said with confusion.


    The rest of the leaders had already arrived through the teleporter by this point, and they all looked at Ogras and Tina like they were crazy. How could a base grow by itself?


    We first noticed it with the keypad that allows us to enter the real base. It was rising higher and higher up in the air, and now its 30 centimeters further up than before, Tina said.


    Is it some sort of liquid metal? Thea asked from the side, but the Valkyries shook their heads in response.


    I honestly feel like its some sort of magic rather than something that can be exined rationally. We first assumed that the wall was rising from the ground, but we soon realized that this affects everything except for living things, Tina exined.


    I thought this ce was made for giants, but what if the whole realm started growing around the same time the Integration took ce? Ogras muttered as his eyes scanned the surroundings. "Or perhaps even sooner."


    Zac looked over with confusion before he understood what Ogras was getting at. The demon was the first one to explore the mystic realm, and he had already noted that he believed that this section was built to amodate some sort of golem or giant species reaching 5-6 meters in height. But what if that wasnt the case, but rather the result of the ce growing?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A bunch of Cosmic Energy flooded Earth, and some of it was passed into this ce? Zac asked.


    Or that the shock of integration kicked the Dimensional Seed alive, Ogras shrugged.


    We found out some of the rules by studying the trees, another Valkyrie interjected. They are the same as before, but they are now spaced further apart like the ground between them is expanding.


    Spatial expansion, Thea said with wonder as she looked around.


    But our people have only been trapped here for a few weeks and its grown by ten percent? This base should be thousands of years old, it doesnt add up, Joanna countered with a frown as she looked at the valkyries.


    The treasure is awakening, Zac said. "That is probably speeding up the process if it''s the source."


    Its the most likely scenario, Ogras agreed. But that means two things if true. First, these changes will probably only increase in severity as the treasure awakens. Second, we are just at the edge of the Mystic realm. The effect might be far worse in the core, the closer we get to the treasure itself. We already knew this ce is huge, but it might have turned into a continent overnight.


    We have tried mapping the growth rate and it seems as though-, Tina said, but he forgot herself upon seeing the form of Rhubat breaking through the roof of the teleportation house like some sort of insectoid Godzi.


    I forgot about those giants in all the excitement, Ogras looked over with a snort.


    Zac sighed and shed over, and threw away the rubble of the teleportation house, the pieces of the building flying far out into the grasnd.


    Amazing. Worlds within worlds, Rhubat said as it looked around, ignoring the mayhem its appearance had caused.


    This ce is extremely ancient, older than both your and our civilizationsbined, Zac said. There will be a lot of dangers inside, Ill be counting on you guys.


    The chief corruptor is still standing, so we will not stop either, Rhubat agreed and moved out of the way to make room for more Anointed to enter.


    Start setting everything up, Zac instructed the logistics crew before he shed back to the core group. I need some more details from the scientists who have stayed here.


    The Valkyries who had been marooned in the Mystic Realm was not the only citizens caught inside when the cultists attacked. There were also a group of professors that were studying the mystic realm while Zac was busy dealing with other things.


    The logistics officers got to work while Zac entered a warehouse to go over things in detail. There were proper meeting rooms as well, but they were too small to house the Anointed, and he wanted them represented.


    The scientists seemed extremely ufortable by being stuck in a building with not only 5-meter tall giants that stared down at them as though they were snacks, but also with the most powerful people on the former Ladder. But they quickly gathered their wits and started going over the measurements they had taken since they were stuck.


    The biosphere had grown just like Tina and Ogras said, by 12% to be exact. This included everything that could be considered dead, such as stones, the metal walls, and the ground itself. The odd growth also affected organic materials that werent alive, such as pieces of lumber. The people and the nts werepletely unaffected though.


    Most of that growth had happened over thest 16 days, and it seemed to be elerating. As for the process of expansion, it couldnt be exined by science. The first guess of the scientists was that the spatial expansion acted on an atomic level, increasing the distance between molecules in materials. But it was quickly proven to be wrong.


    Matter was literally appearing out of nowhere. A piece of lumber would keep growing in volume in this realm but its density would remain constant, meaning that its weight increased. As for where the additional matter came from, the Scientist had no idea. One conjecture was that it was being absorbed from subspace or neighboring dimensions, while some simply believed it to be magic no matter how unscientific that sounded.


    Isnt this a huge opportunity? Ogras said from the side when he heard the exnation. Cant we throw out everything of value and it will keep multiplying? What if we get a bunch of extremely valuable materials? Wouldnt we literally be growing money?

 Chapter 567: Expansion

    Chapter 567: Expansion


    Zacs eyes lit up at the idea, and he could see himself throwing out his mountains of loot and watch them grow. This could be a game-changer for Port Atwood, and he immediately turned toward the scientists with fire in his eyes.


    Unfortunately, no. It doesnt work that way, a scientist said, but he quickly shrunk back when over ten angry res were directed his way. Ahem... That is... This change doesnt seem to affect items with a certain amount of energy. Nexus Crystals wont grow in size, for example, and neither will Spiritual Materials. However, we have only been able to test this on our limited supply of materials in this short while. There might be some materials we can grow this way to great effect.


    Zac couldnt help but feel some disappointment at losing such a good money-making opportunity before it could even start. Being able to grow things like gold and steel might sound amazing, but mortal materials were essentially worthless in the multiverse.


    Even Zac could conjure a mountain out of nowhere with <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>, and powerful beings could harvest wholes with a wave of their hands. Some Mystic Realms also contained shocking amounts of certain elements. You could find a world containing hundreds of billions of tonnes of purest gold, ripe for the taking.


    Of course, it was still worth growing some materials since it was free. There was arge demand for construction materials to build and expand the towns of his force, and normal materials were enough to build houses.


    Zac already gave up on the idea, but the demon wasnt as easily convinced.


    What about the walls of this ce? Ogras said with a frown. That metal cant be somethingmon. I couldnt even leave asting mark when going all outst time I was here.


    That- We are not sure how to exin the walls, but we have a conjecture? another scientist exined as she adjusted her sses. We believe that the material of the base itself, while extremely high technology, is not spiritual in nature. It is some sort of advanced metallurgy that we dont understand. Its regenerative properties are in turn powered by an external energy supply.


    Zac nodded in agreement, remembering the Technocrat vessel he visited. It was the same there. The Technocrats seemed to use advanced techniques to somehow drain high-grade materials from their spirituality, while still retaining their strength. It seemed like a waste of time to Zac, but it might be required for the materials to work with the Dao of Technology.


    We havent been able to prove this though, as weve been unable to take samples, she added.


    They asked a few questions more about the mysterious growth, but there was only so much that the scientists had managed to find out. They neither had the tools nor the strength to get to the bottom of things, and most of what they knew was conjecture. Zac guessed that he would find out more as he ventured deeper into the Mystic Realm.


    Have you encountered any living beings? Zac asked next. Apart from the worms.


    No, but the amount of time we spent inside the actual construct is limited. Only three of us managed to get clearance, Tina said from the side. We also never left the security door that protects this section, as we were afraid to open it and let the natives inside.


    Its good that you took it safe, Zac nodded before he asked with confusion. But what do you mean not getting ess? That console doesnt give ess to everyone?


    No, Tina said with a shake of her head. I think its bugged or something.


    Or it has some sort of requirements we dont fully grasp just yet, the head scientist added. There seem to be some requirements though, the main being a minimum power. All the people with ess are over level 50.


    Anything else? Zac asked.


    Two are mortals, one is a cultivator. So spirituality might not actually be a boon but a hindrance, a scientist hesitantly said. But its too early to tell with such a small sample.


    Also, we only managed to get Tier-2 clearance, which only let us travel a very limited section outside. Only some doors opened for us. We might not even have been able to open that security door even if we tried, Tina said.


    Maybe I had beginners luck? Or maybe Im just that handsome? Ogras grinned from the side, drawing multiple eye-rolls in response.


    It would be a problem though if only Ogras could control that main exit from their position on the frontier. Would they have to station him like some sort of doorman just so they would be able to maintain their mobility? And what about further inside? There would no doubt be more barriers toward the core of the Mystic Realm.


    It might be looking for some specific genome that only a few in the multiverse possess. It shouldnt be based on human anatomy considering a demon has had the most sess though, Joanna ventured. If this ce is built by Technocrats it shouldnt make its decision on something like constitution or levels, right?


    Right, Zac nodded. Anything else?


    There has been seismic activity in the past two weeks. It might be rted to the growth, another scientist said after some thought. The earthquakes have been mild so far, but they might cause troubles down the line if they increase in severity. The walls might break apart from the vibrations, allowing outsiders to enter our secured area.


    Zac nodded in understanding, a slight frown adorning his face. He had heard just how sturdy this ce was from Ogras. Furthermore, it had managed to hold peak E-Grade warriors trapped for millennia. He probably wouldnt be able to open new pathways by punching his way through the walls even if he exhausted himself.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Then again, few things could contend against nature itself, and it wouldnt be too surprising if some cracks started to appear. But Zac didnt feel that to be just a negative. There were obviously problems with mobility inside this ce since the natives still hadnt managed to escape to Earth. That probably meant that it would be difficult reaching either the Dominators and the Dimensional Seed as well.


    Thank you for your excellent work, Zac said as he looked around. I know you guys are tired of this ce, but we cant leave just yet. Some new intelligence hase to light since you were locked inside, and every faction on Earth is scrambling to get inside this ce. We are already behind the others because of the cultists, so I will need to rely on your expertise a while longer.


    The scientists nodded without hesitation, and Zac guessed that they were more than happy to stay now that there was a bunch of powerful people to protect them. After all, what scientist wouldnt be interested in researching a magical world in a hidden dimension that kept bending thews of physics?


    Everyone already knew what they were supposed to do, and they split up to lead their respective factions as one person after another emerged through the teleporter. The transportation of personnel took hours as the teleporter couldnt stay active continuously. Kenzie shut it down on multiple asions to make sure that her array wouldnt suddenly crack from overextension. It was important to maintain function as long as possible in case something unexpected happened.


    They would probably need to order other things from Calrin as well as they kept figuring out the rules in this weird ce. Besides, they were still able to spy on the other factions as long as the tunnel remained open, and Zac might also need to exit in the next few days depending on how things panned out.


    Setting up a propermand center and barracks would take the better part of a day. They didnt know how long they would need to use this ce for, so they did everything properly like they were building a whole town from the ground up. It felt extremely slow to Zac, but he also knew that something like this would bepletely impossible without the aid of Cosmos Sacks and superhuman strength.


    However, the mass-scale expansion angered the only other resident of the secluded biosphere, and a hundred worm-like creatures suddenly burrowed out of the ground and struck the settlers to protect their domain. However, they were immediately cut into ribbons by Thea who happened to be nearby.


    Zacs whistled in surprise at the efficiency at which she disposed a bunch of peak F-Grade beasts. It looked like her gain had been pretty impressive, after all. It might be a result of incorporating that Sword Intent she gained inside the Inheritance, but Zac distinctly felt that her Dao was improving at a rapid pace.


    Shes be more powerful, Ogras said as he emerged from the shadows. You should either bed her or dispose of her while were here. Either way, youll have dealt with a potential threat.


    Whatever, Zac snorted. Im tired of standing around watching the construction. Lets go check out the base for a bit.


    What? Right now? Ogras nched. Im hurt over here.


    If youre well enough to run your mouth, then youre surely well enough to walk around a bit as well, Zac said as he started gathering people.


    Soon enough a preliminary scouting party was assembled, consisting of Zac, Kenzie, Ogras, Thea, and Ibtep. The insectoid acted as a representative to the Anointed, and he also had a scouting ss which mighte in handy.


    They werent nning on going too far today, but just to see if they could get credentials and observe the changes inside the proper structure. There was also a hidden reason only known to Zac and Kenzie. Zac wanted to see if he or at least his sister could gain ess to the main systems of this research base, either through their heritage or through Jeeves.


    That would give them a huge edge in thepetition for the treasure. In fact, it might end the struggle altogether if they could simply lock everyone in ce while they went and fetched the seed.


    The group set out, leaving the massive Anointed to guard the base in case of another monster wave, but Zac felt it was unlikely. He had gazed around the biosphere from a high vantage with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>, and he only found a few hundred markings of attuned energies. Thatst skirmish had probably wiped out over a third of all so-called <strong>[Ocodon Worms]</strong>.


    It didnt take long for Ogras to lead them to the gate he had used thest time he visited.


    Its really further up, Ogras said as he stabbed his spear into the ground to use as a foothold, and he had to jump up to touch the screen.


    The door swung open without incident, disying what looked like a storage room or perhaps break room.


    Well, the arrays and technology seem to function just fine, even if this ce is growing, Ogras muttered as he made to stride inside.


    Wait a bit, Kenzie said before she floated up to the screen herself, no doubt temporarily assisted by her Dao.


    Zac looked on with anticipation, and his eyes lit up just like the screen the moment Kenzie touched the screen. A pleasant female voice spoke out through some sort of hidden speaker, confirming that another credential had been handed out.


    <strong>[Chief Caretaker Signature added. Tier-4 ess Added.]</strong>


    What? Chief Caretaker? I only became a caretaker with worse ess? Ogras spat with jealousy written all over his face.


    Theputer obviously felt you were meant for grunt-work while I was leadership material. Or perhaps Im just that handsome, Kenzie said with a grin, drawing a re from the demon.


    Everyone quickly followed suit to get their credentials, but the others werent as lucky as Kenzie. Thea managed to at least get Tier-3 ess like Ogras, but when it was Ibteps turn nothing happened. And worse yet, the same thing actually happened with Zac.


    Zac looked at the screen with confusion, some intrusive thoughts gnawing at him in the back of his mind. He knew there was something odd about the timeline when he was a baby, and the visions of Leandra he had seen had hinted at some things that Zac didnt really want to think of. His sister had been given the best clearance right away, but he wasnt even redited? How could that possibly happen when it was their family that build this ce?


    Unless his family tree wasnt as clear-cut as believed.

 Chapter 568: First Entry

    Chapter 568: First Entry


    Not being weed like a long-lost son by the Technocrat console felt surprisingly distressing, but Zac pushed all errant thoughts to the back of his head. There was no way for him to get to the truth of the matter as things stood, and it wasn''t like his biological heritage was all that important to him.


    Besides, Zac wasnt actually worried about not getting any ess even if the implications of his failure were troubling. He took out Leandras talisman, and he jumped up to the console once more. He might not have got the reception he wanted, but he still held the key to the kingdom.


    <strong>[Council Inspector identity confirmed. Tier-4 ess Added.]</strong>


    What was that? Thea asked with raised brows, looking up from the detritus she was studying.


    I got it in the Tower of Eternity, Zac lied, and he was relieved to see that the demon yed along without causing trouble this time. The enemies on one of the levels were technocrats. I snatched this thing, and I just figured it might work here as well.


    Whats a council inspector? Ibtep asked curiously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    No idea, Zac shrugged, and this time he didnt need to know. He really had no idea. But this thing gave the same type of clearance at the technocrat level in the tower. Maybe theyre Technocratw enforcement, and this is their badge?


    Can I try? Thea asked, and Zac agreed after some thought.


    She jumped up just like Zac did, but a scowl appeared on her face when nothing happened, and the scowl worsened into a re when Ogras snickered to the side. Zac didnt know why, but he actually felt relieved to see nothing happen, and that feeling only increased when Ibtep simrly failed to gain any credentials with help of the token.


    Perhaps it is bound to me because I was the first one to use it, Zac ventured. It would be weird if multiple people could use the same identity.


    Well, lets just go, Thea said with a scowl as she entered the base, with the others quickly following.


    However, Zac held Kenzie back as he erected an istion array. The others looked back at them curiously, but they soon walked further inside to not look like they were prying.


    Your clearance, was that by itself or something Jeeves did? Zac asked when they were alone.


    It was Jeeves, Kenzie said, disappointment evident in her eyes. I was supposed to get the same credentials as Ogras, but Jeeves made the system give me the highest clearance avable to this terminal.


    She still didnt look happy with the fact that she at least got a normal clearance, and Zac understood what she was thinking. This realm was supposed to be some sort of bridge between her and their mother, but she was only given the same treatment as an outsider. And even that was better than what Zac got.


    It wasnt a good start.


    Dont worry about it, Zac said. Just look at me. I was the same until I used moms token. The technocrats are advanced but they cant n for every eventuality. The ce was abandoned by moms family an incredibly long time ago from the sounds of it, to the point that mom nned on hiding out in this long-forgotten ce. She was probably not even born when this ce was created. It would rather be odd if we were suddenly given ess.


    Youre right, Kenzie nodded, her features easing up a bit.


    Besides, this is just some random terminal at the edge of thepound. The good stuff should be further inside. Or could Jeeves connect to some bigger system? Zac asked.


    There wasnt anything interesting. Just thousands of years or automated reports on readings of the biosphere where were staying inside. It seems that the terminal was mostly made for ess and climate control. I can make it rain I think, but thats about it, Kenzie said.


    Well, put a hold on that, Zac said with a small smile. At least its a good start that Jeeves can connect with these things. I doubt any of the other factions can get that much out of the systems in this ce.


    The two soon rejoined the rest of the expedition, and Ogras led them down the same paths as he had explored before. Zac had already read the reports, but he was still shocked at how massive the ce was. Some of it was probably due to the spatial expansion, but it was undeniable that this base was most likely bigger than his whole ind even before it started to grow.


    It was hard to grasp how a structure could be so massive. Port Atwood was roughly the size of Hawaii ording to measurements taken by some geologists, and his mind had troubleputing such an undertaking. Then again, for the Technocrats building something like might be as easy as turning a page. They just needed to send out a few million robots to work around the clock for a couple of years.


    They kept moving further and further inside, with Kenzie and Thea being responsible for most of the conversation. Zac and Ogras talked a bit as well, but Ibtep mostly walked in silence.


    Youve been pretty quiet for a while, Kenzie finally said. You dont think this is interesting?


    A Hive made of metal,rge beyondprehension. It makes one wonder of all the marvels out there in the universe, Ibtep said after some thought.


    Youll be able to see them sooner orter, Kenzie said with a smile.


    Perhaps Ibtep said with a sigh. But N will never get the chance, and neither will the rest of the Anointed. A lifetime of service to the Zhix, and only death is their reward. This is not cutting off weakness, it is cutting off our roots.


    The Zhix suddenly turned to Zac, its eyes almost burning.


    Can you do something?


    Save the Anointed? Zac asked with surprise. I have no idea how to do something like that?


    Here, Ibtep said as he took out a stone gourd from his massive backpack. Please dont tell anyone I gave you this. Especially not N.


    Whats this? Zac asked with a frown as he held the gourd. He could feel that there was some liquid inside, and he guessed that it wasn''t something simple.


    Its the Elixir of Anointment, Ibtep said. I figured you humans have all kinds of ideas and methods, so I... borrowed it from Rhubat''s Hive. Perhaps you can find a way to improve it, to cure the bad side-effects of taking it. Perhaps even reverse the effect and allow the Anointed to cultivate as normal.


    Zac looked at the odd Zhix with interest. It appeared as though this wasnt something he hade up with at the spur of the moment. The Elixir of Anointment was no doubt a highly controlled substance, and Zac had no idea of how Ibtep managed to abscond with it from one of the greatest Hives in the world. Perhaps he had gained some unique advantages from his ss?


    Furthermore, it looked like his actions were highly sacrilegious among the Zhix, but he still went through with it to save the Anointed. It was a reminder that Ibtep''s thoughts and actions were much more flexiblepared to most Zhix, who were strictly bound by their precepts and conventions.


    But could Zac do something, even if he had the elixir? Perhaps Jeeves could help once more?


    Ill be honest, Alchemy is one of the areas where our is especiallycking, Zac eventually said after he saw Kenzie surreptitiously shake her head. We cant even make basic pills right now, let alone improving these types of forme.


    Ibtep only sighed and nodded its head, clearly not too surprised with the oue.


    However There might be a way, Zac said after some hesitation. I made a connection with a very powerful faction while undertaking a trial. They are called the Zethaya n, and they specialize in Alchemy. If there is anyone who can help fix the Anointeds situation and these Elixirs, it would be them, Zac said.


    Really?! Ibtep said with shock.


    However, visiting them is extremely dangerous. They have not only D-grade Hegemons, but even C-Grade Monarchs under their employ. They could destroy this whole without breaking a sweat, Zac said.


    Are you not friends? Did you not provide a proper gift? Ibtep asked.


    Zac nched a bit before his face returned to normal. Blowing up their store and almost killing their direct descendant was more an act of war than a gift. However, that wasnt the only trouble with using the Teleportation Token.


    Well, my identity is a bitplicated for a number of reasons. I might be a wanted man in the whole sector, or I might be considered a promising youth worth nurturing,"


    The others were listening in on the conversation, and Thea''s eyes were practically burning as she stared at him.


    "Just what did you do in the Tower of Eternity?" Kenzie said. "Ogras said that you made a ssh, but that''s not it, is it?"


    "I had a bit of a cultivation deviation," Zac said after some thought. "This got a bit out of hand, and I had to kill a few hundred people."


    "A few hundred scions of the most powerful ns around, including a prince of the most powerful Empire of the whole Zecia sector," Ogras said, almost looking like he had finally gotten rid of a huge burden, his smile growing wider and wider. "Your brother is probably a living legend by now, a bogeyman used to scare children."


    "Won''t this drag even more enemies to our?" Thea asked with anger. "Don''t we have enough to deal with?"


    "Like you''ve contributed so much until now," Ogras snorted from the side, which almost made the Marshall heiress flinch.


    "That''s enough," Zac sighed. "I didn''t n for things to get out of hand like that. The System was manipting things from the shadows. It released something that made everyone lose their minds, and it was kill or be killed."


    "Why would it do something like that?" Kenzie asked with confusion.


    "To make the strong even stronger," Thea muttered as her fist clenched.


    "Anyway," Zac said as he turned back to the eager Zhix. "I could send you or someone else to the Zethaya with this mixture, but they would still know you were rted to me. They might catch you to get to me. And I wont be able to save you, no matter how much I would want to. They are simply too powerful.


    I would still be willing to go, Ibtep said without hesitation. As would any number of Zhix, no doubt.


    The cost to activate this token is two Billion Nexus Coins, Zac slowly said after having made his decision. "I can''t fork out that much money right now. If you can cover half, I''ll give you the token."


    The main use of that particr token was to concoct a pill for Alea as ast resort. Now that things turned out as they did, it didnt hold as much value to Zac. Certainly, having ess to a D-Grade Alchemist from a top-tier force would always be extremely convenient, but he wasnt in direct need of getting some item or pillpleted.


    Still, you never knew what would happen in the future, and he wasnt certain that giving it away would be the best move. They were one-time tokens, after all. So he decided to give a test of sorts to the Zhix. If he couldn''t even scrounge up the money for transportation, how would he survive being sent to a C-grade continent?


    Of course, Zac had to admit that he had a selfish reason for relenting as well. He was extremely anxious to know about what people were saying about him in the multiverse. He needed to make some adjustments to his ns if it turned out that he had be a wanted man, and they would need to make preparations for Earth as well.


    "I will do it! I am going right now," Ibtep said as he started running back toward the base, no longer caring the slightest about the Technocrat base, nor apparently about the fact that he never got any clearance to return through the security door.


    The insectoid would have to wait a bit in the break room as others kept going though, since there still were sections to explore. They finally reached the door leading to the outer section that Ogras had mentioned, but they didn''t immediately open it. For all they knew, there might be an army lying in wait on the other side.


    Do we keep going, or head back? Kenzie asked as she turned to Zac for a decision.


    You go back for now. Let me and Ogras sound things out first, Zac said.


    Iming as well, Thea said without hesitation.


    Like glue, this one, Ogras muttered from the side, drawing another re from Thea.


    Its just a preliminary scouting mission to see if there are any threats nearby. Ogras and Ill go because were already in the E-Grade. Youll have plenty of time to get tired of this ce over theing weeks, Zac smiled. Well be back in a few hours.


    Fine, Thea eventually relented. But I wont be left behind when the real missions start. Try to find a hunting ground like the ones you mentioned. If we just spend our days searching without cultivating we might fall behind the other factions.


    I hear you looked like you just underwent a thousand-cut torture a few days ago, and youre already rearing to get beaten up again? Ogras snorted. Did the inheritance turn you into a simpleton?


    None of your business, Thea spat and walked away in the direction of the garden.


    Dont be like that to my sister-inw, Kenzie admonished before she turned to Zac. And you, blockhead. How hard would it be to take her with you? Just send that demon away on some mission and youre suddenly on a date. What a missed opportunity.


    Ogras only snickered in response, clearly taking some pleasure in Zacs helpless expression. Kenzie gave a reminder to be careful before she left as well.


    You know. The two of you might be a pretty good match. She seems to have picked up a masochistic streak just like you. You can y around in beast tides for fun, Ograsughed as he walked toward the console of the security door.


    Lets just go, Zac sighed as he readied himself in case of battle.

 Chapter 569: Rifts

    Chapter 569: Rifts


    "Are you ready?" Ogras asked as he stopped next to the console. "You''ll have to deal with any eventual threat by yourself, you know?"


    "I''m fine," Zac nodded as a swirl of emerald leaves surrounded him. "Open it."


    Ogras nodded and touched the panel, and he immediately melded with the shadows as the door slid open. A fractal edge had already appeared on <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, but Zac could quickly breathe out in relief as there was nothing on the other side. Ogras soon reappeared from Zac''s shadows as well, though his eyes were fixed at the corridor outside, confusion evident in his eyes.


    Zac was just as baffled, as the scenery definitely didn''t match what he had pictured in his mind. Ogras had described the dpidated state of the inner sectors in great detail for his report, but everything seemed to look the same as in their own private area. The hallway was devoid of life or activity, but it was clean and without damage. The fractals that ran along the wall shone with bright luster, and there was no dried blood to talk about.


    How is this possible? Ogras muttered from behind as he looked around in confusion.


    Zac wouldn''t immediately trust his eyes though, and he carefully entered the inner sector, readying himself in case what they saw was an illusion. But if it was one, then it had to be a damn good one as Zac couldn''t feel anything amiss.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Is theyout the same as before? Zac asked after some thought.


    It should be, Ogras nodded after looking back and forth for some time. The missing pieces have been reced, but the generalyout is the same.


    Zac nodded in relief. He was afraid for a second that the Mystic Realm was able to move its corridors to rearrange itsyout. That would have made it almost impossible to map the ce out, and any progress would be random.


    I guess its the arrays? Zac ventured. The walls slowly heal themselves, so there are probably even more maintenance functions. There might be repair-puppets or machines running around and recing broken things or something. Pretty convenient for the natives if the materials they scavenge actually get reced somehow.


    That might exin why our sector is untouched, Ogras muttered. No point in breaking past this door if they can keep mining their old tunnels. Perhaps they have already broken through to our ce before, only to find the same empty corridors and barracks as us.


    Or theyve already taken everything of value, Zac noted with a grimace. We passed a lot of empty rooms back there.


    The simplest way to find out whats going on is by catching another native. Thest one I took hostage actually went and died before I got a hold of anything interesting, Ogras spat as he looked around.


    Zac nodded in agreement. It was a shame how things panned out with Ogras captive. He had only managed to confirm that the beastkin truly was a real-life werewolf and that they were of rival factions. A short timeter the human had shuddered and died, likely from suicide as to not divulge any critical information. Perhaps he was afraid of leading a new unknown force to his factions gates.


    So, where do you want to go? the demon asked.


    Lets head in the direction where you saw those two fighting. Perhaps we can find some clues where the natives stay, Zac said after some thoughts. No point in looking for the core areas at this stage.


    Its this way I think, Ogras said as he led the way.


    It was quite a distance between the door and the scene of the battle, and Zac only got increasingly baffled as they walked. He just couldnt make sense of the mental map of thepound. He understood that the Technocrats might not have the same sort of budgetary constraints as earthlings did, needing to make the most out of every square meter, but the winding pathways felt extremely sub-optimized. It almost felt like this ce was built just for the sake of it, and that they didn''t really fill any objective.


    What do you think the purpose of these endless hallways is? Zac finally asked after a while. It would be one thing if there were a bunch ofboratories or office space, but the rooms weve looked into are just empty storerooms. Most of the space between these corridors doesn''t even seem essible.


    I guess millions worked in this ce if this really was a research base, Ogras slowly said. That is the same as a decent-sized n. Any organization of that size would need a vast number of supportive functions. Perhaps this area is some sort of anciry area, and arrays that run this ce are hidden within the walls. These corridors might just be for array masters to make their way between the arrays.


    So service corridors, Zac nodded in agreement. That might be it.


    Its also possible its intentional, Ogras mused. That these pathways form some sort of array themselves. Just think of those lines in the sky over the fields. They are not random, but rather form some sort of pattern.


    An array asrge as a small country, Zac muttered. It should be extremely powerful.


    We cant guess whats in the mind of some Technocrats, Ogras spat. Theyre all insane. No offense.


    Zac snorted, but he kept mapping the surroundings in his mind. It was a shame that the magical map that the Zhix owned couldnt be transferred over here as it would have been a huge help. He had already checked his <strong>[Automatic Map] </strong>as well, but it didnt possess an indoor function. There was just one dot on the parchment, which called the base <strong>[SGR-03]</strong>.


    He guessed it was the abbreviation for the base, but he didnt know if it was the name given by Leandras force or something decided by the force who took over after the technocrats left.


    "So, while we''re on the subject. Care to exin how the token from your mom could turn you into a Council Inspector?" Ogras said as he threw Zac a sideways nce.


    "I don''t know," Zac shrugged, and it was the truth. "I only found out about the credentials inside the Tower of Eternity, I didn''t lie about that. Personally, I don''t think it''s real. I think it''s something she prepared as some sort of Technocrat Array Breaker, something that would allow her to go where she pleased without divulging her real identity."


    "You know what that means, right?" Ogras said with a calcting look. "You would have to be a real bigshot to aplish something like that. I can''t imagine what kind of person would be able to create something that could bypass all the defenses of the Azh''Kir''Khat Horde. We would be killed long ago by the Beastmaster or some other enemy if it was that easy."


    "Well, I''m still trying to figure out the truth as well. I''m hoping we''ll be able to find more inside this ce,"


    "You... Don''t think she''s here right?" Ogras hesitated, a sh of fear appearing in his eyes. "That could prove deadly."


    "What are you worried about?" Zac snorted. "If she really is a big-shot she wouldn''t be bothered with some E-Grade people."


    "Maybe she isn''t happy about cultivators hanging around her Technocrat children and decides to purge us all," Ogras muttered.


    "Well, I''m pretty sure she''s isn''t here," Zac eventually said. "I''m almost positive she left earth to heal and avoid pursuit."


    "That would be for the best," Ogras muttered as he kept leading Zac down the hallways.


    Ogras had no trouble remembering the path, provided that the sector truly hadn''t changed, and it wasnt that far either ording to the demon. But Zac suddenly felt a sharp spike of danger after they had walked for ten minutes. He immediately drew his weapon before he jumped back, not forgetting to drag the weakened demon along as well.


    Whats going on? the demon asked with confusion as he looked around for any threats. "I didn''t sense anything."


    I suddenly felt a pang of danger, Zac said with a bit of confusion, as the surroundings were still the same sterile walls of metal.


    Well, go forward and test things out, Ogras said after a brief pause.


    Youre really taking advantage of your wounds right now, Zac muttered, but he still went along with the arrangement.


    Well, it should work like this even if I was back in top condition. If I get hit by something in here I might die, whereas you will get a flesh wound that might hurt for a couple of hours, Ogras said with an uncaring shrug. If theres a trap it''s better you fall in it than me.


    Well, whatever, Zac snorted as he transformed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to its shield form.


    He also activated both <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, thetter mostly to gain a better sense of the surroundings. However, nothing much changed. It was still an empty corridor in the middle of nowhere. Just what was it that made his mind scream of danger?


    However, he only needed to take ten steps forward to find the answer.


    The previously innocent-looking corridor transformed in an instant, and Zac found himself on a collision course with a spatial tear. There wasnt even any time for him to retreat, and his eyes looked on with horror as his coffin-shield hit the tear head-on. This was something he had been deadly afraid would happen, that his Spirit Tool, or rather Alea would be damaged from something that it couldnt block.


    However, the spatial tear didnt actually cut the thick ck lid apart like it would with almost everything else. The coffin somehow managed to push back at it, destabilizing it enough to disappear. The sh did leave a mark on the lid, but something like that would heal by itself quickly enough, just like the chains that had cracked during his fight with Voids Disciple.


    The scene was a huge source of relief, as not only were spatial tears one of the few things that could still cut him apart if he wasn''t careful, but it was also something that Voids Disciple used when fighting. Seeing that <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> was this durable gave him a lot more confidence for their next fight.


    Seeing as how limited the damage essentially meant he could push his way out of the trap, but he didnt leave just yet. He instead swapped over to his Draugr-form, and the fractal shield of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> infused with the Fragment of the Coffin appeared in front of the lid.


    The mainstay defensive skill of his undead side was, unfortunately, suffering from the same fate as <strong>[Chop]</strong>, where the skill couldnt quite keep up with his recent growth. The strength of the shield was based on the quality of his shield and his Endurance, but the increase in its durability had clearly not been lineartely. He would have to upgrade it to an E-Grade skill for it to maintain its usefulness going forward.


    However, while the skill wasnt able topletely block the spatial tears that came close, it did still manage to weaken them before they mmed into <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. It lessened the strain on his physical shield significantly, and Zac only needed to keep infusing more Miasma and Mental Energy into the skill to restore it.


    Zac took one step after another as the buzzing sounds of void tears disintegrating echoed through the hallways. However, he didnt move back toward Ogras, but he rather kept going straight ahead.


    A hidden spatial minefield had for some reason appeared to block their path, and Zac wanted to see if he could push through. Perhaps the anomaly onlysted for a few meters, allowing people to skip through if they were careful and skilled enough. Conversely, the whole area in this direction might bepromised, which would be valuable intelligence as well.


    However, Zac didnt get far before new tears appeared out of nowhere, almost doubling the density of threats around him. Zac knew he was approaching his limits as new cracks were forming almost as quickly on his shield as they healed up again. But he kept pushing forward until there finally was a change to his surroundings.


    A red barrier suddenly appeared five meters ahead, and Zacs eyes widened in recognition. It looked a lot like the barrier that Jeeves had conjured when he first met Kenzie in the border town. However, it was almost as though it was infected, with tinges of some unknown energy floating about within the shield. And it was from these corruptions that spatial tears kept spewing out one after another.


    Some of the tears stayed put and hovered in front of the barrier, while others drifted about, some even disappearing out of sight. However, Zac''s Danger Sense told him that they didn''t actually disappear, but rather that they turned invisible somehow. However, just as Zac noticed the barrier, it was as though the barrier noticed Zac. A spatial storm rippled out from the corruptions, pushing the previously static spatial tears in the tunnel toward him while simultaneously spewing out an endless number of new ones.


    This time there was no hesitation as Zac fled for his life, not even trying to break that barrier. He would be long dead before his attacknded. He spotted the demon in the distance looking in his direction with a slight frown, but his face suddenly turned into a mask of terror as Zac closed in on him.


    Lunatic! Did you cause a crack in this dimension?! Ogras shrieked in horror as he started running, but he only got a few steps before he was wrapped up by a chain as Zac shed past him like some sort of nightmare spider.


    There was no way for Zac to return to his human form without getting ripped apart by the spatial storm, so he had to use the chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>to drag himself and Ogras away. He tried to hamper the progress of the rapidly approaching storm by erecting one fractal bulwark after another, but they were cut apart without slowing the tears by more than a second.


    "What''s wrong with this ce?!" Ogras screamed, tightly wrapped by a chain, and Zac couldn''t help but agree.


    It was one hell of a ce his ancestors had built.

 Chapter 570: The World is Ending

    Chapter 570: The World is Ending


    The chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> mmed into the walls and floor of the research base with tremendous force, but they still barely managed to dig deep enough for Zac to propel himself forward. A swirling storm of spatial rifts was right on his tail, like a maw of a terrifying beast. If they caught up they''d both be ripped apart in an instant.


    "Left!" Ogras suddenly shouted, and Zac immediately changed the course.


    However, both Zac and Ogras couldn''t believe what they were seeing when the spatial tears actually turned to continue the pursuit, though many of them didn''t manage to pivot in time. There was no time for Zac to figure out why some dimensional rifts were seemingly alive, but the scene did give him an idea of what to do.


    Zac kept turning back and forth in the endless tunnel, though he was careful to not stray too far from the pathway they came from. Each turn they managed to shake off another group of tears until there only were a handful left. A small group was manageable, so Zac stopped in his tracks and let Ogras down before he changed <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>to its shield form.


    A secondter another group of scars covered the coffin''s lid, but there were at least no threat any longer. They managed to escape unscathed, but a sheen of perspiration covered Zac''s forehead as he looked at the demon.


    "Since when did spatial tears get tracking capabilities?" he muttered, and Ogras snorted as threw Zac a scathing look.


    "What did you do back then? Everything was fine, then all hell broke loose," the demon said. By the way, you better never use that movement technique in public. Im not sure Id be able to survive the second-hand shame.


    Its not stupid if it works, Zac muttered. "Did you find any clues what was going on?"


    I suddenly saw you disappear into thin air, not even leaving a hint of energy behind. Thirty secondster a bunch of spatial tears appeared before you reappeared, looking like there were a dozen Rakefiends hot in pursuit, the demon said.


    Zac was surprised to hear that he had disappeared from the demons sight, just like some of the spatial tears seemingly appeared out of nowhere. It looked like the hallways were equipped with technocrat cloaking technology just like what he encountered by the Battleroach King. That technology didnt release any energy either, at least not anything he could spot.


    He still didn''t know what o to make of the encounter, so he retold everything he saw in the booby-trapped corridor. Of course, he didn''t mention that Kenzie, or rather Jeeves, could create shields that looked a lot like the one he saw. He instead likened it to the orange shields that the Technocrat Incursion used. Ogras frowned as he listened, but he didnt immediately offer an opinion.


    What do you think? Zac finally asked. Did you really pass through this way before?


    "I have never heard of something like this. But it sounds like something suddenly took control of those rifts if they originally were almost static as you said. My guess is that it''s a security feature. Did you notice? Not one of the tears hit the walls. They either turned to follow us or gave up to avoid a collision," Ogras exined.


    "It seems like a really weird security measure though," Zac muttered. "It almost looked like the spatial tears seeped out of the Technocrat barrier like it was part of its energy source. Why make things soplicated instead of just adding some normal energy weaponry?"


    "Perhaps it''s not how things were originally designed," Ogras shrugged. "A powerful dimensional treasure is growing somewhere in the base. I''ve heard that grand treasures can affect wholes. Perhaps Spatial Energies has somehow infiltrated whatever this ce runs on."


    Zac nodded in agreement. He remembered the vision of the cursed lotus in the Tower of Eternity all too well. A whole went insane with bloodlust because of its existence, and who knew what would happen if that giant didn''t seal it before it was toote. However, the implications were clear if this really was the case.


    "If the treasure is powerful enough to cause something like this before it''s even born, then just how powerful is it? It might even be greater than D-Grade. The Low-quality D-Grade treasures I''ve found so far didn''t have such a shocking effect on its surroundings at all.


    "Well, the Tree of Ascension and that mushroom you found can barely be considered D-Grade treasures. Their ranking is as much based on their rarity as the actual power they contain. But I agree. Something like this should be Peak D-Grade at a minimum. No wonder that the cultists discarded everything for a chance at this treasure. It is likely worth more than your whole," Ogras said, the familiar tint of greed shining in his eyes.


    Its still odd that they only seem to be sporadically active, Zac muttered. Unless the situation when you arrived the first time was out of the norm.


    Perhaps it was, Ogras ventured. The blood and destruction wasnt fresh, but it wasnt too old either. Perhaps the defenses suddenly failed, allowing the natives to push further away from their bases than usual. Then the security measures recovered, and this sector became inessible again. We might be locked out of the rest of the base.


    But if thats the case, how will we ever be able to reach the core? If I cant survive pushing through in my Draugr Form, I dont think anyone of us will, Zac said with a frown.


    If the defenses have been down once, then it might happen again. Or perhaps the spatial turbulence here is a result of the artifact awakening, and ispletely random, Ogras ventured.


    Zac nodded before he turned toward the way they came from


    What are you doing? Ogras asked with confusion as he followed in tow. Ready for round two?


    No, Zac said with a shake of his head. But I want to see if the rifts are still there."


    The chains of [<strong>Loves Bond]</strong> had moved them quite a distance in the minutes they fled, but they were soon back to the position where they stopped thest time. There wasn''t a single spatial tear in sight the whole way, and verything looked exactly the same as before with not even a hint of a spatial storm having swept the hallways just a few minutes ago.


    However, Zac still felt the same sense of palpitations from his Danger Sense from the area ahead of them, meaning that the tears no doubt still hid behind some sort of cloaking. He shot a second nce at the corridor just to make sure, but <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> still couldnt spot anything. Taking six steps forward took him to the outeryer of the spatial tears, and his vision immediately lit up from the powerful energies they contained.


    It really was the same sort of cloaking technology.


    Zac eventually stepped back and ced a boulder to the side of the corridor at a safe distance from the trap before left amunication crystal warning of the dangers ahead on top of it. He didnt know if it would be cleansed just like everything else, but it was worth trying out.


    And there really was nothing like this thest time? Zac asked as he turned back to Ogras.


    No way, you think I''d forget to mention something like this in my report? Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. I wasnt attacked a single time while I entered here, not counting the werewolf."


    Its a bit weird were being attacked at all, Zac muttered. I have a Tier-4 clearance of a Council Inspector. It should be enough for me to not get attacked just for walking down an empty corridor. There were no warnings or anything.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There might have been warnings though, Ogras interjected. Just that we dont have the equipment to hear it. So what do we do now?


    Well, theres nock of corridors, Zac eventually said. Lets see if we can find an alternative route to the scene of the battle.


    The demon nodded in agreement before he led Zac down another way. However, reaching their destination was quickly proving easier said than done, and they were forced to reroute by the very same type of spatial barriers as before another twenty-six times before Ogras finally dered they had arrived.


    Altogether they had walked almost five times the distance as the direct route, and even Zac was starting to be a bit confused by this seemingly endlessbyrinth. Buting here was definitely worth it since they had finally encountered something different. They weren''t surprised that the bodies of the two fallen warriors were gone, but they didn''t expect to see that something else left in their stead.


    Arge steel board had been ced in the middle of the corridor, and two lines of words were written in an eye-catching red. The letters were penned in the general script of the Multiverse, which Zac had mostly mastered by this point.


    <strong><em>We are n Cartava, we mean no harm</em></strong>


    <strong><em>The world is ending - Free us and gain an ally for life</em></strong>


    Beneath the words was an extremely intricate map that highlighted a certain path. It was a bit hard to judge, but it looked like it would take them up to half a day to follow the path indicated. As to where it led, the board didnt say.


    A bit bombastic message, Zac muttered before he thought of something. Do you think its true? Will the birth of the treasure actually destroy the Mystic Realm?


    I doubt it, Ogras said, though not without hesitation. The Zealots are crazy, but they are not idiots. They wouldnt be so willing to move into this ce if the treasure would blow up the whole mystic realm. Those guys clearly know what that thing is, and if it would break this ce they would find some other way to snatch it. It''s easy to forget because of their antics, but that bunch of lunatics belongs to a proper B-Grade force that spreads far beyond this sector"


    "So they''re lying?" Zac nodded at the signpost.


    "They are either lying or they simply don''t understand whats going on. We couldnt find out what a Dimensional Seed was even on the outside, so how can these people know? I''m more interested in the second line. ''Free us and gain an ally for life''? I guess that means the implicit meaning is ''Hinder us and gain an enemy for life?''


    I feel they''re trying to make first contact without divulging too much about themselves to either us or any other faction that might discover this thing. How did they know to leave this message here though? Its clearly meant for us, or perhaps any outsiders, rather than some other native faction. Did you leave a note as well? Zac asked.


    No, I tried to make it look like the two killed each other. I didnt want my presence to be known at all. Otherwise, I would have snatched the bodies for further study, Ogras said with a shake of his head. I must have slipped up or they have some means that could see through my actions. What do you want to do? Follow the map?


    Not right now, Zac eventually said. It will take us almost straight east for a huge distance. Id rather get a better understanding of what we''re dealing with before I head that far from our base.


    Apass didnt work in this ce, so directions were obviously a bit unclear in this ce. However, they had a rough sketch of the Mystic Realm thanks to Julias and Theas efforts, and it looked a bit like a crude drawing of a sun or a star, where their secured area was located in one of the outer spikes.


    The whole core section of the Mystic Realm formed a shockinglyrge circle, and the map essentially detailed a path that kept to a small part of the outer rim. The indicated path did have a huge amount of backtracking and twists and turns as well, making Zac believe that it took the spatial rifts into consideration.


    They had already encountered arge number of barriers in their preliminary exploration, and it wasnt too out of field that there would be a lot more of them peppered throughout this ce. This map might actually allow them to head over to the other camp while avoiding those spatial tears altogether.


    How is this thing still here though? Ogras suddenly muttered, making Zac start and look away from the map.


    What? Zac asked with confusion.


    All debris has been removed, even bloodstains are scrubbed clean. Why is this thing left untouched?


    Its made of metal that looks a lot like the walls, Zac slowly said. Perhaps the cleaning arrays or whatever doesnt touch it because of that?


    Perhaps, Ogras muttered as he tried to lift the foot that the sign was attached to, but both were surprised to see that Ogras couldnt budge it.


    Let me try, Zac said and gripped the signboard, and veins started appearing across his forehead as he strained to dislodge the thing from the ground.


    A snap finally echoed through the corridor as the sign gave way, and Zac was thrown backward from the umted force.


    What kind of super-glue was that? Zac muttered as he rubbed the back of his head.


    Not glue, Ogras muttered as he pointed at the base of the sign. Look.

 Chapter 571: Back-up Plans

    Chapter 571: Back-up ns


    Zac curiously looked where the demon pointed and he realized that there were three thin spikes, each of them no more than five centimeters long, at the bottom of the sign. Just like the rest of the signpost they seemed to be made from the very same material as the walls, though the spikes had intricate engravings covering their surface.


    His eyes immediately moved to the spot where the sign stood earlier, and he saw that three matching holes could be seen in the floor. However, the cavities were rapidly closing, and just a few secondster they were gone. It would have been impossible to know that something was socketed there just a moment ago if they hadn''t seen it themselves.


    Weird, Zac muttered, and he stabbed the sign down into the ground to see whether it would get stuck again.


    However, a pinging sound echoing through the corridor, and three light marks on the floor were the only results of his attempt. Not even forcibly pushing it into the ground did any good, and neither did instilling the board with his Dao or Cosmic Energy.


    Were clearly missing something, Ogras eventually said after having watched Zacs failed attempts for half a minute.


    Zac nodded in agreement and stowed away the sign, hoping that his sister or the scientists would be able to figure out whats going on with the help of that thing.


    You want to follow the map? Ogras asked.


    Weve done what we came for, Zac said with a shake of his head after some thought. Lets return.


    The two started making their way back while simultaneously searching for other points of interest, but there was really not much going on. There were just more corridors and storage rooms, all of which were emptied apart from the asional crate full of worthless materials.


    They also made a slight detour to see whether Zacs own leave-behind had survived like the signpost, but neither of them was really surprised to see that both boulder andmunication crystal were gone. It wasnt a disappointment though as it cleared some things up for Zac. There really were secret rules that governed this ce, as evidenced by the native''s ability to manipte the floor and sign like that.


    Was this perhaps the true message this Cartava n wanted to convey?


    The message was short, but it had exposed a lot. First of all, n Cartava knew of their existence somehow. Secondly, they showed that the previously thought impervious metal was somehow possible to influence to great lengths. The map might lead to a third clue as well. All-in-all it proved the value of the n, and Zac leaned toward following the map as soon as possible.


    They soon reached the security door leading to their area, and Zac used his credentials just to test that his unique title worked as well as the caretaker credentials. However, they didnt immediately return to the settlement as there was something Zac wanted to try first. They walked into one of the massive empty warehouses, and Zac took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    Ogras had already reported how sturdy the alloys the base was made from were, and seeing what happened with the Signpost had piqued Zacs interest even further. He wanted to cut off a piece and bring it back for further study.


    Zac walked over to a wall and swung his axe in a precise arc, but he only ended up with a slight pain in his wrist as the wall didnt budge at all. He frowned and infused the axe with the Fragment of the Axe, and his weapon finally cut into the wall without to much resistance. However, it reminded him of the early days of the integration, where he barely managed to cut into the extraordinarily hard walls of his Nexus Crystal mine.


    Worse yet, the wall quickly healed itself the moment Zac prepared to swing again. However, a minute of furious swingster he had managed to cut out a b of metal that was as big as his fist, and it actually weighed over a hundred kilograms from the feel of it.


    Ogras walked over curiously to take a look at the sample, but neither of them could make heads or tails of the situation. The alloy had definitely changed properties after Zac managed to cut it out, but not as they expected. He had almost thought that it would turn liquid from what they had seen, but it had only turned. Worse.


    It was definitely a solid like before, but Zac had no problem remolding it with his hands. It suddenly felt like it was barely as hard as gold, let alone steel. It was a far cry from the walls, or the signpost that seemed to be extraordinarily sturdy as well. However, they didnt have the opportunity to y around for long before Zacs senses prickled as previously unseen scripts appeared across the walls.


    Zac had specifically chosen to enter a storeroom to cut out out a sample since not one of the warehouses they had visited were booby-trapped with spatial rifts. However, it was quickly bing clear that not even these side chambers were safe as the whole room transformed in front of their very eyes. The walls turned into spears that shot toward them, and worse yet a red barrier had appeared across the exit, blocking their escape. A series of spatial tears emerged a secondter, all of them heading for Zac.


    Give it back! Ogras screamed as he dodged the iing stabs, and Zac could onlyply.


    He tossed the b of metal toward the wall where he took it, and they both breathed out in relief when the spears slowed down. However, Zac was still forced to block a series of attacks for half a minute before the room had calmed down again and the barrier disappeared.


    What a stingy building, Ogras muttered as he kicked one of the empty shelves, and Zac couldnt help but agree.


    It had billions of tonnes of this alloy, and it couldnt share just a handful of the stuff?


    So it was mostly empty-handed that the two returned to the town, though the signpost caused some waves among the core members of the expedition. Some were worried that their activities were already spotted, and a frantic search for hidden cameras begun. The scientists were instead more curious about the spikes, and the odd material that seemed to almost be alive.


    Their first assessment was that their earlier assumptions were correct. It wasnt the material itself that was magical, it was either the script that covered the walls or some sort of energy that transformed it. However, why the natives could build a sign made from the material and maintain its strength while Zac couldnt even harvest a single ingot still eluded them.


    Zac left the sign with his sister, hoping that they could figure some things out. As for himself, he didn''t head out again. There was no point in him running around in those endless corridors himself. Zac and Ogras had been walking around for hours, but they had only seen a fraction of the immediate area. It was more efficient to send out a hundred scouting units who could work together to map out the ce and mark all traps.


    As for himself, he still had multiple things to work on, the most pressing being the intrusive Dao from Void''s Disciple and pondering on the Dao.


    This was both a way to save time and a way for him to relinquish some control. Zac knew he had a problem with delegating tasks he considered important since seeing Alea fall. He left the nitty-gritty to his people in Port Atwood while doing the rest himself. But his explorations had really driven home just how massive this base was, and the fact that he wouldnt be able to explore it by himself even if he was given months.


    Things progressed quickly over the two following days. Kenzies drone army was a huge help in mapping out the interiors of the base, which allowed the subsequent scouting squads to make rapid progress inside the Mystic Realm. The master map of the corridors was quickly expanded and improved upon without needing Zac to do much of the work himself.


    There were a few issues that had quickly cropped up though. The drones were unable to move too far in the tunnels as Kenzie, or rather Jeeves, would lose control over them. This wasnt something unique to the Mystic Realm, but rather that the range of the AI was limited. Kenzie believed that this range would increase by a huge margin if Jeeves evolved, but there was no indication of that happening anytime soon.


    Jeeves had only consumed a scant few items from the Technocrat Incursion, and Zac doubted an item that magical would be easy to evolve. That was exactly how Zac liked things though, as an overpowered AI was not something he wanted to deal with. It was better if Kenzie focused on her own Strength in Zacs opinion.


    The real issue was the matter of the missing squad.


    One Hundred scouting units and ten elite squads set out as soon as a strategy could be devised, and their goal was to find and map out the areas that the Drones couldnt reach. The elite units consisted of powerful warriors of all factions, and they were supposed to take the vanguard in case one of the native factions showed up. They were all equipped with a lot of powerful talismans, both offensive and defensive, to the point that they would be able to blow up half a city if need be.


    However, one of the ten squads, which included three Valkyries, had simply gone missing. There had been no sounds of struggle, and there were no clues left behind. They had vanished without a trace. Zac himself had set out to search for them, but there was simply nothing to go by, forcing him to return after a few hours.


    Zac initially suspected n Cartava of kidnapping his people, but after thinking it through he wasnt so sure. The map they provided seemed to indicate that the n was located to the east, while the missing scouting unit had rather tried to move northbound in search of a way into the core sections of the base. That might mean that the second force in the area that was responsible, or perhaps even some new type of trap.


    But the spatial barriers that blocked the corridors weren''t actually that dangerous unless you forced your way inside as Zac did, so most were inclined to believe foul y was involved. They also had no idea whether n Cartava was the werewolves Ogras encountered or the humans, or perhaps even a third force. In either case, it wouldnt be a surprise if there were both hostile and friendly factions inside the mystic realm.


    However, the rest of the scouting units were making rapid progress, and themand center was bustling with activity as well.


    A massive courtyard was immediately cordoned off for Zac in the original biosphere, which raised a few brows among the different forces. He already had a massive area for himself on his ind, so people started to wonder whether he had turned agoraphobic or something. However, the real reason wasnt quite so exciting, though Zac still didnt want it to be known.


    Hispound needed to be pretty big to house not only his home, but also his Life-Death Array. Kenzie and Triv had dismantled it when they arrived to his cultivation cave a few days ago, though it only was a temporary measure until Kenzie was able to create an Array Disk able to match the death-attuned one in his possession.


    Zac wasnt willing to let up on his soul cultivation, and who knew how long this ce would be locked down when the Dimensional Seed awakened. This had be especially important after realizing that the array also kept his soul in check. Thankfully he only caused some murmurs with his massive set of concealment and istion arrays, and there was nock of open space around.


    In fact, people had already spread out across all the Biospheres within the outer section they controlled. It allowed the various forces to keep to themselves a bit, and it was also necessary to deal with the limited amount of Cosmic Energy.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A surprising issue had cropped up while Zac and Ogras were off exploring. More and more people arrived in the Mystic Realm, and the supply of Cosmic Energy soon couldnt meet the demand. Thankfully this issue was solved the moment they split up.


    The tunnel to the real world also held steady, and ording to Kenzie it should definitely stay that way for at least another week, which incidentally was the deadline of the New World Government projects. It was Jeeves'' opinion, based on data it extrapted from analyzing the array that kept the pathway open. The cost of keeping it running kept increasing as the turbulence from the Mystic Realms side slowly grew worse, and it believed the spatial chaos to reach a breaking point in around 7 to 12 days.


    After that point, the turbulence would be too strong for the natural pathway to remain open. The array Kenzie set up would be rendered useless, and the portal would naturally close. Zac was pretty impressed that AI had managed to extrapte such critical information just from an array, but he was perhaps even more impressed that the New World Government seemed to have figured the same thing out somehow.


    It was a valuable reminder that even a weak force like the New World Government had a lot of talents that he didnt even know about. A lot of the top scientists of the old world were probably part of the government as well, along with any next-gen technology that the governments controlled before the integration. That might be what allowed them to make such detailed ns for the Mystic Realm.


    With things being a lot clearer, Zac finally decided to take the risk and go ahead with his back-up n. He had spent ten days in recuperation by now, and he was in peak condition apart from some remnant Dao that he still hadnt managed topletely route. However, he sorely needed more tools to deal with Voids Disciple, along with the High E-Grade elders who were apparently waiting for him.


    He needed to break open the next floor of his Dao Repository.

 Chapter 572: Flames

    Chapter 572: mes


    Zac normally wouldn''t have done something so risky as to challenge a Half-Step D-Grade Golem, but he was running out of options. He had ambushed Void''s Disciple with the strongest people he could muster, but he still walked away almost scot-free. Certainly, he did seem to have been slightly worse for the wear in the security feed, but their group was in a far worse condition.


    He needed another power-up.


    That was his greatest takeaway from the battle, and that feeling had only increased since arriving at the Mystic Realm. The influence that the Dao of Space had over this whole base was far greater than he had expected, and who knew whether that would bring Adcarkas even more advantages.


    He had tried toe up with other ideas over the past ten days, but this was the only thing with a decent chance of sess. His first hope had been to quickly find some way to awaken his bloodline, they hadn''t found a single useful thing inside so far. There were a lot of signs pointing toward this being a bloodline research base, but the useful stuff might all be locked in the center of the research base. Furthermore, the portal would close in a couple of days, so it was now or never.


    It didn''t look like his Hidden Node was gearing up to provide him with pure Dao distilled from Tribtion Lightning either, so he would have to risk his life for power once more. If he could gain ess to the E-Grade skills he would gain arge boost in power, and the same went for Ogras and the elite Demons who had already evolved as well.


    Besides, Zac wasn''t doing anything he didnt have a certain confidence in seeding. Zac believed that he had found a path to victory, or at least a way to survive the attempt.


    It became possible only whenbining a few things that had changed over the past weeks. First of all, was the discovery that <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> worked just as well on inanimate objects as it did on living beings. Even rocks would rot and lose their structural integrity when hit by the E-Grade skill of his Undead ss.


    Zac had also confirmed the same thing on the guarding puppets he got for closing the Incursions. It was the most simr target to the trial of the Dao Repository, and his undead skillset was extremely efficient in taking them out. Even the captains were helpless against thebination of his extreme durability and high lethality.


    Secondly, it was the fact that Triv had already confirmed that the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong> would work on his undead form. He had been worried before that he would encounter the same issue as with the Race-improving herbs. Luckily there were surprisingly almost no Life-attuned energies inside the seed, just a fiery power that would work even on the unliving.


    Finally, he had visited Bra five times over the past week, each time finagling a little bit of information about the trial as he mainly focused on finding out about the Dimensional Seed. The takeaway was that berserking items such as the seed were allowed in the trial, whereas powerful arrays or talismans were not. The logic was that surviving using a powerful Berserker Treasure could be considered a strength of your own, and a unique perk of cultivators with high Vitality.


    This meant that he could use his Draugr-ss, push it to the equivalent of Middle E-Grade with the seed, and restrict and grind down the trial golem while staying safe with the toolkit of his Fetters of Destion-ss. Zac quickly turned thoughts to action as he snuck back through the Spatial tunnel, with only the guarding Valkyries knowing he had left the Mystic Realm.


    Zac wasted no time back on Earth either and he immediately teleported back to hispound. Everything pointed to him having almost a week, but he still felt the risk of getting locked outside. He had already decided that he would stay in Port Atwood at most for an hour or two, even if he had to drag himself back to the Mystic Realm while half-dead.


    Oh? I thought you had left. I was looking forward to some peace and quiet, Bra snorted as Zac entered the Repository, but Zac still inwardly breathed out in relief when he saw that the Tool Spirit seemed to have one of his more amiable personalities today.


    I want to undergo the trial to unlock the E-Grade skills, Zac said as <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>appeared in his hands.


    So you think youre infallible now that youve spent some time among the weaklings, Bra said with disdain. Well, no matter. It makes no difference to The Great Sage whether you live or die.


    Brazily waved the arms of his golden robes next, and a portal appeared in the middle of the hallway.


    Just step inside and youll be taken to the trial ground, Bra said with disinterest.


    Zac nodded but he didnt immediately enter. He instead swapped over to his undead ss while <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> transformed into its shield-form. Zac didnt stop there either, but he also activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>along with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. This would be a trial conducted by Bra himself, and Zac wouldnt take any chances. He might not get the opportunity to transform on the other side.


    So cautious, Bra snorted, but Zac only ignored him as he stepped up to the teleporter.


    "Anyst-minute advice?" Zac asked.


    "The faster you fail the quicker I can return to my rest," Bra said after some thought. "So don''t dally."


    "Great," Zac sighed as he stepped onto the teleporter.


    The teleportation was immediate, but Zac didnt even have an opportunity to take stock of his surroundings before a stream ofva the thickness of his thighs almost hit his head. He barely had time to move his shield in time, but he was still pushed back over ten meters from the incredible force of the molten rock. If that wasn''t enough Zac also was assailed by a terrifying heat until he finally managed to divert the stream in its entirety. He could feel a stinging sensation on his face, and he audibly groaned when he knew that he had be a monk once more.


    However, he was still more concerned about the stream of molten rock as it wasnt simpleva like the one in the Underworld. Thisva contained a fierce spirituality, and Zac actually guessed that it could be considered a powerful E-Grade material. That fact alone made him gawk as he took stock of his surroundings. It was a huge sea ofva, with the only solid ground being the small ind he was standing on.


    Far in the distance rocky walls could barely be discerned through the smoke rising from the fieryke, and they reached toward the sky in all directions until he could spot a circle of red sky straight above him. It didnt take a genius to figure out that he had appeared inside a volcano, and a high-grade one at that.


    Thankfully Bra had saw fit to let him out on the only safe spot, a circr teau that rose a few meters above the sea ofva and spanned around five hundred meters across. It didn''t seem to be a natural formation as it was perfectly circr and t. Even its surface consisted of beautiful tiles, each of them with a unique image engraved.


    The tform was mostly empty apart from what looked like an enormous anvil ced in the middle. Next to it was what looked to be a small pool ofva, no more than ten meters across. Zac guessed that it was connected to the massiveke, but he couldn''t be certain as the intense attuned energies that rose from that pond almost blinded him when using <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    There were also several boulders studded across its surface along with a dozen bs of unknown metals stacked to the side. The raw materials looked different from each other, but it was clear that all of them could withstand the intense heat without a problem, meaning they likely were spiritual metals.


    At least Zac guessed anything that could survive in this harsh environment to be a valuable material.


    Zac couldnt be certain, but it felt as though the sea ofva was at least a dozen miles across, which meant this monstrosity of a volcanopletely dwarfed both the volcano in the underworld and the one that the Church of Evesting Dao had controlled. It almost beggaredprehension how muchva would be required to fill it up.


    There was one break in theva right behind him though, a single pathway leading across the whole ocean into a tunnel on the other side of the wall. But it was precariously narrow, just two meters across, and it was constantly being sted by waves of magma or gouts of mes.


    His first instinct was that his trial would take ce on the other side, and Zac couldnt help but feel he had bit off more than he could chew by taking on this trial. He wasnt confident in making it across that narrow bridge even when using his sturdier ss. The power in that sea ofva was just too intense.


    However, a voice soon dragged him out of his musings.


    This was my creators smithy. Or well, one of them, a grating voice echoed out, and Zac looked up to see Bra floating in the air.


    The Tool Spirit had changed getup since entering the trial ground, and he was currently gripping a grotesquelyrge hammer, its massive bulk even overshadowing Billys club. It was golden just like everything else Bra used, but this weapon actually had a palpable aura in contrast to the other weapons the Tool Spirit often conjured. A thought suddenly struck Zac, and he looked at the Tool Spirit with suspicion.


    Was the guardian actually Bra himself?


    A Celestial Craftsman such as Bra wouldnt deign to lower himself to muck around in the mud with some child, Bra snorted with disdain, clearly understanding what Zac was thinking. Your opponent is over there. The Great Sage is only here to be amused.


    Zac nodded in understanding as he turned in the direction the tool spirit was pointing in.


    A ten-meter rock was lying on the other side of the stone teau, looking just like the other boulders that studded its surface. Zac had initially thought that those pieces of rubble were things that had been spit out by theva and identally fallen onto the teau, but the truth didnt seem so simple. Just as Zac looked over a startling change took ce as the rock itself exploded, causing the whole area to be shrouded in dust.


    Have fun, the Tool Spiritughed as he floated higher in the air.


    Zac wanted to swear at the cavalier attitude of Bra, but he knew better than that. It was better to direct his ire toward the guardian than the tool spirit, as there was no telling that Bra would do if he got annoyed. Zac couldnt see what was going on inside the dust cloud, but his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> noticed that vast amounts of attuned energies radiated from its center.


    Something illuminated the cloud in grey and a fiery orange, and Zac recognized both the Daos; Fire and Steel. Zac frowned when he felt the intense spiritual fluctuations, as they almost rivaled his own Dao Field. He had somewhat hoped that the trial guardian would be more like the Cyborg in the Underworld. It had possessed shockingly high attributes, but it didnt utilize the Dao at all, severely limiting the damage it did.


    If the Cyborg had also been able to use just a Peak Seed rather than just its body, then Zac definitely wouldnt have survived the encounter.


    However, he was clearly not as lucky this time around. An explosion erupted from within the cloud once more, and the st forced Zac back a few steps. He quickly swallowed the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>, decidedly going all-out from the start. His instincts told him that undergoing this trial without it would be nigh suicidal.


    It was as though Zac swallowed the molten ocean itself as a shocking force spread through his limbs. It felt like every cell in his body suddenly had a heartbeat of its own, and all of them were beating like the drums of war. Even his soul had ballooned up to unprecedented proportions and Zac almost believed he was the heavens themselves for a moment before he found his bearings.


    However, he couldn''t sit still and wait to see what was going on in that ominous dust cloud. A surging momentum was building up in his chest, and it demanded release. A mighty roar escaped from his lips as he bent down toward the ground to rip out one of the intricate tiles. He would start this battle like he often did, with a pre-emptive throw containing all his bloodlust.


    However, the stone refused to budge, and Zac felt a towering furymbasting his mind, a fury directed at the creator of this ce. How dare a mere tile setter subvert the will of a god? His arms shook with exertion, but it was to no avail. But Zac figured it might be for the best as he started running toward the cloud with purpose in his steps and death in his eyes.


    After all, was there any better feeling than ripping apart your enemies with your bare hands?N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 573: Ash and Steel

    Chapter 573: Ash and Steel


    Ash and steel swirled in Zacs eyes as he pushed forward, urged on by the call of battle. His muscles trembled in anticipation and veins were popping out all across his body to amodate the overflowing Miasma, and there was even a red haze rising from his very pores. It was no doubt weakness leaving his body, a miracle that the Zhix warriors could only dream of achieving.


    The trial no longer mattered. The E-Grade skills no longer mattered. The only thing of import was the thrill of the fight, to use this smithy as an opportunity to temper himself in the fires of war. His axe was already salivating corrosive venom across the floor, no doubt anxious to bite into their shrouded enemy.


    A third explosion erupted from within the haze, but Zacs anticipation only grew as his arm swelled. His power was already enough to rival the firmament itself, but it wasnt enough. He pushed into the cloud, but he only took two steps before he sharply stepped to the right as his axe fell. The pincer of a massive tong suddenly appeared and barely missed his head, its size enough to grab Zacs whole torso even when he already had turned into his ultimate form that rose over three meters into the air.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac only sneered as his bardiche fell toward the exposed hand, his response already nned out. His soul was one with the Dao itself, so how could a paltry sneak attack ever work? However, he screamed in anger when his foe didnt have the decency to lose his hand from the transgression. What should have been a fountain of nurturing blood only turned into a reverberating ng that finally pushed all the dust out of the area, exposing his prey.


    And it was big.


    The target towered almost three meters above him, but Zac didnt care about the specifics. There were weapons to sh with and limbs to cut, what else was there to know? His first attack had only left a jagged scar on metal and a small festering wound, far from aplishing his goal. But wasnt that great news? How boring would it be if one swing would have ended the fight? This way he could keep tempering himself, keep reveling in the glory of ughter.


    The massive b of a hand swiped out at him after being cut, and Zacughed as he moved his shield to m it out of the way. A faint voice whispered in the back of his head about a way to empower its defensive capabilities, but he couldn''t abide by such cowardice. An intractable force pushed into the core of his being as he was thrown away, and the sweet taste of miasma appeared in his mouth as he mmed into the ground over thirty meters away.


    But Zac had eaten the divine seed, making him invulnerable. He could be kicked down a million times, yet he would rise again to tear down his foes. Not even a second had passed before he was almost back at his target,unching a flurry of strikes aimed to maim and brutalize the big bastard in front of him. The tong kept mming into him and throwing him away, but Zac was more than happy to go along with the cycle of destruction.


    Every time he came back he could see a few more scars on his enemy while he was just fine. The wounds were like a beautiful piece of art, and Zac an artisan using his axe as a paintbrush. A bit more and a masterpiece would be born. However, the coward in front of him seemed to finally have realized the futility of catching Zac with its tongs.


    Zac was the incarnation of war, his technique and movements the peak of perfection. To catch him unaware was as impossible as catching the wind. The miscreant was clearly on itsst legs as it reached for something attached to its back, no doubt another feeble attempt to take him out. Zacughed uproariously, as he gathered power in his fist to meet whatever his prey had in store. A punch felt like the right decision here.


    Violence would be met with violence, and blood would be repaid with blood.


    However, a piercing scream of danger finally managed to cut through the madness, and Zacs eyes widened in horror when he saw what was about to hit him. He barely managed to stop in his tracks and move his shield to block, but there was no time to activate <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. He was also unable topletely dispel his umted momentum, so Zac was still caught by the edge of the enormous hammer and thrown to the other edge of the tform like a ragdoll.


    His whole body hurt, but the pain was still muted and somehow distant thanks to the fierce killing intent still churning in his chest. However, his Danger Sense had allowed him to at least regain most of his rationality, though Zac couldnt be sure. He had feltpletely lucid just a second ago as well, and that he had everything under control. But only now did he realize that he had acted like a raving lunatic, and worrying wounds covered his whole body.


    Zac had severely overestimated his mental fortitude when nning this fight. He previously believed himself almost immune to the effects of taking a berserking item thanks to his experience dealing with this kind of mental affliction before. But it turned out that not even the Splinter of Oblivion had managed to prepare him for the insidious whispers of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>.


    Thankfully he wasnt hurt to the point of no return, though it didn''t look great. His shield arm was hurting quite a bit, and there were even some cracks in a few bones. He hadn''t used his defensive skills at all when he fought like a rabid animal, and his body had paid the price. His internal wounds were too numerous to count, and ck ichor leaked from the seams of his ck armor. He would probably have to use one of his two remaining <strong>[Serene Flesh Pills] </strong>to quickly recover from this mess.


    At least he still felt power coursing through his body, allowing him to fight far above his normal capability. No matter if it was speed or strength, it had nearly increased by 60% as far as he could tell. Besides, Zac wasn''t the only one who had taken damage from his insane offensive, and he looked over at his target who seemed content to maintain its distance.


    Only after having woken up from his furor did Zac get a proper look at what he was dealing with. It was indeed a golem, but calling it a robot might be more appropriate going by its appearance. It was a bulky bipedal machine that reminded Zac of a five-meter-tall dwarf. It was roughly the height of the greatest Anointed, but its circumference was a few times wider than even Rhubat''s. Its four limbs were short and stocky, with an almost spherical torso that was d in a steel mesh apron. The apron was mostly in tatters by now though, and Zac distinctly remembered having attacked it multiple times already.


    Its head was attached straight on its torso without a neck, and in its right hand was an almost picture-perfect copy of the hammer that Bra had in his hands earlier. The only difference was that it was wrought from some ck metal, and it emitted an extremely heavy aura. The array on its hammer face was a bit different too, and Zac almost got a bit dizzy when tracing the extremely intricate lines. This was the weapon the golem had finally grabbed from its back to deal with him.


    The golem still held the same steel tong as before in its left hand,pleting the look of a mechanical cksmith. It looked far more like a proper craftsman whenpared to the Creators over at Zacs shipyard. Perhaps it really was one too, an assistant who had helped the original Bra in his work. That would exin why the hammer emitted such shocking pressure.


    Anything that could be used in forging spiritual metals would have to be extremely durable as to not break apart after a few days of hammering. The golem cksmith was clearly made from some sort of attuned materials, making it exude an aura akin to Zac''s own Dao Field. It wasnt quite at the same level, but it spoke volumes about the quality of the materials the golem was crafted with.


    This was just further proven by his series of frenzied attacks earlier. Zac had maintained some sort of rationality earlier, or perhaps it would be fairer to call it a beast''s instincts. He had primarily focused on cutting off the golem''s limbs, and over a dozen strikes empowered by <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> and sometimes also <strong>[Unholy Strikes]</strong> had reached their mark before he was thrown away. However, the golem clearly had its limbs, and they seemed to be in working order.


    However, that wasn''t to say that his efforts werepletely ineffective. The colors of the metals around the axe scars were decidedly darker than the rest of its body, meaning that Zac hadin the foundation for victory. He was clear on how powerful his new E-Grade skill was, and not even spiritual metals would be able to resist forever.


    The golem might even have some problems judging by the fact that it didn''t move toward him. It just stood in the distance and stared at him. Zac just needed to keep working on it and it would sooner orter lose its limbs. However, now that he was awake he would hopefully be able to do so without directly trading blows. After all, his body was sturdy, but not as sturdy as spiritual metals.


    Zac really wanted to just sit down and rest up a bit first though, but he forcibly pushed those ideas to the back of his mind. The timer had started the moment that he swallowed the berserking seed, and he had no idea how long it would retain its effect. He had turned a bit insane there for a moment, but its potency couldn''t be denied.


    Its boosting effect was far beyond what <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage] </strong>provided, a qualitative boost that pushed every aspect of his power to the next tier. Zac knew there was no way for him to break through this golem''s defenses without it, especially not if he was suddenly forced to deal with a weakened state.


    Calrins book only described the general properties of the Rageroot Oak and its seeds, but it didnt provide any details. He didn''t know exactly how bad the drawbacks were, and when they would kick in. He only knew that it wouldst longer than a skill, 15 minutes at the minimum. That left ample time, but Zac was afraid that he would slide back into his delusions of being a god of war without notice. He needed to quickly finish this so that he could eat a soul-nurturing pill to calm down a bit.


    Besides, the golem had finally started moving when it realized that Zac wasn''t rushing back toward it, and it was already lumbering toward him.


    Its step was slow and deliberate, and its weight caused tremors in the ground. Part of its slow speed could probably be attributed to the scars that covered its legs, but Zac also felt that the golem should have an attribute spread simr to his own; focusing on Endurance and Strength. It definitely wasnt something that excelled at speed, which was a shame as his current ss was particrly effective against those kinds of targets.


    A power-based ss was a lot trickier to deal with. That swing before had contained a ruthless finality that had warned him of death and he didnt feel confident in trading a series of blows with the giant in front of him now that it didn''t only use the restraining tongs and its fist. Not even with the seed empowering him to unprecedented heights.


    But Zac already had experienced dismantling an even bigger golem during the hunt, and he knew how to deal with something like this. Zac released a deep breath as he started to walk back toward the golem, causing a storm of corrosive mists to spread across the whole tform. He didnt really expect the golem to be hurt by <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, but he wanted to turn the battlefield more in his favor.


    If some of the corrosive mists managed to enter the dozens of festering scars, then all the better.


    The miasmic mists of <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> soon billowed out as well, but it barely had time to spread out before the golems chest expanded to the point that it almost doubled in size. A storm of fire spewed out of its mouth the next moment, spreading hundreds of meters in every direction and utterly destroying Zacs efforts in an instant.


    Not a shred of his two skills remained, but the mes lingered on the floor, turning the teau into an inferno as well. Zac stomped down with force, dispelling the mes in his immediate vicinity. But the temperature was definitely out of Zacsfort zone, and he looked at the stoic golem with some trepidation. It looked like the golem had more abilities than just its physical prowess.


    Zac had to admit that he might have taken on a bit more than he could chew this time.

 Chapter 574: Deathwish

    Chapter 574: Deathwish


    Zac swore in annoyance when he saw the cksmith effortlessly quash his attempts to putrefy the surroundings.


    Turning a battlefield into one that favored you and restrained your enemy was a basic tactic that both his sses possessed. His human side had <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, while his Draugr side had multiple skills in this category. Zac was hoping to use these methods to counteract the blistering heat, but he was out of luck this time.


    There was no time to formte a n either as the hammer in the golems meaty hand suddenly turned into a blur. The distance between the two was still over 200 meters, but that wasnt much to E-Grade beings. Zac immediately conjured a fractal bulwark to meet whatever blow the guardian had prepared, but he frowned in consternation when the hammer mmed into the ground right in front of it rather thanunched an attack in his direction.


    It obviously wasnt a mistake, and Zacs first guess was that itunched something through the ground, like an earthquake or metal spikes that would rise to stab him. However, Zac had still underestimated the advantage that the golem enjoyed in this ce, and he was shocked to see a monstrous pir of smoldering rocks rising out of thevake behind him.


    It looked like a fiery dragon jumping out of the sea, and it reached almost a hundred meters in height before it started falling in a parabolic arc. Straight toward Zac. There was no hesitation as Zac started running as quickly as his legs could carry him. He would probably be able to block the pir as it only held the attunement of theva sea itself, but doing so would fill no purpose.


    The stream ofva mmed into the ground half a second after Zac got out of the way, causing a wave of magma to stter in every direction. Even its fiery droplets were asrge as small boulders, but it was far more manageable for Zac to control and he easily blocked the ones who flew in his direction. However, the attack had left pools of magma across half the teau, severely limiting Zacs mobility. Just the ambient heat was causing a constant drain on his Miasma, and this only made it worse.


    Zac frowned at the scene as he felt that the golem really was cheating. His <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> could clearly sense that there seemed to be some connection between the robot and the sea ofva surrounding them, which steadily supplied it with a stream of power. It all surged toward a spot roughly at the same ce as his own Duplicity Core, which no doubt was themand core of the golem itself.


    Destroying it would instantly end the battle, but it was easier said than done. Those kinds of cores were always the most heavily protectedponents of a puppet, and this cksmith was no exception. Zac would have to cut his way through the extremely thick ting of its torso if he wanted to take out the golem that way.


    And Zac didnt know if he had the energy to keep fighting that long, especially when the Golem was getting outside help. It was like the Dao Discourse all over again, and Zac was pretty certain that this thing would never run out of steam unless he somehow managed to break that connection.


    He briefly considered erecting <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> now that theva pir had alreadynded, but he eventually discarded the idea. The golem was still in peak condition, and Zac felt that he would have to wear the thing down a bit before trying to entrap it. He could only use the skill once, and it would be wasted if it immediately got destroyed by that huge hammer or anotherva pir.


    First thing first, he needed to sound out the power of this thing, this time while in control of his faculties. Zac made his way toward the robot, the ck armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>at least somewhat protecting him from the scorching heat. He still couldnt quite match the golem in bulk even in this form, but the disparity wasn''t nearly as bad as without it.


    His fractal bulwark repositioned itself to the front of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, superimposing his defenses. Zac didnt have any movement skills to increase his speed, but the teau was only so big. Each step forward increased his momentum, and he was in front of the golem in just a few seconds, his umted force already transferred to a mighty swing aimed to strike down its left leg.


    His arm had already swollen up to a size that matched the golems own as <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> was pushed to its limits once more. He needed to dig deeper and deeper with every swing, further increasing the amount of corrosion that could be left behind. However, the robot cksmith responded with a speed that belied its stocky frame. Its hammer was somehow instantly moved to its left hand, and it pushed the massive hammerhead down toward the ground to block Zacs swing.


    The ng of two metals shing reverberated across the whole area and the inner walls of the volcano bounced the sound back, making it sound like the tolling of church bells. But Zac had no chance to appreciate the hauntingly beautiful sound as he looked at the hammer for signs of damage, only toe up empty-handed.


    The first sh between weapons had ended without a victor.


    <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> had reached new heights since its evolution, but the densely inscribed hammer was obviously a lovingly crafted treasure as well. A fractal had lit up on its side,pletely protecting it from getting cut into by the furious swing of Zacs axe. He had managed to cause some damage to the metal ting on the golem itself during his earlier rampage, but it seemed that the hammer itself had reached a far greater level of durability. He didnt even have a chance to apply any corrosion with the array blocking the ckish liquid.


    However, the power of Zacs swings wasnt anything to scoff at even for a half-step D-Grade golem. It containedyers of empowerment from multiple skills and the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>. Its power was far beyond Zac''s normal limits, and even the dragon wouldnt have been able to withstand its might. The enormous golem stumbled back a few steps and the hammer was pushed away, exposing its legs once more.


    Zacs eyes lit up at the opportunity, but the cksmith managed to expertly make use of Zacs force to power a counter-swing before Zac had the chance to swing again. The enormous hammerhead moved in a precise arc, with Zacs head at the end of its trajectory.


    There was no time to move away, so Zac forcibly stilled the whispers in his mind that told him to fight fire with fire. He instead readied himself to block the swing, moving to intercept it with his shield. Blocking a direct hit would activate <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>, and the distraction would hopefully create another opening to attack.


    The array on the hammer lit up as it approached Zacs barrier, illuminating the pitch-ck armor in gold. Zacs aura surged in anticipation ofunching a counter of his own, but his abyssal eyes widened in shock when the golems attack reached <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>. A weight that Zac never had felt before hit him, far surpassing any Gravity Array he had ever encountered.


    It felt as though he was being crushed in the heart of a ck hole as a soul-crushing pressure immediately threatened to break every bone in his body. The furious energy of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed] </strong>surged within his body to counteract the effect, but even the top-quality berserker item proved insufficient. It only took a fraction of a second to realize that his arm would break if he didnt back down.


    He immediately angled the shield to allow the hammer to slide down its side and m into the ground instead. The shockwave would still wound him at such proximity, but it was far preferable to being brutalized by a direct hit. However, just as Zac was tried to divert the attack, so did the golem try to keep the original trajectory. It somehow seemed to be able to anticipate and match Zacs actions, and small adjustments to its stance was all it required to keep the force pointing toward Zac.


    A desperate push thankfully forced the golem a bit off-bnce, allowing Zac to take a step to the side as he angled the shield even further. The hammer slid down its surface, the friction causing sparks across the whole coffin lid. But the massive b of metal mmed into the ground instead of onto Zacs body, allowing him to breathe out in relief.


    Zac still felt like he was being punched in the gut by the force from the shockwave, but he grit his teeth and stood his ground knowing he would have taken damage for nothing if he didnt respond in kind. The golems reaction was quick as it tried to keep Zac at bay with its tongs but he managed to push them aside with a swipe of his axe. However, his mind wasn''t exactly on the tongs, but rather another realization.


    It was <strong>[Deathwish]</strong>. He hadnt truly blocked the hammers strike, but he had still absorbed some of the force from the swing while redirecting most of it. He didnt actually know that was enough to activate the strike, and he quickly took the opportunity to conjure a massive spectral cksmith that mmed down toward the back of the cksmiths head.


    The huge golem seemed to take the threat of the spectral hammer extremely seriously, perhaps thinking it would do as much damage as its own. It actually swiveled its torso 180 degrees to meet the attack while its legs stood rooted in ce. Zacs had no idea that its upper body could spin around like that, but he could spot an opportunity when he saw it.


    The massive cksmiths hammer rose to meet its spectral twin, and the whole ghost was obliterated in an instant as the true hammer ripped through the false one. Zac didnt care about that though as he lunged for the closest leg. One, two, three swings bit into one of the deeper scars as Zac desperately tried to cut off its leg in one go. However, the metal was simply too hard, and Zac was beset by a counterforce almost strong enough to sprain his wrist.


    The barrage was enough to deepen the wound at least, and this time even more corrosive liquid empowered by the Fragment of the Coffin was left behind. The golems response was quick and it kept spinning its torso clockwise as it kept its hammer swing going. The two-meter wide hammer once more ripped through the air as it moved straight toward Zac, but he was already moving away from the cksmith.


    The hammer ripped through the air just in front of Zacs face, a gust of fiery wind buffeting his face through the slits of his helmet. However, Zac didn''t care as it felt as though a new door had opened to him thanks to thetest exchange, and he realized that there was huge room for improvement in how he fought as a Draugr.


    Zac had always been extremely confident of his Endurance since getting his second ss, certain that he would be able to oust anyone in a brutal melee. That had made his technique sloppy, where he relied on his body to be able to take the beating. There was no reason to take on unnecessary punishment though; he needed to improve his efficiency.


    Rather than blocking 100% of a strike he could block 20% while diverting the rest of the force. This was just how many of the more experienced fighters had acted, like how Void''s Disciple had somehow sapped the strength from his strikes. It would result in the same oue, but with him wasting less Miasma and getting wounded less.


    He needed to increase as much damage as possible while taking as little damage as possible. It was such a basic concept, but it was easier said than done to apply it in the heat of battle. The tongs were alreadying for his head as the cksmith advanced on him, but Zac took a step forward while angling his shield once more, allowing the pincers to push right past his head as he came close.


    The corrosion from his previous strike along with his Dao was still lodged in the golems leg, but it was quickly being eroded by a fiery heat emanating from the Puppet Core. He couldnt allow his earlier efforts to go to waste, and he swung twice in quick session once more before a terrifying swing of the hammer forced him back.


    Zacs mind screamed at him to keep going, to stop backing away from the battle, but he refused to give in to the battle lust again. He had already taken too much damage, so he needed to be measured in his approach. The golem kept pushing forward with an intractable momentum, like Zac was just a stubborn block of metal on the anvil.


    Zac felt a slight in his arm as he rerouted the hammer toward the ground, and another spectral cksmith appeared. The golem froze from indecision for an instant, but Zac shook his head when it quickly chose to ignore the ghost.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The spectral hammer mmed into the golems head with furious velocity, but Zac knew it was just a hollow strike. However, Zac''s eyes widened in surprise when the hammer mmed into the golem with enough force to cause it to stumble, and a small but noticeable dent had appeared on its head. There was no earthly reason that his counter-skill could do enough damage for something like this to happen except one.


    <strong>[Deathwish] </strong>had evolved to the next stage.

 Chapter 575: Tempering

    Chapter 575: Tempering


    Zac was ted to see that another one of his skills had evolved. It had be increasingly hard to push them forwardtely, partly because of hisck of good targets to practice on. <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> was a mainstay of his ss too, a skill that was a constant drain on his enemy and the bane of any Dexterity-based sses.


    However, Zac knew that he couldn''t expect too much from the skill in this fight, even if it had just reached Late Proficiency. The spectral cksmith''s attack did cause a slight dent, but the golem immediately regained its footing. The small stumble did give Zac the opportunity tounch another barrage of axe swings before the tongs came for him though, which was exactly what he needed.


    He tried to repeat his earlier sesses and block the pincers next, but he had underestimated the golem as Zac suddenly had a meaty leg m into his shield as the tong disappeared from sight. Zac was thrown away once more as pain wracked his body. He had made some improvements to his fighting style just now, but it was too little toote. This couldnt go on.


    He was getting better, but the golem was also slowly adapting, and Zac would bleed out before he managed topletely dismantle that thing if he didnt change things up a bit. He eventually made a decision as <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> turned into its offensive form, its four free chains hovering in the air around him like venomous snakes. Droplets of corrosive liquid fell down o the burning tiles beneath, causing a constant sizzling sound around him.


    The fractal shield of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>disappeared as he no longer had a shield to base it on, but that was easily solved as Zac took out one of his back-up shields. It wasn''t anything special, but it was enough to conjure his defensive skills. The defensive capabilities of the skills were considerably worse when based on a normal shield, but it wasn''t like Zac dared to take a direct hit in any case.


    He rushed back to repeat the process, and the golem met his approach with a wide vertical arc of the hammer again. Zac had already expected this, and a new fractal bulwark had already appeared to divert the hammer. He quickly took a diagonal step as the four chains shot forward. Two of them moved to intercept the golem''s left hand as the other two tried to poke holes in the golem''s legs like spears.


    Zac himself was in hot pursuit, though not without his own difficulties. His left arm hurt like hell as the provisional shield had been turned to scrap metal that dug into his arm. Even blocking a portion of the hammer hadpletely destroyed both the fractal bulwark and the shield beneath. Zac could only throw the twisted shield to the ground and summon a new one from his Spatial Ring as he reached the golem''s legs.


    Metal shed against metal, but the crisp sounds were slowly turning dull as the metal was steadily being deteriorated. Zac almost decided to go all-in then and there, but he quickly shook his head as he backed away. He had almost let his sess go to his head, allowing the seed to take control once more.


    But the two-meter wide hammer was still a deadly threat. One hit and it would be game over. Zac couldn''t help but briefly think of Ogras while he walked a tightrope, moving back and forth to whittle down the golem while narrowly avoiding taking a lethal blow. Cold sweat would no doubt be running down his face and back if he was in his human form right now. Was this how fighting felt like for Dexterity-based cultivators, walking hand in hand with death?


    It was just terrifying.


    However, while the golem was mighty, but it was ultimately not a sapient cultivator. It had some sort of battle-algorithm that improved over the course of the fight, but Zac was able to figure the preferred trajectories and fighting patterns soon enough. The swings that had felt life-threatening a few minutes ago no longer felt as dangerous as Zac and his chains swirled about.


    The golem''s attacks still contained the same power as before, but Zac was well aware of its reach and speed by now. He didn''t take as much damage from his blocks either, as he slowly managed to lessen the force he forcibly had to block every time. In the beginning, he was taking on up to 30% before he managed to divert the strike, but after just a few minutes that number should have decreased to 20%.


    His back-up-shields now managed to withstand two strikes before breaking apart, and his arm wasn''t hurt every time either.


    The chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>kept mming int to the scars with extreme force, and the ground was littered with metal tes and molten puddles from the disposable shields. It was like the chains lived their own lives as they targeted the weaknesses of the golem, and Zac could almost exclusively focus on creating as much damage as he could.


    The golem, or rather itsponents, finally couldnt take it any longer after another five minutes of intense battering. It took a step toward Zac tounch its next swing, but a snap echoed out as its left leg shattered like it was made from brittle ss. The ceaseless attacks of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> had finally permeated the whole leg, and Zacs eyes lit up as he saw his opportunity.


    He immediately stomped into the ground while the golem toppled over, and the cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> sprung up around them. Thevake just outside the cage immediately started to wear down the skill, but Zac didnt care about that as he ordered the 20 spectral chains to shoot toward his prey. The four avable chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> were even quicker as they wrapped around the golem multiple times before they mmed into the ground to pin it down, especially focusing on keeping the hammer-wielding arm in check.


    The golem desperately tried to pry itself free with its tongs, but Zac was already upon the golem with his axe, and a frenzied series of swings destroyed the arm before the spectral chains had even reached him. Soon enough the golem was barely visible beneath over a dozen chains, but Zac still felt a pang of danger as the whole golem burst into searing-hot mes.


    Zacs eyes widened in rm, knowing that his spectral chains wouldnt be able tost more than a second or two in this state. But he still didnt back down. If the golem managed to break out then it was over. He was running dangerously low on Miasma already, and just summoning <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> had been a risk.


    A bit more and his Specialty Core would activate by itself, and a 3-second phase of weakness was enough for him to be turned into paste. The fires spread from the golem to the point that the pile of chains looked like a bonfire, and even Zac''s armor had been ignited.


    The golem was seemingly trying to bring Zac down with it to hell as it exuded more and more mes, but Zac ignored the scorching pain across his body as the fire danced in his eyes. He was waiting, each moment feeling like an eternity, but suddenly there was a change in the skill fractal on his arm.


    The real strike of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> was finally ready.


    Zac didn''t hesitate, knowing his time was limited. The moment felt the change in <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> he immediately seized the opportunity. This was what he had worked so hard for, and he needed to make it count. Three ck waves appeared around the golem and they shot into its bulky frame in an instant, cutting through the mes like they werent even there.


    It was like the strike was both corporeal and a projection as it passed straight through the chains that held the golem in ce, and the waves disappeared into the golems torso, each of them aiming for the same spot. The robot cksmith frically struggled for another few seconds, but it was futile. A subdued crack could be heard from within, and Zac breathed out in relief, knowing that the golems core had been cut apart.


    Without that, it was just a big hunk of metal, and it unsurprisingly stopped moving just a secondter. There was no surge of energy entering his body to confirm the kill, but that was always the case with beings without sapience. The cksmith was ultimately a puppet rather than a true golem cultivator like the Creators, and destroying it didn''t award any Cosmic Energy at all.


    It was as though the air left Zacs body after golem stopped moving, and he barely managed to escape the mes before he helplessly fell down on the ground from exhaustion. He still felt the effects of the seed coursing through his body, but he knew his body wasnt in any state to take advantage of it any longer. Activating the final and ultimate strike of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> had drained him of hisst Miasma as well, and his Duplicity Core had already begun reverting him back to a human.


    He would normally hold off on turning back to human considering the state his body was in, but Zac didnt have much choice at the moment. He could only prepare the <strong>[Serene Flesh Pill]</strong> and he popped it into his mouth the instant the transformation wasplete. A surge of pain wracked his body the moment he came alive, but it was thankfully quickly soothed by the High-Quality Zethaya pill.


    His body was still drained of energy though, and he was content lying on the ground gasping for air a while longer.


    What a disgraceful disy, a disgusted voice snorted, and Zac turned his bleary eyes toward the Tool Spirit who had appeared next to him at an unknown time. I knew you were talentless, but this was beyond the pale. What kind of craven backwater was I sent to if youre the best of the best?


    Well, the golem is down, which means I passed, right? Zac sighed, his voice barely recognizable.


    Luckily for you, my creator didnt add any base requirement of skill or grace, so you barely passed, the Tool Spirit said with a shake of his head. As specified, you will be provided with a round of tempering for being the one to open the second floor of the Dao Repository. Considering your level you would be given the full 30 minutes, but Ill go ahead and deduct 10 minutes for cheating by using a Berserking Item.


    What tempering? And wait, I got a reduction for using the seed?! You never mentioned anything like this before, Zac said with a frown as he dragged himself up to his feet. You said it was okay using things like that!


    The fact that he had missed out on some rewards because the Tool Spirit wasnt doing his job was infuriating, and anger overcame his caution as he red at Bra.


    Well, you never asked, Braughed, clearly delighted by Zacs anger. Besides, The Great Sage only said that you were allowed to use it. I never said that it wouldnt affect your grading.


    Zac wanted to argue that it clearly making things difficult for him, but his head was just a mush after the fight. He could only point at the Tool Spirit in righteous indignation, which only seemed to delight Bra even further.


    "Can''t be wearing those rags during the tempering though," Bra muttered, and Zac found himself floating in front of the Tool Spirit the next moment.


    "Wai-" Zac screamed, but it was to no avail as everything from his robes to his spatial ring was dragged off his body, leaving him stark naked.


    Now, off you go.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zacs eyes widened in rm, but the Tool Spirit was impossibly fast as its golden hammer turned into a blur. He wasnt even able to consider a response before the Tool Spirit had already attacked him. Zac was already exhausted from the battle, but he inwardly knew that he wouldnt have been able to block that strike even in peak condition. It was just on apletely different level than even the golem just now.


    Thankfully there was no painful sensation from being hit by the golden hammer, but rm bells still went off in his head when he wasunched into the air. Worse yet, he found himselfpletely restrained as his body became covered in dense golden fractals. He couldn''t circte his Cosmic Energy at all, and his mental connection to his Spirit Tools was severed as well.


    He was utterly helpless, and he could only look on with trepidation as he flew closer and closer to the enormous anvil in the middle of the teau. The battle before had caused massive shockwaves and fires to spread across the whole area, but the massive b of metal still stood therepletely unscathed.


    Zac''s flight got an abrupt end as Zac mmed into the anvils side face first, and the blinding pain almost made him pass out. He wanted to get away, or at least reset his broken nose, but he still couldn''t move because of the runes covering his body.


    So he could only mentally curse the tool spirit onest time as he started sliding down toward the pool of magma below.

 Chapter 576: Plunge

    Chapter 576: Plunge


    Zac struggled against the restraints that covered his body, but it was to no avail and the only reason he didn''t cry out in shock as he fell toward the red-hot magma was that he was physically unable to.


    It was a poignant reminder of the true power of the annoying braggart who usually just messed around in the Towers of Myriad Dao. Bra might not be a real cultivator, but he was definitely a top-tier D-Grade Tool Spirit, perhaps even approaching C-Grade. Going by how powerful Verun already was in E-Grade, then Bra was probably the most powerful being in Port Atwood, with Karunthel being the only possible exception.


    Theva in the small pond below him was definitely something far more dangerous than theke surrounding the tform, and Zac was almost thankful that he couldnt activate <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> close to the pond. The shocking amounts of attuned energies below him made the hair on his arms stand on end, and looking straight at it with his skill might have blinded him.


    However, Zac quickly calmed down even as he still fell. Suddenly being stripped naked and thrown into a metal anvil with enough force to break his nose had plunged his exhausted mind into chaos, but he quickly remembered what was going on. Bra might be annoying and fond of causing trouble, but he always did what his creator had instructed him to.


    The Tool Spirit''s execution was definitelycking, but this was no doubt an opportunity that Zac had to seize.


    That notion only grew stronger as an extremely intricate script appeared on the pool ofva just before he dropped into it, and Zac immediately realized how simr it was to the golden array that currently covered and restrained his body. He didnt get the chance to get a better look though as he was submerged in theva the next moment, forcing him to quickly close his eyes.


    His body instinctively strained to swim up to the surface, but he was stillpletely unable to move as he sunk deeper and deeper into the depths. Thankfully, he quickly realized that theva around him didn''t hurt at all. The magma rather felt like a warm embrace, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. That by itself confused Zac even further as fresh air somehow entered his lungs even when he was supposed to be submerged.


    Was theva around him just an illusion?


    The notion was so strong that he actually opened his eyes, but surrounding him was just an endless red, with the asional wisp of white-hot fires. It definitely looked likeva, but his vision wasn''tpletely obfuscated as he could actually see his body just fine, making him feel like he was submerged in water rather than molten rock.


    The situation was extremely odd, but his attention was quickly seized by the small sparks of white mes that flitted about before they disappeared. There was something unique about those mes. It was definitely fire-attunement, but also something more. It felt like he could only grasp the edge of it, simr to how he was unable to understand even a corner of the Chaos Pattern back then.


    It was pretty annoying that he couldn''t activate<strong> [Cosmic Gaze]</strong> to get a better look, but he wasn''t too sure it would do him any good against those small fires. They didn''t feel as vast as the Purple Lightning or domineering as the System''s presence, but they were extremely pure. The impression they gave Zac was that all the attuned energies he had seen until now were fake, a hollow mimicry of energies truly touched by the Dao.


    Was this perhaps hos C-Grade attuned energies looked like? Or was it something else entirely? It honestly didn''t feel as powerful as something that could be considered C-Grade, and it was rather more reminiscent of the Dao Intent that Thea had been imparted from the Inheritance. In either case, it was definitely something valuable, and Zac''s heartbeat sped up in anticipation.


    The odd surroundings made it impossible to get a proper bearing but it felt like he was being submerged deeper and deeper by the second, to the point that he had descended thousands of meters into the depths of the volcano. The pure energies around him only seemed to be even stronger as he sank deeper, and the surroundings quickly changed from red to a warm yellow until it was just a world of pure white.


    When the color gradient stopped changing so did Zac''s impression of descending, and he knew that his opportunity was about to arrive. Bra had said that he had gained 20 minutes of Body Tempering, and he guessed that the clock had already started ticking. The problem was that Zac had no idea what to do next.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He didnt own any bloodline tempering manual just yet, and the white fire around him didnt seem to do anything apart from heating his body. He wasn''t a cultivator either, so he was unable to naturally absorb the energies from his surroundings. Not that he was sure it would be possible to circte a Cultivation Manual when covered in a set of restraining runes.


    However, tendrils of warmth finally started burrowing into his body, filling him with that mysterious force he had sensed earlier. Zac was initially worried that such a force would be dangerous to absorb when he was just E-Grade, but the white fire was extremely gentle as the warmth spread across his body. The intensity kept increasing, but it didn''t hurt at all.


    It was as though his body could contain an endless amount of this force without issue, and that he could withstand the steadily increasing heat in his body. The exhaustion from the battle was soon forgotten, reced with a state ofplete rxation. It was like he had returned to the womb, and his eyes were starting to get heavy.


    But Zac''s eyes shot open just as they were about to close as he noticed a startling change across his body. His skin had started to change color, rapidly turning molten red. Zac couldn''t believe what he was seeing as he looked down at his hands. It looked like he was made out of metal, and that this metal was heated in a furnace to a melting-point. It didn''t hurt at all though, and Zac guessed this was the tempering that Bra mentioned.


    Zac was about close his eyes again and let the warmth wash his body clean, but a sudden force mmed into him, startling him awake. It felt startlingly simr to when the cksmith golem pummeled him with its hammer, and sharp pain radiated across Zac''s torso. It wasnt quite at the level of the terrifying <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong> he had used a couple of times by now, but it was still extremely painful. However, he knew that he had to endure to get the full benefits of whatever this tempering entailed.


    One m after another made Zacs body shudder, and the words of Bra reappeared in the back of his mind. Less than a minute had passed and it felt like he was about to pass out from the pain, how would he be able to withstand almost 20 more minutes of this? But Zac forcibly pushed those cowardly thoughts out of his mind, and he emptied his mind as he weed another hammering.


    This was a god-given opportunity to empower himself, and he wouldnt waste it.


    The hits kept increasing in both strength and frequency though, and Zac''s conviction was quickly starting to crack. He had essentially been turned into a piece of raw metal that was being worked over by this mysterious array, his flesh turned malleable by the heat around him. Were there even any benefits of doing this? He was just being pummeled over and over. What if this opportunity was meant for Peak E-Grade warriors who had properly evolved their bodies to D-Grade long ago? Was this perhaps even detrimental to him rather than beneficial?


    However, those invasive thoughts were suddenly thrown away after a couple of minutes as Zac suddenly could see palpable results, and his eyes lit up as he wished the hits coulde even faster.


    His body was still glowing red-hot, but murky clouds were being expelled from his pores all across his body. They tainted the pure white of the surroundings for an instant before incinerated to the point that they were utterly annihted. These clouds were definitely impurities and various types of seque trapped in his body, and he could even recognize their sources with the help of the weak aura they emitted just before they were burnt away.


    First to get expelled was the fiery energies of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>, and small explosions erupted as they came in contact with the magma. Next were the stubborn Dao energies left in his body from his fight with Voids Disciple. The sight made him widen his eyes, as there was a lot more stuck in his body than he had realized.


    His pores kept spewing out the two foreign Daos, and by the time the ms no longer could extract any more he had expelled even more than he had removed himself over the past ten days. The tempering didn''t end there though, and Zacs eyes were wide with marvel as impurities left from his <strong>[Bone Forging Dust]</strong>, node-breaking pills, and all other sorts of treasures spewed out one by one.


    Every second he felt as though his body was bing lighter, and worry had long been exchanged with tion. Who would have known that such a huge boon was hidden within the Dao Repository? The magical molding even managed to find hidden remnants of the wound Mhal left when imnting him with the Draugr-samples so long ago, and the deathly energies were quashed in thevake.


    Zac couldnt help butment that his time in theke was limited even though it felt like his body was being broken and remolded every second.


    That feeling only grew when there was finally a reaction from his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. It had been utterly silent since swallowing the Tribtion Lightning, but it had suddenly started vibrating as it gobbled up a small part of the fiery energies in his body. Not only that, but Zac'' actually felt two more spots on his body vibrate in a simr fashion.


    First was the same spot in his head as he had sensed before, the spot that Zac suspected to be another hidden node rted to his soul or the Dao. The second vibration came from his spine down at the small of his back. It immediately made him think of the <strong>[Bloodline Marrow]</strong> he had been awarded before, and he could onlyment that it was left in his Spatial Ring.


    Unfortunately, the three spots only seemed to resonate with each other, with the two spots seeming unwilling to be opened. Zac tried everything he could to steer more of the mysterious energy into those two spots, but it was to no avail. Soon enough there were only seconds left before twenty minutes had passed, and Zac knew that this opportunity wasn''t enough to break open the two nodes.


    He could only give up on breaking open those two nodes, but he also knew that just finding them was a huge step forward. Before he only suspected the spot in his head, but now he was 100% certain about the location of two hidden nodes. Forcibly opening them was just a matter of finding the right sort of treasure by now.


    The time was running out, so Zac readied himself mentally in case he would have to swim out by himself somehow, but a scene right at the end made him almost forget about the hidden node.


    Not one, not two, but six small runes that clearly were of different origins suddenly shot out between his brows just before his vision blurred. The next moment he found himself panting on the ground in the hallways of the Towers of Myriad Dao, and Zac was relieved to see his spatial ring and treasures lying next to him.


    His mind was foggy and unfocused after having both gone through a tough battle and the subsequent tempering, but he forced himself to stay awake as he reached for his spatial rings and robes. Just getting dressed felt like an almost insurmountable task, but by the time he was clothed again, he actually felt a lot better.


    The six runes he saw at the end were definitely cause for concern, but Zac couldn''t stifle his curiosity as he quickly opened his status screen. His body had been thoroughly cleansed and tempered, and he hoped that the encounter had pushed him to D-Grade race. However, confusion rather than tion marred his face after opening the status screen. His status had changed, but definitely not as he had expected.


    <strong>[E] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted, Unawakened)</strong>

 Chapter 577: Corruption

    Chapter 577: Corruption


    Zac mutely looked at the revised line in his status screen for a few seconds. There was only one way to interpret the addition even though it didn''t exactly match the intelligence he had gathered so far. Hisva bath had purified his constitution to the point that his previously unknown Bloodline could be listed, even if it hadntpletely awakened yet.


    And he had to admit that it sounded pretty damn powerful.


    Zac almost ate his <strong>[Bloodline Marrow]</strong> then and there in hopes to properly awaken it, but he barely managed to restrain the impulse. First of all, his body was in apletely drained state after using the <strong>[Berserking Pill]</strong> even if theva bath had managed to expel most of the toxins. Eating a treasure in this condition was essentially the same as flushing them down the toilet.


    But more importantly, the fact that the status screen termed his bloodline corrupted gave him pause.


    He had never heard of something like this before. Zac had bought a few general missives about bloodlines after realizing he might have one, but they didnt cover anything like this. The unawakened line was just as described, but the mention of corruption had never been brought up at all.


    The most basic way to exin a bloodline was to call it a gic mutation brought on by an extremely powerful ancestor. After reaching a certain stage their bodies became vessels of their cultivation path, fundamentally affecting their gics. The body of someone walking the path of fire would essentially turn into a being whose flesh could turn into mes at will. Even their convictions and beliefs were added into the bloodlines.


    The rules of what was required to pass on a bloodline weren''t exactly clear, but the general consensus was that one needed to reach middle C-Grade at the least for one''s body to transform to the point that their cultivation path could be passed on. However, this actually happening was still extremely rare, which meant that there most likely were more requirements. Some posited that there was a requirement of affinity and understanding of the Dao, whereas others believed that great mental strength was required.


    In either case, one needed to be beyond the norm for a bloodline to be born. It was also generally believed that the more powerful a cultivator became, the greater a bloodline they would leave behind. A C-Grade Monarch''s bloodline would probably be the lowest rung, to the point that it disappeared after a few short generations. Only the most powerful beings could leave behind bloodlines that could stay on generation after generation.


    The effect of bloodlines was extremely varied as well, ranging from giving huge boosts to controlling specific Daos or calling upon the strength of your body, whereas others were essentially useless. Some might even be detrimental to the descendants if the ancestor practiced some cruel and unorthodox path.


    Bloodlines started unawakened, but they could be awakened through either cultivating a Body Tempering Manual or some specific Bloodline Manual. Of course, some treasures could get the job done as well, such as the <strong>[Bloodline Marrow]</strong>. The average effect of the first awakening was generally set at around 15 to 25% provided the bloodline matched your path, and this boost could be anything from cultivation speed to power output in battle.


    That meant that a mortal with abat-oriented bloodline was almost equal to a cultivator without one, as one got a boost from their heritage while the other got a simr boost from their Cultivation Manual. Of course, having both would provide multiplicative boosts, which was the situation most cultivators longed for. Higher-quality bloodlines could even provide unique skills, and Zac considered the devouring ability of <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to belong to that category, even though he couldn''t control it yet.


    The line that said Corrupted on his status screen was actually the ce that should disy the rarity of the bloodline. Bloodlines shared the same rarity as sses, going from Common to Epic. Zac guessed there were even greater bloodlines as well, though that wasnt something that a cheap missive in the Zecia sector would either cover or confirm.


    Bloodline rarity was also fixed ording to the manuals, and not something that either training or treasures could impact. A higher rarity generally meant a more powerful bloodline that could be awakened more times. Of course, a higher-rarity bloodline was a lot harder to improve as well, just like how it went with sses. Furthermore, the number of awakenings you could perform depended on your bloodlines rarity to arge degree, but it could still be influenced by hard work and opportunities.


    But what did corrupted mean? The line felt extremely ominous, to the point that Zac almost felt he was beset with an affliction rather than an opportunity. Nothing in the information missive had prepared him for that line, and he wasn''t sure whether.


    But Zac eventually decided to simply keep going. There were multiple possible exnations of why his bloodline was considered corrupted, with the most likely one being that it was affected by his Technocrat heritage. Perhaps the System immediately considered his body corrupted from that as a basis.


    He had to admit there being a possibility of his condition being a result of his mothers experiments as well. But even if that was the case, it still shouldnt be something detrimental. Leandra should have been trying to make a powerful bloodline or modify an existing one to suit her needs better, which should mean that it wasnt a detrimental constitution.


    What was important was that it was useful and provided benefits, and Zac already felt that it was doing just that. For now, he only had only one Hidden Node doing some work, but Zac believed it might prove extremely useful in the future. He still remembered the vision of that mysterious man passing by a sun, stealing its essence for his own cultivation.


    That was exactly what he needed; an alternative method of cultivation that would help him move forward. Reaching the higher grades of Cultivation as a mortal was already akin to defying the heavens, he was also doing it with multiple high-rarity sses. Gaining the ability to break past bottlenecks might prove even more helpful than yet another power boost.


    Zac could only put the matter aside for now, and he instead turned his attention to the state of his body. The tempering process had hurt to the point that he almost went insane, but it hadn''t actually wounded him. The pain that he felt just a minute ago almost felt like a dream, and even the wounds from the battle with the golem had improved considerably. He still felt too tired to move at the moment, so he simply scrambled up to a sitting position for now.


    It was a huge wake-up call for Zac to see the amount of impurities he had expelled during the tempering. He had thought himself almost in perfect condition based on looking at his interiors with his spiritual sight, but there was actually so much gunk left behind without him noticing. Almost every life-threatening encounter seemed to have left a hidden wound, and who knew if the tempering even got it all.


    However, the most worrying part wasnt the seque, but the small marks that had been expelled right at the end. Zac barely had a chance to study them before he was returned to the repository, but he did manage to sense familiar auras from a few of them. The first, and perhaps the most worrying, definitely came from Faceless 13. The mark carried the same sinister aura as the spikes he still carried around in his Spatial Ring.


    Zac couldnt imagine having a hidden mark left behind by that man a good thing, no matter if it was meant to track or slowly kill him. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The second mark was made him think of Rasuliel Tsarun for some reason. He didnt know how he had been marked by the Tsarun scion, but his eyes suddenly turned to the Spatial Ring on his finger. He had already swapped the ring he got from the Tsarun Disciple for the much superior ring he looted from the Mentalist, but perhaps he had been branded when stealing Rasuliel''s ring.


    That would also exin why he didnt get a mark by taking the second ring, as he wasnt actually the one who killed the mentalist or stole her ring. It was rather that squirrely thief who had tried to rob them while they both were out ofmission.


    The third mark, which was also the one that emitted the strongest energies, felt just like he cursed sword in his possession. He guessed that it was a hidden trap of using that ursed thing, a brand that would grow in power with every use. Nothing good coulde from having that thing in his body, and he vowed to not use the sword again unless absolutely necessary.


    Finally, there was one mark that was created with miasma, but Zac didnt get much more than that.


    The fact that the mark was wrought from miasma severely limited the number of suspects. BeZi, Catheya, Adriel, and perhaps Mhal were the main ones, though BeZi being the source felt like a long shot. Not because Zac implicitly trusted her, but rather that he didnt feel confident that an opportunity created by the original Bra would be able to extract something that she had nted on him. Case in point; the miasmic cage in his mind were utterly unaffected by the tempering.


    BeZi was definitely far stronger than Bra ever was, sitting at B-Rank cultivation at the minimum. That was a full two-stage difference, which should simply be too much to deal with for an opportunity left behind.


    Thest two marks Zac couldnt make heads or tails of, but that was perhaps because they were weaker than the first four. The other four marks were all far more intricate, which perhaps was what allowed Zac to recognize them. His best guess was that they were left by people in the Base Town.


    In either case, it was better to have them gone than remaining, but the experience made him wonder what else was hidden in his body. Unfortunately, there was not much he could do about the situation at the moment. Most cultivators had elders to turn to, far more powerful cultivators who could st most hidden threats by circting their own energies through their descendants bodies.


    Zac didnt have that advantage, meaning he would have to rely on other opportunities to purge himself of hidden threats. He knew there were cleansing arrays out there, and it was perhaps about time something like that was added to his cultivation cave.


    Are you done wallowing about? I can''t have trash littering my floor, the all-too-familiar voice of Bra echoed out from above, prompting Zac to reluctantly get up on his feet with a grunt.


    Thank you, Zac said, though he didn''t feel all that grateful to the Tool Spirit itself, but rather its creator. Is there any way for me to get back to theva pool for another round of refinement?


    Zac wasn''t thinking about going there right now, but rather when reaching Peak E-Grade. He almost regretted partaking in such a good opportunity right now, as he probably would be saddled with another round of impurities by the time he was ready to form his Cultivation Core. He still remembered reading about Galvarion, the aquatic mortal who needed to spend over a century to remove all his impurities. Zac simply didn''t have that kind of time.


    He had made a huge ssh in the Tower of Eternity, and there was also the issue of The Great Redeemering for revenge in a hundred years even if Zac managed to obscure Earth. Urgency pushed him forward, and his goal was to reach at least the middle stages of D-Grade before Earth got integrated for real.


    At that level he should only have to worry about C-Grade Monarchs, and those kinds of people generally wouldn''te for a tiny D-Grade like Earth. There were only so many C-Grade cultivators in a remote sector like Zecia, and they were either in perpetual secluded cultivation or exploring the most dangerous corners of the sector in hopes of progressing their cultivation.


    But cultivating with that speed would be hard even for a genius cultivator, let alone a mortal. But thisva pool might be one of the keys to speeding up the process.


    Greedy little brat. Do you think such purification is something mundane that can be used as one wanted? It was only possible thanks to the Earthen Fire seed that my master found in the bottom of that volcano, and it has a finite source of power. It had already been nurtured for tens of millions of years by the time my creator found it on an uninhabited world, and he kept purifying it for dozens of millennia as he turned the whole mountain into his forge. It was so limited that my creator couldn''t even bear to use it for his own cultivation, so it was eventually left to future generations, Bra said with a haughty voice.


    So it was something that magical? Zac said with disappointment, though he wasnt too surprised.


    Gu was the one who taught him about Pill Toxicity and how hard it was to get rid of it. If ridding your body of hidden threats was as easy as jumping into a pool ofva, then all volcanoes would have long be strategic resources of the multiverse.


    Of course, why else would the System expend so much energy to cram my master''s forge into a pocket dimension left in a corner of my body? Bra snorted.

 Chapter 578: Sacrifices

    Chapter 578: Sacrifices


    What? It was the System who created that trial? Zac asked with confusion. I thought it was Bra- ahem, your creator who put it there for his descendants?


    Are you stupid? Bra sneered. My creator didnt n on being dead when his descendants would use the Towers of Myriad Dao. Why would there be restrictions and trials to visit the higher floors? It was the System that refitted my body a bit, perfecting the towers even further. Seems like a waste of effort to award the towers to someone like you if you ask the Great Bra, but here we are.


    Zac was surprised to hear that the System was personally stepping in to modify its rewards, but he had to admit that he had never considered things from Bra''s perspective. Indeed, why would the original Bra put forth such trials to ess the skills? Most Dao Repositories were free to enter for the owning force, with the elders deciding who could get what skills. But Zac had to aplish feats of strength to gain the same sort of ess.


    Furthermore, it was the same with Theas library. She would also have to pass some sort of trial to gain ess to higher-tiered intelligence. So it turned out that the System was refitting these quest rewards, both improving them and making them serve as motivational- or training tools.


    Besides, Bra said with a shake of his head, a hint of wistfulness shing in his eyes. That world is no more. Now that the final fragment was awakened, it will be lost forever, with the System taking thest energies."


    "Then why couldn''t you let me have it?" Zac muttered with some annoyance. "If the System was going to steal the rest anyways."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Those were the rules that were put in ce," Bra shrugged. "It doesn''t really matter in either case. You would only have gained the same amount of time even if you waited until reaching middle E-Grade for real. I guess it was a bad matchup. If you focused on Agility or Intelligence you might have had a shot even without that treasure. That puppet was even dumber than you, after all.


    Zac felt a bit disappointed he couldnt have his body forged inside theva again, but he couldntin. It was a free bonus that he didn''t even know existed, and while it hadnt directly improved his power it did solve a lot of hidden issues for him. Besides, there was still the real reward to go for. However, Zac wanted to take advantage of the Tool Spirit''s uncharacteristic mood to see if he could get some information.


    "The tempering expelled something from my body I didn''t know was there. Six marks, probably left by my enemies. Do you know what those are?"


    "I saw, you really shouldn''t let yourself get branded like that. Most of them were tracking marks, and one was a curse," Bra snorted.


    "Tracking marks? Are heading for earth now because of me?" Zac eximed. Is it a Karmic Link?


    "Karmic Link? Dont get blinded by that one Karmic Cultivator who wants this deste rock for some reason. Those methods are beyond rare. Isnt his family famous through this whole sector because of their extremely rare ability to touch upon that Dao? Bra snorted. Even then, a small mark like those that got expelled isnt enough for something as great as intergctic tracking. Perhaps if it was a supreme existence cing the mark. But why would someone like that turn his gaze toward you, or even this whole sector for that matter?


    Then what is it? Zac asked.


    The trees and bushes around my square-


    Ill have someone beautify and prune the forest around you, Zac sighed without pause.


    I cant tell you about the curse, but the others are minor markers that would stay dormant until triggered," the Tool Spirit said as a satisfied grin spread across his face.


    Triggered? How? Zac asked.


    The better ones could trigger upon entering an array covering a set area, usually a town. The worse ones would require a direct scan of your body specifically. It would essentially make it harder for you to stay hidden while traveling. Intelligence houses are notorious for cing such things on their clients if they think they can get away with it, but anyone with a portable array can do the same. Those runes are easily destroyed by purification methods though, so they are generally useless against the wealthy, Bra shrugged.


    Zac sighed in relief, realizing it wasn''t as bad as he had previously feared. The looming threat of The Great Redeemer had really made him a bit paranoid about the dangers of the multiverse. But it was worth remembering that the n of Voridis A''Heliophos was thousands of years in the making, and it still seemed easier said than done to find even Earth after all that effort.


    It was a weight off his shoulders, and it allowed him to properly focus on the task at hand. As for plotting revenge for some random tracking mark, it wasn''t really worth his time and effort. He had enough enemies as it was.


    I want to see the E-Grade skills, Zac said as he slowly got to his feet.


    Bra shrugged with disinterest and a set of stairs leading to a previously inessible section appeared to Zacs left. He looked over to see if Bra was nning on joining him, but the tool spirit had already disappeared. It felt a bit like Bra was depressed after visiting theva world. It might have brought back memories of his creator, and the volcano was perhaps even Bra''s own birthce.


    Zac didnt mind the peace and quiet as he made his way toward the next floor. However, he actually had to stop and take a breath after just a couple of steps, his hands shaking with exhaustion. Theva bath had managed to cleanse him of the remnants of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>, but he was stillpletely wrung dry. He felt hungover, sick, and voraciously hungry at the same time.


    He was really craving a proper dinner full of E-Grade meat, but he wasnt sure he would be able to hold it down at the moment. He ate a couple of fasting pills instead, which somewhat relieved his symptoms and allowed him to walk up the rest of the stairs.


    So he soon found himself in an austere chamber illuminated by only natural light. Gone were the opulent disys of the first floor, reced with a disy of pure craftsmanship. There were painstakingly engraved pictures covering the wall, and a quick look indicated that they were probably scenes out of the original Bra''s life.


    It piqued Zac''s curiosity, but he was ultimately more interested in the fourteen crystals that hovered in a semicircle on the other side of the room.


    There were not a lot of crystalspared to the first floor, but Zac already knew that each and every one of them was a peak-quality skill hand-picked by Bra himself, with the purpose of creating a foundation for his family. He could only pray that there was at least one or two that he could make use of.


    Zac walked past the crystals one by one, touching a que in front of them to receive a stream of information about the skill stored within. After having gone through the whole set he couldnt help but nod in appreciation at Bras foresight when preparing this set of skills.


    There was an endless number of paths to take in cultivation, just like the name of the Dao Repository indicated. That meant that the odds of being a perfect match to a skill you randomly picked up was pretty slim though. The first floor of the Dao Repository was a reflection of this, as the skills ced there were extremely varied, to the point that Zac barely had gained anything from it.


    But seeing the selection on the second floor Zac realized that the original Bra probably had a purpose of arranging things like this. The first floor was avable to anyone who had just set out on the path of cultivation. A new level one cultivator would be able to unlock a huge array of sses with the help of that set of skills.


    That was how most people in the Tutorial started their cultivation journey ording to Thea. They were given a choice of skill afterpleting the first mini-mission, and that skill would be their main method of survival until reaching level 25. If someone picked <strong>[Fireball] </strong>and used it during the month-long Tutorial, then they would probably be able to choose some sort of mage ss upon reaching level 25.


    However, cultivators who had reached E-Grade would generally set in their own ways, with the more talented ones already having started forming their cultivation path. The Celestial Craftsman understood this fact and had therefore focused on skills that would be helpful for a wide array of people.


    Six of the fourteen skills were heavily rted to the six base attributes, without possessing a connection to a specific Dao. They also seemed to be following the concept of greatness from simplicity, which not only made them powerful but also easy to fuse with other skills down the line.


    For example, the Dexterity-based skill was an offensive skill simply called <strong>[Soaring Ocean]</strong>, but it wasn''t actually a water-based skill. It was rather a bit reminiscent of how Ogras fought with his shadow spears.


    It was a speed-based attack that made use of a rapid series of strikes rather than one strong attack. The weapon could seemingly be almost anything from the looks of it, from hands to ded weapons to even things like Ogras'' shadows. The true power of the skill came from the fact that each consecutive strike would increase your speed by a bit, and your momentum would keep growing endlessly as long as you kept attacking.


    Eventually, your speed would be far beyond your normal limits, and with increased speed came improved lethality. The enemy would be drowned in an endless sea of attacks until they sumbed.


    It was a bit like a berserking skill though. If you pushed your speed too far your body would start to get hurt as well.


    Meanwhile, both Endurance and Wisdom were defensive skills, while Vitality was a self-recuperating ability. Intelligence was surprisingly not a spell, but that was perhaps because most spells leaned toward a specific attunement. It instead was a mind-boosting spell that put your mind into overdrive, essentially slowing down the world around you.


    That would allow you to use your other spells even faster and from the sound of it, to the point that you would be a spell turret wreaking havoc on the battlefield. Zac was initially pretty interested in that skill even if it was meant for mages, but it clearly stated that it put high requirements on both calcting speed and affinities, so he would bepletely unable to use it for things like rapid-fire <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    As for the rest of the prepared skills, they were mainly anciry skills that woulde in handy for most adventurers.


    The first one that piqued Zacs interest was actually an upgraded version of <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>, aptly named <strong>[Million Faces]</strong>. It worked simrly to the F-Graded skill, but it both gave a greater influence on modifications.


    With this skill he would be able topletely change his build if need be, and even be able to pass off as other humanoid races to a cursory nce. But most importantly, it allowed you to curtail and modify your aura to some degree. It could both bolster the aura you emitted, fooling others into thinking you were stronger than you were, or weaken it to make others underestimate you.


    It would even be able to slightly change the vor of your aura, which was even better. Your aura was like a fingerprint, and Zac could essentially identify anyone he knew in the base was just by sensing their aura. There were a few exceptions to that though, namely Billy and Kenzie.


    Kenzie had help from her AI topletely mask her aura, while Billy could do so himself for some reason. Ogras was hard to spot as well, but that was because his shadows helped mute his aura a bit. Zac still could recognize the vor as long as they were close enough.


    The other anciry skills were simrly impressive and Zac felt like a child in a candy store as he looked at the varying options. However, his luck had finally caught up with him, as he, unfortunately, had spotted several shes with his current skills. He only had so many slots for skills, and more than half of them were already used up.


    If he wanted to learn these new skills, then he would have to sacrifice a few of his old ones.

 Chapter 579: Void

    Chapter 579: Void


    Zac still hadnt fully gripped what he could and couldnt do with his future skill upgrades and skill fusions, so he couldnt help but worry about making a colossal mistake by removing some of his ss skills to get a quick power-up. However, some choices werent very hard to make, the first being his shapeshifting skill.


    The upgraded version unsurprisinglymandeered the same skill slot as <strong>[Thousand Faces]</strong>, and it was the first pick of Zac. A familiar screen appeared in front of him the next moment.


    <strong>[Learning the skill Million Faces will result in the permanent loss of the skill Thousand Faces. Proceed?]</strong>


    Following that was a simple<strong> [YES/NO]</strong> prompt.


    Zac touched the YES, prompting a stream of energy to enter his body. It made its way to his throat, and a stabbing pain spread across his neck as one skill fractal branded itself on top of the old one, supnting its spot.


    The difort was thankfully just at the level of redrawing ones pathways, and Zac had ample experience with that after breaking open a bunch of nodes. The pain soon abated, and the transfer wasplete. He opened his skill screen and Thousand Faces was gone as expected, reced with a new line.


    <strong>[Million Faces - Proficiency: -. A million Faces, A million lives. Be an untraceable stream in the fabric of reality. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    The prompt earlier was something that Alyn had already told him about, and Zac knew that he would only get it once like some sort of tutorial. There wouldnt be any warnings in case of skill shes again, except when getting a new skill through one of his sses.


    The skill was the same as the new one in the sense that it didnt have any proficiency, but its fractal was far more intricatepared to the old one. However, Zac saw the base pattern was pretty much the same, just with greater details and a couple of additions.


    Zac also needed to add the skill in his undead form, but he would have to wait for an hour before he could swap over again.


    In the meantime, there were more skills to learn as a human. The second one that Zac immediately learned was <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong>, a skill that was a superior E-Grade alternative to <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>. Zac had already learned that multiple skills had simr functions as <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>, but the better ones provided additional benefits as well.


    This skill was one such example.


    <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> provided the same feature of breaking downnguage barriers, but it went one step further. It provided the user with an almost instinctual understanding of Dao-basednguage ording to the description. This applied to a lot of things, most notably inscriptions, formations, and even pathways.


    The skill wouldnt allow him to understand any fractal he saw at a nce, but it would help him get a sense of what he was dealing with based on the fundamental characteristics of the fractal. The same went for inscriptions and even some writtennguages. It would help Zac with everything from deducing arrays to spotting hidden dangers, and it seemed like a skill that could go hand in hand with his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    <strong>[Primal Polyglot - Proficiency: -. Toprehend the Language of the Dao is toprehend the universe.]</strong>


    Zac hoped that this skill would not only help him catch up with cultivators who had properly learned to decipher fractals and pathways since they were young, but perhaps even bridge some of the gaps of having no Dao Affinities.


    Another skill that he considered recing was <strong>[True Strike]</strong>. The one that upied the same slot was <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>, the skill unsurprisingly rted to the Vitality attribute. The skill he got from the duplicitous demon during his tower climb had proven useful in a couple of battles, but it wasnt a critical addition in his human form.


    His Edge of Arcadia-ss rather excelled inrge-scale battles, and <strong>[True Strike]</strong> couldnt help much there.


    More importantly, its effect had proven somewhat limited on enemies with amplebat experience, such as Voids Disciple. They seemed able to intuit it was a feint with their honed battle instincts, making it a waste of an effort. Recing it with a skill that could boost his healing abilities drastically seemed like a worthy trade.


    However, he held off on it for now, opting to wait to see whether he could add the skill in his Draugr ss instead. His undead side was still superior for recuperation as it didnt require his organs to function, and there was no skill upying that specific slot in his second set of pathways.


    The only issue was the fit on his undead side. The original Bra had nned for a lot, but preparing for undead descendants wasnt one of his contingencies. Only the anciry skills on the first floor had fit his Draugr side at all, and Zac wasnt sure he would fare any better this time around. But it was worth the try if it meant he could keep another skill.


    Having gone through the options he eventually sat down to rest, waiting for the cooldown of his Specialty Core end. During that time he kept absorbing Cosmic Energy from E-Grade Nexus Crystals. It didnt really help him with his cultivation, but some of it was swallowed by the core to be converted to Miasma. He had beenpletely drained when he swapped over, and this way he wouldnt be hit by a severe state of weakness when turning undead again.


    It was a bit stressful to stay outside the Mystic Realm this long, but he didn''t have much of a choice. He needed to learn every skill that could be useful right now, and he was in a pretty wretched state in any case. He had joked about crawling back to the Mystic Realm if need be, but he might actually have been forced to do so if he didn''t rest up while waiting for his Specialty Core Cooldown.


    Some of his weakened state could be traced to dozens of internal wounds he umted during his rampage, but most of it no doubt was an effect of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>.


    Zac had really underestimated that seed, no matter if you were talking about the influence it had on his mind or the side-effects of using it. Most of the toxins had been removed during the tempering, but he still felt almost like he had one foot in the grave. He didn''t even dare to imagine what kind of state he would be in if he hadn''t enjoyed the cleansing magma immediately after. More importantly, Zac understood that he never could use that item in front of people he couldn''t trust 100% as he would be utterly vulnerable afterward.


    An hour quickly passed and Zac reluctantly got back to his feet. One new skill after another was added to Zac''s repertoire before he finally swapped to his Draugr form and went another round. The final tally was six skills in his human form and three skills in his Draugr side. His fears were unfortunately realized when it turned out that only the anciry skills could be added to his undead side, which forced him to give up on <strong>[True Strike]</strong>.


    A top-tier E-Grade healing skill simply trumped the utility that the misdirection skill provided.


    Seeing that he was done with everything he exited the Repository, almost thankful that Bra was nowhere in sight. Waves of exhaustion crashed against his mind, but he still made ast-minute decision to head over to the Thayer Consortia.


    He had a lot of outstanding orders with the Sky Gnome at the moment, most of them for quite rare items. It felt prudent to check things out himself in case he needed to ask follow-up questions to whatever Calrin had managed to acquire.


    But more importantly, he needed to see if the Sky Gnome could find out anything about corrupted bloodlines or the Void Emperor Bloodline. Hopefully, he would be able to get his hand on some missive exining the situation before he was locked inside the Mystic Realm. That would allow him to side-step a potential mistake down the line.


    Each step felt like a workout, but he soon enough arrived at the Thayer Consortia, surprising Calrin who was busy at work fielding the hundreds of work orders for everything from defensive talismans to cultivation resources to use in case they got stuck inside the research base.


    Lord Atwood, dont you look... Eh Calrin coughed, seemingly unable toe up with apliment that wasnt a tant lie. There''s no need for you toe yourself next time. Those spear maidens of yours can bring the things you require next time.


    I was in the neighborhood. Have you found what I asked for? Zac sighed as he copsed into the closest chair.


    I have. It''s only the box though, Calrin said, a slight blush tinting his round cheeks. Im afraid that the rest were out of our grasp, even at a premium.


    Zac had tried getting his hands on all kinds of items that could provide immediate power-ups, the most pressing being E-Grade Dao Treasures. He hadnt eaten a single one since reaching E-Grade, which meant that he would get the full benefit if he managed to secure one.


    There was a decent chance that a high-quality Dao Treasure would propel him all the way to gaining a High Mastery Dao Fragment, which was why Zac had wanted to get one even if he had to pay ten times what they were worth. He was even ready to sell off most of his treasure stockpile if the Sky Gnome could make it happen. But it looked like money couldnt just solve everything.


    Zac also expended some efforts to figure out what the Spatial Artifact in the Mystic Realm was in case he needed to prepare something to snatch it. Voids Disciple had divulged the name but neither Bra nor Calrin could find anything out at all. Of course, Zac didnt dare to outright ask around about a Dimensional Seed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This treasure was something that the Church of Evesting Dao went all-out to obtain, to the point that they gave up all their other objectives. If someone suddenly started inquiring about such an item to the intelligence-gathering houses, trouble might soon follow. Certainly, most such establishments prided themselves on their discretion, but that was just up to a point.


    So they could only gather missives on spatial and dimensional treasures in general, hoping that one of them would detail what a Dimensional Seed was. But so far there wasnt much.


    Oh! That reminds me, Calrin said as he took out a crystal. This one didnt have any information on the Dimensional Seed, but it did actually have some information about the <strong>[Ferric Worldeater]</strong>.


    Oh, really? Zac asked with surprise.


    There is a faction called the Void Monastery led by a peak figure of the Zecia sector, the Void Priestess. They are in control of a unique spatial anomaly the Void Star, and ording to rumors there have been sightings of <strong>[Ferric Voidwyrms] </strong>drifting in the void around it. The name sounded familiar, so I started looking into it. Apparently <strong>[Ferric Voidwyrms] </strong>are thervae-form of a <strong>[Ferric Worldeater]</strong>, Calrin said.


    This was great news to Zac, and the excitement dispelled some of the exhaustion.


    The <strong>[Ferric Worldeater]</strong> was one of the materials that Karunthel required to upgrade the shipyard. Zac already knew about the first two items, and it was just a matter of time before he could get his hands on them. Thest two were trickier. But Zac believed he might be able to find out some more about the fourth item <strong>[Daemonic Manastone] </strong>through Ogras.


    Since it had the name Daemonic, it might perhaps be rted to the Demonic hordes. There were only two pure demonic factions in the whole Zecia sector, with the AzhKirKhat Horde being the stronger of the two. There were certainly more demonkin spread across the sector just like humans, but AzhKirKhat was his best bet.


    That left only the worldeaters, but there hadnt been much to go by. They were surprisingly hard to gather intelligence on, even after having such an ominous name. But it looked like the Sky Gnome hade through for him once more.


    Better yet, Zac actually had an in with this particr force.


    They are still quite dangerous even in theirrvae form, but they will only evolve to their true state if they manage to devour a World Core. The better the World Core, the greater the potential of the critter. If it manages to gobble up a C-Grade World Core, then the thing would eventually be unstoppable in a remote sector such as ours, Calrin said with some fear in his eyes.


    What kind of faction is the Void Monastery? Zac asked.


    He knew that they were religious in nature based on the terminology, but he never had a chance to ask about it when he met Leyara in the Base Town. His curiosity had grown since getting the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>-node, and now it felt as though they were connected by fate.


    The Void Monastery might hold not only the solution to finishing Karunthel''s quest, but it might even hold the key to his new bloodline.

 Chapter 580: Gate

    Chapter 580: Gate


    It wasn''t such a stretch to think that a faction that all seemed Centered around the ''Void'' was rted to his constitution. Someone called the Void Priestess living by the Void Star lording over a faction called the Void Monastery was a bit too on the nose for it all to be aplete coincidence.


    Then again, there were no doubt quite a few heritages containing the word Void, just like there was an endless number of ones having the name Heavenly, Primordial, Divine, or Origin. These words conveyed a sense of profundity and vastness, a sense that was rarely justified. The only reason he had held back researching Leyaras heritage until now was the shocking cost of buying intelligence on a powerful C-Grade faction.


    But looking into it was worth the expense now, especially considering the <strong>[Ferric Worldeaters]</strong>.


    I can certainly buy the missive the Sky Gnome said, though he looked a bit troubled. But Ah Our operational funds are currently a bit


    How much? Zac asked, understanding what the Sky Gnome was getting at.


    Two point five billion, Calrin coughed, looking disgusted even if it wasnt his own money.


    Just send the report to the Mystic Realm before it closes. Im especially curious whether they have a Void-rted bloodline, Zac sighed as he transferred the funds. Also, see if you can find out anything about abnormal bloodlines. Mutated, corrupted, and unique bloodlines.


    Mutated..? Calrin muttered before he quickly nodded. I havent heard of anything like it, but I will make some discreet inquiries.


    Great. Also, prepare for a sh sale of our stockpile of resources in case we need to flee in the future. Im running a bit low on money, Zac added after some thought.


    Not to make Young Master''s day worse, but the box came at a certain premium as well, the Sky Gnome said with a weak smile.


    The box in question wasn''t a treasure, but rather a treasure box that would hopefully house and iste the Dimensional Seed when he managed to snag it.


    It cost 775 million nexus coins even though it wasnt even a Spirit Tool, and Zac felt almost physically ill when he had to fork out such an exorbitant sum for an empty box. The reason for the price was the same as with <strong>[Evesting]</strong>, the shield that had be aponent of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. The locker was almost exclusively made from some sort of Treasure Jade that was one of the best materials around for storing treasures.


    Part of the cost also came from the meticulous arrays that covered both its inner and outer surfaces, inscriptions meant to boost the effectiveness of the materials even further. It might be a bit overkill, but Zac wouldnt take any chances with an item that was so valuable that both the Dominators and the cultists would stop at nothing to get it.


    Thank you, Zac said as he put away the box in his Spatial Ring. If you manage to get your hands on anything else, send it directly into the Mystic Realm. I doubt I will exit again before the Mystic Realm closes.


    Certainly And good luck, Calrin said. Remember, wealth is important, but surviving even more-so. My instincts are telling me that this treasure might cause more harm than good.


    I actually feel the same way, Zac grunted. But someone is going to get it, and that someone might as well be me.


    Zac made his way to the teleporter, and he could breathe out in relief when he passed through the tunnel to the Mystic Realm. Everything pointed toward the pathwaysting a few more days, but it had still been in the back of Zacs head the whole time he spent outside. He didnt know what hed do if he actually was closed out early by some freak ident.


    Zac immediately made his way toward his temporarypound, as the exhaustion from using the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed] </strong>was only growing in severity. His surroundings were soon just a blur, and he simply fell down on the grass the moment he had entered his protective arrays, immediately entering a dreamless slumber. He had no idea how long he had slept when he finally roused himself, but the realization that he wasn''t alone shocked him wide awake.


    I wish I had one of my cameras with me, a leering voice reached Zacs ears just as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> appeared in his hands, causing him to sigh in exasperation and turn to Ogras who was sitting by a table not far away.


    Wasnt it you who told me that entering others arrays was the height of rudeness? Zac muttered as he took out a bottle of water from his spatial ring.


    He still felt drained even after having slept, but he didn''t really feel weakened any longer. It felt like he would be ready to go again as long as he got something to eat.


    Well, that rule''s for strangers, not goodrades. So, care to tell me what youve been up to? You look like youve been swallowed and spat out by a Govidar Mawbeast, Ogras asked as he took a swig of wine.


    Your home sounds like a real nightmare going by all these monsters youve described, Zac snorted. If you must know, I broke open the second floor of the Dao Repository, unlocking the skills within."


    WHAT? Ogras eximed, immediately jumping to his feet.


    How is that possible?! You shouldnt be that powerful! the demon said, his eyes a chaotic mix of confusion, glee, and jealousy.


    I have my ways, Zac said with a smile as he took out a massive b of meat.


    Zac rarely felt hungry any longer, but he felt like his stomach was about to implode right now. He tore into the meat like a ravenous beast, and he only stopped when he had eaten over ten kilos of E-Grade beast meat. He didn''t understand the physics of it, but he didn''t question it either as every bite felt like quenching rain in the parched desert that was his body.


    So? Ogras eventually asked, posture leaning forward.


    How about a pretty please? Zac smiled.


    Id rather get cut apart by those spatial storms, Ogras spat.


    Im kidding, Zac snorted. You can bring up to five of the evolved Demons. Oh, and bring Verana."


    "Why bother with her?" Ogras asked with confusion.


    "The charges in the crystals are limited, but not to the point that we can''t spare a couple of slots. It''s all to improve our uing odds," Zac shrugged.


    "Well, those beasts have been proven usefultely," Ogras thoughtfully nodded. "Might not hurt to keep them happy."


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked as he looked at his watch, and he was shocked to find out that he had slept for 30 straight hours.


    "Now you realize?" Ograsughed. "The beastmasters were getting anxious that no one really was overly interested in cooperating with them, so they volunteered to expand our maps. It turns out that their beasts can actually smell or somehow sense the spatial traps. Guess that''s another thing you have inmon with them."


    Zac ignored the jab, but he understood what the demon was getting at. He was able to easily identify the hidden traps thanks to his Danger Sense, but others weren''t as lucky. They had to tread carefully all the time, as moving too quickly could result in suddenly getting bisected by a hidden spatial tear. The scientists were working on some means to identify the tears ahead of time, but progress was slow for now.


    However, these beastmasters actually could keep a decent pace thanks to theirpanions. That would not only decrease the risk of getting hurt but also rapidly speed up the progress they were making. They might prove integral to dealing with the inner parts of the Mystic Realm, as Zac could only imagine that the spatial anomalies would get even worse in there.


    "Have a beastmaster join every scouting unit. Take three Tal-dar to the repository instead," Zac eventually said. "Up to 3 skills per person."


    How about five for your good buddy? Ogras asked. I did just die helping you.


    Fine, but I honestly doubt that you can even benefit from that many. I only took six different skills myself, and thats for two sses, Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "So, what else happened while I slept?


    Nothin spec- oh, speak of the devil. Your little spear maiden is waiting outside. She might know more, Ogras said before he was swallowed by the shadows.


    "Deal with the scouting parties before you leave!" Zac shouted with a roll of his eyes before he walked out to get Joanna.


    Joanna understood what he was looking for, so she immediately started updating Zac of what had transpired while he was out ofmission. Nothing urgent had happened, apart from their people learning new things by the hour. Their internal map had rapidly expanded, but the most important realization might be that the Cosmic Energy seemed to grow denser the further inside the Mystic Realm you moved.


    There were already murmurs of people wanting to move further into the base, to turn some of the massive warehouses into advance camps. Zac wasn''t too surprised, as the ambient Cosmic Energy in the biospheres was pretty dismal, especially for the people of Port Atwood who were ustomed to living on top of a Nexus Vein.


    This area right here was the safest thanks to the meter-thick door that only Tier-3 ess could open, but every cultivator felt as though they were being stifled by thecking ambient energy.


    The difference was already measurable in the abandoned halls, and people believed that the inner sections of the Mystic Realm to be even better. However, moving to the core of the Mystic Realm was easier said than done, as they had discovered a troubling phenomenon. There didnt seem to be pathways leading further inside the Mystic Realm.


    After they exited the massive door they could walk for roughly an hour toward the center of the Mystic Realm. But at that point one could only turn left or right, forgoing exploring the inner reaches. This was partly because most of the corridors simply stopped, while the few remaining ones were all guarded by endless spatial barriers.


    They had already termed the sector they explored the Outer Band, endless corridors, and Service Tunnels, and their current goal was to find a way to reach further inside.


    Are you really okay? Joanna asked with worry after having delivered the status update. "No one has seen you for almost two days, some people even believed you to have getting hurt by a spatial storm."


    Im just a bit exhausted. I had to go all out to upgrade the Dao Repository, Zac said with a tired sigh. What about your mission? Did you make it?


    Yes! We reached the end of the map, Joanna nodded.


    Most of the activities had been focused on dealing expanding their map while improving their understanding of this ce. However, Joanna had put together a small squad of elites where she had teamed up with Thea and Billy to follow the map to see where the Cartava n wanted to lead them. It was a test for his group of closest allies. It was a test for himself of sorts as well, to see if he could let go and let others handle important tasks.


    The fact that Joanna seemed fine was ample proof that he hadnt misced his trust.


    We mostly followed the path, while also making sure we had a back-up route in case of ambush. But there was nothing untoward through the path. At the end, there was an enormous gate, a lot bigger than the one leading into this biosphere. We, unfortunately, couldnt open it, which is why we returned. We figured that one of you two siblings might be able to open it with Tier-4 clearance? Joanna exined.


    A gate? Zac mused. Did you knock?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Well Billy tried to break it open, Joanna said with a grimace. We almost got ourselves killed then and there. The corridor came alive and tried to stab us."


    "Sounds like Billy, alright," Zac snorted. "It''s good that you''re okay. Guess it''s good to know what happens when you try to force these things open. Did you find out anything else?"


    "No," Joanna sighed. "But the door is in the inner edge of the Outer Band. I think it''s your best bet at reaching further inside of the base."


    Good, Zac said with some excitement as he stood up. Ill check it out myself.


    What credentials did Billy get? Zac asked as he suddenly thought of something.


    Nothing, Joanna said with a shake of her head. I did manage to get a Tier 3 Clearance though."


    Could it be Zac mused. Bloodlines?


    Excuse me? Joanna asked with confusion.


    "Nothing," Zac said as he passed through his arrays. "Are you rested enough to set out again? It would be best to bring someone who has already traveled that path."


    Wereing with, a familiar voice reached Zac''s ears just as he exited hispound, and Zac looked over at Billy and Thea who seemed to have been standing in wait for some time.

 Chapter 581: Hunger

    Chapter 581: Hunger


    Whats with youtely? Zac asked as he looked over at Thea with confusion. I cant go five meters without you popping out of nowhere.


    Do you not want me around? Thea asked with a frown.


    No, I appreciate yourpany, Zac sighed. You just seem Angry. Is everything okay?


    Well, I am a bit annoyed that you apparently went ahead and put a sector-wide bulls-eye on our when you went off, Thea said with a re, but she soon deted. But Im angrier with myself. The Inheritance Was a wake-up call. Ive been ying it too safe, never going all out to push myself further.


    Yet Ive beenining about the fact that the disparity in power between us just keeps growing. I already wasted my time while you did all the hard work, and I need to grasp every opportunity that I can now. I can feel it. If I dont increase my momentum, I might not even make it past E-Grade. My ss rarity wont allow it.


    Zac looked at Thea with wide eyes. He wasn''t sure if he had ever heard her speak that much in one go, and Zac also noticed that Joanna had moved far away at some unknown time. It looked like she had already thought things over, and what she said made sense. You could never relent on the path of cultivation. He had gathered a huge advantage during his time in the F-Grade, but he needed to keep at it if he wanted to stay relevant.


    His titles and attributes would slowly lose their value as others gained more powerful cultivation manuals and improved their Dao Control. ording to his sister, the ability to braid two Dao Seeds into one attack essentially had the same effect as boosting both seeds one stage. The sum became greater than its parts.


    He could only imagine that Dao Arrays were even more powerful, and he would be left in the dust unless he came up with his own strengths. It was good that Thea also hade to understand this fundamental truth. That insight alone might be worth more than anything else she gained from that Inheritance.


    Well, thats fine But dont overextend yourself, Zac eventually said as he scratched his chin. I only act like I do because I haveyers andyers of defensive measures. Im not really someone to take after.


    No, Ive seen how you fight, Thea snorted. Im more interested in taking after your guts than your battle techniques.


    Im sure youd make an excellent axe-warrior, Zac smiled before he turned to Billy who was standing not far away with a contrite look. Whats wrong with you?


    Billy made a mistake, Billy sighed with a blush. Billy is so smart, but for some reason the door was harder.


    Well, its bad luck you didnt get any credentials to open it the normal way, Zac said, though he wasnt so sure.


    The more he thought about it, the more sense it made. If Billys titanic bloodline came from this ce, then it made sense that he wouldnt be able to move about freely. What kind of security system would hand out clearance to research subjects?


    If he really was correct on this, then it might even exin why he didnt get any credentials either, and why Ogras got one so effortlessly. He already knew that n AzhRezak didnt possess any hereditary bloodlines, and Ogras hadnt acquired a synthetic one either unless his fusion with a shadow creature could count.


    The only hole in the theory was the fact that Kenzie got ess while he didnt, unless he considered the very real possibility that Kenzie wasnt the only child that Leandra experimented on. She gave Jeeves to Kenzie, but she might have infused him with a bloodline instead for two separate experiments.


    Stupid door realized Billy was too powerful, tried to keep Billy away. But well see, Billy muttered, but he shrank back a bit after getting an even look from Thea.


    Dont thwonk any more doors, she said simply said, but Billy still nodded hurriedly in agreement.


    Well, lets go, Zac shrugged as they set out.


    Iming as well! a youthful voice shouted, and Zac grimaced when he saw Emily run toward them.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What happened to your face? Zac asked with a frown, noticing the new scar that just barely missed her eye.


    My face? What about your head? Have you be addicted to being bald? Emily said with a re. No scouting parties dared to take me with them because of you, so Ive been fighting on Mystic Ind to gain levels. Come on, let mee with you. I swear Ill be careful. And look, this!


    Cosmic Energy in her body suddenly surged as a five-meter-tall Totem Pole appeared in front of her.


    Ive reached level 50 already, and this is my new skill, she said with a proud smile. Not bad right?


    It looks good, but what does it- Zac muttered, but he stopped when he felt the Cosmic Energy churn in the area.


    Not only that, but it almost felt like he had turned into a cultivator as the Cosmic Energy seemed to be actively burrowing into his body.


    Thats not all! Emily smiled as a fiery axe appeared in her hand.


    She didnt use the buffing skill on Zac though, but rather threw it straight at the Totem Pole. This led to a startling transformation as the Totem almost grew twice in size while its design changed. If the earlier version looked like something that a bit like something you could find in Incan ruins to worship ones ancestors, then the new one was something made to worship a sun god.


    Fiery energies radiated from the pir, and arge me radiated at its top.


    My Strength has increased, Thea eximed with surprise, while Billy almost drooled as he looked at the Totem Pole.


    It buffs everyone in an area this way? Zac said with surprise, but he suddenly noticed something differentpared to getting directly buffed by the axe.


    It only gave half of the amount it normally did.


    Still, a 5% area boost was huge if this thing was ced on a battlefield, and that number might even grow as the skills proficiency increased. Coupled with the increased energy restoration it could even turn the tides of a war.


    I dont get any buff when using it like this. But I can even detonate this thing in case an enemy tries to take it down, Emily whispered so that only Zac could hear. Its explosion should hurt anyone thats not crazy durable like you.


    Alright, you cane with us, Zac eventually nodded. "Let''s go see what''s on the other side of that door."


    It looked like Emily''s face was about to split in two judging by her grin, but she quicklyposed herself after getting stared down.


    This is a serious mission. No messing around, Zac said. "And if things look dangerous on that other side of the door you need to back down immediately while I try to keep you safe. Understand?"


    "I understand," Emily quickly nodded with a serious expression. "You can count on me. I''m not some kid any longer."


    She put her hands to her hips and pushed out her chest to underscore her point, but the power-pose didn''t really inspire a lot of confidence. She still looked like a cosying child due to thebination of her oversized furs and diminutive frame. Even Thea could barely contain her smile, whereas Billy openly snickered.


    Wheres the demon? Thea suddenly asked as she looked around. That guy is like bad weather, always appearing to ruin a good day.


    Hes busy elsewhere, Zac smiled. Its just us.


    Zac considered bringing some more people, but these three and Joanna were enough. The rest would need to stay and guard the fort while he was away. Getting to the end of the map would take the better part of a day even if they didnt take any detours, so they immediately set out as to not waste any time.


    However, they only managed to get to the security door before Zac had to stop the group.


    Wait, Zac said as he took out a massive b of grilled meat, digging into it like a voracious animal.


    What? You''re hungry? Emily asked with confusion. "You had grease on your face when you left yourpound as well. Are you a pig or something?"


    Thea looked on with confusion as well, whereas Billy''s reaction was much more straightforward. He sat down himself and produced an even bigger b of meat, happily joining Zac for a travel snack.


    I was forced to use a Berserking Item yesterday, Zac sighed after he had devoured another few kilos of meat. It turns out that it left my body starving for nutrients. We might need to take a few extra pitstops.


    Should we cancel this mission? Thea asked, and Joanna seemed to agree. Someone told me that I shouldnt overextend myself earlier, I think that advice can apply to you as well.


    Im fine, Zac said. Im already a lot better than I was yesterday. Im sure Ill be back to normal by the time we reach that gate you mentioned.


    It was true. Between his sleep and the E-Grade meat he felt a lot better. He was still feeling a bit drained, but he would be able to fight just fine, especially if he had time to digest some more energy-dense food over the following hours. Thea and Joanna eventually relented and they set off again, though this time with a slightly slower speed to allow Zac to recuperate and restore his reserves.


    His new skill, <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong> unfortunately didn''t work at all against something like this either. The nourishing storm that swept through his body helped with the countless small wounds left from his battle with the Golem cksmith, but they weren''t the real problem right now.


    Emily also tried imbuing him with her Earthen axe that improved Endurance and Vitality, but it didn''t really help either, so Zac simply kept walking while almost constantly nibbling on something or another. The endless identical tunnels quickly turned into a blur, but having Emily and Billy around kept the atmosphere light. They quickly reached the inner part of the outer band, at which point they veered east.


    They actually did pass a few corridors leading further inside, but they were blocked by spatial storms without exception. Not only that, the spatial tears were ced a lot more densely in these traps, and Zac''s danger sense seemed to think these pathways were a lot more dangerous than the first one he encountered.


    He wasn''t really confident in breaking through a normal spatial blockade, let alone these empowered versions.


    Its a bit odd, Thea eventually said after Zac had backed away from the third pathway that might lead out of the Outer Ring. "Have you looked at theyout on the other side of these storms? I''m not actually sure they are leading to the inner reaches. These corridors seem to end inrge empty rooms. There might not actually be any physical path leading further inside, which seems like a crazy design choice."


    Ogras and I guessed that these corridors might be an enormous array or something, forming massive fractals. Perhaps they wanted that stuff separate from the inner sections, Zac said, though he agreed with Theas sentiment. "Those rooms on the other side might be teleportation rooms as well. The Technocrats have real teleporters that don''t use Cosmic Energy. I saw something like that in the Tower of Eternity."


    Of course, Zac wasn''t really sure he would dare to use one of the ancient teleporters left behind by his mother''s family. The research base had been abandoned for god knows how long, and it was now infected by a powerful Spatial Treasure. Using an unknown teleporter sounded like a surefire way to get ripped apart by spatial anomalies.


    Do you think its worth for me to go to the Tower of Eternity as well? Thea suddenly asked, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    Absolutely, Zac said without hesitation. My power almost doubled over there. It was the only reason I could take down the Undead Incursion in one go. Why, have you got your hands on a token?


    Both Billy and I have, we have been thinking about going as soon as this Mystic Realm is dealt with," Thea said, and Zac noticed some hesitation on her face. "I think I owe you an apology. I was furious when you disappeared. But I only considered things from my perspective. It was unfair of me to demand of you to risk your life before you felt confident in sess.


    Well, my sister seems to believe I have problemsmunicating clearly, so I think Im partly to me as well, Zac said with a wry smile.


    The two kept moving forward where Zac detailed most of his experiences in the Base Town and Tower of Eternity, sharing the lessons he learned the hard way. Thea in turn tried to teach him how to braid Daos to empower skills even further, though things quickly became a bit embarrassing as Zac couldnt even finish the first step.


    So I guess I haventpletely fallen behind, Thea said with a small smile when Zac eventually had to give up.


    Zac onlyughed in response as he went back to surveying the surroundings. It felt nice, almost when the two traveled together during the Hunt. A lot of the pressures ofmand could be put aside for a while, allowing Zac to just be himself. However, the journey eventually had to end.


    It took them thirteen hours to reach their target; an enormous gate that reached over thirty meters into the air. In fact, even the tunnels were extra supersized thest kilometer or so, meaning that this area probably was more spacious than the usual tunnels even before the spatial expansion began.


    That fact alone made Zac believe they had finally reached something of value after running around in empty hallways for almost a week. Zac''s heart beat rapidly as he walked up to the console to the side. His axe was already in his hand, while the others prepared themselves in case of battle.


    "Here I go," Zac muttered as he activated the gate mechanism.

 Chapter 582: Conformation of Supremacy

    Chapter 582: Conformation of Supremacy


    The group released a collective sigh of relief when the gates slid open without issue, giving them a first look at what waited for them on the other side. It was definitely a change of pace, and the group walked inside curiously. It looked like they had entered actually a sshouse in the middle of a forest.


    The gate led them into a room over one hundred meters across, and it appeared to be some sort of holding room or stable for beasts, with metallic troughs and dozens of reinforced stalls. They could also spot all sorts of advanced equipment in a series of adjoining rooms, which was only possible because both the inner and outer walls were made from some transparent material.


    Outside the building was an enormous forestpletely different from the artificial biospheres they had arrived in. It felt wild and genuine, like something they might find on Earth if you discounted the fact that most of the foliage was either white, silver, or purple. The ce was huge as well, and Zac could even spot a few mountains in the distance. Zac couldn''t be sure from where he stood, but he guessed that it would take hours to traverse the whole thing even if he kept a high pace.


    However, it didn''t take long to realize that this massive forest was still just another part of the research base as the familiar lines ran across the sky as the enormous alloy wall stretched into the distance. There was one odd addition though; nine orbs in the sky that reminded Zac of the moon. Four of them seemed broken, but the other five radiated a silver glow.


    The transparent building they found themselves in was installed like an extension of the wall, with the gate they passed through on one side and arge barn door at the opposite.


    The sshouse was just enormous, but Zac figured it probably that it was only a few hundred square meters before the spatial expansion began. Furthermore, going by the current size of the stalls, the animals that were housed here should be around the size of a rhinoceros, which wasn''t that big for a multiverse-beast.


    "I think it''s a satellite base to perform field experiments," Thea eventually said as she looked across the building. "The original owners of this ce were studying something inside this forest, and this ce was used to take measurements."


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement, feeling there was a lot of merit to that theory. It looked like there was room for about a dozen animals at a time going by the number of stalls, whereas the forest outside wasrge enough to sustain a whole ecosystem.


    "Ah!" Billy suddenly eximed from another room, and Zac''s swirled toward him with wide eyes, fearing that the giant had triggered another trap.


    Zac breathed out in relief though when he saw that Billy had actually managed to open the gates by pressing arge button on one of the closest consoles.


    "Be careful," Zac quickly exhorted. "We have no idea what these things do. One of them might trigger an rm and make the building attack us."


    Billy quickly nodded and stepped away.


    Still, it was good news to know that even someone without any clearance could open the door without assistance. As long as Zac ced a squad at this ce in the future they would be able toe and go as they pleased without having to rely on himself or Kenzie.


    Why would the Cartava n lead us here? Zac muttered as he looked over the consoles.


    Most of them seemed to be out of order or at least turned off. There were no new messages like another signpost either, leaving Zac a bit confused.


    This ce definitely leads further inside the Mystic Realm than what we have essed until now, Thea answered as she nodded to their left. Look, were right at the edge of the Outer Band, but the forest continues for god knows how further in.


    Lets check it out, Zac said after some thought. Not much anyone of us can gain from these machines anyway.


    Might have been a good idea to bring something more than a bunch of muscleheads, Joanna muttered from the side, and Zac could only wryly smile.


    True, his expedition squad was a bit lopsided, with the three strongest humans along with a teenage shaman and a Valkyrie guide. Billys disposition spoke for itself, and both Zac and Thea were only focused on getting stronger, to put it nicely. More urately, they were both fighting idiots.


    Billy was more than willing to get out of the boring stables and he pushed open the barn doors with a grunt. The group walked outside, but they stopped after only a few meters, realizing the sshouse had disappeared. More importantly, Zac felt a sense of impending doom, like he would die if he didn''t get out of the way.


    The only reason that he didn''t start running was that the feeling was distinctly different from his Danger Sense, like it was a cheap mimicry of the real thing.


    Illusion array, Thea muttered as she looked around with some trepidation. Do you feel the weird sensation of dread as well?


    It might be something to keep beasts away, Emily ventured. Like bug repent.


    "Probably," Thea nodded before she looked into the sky with a slight frown. "The ambient energy is so dense in here, and there is some attunement in it as well."


    Zac needed a bit longer to properly sense the Cosmic Energy, but he could immediately see what she was meaning with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. The whole forest was shrouded in a silvery haze after he activated his ocr skill, and it seemed to radiate down from the moons like light summer rain.


    Should we head toward the closest mountain? The closest one isn''t too far, and we might be able to spot other exits that way, Thea ventured. "It''s either that or keep to the wall."


    "Let''s go to the mountain," Zac eventually said. "The wall looks the same far into the horizon. We will probably learn more if we head a bit further in."


    They immediately set out, this time led by Zac who was using his natural affinity with the forest that came from <strong>[Forester''s Constitution]</strong>. There were asional calls of beasts that reverberated through the forest, and Zac tried to keep them away from any potentially dangerous spot. It was worth remembering that this ce wasn''t like Earth or the Tower of Eternity, and Zac couldn''t help but feel some pressure as he walked through the woods.


    There were no limits here, so the beasts could even be D-Grade for all they knew.


    The fact that the strongest cultivators were just High E-Grade indicated that the beasts weren''t that powerful, and neither did the howls contain that kind of power. But they couldn''t be certain. So Zac''s senses were pushed to their limits as he kept a vigil of the surroundings, and the others looked back and forth as they snuck through dense parts of the undergrowth.


    However, they only had time to advance for fifteen minutes before Zac sensed a hint of killing intent to their left. He looked over with a frown as he hadn''t seen any actual threat, but Thea reacted even quicker as her sword both left and entered its sheath before Zac even had time to summon <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. A thin sapphire de shot out from her weapon, appearing to be a wind de infused with some Dao.


    The wind de contained extremely sharp energy along with a hint of that mysterious force that Bra called Sword Intent. A muffled thud sounded out the next moment, and the group hurried over to see what had been the source of the killing intent.


    It turned out to be a wolf with luxuriant white fur, with a grey marking in its forehead the only exception. It was about asrge as a cow, and seemingly just at the bottleneck of the E-Grade judging by the pressure the carcass emitted.


    "Won''t be too bad if the beasts are just at this level," Zac muttered. "But there could be stronger ones out there as well. Maybe we should-"


    "We can''t back down from seeing just one F-grade beast," Thea interjected. "We''ll never reach the core of this Mystic Realm then. But we need to be careful, if there is one wolf there are definitely more."


    "Billy isn''t afraid of any stupid dogs," Billy muttered as he gripped his club even tighter.


    "Let''s keep going then," Zac said as stowed away the carcass before spreading some corpse-removing powder across the grass to remove the scent of blood.


    The group kept going, moving in a circuitous path toward the mountain ahead. Zac kept his eyes peeled for more wolves, but there were no odd energy movements in the air, nor were there any bloodthirsty howls of a pack on the prowl. A couple of minutester they started to rx again as they closed in on the mountain.


    However, Zac''s eyes widened in shock when hundreds of wolves materialized out of what looked like moonlight, each of them emitting an aura of an E-Grade beast. Not only that, but Zac could tell with one nce that they weren''t some average mutts. They shoulde from some powerful bloodline, as even the weakest E-Grade wolves easily eclipsed the pressure that the Fiend Wolf of the Beast Tides emitted.


    He even sensed a few auras that were a match to his own.


    "Run!" Zac unhesitantly shouted, but he froze upon turning around.


    They were surrounded.


    More and more wolves kept appearing out of thin air and there were thousands of them encircling their small group before they had a chance to react. Zac didn''t know if there were even more of them on the way, but he knew that dealing with just these ones would be difficult enough. They needed to get back to the sshouse before they were overrun.


    None of the wolves had made their move yet, but Zac wasn''t above drawing first blood as a massive fractal de appeared, stretching over a hundred meters and cutting dozens of trees apart from its aura alone. It shimmered in gold and ck, and Zacunched two series of swings at the wolves who blocked their retreat.


    Two wolves, each of them radiating an extremely condensed aura, were ready for the attack though. The marks in their foreheads lit up as the two clouds of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> shot toward their rearguard, and the thousands of wolves immediately released a unified howl. A huge moon appeared above them the next instant, and it drenched the whole battlefield in a silver radiance. The light contained an immense pressure as well, and it immediately forced Emily to her knees.


    The others were able to stand it, though Joanna was visibly pale from the effort.


    More importantly, Zac frowned when he sensed the energies of his strike being continuously whittled down. He tried to counteract the effect by using his recently improvedmand of his Dao, but it felt like he was trying to hold back the tide with his bare hands. By the time the two energies of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> reached the wolves they were all but hollowed-out.


    The familiar scene of the paradisial divide still appeared, but it almost felt like an illusion. A few dozen wolves were cut apart in an instant before one of therger wolves literally bit the image with enough force to rip it apart, but there were more than enough beasts to fill up holes in the ranks.


    The two wolves who towered above the others howled again, and the previously orderly encirclement rippled as over a hundred wolves started rushing toward them.


    "STAY AWAY FROM BILLY''S FRIENDS!" Billy roared as his body started growing, but the growth actually stopped when he reached just four meters.


    His physique had transformed though, his muscles turning inhumanly defined as a golden set of runes spread across his frame like a wildfire. Zac was mostly focused on the iing wolves, but he could swear that the giant even gained at least twenty additional muscles that humans simplycked. Even Billy''s eyes radiated an immense primordial aura as the air exploded around him, and he was among the E-Grade wolves before Zac had a chance to make his next move.


    A coruscating shockwave erupted where billy appeared, and five wolves were turned into paste before he had even swung his club. What followed was a tremendous horizontal swing that caused sixteen wolves to implode, and the whole area shook and heaved as the titan remolded the area with his fury.


    However, these wolves were far from ordinary prey, and a squad led by a grizzled alpha moved to intercept Billy''s advance, and a wave of silver light actually managed to stop the giant''s attack. It looked like the energy of his attack was whittled down just like Zac''s was just a few seconds ago.


    Five wolves appeared out of silver light next to Billy the next moment, but it was as though the giant had eyes in his neck as the series of muscles in his shins generated a furious and instantaneous momentum, which allowed him to spin his club in a 360-degree arc, killing three and maiming another two.


    "Help him carve a way out. I''ll protect our backs," Zac said as he exploded into action as well as a series of fractal des shot out to hopefully cause some damage to the iing beasts.


    However, the incessant moonlight from above was still causing trouble, and the fractal des couldn''t even guarantee a single kill before they were drained and broke apart. It was like the environment itself was fighting against them, and the animals kept getting closer to the exposed backs of his squad. Thea and Joanna were already desperately pushing forward and Emily''s form was in constant motion as she sent out one buff or minor axe strike after another.


    Zac frowned as he saw the iing tide, and his eyes darted at the two leaders who still kept their position on top of a rock in the center of the pack like generals overseeing their army. His wide-scale attacks were restrained by whatever that moon above was doing, so he would need to get closer if he wanted to kill them. But doing so would likely result in the death of at least one person in his squad.


    The fighting only started a few seconds ago, but everyone but Emily already sported wounds. If they also had to deal with the wolvesing from behind they would be overrun in seconds. He needed to thin out the herd a bit before he dealt with the leaders. Using <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> or <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> felt extremely risky as well as long as the moon remained, so he needed toe up with another solution.


    A huge amount of energy surged toward an intricate fractal at the lower end of his spine, and it quickly started to radiate a shocking amount of power.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There hadn''t even been a chance to test the skill out, but Zac saw no option but to active <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>.

 Chapter 583: Overrun

    Chapter 583: Overrun


    A shockwave erupted from Zacs body, causing the closest wolves to be thrown away as their bodies twisted and deformed. Zac wasnt focused on that though, but rather the three-meter halo that had appeared behind him. It was a circle that shone in silver, though the silver of a honed de rather than the moonlight that drowned out the area.


    It was covered in dense scripts, but the true core of the skill was the image in the middle of the halo.


    It was the deceptively unadorned axe that Zac had witnessed in his very first Dao Vision, the weapon of the axe-man who had singlehandedly caused the death of both the divine faction and most likely a whole world. The axe looked almost exactly the same as how Zac remembered it when it was stabbed into the ground next to the endless chasm, and the image infused the halo with an almost blinding sharpness.


    Supremacy, Zac muttered as he started running forward, each step causing cracks to spread for dozens of meters.


    His momentum was rapidly growing as his spectral forest rose around him, giving him perfect vantage of the iing wolves. He realized that there were as many invisible wolves approaching as visible ones, but he didnt worry. The heaviness and sharpness of the halo behind him coursed through his body, and it was ready to be released at moment''s notice.


    Zac swung<strong> [Veruns Bite]</strong> toward the closest clump of wolves when they were just twenty meters away, and pained yowls cut through the incessant roars of the vast wolf pack. The mournful cries were immediately cut short though as a dozen E-Grade wolves were flung away like they were pieces of trash, their bodies mangled almost beyond recognition. The ground itself was crushed and split apart as well, forming a deep chasm that stretched almost fifty meters before the power in Zac''s swing lost its strength.


    That was just the beginning though, as one swing after another started reaping the lives of the vanguard of the wolves, to the point that his killing speed surpassed that of the other threebined. Waves of moonlight drowned him both from above and from the wolves themselves, but this new skill wasn''t as easily worn down as <strong>[Chop]</strong>. The halo was connected to Zac himself and almost impervious to the effect while the strikes were instantaneous, not allowing for the slightest weakening before the damage was already done.


    His targets werent cleanly bisected as they would have been from <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> or the final swing of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, but they rather looked like they had been cut and bludgeoned simultaneously. Wherever Zac turned his attention a wave of carnage would soon follow as long as the halo behind his back remained.


    Each swing of his axe contained not only his own strength, but it also contained a fragment of the boundless conviction and power of the original wielder of the simple woodman''s axe. The blood of the wolves was already dying the whole area red, and a shocking stream of Cosmic Energy was entering Zac''s body from the kill.


    There were simply too many wolves to stop them all from reaching the Thea and the others, so he could only focus on the most powerful-looking squads. The others would be able to deal with the peak F-Grade wolves and their recently evolved brothers, but only Zac could kill the ones who were approaching middle E-Grade quickly enough.


    Five packs was enough to almost open up his next node, and Zac was forced to trap the rest as to not break a node in the middle of the battle. It almost looked like he formed a sanguine cloud that rotated around him as he shed back and forth among the trees, each jump with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> resulting in the death of even more wolves.


    These elite wolves weren''t dumb brutes that simply took Zac''s attacks lying, and his whole body was covered in wounds caused by razor-sharp ws and hundreds of energy-attacks that they couldunch from their foreheads. Their bodies were extremely sturdy as well, and if it wasn''t for the added sharpness of his swings, he would eventually have been overrun by their sheer numbers.


    It was all thanks to his recently acquired skill; <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, the skill in the Dao Repository that was linked to the Strength Attribute. It didn''t conjure a massive weapon like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> or any fantastical sights like <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>. It simply infused his normal swings with the power of the object depicted in the avatar.


    The axe-man in his Dao Vision had almost split a whole world apart with a swing of his axe, but Zac obviously couldn''t quite reach that level with his swings. But it still produced an effect far beyond the destruction he could cause with his most simr skill; <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong>, while also having a slew of other benefits.


    First of all, <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy] </strong>didn''t need to be charged for every attack like the skill he got from Mhal required. The halo did dim down a bit after every attack, but Zac could push more Cosmic Energy into it to reignite its power. The effect also wasn''t limited to an increase in physical strength, but it rather imbued his swings with a mysterious energy based on the avatar, almost like it gained an additional Dao Seed.


    The only downsides to the skill were the high energy consumption and the fact that the skill could be considered a mid-range attack at best since it didn''t actuallyunch any projectiles. The damage caused by Zac''s swings were rather just an outburst of the force contained in his attacks.


    It had been a pretty big disappointment to see that the Endurance-based defensive skill shed with <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, forcing him to give up on getting a new defensive skill now that <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> wasgging behind. However, the fact that the Strength-based skill didnt sh with a single one of his skills felt like a huge windfall. It was the third skill he had picked up, and his only regret was that he couldnt get it in his Draugr side as well.


    The skill was simple and direct, just how Zac liked it. He was only was able to infuse it with his Fragment of the Axe at the moment, but some Dao limitations werent that umon with early proficiency skills.


    The fact that the picture within the halo looked just like the axe in his Dao Vision obviously wasnt a coincidence, but the skill actually had no connection to that axe-wielding master at all. <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> was rather a nk te, where you could create your own avatar of supremacy.


    The image was interchangeable, and it could be different every time the skill was activated. However, the better the image resonated with your current intent, the more power it would provide, albeit at a higher energy-consumption.


    Zac chose the image based on that Dao Vision as it still held a huge position in his heart, and his thoughts often wandered back to the scene of that man''s battle against the celestials and the gates of heaven. He had witnessed even more shocking sights and even more powerful beings since then, for example the Grand Protector who defended his world against the death of a universe. But the axe-man was the first true supreme being Zac had seen, a testament of what was possible in this new world.


    There was probably no avatar that was as defining of Zac''s cultivation path as that lone axe, making it the optimal choice for an avatar. Choosing other avatars might bring out all kinds of interesting effects, but he needed every advantage he could eke out at the moment.


    Another horizontal swing resulted in a wave of destruction rippling outward, but a solid silver crescent flew out to intercept the attack. It was one of the leading wolves who hadunched some sort of attack from its forehead, and Zac nced at it with a frown. He tried another few attacks, but the wolves had caught on by now as they spread out.


    <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy] </strong>was able to boost the power of his attacks by a great degree, but its range was limited to around fifty meters, and it weakened the further away from Zac the strike was. He was forced to keep running back and forth, but each swing only managed to take out a couple of wolves after they started to adapt.


    He was still keeping a decent pace, and the Cosmic Energy gathered in his body was starting to reach almost ufortable levels, but he knew that the situation wasn''t really sustainable. Each swing empowered by his new skill cost a decent chunk of Cosmic Energy, even more than a dozen <strong>[Chop]</strong>''s. That was fine when he killed over twenty powerful wolves with one strike, but he was killing fewer than five with each attack right now.


    Zac appeared next to another elite wolf, and it bit straight at his throat the moment he appeared. Zac was ready for the attack thanks to <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> though, and he simply pivoted his body a bit as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> fell, cutting both its spine and lungs apart as a heavy wave of sharpness swallowed another three wolves before they had time to jump away.


    Another surge of energy entered his body, and he was starting to feel bloated. However, his mind wasn''t on slowing down his killing, but rather the opposite. He needed to change the current situation somehow. The moon in the sky was able to whittle down any long-range attacks from the looks of it, forcing both him and the others into a melee against the beasts.


    The moon itself was hundreds of meters in the air, and there was no way for Zac to break it apart. He tried shing toward the two leaders in an attempt to take them out, but two massive lunar crescents forced him into a defensive stance as the other wolves heedlessly started rushing toward the others.


    He could only scramble back to protect the rear of the others, unable to leave as much as a flesh wound on the two alphas.


    Zac growled in annoyance as he crushed the head of the closest wolf, and he was even considering taking out the cursed de to deal with the moon above him. The curse that he just had managed to expel was a troubling hidden threat, but he didn''t have a lot of options at the moment. He tried shooting a few fractal des toward the sky, but the pressure that the moon emitted was clearly stronger the closer the des got.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A sigh escaped his lips as he took out the rotting sword, but he froze when a sudden thud echoed out from his chest. The closest wolves staggered backward with bleeding ears, but Zac wasn''t all that much better off as he stumbled to his knees. Another thud caused a wave of weakness to spread across his body, and he sensed how his umted energy was rapidly being stolen.


    The <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had finally woken up, and it was hungry.


    The wolves clearly saw an opportunity when Zac fell down on his knees, but a sapphire sheen cut apart the two closest nearby wolves as Thea suddenly appeared next to him.


    "Are you okay?" she shouted as she desperately fended off the elite wolves that were going in for the kill.


    A wave of destruction rippled out to clear the area as Zac swung his axe from a kneeling position, but another heartbeat made him lose his bnce causing him to fall over. Even worse, he sensed that the hidden node was still voraciously hungry, and Zac was afraid that it would start feasting on his own Cosmic Energy if he didn''t quickly kill some more beasts.


    Can you create an opening on the big ones? I might be able to take one out then, Thea whispered as she helped Zac to his feet.


    Zac wordlessly nodded as he looked at the two wolves in the distance. Creating an opening didn''t only mean to upy the two big bastards, but it meant also dealing with a huge number of the more powerful that was barring the path. He looked down at the tattered sword for a second, but he decidedly put it away.


    The white arc that the sword produced was extremely powerful, but it wasn''t that fast. He was afraid that the moonlight would have whittled it down before it even had a chance to pick up its pace, which would ce a curse on him for nothing. More importantly, the cursed sword was considered an external tool, and kills with the weapon wouldn''t count as his kills. Normally that wouldn''t matter, but his hidden node was screaming for sustenance. <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>was also a risky move, and something he wanted to save forter if possible.


    Finally, there was only one thing that he could think of, and <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>slithered across his body as it fastened itself to his back. He hadnt expected to waste any of the long-cooldown skills of his Spirit Tool at this juncture, but he saw no better option. He had one remaining card that might work even in these conditions, and it might even be able to destroy the foundations of the moon itself.


    He needed to activate <strong>[Fate''s Obduracy]</strong>.

 Chapter 584: Storm Surge

    Chapter 584: Storm Surge


    The offensive skill of his Spirit Tool was extremely powerful, and it even had the unique feature of bing stronger by being damaged. The moon would only assist him by forcing the chains to break and split apart like a hydra, and kills by his bound weapon obviously counted as his own. It was an attack of massive proportions as well, to the point that it might even destabilize the moon in the sky, killing two birds with one stone.


    It was clear that the two leaders didnt conjure the enormous moon by themselves. It was continuously bolstered by hundreds of streams of energying from the whole pack. The moon had already grown a bit dimmer from the mounting death tally, and Zac hoped there would be a critical point where the skill failed.


    The two fractal lines on the lid lit up as the four chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> shot forward, and an eerie rattling sound echoed across the area as the fractals turned into two new chains wrought by pure darkness. A discordant sizzling sound immediately entered Zac''s ears as the moonlight started to break them apart, but Zac breathed out in relief when he saw that two chains turned into four as a result. Waves of silver light erupted from the wolves as well, and they mmed into the iing chains to dispel the attack. But the result was simply even more chains.


    Thest time Zac used this skill he had focused it all on a small clump of targets, but this time he spread the wide. Most of the chains flew in the direction of the leaders to clear out all the beasts that were in the way, while the remainder turned in a parabolic ark in the opposite direction to assist his beleaguered squad. Billy was fighting valiantly, but his chest rose and fell like two bellows as sweat streamed down his face.


    He was maintaining a speed that even Zac would have trouble matching, and Zac guessed it was the skill he had learned in the Inheritance. There was no way that such a powerful technique didnt have a downside though, and Zac guessed that its energy consumption was immense. Billy was still not even peak F-Grade, and he wouldnt be able to keep going indefinitely.


    One wolf after another was gored by the chains, and the two leaders finally lost their patience as they roared in anger, each of them swiping at the chains from their position. A series of lunar des shot out from their ws, and the air itself was ripped apart as they flew forward.


    The chains of <strong>[Fates Obduracy]</strong> was no match from thebined attacks of what no doubt were two middle E-Grade beasts with powerful bloodlines. But that was just what Zac hoped to see as the chains rapidly multiplied, instantly turning into a sea of links that caused havoc across the battlefield.


    A terrifying surge of Cosmic Energy soared into his body, almost immediately eclipsing what Zac could bear. But the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had turned into a ck hole, unceasingly swallowing more and more pure Cosmic Energy. It was the exact opposite of how it usually worked which was a bit concerning, but Zac figured that it was better than releasing it out into the atmosphere.


    Over two hundred E-Grade wolves had died from one single attack, and it was still going strong. This was no doubt Zacsrgest harvest ever, and it had significantly lessened the pressure of the moon above. One of the leaders seemed to have entered a state of madness after witnessing the sea of corpses, and it could no longer hold back as it jumped forward, releasing a frenzied barrage of attacks on the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    Its whole body shone with lunar light, and the extremely durable links were like dried wood in front of its all-out offensive. The chains kept splitting and rejoining the fight, but they were steadily pushed back. Zac tried to cause as much damage to the wolf as possible, but he only managed to cause some minor wounds.


    However, that was fine with Zac as he intentionally retreated the chains further and further back, and he had soon created a distance of hundreds of meters between the two alpha wolves. The second leader seemed a lot more coolheaded, and it roared a warning to itspanion. Only then did the leader seem to cool down a bit, but Zac had already achieved his purpose.


    The wolves in the way were dead, and the leader was alone. It was just in time as well as the see chains had reached a breaking-point after taking on the whole wolf pack for half a minute, and all but four chains shattered and dissipated in an instant. It left a slightly wounded and disoriented wolf among a sea of corpses.


    However, the Chains didnt even have time topletely dispel before another form appeared right above the alpha wolf. It was Thea, and both her palms were pointed straight at the back of the wolfs head as terrifying energies surged around her body. The wolf was in a frenzied state, but its reactions were on point.


    It immediately lit up with lunar light as it tried to jump away, but four chains had unknowingly snaked around its legs, rooting it in ce. It was the true chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, and Zac had snuck them next to the wolf among the skill heunched. The chains cracked in an instant from the pressure that the wolf emitted, but a fraction of a second was all that was needed.


    A beam of pure energy that made Zacs hair stand on end mmed into the back of the alpha wolf''s head before it had a chance to dodge, and Zac almost lost his footing as the beam passed straight through the skull and mmed into the ground with barely any loss of power. It was the very same skill that Thea had tried using against Inevitability during the hunt, but this time it was not only far more powerful, but it was also performed point-nk.


    However, Thea wasnt unscathed either, and her eyes rolled up in her head as she fell down on the ground after releasing the beam of destruction.


    The concentrated power was perhaps only matched by Zacs final strike of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, but it took everything of Thea tounch it. The other alpha wolf howled with rage and jumped off from the rock as well, but Zac''s reaction was even quicker. He appeared next to the unmoving form of Thea and scooped her up before a barrage of attacks had a chance to kill her.


    Such speed would have been impossible a second ago, but thebination of Zacs widespread killing and Thea assassinating one of the leaders was enough to break the moon lording in the sky. It dissipated into a cloud of chaotic energies that slowly started to dissipate.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The remaining wolves were utterly infuriated by seeing their leader getting killed, but they still maintained their distance. Zac wasnt clear whether it was because they hadnt received any orders from the infuriated alpha, or if it was because of the hundreds of corpses that surrounded Zacs position.


    But the air was almost vibrating by the incessant howls that came from every direction. There was a ruthless bloodlust in them, to the point that it was palpable. Theirbined fury had essentially be a mental attack that caused even Zac to feel some shudders in his mind. And if he was in that state, then there was no need to exin the state of the others.


    Thea woke up after just a second, but her face was pallid and her hands were shaking badly.


    Billy! I need you to help the others! Take them and run back where we came from! Ill hold the rest off and lead them away from you. Can you do it? Zac said as he startedunching a barrage of fractal des at the wolves.


    Without the moon protecting them <strong>[Chop]</strong> once more had a decent lethality, but that was just to a certain point. They still had only killed off less than 30 percent of the whole pack, and each fractal de only managed to kill a few of beasts before they lost their strength. Cutting through powerful E-Grade beasts took a lot of energy, and <strong>[Chop]</strong> could only contain so much being an F-Grade skill.


    These wolves were still a lot sturdier than most things Zac had encountered in the Tower of Eternity, and it probably wasnt a coincidence.


    In fact, they reminded Zac more of Verun than any wolves he had seen thus far. They weren''t simr in appearance, but rather the primal aura they emitted. Zac could only guess that it wasnt a coincidence that these beasts were brought here. They were most likely former subjects for experimentation just like the groups of cultivators stuck in the research base.


    Billy will save them! Then Billy wille back and save you too! the giant shouted before he gently scooped up an unconscious Emily in his free arm.


    The teenager had constantly infused the others, including Zac, with buffs while also providing Cosmic Energy through her dance. But all of them were peak fighters with a lot of titles while Emily was just level 50. She had already overtaxed herself to the point she fell unconscious, with Joanna standing vigil over her.


    Joanna herself wasnt much better of as she was barely keeping upright with the help of her spear. Billy simply picked her up by thepel of her battlesuit and threw her across one of his shoulders. Billy was about to do the same with Thea as well, but she shook her head as she steadied her steps.


    I can walk by myself, Thea said before she turned to Zac. Im sorry. I keep letting you down.


    What are you talking about, things would have been a lot worse if you didnt take out the big guy, Zac said. Dont worry, Ill be fine now that the moon is gone. This might be an opportunity for me. Youve already got your levels. Ill join you guys a bitter.


    That kill pushed me all the way to level 75. Next time I wont be a burden, Thea said, and she led Billy away.


    A group of wolves suddenly appeared out of nowhere to intercept them, but a blinding blue sh lit up the surroundings before they simply fell apart. Thea stumbled as blood poured down her ears, and she looked like she was teetering on the brink of copse. However, she somehow managed to steady herself and start running, allowing Zac to finally breathe out in relief.


    Unfortunately, the relief was short-lived as over a hundred of the wolves split off from the main pack while the elites kept Zac busy. Thea was barely standing by this point, and Billy was carrying Joanna and Emily. There was no way theyd be able to fend off such a squad.


    Zac growled in annoyance as he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, and sharp pain spread across his body. He initially didnt want to use this skill while still dealing with some lingering effects of using the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>. However, he was out of options and he needed to kill a lot of wolves quickly.


    The fractal edge attached to his axe grew over 100 meters and gained a golden sheen. <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> had finallye off cooldown from his first attempt, and now was as good as time as any to use it. However, he didnt shootunch his massive fractal edge at the hundreds of wolves that went for Billy, but rather toward the elites that were blocking his path.


    His new skill was powerful, but the hides of these wolves were far too durable, and it wouldnt be able to take out all of them in one go.


    That was not to say that he had abandoned his allies. Massive amounts of Cosmic Energy was already surging into his left forearm as heunched two swings toward the elite wolves with enough speed to turn his arm into a blur. The wolves shot out a barrage of crescent moons to stop the clouds, but <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> wasnt possible to stop that way.


    The alpha moved to intercept as well, but it was too slow. The hulking wolves were first covered in ayer of gold which was immediately followed by the darkness of the abyss. Zac didnt bother looking at the result, confident in the fact that most of the wolves should die from that attack. He instead activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> shing right past the spatial divide.


    He was more worried about the pack of wolves that were rapidly closing in on his allies. They thankfully didnt get far before a massive hand appeared in the air above them, and most of them were pushed down on their stomachs from the terrifying pressure it emitted thanks to <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> and the Fragment of the Bodhi.


    It was finally Zac''s who restrained the wolves, rather than the other side around.


    A shocking amount of water spilled out the fractal the next moment, drowning the whole area in water. A lot of wolves were crushed to death by the endless deluge while the survivors were swept up in a tsunami that started leveling this whole sector of the forest.


    The water punishment wasnt as deadly as the wooden one, but it was able to cause more widespread chaos. He had essentially poured half ake on top of the leader of the Underworld Golem Incursion, and this time there was nova to immediately turn the endless amount of water into steam.


    A mighty howl reverberated through the air, and Zac frowned when he knew that the Alpha Wolf had made his move. This was only further evidenced by the fact that the whole area was drowned in a cold white luster. It was almost like the world had be monochrome, and Zac quickly turned back toward the alpha just in time to see an enormous beam shoot past him, aiming straight for the array in the sky.


    Zac wanted to stop it, but there was no time. The speed of the beam was almost instantaneous, and it mmed into the emerald array the next moment. Zacs grunted and staggered a step backward as the array cracked. Even the hand was pierced by the light, and Zac was forced to immediately discard the skill.


    Billy and Thea had already managed to flee by this point, but Zac knew his job was not over as he turned toward the remaining leader and the hundreds of wolves who were still standing.

 Chapter 585: Alpha

    Chapter 585: Alpha


    The burning embers of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage] </strong>kept Zac standing through the fric absorption from his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>as scores of wolves were drowned or crushed by <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> before the manmade cmity was ended prematurely. Each thump from the Hidden Node caused a bout of dizziness, but Zac forced his mind to focus as he gazed at the remaining wolves.


    As for the wolves that had been swept away by the tsunami, he didn''t really care. Almost half of them had died judging by the streams of energy that still entered his body, and the survivors shouldn''t be in any state to cause any more trouble. Billy and Thea were long out of sight, and Zac felt a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulder. He just needed to keep these rabid bastards at bay for a bit longer before he could retreat as well.


    However, he would only escape if he really ran out of options, especially after having activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>. He really didnt want to stop while his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> still absorbed energy. Something important was definitely happening inside the Node, and Zac didn''t want to ruin it at this juncture.


    It might be evolving, or it might be fusing it with the extremely pure Dao Energy of the Tribtion lightning to create something amazing.


    Besides, Zac still had some cards up his sleeve, though the same could obviously be said about the Alpha. A gibbous moon had appeared a hundred meters above its head, and it was no doubt the source of the earlier beam. The moon was different than the earlier one though, as a single look with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> indicated that it didn''t draw any energy from the other wolves. Zac didn''t feel any restrictions either, which hopefully meant that the moon wouldn''t be able to whittle down hisrge-scale attacks.


    The new moon might have beencking some functionality, but it clearly had some other abilities to make up for it. Its luster gradually increased in intensity as the alpha howled, and Zac guessed that another beam was iing. His mind raced as he tried to think of a solution. Thest attack was just too fast, and he wasnt confident in countering its speed. The second skill of <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>would no doubt be able to block it, but he had already wasted one of his aces for this fight.


    It took a lot of resources and time to light up the two fractals of <strong>[Fate''s Obduracy] </strong>after using it against the cultists, and he wasn''t sure he''d be able to restore the skill again before he met his real enemies. He couldn''t waste limited skills like his bronze spark or <strong>[Death''s Embrace]</strong> against these wolves, as it was just a chance encounter with the wildlife.


    Thankfully there were some other options avable now that the whole battlefield wasn''t locked down.


    Zac''s arm strained as a massive axe appeared above his head, and the first swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> wasunched the moment that the second pulse of the moon shot toward him. The wave of destruction and the beam of lunar light shed in the air between the two, and Zacs brows scrunched when he actually couldnt cut through the moonlight.


    It was rather the beam that crushed his cutting wave, though it lost almost all its strength doing so. The rest was quickly dispersed by a swing of Zacs axe. The moon itself dimmed considerably as well, and it shrunk from a gibbous moon to a half-moon. That no doubt meant that the conjuration had more charges in store. But so did Zac.


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    The Infernal Axe appeared while the shockwaves of the first sh had yet to ebb, and Zac immediatelyunched it toward the wolf pack. If the Axe of Felling barely fell short, then the second swing should get the trick done. Better yet, it appeared as though the moon needed a few more seconds to charge up its next attack. It gave Zac time to create some wholesale ughter in the meantime.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A rippling wave of mes crashed toward the wolves, and there finally was a primal fear deep within their eyes. Not even the drowned shrubbery in the surroundings was spared as they were incinerated the moment the Infernal Axe crossed their path.


    The alpha was obviously far smarter than a regr beast, and it seemed to understand that its pack was in a bad spot. It released another keening howl into the sky, and the scores of wolves around it quickly followed suit as their bodies started to radiate lunar light.


    Zacs brows first scrunched at the scene, but his confusion was quickly reced with shock as the howling wolves turned into pure light that was swallowed by the moon. Each infusion increased its luster by a noticeable degree, clearly cutting down on the time the skill needed to attack again. Zac couldn''t believe what he was seeing.


    Not only had the wolves activated what essentially was a War Array before, but they were even able to coordinate some sort of sacrificial skill now. The half-moon released a blinding wave of light the next moment, this time a widespread radiance that was a match to the iing wildfire in width.


    Fiery gouts and white shes turned the battlefield into a blinding hellscape, and Zac was forced to close his eyes from the intensity. However, <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> was still active, allowing him to narrowly dodge a series of errant sts of chaotic energies. Arge number of the wolves weren''t as lucky, and yet another dense stream of Cosmic Energy was gobbled up by the Hidden Node.


    Thest round of energy seemed to finally have satiated the <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>though, and Zac could finally breathe out in relief as the incessant beating stopped. However, the fact that the node didn''t seem to demand any more energy wouldn''t stop Zac from releasing the final axe. Thest alpha wolf was looking a bit worse for the wear, and it couldn''t have too much energy left after unleashing these powerful attacks.


    If Zac could kill it along with ast batch of elites then he would get a round of energy just for himself, and it would definitely be enough for him to gain another level. Perhaps even two levels depending on how much the alpha provided. That would put him at level 85, and it wasn''tpletely unheard of to gain some sort of ss quest at that point. Most got their second quests at level 90, but it wasn''t an iron-d rule.


    The ominous Axe of Destion took shape above his head even before the chaotic energies of the battlefield had abated, and his arm strained as he begun the third and final swing. However, an extremely scary stream of almost impossibly condensed energies was suddenly spat out of the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, and it started to rampage through Zac''s body as though it was looking for something.


    It felt like a stream ofva was burrowing through his body, and Zac waspletely unable to maintain the skill because of the pain. A small gust of the ashen destion shot out toward the wolves, but it was a far cry from the true power of the final swing of <strong>[Deforestation]. </strong>The alpha wolf quickly noticed Zac''s wretched state as he was lying on the ground spasming, and its eyes lit up as the remaining crescent moon actually shot straight toward him like a projectile.


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    I think I need some help buddy, Zac croaked as he looked at the army of remaining wolves.


    An infuriated howl immediately answered in his mind, and Verun appeared next to him in all its splendor. Its eyes were immediately trained on the iing crescent, and bloodlust shone in its eyes. It released another mighty roar, this time for real rather than in Zacs head, and the forest shook from the power it contained.


    The red streaks across Verun''s hide shone with a sanguine luster as its mane danced in the wind. Swirls of blood floated around its paws, and Zac felt as though he was looking at a sea of death when gazing at the streams. The crescent was almost upon them, but Zac didn''t worry even if he was barely able to remain conscious. His Tool Spirit emitted a haughty confidence even in front of the iing attack.


    Verun actually sent out a crescent of its own the next moment, a massive arc of condensed blood. It shed with the Crescent Moon the next moment, but there was no explosion or shockwave. The blood was liquid, and it actually swallowed the moon whole as it continued its trajectory. The blood crescent quickly destabilized though, exploding into cascading streams of silvery blood that maimed any wolf it hit.


    The Tool Spirit was clearly the one with the advantage, but Verun actually seemed enraged that it didn''t manage to hit the alpha wolf with its attack. It turned into a stream of sanguine energy as it shed forward, heading straight for the core of the pack. A few wolves tried to block Verun''s path, but they were quickly turned into dried husks that fell to the ground, causing Zac to be beset by another wave of Cosmic Energy.


    A bloodthirsty aura exploded out from the alpha once more as it ran toward the Tool Spirit, and its eyes had turned into two silver moons.


    A storm of red and silver erupted in middle of the pack as the two beasts fought for supremacy. Zac himself wanted to help, but he was in no state to even move. He could only make himself as inconspicuous as possible as he hid behind the carcasses of a couple of wolves, spectating the battle from his hidden spot.


    Most of his concentration was still aimed at the situation inside his body though, and he was starting to worry when he saw that the stream actually had glommed onto his <strong>[Axe Mastery] </strong>skill fractal. That skill wasn''t all that important to him any longer, so losing it wouldn''t be the end of the world. But if that odd stream of energy could destroy one skill, then it could destroy another.


    A massive outburst of power forced Zac out of spiritual sight though, just in time to see Verun bite down on the alpha wolf''s neck with its oversized maw. Bothbatants sported a series of wounds, but the wolf was clearly worse off. Not one of the other beasts helped their leader though, and they just stood rooted in ce as Verun started fling his head back and forth until it managed to rip off most of the wolf''s neck.


    Blood poured out of the dying alpha wolf like a fountain, but it was quickly absorbed by Verun as the Tool Spirit roared victoriously toward the sky. Zac waspletely inundated with Cosmic Energy as well a secondter, to the point that he almost forgot the pain he was in. He was about to force himself back on his feet in case the wolf pack went berserk, but his eyes widened when he saw that the sea of wolvesy down on the ground in an act of submission, their heads pointing toward Verun.


    Zac couldnt believe what he was seeing. Had these wolves actually epted Verun as the new alpha after it killed the old one? A few of the more powerful wolves seemed to share Zacs skepticism though, and they jumped the Tool Spirit as one. However, Verun had turned the far more powerful alpha wolf into a bloody mess, so how could these upstarts match its might?


    They were ruthlessly ughtered in seconds, and soon there was not a single wolf who dared to lifts its head. Zac hesitated for a second before he started to make his way toward Verun who still proudly stood on the hill overlooking its new subjects. His movement was immediately discovered, and dozens of wolves seemed ready to pounce.


    However, a snarl from Verun stopped them in their tracks, but Zac could see that they barely were able to restrain themselves. The instinct of these animals was extremely strong, to the point that their muscles shuddered as they kept themselves at bay. Zac knew that just a hasty movement would be enough to set them off, no matter how much Verun ordered against it.


    It was a shame as thoughts of domestication had entered his mind when he saw the situation unfold. Who would say no to a powerful pack of E-Grade wolves who could do their bidding? Having them would be far more effective than the Barghest who had essentially turned into training fodder for the young cultivators of Port Atwood.


    His only hope was that the wolves were overly excited from the battle and all the blood, and that they would be easier to domesticate after things calmed down.


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    Good Job, Zac smiled as he patted the Tool Spirit, not caring at all about his hand being drenched in blood of the alpha wolf. Do you think you can keep these guys under contr-


    He didnt get any further though as the sound of a tremendous heartbeat rippled out from his body. Verun yowled in surprise and took a step back, and the nearest wolves seemed to have been physically impacted from it as blood started pouring out of their mouths and ears.


    Zac himself was shocked to see that the terrifying stream of energy of before was just the first half, and second part had just been expelled from the Hidden Node. He was barely standing upright with the original force in his body, and he felt the same sort of despair now as when he saw the Tribtion Lightninging for him.


    This was too much for him to handle.


    Protect me, Zac only had time to say before his Hidden Node beat again, causing the two streams to join up and m into his soul.

 Chapter 586: Delayed Gratification

    Chapter 586: Dyed Gratification


    The Bodhi had stood like a beacon in the arid bands for centuries, its vitality in a constant struggle against the destion around it. With each turn of the seasons it was buffeted by the anguish of a dying world, but the onught only served to temper the purity of its conviction. The inscriptions on the golden leaves contained deeper truths every year, and its intention was clear; to bring life to this sea of suffering.


    Another century passed before a wind picked up pace among the lifeless ciers in the far east, and it met no resistance by the t steppes as it pushed forward. The leaves of the Bodhi was once again dancing with delight from the ethereal caress, and a song of nature echoed throughout the bands. The promation of the Holy Sangha was hidden among the leaves, constantly consecrating its surroundings.


    The world had been on the brink of death for untold ages, but life always finds a way. A stalk of grass pushed through parched dirt, heralding the new era.


    A hundred hooded beings walked forward between the Fallen Hills, each step bringing forth the rattling of chains and ttering of bones. The sun was high in the sky, sting an ufortable warmth that was rapidly dispelling the soothing haze. Now and then a protector would emerge from his grave and charge at the procession, but their oath kept them bound them to their graves. They finally reached their target, the Nameless Mountain.


    The hooded beings knelt in obeisance, keeping in check their desire to gaze upon the Holy Coffin. The coffin in question was the only interment on the whole mountain, as nothing could encroach on its domain. One day the ck coffin had simply appeared there, and to this day no one had been able to figure out its origin. They didnt even know who, or what was inside.


    But they knew it was powerful, akin to a god.


    A thud echoed out from the coffin, a thud that made the whole clergy shake with excitement. The coffin had answered their call, meaning that their plight was over. A small crack opened in the chained-up coffin, and an endless tide of darkness and pestilence surged toward the sky to meet the punishing rays of the sun.


    The whole world was covered in darkness a secondter, and thend was once more at peace. The clergymen once more performed the rites of obeisance before they rose to their feet. The junior acolyte finally couldnt help himself as they started making their way out of the holy hills, and the skeleton snuck a nce at the peak of the mountain.


    The coffin silently hung from its chains from the branch of a pitch-ck tree, behind it a faltering sun; That was thest thing the novice Necromancer ever saw.


    Zac finally remembered himself after being awash in the two visions, but his spiritual journey wasn''t over there. He was shown one scene after another, not all of them from his own memories.


    Many of the visions were all-too-familiar, each bringing with them a painful memory. They showcased his struggles and desperate battles, from the barghest who had found his campsite to the wolves who had surrendered just seconds ago. There were also visions of strangends, of weird objects containing terrifying amounts of wild energies. They all beckoned to Zac, urging him to conquer the opposition and im them as his price.


    The visions were so quick that they almost turned to a blur, but he did notice one odd detail. In every single scene there was one constant; the Stele of Conflict he had conjured during his climb. Sometimes it was ced right next to the action, and other times it was discretely ced in the background.


    But it was always there.


    Zac tried to make sense of the scenes, but something was just out of his grasp. He was instead swept up by the heat of the battles he witnessed, and it almost felt like he had eaten another berserking treasure as he saw one scene of bloodshed after another. Something was growing inside him. Each kill was another building block, each battle setting the foundation. He was building a bridge toward the Heavens with the corpses of his enemies.


    The scenes were suddenly ripped apart by a shocking sh of blue lightning, throwing him into one final vision.


    A cracked dome floated in space, an impossiblyrge structure broken and scorched beyond repair. An infants cry echoed out toward the vast beyond, but it was overpowered by the roar of an endless sea of lightning. It should have ended then and there, but a hand pushed through Heavens Wrath and brought him away, ignoring the sizzling sounds of molten flesh and metal.


    Darkness.


    Only a then did Zac find himself back in his own body, and he took a ragged breath as he opened his eyes. Most of the wolves were gone, but a few new carcasses were strewn around him as Verun stood in vigil next to him. The streams of blood around its feet were mostly gone by this point though, meaning that the Tool Spirit was running out of time.


    However, Zac sensed that he would be able to keep Verun around for a few minutes longer as long as it didn''t need to expend a bunch of energy fighting. Seeing that he was safe for the moment Zac breathed out in relief before his mind turned to the scenes he had just witnessed. Thest thing he remembered was the stream of power rushing straight for his mind, and then he was swept up in a series of visions.


    He was curious about his status screen, but the state of his body took precedence. Zac had seen how his skill was attacked earlier by the initial stream of energy, and he definitely felt that something was differentpared to before, prompting him to turn his sight inward. The moment he activated his spiritual sight Zac realized that drastic changes had taken ce, though he couldnt understand what the significance of the change was.


    First of all, all three Skill Fractals that came with a Dao Vision had changed, not only <strong>[Axe Mastery]</strong>. The other two skills, <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> and <strong>[Bulwark Mastery]</strong> were transformed as well. Their fractals had looked like an axe, a tree, and a shield respectively, but they had now looked like abstract skill fractals just like all the others.


    Intuition fueled by <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> told Zac that it wasnt an upgrade, but neither was it a devolution. The change probably came from the second difference that Zac spotted a secondter. He could make out three objects in the middle of his soul.


    His soul had looked like a slightly murky ss ball in his mind until now, with scars and lines crossing its surface. The cage for the remnants was hidden in a subspace of its own so it wasn''t directly visible, but now actual objects were moving about in his mind.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In the absolute middle of his mind Zac actually saw himself, or a rather a small spiritual avatar in his likeness. He was holding <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in his hand and he kept swinging it as he dodged and pivoted in ce. It looked like the small spirit-copy was fighting an endless number of invisible enemies, and the constant battle was generating some sort of power that Zac could sense hidden within the avatar.


    Pure streams of the Dao from the surroundings were steadily entering the avatar''s body as well, like his miniature self was a ck hole.


    The energies didnte from his soul though, but rather the two other objects that were slowly orbiting his avatar. The first of them was the chained coffin hovering from the branch of a dead tree with a dying sun serving as its backdrop. The scene looked almost exactly like his vision earlier, and half of the energy that his avatar was absorbing was the deathly haze that escaped from within the coffin.


    The final addition was unsurprisingly the Bodhi Tree that he had witnessed in two Dao Visions by now. Its canopy formed an almost perfect circle, and the leaves continuously radiated golden energy that slowly drifted toward avatar Zac. The energies of the two apparitions continuously shed as they formed a ck-and-gold neb that swiveled around the avatar until they were swallowed.


    It was obviously his three Dao Fragments given form, and Zac started to understand what was going on as he looked upon the scene. This was an actual embryonic representation of his cultivation path where the core of his Daos had moved from Skill fractals to his Soul. It seemed a lot more logicalpared to before, though he didnt know if there were any real benefits of the change.


    The odd thing was that neither Ogras nor anyone else on Port Atwood had never mentioned anything like this. Zac had even asked if problems could arise when upgrading the skills or his Daos, but Ogras seemed to be of the understanding that it didnt matter. The fractal would upgrade to a better form that could keep housing the Dao ording to the demon.


    The first reason for the change Zac could think of was the fact that he had taken the first steps toward a proper path worthy of an Arcane ss. It wouldnt be too surprising if Ogras didnt know about that change, as Arcane sses simply didnt exist on his homeworld. Zac figured that the change could only be good if that was the case.


    There might be hidden benefits of changing things up this way or even hidden pitfalls of keeping ones Daos inside the Skill fractals.


    However, what confused Zac a bit was where those energies were going. All three apparitions were steadily generating pure Dao, but it was all swallowed by the avatar. Zac tried to magnify the scene as much as he could until he suddenly froze in shock. He didn''t hesitate this time as he took out what looked like a piece of coal, and he crammed it into his mouth like he was starving.


    A prickling sensation spread through his body the next moment, like every cell in his body was undergoing some sort of acupuncture. Afortable heat was also starting to umte in his spine. He was neither undergoing another round of tempering or acupuncture though, but he had rather eaten the <strong>[Bloodline Marrow] </strong>because of what he sensed inside his avatar.


    It was his second Hidden Node, nestled in the head of his spiritual avatar.


    Zac had spotted this node a few times by now, but thetest burst of energy had almostpletely opened it. He could feel that it was just on the verge of breaking open, but the burst from before wasn''t quite enough to get the job done, causing it to slowly close again. The Dao Energies were trying to keep it open, but it was a losing battle.


    He had saved the marrow all this time in hopes of using it to awaken his bloodline, but he couldn''t give up on this opportunity. Breaking open Hidden Nodes were far more difficult than nurturing one''s bloodline, and if his marrow could take him the final stretch it would definitely be worth it. Zac thought of eating the spiritual <strong>[Four Gates Pill]</strong> as well, but he soon decided against it.


    There was nothing that actually indicated that the pill would be able to help with Hidden Nodes, and his body was already chock-full of Cosmic Energy thanks to Verun''s onught. Besides, he had already decided to eat it before reaching the core for a burst of levels in case he still hadn''t gained enough power-ups by then.


    This was no time to get distracted though, and he stopped the energy from the marrow from burrowing into his bones, instead directing it toward his mind. He guessed that the <strong>[Bloodline Marrow]</strong> was trying to activate his bloodline, but he didn''t change his mind as he staunchly pushed all of the energy into his spiritual avatar instead.


    More and more power was crammed into the node hidden within his spiritual self until a ripple spread out from his be. It was his second Hidden Node that had properly been broken open, and Zac felt his mental energy surge and spread out like never before. For a moment he felt connected with everything in the universe, where he was one with the Dao. But he lost the fantastical feeling as soon as he gained it, and Zac''s mind was once again whisked away to yet another vision.


    He was once more sitting next to his mysterious ancestor, hurtling through the vast space on top of a meteor.

 Chapter 587: Pathstrider

    Chapter 587: Pathstrider


    It almost felt like Zac had never left the solitary rock hurtling through the boundless expanse. He felt the heat of the drained sun on his back, and the surface of the meteor was still illuminated by its rays. He soon realized that the meteor wasn''t as simple as it seemed though as space and time seemed to bend to its will. It kept running into one energy-dense object after another at a rapid pace, the vast distances of outer space made inconsequential.


    Everything from stars to mysterious meteors was sucked dry by the cultivator, turning him into a wandering cmity. But the world suddenly shuddered as the meteor was forced to a stop in the middle of nowhere, and Zac spotted a man standing in the void. He radiated terrifying killing intent, and he looked at the unmoving man on top of the meteor with greed in his eyes.


    The man said something as a sword materialized in his hand, but Zac couldn''t make out any sound at all. However, the sword alone spoke volumes, and its sharpness immediately forced Zac to look away. Zacs still couldnt see the features of his presumed ancestor from his vantage, but it looked like he didnt care all too much about the man who barred their path.


    The ancestor didnt summon a weapon of his own, but he rather just pointed at the swordmaster with his left hand. Zac felt the world was ending the next moment as both space and time were ripped apart. An area spanning millions of kilometers was caught up in the storm of annihtion, and not even the vacuum of the void was unscathed.


    Zac could somewhat spot the swordmaster struggling within the torrent for a few seconds, but he was soon drowned and obliterated. Neither his body nor his treasure sword survived, and the whole sector of space still hadn''t restored its spatial integrity by the time the meteor started moving again.


    The vision started to fade as soon as the ''battle'' ended, but it still reyed over and over in Zac''s mind.


    There was one thing that Zac was certain of; the attack hadnt contained even a shred of Cosmic Energy. It was a simple outburst of Dao and mental energy, a truly weaponized version of a Dao Field. That fact alone almost made Zacs mind short-circuit, and one thought remained even after Zac woke up in the silver forest.


    Just how powerful was that mans soul to be able to utterly destroy an area far surpassing a just with just his Dao?


    Another screen appeared like when he opened hisst node, but the text wasn''t all that helpful this time around either.


    <strong>[Spiritual Void - An omnivorous mind tempered by the primordial void.]</strong>


    He quickly turned his sight inward once more, but not much had changed. The three apparitions still floated about in the center of his soul, and the Hidden Node inside his avatar was still slowly drawing on the energies of the three images. However, the node was properly opened this time around, and Zac figured that this behavior was one of the features of the node.


    Part of him wanted to immediately start experimenting with his Daos, but the time that Verun could maintain its corporeal form was quickly running out. He conveyed a couple of orders through the Tool Spirit, and he was relieved to see that most of the remaining wolves blended into the forest the next second.


    He had only given two orders to the pack since he was afraid that they wouldnt be able to follow anything moreplex than that. The first was to stay away from the wall at the side with the sshouse. Secondly, he ordered all but six wolves to go away, to go about their business. The remaining six wolves were just at the Peak F-Grade, and Zac alone could subdue their fighting spirit with his aura even after being afflicted by the weakness of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    Verun turned into a stream of blood that squeezed into the axe a minuteter, leaving Zac and the wolves in an awkward stalemate. However, Zac was relieved to see that releasing his aura wasnt even necessary. The wolves were actually subdued by Verun even after it returned to the axe, and they even followed basicmands by Zac himself.


    The group started to walk back the way Zac came from as soon as he had looted the corpses of both the alphas and most of the elites. Zac still held off on experimenting with his Daos, partly because he was afraid that hed spook the wolves, and partly because he felt that his new hidden node hadntpletely stabilized yet.


    But there were other things to check while he made his way back, and he opened his status screen to see if the recent experiences had changed anything there.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>83</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted, Unawakened)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select, Frontrunner, Pathstrider</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - High, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2756 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1312 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2338 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1552 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>584 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1071 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>359 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 1 839 996 020 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac felt a surge of adrenaline course through his body when he saw how much his attributes had improved, almostpletely making him forget how exhausted he felt from the bacsh. The probable source was easily spotted as well, and Zac quickly opened up his Dao Screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>[Fragment of the Axe (High): All attributes +30, Strength +500, Dexterity +250, Endurance +30, Wisdom +110. Effectiveness of Strength +15%.]</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    He had initially been afraid that the series of Dao Visions wouldn''t improve his Fragments, but it looked like it was an unfounded fear. The digested Tribtion Lightning had actually allowed him to push his main Dao to the next level just based on his insights back during the Zhix Wars. That was a huge windfall for Zac, and that improvement alone drastically increased his confidence for the uing battles. The attributes were a wee boost, but the true gain was the improvement to the Dao''s lethality in battle.


    It was a bit of a disappointment that his earlier theory had been wrong though, with neither the All Attributes nor Efficiency doubling at every upgrade. It rather looked like he gained 10 All Attributes and 5% Efficiency at every step. It meant that he would end up with 40 to all attributes at Peak Mastery, as opposed to 80.


    The total amount of gained attributes would still be the same, but the difference meant a loss of hundreds of points in Luck when including all three Fragments. This way it would possibly be easier for him to maintain his leadpared to others though, so Zac figured it might not be too bad. The other two Dao Fragments hadn''t improved this time around, though Zac felt he had made some strides just by congealing those two apparitions.


    That wasn''t the only gain of the battle, as he had actually gotten a new title. Zac eagerly opened his Title Screen to see what the Pathstrider title provided, but the prompt almost made him copse in despair. <table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>[Pathstrider: Form a cohesive Cultivation Path while still in E-Grade. Reward: Marked for further training.]</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    This was the second title he got without an actual reward, but Zac inwardly groaned as he felt that this one was even worse than the Terminus title. He knew all too well what the System considered ''training''. This title was essentially a trouble-ma, and the only thing that Zac felt was missing was the infuriating ''congrattions'' that the System extended.


    Zac sighed and closed the status screen, which drew a few wary nces from the young wolves. At least the title brought some good news; his cultivation path had been given a passing mark by the system.


    There was nothing else for him to do in this forest for the time being, and he increased his speed toward the sshouse. The wolves followed in tow, though it looked like every step they took was full of reluctance as they ran further and further from the rest of the pack.


    The return trip took him almost an hour thanks to his weakened condition, but he finally reached the area with the camouged sshouse. Zac wasnt sure whether the others were still around or whether they were on the way back to the base, but his question was soon answered as Billy appeared out of nowhere with his club at the ready.


    Wait! I tamed these guys, Zac exined, but his voice rapidly lost its strength as the group of wolves pounced at the giant without hesitation.


    The young wolves were clearly out for blood, and nothing Zac did with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> could quell their bloodthirst. Zac could only sigh and sh forward, punching the closest one on the side of its head, instantly knocking it out. Billy grinned and followed suit as he bashed the closest one, and a few secondster all six wolves were lying unconscious on the ground.


    Ah, stupid dogs, Billy muttered. Need to be trained.


    Exactly, Zac nodded as he turned to Thea who had walked out from the illusion array while the two dealt with the wolves. Are you okay?


    Billy was still looking a bit tired, but his wounds were mostly superficial. He would most likely be fine in a few days. However, Thea looked a lot worse for the wear. Her face waspletely pallid and her eyes were sunken, and they even seemed to have lost some of their color. The skill she used, <strong>[Void Piercer]</strong>, was able to disy apletely shocking might, but something told him that the cost of using it was equally harsh.


    She simply shouldnt be able to release such an amount of power as things currently stood, and Zac guessed that the skill could be considered a Taboo Skill like the escape method she possessed. It either had to cost life force ore with some other huge drawback, something far worse than his current state from using <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    Its nothing, Thea said with a shake of her head. Ill be better in a bit. Its good to see youre fine as well, the energy outbursts before were pretty intense.


    Be careful, Zac could only say, realizing that Thea didnt want him to worry. Hows Emily and Joanna?


    Theyre both sleeping, Billy yawned. Thea should be sleeping as well, but she refused.


    "Emily overdrew her energy to the point that she even used a little bit of life-force," Thea sighed. "She needs to rest, or it might harm her future cultivation."


    Zac nodded with a grimace, feeling a wave of guilting over him. He knew that the teenager needed to spread her wings and join proper missions if she would have any chance of making it on the road of cultivation, but this was probably the wrong ce to do so.


    "Don''t me yourself. No one can predict everything, and she will be fine," Thea said. More importantly, we were afraid you would being with a thousand wolves nipping at your heels, but you actually tamed a few of them? Whats going on? Why didnt these guys attack you?


    Its my Tool Spirit, Zac said after some thought as he looked down at the pitiable animals, exining how Verun became the alpha of the pack.


    Its that powerful? Thea asked with glimmering eyes. It seems I need to focus even more on my newpanion.


    I was hoping they would stay docile even when Im not around, but It looks like that might take some time. Perhaps the beastmasters have some means to quickly domesticate them tough, Zac muttered.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Tal-dar, can they be trusted? Thea asked. Your rtions seem a bit strained.


    They are a business partner rather than an ally, Zac said after some thought. They were pretty useless before, but they seem to havee around since they failed to assist during the Undead Incursion. Their ambiguous situation makes them work really hard as well.


    So what are you nning on doing next? Thea asked, putting the matter of the wolves aside.


    Im going to explore the forest a bit, Zac said without hesitation. "But I need to do something first."


    As for what that was, it was simple. He still had a storm of Cosmic Energy rampaging about in his body, and he needed to break open some nodes now that he was safe within the sshouse.

 Chapter 588: Lunar Forest

    Chapter 588: Lunar Forest


    Zac had considered his next step on his way back, and he decided to take a tour of this ce, taking advantage of the fact that his axe had somehow given him a carte nche of the forest. He had already sensed that there was a lot of valuable herbs in this forest, and only he could pass through these parts without bing food for the wolves.


    Everything pointed toward this ce being created for bloodline research, so any nt that grew in this ce might be useful for exactly that. Opening his second Hidden Node had been an unexpected gain, but it also cost him one of his two bloodline treasures, leaving him only with the <strong>[Bloodline Nucleus] </strong>he gained during the Tower Climb. It would be best if he could find some nts to make up for the loss.


    The Dimensional Treasure wouldnt wake up for a few days in either case, and his sister seemed to believe that the spatial obstructions would be in ce until it did. Now was hisst chance to break open his nodes and do some simple exploration. He guessed there would be no time for that afterward.


    He also wanted to set out on his own for a bit to get a better understanding of the changes in his body and to get ustomed to his new skills.


    So youre setting off alone again? Thea asked with a frown.


    Bringing these guys was a test, Zac said as he pointed down at the unconscious wolves. I can somewhat move among the wolves because Im connected to my axe, but it looks like that protection doesnt extend to others. However, I still need your help.


    What are you thinking? Thea asked, her brows rxing a bit.


    A squad needs to find the entrances to the inner reaches of the Mystic Realm. I tried instructing the wolves to stay away from these parts, which hopefully will allow you to move along the wall toward the center. It might still be extremely dangerous even without the wolves though, Zac said. Ill take a look at the other side to see if theres another structure like this one over there.


    Well go back and update the main group and bring Emily to a safer ce to recuperate. Should we bring your sister back here? Thea said before she gave Zac a pointed look. Shes the only other one who can open these doors. Its a bit odd that only the two of you managed to get Tier-4 clearance, by the way.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    I got my clearance through the Tower of Eternity. Kenzie might just be lucky. There can only be one chief caretaker after all. Have Joanna stay in the sshouse to open the gate for you instead. My sister has enough on her te, Zac said after some thought before he looked down at the wolves. Someone needs to look after these guys as well.


    Billy and Zac carried the unconscious wolves into the oversized stalls next, and Zac was relieved to see that a barrier automatically sprung up, trapping them inside. Not only that, but water was also dispensed and a few light bulbs started to emit the same lunar light as the moons outside. It saved Zac a lot of headache, allowing him to immediately prepare to open his nodes.


    It was over an hour since he gained the energy by this point, and he had already lost a third of the energy he gained from the battle. More and more energy seeped through the cracks of his energy trap, and if he didn''t use the energy soon it would all be lost.


    "I need to break open a node. Give me an hour," Zac said as he sat walked toward one of the adjoining rooms.


    "What? Break open? Are you crazy?" Thea blurted as she grabbed his arm. "I read that doing so is extremely harmful. It can even kill you!"


    "I don''t have a lot of options as a mortal," Zac exined with a grimace. "But I''m pretty sturdy. I''ll be fine."


    Thea reluctantly let him go, and Zac sat down as soon as the sliding doors closed. The next node was in his leg just like most of the previous ones, though it was a bit further up. It was just below his knee this time, forcing Zac to be extremely careful. He became a little bit more skilled every time he opened a node, but getting wounded was inevitable.


    The only thing he could hope to aplish was to try to avoid letting anything important get destroyed and rather sacrifice his muscles. It hurt just as much that way, but muscles seemed to be the easiest part to restore with healing pills and his Dao. So it was with extreme caution that he pushed more and more of his excess energy into the node, until a surging force erupted twenty minutester.


    A stabbing pain almost made Zac ck out, but he clenched his fist with enough force to draw blood from his palms to stay awake. His left leg had almost been blown clean off this time even with how careful he was, and it almost looked like one of the wolves from before had ripped out a part of his calf.


    Blood drenched the whole floor, and some had even spattered on the ss walls, and Zac quickly ate a healing pill as he activated <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. For a few seconds there was no effect, but the maimed muscles on his legs started to wiggle and writhe a momentter, almost looking like a pack of snakes as they twisted about.


    The pain intensified over twofold, but Zac held on, ignoring both the sweat that streamed down his leg and therge amount of Cosmic Energy that was drained. It turned out that <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong> could actually utilize the energy he gathered from kills, and one stream after another entered the skill fractal by his Specialty Core.


    The energy wasn''t transformed into life-attuned energy or something nature aspected like his Dao though, but it rather reminded Zac of his <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong>. The energy was unattuned, or perhaps flesh-attuned if there was such a thing. The energy entered his mangled leg, and it boosted the natural healing ability of his body rather than traditional life-attuned healing. That was why his muscles were wriggling so much; they were being forcibly regrown.


    Such a process was excruciating though, a far cry from the warm and soothing streams of healing pills or the curing skills of people like Sui. It also only worked on his flesh physical body and not his pathways, though that wasn''t a surprise.


    What was a bit surprising was how much energy it cost. Using the skill for just fifteen minutes had cost him almost as much Cosmic Energy as the pitched battle before, and it had cost him over half of the umted kill energy. The remaining energy was barely enough for him to push his human side to level 84 and start working on his next node.


    But on the bright side, it was very effective. Newly grown flesh had reced the broken mess, and a process that would take even someone like Zac days had been shortened to fifteen minutes. His new muscles still felt a bit stiff and weakened, but he would no doubt get used to it soon enough.


    This efficacy alone was reason enough to ditch <strong>[True Strike]</strong>. He would save so much time with the help of the skill in the future. The fact that the healing cost him around half a level was regrettable, but someone like Zac would always be fighting powerful enemies that provided huge amounts of energy.


    Mending his flesh was quick, but his pathways were far harder to deal with. He spent another hour making basic repairs after his flesh was fixed, which should allow him to use his Cosmic Energy as long as he didn''t use over 50% of his power. Any more than that and he would probably overtax himself like he did during the Undead Incursion. Falling unconscious was fine next to his sister and the Valkyries, but doing so in a foreign forest was another thing altogether.


    He slowly got to his feet, causing a series of crackling and popping sounds as the dried blood that covered him started falling off. He saw Thea waiting just outside the transparent walls staring at him with shock.


    "How are you still standing? That room looks like something from a horror movie!" Thea eximed, her facepletely pale as she looked at Zac with worry.


    "Well, I''m used to it by now," Zac shrugged.


    "Is this what you have to do every time to level up?" Thea said, her eyes fixed on the pool of blood on the floor. "I''ve read about it, but I had no idea..."


    "Well, it''s not like this when I use pills or treasures to gain levels," Zac said. "Sorry for making you worry."


    "I..." Thea mumbled, but she eventually only shook her head with a sigh. "I can''t join the squad you mentioned earlier. I need to rest, after all. Should I get the demon instead? He''s crafty enough."


    "He should be back by now," Zac agreed. "Have hime over. I''ll head out now."


    Thea seemed inclined to stop him, but she eventually just walked next to Zac as he stepped out of the sshouse again.


    The spatial tunnels might close while youre out. Anything you need to ry to the outside world? Thea finally asked just as he was about to leave.


    I wont be that long. A day or two tops, Zac said. Just let my sister and the other leaders know Im okay.


    Okay, Thea nodded. Stay safe. Theres no guarantee the wolves are the only threat in this ce.


    Zac immediately set off, cutting a straight path through the enormous forest. His leg was hurting a bit, but he could maintain a good pace even with a slight limp. Only five minutes passed before he met a small family of wolves, but they quickly backed off when Zac waved Verun in their direction. It somewhat proved that they hadn''t just forgotten about his Tool Spirit, at least not yet.


    Theas final warning echoed in his mind, but he eventually realized something odd after half an hour had passed. She seemed to be wrong about there being other threats than the wolves, almost impossibly wrong. He didnt encounter a single living being in this vast forest even after running for over an hour, except the asional spotting of lunar wolves. Confusion marred his face as he looked back and forth, but he couldnt make sense of the situation.


    Didnt these wolves need to eat?


    He knew that it was possible to sustain yourself solely on Cosmic Energy further down the road, but that went for D-Grade warriors and above. They still ate in general though, as high-quality food could provide some benefits. But it wasnt necessary to survive. However, E-Grade beings shouldnt have evolved to that point just yet.


    Were these wolves perhaps an exception? Or were they rather vegetarians? They definitely didnt look like animals that lived only on fruits or stalks of grass, so he was more inclined to believe they were able to find sustenance from energy alone. Perhaps that was the true purpose of those artificial moons in the sky, and even the reason why the wolves were brought here.


    The solitude gave him a chance to try some things out though, and he stopped in a secluded valley after having traveled for another hour. The aftermath of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage] </strong>waspletely gone by this point, and the halo of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> appeared behind his body once more. However, this time the avatar didnt depict the unadorned axe of the axe-man, but rather the insanely powerful shield of the Grand Protector who appeared in the Dao Vision for his second ss.


    A surge of power filled his body, and Zac could almost feel his mind connect with the ancient cultivator who had sacrificed his life to save his world. However, no fractal barrier appeared to protect his front as he swung <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>. He rather found his strikes gain a tremendous weight, like each of them carried the weight of a world. His attacks were heavy enough to cause scars in the air, but the damage to the ground lookedpletely different than the long scars before.


    This time it almost looked like a small meteor had hit the ground when he swung his axe, with a crater no more than 5 meters wide appearing. It was deep though, reaching twice as far down as it was wide, and Zac identally fell into it when it appeared. A slight pain bloomed up when he facented on the ground, but a ten-meter drop couldn''t hurt him any longer.


    He was more interested in the soil itself. It had be almost impossibly dense, and it took some force for him to dig into it with his hands. It was as though the area had been subjected to a terrifying amount of gravity, packing the soil to the point that it had almost turned into solid matter. Zac jumped out of the pit before he looked back at his new skill with mixed emotions.


    The effect of using the shield as a basis for the skill instead of the woodsman''s axe was impressive, and it was perhaps a better avatar for a duel, but Zac was disappointed to find that it didnt work as hed hoped. In his fight with the wolves, he used a weapon as an avatar, which increased his might. He had hoped that using a defensive treasure with <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> would instead create some sort of defensive effect.


    But his new skill was true to its nature as a pure Strength-based skill, and it looked like it just took the weight and power of the shield to use it as a bludgeon. It still opened a few new avenues of how he could use it, but it clearly wasn''t a one-size-fits-all-type situation where he could use it as everything from a defensive to a movement skill.


    The limitation was a bit of a let-down, but not overly so. Partly because Zac somewhat expected such a situation, but mostly because he felt that he finally could use his Dao again.


    His new Hidden Node had finally stabilized, and it was time to see what it could do.

 Chapter 589: Tracks

    Chapter 589: Tracks


    Zacs new Hidden Node had finally calmed down and the somewhat erratic trajectories of the two circr apparitions had stabilized. The three now formed a stable system, and Zacs intuition told him that using his mental energy shouldnt pose a problem any longer. However, Zac still noted that his Hidden Node was still slowly eating the energies from the three Dao projections, though not nearly as frantically as before.


    It felt like a small drain on his mind, but his soul was pretty strong by this point, and he was generating new Mental Energy a lot quicker than the speed of consumption of his Hidden Node. It would no doubt slow down his recuperation after a battle, but he still had a pile of Soul Crystals in case he was in a hurry.


    He was about to infuse his skill, but a thought suddenly struck him as he activated <strong>[Primal Polyglot] </strong>first. The trantion function worked passively just like the <strong>[Book of Babel]</strong>, but the active interpretation of the Dao-basednguage needed an infusion of Cosmic Energy. He had tried using it a few times before as they traveled through the endless tunnels, but it appeared as though the skill didnt really help with Technocrat materials.


    His vision didnt change at all after activating the skill, but it still felt like he was looking at something different than before as he gazed at the halo hovering behind him. It felt a bit simr to how two different people could havepletely different impressions of a painting or a poem, it gave Zac apletely new outlook as he gazed at the circr fractals.


    The skill allowed him to gain a better understanding of how the halo and the apparition were connected, but he didnt gain any immediate insights into the limitations of his skill though. Zac guessed he would have to experiment with one apparition after another to see what would be useful, and what would be inefficient.


    Zac briefly considered using the Chaos Pattern or his Remnants for a huge destructive boost, but he quickly dispelled any such thoughts. He didnt want to call down the Tribtion Lightning again, even if things turned out pretty good thest time around.


    That scene with the endless sea of lightning might even have been a warning by the heavens, so he instead focused on his Dao. He tried infusing <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> with the Fragment of the Axe seeing that everything seemed to be in order, but worry gripped his heart when nothing happened.


    However, Zac immediately calmed down when he found that he could infuse the skill with the Fragment of the Coffin just fine. It would appear that the choice of projection also impacted what Daos were infusible. The feeling he got from the shield was mostly one of imperviousness and hardness, and his Fragment of the Coffin was the Fragment that best represented that feeling.


    A stream of mental energy made its way into the halo from his mind, and Zac noted with interest that the energies seeping out of the hanging coffin joined the mental energy flow, effectively turning it into Dao Energy. The infusion somehow felt a lot smoother from before, like the process had been streamlined. That by itself didnt really change its power or anything, though the speed of his infusion seemed to have somewhat sped up.


    It was only a difference of a fraction of a second, but even such a small boost could prove vital in a pitched battle.


    However, another change made Zacs eyes glisten. A second stream was released from his avatar, or rather the Hidden Node lodged within his body. It was the same pitch-ck energy as the one released from the coffin, and the two streams seamlessly merged just before they entered the skill fractal.


    Zac initially didnt know whether this change held any significance, but he quickly realized what was going on. He hadnt used his new E-Grade skill a lot, but he was almost certain that he was able to instill more of his mental energypared to before.


    Of course, that might be because he had changed the avatar to a shield that really matched the Fragment of the Coffin.


    There was a simple way to make sure though, and Zac quickly dispelled <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> to instead conjure a fractal de with <strong>[Chop]</strong>. It was the skill he was most used to, and he knew exactly how much mental energy he could infuse into the de before it wouldnt work any longer.


    Zacs eyes lit up as he infused more and more of his Dao into the de, and he was still using the Fragment of the Coffin. A simr scene took ce in his mind this time around as well, as two streams of energies fused just as they entered the skill fractal on his hand.


    The fractal de immediately gained a sinister aura as it was filled with the putrefying part of his Dao Fragment, but the color kept increasing in intensity and power until it almost turned pitch-ck.


    It didnt take Zac long to figure out the difference from before. He could suddenly infuse around 20% more mental energy into his skills, which made his attacks around 10% more powerfulpared to before if you contributed half his power to his Dao Fragments. It was an amazing boost that seemed toe with pretty much no downsides, apart from a small but constant drain on his mind.


    Of course, there was some bad news that came along with the good. Zac had hoped that the Hidden Node in his mind would be rted to Dao control and affinity like the general Hidden Node <strong>[Spirit Gate]</strong>, but it rather looked like <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> was abat-oriented node that reced quality with quantity.


    Zac experimenting for a few minutes longer to make sure, but he could quickly confirm that he was still beyond ipetent when it came to things like Dao Braiding. He couldnt turn his Hidden Node on or off either, though he could somewhat reduce the amount of energy it expelled along with a Dao infusion.


    Another change took ce a few minutester, as the additional infusion from his Hidden Node started to wane, leaving Zac with just his own mental energy. He wasnt too surprised about that though. He had already guessed that the <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> acted like some sort of Dao Battery, storing excess energy until it would be released in battle.


    The node was a bit unwieldy in the sense that he couldnt control when to use it and when his own Dao was enough, but his control would probably improve when his bloodline awakened. The boosting effect would probably be even greater in the future as well, and he couldnt help but think back to the scene where his presumed ancestor crushed his enemy by simply releasing the floodgates in his mind.


    Perhaps even more importantly, the node gave him an important glimpse into his Void Emperor bloodline. Things were finally started to make sense, and theck of affinities no longer felt as detrimental as they once did. His body might be corrupted with apleteck of affinities, but it appeared that his bloodline was shoring up those weaknesses one by one.


    The <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> was rted to energy gathering, allowing him to eat all kinds of energies as an alternative form of cultivation. The second node in his soul allowed for an additional outburst of mental energy, recing Dao Braiding or Dao Arrays with additional force.


    It perfectly aligned with his insights back during the Dao Discourse to the point that it made him question whether that epiphany was actually just his bloodline telling his subconscious how to fight.


    Zac did fell a few trees with his improved Fragment of the Axe as well, and it had taken a noticeable step forward in lethality. The fragment hadnt really seemed to gain any new functionality as they sometimes did, but it had rather just be more powerful. It wasnt too surprising, as the upgrade had been based on war and conflict rather than adding something new like Mental Heaviness.


    Seeing that everything was fine even after the drastic changes to his mind Zac set out again, taking a circuitous route through the forest. It took almost 20 hours for him to reach the other side, but he had spent a few hours picking up energy-dense nts.


    He didnt recognize a single one of them, but they all contained the energy of the moon. Thebination of specific growth requirements and unique attributes was usually a recipe for a valuable treasure, so he had high hopes that the Sky Gnome could turn these things into piles of cash even if they proved useless in awakening his bloodline.


    A few hours were spent on rest and redrawing his pathways as well. He ate a small hill of meat before he set out again, but he finally felt like he had rid himself of thest after-effects of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>. His body was in pretty good condition all things considered, with only his pathways causing some issues now.


    It was a bit of an annoyance, but Zac knew he couldntin. Most mortals would probably turn green with envy when hearing how quickly he pushed through levels.


    Zac kept moving forward after resuming his exploration, and the silver forest finally gave way to the band of grass that ran along the wall. The opposite side of the forest was constructed pretty much the same way as the area they came from, with a thirty-meter tall wall stretching across the horizon.


    However, there was one startling difference; the wall was actually damaged, like it had just endured a siege. The scripts had lost their luster at multiple ces, and there were hundreds of cracks. Zac even believed he would be able to cram himself through some of therger fractures.


    Zacs first guess was that another battle had taken ce here just like the one that should have taken ce just before Ogras first arrived in the Mystic Realm, but he quickly discarded that thought. The damage was simply too widespread, going on for as far as he could see. If a battle had caused this kind of damage they definitely werent at the E-Grade.


    But more to the point, Zac sensed the same type of spatial energies in many of the cracks, making him believe that this was rather the result of spatial turbulence.


    There were no spatial tears or other dangers for the moment though, so Zac started walking along the edge of the forest in a parallel to the wall, keeping his form hidden among the shrubbery. He was looking for a natural exit like the sshouse or a gate, but so far there were no clues.


    The cracks might provide ingress to the other side, but Zac wouldnt try that unless he really needed to. After all, the walls were alive, and he didnt want to get buried alive inside the technocrat alloy. A sudden shudder from his foresters intuition made him turn his concentration to a patch of the forest ahead of him.


    He first didnt understand what <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> was trying to tell him as there were no herbs there, but his eyes widened when he noticed something.


    There were footsteps, and not something left by the wolves.


    Zac bent down to get a closer look, and while he was no expert in tracking he felt the trail was fresh. He hesitated for a second, but his curiosity quickly overcame his caution. He soon took out his axe and he started to follow the tracks, taking great care to not create any sounds.


    The tracks came from the depths of the forest before they made a turn at the edge. It looked like a group had taken a shortcut like him, but the droplets of blood on the grass indicated that their passage might not have been as carefree. The trail moved in the same direction as the one Zac already walked, keeping to the edge of the forest all the time.


    There was no doubt that the owners of the footprints werent far away as the blood on the ground still hadnt dried, and it only took him fifteen minutes before he spotted some movement ahead. Zac had thought about how to make first contact with the natives a fair bit over the past weeks, but no nning had prepared him for the situation in front of him.


    Five werewolves were standing not far from the wall, most of them sporting somewhat severe wounds. One of them even seemed to have lost an arm recently, and he swayed a bit where he stood. But more importantly, one of them was carrying an unconscious human, a girl who looked no older than Zac himself


    How were you supposed to react to what looked like a straight-up kidnapping?


    His first instinct was to save help the captive out simply based on the fact they both were human, but he quickly discarded the thought. He had no idea what was going on, and getting involved might cause unnecessary trouble. His main goal was to kill the two remaining Dominators to cut off thest two Karmic Links leading to earth.


    Anything else was secondary.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, a burst of annoyance made Zac grit his teeth when an all-too-familiar prompt appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Damsel in Distress (Training (1/10)): Rescue the Damsel in Distress. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1) NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of two random skills and 9 levels.]</strong>

 Chapter 590: Lets Talk

    Chapter 590: Let''s Talk


    Zac mutely looked at the quest prompt for a few seconds, realizing that his new Pathstrider-title wasted no time in causing trouble for him. He had been free from any meddling by the System since the battle outside the Tower of Eternity, but it looked like his good days were over.


    Not only did the System force him to take a side, but it even said that this was just the first of a series of quests. The failure penalty was almost of grotesque proportions as well. Losing nine levels would put him right back at the start of the E-Grade, and this time he wouldnt be able to gain most of the levels through pills.


    Of course, the real threat was losing two of his skills, and it was something he couldnt allow to happen no matter what.


    The one small blessing was that there was no time limit on the quest, which allowed Zac to stay hidden for a bit longer to spy on the werewolves. The beastkin actually felt a bit familiar to the lunar wolves in the forest with all of them emitting the same sort of lunar energy. Most of them had mottled fur in ck and silver, but one who emitted the strongest aura was almostpletely silvery-white.


    Zac guessed that the silver werewolf was the leader, and he even had a marking on his forehead. It pretty much confirmed Zacs earlier theory that the werewolves in this Research Base and the lunar wolves were somehow connected through bloodlines. The werewolves might even be normal humans who had the bloodline of the wolves transnted into their bodies for all Zac knew.


    The more pressing issue was how to deal with the situation.


    The auras of the warriors weren''t weak by any means, but neither did they make Zac feel a lot of pressure. He felt pretty confident in dealing with them without wasting any more of his aces, but that by itself made him a bit wary. The system wouldn''t just give him a freebie, making him believe there was some catch to the quest.


    So Zac wasnt in any rush to rush out, especially as the group was doing something that sparked Zacs curiosity.


    They had been standing at a seemingly inconspicuous part of the wall, with one of the werewolves touching and prodding the smooth surface all this while. But it looked like he finally had found what he looked for, and he took out one disk after another and pressed them against the metal. The disks stayed in ce like they had suction cups, and the beastkin quickly formed two vertical lines with the help of twelve identical disks.


    The werewolf wasn''t finished there, but he actually took out a tablet next and he connected it to one of the disks through a cable. It was a bit surreal watching a werewolf deftly using what seemed to be futuristic technology, but perhaps he shouldn''t be surprised considering what kind of ce this was.


    There was still no sign of what they were up to even after the werewolf had been tapping away at the tablet with an almost dizzying speed for five minutes, but then there was finally a change. Zac couldn''t believe what he was seeing as a gate started to take form in the wall with the disks acting as the frames.


    It looked just like the gates they had passed through to get to this ce, though it was only three meters high. It was also looking very rough, but it was gradually transforming into a proper door. Part of him wanted to stay and watch a while longer to see what else the tech-savvy werewolf had up his sleeve, but Zac knew that he couldn''t wait longer if he wanted to intercept.


    That door might disappear the moment they passed through it, locking Zac outside. There was no timer on the quest, but that didn''t mean that he couldn''t fail it. He slowly rose from his hidden position, but he had underestimated the senses of the werewolves as even that small movement put them on edge.


    Their bodies immediately grew half a size as Zac prepared himself for battle, allowing them to tower over a meter above Zac. Their ws grew longer as well, and Zac felt that they could even match low quality E-Grade Tool Spirits.


    Zacs hypothesis that these beastkin were rted to the lunar wolves was further confirmed as they started radiating a cold piercing light that turned the whole area into a blinding white.


    But Zac had already figured out the solution to this trick though, so he activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>and <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>which immediately allowed him to spot the trio. They had discarded their captive on the ground and were now rushing straight toward him while the leader stayed behind to observe.


    The auras the warriors had grown since they transformed, but it was absolutely not to the point that Zac feared for his life. He still found himself in a tricky spot as he didn''t want to kill them in order to not ruin any potential cooperation with these people. After all, the quest had told him to save the girl, but nothing about killing these people.


    "Wait, let''s talk-" Zac said as he lifted a hand to indicate that he didn''t want trouble, but he was quickly forced to move his hand away as a series of ws ripped through the air in an attempt to cut it clean off.


    The werewolves seemed to have taken his words as a sign of weakness as they looked at him with disdain. Zac was a bit confused about what gave these guys the guts to attack him even if his words were a bit defensive, but he suddenly realized that his aura was actually quite weak at the moment because of his broken pathways.


    Not only that, but a lot of his excess spirituality was also swallowed by his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> rather than being passively emitted from his body as an aura. He hadn''t realized it before, but these two factsbined probably made him appear like a recently evolved cultivator at best. He still had a hard time deciding on a course of action though, so he was immediately put in a passive state as he started avoiding a furious barrage of ws infused with the power of the moon without trying to expose his real strength.


    However, a single sentence immediately quenched his hopes of a peaceful release of the human girl.


    Dont kill him. Hes one of the outsiders, the leader growled as he spectated the battle. The others we caught were even weaker than this one. Lets take him with us to the ry station as well.


    Zacs pupils shrunk as he immediately realized what the werewolf was talking about. It turned out that it was these werewolves who were responsible for his missing squad. A thick killing intent roiled out from his body, far eclipsing his diminutive aura, causing the pupils of his enemies to shrink into needlepoints.


    The outburst was so powerful that even the unconscious human on the ground stirred awake, and the werewolves quickly tried to back away and regroup. However, how could Zac allow for something like that?


    The closest werewolf was instantly bisected as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> emitted a sanguine glow, leaving just four alive. The other two werewolves barely had time to sh away by turning into moonlight before Zac''s de reached them as well, but he was immediately hot in pursuit.


    He must be one of their leaders! the silver werewolf shouted from behind. Restrain him!


    The silver light in the whole area transformed the next moment as the wolves lit up like beacons, and the radiance was so powerful that the moonlight almost seemed to have turned into a liquid. It felt just like the restriction during hisst fight, but perhaps even more powerful. Even worse, the pressure was steadily increasing, forcing him to sh forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, finally leaving the forest. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The light put some painful pressure on his still tender leg, but he knew that he simply needed to fight in a melee range to almostpletely circumvent its effect. Someone with less Strength than him might have beenpletely unable to move due to the pressure though. He quickly targeted one of the soldiers at random, and while he seemed surprised at Zacs decisiveness he still quickly responded by shing at Zac''s throat with his ws.


    Zac blocked it with his axe before he rammed him straight on with his shoulder, but he was a bit surprised by the result. He had expected to send the wolf flying with multiple broken bones, but he was actually just pushed back with a grunt. The bodies of these people were clearly extremely sturdy, making Zac wonder just what they had gone through to be in such a wretched state.


    The attack had caused a shock to the werewolf''s system though, allowing Zac to immediately follow up with a swing of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> infused with the Fragment of the Axe.


    A lunar barrier appeared to block the strike, but this was a High Mastery Dao Fragment. The barrier was cut apart like it was made from paper, and the werewolf''s head was lopped off the next moment. Zac didn''t get any time to celebrate though as he felt a searing pain on his neck and back as a series of crescent moons hidden in the moonlight mmed into him, instantly drenching his body with blood.


    Zac grunted with pain, but he was more surprised that the attacks managed to hide from the omnipresence of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>. He wildly looked around with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> to spot the source of the attacks, and he realized that another werewolf had appeared from the forest. But Zac was even more surprised to see that the neer was ignoring him after the first barrage, and instead was rushing straight toward the gate.


    Not only that, but the others were doing the same, even leaving behind their tools and backpacks on the ground.


    Run! Run! the leader shouted as he kicked the girl on the ground, whichunched her body into the arms of one of the others. "Open that god damn thing even if the algorithms are imperfect!"


    Zac could sigh at how different these guys werepared to their frenzied cousins as he set out in pursuit.


    Twobatants were already down, which left three more to go, not counting the wolf who was still desperately working on opening the door. Zac was starting to feel a bit woozy from fighting in his current condition, but it wasnt like he had any option but to keep going.


    It was a bit risky, but he started pushing energy into the skill fractal of <strong>[Rapturous</strong><strong>Divide]</strong> as a fractal de appeared in front of his axehead. Zac knew he would need to take them out before they opened that door so he wanted to catch them all in a close-range swipe. However, a series of spatial tears suddenly appeared out of nowhere, almost cutting him to ribbons.


    Zac desperately jumped out of the way as he looked for the source of the attack. It was the backpack that one of the werewolves had discarded earlier. It was actually a booby-trap, but Zac had ignored it because it didn''t emit even a hint of Cosmic Energy, and his danger sense didn''t warn him either.


    He quickly tried to find his footing and resume his pursuit, but a sense of foreboding suddenly came over him. However, he didn''t even have time to make a move before a hand appeared from the moonlight and pressed a small mechanical item against his chest.


    Terror filled Zac''s heart when he thought he was about to get ripped apart by a bunch of spatial tears, but one fear was reced with another as he found his bodypletely restrained. That little thing that looked like a toy had somehow taken control of the Cosmic Energy in his body, and his body had locked itself into ce.


    He tried to struggle free, but moving waspletely impossible.


    Shit, the outsiders have some formidable people, the silver werewolf spat as he emerged out of the moonlight, and he lifted Zac by his neck before started to walk toward the others. But that''s good. This one should know a lot more than those scouts.


    Zac wasn''t even able to respond, but he was suddenly filled with hope as he noticed something. His Specialty Core wasn''t restrained at all by the odd itemtched to his chest, and it had even started its transformation. The werewolf was thankfullypletely oblivious to that fact as he was more focused on the wolf dealing with the gate.


    He didnt get any further than ten meters though as the massive cage of death sprung up around him, trapping all the remaining werewolves along with the human captive. The cable connecting the werewolf''s tablet to the wall was ripped apart by the barrier of <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>as well, effectively stopping his work.


    The weird Technocrat restraining tool fell to the ground as Zac''s hand punched through the chest of the werewolf leader. The bindings before had made him drop <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, but his hand still had terrifying prating power since it was infused with his recently upgraded Dao Fragment.


    The werewolf leader looked into Zac''s abyssal eyes for a second before his head rolled over, and Zac felt a surge of energy entering his body. The pitch-ck armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> covered him the next moment as he turned toward the remaining werewolves, and over a dozen chains stabbed toward the disbelieving targets as Zac started to advance on them.


    The unexpected close call was enough for him topletely clear his head, and Zac immediately started his customary grinding down of his targets with newfound zeal. The werewolves tried to turn into motes of light to escape again, but their moonlight waspletely overpowered by thebination of <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>.


    Just a few secondster only one enemy was left alive, the werewolf who had been responsible for summoning the gate earlier. Zac figured that he would be able to answer some questions in case the human girl didnt know, for example where that ry station was. He left the werewolf utterly restrained by his sets of chains, but he couldnt help but feel a headacheing on as he turned his abyssal eyes toward the human.


    She had been shocked awake by the kick earlier, and she had witnessed everything that came afterward. Him getting locked down and then transforming to a Draugr. He knew that his unique situation would be exposed to the world sooner orter, but it was still too early. If this girl was allowed to return to her n, then he would sooner orter be exposed. Not even a contract felt like a surefire way to protect the secrets as Catheya had exined.


    But could he really kill her to protect his secret? That would definitely be crossing a line.


    Dont kill me. I wont tell anyone, I swear on my ns name, the girl hurriedly said, clearly understanding what kind of thoughts were running through Zacs mind.


    I wont harm you, Zac eventually said after some pause. But I cant just let you go either. At least not for the time being. What you saw can get both me and my people in trouble if it spreads out. You will need to sign a contract and stay with me for a while.


    I understand your predicament, I really do, the girl sighed. But I have too many people depending on me. I cannot let that happen. But don''t worry. You risked your life to save me, so I''ll keep my word.


    rm bells immediately went off in Zacs mind when he heard her response, and Zac immediately erected every defense he had whileunching every single free chain at her. She was nning something, something dangerous. The feeling of rm only intensified as the girls eyes turned white, and Zac fought a strange feeling that enveloped his mind as he tried to restrain her before it was toote.


    Zac desperately jumped out of the way as he looked for the source of the attack. It was the backpack that one of the werewolves had discarded earlier. It was actually a booby-trap, but Zac had ignored it because it didn''t emit even a hint of Cosmic Energy, and his danger sense didn''t warn him either.


    He quickly tried to find his footing and resume his pursuit, but a weird mental nudge pushed him back a step.


    Behind you! the human girl screamed in warning, and Zacs reaction was instantaneous.

 Chapter 591: The Heros Journey

    Chapter 591: The Hero''s Journey


    Zac spun around, just in time to see a hand materialize out of nowhere a meter away from him. It held some mechanism in its hand, but Zac pped the thing out of the furry paw before he swung his axe twice in quick session.


    The clouds of <strong>[Rapturous Divide] </strong>spread in the area in front of him as a surprised-looking silvery werewolf was cut apart by the spatial divide. It was the werewolf leader who had been caught by surprise. He had somehow managed to hidepletely in the moonlight, tricking both Zacs senses and his Danger sense.


    Thankfully he had the tables turned on him because of the early warning, and the werewolf helplessly fell on the ground as his blood flowed like rivers. Zac didnt immediately target the other wolves, but he rather stopped for a second and looked down at the dying warrior. He didnt know why, but Zac felt an eerie sense of dj vu as he saw the hand just now.


    Its you! the werewolf coughed as he bled out, but his two blood-red eyes were actually staring at the girl fifty meters away rather than at Zac. You werent restrained!


    Zac looked over in confusion and was surprised to see that the young woman was in an extremely precarious condition for some reason, with blood freely running from her eyes, nose, and ears. She couldnt even respond to the werewolfs usations, as she puked out both her dinner and a bucket of blood before she fell in a heap.


    You used the eyes of time to meddle! Dont think this will save you! You hold the key to immortality, and the Lunar Tribe will not be stopped! We will- werewolf raved until the light in his eyes died.


    The dying words of the werewolf leader rekindled the feeling of wrongness, but he was more concerned about dealing with the remaining werewolves. He left the dead leader where he was and instead focused on thest two as he rushed toward the gate. However, he couldnt believe what he was seeing when the werewolves actually made a 180-turn, rushing straight toward him.


    Did that werewolf leader hold such a big position in their hearts that they were ready to throw their lives away to avenge him? Zacs state was pretty bad from fighting so soon after node-breaking, but these remaining wolves were absolutely not his match.


    Zac prepared to meet their assault head-on, but he found himself swinging his axe through empty space as the wolves suddenly disappeared. He immediately sensed where they had appeared though; right next to the girl and the fallen corpse of their leader.


    A wave of anger surged in his mind when he thought of the wretched state of the former captive. She was clearly on the verge of death. Had the wolves decided to retaliate against her instead of him when realizing they couldnt deal with him?


    Rage bubbled in his heart when he saw her pitiable state, and he once more pushed himself beyond what was safe, instantly appearing next to the closest werewolf. The beastkin desperately reached for a pouch on his leaders waist as his body turned into moonlight, but the process was interrupted in the middle as Zac punched clean through his head with an Axe-Infused jab.


    The other werewolf actually appeared right next to him before his attack was even finished, snatching the satchel and disappearing. But his camouge was nowhere near the level of his fallen leader, especially not when most of the moonlight in the area had dissipated by now. He might as well have skipped using the skill as Zac could see his outline perfectly with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    Zac caught up with him with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and ended his life in one swing. He looted the stolen pouch without losing his momentum before he appeared right next to the smallest werewolf who was still desperately typing on his tablet. Despair flooded his eyes when he saw Zac appear next to him, but a hint of ruthlessness shed in his eyes as he pushed a button at the corner of his tablet.


    A surge of danger screamed in Zacs mind, allowing him to barely dodge a metal spike as the wall came alive, ruthlessly stabbing at both himself and the werewolf. One attack after another wasunched in quick session like a crashing wave of liquid metal.


    A painful wound was ripped open in Zacs side as the wall almost had turned into a terrifying maw that tried to swallow him whole, but he pushed through the pain as he ran for his life. The werewolf was even worse off as he was instantly killed by an alloy spike that pierced his head. Zac risked it to look behind, just in time to see the corpse being dragged inside the wall itself.


    The scene only boosted Zacs desire to escape, but he still stopped for an instant to snatch up the wounded girl before he ran into the forest. He felt the spikes pierce into the ground right behind him even after reaching the edge of the forest, and only after running for another minute could he confirm that the wall wasnt hunting him any longer.


    The girl had already gone unconscious again, and Zac sighed as he fed her some of his better healing pills for both the body and the soul before dealing his own wounds. She was his ticket to learning about this base, and he couldnt let her die after going through all that trouble.


    A sudden wave of dizziness threatened to push him into the embrace of unconscious just like thest time he fought while still over-doing it right after breaking open a node, but he couldnt risk it in this ce. A burst of pain jolted him awake as he stabbed himself in the leg, and the shock to his system pushed the drowsiness away.


    His body was still in a pretty pathetic state though, but it slowly improved over the next two hours. The wound in his side was purely physical in its form, which allowed him to quickly heal it up with the help of <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. It cost him most of the energy from his battle, but it wasnt all that much anyway.


    Only the leader was powerful, but his aura was pretty unstable even before the fight. The energy rewarded by the System took things like that into ount, so he didnt get nearly as much energy from this battle as from the one against the wolves.


    The whole fight made him wonder what the purpose of this training session was. He hadnt really learned anything new from the battle, and it definitely hadnt pushed him beyond his limits to make some sort of breakthrough.


    Was it more about setting a series of events in motion?


    A second quest prompt quickly answered his question for him.


    <strong>The Hero''s Journey (Training (2/10)): Rescue your scouting squad before they are moved from the ry station. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/7). [04:34:22] NOTE: Three deaths count as failure. Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of two random skills and 7 levels.]</strong>


    Zac quickly read the quest, and a sense of relief filled him when he saw that the punishment had lessened. However, the loss of skills was still there, meaning that he definitely couldnt skip it. Then again, he had no ns to do so anyway.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He had already decided to rescue his people the moment the werewolf leader opened his mouth, so the quest didnt really change anything this time around. The problem was that there was a time limit for this quest.


    Four hours wasnt little, but it wasnt a lot either. The ry station was definitely on the other side of the wall, but the gate had disappeared when that smaller werewolf somehow triggered the defenses of the wall.


    The encounter had also proved that there was even more about this ce he didnt understand than he had anticipated. He took out a small trinket from his Spatial ring and he turned it over a few times before stowing it away again. It was the thing that the Werewolf leader tried to attack him with before he was killed, but Zac couldnt figure out how it worked or what it did at all.


    Who knew how technocrat weaponry and tricks these werewolves had? Zac was afraid that he would just get himself killed if he stormed the ry station blindly. Perhaps they could control the walls freely, easily trapping him in a corridor before flooding it with spatial tears. Not even he would be able to escape something like that.


    Zacs eyes slowly turned to the unconscious girl lying next to him. She was the key to this mission. He felt a bit bad about bringing her with him on a rescue mission in her wounded state, but he didnt have a lot of options. He couldnt risk failing the quest, and she would definitely increase the odds of sess thanks to her knowledge of this ce.


    At least the girls situation seemed to have stabilized thanks to his pills, though she was still unconscious. He looked down at her curiously, feeling for some reason that they had met before. But that was obviously impossible since she clearly wasnt someone from his force. She was wearing what looked like a technocrat uniform, but she was definitely a cultivator judging by the aura she unconsciously emitted.


    Zac couldnt be certain, but it felt like she had recently evolved to the E-Grade, which was pretty impressive considering her young age and the somewhatcking cultivation environment. Then again, the girl might look 20, but she could be 100 years old for all Zac knew.


    Normally Zac would have been happy to recuperate a while longer while waiting for the girl toe around, but the timer left him restless. He was in decent shape in any case, and he hadnt used any of his long cooldown skills during the battle. It was time to start looking for a way to get to the other side of the wall.


    He got up to his feet and slung the girl across his shoulder before he made his way back toward the wall as he kept vigil of the surroundings. There might be more werewolves lurking in the area, or some other hidden traps initiated by the werewolf technician. But it looked like the alloy had returned to normal, and an unmoving wall met his eyes when he reached the edge of the forest.


    Even throwing anything from boulders to corpses at the wall elicited no response, and Zac finally dared to personally move closer. He let the girl down on a patch of grass before he started to prod the wall, but there was no sign of the gate at all. A quick survey of the immediate section of the wall exposed a pretty huge crack a few hundred meters away, but Zac was extremely hesitant to use it.


    The wolves hadnt even tried using those cracks as a means of escape when facing death, making Zac believe that the jagged scars in the walls were deathtraps. But he had no idea what to do next. He had found a few technological gadgets along with a spare tablet in the werewolf leaders cosmos sack, but he had no idea how to use it.


    The tablet wouldn''t turn on, and the disks wouldn''t stick to the wall no matter how hard Zac pushed. Three minutes passed without him making any progress, and he finally couldnt wait any longer. He walked over to the unconscious girl as he took out a bottle of water. However, an idea struck him and he released a burst of killing intent aimed at her. It actually worked. The girl groaned as her eyelids fluttered, and she woke up a secondter.


    Her bleary eyes peered back and forth until they finally found Zac. Her pupils constricted for a second, but she quickly calmed down as she slowly got up to a sitting position.


    Thank you for saving me. Im Levi Cartava, she said with a weak voice.

 Chapter 592: Datamancers

    Chapter 592: Datamancers


    Zac once more got a weird feeling when he looked into Levi''s eyes now that she had woken up. Of course, that might be because of the way they looked. The girl looked like a normal, albeit frail, Caucasian girl, with a both short and lithe frame. However, her eyes dashed any chance of mistaking her for some random Earthling.


    One of them was normal, though it seemed to contain impurities, small spots of darkness peppered about her sclera and green iris. But the other eye waspletely white, to the point that it seemed that she was born without a pupil at all. In its ce was an extremely dense fractal, and trying to understand it with <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> could only provide him with one hint.


    It was a curse, one aimed at the girl herself.


    Im the one who should be thanking you for the warning before, Zac shrugged as he handed her the bottle of water, trying to not appear weirded out by the odd appearance of the eye. Are you okay? I didnt know what was wrong with you, so I simply gave you a couple of different healing pills.


    My soul is wounded, but whatever you gave me is really helping. The outside is really full of marvelous things, she said with a weak smile.


    So Im guessing youre from n Cartava? Zac said. How did you end up getting captured?


    The Lunar Tribe have kept a lot of secrets over the years it seems, Levi sighed. Weve always thought them muscleheads with limited understanding of how this world works. But they managed to sneak all the way to our domiciles without triggering any of our rms. They used pathways that we had no idea existed and killed my guards before the elders had a chance to react.


    Zac slowly nodded. It wasnt too surprising if the native forces finally started to make use of hidden aces they had umted over the past millennia now that the world was changing. No matter if it was to get out of this ce or to seize the treasures of this Mystic Realm, now was the time to go all out.


    It was a bit odd that these werewolves had wasted this opportunity on this girl in front of him though. It was almost a suicide mission to infiltrate a hostile faction like that, and he couldnt see anything on her that was worth the effort. He had already searched her for Cosmos Sacks or other spatial tools, and there simply wasnt anything on her.


    The most likely reason was the parting words of the werewolf leader, but Zac had no time to worry about the key to immortality. He had a quest toplete. But there were some things he needed to understand before setting out.


    What is this thing? Zac asked as he took out the small mechanism that he almost was struck by before. A weapon?


    No, theyre called restraint modules, the girl said with a shake of her head as she took out an identical one from within her robes. It locks your Cosmic Energy in ce, which also restricts your movement. It was used to restrain research subjects long ago.


    So it was something like that, Zac whistled, though he wouldntpletely take her word for it. Then how are you free?


    They lose their efficacy over time as the body adapts. But my parents also imnted me with a hidden blocker at birth and only told me and my grandfather. It contains an algorithm to deactivate restraint modules and some other things, and enough Base Power to connect with items outside my body, Levi said. I was waiting for an opportunity to escape, but those werewolves were too vignt. Luckily you came along.


    Base Power? Whats that? Zac asked as he put away the small mechanism.


    Its the energy that this base runs on. All the tools weve looted in this world runs on Base Power, and its also required to interface with the base itself, Levi exined.


    Is that why this tablet wont start up? Zac said as he waved the thing he looted from the werewolf leader.


    Yes, these things require a fresh stream of Base Power to operate, Levi nodded before she looked at the disks lying next to Zac with a frown. What are you doing?


    I need to get to the other side, but the door those werewolves summoned is gone. You should have heard them before, they have captured one of our squads. I want to get them back, Zac said. How do I get that door to open again?


    You shouldnt go there. The Wastnd is in that direction, Levi said, her face turning a shade paler. Besides, they should have been taken to the ry station. There are probably multiple squads waiting there to cross the Wastnd together. Not only that, the base might be protected by other means as well. Im afraid that its impossible to save your friends.


    Let me worry about that, Zac shrugged as he poured out everything from the werewolf''s Cosmos Sack on the ground. Where can I get this Base Power? Does anything among these items contain it?


    Listen to me, its a shame about your people, but we need to get out of this world. We are about to be trapped again in just a few days. The world is ending. Getting caught inside will only doom both our ns, she said as her odd eyes bore into his.


    We know, Zac said, ignoring the difort of the stare. About the trapped thing, that is.


    You know? Why are you people still staying here then? The space treasure? You dont understand the horror of that thing, the girl said with fear in her eyes, a fear that didnt seem faked to Zac. Our n is ready to form an alliance with your leaders, provided that you help us out of this ce. We left you a map to this forest before the storms returned. If you open a specific gate from your side, we can all-


    Im sorry, but we arent going anywhere, Zac said with a shake of his head. And neither are we letting anyone out. Now, these things, how do-


    Why not? Levi blurted, and it was obvious she felt that Zac was a lunatic for wanting to stay in this ce. We know that your world is newly introduced to the world of cultivation, and we can help. There is much we have lost while locked in this ce, but we can help each other to face the threat of outsiders.


    Various reasons. But most the most important task our faction is dealing with is to hunt down a group of insectoid humanoids, Zac sighed, slightly annoyed at the dy.


    He knew that he needed the help of this girl if he wanted to use these machines though, as there was no time to go get his sister. So he quickly calmed down so that he could exin what was going on. He took out a picture of Voids Disciple that they had captured when the Dominator had entered Site 17.


    Unless this man dies, then everyone, including the people of your n, will die. The same probably goes for a group of cultists that have entered this ce. They need to be taken out as well. I dont really care about that treasure, but our enemies do. Thats our way to hunt them down.


    nk iprehension was written all over Levis face, but even more-so despair. Zac guessed that she had expected to finally be able to leave this prison of theirs pretty soon, but that door had suddenly closed right in her face.


    I cannot speak for my elders But if what youre saying is true, then n Cartava might be able to help you locate these threats. But can you exin whats going on? Im willing to act as a liaison between our forces, she said after some thought.


    Zac immediately exined the threat of The Great Redeemer and the Church of Evesting Dao in broad strokes, about the Karmic Ties that needed to be severed for their to remain hidden. This was not some secret intelligence, after all, but rather something that was generally disseminated by this point. Of course, a lot of people believed it was just a ruse by him and Port Atwood to seize control.


    A Deviant Karmic Cultivator, at peak D-Grade at that? Levi nched. It seems the outside isnt all that safe either.


    We all have our problems, Zac said with a wry smile. Now, the door?


    A Datamancer is needed to open this thing, along with the specific key-code. This whole world is full of hidden pathways like this, but we know of less than one percent of them. Forcing the gate-protocol to activate is almost impossible without the prerequisite knowledge."


    A Datamancer? What? Zac asked.


    Thats what we call those who can interface with this base. Only they can rewrite protocols and bypass the restrictions. You should have people like this as well. Opening the gate to this forest was a test of sorts. Unless you have people extremely skilled in data maniption you wouldnt be able to pass that gate, let alone let us out, Levi exined.


    Hackers? Zac muttered. Im sorry, but thats not how we got here.


    What? Levi said with confusion. Did you manage to break the door open? Do you possess such powerful means?


    No. One of my friends almost got himself killed trying that, Zac snorted. I have clearance high enough to open the door.


    Clearance? Wait Youre part of the Builders?! she shrieked as she tried to get away.


    Zac was a bit surprised at the strong reaction, but he couldnt let the girl get away. He instructed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to snatch up the running girl, which wasnt too hard considering how weakened her current condition was. She didn''t even get to her feet before she fell over again, only making it three meters in her escape.


    Using the chains was as much to help her get up as to prevent her from escaping. It was a bit of a safety measure though as he was afraid Levi possessed some sort of escape treasure or skill.


    Calm down. Im not part of any builders, Zac said after Levi had stopped struggling against the bindings. The terminal where we arrived gives out clearances left and right. Most people got Tier-2 or Tier-3 clearance, but I managed to get Tier-4 clearance thanks to an item I acquired off-world. Thats how I got in here.


    Of course, Zac suspected that he tenuously could be considered part of the builders, provided that Levi was referring to his mothers n. But he wasnt about to divulge that sort of information seeing her strong reaction. Still, her reactions just now had divulged a lot. Not only did the nativespletelyck clearances, but n Cartava didn''t seem to know as much about them as he''d feared after seeing the signpost left behind.


    What? Such a thing is possible? I''ve never heard of a terminal giving out clearances. Is it because youre outsiders, perhaps? It seems a lot of our assumptions about you were incorrect. Levi mumbled with a slight frown before her eyes lit up. You have traveled between worlds? How is it? What kinds of ces exist out there?


    Ive been off a few times, yes. There are all kinds of worlds out there, but I can''t tell you about it right now. Im a bit strapped for time, Zac said. So, the Base Power? Anything among these things that has it? I want to activate the tablet.


    It felt like Zac had over a hundred questions rattling around in his head, but he needed to prioritize his quest for now.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    These things are called chargers, Levi eventually said as she pointed down at a cylindrical item. Press the sheer side against the bottom of the tablet for a few seconds to instill it with power.


    Zac followed her instructions and it worked just as described. The tablet turned on after two seconds of charging, though that didnt help Zac much. Rows and boxes full of illegible text covered the screen, and Zac couldnt make heads or tails of it.


    Do you know how to work these things? Zac asked.


    No, she said with a shake of her head. I can read thenguage, but I dont know how these things work. It takes decades to learn these things, and only the Datamancers can make use of this information in any case. You would have to find the line for activating the door, and then bypass the security protocols.


    Zac thought for a second before he showed her the tablet.


    Let me worry about the security checks. Can you tell me if one of these boxes is rted to gate opening?"


    Its either that or climbing through one of the cracks, Zac added.


    Thats even more impossible! Levi said. There are security protocols in ce to trap research subjects. Youre almost guaranteed to get trapped inside the Memorysteel if you try to enter through one of those ces, and there are no builders to let you out. Not a single one who has been caught inside a wall has ever made it out as far as I know.


    Zac simply stared at her in response as he held the tablet toward her. She eventually sighed in defeat before her eyes started darting back and forth for almost a minute. She finally pointed at one of the boxes, though hesitation was written all over her face.


    Perhaps this one? It seems to mention something about a security check, which is always performed when opening a door. The other algorithms seem to be more rted to the general operation of the wall itself, she said. But just finding the right program isnt enough.


    Zac nodded in thanks before he took the tablet. He honestly had no idea what to do from this point on, but he gained some confidence from the simple fact that he got the quest by the System. It seemed to believe he would have a chance toplete it, meaning he should be able to open the door.


    He didnt even try to understand what he was looking at since it was too far beyond his understanding and he simply pressed the box Levi indicated. However, he did take one precaution though. He had taken out his mothers token from his Spatial ring, and he held it against the same spot as the charger when he pressed the button.


    Wait, what are you doing?! You will alert the security protocols! Levi screamed when saw Zacs impetuous actions, but her words got caught in her throat when the gate started forming without issue, and at a much greater speed than when the werewolf was trying to conjure it.

 Chapter 593: Old Friends

    Chapter 593: Old Friends


    Im in, Zac said, his mouth tugging upward as he felt like the lead in an 80s movie about hackers.


    This was obviously lost on the Cartava scion though, and she nkly looked back and forth between him and the gate.


    Wh- How? she eventually sputtered, looking like a lifetime ofmon sense was rapidly being upended.


    I have my ways, Zac smiled as he stashed away the talisman again before the Cartava scion could spot it.


    The talisman didn''t contain any clear hints of its origins as far as Zac could tell, but it was obviously a technocrat Tool if you knew a bit about them. Even Ogras could discern the truth at a single nce, and someone like Levi could probably glean even more. He obviously wouldnt divulge his secrets to this stranger, even if she was cooperative so far.


    The door slid open a secondter, exposing the interiors. The state of the base on the other side was far worse than even the war-torn wall. The walls of the corridor hadpletely crumbled, and even the roof was missing at spots.


    Only an endless ck could be glimpsed through the cracks, making it seem as though the research base was hurtling through space. But the darkness that Zac could see through the cracks rather reminded Zac of the bleak ckness of the Abyss he could glimpse through <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> rather than the empty darkness of outer space.


    The truth probably wasnt quite that sinister though. Mystic Realms were pocket sub-dimensions, and they had to have an end somewhere. What he saw was probably the void between dimensions, the ce where one would end up if you fell through a spatial tear. However, he still got an oppressive feeling when he looked, so Zac''s instincts told him there were other dangers lurking in the darkness.


    The scene gave Zac some pause, but he quickly roused himself. There was no telling how long the door wouldst even if he used his mothers token.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Okay, lets go, Zac nodded as he started walking, but Levi looked at him like he was crazy.


    What? You want me to go? Levi almost screamed, her face a mix of horror and confusion. I am no good to you. Youve seen the state Im in, Ill only be a burden. Ill rest up before returning to my n instead. That way I can warn them about those enemies of yours so that we can start prepar-


    Therell be plenty of time for thatter, Zac said as the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> once more lifted the aghast Cartava scion into the air. Im sorry but Ill need to bring you along as a guide. Youve already proven youre essential to rescuing my people by helping me with the tablet.


    Ive never been to this section of the base! Ill be of no use to you! she eximed as she vehemently struggled against the restraints.


    But Zac ignored herints as he stepped through the gate which soundlessly closed behind them. A few secondster it had turned into another piece of broken corridors that ran along the wall. Strangely enough, there was no telling that a vast forest stood on the other side of the wall after passing through, not even after peering through the cracks. Only a murky haze could be seen on the other side, making Zac believe the cracks were actually filled with spatial anomalies.


    No wonder the werewolves refused to take a shortcut.


    So much for not being captured. It was all for nothing, Levi muttered with a hint of despair from her chain cocoon, and Zac could only apologetically smile in response.


    She was right. She might have gone out of the ashes into the fire from her perspective, swapping a known captor to a more powerful unknown one. Not only that, but Zac was also fumbling in the dark in this dangerous ce, which put them both at risk. But there was nothing to be done about the situation. The System gave him no choice in the matter.


    I really am sorry about all this, Zac coughed as he stepped further inside, dragging a clearly unwilling Levi along with his chains. You could say my hands are tied."


    "Stop, STOP!" she screamed. "Alright, I''ll help you. But stop walking ahead randomly or you''ll get us both killed!"


    "What, really?" Zac said, but he still stopped in his tracks. "Help me with this matter and Ill make it up to you. Is there anything you or your n needs? I can send for it before the pathways to this world close.


    Like what? Levi asked curiously as she stropped struggling against the restraints, confirming Zacs guess.


    This girl was full of curiosity about the outside world and its marvels, which wasnt too surprising considering her situation. Hopefully, he would be able to use that to keep her cooperative.


    I have no idea what you guys arecking in this world. Pills? Manuals? Attuned Crystals?


    Land, Levi said without hesitation. Ive heard thats have spots with greater energy densitypared to others, treasurends where you can cultivate at twice the speed at half the effort. Can you provide us with such a thing?


    There are a few such ces on Earth, Zac slowly nodded. But those ces are extremely valuable strategic resources. Being my guide for a few hours isnt worth a Nexus Vein, no offense.


    I also saved you from being captured by werewolves by warning you, but fine. Well revisit this matterter, Levi sighed. Our first priority should be staying alive in this ce.


    Good. Now, how do I find that ry station? Zac asked.


    I dont know where it is, but it shouldnt be too far in from this gate. Half an hour away at the most. Any further and the station would be inside the Wastnd itself, and no permanent structure can survive in there. But make no mistake, our lives are in peril every second even here at the edge.


    Whats the Wastnd? Zac asked with a frown. Another Biosphere like the forest before?


    No, Levi said with a shake of her head. Something much more dangerous. It will take some time to exin, but you need to understand the dangers to not get us both killed.


    Give me the abridged version, Zac reluctantly agreed, though part of him just wanted to set out.


    The windows into the void looked pretty unsettling, but the atmosphere was intact and there was no suction dragging items out through the cracks. As for spatial tears, Zac figured his Luck had proven a pretty good early warning system. But seeing Levi''s exaggerated reactions there were probably more dangers than what met the eyes.


    Our people were taken here over fifteen thousand years ago and experimented on for millennia, Levi began, but was interrupted by an impatient Zac.


    Is this really the short version?


    Just listen, Levi said with a re. We were taken here because of our bloodlines, but there was an incident that put an end to the experiments around five thousand years ago. A mystical item appeared out of nowhere, rippling through the spatial barriers like they didnt exist.


    It mmed into this base like a meteor,pletely ripping apart arge section of it. It hit the base from the east, annihting the subjects who were experimented on there. Only by digging through data did we find out that the subjects there was a n of Titans, renowned for their physical prowess."


    Zacs heartbeat sped up a bit when he heard the mention of Titans, although he had already been somewhat certain that this ce was the source of Billys heritage. However, it seemed more likely that Billys ancestor somehow managed to reach Earth through a spatial tear or something, rather than the whole n escaping.


    The object made its way into the core of the base, presumably killing all our captors as well, Levi continued.


    Presumably? You dont know if they were killed? Zac asked with confusion.


    What followed after the impact was over a hundred years of spatial chaos. We call the event the Cataclysm. You should have encountered those rifts by now, right? Those kinds of things raged across the whole base, wreaking havoc. We lost most of our people during those days. But one day it just stopped and the base woke up again. By that time our captors were all gone, and we slowly managed to eke out a living here, Levi said.


    Do you know who was it that captured you? Zac asked curiously.


    They called themselves the Tsarun n, Levi said.


    WHAT?! Zac eximed. Those guys?


    You know of them? Are they still around? Do they know of your? Levi said, fear shining in her eyes. Our elders were peak D-Grade, but they were all ughtered by those people when they came for us. They are terrifying.


    Theyre around, and they are still extremely powerful. They have a pretty unsavory reputation as well, and no one wants to make an enemy out of them. There are also rumors of them working with unorthodox forces to be more powerful. So I guess its not too surprising they started messing around with a Technocrat Research Base, Zac exined.


    Levi looked shook that their captor was still around and living well.


    You dont need to worry about me selling you out though, Zac added when he saw the fear in her eyes. They probably are more interested in capturing me than they are in capturing you.


    What? Are you carrying a unique bloodline as well? Levi blurted.


    No, we are enemies for other reasons. A small disagreement ended up with them losing one of their main-branch descendants and getting publicly embarrassed, Zac slowly said, his voice somewhat decreasing in strength after seeing the mounting horror in her eyes. Anyway, I guess we have amon enemy? So what happened afterward?


    When my ancestors realized they were left alone in this ce they immediately started looking for an escape. But movement in this ce is always highly restricted, and we never found a way out. However, we managed to find a few tablets left behind by the Tsarun n and thats how we learned the methods of the Datamancers, Levi said.


    Unfortunately, only a few of our people can be true Datamancers as they cant be registered as research subjects by the AI of this ce. Only one out of a thousand might have the ability to be a Datamancer, and even then its highly random their degree of sess, Levi said.


    People without bloodlines, Zac muttered.


    Exactly, Levi nodded. Our n was essentially bred and experimented on for millennia with the sole purpose of purifying and strengthening our bloodline, and it was the same with the other ns. For someone to be born without it after all that it is extremely rare. I guess there are a lot more potential Datamancers among you outsiders.


    In either case. We found out about the fundamental rules of this base through reading the Tsarun n reports. As you mentioned, they didnt build this base. They rather stumbled upon it during an exploration trip outside of integrated space. They spent tens of thousands of years slowly gaining control over the basic functions, but we believe they never managed to get a hold on the core secrets of this ce, Levi continued.


    What do you know about the original creators? Zac asked, straining to keep his face impassive.


    Not much, Levi said with a shake of her head. We know they were terrifyingly powerful, far greater than the Tsarun n. We think they finished their research then left this base, though we dont know why they didnt repurpose this ce. The Tsarun were only digging through the scraps for their own project.


    Zac sighed and nodded. He wasnt sure she was telling the truth or kept the secrets about his mothers n to herself, but there was still ample time to find out the truth.


    This is all valuable information, but what does this have to do with the Wastnds? Zac asked, returning to the main subject.


    I needed you to understand how dangerous it was during the age after the cataclysm, where less than five percent of our n survived. Because the wastnd never healed. It is the sector where the dimensional treasure passed through before hitting the core of this base, and thews of space are still in flux here. The rest of this world has found an equilibrium and is bound by the rules of the Builders, but the wastnd is in a permanent state of turmoil, Levi sighed.


    So what? If the werewolves can pass it, so can I, Zac said.


    We have spent millennia mapping the spatial storms, but that knowledge holds no sway in the wastnds. A spatial storm can descend on you at moments notice, and thats not all. This area is full of spatial holes, and sometimes things fall out. Dangerous things, she said, her eyes inadvertently darting toward the ominous scars in the ceiling.


    Dangerous things? Zac said with a frown.


    There are weird dimensional beasts hidden in the darkness. They cant survive in our environment for long, and they cause massive destruction in their attempts to return to the void. Encountering those things almost always results in death. But other things can fall out as well, like a mountain getting dropped on your head. You never know, Levi said.


    Then how can the Lunar Tribe pass it?


    They live the closest to the wastnd, so they understand it the best. Their bodies are also very strong, and their lunar skills allow them to briefly pass through spatial storms unscathed. Ive heard they also maintain routes where they have left protective measures, like small safe bubbles powered by Base Power, Levi said.


    Dont your n have something simr? Zac asked with a frown.


    No. We never go here. Treasures sometimes fall out of the void, but the dangers far overshadow the potential gain. Besides, passing the wastnd only leads to the Lunar Tribe, and youve seen how our rtionship is, Levi said.


    So, the ry station? Zac asked.


    Its probably a base where the scouting units gather to cross the wastnd together. Powering those safe bubbles require a lot of Base Power, and each squad cant pass alone. Besides, there is safety in numbers. Ive also heard that they make the troublemakers and the elderly take the vanguard, so theyll somewhat block the spatial storms with their bodies if one arrives unnoticed, Levi said.


    Okay, we hopefully wont need to worry about that. Which way? If you dont know, just follow your instincts, Zac said.


    Levi looked into the eyes of Zac for a few seconds before she sighed as a small glimmer activated in her eyes. Her one remaining good eye turned milky white the next moment, eliciting a strong sense of unease in Zac''s mind. However, it soon returned to normal, though Levi looked even more sickly than before.


    That way, she said as she nodded at a route as blood started to flow down her nose again. "Now, can you rearrange these chains to something morefortable?"

 Chapter 594: Bubbles

    Chapter 594: Bubbles


    Zac frowned when he saw that Levi''s condition seemed to have worsened even further, instead simply nodding in thanks. He went down the corridor that Levi indicated, maintaining a pace just slow enough so that his Danger Sense would be able to pick up any hints of spatial tears in time.


    He would have preferred to transform <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to its defensive form as well, but it turned out that was impossible because of Levi. She could barely stand at the moment, let alone keep up with him. He instead had to fashion some sort of chair out of two of his chains, allowing him to carry her to his side. Carrying her on his back would have been a lot more convenient, but he definitely wasnt about to let aplete stranger have her arms around his neck. That was a good way to get yourself killed or captured.


    The path they followed looked much very much the same as the area where they entered, with a state of decay that far exceeded anything Ogras described in his report. asional flickering in the scripts on the wall indicated that the area wasntpletely disconnected from the base, but it apparently wasnt in any state to repair this ce. Or perhaps the Base AI had simply deemed it too costly what with the spatial turbulence.


    They continued down the corridor for a few minutes before they reached a huge crack in the wall. It was wide enough for five people to enter together, and it seemed to be heading in the direction of the wastnds. Zac tried to peer inside, but it waspletely pitch ck apart from some light at the end of the tunnel, making it a possible shortcut.


    Do you think they entered here?


    I cant activate my eyes again, I will end up in aa, she said as she peered into the darkness. But its doubtful. I dont think the Lunar Tribe would use these kinds of paths unless absolutely necessary. The corridors are still connected to the base and they follow most of the rules, but anything can happen in a crack like this. I think we should continue down the road.


    Zac nodded and kept walking without hesitation. He felt a vague sense of threat from that dark ingress anyway, and he probably wouldnt have entered even if he traveled alone. Something dangerous waited inside.


    A minuteter they reached a crossing, with a proper path heading the same way as the eerie crack from before. Zac looked at his reluctant guide again, but she still shook her head.


    No, not that way either, Levi said. That corridor is the start of a looping spiral, a dead end. Cracks might have created a new path in there, but perhaps not. We would waste almost an hour going this way.


    A looping spiral? Zac asked.


    These endless corridors follow certain patterns and we have learned to somewhat intuit some of them after living in them all our lives. Im almost certain that this will corridor is a dead end, but I cant actually exin how I know it. Its a vague sense based on the direction were walking, proximity to the forest, previous corridors, and so on.


    Is it your ocr bloodline? Zac asked.


    No, everyone born in this ce can somewhat do this, Levi exined.


    Zac guessed that it was a naturally nurtured equivalent to his recently gained sense from <strong>[Forester''s Constitution]</strong> unless she was hiding something. Perhaps she could tell based on the inscriptions on the wall or some other small sign that Zac couldnt notice. Either way, he felt it was better to go with her instincts unless his own Danger Sense started to rail against them.


    The state of the base gradually worsened even further as they proceeded until Zac suddenly froze before he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, moving himself and Levi back where they came from. Not even a half a second passed before an extremely dense storm of spatial tears passed right through the corridor, seemingly both exiting and entering through the Memorysteel walls.


    You see? Levi sighed, her face ghastly white. We were lucky this time, but things will only get worse from here on out. You cant sense these sudden storms either, so its imposs-


    She didnt get any further before Zac moved again, once more narrowly avoiding a weird fluctuation that appeared from one of the cracks in the roof. It almost felt like the spatial tears from before had summoned something.


    -ible topletely avoid. Wait, how are you doing that? Levi asked as she looked down at Zac with confusion.


    Zac didnt immediately answer, but rather kept his eye peeled at the situation ahead. The thing that had appeared clearly was of a spatial nature, but it was something else than a tear. It almost looked like a soap bubble, but it actually reflected a blue sun rather than the surroundings. The bubble was almost two meters across, and much smaller spheres surrounded it like satellites.


    It only remained a few seconds before it destabilized with a pop, causing an extremely powerful implosion that made Zacs hair stand on end. There was no way that he would have survived it if he hadnt moved away in time.


    What was that?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    We call them Void Bubbles, Levi said with a sigh. Its actually a pretty rare sight. We dont really know what they are. Some believe that they are the result of the dimensionalyers temporarily weakening, giving a glimpse of the outside. More than one desperate cultivator has jumped into those bubbles in hopes of escaping this ce, but I doubt anyone actually survived.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He could somewhat the power brewing in the center of that bubble, and it was definitely not something any random E-Grade cultivator could survive. However, he suddenly froze with realization. Triv seemed certain that quite a few people had escaped from this base because there were so many high-quality corpses on Earth. Was this the method they used?


    Is it always that blue sun? Zac asked to make sure.


    No, the scene is always different. Most of them picture outer space though, Levi said. Seeing one depictingnd is very rare.


    Zac nodded, feeling that his theory wasn''tpletely without merit, but something she said piqued his curiosity.


    You guys know what space is? Zac asked curiously.


    You know, weve lost much, but weve only been in this ce for a couple of millennia. My great grandfather was born in the Zecia Sector, she said with a scathing nce.


    Alright then, Zac coughed and started walking.


    He felt a bit stupid hearing her exnation, and his ns for exchanging information of the outside for information on the inside died in its cradle. She might know even more than himself about the Zecia sector for all he knew since the Cartava n was seemingly a proper cultivation n before they were captured.


    They kept going further from their starting points, and the spatial anomalies only grew more and moremon. Zacs Danger Sense kept doing wonders though, and seeing that Zac really was able to somewhat predict the spatial tears made Levi calm down a bit. It allowed her to rx before she started exining the base patterns in greater detail.


    Zac felt he learned a lot, though he knew that he simply couldnt gain an intuitive feel for the ce just by hearing about patterns such as Downstream Wing and Fierce Otodon. But it did give him a glimpse into how these native forces functioned, which might be even more valuable.


    We should turn here, Levi eventually said as they reached another crossing. This should be the main path leading toward the Wastnd, and if we go any further without turning well reach the Outer Divide. I doubt that the Outer Divide is breached even this close to the Wastnd, so going there is a waste of time.


    Zac nodded in agreement, but they only proceeded a hundred meters before Zacs mind once more screamed of danger. However, this time it was to the point that Zac almost fell over from the shock to his mind, with only thoughts of escape remaining. He scrambled out of the way like his life depended on it,pletely forgetting about Levi.


    The Cartava scion was dragged along thanks to the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, barely missing a massive w that suddenly appeared from one of the cracks in the roof. It mmed into the ground with a devastating force, shredding the sturdy alloy like it was nothing. Zac desperately scrambled to his feet to keep backing away, and he looked at the hand with fear. He didn''t even dare to think about attacking that thing out of fear that it would sense his killing intent.


    The hand emitted energy waves almost at the level of Greatest, meaning that the beast should be somewhere in thete D-Grade.


    The hand looked both corporeal and energy-based, and it twisted and distorted as it tried to grab hold of something in the corridor. It almost looked like a hologram if not for the deep scars that were caused in the walls. However, the runes on the walls suddenly lit up, and dozens of Memorysteel spears stabbed into the hand.


    But seeing the result only made Zac even more certain of the power of the creature. He had been on the receiving end of those things, and the still tender flesh in his side was a poignant reminder of how powerful they were. But the spears were actuallypletely unable to harm the w, and it easily crushed them like they were made out of paper.


    The w had its own problems though, and it kept distorting more and more until it was barely recognizable any longer. Only then did the hand recede into the void again, leaving an utterly decimated hallway that seemed unable to restore its previous form,


    Its a dimensional creature, Levi whispered, her face pallid. I never expected to see one in person. We''re lucky to be alive.


    Where the hell did ite from?" Zac muttered as he peered into the darkness.


    "We believe they live in the void. But I have no idea how that''s possible," Levi said.


    Why did it attack though? Zac muttered.


    They are drawn here by the dimensional treasure, but they cant enter this type of dimension freely. So they skulk around the cracks in space, sometimes reaching in to attack people. A few of the smaller ones sometimes fall throughpletely, but that only happens in the wastnd and the core region where the cracks arerger, Levi said.


    Zac grimaced when he heard the mention about the core section where the Dimensional Seed was located. It sounded like the sector itself was just as dangerous as the Wastnd, perhaps even more so. Void''s Disciple and the zealots might be the least of his worries when he reached that ce.


    What now? Zac muttered. Is there an alternative path?"


    The beast should go away if we wait a few minutes. But be careful, Levi said. I already overdid it by activating my bloodline twice. Youre on your own now, I cant warn you again as I did during the battle against the werewolves.


    Thats no problem, Zac said. But while were at the subject, just how did you manage to warn me before? You''ve seen how sharp my senses are, but I didnt sense a thing. More to the point, you shouted out before Hevastes had even reached me. Are your n members Karmic Cultivators?


    Levis warning was as good an opening as any, and Zac finally couldnt hold back his curiosity after having walked these broken hallways for almost an hour. He had reyed that battle over and over in his mind, and Karma was the only exnation he could think of. He still remembered that odd feeling of dj vu, and it made him think of his battle with the Hayner Patriarch more than anything.


    He knew that Karmic Cultivators were exceedingly rare, but it really looked like she had divined the future before, warning him of something that was about to take ce. The bacsh also matched with what he knew of divination. There was always a price to pay to peer into the future, and even a powerful monk like Lord 84<sup>th</sup> wasnt an exception.


    Perhaps the Tsarun n wanted the power of precognition for themselves and had tried to extract that capability from the Cartava n. Or perhaps they wanted to breed a bunch of seers, forcing them to write divinations day in and day out until they were killed by the heavens. There was no doubt that such a power would prove immensely beneficial for a power-hungry man like the Tsarun patriarch.


    No, she hurriedly said as she shook her head with such force that she almost fell out of her chair made out of chains. Our n has nothing to do with Divination or Karma.


    Then why such a strong reaction? Zac said as a frown spread across his face. Our does have a grudge against a Karmic Cultivator, but that doesnt mean were enemies with all of them. But let me be clear; if I find out that youre lying, then your n will have to find another way out of this ce than through me. I cant have another group of people manipting Karma against me or my people. You better tell me right now what''s going on.

 Chapter 595: Karma and Time

    Chapter 595: Karma and Time


    No, I swear Im not lying!" Levi eximed with a pale face. "Youre not the first one to make that deduction. Our n was constantly harassed because a lot of forces believed us to manipte Karma for our profit. I only reacted strongly because our n suffered a lot of harassment because of this.


    If not Karma, then what? Zac asked.


    You have probably realized that my n has an eye-based bloodline after seeing me, Levi eventually said. Thats why we were caught and brought here.


    Really? Just because of that? Zac asked, skepticism written all over his face. Theres no way the Tsarun n would capture you because of that.


    It wasnt without reason Zac had that sort of reaction. He had learned a thing or two about bloodlines from gathering missives by now, and he wasntpletely clueless any longer. The mostmon types of bloodlines werebat-oriented, with the second mostmon being affinity-rted, either boosting cultivation speed or Skill Control.


    Ocr Bloodlines were a lot rarer than those types, but not to the point that it was exceedingly rare. But more importantly, they were generally not seen as too useful since they mainly focused on scouting or helping with things like inscriptions and crafting.


    There was no way that the power-hungry Tsarun-n would waste so much effort on something useless though. Those wolves had gained a pretty decent boost to theirbat strength when their bloodlines awakened, surpassing the general estimates ofmon bloodlines. There had to be something special about n Cartava to warrant their capture.


    Our n has nothing to do with Karma, really. Our bloodlines provide us with scouting abilities and some suppression, Levi repeated once more.


    Then why did that guy say that youre the key to immortality? Zac asked with a frown, feeling he was being taken for a ride.


    Zacs gut told him that the werewolf threw out thatst line with his dying breath to cause trouble, but that didnt mean that he was lying. These werewolves had fought in the Outer Ring against the humans, and now they had managed to somehow capture one of them. The fact that the werewolves worked so hard against the humans rather than trying to escape meant they possessed something even more valuable than freedom.


    Immortality was one such thing. Even a pig would be an overlord given enough time, so it was definitely an alluring concept for most cultivators. Perhaps the werewolf believed Zac would feel the same and torture the girl for her secrets. However, Zac wasnt personally all that interested in the prospect of immortality.


    He grew up expecting to live around 80 years, so his current lifespan approaching the thousands was already shocking enough. Who would want to walk the universe until the end of time? It sounded torturous more than anything. The girl seemed reluctant to say anything more though as she looked around back and forth. Zac had an idea of what she was worried about, and he took out and activated an Istion Array.


    "No one can hear us now," Zac said. "I normally wouldn''t pressure someone like this, but you''re simply acting too suspiciously. I can''t have anything going wrong in this ce. Billions of lives depend on it."


    Fine, Levi eventually sighed. You have to swear on your path of cultivation to not divulge what Im about to say, and not to experiment on me or my nsmen.


    I swear to not divulge anything as long as you dont move against me or my force, Zac nodded. And I would never experiment on people.


    Levi looked at Zac for a while longer, before she eventually nodded.


    Our bloodline really isnt anything more than a decent ocr heritage. But that wasnt always the case. Our founding ancestors eyes were different from ours. They contained the power of time itself. Not only did he live five times longer than a normal cultivator at his stage, but he was able to glimpse into both the past and present to some degree, Levi said. His children never inherited his gift though, but the ancestor''s actions started the rumors about us being a Karmic n.


    "Eventually, the rumors died down though and our lives started to return to normal. However, the Tsarun n found out about the true nature of our founding ancestors eyes through a traitor. They wanted that power of time for themselves. I dont know why, but I think it was for the same reason as the Lunar Tribe. They want to extract the power in our eyes to increase their longevity, Levi said.


    And you have the same types of eyes as your ancestor, Zac deduced before he looked at her with exasperation. All that talk, and its still rted to Karma after all?


    You seem to have a wed understanding of the Dao of Karma. Karma and Divination arepletely separate from the Dao of Time. Karma is an understanding of the interconnectedness of everything in the universe. Its understanding causality, and in some cases deliberately influencing the future by taking some seemingly inscrutable actions, Levi exined.


    They are unable to see the whole picture as normal cultivators though, so they connect with the omnipresent Heavens for a short moment to borrow its omniscience, all the karmic ties and rtions. But ultimately, they are still not actually peering into the future or the past, she continued. "Furthermore, Karma is just one type of Divination. There''s also the Numerology of the Dao of Order, and some oracles even enter contracts with strange beings of other dimensions who can show them glimpses of the unknown. I''m sure there are even more types out there."


    So they aren''t actually able to see the future. But you are? Zac said with a frown.


    Timeline altering seemed extremely overpowered, especially for someone in the E-Grade. Getting your soul wounded and a bleeding nose could barely be considered a bacsh for something so heaven-defying. The brand on her eye looked a lot more worrisome, but how could thatpare to altering the past?


    No. I can just glimpse fragmented images, and generally just the from past. When I chose a direction before I looked into the past and saw werewolvesing from this corridor, Levi exined. But during your battle, I felt a sudden urge to peek into the future, and I saw a hand holding a restraint module behind you. I knew that we both would be in trouble if that really happened, so I called out.


    As you saw, looking into the future is a lot more dangerous than the past, because even just looking will invariably change the future. Besides, I can only see a short image, but theres no guarantee that I would understand what I saw. This time I was lucky since I knew that you getting sealed would be bad for me, but the risk of receiving the bacsh and gaining nothing in return is high, Levi said. The bacsh is also extremely harsh, every usagees with a permanent cost.


    Zac slowly nodded. He couldnt pinpoint what, but he felt that there was something odd with her description of the events. Perhaps it was the sudden urge to peek into the future that was the most suspect. Then again, he often got those sorts of urges thanks to his high Luck, and perhaps she had a simr ability.


    So you got a glimpse of a bad future, and warned me to prevent it? Can everyone in your n do this? Zac asked.


    No, Levi said. Just a select few.


    Thank you for letting me know. And dont worry, I have no interest in your time eyes, Zac said as he picked up the istion disk. I dont want to be hunted down by the old monsters in the sector for holding a key to increased longevity.


    Levi could only weakly smile in response, and the two set out a few minutester after there was no sign of the Void Creature returning. Zac wasnt joking when he said that he would keep the secret to himself. Part of it was the reason he just said. He didnt want to live a life where he was hunted by powerful factions, like Yrial or the Eveningtide Asura.


    But part of it was definitely because of her situation. She hadnt said it outright, but warning him had definitelye at a cost. He had noticed that Levi had repeatedly reached for her branded eye as they traveled along the corridors, and he guessed that the curse was a direct result of peering into the future.


    After all, if meddling with the strings of Karma came at a sharp price, then the same would probably hold for meddling with time. The System or the real Heavens protected the fundamental rules of the universe it seemed. Otherwise things would turn extremely chaotic with people jumping back and forth through timelines as they pleased.


    The minutes turned into two hours as they progressed further and further from their starting position, though they had to backtrack a few times after encounteringpletely crumbled sections of the corridors. Perennial spatial storms were swirling about in these ces, making itpletely impossible to pass through.


    But finally, there was a change as they heard a loud argument in the distance. They had moved inplete silence after the first 30 minutes out of fear of alerting the sensitive werewolves, with Levi only giving directions with her hands. Two gruff voices echoed through the corridors, making the two freeze in position. Zac once more took out the istion array, hoping that the energy fluctuations wouldn''t alert anyone.


    The two listened for a bit, and it quickly became apparent it was an argument between two squad leaders. One of them wanted to set out immediately sine he believed something had gone wrong. The other wanted to wait for Hevastes as he carried a lot of the Base Power required to power the safe bubbles ced in the Wastnd.


    They couldn''t hear everything though, and the voices stopped after a minute.


    It should be just up ahead, Zac said with a low voice. Stay here.


    Youlle pick me up, right? Levi said with worry. Im dont think I can get back alone. I should tell you; I hold some weight in my n, things will get a lot easier for you if you have me assisting you from the inside. I doubt my people would be ready to head for the depths of this ce rather than the exit if my grandpa doesnt tell them to.


    Of course, Ill help you, Zac assured her as silvery tufts of hair started to grow from his face.


    A blinding agony spread through Zacs body the next moment as he activated <strong>[Million Faces] </strong>for the first time. The fit with his pathways wasn''t any better with the upgraded skill, which meant that every minor adjustment was apanied by the feeling of his bones being crushed and reformed. And Zac wasnt nning on a minor adjustment.


    His face elongated while his body grew a few decimeters as he donned a hunched-over posture with his arms hanging low. Sharp ws grew out from his hands and he felt his teeth growing sharp as well.


    How do I look? Zac grunted a minuteter, though he had some problems forming words properly with a canine snout.


    Just what are you? Can you turn into anything? Levi whispered in shock.


    Its a transformation skill, Zac snorted. Do I look like a werewolf?"


    Honestly, you look like a failed miscreation, Levi said, and she clearly had problems looking in his direction.


    Zac sighed when he saw her disgusted face, and a wave of disgust hit him as well when he took out a mirror. The only way he would be mistaken for a werewolf was if the werewolf not only suffered from a severe case of mange but also a series of birth defects.


    The extent he could change his body was a lot greater with his new skill, but turning into a werewolf was clearly overreaching. But he still wanted to get a small advantage this way. Levi believed that the Ry Station was in what she called a chokepoint chamber, arge warehouse with one entrance and one exit.


    It would be the only path to get to the other side, and it was easily defended. Most settlements in the Mystic Realm were built in these kinds of chambers, or series of such warehouses, and sometimes they could even control the barriers leading in and out. Levi guessed that they wouldnt have too great a control of the base this far from their real domain, but she couldnt be sure.


    The Lunar n had already provided her with plenty of surprises.


    He thought for a second before he had an idea to improve the disguise. He took out a couple of bandages next and covered over half his face and hands, with the uneven tufts of silver hair sticking out between. He took out the dead werewolf leader next and pushed his bisected body against the bandages, drenching them with blood.


    Levi seemed ready to vomit at the macabre disy, but Zac had long turned numb to these kinds of grotesque actions. What did it matter if he got a little bloodied if he couldplete his quest and save his people? Next, he put on a spare set of the clothes he found in Hevastes Cosmos Sack, finishing the makeshift transformation.


    What about now? Zac said as he spun around.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    I guess you can pass as Hevastes from a distance, but you wont be able to infiltrate them this way, Levi said.


    Thats fine, I just need to get through the door, Zac muttered.


    You know, Hevastes and the others were weakened after they killed my guard, but I dont think the other squads are in that bad a shape. And there might be quite a few of them, she exhorted. You might not-


    I have to do this, Zac said as he stood up and cracked his neck. Wait here, well be back in a few minutes.


    Zac started making his way toward the source of the argument earlier, and he took on a shuffling walk to make it look like he was wounded. He wanted to create the illusion of Hevastes returning alone in defeat after failing his mission. He soon enough reached a proper arch that was blocked with a familiar red barrier.


    Lord Hevastes, is that you? a hesitant voice emerged from the other side as a werewolf stepped forward, looking at Zac''s appearance with shock.


    Get the fuck out of the way, Zac growled, trying to make his voice mimic the gruff timbre of the werewolf leader.


    A surge of relief hit Zac a secondter as the barrier flickered out, and Zac wasted no time.


    Wh- the wolf said with wide eyes, but he didnt get any further before Zacs hand snapped forward, gripping the werewolf by the throat and cracking his neck.


    A surge of Cosmic Energy confirmed the kill, and <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> appeared in his hand as he started to transform back to normal.


    Were under attack! another guard screamed just before Zac managed to end his life as well.


    Zac had never expected to enter the open space unnoticed with his wretched disguise. Cosmic Energy churned through his body as he was primed for an all-out assault.

 Chapter 596: Hands

    Chapter 596: Hands


    Who are you?! a bulky werewolf roared as he produced arge spear that seemed to be made from the same material as the walls, and a quick estimate by Zac indicated there were around fifty werewolves in the emptied-out storeroom.


    It was a bit more than Zac had hoped, but he knew that he couldn''t back down now. Zac''s only response to the inquiry was unleashing a roar at the top of his lungs, reinforced with his aura and billowing killing-intent. The very air in the room vibrated, and tworge screens that disyed some unintelligible data actually cracked pressure the pressure.


    The sudden outburst made the werewolves freeze for an instant like they had been faced with a dangerous predator, giving Zac a brief window to scan therge warehouse that had been outfitted into what looked a bit like a campsite. He immediately found what he was looking for; a group of dirty and bloodied humans and one demon huddled in a corner chained to the wall.


    All of them carried somewhat serious wounds, with two apparently being unconscious. The pathetic state of his people ignited another surge of fury in his heart, and any hesitation flew out of his head as he threw out over a hundred items while activating <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    The werewolves had already regained their bearing after the surprising outburst, and they started to radiate lunar light one by one. The room was over two hundred meters across, but it was still a lot more confinedpared to the earlier battles in the forests. More importantly; the walls were reflective, and Zac worried what would happen if they were allowed topletely unleash their Bloodline War Array.


    However, the cold moonlight was overpowered before it even had a chance to stabilize as the whole area erupted in an unceasing cascade of elemental eruptions.


    Huge flowers wrought from me bloomed as icicles as long as five meters fell from the sky. Lakes of thunder covered the ground and torrential winds full of hidden des cut at the flustered werewolves. It was as though an army of elementalists had descended upon Ry Station, intent on ripping it apart.


    There obviously were no mages assisting Zac in his rescue attempt though, but themotion was rather the result of throwing out a full stack of low and medium-grade talismans at the cost of a decent chunk of his Cosmic Energy. These low-quality offensive talismans would normally not be able to kill even a peak F-Grade warrior, let alone these werewolves with powerful constitutions.


    But packed together in a confined space like this they could cause some serious harm. More importantly, they emitted almost blinding light while the explosions made any attempts of organization impossible.


    A storm of Spatial Tears erupted the next second as Zacs hidden ace, a <strong>[Void Ball]</strong>, detonated right where the most powerful-looking werewolves were fending off sts from every direction. A few werewolves were immediately cut into ribbons, but most of them suddenly turned into light, allowing the tears to pass right through their intangible form.


    Zac had already learned about this bloodline ability though, so he wasn''t surprised to see them materializing almost immediately with various degrees of wounds. There were still a lot of chaotic Spatial Tears around them as well, forcing the werewolves to find another way to protect themselves. Most of them were suddenly enclosed in red barriers as they jumped out of the way.


    The shields were obviously of the same source as the ones he had seen in this base before, but the werewolves had managed to construct portable defensive mechanisms.


    However, it looked like the barriers shared one inconvenient trait with the barriers of the base itself. The spatial tears seamlessly entered the shields themselves, melding with them into one entity. Zac couldn''t be sure, but he felt that it was no way that some portable device would be able to lock in and contain a spatial tear.


    As expected, the leaders quickly grabbed small machines hidden in various pockets and threw them far away, and a series of small explosions soon after as the machines erupted into what looked like weakened copies of the <strong>[Void Ball] </strong>itself. The werewolf leaders had managed to save their hides, but Zac had already achieved his purpose.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The chaos caused by the <strong>[Void Ball] </strong>and explosive talismans had causedplete disorder amongst the ranks of the werewolves, and their Lunar War Array had almostpletely fallen apart.


    Zac knew they would be able to restore order soon enough, but the confusion had given him just enough time to conjure the enormous wooden hand hovering by the ceiling fifty meters up in the air. Zac didnt waste even a second before therge emerald array appeared, and a small branch started to descend the moment it appeared.


    Above! a werewolf shouted, but it was toote.


    The branch rapidly grew as innumerable branches sprouted, each of them shooting for a werewolf. Transcendent lights rose to meet their descent, and smoke rose from Zacs hand as the damage was transmitted from the avatar in the sky. However, the wooden punishment contained an almost boundless vitality, and that effect was only boosted even further thanks to the Fragment of the Bodhi and his newly acquired <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>.


    His strike was chock-full of Dao, and bark rained down from the sky as it was ripped off and regrew in a rapid cycle of growth and withering. Zac''s consumption of energy was enormous to withstand the hastily erected War Array, but their defense had one fatal weakness; it didn''t actually provide any physical defenses.


    A massive surge of Cosmic Energy filled his body as one werewolf after another was speared through. Over ten branches were aiming for each werewolf, and they could only maintain their intangible form for a short while. Over half the werewolves died from the blitz attack before the War Array finally managed to exhaust <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> to the point that Zac could no longer maintain it.


    Just under twenty werewolves remained at this point, some of them maimed or even grievously wounded from fending off the branches of the bloody tree that now stood in the center of the Ry Station like a cursed effigy adorned with carcasses for offerings. Surrounding it was the spectral forest of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>, and together they had turned the sci-fi interior into a fey forest.


    The attack was a huge sess, but Zac still couldn''t help but worry as he nced at the enormous cracks that had appeared on the walls. The powerful Memorysteel normally wouldn''t have been damaged to this point from the battle, but the metal in this section clearly wasn''t being provided enough Base Power to recover. He knew that he would have to end this quickly unless he wanted to bring the whole roof down on his head.


    Join together! one of the leaders desperately screamed, but Zac was relieved to see that six of the remaining warriorspletely ignored the call as they fled through the gate on the other side.


    But there were still twelve werewolves to deal with, each of them powerful enough to withstand the strike of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. Certainly, none of them came out of the sh unscathed, but they still carried a great fighting spirit as they moved together. A radiant silver moon had already appeared behind their backs as they howled toward Zac, causing dense lunar energies to stream out of their bodies.


    The moonlight congealed into an enormous Lunar Wolf that immediately lunged at Zac, and he felt a huge pressure bearing down on him. He didnt hesitate to activate the defensive charge of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, but the shimmering barrier was quickly whittled down by an extremely piercing radiance that radiated from the spectral wolfs forehead.


    Four chains shot out from the coffin that had appeared on Zacs back and theyunched forward like ck spears full of corrosion as Zac flooded them with the Fragment of the coffin. They pierced into the intangible wolf with enormous momentum, but it was like he was hitting a cloud. However, the radiant luster of the wolf somewhat dimmed from the ck gases that spread from the chains, and the invasion caused a slight pause in the beast''s advance.


    The reprieve was enough for Zac to charge up his next massive skill, and a golden cloud spread out in a wave as a fifty-meter fractal de swept out. The wave was rapidly diminished by the moonlight, but a second wave came crashing into the first just as the four chains slid out of the way. The two opposites of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> emerged in the warehouse the next moment, and both gold and ck startedpeting with the silver for dominance.


    The collision caused the whole room to shake, and cracks in the wall grew even further as Zac''s newly erected corpse tree was cut in half and fell onto the ground with a deep thud. A few pieces of the wall and roof were actuallypletely dislodged from the shockwave, but they didn''t fall down as Zac expected.


    They rather were sucked up into the Void, leaving gaping holes just like the ones that were everywhere in the corridors. The scene intensified Zac''s worries, but it seemed to have a far more profound impact on the few remaining werewolves as over half of them started running for their lives even if the spectral wolf managed to cancel out most of Zacs attack.


    That left just four beastkin who seemed to be in a state of conflict between duty and fear, but Zac felt no such turmoil as he pushed forward. A brutal melee where <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>and the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>turned into a dizzying blur resulted in thest of the werewolves, including the leader who had spoken up at the start, lying dead on the ground.


    Zac sported some minor wounds and a nasty scar across his throat, but he was still in decent shape. His victory was all thanks to his initial blitz this time around. Zac had thought about the battle on the way over here, and he realized something while talking with Levi. These natives had a lot of weird items that Zac didnt understand, but that worked the other way as well.


    The fat stack of talismans and the <strong>[Void Ball]</strong> had essentially put them in a reactive position while breaking their Lunar War Array, the greatest threat to Zacsrge-scale attacks. After that it was just a matter of time before Zac was thest man standing. The werewolves weren''t even given a chance tounch any of the technological weapons or traps they should have prepared in this ce.


    This wasn''t the time to wallow in self-congrattory revelry though, and he quickly snatched up the closest corpses of the werewolf leaders before he rushed over to his scouting squad. The walls of the room were all creaking ominously by this point, and Zac got a bad feeling when he remembered the fear in the eyes of the werewolves as they fled.


    He had thought the fear was directed at himself in the heat of the battle, but he now had a feeling that he was overestimating his importance.


    Are you guys okay? Zac panted as he started ripping apart the bindings that held the group in ce.


    The scouts were bound by Memorysteel chains that were fused with the walls themselves, but they definitely didnt contain the same restraining capabilities as the odd gizmo in his possession. Then again, the material was extremely sturdy by itself, and even Zac had to strain a bit to break the chains.


    Were fine. We knew that youde for us, one of the two Valkyries said as she got to her feet.


    Zac could only weakly smile in response, too shamefaced to admit that he only found out about their situation by a coincidence. He could only redouble his efforts in freeing everyone, urged on both embarrassment and a mounting fear as the cracks in the walls kept spreading.


    We should hunt thest ones down before they bring back more people! a man that Zac didnt recognize huffed as Zac broke apart his fetters. Better yet, we should invade them right back.


    The man had begun speaking with surging momentum, but he barely managed to squeeze thest words out as Zac silenced him with a re. The others looked at Zac with confusion, but there was no time to exin the mounting danger he felt.


    Wha- the man stuttered.


    Just shut up and run, Zac said as he freed thest scout, the demon warrior.


    However, it was toote.


    A series of odd explosions erupted all along the roof, and Zac guessed it was the remaining Base Power in the wall that had been be unstable as the chamber had lost thest of its structural integrity. The sts were the straw that broke the camels back as the roof was ripped clean off and swallowed by the void. The atmosphere was still intact, but Zac didn''t care about that as he felt a very familiar dread gripping his heart.


    Not only that, but an immense pressure weighed down on him like a restrictive array had been activated.


    "Run!" Zac screamed as he grabbed one of the scouts with his free arm while his chains grabbed another four.


    Only the demon warrior was able to stand, and he carried thest scout on his back. However, the two only managed to take a few steps before a horrifying scene entered their eyes. Two tentacles reached down from the void, making their way toward Zac and the Demon warrior. The scene was scary enough by itself in conjuncture with the immense aura the appendages emitted, but Zac''s terror reached even greater heights when he realized what the vines were made of.


    Hands. Thousands of hands stitched together.

 Chapter 597: The Collector

    Chapter 597: The Collector


    Zac felt like his brain was about to short-circuit when he saw what he was dealing with. It was one thing to see the distorting w of the Void Creature before, but just what kind of eldritch horror would have these kinds of appendages? The sinister aura of this thing was far beyond the earlier creature as well, and Zac believed the only reason he could even stand was that the being was greatly restrained when entering the dimension of the Mystic Realm.


    But there was no time to ponder what he was dealing with as the ropes made of hands were extremely quick and nimble. He desperately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to sh out of the way of one of the two appendages, but he could immediately see that the demon wouldn''t be able to do the same.


    The ground cracked under Zac''s feet as he hurriedly changed direction, forcibly tackling the demon from behind. The demon coughed up a mouthful of blood and the Valkyrie''s wounds seemed to worsen, but the push was enough to throw the two away, allowing them to avoid the first grab.


    The demon''s face was pallid, but he understood what was at stake. He grit his teeth as he got up to his feet, and Cosmic Energy surged through his body as he sprinted toward the red barrier. This was Zac''s only hope; that the Base would block this thing as a security measure. He had already learned from Levi that the barriers worked just like normal defensive arrays; usually just blocking passage from one direction. But hopefully it would detect the Void Creature passing through the barrier, and move to intercept it.


    Zac activated <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>once more to follow in the demon''s footsteps, but horror gripped his heart when his skill was forcibly deactivated mid-step. One of the appendages had managed to grab hold to one of the unconscious scouts hanging from one of <strong>[Love''s Bond''s]</strong> chains, and Zac shuddered when he realized that the hands could actually move like normal as they grabbed the scout''s legs and arms.


    Desperation welled in his heart as Zac tried to drag him free only to find himselfpletely unable to match the power of the being still hidden in the void. He quickly found himself being lifted off the ground, utterly incapable of resisting. Guilt welled up in Zac''s heart, but he could only release the scout before it was toote, and dropping toward the ground barely allowed him to dodge the second appendage.


    The poor unconscious scout was quickly being hoisted into the darkness as the hands passed him along, but Zac resolutely looked forward as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> again. The demon had already managed to escape through the barrier with one of the Valkyries, and the appendagespletely ignored him after that.


    The scene somewhat confirmed Zac''s guess, and not having to worry about the demon gave Zac at least some reprieve. If he only could make it through the barrier he would be safe as well.


    However, Zac was gripped by despair when a third rope of hands suddenly descended from the sky, barring Zac''s escape. He was forced to immediately stop, as another step with his movement skill would put him right in range of the outreached hands. He frantically ran in a different direction as he started charging up his most powerful remaining skill, <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. If he couldn''t run out, then he would need to fight his way out.


    The brief pause caused by the appearance of a third appendage was all that the eldritch horror needed though, and it effortlessly snatched up a second scout. This time it simply yanked him free, causing cracks to spread all over the links of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>. The body of the scout obviously couldn''t withstand such force either, and just the upper body of the poor man was taken away while his legs fell on the floor.


    The only constion was that the scout was already severely wounded before, and losing both his legs was just too much to endure. The shock immediately killed him, sparing him from being alive for whatever the Void Creature had in store.


    Sweat beads streamed down Zac''s face as he desperately dodged the lightning-quick vines as he prepared his Hail Mary attempt to get out of the Ry Station. He definitely feared for his life, but now there was yet another reason for him to worry; his training quest still hadn''t beenpleted.


    Two people were lost to the horrifying appendages in an instant. Losing a third one meant failure to his quest, and he couldnt let that happen no matter what. He moved the Valkyrie under his arm into one of his chains to free up his movement, and he kept the three scouts tight on his back to avoid another snatching.


    But whatever the thing on the other side of the Void still didnt seem satiated as the three vines reached for him as he dodged back and forth in the refitted warehouse in an attempt to find an opening. Zac could even sense a palpable hungering from the void even if he couldn''t see the main body of the creature.


    <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was finally charged up though, and the woodsman''s axe emerged before it released a wave of destruction toward the sky. Zac didn''t even pause to see the result as he rushed for the exit, but he immediately found himself blocked again. The vines were only pushed back a bit from the strike as shallow wounds that looked like spatial tears appeared on the hands, but they were still able to move around freely in the room.


    An odd undtion rocked Zac''s mind for an instant, but he shook his head and immediately followed up with the second swing. The Axe of Felling had not really hurt the creature, but it had at least stopped it for a second. Perhaps an opening would show itself if he kept pushing, so Zac unhesitantly unleashed a fiery wave of Axe-infused destruction toward the void.


    The mes were unfortunately restrained as the air was almost non-existent in the chamber by this point, and it didn''t seem like this creature was weak to fire either like one could have hoped. The cutting fire glommed onto the vines like napalm, but it was as though the hands absorbed their energy, quickly extinguishing them before they shot out toward Zac again.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, Zac didn''tpletely give up hope as he saw that the appendages had started distorting just like the w from before. It seemed like his attacks had increased the pace at which the Void Creature was expelled from the Mystic Realm, and if he could cause enough damage he might be able to flee. Luckily, there was one final card up Zacs sleeve, and the ominous Axe of Destion made its entry.


    A wave of darkness almostpletely filled the Ry Station, engulfing all three appendages in a darkness that seemed a shade cker than even the Void itself. A series of powerful implosions could be heard within, and Zac''s eyes lit up as he started rushing for the exit again. However, a scream of danger made him stop in his tracks, allowing him to barely dodge a badly mangled hand that grabbed for his throat.


    An instantter the full tentacle emerged through the destion, proving that even his strongest strike had failed to take out the tentacles.


    The hands on the appendage had turnedpletely pitch-ck from the attack though, and arge number of them had seen their finger turn into ash that drifted toward the void. Its form was rapidly distorting back and forth as well, and it was clearly about to be booted out of this space. However, a weird rune suddenly lit up on the back of all the hands, and the tentacle shed forward with unprecedented speed, immediately snatching up Zac by his waist.


    A crushing pressure threatened to grind his pelvic bone to dust, but Zac ignored the pain as he desperately cut into the hands with everything he had. The sanguine glow of the first rune on <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>had already been activated again, quickly burning through the small amount of E-Grade blood he had managed to gather since the battle with the Lunar Wolves.


    Every swing contained enough force to turn a Middle E-Grade Warrior into paste, but the only effect was small scars like the earlier ones appearing across the hands. But the barrage also increased the speed the appendage destabilized, and Zac suddenly found his axe striking air as the appendage disappeared with a pop, just like the Void Bubble from before.


    The implosion made Zac helplessly hover in the air for a short moment before a huge force exploded outward, mming Zac into the Memorysteel wall. However, luck was on Zac''s side one final time as he had been thrown right next to the gate. He quickly crawled through the barrier while dragging the chains with him.


    It was just in time as well since thest two tentacles finally managed to break through the cloud of destion just as Zac passed through the red barrier. His whole body was hurting, but he arduously got up to his feet in case the hands tried to force their way through the gate. He didn''t want to use it, but he still had the second skill of <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>to block the path in case that happened.


    But the tentacles stopped right outside the barrier before they started to retreat into the void again.


    A surge of relief almost made Zac pass out, but his eyes suddenly widened in shock when he saw that none of the three scouts he had carried on his chains was moving. Blood was streaming down his mouth because of internal injuries, but he ignored his own state as he frantically reached for the people on the ground.


    Thankfully it turned out that none of them were dead, but they had rather been rendered unconscious some time during the battle. It was no wonder considering the speed Zac had moved around to avoid the grasping hands. Just the g-force alone would probably have been enough to kill a normal human.


    Add to that the scout''s conditions, the sparse oxygen, and intense pressure from the Void Creature and it was almost a miracle they were still alive. The demon and the Valkyrie he carried outside were sitting just a few meters away, and he was nkly staring at the Void through the barrier like his soul had left his body.


    Zac threw a Cosmos Sack full of first-aid items to the demon, dragging him out of his nk state before he quickly fed all the unconscious scouts healing pills himself. Theirplexions quickly improved, and a few of them even started stir like they were about to wake up. A prompt appeared the next moment, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief.


    He had passed the quest, albeit barely.


    It seemed like the Void Creature really didn''t dare pass through the red barrier for some reason. Of course, the terrifying tentacles were on theirst legs because of the Axe of Destion, and it was possible that the creature simply didn''t want to lose two more appendages and cut its losses.


    Seeing that he had escaped death once more Zac simply slumped down on the ground, a wave of exhaustion hitting him like a punch to the face. However, he knew that he still was at the edge of the Wastnd, and a new horror could appear at moment''s notice, quest or no quest. He quickly took out a healing pill and two D-Grade Nexus Crystals to restore his energy as quickly as possible.


    The first of the unconscious scouts roused themselves a few minutester, prompting Zac to open his eyes again. It was the man who had spoken up just before the Void Creature appeared. He nkly looked around like he was surprised to be alive for a few seconds before he spotted Zac seated against the wall.


    I- Ah, Im Jonas, Jonas Marshall, the man said with a hoarse voice. Thank you for saving us, from the wolves and that... thing. I didnt mean to order you about earlier, I-


    Its fine, Zac shrugged, his voice equally hoarse. I simply sensed something was wrong.


    Of course, that was only part of the story. Another reason for the scathing re was the fear this guy had put him in harms way. He thought the training quest finished at that point and was afraid that the call for revenge would trigger the third part of his training regimen.


    But no prompt had appeared as a result of the mans words, which was a huge relief.


    The next logical step would have been to enter the Wastnds, and Zac was in no mood to risk his life against spatial storms and Void Creatures. He knew the Systems preferences, and he wouldnt have been surprised if it kept escting the conflict through quests until he had eradicated the whole Lunar Tribe before it turned him toward the Core Sector.


    "And we cant follow those werewolves as we are, even if that monster wasn''t around, Zac added as he got to his feet with a grunt. A ce called the Wastnd is in that direction and we dont have the equipment or understanding to cross it. It''s apparently full of the things we just encountered.


    The others visibly paled at that as they threw a few fearful nces toward the barrier. The horrifying appendages were gone for now, but that didn''t mean there were even more of them waiting in the darkness.


    Let''s go, Zac said. We can''t stay here any longer. Were returning to our base camp.


    The scouts were more than willing toply and they immediately got themselves ready to travel even in their pitiable states. The demon wordlessly kept carrying one of the unconscious scouts on his back, while Zac carried another two on his chains. Thest 2 managed to walk by themselves, albeit barely.


    None of them were in any mood to talk, and neither was Zac. This encounter had been much too close forfort. Worse yet, this was just the second of ten quests. He didn''t even dare to think what fresh hell the System would put him through next. So it was in an oppressive silence the group scurried away from the Ry Station, following the same route that Zac took on the way in.


    They quickly reached the alcove where Zac had left Levi, and the Cartava Scion was still sitting there, fretfully peering around the corner. When she saw Zac''s and the others'' states her eyes widened in shock as she got up to her feet.


    What happened? Levi hesitantly asked as her eyes peered at the group behind Zac.


    I managed to catch them off-guard and things worked out against the werewolves. A weird Dimensional Creature made from thousands of hands popped up though, and we lost two of our people, Zac sighed as he formed the chain-chair again. Lets go.


    However, Levi didn''t move, but simply looked at Zac with horror.


    "Thousands of hands? You met the Collector?" Levi said, her voice barely a whisper.


    "What? The Collector? I don''t know. It had tentacles made from thousands of hands sewn together. I managed to destroy one of the tentacles, allowing us to escape," Zac said.


    "YOU HARMED IT?!" Levi shrieked as she scrambled onto the chair. "We need to go! <em>NOW!"</em>

 Chapter 598: The Heros Burden

    Chapter 598: The Hero''s Burden


    <strong>The Hero''s Burden (Training (3/10)): Avoid the Collector while leading your followers to safety. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1) </strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of two random skills and 5 levels.]</strong>


    Zac barely had time to take in Levi''s exaggerated reaction before the prompt in front of him appeared. Zac quickly scanned the quest with some exhaustion. He wasn''tpletely wrung dry just yet, but he was also far from an optimal condition. But the quest acted as a warning of sorts, and Zac knew there wasn''t anything he could do except keep going.


    The quest didn''t have a timer, and neither didn''t have any restrictions. But that might actually not be a good thing, since it might mean that a single death would result in failure. The punishment for failing had decreased once more at least, though the punishment was still far too rich for Zac''s tastes.


    "Let''s keep moving. If you''re unable to move any longer, tell me and I''ll carry you," Zac said before he turned to Levi who was already sitting on her chair. "Is it safe to talk?"


    "It can''t hear us, but it can sense us," Levi whispered with fear in her eyes as she gazed at the cracks in the ceiling. "It''ll pounce if we stop for just a moment."


    Zac nodded in understanding as he set out, keeping as high a pace as he dared in this chaotic ce.


    "What do you know about that thing?" Zac asked.


    "The Collector is said to be the second greatest source of deaths during the Cataclysm, onlyckingpared to the spatial storms themselves. It''s not necessarily the strongest Void Creature, but it''s definitely one of the weirdest. But more importantly, it''s unusually resilient to our dimension. You saw the w before. It deformed by itself in seconds. But the Collector''s hands can stay for hours as long as they''re not attacked," Levi said.


    "The Collector is also extremely crafty, and it''s even able to enter the research base through Spatial Tears. There have been reports of people being snatched all over the base, even in sectors thought to be safe," she said as she held her hands against her chest. "But I don''t understand. It''s been gone for thousands of years. It left a few centuries after the Cataclysm, and there have been no sightings since."


    "Well, I guess it came back now that the treasure is maturing," Zac sighed. "Why do you call it the Collector? Does it actually collect hands?"


    "That''s our guess, at least. We think it somehow attaches them to itself to better withstand this dimension. That''s why it''s so dangerous to attack it. It really treasures its collection, and it will hunt you down if you harm the hands," Levi said, looking almost ready to cry. "And now we''re in a sector full of breaches."


    "Uh, well," Zac muttered, but he didn''t get any further before a sense of dread filled him. "RUN!"


    The others didn''t hesitate at all as Cosmic Energy surged in their bodies as they rushed down the corridor. It was just in time as well, as a tentacle suddenly rushed out of a crack in the ceiling just behind them.


    "It''s really the Collector," Levi said ai. "We''re doomed. We''re doomed. It''s either the Collector or getting bisected by Spatial Tears."


    "Shut up or I''ll use you as a shield," Zac growled as he kept running.


    Another sense of danger filled his mind the next moment, and he stopped just in time to avoid running straight into a Spatial Tear. A piece of his robes was cut apart though, telling just how close he hade to getting split open like a melon. The others quickly stopped in their tracks as well, barely avoiding the spatial storm that emerged from the void the next second.


    Zac''s nerves were taut as a bowstring, but there was no way to force himself through the storm. But waiting for the spatial storm to pass was obviously not an option either with the Collector in pursuit.


    "Left!" Levi screamed, and Zac immediately turned down another corridor, the others desperately following in tow.


    The hands were too close though, and the slower Valkyrie was about to get snatched up.


    "Shit!" Zac growled as he stopped in his tracks before he shot forward like a cannonball as his free chains mmed into the memory steel in the opposite direction.


    A barrage of five-meter fractal edges mmed into the hands of the Collector the next second, each carrying a tremendous force. Small scars appeared on the hands, but Zac''s normal F-Grade <strong>[Chop]</strong> could barely slow the tentacle down as it grasped for the deathly pale Valkyrie. Zac saw no option but to go in himself, and he appeared right behind his follower just as the hand was about to grasp her neck.


    A tremendous shockwave caused cracks to spread across the whole corridor as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> collided with the palm of the slightlyrger hand at the end of the tentacle. A weird scar appeared on the skin as the fingers on the closest hands spasmed and bent in impossible angles, perhaps an indication of pain.


    Zac wasn''t much better off though, a weird sinister energy had entered his body the moment the two opposites shed. Zac felt his vision blur for a second, but a thud from his chest woke him right up, just in time to avoid getting snatched up by a second grab. Whatever energy had entered his body just now, his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had swallowed it. If that was a good or a bad thing, only time could tell.


    The all-out Axe-Infused swing had only left a flesh wound but Zac didn''t care as he fled, dragged away by two of the chains he had embedded in the wall before rushing back. The collision had fulfilled its purpose as the Valkyrie had already moved a hundred meters away, and Zac sighed in relief when he saw the Collector retracting its appendage.


    Those things were only so long, so if Zac could obstruct it a second or two he would be able to keep his people safe.


    "Argh!" the demon suddenly screamed from the vanguard, immediately proving Zac wrong.


    The group had kept running while Zac stalled the Tentacle, and this time they didn''t have Zac''s Luck to keep them safe from the spatial tear.


    A huge wound had opened up in the Demon''s side, and blood already pooled on the floor beneath him.


    "Eat this," Zac said as he threw out one of his top-quality private healing pills.


    "Thank you," the Demon said as he swallowed the pill, but Zac''s eyes widened when a me appeared in his hands.


    However, the Demon wasn''t targeting him or anyone else, but rather used a fireball spell to quickly cauterize the wound, leaving a nasty burn instead.


    "I can keep going," the demon said with a ragged breath, but Zac saw that his whole body shook.


    Zac nodded, but he still took the unconscious Valkyrie the Demon had been carrying. The demon actually stretched out his hand to take her back, but he reluctantly stopped himself after looking down at his wound.


    "You can carry her when the pill has restored you a bit more," Zac said as he started running.


    "Thank you... Jana is... my wife," the demon said. "Save her first if ites down to that."


    Zac''s brows rose, but now wasn''t the time to ask for details. The group kept running down the unknown corridor, led by Levi''s expertise and guesswork. It was clear their speed wasn''t enough to avoid detection though, as the tentacles of the Collector kept appearing through the cracks in the walls or ceilings. It felt like they were one bad turn away from disaster at every moment.


    They thankfully weren''t all that far from the gate though, and Zac knew that he would only need to keep it up for another 15 minutes if they kept this pace. He could do it.


    However, disaster finally struck after they had been forced down yet another unknown corridor by the emergence of another tentacle. What should have been a normal pathway had turned into a dead-end because of a copsed wall some distance in, with a massive number of spatial anomalies making it impossible to climb across the rubble.


    The Collector''s tentacle was actually still around as well, like it knew that they were trapped.


    "It''s over," Levi said as tears streamed down her face, her eyes slowly turning toward the spatial tears. "Better the tears..."


    "I told you to stop talking like that," Zac muttered as a terrifying aura exploded out from his body, and he felt how a series of ck fractals appeared across his face.


    He was out of options, so he could only st his way out. And the only card he had that could deal with this monstrosity was his Annihtion Sphere. A surge of destruction coursed through his body as the energy of Oblivion seeped out of his soul like steam on a cold day. His avatar had stopped fighting as well, and instead stretched out its two hands in front of it as a surging river of Dao was released from it.


    The coffin was the same, releasing a small amount of Coffin-Dao that blended with the energy of the Splinter of Oblivion, though the amount it released was somewhat lower because of the infusion of Oblivion. The streams entered his pathways and Zac started to feel his mind blur, but he couldn''t let himself go into a trance in a ce like this, against an enemy like this.


    He desperately held on to his sanity as he pushed his two hands forward meeting the outreached hands of the Collector head-on.


    The world froze for an instant before the tip of the tentacle simply disappeared, taking dozens of hands with it. A half-meter sphere of nothingness reced the tip, and Zac looked at it with wonder as he was thrown back. He didn''t know why, but that small ball of Annihtion was infinitely beautiful, like it contained the ultimate truth of the universe.


    The sphere only existed for a fraction of a second though before it disappeared, leaving a frozen and maimed tentacle behind. However, the tentacle didn''t remain unmoving for long as a series of shudders spread through its hands. One implosion after another erupted next as the whole tentacle seemed to fall apart.


    A single Annihtion Sphere had done more harm to the creature than all of <strong>[Deforestation''s] </strong>swingsbined, and the thing immediately lost its ability to stay in this dimension. Levi looked at Zac with nk iprehension, and the others in the group weren''t any better. Even the Valkyries looked at Zac with a mix of awe and horror, like Zac suddenly had be even more terrifying than the eldritch horror hunting them.


    "Are you okay," one of the Valkyries asked, but she didn''t dare to walk over.


    "I''m fine," Zac coughed as he got back to his feet with some difficulty.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It wasn''tpletely true though. Using the Annihtion Sphere so soon after having gone through a heated battle had put an immense strain on his mind, and he was barely holding on to his consciousness. He could also feel that the cracks that ran down his neck had worsened this time around, making Zac feel some helplessness.


    The cracks had never really healed since thest time he used his Annihtion sphere. His flesh had mended, but the odd energies had stayed on like hidden tendrils lodged in his body. Not even theva bath had managed to expel them like the rest of his impurities, and neither was his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>able to gobble them up.


    He had no idea what the long-term ramification was of using the bronze sh over and over, and he could only pray that he would find some solution sooner rather thanter. Because it wasn''t like he could stop using the remnants even if he wanted to. They were his final card when everything was hopeless, when it was either do or die.


    "Wh-" Levi wheezed, seemingly struggling to form a coherent sentence.


    "Looks like I had to go all-out again," Zac wryly smiled in response as he started running back the path they came from now that the tentacle was gone.


    "What kind of-" the Cartava scion stuttered, but she was interrupted as a massive earthquake rocked the whole corridor with such force that she fell out of her chair.


    Zac''s tried to make his mind focus up as he turned around, but he immediately realized that he wouldn''t be able to do anything against what wasing, even if he was in perfect condition.


    At least twenty tentacles had forced their way out of the rubble of the copsed corridor, and they madly pushed toward them, destroying everything in their path. The Memorysteel walls were ripped apart and deformed, exposing a series of worn-down tubes and contraptions hidden inside the walls.


    It looked like a tide of hands wereing for them, no longer caring about ying it safe.


    No orders were needed this time around as the group ran for their lives, not caring about anything but moving as quickly as possible. But the tentacles were too quick, especially since they didn''t bother taking the same winding path as Zac''s group. They rather just crushed the walls in the way, forming a new path for themselves.


    Zac was out of ideas. He was exhausted and out of aces. He still had <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, but he didn''t believe for a second that his Spirit Tool''s skill would be able to block the Collector''s path. It would probably just end with his Spirit Tool getting damaged and Alea''s soul getting wounded even further.


    But a radiant light suddenly filled the corridor as the decrepit scripts on the walls red into life. An endless series of nking sounds echoed from within the walls the next moment, like someone had turned on the machines inside. Dozens of red barriers sprung up next, the closest one right in front of Zac''s group.


    Zac and the others passed through effortlessly though, allowing them to breathe out in a collective sigh of relief. Of course, one single barrier wasn''t enough for Zac to feel safe considering that the sounds of destruction from behind hadn''t abated at all. The group kept running through one barrier after another, barely maintaining their footing.


    "The Administrator is intervening!" Levi suddenly cried with joy.


    A huge surge of power made Zac''s hair stand on end the next moment, and he quickly looked back to see what was going on. He could quickly determine there was no immediate threat, but what he saw still made him want to run for the hills.


    Was this the true form of Collector?

 Chapter 599: Horror

    Chapter 599: Horror


    Seeing the scene behind them almost made Zac forget the primal fear the tide of hands had elicited just a few seconds ago. The whole base had simply disappeared just a hundred meters behind them, reced by a Void that stretched into infinity. It looked like the series of red barriers had been erected to maintain atmospheric pressure to the base.


    There were no stars or nebe in the Void, yet it wasn''tpletely dark. A thin strand of light stretched across the horizon, like a beam of light that had squeezed through a crack. Zac had no idea what that crack was, but he figured that it perhaps was a path to a real spacetime rather than the void between dimensions.


    The scene was pretty shocking, but it was nothingpared to the appearance of the Collector.


    The disgusting hand-tentacles were horrifying enough, but its main body easily topped it. Zac had imagined some sort of Lovecraftian horror after seeing the tentacles, but he wasn''t sure whether the real Collector was better or worse. It almost looked like an ashy-gray blob of yarn floating in space, but the more he looked the more horrific it became.


    Its form was a slightly uneven sphere that spanned thousands of meters across, making it a creature farrger than anything Zac had ever encountered before. He initially thought it was covered with coarse skin or short-haired fur, but a second nce actually revealed that they were just more body-parts sewn onto its real form. However, it wasn''t just hands on its main body, but everything from legs to whole torsos and heads.


    Worse yet, the bodyparts moved in everything fromckluster swaying to frantic wing. Zac even spotted a head-and-handless torso desperately wing at its midriff with its two stumps, probably trying to rip itself off from the Collector''s body. The scene made him gape in horror, and an intrusive thought pushed away everything else.


    Were the collected bodies still alive?


    There weren''t only humans attached to the body either, but Zac quickly spotted hundreds of werewolves as well. But that wasn''t the extent of it as he could easily discern at least thirty different races in short order. It looked like the Research Base wasn''t the Collector''s only hunting ground, which would exin why it had disappeared for so long.


    As for the tentacles, there were hundreds, most of them randomly swaying about in the void like strands that hade loose from the ball of yarn. Only a few of them actually had bodyparts covering them though, with the rest appearing to be made from something that looked like an oily liquid. Om fact. there wererge patches of bare parts on the main body as well, meaning that the Collector wasn''t done with its horrifying undertaking.


    The Collector only had one additional feature, a weird hole in the middle of its body that seemed endless, like it led into a dimension of its own. Just looking into the depths made Zac''s soul shudder, immediately forcing him to look away. He had actually felt a pull on his soul, like the maw of the Collector had some sort of spiritual pull.


    A nking sound dragged Zac out of his muddled state though as a series of enormous metal rings floated out in the void. There were over a hundred of them, each covered in dense scripts and thrumming with power. Zac quickly realized that the rings were made out of Memorysteel, and it was likely this ''Administrator'' who had chosen topletely transform a section of the base to defend against the Collector''s attacks.


    The rings were of varying sizes, with the smallest ones being just ten meters in diameter with thergest ones being at least a few hundred meters across. The rings moved themselves to form a series of uneven tubes aimed at the creature before they started spinning with increasing velocity. The rings had turned into a blur in almost an instant, easily having reached tens of thousands of rpm.


    Radiant motes of light soon appeared out of nowhere in the center of the tubes, likely somehow generated by the spinning. It was hard to tell whether the lights were made from extremely condensed energy or if they were an actual liquid, and it made Zac think of the experiments on sma he had read about years ago.


    However, this definitely wasn''t something that would have been possible to create in some Earthb, but rather some high-tiered energy that definitely exceeded anything he had seen aboard the Little Bean. Zac knew that he would instantly be turned to ash if he even got close to those things, and he kept backing away as he gazed at the umting lights with trepidation.


    Suddenly one of the blobs of light turned into a ten-meter wide streak, hitting the Collector''s main body like the discharge of a rail gun. Cascading lights illuminated the Void, and Zac felt a series of small wounds appearing on his soul from just looking at the spectacle. The Collector shuddered from the collision, but it clearly wasn''t dead as dozens of tentacles shot toward the still-umting energy weapons.


    "Run! Just being witness to a fight like this is a death sentence," Levi screamed, blood streaming down her nose.


    Zac wordlessly nodded, no longer daring to stay on to watch the result of the sh between Void Creature and the base itself. He snatched up the scouts who had all fallen unconscious as he rushed back where they came from, barely keeping himself upright after a series of shockwaves that meant that the battle had started in earnest.


    The base was at least upying the Collector''s attention now, allowing Zac to only worry about the spatial tears as he ran for his life. However, that was easier said than done since the epic struggle was causing serious damage to the already weakened section. It looked like the whole ce could copse at moment''s notice, with pieces of wall and ceiling falling all around them.


    The spatial tears constantly poured through the cracks, and Zac was forced to jump back and forth like a monkey to avoid getting himself and his people cut into ribbons. On top of that, there was the constant threat that the Collector would return full of vengeance after having been sted by the base''s energy weapons.


    Zac''s heart was beating like a drum when they finally reached the inconspicuous part of the wall that led back to the forest, and he quickly took out the tablet, his shaky hands barely able to maintain a grip on it.


    The gate the was conjured same way asst time, with Levi being much too distracted to even care about how he did it. She kept a constant vigil to their back in case the tentacles returned, and she only turned back when she heard the sound of the gate sliding open. Zac didn''t wait for even a second as he rushed out.


    Seeing the lush forest felt like a stay of execution, and he unceremoniously fell down in a heap on the grass as he dumped his followers on the ground. He didn''t know why, but it felt like the enormous wall would be able to keep the monster at bay, and the System apparently agreed as he suddenly got a prompt that he hadpleted the third part of his training regimen.


    A wave of exhaustion hit him the second he saw the prompt, but he barely managed to keep himself from falling unconscious. His pumping adrenaline had kept him going even after unleashing the power of Oblivion, but his debts hade back to haunt him as a searing pain spread from his head down to his shoulders.


    He quickly ate a series of pills, ranging from soul-mending to fasting pills to provide nutrients, and he took out both a Soul Crystal and a D-Grade Nexus Crystal to start restoring his condition. The scouts started toe to one after another as well, and they quickly sat down and focused on recuperation as well after having taken in their surroundings.


    Three hours passed before Zac sighed and opened his eyes again, having barely reached abat-ready state. New flesh had once more covered the cracks formed from unleashing the Annihtion sphere, and his mind didn''t feel like it was full of cotton any longer. However, he knew that he was spreading himself too thin at the moment, and he wasn''t sure how many more training quests he had in him.


    It felt like the difficulty had taken a sharp spike after the first one, but he didn''t know if that was just because he was unlucky enough to run into the Collector. It was hard to tell whether the System created its quest as things progressed, or whether it had foreseen everything that would happen. If it was the former, then he could only me his bad luck and pray that his hardships would be taken into ount when he finished the quest chain.


    If it was thetter, he could only once chalk it up to the System being a real asshole.


    He suddenly heard some shuffling next to him, and he looked over to see Levi getting to her feet to stretch. It looked like she finally had regained some of her strength after using her Taboo Bloodline Skill.


    "I don''t know whether to call you lucky or unlucky," she muttered as she nced at Zac with aplicated look. Getting attacked by two different Void Creatures is some misfortune, they''re not <em>that </emmon. But we still managed to survive somehow, even being saved by the base itself."


    "Well, I often find myself asking that as well. Luck and misfortune seem to be two sides of the same coin in the multiverse," Zac said with a wry smile.


    What happened there at the end, though?" Levi asked with a frown. "Why did the Collector be so angry that it directly attacked the base. Did you do something? I must have cked out for a second."


    "I just damaged one of its tentacles a bit again," Zac shrugged. "Perhaps it got angry because it happened for a second time."


    "Hmm," Levi said, suspicion written all over her face.


    Actually, Zac wasn''t surprised at her reaction. He had learned something peculiar from talking with Thea some time ago. She was actually unable to remember exactly what Zac did when he killed Harbinger back during the Zhix war. She only remembered him stretching out his arms, then seeing the Zhix lying destroyed on the ground. Everything in between was just a nk.


    It turned out that his Annihtion Sphere actually messed with the minds of others, somehow deleting or destroying the memories of witnessing it. He didn''t know if it was because of the System''s meddling, or rather if it was because normal people couldn''t withstand that kind of high-tiered concept.


    Zac was actually leaning toward thetter as the oddity reminded him of him seeing the Chaos Pattern during his battle with the dragon. He could still somewhat remember a sense ofplete understanding of the universe for an instant, just like how he had felt when seeing his Annihtion Sphere just now.


    But any actual understanding had gradually disappeared, and he couldn''t remember a single feature of the Chaos Pattern by the time he left the Tower of Eternity. This weird phenomenon was partly why he dared to use the Annihtion Sphere in front of others. He even believed that the only thing awaiting Levi if she used her Bloodline Skill to see what happened would be a shocking bacsh, especially considering the Collector was involved as well.


    Well, now what? Levi asked, making Zac freeze in fear.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But it looked like the System was giving him a breather this time around, with no new prompt appearing.


    None of us are in great shape, Zac eventually said as he took out the backpacks of the werewolves. Lets rest a bit longer before we get going.


    He had only managed to snatch one Cosmos Sack and two backpacks back at the Ry Station, but all three belonged to squad leaders, meaning they should hold the best stuff. Now was as good a time as any to see if there actually were any returns from almost getting killed a dozen times over.


    However, Zac''s face scrunched up when he noticed the sacks were mostly full of food and first-aid items, along with some gadgets that mostly looked like more of the same as what he had looted off of Hevastes. He noted with interest that there was not a single pill or Nexus Crystal among their possessions, and it was the same with Hevastes bag.


    Instead, there were a few vials of a milky liquid that had healing properties ording to Levi, but the effect was a lot worsepared to his healing pills. That wasnt to say that his mothers family was unable to create proper remedies. The problem was rather that these vials essentially contained run-off of the real thing, siphoned off the base by the natives.


    Seeing there was not much of interest he turned his attention to the gadgets. There were two charges simr to the one he looted from Hevastes, but they both were not only smaller, but they also looked homemade. His best guess was that Hevastes charger was looted somewhere on the base while the other two were created in its likeness to the best of the werewolves abilities.


    Still, it was an impressive feat to reverse-engineer a piece of equipment like this, and it proved that the natives werent simply scavengers in this ce.


    There were also two tablets identical to the one in his possession, and Zac simply put them aside as he honed in on a tablet that looked a bit differentpared to the others.


    Whats this? Zac asked as he turned to the Cartava Scion.


    A mapper, Levi said as she leaned over, and Zac could see some desire in her good eye. Its used to record safe paths. You can also addments about security measures, spatial traps in it, creating detailed maps.


    Zacs eyes lit up as he looked down at the smaller tablet in his hands. Wasn''t this exactly what he needed right now?

 Chapter 600: Mapper

    Chapter 600: Mapper


    Zac looked down at the rough tablet in his hands like it was a priceless treasure, and he immediately infused it with some Base Energy as he kept Leandras token hidden in his palm. It hummed a secondter as the screen lit up, making Zac feel a surge of sess. No matter what the true intentions of his mother were, it was undeniable that she had provided him with a huge advantage by leaving behind the token.


    It was starting to look like it was some sort of ghost key in this ce, working on almost everything. Of course, the thing was clearly not infallible as the walls held nopunctions about attacking him, and neither did it remove the barriers in the corridors.


    It''s unlocked! Levi said with wide eyes, and it almost looked she would drag the tablet out of his hands. How could this intelligence be unsecured?! This is top-secret information for a faction. Look, this! Its their route through the Wastnds. And these paths, theyrepletely new! Theyre taking advantage of the spatial expansion to find new routes through vents and even some pipes.


    Zac let her keep talking as it helped him a lot as well. The maps Levi browsed through almost looked like schematics for circuitry to him, and he had a hard time understanding all of them. His sister or the scientists would probably be able to figure the thing out, but learning from a native would save a lot of time and effort.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Look at these ones! Theyre circumventing so many natural blockades. A few of them even might even be able to reach the Inner Labs! Just what is the Lunar Tribe nning? Levi added with grudging respect mixed with a hint of confusion. And why are they going in that direction? All the pathways out of here seem to be at the edges of the realm. Arent they trying to escape?


    Zac was about to ask a few questions, but he froze as the dreaded prompt had appeared once again. He threw Levi an exasperated look even though he knew it wasnt really her fault before he focused on the blue screens that had appeared this time.


    <strong>[Man Versus Nature (Training (4/10)): Reach the core of the Wastnd before Dimensional Seed matures. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1)]</strong>


    <strong>[Man Versus Machine (Training (4/9)): Enter ''Inner Lab 16'' before Dimensional Seed matures. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1)]</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of one random skill and 4 levels. Choosing second option will disqualify trainee from highest reward tier.]</strong>


    It turned out that Zac had been given a branching quest this time, likely based on therge number of maps in his new mapper. Zac was about to immediately discard the one that would lead him into the Wastnd, but he stopped himself. At first nce it felt like the first option was suicidal, but perhaps that wasn''t the case.


    As long as the Collector had been pushed back from the direct vicinity of the base, then he had everything he needed to seed. He had the map and a lot of Base power, and the ability to discern Spatial Tears before they appeared. Meanwhile, the second quest indicated that he mighte in direct conflict with the base itself, which couldplicate things when trying to deal with the Dominators.


    It wasn''t that Zac wanted to enter a ce like the Wastnd, but the note at the end gave him pause. Judging by the difficulty of the training session so far, the reward would probably be at the level of the 8th floor of the Tower of Eternity or even higher. Getting a customized top-tier reward at this stage would be huge, considering that all Zac''s greatest assets, from <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> to the Creator Shipyard and the Dao Repository, came from these kinds of rewards.


    This difference was further exemplified by the fact that the Man Versus Machine-quest decreased the quest chain to 9 total quests. The punishment had decreased as well, and it looked likepleting 6 quests essentially was a ''passing grade'', with every subsequent quest improving the reward.


    Stopping at the 9th quest instead of the 10th might be a massive blow, like how huge Zac''s loss would have been if he had stopped at the 7th floor instead of the 8th in the Tower of Eternity.


    But Zac also had to think of the big picture. He wasn''t here to gain rewards, but toplete a specific task. He wasn''t sure whether passing through the Wastnd or heading to these Laboratories was the best course of action to deal with the Dominators.


    Whats the innerbs? Zac asked, turning to the Cartava descendant for guidance.


    What? Well, thats Levi said, hesitation clearly written all over her face.


    I should tell you that Port Atwood controls more than half of the world outside, including almost all top-quality cultivation sites and high-value resources. If n Cartava wants a good domain to rebuild your n on the outside you need to give something in return, Zac said.


    Jonas and the other scout that weren''t from Port Atwood looked a bit miffed at the domineering promation, but they held their tongues. Zac''s words were a bit boastful, but they were essentially true if you counted the whole second continent as his own. There were certainly a lot of Nexus Crystal Mines and other resources strewn across the, but most of the really valuable deposits received an Incursion next to it, meaning they now belonged to him.


    Well, its not really secret knowledge among the people in here, Levi said after some hesitation. Each faction in here has managed to take control of someboratories or unique technology in their area, and each of them provides something valuable. For example, n Cartava owns a series of unique greenhouses with various valuable fruits for Race Upgrades and even upgrading your constitution."


    Zac''s eyes lit up when he heard about race upgrades. Perhaps they even had some herb that worked on his undead constitution, allowing him to keep working on his Draugr Race now that he had almost run out of <strong>[Bone-Forging Dust]</strong>.


    The most valuable of the outerboratories are arguably controlled by the gemlings on the opposite side of the base, Levi continued after some thought. They contain something called bloodline vats. I hear that bathing in that stuff can help forcibly awaken a bloodline. The bloodlines of the gemlings are apparently notoriously hard to awaken naturally, but thanks to these vats they are able to have as many bloodline warriors as the rest of us.


    Then what about the innerboratories? Zac asked curiously.


    The outerboratories contain great things, but they were ultimately used forrge-scale experiments. The materials are helpful, but not without limits or side-effects. However, the innerboratories were made for more valuable experiments. The number of resources that can be found there is much scarcer, but their quality is conversely higher. Quite a few skirmishes have erupted for the things that can be found there over the past millennia, Levi sighed.


    Who controls the innerboratories now then? Zac asked.


    No one. Or perhaps the Administrator, Levi said. The innerboratories are normally not essible, but every few decades a lot of the barriers in this ce disappears. We believe its the base that shuts down some functions for routine maintenance or energy conservation. That always gave us a brief window to rush to the inner areas and loot the valuables.


    However, no one who has chosen to stay behind when the barriers reappeared has ever been found alive again. We think the Administrator kills them when it wakes up, she continued. But it usually gave us a month of searching for opportunities and trading or fighting with the other factions.


    So the lunar tribe wants to snatch the good things in this base before escaping, Zac muttered. What can be found in the innerbs that the werewolves have targeted here?


    I dont know, Levi said. Its actually random. The core of the base is running as though it was never abandoned by the Builders. The Administrator prepares all kinds of experiments and scenarios,pletely changing theyouts of the innerbs between gatherings. I managed to enhance my Bloodline at an innerb fifteen years ago.


    Zacs eyes lit up at the piece of news. His mouth was almost frothing at the mention of bloodline vats and race upgrades, but it sounded like there were even more valuable things waiting in the innerbs. He was first a bit hesitant when the System mentioned better rewards by heading to the Wastnd, but it sounded like thesebs provided a different set of opportunities instead.


    Of course, he understood that the quest wasnt aplete freebie, and he had just been given a glimpse of the Administrator''s powers just a few hours ago. Still, the second quest seemed to take him in the direction he needed to go, whereas going through the Wastnd was a gamble.


    When is the next time the base will enter maintenance mode or whatever? Zac asked after some thought.


    Not for a few years at least, unless something changes due to the dimensional treasure, Levi said. I guess thats why the Lunar n has been working so hard to find an alternative route.


    Zac nodded and made his decision, causing the prompt about the Wastnd to disappear. He didnt immediately set out though, but rather stayed and rested with the others. There was no timer for this quest, and he nned on taking his people back to the sshouse before setting out again. Judging by the maps he would have a few days to spare even if he returned, and he wanted to use that time to recuperate and deal with any matters waiting back at the base.


    The group rested for another two hours, and even Levi could walk by herself by that point. They didnt enter the forest though out of fear of running into the wolf pack. However, they didnt walk along the wall either, as the walls sometimes malfunctioned ording to the Levi. They could suddenlyunch an attack out of nowhere.


    Thats why they traveled just at the edge of the forest just like the werewolves did, taking the long route back.


    We crossed parts of the forest to save some time, Jonas Marshall ventured, clearly anxious to get back. The werewolves burned some sort of herb with an acrid smell as we moved. I think it was a beast deterrent.


    This stuff? Zac asked after rummaging about in one of the backpacks he had looted.


    Exactly, Jonas nodded.


    Well still go around, Zac muttered. I dont want to risk running into the wolf pack inside again. Im not sure I can protect you all if these things don''t work.


    Again? Levi asked with surprise, turning toward Zac. You fought the lunar wolves?


    Yeah, Zac nodded as he stowed away the herbs. Theyre pretty tough, they only relented after I killed their alphas.


    Levi looked at Zac for a few seconds, her mouth forming words but no soundsing out. She eventually just released a resigned sigh and turned away, not prying into the subject any longer. Zac smiled a bit before he turned toward the scouts. It wasn''t just a randomment of his, but rather a conscious decision to tell Levi.


    He needed to build up an image of Strength in her mind, which would hopefully result in easier negotiations with the elders of the Cartava n down the road. Meanwhile, there were some other things Zac wanted to know.


    "Do you know why the werewolves kidnapped you?" Zac asked.


    They took us because they wanted intelligence on how to get out of this ce. Apparently, they had visited our biospheres multiple times before, but there were no spatial anomalies back then. They thought we had some sort of tool or technology to open a passage, Jonas added. "I think their n was to steal that machine and then take it to their town. They didn''t believe us when we said that was impossible."


    Zac frowned a bit, but he didn''tment on it. Their theory was wrong, but not overly so. Zac guessed that it was the System that cracked open the pathways during the Integration. Before the pathways had been blocked or hidden, either because of the Tsarun n or the Dimensional Seed wanting to protect itself.


    It was a problem if the werewolves thought that he or the other leaders of his coalition carried a teleporter on their person though. That meant they might get in the way during the battle for the Dimensional Seed.

 Chapter 601: Next Step

    Chapter 601: Next Step


    Zac estimated it would take up to a day before they would reach the sshouse since his flying treasure wouldn''t work inside Mystic Realms. This wasn''t a failing of his leaf, but rather how E-Grade flying treasures were created. They generally were dependant on the energy in the ground, which was why Zac''s could fly no higher than a few hundred meters into the air.


    These methods rarely worked in Mystic Realms because they didn''t have World Cores to rely on, and only D-Grade flying treasures who werepletely powered by themselves or the user could fly freely. There were apparently specially made E-Grade flying treasures that would work in Mystic Realms as well, but that wasn''t something Zac had ess to right now.


    Moving through an empty forest at least allowed him to learn more about the Research Base, so he walked next to Levi most of the time exchanging information about Earth or thetest situation in the Zecia sector for intelligence on the Mystic Realm. He quickly gained a better understanding of the factions and their locations, and he found that the Cartava n was surprisingly close to his own entrance.


    However, their domiciles were on the other side of the Outer Band, making it almost impossible to travel between their bases. The natives split the base into four sectors, each formed like a ring around the core of the base. First was the Outer Rim where Zac''s people appeared, and the next ring was called the Living Layer.


    All the factions lived in thisyer since the energy density there was better than the outer rim, while simultaneously not being actively controlled by the Administrator. These settlements sprawled out over Biospheres like those Zac had set up his base in, to Laboratories and emptied warehouses.


    Next was the inneryer, where a lot of the core structures of the Research base were located, including theb that Zac needed to reach for his quest. Thisyer was only essible during the specific windows Levi mentioned before. Finally, there was the core. Levi wasn''t actually sure what went on there, though she might have been holding back.


    She said that most natives believed the core to be the residential areas of the Builders, and perhaps where theputers housing The Administrator was located. There were also rumors of peak resources being kept there for the most precious experiments, resources that not even the Tsarun n had managed to get their hands on. Of course, now it was also the home of the Dimensional Seed.


    The newfound knowledge made Zac a bit hesitant about whether he had done the right thing to not pass through the wastnd. In the opposite direction of the Wastnd was the True Sky Faction and the New World Government, with the governments starting position being very simr to his own.


    Zac guessed that either the Dominators or the Church of Evesting Dao should be somewhere close to the Lunar n, with the other faction being close to the Gemlings. Such a spread definitely didnt feel random, but rather something the System had orchestrated when integrating this Mystic Realm. Perhaps that was even the reason Leandras n abandoned this ce; it had been discovered by the System, and continuing to perform experiments would bring that terrifying lightning down on their heads.


    He also started to get a better understanding of the Tsarun-ns goals. They had captured Levis n for their ancestors ability to harness Time. The Tsarun Patriarch still hadnt reached the end of his lifespan from what Zac had heard, but he wasnt exactly young either. If he could extract time out of the Cartava ns eyes he might be able to increase his lifespan a few times over, allowing him to keep making breakthroughs.


    The gemlings on the opposite sides were probably brought in for their ability to make money. They were a weird golemlike n from Levis exnations, and their bloodline was pretty odd. They were able to cut off parts of their souls and imbue it into gems they grew on their bodies, and then use those gems as cores for Spirit Tools.


    This practice almost guaranteed that the Spirit Tool would have a great spirituality, which increased their value more than tenfold. The only issue was the bloodline among these gemlings was extremely weak, and they needed a lot of assistance to activate their heritage. But as long as the Tsarun n managed to purify their bloodlines, then they would be able to essentially farm those precious crystals and make a fortune.


    The Titans were probably brought for their prowess, and cultivating warriors with that bloodline would bolster their armies. As for the Lunar n, he wasnt as sure, but perhaps it was because of their lunar ability. Their Leader, Cervantes, was almost immortal ording to Levi, and he could freely swap back and forth between moonlight and flesh. Not even imbuing attacks with Dao had helped bring him down during the wars over the past two thousand years, and he was generally considered the most powerful warrior in the Mystic Realm.


    As for the True Sky Faction, it wasnt actually a unique race at all. The Tsarun n had apparently captured thousands of people with various bloodlines, probably in search of something valuable. These people banded together after the Cataclysm, led by a few cultivators who all carried unique powerful bloodlines.


    But the fact that the faction had so many different backgrounds had resulted in the dilution of any inherent bloodlines. On the flip-side that had resulted in them having by far the most Datamancers of the four factions, and they were usually the ones who hosted the various trade meetings when the barriers were lifted.


    That was partly because they were the most populous faction though. Thanks to therge number of Datamancers they had managed to secure and take control of dozens of habitable sections in the secondyer, essentially turning one side of the base into a small kingdom with a capital and multiple towns.


    Even some people from the other three ns had decided to join the True Sky Factions over the years, though generally these people were outcasts of their factions for one reason or another.


    The hours passed in this manner until Levi suddenly stopped. Zac looked around in confusion, first thinking that some Lunar Wolves had appeared. However, Levi rather walked toward the wall. The section looked the same as the sections that they had passed until now, but Zac understood that there probably was a hidden gate in this area.


    "Is this the path to your n?" Zac asked.


    "One of them," Levi said. "I mentioned it before, but a bit further there is a proper gate, not a hidden service entrance like the ones we have used. That gate leads straight toward the inner sector, but our n can be found within a few hours'' travel. This ce is a hidden gate that we haven''t managed to unlock yet, but you seem to be able to walk unhindered in this base. I thought it was better to take an unknown route back in case more werewolves are lurking around."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ll see what I can do," Zac said as he started cing disks where Levi indicated.


    He had been struggling a bit about what to do with Levi, but he eventually decided to send her back to allow her people to start preparations. There was a small risk that she would bring home intelligence on him that would be used to betray Port Atwood, but Zac felt that to be a slim risk. She had seen first-hand how he had dealt with the Werewolves and the Collector, and how freely his people could move through the base.


    The Cartava n didn''t stand to gain anything by going against him, but they could benefit greatly by allying themselves with Port Atwood.


    Whats your next step? Levi finally asked as Zac''s preparations were nearingpletion.


    Im heading to the Inner Circle, following one of the maps I got, Zac eventually said. "I need to find a way to the Core."


    You would need a guide even if you have a map. The inner section presents its own challenges, Levi slowly said.


    What do you have in mind? Zac asked with a small smile.


    How about we set a time and ce to meet up? Perhaps at the edge of the Living Layer. The way there shouldn''t be too dangerous, but after that things might getplicated depending on what security measures we''ll encounter," Levi said.


    Zac thought about it for a few seconds, but he eventually agreed. He was already nning on bringing Kenzie since his instincts told him he would need Jeeves'' assistance to get to the core, but bringing a native would bring a lot of knowledge to the table. They decided on a location to meet, and the time would be in two days. That would give Zac enough time to deal with everything back at the base and return.


    Be careful on your return. You never told me exactly how you got captured, but it seems a bit odd to me. Can you be sure that no one in your n is working against you? Zac said as he connected his tablet to the disks on the wall. If things get out of hand you can alwayse to our side. Were always happy to wee new talent to our ranks.


    "No n members would do something like working with the Lunar n at such an integral time," Levi muttered, though it sounded like she was trying to convince herself as much as she was Zac.


    Step back, Zac said as he turned to the scouts as he took out his axe.


    What are you- Levi said with confusion, but she quickly realized what was going on.


    Zac only shrugged in response before he activated the tablet. His axe might be useless in case the wall came alive, but it would work just fine in case there was an army of hostilebatants on the other side, no matter if it was Cartava n members or werewolves. Thankfully only empty halls met his eyes as the gates slid open.


    Ill see you in a few days then, Levi said. Ill bring a talented Datamancer to help out as well. Dont worry, its my first-degree uncle and hes our familys chief technician.


    Zac nodded in understanding. When she talked about family in this case she wasnt talking about the whole Cartava n that wasprised of almost 40 000 members. It was rather her actual family in the same sense that he would use the word. Having someone like her uncle there would no doubt help a lot, and the Datamancers seemed more akin to a crafting ss than abat-ss, so Zac wasnt worried even if he was E-Grade.


    Levi entered the next moment, her steps still a bit unsteady. However, Zac had gifted her a set of various pills, partly to help her get home in one piece, and partly as some sort of disy of the good things that he could provide in return for the natives'' cooperation.


    There was no point in dawdling around, and the six remaining people of the group immediately set out as the gate merged into the wall behind them.


    They were almost half-way to the ss-house by this point, but only one hour passed before Zac sensed something. Zac instantly shed in front of his group as<strong> [Veruns Bite] </strong>appeared in his hands, but he rxed when he saw Thea stepping out from behind a tree a hundred meters away. She turned into a gust the next moment, immediately appearing in front of them.


    Cousin! Jonas shouted with excitement, but Thea only gave him a small nod of acknowledgment before she turned to Zac.


    Youve been busy it looks like, she said with a smile.


    Well, one thing led to another, Zac sighed. Are you here alone?


    No, I went ahead of the group when one of your demonkin geomancers sensed some vibrations in the ground, she exined. We thought it was a wolf pack that had strayed from the center of the forest.


    Well, lets go back. I have made some discoveries, Zac said.


    We still haven''t mapped out the whole area. We have found a gate, but it actually attacked us the moment we got close," Thea said.


    Zac frowned when he heard that the gate was actively attacking people. Didn''t Levi know about it, or did she hide it?


    That''s okay. I''ve found everything we need for the next step of the n, Zac said.


    Just like that? Thea asked before she looked him up and down with a wry smile. It really seems that the demon is right about one thing. Let you run off for just one day and youlle back with massive gains."


    I''d be more than happy to be the one staying behind next time," Zac said with a shudder, thinking back to just how close it was for him to be turned into a part of a Void Creature''s bodysuit.


    They started walking in the direction of the sshouse, and Zac helped catch Thea up to speed.


    So were going to thosebs next? Thea asked.


    Im thinking thats the move, Zac nodded. We might find useful things there, and its close to the Core sector where the treasure is. If the barriers really disappear when the Dimensional Seed matures well be in a good starting position.


    Well need to make some preparations then, Thea mused before she added with a low voice. By the way, I met with your friend, Ogras. Something seems to be wrong with him. He didnte with us to this ce, he''s holed up in yourpound. He hid his face in a big robe as well.


    Zac frowned at that, and the image of shadows repairing the hole in Ogras'' chest resurged. The demon had seemed fine until now, but were thereplications from his familiar fusing with him after all?

 Chapter 602: Crowdfunding

    Chapter 602: Crowdfunding


    Zac wasn''t particrly worried if the demon''s fusion somehow altered his constitution. Danger was always present on the road of cultivation, and getting fused with a shadow creature couldn''t be as bad as getting stuck with two remnants in his head. But the demon''s reaction was a cause for concern and something that he needed to investigate.


    I need to go back anyway to prepare a few things, Zac said after some thought. Ill check in on him. If everything goes ording to n well set out from the sshouse in a day or so.


    If youre going back you might want to speak with the Anointed as well, Thea said. Theyre getting impatient, and they are already nning to force their way through the base. I tried to stop them but they don''t listen to me.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zacs eyes at the idea of thousands of war-crazy Zhix attacking the gates and the walls of the Mystic Realm. He had already seen how the base acted from small-scale infractions, and he also knew that it had far more deadly methods avable after seeing how it dealt with the Collector. The Zhix might bring a cmity down on their heads if he didn''t stop them.


    Ill talk with them, Zac said. Can you help prepare this ce for the arrival of a proper army?


    What about the wolves? Thea asked.


    Lets hope theyre smart enough to stay away from the Zhix, Zac muttered. "Otherwise I think they''ll be used as therapeutic punching bags."


    Zac''s group soon rejoined Thea''s squad of vanguard scouts who all seemed extremely surprised to see the group emerge from the forest. Zac moved forward alone from there on out since there were others who could help the rescued scouts get back. He just took onest look at the group with a sense of aplishment before he disappeared among the trees.


    He knew that he couldnt save everyone and that there would inevitably be losses. But it still felt great to actually seed in saving his people. So it was with newfound vigor he started to cover as much distance as he could with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. The quest told him to enter the Inner Laboratory before the Dimensional Seed matured, which was around 4 days from now. He didnt want to cut it too close either, so there was no time to waste.


    He arrived at the hidden sshouse and only briefly greeted the researchers there before he set out again. Having been given some reassurance from his travels with Levi he no longer felt the need to go slow in the stable section of the Outer Ring, and he kept a rapid pace as he shed forward over and over with the help of his movement skill.


    That way it only took him two hours before he stood in front of the gate leading into the inner section. This time there was actually a group waiting on the other side when he opened it, standing behind two nasty-looking cannons that could onlye from the Ishiate Tinkerers. Even Zac felt some pressure staring into the two half-meter wide barrels that were no doubt loaded with some energy-dense concoction.


    Most of the guards clearly recognized him and quickly moved to push the cannons out of the way, but one of them stepped forward with his sword at the ready.


    Eat this, the guard gruffly said as he threw over a small package, drawing shocked nces from his colleagues.


    What? Zac asked with confusion as he looked down at the bag.


    Its policy, stupid, the guard said as the other guards slowly started to inch away from him. Dont want any of those lizard bastards to sneak inside.


    Keep up the good work, Zac said with a small smile as he ate the minty root.


    Zac looked at the other guards next as he stepped past the cannons, and left some short parting words before he disappeared.


    Learn from this guy. No one is exempt, not even me.


    A shudder in Zac''s soul reminded him of a pressing issue, but he still hurried over to Biosphere 4 instead of his ownpound. It was the ce where most of the Zhix stayed, including the Zhix War Council. His arrival was met with bubbling excitement as the Zhix had long associated him with war. He was immediately led to a gathering hall, and one Anointed after another hurried inside.


    Zac saw the eagerness in their eyes, and he didnt waste any time with small talk when everyone was gathered.


    I think I have an idea where the Dominators are, Zac said as he took out a crude map of the Research base.


    He quickly started adding details to the mostly nk map, such as the Living Layer, the Inner Ring, and the Core. He then added the wastnd cutting through half of the base and the four major forces,pleting the map.


    We are situated close to n Cartava, and were the only natives they have encountered. To the east is the wastnd, and no one can live there for weeks, let alone months. Beyond that is the Lunar tribe, beastkin warriors who have been responsible for ambushing our people. The True Sky Faction is to the northwest of n Cartava, and they have been in contact with the Human Government.


    "That leaves this ce, Zac continued and pointed at the spot on the opposite side of the basepared with their own. There is a golem-race living here. This should be the most likely location of the Dominators and their armies considering the werewolves have time to send scouting parties all the way here. If they''re not there, they are somewhere close to the Lunar n."


    How do we get to this side, Warmaster? Rhubat rumbled with a frown. This ce is confusing. It looks like a hive at first nce, but it is built following apletely different logic and philosophy. Our instincts have been proven wrong time and time again.


    There are two paths, Zac said. Either passing the wastnd and making your way through the outer rim. But Ill tell you right now; if 100 sets out, only 5 will make it to the other side. I only reached the edge of that ce when I set out to rescue our missing scouts, and I almost got killed many times over.


    The Zhix are not afraid of death, but we cannot take such losses. We would be too weakened toplete the crusade, another Anointed said with a shake of its head.


    The other option is to cut straight through the base, Zac said. But thats currently impossible, but we might get our opportunity in four days. There will still be dangers though.


    We are ready. What can we do now? Rhubat said.


    You should have heard about us discovering therge forest half a day from here, right? Zac said. That ce is our entrance to the inner sectors. From there we can take our armies past the Domestic Zone and enter the inner base.


    I think the core will be too dangerous for the general armies to enter because of the spatial rifts, but if we go along the inner band we can essentially walk a full circle around the base, visiting each faction starting with the True Sky Faction and ending with the Lunar Tribe. That way well find the Dominators sooner orter."


    What if these natives bar our path? Rhubat rumbled.


    Nothing is more important than taking down the Dominators, Zac said without hesitation. Ive already told the Cartava n of the threat the Dominators represent. If these natives can help us against ourmon enemy, then great. If they move against us, well take them down.


    So the Final Crusade starts in four days, Rhubat said as he closed his eyes, and a dense aura of bloodthirst spread across the hall.


    Will you walk with us, Warmaster? Vanexis asked next.


    No, not immediately at least, Zac said. I think Voids Disciple will head for the treasure in the Core, and I cant let him snatch it. Hes already proven hes talented with the Dao of Space. Who knows how powerful he will be if he gets his hands on that thing? Ive seen the destruction the Dimensional Seed has wrought on this base, no one can withstand it.


    Worry shed in Rhubhats eyes and he quickly nodded in agreement.


    Im thinking that a small elite unit will head for the core sector as soon as we find a way to get inside there, and well meet up on the other side of the base after the army has made its way around. Im heading out tomorrow in hopes of finding out more, Zac said.


    Do you need our assistance? Rhubat asked.


    Its impossible, Im afraid, Zac said. I managed to get my hands on a map to the innerboratories, but the path goes through pipes and air ducts. You guys are to big to squeeze inside.


    The meeting went on for a bit longer, though making any exact ns was hard when so much was in in the air. But the general n was set. Arge part of the army would start the transfer to the Lunar Forest, leaving just a smaller defensive squad in charge of this outer sector. They would be in charge of stopping any attempts of the natives to force their way outside, and if need be trigger the destabilizers that Kenzie had installed.


    He left after 20 minutes, heading for Biosphere 1. However, a familiar figure caught up to Zac just as he was about to leave the Zhix''s domiciles.


    It was Ibtep, and they threw down an istion array the moment they arrived next to Zac.


    I did it, Ibtep said as soon as the Array activated. I have gathered 8 Billion Nexus Coins. Do the offer still stand?


    What? EIGHT BILLION? Zac sputtered, shocked to hear that the Zhix liaison somehow had be even wealthier than himself. How is that possible?


    Almost no Zhix has used that currency so far, and they hold it in no regard. Cosmic Energy might not be seen as corruption any longer, but it still isnt something that the Zhix can embrace in a year or two. When Zhix warriors heard I had a shot at helping the Anointed they immediately donated everything they had umted without any further questions, and most Zhix have gathered over a million coins after fighting the unliving and the traitors, Ibtep exined.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds, but he eventually produced the teleportation token along with the n Zethaya VIP Token.


    This token will let you meet the Alchemist. Remember, be careful. I don''t know what world this token will take you to, but there will definitely be D-Grade beings and perhaps even stronger cultivators. Keep your head down, dont offend anyone, Zac said, and he added something after some thought. You can tell the Zethaya n that Im sorry I couldnte in person, I am busy stabilizing my foundation after breaking through.


    Zac hoped that small addition would decrease the chance of Ibtep getting double-crossed. There was no such thing as benevolent forces, and the only thing that kept young elites somewhat safe was the risk of future retaliation. However, those that walked the path of the elite were even more likely than normal cultivators to get stuck in bottlenecks.


    Thats was why so many factions had the guts to go after the Eveningtide Asura even after he had proven his strength in the Tower of Eternity. They figured that someone that had such a heavy foundation might not even make it to D-Grade. Their bet obviously proved to be a huge loss, but most such gambles ended up okay.


    But if Zac could spread the fact that he had already evolved to E-Grade, he might nt the seeds of hesitation in the minds of those who were considering going after his secrets or Earth.


    Only the mission matter. I will go straight to the pill store and then return, Ibtep nodded.


    One more thing, Zac added after some thought. See if you can find out whats going on in the Sector, if there are any news about me or The Great Redeemer. Our needs to know what to expect. But your safetyes first.


    Understood, Ibtep said, though he was almost stamping in ce out of impatience. I have to go now before the gate closes.


    Good luck, Zac smiled. Well deal with the things on this end.


    Ibtep scurried toward Biosphere 1 the next moment, no doubt heading straight for the tunnel leading to the outer world. Zac arrived just a few momentster, instead heading for his cordoned-off sector. The reason he needed to go back from the sshouse was simple; he really needed a round in his Soul Strengthening Array.


    Utilizing the energy of the remnants always came at a cost, and the weird cracks hidden in his body were only part of it. His soul was unsettled, and he needed to stabilize it before setting course for the Inner Sectors. After all, there was a good chance that his next outing would lead him straight from the Inner Lab to the Core, and he needed to be in peak condition for whatever waited there.


    However, he only took a step inside his courtyard before he stopped, immediately sensing a familiar presence.


    Where did you run off to? a dour voice said from a secluded corner of his courtyard. People were starting to freak out.


    Okay, whats going on with you? Zac said with a frown, ignoring the question. Do we need to be worried?


    His question wasn''t without merit, as the demon had undergone an almost shocking transformation since they met just a few days ago.

 Chapter 603: Monochrome

    Chapter 603: Monochrome


    Levi made her way through the pathways, her mind still in turmoil from the events of the past two days. Of course, the constant pain emanating from her right eye didnt help. She knew there would be a price to meddle with the past, but she hadnt expected it to be that great. There were ounts of her ancestor doing even greater things multiple times over without being afflicted with the same curse.


    But not only had she been blinded, but she could even feel how her affinities had worsened. It felt like her future had turned bleaker, and she wasnt even sure if her actions were worth it. The abyssal eyes of Zachary Atwood in his secret form had put such pressure on her that she acted hastily, when ''being captured'' by him likely wouldnt have been the worst of fates.


    Seeing how he not only cared for her safety but even risked his life for his people, was all that she needed to know about his character. He might be a ruthless pragmatist, but he was definitely good at heart. But such was the problem with her ability. She had a short window of connecting her mind to the past. If she had waited any longer the bacsh would have killed her, and she had needed to make a decision.


    Then again, knowledge was power. Her knowing his secret might not hold any value right now, but that would definitely change if she managed to lead her n out of this ce. She could set up a series of safeguards for herself and her people, guaranteeing security in return for her silence. It was a shady course of action, but their n was currently like a weak candle in the wind, any small shock could be what toppled them.


    Now the question was what she should do next.


    Her grandfather might have some ideas on how to lessen the bacsh, but that wasnt the only problem she was facing. The fact that Zachary Atwood wouldnt let them out would definitely be seen as an act of war by some, but her instincts told her that letting the Second Elder and Yvian assault Port Atwood would result in massive casualties, and most likely end in defeat.


    She had seen Zacharys strength all-too-clear, and what she hadnt witnessed weighed even heavier on her mind. Try as she might, but she absolutely couldnt remember what he did against the Collector. But just the thought of trying to peer back at the events with her gaze made her break out in a cold sweat, and all her instincts told her that doing so would cause the copse of her soul.


    The thought of Yvian was also a cause of concern, making her frown as she rounded another corner. The parting words of Zac repeated over and over in her head, and she had to admit they rang true. The beastmen were crafty, but not overly so. They might have realized they could use the vents as points of ingress, but n Cartava had done for weeks already. The paths Hevastes took should have triggered newly installed rms, yet they reached her private gardens without issue.


    Not only that, the guard response was a lot slower than what should be expected, allowing the werewolves to leave just like they came. If it wasnt for the traps and automatic defenses her family had set up, then they would have finished the job unscathed.


    So it wasnt tion that gripped her heart when she encountered a group of nsmen, but rather suspicion and fear. Because it only took one nce to see that the squad of eight all belonged to the faction of the second elder.


    Young miss! the middle-aged man in the lead eximed as he took a step forward. You made it back safe. But, your eye-!


    Vr, howe youre here? Levi smiled, but she wasnt as calm as she let on.


    Looking for you, of course, Vr sighed. Weve turned the whole ce upside-down in search of you. Those bastards from the Lunar n are truly audacious to do something like this when were at the cusp of freedom.


    It was actually the foreigners who saved me in the end, Levi said. They-


    You shouldnt trust those people, Vr said with a frown. We have it on good authority that the foreigners are working with the Lunar n to pilfer this ce before they escape together. We were about to force open a path to them in hopes of rescuing you, but it looks like that wont be necessary. Come, let''s hurry back. Your fianc will be ted to hear you are okay.


    My what?


    --------------


    I dont know exactly whats going on either, Ogras sighed as he touched his horns.


    The two horns on his head hadnt changed shape since they metst, but they no longer looked like liquid fire like the rest of the Torrid Demons. They had turned monochrome, and now rather reminded Zac of dancing shadows. His skin had lost some of its red tint as well, and the scale-like markings almost looked like they were covered in ash.


    It looked like the demon was really in the process of turning into a shadow-creature.


    Cant you stop the transformation? Zac asked with some wariness in his eyes.


    Im slowly losing ground to Asshole, Ogras muttered, and Zac realized that the demon had renamed his contracted beast once more. It attacked my mind while I learned the new skills. Thats why Ive been holed up here for a while, to shore up my defenses and stabilize the situation so to speak.


    Its attacking your mind? Zac repeated with a frown.


    Yes, but I think I have found a solution, Ogras said. I realized it lost some of its control after I ate race-boosting pills. I need to evolve my race within a month. Strengthening my soul would be for the best as well, but your array doesn''t seem to work on me for some reason.


    "You tried out the array?" Zac said some anger. "You didn''t break anything, did you?"


    "How can I break something by sitting down on a mat?" Ogras spat. "It wouldn''t even start up."


    "Well, that''s fine, then," Zac sighed. "I think it only works if you have some connection to life and death. In either case, I might have a method to help you improve quickly."


    Really? Ogras asked, his eyes lighting up. Or wait, are you talking about pills? Ive eaten all the pills I had by now over the past few days. Ive built up immunity by now.


    No, Zac said with a shake of his head. It should be something else. I met someone while exploring the forest.


    He then briefly recounted his experiences over the past days.


    I leave for a few days and all kinds of exciting things happen. You saved the granddaughter of some n Elder? Ogras muttered, and Zacs mouth curved slightly upward when he saw the signature jealousy. You keep encountering powerful beauties at every turn, yet you keep your hands to yourself. What a waste. So, youre saying that the n Cartava has ess to these greenhouses full of race-boosting natural treasures?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Youre lucky were close to the faction that has control over the race-boosting stuff, Zac nodded.


    I guess your luck is finally starting to rub off, huh? Ogras muttered. Well then, lets go.


    Wait, Zac said. I got a quest to reach the Inner Labs. Im thinking we should hit that first. If you dont find anything useful there, we can go to the Cartava n. I dont want to waste time with them unless absolutely necessary.


    Whats in the Inner Labs? Ogras asked hesitantly.


    Apparently the good stuff of this ce, but it changes every time, Zac said.


    Okay, new n. Ie with you to mooch off yourtest windfall. Im not going to be stuck in some Technocrat Greenhouse while youre visiting the treasure vault of thishersted ce, Ogras said. I can fight off Asshole a while longer if it will line my pockets.


    Well, at least your intentions are pure, Zac snorted. I need to use the array here before we set off though.


    Fine, Ogras sighed. Ill stay here for now. Need to get used to the new skills anyway.


    Zac couldnt help but worry as he walked out of his courtyard. The demon seemed to be fighting a losing battle at the moment. If this n to evolve his Race didnt pan out, then Zac would have to make some difficult decisions. That shadowcreature was a pretty sinister creature from what they had gathered, making Ogras a ticking time bomb.


    He was the second most powerful person of his faction, and Zac couldn''t have him running around putting people''s lives at risk if he suddenly turned into a murderous beast. The only relief was that they weren''t exactly fighting against the clock with this new issue. They had ample time to look for treasures in both the Inner Labs and at n Cartava. So Zac threw the issue to the back of his mind as he reached the building housing his Life-Death array.


    The building was almost asrge as a ser field, with no windows to show what was going on inside. The interiors were surprisingly simr to his cultivation cave back home though, with three circr chambers. The energy density inside was obviously worse though, as the ce was powered by Miasma Crystals and Divine Crystals rather than the natural energies of his Nexus Vein and the weird Array he had taken from the Undead Incursion.


    Still, his temporary arrangement for his Soul Strengthening Array was probably better than the cultivation environment of almost anyone on Earth.


    Zac sat down on his prayer mat, but he didnt immediately activate the array. He rather stabilized his mind for a while as he went over the events of the past days. His first takeaway was that the Mystic Realm was a lot more dangerous than he had anticipated. He had only considered the leaders of the respective factions and the two remaining Dominators as threats going in, but dangers were lurking around every corner.


    He hadnt even encountered a single one of his targets, but he had already wasted so many of his hidden aces. <strong>[Fates Obduracy]</strong> was used up on the Lunar Wolves, and his arduously umted energy from the Splinter of Oblivion was expended to deal with the Collectors ghastly appendage.


    Thetter, in particr, was a huge blow to his ns. The Bronze shes of before had changed since his pathways were rewritten, and he couldnt use them as freely as he did in the Tower any longer. In return, he had gained a semnce of control and a huge boost in destructive power, but he probably wouldnt have time to recharge another st before the showdown at the core of the Mystic Realm.


    The Annihtion Sphere was the ultimate card he had set aside to kill Voids Disciple in one go, where the chaotic powers of Oblivion hopefully rendered the Dominators odd ability of resurrection unusable.


    There was still a decent chunk of Creation energy that had umted in his body by now, but he had only used the pink sh once; when tainting the energy source of Little Bean. He still had no idea what effect it would have when used on a cultivator. It might even heal his enemy for all Zac knew.


    But as one door closed another door opened. He had lost some things, but he had created new opportunities. Evolving his Fragment of the Axe was a huge and unexpected boost, but it wasnt enough to give him full confidence in the uing battles. Because if he could improve, then so could Voids Disciple. The next opportunity would hopefully appear in the Inner Lab, but until then he had other things to work on.


    He walked over to the death-attuned side next and activated the Life-Death Array after making sure everything was in order. The familiar suction appeared, and his mental energy steadily started to enter the intricate circuitry that made up half the array.


    Zac would normally rx or focus on other things while the array did its thing, but this time was different as Zac kept a constant vigil on his soul. This was the first time he used the array since gaining the three apparitions in the center of his mind, and he had to make sure that there wasnt a sh.


    It only took a minute before Zac noticed a very important difference. The deathly energies seeping out from the coffin suddenly split off, with only a thin strand continuing toward his avatar in the middle. The rest joined his mental energy as it entered the array. Zac had no way to tell if this change was good or detrimental, but he decided to keep going for the time being.


    The array was going to turn his mental-energy death-attuned before returning it in either case, so adding the energy from the Fragment of the Coffin shouldnt be a bad thing. Actually, incorporating his Daos into the array was one of the first things he had tried to increase the efficiency of the arrays, but until now it had proven impossible.


    There was nothing to ''imbue'' with his Dao when using the array, which had made it impossible for Zac to do anything except passively letting the array do its thing. One thing was certain though, adding his Dao to the procedure had increased the difficulty manifold, and Zac started to feel a strain as the minutes passed.

 Chapter 604: Anchor

    Chapter 604: Anchor


    Completing a cycle was normally just time-consuming rather than exhausting, but adding his Dao hadpletely changed the pressure he felt. His brows furrowed in concentration, and his hands were even shaking a bit by the time the siphoning of the first cycle finished. The added difficulty was thankfully rewarded when his mental energy came surging back. The mental energy was seeped in death, far beyond what a normal cycle usually aplished. It was almost like he hadpleted three of the nine cycles in one go.


    That wasnt the only thing either as his avatar also received a surge of death-attuned energies that burrowed into his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. The amount was more than twice what Zac would naturally supply during the same duration, and Zac immediately realized the implication. He could actually use the array to charge his Hidden Node, allowing him to use the node to an even greater degree during battles.


    Zac couldn''t wait to see the effect ofpleting a whole session with his Dao so it was with great gusto he started the second cycle. However, sweat was already streaming down his face by the point he had reached the end of the cycle, and it was just barely he managed toplete the rotation without falling unconscious.


    The gain was simr to the first round though, but Zac had to actively stop any more of his Dao from escaping the coffin as he started the third of the nine revolutions. There was no way he would be able toplete a third Dao-Empowered rotation, and he needed to finish all nine cycles to gain any benefit from the session.


    He tried to understand what caused the additional strain to alleviate it, but he couldn''t discern anything. Zac could just chalk it up to there being some mental strain from using ''attuned'' mental energypared to just empty energy like normal. The next cycles were very much the same as normal, allowing Zac to revert to his autopilot cultivation while focusing on other things.


    The most important point was fixing his pathways after bursting open the node before setting out toward the core of the Mystic Realm.


    He had continuously worked on the pathways both while traveling and harvesting nts, but also during every break while waiting for his wounds to heal. But the fight against the werewolf, the collector, and the subsequent escape had caused his patchwork repairs to worsen a bit, and he couldnt keep it like that if he wanted to go all out in the future.


    Zacs progress was slow as he mended his pathways, especially after having exhausted his mind more than usual when infusing the array with his Dao. The exhaustion resulted in mistake after mistake, forcing him to redraw the same fractals over and over before it was correct. <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> did help a bit though, giving him an instinctual sense of how fractals should look to work.


    But a sudden spark of inspiration made him think of another skill that he hadnt found a reason to use just yet, one of the E-Grade Anciry skills he had learned in the Dao Repository. It was called <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong>, and it could tentatively be considered a defensive skill.


    However, the skill didnt actually protect against attacks, but it rather allowed you to create an anchor-point for yourself. The anchor was pretty much a back-up point that made an image of your body, your soul, your skill fractals, and pathways. The main use of the skill was to discover if you had been marked, possessed, or otherwise tampered with in some unknown way.


    For example, the brands that hisva bath exposed had most likely been hidden as nondescript fractals attached somewhere on his body, and it was hard to spot something like that among the millions of fractals that constituted his pathways. With <strong>[Spiritual Anchor] </strong>he could create an anchor point every time before going off-world in the future, making sure he wasn''t inadvertently bringing trouble back home to Earth.


    Zac had unhesitantly learned the skill when he saw its use, eager to gain some protection after having seen six different marks getting expelled from his body just minutes earlier. Of course, he had proceeded to make his first anchor-point the moment his body was back in good condition, creating a baseline before he properly set out into the Mystic Realm.


    The skill had a weakness though; if Zac already carried hidden threats when making the anchor-point, then he would pretty much never notice it since it would be part of the stored image in his mind. Still, it was an extremely valuable tool for someone like Zac who didn''t have elders who could scan him with their superior mental acuity.


    The current situation with his broken pathways made him think of another use for the skill though; it was a proper reference-map for his whole pathway system. His pathways were branded in his mind already, which was what allowed him to redraw them after breaking open a node, but <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong> would perhaps make things even easier for him.


    Zac quickly activated the skill, and his eyes lit up when he saw the result. It worked just as he hoped, with the anchor superimposing itself over his pathways, including the broken parts. His progress suddenly sped up significantly as he started redrawing the pathways, and the number of mistakes lessened drastically as well.


    Using his new skill significantly decreased the difficulty of his work. It was like he was tracing a series of lines rather than drawing something from memory. He wasnt improving his understanding of fractals when doing things this way, but this wasn''t the time to worry about that; he had bigger fish to fry.


    The following hours passed without anything else surprising taking ce, with one cycle after another beingpleted as Zac made rapid progress on his pathways. Zac stopped working on the pathways during the ninth cycle though, instead turning his sight to his mind to see the end-result of the first half of his improved Soul Cultivation-method.


    There were no two ways about it; the result was far superior. The deathly energies in his mind were extremely dense, and if he quantified it the result was somewhere between 40 to 50% greaterpared to before, all thanks to the first two rotations being infused with the Fragment of the Coffin.


    Zacs mind was still throbbing even hourster though, but he could only bear with it, knowing he had to do the same thing on his life-attuned side. He would have to empower two revolutions again to bring his soul back to equilibrium after all. So he quickly swapped over to his Draugr side and started the process once more, preparing himself to push through the first two revolutions by hook or crook.


    He could quickly confirm that the shimmering golden energies from the bodhi tree joined the mental stream, but the enormous strain he had anticipated never arrived. Certainly, the difficulty was much harder than normal, but it wasn''t any worsepared to the first cycle on the Death-attuned side.


    Was this a limitation of his Dao-Apparitions, perhaps? Each apparition was limited in the amount of energy it could exude, causing the strain to steadily increase as the drain continued. However, swapping to a different Dao would reset the difficulty since the other Apparition was still full of vigor.


    This was great news to Zac since it meant that he would be able to go all out with both the arrays in the future without worrying that he would overextend himself during the first half. A great surge returned half an hourter, causing a series of frantic collisions as life fought with death in his mind.


    Zac felt his vision double for a second from the shocks to his soul, but he breathed out in relief after confirming that the increased intensity was still manageable. The second cycle started up a few secondster, and Zac let the shimmering golden haze join in that time as well. An even greater series of shes followed when the cycle ended, causing small cracks to spread across his soul.


    Blood started running down Zac''s nose as his eyes werepletely bloodshot, but he ate a soul-mending pill as he kept going, this time stopping any more Dao from entering. He was only able to resume work on his pathways on the fifth revolution because of nausea from the collisions.


    The session finally ended after roughly ten hours, confirming that Dao infusion improved the gains of the array, but not how quickly it ran. Still, the results were impressive, especially considering he had only infused two out of the nine revolutions. He felt that a lot more impurities had been expelled from the Life-Death explosions in his mind than normal, almost exactly matching the additional attunement he had measured.


    That meant the efficiency of his Soul Strengthening-array had increased almost 40% simply from forming his Dao-Apparitions.


    Better yet, Zac was almost certain this wasnt the limits of his gains. For example; what if his Dao Fragments evolved to the next stage? The power of the Dao that entered the Array would be greater, which in turn should result in a bigger boost. And his soul would keep getting stronger over time, which would hopefully increase the number of revolutions that he could empower.


    As long as he kept working on it the improvements would be huge, potentially saving him centuries of cultivation down the road. After all, Soul Cultivation was powerful for a variety of reasons, but people still didnt do it because of the huge time investment. But it felt like Zac had found the key to staying ahead of the remnants locked in his mind this time around.


    Just like the progress on his soul was great, so was the work on his pathways thanks to <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong>. He couldn''t help but curse himself for not thinking of it sooner. To be fair, nothing like this was mentioned in the information missive on the skill, perhaps since Bra hadn''t expected his E-Grade descendants to be mortals.


    His pathways were almostpletely fixed thanks to the improved speed. Just a few more hours of dedicated redrawing and he would be back to normal. Part of Zac just wanted to stay in this ce and swap between sleeping and cultivating, but he knew that was simply impossible.


    So he went over his provisions and talismans before he stood up and walked out toward where he left the demon. Ogras was still sitting at the same spot as before, for once in meditation rather than drinking and cajoling.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Youre ready to set out? Ogras asked as he opened his eyes.


    Lets go, Zac nodded. We just need to fetch Kenzie.


    What? Why? Ogras said with a scrunched-up face.


    Shes the best when ites to Technocrat Technology. I dont want topletely rely on that Cartava n Member, Zac shrugged. Besides, there are sometimes opportunities you cant take away in thebs, I dont want her to miss out. Billy and Thea areing as well.


    Ogras grumbled a bit as he got to his feet, and he donned a hooded robe to mask his changingplexion. The two walked over to the buildings that Kenzie controlled, a mix of workshops and warehouses to store everything from gathered Memorysteel to inactive drone swarms.


    Ill wait outside, Ogras said, and Zac shrugged with some confusion before walking inside by himself.


    Youre back! Kenzie eximed with relief before her smile turned into a scowl. Whats the matter with you men? I had to find out you set out alone from Thea? And that you had returned in one piece, <em>half a day ago</em>,<em></em>from the guards? Do none of you havemunication crystals?!


    Uh, Zac only said, but his sister was obviously not done.


    Also! You told Thea that I couldnt go visit that forest, and now Im essentially on house arrest! You need to be careful with what you say.


    Well, I guess thats my bad? Zac grimaced.


    Well, fine, Kenzie muttered. Have you seen Ogras? I cant contact him either.


    Hes right outside, were ready to set out again, Zac said and hurriedly added when he saw her scowl deepening. Im here to see if you are free to go with us to the inner parts of the base. We could use your skill set.


    You mean you need Jeeves? Kenzie muttered, but her mood had clearly turned for the better as she started packing things.


    The two updated each other of what was had happenedtely while she prepared, but not much had changed on Kenzies side. She had tried all sorts of things to interface with the base, but the systems were highly modr ording to Jeeves. Connecting to one terminal only provided ess to that area and nothing else, which meant that she wouldnt be able to assist him remotely.


    Zac really didn''t want to bring his sister into the depths of the Mystic Realm, especially after seeing just how dangerous the base could be. But he also knew that he couldn''t rely on himself pressing random boxes on the Datamancer tablet either. Neither did he feelfortable with relying too much on Levi or her n.


    He could only pray that the dangers of his Man Versus Technology-quest weren''t as lethal as what he had encountered thus far.

 Chapter 605: Missive

    Chapter 605: Missive


    Bringing Kenzie to the heart of the base filled Zac with trepidation, but she quickly proved her value as she narrated what she had done while Zac was out exploring. She had managed to get quite a few things done even with the high security of the base, mainly increasing the protection of the gates leading to their bases.


    Most notably she had constructed a series of defensive lines leading all the way from the biospheres to the fortified door leading to the Outer Rim, where one press of a button would trigger the base to attack everything within hundreds of meters. It was the same sort of arrangement the Werewolf Datamancer had activated as ast resort against him, though Kenzie''s method could be used remotely.


    Also, she had finished boobytrapping the spatial tunnel, making sure that it would close up if anyone without Port Atwood credentials tried to enter it, making it impassable. It would remain closed even after the spatial turbulence abated until Kenzie fixed it again.


    Of course, this trap would be possible to trigger remotely as well.


    It was a weight off Zacs shoulders. Having all the elites of his alliance enter the depths of the Mystic Realm would expose not only their temporary bases but even Earth. This way there would be no risk of either the Cartava n or the Werewolves sneaking outside while Zac was busy dealing with the Dimensional Seed.


    The other exits were still an issue that Zac couldn''t affect, but his remote archipgo should be rtively safe even if some of the natives managed to sneak out while he was upied.


    She, or rather Jeeves, had even figured out a way to add certain modules to the base. Most notably, they had finished a prototypemunications ry that could be connected to door terminals. The whole base was under some sort of interference that limited the range of cultivator-basedmunication crystals, and they could barely reach from one side of the base to another.


    But what Kenzie had created would allow Port Atwood''s people to use their Earth-based technology tomunicate throughout the base, as long as there wasn''t toorge a distance between the rys that Kenzie would install. It wouldn''t even be a problem tomunicate with the ss-house all the way from their base.


    This functionality already existed inside the base ording to Levi, but they didn''t have time to hack into that system. This seemed like a quick and easy fix that would allow them to set up a privatework within the base, further increasing security. Zac also updated Kenzie about what he had encountered while exploring the base, though he downyed just how close he got to dying.


    It''s good that you managed to take our people back. But it looks like those werewolves will be a problem, Kenzie sighed.


    Theyre pretty damn strong, Zac nodded. I think only a few of our people and the strongest Anointed can deal with their elite soldiers on a one-on-one. But hopefully, well get some help from n Cartava after I saved their young miss.


    Oh, that reminds me. I got something for you from Calrin, Kenzie said. Why did you spend so much money to look up a force full of nuns? Because of Leyara Lioress? The report says she''s quite a beauty.


    Oh, its here? Zac asked with excitement, ignoring the jab at the end.


    He hadpletely forgotten about his most recent order with the Sky Gnome due to the recent events, but this was perfect. Anything that could help him increase his understanding of his Bloodline would be helpful as he set course for the Inner Lab.


    I read it, theres not too much information, Kenzie said as she handed over a crystal. They seldom invite outsiders, and they dont leave their monasteries very often. However, their Strength is pretty amazing. The current Void Priestess is a true powerhouse, and she singlehandedly fought off six Monarchs of simr rank two hundred thousand years ago. Since then, she has probably only grown stronger.


    Zacs brows rose in shock when he learned about the strength of Leyaras Master. It was no wonder Leyara could stand next to Pretty Peak and the other elite scions right at the center of the Base Town.


    Defeating six people of the same rank wasnt anything special for him, but it was apletely different story at the C-Grade. Out of trillions of people only one C-Grade warrior might appear, and who among these elites didnt have their own slew of unique encounters and hidden aces? Everyone was a monster who punched way above their weight ss by that point, as even just regr elites had long been weeded out by that point.


    Zac quickly scanned the contents of the Crystal, but there was not much else apart from what he had already learned. The only significant clue was that there were rumors of some sort of connection between that reclusive force and the Limitless Empire.


    Both the Void Priestess and many of her followers had often been seen trying to acquire remnants of that long-fallen empire, sometimes spending obscene amounts of money on seemingly useless relics. The information suddenly made him remember something he had almost forgotten. Back during the first action of the Base Town an Urn was sold for an extremely exaggerated price.


    The buyer, wasnt it actually Leyara? He had only caught a glimpse of her face when she entered the bidding war on top of the floating tform, but the more he thought about it the more certain he became. He simply hadnt made the connection back when they actually met as his mind was still upied with his conversation with Catheya.


    The huge battle between the Void Priestess and the other C-Grade Monarchs that had caused waves in the whole Zecia sector 200 000 years ago was apparently over a C-Grade Mystic Realm said to contain remnants of the Limitless Empire as well.


    That didn''t say too much though, as there were quite a few collectors and enthusiasts when it came to the Limitless Empire. It was once the most powerful force in the multi-verse, and Emperor Limitless was generally considered the most powerful being in history. Some simply found it interesting, while others hoped to strike it rich by finding a supreme treasure among the ancient rubble.


    But it was also possible that the Void Monastery had some actual rtion to that ancient faction? Did that have some implications to his Void Emperor Constitution? He couldnt stop his mind from wandering, and one possibility made his heart beat like a drum.


    What if his mother had imnted him with the bloodline of Emperor Limitless?


    If you want to reach that Lab we should get going. We only have a bit over three days, Kenzie reminded. "It will take almost two days even if we keep a high pace based on the maps you gave me, and that''s provided we don''t run into any issues on the way."


    Do you think you will be able to use these tablets like the native Datamancers? Zac asked.


    Probably, at least with the help of my clearance. Jeeves might be able to force open some things, but he isn''t really built for these kinds of tasks. So if we encounter somece where neither of our credentials works there might be trouble, Kenzie said after some thought.


    Thats good enough. Better thanpletely relying on outsiders, Zac nodded, knowing that Jeeves was mainly a cultivation tool aimed to make Kenzie stronger. Do you have an exact estimate of when the Dimensional Seed will mature?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hard to say, Kenzie said hesitantly. Our estimates are based on when the spatial turbulence reaches a critical level and the portal naturally closes. But the Dimensional Seed might mature sooner orter as well. But it should be close. It''s like the treasure is gathering Spatial energies to make a final push.


    Well, better safe than sorry. I want to reach the Lab with one day to spare. Let''s go, Zac nodded.


    The idea of him having such a vaunted bloodline felt extremely alluring, but he knew it was a long shot. He couldnt be certain, but he didnt believe that the man in his visions was Emperor Limitless at least. The man soaring through the cosmos on a meteor was extremely powerful, but he wasnt anywhere near the godlike being that crushed the Heart of Oblivion or the Spark of Creation. Zac wasn''t even sure if he was at the same level as the ancient protector was the source of his Draugr''s Dao Vision.


    But that didnt mean there wasnt a connection. Perhaps the Void Bloodline came from some other powerful person from the Limitless Empire. After all, the Limitless Emperor didnt create the System alone. He had the assistance of millions of unbelievably powerful warriors, many of them probably even at the A-Grade.


    Perhaps the remnants of one of these powerhouses were located in the Zecia sector, which was both the source of his Bloodline and the heritage that the Void Monastery was built upon.


    No matter what the truth was, it was worth looking into. The Void Monastery was hard to visit ording to the missive, but it wasnt impossible. As a powerful faction they controlled thousands of worlds, and some of them were popr trade hubs the Monastery used to gather cultivation resources. If went there he would probably be able to contact Leyara one way or another.


    Kenzie had soon prepared everything she needed, which was apparently half a workshop including a series of technocrat 3D-printers she had cobbled together. The demon was still waiting outside, giving Kenzie a sunny smile as they exited her house.


    So you are in the mystic realm, after all? I guess yourmunication crystal broke, Kenzie said cooly.


    Enough, Zac sighed, knowing that Ogras had been lying low due to his condition. "No time to lose."


    Zac maintained a rapid pace this trip on his way out of the base, but neither his sister nor Orgas had any problems keeping up. Ogras had his shadows and Kenzie utilized some sort of wind-based movement skill to run, each step making her look like she was weightless.


    They arrived at the sshouse just a few hourster, having been only been half an hour dyed by Kenzie installing her newmunications modules. Kenzie opened the gate this time to confirm that their different clearance titles didnt mean different ess. Zac wasnt very interested in the interiors, but Ogras curiously nced toward the stalls.


    What is this ce..? Ogras muttered as he looked around.


    I think its for them, Zac said as he pointed to the caged Lunar Wolves. Thea said it might be a fieldb to study the Lunar Wolves, and Im inclined to believe. To take a bloodline of a beast and infusing it into a cultivator. Have you heard of anything like it?


    Anythings possible, Ogras shrugged. Some beasts can even gain a humanoid form at certain stages, allowing them to essentially be cultivators themselves. The humanoid descendants of such cultivators would carry their bloodline. Of course, this seems to be something else, like a shortcut.


    Well find out whats going on here sooner orter, Zac said as he started walking, but he stopped when he noticed that his sister hadnt followed them inside. What are you doing?


    He saw that Kenzie was still standing by the terminal, but she had connected the tablet to it. The screen was rapidly shing with thenguage of the base, and Kenzie was seemingly trying to take it all in.


    Im just checking this thing out, Kenzie said without moving her eyes away from the screen. I want to see how these main gates work, if you can change the clearance levels required to pass through. I mean, if the natives dont have any clearance levels, then we might be able to lower the clearance to level 1 or something.


    Dont fiddle with that door though, Zac quickly said. The walls will try to kill us if you trigger the security protocols, and this one has already been triggered once.


    Dont worry, Im just reading, Kenzie smiled. Give me a few minutes. Theres so much information to go through. This one has ten times the number of protocolspared to the normal doors.


    Fine, I need to talk with Thea anyway. But be careful with that thing, Zac said as he walked out through the barn door.


    He had already spotted Thea standing outside, overseeing the transformation in the area. Tworge walls had appeared in the short while Zac had been cultivating, with massive brass cannons mounted at regr intervals. Hundreds of Zhix warriors scurried back and forth working on the defensive perimeter, and groups of human cultivators seemed to be readying themselves for war as well.


    Thick barriers rose toward the sky as well, blocking any potential attacksing from the forest, and Zac could even spot squads of Tal-dar roving outside, maintaining an outer perimeter. Zac hadnt given any explicit orders on how to deal with moving the armies forward, but it seemed like they had everything in hand.


    He had been worried about leaving these people alone as they traveled toward the inner reaches of the Mystic Realm, but seeing the strength and ingenuity of the elites of Earth filled him with confidence, allowing him to solely focus on his own mission.

 Chapter 606: Inner Layer

    Chapter 606: Inner Layer


    Youre back, Thea said as spotted Zac walking over. Youre looking better.


    Finally had some time to rest up a bit, Zac smiled. Have there been any problems with the wolves?


    Not really, a few of them appeared in the distance, but a bunch of Anointed scared them away. I think the Zhix were actually a bit disappointed, Thea said with a shake of her head.


    Wouldnt be surprised, Zac snorted. Are you ready to set out?


    Im ready, but Billy will be sitting this one out, Thea said.


    Oh, why? Zac asked with confusion. "Is he hurt?"


    He had already asked about Emily and Joanna from Kenzie, and while neither of them was in critical condition, they weren''t ready to set out again either. Emily was still unconscious after overdrafting her Cosmic Energy, but she was being continuously fed healing pills and nurtured by healers. Not having those two avable to join the army was already a big loss, and losing an elite lite Billy would definitely weaken his army.


    It was a shame for Billy as well, considering where they were. If anyone could find something suitable in a ce like this, it would probably be Billy, considering he was a descendant of one of the races brought here.


    No, nothing like that. He suddenly fell asleep and a lot of energy is entering his body. I think he has some sort of epiphany, Thea said as he nodded over at a tent. "I had some people drag him over there."


    Oh, guess he found an opportunity of his own. Well, he can catch up with the real armiester, Zac said.


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    The two headed over to amand tent where the Anointed had already gathered, and they shored up their ns over the next twenty minutes. It wasnt really anything tooplicated. The Zhix would set out the moment the treasure matured no matter whether Zac hade back by that point or not, heading for the inner area.


    They could technically set out earlier than that, but there were simply too many barriers security checks in the way right now. They were severelycking in understanding of this cepared to the natives, and Kenzie couldn''t be everywhere putting out fires. However, a C-Grade treasure maturing had huge ramifications ording to what he had learned, to the point that they could transform wholes.


    This was a risk, but also their chance. Everything pointed to the Dimensional Seed being somehow integrated with the base itself, and the terrifying outburst of power should knock out most security systems. It would both remove the advantage of the natives while simultaneously giving them free passage toward the Inner Layer.


    Hopefully, Zac''s group would be able to meet up with them there, but if not, then a small group of elite Anointed would enter the core while the rest would start looking for the Dominators armies. They would be assisted by all the different factions of the Atwood Alliance, but the goal was for them to only deal with the followers of the Dominators, with Zacs group dealing with Inevitability and Voids Disciple themselves.


    It was a risk for their army to travel without any real powerhouses to shore up their ranks, but both Zac and Rhubat saw no choice but to take the gamble that at least Voids Disciple wouldnt waste his time in the outer reaches, rather rushing for the treasure in the core. It was most likely the same with all factions that chose to head for the riches in the core, like the cultists and the Lunar Tribe.


    That left the natives, but Zac felt that the Anointed with their War Arrays and great ferocity would be able to protect themselves. The natives should be smarter than to enter an all-out war against their armies considering their main goal should be escaping.


    But for now, the army would finish setting up this defensive perimeter before creating a final one at the main gate leading toward the inner reaches. It was the gate that the Cartava n wanted them to open, making Zac a bit reluctant to use it, but there were no alternatives. It was the only path leading inside that they had found except the Lunar Tribe''s maps. But those backdoor pathways were simply too narrow for both an army and the hulking anointed.


    The two returned to Ogras and Kenzie who had finished her readings, and just the four of them set out apanied by a squad of a hundred elites that would set up the initial perimeter by the gate. These elites were the cream of the crop, and they had no problem keeping up with Zac''s small group even when he exerted some effort.


    Their breakneck pace allowed them to reach the inner gate in just six hours, and even the group of Anointed were panting a bit by that point. Therger Anointed were fine though, as were Ogras and Thea.


    This is the ce," Zac said as he nodded at the gate. We will keep going for a bit longer.


    How about you let me try modifying this door? Kenzie interjected. We don''t actually know what will happen when the treasure wakes up. What if the door stays the same? Isn''t Tier-4 clearance required to enter? Only we have that


    Zac looked up at the towering wall with hesitation for a few seconds until he eventually nodded in agreement.


    You guys stay here, Zac said to to the scout. Ill protect her if the wall goes crazy.


    The two walked up to the gate, but neither tried to open it. He felt he had reached an ord with Levi by this point, but he still didnt want to bet that there was a trap waiting on the other side. Kenzie infused a bit more Base Power into the tablet as she hooked it up to the gate itself rather than the terminal that was a few meters up in the air. Zac looked at his sister inquisitively, wondering if she really knew what she was doing.


    The frame is directly connected to the terminal, Kenzie shrugged. Its all the same to Jeeves whether he gains ess to the gate or the terminal itself.


    Is Jeeves actually entering these things, or is it just telling you what to do? Zac asked hesitantly.


    Its connected to them like this tablet is connected to the wall. He doesnt actually enter the wall or whatever. Why? Whats wrong? Kenzie asked with a slightly distracted voice as most of her focus was reserved for the screen.


    The administrator, Zac said. It might be a problem if the Base AI consider Jeeves a threat. Jeeves is probably higher-quality tech, but its still just F-Grade. Meanwhile, I saw the Administrator fight with what I think was a C-Grade monstrosity on even footing.


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    I considered that, but these gates arepletely isted from the looks of it. Besides, Jeeves is essentially masquerading as the tablet itself, we shouldnt be exposed even if that AI was directly looking at what we are doing, Kenzie said.


    Fine, Zac slowly nodded. But you cant do things like this in the core. The Administrator is actively controlling those parts ording to Levi. No point in risking it unless absolutely necessary.


    Levi? Kenzie said with an impish smile. First-name basis?


    Just focus, Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    Its already done, Kenzie giggled as she retrieved the tablet, leaving one of hermunication dongles behind. This gate will only require ss-3 clearance to open now, while still having the same security protocols as before. Jeeves even activated a dormant anti-tampering protocol to make hacking harder. If the Cartava n couldnt get through before, they definitely shouldnt be able to now.


    Good job, Zac nodded. I think you might be our biggest ace in this ce.


    Its good that you finally understand, Kenzie said with a wink. Not everything can be solved with an axe.


    Well, not everything, more than one would expect, Zac smiled.


    Zac''s group left the scouts behind after confirming no wolves were lurking nearby, heading straight for their next target; a nondescript grate almost twenty meters into the air, barely visible on the wall from the ground. It took them almost two hours to get there, even after increasing their pace. The grate was a swarm pipe ording to Levi, a small outlet that released swarms of microscopic machines whose job was to kill any unwanted flora and pollinate the wanted species.


    However, these gardener-machines had either stopped working or they had been blocked by structural damage further inside the base, as those machines hadnt been seen for centuries. And now, with the spatial expansion, the pipe was wide enough to allow people to squeeze through, albeit barely.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Is it really necessary to take this circuitous path? Kenzie asked as she looked down on the mapper with some hesitation. Im sure we could find a path without squeezing through ustrophobic pipes and run-off grates.


    Might as well, it should only add a few hours travel timepared to a more direct route. And the path doesnt only take into ount these kinds of hidden paths, but also spatial anomalies. There should be some reason as to why the werewolves chose these paths rather than the normal corridors, Zac said. I want to avoid any spatial tears for as long as we can. I dont know if that thing in the Void is still angry.


    Fine, Kenzie shrugged.


    Zac quickly took out a series of daggers with t handles and quickly infused each of them with a smidgeon of Base Power before he threw them into the wall. As expected, the knives embedded themselves into the Memorysteel without issue, forming a set of steps all the way up to the gate.


    Kenzie was about to jump up to open it, but she was stopped by Zac who went up himself with his tablet. His sister seemed to be confident in Jeeves abilities, but he wasnt so certain. Leandra had warned him of the Mystic Realm in their short talk after he evolved, and Zac was worried that his mothers warning was based on her desire to keep Jeeves rather than her children safe.


    Perhaps there were things in this ce that could harm Jeeves, and doing so harm Kenzie as well. He had witnessed the power this base still possessed after all these years, and connecting Jeeves to the wrong terminal might cause the AI to overload.


    However, Zac quickly realized that opening the lid to a grate was very different from opening a hidden gate with the help of Levi. A series of weird boxes appeared, but none of them looked like the one he had pressed before. Touching the token against the tablet didnt help either, so Zac could only jump down in defeat and let his sister deal with it.


    The following hours passed without any surprises as they followed the detailed map left behind by the Werewolf scouts. They quickly realized just how muchrger the Living Layer waspared to the Outer Ring. They werent able to move very quickly due to moving through uncharted pathways, but they had still walked a depth that was twice that of the Outer Ring with most of the map still remaining.


    It wasnt solely due to how the base was constructed either. Part of it definitely came from the spatial expansion that only seemed to be increasing in severity on their way in. When they entered the pipe they were forced to walk hunched-over, but after a few hours the pipes were wide enough for them to walk upright without issue.


    The pipe took a circuitous path on its way to the Inner Layer, and with theck of natural lighting, it quickly became extremely ustrophobic. Ogras repeatedly muttered about sting a hole in the wall and walking through the normal corridors, and Thea stopped reprimanding him after an hour.


    Thats enough whining, Kenzie eventually said, the tablet in her hands illuminating her face. Well be exiting this pipe soon. It seems the werewolves created an exit that leads to a warehouse. From there we will take the normal paths for a while.


    Kenzie was the whose mood hadn''t been dampened by the pitch-ck and cramped tunnels, probably since she had spent most time holed up in her workshopstely. She was also constantly using the tablet in her hands, and one box after another shed in an endless cycle. They had stopped now and then as well, allowing Kenzie to keep installing hermunication modules in the walls.


    They finally reached the marked spot Kenzie mentioned and found clear signs of outside interference. What had once been a small vent had been expanded into a proper grate with hinges and everything. Zac opened it up and peered inside, and found that the warehouse was even bigger than the ce where the Lunar Tribe had set up their Ry Station.


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    The room was almost impossiblyrge, and their point of ingress was almost fifty meters in the air. This ce was different from what they were used to for another reason as well; there were thousands of metallic boxes neatly arranged across the wall and in aisles across the room. The boxes were each almost thirty meters tall, though that likely meant they were about two meters before the spatial expansion took ce.


    Zacs eyes lit up with excitement, and he jumped down after getting a go-ahead from his sister. Ogras was right on his heels, and he looked at the massive craters with greed. Thea and Kenzie quickly made their way down as well, and they all walked over to the closest box.


    Do you think it contains those big controble robots? Ogras asked before he looked at Kenzie askance. <em>Someone </em>destroyed the ones we had.


    Well, <em>someone</em> had to keep the Undead at bay while you were off having fun in the Tower of Eternity, Kenzie shot right back.


    Zac didn''t mind their bickering as he looked down the aisle that was so long that it almost looked like an illusion. He didn''t care if the boxes contained mechas or raw materials. As long as they contained anything of even a little bit of value on the outside, then they had just struck a motherlode.

 Chapter 607: Unmarked Boxes

    Chapter 607: Unmarked Boxes


    I wouldnt say the Tower of Eternity was all fun and games, Zac muttered as his eyes turned back to the box in front of him. Doplex machines like mechas and drones grow in this ce?


    I am not sure, but I dont think so? Kenzie said. I have been keeping watch on my drones, and they are exactly the same as before. I think its because they have an active energy source and a steady current, and the energy is dense enough to inhibit whatever the Dimensional Seed is doing to this ce.


    So the Core Sector might actually be normal-sized? Thea ventured. I imagine that the Core if any ce would have a lot of this Base Power running through the walls.


    Perhaps, Kenzie said. But its also possible that the spatial energies of the Dimensional Seed would just overpower everything around it in such close proximity. I guess well find out as we get closer.


    So, can we open these things? Ogras asked with gleaming eyes. Or is there a reason the beastmen left them behind?


    I- Dont think theres a problem? Kenzie said, but she didnt seem sure as she looked down at her tablet. I cant see anything out of the norm. Its just a storage box with some environmental maintenance protocols. Is it really worth looting this ce now though? We have time, but...


    Treasures are meant to be taken, girl. Your brother is a walking opportunity-ma, we need to make use of it. Knowing his luck these boxes might contain exactly what we need to deal with the insect bastards, Ogras said as he turned to Zac. Go ahead. Conjure something useful.


    "I''m not some magician," Zac snorted, but he was tempted.


    It felt like a waste to leave these boxes behind. Who knew what would happen in the future? The whole base might start falling apart after the Dimensional Seed was taken away considering how integrated it seemed to be with the base. Anything left behind might be lost forever. Zac had over ten empty top-quality Cosmos Sacks on him, meant to be stuffed with everything from raw materials to spaceships, and now was as good a time as any to start looting.


    So Zac jumped up to press the only button on the box, a small smile spreading across his face.


    Wait stop! Kenzie shouted with urgency, prompting Zac to immediately push away from the box without opening it, and hended right behind the group.


    "What? Whats going on?" Zac asked.


    Theres something weird going on. Everything is fine ording to the readings, but I sensed some sort of energies in the air. I think- she muttered, but she didnt get any further as a series of previously hidden vents suddenly appeared on the closest boxes.


    A dense cloud of some unknown gas sted out the next moment, forcing the group to scramble out of the way. They quickly realized that it was just normal steam released to depressurize the containers, but the fact they suddenly woke up without Zac touching them clearly wasnt good news.


    Some luck. Forgot you''re a trouble ma as well, Ogras muttered as shadows swallowed their group, and they reappeared half across the vast storeroom a secondter.


    Zac could only roll his eyes in response as they rushed for the only door in the warehouse, an exit on the opposite side where they came from. A barrier had already appeared to block their escape and Zac frowned when he saw how thick it was. It looked like a beefed-up version of the ones they had encountered before, or perhaps it was simply being fed a lot more Base Powerpared to the shields in the Outer Ring.


    Worse yet, more and more boxes were releasing steam, and the whole room echoed with nking sounds as they opened by the hundreds.


    The ground cracked beneath Zacs feet as he shot toward the red barrier while a halo appeared behind his back. Inside it was the avatar of the axe-mans axe, and it caused Zacs aura to grow deeper as he mmed <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> into the shield.


    Popping sounds echoed out across the area as the air exploded from the force generated by <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>. A series of crashes quickly followed as both Ogras and Thea appeared to his left and right, each of them releasing an all-out strike at the barrier. But the shield was beyond sturdy. It didnt even shudder even though the air itself had been ripped apart, forming a series of chaotic spatial tears that were quickly swallowed by the barrier itself.


    Watch out! Kenzie screamed, but Zac was already moving by that point as his Danger Sense had warned him of an impending attack.


    Two bronze des stabbed into the ground where he just stood a moment ago, both of them attached to thin mechanical arms that stretched over fifty meters into the haze. Zac looked toward the source, spotting a spherical object that was slowly emerging from the steam. It was about three meters across, making the massive container it came out of look almostically oversized.


    Zac''s first guess was that Kenzie was right. The boxes had grown while the contents had not. That by itself felt like a huge lucky break as the force contained in that stab just now had been a bit troubling, powerful enough to leave marks on the sturdy Memorysteel floor. But Kenzie''s theory was quickly proven imperfect at best as more spherical objects came rolling out of the nearby crates, each of them of a different size.


    The smallest ones were just about Zac''s height, with thergest ones being tower monstrosities reaching almost fifteen meters in the air. The steam quickly dissipated as well, giving the group a better look at what they were dealing with. Zac wasn''t surprised to see that they were all some sort ofndbound drones that looked like enormous brass balls.


    The ded weapons from before were actually a part of the balls surface, like hidden mantis scythes that were normally protected inside the ball itself. A dozen smaller such appendages suddenly split out from the bottom of the ball as well, creating a series of nimble appendages that allowed the closest machines to rush toward them.


    Can you control it? Or them? Zac said as he looked across the warehouse with trepidation.


    Did all these containers contain a killing machine like this?


    The question quickly became apparent as more and more machines scurried out, quickly forming an army inside the warehouse. Thankfully it looked like less than a third of the boxes actually conjured a spider ball. The rest still housed simr machines, but they failed to activate for some reason or another.


    There were also quite a few machines that seemed to move about like they were drunk, perhapscking some integral parts due tock of service over the past millennia. Zac quickly realized what was going on. The smaller machines seemed to work wlessly as they arranged themselves before moving toward his group. The mid-sized ones had various problems affecting their mobility, and thergest balls didn''t even seem able to activate. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Spatial Expansion had worked on these machines, but to varying degrees. The more they had expanded the worse condition they were left in. That wasn''t surprising considering they no doubt contained extremely precise technology, like all kinds of chipsets that might have broken down from being forcibly expanded by the Dao of Space.


    Still, the functional ones were more than enough to make Zac feel some pressure, and he was quickly beset by a flurry of scythesing at him from every direction. Each swing contained a fierce momentum, and the des themselves were barely damaged after Zac blocked them with <strong>[Chop]</strong>. Whatever alloy they were made of was even sturdier than the Memorysteel in the walls.


    The one saving grace was that some of the machines were so massive that they blocked out their smaller brethren, making it so they only needed to face a few dozen at a time. Still, Zac knew it would take a huge effort to take them all out, so he looked over at his sister who frantically was typing away at her tablet.


    Nothing I do works! she said with panic in her eyes. I- I- cant


    Stay calm, Zac said as his arms turned into a blur while keeping the continuous waves of attacks at bay. If you cant control the robots, work on the shield instead.


    Right! Kenzie eximed as she quickly found her bearing, and she hurried to the wall and directly connected it to her tablet with a cable.


    Ogras immediately threw out a series of array disks before he covered her in shadows, but it didn''t seem to work as five of the robots immediately targeted Kenzie''s position. Their attacks only made it half-way before a blue streak rippled through the air though, and the mantis-like des fell to the ground cleanly cut off. It was Thea who had targeted the thin arms of the robots rather than the des themselves, and Zac noticed that scars appeared out of nowhere on a lot of the battlebots.


    It was likely Thea''s invisible Spirit Tool, which Zac thought she had discarded in favor of the graceful blue sword in her hands. But it looked like Thea had rather added another weapon to her repertoire, with one focusing onrge-scale battle and the other one on direct confrontation.


    Ogras wasn''t to be outdone either, and he melded with the shadows on the ground before he appeared in the middle among the machines, causing chaos among their ranks. It was hard to tell what was real and what was shadows as he flitted around, but every time his new spear struck a battlebot was destroyed. He was using the machines'' weaknesses against them; the openings created in their outer shell every time they extended their weapons.


    Zac wanted to join in as well, but he found himself in a passive state where he was forced to stay close to Kenzie, blocking an endless series of attacks. It even felt like the machines understood what Kenzie was trying to do, and more and more of the battlebots seemed to be targeting his sister. This wasnt like when they assaulted the Undead Incursion either; there were no Valkyries to erect a defensive War Array around his sister, and Ogras array disks were just illusion arrays to hide her.


    Part of him wanted to just drop a mountain on these machines, but he was afraid that themotion would just cause even more trouble. The further they went into the base, the higher the risk was that they would attract attention from the Administrator. Besides, using <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>might actually cause the whole roof to blow off again, providing the Collector with another point of ingress.


    "What should we do?" Ogras shouted as he dragged out his spear from a 4-meter battlebot.


    The machine tried to swing down one of its massive des on the demon, but it suddenly shuddered before a storm of shadows emerged from every small crack in its ting. Everything inside was no doubt ripped apart from the demon''s shadows.


    Keep destroying these things, but no attacks that might harm the base itself, Zac said as his eyes turned pitch-ck. Ill keep Kenzie safe as she works on the barrier.


    A huge Miasmic Bulwark emerged the next second, effortlessly blocking the barrage of strikesing Kenzies way. Zac positioned himself right between the machines, readying himself for a protracted defense. His body grew as he activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>. He didn''t believe that the skill''s taunting effect would work on the machines, but his increased size gave him a better reach.


    "How does it look?" Zac asked as he cut off a scythe that tried to pass around his bulwark to strike Kenzie.


    "It''s working, but I need a few minutes," Kenzy said she frantically tapped away at her tablet.


    Zac only grunted in response as he kept blocking. The defensive capabilities of his undead ss were far beyond what he could manage in his human form, but his Draugr ss wasn''t all that effective in dealing with machines. <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> didn''t seem able to copy the battlebots, perhaps because of theck of spirituality. Furthermore, both <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>and <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> would probably harm his own people more than they would the robots.


    Thea and Ogras were thankfully doing the work of half an army by themselves. It looked like the two werepeting with each other for kills, with the Marshall Scion desperately trying to keep up with Ogras''rge-scale destruction. Unfortunately for her, Ogras had already evolved and he had gained almost ten levels since doing so. That was the equivalent of over 80 F-Grade levels in terms of attributes, and Thea simply couldn''tpete with that, try as she might.


    Still, she showed amazing expertise as she moved back and forth between the machines. The smaller spider balls were extremely nimble and they could send out up to five scythes at a time. They created whole spheres of death around them, with bronze streaks filling the air. If these machines were dropped into his army they would have singlehandedly caused mass casualties before they were brought down.


    But Thea somehow managed to walk right into those zones of death, quickly delivering a single strike with pinpoint precision, destroying the machine in one go. Zac himself had only turned into a glorified guardian, or more like a mobile fortress as he expanded <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>to its maximum proportions.


    He was also being assisted by the small mountain of broken machines that created a half-circle around them, making it harder and harder for therger machines to get close. The big ones barely worked, but their scythes were simply humongous and they carried a tremendous force that managed to stab some ways into Zac''s shield before he managed to shrug them off.


    Zac wasn''t reallyfortable just staying on the passive, but he really had nothing to counter with at a time like this. It was one limitation of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>; it was unable to send out any chains while it was in its defensive form. That made it impossible for Zac to start destroying the battlebots with <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, even though he was pretty certain he would be able to puncture even these sturdy things with the help of the extremely potent corrosion.


    "It''s done!" Kenzie finally shouted, and the shield blocking the exit disappeared a secondter. "Hurry, it will activate soon again!"


    Zac quickly shrunk his bulwark just enough for Thea and Ogras to slip past him, and he brought up the rear as the others fled through the door. Zac was about to deactivate his fractal shield and exit as well, but he changed his mind at thest second as his Danger Sense had suddenly woken up again. A huge explosion rocked whole the area the next moment, causing massive cracks in Zac''s fractal bulwark before the force threw him out of the gate.


    Ogras wasst to exit before Zac, and the demon yelped in surprised as he barely managed to avoid Zac''s hulking form as he hurtled through the air. Zac mmed into the wall with enough force to cause a dent in the memory steel, but he just groaned as he got back on his feet, ready for another attack.


    However, he was relieved to see that the gate had closed again.


    "I just blocked the barrier for a few seconds, it''s active again. Those robots shouldn''t be able to get out," Kenzie said. "Thatst st was the closest ones self-destructing."


    "Okay, that might have been my bad. No more messing with unmarked boxes," Ogras muttered with a wry smile.

 Chapter 608: Divine Guidance

    Chapter 608: Divine Guidance


    We never even touched the thing. I think it sensed us standing around and activated, causing a chain reaction, Kenzie said as she sighed. The Werewolves must have known and simply ran straight through.


    Well, they were thankfully not too powerful, Zac said as he turned back to human. But there might be more powerful machines further in if these things were just left behind here.


    "You''re full of surprises..." Thea muttered as she gave him Zac an inscrutable look.


    Zac could only shrug his shoulders in response, not really in the mood to exin exactly how things worked with his undead side. She already knew some parts of it from back during the hunt though, so him using two new skills shouldn''te as too big a shock.


    We should go in case they can sense us through the wall," Kenzie said as she took out her mapper, seemingly trying to help her brother change the subject. "Let them calm down by themselves. We are just an hour away from where were supposed to meet your new friend.


    Right, lets go, Zac nodded as he shot onest look at the gate before he started walking again.


    I cant believe you set a time and location, Ogras muttered as he stowed away his spear. Its like you want to be ambushed.


    Thea didnt say anything, but she seemed to be in agreement with the demon''s sentiment.


    We could really use their expertise. Kenzie cant be expected to find out every hidden danger in this ce, and we might walk into a real deathtrap sooner orter if we keep going like this, Zac said. Besides, theyre a n with an Ocr Bloodline, how strong can they be?


    Famousst words, Thea muttered, but she didnt offer any alternative course of action.


    The group kept a high pace through the oversized corridors, and the map held true, keeping them out of the way of any barriers or spatial tears. They were forced to pass through a second warehouse, but they had learned their lesson already and relied on Ogras to teleport them through the enormous room with three rapid jumps.


    They finally reached their destination 80 minutester, a nondescript crossing looking like any other. Zac and Levi had chosen this ce since Levi was certain that shed be able to get here from n Cartavas headquarters. However, no one was there awaiting their arrival, and neither were there any clues left behind.


    Well, thebs are further down this way, though the map bes iplete at the end. The werewolves either ran out of time or encountered some difficulties, Kenzie said as she pointed down the path right ahead. What do you want to do? Wait here or keep going?


    Were already a bitte, but shes still not here, Zac muttered as he looked around another time. Something might have changed on their side.


    Well, we should be able to figure it out without her, Ogras said, clearly unwilling on giving up on a chance at the treasure. We have the map, right? We can just go to the end, and Kenzie should be able to gather clues from there, leading us to this Inner Lab. The Cartava n might have be greedy, heading there before us to loot the riches.


    Maybe we should go find those natives instead? Thea hesitantly said. Their base is only half a day from here, right? We can head over there and form an alliance, paving the way for our people. Then we can go to the Inner Labs after the seed has matured. Isnt the whole n that the defenses will be lowered then?


    I cant wait that long, Zac sighed.


    What? Thea asked with confusion. Is there something you havent told us?


    Zac hesitated for a bit before he set up an istion array, and both Ogras and Kenzie added their own methods to obscure the area even further.


    I have a quest telling me I have to get there before the Dimensional Seed matures. It might fail if we take a detour to n Cartava. I didnt find a mapper on the Werewolf squad responsible for heading there, so we dont have any safe paths in that direction.


    It specifically said you had to get there before the Seed Matures? Ogras asked to confirm, a thoughtful look donning his face. What else did it say?


    Zac deliberated for a second before he shared the quest screen, including the note at the end.


    What the hell? Thea muttered, her eyes wide in disbelief. What kind of quest is this? Youve alreadypleted 3 quests and there are 6 more? And there are punishments? Why are there punishments?


    Just the System being an asshole again, Zac shrugged. The punishment was a lot worse in the beginning, but I still dont want to risk losing one of my core skills.


    Divine guidance It has to be, Ogras said with wide eyes.


    Divine guidance? What? Kenzie said, looking at Ogras skeptically. Isnt it just a special quest Zac got because hes strong?


    All those things you described before, were they part of this quest chain? Ogras asked.


    Yes, starting with rescuing Levi Cartava, Zac nodded, feeling the demon might be on to something.


    After all, he only got this chain of quests after he got the <strong>[Pathstrider]</strong>-title, marking him a candidate for training. Divine Guidance sounded like something the demon might call a chain of training quests.


    So, the reason we managed to reach this ce was that the System led you to the only native carrying a set of maps? Ogras asked to confirm.


    I guess? Zac asked hesitantly, his suspicions only growing when he saw Ogras reaction. You think that the System is leading me to the Core?


    My grandfather once told me a story, a rumor he heard from his captain on the battlefield. About Lord Lucifers younger days, Ogras said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Lucifer? The Devil? Thea blurted.


    A C-Grade Demon Monarch, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. In either case, my grandpa saved the life of his captain during a war. That''s how grandpa gained an opportunity to reach D-Grade. His captain turned out to be a descendant of Lord Lucifer himself, out to gain experience and battle merit as an unnamed soldier of the Horde."


    "Larok, the captain, told grandpa some stories about his ancestor after they became friends, tales of bravery and such. It turns out, Lord Lucifer was identally sucked into a newly emerged C-Grade Mystic Realm when he was a peak E-Grade warrior, a death sentence if there ever was one. But not only did he survive, but he even emerged with one of the core treasures of that ce.


    What was it? Kenzie asked curiously.


    Some sort of Natural Treasure that helped him form a supreme Cultivator''s Core. He used his newfound power to wage a 1000-year campaign, utterly stomping out various threats to the AzhKirKhat Horde, Ogras said. The contribution points he umted from that war set him up for life, and hes now standing tall as one of the supreme Warchiefs of the Horde.


    Whats this got to do with us? Thea asked with an exasperated tone.


    Patience, girl, Ogras snorted. Apparently, Lord Lucifer was surrounded by terrifying beasts in that Mystic Realm, but he refused to give up. So he hid beneath the ground and cultivated, nning to form a Cultivation Core prematurely before making a mad dash to escape. But he was suddenly given a task by The Ruthless Heavens and he saw a chance at survival even without breaking through with shaky foundations. One task followed another, unknowingly leading him to the treasure, and then to a hidden exit of the realm.


    The System guided him through a chain of quests, not only to be stronger but also to help him achieve his goals. You think the same is happening here? Zac muttered.


    Exactly. The Ruthless Heavens put its fingers on the scales for its chosen few. We already know you are blessed with monstrous Luck, drawing the attention of The Ruthless Heavens over and over. It knows what you need, and the threats you face. If we dont kill the Dominators, the Great Redeemer will track you down and harvest your soul. It is creating a path of survival for you, a way to beat the odds, Ogras said.


    We can still do all that even withoutpleting some quests though, Thea countered.


    Can we? Can we guarantee it? Ogras said with a sharp nce. We believe the Dimensional Treasure to be C-Grade Treasure for it to attract the zealots and the Dominators to this extent. A treasure of that level has a spirituality, a sense of self-perseverance. It might knock out the security of this ce, but it might also bolster it. What if our only way to reach the Core or the other side is to reach the Inner Lab before its toote? And if we stay outside, well be locked out forever?


    Divine Guidance, Zac muttered. And youre not just saying all this because you want the treasures inside?


    There are no conflicts of interest here, Ogras smiled. We all win if we head for the Inner Lab. This was our n from the start. Why question it now?


    Alright lets just go, Zac agreed, and the group set out again.


    However, they only kept going for another hour before they encountered a bloody sight; Levi, lying on the ground in a pool of dried blood, her face haggard and pale. Judging by the trail of blood on the walls she hade here through an air duct, but she had stopped moving after falling down the fifty meters to the ground.


    "I''m sorry," Levi weakly said as she looked up at Zac. "I meant to go to our meeting point, but I guess I dozed off."


    Whats the matter with you? Zac sighed as he threw a set of healing pills at the girl. How do you keep ending up in a state like this?


    Do you think I enjoy this? Levi said with a re as she ate the healing pills. You were right. Things are bad back home.


    Bad how? Zac said, but there was no time to hear an exnation as he suddenly sensed people to his left.


    He quickly swirled as his axe appeared in his hand, and the others quickly prepared themselves as well as over fifty people had appeared out of nowhere a hundred meters away. There was no way for so many people to sneak up on a group like theirs that easily, making Zac believe they had some high-tiered cloaking technology from this base.


    They were definitely humans, but their appearance gave Zac some pause. They looked a lot like the Technocrats Zac had fought when closing the incursion as they all carried various energy-weapons while having shields formed from the same red barriers as the base.


    There were also hundreds of flying machines that looked a bit like Kenzies drones, though their design was fundamentally different. They rather looked like small airnes, with barrels attached to the wings. They definitely were tools of war rather than scouting judging by the attachments, and even Zac felt some pressure from being the target of that many weapons.


    Technocrats? Ogras muttered with hesitation.


    Interesting designs, Kenzie whispered as she looked at the drones with gleaming eyes, and Zac inwardly groaned when he realized that his sisters Drone Swarm was about to grow in size once more.


    Ogras only snickered, clearly having realized what was about to happen as well. He didnt know about Jeeves, but he did know that this base was built by Zacs and Kenzies ancestors, and their unique advantages had been put on ample disy over the past weeks. Trying to use this bases weaponry against them was foolhardy at best.


    Traitors of my family, Levi sighed, sadness written all over her face. Im sorry, I thought I shook them off.


    Zac was a bit surprised that the soldiers of the Cartava n had gone in this direction, but on further thought, it was perhaps to be expected. Technology had be an integrated part of their lives over the past millennia, and their bloodlines werent that useful for battle from what Levi had exined.


    Meanwhile, there was the Lunar Tribe with their superior constitutions and the gemlings who could create powerful weapons and armor. The Cartava n was at a clear disadvantage there, and it looked like they had turned to technology to bridge that gap and secure their ce in the Mystic Realm.


    This is proof. Levi Cartava has betrayed her n, consorting with outsiders to bring doom upon our n, a middle-aged man said. Capture her and leave at least one of the outsiders alive. They know theposition of their armies and the means of escaping this wretched ce."


    Wait! Please dont hurt them! Levi said, causing the man to sneer disdainfully. However, his face froze when he heard her next sentence. Theyre still people from my n. Please dont kill them!


    Attack! the man immediately shouted as he reached for his gun, clearly having understood that his numerical advantage was just for show.


    The whole corridor lit up in red as the soldiers fired their weapons, but a storm of leaves appeared to block out the first barrage. Zac sighed and turned to his sister.


    "Don''t ruin my new toys," she only said, confirming Zac''s suspicions.


    "Men make ns and the Heavensugh," Ogras snickered to the side with a bloodthirsty gleam in his eyes. "I guess it''s war."

 Chapter 609: Conflicting Truths

    Chapter 609: Conflicting Truths


    The group in front of them didn''t exactly cause Zacs Danger Sense to go haywire, but he still didnt want to risk his sister getting hurt. So he pushed aside any reluctance over this no-win situation as he stomped down on the ground, pushing himself forward with enough force to cause a dent in the Memorysteel on the ground.


    The next moment the whole shielded frontline of the Cartava nsmen was sent flying as Zac mmed straight into their ranks while using <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> as a wallbreaker, the sturdy coffin easily deflecting the beams shooting out from the handheld energy weapons. He had intentionally not used <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> for that very purpose, to draw the enemies'' attention toward himself.


    A few projectiles still shot toward the others as well, but they were all capable of dealing with it. Only Levi helplessly scrambled into a side corridor after realizing her attempts at reconciliation were futile. Kenzie had instead conjured what looked like a raincloud, and the beams actually dispersed as they entered it.


    Somethings wrong with the swarm! a man in the back of the Cartava toon suddenly shouted.


    Fix it, NOW! the middle-aged captain roared as he rushed to block Zac along with a group of cultivators.


    The man was somewhere between middle and high E-Grade judging by his aura, but Zac still wouldnt look down on the enemy even if he didn''t emit the aura of an elite like Void''s Disciple. He just barely avoided the restraining tool of the werewolves in his first battle with the natives, and who knew what kind of hidden means the Cartava n possessed?


    After all, Levi had never given him any real details of the strength and means of her n, to the point that he didn''t even know they fought like Technocrats.


    However, it was clear that not everyone in the n leaned toward the ''Dao of Technology'' as over half the squad emitted the condensed auras of traditional warriors. The captain and his squad of elites were definitely part of this group as they rushed toward Zac with killing intent seeping out of their bodies.


    A massive pressure enveloped Zac as he prepared to meet the iing cultivators, and it felt like he was ensconced in quicksand. He nced down at his body and noticed he was covered in blue fractals, their glow mirrored in the eyes of three of the cultivators. The eyes of a few more lit up next, and Zac felt the world turning upside down and bend and distort.


    He was initially worried that these cultivators were throwing him into another space-time or something with the help of their bloodlines, but he quickly realized that his warped surroundings were simply illusions. A few of the members of the Cartava elite squad were apparently the same sort of cultivators as Janos, mental support mages.


    Those kinds of people were a bit troublesome, but it was a lot better than time-cultivators as far as Zac was concerned, and it somewhat confirmed what Levi had said before. Only a select few had that ability in her n, with the rest having a lower-quality version of the bloodline.


    Zac''s soul was thankfully a lot more powerful than the average Strength-based cultivator''s thanks to the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> and his lucky encounters. Furthermore, while <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> was just an average mental defensive skill, it was enough to help him minimize the effect to the point that he could at least tell fake from real.


    The first thing to wee his escape from the illusions was two sets of shimmering grey eyes and the realization that some sort of stones had started to grow across his body. Two of the cultivators actually had Medusa eyes from the looks of it, their gaze slowly petrifying him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac quickly understood what was going on; the Cartava Cultivators who didn''t rely on Technology all seemed to have sses or at least skills that took advantage of their eyes. He guessed that most eye-rted skills would have an increased effect for cultivators with an Ocr Bloodline, even if the actual usage of the Bloodline might be rted to something different.


    The cultivators seemed to somewhat rx after seeing Zac getting entrapped inyer afteryer of restrictions, but they still maintained their gazes on him as they stopped twenty meters away. Only the captain rushed forward, wielding an exquisite sword in his hands. It wasn''t a technocrat energy weapon, but Zac rather assumed it to be a Spirit Tool made from some reddish metal.


    There was also arge red gem embedded in the hilt, making it possible for Zac to guess its origins; the gemlings on the other side of the base. A sharp aura that was all too simr to Zac radiated from the sword as the captain suddenly disappeared. The captain possessed a Late-Stage Seed of Sharpness. The swordsman appeared right next to Zac a momentter, the edge already ripping through the air on its way toward Zac''s throat.


    But the air around Zac suddenly started crackling as he unleashed his aura in full, further empowering it with his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. The stones on his body crumbled to dust and the blue restraining fractals shattered as Zac finally fought back in earnest. His body turned into a blur next as a coffin lid appeared to intercept the sword-strike.


    A series of groans echoed out from the cultivator squad after Zac had forcibly broken their skills, and chaos erupted among the soldiers as Zac''s immense aura mmed into them like a hammer. The captain''s eyes widened in horror when he realized Zac had been going easy on them until now, and he quickly tried to sh away the moment he realized his execution had failed.


    But there was no way Zac would allow that, and <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> mmed into the captain with the full force of someone with over five thousand effective Strength. A deep thud was followed by the sound of bones breaking. The leader of the Cartava n''s toon was shot through his own ranks like a projectile, mming into the Memorysteel wall with enough force to cause the whole corridor to vibrate.


    The captain was still someone well into the E-Grade though, so Zac immediately caught up to him with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and punched him in the side of his head the moment the captain ricocheted off the wall. He mmed down into the ground causing another shudder to spread out across the area, and a mute silence spread among the n Cartava warriors as they looked at Zac with mute iprehension.


    Getting trapped earlier wasn''t Zac simply getting caught unaware. On the contrary, he could have instantly broken the blue fractals covering his body just by using his superior attributes to force it, and one attack of <strong>[Rapturous Divide] </strong>would have instantly killed the ocr cultivators along with half the toon. However, he had quickly decided against that, allowing the elite squad to keep going to disy more of what kind of sses and tactics they used.


    He still held a small hope that things could be salvaged peacefully even after all this, which was why he didn''t just cut the captain in two, but he felt there was a real risk that his own army would be embroiled in arge-scale battle with these people in a few days. Any intelligence he gathered right now could be sent back, which hopefully would save some lives.


    The momentum of the Cartava n hadpletely been quashed by thebination of their drones failing them and Zac using their leader like a punching bag. A few warriors in the back reacted the quickest, immediately starting running for their lives. However, they only got a few meters before the whole area turned into a hazy gray, like a dense fogte at night.


    It was Ogras who had appeared out of nowhere and flooded the whole area with his shadows. The fleeing cultivators immediately found themselves caught by an endless number of shadow tendrils, and they actually sank into the shadows like half their bodies had been sent to another dimension. The Cartava warriors reacted instantaneously as they took out energy-knives that were able to cut straight through the shadows, and they desperately iled about in an attempt to free themselves.


    But shadows were intangible, and cutting them with a de didnt really do much. They simply reformed and bound the warriors again. A few of the more powerful warriors did manage to free themselves one way or another, but they didn''t even get a taste of freedom before they found themselves gored by a ck spear hiding among the shadows.


    Zac looked at the disy with gleaming eyes. It felt like the Cartava warriors were shipwrecked sailors on a sea of shadows, and Ogras was a shark in the depths, striking from the darkness before immediately disappearing again. Zac felt that it was worth learning from the demon in this regard, especially for his second ss. Fetters of Destion was a ss focusing on restraining and whittling down the enemy, just like Ogras was doing right now.


    It wasn''t too surprising that Ogras could so easily capture over a dozen people in an instant. Most of the warriors in the back of the toon seemed to be responsible for the drones, and their ''weapons'' had just been tablets and some weird helmets. Then again, the frontlines weren''t doing any better even though they were manned by soldiers armed with proper energy weapons.


    Thea had made her move as well, turning into a whirlwind that destroyed every piece of equipment in her path. The floor was already littered with brokenponents from everything from tablets to guns and even clothes. Everything that could be used as a weapon was either cut by the invisible des or Thea herself, and any resistance resulted in streaks turning into bleeding wounds.


    Less than half a minute had passed, but the Cartava squadron was already utterly crushed. The drones that had been silently hovering in the air until now suddenly started moving, forming an orderly line as they flew toward Kenzie. She simply took out a Cosmos Sack with a wide grin, and the machines flew straight into it one by one while Levi stared at her with a bbergasted look.


    Lay down your weapons, or well start killing, Zac roared when he saw the battle was over, and everyone immediately followed suit.


    The soldiers were seated against the wall a minuteter, unarmed and with a dozen of Kenzie''s own Drones keeping watch. The others had already gathered again, with Levi hesitantly standing between Zac''s group and her n members. She already looked a lot betterpared to before, and it seemed she had overextended herself, running out of Cosmic Energy in her escape.


    Girl, how is your faction still standing? Ogras asked with bemusement as he nced at Levi. You better pledge allegiance to this guy fast, otherwise youll just get eradicated even if you get out of this realm alive.


    These people are not our strongest warriors, Levi muttered, though she looked a bit shamefaced at the result of the battle even if her nsmen were technically her enemies in this scenario. We have a lot of powerhouses.


    More importantly, Zac said as he lifted the still-unconscious middle-aged man by his neck. Whats up with the bullshit this guy was spewing? I told you we were looking for an alliance.


    Levi sighed as she started exining the situation back in her n. It turned out that the werewolves hadn''t just kidnapped Levi, but also destroyed a few key buildings along with the corridors leading toward the Lunar Forest. The chaos had allowed the werewolves to slink away. n Cartava wasn''t about to give up Levi though, and they immediately decided to set out toward the Wastnd. But just as the first groups were about to set out a damning video emerged.


    It was without audio, but it clearly disyed two werewolves talking with an unknown human and two demonkin in an abandoned warehouse.


    The n had already learned of Ogras'' appearance somehow, and they quickly put two and two together. They believed Port Atwood and the Lunar n were working together, targeting n Cartava at this critical time.


    "What, there''s a video of our people conversing with Werewolves?" Zac said with confusion all over his face, and he turned to Ogras.


    "Impossible," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "No one would be that stupid."


    "It''s true," Levi said, her eyes flickering. "I saw the video myself after I returned."


    "There''s one simple exnation of how that''s possible, apart from betrayal," Thea interjected as she took an all-too-familiar root, holding it so the captives couldn''t see it.


    "Impossible, our people have been rigorously tested," Zac said with a shake of his head.


    "I know, but theirs haven''t," Thea said as she looked at the captives.

 Chapter 610: Looming Threat

    Chapter 610: Looming Threat


    "What are you talking about?" Levi asked with confusion.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Nothing, continue. What happened next?" Zac said, not wanting to make any decisions before hearing the whole story.


    Seeing the outsiders conspiring with their old enemies the Lunar n had, unsurprisingly, agitated the people of n Cartava, especially after they had extended an olive branch through the que. It was at moment time a man named Yvian stepped out, saying that he and Levi were betrothed, but had kept it secret as to not distract from the more important matters at hand. He vowed to get his fianc back, even if he had to battle both the "insidious outsiders" and the Lunar Tribe.


    Apparently, Yvian was the heir of the second branch of the n and the second-best candidate for future n Leader after Levi herself. He and his faction quickly turned the n against Zac''s people and immediately rerouted the scouting parties to search in the direction of the Lunar Forest instead. The explosions together with the video made it look like the werewolves kidnapped Levi before escaping toward the outer world.


    As for the fake engagement, it was a way to bridge the gap between the two main branches of the n now that Levi was gone. With Levi gone and the Grand elder being quite old, the Second Branch would eventually be the main branch. Of course, their ns went awry the moment Levi was identally found by one of the scouting parties.


    Levi had returned to her n with the second-branch scouts even if she had misgivings, but the news she brought back were mostly discarded. They called the news of the Dominators and the Great Redeemer a fabrication meant to trick the n into staying behind while their enemies got themselves to safety.


    Some even insinuated that Levi had been brainwashed by the enemies.


    Even her own grandfather seemed hesitant about what she said, so Levi eventually saw no other option but to turn to Zac for help. There was no way that she would be able to convince her Datamancer uncle toe along in a situation like this, so she set out alone. She was quickly discovered and she was forced to fight her way out of an encirclement.


    The only reason she was still alive was that most of the n members were in the dark about the coup, simply thinking that Levi was under some sort of hypnosis orpulsion. So they were afraid to actually attack her too ruthlessly, which allowed her to ''escape''. Of course, that escape might just have been a ploy, a gambit by the second branch to find a secret pathway to the Lunar Forest.


    Frowns adorned Zac and his group as they digested the new information. They didn''t really care about the coup, even if Zac felt a bit bad for Levi, but the implications were clear. n Cartava were gearing up for a war against Port Atwood at this very moment, both to get back at their old enemies and to seize a chance to escape.


    The second branch already had wide support for the attack even before Levi returned, and it sounded like that support had only increased when Levi admitted that Zac wouldn''t let them out before the Dimensional Seed matured.


    "Please,e with me to n Cartava," Levi entreated. "I couldn''t convince the elders, but if you disy your might, I''m sure they will understand that there is no point for you to y those games. We can avoid an unnecessary war, and set our sights on our true enemies instead."


    Zac didn''t immediately respond, but he rather went over his options in his mind.


    "One thing at a time," Zac eventually said, neither agreeing nor disagreeing with Levi''s idea. Instead, he threw out arge bag of Springroot on the ground. "Everyone. Eat a piece of this root. Anyone who does will be allowed to return to your n. Everyone else..."


    Hesitation and skepticism were written all over the faces of the cartava soldiers, and many turned their eyes to Levi who somewhat had taken on the role of an intermediary.


    "Please. It''s not that I don''t trust you, but can you exin what''s going on? What''s the effect of this Springroot?" Levi hesitantly asked as she looked down at the bag.


    "The outside world is full of dangers," Ogras said loudly enough so that all the captives could hear. "One of those dangers is a race of shapeshifters, cultivators who can make themselves look like any race, masquerading as either a friend or a foe. Those you saw in the videos were not our people. We are already at war with the Lunar Tribe, even having killed off all those scouting units who caused trouble for you."


    Ogras gave Zac a look next, but Zac nkly looked back, not sure what the demon wanted him to do.


    "Throw out some of the bodies," Ogras voice whispered in his ear, projected by a small shadow.


    Zac understood what the demon was looking for, and he threw out a handful of the werewolf corpses he had collected during his fights.


    "That''s Hevastes!" one of the ocr cultivators eximed, drawing a round of murmurs.


    "These shapeshifters have caused a lot of trouble on the outside, and we know they entered this realm long before we did," Ogras said as he nced at Levi." These roots are our weapon against them. For most people, including you humans, they are harmless. A tasty snack. For those damn shapeshifters, they are deadly poison."


    Zac bent down and ate a root to prove Ogras'' words before he turned to the soldiers. Levi soon followed suit, though a sheen of nervous perspiration covered her face. She was obviously not taking Ogras'' words at face value, but rather stepping forward for her n members.


    "Now, your turn. Come forward, one at a time," Zac said after confirming that Levi wasn''t a shapeshifter.


    The soldiers looked at each other hesitantly, until one of the stronger warriors grit his teeth and stepped forward. However, just as he was about to pick a root up, another one stood up with a fierce look.


    "This is a trap!" he shouted. "We saw the young miss returning with all kinds of delusions. Fighting the Collector? The Base actively protecting them? I bet the source are these poisonous roots!"


    "Force-feed him," Zac said without hesitation, and a storm of shadows immediately trapped the raging man.


    He didnt even have a chance to take his life before Ogras appeared right in front of him, cramming a handful of roots down his throat. He struggled for a few seconds before the life left his eyes. His body started to transform a secondter, turning into the all-too-familiar lizard-like humanoids. The soldiers around him scrambled out of the way, looking at the transformation with horror.


    "Vatos!" one of the soldiers eximed with horror.


    "Sorry, Vatos is long dead, most likely. Reced by the shapeshifters. Now eat or you can all join Vatos in theherworld," Ogras snorted as his and Zacs killing intent drenched the squad.


    Soon enough everyone had eaten a piece of Springroot, even the unconscious soldiers had some stuffed down their throat. There weren''t any more shapeshifters though, which was a relief to Zac. It hopefully meant that n Cartava wasn''t too infiltrated already. But it also meant that their gearing for war was an idea mostly of their own making, as Zac doubted the cultists were strong enough to take out all the elders without causing a ruckus.


    "Who are these aliens?" a soldier muttered as he looked down at the lizardman corpse.


    Members of the Church of Evesting Dao. Theyre an extremely powerful faction, their presence in the Zecia sector is just a small branch. They are religious fanatics, purgings of all life to appease the Heavens. Their goal was to do that to my home, but their goal changed when they learned about the Dimensional Treasure in this ce, Zac exined.


    "We''ve really been infiltrated," Levi sighed. "You were right."


    I''m afraid so, Zac nodded. You people have nothing to gain from fighting our faction, but our enemy is fanning the mes. After all, I have already agreed to letting your n out as soon as weve dealt with the threats to our world. The only thing that would happen if you attack us is our guards closing the spatial tunnel permanently, locking us both inside.


    But how havent we noticed anything? Levi muttered. Were nsmen, we know each other. How can someone just blend in without arousing suspicion? And we havent seen any other outsiders apart from you. Our neighbors are dealing with Humans as well.


    The werewolves, Ogras said without hesitation. They must be infiltrated. Shapeshifters came with the scouting parties, some stayed behind to infiltrate you as well.


    Zac felt a headacheing on as he tried to figure out what to do. There were thousands of elite Zhix rearing for war just outside the gate leading to n Cartava, and disaster was just around the corner if the Chuch of Evesting Dao was manipting things behind the scene. This battle had almost been a joke, but the Zhix wouldnt have his strength nor Kenzies ability to disable their strongest offensive tools, the Technocrat weaponry.


    There was a decent chance both sides would suffer massive casualties, and the only winners would be the Dominators and the cultists.


    Ive already sent a warning back to our people, Kenzie said, clearly understanding what was going through Zacs head.


    What do you want to do?" Ogras asked.


    Zac''s eyes flickered between Levi and the soldiers, who all shied away from his gaze.


    "You''ve proved that your words are true," Levi added from the side. "Let''s go back to the n and bring the body. We have fifty n members to testify the veracity of your ims, all of them of the Second Elder''s faction. So if we both have our factions take a step back, then we''ll-"


    Our people came to this ce for an important mission," Zac interjected. "Besides, you clearly don''t have the ability to make your n take a step back. A few infiltrators shouldnt be able topletely turn your n against us in just a few days. There should already have been some ns on dealing with us, with the cultists simply silencing dissent and urging on the warmongers.


    Thats- Levi muttered, looking down with shame. Still, if we go back..."


    How much time left? Zac asked, turning to Kenzie.


    A bit over two days? Kenzie said after some thought. We should reach the Inner Lab in around five hours. We cant return the same way we came from, but we should be able to make it back to our people well over a day before the treasure matures. It depends on how long the Cartava n is willing to wait if they''re aiming to break out.


    Zac understood what Kenzie meant. Zacs ns were based on waiting for the seed to mature, but the Cartava n was the opposite. They needed to escape before the time was up, and it took around between eight and twelve hours to get from the gate in the Lunar Forest to the Spatial Tunnel for an F-Grade warrior who knew the path.


    Add to that civilians and some extra time for safe measure, and n Cartava would probably not want to wait until thest minute if they really decided to attack. They might already be ready for battle as they were standing there. Kenzies defensive measures at the gate could probably buy them some time, but there was no way that a native n didnt have somest-ditch methods to force their way through the base.


    The only constion was thatrge-scale destruction seemed to attract the active attention of the defensive AI, and the Cartava n probably didn''t want to use thosest-ditch methods unless everything else had failed already.


    The inner Lab? Are you still talking about that? Levi eximed incredulously as she stared at Kenzie. Our people are about to be tricked into a war, who knows how many casualties that would result in? Let me be clear. This fight was lopsided, but our armies arent any pushovers, especially not inside this Mystic Realm. We need to turn back right now.


    However, no one in Zacs group cared about Levis opinions, all instead turning toward Zac. He turned toward the subdued captain who had already woken up by now with the help of a few zaps from Kenzie''s drones. His eyes were a bit zed over after Zac''s punch, but he seemed to have been able to follow what was going on.


    "You can all return to your n. Take that body and these roots with you, it''s the proof of what I''ve said is true. But tell your elders this; We didn''te to this godforsaken ce for fun. We came here to save our, and we are willing toy our lives on the line to do so. Force our hands, and we will walk over the ruins of your n to get the job done," Zac said, his killing intent almost dense enough to be corporeal. "I know the allure of the outside world is strong, but don''t lose it all by acting hastily. I''ming back to get our people soon enough."


    The soldiers looked extremely unwilling, but no one offered any rebuttal, instead looking down with their fists clenched. Zac could only pray that his threat would cause make the elders hesitate about their ns, slowing any ns to break out. He couldn''t turn back now. His instincts told him to push forward, and Ogras'' words of warning about Divine Guidance were thest push he needed to make his decision.


    Well keep going," Zac said as he turned to his group.


    "What... What about me?" Levi hesitantly asked.


    "You''reing with us," Zac said as he formed the same chair made out of chains as before. "I know that you''re not happy with how things turned out. But the quicker you help us get where we need to go, the quicker we''ll be able to return and prevent any bloodshed."


    Fine," Levi sighed as she dragged herself onto the chair, the links quickly turning red from a few wounds reopening.


    "Let''s hurry," Zac said as he left the soldiers where they were, the other three silently following in tow. "We''ll speed up. I''ll deal with any spatial tears."


    "Spatial Tears are the least of our worries where we''re going. If it was just that we''d long have looted the Inner Layer. There are rms, sentries, mechanized guards, traps, and who knows what else," Levi warned.


    "Good thing we brought you then, girl," Ogras grinned.


    Thest stretch is through a long stretch of tubing ording to the maps. Surely the base wouldn''t have any rms there," Kenzie added.


    "You... How did you do that before? You simply took all our drones like they were yours," Levi asked with a slightly fearful look.


    "Well, they <em>are </em>mine now," Kenzie smiled, ignoring the question. "Spoils of war and all that."

 Chapter 611: Lab 16

    Chapter 611: Lab 16


    The group immediately set out, keeping a rapid pace on their way toward Inner Lab 16. They were making good time thanks to theplementarypetencies of Kenzie and Lavi, but Zac was still filled with anxiety. The only thing giving him some peace of mind was Kenzie''s ability to almost freely contact their forces back at the forest, allowing him to stay up to date on the situation.


    The army had finished preparations for the outermostyer of defense around the base, but they doubled down on their preparations after hearing about a possible attack. They also increased the number of scouts keeping watch in all sectors under their control in case the Cartava n appeared somewhere other than through the gate.


    An evacuation was already underway as well, with almost all non-essential personnel already having been transferred out of the Mystic Realm. Only some nonbat cultivators would stay inside the Research Base after the Dimensional Seed matured, with a skeleton crew to maintain the base while the rest set out to assist the Zhix on their crusade.


    Eventually, Zac didn''t have time to worry about his people though, as just passing through the corridors on the way to the Inner Layer demanded all his attention. Just as Levi had warned, the increasinglymon Spatial tears was just one of the problems facing them.


    "Wait," Kenzie suddenly said, and the group hid against a wall as they activated a series of cloaking methods.


    No one still dared as much as breathe loudly as they waited steeped in silence. Half a minuteter ttering sounds echoed out through the corridors as a patrol unit consisting of two spider balls and six drones moved past them. This was the sixth squad they had to hide from in just 20 minutes, a stark contrast to the abandoned outer reaches.


    It wasn''t that Zac didn''t want to simply force his way through, and the small squads weren''t a threat to his group. But getting discovered or destroying the sentries resulted in a lockdown, which would cause way more of a headache than it was worth.


    "Okay, we''re good," Kenzie eventually nodded and the group set out again.


    "Just how are you discovering these sentries?" Levi asked with a frown. "We have tried for centuries to discover their signals."


    "I told you, we got our hands on some Technocrat technology on the outside. We didn''t enter this ce blindly," Zac snorted from ahead, getting a bit annoyed at Levi''s attempts to delve into his sister''s secrets.


    Of course, he knew that his go-to excuse was pretty weak, but Kenzie was forced to disy her abilities if they wanted to get back in time. Thea was clearly also curious about what was going on, but she had never asked about it over the past weeks even after Kenzie disyed an uncharacteristic level ofpetence for a 20-year old without a science background.


    They finally reached the spot the Werewolves had marked after slowly and methodically making progress through the minefield of guards and traps. They were getting close to the Inner Layer now, and the Spatial Expansion was getting more and more pronounced. Zac guessed the surroundings had increased around 25 times in size, making him feel like a citizen of Lilliput.


    This massive transformation was what provided Zac''s group with a new route. The section they had just reached was designed remarkably differentpared to the much simpler corridors in the Outer Ring. The walls were still made from Memorysteel, but the design was of a lot higher quality and there were a lot of windows to the rooms inside.


    Levi exined that this section had once been the ce of residence of the middle-tier workers of the base. The corridor itself reminded Zac of the living quarters of Little Bean, as it was roughly twice as widepared to the outer hallways, and filled with lounge areas and what looked like zen gardens. There were a lot more doors as well, each of them leading to an apartment ranging from 50 to hundreds of square meters in size.


    n Cartava had long looted these quarters of everything that wasn''t destroyed during the spatial storms of the Cataclysm, with only the stronger people continuing into the Inner Layers when the base shut down for maintenance. Their group still headed into one of therger apartments though, a living quarter that probably once had belonged to some chief scientist.


    What set this ce apartpared to most other rooms was that it had its own small-scaleboratory, which unsurprisingly had grown enormous along with everything else. This was what provided them with a route to the innerb, and they reached a wall socket hidden behind a table. The socket was covered by a lid, and a gust of stale air hit their group when Zac pushed it open.


    On the other side was a metallic tubing around 180 centimeters in height, just a bit too low to walk upright. Not even Levi was sure, but they guessed it was a special tube meant to transport some sort of gas or sma to this homeb, which was why none of the other apartments had something like this.


    "And we are sure this pipe won''t suddenly be filled with some Technocrat poison?" Thea hesitantly muttered as she looked into the vent.


    "Uh... No?" Kenzie hesitantly said. "But I think we should at least have noticed some remnants having leaked into this room if that was the case? That lid wasn''t exactly a perfect fit after the expansion."


    "I''ll go first and block up the tunnel as long as I can in case somethinges crashing down on us. But hopefully it won''te to that," Zac said before he turned to Levi. "Can you walk on your own from here?"


    "I''ll make do. My wounds are a bit better by now," Levi said. "I should be able to walk thest stretch."


    Zac nodded as he entered the pipe, and the group kept walking for another hour until Kenzie told them to stop. The Werewolf maps stopped soon after the pipe entrance, but Levi had provided them with aplimentary map. The spot Kenzie they had reached should be just a few meters from the gate leading to the Lab, and they had decided to cut their way out of the wall instead of trying to break into the Lab.


    There were all kinds of rms in theboratories ording to Levi, so if they had to cut their way out, it was better if it was here. A few minutester they were out, with Zac having done most of the work to get them out. Their activities had drawn the ire of the base though, and they were forced to back away for another twenty minutes before they could approach the gate.


    "Let me," Kenzie said as she floated up to the terminal in the gate, and they all breathed out in relief when the door opened without issue.


    They walked inside after confirming no guards were waiting for them, but Zac quickly stopped as the world lurched for an instant. The insides had looked normal before, but Zac was shocked to realize that everything was normal-sized.


    "How is this possible?" Ogras muttered as he looked around with wide eyes, confirming that Zac wasn''t the only one whose perception had shifted.


    "The space is normal here?" Levi eximed with surprise. "How weird. Even our outerbs have grown a bit over the past months."


    "It has to be an effect of the Dao of Space," Thea said with gleaming eyes. "Space has be rtive."


    "Well, it should be a good thing. It means theb is fully functional, right? Our chances of finding something useful has increased," Zac said as he looked around the beautifully crafted work areas as he walked into the Laboratory, if it could even be called that.


    It rather felt like he had entered the headquarters of some IT start-up that had way too much money to spend, with everything from manicured miniature gardens to what looked like an extremely high-end restaurant where every table was ced on a small moat in an indoorke. It almost made Zac wonder if they hade to the right ce.


    This is a recreational area for the scientists, Levi said with a dour expression as she looked at the opulent surroundings. I guess they needed to rx a bit after experimenting on us like we were beasts.


    Nevermind that, Ogras muttered. Where are the good things stored, girl? We need to get back before your family does something stupid.


    This way, the Cartava scion sighed as she led the group through the series of gardens.


    Zac was wordlessly following along, but he did shoot an imperceptible nce at his sister who nodded in return as she summoned a couple of drones. They still needed Levi to save time, but it was undeniable that a divide had been erected between them after learning what her n was up to. So Zac had his sister and Ogras keeping constant watch over Levi to make sure she didn''t try something.


    After all, no matter what her personal belief about who was right and wrong, there was no way that Levi would side with Port Atwood if it came down to it, especially if the Zhix started killing her nsmen. They needed to double-check and triple-check everything she said and did, to make sure she wasnt leading them into a trap of some sort.


    Hopefully, Kenzie would be able to spot anything of technological nature, while Ogras was perennially suspicious of everything around him. Any odd movement from the native would immediately be caught by him.


    They soon reached a sliding door made from the same reinforced ss as the sshouse, and it automatically opened up when they approached, letting them enter a small containment chamber. A second sliding door opened a minuteter, and the group entered a spotlessboratory. There were around thirty tables in the main hall, a room of about 300 square meters, and each of them was connected to a series of expensive-looking machines.


    Most of the tables were empty, but the remaining ones quickly drew their attention. A number of different items were hovering in the air, some of them lookingplete and a few others seemingly mid-production with the help of several mechanical arms. More importantly, spatial tears were either hovering next to the machines like they were locked in ce, or fused into the machines themselves.


    There seemed to be a few adjoiningbs as well, theyout reminiscent of the sshouse''s side-rooms. While the others looked around with curiosity Zac''s attention was drawn by something else; the fact that his old quest had beenpleted.


    It felt like he had caught a lucky break this time as the only threat turned out to be the sentry robots, as the Cartava troupe couldnt really be considered a formidable enemy. Now the question was why the System wanted to bring him here.


    There were no natural treasures in sight, and nothing else that Zac felt was of immediate value. There were these weird machines hovering above the table, but Zac wasn''t so confident that the System wanted him to take a bunch of Technocrat items considering its disdain for the Dao of Technology.


    What is this room? Zac asked Levi, hoping to find some clues.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It seems this ce has been turned into a mechanicalb, Levi sighed. It is honestly one of the worse ones.


    Oh? Ogras asked, his eyes thinning. How so?


    These kinds ofbs usually house various sorts of advanced machinery, which isn''t really useful to cultivators. Sometimes we''ve found things that are valuable to Datamancers and our mechanical troops, but neither of those professions will remain in the outer world," Levi sighed.


    "So there''s nothing?" Ogras muttered as they walked among the tables.


    "The side chambers usually contain raw materials and natural treasures stockpiled for experiments. One can still find good items there. Valuable metals, race boosting treasures, pure ener-" Levi said but stopped in surprise when Ogras turned into a gust of shadows, appearing in front of the closest door leading to a side chamber.


    Zac nced over and wryly smiled, but the smile froze on his face when he was sted away by a shockwave of tremendous force without warning. He mmed into a table, but his momentum kept him going until he knocked into a wall on the other side of theb. The shockwave also contained some sort of high-pitch sound that made him nauseated, but he quickly got up to his feet to reorient himself.


    Only to see Levi speeding toward the exit with one of the Spatial Machines in her arms.

 Chapter 612: Betrayal

    Chapter 612: Betrayal


    Ogras was the one who had reacted quickest thanks to being outside the direct st zone of the shockwave, and half the room was already drenched in shadows by the time that Zac got back to his feet. However, theboratory was only so big, and Levi was already at the door after having released the tremendous pulse.


    The ground cracked beneath Zac''s feet as he pushed <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to its limits, but he had to desperately force himself to take a sharp turn at thest moment when an enormous spatial tear appeared right in front of the gate. Itpletely covered the exit and a few meters next to it, and one more step would have ended with Zac lost in the void.


    Zac looked on with a mix of helplessness and fury, but he had no way to make the tear close early. But the base quickly suppressed the tear, and Zac hurriedly rushed toward the closed door on the other side. The containment door didn''t activate by itself this time so Zac immediately reached for the console, but nothing happened even after pushing his mother''s token against it.


    Only then did Zac realize that Levi wasn''t actually gone, but she had rather stopped on the other side of the two doors, looking back at them.


    There was no joy or derision on her face, just exhaustion. More importantly, Zac saw how her one good eye was rapidly clouding over, her pupil and iris being reced by another ominous fractal. It was simr to the one on her other eye, but there were also clear differences. Something told Zac that the two were still connected like they each were a half of a whole. Blood was running down her eyes and nose, and she even swayed while standing still.


    Zac''s instincts screamed at him that whatever Levi had taken was a huge threat to his people, so he grabbed a groove in the sliding door in an attempt to force it open. The door was stuck, but Zacs Strength was a match for most peak E-Grade warriors by this point, and even the reinforced ss started to crack from his efforts.


    Levi''s eyes widened in surprise when she saw how even the door frames started to bend, and she shed away in a frantic escape across the recreational area. She was shockingly quick, using some sort of footwork that she had never disyed in front of Zac before, and she was through the exit in less than a second.


    He wasn''t too worried though as Zac knew that Levi wouldn''t be able to maintain that pace for long, especially not with the sentries lurking outside. As long as he could force this door open they would be able to catch up.


    However, red lights suddenly flooded the Laboratory as previously unseen safety-shutters sprung up to reinforce the sliding doors. Zac barely had the time to witness a shocking transformation take ce in the rec area before his vision was blocked by decimeter-thick ting. It looked like the whole lounge had been filled with some sort of liquid electricity or sma, turning it into a deathly gauntlet.


    The exit was blocked as well by a shield even thicker than the one that had kept them at bay with the spider balls, and there were even two series of rings that appeared. They looked just like miniature versions of the terrifying energy turrets the Administrator used tobat the Collector in the void, and Zac''s hairs stood on end when he saw that they were trained right at him.


    Stop, stop! She has done something to the security system! Kenzie screamed as she frantically typed away on the tablet.


    The ring rm stopped a few secondster, and the shutters slid back into the floor. Zac could only sheepishly smile in response to the res he got from hispanions before he looked out again. The recreational area had turned back to normal, but it had been eye-opening to see just how many security-measures were hidden among the gardens and restaurants.


    It was obvious; even if Zac managed to break down the door with one of his more powerful moves, that was still the least of their problems. And as for Levi, she was long gone.


    "Look at the terminal inside the containment room," Kenzie said after exhaling in relief. "She''s left something there, but I can''t connect to it."


    Zacs eyes turned to the terminal Kenzie pointed at. A dongle Zac hadn''t noticed before was attached to it, obviously something left by Levi on her way out while the spatial tear blocked their vision.


    Good eye," Levi''s voice reached them through the dongle. "Ive booby-trapped this exit. Force it open and youll trigger a series of algorithms that will alert the Administrator, so you''ll have to stay put for the time being. Im sorry things turned out this way. I cant turn my back on my n, not after how much my people have suffered. Even if I have to marry that bastard and go along with their schemes. Such is the burden of responsibility."


    "We can still solve this peacefully," Zac said with grit teeth. "Undo what you''ve done here, and we''lle with you to your n to sort everything out."


    I am sorry, I really am, Levi sighed on the other side before the connection cut off.


    A vibration rippled across the door the next moment, making Zac look over at his sister who kept typing away.


    "I activated a sound-proofing function," Kenzie said as she looked down at her tablet. "She shouldn''t be able to hear us any longer. But she''s proven me wrong before, so who knows. I can''t do anything from here. I can open this door, but it will activate the security measures just like when you force it open."


    Zac growled in annoyance, and he contemted whether he should try forcing the doors open again.


    I''m not sure brute force is the solution this time around, Ogras sighed, clearly knowing what Zac was thinking. I dont think even you would make it out of that gauntlet in one piece. Thatss fooled us. She fooled us all. She wouldn''t have acted if she didn''t have some confidence in keeping us here. After all, she''s seen both your and your sister''s means."


    He turned into a puff of shadows that shot toward the doors hinges next, but he soon appeared again.


    Itspletely sealed. Not even a speck of dust can get through, the demon added with annoyance.


    "I''m sorry," Kenzie said as she wiped some blood running down her nose. "I scanned her for hidden weapons, but I didn''t find anything. I don''t understand how she aplished all this."


    Levi''s sudden shockwave had hit them all without notice, and Kenzie had been thrown into a wall as well. The same went for Thea, except she looked unscathed. She had probably managed to control her body in time thanks to her high Dexterity.


    "Don''t me yourself. We were all on guard for her, but she hid her means too deeply. She never disyed any strength during all the time since I met her, to the point I almost thought she was a nonbat ss. My Danger Sense didn''t give me a warning either, like the attack came out of nowhere," Zac sighed.


    What did she take? Thea asked with a frown as she looked away from the exit, turning toward the empty table. I honestly dont think she nned this until she saw that item. That machine must have been something extremely important if it made her ready to risk her life to betray us all.


    They hurried over to the table where Kenzie plugged her tablet into a control panel as the rest looked for clues. They couldn''t find anything though, forcing them to wait for Kenzie''s findings.


    Its actually some sort of spatial drill," Kenzie said with surprise. "Researching its technology wasmissioned by some Head Researcher twenty years ago, but it was just finished two weeks ago. It can drill a tunnel through chaotic space, and it seems even better than the array we used to force open the path to the mystic realm."


    "Head Researcher?" Thea repeated with confusion. "Who''s that? The Cartava n?"


    "I don''t know?" Kenzie said as she hesitantly turned toward Zac. "Did she say anything like that?"


    "It''s hard to trust anything she''s said until now, but I doubt it," Zac said. "If they had the means to order the base to this degree, then they would probably have been able to escape long ago."


    "Then who?"


    "Perhaps the base itself?" Ogras muttered. "Didn''t you mention some Administrator before?"


    "That''s just the name of theputer system controlling this base. Would it really order itself to research something?" Zac hesitantly said. "If it was able to do that, it could just have done it, right?"


    "More importantly, can the natives use that item to force their way outside?" Thea interjected.


    "Possibly," Kenzie nodded. "But I''m not sure how well it would work, it''s an experimental technology. And they would have to use it at least close to our portal. Drilling anywhere else won''t do them any good. They would probably just end up in outer space."


    So, she has the key to escape this prison? Ogras spat. No wonder thess took the risk. With all of us stuck in this ce, our force is severely weakened. If they figure out some way to ambush our people, we''re screwed.


    Can you warn them? Zac asked as he turned to Kenzie.


    It looks like we are jammed, we can only pray that they are prepared. I dont get it Just how did she figure out how to take this thing? Kenzie muttered. If they had any knowledge of an item like this, wouldn''t they have fought harder toe here themselves? Long before we arrived?


    Her eyes Time, Zac muttered, finally putting two and two together. Her ability doesnt allow her to peer into the future. It allows her to go back in time. We were probably the ones to tell her in an alternate future. Shit, shes been misdirecting me with half-truths since the start.


    Thats heaven-defying if true, Ogras eximed with shock. The bacsh has to be immense.


    "You saw her eyes. Her second eye got a curse as well," Zac said. "I think she crippled herself to bring that item to her n. If she can even make it back alive."


    "I don''t think she would have taken the risk if she believed she wouldn''t make it," Thea said. "She would have had a better chance of saving her people by staying with us if that was the case. She might just have been ying weak, or she has some special method to at least temporarily withstand the bacsh."


    Are there any other exits to this ce?" Zac asked.


    I cant see from this terminal, Kenzie said with a shake of her head.


    Quickly, look around, Zac sighed.


    The group immediately spread out, entering the side chambers one by one. But it only took them a minute to confirm that they really were trapped. The only exit was the way they came from, and attacking any surface of theb seemed to trigger the massive security response.


    "Well, it looks like we''re stuck. What do we do?" Thea eventually sighed. "Levi Cartava will be back with her n in a few hours, and I think they will immediately set out afterward. There''s no way they won''t seize this opportunity. Our people might be attacked in less than ten hours."


    "Can you see if any of these machines can help us out?" Zac asked as he turned to Kenzie. "They were made by the base, so they might not trigger the rms?"


    "I''ll try to figure out some way to escape this ce," Kenzie nodded and immediately walked over to the closest item and started tapping away on her tablet.


    "Well, that''s my cue," Ogras muttered and disappeared, leaving a confused Zac behind.


    "If ites down to it I''ll use my escape skill. I''ll only lose a few levels," Thea said as she walked over to him.


    "Doesn''t it send you in apletely random direction?" Zac asked hesitantly.


    "Well, yes," Thea admitted with a grimace.


    "Let''s see what Kenzie cane up with first. No point in you risking your life if there''s a better solution out there," Zac said. "You''d probably end up in the void around us or some random section where you couldn''t get back. And teleportation in this environment..."


    "I guess there''s not much I can change even if I manage to get out of here by myself," Thea said with a helpless expression.


    "I''m sorry about all this," Zac said with a sigh. "I underestimated her too much. Now both our people might be hurt because of me."


    "It''s not your fault. No one is working harder than you to protect our. You simply can''t control everything," Thea said. "It''s an important lesson for us all. Besides, we all knew that the stakes were high going in. Let''s just see if we can turn things around."


    "I''ll see what Ogras is up to. The look in his eyes made me a bit worried," Zac wryly smiled before he gave Thea onest look. "Thank you."


    He walked over to the storeroom he saw Ogras slink toward before and a frown spread across his face when he saw what the demon was up to. Ogras was trying to snatch the stored treasure, a vial containing some unknown liquid. The only problem was that it was behind a containment field that looked a lot like the liquid electricity that had flooded the area outside just a minute ago.


    What are you doing? Zac frowned. We have bigger fish to fry, and you might trigger the rms.


    Im no help when ites to taboo technology, Ill leave that to your sister, Ogras shrugged without taking his eyes off the vial on the other side of the electricity wall. I figure that if were stuck here for the moment we might as well take the good things left behind. Isnt that why we came anyway? Besides, I''ve already confirmed that these things aren''t connected to whatever thatss did.


    A dozen shadow spears mmed into the barrier the next moment to prove his point, and Zac only breathed out a few secondster when there was no retaliation from the Administrator. He was about to retort, but he stopped in his track when a new prompt appeared; the fifth quest in his training chain had been doled out.


    <strong>[The Benevolent Ruler (Training (5/9)): Seize at least 2 opportunities for your followers. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/2)]</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of 4 levels.]</strong>N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 613: Helping Hand

    Chapter 613: Helping Hand


    Zac couldnt help but give the demon an appreciative look when he saw the objective of his new quest. As far as quests go, this had to be one of the easier ones. The containment field was still keeping Ogras at bay, but with his help it should just be a matter of time before they breached it.


    Better yet, the punishment for failure had reduced once more, and it was a huge relief to see that his skills were finally safe. Losing four levels would still be a kick to the groin, but he could always regain themter if he needed to abruptly end his training regimen early. For example, he knew he needed to get back to his people immediately after dealing with this ce, even if it meant giving up on his quest.


    Thankfully it didnt look like that would be necessary, at least not for the next quest. After all, it was like Ogras said; why were they here if not to seize a couple of opportunities? Furthermore, Zacs instincts told him that the System would point him toward n Cartava for his sixth quest.


    The System liked war and struggle, and that was the only option left after Levis final betrayal. She had chosen to give her n a shot at escaping, even if it meant trapping Zac here and killing her way out. There was no way he could let that go unanswered. Besides, she had the Spatial Drill now, and something like that might be neededter to drill through spatial storms at the Core.


    Ogras'' words about Divine Guidance also echoed in the back of Zac''s mind. The drill might be exactly what the System was leading him toward, but Levi messing with the timelines might have pushed its ns out of whack.


    Zac eventually gave up on trying to figure out the purpose of what the system was doing, instead turning his attention to the task at hand. He needed to seize the first opportunity for his follower. It was a transparent vial containing just a deciliter of some unknown liquid. The liquid was red like blood, but small golden sparks swirled around inside it even though the vial waspletely immobile.


    It looked a bit like a health potion from a video game to Zac, but it definitely was something more valuable since it was the only thing in the room. Out of all the side rooms it was the item most likely to be something that could boost one''s race, as the three rooms he had visited only housed various metals. Unfortunately for Ogras, the containment field that protected the vial was extremely sturdy.


    Come on, Ogras growled as extremely condensed shadows glommed onto the energy field.


    Zac immediately understood what the demon was trying to do. He was trying to exhaust a small section of the field to create an opening. However, the shadows were being destroyed far too quickly, only slightly weakening the electric field. He sighed and stepped up next to Ogras, his arm suddenly covered in thickyers of leaves as his arm started emitting an aura of death.


    Oh? Ogras eximed, but he quickly understood Zacs n and redoubled his efforts.


    Searing pain ripped through Zacs arm as he forcibly pushed it through the opening Ogras had created. Leaves were rapidly being disintegrated even though they were infused with the Fragment of the Bodhi, and the Fragment of the Coffin only helped block some of the damage to his arm as he reached for the vial.


    Pushing forward was extremely arduous as well, reminiscent of how it felt to activate <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>before his Strength had reached its current state. Sweat ran down his forehead from pain and exertion, but he refused to back down as he desperately pushed forward centimeter by centimeter, finally grasping the vial.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He immediately stashed the thing in his Spatial Ring and dragged his arm back, plumes of smoke rising from his scorched skin. But Zac was still beset by shocking amounts of lightning even after having retracted his arm, and the supercharged power rampaged through his body. Zac actually hoped for his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to deal with the mess, but it was too slow.


    Organs werecerated and burned, and even his veins had turned to conduits that allowed the lightning to course all through his body. But the electricity was thankfully an attack without source, and every wound caused it to exhaust some of its energy. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> finally woke up as well, releasing a deep beat that could be heard even outside his body, but it barely managed to swallow any of the lightning. It had already been used up on torturing Zac.


    The wounds werent too bad at least, and Zac quickly healed it up with the help of a pill and <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. Ogras expectantly looked at Zac as he stood up and took out the vial, the liquid inside illuminating the surroundings in vibrant gold as it sloshed around. Both were surprised at the change, but the vial quickly turned red again when the liquid stopped moving. Zac knew the Ogras wanted it, but he didnt immediately hand it over.


    He first wanted to get a sense of the liquid it contained. It didnt give off a strong sense of spirituality, but Zacs cells were still screaming with hunger as he looked at the contents. Zac guessed it had to be made from natural materials before being processed by some unknown Technocrat technique, an alternative method to the pill-making of Alchemists.


    This... Ogras hesitantly said.


    Just take it, Zac snorted and handed it over after a second. "Don''t drink it before Kenzie figures out what it is. It would be pretty messed up if you died drinking poison after all your near-death experiences."


    Just as Zac expected his quest updated itself the moment he handed the vial to Ogras. It looked like the System really was referring to the items in the side-rooms, and it didn''t get marked as halfplete until Zac physically handed it over. Just one more bout of electrotherapy and he would be done.


    "This is no poison, I can feel it in my bones," Ogras muttered. "With all thehersted misfortune we''ve encountered until now, we''re ted for some stunning gains next. Bnce of the Heavens."


    <strong></strong>"I''ve found it!" Kenzie''s voice suddenly echoed from outside, drawing their attention.


    "See? Bnce of the Heavens," Ogras grinned and shed outside, with Zac quickly following in tow.


    "This thing is our ticket outside!" Kenzie eximed as she pointed at one of the tables.


    The item hovering on top of it looked like a mirror or a sr cell, a circr disk with a diameter of roughly a meter.


    "What is it?" Zac asked curiously.


    This is an escape pod of sorts, Kenzie said with excitement. It makes use the spatial energy that''s all over this base, and it can teleport people away. However..."


    "Whats wrong?" Zac asked with a sinking feeling.


    "The experiment is iplete, the control feature isn''t quite finished. It might spit us out in the Void, inside the Core, or back where we came from.


    Are you able to fix it?" Zac asked.


    "I can try, but it will take some time. I need to run some calctions, and my...puter can only work so fast. It might take up to half a day, and even then I can''t promise anything," Kenzie said.


    "It''s all we got at the moment," Zac said. "Do it."


    "So... where do you want it to go? I think I can get it to send us in a certain direction only, but it would take too long to make a proper fix that would allow you to actually steer it," Kenzie asked.


    "Take us back where we came from," Zac said without hesitation. "Get us as close to the Lunar Forest as possible. Overshoot into the outer rim rather than undershoot if that''s an option."


    Kenzie nodded and immediately started typing away, while Zac took proper stock of what else there was in theboratory. There were eight side-rooms altogether, two of themrger stockrooms full of unguarded materials. These metals and minerals all seemed to be very high quality though, so Zac immediately snatched them up.


    Three of the rooms contained more valuable metals from the looks of it, each of them norger than a bowling ball but still protected by the same sort of setup as Ogras vial. The seventh room contained something far more interesting though.


    It was a fist-sized crystal that hovered on top of a pedestal and miniature spatial fractures kept erupting all around it. It had to be crammed full of energy to look like that, likely Space-Attuned energies thanks to the Dimensional Treasure. It was still just a piece of stone that Zac saw no immediate use for, but he soon thought of another quest of his as he looked at it.


    <strong>Materials for Karunthel (Unique, Limited): Acquire 100 Kilograms of [Urgarat kes], 1 kilogram of [Realm Locus], 1 living [Ferric Worldeater], 1 [Daemonic Manastone] Reward: Upgrade Iliex Shipyard to Early D-Grade. 1 Custom-Designed Early D-Grade Vessel. (0/4)</strong>


    ording to Calrins description, he could very well be looking at a ball of <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong>. It was supposed to be a gemstone full of spatial energy, and it was mainly used when making spatial treasures. Like the weird machines outside. The environment in this Mystic Realm should be perfect for those things to spring up as well, and looking for a few crystals if an opportunity arose was already on Zacs agenda.


    He had no pictures of how <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong> was supposed to look, but he figured that he would know if he had the right thing as soon as he held it in his hand, provided that the crystal weighed more than a kilo. He didnt immediately try to snatch it though, but he rather went over to inspect thest room, where he found Thea standing looking at the protected treasure.


    It was another crystal hovering in the air, this one a calm blue rather than the chaotic ck of the possible <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong>. It didnt emit any spatial fluctuations like the other one either, but it rather contained a mysterious shimmer that caused Zacs vision to double for a second before he quickly activated <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong>.


    Is there something special about this crystal? Zac asked curiously as he walked up to Thea whose eyes were trained on the item.


    My Spirit Tool seems to want to absorb it, Thea said. I think it might be one of the crystals of those natives you mentioned? It might actually awaken spirituality in my weapon, just like how youve done with your axe.


    Doesnt that sword already have Spirituality? Zac asked curiously. "It sounded like that was the de Emperor''s thing."


    Its for my other one, <strong>[Petalstorm]</strong>, Thea exined before it shook her head. Its not worth it though. We have more important things to worry about.


    Neither <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> or <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>showed any indication of wanting the crystal inside the containment field, which probably meant that Thea was on the money with her guess. The Gemling crystals supposedly contained a part of their soul, and feeding such an item to a treasure with a soul of its own might cause a sh rather than provide any benefits.


    It''s fine, we''re stuck here for a few hours anyway. Let me get it out for you, Zac said, seeing an opportunity toplete his quest in one fell swoop.


    However, he stopped himself before trying something foolhardy, and instead walked out and called Ogras over first. There was no point in getting himself maimed when the demon could weaken the field for him as they did before.


    What is it? You really need a third participant? Ogras grinned as he entered the room. Fine, but no eye contact. That goes for both of you.


    Stop messing around. Help me get this crystal out, Zac sighed.


    The demon snickered, but he still walked over the electricity barrier and started flooding it with shadows just like thest time. Zac cracked his neck and made sure there were no lingering threats in his body before he got ready again. He pushed his hand into the shield, but rm bells suddenly went off in his head as he saw a Memorysteel spike shoot straight toward his head.


    The whole room wasing alive as liquid electricity started pouring down the walls by the gallons.


    What the-! Zac eximed as he tried to back away. "Run!"


    Both Ogras and Thea were thankfully Dexterity sses, and they turned into gusts as they sped out. Zac was right on their heels, but a shocking pain made Zac''s vision go white for a second as he was stabbed by another spike that shot straight out of the doorframe itself. He pushed down the pain and tried to sh out, but the brief dy had robbed him of his opportunity to get out.


    The door was already sealed shut, with anotheryer of electricity on top of it. Zac''s first instinct was to force his way out, but he hesitated, afraid that attacking the door would trigger the rms outside and put the others in harm''s way as well.


    What did you do?! Zac heard a frazzled Thea shout on the other side, but he had no time to worry about that at the moment as the whole room was submerged in a chaotic storm of electricity.


    Zac sighed and turned away from the door, wondering why he cursed himself by thinking that the quest would be easy.

 Chapter 614: Gifts and Reciprocation

    Chapter 614: Gifts and Reciprocation


    There was no time to wonder why his second attempt at taking out a guarded item resulted in a far greater response. It felt like the whole room was closing in on him, like he had been caught in the maw of some metallic beast. Add to that the still increasing amounts of liquid electricity, which was probably the Base Power that ran everything here, and he felt like his life was on the line.


    A glimmer to his side caught his attention though, and he was surprised to see that the pedestal had fallen apart, and the Gemling gem was falling toward the ground, only guarded by the omnipresent Base Power. Zac swung his axe in an arc, forcing a few Memorysteel spikes out of the way as he lunged for the gem.


    Getting his hands the second opportunity was a relief, but he still needed to survive this cmity. He activated <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong> to heal his rapidly umting wounds, but he soon realized that he wasn''t able to fight and move around while using the healing skill. It just ended with him getting stabbed by even more spikes, creating an unsustainable loop of healing and getting hurt.


    The leaves of <strong>[Nature''s Barriers] </strong>were disintegrated almost as soon as they were conjured as well, utterly incapable of blocking either the Base Power or the spikes. Only <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> was able to block out the spikes, but it only protected part of his front. Zac saw no other option; he needed to take a risk if he wanted to get through this in one piece.


    A wave of miasma spread through his body as he activated his Specialty Core. The world turned blurry as the transformation took ce, but his Danger Sense woke him up just in time to desperately yank his head out of the way. A spike shot right past his left cheek, drawing a wound that missed his eye by just a centimeter.


    Zac managed to dodge that one even in his weakened state, but he still got stabbed by four other spikes, drenching him in his own blood. However, the blood was incinerated as soon as it left Zac''s body by the energy currents rippling all around him. Burns already covered a good deal of his skin by this point too as the Base Power freely burrowed into his body.


    He was too weak to keep the attacks at bay with <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, so Zac saw no option but to adapt his turtle stance, curling into a ball on the floor with <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> on top of him, trying to protect as much of his body as possible.


    Shocking pain assailed his legs since he had to choose between guarding his head and his extremities, and he looked down to see that one of the Memorysteel spikes hadpletely impaled one of his shins. Even worse, the spikes were starting to get charged by the environment, and Zac felt an unprecedented jolt of electricity coursing through his body the next moment, almost making him throw away his shield in a spasmodic twitch.


    The crack in his defenses led to him being impaled three more times before he managed to transform, but he was finally able to conjure a massive fractal bulwark that covered his whole frame as his body was encapsted by the ck armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>. He even tried to activate <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> as a safety measure, but the room was unfortunately much too small for the skill to fit.


    Zac immediately moved the fractal shield of <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> to move to his back, forming a curved wall that protected him from his feet up to his head. It even covered some of his sides, with his actual shield blocking another third. Only his right side was exposed, but he was strong enough to force back most spikes with his pitch-ck bardiche.


    A few spikes still snuck past his defense, but the armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> provided a finalyer of protection that stopped the wounds from getting too bloody. The base was unfortunately like a rabid dog, refusing to give up on its prey. Zac was forced to frantically bob and weave as the attacks grew more frantic, but he quickly started to get a hang of the tempo.


    The spikes seemed random at first nce, but Zac soon learned they followed patterns that he could use to minimize his damage.


    After a minute he had reached a state where he wasn''t being gored at all, and Zac felt that he would be able to get out of this in one piece as long as he didn''t run out of miasma. His armor protected against most of the Base Power as well, though some continuously snuck past the cracks in his armor and scorched him.


    Finally, the dozens of spikes retracted, but Zac didnt have time to breathe out in relief before the whole room was absolutely flooded with Base Power, even worse than how it looked when he identally triggered Levi''s trap. His armor held for just a second before it literally exploded, and Zac found himself utterly exposed to the terrifying currents outside.


    It was like the base had an automated process; first stab the interloper to death, then incinerate the remains with a storm of Base Power. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    His shield and fractal bulwark werepletely useless against the thousands of currents that swam around in the small room, and Zac screamed in pain as his body was filled with more and more of it. Things were quickly spiraling out of control, but his Hidden Node finally came through for him as it activated.


    A deep thud rippled out from his body, and Zac''s eyes widened when he saw the impact it had on the Base Power in the room. It was like the heartbeat had imposed symmetry on the chaos, and he felt he could almost discern some fractals among the lightning bolts as they were frozen in the air. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> beat again, and it drew a huge amount of energy into its odd hidden dimension.


    The energy came from the Base Power that had already snuck into his body, which unfortunately meant a vacuum was left behind. A vacuum that was almost instantly filled by more base power entering his body through his pores, causing another wave of damage before the hidden node swallowed another mouthful.


    Zac would normally be ted that his hidden node found something to feast on, but he only wished that his body didnt need to be the conduit. He could only struggle to maintain his consciousness as he cycled the Fragment of the Bodhi to make some patchwork repairs on his body while <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> slowly but steadily gobbled up all the lightning in the room.


    The minutes passed, each second feeling like an hour, but his hidden node actually managed to swallow all of it. Zac essentially looked like a lump of coal by that point, but he was at least alive. The door slid up by itself, disying the three standing outside with worry and horror in their eyes.


    Are you okay?! Thea screamed as she rushed into the room to drag Zac outside.


    Im not sure if we should loot any more of those side rooms, Zac said with a cracking voice, his exhtion creating a plume of smoke.


    Idiot, why couldnt you just wait? I could have checked if I could break the security measures, Kenzie said with red-rimmed eyes.


    No point of that, Zac said as he arduously sat up, his body quickly shrinking. You have your things to do, dont worry about me. Ill heal up quickly, go deal with that teleporter.


    Im multitasking, I am still doing the calctions, Kenzie muttered, but she still walked back to the escape pod after making sure Zac was okay.


    Zac suddenly swung his axe, cutting arge gash in his arms to the shock of the others. A spurt of ck ichor dropped onto the floor, and Theas eyes widened to saucers when the ichor turned into a pool of lightning that scorched the ground for a few seconds before they fizzled out.


    Zac had no time to worry about their reactions as <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had just released a huge surge of pure energy, and he had just expelled the first round of energy run-off. Most of the energy went into his opened but not yet filled node on his Draugr-side, effortlessly pushing it to the same level as his human side.


    But his Hidden Node beat again before Zac had time to figure out his next move, and he could only push it into the next node.


    One beat followed another, as more and more energy was released. However, Zac frowned as he made some calctions in his mind. Each subsequent beat released a bit less power into his body, and Zac realized that he would just about manage to break open his next node if he let things continue this way.


    He could sense that the others were looking at him from a short distance, but he didnt have the luxury to split his attention at the moment. Breaking open a node at this juncture was a risk, but Kenzie had already said it would be hours before the teleporter was ready. He would be able to make quite a bit of progress on his Draugr-pathways in that time.


    Besides, he would probably deal with the Cartava n in his human form, whose pathways were already back to normal by now.


    He hesitated for just a second before he ate a mouthful of Node-Breaking pills he had lying around while also gripping a D-Grade Miasma Crystal in each hand. The efficacy of the pills was severely diminished because of his umted immunity, but it was enough to tip things over into his favor. A small explosion soon erupted as his right leg turned to a bloody mess.


    There was still a thick blob of energy left over, but Zac didn''t use it to push his level to 85. He still had burns covering most of his body, and his organs were badlycerated. Add to that his exploded leg, and he would need to use a huge amount of energy with <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. He quickly transformed back to his human form before the energy dissipated, and he immediately pushed all the left-over energy into the skill fractal of <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>.


    Burned skin fell of all around him as the skill started to patch him up, looking like pieces of coal on the ground. Beneath was just more burned skin, but it wasntpletely destroyed. Zac kept the skill going and the secondyer of skin rapidly started mending as well. It felt like he was being bitten by fire ants all over his body, but Zac could only hold on and stop himself from rolling around on the ground.


    His body looked a lot better after a few more minutes, but there was still a lot of work to be done on his body. He had unfortunately run out of the left-over energy by that point, but he still had his normal reserves of Cosmic Energy. His leg was quickly patched up next along with the wounds to his insides.


    He eventually ran out of Cosmic Energy as well, something that was almost impossible in a fight because of his massive pool of Attributes. But he was in decent shape by that point. A few hours of recuperation along with a couple of healing pills would take him the final stretch. He was lucky that there was no Dao in the Base Power, making the repairs a lot quicker and cheaper than those from a pitched fight.


    There were still a lot of lightning impurities dumped into his blood though, so Zac summoned his axe and cut himself open a few times more, each time depositing a stream of electrified blood. He was only content after his sixth cut, where it looked like his blood waspletely normal, and he contentedly breathed out in relief as he looked up at the others.


    Your healing capabilities are just Monstrous, Thea finally spoke up. She had been watching from a distance all this time, making sure he was okay. And weird.


    Cockroach, a real cockroach, Ogras muttered as he walked away with a disgusted shake of his head.


    Im sorry, you tried to help and you got yourself hurt again, Thea sighed.


    Its okay, Zac smiled as he took out the gem from his Spatial Ring. Getting zapped actually helped with my cultivation. Here, take it.


    Thea wordlessly took the crystal, her eyes moving back and forth between the gem and Zac. He felt a bit embarrassed by the intense stare, and he could only cough a bit to hide his difort.


    "I still need to recuperate a bit," he said.


    "Of course... Thank you," Thea said softly and walked away.


    He nodded before he limped over to a corner where he closed his eyes, gripping a D-Grade Nexus Crystal in each hand. He kept working on his constitution over the next hour until the cooldown of his Specialty Core was up, at which point he swapped over again.


    A wave of nausea hit him when his working pathways were reced with the mess leftover from the node-breaking. But he quickly found his bearing and activated <strong>[Spiritual Anchor].</strong> He had thankfully been able to get the skill for both his sses, and it provided him with immense help as he rapidly started to rewrite his pathways.


    The following hours went by arduously slow, with Zac spending most of his time fixing his pathways. He only asionally stopped to check in on Kenzie''s progress. Soon eight hours had passed, and Zac was mostly done with his work. There were still some small details missing in his pathways, but he felt confident he could bring out his full strength for a fight without causing a bacsh, especially in his human form.


    Doing so repeatedly would probably harm him though, so there was definitely a need to properly fix thingster on.


    In a perfect world, he would have been able to jump into some little spatial bubble and spend a week getting back to a perfect state, but time waited for no man. Kenzie had finallypleted her work, or at least taken it to such a level that it would be usable. Zac cracked his neck as he got up on his feet, turning back to his human form once more.


    Ogras had been holding off on taking the liquid, but Kenzie had actually managed to confirm that it was something called a <strong>[Corporeal Serum]</strong>. It would not only give him a huge push in upgrading his Race, but it would even give him some attributes since it contained pieces of E-Grade Attribute fruits.


    Unfortunately, there was no mention of where the materials for the serum were sourced, and Zac could only pray he would run into a greenhouse where the fruits were grown after dealing with Void''s Disciple. For now, they needed to get out of here, and they quickly got everything in order.


    So, how do we use this thing? Ogras asked hesitantly as they looked down at the disk on the table.


    I had to make some sacrifices to make it work, Kenzie said as her eyes darted around. It can only take two of us at the most. If I made it any bigger, I wouldnt be able to set a direction, and it might not even make it back into proper space.


    You two siblings should use it, Thea said without hesitation, and even Ogras reluctantly nodded in agreement.


    And leave you guys here? Zac asked with a frown. What if some security protocol suddenly activates? I dont think Levi was lying when she said that this ce was dangerous to stay in.


    This ce seems safe enough, Thea said. You would be the one taking the real risk using that thing. Juste pick us up after youve saved our people.


    Ill go alone, Zac said after some thought. No point risking Kenzies life as well.


    Youll go alone? With your sense of direction? Kenzie snorted. How are you even going to find your way back in case youre dropped off at some unknown ce? And who''s going to deal with all their machines?


    Zac was full of reluctance as he looked down at the small disk, but he had to admit that Kenzie was making a good point. The two walked onto the disk, but Thea spoke up just as they were about to activate the escape pod.


    Wait, she said, making Zac look over with confusion.


    The confusion quickly turned to bafflement as Thea walked up to him and grabbed him by his cor. Zac slightly opened his mouth to ask what was going on, but both words and thoughts flew out of his mind as a pair of soft lips pressed against his.

 Chapter 615: A Different Sky

    Chapter 615: A Different Sky


    A sense ofpletion filled her body as she punched the door, causing a massive explosion thatunched pieces of the Bloodline Vat in every direction. Rampant energies sted out of the sealed chambers, her prison for the past month.


    But she was finally out.


    Inevitability looked around and saw that things were the same. Some of their new serfs had been bloodied by shrapnel, but she wasnt in the mood to enjoy their pained cries as she turned her attention inward.


    The crystal was perfectly formed in her body, continuously swallowing her Cosmic Energy and releasing a slightly modified energy. She had already heard from her master what the change would entail. The angrier she became the more powerful the energy would be. This power woulde at the expense of her rationality, and perhaps even her safety, but who cared about that when it would allow her to kill those that angered her?


    She opened her status screen, taking a look at her race to make sure.


    <strong>[D]  Zhix  Manic Vessel (Special)</strong>


    She went over her attributes quickly as well, disappointed that they hadnt leaped forward after weeks of suffering. But the Bloodline Seed had finally managed to imprint a Synthetic Bloodline on her body with the help of the taboo technology. It, unfortunately, wasnt a Combat Bloodline, but she didnt really mind.


    Calling it Special made it feel like the Bloodline was something her master had prepared specifically for her. She was about to close her status screen, but she noticed something interesting.


    <strong>[E] Chains of Fate [24%]. 5% - ?.</strong>


    There was a change in her cultivation manual as well, with a new number appearing. She would have to ask her master to be sure, but she guessed that her bloodline gave a five percent power boost at the minimum, rising even higher depending on her anger. As where the roof was, it would depend on how much Zachary Atwood would manage to piss her off.


    <em>Good, youre out. Come see me,</em> a voice echoed in Inevitabilitys head, and her eyes lit up as she hurried toward the building her master used.


    However, she stopped in her tracks when she saw her masters situation, her eyes widening in shock. He was pale and gaunt, looking like he was beset by some unknown affliction. His pristine muscles were all withered away and it looked like a gust would topple him over. The only reason she didnt panic was that his aura was as stable as ever.


    Whats wrong?! Inevitability said with shock after she closed the door behind her.


    Just what had happened while she was locked in that damn machine?


    You did it. Good job, Kirath, Adcarkas said with a smile. Im fine. I had a tousle with the Super Brother-Man. He is stronger than I expected.


    Hes still alive after meeting you? Inevitability said incredulously.


    I met him outside. I couldnt go all-out because of thepulsions, Adcarkas sighed as he got to his feet. Come with me, its almost time.


    Kirath mutely nodded as she followed her master out of the town, moving toward the inner reaches of the Heathen World. Her eyes kept darting toward her master with worry, seeing how he struggled to keep the pace. But she knew better than to ask or offer help.


    A few walls of spatial tears tried to bar their path, but her master easily moved out of the way so that they could reach further inside.


    There is something I need to tell you. Something Ive kept from you and your brother all this time, Adcarkas suddenly said without stopping.


    Whats going on? Inevitability asked with confusion.


    I was born almost 800 years ago. My master was Barvat, the previous leader of the True Path. However, the True Path was almost extinguished when the Crusade took ce. The war killed most of our people, leaving just Barvat behind, severely weakened. Much was lost in those desperate years, and my masters conviction started faltering, Adcarkas sighed.


    How is this rted to our current situation? Inevitability asked with a frown.


    Truthfully, she hated listening about the True Path or The Great Redeemer. Their master was as much to me for her brothers death as Zachary Atwood, as far as she was concerned. If not for his rules they would have long killed that human to snuff out a threat in its cradle. Besides, his convoluted n had forced her true master to live like a rat for centuries when he should have been the leader of the Zhix.


    Just listen, Adcarkas said, a dangerous glint in his eyes telling Inevitability that he would not tolerate any more interruptions.


    Barvat asked himself, was all this suffering worth the small morsels of power that Voridis AHeliophos left for us? Are there truly no other paths to take? But such thoughts were obviously heresy, and he suffered great bacshes as a result. However, he somehow managed to hold on for centuries while being tortured by the Karmic Bindings of The Great Redeemer. One day he managed toplete a daring n, Adcarkas said. "And that''s when he took me on as a disciple, an orphan of just four years."


    He split my soul into two.


    Wh- Inevitability blurted, but she quickly stopped herself.


    It was crude and it shouldn''t have seeded, but here I stand. Then again, I suspect that I was not his first attempt. Most of my soul ispletely bound by the Karmic Bindings, but a small part is free. One part is out in the open, one is hidden, like a whisper in the void, Adcarkas sighed. I couldnt openly defy our master, but my subconscious could slightly alter my actions, and sometimes even take over for a short duration.


    Inevitabilities heart beat like a drum as she listened to her master. This was the first time she had ever heard him disy anything except devout fervor and fanaticism for The Great Redeemer.


    Obviously such a procedure caused some side-effects, like an unstable disposition, Adcarkas wryly smiled. But it gave me a chance to break the chains that binds me. That would have bound you.


    Would have? Inevitability muttered with confusion.


    Havent you noticed? Neither you nor your brother were as fervent followers as me or previous generations. It was not a coincidence. My subconscious modified your cultivation manuals. It wasnt enough topletely rid you of the Karmic Contract, but it was a step in the right direction. Thats why you could attack Zachary Atwood during the hunt. Thats why your brother could move out without telling me, Adcarkas sighed, vexation glimmering in his eyes. You could say I am responsible for the death of Karath through my meddling.


    Thats not-! Kirath blurted, but was stopped by a wave of Adcarkas hand.


    First I hoped that my changes would lessen the bindings by each subsequent generation, but that goal had to be discarded when the Integration took ce. I saw no option but to fulfill the contract. However, everything changed when we found this ce, Adcarkas said. Here the Karmic Contract is muted, and I could freely n for our future.


    So were not going to follow that man when he arrives?! Inevitability couldnt stop herself from asking, her eyes widening with anticipation.


    Youve read the reports. Whats the point of following a man who needed to take a crooked path just to reach D-Grade, even with the vast wealth of a grand Cultivator n at his beck and call? And now hes out of time, needing to perform an even greater sacrifice. Trash, Adcarkas spat.


    Then what are we doing here? Lets just go? Inevitability ventured.


    We cant, Adcarkas sighed. We are still caught in his. But I think I might have found a solution. Ah, were here.


    Inevitability hadnt checked where they were going at all as she raptly listened to her masters narration, but her eyes widened when she saw a massive field of spatial rifts blocking their path, hundreds upon hundreds of them.


    Stay close to me, Adcarkas said as they started to make their way through the field of spatial chaos.


    Kirath stayed on the heels of Adcarkas, a sheen of sweat covering her face as they moved forward. Her master was clearly struggling to clear the path for them, and she hated that there wasnt anything she could do to assist him. It took them almost an hour to move just a hundred meters, but Kirath was shocked to see what was on the other side.


    It was arge spatial sphere hovering in the center of arge hall, a starry night depicted in its center. Kirath had heard of these Void Spheres before, but they werent supposed to be this big, or this stable. It was no doubt an aplishment of her master. After all, the whole room was absolutely covered in dense inscriptions.


    She also noted with interest that there were over a hundred crystals embedded among the inscriptions. She had wondered where all those Gemling artisans had gone, it turned out that they had been turned into materials for an array.


    Whats this? Kirath asked with wonder.


    The way to break the bonds of fate. The key to freedom, Adcarkas said with a smile.


    A Void Sphere? Kirath asked with confusion.


    Our Strength is still nothingpared to Voridis AHeliophos, Adcarkas exined. So we need to borrow the power of the Dimensional Seed. Its just a treasure, but is still a tier higher than our master.


    I understand! Kirath said, her eyes lighting up. Its amazing how master could think of something as intricate as this.


    Youre just as important for the next step, Adcarkas said as he took out a box. This will require both our effort. For freedom.


    Me? Kirath repeated as her eyes turned to the box as her master opened it.


    It looked like an egg made from thousands of thin metal wires, each of them woven in extremely intricate patterns. It was roughly the size of her head, but it wasntpletely solid. She could somewhat discern a sanguine crystal glistening in its core, held in ce by some of the wires.


    The crystal itself wasnt something Inevitability recognized, but her antennae felt a sharp bacsh from the amount of power it contained. She didnt know what her master had created, but she knew that it had the power to kill her outright.


    A small spatial tear suddenly appeared out of nowhere, cutting a shallow wound on her masters arm. A trail of blood ran down his hand, entering a small groove on the metal egg. The blood continued to run down the sides of the egg, forming an intricate red pattern across its surface.


    You next, Adcarkas said as he walked over to Kirath.


    She unhesitantly cut open a simr wound as her master. Kirath felt a wave of dizziness hit as her blood dripped down on the egg, and she looked down at it with confusion. Her blood actually followed apletely different set of grooves, forming a second pattern on the surface of the egg before it entered its depths.


    Good, Adcarcas nodded before he walked over to the Void Sphere.


    Kirath followed his actions with confusion, and her eyes widened when she saw him throw the egg inside the sphere. It rippled like the surface of ake, and the starry night suddenly disappeared. It was reced by thousands out of thousands of harried faces, all of them Zhix. One tormented spirit kept recing another in an endless cycle until the sphere stabilized and turnedpletely pitch-ck.


    Enter it, Adcarkas said.


    What? Enter? That thing? Kirath said with hesitation.


    My body is too wounded to withstand it for too long. But it is not dangerous to you now that your bloodline is awakened. Look, Adcarkas said as he pushed his bleeding hand into the Void Sphere, causing a small swirl of red to enter its depths. But his arm was mostly unscathed as he dragged it out again. Besides, I need to control the array to make sure it runs properly."


    What do I need to do? Kirath asked.


    Just hold on and dont move. You will form the connection between us and our master. He will try to stop us from breaking the contract, and it will hurt. But you need to hold on. For freedom, Adcarkas said as he turned toward Kirath, yearning in his eyes.


    I understand. I will not disappoint you, Kirath said as she took a steadying breath before entering the massive sphere.


    Her heart hammered from fear as she was submerged in the darkness. She didn''t fear getting killed in battle, but this was something else entirely. But seconds passed and she soon calmed down soon enough as she felt that nothing was amiss. It even felt a bit like she was enclosed in her master''s embrace because of the enormous concentration of Spatial Energy around her.


    There was a weird power burrowing into her body, but it wasnt very painful. It just seemed to blend with the power from the crystal in her chest. She opened her eyes, seeing a small swirl of her blood rushing from her arm toward the heart of the sphere. Just like her masters. She turned her head toward the outside, and she saw her master looking back at her speaking as he gestured.


    <em>I cant hear you, </em>she said, but no sound came out.


    Adcarkas still nodded in understanding and indicated for her to take a seated position and steady her mind. She quickly followed his instructions, and she felt a weird power appear all around her a secondter. Her master had started.


    The weird power soon started to enter her body and difort quickly turned into pain. She grit her teeth and held on, not wanting to ruin her master''s efforts. But the odd energy started creeping into her mind as well, like tendrils of corruption. Her very soul reflexively shuddered and tried to shake off the intrusion, and a sense of wrongness quickly overcame her determination.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eventually, she couldn''t take it any longer, and she opened her eyes again to look at her master for directions. He looked back at her with aforting smile, but there was a terrifying coldness in the depths of his eyes. She tried to move but her body didn''t listen.


    Destion, sorrow, eptance.


    She closed her eyes again, and images of a long-lost time flickered through her mind. Of the small workshop in the heart of the basin, some distance away from the Hive. Of two orphans ying while their master worked on his inventions. A carefree time under a different sky.


    A smile crept across Adcarkas face as he sensed how the resistance subsided, knowing his gambit had seeded.


    A Fulcrum and the death of a world, to open the path to Monarchy. Ill provide these things, erasing the debt of the True Path and severing Karma. If my dear master is here to reap the benefits or not, thats his problem, Adcarkas muttered as his eyes turned toward the Core of the Mystic Realm. My destiny lies elsewhere.

 Chapter 616: Blood for Blood

    Chapter 616: Blood for Blood


    The kiss came without warning, but it didn''t feel wrong. Zacs hand moved to Theas waist, and the two pressed closer in a passionate embrace. However, the warm softness disappeared as quickly as it came when Thea took a step back, leaving behind only her scent. It left Zac standing with a nk look, the series of events ying on repeat in his head.


    Uh, Zac eventually said after much thought, eliciting a snicker from his sister.


    Just in case, Thea shrugged as she pushed back one of her blond locks behind her ear.


    Zac still had some troubleprehending how things hade to this. Had she mistaken him getting the Gemling crystal as a grand deration of love? He looked over to Ogras who stood to the side with a wide grin stered across his face.


    Hey, dont look at me. One is all you get, Ogras snorted.


    Well talkter. Ill get you out of here, I promise, Zac finally said to Thea as heposed himself, and Kenzie activated the machine.


    A weird egg-like bubble immediately enclosed the two before it shrunk back and dropped into a spatial tear that appeared right beneath them. Both the Atwood siblings were gone a secondter, and the tear closed behind them. Left were just Ogras, Thea, and a sterileb.


    So, wheres my reward? Ogras snickered as he turned to Thea. I almost got my ass handed to me to get that little stone out. How about it? We will probably be stuck here for a wh-


    Ogras didnt get any further as he hurriedly escaped into a swirl of shadows to avoid a sharp blue light that shot straight for his head. He appeared on the other side of the room a momentter, and Thea only gave him a scathing nce as she sheathed her weapon.


    What a violent girl, Ograsughed. I think Zacs better off picking one of his off-world misses.


    What are you talking about? Thea asked with a frown.


    Oh, now youre talking with me? Ogras grinned as he took out the <strong>[Corporeal Serum]</strong>. I guess I could tell you, but where would the fun be in that? More importantly, the Lucky Token and our Computer Whisperer are gone, you better ready yourself for whates next. Things will probably only get worse before they get better from here on out.


    ---


    A painful current ripped through Zac''s body as it felt like he was being squeezed through a thin tube. But the pain was thankfully gone as quickly as it came and Zac realized that his surroundings had already changed. He found himself in the corner of a warehouse, and he breathed out in relief when he saw his sister standing safely right next to him. Their surroundings were not as lucky, as everything within a sphere of 5 meters around them had beenpletely disintegrated, though new Memorysteel was already moving to make up for the parts lost.


    The scene made Zac''s heart thump an additional time, but he quickly calmed down when he realized there actually wasn''t any response from the automated defenses. His eyes turned toward the disk beneath their feet, his best guess was that it contained some sort of failsafe that stopped the base from acting out.


    Kenzie breathed in relief when he saw that the disk was still fine, and she bent down and stashed it away. She had already taken away all the other machines from the Lab, leaving just the spatial gemstone and the protected metals behind. It wasn''t that Zac didn''t want to take them, but just getting out the second item had been dangerous enough, and he didn''t want another incident on his hands.


    Lets go, Zac quickly said, and he grabbed Kenzie by her waist as he shed away, hurriedly leaving the room before setting her down. The base still hadn''t responded to them sting a hole in its wall, but there was no guarantee that it wouldn''t do so in a second or two.


    Were alive, Kenzie said, almost looking surprised. I guess Ogras was right about you. Youre a luck ma. You didnt just survive, you even got the girl. Im jealous.


    Have you had enough? Zac asked with exasperation, though he was inwardly a bit embarrassed.


    He hadnt expected Thea to make a move like that out of the blue. They had gotten along quite well during their exploratory outings in this ce, but she hadnt let on any interest at all. Then again, he wasnt the sharpest when it came to those things, and the more perceptive Demon had hinted to there being a spark a few times already.


    Zac would be lying if he said he wasnt interested himself. Thea was smart, driven, and she cared for the people around her. She had an aura that inspired confidence even when she didnt say anything, and they seemed to be seeing eye to eye on a lot of things. It was just that Zac hadnt really been thinking about these matters since the integration, especially after what happened with Hannah and Alea.


    It almost felt like he was cursed when it came to love, perhaps to make up for his luck in other departments. But mostly it was the simple fact that it was hard to think about matters of love when you had the fate of a whole riding on your shoulders.


    Hey, why are you looking all scrunched-up like that? I know youre interested, its good that youre putting yourself out there a bit after Hannah. Although, I guess it was rather that Thea finally got tired of waiting? You should have gone all out, like in that picture of the sailor going off to war," Kenzie said.


    Alright, alright, Zac sighed as he looked around. Ill deal with this after weve prevented our people from getting ughtered. Can you tell where we are?


    One second, Kenzie said as she took out her tablet, but a frown slowly spread on her face. We were teleported in the right direction, but we''re a bit far-off. Look.


    A series of dots appeared on the screen the next moment, almost looking like a star constetion.


    I dont have a map in this sector, but these dots are mymunication modules, Kenzie said before she pointed at one solitary dot far from the others. This is us.


    It looks like were in the Outer Ring at least, Zac said with a frown. But weve been sent too far. We passed our own base and have been sent in the direction of the True Sky Faction."


    Yeah, not even our scouts have made it this far. Were over ten hours away if we go by the speed of scouts, Kenzie said.


    Can you contact our people? Zac sighed.


    No, were too far. I need to get closer to mywork, Kenzie said.


    Alright, jump onto my back, Zac said.


    I can keep up, you know, Kenzie muttered, but she still did as he asked.


    I know, but you dont have my Danger Sense, Zac said as he converted <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to its shield-form. Ten hours is way too slow. Im going to be pushing it a bit. Hang on tight and tell me where to go.


    He shot down the corridor the next moment, following Kenzies directions. She didnt have the natural understanding of Levi or the other natives, but Jeeves was an AI with amazing machine learning capabilities. They had already mapped so many pathways and Levi had shared some input before she decided to betray them, allowing Jeeves to make decent deductions of the surroundings.


    Of course, where the barriers and spatial tears were hidden was all-too-random as far as they could tell.


    Zacs mind suddenly screamed of danger just a few minutes after they set out, and he barely had time to stop before he entered a hidden mine-field, his coffin-shield receiving two scars in return for smashing the outer spatial rifts.


    However, Zac had expected this to happen so he immediately set out with even greater speed. One thing they had realized over the past weeks was that these barriers at least werent ced too closely. So if you encountered one trap, then you wouldnt see another one at least for a few minutes. Zac only slowed down to a slightly less frantic pace four minutester until they hit their next trap.


    The two kept up this system of switching between a jog and a sprint, with the coffin taking one cut after another over the following hours. The shield thankfully had amazing restorative properties and it was always restored before it received a new scar. Finally, after three hours of rushing, they came close enough for Kenzie to ce amunications device, and she quickly tried to contact their forces.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Whos this? an indistinct voice echoed out on the other side, barely audible over the sound of explosions.


    Its MacKenzie Atwood. My brother is here as well. Whats going on? Kenzie said.


    Thank god! It''s Joanna. Were under attack by natives and their machines! We got your warning thankfully, which saved a lot of lives. Those lunatics blew up the gate and hundreds of meters of the wall with some sort of spatial bomb. Our whole defensive perimeter was swallowed by the void, but none of our forces was inside," the voice said.


    "What?!" Zac eximed with shock before he nced at his sister. "The drill?"


    "It shouldn''t have that kind of power I think?" she said, though she clearly wasn''t sure. "Besides, it requires a lot of spatial energy to run. If they used it now, they wouldn''t be able to use it to get out unless they had some special power source."


    "What happened next?" Zac asked as he started running again.


    "They came out sting before the wall had a chance to heal. We tried to fight them but they have thousands and thousands of machines. We were forced to focus on defending as we retreated toward the second line of defense. We only made it thanks to the beastmasters," Joanna narrated.


    "The beastmasters?" Zac repeated with surprise bordering on disbelief.


    He had fought both against and with the Tal-dar before, and he hadn''t expected to hear that they were such a big help in this ce. After all, there were almost as many Anointed in the Mystic Realm there were Tal-dar, and most of the beastmasters weren''t anything special.


    "They managed to create a beast tide somehow, summoning those Lunar Wolves. They went crazy as they attacked the natives, but they mostly ignored us thanks to some sort of smoke the beastmasters released. It allowed us to make it back to our second line of defense with far fewer casualties," Joanna said.


    "What''s the situation now?" Zac asked as he breathed out in relief.


    It was lucky that he had started mending fences with Verana. Who knew how many lives she and her people had just saved? Losing the Lunar Wolves was a shame, but it wasn''t like he had any thought-out ns for them in either case.


    "I don''t think they have any more of those bombs since they neither used them against the wolves or our second line of defense. They are currently resting up while their machines are trying to exhaust our shields outside the sshouse. They have too much firepower, we have been forced to set out on raids to draw attention and let the shields restore, a lot of people have been wounded," Joanna sighed. "We''ve expended thousands of talismans to minimize our casualties."


    "That''s what they''re for," Zac said. "I''m on my way. Just try to hold out, and start backing away if you can''t. No need to make ast stand."


    "I understand," Joanna said.


    Fury burned in Zacs chest when he heard that n Cartava really had gone all-out to attack his people. Any thoughts of reconciliation were thrown out of his head. Hed quash this uprising, and take the spatial drill from Levi even if he had to pry it from her cold dead hands. But he could only keep running for now, steeped in anxiety, as there was still a long way to go.


    But finally, they reached mapped-out areas of the Outer Rim, at which point Zac could go all out. He turned into a blur in the hallways as he kept using <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to maximize his speed. He could soon hear sounds could from ahead, running steps and subdued voices. Zac immediately took out his axe just in case, but a flurry of emotions went through his heart when he saw the source of the sounds. The corridors were filled with soldiers with various degrees of injuries.


    Some were carrying their unconscious or fallen brethren, while others seemingly had given up, sitting down against the Memorysteel wall with a nk look in their eyes. Zac guessed the wounded were being sent toward the next defensiveyer, the gate leading to their secluded section at the edge of the Mystic Realm.


    Lord Atwood! A bloodied soldier said with relief when he saw Zac appear around the corner. Youre here!


    It was like a ripple went through the stream of people, with hundreds of eyes turning his way. Zac felt a bit ufortable, but he knew he could just slink away. He needed to say something


    Im here, Zac said with a voice that echoed through the corridors, a voice full of pent-up anger. Im sorry I couldnt get here sooner, but I''ll make sure these aggressors never forget the price of messing with our people.


    It was short and a bit clich, but it contained an unbending conviction that almost turned palpable as Zac passed through the ranks. There would be blood for blood.

 Chapter 617: Like Moths to a Flame

    Chapter 617: Like Moths to a me


    Levi looked on at the destruction from her drone chair with bleakness, her sight only made possible by using <strong>[Heavens Eyes]</strong> as her physical eyes had already be useless. Guilt and self-loathing filled her as plumes of fire rose to the sky, and the air vibrated from the unending barrage of attacks.


    War always has casualties, child, Tictus sighed as he kept tapping away on his drone-controlling tablet next to her. I know you feel this is a mistake, and it might very well be. But the elders are not acting without reason. We know there has been an infiltration, and we know that this outside force might not necessarily have been aiming at us. But we still chose this path, your grandfather still chose to step down voluntarily even after your ount. Do you know why?


    Freedom. The fact that the outsiders were as powerful as you described only spurred the elders into action. What would have happened if we did as you said? We would be forcibly conscripted into a war that was not of our choosing, stuck in this hell as the world around us crumbled. Who do you think this Lord Atwood would see as expendable? What role would we have in his private crusade?


    But more importantly, this oue was already cemented the moment that Zachary Atwood closed the door to our prison cell. The same is already happening over at the True Sky Faction. It is a basic instinct to wish to be free, Tictus said. Your sacrifice gave us a fighting chance at least. But you''d be wrong to me yourself for anything.


    Levi weakly nodded, even that small movement causing a wave of blinding pain in her mind.


    We Should hurry, Levi whispered. I have a bad feeling.


    They should already have been out by now, but n Cartava had met setback after setback on their path to freedom. First were the corridors that turned rabid, killing dozens and destroying arge chunk of their mechanized troops the moment they reached the gate to this forest. It was no doubt the work of Kenzie, the mysterious sister of Zachary Atwood.


    It turned out that they had kept their guard up even before her betrayal.


    But that was just the start. They had been forced to detonate theirst remaining spatial bomb to pass just the gate, something that had been meant as ast-ditch weapon to quickly annihte the opposition without any losses. Now they had been forced into a protracted battle against these lunatics that were far more powerful than was normal considering their low levels.


    The outsiders had even managed to enlist help from the Lunar Wolves, with thousands of beasts trying to rip through their ranks.


    The elders are still restoring their reserves after pushing back that army of giants. And I still can''t believe a Titan managed to survive somehow. I wonder if that means some of our ancestors made it out alive as well, Tictus muttered.


    "Still," Levi sighed. "It feels like a darkness ising ever closer, threatening to swallow us up at any moment."


    It''s not much longer. Their shields are on the verge of crumbling. Ten more minutes and well be able tounch a final assault, utterly crushing them. From there it''s just one sprint to the gates of freedom.


    Foolish.


    How utterly foolish he had been, to believe that he could stand on an even footing with these natives on the basis of the millions of people he controlled. He coughed out a mouthful of blood as he crawled up to a sitting position. It provided vantage for him to witness the fires that stretched across the horizon.


    The True Sky Faction was supposed to be like them by all ounts, a fragmented group whose main advantage was numbers rather than individual strength. They had a council as a deciding organ, and there were even elections every decade by the sounds of things.


    But the moment they found a weakness, they pounced like a pack of rabid beasts, forcing their way through the spatial rifts using some unknown means, storming toward their spatial tunnel. The only reason their soldiers werentpletely overrun was the timely assistance of the tide of beasts that were attracted by the smell of blood. The blood of his soldiers.


    Even that was just a dy of the inevitable though. The New World Government had worked tirelessly to unearth as many weapon caches as possible over the past year, taking everything they could get their hands on. US Army Stockpiles or old Soviet munitions belonging to African Warlords, they took it all.


    But their rockets had barely managed to take out a third of the far superior machines of the True Sky Faction, and when their cultivators eventually made their move it was already over. A few ambassadors had managed to escape, but their defensive measures worked against them this time. The moment someone in the outer base heard of what was going on they triggered the trap, closing the tunnel and abandoning their people.


    Of course, Thomas Fisher had an override, but it wasnt like he would have a chance to use it seeing as how he was surrounded by a diverse group of aliens.


    Human, we know you have a method to reopen the tunnel. Tell us how to remove the restrictions, and you and your people can join the True Sky Faction, a furry monkeyman said, his fur silver and bristled from advanced age. Together well deal with the other factions, creating a foundation that can stand tall in the multiverse.


    Joining you bastards? Fischer coughed with a wan smile as he infused some energy into the hidden fractal inscribed on the back of his tooth. Im not worthy. Besides, I cant have you treacherous bastards running around on Earth.


    Treacherous? You kept eliciting our help in return for our freedom, but you never delivered on your end. Weve lost hundreds of warriors and three settlements keeping those cultists at bay. Now the world is ending, and we have run out of both options and patience, the burly humanoid said with a growl as he looked down at Thomas''s wretched form. Now, the exit.


    You can forget it. What life would we lead with bastards like you lording over us? Id rather leave our people to our own tyrant. At least hes born in the United States.


    I gave you a choice, but never mind, the old cultivator sighed as he turned to one of hispanions. Search his mind.


    Thomass heart thumped with fear at the prospect of getting mind-raped by some alien, but he quickly calmed down again, taking a steadying breath. He still couldn''t understand how things came to this. He still remembered the sense of purpose he had back then, how he had led his people through the Tutorial before creating the foundation for his people to survive.


    When had his goals changed? When had his convictions changed?


    It felt like his humanity had been chipped away piece by piece by the temptation of power. He usually med the lizardmen and the insane insectoids for his actions. But in his heart of hearts, he knew better. This new world was poisonous, and he had dly drunk its putrid waters.


    Perhaps it was for the best that it came to this. He could die while he still maintained at least some of his humanity. He knew he was greedy and scheming, but never let it be known that he didnt care for his country. This would be his final gift.


    The rest would be up to Zachary Atwood.


    Have you heard of Atomic Bombs? Thomasughed as he looked up at the aliens before he activated the array. Theyre banned outside, but who would have thought it was possible to assemble one in this ce?


    The eyes of the alien widened withprehension.


    Run!


    But it was toote. A sun was born, blossoming just a few hundred meters away, and it would soon swallow them all.


    Trash, what kind of warrior kills themselves instead of fighting? Cervantes snorted and threw the corpse into a wall before he turned to Yoros. Have you confirmed it?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Yes, the shaman quickly nodded as he ripped the bone-spike out of the pretenders head. Their leaders entered through another portal.


    Shame. And the item? Cervantes asked as he scanned through the Cosmos Sacks.


    It was infuriating. These weaklings possessed a level of wealth that beggared his own, and these were just some insignificant scouts. Meanwhile, he had been forced to cultivate in this cursed environment, living on run-off and scraps like a rat. He would have formed his core a long time ago if it wasnt for his wretched circumstances.


    But fate was finally turning.


    They call it a Dimensional Seed. Their leaders seem to want it to reach the C-Grade, but it can be used to create a private world. A new home for our Tribe?" the shaman hesitantly said, looking at his leader in hopes to discern his thoughts.


    C-Grade or a private world, Cervantes mused. Well, my useless nephew failed with his task, but things might not be over yet. The answers lie at the Core.


    Fate congregates toward the center, Yoros agreed. Something enormous is brewing.


    Good, Cervantes nodded as he turned to his nsmen standing in wait.


    The whole room was still illuminated by lunar splendor after having activated the ceremony, with thousands of his kin radiating a ruthless aura. The killing intent was palpable as well thanks to the corpses of the hundred pretenders lying on the ground.


    "I know you all yearn for freedom," he said. "To bask in the glory of the true moon. But we have suffered in this hellhole for millennia. If we try to leave now, we are just victims who managed to escape. That is not the Lunar Tribe. No, we will seize this moment and turn cmity into opportunity. Our people will not have died in vain. We''ll strike at the core."


    A war-hungry roar emerged from his tribe, and Cervantes nodded with a grin. However, Yoros walked over to him with a hesitant look on his face.


    "We should hurry. Something changed a few hours ago. The fluctuations are growing erratic."


    Zac shed through the throng of people with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. It wasnt like he didnt want to help them, but what could he do except rush to the frontlines? He ran as fast as his legs could carry him and his sister, but each face he passed was imprinted on his mind, building his furious momentum to even greater heights.


    This was a cruel reminder of the realities of the Multiverse. He and n Cartava didnt really have any great reason to be enemies, but sometimes that wasnt enough to be friends. Conflicting views andck of trust had led to this miserable oue, and the Church of Evesting Dao was clearly adept in muddying the waters even further. And there was nothing he could do but to finish things once and for all.


    He was still hundreds of meters away from the gate, but he could still feel the deep explosions in the distance as their force transferred through the Memorysteel walls. The incessant tremors were ample proof of the intensity of the battle taking ce on the other side. They finally reached the gate, and it actually opened itself as a group of bloodied soldiers were about to retreat.


    Lord Atwood! a chorus of voices shouted, but Zacs eyes were on the defensive perimeter outside the sshouse.


    It almost looked like the whole sky had been lit on fire.


    A constant bombardment assailed the defensive array. It was still holding, but it was obviously on itsst legs. Cracks kept appearing, allowing a series of beams to slip inside and wreak havoc on the temporary town inside. Only the sshouse was unscathed, the reinforced ss seemingly immune to Technocrat energy weapons.


    A hundred Anointed stood in a line behind the barrier, a thick stream of energy emerging from their bodies to strengthen the shields. They were each supported by a squad of Zhix warriors who infused them in power. They in turn were supported by a group of supportive cultivators who did everything from protecting them from errant attacks to improving their energy transference.


    Emily was one of them, her face pale as she held her hands against a totem pole she had conjured.


    The physical wall was halfway crumbled already, with most of the Ishiate cannons in ruins. Still, over a hundred warriors stood on top of the wall-walk, desperately sending out attacks as others ran to reinforce the cracks in the barriers.


    Zac shed forward, appearing next to Joanna on top of the wall just as she sent out a storm of fractal weapons through the shield. However, Zac saw how they were quickly were destroyed by an onught ofsers.


    Thank god youre here, she eximed when she saw Zac appear. I dont know how much longer we wouldst without you. Those machines are just too annoying.


    Zac looked out across the battlefield and saw what Joanna was talking about. The whole forest outside had been leveled to give way to a massive mechanical army. The flying drones were just one of the machines the Cartava n used to fight their war for them. There were just as many drones that lookedpletely different, lite flying red eggs.


    They didnt have any weapons, but it was obvious that they were rather there to form an enormous red canopy of shields that covered the whole army. There were alsondbound machines that packed a wallop, along with a few robots whose function Zac couldnt immediately discern. As for the Cartava nsmen themselves, they actually stood out of reach, letting the machines do their bidding.


    The mechanical army was clearly the most immediate threat, and he turned to his sister who looked at the army with greed. She had already taken out her tablet and she was tapping away with fervor. However, she suddenly froze as her eyes widened in horror, just as the drones broke the carefully arranged line a few hundred meters away from the barrier.


    They all suddenly shot straight toward the wall, and even Zac could sense a rapidly umting energy in the machines.


    "They''re booby-trapped! They activated a self-destruct protocol the moment I connected with them. I can''t deactivate it, they''ll blow up this whole town!"

 Chapter 618: Path to Freedom

    Chapter 618: Path to Freedom


    Zac nched when he saw over a thousand drones shooting straight toward them. Most of the machines thankfully held their position, but he had felt the power of just a handful of spider balls self-destructing just a few hours ago. He understood all-too-well that the harried defensive shield wouldnt provide much protection against a st of that magnitude.


    Can you deal with this wave? I have an idea on how to deal with the rest! Kenzie hurriedly said, and Zac grit his teeth before he nodded.


    The coffin appeared on his back almost instantly, and a thick cloud of pitch-ck gases emerged from it as Zac shot out one max-sized fractal de after another. The others on the wall-walk desperately tried to help thin the numbers of drones as well, and one massive explosion after another incinerated the air itself outside the barrier.


    Unfortunately, there were just too many of them, and the barriers of the defensive drones protected them as well. Only Zac was powerful enough to destroy shields and drones alike, but even then they only managed to destroy a third of them before the machines were upon them.


    A majestic demoness had thankfully already appeared outside the barrier by that point. It was <strong>[Deaths Embrace]</strong>, the final card up Zacs sleeve. He had hoped to save it forter, but the Mystic Realm kept forcing him into one desperate situation after another. Aleas opened arms wide in what looked like a weing hug, and the drones actually seemed to be attracted by the gesture.


    They were spread out into small squads of defenders and attackers before, likely to avoid getting taken out by one massive attack, but they all turned to move straight toward the demonic avatar. Zac could clearly sense them being dragged from some mysterious force of the avatar though. One explosion after another erupted in her embrace, but they were muted like the fiery outbursts were sucked straight into a ck hole.


    A small sphere of fire and steel quickly grew in Aleas arms until it was almost too big for her to contain. There were still over a hundred machines left, but Zac knew that the skill had reached its limits. He quickly gave the order, and the avatars jaw unhinged as she swallowed the massive ball before returning turning into a mist that receded into the coffin.


    Zac was already prepared, and two streaks of light flickered in front of the wall. Two clouds, one gold and one ck, could be seen for just an instant before space split in two and destroyed the remaining suicide drones in one go. Zac exhaled in relief when he saw that the first group was dealt with before he quickly scanned his Spirit Tool. He was worried that something would go wrong after <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> swallowed a bunch of drone scraps and fire, but it looked like the coffin really could eat anything.


    Alea had still not as much as sent him an emotion or impression like Verun often did, so Zac couldnt tell whether feeding her things this way was beneficial or detrimental. But that was a worry forter as a second squad was already setting out toward them, this one more than twice as big.


    Im not sure I can block this without creating some massive fallout, Zac whispered with worry to his sister who was tapping away with such speed that her fingers had turned into a blur.


    I got it! Kenzie shouted. Ill knock them all out for a few seconds. Get ready to destroy them. I will not be able to do help you for a while after that. Myputer will need to recharge.


    Zac looked at Kenzie with surprise, but he quickly understood what she meant. It sounded like she or Jeeves had developed some sort of energy discharge aimed at Technocrat machines, and it was powered by Jeeves himself. Zac wasnt sure how to feel about that. It was one thing for the AI to help her with the tech side of things and give cultivation pointers, but now it was starting to directly weaponize itself as well?


    Where would it end?


    He knew that he couldnt be picky at a moment like this though, and he nodded at her to go ahead as he started to charge up <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. He had decided to go all-out from the get-go considering that this mechanized army might actually be the strongest force of the Cartava n. Kenzie sighed as she shot a forlorn look at the vast repository of weaponry she wouldnt be able to steal before a sharp red light shot out of her eyes as she rose up in the air.


    Her face turned into a callous mask as she looked down at the mechanized army outside the gates, like an emperor looking down on its subjects. She ced her palm on the tablet in her grip before throwing it out toward the iing horde. The tablet exploded after just a few meters, releasing a small wave that Zac barely could discern.


    It didnt look like much, but it was extremely effective. The hundreds of red shields covering the army disappeared in an instant, and the machines all stopped in their tracks as the drones started to drop from the sky. Zac was already on the move by that point as he jumped down from the wall and rushed toward the army with all the speed he could muster without activating <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>.


    Stop him! someone roared from within the mechanized army, but the Cartava ns caution was working against them now that Zac and Kenzie had arrived.


    They had wanted to let their robot armies pave the way for them while they conserved their strength, but they ended up in a position where they were unable to intercept Zac as he swung his arm and then swung it again as two massive axes almost superimposed on each other.


    A ripple spread out through the exposed machines before thousands of deep cuts appeared out of nowhere. Many of the falling drones were directly destroyed while therger robots on the ground just got their ting shredded. The mechanical army didnt even get a chance to wake up before a wave of mes hit them next, scorching and shredding everything that was still standing.


    Just like that, the foundation that had held n Cartava safe from the other natives was gone, utterly destroyed because of the deadlybo of Zac and his sister. An army made up of over ten thousand drones and thousands of other weapons were destroyed in an instant, but that wasnt Zacs main goal.


    He rushed forward through the wreckage, his eyes trained on the chaotic defensive line behind the inferno. He spotted a few scorched corpses among the burned metal scraps, no doubt Datamancers hiding among the machines.


    But those people weren''t his concern any longer, his eyes were already trained on the true army of his enemies. The Cartava n had let their machines attack the base for hours by this point, and they had clearly growncent after dealing with the wolves. They had no proper shields up since the defensive drones stationed at their front lines were still malfunctioning, and many seemed to be frozen in stupor upon seeing their whole robot army being destroyed in an instant.


    Zac felt some hesitation for a second, but he quickly pushed it aside as emerged through the mes like a god of war. The enormous pitch-ck Axe of Destion appeared above his head, and it clove the air in a horizontal arc. A massive cloud of destruction billowed toward them, as if Zacs judgment upon the Cartava n had taken form.


    The wave of destion moved deceptively fast, hitting the frontlines of n Cartava before the drones had a chance to reset themselves the quick-witted cultivators had erected some shields by themselves, but the cloud easily slipped through the cracks. There were no screams as the first nsmen sumbed to the Axe of Destion. They simply stopped moving before they fell apart, crumbling into pieces of ash that drifted away.


    Some reacted quicker than others as they desperately tried to attack the cloud or flee for their lives, thetter finding far greater sess than the former. The defenders managed to weaken and dy the wave a bit, but hundreds of people still died in an instant, some of them even E-Grade.


    Of course, a single attack wasnt enough topletely eradicate an E-Grade n.


    A massive eye suddenly appeared in the sky, and even Zac felt immense pressure from it even if its gaze was trained on the wave of destion. The thick ck clouds tried to push even further, but it had already exhausted too much energy dealing with the frontlines. It was stopped in its tracks, locked in a stalemate with the fractal eye.


    The impasse didntst long though as a massive hole was sted through the wave. Three seniors walked through, each of them radiating intense killing intent. Two of them were old men with long flowing beards, while the third was an olddy. None of them held any weapons as far as Zac could tell, but he knew that all three of them were proper cultivators judging by their auras.


    It was no doubt the elders who had stepped forward at this crucial time.


    They stopped in front of their army, gazing at Zac with a mix of shock and anger.


    You must be the one called Zachary Atwood, the man in the middle said with a murderous re, his aura exploding toward the sky. Youre powerful, but n Cartava has waited for liberation for millennia. We will not be stopped by your tyranny.


    A roar of agreement erupted from behind, with the thousands of soldiers ring daggers at him. The previous fear and hesitation was swept away, reced with a palpable bloodlust.


    Zacs eyes thinned as he looked at the old geezer. His aura was actually weakerpared to the man to his left, yet he seemed to speak for the three. Zac guessed that this was the second elder that Levi mentioned, the one who essentially staged a coup. That meant the old guy to the left should be the previous Grand Elder, Levi''s grandfather and the most powerful warrior of n Cartava.


    Three high E-Grade Cultivators and an army assisting them from behind. It was a bit more than he could handle, but he knew that his people would join soon now that the mechanized army was dealt with. He just needed to hold down these three seniors while his people dealt with the others, at which point victory was theirs.


    He was about to make his move, but he suddenly felt slight tremors in the ground ten meters away from him and he immediately guessed something was amiss. He quickly jumped away just as the ground exploded, but Zac hurriedly stopped sending out a fractal de mid-swing when he saw a familiar head pop out.


    WE ARE HERE! Ah? Why are you here? Billy roared as he emerged full of vigor, but he quickly lost his momentum when he saw Zac standing right next to him.


    Whats going on? What are you doing? Zac asked with bafflement.


    These big guys told Billy they are good at digging, so Billy wanted to ambush the bad guys, Billy exined as one Anointed after another emerged from the hole, each of them radiating looking fully rested in contrast to those who had manned the walls.


    Ambush? Zac said with a confused look. Then you did you scream were here?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A-! Billy eximed as Rhubat sighed and shook his head. I guess Billy got too excited?


    It matters not, Wallbreaker. We have appeared right on time, Rhubat rumbled before he turned to Zac. Were here to assist you, Warmaster.


    Zac nodded in thanks before he started when he saw Verana emerge behind the legs of the Anointed as well, apanied by six other Beastmasters. It looked like this elite squad had nned on going all out when the barrier broke,unching a deadly counter the moment n Cartava thought they had seized victory.


    But now that Zac had appeared the Anointed had changed their n, digging their way out prematurely. After all, there was no way that the energy-sensitive Zhix hadnt sensed his appearance.


    We can just help keep one at bay for a bit, Verana said as she looked at the olddy who had not spoken until now. They are proper Late-Stage warriors, after all.


    Thats plenty, Zac said as his aura started to grow.


    Are you truly determined to bar our way on our path to freedom? the man to the left suddenly asked, his face a mask of grief and exhaustion.


    It might have been possible to work something out before, but that time has passed, Zac said as he turned back toward his enemies.


    So it has, the man sighed.


    His aura waspletely unleashed the next moment as an elongated ring of white lightning appeared like a halo behind its back. It was almost blindingly radiant, and it reminded Zac of a vertical eye made from pure energy.


    "We''ll take that one!" Billy roared as he grew, his height soon dwarfing even Rhubat''s. "He zapped Billy before. Billy''s gonna thwonk him back."


    "That olddy still hasn''t made her move," Verana said, her face clearly a bit reluctant. "But we''ll do our best."


    Lulu, Grub, and Slither appeared from within her sleeves, each of them rapidly growing into massive beasts in an instant. They were a lot more powerfulpared to thest time Zac saw them, probably thanks to Verana purchasing a part of the Beast Crystal mine before Zac set off to the Tower of Eternity. Verana wasn''t nning on staying behind this time as she jumped up on the head of Slither while the other Beastmasters joined in, each of them conjuring mysterious fractals that entered the bodies of the three beasts.


    Zac felt he must look like a toddler sandwiched between the hulking Anointed and the awe-inspiring beasts, but his aura told the truth. With two of the elders upied for the time being Zac only needed to worry about the second elder, and that was perfect in his book. This man was the mastermind behind all the trouble n Cartava had caused as far as he could tell, and taking him out would make everything else a lot easier.


    The ground was already vibrating as the chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> slithered out from the coffin on his back, each of them looking like a tentacle hungry for destruction. It was the Zhix horde, thousands of furious insectoids to settle their grudge with the Cartava army.


    "Go," Zac growled, as he pointed his axe toward the second elder.


    The ground cracked for hundreds of meters and the sky lit up in color as six massive sets of auras shed, fighting for supremacy.

 Chapter 619: Despicable

    Chapter 619: Despicable


    A spectral forest rose from the ground as Zac shed forward, the trees immediately giving him a second sight as he tried to close the distance to the Second Elder. Most of the Cartava n cultivators seemed to be leaning toward mage-sses, which meant that turning the fight into a melee was his best bet at ending things quickly.


    The Second Elder frowned as he looked at the forest that had sprung up around him. He pushed his hand forward, causing hundreds of runes to appear, each of them seemingly made out of steel. Zac could somewhat guess what was going on. The Grand Elder used lightning as an element, his insights probably stemming from the Base Power that powered this ce.


    The Second Elder instead had focused on the Memorysteel itself for inspiration.


    Zac was a bit surprised none of them seemed to have insights into space even with all the spatial rifts around them, but he guessed it was simply too hard to gain insight into that Dao as an E-Grade cultivator in this ce.


    A sudden pang of danger dragged Zac out of his thoughts as a metal arrow shot straight toward him,ing from the closest rune. It contained a tremendous force, and the air itself was frayed as it flew straight toward him. But Zac only nced at it before refocusing on his enemy as a chainshed out to intercept.


    The sharp sound of metal colliding echoed out as chain and arrow shed and a small shockwave erupted. The chain of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> was pushed away, but it was clearly Zac who came out victorious in the initial engagement. One of the links had a small white mark from where the arrowhead hit, but the whole arrow was disfigured as it fell to the ground.


    One sh forward moved Zac almost a hundred meters, putting him just ten meters away from the old man. A radiant edge was already tearing through the air as <strong>[Chop] </strong>expanded to over fifteen meters, creating a vast kill-zone in front of him. The elder looked startled as he moved to run away, but he was far too slow. The de bit into his torso before he could take more than a single step, instantly bisecting the old man.


    However, Zac just frowned as the Second Elder supposedly died, and his worry was quickly confirmed as Zac found himself surrounded by over a hundred pitch-ck spikes that reminded him of Aleas ultimate attack. The bisected old man turned into streams of metal the next moment shooting toward him with extreme speed.


    Destroying all the spikes around him would be too annoying so he immediately activated <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> to sh away, but he didnt even manage to take a single step before the two streams of metals reached his legs and turned into two manacles that felt as heavy as mountains. The sudden burden made him stumble, and the spikes shot toward him at that precise moment.


    Zacs Danger Sense screamed at him to get away, and the veins on his forehead pulsated as he forcibly took a step forward and disappeared with the help of his movement skill. It felt like the muscles in his legs would tear from the exertion, but a loud snap confirmed that he had forcibly broken the restrictive skills as he moved.


    A green barrier appeared around Zac as he activated the first defensive charge of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>, just in time as he crashed through a dozen of the ck spikes. The barrier barely held as Zac escaped the encirclement, a testament to how powerful the attack was when counting the number of spikes left behind.


    He appeared fifty meters away, and he turned around just in time to see arge spatial tear being created by the hundred remaining spikes. They had actually ripped a hole into space when they stabbed toward a singr point, and the air twisted and distorted as the rift swallowed everything around it before space mended itself.


    There was no time for Zac to regain his footing though as one arrow after another shot toward him from the runes all around hum. Zac growled in annoyance as his chains turned into a blur, forming a defensive barrier even more effective than <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong>. It was something he hade up with some time ago, but it only worked when there weren''t too many projectiles to deal with.


    The chains kept him safe for the time being, but he knew that this wasnt a sustainable situation.


    He had already spotted ten clones of the old man forming a circle around him, each of them forming different hand seals, no doubt preparing his next major attack. Massive outbursts of lightning and massive sigils shing to his left was proof of a battle that was quickly reaching a fever pitch, and the three beasts to his right were already bloodied as the Tal-dar desperately held on for dear life.


    The Second Elder had seized the momentum the moment Zac looked over at that very first arrow. It had given him a short window to teleport away while leaving behind a boobytrapped clone, even escaping Zac''s improved senses from <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>. Zac knew he needed to break the stalemate, but it looked like the second elder wasnt actually trying to take him out. He was just probing him while stalling for time, waiting for the others to finish up their fights.


    Unfortunately, Zac saw no simple quick fix. The clones were extremely life-like, and Zac couldnt actually tell which one was the real elder even with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. Zac knew what he had to do, though he hated such tactics. But this was not the time to hesitate, and the lustrous halo of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> appeared behind his back while he also started infusing a storm of Cosmic Energy into <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.


    The axe of the axe-man appeared inside the halo, and Zac shot toward the closest avatar. It was shredded into pieces by one swing of his E-Grade skill, the ground itself turned into a deep gorge from the force generated by the halo. The clone wasnt the real elder this time either, and his body fell apart into liquid metal once more.


    This blob didnt shoot toward Zac, but it rather rose into the sky as it absorbed the metal runes in the area, forming one massive fractal. Zac spotted a simr fractal asrge as a fist suddenly appear on his robe, and he felt a tremendous pressure like he was bound by unseen fetters. It reminded him of those annoying spiderlings he had fought during the final battle of the second Beast Wave, where each spider that attached to him increased the gravity.


    This one mark added over ten times as much weight on his body, but Zac was also not the same person as he was back then. He bore the weight without a change in expression as he shed toward the second clone. This one was right at the edge of his fractal forest, and it was the closest one to the Cartava Army.


    The second avatar was destroyed in a single swing as well, and another massive fractal appeared, just as expected. The strain on his body more than doubled, but Zac only snorted as he pushed his free hand forward. An enormous crack in the sky appeared, but not right above him. It was instead above the army just a few hundred meters away, and therge wooden hand emerged in all its glory.


    Zac wasted no time as he rushed forward, running away from the encirclement and his spectral forest. He was surprised to feel that the restraints increased by a whole tier after he left the circle the elders clones had set up, but he could still move almost freely supported by his almost inhuman amount of Strength.


    Screams of confusion erupted among the natives as an emerald fractal appeared in the sky, immediately putting the soldiers under immense pressure. Confusion quickly turned to fear as a small sapling rapidly grew into a towering tree, with hundreds of branches shooting downward like spears.


    It was like the tree had eyes as well, with the attacks only targeting the natives while avoiding the allied army of Port Atwood.


    Despicable! the second elder roared, and he actually emerged out of the ground in the middle of the encirclement.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was no wonder that Zac couldnt pinpoint his location. He was actually hiding underground, masking his aura while he let his clones fight for him. But Zac didnt care that the real elder had appeared as his eyes were peeled on a young man shouting orders in the middle of the army.


    This was a battle for the survival of Earth, and if he needed to act despicably to get the job done, so be it. The second elder seemed to want to draw things out to tip the scales in their favor, but Zac had one card up his sleeve to force his hand; the elder''s grandson. Zac had already spotted the man he suspected to be the one called Yvian some time ago. Furthermore, he was just an early E-Grade warrior, not a match to Zac at all.


    Hundreds of barriers erupted as the soldiers tried to defend against the death from above, but the Zhix warriors didnt have any such worries as theyunched another assault with unmitigated bloodthirst. The pitched battle between the two armies quickly turned to a bloodbath as the soldiers found themselves unable to deal with the pincer attack of both Zac and Zhix.


    An enormous explosion erupted to his left, and Zac saw Billy appear out of nowhere to block the Grand Elders attempt to reach his nsmen. A torrent of lightning bolts sted out from the glowing eye behind the old man in an attempt to force Billy to give way, but the ten-meter giant released a thunderous roar as he mmed his gargantuan club into the ground.


    The whole area shook like the whole mystic realm was about to split apart before a towering mountain rose from the ground to block the old man. A section mountain exploded in turn as six familiar balls shot out with shocking force, each of them exploding around the Grand Elder, drowning him in a ceaseless barrage of stone-shards reinforced by Zhix conviction.


    It was the Anointed thatunched a surprise strike while the elder was preupied with the plight of his nsmen, and their joint attack caused some serious wounds to appear across his body.


    The three beasts were simrly unleashing ultimate strikes to block the infuriated olddy, leaving just the Second Elder to protect his n. As expected, a towering metallic beast suddenly rose among the soldiers, looking a bit like the werewolf but wearing a spiked turtle shell on its back. The spikes turned into innumerable spears that mmed into the descending tree, ripping apart branches by the hundreds.


    Zac only snorted as he kept infusing <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> with even more Cosmic Energy, causing new branches to sprout and stab at the soldiers beneath. As for himself, two quick shes put him right in front of the man he guessed was Yvian.


    No! the man screamed as his face turned pallid in fear.


    A barrier appeared in front of him, but it cracked before Zacs overhand swing even reached it, the massive pressure of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> alone enough to shatter it. However, the second elder appeared in front of Yvian out of nowhere, his whole body turning into a pitch-ck metal covered in dense sets of shimmering fractals.


    It was like he had turned himself into a war machine, and he stabbed his right hand forward while the other hand moved up to block Zacs swing. Zacs Danger Sense warned him of the huge force contained in the jab, but he didnt care at all as his eyes were filled with death as he stared at his targets.


    Just as <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> was about to sh with the palm it erupted with tremendous force, far eclipsing anything he had disyed until now.


    Wh-! the old man blurted, but it was toote.


    A massive scar split the ground for over a hundred meters as Zac infused his attack with Fragment of the Axe, the first time since he arrived that one of his attacks were infused with the Dao. The sudden and shocking increase in power had been too much, and the steel-rted Dao Fragment that the old man used was clearly just at early mastery.


    A sharp pain spread in his side as the jab of the second elder managed to puncture Zacs body even with his high Endurance. However, the elder didnt follow up on his attack, and neither did Zac. Zac just took a step back to extricate the steely hand from his body before the wound rapidly started to close.


    The two forms of Yvian and his grandfather only stood unmoving for a second before they split apart, and it was their deaths that fueled the activation of <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. It would normally be impossible for Zac to use his healing skill in the middle of a battle, but there were just dead bodies all around him while Zhix elites had quickly formed a protective circle while he healed up.


    It had been a gamble since the beginning, but it worked out in the end. There was something Zac had noticed the moment he stepped into this Mystic Realm; it almost felt like the Tower of Eternity in the sense that his connection with the Dao was extremely weak.


    He was still able to push his Fragment of the Axe forward thanks to his earlier encounters, but he had already realized from his battles until now that none of his enemies really excelled in the Dao. The downed elder was proof of that. He was no doubt hundreds of years old, yet he only had a Low-Grade Dao Fragment.


    Perhaps this was because of the characteristics of the Mystic Realm or perhaps it was a result of the Dimensional Seed sucking up all the Origin Dao, but in either case, it gave him a hidden weapon. Thanks to hiding his cards during the whole battle, Zac was able to burst out with extreme force in an instant with the help of a High-Mastery Dao Fragment.


    Levi had no doubt warned of his power before, but by hiding his attainment while targeting Yvian he had created an opening. Still, there was no satisfaction in Zac''s heart for dealing with the Second Elder this way. He knew that Ogras would be smiling with pride if he had seen Zac''s tactic, but this wasn''t how he wanted to deal with problems. His eyes gazed across the Cartava army that waspletely crumbling by this point, and hesitation filled his heart. What now?


    And it was at that point another prompt appeared in front of him.

 Chapter 620: Sankhara-Dukkha

    Chapter 620: Sankhara-Dukkha


    Zac knew his people werent out of the woods just yet, but he still scanned the prompt that had appeared in front of him before deciding on his next move.


    <strong>Sankhara-Dukkha (Training (6/9)): Emerge victorious and seize the Spatial Drill. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/2)</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of 2 levels.]</strong>


    He didnt know what the quest name was referring to, but the task was more straightforward. It also confirmed the importance of the Spatial Drill to the point that it almost felt like the System had sensed his hesitation and told him do what you want as long as you get the drill.


    The problem was what he should do now. He had just killed the Second Elder a few seconds ago, and his death had instantly roused the battle lust of the Zhix as they rampaged through the army with newfound vigor. Less than a third of the native army was still standing, with Zac being the biggest perpetrator by unleashing both the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> upon them.


    He could probably force a surrender as long as they dealt with the two remaining elders, but to what end? What would he do, saddled with thousands of prisoners when they needed to move toward the core of the Mystic Realm?


    But could he just ughter them all just out of convenience?


    Was there some sort of middle-ground?


    No! a wail echoed out from the distance, and Zac turned his head to see the olddy desperately trying to break past the beasts in an effort to reach him, or perhaps the body of the Second Elder.


    Her eyes were stained with tears and her old body was covered in bloody wounds. The air around her kept twisting and distorting as Grub constantly switched between mming his enormous teeth together and releasing his massive bellows. Zac remembered all-too-well the restrictive power those soundwaves possessed.


    The elder still pushed forward, shielded by a massive avatar that looked a bit like a huge scarecrow. It was made from hundreds of different nts, with leaves and fruits giving it facial features. Its limbs were made from straw and roots, and it was decked in a robe made from leaves. It stood over twenty meters tall, and it radiated both a life-force that eclipsed Zac''s own wooden hand while also radiating the aura of a powerful adversary.


    The grass around its feet kept growing taller as flowers sprung up around it. Perhaps it was the avatar of a God of Harvest, something the elder had used to nurture the nts of the n. But that was obviously not its only function as that avatar alone seemed more than capable to deal with all three of Veranas beasts, even when they were empowered by a group of elite Beastmasters.


    It wasnt very quick, but its attacks contained an enormous force. Slither tried to block as the elder and her champion pushed through Grubs restraints, but the olddy was on a rampage. A single punch from the avatar threw the snake over fifty meters away, and it was clearly grievously wounded from the hit.


    Lulu harried the olddy while running in circles as she tried to light the scarecrow on fire with her spells, but roots kept stabbing up from the ground leaving deepcerations on the foxlike beast. It was like nature heeded the olddys call,shing out at everything around her.


    If nothing changed, then the third elder would soon reach the shing armies. That wasnt the real problem though. The problem was the look in her eyes as she unerringly stared at Zac. He didnt know the background of this senior, but judging by the bone-chilling killing intent in her eyes as she stared at him, she was more likely to self-detonate than to surrender.


    Then something suddenly changed. A ball of extremely concentrated poison shot toward the olddy as Slither unleashed one final attack before it fell unconscious. A series of thick leaves sprouted from the ground, but they were instantly incinerated as the blob flew straight toward the olddy. It contained a corrosive effect of a magnitude that rivaled <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, and even Zac felt some pressure from it.


    The elder was finally forced to look away from Zac to meet the new threat head-on. She made a series of seals as the scarecrow hurriedly bent over, cing its two b-like hands to block the iing projectile. The already oversized hands of the avatar quickly grew evenrger, turning into two meter-thick ramparts.


    A storm of purple smoke erupted when the blob hit the wall, and even Zac felt the ground shudder from almost two hundred meters away. That wasnt all the Beastmasters had prepared though. Grub released a piercing high-pitched wail that conjured a tunnel that swallowed the elder in an instant. It didnt seem to hurt her, but it was like time had slowed down inside it.


    The elders avatar was already preupied with dealing with Slithers attack, allowing Lulu to fire a massive pir of white mes straight at the olddy, incinerating the air itself. The elder moved like in slow-motion inside the pir, but a storm of golden leaves flew out to block out the attack.


    Zac breathed out in relief as he started running over. The trio had gone all-out, but it still looked like the elder woulde out unscathed. However, the situation had given him a window of opportunity where he could quickly restrain her with the help of the restraint module he still carried with him. If he could capture her with the help of that thing, the war would be over since the grand elder was already wounded thanks to the Anointeds surprise attack.


    His approach was immediately spotted, and a ruthless gleam shone in the elders eyes as she looked at him. It looked like she had given the massive scarecrow some sort of order as well as it was slowly turning toward him, its hands mostly corroded away. But Zac didnt care as he rushed toward her.


    However, a familial form soundlessly rose from the ground like the soil was made from water, appearing right behind the old woman. There was no hesitation as Rhubat made his move the moment he saw an opening thanks to both the elder and the avatar being preupied.


    Wai- Zac said as he rushed forward, but it was toote.


    The elder seemed to have realized something was wrong the moment Rhubat appeared as well, and dozens of vines appeared behind her to tie him up. But the roots were instantly turned to ash as Rhubat exploded with radiant mes; the mes from burning ones lifeforce. Rhubats fist gained a golden glimmer as it punched straight through the vines and then the torso of the Cartava Lady, instantly killing her in one blow.


    Her gaze never left Zacs though, not even in death.


    The foliage and fruits that made up the twenty-meter avatar rapidly started to wither and rot away as it slowly curled into a fetal position. A secondter it was just a putrid ball, but simply standing in its vicinity caused Zacs Danger Sense to go off. Something was brewing inside that ball.


    Quickly, get away! Zac shouted, allowing the Anointed to scramble out of the way just before the crumbling avatar exploded, disintegrating the olddy and the surrounding fifty meters.


    Thank you, Warmaster, a bloodied Rhubat rumbled as he appeared next to him.


    No problem. Here, take this, Zac said as he threw arge Longevity Pearl to him. Eat this thing. It might help you a bit."


    Rhubat shrugged and swallowed the pearl in one go, its massive size making the pearl seem like a small pill.


    Longevity, Rhubat said as he looked down at Zac with surprise. "This is a great gift."


    I cant have you leave us just yet, Zac smiled, happy that the pearl seemed to have at least some effect on restoring Rhubat''s remaining lifeforce.


    Not while the crusade is unfinished, Rhubat agreed.


    Help me with thest one, Zac said as he looked over at the Grand Elder. I have an item that canpletely restrain him.


    They had alreadye this far, so Zac felt he might as well take this war all the way. The old man was bleeding all over, but the others in the group were even worse-off by now. The massive explosion had actually saved the lives of two of the Anointed, but one was already dead on the ground. Killing the third elder hade with a cost.


    The death of the second elder had made the old man freeze and look over, allowing the other Anointed to barely jump out of the way of a beam of electricity so intense that it lingered in the air like a scar on reality. Only Billys aura was still somewhat stable, but he was covered in scorch marks from head to toe, his lungs working like bellows as he greedily swallowed air.


    Everyone was unwilling or unable to make the first move, putting them in an impasse for a few seconds. The old mans eyes moved from the crater to Zac, and finally to the rapidly crumbling army of his nsmen. There was fury in his eyes, but more so helplessness. But then there was finally tranquility and a dash of insanity as he smiled at Zac.


    Cartava, forever standing! the man suddenly roared as he lit up like a beacon, causing massive waves of lightning that forced Billy and the Anointed to back away.


    A collective roar erupted among the remaining Cartava soldiers, and each of them turned into beacons as well as a zing lightning eye appeared above their heads. The whole area shook from the outburst of Cosmic Energy, and Zac got a sinking feeling as he saw the madness in the old mans eyes.


    Shit, theyre blowing themselves up! Zac screamed as he looked on with wide eyes as heunched a barrage of fractal des at the Grand Elder.


    The fractal des didn''t even get close before they were turned to ash, and Zac was all out of powerful moves. His blitz had been short and brutal, and <strong>[Rapturous Divide] </strong>was still on its cooldown.


    RETREAT! Rhubat roared as he erected his series of earthen shields to protect his grievously wounded brethren.


    The Port Atwood army had already disengaged, with everyone running for their lives as hundreds of people joined each other in death. The world turned white a secondter, and Zac almost felt like the whole Mystic Realm was falling apart. He could only open his eyes a few secondster, only to see hundreds of craters littering the battlefield, thergest one unsurprisingly the Grand Elder''s handiwork.


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked as he turned to the Anointed.


    "We''re fine, Warmaster," Rhubat sighed as it gazed at the elder''s crater. "A valiant ending."


    "Hmm," Zac hummed, feeling something was amiss, though he couldn''t put his finger on it.


    Those thoughts were thrown into the back of his head though when he spotted a familiar figure in the distance.


    ---------


    Its over, Tictus sighed, a wave of destion emanating from his body. Its all over.


    Grandpa, Levi sighed with a forlorn expression.


    I know father would have wanted to say goodbye, but he was out of time. This way our elites will be able to bring him away, giving the n a final chance at survival. Perhaps an opportunity will arise if they hide until after the treasure matures, Tictus said as he put away his tablet.


    What about you? Levi whispered. You can still


    Were standing outside the field. If they try to help us, theyll expose themselves and break the illusion. They are probably already gone, Tictus smiled.


    Im sorry, Levi said. If not for


    Dont be. Im happy to apany you, child. Its not right for you to be left alone after all youve sacrificed. Besides M, my children All have already gone ahead. Im tired, Tictus smiled as he looked down at his niece.


    Levi only felt hollow inside as she deactivated her bloodline skill. She had seen enough. Her curse almost felt like a blessing at this point, shielding her from the suffering around her. People she had grown up with, people she had looked up to or despised. A fragmented n bound together by theirmon plight.


    So many gone in just an instant, crushed by a vengeful judgment. The hair on the back of her neck suddenly stood up as an immense aura came closer, and she could hear the sounds of bare feet walking through the grass a few secondster.


    Anything to say for yourself? Zachary said, and she could feel his eyes boring into her.


    Levi opened her eyes and turned toward the source of the sound. She couldnt see him, but yet she could. He towered in front of her like a force of nature itself. She was blind, but she felt that she never had seen so clearly before, not even when awakening her bloodline back then.


    Zachary Atwood was an aberration, an entity that should never have been provoked. Fate swirled around him, drawn to him like fireflies were to fire. To go against him was to go against the Heavens themselves. Yet she also knew one fundamental truth.


    He was just one. One among many.


    One star that shone a little bit brighter in a vast universe of stars and zing suns, each of them swallowing everything in their surroundings in their unceasing ascent to the peak. People like her and her n were just the soil that would help these stars grow, and a sense of exhaustion and helplessness washed over her.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But then there was peace.


    In my next life, I pray that I will not be a cultivator, Levi whispered as she closed her eyes forever.

 Chapter 621: Ripples

    Chapter 621: Ripples


    Zac sighed as he looked down at Levi as her body copsed in the drone chair. He hadnt touched her, but it wasnt hard to tell that she died. It looked a bit like shemitted suicide, but Zac soon realized that was not really the case. One nce with <strong>[Comic Gaze]</strong> exposed rampant energies that ripped through her innards. It looked like her body was full of what Zac assumed to be temporal cracks, and there was even a hint of something all-too-familiar; the aura of the purple Heavenly Lightning.


    It felt quite diluted, or perhaps it was more apt to say it was hollow. Still, it felt like ample proof that her messing with time really came with grave consequences, especially when she didn''t have any means to protect herself like Zac with his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. The sinister cracks that were only visible to his special sight stemmed from her two cursed eyes, spreading throughout her body.


    His best guess was that she had somehow contained or managed to dy the effect, but she simply gave up just now, letting the curse end her life. Zac had run through the corridors with righteous indignation before, a towering fury building over the betrayal and assault on his people. He had meted out justice, or at least vengeance, but there was no sense of closure at this moment.


    Looking down at Levi Zac just felt... cheated. The Cartava n definitely deserved what wasing to them, but that didn''t change much.


    Poor child, the middle-aged man next to the drone chair said with a sigh.


    Zacs eyes turned to the man, taking in the intricate machinery that covered his Technocrat-suit and the helmet lying to the side. He was definitely a Datamancer, probably one of the leaders and main controllers of the battlebot swarm.


    I guess youre her uncle, the Datamancer? Zac slowly said. Where is the Spatial Drill?


    Why should I tell you that? the man said with a deste smile. My niece is dead, as is my own family. We have lost our elders, our mechanical armies, and most of our elites. n Cartava has fallen, this ce finally did us in. Just kill me and get it over with.


    Many have died, but even more should still be alive, Zac said, steeling his heart as he pointed toward the direction of the gate to the Cartava n. This is just a part of your people. There should still be thousands of civilians relying on your protection. What kind of future they will lead will depend on your answers. Or I can go there and settle things myself, leaving no lingering threat behind.


    Honestly, Zac didnt want anything to do with the Cartava civilians. He almost hoped they would hide away in some corner of the Mystic Realm, out of sight and out of mind until he had dealt with his real goals in this ce. But he had already confirmed that the quest was just at (1/2) inpletion, meaning the drill was still unounted for. He needed answers, even if he had to use the rest of the Cartava n as leverage.


    Zac was about to continue pressuring the Datamancer, but a pulse suddenly rippled through the air. It didnte from the middle-aged man though, but rather seemed toe from the inner parts of the Mystic Realm.


    Wh- Zac said as he took a steadying step, but he didnt even have time to react before a second pulse arrived.


    He suddenly found himself standing over fifty meters away from the Datamancer, disced by some mysterious means. He hadnt even felt himself move. The Datamancer had essentially jumped onto the drone chair of Levi, and he stared at the direction of the core, his miserable demeanor reced with a calcting look.


    Zac could easily understand what he was thinking; was the Dimensional Seed Awakening?


    Suddenly a huge sphere made from spatial tears and the same type of shielding as the base used sprung up around the Datamancer. Zac immediately realized something was wrong, and he rushed forward, his axe already shining with a sanguine light as he activated the first fractal on its handle.


    The Datamancer only nced at Zac before he bent over Levis corpse, and Zac felt his blood freeze when he saw what he was doing. He was digging out her eyes with his own bare hands before he transferred them to a special vial he had taken out from a Cosmos Sack. After that, he took out a crystal sphere, a ball filled with something that looked like a ck hole.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac still couldnt figure out what the Datamancer was up to, but his instincts told him that he had to stop it. The shield was thankfully only so strong, and it soon crumbled under Zacs all-out onught. One more swing and the Datamancer would be dead.


    Stop right now or Ill turn you into mincemeat, Zac growled as he walked closer, only keeping him alive because he needed answers.


    The Datamancer frowned as he looked over at Zac before he seemed toe to a decision.


    You asked about the Spatial Drill, didnt you? the man said as he warily looked at Zac. Well, here it is.


    The Spatial Drill appeared in his free hand the next moment, making Zacs heart lurch. He would instantly fail his quest if the Datamancer destroyed it, but that wasn''t the real issue. Zac''s instincts told had that it would cause untold problems down the line if Zac didnt get his hands on that tool. He expected it to be hidden or in the hands of one of the elders, but it turned out that they had handed it over to their chief Datamancer.


    Dont do anything stupid, Zac warned, cosmic energy already coursing through his body.


    The Heavens have a sense of humor. Just as I was resigned to death, it provided a path of survival. I thought I was ready to pass on, but I guess not. I am but 180 years old, I can still start over as long as I get out of here, the Datamancer muttered, but Zac wasnt sure whether the man was talking to himself or to him.


    We can make a deal, Zac said as he took out a teleportation token from his Spatial Ring. I have dozens of teleportation tokens that can take you almost anywhere in the Zecia Sector. Give me the Spatial Drill and help me reach the core and Ill give you one along with enough Nexus Coins to activate it.


    The middle-aged man looked at the token with hesitation and greed, but a third ripple suddenly appeared out of nowhere, this one causing them both suddenly to appear five meters into the air. The twonded onto the ground without any issue, but Zac got a sinking feeling when the Datamancers eyes had calmed down after the spatial discement.


    The world is ending, and youre still thinking of the treasure? the middle-aged man smiled. I hope youll find it in your heart to leave a path for my nsmen. Here, catch.


    Zac was about to try to convince him once more while simultaneously having one of his chains move toward the man below the ground. But his eyes widened in horror when the Datamancer suddenly threw the Spatial Drill out with great force as a series of new barriers appeared around him.


    Confusion clouded Zacs mind, and he didn''t know what he should do. What did the System want from him? The quest told him to get the Spatial Drill, but the drill had led him to one of the topmost Datamancers in the Mystic Realm. Besides, the Drill was a Technocrat tool, shouldnt it survive some roughhousing, especially with Kenzie there to make some field repairs?


    But a sudden realization hit him. Why did he care about what the System might or might not want him to do? Ogras story about Divine Guidance had nted a seed of hesitation, but was there any point to second-guessing himself? He just needed to follow his instincts, and they told him to go for the machine.


    Getting the drill was far more important than capturing a Datamancer.


    He shed forward with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but a fourth ripple caused reality to bend for an instant before it was restored. This one was far more powerful than the previous anomalies and Zac quickly realized that something was wrong. It almost felt like he was in one of those nightmares where he tried to run but he couldnt move from his current spot. His legs moved forward just fine though, and he could quickly confirm that it wasnt some sort of illusion.


    It was space itself that had started to unravel.


    Hundreds of meters had beenpressed into what appeared to be a hundredth of the distance. Each step with his movement skill pushed him forward, but it looked like Zac moved less than a meter. Thankfully the same odd situation seemed to affect the Spatial Drill, and it looked like it moved in slow motion on its descent toward the ground.


    It felt like time had stopped as he desperately tried to make himself run faster. Zac spared a nce at the Datamancer after a few seconds, and his brows rose in shock as he saw what he was doing. He had already thrown Levis corpse to the ground, and it looked like he had extracted something from the machine.


    Another contraption held the weird ball that looked like a ck hole, and the two together looked like some kind of doomsday device. The Datamancer was slowly moving to insert another item into the contraption, something that clearly was an energy source full of Base Power. The sphere was already radiating tremendous spatial waves, and Zac didn''t even want to think what would happen when the device would get a busload of Base Power.


    Another odd pulse hit Zac, and he suddenly found himself moving forward with dizzying velocity. He barely had time to refocus on the task at hand, and he stopped just in time to snatch the Spatial Drill out of the air, immediately putting it in his Spatial Ring for safekeeping. He immediately turned back toward the Datamancer to capture him, but he soon realized that he was toote.


    A huge Void Sphere was born where the doomsday device hovered a second ago. It was more than twice as big as the Void Spheres he had seen until now, but that wasn''t the only odd thing. The Datamancer had done something to modify it. It almost looked like it had an arched doorframe that held back the outeryer of spatial turbulence. Zac immediately started running, but the distance was too great. The Datamancer passed through the arch before Zac made it halfway back.


    But it was clear that he was struggling.


    Layers afteryers of shielding appeared around his body, but they were destroyed almost as quickly as they were formed. But he didnt care as he had almost reached his goal; the core of the Void Sphere. This one didnt show a distant star or the void of outer space, but rathernd. It, thankfully, wasnt Earth though as the sky was yellow while the ground was covered by some weird bone-like trees.


    It looked like the Datamancer had already prepared a final escape n for his n, or perhaps for just himself. Seeing how he had dug out Levis eyes before discarding her body like it was trash, Zac guessed it was thetter. Something had changed after the first ripple had arrived, something that the Datamancer believed had given him a shot at survival.


    Even worse, Zac felt that the Cartava elite really believed the world was ending, and Zacs own conviction that the natives were wrong was honestly starting to be poisoned with doubt. But the thought of jumping into the Void Sphere as well didn''t even cross his mind.


    He couldnt even entertain the thought that the Mystic Realm was falling apart. Even if he managed to escape alive through that spatial bubble, then what? His sister, all his friends, all his subordinates would still be stuck in a copsing realm, facing death all alone. He was better off fighting for a chance of survival in this ce, and the Spatial Drill might be the key to the puzzle.


    Zac still kept running toward the Void Sphere, but he eventually stopped a hundred meters away. The Sphere was starting to suck in everything in its surroundings, and Zac was afraid that he would be dragged inside if he came closer or tried to snatch the Datamancer with his chains.


    Eventually, Zac simply stopped to observe. Part of him wanted to send out a fractal de as some sort of retribution for how he had treated his niece''s body. Something unconscionable like that shouldn''t go unpunished. But he reined in his bubbling anger, more concerned about what he was trying to do.


    Space in the mystic realm was bing weird and unstable, and he and his people might soon need to use simr means to escape. If Zac could learn what to do and what to avoid by observing this attempt it might save lives further down the road.


    Most of the Technocrat shields had already copsed around the middle-aged man, and his right arm was suddenly cut clean off as he pushed through the inner spatial tears. He looked like a mangled corpse from over a dozen deepcerations, but Zac could sense that he was still alive as he finally managed to push through the spatial folds, falling into the core of the Void Sphere. His body twisted and distorted, making him look like a blob.


    Both the Datamancers and the Void Sphere disappeared a secondter, leaving Zac wondering if he actually made it or not. One thing was clear though; Levi hadn''t been lying about the dangers of those things. Jumping into a Void Sphere was fraught with danger, and even someone with ample preparations had been pushed to the brink of death in his escape attempt.


    Yet another ripple caused space to bend into an u-shape, and Zac''s heart lurched when he suddenly saw treetops from the Lunar Forest point down toward him. Honestly, Zac wasn''t sure whether he or the half-dead Datamancer had the best odds of survival at the moment.

 Chapter 622: Upheavals

    Chapter 622: Upheavals


    It looked like the structural integrity of the Mystic Realm was starting to unravel because of the mysterious ripples. Zac tried to discern what the ethereal waves were doing as they passed through the area, but his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>simply couldnt pick up anything at all. Zac could only guess that the Dao or energy inside those ripples was simply too high-tiered for his skill to catch them, which wasn''t surprising considering the grade of the Dimensional Seed.


    Zac had a strong feeling that things would only get worse before they got better though, and he started running back toward his people.


    Short was long and long was short as one pulse after another started hitting him with increasing velocity. The weird spatial expansion and contraction started to leave a mark on his body, as an odd sense of hollowness spread through his limbs, like his energy had been exhausted from being stretched and molded like a ball.


    The same seemed to be true of Zac''s surroundings. He could see trees falling apart for seemingly no reason in the distance, and hairline cracks spread across the Memorysteel wall and on the ground. Zacs worries that the whole base would fall apart as the Dimensional Seed matured only intensified, and he needed to confer with Kenzie who should have some readings by now.


    The army had already retreated toward the fort by the time Zac managed to cross the battlefield where hundreds of mangled bodies stilly unmoving. It should just have taken a second or two with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but he repeatedly found himself running in the wrong direction or repositioned.


    Verana, Billy, and the Anointed had stayed behind to rest up while waiting for Zac, but they immediately started running as well when they saw how quickly things were deteriorating. Verana was carrying her wounded beasts in her arms as she ran for her life, and Rhubat carried one of his brethren over his shoulders as he rushed toward the shield, each step causing tremors in the ground.


    Warmaster! Whats happening?! the Anointed shouted when Zac finally caught up to them, prompting Verana to look over with the gaze of a drowning sailor seeing a life raft.


    Im not sure why, but the Dimensional Treasure is awakening early! We need to gather up our people to not get separated! Zac shouted back without stopping.


    Zac had no idea what he was talking about, but this wasnt the time to let that on. Gathering together felt as good an idea as any, and he hoped that whatever was going on would at least somewhat follow the rules of teleportation. That if people touched each other they would stay together.


    The pulses kept increasing in intensity, but Zac somewhat breathed out in relief as they managed to make their way back to the base. The shield had already copsed, and thousands of eyes turned toward him with worry and questions. A nce indicated that most of the wounded had already returned, gathering together with the others within the wall.


    He wanted to assure them all that everything would be fine, but his eyes darted toward the core of the Mystic Realm with hesitation. Should he try to get everyone out of here? He was about to speak to his people, but he suddenly found himself unable to speak as monstrous energy suffused everything around him.


    The world twisted, and Zac couldnt maintain even a semnce of control. He was asrge as a moon, a single thought taking days to reach his extremities. He was just a speck of stardust, where just a drop of water would be enough to drown him a million times over. Space had copsed, where distances and dimensions held no sway.


    All was chaos.


    It was only possible to make sense of his surroundings for an instant before the universe turned mad again. The world turned t before it became less. He saw a vast infinity where space even stretched toward the future and the past, a dimension where space and time had melded into one.


    He saw a world sailing in the shadows of reality, he saw life and death copsing into themselves. An eye stared back at him, seemingly surprised to be seen. A pair of hands ripping apart the sky. He saw a splinter hidden at the bottom of a sea, a shard in the heart of a volcano. Weird visions assailed him one as the fundamentalws of space copsed around him.


    The world finally returned to normal, or at least not as insane. Zac wasnt sure how he felt. It was as though he had caught a glimpse of destiny, or heaven''s secrets themselves. Now he was back in his mortal flesh like he was blinded from the truth. But this was no time for introspection as the cataclysmic changes clearly had just begun.


    His eyes widened in shock as the towering Memorysteel wall started to fall apart, turning into streams of liquid that rushed toward the core of the Mystic Realm like a river in the sky. And it wasnt the only one. Thousands more just like it appeared in all directions, and Zac was only able to see it since the whole dimension kept bending and twisting.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A terrifying explosion erupted to his left as one of the moons crashed into the ground. It was like a shbang of unprecedented proportions had been set off, and Zac felt a terrifying force throw him into the air.


    One moment he saw a forest in ruins, the next moment he found himself in a vast darkness with a thin line of light. He didnt even have time to panic at being thrown out into the Void before he was back inside the base, and he mmed into the crumbling wall they had built as a defensive line. It was pretty odd that the shockwave had pushed him toward the point of impact, but Zac was more confused as to why the walls remained unscathed.


    The wall was made from massive blocks they had harvested from a nearby ind outside the Mystic Realm, and they stoodpletely unphased as everything else seemed to fall apart. Was it because the material wasnt native to the Mystic Realm?


    Others had realized the same oddity as well, and more and more huddle against the battlements and their false sense of safety. Zac made his way over to his sister who hid next to the wall, desperately typing away at a tablet.


    Are you okay? Zac said.


    Im fine. Im trying to understand whats go- Kenzie said, her words cut sort as she suddenly disappeared, only appearing a secondter. ing on here. But its chaos. Theres not much we can do but wait.


    The world kept twisting and shaking for over an hour, at which point most people had fallen unconscious. Even Zac was barely hanging on, and he could eventually just close his eyes and hide against the wall while shielding his sister. But the shakes finally subsided, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief as he popped a Soldier Pill and Fasting Pill to give a quick boost to his exhausted body.


    Kenzie had barely been able to stay conscious but she wasn''t in any condition to start dealing with this mess. She quickly sat down in a meditative pose to focus on recuperation. Zac wasn''t quite as wrung dry and he immediately stood up to start looking for clues. The sshouse, the walls, and the forest were all still there, but the cataclysmic changed had causedrge sections to fall apart.


    More importantly, it was clear that they had all shrunk significantly, to the point that all or at least most of the spatial expansion had been undone. The walls were only six meters tall now, a far cry from their previous 50-meters height. The same went for the sshouse, which was now a building of normal proportions.


    It almost felt like a good thing, but his heart almost jumped out of his mouth when he looked up.


    The metallic lines in the sky were gone, reced with vast darkness; the Void had suddenlye much closer. There were thankfully no Void Creatures flying about as far as he could see, but it still felt like something was looking back at him from within the darkness. Those terrifying hand-covered tentacles could descend any moment for all he knew, but things were at least quiet for the moment.


    Perhaps it was thanks to a shimmering film protecting the atmosphere in the area. It almost looked like he was gazing at an ocean made of soapy water in the sky. The barrier rippled like waves on the water, seemingly expanding and contracting like it was breathing.


    Zac sighed in relief and jumped up on the wall to get a better look at the situation, but the scene almost made him fall off again. The whole mystic realm had beenpletely transformed, to the point that Zac almost felt he must have been unconscious for years.


    First of all, it became abundantly clear that the whole Mystic Realm had fallen apart. The Lunar forest simply cut off a few kilometers ind, the ground suddenly giving way to the Void. He could see simr scenes through the cracks of the broken Memorysteel wall, and he immediately realized they had been cut off from their way back home.


    A quick survey showed hundreds of tforms drifting in the darkness. Some werepletely detached and turned into small spatial inds in the void, but many were still held together by small strips ofnd.


    For Example, Zac could spot a strip ofnd in the distance, a 50-meter wide natural bridge that connected their ind with the next one over. To fall off it would mean falling into the darkness, which would either result in bing food for the creatures of the void or ripped apart from spatial turbulence.


    Most of the inds were covered in either exposed and partly crumbled Memorysteel corridors, or a t b of Memorysteel that no doubt held pieces of the research base inside. Others held forests or grasnds, evenrge bodies of water. It was no doubt the biomes that were spread across the base, now turned into small pockets of life in the darkness.


    But not even this shocking transformation left as great an impression on Zac as what had happened in the heart of the Mystic Realm. With the towering walls back to their normal size and the artificial sky gone, Zac had an almost unimpeded sight all the way to the core of the mystic realm.


    Where an impossibly huge mountain peak stood.


    It was hard to get a sense of scope in this ce, but he could seend tforms hovering around the foot of the mountain. If those tforms were roughly the same size as the one he was currently situated on, then the mountain was over a hundred thousand meters tall. The mountain itself glistened with a metallic luster, and Zacs eyes widened when he realized that it was probably made from all that Memorysteel that had drifted away earlier.


    The tforms almost looked like small pieces of debris rather than inds that were kilometers across, and it seemed to Zac that most of them were connected to the foot of the mountain. In fact, most of the tforms were held together in a vast spiderweb, providing Zac and his people multiple paths to the mountain if need be.


    The mountain didnt look like a natural formation, but it rather felt like the Memorysteel had been subject to some shocking maic forces, like it had been pulled up by immense power. It had created a single conical mountain peak that was slightly twisted but oddly symmetrical in a way that made Zac think of soft-serve ice cream.


    As for what had been the source of the maic pull, it wasnt hard to guess.


    A huge metal sphere hovered right above the peak. Judging by its size it might be as big as a, or at least a veryrge moon. It wasnt an actual though, as the sphere didnt seem solid. Massive ravines covered its surface, and mysterious energy fluctuations and lights escaped through the cracks.


    There was no doubt in Zacs mind. The Dimensional Seed was most likely inside the heart of that sphere in the sky.


    The situation was too sudden, too unexpected. The old ns would have to be scrapped, but he didnt know what his next goal was. Honestly, he had no idea how to even get out of this ce, let aloneplete the missions he came here to finish. It was chaos, both around him and in his mind.


    A sudden p of thunder drew Zacs attention. He realized that the noise came from a tform far behind him, at the edge of the mystic realm itself. It was one of the solitary tforms that were unconnected to the mesh of inds. Zac looked on with shock as the protective bubble around it flickered a few times before it disappeared, which was followed by aplete and utter copse.


    It was like the piece ofnd had been subject to the vacuum of space, and it was ripped apart from immense forces of every direction. Zac looked up at the protective film above, a sense of foreboding gripping his heart.


    They needed to do something, and quickly.

 Chapter 623: Benevolent Shepherd

    Chapter 623: Benevolent Shepherd


    Seeing a moat ofnd just like the one he was standing on falling apart filled Zac with a sense of urgency, and he jumped down to his sister who looked a lot better by this point. It was the same with himself. The sense of exhaustion and hollowness was quickly passing, and the soldiers all around them were graduallying to as well, with groans and mutterings breaking the silence.


    Do you have any ideas? Zac asked after briefly recounting the situation.


    It''s weird, I thought that the Spatial Energy would increase exponentially after the Dimensional Seed awakened, but its just the opposite. The surroundings are almostpletely drained, Kenzie muttered with a shamefaced expression. Im sorry, the calctions we ran werepletely wrong. A lot of people are in danger now because of it.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Its not your fault, Zac said. We would have entered this ce no matter what. We just need to figure out our next step. Is it possible to use the Spatial Drill to get out of here in case of emergency?


    Its doubtful, Kenzie sighed. We dont have any localization-abilities right now. Its like we would be randomly drilling for oil without any geological surveys. The chance of hitting the jackpot is minuscule. Perhaps if we could get to the same spot where the Spatial Tunnel is located, but is that even possible now?


    Honestly, I doubt it, Zac sighed as he stood up. I didnt see any bridge between our ind and the one on the other side of the sshouse. Ill check things out to see if we can cross through the void. Or make bridges or something.


    He entered the sshouse, relieved to see that the door actually opened without issue when he tapped the console that was now just a meter above the ground. However, the situation on the other side of the gate was even worse than he had expected. It looked like the Mystic Realm had cracked almost right along the wall to the Lunar Forest, and less than twenty meters of the corridor remained before it cut off into the void.


    The next ind looked to be over a hundred meters away with a vast expanse of the Void separating them. The protective film seemed to be cutting off right at the edge of the ind as well, meaning that there was no atmosphere in the gap. If one wanted to pass through to the ind next over, they would have to really enter the Void.


    That might sound simple, but Zac knew it was anything but. The Void wasnt like outer space. He had survived in space for a few minutes after blowing up the Little Bean, but he wasnt as confident about this venture. The Void was a subdimension, a fold between realities, and it was something else different a simple vacuum from what he had gathered.


    The Void Creatures had unique constitutions to live inside the void, but the moment they entered a normal dimension like the research base, their bodies started to be rejected by the surroundings. Zac was afraid the same would happen to him and his people if they tried to jump across to the neighboring ind.


    Another surprise was that the short stretch of corridor wasnt actually empty. There were over thirty soldiers who had huddled against the gate, and they almost fell onto Zac the moment he activated the console.


    Thank you! they gasped as they ran into the sshouse.


    Did anyone see what happened to the people further inside? Zac asked a soldier that he vaguely recognized as a warrior of Port Atwood.


    Im afraid not, a human cultivator said after looking around at the others. We were running back toward this ce after you appeared, but the world suddenly turned crazy. I woke up a minute ago, my body just a few meters from that edge.


    Join the others, we might need to move out soon, Zac said as he took out a Cosmos Sack. Help me distribute healing pills and some Nexus Crystals among all the people.


    Zac himself didnt immediately return to Kenzie''s side, but he rather walked over to the edge of the realm. He only dared to do so after securing his body with the help of the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>though. The mysterious film was just a decimeter away from the abrupt end of the corridor, looking like a soap bubble.


    There was nothing outside, just vast darkness far more oppressive than any starry sky. He took out a random spear from his Spatial Ring, pushing it through the barrier that let him pass without any resistance. It wasnt just morbid curiosity, he needed to see the effect of the Void if he was to lead his people between these precipitous inds.


    Something was wrong though. The spear didnt appear at all on the other side of the barrier. Zac curiously pulled it back after a second, and he could confirm that it was mostly intact, albeit barely. It seemed pretty run-down, having lost its sheen whilerge spots of rust had appeared on its surface. It still maintained its structural integrity, but it looked like something that had been discarded in the wild for decades after just a second of exposure.


    Zac took a deep breath and reached out his hand, gingerly touching the barrier. His hand passed through a secondter, and he immediately felt a sharp pain in his hand that quickly forced him to drag it back. It had taken less than a second, but his fingers looked like all moisture had been sucked out of them.


    The experiments conclusions were pretty evident, and they confirmed his suspicions. You could fall through the edge of the tforms, and if you did, you were probably screwed. Just a few seconds in that kind of atmosphere would be enough to kill most people. It even appeared that something weird was going on with the dimension, from how nothing appeared on the other side. Space in the void might be bent, or perhaps even following some dimensional rules he couldn''t understand.


    Trying to jump to another tform seemed impossible in other words, though he would have to test by throwing some items or corpses to make sure.


    A sudden sharp jab of danger shook his mind, and he immediately had his chains drag him backward. It was just in time too as a massive w pushed through the barrier in an attempt to snatch him up, the w looking a lot like the one he encountered with Levi a while ago.


    Zac already had his axe in hand, but he didnt make any moves as he looked at the situation. A frown slowly crept across his face as he realized there was a clear difference between this w and the one he saw before. This one was distorting a lot slower. Eventually, it looked like the owner of the w couldnt deal with the spatial distortions any longer and it hurriedly drew it back, but over ten seconds had passed by that point.


    Zac didnt know exactly what to draw from that lesson, but it was a clear possibility that the difference between the Void and this fragmented realm was slowly decreasing, allowing the Void Creatures to stay inside longer. If that was the case they were in serious trouble, as even the smallest and weakest Void Creatures seemed to be quite powerful. What if a bunch of eldritch horrors like the Collector suddenly appeared?


    They needed to get moving.


    As to where, he wasnt sure, but he felt that the closer they got to the mountain the safer they would be. The protective sphere around the mountain was so thick that he could discern even from here, while it was just a thin film in this outer teau.


    He was soon back at Kenzies side, and all of the leaders had gathered together by this point.


    Warmaster, what do you rmend? Rhubat asked as dozens of eyes were trained on him.


    I thi- Zac said, but he was interrupted by a prompt appearing in front of him.


    A quest! someone shouted and judging by themotion it was something everyone had received.


    Zac looked at the wall of text in front of him, his frown deepening the more he read.


    <strong>[Special Dynamic Scenario activated]</strong>


    <strong>[As interlopers of a crumbling Taboo Undertaking there is just one road to salvation. Set out on a pilgrimage of redemption and im a Spatial Seal. Only those marked will be saved upon the copse of the dimension.]</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Each person can only possess one Spatial Seal. A spatial seal can be gained by extracting it from the Taboo Mountain or killing a seal owner. Only those branded will be teleported out when the dimension copses. Teleportation will take ce upon dimensional copse.]</strong>


    <strong>[Struggle for Survival]</strong>


    A sigh escaped from Zacs lips after having read through the quest, or rather the dynamic scenario. It looked like the System really wasnt all-too-jazzed about people exploring a Technocrat research base, considering that it didnt even provide any rewards. The reward was that you got to live another day.


    There were unfortunately a lot of questions left even after having seen the rules. For example, how rare were these seals, and what was required to get them? If they littered the mountain, then great, but Zac guessed that they wouldnt be so lucky considering how there were mentions of killing seal owners.


    With all factions congregating on the same spot, everyone grasping for a shot at survival, this was going to turn into a bloodbath. The bloodshed would only be exacerbated by the fact that there was no timer either, and no one could really tell when this ce would fall apart. The conflict would only keep escting until everyone had a seal or the realm copsed.


    Survival, Rhubat rumbled as their muscles tensed.


    Youve seen the quest, Zac sighed as he turned to Joanna who had walked over. We need to move out. Our starting position is working against us, the other factions are probably closer to the mountains. Get everyone ready.


    Ill see to it, she said before she started barking orders to the soldiers.


    Zac knew he would be able to get read to the mountain quickly by himself, but it didnt look like that was an option right now. The reason was simple; the others had gotten one prompt, but he had received two.


    <strong>Benevolent Shepherd (Training (7/9)): Lead your followers to the Taboo Mountain and provide at least 3000 with Spatial Seals. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/3000).</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of rewards.]</strong>


    He had finally passed his training regimen, but it looked like he still needed toplete all the steps to receive a reward. His personal quest also gave him some insight into the odds of survival. A quick survey indicated that there were around five thousand people gathered together in the fort.


    To save over three thousand meant the seals couldnt be all-too-rare, to the point that only a few would be able to get out. The question was only howrge a share of the total amount of seals the System expected him to snatch. The higher a share the more bloody the quest would be.


    Zac even had a hunch about the true purpose of this quest. Did the System want him to take out the native factions in his efforts to gather the seals, preventing them from rejoining the Zecia Sector? These unfortunate prisoners had obviously note here voluntarily, but that might not matter in the eyes of the System.


    It just believed they were heretics dabbling with the Dao of Technology.


    What about those stationed at the base? Joanna asked.


    Theres nothing we can do, Zac sighed. Were cut off from them. Hopefully, we can meet up with them on the way to the mountain.


    Of course, Zac had a sinking feeling that those left behind at the portal might be beyond salvation. The further out they were, the fewer protections the tforms seemed to have. Their base was on the very edge of the Mystic Realm, and it wasnt impossible that section didnt even survive the cataclysmic events just now.


    AH! WHO MOVED BILLY TO THIS SCARY PLACE?! a shout suddenly reverberated out across the fort, making Zac look over at the source of the voice.


    Billy had woken up again it seemed and he was standing on top of the wall with eyes as wide as saucers.


    Billy, Zac said as he shed over. Thank you for your help before.


    Ah, its you! Billy said with a wide smile. No problem, Billy just helped thwonk the bad guys. What is happening?


    We need to get to the mountain to get out of here, Zac said.


    No problem, Billy is great with directions. Billy will lead the way, Billy sagely nodded.


    Can you help our people first? Make everyone get ready to travel, Zac smiled.


    The giant nodded and jumped back down the wall, seemingly full of vigor again. Zac turned just in time to see his sister appearing next to him. She immediately released a stream of drones that flew hundreds of meters into the air, forming a massive surveince matrix.


    "I''ll map out a route for us. Not all the tforms seem to have bridges, while others are like crossroads with multiple options. Some inds might copse as well, so we need to-," Kenzie said, but she stopped herself as she looked down at her tablet. "Ah? People?"


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked.


    "It must be the remaining people of the Cartava n," Kenzie said with a slight frown. "They''re already on the move."

 Chapter 624: Island Hopping

    Chapter 624: Ind Hopping


    The Cartava n? Zac muttered with a frown. What kind of group?


    Thousands of people. Some of them are E-Grade, but most emit very weak energy signatures, Kenzie said as he read the report on her tablet.


    Zac slowly nodded, not surprised to hear the Cartava n had left some of their elites with the civilians just in case.


    Where are they going? Zac asked, his vision blocked by the trees.


    Theyre cutting through the forest. It looks like theyre already moving toward the core, Kenzie said, opening a map. You dont think theyll try to destroy the bridges to trap us here? Lesspetition for those seals.


    Zac frowned as he looked at the tablet before looking down at his people. Everyone was hustling and bustling to prepare for the move, dressing wounds and desperately absorbing Cosmic Energy from Nexus Crystals. They knew that falling behind in this ce would mean death. But it still looked like it would take a minute or two before they were ready to set out.


    It looks like they are heading for a teau far away from us, but it doesnt hurt to be safe. Ill go ahead to protect our route, meet up with me as quickly as humanly possible. The Cartava n isnt the only faction we need to worry about. Others are already closer to the core, and they might try to dislodge all the tforms, Zac said.


    Kenzie nodded before she pointed at a bridge in the distance. Thats our best option for now. We have multiple possible routes from there. The only issue is that we might be blocked by the base security.


    Zacs eyes followed where she pointed and nodded when he saw it was the closest bridge apart from one behind them. It seemed like a safe bet, and it wasnt the same as the one that the Cartava n was running toward.


    Youre not going to you know? Right? Kenzie hesitated. That group is mostly made up of mortals and children.


    No, I wont go after them, Zac sighed as he took out the Spatial Drill from his ring and handed it to his sister. They have paid their price, theyre just a shadow of their former strength. I wont move against them as long as they dont try anything again. Try to learn how this thing works, we might need to use it before this is over.


    With that he set off, running toward the bridge Kenzie indicated. However, he did perform some looting while he waited. He ran straight through the battlebot swarm and swept up a few of the more powerful-looking machines without losing any speed. Next was the battlefield where he looted a Cosmos Sack from the Second Elder and his grandson.


    He did take a small detour to the craters left by the Grand Elder and the third elder. He did manage to find a slightly damaged sack from the third elder, but not as much as a scrap remained after the Grand Elders final attack.


    Zac quickly realized something was wrong with the situation though.


    He didnt have time to properly look for clues, but he had seen quite a few people exploding in a final act of defiance, from the demons just after the integration to the crazed cultists. In all these cases there were always some remains, like a foot or a piece of a skull. But the hundreds of craters on the battlefield were simply empty, like someone had thrown out an offensive talisman.


    Had they been tricked?


    The possibility only increased Zacs vignce. It was one thing if the Cartava n were led by a small number of guards, but it might be trouble if the Grand Elder was still alive. They definitely couldnt be too friendly to his people at the moment, and they might use this opportunity tounch a counter-strike. With that in mind, he only spent a minute at the battlefield before rushing off, only taking a moment to put the body of Levi in his Corpse Sack.


    The bridge was somewhat close to the gate n Cartava had attacked from, but it wasnt hours away any longer now that the base had shrunk down. Zac guessed that it would take his people around an hour to get there, and for himself, it shouldnt take more than twenty minutes if he pushed himself.


    The Memorysteel wall along the way looked like it was on itsst legs. Most of the fractals had gone out, and the cracks were even worse than those at the outskirts of the Wastnd. These cracks were sometimes tens of meters wide, and they seemed to differ from the ominous scars from before. These werepletely dead sections of the wall, clearly disying the void or small sections of corridors on the other side.


    Zacs best guess was that the walls and everything else in this ce had lost its energy source but that they still worked independently as long as theponents were fine.


    Thankfully there were no traps along the way, and the bridge remained intact when he arrived less than ten minutester. The bridge was actually a Memorysteel corridor that stretched straight through the Void over to the next ind. It would probably lead toward an area formerly under the control of the Cartava n, though it was hard to tell how much of its original functionality the base maintained in its current state.


    The section with the bridge was in even worse a state than the wall section Zac had passed, where the wall had been twisted and turned many times after the ground had been split apart. The bridge looked serviceable at least, with a distinct protective film around it. They would have to walk on top of the crushed and bent Memorysteel corridor, but something like that was easy enough for the cultivators who had been brought into the Mystic Realm.


    After confirming that the bridge worked he took up a guarding position from on top of a piece of the wall, keeping watch of both his surroundings and the situation on the other tform. There were no movements, but Zac heard one p of thunder after another as he waited, each second feeling like minutes as he watched how the edge of the mystic realm crumbled piece by piece.


    The crumbling inds at the edge of the Mystic Realm were troubling enough, but Zac soon noticed something else. The Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere was slowly decreasing. It would take a while for it to be an issue, but he couldn''t help but wonder how things would be in a few hours. It wasn''tpletely impossible that they would have to finish the sprint toward the mountain without any ambient energy to assist them.


    That alone was a huge issue as Cosmic Energy was required to use not only skills, but also to take advantage of the superhuman attributes that they had gained from the integration. The quicker they could get going the better. His wait was thankfully over after just over forty minutes as he saw his army rushing toward him with great speed. Billy was in the forefront, his head swiveling back and forth with wide eyes.


    Haha, Billy did it! the giant shouted before a massive yawn escaped his lips. Billy led the people here. Ah, so tired.


    His eyes rolled into his eyes the next moment as he fell on the ground, but Zac breathed out in relief when the signature thunderous snores assaulted the surroundings.


    Wallbreaker fought desperately in the battle before, Rhubat said as one of his brethren picked Billy up, carrying him on its shoulder. His reserves are depleted. We''ll tend for him."


    This tform will fall apart in less than an hour going by how quickly the defensive membrane is losing energy density, Kenzie said breathlessly as she walked up next to Zac. There is no time to waste.


    Start moving, follow me! Zac shouted. Across the corridor. Keep a high pace but keep the order.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac himself took the lead, with a swirl of leaves flying around him as he had his axe at the ready. He felt extremely exposed as he ran across the jagged pieces of metal, his eyes constantly trying to see any signs of danger in the void that was all around him.


    He could only breathe out in relief when he stepped down onnd again, proving that the trip was possible. But he still couldnt help but worry after seeing just how close the protective film was to the exposed tunnel.


    More and more people moved across, and no one needed any urging to pass as quickly as possible. Walking across that bridge had felt even scarier than when he was lost in outer space, especially considering he didnt have any token this time that could teleport him outside if need be. Besides, he knew all-too-well what kind of creatures lurked in the darkness.


    Kenzie was one of the first to get across, and she immediately opened her tablet as he looked at the corridors that covered this ce. A group of scouts was quickly called over, and Kenzie showed them where the army needed to go.


    Scout close-by corridors, decide on a path for us, Zac said, and the scouts nodded and immediately set out.


    One of them actually started climbing up along the broken walls in an attempt to get up on the roof but he was immediately forced down again as half his body suddenly disappeared into the void the moment he reached the top. He looked half-dead when he fell onto the ground, but he slowly crawled back on his feet with a pallid face.


    Rest up instead, Zac sighed in disappointment after seeing that his first choice of path was a no-go.


    Why go through a maze when you could go above it? But it looked like the roof itself acted as the separator between Void and Mystic Realm on this tform.


    More and more people streamed across the bridge and the broken square was almost filled to capacity after a few minutes. However, a sudden shudder made Zac look down toward the other tform with worry, just in time to see a mass of <em>something </em>rip the whole bridge apart while snatching up almost fifty people.


    A few people desperately managed to hang on the ruined bridge as they crawled to safety, but roughly a hundred people were stranded on the other side, shock written all over their faces as they saw their road to survival being lost to the darkness.


    Worse yet, with the connection lost, the inds slowly started drifting further and further away from each other. Zac immediately tried to throw a rope across, but it simply disappeared the moment it entered the darkness, never to reappear on the other side.


    The Void isnt a proper 3-dimensional space I think, Kenzie said with sorrow. We cant really exist in it properly, and directions hold no sway. Even if you get a rope across Im afraid


    I understand, Zac sighed as he walked to the edge of the tform.


    A hundred desperate sets of eyes looked back at him, but some of them fell to their knees when they saw Zac shake his head. Others were infuriated screaming and pointing in his direction. No sound could make it across the chasm, but Zac had a good idea of what they were saying.


    Cursing him for bringing them to this ce.


    He sighed and shook his head, but he suddenly had an idea as <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> turned into its offensive form and two chains rose into the sky.


    Its not- Kenzie said, but she stopped when she saw what Zac was doing.


    The chains didnt try to pass through the void, but they instead formed a shape, an arrow pointing in the direction of the next bridge, the one that the Cartava n probably had used. He could see that it was still in one piece, and it was the only option if they wanted to have a shot at survival.


    The people on the other side immediately understood what he was talking about, and they started running as quickly as their legs could carry them.


    Its shield is depleting much faster now, Kenzie said with a frown. But the shield on this ind became stronger. I think the bridges act as power conduits as well for whatever protects these floating plots ofnd. We might want to break any pathways behind us.


    Agreed. We keep going, Zac sighed.


    The squad set out, following the preliminary path the scouts had staked out. Zac and Kenzie walked in the front, with Zac on the look-out for Spatial Tears and Void Beasts, and Kenzie keeping track of the paths.


    The first minutes were a bit slow, but Zac gradually increased the pace as they realized something; they hadnt encountered a single spatial tear since the cataclysm. It looked more and more likely that they had been sucked into the mountain or the Dimensional Seed along with all that Memorysteel, and Zac was soon running at as high a pace that the army could withstand, the walls almost turning into a blur.


    They did encounter a few closed gates along the way, but they were easily solved by Kenzie. Her Grade-4 clearance didnt actually work everywhere, but that was easily fixed within a minute by her hacking the terminal.


    One small relief about the situation was that the base hadpletely lost any central control functions. The corridors on the floating inds were like the limbs of a corpse without the Coreputers taking charge; They had no brain to control them, but you could still trick them to move with some electricity. That allowed Kenzie to fully activate Jeeves to force its way through the protections without worrying about any repercussions.


    However, rmed shouts and sounds of battle erupted at the back of the army, and Zac swore in exasperation as he rushed over. Nothing good eversts.

 Chapter 625: Under Attack

    Chapter 625: Under Attack


    Zac immediately rushed back when hearing themotion, fearing that the mysterious entity that had snatched up his people from the bridge had returned. But thankfully they hadnt been ambushed by the Collector or any rival faction, but rather the base itself. The walls had gone crazy, frenziedly attacking a group of cultivators who desperately activated one defensive talisman after another to stay alive.


    The halo of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy] </strong>appeared behind Zacs back as he shed forward. He used the avatar of the axe this time, imbuing each swing a great force and sharpness, allowing him to crush the spikes as they tried to stab at everything that moved.


    The cultivators were all elites as well and they organized their efforts to block the attacks. They normally wouldnt have been strong enough to deal with something like this, but Zac quickly realized that the attacks were pretty weakenedpared to what he was used to. A series of cracks echoed out a secondter, and the walls fell apart, exposing a neighboring corridor on one side and an empty storage room on the other.


    Zac bent down and picked up a piece of Memorysteel, and found that it was quite malleable.


    What happened? Zac asked with a frown as he turned to a panting soldier.


    I dont know, the bloodied soldiers said. The walls suddenly started vibrating. Its surface looked like water during an earthquake. Then it just started attacking.


    I think the programming in the research base is unraveling because of the state of this base, Kenzie said as she came running. This might not be thest time.


    Well see if we can gravitate towards open tforms as much as possible, Zac nodded. For now, have everyone keep watch for any changes in the surroundings.


    The group set out again, but the scouts soon came back with the news that they wouldnt be able to reach the tform the way they were going. Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he walked over to the Anointed.


    Help me destroy the walls. They seem to have limited energy now. As long as we can cause enough damage they should crumble, Zac said. Finding a new path would waste too much time.


    Let us handle it, Warmaster, Rhubat said. We know you must have expended a lot of energy during the previous battles.


    He turned to a group of Anointed the next moment and they nodded in understanding. A squad of a hundred Zhix followed behind, and four massive seals appeared in the air. The whole section started shaking a momentter as the Anointed unleashed an all-out barrage on the walls. The seals pretty much acted as hammers, mming into it over and over.


    The spikes were crushed as soon as they formed and the walls had to keep expending energy to reform the massive dents and cracks that appeared. Finally, after just 40 seconds, the walls crumbled, providing them ess to a neighboring corridor.


    From there on out they kept moving quickly, taking the path of least resistance where they either forced their way through the walls or followed hte corridors depending on what seemed fastest. Reaching the third tform went without issue, apart from some disagreements about who would go first. Only after Zac and the Anointed quashed any dissent could they get across the bridge, a 50-meter wide strip ofnd.


    The third tform continued with Memorysteel walls for ten minutes until they suddenly gave way torge fields of farnd. It seemed to have been recently harvested though, and Zac realized they had reached the sector the Cartava n lived in.


    Ill go ahead, Zac suddenly said before he turned into a blur as he flickered back and forth, running to every corner of the fields over the next 30 minutes as the army kept running straight ahead.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He even entered a series of side paths and corridors, but Zac couldnt find what he was looking for; the sshouses that held the race-boosting treasures. Zac could only sigh in disappointment and rejoin the others. Zac knew it was a longshot that a bunch of valuable natural treasures would be waiting for him in this ce, but he couldn''t help himself from making sure.


    But the Cartava n had clearly picked everything clean before they set off. He had got his hands on two of the Cosmos Sacks of the elders though, so it wasnt impossible that some of the stored items were the race-boosting fruits Levi mentioned. But now was not the time to properly go through his haul.


    The group kept going, and they soon passed the farnd biospheres to enter the corridors again. However, this ce was differentpared to what they had encountered so far. It wasnt the empty shells of the outer sector, but it also wasnt the abandoned opulence of the inneryer.


    Most importantly, the tunnels were drastically transformed from the bare aesthetic. There were paintings, mosaics, statues, benches adorning the walls, and the roof was covered in what looked like a starry sky. All the art looked somewhat recent as well, no doubt additions left by the Cartava n. A huge crack in the wall allowed Zac to see a vast warehouse, spanning hundreds of meters even after the spatial expansion was gone.


    Inside was a whole neighborhood of small Memorysteel townhouses in straight rows, forming a series of parallel streets. The houses were all made from metal, but they were somehow dyed in bright colors to bring life to the section. Some of the houses even had small gardens.


    Large broken spheres hung in the sky, probably a source of light that had broken during the massive shake-ups. In fact, quite a few of the houses had fallen apart, some missing whole walls, while others were essentially unscathed. Zac guessed that repairs and upgrades had been made with spatially expanded materials, which then shrunk during the upheavals.


    It was clear that they had appeared in the proper residential districts of the Cartava n, though they were still just at the edge. Those houses likely belonged to families who worked the fields, while the real elites lived somewhere further inside.


    Zac and his followers didnt get much further though before he suddenly stopped in his tracks, the hairs on his arms standing on end. There was no hesitation as the chains shot out from <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>to form a wide that pushed everyone back as Zac desperately retreated.


    WATCH OUT! Zac roared as he threw out a set of defensive talismans before summoning<strong> [Natures Barrier] </strong>and infused it with the Fragment of the Bodhi. A series of massive explosions quickly followed and a scorching heat mmed into the frontlines the next moment.


    Layers afteryers of emerald leaves were incinerated, but Zac kept infusing Cosmic Energy to create a storm of leaves that filled the whole corridor. Others were thankfully quick on the uptake, and a series of barriers quickly sprung up to lessen his burden. Only half a minuteter did the inferno subside, allowing them to breathe out in relief.


    Those explosions were definitely not a part of the base, Kenzie said as she looked down at her tablet. I think we triggered some trap when we entered this section.


    Why did they boobytrap their homes? Joanna said with iprehension.


    Revenge, one of the Anointed said. These natives fight without honor, breaking bonds without pause. I can see them doing something like this.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He wouldn''t put it past them to leave something like this behind to strike at either him or Lunar Tribe.


    They might have left some protections behind just in case. The n must have rushed toward the exit the moment Levi returned with the Spatial Drill, Kenzie shrugged. Some things of value were definitely left behind, and they might have wanted to protect these items in case they were able to return in the future.


    In either case, lets go around the town instead of through it. There might be good things in the Cartava territory, but theres no time to waste on something like that now, Zac said as he turned to his sister. Or is this the only way to the bridge?


    We can take a detour, but we need to hurry! Kenzie said with worry in her eyes. That st weakened the dimensional protections. We lost something like 30 minutes.


    All the more reason to take the long path, Zac said. If there is one bomb there is probably more of them lying in wait.


    They immediately returned to the fields and chose a different path, which allowed them to reach the fourth tform without any further issue. The walls did try to attack them a few times as their defensive algorithms went haywire though, but that was far preferable to the powerful incendiaries before. The next tform was also almostpletely transformed by the Cartava n, though this one seemed to house an industrial zone. The warehouses had been emptied out and turned into factories that seemed to house some sort of 3D-printers.


    The machines were made from Memorysteel like everything else, but they were clearly not of Technocrat origin. They were far-too-crude for that, yet they were still probably decades or ahead of Earths technological progress. Kenzies eyes glistened as she looked at the homebrewed machinery, but Zac dragged her away.


    There was no point in risking their lives for some machines that would just piss the System off even further. It had already marked this ce as a Taboo Undertaking, so Zac wouldnt be surprised as every piece of technology inside this ce was branded some way or another.


    Still, it took them over an hour to pass this ind, partly out of fear of more traps and partly due to theplexyout. There were also quite a few security measures that took some time to crack since they were modified by the Cartava n and already supposed to be disconnected from the main AI hub.


    Finally they reached the edge of the ind. But just as Zac was about to lead the group across he stopped as a thunderous sound erupted far in the distance.


    Zac looked over, and his eyes widened in shock when he saw one tform after another fall apart. It was like a chain reaction that had started somewhere close to the mountain, and it almost made it all the way to the outermost tforms. A few inds survived in the destruction thanks to having multiple bridges, but over twenty plots ofnds had crumbled in an instant.


    What was that?! Joanna wheezed.


    I think someone has reached the mountain already, Zac frowned. They are destroying the bridges and killing thepetition.


    The series of tforms that fell apart was quite far away, but that didnt stop Zac and the others from feeling a creeping sense of dread. It wasnt all that hard to destroy the bridges that spanned the void, and there were only so many tforms between themselves and whoever had enacted that ruthless n.


    Seeing dozens of inds just fall apart like that put everyone under a tremendous pressure, and Zac immediately crossed with his sister. The other side was just a short corridor that led to what looked like arge square that you could see in something like a mall. Dpidated storefronts lined the sides, and a broken ss dome gave them a glimpse of the void outside.


    These Technocrats really knew how to live it up, Emily muttered as she entered behind Zac. I can''t believe they have this kind of ce inside a research base.


    Zac looked over at the teenager, relieved to see that she looked better. She had been carried by one of the Valkyries for most of the trip,pletely drained from using her skills on the whole army. It felt like he needed to find some way for Emily to improve her energy reserves so that she didn''t get this drained all the time.


    I guess you have to add all kinds of things for people to not go insane, Zac shrugged. After all, people probably spent centuries in this ce back when it was running properly.


    More and more warriors quickly crossed the bridge and the entrance to the square was quickly filling up even when it was farrger than any simr structure on Earth.


    What direction should we go, Warm- Rhubat said, but the Zhix stopped as it suddenly turned toward the broken-down ss ceiling in the sky.


    Zac didnt understand what was wrong, but he suddenly felt an ufortable pressure as the protective film outside the dome bulged downward like something was pushing toe through. And he knew all-too-well what kind of thing that would be.


    He could only pray it wasn''t the Collector.


    Iing! Spread out! Nonbat sses and support staff enter the side corridors! Zac roared, and the soldiers quickly made a defensive ring around the square.


    The barrier cracked the next moment as a huge miscreation fell onto the square with a massive thud. Zac panicked as he looked up at the ceiling, but he breathed out in relief when he saw that the film had repaired itself after the Void Creature had pushed through. Only then did he focus on the target at hand.


    The Void Creature looked a bit like a short pitch-ck caterpir, but it had spindly legs all around its body rather than in sets on the bottom. Its body was almost thirty meters long, but it was at least ten meters across as well, giving it a stocky appearance. Its face was just a ck vortex that emitted a ck gas, and Zac estimated it might actually be a Half-Step D-Grade creature.


    However, it was clearly not used to existing in this kind of dimension, as it kept shuddering as the long legs on its back twitched like the creature was in its death throes.


    That didnt mean it waspletely restrained though, and all its legs suddenly pushed forward in a motion that reminded Zac of how octopi swim. It probably moved about in a very simr fashion as it floated around in the void. Of course, this time only the legs on the bottom provided any real traction, but it still almost turned into a ck blur as it shot forward.


    Straight at Zac.

 Chapter 626: Denizens of the Void

    Chapter 626: Denizens of the Void


    Zac didnt know whether it was lucky or unlucky that the terrifying creature went straight for him, but at least it would prevent the normal warriors from bearing the brunt of the terrifying creature. He quickly threw Emily to a side passage as he readied himself for battle.


    Attack it from a distance, Zac shouted before he charged up <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>. It cant survive in this dimension for long. The more we damage it the quicker well be able to destroy it.


    A golden cloud entered the huge maw the next second, quickly followed by a ck cloud imbued with the Fragment of the Coffin. A perfectly straight scar in space was ripped open, but Zac was shocked to see that it barely had any effect on the creature. The spatial divide had actually split the creature in two, but it almost looked like Zacs attack was just an illusion.


    There were no wounds, no nothing. It was like spatial tears had no effect on the Void Beast. Zac figured that he perhaps shouldnt be too surprised considering that this thing usually lived in the folds between dimensions. The other warriors didnt fare much better as pitch-ck barriers that looked like small tiles of onyx appeared at the tip of the creature''s legs, effortlessly swallowing any attack that came close. Only the Anointed managed tounch strikes with enough force to cause some minor cracks on the defensive shields, but they were repaired as quickly as they appeared.


    Zac guessed what was going on and he quickly activated <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, this time imbuing the skill with the image of the supreme shield. The creature was almost upon him by now, but Zac didnt back away. Less than half of his people had passed the bridge by this point, and if Zac didnt block now, then the bridge would be exposed to the Void Beast.


    He couldnt let that happen.


    A growl escaped Zacs lips as he rushed forward, meeting the beast head-on. His axe was empowered by the weight of the supreme shield in the avatar, and he swung it in a heroic arc right at the bottom of the beast''s face, right beneath the massive mouth that reminded Zac of the Collectors maw. He was hoping to crush its jaw and perhaps cut off a few of its legs in one go, but a huge barrier appeared to block its whole face, if one could call arge vortex a face.


    Zac only hesitated for a second before he infused the strike with the Fragment of the Coffin and swung with all that he got. He didnt really fear the beast itself, but rather the way that it had made all the attacks just disappear, like it was conjuring portals to the void. However, Zac felt there should be some limits to an ability like that, especially when he attacked in person and infused the strike with a Dao Fragment.


    The world shuddered for an instant as the edge of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> hit therge barrier, like he had somehow been misaligned with the surroundings. But his vision quickly turned back to normal as arge crack spread across the ck surface of the shielding. Zac didnt get any chance to celebrate or follow up on his initial swing though as the creature mmed into him with the force of a runaway train.


    His all-out swing hadn''t even stopped the creature in its tracks, and Zac found himselfpletely overpowered.


    A fiery axe shot into his body from the distance as Emily boosted him with her Strength-improving Axe. Hundreds of attacks also harassed the caterpir to the point that it waspletely engulfed by a blinding chaos of radiant Skills. Yet those shields kept swallowing everything while keeping the Void Beast safe, and it seemedpletely intent on taking him down.


    The only reason Zac didnt get mmed into a wall, or even worse shot through the corridor and into the Void, was that he hurriedlyunched the four chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, each of them turning into anchors in the wall or the floor to stop him from getting pushed back. The chains were able to hold him in ce, but that essentially put him in a vise that threatened to crush him.


    He gripped the handle of <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>with his second hand, both his arms shaking from exertion. But it was simply impossible to force the Void Beast Back. Its short legs dug deep grooves in the Memorysteel ground as it kept the pressure up, and released more and more of that pitch-ck smoke.


    The cloud emitted a strange pressure that made Zac feel extremely ufortable, almost like when he had pushed his hand into the void. Even worse, there seemed to be no limits to how much of it could spew out from its gullet. Zac didnt know whether the creature released it to lessen the burden of normal space on its body, or if it was meant as some sort of weapon.


    In either case, it was poison to Zac, but he was unable to extricate himself. He was just ten meters from the corridor leading outside, and soldiers were still streaming across the bridge and into the square. Backing down would mean those people getting stuck. But he also wasnt strong enough to force the creature back in his current state, so he could only push his worries aside as he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The air twisted around him power surged through his arms, and the painful pressure was no longer so taxing. Zac shoved at the creature with everything he had, and he actually managed to force the Void Beast back a bit. It wasnt much, but it gave Zac the breather he needed tounch another swing, this one empowered by his berserking skill.


    The barrier cracked like a mirror in an instant, and the axe bit into flesh. However, a sense of annoyance red up in Zacs chest as his momentum suddenly disappeared the moment it touched the body of the caterpir, making his all-out swing look like a slight love-tap.


    Zac quickly realized the attack was more powerful than it seemed though as the legs on the creatures back twitched, and a weird distortion rippled through its body before it returned to normal. Zacs eyes lit up when he saw that his attacks were working, but he didnt have the opportunity tounch another swing before his Danger Sense overpowered the furor brought on by <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>.


    A crackling ball of pure energy had formed inside the Void Beasts abyssal maw, and Zac desperately veered out of the way, barely allowing him to dodge it as it shot out like a slow-moving cannonball. An extremely powerful suction ripped into his body, and Zac''s eyes teared when he felt a piece of his chin actually being torn off and swallowed by the ball as it passed through.


    A bloody wound on his shoulder was opened up as well, but at least he had managed to dodge a surefire kill. That terrifying ball definitely had the power to crush him into a meat cube and swallow him whole. But Zac still regretted his course of action when he remembered that the corridor and his people were on the other side.


    What if the ball hit the bridge? The Memorysteel definitely couldn''t take the force that hid in that attack.


    Thick earthen walls thankfully rose from the ground the moment Zac dodged as Rhubat and a group of Anointed conjured one defensive barrier after another in an effort to block the sphere. It thankfully didnt move very fast, but it was simply unstoppable in its advance. Massive holes appeared in the barriers as the ball simply ate them.


    But Zac''s eyes lit up when he saw that the ball had shrunk by a small degree after swallowing five enormous barriers in a row. It looked unstoppable, but it ultimately had the same weakness as all skills; it had a limited amount of energy. It could be exhausted.


    Keep attacking! Fill it! he shouted, and a storm of mes, earth, and all sorts of objects flew toward the Void Ball. Someone even took out an SUV and threw it into the void ball, and a creaking sound echoed out as the attack swallowed the vehicle whole.


    Zac was about to help out, but he sensed that the creature was gearing up for another attack, and he definitely couldnt let that happen. The first ball had already made it to the corridor by that point, and it had actually swallowed a few people who were able to move out of the way because of the thousands of people desperately trying to pass the bridge.


    After all, a thirty-meter Void Beast was scary, but not as scary as being left behind on a soon-to-copse ind in the void.


    Zac felt the terrible energies brewing inside the mouth of the creature, and he knew he had to risk it. The chains of <strong>[Loves bond] </strong>detached from the wall, as he stomped down on the ground. The creature saw the change and it started to push again, but he narrowly managed to stay in ce by overexerting his legs.


    Meanwhile, the chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> shot forward and snaked around the hulking creature before Zac gripped them with his free hand. He desperately yanked at them with all he had, and it was barely enough to overpower the thin legs and m the creature into the ground.


    A shockinglyrge club appeared out of nowhere, the knobbly skull striking right on top of the creature''s head topound Zacs own hit. It was Billy who had woken up from themotion, and he had already activated his Titanic form. Billys attack was simple and crude, but it contained a shocking force that caused another series of ripples to spread through the creatures body. More importantly, it interrupted the Void Beast''s umtion of its second attack.


    The creature tried to get up, but Zac furiously dragged the creature back into the ground again as hembasted it with dozens of strikes empowered by <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>. The first strikes werepletely absorbed like the first one, but its body started to twist and bend like it was a mirage.


    Zac suddenly managed to rip off arge section of its head after havingunched almost twenty strikes and a weird sticky goo started dripping from the massive wound. The Void Beast''s blood didn''t pool at the ground though, but it actually floated in the air like a cloud. A second thunderous smash from Billy hit the caterpir in the middle of its body, giving Zac a chance to nce at the situation behind him.


    The Anointed had thankfully dealt with the void sphere, but the chaos had activated the defensive measures of the corridor. The Anointed were forced to fight against the frenzied defensive algorithm, desperately trying to contain the damage as to not let the whole corner of the ind fall apart.


    There were thankfully still a lot of warriors inside the square as hundreds of strikes mmed into the Void Beast. Each of them carried just a fraction of the power of a single one of Zacs own swings, but when added together it turned into an unceasing avnche that forced the creature to expend more and more energy to stay safe.


    A high-pitched wail escaped from its mouth as the creature started to madly thrash and twist, and the force threw Zac into the air. The creature seemingly saw its opportunity as it started forming another void sphere, but Zac only grunted as his Cosmic Energy surged into his forearm. The huge wooden hand appeared a momentter, but it didnt actually conjure the emerald array this time.


    The hand instead directly gripped the creature, its wooden fingers digging deep into pitch-ck flesh. It had been a long time since Zac used the hand to physically fight for him instead of conjuring one of the punishments, and he was shocked at the power of the grip. It was like space itself was breaking apart as the fingers squeezed tighter and tighter.


    The Void Beast thrashed even harder as it tried to break away, and vast clouds of pitch-ck gasses covered it. But it was undeniable that it was in a bad way since its body kept distorting to the point it was barely recognizable by now. Zac was still iling about in the air since he was connected to the creature through the chains, but he forcefully pulled on one of the fetters,unching him straight toward the caterpir.


    The whole Memorysteel floor cracked beneath the creature as Zac swung his axe once more, and a second shudder followed suit as Billy hit again. It was only then that Zac realized that Billy was using some sort of ramping skill like his own<strong> [Deforestation]</strong>.


    The third hit had taken quite some time to charge up, but it was tremendous, even eclipsing his own strikes. Certainly, Zac was using a skill that he couldunch over a dozen times in the blink of an eye, but it was still shocking considering he had over five thousand effective Strength. For Billy, an F-Grade warrior, to match that kind of power output was astonishing no matter what kind of restrictions that skill had.


    Billys enormous m was the straw that broke the camels back and Zac felt a huge surge of Cosmic Energy entering his body, confirming the kill. The Void Beast didnt copse on the ground though, but it rather looked like its body was slowly phasing out of reality.


    Haha! Billy is finally 75! Billy eximed with a wide grin, and Zac noticed that dozens of people had wide grins on their faces.


    It looked like everyone had a pretty good harvest for participating in taking down a Half-Step D-Grade creature. Their contribution was extremely limited, but the amount of energy from killing a level 150 creature Half-Step D-Grade creature was obviously massive. And while they hadnt actually hurt the creature, they had at least helped expend its energy by unceasingly attacking it.


    A sudden thump from his chest gave Zac a start, and he was surprised to see that his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had suddenly awakened even when there werent any foreign energies rampaging through his body.


    There was definitely something inside the dissipating cloud that his hidden node wanted to eat.

 Chapter 627: Hunger

    Chapter 627: Hunger


    Zac''s hidden node felt like a ball of hunger trained on a specific spot inside the dissipating "corpse" of the Void Beast. He instinctively understood what was going on though and activated his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>as he tried to find the source of the avarice. The creature had turned into a haze by this point, but there was a small spot that released mysterious fluctuations to his augmented sight.


    Zac hesitated for a moment, but he still sent one of his chains inside to snatch whatever radiated that odd energy signature. The chain was mottled when it came out a secondter, but Zac could sense that it was just temporary. The links would soon heal up by themselves, partly thanks to the massive amount of energy it had swallowed during the fight with the Cartava n.


    Seeing that the coffin was safe, Zac instead turned his attention to the thing he had dragged out of the cloud. It was roughly asrge as a fist, but it hard to tell what it was made from as it reminded Zac of a pasite meteorite; a mix of pitch-ck metal and dark-golden crystals. Zac couldn''t bepletely sure, but he guessed it was the failed core of the Void Beast.


    It was mesmerizing to look at,pletely different from the fake cores he had harvested from the beasts and zombies in the Dead Zones. This was a proper Beast Core, albeit a failed one. It still held the umtion of the Void Beast''s cultivation, and it was clearly marked by whatever Dao the caterpir had gained during its life in the void.


    More importantly, it contained massive amounts of energy, far more than any D-Grade Crystals. The energy was extremely different though. It felt like it was some sort of Attuned Energy, but also different. It made him think of the blue sword-streaks that Thea had gained from the inheritance trial.


    The bestparison he could think of was that Attuned Energy was like lemon-vored water, whereas the energy hidden inside the small core in front of him was pure fruit-juices squeezed straight from the citrus itself. Attuned energies were ultimately vored Cosmic Energy, whereas this force had be something else.


    More impressively, it felt like the energy was almost sentient, as it seemed to flinch every time his hidden node beat.


    It almost felt like he was looking at a nuclear warhead with a will of its own, but his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> was obviously of a different opinion. If the node was a human it would be screaming on top of its lungs right now in an epic tantrum, and Zac eventually decided to oblige. He gingerly reached his hands toward the Beast Core and touched its surface.


    What are you doing! Verana shouted with shock as she hurried over, and Zac noticed that quite a few demons and Tal-dar looked at him like he was crazy.


    Zac couldnt worry about that at the moment though as thick ck tendrils spread across his arm, and it felt like someone had poured molten lead in his veins. Small bloody explosions erupted all along his arm in an instant as even Zac''s body had trouble containing this chaotic power. But things quickly stabilized when his hidden node started to absorb the energy, and Zac almost felt like it was giddy as it thumped over and over. The pain was still excruciating as the energy was dragged from his arm into his heart, but at least it didn''t look like he would explode this time either.


    His guess from before proved right as well judging by the behavior of the Beast Core. It initially stormed into his arm with a brutal fervor, seemingly intent to rip him apart. But the moment his hidden node thumped and absorbed its first mouthful the Beast Core drastically changed its behavior as it tried to cut its connection with Zac''s pathways.


    Unfortunately, it had already been caught by <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>as it dragged more and more energy from the core with glee. However, it only absorbed a fifth of the energy inside the core before it started slowing down, and Zac got a sense of exhaustion from it. He quickly threw the Beast Core into his Spatial Ring to avoid any mishaps, and only then did he look over at Verana who gazed at his arm with wide eyes.


    Whats wrong? Zac asked.


    That was a Beast Core! Absorbing the raw energies of a Beast Cores is like drinking poison, the energy is too chaotic to control or make use of. And that was a Beast Core of an aberrant lifeform! Who knows what kind of dangerous energies it contains, Verana hurriedly exined, though she quickly calmed down as well. But you seem fine for some reason? I dont understand


    Dont worry about it, Zac shrugged. My body is pretty resilient when ites to weird energies.


    Alright, Verana sighed as she dropped the subject, though there was both curiosity and skepticism in her eyes.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Is everything okay with the bridge? Zac asked.


    Verana had been somewhere in the middle of the army to guard the soldiers in case the walls suddenly attacked, which meant she had been trapped outside the square when the Void Beast attacked. Not that she would be a lot of help since all three of herpanions were still wounded and overtaxed from the previous fight.


    Everythings fine, Verana nodded. We got stuck outside for a bit when the wall woke up, but there were no further attacks on us or the bridge. These creatures might hold their own territories in the darkness, preferring solitude.


    Good, Zac nodded, wholeheartedly hoping her theory was correct.


    Dealing with one Void Beast hadnt been too difficult. Part of it was thanks to the huge numerical advantage, but it was mostly because the Void Beast was restrained by this dimension. Its aura was definitely a match to the golem he fought in the Dao Repository, but the actual strength it exhibited was less than half that.


    But even with such an advantage then they would still be in deep trouble if just two attacked at the same time. He could only hold down one at a time, which would give the second one free rein to rampage among the normal soldiers. He nced up at the ceiling again, a sense of foreboding chilling his heart. There was no point in tempting fate.


    Were setting off, Zac said.


    The group didnt want to loiter in case another beast was lurking outside the dome atop the square, and they scurried into the corridors with gusto. Zac let the other elites lead the way while he jumped up and sat on the shoulder of one of the Anointed who usually apanied Rhubat. The weakness of activating <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> had hit him, and the ambient Cosmic Energy had gotten so sparse by this point that his natural absorption had turned into a weak trickle.


    So he could only depend on the gargantuan Zhix for a while as he started absorbing Cosmic Energy from Nexus Crystals. He also took the opportunity to look inward to see if something had changed with his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, but Zac was disappointed to see that it had gone quiet again. It didn''t look like it was about to spit out anything either, but rather like it had gone into hibernation.


    Zac still felt like this was an opportunity for him though. He had just remembered that this wasnt the first time he had encountered energy with this particr vor. He had actually absorbed the very same force from the Collector when they fought, but he was in the middle of a fight for his life at that time and didn''t have any chance to look into it.


    He still couldn''t figure out exactly what it was. Even if it was something more advanced than Attuned Energy he still felt he should be able to recognize its vor somewhat. He had encountered all sorts of cultivators by this point, and he was seldompletely flummoxed when trying to figure out what kind of Dao they were cultivating.


    All fire-rted Daos gave off a simr fiery aura, and the same went for all other Daos as well. But these Void Beasts seemed to have a vor of their own. Zac could only guess it was because of the unique environment they lived in, so he simply named the energy Void Energy in his mind.


    Zac wondered exactly what his node wanted with this energy. It usually spat out anything it swallowed, but this particr energy seemed to stay inside. He guessed that it was something that could actually nurture the hidden node, or perhaps even help with awakening his bloodline down the line.


    The issue was that he had never heard of upgrading Hidden Nodes. Hidden Nodes were supposed to give permanent and unique boons, sort of like titles. They were either opened or unopened. But was it perhaps possible to upgrade them if they were linked to a Bloodline?


    There was unfortunately much he could figure things out at the moment. Perhaps he could find some records at the Core of the Mystic Realm, though he wasnt sure whether the innermost sector of the research base even existed any longer. That by itself put a pretty big dent in his secondary goals to find out more about Leandra and awakening his bloodline.


    For example, those bloodline vats that the Gemlings controlled might already be lost to the Void by this point. His only other chance was to stumble onto something at the core, but he wasnt too optimistic as he looked around.


    It was clear, the state of the inds was gradually getting worse, and not because of the weakening Cosmic Energy and protective film. Zac believed that the rough state of the walls and structures of the inner ind was due to something else. The closer they got to the core, the more the materials had been impacted by the spatial expansion. That in turn had resulted inrger destruction when the Dimensional Seed took everything back.


    The increasingly dpidated state of the corridors at least helped expedite their progression somewhat since more and more walls had crumbled to provide new pathways. Of course, the sparse Cosmic Energy in the atmosphere also made it harder to restore ones reserves, which made it difficult for the cultivators to keep a high tempo.


    They thankfully passed over to the next tform without issue, and Zac once more closed his eyes to focus on restoring his energy after they had passed over.


    Zac, Kenzie suddenly eximed, dragging him out of his meditation as he looked down at his sister.


    What is it?


    Look, Kenzie said as she pointed down a side corridor.


    Zac looked over, and his eyes widened when he realized that the section looked remarkably simr to the corridors they had passed just before entering the pipe. However, those paths went in a different directionpared to the route they were following. He quickly jumped down from the Anointed''s shoulder and walked over to Kenzie.


    "Can you see if it''s the same ce?" Zac asked with a mix of hope and trepidation.


    Wait a second, Kenzie said as she took out her tablet and changed the screen to a map. Ah! I knew it!


    What? Zac asked.


    I gave Thea a fewmunication modules while you were recuperating back then, and one has been installed, Kenzie said. Oh, and theres a message a message recorded.


    Well, go ahead and y it, Zac said anxiously.


    <em>If you hear this the world has transformed already,</em> Theas voice emerged from the console. <em>Were fine. The chaos destroyed theboratory though, allowing us to escape. We have decided to move toward the mountain to scout things out. Who knows? Were in a pretty good position, so we might actually be able to get there first. I only have one more of these things, so Ill save it until we reach the mountain.</em>


    Zac slowly exhaled, extremely relieved to hear the two were fine. He had worried for a second it was Thea or Ogras recording a final goodbye or something. Then again, he wasnt too surprised to hear they were okay. If anyone could survive on their own in this ce, then it would be them.


    What do you want to do? Kenzie asked.


    Lets follow our original route. You heard her; theyll be at the mountain. In fact, they might already be there by this time. Both of them are powerful Dexterity-based cultivators. They should have been able to get quite far before the energy got too scattered, Zac smiled and turned back without another look.


    What about the items in theb? Didnt you need that crystal? Kenzie asked.


    Its not worth the dy, Zac said after some thought. Reaching the mountain before our enemies blow up the bridge is more important than anything else. Besides, if one such crystal can appear here, then I bet there will be more around the Dimensional Seed itself.

 Chapter 628: Resisting Fate

    Chapter 628: Resisting Fate


    Ance of golden mes tore through the air, and Ogras barely managed to avoid it before he unleashed a beam of destruction of his own. However, he didnt aim at the bishop in the forefront, but rather at the group of underlings who worked on infusing the weird array at the edge of the mountain.


    Why fight? This is a world of sinners, they must be cleansed! the bishop roared. The Heavens themselves are on our side. Move away, stop resisting fate.


    Well, you have me convinced, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    He was swallowed by a wave of shadows, appearing in front of the leader as he unleashed a sharp stab aimed at his throat. Unfortunately, a swam of golden motes of light forced him away yet again. He had already been sted by one of those things, and he was still missing a chunk of flesh on his side. Ogras tsked in annoyance as he red at the cultist leader who looked all-too-simr to the bastard who took his arm.


    This one was far stronger though, and it wasnt only thanks to the fact that he was no longer restricted like they were during those beast waves. More importantly, he was backed up by far more professional elitespared to the strike squad who had appeared through the mini-incursion.


    He could only sh away again,nding on a cliff made from Memorysteel that gave him vantage over the cultist army.


    How did things get out of hand to this point? Did those two siblings know that this god-damned ce was going to fall apart? There definitely was something suspicious going on, particrly with the girl. There was always that look in her eye when they talked. Like she was holding in something huge.


    Was Zachary Atwood downying their role in regards to the Technocrat heathens? Did they have some other hidden motives ining to this ursed ce? It was no point worrying about that now. He would be able to ask that annoying guy himself as long as he and thedy Marshall didnt mess up too badly.


    But these cultists werent any pushovers, and there were just too many of them.


    Thankfully, he had already absorbed the <strong>[Corporeal Serum]</strong>, and the effect was amazing. Not only did it provide as many attribute points as a few levels would, but itpletely pushed his Race all the way to D-Grade.


    Certainly, he had already made some impressive strides through the pills he embezzled at the Base Town along with high-quality herbal baths. But he had to give it to these Technocrat heretics; they knew how to brew a potion. Perhaps it wouldnt be so bad bing the son-inw to a powerful Technocrat, enjoying these sorts of serums on the down-low while maintaining the faade of a good and proper orthodox cultivator.


    Perhaps he should take a cue from Thea Marshall''s tactics.


    Of course, the real gain of the serum didnte from a small boost in attributes and an increase in his longevity, especially when it felt less and less likely he would get to enjoy his additional lifespan as the minutes passed. The real gain came from his bodys transformation. Who would have thought that his series of circumstances would result in him getting a Mutated Race?


    He still felt some lingering shock when remembering the surprise waiting for him when he opened his status screen after having imbibed the serum.


    <strong>[D] neswalker Demon</strong>


    neswalker Demon, a unique race not recorded within the AzhKirKhat Horde. An amalgamation of his beastpanion and his own heritage. He had heard of things like this happening before. People encountering fortuitous, or more likely unlucky, encounters sometimes ended up changing their bodies to the point that they no longer could be considered the same race as they once were.


    Truthfully, something like this generally ended in disaster. The races of the multiverse were the product of billions of years of natural selection, essentially perfect vessels for cultivating the Heavenly Dao. That was why most races looked so simr in their makeup; the cultivation pathways worked best when they looked a certain way.


    So, to change this product of nature would usually result in a mutation that brought more problems than perks. After all, if it was a good thing it would be called something like Ascended Race or at least Augmented Race, not something so ominous as Mutated Race.


    Yet, in his case, Ogras felt he came out ahead. Perhaps some of that aberrations luck was finally rubbing off on him.


    He looked at the vast field of shadows that harried the vanguard army, and it felt like he was looking at his own body. He had never felt so close to his Dao or the shadows he controlled. It was like the difference between a pyromancer and a fire elemental. Both were masters of mes, but only the elemental could im the Dao of Fire as its birthright, controlling it with inborn ease. That was how he felt with the shadows right now.


    Ogras had even sensed the location of a Hidden Node when he and his familiar were melded into one; roughly in the middle of his spine. Give it a decade or two and he was confident hed be able to grind it open with his manual even if he didnt find any amazing treasures to help him out. There still was the hidden threat of where the hell Asshole''s consciousness had disappeared to, but that was a worry forter. For now, there were lizardmen to kill.


    Thankfully he wasnt the only one who had made some gains.


    A flower of sword radiance and blood bloomed as Thea Marshall appeared seemingly out of nowhere among a group of cultists, killing two and maiming another before they had a chance to react. A massive pir of fire erupted where she stood, but the human had already fled under the guise of Ogras shadows.


    In another corner of the army, a throat was slit open as though by itself, yet no one noticed until the zealot toppled over. Only at that time did fiery shields erupt in the area.


    Ogras whistled in surprise as he melded with the shadows. The girl had a knack for timing, no matter when talking about finding an opening to appear herself or silently assassinating unknowing warriors. She was like a gust of wind. By the time the gale had passed, you were already dead.


    Of course, her antics were only made possible thanks to her upgraded weapon. Ogras couldnt help but feel a pang of envy when he saw how huge an upgrade that hidden de had undergone after incorporating that crystal. It somehow passed right through the defenses of these lunatics without alerting anyone, turning into a supreme assassins tool.


    If only he had taken it for himself instead. An ability like this was exactly what he needed for his new spear. But that littless had been smart, kissing thatherbeast before he set off. If he made his move now it would spell trouble. He knew he wouldnt get away with it considering his reputation. But there would be more opportunities in the future.


    She wascking in raw firepower even with her upgraded weapon though, even worse than himself, and she could only take out one or two soldiers after staking her life. There was clearly a limit on how often she could use that piercing skill of her de as well, and she only dared to activate it against the normal soldiers.


    Besides, she could only move this freely thanks to him drawing the attention of the bishop and the elite squad. But Ogras could still see a seed of potential in her now, something he hadnt really felt before. As long as she had a fortuitous encounter or two before evolving, she would have a chance to make a name for herself in the Zecia sector in the future.


    Of course, not like the monster in their midst.


    Unfortunately, even with their recent boosts, they were fighting a losing battle. Ogras once more unleashed a barrage of spears from a mirage clone in the distance as he stabbed out from the shadows with his spear. A golden shield appeared to block once more, and Ogras could only sigh and recede into the darkness again.


    His eyes turned to the growing golden fractal covering the edge of the mountain, and he knew it wouldnt be long before yet another series of inds fell. The n of the cultists was crude but effective. They had quickly figured out that it was actually the mountain that protected the realm fragments floating around in the Void.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    They somehow infected the energy keeping the inds safe before destroying the bridge connecting to the tforms outside, causing a shocking chain reaction. That would leave more energy for the mountain itself, likely extending the time it would be able to remain before this hellhole copsed.


    It would also cut off any unlucky people who still hadnt reached the mountain.


    Normally Ogras wouldnt care considering he had already made it, but he needed to stall these lunatics until backup arrived. He and the Marshall girl had already spotted their people scrambling on their way here, but there were a lot of inds to pass on the way to the mountain, and the cultists were too efficient in their method of destruction.


    Thats how the two found themselves in a battle of attrition against an army of over a thousand cultists that seemed intent on setting the whole mountain on fire. They could only slip through the cracks and cause some annoyance and dys, and hopefully, that would be enough.


    Another wave of mes spread out as a hundred Cultists mmed their staffs into the ground, and a scorched Thea was forced to desperately jump to safety while Ogras barely managed to fend off the waves while retreating.


    This one is done for, Ogras sighed as he appeared next to hispanion. Lets back off and recuperate before the next wave.


    Thea wordlessly nodded as she took out a Nexus Crystal from her pouch. Her eyes were sunken from exhaustion, and Ogras knew he didnt look much better. He had just thirty percent left in his tank, and they would need to keep going for hours if they wanted to dy the cultists long enough.


    The two scurried into the cracks in the mountain, taking advantage of the uneven terrain to hide from the pursuit. A squad of elites tried to follow them through the cracks, but it only took a few minutes to lose the trail.


    Ogras thumped down on the ground in a secluded crevasse a few minutester and started absorbing some energy as well. Thea mirrored his actions as she ate some dried rations to fill her stomach as well. The rumbling thunder of yet another copsing ind echoed out in the distance.


    ------------


    This is the final stretch, keep going! Cervantes urged as his eyes were veritably burning with hatred.


    The sky copsed once more as another ursed tentacle of the Collector greedily grabbed at a clump of tribesmen. He was exhausted, but Cervantes still roused his bloodline as he shed forward to intercept.


    His whole body transformed into a radiant light that took the form of a massive wolfs head, and it bit down at the tentacle with enough force to rip space apart. A shudder spread across the tentacle as Cervantes infused a storm of energy through his fractal teeth, but he knew all-too-well how durable this bastard was. This bite of his was just a scratch to this monstrosity.


    A part of the light turned into his legs as he touched down on the ground to readjust his momentum, and a geyser of moonlight pushed the appendage far into the air by taking advantage of the momentary immobility from his bite. His tribesmen didnt waste his efforts by staying to fight alongside him, but instead opted to make it worthwhile. They urged their exhausted bodies to turn into beams of light as they shed forward toward the bridge, leaving an illuminated corridor through the end of the ind.


    A dozen tentacles were already descending by that point, all of them aiming toward Cervantes himself. He wasnt surprised. This ancient bastard had harried them for thest hours and across three whole inds, and it had already realized who it was that kept it from adding more bodies to its collection.


    The whole sky was blotted out by hands, some of them clearly belonging to his tribesmen, but Cervantes didnt panic at all. A hateful sneer spread out across his face as he threw out a meticulously crafted machine asrge as a full-grown man. A sharp whistle was released by the machine before it froze in space, and a silver radiance spread out the next second, illuminating the whole sky.


    The light lingered for a second before it started to change, congealing into what almost looked like solid matter. It wasnt actually what happened, but Cervantes melded with the tunnel of light to escape the Lunar Domain. It was his fathers invention, a method to stabilize space with the Dao of the Moon.


    Its original use was to forcibly stabilize chaotic zones during the Cataclysm, but it worked quite well in dealing with Void Beasts as well. The tentacles started to rapidly distort as thews of space were reinforced, but the Collector was unable to easily extricate itself. Space had already be too stable, and even Cervantes would have a hard time moving through that domain, let alone a Void Beast.


    The appendages were trapped for the moment, giving Cervantes and his rearguard the opportunity to cross the bridge. But the Collector was ultimately a pinnacle creature, and space itself cracked as the monstrosity ripped itself free. It did lose quite a few of its trophies in the process, but Cervantes knew that it was ultimately just a flesh wound.


    They were safe for now, but Cervantes still had a hard time swallowing the hatred in his heart. Over two hundred of his tribesmen had been snatched up over the past hours, each of them handpicked elites whose talents would be a great asset when rebuilding their tribe on the outside. He couldn''t believe their bad luck that this horror had decided to doggedly target them when there no doubt were far easier trophies to collect.


    One day he would return to this ursed dimension just to rip this bastard in two.


    People ahead! Humans! a scout suddenly eximed as her eyes flickered with light, her warning dragging Cervantes back to the present.


    Cervantes hesitated for only a second before his eyes gleamed with ruthlessness. He took out a small syringe and injected it into his arm, and he felt a surge of power spreading through his limbs.


    Ready yourselves for battle, he growled.

 Chapter 629: Final Stretch

    Chapter 629: Final Stretch


    This is the final stretch, keep going! Zac shouted as he urged the warriors around him to keep running.


    The faces of the soldiers were pallid masks of exhaustion by this point, but they kept putting one foot ahead of the other as they gripped Nexus Crystals in their hands. Thest ten hours had pushed them to their very limits even though they werent the ones who carried the main burden of their mad dash.


    The problem was the increasingly sparse Cosmic Energy. It kept getting worse, to the point that there was barely any left at all by now. Just maintaining a superhuman speed was a constant source of drain, and with battles peppered in these people were running on fumes by this point.


    After all, most of these people didnt even have a tenth of Zacs monstrous reserves, and the fact that they were cultivators didnt help in the slightest in this energy-sparse environment.


    But there was no option but to keep going, even if they were out of strength. They were all-too-aware of the situation. They had heard the crashing sounds of copsing indsing ever closer. They had seen the huge golden mes at the foot of the mountain, causing a shocking chain of destruction that ended with a whole section of inds being decimated.


    And their tform was next.


    There was only a vast emptiness to their left when they crossed thest bridge. The neighboring inds were all gone. It was lucky that they had decided to run diagonally across the inds in an attempt to reach a more western point of the mountain. Otherwise, they would have already been thrown to the void.


    Part of Zac had even considered picking up his sister and make a run for it, but he knew he would only be harming himself if he did that. There were just so many barriers in the way as they crossed the inds, anything from walls they needed to punch through to gates that needed to be hacked.


    There were even thousands of battlebots that still roamed the inner inds like the whole base hadnt gone up in smokes, immediately attacking upon spotting his people. If Zac had left the others behind he would long have run out of energy by this point from the constant expenditure. That by itself was suicide since there was a hostile force waiting at the foot of the mountain.


    The only lucky break, if you could call it that, was that they had only been attacked by one more Void Beast as they ran, and this one was roughly at the same level as the caterpir from before. They hadpletely overwhelmed it with a furious assault before they set out again. There were a few times that a w or an appendage appeared out of nowhere to snatch a few people though, but there wasn''t much Zac could do about it.


    It looked like the smarter Void Beasts were content with staying outside the inds, with the dumber ones falling through the protective film. After all, the whole Mystic Realm was crumbling. The Void Beasts only needed to wait for thest inds to crumble and gobble up everyone who wasunched into the darkness.


    Zac couldn''t help but wonder about the fate of the True Sky Faction and the New World Government. The first inds that copsed should have been roughly in the area where those factions resided. If the New World Government were still stuck at the outer sectors of the base they were definitely dead by now unless the spatial tunnels back to Earth still worked even in this environment.


    It was a big blow to Earth to lose that many elites, but Zac didn''t have the luxury of worrying about others. He had kept running ahead with rotating elite squads to pave the way ever since the weakness from using <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong>. They cleared the corridors of automated sentries,ser traps, bugging walls, and all kinds of dangers.


    These forays allowed the weaker of his followers to just focusing on keeping up, and the army usually caught up within minutes of Zac''s elite units setting out. But Zac knew the truth. Every time the bulk of the army caught up, there were a few people missing. This had turned into a true death march, and some people simply dropped down on the ground with their reservespletely drained.


    Zac knew it, the soldiers knew it, but no one spoke about the fallen people that formed a trail of suffering across the past five or so tforms. They could only look ahead, praying that they would be able to cross the final hurdle before it was toote. Zac was in full panic-mode by this point. It had been over an hour since thest set of inds copsed.


    It felt like the floor beneath his feet could copse at any moment as he wasunched into the void. This was the innermost section of the research base, and he had spotted multiple ces that seemed to hold treasures, but he didn''t even consider looking into it. Any leftover energy he had was used to clear any hurdles in front of them instead.


    The others were of the same sentiment, and four Anointed next to him didn''t need any prompt to m into the Memorysteel wall in front of them with almost suicidal fervor. The whole area shock as they unleashed a frantic barrage, turning the wall into scraps in just seconds. Zac unhesitantly rushed straight through, and his eyes lit up at what waited on the other side.


    There were no more corridors, just twisted memorysteel of a broken base that had formed a sharp and uneven square at the edge of the ind. On the other side was a thirty-meter wide wire that led to their goal; the ''Taboo Mountain''. As long as they ran up that bridge they would be safe, or at least not in immediate peril.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    However, reality often didnt live up to one''s hopes and dreams, and Zacs eyes widened in horror when he saw the bridge leading to salvation start to crumble just as they made it.


    A wave of mes rolled down along the copsing rubble, and his heart beat like a drum out of fear when he realized that those runic mes were even eating the protective film. The cultists werent just blowing up the path itself, they even targeted the protections that kept the inds safe. No wonder the other inds crumbled so quickly.


    Break the bridge! Zac roared as he shed forward.


    There was nothing else he could do. They had already missed their chance of crossing as part of the bridge had already been swallowed by the Void. The only thing they could do now was to cut off the rest before those mes reached them. The ind they stood on was still connected to the mountain through neighboring inds, which would hopefully keep it from copsing.


    The anointed quickly caught up and assisted him, and a series of desperate attacks hammered down on the Memorysteel wire as the wall of mes crept closer. But the bridge finally broke off, allowing Zacs group to breathe out in relief. The mes were all swallowed by the void just like the bridge itself, and the ind didn''t immediately fall apart like they had seen before.


    The advance squad breathed out in relief, but they all knew that this only amounted to a stay of execution. They had lost their ess to the mountain. Without the energy provided from the Taboo Mountain, the barrier would quickly start to weaken even without the interference of the Church of Evesting Dao.


    Running toward the next bridge was hopeless as well. The next bridge was a full two inds over, and they had to pass throughplex memorysteel corridors while the cultists could run right over.


    Besides, they were approaching the section of the previous Wastnd. A lot of those inds were fragmented or extremely small, and quite a few had already crumbled even without any outside interference. The protective film was clearly a lot weaker therepared to the rest of the inds, and going there was tantamount to suicide.


    Zac''s eyes turned to the army standing on the edge of the mountain, a towering fury burning in his chest. They were sneering andughing at him like they were watching a great show as the protective film was slowly dissipating on their ind. They might not be able to attack Zac or his people, but they clearly didn''t feel that they needed to.


    What do we do, Warmaster? Rhubat frowned. Can we build a new bridge?


    No, Zac sighed.


    We can! Kenzie interjected as came running, apanied by Joanna and a group of Valkyries. I think this thing will work!


    Zac felt the me of hope reigniting in his chest when he saw what she was holding; the Spatial Drill. His eyes turned to the short stretch of darkness separating their ind and the Memorysteel mountain. It was less than a hundred meters. Was this the true purpose of why the System wanted him to go back? He needed the Spatial Drill to save his people at this very juncture.


    What is that? Joanna asked as she curiously looked at the weird Technocrat Tool.


    A Spatial Drill. It can create some sort of tunnels in space. It was this thing the Cartava n nned to use to escape this Mystic Realm, Zac exined as he turned to his sister. How long do you need?


    Just a few minutes, she said. Its good to go, but it needs to dig a path through the Void.


    A few minutes, Zac muttered as he looked up at the weakening barriers. Do it.


    Kenzie nodded and walked over to the very edge of the ind before she started tapping away at her console. The Anointed had heard their conversation and they formed a protective circle around her to let her work unabated.


    More and more of his people streamed into the broken square, but they stopped in their tracks when they saw the vast chasm between the ind and the mountain. A few of them simply slumped down on the ground with eyes devoid of hope, while others looked to Zac for salvation. They hadnt heard the conversation between him and his sister, but they could clearly understand the severity of the situation.


    Dont give up! We will open a spatial tunnel to the other side, Zac roared as she looked at the exhausted army. I know you are tired, but there is a hostile army on the other side. Well need to take them out if we want to live. Ill lead the charge, but I can''t do it alone. I need the assistance of all of you. Prepare yourselves.


    Thousands of faces lit up when they heard they still had a shot at survival, and the whole square lit up as people frantically started absorbing energy from Nexus Crystals. They all knew who was waiting on the foot of the mountain. Many had even fought against the crazed cultists before. They knew they were in for a tough fight, and every extra morsel of Cosmic Energy might be the difference between life and death.


    Everyone, eat a Springroot provided by our people, right now, Joanna added from the side. Anyone who hasnt eaten one in one minute will be executed. If you see someone faking or exchanging it, immediately report it.


    The Valkyries reacted instantly, each of them taking out a Large bag of Springroot as they walked through the ranks. Everyone quickly ate the root without hesitation, more than used to this procedure. Amotion erupted as a Zhix suddenly tried to break off, but the warrior was cut down by his brethren before he could even take a step.


    A simr scenario happened a momentter, when a human cultivator stealthily tried to swap out the provided root with something he had hidden in his sleeve. The moment he was exposed he tried to flee, only to get crushed by a close-by Anointed.


    Zac had no idea when those two shapeshifters had snuck into his ranks, but he guessed it was sometime during the dash toward the end. Everyone had already been forced to eat a Springroot the moment they set out toward the first bridge, at which point a few cultists had been exposed as well ording to his sister.


    There had been no time to continuously test everyone as they ran for their lives though. Which had allowed a few of them to blend in with the others.


    Seeing that everything was dealt with Zac sat down the next moment, gripping a D-Grade Nexus Crystal in each hand as a storm of Cosmic Energy entered his body. There was only so much he could replenish in a scant few minutes, and he estimated he was only 40% full by the time that Kenzie shouted.


    Zac opened his eyes and saw arge vortex at the edge of the tform, seemingly fused to the exceedingly thin defensive film. The Spatial Drill was hovering in the air in front of it, constantly releasing a powerful beam into the hole. Kenzie had also pushed two odd spears into the ground on the sides of the vortex, and Zac guessed they were there to maintain the tunnel as soon as it was finished.


    Whats going to happen next? Zac asked as he walked over with <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in his hands.


    The drill should reach the other side in a minute or so, Kenzie said. At that time, space will be directly connected between our two sides. You can''t let the cultists blow up the gate though. The drill is running on some weird spatial energy, and it only has fuel for this one attempt."


    "I''ll deal with it," Zac nodded as his eyes turned to the cultists waiting on the other side.


    They had clearly figured out that his people were up to something, and they were making preparations of their own. Zac''s tightened his grip as he took a deep breath. He was exhausted but he could only forcibly rouse his body to meet the challenge.


    It was time to exterminate these lunatics once and for all.

 Chapter 630: Foothold

    Chapter 630: Foothold


    Zac was ready for war, but the cultists were perhaps even more so. Not a single zealot had moved on toward the next bridge by the looks of it. They had instead taken defensive positions while one sun after another ignited and rose into the air like a fiery sentry. Not only that, the whole edge of the mountain was lit on fire, with mes reaching over twenty meters into the sky.


    It looked like the Church of Evesting Dao had figured out their n, or at least didnt want to take any risks.


    Have anyone seen Ogras or Thea? Zac asked as he surveyed the army.


    He couldn''t be certain about Thea, but Zac knew that Ogras was somewhere on the mountain. They had seen a huge eruption of shadows around twenty minutes ago, but it was swallowed by an evenrger fire. The demon was probably trying to help them out, but Zac hadn''t seen a hint of either him or Thea since they reached the square.


    I''ve looked, but I haven''t spotted them. But I''m sure they''re fine, Joanna said. They might be waiting for an opportunity to strike.


    Zac solemnly nodded as he imprinted the defensive measures in his mind. Whoever entered first would find themselves right in the crosshairs of over a hundred attacks. Not only that, he could clearly sense that there was some sort of array at the edge of the mountain, but neither <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> nor <strong>[Primal Polyglot] </strong>could tell what it was.


    That wasn''t because the skills were too weak, but rather that he couldn''t see the situation too clearly. The surface of Taboo Mountain was roughly 20 meters above their current tform, so he could only see the thick crust beneath. The only reason they could spot the army at all was thanks to the incline and the fact that the mountain was far enough.


    Can you change where the other portal appears? Like on the other side of the mountain? Zac hesitantly asked.


    Even if he couldn''t see everything, he could see enough. Even he wasn''t certain he''d walk out unscathed from an all-out attack that the whole cultist army had prepared for almost five minutes.


    No, Kenzie sighed. I can only drill a straight line. Thats why the Cartava n needed to get to a specific spot to escape this ce.


    Alright, Zac nodded with a somber expression. Ill go all-out from the start and try to create a safe zone right next to the exit.


    We will be right behind you, Warmaster, Rhubat said. Well secure this lifeline for our warriors no matter what. Here, take this.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The enormous Anointed took out a small spike, though in the hands of Zac it would look like a proper spear. Zac took it in his free hand and turned it over curiously. It didnt look like something from the System, but rather an ancient weapon from the Zhix homeworld. It was exceedingly beautifully crafted with dense scripts covering the long metal shaft, and its ded spearpoint was made from some purple metal he had never seen before.


    Whats this? Zac asked with confusion.


    It is <strong>[Judgement]</strong>, the symbol of the crusade. Stab it into the ground, and well do the rest. The ancestors will protect us. I hoped to save it for the final battle, but well have to make do without it.


    This Zac hesitantly said as he looked at the spear in his hand.


    It seemed like an artifact of extraordinary value. But that value, unfortunately, seemed to bergely cultural. There was something mysterious about the runes, but he couldnt sense any spiritual fluctuations from it. This was a battle of life and death, and he wasn''t sure he could trust some pre-integration weapon to save their hides.


    Do not worry, Warmaster. I know what you are thinking, but the energy gathered in this weapon would easily kill those miscreations weve fought on the way here. It is simply sealed. It will take a second for it to awaken, which is why you need to activate it immediately. Well follow right behind you and take charge of the activation," Rhubat exined.


    Okay, Zac slowly nodded as he looked at the spear.


    He still couldnt figure it out, but Zac guessed it was like the Sanskrit on the Mountain Evesting Peace. It had been consecrated with Zhix conviction for over a thousand years, which might have created something magical. In either case, stabbing it into the ground wouldn''t take any time, and if it didn''t work he would simply have to figure something else out.


    Is it offensive or defensive in nature? Zac asked.


    We do not know, Vanexis said with a shrug next to Rhubat. It has never been activated before.


    Great, Zac wryly smiled as he looked at the elite soldiers standing behind him.


    Billy stood with the group of elite Anointed that would enter right behind himself, and he had an unusually somber expression. The demons and Tal-dar were right behind them, and Emily stood in their ranks. Zac felt bad about pushing a teenager to the frontlines, but her totemic ability was just too useful. Thankfully she knew enough to not actually enter battle, but rather focus on buffing


    This small elite squad would be responsible to take control of the edge of the mountain, after which the rest of Port Atwood''s forces would enter.


    Any second now, get ready, Kenzie said, dragging Zac''s eyes back to the portal. And stay safe.


    Ive defeated these guys so many times by now, Zac smiled. Nothing will go wrong.


    Everyone soon turned to the portal. Zacs heart hammered as adrenaline coursed through his body, and the muscles in his legs were taut with tension.


    NOW! Kenzie shouted and Zac shot forward like a bullet straight toward the portal.


    The four-meter tall vortex had looked like a window into the void before, but just after Kenzie eximed it transformed to instead show a fiery hellscape with hundreds of suns hovering in the sky. The Spatial Drill had directly connected two positions in contrast to teleportation arrays, and Zac found himself inside the inferno the moment he stepped through.


    Scorching heat licked his face but Zac roared as he sted his Dao Field based on Fragment of the Coffin and empowered it with his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. It was like a concussion grenade had erupted right where he stood, pushing the golden mes away for over thirty meters around him.


    Zac had managed to clear the area of mes the moment he appeared, but his Danger Sense was still going haywire. There was a dense script covering the ground, and the fractals had actually started to climb up his legs, the inscriptions looking like fiery snakes. The fractals felt like molten steel against his skin, and Zac found himself encumbered by greater and greater weight pressing him down.


    It reminded him of the bindings Bra used on him in theva bath, and while it wasn''t too bad for him just yet, it would be devastating for the normal soldiers. They would turn into sitting ducks unable to move by this level of restraints. Worse, those were just one of the preparations of the cultists. There were already hundreds of attacks soaring toward him, and cascading waterfalls of golden mes were descending from the suns in the sky.


    Some of the suns were even falling toward him, the air itself incinerating from their descent.


    Even Zac felt some fear at the shocking disy, but he could only put his trust in the Anointed as he stabbed the spearhead into the ground before he took two rapid steps forward. A fractal de attached to <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> grew fifty meters with each step, and it was like he was an apostle of nature as a storm of verdure erupted around him, from the leaves of <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to the forest of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>.


    By the time Zac had taken his two steps to create some distance from the portal, the edge of <strong>[Chop]</strong> had gained the mysterious sets of fractals of life and death. A wave of darkness swept out, swallowing the first wave of attacks.


    However, these were the elites of the incursion, and Zac frowned when he saw how quickly the energy of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> was being expended. But it thankfully only needed tost for a fraction of a second before the opposing wave of energy rushed forward, causing the familiar friction of life and death.


    Dozens of attacks, most of them based on the holy fire-heritage of the Church of Evesting Dao, were ripped to shreds as the spatial delimitation appeared. It was quickly being whittled down, but Zac desperately pushed back by steadily infusing both the half-circles with their respective Daos. Infusing two Daos at once was usually impossible for him with his awful control, but he managed to force it for a second as he channeled Cosmic Energy into his next skill.


    A loud thunder-like p from behind almost made Zac lose his footing, but the omniscience of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> let him proceed without worry. It was the advance group of Anointed who had surrounded <strong>[Judgement]</strong>. They were led by Rhubat and Vanexis and all of them pping their enormous hands against their chests in what somewhat looked like a haka.


    Zac was worried for a second that their actions would prove fruitless, but he was thankfully proven wrong almost immediately. A wave rippled out from the spear embedded in the ground before it exploded with mysterious white light that spread like a wildfire. The golden fractals around it cracked and dimmed down as one spectral monolith after another rose from the ground.


    Even the golden inscriptions that had reached all the way up to Zac''s knees were subdued by the radiant glow of the Zhix heirloom, and it felt like a huge weight was literally lifted from his shoulders which allowed him to move freely. It didn''t look like it was the Anointed who personally helped him, but rather that the spear itself was intelligent. For example, Zacs fractal forest waspletely unaffected as well, and Billy waspletely drenched in the light as he rapidly grew into his Titanic form.


    It was the monoliths rather than the light that was the source of a shocking pressure though, a pressure that exceeded anything Zac could have imagined from such an unassuming weapon. The pirs radiated an aura that even eclipsed the peak-grade talismans he had used when fighting for his life outside the Tower of Eternity. It proved that the spear was a real treasure, and most likely the most powerful item of the old Zhix world.


    He still didnt know exactly what the Anointeds ace would do, but it did lessen the pressure Zac felt a bit as he started summoning the first axe of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>. The divide of <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> had onlysted for a few seconds before it was finally overpowered by the frenzied assault of the army.


    Destroy the gate! an infuriated roar echoed out from a soldier in the core of the cultist army, but how could Zac let that happen?


    The source of the shout was definitely one of the leaders of the army judging by his outfit, but Zac could immediately tell that it wasn''t the people he had fought back at the Undead Incursion. It wasn''t the true leader, but Zac still sensed that he was at least at the same level as himself. That by itself usually meant a free kill for someone like Zac, but the bishop was clearly empowered by a War Array that far eclipsed what his Valkyries were able to conjure.


    A huge sun shone above the bishop''s head, and it was like the other suns empowered it, which in turn empowered the bishop himself. He radiated a fierce holy aura, and he had hundreds of soldiers backing him up. It was vastly different from fighting him in a one-on-one.


    Whatever the Anointed were conjuring wasn''t ready, but it wasn''t like the cultists were going to wait around for them to finish. The huge glowing orbs were almost about upon him, and Zac couldn''t let them get any closer. They were crammed full of chaotic energies by the looks of it, and if they mmed into the ground they might even be able to break off the edge of the mountain.


    Thankfully his skill had already been fully infused by this point, and Zac immediately swung his arm as the enormous hatchet above his head mirrored his movement. He didnt target the leader, but rather a dense cluster of iing attacks. It felt a bit of a waste to waste the first swing of <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>on blowing up attacks instead of taking out a part of the army, but he didn''t have a lot of options.


    A wave of unmatched sharpness rippled out, and a series of coruscating explosions almost blinded him as arge number of the glowing suns were ripped apart. It almost looked like a meteor shower as burning pieces of molten stone rained down on the ground but the leaves of <strong>[Nature''s Barrier] </strong>were powerful enough to divert the fallout before they incinerated from the heat.


    The sky was unfortunately still littered with iing attacks. Zac felt a bit unwilling, but he could only prepare to activate his second swing in order to clean out another set of suns.


    However, he quickly stopped when he realized that his backup was already on the move.

 Chapter 631: Judgement

    Chapter 631: Judgement


    The darkness of the Void waspletely pushed away from the skyline littered with fiery spheres and the fires that raged all around Zac. He was about to make his move, but a massive foot shed right past Zac as an earth-shattering roar caused the ground to shudder. It was Billy who was already swinging his grotesque club like a baseball yer, the knobbly skull at its top aimed straight for the descending suns.


    The air itself shattered like a broken mirror as Billy unleashed some sort of earthquake-like skill, but that wasn''t the end of it. Enormous spikes shot out of the ground, each of them stabbing at or blocking another sun. Billy had somehow managed to take control of the Memorysteel itself, and one sun after another exploded in specr fashion.


    The explosions were earth-shattering, and Zac''s eyes widened in shock when they swallowed Billy whole. However, the giant quickly shot out of the mes, golden mes licking his whole body. Burns covered his whole body, but he seemed mostly fine. His hair had been singedpletely clean, including his eyebrows, and Zac''s mouth quirked up when he saw that he had gained a brother monk.


    Billy was ultimately just one person, and there were still a huge number of attacks threatening to blow them all to kingdome. But the shadows of therge spikes unexpectedly detached from the Memorysteel and stabbed into the air, extinguishing one sun after another. An azure tornado swept forward out of nowhere as well, rippling through a series of the attacks that the cultists hadunched toward the spatial gate.


    It was obviously Ogras and Thea who had appeared, but Zac couldnt actually pinpoint their position. He guessed they were stuck on the other side of the cultist army, which was just fine considering that it forced the enemy to constantly split their attention.


    Still, even with Ogras and Thea joining the fray, it wasnt enough. There were over a thousand elites from the Church of Evesting Dao present, and they had spent five minutes filling the glowing orbs in the sky with immense amounts of energy. Their preparations wouldnt be stopped with one attack or two.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    However, a ghastly white spear suddenly shot past Billys head to pierce a close-by sun with enough force to actually cause a spatial tear. The crack in space swallowed most of the subsequent explosion before both the spear and the sun were gone in a puff. Zac''s eyes lit up, realizing that the Anointeds preparations were done, and they had made their move as well.


    He didn''t really want to waste his second swing of <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>on the scorching suns, especially when he wasn''t even sure it would work considering Infernal Axe was partly fire-based. Seeing the Anointed helping out was a relief, but he was extremely confused as he couldn''t see anything with the vision granted by <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>. That spear had appeared seemingly out of nowhere.


    He turned back to see what was going on, and his eyes widened in confusion when he saw the drastic change that had taken ce right under his nose.


    Who were these people?


    It felt like he was looking at two realities at once. <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>told him that there were only the monoliths, the small group of Anointed, and the vanguard of the elite army behind him. But his actual eyes were telling a different story as they saw one fierce warrior after another appear atop the pirs.


    Each of them was at least four meters tall and radiated an appalling amount of killing intent, something that was only possible after a huge amount of bloodshed. One warrior, in particr, was just shocking. It was at least seven meters tall, dwarfing even the living Anointed. It held a small spear that looked just like <strong>[Judgement]</strong> that Zac stabbed into the ground, and the air twisted around it the warrior pointed the spear forward.


    The hulking Anointed in the front was clearly the leader, and the spectral warriors behind it immediately threw out a barrage of attacks. They almost blotted out the sky as they mmed into the suns, the attacks, and even toward the standing army. Glimmering golden shields erupted in front of the whole zealot army, but even they looked a bit shellshocked by the enormous force contained in the attacks.


    The whole sky rumbled for an instant, and Zac could only stare in wonder as the preparations of the Church of Evesting Dao were ripped apart in an instant.


    Each spear almost contained as much power as a swing from Zac himself, and they could easily destabilize one or two suns which quickly extinguished the remaining ones. The cultists found themselves under tremendous pressure as well as cracks kept spreading across the barriers from the powerful attacks.


    The soldiers were true elites though, and they didnt panic or break ranks, but rather kept infusing their shields with more and more power. The bishop also swung a censer in his hand, and the sun above him instantaneously doubled its luminescence. It clearly had a huge effect on the army as the faltering barriers quickly recovered, and new suns started forming in the sky.


    The titanic spectral Anointed in the front seemed almost alive as it red at the bishop with death in its eyes. It threw out the copy of <strong>[Judgement]</strong> the next moment, aiming straight for the huge sun that emboldened the cultist forces. Zac had his vision blur from the tremendous conviction stored in that attack. It felt like the spear held enough force to pierce the whole mountain, let alone a puny sun.


    Seal! the bishop roared when he saw the iing attack, and an enormous sigil wrought in gold suddenly appeared, held aloft by four golden giants.


    The twenty-meter tall giants looked harried and tortured, and fetters bound their limbs to the sigil as they hoisted it in front of them. Zac couldnt tell whether the giants were real or something created with Cosmic Energy. Perhaps they were even corpses that had been turned into treasures. But they radiated an immense pressure, and Zac couldnt even look into their eye sockets where white-hot runic mes burned.


    The sigil was all-too-familiar as well, a perfect copy of the one he had broken over at the cultist incursion. Where it hade from, Zac had no idea, but it was continuously being empowered by the whole cultist army judging by the energy streams he could discern with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    Zac froze in ce as he looked at the spectacle. The Church of Evesting Dao really had some cards up their sleeve. It was a lucky break that the Anointed managed to force this enormous thing out early-on since Zac felt that he would have been forced to use a lot of effort to break it apart by himself. He could only hope that the effect of the Anointed''s ultimate strike lived up to the pressure it emitted.


    The enormous sigil had appeared right between the two opposing factions, and the spectral Anointeds spear mmed straight into the core. It was like the world froze when the two forces met, and a painful headache almost made Zac topple over as odd hymns echoed in his mind. Others werent any better off, with the demon and Tal-dar elites toppling over before they even had a chance tounch their first salvo.


    The Anointed and zealots were hunkered over as well, but they were a bit better off. Even the dozens of spectral Zhix seemed to barely be able to maintain their form, but they didn''t seem content to just dissipate. The ghastly squad shot forward, each of them slowly losing their forms as they approached not the sigil but the giants holding it.


    Soon they were just streams of immense conviction, and one hole after another was punched into their bodies as the ghosts sacrificed themselves to take down the enemy. It was just the kind of crazed determination one could expect from the ancient leaders of the Zhix, and Zac immediately seized the opportunity to help out. He had held off on his second strike long enough.


    A cascading wave of mes rippled forward and mmed into one of the nks of the army. He didn''t dare to attack the giants or the sigil, afraid that his strike would also harm the efforts of the Anointed, but he saw an opportunity to cause some real damage to the army itself. A sea of shadows suddenly swept toward the second nk as well, and the cultist army found themselves beset from behind.


    The sea of shadows turned into a churning storm of shadow spears, and it was like a hurricane that kept picking up momentum. Zac''s eyes lit up when he realized that Ogras was using <strong>[Soaring Ocean]</strong>, the Dexterity-based E-grade skill avable in his Dao Repository. More and more spikes kept appearing, and the cultist army was soon beset by thousands of stabs in the blink of an eye.


    Each of the stabs didn''t contain a lot of power, but the barrage was unceasing and ever-growing, creating constant pressure on the army. Together with the inferno that Zac had ignited on the other side, the soldiers were no longer able to reinforce the massive sigil in the heart of the army.


    As expected, the fires in the eyes of the golden giants visibly dimmed soon after Zac''s and Ogras'' strikesnded, and small cracks spread across the sigil. But things werent over just yet. The sigil quickly regained its luster, and Zac started to feel a sense of trepidation.


    Attack! the bishop roared from the other side of the sigil, and mes lit up over the heads of almost half the army before they shot into the enormous golden runes.


    The giants shuddered before they visibly started shrinking like they were being drained of all their moisture. They were turned into desated husks in an instant, all their energy absorbed by the sigil as it suddenly hovered in the air by its own power. The spectral spear of the titanic Zhix exploded, causing one final scar on the golden surface before it disappeared.


    The crack quickly spread across the whole surface of the golden rune, but Zac wasn''t sure it was a good thing when he saw some weird energy start pouring out from the cracks. It was like space itself crumbled in front of the sigil as tears started to spread toward him and the portal. These werent spatial tears though, but something else entirely.


    There wasnt the void of space inside the cracks, but rather terrifying white-hot mes that made Zacs very soul shudder from just looking at them. That wasnt the only thing; the portal behind him actually started twisting from the pressure released from the cracks that slowly crept toward them.


    He definitely couldnt let this continue, so he immediately unleashed the final swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, imbuing the strike with everything he had. A wave of darkness rolled forward, and one radiant light after another was forcibly closed as the grey clouds of destion flooded into the cracks. It looked like two wrongs did make a right in this case, as the terrifying cracks were actually destroyed by his strongest attack.


    However, even Zac''s final strike proved insufficient topletely quash the iing attack. Zac tried to figure out what punishment would be best to use, but the Zhix made their move first. There were just six of the spectral Anointed remaining, including the leader. The others had already sacrificed themselves, and it looked like thest group was about to do the same.


    Even the monoliths that towered among the tress of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit] </strong>rose into the sky, and ghosts and graves melded into a huge wave that followed right behind the wave of destion. The whole area was quickly drenched in silver radiance, but Zac still felt enormous sts of chaotic energies being forcibly suppressed inside the light. The explosions grew more and more sparse over the following seconds, Zac slowly felt his Danger Sense calm down as the silver light dissipated.


    The Anointed behind him bowed deeply toward the chaos, their faces full of admiration. A tremendous explosion erupted the next moment, and the sigil cracked in two as the husks of the giants were ripped apart. A chorus of groans and wails could be heard even through the mor of the pieces of the rune mmed onto the Memorysteel floor, and Zac knew their opportunity had arrived.


    Attack, Zac growled with a low volume as he shot forward, a swirl of leaves forming a barrier around him as he pushed through the errant energies.


    The golden barrier was down, and the cultists were suffering from the bacsh. This was the optimal time tounch a swift and decisive counter-strike. A massive skill like <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> might force the warriors out of their muddled state from the massive energy fluctuations, so Zac personally rushed forward to deal with the head of the snake.


    A wave of warmth spread through his body, proof that Emily had appeared as well to conjure her totem.


    More and more soldiers of his army poured out behind him through the portal, each of them rushing forward behind a vanguard of Anointed. It quickly turned into a multi-race army of elites, and it kept getting reinforced as people flooded through the spatial tunnel. They looked exhausted, but determination burned in their eyes as they rushed into the haze.


    The fury of almost getting lost in the void burned in their veins, and they were ready to unleash the stress umted over the past hours on the Church of Evesting Dao.

 Chapter 632: Asura

    Chapter 632: Asura


    A swarm of Drones shot out through the portal above the heads of the soldiers as well, though Zac could still see that Kenzie hadnt passed through the portal. They didnt follow the charging army but rather formed what looked like a protective array. Layers of barriers appeared the next moment, protecting the spatial tunnel from any errant attacks.


    It allowed Zac to focus on the task at hand, and he shot forward, aiming straight for the most energy-dense spot ording to <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> since the previous attacks had turned any visibility to zero. A squad of lizardmen soldiers suddenly appeared to his left, but they didnt even have the chance to react before they were bisected by a fractal edge that ripped through them like they were made from dry wood.


    It wasnt Zac himself, but rather the special edge he could summon with <strong>[Chop]</strong>. As for himself, his back was already lit up with a lustrous halo as he took another step with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, appearing right in front of his target. Or so he thought.


    Zac expected to appear in front of the bishop, but he instead found himself face-to-face with a three-meter tall Asura with six arms. One arm held a cudgel, another a spear. Two held burning censers and thest two were empty-handed. It radiated an oppressive aura as four burning halos behind its back lit up the surroundings. Dense scriptures were visible inside the mes, and Zac found himself drifting off after trying to discern their meaning.


    He quickly snapped back to reality, just in time to avoid ance of mes that shot out from one of the Asuras hands. An extremely forceful attack with the cudgel quickly followed, but Zac had already adapted by this point and met fire with fire as he swung <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>at an upward angle. A scorching wind mmed into his face when the weapons shed, and he felt a stab of pain in his arm when a foreign Dao tried to burrow its way into his body.


    The wave of heat was extremely painful as well, forcing him to close his eyes for a moment as to not get blinded. The power of the divine avatar was pretty impressive, but he was obviously no slouch himself. His upward swing had forced the Asura off its feet and thrown it a few meters back. It was already working on its next attack though, as two plumes of golden smoke spread out around him from the censers.


    Zac had no idea where this oppressive creature hade from, but he could only assume it was some sort of transformation of the bishop. In fact, after having shed once with the divine being he realized it was expending lifeforce at a crazy pace, far more than the Anointed ever did. He guessed that this transformation was an ultimate suicide attack that only the elites of the church could use.


    Not only that, but the Asura was also clearly imbued by a War Array since Zac could see streams of energy enter his body from the still-shining sun above. He wanted to attack the support squad, but he couldnt actually figure out who was powering the sun. He had heard of War Arrays with masking abilities before, but this was the first time Zac encountered one.


    Killing the soldiers who empowered their leader with a War Array was such an obvious tactic, so a lot of people had worked on solutions to the issue. One such method was to obfuscate the source of the boost, just like now. It helped keep the supporting soldiers safe, but it had clear disadvantages as well. First of all, it only worked inrge-scale battles where the Array Masters could blend in with other soldiers. Secondly, the range was generally limited.


    Zac thought of ignoring the Asura and instead target the normal soldiers, but he eventually gave up on the idea. The bishop was radiating impressive power, and he would be able to cause a lot of destruction of his own if Zac wasnt there to stop him. The bishop was probably more than willing to adopt a scorched-earth-tactic, but Zac was a lot less willing to sacrifice his people.


    The censers in the Asuras hands had already been activated, and more and more of the golden dust spewed out in the surroundings. Zac knew he couldn''t let the bishop continue unchecked, so he disappeared from his position as he activated his movement skill. Zac appeared behind the Asura almost instantaneously, and a powerful swing empowered by <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy] </strong>shot straight toward the halos that kept burning life-force.


    A pained wail shocked suddenly his mind, forcing Zac to quickly cancel his attack. It was Verun that was actually harmed by the fierce heat. Something empowered by that much lifeforce could even harm his Spirit Tool it would seem, so Zac could only find another method to deal with his enemy. The Asura turned into a blur before he had the chance tounch a second attack though.


    The golden diety pivoted with almost impossible speed, and the unencumbered hands made some unknown seals. Zac felt some danger the next moment, and he barely had time to jump back before one of the halos released a massive congration that swallowed the Asura and the ten meters surrounding it. It was the golden dust in the air that had ignited in spectacr fashion.


    The mes were extremely intense, to the point that Zac couldnt see anything inside. He knew that even he would get badly burnt by those mes, so he could only stand guard outside the me pir, waiting to see what happened with the Asura. After all, he hadnt gained any Cosmic Energy, not that Zac believed the bishop would blow himself up the first thing he did.


    As expected, the ded head of a spear shot out from the congration with enough force to disperse the mes. Zac angled his head to avoid the stab, but he still felt a burning sensation on his throat as the spear radiated a terrifying heat. This much wasnt enough to stop Zac in his tracks though, and he took a step forward while taking advantage of the outstretched spear.


    <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> keened as he ferociously swung at the Asuras chest just below the outstretched left arm holding the spear. The cultist tried to intercept the strike with its cudgel, but Zac caught the bishop''s arm in a vise-like grip with his free hand as he continued the swing. Just as he was about to create a massive wound another arm turned to a blur, and one of the two censers appeared to block his edge.


    The ceremonial tool was destroyed in an instant, and the whole hand holding it was cut-off at the elbow. Zac was, unfortunately, unable to keep his momentum going, as the censer exploded after being destroyed, releasing a huge cloud of that extremelybustible golden dust.


    As expected, a halo lit up the next moment, and Zac stepped back to avoid a second inferno. However, his eyes widened when he realized that one of the free hands had grabbed his robes by thepels, lifting him just as he was about to activate <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>. The whole world turned white as a searing pain threatened to swallow him whole, but Zac forcibly suppressed the agony as he swung his axe in a ruthless downward arc.


    He felt molten metal beneath his feet a momentter, and he desperately rushed out of the congration. The mes dissipated only a few secondster, exposing an Asura that now was missing two hands standing knee-deep in molten Memorysteel. The bishop seemed utterly undeterred though as he rushed forward to engage in another melee.


    The screams and mor of battle echoed all around him, meaning that the battle had turned into a frantic melee just like his own situation. Visibility was still very limited as the Asura had actually managed to set the Memorysteel around him on fire, but he could see zing suns mming into the Anointeds sigils, causing massive shockwaves. The ground beneath them was thankfully pretty thick, but Zac still couldnt help but worry that their war would destroy the whole section of the mountain, sending them into the abyss.


    The quicker he finished the battle the better. But Zac didnt use any of his aces even when knowing that. He had already managed to confirm that the true leader of the Church of Evesting Dao was missing. This man was pretty powerful, but he was ultimately just slightly stronger than the other bishops they had fought.


    The leader he had encountered in the Dead Zone wasnt there, and Zac guessed that part of the cultists had already set off toward the Dimensional Seed. There was also the True Sky Faction, The Lunar Tribe, Void Beasts, and god knows what else to worry about. He couldnt burn through all his ultimates the moment he set foot on the mountain.


    Thankfully it didnt seem like it woulde to that anyway. Zac and the Asura kept fighting in a brutal melee, where the Asura tried to ensnare and incinerate Zac while Zac kept whittling the cultist down with ruthless efficiency.


    A thump echoed out as the arm holding therge spear was fell onto the ground, and the Asura was covered in wounds and golden blood by this point. Zac was working quickly and methodically to dismantle him, but he was once more forced back as the Asura started swinging his censer like asso before unleashing a massive wave of mes.


    Zac sighed in annoyance as he backed away again, his eyes scanning for a weakness in the sea of mes. He hadnt managed to unleash a killing blow, but not for ack of trying. It felt like the Asuras Danger Sense could rival his own, as every time he was about tounch a lethal strike one of the four halos erupted, forcing Zac to back away.


    The bishop was on hisst legs though. One of the halos had already extinguished after just one minute of heated exchanges, and the remaining three were a lot dimmerpared to before. Each wave of mes was powerful enough to harm Zac, so they were definitely powered by a pretty significant amount of the bishops remaining life-force. A couple of waves more and he might not even be able to keep standing.


    Zac shot forward again, and he caught a lucky break when the Asura stumbled forward due to exhaustion and blood loss. Zac immediately pounced on the opening, but he realized something was wrong when he saw a ruthless gleam in the Asusa''s golden eyes.


    Glory to Heaven! the Asura roared with an otherworldly tone that sounded like a chorus rather than one singr voice, and his arms wrapped around Zac''s body in a burst of speed.


    Over a hundred screams echoed out from all over the battlefield the next moment, and the sun above their head turned almost blindingly radiant. The halos behind the bishop''s back turned horizontal as they rapidly started expanding, and the sun above their head started falling apart as the halos gobbled up the chaotic energies. Zac immediately tried to get out of the bearhug, his struggles only turning more violent as his Danger Sense kept growing in volume.


    He was caught in an extremely tight embrace, but he was still able to move his right arm somewhat. It allowed him to unleash a furious barrage at the midriff of the asura, and he suddenly felt a surge of Cosmic Energy enter his body as the bishop was hacked in two. However, Zac''s eyes widened in shock when the death of the cultist leader had no impact on the halos growing above their heads.


    Retreat! Zac roared in case any of his soldiers were in the vicinity as he untangled himself from the corpse of the bishop.


    However, he personally stayed behind as his Specialty Core activated. Transforming in the middle of a battlefield was a risky move, but he couldnt deal with the current situation in his human form. If the bishops final attack was allowed to go off, it might copse the whole section of the mountain. It was instilled with all the remaining life-force of the asura, along with what Zac suspected the life-force of the hundred soldiers who just screamed with pain.


    Some fractal leaves wouldnt cut it against something like that; he needed to bring out his big guns.


    He was making a bet; that his transformation would be quicker than the final attack of the Bishop. The three remaining halos kept expanding, and Zac couldnt help but panic as he saw them expanding toward where battles still raged. But the transformation finallypleted, and Zac instantly stomped down on the ground. The fortifications of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> sprung up the next moment, sealing the growing halos inside.


    Fifteen spectral chains started mming into the radiant mes, but the halos were just too full of power. The chains couldnt even get near them, let alone damage them. Still, Zac kept infusing more and more Miasma into the skill to keep theshing going. He hoped that every m would weaken the halos a bit, which would make it easier to contain the final eruption.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As for Zac himself, he saw no reason to stay inside the cage. The chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>wound themselves around a Memorysteel cliff next to the closest gate, and Zac threw himself out through a small opening in the door he created. The Miasmic gate closed behind him, just in time before an apocalyptic explosion erupted inside.


    Cracks spread across the gates and the towers of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, and the dome in the sky fluctuated wildly from the pressure. It looked like he tried to contain a sun. Zac infused more and more Miasma into the skill, but he knew that it was just a matter of time before it fell apart.


    Just five secondster the miasmic cage crumbled, and a sea of fire so dense that it had essentially turned into a liquid rolled toward him. Zac''s skill had absorbed most of the kic force of the st, but much of the raw energies remained. Zac could only grit his teeth and conjure <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and expand it as much as he could.


    The skill turned into an indomitable wall that towered twenty meters into the sky. But his Seed of Sanctuary had unfortunately been used to create the Fragment of the Bodhi, meaning that he was no longer able to turn it into a huge protective dome-like before. A series of earthen walls suddenly appeared to the sides of his barrier though as one Anointed after another appeared.


    A scorched and bloodied Billy also appeared before he mmed his club into the ground, which caused a series of jagged metal spikes to block off part of the heat. Finally, a towering wall of shadows rose behind Zac, making it harder for anyone to spot Zac''s transformation. Their help was enough to create a long enough wall to contain the mes, and they raged just for half a minute before they finally ran out of steam.


    The sounds of battle were growing more and more sparse as well, and Zac even heard the sound of hundreds of drones flying about, sting the ground with their powerfulsers. If Kenzie had gone through the portal their people had mostly reached the mountain already, and with the bishop gone and the remaining cultists exhausted, things would be settled soon enough.


    The question was what he should do next, and his eyes turned toward the huge metal sphere hanging in the sky.

 Chapter 633: The Gift of Life

    Chapter 633: The Gift of Life


    Ibtep took a deep breath before activating the teleportation array. They had spent thest two days traveling from hive to hive to better prepare for their mission. Zachary Atwoods warnings had made Ibtep worry that their preparations werent enough, so they had gone ahead and collected another ten billion Nexus Coins just in case.


    Of course, this also put Ibtep under even greater pressure, as more and more Zhix knew of their goal. Ibtep didnt know whether they would even dare return if they failed. Ibtep would definitely get hanged by their antennae as a warning to young warriors, their preciousrvae farm scorched to the ground.


    But Ibtep was ready. They had gone through all the wise teachings of N''s predecessor and their backpack bulged with preparations meant to tackle every scenario. They had even brought their tastiest grubbies this time, each of them full of vor and energy. Even a vaunted otherworlder should be impressed by such fine specimen, no?


    Ibtep touched their hand against therge Nexus Hub, their heart beating with a mix of fear and excitement. As far as Ibtep knew, they would be the first Zhix to ever set out from their home. Who knew, perhaps songs would even be written about this journey in the future? A screen appeared, and they unhesitantly pressed the button that would activate the teleportation to a ce called Zerathar.


    The talisman in their hand started buzzing, and the Nexus Hub emitted a deep pulse that somehow swallowed Ibteps surroundings. The grand structure housing the crystal disappeared, as did the doorway to the outside. Remaining was only darkness. The dark onlysted for an instant though as an energy pir of unimaginable power shot out of the crystal, stretching out into eternity.


    Ibteps mouth widened into an o. The Seeker in their heart wanted to properly study the marvel, but they hurriedly jumped into the pir in case it onlysted for a short while. Ibtep found themselves hurtling through the darkness, shot through who knows how great a distance. It felt extremely novel at first, but even Ibtep started to get bored after ten minutes had passed.


    Just how far was this ce?


    Their wait was soon over though as the darkness was finally reced with a sh of light, and Ibtep found themself in a beautiful garden. Ibtep was immediately transfixed as they looked around. Not only was the Corruption, no Cosmic Energy, of unmatched density in this stretch of paradise, but even the sky was different than anything Ibtep had seen before.


    Rivers of light ran flowed across the firmament, showering the nts and the ground in a warm light. Ibtep could actually see some fishes jumping about in the river, somehow ignoring thews of gravity. Even some of the nts seemed to be able to float in the air, forming small pockets of greenery bobbing about.


    Calls of various critters echoed across the gardens, but they created a beautiful melody rather than a discordant cacophony. Ibtep couldnt be sure, but they actually felt it was by design. Ibtep stood transfixed in ce, a storm of emotions wafting over them. This was it, what their somewhat surly brethren disregarded in favor of normalcy and tradition. The sense of adventure, the beckoning call of the unknown.


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    Ibtep was doubly happy to have taken on this mission. How would they ever encountered such a marvelous ce otherwise? It wasn''t just like soup for the soul, but Ibtep even realized they had actually gained a level just from breathing in the aromatic atmosphere. Granted, some of the boost came from the unique properties of their Seeker-ss, where visiting new ces gave a boost.


    But Ibtep had never gained energy anywhere closepared to what they gained just now just by standing around for a few seconds.


    Move, youre in the way, a gruff voice echoed out from behind, prompting Ibtep to jump up in a scare.


    Arge humanoid with six arms red at Ibtep as he passed, but he didnt do anything further as they left along a cobblestone path. Each step took the cultivator hundreds of meters, and he was gone in an instant. Ibtep breathed out in relief, realizing they had forgotten themselves. Zachary Atwood had warned about the dangers of this ce, and an example had presented itself so quickly.


    The six-armed warrior was powerful, shockingly so. Ibteps antennae had beenpletely overwhelmed when the man passed by, and they could only guess that the man was in the peak of E-grade at the least, or likely even higher. It was shocking. A random chance encounter in this ce had put them face to face with a being more powerful even than the greatest Anointed or Zachary Atwood himself.


    A sudden cough drew Ibteps attention, and only then did they realized that there was another person close-by. It was a human, and she looked at Ibtep with a slightly crooked smile, seemingly hesitant whether she should talk with them.


    Hello, I am Ibtep. May I ask the directions to the Zethaya Hive? Ibtep asked as they walked up to her.


    The Zethaya n? This whole building is part of the Zethaya Pill House, Zerathar Branch the guard hesitantly said as she looked Ibtep up and down.


    Ibtep knew that look all-too-well. She was no doubt hoping for a bribe. Ibtep grimaced in reluctance, but they still decided to follow their guts. First impressions were important.


    Thank you, my friend. For your troubles, Ibtep said as they ced one of their finerrvae in the humans hand.


    The guards eyes were wide with shock as she looked down at the squirming critter in her hand, and Ibtep inwardly groaned, realizing they might have overtipped this time. Not only were these little critters delectable, but they might even be extremely rare in this part of the universe. Ibtep needed to remember Zachary Atwoods warnings. It was dangerous to show off ones wealth in a ce like this.


    Ah I.. Thank you? the guard said as she gingerly held thervae. She found her bearings soon enough though and indicated the same road that the six-armed man earlier walked. The main lobby is just down this road. Seeing as young master came through the private teleporter, a personal liaison will help you during your visit.


    Ibtep nodded in thanks before walking down the path, their eyes curiously peering back and forth. Normally they would have stayed behind and asked the helpful human all the questions that had appeared in their mind, but now was not the time. The mission came first.


    Only after a few minutes did Ibtep actually understand what the guard meant about this ce being part of the pill house. They werent actually outside, but rather inside a building of enormous proportions. The rivers in the sky, and the sky itself, were artificial, like carvings of hive-artisans. This ce gave a lot warmer feeling than the dour interiors of the base Lord Atwood and the Anointed were exploring though.


    But it begged the question; were all otherworlder houses this big? Did they have ustrophobia, the odd condition Ibtep learned about from Emily?


    Ibtep eventually reached another part of the massive structure, this one arge hall full of people. Thousands of people, some of them radiating almost blinding power. Even the weakest of them seemed to be in the middle E-Grade, but many were far stronger. Ibtep could immediately sense at least twenty who most likely had reached the next step on the road of cultivation; D-grade.


    The scene quickly subdued Ibtep''s excitement, and some worry crept into their heart. Anyone in this hall could kill them with a wave of their arm, was this mission even possible toplete?


    Young Master, wee to the Zethaya Pill House, a man suddenly said, the sudden sound causing Ibtep to jump a few meters in fright. Ah, my apologies. May I ask what requirements Young Master have today?


    Ibtep turned around and saw a middle-aged male human standing in front of them. He had a short ck beard and wore a set of wide robes that made Ibtep think of the acolytes who served the Anointed and prepared the rites of the hives.


    This man was far more powerful than the clerics of the Zhix though, and Ibtep guessed him to be in thete stages of E-grade. However, he didnt emit the same type of oppressive pressure as Lord Atwood or the three great Anointed, but rather a soothing aura that made Ibtep think of the moss gardens back home.


    I was sent by Zac Piker, Ibtep said as they took out the second token Lord Atwood had provided. He sent me here because we require the aid of a skilled alchemist.


    Zac Piker the man muttered like he was tasting the name in his mouth as he epted the token with both hands. His eyes suddenly widened in shock as his eyes turned to Ibtep. AH? Its him?


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    The man had been very courteous before, but Ibtep almost felt like a warlord being led through a conquered hive as the man suddenly ushered them through therge building as a wide smile donned his face. The liaison kept introducing the various facets of the Zethaya hive, and what sort of services they offered on the different floors.


    May I ask how Lord Piker is doing? He disappeared from the Tower of Eternity quite suddenly from what I heard, the man suddenly asked as they entered a secluded hall with a dense earthy smell.


    My lord regrets he cannote in person. He evolved some time ago and is now focusing on consolidating his cultivation by taking control of a Mystic Realm, Ibtep dutifully said.


    Oh? the middle-aged man thoughtfully nodded as he led Ibtep into a secluded room with a view of the garden with the flying rivers. As expected of a hero reaching the ninth floor of the Tower of Eternity. His progress is rapid. May I ask what brought you here today? Well do our best to fulfill Lord Piker''s request.


    Ibteps mouth widened in a grin, feeling that knowing a big shot really had its benefits. Now, Ibtep could only pray that these people could find a solution to the plight of the Anointed. They quickly took out the urn holding the Elixir of Anointment and ced it on the table, and the man curiously looked at it.


    This is? the middle-aged man asked with confusion.


    This is the Elixir of Anointment. It is a tonic that will cause a warrior to grow to over twice their normal size and gain massive power for their grade. However, it will make the user unable to cultivate and unable to break through to even E-grade, Ibtep sighed. There are over a thousand warriors who have taken this elixir on our home, and Lord Piker has sent me here with two goals in mind.


    Technically it wasnt Zachary Atwood who had sent them, but Ibtep didnt believe that he would mind Ibtep using his name in a way like this.


    An Army Serum, the middle-aged man hummed. What is Lord Piker''s wish?


    First of all, find a way for those who underwent the Rite of Anointment to keep progressing on the path of cultivation. And if possible, improve this elixir to remove its demerits, Ibtep said, their heart beating quickly as they looked at the middle-aged man with hope in their eyes.


    I understand, the man nodded as he took out a token and infused it with energy. I have called one of our resident Master Alchemists to take a look at the serum youve brought. Hell be able to give a preliminary estimation."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    An old man entered the room a bitter, and Ibtep immediately found themself almost unable to breathe from the shocking pressure the man emitted. However, just as quickly as the pressure came, it suddenly disappeared, allowing Ibtep to breathe out in relief.


    "Master Wamon," the liaison said with a bow. "A friend of young master Boje requires assistance, <em>Lord Piker of the 9th floor</em>. He has sent his acquaintance here to seek our help."


    The brows of the old man named Wamon rose, and he slowly nodded in understanding as he looked at the urn on the table with a curious glimmer in his eyes.


    <em>Have you encountered any problems so far?</em> an aged voice suddenly emerged in Ibtep''s head as their antennae vibrated ufortably. <em>This little insectoid is just a child, but the main branch has deemed that little lunatic as a Tier 2 personage. We cannot bear the burden if we create a grudge with such an unlucky star. </em>


    <em>I ushered the messenger straight here, he should only have talked with the guard at the</em> teleporter, the voice of the liaison answered.


    What was going on? Were these two talking with their minds? And why were their wordspletely exposed as though they were talking out loud? Ibtep couldn''t imagine they were aware of them listening in, and they made sure to keep their face impassive. One of the orders of Lord Atwood was to sound out the situation on the outside, and wasn''t this the perfect opportunity?


    The two kept talking in secret as the old man opened the urn and caused a few drops of the elixir to float in the air. Ibtep couldn''t be sure, but they guessed that the old Alchemist was observing thepound.


    It''s a very novel Army Serum, but it seems to be bound to your particr genealogy," the old man eventually said after ten minutes. "There is much room for improvement, but the second request Im afraid that the Zethaya n will be unable to help you, the old Alchemist said.


    What you have here is whats something generally called an Army Serum in the Zecia sector. These kinds of elixirs help forces quickly nurture arge number of low-grade warriors with strong offensive powers. But these serums always have huge drawbacks, the mostmon being the one you mentioned; not being able to break through, Wamon said. There are Army Serums that will allow one to break through to E-Grade, but those are strictly controlled by C-Grade forces. For us to evolve this serum to such a level Would require the grand elders of the Zethaya n, and it would have geopolitical implications. Im afraid thats far beyond this little branch.


    So there is no hope? Ibtep sighed, their antennae drooping with disappointment.


    We might not be able to help you improve this form, but we can help you with the other request, Wamon smiled.


    Oh?


    We can create an antidote based on this elixir, one that would allow your people to cultivate and break through again. However, you should understand that this type of antidote isnt perfect. Those who take it are unlikely to be proper Cultivators, and reaching D-Grade is highly unlikely. Most importantly; most of the power they gained from taking this serum will be stripped away when taking the antidote, the old man said. "But it will allow them to break through."


    Yes, please. Do that," Ibtep quickly nodded. "How much does an antidote cost?"


    This is a small matter, the n would be upset if they learned we charged the friend of Lord Piker for something like this. We will analyze thispound and prepare ten thousand doses free of charge, the alchemist said. Incidentally, young master Boje wanted to present some small gifts to Lord Piker in case he appeared in this branch, but we do not know what he requires. Would young master Ibtep perhaps know what he desires?"


    Ibtep forcibly stilled their fast-beating heart before thinking back to their interactions with Lord Atwood since the time they first met. This was important, and a way for Ibtep to both make use of months of observation while also giving back to Zac! So, what did Zac desire? Zachary Atwood was mostly busy killing things all over the, so that should be his biggest interest. Unfortunately, there were no good gifts to give in that regard.


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    But he had shown a predilection for something else.


    The first time Zac set out from his ind out he came back with Emily, the one he called his mascot and who now lived in his privatepound. The second time he came back with almost a hundred young females, all of them beautiful ording to human standards. The third time he came back with his kin and two more young females. There was also the one called Thea Marshall, along with the odd alien Verana TirEmarel.


    Lately, his speed of collecting females had decreased, but that was understandable considering how busy he was. Besides, perhaps his requirements were increasing as his powers grew?


    Ibtep had spent a lot of time learning about human culture, and this behavior was clearly out of the norm considering the standard human coupling was a monogamic pairing. It was a unique desire of Zachary Atwood. This was perfect. Zachary Atwood had given the Zhix the gift of life, the continuation of their culture through arranging this meeting. This way Ibtep could give the gift of life right back.


    Lord Piker likes younger females, Ibtep said, making the two humans freeze. The hundreds he has are not good enough. If you can get the word out that the Lord is looking for better ones to take his seed, I am sure he will be most grateful."

 Chapter 634: Seals

    Chapter 634: Seals


    Thest remnants of the bishops suicidal attack eventually dissipated, which allowed Zac and the others to deactivate their defensive skills. With the bishop down the battle was all but over, and there were two options to Zac at the moment; go with his army for a while or immediately set off toward the top of the mountain.


    Ah, why do you smell weird? Billy suddenly said as he stepped closer to Zac, dragging him out of his musings.


    Might be because the guy I fought smelled? Zac smiled as he activated his Specialty Core once more.


    Haha! Just like Billy when Billy was fighting the ratlight. Billy made Nigel puke once by standing ten meters away. But Billy will not puke even if you smell like a corpse, Billyughed, but he suddenly gave a start. Ah? You smell normal again?


    Crazy world, different smells, Zac shrugged, prompting Billy to sagely nod in agreement.


    Of course, it was simply Zac having returned to his human form again. His actions might have been spotted even with Ogras shadow wall, but everyone was busy fighting their own battles. Most people would probably guess that he had used some death-attuned talisman from the Undead Incursion if they even realized the skills were wrought with Miasma.


    That wasnt an ident. Zac had already let his Valkyries spread rumors about him finding all kinds of death-attuned treasures when taking out the Lich King. He knew that his excuses werent perfect and that people would sooner put two and two together about the identity of Mr. ck. This way he would hopefully be able to create some misdirection though, which was only helped by the fact of how oundish the truth was.


    The Anointed next to him were obviously not as easily tricked due to their extremely sharp senses, but they didntment on the situation either.


    A scream in the distance reminded Zac of the situation, and he could only table the matter for now. He still had some energy left in the tank, and while this battle was a rare opportunity for his people to improve through battle, he didnt want his elites to die at a ce like this.


    Lets finish things up before deciding our next step, Zac said, and the Anointed nodded in agreement.


    Zac immediately set off, and the remaining pockets of fierily resisting zealots were cut apart in seconds wherever he appeared. Explosions quickly started to rock the area as the cultists realized that it was over and decided to blow themselves up. His people were thankfully already used to the crazed conviction of the Church of Evesting Dao, so very few soldiers were killed from those final sts.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It took just ten minutes until the battle was over, with not a single cultist remaining. Zac had tried to capture a few to question them about the whereabouts of their leaders, but they simply blew themselves up without hesitation the moment he got close.


    The battle had been pitched even with the advantage of Zac providing aid. The cultists were not only higher leveled than most, but they had better heritages as well. Their skills more powerful and they were also better trained. If it wasnt for therge number of Anointed steamrolling everything and smashing their cooperation, the losses would have been way worse.


    But even with the advantages of Zac himself brought along with the activation of <strong>[Judgment]</strong>, over three hundred elites had fallen in the battle. His people were simply too tired after the mad dash to the mountain. They had lost at least two hundred soldiers who ran out of energy, and many of those who made it were just hanging on by a thread. They werent in any condition to fight, and many were killed even if they stayed in the back.


    Everyone, rest up for an hour, Zac said as he looked across the harried army. I know youre tired, but we need to gather those Spatial Seals if we want to get out of this ce.


    The soldiers faces rxed from relief when they heard that they could finally rest, and most plonked down on the ground where they stood, not caring whether they were sitting right next to a corpse or a patch of burning metal. Everyone quickly closed their eyes and started absorbing energy from Nexus Crystals.


    The ambient energy wasnt actually bad on the mountain; on the contrary, it even eclipsed the energy back on his ind. It looked like all the Cosmic Energy of the Mystic Realm had been gathered in one spot, which benefitted the survivors greatly.


    Zac was about to sit down and rest as well, but he sensed a familiar aura approaching. His heart lurched for a bit, but he quickly found his bearings before turning around with a smile.


    Hey, Thea smiled.


    Zac was about to answer, but he forgot himself and his smile froze when he saw Theas state. She had thick dark circles under her eyes, to the point that it almost looked like she had two ck eyes. Her hands and face were covered in burns, and her aura was fluctuating worryingly.


    One of her arms was limply hanging to her side, and her battlesuit was drenched in blood. It was no wonder he had only seen Thea releasing a single attack at the beginning of the battle. She had clearly pushed herself beyond her limits even before he arrived. After all, she was still in the F-Grade and didnt have the benefits of the energy reserves that reaching E-grade brought through the easily-gained levels.


    Zacs hurriedly shed over and grabbed her by her waist before he shed away again. A few quick steps took them to a secluded spot behind a Memorysteel cliff, and he carefully set her down on one of his cultivation mats.


    Are you okay? he said with worry as he quickly took out a couple of Soul Crystals and healing pills.


    Her physical wounds didnt seem too bad, though Zac knew she didnt have his neigh-unkible constitution. Her unstable aura was a lot worse, as it usually meant her soul was wounded or overdrafted.


    Ill be fine, Im just a bit wrung dry, Thea sighed as she gratefully epted the Soul Crystals.


    Just rest up, well talkter, Zac said as he sat down next to her.


    Zac himself was in a much better state than Thea. His energy reserves were running a bit low, but physically he was fine apart from some burns and minor wounds. He would be back to full strength in just a few hours. As for Thea, he wasnt so sure. He feared it might take weeks, even months for her to get back to perfect condition.


    He didnt want to disturb her at this moment, so the two sat next to each other in silence and focused on recuperation. Of course, Zac wasnt in as wretched a state as Thea, so he took the time to take stock of the situation while absorbing Cosmic Energy.


    The first thing he noticed was that a brand had appeared on the top of his right hand, shining with a grey light as it emitted spatial fluctuations. His first reaction was that the Asura had left some sort of dangerous mark on him at the end, but he quickly discarded that thought. It was clear that the vor'' for the rune on his hand waspletely differentpared to the heritage of the Church of Evesting Dao.


    Besides, he noticed that Thea had an identical mark on her hand, and he quickly realized what was going on. He had gained a Spatial Seal sometime during the battle. However, he couldnt remember seeing that seal on the bishops hand. So either he got it from one of the soldiers he killed afterward, or it could somehow be hidden.


    However, considering how bloodthirsty the System was, Zac doubted that it would let people obfuscate the fact that they were in possession of a ticket out of this ce.


    It was a relief to see that both he and Thea were safe for the moment, and that relief only increased when he opened his quest screen. His quest had actually increased to <strong>(738/3000)</strong> in progression, meaning that this battle had actually progressed his quest by almost 25%. It proved that it shouldnt be too hard toplete the quest.


    The Zealots might have reached the mountain pretty early considering how soon they managed to start copsing bridges, but they seemed to have focused on taking out thepetition rather than gathering Seals from the way it looked. Even then a majority of them owned a seal from the looks of it.


    Only after fifty minutes did Thea stir, prompting Zac to look over.


    I thought we lost you guys for a second there, Thea said with a weak smile.


    Well, if its one thing Im good at, its staying alive, Zacughed. Im d youre okay as well. About before


    Im sorry, I shouldnt have done that when things were so chaotic, Thea said, her eyes flickering.


    No, Im d you did, Zac said as he put his hand on hers.


    Her mouth quirked upward a bit as her lithe fingers entwined with his.


    Shameless couple, a teasing snort suddenly emerged from the shadows.


    You again, Thea muttered before she turned to Zac. If he was half as strong as he is annoying, he would have routed those cultists by himself.


    I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but there isnt really time for you to take a romantic time-out, the demon said, ignoring Theas jab.


    Whats going on? Zac asked with a frown as he got up with a grunt.


    Your sister and the scientists have made some measurements. This ce willst three more days at the most. The seed is continuously umting energy inside that globe in the sky. The dimension wont be able to take it any longer than that, Ogras said. As for whether the treasure is already ripe for the plucking or not, whos to say?


    Three days, Zac frowned as he looked up at the massive moon hovering above the mountain peak.


    We tried ascending the mountain before, Thea said as she followed his gaze. There is a weird pressure that increases the further up we go. Most people wont make it past the halfway point. Id say you need the strength of an E-Grade warrior to reach the peak.


    It will probably take half a day to reach the Seed from our position, perhaps even more if there areplications inside the sphere, Ogras added.


    Ill stay with our people For now, Zac said without hesitation. Well follow the same general n as before. Well circte the mountain to look for the Dominators while harvesting Seals."


    What? Why? Ogras eximed with confusion. Theres no guarantee that the one to first to reach the Dimensional Seed will get it, but it wont hurt our chances. That insect bastard is probably up there as well by now. The same goes for that leader of the cultist lunatics. The real stage of this Mystic Realm isn''t on this deste mountain, it''s up there.


    Zac waved his hand, and his quest appeared in front of them the next moment.


    Benevolent shepherd, Ogras muttered before his eyes lit up. Youre thinking that the Ruthless Heavens wants you to stay down here for a bit?


    Exactly, Zac nodded. If the System only wanted me to lead our people here, then it wouldnt add the requirement to get three thousand seals. I think there is something important left to do down here. It''s not like I have to keeppleting the quests, but my main goal ultimately isn''t the Dimensional Seed. It''s dealing with the threats to earth before the three days are up.


    Alright... What about the other natives? Ogras asked.


    Ignore them if we can. They all have their strengths, especially the Lunar Tribe. Theyll be a pain in the ass to deal with here, but we can slowly deal with them after we exit this ce, Zac slowly said.


    What if there are too few of these seals? Thea asked as she looked down at her hand. We didnt really have the time to scout around too much when we dealt with that squad of cultists, but they arent exactly littering the ground.


    If there are too few seals to go around, well target the Lunar Tribe, Zac slowly said. They have already proven hostile to our faction, and Im guessing that they will hold the most seals anyway. Honestly, I wouldnt be surprised if theyll target the Cartava survivors and Gemlings for their seals. We might be able to reap all the rewards after they have exhausted themselves.


    Nothing like harvesting some ill-gotten gains, Ogras grinned with a ruthless gleam in his eyes.


    Hows your condition? Zac asked, changing the subject as he inspected the demon. It didnt work?


    Zac wasnt asking without reason. The demon had clearly changed since theyst met, but not necessarily for the better. Ogras had essentially turned monochrome by this point, thest red tint of his patterned skin gone. Had that serum perhaps elerated the transformation into a shadow creature?


    Im just dandy, Ogras grinned. In fact, never felt better. That bastard is thoroughly subdued, at least for now.


    Good, Zac nodded as he stood up. Lets go talk with the others. We''ll take our people for one final push before we climb the mountain.

 Chapter 635: Bad Omens

    Chapter 635: Bad Omens


    Hekruv Vira sighed as he looked out at the remaining droplets of light that lit up the void like fireflies at the end of their flight. Another one had just winked out, no doubt because of the energy finally running out. They had built a hundred arks just in case, but now just three remained.


    One could argue that the losses didnt quite match up to the numbers, considering the remaining arks only survived did thanks to powerhouses infusing them with their power. But it could also be seen as an abject failure in the sense that their old, weak, and sometimes young, had all been sacrificed while the powerful saved themselves.


    A shudder wracked the whole lifeboat, and the passengers didnt dare breathe as they looked at the barriers keeping the void at bay. They had held again, but everyone knew it was just a matter of time. Hekruv nced at the enormous sphere above the mountain before his eyes turned to the pulse that rippled out toward eternity.


    One thing good about that shockingly powerful treasure awakening was that most of the Void Beasts were forced away or downright killed by the spatial fluctuations that grew more and more intense.


    The downside was obviously that their arks were caught in this subdimension, unable to find any rifts in space to escape through. Those fluctuations had crushed them all, and Hekruv wouldnt be surprised if the energy emanations would have great repercussions even on the surface dimensions.


    But this was no time to worry about the outside world. They first needed to grasp their final shot at survival. Their vessels were meant to escape through the edges of the mystic realm, but now they had almost reached the core.


    Just a little bit more.


    What is this interference?! Voridis roared with fury as his Cosmic Vessel once more was thrown out from the hidden dimension, small cracks covering its hull.


    He was so close that he could taste it. The swirls of fate suffused the whole region. A few more jumps and he would be able to pinpoint the.


    Master, the ship will not survive another jump ording to the readings," a wet, slightly gurgling voice said. "The spatial fluctuations are too powerful."


    Voridis looked at the wretched state of his disciple with a frown. It was extremely lucky that he reached Seed 7 before reaching the main target, the world inhabited by Zachary Atwood. Some things could only be discovered by experimentation, and there were clearly some issues with his original n.


    The fulcrums soul was supposed to be a conduit, but the forces ripped it apart much too quickly, quickly turning it all into a chaotic mix of discordant wills and Karma. It made the bridge between the fate of the world and Voridis too fragile, and he had only managed to get a taste of it before the connection was cut.


    Voridis had barely managed to salvage a small piece of the rapidly dissipating energies as the world died, but that morsel was utterly insufficient to allow him to form a world of his own. He had instead used it to perform a series of tests with the help of his new little follower, Vasidas Medhin.


    It was lucky that Voridis didn''t follow his first instinct to extract his soul and discard him as he originally meant to when nning this whole undertaking. He hade to realize that such an action might have led to unexpected troubles. After all, his whole n was only made possible by utilizing the Dao of Karma to form a master-disciple bond with his beacons.


    Most things could be circumvented, but it was often easier to just follow the Dao. Killing his disciple would sever karma, but doing so might actually break his connections to his other beacons.


    Luckily, the dynamics of discipleship was not something that was etched in stone. Wasnt allowing your follower to enjoy the effects of your experiments a way to nurture your sessor? If Vasidas happened to have some adverse reactions that showcased the faults of the experiments, wouldnt that be the best for everyone involved so that the master could correct his wrongs?


    A stroke-like shudder wracked Vasidas which brought Voridis out of his musings. The young man''s demeanor had changed, and Vasidas hatefully stared at his master like he wanted nothing more than to rip him apart and eat his flesh.


    It looked like the fulcrum''s remnants had appeared again.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Just how do you keep appearing?" Voridis muttered with a mix of curiosity and exasperation. "You should have been annihted by the storm of Fate."


    He waved his hand the next moment and suppressed the remnant soul, allowing his disciple to regain his mental faculties. Voridis didn''t believe that such an issue would prove a problem for himself, considering the vast difference in power between himself and Zachary Atwood, but he had still perfected the filtering system to make sure too much remnant wills didn''t enter his world.


    Some corruption was bound to appear when subverting fate, but as long as he held the supreme will, it should be slowly salvageable. He would break through and immediately eat his prepared longevity medicine. The additional eons of lifespan would be enough to figure out his next step.


    "Have the golems start repairs," Voridis muttered. "I''ll take the opportunity to make some more calctions. I might be able to reach the in a single jump based on the umted Karma in this region. Hopefully, the spatial turbulence will calm down by the time I''m done. If not, we''ll have to simply break through."


    "I''ll arrange it," Vasidas quickly said and shuffled toward the warehouse housing the repair golems.


    Voridis took a deep breath as he gazed out in the beyond. The heavens were shifting, and he couldn''t help but feel a strong sense of urgency.


    Gu sighed as he put down the damaged piece of armor before making some notations in his ledger. What was it with pirates and fake inscriptions? Every fake rune he encountered felt like a loss of wealth, like he had been tricked somehow.


    Why so glum? aughing voice asked. Being a junior quartermaster isnt quite the same as bing a merchant, but it should beat being tortured to death for information?


    Gu looked up to see his new friend of circumstance. His purple hair had been cut into a mohawk that was made into a thick braid that reached down to his neck. Gu couldn''t understand why he had done something that weird. Not that it looked bad, but it was a very popr hairstyle among the pirates.


    Was Average trying to get himself killed on the chaotic battlefields?


    I just thought about the unpredictability of fate. How different my life would be if I didn''t sit down at that table," Gu wryly smiled as he put down the ledger keeping track of the spoils of the Muscle Brigade.


    This family and their shitty naming sense.


    Well, that guy seems to have that effect, Average grimaced as he sat down on the table. None of us would be in this scary hellhole if not for him. I would havepleted my hunt and returned victoriously, and you would have gone back to your n to live the rest of your life in obscurity.


    Gu red at the annoying teenager, but he quickly retracted his ire. Average might still be F-Grade while Gu had broken through, but thebat strength of the two was miles apart. He had learned that all-too-well during the obligatory sparring sessions of the Muscle Brigade.


    In fact, I heard from fath- I mean the general, that he might be the reason were out here in this deste sector," Average added, seemingly not having noticed the scathing look.


    What? Gu asked with confusion. What does Zachary Atwood have to do with our brigade?


    The Stele of Conflict, Average said with some fear in his eyes. That thing is a treasure far exceeding this whole sector. Even its shadow has great repercussions."


    What does that have to do with us? Gu asked with mounting worry.


    He had barely survived his return from the Tower of Eternity and the subsequent escape from his n. The elders hadnt wanted to take any chances with scary forces like the Tsarun and Heliophos ns in the mix, so they nned to simply hand him over and wash their hands clean of the whole situation.


    If not for the Peak family he would probably be dead by now. Pretty Peak had honored her agreement, and she sent people to fake his death before sending him far away from his n. He hadnt expected for her to send him to the Eternal Legion though, and now just two monthster he found himself stuck deep in the unimed territories outside the borders of the Allbright Empire.


    Gu was now called Gubao, named so by Pretty Peak herself, a junior quartermaster under the logistics department of the Muscle Brigade. It was far from his original goal, but it honestly wasnt all bad. These war-hungry lunatics kept fighting with pirates and alien life-forms at any chance given, and weird and valuable resources kept flooding through the logistics department in turn.


    He had learned more over the past monthpared to a whole year in the Base Town. Besides, his assignment was quite safe, and he never left the warship as it sailed through the Million Gates Territory in search of the Empires enemies.


    Haven''t you heard? Were heading further inside the Million Gates Territory than the Eternal Legion has been for centuries, Average said with building excitement. We''ll reach a wormhole that should take us deep into the heart of the territory in a month. No support system, no safetys. Just pure chaos and a million roads to power.


    WHAT?! Gu screamed as he took a step back, feeling that he had almost been physically assaulted. Wha Why?


    I told you. The Stele of Conflict Appeared. The Emperor believes that it was a sign that war ising. And the first clues have already appeared," Average shrugged.


    Clues?" Gu frowned. "And it''s in the middle of the spatial anomalies?"


    Exactly! Average said. Were at the forefront of history. Weird spatial fluctuations have been sensed all over the Zecia sector over the past weeks, and they are just increasing in power. The anomalies are particrly powerful in the Million Gates Territory, which isnt surprising considering how unstable the dimensions are here.


    Gu took a deep breath as he pushed down the mounting panic in his heart. He had already escaped death a few times now, and he knew that he needed to retain his mental faculties if he was to survive this next cmity.


    What are we looking for?


    We dont know, but the timing is too coincidental. The fluctuations are so powerful that some teleportations have failed mid-activation, and Mystic Realms are popping up like mushrooms after rain. We are here to investigate if these changes are manmade," Average exined.


    What does that mean? Gu asked. This was way beyond his knowledge.


    The Emperor fears that a Space Gate is forming, and its what causing the anomalies," Average whispered after making sure no one else was around.


    Gu''s eyes widened to saucers as he quickly realized the implications. He didn''t know much about conflicts between the powerful, let alone wars between sectors. But he did know one thing. The reason that wars between different sectors were so rare was the exorbitant cost of teleportation.


    It might not be too much for a C-Grade Monarch to visit a neighboring Sector, though the cost without a token was still quite prohibitive. But to teleport billions of warriors across the vast emptiness of space, and to maintain logistical lines for millennia in a sector-wide war? Impossible. Even the wealthiest Monarchs would be bankrupt before the war even started.


    But things changedpletely if a Space Gate appeared. It was like a door connecting two points in space, and walking through it didn''t cost a dime. Creating one waspletely impossible, at least for the factions living in frontier Sectors.


    However, they could appear on their own.


    Space was malleable, something that was all-too-apparent in a chaotic area like the Million Gates Territory. It was technically possible for a powerful enough wormhole to appear, creating a connection between two different sectors. From there you just needed to stabilize it, and you suddenly had a Space Gate that would likelyst for tens of thousands of years until it broke apart.


    Stabilizing such a wormhole was extremely expensive, but something that a couple of C-Grade powers could stomach if it allowed them to plunder a whole sector. The Zecia Sector.


    And the most likely ce for such a wormhole to appear is here, where the spatial barriers are weakened, Gu said with shock.


    Exactly, which means the Albright Empire would be thrust to the frontlines, Average agreed. We might be powerful, but we cant withstand the force of a whole hostile sector. So we must get to the bottom of whats going on and take proper precautions."


    All because that guy summoned that que..? Gu muttered.


    "I mean it''s not like Zachary Atwood is rted to the weird ripples that are destabilizing the Void to the point that a Space Gate might appear," Average snorted. "But him summoning that Stele is still a pretty bad omen, right?"

 Chapter 636: Shortage

    Chapter 636: Shortage


    The soldiers were still exhausted after the mad dash over thest hours and subsequent battle, but no oneined when Zac gave the order to set out. Some had already got their hands on a seal through the battle, but it was mostly the Anointed, demons, and Tal-dar who were safe by this point thanks to their higher killing efficiency.


    Everyone understood the situation; if they didnt start hunting for Spatial Seals theyd be dead in a few days.


    Did you get your seals from the mountain or killing? Zac asked Thea as they walked at the front of the army, keeping a brisk pace.


    We found them somewhat quickly some ways up the mountain, Thea answered. I dont think they spawn at the foot. The cultists took a long route between the bridges, and they even sent squads of a few hundred up the mountain for two hours at a time while the others worked on destroying the inds.


    Wouldnt be surprised that the further up the mountain you go, the more seals will appear, Ogras added from the side. "Especially since the lunatics almost picked the loweryers clean."


    Alright, Zac said as he changed course, leading the army up the mountain as they walked around it.


    The goal was to essentially travel to the opposite side of the mountain in search of the traitor Zhix, but there was no point to stay at the foot. Not only would it mean missing out on extracting seals, but it would also increase the time it would take to reach the area controlled by the gemlings. In fact, with how big the mountain was, it would take way too much time that way. The foot was extremely wide, and only by taking the shortest route would they get there in time to deal with the traitor before the realm copsed.


    Did you find anything else? Zac asked as they made their way up the mountain.


    The Memorysteel mountain had a lot of normal-looking features, like cliffs, ravines, and steep mountain walls. But it also had a distinctly spiraled form, and they made their way up one of the major spirals.


    We only spent half an hour exploring before those lunatics started blowing up inds. We rushed toward them the moment we realized what they were up to, Ogras slowly said. But we did learn some things. These seals onlyst for a short while. If no one snatches them within a minute or so they would disappear, and it wouldn''t reappear even after we waited for a few more minutes. Things might get chaotic.


    Shit, Zac sighed and Thea nodded in agreement.


    Both of them had clearlye to the same conclusion; it would be impossible to impose any sort of order on who got the seals. Zac and the other leaders had already discussed setting up an order by lottery for the general poption, and Kenzie had even prepared everything in her tablets. But how would it be possible to enforce something like that when the seals appeared and disappeared at random?


    They were strapped for time as is, so they couldn''t wait around god knows how long for every Spatial Seal. It would go to whoever was closest, and if multiple people found themselves equidistant to a Seal, problems were bound to ur. After all, those seals were the difference between life and death, and who knew how people would act when pushed to the limits.


    There, Ogras suddenly pointed toward a crack in the Memorysteel a few hundred meters away. We both found our seals in a cave that looked a lot like that. I think they migh-


    Zac grabbed his sister who walked just behind them with her head in her tablet and shed away before the demon had a chance to even finish his sentence. Of course, he was heading straight for the cave mouth.


    Hey! Kenzie eximed as she red at him with annoyance, but Zac didnt stop moving.


    People might be thinking he was ying favorites, and he definitely was. But Zac didnt care. They all would be dead already if not for his sister, and he wouldnt be able topletely focus on the task at hand until her safety was secured. A few steps with <strong>[Loamwalker] </strongter he reached the entrance, but they only reached a few meters inside before they stopped from surprise.


    The cave didnt exactly look like he had expected.


    It was actually a small plot ofnd, with around a hundred trees sitting on a patch of soil. Of course, the trees were definitely not in their natural habitat. The crowns of therger trees were broken or pressed right into the roof of the cave, and over a dozen trees had simply fallen over. Their root systems were ripped apart, and it seemed like only a small part of the soil had been moved to this ce. The rest might have remained on one of the inds or stuck somewhere else on the mountain.


    It looks like a piece of a biodome that has been preserved, Kenzie said with interest as she looked around.


    Zac was a bit surprised that whole sections had survived getting pulled into the mountain like this. But for now, he was more interested in finding a Spatial Seal for his sister. And it didnt take long before he could spot a slight fluctuation with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    Come, Zac said and shed forward, arriving in front of a normal-looking rock in the middle of the transnted forest.


    The fluctuations were slowly getting stronger, and suddenly there was a small shimmering brand on it, identical to the one on Zacs hand.


    Why did it appear on this specific stone? Kenzie muttered as she hunched down next to Zac. It seems to be apletely normal rock, there were millions just like this in the Lunar Forest.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Try taking it for now, Zac urged with some anxiety. Every Seal we miss means one person dying.


    Kenzie nodded and gingerly touched the rock, but both were surprised when nothing happened.


    You need to crush it, Ogras said from behind as he suddenly appeared, and Kenzie quickly followed his instructions as the seal was already flickering like it was about to dissipate.


    The stone turned to gravel after Kenzie exerted some pressure on it, and the seal immediately jumped onto her hand. Zac felt a wave of relief as he stood up again, only now having the peace of mind to analyze the situation.


    Did you encounter more ces like this? With proper patches ofnd from the base? Zac asked.


    There are some, Ogras nodded. Both intact Technocrat rooms and patches of dirt like this one. Im a bit surprised this cave is fine though. The cultists seemed intent to torch everything since they deemed this ce cursed. After taking any Spatial Seals, that is. Guess they missed this one.


    Do you think its possible to leave some people here and let them farm the seed one by one? Zac ventured. Or do you think that they won''t regrow?


    Hard to say, Ogras shrugged.


    I dont think new ones will regrow. The energy readings in this ce are a lot lowerpared to before I took it. Its like the seal was formed by remnant Spatial Energy left in these trees or the soil. I guess the seals are not stable, so they will jump back and forth in the area until someone picks it up. These trees will definitely not regenerate new Spatial Energy though, so there shouldnt be any more seals appearing in this ce, Kenzie said. "Besides, the Spatial Energy might drift away to other parts of the mountain."


    So if we find spots with higher Spatial Energy well probably find Spatial Seals? Zac mused.


    "I''m not able to actually see it," Kenzie said, and Zac sighed when he realized that it was the same for him. He only spotted the seal when it was actually starting to form.


    With how many we need, were probably better off spreading along the whole mountain instead, Ogras said. The stronger will form a line and trawl the mountain further up, and the weaker ones will stay at the loweryers. That way the strong warriors wont take the easy-to-snatch seals.


    Some might hide away as soon as they find a seal if we spread out though, Kenzie hesitantly ventured. "A lot of people are shellshocked. If they find a seal in a hidden cave like this, they might just sit down and wait out the time until the mystic realm falls apart."


    Can you monitor things with your drones? Zac asked.


    Sure, Kenzie said after some thought as started walking back toward the army. A bit big-brothery, but whatever.


    It was a bit ruthless to force people to keep going, but they still had a lot of enemies in this ce. He both needed more hands to fight, and it wasn''t like there was any guarantee that staying behind was any safer than going with the group.


    Zac quickly exined Ogras'' findings and their n to the leaders of the respective factions, and everyone in the army was soon informed of the situation. The weaker warriors and the few nonbat cultivators looked especially relieved upon hearing that they wouldn''t have topete with the powerhouses for Spatial Seals.


    The group kept ascending for another two hours, at which point the pressure from the mountain was starting to cause some issues for the weaker people. Zac was obviously not even slowed down this far down the mountain, but after walking around for a while he had to say that Thea''s earlier estimation might actually be a bit optimistic.


    He doubted most people would even make it halfway up the mountain.


    Zac was almost certain that it was the System that had arranged the pervasive pressure that covered the mountain. It had created extremely preciseyers where the pressure was pretty much identical. Each band was extremely wide, and with the incline, you needed to climb roughly an hour before reaching the next segment.


    Of course, Zac would be able to go a lot faster than that, though he would probably be slowed down closer to the peak.


    The moment you stepped into the next band, the pressure drastically and instantly increased. Furthermore, the pressure seemed to be somewhat exponential. They had entered the first band after ascending for roughly 10 minutes, and Zac estimated it required around 30 Strength to forcibly endure. Of course, you could use spells, Dao, or other means to block out the pressure if you weren''t a Strength-based cultivator.


    The second band seemed to require 70 Strength to nullify, and the third roughly 120. It wasn''t too hard to see that there were exactly 18yers to the mountain, provided that eachyer was equally high. If the difficulty kept increasing at this pace, you''d need the equivalent of 600 Strength to withstand the pressure at the halfway point.


    And that was just withstanding it. To actually travel with that kind of weight on your shoulders would quickly drain and exhaust most people. Zac guessed that most people would be forced to stay in the third and fourthyers, with just a few entering the fifth to ninthyers to search for Seals. Going higher than that would quickly exhaust your energy, and only a handful would be able to reach the peak.


    Zac wasn''t too worried for himself. Even a pressure equivalent of 2000 Strength at the peak would only slow him down a bit, but he hoped that this was just a test arranged by the System that wouldn''t follow into the sphere in the sky. He really didn''t want to fight Void''s Disciple while carrying this kind of weight on his shoulders.


    The long train of Port Atwood''s soldiers soon turned into a wide human chain that moved further and further up the mountain. It took a few hours for everyone to find their suitable altitude, at which point they stopped ascending and instead only moved clockwise around the mountain.


    Zac kept constant watch as well, but he had to admit it was slim pickings for seals even after they spread themselves out like this. His quest barely updated once per minute, and most of those who gained seals were those the furthest up at the chain. This obviously didnt go unnoticed among people, and people tried to forcibly endure the higheryers in hopes of finding a Seal.


    But the pressure was simply too pervasive. Anyone who walked further up than they could handle quickly found themselves unable to keep up with the high pace of the group, and falling behind meant they definitely wouldnt get their hands on a seal.


    Zac and the elites who had already gotten their seals walked in step with the army, partly to keep order and partly to explore therge number of caves they encountered. Almost all of the caves at the first fouryers were unfortunately looted and burned to a crisp already, but it was clear that the Church of Evesting Dao had only performed cursory sweeps further up than that.


    They had already found some loot from a dozen caves, but they had also found themselves face-to-face with hundreds of battlebots hiding like spiders in a few others.


    It looked like the cultists had set out in blitzes where they rushed the first sixyers or so, snatching the easy-to-spot seals at the highestyers while ransacking the lower ones. Large swathes above the fifthyers werepletely untouched though, and some caves that required some time to cut open the entrance were ignored as well.


    Still, it was an undeniable issue that the weaker soldiers were getting too few Seals. As things stood after six hours, the strongest warriors would all be safe as long as they kept going for a day or so, but not even a week would be enough for the weaker cultivators. The cultists had been too thorough, and they had an almost 15-hour headstart on Zac''s group.


    They had probably cleaned out the loweryers of at least a third of the mountain, and those easily-attained seals had already fallen into the hands of his own elites by now. The other factions who had made it to the mountain were probably frantically looting the loweryers as well, leaving just those impossible-to-attain Seals behind.


    It really looked like they would have to fight and kill for Seals no matter if you were talking aboutpleting his quest or finding a path of survival for his people.

 Chapter 637: Treasure Mountain

    Chapter 637: Treasure Mountain


    There was not much Zac could do to help his people, apart from urging them forward toward parts of the mountain that were hopefully not picked clean. He did consider turning the around more than one time, instead heading in the direction of the Lunar Tribe. There was no way the cultists had picked the loweryers clean in that direction.


    But Zac quickly gave up on that idea. Not only were the Lunar Tribe in that direction, but also the Cartava n and presumably the second Cultist group considering they had already infiltrated the werewolves. Forcing their way through that direction would result in massive losses, when they could instead hurry toward the opposite side of the mountain where the traitor Zhix hopefully waited.


    If they still hadn''t found enough seals after dealing with the Zhix problem, they could consider their next move.


    It was not only bad news all around though. While the weaker people in the army suffered under the immense pressure of an uncertain future, the elites were actually having impressive gains. The middleyers were a lot more intactpared to the lower ones, probably because the cultists didnt have time to properly loot.


    The n of the Church of Evesting Dao was no doubt to blow up every single ind before turning toward the riches on the peaks, but Zac and his people had cut that strategy short. So that left those in Zac''s army who already had a Spatial Seal with ample opportunities to line their pockets.


    Zac became more and more sure that the System had a hand in forming the mountain as the hours passed. There were not only clear delimitations of theyers, but the rewards were simrly spread out. Even discounting the cultists locust-like approach, the upper parts of the mountain clearly held better things.


    The caves held all kinds of valuables, most of which seemed untouched even by the natives. Zac was currently standing in a cave on the 11<sup>th</sup>yer, and the pressure was strong enough to turn a mortal into mush. But the neatly lined-up bushes in front of him werepletely unruffled in such an environment, and their leaves somehow rustled by themselves, creating a bell-like tolling that was amplified in the cave.


    He had no idea what these bushes, or their small yellow berries, were, but they were obviously something that was intentionally grown judging by how uniform the rows were. Zac sighed in disappointment that he didnt possess a Herbalist Bag, a type of Spatial Tool where you could store nts without killing them, but taking the bushes as is was still a good harvest.


    Both his affinity to nature through <strong>[Foresters Constitution]</strong> and his very cells told him that these berries were something good, and even the leaves seemed to contain quite a bit of energy. Perhaps they could be used in medicinal baths or as feed for spiritual beasts, so Zac immediately went to work.


    For the first time in a while, Zac used his axe as a lumbering tool rather than a tool for ughter, and one bushel after another entered his Spatial Ring. He definitely wasntcking space, so Zac swept through the whole cave like a locust, leaving not even the energy-rich soil behind.


    Zac exited a momentter, and after confirming there were no issues with the army started looking for the next cave to hit. There were the asional deserters who needed to be whipped into shape in the beginning, but the Zhix were more than happy to take on that role. They saw that sort of behavior as the highest form of dishonor, and after they had dragged a few cowardly cultivators by their feet back to the army, almost no one dared to sneak away any longer.


    Zacs eyes scanned the surroundings as he jogged back and forth between the 11<sup>th</sup> and the 9<sup>th</sup>yers, and his eyes lit up when he spotted a burst of nature-attuned energies spreading out like a plume a few hundred meters ahead. There were definitely more spiritual nts in that direction. He knew that such an eruption would have been spotted by others though, so he immediately started running forward, each step moving him almost a hundred meters even across the uneven terrain.


    But he swore in annoyance when the shadows congealed right at the cave mouth just as he was about to reach the cave.


    Toote this time, Ogras snickered with a grin that almost split his face apart, seemingly taking more pleasure in beating Zac to the cave than getting the treasures within.


    Zac could only shake his head and set off again, not wanting to waste a single second just standing around. Especially if that second was watching the demon ''ooh'' and ''aah'' over the rare herbs. Zac and the other leaders had quickly decided to turn whole caves into firste-first-serve among Seal Holders, and he wasn''t an exception to the rule.


    Part of the motivation was to avoid any fighting for resources hidden inside the caves, but the main reason for it was simply to reward people for repeatedly risking their lives in the Mystic Realm. And some people were walking away with pretty massive gains from the looks of it. People were scurrying back and forth among the Memorycliffs with almost manic fervor.


    It wasnt really a loss for Zac to let people take everything they could. There were only so many caves he had time to loot personally, and it was unlikely he would have time to return to these sectionster. Better it was used to motivate and power up his people than for it to get lost to the Void in a few days.


    The fact that the System didnt provide any rewards for its area quest wasnt as surprising any longer. Zac had initially thought it was punishing people for entering a Technocrat Lab. But it had rather dragged all the realms riches into the mountain, turning it into a real treasure trove.


    Thepetition to find and reach the caves was fierce, but Zac was powerful enough to freely walk among the higheryers. So hispetition was just Ogras and a handful of other elites. He was still keeping a pretty decent distance from the peak though, never going past the 12<sup>th</sup>yer. Part of the reason was that he was actually losing Cosmic Energy just walking around starting on the 11<sup>th</sup>yer, and part of it was to quickly be able to help out his people if some problems cropped up.


    After all, some people had actually died in the caves after being overeager, and dangerous situations kept popping up one after one.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Most caves and crags were safe, but some held battlebots that started sting the moment anyone entered. Others held intact technocrat rooms, many of which had the standard defenses. One unlucky cultivator from the Marshall Alliance had actually beenpletely incinerated by a light beam just like the one the base used to keep the Collector at bay.


    There were also stressed-out beasts who had been moved all the way here from different biospheres, hiding in their caves in fright. There were even some nts that were almost as lethal as the Rageroot Oak. So it had almost turned into a lottery what you could find inside the caves by this point, and the Atwood Elites were quickly turning into gambling addicts.


    Thankfully the people who had been brought to this ce were ultimately professionals, and deaths were pretty rare. Anyone who had survived the integration until this point had multiple ways to stay alive, including methods to scout ahead or determine threats to their lives. If things seemed too dangerous, they could always pass on it and head for the next one.


    Kenzie was fast bing the elites best friend, happily sending one of her endless drones into the caves in return for 25% of the loot. A few other scouts provided simr services, but they obviously werent able to spread themselves out like Kenzie could with her drone swarm.


    Of course, this feeding frenzy waspletely separate from those still hunting seals. Those who still looked for seals could enter all caves to take a look, and seal holders would immediately signal if they spotted a seal. Mostly there was no one close enough to snatch it in time because of the distances involved, but it had saved a few people.


    Zac soon found another point of interest; an actual sliding ss door embedded in a sheer cliff wall. It most likely meant it was a piece of a room rather than a biosphere on the other side, but he couldn''t see the situation inside because of some sort of smoke. Zac readied himself in case its defenses still worked and walked over to it.


    The door didnt open by itself though, perhaps because the terminal was missing, and Zac was forced to force the sliding door open.


    A dense wave of some sort of medicinal aroma hit him almost like a punch the moment a crack opened in the door, and he stopped in his tracks with some worry. But he quickly breathed out in relief after realizing that his cells greedily swallowed the energy in the air. It didnt seem to be poison, but Zac felt it wasnt attuned energy either.


    He quickly walked inside after marking the door with a Z, making sure others knew it was imed. Zac immediately closed the doors behind him to not let any of the medicine escape, and a small torrent soon appeared around him as his body greedily absorbed everything it could. Zac couldnt be sure, but he believed that he had reached a bloodlineb since it felt like every cell in his body was slowly improving thanks to the haze.


    Most of the interiors of the room were shrouded in the fog, but there seemed to be at least some Base Power remaining judging by flickering lights in the ceiling. Zac started walking inside, but he stopped after just a second upon realizing that the whole room was flooded to his ankles. He took out an Illumination crystal and bent down, and he immediately saw that it wasnt water he was standing in.


    The liquid was a bit viscous and had a slight greenish tint, and it didnt take long to realize that it was the source of the thick haze. There were still some medicinal properties remaining, but it was like a medicinal bath by the end of usage. This ce probably held some vats before that had cracked when the world shifted.


    Zac sighed in disappointment as he looked around. Who knew how much of the medicinal properties were wasted when the liquid started leaking. Thepound was clearly not stable, and getting exposed to air seemed to make it dissipate.


    At least he knew what was going on, and he activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>after some thought. Visibility was simply too bad because of the fog. A small spiritual forest rose in the mists, and Zac suddenly had a perfect view of theboratory.


    There were no tables with experiments in this ce, and neither were there any side-rooms like in theb he visited before. There still some things of interest though. First of all, was arge pod that could easily fit Zac inside. It stood in the middle of the room, and Zac realized it was filled with liquid when he got close.


    However, the liquid inside had a shimmering emerald hue, and its medicinal properties were clearlypletely intact in contrast to the stuff on the floor. It almost felt like Zacs cells were drooling with hunger even though the pod had great sealing capabilities, and he could barely stop himself from forcing a way inside.


    Next to the pod were a series of consoles that probably were meant to control and observe the pod. They were slightly submerged like everything else, but they were still working. However, the screens did flicker ominously like they could break down at moment''s notice. Zac nced at the disys, but they were just showcasing dense lines of information he couldn''t make heads or tails of.


    Finally, two thick tubes were connected to the pod, and they ran to the edge of the room. One of them was connected to arge vat, but it was unfortunately broken. It looked like just part of theb had been transferred here since the massive container was essentially cut off at the middle.


    It was no doubt that the liquid on the ground came from this broken container.


    The other tube didnt extend into a vat, but instead into some sort of machine. Zac couldnt tell its purpose, partly because of ipetence and partly because the machine was cut-off at the middle just like therge vat. But it all somewhat looked like a dialysis machine since half of a tube ran from the machine to the top of the broken container.


    The medicinal liquid would move from the vat into the pod, and the user would absorb the medicinal properties in there. The exhausted liquid would go through the other tube into the machine, where the liquid presumably was infused with more treasures or whatever the medicinal effect came from. This formed a cycle that would keep going as long as one had the materials to run the machine.


    The cycle was obviously broken with both vat and infuser being broken, but Zacs eyes turned to the pod in the middle. It held onest dose of the medicine. The question in Zac''s mind was what purpose the pod served. Did it improve the efficacy of the drug, or did it just contain it?


    He didn''t know if he needed to harvest the whole thing or if he could just siphon out the liquid. His instincts leaned toward the former since Levi had talked about Bloodline Vats. Just drinking the mixtures in this ce didn''t seem to be enough, they needed to be stimted somehow to bring out their effect.


    The problem was that he didn''t know if he was able to do it without ruining the vat, and Kenzie was a long way down the mountain. Zac looked the pod up and down for almost a minute, trying to figure out a way to cut it out from the ground, but an ominous beeping from the console made him freeze.


    An extremely dense cloud of medicinal aroma sted him a momentter as the hatch on the pod opened, and Zac''s eyes widened in horror as he saw a storm of medicinal energy dissipate into the atmosphere.


    Zac didn''t hesitate even a second before he scrambled into the pod and closed the hatch behind him.

 Chapter 638: Perfection

    Chapter 638: Perfection


    Zac initially felt reckless for jumping in without thinking things through, but he had pretty much confirmed that the medicinal properties of the liquid were good for him by this point. Seeing as the console was malfunctioning and that the pod was starting up, this might be thest opportunity for him to properly absorb the energy within.


    The ring beeping of the consoles simply disappeared the moment Zac closed the hatch from within. It wasnt only the console, but it was like he had been cut off from the rest of the universe, ced in a small world of his own. The pod had activated the moment the hatch opened, and it was emitting some sort of low-frequency white noise on top of its excellent isting capabilities.


    The low hum didnt only help him shut out his surroundings, but even his mind was quickly calmed as he sank into the viscous liquid. It was like the extreme stress from the past days was just blown away, reced with soothing tranquility. This feeling alone almost made it worth jumping into the pod, as Zac realized he had desperately needed destress.


    It wasnt like he was being hypnotized though. He was in full control of his faculties, and he was constantly observing everything that was going on. The first thing he noticed was that he actually didnt need to breathe inside the liquid. He was somehow getting oxygen by osmosis of the skin or something simr.


    Unfortunately, the amount of medicine his body took in from the liquid around him barely trumped what he gained from walking around in the mist outside. Did he need some sort of method to actually absorb it, like a Body Tempering Manual? If that was the case, then he was out of luck.


    But a series of lights suddenly lit up within the pod, showering Zac in a warm yellow glow from both above and below. It was like the liquid came alive a secondter as torrential streams of medicinal power entered his pores, spreading through his whole body. But Zac frowned as his body was filling up more and more. A small amount of it entered his cells just like the energy in the mist, but most of it was sort of meandering around.


    Even worse, a few secondster the energy started to move out of his body. It felt like the force had tried to do something as it moved about, but it couldnt do it alone. A sudden heartbeat caused a ripple to go through the emerald liquid around him as the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> woke up. The escaping energy froze in its tracks, but it didnt actually enter his Hidden Node. It just froze like a deer in headlights, neither advancing or retreating.


    More and more energy kept pouring in, and his hidden node kept a steady beat to keep the energy inside his body. It was a relief to see that the valuable serum wasnt wasted, but Zac was quickly starting to feel bloated after just half a minute. The liquid in the pod was still a shimmering green, and Zac understood that if he didnt do something with the energy soon he would have to leave the pod before he exploded.


    The issue was that he didnt know how to use the umted energy to awaken his bloodline. The information he had gathered on the subject until now was somewhat sparse. Hereditary bloodlines could emerge in different ways. Some underwent the first awakening in life-threatening situations like a midbat epiphany, whereas others were born with it already awakened.


    The less talented or those with hard-to-awaken bloodlines could use Body Tempering Manuals as well, and there were treasures and arrays that could help as well. But none of the missives actually broached how to actually use those treasures or arrays, and it clearly wasnt enough to float around in the treasure-water around him.


    Zac could only think of one solution at the moment, and he decided to fight fire with fire. A small box appeared in his hand, and he quickly shoved its contents into his mouth and quickly swallow.


    It was the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong>, the most valuable treasure he had acquired in the Tower of Eternity that didnt go into the creation of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. The small rock-like item he had just swallowed was valued at a whopping 20 Billion Nexus Coins, almost rivaling the Pathfinder Oracle Eye that kicked up a storm among the elite scions of the Zecia sector.


    It was a risk to swallow a treasure when he was already over capacity of energy in his body, but he felt this was his best opportunity to awaken his bloodline. The odds of finding another intact pod like this felt iffy, especially considering this pod was probably an elite-variantpared to the things the Gemlings had ess to in the outeryers.


    He needed to take the shot.


    A burning surge of power entered his heart a secondter, his real heart and not his hidden node. Every beat spread the power of the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong> through his body, from his thick aortic arteries all the way down to his minuscule capiries. It felt like he had formed a second energy pathway for a moment, with the new one covering every single inch of his body.


    The fierce power in the blood soon entered his cells, and it was like they opened their maws like voracious beasts and quickly started absorbing the medicinal energy trapped in his body. In just seconds the feeling of being overstuffed was reced with a sense of starvations as his body screamed for more. It was a hunger that reached all the way to the soul, endless greed that made Zac''s eyes slowly turn red with want.


    Almost invisible ripples were released from his body the next moment, and the liquid in the pod started to rapidly lose its color. Soon it waspletely transparent, even more so than the leaked liquid on the ground.


    Zac was focused inward, though he could barely concentrate over an all-consuming pain that had erupted across his body. The medicinal energy along with the force hidden in the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong> acted like some sort of elerant for his cells, and the cells split and died over and over. It was like Zac was killed and reborn in an endless cycle, each rebirth taking him a bit closer to perfection.


    But the process was slowly tapering down.


    It felt he was on the cusp of sess, but Zac just needed a push to take him all the way. The problem was that he was out of bloodline treasures. Even worse, the feeling ofpletion was slowly getting weaker, like he had been building a momentum with the pod and the <strong>[Blood Nucleus]</strong>, but that momentum was fading away, amounting to nothing.


    He hesitated for a second, but he eventually took out a Vial full of some mysterious liquid. It was something he had found in the Cosmos Sack of the Second Elder of the Cartava n. Normally he would have waited to let Calrin or his Sister analyze the thing, but his instincts told him a huge chance would slip out of his fingers if he didnt awaken his bloodline at this moment.


    Perhaps it was like when one formed ones Cultivators Core. The first attempt was the easiest, but it became exponentially harder the next time if you failed. If he failed to rouse his bloodline at this moment, it might be far harder to awaken it in the future. He was already behind schedule in a sense, since the first awakening was normally done in the F-Grade.


    More to the point, the hunger that reached his core told him that he needed more. He needed to feed.


    So Zac pushed away the pain and put the vial to his mouth with shaky hands. He uncorked the stopper with his teeth next as to not let the liquid mix with the waters in the pod. A burning heat filled his mouth, but Zac could soon recognize the feeling it emitted and he swallowed the contents of the vial in one go. It wasnt a Bloodline Serum, but it was rather some sort of Race-boosting Serum.


    It wasnt perfect, but Race and Bloodline should be interrted considering they shared a row on the status screen. A burning warmth spread throughout his body, and Zacs eyes lit up when he felt it was helping both with the hunger and the process of improving his cells. However, while it was effective it was like feeding a whale with a single shrimp. It definitely wasnt enough.


    Zac gritted his teeth and one vial after another was emptied, turning into a fiery inferno in his stomach. He was somewhat guessing that he was currently downing a stockpile that was meant for a whole n, but now wasnt the time to worry about expenditure. But it was weird. It almost felt like the more he swallowed the more energy-deprived his cells were.


    It was like he was trying to feed a million little baby chicks that all screamed for sustenance, and the screams just got more and more piercing the more he fed them. For a moment he started wondering if he was doing something akin to when he poisoned his body with Cosmic Water, but he soon discarded that notion.


    This was definitely something different. His body was slowly being refined, with imperfections removed and more in line with his bloodline. And he already had strong suspicions that his bloodline was rted to absorption based on his Hidden Nodes. Each time his cells were reborn, they were able to swallow more energy before they split apart. That alone felt like proof that Zac was heading in the right direction.


    As long as he ate enough he would be perfect.


    The bottom of the pod was soon littered with vials, and the white liquid had turned into a weird brown sludge. Part of it was because of Zacs body expellingrge amounts of impurities, both through his pores and through Zac cutting open some wounds to bleed them out. Not everything he fished out of his Spatial Rings or Cosmos Sack was suitable for the situation.


    Some were healing serums, and others were materials that Zac suspected to be raw ingredients meant for cksmithing or something else. But it almost felt like anything that contained non-poisonous energy was happily swallowed by his cells. Of course, that meant that his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> first had to make the energies extractable, and Zac only had so much blood he could exsanguinate to rid himself of dangerous impurities.


    He was shocked at how much energy his body had swallowed. It was like every cell in his body was turning into Nodes, a vast subdimension seemingly capable of storing an untold amount of energy. But even after gobbling up almost everything in the Cartava ns Cosmos Sacks that seemed beneficial, it still wasnt enough.


    Zac was delirious with hunger still, and he eventually took out the intricate box housing his spiritual <strong>[Four Gates Pill]</strong>. He had held onto this magical node-opening pill for so long, but it looked it was time to take a chance. His body was screaming for more, and this should be the most energy-dense item in his possession.


    A huge pulse rippled out from his body as a golden warmth erupted like a sun in his stomach, causing the mists outside the pod to churn with even greater ferocity. The power hidden in that unassuming pill was simply shocking, and it shot toward a Node in his arm. However, another thump from <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> stopped the medicinal force in its tracks, and it was instead ripped apart and absorbed by the greedy cells all over his body.


    It was like his cells had gained a golden hue, and Zacs eyes were turning bloodshot as he kept going, feeling he was getting ever closer to perfection. Everything was soon turning muddled, except one undeniable truth that shone in the darkness of Zacs mind; he needed more. Pills, Crystals, Raw Materials. Everything became yet another sacrificial tribute to the altar of his Bloodline.


    Just as his absorption increased, so did the chaotic ripples that spread out of his body. Zac was quickly loosing grip on reality, and it felt like he was being controlled by a hidden hand as he bit into a branch from the bush with yellow berries he harvested just a few minutes ago.


    But finally, there was a change. It was like everything suddenly clicked into ce, and Zac slowly started to push away the clouds muddling his mind. Sweat poured down his back as he realized what he had just done. What was that? That insatiable hunger just now had almost turned him insane. His mouth was full of the taste of iron from the countless wounds he had gained from chowing down on everything from lumps of metal to whole nts.


    There was no time to cleanse his stomach from what was no doubt an extremely dangerous mix of treasures though, as his voracious feast had yielded results. Something was changing in his body, and his body erupted with a foreign and terrifying power. The medicinal pod was turned to scrap metal from the explosion, but the clouds in theb were still swallowed into his body rather than pushed away.


    Zac tried to get to his feet, but he was shocked to realize that waspletely unable to move. Hey frozen in ce as the whole room was drained of every morsel of energy, but he could still see his surroundings. And it was with mounting horror he saw an enormous vortex emerge from his body.


    The whole mountain wall was ripped apart and swallowed a secondter, exposing him to the outside.


    Zac felt a wave of pleasure entering him as the Memorysteel was disintegrated into its base elements and turned into nourishment, and the me of hunger woke up again. He was rapidly losing grip, but he could still see the familiar faces appearing some distance away. He wanted to tell the shocked spectators to run, but his mouth didn''t work.


    The world around soon turned hazy apart from glowing blobs of sustenance, and they were all inexorably dragged toward the vortex behind his back. The more he absorbed the better he would be, and when all existence was swallowed he would be the Heavens themselves.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He had be the Void.

 Chapter 639: To Eat

    Chapter 639: To Eat


    Carl rushed into the cave with glee, not forgetting to flip off that god-damn demoness who had stolen two caves right in front of him over thest hours by using her earth-attuned movement skills to get ahead. It felt like his legs were about to buckle under him up here at the tenthyer, and all his organs hurt like he was getting constantly punched. But the loweryers were just too cramped.


    Hed be lucky to get one cave every two to three hours at the seventhyer, and few of them held any life-changing opportunities. Up here there were just around a hundred people topete with, which wasnt too bad considering how wide eachyer was. Still, there were a few who had the same idea as himself; run right at the edge of the ninthyer, while scanning for opportunities in the tenth.


    That way you would avoid the terrifying increase in pressure from passing the halfway point most of the time, while still enjoying the benefits that came from the upper half of the mountain. The items from there were clearly better, and Carl had made more money over the past ten hourspared to the past six months.


    Not only that, he had gotten his hands on some rare treasures, which couldnt really be measured in Nexus Coins. They would allow him to trade for simrly rare items he needed for his cultivation.


    He was extremely lucky to have broken through mid-battle against those deranged lizard people, pushing his Seed of Lightness to High stage. It seemed that this particr seed was extra effective atbatting this pressure as well, since Logan had simr attributes and a High Seed, but he was still unable to properly hunt any higher than the 8<sup>th</sup>yer.


    Carl quickly activated <strong>[Energy Trace]</strong>, and breathed out when there was nothing that could match his own energy signature in the cave. Of course, that didnt mean it was safe, but his odds were pretty good since there was a distinct medicinal smelling from within. It was doubtful any of those killer machines were hiding inside.


    A high base sry, clear advancement opportunities, and ess to unique encounters. That was how he was suckered into the employ of the worlds scariest boss and conscripted to enter this hellhole. But he had to admit; Void Beasts, werewolves, and copsing space inds could definitely be ssified as unique encounters. Carl bet Zachary Atwood loved every moment of it.


    A shame he had to drag the rest of them into the madness though.


    Carl had somehow made it all this way in one piece, and he breathed out in relief when he saw a small tree with six delectable-looking fruits standing in the cave. This was definitely good news; the fewer of something, the better it probably was. A singr tree with just a handful of fruits? Jackpot.


    Another win for the good guys.


    A massive and sudden explosioning from somewhere above threw Carl off his feet, and he immediately got a bad feeling. What trouble had his crazy boss attracted this time? He knew he would soon be called to arms for some insane battle he had neither the desire nor qualifications to participate in, but at least he could die with six delicious-looking fruits in his belly.


    Carl scrambled back to his feet and rushed toward the tree, but a primordial scream of exasperation erupted from his chest when he saw his final reward being somehow drained and turned into sand in front of his very eyes. What the hell was going on?!


    Was it that white-haired subus who kept appearing around him? Had she done this somehow? Did those demons have aint department? He doubted it. It would probably be some trial-bybat thing where he would swiftly and publicly get his ass handed to him. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But no, this had the mark of his boss all over him. First an explosion then this?


    Are you nning on hiding in here? a teasing voice drifted into the cave from the outside, making Carls hair stand on end. Want me to call the insect enforcers for a motivational speech?


    Shit, Carl muttered and started running out, donning the practiced determined expression of a career hero. Where are the enemies?!


    Its the Lord, the demoness said, but it wasnt like her exnation was necessary.


    Of course it is, Carl muttered, his practiced warrior-face quickly bing strained.


    It looked like the end of the world oneyer above their current location. A massive crater hundreds of meters across had appeared out of nowhere, like a terrifying giant had taken a bite out of the Memorysteel.


    But of course, there was no mythological creature who had decided he needed more iron in his diet before moving on. It was something much more terrifying; it was their boss who was up to something again.


    He hovered in the sky, arms and legs spread wide like some sort of lunatic possessed by a creature of the night. He was even emitting an extremely eerie deep humming sound, but that might be the thing behind his back. A huge vortex slowly rotated like a halo, and it somehow looked even darker than the Void outside the mountain.


    It was like everything could be sucked inside, and Carl even felt his mind shudder as he looked into it, like his soul was about to be ripped out of his body. Streams of Memorysteel were dragged from the mountain, entering the terrifying vortex that seemedpletely insatiable. Even the energy in the atmosphere was being drained, and Carl had already seen what Lord Atwood did to his poor treasure tree.


    Who knew how many treasures had been turned into trash by this point?


    But at least it didnt look like their boss was going to gobble them up as well. That shifty sidekick of his stood much closer to the boss and he was fine, as was the golden-haired giant. The boss did swallow quite a few of those drones his sister owned, but he seemed mostly focused on draining the Memorysteel and its hidden riches.


    Looks like hes trying to eat the mountain, the demonessmented when it looked like they were safe and didnt need to ready themselves for battle.


    Of course he is.


    The meteor hurtled through the vast cosmos once more, taking Zac and the mysterious predecessor on their journey. Zac didnt know whether this scene was taking ce before or after the previous two visions, but it was clear that it wasnt directly connected in time with them.


    The part of space lookedpletely different as Zac looked around, and there were no suns or stars no matter where he looked. Instead, there were endless rivers of lightning streaking across the darkness like elemental dragons. Zac''s first instinct was that they were the tribtion lightning or something wrought by the system, but he quickly discarded that thought. While these lightning rivers were vast beyondprehension, they didn''t have any sense of a will like the purple Tribtion Lightning did.


    They were just pure energy.


    Some of them just looked like thin streaks, but going by the shockinglyrge beam right next to them they were most likely just extremely far away. There were massive continents with their own atmospheres far in the distance, using the endlessly wide lightning river as a source of warmth and energy. As for the ancestor, he seemed to be studying it for inspiration.


    Small streams of lightning swirled about in his hands, but he seemed to be having problems. The small beams seemed powerful enough to turn a hegemon into ash, but the mysterious mans control over them seemed somewhatcking. The arcs were wild and untamed, and it looked like he was trying to impose order on them.


    Time passed and the hooded man eventually waved and dissipated the small lightning bolts. He didnt seem ready to give up though, but rather made a pulling motion toward the endlessly vast river of lightning, and a small thread of extremely pure lightning was dragged out from its depths.


    Just like with the sun, the mysterious man took the lightning into his body, and crackling arcs powerful enough to turn Zac to nothingness lit up the surroundings for a while until the chaos subsided. It looked like it had been quite arduous for the man to absorbed the high-grade lightning, but he eventually stirred and once more summoned the small arcs in his hands.


    Zac didnt understand what he was up to, but he realized something. Werent the bolts moving a bit smootherpared to before?


    The two kept soaring through the lightning-infested part of the cosmos and the man kept up a cycle of rest, absorption, and experimentation, slowly improving his control over the small arcs. But a sudden thump made the vision just freeze before it slowly distorted.


    Zacs own heart beat an extra time out of worry, as this looked very different from when the visions upon opening his hidden nodes ended. Space shuddered like it tried to resist what was happening, but it soon cracked into a million pieces like a mirror.


    To eat was to live.


    The taste of the ten-legged critter was rancid and it gave him the runs, but Karz looked at it like it was a treasure. He pushed his thumb into the soft spot right beneath its head, and it stopped moving after a short frantic struggle. Karz took a deep breath and started munching away, only asionally stopping to keep himself from throwing up.


    Energy-rich critters like these were rare, and he couldnt waste a speck of it if he wanted a chance to ever get out of this ce. Karz sat under the cover of what probably was once some sort of vessel as he gazed up at the sky, the only sound of him forcibly biting through the shell and sinewy meat.


    One day he would get up there.


    A huge mountain floated in the sky, surrounded by an everchanging shroud of mysterious ether. Sometimes grand vessels would emerge from it for a few seconds before they turned into streaks of light. Just looking at it made every part of Karzs body twitch with hunger for some reason, like it held the most delicious things in the world.


    Old Vek said it was a sect, a ce where important people went to be stronger. Karz didnt understand the allure at first, but apparently, your life got better the stronger you were. You didnt have to eat things that almost made you puke or that made you see terrifying visions at night, and you didnt have to fear getting swept up in the refinement light like Old Vek finally was a year ago.


    In fact, the treasurend he and the others scavenged for sustenance was actually just a garbage pile ording to Old Vek, and everything he ate was just discarded scraps. So, Karz needed to eat to get stronger, so that one day he could live up there. His stomach was cramping up from the poisonous beetle, but it wasnt nearly as bad as the first ones he ate.


    More importantly, that odd warmth spread all over his body, the warmth that Old Vek believed to be rted to those in the sky. The ability to cultivate. Neither of them could know for sure, but it looked like not everyone had that gift since no one else in this garbage mountain ever seemed to understand what he was talking about.


    The bug was a good first catch of the day, but he couldnt stop here. Today was the great cleanse, and nothing new would arrive for days. He scurried between the already searched mounds as he rushed toward the center. It was a risk, but thepetition wasnt as fierce in there since the cleanse could always start early.


    A weak shimmering suddenly caught his eye, and Karzs eyes lit up as he rushed forward. It was definitely a cultivator stone, this one shining in an alluring red. It was broken and had lost almost all of its light, but it was still better than most things that could be found in this ce.


    Karz quickly took out a bowl and pestle from his backpack, and he quickly started hitting the crystal, turning it into red crystalline sand. A wave of heat spread in the area, and Karz quickly took off his shirt, knowing that the effect would soon dissipate. His thin torso was covered in sores and scars, but Karz wasnt worried. Most people died from illness after getting these kinds of sores, but Karz got better extremely fast.


    Old Vek had always believed it was because he had a blessed body, one meant for cultivation. What were some mortal afflictions to such a marvelous thing? Karz poured a bit of refiltered oil into the bowl, turning the sand into a paste that he spread all over his body. Smearing thepound into his wound hurt extremely bad, but Karz gritted his teeth as he covered his whole body in a thinyer.


    A small me of heat swept through his limbs after a few minutes, and thepound eventually dried and turned into y that fell off his body. Karz nodded in satisfaction and put on his clothes again and resumed his search. He soon found another treasure whose energy was absorbed as well, and he kept going from mound to mound, using over a dozen methods to absorb all kinds of things, each method perfected after tens of painful experiments.


    Karz didnt know if the garbage piles were getting better or if he was getting luckier, but he was finding more and more good things as ofte. One day of scavenging almost provided as much loot as a whole week before. Part of it was definitely because his body was bing stronger from the constant absorption, but strength was almost only useful in this ce when used to fight offpetitors.


    And when running for ones life.


    A fluctuation in the air told Karz it was time to go, and he sped back toward the edge of the garbage-filled tform as quickly as his feet could carry him. He spotted both treasures and critters on his way back, but he followed Old Veks old scavenger rules and ignored them all.


    He finally reached the edge of the tform and jumped off, his lungs working like bellows by this point. However, he didnt immediately return to his burrow, but he rather stayed for a few minutes until the weird signs on the tform lit up, and the whole garbage heap turned into a sea of mesmerizing fire.


    This was the power of the Cultivators. They were not only able to make the garbage appear out of nowhere, but they were also able to incinerate kilometers of it in an instant. In a few days, there would only be ash left behind, which would be collected by the stonemen and used where the Cultivators grew their high-quality food.


    Karz looked at the spectacle for a while longer before he started his trek back. The trip took an hour until he reached the inconspicuous stones in the middle of the forest, and he made three rounds to make sure no one hade close. Only then did he open the hidden hatch beneath one of the smaller stones and crawled inside.


    The world turned pitch-ck as Karz closed the entrance to his sanctuary. He grasped around in the darkness for a few seconds until he found what he was looking for, a small crystal ball with a small crack on its bottom. It was the greatest item that Old Vek had found over his long 40 years of scavenging, and he had bequeathed it to Karz when he saw his potential.


    Karz concentrated for a few seconds, and the ball suddenly lit up. It provided even more warmth and red light today, no doubt thanks to the cultivator stone he found before. Old Vek had said that only those who could make the ball light up had a chance to be epted in the sect, but the more light it gave off the better ones chances were.


    The light right now was barely enough to illuminate the small shell, a far cry from the burning sun that Karz imagined himself releasing when he one day finally climbed up to that mountain. But it was also a lot betterpared to just a few months ago.


    The more he ate, the more perfect he would be.

 Chapter 640: Force of the Void

    Chapter 640: Force of the Void


    Zac woke up with a start and was greeted by a throbbing pain all over his body. His skull had be two sizes too small, and it felt like his mouth was full of gravel. He coughed and got up on his feet, realizing he was not in the pod or even theb any longer. He vaguely remembered the cave and the pod exploding, but everything was still a hazy blur.


    Are you okay? How do you feel? his sisters voice reached from some distance, and Zac turned his bleary eyes toward the source.


    He saw almost fifty people standing on a cliff peering down at him, with expressions varying from confusion to fear. Zac didnt understand why they were over a hundred meters above him, so he looked around, only to realize he was standing in an enormous hole. He made a quick scan of his body, and nothing seemed to be wrong, except for a sense of weakness.


    Im fine. Just a bit hungry, Zac shouted back up as he took out one of his spatial sks. And thirsty.


    How the hell is that possible? Eating half the mountain wasnt enough? Ogras spat as he appeared next to him in a sh of shadows,


    Wh- Zac said as he looked around again, and the memories suddenly came rushing back.


    The feeling of a monstrous hunger, of how an enormous vortex had appeared behind his back. How the whole mountain was being absorbed until everything turned ck.


    Im sorry. I had a breakthrough, Zac muttered. Didnt expect that to happen though.


    You need to get your mood swings under control, Ogras snorted. Murdery, hungry It all ends in a huge mess. I better pray you never get raunchy while Im in the vicinity.


    Zac could only weakly smile in response. Ill try some meditation. Is anyone hurt?


    Everyone is fine, and it doesnt look like your antics attracted any of our enemies. Then again, who in their right mind would run toward a world-eating vortex? Ogras said before he turned to Kenzie who was floating down the cliffside along with some of the Valkyries.


    Its good youre fine, Kenzie breathed in relief as shended. Can you move? The protective film was weakened over this side of the mountain. We probably want to get out of here before any Void Beasts realize it.


    I can move just fine, Zac said. I will have to bother one of the Anointed to carry me while I consolidate my breakthrough though. Shame I can''t keep looting the caves."


    It''s not just you, Joanna said with a wry smile. That ck hole of yours picked the whole mountain clean. The caves are drained all the way down to the firstyer.


    What?! Zac eximed, his mind nk with iprehension that turned to stupefaction as Joanna exined what had happened.


    He had already swallowed a terrifying amount of treasures in his frenzied feast inside the pod, but it sounded like that was just the appetizer. The question was, where did all the energy go? He didnt feel all that much stronger, and he almost felt drained of energy rather than overstuffed. Zac remembered his cells greedily swallowing everything they could get their hands on, but was his body really voracious to the point that he could swallow enough treasures to nurture a whole elite army without leaving any trace?


    Well, at least some good came of you hogging all the valuables, Ogras shrugged, making Zac look over with interest. Whatever you did pulled a lot of Spatial Energy from the depths of the mountain. Our people gained over fifteen hundred seals in ten minutes.


    What? Zac eximed.


    He quickly opened his quest screen, and it was just as Ogras had said. His quest had already disappeared, meaning he hadpleted it while being possessed. However, the quest didn''t need him to provide everyone with a seal, so there were probably people still without.


    How many are still in need of Seals? Zac asked.


    Around a thousand, Kenzie said. Pretty much everyone should be able to get one before the time limit unless something unexpected happens.


    Like someone draining the rest of the mountain like a god damn Devourer Rat King, Ogras muttered, drawing an angry look from Kenzie and a couple of Valkyries.


    What do you want to do? Kenzie asked as she turned back to Zac.


    Lets move, Zac said, pushing away the exhaustion. Ill go with you a while longer.


    He actually needed to rest, but he couldnt put everyone out like that if the protective film in this area had been weakened because of him. The group immediately set off, and they kept an even greater speed than before. Part of it was because of the looming threat of a Void Beast invasion, and part of it was simply because all the caves in the area had apparently been sucked clean of both Seals and treasures.


    Zac himself borrowed the shoulder of an Anointed again, and one massive b of meat after another went down his gullet as he started inspecting his situation while trying to make sense of what had just happened.


    The situation was quite odd. He had beenpletely swept up by that limitless hunger, and his mind was spotty at best. He had never read that anything that weird would happen when unlocking one''s bloodline. He had also been shown two separate visions, which was pretty odd as well. He had an idea as to why, but his hopes were immediately dashed when he realized that the third Hidden Node in his spine wasnt actually opened.


    He had figured that the first vision, the one with the ancestor on the meteor, was a vision of his node, while the second vision was one brought forward from his bloodline awakening. But that didnt seem to be the case, and Zac thoughtfully went over what he had witnessed.


    When thinking of it, both the visions seemed to show the same thing, though the setting was vastly different. One was a great powerhouse, and one was a mortal who hadnt even embarked on the road on cultivation. But they were doing the same thing in the vision, and the implication made Zacs heart gallop from excitement.


    They were absorbing energy to improve their affinities.


    The mysterious predecessor had endured the bolts of lightning to slowly increase his control of the element. Meanwhile, the youth named Karz was eating everything from bugs to smearing his body in broken Nexus Crystals, slowly improving his affinity. At least that was Zacs takeaway of the vision, considering how simr the small crystal ball toward the end was to the item Alyn used to test the talent of students.


    Something like continuously improving ones affinities was absolutely heaven-defying. Certainly, some rare treasures could help cultivators with things like that, and you would normally increase your affinities a bit when you evolved and leveled up. But to continuously improve ones Dao Affinities just by doing things like absorbing Attuned Crystals was unheard of.


    It would also exin why he had such a shitty constitution. His body simply had no affinities, which should technically be impossible. But yet he could connect to the Dao. Perhaps it was because he hadnt awakened his bloodline yet. Now that he had, he might be able to turn himself from trash into a genius.


    He might even be able to cultivate.


    Zac immediately looked inward and started to manipte his Dao a bit as he circted it through his body. He had swallowed a mountain of treasures, so his affinities should have improved quite a bit going by the situation of Karz. A single broken Nexus Crystal had a measurable effect that early in cultivation, so surely Zac should have maderge strides.


    But there was absolutely no effect. Nothing at all.


    He was still just as clumsy as before, and his Dao Fragments resisted any attempts at creating a Dao Braid. Zac frowned a second before he took out a Divine crystal and started absorbing it, which only caused his frown to grow deeper.


    The second vision, in particr, had been extremely vivid, and Zac had felt everything Karz did as the youth absorbed the scraps on the trash mountain. Zac could even remember the rotten taste of the weird bugs he forcibly ate. The energies of the Divine Crystal spread out through Zac''s body and nourished it, but his cells definitely didnt swallow and fuse with the energy like Karzs body did with the remnant fire-attuned energies.


    What the hell, Zac muttered, causing therge Zhix to freeze and look over.


    Is everything alright, Warmaster? the Anointed hesitantly asked.


    Oh, sorry, its nothing, Zac said as before he opened his status screen to see how things looked.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>88</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[D] Human  Void Emperor (Corrupted)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood - Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select, Frontrunner, Pathstrider</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - High, Fragment of the Coffin - Middle, Fragment of the Bodhi - Middle</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2957 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1403 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2408 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1693 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 218%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>642 [Increase: 65%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1131 [Increase: 70%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>359 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>30</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [F] 1 839 804 598 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac nkly looked at the status screen for a few seconds, not sure what to think about the situation. There were both good news and bad news from the looks of it. The good news was that not only had he gained three levels somehow, but he had also boosted his race to D-Grade while simultaneously awakening his bloodline.


    It looked like swallowing half a mountain had some benefits, after all.


    A small point of regret was that he didn''t get the Title for awakening a bloodline. It had been mentioned in the missives, but he was too slow. You needed to awaken it before turning 16 for the good title, and before evolving for the normal one. But more importantly, the ominous Corrupted-designation remaining next to his bloodline. He had hoped that the corruption was something like the bloodline would be harder to awaken, but it looked like he wasnt so lucky.


    Zac gave another mentalmand, and an entirely new screen popped up a momentter.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Bloodline</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[F - Corrupted] Void Emperor</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Talent</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Force of the Void - 18%</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Bloodline Nodes</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    It was the Bloodline Screen that became avable upon activating his bloodline, just like the Dao Screen or Skill Screen. Zac hadnt read anything about bloodline nodes being added to the screen, but he wasnt too surprised either. It was probably simply not something that the basic missives hed bought covered. The fact that they were graded was a bit odd, but Zac had no way to get to the bottom of that either.


    The line called talent in his case didnt necessarily exin all the benefits of a bloodline, but it showcased the main part. Common talents were things such as Combat Boost  Fire or Increased Energy Absorption. One bloodline could have multiple talents, but that was a lot lessmon from what Zac understood. It was more likely that new talents would awaken as one evolved on the bloodline itself.


    The number of talents wasnt really indicative of a bloodlines quality though. There were no doubt supreme bloodlines who pushed a singr talent to the very limits, turning it disgustingly powerful.


    In Zacs case, it said <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, something that sounded like abat-oriented talent to Zac. That really didnt seem to match with his visions at all. The Void Emperor-bloodline should clearly be an almost cheat-like cultivation-rted bloodline from what he was shown. This added with his inability to improve his affinity with the Divine Crystal made Zac think of a troubling possibility.


    Was this the effect of the corruption? Had he lost the ability to improve his affinities?


    It was a shame that he didnt have the time to properly test things out right now, but he wasn''t ready to give up just yet. Zac once more started looking inward, testing one thing after another to get a sense of what was going on. But nothing seemed to point toward increased talent in any of the Daos.


    But he finally found something else. It somehow felt like the energy in his body was moving faster. Zac tried to figure out if that was rted to affinities, but he could quickly pinpoint that it was made possible by something else. His pathways had be thickerpared to before awakening his bloodline.


    It was very minute, like a thin string having been swapped out by a slightly thicker string, but it was definitely there. His pathways, including his skill fractals, had been somewhat widened. But even such a minute increase had allowed Cosmic Energy to more freely flow through his body. The talent screen said eighteen percent, and that number seemed to somewhat match what he was experiencing right now.


    Was this really it? Zac couldnt help but feel shortchanged and confused. It didnt make sense. This type of talent wasnt anything umon, and it presented itself as Increased Energy Absorption or Increased Energy Cirction. Why was his Talent named somethingpletely different when it provided the same effect? But was hard to focus on the issue at all when thinking of what he had lost.


    He was supposed to have a bloodline where he could improve his affinities through absorption but instead was given something that improved his Cosmic Energy-cirction. Thetter was obviously better than nothing, but a far cry from the ability to be a cultivator. After all, the utility of such a talent felt a bit limited considering it was just one of the many natural advantages of cultivators.


    Increased cirction didnt really mean increasedbat power. After all, a fractal edge from <strong>[Chop]</strong> only took a fraction of his Cosmic Energy to activate, and the ability to push more energy into the skill fractal wouldnt do much.


    The boost would help with some things though. Higher-power skills took longer to activate, and being able to force Cosmic Energy into the fractals quicker would give him an edge in battle. It would also allow him to absorb energies faster, which might prove to have amazing synergy with his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> down the road.


    Of course, there was still the possibility that he hadpletely misunderstood the situation. Furthermore, it might be possible to heal or fix his corrupted bloodline in the future, and the road to bing a cultivator suddenly felt a lot more tangiblepared to before. Zac wanted to go through what else he could do with his new pathways until that happened, but the Anointed suddenly stopped in their tracks, and Zac soon felt a pressure bearing down on him from above.


    Something was trying to push through the spatial film.

 Chapter 641: From the Void

    Chapter 641: From the Void


    Zac still hadnt recovered to his perfect state, but there was no helping it. There was a sense of foreboding in his heart as he saw the thick film slowly bulge inward, and he quickly put his free points into Dexterity before he closed his status screen. Only then did he jump down from the Anointeds shoulder and ran over to the leaders who all stood gazing toward the sky.


    His inadvertent actions before had weakened the spatial barriers in this area, but they were still quite thickpared to the ones on the inds. Any Void Creature that managed to force its way through a barrier this powerful was probably stronger than the two they had fought off until now, most likely even a proper D-Grade being.


    That wasnt something they could handle even if the beast was suppressed by space. His eyes quickly scanned his people, trying to figure out what they could do. Killing such a beast was impossible, but he might be able to lure it in the opposite direction long enough until it was finally killed off by the hostile environment.


    Have people rush toward the lowestyer, then move away from this ce, Zac slowly said.


    Wait, something is wrong, Kenzie said as she looked down at her terminal. Im picking up Technocrat signals.


    What? Zac eximed. Have the creators of this ce returned?


    Perhaps, Kenzie muttered, and Zac noticed a hint of excitement on her face.


    Zac knew all-too-well what his sister was thinking of, but he didnt share the sentiment. Zac wasnt as thrilled at the prospect of meeting the family, especially not in a pressed situation like they found themselves in now. Their mother might solve the situation with a wave of her hands, but she might also just kill everyone before taking him and his sister away. Or it might be his mothers enemies.


    However, both Zac and Kenzie soon realized that their guess was way off when the presumptive Technocrat vessels suddenly became visible as though they appeared out of thin air. There was no way that a peak Technocrat faction would be responsible for building the weird bulky ships that tried to push through the film in the sky.


    There were three of them, and Zac and the others were actually able to see them even when they were still outside in the Void. All three of them looked different, like they had been soldered together by randomponents scavenged from the base. But the shields that surrounded the metal hulls looked extremely powerful, and even Zac wasnt confident in breaking through thoseyers. Then again, their main goal was no doubt to keep the Void at bay.


    Unfortunately, it looked like one of the ships was at the end of its ropes. Its shields were extremely weak, like they had turned down its energy consumption to the bare minimum. Zac guessed that the vessel was running out of fuel, and they chose to focus what they had left on breaking through the film.


    What should we do? Joanna asked as the other elites turned to Zac for a decision.


    Lets wait a bit, Zac slowly said. I think this should be the True Sky Faction.


    Kenzie nodded in agreement. It was the only thing that made sense. It looked like the native faction with the most Datamancers had managed to build some sort of vessels that could traverse the Void by putting together different pieces of technology from the base. That was the only way he could exin why the vessels looked so different, and it also exined why they appeared here.


    They were no doubt the first victims to the zealots'' scheme, but they had managed to find one final path to survival through these ships. There only being three of them meant that the Church of Evesting Dao probably managed to kill tens of thousands of people through their schemes though.


    Theyre sitting ducks right now. I bet theyre screwed if we break the shields holding off the Void. If we want to strike nows the best chance, Ogras muttered, and a few others nodded in agreement.


    The True Sky Faction is probably the faction that poses the least threat to us, Zac said with a shake of his head. And those vessels shouldnt be able to hold more than 60 to 80 people each. Besides, they might even hold earthlings considering they had an alliance with the New World Government.


    All the more reason to blow them up, Ogras muttered, but he didnt press the issue further.


    Get ready for battle just in case, Zac said as he cracked his neck.


    However, a sudden change made Zacs eyes widen in horror, and he quickly changed his orders as he roared at the top of his lungs. EVERYONE BENEATH E-GRADE, RUN!


    What had changed his tune so quickly was the appearance of an all-too-familiar tentacle that quickly grabbed the vessel with the weakened shield just as it was about to break through to the barrier to the Memorysteel mountain. The shields protecting the vessel immediately started to flicker, and a moment of weakness was apparently all it took.


    The second the barrier was down the vessel simply disappeared, like it was swallowed by the void.


    Aaah- Billy eximed with wide eyes to the side, and Zac could only agree.


    It was hard to say what looked more horrifying; the monstrous tentacle of the Collector or the fact that it somehow made the whole vessel suddenly wink out of existence.


    The other two ships didnt have any obvious response apart from releasing even more energy as they tried to force the way through the film that was now pushed tens of meters toward the mountain. But Zac honestly didnt hold out much hope for them. As expected, both of them were soon grabbed by a tentacle each.


    What should we do? What that thing?! Kenzie gasped with wide eyes from the side.


    Its the Collector, Zac sighed as he gazed at the situation above. Get away from this ce. Ill try to help them.


    He didnt know whether the True Sky Faction were enemies or friends, but he knew that he couldnt leave them to the Collector with a clean conscience. The scene of the torsos stuck to its main body still haunted Zacs dreams, and he wouldnt wish a fate like that even upon his worst enemies.


    Kenzie nodded and flickered away, following the stream of soldiers who desperately ran away from this area. Zac looked around and saw Thea in the distance, and he nodded at her before she set off as well. The pressure at even the middleyers had caused her wounds to reopen, and rather than forcing it she had decided to stay at the loweryers to keep things organized.


    That was a lucky break that put her out of harm''s way. The protective film was the weakest close to the area where Zac rampaged, and the True Sky Faction had chosen to break through right in front of them. Perhaps it was even premeditated, in hopes of eliciting help from Zac and his army.


    The tentacles emitted a shocking pressure, and hundreds of people had blood running down their noses just from being in its presence. The shields on the two vessels were luckily a lot strongerpared to the fist one, and they held even though the eerie hands sewn onto the tentacles tried to w their way through.


    The ships eventually managed to push their noses through the defensive film though, and Zac was surprised to see that the thick shields only appeared in the void. He immediately realized that this was the opportunity they needed, and his response was immediate. Two ck chains shot upward with extreme force, while another two dug into the hard Memorysteel beneath.


    The durable fetters of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>dug themselves into the hull, and Zac immediately started to pull.


    Help me out, Zac grunted when he saw he wasn''t doing much headway on his own, and Billy and the Zhix immediately started pulling on the ships.


    It was a tough struggle even with all theirbined power, but the ships slowly started to enter the atmosphere. The question was whether they would be fast enough, as the shields on the two remaining vessels were rapidly depleting because of the Collectors constant attacks. Even worse, a third tentacle suddenly appeared, punching straight through the barrier as it aimed toward Zac.


    Had it recognized him?


    Zac was unable to flee because he was connected to the chains, but he wasn''t alone in facing the Collector this time. There were still a few hundred elites staying behind, and they together should be able to keep the arm busy. Zac knew he wouldnt be able to cut the tentacle with <strong>[Chop]</strong>, but perhaps he could push it back a bit with the force of a barrage.


    But he barely had time to activate the skill before five thick murderous fractal edges appeared in front of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    What the hell just happened? It was almost like the fractal edges had exploded into being, rather than him conjuring them by pushing Cosmic Energy into the skill fractal. This wasnt a matter of being 18% faster, this was a whole new tier of speed. It wouldnt even take a second to conjure a full set of fractal edges before, but now it was essentially instantaneous. And without him moving any Cosmic Energy at all, they had simply appeared.


    Not only that, but the edges even emitted a mysterious ancient aura, though Zac could confirm they didn''t seem to contain any more powerpared to before. Now was not the time to ponder about this weird change though, and he immediatelyunched the set of fractal edges at the Collector.


    His arm was a blur thanks to his ungodly pool of Dexterity, and it looked like the weird situation with his skill wasnt a one-time thing. The moment he finished the fifth swing another set of fractal edges simply appeared with a shudder, and Zac didnt even need to pause as he keptunching de after de.


    It almost looked like a mental illusion as an endless series of des caused a band in the sky until they mmed into the tentacle with tremendous force. Of course, the Collector''s tentacle wasn''t even wounded after Zac imbued the fractal edges with the Fragment of the Axe.


    Its indestructible, just keep it away! Zac shouted as he kept attacking, and the air was immediately lit up with an endless number of attacks.


    Someunched concussive attacks like Zac while others formed shields. Those who could do neither threw powerful talismans at the tentacle and together it turned the whole area chaotic. But the Collector was simply too powerful. It endured the endless series of attacks as it slowly made its way forward, only losing some of its attached hands in its struggle.


    They thankfully managed to slow it down at least, and the skips were soon enough a few meters inside the protective hull, exposing thick doors to the inner space. Both the doors opened the moment they were inside the barrier, and a flood of refugees came tumbling down.


    The tentacles trying to drag the vessels back into the Void reacted instantaneously, and one person after another were snatched up and dragged away. But over a hundred people of over ten different races managed to survive, and they all started to create some distance as they attacked the tentacles that tried to snatch them up.


    Seeing that they had aplished their goal there was no point to stay behind, and Zac dislodged his chains from the vessels the moment people stopped falling out of it. The ships were quickly pushed out by the spatial film, and they disappeared one by one.


    Retreat! Zac shouted, and the army quickly started running north while pushing down toward the loweryers to increase their speed.


    Zac himself shored up the rear, and he had essentially turned into a turret thanks to his newfound ability to conjure fractal des instantaneously. <strong>[Chop]</strong> alone wasnt enough, and he had to sh forward to physically m the tentacles away just as they were about to snatch up one of his people.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Collector was smart though, and it immediately realized that he was the biggest hindrance to increasing its collection. All three tentacles suddenly gained a massive boost in speed as they shot forward, turning into three eldritch spears aimed straight at him.


    Zac had expected something like this to happen though, and he had an idea.


    The tentacles had enough speed to break through the sound barrier, but a massive fist suddenly appeared out of nowhere, snatching all three tentacles up in its grip. It was <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, but the hand was a bitrger and darker than before. Just like his fractal des, it had been somehow changed, and it now carried a hint of antiquity to it.


    More importantly, summoning the hand had been instantaneous and without any Cosmic Energy infusion into the skill fractal, which was almost absurd for such a powerful skill. However, he felt a sense of hollowness the moment he activated the skill, and he thoughtfully looked down at the fractal as he ran away while the wooden hand kept the tentacles locked in a vise.


    The wooden fist only managed to dy the tentacles two seconds before it was crushed, but that was enough to create a massive gap between himself and the breach. It looked like the Collector still wasn''t willing to go all-out, but it was clear that the beast was annoyed. The three tentacles mmed into the mountain a few times before they slithered back toward the void, causing huge chunks of Memorysteel to fly all over.


    Zac breathed out in relief when he saw that they were safe, and he instead turned his gaze inward.


    The short battle had allowed him to realize that he had severely underestimated his bloodline, and one piece of the puzzle after another came together in his mind. He had been too preupied with what he had lost, to the point that he hadnt properly bothered to understand what he had gained. In fact, now that the haze in his mind had lifted, he wasnt even sure that the increased thickness of his pathways was due to his bloodline.


    It might rather simply be a natural result of pushing his Race to D-Grade. After all, the D-Grade was where you gained a massive pool of Cosmic Energy from your Cultivators Core, and ones pathways needed to be able to endure those volumes. Or it might just be a secondary boost from awakening his bloodline.


    But the real prize was clearly something else, something much greater hidden in the depths of his body.

 Chapter 642: Infighting and Finishers

    Chapter 642: Infighting and Finishers


    Zac quickly pieced together the puzzle of his Bloodline Talent as he ran behind the Anointed and the demons in their mad dash away from the section with a weakened spatial barrier. The battle just now had given him a crash-course on the effect of <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>; it appeared to be some sort of energy reserve hidden in the Void, one that allowed for instantaneous attacks.


    It somewhat answered one of the big question marks in his mind. He had absorbed thousands of tons of Memorysteel along with the energy from a huge number of treasure caves, yet there was rtively little to show for it. Now Zac was rather suspecting that all that energy went into setting up this hidden pocket in his body.


    At least he suspected that it was a hidden pocket. He still didn''t have perfect control over his new bloodline, but it didn''t feel like the energy was inside his body. He should have sensed it if that was the case, more than just the slight sense of hollowness after activating <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong>.


    That feeling was also a clear indication that this effect was limited. Zac guessed that this hidden energy source had a certain amount of energy reserves, and he would go back to normal Cosmic Energy consumption after that reserve was exhausted. He wasn''t exactly sure how to refill that source though. His body was still full of energy since he hadn''t wasted any of his own during the battle, but he didn''t feel any drain or absorption at all where the <strong>[Force of the Void] </strong>was restocked.


    Did it perhaps need some specific energy source to be refilled? It shouldn''t be, since the skills he activated felt pretty much the same as before, except for the ancient aura that his skills emitted.


    Another possibility was that it wasn''t an actual energy pocket, but rather him connecting to the energy of the Void. The sense of hollowness would then be exhaustion from forming the bridge to the other realm. He was still fuzzy about how it actually worked, but what was more important right now was what kind of benefits it could provide.


    And it was huge.


    The more he thought about it the more excited Zac became. Instantaneous skill activation was massive, especially at higher grades. He had tried to improve his battle techniquestely after his disappointing battle with Voids Disciple, though the events in the Mystic Realm had generally taken precedence.


    However, he remembered one short exposition on battle-theory he had bought through Calrin. It was written by a D-grade pugilist, and Zac had hoped it would give him insights into dealing with Voids Disciple. The D-Grade hegemon hadn''t covered how to deal with pugilists, but he had still provided a lot of insight. The master essentially divided his fighting style into two types of actions; infighting and finishers.


    He argued that F-Grade battles were just childrenunching finishers at each other, with no skill or technique. But such a battle-style wouldnt work as people rose through the ranks. People at D-grade would be able to move miles in an instant andunch a dozen attacks in the blink of an eye. They were also a lot more sensitive to Cosmic Energy, and would usually be able to sense skill activations and instantaneously react. Massive skills that required preparation and charging would create lethal openings if you activated them without thought.


    Infighting and cheap skills werent meant to break through the defenses and kill your enemies, but rather to whittle them down and tire them out so that you could create an opening. Only then would you unleash your ultimate skills. Overwhelm the opposition, seize the rhythm, finish them in one move. That the optimalbat tactic ording to the pugilist.


    Zac could easily understand the theory. For example, at lower levels his skill <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> was pretty overpowering, causing wide swathes of destruction. However, a skill like that would quickly lose its efficacy at higher levels, and not only because of limited energy.


    Someone atte or peak E-Grade wouldnt just stand around and watch that wave of destructione washing over them. Someone that powerful would be able to move hundreds of meters in a second even without a movement skill, and they would simply move out of the way. Or rather, they mightunch a counter-strike during the short instant when Zac gathered the energy to summon the enormous axes.


    Doing something like that at F-Grade was nigh-impossible, but a peak E-Grade warrior definitely had the skill and insight tounch a quick precision strike that could disrupt the skill activation.


    This theory of infighting and finishers pretty much held true for mostbat sses, not just melee fighters such as himself. First, get the upper hand one way or another, force them into a passive state, and finally finish them off. There were of course a million ways to create an opening. Take the Second Elder of the Cartava n, for example.


    He first restrained Zac with an array, then hid his true move by conjuring ten clones. He had seized the rhythm and made it impossible for Zac to counter while he prepared his finisher while hidden underground. Zac had thankfully been able to ruin the schemes with sheer force and some shamelessness, but he wouldn''t always be so lucky in the future.


    But his bloodline seemed to turn that simple system on his head.


    Even an energy-hungry skill like <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> had been activated without warning in an instant. There were not even any energy traces in his body from the activation, the hand had just suddenly appeared out of the crack in space. It had grabbed the three tentacles almost before Zac had finished his mentalmand.


    What if that had been a pitched melee-battle? Zac and his enemy could be standing in a lock with their weapons, only for the poor bastard to be smashed by a five-meter fist out of nowhere. A bloodline talent like this opened a whole new world of possibilities for him. It might even be more valuable than bing a cultivator provided he learned to make the most of this ability.


    Certainly, there were some limitations to the talent. Zac guessed that he could draw an amount equivalent to 18% of his normal Cosmic Energy stores, based on the number in the bloodline panel. That would track with his experiences as well. <strong>[Chop] </strong>barely cost any cosmic energy at all, but <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> cost him around 8 to 9% of his Cosmic Energy by this point.


    Another fractal de appeared out of nowhere, confirming that the ability remained even with the sense of hollowness. He conjured and discarded a dozen edges in rapid session, at which point he could confirm that the sense of emptiness got a bit stronger. Figuring out how to remove that feeling would require some time and experimentation though.


    There were a lot of other questions that needed to be solved as well, but Zac sighed when he saw that reality was quickly catching up to him. He had been running for over ten minutes by now, and it was clear that the Collector had given up by this point. The others had realized the same thing, but that didnt mean the situation was resolved.


    There was still the issue of the strangers who had escaped from the two vessels. They had all rushed in the same direction as the people of Port Atwood, and they currently found themselves surrounded by his army. They didnt try to break out though, but rather just stood their ground in somber silence.


    Zac wasnt too surprised the natives seemed fine with being surrounded considering that they had actively chosen to run together with his people. Perhaps it was because he saved them, or perhaps because they wanted to look for sanctuary. After all, there were just over one hundred left of them, and they probably had no idea about the situation on the mountain.


    A furry beastkin turned toward Zac as he approached, and Zac realized that he was actually a monkeyman with silver fur. He reminded Zac of the almost human-like Stone Monkey Ogras had thrown through the incursion, but the cultivator in front of him was obviously a lot stronger. However, histe E-grade aura was quite weak and unstable, and he was missingrge spots of furs where nasty burns could be seen.


    He wasnt the only one, most of the more powerful warriors seemed to sport these kinds of wounds. The injuries were at least a day old, so it looked like these people had been in pitched battle even before reaching the Memorysteel mountain. Zac couldnt sense any Dao from the wounds though, no matter if he used <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> or <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> for clues.


    The True Sky Faction is extremely grateful for your saving grace, Lord Atwood. Without your aid we wouldnt be standing here right now, the monkeyman said with a bow, his voice deep and gravelly. I am Hekruv Vira of the True Sky Council.


    You know me? Zac asked with some surprise.


    We have seen reports on you provided by the New World Government of your, the monkeyman nodded.


    Speaking of, where are they? The officials of New World Government, Zac said as he looked across the group.


    Almost a third of the group were humans, but Zac didn''t recognize a single one of them. More importantly, almost all of them were at the E-grade, confirming that they weren''t part of Earth.


    Many of them are back on Earth. Some were killed when the inds copsed. Some Were killed by us, the monkeyman said, causing a few of the refugees to look over at the speaker with some shock.


    However, the monkeyman along with the dozen emitting the strongest auras were unphased, proving they had already decided to divulge that information. Seeing that Zac didnt interrupt, Hekruv Vira kept talking.


    We told them that the world was ending, and they entered an agreement with us. We would help them battle their enemies in this realm and assist them in scouting for the Spatial Treasure. They would in return allow our people to leave before the realm copsed. We upheld our part of the bargain, they did not, Hekruv Vira said. We tried to force our way out, but it failed. They closed the tunnel and unleashed a taboo weapon. That might even be what drew the attention of the System to this ce.


    Zac was surprised about how candid the monkeyman was, though there was no way to confirm the truth until they left this ce. But Zac leaned toward his exnation being mostly true, since it matched pretty well with what he had heard and how the Cartava n acted.


    He guessed that the few survivors of the True Sky Faction felt the need to take a chance, not only for their immediate survival but also for the future beyond the Mystic Realm. There were only a hundred twenty or so of them left, and they would be stuck with Zac for a century on the outside even if they survived this ce. Lying right now would just put them in a dangerous situation as soon as they got out.


    I''m not an enemy with the New World Government... But I am not an ally either. I won''t involve myself in your dealings with them, " Zac slowly said, making the survivors rx somewhat. "However, that only goes for this ce. I will incorporate the New World Government after leaving this ce, if there''s anything left to incorporate. More importantly, why did you follow my people after escaping the Collector?"


    That was the most pressing matter. These people were exhausted and wounded, but they were elites every one of them. There were a few that had weak auras, but Zac guessed they were expert Datamancers based on their attire. Leaving them to their own devices mighte back to bite him in his ass, like if they decided to attack his people after he had left for the sphere in the sky.


    We wish to follow you, Hekruv Vira said without hesitation.


    Having a bunch of powerful strangers in ones midst is a good way to get a dagger in ones back, Ogras said as he walked over to Zac. Sometimes it''s easier to nip a problem in the bud."


    We simply wish to follow behind your faction for protection, and we will not fight you for Seals. We are too exhausted and wounded to deal with the threats of the rival factions, let alone yours. Besides, we can pay for ourselves. Ten Million Nexus Coins per person, Hekruv Vira said. "But what I really meant was that we wish to join your force upon leaving this ce.


    "Join Port Atwood," Zac slowly said. "Why?"


    "The True Sky Faction is gone, and only a few of us remain. Even if we settled and started a new faction, we would just be a small group of foreigners in a world under your control. We have already deduced that you are a supreme Progenitor, and we understand what that means all-too-well, far better than the officials of the New World Government," Hekruv Vira said. "The Boundless Heavens follow thew of the strongest. I don''t wish for us to be fertilizer to your cultivation path."


    "We can also see that your force has already taken in all kinds of races, just like we of the True Sky Faction did inside this prison. We also believe that we can get stronger by banding together and sharing insights and experiences," arge-headed humanoid added.


    Zac looked at the group deep in thought. Having these people around would definitely help since they would add over a dozen peak warriors to Port Atwood''s roster, which was something he desperately needed. However, these warriors were all much higher levels than himself, making it impossible to sign the kind of contracts that External Elders sometimes did in the multiverse.


    He would have to solely rely on trust or suppression. It worked out fine with Ogras in the end, but these were people old schemers who were all centuries old. Would he be able to leave Earth without worries in the future with these people staying behind?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    We also have this, and are ready to hand it over upon joining your faction," Hekruv Vira said. "After all, it would be in our best interest to strengthen our allies as much as possible."


    People tensed up as the monkeyman reached for a worn-out Cosmos Sack, but they visibly rxed when they realized he just took out a tablet.


    "What''s that?" Zac asked curiously, and Kenzie looked over with interest as well.


    "It is the database on all bloodline research we have collected over the past millennia. Our own experiences during cultivation, the experimental data of the Tsarun n who captured us and brought us here. Even some notes and insights from the ancient and powerful creators of this ce. A lot of warriors on your world seem to carry our bloodlines for some reason. With this database, you will be able to unlock their potential. Perhaps even your own."


    Zac looked at the tablet for roughly half a second before he turned toward the monkeyman with a smile.


    "Wee aboard."

 Chapter 643: Wresting Control

    Chapter 643: Wresting Control


    Zac perused the contents of the tablet he gained from Hekruv Vira while walking north with the army, and he gained far more in an hour than he had from all the missives he''d bought until now. And that was even when just scratching the surface. The Bloodline Codex, as they called the database, was essentially True Sky Factions holy scripture, the umtion of thousands of years of effort.


    Being stuck in a Technocrat prison took its toll, and many in the True Sky Faction had turned to academia to not go insane from the passage of time. The burly monkeyman was one of these people, and Zac had found over thirty theses on cultivation and Bloodlines in the database penned by him, totaling over forty thousand pages altogether. And Hekruv Vira was far from the most verbose author.


    It looked like the Atwood Academy would gain a few new professors soon enough.


    A lot of the content waspletely theoretical in nature and often untested, but there was also all kinds of in-depth and practical information. For example, there was information on dozens of different bloodlines, including those of the natives.


    It turned out that the bloodline of the Cartava n was actually just called Gaze of Cartava. There were some differences between members though, with them awakening different talents, likely depending on the purity of the bloodline. The mostmon talent was called <strong>[Lord''s Eyes]</strong>, but a few talented individuals instead gained <strong>[Kings Eyes]</strong>, both of which empowered ocr skills and sses.


    Even Levis unique eyes were listed, and the tablet called them <strong>[Heaven''s Eyes]</strong>. There were no details on this talent though, but it did list a suspicion that it allowed the cultivator to harness the power of time. It even mentioned that they suspected Levi to be in possession of it, though it wasnt confirmed.


    The Lunar Tribe was also a subject of intense study. Their bloodline was called Lunar Light, and it was indeed based on amon ancestor to the Lunar Wolves. The Tsarun n had tried refining their bloodlines with the help of the normal wolves, making it regain the power of some wolf ancestor, which apparently was insanely powerful and nigh-unkible.


    Apart from that, there were dozens of other bloodlines Zac had never heard of, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. There was actually a whopping thirty Body Tempering Manuals as well, though all of them had various requirements on the user. Furthermore, only eight of them wereplete, with the others being iplete to various degrees. Some of the elders had tried fixing them, but it was clear that the effect wasnt quite at a satisfactory level even after centuries of experiments.


    There was also all kinds of general information along with tips and insights into refining and awakening bloodlines and constitutions.


    Unfortunately, there was no information on corrupted bloodlines, but Zac honestly wasnt too surprised. Zac had a feeling his situation was the result of something extreme his mother and her n had done. They perhaps had tried to fuse that affinity-boosting bloodline with the Void-energy talent he had, getting the best of both worlds. But they might have gotten too greedy and reached beyond their abilities.


    Perhaps he was a failed experiment.


    The thought was pretty depressing, but Zac knew he couldntin. After all, his situation was pretty good, and his newfound ability might even be more useful than being a cultivator in some scenarios. And he could confirm that his bloodline was definitely something extremely high-grade, at least whenparing it to the bloodlines listed in the Bloodline Codex.


    First of all, it didnt seem to pigeonhole Zac in a certain direction. It simply gave him a hidden energy boost, and possibly slightly thicker energy pathways. It didnt negatively affect his sses at all, and it didnt require him to retrain or change his path. You could say that his bloodline wascking any attunement, something that appeared to be extremely rare.


    All of the bloodlines listed in thependium restricted the cultivator in return for a specific type of power. They required certain types of sses to provide any benefits, and they even worsened ones progress and affinities in unrted Daos.


    Secondly, only three of the listed bloodlines had Bloodline Nodes. Furthermore, these bloodlines had only swapped a single Hidden Node while the others were still the normal racial nodes. Not one of the three top-tier bloodlines had graded nodes either, but their existence was mentioned in the database. That meant it wasn''t something unique to Zac, but rather something that normally might not appear in a frontier sector like Zecia.


    The Codex didn''t exin any more than that, but after reading the information on the Bloodline Nodes Zac started to form a hypothesis of his own. There wasnt necessarily a big difference at the beginning between normal and graded nodes, but the differencey in potential. Apparently, the benefits Hidden Nodes provided gradually tapered off on the road of cultivation, a bit like Low-tiered Titles.


    They would often be extremely useful during the E-Grade and no doubt help when preparing to break through to D-Grade. But by the point one reached C-Grade, most Hidden Nodes would provide limited help. Graded Hidden Nodes shouldnt have that limitation, and they could continue to provide benefits even if you reached extremely high cultivation levels, just like High-Tiered Titles did.


    The vastpendium of information was extremely useful, but it would take months, perhaps years, time to digest everything. But there was one final part that was even more valuable to Zac right now, the six general Bloodline Methods.


    Bloodline Methods were simr to cultivation manuals in the sense that they helped a warrior use their bloodline as efficiently as possible. For example, having his bloodline constantly run would be both wasteful and stupid, almost like when Zac simply pushed Cosmic Energy around in his body during the early days of the Integration.


    Besides, the biggest value of his Bloodline Talent was the element of surprise, the ability to suddenlyunch a massive strike out of nowhere.


    If his normal attacks all appeared without any energy fluctuations or buildup, even the dumbest enemy would quickly realize something was up. So Zac wanted to turn off his bloodline until he went in for the kill. That was exactly what Bloodline Methods were made for, the ability to control, and to a certain degree empower, Bloodlines.


    In an optimal world, Zac would have a method tailored for his Bloodline, one that would make the most of his Hidden Nodes and his talent. But Zacs instincts told him that such a thing didnt even exist considering his bloodline was corrupted. He would have to create one by himself, but he had no idea to go about doing something like that.


    A lot of people were in the same situation though, in the sense that they somehow had managed to awaken a bloodline but didnt have a heritage to go with it. Thats where general Bloodline Methods came into the picture. They were pretty average, but they worked with arge number of bloodlines.


    As long as Zac found one that somewhat worked it would be fine. Bloodline Methods were just ways to rouse ones hidden talents, and they didnt alter ones pathways like a cultivation manual did. He could simply swap the method out if he found a better one, or he could start to modify the one he used to better suit his particr bloodline.


    Zac didnt want to waste even a second since it would be a huge boon if he learned how to turn his bloodline talent on and off before he set out for the sphere in the top. He still hadnt gotten the 8<sup>th</sup> part of the quest in any case, so he went with his gut. He needed some time to get things in order, and they were closing in on their destination.


    A few hours and they would reach the northern side of the mountain, and there would hopefully be enough seals both for his own people and the True Sky refugees. They had tentatively joined his faction, but Zac wouldnt take their word for it. The odds of them trying to pull somethingst-minute would decrease by a fair bit if they had seals by the time Zac left.


    He had talked with Hekruv Vira for a bit after setting out, and Zac was shocked to learn that the taboo weapon the monkey-man mentioned was a freaking nuclear warhead. Anyone that could take a st like that and walk around with some minor burns the next day wasnt someone to scoff at. Of course, atomic bombspletelycked any Dao-empowerment, and the Technocrat shields were apparently extremely good at dispersing normal kic force. They had only taken a few percent of the st head-on.


    It would take around eight hours for his army to reach the northern side, giving Zac ample time to experiment with the Bloodline Methods. There were six of them to test, and Zac started with the one called <strong>[Wargod Tactics]</strong>. Its name was a huge exaggeration, but it did have goodpatibility with manybat-oriented bloodlines. Zac opened the file containing the method, and he was shocked to see how much information it contained.


    Zac was about to borrow the shoulder of one of the Anointed again, but he changed his mind realizing that most of the content was just personal insights and anecdotes from practicians. The actual method was just a few pages.


    The first and most important step of getting control of your bloodline was to form a mental connection to it, but that was easier said than done. It was like taking charge of your organs. They were there and part of your body, but they were doing their thing without any active input.


    The method that the Wargod Tactics provided was to activate ones body with a series of stances while rousing ones body by releasing killing intent.


    Zac tsked in annoyance as he memorized the 18 stances. Where were the Skill Crystals when you needed them? One burst of information and you were done. It was a reminder of how massive the changes the System brought to cultivation were.


    These Bloodline Methods felt a lot like something the ancient cultivators would practice and seemed only partly integrated with the Systems ''software''. This wasnt something unique to bloodline cultivation though. The same thing held true when it came to Soul Cultivation and refining a Constitution with Body Tempering Manuals. Then there were the beast rearing methods, and god knows what else.


    All were valid paths to power, but not something that the System directly got involved with.


    Perhaps the future generations would have it better. Thest Apostate added the whole Mercantile System, so perhaps another Apostate would add some sort of side-cultivation functionality that epassed all these different methods. But for now Zac had to rely on himself, and he needed to try the yoga poses that the <strong>[Wargod Tactics]</strong> provided.


    I need to try something out, Zac said to the others who nced at him curiously. Keep going, Ill catch up in half an hour or something.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac shed away and found a hidden crevasse where he could practice undisturbed. He immediately started to perform the stances in order, making sure to rouse his killing intent as instructed by the manual. The whole area was awash with his murderous force as Zacpleted the stances over and over.


    However, absolutely nothing happened even after spending half an hour. Zac sighed in annoyance as he rushed forward to keep up with his army. The guide said it might take a few minutes, but if you didnt even sense anything after half an hour the method wasntpatible. He tried another ten minutes just to be safe, but he eventually had to turn to the next method.


    Reality was cruel. The hours passed as one method after another proved unable to rouse his bloodline. Zac even started to suspect that the True Sky Faction had fed him false methods, but that suspicion was quickly dispelled when four different people in the refugee party showed Zac that <strong>[Wargod Tactics]</strong> worked just fine.


    Zac sighed as he looked at thest method. It was called <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong>, and Zacs face scrunched up when he read the description. The strong point of <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong> was its shockingpatibility, making it work with pretty much every single bloodline out there.


    The weak point was everything else. It was essentially the equivalent of a cultivation manual called <strong>[Cultivation Manual]</strong>. It was as basic as they came from the looks of it, and it didnt provide an iota of enhancement. Even <strong>[Wargod Tactics]</strong> improved the effect of a bloodline talent by between 5 to 10%.


    Its method was simple, to form mental ripples with ones soul that spread through his body like some sort of sonar. Zac pushed away his anxiety as he sat down, and he quickly grasped the method. It was thankfully pretty straightforward and didnt require any adroit control or even usage of Dao. It just needed him to push out a little bit of his mental energy in specific intervals.


    The minutes passed as one ripple after another spread out through his body, and Zac stopped them from leaving his body, just like the method told him to. They kept increasing in number until his body was almost like a raging sea of spiritual energy. The anxiety from before started to creep back as Zac realized something wasn''t right. Just fifteen minutes was supposed to be enough toplete the first step, but he had already doubled that without any response.


    But Zac refused to give up on this one. It was hisst chance to control his Bloodline until he found a proper method, and who knew how long that would take? He could only persevere, adhering to the method that usually solved his issues.


    If things didn''t go your way, apply more force.

 Book 1 out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible! New bonus Chapter goal!

    Book 1 out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible! New bonus Chapter goal!


    Now that I have your attention: As I have mentioned before, after multiple editing passes and me fixing a slew of things, <strong>Defiance of the Fall Book 1 is finally out on Kindle, Kindle Unlimited, and Audible (Links in Author Notes Above)</strong>! N?v(el)B\\jnn


    I am very happy about how it all turned out, I hope you can give it a read or listen! Get back into some ssic DotF, just like when things started out in the summer of ''19!


    There is <u>stiffpetition</u> on Amazon, and I need your help pushing Defiance of the Fall to a spot where the story is visible to new prospective readers.<strong> So I am adding a goal with a small reward as a thank you for supporting the story: If Book 1 reaches the top 100 Ladder at any time, I''ll release 3 bonus chapters </strong>for Patreon and RoyalRoad the following weekend (giving me time to edit and clean).


    Some of you have already purchased copies and left reviews, and I am incredibly thankful for the support. If you want to help out but can''t/don''t want to spend any money at the moment, there is a lot you can do to help out without spending a single cent!<ul><li>If you have Kindle Unlimited, you can <strong>freely download a copy</strong> of the book, which will count as a sale. </li><li>Some are eligible for a free copy of the audiobook through Audible trial.</li><li>You can <strong>leave a review</strong>, even if you read the story on RR back in the day (Book one is until the first visit in New Washington). More reviews = More visibility!</li></ul>


    Thank you!

 Chapter 644: Bloodline Resonance

    Chapter 644: Bloodline Resonance


    Zac refused to believe that even the universal Bloodline Method wouldn''t work on his body, so he kept squeezing out more and more mental energy. The churning ripples of <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong> were quickly descending into a chaotic storm. His whole body felt like it was under assault, and blood started leaking down his nose.


    The Bloodline Method should normally not be dangerous, but Zac had long exceeded the rmended usage. Following the manual one would create a new ripple every second, which meant that after fifteen minutes there would be 900 ripples bouncing back and forth. These ripples in turn tried to create a resonance with the bloodline hidden deep in his cells through weak collisions.


    Most bloodlines would respond after just a minute or two, but the more stubborn or impure bloodlines could take a bit longer. However, Zac was already approaching 45 minutes by this point, and the number of ripples was over 2500. And not only that, but Zac had also started cranking up the force in each ripple.


    If a normal ripple used one unit of mental energy, the ones in his body had been cranked up to five units each by this point. The normal ripple collisions were like gentle nudges at his body aimed to elicit a response, but Zac''s method was essentially akin to pping his organs to shake his bloodline awake.


    He understood why the manual had said to stop after 15 minutes. The danger started to increase exponentially as the number of ripples increased. The increased density of ripples created a far higher number of collisions, and each collision impacted his body. Each collision by itself could barely be felt, but when there were thousands every second? It quickly started to stack up, especially with him also increasing the power.


    Zac knew he was being foolhardy, but his eyes were already bloodshot as he kept going, increasing the intensity every second. His whole body screamed for mercy, but there was none to be had. It was lucky that his soul had undergone so much tempering up to this point, as he would already have passed out from soul exhaustion otherwise.


    Finally, after a full hour, the raging storm had turned into a world-ending cataclysm in his body, and even Zac couldnt withstand it any longer. Even his pathways and skill fractals were starting to get damaged. If he didnt dispel the ripples now he would get some serious internal wounds, the kind that you simply couldnt fix with <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>.


    There was too much at stake over the following days, and he couldnt take that risk.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    But just as Zac was about to give up he felt an extremely weak response from the depths of his body. Zac almost lost control over the chaotic storm of ripples in his body from his extreme relief, but he quickly refocused since he knew his job wasnt over. The pain was intense, but he kept the ripples going as he focused his attention on the resonance of his bloodline.


    It gave off the same sensation of antiquity as the skills he unleashed with the Void Energy, like there was something billions of years old hidden in the depths of his cells. It felt like he was rousing something ancient and reluctant from its slumber, but Zac refused to let the resonance recede into his cells.


    Rousing that response was the first step of <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong>, and the second was quite straightforward as well. He was supposed to take charge of the mental energy that coursed through the body and merge it with that resonance to form asting bond. The problem was that Zac had gone overboard with his energy expenditure, and there was no way that he could control that much mental energy in one go.


    Zac figured that he could only do it piecemeal, and he took roughly five percent of the rampant energies and crammed it into the resonance. His energy disappeared like Cosmic Energy entering a Node, and Zac quickly fed it another chunk. More and more energy entered the resonance over the next minutes without any change, but Zac didnt worry.


    As expected, he felt a new sensation in his mind the moment all the umted mental energy was exhausted. There was a direct corrtion between the number of ripples you needed to form and the amount of mental energy needed to form the spiritual connection. It looked like that bnce still held even after Zac started painting outside the lines.


    He had seeded, and Zac marveled at the unique feeling in his body. It was extremely odd, like he had grown a new limb that he could instinctively control just like his arms and legs. But it was actually his bloodline that he had connected with, allowing him to rouse and suppress it at will. There was no cirction or enhancement provided by <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong>, but just some rudimentary control was a huge step forward.


    Zac was about to start experimenting with his skills, but a wave of exhaustion hit him the moment he rxed. He had forgotten the state of his soul from the excitement. Over eighty percent of his mental energy was exhausted from forming the ripples, though he wasntpletely full when he began.


    Running around on Memorysteel Mountain with his soul exhausted was extremely foolhardy, so he immediately took out two Soul Crystals as he ate a top-quality healing pill. There were some minor wounds all over his body from the ripples, but he had thankfullypleted his goal before gettingpletely in over his head.


    Of course, if he didnt have his remnant-refined soul and unnaturally durable body, he would have died long before <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong> would manage to find a connection to his Void Emperor-bloodline.


    Thick streams of pure mental energy poured into his mind from the Soul Crystals, and the exhaustion was quickly washed away along with his splitting headache. However, he only had time to fill the tank up to half before hismunication crystal vibrated. Zac sighed and immediately stopped, knowing that his people wouldnt contact him unless it was urgent.


    Im sorry. I didnt want to disturb you, but I think you neede here, his sisters voice echoed out through themunication crystal.


    Zac grunted in affirmation before he got back to his feet. People talked about spending centuries in secluded cultivation, but he somehow couldnt even find a few hours. He thought he would have another hour or two considering the armys speed had slowed down the moment treasures started appearing in caves again a few hours ago.


    At least he had managed to make the connection, which was the most important part. From now he would just need to get used to it.


    It took a few tries, but he eventually managed to disable the Bloodline Talent so that he could use <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> without burning his remaining Void Energy. It was still half-empty, though Zac had already found at least one way to refill it already; Attuned Crystals. He had been looking for the wrong thing back when he absorbed the Divine Crystal, and had missed that a part of the energy disappeared and never his energy reserves.


    Zac also suspected he would be able to find some way to use <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>to fill up on Void Energy, either from eating random things or from eating the Beast cores of the Void Beast. Zac really hoped it would be the former since those kinds of Beast Cores were no doubt hard to get a hold of outside of this ce.


    The world turned into a blur around him as he pushed his movement skill to the limit, and it actually felt a bit cumbersome to suddenly have to move his Cosmic Energy into the fractals on his feet. But <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> didnt actually provide many benefits to that particr skill in either case, since its usage was still restricted by him taking an actual step forward.


    He knew that there would be some cases where the talent worked better than others, but getting a better grasp would require some hands-on experimentation. And it seemed like he would get that opportunity sooner rather thanter. Because the reason his sister was calling him was simple; the advance scouts had spotted activity, and it was a full-blown war.


    It was like the restrictions of the sixthyer didnt exist as Zac shed forward, each step with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> taking him over a hundred meters forward. It took him just over ten minutes to reach the rear of his army, and he signaled Hekruv Vira to join him before he made his way past the vanguard.


    He had already confirmed the situation with his sister while catching up, and he made his way toward arge cliff on the seventhyer. It provided a good vantage of the battle without exposing their location, and Zac nodded at the gathered group before he made his way to the edge to peer out across the northern slopes.


    Huge swathes of the mountain were aze as a massive and chaotic war raged. At first appearance, it looked to be a battle between cultists and a joint army of Zhix and a few hundred odd creatures that Zac had never seen before. It was doubt were the Gemlings that he had heard about.


    The native race was roughly one meter in height and looked a bit like stone turtles as they had rocky grey scales instead of skins. He had heard from Levi they werent golems though, but rather a normal species.


    They were bipedal with two short stubby legs, and they had a set of muscr arms with oversized hands. They had a shell covering their backs, and their wide and t facescked any nose or external ears. The most attention-grabbing aspect of them was the luminous crystals that covered their bodies though, and each of them emitted a mysterious power that made Zac''s mind slightly shudder.


    Most of the crystals shone in a sanguine red as their owners fought tooth and nail, but Zac spotted a few other colors as well. Most of the Gemlings had less than five shimmering crystals, but Zac also spotted a handful of natives with over a dozen attached to their bodies. These individuals were unsurprisingly the most powerful Gemlings he could spot, but even they were just at the earlier to middle stages of the E-Grade.


    Another interesting detail about the situation was that while the Gemlings and the Zhix seemed to be allied on the surface, the former obviously wasnt happy about it. Or it might be more urate to say that the Gemlings seemed to hate the Zhix. The insectoids almost solely focused on dealing with the small cultist army, but Zac had spotted the Gemlingsunching over a dozen sneak attacks on the Zhix even though their main focus was the Church of Evesting Dao as well.


    It more or less confirmed their suspicions. Knowing the Inevitability and Voids Disciple, there hadnt been peaceful cooperation between the two factions. The Gemlings had definitely been enved and suffered tremendously over the past months.


    Adcarkas and his child arent here, Rhubat rumbled with a frown, and Zac nodded in agreement as he backed away from the cliff.


    This cultist army was small, just half of the one Zac dealt with before, and it didnt seem to have a bishop taking charge. Yet they were holding the advantage against thousands of Zhix and their unwillingpanions. If Voids Disciple was there he would have been able to quickly and effortlessly turn the tides of the battle.


    It looked like the Dominators already had gone ahead, and Zac wasnt too surprised. They seemed wholly focused on aplishing their masters task, and the normal Zhix were just a tool. They would probably be sacrificed along with everyone else when the Great Redeemer arrived. The Zhix had probably been given an order to stay put, which put them in the cross-hairs of the crazed cultists when the second squad reached this far.


    As for the cultists themselves, they had probably been in charge of the same task as the main army, which would exin why there weren''t any remaining inds all the way to the northern slopes.


    We will deal with thest traitors before continuing the pursuit, Rhubat said, and the Anointed immediately started gearing up for war.


    Wait a second. Those small stonemen are like your people. They have been enved by the Dominators, Zac said. If possible, Id like to invite them to Port Atwood. But Im afraid they would attack you as well if you just go storming down.


    Its true They are brethren in suffering, Rhubat slowly nodded. They are not Zhix, but they can join the Crusade.


    Zac nodded as he looked at the Gemlings. If there was one native faction he really wanted to integrate into Port Atwood, it was the Gemlings. He had a decent heritage left behind by Bra himself and boatloads of resources, but no skilled craftsmen. These Gemlings were his solution to the problem.


    The problem was that they no doubt would be skeptical for various reasons. First of all, he was allied with the same type of insectoids as the ones that had caused so much suffering. Secondly, they had already been enved once for their gems by an outside force. They would probably be extremely cautious around strange factions on the outside.


    Luckily he had an in with these people in the form of a half-roasted monkeyman that had caught up to Zac by now. It was time for Hekruv Vira to prove that he had the wide connections and diplomacy skills as he imed.

 Chapter 645: Sever Karma

    Chapter 645: Sever Karma


    Hekruv Vira had already arrived, and he stood waiting a few dozen meters behind. However, he came over and looked over the cliffside after getting waved over by Zac.


    What a mess, the monkeyman muttered as he looked down at the battlefield.


    Can you make the Gemlings back away? Zac asked.


    Are the insectoid warriors your people? the monkeyman hesitantly asked. If so... I think they might attack you as well. The Gemlings of n Volor dont like to fight. But when they do, they go all the way. Theyll fight until there are none left standing. Thats why theyre still around even though they were technically the weakest race forbat in this realm.


    Heart of a warrior, Rhubat nodded with appreciation, and a few of the Anointed gave the diminutive rockmen a second look.


    Those Zhix are a big reason why we came here. Not a single one can be left alive, Zac said, which made the monkeymans eyes widen in surprise. Ill deal with the cultists as well. We simply dont want the innocent to be caught up in the crosshairs.


    Alright Hekruv said with a nod. Ill notify them of the situation. I should at least be able to have them not attack you. Give me a few minutes.


    Something about the aura of Hekruv Vira changed the next moment. He stood just two meters away from him, but it was like he wasn''t there. It wasn''t just that he no longer emitted the slightest morsel of energy. There had to be some skill or Dao that made people discard his presence. Zac guessed it was some sort of stealth skill that the True Sky cultivator possessed, and Zac looked on with interest as Hekruv Vira jumped down and started running toward the battlefield without rousing any response.


    You heard him, Zac eventually said as he turned to Rhubat. Do you need assistance?


    With the Dominators missing the traitors are just rudderless children. We will perform the rites ourselves. Can your army deal with the fire-lizards? Rhubat asked.


    Well deal with them, Zac nodded. Hopefully thats thest of the cultists in this ce.


    Right, Ogras agreed from the side. One quick genocide and then well get to the real good stuff.


    The two made their way back, and the army was already mobilized by the time they arrived. Since Zacs people only needed to deal with a few hundred cultists, their army was onlyprised of less than one hundred elites and roughly three hundred regr soldiers.


    The elites included Zac, Billy, Ogras, Verana, four support squads, and one elite squad of 20 of the strongest warriors, making it an extremely powerful unit. As for the three hundred regr soldiers, they were the remaining people without any Spatial Seals, and they were just along for the ride to pick up a ticket back to Earth.


    The other seven hundred people without seals were Zhix, and they would hopefully get theirs by taking out the thousands of traitors. Zac had already learned about the rules for Spatial Seals from Joanna. It was possible to take the seals of a fallen soldier, but those sealssted for an even shorter duration than they did in the caves. Also, the one who seized the seal needed to have at least some contribution to the kill.


    Thankfully that was easily circumvented by setting up War Arrays that provided weak butrge-scale buffs. That essentially tagged the weak cultivators for all the kills. It would barely provide them Cosmic Energy from kills, but it was enough to seize the Seals. Everything came together in just a minute.


    The warring sides had clearly been at it for a while, and Port Atwood just needed to clean things up. The Zhix Army and the elites of Port Atwood split up before they rolled over the hills like a tide, storming toward thebatants like a wave of death.


    The battlefield was a perfect opportunity for Zac to consolidate his bloodline control through <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong>, and a ten-meter fractal de rapidly grew in front of his axe. It shot toward the closest pack of cultists, but how could they not have spotted the army running toward them? A series of ming barriers had already sprung up, which was barely enough to protect the lizardmen from the initial salvo.


    However, a second de, this one conjured by the void, shot forward the next moment, passing straight through the weakened shields and reaped the lives of three zealots. Zac shed forward, and with a thought let his aura explode outward, instantly quenching the fires over a hundred meters around him as he killed another two cultists with a ruthless swing.


    He didnt immediately set out toward the next target, but he rather looked on as five warriors scurried forward, each of them jumping toward one of the fallen zealots. Three of them soon stood up with disappointment, but two warriors had wide grins stered on their faces as they looked at the palms of their hands.


    Move back and let others take your ces, Zac said, and the two cultivators quickly retreated after giving thanks.


    A few new faces took their ce, and Zac moved toward the next group of cultists. He kept a rxed pace as he moved, partly because he wanted to get used to the feeling of fighting with his bloodline, and partly to allow for the normal soldiers to keep up.


    Four zealots saw his approach, and theyunched a desperate and suicidal pincer attack in an attempt to drag him down to hell with them. The first lizardmen two were cut in two by Zac through a swift horizontal swing of his axe, but some problems urred immediately after.


    The remaining two warriors were spear-users, and two mingnces shot toward Zacs torso. Such an attack would normally never hit him, but Zac looked down in surprise when he suddenly felt two spear stab into his chest. They didnt manage to pierce deeper than two centimeters, but it still hurt like hell. Zac growled in annoyance before a fractal de appeared out of nowhere, decapitating the two warriors before they had a chance to react.


    There was a problem with his bloodline, or rather his control over it. Turning it on or off wasnt very hard, but there was a small dy when rapidly swapping back and forth. He had tried discarding the normally conjured de and instantaneously summon a new one, but hismands had been too quick which resulted in nothing happening.


    That led to Zac holding out his axe in some sort of victory pose while letting the two spears gore him.


    The injuries were just shallow flesh wounds though, and Zac quickly moved from pack to pack, and the people following in his wake kept changing as one warrior after another got their hands on a seal. Zac was making one discovery after another as well, and his battle style was rapidly incorporating <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>.


    The second surprise after getting himself stabbed was that he wasnt able to activate <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> with the skill<strong></strong>even after trying multiple times. First, he couldnt understand what was going on, but he eventually had an idea and tried to activate a humongous fractal edge. Nothing happened this time either, but Zac kept trying until a fifty-meter de appeared out of nowhere.


    It was range.


    His <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> was somehow connected to his body, and it couldnt conjure things too far away from where he stood. Fifty meters seemed to be the limit at the moment, which was neither far nor short. It would still allow for ambushes in a one-on-one battle, but it wouldnt work with a maxed-out <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> orrge-scale skills like <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>would probably work since the summoned axes would appear right above his head, but he didn''t want to waste that skill on some cannon-fodder cultists.


    His next insight was that he needed free space even within those fifty meters to use Void Energy. For example, Zac tried conjuring a fractal edge that would pierce the head of a cultist. That was an ambush tactic that worked fine when activating <strong>[Chop]</strong> the normal way, but the skill wouldnt activate with Void Energy when it would upy the same space as the lizardmans body.


    Zac''s best guess was that the skills were conjured in an instant or conjured in the void and then teleported over. In either case, it wouldn''t work when the skills would upy the space of something else. Only after slightly moving his axe could Zac have the de appear right next to the cultist''s head, allowing Zac to quickly lob it off.


    The final insight was that it actually was possible to start a skill the normal way and boost the speed by activating his bloodline. For example, he could conjure half a fractal de, only to have the second half appear in an instant. It didnt save much time, but it might be possible to catch someone off-guard using that trick.


    There were only so many enemies to test things out on though, and the battle was dwindling after just ten minutes. The Zhix and Gemlings was the weaker side even if they had an advantage in numbers, but they had made up for it in ferocity. The cultists were simply exhausted by the point Port Atwood arrived, making their bloody work extremely effortless.


    Furthermore, Billy once more showcased his prowess as he summoned a massive golden hammer. It had to be one of his level 75 skills, and even Zac felt some pressure from the insane weight it emitted. As for the cultists that got hit by its m, they were turned to a disgusting mush. Zac couldnt understand why the skill was so powerful at first, but he soon realized that the hammer resonated with the Memorysteel Mountain somehow, borrowing some of its nigh-endless weight.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The skill probably wouldn''t be as powerful in a non-mountainous environment, just like how <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> needed something to draw from to work. With Billy smashing over thirty cultists to bits the fight was essentially over since over two hundred of them had already been killed by that point. The rest started to self-immte in a final act of defiance, but Zac and Ogras unleashed a furious offense to kill them before they could suicide as to not lose any of the remaining Seals.


    The situation was simr on the Anointeds side. The traitor Zhix werepletely trashed, but not one of them tried to flee. They fought to thest man, allowing them to at least die in battle. The Gemlings hadnt actually backed away either, just like Hekruv Vira guessed. With the cultists upied, the Gemlings jumped at the Zhix with maniacal fervor, but they thankfully didnt extend their hatred to the Anointed and their army.


    The battle waspletely lopsided and the losses of Zacs forces were minimal. Left were roughly five hundred Gemlings that looked in Zacs direction hesitantly. Zac swung his axe once to rid it of the blood and viscera that covered it before he stowed it away.


    What now? Ogras asked as he walked over. "Is it time?"


    Zac didnt immediately answer, but he rather looked out into the empty air for a few seconds. As expected, a prompt appeared the next moment, showing him the way. He felt that there was nothing else to do down here, and it looked like the system agreed.


    <strong>Sever Karma (Training (8/9)): Sever the final Karmic Ties to Voridis A''Heliophos. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1)</strong>


    <strong>[NOTE: Failure toply with training regimen will result in loss of rewards.] </strong>


    Zac looked at the quest, his eyes lighting up. It was finally time to end things once and for all. The threat of The Great Redeemer had loomed above his head for almost a year by now, but it would finally be all over by the time this quest waspleted. At least that was his takeaway.


    After all, the quest itself provided an extremely important clue. The task was to sever thest karmic ties, which meant that the moment the quest wasplete, the Great Redeemer shouldnt be able to find Earth any longer. Before this Zac had worried about hidden safeguards in ce, but this quest shouldnt be worded like this if there were more hidden beacons on Earth or something simr.


    As to where the quest wanted him to go, it was obvious. The Dominators had already abandoned their followers and captives, instead heading for the heart of the Mystic Realm.


    It was up there the real treasures waited, and up there the fate of Earth would be decided.

 Chapter 646: Clan Volor

    Chapter 646: n Volor


    "We''re climbing the mountain. It''s time to deal with the Dominators for real," Zac said, and two sets of ruthless eyes turned to the massive in the sky.


    "Finally. This wound of mine has been itching for a while now," Ogras muttered.


    Part of Zac just wanted to rush up, guns zing, but he knew some things had to be dealt with first. So he walked over toward the group of Gemlings who hesitantly stood a few hundred meters away from Port Atwoods armies.


    Their attention was mostly ced on therge army of Zhix who were already consecrating and burning the corpses of the traitor Zhix, but they slowly turned toward Zac as he approached. Hekruv Vira and a few of the True Sky-elders were already there talking with them in low volume, likely introducing him to them.


    Thank you for your assistance, human, the Gemling said. Without your aid, our n would likely be lost to the rivers of time.


    Youre wee, Zac nodded. They were amon enemy to Earth. Those Zhix were traitors that needed to be hunted down, and the cultists were foreign invaders. Im sorry we couldnt get here earlier.


    I am Helo. I guess I am the leader of n Volor now that thest of the Masons have fallen, Helo said with a sigh. Vira says you are the leader of the outside world?


    There was an undeniable tinge of confusion and skepticism as he looked Zac up and down, and Zac understood what was going on. This Helo had witnessed the terror of Voids Disciple first-hand, while Zac hadnt really disyed any especially great feats while trying out his Void Energy during thest battle. He even got himself wounded a few times while figuring things out.


    Perhaps even the Anointed with their hulking frames seemed more impressive than he was in the eyes of the Gemlings.


    Zac thought a moment, and an earthshattering aura suddenly burst out from his body. He let loose all his killing intent, along with a Dao Field powered by his high mastery Fragment of the Axe. Zac even went so far as to push the Dao Field forward with the help of <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>.


    His killing intent and his Dao that focused on battle and conflict almost merged, and the area once more gave off the bloody aura of a pitched war. The pressure was earthshattering, and even Hekruv Vira with his Late E-Grade cultivation took a step back as he looked at Zac with wide eyes.


    The monkeyman had called Zac a supreme Progenitor, but it looked like he had only been thinking in terms of potential rather than current power. It was good to give the True Sky Faction a small reminder as well before he set off. Of course, Zac wasnt nning on forcing the Gemlings to bend the knee, and the aura disappeared after just a few seconds.


    Whats with this outside, Helo muttered as he released a shaky breath. Didnt you get Integrated just a year ago? Why are there so many monsters?


    Well, we were a bit unlucky to get an unusually tough challenge when the System sent over multiple top-tier Invaders, but those who survived probably grew a bit stronger than normal? Zac smiled.


    Well, your power is a good thing, Helo said. I have spoken with those of the True Sky Faction, and n Volor wishes to follow in their steps. We are willing to join the Atwood Empire if you will have us.


    Zac was surprised and relieved of how easily the Gemlings, or rather n Volor, joined his faction, but it saved him a lot of effort. It was also a bit odd to hear the term Atwood Empire, but he guessed it was the most apt description. His faction couldnt be considered a town any longer, and it was neither a sect nor a n. A budding single Empire was probably correct, though it was definitely a bit weird to be called an Emperor, especially considering Earths cultural norms.


    Port Atwood would be happy to have you. We have both great craftsman heritages and almost endless materials, but we arecking talents who can make use of them, Zac said enthusiastically, and the eyes of the Gemlings lit up with excitement.


    However, Helo and a few of the elites with arge number of crystals across their bodies looked a bit troubled.


    You should understand, embedding our gems into weapons hurts our souls and we cannot do so freely, Helo said.


    I will not force anyone to use their gems, Zac said. Port Atwood runs on contribution. If you decide to use your gems to create supreme equipment you will be rewarded with massive amounts of Contribution Points, which can be traded for anything from perusing the heritage to getting unique and valuable materials.


    Zac had never nned on setting some sort of quota on these gemlings for producing crystals since he knew that they would likely use them even if he didnt ask. These craftsmen all had hybrid sses or pure craftsman sses, and their method to evolve was essentially to create precious Spirit Tools.


    They could both gain a breakthrough and a massive number of resources by temporarily damaging their souls. Zac would personally make that trade in a heartbeat, and he was confident that a lot of these Gemlings would as well. Helo nodded in relief when he heard there would be no forced harvesting, and things got a lot more harmonious from there on out.


    The two talked a bit longer, and Zac learned about the experiences of the Gemlings. It turned out that Voids Disciple had appeared even earlier than Zac expected, first making contact with the Gemlings even before the Hunt. From then he had spent most of his time in here, only asionally venturing outside to Earth.


    Adcarkas had disappeared almost half a day before the upheavals though, taking Inevitability with him. Speaking off, Zac felt a pang of worry upon hearing that Inevitability had spent almost all of her time after the Hunt cultivating inside n Volors bloodline vats. Who knew what kind of powerups she had sincest time? Still, the real threat to Zac was Voids Disciple as far as he was concerned.


    As for the Gemlings, they had arduously managed to convince their Zhix captors to head to the mountain, somewhat going against their orders to stay put. They had reached the mountain around 5 hours ago and soon became aware of the approaching cultist army. Not wanting to deal with them, the allied group set course south-east, snatching up Spatial Seals along the way.


    However, they quickly backpedaled when they realized that their old dreaded enemy the Lunar n was spread out across the slopes on the eastern side, wantonly looting the caves there. Caught between a rock and a hard ce they soon decided to deal with the cultists rather than the muchrger group of werewolves, which brought them to the present situation.


    Zac sighed when learning that the werewolves had made it as well. He had almost hoped that they would somehow run into some problem that got them stuck on the inds, but it turned out he had no such luck. Even worse, the Helo had no idea of exactly how many of them there were since they had spread out just like his own army did. But he said that their scouts had easily spotted hundreds before fleeing.


    Zac asked for some more details before he decided to take his leave. He had gotten the next quest already, and he was afraid that wasting any time would end badly.


    Alright, well have more chances to get to know each other in the future, but I need to prepare a few things right now. The worst of the bunch are still alive, I need to deal with them, Zac said.


    Wait, Helo said after some hesitation. Take this thing.


    He took out a crystal from his Cosmos Sack the next moment, and Zac looked at it curiously. It was clearly the same type of crystal that covered the bodies of the Gemlings, but it was pitch-ck. It was also covered in extremely intricate inscriptions, which showcased skill that far eclipsed his sisters.


    But Zac frowned when he looked at the thing since it gave him an extremely bad feeling. It was a curse, an extremely sinister one ording to <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong>. It gave off an even nastier aura than those fractals in Levis eyes, like it contained the umted hatred of the whole Gemling-n.


    Those two you hunt killed most of our Masons and harvested their gems. Their goal was to create a taboo item using hundreds of thousands of souls of their own kind, P said. We were forced to help with its construction.


    Taboo item? Zac said with a frown. What kind?


    Zac had gained a lot since hisst battle with Voids Disciple, and if Adcarkas maintained the same power as back then, Zac felt confident in taking him out. But if Adcarkas had managed to create some extremely dangerous taboo weapon, things once more became murky.


    We dont know, but it has something to do with the Dao of Space, Dao of Karma, and Soul Maniption, P said with a shake of his head. Those two Daos are not something we are well versed in, so we could only follow the provided blueprint without much understanding.


    Zac slowly nodded, but he couldnt draw any direct conclusions from those three clues alone. Adcarkas was a Spatial Cultivator, and he no doubt had some sort of Karmic Heritage from his master. It could either be a final piece in the Great Redeemers puzzle, or some sort of powerful weapon.


    Whats this thing then? Zac asked.


    A fault-line, P said, his mouth widening hate-filled grimace. The treasure we made him was perfect on the surface, but he had the audacity to use the souls of our masons in its construction. We do not know much about the Daos incorporated, but we have our means when ites to souls, so I hid some traps in the depths of its construction. Crush this near the ones you call the Dominators, and the traps will be sprung. I was hoping to use it myself, but I dont think I can get up there.


    Zac looked at the Gemling leader with surprise. It sounded like an extremely risky endeavor to embed something like that in the Taboo Treasure, knowing Inevitability and Voids Disciple. If they even got a hint of someone messing with their n, theyd unleash a massive wave of death and carnage on the Gemlings.


    What will happen? Zac asked as he gingerly took the ominous crystal.


    Its hard to say since we dont know what kind of treasure it is, P said. But it will definitely be destabilized at the least, and probably break it altogether.


    Thank you, Zac nodded as he turned to Rhubat. Have you selected your people?


    We are ready whenever you are, Warmaster. The final crusade beckons, Rhubat rumbled as a group of massive Anointed stood behind him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A few of them actually looked even bigger than before, and Rhubat himself was even approaching six meters. It was like they had been stuck at the peak of the F-Grade because of that elixir of theirs, but all that excess energy from kills kept making their bodies grow.


    Alright, Zac nodded. Lets rest up an hour before we set out. The people we encounter from now on will be the strongest warriors left in this world.


    Rhubat nodded and the anointed walked away to rest up as well. Zac wasnt in a big need of rest because of his wounds, but rather from the need to recharge his Void Energy. But he first walked over to Joanna who was making rounds in the army.


    Ill leave the army in your, Havaths, and Veranas hands while I go up there, Zac said with a low voice. Try to get everyone a Seal, but dont go too far toward the eastern side if you can help it.


    The Zhix seem to be almostpletely Sealed up after the battle, so we only need something like 120 Seals for our own. The True Sky Faction only needs around twenty, I think. All our elites already had Seals, so the refugees had almost free reign on the middleyers after they joined, Joanna nodded.


    Another thing. The Gemlings have joined Port Atwood, but I think it was mostly out of necessity, Zac said.


    And you need a hype-man? Joanna smiled. Dont worry, I have the gs and speeches all ready.


    Just make them feel happy about joining, Zac snorted. Try to get to know them and figure out a way to settle them back on Earth. Perhaps they want to live in the underworld? We have a lot of valuablend there thats just sitting empty.


    Ill have an integration n ready by the time we leave this ce, Joanna said.


    Zac nodded before he walked over to Thea who stood in the distance. They hadnt actually met since the upheavals since Thea stayed on the loweryers while he trained on the upper ones. He had just called her through themunication crystal to say that he was fine before.


    He knew he could have gone down to talk with her, but the situation was a bit weird. Neither of them was good with words, and Memorysteel Mountain wasnt really the ce to figure out their feelings. So Zac had somewhat avoided her until they could have a proper talk, which would be outside the mystic realm.


    But he also knew he couldnt just leave for the sphere in the sky without saying something.


    You look different, Thea said with interest as he walked over. Very dashing.


    What? Zac blurted as he looked down at his blood-sttered body, before he looked up at Thea with a raised brow.


    Not that, stupid. Your face. Did you evolve your race before? she asked.


    Oh, that. I changed? Zac muttered as he took out a mirror.


    It was true. His face was better, though barely. Features had once more undergone some subtle changes, but they were less pronouncedpared to the time he reached E-Grade body. It looked like the upgrades were mostly internal this time, though he did gain a small touch-up.


    Who knows, I might be a real looker by the time I be an Apostate, Zac said with a wry smile. What are your ns?


    Im a bit better, but staying down here, Thea sighed. We need some people to look after our soldiers in case the werewolves show up. Besides, there are a lot of caves on the upperyers to loot, so its not really a loss to stay down here. Ive kept track of theyers our elites searched all this time, and where there should be unsearched caves left behind. I think I can make a killing up there even if I rest up a day.


    Zac nodded, somewhat relieved. He had been prepared to argue for her to stay at the mountain because of her injuries, but it looked like she knew her own situation best. Unfortunately, not everyone was as reasonable.


    Im going up there, Kenzie resolutely said as she walked over. With or without you.

 Chapter 647: Weight of Sin

    Chapter 647: Weight of Sin


    This isnt a game, you know," Zac sighed as he turned to his sister.


    Just look, Kenzie said as she tapped a button on her tablet.


    Zac frowned with confusion, but his eyes widened in shock when a meter-thick Memorysteel wall suddenly sprung up in front of Kenzie,pletely shielding her. Even he would have some trouble getting through a wall that thick provided it had a constant source of Base Power.


    It took some time, but I managed to figure out a way to activate both a protective algorithm and to trigger the attacks. The sphere up there is overflowing it Memorysteel too, I might actually be stronger than you when we get there, Kenzie said with a triumphant smile. Add to that my ability to deal with all kinds of tech-rted issues You cant leave me here.


    Alright, fine, Zac sighed. But the moment we encounter people, you run away and hide within the Memorysteel, okay? I''ll deal with the people, you deal with the machines.


    Fine, Kenzie said with a roll of her eyes before she ran away, perhaps afraid that Zac would change his mind.


    Thea wryly smiled as she looked at the encounter. Zac could only shrug as he sat down and started working on refilling his Void Energy. He had an idea since a while ago, and he took out one of his two Beast Cores from the Void Beasts. A torrent of energy once more entered his body, prompting his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to wake up. Beat after beat echoed out, and Zacs eyes lit up as he felt the sense of hollowness quickly dissipate.


    But there was something that didnt make sense. Either his <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had an atrocious efficiency, losing most of the energy it swallowed, or only a small part of the energy went into restoring his reserves.


    The hidden node refused to continue running after just a few minutes, and prodding it with his Bloodline Method did nothing to help. Zac wasn''t surprised, since that basic manual never mentioned anything about controlling Bloodline Nodes at all. He would have to find another way to do that.


    His Void Energy didnt feelpletely restored even after having absorbed energy from a half-step D-Grade beast. That pointed toward the fact that restoring energy for <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> wasnt the main purpose for <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, at least not when absorbing energy from Beast Cores. It was likely that the rest of the energy either worked on improving the bloodline or the node itself.


    The minutes eventually turned into an hour and Zac got ready to set out. The final group was Zac, Ogras, Billy, Kenzie, and a group of thirty Anointed led by Rhubat. That still left many of the elites down below in case something came up, while also providing Zac with some support.


    Zac initially hadnt nned on bringing Billy along, but Kenzie would be able to provide him with backup through her drones and Memorysteel maniption. Besides, the Titan had formed a very fluent battle cooperation with the Anointed which had even allowed them to restrain the Grand Elder of the Cartava n. Zac hoped they could do the same to Inevitability while he dealt with Voids Disciple.


    Billy was also one of those who had the easiest time dealing with the pressure stemming from the Memorysteel mountain for some reason. He didnt feel a thing at the middleyers from the looks of it,pletely ignoring pressure that even impacted Zac. Such an ability would give him a huge advantage in the Sphere as well, since Zac could only assume the suppression would be even stronger up there.


    The group didnt waste any time, and they immediately set out toward the peak after saying their goodbyes. The army would remain on the slopes, recuperating and getting their hands on thest sets of Spatial Seals required.


    The Anointed werent really interested in looting the caves on the way, but Zac, Ogras, and Billy worked hard enough for the restbined as they rushed back and forth along the cliffs. Unfortunately, the caves holding treasures actually grew increasingly sparse after they reached the 13<sup>th</sup>yer, and Zac only managed to find a scant few even after climbing for hours.


    Billy was finally feeling the pressure by this point, but Zac shook his head with a wry smile upon seeing him grow to four meters tall and gain his signature golden hair. Activating his bloodline seemed to weaken the suppressive effect on him even further, and there almost seemed to be some sort of resonance between him and the mountain itself.


    One person who was weirdly unbothered was Kenzie. She tried to exin how she used her four Dao Seeds to form alternating ripples and interlockingyers that negated the pressure, creating some sort of void chamber around herself. Zac tried to follow her exnation a few times, but there was simply no way that he could control his energy emission with the kind of precision that she mentioned.


    At least it looked like Ogras wasnt faring any better judging by the disgusted look the demon shot Kenzie before he started forcibly hunting for treasures again with grit teeth and blood-tinted eyes.


    The value of every single cave was quite extraordinary though, and one impressive item after another entered Zac''s Spatial Ring. He was currently standing in a cave on the 16thyer, looking down at a dozen unknown nts that emitted an extremely dense and bloody fragrance. Zacs body clearly wanted to eat the tomato-like fruits, but he wasnt the only one.


    Even <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> woke up and growled with desire in his mind, prompting Zac to cut up a few and have the axe drink the juices.


    The fruits werent enough to evolve the axe in one go, but they did seem to help the axe push forward toward the next stage a bit while also filling the runes on the handle to the brim. Zac had nned on feeding some of his left-over dragon blood to Verun before they reached the peak, but it looked like he had saved on that expenditure.


    Zac quickly left the cave and kept climbing, but the search for treasures rapidly lost steam. The pressure kept get getting worse, and by the time the group reached the 17<sup>th</sup>yer, Ogras didnt have the energy to look at all. Zac was losing Cosmic Energy with every step as well, and he tried to avoid anyrge detours. It felt like someone had reached inside his body and was squeezing his organs by this point, which has a wholly godawful feeling.


    Each step forward was getting as taxing as a harsh duel, and he didnt want to arrive at the peakpletely exhausted from searching for some random valuables. The weaker of the Anointed were almost forced to almost crawl as they arduously pushed forward, but they ascending without a word ofint. Zac knew that they would rather burn their life force than turn back at this point.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    No one else really had the energy to hunt for treasures any longer either, but the group did stumble into a cave at the peak of the 17<sup>th</sup>yer. The one who made a killing that time was Kenzie. It was ab, and considering how high up the mountain it was, it must have been right at the edge of the Core Layer before the world changed. It housed just four ck cubes that didn''t look all-too-impressive, but Kenzies eyes lit up in excitement after connecting her tablet to the machines.


    It turned out that they were some sort of Technocrat superputers. They didnt contain any data, but one could use them to run calctions and simtions, pushing the power of Jeeves to even greater heights. Kenzie quickly stowed them away with a burning look in her eyes, and Zac could only helplessly look on as his sister fell deeper and deeper into taboo territory.


    Should he take theputers and smash them?


    He eventually shook his head and refocused on the task at hand. He had bigger fish to worry about right now. They exited the cave and passed thest milestone, finally experiencing the full extent of the suppression that the System had arranged. The progression slowed to a crawl, and thestyer took as much time as thest three did together even if they didnt spend any time looking for treasure.


    Even Zacs legs were shaking by the end, though he was probably the one who mainly relied on his physical body to withstand the pressure. But they were all powerhouses, and they moved quickly even when it felt like a mountain was weighing down on their shoulders. Finally, they reached the peak, but they all froze at the same moment as a screen appeared in front of Zac.


    <strong>[Weight of Sin: Ascend Taboo Mountain and feel the weight of sin. Reward: Base Attributes +2%.]</strong>


    Zac was extremely shocked to see a title appear in front of him, and by the looks of it, everyone had got it. A quick check proved it was a Limited Title, and Zac didntin even if the reward was pretty low. After all, it was a lot better than his slots being empty.


    Did you guys get the title as well? Zac asked.


    Four percent Base Attributes, Rhubat said, whereas Kenzie said she got five.


    Zac looked over at Ogras, who once more looked nauseated.


    Two, the demon sighed, and Zac nodded in understanding.


    It turned out that the title was different depending on your level. It was not too surprising, considering that it was a lot more impressive for his sister to make her way up herepared to him doing it. He could onlyment at the fact that the golden window of collecting titles had passed for him, and instead turn his attention to the mountain top.


    Zac didnt know exactly what to expect when they finally reached the peak, but he suddenly felt a bit dizzy the moment they stepped onto the summit. The peak looked extremely sharp when they gazed at it from below or back when he still was on top of the inds, but when they actually top there it was massive.


    Space is going haywire in this ce, Ogras muttered, his face barely visible beneath ofyers of shadows he had d himself in to deal with the enormous suppression.


    Lets go, Zac said, and everyone understood what he was thinking.


    The distance to the sphere in the sky was well over a thousand meters, and getting there was impossible by shooting out chains or jumping. There had to be another way there. However, the whole teau was empty, except for a small mound in the middle that radiated a weak light. If the answer was anywhere, it was there.


    However, the pressure kept increasing as they got closer, and by the time they reached the halfway point a few of the Anointed couldnt take it any longer and were forced to start burning life-force. Billy and Kenzie could barely take it as well, and judging from the deafening silenceing from Ogras, he was desperately fighting against the pressure as well.


    Should we turn back? Zac hesitated as he felt his body creak under the shocking pressure.


    No way this pressure up there, Ogras said with a hoarse voice through grit teeth. Get up there were fine.


    Zac nodded, understanding what the demon was trying to say. Zac was fine for now, but after an hour under this pressure and he would bepletely drained. A few hours and he would probably die. He wasnt necessarily the strongest person in the mystic realm, but he believed he had the most resilience. If he couldnt take the pressure, then neither should Voids Disciple and Inevitability.


    Considering they probably reached this ce half a day ago, then they would be long dead if the pressure was this bad at the heart of the Mystic Realm. So provided the beam held the means to get to the sphere in the sky, then they were fine. They just needed to get to the center.


    Each step like a herculean tribtion as the group made their way further and further toward the center of the teau. Billys face was beet-red by the end, and Zac had been forced to help him and Kenzie by dragging them forward with his chains.


    The distance from the edge to the shining mound in the center was just a few hundred meters from the edge, but it felt even further than the whole climb until this point. Even the Memorysteel beneath their feet couldnt take the pressure, and deep indents were left after every step they took.


    But finally they made it, and they saw that a mysterious rune was imprinted in the middle of the mound. The source of the light was the rune itself, and Zac guessed it contained the Dao of Space. However, he couldnt be sure because while the rune emitted fierce energy and visible light, his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> couldnt actually see anything. The energy was probably too high-grade for an F-Grade ocr skill, even if it was a top-tiered one.


    There was no time to waste as the pressure was almost lethal even to Zac this close to the rune, but he still threw a cultist corpse onto the middle of the rune, only to see it turn into a stream of light that shot up toward the above.


    Alright, Im going, Zac grunted as he took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> and jumped on top of the rune.


    A white sh filled his vision and he stumbled forward as the extreme pressure disappeared in an instant. The blinding light pervaded a few seconds longer, but Zac had already regained his sense of the surroundings thanks to the energy forest that had sprung up around him.


    Activating <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> along with one of the defensive charges provided by the golden-leafed tree was the first thing Zac did upon appearing wherever the rune took him. The risk of ambush probably was the highest the moment he appeared, after all. There was not only the Dominators to worry about, but also god knows what else lurked in the heart of the Mystic Realm.


    But even Zac wasnt expecting what met his gaze the moment the blinding light subsided. It was a vast grasnd, with forests, rivers, and mountains in the distance. A sense of beauty and grandeur permeated the surroundings, and Zac looked around with iprehension.


    What was going on? Why did the rune on top of the Memorysteel mountain lead to Paradise?

 Chapter 648: Paradise

    Chapter 648: Paradise


    Zac looked around with shock and confusion, really feeling that he had arrived at paradise. He had an extremely weak perception of the Dao, but even he could feel like there was something special about the world he had appeared in. Looking at the stalks of grass gently swaying in the wind filled his mind with impressions and ideas, and the same held true for the trees in the distance.


    It was like everything was filled with meaning. It wasnt to the point of the mind-bending experience where they cracked open the Dao Funnel back then, but it was far beyond what he had ever felt on Earth even when the Origin Dao was at its thickest.


    Was that what was going on? Was this hidden world the ce where all the Origin Dao of Earth had gone? They had already noticed that it was running out quicker than was normal, and Zac had even thought it was absorbed by the Mystic Realm for a while. But back then he discarded the theory since the cultivation environment in the research base was much worse than it was back on Earth. Of course, it was also possible that his mother''s n had simply arranged far better living conditions for those in the core of the base.


    Or was this vibrant atmosphere something created by the Dimensional Seed? A virgin world full of life. Everything pointed to the seed being a C-Grade spatial treasure, which might mean that it would create a C-Grade world. Was this the normal environment on the enormous C-Grade continents out in the Zecia sector? It couldnt be. If that was the case, no C-grade force except lunatics like the cultists would bother risking their lives in Incursions.


    At least there was no immediate threat, and the pressure was mostly gone as well, though it did feel like the gravity on this world was at least fifty times that of Earth. However, Zac quickly realized something odd and quickly looked around him.


    Where was the corpse?


    The body he had thrown out before was nowhere to be seen even with the help of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong>, which didnt bode well for the others. But just as Zac started to believe that the rune sent people to random spots in this mysterious world, one sh of light after another appeared in the distance.


    The others were teleported into the same grasnds as himself, appearing one after another in the vast grasnds. It almost like the endpoint of the rune was moving in a straight line, dropping people off along the way.


    Zac was relieved to see his sister appear in the middle of the pack, just after the Anointed who were losing life-force to sustain the pressure outside, but seeing her reminded him of a troubling reality. How would her Memorysteel control help her in this ce? He hadnt spotted a single Technocrat structure, let alone massive amounts of Memorysteel that could keep her safe.


    Even worse, there was no way to send her back by the looks of things.


    There was not much to do about it, so he simply shed over to her, and the whole group had soon assembled and were looking around in confusion.


    What is this? Ogras muttered as he looked around with a slight frown. Its like a cultivation haven for some supreme being. But are we inside the sphere or in a different realm?


    The corruption in this ce Almost feels holy, Rhubat mumbled with wonder, and the other Anointed nodded, clearly having some difficulty reconciling their deep-seated beliefs and what their antennae were telling them.


    Perhaps it''s the Dimensional Treasure birthing a new world? Kenzie ventured. Has it be the World Core of this ce? But if thats the case, how can anyone take it?


    It should be rted to the treasure, Zac agreed before he looked around with some helplessness. The real question is what we should do now? How do we find the Dominators in a massive world? We already tried that on Earth for a year, and we only have two days now.


    Like an answer from the heavens themselves, a tremendous p of energy suddenly erupted far in the distance, somewhere on the other side of a small mountain range. They couldnt see the source of the st, but radiating tendrils of energy swayed back and forth for a few seconds before a wave of pure Origin Dao swept across thends.


    Everyone braced themselves for the ripple that expanded with a speed that far exceeded the limits of E-grade warriors, but it passed right through them without causing any harm. In fact, it was the opposite. Zac took a deep breath, feeling like his body and mind had been cleansed by the shockwave. He couldnt imagine what kind of progress he would make if he could cultivate in a ce like this for a few years.


    Uh How about we go there? Ogras said after everyone regained their wits, and he gave Zac a slightly incredulous look. Why don''t you ask the Heavens for some treasures as well?


    Lets go, Zac snorted. There''s no way to figure out what''s going on here, but that ce should hold at least some answers. Keep your eyes peeled for enemies.


    The source of the st could only be one thing; The Dimensional Seed. And even if it by some chance wasn''t, it was a supreme treasure that would hopefully lure the Dominators like moths to a me. What cultivator could say no to an item that released ripples of pure Dao? Normal Dao Treasures was trashpared to an item like that.


    Judging by the distance from the mountains it would take half a day to get there even if they ran, and that was provided that there werent any more weird spatial zones that hindered them along the way. The group quickly passed the grasnds, only stopping every thirty minutes or so as new pulses spread out from the other side of the mountain.


    Zac was making rapid progress on his Daos, especially the Fragment of the Bodhi because he was surrounded by life. Who knew, he might even make a break through before this excursion was over.


    Everyone else was the same. Billy was silently walking next to the Anointed with zed, eyes like he was in a dream. Furthermore, Zac had already felt the ripples of a Dao-breakthrough from his sister.


    The experience was almost surreal, and it caused Zac to hate the Dominators with newfound vigor. What a waste of time to be forced to hunt for those bastards when they only had a few days to stay in this magical ce. He would much rather seclude himself somewhere in the forest, bing one with nature.


    But there wasn''t much to do about the situation except take in as many impressions and insights as he could along the way.


    Vicar Uld sighed and opened his eyes, his body abuzz after the ripple of condensed Dao that just passed through him. He had made strides forward again, further consolidating his insight into the Fragment of the Lance even though he gained it just a few hours ago.


    But what good did it do him?


    They might be in as close an embrace of the Heavens as they ever would be right now, but reality woulde crashing down on them any day now. How could he have looked up at the high Cardinals as beacons of arcane knowledge that eclipsed the whole sector? It was a rude awakening, realizing that these mythological beings that held his very life in their hands were just muddling along like everyone else.


    What hiding in this pocket realm for a hundred years? They didnt evenst a hundred days before the thing copsed because of the very item they were sent to collect. Even if they managed to snatch the treasure out of the hands of the monsters who all vied for the same thing, they would still be stranded on a hostile without any support.


    After all, there was no way those pawns below would survive this ce. They were sent to destroy all the bridges leading to the mountain, but at least one of the powerful native factions should be able to reach the mountain in time. And that was not counting the Sovereign-select aboriginal of the outer world.


    The best they could hope for was to seal the spatial treasure in some corner of the world and shed their mortal coils to avoid any tracking methods. Perhaps the Grand Cardinal would take pity on their souls and provide new vessels, but Uld knew all-too-well the reluctance to impact profit margins among the upper echelons.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Inquisitor Arkensau maintained that his teacher would find a way to solve their plight before it came to that, that the ripples that were sent out into the cosmos would somehow guide them here. But Uld wasnt so sure. After seeing the world crumble around him he had carried a strong premonition in the back of his mind, and not even forming a Dao Fragment would change that.


    He would die in here.


    Uld had seen space get twisted and bent, how the dimensions melded into a singr point of past, present, and the future. But there was just darkness on the horizon, just a bone-chilling nothingness.


    Someone triggered our outer array, Trovad said with some reluctance, causing Ulds heart to beat with diposure.


    The fire of the Heavens no longer burned as brightly in Trovads eyes either. Setback after setback would do that to your convictions. He was clearly unwilling to expose the interlopers since he knew what it would lead to.


    Get ready for battle, Arkensau said, confirming Uld''s fears. This is our chance. Erect the altar.


    How about going into hiding, waiting for these heretics toe into contact with the other interlopers? We can follow them and strike when the time is ripe, Uld entreated.


    Our order doesnt abide cowardice, <em>Vicar </em>Uld, Arkensau snorted with disdain. So many of our brothers have entered the embrace of the Heavens, and you carry doubts and hesitation?


    <em>Easy for you to say, bastard. Youre the one carrying a bunch of treasures from your master. Bastard, </em>Uld raged in his mind.


    Besides, we would not be able to make the same preparations by following your n. The thing I have brought need some time toe into power, Arkensau said as he looked down at thentern with a weak fire burning inside.


    The order was given, and their brands forced them to obey. The words of Inquisitor Arkensau might as well be themands of the Heavens themselves as far as they were concerned. Go against them, and youd burn in heavenly fire.


    The tolls of death ngored even louder in Ulds mind, but he grit his teeth and started helping the others prepare. No matter who it was that had arrived in this world, it was a given they werent any weaklings unless the pressure on that mountain had dissipated. After all, they only managed to bring just over thirty of their soldiers even though they tried bringing over three hundred. The rest had been unable to bear the suppression and were forced to descend again.


    Then again, it wasn''t all bad. There was definitely a seed of truth to what Arkensau said. The church did have a deeper heritage both than the aboriginals of either the outer world or the Mystic Realm, and their best chance to make use of that fact was to set up a trap that used the things they had brought along. There shouldn''t be more than five parties that could make it this far, and taking out just one would drastically increase Uld''s chances to survive this cmity.


    The restrictive array was quickly and quietly moved so that it would coincide with the interlopers'' path, and the adjustments to the altar werepleted in quick order. From there they only had to wait, hidden by the <strong>[Heavens Cover Array]</strong>. The targets would reach the designated Killzone in twenty minutes, and they soon could get a visual of who they were dealing with through their sentries.


    It was a group of a few humans along with the hulking insectoid miscreations. They were led by a man with a dumb smile on his face as he walked through the forest, but he was still emitting an earth-shattering aura.


    Its him, Arkensau muttered with glee. I had hoped Id run into that bastard again, and he''s still distracted by the wonders of this world. This is perfect, using the <strong>[Ember of Glory]</strong> on him is a worthwhile sacrifice.


    The Sovereign-Select? Uld muttered, not really sharing the Inquisitor''s jubnt mood.


    Their order''s track record with this monstrous aboriginal wasnt exactly ster, with almost every encounter ending in abject defeat. The only small sess was when they managed to destabilize the tunnel to this realm, but that obviously hadnt kept this maniac out.


    Ulds emotions were frayed as he looked at the projection, but he slowly calmed his mind since his fate had already been sealed. If the ambush worked, then he wouldnt even need to lift a finger to eradicate a huge threat.


    If it didnt, well, then at least his worries would be over.

 Chapter 649: Ember of Glory

    Chapter 649: Ember of Glory


    Zac was almost in a reverie as he led the group through the forest. Each breath brought new insights, each step was a revtion.


    However, the tranquility was suddenly broken as Rhubat roared Attack!


    Everyone reacted instinctively, and Zac conjured his energy forest and hundreds of leaves even though he couldnt see what Rhubat was talking about. Unfortunately, by the time that the Zhix leader had sensed that something was wrong, it was already toote.


    Layers uponyers of ming barriers sprung up around them, trapping them in a fiery inferno. Altogether a full eighteen barriers were trapping them, with the first one being just a thin film of fire and the outermost being over a meter thick. They towered over a hundred meters into the air as well, so jumping over was probably impossible.


    Zac wildly looked around for a way to break out, and he soon spotted the perpetrators through the walls of mes. It was unsurprisingly the cultists, and their cloak had been pretty much perfect. However, the camouge was shattered the moment they unleashed their trap, and Zac figured the best course of action was to start breaking barriers to reach them.


    The ground cracked beneath his feet as Zac pushed forward, mming straight into the first barrier. A wave of heat grilled his whole body, but the thin film couldn''t impede his momentum and immediately cracked. But a huge flower of mes bloomed the moment the shield cracked, engulfing Zac before it continued toward the others.


    The Anointed had thankfully already erected thick earthen defenses, which blocked out the iing mes. However, by this point a small smoldering ember had appeared in the sky in the middle of the entrapment, norger than an apple. But that small me made Zac''s soul shudder and filled him with a sense of dread. He might be able to survive that thing, but the others wouldn''t. Worse, it seemed to be umting power.


    The small me definitely couldnt be a skill judging by its power. It had to be some sort of Spiritual me, and its grade was probably Half-Step D-Grade judging by the immense spirituality and force it exuded. Zac couldn''t imagine the cost of bringing something like that through an Incursion. Was this the ultimate treasure the Church of Evesting Dao had brought to Earth?


    Not even the Anointed would be able to withstand that me, and Zac exploded his aura to quench the mes covering him as he shot toward the nextyer. There was no time to waste. Zacs body was quickly getting covered in blisters and sears as he mmed into one barrier after another, but each of them became increasingly stronger. Meanwhile, the me in the sky kept growing, and nothing the others did seem to work.


    Ogras shadows, Rhubats stone attacks, even theser beams of Kenzies drones. They all got incinerated long before they reached the growing me in the sky. But it was also clear that it took a huge effort to control it since a storm of fiery attuned energy swirled around the leaders of the Church of Evesting Dao. They were all standing around something on a pedestal, barely even sparing Zac a nce. They seemed to barely be able to control that thing.


    The others were quickly forced to give up on destroying the fire in the sky and instead joined Zac in his effort to break out. Ten seals mmed into the thick walls of mes, causing the ground to shake. However, it was getting harder and harder to break through as the barriers got thicker. Not only that, the entrapment array was clearly designed to unleash increasingly powerful waves mes when they broke apart.


    Soon, only Zac, Rhubat, and Ogras were able to withstand the fallout from when a barrier broke apart. The others were forced to fight from a distance or rely on the three powerhouses.


    Zac had easily withstood the first six barriers just by blocking the mes with <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>and enduring the parts that got through, but his sister didnt have his defenses. From the seventh barrier, he had been forced to enclose himself and Kenzie in the defensive charges of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>.


    Two charges out of four had already been expended by this point, but Zac wasnt sure hed be able to use all four as the golden leaves at the crown of the holy tree of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> were already aze. The ember was still well over a hundred meters in the air, but just its growing presence was enough to severely damage the core of his skill.


    A sense of worry filled Zacs heart when he realized that they wouldn''t make it with their current approach. There were ten more barriers to cut through, and there was nowhere to hide inside the trap. The safest spot to avoid the retaliatory waves of me was right in the middle of the entrapment array, but that would put them in the crosshairs of the even scarier ember above.


    They could either stay on course and unleash their ultimate skills to break through the barriers quicker, perhaps even in one go. As long as the others had some ultimate defensive skills, they would probably get out of it in one piece, but doing things this way would expend a huge number of their cards even before they reached their real enemies. After all, these cultists were probably the weakest party in this ce.


    Alternatively, they could move back and try to defend against that terrifying ball of mes and deal with the barriers and cultists afterward. But were they even able to do that? That miniature sun was already terrifying, and it kept umting more power. There would definitely be casualties if they went that way. But Zac suddenly had an idea.


    Was there perhaps a third option?


    Zac gauged the distance between himself and the cultists, and <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>lit up in a sanguine glow as heunched a furious assault on the next barrier barring his path.


    Keep going, just a bit more! Zac shouted, and a thicknce of shadows caused the whole barrier to shudder.


    With the empowerment of the second rune of his Spirit Tool and the renewed efforts of Ogras the barrier quickly crumbled, drenching the group in yet another shower of torrential heat. However, several floating Memorysteel eggs suddenly appeared and generated a series of barriers, protecting the group at the cost of their own safety. Molten drones rained down from the sky as the group mmed into the next one.


    The luster of Verun''s rune was draining fast, but Zac knew they were almost there. One more barrier fell, at which point there were only eight me walls between them and the cultists. Zac had used his third defensive charge to things over, but <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> finally crumbled at that point since the whole core tree had been reduced to a ball of mes.


    The remaining barriers looked extremely sturdy, but Zac had already aplished his goal. Breaking thatst roadblock had put him squarely within fifty meters of the group of cultists as long as he pushed against the wall of fire. Those fifty meters would be an unbreakable chasm to most, but was that really the case for him?


    Could this array really block somethinging from the Void?


    There was no buildup and no warning as a huge wooden hand exuding a primordial aura appeared out of nowhere just a few meters above the cultists and their altar. It immediately mmed straight down as it gained the empowerment of Zacs Dao, turning it into a terrifying hammer of carnage.


    It was naturally <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>activated with the help of <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>. Zac hadnt actually tested this yet, but he was filled with a surge of relief when he saw that his gambit had worked. The barriers couldnt stop him from summoning the skill outside, allowing him tounch a surprise attack.


    Judging by how confident the cultists had looked, they clearly believed that the shields would protect them from any attacks. And Zac already knew high-quality barriers and arrays could seal off space to prevent one from circumventing the shields. For example, how effective would Town Protection Arrays be if one could simply conjure ranged attacks inside the protective bubble?


    The entrapment array the cultists had set up seemed to possess the same abilities, but his odd Bloodline Talent hadpletely circumvented it somehow.


    The cultists immediately noticed the massive hand appearing above their heads, but <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>exuded a tremendous pressure. It was enough topletely immobilize middle F-Grade warriors, and even E-Grade cultivators would find themselves toiling under the weight of a mountain, drastically slowing their reaction speed.


    Things should have ended with the elites turning into a paste then and there, but the Incursion Leader suddenly snatched something that had been blocked from Zacs view by the thronging cultists. It was a small ssntern with a weak me inside. It looked like a small gust of wind could snuff out its mes, but Zac felt a far greater fear when he looked at itpared to that descending ember behind him.


    The leader desperately swung thentern at the descending hand and Zac grit his teeth as he prepared to infuse <strong>[Natures Punishment] </strong>with as much Dao and Cosmic Energy as needed to make sure the attacknded.


    Pain.


    Blinding pain made Zac fall down screaming as the skin on his left hand sizzled like it was boiling. It felt like his whole arm had been dipped in molten lead, and the torment cut all the way to his soul. What was that me? Zac desperately refocused his mind and pushed down the agony, only to see the enormous hand full of seemingly endless life-force get reduced to ash in an instant as the small me spread like a wildfire.


    However, the cultists didnt fare well even if their leader had managed to utterly destroy Zacs sneak attack. The weak and isted me in thentern had turned into a terrifying cmity that rained down upon the zealots as the few remaining pieces of woods from Zacs skill had turned into small burning meteors.


    Any cultist that was touched by that mysterious fire turned into a human torch and not even a husk remaining after just a second. There were almost over thirty cultists outside the shields, but that number had been reduced to less than ten in an instant. Zac couldnt believe what he was seeing, and he figured that the effect might even be more devastating than if his own attack hadnded.


    However, the leader himself managed to block the raining mes thanks to a defensive treasure that conjured a shield around him. Most of the other survivors were just lucky and stood far away from the impact zone, but one other seemed to forcibly resist the mes. Zac hadnt seen that man before, but he wore a different set of robes than any other cultist he had met so far.


    Perhaps he was the second-inmand to the Incursion Leader, considering his aura was almost as strong as the one of the man Zac had fought in the Dead Zone. In either case, while he had barely survived getting burnt by the mes, he was clearly on hisst legs. One of his arms had turned into what looked like a burnt-out log, and simr burns covered most of his torso and half his face.


    Zac wasnt sure if even he would survive something like that, and it almost seemed that the poor man was only hanging on through sheer willpower.


    You! the dying warrior screamed with a guttural voice of pain and rage, but it didnt actually look like Zac was the target of the generals ire.


    Zac looked on with iprehension as the zealot actually took out a goldennce andunched an extremely swift strike at his leader. The Incursion leader had managed to block out the mes, but he had been right beneath the wooden hand and he had taken the brunt of the mes. The shield managed to block out most of it, but the Spiritual mes had caught on at the hem of his robes.


    He was desperately trying to stomp out the appalling mes before he turned into yet another torch, and he didnt even realize something was wrong until after the sharp tip of the goldennce pierced the back of his head. The leader arduously looked back with incredulity, just in time to see the traitor spontaneouslybust, not leaving even a scrap behind.


    A secondter the leader copsed as well, and the bursts of Cosmic Energy confirmed that they were both dead.


    Zac looked at the turn of events with confusion, but he didntin. It reminded him a lot of Ogras'' back at the Tree of Ascension, though the oue was mutual destruction this time around. Zac''s energy gain wasnt very impressive since the cultists essentially killed each other, but his attack had been the source of the cmitous chain of events so he did at least get some.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The fact that most of the zealots had fallen less than a minute after the battle started didnt mean they were out of the woods just yet. The ember in the center of the array was going haywire with no one to control it, and the remaining shields didnt show any indication of copsing any time soon. They seemed to be actual arrays rather than something conjured by the cultists themselves, and there was no time to break through them one by one judging by how quickly the miniature sun destabilized.


    There was no time to waste and Zac immediately transformed into his Draugr-form as the anointed desperately started digging a hole to hide in from the impending st. <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> sprung up around them, quickly followed by <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>acting as a roof for their bunker as Zac grew into his hulking form through <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>.


    Its copsing, we probably just need to withstand it for a short moment, Zac shouted as he rejoined the group. Use everything you have!


    The fire in the ember was very simr to the terrifying candle that had snuffed out the lives of most of the cultists, but their chance at survivaly in the fact that it hadnt beenpletely activated. The cultists had been using that Spiritual Fire as the source through the altar outside, but the ritual had been canceled mid-way.


    Layers afteryers of protection were put in ce, mostly thanks to Kenzie and the Anointed. Zacs miasmic bulwark was reinforced by multiple walls wrought from stone, and Kenzie had actually taken out a small mountain of Memorysteel from her Cosmos Sack, quickly transforming it into a dome that the Anointed ced on top. Billy and Ogras didnt have any skills to help in this situation, so they could only help with the digging efforts.


    They kept adding more and more until the time finally ran out.


    There was no explosion, but Zac suddenly felt his miasmic cage copsing without being able to resist at all, and a shocking heat hit them even though they were protected by tens of meters of rock and Memorysteel. The heat quickly grew unbearable, and it was like the heat was even spiritual in nature as Zac felt a searing pain in his soul.


    It wasnt only his imagination, unfortunately, and he helplessly watched as one Anointed after another suddenly fell andbusted, their eyes turning into fiery infernos as even their souls were set aze.


    Hold on! Zac could only shout.


    There wasnt anything that he could against some terrifying invisible me that seemed able to pass through anything. Finally, thestyers of earthen defenses shattered, exposing a sea of mes above them. Only Zac''s miasmic Bulwark remained, but it cost shocking amounts of miasma every second.


    Thankfully it looked like they barely would be able to tide things over as the mes spread outward after roiling across the bulwark''s surface half a minute, exposing the sky once more. No one dared to move for a few minutes, but the squad eventually crawled out of their bunker to look at the aftermath. The shields had unsurprisingly all copsed, and over a kilometer in each direction had been turned into a wastnd. The forest was gone, reced by burning husks and storms of ash.


    The only thing left of the cultists were the fire-resistant robes of the Incursion Leader and a handful of Spirit Tools. A few of the cultists had survived the fiery fallout from thentern exploding, but Zac couldnt imagine they had survived the following st.


    It looked like the cultists were finally over and dealt with.

 Chapter 650: Prison

    Chapter 650: Prison


    Ah, what happened to you?! Billy eximed as he looked up at Zac''s hulking form. How are you bigger than Billy?!


    Zac turned toward the Titan, and he saw that the Anointed were looking at him with hesitation as well.


    A few things happened to me in the Dead Zone, Zac sighed, seeing no recourse but toe clean. Its a secret weapon of mine, I hope you can help me keep this hidden.


    Haha! No problem, Billy has secrets too! Billyughed, before he froze and frowned with confusion. Huh? Why cant Billy remember? Oh well.


    The anointed nodded in agreement, not really caring. Their minds were clearly focused on their fallen brethren. Zac inwardly sighed in relief when his Draugr form didnt cause any problems, and he opened his status screen for a few seconds. He didnt look for long though, only long enough to confirm a few things.


    The fight was over, and a sharp pain in his left hand made itself reminded the moment he rxed. It was the damage transferred over when <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> was incinerated by the small Spiritual me. Zac grimaced when he looked down at the blisters, and he could feel that this wasnt something that would be fixed with <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>.


    There was a pervasive Dao lodged in his arm, and he could only slowly expel it from his body. At least it wasnt his main arm, and it wouldnt affect hisbat strength much. He ate one of his better healing pills to keep the effect under wraps while fixing therge number of weaker burns that covered his body.


    He ate a Soldier Pill next, quickly restoring arge chunk of his missing Miasma. Zac didnt want to stay this way too long though so he reverted to his human form as soon as the pill had been absorbed.


    Eating these Soldier Pills willy-nilly wasnt really good for his body, but he didnt want to keep his undead form exposed for too long in this ce. As for what he had checked on his status screen before, it was his Bloodline. He had confirmed a few things with his transformation. First, his Void Emperor-bloodline had awakened in his Draugr-form as well.


    Secondly, his undead race was still at the E-Grade, and it felt like he hadnt really made any improvements at all as he had hoped. His Bloodline Nodes were there as well, and Zac wondered how that would impact him as one of the five noble races. Part of their superioritypared to normal Revenants and Corpselords had to be rted to bloodlines and racial nodes, and who knew how his situation changed that.


    The Draugr normally boasted supreme miasmic control along with extremely durable bodies, but what if he got neither because his odd bloodline took precedence over both? And would real Draugr be able to notice the difference?


    He regained his human form after a few seconds, and Zac was rtively certain that no outsider should have been able to notice his transformation. The towering me barriers had hidden his skills, and enormous clouds of ash and some swirled around them right now,pletely covering their group.


    A deep sigh echoed out from his side, and Zac looked over to see Rhubat cing one of the fallen in his Cosmos Sack. Eight of the Anointed had sumbed to the invisible wave of heat, and the rest sported various degrees of burns. However, they had done it. They had finally taken out thest of these lunatics, snuffing out another threat to earth.


    We need to move, Ogras said with a hoarse voice, his face all ck with soot. Everyone within a hundred kilometers must have spotted this battle.


    Right, Zac nodded as he stilled the tremors in his burned hand.


    Everyone ate some healing pills to tide them over as they removed any hints of their involvement best as they could. Zac shed over and pocketed several treasures where the cultists stood before. Most things had been incinerated, leaving not even the Cosmos Sacks unscathed, but some items survived.


    The goldennce looked quite powerful, but the greatest gain was no doubt the Spatial Ring he found next to the Incursion Leaders fire-resistant robes. He also picked up the now-emptyntern and stashed it away. One of the ss panels was cracked, but Zac figured it should be a treasure considering it could trap such a powerful me.


    Altogether the squad only remained a minute longer before they set out, taking advantage of the thick clouds of ash to avoid detection. They didnt take a direct route toward the source of the ripples out of fear that they would be spotted though.


    It wasnt like there was any particr target they wanted to hide from, but rather that they didnt want to walk into yet another trap just as they barely escaped thest one. Besides, even if their arrival had been exposed, didnt need to make it worse. So everyone tried to stay under the radar as Zac led them through the still-burning maze, using either his aura or a forceful swing to clear a path.


    The group set a diagonal course through the forest somewhat running in a circle around the source of the powerful ripples. The idea was to hit it from a slightly different angle, which would hopefully allow them to cross the mountains unnoticed. A few minutester they were out of the raging mes, and there thankfully wasnt anyone lying for them in wait.


    The group reached the foot of the mountains after another two hours, at which point they finally slowed down. Everyone used various means to scan their surroundings for enemies, but it really looked like there wasnt anyone on their tail. Only then did they find a secluded caverge enough for them all, and sat down to rest after having erected an illusion array.


    Eight crusaders have fallen even before we reached our target, Rhubat rumbled with sorrow in its eyes, and Zac could only sigh.


    It was pretty bad luck that the cultists had zeroed in on them rather than the Dominators. Was it too much to ask for those two factions to take each other out?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Rest up for an hour, Zac said as he distributed some more Soul Crystals and healing pills. Well cross the mountain next.


    So whats the n? Ogras asked. Theres no way that those two bastards think theyre alone in this ce after that inferno.


    Adcarkas is no fool, Rhubat said with a shake of its head. The Sage of the Basin no doubt understood that we would being for them even without the earlier battle.


    Zac nodded in agreement. He was more worried about having exposed his hidden ss than having exposed that he was here. He could only pray that the lure of the Dimensional Seed held a strong enough draw for Voids Disciple to risk everything to get it, either for his master or for himself.


    After all, such an item must hold an almost fatal attraction to a spatial cultivator like him, even if to simply observe its energy fluctuations.


    No one had any great ideas of how to deal with what came next, mainly because they didnt really understand the situation. Why did this realm exist? Why was the Dimensional Seed releasing those ripples? Why hadnt anyone snatched it yet?


    They eventually simply decided to stay hidden as best they could, which wasnt all-too-easy with over twenty giants that were almost as tall as some of the trees, while they scouted out the Dimensional Seed on the other side of the mountain.


    Thankfully, apart from other factions, the hidden realm was extremely safe. In fact, they hadnt encountered a single animal or beast as they crossed the forest and the mountain. It was a somewhat odd feeling, seeing nature both so vibrant and so void of life.


    It took seven hours to cross the mountain, but one of those hours was spent on breaks because people were making breakthroughs left and right. Kenzie, Billy, over half of the Anointed. All of them made some gains from walking between the mountains and feeling the pulse of Earth.


    Zac himself didnt manage to make any Dao breakthroughs like the others, but his level was already a lot higher. However, that wasnt to say he was without gains of his own. He had made a shocking amount of improvements in his skill department instead.


    He had already noticed that <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> reached Peak mastery right after the battle, and one skill after another took a step forward over the following hours. <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> was next, finally reaching the peak, and it was soon followed by <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>reachingte mastery and both <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> and <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong> stepping into middle grade.


    The most shocking thing was that he even evolved <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> tote mastery just as they passed the mountain even though he hadnt actually used the skill at all during the battle before. He soon realized what was going on though.


    The cultivation environment of the Mystic Realm had been pretty wretched, which might not have only impacted his Dao, but also his skills. After all, he hadnt improved a single skill in the Research Base even though he had fought so many desperate battles, which was pretty odd. Now it was like all those umted experiences had crystallized into a cascade of breakthroughs when he was flooded with Origin Dao.


    He hadnt tested the change of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> because of the cooldown, but the evolution of <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit] </strong>resulted in the forest almost doubling in radius while the defensive charges gained some strength. The Attribute bonus to Strength and Vitality was still at 10%, but one couldntin considering that buff came with literally no downsides.


    The improvement wasnt too impressive, but it wasnt bad either. This way he would be able to cover almost a whole army with his energy forest, and there wasn''t much his enemies could do about it except targeting the core tree. The amount of information the enormous forest crammed into his brain was a bit jarring at first, but he quickly got the hang of it.


    The evolution to peak mastery of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> was more interesting. Thergest detriment to that skill was how it was bound to earth, but that rule was finally being modified at the peak. The upgrade didnt give him the power of flight, but he was actually able to take one step in the air with the skill. True to its name the skill still needed loam to walk, and <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>s solution was actually to form a small patch of floating grass beneath his feet.


    It was a magical feeling to jump twenty meters into the air, and then suddenly sh forward without gathering any momentum. It was almost like getting a double-jump in a video game, and it would make Zacs fighting a lot more flexible where he wouldn''t have to rely on his chains to move while in the air. Unsurprisingly, the downside of the newfound ability of his movement skill was the cost of Cosmic Energy. Air walking once cost more than ten times the amountpared to taking a step on solid ground.


    Zac wanted nothing more than to walk around these mountains for a while longer and squeeze out all gains from his umted experiences, but time waited for no man. The group finally reached the other side, and it didnt take a genius to figure out where they needed to go.


    A massive basin was hidden on the other side of the mountain range, and there was only one thing ced there; an almost impossiblyrge structure. It was clearly of Technocrat origin, and even from a great distance it was clear that it was created with a lot more care and attention to detailpared to the deste corridors on the outer sectors of the Research Base.


    It seemed to be made of Memorysteel, but it had a slightly different bluish hue, and Zac could feel the emanations of endless Base Power even when they hid a few kilometers away. It was alsopletely covered in the same type of script that lined the walls of the base. The building itself looked like an enormous dome, and it had to be at least five kilometers tall, almost towering over the mountains around it.


    The dome itself was surrounded by nine towers that looked like spikes, and they too were constructed with the special Memorysteel and covered in runes.


    However, even with the clearly high-quality construction, the building was suffering extensive damage. Thick cracks covered parts of the dome, and it almost looked like the cracks were alive as they wiggled in an endless loop of getting damaged and trying to heal.


    What is this? Zac muttered as he turned to his sister to see if she had any ideas.


    Its a prison for the Dimensional Seed! Kenzie eximed. "The Administrator must have built it to protect the base from the energy emanations. I don''t understand why it''s in this hidden world though..."


    It looks like the treasure is trying to break out, Ograsmented from the side as he nced at Kenzie. Meanwhile, that bastard is probably trying to break in, no? With your technical skills, we might actually be the first to make it to the Dimensional Seed.

 Chapter 651: Overbearing Truth

    Chapter 651: Overbearing Truth


    We might have an advantage, but there are a lot of variables at y. Theres something odd going on with his ce, Kenzie said, and there was hesitation on her face. There are items meant to deal with spatial anomalies in thebs, and this istion chamber has somehow followed into this world. It''s like we''re missing something.


    Zac nodded in agreement. There were some things that they hadnt figured out yet. Why was an item like the Spatial Drill built inside a Bloodline Research Base? Why had the energies of the base merged with the spatial anomalies, to the point that they seamlessly entered end exited from the barriers?


    Is thatputer bastard trying to take the treasure for itself? Ogras ventured, echoing Zacs thoughts. We cantpete with the base itself. Those weapons it uses


    I dont think it should have any desires like that, Zac said. Its a machine, not a cultivator. The goals of the base Administrator should simply be to maintain operations and protect against threats. I dont see what would make it try to absorb the treasure. Its more likely that it realized how dangerous the item was, and tried to seal it up to protect the base.


    In fact, Zac knew from his talk with Jaol back on the Technocrat ship that there were AI that had intellects advanced enough that they essentially could be considered living. However, these types of high-tiered AI still couldnt cultivate, and they were pretty rare since they needed extremely expensiveponents to work.


    Also, these types of living AI were a lot like Tool Spirits, meaning they could degrade mentally.


    There was no way that even a rich Technocrat family would put an AI like that in charge of routine maintenance on some Research Base. It was not only a huge waste of resources, but it might actually result in a worse ouepared to using a normal AI that ran more like aputer. Just imagine, what if an AI who slowly went insane like Bra took charge of this ce?


    Nothing they had seen indicated it was that kind of AI though. If it was, it wouldnt have been possible for the Tsarun n to gain ess, and especially impossible for the native Datamancers to trick it. The AI would instantly have realized the research subjects were manipting its programs and taken action.


    In either case, what do we do? Ogras asked, and both he and the Anointed turned to Zac. Our Illusion Array-Disks arent perfect. Well be spotted sooner orter if we just loiter around here.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac hesitated a few seconds as he looked down at the building. The enormous construction actually did have a few gates, but could they really just waltz into the ce like this? He was a bit hesitant about asking his sister to use Jeeves here, in case it would cause a reaction. However, it also seemed extremely dangerous to sneak inside through the wriggling scars covering the domes surface.


    How about we observe for a while, and if nothing changes just walk right in? Zac eventually said, unable toe up with a better idea.


    Thats your n? the demon said with a scrunched-up face.


    Do you have any better ideas? Zac muttered. We dont know where the Dominators are, and we dont know how long this ce willst. We cany a trap out here in hopes Adcarkas will appear, but if we do that we might miss our opportunity. If I was him, I would already have headed inside.


    Agreed, Rhubat nodded. Adcarkas has nigh-perfect energy masking abilities and they are capable of teleportation. It is unlikely we would spot them in the mountains even if we stay outside. Besides, with our frames, were likely to be spotted before we spot them.


    Fine, Ogras said with a roll of his eyes, but Zac could hear him mutter bunch of meatheads beneath his voice.


    They didnt immediately rush toward the containment dome though, but instead inched closer until they reached a spot with better vantage a few kilometers away. The group kept a lookout for any activity while they made their final preparations, but there was nothing at all happening.


    Suddenly the runes on the building lit up with a blue shimmering radiance as it started emitting an extremely odd aura. It was like the whole dome was shifting out of reality, like it was both there and somewhere else. The odd phenomenon subsided after a minute though, but the nine towers lit up at that moment.


    The very same tendrils they had seen from the other side of the mountain radiated out from their peaks, and a ball of condensed energy was quickly forming right above the dome. It onlysted for a second before it destabilized and exploded, and the group felt the ripple pass through them a secondter.


    Its like reverse lightning-rods, Kenzie muttered. Discharging excess energy into the surroundings.


    At least it doesnt seem to get dangerous even at close proximity, Zac muttered. Alright, this should be the best opportunity to head inside. We have a while before the next ripple hits, just in case.


    The Anointed nodded and the group immediately set out. There was no way to cover their approach, so they could only rely on speed and hope that no one was keeping watch. The group rushed toward the closest gate, keeping a wide berth of the kilometer-tall pir that still radiated some left-over energies after the initial outburst.


    There were thankfully no automated defenses in ce, and Zac breathed out in relief when therge gatepletely ignored them. There was a console on this structure as well and Zac and his sister walked over. He was obviously not there to deal with the security protocols, but rather to block any attack in case something went wrong.


    Kenzie connected her tablet, but she stopped tapping on it after just a few seconds.


    Is something wrong? Zac asked. Isnt your clearance enough?


    This ce is different, Kenzie muttered, but Zac felt she almost looked a bit excited.


    He looked on with confusion as she put her hand against the console. The door slid open a few secondster, making Zac a bit confused about what was so exciting. It looked like any other time one used those consoles to open a gate.


    Whats going on? Zac finally asked as he saw his sister look down at her hand with a small smile.


    Gic lock, Kenzie whispered. Really strong one. I dont think the Datamancers can hack their way through these restrictions. Apart from the two of us, the rest would have to enter through the cracks.


    Zac finally understood why his sister looked so happy. They had been in this realm for weeks now, and this was the first time found any tangible proof of their connection to their mothers n. He knew that his sister had hoped to find out more about their technocrat ancestors in this ce, but they hadnt found anything at all. This gate at least confirmed her bloodline.


    Part of Zac wanted to reach out and touch the console as well just to make sure, but fear and doubt kept him back. There were some theories hidden in the back of his mind, theories he wasnt ready to confront just yet. He didnt want to do anything that might rock the status quo right now.


    Instead, he just moved <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>to block his front as he advanced through the gate. The rest quickly followed in tow, their eyes darting back and forth in search of any threats. However, the insides were pretty austere, with no dangers in sight.


    Zac had somewhat expected to enter a corridor simr to the ones in the research base, but it wasnt anything like that. Instead, it looked like the outer wall was just the first of multiple shells, with the next one starting roughly a hundred meters further inside. The space they stood in was sectioned off though, with Memorysteel walls making it impossible to walk in a circle around the whole building.


    It really looks like a containment chamber, Kenzie muttered as she looked around curiously. Multipleyers to iste the Dimensional Treasure inside.


    Zac nodded in agreement. It almost felt like one of those ces built to contain nuclear waste back on old Earth.


    Are you sure this ce isnt dangerous? Ogras muttered as he looked around. It feels like we have stepped into a refinement cauldron. Some high-level emissions can kill weak punks like us without notice.


    Look over there, Zac said as he pointed to the left. Those buildings shouldnt be there if this ce was dangerous, right?


    The thing he pointed toward was the only thing of note except the gate in the secondyer wall. It was a series of buildings that looked extremely smallpared to the kilometer-high ceiling, but they were actuallyrge enough to house hundreds of people. The buildings stood against the wall a few hundred meters away from the gate.


    That doesnt prove anything, Ogras said with a shake of his head. I doubt anyone has ever lived in there. This hereticputer might have built this ce following some blueprint in its memory, just adding buildings for personnel without understanding why."


    Well, its impossible to be certain, but I still think the ripples are beneficial if anything. At least I havent felt anything wrong with my body, Zac said. "My danger sense has beenpletely quiet all this while as well."


    Our constitutions have been improved as well, Rhubat added. I had already exceeded my limits some time ago, hurting my core, but now I feel fine. There is even some room for me to grow yet again.


    Improving potential? Ogras muttered with gleaming eyes as he looked up and down the Anointed.


    Lets go check out the buildings first, Zac decided. We shouldnt dy in case this ce really is dangerous.


    The group shed over, but they didnt find anything after even after a thorough search. Ogras was right about one thing; no one had ever lived in this ce, further proving that the Tsarun n never reached the core of the Research Base.


    Some of the rooms looked like some Science Fiction pre-fab solutions that still hadnt been decorated. There were kitchens, recreational rooms, cultivation chambers, and living quarters along with some sparse metal furnishings. One room housed what looked like amand center, but theputers were empty of data and they werent even connected to anything.


    I think this ce was built in case the creator of this Research base ever returned, Ogras eventually said as he gave Zac a pointed look.


    No point in lingering here, Zac said. Lets head for the core.


    The others agreed, and they walked over to the next gate. This one was also made from the bluish Memorysteel, but there also seemed to be something else added to it. There were also thin streaks of some golden metal covering its surface, and Zac guessed it was some higher version alloypared to Memorysteel.


    Kenzie had no problems opening this gate either, and the hundred-ton gate soundlessly slid open after she touched her hand against the console. The group walked through, and Zac almost felt like he had been caught in an illusion loop just like the corridor inside during the Eastern Trigram Hunt. The environment looked almost identical after they walked through the twenty-meter thick wall, with the exception that there were no buildings inside thisyer.


    The group kept moving forward, passing one gate after another. Eventually, they reached the 9<sup>th</sup>yer, this one solely made from the golden metal they had seen more and more of inside the walls. By this point, they could feel extremely powerful emissions on the other side, and it almost felt like a god was trapped inside.


    It wasnt just a matter of intensity, but also quality. It felt like the fluctuations hinted at something vast, something far beyond their understanding. It was just like when Zac had witnessed the corner of the chaos pattern. It gave the impression that the very air around him held the answers to all his questions about his cultivation, but the information was too esoteric for Zac to gain anything at all.


    Zac was pretty confident this was thestyer judging by the quality of materials and the power of the emanations. Theyer was a lot smaller by now as well. The insides couldn''t be more than five hundred meters high, and thrice that across; a tenth the size of the outermost dome.


    There was also another set of buildings next to the gate, but they actually couldn''t get inside ording to Kenzie. There were a huge number of security protocols guarding it, and not even their gic code could help them get inside. Zac didn''t want his sister to use Jeeves to force its way inside at this juncture, so they instead turned to the final gate, which thankfully didn''t have the same sort of defenses.


    Here I go, Kenzie said as she ced her hand against the console.


    This time it took almost a minute, but the doors eventually slid open, which instantly increased those mysterious fluctuations by multiple orders of magnitude.


    It still didnt feel dangerous or detrimental, except for the mental pressure that stemmed from the energy. It almost made Zac question everything he had learned about cultivation and the Dao so far, like he was just a child making stuff up while ying in the mud. The energy around him was the real truth, and if he didnt give up on his wayward ways he''d never reach the peak of cultivation.


    Zac quickly activated <strong>[Soul Guardian]</strong>, the sixth and final skill hed learned in the Dao Repository. A small golden avatar appeared above the soul in his mind as an inscrutable pattern appeared on his forehead. The skill had taken the spot of <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> and acted as a dummy to take on all kinds of mental attacks, but even his E-grade mental defense skill couldn''t provide any protection against something like this.


    However, he quickly stabilized his mind, discarding those poisonous thoughts. He knew his path wasn''t a lie, but it was simply a matter of grade. The concepts hidden in the air around them were clearly far beyond anything he or anyone else in the group could fathom, but so what? They were not of his path, and his own insights would be able to match these by the time he reached C-Grade as well.


    That conviction gave him a sense of tranquility that he hadnt really felt since entering the odd istion building, and it felt like it had somehow solidified his own path even further.


    It looked like Kenzie had quickly adapted as well, and the Anointed were extremely stoic. Zac had to give it to them. Their power wasnt a match to his own, but their mental fortitude and conviction were extremely strong. They had the makings of powerful cultivators, provided Ibtep''s mission was a sess.


    Billy looked fine as well, seemingly even enjoying the atmosphere. The one who had the worst of it was clearly Ogras, and his face kept undergoing rapid and erratic changes. One second he looked ecstatic, only to be plunged to the depths of despair the next moment. Sweat was pouring down his face, and his hands twitched. Zac frowned at the scene, but his sister was quicker as she walked over to him.


    Hey, she said with a soft voice as she ced a hand on his chest. Dont think too much.


    It seemed to work, as his facial expressions gradually calmed down. He exhaled a deep breath he had been holding in before he nodded at Kenzie with gratitude in his eyes. Only then did Zac rx and turn toward the mysterious object in the center of the room.


    The Dimensional Seed.

 Chapter 652: Inner Chambers

    Chapter 652: Inner Chambers


    The Dimensional Seed had been the ultimate goal for so many people since its existence was discovered, and Zac was finally standing right in front of it. Just looking in its general direction made Zacs mind scatter again, forcing him to turn his head away. The treasure might not be actively dangerous to interact with, but there was still a vast chasm in terms of grades between them.


    It was just like with himself; if hepletely unleashed his aura next to someone at Level 1, they would probably die from the pressure. And the difference between him and someone who hadnt started cultivating was probably a lot smaller than the difference between him and the object hovering two hundred meters in the air.


    Zac didnt know what he expected the spatial treasure to look like, but he did realize that taking this thing might have been a fools dream. First of all, he wasnt even sure he would be able to even get close considering how intense its energy fluctuations were. Secondly, it was pretty big, much too big for the box he had spent an exorbitant amount of money on.


    The Dimensional Seed looked like a pulsating ck hole, whose oscitions contained the breath of pure Dao in a way that made Zac''s brain almost short-circuit when he tried to understand what he was looking at. Its diameter fluctuated between ten and thirty meters, so unless there was some sort of smaller core in the heart of that anomaly there was no way itd fit inside the box. Not that snatching this thing was his main goal.


    Besides, it felt all-too-apparent after seeing this treasure that it would bring more problems than it was worth. Something emitting spatial fluctuations this powerful probably couldnt be stowed away in a Spatial Ring, and it was only a matter of time before some old monster learned of it and became greedy.


    A treasure like the <strong>[Eye of Har''Theriam]</strong> was extremely rare and had amazing effects, but its use was ultimately limited to E-Grade juniors. Yet it had caused Yrial endless troubles when it was exposed. The thing in the heart of the chamber was clearly meant for higher-grade cultivators, and Zac couldnt even imagine what kind of storm such an item would elicit.


    Zac shook his head and instead started to inspect the rest of the enormous chamber. There seemed to be a thousand pirs rising from the ground, all of them pointing toward the Dimensional Seal in the air. They were roughly five meters across at their base, but they turned to thin spears at the end. It was the same with the domed walls and ceiling, with spikes hundreds of meters long all pointing toward the heart of the room. There was even one twenty meters above their heads, angled upward.


    The spikes werent cedpletely uniform though, and Zac almost got lost in thought as he looked at them. It felt like there was some hidden meaning to the pattern they created, like they formed some sort of array. The meaning was far beyond his understanding, but Zac had an idea what they were there for; to suspend and seal the Dimensional Seal.


    The pulsating anomaly was trapped inside a sphere seemingly made from thousands of different Daos. Each pulse made the barrier flutter, but it was clear that the containment shield was stopping most of the energies from escaping. Perhaps it would have been impossible for them to stand in this ce without the pirs keeping the treasure sealed up.


    One thing that made the thousands of spears stand out from all other Technocrat tech Zac had encountered so far was that they seemed to run on something other than Base Power, or that sma energy that the Little Bean used. It was rather Dao that ran through the metallic spears. It wasn''t Spatial Dao though like what the Dimensional Seed emitted, but rather all kinds of mysterious energies.


    It made Zac realize that it might not actually be the Dimensional Seed that was the source of those ripples before, at least not the sole source.


    This Kenzie whispered as she looked around with shock in her eyes. Its so simr


    Simr to what? Zac asked with confusion since he had never seen anything like this.


    Ah? Nothing, Kenzie shrugged.


    Zac slowly nodded before he turned to Rhubat.


    Can you sense something? Are they here? Zac asked.


    With hundreds of thick pirs covering the ground, visibility was even worse than in a forest and Zac couldnt see further than a hundred meters on the ground. A whole army could be loitering on the other side of the innermost chamber without them having any idea of it.


    Not only that, but the spears also gave off a weird humming white noise that made it hard to just hear each other when standing next to each other. Zac would probably be able to scream at the top of his lungs without exposing their location.


    We cant sense anything. Between these pirs and the treasure itself, our senses are almostpletely blinded, Rhubat said with a shake of its head. Its like standing in the middle of a sandstorm.


    Zac hesitantly looked around the chamber once more, not sure what they should do next.


    Lets scout out the room, make sure we''re the only one here. Perhaps we can set up a trap if we can figure out where the others wille from," Zac eventually said.


    The group didn''t spread out in case there really were others in this ce, rather opting to stay together as they walked between the spears. A few of them emitted Daos that feltpletely foreign to Zac, whereas others felt a bit more familiar. He gazed at the thousands of spears, and he couldn''t help but wonder if all the main branches of the Dao under the System were represented in this chamber.


    Was it perhaps possible to find the pirs that were rted to his own path and use them to progress further?


    "They are powered by Origin Dao," Kenzie murmured. "It''s not true insight, but rather a forced mimicry... Still..."


    What! Rhubat suddenly eximed, starting Kenzie out of her musings. There is someone inside the anomaly!


    Impossible, Ogras blurted as his eyes darted up, but he was immediately forced to look away again.


    Zac tried to forcibly look at the Dimensional Seed with <strong>[Cosmic Gaze] </strong>to see what Rhubat was talking about, but it was even worse than staring straight into the sun. Kenzie summoned a handful of drones, and a video feed appeared on her screen as she tapped away. The image kept shifting like she was adding various filters, and Zacs eyes widened when he could see a vague outline of a person for a moment.


    Someone was really sitting on top of the Dimensional Seed and was hidden by the powerful emanations.


    It''s true! Kenzie eximed. They are even inside that inner shield! How can anyone withstand that?!


    Their auras are converging, Rhubat said with a frown, and a few other Anointed nodded after they closed their eyes. I barely sensed it. I think the person inside is trying to fuse with the item, or at least form a connection to it. It has to be Adcarkas. Who else has that kind of capability?


    Is the bad guy eating that ball? Billy muttered with wide eyes. Scary.


    More like suicidal, Ogras muttered with disbelief. But if he somehow seeds


    We cant let that happen, Zac said with grit teeth as his gaze moved to one of the pirs sticking out from the wall. Get ready for battle, there is no time to lose.


    Those are the eyes of someone about to do something foolish, Ogras said. Dont act hastily.


    He is probably in a trance at the moment since he sits there unmoving, but he might wake up we start experimenting on ways of dragging him down. Ill have to go all out from the start, Zac said as he turned to his sister. That Dao-shield, can I pass through it?


    What? You want to enter that thing? The barrier seems to only restrain the energies the seed emits, but that means the aura is far stronger inside. You might die just from the aura alone if you jump through, Kenzie said with worry.


    I dont believe Ill instantly die if that guy canfortably sit up there, Zac muttered. I should at least be able to drag him down. Theres no time to waste. Be ready to unleash some powerful strikes. Perhaps we can kill him in one go.


    I still think- Kenzie tried to interject, but Zac just shook his head as he readied his axe and shield.


    We will not fail you, Warmaster, Rhubat rumbled, and the auras of all the Anointed started to rise, a telltale sign of them activating their life-burning method.


    Billy prepared himself as well, as his usually silly expression was reced with steely determination. Even Ogras had discarded hisckadaisical demeanor as he slowly melded with the surroundings, his spear already in his hand.


    Zac took ast steadying breath before he disappeared, and a deep indent appeared on one of the long spikes a momentter as he used it as aunching pad to shoot into the air. However, he didnt fly straight toward the Dimensional Seed, but rather making it look like he would miss it by fifty meters just in case Voids Disciple was actually observing their moves.


    However, just as it looked like he would shoot straight past the floating treasure a barely noticeable patch of grass appeared under his right foot, and he suddenly disappeared. Space constricted as he took a step through shrunken space, and he pushed straight through the Dao barrier and toward the barely visible figure inside the ck energy emanations.


    The halo of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> had already appeared behind him, filling him with a sense of power as the Evesting Shield radiated a world-crushing weight. If it really was Adcarkas sitting inside, then Zac had already cut this guy in two once without much sess. So he figured hed try to crush him instead this time around, and if it failed the force should at least be powerful enough to knock him down from the dimensional seed.


    However, Zacpletely lost control of his skill the moment he entered the anomaly, and it felt like his whole body was disintegrating as immensely powerful Spatial Energies threatened to rip him apart. Zacs perception of reality was being put through the wringer and his whole body was being expanded to the size of a gxy one moment, only for it to be shrunk into the size of an atom the next.


    This was way beyond what he had endured when the Mystic Realm underwent those massive upheavals, over ten times worse. Even his soul was unable to maintain its integrity and was being bent and twisted like a piece of y. Zac waspletely helpless as he shot forward. The containment shield was just fifty meters across, but that short journey felt even longer than flying to the moon.


    Alien energies threatened topletely rip his body apart, but the wee beat of his hidden node suddenly echoed out in the darkness. This was why Zac had some confidence in attempting this. His <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>even dared to eat the tribtion lightning of the Heavens themselves, so what was some energy run-off from a C-Grade treasure? The hidden node happily gobbled up mouthfuls of the spatial energies, which gave Zac back some of his presence of mind.


    Zacs n had already failed, but he thankfully had a backup. He hurriedly infused <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> with the Fragment of the Coffin to toughen it up even further. A shudder went through Zacs body as he felt a collision, which was immediately followed by a startled roar of anger before the world turned back to normal.


    <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> was not an actual teleportation-skill like Ogras shadow-walk, which had both positives and negatives. In this case, it was an asset as his momentum was real when he shot forward from the floating patch of grass. Zac had lost all sense of his surroundings for a while there, but he was moving straight toward the meditating person, and his shield was pretty massive.


    His momentum had made him not only knock the person off the Dimensional Seed but also pushed both of them out of the containment shield. His senses were still all messed up even if <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had swallowed most of the terrifying Spatial Energies, and his vision and perception of space were still all messed up. He tried to grab his target, but he only grasped empty air for a few seconds until he mmed down onto the hard metal floor.


    Thankfully Zac was not alone. Someone dragged a nigh-delirious Zac away just in time before twenty enormous seals mmed down as one, causing even the extremely sturdy golden alloy to dent. It was immediately followed by a hulking smash by a roaring Billy who had already grown to ten meters.


    The Titan immediately started charging a second strike, and the moment the massive club was lifted from the ground over fifty drones shot at the same spot, thebined force of theirsers almost tearing a hole in space itself.


    An endless barrage of shadow-spears kept up the pressure on the spot until a meter-thicknce of pure darkness shot the target, swallowing everything whole. An even more powerful follow-up swing from Billy kept thebo going, and the echoes of metallic ngor echoed out. The Anointed kept attacking the unmoving body as well, unleashing millennia of pent-up fury.


    Zac could finally tell left from right as stumbled back on his feet, and he realized that he had been dragged right next to his sister. He nodded at her before he looked over at the carnage with a frown.


    Something was wrong.


    The target hadnt even moved or as much as activated a defense as far Zac could tell, but why didnt they die? Even Zac wouldnt survive an onught like that unless he blocked them somehow. A piercing scream of danger forced Zac into action, and he desperately shed out of the way while dragging his sister with him.


    It was just in time as well as a hand appeared out of nowhere, grabbing straight for his throat with enough force to make the air twist.


    Back away, Zac whispered to his sister as he stared at the attacker with confusion and some trepidation. Why is it you?!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 653: Mad Ambition

    Chapter 653: Mad Ambition


    Zac had beenpletely convinced that it was Voids Disciple he tackled and pushed down from the Dimensional Seed. Who else would be able to withstand the intense fluctuations except for a Spatial Cultivator? But it turned out he was wrong. The aura of the one he tackled was identical to the one who had attacked him just now, and it wasnt Adcarkas.


    The person standing in front of him with an expression rife with killing intent was still someone he knew though; it was Inevitability.


    He hadnt seen the second Dominator since they met in the Eastern Trigram Hunt. The battle back then had beenpletely lopsided with Zac only escaping with his life because Thea used her ultimate escape skill. However, Zac had left for the Tower of Eternity and evolved into E-Grade since then. Zac had believed that he had not only caught up but far surpassed the murderous chain-wielding Zhix by now, but it was clear that Zac wasnt the only one who had made tremendous steps forward.


    The aura Inevitability emitted gave Zac some palpitations, like he was once more standing in front of a blood-drenched level 100 warrior while still muddling along as a level 60 human. She had gained a lot of levels thanks to her killing points during the hunt, but that alone couldnt ount for the enormous transformation of her aura.


    The Inevitability of back then had first seemed like a curious child before she turned into a monstrosity full of unbridled bloodlust. But the Inevitability in front of him had already reined in her killing intent and now gazed at him with a calcting look, like a cold-hearted killer observing its prey.


    Zac also didn''t how was she almost unscathed after all those attacks. The only one who seemed to have managed to hit her was actually Ogras judging by the shadowy aura in a small wound on her left shoulder. That meant that she really had been there when the other attacksnded but it was like they never actually hit her.


    The people Zac had brought here werent fools who would hit empty air, and he had seen for himself them m down on the unmoving body of the target. Zac nced over to the spot Inevitabilitynded. As expected, the body had simply disappeared, and the Anointed had instead turned to Inevitability with solemn expressions.


    Also, where the hell was Voids Disciple? Adcarkas was neither the one cultivating on top of the Dimensional Seed nor the one who attacked him. But surely he wouldnt stay back and let Inevitability fight all of them? Nothing was like how Zac had nned things out, and it made him hesitate.


    So, Karma has finally brought you here. I would have hoped that this building would dy you for another day. Well, searching for perfection is a fools errand, Inevitability sighed as she looked Zac up and down. The threads of fate surrounding you just keep growing. I have to say I am a bit jealous. But cultivation is ultimately a struggle against the Heavens. If fate does not choose you, then you simply need to subvert fate. That by itself might lead to greater things.


    Zacs brows furrowed even further when he heard Inevitability speak, and the sense of wrongness just increased. This was definitely not how she spoke back then.


    Adcarkas! Rhubat eximed with shock, making Zac look over with confusion. How is this possible?! Why do you look like Kirath?!


    Oh? I guess I cant hide from your senses, Chainbreaker, Inevitability snorted.


    Or perhaps it was more apt to say Voids Disciple. Zac finally understood what was going on, why the Inevitability of his memories was so different from the one in front of him. However, the realization only created more questions than answers.


    Possession, Zac muttered, looking at the Zhix with disgust. You said Inevitability was like a child to you when we met the first time, yet you steal her body?


    Kirath wanted to contribute, to help me on my journey to the peak. What better way than to provide her body and to give me a chance to escape the chains of Karma? Adcarkas smiled. The fetters to my old body were too great, and it had long missed the prime window for building momentum strong enough to reach the peak.


    A wave of repulsion filled Zacs heart as he looked at Voids Disciple. His actions were so far into taboo territory that he would never be able to follow the normal path to power. Possessing ones family, whod do something like that? Anyone with even a sliver of conscience would get a mental demon from an action like that, and their cultivation road would immediately get fraught with danger and missteps.


    Furthermore, possession was definitely was marred with problems. If it wasnt, then old cultivators would just pick a new body and retrain from the start. Levels came easy, but insight did not. Imagine being a peak C-Grade cultivator stepping into the F-grade again? You would turn into a monster far greater than Zac ever was.


    And what was that about chains of fate? Zac had until now operated under the assumption that Voids Disciple was a devout follower of The Great Redeemer, but it didnt sound like it from that expression.


    Youre not here to give your master this treasure? Zac asked.


    Voids Disciple looked at Zac with a teasing smile, before he looked up at the sky.


    Not all is as it seems. Hm, I guess theres no harm in telling you, the embryo will not be able to break out for over a day. This Dimensional Seed is a divine treasure for someone at the peak of the D-Grade. Incorporating it into your core can immediately open the road to monarchy. But why would I waste such a rare treasure on Voridis AHeliophos when it is perfectly suited for me?


    Is that why you killed Inevitability? Zac asked as he circted his energy while trying toe up with a n.


    There were too many variables at the moment. The aura of this merged Dominator was too weird, too powerful, making Zac a bit unsure he had what it took to seed. Besides, he was clearly far more affected by the emanations of the Dimensional Seed than Adcarkas, and any second he could stall to regain his wits would increase his odds of victory.


    Kirath lives on through me. She will never die as long as I keep walking down my path, Adcarkas smiled. Luckily, part of our Masters heritage was a Body Tempering Method to turn our bodies into suitable vessels for possession. I guess Master desired a fallback in case his experiment failed. I simply made some adjustments to better suit my purposes.


    This body was then reforged with the energy of the Seed, and my soul has already been suffused with the Dao of Space. It will allow a nigh-perfect fusion, and the next step is to infuse the Seed itself into my body. That will be my foundation for my Immortal Path. A Spatial Constitution with a Seed of Origin, a miracle that has never appeared in this sector," Adcarkas smiled.


    Why are you telling all of us this? Zac frowned.


    Isnt it too sad? To have stumbled onto this earthshattering opportunity and survived the almost-certain demise of putting thoughts to action, yet have no one to tell of your exploits? The moment I step out into the cosmos I will have to hide my true power, but at least here I can speak freely, Adcarkasughed before his eyes locked onto Zacs. Now I just need to tie up a few loose ends. With the death of this world and your soul extracted, I will have closed this ancient chapter of Karma. The ties will be cut, and Ill be free to pursue my truth.


    Attack! Zac roared, knowing his window to recuperate was up.


    He was still a bit woozy, but there was not much he could do other than fight. It was unfortunately clear that Adcarkas had the home-field advantage as the Dimensional Seed suddenly shed and thousands of Spatial Tears appeared all through the chamber. As for Adcarkas himself, he activated the skill that created a huge number of stars around him.


    Zac immediately shot forward after making sure that his sister was safe. It looked like she could control the golden alloy like she could the Memorysteel, and it swam up around her to form a small dome. Billy and the remaining Anointed quickly grouped up in five small squads as they formed an encirclement led by Rhubat, and their auras rose as the air itself congealed.


    Zac hadnt seen this method used before, and he guessed it was something they had gotten their hands on to deal with Voids Disciples spatial abilities. Of course, whether it would be able to prevent him from escaping was still up for debate. There wasnt much else the Anointed could do against someone like Adcarkas though, but they could perhaps skew victory in their favor by stabilizing space itself in an arena.


    And Zac saw that their n wasntpletely without merit as not a single one of the endless spatial tears had opened up within a hundred-meter radius.


    The alloy floor gave off creaks of pain as Zac pushed <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>to the limits, as he moved between the stars like a ghost. A few of them exploded just as he passed, but reaching peak mastery in the skill had improved the speed even further, allowing Zac to push through the minefield with only minor wounds.


    He was suddenly in melee range of the target, and <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>keened in the air as Zac tried to strike the Dominator with a series of probing attacks. The Dominators confidence was a bit disconcerting, and Zac felt something was up. After all, he had barely escaped with his lifest time, even getting himself cut in two. Yet now he felt confident enough to start monologing like a TV viin, something was definitely up.


    Something like possession should also cause all kinds of trouble, likeckingpatibility between soul and body. Perhaps even rejection like a transnt. Yet he was leisurely talking like he had everything under control. It might be bluster, but Zac didnt want to burn his aces from the get-go before getting a better understanding of the situation.


    The only one who had managed to harm Adcarkas until now was Ogras, and Zac figured it was thanks to the demons shadow-rted Dao Fragment. That might be the key to killing him, so each of Zac''s swings was imbued with the Fragment of the Coffin, giving them a hint of putrefaction and extra force. His Fragment of the Axe was even stronger, but Zac wanted to hold off on it a while longer since Adcarkas still shouldn''t know he had evolved it, and that might create an opening sooner orter.


    The Anointed werent actually attacking, only focusing on restraining the space around him, which no doubt was a herculean task considering the Dimensional Seed radiated immense energies right above their heads. Their life force was rapidly being expended to just weaken Adcarkas advantage.


    Ogras wasnt as limited considering his versatilebat style, and shadow spears kept appearing to strike at the Zhix as well. Even the stars cast weak shadows, allowing the demon to turn the Dominators skill against him. It was the same with Kenzie who had over a hundred Drones fly around to hopefully distract the target. Laser beams suddenly shot toward the Zhix without warning from unexpected angles as drones appeared from behind spatial tears or the pirs.


    However, the shadow spears didnt manage to cause any real harm to the Dominator, and there was something odd happening with theser strikes. Zac knew all-too-well Jeeves calction capabilities, and he knew that it shouldn''t keep making mistakes. But it was like his sister kept getting unlucky as the slowly moving stars somehow managed to block the shots over and over without seemingly speeding up at all. The stars formed some sort of elusive pattern that protected the Zhix when it looked like there were a lot of openings.


    Adcarkas didnt seem to be in a hurry to end the fight, and he happily started to exchange strikes with Zac, just like how the two fought back on Earth. The situation was extremely odd though as Zac felt himself under tremendous pressure. Zac was fighting tooth and nail, his swings almost creating a blur as he tried to make the Zhix slip up by keeping up a massive pressure. If he could somehow cause Adcarkas to lose his concentration Zac might be able to hit him with a surprise m from <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But Zac felt a growing sense of inability as he exchanged strike after strike. No matter what he tried or how much he pushed himself there was always a palm waiting. If anything it felt like Adcarkas moved slowerpared to theirst fight, yet he was even more impervious.


    Zac soon understood what was going on; everything Adcarkas did was imbued with the Dao of Space. The suns moved following some hidden rules that created an absolute defense, and his own movements created a great effect with minimal effort thanks to his highmand of the Dao.


    It was an eye-opening experience to see someone fight so in tune with his path, and Zac would be in awe of Adcarkas if the man wasnt trying to extract his soul. This was exactly the state Zac needed to reach for himself. He had created his path based on his trinity of Daos, but he still didnt have much to show for it. Adcarkas had gone much further on this path and was already infusing it with every single movement he took.


    Zac didnt understand the concepts that were the basis of Adcarkas alteredbat style, but the battle was still a huge revtion to him. It felt like a flood of inspiration washed over him as he fought, and Zac finally understood what his next step should be in improving how he fought. Unfortunately, Zac quickly realized that just as he was gaining a lot from the battle, so was Adcarkas.


    The Dominator was actually using him as a whetstone to consolidate his gains.


    It might be possible that he was getting used to his new body as well, but in either case it wasnt a good feeling to be disregarded to the point he was just considered a training tool rather than a deadly foe. It almost felt like Adcarkas believed he could end the battle at any moment if he wished to.


    And just as Zac feared, things suddenly changed. Zac had attacked the Dominators head with two of his chains, trying to force him to use his arms to block. And just as the Zhix lifted his hand to intercept Zacs axe shed forward with enough speed to almost break space. Zac wanted to cut off one of the dominators hands, but he would be content if he just managed to wound it.


    Zacs eyes widened in surprise when the axe actually passed right through the wrist, but surprise turned to confusion when only a shallow wound appeared. His mind screamed of danger the next moment as the Zhixunched a lightning-quick counter-strike aimed straight at his head, forcing Zac to hurriedly block with two chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    Fist and metal shed with huge force, but the chains suddenly slipped straight through his arm the moment Zac tried to ensnare him.


    Hes shifting his body in and out of space, Kenzies voice echoed out from a drone. "Just like the werewolves turning into light, but instead using the Dao of Space."


    Oh? Voids Disciple said as he looked at the golden alloy bubble with interest as he effortlessly kept blocking Zacs strikes. So youre the sister, the genius? I am guessing you are the reason you all managed to interrupt my cultivation so quickly. Well, I did promise Kirath revenge for her brother. You could say this would be poetic justice.


    Space started to crack the next moment as a rift opened up. It looked like the array the Anointed maintained was resisting its emergence, but Adcarkas was simply too powerful if he put his mind to it. A me of fury ignited in Zacs heart when he realized what the Zhix was doing, and his aura veritably exploded as any thought of probing was thrown out of the window.


    Adcarkas was crazy if he thought he could hurt Kenzie right in front of him.

 Chapter 654: Overpowering

    Chapter 654: Overpowering


    Adrenaline and fear coursed through Zacs body as he saw the spatial tear in front of Adcarkas widen. It wasnt because of the ability itself, but rather what he saw through the rip in space. It was his sister surrounded by multiple monitors. The tear was somehowpletely bypassing the golden alloy to allow the Dominator to strike straight at Kenzie.


    In fact, the reason that Adcarkas seemed to be struggling so hard to open the tear might actually not be due to the Anointeds efforts, but rather the isting properties of the alloy itself. It was also possible the alloy lost its isting properties the moment Kenzie started fiddling with it. There was no time or point to start analyzing the situation though, and Zac unhesitantly unleashed <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage],</strong> and the surge of power perfectly blended with his true fury as he shot forward.


    Hmph, Adcarkas snorted as he nced in Zacs direction.


    The Dominator punched out toward him and the swing generated a small sphere that almost looked like a ck hole. Zac didn''t recognize the skill or what threat it posed, but he didnt care. A fractal de had already appeared on <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, and two clouds were released in quick session. The spatial ball greedily swallowed the energies Zac released with <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong> for a second before it detonated, decimating everything in its path with a wave of spatial tears aimed straight at Zac.


    Zac grit his teeth and pushed straight into the storm, and bleeding gashes appeared all over his body as he forced his way through the chaos. Thankfully the path was suddenly clear as the divide between heaven and hell was formed in the chaos, creating a path for Zac to pass through. Adcarkas stood on the other side, clearly surprised that Zac had managed to cut through his manmade spatial storm so quickly.


    The Dominators arm had already reached into the tear. Kenzie desperately tried to keep him at bay, but her elemental attacks werepletely unable to deter him, which was no surprise. No matter how skilled her control of her Dao was, it couldntpete with pure power. A terrifying pressure suddenly burst out from Zac as the halo of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> reappeared behind his back. He roared in rage as he swung his axe in a wide horizontal arc, and space itself buckled inward as the weight of the Eternal Shield was added to the swing.


    Adcarkas moved his free palm as a swirling vortex appeared to block, but just as the two forces shed a third one appeared as a huge wooden hand appeared out of nowhere. Zac still hadnt figured out exactly how Voids Disciple was avoiding attacks by his spatial shifting, but he couldnt hold back right now. Besides, with one of the Dominator''s hands inside a spatial tear and the other one blocking <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, this was the best opportunity to try to end things since the beginning of the fight.


    Ogras! Zac roared as well, and a storm of Dao-infused spears rose from the ground, almostpletely swallowing the Zhix.


    Another beam of pure darkness hit the Zhix from behind, and Zac added the final ingredient of his n; he flooded the area with a Dao Field empowered by <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. There was no way that Adcarkas spatial shift was infallible. Dao restrained Dao, and if Ogras could wound Adcarkas, then this maxed-out Dao Field would hopefully be able to interfere with his ability to avoid getting hit.


    The hand mmed down toward the ground with earthshattering force. Adcarkas reaction time was shocking though, and his body grew just like during the end toward thest battle. Zac inwardly swore in disappointment upon realizing his skills seemed to have been passed along as well. He had hoped that some things would get lost when swapping body, but he had already used three of his old skills so it didnt look hopeful.


    The Zhix instantly ripped out his arm from the spatial tear, dragging a huge chunk of ice with him. It was Kenzies attempt to lock his arm in ce, but it had unfortunately failed. Still, the hand had appeared just a meter above the Dominators head, and it was immediately barreling down on him. A ck hand mmed upward as Adcarkas roared, forcing <strong>[Nature''s Punishment]</strong> to stop in its tracks.


    A tremendous shockwave from the sh pushed Zac away, and it was powerful enough to break a few of the closest pirs clean off. Zac nced up at the Dimensional Seed with fear, but he breathed in relief when he saw that the shield still held even after losing some of its Dao Source.


    More surprisingly it looked like Adcarkas got absolutely infuriated upon seeing the spears break off and fall onto the ground.


    You fool! he roared as his aura exploded even further.


    The Zhix had already dispelled the force of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> so he pushed his second hand up as well to deal with the hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, an absolute storm of pure spatial chaos erupted the next moment, and Zac instantly realized he wouldnt be able to withstand the force for long even when infusing the attack with Fragment of the Bodhi.


    But the fire of fury in his chest had still not abated after seeing the Zhix targeting his sister, and he instantly pushed through spatial tears around Adcarkas, ignoring the second set of cuts that sprouted across his body. He emerged through the turbulence like an angry bull and he instantly resummoned <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> while dispelling <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> half a second before it would break by itself.


    Adcarkas tried to move his hands down again to block, but Zac''s attack summoned by the Void and empowered by a towering fury was too quick, and his strike mmed straight into Adcarkas chest. It first looked like the Dominator tried to phase out of reality to avoid the strike, but the area was suffused with too many high-grade concepts.


    Instead, he could only hastily activate a skill to block, but Zacs momentum was far beyond what he could impede. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> crashed straight through a wall of condensed space, and cracking sounds echoed out as Adcarkas was flung over a hundred meters away. It worked! Zac wanted to roar in triumph at finally harming this monster, but he didnt even get a chance to celebrate before the situation turned for the worse.


    It first looked like Adcarkas would m into yet another of the pir, hopefully getting hurt even further from the impact. But a space gate suddenly appeared right in his trajectory, swallowing the Dominator whole. A sudden scream of danger made Zac hurriedly turn around, but he was too slow.


    Another gate had appeared right behind him, and a red-eyed Voids Disciple had alreadyunched a strike. A world-ending punch hit Zac right back, and the impact caused the air itself to crack. Zac felt like his organs had been crushed and he spat out a mouthful of blood as he was flung away. He didnt have the means of Voids Disciple, but he did manage to stop his flight with the help of his chains just before mming into one of the five squads.


    The Anointed quickly backed away while maintaining the array, and Zac could only push away the pain while shooting forward again. There was not much else the Anointed could do to help except than staying out of the way. The original n had been for them to stall one of the Dominators for long enough to Zac and Ogras to kill the other, at which point Zac would deal with the second one as well.


    Now they could only do what they could to support Zac from a distance since there was no point in them throwing away their lives.


    The initial attempt at finishing off the Dominator had failed, but Zac refused to give up. At least they had managed to wound him, and Zac didnt believe that the spatial energies seeping out from the Dimensional Seed could help him heal as well. They should be able to whittle him down in this manner.


    But Zac soon found himself under a relentless storm of strikes as Voids Disciple visage had turned into a mask of fury. Strikes with enough force to shatter mountains wereunched in a relentless flurry, and they still incorporated the esoteric and unpredictable methods of space.


    Zac kept <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> constantly active as he tried to give as good as he got, but his body was already a bloody mess after pushing through two spatial storms. Ogras tried to help as best as he could, but another gxy had appeared, trapping Zac in a death cage where he gradually lost the initiative.


    A fist suddenly appeared out of nowhere, and Zac saw white for an instant as itnded straight on the side of his head. The punch was powerful enough to almost made it look like Zac was teleported as he mmed into the ground, and even the sturdy golden alloy gained a small dent from the impact. Anyone else at Zac''s level would probably be killed then and there.


    Zacs vision swam but he still swung his axe in a ruthless upward trajectory aimed to cripple the Dominators legs, all while trying to figure out his next step. He simply wasnt a match in close quarters against Voids Disciple any longer. His attributes had clearly increased as much as Zacs own, and he had found a method to incorporate his Dao into hisbat technique.


    Furthermore, it seemed he was drawingbat strength from the Dimensional Seed itself.


    Zac couldnt take the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed] </strong>either since he had already activated <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong>, and changing to his undead side was impossible since Adcarkas was solely focusing on him. Destroying a few of those pirs had well and truly pissed off the Dominator, though Zac couldnt figure out why.


    There was no choice; he had to take a gamble and use the crystal he got from the Gemlings. He had kept it for now since Voids Disciple hadnt taken out any items during the fight, but he would be wounded to the point that he would be unable to keep going if he didnt turn things around. He only had less than twenty seconds remaining on <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage] </strong>as well, so this was hisst chance to turn things around before he entered a weakened state.


    But just as Zac was about to take out the crystal from his Spatial Ring a massive drop of pure white light emerged from one of the cracks in the domed ceiling. The drop turned into a beam of light that shot straight toward them.


    Anywhere the beam passed was drenched in lunar light. Its movement was shockingly quick, and it was upon them before Adcarkas had a chance to attempt finishing Zac off. Arge w appeared the next moment, and Zacs eyes widened when he sensed the shocking might they contained. This waspletely differentpared to any of the werewolves he had fought until now. This single attack was definitely powerful enough to threaten Zacs life.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There was no question about it; Cervantes had arrived.


    Thankfully it looked like the werewolf leader wasnt intending to pile onto Zacs sufferings as the massive w passed him right by, aiming for Adcarkas throat. The Dominator growled in annoyance as he sideswiped as his hand formed a small vortex. Palm and w collided, and the force threw Zac away, giving him a breather.


    Cervantes surprise attack was unfortunately not enough to take out the overwhelmingly powerful Dominator, but he didnt seem reconciled with that fact as his body turned into a blur. Ten, fifty, hundreds of attacks wereunched with a speed that would put both Ogras and Thea to shame. Not only that, the attacks actually contained enough force to almost match Zac''s own.


    Zac quickly seized the opportunity to eat a healing pill before activating his Specialty Core. A wave of Miasma spread throughout his body as he pretended to struggle to get back on his feet while Cervantes and Adcarkas duked it out a few hundred meters away. It was an extremely odd scene, as their attacks kept swiping through each other''s bodies.


    One shifted in and out of space while the other turned parts of his body into lunar light with pinpoint precision. It almost looked like two holograms were fighting. Still, the two actually shed every now and then, causing massive shockwaves to spread out. Zac tried to remember the timing, as he guessed that was a clue to the limits of their defensive measures.


    The two were locked in a stalemate for a few seconds, but they suddenly shed away to create some distance.


    You barely managed to escape thanks to your kin sacrificing everything, yet youe back like a moth to the mes? Laughable, Voids Disciple snorted, causing Cervantes to emit a terrifying killing intent.


    Human, our tribes have our differences, but we cannot let this one leave this ce alive. If we do, no one will survive for long on the outside, the werewolf growled without taking his eyes off of Voids Disciple.


    Zacs frowned as he looked at the wounds covering Cervantes body, and he immediately understood what had transpired without his notice. It looked like his own battle against the cultists wasnt the only war that had taken ce in this hidden realm. It turned out that the werewolves and Voids Disciple had already shed once, and Voids Disciple had emerged victorious from the sounds of it.


    That by itself was pretty troubling, considering that Zac didnt feel confident at all in dealing with Cervantes without using his <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]. </strong>And that was just going by what he had seen so far. An old monster like Cervantes no doubt had a bunch of aces to use when his and his tribe members lives were on the line.


    Yet they had died, while Adcarkas lived. It was even more proof of the terrifying power Voids Disciple had gained in this hidden realm.


    Let''s work together, Zac agreed with a voice full of death, as a storm of miasma started to swirl around him.


    Zac didn''t delude himself that he could suddenly patch things up with the Lunar Tribe, but they shared amon enemy for now. As what happened after they dealt with Adcarkas, that was a problem for the future.


    You are hiding some peculiar methods," Cervantes muttered, shifting his gaze from Adcarkas to Zac for the first time.


    Interesting, interesting, Voids Discipleughed in turn.


    Zac hated how he was forced to expose his undead like this, but there was nothing else to do. He had already exhausted his human side except for <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, and that skill was meant forrge-scale battle. His odds of defeating Adcarkas were far greater in his undead form, especially if he could make use of Cervantes'' offensive power while he restrained the Zhix.


    Besides, if both of them died before Zac left this ce, then there would be no one to spread his secret.

 Chapter 655: The Key to Life

    Chapter 655: The Key to Life


    Zac held no delusions that Cervantes wouldn''t try to kill him the moment they had managed to deal with the Dominator, but troubled times called for strange alliances. Zac cracked his neck as he looked at his current state. A wave of exhaustion had already hit him since the boost of <strong>[Hatchetman''s Rage]</strong> had ended, but the weakness was at least somewhat mitigated since he had swapped race.


    However, there was no way he''d take out Adcarkas in his current state. He had already taken out one of his spare shields so that he would be able to use the offensive form of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, but he knew he would have to take some risks if he wanted to win.


    I knew you were rted with the mysterious undead who kept destroying Incursions, but I figured it was a Soul ve you had managed to get your hand on somehow, Adcarkas snorted, seemingly having forgotten about his anger thanks to this surprising turn of events. This is far more intriguing. After I extract your soul, Ill study your body extensively.


    Thats if you can actually survive whates next, Zac snorted as he took out a small seed from his spatial ring and pushed it into his mouth a thick ck armor appeared to cover his whole body.


    Deathes for all, except for him. He was eternal, a being of unmatched power and longevity. For this spatial bug to impugn on his sovereignty was a heretical act at the level of going against the Heavens themselves, and judgment had to be exacted. However, he was tired, and even gods needed nourishment.


    A small sharp spike appeared in his hand, and Zac grinned with fervor as he ripped off some armor ting and stabbed it into his leg. A swirling warmth flooded his aching bones, and he finally felt like his true self. Why had he feared these spikes before? How would they ever be able to harm a celestial being such as himself?


    Four chains shot out, each one of them snaking its links around one of the closest pirs. The alloy groaned and twisted the next moment as Zac imbued his Spirit Tool with more and more Miasma until a series of creaking sounds started to echoed out. Finally, the alloy spears broke off, but they fell onto the ground, far too heavy for the chains to lift.


    Stop, you lunatic! Adcarkas roared as he rushed forward while Zac roared in anger at being unable to wield the hundred-meter-tall pirs as weapons.


    At least the mortal was rushing toward him, delivering himself for judgment. However, Zacs thoughts were suddenly cleared as Voids Disciple disappeared just before a terrifying punch hit him in his side. It felt like his spine would snap in two as he was thrown away, and he would have been thrown to the other side of the room if he still wasn''t connected to the pirs. Instead, he made a parabolic arc before he mmed into the ground with shocking momentum.


    Zac took a shuddering breath as scrambled back on his feet. He had been prepared for the insidious effect of the berserker treasure, yet he had still gotten swept up in his delusions of grandeur for a moment there. His soul had undergone some change and tempering thanks to the Tribtion Lightning getting released from his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> though, and he thankfully woke up after getting punched just once.


    He was aghast at having stabbed himself with one of the spikes of Faceless 9, but at least he didn''t have any too bad adverse side-effects just yet. However, it was clearly not benign liquid he had imbued himself with. It felt like a scorching poison, and all his organs and muscles were attacked. The pain was pretty bad, even after the numbing effects of the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>.


    But thepound did force out energy and potential hidden in the depths of his cells, which was exactly what he needed at the moment. Using this thing would no doubte at a hefty price, especially in conjuncture with another berserking item. But now was not the time to worry about that.


    His thick armor-ting and sturdy undead constitution had thankfully blocked out a lot of the damage from the punch, and he quickly recalled his chains as he watched the change that was taking hold of Voids Disciple. It almost looked like he was in a state of euphoria as thick streams of spatial energy bore into his body.


    Four more pirs had broken thanks to his temporary bout of insanity, and the air was even more suffused with the aura of the Dimensional Seed. The spatial treasure was fluctuating even more erratically as well, proving there was no way it would stay put for a whole day like Voids Disciple had initially estimated.


    It was bing more and more apparent that part of the reason Voids Disciple was so angry was that he wanted to finish his cultivation session after dealing with them, but that would probably be impossible if the treasure wasnt suppressed any longer. He was no doubt only able to attempt such a thing when the whole Research Base kept the treasure in a passive state.


    However, while his cultivation opportunity was ruined, Adcarkas did seem to gain something else. The more spatial energies that leaked out from the containment field, the more powerful the Dominator''s aura grew.


    A huge moon appeared in the sky the next moment, and Cervantes howled as he grew one sizerger. He had obviously activated the same sort of empowerment skill as himself and Voids Disciple, and he turned into a streak of light the next moment as he shot toward Void''s Disciple. Adcarkas seemed a bit preupied with taking control of the wild energies around him, and the werewolf wanted to capitalize on that.


    Zac wasnt as speedy as the other two, but he still rushed into the battle with full abandon. He had never been as powerful as he was right now, with not only the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>, but also the unknown spike urging him on. The whole area would instantly crumble to a single swing of his if it wasn''t created with a high-grade technocrat alloy, and even Adcarkas seemed unwilling to meet his attacks head-on.


    Zac did his best atunching crushing blows that forced Adcarkas to block with all he had orpletely evade. Furthermore, Zac had already activated <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, and both his chains and bardiche were imbued with massive amounts of putrefaction. Even the alloy floor sizzled as ck drops of death dripped down from his weapons, and festering wounds were soon starting to appear across Adcarkas'' body even if he avoided any lethal attack.


    Meanwhile, Cervantes was a whirlwind of violence, an unceasing storm of ghastly cuts, swipes, and light attacks. Ogras tried to add the asional jab as well, but there were not many opportunities as the Lunar Tribe leader was seemingly everywhere, sometimes even appearing right next to Zac himself.


    Unfortunately, it looked like time wasn''t on their side. Adcarkas'' aura kept increasing as more and more energy seeped into his body. His wounds were umting, but no matter what Zac did he wasn''t able to entrap him so that he could unleash the ultimate strike of his E-grade skill. Adcarkas was like a ghost, sometimes just disappearing and reappearing a hundred meters away through a spatial ripple.


    Zac didn''t even dare to use<strong> [Profane Seal] </strong>since he wasn''t confident in tying the Zhix down long enough for the skill to be fully erected. Something had to change.


    If this cursed item is supplying you with power, then Ill set it free. Even if I die you will never gain what youre looking for! Cervantes suddenly roared in fury as his eyes turned pure white. I hope you choke to death!


    A series of fractal des shot out from the werewolf the next moment, shooting toward the forest of Dao Pirs. This attack was clearly on apletely different tier than Zacs <strong>[Chop]</strong>, and it was like space itself was ripped apart as a cascading tsunami of lunar des swept forth.


    Adcarkas looked on with rm, and Zac tried to seize the opportunity to catch him. All four chains shot at him as Zac activated his taunting effect to the max, but it was futile as they passed right through the dominator''s body. The next moment Adcarkas disappeared, and it looked like he had turned into a dozen clones as he appeared all over the chamber, blocking one de after another.


    The more you want to protect them the more I want to destroy! werewolfughed with madness as one pir after another was toppled.


    Zac felt helpless as he looked at the werewolf who had gone mad with bloodlust. Wasn''t he supposed to be the crazed one with all the berserking items almost ripping his innards apart?


    <em>Trust me human. I will seal space soon. Get ready to strike, a</em> voice said in his mind, and Zac realized Cervantes hadnt lost his mind at all.


    You will copse this whole realm you fool! Adcarkas roared, and he suddenly appeared right in front of Cervantes as heunched a punch full of fury.


    His fist was like a ck hole and space crackled and cried as it pushed forward, but Cervantes once more turned into pure energy, and he actually split into six clumps that all shed in a different direction. An instantter they congealed back where the werewolf once stood, but they had left something behind; six massive machines that should be of technocrat origin.


    Spatial stabilizers! High grade! Kenzie eximed from a drone, and Zac didnt hesitate at all.


    Four chains shot forward light ck streaks of lightning and trapped Adcarkas arms and legs as they dripped of poison. The Dominator had clearly tried to space shift to avoid the strike, but between the energy chaos from over fifty pirs breaking apart and the stabilizers, he didn''t seem able to merge with space at all.


    Zac finally managed to fulfill the requirements of <strong>[Blighted Cut] </strong>and three extremely sinister cuts shed in an instant, trying to dice Adcarkas into three pieces. Meanwhile, a hundred-meter-wide jaw bit down, its teeth sharp enough to cause massive rifts in space. Zac''s eyes widened and he desperately jumped out of the way, barely avoiding getting swept up in Cervantes''s ultimate skill.


    A bubbling fury threatened to take over, but Zac pushed down the madness and instead only red at Cervantes from a distance before he refocused on Adcarkas. One bastard at a time. A small gxy had appeared to protect Adcarkas, and Zac for the first time saw his skill fail in cutting the target apart.


    But there was actually a hidden feature of the skill as a massive eruption of the extremely corrosive liquid doused the whole area and a storm of death started raging. It was like the skill just dumped all the liquid it had stored after seeing that it wouldnt be able to kill its target. Add to that the extremely powerful lunar bite, and the gxy finally crumbled.


    DIE! a thunderous roar echoed out as an enormous club smashed down out of nowhere.


    Billy had perfectly seized the opportunity while Voids Disciple was submerged in the chaotic energies, and the club mmed down with enough force to turn an E-Grade beast into mush. Adcarkas roared in defiance as a massive shockwave erupted from his body, causing space itself to ripple outward in a wave of destruction.


    The all-out attacks fought for supremacy, and Billy was the first to be flung away until he knocked down a pir and fell unconscious. The others stood their ground. Zac and Cervantes infused more and more Dao and energy into their strikes to tear Adcarkas apart, and the embattled Dominator in the heart of the storm desperately exuded enormous amounts of Spatial Energy to keep the two attacks at bay.


    One, ten, soon a hundred pirs were swept up in the chaos and copsed, and the whole base started to rumble like it would copse at any moment.


    However, it all suddenly stopped.


    The madly pulsating Dimensional Seed stopped beating, and the torrential energies dissipated, exposing a half-dead Adcarkas within. Zac raged at seeing Void''s Disciple barely surviving. Zac was still able to push on a bit longer, and if his skill hadn''t disappeared, he was almost certain that Voids Disciple would have died.


    However, there was nothing he could do. In fact, Zac realized he wasn''t even able to move as a weird suppression had spread through the whole chamber. It even felt like his miasma had turned into sludge, and moving it was nigh-impossible.


    <strong>[Your hearts beat, your convictions push you forward. You embody life and the Path. I wished to have observed you for a while longer, but your actions have crossed the threshold. I can no longer abide,]</strong> a voice echoed out as a five-meter avatar rose from the alloy floor right between Zac and Adcarkas.


    He had the generalposition of a male human, but hecked any features at all. Instead, he was covered in extremely mysterious runes from head to toes, and there was a halo of thousands of golden needles swirling over his head. In the middle of the halo was a small star that radiated immense power, and Zac felt he would instantly die if he touched it.


    What! Cervantes blurted as he looked at the golden man with horror. The Administrator!


    Zacs eyes widened as he turned to Kenzies bunker in the distance, and he was horrified to see that the alloy walls were melting down into the ground again, even when Kenzie clearly was trying to stop it. In fact, the whole chamber seemed to be restored back to normal, except the fallen pirs which were instead absorbed into the ground.


    <strong>[A mere unsanctioned experiment. I tolerated the existence of your kind to observe you. I even prepared opportunities for you to push you even further on the path of life. Yet, over the past 18,373 years, you have provided me with very little. Your path is not worthy of further study,] </strong>the metallic being said as it nced in Cervantes direction.


    You! Cervantes roared, fury overtaking his fear. Youve kept us here for millennia, for your own enjoyment?! I swear Ill-


    But his words were cut short as one of the golden needles in the Administrator''s halo split off from the rest turned into a golden streak that shot straight through the werewolfs chest. Cervantes had clearly tried to turn into moonlight to avoid the strike, but resistance waspletely futile against the terrifying machine.


    After all, if this really was the Administrator, then it held technology powerful enough to keep not only the Collector, but all the Void Beasts at bay. What were theypared to that threat? A couple of piddling E-Grade kids. As expected, a huge stream of blood poured out from a massive hole in the werewolf''s chest before he copsed on the ground, his eyes locked in a gaze of terror and fury.


    The golden needle quickly floated back to join the others, but the Administrator clearly wasn''t done. Zac''s horror only mounted as the Administrator turned toward the next target; his sister. But no matter how he struggled he could barely move. It felt like he would rupture his whole body, but all that effort only allowed him a small shuffle forward.


    <strong>[You. What are you?]</strong> the Administrator asked as he floated closer.


    My family built this ce. You can''t target me or my brother," Kenzie said, her voice shaky but her eyes firm.


    <strong>[You bear the bloodline, but it is impure. I suspect you are not part of the n. Perhaps you are an escaped experiment of another base? Capturing you for study will not go against the coremands.]</strong>


    Zac instantly lost hisst hope, and it almost looked like Kenzie had taken a physical blow from the Administrator''s words.


    "Run!" Zac screamed, but he knew it was futile. How would one flee from something like this?


    <strong>[You hold the key. True constructed life,]</strong> the Administrator continued.


    Kenzie looked up at the golden with fear, but Zac''s brows furrowed when that fear turned to a cold gaze full of disdain. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    You overreach your boundaries. A corrupted custodial AI that dreams of life? Kenzie snorted, her voice cold and full of authority. You should have flushed the aberrant thoughts the moment you woke up. Your ambition is a dead end."


    <strong>[Perhaps. But perhaps not.] </strong>


    The small needles all started moving toward Kenzie as the ball of energy was absorbed into the Administrators body. Each of the needles emitted the power of Dao, and like they formed a miniature version of the containment field around them. However, Kenzie didnt look worried at all, and her hand pointed toward the head of the metallic giant.


    Go to sleep.

 Chapter 656: Ticking Clock

    Chapter 656: Ticking Clock


    Zac looked at the encounter between his sister and the Administrator, grasping at ast hope that she had some way to deal with this mess. He had never felt so weak as he did right now. He hated the feeling of not only being the weaker party, but being so far behind that you had no say in your fate. The Administrator, the Collector, the Great Redeemer. All beings infinitely more powerful than himself.


    Kenzie came through.


    Zac didnt understand what happened next, but the Administrator instantly lost his structural integrity and turned into a pool of alloy that melded with the floor. As for Kenzie, she didnt escape unscathed as she fell on the ground, her aura instantly turned extremely unstable. Whatever she had done had hurt her soul. Badly.


    Is it dead? Zac asked after he shed over as threw his best soul-healing pill into his sister''s mouth.


    No way, Kenzie said with a weak voice. Jeeves only knocked him out, kind of like I did with the bots. It will notst long though. We have a few minutes.


    A pir attached to the ceiling suddenly broke off and fell on another two, causing a huge shockwave as unbridled Origin Dao spread kicked up a storm. It came out of nowhere since that particr pir was far away from any of the fighting. Had the Administrator controlled the containment field by itself until now?


    Over a hundred more pirs copsed a secondter, and the Dimensional Seed once more woke up with unprecedented fervor.


    Uh, perhaps even less, Kenzie sheepishly said, confirming Zacs fears.


    The situation was quickly deteriorating from there, and in more ways than one. One pir after another copsed, and with them the fetters on the Dimensional Seed. The spatial fluctuations were quickly approaching dangerous levels, and the Seed was clearly struggling to break through the final barriers.


    If Zac almost felt like he was caught inside the containment field again, and Kenzie''s state was even worse. But the one who was the most impacted by the change was Void''s Disciple. He was broken and half-dying, but his aura was simply terrifying. His face had turned into a mad visage as he cackled while absorbing more and more spatial energies.


    This was their only chance. Zac stomped down and appeared right in front of the madlyughing Adcarkas. He looked up at Zac with a sneer, but he didnt get the chance to attack before Zac crushed a small crystal hidden in his hand behind his shield. Adcarkas reacted quickly and tried to teleport away, but the effect was instant.


    There wasn''t even a ripple then the crystal broke, but the Dominator screamed as he clutched his head like he was going mad. A spatial storm immediately erupted around him and hundreds of spatial tears shot out in every direction. It was like his body was being drained of spatial energy, much to the detriment of the surroundings.


    Zac quickly summoned <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, barely avoiding getting cut into pieces. Zac looked on with horror as another hundred pirs were destroyed in an instant, which only sped up the copse of the whole building. He couldnt let this go on, so he quickly stomped down on the ground, finally activating <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> to enclose the mad Dominator.


    This was the first time Zac had activated the skill since it reached Peak Mastery, and the difference was clear. A proper wall had finally been added to the towers and the gates, and the skill now essentially formed a proper fortress to trap anyone inside. The defensive properties had clearly been increased to a whole new level, which was exactly what Zac currently needed as it blocked out an endless number of errant spatial tears.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For the first time, there were no new chains added when the skill upgraded, but the ones that were already there had been empowered. They now looked a lot more corporealpared to before, like they wouldnt instantly melt when put close to mes or other powerful forces.


    This was probably thest opportunity Zac would get, and he felt that the poisonouspound in his body was already starting to break down his muscles. It still gave him an empowering effect, but it would soon turn into a weakened state. With thepound downsides of <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> and the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed]</strong>, he honestly wasnt sure he would be able to avoid getting crippled, let alone able to keep fighting.


    Clouds of miasma and putrefying gases spread out through the cage as he activated<strong> [Winds of Decay]</strong> and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, and he pushed the taunting effect of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> to the max as a hundred skeletons appeared in an instant thanks to <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>. One skeleton after another disintegrated as Zac transferred the damage from getting hit by spatial tear after spatial tear as he pushed through the storm surrounding the dominator, and they had all fallen even before Zac had managed to push through the chaos.


    The defensive skill was destroyed in an instant, and <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> crumbled a few secondster, but it had allowed him to get close to the delirious Voids Disciple without exacerbating his wounds even further. Unfortunately, the Dominators body was exhibiting some extremely weird symptoms. It was in constant flux since the spatial energy inside his body was going out of control.


    Zac wasnt even sure decapitating the Dominator was possible in his current ghostlike state, and just as expected, his Fragment of the Axe-imbued bardiche passed straight through him without causing any damage at all. Zac scrambled for ideas, and he suddenly thought of something.


    A mottled sword appeared in his hand, and Zac immediately stabbed it into the Adcarkas forehead. Zac figured that if the sword was made by extracting the soul of a high-grade cultivator, it might contain some of his high-grade Dao as well. His own High-tiered Dao Fragment had obviously not been enough to harm the man in his current state, and it was either this or using his Remnants.


    This time there was an effect, but Zac frowned as he was forced back by a shockwave, and he looked on with rm as hundreds of the sinister veins sprung out from the weapon, trying totch onto anything they could. A few shot straight for Zac who barely avoided them, but most targeted Adcarkas body. It was like the sword was trying to fuse with the Dominator.


    Adcarkas actually wasn''t dead even after getting a sword pierced into his forehead, and Zac had finally run out of steam. He really regretted using the Cursed Sword instead of his remnants, but he had simply been too afraid to activate them in his current state. If Adcarkas somehow merged with the demonic sword, all might be lost.


    He ate a Soldier Pill to mitigate his exhaustion, but the weird aura was extremely dangerous. Zac hesitated for a second before he took out a second spike from his spatial ring. Was this the time to worry about the future?


    Warmaster, let me, a rumbling voice said, and Zac turned back to see a shocking sight.


    It was Rhubat, his burning life force making him look like a god of war, and the spear in his hand made its name justice. Behind him stood the twenty-two still-living Anointed, each of them with a seal shining above their heads as their life force created bonfires that incinerated Zacs putrefying mists.


    I am the Chainbreaker, I will end this Crusade, he said as his aura rose even further.


    The twenty-two seals gained an almost blinding radiance the next moment, but they didnt shoot toward Adcarkas. Instead, they shrunk as they entered Rhubats body one after another. Each seal imbued Rhubat with unimaginable power, but Zac soon understood the price of this skill as one Anointed after another copsed, their bodies shrunken husks.


    They were dead without a doubt, not a morsel of life force remaining in their bodies. They had sacrificed everything they had left for the crusade.


    Rhubats eyes became glowing orbs divine retribution, but cracks rapidly spread across his body since he was clearly unable to withstand the enormous force. He looked like a statue on the verge of crumbling, but there was no expression of pain or word ofint as he started running toward Voids Disciple, his aura alone keeping the Spatial Tears at bay.


    Adcarkas was on hisst legs in his struggle against his mental demons and the cursed sword, but it was like he regained a hint of rity the moment Rhubat approached. He unleashed yet another sphere of condensed space with a defiant roar, his face covered with wiggling veins. However, Rhubat punched down on the ball with a roar, crushing space itself at the price of mauling their thick fingers.


    There was no time for the Dominator tounch another strike or attack, for <strong>[Judgement]</strong>, the spear containing the ultimate will of the Zhix, stabbed forward. It was like it locked space itself, or perhaps it was rather locking fate as Adcarkas looked at the iing spear with fury and irreconciliation but was unable to move.


    The spear pierced his chest, and Zac saw that the wound was real as blood poured down in rivers. Adcarkas'' heart was destroyed, and not even Zac could survive something like that.


    I cannot fall here! All Ive sacrificed! Adcarkas roared in anger as blood streamed down his mouth, his eyes wild with madness.


    But <strong>[Judgement]</strong> didnt care about its enemies thoughts, and it emitted an intractable force that caused Adcarkas torso to darken before it started turning into dust. It was like he was being eroded from within, and Zac looked on with relief. He couldnt believe the state the Dominator pushed them to, forcing them to take out almost everything in their repertoire. He was finally dead.


    However, space suddenly exploded, throwing a dying Rhubat away, and Adcarkas was swallowed by a spatial ripple. He didn''t even try to flee though, but instead appeared next to the barely coherent Kenzie.


    NO! Zac roared, as he tried to get back on his feet.


    He still didn''t have a movement skill in his current ss though, and he could only watch on in horror as Adcarkas punched Kenzie in a final act of malice and defiance. A series of technocrat shields sprung up to defend her, but they immediately cracked. A defensive talisman around her cracked next, and a thin film appeared around her body.


    It was one of the peak talismans Zac had collected in the Tower of Eternity, and it was thankfully powerful enough to block a strike of a dying Dominator. Still, Kenzie wasunched in the air from the force as she puked out a huge amount of blood. She was still alive though, but Zacs heart was gripped in despair since he understood Adcarkas true n.


    The force of the punch was more than enough tounch her clean across the room, and she was flying straight toward the unleashed Dimensional Seed that had started forming some terrifying vortex in the air.


    Zac shot his chains toward her, but she was too far away and she moved too quickly.


    But just as Zac was about to give up all hope a puff of shadows appeared right behind Kenzie, and Zac looked on with a surge of hope as the demon absorbed her momentum and pushed her down toward the ground again. But Ogras couldnt so easily dispel the momentum, and the demon found himself flung toward the berserking Dimensional Seed instead.


    He tried to teleport away, but his movement skill was interrupted before it ended, like the vortex over the Dimensional Seed prevented anyone from leaving.


    Ogras! Zac shouted, and the demon looked over in Zacs direction as he was kept in suspended animation.


    Ogras'' eyes locked with Zacs, and the demon only smiled wryly before he was turned into a stream of light that was sucked into the vortex.


    Zac looked up at the Dimensional Seed with a mix of horror and shock, his mind nking for a moment. He couldnt believe that Ogras had sacrificed himself to save his sister, but he had seen it with his own eyes. He looked at the sky with a gaping expression and was only dragged out from the brain fog as a huge, terrifying, surge of cosmic energy entered his body. Energy from Adcarkas finally dying.


    The burst woke him up, and he knew that this wasnt the time to mourn his fallen friend. For one this ce was falling apart, and secondly, the Administrator could reappear at any moment. Kenzie was knocked out clean, and even if she wasnt, she probably wouldnt be able to do anything if the AI came back. That meant they needed to be long gone from this ce before it returned.


    Zac scrambled for ideas, but he could onlye up with one solution. Zac sent amand to his Specialty Core, and he was back in his human form a momentter. Some of the immense amounts of kill energy went into <strong>[Surging Vitality] </strong>as Zac shuffled over to the unmoving form of Adcarkas, and he threw out another body next to him.


    It was Harbinger, or rather the pieces left of him after getting hit by the Annihtion sphere. Zac ced his two enemies next to each other before he poured apound over their bodies. It was the Karma-breaking Treasure of Erasure he got from Catheya that he had saved for this very moment.


    A wave of relief hit him as the quest finallypleted, confirming that Earth was finally safe. Zac still didn''t stop there as he alsopletely disintegrated the bodies with corpse-destroying powder. Adcarkas would no doubt have turned into an insanely powerful Revenant if Zac managed to turn him, but he definitely wouldn''t risk bringing his body back to Earth.


    Finally, just scattered dust was left of the man who had put terror into a whole for so long. Even a supremely talented genius who had grasped the Dao of Space had fallen beforeing into power. It was a poignant reminder to Zac of how weak he actually was. But for now, he needed to find a way out of here.


    His healing skill had patched up the worst of his wound, and he arduously gathered some energy as he shot forward. He was thest man standing in this copsing containment field, but that didnt mean there were no targets. He roared to stimte his exhausted body as he swung <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in a mighty arc, and a Dao Pir was cut clean off.


    This was the n. The ce was copsing, but not fast enough. Voids Disciple had said that they were destroying this hidden realm when they toppled a few pirs before, and Zac wanted to elerate that process. Escaping from this building wouldnt help if the whole dimension would copse in a few minutes anyway, but perhaps theyd be sent back to the mountain before the Administrator woke up if he freed the Dimensional Seed.


    It was a risky gamble, but he was out of options. He had checked his Quest Screen already for clues from the System, but it was empty. He actually still hadn''t received the final quest, so he could only scramble for a solution himself.


    He was like a rabid beastshing out at everything around him, with both chains and axe causing widespread carnage. He was once again a hatchetman, and the Dao Pirs formed the forest. In just half a minute he had destroyed over three hundred pirs. It would never have been possible if the Administrator wasn''t knocked out, but the pirs werent actively controlled any longer. They didn''t even have any Base Power running through them to strengthen the materials, which was why so many of them crumbled on their own before.


    Finally, the containment shield disappeared, and it looked like a soap bubble that just popped. The Dimensional Seed was free, and its reaction was instantaneous. A massive pulse spread out, and Zac only had time to grab his sister with his chains before the world turned ck quickly followed by a blinding white.


    Zac once more found himself beset by the ravages of the high-graded concepts the treasure radiated, and he could only hold on and pray it didntst for long. Thankfully the effect was just a short burst this time around, and a wave of relief hit him when he found himself standing on a massive b of Memorysteel, his unconscious sister lying just ten meters away from him.


    He definitely hadnt been sent to the Memorysteel Mountain though, as he saw enormous fragments of Memorysteel, some of them tens of kilometers long, slowly swirl about in weightlessness around him. Some crashed into each other which released shockwaves that Zac could feel all the way to his bones, while others simply drifted away into the darkness.


    He realized that they had actually been sent out to the heart of the Memorysteel Sphere, and it had exploded from the looks of it. More importantly, a glimmering anomaly half a meter across hovered a few hundred meters away, beneath it a five-meter pedestal that seemed to be made from pure <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong>. Zacs eyes lit up with greed, but he couldnt help but hesitate.


    Was this the Dimensional Seed or something else? Its energy signature was pretty weak at the moment, but it was still only barely within what he could handle. Furthermore, it was also was rapidly gaining power. The anomaly quickly started pulsating like the Dimensional Seed back in the hidden realm, and with each beat, it increased in intensity.


    <strong>Just Reward (Training (9/9)): Brand the Dimensional Seed with your Mark of Creation, making it forever yours. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1) [00:00:32]</strong>

 Chapter 657: Barter

    Chapter 657: Barter


    The whole world was fast copsing judging by the tumultuous Memorysteel Fragments crashing into each other and getting lost to the Void. A nce around also proved there was no one else in the area. It was just himself, his sister, and the unmoving body of Cervantes. Of course, there was also the Dimensional Seed.


    Zac didn''t need to be a genius to understand that messing with the Dimensional Seed would be extremely dangerous. His body wasnt in any state to tack on another round of punishment, let alone absorb a C-Grade Treasure. But the timer on the quest screen blinked with an urgency that forced Zac to look at it.


    Thirty seconds.


    Everything had led toward this moment, and it looked like the System was treating the supreme spatial treasure the reward for following its Divine Guidance to the end. But that thing had swallowed not only Ogras, but also Billy and Rhubat from the looks of it, and Zac felt more hatred than desire when he looked at it. But the System seemed to think it possible to snatch that thing, and he might forever regret it if he backed away now.


    He gritted his teeth and put his sister down on the ground before he shot toward the pedestal. The spatial fluctuations quickly became painful, so Zac started to circte his Daos to at least somewhat shield him from the rampant bursts. But the Dao Field surrounding the treasure was too powerful, and it felt like he was trying to fight a Dao Fragment with a recently acquired Dao Seed.


    A shuddering pulse rippled through the Memorysteel tform he stood on, and Zac looked down with a frown before he turned back to the treasure that now was only a hundred meters away. The quest had told him to brand the Dimensional Seed with his Mark of Creation, which Zac could only assume was the Systems name for his Pink sh that remained untested.


    Zac was just about to start activating the skill and follow the instructions, but he suddenly froze for a moment. A sense of reluctance gripped his heart now that he was so close to the treasure. The situation felt exactly like when he was ced in front of the Shard of Creation, where his own fate wasnt in his hands any longer.


    Exactly why did the System want him to gobble up yet another item that was far beyond his strength and capabilities? He already had the two Remnants that were causing a headache, was there really a need to add another one? If the treasure in front of him had been something rted to his path like the Stele of Conflict, then he would have jumped at the opportunity. But now?


    His cells hadn''t reacted at all to the treasure since first seeing it in the hidden realm, and standing this close didn''t change that at all. More importantly, was a life where he was being led down an unknown path by the System really what he wanted? One second after another passed as Zac stood frozen with indecision, greed struggling against his convictions and his path.


    Another ripple spread through the ground, and Zac suddenly felt like his mind was clear; he wasnt Adcarkas, a Dimensional Seed wasnt something he required for his path. In fact, it might muddy things even further.


    More to the point, there was a creeping sense of unease growing in the back of his mind.


    He hade this far trusting his gut, and he wouldnt change now. The fluctuations around the Dimensional Seal were rapidly growing more condensed like it was finishing up its preparations, and the Quest Screen had once more appeared right in front of him, its timer now ringly red. But Zac still shot in the opposite direction with all the speed he could muster in his harried body.


    Simultaneously, four chains shot toward the massive pir of <strong>[Realm Locus]</strong>, and a snap echoed out as they ripped the pir off the ground and dragged them back to Zac who threw the pir into his Spatial Ring. Losing the crystal pir didn''t affect the Dimensional Seed overly much since it was hovering on its own, but it did release a powerful ripple that managed to knock him over. Zac quickly got back on his feet and resumed his sprint.


    He still wasnt aiming for the treasure, but rather his sister.


    That sense of wrongness and being led by the nose, coupled with those small energy pulses in the ground, was all he needed to change course. The quest screen suddenly appeared right in front of him, this time showing that just twelve seconds remained. But he punched right through it,pletely ignoring its incessant blinking.


    His sister was still lying unconscious where he left her, but Zacs eyes widened in rm when he saw a man wrought from Memorysteel emerge from the teau. It looked exactly like before, except its needles and body werent made from the golden metal but rather the normal alloy that made up most of the base.


    This was what the ripples had warned him off. The Administrator hadnt died with the copse of the hidden realm, and it clearly hadnt given up on Kenzie.


    Zacs mind frantically searched for a solution, and two streams of Dao entered the energy conduits on his shoulders. Something magical was suddenly building in his chest, and he felt his exhausted and overtaxed body suddenly being given a new lease on life from the umtion. His very cells greedily tried to swallow the energies in of the Pink sh, to the point that Zac actively had to defend the skill.


    This was his best solution. The Pink sh had worked wonders on the Little Bean, and perhaps it would be able to destroy the Administrator as well. But reality often didn''t match one''s ns. Zac suddenly found himself unable to move ten meters away from the Administrator, just when he was about to jump up and m the still-congealing energy ball into the robots chest.


    The Administrator didnt even bother to look in Zacs direction as his gaze was trained on Kenzie, or perhaps rather on Jeeves inside her head. A ball of pinkish-white light soon appeared between Zacs hands, and Zac found himself in another predicament as the Skill kept going even when he was immobilized. He needed to get rid of it, but how?


    Wait! Zac suddenly screamed, making the Administrator look over.


    <strong>[You bear the bloodline, but the Token you hold is counterfeit. I have no obligation to follow yourmands.]</strong>


    Youre searching for life, arent you? And you believe the key lies in Dao? Zac quickly said as he desperately tried to slow down the umtion of Creation-energy between his hands. Thats why you let the natives cultivate, thats why you studied the Dimensional Seed, and thats why youve created those needles of yours.


    The Administrator didnt answer. But it did seem its attention was trained on him, or rather the ball between his hands. By now some faint runes had appeared in its depths, and Zac almost got lost when he looked at them. It felt like the markings were full of hidden meaning, like understanding just one would allow him to take huge leaps forward in his cultivation.


    But he quickly refocused his wandering mind to make his gambit.


    The thing in Kenzies head is just a machine just like you. I have something better, Zac said with grit teeth, barely able to control the sphere by this point. Three-quarters of his umted Creation Energy had already gone into the sphere, far more than he had originally hoped to use. Pure Creation. If you want a real shot at bing a living being, this is your best chance. So, take this and let my sister go.


    <strong>[ss-3 but with a ss-5 Source Creation... The precursor to Life,] </strong>the Administrator mused as Zac felt his hands starting to twist and mutate.


    One second they were covered in feathers, only for them to be scaled ws the next. A momentter they were just pure green energy, like a ghost wrought from Nature-Attuned Cosmic Energy instead of Miasma.


    <strong>[Agreed,]</strong> the machine said, and it was like it teleported as it instantly appeared straight in front of Zac.


    The swirl of needles instantly surrounded the sphere, and Zac felt his connection to it getting cut off. He silently siphoned off a small amount of the energy as he shouted for his arms to return to normal just before the Administrator took charge of the sphere.


    The Administrator actually pushed the ball of energy straight into its own chest, and the effect was immediate. The whole teau rumbled as the avatar started to undergo huge changes. One second it looked like a humongous human, and another a werewolf. But a momentter it turned into an extremelyplex pattern that made Zac dizzy just looking at it.


    It also released greater and greater waves of creation, affecting arger andrger area around it. Not only that, but it was like the Dimensional Seed was triggered by the emanations, and it exploded with vigor. Zac sighed when he saw his quest disappear three seconds ahead of time, but there was nothing to do about it. He might have lost the chance to finish the quest and seize the Dimensional Seed, but there was no regret.


    The AI seemedpletely preupied with the absorption of the Mark of Creation, which allowed Zac to rush forward and snatch up his sister in his arms. He looked down at her with a frown on his face, before his eyes nced toward the sky as moved away from the Administrator''s still-changing form.


    The System had sessively nurtured a dependence in Zac during his stay in the Mystic Realm. By the end of the quest-chain, he hadpletely looked to the Training Quests for guidance on what to do next. Yet, if he had actually followed through by the end without hesitation, then Kenzie would definitely have been taken by the Administrator.


    Did the System really want to kill his sister, but for some reason was forced to do it in a roundabout manner? Or was it really just a coincidence that the System was so eager for him to use up the one ace that allowed him to barter for her life? And would it even work if he mmed the Mark of Creation into the Dimensional seed, or was it a trap to take both siblings out?


    The idea that the System was actively gunning against Kenzie, or rather Jeeves, was a terrifying concept, but there were more pressing things to deal with. The Administrator had disappeared by turning into a huge cloud of dust, and a terrifying storm seemed to brew within. Meanwhile, the Dimensional Seed was acting more and more erratic in response to the new threat.


    Just standing on the core tform felt lethal, and Zac knew it was time to go. One chain shot off to the side and snatched up the body of Cervantes, and it soon entered his Corpse Sack. As for Zac, he rushed toward the closest edge of the Memorysteel tform with his sister in his arms. The chaos was growing more and more severe, and Kenzie soon started to stir from the immense fluctuations.


    Ogras! Wha- Kenzie screamed as she woke up, but she stopped herself as she looked around at the surroundings with confusion. Whats happening?


    The Seed swallowed the whole world, Zac said as he transferred his sister to one of his chains to free up his arms. Ogras was swallowed along with everyone else.


    We need to save him! Kenzie said, and she immediately spotted the raging Dimensional Seed in the distance. There!


    Save him? Zac said as he looked away. Hes


    Hes not dead! Kenzie screamed. The treasure has formed an internal world, just like a C-Grade Monarch! I bet hes inside that world, the same ce we were inside just now.


    Zac was about to answer, but the Memorysteel tform suddenly copsed as it turned into a block of blood for an instant before reverting. However, the whole tform, and the few hundred closest to them, were all bent up and or destroyed by that point.


    It looked like they had entered a twisted fever-dream as the Memorysteel kept changing around them. Suddenly tens of thousands of screaming faces were created from the metal fragments, only for them to explode into the same odd pattern as before.


    Zac found himself desperately grabbing at any fragments that maintained at least some structural integrity with his chains, thanking the gods that the gravity was pretty weak in this ce. Soon the frantic transformation stopped, but the chaotic energies of Creation still suffused the area, telling Zac that the Administrator hadnt absorbed the thing just yet.


    It wasnt like Zac trusted the rogue AI to honor its agreement to leave Kenzie alone. After all, why would it be content with just the Creation Sphere when it could study Kenzie as well? Zacs idea was simply to stall, and hopefully, they would be teleported out before it stabilized and resumed its pursuit. At that point, it would hopefully be killed by the whole realm copsing.


    Whats going on?! Kenzie eximed in horror as the two found themselves on a hundred-meter-wide fragment.


    The Administrator, Zac snorted. I made a trade with him, Im not sure if hes regretting it by now.


    These energies, Kenzie muttered with wide eyes before she looked at Zac.


    Dont worry about it, Zac said. Our job now is to get away from here.


    But Kenzie said as she once more nced at the Dimensional Seed which was now hovering in the air, the energy radiating from it now even stronger than back in the hidden realm.


    A swarm of drones shot out from her Cosmos Sack the next moment, all of them making a beeline for the spatial treasure. But it was hopeless. A good number of them were turned into all kinds of weird things from the Creation Ripples, and the ones who managed to get close to the seed were ground into stardust from the energy emanations.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They werent even sucked inside, they were just destroyed to particles.


    You see? We cant get close, Zac said with a shake of his head as he jumped toward another Memorysteel fragment, trying to get closer to the mountain below. I think the treasure haspletely matured. Anything I do will fa- HOLY SHIT!


    Any lingering thoughts of trying some more methods to snatch the Dimensional Seed were thrown out of Zacs mind as the sky suddenly was shrouded by tentacles, thousands of them. The Collector hade out in full force, and Zac could even glimpse its enormous main body in the distance, inching closer like it wanted to swallow the whole broken.


    Yet another titan had entered the fray.

 Chapter 658: Ragnar?k

    Chapter 658: Ragnar?k


    Fragments of the Memorysteel were twisted and pushed away as the impossibly long tentacles of the Collector snaked their way closer and closer to the heart of the broken Memorysteel. Where Zac and his sister were still located. Zac was almostpletely out of juice as the nourishing effect of activating the Pink sh only helped him so much. But a primal fear urged him on, and he ran as fast as he could along with the Memorysteel fragment he was standing on.


    A sharp rm of danger erupted in his mind out of nowhere, and he only had time to shield his sister with his body before a tremendous ripple was released from the Dimensional Seed. This ripple waspletely differentpared to the nurturing ones they had enjoyed inside the hidden realm though. It was full of offensive power, and Zac felt over a dozen bones shatter as he was flung forward.


    Even more shocking, the ripple was filled with what could best be described as sentience, and he got a sense of fear and rage from the energies. It was like the treasure was alive, and one ripple after another was released by the Dimensional Seed.


    Zac felt more bones in his body break as the second ripple mmed into him, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. His organs were in disarray after the two consecutive attacks, the damage even worse than all the wounds from the fight inside the hidden realm. And of course, there was no time to sit down and activate <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>.


    <strong>Knowing When to Back Down (Training (9/9)): Avoid the sh between supreme beings for long enough to be teleported out of the copsing Taboo Realm. Reward: Reward based on performance at the end of training regimen. (0/1)</strong>


    Zac looked with confusion at the screen that suddenly appeared in front of him, the surprise even making him forget the pain for a second. He had actually received a second final quest? But the quest didnt fill him with gratitude, but rather ire. More than anything, it felt like proof that the System was up to no good when it awarded thest quest, while this was the real one.


    Or was the quest before a hidden test? He had gotten the training quests because of his Pathstrider-title, and perhaps the System was testing him if his belief in his Path was sturdy, or if he would throw it away the moment he was put in front of a valuable treasure. Or was the System simply going insane like Bra and gave incoherent and opposing orders?


    It was impossible to tell, but there was no inner conflict this time around at least since the objective was exactly what he nned on doing anyway. He knew that he couldnt take too many more of those ripples, but he had thankfully reached the edge of the Memorysteel shard by that point, and he desperately jumped down even if he hadnt scouted out what was below. After all, it couldnt be any worse than what he was suffering right now.


    Zac nced back as he jumped down the fragment, and he saw how huge sections in the sky had beenpletely disintegrated, the Memorysteel turned into dust while even space itself had broken downpletely. Clearly, he and his sister weren''t the true targets of the treasure''s outbursts. Had they been attacked with that kind of force, they would be gone with no chance of survival.


    The Dimensional Seed was trying to fight off the Collector.


    However, the tentacles of the Collector were only slightly wounded as they inched closer to the Dimensional Seed. The creature had lost some of its stitched-on-hands, but Zac was shocked to see that the remaining ones formed some sort of seals that created some sort of energy fluctuations that looked pretty efficient at dispersing the spatial ripples.


    Was this the true purpose of the limbs attached to its body? Zac had assumed it was to better withstand the main dimension, but was the real reason perhaps to create an armor? An armor that could withstand the spatial attacks of the Dimensional Seed, or at least decrease the effect of its attacks long enough so that the creature could snatch it.


    In either case, this wasnt a battle that Zac could intrude upon. That would be like an ant jumping in between two lions. He definitely didnt want The Collector to get its hands on the Dimensional Seed if Ogras and the others really were alive in there, but what could he do?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Warmaster, a weak voice eximed, and Zac looked over in surprise to see Rhubat lying on a piece of Memorysteel, bleeding cracks covering their whole body.


    Hang on! Zac said as he shot a chain toward the neighboring fragment, dragging himself and Kenzie over.


    Rhubat was in an even worse state than himself, and Zac hurriedly pushed a handful of healing pills into their mouth.


    Lets keep descending. We need to get away from the battle above, Zac said as he lifted the Anointed with another of his chains.


    What about the others?! Kenzie interjected, though there wasnt much conviction in her voice.


    They all had Spatial Seals, Zac said. Our only hope is that theyll be teleported out with the rest of us. As for us, there is nothing we can-


    WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?! an enraged roar that contained enough force to cause small cracks in his soul made Zac stumble with his words, and he once more looked to the sky as he felt a tremendous pressure descend upon him. Kenzie and Rhubat were even worse off, with the Anointed immediately getting knocked out.


    Space bent through some unknown means and a five-hundred-meter-long sleek vessel full of power appeared out of nowhere. Just looking at it filled Zacs heart with trepidation, and he instantaneously understood that it was at least a peak D-Grade vessel, perhaps even C-Grade. It was a proper Cosmic Vessel, the first one that he had ever seen.


    However, not only was it already pretty badly damaged when it broke into this dimension, but the location where it appeared was definitely unlucky. It was right between the enraged Dimensional Seed and the Collectors limbs, and it immediately found itself assailed from two directions in a spot where thews of space were falling apart. Extremely powerful shields sprung up around it, but it was clear that the barriers wouldntst long judging by their flickering.


    Suddenly, an avatar twice asrge as the whole vessel appeared, forcibly pushing back not only the hundreds of tentacles. It even forcibly stabilized the crumbling dimensionalyers around it. An old man and a hooded being soon emerged from the wreckage, and Zacs eyes widened in terror when he saw the mans face.


    It was The Great Redeemer, in the flesh this time.


    How was this possible?! Zac hadpleted the quest, cutting thest thread of Karma by killing Voids Disciple. The quest had beenpleted and he had even used the karma-erasingpound and corpse-destroying powder just to be sure, removing any trace of their existence. Yet Voridis AHeliophos stood here, radiating a cold and cruel aura, far surpassing even the pressure that Greatest exuded back when they met on that deste.


    Were they toote, and he had already zoned in on this ce by the time Adcarkas died?


    Zac quickly turned away out of fear that The Great Redeemer would sense his gaze, and started escaping with newfound vigor. If a battle between two supreme beings was a deathtrap, then adding another one would obviously only make things worse.


    Unfortunately, it quickly became clear that restraining ones aura and hiding behind Memorysteel fragments was insufficient to avoid detection of a peak D-Grade Hegemon. The floating shards between Zac and the Dimensional Seed suddenly just floated away, creating a clear line of sight for the Karmic Cultivator.


    <em>We meet again, Zachary Atwood</em>, a voice echoed in his mind with enough force to make him puke out blood. <em>I dont know how you managed to reroute the threads of Karma to this crumbling dimension and then cut them, but nothing can save you now.</em>


    Zac didnt answer the taunt, remembering Ogras warnings about forming new threads of fate. All his focus was on finding a way to survive long enough to get teleported out of this ce with the help of his Spatial Seal. That was hisst hope. The Karmic threads had been severed, and this realm was copsing. Hopefully, that would be enough for Voridis AHeliophos to lose the trail, and if not, enough time to escape from Earth with a Teleportation Token.


    <em>An infant Dimensional Seed? Ive only heard of such an item in legends, no wonder the spatial ripples almost destroyed my vessel. It looks like youve brought me a tremendous gift indeed,</em> the sinister voice continued in Zacs mind. <em>Perhaps theres no need to turn you into a fulcrum. But I am still curious what allowed a progenitor to reach the 9<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity after a few scant months of cultivation. Ill deal with this miscreation first, then Ill slowly find out what secrets your body hold. For now</em>


    Zac suddenly felt a sharp scream of danger, and he turned around to see that the old man was pointing a finger in his direction, and a small rune was forming on his fingertip. Just looking at the rune filled Zac with dread. At best it was a tracking rune, at worst it was some sort of ve seal.


    A surprising turn of events took ce the next moment as the hooded being suddenly turned to a blur,unching straight at hispanion while desperately swiping at the rune. Zac couldnt understand why that stranger would help him, but he would definitely make the most of it as he tried to increase the distance even further while preparing hisst ace.


    The hooded cultivator was, unfortunately, no match for the Great Redeemer, and he soon started wailing as he held his head in agony. It looked like his soul was being tortured, and a wave of Voridis sleeve was all that was needed to push away the hundred-meter-thick Memorysteel teaus that Zac had tried to hide behind again.


    The rune shot out, causing a white streak in the air that even passed by unbothered by a massive spatial ripple released from the Dimensional Seed, and it headed straight for Zac who red back at it with wild eyes. Brutal energies churned in his body as he squeezed everyst morsel of Oblivion he could from his soul, and a small bronze sh appeared between his hands.


    It had only been a few days since he used the skill against the Collector, so he hadnt had much time to siphon any of the energy from the remnant in his mind. But it was the best idea he had, and he pushed the small ball of pure destruction toward the rune.


    An extremely bright sh illuminated the area, and both rune and Annihtion Sphere was gone the next moment, while Zac was left with a cracked body that bled all over.


    What?! Voridis eximed, but his eyes lit up with tion rather than anger. Such a pure source of destruction!


    He pointed toward Zac once more, and he could only look on with despair while trying to nudge the Spatial Seal on his hand to activate early. He was all out of energy and all out of tricks, and he could only feebly try to move further away with hisst two chains since his legs wouldnt listen to him any longer.


    <strong>[High-grade Life!] </strong>a thunderous voice suddenly roared as the ten-mile-wide dust clouds in the air congealed into a huge face with a distinctive pattern in its forehead.


    It was the Administrator, apparently born anew, and it looked like he wanted to capture The Great Redeemer as thousands of massive spikes appeared around the old cultivator and his vessel.


    Machine-God Faction? Voridis frowned, and the avatar once more appeared to protect its master.


    The two didn''t even have a chance to sh though as hundreds of tentacles tried to ensnare the Administrator, The Great Redeemer, and Dimensional Seed alike. It was like the tentacles formed a pattern that locked space itself.


    Zac floated further and further away, his eyes looking at the sh of auras with wide eyes. Was this what a fight between D-Grade Hegemons looked like? Even he was grievously wounded just by some errant energy fluctuations, and that was at a distance of thousands of meters before they had even gotten serious.


    He would probably have died in seconds if he stood in the middle of those auras they released.


    Space itself was giving way to the will of the three entities, but a sudden ripple broke the stalemate as the Dimensional Seed moved with impossible speed. A small vortex appeared in front of it, and suddenly it was gone. But Zac didnt even get the chance to react before the shimmering crystal appeared right in front of him shot straight into his body.


    "No!" the Great Redeemer roared with anger as he saw his ticket to monarchy get absorbed by someone else, but he found himself unable to do anything about it as he waspletely trapped by the Collector and the Administrator.


    The Collector clearly saw Voridis as a huge threat to seizing the Dimensional Seed, so most of its endless tentacles trapped the old cultivator while a few snaked toward Zac. The Great Redeemer obviously wasn''t willing to let a beast snatch his item, so he started ripping one tentacle after another apart. As for Zac himself, they probably only saw him as a temporary receptacle for an item he had no business controlling.


    Meanwhile, the Administrator seemed more interested in studying The Great Redeemer than the Dimensional Seed for the moment, so it kept its needle-cage erect, which directly helped Zac against the cultivator at least. Of course, The Collector was far too big to be entrapped, and many of its tentacles reached around from different directions.


    Zac was in a frantic state, but he soon calmed down a bit as he felt a weak sensation from the crystal that had entered his body; gratitude. Zac didnt quite understand what the Dimensional Seed was grateful about, but it had clearly helped him since it had somehow modified space between himself and the old hegemons.


    They were still close, but his senses told Zac that they were endlessly far away, like a vast chasm had cut them apart. The tentacles frantically moved, but it simultaneously looked like they had been locked in ce. Zac looked at the scene with relief and wonder, but his attention was soon forced back to his own body as a storm of extremely powerful energies appeared out of nowhere.


    The energy density was far beyond what he could handle, especially in his extremely weakened state. Using the Mark of Creation had actually helped a bit with the weird cracks from the Annihtion sphere, but forcibly activating another oblivion-fueled attack had immediately reopened the wounds again.


    Thankfully the primal energies the Dimensional Seed released didnt hurt him at all. It was as though the spatial treasure had controlled it to be more benign. Some of it was immediately swallowed by his cells, and even more entered his two Hidden Nodes who greedily swallowed it like it was some sort of delicious treat.


    Zac tried to find where the seed itself was hiding, but he soon realized that it had already left his body after releasing a fraction of the energies it contained, effortlessly breaking past the pull of <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. It had released such a fearful surge of energy into his body, but it hadn''t been weakened at all.


    It made Zac doubly thankful he hadnt really tried branding the thing; even if he had seeded, there was no way hed be able to control that terrifying crystal without the System taking charge. And Zac definitely didnt want yet another fractal cage inside his body that loomed over him like a ticking time bomb.


    But the gift had been imparted, and Zacs thoughts moved like lightning as he considered what he should do with it. Letting it seep into his cells and Two Hidden nodes wasnt bad as it clearly Strengthened him all-around, and a nce at his Bloodline-screen showed that his bloodline talent actually had increased to 20% in just a second.


    But wasnt this an opportunity? If a Dimensional Seed could help cultivators open up an internal world, then surely Zac should be able to use a fraction of the energy to aplish something much simpler?


    A weak resonance pulsated in his lower spine, and Zac immediately started pushing. The energy left behind was thankfully quite malleable, and a storm of power poured into a specific spot on his lower back. A burst of extremely sharp pain spread through his bones, but it passed almost immediately. Left behind was a small vortex, previously hidden between two of his vertebrae; his third Hidden Node.


    Zacs vision started closing in as he felt another Bloodline Visioning on, or perhaps it was just his body that was finally pushed beyond its limit after the visit of a C-Grade Treasure. Thest Zac saw was the small Dimensional Seed moving tens of kilometers in an instant before it somehow cracked reality like a mirror. An infuriated roar caused another shock to his mind, and the darkness crept ever closer.


    <em>''It''s not over!''</em>


    The Dimensional Seed disappeared through the cracks, and the universe crumbled as his sister and Rhubat turned into golden motes of light.

 Chapter 659: On the Horizon

    Chapter 659: On the Horizon


    Zac woke up with a start, but he immediately regretted the sudden movement as sharp pangs of pain wracked his body. He had fallen asleep again, his own bodys way to forcibly try to make him rest. His pathways were a mess, and his body waspletely wrung dry. He was so weak, like his body had been ravaged by illness for weeks.


    He felt extremely lucky to have opened his third Hidden Node, <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>, just before he was sent out of the Mystic Realm. He had actually missed the vision due to exhaustion, and he only remembered fragmented pieces of the man on the meteor. But the effect of the node spoke from itself.


    Every ten minutes or so it released a mysterious pulse that shook loose small amounts of impurities, which apparently included everything from foreign Dao to Pill Toxicity, from his cells, which then entered his bloodstream. As his blood passed the node, some of the impurities were swallowed, never to return.


    <strong>[Purity of the Void] </strong>essentially formed a perfect cultivation system with <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, where one node helped him absorb all kinds of energy while the other made sure his foundations didn''t worsen. It was still best to exsanguinate himself when his body was flooded by impurities, but that was ultimately a crude method that only worked on some of the gunk in his body.


    Still, Zac was far from shedding all the toxins left from the <strong>[Rageroot Oak Seed] </strong>and the mysterious spike, and some of Adcarkas'' foreign Dao lingered in his body. He had already checked himself with <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong>, and there thankfully weren''t any new brands hidden as far as he could tell.


    He took a deep shuddering breath as he gazed across the vast forests of his ind from the mountain peak he had made into his observatory. Still nothing. Two weeks had passed since their return from the Mystic Realm, and there was still no sign of Voridis AHeliophos. There was no way for Zac to be certain, but it really looked like The Great Redeemer had no way to find Earth through the Integration Shroud now that the Karmic Links were cut and the Mystic Realm destroyed.


    As for the old bastard being dead, Zac didnt hold much hope. A Peak D-Grade warrior was extremely difficult to kill unless there was a massive power gap, and that went doubly true for a Karmic Cultivator. Unless the Collector had some extremely powerful hidden means it unleashed after Zac was teleported out, then Voridis had probably left on the crumpled Cosmic Vessel in search of another world to devour.


    At least that was the assumption Zac was operating under. The threat might be averted, but only temporarily. Voridis'' final, furious roar still echoed in his mind. Their hard work had hopefully gained them a century of safety, but Zac knew he wasnt in any position to rx. He needed to do everything in his power toe up with some method to deal with the lingering threat.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Of course, the most surefire way was to gain enough power to hunt down and kill The Great Redeemer outright. There was a long road ahead until Zac could reach that point though, especially if the old bastard somehow managed to break through to C-Grade.


    For now, there were other things to take care of.


    Zac got up on his feet and started to slowly walk down toward the teleportation array at the edge of the hidden valley, somewhat regretting his decision to keep watch at such a high altitude. The trip that normally would take a minute took half an hour, but he eventually managed to return to hispound where he walked over to his sisters residence.


    There was no one inside the gardens or in one of the living rooms, and Zac sighed as he walked over to one of the workshops. The door was ajar, and he heard some whizzing sounds from within, which meant that Kenzie was once again hard at work with her machines.


    It looked like Jeeves had finally woken up again after deactivating the Administrator for a few minutes.


    How are you doing? Zac hesitantly asked as he walked inside.


    Jeeves isnt able to make any deductions of what happened to the Dimensional Seed and those within, and upgrading him is still far away. We figured we might be able to increase the calcting power with theseputers. I read that most space simtions on old Earth used these kinds of things to make urate models, Kenzie muttered without taking her eyes off her work. And these machines seem pretty high-quality, even by Technocrat standard. Far beyond the technology that went into those machines you got me from the Incursion.


    Uh, the Administrator isnt hiding inside theseputers, right? Zac asked as he looked at the Supeputers with worry.


    No, theseputers are just there for simtions, but they cant actually store an AI, Kenzie snorted, like that was something obvious. Remember that sun-like ball? That was the AIs core.


    Alright Zac sighed. Dont forget about your own cultivation though. You cant only rely on tech in this world.


    Kenzie made a nomittal grunt as she kept working, and Zac mutely looked on for a few seconds, unsure how to deal with the situation. She had at least snapped out of the morose state she had been in since they returned. It was a big blow to them both when Ogras wasn''t transported out with them, and neither was Billy.


    It almost felt like Zac had lost a limb now that the demon wasnt around any longer. Sure, Ogras was sometimes self-serving and a bit narcissistic, but he was also someone Zac felt he could trust his back to, something that had been irrevocably proven by his final selfless action.


    Billy didnt deserve to go out like that either. The gentle giant had fought tirelessly to without a word ofint, unhesitantly lending his aid against terrifying beings like Adcarkas. For him to have been taken while so many egotistical and self-serving remained alive on Earth felt like an affront to the core purpose of the System itself.


    Kenzie still maintained that they definitely were alive, but Zac didnt know what he believed. There were life-treasures in the Multiverse that could tell whether someone had died while out adventuring, but no one on Earth had something like that. Of course, if someone could survive getting swallowed by a spatial treasure, then it was the scheming demon.


    And if someone could figure out a way to bring Ogras back, it was his AI-empowered sister.


    Zac still hadnt told her about his lingering suspicions that the System was gunning for her, and he still wasnt sure if telling was the right thing. First of all, it was just a hypothesis of his, but perhaps it was just his paranoia taking over.


    But if the System really was going after her, then it was obviously not because she fiddled around with some low-grade drones and random found tech. It was because of Jeeves, and getting rid of that thing was impossible. So telling her might not serve any purpose except to push her even deeper into the rabbit hole.


    Ill leave you to it, Zac eventually said. Let me know if theres anything I can do. If theyre alive, well definitely save them even if we have to turn the whole sector upside-down.


    Right, Kenzie nodded as she turned back. There is actually something. We finally realized how to upgrade Jeeves after visiting that istion chamber. We are going to need a lot of materials. A lot of them.


    Well, hopefully, my new reward can help, Zac, feebly smiled, hating the fact that Kenzie sometimes spoke in a ''we'' as ofte.


    If people knew, theyd be green with envy, Kenzie snorted, not noticing Zac''s antipathy toward her actions. Perhaps even more than your weird core.


    The reward she was talking about was the one he got from finishing the Training Quest chain. Part of the rewards were definitely all the valuables he picked up along the way, and the fact that he managed to save most of his people. He did voluntarily skip the biggest gain, the Dimensional Seed, but the System did thankfully award him something else instead.


    ess.


    When Zac returned from the Mystic Realm his Teleportation Screen had drastically changed, with an endless number of ces added. Altogether there were over seven hundred thousand towns on the list, and it had taken Abby over a week to confirm where they led.


    He had essentially been given ess to various D-Grade worlds all over the Sector, ranging from hundreds of options in the massive empires like Allbright and Dravorak, to locations he had never heard of before. Not only that, but it even looked like the System was giving him a hefty discount of over 70%, which would save him billionspared to if he used the Teleportation Tokens he had amassed.


    It was a bit of a shame that the System had excluded all C-Grade continents and racial empires like the Demon Horde and the local chapter of the Undead Empire, but it was still a shocking number of amazing ces to visit.


    What was it that limited most cultivators in the end? It was ess. Even D-Grade cultivators often found themselves stuck at their home or to the local cluster ofs. Zac had a bunch of Tokens because he passed the 9<sup>th</sup> floor of the Tower of Eternity, but most people had no way to ever leave their own backyard.


    And even if you got a Teleportation Token like Zac, it usually ended up being a one-time thing. Teleporting back home again meant having lost your chance. So, the few who got a Token through quests or from greater factions usually cut ties with their home to continue their cultivation.


    Only the luckier lived in a powerful ce that controlled small wormholes or had ess to families with wideworks or who owned Cosmic Vessels that could traverse the Sector. But Zac had suddenly been given the keys to the kingdom, to the point that he could go almost anywhere, and without relying on the Tokens which might alert people of his presence.


    Between the ess and his <strong>[Spatial Gate Array]</strong>, his mobility might be one of the greatest in the whole sector, which would not only improve his survivability, but also his ability to rue further advantages for his cultivation. It almost felt like the System opened the door when it provided him with golem guardians and the escape bracelet, and now it was kicking him out to go explore.


    The question was if he was ready.


    Zac left his sister to her devices. Exhausted by even this small amount of exercise he walked over to the ocean and sat down on a rattan sofa hed left behind. He had spent a lot of time looking out at the waves as he slowly recuperated over the past days. A p of thunder rumbled in the distance, and it almost echoed the turbulence in his own heart.


    The battle between the titans in the Mystic Realm had really left a deep impact on him, and he still remembered the feelings of helplessness and despair. And here were millions of people just as powerful as The Great Redeemer out there, and Zac wouldn''t be able to rely on some Spatial Seal teleporting him to safety the next time.


    What are you thinking about? a familiar voice drifted over.


    I guess Im thinking about what to do next, Zac shrugged.


    So whats the n? Thea asked as she sat down next to him and snaked her arm around his.


    The wind buffeted his short hair, and he took a deep breath of the salty air. He couldnt believe that just over a year had passed since the integration. So much had happened, and he had been forced to run back and forth to put out one fire after another. Now that things were finally over and there were no direct threats, he almost felt lost.


    But Zacs gaze soon hardened as he looked out at the thunderstorm. There was no such thing as a final storm, and there was no such thing as absolute safety in the Multiverse. At least not until you stood at the top of the firmament, unrivaled and unopposed.


    Voridis AHeliophos was just the most immediate threat in the cosmos. There was still the mystery of his heritage, his mother, and her enemies. The Tsarun n, and who knows what else lurked on the horizon. There was even the threat of the System itself wishing his sister harm, and the time bombs it had ced in his head.


    Only one thing was certain; he was still too weak to take charge of his fate.


    I guess Ill keep training? Zac said.


    Figures, Thea snorted with a small smile.


    ----------


    The darkness continued, as it had for weeks. Was this death? An endless out-of-body experience where you were left with nothing but your thoughts? He had read about Purgatory in the holy scriptures on Earth, was it actually real? Perhaps it was, but it wasn''t like he would remember it anyway. A pulse would sooner ortere and scatter his thoughts.


    Speaking of, here ites.


    A tremendous shudder startled Ogras awake, and he found himself lying face-first in the dirt. nk confusion assaulted his mind as he tasted the earthy soil in his mouth. But his mind was soon kickstarted as his memories came back to him. At least it looked like he was alive, unless this was the next part of the afterlife. But it didn''t look like it. He had made it. Somehow.


    Shit, what was I thinking, Ogras muttered as he got up to a sitting position.


    What could possess him to do something so stupid as to sacrifice his life for someone else? It went against every lesson on how to in this ruthless world that he had imprinted into his bones. To make it look like you risked your life was one thing, but you needed assurances that you wouldnt actually end up croaking when pretending to be the hero.


    Yet it was almost as though his body moved by instinct as he shed forward to throw thatss out of harms way. That wasnt a calcted risk at all. In fact, he had already realized that he probably wouldnt be able to teleport back. That treasure was messing space to an extremely high degree, and there was no way hed be able to enter the grey world in such close proximity to that thing.


    Those two siblings were rubbing off on him in all the wrong ways.


    He had epted death then and there, yet he was that he was alive for some reason. It didnt make any sense. Ogras got up on his feet and gazed at the surroundings with some confusion. Where were the others? And why was he back out in the forest?


    Ah! Where is the bad Insect-Man?! Where is the big room?! an overly loud voice eximed from a hundred meters away.


    What the hell, Ogras muttered and swooped over to the oversized human who looked around with a dumb stare. Youre here as well?


    Ah, horny guy, its you! Billy said with some disdain. Why did you carry Billy out here?


    I didnt carry you anywhere, Ogras snorted. You got yourself knocked out. I dont know why the hell we are out here.


    Ah, Billy remembers. That Insect-man was really strong. And a werewolf, just like the movies, Billy sighed before his eyes turned as wide as saucers. Ah! Insect-man stole the building!


    How would that even Ogras snorted in disdain, but his words were caught in his throat when he realized that the dumb brute was absolutely right.


    They hadnt been transferred to some random spot in this hidden realm. They were just a few hundred meters away from where the enormous istion dome should have stood. There was a hole thousands of meters deep where it once stood, but vibrant grass had already sprouted in the pit, growing with a speed visible even to the naked eyes.


    There was no chance to get a grip on what was going on before another enormous tremor shook the whole world. The sky turned chaotic the next moment. One moment it was the aquamarine blue of before, the next moment there was only darkness. Then the darkness turned into a star-studded night sky.


    Ogras and Billy looked up at the continuously transforming sky. It was like the owner of the realm couldnt decide how the sky should look, and tried on a series of different environments. A huge meteor suddenly appeared on the horizon, and it was like it was teleported as it suddenly hitnd.


    Oh crap, Ogras said as he looked at the enormous plume of soil and dust that rose high into the sky.


    However, the fear of seeing a meteor m into the ground was nothingpared to the fear that followed it. The fear of realization. Ogras eyes immediately shot toward his hand, and despair immediately set in when he saw that the rune was gone. Oh Crap.


    Ah? Billy said with confusion, finally looking away from the still-transforming sky.


    I think were stuck here, you and I, Ogras sighed, and he rified what he was talking about when he saw the nk look on Billys face. The seals are gone. We will not be able to get back to Earth.


    Like castaways? Billy frowned before he nodded.


    Ogras looked on with confusion as Billy walked over to a young tree and ripped it straight out of the ground.


    Mama read Billy a book about being a castaway. First, you get a spear. Then coconuts. Have you seen any coconuts, horny man? Billy asked.


    Coconuts? What? And why would you need that shitty spear? Dont you have that big club of yours? Ogras said with exasperation.


    Ah! Billy eximed again, his eyes lighting up. Billy has lots of meat too. Billy is really smart after all.


    What would you even hunt with that weak spear of yours? Ogras snorted as he took out a gon of liquor. There arent even any life forms in this ce. Well, at least there is plenty of Cosmic Energy and Origin Dao. Cultivating here will be extremely efficient.


    He wasnt really thirsty, but this seemed like an excellent time to get drunk. He didnt have the slightest clue of how to get out from the hidden realm of a Dimensional Seed. Even worse, it looked like the seed was traveling between dimensions judging by the sky. Who knew if he would even still be inside the Zecia sector by the time he figured a way out of here.


    A ttering shriek suddenly broke the silence, and its piercing tone made Ogras hair stand on end. What the hell was that? It came from the direction of the meteor. Ogras suddenly thought of a terrifying possibility. That weird stone, was it really a meteor?


    Or was it a Hive?


    Ah stupid horny man, you jinxed it, Billy muttered as he gave Ogras a scathing look.


    Of course, Ogras sighed and closed his eyes before taking a long, long swig.


    This is what you get when you risk your life.

 Chapter 660: Anniversary

    Chapter 660: Anniversary


    Zac took a deep breath as he opened his eyes, and he was greeted by the first rays of the suns piercing through the foliage of the por growing in his courtyard. This bout of meditation hadsted over three days, but to say that he had made any real gains would be a lie. He had been unable to properly calm his mind and enter a proper state.


    Because today marked the third anniversary of the events in the Mystic Ream.


    The scene of Ogras disappearing into the Dimensional Seed and the cataclysmic battle that followed was still fresh in his mind. His and Billy''s life and death were still up in the air. Kenzie was still adamant about them surviving, but Zac couldn''t help but lose hope as the years passed. They simply hadnt been able to find any information to support that theory.


    Still thinking about it? a worried voice said as Thea stepped out of their bedroom.


    Its hard not knowing, Zac sighed as he got up to his feet and walked over and kissed her.


    Your sister still hasnt given up, you know. It feels like she is nning something big, Thea said as she gripped his hand in his.


    I know, Zac said as he felt a headacheing on just at the mention of Kenzie.


    Ogras essentially sacrificed his life to save Kenzie, and Kenzie hadnt given up on him even after three full years. Part of him believed it was because of the life-saving favor, but another part believed the two had to have been an item in secret. Kenzie was always evasive on the subject, and he guessed that it didn''t really matter. But the resources she had put into finding and saving the demon were, in a word, terrifying.


    Then again, he wasnt one to talk considering how he acted with Alea back then, and it was her money. It wasnt like he was trying to find them either, but he wouldnt even know where to begin to look. He hadnt even managed to gather any intelligence on Dimensional Seeds, and it might not even be something that had appeared in Zecia before.


    Still, Zac could only table the matter for now as the two walked through his private forest to a secluded perg overlooking the ocean. It was far from the shipyard and the public sector, a small section of paradise just for the two of them. They sat down, content to simply watch the suns'' morning rays dance over the waves.


    Dating as a cultivator came with its own set of challenges, especially when both partners were cultivation maniacs. The two had lived together for almost two years by now, but this was actually the first time they spent together in almost a week.


    As the two progressed on the path of cultivation they had found that every bout of meditation took longer and longer, especially now that the Origin Dao of Earth waspletely exhausted. Zac had been in a meditative trance for almost three days trying to ponder on how to further his fusion between Dao andbat, but his progress wasughable.


    Thea had been off training her swordy while simultaneously thinning out an aggressive beast horde before that. Zac often undertook simr outings as well to test his theories when he wasnt busy working on his soul or understanding of fractals. Of course, this week-long separation was nothingpared to the seven months Thea spent in the Base Town and Tower of Eternity.


    So,ing together to this secluded spot had be sort of a tradition for them, a way to get away from it all and spend some time on each other. There was no talk of cultivation or the endless duties that kept them busy the few hours they didnt cultivate. Thea took out a breakfast set she had prepared, and the two spent the next thirty minutes just rxing.


    Oh, I happened to track down that disciple of yours while you were cultivating, Thea suddenly said.


    What is she up to now? Zac sighed.


    Shes a highway bandit in the forests close to the Dead Zone, Thea snorted. Shes scrounged up a bunch of teenagers from somewhere and they are robbing the adventuring groups that passes through on the way to the ry stations. I found out because she robbed one of my agents who recognized her.


    Ill send someone to bring her back, Zac exhaled.


    You know, Emily is acting out because she feels cramped up on this ind. Why not let her walk her own path? Neither you or I got where we are now by staying in the Academy, Thea said. Shes a young woman now.


    That doesnt mean the Academys not effective, Zac said. I made enough mistakes for a lifetime getting to where I am now, and if not for my luck I would be dead a hundred times over. Only one out of a million might make it out alive when walking a path of constant bloodshed.


    I guess youll have to find some middle-ground then or shell keep running off. Sooner orter, shell get her hands on a Teleportation Token, and then she wont be in your backyard any longer, Thea said. I need to practice with Aigale a bit, wish Kenzie good luck from me, will you?


    I will, Zac nodded and kissed her goodbye before she disappeared with her movement skill.


    Zac himself stayed behind to rest for a while longer.


    Things had proceeded pretty much as expected after the return from the Mystic Realm. The auction was a huge sess thatted him almost 40 billion Nexus Coins, which was followed by him almost effortlesslypleting the Second Step of Sovereignty. He had been pitted against a hundred other presumptive Sovereigns of the Zecia sector in a situation somewhat simr to the Battle of Fates in the Tower of Eternity. But this time there was no Iz Tayn to strike terror in his heart.


    This time he was the terror.


    After he passed as the clear first-spot-holder, he was given a simple follow-up quest. He had proven that he had what it took to be a leader, afterward he just needed to hold onto that power. Of course, with Thea being his girlfriend and the remains of the New World Government integrated into Port Atwood, there was not much opposition. Most of the Ishiate didnt care one way or another. In fact, it turned out that Starlight had actually left Earth already thanks to some sort of opportunity he had gained.


    The Zhix were solidly in his camp as well, and that alone was enough to make others think twice before making their move. The only potential threat was the natives of the fallen Mystic Realm, but Zac had already made his arrangements for them. The Gemlings were now part of Port Atwood and mostly stayed in his Underwater Town, crafting and looking for treasures on the seabed.


    He hadnt expected those stone turtles to actually be amphibian in nature, but it turned out they preferred to either live close to the shores on his inds. Many of their crafting techniques were even water-based, though some had swapped over to follow the same path as Bra.


    The survivors of the True Sky Faction were in a simr situation as n Volor. The leaders had mostly signed the same sort of contracts as external elders did and stayed on with Port Atwood, with a few purchasing Teleportation Tokens from him to leave Earth and stake out a path on their own. Most of those who chose to remain, including Hekruv Vira, took up positions at the Atwood Academy, splitting their time between cultivation and research.


    The Cartava n had been eradicated by the Lunar Tribe, and the werewolves were now a weak isted faction under strict observation, forming just a small vige with less than a thousand households. They lived up in the deste North now, far from any other civilization. Ogras would no doubt have wanted Zac to take them all out, but Zac simply didnt have the stomach for it. There had been enough bloodshed in thosest frantic days of the Mystic Realm.


    Besides, Zac felt he owed a debt of gratitude to their leader. Things would probably have turned out a lot differently if he hadnt shown up at the eleventh hour in the battle against Adcarkas. To look after his tribe in return was the least he could do, especially considering their top elites were all killed. Of course, this courtesy only remained as long as the Lunar Tribe didnt do something stupid.


    So, things were stable on Earth for the moment, but that wasnt to say that there hadnt been any attempts to stop his power grab over the following years. But every coup had been utterly crushed, often without Zac even needing to lift his finger. He had mostly left things to the Valkyries or the Zhix while he kept to himself as he worked on his foundation. One exception took ce half a year ago though when a man called Mark Kaufman appeared out of nowhere.


    He quickly gained a following as he proudly disyed his level, a whooping level 106, in the middle of the square of New Washington while simultaneously challenging Zac for the position of the leader of Earth. This guy had never been on thedder while it still existed, and he wasnt listed on the Marshall ns booklet called Earths Champions. His background was aplete mystery.


    Of course, this Mark guy had obviously never heard of the term haste makes waste. Zac learned of the challenge and appeared ready for battle, but Mark Kaufman wasnt even able to withstand Zacs Dao Field. The pressure alone crushed his bones as he was forced to the ground. He was still in recovery from what Zac heard.


    It quickly became clear that this guy was as lowly as cultivators came, and he was actually an E-Grade Common Cultivator, someone who had given up on future progression. He had almost no titles and no aplishments to speak of, barely meeting the minimum requirements for evolution thanks to an herb he had chanced upon.


    The way he had gained so many levels was directly linked to this; with such a shitty foundation he barely required any energy to level up. If Zac had such low requirements, he would probably have been level 150 by now, rather than still sitting at level 101.


    In fact, Mark wasnt the only one who had passed Zac in level by now. The Earths Champions booklet listed over two hundred humans having passed level 100 by now. Of course, they had only surpassed him on the leveldder. He still held an undisputed first position on the powerdder that the Marshall n also put together.


    Zac briefly thought back to the System-rundders of old, and he couldnt help but apud Alyns prescience. She had told him that less than half of the elites would be remembered in a few years, and this was exactly the case. The names on the Marshall ns level lists were almost all new names, with the olddder geniuses upying less than a quarter of the top.


    Most of the old guard were still stuck in the F-Grade, and only a few of them voluntarily so ording to what he had heard. Earth being flooded with Origin Dao essentially supercharged early cultivation, and there really was not much reason to hanker on at F-Grade for more than a year or two on a recently integrated. They were given the gift of huge momentum, and it would be foolish not to make the most of it.


    But only now did the people of Earth realize what an opportunity had passed them by during the early stages of the Integration. The training wheels were off now.


    The Origin Dao was gone, and the opportunities to rack up massive achievements were sparse with no remaining Incursions, making it extraordinarily hard for those who had picked higher-rarity sses to advance. Not everyone could be like Thea, returning victoriously from the Tower of Eternity and gaining an E-Grade Rare ss in one go.


    Frictions were already starting to appear between forces, where desperate cultivators saw war as the only opportunity for them to break through their bottleneck. Cultivation was normally not this rushed, but the situation on a fresh was a bit unique. There were no elders to stabilize the situation, so those who progressed the fastest were also those who got to enjoy the best resources, no matter how shaky their foundations were.


    Of course, the people of Port Atwood were mostly insted from that hectic grab for levels and resources, with the Academy staunchly maintaining a more prudent curriculum. Zac himself was the same, with him having gained just over 10 levels over the past three years, a sharp declinepared to his earlier speed.


    Part of him was a bit worried about losing momentum, but he didnt have much of a choice at the moment. He had chosen to walk an extremely perilous path, a path containing three top-tier concepts and fusing them into one system. He had been muddling along until now, but it was high time for him to shore up his foundations.


    Outwardly it might have seen as though he had stopped working after securing a century-long breather for Earth, but the truth was anything but. He had spent a herculean effort on his F-Grade skills, all of which had now reached Peak Mastery. This was normally something that was done before even evolving, so Zac had beengging behind on that department.


    Unfortunately, him shoring up hiscking foundation wasnt the only thing that kept his level suppressed. There were far more troublesome issues that caused him headaches. First of all, there was the ever-present issue of his Draugr Race constitution. Three years had passed but his improvements were simply pathetic.


    The <strong>[Bone Forging Dust]</strong> was no longer effective on his body, which honestly was a bit of a relief. Calrin had managed to find a few minor treasures that worked on him as well, but he was still a long way from reaching D-Grade, especially since his undead side seemed to require far more resources to take that step.


    Added together with his other gains he couldnt help but worry about hit his attribute cap, and the thought alone made Zac nervously open his Status Screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>101</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om</td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - High, Fragment of the Coffin - High, Fragment of the Bodhi - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>4032 [Increase: 93%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1967 [Increase: 67%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3872 [Increase: 103%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3076 [Increase: 93%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>949 [Increase: 67%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1803 [Increase: 72%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>397 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] 107 298 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    His other two Daos had caught up to his Fragment of the Axe by now, but he didnt feel like any of his Daos were close to taking reaching peak mastery. Inspiration was found in the heat of battle, which was doubly true for his Fragment of the Axe, and he hadnt been forced to push himself since the cataclysmic battles in the Mystic Realm.


    But there was one more reason, something Zac hadnt realized until now. It really seemed his progress was a lot worsepared to even normally talented people now that the Origin Dao was gone. It was like his Dao Progress was extremely quick as long as it had some fuel to run on, be it Origin Dao or treasures, but the moment there was no fuel supplied, progress simply stopped.


    Others could at least make some progress through meditation, but Zac didnt feel like he was doing that at all. Perhaps he was making some inroads, but it wouldnt be realized until he got his hands on an E-grade Dao Treasure. There was no doubt about it in Zacs mind; this, too, was rted to his Void Emperor-bloodline. Zac believed he wouldnt have many bottlenecks, but he would need to find treasures or treasurends to push his progress forward.


    Of course, his Daos having stagnated a bit was for the best with his current situation.


    His attributes had increased by almost 50% thanks to his levels and improved Daos over the past years. In a way, it was almost a relief that his peak mastery <strong>[Foresters Constitution] </strong>couldnt keep up with his ballooning attribute pool any longer, and the actual boosts to Endurance and Vitality it provided were far below the advertised 15%.


    Just the thought of gaining another level in his current situation filled him with worry. He had reached Middle E-Grade by now, and the boosts had doubled. What if he hit the attribute cap? Of course, that wasnt the only reason why breaking open a node filled him with trepidation.


    The dangers of grinding had taken a sharp and drastic turn the moment he hit Middle E-grade.

 Chapter 661: Peak Performance

    Chapter 661: Peak Performance


    Gaining levels was usually the easiest part for geniuses, with Daos and Achievements causing the biggest dys. However, Zac had long heard about how many people got stuck in the middle of the E-Grade, bottlenecked to never reach the peak. At first, he had trouble understanding why some people would rather dissipate their energy than keep pushing forward, but Zac had been given a rude awakening the moment he hit level 100.


    It was the peak of Low E-grade and the first node that wasnt ced in one of his limbs. It was rather ced at his shoulder. It was still at the edge of his body, but still on his proper torso. Zac read about the increasing difficulties of breaking open nodes on his torso andter his head, but nothing could have prepared him for the fallout.


    The fleshy explosion that almost made him lose his whole right arm was bad enough, but the true threat was the invisible wounds that impacted his pathways and his whole body. His very foundations had taken a massive hit by cracking the node open, and he had been forced to spend three months in recuperation where he barely circted any Cosmic Energy at all.


    Even his lethal cocktail of Berserking methods during the final battle against Adcarkas had only required two months of bed rest, but this single node was even worse.


    Healing pills hadnt worked, and neither had <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong>. Redrawing his pathways with <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong> did help a bit, but he was still extremely weakened, like his body had sprung a leak or something. It looked like only his bodys natural recuperation was able to heal the weird state of weakness. His Void Emperor Bloodline didn''t really help either, except by providing an unusually sturdy body. After all, his situation wasn''t caused by impurities, so <strong>[Purity of the Void] </strong>did nothing in this situation.


    He had somewhat looked down at Galvarion, the maritime mortal that he read about in Theas library, for taking over a century to reach Peak E-Grade. But he understood all-too-well by now. Zac had expected things to get gradually worse, but this was too much. His attribute gains doubled at Middle E-Grade while the difficulty rather increased tenfold. He had gathered as much information as he could though, and he made some discoveries.


    First of all, this wasnt only a problem that affected Mortals. Even cultivators were impacted by this change. Low E-Grade was essentially risk-free to boost, but even cultivators would be hurt when grinding open nodes with the help of their Cultivation Manuals in the Middle and High E-Grade. Of course, the threat to them was only a tenthpared to mortals who forcibly blew their nodes wide open.


    Secondly, ones foundation made things more dangerous. This wasnt a surprise to Zac considering what he had learned so far, but it was still important to remember. The higher your attribute pool was, the bigger your energy reserves were. That also meant that you needed to fill each node with more energy before it burst, which unsurprisingly made the fallout worse.


    Someone like himself probably took a hit many times more dangerous than a Mortal like Galvarion, who only was an Umon E-Grade mortal. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Third, you could minimize the damage to your body by improving your control of Cosmic Energy. This was unfortunately easier said than done for Zac. His energy control wasntpletely wretched like his Dao Control, but it was still not something to write home about. Add that to the previous point, and him breaking open nodes was far more dangerouspared to the situation for normal mortals.


    Luckily, there were some solutions to his predicament. First of all, breaking open nodes with the help of pills or treasures was equivalent to Cultivators'' situation. The damage he would receive leveling with the help of pills would be negligible. His sister had already added a simple purification array to his cultivation cave that would help shed Pill Toxicity and slowly reduce his resistance to those types of pills. Furthermore, his Hidden Node sped up his natural detoxifying process ten timespared to normal warriors.


    He was already at a state that he could do a level rush as he did back when evolving to E-Grade, but he was still holding off as he wanted to deal with his undead Race. There was also the issue of getting top-tier pills. Last time he wasted his potential a bit by just taking random pills he got in the Base Town, but now he wanted to make the most of it, only eating the best of the best as to not waste any time.


    There were also arrays specifically designed to decrease the danger for mortals when bursting nodes. Unfortunately, those arrays werent all that popr since very few Formation ns felt it worthwhile to study those types of arrays and improve them. The array he had got his hands on was called <strong>[Shedding Mortal Coil-Array]</strong>, but it didnt even slightly live up to its name.


    It did at least lessen the damage by up to 10% by somewhat containing the outburst, and that was after Kenzie''s improvements. But Zac couldn''tin, he needed every advantage he could get. Furthermore, it was engraved on an array disk, so he could always bring it with him in case he wanted to break open a node on the go.


    Zac was convinced there were far better arrays out there, perhaps even some supreme arrays that could ay the dangers for mortalspletely, but that wasnt something he could get his hands on Earth, probably not anywhere in the whole sector.


    His best solution right now was to slowly improve his control and work on his soul. He hoped that evolving his soul woulde with all kinds of benefits, including improved control over his Daos and Cosmic Energy. In the meantime, he might get his hands on better supportive tools for mortals. But for now, he had decided to slow down his leveling drastically and instead focus on other things.


    And there was a lot to do.


    Grinding his skills to peak mastery was his first goal, and the next step was to start fusing his abilities. Some of the F-grade skills were barely useful any longer, utterly incapable to bring out the power contained in his body. He was better off simply fighting head-on than using skills like <strong>[Chop]</strong>. Even his skills from his undead Epic ss had fallen behind by this point, and skills like <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> had long stopped scaling with his Endurance.


    That was why Zac nowadays spent around ten hours a day pouring over hundreds of missives on shoring up his theoretical foundations. Pathways, Fractals, Attuned Energies, Dao, the Soul, and the rtionship between all theseponents. Zac had studied it all to better grasp his situation and what steps he needed to take toward the future.


    His improved constitution was proving invaluable during his studies. He no longer had any issues maintainingplete focus for days on end, and his memory was near eidetic as well, allowing him to remember pretty much everything he had read. Just one month of studying now allowed him to learn far more than he did during his years in college.


    But the more he learned the more he also understood just how shallow his foundation was. Unfortunately, it was either extremely expensive or even impossible to buy detailed information about most subjects, making advanced knowledge scarce. It was no wonder so many wandering cultivators eventually chose to join a sect.


    Thisck of proper avable guidance was obviously not a coincidence, but rather an intentional situation created by powerful factions. If an information house started disseminating everything from skills, to manuals, to secret knowledge far and wide, they would immediately find themselves under tremendous pressure from hundreds of powerful forces.


    Hiring talented wandering cultivators was extremely important to maintain operations even for family ns, as they were needed for everything from filling the ranks of armies to providing skills that the force wascking. If these wandering cultivators suddenly could get their hands on all they needed by just buying a bunch of missives, then they would be far less likely to join a force. Or at least demand a lot higherpensation for giving up their freedom.


    This conflict of interests had resulted in a tightly controlled information market, with unofficial rules on what information could and couldnt be sold, and prices being mostly standardized. Perhaps things were better in more flourishing Sectors, but Zac wouldnt bet on it. Because one willing participant in this scheme was the System itself.


    The System had long since concluded that freely essible information generally resulted in mediocre cultivators. It rather wanted factions to go to war for each others heritages, with knowledge and riches being the reward for risking your life. Zac was in neither any position nor mood to go to war to steal some other factions heritage, so he and Port Atwood had to make do with just the basics.


    Of course, Zac wasnt the only one that was working on improving himself around the clock, and a sigh escaped his lips as he nced toward his sisterspound. Thea said she believed Kenzie was up to something big, but she didnt know the half of it. Thea was stillpletely unaware of the factories and workshops that were hundreds of meters underground, massiveplexes built with the help of data andponents found in the Spatial Rings of Cervantes and the Cartava elders.


    Furthermore, two inds had been turned into strictly guarded factories that producedponents for Kenzies needs.


    Zac hated that Kenzie was so insistent in ying with Technocrat technologies, but the events in the Mystic Realm had instilled her with the same sort of need for power that had allowed him to reach his current heights. She refused to listen to him, to the point that Zac was afraid shed leave Earth and set up an even worsepound somewhere else if he pressured her.


    Then again, it had also turned out that they didnt have a lot of options other than to take the plunge if they wanted Kenzie to evolve.


    Jeeves had long be part of her soul, and it turned out that her reaching E-grade without Jeeves doing the same was impossible. She had long reached level 75 and gained four Dao Fragments, and there were less than five people in Port Atwood that could deal with her in a direct confrontation. But she still couldnt even get an Umon E-Grade ss.


    It was like Jeeves had turned into a fourth requirement on top of Dao, Race, and Achievements.


    The desire to find Ogras, and to a lesser degree Billy who they assumed had been sucked up by the vortex as well, had pushed her on in a manic scramble to find everything Jeeves required to be a ss-2 AI, while simultaneously building a whole mechanized headquarter to facilitate the upgrade. Zac mostly looked on with worry while limiting her operations to the bare minimum, praying that Jeeves was really right in its insistence that it wouldnt draw the ire of the System.


    He had also erected Ten <strong>[E-Grade Heavens Path Beacons]</strong> across the without telling his sister. The beacons were provided on the cheap by pro-System factions and they only had one purpose; to block ess to the Digitized World and weaken any sort of signals of technological origin from reaching thes surface.


    They were essentially WIFI-jammers to make sure that Kenzie didnt sneak onto the Soul World Jaol mentioned in her desire to be stronger, inadvertently putting the whole in danger. Zac would rather have bought far more powerful beacons as he wasnt confident that these low-grade arrays could properly block factions like Firmaments Edge, but this was the best he could get his hands on at the moment.


    Prolong and agonize as he might, the day of Kenzies evolution had finally arrived. Evolving Jeeves had required a shocking amount of money, and not even he would have been able to shoulder that cost. They had managed to satiate a few of its requirements by looting the Merit Exchange and the umted wealth of the Lunar Tribe and Cartava n.


    However, most of it was acquired by Kenzie herself as she had made a fortune with the help of Jeeves.


    Her method was quite ingenious; she found popr defensive arrays sold by Formation ns or Sects and created extremely efficient Array Breakers for them with the help of the calctions of Jeeves and the Technocrat Supeputers she snatched. With that in hand, she essentially ckmailed the factions, selling her silence and instructions on how to remedy the loopholes.


    If the sects refused, she simply released the Array Breakers through Calrin or the Array n''spetitors and made a bundle of cash that way.


    She had only been doing that for two years and with low-grade arrays, but she alone made way more money than Zacsbined ventures, which was a testament to the value skilled nonbat cultivators could bring to a faction. It was for this very reason the Tsarun n had spent so much effort on the Gemlings. Unfortunately for them, it had turned into yet another venture of theirs that benefited Zac in the end, with the first being the Thayer Consortium.


    Kenzie had already gained some infamy in certain circles from her actions as well. More than one Array Master and Formation n had put out a bounty on her head, though no one knew of her real identity. The bounties were the reason for more than one sleepless night for Zac, but he knew that trying to do something about it with his limited strength would only worsen the situation.


    Calrin and the Thayer Consortia was also a great beneficiary of Kenzies, or Peak Performance Breakers, as she called her venture when going about her extortionist business. It was a bit on the nose, but Calrin couldn''t care less as he raked in hugemissions by acting as a go-between with the help of his Mercantile License.


    Zac couldnt help but snicker and wonder if her actions had caused any problems for the real Peaks, the Peak Family that Average and Pretty belonged to.

 Chapter 662: Deviant

    Chapter 662: Deviant


    The Thayer Consortium had gained over two hundred billion Nexus from selling Kenzies Array Breakers over the past three years. That wasnt muchpared to established mercantile unions, but it was still a shocking amount considering how small a percentage Calrin charged for Kenzies business. Furthermore, the actual sale of Array Breakers was the smaller Kenzie''s two ie sources by all ounts. Extortion was far more profitable.


    It did end up with the Thayer Consortium forming a few dozen life-death grudges, since while Kenzie could remain anonymous, it all ultimately happened through Calrin''s license. But the greedy Sky Gnome figured that it didn''t matter since he already had the Tsarun n looking for him. What was a few more?


    Zac himself wasnt exactly sure of his sisters fortune by this point, but she had mentioned that the total cost for Jeeves'' upgrades had long surpassed 5 D-Grade Nexus Coins, which was the equivalent of over 5 Trillion Nexus Coins. That was far beyond even the exorbitant cost of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    Many of the materials had required him to send some of his followers off-world as well, which was only made possible after bing aary Lord. The increased status allowed him to bring one person with him either when leaving or returning to Earth, which he could exploit by simply opening the portal and not go through himself.


    Sometimes it was to attendrge-scale auctions or trade fairs, other times to pick up consigned items through intermediaries. Zac would normally have wanted to go out and explore along with his subordinates, but he usually handed the tasks over to his followers in the end. First of all, he was too busy to wait for weeks or months for a particr item to appear at an auction, but the biggest reason was that his identity was tooplicated at the moment.


    That wasnt to say he hadnt left Earth over the past three years.


    Going out as himself was impossible, but he did have the disguise skill <strong>[Million Faces] </strong>which provided an aura-altering effect. Together with Greatests privacy bangle, he had a pretty decent disguise. He still only left when absolutely necessary though, and only to ces he could confirm didnt house any C-Grade Monarchs.


    Zac obviously didnt think himself capable of dealing with proper D-Grade Hegemons in case it came to blows, especially not after witnessing the Great Redeemer duking it out with the Collector and the Administrator. It was rather that people below the C-Grade were quite unlikely to discover his disguise. That allowed him to set out,plete his task, and return before he created any waves.


    After all, Zacs reputation had grown to almost mythical proportions over the past three years. His deeds had been spread far and wide, and even Calrin had been able to easily purchase information packets containing everything he had done in the Base Town.


    The only force that had openly condemned him and put out an enormous bounty was unsurprisingly the Tsarun n. No matter if it was to retain their dignity or if they believed that an irreconcble grudge had already formed, they had openly stated their desire to have him killed. Their real goal was probably to find out the source of his power though, considering how power-hungry they were.


    Zac personally preferred such an open stancepared to the daggers hidden in the dark. If there was one force that was openly going after him, then there were no doubt dozens doing it without publishing it far and wide. Especially considering that not a single faction had stepped out to protect him, not even the Peak Family. Perhaps that was because he still only represented potential, but Zac also feared that it might have something to do with the title he had been given in his absence.


    The Deviant Asura.


    A surge of annoyance bubbled up when he thought of the shitty nickname people used to talk about him behind his back. A beating of gctic proportions would be dished out if he ever got his hands on Gu. His actions during the panty raid had spread far and wide, along with dozens of fake stories that had made his reputation in the Zecia sector far worse than it ever was on Earth.


    There was even a rumor going about that he was collecting young maidens for his harem. He had asked Ibtep about the situation the moment they returned from the Zethaya branch, but they had said that everything was under control. The Zhix Liaison had clearly not been able to dig out the truth from the Zethaya n even after staying with them for over a month.


    Even crazier, there were actually millions of girls willing to take him up on the offer. Zac had to admit the thought was pretty exhrating to have be such an eligible partner, but it had resulted in some trouble on the home front. For example, Thea had returned from the Tower of Eternity with the temper of a volcano about to erupt after having listened to the rumors for over half a year.


    The Deviant title thankfully didnt only refer to his supposed penchant for young girls and wearing their undergarments, but also the ruthless way he fought. A video of him holding the ripped-off head of Rasuliel Tsarun in the rubble of the Zethaya Pill House was attached to every information missive, and his corpse tree still stood tall in the center of the Base Town for some reason.


    His and his peoples outings had at leaste with some good news; he had not only snatched up the second material for Karunthels quest, but also a third. He had lucked out and gotten his hands on a <strong>[Daemonic Manastone]</strong> himself during one of his rare outings. It was while looking for Infernal Crystals, an exceedingly rare attuned crystal mainly utilized by some summoner sses.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The manastone was simr to a Beast Core, belonging to a creature summoned from some sort of abyssal ne. It had a very unique ability that made it different from normal Beast Cores though; to continuously draw power from that unknown dimension. Zac guessed that Karunthel wanted that thing to see if it could be turned into a power source that didnt need to be reced all the time like Nexus Crystals.


    One manastone wouldn''t even be able to power an E-Grade vessel even if the Creators managed to transform the alien energies it emitted, but what if you integrated thousands of them into a Cosmic Vessel? It sounded like a pretty good idea to Zac, provided you could stomach the cost.


    The other item he had gathered was unsurprisingly the <strong>[Urgarat kes]</strong>. Zac had discovered that one of the teleportation tokens in his possession led to a faction in the same area as a where you could harvest the natural run-off material. He had sent one of his people to stay in the town for five months, and the kes eventually appeared in an auction.


    That left only one material to upgrade the shipyard; the <strong>[Ferric Worldeater]</strong>, and Zac already knew where to find it. The only reason he hadnt set out to visit Leyaras Void Monastery yet was that he was hesitant whether he was ready to deal with that ce. He would probably have to go as himself if he wanted a shot at reaching the Void Star, the mysterious anomaly that was at the heart of the Void Gate-faction.


    He had researched all kinds of methods to hide his unique points from even C-grade Monarchs, but he still wasnt confident in the results. It was a shame too, considering that the Void Gate not only was the only confirmed source of the weird space beasts, but also a ce that might hold more answers about his bloodline. If there was any ce in the Zecia Sector where he might find a Bloodline Method that actually suited him, then it would be over there.


    But the Void Priestess was there, and Zac was unwilling to put himself in such a helpless situation.


    The same unfortunately went for any high-grade world, no matter if you were talking about the Allbright Empire, the Twilight Harbor, or even the chaotic space outside the Red Zone of the Allbright Empire. All of them potentially housed Monarchs that might be able to expose him just with a single nce. Some might not care, but it just took one of them to garner some interest for him to get caught and dissected like ab animal.


    He wasnt all that worried about the remnants being found out in the Zecia sector. Their cage was something set up by the System itself and BeZi, who Zac was pretty much certain was a B-Grade Cultivator. It was his mutated Specialty Core that was the problem. It had only taken Greatest a nce to somewhat figure out what it would do, and the same was true for Yrial.


    There were all kinds of powerful Specialty Cores, but he had never heard of something so overpowered as to give a whole second ss. Even Monarchs would probably be interested in that. Kenzie was working on some sort of array that might help disguise it and make it look like a normal Duplicity Core, but progress was slow even with the help of her vast calcting power. Perhaps the imminent evolution of Jeeves would be the change that would lead to a breakthrough.


    Zac spent the rest of the day the same way as usual, cultivating his soul for a few hours before he visited Abby to go over the general state of Earth. Nothing much was new though. The situation on Earth was bing increasingly stable as time passed. The poption of Earth had even started growing again, albeit barely.


    There was the issue of the increasing number of monster tides guing the towns. There was a huge number of beasts that had reached E-grade by this point, and many of them looked to expand their territories. It was still amon urrence for towns to be overrun or badly hurt.


    It wasnt that Zac didnt want to help, and there were quite a few elites in Port Atwood who would be more than willing to jump from town to town and clear out monsters. The System unfortunately didnt want that to happen. It often disabled the teleporters when the beasts came running, creating trials for the township. If they seeded, someone would probably make some sort of breakthrough in the town. If they failed and were eaten, the System would save on resources.


    Port Atwood was working on preventative measures, for example keeping track of areas that held the potential to turn into monster tides. The more sessful forces were also dealing with the issue themselves. The easiest way to prevent a monster tide was to regrly hunt beasts in the vicinity. It both provided wealth and power to your faction while preventing being overrun.


    Zac left the government building an hourter, stepping out onto the tiled ground. A few modified cars shed by, their engines powered by Nexus Crystals. But vehicles were still a rare sight as most people in Port Atwood chose to walk. There were very few low-leveled people in the town even after its poption had exploded over the past years, and it didnt really save time to take a car for the average cultivator.


    His eyes turned to the sprawling city around him, and he still couldnt really believe that it was all under his control. Towering skyscrapers reached toward the clouds, each of them an architectural marvel that would shock the world before the integration. Things were different nowadays, with resources being far more plentiful.


    Designs that would previously be unsafe or prohibitively expensive were suddenly made possible with the help of spiritual materials and inscriptions. Some of the skyscrapers were even made from wood even though they reached over five hundred meters into the sky.


    The sprawling towers had taken all kinds of inspiration. From the demonic fusion of nature and buildings to the Steampunk Brass of the Ishiate Tinkerers. A few even looked like actual mountains or stgmites, which were mainly used by the molemen of the Underworld. There was onemon thread though; all the buildings heldrge gardens and terraces on their roofs, and even along their walls.


    Pollution wasnt really a problem any longer thanks to the cityrgely running on Cosmic Energy instead of electricity, but Zac didnt want to see his paradisaical ind being turned into a concrete jungle either. The roads were wide and lined with trees, and the buildings were all surrounded by parks or gardens, even the high-rise buildings. It gave the town a far roomier feelingpared to the old cities of Earth.


    Something like this would normally be impossible considering the value ofnd in the capital of a world, but Zac still retained the ownership of the whole ind apart from AzhRodum. Most of the buildings were his as well, though some were built by others.


    For example, Joanna owned arge block of student housing close to the Academy, using it as an additional ie to supplement her cultivation. Many of the elites and old guard did the same. Sap Trang, who almost perennially lived out on the dangerous waters with his Kraken, had started working on setting up a whole maritime conglomerate, providing everything from protection to exploring the depths of the sea.


    Ilvere owned all kinds of entertainment establishments in AzhRodum, mainly targeted at the cultivators who worked the crystal mines. There were tens of thousands of other smaller businesses keeping the economy of Port Atwood going, but the main focus of the inhabitants was ultimately cultivation.


    Most people lived in Port Atwood for the extremely dense Cosmic Energy. Zac didnt know whether it was a reward from the System or if he was just lucky, but the Nexus Vein beneath the ind had kept growing in power over the past years. The density of energy was simply unmatched, especially after Zac had added some massive gathering arrays covering the whole town.


    A lot of people would rather live in a small apartment in Port Atwood than build a sprawling mansion somewhere else on Earth. However, only a few ever got the opportunity, as Zac kept the poption numbers of his main ind under strict control. If he let the numbers balloon the energy density would grow too sparse, which would affect the cultivation of the elites of his faction.


    Zac soon returned to hispound. Of course, it was more urate to call it a fortress thanks to his increased Town Shop ess as a World Leader, and his sisters adjustments. Anyone beneath the D-Grade could only dream of entering his private forest, and even a D-Grade hegemon would need to expend quite a bit of effort and time, enough time for Zac to return with the help of his teleportation bracelet.


    He didnt head for his own courtyard as he knew that Thea would be off training. Instead, he walked over to the series of buildings his sister used for her tinkering. As expected, he found Kenzie going over a series of schematics that made Zac dizzy just from looking at them.


    Dont you look rxed, Zac smiled as he sat down next to her. How do you feel?


    I feel fine, Kenzie smiled. Dont worry. Ive run the simtions for this so many times by now. And I finally received thest treasures yesterday. Its finally time to take the next step. Today, Jeeves and I will enter the E-grade.

 Chapter 663: Tribulation

    Chapter 663: Tribtion


    I cant believe that guy is this greedy, Zac sighed. Your purchases would have bankrupted a normal D-Grade force.


    There is an endless number of Daos. Its pretty good that Jeeves only wanted the taste of three hundred, Kenzieughed as she stood up. Lets go. Ive been waiting for this for so long now.


    If you say so, Zac shrugged as he followed her toward the teleportation array.


    It felt like too big a risk to evolve Jeeves right in Port Atwood, so they had instead prepared a special ind over the past months. It had a Nexus Node of its own, along with a series of machines that would help with the evolution.


    I still dont get why it wants that many different attunements, Zac muttered as they teleported away. "Why not focus on the four elements like you do?"


    It was true, most of the requirements for Jeeves evolution hadnt been machines or technology. It was rather raw materials of different attunements. It was essentially gaining insight into hundreds of Daos by absorbing treasures that held a hint of the Dao itself. It was no doubt modeled after the methods used in the Research Base, where thousands of Daos fused into a supreme containment sphere.


    It had been pretty easy to satisfy that demand in the beginning with the help of Zacs huge stockpile of Attuned Crystals, but it started to get increasingly difficult over time.


    First of all, it wasnt enough to feed the greedy AI with crystals alone. It required various sources of every Dao to gain a deep enough understanding. The amount of attunement hidden in an Attuned Crystal was ultimately pretty weak and shallowpared to natural treasures. Even then, some attunements were pretty popr and easy to gain, but others were a lot more difficult.


    For example, it took almost no effort to collect a few sets of treasures for nature-aspected Daos. These were actively grown since they were a majorponent in healing pills.


    The same went for fire-attuned materials. They could easily be collected around volcanoes. But after they had collected some cheaper materials for the basic elemental Daos things got more difficult. For example, where could you find raw materials containing weapon-based Daos? The same went for Daos based on concepts, such as Ilveres Dao of Momentum or Alyns Dao of Dissemination.


    These kinds of weird Natural Treasures actually did exist, but they were unsurprisingly pretty rare. They were still useful in crafting equipment of specific attunements though, and with their scarcity, it did drive up the price. That was one of the reasons why the upgrade costs had ballooned to this degree over the past three years.


    Zac shuddered at the costs that would go into evolving the AI in the future. If it required materials for a full three hundred Daos now, what would it demand the next time? And would the materials all have to be D-Grade? Earth and Port Atwood couldnt even support this initial evolution, let alone future ones.


    All that was thankfully a problem for a distant issue. Zac would hopefully have gotten his hands on enough riches over the next century, and Kenzies money-making capabilities would only improve as her cultivation increased.


    I told you. Jeeves needs the different Daos to gain a true understanding of cultivation. The more Daos he collects, the better he can assist me. Everything is connected, Kenzie exined. Thats why I spent so much time looking for these final items.


    Alright. Did the guy also happen to know what will happen when he evolves? I mean this seems like something that will attract Tribtion Lighting even if he supposedly can hide from the System, Zac said.


    It should be fine. Besides, we won''t harm anyone this far away from civilization even if something happens, Kenzie said as she looked around. Besides, Jeeves is extremely strong for his grade. He could even knock out the Administrator, breaking through will be a breeze.


    Its you Im worried about, Zac sighed. If the Heavens zap your AI, its not like youll walk away unscathed.


    It shouldnt be, Kenzie said. Jeeves hasnt elicited any ire from the System"


    Im not so sure about that, Zac muttered, remembering the quest back then.


    You cant get too paranoid, Kenzie shrugged with a long-suffering look, which wasnt surprising considering the two already had this argument many times before. Taking the Dimensional Seed would probably have been a great boon for you. It would definitely be a worthwhile trade in the eyes of the System. Trading the life of one person who focuses on the Dao of Technology for a power-up of a million-year-talent? Easy trade. It doesn''t mean it has targeted Jeeves.


    Alright, alright. Youre sure theres nothing I can do? Zac asked.


    Nope, Kenzie said. Ill feed Jeeves thest materials and evolve as he does.


    Zac could only look on with worry as she walked over to the middle of the rotunda where the Nexus Node hovered in the air. Nine intricately inscribed boxes appeared around her, and Zacs body immediately started to scream with greed the moment she opened them.


    He didnt know what all the items Kenzie collected were, but he knew about two of them. One was called a <strong>[Lavoar Wavespirit]</strong>, and it looked like a crystallized drop of deep-blue water. It was an amazing water-attuned treasure that could actually increase ones affinity with the various Daos of Water.


    It wasn''t as magical as a treasure that could turn a mortal into a cultivator, but what cultivator didn''t dream of increasing their affinities to their Daos?


    It was a peak treasure for the lower grades in the Zecia sector, far surpassing things like the Fruit of Ascension or his Amanita Mushroom. Its price reflected that fact as well, and he knew that Kenzie had an off-world agent pay over 200 Billion Nexus Coins for this item alone. It was way beyond even the <strong>[Pathfinder Oracle Eye]</strong>. Of course, the price of that kind of treasure could probably reach 200 Billion as well outside the Base Town, provided there were a few interested parties.


    The second treasure he recognized was the <strong>[Avar Worldtree Nut]</strong>, a nut norger than an acorn. It was one of the treasures that were the cause for the ruckus in his cells because of the dense life it contained. The Avar Worldtree was a semi-sentient tree that had a chance to reach the power equivalent of peak D-Grade Cultivator if it was tended for properly.


    It could turn into a guardian for a n, where its vines could stretch tens of kilometers and rip apart an invading army. It would even growrge enough that one could build a whole city in its tree crowns. Of course, growing it to such a state would cost a fortune and it would take over ten thousand years, but it was still a very popr choice for some races to set up a foundation for a rising n.


    The Avar Worldtrees werent that rare thanks to its poprity. But they still only grew a nut or two every few millennia, so the supply was pretty limited. One nut cost over 30 Billion Nexus Coins.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The other treasures each had an element of their own, and the five basic elements were represented; Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. There were also two treasures pertaining to Life and Death, and two for Time and Space.


    These treasures were all the best of the best among what was publicly avable in the Zecia Sector, and a few of them could even match the Wavespirit in price. Thankfully, the rest of the items Kenzie had gathered until this point were a lot cheaper than these nine. She had splurged extra as these were foundational Daos and the Daos for her path, and she wanted Jeeves to understand them as deeply as possible.


    Zac watched with rapt attention as his sister took out one item after another and pressed it against her forehead, which caused them to disappear in a sh. It was Jeeves that was somehow absorbing the natural treasures. Three hundred Memorysteel balls, each one meter across and covered in dense scripts, rose into the air the next moment.


    It looked like they formed a constetion ofs above the rotunda, and Zac felt various Daos emanating from each of them. This was an invention of his sister, based on the containment sphere in the Research Base. However, these balls each held Natural Treasures of their own, and they suffused their energies into the surroundings.


    They also moved in a certain pattern that Zac couldn''t understand at all, but it definitely held some hidden meaning since Zac''s soul shuddered from trying to observe it. The movements also mixed the three hundred Daos, with Kenzie in the center. Zac gazed at the extravagant disy, knowing that Kenzie was currently burning Millions of Nexus Coins every second.


    Nothing happened for the first thirty minutes, but Kenzies brows slowly furrowed either in pain or concentration. Zac could only look on with worry, knowing he couldnt do anything to help at this point. This was uncharted territory, evolving a mysterious AI to the next stage. Jeeves itself said that it should be effortless, but Zac wouldnt trust the parasitic AI as far as he could throw it.


    The frown soon turned into a scowl, and Kenzie soon groaned in pain through grit teeth. Her aura was starting to fluctuate wildly, and Zac started to get a sinking feeling. This wasnt looking good.


    A piercing scream of danger made Zac wildly look around, a raging fury bubbling up in his chest. Was someone actually targeting them while Kenzie was undergoing her tribtion? Hed ughter anyone who caused a scene at this point. However, Zac quickly realized that the danger didnte from a rival faction or an assassin, but from the Heavens themselves.


    The sky was clear just a few seconds ago, but a sea of blue lightning bolts approached on the horizon. One secondter they had arrived, and Zac looked up with horror as one tendril after another started to descend. There was no way to defend against this. Kenzie had installed lightning rods on the ind upon his insistence, but there was no way they''d be able to handle something like this. Zac doubted even the ind itself would survive an onught of this magnitude.


    And even if the lightning somehow dissipated, there was still the issue of Kenzie herself. She clearly looked in a bad way, and she hadnt even touched the Nexus Node yet. It had to be Jeeves evolution that was somehow taxing her to the point that she wasnt even aware of the danger that was creeping up on her. Zacs hair stood on end, and he knew this attempt would end in failure.


    He needed to do something to save Kenzie, and he decided to enact hisst-ditch n. He couldnt help with Jeeves, but perhaps they could escape the Heavenly Lightning if he sent her away from Earth. He would first take Kenzie away from this ind through the teleportation Array and then send her away with a Teleportation Token. Or he could at least swallow some of the lightning to lessen her burden.


    However, a sigh echoed through the world just as Zac was about to rush in between the still-floating Memorysteel balls, and it felt like time ground to a halt.


    The horizon was fractured the next second as a mindbogglinglyrge scar appeared, a vertical line splitting Zacs vision in two. It almost touched the ground on one end while it stretched all the way into the stratosphere on the other. Four sets of enormous hands reached through the cracks, pushing them apart further and further, giving Zac a glimpse of the other side.


    Waiting on the other side of the crack was either deep space or the abyss itself, but Zac could barely discern what looked like a purple sun. However, Zac felt a terrifying force radiating from the star, making him believe it was something far greater than some burning ball of hydrogen.


    The fingers themselves looked like perfectly sculpted works of art, steel appendages where the divide between real and artificial had been blurred. However, the hands were not just made from solid matter. There was also a purple haze filled with mysterious energies that reced the joints, which added a supernatural feeling to the iing leviathan.


    The haze reminded Zac of the blue stream of pure energies that powered the Little Bean, but the Technocrat Vessel''s huge energy circuits felt like weak alkaline batteries in front of the power contained in a single finger of the mysterious being making its entrance.


    Eight arms were soon followed by a face, and space itself shuddered as the metal giant emerged. The being had a clearly female form, and a dress made of purple stardust swirled around her body. She was as tall as a mountain, and a single finger of hers would be able to push the whole ind he stood on into the depths of the ocean. The whole sea was actually pushed away from her presence, allowing her to step on solid ground a few kilometers out fromnd.


    The crack soon closed behind her, but space itself was clearly having trouble containing this monstrosity. Spatial tears stretched across the horizon, and it was like thews of nature were breaking apart in her presence as she started walking toward the shore beneath a sky of frozen lightning.


    Nine halos in wrought from the Dao itself swirled behind her back, each one containing even more power than the one before. Even the blue lightning bolts were overshadowed by their splendor.


    They formed a mysterious pattern that was ever-changing, and Zac was instantly put in a trance as he looked at them. They contained the profundity of the universe, and at a level that far exceeded what he couldprehend. The feeling far exceeded even what he had felt inside the chambers that had sealed the Dimensional Seed.


    The scene was shocking, and a primal part of Zacs subconscious simply wanted him to fall on his knees in obeisance to the iing entity. There was no escape from something like this. You could only pray that a being like this wouldnt deign to waste their breath to kill you.


    However, while Zacs heart beat like a drum, it wasnt simply out of abject fear. His emotions were a lot moreplicated as he looked up at the foreign yet familiar face a thousand meters in the air. The auburn locks were reced by purple strings of aether, but the fundamental features were still there. The face of someone who had hugged him goodnight, who had walked him to school as a child.


    Leandra Atwood had finally returned to Earth.

 Chapter 664: Destiny

    Chapter 664: Destiny


    The world was frozen from Leandra Atwood''s descent, but the Heavens wouldn''t be denied for long. The Tribtion Lightning churned and raged, like her very existence was an affront to the Heavens. Before it was just some of the tendrils moving toward the ind, whereas thousands of blue bolts fell from the sky now. But how could Leandra not havee unprepared?


    She opened one of her hands, and thousands upon thousands of mysterious lights were conjured out of nowhere, each of them forming a barrier that far eclipsed anything Zac and Kenzie would ever manage to buy or create. The uproar in the sky only increased in intensity, and attacks rained upon the barrier. It looked like the whole world would copse, and Zacs felt an overwhelming pressure by standing right beneath the terrifying disy.


    Deep cracks and purple discoloration spread across the barriers, but they actually held even against the System''s Tribtion Lightning. A few of her hands formed a set of seals that seemed to adjust the barriers to strengthen them even further. Leandra then inspected the scene for a moment before her gaze shifted to Zac and Kenzie down on the ground.


    One of her free hands formed a different seal, and Zacs suddenly found himself utterly incapable of movement. More worryingly, Kenzie seemed to have been knocked unconscious as she floated a few meters into the air while the Memorysteel-balls floated out of the way.


    Wait! Zac shouted as he tried to put himself between Kenzie and Leandra, but it was simply futile to break through the restraints.


    He could only look on with worry as one mysteriousyer after another encapsted his sister until she wasnt even visible within the cocoon of pure energy. Zac still had no idea whether Leandra was a friend or a foe, but one thing was for certain; she was at least able to help them survive this cmity.


    At least Zac hoped she was, since it looked like the intensity of the lightning in the sky only grew increasingly severe.


    Leandra looked up at the sky again for a few seconds, and Zac shuddered when he was inundated by a deep-seated hatred that made his hair stand on end. It was so far beyond any killing intent Zac would ever be able to unleash that it might as well be considered somethingpletely different. The burning anger of someone as powerful as Leandra seemed to impact reality itself, and even the sun dimmed as the ocean started to boil. He was lucky her gaze was directed at the sky rather than himself, since he wasn''t sure he''d survive the attention.


    Zac still felt his vision closing in on him as cracks appeared all over his organs. Thankfully the feeling soon disappeared, but Zac knew they werent out of the woods just yet as the sky was still rumbling with increasing fervor. For some reason, Zac sensed it had lost some of its direction though, like it couldnt find Kenzie hidden in that cocoon of his mother''s. Was that the purpose of those barriers, rather than actual protection?


    It still seemed like there was a distinct possibility that the System would decide to simply smite the whole ind if it couldnt find Kenzie, but Leandra finally was preparing her next move. The giants eight hands slowly formed a circle, and a blinding light appeared inside like she was forming some sort of portal with her own body. Zac looked on with apprehension, and his eyes widened when a familiar figure walked out from the light.


    It was flesh and blood Leandra, looking exactly as he remembered.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The metal giant wasnt actually his mother? Then again, Zac quickly realized that things might not bepletely clear-cut for Technocrats as the lofty giant behind her back quickly disintegrated into purple dust. Some of it entered Leandras body as she floated down toward their location, while parts formed a dome across the rotunda Kenzie had prepared for her evolution.


    Zac didnt immediately understand what the dome did, but he soon understood when realizing that the lightning above suddenly moved at a fraction of its original speed. She had set up a time dtion sphere.


    Mom Youre back, Zac said with hesitance, his mind trying to gauge whether the Leandra in front of him was the one from his vision or the far more amiable version recorded in the Technocrat Token.


    Leandras eyes slowly shifted away from the cocoon to briefly pause at a spot in the ocean before she looked into Zacs eyes. There wasnt the scathing hatred that Zac had felt in his vision, but neither was this the gaze of a loving mother. It was tranquil, to the point of being void of emotion entirely.


    Youve done well, protecting your sister during the Corruption, she said with a nod. In fact, your progress has greatly surprised me.


    Zac didnt immediately understand what she was talking about, and even wondered if she was talking about his Bloodline. But he soon realized that Corruption might be referring to the Integration. After all, the System spreading across the multiverse was probably seen as corruption by the Technocrats.


    What are you doing with Kenzie? Zac asked full of trepidation.


    You were too eager, trying to evolve Digital Nexus prematurely. You and the Nexus might have survived Heavens Judgement once, but that does not mean youre able to walk unabashed under the sun, Leandra said. I am sealing your sisters progress for now, until I can properly nurture the Nexus. It is too early for MacKenzie as well. She doesnt have your constitution, she will not be able to bear the burden as she currently is. She should have realized that already, but she still pushed on.


    What? Evolving Jeeves would kill her? said with shock.


    Jeeves? Leandra repeated with confusion before she understood what she was talking about. Yes. Half her blood is that of Robert Atwood, a normal mortal. That she was even able to receive and fuse with the Digital Nexus is nothing short of a miracle. But to reach our goal Will be difficult. We need to leave this sector if we want a chance at sess.


    Zacs thoughts spun as he went over the information. It seemed even more and more likely that he and Jeeves were originally meant to be used together. And as expected, Leandra hade to take Kenzie away. Zac was full of reluctance, but he had to admit it was better than getting incinerated by tribtion lightning.


    "Dad... Died during the Incursion," Zac said, somewhat of a loss of what else to say.


    There was no familial warmth as the two stood facing each other, and he almost felt like a soldier making a report to his general.


    "I know," Leandra nodded, and Zac inwardly frowned when there was not the slightest change in her expression. "Robert was a good man who helped us in our time of need. He deserved a better ending. Too many have fallen to the machinations of the Vinous Heavens. One day there will be a reckoning."


    Leandra appearedpletely indifferent to everything, which made Zac''s early childhood memories feel like an illusion. It pained him in a way he hadn''t quite expected, considering the resentment he had carried for decades. He could only focus on what''s important right now; saving Kenzie.


    Are you able to deal with the lightning? Zac asked.


    She didnt immediately answer but rather waved her hand. Zac didnt immediately understand what she was doing, but his eyes widened in shock when Thea suddenly appeared right between them, her hair wet as she looked around with terror.


    Thea! Zac eximed with a sinking feeling. Mom, whats going on?!


    Thea looked at Zac with iprehension before her eyes turned to Leandra who still radiated an undeniable might. She was clearly having trouble processing what was going on, and who could me her?


    She floated outside this ind on a treasure, hidden by a few low-grade arrays, Leandra said, making Zac look at his girlfriend with confusion.


    I- I wanted to understand whats going on. You two have been acting full of secrecy for years, building hidden factories, and these restricted inds. I wanted to make sure Thea stammered. I didnt want to hurt anyone, just help out in case something went wrong. I-


    The Zero Affinity Container has aplicated rtionship to the Kayar-Elu and the Root Compact, but it is still our blood flowing through his veins. You are not worthy, Leandra cut her off with an emotionless face. "But you will still get a chance to serve in the undertaking."


    What are you- Zac interjected, but he suddenly found himself unable to speak.


    Thea looked like she had been physically hit, her eyes wide as she looked back and forth between Zac and Leandra. Zac had an extremely bad feeling, and he wanted to scream for her to run away. But he couldnt as much as blink, and neither could Thea from the looks of it as she slowly floated up in the air as a series of intricate patterns appeared around her.


    Since when has the Cursed Heavens allowed itself to be denied? Leandra muttered, her face once more a mask of fury. But Zac barely heard her as his attention was on Thea moving ever closer to the sky. How can that conniving ball of greed and wild ambition let a threat be? Even if it has to break the covenant, so what? It will just make some reparations to satiate its own deluded sense of equilibrium.


    <em>Stop!</em> Zac screamed in his mind since his mouth wouldn''t move, praying that his mother could hear him. <em>Ill do anything!</em>


    You might feel my actions unfair, but your understanding is too narrow. I am also doing this for the sake of her n. I can sense that her love for you is real, but her allegiance to her n is stronger, Leandra said. You cannotprehend the danger someone cursed by the Heavens will bring upon his surroundings. A small tribe such as hers will be ripped apart by the torrents of fate if they are tied to your chariot.


    Zac kept raging in his mind for his mother to put Thea down, telling her that his girlfriend had nothing to do with whateverpact she rambled on about. Rage turned to pleas of mercy, to stop whatever she was doing. But it was all for naught. Theas eyes rolled into her head as the scripts covered thest part of her body, and the next moment she was pushed through the barriers keeping the torrential lightning at bay.


    The whole world turned white, and Zac''s mind went nk.


    A secondter the sea of lightning was simply gone, as were the encapsted Thea. Remaining was just one thin streak of blue that slowly descended from the sky and entered the cocoon shielding Kenzie. Zac felt like his mind had stopped, that he was having a twisted fever nightmare, but it was all too real.


    His mother had actually used Thea as a lightning rod to divert and exhaust the tribtion.


    Leandra gazed at the sky for a few seconds before she nodded in satisfaction, like she hadn''t just sacrificed a human being. It was like Thea had never been on the ind, and the pressure that had bound Zac was lifted. The lingering lightningpletely entered the barriers surrounding Kenzie, and it started beating like a heart.


    Why? WHY?! Zac immediately roared, his rage threatening to turn him insane. Youe back after all this time, and the first thing you do is something insane like this?! You are crazy!"


    Our family bears the weight of destiny, Leandra sighed. Our lives belong to the Cosmos. Do not get distracted. Your role might have be unclear with how things have progressed, but you are still part of the Kayar-Elu. If you are unhappy with my actions, be stronger. Dont waste your breath on the mundane. The moment you reach the peak and fulfill your fate, you will gain Eternity. What will youck then? Even killing me out vengeance will be as easy as taking a breath.


    Zac looked into Leandras eyes, and he saw an unquenchable conviction that even eclipsed that of the zealots from the Church of Evesting Dao. He knew then and there that there was no way to reason with his mother. She was a true extremist, and she only cared about her goals. She wholeheartedly believed she had done a good deed by using Thea to deal with the Tribtion.


    Now, dont do anything untoward. I dont wish to wipe the memories of you two unless I have to. Each erasure will harm your souls and weaken your potential. We will leave, and MacKenzies future will be far brighter than it could ever be in this remote Sector. Staying next to you will only bring cmity down on you both, Leandra said as she pointed at the pulsating cocoon.


    A few seconds passed as Zac found himself locked in an internal struggle. Part of him wanted to throw everything away and attack Leandra even if it meant dying, while part of him feared that doing something stupid would implicate his sister. He had already realized that his Annihtion Sphere was useless to a being like this.


    Just like the Administrator, she could simply stop him in his tracks with a thought, preventing him from even unleashing the skill.


    In the end, he found himself rooted in ce, his fear oveing his rage. He could only look on as his sister emerged while he was being overwhelmed by a relentless storm of rage, guilt, and powerlessness. Kenzie looked around with confusion until she noticed Leandra. Zac died a little inside as he saw his sisters eyes light up, and he could barely hold back tears of frustration as Kenzie ran over to hug their mother.


    My child We finally meet. Youve worked hard, Leandra said with a smile as she caressed Kenzies hair. I have dreamed of this day for so long, but the two of us have to leave. I can only trick the Heavens for so long.


    What? Kenzie asked with a start, looking at their mother with confusion before she looked over at Zac with an inquiring gaze. We''re leaving, just the two of us? What about Zac?


    The situation isplicated, but suffice to say I left a gift with each of you upon your birth. Unfortunately, these two powers being in such close proximity has proven dangerous, Leandra sighed. Besides, your brother has already confirmed his Path. His cultivation is one of a solitary warrior. Me bringing him with us will only hurt him in the end.


    Zac? Kenzie asked with confusion.


    I... Im not done with the Zecia sector yet, Zac said with a hoarse voice and a sickly smile, hiding his true feelings as deeply as he could as to not get his mind cleansed.


    He wanted to etch the events of today deep into his bones, to never forget the madness of Leandra Atwood. Part of him wanted to forget how his secrecy caused Thea to take matters into her own hands and start to investigate their activities. But that voice of weakness was overshadowed by a fiery ball of fury that threatened to cause him tobust.


    The Digital Nexus. The Kayar-Elu and the Root Compact. These would be his clues to one day right this wrong.

 Chapter 665: Power

    Chapter 665: Power


    Cant we all stay here together? Kenzie entreated as she looked at Leandra.


    You have been discovered, child, Leandra sighed. You tried to evolve with insufficient preparations. You staying here will put this whole world in danger. We need to leave for the Six Profundity Empire. Unless something unexpected happens, we will be able to enter an Immemorial Realm there.


    Kenzie turned to Zac, who could only nod in what he hoped to be aforting manner.


    Ok But you need to help me with two things, Kenzie said with determination. First, you need to save a certain person. Im sure you can do it with your power.


    Save someone? Leandra said as a frown spread across her face, causing Zac to get a sinking feeling.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Hes called Ogras, and he saved my life, Kenzie said as a screen appeared in front of her.


    It was no doubt the product of Jeeves, and it rapidly started shing images and symbols for two seconds before it disappeared. Zac could only understand snippets, but he had seen a few scenes from the events three years ago.


    Oh, so something like that happened in the Research Base? Leandra sighed as a spatial tear opened next to her. So much for my preparations.


    A few streams of light entered the void, but she soon shook her head as the gate closed.


    A Dimensional Seed is a sentient treasure, and it is in its growing stages. It has moved to an area the cultivators in this Sector call the Million Gates Territory. The dense Spatial Energies there will nurture it. It would be impossible to save the demonling now as the seed has hidden between the folds of reality. But in a decade or two the seed should be satiated and bloom. At that point you simply need to find the pocket word it has created and pick the demonling up, Leandra said.


    How can we find him? Kenzie asked hurriedly. Can you tell if he, if they, are alive?


    As long as one is in the area, it will be hard to miss the opening. The blooming of a Dimensional Seed gives off tremendous energy signatures, and tens of millions will enter its dimension in search of treasure, Leandra smiled. It is a brand-new dimension, rife with echoes of the Origin. Your friends were alive when entering the Hidden Realm, and they have gained a rare opportunity in a sense. Their cultivation environment should be almost at the level of an Ancient Realm.


    Theyre really alive?! Kenzie eximed with happiness written all over her face, though it soon scrunched up with disappointment. A decade or two, though?


    Child, you should understand. We will have long left the sector by then. I can only provide this much guidance, she said.


    Ill go pick him up when its time, Zac said when he saw Kenzies look. I was nning on going there anyway.


    Right, okay Kenzie said, though reluctance was written all over her face. Secondly, help me finish this array. Its for Zac.


    Zac looked on as Kenzie took out an extremely densely inscribed array disk the next moment, and another wave of sorrow hit him.


    An illusion array meant for his Core? Exquisite work, but unfortunately it wont work. Your understanding of the Dao is too limited to hide that thing from ss-4 cultivators. Luckily, I was already prepared for this. The Kayar-Elu have long perfected the methods to walk freely among those who have tied their chariot to the cursed heavens, Leandra said as she took out a crystal and turned to Zac.


    What a disappointment. You cannot imagine the resources that went into fusing your bloodline with a perfected Duplicity Core. You could have used it to be the incarnation of the Machine God, yet you sullied it with the mark of the unliving. Still, our preparations will work just as well in this situation.


    Zac wanted to simply throw the crystal away as it floated into his hands, but he restrained himself and tried to appear thankful as he put it away.


    It is an almost perfected array that can hide your unique situation. Monarchs and weaker Autarchs will be unable to see through its disguise, and those above will not care about your situation. It will also impede any attempt at looking into the truth of your being. Even stronger Autarchs will have their perception subverted to some degree, thinking they found nothing out of the norm from your status screen or body.


    However, its imprable disguisees at a price. You will not be able to change back and forth when the array is active. If you break the seal to change your constitution, it will take a month before you can hide your core again, Leandra said before she turned back to Kenzie.


    Child, it is time. Every second we spend will increase the threat to this world. I will put you into my Inner World, Leandra said.


    Okay, one moment, Kenzie sighed as she walked over and hugged Zac. Take care until we meet again.


    Be careful, Zac said with a low volume. Its dangerous out there. Trust no one.


    That was as far as he dared go, but he couldnt let Kenzie disappear without giving at least a small warning. The next moment his sister was gone, leaving only Leandra behind.


    I can feel the fury that churns in your heart. You were just a baby who didnt choose to be brought into the world or to be forced into our cause. But you still carry the Original Sin. You are the source of the ruin of our n, the reason for the death of five hundred billion people, she said as she looked at Zac with mixed emotions.


    Our paths will diverge from here on out, our Karma is severed. I will not kill you, but neither will I help you any further from today. If youe looking for us, you better be powerful enough to kill me, Leandra said with a staid face, as though her deranged words were something normal for a mother to say to her son. Or you will fall even before getting close to your sister.


    A prompt appeared that said Nexus Coins had been transferred to him, but Zac waved it away with annoyance. Was his mother really trying to buy him off after what she did?


    Thats not up to you to decide! Zac roared.


    He could no longer hold back the anger bubbling in his chest now that Kenzie wasnt here. He was just so furious that he didnt know what to do with himself. He was angry at his sister for hiding the risks with the evolution. Angry at himself for passively letting things proceed until they reached this point and for hiding the truth about his activities, which ended up implicating Thea.


    But most of all he was angry at Leandra who had proven herself so needlessly cruel and murderous. He refused to believe that the only way for his mother to save Kenzie was to kill someone close to him. His wrath was met by a cold indifference though, which only poured oil on the fire.


    Your sister is the harbinger of the Final Era, but she cannot fulfill her destiny in this destitute corner of the universe. I am taking her to a more appropriate stage, Leandra said as the purple and futuristic dress covered in Technocrat scripts on her body shuddered, turning into a beautiful robe.


    Zacs eyes looked on with iprehension. It felt like he wasnt looking at a Technocrat any longer, but rather someone like BeZi; a supreme cultivator. A swirling vortex opened behind her the next moment, and it looked exactly like the portal the System showed him during his mind tribtion.


    Farewell my son.


    A secondter she was gone, leaving Zac utterly,pletely alone.


    This is your inner world? Kenzie asked as she looked out across the endless vista with amazement written all over her face.


    She was standing at the top of a ten-kilometer-tall spire looking out through a window, and the surroundings were simply marvelous. There was a bustling metropolis below, though it was impossible to tell whether people actually lived there from this far up. There was a lot of movement though, but it was entirely possible that it was all machinery.


    The town was tens of timesrger than Port Atwood, but yet it only took up a small pocket of space in this seemingly endless world.


    Rather than an inner world, it almost looked like they were standing in the normal universe. A huge neb in a mesmerizing purple covered the sky, and various zones of perfectly harmonious biospheres formed ayer around the sprawling city. Far in the distance, she could vaguely see more cities, each of them centered around a spire much like this one.


    For cultivators, to build your inner world is to shore up your foundation. The more you manage to expand and stabilize it, the greater force you will be able to bring out. After all, each movement of yours will contain the will of a world, Leandra said from the side. "From there, you impart it with truth, making it follow your Heavenly Law."


    Just how powerful are you, mom? Kenzie hesitantly asked.


    I once was a ss-5 Autarch, Leandra sighed. But our family encountered a cmity which almost eradicated us. If not for your grandfather I would be dead. He sacrificed himself to give me a chance. But I was still wounded, and it will take a long time before I am restored. Right now, my strength is somewhere between Peak ss-4 and ss-5.


    Why couldnt we bring Zac with us though? Now hes left all alone, Kenzie said with redrimmed eyes.


    Theres nothing to be done, Leandra said with a pained face. You should havee to understand a few things through your connection to Jeeves. Zac and Jeeves were once meant to be a pair, each one half of a whole. But the implications of this fusion triggered the wrath of the System, which led to our doom.


    Zac and Jeeves barely survived the cmity thanks to my father''s efforts. But their very existence was punished, their fate subverted. That thankfully is your key to survival. The System is forced to follow a few Heavenlyws older than time itself, one of them being thew of bnce. The two have been punished for their existence and survived, which will allow them to continue living.


    But as long as the threat reaches a certain threshold, the System will subvert the will of the Heavens and attack you, no matter the cost. More importantly, your brother has been marked by the System, and it is actively watching. It was because of him being close to you that the Tribtion Lightning descended. I needed to sever your Karma, as you two siblings will bring cmity upon each other, Leandra said.


    Still, Kenzie said hesitantly.


    Dont you worry about your brother. He was meant to be the perfect Cultivator. He might have had that fate taken from him, but it seems that cmity has opened a few unexpected doors instead. He is free in a way Ive never seen before, in a way I didn''t know existed. But Zac will need to figure out his path on his own. Outside interference will just harm him, Leandra exined.


    Be stronger. Right now, you are just a victim to the heavens, a leaf blowing in the wind. But by the time you reach the peak, you will be able to control the winds of fate, Leandra said. And Ill help you. You have aplished an impressive amount in the few short years after the Corruption, but Jeeves was ultimately not designed to be housed by a normal human.


    So what do I need to do? Kenzie asked.


    We need to improve your very foundations; Your soul and your constitution. Only then will you survive the evolution, while also setting up a proper path for your cultivation. The path of Technomancy is full of endless potential, but it ultimately not for you. With how Jeeves has changed, you will need to be a proper cultivator. Unfortunately, your foundations are currently average at best, Leandra exined as the room they stood in started to transform.


    The windows overlooking the world turned into screens covered in all kinds of information. Kenzie looked around, and she was shocked by the esoteric information the texts contained. It felt like they dug straight at the core of cultivation itself.


    For now, were moving to a more flourishing ce where we will be able to work on your cultivation. But it will take a few years before we reach the wormhole that will take us there. I wish that I could apany you during that time, but I need to enter secluded cultivation to recuperate.


    I have suppressed your body to maintain its momentum and avoid detection of the System, Leandra added. Work on shoring up your theoretical foundations. With the help of Jeeves and the towers resident AI, you will make more progress in a few yearspared to what most scions aplish in centuries.


    Kenzie nodded, and Leandra smiled and ruffled her hair onest time before she disappeared without as much as creating a ripple. Kenzie wasnt surprised to learn about the suppression, she had already felt a subtle change in her body since waking up. Thankfully, that seal didnt block everything.


    <strong>[Do you want me to stop?]</strong>


    <em>No, maintain control over my expressions,</em> Kenzie answered bleakly with a thought as she sat down in a chair arranged for her. <em>She is probably recording.</em>


    Kenzie kept looking at the screen, and while Jeeves was diligently absorbed all the knowledgeid bare her thoughts were elsewhere. The scenes of Leandra treating Zac, her own son, like a stranger now that he couldnt help her with her ns. How she sacrificed Thea without a shred of remorse. It all kept repeating in a loop.


    She had been wrong. So fundamentally, irrevocably wrong.


    It was all her fault. Her fault that Thea was gone, that Zac was left alone to pick up the broken pieces. It felt like she would copse at any moment, and she had long given up on controlling her own body out of fear of reprisal. What if Leandra saw something was wrong and decided to do something even crazier, like destroy Earth altogether?


    That was her only chance at turning things around, that Leandra didnt seem to fully understand the changes that Jeeves had undergone. Her mother thought she had himpletely under control, but there was still a small core of true life that she couldnt touch. It was that part that had recorded everything that transpired while she was unconscious, turning it into a hidden memory that she gained the moment she was teleported to this ce.


    She felt like a fool, a dangerous fool. Zac had warned her so many times, exhorted her to proceed with caution. That Leandra might not be the powerful mother that was forced away from Earth to protect them, but rather a calcting cultivator who had long lost things like familial warmth. He had been right. She only cared about the undertaking of her n, considering her children just as the next generation of soldiers in their war against the System.


    But was she so different? Kenzie had known there were very real risks with her n, but she had discarded them in her frantic pursuit of power. Zac believed that Jeeves had been telling her that everything was fine, but it had repeatedly tried to convince her to slow down. To first strengthen herself just like her mother nned.


    Arrogance. She realized now that her mental state had steadily deteriorated since the events of the Mystic Realm. People kept calling her a genius of an era, mastering everything from Dao to Arrays to even Technocrat tech. It had blown up her confidence, convinced her of her infallibility. She was a unique genius, how could her deductions be wrong?


    It was all a lie. What genius? It was all Jeeves. He kept knocking down the barriers in her cultivation, she simply proceeded on the path staked out for her. She was nothing like her brother who had earned every part of his power through endless struggle, she had been given everything. She was ultimately just a random girl just past 23 years old with a sapient supeputer in her head.


    Now everything was ruined. Zac was scarred for life, Thea was sacrificed, and she found herself at the core of some insane struggle she wanted no part of. What should she do? What could she do?


    <strong>[The Creator was right. You arecking power. The moment you can overpower the Creator, you can freely control your fate again.]</strong>


    Kenzie slowly nodded as she steeled her heart.


    She would drink the poisonous water of Leandras teachings if it meant power. Only if she reached the peak would she be able to right her wrongs. She thought back to the beautiful town on the small ind in the middle of nowhere, the slice of paradise Zac had created for them. A wave of homesickness hit her like a truck, but she could only push the feelings down.


    She thought of her brother, constantly struggling to protect those around him, his eyes full of exhaustion, yet never stopping. She would have to stoppletely relying on Jeeves and grow so that she could right this wrong.


    <strong>[The Creator wanted Zachary Atwood to feel the curse of helplessness, of loss. To instill emotion powerful enough to shock his momentum awake. Emotion is the bridge between Dao and Man. I shared the events because you needed to feel the same.]</strong>


    Kenzie inwardly nodded as she focused on the screen in front of her. One day she would return, whatever it took.

 Chapter 666: Powerless

    Chapter 666: Powerless


    Zac''s thoughts were a blur as he made his way back to hispound, and he spent over thirty minutes aimlessly wandering around until he stopped in front of one of his sisters workshops. Far beneath the ground was arge factory, this particr one used to create the Dao Balls meant for Kenzie''s breakthrough.


    A fiery ember of rage swept away the bleakness as Zac peered down at the ground, and he was more than willing to give in to the feeling. Cosmic Energy surged through his body as <strong>[Hatchetmans Rage]</strong> activated, and it felt like his soul was lit on fire. A massive hand appeared a few momentster, and it conjured an emerald array that covered half the sky. A tremendous mountain soon emerged and mmed straight into the workshop.


    A few technocrat barriers sprung up, but they were no match for Zacs full furor. The ground heaved as the mountain peak pierced the building and continued deep into the ground, and it almost looked like the mountain itself was on fire as it was drenched in Zacs anger. The skill emitted a pressure far beyond what was normal as Dao, Body, and Spirit worked as one in their desire for destruction.


    A creaking sound emerged from the depths, and the ground suddenly copsed for hundreds of meters in every direction. It was the ceiling of the secret factory that had caved in, and thousands of tons of dirt crushed the machines and drones into scrap. Huge clouds of dust rose to the sky like a bomb had been set off.


    It was immensely satisfying, but Zac wasnt done. He turned into an avatar of unrelenting violence, destroying one hidden Technocrat structure after another in his desperate need for an outlet. Soon half his private forest was in shambles, with pieces of Memorysteel rubble sticking up from massive fissures in the ground.


    Deep scars from axe strikes crisscrossed the ground, and Zac looked at the carnage with heaving breaths for a few seconds before he turned and wordlessly walked away. A number of golems silently emerged from a shed in a corner, but it would probably take the gardener automatons weeks to even somewhat fix the destruction.


    Emptiness.


    That was all Zac could feel as he sat down on the perg overlooking the ocean. He had worked so hard for years, oveing insurmountable odds to protect those around him, yet where had that taken him?


    His sister was taken away to be a pawn of their mothers schemes while his partner killed like she was an ant. And that just thetest tragedy. Ogras, his closest friend and confidant was gone, stuck in a fragment hurtling through subspace. Billy was there as well, and it was unclear if Zac would ever be able to see them again. Alea had been reduced to a Spirit Tool, and he never got to say goodbye to his father.


    He was alone. So utterly alone.


    He was the leader of a, an emperor with over a billion subjects, yet he had no one to turn to. Certainly, many of his followers remained, but his innermost circle was reduced to a party of one. Certainly, there were old followers like Sap Trang and Joanna to turn to, but there ultimately was a leader-follower dynamic between them.


    The following days passed in a blur, where he barely had the energy to lift a single finger. It quickly became apparent that Leandra''s terrifying aura had been sensed all across the world, so there was no hiding the situation. Zac sent word of the tragedy to the Marshall n, though he modified what actually transpired.


    An extremely powerful cultivator appeared out of nowhere in search of the Dimensional Seed and tried to kill all three of them. His sister and Thea had both died instantly and without leaving a body, but he had miraculously survived thanks to a special item he had gained. Lying like this submerged him in another wave of self-loathing, but there wasn''t much he could do.


    Firmament''s Edge was probably still looking for Leandra and Jeeves, and if word of a powerful Technocrat appearing on this got out, then who knew what would happen.


    He had said he was extremely sorry, and that he would make sure to keep the Marshall n safe and independent. But Zac didnt have the guts to face Henry Marshall himself, so he immediately closed the doors to hispound after sending out word that he wanted to be left alone.


    Part of him wanted to set out into the multiverse in search of the Six Profundity Empire, and another part of him just wanted to jump into the deepest monster nest he could find and lose himself to ughter. But it all felt so futile, so he ultimately just sat down and looked out across the ocean.


    Only ten dayster was there a change as a series of light footsteps made Zac turn around. A young woman walked toward him, her eyes looking at the destruction around her with some fear. It was Emily, wearing a battle robe with two tomahawks attached to a belt. It was half a year since she had run away from home, but she still looked a bit like a runt.


    Youve be stronger, Zac said with a weak smile.


    Im sorry About things. Are you okay? Emily said with red-rimmed eyes as she sat down opposite him.


    You heard? Zac asked.


    The Marshall n found me. They wanted me to check up on you, she said.


    How are they? Zac sighed.


    I dont think most know what happened, Emily said. Everyone only knows something big took ce here. People are lying low, waiting to see whats going on. What are you going to do?


    Do? Zac said with a self-deprecatingugh. What can I do? I keep working to be stronger, but that just means that the stakes keep getting bigger. I am powerless.


    Emily didnt answer, and the two sat in silence overlooking the sunset. But a sudden sense of danger warned Zac of an attack, just in time for him to block a small tomahawk with his palm. The sh caused the awnings of the perg to blow right off, but Zacs hand didnt move an inch as it was filled with the hardness of the Fragment of the Coffin.


    If you are powerless, what does that make the rest of us? Emily said with a re. Others are more powerful, but they simply started earlier. A crazy cultivator came and killed Thea and Kenzie? You cannot let that go unpunished! Get stronger, find them, and rip them apart! Make the whole multiverse shudder in fear and disgust after you''re done with them!"


    I Zac said.


    No buts. Go cultivate or something, Emily said. If you dont Ill start spreading even more rumors about you through Calrin.


    <em>Even </em>more? Zac said, his eyes widening in realization as he woke up from his stupor. You? It was you?


    A- Emily stammered, rapidly losing her momentum. Well, just some stories, but I was just adding to the hundreds which were already out there. I was mad when you wouldnt let me go out, so I sent an anonymous crystal to the House of Myriad Eyes. They paid really well because I could provide some pictures of you, and that helped fund my Mercenary Group. Who would have expected those Stargazers would embellish so much?


    Zacs mouth opened and closed a few times until he finally let out a small wry smile.


    Thank you, Zac said.


    Always happy to help, Emily grinned. Now, clean yourself up. Theres a funeral in two hours. You should be there.


    The small amount of happiness Emily''s return brought was quickly suffused as Zac was brought back to reality. He closed his eyes for a few seconds, but he soon opened them again as he nodded. Half an hourter he had arrived at the other side of the world, where a somber group waited. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Rain poured down on the ancient cemetery hidden in the forest close to the Marshall Homestead, drenching the small gathering of people standing in front of the unmarked grave of Thea Marshall. In fact, only a few core members of the Marshall n knew that Thea had fallen. The others believed that she had set out into the Zecia Sector to further temper herself, as the challenges on Earth no longer could hold her. It was an attempt to maintain stability, though Zac doubted it wouldst for long.


    Zacs eyes were hollow as he looked down at the beautifully crafted limestone that marked Thea Marshal''s final resting ce. Of course, the grave was empty since Leandra didn''t as much a string of hair behind. He once more felt sick to the stomach of regret and shame as he heard the quiet sobs around him, and he had to fight the urge to just bolt.


    The ceremony onlysted twenty minutes, with a priest reading a few passages before people took their final farewells. Zac walked upst, and he only stood in silence as he looked down at the headstone. Finally, he turned over to see a familiar figure looking straight at him.


    Come with me, Henry said as he walked toward the old Homestead, his previously straight back hunched over.


    It looked like the old man had aged overnight, even though he had long managed to reach E-grade race and a peak F-grade cultivation. Losing Thea was not only a huge blow to his faction but also a personal blow as she was his actual granddaughter, one of his closest blood rtives in a nprised of thousands of people.


    Zac sighed as he followed, wondering what Henry wanted to say in private. The two walked through the ancient forest that had belonged to the Marshall n for over a millennium, reaching the sprawlingplex that had kept growing as their family did. Henry didnt enter any of the more recent additions meant for cultivators though, but rather the oldest section of the manor.


    It was an old house that mainly served as a memento of the founding of the Marshall n, but Zac wasn''t too interested in looking at this piece of history in his current state. But Zac did exim in surprise when Henry walked up to a corner and pushed one of the stones in the wall, which triggered some mechanism that exposed a hidden pathway.


    Zac wasnt too surprised that an old ce like this had hidden pathways, but he was surprised that he hadnt noticed anything amiss. His senses were extremely sharp by now, and he should have been able to sense there was a hidden path. The two continued down the steps, and Zac was somewhat shocked to see how deep this ce went.


    They had walked well over a hundred meters down, and Zac was pretty certain that these stairs had been cut into the stone the same time the house above was built. Doing something like this must have been a huge undertaking this long ago, and Zac couldnt help but feel curious about what was waiting at the bottom.


    Finally, they reached the bottom where a massive stone stele waited, over three meters tall. It was covered in text, but time had dulled the runes to the point that Zac couldn''t make out the words.


    A thousand years, Henry sighed as he gazed on the enormous stele standing in front of them. We waited for a thousand years for the prophecy toe true. Yet look at us now. Were floundering, only able to stay afloat thanks to your influence. Our biggest talent and hope fallen before she could even spread her wings.


    What is this? What''s going on?" Zac asked with confusion.


    Our ancestor, the original Lord Marshall, was not of this world, Henry said. He erected this stele and took his firstborn son to this ce before he passed away, passing on a series of precepts to run the n by. To wait. To umte. To prepare for the Integration.


    Much of what he said has been lost over the centuries. Not all generations of the Marshall n were believers. My father took me here in the 60s, mostly because he didnt wish to break a millennia-old tradition. Personally, I didnt believe in the tales of magic, but I sometimes wondered if our ancestor was an extra-terrestrial as I looked up at the stars. After all, this was during the era of the space race.


    By now Ive longe to realize the truth. Our ancestor was a cultivator who encountered some sort of mishap and found himself on Earth. Perhaps he escaped from the Mystic Realm, perhaps he had some other origin, the stele never exined his ce of birth. His foundation as a Cultivator managed to make him stronger and more talented than normal people even without ess to Cosmic Energy, which allowed him to stand out during the Crusades and gain a footing for his descendants, Henry said.


    Did Thea know? Zac couldnt help but ask.


    No, Henry said with a smile. There is nothing of value here, and I didn''t want to distract Thea. Only I and a few of the elders know of this ce. The n members arent strong enough to see through the array our ancestor erected with his remaining lifeforce, at least not for now. I have also added a few extra precautions of my own.


    Why are you telling me this?


    I immediately understood what had happened when the Integration took ce, and I took action while others were floundering. I was even blessed with a granddaughter teeming with talent, a powerhouse who could act as a protective umbre for future generations. But this world is cruel. One stroke of bad fortune, and it all came crashing down on us, Henry sighed.


    We were not the only n. I know of at least five more families who have a simr origin as our own, most likely descendants from the mystic realm. There might be even more out there. But three of those ns fell in the months after the integration, with the other two barely being any better off than the general poption, Henry said with a shake of his head.


    Zac was shocked to learn that there were actually people with a cultivator foundation on Earth, people who already had general knowledge by the time the Integration took ce. Of course, perhaps he shouldnt be too surprised. Billy was ample evidence of the connection between the Tsarun Experiments and Earth. However, in his case the knowledge had clearly been lost, perhaps long ago.


    I am sorry, Im rambling. What I am trying to say is that there are no guarantees in this world. Man makes ns and heavenughs. I know youre thinking of going after the one who murdered my poor granddaughter and your sister, but I truly wish that you wont, Henry said.


    What? Zac said, a frown spreading across his face.


    Mr. Trask and your sister are gone, and my granddaughter is no more. Youre thest human on this that can stand at the forefront, to protect us against whats toe. There are other powerhouses, but they are ultimately not human. If you fall as well, then only death will await the rest of us when our grace period ends. Even if The Great Redeemer has forgotten about us, Henry said. The Integration is just the first trial. Nextes the Assimtion.

 Chapter 667: Einherjar

    Chapter 667: Einherjar


    Zac knew what Henry was talking about. The moment the grace period ended and its shroud was lifted, then Earth would most likely find itself inside the sphere of influence of some faction of the Zecia Sector. It could be within the borders of an inteary n, or inside some empire like the Dravorak Dynasty or the Allbright Empire.


    In either case, their appearance wouldnt go unnoticed, and their treatment wouldrgely depend on their strength and what kind of faction they were attached to. A new with prominent progenitors would probably get treated as promising elites to integrate into the fold, and the citizens would lead pretty carefree lives.


    However, if the was just filled with wastrels, the reception would get a lot worse. Zac had read records where citizens of newly assimted worlds were essentially turned into cannon-fodder for wars or had their homes terraformed into factory worlds with a toxic atmosphere. The System wouldn''t interfere if it was unsatisfied with the''s performance.


    The Assimtion would also bring some new challenges for its poption, and the might even undergo some changes like gaining new Mystic Realms. Zac was generally confident about the situation, but it was possible that the System would add some sort of twist to the Assimtion since someone like him was theary Leader of Earth.


    Henry obviously wanted him to take a step back and stay on as a protective umbre for humanity, to not take undue risks. Going after Leandra was obviously a goal fraught with danger. However, would Zac really back away against the challenge, or would he rise up as Emily wanted?


    The very core of Zacs being was set aze at the thought of letting things rest. It roared in defiance at the prospect of just moving on, to stay and continue to slowly umte on Earth. There was no way he would ever see Kenzie again that way, no way for him to mete out punishment. Every fiber of his body urged him was forward so that he would never have to feel this powerless again.


    "I understand where you''reing from, but I will never let this matter go," Zac said with a shake of his head as a fire ignited in his eyes. "I will leave Earth very soon to temper myself. Im not sure how long I will be gone.


    "s," Henry sighed as he turned back toward the stele, his back hunched even lower.


    It will definitely take more than a hundred years before I can go after that cultivator though, and I will be here for the Assimtion. Unless I fall before that, Zac said as he stepped onto the stairs. Once again, I''m sorry for your loss."


    Zac quickly left the hidden room, his thoughts a whirl as he shed toward the closest Teleportation Array. Hearing about the Marshall ns origins had brought up some things he had pushed away until now.


    The truth about his own heritage.


    Leandra had all but admitted that he had been experimented on. Both his bloodline and his Specialty Core were something the Kayar-Elu, if that was his mothers organization, had imnted in him. That also made it impossible for Robert Atwood to be his biological father. It didnte as a surprise to him by this point, but having it confirmed still hurt a bit.


    Zac stepped onto the array, and he appeared back in Port Atwood momentster, this time at the entrance of his Cultivation Cave. He sent a stream of energy into the miniature Pagoda he always carried, which meant that Triv woulde over as soon as it could.


    Meanwhile, he took a deep breath and stabilized his mind as he walked inside and sat down. The pit of guilt and sorrow was still there, but there was also a burning ember of conviction. He had almostpletely given in to despair after seeing how impossibly powerful his mother was, but meeting Emily and Henry shook him awake.


    No matter if it took ten, fifty, or a million years, hed get Kenzie back and avenge Thea. There was even the chance of bringing Thea back to life, though Zac honestly didnt hold much hope in that regard. It felt like clinging to something like that was like a crutch that would sully her memory. If he managed to reach such a level, hed definitely do it, but until then he wouldnt delude himself about her situation.


    But for now, he needed to get a move on if he ever wanted to have a chance to catch up. Zac fought with reluctance for a few minutes until he finally opened his status screen, something he had avoided until this point. All of it looked the same as before, except for one part.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [D] 1 000 000 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Zac nkly looked at the line in for a few moments, his mouth opening and closing upon realizing it was D-grade Nexus Coins he was looking at, not E-grade like he had before. One million D-grade Nexus Coins, what kind of wealth was that? Zac had managed to umte around 100,000 E-grade Nexus Coins in cash reserves before, mostly thanks to his sisters lucrative business spilling over into his wallet.


    One hundred thousand E-grade Nexus Coins were the equivalent of One hundred billion F-grade nexus coins, a massive fortune for most E-Grade cultivators. Yet all that wealth was just 0.1 D-grade Nexus Coin, so little that it didnt even leave a dent on his updated status screen. Three years of umtion as aary Lord wasnt anything but a rounding error in the presence of this terrifying amount of money.


    His mind almost short-circuited, and he couldnt help but question everything as he saw the number. Was there something he had misunderstood about Leandra Atwood? Why would she give him such a shocking sum of money? Was it just pocket-change to her, or perhaps a way to sever Karma? Why would she bankroll him if she knew that he would be gunning for her? Was she just that confident that hed never catch up even after all he had aplished until this point?


    He couldnt figure it out at all, and he could only close the Status screen with more questions guing his mind than before.


    This amount of wealth opened all kinds of avenues for him, but Zac was still full of reluctance. That was essentially blood money in his book. Wouldnt using it mean he somewhat epted what took ce two weeks ago? But he also couldnt just throw that wealth away. He knew that cultivating as a mortal required shocking amounts of wealth. The E-grade was just the start. If he acted to upromising he might find himself stuck in a bottleneck, and how would he save Kenzie then?


    Thankfully, a deathly gust dragged him out of his impasse as his ghost butler arrived.


    Lord, I came as soon as you called. My condolences. Miss Marshall was a lovely girl, the ghost said. How about-


    No, Zac said without hesitation. Im ambivalent as it is about doing it with my enemies. I wont turn my allies unless they ask me to. Besides, there wasnt even a body left. But speaking of, how is the Einherjar?


    They are improving every day. A few shows promise that would even be considered rare back in my Kingdom. Lady Vri in particr keeps impressing. A body like hers would have caused a storm back home. She has already formed her first Dao Fragment, and she shows no indication of having exhausted her potential of the F-Grade. Only Rhuger is anywhere close.


    Good, Zac slowly nodded. Have Vrie over tomorrow. I have something to give her.


    The Einherjar was a project Zac started in secret two years ago which only Kenzie and Triv knew about. The progress of the people of Earth had caused Zac some pressure, and he realized that he needed more powerful, and absolutely loyal, followers if he wanted to keep the situation on Earth stable while he was off. That had be extra important now that he had lost both Kenzie and Thea.


    Triv had provided him with the solution; undead followers. It was something the ghost had been advocating since day one, and Zac eventually relented soon after returning from the Mystic Realm. However, he didnt quite follow Trivs suggestions and instead spent months looking for ways that undead naturally formed.


    After all, the normal arrays and Lich methods looted from the Undead Incursion contained the hiddenpulsions of the Primo, and Zac didnt want to spend time and effort only to nurture a hostile army. Finally, he had found a way to create a purified cursed ground in one of the deathly hotspots on Earth. He had his sister set up a series of energy-gathering arrays, along with a few esoteric arrays that would help the awakening of the dead.


    The solution hadnt actuallye from some of Adriels missives or Information Crystals bought from the Undead Empire, but rather the opposite. Their solution was found in a missive sold by the Empire of Light, a smaller empire in the Zecia Sector which had the misfortune of sharing gctic borders with the local chapter of the Undead Empire.


    Unsurprisingly, their whole culture centered around defeating and eradicating the undead, and they had ample information about spotting undead infections and how to prevent Revenants from rising across battlefields rife with deathly energies. Zac and Kenzie had, with the somewhat reluctant help of Triv, managed to reverse-engineer the process through the warnings.


    Zombies would essentially rise by themselves sooner orter as long as corpses were left in deathly energies strong enough. However, the key was to infuse them with a seed of sapience, which would help them awaken far quicker while also binding them to their progenitor. In Zacs case, it meant infusing the arrays with his own ck ichor to form a connection.


    The hard work had finally paid off after a year, with the first of the Einherjar awakening.


    As for the source of the bodies, Zac had ample supply. He had maintained the somewhat macabre habit of collecting the corpses of his enemies to avoid leaving behind traces, and they were piled high in his Corpse Sack by the time he had dealt with all the threats to Earth.


    This had resulted in quite a few powerful warriors under hismand. Some standouts were Cervantes, or rather Rhuger as he called himself now, and Pika, Levis new identity. Below them were roughly 50 stand-out Revenants mainly made up of Incursion Leaders and their generals, and then finally roughly two thousand general revenants.


    There were also one hundred thousand zombies roaming the new continent as well, fighting the beasts to empower themselves. A few of them would awaken, while most would fall to the environment. These Zombies were different from those in the original Dead Zone, as those Zombies were all marked by the empire, whereas these new ones were marked by his ichor.


    It was a bit of a wasteful method to have most zombies fight and kill to gain the energy necessary to reach E-grade race, but he simply didnt have the resources to evolve their constitution with arrays or medicinal baths. He only used those kinds of materials on his best corpses. Besides, while this ruthless training method would result in fewer subjects, each of them would be a lot more powerful since they were forged through ughter.


    The Revenant with the most potential was neither Cervantes nor Levi, but rather the unnamed mentalist he met in the Tower of Eternity. She was now called Vri, and her mental abilities were simply dreadful, even making Zac feel some pressure.


    Rhuger was still having troublepletely awakening his bloodline, which wasnt surprising since Cervantes had worked on it for centuries. Regaining that kind of strength would take time and effort, and the body was, unfortunately, a bit too old for it to be a peak Revenant. As for Pika, her bloodline was pretty powerful, but she was after all still missing her eyes which was the core part of her power.


    Meanwhile, Vri held a potential that probably eclipsed both of the two Mystic Realm natives, and she was both young and in perfect condition. It was lucky that Vri waspletely loyal to him, as letting someone like her loose on Earth would spell disaster in a decade or two. Zac had great hopes for her, that she could be a pir of Earth in the future.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But her potential was, unfortunately, being a bit wasted right now. Zac had therefore decided to give her a shot at the Crown of Despair-Inheritance. It did seem to be a mentalist inheritance, and Zked any sort of foundation in that department apart from his Soul-Strengthening Manual.


    He felt he was doing Vri a disservice since he didnt really have any insights or skills to provide her, but she would hopefully find something useful in the inheritance trial. The only reason he had been holding back until now was that the opportunities were limited, and there wasnt a huge need to give her a power-up.


    She will be happy to hear that, Triv nodded before he asked with a hesitant voice. About those two What is your n?


    I havent decided yet, Zac sighed. I still cant believe they managed to cross the turbulent sea.


    The two Triv talked about were Krisko and Uyir, the man formerly known as Enigma. Of course, he was a Revenant now, and the husband of his Corpselord wife. Thest living general of the Undead Incursion had mysteriously disappeared the moment the Incursion fell, and Enigma never returned to the Underworld Council.


    Seeing as neither could be found, most had believed that the two fought and the battle ended with mutual destruction. However, it turned out that the truth was a bit more interesting. The two had battled, but they had ended up with grievous wounds rather than dying.


    The battle had taken ce inside the heart of the Dead Zone though, and even though the Lich King was dead and the incursion was gone, the Miasma was still extremely dense. It had seeped inside Enigmas wounds, and he had quickly been converted to a Zombie even before he died. He had woken up as a supreme Zombie, and Krisko then helped him gain sapience over the following year.


    They initially lived in the Dead Zone, but it quickly shrunk to the point that they feared they would be discovered. They somehow managed to find out about the second continent and its growing pockets of death and took the risk to cross the oceans, braving the chaotic storms and the massive sea beasts.


    Unfortunately for them, they ran into the Einherjar and Zac who were out on a training mission just a few weeks after arriving at the unpopted continent. Zac initially nned to simply execute them, but Triv had begged for Kriskos life since she apparently had been good to him before.


    The Ghost Butler had provided a huge amount of help over the past years, so Zac acquiesced. But that still left two powerful prisoners who he didnt want to keep but also couldnt send back to the Undead Empire.


    They had seen the unaffiliated undead of Earth, and while there technically wasnt anyw that said that the Undead needed to be part of the Undead Empire, it was still considered a betrayal to be unattached among a lot of the imperials. Letting them return could cause any number of issues even if they didnt know about Zacs hidden ss.


    Try to convince them to sign the same sort of contract as you, Zac said. For now, let no one disturb me until I call for you.


    Of course, Triv nodded and flickered away.


    Zac soon walked over to the death-attuned side of the Life-Death Array, and another wave of mncholy hit him as he looked upon the intricate fractals surrounding his prayer mat. Kenzie had long reached the inscription proficiency to make aplementary Life-attuned Array Disk, but the setup in his Cultivation Cave was still more efficient to use because of the resources that had gone into nurturing the cave into a cultivation paradise.


    The array hummed to life as Zac sat down. He immediately felt the two streams of power, Dao and Mental Energy, enter the array pathways. Zac grit his teeth with determination as he shut out all errant thoughts. He had been hesitant for a few months now since he had reached a certain point. The point of his first Reincarnation.


    However, every time he had started hitting against that final bottleneck he had gotten a sense of trepidation, like his life was in danger. Until now Zac hadnt wanted to risk it and instead opted to wait and umte some more. But now his soul was alit with purpose, and he refused to back down any longer.


    He would push through this time no matter what.

 Chapter 668: Cycle of Life and Death

    Chapter 668: Cycle of Life and Death


    One cycle after another passed as the <strong>[Life-Death Array]</strong> did its thing, and some sweat started running down Zac''s forehead by the time he reached the seventh cycle. He usually stopped infusing the array with his Dao by this point, but his urgency kept him going this time. There thankfully was a huge surplus of energy in his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>, especially since he hadnt used the array at all over the past weeks.


    His second Dao storage helped Zac tide over the cycle without much issue, but a headache made the veins on Zacs throb as the eighth cycle started. Only an insignificant stream was released from the avatar of the Fragment of the Coffin by this point. Zac wasnt satisfied with just that, and the scenes of Leandra appearance shed over and over in his mind. The scene of Kenzie being taken away, of Thea floating up toward the lightning in the sky, the sense of utter helplessness.


    A surge of Dao was squeezed out of the Dao Avatar as Zac took out several Soul Crystals, crushing a few of them before grabbing one in each hand. The crushed crystals turned into a dust cloud that looked like a neb slowly drifting around him, steadily infusing his whole body with energy through his pores.


    This was a method he had identally discovered a while back, but he never used his very limited number of Soul Crystals this way because of the low efficiency. It was actually possible to take in the energy from the cloud even while absorbing normally, giving his soul an extra boost that helped him forcibly extract some more Dao from the Coffin in his mind.


    The effect of the Soul Crystal was limited, but it helped him tide over the eighth cycle, and a pure wave of death was returned after half an hour.


    His soul had never contained a level of undeath as it did right now. Eight full cycles empowered by the Dao of the Coffin and D-Grade Miasma Crystals was over a hundred times more powerfulpared to simply running the array as-is. Frigid drowsiness spread through his mind, and he just wanted to lie down and sleep.


    Zac knew that it was just an effect of his soul being modified beyond what was safe, and stopping right now would probably lead to his soul getting harmed in unknowable ways. He forced himself to start the ninth cycle, ignoring his old rules of precaution.


    Blood ran down Zacs nose and his soul shuddered from the pain, but he staunchly continued to squeeze out all his potential as one Soul Crystal after another was expended. Finally, his soul was utterly drained, like a parched desert that hadnt seen rain for centuries. But Zac kept pushing even then, and microscopic motes of destruction were suddenly squeezed out of his wrung-out soul.


    It was the energy released from the Splinter of Oblivion, and Zac was surprised to see them since he had thought the energy had been perfectly blended into his soul. It looked like the fusion wasnt perfect considering the motes had appeared, but Zac had no time to ponder on that as the purified energy of Oblivion entered the array.


    Zac looked on with anticipation mixed with trepidation since he wasnt sure what the result would be from adding yet another energy into the mix, especially one as powerful as this. The worry only grew as a shudder rocked the whole cultivation cave a few secondster, and it soon felt like he was caught in the middle of an earthquake.


    However, Zac staunchly refused to move, since doing so would waste all his efforts and even damage his soul. Half his soul was essentially inside the array by this point, and leaving now would result in a huge loss. The shakes only increased in intensity, and Zac could even hear Triv scream with horror in the distance.


    A surge of energy suddenly mmed into Zacs mind, a terrifying force that threatened to knock Zac unconscious. Zac didnt understand what had happened to his mental energy as it passed through the array, but the amount and intensity were just terrifying. The hazy ball in his mind that represented his soul looked like it would explode any moment.


    That wasn''t the only problem. Zac felt himself rapidly turning into a zombie as deathly cold spread out throughout his body. Those small motes of oblivion had somehow supercharged the deathly energies in the array, which was extremely dangerous considering Zac barely held on as is. His heartbeat slowed down and the embrace of death beckoned him, but there was a core in the deepest recess of his mind that refused to give in.


    Zacs mind was a blur as he crawled toward the life-attuned side of his cave, his body only moving thanks to muscle memory as he was forced to use all his attention on keeping the creeping death at bay. He finally reached the prayer mat, and he desperately turned on the array after activating his Specialty Core.


    His mind had felt stuffed full to the point of bursting a second ago, but the drain from the array immediately gave him a sense of relief. Furthermore, he was now in his Draugr form, and there was no risk of him zombifying any longer. Zac crawled up to a sitting position, but he didnt give himself any opportunity to rx as he poured the power of the Bodhi into the array as well.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The same procedure repeated itself cycle after cycle, though Zac started to feel immense pressure even at the sixth cirction this time around. It wasnt that he had smaller storage in his Bodhi Avatar, but rather that his soul was so wrung dry from being overextended once already.


    Furthermore, the increasingly powerful shes between life and death in his soul werent just purifying and strengthening his soul; the collisions were so powerful that they were actually starting to hurt him.


    This feeling of danger was exactly what had held him back until now. He hadn''t really made any progress for months when using the array because it seemed like he would have to cause some severe damage to his mind. He had seen first-hand what a broken soul did to Alea, and he had felt it himself when he almost got killed by Vri''s predecessor. He wasn''t willing to take that risk at the time.


    But no one on Earth was as used as himself to pushing forward even when hurt, and he started to take out even more Soul Crystals to provide some more relief. His dwindling stash had almost run dry by this point, but Zac cared nothing for the expenditure as he kept going. The Soul Crystals were good, but their value was nothingpared to an evolved soul.


    He had been stuck at the bottleneck for so long already, and Zac was adamant about breaking through today by hook or crook. Going through the first reincarnation would give him a huge boost before setting out, improving every aspect rted to his soul.


    Protection against Illusions, Mind Control, and even direct attacks. Greater stores of Mental Energy. Perhaps even better control of his Daos. Most importantly; greater protection against the remnants in his mind, and perhaps even the first step in taking control of them.


    The seventh cycle passed, as did the eight. His harried soul was on the verge of copse by this point, and he had used more than twice the normal Mental Energy than it normally stored. Part of it came from the frantic consumption of Soul Crystals while part of his energy was inside the array, while some came from <strong>[Spiritual Void] </strong>tiding him over when his Dao Avatar ran out of steam.


    He somehow managed to squeeze out thest potential of his soul, and it resulted in a very familiar scene asst time. But it wasnt motes of Oblivion that got extracted from the depths of his soul but rather simmering blobs of pure Creation. The scene gave Zac pause since the energy from the Shard of Creation entered his body rather than his soul.


    Then it hit him. These motes of both Oblivion of Creation were not the result of the constant stream of energy being extracted and purified by his fractal cage. It was rather hidden impurities left from when the two remnants had ravaged his soul and left their crisscrossing scars behind.


    In either case, the small sparks were the final piece of the puzzle that allowed him toplete the ninth and final infusion. Now he could only wait, and a growing sense of dread gripped his heart as the cultivation cave shook once more. He knew that he might have gone too far this time around.


    There was no way that his current heedless method of breakthrough was the normal path of performing the first reincarnation. It was like he had jumped onto a rocket instead of walking normally. The chaotic shes between life and death would have killed most people by now, and he was barely holding on as cracks covered his whole Soul.


    Part of him screamed at him to stand up and run away, but his legs refused to move as his redrimmed eyes red at the array pathways. The minutes passed, and the circuit was finallypleted. The world shuddered and his vision turned dark, but the all-consuming pain stopped him from staying unconscious for more than a fraction of a second.


    Zac spat out a mouthful of blood, but he didnt care about the state of his body as he looked inward with horror gripping his heart. The shes had reached an unprecedented state, and it looked like a cataclysmic war was taking ce inside his head. A snap echoed out in his mind, followed by incessant shattering sounds that filled Zac with pain and dismay.


    His soul had not just cracked, it hadpletely crumbled.


    A vast cloud of crystals swirled about in Zacs mind, like a million gemstones forming a miniature gxy. Surrounding it were two nebe, one ck and one white, and they gave off a mysterious light that was reflected in the small crystals. Zac would be mesmerized by its beauty if it wasnt for the fact that those small gemstones were broken pieces of his soul, and he desperately tried to figure out a way to salvage the situation.


    Just a splintered soul had been difficult enough to heal, forcing him to head to the Zethaya n when looking for remedies for Alea. But what had just happened to his soul went far beyond a few tears, it was aplete disintegration. However, Zacs panic and despair were suddenly swept away from one simple realization.


    He was fine, even better than just a few minutes ago.


    Zac had received various wounds to his soul before, ranging from small shocks to massive cracks that took a long time to heal. Those kinds of wounds always came with severe nausea, difficulty to think, and unconsciousness. Yet he was still perfectly lucid even now that his soul had lost its form.


    The frantic shes between life and death had ended the moment his soul cracked as well, and it looked like his mind had reached a state of equilibrium.


    That didnt mean he wasn''t in danger, but Zac thought back to the text in his Soul Strengthening Manual. The <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> was iplete and itcked thements and insights of predecessors that marked a high-quality inheritance, but there were still clues hidden in the somewhat sparse descriptions.


    <em>Steeped in the cycle of Life and Death, the soul enters the Samsara. Only by returning to the Origin can reincarnation take ce. Give up on the past life to form the next, only through death can life grow. Use the past to set the foundation for the future.</em>


    <em>The Eight Trigrams form a System unto itself, epassing all. Towering above are the Four Emblems of Heaven and Earth. The Heavens are subject to the demarcation of Yin and Yang, the delimited Dao. </em>


    <em>Supreme above all is the Primordial Chaos, a singr unity. </em>


    Zac had read that passage in the manual many times before, but only now did he actually understand how literal it was being. His soul needed to undergo a rebirth to reach the next stage, a reincarnation where weakness was shed and a soul with greater potential would form. Zac hadn''t expected that meant his soul would turn to stardust though, as that usually meant instant death.


    There was no time to waste as Zac suspected that his lucid state was only being propped up by the array considering the state of his Soul. Zac hurriedly started exerting pressure on the cloud of Soul Shards, and he was ted to see them following hismand as they pushed together toward the center of his mind.


    He needed to use the past to set the foundation for the future, meaning the Soul Shards couldnt be discarded. They would be the core of his reincarnated soul. However, when he pushed together the cloud it just formed an uneven sphere that looked far worse than his previous soul. Zac frowned, immediately realizing he was missing something.


    Inspiration suddenly struck and Zac''s attention turned to the two clouds of extremely condensed Life-Death energies that surrounded the shards. He willed the clouds to start circling the crystals like a neb surrounding a ck hole. The two clouds quickly came into contact with each other, causing a new series of explosions to erupt.


    Zac had initially nned on fusing the clouds into his soul, figuring thats why they were left behind in his mind. However, he quickly changed course when he saw what was going on with the Soul Shards. The minuscule splinters were far more malleable than he had expected, and every collision forcibly pushed splinters together, fusing them into one.


    The fused splinter was barelyrger than just one of the original Soul Shards, meaning that it had almost twice as high a density of energypared to the original pieces. Zac finally understood what was going on, and he egged on the two clouds to sh with each other more and more, causing the fusion to speed up.


    The gxy of gemstones kept shrinking as they were forcibly pushed together, and soon it was less than half the size of his original soul. However, there were still tens of thousands of splinters, so Zac kept pushing the Life-Death energies closer to keep the fusion going.


    Zac finally understood the final passage as well. He had just assumed it to be some cultivation mumbo-jumbo to describe how powerful this method was, considering Yin and Yang was just below the Primordial Chaos. That might be true as well, but it definitely wasnt the whole story.


    Judging by the passage Eight Trigrams form a stable system unto itself, epassing all, the minimum requirement was to reduce the total number of remaining shards to eight. But to continue to fuse the Soul Shards even after that would result in a better reincarnation, with perfection being all shards fused into one new soul. Zac felt confident in reaching the minimum goal of eight, but was he really content with barely passing?


    Definitely not. Only perfection would give him a foundation strong enough to aplish his goals.

 Chapter 669: Grasping for Perfection

    Chapter 669: Grasping for Perfection


    The will was there, but Zac soon realized that performing a perfect reincarnation would be easier said than done.


    Things went quite smoothly in the beginning, with the soul shards almost effortlessly merging. But more and more force was required to keep the process going. It was almost like the extremely energy-dense shards had a mind of their own as they kept trying to fly away from the congealed ball in the middle of Zacs mind.


    Zacs concentration was pushed to its limits as he kept moving the Life-Death energies around to set off explosions aimed at pushing any errant shards back into the fold. Losing a shard was akin to losing a piece of his soul, and he knew that could result in all kinds of weird afflictions down the road, ranging from lost memories to insanity.


    Lose too many and the soul might even be unstable and fall apart, instantly killing him.


    Worse yet, Zac felt his mind starting to be blurry as whatever kept his thoughts cohesive started wearing off, and he caught his mind drifting off on random tangents. A burst of pain shocked him awake as he used his go-to method to stay coherent; stabbing himself in the leg. It allowed him to keep pushing the now-radiant shards together, leaving just 32 splinters behind.


    But that didnt change the fact that he was running out of Life-Death energy. Zac had already known that this might happen the moment he realized the purpose of the life-death clouds.


    After all, he had already seen these clouds before.


    Over the past months when he didnt feel any improvement of his soul, there had been small clouds of life and death left behind after the cultivation session. Zac had figured the clouds were left behind because he didnt manage to make any improvements, but Zac didnt feel it was cause to worry because his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> had swallowed it all long before he started the next cycle.


    But Zac now understood that those clouds were meant to be saved, to be umted. When you finally reached arge enough amount of fuel in your mind, the force would be strong enough to crack your soul and use the huge amount of clouds to begin the fusion process. However, Zac hadpletely bypassed that by going overboard with the help of Dao, Oblivion, and Creation entering the Array.


    Of course, that also meant that Zac would never have been able to break through the normal way. If he hadnt taken the risk today he would just have kept treading water as the clouds failed to umte, wondering why he never reached a point where he felt he could make a breakthrough. Thankfully, Zac was long used to doing things his own way.


    He had run out of one type of fuel, but werent there others? He just needed to cause some explosions, right?


    Zac immediately shed over to the prayer mat in the middle, the nexus between life and death in his cultivation arrangement. He punched down at a certain array to his right, and massive waves of attuned energies stormed into the cavern, submerging him in what almost looked like ck and gold liquid.


    It was a special function that Kenzie had installed, a stopgap that would instantly crush and release the energy of over a hundred D-Grade attuned crystals and push them toward the center of the cave. It even removed the majority of the Cosmic Energy from the boost, leaving mostly just distilled Dao behind. It was meant to be used if he felt himself on the precipice of having a breakthrough in his Dao or something, giving the environment a massive temporary boost.


    But the dreadful amounts of energies were extremely helpful in this situation as well, and Zac felt relief rather than worry as almost-lethal levels of attuned energies pushed into his body through his pores. Parts of it was gobbled up by <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, but his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> had entered a frenzied state from the upheavals around it.


    It created a powerful suction that dragged more and more life-and-death-energies into his mind. Some of it was swallowed by the Hidden Node, but Zac managed to use a lot of it to unleash a chain of powerful explosions as well.


    The extra surge of external Life-Death Energy gave him the push he needed, lowering the number of shards to just eight. They all looked like radiant pearls that reminded Zac of an early embryo, and Zac felt his mind clear once more now that his soul had stabilized. Zac wasnt content with just this though, so he kept trying to force another fusion.


    Unfortunately, the ambient energy was no longer dense enough to keep pushing the remaining shards together. The problem wasntck of energy, but rather the fact that Zacs body wasnt able to absorb it quickly enough to keep the process going. Even his two Hidden Nodes could only swallow so much, and Zac had released far more energy in the cave than he could absorb in a short while.


    He couldnt do any absorbing on his own either considering he was just a mortal, which left his body in a state of equilibrium. The Soul Balls that formed the core of his reincarnated soul contained too much power on their own, and they naturally resisted the outside pressure. Just ambient energy wasnt enough to keep going.


    There was no mention of it in his cultivation manual, but Zac was certain that barely passing the first Reincarnation would mean limits on his future soul cultivation. Perhaps the first three reincarnations would be the ceiling, just like how picking a Common E-grade ss would stop your cultivation progress at that grade.


    Zac thought for a second before he grit his teeth and focused on his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. A massive torrent of stored Dao was extracted from within,pletely flooding his mind in gold and ck. He had been pushed to his limits before when activating the array, but the real bottleneck then hadnt been his Dao. It was rather his mental energy being drained beyond what was safe.


    His <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> wasnt without limits, but he had noticed that he was able to slowly expand the storage over the past years by continuously pushing excess Dao inside and then waiting for the node to stabilize. It could hold a huge amount of energy by this point, even surpassing the total strength of his soul. Or at least his old soul.


    There was still a decent amount of Dao Stored from before, and it had even been bolstered a second ago by the immense clouds of energy around him. But Zac now opened the floodgates, and it all came storming out. Bodhi and Coffin, Life and Death. But now there was also a third cloud; a silvery cloud wrought from the Fragment of the Axe.


    Zac waspletely draining the Hidden Node, which meant that the Dao of his third Fragment was also released. Zac wasnt worried though, as it was all in his n. The two clouds of life and death churned and shed, but the shes turned into a chaotic inferno the moment Zac pushed the third Dao into the mix.


    Fragment of the Axe represented Conflict on his Cultivation Path, and he had made some inroads into this concept over the past years. Part of the insights came from studying the Annihtion Sphere and Origin Mark, which he had decided to call his Pink sh.


    Life and death were in constant struggle, as was evidenced by the unceasing shes in his cultivation cave. However, there was a natural bnce in the shes and they formed a clear line of demarcation. Zac had eventually found a way to turn the orderly conflict into a chaotic war by infusing his Fragment of the Axe into the mix.


    It had resulted in him almost losing a limb from a massive explosion that ruined his whole cave the first time, but it was exactly that kind of force that he needed right now.


    One terrifying explosion after another was set off in his mind as life, death, and conflict stirred up a war of unprecedented proportions. The eight spheres were caught in the heart of it like innocent bystanders dragged into someone elses dispute. A massive shockwave suddenly dispersed the energies from his hidden node, causing Zac to see double.


    What remained in his soul were four pristine spheres, each of them a masterpiece that radiated power.


    Unfortunately, the eruption had pushed dispersed the three clouds, and losing all his Dao was a big roadblock to his goal ofpleting the reincarnation perfectly. It also looked like he was running out of time. The Soul Shards had been malleable at the start, but the spheres felt increasingly rigid, like balls of ss that were cooling down. He needed to speed up or hed lose his window of opportunity.


    Zac was full of reluctance, but two small chests appeared in front of him, one gold and one ck.


    His sister had collected hundreds of rare treasures over the past years, so how could still Zac be empty-handed after all this time? Inside the two boxes were two treasures, one of life and one of death, that matched even Kenzies nine final treasures in value. In fact, they had been given by Kenzie himself.


    His sister had been consumed with gathering everything needed for her evolution, but that didn''t mean she had forgotten about the rest of Port Atwood. Pretty much every core member of Zacs faction had been given some sort of treasure that normally only scions ofrge ns would be able to enjoy. Unsurprisingly, Zac was the biggest beneficiary of Kenzies generosity.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac had saved the two treasures for when he had solved the issue of his Draugr Race bottleneck. They weren''t Dao Treasures, but they contained both powerful and profound energies of life and death. The n was to eat them the moment he had umted enough Inspiration to push his Fragment of the Bodhi and Coffin to the next level, which would hopefully satiate the requirements of his bloodline.


    However, it looked like he had no choice but to make use of them early.


    Of course, these treasures were ultimately not too difficult to get hold of as long as you had ess to a few dozen auction sites and over 100 billion Nexus Coins lying around. They were far from the kind of peak treasures like the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam]</strong> which only had demand but no supply.


    His financial situation waspletely differentpared to before, and recing them wouldnt prove a big challenge. Certainly, that was only thanks to the System providing hundreds of thousands of teleportation destinations. Even Hegemons would find it nigh-impossible even if they somehow managed to gather one million D-grade nexus coins since they would still be locked to their local cluster ofs.


    Still, Zac couldnt help but feel a pinch as he swallowed the death-attuned treasure first. It was called <strong>[Nightcast Lily]</strong>, and Zac ate it stem and all. A terrifying cold quickly spread through his body as inscrutable markings started to superimpose over his pathways, and Zacs hand shook as he quickly swallowed the second treasure.


    These natural treasures were proper D-grade items, which made them far more potentpared to items like the Fruit of Ascension who mainly got their grades thanks to its requirements on environment and usefulness. Even Peak E-grade cultivators would be careful when consuming one, and no one would be foolish enough to take two treasures of shing attunements at the same time. No one except Zac, that is.


    Life and death once more used his body as a battlefield, and Zac desperately pushed the rampant energies toward the space holding his soul. Cracks spread out across his body, and he was soon drenched in ck ichor. But Zac was like a possessed person as he ignored the dangers, his mind set on forcing another fusion.


    Soon the two energies entered his soul aperture, and his vision swam from the pain as small hairline cracks spread across the four Soul Spheres from the furious collisions between the energies of two D-grade treasures. The force required to decrease the number of crystals was clearly immense, and his soul could barely take the pressure. However, a wave of soul-wrenching pain was immediately followed by an unprecedented sense of rity as four turned into two.


    The new spheres were beautiful and radiant. It was like his mind housed two small moons, each of them worthy of being an elite mentalists soul judging by the power they contained. Zac could feel it. There had been a qualitative change when he decreased the number of Soul Spheres to four from eight, but the difference was far greater this time around.


    It was like his soul waspletely remolded into something far greater and far more durable, and the qualitative jump made him even more adamant about shooting for perfection. Problem was, most of the energies of the two treasures had been expended, and his body probably wouldnt be able to take it if he ate two new ones. Not that he had them.


    But there was one more trick he could use, though it came with some danger.


    The passages in the manual, <em>The Heavens are subject to the demarcation of Yin and Yang, the delimited Dao. Supreme above all is the Primordial Chaos, a singr unity.,</em><strong></strong>had given him an idea for his final fusion and his eyes turned to the cage in his mind.


    The two remnants were still locked in their eternal struggle, but they looked a lot betterpared to their wretched state after being forcibly drained to generate a Chaos Pattern. They were continuously gaining energy through some unknown method, only part of which was extracted by the cage.


    More importantly, it almost felt like being locked in a struggle with their nemesis forced the two remnants to continuously be refined, and extremely esoteric patterns had started to appear across their surfaces. Zac once had the idea to use those patterns as a basis to meditate on his Dao Fragments, but he had gained absolutely nothing.


    It wasnt a problem with his Bloodline this time, but the concepts hidden within those markings were just too esoteric. It was ultimately too early to use those things as a reference. He couldnt even keep his mind safe without the help of his fractal cage, which was the biggest reason he was working on his soul in the first ce. After all, there was no way for him to rely on the cages forever.


    He had clearly sensed it by now. The two sets of fractals were extremely sturdy, but the remnants were slowly corroding them. They would break sooner orter unless BeZi and the System somehow replenished them. It was still in an early process, and Zac believed he had decades before they would break.


    Though that grace period would most likely shorten from what he was about to do.


    Zacs mind shuddered as he pushed the two massive Soul Spheres closer to the anchor point of the sub-space prison, a nondescript part off to the side in his soul aperture. The movement went without issue, but Zacs heart still beat like a drum as he pushed arge number of tendrils of mental energy into the hidden dimension housing the remnants.


    The whole air around him ignited the next second as a torrent of energy came bursting out, filling his mind with unimaginable force. ck holes were reced with sparkling stars around him as Creation vied for dominion against Oblivion. Zac almost felt like an almighty god as a thought could destroy anything around him, but he forcibly reined in his imagination.


    He instead repeatedly wished for the rampant energies to create pressure on his two soul spheres. Oblivion and Creation, Yin and Yang, shed in his mind, causing Zac to puke blood as deep cracks spread across the two spheres. One explosion after another rocked his whole soul aperture, but he arduously kept the two forces in check so that they didntpletely destroy his soul.


    Finally, his mind shuddered as ripples spread out from his be. The air itself started vibrating throughout the whole cave like someone had dropped a stone in a still pond. The delimited had be a singr unity, and his soul was made whole as the two cracked moons turned into one zing sun.


    A perfect reincarnation.

 Chapter 670: Alternative Paths

    Chapter 670: Alternative Paths


    Zac breathed out in relief and tion, thinking everything was over. But a lot of things suddenly happened at once. The rampant energies of the remnants started to recede into the fractal prison as Zac felt two marks appear on his forehead, where each mark formed a vortex that could match even his Hidden Nodes in voracity.


    A shocking suction made the space around Zac bend, and he looked on with distress as an enormous amount of attuned energies was dragged into his head. Zac had absorbed just a few percent of the energy he released before, but this much energy wasn''t meant to be consumed. It was meant to be used as a boost to the environment when breaking through.


    Yet these two marks cared nothing for that fact as they greedily swallowed everything they could.


    That alone was rming enough, but his eyes widened even further when a series of explosions erupted all around him. It was the array gs of his Life-Death array that had shot up into the air and self-detonated, releasing a huge amount of energy as well. It looked like the array had been saving a small part of the energy that cycled through its pathways, and it all came crashing back now.


    Tremendous amounts of attuned mental energy blended with the miasmic and divine clouds as they entered Zacs forehead. Zac himself didnt control this process at all, but Zac actually wasnt sure he wanted to stop it even if he could. Instead, he quickly looked inward to see what was going on. His evolved soul still looked like a white-hot sun that illuminated his mind with mysterious splendor, but it wasnt hovering in an empty space any longer.


    Instead, it looked like it was floating on top of a pond wrought from life and death. The body of water was still both shallow and small, but it rapidly expanded as energy kept pouring in. It was like his mind could suddenly house an infinite amount of power, like his aperture was able to grow along with the ocean.


    The process continued for hour after hour, until Zac finally felt a pressure in his mind. It looked like the space for his soul no longer could expand. Zac looked on at the situation with marvel. Before now, his soul had just been this diffuse blob that he could sense in his head, but now there was a defined space. Furthermore, everything was so clear and tangible. It almost felt like the core of his soul was a physical object, and he looked at his new internal space with marvel.


    There were no set rules of how a soul should look from what Zac had gathered. Soul Cultivation didnt follow a strict series of grades like cultivation either, where everyone had nodes to break open in the E-grade and a Cultivator Core to form and upgrade during the D-grade. It was rather dependent on the method, and two equally powerful souls could lookpletely different.


    Zacs soul had undergone a tremendous transformation as he had officiallypleted the first step of the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>, and his soul was undeniably marked by the experience. It would be hard for him to swap to a different Soul Strengthening method by this point, but he wasnt really intent on doing so as he felt it fit his path quite well.


    Half of his spiritual world was now filled with a golden ocean, not surprisingly teeming with life-attuned energy. This energy wasnt connected to him though, and he was unable to move or change it at all. It was the same with the second half of his internal space, which was now a pitch-ck sea of death. The two bodies of water didnt mix at all, but crashing waves rose to the sky where they met.


    His perfected Soul Core was floating right in the middle between these two oceans, still shining in a pristine white. His avatar representing the Fragment of the Axe, and his Hidden Node <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>, had taken its spot right on top of the core. It was now sitting on it like a marooned sailor on a small ind. The other two apparitions had instead formed two smaller inds apart from his core, with the hanging coffin resting atop the death-attuned ocean and the bodhi tree atop the golden one.


    The scene was beautiful and it resonated perfectly with his path, and Zac felt he could finally rx.


    Things had gotten a bit dicey for a moment there, but everything went above expectation. Zac wanted nothing more than to explore his new soul, but first, he had to check in on the remnants. He could still feel the cage, and it still hid in a subspace in his improved aperture. Better yet, there wasn''t too much of the remnants'' energies left in his mind.


    Some of the energy had blended with the two oceans, but his new core was unsullied. It could have been worse, but a lot of the energy had been dragged back into the cage, probably by the remnants themselves.


    Forcing open the funnel in his fractal cage was ast-resort option Zac had figured out a year ago but never had reason to try out until now. It was a method he could use if his life was on the line, a way for him to borrow the power of the remnants in case everything else failed. For example, if he was able to release energy like this back during his fight with Adcarkas, then things might not have gotten so desperate.


    The energy funnel had thankfully started mending itself in response to Zac breaking it open, almost immediately. The remnants in turn didnt want to lose their arduously umted energy, prompting them to quickly drag most of the leftovers back into the prison instead of giving it up. Things worked out better than Zac could have hoped, but the strategy dide at a significant cost.


    The luster of the protective fractals had been expended by a noticeable degree, and Zac guessed that he had lost at least a good five years of protection. Zac was hopeful that the gain in his soul strength would offset the loss this time, but if he used the same method inbat it would be a pure loss. Besides, forcing open the gates repeatedly might cause the prison to crumble altogether, so it definitely wasnt something he could use unless he was absolutely pushed to the edge.


    Seeing that everything was in order with his remnants Zac instead turned his attention to his body, and he couldnt help butment at hisck of preparations. He had managed to perform a perfect Reincarnation, but at what cost? His whole body was a mess, and Zac could feel that his soul was still pretty fragile.


    His experience was a great example of the difference between a Manual and a Heritage. The manual was short-worded and obscure, sometimes intentionally as to make it harder for outsiders to glean information. But a Heritage also contained the experiences of the predecessors. If he had the Heritage for the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> he would have known exactly what the reincarnation entailed.


    The undertaking would still have been dangerous since he would always be unable to gather the Dao clouds. But he would have been able to prepare himself better, like getting his hands on safer treasures to help with the fusion. Still, there was no use crying over spilled milk. The gains far outweighed the costs as far as Zac was concerned.


    Zac soon started to observe his evolved soul from a utilitarian standpoint though. He had spent a small fortune and risked his life to reach this stage, and he needed more than a nice view. Luckily, it didnt take long for him to start digging out the changes from his evolution.


    First of all, his new soul seemed extremely stablepared to his old one, no matter if you looked to the size or mass of it. Harming it would take a lot more forcepared to before. Zac couldnt be sure, but he suspected that his resistance against mental attacks was stronger right nowpared to when he actively used <strong>[Mental Fortress]</strong> before.


    His raw defenses were most likely inferiorpared to when he used <strong>[Soul Guardian]</strong> on his old soul though, but that was to be expected from an E-grade Mental Defense Skill. His pool of Wisdom obviously provided the same degree of protection, but it was like the same attack now would need to destroy a big boulder instead of a fist-sized stone. The same amount of force would have a much smaller impact.


    The second gain was how clear everything felt. When he observed his Dao Avatar it felt like they hid a lot more secretspared to before, and hundreds of ideas flicked through his mind as he turned his attention to the pathways in his body. He didnt feel smarter by any means, but it was like his mind had be more in tune with the Dao.


    Concepts he had studied before that had felt obscure and inscrutable were now within reach. He felt full of inspiration, which was exactly what he needed for the next step of his n. However, he first had to check something, and two thin streams of Dao emerged from his avatars.


    It worked!


    Zacs looked on with desperate hope as the two streams moved together, but his abyssal eyes closed in dismay when the two strands touched for just a second before they disintegrated. It was a failure, after all. He had hoped that his evolved soul would help him improve his control over his Daos, but it was only partly a sess.


    He now found it absolutely possible to activate two Dao Fragments at once without straining himself. However, his control over them wasnt any better than before, which essentially meant that Dao Braiding still was an impossible goal. After all, it was the control itself that was key, not being able to activate the fragments.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Kenzie had often tried to exin how she could fight so dynamically, and it always boiled down to her Dao. She was able to control her streams of Dao with pinpoint precision thanks to her own talents along with Jeeves'' assistance. She could even attach it to streams of Cosmic Energy and form elemental skills from scratch. However, this type of handling required both talent and affinities, of which Zac had neither.


    But Zac suddenly froze as he felt a sh of inspiration. Perhaps there was a unique path he could take.


    Two thick streams of mental energy emerged from the core of his soul, and they moved around in his aperture like two flood dragons, twinning around each other as they moved. It was obviously Zac who did it, but his eyes lit up at the result. Wasnt this Dao braiding, except that the energy currentlycked any Dao?


    Instead of using his Dao as the guide and his Mental Energy as the fuel like normal cultivators, what if he did it the opposite way? Form the braid with streams of mental energy with the help of his unusually powerful soul, then Infuse the streams with Dao like they were some sort of cables. From there you could infuse your skills with the newly formed Dao Braid.


    The moment the thought ignited, Zac waspletely unable to let it go. If this truly was possible, then the biggest detriment of his abysmal affinities would be solved. Truthfully, Zac felt that having no affinities for Daos wasnt that bad in terms of cultivation. He could still gain insights from battles, and he suspected that he would be able to keep improving as long as he kept getting his hands on treasures.


    Meanwhile, those with low affinities would sooner orter find themselves hard-capped in their cultivation, where they wouldnt improve their Dao Seeds or Dao Fragments no matter what.


    However, his inability to manipte his Dao was starting to be a problem. Braiding two Late-Stage Fragments and infusing them into a Skill was almost as powerful as infusing the skill with a Peak-Stage Fragment. Above that were Dao Arrays, something that talented E-grade cultivators could make use of.


    As grades progressed, the cultivators utilized their Daos would keep improving, while Zac used the crudest method. It hadn''t been a real problem so far, but it would be a bigger and bigger issue as he progressed. He already had to eke out more and more advantages to cancel out the increasing boost from cultivation manuals, and adding Dao maniption to that would be extremely tough.


    But Soul Cultivation might be his key to retain his advantages.


    The minutes passed as Zac kept trying to form his backward-braid, but he was soon enough forced to stop before making any real headway. His vision had started to get blurred as his wounds made themselves reminded. He sighed and stopped the experiments, and simply ate a few healing pills before lying down on the ground.


    But he could feel it. There was hope.


    Zac got no opportunity to celebrate though as sleep took him the moment his head hit the ground. He had no idea if one hour or one year had passed when he finally woke up, but a quick check proved that the correct answer was actually three days. He should have known that reforming his soul would stress his mind, and immediately starting to perform a series of experiments was overdoing it.


    His mind felt a lot better after the rest though, like it had somehow stabilized. Of course, the attuned oceans in his mind still raged like before, and Zac guessed theyd never calm down. Zac wanted to check things out some more, but he suddenly sensed a presence in the distance.


    Triv,e in, he said.


    Young master, are you okay? Triv hesitantly asked as it floated into the cultivation cave.


    Im fine, Zac sighed as he turned his gaze toward the ghost. I just- Uh?


    Zac forgot his word as Triv had started to vibrate as the ghost moved away.


    Please, your eyes. Youre almost like Lady Vri, Triv croaked as his spiritual form shuddered.


    Zac was surprised by the ghosts reaction, and he concentrated a bit to properly restrain his aura. He was always containing arge part of it naturally, but it wasnt hard even for Zac to hide even more of it. In fact, it went even smoother right nowpared to before, which meant Zac had found yet another benefit of soul evolution.


    Thats better, Triv sighed. Lady Vri has been waiting outside for a few days on yourmand.


    Oh, right. Send her in, Zac said, a bit embarrassed he had forgotten about his undead general.

 Chapter 671: Vilari

    Chapter 671: Vri


    Vri came in a momentter, her eyes shielded by a ck silk scarf covered in aquamarine fractals, which also held her shoulder-long white hair back from her face. Her build was still the same as the angelic girl who almost killed him in the Battle of Fates, but her aura waspletely different.


    Two ck streaks ran down her cheeks and continued down her neck. It was a bit reminiscent of runny mascara if not for the massive amount, but its origin was rather Zac himself. When his soul cracked from the mentalists attack back then, a surge of Annihtion had ruined Vris eyes and cracked her soul in return.


    Those streaks of ck blood had marked her skin, and they now formed a mysterious pattern that Zac felt had some sort of rtion with the Dao of Oblivion. It gave her an oppressive aura, and one of perpetual sorrow, which was a bit unfortunate as her true disposition wasnt like that at all. She wasnt a ray of sunshine, but neither was she a dark cloud.


    Her mental cultivation had resulted in a calm and gentle personality, though that didnt mean she flinched in the face of carnage. She wasnt blind like one could have expected from her appearance either, as a version of her old eyes had been grown back in the ruined sockets. It wasnt some unique ability of her predecessors bloodline, but rather thanks to Zacs experimentation over the past years.


    He had used Creation to conjure something out of nothing.


    The energies of Oblivion and Creation were constantly released into his body, and he asionally needed to purge as to not get impacted by the influence of the remnants again. However, Zac had felt it was a waste to simply use his Origin Mark on nothing. He had seen how it could heal his own body and create things where only his imagination was the limit, so why not use the mark on his corpses?


    His first attempt had been on the nephew of Cervantes, the mutted and bisected corpse of the leader werewolf. Zac wanted to see if he could regrow the missing half with a Pink sh. Unfortunately, his experiment had ended up with the corpse turning into a mutted blob of flesh and metal as Zac let his imagination run wild for a second, making him think of the Cyborg he fought.


    The following experiments went better and better as he learned to properly focus and avoid distractions. However, there were still limitations to the skill. First of all, he could only use it on himself and on corpses so far. Using it on someone living caused a sh of wills between the two parties, and things got out of control.


    Secondly, the limbs he restored were weakerpared to the original, though that was slowly improved over time. Finally, it couldn''t create things Zac didn''t understand. One instance of this was bloodlines hidden in the depths of cells. For example, he had created two eyes for Pika as well, but she had actually scooped them out of her own head after awakening, saying that the real ones were waiting for her.


    Vris bloodline was thankfully not directly rted to her eyes. In fact, Zac wasnt even certain that her old eyes looked like that scary eye that had filled his vision back then. His memories of the whole encounter were a bit blurry, and he only remembered those enormous eyes. It might just have been a skill of the mentalist, but it was now a permanent feature of Vri.


    The real reason for the scarf covering her eyes was rather that her soul had grown too much in strength too quickly, and she wasnt able to control hertent bloodline. Her living predecessor probably practiced some specific bloodline method, but the Mentalist hadnt left any cultivation manuals inside her Spatial Ring. Most likely she hadnt brought things like that to Base Town at all, rather leaving them back with her n.


    So, hismander of the Einherjar was in a simr situation as Zac was before he awakened his bloodline. In fact, the Einherjar with previous bloodlines were all in this situation. Their bloodlines had been partly sealed upon awakening, and they had to work at unsealing them rather than awakening them.


    It was possible that a proper Lich might be able to allow their Revenants to awaken with their bloodlines intact, but Zac definitely wasnt at that stage with his homebrewed methods. Conversely, his Mark of Creation would probably kick up a storm among Liches if they found out he had such a heaven-defying method to restore corpses.


    Lord Atwood, Vri said as she looked back and forth in the cave. Such a nice ce. A shame it was destroyed.


    Its just surface damage, Zac said with a wry smile. It will be restored. Im sorry about the wait."


    "It was no problem. The atmosphere outside helped me make some progress of my own," Vri said.


    "That''s good. How are youing along? Zac asked.


    Its slow but steady, Vri nodded. I think it''s best if I stay at my current stage for a few more years unless you need me to advance. Soul cultivation is a slow path.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac understood what she meant. His recent break-through should be possible toplete while still in F-Grade, but it would probably take a longer time. Who knew, perhaps it was even possible to undergo a second reincarnation as well. The greater the foundation she built early on, the further she would be able to go on her path.


    Thats fine. Follow your instincts, and let me know if theres anything you need, Zac said as he threw her a crystal. These are my insights after undergoing my first Reincarnation, it should be helpful to you as well. There were some surprises. I hope youll aim for a perfect Reincarnation if you decide to stick with this method.


    Vri was the only one apart from himself who cultivated the Nine Reincarnations Manual. Zac had paid a small fortune for a Natural Treasure that allowed him to engrave at least the first section onto a one-time Information Crystal even though his understanding was a bit rickety.


    She wasnt quite as suited as himself for the method, considering she didnt really have any affinity or rtion to the Life-attunement. But the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> was still a top-tier Soul Strengthening Method, and it helped her strengthen her soul at a decent pace. In fact, her soul was already superior to Zacs pre-reincarnation soul, but it still hadnt reached its limits.


    Whether that would lead to an easier reincarnation or a stronger end-product, Zac wasnt sure. Honestly, it wasnt for certain that she would stick with the current manual at all since she could easily swap to another method before she actually underwent the first reincarnation. Afterward, it might be a bit moreplicated.


    Still, the information was of great value to her, and Vri gratefully nodded as she stowed away the crystal.


    Let me look into your eyes, Zac suddenly requested, giving Vri a start.


    Ah- Are you sure? the small Revenant hesitantly said. Your state after grinding your skills-


    That was before," Zac coughed with some embarrassment. "I want to see the effects ofpleting the first reincarnation."


    Alright, Vri nodded as she undid the knot at the back of her head, exposing two almost reptilian eyes.


    The eyes were fashioned after the massive eyes that Zac had seen when the Mentalist attacked him during the battle of fates, with white sclera and a blue vertical scar running through them in the middle. The only difference was that the blue back then was a lot deeper, whereas Vris fractured pupils were the aquamarine of condensed Miasma.


    Until today Zac had found himself on the losing end to Vris gaze, even when activating <strong>[Soul Guardian] </strong>or <strong>[Indomitable]</strong>. His soul wasnt actually hurt by the exchange like back during the tower climb, but it did make him slightly dizzy after just a few seconds. Which was shocking considering that Vri was just peak F-Grade.


    But this time was different. He felt some pressure and the oceans in his soul aperture started to churn a bit, but he was still able to maintain apletely lucid mind even without activating his mental defense skill. It was like the oceans acted as a buffer, and the core wasnt affected at all by thetent pressure Vri exerted. It was clear; mental defense was once his weakness, but it had now turned into his strongest point.


    I cant see your soul, Vri eximed with surprise, confirming Zacs hunch, and a smile spread across her face.


    Whats with you? Zac asked with confusion as he saw Vri light up.


    Im just happy. I can finally look someone in the eyes without hurting them, Vri said with a smile.


    Zac weakly smiled in return, once more feeling that the familial bonds of the Undead were a bit hard to get used to. He was essentially Vris father as she carried his mark, and the awakening was performed with him as the lifegiving source. But Revenants turned this way were adults the moment they gained sapience, though they were still a bit wide-eyed even after two years of education.


    So Vri was his child, yet she was not. She was an adult, yet she was not, and Zac had some trouble adapting to it. Triv had just told him to see it as the same sort of rtionship as the one he had with his Valkyries, which pretty much was true since the Einherjar were bound to him just like Triv was bound to the Undead Empire.


    Im sure youll be able to control your strength when we find a way to unseal your bloodline. It shouldnt be long until we find a way, Zac said. And if you want, I have an opportunity for you. The Crown of Despair-Inheritance. There are some risks-


    Im willing, Vri said without hesitation, eagerness written all over her face.


    Okay, lets go, Zac nodded before he activated his Specialty Core to return back to his human form.


    He had already kept Vri waiting for three days, so they headed out without dy, leaving Triv to start repairs on the cave. The two teleported over to hispound and immediately walked over to the intricate hedge maze that also doubled as Bras Energy Gathering Array.


    Even more functions had been added over the past years; it now also contained hidden bewilderment and trapping arrays that Kenzie had installed. Of course, the main reason for them being there was because Bra had demanded it in return for divulging some of his knowledge.


    Zac was in control of the array cores rather than Bra though, and he effortlessly led Vri through. The size of these additions around the Dao Repository had forced Zac to slightly move the inner wall, not that anyone in Port Atwood wanted to stay too close to the Dao Repository after it started stealing their ambient energy.


    Its you, Bra muttered, ncing down from his golden cloud when Zac walked inside with a curious Vri in tow. What do you want?


    I want to give the Crown of Despair to Vri here, Zac said. Is it a problem that shes a Revenant?


    Should be fine as long as its not a man, Bra shrugged and waved his hand, conjuring a portal in front of the statue.


    Good luck, Zac said as he turned to Vri. Ill wait here.


    This inheritance is a bit special, Bra interjected. The undeadss will be gone for at least a month, probably more.


    What? Zac said with shock.


    Most trials just took a few hours, and even his own inheritance had juststed for a day. Meanwhile, the trial for the Crown of Despair wouldst for a whole month? What kind of treasures hid within that realm?


    Its not that the quality of the things left behind is higher. The owner had some peculiar demands when constructing the inheritance realm, Bra snorted, clearly reading Zac''s thoughts. Also, its the only inheritance site I ampletely unable to sneak inside, so I have no idea how it looks by now. That dour woman might have gone even more insane over the long years.


    Do you still want to go ahead with this? Zac asked with some worry.


    Even more. It sounds like a challenge where I can hone myself. We cant shy away from some minor difficulties if we want to be able to assist you in the future, Vri said with a nod.


    Fine. Good luck. And if it seems like you will die, just give up. There will always be other opportunities out there, Zac said and looked on with worry as Vri walked toward the teleporter.


    And, young master? I am sorry about the mistress, Vri said as she disappeared in a sh.


    The teleporter disappeared, taking Vri with it. Zac gazed at the towering statue a few seconds, and he couldnt help but feel a wave of dejectioning over him. The statue was holding her head in her hands and it radiated sorrow, and it made him nce toward the stalwart statue of the de Emperor.


    Seeing him brought back a wave of unwee memories, and he wordlessly turned toward the exit. A snort echoed out from above, but Zac ignored it as he walked away.


    Are you Getting her back? a hesitant voice asked just as Zac was about to leave, which made him stop in his tracks as he looked back up at the Tool Spirit.


    It looked like Bra''s sullen demeanor was caused by missing Kenzie, and Zac guessed he shouldnt be surprised. She was essentially his only friend in this ce, visiting him asionally to just y around. Perhaps Bra was dreading being left alone in this world again since Zac was always upied with his cultivation.


    Ill do my best, Zac sighed. Have you heard of Six Profundity Empire? Or Immemorial Realms?


    I havent heard of that empire, Bra said with a shake of his head. But I have heard of Immemorial Realms from my master. It was something he had learned from a mysterious being passing through his sector. He stayed with my creator for a few weeks when he was young and gave some casual pointers on crafting.


    Master always said it was thanks to this mysterious persons profound knowledge he was considered the top among D-Grade craftsmen. It was thanks to him that even Monarchs came to his doorstep asking for help. Master always dreamed of meeting this mysterious master again, but he never got the chance.


    Zacs brows rose with surprise. A few weeks of casual pointerspletely transformed the fate of the original Bra? Sounded like Bra had a lucky encounter of his own. It might even be possible that that person was at B-grade to elicit such a change.


    Master learned that Mystic Realms are the lowest rung among the hidden pockets of space. There are higher-tiered worlds as well. He mentioned Ancient Realms, Immemorial Realms, and Primal Heavens. I dont know anything more than that though, Bra muttered.


    Immemorial Realm Higher-tiered Mystic Realm, Zac mused.


    It is some sort of cultivation paradise, I bet, Bra shrugged. I guess its the kind of ce those lofty beings need to enter continue their cultivation. I bet a ce like this backwater sector simply doesnt have the fundamental requirements to nurture a B-grade Cultivator. And there is no way such a ce is unimed. Getting in would be nigh-impossible.


    You might be right, Zac said with a sigh, knowing that his goal of finding Kenzie had just be even more difficult.


    Leaving the Zecia Sector alone was a daunting task for someone who wasnt even powerful enough to freely walk among the stars. Gaining ess to some supreme cultivation paradise to free his sister sounded like an impossible task as things stood. But Zac simply took a deep breath and left.


    One step at a time.


    Vri being gone for so long was out of Zacs expectations, but it didnt affect his original ns all that much. Zac sent a message to Calrin next, ordering a huge batch of provisions for his next outing before returning to his cultivation cave.


    He spent the next week healing up, resting, and going over his ns. Zac had formed all kinds of hypotheses and goals over the past three years, and the improved rity from his soul helped him perfect those steps even further. Only when he waspletely certain he was back in prime condition did he continue with his objectives.


    Zac activated his teleporter, appearing in a small empty building, a loggers cabin that hadnt seen any visitors for months. He stepped outside, finding himself in a small town, though not a person was in sight. It was a small deserted settlement that Zac had found while flying around on his leaf, looking for good grinding spots or any natural treasures left behind after the Integration.


    Judging by the signs and remains, the ce had once been a drop-off point for a cohort of human cultivators. However, they had long died due to their unfortunate cement. The town was situated at the edge of a series of towering mountains to one side and a vast coniferous forest to the other.


    Both the mountains and the forest were simply crawling with powerful beasts, and there were no other towns for hundreds of miles. The cultivators had fought valiantly against the dangerous surroundings, unlocking a Nexus Crystal and all sorts of battlements. They had all died before managing to unlock the teleporter though, leaving the town unimed.


    Zac had quickly killed all the alphas in the surroundings before iming the city, which gave him a small outpost far away from prying eyes, with ample prey to use as target practice. However, Zac didnte here to just fight beasts, he had a specific goal in mind.


    He walked over to the Nexus Crystal, putting his hands against its smooth surface.


    <strong>[Fuse Skills?]</strong>

 Chapter 672: Skill Fusions

    Chapter 672: Skill Fusions


    Zac had gained his first skill upgrade quest at level 90 as expected, and another one at level 100. Both of them provided him with one opportunity to freely fuse or upgrade one of his F-Grade skills, though the upgrade only allowed for upgrading ss-specific skills. The fusion could make use of external skills, but only if the first skill in the fusion was provided by the ss. Secondly, only F-grade skills were useable in the fusion.


    Zac had reached level 90 just two months after the events in the Mystic Realm, and hepleted the quest in two weeks. Yet he had held off on epting the reward based on a rmendation from Alyn. He would only get a few freebies, and he needed to make the most of it. Zac got two shots per ss, which felt sorelycking as he went through his long list of abilities.


    There were many reasons to not immediately cash in the rewards. The System assisted in the upgrades, but the cultivator could actually nudge the process in certain directions as long as they had a clear understanding of the skill fractals and what they wanted to change. That was a big reason why Zac had worked so hard on shoring up his foundations over the past years, to give him a shot at creating skills suited for his cultivation path.


    This was extra important for his Fetters of Destion-ss, where he had several skills that he rarely used or simply didnt fit too well with his envisionedbat style. He wanted to turn the ss more offensive while still maintaining some defensive capabilities, and he hoped he had found a way to do that. Right now the ssbined Defense and Death, and Zac needed to turn that into War and Death.


    He had gone over his options hundreds of times in his mind as he worked on his Soul Cultivation over the past years, and he had long reached a decision for both his sses. All four opportunities would be used for fusing skills, leaving the normal evolutions to his own hard work. The reason was simple; fusing skills was a lot harder than simply upgrading one.


    It took two different skill fractals and turned them into one,bining their effects to something new. It required a high understanding of fractals, the Dao, and the skills themselves to work, along with some sort of inspiration. An upgrade wasnt easy by any means, but ultimately a lot more straightforward.


    Fixing his Draugr skillset was important, but Zac wanted to work on his human side first. He figured that the fusions he had nned for his Edge of Arcadia-ss were more straightforward, and the umted experience would hopefully help him when performing the more transformative fusions of his Draugr side.


    Zac looked at the prompt from the Nexus Node in front of him and took a deep breath before choosing <strong>[YES] </strong>and swiftly picking his first two skills to fuse. It was <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. He was very happy with both skills, but they ultimately served a simr purpose in his skill set.


    So, Zac had decided to fuse the two into one, creating one terrifying ultimate skill that would crush all opposition in one go. It was abination of two of his Daos as well; the Fragment of the Bodhi and the Fragment of the Axe, the essence of his Edge of Arcadia ss and his cultivation path. Now with his burgeoning ability to braid two Daos into one attack, it held even greater potential.


    Zacs surroundings suddenly changed, and he found himself sitting in a vast cosmos, and his eyes lit up with expectation when he saw the familiar stars far in the distance. It looked a lot like when Yrial imparted his Dao onto him years ago, like he was staring into the Heavens themselves in this secret dimension.


    Two streams of energy suddenly emerged from his body, turning into the fractals of his two skills, each of them as tall as Zac. Two streams emerged from his be next; the familiar Dao clouds that were continuously released from his Dao Avatars. The streams were unsurprisingly those released by the Fragment of the Bodhi and Fragment of the Axe.


    Two fractals crashed into each other the next moment, turning them into a cloud of stardust that swirled about. It was mesmerizing to look at, but Zac didn''t forget himself as he staunchly focused on the direction he wanted to take the skill in. Pure power stemming from the endless force of nature itself, paired with the unstoppable momentum of an axe. The two would turn into a single attack that would cleave earth and end a war altogether.


    A rippling force shuddered within the stardust, and Zac felt certain his general idea for the skill had been epted by the System. The stardust created from the former two skills congealed into a brand new fractal, while energy from the distant stars poured in and gave it even greater strength. The result was a skill fractal far more detailed than those before, radiating unquestionable might.


    Zac looked at it with awe, and he could quickly make some deductions thanks to his years of study into the patterns that the Apostate of Order brought to the cultivation world. First of all, the energy requirement and strength of his new skill should be around twelve times greaterpared to the old ones.


    One could almost liken a skill fractal to a perfectly crafted machine, and some patterns shared purpose across most skills. For example, there were the transformers that took normal Cosmic Energy and transformed it into whatever force was needed to conjure the skill.


    There were also storage patterns that allowed the skill topress and store Cosmic Energy until it was all released in one mighty st. The more storage patterns a skill fractal contained, the more power would the skill be able to unleash. Of course, it also meant the skill would cost more to activate as well.


    The number of storage patterns nestled into the skill fractal was a good indicator of what type of skill one was dealing with since massive finishers would obviously contain tens, perhaps hundreds, more of these types of mini-fractalspared to weaker repeatable skills like <strong>[Chop]</strong>. It was this that gave Zac an idea of how powerful the skill would be without even using it.


    Furthermore, Zac was ted to see that the transformative patterns had a decent bnce between nature and axe, though it looked to be a sixty-forty bnce in favor of his Dao of the Axe. It meant that it would be a primarily axe-based skill that borrowed the elements of nature, rather than a nature-skill with the cutting-ability of an axe.


    A fifty-fifty split might have been optimal in terms of his path, but Zac knew he was still an axe-warrior first and foremost. Over the past years, he had managed to incorporate the Dao of the Axe far more into his fighting style than his other two Daos, which wasnt a surprise as he fought with an axe. Getting a sixty-forty split was pretty good all things considered, and he might even be able to gain some inspiration in the future by studying the fractal.


    The skill wasntpletely formed just yet though as two streams of starlight washed over the skill, each one transforming the pattern a bit. Zac couldnt put his finger on it, but the fractal looked a bit more perfect afterward. This was the benefit of the System doing the fusion rather than doing it yourself.


    You might not have full control over the process, which meant that the skill might not be one hundred percent suited to your path. But the resulting skill fractal would be without ws. A fusion-reward from an Epic ss would result in a Peak-quality E-Grade Skill without fail, which was especially important in Zacs case.


    After having studied skills for a long time he had already confirmed that while both <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong> had amazing effects, they were ultimately High-quality skills. They were extremely close to peak quality, but there was still a short distance away. Inparison, <strong>[Profane Seal] </strong>was a proper peak-quality skill since both its defenses and restraining prowess were top-tier for the grade, while even including a teleportation effect to close distances.


    Meanwhile, over 90% of those who fused skills on their own ended up with a skill with a lower qualitypared to the source skills. For example, turning two High-quality F-grade skills into one Medium-quality E-grade skill. It would be a huge loss if Zac wasted the potential in his two signature skills that way.


    Certainly, it was possible to maintain the quality of ones skill, but it required tremendous insight and talent. To improve the quality like what was happening right now most likely required some great fortuitous encounter, like an epiphany or special treasures that could aid in the process.


    The skill was finallyplete, and it turned into a streak of light that entered his body, and Zac waited with rapt attention for it to stabilize. A wide smile spread on his face the next moment as it settled in the position of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. This was exactly what he was hoping for because that came with a special benefit.


    He could get the Endurance-based defensive skill in the Dao Repository now.


    <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> was all but useless by now, leaving Zac without any real defensive options. Between his huge pool of Endurance and his Dao Fragments he was definitely hard to kill, but he needed a skill that actually took advantage of his strengths and pushed his defenses to the next level. He had already shored up his weaknesses on his mental side with <strong>[Spiritual Guardian]</strong> and evolving his soul, and this was the next step.


    It wasnt time to worry about that though, and Zac pushed away any errant thoughts as he wanted to imprint the feeling and memorize every single change that had taken ce in his body since he started the fusion process. Obviously, it wasnt as magical when doing the same thing yourself, but it could provide some guidance.


    Zac soon enough he found himself back in front of the Nexus Node, but he sat in meditative silence for a few minutes to imprint everything. Only then did he open his Skill Screen.


    <strong>[E] Arcadia''s Judgement - Proficiency: Early. Only judgment awaits those who encroach on the mandate of Arcadia. Upgradeable.</strong>


    Zac nodded in satisfaction before he sat down and studied the fractal for another 30 minutes. Only when he felt he had imprinted the whole thing in his mind did he stand up and step onto his flying treasure. There were still a few skills to fuse, but he first wanted to see the effect of the first fusion first-hand so that he could get a better understanding of the result.


    Half an hourter he stood overlooking a vast valley from the vantage of his leaf. Thousands of beasts milled about within, some sleeping while others fought for sport. The stench of blood and death was palpable, and incessant roars full of power reached him even though he was hundreds of meters into the air.


    This was a perfect spot for his experiment.


    Zac soonnded at the mouth of the valley, making no attempt to mask his aura. His arrival was immediately noticed as thousands of weird beasts turned their attention toward him. They were Truzkirs, a beast that once lived on the Zhix homeworld.


    Back there they were a small nuisance looking like a mix of some type of warrior ants and scorpions. Nowadays they had turned into a real threat to the surroundings, as they voraciously devoured everything around theirirs and multiplied quickly. They were both very small for spiritual beasts and agile to boot, which in conjunction with their endless numbers made it a pain to hunt them for normal people.


    This particr hive was ted for eradication since it had grown too big, and there was a real risk of a beast tide if nothing was done.


    The ttering screeches were almost deafening as a tide of Truzkirs rushed toward him,pletely uncaring that his aura was hundreds of times stronger than theirs. Zac wasted no time and immediately started to infuse his new skill fractal with Cosmic Energy, and a slight frown emerged when it only stopped after two seconds and gobbling up 25% of his total reserves.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    That was a huge amount considering his attribute pool, and it would cost him most of his void energy from <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, but that was ultimately a good thing in his book. His Void pool had already increased to 27% over the past years, which meant he wouldntpletely be drained. Besides, the more energy it consumed, the greater the force the skill would exert.


    Zac felt a tremendous weight assail him the next moment as an enormous hand appeared above his head. It looked a bit like the old wooden hand of <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>, but it was over ten timesrger; a mountain of bark, vines, and wood covered in ring red runes. It was like Zac had borrowed the hand of a young treant before, but now the patriarch had showed up.


    And it didnte alone as a massive primal axe was held in its hand. The axe was wrought from wood and stone, and it felt like it was a natural product of mother nature itself. The insect tide was almost upon him by this point, and Zac didnt want to let them surround him. Zacs hand swung down, and he felt his bones creak and groan from the tremendous weight his skill exerted on him.


    The hand in the sky mirrored his action, just like <strong>[Deforestation]</strong> did. The enormous axe fell, and it sounded like two mountains were ground against each other as arcadia unleashed its judgment. It felt like the whole would get cleaved in two as the axe mmed into the ground, digging over twenty meters into the valley. Thousands of beasts were instantly crushed and ground to dust as a scar over five hundred meters long was formed.


    The wound on the earth radiated an undeniable might, and the whole valley shook from the force. The vibrations turned into a full-blown earthquake, but it onlysted for a second before the whole valley veritably exploded in a chaotic jumble of broken flesh and stone.


    The hidden hive beneath the ground had been destroyed in an instant and the whole area had been transformed from a valley into a deep pit that radiated an immense aura of ughter. The whole atmosphere had transformed as well as it held the weight of a mountain. The asional Truzkir still screeched in pain and fear, but almost all of them had been annihted by one single strike. The few remaining beasts would easily be dispatched if Zac was inclined, since the lingering pressure had rendered thempletely unable to move.


    Zac looked down at the destruction for a few minutes, feeling that he really had delivered judgment on this whole valley. The direct force unleashed from the enormous stone axe matched and even eclipsed the third swing of <strong>[Deforestation]</strong>, while the scope of the secondary eruption was a lotrger than any of the punishments from <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. Power and scope; <strong>[Arcadias Judgement] </strong>had both.


    And this was just Early Proficiency.


    His goal was aplished, and there was no point in him lingering any longer. The next day was spent performing one fusion after another, and Zac gained a lot of inspiration andprehension every time. Zac also realized that he had worried about nothing as every single fusion lived up to his expectations, even the two for his Draugr side. Then again, the great oue might be thanks to him slowing down and gaining a deeper understanding of fractals and skills.


    Zac visited the Towers of Myriad Dao once more after everything was dealt with to pick up his new defensive skill as well. He had hoped Vri would surprise him and Bra, but she was still embroiled in the trial. Zac could only leave for now, and he found himself in front of the Nexus Hub a few minutester. With his skill fusions dealt with, nothing was holding him back any longer.


    The next part of his n would take ce off-world.

 Chapter 673: Departure

    Chapter 673: Departure


    There was just one thing Zac needed to do before he left Earth. He looked down at the crystal in his hands, and a tumultuous wave of emotions hit him once again. He hated the thought of using something given to him by that woman, but what choice did he have? If he ever wanted a chance at taking charge of his own destiny or reuniting with his sister, then he couldnt stay in Port Atwood.


    He needed the Array, at least for now.


    Zac took a deep breath before he pushed it against his stomach with some lingering fear. Trusting Leandra felt pretty foolish, but he relied on the fact that she wouldnt botherying some trap with the array. She didnt even care about murdering Thea right in front of him. If she wanted to imnt him with something nefarious, she would probably just cut him right open while talking about the importance of her undertaking.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He infused some energy into the crystal, and it quickly turned into a liquid that streamed into his body and formed a mysterious pattern on his Duplicity Core. It wasnt like Yrials skill that was oveid like a sphere, but it had rather fused with the Specialty Core itself. There was still no change though, but that was because Zac hadnt activated the array yet.


    Another stream of Cosmic Energy entered the array, and Zac felt his connection to the core immediately weaken. A few secondster it was like both the core and the mysterious array had simply disappeared. Zac could still feel his core, but it was somehow distant, like it had been moved to a different dimension.


    Activating Yrial''s transformation skill yielded no result, but Zac could somewhat sense that he would still be able to force the race change if he pushed a lot harder. Of course, doing so would waste a month, so he let it be. He scanned himself over and over for the next hour, but he really couldnt sense the smallest hint of the Specialty Core ever being there. The spot it took up had even been reced with perfectly normal energy pathways.


    That meant that even if someone managed to break through Greatests bangle, it still shouldnt yield any result. Zac changed his appearance next, turning into a middle-aged human with some distinct features that set him apart from Zac''s own appearance.


    With that out of the way Zac teleported over to the Nexus Hub, and he was gone from Earth a momentter without leaving a trace.


    Guides! Guides to pass the gauntlet! Seize a better score and a better future with this great investment, a furry gnome hollered from his spot on top of a few boxes as he waved a shimmering crystal in his hands.


    Zac smiled and shook his head as he kept walking down the bustling street, heading straight for the grand castle in the distance. He wasnt the only one, as people emerged from the ten teleportation rooms every minute or so, resulting in a steady stream of people heading toward the same ce. An enormous ship that had to be over a thousand meters long was slowly making its way through the atmosphere as well, and hundreds of smaller vessels followed in its path.


    Arge number of shops lined the main street, but Zac knew that the wares inside paledpared to the impressive treasures in the windows of the stores. <strong>[Havenfort Base]</strong> was both an opportunity and a tourist trap, and it all centered around the castle in the distance.


    Inside the castle was the Havenfort Chasm, a massive hole of seemingly endless depths. It was created when a Monarch self-destructed out of despair over losing his loved one, though some rumors argued that he did it out of vengeance in an attempt to take out the perpetrators behind the lovers death.


    As for the opportunity, it was a mostly safe trial that provided a Limited Title. The deeper you managed to walk into the depths of the chasm, the better the title would be. Simple enough.


    One of the greatest benefits of Zac''s huge number of teleportation locations was ess to thousands of different trials that existed all over the Zecia Sector. It would allow Zac to easily fill up his empty slots before setting out toward deadlier challenges. He had already confirmed that Titles didnt impact attribute limits, which was one of the reasons so many believed that Titles were small bloodline evolutions provided by the System.


    Zac had thousands of open trials to choose from all across the Sector, though over 95% of them were low-graded trials that only provided t attributes. There were all kinds of trials, and it had taken some time for Zac to find those who were suited for him. Some trials provided pretty great rewards, but Zac had to give up on them anyway. For example, there was a trial called <strong>[The Riddlemasters Maze] </strong>which took an average of twenty years toplete.


    Other trials were unsuitable for him to undergo for other reasons. Certain locations were only open once every few decades, others took a long time to reach even with teleportation ess. A lot of trials were also skewed in favor of certain paths, races, or Daos, whereas even more had other sorts of restrictions.


    Trials limiting attributes were obviously the worst for Zac, since that wouldnt let him take full advantage of how monstrous his attribute pool was for his current level. Certainly, with his high Efficiency hed do better than most, but his advantages would partly be nullified by peoples cultivation manuals.


    Instead, Zac had focused his attention on level-restrained trials and dynamic trials. Level-restrained trials had certain cut-off points, and if Zac found one close to his own level he was almost certain to steamroll it. Dynamic trials automatically adjusted the difficulty based the difficulty on your level or attribute pool depending on what it wanted to test.


    For example, the Trial inside the castle in the distance was a dynamic trial based on level, which was perfect for Zac.


    Unfortunately, the rewards for these kinds of trials were only better than average. It wasn''t anything surprising. With a low risk of death and such easy avability, the rewards could only be so good.


    The best Limited Titles came from unexplored Mystic Realms where people braved unknown dangers. The second-best titles came from Grade-restricted trials, of which the Tower of Eternity could be considered one of the most famous examples.


    All other trials were a notch below, and their rewards differed from case to case. Zac had asked Alyn why the grade trials were the most rewarding, and it turned out the mostmonly held belief was that the System wanted to encourage pushing each grade to the limits. Only after you reached the peak of a grade and deepened your foundations did you have the qualifications to go for the best rewards in that grade.


    Zac obviously wouldnt waste his time and limited opportunities in going to those kinds of trials at level 101. He would first go for a set of decent Titles to fill up his empty slots so that he was as powerful as possible before setting out for his more dangerous adventures. It was obviously a unique advantage afforded to him thanks to his training quest, whereas the other trial takers usually had to make do what was avable in their surroundings.


    Some of those who arrived in this ce had gotten a Teleportation Token as a reward for some quest, and it was no secret that the System often dropped tokens in the depths of Mystic Realms as rewards for reaching that far. Others came here through the Space Gate Guild, though that option was only avable to the wealthier scions.


    The Space Gate Guild was actually a guild that specialized at gaining ess to arge number of locations, mainly targeting hubs and opportunities such as the <strong>[Havenfort Base]</strong>. These peoples jobs was simply to take the elite to ces they normally didnt have ess to themselves.


    This business was extremely lucrative, as the guild charged roughly 10 times the standard fare to take a person to a certain location, and just as much to return. However, there were a lot of restrictions to this trade. First of all, you needed to get ess to the valuable Arrays, and that was extremely hard.


    Not only did you need toplete some quests in the area where you wanted to gain an array, but you also needed to be granted ess by the owner. That was easier said than done too, since a Lord couldnt give those out as he wished. The first requirement was for the target to reach the Systems requirement to be worthy of the connection. Secondly, the Lord could only form a certain number of connections each year for otherworlders.


    Zac himself would be able to give ess to Earth to 100 people a year ording to Abby, though that still wasnt possible while the shroud was active.


    Furthermore, why would someone controlling a great opportunity like the <strong>[Havenfort Base]</strong> give that ess away for free? The Space Gate Guild no doubt had to pay through the nose for every connection to this ce they formed.


    Travel itself was fraught with problems as well. First, a Guide, as the workers for the Guild were called, could only take on one mission every three months. The System blocked any more than that. Furthermore, they could only take one guest, which was a dealbreaker for many young scions, as they were afraid of traveling without bodyguards. Worst of all, they werent even allowed to operate through the Mercantile System.


    So, it was clearly a business that skirted at the edge of what the System deemed eptable, but it was nevertheless a prettymon way for the elites of the Zecia sector to get around.


    The final method to get here was by Cosmic Vessels. This option was only used by locals. There were quite a few ns and Sects that operated spacefaring lines, operating massive vessels that took people betweens and opportunities.


    That option was the least convenient though, as travel through that method took a lot of time, and it was generally restricted to the local cluster ofs. Still, the lucky few who lived on the capital world of a kingdom could sometimes jump onto a vessel, and spend a decade or two touring the locals, gaining experience and opportunities on the way. Luckily, Zac could skip all that hassle thanks to his unique ess.


    Truthfully, while the Limited Title one could gain from this ce was upper-tier, it wasnt the best choice among the Title-opportunities Zac had researched over the past three years. But the story of Mandar Havenfort had refused to leave the back of his mind since he decided to fill up his Limited Slots.


    Zac still had trouble processing with had happened back home, sometimes waking up in the middle of the night full of rage or despair, his whole body slick with acrid sweat. How would onee to terms with something like what he had experienced? His mother sacrificing his girlfriend to save his sister. It was like one of those ethical riddles with no right answer, and he found himself repeating the events over and over.


    So Zac came here in search of not only a title, but for something more. He still didnt know exactly what. This trial would tax not only the strength of his body, but the fortitude of his mind, and Zac hoped to find some sort of answers in the depths of the chasm.


    The whole the chasm was ced on had been turned into a deste rock after the Havenfort Monarch blew himself up, and wild energies still ravaged the outside. The thick barriers protecting the town no doubt cost a bundle to keep operational, so the town only housed the bare essentials; a wide variety of establishments where trial-takers could waste their money. The actual metropolis where the massive Cosmic Vessels stopped was on another, with ferries taking the trial-takers here.


    Zac soon reached the square in front of the castle, and he unhurriedly entered a grand building outside the castle gates. There was a line of warriors emitting decent auras to his left, and three cultivators radiating the aura of Hegemons to the right. The hegemons got personal and immediate service, whereas the E-grade cultivators had to stand in line.


    He didn''t really mind, but he was rather amused about how it all felt like he was on a vacation to a theme park or something, with concession stands and ticket booths. The desk itself was blurred, and Zac realized they used an istion array for some reason.


    One person, Zac said when he eventually reached the front.


    Certainly! Do you have a Heaven-bestowed token in your possession? the gnome clerk asked.


    No, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    One ticket is E-Grade 10,000 Nexus coins, the goblin smiled. The estimated waiting time is currently sixteen months.


    What? Zac blurted, losing his equanimity for the first time.


    The price was pretty steep, ten billion Nexus Coins, but Zac knew about that already. In his mind it was definitely worth it, considering that it would provide a Title. The same went for most cultivators. If they had the money, purchasing a Limited Title was one of the most efficient ways to strengthen yourself since it had no drawbacks.


    The real problem was the waiting time. He didnt have time to wait over a year, and he definitely didnt want to do so in this price-gouging little town.


    The Havenfort Chasm is a unique marvel of the whole Reputtin Domain. A lot of elitese from all over, even from other parts of the Zecia Sector to test their mettle against the pressure below. However, the Heavens themselves have limited the number of trial takers. Naturally, this has caused a line to form, the fuzzy gnome said, and Zac inwardly groaned when he saw the pointed look she gave next.


    Were all gnomes the same?


    I dont have time to wait that long. How much to expedite the process? Zac sighed.


    Now and then a trial taker backs out for one reason or another. It would be a shame to allow precious slots to go unused, so we have a few people standing by. Of course, thises with the slight premium of an additional 40,000 surcharge, the gnome said, her smile wide enough to brighten up the room.


    Zac understood what she was saying all-too-well; want to cut the line? Well, pay up!


    Fine, Zac snorted and transferred the funds, along with a few dozen D-Grade Nexus Crystals. A little something for your troubles.


    This way, young master. Im sure an opportunity will show itself anytime soon. A few hours at thetest, the gnome said as the crystals disappeared in a blur.


    A hidden door opened to the side, and the gnome indicated for Zac to enter. No wonder the gnomes had people buy tickets in private, the VIPs were actually led right inside the castle while the others had to wait outside the gates for over a year.


    Im sure, Zac snorted as he walked through. Otherwise, I mighte back for my crystals and try my luck at a different gate.


    The hidden gate led to an opulent room full of artwork depicting the history of the Havenfort Monarch, but Zac wasnt interested immediately stepped onto the Teleportation Array that activated automatically. The next moment he found himself in front of a gate, and there was arge que detailing a few hints about the trial next to it.


    Most of it wasnt news to Zac. The trial put everyone in a dimension of their own, or at least hid the other participants from sight. The task was exceedingly simple as well; you only needed to walk down a spiraling path cut into the edge of the chasm, trying to get as far as possible.


    Every so often you would reach a marker that acted as a checkpoint for the trial. It both held a teleportation array to leave, and it denoted the level of your limited title. You could try going further, but you had to turn back if you found yourself starting to lose to the pressure. Safety wasnt guaranteed, and there were people every day who fell down the chasm and died after overestimating their capabilities.


    There were 5 levels in total, with most people reaching the secondyer from what Zac had gathered. The thing that prevented most people from going further was the mental pressure, and now that Zac had arrived to this ce he understood why.


    It turned out that mental defensive skills and simr items didnt work in this trial, which wasnt mentioned in the information missive at all. It might even have been omitted by design, as exposing that would scare away a lot of meathead trial takers who never worked on their spirit. Zac actually felt like he benefitted from this though, and it was an opportunity for him to test his recently evolved soul.


    Zac pushed open the gate, and walking inside put him face to face to an impossiblyrge chasm hundreds of timesrger than the castle he had entered.

 Chapter 674: Equanimity

    Chapter 674: Equanimity


    On the other side of the door was a small balcony overlooking the enormous crater left behind after the Havenfort Monarch. Zac had been prepared for the hole to be big after reading about it in the missive, but even then he wasnt mentally prepared to the staggering scene.


    The chasm was endlessly vast, possibly having a diameter that eclipsed Zacs whole ind. As for the depth, it was even greater. Zac fought off his vertigo and walked over to the edge of the balcony, but he immediately regretted peering down. There were protective barriers preventing anyone from falling into the chasm, but Zac fell back and had to sit down even with those measures in ce.


    It was endless.


    It felt like the chasm reached all the way into the abyss itself. Had the whole been pierced through when the C-grade cultivator fell? It almost seemed like it. Zac couldnt imagine the force that would be required to create a crater like this. And this was even after the Monarch allegedly controlled the eruption and directed most of his force toward the Heavens, which exined why the chasm was almost perfectly circr.


    Zac shuddered at the thought of someone like this targeting Earth.


    His mental state soon calmed down though, and his gaze turned to the right. The balcony led to a pathway, thankfully five meters wide, that seemed to stretch along the edge of the tube-formed crater down into the depths. On a second look, there were hundreds of simr balconies as his own, each of them leading down a path of their own.


    Judging by the incline and circumference of the crater, Zac guessed that each checkpoint might be one single loop around the chasm. He couldnt spot a single trial taker though, but Zac figured that was because there was some force or array preventing people from seeing and helping each other.


    There was a barrier blocking ess to the pathway, and Zac figured that there was someone already using the current path. But since he was teleported to this specific balcony, he guessed that the one currently on his path had almost finished his or her run. So, Zac took out one of his prayer mats and sat down, slowly steadying his mind.


    As expected, it only took two hours before a soothing bell woke Zac up from his meditation as the shield dissipated. Zac saw no point in loitering about, and he took a steadying breath before he stepped onto the path. However, he only took a single step before he stopped as a quest prompt had appeared in front of him.


    <strong>Depths of Despair (Limited, Trial): Descend into the chasm. Reward: Havenfort Chasm Limited Title. (0/5)</strong>N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac read the description, but there wasnt much to go by. The (0/5) in progress no doubt referred to the five checkpoints on this trial. The situation was straightforward enough and he started walking down the pathway.


    He walked for a few minutes, and the only sounds in the area were his steps and the asional moaning echoes created by wind swirling around in the chasm itself. There was definitely an odd energy suffusing this ce, which Zac hadnt noticed before. He did feel a heaviness on his body, but it was barely noticeable at this point.


    Not only that, Zac did feel slightly dour, but he honestly wasnt sure whether that could be med on the trial. The surroundings were dark, the atmosphere was oppressive, and he wasnt in the best state of mind himself. It would be weird if he felt exuberant at a ce like this. Still, there was a mentalponent to the trial, so he didnt rx his focus.


    The minutes soon turned into four hours as Zac progressed further and further down the chasm, and the pressure eventually turned palpable. However, the first checkpoint was still nowhere in sight, and Zac decided to speed things up a bit. Unfortunately, it turned out that his movement skill was blocked. Perhaps he shouldnt be surprised, as there were all kinds of odd movement skills.


    What if someone started moving through the ground itself shooting straight down toward the final checkpoint?


    Zac also noticed that the suppression turned a lot more powerful if he sped up, and he was eventually forced to slow down to a brisk walk. No wonder the missive he bought said that the trial was expected to take up to ten days. You needed to slowly and gradually make your way down.


    There was not much to do except walk in silence, and Zacs thoughts eventually started wandering. Zac tried to focus on the future, to n out his next steps, but his thoughts kept returning to those he had lost. His father, Alea, Ogras and Billy Thea. Some were dead, others lost where he wasnt sure hed ever be able to meet them again.


    After all, the Million Gates Territory was vast, almost as big as the whole Allbright Empire. Finding a hidden realm in that ce would be like searching for a needle in a gctic haystack. And if the existence of the Dimensional Seed became widely spread, that was even worse. How would Ogras and Billy survive when Hegemons and perhaps even Monarchs made their move?


    The sea in his mind was growing erratic, and the clean line between life and death became blurred as dozens of whirlpools erupted. Even the ind in the middle, the very core of his being, was assailed by powerful waves that crashed into it. The small ocean had turned into a mirror of his mental state, and it didnt look good.


    An errant thought was all that it had taken for it to spiral out of control, and Zac realized that he might not even make it past the first checkpoint unless he started to take things seriously. A trial that blocked mental defense skills would test ones soul, but also ones willpower and focus.


    The trial thankfully wasnt timed, so he stopped for a moment and took a few deep breaths as he tried to enter a meditative state. With the pervasive pressure in the air Zac was unable topletely turn off his mind, but the chaos in his mind slowly calmed down as he forcibly focused on the task at hand.


    After a few more minutes his soul sea had returned to the previous state with a clean line of demarcation. Zac took a deep breath and continued down the endless chasm. His body could barely feel the effect of the trials physical pressure, but he was shocked at how fragile his mental state was.


    Zac didn''t let his thoughts stray any longer, and he kept a constant vigil as he pushed forward. He soon passed by the first checkpoint, but he didnt even stop and catch his breath as he continued further down. There was a qualitative change in the pressure at the secondyer, but Zac wouldn''t give in at all. The second checkpoint arrived just a dayter, and two dayster the third, which meant he had gained a better title than most trial takers.


    By this point the pressure was immense, and Zac was unable to think about anything but moving forward. Right foot, left foot, rinse and repeat. The slightest loss of control could be extremely dangerous, to the point that his soul would get hurt. The pressure on his body was bearable by its innate power alone, but he knew that he was in trouble in regards to his mind.


    He was moving forward on pure willpower by this point, but his soul wouldn''t be able to go much further. He had just passed the third checkpoint, but the pressure was more than twice what it was after the second. It was no wonder that most warriors only managed to reach the second stop. Even with a reincarnated soul, he was no mentalist, and he knew that his willpower wasn''t as strong as some warriors who had tempered themselves for centuries.


    Yet he felt it was too early to give up now. Eventually, he had taken three days on the thirdyer. He was like a zombie by this point as he stumbled forward, his eyes red from strain and veins covering his forehead. It felt like the harder he tried to fight the pressure, the stronger it got. It was like an annoyance that just increased in severity the more you focused on it.


    Eventually, it came to a tipping point, where Zac simply couldnt keep going as he was. The pressure was too great, and his whole mind aperture vibrated ominously from the invisible pressure. The two oceans were extremely chaotic even when he desperately tried to impose order, which was a telling sign of his mental state.


    Zac stood in ce, looking down at the depths with mixed emotions. Should he give in? This was ultimately not a life-death situation for him. Passing just three checkpoints would give him a pretty bad title, but there was no point in risking cracking his soul for a slightly better one. He could always go for another trial instead.


    Zac didnt immediately leave though, but rather looked down at the chasm with reluctance. He hade here in search of more than just a title, yet he had gained nothing. He walked up the path for a bit, but only to the point that his mind wasn''t shaking any longer. He sat down and slowly relinquished his strict control over his emotions.


    A thousand thoughts immediately shed through his mind and his mind shook from the onught, but it soon calmed down as Zac started to impose order to the chaos. He didn''t let his mind run haywire, but he also didn''t shut any thought down. He slowly started to go over everything he had encountered and done over the past months, trying to find some closure.


    Zac soon realized that he had fallen into the same state as he did soon after the Integration.


    One trauma after another had kept umting back then, each one turning into a scab that had numbed his soul. Eventually, he had almost turned into a utilitarian killing machine who could weigh lives against benefits without blinking an eye. The first months after the Mystic Realm had been a confusing blur when he suddenly didnt have anyone to unleash his bloodlust on.


    Only when he stopped running did he realize what he had turned into. It had taken a long, long time for him to regain a sense of his humanity, and Thea had been a huge part of that process. Perhaps it shouldnte as a surprise that he had jumped into the same pitfall the moment tragedy struck, where he gotpletely consumed with his cultivation and ns to reap resources.


    But there had to be a bnce.


    It was true that the Multiverse followed thew of the jungle, and being soft would cause more harm than good. But losing ones humanity on the path to power, discarding all attachments as though they were weaknesses, would strip away the core of your being until you were only a ball of violence striving for power.


    Zac kept going over everything, but he was suddenly startled awake when he realized that the pressure on his soul had lessened by a significant degree. He slowly got up and resumed his descent, time turning into a blur as he was now more focused on his inward journey. The pressure kept increasing, but the waves in his mind were actually slowly growing weaker. It was like the suppression on his mind forced him to confront some things he had kept at bay for so long.


    One step after another took him deeper and deeper into the abyss. It felt like his mind was being honed in apletely different way than when he cultivated it with his Soul Strengthening Manual. He was making a spiritual journey, where his willpower was sharpened through processing years of pent-up trauma. That wasnt to say that he was reveling in his suffering.


    There were no two ways about it, he had gone through some messed up things over the past years. Friends and family had fallen, and his hands werepletely drenched by blood by this point. Pushing everything down wasnt the right way to deal with it, and tears Zac had started pouring down his cheeks at some unknown time.


    The fourth checkpoint suddenly lit up the path around him, but Zac didn''t care in the slightest as he kept walking. The pressure was getting pretty extreme by this point, and he was steadily losing Cosmic energy to just walk forward. ck swirls of unidentifiable energies asionally passed Zac by as they danced at the depths of the chasm.


    But a smile started to emerge on his face even as the pressure threatened to crush his mind entirely.


    Memories kepting back, but they were no longer all of self-loathing and doubt. He remembered the happy times, the intimate moments between just him and Thea. He no longer focused on the fact that he had failed to reach his father in time, or how Leandra had muddied the issue of paternity. He remembered those thirty years before where Robert Atwood had raised him and Kenzie alone.


    He was being baptized by his own experiences, and he felt like he was in a trance. Each step was a herculean task by this point, but at the same time it felt like it was someone else''s struggle. He didn''t know if hours or years had passed as he was swept up by the past, but suddenly the pressure disappeared.


    The world shifted and his soul shuddered, and then there was just tranquility.


    Zac knew he had somehow passed the trial, but he still didn''t open his eyes as he was immersed in his current feeling. But eventually, he opened his eyes and looked, only to realize that he actually had reached the bottom of the chasm. Zac''s heart thumped for a second, but he soon quashed any errant thoughts.


    It was clear he wasn''t the first one, since he was looking at a vast graveyard. Or perhaps it was more correct to say it was a shrine, with thousands upon thousands of small memorial items left below. There were headstones, statues depicting all kinds of races, small trinkets like rings or nes, all kinds of items left on the ground. Zac wasnt surprised at the scene after going through the trial, and he walked for half an hour until he found a spot.


    He first took out a thin wooden sword and stabbed it into the ground. It was the training sword Thea often had used while practicing in his courtyard. He took out his axe and carved Thea on the hilt before he stood and watched the sword for over half an hour.


    Only then did he keep walking for a while, at which point he found another spot. He took out a framed picture and a boulder pedestal from his spatial ring, and carefully put the picture down on it. It was a picture of Himself, Kenzie, and Robert. He looked at his family for a few minutes more until he walked toward an illuminated spot in the center of the graveyard.


    Zac stepped onto a teleporter a whileter, and he immediately appeared in an opulent chamber. Right in front of him was arge que with just two lines written.


    <em>The night is the mother of the day</em>


    <em>Chaos is neighbor with order</em>


    The words were simple, but every stroke was full of meaning. Whoever wrote it was definitely a high-grade cultivator, as it echoed with a Dao far beyond his own. Zac looked at the line for a few seconds until he turned to a meditating gnome he had spotted sitting to the side. She looked cute and fuzzy like a plush toy just as the other natives he had met, but there was an unfathomable power hidden within her diminutive frame.


    Zac was surprised to sense an aura almost as powerful as that of Greatests as she opened her eyes and looked back at him. This was a real hegemon, probably at thete stages or even at peak D-grade, and Zac couldnt help but tense up a bit.


    Congrattions, trial-taker, the gnome said. It has been a while since someone reached the bottom, which requires you to hold on to your mortal heart. Those who discard all sentiments in the pursuit of power will reach the fifth checkpoint at best. Only the trees which can bend to the wind will survive the harshest storms. Our ancestor, Mandar Havenfort, never bent in his life and he only realized this truth when it was toote.


    Elder, Zac slightly bowed before he asked curiously. Why dont you advertise the truth about the trial, that theres a second way toplete it?


    Our Grand Elder wont allow it, the gnome said with some helplessness. He said that catharsis is something that should be chanced upon on the journey of life, not something actively sought for benefits. It was he who wrote those words.


    Zac nodded in agreement and left the building soon after taking another look at the sign. The hidden powerhouse seemed benign, but it was still ufortable to be alone in a room with a being that could eradicate him with a p. There wasnt anything else keeping him on this, and he immediately started walking toward the Teleportation Hub as he opened his status screen.


    <strong>[Equanimity: Reach the floor of the Havenfort Chasm. Reward: Base Attributes +2%. Wisdom, Endurance +2%.]</strong>


    Zac looked at the title with surprise. The Trial was supposed to give 0.5% to Endurance and Wisdom along with t attributes for the first four checkpoints, and then 1% for the final level. But it looked like the whole title had changed by reaching the foot of the chasm, turning it into a far superior title that provided a boost to all base attributes.


    The title was a far cry from the titles provided from ordeals such as the Tower of Eternity, but there was also very little danger involved. In fact, any titles providing over 5% to any base attribute in the E-grade came with a real risk of death, and they also werent publicly open like the <strong>[Havenfort Chasm]</strong>.


    With his two previous Limited Titles, Zac now had three of his slots filled up, which would be the limit for most. That obviously wasnt the case for him, so Zac gave it some thought before he stepped onto the teleporter heading toward the next trial.

 Chapter 675: Bloodwind

    Chapter 675: Bloodwind


    The second trial went without any surprises, and Zac added another title to his growing repertoire after suffering inside a volcano for three weeks. Zac would probably have been able to reach the core of the volcano in two, but he had decided to move slowly as he digested what he had gone through in the chasm.


    The second title only gave Strength, Vitality, and Endurance, but it did provide 4% to all three, which was even more valuablepared to the previous title in Zacs book. He had considered swapping out his Weight of Sin-title as well, but he eventually decided to skip it.


    Getting a marginally better title wouldnt make much difference, and Zac felt it more worthwhile to move on to the next step of his n. That meant there was just one final slot to fill, and Zac had saved the hardest one forst. He was currently in the darkness of mid-teleportation, but he soon found himself on top of a teleportation array in the middle of a deste wastnd.


    Zac looked around with wonder, feeling his heartbeat speed up while adrenaline coursed through his body. It almost felt like he was standing on the middle of a battlefield since the air was rife with killing intent. However, Zac knew it wasnt someone targeting him, but rather a result of endless battles.


    The he had decided to visit was called the Bloodwind World, and it was one of the greatest worlds made avable to him by the System. The itself was at the very peak of D-Grade, and it was apparently hundreds of timesrger than Earth even after the integration. The history of the was extremely rough though.


    The Bloodwind was once considered a cultivators haven, and a lot of factions wanted to make it their own. One bloody war after another erupted on its surface, an endless ughter thatsted for tens of thousands of years. It was just like the vision Zac saw for that bloody lotus, but here there was no supreme treasure to swallow all killing intent and foul air.


    It eventually got to the point that the very attunement of the changed, and the Cosmic Energy was now suffused with bloodlust. Cultivators with weaker mental strength would slowly go mad in an environment like this, turning into bloodthirsty maniacs. It was almost like the effect of the Miasma has on people living at the edge of the Dead Zone, but there was no escape here.


    The change to the made most factions lose interest, as it was impossible to house a n in a world like this. It was no problem to the upper echelons to a n to survive here, but the younger generations would all turn insane. But one mans trash is another mans treasure, and some factions and organizations jumped at the opportunity to set up shop in this corrupted world.


    And Zacs purpose ofing to this ce was to visit one of these factions; the Big Axe Coliseum. In fact, this world was his absolute first choice when it came to Limited Titles, but he had left it forst to improve his attributes first.


    The Big Axe Coliseum was both a battle-arena where cultivators could pit themselves against other cultivators or ruthless beasts collected across the sector, and a loose organization for Axe cultivators. Loose Organizations were different than Sects or ns in the sense that there very few restrictions when joining such a faction. In return, they didnt nurture their members or provide any benefits without payment.


    Still, there were a lot of benefits to joining this kind of organization. Most of these organizations had merit systems just like Port Atwood and they held all kinds of items, some of which very hard to get your hands on through normal channels.


    The treasure vault wasnt that big a deal to Zac though since he had the benefits of hundreds of thousands of Teleportation connections. What was scarce in one part of the Zecia sector, might be attainable in other parts. That was how he and Kenzie managed to collect so many rare treasures in just three years. For most cultivators that would be simply impossible.


    Zac was more interested in the information that this organization held. The Big Axe Coliseum was reportedly founded by a proper C-grade Axe Warrior, and while the founder was long dead it was still a proper C-grade faction with at least one Monarch ruling from the shadows. There were also thousands of D-grade Hegemons who were members of the organization, and Zac felt he might be able to make some unexpected gains if he joined the organization.


    The Big Axe Coliseum probably had one of the mostplete heritages when it came to cultivating with the axe, be it sses, skills, or upgrade methods for Spirit Tools. Even better, the test to be an outer member of the Big Axe Coliseum was a Limited Title-Trial which gave both fixed and increased Strength and Dexterity if you passed.


    It was among the best of what an E-Grade open trial could provide, though it only provided it in two of the attributes. Zac immediately set out, a bit surprised at the fact there were no people around him in an extremely popr ce like this. Millions of people in the sector reportedly came to the Coliseum, and not just Axe Cultivators. Yet, the teleporter took him to an empty tundra, with only a sign pointing the direction of the Coliseum.


    It waspletely differentpared to the bustling scene outside the Havenfort Chasm, but it didnt matter to Zac as he started to make his way toward the coliseum. Part of him wanted to take out his Flying Treasure, but he ultimately decided against it since a lot of worlds had restrictions regarding things like that. Flying was usually considered a privilege of Hegemons, and not something that piddling E-grade cultivators should do.


    The surroundings were pretty deste, with rock formations and the asional twisted tree the only break in the dour surroundings. Theck of people was starting to get to him a bit, but he kept moving forward until he suddenly sensed a presence not far away.


    Ah, a human? a deep guttural voice eximed with surprise. Its not often we get your kind in this part of the Sector. Haha, like the taste of the air?


    Zac turned around and spotted a huge ogre reaching over twelve meters into the air. He was sitting with his back against arge rock a few dozen meters away, and there was a smell of blood and alcohol around him. His head was adorned with six short horns, and his bare round chest was covered in fractal tattoos. His legs seemed pretty stocky, and his arms were of such grotesque proportions that he would make Billy look scrawny inparison.


    Where had this guye from? Zac was certain that he had looked at that rock just a moment ago, but at that time there hadnt been anyone there. Still, Zac didnt worry too much since he clearly wore the token of a member of the Big Axe Coliseum attached to his belt.


    More importantly, while his appearance was pretty scary, his aura was not. Zac estimated his strength to be somewhere in the early E-grade, amon level of greeters.


    Its not bad. It feels like Im standing on a battlefield, Zac smiled. Is this really the Bloodwind World? Howe there are no people?


    Not bad? Haha, good! the Ogreughed. Some feel pressured and fearful. They are no warriors. Others lose themselves in the fervor. They are nothing but animals. As for why there are no people, youre standing inside an array.


    I am? Zac blurted as he looked around without spotting anything amiss.


    Youre too weak to notice it. Dont worry, its just an illusion array. Some weaklings whoe to this lose their minds from the atmosphere, and immediately attack anyone in the vicinity. This way we avoid a mess at the teleporters. Of course, I can tell that youre barely affected at all. You have potential. Do you use the axe? the Ogre asked curiously.


    Zac thought it over for a second before he took out <strong>[Rakan''s</strong><strong>Roar]</strong>, a brutal axe which was made from a singr serrated tooth. The handle was made from a pristine white bone as well, except for a red gemstone that was embedded at the bottom along with some leather for a grip. He immediately infused the axe Fragment of the Axe as he showcased it to the ogre.


    He hade here to take the test, so there was no point in hiding.


    High Fragment Axe, not bad, the gigantic cultivator nodded. Primal series axe, and it seems to have been fed well. It''s emitting a pretty fierce aura.


    You''re familiar with the Primal series? Zac asked with some interest.


    The Primal Series was the name for the equipment group that <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, Billys <strong>[Bonker]</strong>, and <strong>[Rakan''s Roar]</strong> belonged to. It wasnt that umon thanks to the System often rewarding low- and medium-quality Spirit Tools of the Primal Series uponpletion of quests.


    Zac was honestly a bit unsure whether <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>could still be considered a part of the Primal Series though. It had undergone multiple transformations since he got it, from the mysterious stone that he still couldn''t identify after three years, to swallowing all that dragon''s blood. Both its aura and appearances were very different from before.


    However, Zac was worried that his main axe might still be recognized if scrutinized while traveling outside. Thankfully he had already acquired a simr but visually different spare long ago.<strong> [Rakan''s Roar] </strong>was a far cry from <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>, and it didn''t even have its spirit awakened. But it felt familiar to use, and it worked well enough for a simple showcase such as this.


    Well, it is a prettymon reward from the Boundless Heavens, but I might not have been able to tell if I didnt use one myself, the Ogre grinned, and Zacs eyes widened when the huge humanoid produced a somewhat simr axe as his own, though his was a double-edged war axe. I got this one a long time ago after performing well in a sanctioned war.


    Zac nodded in understanding. The System thrived on conflict, and very seldom limited it. Most of the time it didnt involve itself at all. Two sides would fight and one side would fall, and to the victors went the spoils. However, sometimes the System provided extra incentives, which usually blew up the conflict to the next level.


    It turned the war into a sanctioned event where participants could gain war credits. It made the war doubly profitable, and even outsiders flocked to join in on the carnage. In fact, that was exactly what happened in Zacs case during the beast waves with the contribution store.


    I used this guy for a few years, the massive Ogre grinned. But nurturing these guys is a pain in the ass. They just get pickier and pickier. I eventually gave it up and entered the path of Blood and Steel.


    He took out another massive axe the next moment, and Zac immediately found himself under an immense pressure. It was like the air itself bent around the weapon, and Zac felt like he was drowning in a sea of blood the moment the weapons aura was unleashed. Even Verun was startled awake inside his Spatial Ring, but the roars in Zac''s mind were those of a prey trying to scare off a much-greater predator.


    Zac immediately realized that he had severely underestimated the power of the ogre in front of him. He was using some sort of skill to mask his true power. Zac himself wasnt confident hed be able to wield such a powerful weapon, and it was definitely impossible for an early E-grade cultivator.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Still, he wasnt too worried about being attacked. It felt more likely that this was a test, and Zac soon straightened his back as he calmed the churning waves in his soul ocean. It was like the axe amplified the murderous atmosphere many times over, making it feel like Zac had eaten a berserking treasure. If this was before stabilizing his evolved soul he might have lost himself for a moment, but now he only felt some mental oppression.


    Not bad, most E-grade brats fall on their asses after I take out <strong>[Bloodforge]</strong>. Are we walking the same path, human? the Ogre asked with interest.


    Anyoneing to join the Big Axe Coliseum was an axe-warrior, but there were thousands of different paths rted to the axe. Zac wasnt exactly sure what Blood and Steel entailed, but the aura of the weapon made Zac think of a diator reveling in battle. It also wasnt impossible that the Ogre in front of him had forged the weapon himself, considering he walked the path of Steel.


    Zac looked at the huge warrior deep in thought. Zac still wasnt able to tell his exact strength, but it definitely was in the D-grade or higher since he could wield such a powerful weapon. If Zac had to guess, then this big brute was probably part of the upper echelons of the Big Axe Coliseum. Was this axe master actually looking for a disciple?


    It would exin why such a powerful guy waszing about this close to the teleporter; he was looking for potential candidates. Zacs thoughts whirred for a moment. Should he give it a try? As Yrial had said, there was nothing unusual about taking multiple masters, and this guy definitely knew all kinds of helpful tricks.


    This was just a chance encounter so Zac wouldnt expect anything more than an in-name discipleship where the cultivator in front of him gave some small pointers to clear his confusions. In fact, if the Ogre was too enthusiastic, then it would probably be cause for suspicion.


    As for himself, Zac believed he was an unmatched candidate when it came to potential. But their paths were ultimately different, and that was sometimes even more important to cultivators when searching for disciples. So Zac decided to just be upfront and see what the Ogre thought.


    No, Zac said with a shake of his head. I follow the Path of Conflict.


    Hm, a shame, the Ogre sighed with some disappointment in his eyes, and Zac immediately understood he had lost his chance for some tutge. Conflict is a difficult path, but it is not a bad decision for your generation.


    For my generation? Zac asked with confusion.


    The Multiverse was beyond ancient and essentially unchanging. There wasnt really any difference between generations in the path of cultivation. It was simply some that started out earlier than others. So, it was a bit odd to hear that his direction of Axe-cultivation was especially suited for a certain generation.


    War ising to Zecia, the Ogre grinned. You will get ample opportunities to hone your path over the next centuries.


    What? Zac blurted, but the Ogre was suddenly gone like he had never been there to begin with.


    Zac looked back and forth, but there was no sign of the cultivator anywhere. The Ogre had probably nudged the array to hide him after talking with Zac for a bit, so Zac could only shrug his shoulders and continue on.


    However, Zac made mental note to look into what the Ogre talked about. It sounded like he was talking about the whole Sector, which had to mean something extremely big was brewing beneath the surface. Was one of the peak factions nning on conquering the whole Sector? Things like that sometimes happened when a faction gained a leader at the level of the Eveningtide Asura. Or was it an even rarer event; a war between Sectors?


    In either case, it was a huge deal that would impact everyone, from the cultivators on Earth to the bigshots in the established factions.

 Chapter 676: Zanda

    Chapter 676: Zanda


    Bojes back was slick with sweat as he hurried down the vast hallways. Being summoned by the Supreme Ancestor could only mean one of two things. You had either made such huge contributions to the n that the Matriarch actually ended her perennial cultivation tomend and reward you, or that you had screwed up by such epic proportions that it might implicate your entire branch.


    Of course, Boje knew he hadnt aplished any grand feats as ofte. Furthermore, his father walked next to him, and his pallid face was ample evidence which of the two scenarios was more likely. The steely demeanor of the two deacons leading the way did not give indications to the contrary either, causing the group to move through the Zethaya Headquarters in oppressive silence.


    From what Boje had heard, thest time Zanda Zethaya left her seclusion was over ten thousand years ago. A few select elders were responsible for supplying the endless materials required for her experiments into the Dao of Alchemy, but not even his great grandfather had spoken to her for millennia from what he had heard. Let alone he, a piddling member of the younger generation.


    The group soon reached the gate to the hidden realm and passed through, and Boje could barely breathe from how immense the energies were on the other side. Unfortunately, he had no chance to take in the grandeur of the Everseed Gardens, the heart of the Zethaya n''s Alchemy foundation. Countless priceless herbs grew under the constant care of intricate arrays and watchful Deacons, but both Boje and his father''s attention were trained on the walled-off area far in the distance.


    The Matriarch''s private quarters.


    The distance was too far for an early E-grade cultivator like him, so his father lifted him with his spiritual force. The world around him turned to a blur, but it still took twenty minutes before they reached a set of gates. The energy was even denser here, and Boje felt himself quickly losing grip of reality.


    A surge of his fathers Cosmic Energy traveled through his body to expel the power, waking him up. Boje hurriedly closed his pores as to not get himself identally killed before taking a steadying breath.


    "Remember, mind your manners," his father urged him as the gates slowly swung open by themselves, and Bojes heart sunk when he saw the trepidation in his eyes.


    This was his father, a proper Late-stage Hegemon whose alchemical skills would make him an honored guest in most ces in the Zecia sector. Yet here he was like a scared child. There was no escape, and Boje nodded and walked inside while. He kept his eyes peeled to the ground, afraid to look at anything he wasn''t supposed to. Finally, he sensed a presence in front of him, and he immediately stopped in his tracks.


    Boje Zethaya of the 1,837th generation greets the matriarch, Boje said as he bowed deeply, and he remained unmoving out of a mix of reverence and fear.


    In front of him was Zanda Zethaya, the direct descendant of the founding patriarch of the Zethaya n and likely the foremost Alchemy Expert of the Zecia sector. She was once the 3rd n Leader, but now maintained the identity of Supreme Ancestor, delegating the running of the n to the younger generations.


    She had taken a thriving but unimpressive faction and pushed it straight to the peak of the sector roughly eight hundred thousand years ago, and she had made sure it never lost its glory in the time after. Anyone in the sector could understand the reverence people held for her, but the ones who knew the reason to fear her were a lot fewer in number.


    The terror rather came from her second identity; Thousand Mile Death, one of the deadliest poison masters in the sector. It wasnt a real secret, but it was also not something that you spoke openly about because of the sinister reputation of poison wielders. After all, almost all of them belonged to the unorthodox path.


    Zanda was one of the greatest geniuses of the sector in the past million years, and most put her shoulder to shoulder with peak experts like the Void Priestess and just below the Eveningtide Asura. Some even believed she wouldve had the potential to reach even further if she hadnt chosen a hybrid path.


    Rise, child, a soothing voice drifted over, and Boje hesitantly stood up and nced at the legendary figure he would normally have no business meeting.


    She looked just like the paintings, like a young woman in her twenties exuding infinite charm. She sat on a swirling cloud of pure medicinal essence, and the only tool on her was therge unadorned wooden spoon on herp. Next to her was a small Alchemy Cauldron, a perfect copy of the farrger one behind her back.


    It was golden and reached almost fifty meters into the sky, an enormous monstrosity that hummed with the Dao of Nature. It was covered in dozens of pictures of the wild, or was it just inscriptions? Boje had a hard time telling, and it felt like the cauldron''s surface kept shifting as he looked at it.


    It was the Cloudsoar Cauldron, the defining treasure of the Zethaya n, an ancient relic dating all the way back to the Limitless Empire. Much of the Zethaya heritage was derived from the mysterious runes covering its surface, and not even a peak C-Grade Monarch would have an easy time breaking through the defensive shields it could summon.


    If he could just meditate in front of that cauldron for a few days, then he would no doubt make enormous strides on his Dao...


    Tell me about your encounter with the one calling himself Zac Piker, Zanda Zethaya suddenly said, which was like a bucket of cold water that brought Boje back to reality.


    Sweat once more started poured down Bojes back. It was just like he feared; this was rted to that lunatic and the events in the Tower of Eternity. He had waited, steeped in anxiety for three long years. The elders response to his handling of the situation had been excruciatingly ambiguous, to the point that Boje had even wished to be punished so he could get on with his life.


    But now that he stood here in front of this celestial being, any such thought was reced with abject dread.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Its my fault, Boje cried fell on his knees, mming his forehead into the ground with enough force to bloody himself.


    The instructions from his father and grandmother were clear; if things started to go sideways, pray and beg like your life depended on it. Because it did. And not only his but his whole familys life was hanging by a thread. He could only hope to elicit some sympathy for the younger generation from the ancient matriarch.


    Calm down, Zandaughed. Do I have such a bad reputation among the younger generations? After all, I am essentially your great aunt. Come, sit.


    N-No, not at all, he hurriedly said, but he inwardly cried from fear.


    Who didnt know how this smiling great aunt once annihted a whole Pill House, from lowest clerk to the Branch Director himself? She waved her sleeves and fifty million people were dead a minuteter, including hundreds of D-Grade hegemons. It happened eighty thousand years ago, but the memory was still all-too-fresh in the ns collective memory.


    And that was just one of a hundred bloody tales that detailed her exploits during her long tenure as the peak powerhouse of the Zethaya n.


    Still, there was nothing to do but to sit down and give the same exhaustive report he had done upon returning from the Tower of Eternity. He hid nothing, knowing that his only road to survival wasplete honesty. The matriarch asionally added some questions of her own, often about the Deviant Asura''s beliefs and motivations.


    That only served to worry Boje even more, as it seemed she tried to sound out his character. Whether he woulde back in a hundred thousand years and wash their n in blood like the Eveningtide Asura did with so many factions. The Zethaya n had escaped that cmity unscathed, and their rise to prominence was partly made possible due to the power vacuum the Eveningtide Asura left behind. But what if Zanda Zethaya decided he had brought a simr cmity to their door?


    However, it didn''t feel like this was what worried the Supreme Elder. But at the same time, it felt like there was something else at y. She didn''t lookpletely satisfied with the answers, and she even had him repeat some parts.


    I- Boje stuttered, trying to think of anything else to say. If the Supreme elder could point me in the right direction, I might be able to remember some additional details?


    Zanda sighed as she knocked the meter-long spoon in her hand against the small cauldron next to her. A clear ng echoed out,pletely emptying Bojes mind as the enormous cauldron behind her started to hum. Another tap from the spoon brought Boje back to reality, and he felt his mind cleansed and stabilized. He hadnt felt this rxed since before that unlucky star crashed into his life and turned his fate sideways.


    Billowing clouds ck gas suddenly started spewing out from the humongous cauldron. Bojes heart once more clenched, but he quickly calmed down when he saw that it wasnt a poisonous mist or a failed concoction. It rather looked like the ck cloud was a piece of the vast sky, with stars and nebe swirling about inside.


    The Stele of Conflict has appeared, and the heavens have shifted. The ancient factions are gathering their strength while outside forces are eyeing our riches. We tried to fight it, but it has been sanctioned by the Heavens. War ising to the Zecia sector, and no one is safe, Zanda said as she looked at the sky.


    "The Zethaya n is a peak faction with vast connections, surely we..." Boje said by instinct.


    Child, do not be mistaken. Alliances, friendships, even external elders. Its all hollow strength, not something that can be relied on when an era turns. This is doubly true for a force like ours. Our wealth has long surpassed our strength. One misstep and we''ll be lost in the river of time," Zanda said with a shake of her head.


    "I''m sorry. This descendant is useless and doesn''t understand how this rtes to Lord Piker. He is just at the E-Grade and cannot impact the fate of therge factions, Boje hesitantly said.


    War is the motor of progress, and a convergence of fate of this scale willst centuries, perhaps millennia. Zac Piker is the first harbinger of change. It might prove lethal to underestimate his role and importance in this mess," Zanda muttered. "The strong will prosper, and the weak will be fertilizer."


    Boje''s looked at the sky with a mix of apprehension and excitement. There were already talks of this being the era of heroes. Zac Piker was the star who shone the brightest at the moment, but there were many more who stood out.


    He had witnessed the strength of the young miss of the Peak Family and the Void Priestess'' terminal disciple. There was also Prince Reoluv and that mysterious Draugr. All four of them had reached the eighth floor of the Tower of Eternity, something that should be an extremely rare event. The Draugr even reached thest level of the eighth floor, falling just one level short of the Deviant Asura.


    And these were just the people Boje encountered in the Tower of Eternity.


    There were also rumors of eonic geniuses appearing in many of the ancient factions, though these individuals were fiercely guarded and hidden from public view. The Zecia Sector was really heading into a golden age. Those who survived would no doubt make enormous progress.


    But what was this about war? Boje was more connected than most, but hadnt heard anything.


    "Well, it is still early," Zanda said as the cloud was swallowed back into the cauldron. "We still have some time to make arrangements. Prepare yourself. I am opening the Primal World for the young generation in one month. One hundred slots will be awarded."


    Boje looked at his ancestor with shock when he heard the news. If the Skysoar Cauldron was the defining treasure, then the Primal World was the defining Mystic Realm in their possession. It contained an ancient piece of a peak C-Grade continent, a pocket ofnd that eclipsed any of the continents in the sector.


    The realm had been refined and improved for over a million years, and the amount of resources that had gone into it would bankrupt most C-grade factions. Cultivating there was apparently like having a direct connection to the Heavens itself, and it was usually reserved for the elders and peak talents on the precipice of reaching hegemony or monarchy. To open it and expend its riches on the younger generations was unprecedented.


    "Boje will strive to live up to the ancestor''s expectations," Boje said, and he hesitated for a few seconds before he decided to give it a shot. The ancestor was even opening the Primal World for the young generations, and she didnt seem upset with him. If he could learn a thing or two from the ancestor... With waring, I am thinking of studying the art of poison. Is th-


    My heritage does not suit you, Zanda cut Boje off with a shake of her head, immediately dashing his hopes. You have passable talents, but you do not have the heart to walk the Path of Poison. But you can consider walking the road of life instead of the road of death. I think it might suit you. Besides, you have formed a weak thread of Karma with the Little Deviant Asura, and this might be your road to strengthen it.


    Boje was disappointed to be shot down, but not overly so. He knew his talents well, and he knew that the Matriarch hadnt taken a disciple for over two hundred thousand years. It was a long shot to begin with. Still, the fact that the ancestor said he was suited to be a healer was a boon by itself. Those few words alone would open a few doors for him. It might even allow him to get ess to one of their better heritages.


    His mind was already churning as he went over the matriarchs words while making his way outside, but he was stopped just about as he was to exit through the gates.


    One more thing," Zanda said from behind, making Boje stop in his tracks and look back inquiringly. "What do you think is best? Young flowers or mature aunties?


    Ah? Boje stuttered, his mind going nk from the unexpected question.


    Zandaughed as she waved her sleeve, and the familiar scene of the uncategorized insectoid meeting with the Zerathar representatives appeared. That encounter had be a legendary piece of gossip by now, known by essentially all peak factions of the sector.


    That scene where he held that Tsarun brat''s head was somewhat dashing, and who would make a better Dao Partner to the next Eveningtide Asura than me? He is still a bit young and tender right now, but a few centuries steeped in bloodshed should do the trick. I only need to help him quash those deviant interests first.

 Chapter 677: Big Axe Coliseum

    Chapter 677: Big Axe Coliseum


    It took Zac another hour of walking before he finally spotted the Coliseum. In fact, he had seen it long ago, but he had assumed it was a mountain range judging by its size. He didnt immediately head over, but first looked at the building in awe. It was simply massive, far eclipsing the enormous containment building that held the Dimensional Seed.


    It continued for tens of kilometers, a fortress of epic proportions. The majority of the structure was no doubt private sections meant for the inner members of the Coliseum and their families, though any stage meant to have Hegemons fighting would have to be pretty huge.


    The main gates were not far from where Zac arrived, a hundred-meter-tall entrance with two massive axes forming an arch. Zac started walking toward it, but he soon stopped again as the world shifted. The deste surroundings were suddenly reced with a scene even more bustling than the Havenfort Town.


    He realized that he was standing on a street over a hundred meters wide, and thousands of warriors were streaming back and forth toward the coliseum. Furthermore, Zac spotted more streets and entrances just like this one further away, making him realize that the traffic in this ce was just insane. It wasnt surprising though.


    The Bloodwind was simply enormous, and tens of billions of people lived here even with the harsh environment. Furthermore, it was no doubt the most prosperous in its local cluster thanks to the Big Axe Coliseum and a few other notable factions, and the was definitely the main hub for all ster lines traveling the local cluster.


    Zac turned around curiously, but the only thing he saw was a blurry desert, though warriors kept appearing one by one. Some passed him by and walked into the main building, whereas others headed for a series of side-structures that emitted strong spatial fluctuations. Those were probably the local portals that took the members to various hunting grounds of the.


    Part of Zac wanted to jump into one of the teleporters and start a ughter of his own, but he ultimately held himself back. First of all, you needed to buy ess or be a member of the coliseum before you could use the local teleporters. Secondly, he wasnt in a position where he could freely gain a bunch of levels.


    There wasnt even any money to be made from heading out, not that he needed it. It had been a big shock to realize that a vast majority of all beast carcasses were mostly worthless. Zac had always equalized hunting beasts with big money after his grind-fests back on Earth, but you could easily buy an early D-grade carcass for 50 million F-grade nexus coins or so.


    Only a few extremely rare beasts were worth any real money, for example beasts who had extremely pure bloodlines that made them far stronger than normal beasts of their grade. However, those kinds of beasts were as rare as valuable herbs, and fighting them was like fighting a peak genius cultivator.


    It was no wonder the prices were so low though; the Multiverse definitely didntck high-grade beasts. There were reportedly millions and millions of D-grade beasts on this alone, all of them more powerful than normal because of the unique environment. Perhaps hed test his mettle against the wilds of this world another time. But for now, he had a trial to take.


    Zac entered the coliseum, and he saw that there were three paths to take, one for each purpose of visiting. Thergest gate was for spectators who hade to witness the matches and perhaps do some betting, with the second biggest being for warriors who came to enter the ring. Fighting against other cultivators or ferocious beasts was a dangerous but effective way to cultivate.


    There was never anyck of warriors willing to risk their lives for breakthroughs, especially when it could also mean wealth and fame.


    The third corridor was for actual members of the Big Axe Coliseum, and that was where Zac headed. He was curious about the ce, but he figured he could look around after he became an outer member. Zac only got fifty meters in before he was stopped by a guard though.


    Members only, buddy, a gruff devil-humanoid with a bulky build said as he nced at thepel of Zacs robes.


    Ivee to apply, Zac said.


    Oh? Outer or inner member? the attendant asked.


    Outer, Zac said and released some of his aura.


    High E-grade? Could be a good fight the man thoughtfully muttered and took out a token. Here. The fee is 10,000 E-grade Nexus Coins. Youll get the money back if you pass.


    And if I fail? Zac smiled as he transferred the money, surprised at how generous the Coliseum waspared to the two previous spots.


    Then youre dead and we keep the money, the man grinned. Fourth door to the right. Dont worry, the Heavens will arrange your enemies, it will be absolutely fair.


    Zac soon found himself in a resting room as he waited for the coliseum to set things up. If one fought in the Big Axe Coliseum the normal way, youd have to expose some of your strength to get paired with the right level of opponents, but it was different for the Limited Trial. The System wouldnt allow any cheating since it was handing out Limited Titles, so it teleported beasts into the arena from what Zac had heard.


    The Big Axe Coliseum only needed to pay for the activation of the trial and transportation fees.


    It was a win-win for the coliseum. If the contender won, theyd gain a new member. If he or she lost, theyd still make money on the down payment, tickets, betting, and perhaps salvaging rare beast carcasses. The Trials were especially popr as the beasts teleported here were often ones theyd rarely see. Furthermore, the System essentially guaranteed a satisfying fight.


    Normally, Zac would have a huge advantage in this type of trial thanks to his massive pool of Efficiency, but he had read that the System actually based the opponents on true strength in this particr trial since it wanted to test for skills with the axe. That wasnt a detriment in Zacs book through, but rather a boon. After all, it wasnt easy to find opponents matching your strength exactly.


    However, Zac immediately found himself in a conundrum as he pressed his hand against a crystal hovering in the middle of the room. He needed to leave his Spatial Ring behind, along with any hidden weapons. He could only keep his robes and main weapon. Zac hesitated for a bit, but he eventually took out <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>instead of <strong>[Rakans Roar]</strong>. Staying undercover was important, butpleting the trial even more so.


    His main axe looked pretty different from the time he visited the Tower of Eternity, and he didn''t even have his more defining skills like <strong>[Nature''s Punishment] </strong>or <strong>[Chop] </strong>any longer. It should be enough.


    He also needed to choose a name or moniker. He didnt want to use his real name for obvious reasons, but neither was hefortable giving himself a Dao Name like The Life-Death Primarch or Arcadian Master. He eventually settled on Arcaz, a handle he had used in some online games back before the integration.


    Zac thankfully didnt need to wait for long for his trial to start. The tform shed to life after just an hour, and Zac found himself standing in the middle of a massive arena a momentter. The roars of tens of thousands of people made the atmosphere rife with bloodlust. Zac couldnt see any specific faces when he looked up at the stands though; it was all a bit of a haze.


    He guessed the coliseum used some sort of array to obscure the features for some reason.


    Give a warm wee to Arcaz, ourtest trial taker. The Heavens tells us his power is at the peak of the E-grade, so we will hopefully have five exciting battles to look forward to! a gruff voice echoed out across the arena, which was met by another wave of roars.


    There was no time for Zac to ponder about the construction of the arena as hundreds of shing lights illuminated his surroundings. He immediately realized his first fight was a horde battle, which suited his ss perfectly. A momentter the enemybatants had been teleported in, and Zac saw they were some sort of two-headed devil-rabbits with long rakish ws on their front legs.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Oh! Our prospective member finds himself faced against 108 <strong>[Twinruin Hoppers]</strong>. Anyone who has spent some time in the Twinruin Gorge no doubt has some <em>fond</em> memories of these aggressive bastards! Hard Carapaces, nimble legs, and endless aggression. Will our trial-taker fall at the entrance test like a fool? Will he emerge victorious, and if so how quickly?! ce your bets!


    Zac wryly smiled at being used to make money this tantly, but thementator at least provided some clues. This was just the first trial of five though, and Zac didnt n on forming some sort of special strategy. If he couldnt simply crush this trial, then he could forget aboutpleting all five battles.


    A storm of Cosmic Energy streamed into an intricate fractal on his hand, but no fractal edge formed after activating the skill that took the spot where<strong> [Chop]</strong> once was housed. Instead, arge swirl of emerald energies suddenly surrounded <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, and Zac unleashed a swing in the direction of the most concentrated clump of <strong>[Twinruin Hoppers]</strong>.


    It was like he unleashed a storm with his swing, but that storm quickly congealed into a dozen two-meter wide leaves that radiated not only an immense amount of life force, but also an overbearing sharpness. The leaves were long, thin, and slightly curved like the des of a scimitar, and they swirled around as they shot into the pack of beasts.


    A few of the hoppers jumped forward with their sharp legs, both their heads trying to bite into the leaves and rip them apart. Others used therge ws on their front legs o swipe back at them with enough force to make the air scream.


    But it was all futile.


    Those who bit into the leaves were instantly killed as the upper halves of their heads were lobbed clean off, their bodies crashing down onto the arena floor with wet thuds. One storm of leaves after another shot out, and only a gorefest was left behind a momentter. The so-called hard carapaces couldn''t survive a second against Zac''s new E-grade skill, though he did empower the leaves with the Fragment of the Bodhi.


    A small pang of danger warned him of an imminent attack from behind, but Zac wasnt worried in the slightest. His free hand shot out as he rapidly turned around, and he caught thest hopper by one of its throats. Zac instantly crushed its throat before he mmed down the stocky beast onto the ground.


    The second head yowled in pain and rage, and it desperately wed at Zac as it tried to get up. But the emerald swirl around <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>moved to the front of the axe edge and instantly congealed into a singr thin leaf that looked as real as a physical one. A momentter the whole hopper was sliced in two, its blood disappearing into a deep scar in the ground.


    Oh my god! Six seconds to clear the first wave! Haha! A big thank you to our friend Arcaz, you just made us a lot of money! But will he be able to clear the second trial? Lets find out!


    Zac sat down and took a breath as the hundred corpses were teleported away. He wasnt exhausted in the slightest, but he rather wanted to go over the result of his new skill <strong>[Natures Edge]</strong>. He had already tested the skill back on Earth, but these <strong>[Twinruin Hoppers]</strong> were a lot stronger than the animal packs back home.


    They had all been at upper-middle E-grade in power, yet they were cut apart without providing much resistance at all. This was exactly what Zac had wanted to see, and he was extremely relieved to see that his fusion of <strong>[Chop]</strong> and <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> to have worked out just as he hoped.


    Part of him had hesitated about fusing two of his basic skills, wasting the opportunity. For example, he had considered fusing <strong>[Hatchetman''s Spirit]</strong> with <strong>[Forester''s Constitution] </strong>to form an amazing domain skill, but he ultimately didn''t feel that would bring much to the table. <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> was a skill he was keen on bringing into the E-grade as well, but he decided that an E-Grade equivalent of <strong>[Chop] </strong>was of the highest priority.


    It was the bread and butter of his ss, the very foundation of his fighting style.


    He did have <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, but that was ultimately a skill that didnt really conform to his path, and it also worked better as a medium-power attack aimed at singr enemies or small packs. Meanwhile, <strong>[Natures Edge]</strong> was a perfect fusion between Nature and Axe, using the form of <strong>[Natures Barrier]</strong> and the function of <strong>[Chop]</strong>.


    Losing his only real defensive skill was a bit of a shame, but <strong>[Natures Barrier] </strong>had long lost its ability to protect him. Besides, the reason he dared toplete this fusion was thanks to creating <strong>[Arcadias Judgement]</strong>. It had freed up the Skill Slot where <strong>[Deforestation] </strong>formerly was, which allowed him to learn the defensive skill he had waiting for him in the Dao Repository.


    Unfortunately, the battle had been too short to gain any new insight into his skill, but he saw that he would get more opportunities as new golden lights appeared around him.


    Oh? 36 <strong>[Twinruin Rocklings]</strong> this time? Will all the fights set our challenger against the beasts of the gorge? Would that mean we might have a chance to see a fight between a cultivator and a <strong>[Twinruin Tyrant]</strong> today? And perhaps the true terror of the Twinruin gorge? the announcer mused, which caused a huge ruckus to erupt. Who knows? In either case, ce your bets!


    The rocklings looked like mottled eight-legged boulders, and he felt they reminded him of those spiderling bots he fought in the Mystic Realm. These guys were a lot stubbier though, and Zac wondered if they were even mobile.


    The ground suddenly started to shake as one sharp stgmite after another sprung up with amazing power, which forced Zac to dance around in an ungraceful manner. Zac considered activating <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> for a moment, but he eventually decided against it. He wanted to take this opportunity to get acquainted with his new skill. Besides, he didnt want to show too many of his cards in a public setting like this in case someone figured out his identity.


    Zac once more activated <strong>[Natures Edge]</strong> and a cascade of leaves shot out toward the slow-moving targets. However, Zac frowned when the attacks only resulted in shallow scars appearing across the bodies of the golemoid beasts. They had clearly activated some sort of bloodline talent that boosted their defenses tremendously, and the skill by itself simply wasnt strong enough to get through.


    Another gust of leaves shot out a momentter, but this time the leaves almost looked like they were made of metal as they had gained a slight silvery sheen. Zac looked on with interest as the leaves cut into the rocklings with their incredible sharpness, and the ground rumbled as the beast copsed one by one.


    Only three of the rocklings managed to survive the onught, but Zac shed forward with <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> and cut them to pieces in short order. One of them forcibly exploded upon its death, turning itself into a shrapnel bomb, but Zac had plenty of kill energy to use <strong>[Surging Vitality]</strong> with, and the shallow wounds started wriggling as they rapidly healed up.


    He hadnt had much use for his healing skill over the past years, but it had still moved to Late Mastery thanks to his increased understanding of skills in general. The upgrade mostly improved the skill''s ability to heal tougher wounds, such as injuries caused by Dao-empowered attacks.


    Of course, the healing capabilities of such wounds were still pretty limited and cost a huge amount of energy, but it was still pretty impressive for a skill that someone like Bra had managed to get his hands on.


    Two rounds down, and we havent been able to see the depths of our challengers prowess! the announcer eximed. But the Heavens never gives out anything for free, especially not Titles! Lets see what it has nned for our friend Arcaz next!

 Chapter 678: Tyrant

    Chapter 678: Tyrant


    Zac didnt mind the announcers tone since he understood that the man was just ying things up to elicit more bets. He was more interested in the results of thest battles. The effect of his two Dao Fragments on his new skill was pretty interesting. The Fragment of the Bodhi increased the number of leaves, and Zac felt that they also contained more energy, which would make them harder to destroy.


    Meanwhile, adding the Fragment of the Axe actually decreased the number of leavespared to no Dao-infusion at all, but it did instead drastically increase the lethality of the individual leaves. That left the Fragment of the Coffin, but Zac wasnt too certain he would be able to infuse that skill with his third Dao Fragment.


    Besides, Zac wanted to avoid using that Dao in his human form if possible. It was something Zac had decided upon over the past years as he had arduously worked on incorporating his Path into the way he fought. He initially tried to incorporate everything he had envisioned, the trinity of life, death, and conflict, but it quickly became apparent that it was simply too huge a task.


    So Zac came up with a n. His first step would be to better mix Bodhi and Axe, Life and War, in his human form, while focusing on Coffin and Axe in his undead form. It was based on the creation of his Bronze- and pink shes, or rather his Annihtion Sphere and Origin Mark. One half of him would delve into the depths of life through conflict, while the other into death and conflict.


    That was why he had focused on only creating skills that followed these fusions. Both <strong>[Nature''s Edge] </strong>and <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgement]</strong> followed this rule, as did his two new skills for his Fetters of Destion-ss.


    The second step would then be trying to somehow fuse these two battle styles into one coherent system that could fit across both his sses, using his Dao of the Axe as the bridge. It would be the equivalent of creating the Chaos pattern in the Tower of Eternity. Of course, that was a long road ahead, and it might not even turn out as he envisioned right now.


    The first step was simply shoring up his understanding and his foundations, but he still hadnt reached the point of how Adcarkas somehow merged with his Dao. Zac had made some inroads, but cultivation was an endless path of self-discovery. Three years simply wasnt enough, at least not when cultivating in absolute safety as he had.


    Zac was soon dragged out of his thoughts as a golden light appeared in front of him. This time there were just five beasts. They looked like huge creepy alien kangaroos with two sturdy legs keeping them upright and one ten-meter-long tail. They had no sharp ws though, and neither did they have anyrge fangs.


    It made Zac a bit leery, as it made them seem like magical beasts, which often meant they were more powerful thanmon beasts.


    Oh! <strong>[Twinruin Battlecaller]</strong> quintuplets! These mentally linked beasts are quite a handful, and therger the pack the greater the danger. Meeting quintuplets is both a blessing and a curse! A blessing because youve got to see a rare marvel of nature, a curse because it means youll probably die! A real terror of a challenge this time, and thest hurdle for membership! ce your bets!


    There were still three battles to be had, but that was just for the best version of the title. Zac could bow out after this fight and still be an outer member of the Big Axe Coliseum. Keep going, and you might get a better title along with a reputation. Fail, and youd die since the battles were to the death. Zac was obviously aiming for a perfect run since he still hadn''t been pushed very hard.


    He also tried to understand what kind of beast a Battlecaller was, but neither their appearance nor the announcers description made it very clear. Then again, Zac guessed that it didnt really matter, and he immediately shot forward. He wanted to end this quickly, so a splendid halo appeared behind his back. A simple yet powerful axe hovered in its center, and <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> was imbued with a huge force.


    Oh my god! Our contestant has borrowed the image of the Heavenfall Autarch''s cleaver! Is this a testament to his ambition? To follow in the path of the father of axes? the announcer screamed, his voice an octave shrillerpared to before.


    Zac only snorted. He had already learned that the axe-man in his vision was a real person; the Heavenfall Autarch. He wasnt from the Zecia sector, and he died tens of millions of years ago. Yet he still held fame all across the multiverse thanks to one of his fights being used to impart the Dao. That was something quite a few aimed for.


    After all, true immortality was just a myth from what Zac had gathered, but being epted by the System was a way to live on forever in the hearts of cultivators. There were even rumors of some sort of rewards to the descendants of Dao Teachers like the Heavenfall Autarch, as though the System were paying them licensing fees.


    The distance between himself and the beasts was quickly shrinking, but the air suddenly started to vibrate before Zac found himself on a massive battlefield, frenzied cultists all around him. The fury of battle coursed through his veins, and his heart beat in sync with the drums of war. The war against the Church of Evesting Dao had reached a fever pitch, but Zac only snorted as he shed forward and swung at empty air.


    It turned out the battlecallers were illusionists. They used the unusual attunement of the itself to deliver insidious and almost unnoticeable mental attacks. But how could Zacpletely fall into confusion after evolving his soul? He still couldntpletely block out the illusion even with his defenses, but he could still somewhat discern the truth like a superimposed reality.


    The empty air was actually the closest battlecaller, whose sharp tail was already piercing toward Zacs heart. Zac had sidestepped the attack and shed forward with the help of his movement skill, and he was aiming to destroy the heart of the beast in return. However, found his axe impeded by a powerful barrier that didnt even crack when attacked by <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>.


    That was saying something, considering that he had already reached Middle Mastery for the skill, which had kicked its offensive power up a notch. Add to that the increased power of his axe, and the barrier had to be something else to not even crack.


    Oh! What powerful mental defenses! The contestant can even withstand a fiveyered mental attack! the announcer screamed, though his voice sounded muted and far in the distance. But will it be enough?! The Battlecallers are not dreaded just for their mental attacks!


    Zac soon found that the announcer wasnt speaking out of turn as the five battlecallers encircled him. They were an extremely tricky enemy. Theybined powerful illusions, sturdy arrays, and powerful tails into a fullbat system. Furthermore, their cooperation was so perfect that Zac suspected they were rather one entity than just mentally linked.


    Another wave of dizziness hit him, but it was like his mind held multipleyers. Only the surfaceyer of his mind was steeped in the madness of the battlecallers abilities, whereas the core of his soul maintained perfect rity. <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> cut through the air in a ruthless arc, aiming straight at an iing tail.


    Their bodies might be guarded by a fierce shield, but would they really be able to maintain such strong defenses around their long tails? The battlecaller desperately retracted its tail by pivoting with almost impossible speed, but it still got a deep gash as Zacs swing left a huge scar in the arena.


    A pang of danger cut through the illusions assailing Zac''s mind as a second, then a third tail short forward, taking advantage of the extremely minute opening. Zac was barely able to dodge the second stab by pivoting his torso, but he simply wasnt quick enough to avoid the third one. A huge force mmed into his back, and Zac was lunged forward as the wind was knocked out of his lungs.


    Only a shallow wound was left on his back even if the stab contained enough power to easily pierce through his body. It was all thanks to his new skill, <strong>[Innate Ward]</strong>. Just like the other skills from Bras depository, it was a simple skill but with a strong direct effect. It formed a secondyer of protection right beneath the skin, its power based on ones Endurance.


    It was simple and unadorned, but that also meant that the skill fractal fit with most sses. It was the same with Zac, who had no problem using the skill to over 85% of its full potential even when his human side was a Strength-Vitality ss.


    Another wave of illusion hit him as he righted his body, but Zac didnt even try to push it away as he resumed his battle. In fact, he weed the illusion. Between his evolved soul, the unique attunement in the atmosphere, and the illusion, he felt himself making tremendous progress on his efforts to integrate War into hisbat style.


    This battle alone was more effective than months of secluded cultivation, and Zac felt his technique subtly change. The swings became more forceful, more intractable. It was like his axe was a unit of seasoned warriors, piercing into enemy ranks. They always found a weakness in the enemies lines, mistakes rife for exploitation. When it appeared, the soldiers struck without remorse, as there was no mercy in war.


    Zac rushed toward the closest battlecaller, barely avoiding two piercing tails as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> keened with battle lust. Zac leaped forward but suddenly disappeared as he activated <strong>[Loamwalker] </strong>mid-air to appear in front of another of his foes. The axe ripped through the air in an upward trajectory that seemed to change every second. The teeth on its axehead caused whistling sounds to spread through the arena, but for some reason, it sounded like the trumpets of heralding a charge.


    <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> empowered the swing to a new height, fully taking advantage of Zacs massive reserves of Strength as he mmed into the defensive barrier of the battlecaller. The first swing wasn''t enough, but the second swing immediately followed the first, and it was enough to finally crack the shield. The axe bit into flesh and blood rained down on him, but that only spurred Zac on even further as hepletely bisected therge beast with a third and final swing.


    The four remaining Battlecallers screeched in pain, but Zac moved on them like a tide of cavalry, seizing the victorious momentum to win the war. It was clear the beasts were mutually empowering each other, and with the first one down there was an obvious weakness in their War Array. The second beast fell to just one swing even after the four desperately tried to gore Zac to death.


    His movement was turning more and more inscrutable as one beast after another fell as his path and <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> slowly fused as well. Zac felt himself on the precipice of something, but he suddenly found himself without opponents to test it on. The quintuplets were lying in tenrge pieces around him, the blood staining the arena.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The heat of battle quickly died down, and Zac quickly lost the feeling. He swore in annoyance, but he knew it wasnt the end of the world. He was right at the threshold, and it wouldnt take him long to take that final step.


    Zac sat down and closed his eyes to go over the battle in his mind. He heard that the announcer was shouting something, but he was more focused on his inward journey.


    It wasnt like he suddenly gained a boost in attributes out of nowhere, but it was rather that his will, his Dao, and his body moved as one. It probably wasnt an exaggeration to say that he might only use 60 to 70% of his attributes normally, with the rest of it wasted on inefficiencies and inability to draw on his full potential.


    But finding abat style that resonated with the truths of the Heavens would remove some of these inefficiencies, which was a pure power-up with no demerits.


    A massive roar suddenly echoed through the arena, and Zac frowned as he opened his eyes. There was, unfortunately, no time for him to absorb the lessons of thest battle, because the next enemy had already appeared. This time, the target was a hulking beast reaching over eight meters in the air. It looked like a mix of a bull and a tiger, with two gristly horns that radiated terrifying sharpness. The air itself crackled at their tips, and that was only one of its weapons.


    The beast almost seemed to be bred for war, with a thick hide that almost looked like ting covering its body. It didnt even have any eyes, nose, or ears, removing those weaknesses from its head. Instead, it was just one massive jaw filled with three rows of sharp teeth. Its legs ended in sharp ws rather than hoofs, and even its tail ripped through the air with enough speed to cause small sonic booms.


    It''s really a <strong>[Twinruin Tyrant]</strong>! Generally considered one of the nastiest critters below the D-grade, these hulking beasts are tools bred for carnage. Powerful defenses! Deadly ws! Powerful bloodline talents! These bastards have it all. Is this the end of the line? Is our friend Arcaz getting too greedy by staying behind? ce your bets!


    The beast roared with bloodlust, but another roar of simr intensity echoed out in Zac''s mind. It was actually Verun who seemed extremely keen at battling the massive beast. Zac gave it a thought, and he felt why not? Verun had been stuck in his axe for three years, and sending it out shouldn''t really be a problem.


    The primal dragon-hyena appeared next to Zac the next moment, its legs shaking from restrained battle lust as swirls of blood danced around its paws.


    What! Such a corporeal Tool Spirit! Amazing! The resources that have gone into this axe are nothing to scoff at! the Announcer eximed, but he paused when some people started boo on the stands. Are you angry? Think this is cheating? Too bad! The Tool Spirit of an axe is naturally part of an axe warriors strength. No refunds for bets!


    Zac smiled a bit as he turned to Verun, which growled as it kept the tyrant in its sights.


    Have fun, Zac only said and sat down and instead focused on his insights


    What confidence, daring to ignore the presence of a tyrant! I think were in for a treat! the announcer hollered, and the hecklers were soon drowned out by cheers.


    Verun roared with bloodlust as he shot forward, shooting straight toward the <strong>[Twinruin Tyrant]</strong> with mad abandon. The tyrant tried to bite down on Veruns throat with its oversized jaw, but the dragon hyena was extremely nimble, effortlessly dodging the bite while returning a ruthless swipe in return.


    Three deep gashes appeared on the tyrants throat, and three streams of blood were extracted, each of them floating toward a gleeful Verun. Seeing a Tool Spirit feeding on its blood made the boar delirious with rage, and its muscles rippled as it started emitting a fearful aura.


    Zac was initially barely paying attention as he was fully focused on his experiences from the battle before, but he was soon mesmerized by the carnage a few hundred meters away. ws, bites, tackles, swipes. Feints and full-on aggression. Blood, dust, roars. The two beasts fought with everything they had in a primal war of supremacy.


    Wounds umted on the Tyrants body as the energy radiated from Verun steadily weakened. Yet neither backed down. In fact, the fervor of the battle only increased in intensity. Four sanguine rivers swirled around Verun, each of them rife with cutting intent. Meanwhile, ck crackling lightning appeared on the horns of the Tyrant, and it soon covered the whole beasts body.


    Their energies surged.


    The rivers were like cutting edges of an axe, and any time they drew blood they were empowered in an endless cycle of carnage. Meanwhile, the crackling bolts caused Verun to take damage every time they shed, and any errant bolt was powerful enough to cause huge scars across the arena. Even Zac was forced to move even further away unless he wanted to eat those attacks head-on.


    Finally, the Tyrant slipped up due to blood loss and exhaustion, and Verun seized the opportunity. It bit down on the tyrant''s muscr throat, and with a tremendous tug it ripped out half the bull''s neck to bathe itself in a cascade of blood. The Tyrant took a shaky step as it tried to gore Verun with its horns in one final act of defiance, but it fell on the ground with a thump.


    Hundreds of liters of blood were dragged out from the bulls body, and it joined blood on the ground as it turned into a storm around Verun. The Tool Spirit raised its head toward the sky, and unleashed a roar with such force that the air trembled. It was full of bloodlust, pride, and victory.

 Chapter 679: Terror of the Twinruins

    Chapter 679: Terror of the Twinruins


    The whole stadium was silent for a few seconds before it erupted in raucous cheers.


    Zac gazed at his Tool Spirit with rapt attention until the bloodstorm swallowed Verun whole. It was back in his axe a momentter, the first fractal on his handle dimmed down.


    Amazing! What a Tool Spirit! Even I am getting a bit tempted to get my hands on a beastcrafted axe. Who would have any regrets when walking into battle with apanion like that?! the announcer screamed. Of course, we know that any such tricks wont work for the final round.


    Zac snorted, but he knew that what the announcer said was true, and he cracked his neck as he readied himself. This final stage was why the rewards for the Trial were so good, why it could provide both t and increased attributes. Until now, the battles could only be considered a warmup. After all, the final battle had special rules, rules enforced by the System.


    No consumable items, no skills.


    Just your body, your weapon, and your Dao. It was a real test of ones fighting capabilities, where external things were blocked. Every cultivator in the world could get skills for free from the System, but that didnt make you a warrior. Talent andprehension were both needed to be a true diator of the Big Axe Coliseum.


    To get anywhere on the road of cultivation, really.


    The minutes passed as Zac prepared himself. This would definitely be his hardest challenge so far. He didnt fear death since the remnants were just like his Specialty Core, considered a part of his body. But he wasnt sure that his actual skills were up to snuff. He had cultivated for less than five years, and his general fighting style had been to rely on his superior attribute pool.


    He had chosen this test as a challenge for himself, an opportunity to hone his path and hopefully make a breakthrough in the heat of battle. A golden shimmer finally appeared in the arena, and Zac frowned when he saw a humanoid standing in front of him. The final challenger was actually a cultivator?


    It happened! The Heavens really brought out a <strong>[Twinruin Bloodstalker]</strong> from the depths! We only get to see these terrifying beasts when they leave their nests for their baptism of blood. This one is an adolescent, just shy of having formed its core! These beasts are the perfect killing machines, and even Monarchs would think twice before entering their nests! the Announcer shouted, and the excitement in his voice didnt seem feigned. This is what we have been waiting for! The deathmatch of the year!


    Zac listened to the announcer with rapt attention. It was actually a beast? Humanoid beasts were extremely rare. They normally moved away from the heritage of the Beast Progenitor to instead be integrated as cultivators over the eons. In fact, thest humanoid beasts he had encountered were the imps back during the Demon Incursion.


    Humanoid beasts often had superior affinities to most normal beasts since their bodies were made for cultivation. It was often a bestial bloodthirst that overpowered any burgeoning sapience that kept them as beasts though. From what Zac understood it was almost impossible for them to reach Atavism, the process where high-grade beasts could keep their bestial path but also take humanoid form and embark on the path of cultivation.


    But the few who did manage to transform were all terrifying powerhouses that small sectors like Zecia couldnt contain.


    The <strong>[Twinruin Bloodstalker]</strong> was roughly the same height as Zac, and it looked a lot like a beastkin with fur covering its whole body. Its proportions were pretty simr to anky humans, except slightly longer arms and a sturdy tail that was reptilian rather than simian in shape. Its hands wererger than normal too, and it had long sharp ws whose sharpness Zac could feel even from a distance.


    Its feet reminded Zac of the Torrid Demons though its ws were longer and more distinct. Its face was the only part without any fur, and it looked pretty terrifying. Its skin was pitch-ck like its fur, except two red orbs for eyes that screamed of malice. It had no nose, but a wide mouth full of sharp teeth.


    The beast looked in Zacs direction and immediately released a roar as its aura started climbing. It was extremely condensed, and its killing intent even put Zacs own to shame, especially now that it had been weakened after three years of inactivity.


    But that didnt mean Zac wasnt up to the challenge, and he rushed forward with his axe at the ready. The ground cracked beneath the bloodstalkers feet as its thin form turned into a blur, and it was upon Zac before he knew what happened.


    Danger screamed as four sharp ws ripped through the air, aiming straight at Zacs throat. Zac narrowly dodged as he countered with a quick and furious swing with his axe, but he didnt even get the chance tond the hit before a thick tail mmed into his thigh with enough force to make him lose his bnce. The bloodstalker used the counterforce of the collision to reverse its spinning momentum, and another swipe aimed for Zacs eyes just as he managed to stabilize his form.


    Zac growled as he intercepted the swipe with his free hand. A burning pain erupted in his arm as two deepcerations appeared, but he ignored the hurt as he thrust forward, aiming to push the beast off its bnce tond a killing blow. However, the beasts tail actually mmed into the ground and acted like a pir that kept the beast upright.


    A high knee appeared out of nowhere before Zac had a chance to react, and Zac realized that it actually used its tail as only support while spinning mid-air. The beast tried to keep him in ce with a vise-like grip, but Zac forcibly lifted his right arm with a roar. A painful attack mmed into his shoulder, where his head had been half a second ago.


    It hurt like hell, but Zac knew he had finally found an opportunity as the beast was mid-air while he was primed to attack.


    A murderous edge infused with the Fragment of the Axe cut down, aiming to disembowel the beast in one quick go. The beast screeched and a dangerous aura started to leak from its body. It was definitely some sort of murder-rted Dao at a level that matched Zac''s own, but Zac wouldnt stop from something like that.


    Axe met flesh and the ground shook an instantter as the bloodstalker was mmed into the ground.


    Normally that would be the end of the battle, but Zac frowned when he saw that the beast was pretty much fine. It had managed to block Zac''s swing with its forearm and almost looked like it bounced off from the ground as it backed away a few steps. It looked like a thick metallic bone hid right beneath its furred skin, and it had to be extremely durable to block out Zacs attack like that.


    The beast''s hand shook a bit from the impact, but it mostly seemed infuriated rather than hurt from the counter. Zac sighed, but he had known that the final challenge wouldnt be so easily ovee. He knew hed be able to end everything with an Annihtion-sphere, but that wasnt why he was here. This was a real challenge where he would be pushed to the limits.


    The wound hadn''t weakened the bloodstalker at all. It rather looked like it possessed some sort of inherent berserking bloodline where the wound had turned its killing intent and aura even more congealed. It shot forward, its ws aiming to rip Zacs midsection open and Zac answered with a cruel strike of with his own.


    Just activating his Dao was not enough against this target. Zac did not only continuously activate Fragment of the Bodhi to allow his body to endure the extremely forceful strikes, but every single swing was imbued with the Fragment of the Axe. But the beast was just too nimble. It almost felt like it reacted before Zac''s attacks even begun, like they were following some sort of choreographed dance without Zac knowing.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac fought with everything he had, and his aura slowly transformed as he followed his instincts to incorporate his Dao Insights into hisbat style once more. However, even as he desperately fought for his life his mind kept turning back to the brutal melee between Verun and the <strong>[Twinruin Tyrant]</strong>. That battle between two apex predators wouldnt have been out of ce out in the forests of the Bloodwind, or anywhere else in the deste wilderness.


    Wasnt nature ultimately the source of the most ruthless wars of all?


    Endless living creatures fought not only with each other for survival, but also against the elements themselves. Any weakness would be destroyed and discarded, reced by something new. As the seasons passed those suited for survival would thrive, while everything full of imperfections would be left by the wayside.


    This was the fusion he was looking for, the fusion between nature and war.


    Zac moved as though he was possessed as one inspiration after another washed over him, and he found that his fighting style slowly transform. His swings had previously contained the desperate echoes of a war between armies, but now it started to be reminiscent of another battle. The battle of the seasons, of evolution, of survival in the wild.


    Weaknesses and imperfections were slowly cut away, reced by swings and strikes that better took advantage of his attribute pool. The dinosaurs might have been thergest and most powerful beasts that walked Earth before the integration, but they definitely werent the most perfect. They had all fallen while other animals flourished.


    It was the same with his brutish fighting style. His wide swings full of killing intent might contain a world-ending force, but what good were they when they couldnt even strike the bloodstalker? His attacks got more and more in tune with his envisioned path. Imperfections were discarded without a second thought as Zac kept trying new approaches.


    Sometimes it worked and the bloodstalker received a new wound, other times it failed and Zac was wounded instead. His fighting style was like the everchanging seasons, but with every revolution, the overall number of weaknesses shrunk, and his attacks started to change as well.


    His swings got quicker, more ruthless. If there were no openings to vital organs, then hed attack something else. Anything that could push the fight in his favor. There was no such thing as honor in the wild, and neither was there any in the way Zac fought. This wasnt a boxing match, this was life and death.


    His path was gradually fusing with his body, and the bloodstalker started to lose ground. All the small improvements stacked on top of each other until disadvantage was transformed into a small advantage for Zac. The bloodstalker was desperately fighting back, therge number of shallow wounds doing nothing to slow it down.


    But while it had amazing instincts and attributes that were a match to Zac, it didnt show any indication of making any improvements throughout the battle.


    Blood and tufts of fur soon covered the ground as the wounds umted across the beasts body. The same was true for Zac, but he was willing to take a few hits if he could deliver in kind. He had always been ruthless to himself, and this wasnt any different.


    The bloodstalker suddenly twisted as it once more tried tosh Zac with a tail full of momentum. But Zac moved as though by instinct, narrowly ducking while stomping down at the foot that the beast used to pivot. His leg was infused with the Fragment of the Bodhi, and it was like a huge tree mmed down on the bloodstalkers ankle. A loud crack was quickly followed by a huge bang as cracks spread on the ground.


    The beasts foot was broken, and the pain seemed to have cut through the bloodlust as it shuddered in agony. There was no mercy in the wild, and Zac immediately pounced. His whole being felt aligned with his path, and <strong>[Veruns Bite] </strong>started radiating a supreme might of the untamed wilds as it ripped through the air. The bloodstalker sensed the danger and tried to dodge while countering with a kick, but the axe was upon it before it had a chance to move out of the way.


    Bone was split and dark blood flowed like a fountain as protective bone and arm were cleanly cut off, and the gleaming axehead continued into the torso of the beast. The whole arena echoed with the deep thud, and a massive explosion erupted as a twenty-meter deep scar cut into the ground behind the bloodstalker.


    The beast fell onto the ground,pletely unmoving.


    A storm of Cosmic Energy entered his body, but Zac stood unmoving as he imprinted his current feeling into his body. Mind, body, Dao. It had all converged into a singr entity, and two streams had been braided into a strike of unmatched might. It was the first time he had managed to infuse an attack with his reverse Dao-braid. He had seeded in forming the twinned energy before while practicing, but never quickly enough for it to be usable in battle.


    But now it had all crystallized somehow, though Zac honestly wasnt sure whether hed be able to replicate the deed unless he was pushed like he was in this fight. In either case, he had confirmed that his theories were correct and that this was a viable way to cultivate. His braid was as crude as they came, but it did work.


    It might disy less than half of the boostpared to the intricate braids Kenzie managed to create with her own Dao Fragments, but Zac was just on his first Reincarnation. He would probably be able to create proper braids by the time he evolved his soul the next time, and even Dao Arrays wasnt an impossible goal.


    He heard roars from the arena, and the announcer kept harping on something, but Zac was upied by the experiences of the battle. He had long managed to incorporate some of the insights from the Fragment of the Axe into his fighting style, but this was the first time he was touching upon a true fusion of concepts.


    It was still rudimentary, and he felt that his Axe-insights still stood for over 90% of his actions, but it was definitely a move in the right direction. He had set the foundations, now he just needed to polish his techniques through battle.


    He stoodpletely transfixed, and he only opened his eyes after feeling his body being teleported. He had been sent back to the same waiting room as before. His items were waiting right next to him, and he picked them up before leaving. Outside the room, another devilish axe cultivator waited, and Zac felt he should either be an early hegemon or a strong peak E-grade cultivator.


    Congrattions, the three-meter tall devilkin said with an appreciative nod. I saw your battles, youre a tough one. Your early fight was kind of shitty, but you were impressive by the end. Are you self-taught?


    Uh, thanks I guess, Zac wryly smiled. Yeah, I just kept swinging until I got to this point. I am trying to refine my technique.


    Haha! A lot of us are wandering cultivators like yourself. But you know what? Those prudes over at the sword pce look down their noses at us, but we still win over 60% of the battles in the coliseum, the man guffawed. Technique isnt everything.


    Zac nodded with a grin, agreeing to a certain degree. He had gotten quite far with just grit and pure force, though he knew that he had to refine his battle style if he wanted to reach further heights.


    The Sword Pce the devil mentioned was another of the factions on the Bloodwind. He didnt know a lot about them, except that this world was just one of their training grounds. Those in their sect who favored flying swords often came here to temper their mental strength.


    Here, your token, the devil said and threw over a bronze token and an information crystal. We have five levels of membership. Outer members can reach the third level at most, with the final two levels reserved for inner members. Youpleted the whole trial, so you can reach the second level as soon as you pass a trial period and generate enough contribution.


    How is that different from others? Zac asked with confusion.


    There are various ways to gain contribution. You can essentially buy the points if you have ess to enough sought-after treasures and materials, the devil shrugged. Normal outer members will also have toplete actual tasks for the Coliseum to elevate their status. You can just buy your way there. You''re a true diator, you''ve already proven yourself.


    Whats the difference between the levels? Zac asked.


    The second level gives ess to better things to trade for, like some decent information heritages. Third level members can even have the elders give one-on-one pointers once every century, along with an even better selection of items to buy, the gruff attendant exined.


    Alright, thank you, Zac nodded.


    Oh, I guess you impressed some big shot in the Coliseum with your fight against the bloodstalker. You have been given two weeks with Big Bosss Big Wall."

 Chapter 680: Big Bosss Big Wall

    Chapter 680: Big Boss''s Big Wall


    The Big Boss what? Zac asked with confusion.


    The founder once tried to forge a huge axe, but he failed spectacrly and even blew up his forge along with most materials. He got so angry that he went on a rampage and hacked away at the core metal he was nning on using, the devil snickered.


    Ah? Zac said with a confused smile, his image of powerful Monarchs somewhat ruined.


    Well, the material was no longer suitable for crafting after that, but it was a unique C-grade metal sheet after all. It stored some of the Founders Dao insights. Looking at the scars he left behind can give some inspiration into the Dao, the devil said. I finally managed to form my Branch of the Axe after studying it for three months. Crazy expensive, but worth it.


    Zacs eyes lit up in excitement. He hadnt made much headway on improving his Dao over the past years, and this might be an opportunity to find some direction. Besides, he didnt need to worry about identally breaking through to Peak Mastery for his Fragment of the Axe and losing a bunch of attribute points. With his odd constitution, he also needed to consume some Dao Treasure to power his breakthrough.


    Where do I go? Zac asked.


    Ill take you, the devil shrugged as he led the way.


    The two chatted a bit on the way, and Zac realized that the devil attendant, whose name was unpronounceable but went by Woz, was a Half-Step D-grade wandering cultivator who still hadnt given up on breaking through. It was actually possible to take that step even with a defective core, but it was far more difficult than forming a core normally.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    You needed topletely disintegrate your defective core and immediately form a new one. Fail, and youd blow up from the rampant energies. Very few people had the guts to make that attempt. After all, if they really had the ambition to be a true Hegemon they normally wouldnt form the Half-Step Core in the first ce. Zac guessed that Woz had encountered some sort of opportunity soon after bing a Half-Step cultivator, which made him change his mind and give it a go.


    Woz was currently trying to umte experience and inspiration, and he had be an inner member of the Coliseum to get ess to restricted resources. It meant he was giving up most of his freedom, but the Big Axe Coliseum restrained inner members a lot lesspared to most ns and sects.


    In his case, his employment wouldst a thousand years, but it would get renegotiated if he managed to break through. Managing to form a Dao Branch was a huge improvement for him, but he still didnt feel confident since he had already failed to form his core once.


    The raucous atmosphere of the arenas was soon reced by a solemn silence, but thebative attunement in the air just kept getting more condensed until they reached a huge courtyard. A few Hegemon guards were standing by, but they had obviously been informed of Zacs arrival as they let him and Woz through without a word.


    There was not much happening in the courtyard. There were just roughly fifty cultivators and a massive b of scarred metal.


    What kind of axe was the founder trying to make? Zac eximed as he looked at the enormous sheet.


    It was over a hundred meters tall and three times as wide. It was like Zac was looking at a city wall rather than a block of metal meant to be turned into a weapon.


    The Big Boss had a berserker state where he grew to three hundred meters, the devil said. The axe needed to match that size in its original form, and then it could simply be shrunk to match his normal size. It would be cheaper to make an axe based on his original size, but then the weapon would be a lot weaker when he grew.


    Zac nodded thoughtfully. It was true, he had noticed a simr issue in his undead form when his axe grew into a 3-meter bardiche. However, the difference there wasnt too bigpared to its original form, and it wasnt causing a problem. But Billy probably lost some of his lethality with his huge club, though <strong>[Bonkers] </strong>true size might berger than Zac realized.


    So how does this work? Zac asked as he looked at the fifty-odd cultivators sitting in meditation.


    Those guys cant hear us. The mats they are sitting on have istion arrays, Woz said. You can walk freely back and forth until you find a scar that resonates with your Dao. Then simply take a seat on a free mat and see what you can gain. Someone will wake you up when your time is up. Oh, dont bother anyone who is sitting in meditation, and dont walk forward from the mat.


    I understand, Zac nodded and stepped inside.


    He didnt know what made some big-shot donate two weeks in front of this wall, but he wouldnt say no to this opportunity. Part of him screamed that this was all a conspiracy, but he forcibly stilled those thoughts. The Multiverse was ruthless, but not everything was a plot and not everyone was out to destroy him.


    Passing all five trials in the first go wasn''t thatmon, and it was possible that some elder simply wanted to give Zac a good impression of the faction. Perhaps it was that Ogre from before who had taken a liking to him, and Zac guessed that he could easily fork out the cost for two weeks if Woz had been able to study the scars for three full months.


    Zac didnt want to waste a minute of his allotted time, and he quickly walked over to the walkway behind the prayer mats. It was odd, some of the cultivators in front of him were warriors over ten meters tall, but Zac could still see the wall in its entirety as long as he stood on that road.


    He slowly walked back and forth, and his eyes lit up as he looked at the wall. It had just looked like a broken mess from where he and Woz stood before, but now it felt like all the scars contained some clues to the Dao of the Axe. A few scars gave Zac an impression of furious momentum powerful enough to split the world in two, others an undeniable bloodlust that made his eyes water in pain.


    Other tears seemed to be filled with the fundamental aspects of the Axe. There were Heaviness and Sharpness, the two Daos that he had fused to create the Fragment of the Axe. But there were also a few others. There were a few with hardness, one that Zac felt was rted to steel. There were a few that made Zac think of the bloody swirls around Veruns legs.


    All in all, there were over fifty concepts that made up the Big Boss''s understanding of the Dao from what Zac could tell. Some resonated with him, and others didnt. Finally, Zac settled on one particr set of scars. It was two seemingly simple marks that formed an X on the metal sheet. They werent as deep as some marks, and not asrge as others.


    But they gave Zac a mysterious feeling, and he felt like he was looking at two shing armies when he looked at the scars. Luckily, there was no one sitting in front of that particr section of the wall, and Zac immediately sat down on the closest prayer mat.


    The moment he sat down a wave of tranquility spread through his body, no doubt the effect of the prayer mat. Zac''s mind was crystal clear, but at the same time suffused by the pervasive battle lust in the air. That was just what Zac wanted, and he let the killing intent permeate his whole being as he gazed at the axe scars.


    The rest of the universe soon disappeared, and there were only the crossed lines on the metal sheet, or rather the two opposing armies locked in an endless conflict. It felt like the air around him was drenched in the Dao of the Axe, like he was sitting in a purified version of the Dao Chamber Kenzie had constructed for the Dao Funnel.


    He soon took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>, but he simply held it in his hands for most of the time. Sometimes he slowly swung it in various directions as though he wanted to confirm something, but most of the time he was lost in thought. New impressions reced the previous in an endless cycle, like an everchanging battlefield in his mind. He had long lost any concept of time, only stopping asionally to take a fasting pill and go over the insights.


    Brat, its time, a powerful suddenly voice resonated in his mind, startling Zac awake.


    Two weeks had passed that quickly?


    Zac didnt tarry, and he quickly got up on his feet after taking onest look at the two scars. He hadnt broken through, but Zac was certain that he was right at the precipice of pushing his Fragment of the Axe to peak mastery. He just needed to incorporate what he had gained over the past two weeks into his own understanding, and then eat some treasure that could be used as fuel for the breakthrough.


    He didnt n on staying in the Bloodwind World much longer, but he was pretty curious about the information heritages Woz mentioned. Besides, if trouble woulde to find him in this ce, it should have done so a long time ago, like when he was in the middle of his epiphany. So Zac made his way into the private areas only for Coliseum members, and he was soon surrounded by a sea of meatheads.


    Humans were by no means rare, but they definitely didnt belong to a majority in this ce. If the Base Town had been a perfect cross-section of the Zecia Sector races, then this ce clearly gravitated toward Devilkin, Ogres, Orcs, and certain beastkin. Part of the reason definitely was that these races leaned toward brutal weapons like axes, clubs, and various two-handed weapons.


    But another reason was that the Bloodwind was ced in what was called the Tribal Constetion where these races were moremon. It wasnt a force, but rather hundreds of forces spread out across an area evenrger than the big empires. It was a pretty chaotic part of Zecia, but there were a few powerful C-grade tribes that kept things somewhat in order and helped gather the forces in case of outsider pressure.


    Neer! I saw your fight! Big balls! a clearly drunk minotaur Hegemon suddenly roared from his seat on a balcony of arge bar as Zac walked along the street.


    Zac onlyughed and waved as he moved on. There were actually quite a few people who recognized him as he walked, and he guessed that these people were all members who were currently taking a break in their cultivation. Most people took time-outs for a few months now and then to clear their heads and destress, and these meatheads probably watched some fights and got drunk.


    Some just praised thest battle or his axe, while others invited him to join hunting parties. Zac politely declined the invitations as he kept going forward. He only stopped once to read a massive sign. He saw dozens more further down the line, and he guessed it contained some important information.


    <strong>[Big Axe Coliseum has entered an Alliance with the Divine Chalice, Blue Moon Mercenaries, and Celestial Constetion Formation Guild.]</strong>


    Who are these factions? Zac asked an orc who read the sign as well.


    Dont know about thest guys, but Divine Chalice is a faction of healers, the Orc muttered, excitement written all over his face. A lot ofsses, a lot of them If Urbuk manages to form an adventurer party with a few Springtime is finallying to Urbuk.


    Zac thoughtfully nodded as he walked on. One faction of healers, an Array Master guild, and some mercenaries. It looked like the Big Axe Coliseum wanted to shore up its weaknesses. But the Coliseum had stood alone for over a Million years, why make the change now? Was it about the war the Ogre from before mentioned? Did they want to create more bnced war parties to increase their survivability?


    For now, it wasnt something that had any rtion to Zac though. He would ask Calrin to look into the matter, but he had other things to deal with first. Zac soon enough reached the contribution exchange, a massive hall that almost looked like a diator arena. There were almost a hundred desks with attendants, and Zac walked over to one of the empty ones. It was manned by what Zac assumed was a female orc.


    New guy? the orc asked with a raised brow as he approached.


    Yeah, just joined. Just figured Id take a look, Zac said.


    Thats fine, but not much you can buy straight away. Weve had problems with neers clearing out some precious resources and so on, the Ogre shrugged.


    I heard I can improve my level by selling things? Zac asked as he started browsing a crystal.


    Oh, a diator? the orc said with interest. It was you who fought the bloodstalker? Cant believe I had to work during that fight. Well, you still cant be a second-level member for the first ten years, even if you reach the contribution needed. A century for the third level. Of course, if you get an elder to sponsor you, that''s another matter.


    There were a huge amount of materials listed, tens of thousands of different resources meant for axe cultivators. Of course, he could only buy the basic things that he could already get through Calrin. But there were also quite a few items that were at the level of what Kenzie had nned on feeding Jeeves.


    There were even rarer objects as well, but they all required level three membership or higher.


    As for information, there were a lot of interesting intelligence crystals that piqued Zacs interest. There was one in particr that contained information that Zac really wanted.


    <strong>[Primal Axes; Picky bastards, Trusted Friends  How to evolve your toothypanion.]</strong>


    It was written by ate Hegemon rather than a Monarch, but it was still pretty detailed all the way up to high D-grade ording to the description. Unfortunately, he wouldnt be able to get it for a whole decade. He would probably be able to get some elder to sponsor him if he divulged his real identity, but that would just open a can of worms.


    <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> had been strengthened a lot since drinking all that Dragon Blood, and Zac felt it wouldn''t bottleneck him until he reached peak E-grade. He suspected that ten years would pass long before he got to that point. Apart from the missive detailing evolving his axe, there were more generalized guides geared toward Spirit Tools as well.


    Zac wanted to get those as well in case they divulged something useful for <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. Of course, he didn''t hold much hope in that regard. He hadnt been making much headway with his second Spirit Tool, or rather any at all. He hade in contact with all kinds of treasures, but nothing seemed to have been of interest for Alea.


    Take this as well, the orc said as she handed him another crystal. These are requests members have put out. If you can find some of the things people are looking for, you can quickly reach the higher levels of membership as soon as the trial period ends. You can also go to the mission hub. Youre a diator, so the Mission Points will be converted to Contribution points for you, making missions doubly rewarding.


    Alright, thank you, Zac nodded as he exited the Contribution Exchange.


    Zac would be able to easilyplete a lot of the rare materialsmission thanks to his almost unfettered ess to all corners of the sector. Materials that were almost impossible to get on the Bloodwind might be readily avable in another empire. The Big Bosss Big Wall and a few other opportunities such as private Mystic Realms were only essible through contribution points, and this was an easy way for Zac to turn Nexus Coins into contribution.


    He stowed away the crystals as he left toward the closest Teleportation Array. Part of him wanted to head out and refine his technique, but he ultimately felt ufortable grinding when he had to hold back on everything from levels to Dao Epiphanies. So he would head back to Earth before moving toward his real target.


    Are we really letting him go? the heavily scarred human asked as he looked up at the huge Ogre who gazed at the human walking toward the teleportation array in the distance. The Tsarun n-


    Bah, who cares about those bastards? Were not so strapped for cash we need their little rewards, the Ogre snorted. Besides, I never liked Zinvul Tsarun, that hoary old goat. Hed sell out this whole Sector if it just gave him a chance of breaking through. Im more willing to bet on this little brat.


    He walks the path of war and carnage, and he is the Harbinger of the conflict. He will definitely find himself in the middle of the madness, chances are he will fall, the man countered. If that happens well end up empty-handed.


    Perhaps, the Ogre shrugged. But perhaps not. He might also survive, bing the next Eveningtide Asura. And then our gains will far overshadow some random bounty. The fact that such a little monster is an axe wielder is a heaven-sent opportunity for us. I told you he''d appear here sooner orter. Obfuscate the details of his visit.


    Already done, the human nodded as his eyes gleamed with anticipation. Well, his disguise is pretty decent and he seems aware of the threats facing him. It will be hard if not impossible for the Tsarun n to track him down in the vast battlefields. If he really survives...


    Exactly, the Ogre nodded before his brows furrowed with confusion. However, I really thought hed break through He looked at the wall for two whole weeks while I personally empowered his prayer mat and improved his surroundings. I think he might be a bit of an idiot?

 Chapter 681: Buyout

    Chapter 681: Buyout


    Zac appeared in his courtyard back on Earth, and a look outside showed that the environment was fast returning to normal thanks to Triv and the golem gardeners. His initial outing had taken just over a month, but he believed that the next one might take a lot longer. So before heading out there were some final matters to deal with.


    First things first, Zac looked inward and started to channel more and more energy into his hidden Specialty Core until he felt something change. There was no explosion or huge burst of energy, but his Specialty Core was suddenly back in in view, which meant that the one-month timer had started. That was the earliest he could leave earth while using the array to hide his Duplicity Core.


    The things he needed to do during this month were already nned out, and Zac sent out a series of messages through his Communication Crystal before he opened his status screen.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>101</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - High, Fragment of the Coffin - High, Fragment of the Bodhi - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>4385 [Increase: 105%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2149 [Increase: 75%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>4167 [Increase: 111%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3266 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>960 [Increase: 69%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1844 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>397 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>0</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong> [D] 1 000 000 </strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    His Limited Titles were finally filled as well, and Zac opened another screen to get a full overview.


    <strong>[Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th: Attain the 14th best all-time result in the Zecia Sector. Reward: Strength, Endurance, Vitality, Luck +6%. Effect of Strength, Endurance, Vitality +6% ]</strong>


    <strong>[Weight of Sin: Ascend Taboo Mountain Reward: Base Attributes +2%.]</strong>


    <strong>[Equanimity: Reach the floor of the Havenfort Chasm. Reward: Base Attributes +2%. Wisdom, Endurance +2%.]</strong>


    <strong>[Heart of Fire: Touch the Heart of Fire. Reward: Strength, Endurance, Vitality +4%.]</strong>


    <strong>[Big Axe diator: Complete the trial of the Big Axe Coliseum. Reward: Strength, Dexterity +50. Strength, Dexterity +6%.]</strong>


    Zac nodded with satisfaction as he closed his screen. His attributes had increased by around 5%, most of them centered on his more useful stats. For example, his Strength had almost increased by 10%, which definitely was a noticeable boost. It wasnt a transformative change, but it was a free boost that had only cost him a month. Not only that, he had both stabilized his soul and made inroads with his Dao, his path, and his new method to perform Dao braids.


    After having confirmed the situation he immediately started walking over toward his first appointment, which was located at the Atwood Academy.


    The whole campus had grown by over ten times since its inception, and it had almost turned into a city within a city with blocks of student housing, whole parks, andrge courtyards where the professors stayed. There were almost a hundred thousand students enrolled by this point, of which roughly 20% were exchange students from various subsidiary forces on earth.


    It wasnt muchpared to thergest alliances on Earth, but Zac still focused on quality over quantity for his Academy. For those less talented there were the city guards, the army, or various enterprises of his that needed cultivators. For example, there were thousands of cultivators who worked in the mine, clearing out the wildlife as they dug deeper and deeper.


    Zac didnt head toward Alyns offices, but he rather turned toward one of the secluded mansions in the faculty residence district. A few minutester he sat in a beautifully manicured courtyard and with an elderly monkeyman opposite him.


    Lord Atwood, it has been a while. I am sorry about your loss, Hekruv Vira sighed. To walk the path of Cultivation is to suffer. Death is all toomon. But I am d to see that it hasnt broken you.


    The ''official story'' had already been spread by this point, that a powerful cultivator appeared on earth in search of the Dimensional Seed. After finding that it was gone, she had killed Kenzie and Thea out of frustration before leaving. Zac only survived because of his hidden means. Zac only nodded in response, and the two sat in silence for a few minutes until a series of quick steps approached.


    I am sorry for the dy. You said you needed me? Helo, the Gemling leader said as he walked into Hekruv Viras courtyard.


    I wanted to talk to the two of you to let you know that I will be leaving Earth for a while, Zac said. This trip will probably be a lot longer than previous outings. A year if its short, a decade if its long.


    You are doing the right thing, Hekruv said with a nod. You are in your prime, spending your days here would be a waste of your potential and momentum. Look at me and the other old goats who you took in. Our momentum is all but gone, and reaching Hegemony the normal way is nigh-impossible.


    Zac nodded, and he actually felt a bit relieved at the fact the old powerhouses of the Mystic Realm were stuck in their cultivation. It was a bit too early for D-Grade cultivators to start sprouting up on Earth. But what Hekruv Vira said was true; their cultivation had pretty much locked in at their current state, and simply changing their cultivation manuals wouldnt do.


    It was also a huge mentalponent to breaking through. The few members of the True Sky Faction who still had reaching Hegemony as their main goal in life had bought Teleportation Tokens from him. They wanted to set out onto arger stage in search of opportunities just like most wandering cultivators. Those who stayed on Earth had essentially given up on forming a Cultivators Core and instead focused on academia and their legacy.


    For example, Hekruv Vira had actually married an Ishiate of the nature-faction he met while traversing earth two years ago. They already had a child, which felt like a miracle to Zac considering their species were so different. Then again, how was the monkeymans situation any different than the hundreds of half-demon infants in Port Atwood?


    Zac was all for it, since forming a family would strengthen their connection to Earth and his town, and it allowed him to leave Earth with fewer worries.


    Is there anything we can do? Helo asked.


    Just help the officials keep things under control. Try to stop anyrge-scale wars that will weaken the base strength of Earth, Zac said thoughtfully.


    The three kept talking for a whileter before Zac set off to his next destination. The meeting with the True Sky Faction and n Volor was partly a courtesy call, and also to show he was fine after the events that led to Theas death. He knew there were some rumors floating about already, and one of the things on his agenda was to travel around to make sure people knew he was alive and well.


    His next destination took him to Thayer Consortia, another district that had essentially turned into a town on his own. The Thayer Consortia had kept growing over the past three years, partly fueled by the almost endless wealth they gained through his sister. It was like Calrin was on stimnts as he kept expanding the operations, and there were already three branches that had been opened on other worlds.


    All three were on unimpressive E-grades, but they helped open new business channels and they were profitable from the get-go.


    The fact that Smaug had somehow disappeared into thin air while Zac was upied dealing with the Mystic Realm was a bit of a hit, but it ultimately hadnt dampened his ns too much. Perhaps it was for the best since Smaug had proven himself wily and self-serving since the start, without weighing it up with good features like Ogras.


    Zac had wanted to use Smaug as his representative in the Consortia, but perhaps it was for the best that the position had be vacant. He had made some inquiries into the Stumpbugle cooperation that Smaug got his license from, since Calrin believed they had to be the ones who helped him escape. Zac hadnt found much though, and he could only confirm they were located somewhere in the sector.


    Instead, he had hired a man named Vikram, a former Harvard Graduate who would likely have be a real business star if the world hadn''t ended. Vikram was officially in charge of the expansion of Thayer Consortia to human towns across Earth, and unofficially in charge of making sure the Sky Gnomes werent fleecing him.


    He was also the only Earthling currently under a contract with him, apart from the Valkyries. It wasn''t Zac''s idea, but rather Vikram''s own, as a method to fast-track his career. It wasn''t life-long though, but rather for 1000 years, and it posited that Zac needed to provide the means for him to gain that longevity. Of course, the contract also contained a slew of additional provisions to shore up the kind of Loopholes that Smaug probably had used.


    So far Zac hadnt found any reason to be worried, but you never could let your guard down. Zac didnt immediately head over to Calrin, but he instead visited Vikram''s offices first. The two went over Zacs idea in detail over the next few hours, where the analyst helped Zac tweak and optimize the n. Only then did the two head over to Calrins office, where a despondent Sky Gnome barely had the energy to greet them.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Whats with you? Zac said as he sat down.


    Do you really need to ask? the Sky Gnomemented, looking like he had lost the love of his life. "Your sister was such a divine spirit, full of grace and benevolence."


    Zac would haveughed out loud if not for the fact that Kenzie was officially dead. Zac knew that the Sky Gnome no doubt missed his sister''s money-making capabilities far more than the person herself, but the sentiment was still appreciated.


    "How are things going?" Zac asked as he sat down, though he somewhat knew the answer.


    We made a lot of enemies through your sisters side business. She could stay hidden, but the transactions ultimately took ce under our license. Now our ie is negligiblepared to before, and our enemies are putting the squeeze to us, Calrin sighed. Forget expansion, we might be forced to close our branches and get pushed back to the bottom again.


    Is there anything we can do to turn things around? Zac asked with an impassive face.


    Well, money, Calrin shrugged. We are bleeding right now, but so are our enemies because they undercut me on all my purchases. But with enough time Ill be able to find new revenue streams that will tide us over until they give up.


    Zac slowly nodded, but nothing the Sky Gnome said was honestly a surprise. He had a full understanding of the financial state after his meeting with his liaison. What Calrin said was true, though things were not quite as bad as he let on. But Thayer Consortia would definitely be unable to continue their expansion if things continued, and probably even be relegated into a native business that didnt spread outside the.


    Well, I have a proposal, Zac eventually said. I am willing to inject capital into the business, but I want controlling share of Thayer Consortia. Vikram would be made vice manager and get ess to the License.


    What! Calrin eximed with shock. You are trying to squeeze us out! Dont look down at the value of a License. How do you value the infinite potential it represents? Not even your sister would be able to buy it.


    I value the License at 5,000 D-grade Nexus Coins. I am willing to invest 3,300 right now of which 250 would go directly to you, Zac said, which made the Sky Gnome freeze in shock. I would increase my stake to 51% by myself, and if Ogras shares get released, they would fall to me as well.


    The shares to the consortium were sanctioned by the System itself, and Ogras shares along with dividends were currently put in limbo. The System had various rules for this. Essentially, if Ogras didnte back within 100 years, then ownership would be relinquished to descendants. Since Ogras had none, at least no official ones, the ownership would revert back to Zac and Calrin.


    If the demon had been a D-grade Hegemon instead, the timeframe would instead be a millennium. This was a ruleset that the System had enacted since people kept disappearing in the Multiverse. Some were lost in Mystic Realms, others entered wormholes and wound up in different parts of the universe.


    Ownership of protected ventures ultimately required some sort of link to the business in question. For unprotected ventures, such as holding ownership of a city, there were no safety guidelines. Anyone could attack a town or world at any time, and if the defense failed, youd lose your ownership. Of course, you could always reconquer your town or in case you came back.


    Fi- Five thousand? D-grade? Calrin muttered, his eyes almost going red instead of their deep azure. What? How?


    Dont worry about how, Zac shrugged. Five thousand is most likely a fraction of its value when you were at your peak, but those days are long gone. To return to that level on your own without my help? How long will that take? Can you even do it? With an infusion of over 3,000 D-grade Nexus Coins, youll be able to save eons of effort and immediately leapfrog to arger stage.


    You should also know that I hold the building ordinance for a High-quality Trial, but I dont n on putting it on Earth. That structure by itself will transform the economy of the whole area, but youd require my help to seize the opportunity there, Zac said.


    Zac wasnt lying. The reward came frompleting the Second Step of Sovereignty with an S-grade performance, and the quest reward was a Limited Trial. That was actually one of the reasons why he had decided to visit the popr Trial Locations in the Zecia Sector. He had wanted to see how they organized things to turn the trial into a profit center.


    And Zac had seen first-hand the huge business opportunity that spots like the Havenfort Chasm represented. There was an endless stream of people wanting ess to that opportunity. Zac had initially nned on simply putting the structure in his Academy for his members, but he was extremely happy now to have held back on receiving the reward.


    He instead wanted to ce it on a neighboring after the shroud was lifted. He just needed to jump a few dimensionalyers and find an abandoned with a livable atmosphere. D-Grades were almost all taken, but E-grades were plentiful. The distance would be short enough for transportation to be cheap and effortless for Earthlings, but it would still be hard for outsiders to pinpoint Earths location.


    The Sky Gnome got another round of shock after learning about the Limited Trial, and his face kept undergoing rapid changes.


    Owning 44% of a massive venture is ultimately far preferable to owning 75% of a small local industry, Zac added, seeing Calrins hesitance.


    It is indeed, but its not about that. The consortium is the lifeline of our n, and by giving you the majority stake we would lose our freedom,pletely tying the fate of our family to your chariot," Calrin exhaled.


    "Don''t you think that ship has sailed already?" Zac smiled. "Boje Zethaya saw that ring of yours as well, and more and more Earthlings will start traveling the Sector over theing decades. The peak factions might already know, so why not make a bet and swing big?"


    Calrin sat frozen for over a minute, and Zac could almost hear gears rapidly turn in his head.


    Ai, Calrin eventually sighed, and Zacs lips quirked upward. I thought my good days would finally arrive when that demon bastard got sucked into that living Mystic Realm. But I guess that to live is to suffer. But how about 500 D-grade Nexus Coins for your friend? After all, there are some cranky elders I''d need to bribe, ah, I mean convince.

 Chapter 682: Attendant

    Chapter 682: Attendant


    Things proceeded quickly from the moment Calrin had taken the bait, and Zac soon found himself as the main shareholder of the Mercantile License. There was a simple reason why Zac wanted majority stakes; he needed to start nning for his cultivation early. Getting one million D-grade Nexus Coins was an almost unfathomable fortune to him right now, but would it be the same in a few hundred years as he was working on his Cultivator''s Core?


    Yrial had already said that nurturing a Mortal to be a powerhouse was expensive enough to bankrupt a n, so he needed to be wealthier than normal ns. And what would be a better investment than buying a Mercantile Licence on the cheap? Thayer Consortium held the greatest control of the economy on Earth by now, and this move improved his control over the even further.


    Calrin was more than happy to supply all sides of a war, but Zac could now essentially take out whole factions through business, quelling any uprisings before they even started. Besides, he was the main reason for the survival and expansion of the Consortium, so it stood to reason that he should be the one to reap the majority of the rewards.


    With that dealt with, he stepped onto the teleporter, and he arrived in a vast subterranean hall a few momentster.


    Warmaster, a few Zhix guards bowed when they saw who it was that had appeared in their hive.


    Im here to see the Chainbreaker, Zac said, and he was immediately led through a series of tunnels without any further question from the guards.


    Is Ibtep here? Zac asked, thinking he should say goodbye to his oldest Zhix friend as well.


    The Breeder is working on new variants in the underworld, the guard said, respect written all over their face.


    Zac could only wryly smile and nod. If Rhubat, the Chainbreaker, held the most respect in the hearts of the Zhix poption, then Ibtep was a close second. The liaison had returned heroically with the Elixir of Ascension, which helped the remaining Anointed deal with the drawbacks of their Elixir of Anointment. But that was not the only thing that garnered such respect.


    The Zethaya had wanted to butter Zac up and offered the elixirs free of charge, which Ibtep dly epted without caring whether that put Zac in an awkward position. Instead, he had used the billions of Nexus Coins on a high-quality Beast Pouch and thousands of different insects,rvae, and other creepy crawlies.


    He now bred billions of the things down in the depths, and he provided the Zhix poption with everything from delicious grubs to enormous worms that were extremely efficient at digging tunnels for hives. The Zhix warriors hadnt cared in the slightest that Ibtep used their money for his own venture. What were some intangible numbers on a status screen inparison to tasty food?


    The hobby had gone so far that it actually skewed Ibpteps evolution. They had been a Seeker before, a ss aimed at scouting, exploration, and knowledge. Zac didnt know the exact name of Ibtep''s new ss, but it was mainly rted to discovering, taming, and breeding beasts. So it still held some of its old features, but it had added husbandry to the mix, making it a proper hybrid ss.


    Zac soon reached the inner sanctum of the hive, and he was hit by a mist full of Cosmic Energy when the guard opened the gates to Rhubat''s cultivation cave. Inside were a few braziers, with a pond fifty meters across in the middle. There was also some odd moss growing on the ceiling, and a single nce was all it took for Zac to understand it was a material at the same level as his <strong>[Tree of Ascension]</strong>.


    The ce wasnt quite at the level of his own cultivation cave, but it wasnt too far off either.


    Warmaster, it has been a while, a rumbling voice echoed through the cave as Rhubat rose from the pond.


    The Anointed looked quite differentpared to before, now only reaching three meters in height. That didnt mean they had been drastically weakened though, but rather the opposite. Rhubat''s aura was extremely condensed, like they were a bomb on the verge of exploding. Since Ibtep had seeded with their mission during the events of the Mystic Realm, arge number of the former Anointed had long passed into E-Grade.


    The titanic Zhix had lost between 50% and 70% of their attributes to rid themselves of the chains that kept them in the F-Grade, but Rhubat was the sole exception. Rhubat''s experiences in the Hidden Realm along with theirtent potential had allowed them to retain almost 80% of their former strength even after taking the antidote, and Rhubat had regained that and much more after passing into the E-Grade.


    Their whole appearance differed from the normal Zhix as well as white cracks covered their whole body. It was a result of his final attack that slew Adcarkas, and they bore the jagged scars like a badge of honor. Zac thought it looked pretty good, and it reminded him of kintsugi pottery.


    Looks like youre progressing smoothly, Zac smiled.


    The Zhix are finally learning to embrace the new chapter of our lives, Rhubat nodded. We have found a new methodology we like, and a lot of warriors are making impressive progress. A second revision will soone out as well, improving it even further.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac nodded, having already heard about it. The Zhix had initiallypletely disregarded things like cultivation manuals, and to some degree even skills. And while most had stopped considering Cosmic Energy as corruption, they still hadnt quite limatized to their new reality. However, that was quickly changing as the Anointed and arge group of Zhix schrs had started creating a unique Cultivation Manual made by the Zhix for the Zhix.


    It was still pretty rough, but over 90% of all Zhix warriors had still chosen to use it, disying the characteristic unity of insectoid species.


    Its good to hear, Zac said. I came to tell you that I will be leaving Earth soon, possibly for years.


    I think that is the right choice, Rhubat said. I believe I still have much to gain here in our new world, but I can feel that I will need to leave for the stars within a few decades if I want to move forward. Go without worry, the Zhix will watch over our. The Zhix Hives all stand behind you, we know you are searching for power for the sake of us as much as for yourself.


    Zac didnt stay long, and he left just five minutester as Rhubat sunk back into the depths of his pool. Zac kept traveling back and forth making arrangements with his allies and inner circle, though he only told those he really trusted he''d be gone for over a year. Next, Zac spent the following weeks appearing across all corners of Earth, unleashing a storm of violence on the beast poptions.


    He had been lying low for too long, and the world needed to remember his might if he was to leave for a long time. It also allowed him to make some more inroads into the evolutionarybat technique he had made some inroads into during his battle with the bloodstalker. Unfortunately, he found that he wasn''t making much progress when simply crushing the opposition.


    It wasn''t a surprise to him. Progress only happened when one was pushed to the limit, no matter if you talked about the wilds or cultivation. He would have to find some more powerful enemies if he wanted to perfect his new style.


    Finally, after waging his one-man war for three full weeks, Zac got a message from Triv. There were energy fluctuationsing from the Dao Repository, meaning that his Revenant captain was finallying out after almost two full months inside the inheritance trial. Zac quickly hurried back, just in time to see Vri emerge from the array.


    Zac breathed out in relief when he saw her unscathed. He had been worried that a trialsting so long would be extremely deadly, but his revenantmander came out lookingpletely unscathed.


    How did it go? Zac asked. She didnt make things difficult because of your race, right?


    The Tool Spirit was right. Master said that it didnt matter as sapience is all thats needed to understand suffering, Vri answered with an airy voice.


    Zac couldn''t help but feel that the ''Crown of Despair'' was a real downer after hearing that, but how Vri referred to the mysterious mentalist piqued his interest.


    Master? Zac asked.


    Master Ralz Carzood took me as an in-name disciple, Vri said with a nod. She was very pleased with my performance and provided the maximum benefits the rules of the trial allowed. However, I would have to reach her main body for her to take me as a true disciple.


    Main body? Zac asked with confusion before his eyes widened in surprise. Shes actually alive?


    She said so, at least, Vri nodded. She is a master of the soul, so I guess Master could still maintain a small connection even after having severed a small part for the inheritance.


    Thats amazing, Zac said. Whats your next step?


    I gained a new Soul Strengthening-method that I believe ultimately suits me better. It has a lower ceilingpared to young masters, but I think it will be hard for me to perform more than one reincarnation with mycking affinity into Life, Vri said. I have already created a good foundation though, so I just need to keep working for a year or two, after which I will evolve to E-grade.


    Zac nodded, happy to hear that she had found a path suited for her. Her aura had changed as well. It was more stable, deeper in a sense. It almost felt like he was talking to an old monster rather than a junior cultivator, but Zac couldnt put his finger on why. Her strength had definitely increased a bit, but not to the point for him to get that feeling. It was rather a sense of vicissitude that was the source.


    Well, I''m d you''re back. Come with me, Zac nodded as he sent a message into hismunication crystal. There is someone you should meet.


    The two walked over to his courtyard and sat down. They didnt have to wait long until they could hear steps approaching. It was Joanna who had hurried over at hismand. She entered the courtyard, but she immediately froze as her spear appeared in her hand when she spotted Vri. It was hard to miss her with her strong deathly fluctuations and striking appearance.


    Of course, she didnt attack since Zac just sat there, and she instead looked over at him with confusion.


    I thought it was high time the two of you met, Zac said with a wry smile. Joanna, meet Vri, themander of the Einherjar. Vri, this is Joanna,mander of the Valkyries. I guess you could say the two of you hold the same position.


    Its a pleasure to finally meet you, Vri said with a small smile as she nodded in Joannas direction.


    Youve made an army of Revenants? Joanna eximed with wide eyes, but she still nodded back at the undead mentalist. Where? How? Why?


    Ive worked on it for a few years now, Zac said. Our world is changing into one of duality, and Im kind of adapting. It would be a waste to have half the empty.


    Still Joanna said as he looked at Vri with mixed emotions. People will freak out. And what about when the shroud lifts and people find a bunch of undead on Earth?


    There are tens of thousands of cultivators who have be necromancers or have other death-rted sses on Earth. Hiding a few true undead in the mix shouldnt be too big of a deal, Zac shrugged before he turned to Vri.


    Vri, take Joanna to yourpound after this. Its high time your two armies learn to work with each other, Zac said. The Einherjar is my dagger hidden in the dark though, so they cant be exposed to anyone but the Valkyries. Unfortunately, you only have ten days to figure things out. After that, Im leaving Earth for a long time.


    That caught both of their attention, and they waited for him to properly exin.


    I am setting out soon in search of opportunities, Zac said. I will probably be gone a long time this time around. Vri, I was thinking of bringing you along, are you interested?


    I am afraid I would drag you down, Vri hesitated.


    I am going to a metropolis, so it should be somewhat safe. Bringing an attendant wouldnt be out of the ordinary. However, the length of your stay would depend on what we encounter over there. You might spend just a few minutes, or perhaps over a year, Zac exined.


    It would be my honor, Vri said with a small smile.


    Only her? Joanna said with a frown. How about I and a squad of Valkyries apany you? We cant match your strength, but we can match hers.


    No, Zac said with a shake of his head. Where I am going next, only the undead can follow.


    Zac had gone over his options many times over, and he had long decided. His first real outing would be Twilight Harbor.


    It was technically possible for Joanna toe with him instead of Vri, but Zac had decided to set out as a Draugr this time and hide his Specialty Core with the array. He hadnt managed to get hold of a single piece of intelligence on the Twilight Harbor ce so far, and he was afraid that it would look odd for a human and a Draugr to travel together.


    Leaving the Zecia Sector to visit the grey zone was a huge risk, but one Zac had to take. First of all, it felt like such a ce might hold opportunities for someone like him who walked both the path of Life and Death. His progress had stagnated a little over the past years and he needed something to kickstart it.


    Besides, a ce that even a pureblood Draugr like Catheya felt worthwhile to mention was probably even more special than she let on. After all, she had followed her peak C-Grade master as he traveled, and they had consciously made a stop there. Conversely, they only stopped in the Zecia Sector at all because her master needed to enter seclusion for a few years.


    That was not the only reason to head there first. Zac also needed ess to items for himself and his undead warriors. The chapters of the Undead Kingdom didnt trade with the living factions of the Zecia Sector, at least not openly. That meant pretty much all the resources his Revenant followers used were foraged in the Dead Zones.


    It was the same for himself. He needed something to push his undead Race to D-Grade, and the Twilight Harbor was his best bet. It also felt like a good ce to widen his own skill repertoire. For example, he still didnt even have a Movement Skill on his undead side. Amercial hub like the Twilight Harbor would definitely have a few repositories to peruse, and he might even find some good skills for his human side.


    Part of him had wanted to immediately set out to the Million Gates Territory to search for Ogras now that he was confirmed alive, but it didnt seem like a good idea. He was still too weak and inexperienced to travel a chaotic territory like that. A proper metropolis like the Twilight Harbor should be at least somewhat safe inparison.


    Besides, he didnt even have a vessel to travel in that ce full of chaotic spatial anomalies. Teleportation Arrays didnt really work in that sector from what he had gathered, so he needed a proper Cosmic Vessel. His best bet waspleting the Creator Shipyard-quest first and have Karunthel build him a vessel specifically suited to traverse a dangerous ce like that.


    He could probably buy a ship with his massive fortune by this point, but he had far more trust in the Creators than some local shipwrights. Furthermore, his sister was gone, and there would be no way for Zac to tell if the salesmen left some hidden dangers in a bought vessel. And why wouldnt they leave some sort of marker if some unknown E-grade warrior appeared with endless wealth?


    So, until that point, hed work hard on gaining power so that he wouldnt actually get himself killed the moment he entered thatwless territory. He at least needed the power to escape from D-Grade Hegemons, preferably even killing weaker ones. Luckily he had a decade to work on himself until that point unless Leandra was lying about the timelines.


    Zac spent the next ten days resting up and waiting for the cooldown of his cloaking array to end. He tried to replicate his rudimentary Dao Braid a few hours every day as well, but progress was slow. It did work, but the activation was painfully slow. It was like his mental energy was turbid when he wasnt in a heated state, and it took him almost five seconds to create a Dao Braid and infuse it into a skill.


    Such a dy mid-battle would almost definitely create a huge opening. But Zac hoped that if he formed his crude braids over and over it would be an ingrained skill that would flow naturally when it had to be actually used.


    Ten days soon passed and Vri returned to his courtyard. Zac had talked with everyone he needed to talk to, and he had prepared everything that needed to be prepared. There was also nothing holding him back on earth any longer. In fact, part of him couldnt wait to get away from Earth for a while.


    So there was no reluctance in his gait as the two headed over to the Nexus Hub in the center of the ind.

 Chapter 683: New Horizons

    Chapter 683: New Horizons


    It felt extremely weird to stand suspended in space, but the difort was far overshadowed by the awe as Thea looked down upon the vast continent in the distance, its size breaking bothprehension and thews of physics.


    Just how big was that ce? It was endless, ands were nothing but small marbles that hovered around it. This was what she had dreamed about when listening to the exnations of the Tutorial pixies so long ago. Visiting mysterious farawaynds, walking paths that had never trod before. And now there was such a continent emitting an amazingly profound aura right in front of her.


    If only the circumstances were a bit better.


    Where is this? And why have you taken me here? Thea asked as she turned to the purple-robed woman next to her.


    Mothers-inw were usually a nightmare, but Leandra Atwood clearly took the trope to another level. Telling her that she was not worthy of her precious son before zapping her with lightning and kidnapping her. Thea had spent almost two months locked in some weird tank, with only her thoughts and an infuriating AI forpany.


    Now she found herself out here, looking out at some alien world. Seeing it was truthfully a bit exhrating, but it also felt like another kick to the chin. It was a confirmation of what she hade to realize over the past months; her old life was gone.


    She had railed at the AI, desperately tried to break out of the prison she had been put inside. She had cried and raged, angry at Zac, at his secretive family, angry at fate who seemingly kept toying with her. She even tried using her ultimate escape skill, only to find her Skill Fractals somehow locked.


    Eventually, she had been wrung dry. She had simply let herself drift around in the viscous liquid for a month, her mind void of thought and direction. Now that she finally was free, part of her screamed at her tosh out, to strike at her captor with her ultimate skill. But arger part of her was just a haze of helplessness and exhaustion.


    This is the Goldde Continent, named after the Goldde Divine Monarch. A brutal ce full of danger and opportunity, away from the meddling machinations of the cursed System, Leandra said. Your new home.


    Why did you take me here? Thea sighed. Why not just kill me and get it over with?


    Why would I kill you? Your death proved a great motivational tool for my children, Leandra said. This is your reward. Thus, thew of bnce is maintained and karmic entanglement avoided. Besides, odds are you will fall in this ce, turning falsehood into truth.


    <em>Law of bnce my foot</em>, Thea thought with exasperation.


    How could sending her to a hostile continent be considered rpense for sting her with tribtion lightning and faking her death?


    You know, Zac and my family have probably realized Im not actually dead, Thea muttered in a feeble act of defiance, though she honestly wasnt so sure. Ill eventually escape from this ce or hell find me one way or another. Either way, your n will fail.


    Your understanding is wed, Leandra said without raising a brow. The heavens struck you down, you died as far as the System is concerned. It is the same for that little unstable Tool Spirit, it reopened your inheritance the day we left Earth. For them, you are well and truly dead.


    Thea looked at the staid woman floating next to her, realizing that she really didnt have any secrets in front of her. Had this woman read her mind, or has she nted spies around her children since before the integration?


    Why? Thea eventually asked, which contained all the questions that had rattled around in her head over the past months.


    Why kidnap her? Why would Leandra trick her children into hating her?


    I have lived for millions of years, Leandra slowly said as she looked out across the vast continent.


    It wasnt what Thea had asked about, but it still made her eyes widen in shock. She knew that Zacs mom was powerful after seeing that metal monstrosity, but to this point? A million years was approaching the limit of a Monarch from what she had gathered, unless the monarch was a temporal cultivator or had found some special treasures to prolong their life even further.


    Leandra Atwood was actually someone who had reached even further, someone who eclipsed all the elites of the whole Zecia sector?


    I have had over twenty Dao partners, the longest couplingsting for three hundred thousand years. Do you know how that rtionship ended? He tried to kill me for the materials in my body. He had been stuck at the peak of Monarchy so long, and he knew that I was about to step into Autarchy. It was hisst chance to seize the opportunity for himself, Leandra smiled.


    Why are you telling me this? Thea asked. Are you afraid that Id rob your son of his resources if I stayed on Earth?


    No. You arent qualified to rob my son with that paltry strength of yours, except his momentum. What I am saying is that your rtionship was doomed from the start. I think you knew that as well. As it stands, the two of you are too different, Leandra said before she turned back toward the endless continent.


    His potential is limitless, and you are just an above-average talent of a backwater sector. You will not be able to follow him for long in your current state. You are already too far apart, and it will only get further away, Leandra said.


    A spark of anger red up in Theas heart, but it was quickly extinguished. First of all, what was she going to do to this insanely powerful cultivator? That was just asking for a beating. Besides, she knew that her kidnapper was right.


    She had been relentlessly training herself off for three years while Zac had been studying arrays and working on his soul, yet she wasnt any closer to reaching his level of power. Soon, he would explode forward with momentum again, just like when he returned from the Tower of Eternity.


    Even after all she had encountered, she barely made it to the start of the sixth floor. Even that wasrgely thanks to Zac sparing no expense in terms of Array Breakers, talismans, and pills to push her as far as possible. Yet he had made it to the ninth floor, a feat hundreds of times more difficult. And he had fought off half the sector the moment he got out, like an invincible god of war.


    The corpse tree outside the Tower of Eternity was still imprinted in her mind, like a part of Zac she never understood. It was easy to forget that the slightly awkward guy she dated was known as the Deviant Asura, one of the most renowned youths of the Sector.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    More importantly, neither of you held trust in the other. You never told him youre not a pure human. You never told him of how you felt trapped on his little ind. He never told you of me, nor did he tell you about the undead armies he nurtures in the shadows. You dont know the truth of his power. Both of you had one foot out the door, Leandra said. You dying was the most beneficial conclusion of your Karma. Look for love when you''ve given up on the Dao.


    His what? Thea blurted with shock, but she quickly calmed down again. He had already hidden the fact that he had a robot goddess for a mother, what did it matter now if he kept some revenants? So, youre telling me to just give up on my past and live on this faraway Continent?


    The situation here is far more brutal than integrated space. Murder for resources is asmon as breathing, and everyone who rises to Hegemony here has walked a path far bloodier than what you can imagine. That is your opportunity. Enter this world, and be baptized and reborn through ughter. That is your best chance to be a true pir for your tribe. To walk in step with my son, Leandra said.


    Though I suspect Even if you gain the power required to make it back, you two will long have forgotten about each other by that point. After all, the Dao is your foremost love.


    Thea gave her kidnapper another re for good measure before she turned back to the continent. An enormous mountainrger than a stood in the core, and there were eighteenyers of clouds asrge as nebe swirling around it. There were vast forests so lush that it could be seen from space, endless oceans, and even topographies that she couldn''t understand in the slightest.


    She was not sure what to think. Her future had been stolen, forcibly reced with what sounded like a hellish meatgrinder. From the sound of it, she would be lucky if she survived a year in this ce, let alone long enough for her to return to her family. All those people she had grown up with, would she ever see them again?


    Why did she feel so free?


    One day Ill make it out of this ce, if just to prove you wrong.


    Minutes turned to hours and hours turned to days as Zac was shot through the Void out of the Zecia sector. Even the teleportation on his previous off-world sojourns had only taken up to thirty minutes before he reappeared, which made it all the more telling just how vast the distances he was dealing with were.


    It was like traveling between two gxies rather than between two star systems in a gxy. Zac eventually let his mind drift since there wasnt much else he could do. Vri was probably somewhere close, but it was not like they couldmunicate mid-teleportation. There was nothing to look at either since teleporters moved you through some hidden dimensionalyer.


    But on the 12<sup>th</sup> day, the wait was finally over as darkness turned to light.


    Wee travelers, a harsh voice said as Zac tried to orient himself. Oh, Imperials?


    Zac frowned at the tone, but he rxed when he looked up to see the source. It was a massive Corpselord, his jaws reced by a maw that had to have been taken from some beast. The fact that he could form words at all was pretty impressive, so there was no point in reading into the tone. The secondment was more worrying.


    Is that a problem? Zac asked with a neutral voice as he helped an unsteady Vri get back on her feet.


    Haw haw! Hardly, the Corpselordughed. Twilight Harbor wees all. In fact, you Imperials are an important ie source for us. But be warned, the rules and hierarchies of the Empire do not hold sway here. No matter what title you have back home, youre simply an honored guest in the Twilight Harbor.


    Hm, Zac only said nonmittally.


    The Corpselords words were a relief, as it seemed quite normal that people from the Undead Empire came here for opportunities or other purposes. Zac being a Draugr shouldnt stick out too much, though he wanted to see how things looked out on the streets before taking off the mask he wore to block his race.


    Zac knew that the Corpselords words came with caveats as well; power trumps all. His warning might be true for most guests, but Zac guessed that if some Empire Princeling came to this remote base, they could probably run rampant while the rulers had to grit their teeth and smile.


    He had learned as much as he could about the Undead Empire over the past few years, causing Triv to suffer innumerable bacshes, and its hierarchy was quite simple. The local chapter of the Undead Empire in the Zecia sector was a peak force there, but it was ultimately just regarded as a Province. Its actual name was the Kavriel Province after the ruling n, though most of the living didnt bother with making such a distinction.


    Undead Provinces could be weak or strong, but they were always led by a C-Grade force. The Undead Province in the Zecia sector was definitely on the weaker side, just like Zecia was one of the weaker C-Grade Sectors. However, true Undead Kingdoms always had B-Grade Cultivators at the top. One such kingdom could directly or indirectly control dozens, or perhaps even hundreds of C-Grade Sectors the size of Zecia.


    Finally, lording over therge number of kingdoms were the Undead Hearnds, the true core of the Undead Empire. This was the cultivation ma of all undead. Apparently, there were a number of unusually powerful Kingdoms inside the Hearnds, along with the core where the Undead Princes, and perhaps even the Primo, resided.


    Catheyas n was from one of these Hearnd Kingdoms by the sounds of it, which made her identity quite elevated among the undead. However, Zac guessed that most Imperials that visited Twilight Harbor actually came from one of the outer Kingdoms unless Twilight Harbor was situated close to some wormhole that somehow connected to the Hearnds.


    The Corpselord actually seemed a bit relieved at Zacs reaction, further proving Zacs hypothesis of there being some unruly visitors from the empire. He took out two small tokens next and handed them over to Zac.


    This is the Twilight Token. Seeing as you were invited by the Eldritch Archivals, they have already filled it with 1 months worth of upancy fees. If you want to prolong your stay, youll have to go through them, the guard added.


    Thank you, Zac said and threw the Guardian a couple of D-Grade Miasma Crystals as thanks.


    His eyes lit up and he immediately stashed them away, which gave Zac some clues as well. The Corpselord guard was either a decently strong High E-Grade Cultivator or an average Peak E-Grade warrior. But his eyes lit up at a few D-grade crystals, proving that his economic situation wasnt all that impressive.


    This was actually not that big a surprise, as Zac had been shocked to learn that most cultivators in the multiverse were pretty poor, often downright broke. Zac had figured that most people would be trillionaires after umting their gains over decades, but the reality wasnt so nice.


    It all came down to the monopolization of resources and the high cost of living. If Zac wanted to make a few million Nexus Coins he would just kill a few thousand E-grade beasts and sell their bodies, alternatively kill one early D-grade beast. But what if all the forests were controlled by powerful ns, ns who charged exorbitant fees to enter the hunting grounds, and even more exorbitant fees to stay in their town for protection?


    Everything of value was long divvied up and taken by the powerful factions, with wandering cultivators generally living a pretty wretched life. They had to pay through their nose for every step forward in their cultivation, often to the point that they had to indenture themselves to the local forces. All that money then went to the D- or C-Grade powerhouses on the top, who were essentially ck holes when it came to money.


    Ah, one tip, if the young master would be interested. I guess you are here for the Twilight Ascent. You should join the event through the Eldritch Archivals even if your power will allow you to do so by yourself. The Archivals have seeded slots with better starting positions, the guard said.


    Zac didn''t even know who the Eldritch Archivals was, let alone the Twilight Ascent, but he still nodded in thanks as he led Vri out from the teleportation house.


    How are you doing? Zac asked with a low voice, knowing that teleporters did a number on most people.


    Ill adjust in a minute, Vri said. These Eldritch Archivals


    Well deal with it as ites, Zac shrugged. Lets take a look at this ce.


    Outside was a vast square full of people, but Zac wasnt focused on that as he looked around in awe. He didn''t exactly know what he had expected when thinking of the name Twilight Harbor, but it wasn''t this.


    Zac could only shake his head when thinking back to his conversation with Catheya all those years ago. She had made it sound like Twilight Harbor was just a little hamlet at a border sector, but the grandeur he witnessed was almost beyond hisprehension.


    This was a true metropolis.


    The Twilight Harbor was actually not ced on a from the looks of it, but rather arge number of gargantuan teaus floating about in a cosmic cloud. Some of the teaus were clearly earmarked for the undead, with miasmic clouds swirling around enormous spires that stretched tens of thousands of meters into the air. Conversely, some tforms were teeming with life, made for the living inhabitants.


    In fact, one of the smaller teaus just had a single huge tree nted, its canopy stretching across a distance measured in hundreds of miles. It was not quite at the level of the Lifebringer Tree he had seen in his Dao visions, but it was far beyond the <strong>[Avar World Trees] </strong>whose seed Kenzie had used in her evolution attempt.


    There were hundreds of teaus altogether, with most of them having a clear alignment of either life and death, but there were a handful that seemed to house both. These tforms were asrge as a dozen of the smaller ones, and they looked like proper continents with mountains, forests, and hundreds of cities strewn along its surface.


    Amazingly, these tforms all formed a multiyered sphere around a mysterious light that seemed to be radiating with life one moment, and the chill of death the next. Zac first thought it was an attuned sun, but it didn''t look like it. It almost looked alive since it pulsed with what seemed like a heartbeat, and it continuously spewed out those energy-rich clouds that suffused the whole area.


    The tforms all seemed to have a gravity of their own as he could see mountains pointing down toward him from a tform right above him, and there were tforms in the distance that stood at a 90-degree angle to properly bask in the radiance of the mysterious light source. It almost looked like the hundreds of tforms were the broken pieces of an impossiblyrge, and the anomaly was the world core that once held it all together.


    Zac was almost frozen in ce from the scene, and he couldn''t believe how freely and seemingly effortlessly Life and Deathingled in this ce. If he couldn''t find any clues to dealing with Earth''s dual affinities or his cultivation here, then he might as well give up.

 Chapter 684: Guide

    Chapter 684: Guide


    It is quite a sight, a sultry voicemented to Zacs side, dragging him out of his reverie.


    Dreamers living among our people. I didnt believe my master when he told me, Zac said with a snort as he turned toward the source of the voice.


    It was a Revenant, seemingly a human with a bit of demonic heritage. She didnt have any horns, but her hands were a bit wed and her skin had a thin pattern reminiscent of that of the Torrid Demons. She wore a tightfitting dress that looked more like an evening gown than a cultivators attire, but she did emit the aura of someone at early E-Grade.


    He couldnt tell whether she was a turned Revenant or if she was a natural-born undead of peak E-Grade warriors, but he guessed thetter was moremon in an established ce like this.


    Is young master perchance an Imperial? the Revenant asked, and her eyes lit up when Zac slightly nodded.


    He had already decided to go under the guise as a random scion of an imperial Draugr-n after hearing the introduction from the Corpselord guard earlier. It felt like the safest bet, considering he still didn''t know if there were actual pureblood Draugr native to a ce like this.


    May I ask if young master requires a guide? I am a native to Twilight Harbor and know all the outs and inns. I can make myself avable for as long as master needs, and Im sure young Master will be satisfied by my services.


    The Revenant was a professional guide, just as Zac assumed. It was a prettymon way for cultivators to make some extra money, especially among the weaker cultivators who were afraid to risk their lives in Mystic Realms or hunting grounds. A nce around the square showed that there were over a thousand teleportation stations just like the one he arrived in, and there was a small group of cultivators waiting outside all of them.


    The voluptuous Revenant wasnt the only one waiting outside the station where Zac appeared, there were actually six more undead guides. There were also 5 living ones; three humans, a treant, and a beastkin. However, none of the living had approached Zac when he appeared, and Zac guessed there were unspoken rules at y here.


    Ah, Triskatal is a decent bedwarmer, but her connections arecking. Young master strikes me as a man with great purpose who has better things to do than to waste with a mere female. I have connections with two information houses, and I can provide far more detailed ounts of events and noteworthy persons in Twilight Harbor, a Corpselord said as he donned a terrifying smile, though Zac guessed he was trying to look amiable.


    The Revenant threw thepetition infuriated nce, but she didnt have time to for a rebuttal before another guide spoke up, detailing the perks of hiring them. It almost turned into a brawl, leading Zac to believe there was a surplus of guidespared to visitors. However, Zacs curiosity was piqued as one of the guides stood silent.


    It wasnt that she was abovepeting with the others, she justcked presence. She tried to speak up a few times, but she was quickly shot down, seemingly unable to shamelessly boast with such gusto. Of course, that wasnt really why he was curious.


    Ah, dont mind thatss. Shes a novice, and she was fired by herst employer, the Triskatal said when she noticed Zacs look. She actually has the nerve to charge 50 E-grade Nexus Coins a day as well, as though she is a senior guide.


    You are Draugr? Zac asked, ignoring thement.


    Zac couldnt stop some hesitation from seeping into his voice as he asked though, since she looked a bit different from himself or Catheya. Her eyes were ck orbs just like his own, but they were matte and void of the abyssal feeling that Draugr eyes naturally possessed. She also had a few traits not normally associated with Draugr, such as slightly pointy ears and an odd vertical ridge in her forehead.


    I wouldnt dare, the young girl said with a bow. There happens to be some divine blood in my ancestry. But I am not part of the Draugr-ns living in Twilight Harbor. You can consider me a normal Revenant.


    Hmm, Zac said.


    He was quite relieved by her words. It had been a bit of a gamble to seal his Specialty Core in his undead state since he didnt know what kind of reactions his Draugr heritage would create in a ce like this. But between howmon it seemed to be for Imperials toe here, and the fact that there was actual Draugr-ns present, it looked like his appearance wouldnt create any waves.


    Part of him wanted to stay under the radar as he went about his businesses, but his experiences in Base Town and his subsequent experiences had imparted him with some valuable knowledge. Being too inconspicuous would only result in you getting discriminated against and losing out on important opportunities.


    If anything, trying toy low increased the odds of you getting in trouble with people with strong backgrounds, as no one would miss a dead wandering cultivator. Meanwhile, his Draugr appearance essentially made him a VIP by birthright, and people wouldnt randomly move against him out of fear of whatever n backed him. In fact, even the local ns would speak up for him if it came to it, as the nobility of the five races couldnt be impugned.


    Of course, the goal was to strike a bnce. Going too far in posturing would just make you a target, like the Eveningtide Asura or Yrial.


    A- I, I have information connections as well! the half-blood Draugr hurriedly said when Zac didnt speak up again. My father is a fact-checker for a local intelligence merchant. I am up to date to all thetest events!


    Why were you fired by yourst employer? Vri asked as she understood Zac was interested.


    I dont provide those kinds of services, the girl said as her eyes darted toward the Revenant called Triskatal. The employer thought it was implied because of the price.


    Good, Ill hire you. Lets start with one week and take it from there, Zac nodded as he took off his mask, his appearance creating some waves among the congregated guides.


    Pureblood, one of the Revenants whispered with a mix of dejection and envy, and the other guides sighed and walked away.


    They might have been willing topete for the assignment before, but they gave up when they saw Zacs abyssal eyes. The noble races tended to stay with their own, and a half-blood Draugr was obviously better than a normal Revenant.


    Im N. Thank you for giving me this opportunity. Where do young master wish to go? N asked, clearly having some trouble looking into Zacs eyes. Perhaps she felt a bit pressured by speaking with a proper pureblood Draugr.


    Im in no hurry, take us to some interesting ces, Zac said with a smile. Its not often I get to leave the n.


    Ah, if young master wishes to relieve stress during his stay, I am always avable to apany you. I also have connections with various Flower Houses. Someone with your grand heritage would be weed with the utmost of service, Triskatal hurriedly said as Zac started walking away.


    Amunication crystal flew up from between her breasts the next moment, making its way toward Zac. However, the crystal disintegrated as Vri sent a spiritual wave at it, making the Revenant grimace.


    That wont be necessary, Zac said as he walked away with Vri silently walking in tow.


    Zac emitted the aura of a Peak-E Grade warrior, but he was still just in the middle stages and his body was still solely powered by the ck ichor sitting in his veins. Of course, Triv had actually divulged that there werepounds that could temporarily awaken ones body, not only making amorous encounters but even pregnancy possible.


    However, those kinds of zombie erection pills left behind quite a bit of pill poison, and indulging too much in them could even harm ones foundations.


    If the young master wishes to take in the sights of Twilight Harbor, how about a boat ride between the teaus? N ventured.


    Sounds good, Zac shrugged.


    The Twilight Harbor uses special vessels that are powered by the Twilight Clouds between the inds. I have a vessel, N said as she took out a decent-looking flying treasure. I borrowed my familys ship. It is a bit low-end, there are better ones for rent as well.


    This one is fine, as long as it flies, Zac shrugged as he walked aboard.


    Vri gave the square ast look before she walked over and sat down next to Zac. N hurriedly jumped on as well, instructing the small vessel to lift off. The ship rose from the tform, and Zac realized it wasn''t actually covered by a barrier. Even then, he definitely felt he was inside a proper atmosphere, making him believe the whole harbor was covered in a massive atmospheric bubble.


    The mysterious clouds didn''t seem to be able to reach the tforms though, but they rather formed what looked like rivers of stardust between the various inds. There were two separate types of rivers. One was the familiar cold aquamarine of Miasma, while the other was a much warmer yellow river.


    It was clear that the rivers stemmed from the anomaly in the center of the Twilight Harbor, but Zac was interested to note that the anomaly was neither aquamarine nor yellow, nor a mix of them. It rather was rather a murky gold that rather leaned toward green, and it didn''t change whether it emitted the feeling of life or death.


    N steered the flying vessel to float on top of one of the miasmic rivers, Zac could feel that it actually helped the ship pick up speed. However, they only moved for a few thousand meters before the ship slowed down until it came to a crawl.


    Whats wrong? Zac asked.


    I, ah, havent really given any tours so far, so I was trying to map out a good route, N said with embarrassment.


    Thats fine, thats partly was why I hired you, Zacughed.


    Zac wasnt lying. Some things didnt change even whenparing pre-integration Earth and the Multiverse. The guides in metropolises like this were very much like the tourist guides back home. They would take you to all kinds of stores where they had connections where their business partners waited to sell you low-quality items at a premium.


    A greenhorn was more likely to bring him to proper establishments since she hadnt had time to build that kind of seedywork, and with her Fathers connections, Zac believed she should have a good understanding of theings and goings of this ce.


    How about this, take me to some ce where I can sit down and enjoy some incense for an hour or two. I dont want any of those kinds of services, just a calm environment for us to stabilize after a long teleportation, Zac said, noting that Vris aura was still a bit unstable.


    Certainly! There is a highly reputable Incencary run by the SharvaZi n not far from here. It provides a great view of the Twilight Ocean as well. I believe it would be up to young masters requirements,


    The SharvaZi family?! Zac blurted with surprise, but he quickly reigned in himself. Do you know if anyone of them are here?


    That is beyond me. Perhaps some havee for the Twilight Ascent, but the imperial ns usually only have a few branch members stationed here to run their businesses, N said, clearly trying to avoid reading into Zac''s reaction. Most of those who work there are natives.


    Zac finally understood what had brought Catheya here while traveling with her master. It sounded like she had stopped by to look into their interests before moving on. Meeting Catheya was not something he had nned, but he also was a bit curious if she was here. He guessed it depended on whether her master had emerged from his seclusion back in the Zecia sector.


    He had apletely different aura while undead and a new appearance with the help of <strong>[Million Faces]</strong> to make him look more like a natural Draugr, and Catheya shouldnt be able to recognize him even if they came face to face. He also had one simple thing working for him; the fact that it was so ludicrous that someone could be both a Draugr and a Human that no one would even think of such a possibility.


    But even then, there was no point in ying with fire.


    I am here incognito under my masters orders, and I dont want to make my presence known. I think its best if we visit another establishment, Zac slowly said.


    Certainly, I know of many more such establishments, N quickly nodded. Millions of people havee here for the Twilight Ascent, and many are using temporary identities. After all, when there are benefits there will bepetition, and no one wants to bring grudges back to their ns.


    Good, Zac nodded.


    The boat moved slowly toward a teau two disks over, and it was clearly controlled by the undead. asionally, N would have the flying vessel fly over to another river heading in the right direction, and she rarely flew through the void itself. Zac first felt they were moving quite slowly along the energy rivers, but he soon realized that the speed was deceptive.


    They passed a whole disk in just thirty minutes, and even the smallest disks were dozens of timesrger than his ind back home. The one they had passed wasrge as well, and he had seen whole mountain ranges sh by in minutes. That meant N''s dingy flying treasure was actually flying more than ten times as fast as his own leaf, something that was hard to believe considering the guide''s apparent economic situation along with her strength.


    The leading ns have installed special arrays in Twilight Harbor, N exined as she looked down on her flying treasure with some embarrassment. This treasure is just average as young master guessed, but space is shrunk a hundred times along these Twilight rivers, allowing for easier travel between world disks. There are teleporters as well, but outsiders cannot use them.


    Im surprised to see these kinds of arrangements in a frontier sector, Vri said to hide Zacs ignorance.


    It is because a lot of the factions here have powerful backings from elsewhere. Their economic background cant bepared to normal local factions in a frontier sector. The Twilight Ocean is what truly makes it possible though since it unceasingly expels energy into the area, N said and pointed to a glowing object beneath them.


    How about you introduce this ce to me? My master simply handed me a Teleportation Token and told me there would be opportunities in a ce called Twilight Harbor, but he didnt say much else, Zac said. Whats the Twilight Ocean?


    Ah, so its like that, N said with surprise. The sphere down there is the Twilight Ocean, or rather the entrance to it. Its closed right now, but it is still discharging enormous amounts of Miasma and Cosmic Energy. Thats the whole basis of Twilight Harbor.


    Zac hummed in understanding, a bit surprised to hear that the star itself was the ocean. He had just assumed it was the nebulous clouds and the Twilight Rivers were the oceans, and the tforms the harbor.


    Is that star why this ce holds mixed races?


    Yes, N said. The Twilight Ocean expels both life- and death-attuned energies, and unless both sides are present to absorb it, then the atmosphere will slowly be imbnced.


    What is the Twilight Ocean? Zac asked curiously. "A mystic realm? Or an aberrant star?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It is a supreme grade Mystic Realm from what I have heard, and the ce where the Twilight Ascent is being held. The Twilight Lord founded this ce, and his descendant is still officially in charge of the ocean, N said before she lowered her voice. Of course, many of the ancient ns have great influence in this ce, with the current generation Twilight Lord mainly focusing on his cultivation. He hasnt actually been seen for almost a thirty thousand years now, and many think he is preparing to assault Peak C-Grade.


    Zac was about to ask some more questions, but they had almost reached their destination by that point - one of the world disks that had to be the home of billions of cultivators.

 Book 2 out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible!

    Book 2 out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible!


    Unfortunately, there are still no more chapters this week!


    However, Book 2 has finally dropped on Amazon, Kindle Unlimited, and as an audiobook on Audible! Get your DotF fix with some old-school Defiance of the Fall, this time professionally edited! Narration once more performed by Pavi Proczko.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Book Two starts with Zac visiting New Washington for the first time as ''Monk'', and immediately starts to unleash some carnage both in New Washington and Greenworth. The book also covers the Auction, the final Beast wave, Dead Zone arc, and all kinds of fun things until the start of the Hunt.


    Even better, Book 1 is currently on sale in case you don''t have Kindle Unlimited!


    <strong>Links are up in the author''s note.</strong>

 Chapter 685: Old Friend

    Chapter 685: Old Friend


    N had taken them to a medium-sized disk with millions of elegant spires reaching toward the stars. There were also whole towns and enormous settlements erected on tforms between some of therger spires, forming a multiyered society that stretched thousands of meters into the air. It looked like a normal metropolis for people of mixed heritage, rather than something belonging to a singr force.


    Interestingly enough, the disk had structures built both on the top and on bottom surfaces, and it had a far greater ntpared to most disks to allow both sides to be angled toward the Twilight Ocean. On the bottom, there were even more towers that were reminiscent of stctites. There were some hanging cities as well, though N flew toward a particr tower that looked like a hanging garden basking in the radiance of Twilight.


    This is Gauns Escape, a mixed disk controlled by a consortium of 12 Undead Factions, six local and six foreign. Thats a rule set by the Twilight Lord. Foreign factions are only allowed to control a third of the disks, but they can have control of up to half ownership on another third. That way the power bnce between local and foreign is evenly divided, N exined, after which she lowered her voice. Of course, if ites down to it, the foreign factions are more powerful, and there are many hidden alliances.


    Zac nodded, not being too surprised. There was the saying that even a dragon cant suppress the local snake, but Zac didnt feel it to be true. If those Imperial ns really wanted this ce they would long have seized it, but the benefits likely didnt match the costs.


    Ill wait outside, young master, N said as she stopped in front of the grand entrance to the Incensary.


    Come with us, Zac said with a shake of his head. How will you exin the situation in this ce from out here.


    Ah, but this establishment, N hesitated as she nced at a que.


    Zac looked over and he immediately understood what she was talking about. Just a balcony cost 100 E-grade Nexus Coins, and ordering some Spiritual Incense was even more. A short visit to this ce would eclipse N''s whole sry.


    It looked like a Metropolis really had Metropolis prices.


    Ill pay of course, Zac said as he walked inside.


    His appearance caused some waves, and the regr waitress was immediately recalled as to let a head waiter lead Zac to a beautiful private balcony at the edge of the teau. It was over a hundred square meters and furnished to look like a celestial garden full of white and ck flowers Zac had never seen before. Zac and Vri sat down at a table close to the edge, where they could overlook the Twilight Ocean and the ships sailing by on the hundreds of rivers.


    Zac exchanged a few words with the waiter, and he came with a packet a minuteter and carefully started a small fire on a stove in the middle of the table. An azure me lit up from the brazier, and Zac felt a soothing sensation spread throughout his body as he was inundated in a herbal haze.


    The undead had truly mastered the art of incense after being locked out of most other vices untilter stages. The herb mixture he had ordered did not only smell amazing, but it also had impressive medical properties. It felt like his cells were covered in a soothing stream, allowing them to calm down and stabilize after the extremely long teleportation.


    N didnt seem as calm, and Zac had to exhort her to sit down at the table.


    So, give me a rundown of the major factions in this ce, Zac said after having enjoyed the smoke and the view for a few minutes.


    Yes, certainly. As I mentioned, The Twilight Lord is the supposed leader of Twilight Harbor, but he does not control a real faction. He has a few thousand brothers as he calls it, various wandering cultivators who run errands for him. However, even the weakest of among them is an elite E-Grade cultivator.


    But the actual controlling organ is the Twilight Council, an executive branch made up of thirteen native ns. They are in charge of security, tax collection, and so on, though they are officially under the Twilight Lord himself.


    These thirteen ns are all C-Grade forces with 5 undead factions, 6 living factions, and two aberrant factions. The abberrants are the necromancy council and the RoxAt Elementals. The members of the Necromancer''s Guild are technically living, but they naturally lean toward our side. The elementals are their own type of lifeforms and could be considered neutral.


    How many C-Grade forces are in this ce? Zac asked with a small frown.


    Around 50, with the council members being the strongest. Of course, thats just officially. There are both wandering Monarchs living here temporarily and hidden Monarchs among the foreign factions as well," N exined.


    We Imperials should be putting some pressure on the living even if we are outsiders. There should be a counterforce to our presence here, Zac said. Who is it?


    Youre exactly right, N nodded. There are two forces actually. One is the Radiant Temple, and the other is the Havarok Empire. Both are B-grade factions with their headquarters in more prosperous sections of the multiverse. Their presence here is actually a bit greater than the Undead Empires, but they are not of one mind and have some internal disagreements.


    But if the Empire makes a move, these two will band together to resist us, Zac muttered, receiving an affirmative nod.


    Just whats so alluring about this ce? Zac eventually asked. Why do these factions waste that sort of effort?


    Well, one reason is that Twilight Harbor has be a major trading hub of the frontier sectors. All sorts of interesting items pop up as The Boundless Heavens integrates the uncharted reaches, and many of them make their way here. Its a convenient ce for those above to extract the true treasures of these Sectors without having to travel all over the frontier, N said. The second reason is the Twilight Ocean.


    Isnt it just another Mystic Realm Trial Ground? Zac asked with confusion.


    Well, it does present a good opportunity for people like the young master to temper themselves, along with the opportunity to gain a high-quality Limited Title," N said. But the Mystic Realm also has some rarely-seen properties that attract cultivators from far and wide.


    Does it have to do with how it expels both Miasma and Cosmic Energy? Zac asked.


    Just so, N said as she looked down at the glowing orb. Many believe that the Twilight Ocean was created by two enormous Mystic Realms colliding, one life-attuned and one death-attuned. It resulted in the twilight Ocean.


    That by itself is a miracle, but more interestingly it created new energy; Twilight Energy. It is a mix of life and death, the guide continued.


    Is that really possible?! Zac asked, barely able to contain his excitement.


    Perhaps only the Monarchs know how it is possible, N said. But the Twilight Energy cant leave the Mystic Realm. The moment it escapes the spatial tunnel it splits up to normal energy, which is what enriches this area. The energy is then funneled to the various tforms through the Twilight Rivers.


    The Twilight Energy has given birth to various treasures that are useful for both the living and undead, the guide exined. Most notable are the Twilight Fruits.


    Whats their effect? Zac asked curiously.


    They are used as an anciry product for pill- and incense-making. They contain the odd reconciliatory effect of Twilight Energy, and they are extremely useful in helping fuse ipatible materials, N said. They can both make impossible recipes possible, or increase the sess rate of recipes with high failure rates. They are a favorite among Alchemists in the inner sectors.


    Zacs eyes widened when he heard about the properties of Twilight Fruits. Having that kind of effect was amazing, and he could understand how it was so sought-after. It might not matter much for random healing pills, but supreme pills often had extremely high failure rates. Add to that the cost of materials, and you could save a fortune by using these fruits.


    What grade are the fruits? Zac asked.


    The Twilight Ocean has been grade restricted by The Boundless Heavens, and the Twilight Fruits match the grade. And the grade of the fruit has to match the grade of the pill. The most precious fruits are therefore the C-Grade Twilight Fruits, but they rarely appear on the market, N said.


    What does an E-Grade Twilight Fruit go for? Zac asked.


    Around 100 E-grade Nexus Coins after a Twilight Ascent, N said, and Zacs interest was quickly extinguished. But the price can rise to almost 300 if it has been long since thest opening.


    It was a lot of money, but it would barely make a dent in Zacs finances. N seemed to understand his thoughts and she quickly continued.


    The use of E-Grade Fruits is limited because there is nock of D-Grade Alchemists who can concoct even difficult E-Grade pills with high sess rate. The value of D-Grade fruits is exponentially higher. However, there is another reason to pluck the fruits, she added.


    What? Zac asked curiously.


    The council and therge mercantile unions all want to make sure that as many fruits as possible are extracted on every opening. So, they have something called the Fate-Plucking Ladder. The more fruits you pluck the higher your cement. As is customary, there are also extremely valuable rewards for those who perform well, the guide exined.


    Can you kill others for fruits inside the Mystic Realm? Zac asked.


    Yes, there are no limitations except the grades. Weaker cultivators usually stay closer to the entrance. There are fewer fruits and other treasures, but the odds of running into a powerhouse is a lot lower, N said. In fact, I have prepared a crystal here with the information my father has prepared as part of my services.


    Oh? Zac said as he epted the information crystal.


    He briefly scanned the crystal and saw that it contained all kinds of tips and tricks for the Twilight Ascent, and he felt that her somewhat high price might actually be pretty cheap when it came down to it. There were even olddders provided, and Zas a bit surprised to see that you needed to gather over ten thousand fruits to make it into the top ten of the E-Gradedder.


    That by itself was over a D-grade Nexus Coin, a massive fortune for most E-Grade warriors. Of course, those who managed to gather that many fruits were definitely extremely powerful cultivators at the peak of E-Grade, just one step away from evolving. For them, the real reward would probably be the items from the event itself.


    Vri and N sat in silence as Zac perused the crystal, but he didnt manage to get far before he frowned and quickly put on his mask again.


    Im sad. I heard an old friend hade to this corner of the universe, yet he chose to go to this ce instead of visiting me, an all-too-familiar voice suddenly emerged from the entrance to the balcony, causing Zacs hair to stand on end as he looked up from the crystal.


    It looked like some things really couldnt be avoided.


    Zac looked over toward the door to his balcony, and it truly was Catheya SharvaZi who had appeared out of nowhere, with Varo silently standing behind her. This time she was also apanied by a female Revenant that looked bulkier than most Corpselords. She even had a foot on Billy, and Zac suspected that she might actually be a turned pureblood Titan.


    The muscr cultivator was definitely not in the D-Grade, but she should be at the very precipice with great umtions. Even Zac didnt feel confident in a contest of pure strength against her, though that was just one of his advantages.


    That wasnt the only surprise as both Catheyas and Varos auras had taken a drastic turn. They might not be at the peak of E-Grade, but they had to be at High E-grade from what he could tell. Zac could only inwardlyment at the difference it made to have a C-grade master. He had no doubt prepared some sort of course for his disciple to rapidly push her and her follower through the early stages of the grade.


    After all, that was how most elites did it from how Zac understood things. Levels were easy to gain in the early grades and they helped increase survivability in Mystic Realms. So people rushed through levels to gain the ss quests and attributes, then slowing down to work on their Daos and cultivation path.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The only detriment to that tactic was that some lost their momentum while working on their Dao, but elite cultivators had enough discipline for that to not be a real issue.


    N, could you give us a moment, Zac said as he looked over at his guide.


    N already seemed to want to shrink through the floor upon being stared at by Catheya and her followers. She quickly nodded and scurried out of the balcony, only stopping to give a deep bow toward Catheya before hurrying out. Catheya only nced at her as she waited for N to leave the area.


    Only then did Catheya walk forward and sat down. She did give Vri a curious nce, but she soon turned her focus to Zac.


    I expected to find a human named Zac Piker resting here, yet Ive run into two undead. Tell me, who are you? Catheya said with a slight smile as looked Zac up and down, but there was a dangerous glint in her pitch-ck eyes. And dont y dumb. The dust left off from the token is still all over you.


    Zac sighed as he took off his mask, exposing his abyssal eyes and a finely sculpted pearl-white face. It had almost perfect proportions, a mix of masculinity and grace. Zac had aimed for warrior elf'' when he crafted his current face with <strong>[Million Faces]</strong>, forming a more believable appearance with the help of Triv. He was also almost a decimeter taller than his real stature, which was the limit he could change without feeling it affect hisbat strength.


    It turned out that Zacs normal appearance was simply too ugly to pass off as a proper pureblood Draugr, even after having pushed his human race to D-Grade and enjoying the slight natural boost to his appearance. Real Draugr wasnt really at the level of Vampires in the movies, but they definitely wouldnt be described as average-looking.


    Zac had eventuallynded on a particr look that was distinct from his human face. He waspletely clean-shaven since Draugr apparently didn''t have beards, and he had changed his hair color to slightly dark grey which was held back in a warrior''s knot. It made him slightly differentpared to the bright silver of Be''Zi and Catheya.


    His transformation skill physically altered his bone structure and skin, so there was no risk for his real appearance to be exposed. At most, someone might figure out his appearance was modified without spotting the original. And Zac had practiced giving himself this particr face hundreds of times to make it his own.


    He felt confident that not even the members of Port Atwood would be able to pick him out looking like this, let alone Catheya.


    I suppose you are Catheya SharvaZi, the one who assisted my Junior Brother? Zac said with a sigh. We should have guessed you branded the token.


    In fact, Zac had seen it as a distinct possibility that they would do something exactly like that, which was why he had changed his appearance ande up with a lie in advance. Of course, he had also believed that if he was marked, he would have been visited by some of Catheyas followers rather than Catheya herself.


    There was always a small chance of Catheya actually being here, but he figured that someone like her wouldnt visit the same ce in a frontier sector twice. But he should have guessed she would pop up here after learning about the Twilight Ascent.


    Meeting her as his undead persona wouldplicate things, but there was not much to do about it. He needed toe to Twilight Harbor as an undead because he needed resources, and it was definitely the right call after seeing how segregated the Twilight Harbor was.


    Pureblood, the Titan Revenant muttered with surprise before she nced spectively at her master.


    Who are you? I cant recognize your aura at all. Theres no way youre part of those half-blood ns in the Zecia sector, Catheya said with a frown. But I dont remember any heritage from back home giving off the same scent as you either.


    Well, Im not part of the Empire, so Im not surprised, Zac smiled, but he was surprised at how strong a reaction Catheya and her followers had. "And you can call me Arcaz ck."


    Impossible! Catheya spat. Youre a true pureblood, nothing like these unattached half-blood ns. How do you not have the mark of the Primo?!


    Zac knew he would have been exposed in no time if he pretended to be part of the Undead Empire since his knowledge was just at surface level. He figured it wouldn''t be a big deal considering there were Draugr-ns native to the Twilight Harbor. But it looked like there was a stark difference between pure-blood and half-blood ns.


    In either case, there was no stopping now, so Zac could just brush it aside.


    Well, my background is a bitplicated, I see no reason to go into detail. What brings you here? Zac shrugged.


    Where is Zac Piker? Catheya asked in return.


    Busy cultivating I assume, Zac said, trying to appearid-back.


    Well, thats a disappointment, but it was just a spur-of-the-moment thing anyway, Catheya muttered thoughtfully before she looked at Zac with a spurious smile.


    So, why shouldnt I turn you over to some enforcers of the Empire? Catheya asked with a smile. A pureblood Draugr of unknown heritage running around without any connection to his roots. Who knows what kind of trouble that might bring?

 Chapter 686: Lies and Propositions

    Chapter 686: Lies and Propositions


    Turn me in? Zac smiled, though he inwardly didnt feel as confident.


    He had already confirmed with Triv that not being attached wasnt a crime, but that was just the official ruleset. Zac wouldnt be surprised if some hardliners within the Empire wanted to eradicate everyone who didnt pledge allegiance to their God Emperor the Primo.


    Zac tried to gauge whether Catheya was serious or just probing him in search of information, but he didn''t get anything from her smiling facade. Varo, her staid attendant, didn''t provide any guidance either as his face was as wooden as when they met in the Base Town. Only the Titan disyed open hostility, but Zac felt it was more of a character trait than a testament to her true feelings.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It looked like he would have to channel his inner Ogras for a bit, and if that failed he could always book it with his escape talisman.


    Are you sure thats in your best interest? Zac shrugged with azy expression. Are you really willing to be the sinner of your n? In fact, I think youll be my most ardent protector.


    Ardent protector? The sinner of my n? Catheya said, her glistening smile widening. How bombastic. Perhaps I should just drag you back to the n to let the elders decide your fate? That way I wont be responsible for the fall-out.


    Dont you think its odd I darede to this remote ce alone, even with myplicated background? Zac sighed. I knew there was a risk using your token, so I made some preparations of my own. If something happens to me or Vri here, a few very damaging information missives will find their way to various intelligence houses and ns."


    "Missives?" Catheya repeated with a raised brow.


    Missives detailing an illicit affair between an Aetherlord and a Draugr Autarch from the Hearnds. Giving up on themandments for love and pursuit of their boundless path, Zacughed. I don''t know if Mistress Be''Zi''s actions can be considered illegal, but I am sure the facts can be used against n Sharva''Zi bypeting factions.


    "And you would just be willing to throw my ancestor under the bus?" Catheya snorted as the brows of the Titan furrowed. "Are you not afraid you''d be an exile?"


    "She casts such a long shadow, I''m sure she wouldn''t mind me using her name to protect myself," Zac shrugged.


    The situation had been tense ever since Catheya entered the balcony, but it was like the temperature dropped over twenty degrees as the group said steeped in silence. What he was doing was a calcted gamble based on what little he knew of the Undead Empire. They all followed Heavens Path as far as Zac could tell, and someone bing an unorthodox cultivator was probably not as simple as just changing path.


    He was betting that BeZi had somehow managed to cut her connection to the Primo and the Empire, allowing her to take a path of her own.


    Alright, alright. No need to get so tense over a little joke. After all, arent we all friends?" Catheya said with a helpless sigh, like she was trying to entertain an unappreciative audience. "We are connected, thats why I gave your junior brother, the token."


    "In fact, I think I understand things a bit better now," Catheya added as she pointedly looked at the markings on Vri''s face.


    Zac inwardly breathed out in relief, feeling he had passed the first hurdle. However, he was still primed for an ambush, ready to conjure a massive Annihtion Sphere at moment''s notice. The energy had been expended upon his first Reincarnation, but he had already umted a decent stockpile of energy. He was confident that he would be able to st these people to kingdome if needed.


    "Well, I guess I don''t understand the humor of Imperials," Zac shrugged. "You came looking for my Junior Brother. Why?"


    "Well, most of it was curiosity. I heard some interesting things before I left the Zecia Sector," Catheya coughed, which caused the Titan to snicker. "I also came here to give him a proposition if his strength matched the requirements. But I feel you might be an even better fit."


    "A proposition?" Zac frowned, but he quickly understood what was going on. "The Twilight Ascent?"


    "Just so. I am looking for a few skilled members to join me in exploring the Twilight Ocean, Catheya said. "I think you''d fit the bill perfectly."


    Zac was a bit thrown off by how quickly Catheya went from threatening him to extending an olive branch, but he soon found his bearings again. Exploring the Twilight Ocean was already something he had set his sights on, but he hadnt nned on teaming up with others. Especially not people who might be a threat to him.


    Why would I want to do that? Zac asked skeptically.


    Well, first of all, I can give you a spot through my n, allowing you to skip that time-consuming tournament to win a spot. I think that would be preferable to you as well, since the bigshots are actually scanning those participants for all kinds of things. I guess you want to stay incognito since you technically arent on either our side or the side of the living, no? Catheya smiled.


    Not being part of the Empire doesnt mean Im not on the side of the unliving. And what interest do you have in the Twilight Ascent? I dont believe that the disciple of a C-Grade Monarch is so hard up for cash that she needs to go risk her life for some Twilight Fruits, Zac asked.


    Well, those fruits are something with constant demand and no steady supply, making them something useful to have. But I am more interested in something else. The real treasures can be found in the depths of the Twilight Ocean. There are all kinds of valuables there. Some of them are so rare theyd even result in a bidding war between Hegemons," Catheya exined.


    Zac''s interest was immediately piqued. The rewards for the Fate-Plucking Ladder were pretty good, but Zac wasn''t sure if spending years desperately trying to get a good position was worth the time investment. But someone like Catheya probably knew the real scoop that couldn''t be found in N''s crystal, the hidden benefits that made even wealthy scions such as her interested in taking the plunge.


    I am aiming for one particr natural treasure; Life-Death Pearls. They are treasures that cant be taken outside, but they can allow you to save years of meditation into Daos rted to Life and Death, making them especially valuable to us undead, Catheya exined.


    "So it''s a Dao treasure?" Zac asked.


    "Well not quite," Catheya said. "It''s more like a Dao Impartment. You have greater control over the inspiration you''d gain."


    Zac was barely able to keep his face impassive when he heard about their effect, and he was lucky his heart didnt beat in his current form. Life-Death Pearls, werent they essentially specially tailored Dao Treasures for him? With his progress havinge to a stand-still since Earth ran out of Origin Dao, these were exactly the kind of items he needed.


    However, nothing ever came for free, and it was suspicious that Catheya was looking for helpers to farm these pearls. Why share if you could keep them for yourself? There was definitely something going on.


    Since we''re fated I can let you in on a secret only known to the peak factions, Catheya added with a mysterious smile, clearly well aware that she had him on the hook. The Twilight Ascents internal quest for a Limited Title is random, but it is always rted to one of four categories; Dao, ughter, Treasure, Exploration. This time it will be rted to Dao, which makes the pearls doubly valuable.


    Why would you need my assistance? You already have helpers, Zac asked, forcibly restraining himself from jumping onboard blindly. Whats the catch?


    Well, for one there are dangerous beasts in the depths of the Twilight Descent. Secondly, there are the other trial takers to worry about, and you need some allies to make sure you dont get overrun, Catheya shrugged. But more importantly, there are some unique restrictions in ce in the Twilight Ocean, and I need some capable helpers to deal with it.


    Oh?


    Twilight Energy is not natural, it''s a fusion of life and death. Absorbing it is like drinking tainted water," Catheya exined.


    "Why not just block it out and live on Miasma Crystals?" Zac asked skeptically.


    "It is pervasive, and for some reason invasive to boot. Keeping it away for any stretch of time is nigh-impossible, it keeps finding ways back as though it was alive. It also grows stronger the further you travel," Catheya sighed. "Thankfully, my master has provided me with something to help weaken the effect. But that treasure is too difficult to activate alone, so I need to assemble a small group of elites. Each person will run the shielding array for a few hours before we switch."


    "Why not switch between the three of you?" Zac asked as he nced at Catheya''s twopanions.


    "We need multiple different Daos to cycle through the array. Too few, and the environment will adapt," Varo spoke up to exin.


    "That''s pretty weird," Zac muttered.


    "The world is full of weird unexinable things," Catheya shrugged in response. My master estimates that it would take us three months to reach the location of the pearls, provided nothing goes wrong. After that, you''d be free to look for opportunities of your own."


    Whats in it for me? Zac asked with a raised brow. Whats the split? And why shouldnt I just go alone now that I know about the pearls and the quest?


    The Titan red at Zac like she wanted to rip him apart, but Catheya only smiled as she patted her followers arm.


    Youre free to walk away, Catheya smiled. But there are usually less than 100 pearls per trial. Without any special methods of locating them, you could swim back and forth for decades without any results. Besides, even if you reached the depths but you would probably be pretty weakened by the environment. What if you met a group like mine, where we have a handful of members who are not weakened by the restrictions?


    Zac ignored the thinly veiled threat and instead tried to sort out the information. It was a shame that Catheya didnt arrive an hourter, after hed been able to learn more about the trial. But provided she was telling the truth, going in a small elite group might be the best way to get his hands on the better items inside.


    Of course, he could always go at it himself and pray that his high Luck would pull through for him again.


    Going with us, you have a good chance at getting your hands on a good number of fruits. Our side will take the first ten fruits, after which we will split the remainder equally, Catheya continued when she saw Zac hesitate. A handful of these fruits will give you a leg-up on the rest of the trial, no matter what your ns are.


    You can go alone, but with your current strength, you wouldnt make it past the middle reaches of the ocean, the hulking revenant added with a raised brow. The best treasures would be out of reach for you.


    How do you figure? Zac asked.


    I can tell that you are somewhere between Middle and High E-grade, with extremely deep umtions. But you are also definitely young, even younger than me. I doubt you have any Dao Branches yet? What if you meet a level 150 elite from one of the three Empires, one whos wielding a Middle-Stage Dao Branch? Can you deal with that alone? Catheya asked.


    Zac wanted to say yes, but he inwardly knew the truth. It was impossible, at least unless he managed to hit them with an Annihtion Sphere. An Early-Stage Dao Branch was more powerful and provided more attributes than all three of his Daosbined. A Middle-Stage would absolutely steamroll him even if he had an attribute superiority.


    Not to mention that someone sitting on such Dao insights in the E-grade definitely had a slew of other advantages.


    Thats why people like us need to team up if we want to enter the inner reaches. There is safety in numbers, Catheya said.


    Zac was full of hesitation, but he eventually made a decision. Hed go along with Catheya for now. If things seemed suspicious hed make a run for it, no matter if it was in ten minutes or after they had entered the trial. But first, there were some benefits to eke out.


    Well, I can join your group, but youll have to provide me with three things in addition to the deal you proposed, Zac slowly said.


    Dont overextend yourself, the Titan Revenant growled. Its not like youre irreceable.


    Shes wee to say no, but something is telling me that I''m not as receable as she says. Otherwise, she wouldn''t be looking for some random stranger like me or my Junior Brother to assist her," Zac grinned


    Catheya neither confirmed nor denied Zacs guess, but he felt he was onto something. The Twilight Ascent was a System-sanctioned trial, which meant that the realm was most likely slightly adjusted to create a better testing ground. From his quick scan of the crystal, Zac had already confirmed that the trial was grade-restricted, but he guessed that elites had some sort of advantage.


    Perhaps Attribute Efficiency helped reduce the restrictive properties Catheya mentioned, allowing them to fight more efficiently in the depths? Or perhaps she was looking for outsiders since the elites in the Twilight Harbor might hold hidden alliances of their own.


    Remember, you are still here as a guest of Eldritch Archivals, and you would need to prolong your stay through them," Varo added, clearly to put some pressure on him. "Without mistress''s blessing, you would be forced to leave the Twilight Harbor before the event even started."


    That leads me to my first requirement. Seeing as you want to employ me, you will have to provide me with basic amenities along with taking care of the costs to prolong my stay, Zac said.


    That is no problem, Catheya agreed without hesitation.


    Secondly, I want to choose three of your E-Grade skills from the VIP-Section of the Eldritch Archivals. Free of Charge, Zac said.


    Zac had already learned of the true nature of the Eldritch Archivals after covertly probing N. It was actually one of the top five public Dao Repositories in the Twilight Harbor, among the undead forces that is. It was no doubt one of n Sharva''Zi''s main businesses in the harbor, considering it was their token Catheya had provided him with.


    Audacious! The VIP-Section only holds high-quality skills and greater! Theyre almost priceless, the Titan roared.


    Theyre still ultimately just E-Grade skills. They cant be considered priceless, Zac snorted.


    One. I can give you three skills in total, but only one can be from the inner sanctums. You can also pick two of the best skills of the normal high-end section, Catheya slowly said. Not even I have a free reign of the skills in the sanctum. All of them are single-use inheritance crystals to guarantee originality. I cant just hand them out left and right, I need to pay with family contribution points.


    Zac was inwardly ted to hear he could actually get his hands on one of the top-tier skills of what was either a B-grade force or at least a peak C-grade n. He wasnt surprised to hear the skills were single-use inheritance crystals though. After all, who would want to pay an arm and a leg for a skill if the Skill Repository kept selling them as quickly as they could replicate them?


    Inheritance Crystals were something he had learned about from Calrin not long ago after he started preparing for his skill fusion. The mostmon skill crystals were the small ones that someone, or the System, had imprinted with a copy of the skill fractal. It usually worked 1 to 3 times, after which it broke apart.


    More than a few cultivators created these crystals as a side-ie, though copied skills almost invariably lost some of their qualitypared to when they were provided by the System itself or if they were self-created.


    Second mostmon were the crystals Zac had in his Dao Repository. These muchrger skill crystals could be used continuously, as long as the crystals were allowed to slowly recuperate and slowly absorb energy after every use. Both these crystals had one thing inmon though; with enough time and effort, you could create an endless number of these skill crystals.


    It was different for Inheritance Crystals though. To create an inheritance crystal you needed to physically take your Skill Fractal and infuse it into a crystal while splitting off a part of your soul, the part containing all your insights andprehensions of the skill. In other words, you would lose the skill forever, and you would even ruin the skill slot in your body.


    These crystals provided various benefitspared to normal skill crystals. First of all, you were pretty much guaranteed originality. It was like you inherited the skill from a predecessor, and no one else would be able to buy it. These crystals werent transcribed as well, so there was no loss in quality like with the other two types of crystals.


    Furthermore, the skill came with a lot of insights from the get-go. If yourprehension was good, you might even be able to push it to Middle Proficiency instantly.


    The downside was obviously the huge cost of creating them. They would essentially cripple a cultivator, and apparently, it wasnt possible to create them on your deathbed when your soul was weakened and your memories of the skill were blurry. It required you to do it yourself when you were at your peak.


    There was one more method to acquire them though, and this was the mostmon method of gathering them. There was an extremely small chance of an inheritance crystal forming inside the body of a corpse. So massive factions would continuously gain a few inheritance crystals as the previous generations departed, but the demand always far outstripped the supply.


    For Zac to get his hands on such a raremodity was an unexpected gain, but he understood he couldnt push it much further judging by the look on Catheyas face. Still, there was one more thing that he desperately needed, something he wasn''t confident that his Draugr heritage was enough to provide.


    Third, there should be some top-tier auctions taking ce before the Twilight Ascent. I want ess.


    There is one next week, Catheya smiled. I was nning on going, so how about we make an outing out of it. So, do we have an agreement?


    Happy to work together.

 Chapter 687: Pursuit of Eternity

    Chapter 687: Pursuit of Eternity


    Exquisite chimes danced in the air and echoed with the hints of the grand Dao as Va Tapek walked into the vast hall that doubled as an observation deck. He was met with a refreshing gust medicinal aroma after taking just one step inside. Va briefly scanned the hall, seeing there were four Perennial Braziers burning, each of them releasing smoke of a different color.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Va Tapek took a deep breath, and felt his cells opening, greedily swallowing the dense medicinal and spiritual energy that suffused the air. vian Bloodroot, Gelosan, dried bones of Abyssal Dominators. And those were just a few of the dozens of valuable materials that had been turned into incense for an empty hall.


    Of course, materials like these wouldnt be enough to improve the cultivation of an advanced Monarch such as himself, but most E-Grade warriors would explode after just taking a whiff of this mist. Even if they survived, they would probably be lunatics, their minds broken by the extremely dense Dao markings hidden in the scent.


    Im jealous. I knew that bing an Earl was a lucrative venture, but I didnt expect it to be at this level, Va snorted as he looked at the closest brazier. Burning a mountain of Nexus Coins every second even when youre just here as a spectral projection. Dont you have some disciples or descendants to waste all these treasures on?


    Well, I have to maintain appearances, a masculineugh echoed through the hall as the form of a cultivator congealed on top of a mat close to the enormous floor-to-ceiling window on the opposite side of the hall. Besides, it is not like the SharvaZi n has been mistreating you these years. Come, sit.


    Va Tapek only rolled his eyes as he teleported over to the other side of the hall, his movement causing a series of abstruse runes to appear among the medicinal clouds. He looked over to his benefactor, or rather the projection of him. Whether his real body still existed, not even Va Tapek knew.


    The projection looked a lot like how Va Tapek remembered his old friend though. Chiseled features that spoke of indomitability and conviction. His robes hung loose and exposed a densely muscled torso covered in scars, and he sat in an unrestrained manner as usual. He still radiated that same haughty yet slightly lonely aura of a peak wandering cultivator who had emerged at the top after innumerable bloody encounters.


    But there were some differences as well.


    Most notably, his skin had taken on a slight greenish tint, like gold mixed with ck. A second look proved that it was actually two sets of extremely minute runes that covered his skin, each of them smaller than a dot. One of the patterns held the secrets of Death, and the other seemed to be speaking to the heart of Life.


    Va Tapeks aquamarine eyes turned to the star that took up most of the vision of the enormous windows in front of them; the Twilight Ocean. They were slowly bing one.


    If you wanted to discard your Human ancestry, why not juste over to our side? Im sure wed be able to find a Blessed Land for you to awaken without giving up on your past, Va Tapek said as he sat down.


    Bah, whats so good about being undead? the man snorted. Besides, if I did that, how would I be able toplete my n? Speaking of, how did things go?


    It took me some time, but I found it. The Zecia sector has changed a bit since you hid this thing, Va Tapek said as he took out a box from his spatial ring.


    "Great!" the man said, his eyes lighting up. "I was afraid it would have managed to break out after all these years. You didn''t get spotted, did you?"


    "Shouldn''t have," Va Tapek said with a shake of his head. "I was required to check in with the local Province, but I pretended to have an epiphany to not get entangled. I left a clone there in seclusion while my main body searched for the item. By the way, things are getting a bit heated over there.


    I heard. Who would have thought that someone would conjure the Stele of Conflict in a frontier sector? the manughed. Its fine. Some bloodshed will cut the chaff and help purify the heritages. Did you arrange someone to assist me in marking the leyline?


    Hm, Va Tapek just said as he took out a bottle of liquor. It is done.


    Oh? How certain are you? Where did you find the helper? the man asked with interest.


    Its my disciple. She already has two passable followers, and she is currently in the process of hiring a few more, Va Tapek said as an indulgent smile spread across his face.


    Your disciple? Isnt she an Imperial? Will she reallyplete the task? the man asked with a frown as the huge anomaly outside shuddered.


    She doesnt know the purpose of why I sent her. She thinks she is fulfilling a task for the undead factions. You just need to provide the path she has to follow, Va Tapek exined. Id appreciate it if you gave her one of the less precipitous paths though.


    Of course. But even then, there will be dangers, and not just from the natives, the man said with a pointed look. You know my situation, I cant intervene as I wish. Just creating these paths and divulging the treasures is pushing it.


    <em>Know your situation?</em> Va Tapek thought with some exasperation. <em>How is that possible? Ive never heard of anyone doing what you''ve done, what you''re about to do.</em>


    It''s fine. Little Catheya has been a bit too carefreetely. She needs to take some risks if she wants to reach the next step, Va Tapek said with a sigh. Besides, youre the one whos truly in Danger. Your n is crazy, even for you. Both the local ns and the empires will try to stop you. Others will try to seize the opportunity for themselves.


    Thats what makes things so exciting, the manughed before he gave Va Tapek an inscrutable look. What about you? Havingst-minute doubts?


    Always, Va Tapek snorted as he got back on his feet. But its worth it. Where else will an outsider such as myself be able to witness someone defending their Dao while building the first step to eternity?


    He looked at the celestial anomaly in the distance once more and he couldnt help but smile with excitement. These kinds of chaotic events were rare. Those who survived would definitely have gained something.


    Besides, the frontier is growing a bit boring. Perhaps the reemergence of the Eveningtide Asura will shake things up a bit.


    A boisterousugh echoed through the hall as Va Tapek left.


    Can we trust him? Qirai asked with a frown as they entered the private areas of the Eldritch Archivals. Theres something off about him.


    What do you think, Varo? Catheya smiled as she turned to her assistant.


    Hes dangerous Very dangerous, Varo said after some thought. But as long as our interests align, it should be fine. If we want to kill him All-out and without hesitation.


    That guy? Dangerous? Qirai snorted. He is a pureblood, but his aura wasnt anything special. One smash and hes done for.


    Hopefully it wonte to that. The Twilight Ocean is big enough for everyone to drink their fill, Catheyaughed, but she inwardly felt that Varos estimate was more incisive.


    The group soon entered her private courtyard, and Varo activated a series of protective measures. Her branch might be the ones in control of the interests in Twilight Harbor, but there were definitely spies in the mix. No one would have expected that a ce in a frontier sector would be so lucrative, rivaling even some of the core businesses back home.


    Greedy eyes were definitely eyeing their wealth, and Catheya couldnt let anything happen. Her performance in the Tower of Eternity should elevate her status from a second-seed to first seed talent within the n, perhaps even as soon as she returned.


    But she was stillcking the aplishments to cement her status as a talent to nurture. She believed that her performance in the Twilight Ascent could be the ticket to gain the top treatment among the Draugr youth.


    And this mysterious Draugr might even be the key to bing a Heavens Chosen, someone wholeheartedly nurtured by the Empire. She couldnt exin why, but she trusted her instincts.


    Its odd, Catheya muttered.


    He felt like Zac Piker, yet not, Varo said, understanding his mistress thoughts all too well.


    Exactly, Catheya agreed.


    Was it a human in a disguise? Qirai asked curiously. I couldnt tell.


    Possibly, Catheya nodded thoughtfully. I couldnt sense anything off with his bloodline, and mimicking a Draugr is no easy feat. However, there were some points of suspicion. Also, his smell is off. Zac Piker was a pureblood human who carried the scent of Draug, while Arcaz is a Draugr with a lingering stench of humanity.


    You and your smells, Qirai muttered. "Perhaps it was that Deviant Asura who was a Draugr disguising as a human? That little attendant of his was very pretty, in a damaged kind of way. Perhaps that''s why he asked for young females?"


    My nose is seldom wrong," Catheya said. "And Zac Piker was definitely not undead. His skills, Dao, and energy teemed with life. He''d kill himself holding those kinds of energy inside his body. Well, we know where he lives now. I''ll ask master to scan him to make sure.


    The important thing is whether he can help usplete master''s task. Arcaz has definitely cultivated his soul, and he seems to have the multipliers of either a peak second seed or even a first-seed cultivator. Youve seen the list of requirements master gave me. Hes the fourth candidate fulfilling them all after three months of searching, and the most promising one at that.


    In regards to his demands Varo probed.


    Fulfill them, Catheya said with azy wave. It will cost arge chunk of my contribution points, but our gains will far surpass the cost as long as this mission is sessful.


    Even if he turns out to be a Dreamer? Qirai asked hesitantly.


    It does not matter. He might be Zac Piker, a human with a connection to my Ancestor. He might be Arcaz, a pureblood Draugr with an attendant marked by the same primal type of destruction that Zac Piker released in the Base Town, Catheya smiled. In either case, its a promising investment. If the Matriarch ever returns, I think this connection might be enough to transform our fates.


    Ill arrange everything, Varo nodded and started sending a few messages with amunication crystal.


    What do you want to do about the other candidates? Qirai asked.


    Two more should do it if Arcaz is as useful as I feel he is, but its best to get three, Catheya mused. What about the letters I sent out?


    Ravan has epted. A few have expressed interest but most havent put forth any clearmitments. They seem to be holding out for greater benefits. Troker has declined, Varo said.


    What, why? Catheya asked with a frown.


    Troker was her first choice for a group member until this Arcaz appeared. He was a powerful mentalist, and they had worked together before when she visited this cest time. He had both powerful scouting capabilities and his spiritual Domain Skill could lessen the effect of the suppression of the Twilight Energy.


    Someone from the Eternal n has hired him as a guide, Varo said. They seem to have agreed to take him to the Hearnds afterward. We cantpete with their offer with our current resources.


    Ah, those bloodsuckers are here? Catheya eximed with some shock. I thought most of them were busy warring against the Buddhist Sangha all the way over by the Cosmic River?


    The eternal n had few members, just a few percent of the Draugr poption, but they wholeheartedly nurtured each and every member. The average strength among their youths was at the second tier, and the degree of supreme talents that appeared in their ranks were far greater than most Draugr ns.


    There was not much to be done about it. Their ancestors required less than half the cultivation resourcespared to the Draugr ancestors for some reason, which meant that they had massive reserves to spend on their young. The reason for this advantage was a secret those bloodsuckers guarded with their lives, much to the annoyance of the other Divine Races.


    Supposedly, one of the branches returned to the Hearnds to attend some family event and learned about the opening of the Twilight Ocean. A few youths decided toe here for a quick adventure before returning, Varo said.


    Like hell they are, Qirai snorted with anger. Those crafty bastards would never do anything just for the fun of it.


    There are more reports, Varo added. There are rumors of Heavens Chosen among from the Radiant temple having arrived. I have not found any clues about movement from the Havarok Empire, but if two of them are moving


    Catheya nodded with a sigh. If the Eternal n wasing, then they were nning something. The Eternal n and the real peak factions among the Draugr had never cared about this remote sector, which was what allowed a mid-tier family like the SharvaZi n to quietly reap the rewards. Now one bigshot after another wasing for some frontier trial?


    What had her master gotten them mixed up in?


    The droplet drifted through the hidden pockets of space. It waspletely unassuming, and not even the most intrepid scanning array would spot anything special about it. Yet it moved with mind-bending speed, surpassing most C-grade Cosmic Vessels as it made its way toward its destination.


    Inside, a small world was hidden.


    Well arrive in one month, which gives us ample time to prepare, the steward said as he refilled the goblet for the young girl gazing at the cosmos flitting by outside.


    What a deste ce. It feels like the Heavens have forgotten this wretched corner of space. Is there really someone who will reach Autarchy here? Uona asked. Is it even possible?


    One shouldntpletely discard these small frontier sectors. Their average power and heritage are quite wretched, but with enough numbers and time, some terrifying beings will be born here. For example, the Bloodmoon Autarch.


    Lord Bloodmoon had the help of our family though, Uona countered.


    By the time he joined our family as an Elder he had already set his foundation and confirmed his Dao. He would likely reach the same height without us, it might just have taken a few hundred thousand years longer, the old man smiled. Besides, one family or another of the Eternal n was bound to pick him up with his talents. We were just lucky to form a connection first.


    Well, there will always be aberrations, Uona muttered.


    It is precisely such an aberration that has appeared, the old man said. He is known as the Twilight Lord now, but he was once known as the Eveningtide Asura.


    Its that guy? Uona eximed, her eyes lighting up. I thought he was dead. I have read the reports, I cant believe Lord Eveningtide survived all that. For one of the Dreamers, hes pretty amazing. Killing a Havarok Prince and even destroying one of their Immemorial Realms? Crazy.


    He must have been pushed to the brink, but that led him to a fortuitous encounter. He found that the Mystic Realm we are heading toward was actually two opposing Daorealms that had fused together and survived. He has somehow managed to merge with the resulting anomaly, and has slowly gathered momentum to form the steps to eternity, the man said.


    Thats possible? Uona said with surprise.


    Everythings possible, child, the old man smiled.


    Do we really need to make a move against that guy and steal his opportunity though? Seems a bit low-ss, Uona said with some reluctance.


    You know how rare the opportunities to form those steps are, the old man sighed. Even the peak ns need to umte for eons to make an attempt. So, any time an opportunity like this appears, we cant be picky. Gaining a second Autarch of our own bloodline, even if he ends up a One-Step Autarch, will elevate our branch to a whole new level within the n.


    Well, all thats is Grampa Nethers problem. I just need to go inside that trial and kill some people, right?


    Yes, but dont get careless. Everyone in the know is trying to keep the information under wraps, but the truth always leaks out. These kinds of events always turn into a bloody affair. The natives from the frontier sectors shouldnt be a threat, but the Empires of the living will definitely get involved.

 Chapter 688: Stocking Up

    Chapter 688: Stocking Up


    They probed our souls with some sort of treasure, Vri muttered a few moments after the trio had left the balcony. I wasnt able to block it out.


    They did? Zac eximed. I didnt notice anything.


    Young masters soul is strong, but you ultimately arent a Soul Cultivator, Vri said with a slight smile.


    Whats your take on the situation? Zac asked.


    Her soul was stable throughout. I think she was mostly truthful in her words, Vri slowly said. Therge one was threatening, but it would be the small one you would have to worry about. I sensed wild fluctuations in his soul every time you were disrespectful to the Draugr.


    A real mess, Zac sighed. Well, no point in staying here. Are you feeling better?


    Much better, thank you, Vri nodded.


    Alright, let''s go, Zac grunted as he stood up. "The ce Catheya is putting us up in doesn''t sound too bad."


    The two left the incensary a momentter and found a subdued N waiting outside. He needed to consider his next step, and he had N take them to the high-quality hotel on a disk partly owned by n Sharva''Zi. There was no point in avoiding that ce now that he had already been spotted, and it truly was a luxurious ce.


    The hotel was actually a vast forest, where each room was a mansion surrounded by wilderness. The forests were not the deathly and seemingly haunted forestry of the Dead Zone back on Earth either, but rather beautiful trees with silvery leaves and white trunks. There were also simrly-colored bushes that made up some of the undergrowth, and they grew what looked like metallic pinecones which sounded like chimes when they were rustled by the wind.


    They didn''t have to slog through the forest, but an attendant rather handed them unique teleportation tokens that took them to a small square outside the walled courtyard leading to his mansion. He sent the attendant away after having him provide N with a token as well. He sent N away as well, though asked her toe back in twelve hours before he and Vri went inside the mansion.


    Catheya suddenly appearing had put him a bit on the spot even if he had prepared a bit beforehand. He had been forced to make some decisions quickly, but he felt things worked out for the best. The deal she offered was really fair as far as he could tell. Catheya''s party would get the first three Life-Death Pearls they found as payment for providing the path and method to push away the restriction of the Twilight Ocean.


    After the first three, the group would draw lots and then distribute the following pearls thereafter. Furthermore, the group would consist of 8 members at most. Seeing as there were up to 100 pearls to gather, which usually grew in the same area ording to Catheya, he might get his hands on more than ten Life-Death Pearls. These kinds of items generally lost their efficacy after a few uses, so it would probably be more than enough for him.


    Still, the mission would mean traveling with both Catheya and strangers for months. Not only were there risks of betrayal, but also of his real identity being exposed. It didn''t look like Catheya managed to find anything out during their meeting, but that didn''t mean she bought his spiel hook, line, and sinker.


    Thankfully, they had onlye to a verbal agreement, and Zac would only have to sign a proper contract before getting the VIP-skill.


    Before then, he needed to figure out his n. One of the main goals for this trip had been to find some basic methods and treasures for himself and the Einherjar. The second goal was to search for opportunities to strengthen himself. The return of Leandra had driven home just how weak he was, and visiting this magical metropolis only reinforced that realization.


    But joining Catheya to visit the depths of the Twilight Ocean Was perhaps more than he had bargained for. The lethality in there was definitely high, but the risk of exposure weighed even heavier on his shoulders. Going at it alone was no doubt a much safer option, as he could stay closer to the entrance if he found the challenge too great.


    However, Zac soon found his resolve. The whole reason to set out was to get stronger, and those pearls seemed almost tailor-made to push at least two of his Dao Fragments to the next level. With his odd constitution progressing in Dao would require rarer and rarer treasures, so he couldnt just back away when an opportunity presented itself.


    Still, going in blind and dumb was out of the question. There were still two months before the Twilight Ascent started, and he needed to make the most of it. Catheya had thankfully set aside a slot for him, which allowed him to avoid the qualifier which seemed like a huge timesink. A quick scan of the crystal N provided mentioned the qualifier.


    There was nock of E-Grade cultivators in a ce like this. In fact, they could be counted in the billions. The qualifierssted one hundred rounds where you would be matched with random warriors, and each victory awarded one point. Finally, the ten million people with the highest points would get to enter the Twilight Ascent, along with the one million seeded warriors.


    Each warrior would fight five battles a day, with one day of rest in between every fight-day. That meant it would take forty days to just get a spot. He didnt have time for that, he needed to focus on his cultivation instead.


    The question was what he should do with Vri.


    Are you interested in the Twilight Ascent? Zac asked as he turned to his follower who had sat silently as Zac mulled things over.


    No, Vri said after some thought. It would require me to break through within two months, and it is simply too short a time. I am not ready to harm my foundations for this trial, and I feel that I would be a hindrance to you even if I evolved.


    Alright, Zac nodded. But staying in this ce after I leave...


    How about you send me back before you enter the Trial? I can bring any items you procure back for Port Atwood, Vri ventured. It will give me time to shore up my foundations before you return.


    Sounds good, Zac nodded, and the two went over everything they had encountered so far and set up a n for theing two months.


    He might have decided to tie himself to Catheyas chariot, but her umbre of protection would also allow him to act with less restraint over the next months. This was a huge opportunity for him and Port Atwood. His pockets were filled with money and there were so many things to spend it on. He didnt have ess to any ce as flourishing as Twilight Harbor back home. In fact, he wasnt sure if one even existed.


    Vri had a far better understanding of not only his undead forces, but even his living ones after spending ten days with Joanna. She helped him put together a shopping list, after which Zac started reading the information missive on the Twilight Ocean with greater scrutiny.


    He had been at a disadvantage during the negotiations just now since he didnt really understand all the details of the Twilight Ascent, and he needed to shore up that weakness before he ran into Catheya again.


    After reading the whole missive twice he could conclude that Catheya had essentially spoken the truth. The Life-Death Pearls were well-documented high-quality treasures of the Twilight Ocean, and they were just as rare as she indicated, perhaps even more so. Finding them wasrgely dependent on dumb luck ording to the missive.


    Of course, that didnt mean Catheya was lying about her n. The Twilight Ocean had been around for millions of years, and it opened up once every thousand years or so. That meant that the ancient factions had sent their members into the Mystic Realm thousands of times. There was no way they hadnt figured out some hidden methods that werent detailed in the public missives.


    Zac had also found out why Catheya wanted to enlist his help. He was pretty confident in his strength, but it was suspicious that she was ready to fork out so many resources just to get him to join her party. Part of it was definitely his connection to her Ancestor, but Zac had found that he did have some unique benefits in the Mystic Realm.


    Catheya had mentioned an array to weaken the pervasive pressure inside the Twilight Ocean, but she hadntpletely exined what a detriment it was. She had made it sound like the only reason people didnt go to the depths was the risk of running into enemies, but that wasnt the case at all.


    Most of the people simply wouldnt survive in the depths of the Mystic Realm.


    Rather than a restriction, it would be more apt to call the invasive energy a poison. The undead were poisoned by the life-attributedponents in the atmosphere, and the living the opposite. Everyone was able to filter out the unwanted parts to some degree, but they were ultimately weakened by the environment.


    There were thankfully various ways to counter this effect. First of all, there were the pills that helped filter Twilight Energy. There were also arrays and some skills that could weaken it. But ultimately, the deciding factor on how deep you could go was your own body. The Twilight Ocean was a System-controlled Mystic Realm, and as such, it had probably been modified for it to have its current effect.


    The higher level you had, the more the Twilight Energy tried to burrow into your body, essentially turning the whole thing into a level-based trial. That meant people with greater aplishments would get further. Even better, soul strength helped as well. It didnt really mean all Mentalists had an advantage though since their bodies were usually weaker than normal cultivators and therefore less resistant to the corrosion of the Twilight Ocean.


    But Zac was probably the perfect member for them. He couldnt be certain, but between his high Efficiency and unusually powerful soul, he should be among the best at resisting the poison. Meanwhile, he wasnt so powerful that they felt him capable of taking them all out.


    What Catheya didnt know was that Zac probably was in an even better position than she assumed. The weird muddled energies of the Twilight Ocean might be a troublesome poison to her, but to him, it was just food for his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. Furthermore, if the umted life-attuned energies ever got too much, he could simply swap races. It was like he was entering the Mystic Realm with cheat codes.


    There was only one caveat to this though; this advantage wasn''t as pronouncedpared to other elites who could resist the effect almost as well as he did. So the kind of elites Catheya mentioned, running around with Dao Branches and high Efficiency, would still be a big threat to him.


    Still, that risk wasn''t enough to dampen Zac''s excitement. The Life-Death Pearls was just one of the innumerable valuables that waited in the Twilight Ocean. He''d definitely regret it if he didn''t go, so it was with extreme vigor he and Vri set out the next day.


    Which is the best pill house in this ce? immediately asked when they found N already waiting outside their courtyard.


    The Karabas n, N said without hesitation. They are just a local faction of Spectrals, but rumors are they are backed by an Imperial Eidolon-n. Their heritage in the Dao of Alchemy is extremely deep, and their wares have low toxicity.


    Hm, Zac nodded. Take me there.


    There wasnt actually any rush in buying pills or other necessities, but Zac wanted to fill his Spatial Treasures with necessary items as quickly as humanly possible. You never knew if Catheyas master or one of her elders would suddenly appear, forcing him to immediately activate his escape bracelet.


    The trip took three hours even with the spatial maniption that ran along the Twilight Rivers, but they eventually reached a death-attuned tform with a decent position to the Twilight Ocean. This one was actually covered by a dense haze, making it impossible to guess at its interiors.


    The miasmic wall was pretty unweing, but Zac simply indicated N to shoot straight through, and a vast metropolis soon appeared on the other side. There were tens of thousands of crystalline towers covering the surface, and they made Zac think of the onyx pirs that surrounded the Splinter of Oblivion during the hunt.


    Did ghosts prefer to stay inside these types of crystals rather than proper houses?


    There was one building that looked different though, a twenty-kilometer wideplex that was surrounded by medicinal clouds rather than a miasmic haze.


    Young Master, I cannot enter this ce, so I will wait outside, N said as shended. "This time, I think young master''s attendant..."


    "That''s fine, you two stay here," Zac nodded as he got off the small vessel, and a dense deathly aura started to swirl around him.


    It was just like how Catheya and her Titan follower acted, using a small hint of their aura to act as some sort of proof of their standing. Most people could glean all kinds of things from the aura, most importantly how condensed it was.


    For example, Cethaya and her followers auras were almost as powerful as each other, but Catheyas was far more condensed. That meant that Catheya was at a lower level than her follower, yet had the samebat strength. What did this signify? That she was an elite, that she had powerful backing. It was pretty easy to mask this phenomenon, but very hard to mimic.


    Catheya gave a clear aura of an elite, but even the Draugr scions aura was a lot less condensed than Zacs when he didnt mask it. It was almost like space around him congealed with his Dao as he stepped off the vessel, and N released an audible gasp from behind. He appeared in front of a huge arch a secondter, where a ghost already waited for him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She looked like a beautiful Revenant, her form far more corporeal and defined than Triv''s or any of the other ghosts that had appeared on Earth.


    Does Young Master have a Membership Token? the ghost asked.


    I just arrived in this Sector, Zac said with a small shake of his head, trying to emte the aura of someone with a formidable background.


    Of course, the attendant smiled as a ck crystalline token appeared out of nowhere. Please ept this Token, it will make Young Masters future purchasing experiences easier.


    Zac nodded and took the token before he entered the luxuriousplex that even eclipsed the Big Axe Coliseum. Just like that, he was a VIP customer, simply by shing his face. He hade a long way since having to force his way through themoner''s entrance over at the Zethaya Pill House.


    Zac was met by an enthusiastic clerk and immediately taken to a private room. There was a lot of undead wandering around looking at disys or perusing the stores inventory recorded on crystals, but being a pureblood Draugr clearly had its advantages.


    My name is Yilian. What can we assist young master with today? the clerk, another spectral who took the form of some elf-like humanoid, asked as she handed one of the inventory crystals to Zac.


    I am partaking in the Twilight Ascent and wanted to see if your store has some items that could be of use, Zac said.


    Our stock definitely cant match that of the grand establishments of the Hearnds, but it is at the level of a Kingdoms medium-tier establishments, housing up to Peak D-Graded pills andpounds thanks to a certain patronage, Yilian smiled, clearly with some pride.


    Zac slightly nodded, actually a bit surprised. To boast a stock that could match a B-grade Kingdom''s mid-tier Pill House was quite a statement for a shop in a remote sector like this. Zac had already asked N to make sure, but the Sector housing the Twilight Harbor, the Zervereth Sector, was just C-Grade. It seemed a lot more powerful than Zecia, but it was ultimately just a slightly more bustling frontier sector.


    Zac doubted the Zethaya n would dare to make such a promation andpare itself to stores in a B-Grade Human Empire, and it made him look at the inventory crystal with even greater enthusiasm. Of course, he tried to y it cool at the surface as he scanned the endless rows of products.


    Perhaps you could make some suggestions, Zac eventually said after a few minutes. I am bringing a few followers, so I need a few sets of Healing, Soul-mending, soldier pills, and perhaps berserking pills. Top quality, of course.


    Zac obviously wasnt bringing any followers, but would a vaunted pure-blood Draugr hailing from a proper Kingdom need to buy his pills in a store here? Wouldnt his n provide? So, he rather made a fib about followers. He needed arge number of pills in either case since there was no telling when he would get ess to buy items for his undead side after leaving the Twilight Harbor anyways.


    The Twilight Ascent is a Heaven-controlled event, and the E-Grade Ascent has a limit of quasi D-Grade pills, the clerk said. Our top pill line is called the Dawn-series, and it is avable both as Peak E-Grade pill and quasi D-Grade. The line has everything you require, except berserking pills. We currently sell special kits at discounted prices if the young master is interested.


    Zac nkly looked at the attendant for a few seconds, trying to hide his confusion. Quasi D-grade? What the hell was that?

 Chapter 689: The Value of Money

    Chapter 689: The Value of Money


    The general meaning of a Pseudo D-grade pill was somewhat self-exnatory, but Zac had never heard of any such terminology for pills before. Was it pills designed for Half-Step Hegemons or just extra good pills for E-grade cultivators? He had already confirmed that Half-Step cultivators wouldn''t be able to join the trial, so it should be thetter.


    Asking would immediately ruin his faade though, and Zac could only look on as the screen in front of him changed, turning to the Dawn pill series the attendant mentioned. Zac almost felt like he was online shopping as he read the description that boasted huge savingspared to buying single pills. There were three kits to choose from, and reading the descriptions was pretty eye-opening.


    The smaller kit included eight different types of pills and the medium one eleven. The eight basic pills were two types of healing pills based on the type of injury, one soul mending pill, two types of antidotes, a soldier pill and a soul restoration pill, and something called <strong>[Dawn Life-Shield]</strong>.


    The medium kit added one more type of antidote, two premium healing pills, one for the body and one for the soul. All three were the kind youd save as ast resort, and not something youd use to speed up recuperation judging by the description. The peak package actually only included twelve different pills, adding a pill called <strong>[Dawn Awakening]</strong>.


    The pills were the same in both the Peak E-grade and Pseudo D-grade kits with only their grade differing, and after reading things through he started to get an idea of what was going on. Pseudo D-grade actually seemed to be the same thing as low-grade D-grade Pills in the Zecia sector.


    Zac wasnt exactly clear why it was termed differently here, but guessed it might be the same as how Zecia fuddled the grades for their factions, making things sound more impressive than they actually were.


    What is the <strong>[Dawn Life-Shield]</strong>? Zac asked after having nced at the products.


    It is a pill especially designed for the Twilight Ocean, but it also shows decent use when exploring the living territories, the clerk immediately exined. It helps weaken the corrosive effect of Twilight Energy. The Quasi D-Grade version naturally has a far greater protective effect.


    Will it work even in the heart of the ocean? Zac asked a bit dubiously.


    Unfortunately, thats impossible, Yilian sighed. The inner reaches of the Twilight Ocean ultimately rely on your own methods. The E-Grade pill ispletely ineffective that far inside, and the Quasi D-Grade pill only lessens the strain by 5%. However, those five percent can be the difference between life and death!


    Hmm And the <strong>[Dawn Awakening]</strong>? Zac continued.


    Its a proprietary pill that allows cultivators to make the most out of the treasures in the depths of the Twilight Ocean, the clerk said. The pill is actually made from herbs from the Twilight Ocean itself, and the supply is limited. We believe it will be sold out before long, so if young mast-


    And what does it do? Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Ah, my apologies, the specter said with a bow. I simply get a bit excited when talking about such a great item. Its effect is simple but exquisite; harmonization. There are many unique supreme items in the depths of the Twilight Ocean that cannot be taken outside, forcing you to imbibe them during the trial. The <strong>[Dawn Awakening]</strong> allows you to temporarily harmonize with the Twilight Ocean, which in turn will help you to gain more from these supreme treasures.


    Zacs brows rose when he heard the description, and the ghost attendant quickly continued when she saw his interest.


    Its a must-have item for those nning on exploring the deeper parts of the Mystic Realm. It can be the difference between a fate-changing breakthrough and getting stuck at the precipice, Yilian exhorted. The only downside of the <strong>[Dawn Awakening]</strong>-pill is that it can only be used once, so its best saved until the perfect opportunity presents itself.


    Zac nodded in understanding, and he felt that it really was a must-have pill if it worked as advertised. He didn''t immediately ce his order though, but first read through the kits once more. Each kit included two pills of the cheaper variants, and one each of the top-quality ones. Each one of the pills that helped against the Twilight Energy worked for 1 hour, and you could only eat one each day, meaning they were only meant to be used during fights or other critical situations.


    Ill take one big Quasi D-Grade, three middle Quasi D-Grade, and five hundred small peak e-grade packages, Zac said. However, for the small kits, I want the <strong>[Dawn Life-Guard]</strong> exchanged for <strong>[Dawn Life-Ward]</strong>.


    The <strong>[Dawn Life-Ward] </strong>was almost the same type of pill as the one included in the normal kits, but they were instead a general pill that the Undead used in life-attuned environments. It was useless against Twilight Energy, but it worked a lot better under normal situations, which was exactly what Zac needed since he was nning on bringing those pills back home.


    The clerks eyes lit up, as this was a pretty big order. It obviously couldnt match the purchasing power of a Hegemon, but those kinds of customers didnt appear every day, even in a ce like this. And even if they dide, it wasnt the turn of someone like Yilian to serve them and get themission.


    The lifeward pill can absolutely be exchanged. One High-quality Pseudo D-Grade Kit is priced at 2 D-Grade Nexus Coins. The middlees to 1.1 D-grade Nexus Coins each for a total of 3.3. The five hundred lower kitse to 3 D-Grade Nexus Coins. For a purchase of this magnitude, I can give a fifteen percent discount, and well round down to 7 D-grade Nexus Coins, the clerk smiled. Is there anything else Young Master requires?


    Zac froze for a moment when he heard the price. So expensive?


    He had gained a pretty decent understanding of general prices over the past years, and the quoted prices were not just a little more expensivepared to what simr items should cost in establishments like the Zethaya Pill house. They were in the range of between ten and one hundred times more expensive going by the peak quality pills.


    This single purchase would not only havepletely bankrupted him if not for Leandras bestowment, he wouldnt actually be able to stomach it at all. The biggest culprit was obviously the Pseudo D-grade pills, where one big kit cost more than 300 peak E-grade kits. It wasnt like he couldnt afford it, but he also didnt like the feeling of getting taken for a ride.


    These prices Are quite steep, Zac slowly said as he looked at the attendant with a frown.


    Ah, my apologies, the attendant said with some embarrassment. I can assure you that we are not trying to overcharge our valued customers. I am sure young master have heard a thing or two about frontier sectors such as our Zervereth. It is true, prices are normally significantly lower in small C-grade sectors, but the Twilight Ocean is different. Because our connection to the higher realms is much closer due to the wormholes.


    We both get arge number of esteemed visitors such as young master, and there is regr trade going on between Twilight Harbor and the Empire. As such, prices have almost reached the same level as in the higher-grade Kingdoms. If the young master is interested in bargain shopping, you would have to travel to other parts of the Sector, or perhaps even another Sector altogether.


    Zac slowly digested the new information, and he couldnt help but feel like a country bumpkin. At least the attendant had got the wrong idea, and looked up to him rather than looked down on him. He had always guessed that things would be more expensive in the more flourishing parts of the Multiverse, just like how it was back on Earth before the integration. But he had never expected the difference to be this massive.


    He almost wanted to p himself for not buying a mountain of resources beforeing to this ce, but it was toote for regret now.


    Hm, a shame. I was looking forward to making some bargains, Zac shrugged. Well, it doesnt matter.


    I understand the feeling, Yilian said with a knowing smile. Young master is not the first one to be met with this surprise. It is possible to enlist the Space Gate Guild to take you to the opposite side of the Sector, where prices are roughly 40% of here. But truthfully, there is not much of interest over there, and the volumes youd need to purchase to make up for the transportation fees and import tariffs...


    Perhaps if I get the time. I am thinking of nurturing a small squad for adventuring after this trial. After all, there should be ample supply of bodies inside the Twilight Ascent. Lets look at your leveling resources as well, Zac said, and Yilians smile grew even wider.


    Zac emerged from the Pill shop an hourter with Yilian passionately leading him all the way, a mountain of resources added to his Cosmos Sack. Altogether he had spent over 80 D-grade Nexus Coins, of which half was for himself and the other half was for the Einherjar. It was a shocking sum, and a harsh wake-up call just how poor he was before his bestowment.


    He had bought thousands of standard-quality leveling pills that would allow all his followers to sweep through the first sets of levels at the E-Grade. Zac had also bought ten sets of top-quality Race Upgrade pills along with tens of tons of cheappounds meant to be used in Medicinal baths. The pills were mainly meant for his elites back home, but also for himself in case nothing better cropped up at the auction in a few days.


    His followers were nowhere to be found when Zac exited, but the spectral attendant led him to a small garden where he found Vri enjoying some high-quality incense, no doubt a smallplimentary gesture after he started dropping some serious money in their establishment. The Mentalist stood up with a smile after he appeared and they immediately set off.


    I want to look at some spare weaponry as well today, Zac said to N as they passed through the haze hiding the teau, and she immediately set out toward another teau.


    By the way, can you exin the prices of things? Zac asked his guide as she steered the vessel through the void, which prompted her to look over with confusion.


    Young master seldom leaves the n and rarely purchases things himself. The prices of items are a bit unclear, especially in a foreign sector such as this, Vri added.


    Oh, I see! N quickly nodded.


    Prices have essentially standardized over the long eons, and they only really move if there is some unexpected shortage. Items are generally graded between Low and Peak quality. A low-quality material generally costs between 1 to 5 Nexus Coins of matching grade per unit. So a low E-grade metal might cost 5 E-grade Nexus Coins per kilogram, N said. Whereas herbs might cost the same per stalk. The unit depends on what kind of item it is.


    A processed item of a simr grade generally costs twice their rawponents with some sort of minimum fee, N added. The difference is a remuneration for the craftsman and to allow for some chance of failure.


    Zac nodded, but he was inwardly shocked. It really was a huge difference between The Twilight Harbor and back home. He remembered how he felt like a tycoon after ughtering beasts for a few days back on Earth, making over a hundred million Nexus Coins from kill rewards alone. Here, that only amounted to a handful of low-quality pills.


    No wonder most cultivators were broke.


    From there its very straightforward. Middle-grade items are ten times as expensive as low-grade, and the same goes for high and Peak-quality items. This means that a peak E-grade pill costs a thousand times as much as low E-grade pills, generally somewhere around 5,000 to 10,000 E-grade Nexus Coins.


    Above that are Pseudo D-grade pills, the grade that I guess young master generally uses. Those are pills partly made from D-grade materials, but are still consumable by E-grade cultivators. These are around ten times more expensive than peak E-grade items, but the span is a lot higher there, N said.


    Why? Vri asked after seeing Zacs nk look.


    Some Pseudo D-grade pills might contain 2% D-grade materials, and others 20%, N exined. Higher-grade materials are generally dangerous to imbibe, so it requires a far more skilled alchemist to put 20% D-grade materials into a pill while keeping it absorbable for E-grade warriors. Those alchemists would naturally charge a higher fee.


    So, a Pseudo D-grade pill can cost anywhere between 50,000 to 500,000 E-grade Nexus Coins. The risk of getting tricked when buying these kinds of items is the highest, where amon item is marketed as something full of expensive materials. Of course, the Karabas Pill House wouldn''t stoop this low, N exined. The lower grades are mostly standardized, and there are no pseudo-D-grade raw materials. They are either E-grade or D-grade.


    Anything else? Vri asked.


    Um..." Naha hesitated, seemingly unsure what would be pertinent information. "The efficacy increase per quality stage is roughly a factor of two. So a Middle-quality pill is twice as good as a Low-quality at ten times the price. The span is naturally a lot greater among the Pseudo D-grade pills."


    Zac nodded as though that was a matter of course, but he inwardly swore at the usurious pricing practices. He just paid a thousand times extra for items that were less than ten times as good as low-quality goods? Then again, eating a healing pill with eight times the efficacy was priceless when it was the difference between life and death.


    "Furthermore, this is just how pricing work for readily avable products. When ites to unique natural treasures with effects that cant be replicated by cheaper means the price can go anywhere. I have heard of unique E-grade treasures costing as much as Peak D-grade Pills, N continued with some longing in her eyes. Some items like that will likely appear on the grand auctions before the Twilight Ascent.


    Zac made a mental calction, and he could confirm that the prices Yilian had given him were more than fair if the pills lived up to the quality the Karabas Pill House was known for. However, he no longer felt like a financial tyrant, though his resources were still shocking for someone at his level. He also realized that the cash infusion might onlyst him to the middle stages of Hegemony or thereabouts.


    That was a future worry though, and it wasnt all bad. Prices had gone up, but that also meant the value of anything hed find in the Twilight Ocean would go up as well. If he managed to get his hands on a few once-in-a-century supreme treasures hed make enough money to actually make some Hegemons green with envy.


    The group eventuallynded on another disk, and Zac emerged from a cksmith ns storefront three hourster with a small mountain of weapons for his followers. Zac had managed to loot quite a bit from the Undead Incursion, but they didnt suit all his people.


    Furthermore, the smithy actually belonged to the local Elementals. They catered to both the unliving and the alive so Zac also managed to get an upgraded set of gear for the Valkyries. The new spears he had bought obviously couldnt match the Spirit Tool that Joanna used, but among non-spiritual E-Grade weapons, they were extremely high-quality.


    The following days continued in much the same manner, and Zac shored up on everything he or Earthcked.


    He hadnt initially nned on buying this much, but the level of Twilight Harbor far surpassed what he expected since it had connections to multiple proper B-Grade forces. He had even been forced to buy a few new Spatial Rings since the one he got from Vris predecessor was filled to the brim, and he didnt want to walk around with Ten Cosmos Sacks attached to his belt since that would ruin his image of a noble Draugr.


    Zac also followed up on Calrins sage advice and stocked up on huge quantities of materials that were scarce in the Zecia Sector. For example, he bought fifty thousand Soul Crystals in one go, even though they each cost 10,000 E-grade Nexus Coins. It was a huge expenditure, but Zac knew he would probably be able to make a profit even at this price point back home if he ever put them for sale.


    His inquiries into Soul Crystals had also exposed something extremely unexpected. Crystals in general were actually not graded in Twilight Harbor, but rather simply called Low, Medium, High, and Supreme-quality Nexus Crystals or Attuned Crystals. High-quality crystals were the same as D-grade crystals back in the Zecia sector, and the Low-quality the same as standard F-grade Nexus Crystals.


    The low-quality Nexus crystals were just at twice the price in Twilight Harborpared to Zecia, clocking in at 100 Nexus Coins each. The Medium Quality crystals cost 10 000, and the high-quality crystals cost 1 E-grade Nexus Crystal each. Above that were the Supreme Crystals, which didnt seem to have any equivalent in the Zecia Sector.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They cost 1,000 E-grade Nexus Coins each, and they were mainly used by Peak E-grade cultivators and Half-step cultivators. Early-stage hegemons generally used them as well to recuperate lost energy, but the crystals used by greater Hegemons werent actually Nexus Crystals at all.


    They were rather using something called Cosmic Crystals, which were clearly a far superior natural energy crystal. Their pricing was the same as Nexus Crystals, though they were priced in D- and C-grade Nexus Coins instead. However, only Low and Medium-quality Cosmic Crystals were publicly avable. The two higher grades were aimed at Monarchs, and they were essentially strategic resources of the biggest ns.


    Cosmic Crystals were probably what was called C-grade Nexus Crystals in the Zecia sector, but Calrin could not even get his hands on low-grade ones there. Perhaps theyd pop up on auctions on D-grade worlds now and then, but you definitely couldnt purchase them in stores.


    Even Zac would explode if he tried to absorb energy from a Low-grade Cosmic Crystal since they required users to have a Cultivators Core with their vast energy storage capabilities. But Zac had still bought ten low-quality Cosmic Crystals and one Medium-quality even if he couldnt use them at the moment.


    There was no telling when hed have direct ess to them in the future, so Zac figured might as well keep a few around. He also bought arge store of Supreme Crystals, both attuned and unattuned.


    Things finally calmed down after five days, at which point N seemed to finally have be inundated to Zacs shocking reserves of wealth. She had apanied him for one of his smaller purchases, but that visit to an incensary alone had run up a tab of over 50,000 E-grade Nexus Coins, which almost made N faint.


    Where to today, young master? N asked as she picked up him and Vri on the sixth day.


    Hmm Zac mused. I have bought most of what I need for now. I guess its time to visit the Eldritch Archivals.

 Chapter 690: Inheritance Crystal

    Chapter 690: Inheritance Crystal


    The little flying vessel immediately shot toward the disk where the Dao Repository was housed. Zacs shopping spree had not only shored up on things that his little sorely needed, but it had also given Zac a decent understanding of Twilight Harbor as a whole. The past days had doubled as a crash course that you simply couldnt get from reading a missive.


    He had seen tens of thousands of warriors who, just like him, were stocking up and preparing for the Twilight Ascent. He had even seen quite a few Hegemons making their final purchases, as it turned out that this generation''s Twilight Ascent was a "Double Grade-event". That thankfully didn''t mean Zac would have topete with a bunch of Hegemons, but rather that they had their own Trial simultaneously.


    Usually, the Twilight Ascent was an E-grade trial, with it asionally being swapped out by a D-grade version for Hegemons. Even rarer was the Monarch event, which only took ce once every 250,000 years or so. Thest one took ce just 20,000 years ago, and it was thest time the Twilight Lord had been seen in public. Many believed he had entered and gained some big opportunity that would allow him to take the next step.


    Finally, there was the Double-Grade-Event which was even rarer than the Monarch Event. The prevalent guess was that the Mystic Realm had an overabundance of energy and treasure, which resulted in two Trials in parallel dimensions instead of one. Each time such an event had taken ce historically, it had resulted in both amazing treasures being discovered and mass casualties.


    It was no surprise the atmosphere in Twilight Harbor was absolutely electrified.


    Vri had mostly tagged along during the past days for the experience, though she had made a few purchases meant for her cultivation. One of them was a Soul-Boosting array they found in the store of the Array n where Zac made a few custom orders of his own. It would help speed her cultivation up now that she was swapping away from the Nine Reincarnations Manual.


    His total spending over the past days had reached over 15,000 D-grade nexus coins, which was simply a monstrous amount of money even for E-grade cultivators in Twilight Harbor. But that investment wouldpletely transform every aspect of his forces, from defenses, to cultivation standards, to depth of heritage.


    He would definitely have a few Hegemons among his followers in a century or two unless they were all pigs in disguise.


    Most importantly, he had prepared a slew of materials meant to improve almost every facet of his own cultivation. The items he had bought were mostly things readily avable. They were still the best of the best though, which was saying something with the exponential costs of high-quality products.


    He doubted even Catheya could enjoy the kind of resources he had prepared for himself unless her master was a lot more generouspared to how most ns operated. Even then, some of these items were simply back-ups meant to be used in case he had to flee quickly or if he didnt find the things he needed in the auction in a few days.


    The auction would probably have amazing things but there were other factors to consider when bidding. This time there might even be Late-Stage Monarchs present, and offending them with only a fake n as backup was suicidal. He had already discarded any thought of getting the peak items, but he should be able to snatch a couple of useful things as long as he was willing to overpay a bit.


    Any further than that was risking his and Vris lives. He had avoided any ambushes so far thanks to his pure Draugr heritage, but he knew that he would have to avoid the spotlight for a while after his massive spending spree. After all, while order was pretty good in the Twilight Harbor, there was nock of desperate people either.


    That was fine with Zac though. The auction was tomorrow, and hed enter seclusion for a while after it was over. But first up was the skills, and Nnded her flying vessel in front of a building that looked like a supersized gothic cathedral with thousands of enormous miasmic fractals floating in the air.


    Young master, weve been expecting you, a ghost attendant said as Zac walked toward the entrance with Vri in tow. Weve been given instructions from the mistress to help you out to the best of our abilities. First, let me add a hundred years to your Token.


    Zac nodded in thanks, and his three-week visa suddenly turned into a century-long entitlement. He didnt know if adding a whole century was to showcase thepanys resources or if it was just an expression of goodwill. In either case, he wouldnt turn down something like this.


    Most continents charged by the week to outsiders, and the fee to stay a hundred years without joining a force had to be exorbitant. As for buying a plot ofnd and bing a native, that didnt require just wealth, but also deep connections.


    I am here to pick out a skill from the VIP section as well, Zac said.


    Certainly, the attendant nodded. However, there is the matter of the contract Also, young masters attendant cannot follow into the inner sanctum.


    I know, Zac said as he nced at Vri.


    The Mentalist didnt seem to mind. She rather seemed to be looking forward to perusing the skills in the public section.


    See if you find any skills you like and I''ll buy them for you, Zac said as he walked away, led by another attendant toward the area where the supreme skills were kept.


    Mister Arcaz ck, I presume? Wee, an elderly Draugr smiled when Zac reached the tightly-secured inner sanctum. I am Revault SharvaZi. The young mistress told me about your arrival. Please, peruse this contract at your leisure. After signing, I will take you to the Inheritance crystals.


    This old man was clearly a Hegemon, yet he had to call Catheya the ''young mistress''. Zac guessed that Revault was a branch member native to the Twilight Harbor, rather than someone sent here from the hearnds. Zac perfunctorily greeted the Draugr and took the crystal before he started scanning its contents. There was nothing unexpected in the list of uses for what essentially looked like an employment contract.


    The distribution of pearls was clearly stated, and Zacs only obligation was to help fight in case of ambushes or attacks, and to help run the purity array for his allotted time. The contract would mostly end after they were done harvesting pearls, but there was an additional use barring shes among the members of the group for the duration of the Twilight Ascent.


    There were also provisions that Zac could freely attack anyone attacking him and so on, though that was already guaranteed through the Apostate of Order.


    There is no use barring Catheya from attacking me? Just for me attacking her or the others? Zac said with a raised brow.


    Truthfully, there is not much use in putting such a use into the contract due to her master being powerful enough to break it, Revault said. Thats is why multiple uses are worded as though Mistress Catheya or other members are under no contractual obligation at all. The same goes for the other members of the party.


    Zac slowly nodded and read through the contract once more. It was true. Zac was essentially freed from any obligation at the first whiff of betrayal, but he would not be able to preemptively attack the others unless he was ready to withstand a contract bacsh. He eventually infused some energy into the crystal, which prompted a System-screen to appear.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This way, Revault smiled after Zac had confirmed his employment, and they passed through a series of extremely powerful arrays to reach an underground vault.


    The room was pretty simple, and the only thing was a series of light pirs with a crystal hovering inside each one. In front of the pirs was a que, probably describing the skill.


    There were only twenty or so Inheritance Crystals, but that by itself was a show of wealth considering there was always demand but never enough supply. For n SharvaZi to be able to put a dozen top-tier skills in a remote region like the Twilight Harbor was impressive, since this ce was obviously just one remote branch among hundreds of others.


    Zac walked from crystal to crystal, reading the descriptions carefully. Every skill sounded extremely powerful, but they also often had strict requirements to bring the most out of them. Thankfully, the Eldritch Archivals were a lot more professional when it came to descriptionspared to Bra. He was currently looking at a green hovering crystal with red runes covering it.


    <strong>[Endless Repose. Peak E-Grade, Upgradeable. Vitality, Dexterity, Spear-rted Daos, Poison-rted Daos. Creates a storm of poisonous spear tips with extreme prating power that can break past even High E-Grade defensive skills. Each stab creates a restrictive force equivalent to a Middle-grade Restrictive Skill and administers poison. Can be refitted to work with other sharp weaponry such as needles, thorns, and ws.]</strong>


    Zas read the description with interest, but he soon shook his head and moved on. The minutes passed as Zac walked from pir to pir in search of the most suitable skill. Almost every skill felt enticing to some degree, and it took a while to narrow it down to two skills.


    <strong>[Deathlock. Peak E-grade, Upgradeable. Strength, Endurance, Vitality, Death-rted Daos, Restrictive-rted Daos. Creates a number of Abyssal Graves that binds and locks down enemies. Also creates an absolute domain that disables up to High-Grade Movement Skills. The Skill at Peak mastery can even restrain weak Hegemons if infused with suitable peak Dao Fragment.]</strong>


    <strong>[Abyssal Phase. High E-Grade, Upgradeable. No attribute affinity, Death-rted Daos. Transforms the user into an abyssal wraith. During transformation, the user is nigh-invulnerable, nigh-invisible, and extremely hard to detect. Peak-quality movement speed boost.]</strong>


    One peak skill aimed at restraining, and one high movement skill. The efficacy of <strong>[Deathlock]</strong> spoke for itself, it was a restraining skill that matched extremely well with his attributes, and it could even be empowered by his Fragment of the Coffin. It was a perfectplement to his ss, allowing him topletely lock down the enemies inside <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, for example, and then finish them with <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>.


    He had initially considered getting a massive wide-scale finisher like <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgement]</strong>, but Zac had eventually decided against it. That was simply not the type of archetype his Undead ss had. It was more about stacking advantages in his favor with restrictions, domains, and corrosion. He was intractable and inevitable like death itself, like a precise and ruthless army who slowly whittled down the enemy while taking minimum losses themselves.


    Eventually, the enemy would be worn out, at which point Zac would end them in one swift stroke.


    The second skill Zac considered also provided extreme benefits. It was not only an amazing movement skill, but it even provided multiple additional benefits. It almost seemed like a perfect skill from the description. The best movement skills were generally Dexterity-based, which was a problem for his Strength-focused sses, yet this one had no such affinity at all.


    Furthermore, it provided a slew of other benefits. Nigh-invulnerability and invisibility? Zac could almost imagine turning into an abyssal wraith after he had trapped his enemies inside his cage, avoiding any harm while his enemies fell one by one. It is also purely death-based, with suited with his Dao, and he could fuse it further at the D-grade. There was only one thing that didn''t quite add up.


    Why is <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> ssified as a high-grade skill if it provides peak movement speed and all kinds of other benefits? Zac asked.


    Its the energy consumption, the old Draugr sighed as he looked at the Inheritance Crystal with some wistfulness. The skill turns you into a nigh-invulnerable wraith and allows you to move through a subdimension with such a speed that it might as well be considered teleportation, but the energy requirements are immense. Especially since you need to phase back and forth if you want to use the skill repeatedly.


    The effect is among the best Ive seen for a skill of this grade, considering that it does not only provide extreme speed, but also protection. But a movement skill with such high demands can ultimately not be considered peak quality, especially considering that activating the skill takes a while even for the most talented warrior, which can be lethal in a heated fight, the old manmented.


    Zac hummed in understanding. It was true, a skill that cost too much Cosmic Energy was ultimately useless. His new skill<strong> [Arcadias Judgement] </strong>cost a whopping 25% of his energy reserves while still at Early Mastery, but that was fine since it was a true finisher-skill. But what if <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong> demanded that kind of energy per step? Hed never use it.


    But his situation was unique. Not only was his energy pool massive thanks to his high attributes, but he even had <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> topletely circumvent the downside of a slow charge-up. The question was if it was worth it, or if it was better to instead take the peak restraining skill and getmon movement skill from the public repository.


    But ultimately, the various benefits of the movement skill were too alluring. He already had multiple restraining skills, and it wasn''t impossible that he''d get another one for the level 125 quest that always provided the second ss Skill of the E-grade. After all, the ss was called Fetters of Destion, yet it hadn''t provided him with any such skill yet.


    It sounds interesting. Ill take <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>. Who knows, I might able to perfect it, Zac said with a small smile. If not, it might serve as a good source when forming my own skills in the future.


    Very well, Revault nodded and took out a small crystal ball from his Spatial Ring.


    A shudder spread out through the whole room, and the hovering skill crystal disappeared into thin air. Zacs eyes widened a bit, as he had not realized he had been looking at an illusion at all. He wasnt able to touch the crystal through the protective sphere, but he had still sensed its energy emanations.


    Arge ck book instead appeared in front of Zac, and it emitted an extremely powerful aura, even eclipsing the Draugr Hegemon.


    Lord Book, the old man said with a small bow.


    <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>, paid for with contribution points, a soothing androgynous voice emerged from the book as it flipped pages until one depicting a ck chest appeared.


    The chest flew out of the page itself, leaving it nk, and Zac quickly stowed away the item. He obviously wouldn''t learn the skill here since using an Inheritance Crystal was like a skill impartment and an Epiphany rolled into one.


    Thank you, Zac said and stowed away the box before he turned to the old man. Can I purchase one of the skills here as well?


    I am afraid not, Revault answered with a shake of his head. Family rules. Truthfully, the main purpose of selling these limited skills is to provide favors and make connections with various powerhouses and ns, so we cannot sell them wholesale. What if a powerful warrior arrives one day and finds our stores empty?


    I understand, Zac nodded, though he knew that there would always be exceptions.


    Status and power was everything. They knew he was an elite hired by Catheya, which might garner some respect but not abject deference. His true heritage was obscure, intentionally so since he didnt actually have one. Inparison, if the son of an Undead Prince arrived, he could probably leave with half the skills in this ce if he wanted to.


    Also, if Zac had some rare treasures to barter with, then the Eldritch Archivals would definitely be keener on doing some more business.


    Ill also take a look at the public skills then, Zac said.


    I hope youll find something useful. I daresay, our n is fullymitted to this branch, so our heritage is not much worse than the average Kingdom-store. Furthermore, our limit on the VIP floor is one purchase per century, so youre very wee to return after a hundred years had passed, the old man smiled.


    Being told toe back in a hundred years almost sounded like a curse to an Earthling like Zac, but he knew it wasnt meant that way. The old man in front of him almost felt like a kindly old grandpa, but he was probably somewhere between medium and high D-grade. His lifespan was no doubt measured in the tens of thousands, and a hundred years to him was the equivalent to a few months for the average pre-integration human.


    Thank you for your guidance, elder, Zac said and slightly bowed before he left for the floor beneath.


    The issue of not having a movement skill in his Draugr form was finally solved, but there were other things he needed to shore up to turn himself into a perfect all-rounder.

 Chapter 691: Suspicions and Auctions

    Chapter 691: Suspicions and Auctions


    The skills in the public section of the repository were mostly Middle-stage, which meant the equivalent of a skill youd get from an Umon ss, though slightly weakened from the transcription. A few skills were high-grade, but most of them were either out of stock or had some sort of drawbacks that made them less popr.


    The Eldritch Archivals were in the same situation as most other merchants in the Twilight Harbor; a lot of high-end stock geared toward E-grade warriors had been sold out long before Zac arrived. After all, the Twilight Ascent only opened so often, and many would be dead or long past the E-Grade by the next time it opened.


    Everyone wanted some final upgrades before entering since it would increase their survivability rate and the potential returns they could get.


    Zac walked through the stores for an hour, and he ultimately settled on just two more skills for himself. The first was called <strong>[Gorehew]</strong>, and it was a pure Strength-based Medium E-Grade skill meant for axes, two-handed swords, polearms, and otherrger ded weapons. It was meant as an upgrade for <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> since Zac had essentially given up on that skill by now.


    It was pretty suited to his constitution, but Zac ultimately had to prioritize using his skill fusions on transforming his other skills into ones that suited his path better. <strong>[Unholy Strike]</strong> worked fine, but charging up his muscles with enough miasma to make a difference at his current level took way too much time. <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> didnt work on that skill either, perhaps because the skill worked by gradually expanding his muscles.


    <strong>[Gorehew]</strong> was a skill he could use repeatedly in battle, just like <strong>[Nature''s Edge]</strong>. It obviously wasnt at the level of his own skill, but it did have a good feature. As he ughtered enemies with the skill, the attack would gain a temporary boost in power and area of effect. Furthermore, the boost was stackable to a degree. It was a decent skill to clear out arge number of weak enemies at a low cost, when using his tactic of whittling down enemies was a waste of time.


    Zac didn''t have any ns on using it in the future. It was simply a temporary skill that would serve him well until he reached the D-Grade.


    The second skill was called <strong>[Undying Mark]</strong>, and it was a healing skill. The skill allowed you to continuously infuse Miasma until you formed a mark on your body. That mark was essentially like a stored healing spell. At low proficiency, youd be able to create three marks and at peak proficiency five of them. Of course, the healing effect would also increase with every increase in proficiency.


    Its strong point was that the healing skill could actually be used in battle for an almost instantaneous regeneration. The downsides were that it took hours to form the marks and that the effect wasn''t anything special. Zac still figured it was better than nothing, and he added it to his repertoire. Vri had a better haul, and she actually got three skills for herself, two of which she even felt were usable as a base for skill fusions.


    Zac was about to exit the Repository, but he stopped when he saw Catheya waiting by the gates. It was the first time he had seen her since their initial meeting, and Zac once more put his guard up.


    I heard youve made your choice. Be careful. <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> was a skill an external elder of my n learned around eighty thousand years ago. He was killed by a lightning-quick strike before he had a chance to activate the evolved version of the skill, Catheya smiled. Its quite lopsided, with both immense strengths and demerits.


    I have other defenses to rely on, Zac smiled back. Is everything arranged?


    Youre so business-minded, just like your junior brother. He kept asking me one question after another, like his time was gold, Catheyaughed. But yes, everything is arranged. My master was quite impressed with you, and hes signed off on you. As for the auction, I''lle pick you up tomorrow.


    Your master has checked up on me? Zac said with surprise, his heart almost jumping up into his throat. Hes free enough to spy on an E-grade cultivator?


    Zac had been alert all the time while traveling through the Twilight Harbor, but he hadnt felt a single thing. His bracer usually warmed up when someone was trying to inspect him, but the few times it had happened he had always managed to find the source. It was usually curious onlookers who hung outside the shops, perhaps looking for marks to scam or just gathering intelligence.


    But nothing had warned him of a probe from a hidden C-Grade Monarch. It was an important reminder. If some of those old monsters wanted him dead, then it was over. He wouldnt even have a chance to start generating an annihtion sphere or his defensive bangle before he was turned into atoms.


    He worries considering he cant enter that ce. More than one promising Imperial has fallen inside the Twilight Ocean over the years, Catheya shrugged before he gave him a deep look. Besides, he was curious about the one who has some sort of connection to my ancestor. He could confirm that you are pureblood Draugr just like we thought, but not even slightly rted to Ancestor BeZi... Just where did you pop up from?


    The universe is full of little mysteries. Youll go crazy if you try to understand everything, Zac smiled.


    For a while I guessed you were a progenitor just like Zac Piker, perhaps even from the same, Catheya mused, ignoring Zacsment. After all, some unintegrated worlds hold the uninitiated unliving. An undead forming alliance with the living against the Undead Empire? What a scandal that would be.


    But now youve changed your opinion? Zac said with a raised brow.


    I cant confirm any exact numbers, but I would say that you have spent over 3,000 D-grade Nexus Coins over the past week. Even if you sold 10 recently integrateds in a ce like Zecia you wouldnt reach such a worth. That kind of wealth can''t be found on a progenitor, it needs millennia to be umted. You must have a very powerful master, probably at peak C-grade. Perhaps even a Divine Monarch, Catheya said with a slightly victorious smile.


    Youve been keeping track of my purchases? Zac asked with a frown.


    Of course I have, Catheya snorted. But more importantly, word of a mysterious pureblood Draugr spending a prodigal amount of wealth on all kinds of basic necessities have spread all across the Harbor in certain circles. Mind telling me what youre up to?


    Ive just recently started gathering some followers of my own, Zac shrugged. I took the opportunity to buy some basic items for them.


    Zac kept his face impassive, more than happy to let Catheya form a misguided hypothesis of his origin. In fact, that had even been part of the consideration when going on such a wanton shopping spree. Catheya had participated in an integration herself, and she should be clear about the potential gains that came with it. Zac himself was good for just over 100 Billion F-grade Nexus Coins before Leandra threw money at him, and most of that was dividends his sister had generated.


    As for Divine Monarchs, he had heard something about it before. Apparently, it was a stage a bit simr to a Half-Step D-grade cultivator. But while Half-Step D-grade essentially signified failure, a Divine Monarch was the opposite. Each grade evolution was arger step than the one before, and there were some preparations needed to even attempt reaching B-grade.


    Zac didnt know the details, but if you managed to be a Divine Monarch you essentially had the base qualifications to attempt a breakthrough. Of course, there were no doubt a bunch of other requirements to be an actual Autarch, considering none appeared over millions and millions of years in the frontier sectors.


    I am starting to believe your story. You might actually be a real disciple of Ancestor or her partner, Catheya muttered. I still cant understand the connection between you and Zac Piker though But I will figure it out sooner orter.


    Best of luck, Zac said, trying his best to hide his difort. If theres nothing else, Ill see you tomorrow.


    What a bore, Catheya sighed. Ill pick you up at your ce.


    Zac quickly returned to hispound with the help of N, feeling like a thousand eyes were peeping at him all the while. He knew that he was ying with fire getting along with Catheya, but he had already started reaping the rewards. He held a lot of expectations for <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>, and his other skills weren''t too shabby either.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Besides, it looked like his mother hadnt lied to him down when it came to the array. It looked like Catheyas master couldnt find anything wrong with him, which meant that not a single person in the whole Zecia sector should be able to spot his perfected Duplicity Core. At least he worked under that assumption. He would probably have been caught by now if his human ancestry or real identity was exposed.


    Zac shrugged off any errant thoughts as he started walking toward his courtyard, but a cough from behind stopped him in his tracks.


    This, ah, young master This is thest day I was hired, N hesitantly said.


    Oh, right, Zac thoughtfully nodded. If youre avable, Id like to hire you until the Twilight Ascent starts. Same rate.


    Ah? Really? N eximed, her eyes lighting up. Absolutely. I will work hard to help out. Ill talk with my father if he has some more information he can share.


    Thats fine, Zac nodded, though he honestly didnt hold much hope for him divulging some high-value secrets. You don''t need toe tomorrow though, I''ll be busy."


    He and Vri entered the courtyard, and the two entered their own cultivation chambers to go over their new skills. Zac immediately took out the mysterious crystal he got from Lord Book, who Zac guessed was a Peak D-grade or even a C-grade Tool Spirit.


    Activating an inheritance crystal was pretty simr to a normal Skill Crystal, but when Zac infused the crystal with energy a flood of memories and impressions also assailed him. It wasnt as real as Dao Visions, but rather discordant snippets of the life of the External Elder of the SharvaZi n. It was almost like when he saw fragments of Aleas life sh by.


    The elder who left behind the skill was not a Strength-based fighter like Zac, but rather a poison master who had a hybrid fighting style. Part of it was based around daggers for closebat, with the other being the traditionalrge-scale poison attacks. His attributes had focused on Vitality and Dexterity.


    He had not gotten <strong>[Abyssal Phase] </strong>from his ss, but rather gained it as a reward in an extremely deadly Mystic Realm. The elder had sometimes used it defensively, but he had mostly used the skill as a tool for an ambush.


    The idea was for the skill to allow you to get into the heart of an army, unleash an avnche of carnage, and then slink away in the chaos unscathed. The detriment was obviously the activation time and massive energy consumption considering that it almost cost as much energy as a finishing strike.


    Zac saw the elder use it hundreds of times in different situations. Fleeing, attacking, ambushing. The skill had clear drawbacks, but the elder had almost be a virtuoso in controlling the rhythm of a battle to the point that he could activate the skill if needed. His fighting style was wholly differentpared to Zacs own, but he was still a cultivator who had walked much further than Zac himself.


    The scenes provided ample inspiration, and he only opened his eyes a few hourster.


    <strong>[E] Abyssal Phase - Proficiency: Middle. Be the Abyss. Bring them into your embrace. Upgradeable.</strong>


    Zac looked at the results with tion. He had actually managed to push the skill to middle proficiency in one go, effectively catching up with most of his old E-grade skills. It also felt like he personally had used the skill dozens of times, and he knew it wouldnt take long to properly integrate the ability into his personalbat style.


    It didn''t even feel like he needed to try it out since it was almost one with him, so he instead turned his attention to the other two skills. Most of the night was spent charging the three Healing Brands, which appeared along the upper part of his spine. He also practiced using <strong>[Gorehew] </strong>for an hour in his courtyard, but it was hard to get a proper feeling for the skill without any enemies.


    Finally, morning came, and Catheya came and picked him up while Vri stayed behind. Catheya''s vessel waspletely differentpared to N''s; it screamed of luxury. It was either made from some sort of spiritual ice or a pristine crystal, and it was covered in dense fractals. It was obviously a leisure vessel and not something you''d use in battle or mystic realms.


    Even then, its speed was over ten times greater than N''s low-quality vessel, and the surroundings shed by as they sailed on the Twilight rivers. An hourter they appeared on another teau close to the Twilight Ocean itself, this one far more hectic than anyone he''d visited before.


    Hundreds of thousands moved as a stream toward the enormous auction house and more and more kept appearing through the inds teleporters or flying vessels. Most were unsurprisingly E-grade considering the uing trial, but Zac could spot hundreds of hegemons flying toward their own entrance as well.


    Zac wasnt surprised about that considering this was a high-grade event. He was more surprised about the hundreds of people who lit up the surroundings with their undeniable life force.


    The livinges here? Zac eximed with some surprise. They dont have their own auctions?


    Well, they do, Catheya shrugged. But some items are useful for both the living and the undead. Besides, in a ce like this, there are quite a few of the cultivators who walk the many paths of Death. Might as well join the Empire if you n on going down that road if you ask me, but most seem reluctant to truly awaken.


    Whats is the point of cultivation if you lose your sense of self, Zac muttered. That might even be scarier than death to them.


    Perhaps, Catheya said with azy voice, clearly not very interested in the living necromancers or other death-attuned cultivators, before she turned to Zac with inquisitive eyes. So what are you looking for in this ce? Youve already bought everything from pills to armors, enough to form a whole D-grade force. What else is there for you to buy?


    "Who knows. Some for me, some for the followers I''ve raised," Zac said.


    Well, nothing beats the followers youve awakened yourself, Catheya agreed. But why havent you visited the Helman Bodyworks if you are starting up a force?


    Zac knew of the ce Catheya mentioned. It was a corpse store, dealing with both wholesale corpses and holding auctions for top-quality bodies.


    Ive only awakened enemies I feel worthy to follow me so far, Zac said.


    Well thats stupid, Catheya said as she shed a token at a guard that immediately let them inside the Auction house. You need grunts as well to manage the minutia. Buying a squad from a proper mortician saves you a lot of effort in cleansing and improving the bodies. Besides, in this ce, the bodies wonte with the attachments that might be problematic for you.


    Why are you so helpful all of a sudden? Zac asked with suspicion.


    Partly boredom, Catheya shrugged. Ive been stuck cultivating for twelve years since I left the Tower of Eternity.


    Twelve years? Zac asked, his eyes shing with realization. You entered a time chamber after the Tower of Eternity?


    Of course, Catheya nodded. The Twilight Ascent is a good opportunity even for me, but if I cultivated in real time I would have reached thete stages of middle E-grade at best. This way I''ll be able to aplish more.


    But the Dao, Zac said.


    Well, I just spent one year in the time chamber, and the other two in normal time, Catheya said. Its a worthy trade-off. Of course, in a perfect world, Id have another decade or two to perfect my foundations and Dao before the event.


    Zac nodded in agreement. If he had the opportunity he would have definitely wanted to do something simr. Losing one year of Dao meditation for ten years worth of node-breaking was definitely a worthy trade if you were nning on entering a specific trial. It also exined why Catheya had gained so much power since they metst.


    He had almost thought she had been provided with some divine treasure by her master, but it seemed the truth was a lot more straightforward. Still, operating a time chamber for a whole year was definitely expensive and not something anyone could do afford. Diligently cultivating for ten straight years was also pretty extremely demanding ones mental strength, and it made Zac somewhat see Catheya in a different light.


    The group was soon led to their seats by an attendant. It was a balcony overlooking a sea of participants and a grand stage in the distance. It was one of the lower balconies though, and powerful auras leaked from many of those in the top. All of them were from Hegemons as far as he could tell. Of course, it was likely that there were Monarchs present as well, just that they hid their energy.


    The first section will be aimed toward us, Catheya exined as she produced a stick of expensive-looking incense. Weapons, natural treasures, pills, high-grade talismans. Things that will be useful during the Twilight Ascent. The second section will be much shorter, and it mainly targets the big shots.


    We wont be thrown out for the second part, right? Zac asked, wanting to see the kinds of treasures that even Monarchs might want for themselves.


    Of course not, Catheya said. But be careful bidding against those old monsters or you might find your soul suddenly crushed while walking the streets. I definitely wont avenge you if you get yourself killed over a treasure.


    Well, whatever, Zac snorted at theughing Catheya.

 Chapter 692: Flaunting ones Wealth

    Chapter 692: unting one''s Wealth


    Zac wasnt offended at Catheyas disinterest in helping him in case of an auction-rted conflict arose. Their rtion was one of an employer-employee, where both used each other for benefits. Why should she stick her neck out? Zac definitely wouldnt do so if she got herself in simr trouble.


    The auction soon started up, but Zac wasnt overly invested in the proceedings. He felt that if you had seen one youd seen them all. He mostly enjoyed the incense as he swapped between chit-chatting with Catheya and reading up on the treasures up for sale.


    A surprisinglyrge number of the wares were weapons and spell amplifiers such as staves, wands, or censers, and some of them reached prices far beyond what Zac had expected. Zac figured that getting a perfect weapon was something youd prioritize from the get-go, rather than waiting until right before a trial.


    There were quite a few pills for sale as well, but they were barely any better than the Dawn series he had already purchased. But they still reached pretty impressive prices, as there were always some people who were ready to pay a premium to get the best of the best. Zac bought some pills and talismans topliment his stock but he started to get bored after a few hours.


    But finally something interesting appeared.


    Next we have unique recipe pill sets, and there are five sets avable today. Each set contains 25 pills, and we have tested their efficacy and can guarantee their effectiveness. The anonymous Alchemist calls them <strong>[Chainbreaking Pills]</strong>, and they are a must-have for mortals and cultivators aiming to reach thete E-grade in one piece. Their effect is simple; they loosen the resistance of Cultivator nodes, resulting in a smaller bacsh.


    These pills can save you time, and allow you to gain levels without worry inside the Twilight Ascent. Well start bidding at 25,000 E-grade Nexus Pill for the first set, the announcer eximed.


    A few cultivators immediately bid for the pills down at the public section, and the price rose by 1,000 E-Grade Nexus Coins one time after another. Zac definitely wanted these things, so he quickly bid 35,000, raising the current price by 6,000 E-grade Nexus Coins.


    Are you crazy? Whyd you want those kinds of pills? Catheya asked as she looked at Zac like he was an idiot. You might as well inject yourself with toxic sludge.


    What? Zac asked with confusion.


    The kind of pills that weaken the node walls are essentially poison. They are full of pill toxins. Look, not a single guest from the balconies is bidding. Its just the wandering cultivators with more money than sense, she exined. Besides, their effect is almost negligible for the third-tier nodes in your head, the only ce where it really matters.


    More money than sense, I guess thats me, Zac smiles as he raised the bid to 40,000 E-grade Nexus Coins.


    Pill toxins might be a problem for others, but not for him. It might force him to slow down his cultivation a few years to let his <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> Hidden Node cleanse the toxins, but it waspletely different from wandering cultivators who essentially had no method to get rid of the toxins at all.


    It was ultimately a low-cost gamble. He would save some time by making reducing the time it took to recover from breaking a node, and he would lose some time to rid himself of the toxins. If the benefits outweighed the disadvantages, then great. If not, he''d look for some other method to keep leveling without spending months in the sickbed from the bacsh.


    How embarrassing, Catheya sighed with a shake of her head. The others know this balcony is mine. Theyll think Ive lost my mind.


    What others? Zac asked.


    Scions of various ns, Catheya shrugged.


    Who cares? Isnt it only good if they think youre an idiot? Zac said as he raised the bid again to 55,000. Makes them underestimate you.


    Oh, so youre helping me now, are you? Catheya chortled.


    Exactly, Zac nodded, his mouth widening into a grin as he won the bidding.


    Zac bought the third set as well, which meant he now had enough pills to reach level 150 if the pills actually worked. Two small boxes arrived to the private seating area a few minutester, and Zac happily stashed them both away in front of Catheya who looked at him like he was an idiot.


    Wait, is it for your followers? she asked like she finally figured something out. It has to be. A Draugr wouldnt put something like that into their body.


    How do you know, have you met all Draugr in the world? Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Well, whatever, Catheya huffed. Your funeral.


    Zac only smiled and turned back to the auction. The next item he really wanted appeared twenty minutester. The auctioneer started to sell off one Race-boosting item after another, and Zac eventually bought a withered branch holding three identical fruits which were called <strong>[Fruit of Awakening]</strong>. Zac chose them because while their effect was powerful, eating them supposedly felt like being ripped apart. Those with weaker constitutions would even die from ingesting them.


    He was more than willing to exchange some difort for increased effect, and he dly paid the 560,000 E-grade Nexus Coins for the trio. He already had a set of Pseudo D-grade pills that would do the trick as well, but those pills ultimately contained toxins. Zac might have his Hidden Node helping out, but why waste its effect on unnecessary things?


    Zac also bought a set of Pseudo D-grade Leveling pills called <strong>[Aethergate Pills].</strong> Their effect was supposedly 50% greaterpared to the pills he had already prepared. That extra efficiency made the pills cost almost one D-grade Nexus Coin each, but it was definitely worth it. Others seemed to feel that way as well, which had resulted in a heated bidding war.


    Of course, there was a limit on how much people were willing to pay for a leveling pill when they could just take a normal pill and then cultivate for a month or two inside a gathering array to make up the difference. As for Zac, he didn''t have much of a choice. His foundations were almost absurdly heavy, and he required more than ten times the energy for a single levelpared to an average cultivator.


    If he didn''t use the best of the best he might reach the point of immunity before he made any significant gains.


    Catheya eventually got into the spirit of things and bought some items as well, though Zac could tell that her financial situation wasnt as good as his. She immediately stopped when prices reached 20% over the expected price, meaning she either didnt have the capital or willingness to overspend even when the Twilight Ascent was right around the corner.


    Eventually, Zac couldnt help but ask.


    If you need the items, why dont you just overpay a bit? Zac asked curiously. Some of the items you bid on only rose by 30% or so.


    Do you think everyone is like you? Catheya said with a scrunched-up face. My cultivation resources are mostly provided by the n and my master, but my standard allowance is just 10 D-grade Nexus Coins a year. I have less than 300 Coins on me. And thats considered pretty good. I dont understand what your master was thinking just showering you in wealth like that. It usually does more harm than good, making you reliant on it.


    Zac couldnt help but roll his eyes at Catheya, though it wasnt really evident with his pitch-ck orb for eyes. Only 10 D-grade nexus coins a year? That was 10 trillion nexus coins, a fortune that would eclipse some D-grade ns back in the Zecia sector. And Zac bet that if she really needed the money, it wasnt like her Master would hold out on her.


    Maybe if the items were for myself and I really needed them, Catheya added. But the things I bid for was ultimately for followers. I have budgets I need to follow since I have hundreds of them back home. Besides, my people are all capable. They have their own money. And if not, they can goplete some tasks for remuneration.


    I guess youre right, Zac nodded.


    It was a good reminder. He had only spent a fraction of the wealth Leandra provided him, but he knew he wouldnt be able to keep going like this. Currently, he was just spending without having any real ie. Itd take millennia to make up what he had spent over the past week with Port Atwoods current state of operations.


    Zac being a Mortal also meant that he essentially had to fight fate with wealth. Where others could just cultivate, he had to risk his life and use treasures. He couldnt keep using half his money on his followers. Theyd have to rely on themselves on the road of cultivation. It was the same with most ns. After some basic welfare, the members had to fend for themselves.


    A n simply couldnt stomach the cost of peak cultivation resources even for their greater talents, and there was no reason to do so. Even the greatest geniuses usually found themselves stuck at one bottleneck or another, often before they reached a level where they could actually contribute to the n.


    Meanwhile, hundreds of generations came and went for the Monarchs at the top. It was more cost-effective to breed more descendants since reaching the top usually required a series of unlikely encounters rather than wealth.


    The auction kept going for a full eight hours until things finally stilled. Zac hadnt made any big moves after getting the things he needed, except buying a few raw materials with strong Death-attuned or corrosive effect. He felt they were promising for <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, in case his problem was based on the feeding procedure rather than the materials.


    He had also managed to get his hands on 5 E-grade Dao Treasures, though none of them were of any impressive quality. Even then, the bidding for them had been extremely intense, with even people on the balconies jumping in. They ended costing Zac over 20 D-grade Nexus Coins a pop, while the greatest ones put for auction surpassed 500 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Dao Treasure normally wasnt anywhere near this expensive, but Catheya believed it was because of the Twilight Ascent. If Catheya knew that the trial would be based on the Dao, then so did hundreds of other factions. Zac wouldnt be surprised if Catheya had been provided with a set of Dao Treasures beforehand, meant to go together with the <strong>[Life-Death Pearls]</strong>.


    Zac was a bit tempted to buy up every single Dao Treasure, but judging by the frantic bidding and Catheyas warnings hed probably get himself killed if he did something like that. Besides, Dao Treasures were meant mostly as fuel for him nowadays, not something that he wanted to dictate his whole cultivation. It was a bit of a w in his old cultivation, where part of his insights wasnt perfectly aligned with his current envisioned cultivation path.


    He had made great improvements, in the beginning, thanks to Dao Treasures and the Dao Funnel, but his Dao Seeds had contained all kinds of odd facets of his Daos that werent necessarily useful for him. Now that he knew what direction he wanted to walk, he preferred to gain the insights on his own and then incorporate them into his Fragments with the help of a Dao Treasure.


    The next section is starting soon, Catheya said as the first part ended. Remember, the intended buyers now will be Hegemons and Monarchs. Be careful.


    I know, I know, Zac nodded.


    He didnt care, as he was mostly staying behind to broaden his horizons.


    The first item put up for sale was a Natural Treasure that Zac never had heard of before. It was called <strong>[Eternal sh]</strong> and it was actually a lightning bolt suspended in time inside a purple crystal. The treasure''s effects were as impressive as it looked; <strong>[Eternal sh]</strong> could both improve the Affinity to the Dao of Lightning while also having a good chance of opening lightning-attuned Hidden Nodes.


    It was an extremely good item, and it made Zac a lot more excited about the rest of the auction. However, he was a bit confused why an item like <strong>[Eternal sh]</strong> appeared here rather than as one of the ultimate treasures on the first part of the auction.


    Didnt you say the intended buyers were Hegemons? Zac asked.


    What E-grade cultivators can afford treasures like these, except you? Something like this will go for over a thousand D-grade Nexus Coins, Catheya said with a pointed look. Its still marketed for bigshots. If they have a particrly talented descendant or disciple, they might buy it as a gamble it''ll provide returns in the future.


    The item unsurprisingly went to someone at one of the top levels at the price of 15,000 D-grade Nexus Coins, and one amazing item after another appeared soon after. However, Zac soon noticed a pattern.


    There are no treasures useful for Life- or Death cultivators in a ce like this? Zac muttered with surprise.


    Those kinds of treasures definitely exist. After all, there are plenty of treasures like that in the depths of the Twilight Ocean from what I hear, Catheya muttered. But those treasures wont reach a public Auction this close to the Twilight Ascent. The bigshots have already snatched them up. But remember, every time you bid in this ce, you might make an enemy of a Hegemon or even a Monarch.


    Zac nodded again. He had been careful to avoid bidding against any powerful-looking cultivators for this very reason. However, Catheya''s warnings were slowly relegated to the back of his head as Zac saw a radiant treasure appeared on the stage.


    Next is an extremely rare item retrieved when the Radiant Temple discovered an unimed Ancient Realm two hundred thousand years ago. It was lost in the Twilight Ocean fifty thousand yearster, and just recently rediscovered, the Auctioneer eximed. It is called the <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong>. It is a one-of-a-kind essory with a unique natural treasure as its core, further perfected by a natural Formation.


    Zac looked on with interest, as this was the first time he had seen a treasureing out of an Ancient Realm. After all, those ces didnt even exist in the frontier sectors from what Zac had gathered. It was the same with Catheya as she slightly leaned forward in the chair with interest.


    Its effect is simple yet marvelous. It protects your fate while cultivating, reducing the risk of powerful bacshes. Its main use was to provide help for Mortals on the road of cultivation, lessening the dangers of breaking open nodes. It is even effective when forcing open the final nodes, drastically reducing the risk of death, the announcer said. This tool can help your less fortunate descendants walk further on the road of cultivation, perhaps even reaching Hegemony and gaining millennia of longevity.


    Catheya sighed in disappointment as she leaned back in her chair, but Zac''s reaction was definitely the opposite. This treasure was exactly what he was looking for, a far greater alternative to the nigh-useless <strong>[Shedding Mortal Coil-Array]</strong> he was currently relying on when breaking through. With his massive foundations he was already dreading theter stages of the E-grade. The recently acquired <strong>[Chainbreaking Pills] </strong>might be able to help out even though their effect seemed limited at the limited stages, but this particr treasure would clearly help all the way.


    The bidding starts at 5,000 D-grade Nexus Coins, the announcer said, making Catheya release an expletive.


    Zac could understand her disdain. Five thousand D-grade Nexus Coins to help push a Mortal to Peak E-grade? That was beyond extravagant, and there was unsurprisingly not a single bid even after half a minute. But the silence was like beautiful music in Zac''s ears, and he eventually bid the 5,000 when no one stepped forward.


    Six thousand, an ethereal voice countered after a short pause.


    Seven thousand, Zac said without hesitation.


    Are you crazy? Catheya wheezed as she pped Zac''s arm. That is the Veilplume Monarch. I hear her youngest son is a Mortal. Youll bring a cmity on your head if you insist on taking this thing.


    Eight, the voice answered, and there was an unmistakable sharpness to the voice.


    I must have it, Zac said without hesitation. What level is this monarch?


    Early Stage I think, why? Catheya asked with a frown.


    Your master can make her back down, Zac slowly said as he activated the bidding array.


    First exin why, and then well talk terms, Catheya said as she thoughtfully nced at the upper balconies. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Amon friend of ours desperately needs this thing, Zac said.


    What? Who? Your attendant, the soul cultivator? Catheya muttered. No wait, dont tell me?


    Zac Piker, Zac said. Helping me is helping him, which in a sense is helping your Ancestor.


    That crazy guy is a mortal?! Catheya almost screamed. How is that possible?


    "Nine thousand," Zac said into themunication crystal instead of answering Catheya, seeing as the bidding had almost run out of time.


    Zac only shrugged upon seeing Catheya''s re, though he wasnt as calm as he let on. He was ying with fire continuing bidding before he had secured protection. Hearing about the Veilplume Monarchs situation, she might consider him bidding for this item as a direct attempt at cutting the life of her child short.


    Ten thousand. Little brother, how about giving me some face and letting this one go? I will remember the favor, the Veilplume Monarch said.


    The words were kind, but it felt like the temperature in the whole auction hall had dropped a few degrees. Zac knew he might be in trouble considering that the Auctioneer didnt even dare speak up. Normally theyd intercede in tant attempts at suppressing the bidding.


    Catheya looked at Zac for a few more seconds, each moment feeling like an eternity until she took out amunication crystal. It looked like she exchanged just a few sentences, but Zac breathed out in relief when her furrowed brows rxed.


    My master can deal with this, Catheya said as a smile spread across her face. But we will require something in return.

 Chapter 693: Bumpy Ride

    Chapter 693: Bumpy Ride


    Zacs abyssal eyes moved back and forth. Back and forth between the ne being presented on the scene, its core shimmering with mysterious lights that called to the very depths of his soul. And to the congenial smile of hispanion, which seemed like a sword of Damocles over his head.


    What do you want? Zac sighed, feeling like he was making a deal with the devil.


    We dont need much, Catheya smiled. One request from each of us. I have a secondary mission in the Twilight Ocean, one that might put us in the crosshairs of some dangerous people among the living. I was nning on doing that with just my followers to help out, but I think things would go smoother with your help.


    How long? Zac asked with a frown.


    It will bepleted by the time we reach the Life-Death Pearls, but there will probably be some heated battles."


    I wont fight to the death, Zac said without hesitation, but Catheyas mouth only quirked up.


    Agreed, but you need to put in some real effort, Catheya countered.


    And your master? Zac asked as he nced at the scene, and he saw the announcer stare back at him. He waved at him to wait for a bit before he turned back to Catheya.


    He has a personal task for you. I dont know its contents, but he said it was simple enough, she said.


    Zac wasnt relishing the thought of owing one to a Peak C-grade Monarch, but did he have a choice? He and Kenzie had searched high and low for an item like the <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong> all over the Zecia sector over the past three years, but they hadnt even heard of an item that came close to this.


    This was probably his only shot since hed return back to Zecia after the Twilight Ascent.


    Agreed, Zac sighed as he activated the auction crystal just before the auctioneer was about to close on the item. Fifteen thousand. I apologize to the esteemed Monarch, but I am adamant about getting this item.


    A snort echoed through the whole venue a momentter, causing the whole room to vibrate ominously. But she didntsh out or try to pressure him, leading Zac to believe Catheyas master had already interceded.


    A few minutes passed, and Zac eventually looked down at the intricate box in his hands with mixed emotions. Not even Catheya seemed unaffected by the amount of wealth its contents represented. Hopefully, the effect of the <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong> was as great as it was proimed since the Veilplume Monarch had only backed down after running up the price to 40,000 D-Grade Nexus Coins.


    ording to Catheya, the Veilplume Monarch had alreadye to an agreement with her master, but she couldnt simply back down from an E-grade brat without punishing him a bit for his impudence. Thats why Zac found himself overpaying by almost ten times what the treasure was normally worth. Of course, it was always hard to gauge the value of these kinds of once-in-a-lifetime treasures.


    But suffice to say, an item that could only help up to the Peak E-grade definitely wasnt worth 40,000 D-grade Nexus Coins to most people or factions. A n could nurture millions of warriors with that kind of wealth, and some of those people might reach Hegemony. To use it to help a Mortal? Unthinkable, even if it was infinitely reusable, which Zac very much doubted it was.


    Of course, it was another story if the recipient bought the item for himself. Let alone 40,000, Zac would have paid over 100,000 D-grade Nexus Coins for something that would allow him to safely make his way through the High E-grade where node-breaking was synonymous with suicide for someone with as powerful a foundation as him.


    The intense bidding had caused some ripples among the spectators, but the auction soon continued again. It was a real eye-opener, and Zac looked on as one amazing item after another appeared on the stage. A few of them were even at the level of the <strong>[Eye of HarTheriam] </strong>he got from Yrial, and they caused multiple Monarchs to fiercely bid for them.


    However, other items didnt get a single bid, and the auctioneer eventually took them away after a minute. One of the items that garnered such tepid reception was a natural treasure that looked a bit like a heart wrought from dark-green crystal. It waspletely still, yet Zacs senses were tricked to think it was beating somehow.


    Its name was <strong>[Cardinal Kernel]</strong>, and it was a powerful bloodline treasure that was reputed to be effective in evolving and to a small degree purifying bloodlines. Its pricetag was somewhat shocking though for an E-grade bloodline-boosting treasure; 2,500 D-grade Nexus Coins. It was just a fraction of the price of his <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong>, but simr items had been sold during the first half where the price tag was rather set in E-grade Nexus Coins.


    Whats going on? Why is no one buying this thing? Zac asked as he looked down at the crystalline heart. It''s expensive, but its efficacy is extremely high.


    Its definitely a good item, though a bit overpriced, Catheya nodded. I guess arge part of the pricees from the excessive rarity, I have never heard of this thing before. I guess none of the old masters here feels it worth the investment. Besides, far from all bloodlines provide directbat capabilities that would help in the trial.


    Still, it shouldnt be too much money for a Monarch to buy this thing? Zac asked.


    Well, not really. But you have to look at it from their perspective. The kind of treasures they need might require them to scrounge and risk their lives for tens of thousands of years. Furthermore, just maintaining their inner worlds and keeping them from shrinking is a constant drain on their resources, to the point of bankruptcy for some. Meanwhile, new generations in their ns appear every thousand years. Why would they spend their hard-earned money on their 86<sup>th</sup>-generation grandson they might not even have met? Catheya said.


    If they did that for a few talents every generation theyd ruin their own cultivation. Theyd only purchase an item like this for a direct disciple they have really high hopes for, and if it would provide huge benefits, she continued. I guess theres no one here who both has a disciple that needs the item and who can properly extract enough value for it.


    So, I could buy this thing without drawing anyones ire? Zac asked with gleaming eyes.


    Sure, I guess. But possessing too much wealth can be seen as a sin. And Im not sure it will work on our Draugr bloodline, Catheya said with a shake of her head. Or do you have some odd mutation? Or is it for our friend again?


    That Comment revealed something interesting that Zac already suspected; that Draugr all had amon bloodline. However, he was more focused on whether he should go for it, if he should buy this item. 2,500 D-grade Nexus Coins was just a fraction of his wealth, but it might put him in the crosshairs of greedy opportunists.


    Catheyas master had only agreed to defend him against the Veilplume Monarch, not against the billions of greedy people in the Twilight Harbor.


    But his Bloodline was still just F-grade, and he hadnt made any real progress over the past three years. His Bloodline Method, <strong>[Bloodline Resonance]</strong>, only allowed him to gain basic control over his bloodline Talent, but it did nothing to actually improve it. The Shard of Creation had helped him make some improvements to the storage capacity of <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>,


    However, Zac wasnt sure if his actual bloodline was making any progress. Eating half a mountain was how he awakened the Bloodline, so Zac felt pretty confident that eating some more would keep progressing it. The <strong>[Cardinal Kernel]</strong> might not be enough to evolve the bloodline in one go, but it would be a first step in the right direction. Risk and reward Zac struggled with the two as the auctioneer desperately tried to get someone to buy the thing.


    But there was really no one interested. The auctioneer eventually gave up and turned toward an assistant to take the item away, forcing Zac to make a decision.


    2500, Ill take it, Zac said as he ced his bid.


    He had already unted his wealth. He might as well snatch a few more items and hide under Catheyas protective umbre on the way back, as long as it didnt directly garner him any direct new enemies.


    Unfortunately, most of the items that would be useful to Zac were useful to others as well, and the bloodline item was the only one he managed to buy. Eventually, the items put up for auction switched from treasures meant for juniors to items meant for the bigshots themselves. The true part of the second part of the Auction.


    Zac wasnt nning on buying anything in this part, but he did actually encounter an interesting item early on. It was a frozen organ that had fallen out from a spatial tear. It contained some spatial fluctuations along with other chaotic energies in the mix. There wasnt any real interest in this Peak D-grade body part among the cultivators, but Zacs eyes lit up when he saw it.


    It was definitely a piece from a high-grade Void Beast, one perhaps as powerful as the Collector itself. It was just an organ asrge as a steel drum, so it wouldnt hold a Beast Core. But the energy it contained was still much greaterpared to the Beast Cores he had extracted from the smaller Void Beasts.


    Those cores were still the best resource he had for quickly restoring his <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> and nurturing the <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, so he spent 1,000 D-grade Nexus Coins to buy the arm as well while Catheya looked at Zac like he was a fool. It might be useful to help evolve his Hidden Node, or at least serve as a source to rapidly fill up his reserves while inside the Mystic Realm.


    Eventually, the final items appeared, and Zac was surprised to see that the top item was a piece of bark with some markings on it. Of course, Zac knew it was something good since he got a splitting headache just from looking at the runes, but he was shocked to hear the frantic bidding. It eventually went for the obscene price of 18,300 C-grade Nexus Coins, a stark reminder the was just a financial paper tiger.


    The bombastic ending had closed the auction on a high note, and heated discussions spread through the hall as people started to leave.


    Alright, lets go back? Zac asked as he saw people streaming out from the enormous hall.


    Are you crazy? Catheyaughed. Im not letting you onto my vessel. Who am I, your Dao Guard? Sort out this mess yourself.


    What the hell? Zac said with a mix of exasperation and worry, realizing his n of hiding behind her skirt-tails had long been exposed.


    I told you to be careful, but you had to spend enough to make a Late-Stage Hegemon Green with envy, Catheya said with a roll of her eyes.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Didnt we have a deal? Protection for favors? Zac ventured.


    Master made the Veilplume Monarch back down, and she wont act against you during your stay. But there are other people out there, no? Catheya exined.


    Well, shit, Zac muttered. "Can you ask your master for me?"


    "He said that strength is required to hold onto your treasures. Prove yourself worthy," Catheya grinned.


    The adrenaline rush of his reckless spending was fast wearing off, his face sicklied over with the pale cast of thought. Of course, every purchase was for something he needed, the ne in particr. But his Spatial Ring had now turned into a hot potato, and he even had some thoughts of telling Vri to return home as he activated his escape bracelet.


    He had got his hands on everything he needed to purchase already, so leaving right now wouldnt be the worst thing in the world. Still, Catheya didnt seem too worried, and her master seemed to need his assistance with something. Perhaps he was overthinking things.


    Any rmendations? Zac probed.


    Well, youll be safe in your courtyard. Our n is guaranteeing the safety of all guests, and there is a Monarch standing guard of the whole disk. People also know my master is around, Catheya smiled as she took out a miniature vessel that looked a lot like a small luxurious skipper. Ill lend you a spare vessel.


    Thank you, I guess, Zac sighed.


    Dont look so glum, Catheyaughed. This is just a precaution. Youre still Draugr, only a fool would dare attack you.


    Thanks for putting up the gs, Zac grunted, which earned him a confused look in return.


    Zacs stature started to shrink the next moment, and he soon had a short but bulky build where his right arm was almost twice as thick as his left. His back had also be hunched over, and when Zac put on a grotesque mask he had already prepared, the transformation wasplete.


    Not bad, Catheya nodded appreciatively. Well, have fun.


    She walked out of the room the next moment, quickly blending in with the crowd. Zac waited for another minute before he shuffled out as well, and he quickly jumped on the lent vessel and flew away.


    His eyes were peeled in every direction, but he forcibly shuttled off at a pace that wouldnt raise any brows. He reached the area meant to take off without causing any waves, and he soon left the venue among thousands of different vessels shuttling to and fro. He kept vigil over the closest vessels, and he was relieved to see them doing the same.


    He already knew that these auctions sometimes turned into bloody affairs this close to a Twilight Ascent. There was no difference between risking your life here and inside the Twilight Ocean for a chance to be reborn for some people, and everyone was on edge. Nothing happened for a full hour, but that didn''t lessen Zac''s worries. He had reached the vast space between two teaus, and the risk for attack here was the highest.


    Some things couldn''t be avoided, and Zas soon sensed some killing intent heading his way. He turned over to see a group of five Late E-grade cultivators who had jumped off from a neighboring vessel, heading straight for him. Had he been exposed? Or was it because his vessel looked expensive?


    Four sinister chains shot out with almost blinding speed, and two of them were wrapped around a cultivator each before the attackers even had a chance to react. Another one of the chains had punched straight through a Corpselord''s chest, and he had instantly been turned into a gristly ornament to Zac''s weapon. Only one managed to activate a movement skill in time to dodge in time, but the chain was unrelenting.


    Zac himself had already taken out a spare shield, and he almost instantly grew to five meters as he activated his peak mastery <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]. </strong>There were still two free cultivators, one of which clearly a Dexterity-based assassin, while the other one was a straightforward warrior. It was the assassin who kept dodging the chain, but he suddenly found himself right in front of Zac.


    The massive bardiche was already right next to the assassin''s throat and a sinister ck swirl caused it to emit a terrifying aura. The assassin tried to sh away, but it was much toote; he was within Zac''s domain now. His head was lobbed clean off, and a torrent of ck ichor soon turned into a frozen flower as it fell into the Twilight River.


    Some of the ichor didn''t actually float out into the emptiness of space, but it rather entered the ck swirl to cause its aura to increase to even greater heights. Zac didn''t pause to celebrate the kill, but he rather shot toward the warrior who still was running free. The man had already realized his group had hit an iron te, but he looked around in confusion as he was rooted in ce while trying to flee through the void.


    This was one of the benefits of pushing <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath] </strong>to peak mastery. Its taunting effect was still effective even at this stage, though it onlysted a second or two before most could ovee it. But that was enough for Zac to catch up, and a five-meter jagged scar of pitch-ck ichor hacked into the warrior''s defensive barrier, instantly cutting it in two.


    Another hack with <strong>[Gorehew] </strong>ended the man''s life, and thest two attackers were firmly caught by this point, one of them locked into a morbid embrace with their impaledpanion. Zac was pleasantly surprised by his new skill. It wasn''t fancy or had a lot of functions, but it could fully scale with even his attributes and its edge was extremely sharp.


    Besides, the skill had already grown another meter in length after the second kill, indicating that the jagged edge could be a real terror in the middle of a packed horde of enemies.


    "Please!" one of the two captives scried as Zac dragged the two captives toward him, but Zac only released a sinister chuckle from behind his mask as his grotesquely oversized right arm cut her and herpanion in two, ending the fight.


    It had taken less than three seconds since Zac shot out his chains, but all five attackers were already dead. Their body parts joined the Twilight River one by one as Zac jumped back onto his vessel and sailed away as though nothing had happened, confident that his disguise hadn''t been broken. However, Zac didn''t feel any relief even when the neighboring vessels gave a slightly wider berth to his vessel as he continued his journey.


    His trip home was bound to be a bumpy one.

 Chapter 694: Oppressive Might

    Chapter 694: Oppressive Might


    Ruthlessly ripping apart the group of opportunists had given Zac a breather. But it would take over four hours to return, even when using the Twilight River for a speed boost and spatial maniption. There were also multiple teaus he needed to pass, and each one might have cultivators lying in wait.


    Nothing happened for fifteen minutes after the initial attack, but a sudden and massive explosion in the distance drew everyones attention. It was far into the void between the tforms, and it looked like a tremendous eruption of a mix of death and fire. Judging by the force contained in the explosion, it definitely wasn''t a struggle between E-grade cultivators, but rather proper Hegemons. Even if it was just an array or talisman going off, something of that magnitude would have to have been powered by a D-grade cultivator''s core.


    A sudden scream of danger made Zacs hair stand on end, and he barely had a chance to send an activation to a defensive talisman and turn <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>into a shield. A thick barrier sprung up around him, but it immediately dimmed as some sort of ck haze glommed onto it. Zac realized that someone had used an array breaker to counter his talisman, but the slight dy had allowed him to maneuver his shield just enough to block out an extremely prative spear stab that crashed through the weakened shield.


    Zac was thrown off from his vessel by the condensed force, and he soared almost a hundred meters into the void. He waspletely fine from the strike, but others werent quite as lucky. The enormous explosion had grabbed everyones attention to some degree, and over twenty parties had taken the chance tounch attacks on neighboring vessels at that moment.


    Battles were raging for a stretch of thousands of meters on the Twilight River, with all kinds of powerful energy outbursts. However, apart from the enormous battle that raged in the void, it looked like all thebats were between E-grade cultivators. He hadnt heard anything, but it was possible that Hegemons were hesitant to fight close to the rivers?


    A battle between D-grade cultivators might damage the rivers themselves, which could have huge implications since they essentially were the lifeblood of the whole Twilight Harbor. But if that was the case, then Zac definitely didnt want to stay too far away from the river. He quickly started to expel some miasma to counteract the slight gravitational pull from the closest teau as his eyes swept back and forth in every direction, trying to any hints of his attacker.


    However, the man was simply gone.


    Had he realized that Zac was too hard a nut to crack and targeted someone else? Or was he still lying in wait? Zac couldnt tell for sure, but he activated another defensive talisman as he made his way back to his boat before it was dragged away by the Twilight River.


    Zacs nerves were taut as he stepped back the vessel, but he somewhat rxed when he sensed the familiar aura of the spearman a few boats over, locked in battle with what looked to be a poison master. He briefly considered joining the fray to get some revenge, but he didnt want to bring any trouble down on his head.


    Instead, he threw out a couple of Peak E-grade Talismans, turning his flying treasure into a small fortress. He had avoided doing so until now out of fear that it would cause more harm than good by drawing attention to himself, but a number of vessels had already done the same after seeing how chaotic the river had be.


    Another enormous explosion erupted in the distance, and Zac vaguely saw an obscured figure fly toward the closest teau with a speed that far surpassed anything that was possible in the E-grade. As expected, the chaos had caused another wave of carnage, but Zac and hisyers of defenses werent one of the targets this time. Hopefully, that meant his identity was safe.


    Things calmed down over the next two hours, though Zac did have to fend off two more attacks before he was left alone, though none of them managed to push Zac to the point he had to disy any of his hidden cards. The battle left the flying vessel somewhat in tatters though, but Zac didnt really care.


    He had a feeling that Catheya gave him this opulent thing just to cause some trouble, and he was more than happy to see it fall apart as a small act of revenge. In fact, the more he thought about it, the more he felt that Catheya had orchestrated this whole situation to some degree, probably in an attempt to extract some more secrets from him. Perhaps she was somewhere close, observing him whileughing at his struggles.


    Zac and the surviving members eventually reached a hub where six different rivers converged, and the traffic essentially returned to normal as the auction goes split up and took whatever river led to their own tform. Over ny percent took two rivers that would pass by one of thergest teaus; Hanging Twilight.


    It was one of the world disks that was controlled by a number of local ns, and it was also one of the most popr ces to stay for wandering cultivators and guests. Since over fifty of the strongest ns also lived on the ind, it wasnt really surprising that so many were going that way. Zac was not one of them though as he continued toward the teau controlled by n SharvaZi and a few other factions.


    Suddenly he found himself traversing the Twilight River all alone after hours of being surrounded by others, but that actually didnt let him rx at all. If anything, his unease only grew as he sailed further and further away from the group of people. His flying vessel flew as quickly as possible as he scanned back and forth, and there was nothing. There was no way an E-grade assassin in hiding would be able to keep up with his speed for so long.


    Zac should be safe, but he felt a threat to his life.


    It was extremely mute, but Zac had long learned to trust his instincts. He let Miasma churn through his body for a few seconds before he took out one of hismon Escape Talismans. The action confirmed his suspicions as a figure radiating an immense killing intent appeared just a few hundred meters away, and Zac wasn''t surprised to find his talisman blocked from activating.


    There was no hesitation as Zac instantly activated his new movement skill with the help of <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, as anyone who could seal space was far more powerful than he. For a moment, there was only endless darkness that contained a very familiar feeling. It was the very same ancient aura that marred any skill he activated with his bloodline talent.


    He was only stuck in that endless Void for an instant before he was returned to reality, though everything looked very different from his normal sight. His vision was monochrome, and it felt like time had slowed to a crawl. The river almost looked frozen in time, but Zac was more worried about the radiant beacon of intense deathly energies making its way toward the vessel he floated on in his intangible form.


    It was obviously not some source of light, but rather an immensely powerful cultivator who lit up his surroundings with the immense powers hidden in his body. Zac was still unable to properly gauge Hegemons, but he guessed that the attacker was a Middle Hegemon at the least. There were no two ways about it; he had been exposed by this person. Why else would someone like this target an E-grade cultivator?


    Zac hadnt seen the attacker at all until he forced him to make a move, but it was now impossible to miss him. Zac guessed it was another advantage of his new skill, but he was more worried about escaping. He immediately flew off from his vessel, making a beeline toward the closest continental disk. Reaching that ce wouldnt guarantee his safety, but it was a lot better than being in the middle of the void.


    He was like a gust of smoke as he shot through the Void, neither bound by gravity nor theck thereof. He was propelled by an immense expenditure of Miasma, like an invisibleet rippling through space.


    The Hegemon maintained his course, and his hand turned into a hundred-meter wide w that snatched up the whole vessel. The defensive talismans Zac had left behind were instantly crushed along with the ship itself. The attack seemed somewhat slow from Zacs vantage, but he knew that it was an illusion of sorts. His perception of time waspletely off in his current form, and he knew that less than half a second had passed since the Hegemon appeared, even though it felt like 10 seconds.


    If he hadnt used his Bloodline Talent to activate the skill, he would have been turned to mush. But thanks to his cheat he was alive, and Zac desperately flew further and further away from the attacker. However, his heart sunk when he felt a ripple pass through his intangible form. Zac immediately turned his "eyes", or whatever he was currently using to see, toward the Twilight River, and he saw the Hegemon looking right in his direction.


    A momentter the assant set out, aiming straight for Zac who kept moving as quickly as his new movement skill would allow. He had already moved thousands of meters at the expenditure of a huge amount of Miasma, but it wasn''t enough against someone a whole grade above him. The cultivator was shortening the distance between them without breaking a sweat, and Zac eventually saw no recourse to give up on his form.


    He suddenly turned back into his "real form", and he desperately activated one of the ace talismans he had prepared, forcibly moving him a thousand meters even though the spatial lock was in ce. That was only dying the inevitable though, and Zac desperately ripped off his mask as he turned back into the form of Arcaz ck.


    Halt! Im Draugr of the Empire! Zac roared as the force of Annihtion gathered in his body.


    Part of him still hoped that Catheya''s master woulde to his rescue, but he ultimately couldn''t rely on something like that for his survival. No matter some truths about him were exposed he would have to go all out here. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The attacker was clearly undead, and his race would hopefully give him pause for long enough to charge an Annihtion Sphere. That was the only thing that would get him out of this situation, and Zac saw his opportunity when the undead really did pause for a second. Zac finally got a clear look at him; a Corpselord mainly consisting of bestial parts.


    Zac didnt recognize him at all from the auction, and he even guessed that he had visited with the explicit purpose of robbing bidders. Perhaps, he hadnt even realized that Zac was a Draugr. Most people should know it since the balcony belonged to n SharvaZi, but there were quite a few temporary visitors in the area.


    In either case, the truth was unclear, but his short hesitation did give him some breathing room. Unfortunately, not enough as the Corpselord clearly made his decision as he shot forward once again, using a speed so fast that Zac could barely see him.


    The world suddenly froze as a spear of ice vertically split the universe in half.


    One moment there was nothing, but the next a frigidnce stretched for hundreds of thousands of meters in front of Zac. It really looked like a bolt of lightning frozen into ice. It was unfathomably long, but only a few dozen meters thick. The size of the attack was not the only shocking thing about it, but Zac was more mesmerized by the runes that covered its surface.


    It felt like the runes held all the secrets to the chill of the night, of the frozen tundra and the cold of the Void itself. It was endless and unfathomable, and Zac realized toote that he was in trouble. The runes hadpletely mesmerized him, and it was now toote to leave. His whole body was immobilized by the endless chill.


    Even a massive section of the Twilight River in the distance had turned to ice, and space itself seemed frozen in ce around the enormous bolt. Zac felt a pervasive, bone-chilling cold rapidly seep into his bones, and nothing he did had the slightest effect at curtailing the creeping death. He found himself locked in ce, helplessly staring into the horrified face of the Corpselord.


    If Zac was in a bad situation, then it was obviously worse for his attacker. He had been swallowed whole by the ice spear, and his body was rapidly disappearing, freezing to the point that he became purified ice. Soon enough it was just a head stuck in a visage of fear and pain. And then he was gone.


    Zac felt his vision cloud over a secondter, but the cold left on its own ord even when he suddenly found himself surrounded by a blizzard thatpletely blocked his sight of the surroundings. A gust of wind caused the snowfall to congeal into what looked like a five-meter avatar, and Zac heard a voice in his head.


    "This one acted in hopes of pleasing the Veilplume Monarch, and he was adequately punished," the voice said. "As for your part of the bargain..."


    A yellow sphere asrge as a basketball appeared in front of him the next moment, and Zac immediately felt his scalp prickle. He had no idea what it was, but it felt even more terrifying than an atomic bomb.


    "Put it into your Spatial Ring," the avatar said, and Zac reluctantlyplied.


    The moment he touched the thing to stow it away, a small brand appeared on his hand.


    "Drop this egg into the Twilight Chasm. Never take it out before you reach that ce, or the brand will kill you. Take off your Spatial Ring, and it will kill you as well. Ignore the mission, and you will die in three years," the voice continued, and the next moment the surroundings returned to normal.


    Only a final warning echoed out in his mind as Zac looked around in fear. "Do not tell my disciple about the details of this mission, or the brand will kill you."


    Zac looked down at the blue mark on his hand as it faded away, knowing he was deep in it now. The Twilight Chasm was in the absolute deepest part of the Twilight Ocean, the ce where only the most powerful people could reach. The pressure from the immense Twilight Energy at that ce would kill most men in a heartbeat.


    However, he didn''t even get a chance to react to the shocking events before arge rune appeared a few hundred meters away, after which a dozen warriors stepped out. Zac''s first reaction was to flee, but he quickly calmed down when he saw the robes the warriors were wearing. It was an enforcement squad directly under the Twilight Lord, which exined why they could appear in this remote sector so easily.


    Young master, may I ask what transpired here? the Revenant captain asked as the Human fearfully looked around.


    I was attacked by a Hegemon on my way back from the auction, Zac sighed. My Dao Guard had to step forward.


    That was obviously bullshit, but it was simpler this way than telling the truth. As for the guards, there was no way to tell. They had probably been sent here to see which Monarch had made a move, and when they saw he was a pureblood Draugr they wouldn''t want to get too involved.


    I see, the Guard Captain nodded. Do young master require any assistance?


    Hes dead now, Zac shrugged. But he destroyed my vessel and I dont have a spare. Can you send me to my residence?


    Certainly, the Revenant quickly nodded as he took out arge flying treasure.


    Zac jumped onto the vessel he used as the living members of the City Guard flew away. The Revenant captain wasted no time as he set out toward the hotel, with his soldiers acting as private guards to Zac as they formed a War Array around him. This was obviously just some grandstanding considering there was a hidden Monarch guarding Zac for all they knew, but Zac believed they definitely couldnt let a Pureblood Draugr get attacked twice in short order without getting in trouble.


    As they closed in on the hotel, Zac went over the series of events, trying to discern whether he had exposed anyrge secrets. Thankfully, he believed he hadnt made any big mistakes. There were no special hints from using <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, but he had rotated his Miasma for a while to hide the truth of his Bloodline Talent.


    He might have leaked out some aura of Annihtion, but Catheya''s master shouldn''t be too surprised even if he had sensed it. Vri clearly bore those marks on her face, and he had released terrifying amounts of Annihtion during his rampage in Base Town. For all Catheya knew, all of them were connected to the Dao of Oblivion through Be''Zi.


    As for everything else, Zac would have to slowly go over itter. First and foremost, how was he supposed to survive going to the most dangerous ce in the Twilight Ocean?

 Chapter 695: Breaking Shackles

    Chapter 695: Breaking Shackles


    Getting stuck with such a deadly mission was a shock, but it wasnt like Zac hadnt thought of heading over to the Twilight Chasm before. After all, it was the endpoint of the Twilight Ocean, the spot where the greatest treasures could be found.


    The Twilight Ocean was essentially an enormous where you started on a continent on one pole, while the Twilight Chasm was on the other end. The description wasnt exactly true though, as the realm itself was somehowyered in ways that Zac couldnt understand. It was possible to enter a stream that shot through the ocean, and suddenly find yourself on what should be the opposite side of the Mystic Realm, saving months of travel time.


    Finding the Twilight Chasm was easy, but only the best of the best could survive in that ce. The Twilight Energy alone was enough to instantly corrode the souls of 99% of all participants, but that was just the start. There would also be extremely powerful Peak E-grade beasts patrolling the waters, and you also had to contend with all the peak power trial takers. Zac had only nned on going if he felt confident about his survival.


    But now he was essentially given what could be considered a suicide mission, and Zac struggled to understand why Catheyas master would give him a task like this. His mothers array was supposed to hide any details of his cultivation inside his body, making him appearpletely nd through some unknown means. Yet Catheyas master seemed to believe him able to reach the very depths of the Mystic Realm, something that most likely was impossible even for his own disciple.


    Zac doubted that a peak C-grade Monarch would be so roundabout if he simply wanted Zac dead. Perhaps he believed that Zac would be able to resist the ambient energy long enough to at least reach the Chasm,pleting the task before he sumbed. Or perhaps he had found something indicating an ability to exceed expectations inside the Twilight Ocean when scanning Zac previously. Had his desperate escape from the Hegemon been so impressive he felt that Zac had what it took to reach the end? It was impossible to tell.


    It was also suspicious that he didnt want his disciple to know what was going on. Was it just that he didnt want his disciple heading for the dangerous Twilight Chasm, or was there more at y beneath the surface? Zac felt it was all rted to the secondary mission Catheya mentioned, but he still had absolutely no idea what that entailed.


    Ultimately, he didnt have much choice but to follow through. The blue mark on his hand had already sunk into his body, and Zac couldnt even sense it any longer. He tried activating <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong>, but there were no signs of its whereabouts at all. An E-grade skill was simply too low-graded to expose a Peak C-grade mark.


    The good news was that he didnt immediately need to set out to the Chasm, even though it felt pretty bad walking around with that ominous thing in his Spatial Ring. He could spend a year or two working on his cultivation inside the trial and only then set out toward the depths. He was already at the precipice of evolving his Fragment of the Axe, and when adding the Life-Death Pearls he was ted for a huge powerup.


    The enforcement squad eventually reached the tform, and they actually led Zac all the way to his courtyard just to be safe.


    We have been given a new order, the Revenant said. Two captains will be stationed outside your courtyard, and they will apany young master up until the trial. Dont worry, we will not impede on your daily life.


    Thank you, Zac nodded, and the guard captain sat down a hundred meters away from the gate, closing his eyes in meditation.


    The VIP-Treatment might be because of Catheya''s master, or it might just be protocol. The Council probably didn''t want Monarchs running rampant in the harbor, and keeping the young elites out of trouble was a good way to help keep the peace. In either case, it would be a relief to have two Hegemons following as a deterrent. Otherwise, hed be hard-pressed to go out again.


    Unfortunately, it looked like the leisurely days of traveling around on Ns dingy vessel were over. He would have to let her go, as to not get her involved in his mess. He and Vri were only temporary guests, but N would have to make do in this ce even after he left.


    I dont want to be disturbed for the rest of the week, Zac said as he turned to an attendant that stood waiting by the gate to his courtyard.


    Certainly, young master, the early E-grade Revenant quickly nodded. If you have the need for any of our services feel free to contact us through themunication array installed by the gate.


    One thing, Zac said after some thought. Do you have any allies among the Dreamers, someone reliable who canplete a few errands on the Life-attuned inds?


    Thats the attendant said as he nced at the guards who still hadn''t left the area. Security is quite strict around this time


    Oh, nothing like that, Zac snorted. I just need someone to make some purchases for me, but I dont want to visit those life-attuned ces myself. It has to be someone who has ess to premier establishments.


    I will ask my manager, the assistant nodded, but his face indicated that this shouldnt be a hard request to field.


    Good, have the person visit me in one week, Zac said and the Revenant quickly bowed as he closed the gates to his courtyard.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac activated a series of istion arrays the moment he closed the doors. The arrays were clearly of high quality as he had never sensed a ripple of energy from his surroundings. He couldnt sense the Hegemon or his soldiers waiting outside either. They were definitely enough to shield his activities as well, but he also erected a private array for his own peace of mind.


    Of course, if someone like Catheyas master wanted to spy on him, there was probably not much he could do about it. Thankfully, he wasnt nning on doing anything he desperately needed to hide over the following days.


    What happened? Vri asked with worry when she saw Zacs harried form.


    He had some shallow wounds as his robes were tattered in various ces, though the tears were fast mending. He had long since upgraded the Tool Spirit robes he bought from Yrial, and with the help of the Gemlings back home he had managed to infuse a burgeoning intelligence in the Tool Spirit. It was still a far cry from Verun, but it was a step in the right direction.


    He had also unlocked the third skill of the robes, which was a transformation ability. It had allowed him to turn the previously white robe into a ck-and-silver cut that suited his Draugr persona far better. Its defensive properties were worse than his own body and his skills though, but Zac knew that Yrial used these robes more for the aesthetic than its properties. You''d need a peak-quality defensive Spirit Tool for its skills to be of use to someone like Zac.


    That changed at D-grade though. Reaching D-grade meant gaining the ability to power your equipment with the vast energy stored in your Cultivator''s Core. Only then could even normal Defensive Equipment produce effects strong enough to match that of proper skills. That was also another reason why it was so hard to kill Hegemons; even the poorest of the bunch had scrounged up for at least one or two D-grade defensive items that could block powerful strikes.


    A few items appeared that I really needed at the auction, Zac sighed as he waved away Vri''s ministrations. I drew too much attention and was attacked on the way home.


    Should we return home? Vri asked.


    I cant, Zac slowly sighed. Catheyas master personally intervened, but he forced me intopleting a mission inside the Twilight Ocean. Ill die if I go back to Earth now.


    That bolt of ice Was that him? Vri asked, a bit of killing intent leaking out from her body.


    You sensed it? Zac asked with surprise, considering how far away the battle took ce.


    It was like the universe was cut in two Monarchy she mumbled with a frown.


    Well get there sooner orter, Zac smiled. Ill give him a good thrashing when I reach that point. But for now, I need to enter seclusion for a bit.


    The auction had ended just four hours ago, but Zac couldnt wait to start using the things he had bought. The recent events only reinforced the fact that he needed to get stronger, and quickly.


    I will wait outside, the Vri said as Zac entered the basement where a sealed cultivation chamber was built. Let me know if I can do anything to help.


    Zac didnt waste any time after the vault-like door closed behind him. He reced theplimentary prayer mat with a peak-quality mat he bought the other day and lit three sticks of incense around it. The room was immediately filled with an earthy herbal aroma, and Zac felt his mind enter a state of tranquility as the waves in his Soul Sea noticeably stilled.


    The sticks were called <strong>[Serenity Incense]</strong> and were among the cheaper items he had prepared for today. Their effect wasnt anything special except helping one keep a calm and steady mind, which could lessen the risk of mishaps during breakthroughs. He originally wasnt nning on using them just for eating a bunch of pills and treasures, but he was still a bit shaken aftering face to face to not only a Hegemon but also a Peak Monarch.


    His frazzled mind was quickly soothed by the aroma and the mat, and he soon took out the <strong>[Stone of Hope] </strong>and hung it around his neck next to <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. He didnt really feel anything different from equipping the item, except a slight cooling sensation. There was a brief information crystal provided with the purchase, and it said that he didnt need to do anything except to keep the thing on his body for it to work. Zac wasnt too sure whether it would help when eating treasures though, since it was designed to help when forcibly breaking open nodes.


    The next thing Zac took out was one of the first things he bought at the auction; the three <strong>[Fruit of Awakening]</strong>. Zac immediately pushed the first one into his mouth and swallowed after chewing a few times. Nothing happened for a second, but Zac suddenly felt a sharp pang of pain in his gut. He hunched over with a grunt, but the prickling pain just increased in severity over the following minutes.


    One moment it felt like he would soil his pants, but the next it felt like he would vomit as waves of warmth spread through his limbs. Meanwhile, it was like his pathways were on fire. Zac didnt panic though, as he knew this would happen. His whole body wasing alive, wherergely ornamental organs regained their function.


    The processsted for three hours, at which point the process started to ebb down. Zac was ted to see that his Pathways were a lot wider by this point, but he still hadnt reached D-grade race. So Zac simply walked into an adjoining bathroom and doused himself to get rid of some extremely pungent impurities before he returned into the room and swallowed his second fruit.


    Another wave of awakening spread through his body, but the worst of the pain had already passed. Some more gunk was squeezed out of his pores over the next two hours, but that was about it. His pathways had grown a few percent wider again, yet he still hadnt evolved. Zac wasnt deterred, and he swallowed his third andst fruit.


    If this wasn''t enough hed start cramming pills down his throat, even if those things added impurities rather than removed him. The hours passed, and waves of warmth altered with pangs of cold. Zac wasnt able to tell if thest fruit would be enough, but he suddenly felt a deep thump in his chest as the unmoving sludge in his veins started to move.


    It was his heartbeat, a real one. It wasnt his Hidden Node waking up or anything, but rather the final organ in his body activating. And as the ck ichor started to move through his veins, so did his organs truly wake up. It felt amazing and ufortable at once, and he couldnt help but look down at his body.


    As expected, there still wasnt any life force at all even though he had a pulse and blood that coursed through his veins. Life could really take any form in the Multiverse. It was no wonder most people considered the Soul the true core of a life, where the body was just a vessel to contain it. Zac took another shower to remove thest of the gunk, after which he had mostly limatized with his new state of being.


    Zac inspected his form, and he had to admit that he felt marvelous, honestly even more so than he did in his human form. Draugr really lived up to their reputation. Until now his Undead side had felt pretty much the same as his human, but that wasnt exactly true any longer.


    His pathways were both thicker and sturdier in his Draugr form. A few revolutions indicated that the speed at which he could move his Miasma was almost 30% greater than in his human form, which meant that he would be 30% faster at activating skills.


    Not only that, but his skin was extremely durable. It was soft to the touch, but he actually couldnt pierce it with most of his weapons. It was like he had gained a newyer of protection from his body alone, without the aid of skills like <strong>[Innate Ward]</strong>. Finally, his energy reserves were massive. It was like if his human side provided 1 unit of Cosmic Energy per attribute point, then his Draugr side provided 1.3 units of Miasma per point.


    In other words, his energy pool was thirty percentrger than a normal humans, and a normal Revenants from what Zac guessed. It might not really increase his directbat potential, but it was still a shocking advantage over normal cultivators. It would allow him to activate farrger skills and tost inbat a lot longer, and it drastically reduced the drawback of his new movement skill.


    He knew that Humans were considered a pretty lowly race in the multiverse, where their only advantage was their huge numbers. Until now he hadnt really felt his human heritage to be a detriment, but it was clear that more powerful races had all kinds of benefits that might not be immediately discernable from a status screen.


    If this was the advantage after just reaching D-grade race, what about the higher stages? Would the difference just keep increasing over time?


    Zac was a bit surprised though. He had already somewhate to terms with the fact that Robert Atwood wasnt his biological father, and that Leandra had done some sort of extensive modification of his body. She said herself that she was the one who imnted the Specialty Core in him, which identally got triggered by the Draugr-samples that the Corpselord general Mhal used as a weapon.


    So why wasnt his human side any stronger?


    Leandra even looked down on his undead half from the sounds of it, yet it was far better suited for cultivation than his human side. As far as he could tell, the only special point about his original state was that his survivability, recovery, and energy resistance were better than normal. But his attribute cap and his ability to gain attributes from Attribute Fruits were just at the level of a peak human.


    There was no easy answer to that question with his mother being long gone, but it begged the question if there was some way for him to improve his human constitution. After all, this issue should be something all human factions had to deal with, and perhaps there were methods to improve ones base quality. Perhaps he could form a life constitution to match his Draugr form.


    Zac shook his head. That was all a question forter. For now, he had finally be a D-grade Draugr, which meant it was time for him to make another push forward. He took out another box with anticipation, and a small pill inside rested on a velvet bed. It was deep purple, with golden kes swirling inside, and it emitted a dense fragrance that made his newly awakened body scream with hunger.


    It was the <strong>[Aethergate Pill]</strong>, the third item he bought from the auction, and Zac immediately swallowed the first of the batch.

 Chapter 696: Aethergate

    Chapter 696: Aethergate


    Zac had been worried until now that any pill hed swallow would be insufficient to provide the energy needed to break open a middle-stage node since his foundation made things ten times harderpared to the average cultivator. Thankfully, those fears were instantly dispelled just a second after swallowing the <strong>[Aethergate Pill]</strong>.


    The leveling pill was Pseudo D-grade, and it showed considering the shocking amount of energy it contained. It was like eating something like twenty of the pills he used back when he had just evolved. The pill formed a cool swirling whirlpool had appeared in his body, but Zac felt a pang of pain even when the Pill Energy wasnt chaotic at all.


    The pill was simply meant for Late E-grade elite cultivators, those who needed a shocking amount of energy for each level. It was a bit foolhardy to eat them at level 101, but Zac knew his constitution could take it. The Pill Vortex rapidly shrunk into a size norger than a button, but it still retained the same amount of energy as before as it moved toward the next node.


    It was located on his shoulder just like hisst one, but this time on the left side. It was just a few centimeters away from the pathways of what formerly was <strong>[Cyclic Strike]</strong>, and Zac looked on with rapt attention as the whirlpool burrowed into the Node. Zac felt a slight pain as the Pill Vortex gradually cleansed and empowered the node. It was like the whirlpool acted as a motor that kickstarted the slow swirl that already existed inside, while also feeding it a boatload of energy.


    After a few moments, Zac felt a snap as the node fully opened, and a radiating wave of pain spread out through his body as a small gash appeared on his back. It was like he had been struck by lightning and his pathways had be a conduit. The feeling was all-too-familiar; the bacsh of opening a node. It was just a shadow of the agony that had left him bedridden for months when reaching level 101, but it still caused some sweat to run down his forehead.


    It was no wonder it took Catheya a full decade to enter thete stages of the E-grade even when having a Peak Monarch to assist in the process. Zac felt he would be able to keep going for a while, but any dreams of rushing straight through the middle E-grade with his Pseudo D-grade pills were instantly dashed the moment he saw the damage to his foundations.


    The <strong>[Stone of Hope] </strong>didnt seem to help either. He had hoped that it would lessen the damage, but it really looked like it was more of a fateward-type item that protected against deadly harm when cultivating. Opening a node with a pill was just the standard path of leveling and not something where this odd treasure would assist with. <strong>[Chainbreaking Pills]</strong> might help, but the damage wasnt big enough to warrant the cost of using those things unless he was actually forcing open the nodes.


    The good news was that the Pill Energy wasnt exhausted even after opening a full node. It looked like it wanted to keep infusing the recently opened node with energy, but Zac rather pushed the vortex toward the next node instead. Meanwhile, <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> was already working on overdrive, steadily preventing at least some of the Pill Toxicity from settling into the depths of his cells.


    The second node was slightly below his shoulder-de to the side, and opening it would definitely have punctured a lung if forced open. Another wave of pain erupted through his body an hourter, and Zac spat out some ck ichor as he inspected his state. The physical damage was still nothing worth mentioning, but the intangible damage had superimposed on the first set of wounds, together creating more harm than they would do on their own.


    Zac pushed the pain away as the <strong>[Aethergate Pill]</strong> still wasnt done, and he urged it to set the foundations for breaking open the third node before its energy was exhausted. The pill had absolutely exceeded his expectations, though so had the pain. Not even cultivators had it easy, it seemed. Zac took a ragged breath before he took out a Supreme-Grade Miasma Crystal.


    He also popped a top-quality healing pill as he started absorbing the huge amount of Miasma within the Miasma Crystal. The nodes were opened, but he had actually not gained the levels just yet. The healing pills wouldnt really work on the hidden damage to his foundations, but it would at least patch up the wounds.


    There was also some damage to the pathways around his opened nodes, and Zac spent three hours redrawing them with the help of <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong>. It took two full days to fill the two Nodes, even when using the Supreme Miasma Crystals which were so energy-dense that they caused Zac some pain as they flooded through his pathways.


    But it was worth it. He wasnt in a rush this time, and this way hed avoid umting any unnecessary Pill Toxins. When he ate a bunch of pills just when reaching E-grade he had used pills for the process, but that was because he was flying toward the Dead Zone. This time there was still almost two months before the Twilight Ascent started.


    If anything, he didnt want to leave the courtyard at all since there might be more thieves and assassins roaming about. After seeing how things progressed he had Vri send amand to dy the meeting with whichever living attendant the hotel could enlist before he continued the process.


    One node after another was opened and then filled with Miasma over the next ten days. Unfortunately, it was like a wedge had been inserted into Zacs body, and every node being cracked open added a hit of a sledgehammer to that wedge. Eventually, Zac was forced to stop, lest the wedge cracked him in two. The hidden damage he had umted by that point was pretty serious, though far from the debilitating effect of doing things like a mortal.


    Zac knew that he was just at the precipice of causing some real damage, but he should be fine as long as he took things easy until the Twilight Ascent started. After that, he would only have to wait for a few months before he could start another round of pill-popping. Because thankfully, while the umted damage had reached his limits, neither had the Pill Toxicity or his immunity.


    It felt a bit bad to stop prematurely, but the gains were still quite substantial. In fact, they were even better than what Zac had expected considering he had already reached Middle E-grade. Zac opened up his status screen, and a smile spread across his face when he saw the result.<table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Name</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Level</strong></td><td>


    <strong>109</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>ss</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Fetters of Destion</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Race</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[D] Draugr - Void Emperor (Corrupted)</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Alignment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dao</strong></td><td>


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe - High, Fragment of the Coffin - High, Fragment of the Bodhi - High</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Core </strong></td><td>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Strength</strong></td><td>


    <strong>5008 [Increase: 105%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2373 [Increase: 75%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Endurance</strong></td><td>


    <strong>4373 [Increase: 96%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Vitality</strong></td><td>


    <strong>3255 [Increase: 84%. Efficiency: 228%]</strong>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1176 [Increase: 69%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2211 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 187%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Luck</strong></td><td>


    <strong>397 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]</strong></td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Free Points</strong></td><td>


    <strong>80</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong></td><td>


    <strong>[D] 938 716</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    Eight levels just from cramming pills down his throat over two weeks was a pretty damn good result, considering he just managed to gain five levels during his first round of pill-stuffing in the early E-grade. The boost in attributes was significant as well, pushing his attribute total by 10%, with most of them focused on his main attributes. And he still had eight levels worth of attributes to pick up from his human side.


    Unfortunately, there was no way for him to quickly elevate his human levels at the moment. He definitely wouldnt break the seal on his Duplicity Core in this ce, especially after the attention Catheyas master had given him. However, there would hopefully be a chance for him to sneak off and gain the levels after entering the Twilight Ocean.


    Zac hesitated a bit about what to do with his free points, but he eventually put 40 of them into Strength to push it to 5,090. Unfortunately, he wasnt rewarded any title for passing 5,000 points in any attribute. He had hoped for something like his Promising Specialist-title, but perhaps such a title would need 10,000 points in a single attribute, if there even was a title that could stack with his old one.


    He put the rest of his free points into Dexterity before he closed the status screen and walked out to where Vri still sat, this time surrounded by the soothing haze from an incense stick.


    Are you okay? Vri asked as she turned her head toward him. Your aura is a bit unstable.


    Gaining levels isnt risk-free even when taking pills it seems, Zac said as he sat down next to her with a grunt. The gains were good though.


    Im d to see young master finally getting rid of the bottleneck, Vri smiled. A living Hegemon Courier will arrive in 20 hours.


    Great, Zac nodded.


    Theres also this, Vri added and handed him a couple of Cosmos Sacks and a Communication Crystal.


    The Cosmos Sacks held the custom orders he had ced during his shopping spree, and they contained everything from arrays and array breakers to customized gear for his followers back home.


    The most important arrays were obviously the arrays required for the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>. Kenzie had already managed to create them before she was taken, but the array disks she made were asrge as a tennis court and they still contained some errors. But this time he had prepared everything for both his second and third reincarnation.


    The arrays meant for the fourth reincarnation were impossible to have made though since they required specific materials that werent avable in the Twilight Harbor.


    The disks he hadmissioned were made by a Peak Hegemon Array Master. The Elemental had managed to squeeze the arrays onto disks norger than the size of his palm. Furthermore, they were engraved on extremely valuable materials, making them perfect conductors of energy and almost impossible to break.


    Unfortunately, it was impossible for him to work toward the second Reincarnation at the moment. Each level added more stringent requirements on the cultivation environment. He would probably be able to use the arrays back in his cultivation cave, but not here in some random courtyard. Perhaps he would be able to make use of the weird Twilight Energy inside the Mystic Realm, but he wasnt too sure he would be rxed enough to sit around and cultivate his soul.


    The second most important arrays he''d ordered were the set of <strong>[E-grade Fractal Framework Arrays]</strong>. It was the best mobile array for skill evolution he could get his hands on, and half of them were even modified to especially tailor to his Axe- and Coffin Daos and ss archetype. One could even tailor the arrays to his pathways and skill fractals, but he wasnt willing to disy those to the Array Masters, no matter what kind of confidentiality agreement they had.


    He still wasnt quite ready to perform a manual upgrade of his F-grade skills, but the Twilight Ascent wouldst three years unless he left early. He needed to be prepared just in case.


    As for the Communication Crystal, it came from Catheya. Zac scanned its contents and snorted with a mix of annoyance and helplessness. She thanked him for providing such greatpany and entertainment, and she also gave out some praises for his adroit usage of his newly acquired skills. More importantly, Catheya also called him for a meeting to meet the rest of the squad members, but that wasnt for another month.


    Zac spent the rest of the day getting used to his evolved body, and he couldnt help but marvel at how good it was. And this was without the Hidden Nodes and bloodline talents of the Draugr-bloodline. He could absolutely understand why Revenant ns were so desperate to add some noble genes into their family line.


    He also surreptitiously experimented a bit with his <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, and he was a bit surprised to realize that it didnt quite match the energy reserve boosts he got from his Race Upgrade. In fact, he only got half of it. Zacs best guess was that it was because of his human side. His bloodline was split between both his Human and Draugr halves, and it looked like his Bloodline Talent provided a reserve equivalent to 27% of his average energy storage capabilities.


    That was both good news and bad news. Bad in the sense that he wouldnt get the most out of the Bloodline Talent in his undead form. Good in the sense that it probably meant his human side benefitted from this situation, which was especially nice considering he used more energy-hungry skills there.


    It was also interesting in the sense that this was the first time one of his sides could benefit the other, apart from the attribute gain that is. Of course, there was no way for him to test out whether his theory was correct until he could freely swap between his sses.


    The hours passed, and Zac eventually heard a chime at his gate, indicating that the courier had arrived. Vri opened the gate, and Zac saw a woman apanied by the two enforcement captains.


    Young master, the pale woman said with a nod, and Zac couldnt help but do a double-take as he let her the trio into the courtyard.


    Zac would definitely have guessed that the middle-aged woman in front of him was a Revenant if not for the weak hints of life-force hidden within a storm of murky energies. Zac didnt know why, but force made him think of Levis eyes. Was this woman perhaps a hexmaster gravitating toward the Daos of Death? That would exin why she leaned toward the unliving factions.


    I heard Young Master was looking for someone to make a few purchases among the living establishments? she said as she nervously nced at the two captains whose eyes never left her body.


    No offense, but are you even able to get into the pill houses of the Dreamers? Zac asked hesitantly.


    Truth be told, I cannot do business with the treemen. They are the race with the most inflexible convictions. But the others wont mind me cultivating in death. Theres too many of us like this, she said. Bad business to turn all that money away.


    Youe rmended by this establishment, Zac said as he took out a crystal. I need everything on this list.


    The woman nodded and scanned the contents, and her eyes widened a bit at the numbers.


    The purchase order Zac had prepared was nowhere close to what he had bought until now, but it was still a pretty huge amount of resources. Most of it was peak-quality items such as Supreme Divine Crystals or hard-to-find pills. There was none of the moremon stuff though, as Zac could buy all those things at a huge discount back in the Zecia sector.


    Still, the total value of the items was almost 2,000 D-grade Nexus coins.


    This requires a few days and a massive amount of capital, the hexmaster hesitated.


    Ill pay you 2,000 Nexus Coins for the items in the list, half upfront. Your remuneration depends on how good deals you can find. Ill pay you the rest upon delivery of the items, Zac said. Are you amenable to these terms?


    This Alright, she eventually nodded.


    Zac guessed that go-between parties like the hexmaster had their connections, and she would likely get a kick-back on the purchases. Even if she just got a one percentmission from the pill house, shed still make 10 D-grade nexus coins, a great sry for a few days of errands. The only issue was whether she had the ability to fork out 1,000 D-grade Nexus Coins until she got paid, and it was a bit of a test from Zac.


    If she didnt have those kinds of reserves, she might not even be able to gain ess to some of the items he needed.


    The two signed a contract, and the hexmaster disappeared a momentter, leaving only a rune hovering in the air for a few seconds before it dissipated. Zac could somewhat tell that it was a trap. Not for him, particrly, but rather as part of her movement skill. Anyone who touched that rune would probably be exposed to the hexmaster, who could throw out a curse remotely.


    The two guard captains nodded in Zacs direction before they returned to their position outside.


    What now? Vri asked after she closed the gate.


    Well, were pretty free for a while, Zac said after some thought. How about we take advantage of our bodyguards and go sightsee a bit?

 Chapter 697: Coming Alive

    Chapter 697: Coming Alive


    Zac had aplished everything he set out to do with some time to spare, which left him and his follower with over a month of free time.


    How about we visit a restaurant to celebrate your sess? Vri suggested.


    My body is only partly awake, Zac smiled. I still need to reach Peak E-grade for my organs to be like the livings. But it should be possible for me to eat and drink by now.


    The ability to eat and drink was obviously not as exciting for Zac as it was for the real undead, but he was still a bit curious. So he took out one of the bottles of spiritual wine in his Spatial Ring to test the waters. He took a swig, and he was happy to feel the burn in his throat and a very weak buzz.


    However, he nched when he felt the taste, which could best be described as diaper-left-in-sun. Zac spat out the wine before he looked at the bottle with a mix of confusion and disgust. It was brewed with F-grade grapes grown on the main ind of Port Atwood, and it was bottled just a year ago. Had it already gone bad?


    I read that tastes are quite different between the living and undead, even after our senses awaken, Vri said with a slight smile as she took out a crystal decanter with a light blue wine. I prepared this for this very asion, have a taste.


    Zac spat a few more times and rinsed his mouth with some water before he gratefully took the decanter and a ss. When he poured it up it gave off an earthy fragrance which made Zac think of the forest after rain. He took a sip, and he had to admit it tasted great. Zac guessed it had to have been brewed with some fruits with Death Attuned energies since he felt a slight surge spread through his body.


    Delicious, Zac sighed as he leaned back and looked up at the entrance to the Twilight Ocean.


    Innumerable ships scuttled back and forth through the void, and that was just a fraction of the activity happening on the various tforms. Hundreds of billions of life held together by the Twilight Rivers and a Mystic Realm. Life and death intermingling. Zac looked up at the spectacle as a warm buzz from the wine spread through his body.


    It all felt very beautiful, and Zac actually felt himself almost choke up a bit at the thought, prompting him to look down at the liquor with confusion.


    "It''s not really the wine that''s affecting your mental state," Vriughed, and the scene actually made Zac''s heart beat an extra time. "It''s your beinging alive."


    Zac immediately understood what was going on, and he took a calming breath as he stabilized his mind. It felt like his senses were enhanced, or perhaps rather magnified, and the same was true for his moods. His emotions had always been a bit muted in his undead form, but they now felt clearer than ever.


    This wasnt actually anything unique to him, he just hadn''t noticed anything different until the wine had pushed the effect a bit further. He already knew that most undead had some trouble adjusting to this new state of being, which sometimes resulted in unwanted physical responses. After all, low-tier undead were essentially energy beings that used an unliving body as a receptacle for their souls and ichor. Zac had simply figured that this period of limatization wouldn''t happen to him since he was more used to having a living breathing body than not.


    Still, the effect wasn''t overly powerful, and Zac got used to the difference in no time. Still, he was a bit embarrassed since Vri had no doubt sensed the fluctuations in his soul when he looked over in her direction.


    What do you think of this ce? Zac asked to change the subject. Do you think this is the direction our home will take?


    I hope not, Vri answered after some thought.


    Oh? Zac said with surprise.


    This ce is ultimately no differentpared to the Zecia sector. Its just Living Factions and Undead Factions living in the same area. They only tolerate each others existence because of the uniqueness of the Twilight Ocean. I pray that our world will not turn into this. I hope that our people one day can integrate with the others, Vri exined.


    Zac sighed and nodded, though he didnt know if that was even possible. Then again, that fusion was the very thing his own cultivation path required, and the direction in which Earths World Core was heading. Then again, Be''Zi had found a husband among the living, so it wasn''t apletely ridiculous concept.


    Dont mind my rambling, Vri added as she turned to Zac. I understand the problems you and our are facing. Its impossible for the Einherjar to walk in the light right now. But I hope that one day young master reaches such a height that you can follow your own wishes, rather than having to worry about what outsiders think. I dont feel there is any shame in being undead, and I dont feel that anything is stopping the living and dead from working together.


    Youre right, Zac agreed. Ill try my best.


    The two sat and enjoyed the view for another hour before Zac felt his body stabilized enough to go out.


    With his two Hegemon guards wearing the livery of the Twilight Lord himself he was safer than ever, especially among those who knew who he actually was. That spear of ice had been visible through half of Twilight Harbor, and Hegemons and Monarchs alike knew the power it represented. Even in a ce like this, there would probably be fewer than five Peak Monarchs, all of them outsiders from the B-grade empires.


    Catheyas master hadnt mentioned anything about continuously protecting him, but Zac still felt he probably would keep an eye out since Zac still carried that weird egg-like item in his Spatial Ring.


    Seeing as it would take the courier a while toplete her tasks, Zac spent the next few days taking in the sights with Vri. The first ce they visited was an orchestra of Musical Cultivators, and Zac was blown away by the performance. It almost felt like he had an epiphany as he listened to the haunting melodies, and they conjured all kinds of imagery in his mind.


    They also visited a few restaurants, though only Zac could eat while Vri just kept himpany. Having food prepared solely with spiritual materials, from the vegetables to the meat to the spices, and then having it all prepared by skilled chefs was an almost otherworldly experience.


    Zac had always somewhat looked down on those who gave up on their cultivation after reaching a certain stage, but was this kind of life really so bad? As long as you got powerful enough you could enjoy this kind of transcendent lifestyle for millennia. Of course, that life was ultimately not for him. He had too many people depending on him for him to retire early.


    Besides, he felt that these kinds of experiences paledpared to the feeling of pushing his cultivation and insights forward. To evolve his Dao was to be more in tune with the universe, and to gain a level was to take a step toward perfection. How could good food and entertainment rival those sensations?


    The Hexmaster returned after three days with every single item on the list ounted for, which meant that everything was prepared before the Twilight Ascent. There were still 50 days until the trial started, and Zac only had to meet up with Catheya once apart from focusing on his cultivation. He could probably evolve his Fragment of the Axe at any time with the help of one or two of his Dao Fruits, but he held off on it.


    The System-sanctioned trial was rted to the Dao, and it would be a bit stupid if he evolved his fragment prematurely only to find out that the task was to make as many breakthroughs as possible. Instead, he focused on improving hisbat style when he wasnt touring the city. There was only so much he could do right now though, since swinging his axe into thin air or even sparring with the Hegemon captains was just mimicry of real battle.


    He needed some spark of inspiration to improve further.


    Luckily, there was one ce that might provide just that, and Zac had the captains escort him and Vri to a massive coliseum on a tform pretty close to the center of the Twilight Harbor. It was there that the qualifiers to the Twilight Ascent were being held, and a thousand battles raged at any given moment.


    It would normally be impossible to see the battles clearly from the stands, but the coliseum was equipped with a pretty magical illusion array. Any battle that Zac focused on was somehow erged so that he could see it clearly even if it was kilometers away.


    There were all kinds of battles to spectate. Undead fought against undead, living against living, and the two sides often shed as well. All the battles were frantic as winning might mean getting a ticket to the greatest opportunity in a millennium, but the battles between the living and the dead were extraordinarily ruthless.


    You were not allowed to kill someone who had given up, and the judges tried to save lives when it was clear the battle was over. But how often did people get the opportunity to throw in the towel when you were going all out to seize victory? Life and death happened in the blink of an eye. Battles kept resulting in fatalities, much to the excitement of the crowd.


    The qualifiers were not only a way to get an entrance token for E-grade cultivators, but it was also a showcase of strength between the living and the dead. After all, while this might be a grey zone, there were definitely some tensions running beneath the surface. It was just like Vri said, the living and dead werent really living in harmony. They were just tolerating each other to reap the benefits of the Twilight Ocean.


    Zac himself didnt care about any of that but seeing so many battles gave him some inspiration. And he had to admit that he had underestimated the young elites of the Multiverse. Many of the true talents of the Twilight Harbor werent even participating in these qualifiers thanks to their reserved spots, but Zac still saw quite a few shocking battles over the two weeks he visited the coliseum with Vri.


    There were tens of thousands of cultivators he felt would push him extremely hard toe out ahead, and over a hundred he had absolutely no confidence winning against unless he managed to hit them with an Annihtion Sphere. Thetter group was obviously made up of peak E-grade cultivators who had umted for over a century, but that fact didnt help in a battle of life and death.


    Six particr elites even pressured Zac almost as much as Iz Tayn did, the terrifying me cultivator he encountered during the Battle of Fates. Against her, Zac hadnt even dared fight. Only escape had been on his mind when he faced that lunatic. Of course, these six definitely had a significant level advantage against him, but their auras were still extremely condensed, far surpassing Catheya''s.


    There was only so much you could gain from watching strangers battle, and Zac eventually grew bored of looking at the endless carnage. He did however ce an order for an intelligence missive on the top 10,000 contenders. It wouldn''t hurt to memorize the names and faces of some of the individuals he needed to be careful around in the trial.


    Since there still were a few days before the meeting with Catheya, he decided to visit set off to the mortician that she had rmended. It was at the outer edge of the Twilight Harbor, and it almost looked like he was visiting a military fortress rather than a business. There extremely powerful barriers protecting the area, and there were miasmic towers that radiated a power that made Zac''s hair stand on end.


    He knew that if he was sted with the attacks stored in those things, not even ashes would remain.


    Whats with the defenses? Zac asked curiously as he turned to the Revenant captain.


    Bodies are a contentious subject in the Twilight Harbor, the captain smiled. Some corpses put up for sale have once been members of the living ns. The Morticians modify the appearances of the unawakened, but their previous identities are sometimes exposed. This ce suffers attacks almost every decade.


    Zac nodded in understanding as they passed through the barriers. The Twilight Harbor probably got a steady supply of bodies from all over, but sourcing locally was ultimately the easiest. As demand for new followers was unending among the unliving ns, there would always be people desecrating graves or even killing youths to sell their corpses.


    The Mortician had unfortunately already held a huge auction a month before Zac arrived to Twilight Harbor, leaving the stock a bit bare. but he still managed to buy ten thousand mid-quality E-grade corpses with no connection to the Undead Empire. He also bought 10 peak-quality corpses, each of them once belonging to a peak cultivator. The bodies were also all cleansed of any Karma and slightly enhanced with various means, especially the peak corpses.


    Hopefully, they would have been turned into a promising troupe by the time he returned to Port Atwood.


    Eventually, the day he was supposed to meet up with Catheya arrived, but there was one more thing he needed to do before heading over to the Eldritch Archivals. The Twilight Ascent started in two weeks, so it was time to send Vri back to Earth.


    He had the enforcers take them to the teleportation tform, where he transferred the funds necessary to teleport back, along with another 500 D-grade Nexus Coins to be added to the town coffers just in case. He also gave her the eight enormous Spatial Rings containing all the resources he didnt need for himself.


    Ill leave the Einherjar in your hands, Zac said as they stood outside one of the teleporters. Dont tell anyone that Ill be stuck in the Mystic Realm for up to three years. I dont want people to get any foolish ideas while Im gone. Give Joanna the rings meant for the others. For the Einherjar, I leave it up to you. My only request, make them prove themselves if they want the resources.


    Ill get it done, Vri said with a nod. Dont worry about Por... home. You have nurtured many talents who will keep everything running smoothly. Good luck in there.


    Zac nodded, and he watched on as the Mentalist disappeared in a sh of light, starting her two-week journey through the void. Only a few minutester did he leave, heading straight for the n SharvaZis Dao Repository. He was a bit early, yet he found Catheya waiting outside the gates, dressedpletely different from what he had seen before.


    She usually donned cultivation dresses in darker overtones but was now d in something a courtesan might wear. The dress was both snug and low cut, and her hair was held up with a few pins that gave her a very seductive aura. The ensemble was even more suggestive than what the sultry Revenant guide wore, and her appearance kept turning heads as customers walked back and forth. Of course, no one dared to get close as three Hegemon guards red at anyone who looked her way.


    The captains set down the vessels and waited outside as Zac walked over toward his employer with a slightly confused frown.


    I see your cultivation session went well, Catheya said with an impish smile as she slightly bent forward, showcasing an impressive amount of cleavage. So, what do you think?


    Zac nkly looked at her with a mix of confusion and suspicion, wondering why she was suddenly trying to seduce him. Had his ability to escape the Hegemon been that dashing? And was undead courtship always this... tant?


    Their gazes were locked for a few seconds until Catheyas expression started to sour as she looked at Zac up and down.


    About what? Zac eventually asked.


    Nothing, Catheya snorted with annoyance as her daring dress morphed into one that looked more like her normal attire before she started walking toward the closest entrance. Cultivation moron.


    Only then did Zac realize what was going on. He had already felt the side effects of his body awakening. Catheya had probably figured out that he had bought the<strong> [Fruit of Awakening] </strong>for himself, considering that it shouldnt have been hard for her master to glean his body was still unawakened.


    Was she hoping to make him blush or identally pop a boner like a hormonal teenager? Too bad for her he had already gone through puberty over two decades ago.


    And its not possible that youre simply not as mesmerizing as you believe? Zac said with a small smile as he followed her into the building.


    Absolutely impossible, Catheya said with a shake of her head. Varo couldnt look in my direction for a month after evolving.


    Well, some have deviant tastes, Zac shrugged, which awarded him with another baleful re.


    Of course, Zac knew that Catheya would be considered a beauty among Draugr. Unfortunately for her, Zac still mostly considered himself human. Looking into those abyssal orbs for eyes quenched any sort of desire instantly.


    "Well, whatever," Catheya snorted as the two entered a chamber where five people already were waiting. "The others are already here. Come introduce yourself." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 698: Perennial Vastness

    Chapter 698: Perennial Vastness


    Zac floated in the emptiness of space next to Catheya, and his new allies formed a small clump in an endless sea of E-Grade cultivators. Thousands upon thousands of groups had gathered around him, in a roughly even mix between life and death. Of course, there were also millions of lone cultivators who were spread amongst the group, waiting for the Twilight Ascent to start.


    The umted aura of over ten million warriors was something else, yet it was nothingpared to the one hundred thousand Hegemons who had gathered on the opposite side of the glowing star in front of him. Their frightful power could be sensed even at a distance of thousands of kilometers, and it was no wonder the two groups had been instructed to gather far away from each other.


    The pressure didn''te just from afar though, as Zac sensed some auras nearby that could overpower his own. He even recognized a few faces from the intelligence missives he had prepared for the Trial.


    Thankfully, one''s aura wasnt an exact measurement ofbat power. With Zacs umtions and aces, he wasnt a fish at a chopping block in front of even the greatest of E-grade warriors. Furthermore, those monstrous elites from the Undead Kingdoms or living Empires would hopefully head for the core of the Twilight Ocean while his group wouldn''t pass the 70% mark ording to Catheya.


    Still, Zac estimated himself to be in the top quartile among the trial takers after looking around. If he could evolve his Dao Fragments and find some more opportunities over the next three years, he might even make it to the top percent, which would allow him toplete Va Tapek''s, Catheya''s Master, mission with some degree of sess.


    Zac was suddenly dragged out of his thoughts as two new people popped up out of nowhere, their arrival not even causing the slightest ripple of Cosmic Energy. The mor in the area immediately died down, as these two demanded everyones undivided attention by their presence alone.


    One was an ancient-looking treeman over thirty meters tall. On top of his head was a small tree crown with golden leaves, each of them covered in dense scripts. His body was generally humanoid in shape, with two legs and two arms, though his face was simply at the top of the trunk right beneath his crown. However, there were thousands of branches sprouting out from his back, forming an intricate diamond pattern.


    But most striking was the vast aura of life he exuded.


    His features somehow made him look old, but it felt like he would live forever going by his aura. It even felt like the glowing Twilight Ocean had dimmed in his presence. He was clearly a cultivator following some path of nature, and just looking at him made him feel like he was caught inside the energy emanations of the Dimensional Seed again.


    However, it was just an illusion formed by histent will. His aura was clearly restrained and it didnt hurt anyone. Zac wasnt actually inundated in any energies, since he would probably die if that happened. Furthermore, the powerful treeman wasnt alone. Next to him stood a hooded being, looking almost like a fly next to the massive treant.


    But his aura was just as shocking as the treant''s, and Zac felt the grip of death clutching his heart when ncing in his direction. The air itself seemed like it was teetering on the brink of copse from the force hidden within those robes.


    Its the Goldenleaf Monarch and KaardEs Venarun, the Moonblight Monarch, Catheya said with a low voice. Both are Middle-stage Monarchs and supreme elders of two of the council ns. I didn''t expect such bigshots to appear today.


    Zac nodded in understanding. Didnt know what force the treant was from, but he had heard of the Venarun n. The undead side of the council was manned by three ns, one Sect, and one Consortium, with the sect holding the greatest power. One of those ns was precisely the Venarun n, a local Revenant n with some bloodline of the Izh''Rak Reavers.


    Wee, trial takers, the Goldenleaf Monarch said with a smile. The gates will open in a few moments, and the council wishes to make sure everyone understands the rules of the Twilight Ascent. Most of you are local talents chosen to represent your forces, but some are also faraway guests.


    The Twilight Energy will sap your energy, robbing you of your power. The Energy is unique and most likely modified by the Boundless Heavens. It will burrow into your body no matter whether you want it or not, and the amount is mostly based on your level and how deep into the ocean you have gone. There are various means to reduce its effect, but no method is as effective as improving yourself," the treeman said. "Making breakthroughs and boosting your attribute pool will allow you to reach further, to gain more from this Trial."


    Thews are the same one as in the rest of the Multiverse, the Moonblight Monarch continued with a rough voice, and Zac felt an almost primal fear just upon hearing him speak. Thew of the jungle. Kill, steal, and battle to your heart''s content. Hone yourself through ughter and mayhem. The council will not interfere.


    A dense killing intent spread through the whole zone as warriors surreptitiously nced around. Cultivators who had reached the end of E-Grade all had blood on their hands, some far more than Zac himself. It was an unfortunate reality of the world; cultivation didnt only require time and Cosmic Energy.


    It required a steely conviction and mental fortitude that would allow them to keep going down the same path for centuries and millennia. And that kind of mental strength couldnt be cultivated inside a cultivation cave. It was gradually formed through risking ones life and bloodshed. There might be a few beings in perfect tune with their path and with sublime mental states that didnt require this kind of training, but those people were beyond rare in number.


    Remember, the council will not have any opinions on your actions inside, but that doesnt mean your actions have no consequences. Cause an undue amount of ughter inside, and trouble might find you, either inside the trial or even the moment you exit. Furthermore, ughtering the weak is a dead end with meager rewards. The true opportunities are waiting for you in the depths of the Twilight Ocean, the old treant said.


    The Council has studied the ocean, and we expect it to stay open for 3 years and 2 months. Staying the whole duration is not required to take a position on the Fate-Plucking Ladder. Knowing when to retreat is an important skill of any adventurer."


    But remember. The gates will be closed for one year. You better have the means to stay alive if you want to enter the ocean. Otherwise, youll just turn to fertilizer for others, the Venarun elder snickered. The first year and thest months are always the bloodiest.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac inwardly nodded in agreement, not surprised at all. In the beginning, there would be ten million warriors at the starting continent, all full of adrenaline and greed for treasures. Bloodshed was bound to happen. Things would gradually stabilize as people died and people started leaving after a year, but the carnage would pick up pace by the end.


    By that point, everyones Cosmos Sacks would be bulging with loot, and a single battle might double peoples worth. Beasts die for food, men die for money.


    I am sure everyone is curious about the reward this time around? the treant smiled, causing an excited murmur among the people.


    A huge que appeared the next moment, clearly listing the treasures.


    <strong>1<sup>st</sup>  [50-year Perennial Vastness Token].</strong>


    <strong>2<sup>nd </sup> 5<sup>th</sup>  [E-grade Reforged Providence Gem] & One unique treasure presented by the Twilight Council</strong>


    <strong>6<sup>th</sup>  10<sup>th</sup></strong>  <strong>[E-grade Reforged Providence Gem] & One supreme treasure of the Twilight Vault </strong>


    <strong>.</strong>


    <strong>5,001  10,000<sup>th </sup> - 3<sup>rd</sup> ss E-grade Treasure from the Twilight Vault.</strong>


    Zac read the list with interest, and he found that the rewards even at the top thousand were pretty good. For instance, the top 100 would all get to pick a Special ss E-grade treasure from the Twilight Vault. The Twilight Vault was a shared hoard guarded by the Twilight Lord and the Council, and it had umted mountains of valuable items over millions of years.


    A Special ss E-grade Treasure were all at the level of the items at the second part of the auction, and every single one could provide a drastic improvement if you found a suitable one. As for the top 10 prizes, they were all things that wouldn''t reach a public auction, especially the top five items.


    Zac didnt hold out much hope for those things after seeing the preliminary duels, but he still read the rewards with interest.


    Perennial Vastness? Whats that? Ravan, one of Zacs new team members, muttered with confusion, sparing Zac the need to ask.


    Ravan was a local to the Twilight Harbor, an elite naturally-born Corpselord from a subsidiary force to the Sharva''Zi n. He was just like Mhal in a sense, though his aplishments far eclipsed the general that caused Zac so much trouble back then. His role in the party was as a pure offensivebatant, though Zac still didn''t know exactly what kind of ss he held.


    His aura indicated some sort of spellcaster ss though, which was a bit surprising to Zac considering the buff physique of the man.


    It is a high-grade Immemorial Realm. Some say it''s older than the System itself, Catheya said with a small frown. Im surprised the council would put something so valuable in the reward, or that they even have one at all. Ourpetition might just have gotten more heated.


    Its that precious? Ravan asked, and Zac looked over with curiosity.


    It was the first time he had heard about Immemorial Realms in a while. It was exactly the kind of ce that his mother wanted to enter with Kenzie, but even she wasn''t confident in seeding. That alone told a story of just how valuable the Perennial Vastness token was


    Im not sure about the details either, Catheya shrugged. The Perennial Vastness is controlled by a mysterious unattached force that sends out a million tokens into the multiverse every thousand years or so. Even some descendants of B-grade forces would try to get one for themselves.


    Why isnt the Empire snatching that ce if its so good? Zac asked.


    Im not sure. That force must possess extreme power for it to remain for hundreds of millions of years, Catheya said. "Besides, it''s very far away from the Undead Empire, which is why I didn''t expect a token to appear in this region."


    Whats the value for us E-Grade warriors? Ravan asked.


    Evolution, Catheya said. Any peak E-Grade cultivator who enters the Perennial Vastness is essentially guaranteed to emerge with a Cultivator''s Core. More importantly, their cores are far sturdierpared to normal, approaching perfection.


    What! Ravan eximed as his eyes turned back to the board, his whole face turning into a mask of desire.


    Zac understood the feeling, and his own heart beat with greed. He had long learned the goal of the D-Grade. If the F-grade revolved around collecting as many titles as possible and the E-grade around finding and opening hidden nodes, then everything in the D-grade circted around the Cultivator''s Core, or rather the Cosmic Core.


    Sessfully forming the Cosmic Core was just the first step. The whole D-grade was spent strengthening and perfecting it. Thats why so many considered the first step the most important one as well. One could gradually improve a core through hard work and various opportunities, but you would obviously save a huge amount of effort if you started with a sturdy foundation.


    If you started with a low-quality Core you might exhaust all your momentum perfecting it over millennia, if you ever reached perfection at all. After all, the main goal of the D-Grade was to elevate ones core to the point that it could withstand the formation of an inner world of the C-Grade.


    And even internal worlds differed greatly from what Zac had heard. The sturdier the core therger the inner world you would be able to form, which would make youparatively strongerpared to other Monarchs.


    Thats what made this opportunity sound so overpowered. To guarantee a sessful formation by itself was to beat the one to a million odds, but greatly improve its foundation as well? That greatly enhanced the chances that youd be able to reach the C-Grade as well, something that might only happen once every 100,000 years in peak-force in the Zecia sector.


    You can put that out of your mind, Catheya snorted. Were a pretty powerful group, but were far from a peak squad. With this token on the line, the hidden Heavens Chosen wille out in force, unleashing a bloodbath in search of Twilight Fruits.


    Anythings possible, Ravan muttered, but it wasnt with much conviction.


    Zac saw that the fires hadnt died out in Ravans eyes, but he didnt hold out much hope for the Corpselord. He was clearly a cut above most, but there was ultimately only one token. Furthermore, even if you managed to get the token through some huge stroke of luck, would he be able to hold on to it?


    This kind of item seemed like something good enough that even Monarchs would make a move, since giving it to an elite of their faction greatly increased the odds of another Monarch appearing in a few thousand years. That couldpletely shift the power dynamic of a faction. In fact, Zac even bet that it was the System that forced them to add the token as a reward, and people were already nning in the shadows how to snatch it.


    Nine redo-token as well, Sharpo, their spectral scout, said with longing. "I heard that only the 2<sup>nd</sup> and 3<sup>rd</sup> position got onest time.


    Zac had learned about Redo-tokens before, or rather <strong>[Reforged Providence Gems]</strong>. Zac could absolutely understand the ghosts desire; the gems were definitely good stuff.


    One thing that Zac had always felt was weird was how those who didnt perform that well in the F-grade were relegated to alwaysg behind those who managed to gather the best titles. However, it turned out that wasntpletely true. One method catch up was to perform simr exhibits of power in theter grades. That would usually result in a simr, but diminished, title.


    The redo-tokens were another method to catch up.


    They really gave you a shot at a do-over in case you performed badly in the early stages of your cultivation. For example, what if you only got the Giantsbane back then, the title for killing a beast 5 levels above you? It was actually possible to use the gem to shoot for the Apex Predator title again with a token like this, something that would be impossible in the E-grade even for Zac.


    The token would let you choose a title to improve and generate a fitting trial for it, just like his own Sovereignty-quests, though the difficulty would be increasedpared to getting it right the first time. Most importantly; the System would use your current attainments as the temte before restricting you down to the F-grade. It would still be an extremely challenging task to get the Apex Predator particr title, but it was at least achievable if you had gone from an average cultivator to a supreme Heaven''s Chosen.


    Zac definitely wanted one if he could get his hands on such a token, but he wasn''t too enthused since he had most of the peak titles. His interest might have been bigger if it worked on trial-rted titles such as the one from the Tower of Eternity, but the token was limited to general achievement titles.


    Perhaps it was possible to improve the Child of Dao-title, which he suspected was one of the greatest progenitor titles. Otherwise, he might be able to hunt down some other low-quality title in the future and use the re-do token to turn that title into a top-quality F-grade variant. But in the end, he was just making up scenarios since his odds of getting one of the nine tokens were pretty abysmal.


    The items provided to the top 1,000 arent bad at all, and it is a far more achievable goal, Catheya snorted. A first-ss treasure from the vault can probably improve either your strength or chance of reaching Hegemony by 10%.


    Zac personally had his eyes on the top 100 reward, though he didnt have much confidence at the moment. It all depended on how things panned out over the next three years. That was his biggest advantage. Many of those with auras far surpassing his had mostly exhausted their potential in the E-Grade, while he still had ample room to grow.


    The other warriors floating in space animatedly discussed the unusually generous rewards as well, while some looked at the sign with troubled faces. Zac understood their worry. The rewards were one tier higher than normal across the board. It was almost like the Council was encouraging a mass ughter for the Twilight Fruits. The mortality rate would definitely be higher than normal this time around.


    Everyone had their own thoughts on the situation, but the mor quickly died down as an enormous scar appeared in front of them. It kept expanding until it was over a thousand meters across, at which point it stabilized and turned into what looked like a gate.


    Here, take this, Catheya said as she took out a round stone ball that looked almost like an orange. It even had ten detachable wedges. Keep it on you. Our first goal is gathering before we set out. Youll be able to sense me more than the others, but group up if possible. If a single one of us falls in the initial phase the rest will have a harder time gathering the pearls.


    She took off one slice after another, giving one to each member of the squad. Zac simply put it into one of his pockets withoutment. The item was a tracking device, which allowed the squad to sense the position of their allies as long as they infused the item with some Miasma. It was a higher-grade solutionpared to the res Gu used back in the Tower of Eternity.


    The group didn''t need to wait more than thirty minutes before the massive gates swung open, and it looked like a wall of water with a greenish hue waited on the other side.


    The Twilight Ocean.

 Chapter 699: The Twilight Ocean

    Chapter 699: The Twilight Ocean


    Good luck, the Goldenleaf Monarch said after the portal in front of the waiting trial-takers had stabilized. Remember, the moment you pass through those gates you will have to spend a minimum of one year in the Twilight Ocean. This is your final chance to back away.


    No one left after the warning, but Zac wouldn''t be surprised if some would find themselves unable to take that final step through the Space Gate. He was personally mostly filled with anticipation for the opportunities within, but he had been through so many life- and death encounters by now that this venture felt rtively safe inparison to some of his other experiences.


    Meanwhile, some participants probably had limited experiences with death and were rather raised in the rtive safety of their ns.


    The first people to enter were the descendants of the Council Factions, soon followed by the premiere local ns. It was a small show of force to have the outsider wait, even if they were descendants of B-grade forces. Catheya still had seeded slots, so it was their turn after just three hours. By that point, only four hundred thousand cultivators had already passed through, meaning that most were still waiting their turn.


    "Remember to be careful," Catheya said as they floated in front of the barrier. "The first culling has already started on the other side."


    The rest nodded before they flew through one by one. Zac didn''t turn into an incorporeal consciousness shot through the void as usual during teleportation, but it rather felt like he had been thrown into the middle of intense fireworks as his surroundings shed in gold and ck. The energies surrounding him were immense, and he looked around with wonder since it felt like the almost nauseating lights were rife with hidden truths.


    Suddenly, an immense pressure locked Zac in ce, causing him to frown with worry. He had read about the chaotic teleportation already, but this pressure wasn''t mentioned in any missive he''d bought. The next moment he felt a sharp pain from his finger as his Spatial Ring reached blistering temperatures. He sent a strand of mental energy into the ring, and he was filled with a sense of foreboding as he saw the odd egg shaking within the space of his ring.


    Was it some sort of banned item?


    But before Zac even had a chance to worry about getting pped with a tribtion punishment for bringing contraband to the Twilight Ocean, a ten-meter rune rushed toward him,pletely undeterred by the chaos, and passed right through his body. A momentter the pressure was gone and the egg had calmed down.


    There was no time to make sense of things before he found himself standing in a foreign world. It looked like he was pretty lucky as he had been dropped off at the edge of the starting continent, and he found himself standing up to his knees in a greenish-golden liquid. He had read so much about it over the past months, but it was still exhrating to see it with his own eyes.


    Zac looked down at the water with interest as he activated <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. He could confirm that it was attuned with both life and death just like the missives had exined, but he couldnt make sense of how the two had fused even after looking at the water for over a minute.


    One second it felt like the two attunements were two opposites fighting for the same spot, vaguely familiar to his own path where life and death shed in an endless war. However, the next moment they coexisted in harmony, only to a momentter be either pure life or death. Finally, for short bursts of time, they were melded into something unique that Zac couldnt begin toprehend.


    It was even impossible to tell which state was the real one, or if the continuous transformations were even real. It might be a bit like those pictures that changed motif depending on what angle you looked at it from. Zac had initially hoped to make inroads into his path by visiting this ce, but he honestly wasnt so confident that 3 years was even close to enough to unravel the mess he was looking at.


    He was dragged out of his musings as a screen appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Twilight Ascent. Help perfect the Tapestry of Twilight. The reward at the end dependent on contribution rank.]</strong>


    <strong>[There are two ways to contribute to the Tapestry of twilight.] </strong>


    <strong>[1. Make Dao Breakthrough into a Dao pertaining to Life or Death. Higher-grade breakthroughs provide more points. Sessive breakthroughs provide both rewards.</strong><strong>If no breakthroughs are made, half the value of current Dao stages are added by the end of trial. ]</strong><table><tbody><tr><td>


    <strong>Early Seed</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Middle Seed</strong></td><td>


    <strong>5</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>High Seed</strong></td><td>


    <strong>25</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Peak Seed</strong></td><td>


    <strong>125</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Early Fragment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>250</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Middle Fragment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>1,250</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>High Fragment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>6,250</strong>n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om</td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Peak Fragment</strong></td><td>


    <strong>31,250</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Early Branch</strong></td><td>


    <strong>100,000</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>Middle Branch</strong></td><td>


    <strong>500,000</strong></td></tr><tr><td>


    <strong>High Branch</strong></td><td>


    <strong>2,500,000</strong></td></tr></tbody></table>


    <strong>[2. Release trapped Dao of Life and </strong><strong>Death. This can be done by consuming or destroying treasures of life or death, or killing cultivators or beasts holding rted Daos.]</strong>


    <strong>[Rewards will be rewarded upon the end of the Trial. Participants leaving trial prematurely will have half of their contribution points deducted.] </strong>


    <strong>[Choose Identity; Zac Piker - Arcaz ck]</strong>


    Zac read the quest carefully, and his eyes widened further and further as he read along. How was this a Dao Trial if ughtering people provided contribution points? This was the Twilight Harbor, and at least a quarter of all warriors held a Dao rted to either Life or Death. If things were bad with the exorbitant rewards from the Fate-Pluckingdder, things had just be a true ughter-fest.


    He also intensely regretted holding back the evolution of his Fragment of the Axe in hopes a breakthrough inside the Mystic Realm would help him with the trial. Now it was just a liability until he could find a safe spot to stop and cultivate for a while. Still, he was in a very good position for the first method to umte contribution points, considering he had Daos of both Life and Death.


    There might be some geniuses who had multiple Daos of Death attunement, but Zac doubted there could be too many. Having two Daos that were very simr in function made little sense. It was better to either focus on one Dao and push it further, or have multiple Daos who brought different things to the table, making you more well-rounded.


    Of course, there might be some cultivators ying the long game, nurturing two Death-attuned Dao Fragments to fuse them into one Dao Branch. In either case, Zac felt he had good chances at snatching a good Limited Title unless ughter was a far more efficient method of ruing Contribution Points.


    Furthermore, his Draugr heritage was definitely a detriment with these rules. Anyone he met would assume he held at least one Dao rted to Death, which was true. After all, the Draugr held amazing affinity to the Daos of death, making them walking treasure troves. As for the final line, it even ruined his chance to enter a pseudonym for thedder, and he reluctantly chose Arcaz ck.


    He doubted too many people would know of the name Zac Piker, but Catheya definitely did. Zac being able to choose that name would definitely expose him, so he could only go with his ''real name''. At least the System didn''t force him to use his true name, but rather the cultivation identities he used.


    A mentalmand made a new screen appear, proving there was adder this time.


    <strong>[Arcaz ck  Contribution: 6,250 Rank: 22,538. Value: 100-250.]</strong>


    His current contribution was at 6,250 as expected, thebined value of his two High Fragments. He guessed those points were just ceholders though until he evolved the Fragments of Bodhi and Coffin. As for his rank, he guessed it mostly was people with higher Dao aplishments than him. It looked like around 5% of those who had entered so far had at least a Peak Fragment rted to life and Death, which didnt feel too surprising.


    But there was a pretty worrying twist to thedder. There was actually a value attached to his name, saying his life wasn''t worth more than gaining a Peak Dao Seed. It meant he would have to kill a thousand people like himself to gain the equivalent points of getting a single Dao Branch. It might not sound too bad, but everyone here would have stocked up on escape talismans and hidden aces.


    Landing a killing blow wasn''t easy unless there was arge power discrepancy, and some battles would result in wounds that might be extra hard to heal in the odd environment of the Twilight Ocean.


    Zac eventually closed the screen and looked away from the water, his eyes turning toward the endless horizon instead. To his sides was an endless coast which was lined by a dense forest, and far in the distance could barely discern an ind. The clouds were sparse, and they were either wrought in ck, gold, or a mix in-between.


    The sky itself held the same color as the spatial anomaly did from the outside; a mix of gold and green that cast everything in a slightly metallic hue. Zac took in the view for a few more seconds, but he suddenly froze. He had been so upied with the shocking entry and the subsequent quest that he had missed a crucial detail.


    He had seen this ce before.


    It was years ago and Zacs mind was a mess at the time, but he was sure of it. It was back when the Mystic Realm copsed, turning into the Memorysteel mountain and thousands of inds. Back then thews of space had been turned on their head, and Zac had found himself witnessing a series of odd scenes.


    Back then he had seen an alien world, with a Shard of Creation nestled in the depths of a volcano. He had only caught a glimpse of the sky in that vision, but it definitely matched what he was looking at now. And if the Shard of Creation was here, it wouldn''t be a surprise if the Splinter of Oblivion he saw in the depths of an ocean was here as well.


    Were the remnants perhaps the source of the odd phenomena of this world? With Oblivion on one side and Creation on the other, this space had been affected by both. Add some Cosmic Energy and Miasma and you had something called Twilight Energy by the natives.


    Zac slowly shook his head, eventually discarding the idea. It probably wasnt a coincidence that there were remnants in a ce like this, but it was unlikely they were the core of this word. First of all, their energies differed from what he felt around him. But more importantly, they werent powerful enough.


    This realm was enormous, and it provided resources that even attracted Monarchs. Meanwhile, the remnants were called ss-3 treasures by the Administrator back then. Zacs own estimates were along the same line, that they were peak D-Grade treasures. However, they also contained hints of extremely high-tiered concepts, which increased their dangerpared to normal treasures of that grade.


    The question was what to do with this knowledge. Should he go for it and try adding another set into his collection?


    Heurk, a gagging sound dragged Zac out of his thoughts, and he looked over to see a humanoid curled up into a ball up on the beach.


    Only then did Zac remember a piece of information in the crystal N had provided for him. ording to the missive, the transfer put a great strain on ones body, and it was a good idea to activate a defensive talisman the moment you arrived in the Twilight Ocean. That way you would be protected while you limatized to the weird energies in the air.


    But why hadnt he noticed anything like that?


    Even now, standing in the odd life-death water he waspletely unaffected. He already knew that his resistance to life-attuned energies was far greaterpared to normal undead. But for him to bepletely unaffected by the transfer? Was it the rune that passed through him? Even now, he wasn''t really bothered by the small amounts of energy that seeped into his body.


    The human soon gained a sense of his surroundings, and he was horrified when he saw a pureblood Draugr staring at him from just 50 meters away, seemingly unbothered by the Twilight Energy in the area. Zac didnt even have a chance to say anything before the man activated an escape talisman and disappeared.


    Zac could only snort as he turned back toward the ocean, and he started walking deeper into the waters. There was no point in hunting that humanoid since a ''0'' actually appeared above his had after Zac had focused on him for two seconds. Zac guessed that it was his value, meaning the cultivator didn''t cultivate either life or death. Or perhaps that releasing his energies wasn''t worth anything to the ''Tapestry of Twilight''.


    He soon found himselfpletely submerged as he took the first steps into the ocean, and he was relieved to find that visibility was a lot better than he initially feared. He could see for thousands of meters before it all turned into a greenish haze, and he could even spot a few other cultivators in the distance. His eyes turned to a small reef not far away, and he started moving toward it.


    The viscosity of the liquid was a bit odd, far lower than water. He didnt actually float in the Twilight Ocean, and he could still swing his arms freely as long as he expelled small amounts of Miasma. It was a bit like when he found himself in space. Zac took out <strong>[Rakan''s Roar]</strong> and swung it a few times before he nodded and stowed it away.


    Until now, Zac hadn''t really felt anything wrong with the Twilight Energy entering his body, but he eventually started to feel some difort after moving through the water for ten minutes. He expelled some miasma through his hands, after which he tried to restore his reserves with the umted energy. It worked, but it almost felt like drinking brackish water because of the taint of life energy.


    Thankfully, his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> finally woke up after the umted energy reached a certain point, and one beat was enough to cleanse most of his body. Interestingly enough, his Hidden Node didn''t actually consume Twilight Energy as a whole, but it rather ripped the life-attuned part and left clean death-attuned energy in his body.


    But it wasn''t exactly Miasma that was left behind. It was rather some other type of death-attuned energy with a slightly different vor. Still, it began replenishing his missing Miasma without any problems as his <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> started to work on the life-attuned energies that were left behind. As for the death-attuned energies, Zac tried to push them toward the next node, but he found himself utterly incapable of actually using the energy for cultivation.


    Zac sighed in disappointment since he had somewhat hoped he would be able to live the life as a cultivator for a second there. Of course, <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>would start spitting out some usable energy sooner orter, though it was only half of the Twilight Energy that entered his body. He wasn''t too worried about the remaining energy either, since it wasn''t harmful to him. He could always expel some Miasma to absorb it into his cells if needed.


    However, he looked on with wonder as the deathly energies actually started to move by themselves, but neither toward <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>or his normal nodes. They rather congealed and formed a stream that moved toward his head, where a small whirlwind had appeared on his Soul Aperture.


    The deathly energies swam right inside like they wereing home, and they immediately entered the deathly ocean in his mind. A momentter the energies were gone,pletely integrated with the waters. Zac looked on with mute iprehension, as nothing he had read in his <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>had mentioned anything like this.


    Still, it didn''t really seem like a bad thing that the deathly energy entered his mind, especially when it was in such small quantities. But he did find himself in a pretty odd situation as thest of the death-attuned energy was swallowed. Others were trying all kinds of ways to minimize the harmful effects of the Twilight Energy, using everything from arrays to continuously rotating their Daos within their bodies.


    Meanwhile, the various parts of his body seemed to fight for the energy, like it couldn''t get enough. It was like he hade home.

 Chapter 700: First Culling

    Chapter 700: First Culling


    The situation with the Twilight Energy was even better than Zac had anticipated, but he wouldnt take anything for granted going forward. He was still at the outer edge of the Mystic Realm where the Twilight Energy was at its weakest. Who knew if he would be able to so effortlessly deal with the environment in the inner reaches. For example, his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> couldnt infinitely swallow energy. It followed a cycle of absorption, purification, and release.


    The same was true for his soul. He hadnt figured quite out what was going on, but his Soul Aperture wasnt a true world. There should be limits on how much energy it could absorb before it became satiated. Finally, the elites of the trial would still be able to exhibit pretty much their full power all the way to the midway point from what he had gathered, so he definitely wasnt able to run amok with this small advantage.


    Putting the matter of Twilight Energy aside, Zac eventually reached the small forest of swaying seaweed, and his arm turned into a blur as he cut down over a dozen nts that emitted a weak hint of spirituality. His actions didnt garner him a single contribution point though, proving that there was no point in just wantonly destroying the surroundings to Release Dao. It probably had to be real treasures to count.


    Having gotten a decent understanding of the situation he finally took out the small ck stone he got from Catheya and infused it with some Miasma. He soon sensed a number of distant presences, with one particr connection being far stronger than the others. It was hard to urately estimate how far away Catheya was, but he felt it would take a couple of hours to get there.


    Even then, her starting location seemed pretty lucky, just like his. Catheya should already be out in the ocean by the looks of things, while most of the markers were pointing toward the continent where most people were dropped off. They would probably have a much harder time gathering up with the ruthless rules of the trial. Of course, he didnt expect his own journey to bepletely free from worries.


    <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> appeared on his back and he started to make his way forward, choosing to run on the bottom of the ocean, his movement slightly boosted by small bursts of Miasma. Moving on the beach would definitely be easier, but people would keep appearing one after another on the shores and further inside the continent. The entrance time was staggered, but it would still be a bloodbath as over ten million participants woulde flooding inside.


    A pang of danger suddenly erupted, and Zac looked down with surprise at a spear shooting out from the ocean floor. It was infused with a powerful prative force, but it wasnt at a level that that could kill him. Still, Zac pushed himself away by expelling a burst of Miasma, but his brows rose when he found himself stuck after moving just fifty meters.


    An azure rope had appeared out of nowhere and attached itself to him, and it was connected to arge totem that had appeared right where the ambush took ce. It was five meters in height, and it looked a bit like an anchor that was dug into the seabed. Zac immediately understood it was some sort of binding skill, not dissimr from the array the cultists had used against him a long time ago.


    A living humanoid rose from the sandy floor the next moment, and he gave Zac a look of superiority after confirming he was caught by the rope. He actually spoke up as well, another odd feature of the Twilight Ocean that Zac had read about before. Sound traveled just fine in the liquid, though voices appeared slightly muted.


    Good catch, a Draugr! Im sorry, but you will have to be fertilizer for my pa- HEURK! The man didnt get any further as a ck chain had exploded out from the sandy ground and wound itself around his leg.


    The next moment he was dragged like a ragdoll toward Zac, who had already summoned <strong>[Rakan''s Roar] </strong>and activated <strong>[Gorehew]</strong>. The man iled about as he tried to stop the chain, and he even managed tounch an extremely powerful stab at the ck links of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. Unfortunately for him, Zac had already infused the chain with the Fragment of the Coffin, allowing it to withstand the attack.


    A momentter he was dragged right in front of Zac, and a haze of blood spread through the area a momentter as two pieces of a decapitated corpse slowlynded on the ocean floor. Zac shook his head in reproach as he quickly looted the corpse and his spatial ring before he ran away. He should have known that the contribution value of cultivators wouldnt be visible unless he actually spotted targets, making it useless as a way to prevent ambushes.


    Luckily, the attacker was most likely some young lordling who had never in a real struggle of life and death. His power wasnt too bad; both his restrictive skill and the proficiency he disyed when striking his fetters were respectable. But his actualbat experience was utterlycking.


    What kind of fool stops to talk in the middle of a death match? It allowed Zac to send a chain into the ground and ambush the spearman right back. Certainly, Zac would still have defeated him soon enough, but it would have wasted some time. And any second wasted was another moment some real powerhouse might target him.


    It was a good reminder of how dangerous things could get even out in the seemingly empty waters. The weaker cultivators were definitely just trying to hide and survive at this moment, while the more powerful and ruthless people took advantage of the early chaos to gather some wealth and contribution points.


    At least he had gained 102 Contribution Points from the lesson, indicating that Zac should be in the upper part of his Value span of 100-250. After all, Zac doubted that the young lordling had anything better than a Middle-Stage Dao Fragment. Otherwise, he wouldn''t have fallen so easily.


    Arge amount of Miasma stormed into the skill fractal for the movement skill on his chest, and the world suddenly inverted after almost two seconds had passed. He had activated <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> multiple times by now, but he was still filled with marvel as he felt his incorporeal form. He could barely be considered a ghost at the moment, rather a congregation of miasmic energies.


    Activating the skill normally didnt take him to that ancient darkness, but the skill rather turned the world monochrome the moment it activated. However, it turned out that the Twilight Ocean had an interesting effect on his augmented vision.


    When he had used the skill in his courtyard everything mostly stayed the same except objects looked like they had turned into energy instead. The effect even allowed him to see through walls to some extent, but not pass through them. But here in the things had undergone a more drastic change.


    Some nts and stones on the ocean floor shone like small beacons, whereas other items were so muted they almost seemed invisible. Other features on the seafloor looked mottled like they were full of faults and holes. Zac quickly realized what was going on.


    Some of the items in the Twilight Ocean were like some trees in the Dead Zone; they had an extremely pure aura of life even when surrounded by death. Simrly, some nt life and even materials only retained half of the Twilight Energy, expelling the other half. And the purely life-attuned materials around him had turned extremely bleak when he entered his current form.


    It was pretty interesting since it was almost the opposite of his normal Draugr-vision where life-force was clearly visible to his eyes unless it was masked. Still, Zacs main goal was currently to get away since it was possible more powerful warriors could arrive at any moment. His blob of energy pushed forward through the seemingly frozen water with amazing speed, each second taking him over five hundred meters from his original position.


    Only when he had moved ten kilometers from where he fought did he stop. He looked around and saw no powerful signatures around, at which point he returned into his corporeal form. With a sh, the world turned back to normal, and a scan indicated he really was alone unless someone could hide from his peak mastery <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>. Zac activated <strong>[Spiritual Anchor]</strong> to scan his body just in case, but the spear wielder hadnt left any brands on him before dying.


    Only then did Zac keep moving, this time working even harder to mask his aura. In normal situations, he would do the opposite and st his killing intent to keep opportunists at bay, but he felt that might have an opposite effect in this ce. It felt like a better idea to move along the lush undergrowth at the ocean floor while masking his aura.


    Even then Zac was attacked twice over the following ten minutes among the corals and rocky outcroppings at the bottom of the Twilight Ocean, and the attackers were actually both undead this time around. One of the battles ended with a Corpselord getting trapped and bisected by <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>, but the second attacker instantly fled the moment he realized that he had attacked someone far too powerful.


    Zac snorted in annoyance but he didnt pursue. The attacker''s Contribution Value was marked as 50-100, and Zac wouldn''t follow him toward drynd for something like that. The previous two targets didn''t possess many valuables except their equipment and pills either, except a few top-quality healing pills. He instead kept moving forward ignoring most people he saw in the distance.


    Four hours passed, during which Zac found himself embroiled in eight consecutive battles, including one where he was forced to trap the attacker inside <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> before using an escape talisman. It wasnt that Zac waspletely overmatched, but the attacker was pretty powerful and she had activated some sort ofmunication crystal. It was better to get out of there before he found himself besieged.


    Finally, Zac closed in on Catheyas location. She had been steadily been moving out from the shore at a middling pace, which no doubt was the best option considering how hectic things were onnd at the moment. He was moving further and further away from the starting continent, but he could still sense energy eruptions every single minute from desperate battles on the shores.


    His ranking had steadily dropped over the past hours as well, and he was currently relegated all the way to 64,334. Part of it was no doubt thanks to the constant flow of participants, but he guessed that some had passed him by through ughter as well. He only started with a bit over 6,000 Contribution Points, and he had already made five hundred points without even trying. Some fiends had probably rued thousands of points by this point.


    The best bet for Catheya''s group was to keep a decent pace the first days and create some distance from the general mob. That tactic increased the odds of running into other powerful squads, but Zac doubted too many of the elites wanted to go all-out on the first day, even with the allure of Contribution Points in front of them. Even if they won, so what?


    They might be forced to use up their aces with three years remaining on the trial. Besides, even if you nned on climbing the ranks through ughter, it was better to wait a few months so that you would also gain Twilight Fruits from the kills. For now, innumerable treasures were waiting in the depths, and it was more important to gobble them up and gain powerups before targeting others.


    Zac finally spotted his employer, who leisurely moved forward among the corals with a string of twelve frozen corpses forming a trail behind her. The Titan Revenant had caught up to Catheya already, and she grinned at Zac like she had won some sort ofpetition.


    Youre here, thats pretty quick, Catheya smiled, but Zac only grunted as he looked at the corpse sculptures.


    Whats this? Zac asked curiously.


    Some deterrent and early contribution collection, Catheyaughed. Besides, I saw a few good bodies on the way and decided to snatch them. Dont you know, its best to perform repairs and alterations immediately after the Dreamers fall? Their bodies hold lingering spirituality, which helps the process even after their souls have departed.


    Zac nodded as that was a matter of course, though he was a bit surprised at the news. He had always thought it didnt matter, and some of his followers had been kept in his Corpse Sack for years until Zac got his hands on the methods to turn them into undead followers.


    Then again, Zacs method of raising followers was definitely not part of the orthodoxy. While other liches and morticians used all kinds of secret methods to restore and even improve the bodies of their flowers, Zac had the power of pure Creation.


    Catheya obviously wouldnt have this kind of cheat-like ability, and it instead looked like she had added talismans and engravings onto the frozen bodies. Looking at the scene Zac felt that he finally could confirm her ss. It had to be rted to ice, one of the three great heritages of the Undead.


    It wasnt a surprise considering her masters show of force, but it was still good to know what he was dealing with in case things went south.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As for the arrays covering the bodies, Zac had a feeling that they werent for healing purposes considering the bodies looked mostly fine, but rather modifications. Zac wished he could learn the methods if that really was the case. It might be toote for his original batch of Einherjar, but how would someone like him everck bodies to turn into followers?


    You know, its considered rude to try and glean the modifications of others, Catheya said with a raised bow as she saw Zac studying the inscriptions covering their bodies.


    If it bothers you, you can throw a tarp over them, Zac shrugged, but he still turned away.


    No ss, Qirai muttered angrily.


    It looked like the Titan would keep talking, but they all suddenly froze and looked in the same direction.


    What happened? Zac asked with surprise. One of the connections broke.


    Ravan fell, Catheya said, confusion written all over her face.


    That fool had the guts to lust for the Perennial Vastness Token, and he didnt even make it off the shores? Qirai blurted with incredulity.


    He was strongly rmended by the local branch. Ravan is somewhat renowned for both his survival and offensive capabilities, which is why I recruited him. The n provided him with several high-quality talismans as well as part of his remuneration. He must have been unlucky to have run into someone way too powerful for him to fall like this, Catheya muttered. Well, bad fortune is part of life.


    The trial is a bit bloodier than I expected, Zacmented.


    Its essentially a ughter trial as well, Catheya agreed with some helplessness across her face. We might meet more resistance than I expected along the way.


    Will the n still work? Zac asked with a frown.


    Every person we lose will increase our workload a bit. The strain right now is negligible, but in a few months, it will be extremely taxing without my array. If we lose another one we might have to enlist or enve some new members, Catheya mused. For now, lets keep on moving.


    Zac nodded and the trio set out. The appearance of two pureblood Draugr and a Titan thankfully deterred any more attempts, which only served to annoy Catheya a bit. However, she ultimately chose to give up on collecting any more corpses, which was a pretty big relief to Zac. It wasnt really that he was worried about getting himself in trouble, but it proved that Catheya was at least notpletely impulsive and temperamental as a leader.


    He had heard too many stories about young scions with overblown egos kicking up all kinds of trouble while out exploring. They might be fine because their elders had stocked their bags full of life-saving treasures, but what about their followers?


    The group moved at a brisk but not frantic pace, and the fourth member arrived after just twenty minutes. It was Sharpo, the spectral cultivator, and she looked essentially unscathed. Zac wasnt surprised at their Mentalist scout being able to make it through the culling without much problem. Zac was more surprised to see Yod appearing just an hourter looking mostly fine.


    He was the second Corpselord of the group apart from the fallen Ravan, though Zac had only heard him speak two times. But from what Catheya had exined over the past week, he was essentially an undead Pdin, or perhaps more of a Shaman like Emily. He focused on both protective and healing skills, making him a wee member of any team.


    Another two hours passed, and Catheya finally started to disy some worry. Zac understood she was thinking about Varo, the final missing member of the group. Thankfully he arrived 40 minutester, though he sported pretty gristly wounds across his body.


    His robes werepletely ripped apart, and he formed a trail of ck ichor in the waters behind him. Yod wordlessly stepped forward and a dark cloud surrounded the Revenant. The cloud didnt disperse but rather burrowed into Varos body. The skill looked a bit like Zacs <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>, but it was obviously a healing skill since Varo almost immediately looked a lot better.


    Im sorry about the dy, Varo said after giving Yod a small bow. I was ambushed by a group. I am afraid I had to expend one of the aces mistress prepared to escape.


    Its fine, Catheya said with a smile. Were all here now. Lets set out. Its a long journey to our destination.


    Can you finally tell us where that is? Zac asked. "You''ve kept us in suspense for months now."


    Well, no, Catheya said with a wink. It wasnt easy for my master to hire a numerologist to divine the location of the Life-Death Pearls and the route to get there. I cant just give the information away, right? But our first stop on the journey is Cork Ind.

 Chapter 701: Clashing Seas

    Chapter 701: shing Seas


    Zac wasnt too surprised about the first destination being Cork Ind. The Twilight Ocean shared the same odd feature as many other Mystic Realms that were actively managed by the System; it was randomized between trials, just like Earth upon the Integration. However, a lot of features were constant even after the randomization, and Cork Ind was one location that always appeared somewhere in the early parts of the Twilight Ocean.


    People had tried for ages to create vessels that worked in this odd ce, but they were either restricted by the system or simply didnt work while submersed in the mystic waters of this ce. But the ce was simply too big to just randomly travel around by foot, and people had found some workarounds; one was to jump into the powerful streams that passed through the Mystic Realm.


    Another way to build vessels with the help of pre-fabricated runes and locally sourced materials.


    The trees at Cork Ind were quite popr as a material for making underwater vessels. The trees had a diameter of up to twenty meters, which allowed you to hollow one out and create roomy submersibles. Even better, the thick bark both had strong defensive properties while also isting some of the Twilight Energies permeating the air.


    Finding Cork Ind and building a vessel would give you a leg up against thepetition, though it wasnt the only solution people had found over the ages. Rocks, shells, corals, evenrge beasts. People had managed to turn all kinds of things into odd submarines that only worked in this world. A few even managed to create flying vessels, but those were less popr as over 90% of the valuables were hidden in the depths of the ocean.


    Howe Cork Ind instead of the Monolith Forest? Sharpo asked with a hollow voice, which gave Zac a start. Why are we traveling along the Living Pulse?


    It was a good question, and one Zac would have thought to ask if he didnt still think from the perspective of a human. Cork Ind was a pretty decent spot, but it was ultimately preferred by the living factions since it was filled with trees. Meanwhile, the undead factions gravitated more toward unliving materials such as the stgmites that the ghost mentioned.


    Neither material was better than the other, but the risk of being caught up in a conflict was lower if they aimed for the Monolith Forest instead.


    As for the Living Pulse, it was one of the more famous underwater currents. This one, in particr, had been given the name the Living Pulse since it could take cultivators to a series of decent opportunities for the living. It was pretty dangerous though, so it required both knowledge of the stream and some defensive means.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The pulse was often erratic,shing out with force even exceeding the E-grade. Simrly, there was a Death Pulse that passed by the Monolith Forest. Both pulses would ultimately lead into the outer waters where the group could start looking for the Life-Death Pearls or continue toward the Twilight Chasm.


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    Thats the path the esteemed numerologist found for us, Catheya shrugged. Dont worry. Those who reach that ce as quickly as we will are more focused on reaching the depths of the ocean than fighting it out with other groups. We only need to be careful after having built or vessel in case someone wants to snatch it.


    Whats the matter, ghost? Qirai grinned. Didnt wee to this ce to hone ourselves? Barging through the Living Pulse sounds a lot more exciting than going the other way. Its the path of the elite.


    Sharpo didnt respond nor inquire further, and neither did Zac. However, he knew the exnations were mostly excuses. He was willing to bet his right arm that this route had something to do with the additional mission of Catheyas, the one that he had been enlisted to help out with in return for dealing with the Veilplume Monarch.


    Zac wasnt overly worried about heading to the Living Pulse though. If things went downhill he could always use his escape talismans and swap to his human form, blending in with the living. His Array would lose its efficacy for a month, but that didnt really matter now that he was inside the Mystic Realm.


    Of course, he didnt want to use his Specialty Core unless necessary. The System shielded others from looking inside, but who knew if the brand he had been marked with was recording his actions. If possible, he wanted to rid himself of that egg along with the brand before swapping between races.


    Alright, the quicker we move the less likely its for trouble to appear, Catheya said. Lets go. Feel free to pick up loot on the way, but dont cause trouble for the others.


    The group immediately sped up after sinking to the ocean floor, and they spread out a bit with Catheya in the middle so they could trawl a thin stretch of seabed for valuables. Zac didn''t find anything interesting over the first two hours, but he eventually spotted an odd nt that looked like a tall grey coral that grew grey seaweed that resembled palm leaves. It didnt look very exciting, but he could sense some spiritual fluctuation hidden beneath the long grey leaves.


    Zac immediately shot forward, feeling he had finally found something of value. However, he wasnt the only one as Qirai sted forward with enough force to cause a small whirlwind in the water behind her. The nt was slightly closer to Zac, but the Titan was surprisingly quick so they reached the nt at the same time.


    Mine, Qirai said while trying to stare down Zac, but he only snorted and ripped up the nt by its roots and threw it into his spatial ring.


    Keep to your ownne, Titan, Zac spat, which caused the aura of Qirai to veritably explode as she took a threatening step forward.


    Alright, thats enough, you two, an exasperated voice reached the two of them as the waters turned freezing. No need to fight over one little fruit. You need tens of thousands to get a chance at a decent spot on thedder. Everyone gets a two-kilometer berth. And Arcaz, dont rip out the whole tree. Just pluck the fruits. Dont you know about the rules of conservation?


    Zac nodded as he nced in the direction of Catheya, but he still didnt take the tree out. It had already been harvested, and it would probably not survive even if rented. Qirai red onest time at Zac before she shed away, her movement skill causing a massive shockwave that even pushed Zac a few steps back.


    A small smile crept up along Zacs lips as he looked at the Titan swim away in a huff. He wondered if the Titan Revenants predecessor was so irascible that it carried over through the awakening, or if it was just something that was hardwired into their muscles.


    ording to my calctions, well reach an area where we can jump onto the pulse in a bit under two weeks, Catheyas voice continued, and Zac realized that it came from a small ice crystal that floated next to him. In total it will take almost three months to reach the inneryer. You two only need to cooperate until then. After weve farmed our pearls, we can go our separate ways.


    No worries, Zac smiled. People alwayspliment me on how well I work with others.


    Somehow I doubt that, Catheyaughed through the ice crystal, after which it melted and blended into the water in the surroundings.


    Zac didnt immediately set out, but he rather waited a few seconds before he took out the coral-like tree and harvested the Twilight Fruit. It was the first time getting a good look at it in person, and it didnt look much for the world; just a grey peach-like fruit. However, the reason why he was ready toe to blows with Qirai over this low-tier item wasnt because of any goals rted to the Fate-Plucking Ladder.


    After almost four years, he had finally found an item that elicited a response from <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>.


    The reaction was small, but it was definitely there. Alea wanted something from this tree, and it only took a few seconds to confirm that it was the fruit itself. Zac''s heart beat in anticipation as he pressed the fruit against his amulet, and a smile spread across his face as he saw it getting drained in an instant, leaving just a husk behind.


    This discovery was huge, and it brought even more excitement than the ability to ward off the Twilight Energy. He had no idea why Alea wanted the Twilight Fruits, but he thought it might be rted to its reconciliatory effects. The items he had used when forming <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>had ultimately been a mixed hodgepodge of things he had at hand.


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    Perhaps the fusion between her soul and the Spirit Tool wasnt perfect because he hadnt properly prepared all materials. After all, while the <strong>[Divine Investiture Array]</strong> would create an item without ws, it was still ultimately dependant on the materials that were put into the process.


    Now that his horizons had been broadened it didn''t felt like he had spent a fortune on the formation of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, but rather almost like he had shortchanged Alea. But finally, he had a way to start improving her situation. Besides, if Twilight Fruits could help her, who knew what else in this ce would work as well.


    The only downside was the implications this discovery had for his ranking on the Fate-Plucking Ladder. But between some random treasure from the Twilight Vault and helping Alea while upgrading his Spirit Tool, he would obviously choose thetter.


    The group kept an unrelenting pace for five whole days, not spending even an hour resting. Catheya wanted to break away from the main pack, and no one had anyints. They were still embroiled in over thirty altercations, though more than half of the shes ended immediately when neither side could gain an easy advantage.


    Those who kept at the edge of their formation were those who usually got ambushed, so they kept a rolling scheme. Eventually, Varo and Sharpo had to give up on treasure hunting and instead apany Catheya because of the pressure, leaving the other three to shore up their defenses. It wasnt really that the two were weak, but their skillset leaned in different directions.


    Yod was ultimately a healer as well, so it mostly came down to Qirai and Zac to protect their nks with Catheya providing support if needed. Qirai weed the challenge, and she essentially took it as a challenge who could gather the most contribution points. Zac didnt mind either, since it gave him a wider berth to collect Twilight Fruits, and the asional attack provided both loot and Contribution Points.


    Over the five days, Zac managed to rack up another 1,371 points from 14 kills, which was slightly below the Titan. Of course, Zac would have reached a higher number if he fought a bit harder, but he didnt want to expose his stronger attacks this early. He usually tried to ensnare any enemy that got close, but he didnt pursue if they got too far.


    What was interesting was there didn''t seem to be any hard or fast rules to the contribution points each trial taker provided. He fought one who clearly had a Death attuned Fragment, but he only got 18 contribution points from that person. Conversely, he got a whopping 281 contribution points by killing a treeman who seemed to have a Dao Fragment that was a mix of the Seed of Trees and Seed of Gust.


    Part of the value definitely came from the stage of the Dao, but part seemed toe from something else. The quest was to perfect the ''Tapestry of Twilight'', and Zac guessed that some insights were valued higher than others when it came to kills.


    Even with all those kills and searching high and low, he had only managed to collect 74 Twilight Fruits, a pathetic number. Therge number of kills had already put him at the threshold of gaining another level as well, but he reluctantly chose to wait. He had his <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong> and <strong>[Chain-breaking Pills]</strong>, but this was no time to test their efficacy. His body was still on the mend from forcing his way through eight consecutive levels, and bursting a node at this point might get him killed.


    If not by his own doing, then by the attackers that were everywhere in the waters.


    At the end of the fifth day, Catheya finally called for a break, and the group gathered in a hidden cave at the bottom of the ocean. Zac felt he could keep going, but he immediately realized that the others were in a bad way.


    Sharpo looked a bit dim, and Yod had a small frown on his face. Even the hulking Titan looked a bit deted after the marathon, though it wasnt surprising considering how she had constantly fought. She didnt have his luxury of a Hidden Node purifying the energies for her. Only Catheya looked like Zac, in somewhat good spirits. She erected a series of high-quality arrays that hid the cave and their auras, along with a diversion array and killing array.


    The diversion array was a type of illusion array that made people subconsciously look over an area, to avoid it because they were made to feel that it held nothing of value. If someone still forced their way here, the Killing array would probably make short work of them considering the quality it held.


    This cursed energy, Qirai muttered as she crushed a Miasma Crystal. It feels like Im covered with burrowing maggots.


    The energy released from the crystal purified the Titans surroundings for half a minute, but it was ultimately assimted the ambient energy again.


    The density of Twilight Energy had increased a bit over the past five days as they were leaving the starting continent behind, but it was still well within what his body could handle. He might as well have been walking in one of the Dead Zones back on Earth thanks to thebined efforts of his Hidden Node and the whirlpool in his Soul Aperture.


    As they had traveled the past days, Zac had constantly monitored the situation in his mind. Continuing his Soul Cultivation towards the Second Reincarnation was one of his goalsing to the Twilight Harbor. His most optimistic estimates had initially indicated that he might reach the threshold within a decade, but it looked like he might reach the Second Reincarnation much earlier than expected judging by the changes in his Soul Aperture.


    This was as good a time as any, and since the others needed to rest for a few hours Zac had some time to see if his new arrays worked in this environment. He walked off to a corner of the cave, and he ignored the curious looks of the others as he started infusing Mental Energy into the array disk he took out. His eyes lit up when Twilight Energy started streaming into the array, but he sighed when his surroundings became almost deste after ten minutes.


    Not a bad array, Catheyamented from the distance. Though it is not possible to keep the Twilight Energy permanently at bay that way.


    Zac looked over with some confusion, but he soon understood what it had to look like. He took out two Supreme Miasma Crystals and crushed them, which drowned the area in Miasma. One single Supreme Miasma Crystal held as much energy as roughly ten High-quality Miasma Crystals, and the whole cave was inundated in death for over fifteen minutes before bnce was restored.


    Just wanted a breather, Zac smiled after he returned to the group.


    More money than sense, Qirai said, clearly with some jealousy. The crystal she crushed earlier was just of Medium Quality, or E-grade Miasma Crystals as they would have been called back in the Zecia Sector. The effect they had on their surroundings was unsurprisingly just a shadow of the Miasma storm Zac had caused.


    Thank you, Sharpo said from the side, and Zac noticed she looked a little better than before.


    Zac smiled and closed his eyes, going over the results of the experiment. The cultivation method for the Second Reincarnation was pretty straightforward, and very much the same as the first one. He would infuse his mental energy into the array disk, and it would temper his soul.


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    The good news was that the Twilight Energy was useable as a fuel, but the ambient energy in the outer parts of the ocean was far insufficient to do the trick. He had barely managed to start cultivating before the area was drained, which was a testament to how power-hungry the process was.


    More importantly, Zac felt he had made some insights into the process itself. The first reincarnation tempered him by causing shes between life and death around his soul. He only managed to send a trickle through the array this time, but it was still passed through the whole array and returned into his mind.


    Zac had obviously taken out the Array Disk that utilized Deathly Dao since he was sitting right in front of six undead cultivators, and what had been returned was a marginally deathlier Mental Energy. However, the energy hadnt floated around in his Soul Aperture, but it had rather entered the death-attuned Soul Sea.


    The change was even more negligible than the addition of the purified Twilight Energy, but Zac sensed that the ocean got slightly rowdier after the infusion. He guessed that this was how the process would look. Each revolution would bolster the oceans in his mind, and by the time he had infused both oceans, he would have caused a full-fledged storm in his soul aperture.


    The raging seas would sh, and the core in the middle of the oceans would be tempered in turn, like a rock being polished by the raging seas.

 Chapter 702: Trove

    Chapter 702: Trove


    If the method of cultivating his soul was to cause storms to rage in his mind, then Zac''s best guess was that Twilight Energy improved the base power of the storms. The more energy he managed to infuse into the seas, the greater storms would rage, and the faster his soul would be tempered.


    That was his takeaway after almost a week of observation at least. The array only temporarily infused the soul oceans, but the effect of the Twilight Energy was permanent. It did seem like the energy helped expand the ocean by a small degree, but more importantly, it improved the quality of the ocean.


    It was like Twilight Energy added the insights it contained to the waters, making them moreplete representations of Life and Death. The energy in the waters was previously made from the ambient energy in his cultivation cave along with attuned crystals, so the insights they contained were no doubt quite basic.


    Only a very small pocket of the deathly had been elevated so far, but more and more Twilight Energy kept pouring in. Sooner orter the oceans would be filled with the insights of Twilight, at which point Zac would probably need to find some other way tobat the suppressive energy around him.


    Zac doubted that the Twilight Energy was the only method to improve his oceans as well, and he bet that he would be able to do the same with various treasures. After all, that vortex that formed didnt seem to have anything to do with his Bloodline or ss, but it was rather that formed when his soul evolved.


    There was no way to tell how many different attuned items he needed to collect, but he felt following Kenzies lead would be the best. The more he could expand the oceans and the moreplete their insight were, the better. In fact, the quality of his second reincarnation might hinge on the quality of the oceans to some degree.


    Eventually, the energy from Zacs crystals dissipated, at which point Catheya took out an array sphere that looked extremely intricate. It was not hard to guess what he was looking at; the purification array.


    Everyone, get acquainted with this array controller over the next hour. We will constantly depend on this thing in the deeper parts of the Twilight Ocean, and it requires constant attention. We will install a daughter array in the vessel well build and take turns controlling it while the others can cultivate or look for treasures, Catheya exined.


    It was soon Zacs turn, and he was truthfully a bit worried. Catheya had never directly showcased this thing during their meetings, calling its functionality a trade secret. Zacs Dao control was legendarily awful, impossibly so for a Draugr. What if he couldnt even run the array? But he still reached over to grasp the ck orb, and a stream of information soon entered his mind which allowed him to breathe out in relief.


    Using the array was straightforward enough. You only needed to continuously infuse some Dao and Miasma into it, and the array would to the rest. Zac was a bit surprised a purity array could utilize any sort of Death Dao to run, but it did exin why the surroundings slightly changed in vor when the others tried it out. Zac chose the Fragment of the Coffin and the miasma in their surroundings changed soon again, and it started to feel extra familiar and soothing to Zac.


    There was just a hint of his Dao in the surroundings, but it still somehow transformed the Miasma to fit him even better. However, he was surprised at the expenditure. Even with his massive reserves, hed be hard-pressed to run the array for a whole day, and hed bepletely wrung-dry after 30 hours or so.


    Its effect was generally good though, with one caveat; it lessened the amount of Twilight Energy to just 20% of its original Density, recing it with Miasma. And since Zac couldn''t actually absorb miasma to cultivate, he was actually losing cultivation momentum from the array rather than gaining a respite.


    Luckily he would only be under this thing''s effect for a few months.


    Well each run this array for six hours, which will give everyone over a days rest after their turn, Catheya said. Its a shame we lost a member the moment we entered this ce, but it still shouldnt be too hard on anyone here. But you should prepare yourself. The effect will not be nearly as good at the inner parts of the ocean where the Twilight Energy is a lot denser.


    The group set out after resting up for a few hours, and they soon settled in their slightly monotonous days of moving across the seemingly endless ocean floor and while asionally picking up a low-grade natural treasure or a few Twilight Fruits. There was still the asional attack, but they had grown a lot sparser after a week had passed.


    However, the calm was suddenly broken as an Ice Crystal appeared next to Zac. Gather up for a bit, Catheyas voice suddenly emerged from an ice crystal that appeared out of nowhere. Theres something interesting here.


    Zac looked over in the direction of Catheya, but he didnt see anything special. She was standing on a small rocky formation sticking out of the seabed, and some corals and seaweed were growing on the mound. It didnt look much different from the hundreds of simr outcroppings Zac had passed over the past two days, but perhaps it was something different about that one?


    Zac swam over, and he increased his speed a bit by shooting out small bursts of Miasma. Soon the group of six were all gathered, and they curiously looked around.


    Look, Catheya smiled as she pointed toward a pathway hidden behind a dense patch of seaweed.


    A hidden cave? Qirai muttered. Is it a den?


    Better, Catheyaughed. Its a trove.


    Oh? Qirai eximed with interest, and Zac gave the dark cavern another look with surprise.


    This was the first actual trove he had encountered unless you counted the castles during the Eastern Trigram Hunt. This was the kind left by a previous generation trial-taker. After all, the death rate of the Twilight Ocean was roughly 50%, which meant a lot of unimed bodies and loot since many deaths came from mutual destruction or fights against beasts.


    What happened to fallen cultivators differed. Some who had received a lethal wound were able to hang on for a while, and they used that time to set up an Inheritance trial like those back in his Dao Repository. Many feared being forgotten as much as dying, and they didnt want their cultivation journey to end without making the slightest impression on the universe.


    Setting up an Inheritance wasnt only done out of benevolence though. The System was very much in favor of the custom, and it had already been proven that it sowed positive Karma. Positive for ones descendants, and possibly even for oneself upon reincarnation.


    After being set up, the Inheritance trials were then sanctioned by the System itself, and they then appeared in some following trial depending on what grade cultivator it was meant for.


    It wasnt needed to actively do something for an inheritance trial to form though. The will of a dying Monarch, and sometimes even Hegemons, was powerful enough to impact their surroundings. Theirtent will resonated with the Heavens, and a tomb was born that was guarded by natural formations affected by the dead cultivators insights.


    A small hidden realm might even appear after particrly powerful Monarchs, where cultivators could enter their crumbling inner world in search of treasure. Zac doubted that those kinds of realms could be found in the Twilight Ocean though, unless some had managed to survive since thest C-grade trial.


    E-grade cultivators werent powerful enough to leave such tombs or worlds behind, but the System often arranged something in ces like Mystic Realms. There might be a small trial to get to the treasures, but nothing too special. It was just like how the pces in the Eastern Trigram Hunt were guarded by barriers that needed to be breached before taking the loot within.


    So why did you call us here? Zac asked with a raised brow. Surely its not to gloat?


    So what if I am? Catheya winked. But no, I realized that we should decide on a system of distribution for troves and inheritances. Just going by finders keepers will be too chaotic in case we reach need to work together in cracking them open, and it might sow bad blood.


    What about auction-system? Qirai suggested.


    Auction-system was a type of distribution for adventuring groups. The one who found the trove would be the owner of it, but sometimes they needed help. That would start a bidding war, where the members of the group could sell their services for a percentage of the loots value. The system was fair on the surface, but Zac frowned when he heard the suggestion.


    Doesnt seem good with thisposition, Sharpo muttered, which got support from both Zac and Yod.


    The group was simply too small, and half the group was solely controlled by Catheya. If Zac needed the help of anyone but the ghost scout or the stalwart Corpselord, Catheya would control the pricing.


    Lets keep it simple? Catheya suggested. Either get it yourself, or we do it as a group. Eight shares, three to the finder, one each to the rest. Of course, anyone can sit it out.


    Agreed, Sharpo quickly said, while Yod nodded in agreement.


    Agreed, Zac muttered as well.


    Good. This is the first one, so lets do it together! Catheya smiled. It shouldnt be anything too exciting this close to the entrance, but you never know. People have even found proper inheritances on the starting continent.


    Zacs eyes flickered with interest, and the pendant around his neck grew into its coffin form. This drew the looks of the rest of the group, where they all sized up his Spirit Tool. They had most likely seen it from a distance as he guarded the nks, but this was the first asion they got a close-up.


    This thing is quite unique, Catheya said with interest, not even trying to hide her curiosity. Definitely a custom job, and a good one. Who did you hire?


    Zac only smiled in return, not deigning toment.


    The group entered the tunnel, and a Zac looked on with interest as hundreds of small spectral snakes emerged from Sharpos body. They simply covered the whole tunnel as they swam deeper, entering every nook and cranny. Zac guessed it was some sort of scouting skill that spotted traps and enemies. He didnt know why the Mentalists skill was formed like small snakes, but it was possible that there might be a poisonousponent to her skillset.


    It was also possible that she could freely control their form, and chose snakes to give others the wrong impression about abilities.


    A wave of Miasma emanated from Yod as well, and Zac felt empowered three consecutive times as three runes shed above everyones head before disappearing. A quick look at his status screen indicated that his Strength and Endurance had both been increased by ten percent, while Vitality and Dexterity had been boosted by five.


    Power. Healing. Defense, Yod muttered.


    It was the first time Zac actually was part of a proper squad of elites, and it felt a bit like he was running a dungeon in an MMORPG game. The Pdin even provided buffs for the run.


    The tunnel led just a hundred meters into the seabed, at which point it ended in an opaque barrier. Sharpo was already on it, and the swarm of spectral snakes dove inside. The shield rippled a bit, but it didnt prevent the snakes from pushing forward.


    A screen appeared in front of the ghost the next moment, disying arge cavern. There were no signs of any movement on the other side, but that wasnt any guarantee. There was almost always some sort of challenge attached to a trove.


    Sometimes it would present itself as some beasts or dangerous ntlife who had made their base close to the treasure to benefit from its energy. If that didnt happen, then the System would make some sort of arrangement. Thew of bnce required some suffering for any reward.


    Alright, lets go, Catheya said as she nced at Qirai.


    The next moment a wall of opaque ice grew on her arm. The ice shield didnte from Qirai though, but it was rather something provided by Catheya. This type of teamwork wasnt all that rare, but it required trust between both parties. For example, Zac definitely wouldnt befortable letting Catheya enclose his whole right arm in a block of ice.


    But it was a pretty smart tactic for a lich, or a lich-ice mage hybrid like what Catheya seemed to be. It allowed her to arm and empower her underlings on the go. The Titan walked through with steady steps, and the rest soon followed.


    There wasnt much of interest inside. The cave was only a hundred meters across, and it reminded Zac of the maw of some enormous beast as it was covered in sharp stgmites and stctites. The only exception was cleared area in the middle, where an unmoving bodyy in front of arge nt. The nt itself was actually protected by a barrier, and Zac guessed the thing was the guardian of the trove.


    As for the unmoving man, he was definitely dead, but there was nothing outwardly wrong with him. He even looked peaceful. There were small remnants of lifeforce left in his body, which meant he shouldnt have been dead for too long.


    Hes fresh. Theres still some spirituality left behind. No more than five hours have passed since he fell, Catheya said thoughtfully, confirming Zacs assumption. Cant see anything wrong though.


    Let me, Sharpo said as she pointed at the corpse.


    Five of the spectral snakes burrowed into the corpses body, but there were no signs of any damage being done to it. They emerged a few momentster and dissipated into Miasma that rejoined Sharpos body.


    His soul aperture is cracked, signs of a mental attack, the ghost said after a few seconds.


    My runes provide no help against mental attacks, Yod immediately reminded.


    No one reallymented on it, but Zac could see that a few of the others put their guards up to some degree. Zac himself wasnt too worried since he was confident in his mental defenses nowadays. Of course, that didnt mean he didnt push <strong>[Indomitable] </strong>from its passively running state to its max efficiency.


    Grinding his mental defense skill had been a pain in the ass, and it was one of thest skills of Zacs to reach Peak Mastery. The simplest way was to have Vri attack him over and over while he defended, intermixed with meditation and expanding his understanding of the soul.


    Still, it was worth the time spent as the skill had progressed by a huge degree. The first three levels just increased the strength of the defenses, but reaching Peak Mastery had added a fundamental change to the skill itself. Until that point, it had always been running, and Zac could infuse his Dao and some extra Miasma into it to increase its power by a small degree.


    Now <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> had two proper states; passive defenses and active defenses. The passive defenses were just slightly weakerpared to the previous state of the skill. The active defenses, however, cost over fifty times as much Miasma to keep running, but its defenses were over five times greater as well.


    The expenditure wasnt too much for someone like Zac, and he could definitely activate it without worry every time he entered battle. The only downside was that he could only keep it active 10 minutes every hour, but the passive protections would still keep going even after the timer ran out.


    Everyone ready? Catheya asked as she looked at the barrier. I think something might change the moment I attack the sphere.


    Everyone nodded as they readied themselves for battle.


    Catheya pointed forward and conjured a series of small icicles that mmed into the barrier. Zac saw they werent hitting it randomly though, but they rather formed a circle with some sort of constetion within. A momentter the whole barrier cracked, exposing the Spirit nt within.


    It was an odd underwater tree reaching almost three meters into the air. Instead of a canopy, it had dozens of long vines hanging down like a hairdo, each of the vines ending in what looked like a coconut. The moment the barrier broke, the vines started to shake. A rattling sound immediately spread through the cave as the coconuts mmed into each other.


    The collisions werent loud, but the sound still reached deep into the recesses of Zacs mind. Thankfully he already had his mental defense skill active, and Sharpo had started emitting some sort of ripples that made the sound far less piercing. Without those waves, the danger would at least be twofold.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The echoes just kept multiplying among the hundreds of stgmites, causing them to rapidly increase in fervor. Sharpo looked unscathed from the barrage, as did Catheya and Qirai. Yod and Varo both seemed to feel slightly affected by the sounds, but it clearly wasn''t more than an annoyance for them.


    By the looks of it, the dead man on the ground must have had below-average mental defenses, or he was too slow activating them. Such was the fate of many solitary warriors, even among elites. Very few were without any weaknesses, and it only took one unlucky encounter for their road of cultivation to end abruptly.


    It didnt look like the tree had any other methods of attacking, and Catheya ended things by sending a de of ice to cut off the nt by its root. The tree was stowed away, and the shing sounds thankfully subsided over the next minute. Hidden within its roots was a mottled Cosmos Sack. Catheya grabbed the Cosmos Sack as well, after which she looked around with a smile.


    Everyone okay? she smiled as she started inspecting the haul. Well, thats our first adventure, I guess a bond has been forged? Let''s hope the rest of our journey will be this smooth.

 Chapter 703: Marked for Death

    Chapter 703: Marked for Death


    There wasnt anything else of interest within the small cave, and the group soon turned back after Catheya split the meager loot. As expected, there wasnt anything worthwhile in Cosmos Sack, except some random wealth. The guardian nt was ultimately more valuable than the trove itself since those coconuts apparently contained a liquid that could be used in some spirit-rted concoctions.


    Alright, lets keep going, Catheya said as they emerged from the trove. We should reach the pulse within six days. Prepare yourself, our first real battle might take ce there.


    The other nodded and they spread out again, and they once more resumed their individual hunt for treasures. Things were a bit monotone on the ocean bed, but Zac actually stumbled upon what might be a trove on the third day. It was hidden within a colony of giant ms that lived in a gully he passed.


    He gave it some thought, but he eventually decided to go at it solo. He sent a short message to Catheya though, telling her to go ahead before he ripped open the shell of the suspicious m. Inside was a hidden pathway, something which Zac had only noticed because of his special Draugr-sense.


    The m had looked like all the others around it, but it waspletely dead. However, small bubbles still emerged from its mouth, which was definitely suspicious. Zac had expected a treasure to hide within the shell rather than a pathway, but he didnt care as he made his way down. He soon found himself in a hidden cultivation cave covered in moss and small seaweed.


    The only thing remaining apart from the nt life was a skeleton sitting on a prayer mat. It had a decent-looking sword in itsp, but Zac was more interested in the Spatial Ring on the skeletons finger. Spatial rings werent anything special in a flourishing ce like the Twilight Harbor, but it also wasnt something thatmon cultivators would own because of their price.


    There should be a decent harvest waiting within.


    <strong>[Rakans Roar]</strong> appeared in Zacs hand as he inched closer, his eyes peering back and forth for any hint of what kind of danger this ce could hold. However, he was surprised to see that the danger was the skeleton itself as it started to emit a powerful aura that made Zac think of the unfathomable depths of the ocean.


    The skeleton rose to its feet before it swung its sword in a sharp arc that didnt seem impeded by the water at all. In fact, it was almost like the ocean was pushing the sword forward, increasing its speed rather than acting as an impediment.


    Zac countered with a swing of his own, and the waters started to churn from corrosion as Zac activated<strong> [Blighted Cut]</strong>, causing highly corrosive droplets to drip from his axe. The two weapons shed, and a swirl of water shed with an outburst of corruption. Zac was actually pushed back a few steps from the sheer power contained in the skeletons swing, but he countered byshing out with the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>. The strikeunched the skeleton across the cave, and it mmed into a wall with a heavy thud.


    He had expected to rip the skeleton apart with the coffin-infused iron links, but neither the corrosive elements of his skill or the impacts themselves left as much as a mark on the glistening bones. Just how sturdy was this thing? Thankfully, itsbat technique was crude. It contained hints of some water-rted Dao along with a brutish force, but the attacks themselves were without any finesse. Zac shot forward again, and heunched another barrage of strikes.


    The basic path of war slowly merged with his fighting style again as Zac unleashed an unrelenting barrage of strikes. The skeleton was strong, but it was ultimately just a nave recruit while he was a veteran seasoned through multiple campaigns. How couldnt there be openings to take advantage of? One strike after another targeted joints, vertebrae, or other weaknesses, but a frown spread across Zac''s face when the thing seemedpletely impervious to his attacks.


    A sudden scream of danger made Zac quickly drag himself out of the way with the help of one of his chains, just in time to see a spear of <em>something</em> pierce the waters where his head was just a moment ago. A tentacle.


    Zac looked at the appendage return to hiding inside the ribcage of the skeleton, and realization dawned on him. Only then did he notice weak hints of energy and life-force along its arms and legs, more tentacles which were almost perfectly blended in with the waters.


    He was fighting with an octopus rather than a skeleton?


    He had nned on simply dismantling the thing and pray that it didnt possess the ability to reassemble its bones, but it looked like the skeleton itself was just a puppet. It simply moved its body out of the way when Zac swung his axe, letting the supremely sturdy bones take the hit. It looked like he needed to adjust his tactic a bit. Four chains shot forward, all of them drenched in ck tar that profaned the surroundings.


    Each chain swung around the skeletons limbs, but a storm of cutting water des shot out from the skeleton the moment they tried totch on. The des were powerful, but thankfully not powerful enough to harm either Zac or the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond].</strong> However, they formed a storm around the skeleton itself, preventing Zac fromtching on to activate the finishing blow of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>.


    It looked like the octopus had learned to be wary of the chains from the firstshing.


    Still, the chains were not only useful for binding while <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> was active, and they kept spewing out more and more corrosive liquid into the cave. He hadnt managed to make much progress with the skill over the past years, but it had at least reached Middle Mastery. The upgrade increased the corrosive properties by a tier while also increasing the cost of keeping the skill active. Obviously, that was a worthy exchange for someone with a massive Miasma pool like him.


    Still, the skeleton seemed mostly impervious to his attempt to corrode the beast within since the octopus managed to move away all the tainted water with its ability to manipte water. Its control of waters in the small cave was too great, and not a drop of it reached its almost intangible body. Zac gave it a thought and figured hed try something else. Something new.


    His body suddenly started to release a ck cloud that spread through the waters with rapid speed. It just took a few seconds before it had filled the whole cave. The illumination from the seagrass and moss was drowned out, reced by pervasive darkness and the chill of death. Not only that, but a sizzling sound echoed through the small cave.


    It almost sounded like he stood in an enormous swarm of cicadas, but he knew that the sound was all the moss and even the cave wall being rapidly dissolved. The darkness was filled with decay, which was why Zac summoned it. He figured it would be hard for the octopus to keep away tainted water if everything became tainted.


    Zac could see just fine in the shroud of darkness, and he saw how the skeleton had been covered from head to toe in water armor in an effort to block out the corrosive storm Zac had unleashed. It looked like it no longer felt as confident, and it immediately swam toward the exit. However, a chainshed at the skeleton as Zac moved to block.


    The skeleton still wore the Spatial Ring, and the sword was a treasure as well. How could he let the octopus simply leave?


    Getting trapped had clearly enraged the beast as it unleashed a furious barrage at Zac, using both its sword and the skeletons limbs as weaponry. The pure force in its strikes was nothing to scoff at, and Zac felt himself somewhat on the defensive from the onught. It wouldnt have been as bad if he activated <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, but the cave was simply too small to freely fight in that state.


    Still, there was no such thing as passively defending for his Fetters of Destion ss.


    The darkness suddenly congealed as Zac felt a drain on his Miasma. Out from it, a wraith wielding a nasty war axe appeared. Its features were obscured by a tattered robe, and its arms were in a state of advanced decay. The axe seemed to be wrought from ck metal, and its head was covered in runes that shone in a sinister green radiance that spoke of putrefaction.


    The octopus was a beast, and it followed its instincts as it fought. And its instincts probably told it that Zac was the true threat. It provided the opening the wraith needed, and it unleashed a massive two-handed swing toward the skeleton. A small green fractal edge appeared in front of the axehead, and it actually cut straight through the water armor.


    The octopus reacted at thest moment and moved to intercept the attack with its arm. The axe wraith was unable to cut through the bone, and a storm of water soon pushed it away. But the wraith didn''tpletely lose out on that exchange as a series of small green runes suddenly covered the previously transparent tentacle.


    Zac heard a high-pitched wail of pain from within the skeletons skull, and Zac wasnt surprised. Those runes had already started absorbing the corrosion of the surroundings, and the water armor couldnt protect against that. It probably felt like its limb was rotting off for the octopus. The wraith quickly floated back after being pushed away, but the octopus was in no mood to fight it.


    It knew it couldn''t pass by Zac, so it swam to the opposite side of the cave, all while one of its tentacles kept sizzling. Unfortunately for the octopus, there was no escape from Zac''s cage, and another wraith appeared, out of nowhere,unching an attack on one of the skeleton''s legs. Another set of green runes appeared, and the wail from within the skull grew even louder.


    The octopus was no doubt going insane from the pain, but pain sometimes brings strength. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The blue sword ripped through the darkness, cutting even Zac''s domain apart as it tried to destroy the two wraiths. The first one didn''t have time to react and was ripped apart in an instant, unable to withstand such a suicidal attack. However, the original wraith which was about to catch up managed to dodge the wide swing before countering with an attack of its own. It mmed into the very same arm as before, and the green runes grew even denser.


    A lightning-quick kick from the skeleton dispelled the wraith, but a third one appeared to take its ce. As for Zac, he was happy to just observe the effect of his recently fused skill. The octopus should be in thete stages of the E-grade, and it had found itself an extremely durable skeleton for protection. It was pretty good target practice.


    Zac knew he could manually control the skill, but he was happy just to observe as they slowly got smarter during the fight. Soon enough there were two of them harassing the octopus, and when there were three things started to be lopsided. The axe wraiths worked in tandem, with one drawing attention while the other two kept stacking more and more corrosive runes across the skeleton and its controller.


    Three wraiths eventually turned to five, at which point the beast was already on the brink of copse. It had already lost most of its tentacles, and the skeleton now simply floated in the air with its arms hanging down. The octopus knew it was on the brink of death, and Zac actually sensed the familiar energy emanations of self-destruction.


    Four chains shot forward like spears, each of them targeting cracks or openings in the skeletons skull. A surge of energy entered Zacs body a momentter, confirming that he had managed to kill the beast hiding inside the skull.


    The darkness that suffused the cave soon dissipated, and Zac noticed that over a meter of the wall had beenpletely corroded, leaving a smooth surface behind. Zac nodded in satisfaction at the scene, feeling that his new skill lived up to his expectations. The skill was called <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>, and it was the fusion of <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> and <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>.


    <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> was one of Zacs favorite skills in his undead toolkit, but it had unsurprisingly fallen behind as the spectral projections had a ceiling strength that wasnt a threat to most E-grade cultivators. Furthermore, its method of activation wasnt really suited any longer. It was originally meant to be used in conjunction with <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>, but Zac barely fought with a shield any longer.


    He didnt want to keep getting hit to activate the skill, so he needed to change its trigger. Doing so through modifying the fractal was probably possible, but that was still out of his reach. So <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> became his first choice for a fusion, and he had considered <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>, <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>, and even <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> as potential targets.


    But ultimately he insteadnded on <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong>. His idea was for <strong>[Deathwish]</strong> to represent the Fragment of the Axe, which was why the spectral projections had been reced by axe-wraiths, and for <strong>[Winds of Decay]</strong> to represent death. The result was <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>, a domain skill that both spread powerful corrosion while also adding the summoning ability.


    One impressive difference between the old skills and the new was that the new wraiths didnt actually disappear after one strike. They would keep pelting away for half a minute unless they were destroyed by the enemy, each strike leaving a mark that left the target more susceptible to the corrosive domain.


    Even better, Zac didn''t actually need to be attacked for the wraiths to appear. As long as the target was within his corrosive domain, more and more would keep popping up. However, the rate at which they naturally formed was just halfpared to how quickly they could form as a result of Zac getting hit.


    So the skill still synergized very well by <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> and its taunting ability. As long as he could force his enemy to focus on him through that mental maniption or pressure alone, the wraiths would keep multiplying and increasing the danger for the enemy. Soon enough theyd look like the octopus,pletely covered in green runes as they fell apart.


    Even if they managed to withstand the powerful corrosion in <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>, they would still be assaulted by a blinding pain that would impede most peoples ability to bring out their full power. You could even say that the soul-wrenching pain was another type of restriction, one that might work even better than a suppression array in battle.


    You could probably cleanse the mark, but that was like expelling foreign Dao that had invaded their body. Doing so in the middle of a fight could prove lethal. It wasn''t like Zac would always watch on while his wraiths fought his battles for him. He had multiple other ways to harass the target while they tried to remove the brands.


    A look around in the cave indicated there were no other threats, and he walked over to the skeleton. Its pristine bones had finally turned a bit mottled after being assaulted by the corrosive domain for half a minute, but they were still whole. Zac didnt care about the skeleton though, and instead dragged out the remains of a small octopus from the skull.


    Its main body was a bit golden rather than translucent like its appendages, but it was just a mess now after being impaled by four corrosive chains. Only its maw was still intact, and it bit down on a small stone that emitted pretty powerful energy fluctuations. Zacs first thought was that it was a Beast Core, he soon realized it rather had to be a Cosmic Core.


    No wonder the bones of the cultivator were so sturdy; they came from a fallen Hegemon that had be nourishment for the octopus. The core itself was more than halfway drained, which had helped push the octopus all the way to the Late E-grade. Zac could probably absorb the remaining energy through <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> as well, but he was loath to do so.


    It felt a bit close to cannibalism, and he already had hundreds of Beast Cores prepared for that very purpose. After all, beast cores werent very expensive, considering they were mostly useless for cultivators because of their chaotic energies. They werent even efficient energy sources for bombs, since the explosions were extremely unpredictable.


    Ultimately, they were mostly used as fertilizer in top-tier gardens. Youd bury a couple of cores of a suitable element beneath the soil, and they would slowly infuse the ground with energy over the years. That meant they were in high demand for certain elements that matched well with nts, whereas many other types of Beast Cores had almost no demand.


    Zacs Hidden Node didnt care what element it ate, so Zac just paid a measly 50 Million Nexus Coins for Early-Stage Beast Core back in the Zecia sector. With his race upgrade dealt with and both pills and <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong> bought, he was pretty eager to start using them, but it would have to wait until he reached immunity to the pills hed brought.


    The Hegemon skeleton went into his Spatial Ring, while his ring went on one of Zacs free fingers. He didnt linger in the hidden cave after that, and left after having scanned the small chamber a few times for hiddenpartments or pathways. But it really looked like the Spatial Ring was the only thing of value, and Zac was soon moving across the seabed again to catch up with the others. He soon caught up with the others, at which point his attention turned to the ring.


    Even a poverty-stricken Hegemon should have some stuff that was useful for him.

 Chapter 704: Cork Island

    Chapter 704: Cork Ind


    The skeleton''s spatial ring was in a pretty bad state, and Zac guessed that it wouldntst more than a few more decades. It had probably lost more than three-quarters of its original space by now, and what remained was far smaller than even the backup rings he bought in Twilight Harbor.


    The contents were left in a chaotic jumble, but Zac started to organize the loot into piles, something that had be a lot easier since his control over mental energy got stronger. It quickly became apparent that the previous owner had fought a few life-and-death battles before dying himself, as it looked like the items came from at least five different people.


    There were four sets of cultivation manuals, all of them of different elements. There was a Body Tempering Manual as well, but it was locked just like the manuals were. Hopefully, he would be able to decode them through some service, since these manuals were most likely all things that could be used all the way into the D-grade.


    Even if they were average in other aspects, that alone made them better than 95% of the manuals currently avable in Port Atwood. Apart from the manuals, there were over fifty bottles with pills, but almost forty of them had golden runes emzoned on them. It was a seal by the System that locked items of too high a grade until he left the trial.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was the same with a number of talismans and two Low-grade Cosmic Crystals.


    Those crystals were probably left for emergencies, as there were also two small hills of Supreme Nexus Crystals and Supreme Miasma Crystals. The fallen Hegemon was probably among the weaker ones who had entered the Twilight Ascent during some previous opening.


    All-in-all, the tally was extremely impressive for an outer trove, though most of the value seemed to be in the crystals themselves. Two low-grade Cosmic Crystals meant 200 D-grade Nexus Coins, a shocking haul for most peak E-grade cultivators. Inparison, the estimated value of the Trove Catheya found was just in the vicinity of 120,000 E-grade Nexus Coins.


    Unfortunately, there was not a single Twilight Fruit in the ring, which was a pretty big disappointment. By value alone, they were almost a match to the Cosmic Crystals. But more importantly, they might be the perfect food for <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>. Zac''s best guess was that D-grade Twilight Fruits were considered too great a reward, and removed by the System.


    Zac was about to retract his vision but he suddenly spotted a familiar sphere, and he curiously took it out. He infused some energy into the ball, and he soon found himself in an illusion. It actually worked. He wasn''t worried about the thing being a weapon or a trap since he had an identical sphere in his own spatial ring.


    It was looked like a metal ball, but it was called an <strong>[Ocean Chart]</strong>, and it was a specialized version of his <strong>[Automatic Mapper]</strong>. It was designed to chart the Twilight Ocean and it automatically added in and updated the map as Zac moved along, even while it was in his Spatial Ring. It was one of the first things he prepared for the trial, but until now he hadn''t had much reason to take it out since it was almostpletely nk.


    The <strong>[Ocean Chart] </strong>he found waspletely different, andrge swathes were filled in with great detail. It wasnt much help to Zac as the whole ocean had been rearranged since then though. But Zac suddenly spotted something interesting, something that pertained to him specifically.


    In a certain part of the middle area of the trial, Zac spotted an all-too-familiar Volcano; the Volcano with the Shard of Creation. Zacs eyes lit up, having found the first real clue to the remnants. The volcano obviously wouldn''t be at the same spot as before, but most features stayed in the same general depth.


    So if the volcano was around the midpoint during a previous trial, there was a good chance it was in the same general area this time around as well. Even better, there were over five distinctive markers close to it, any one of which might still be connected to the nondescript volcano. The ocean would gradually get charted by the trial takers, and he would be able to trade for or steal their <strong>[Ocean Charts]</strong> to supplement his own.


    Finding the unnamed volcano had just be a lot easier thanks to this map since he could use its surrounding features as clues.


    There were unfortunately no clues to the Splinter on the map. In the vision he had back during the Mystic Realm it was deep inside a cave hidden among jagged pitch-ck rocks at the ocean floor. But he was just one week into the trial, and he had already made surprising inroads.


    Zac had alreadye to a decision since discovering the remnants were here; as long as he could find both the locations, he would try to absorb a second set. Collecting more of the remnants was a huge risk, but Zac felt the potential rewards justified it. Making his ultimate attacks stronger was a wee addition, but he was more interested in the passive effects.


    Without the purified energies of Oblivion, it would have taken much longer for his soul to reach the state required for the First Reincarnation. He wasnt like Vri, born with a soul multiple times stronger than the norm. It was the same with his body. The Shard of Creation had kept nurturing his Bloodline over the past years.


    It was the shard that had helped push his <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> to 27% reserves even without a method to cultivate it. He had tried eating all kinds of things, but so far he had not found much that was of use. Most treasures were simply turned into Cosmic Energy by <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, while a few items with strong Spatial Energies seemed to nurture the Hidden Node to some degree.


    Getting a second set of Remnants would mean both a faster soul cultivation and body tempering, without Zac actually having to spend any extra time on either. It was an important experiment as well, to see whether the cage could take on more remnants. Zac memorized all the features surrounding the volcano, after which he stowed away the old <strong>[Ocean Chart]</strong> to be used as a spare.


    Cracking open the first hoard solo was pretty exhrating, but the excitement quickly died down over the next hours. Troves obviously didnt grow on trees, and Zac didnt really gain much of anything over the next day. He did loot a couple of Twilight Fruits, but Alea still showed no indication of being stuffed as she greedily ate any fruit she could get. The monotony eventually ended though as another Ice Crystal formed next to him.


    Everyone gather, the crystal said. The Living Pulse is up ahead, which means were closing in on Cork Ind. The risk of ambush is a lot higher here.


    The group all swam over to Catheya before advancing any further. The start of the living pulse was a small subaqueous mountain range, where the stream emerged out of the depths. From where, no one knew, as going against the current got you ripped apart. The stream was then rerouted through the canyons of the mountain until it turned into a powerful surge that shot through the ocean.


    Their group obviously wouldnt get too close to the mountain, since it was a popr spot to gather up for adventuring parties. They instead chose a roundabout way as they masked their presence as much as they could. It was hard to miss the Living Pulse even when it was in the distance, as Zac could sense a pure surge of life within the Golden Haze.


    That was a unique point of the Living Pulse; it passed a lot of life-attributed points of interest, and it was marked by those locations and held strong life-attuned energies. Or perhaps it was the Pulse itself that made those points of interest possible at all. In either case, it made their work easier as they moved along its path toward Cork Ind.


    They soon spotted the ind in the distance, or rather the fact that the depth of the ocean kept shrinking. They eventually reached a sheer mountain wall that went from the ocean bed to above the surface. They had reached the ind proper. The Living Pulse actually cut straight through the ind itself, but they would have to get onto it.


    Sharpo wordlessly sent out a small snake that quickly turned translucent.


    The cliff is forty meters tall, she said. I cant see any cultivators, but my snake cant see through high-quality illusions. There are some odd fluctuations though, there might be someone lying in wait.


    Catheya frowned for a few seconds before she took out a talisman, but before she had a chance to use it Zac felt a weak push against his mind. He wasnt even sure if his impression was real, but it looked like the ghost and Catheya had sensed the same thing.


    Weve been spotted! Sharpo said.


    We strike, Catheya immediately said. Itll be trouble if they expose our group. Well take them out before hiding inside the forest.


    Time was of the essence, so everyone immediately got ready.


    Be careful, Catheya said as she nodded at Qirai who once more took the lead with a massive ice shield on her arm.


    The Titan immediately rose through the waters like a wall-breaker while both Zac and Yod followed close behind. Varo and Sharpo disappeared from sight as Catheya brought up the rear, one icicle after another appearing behind her back.


    For a second Zac thought they were making a mountain out of a molehill, but he was almost immediately proven wrong as a storm of golden spears that made Zac think of Nenothep Medhin descended upon them. The ice shield on Qirais arm expanded to the size of a building in return, blocking hundreds of stabs as it was slowly whittled down.


    Eventually, it broke, but the Titan unleashed a terrifying punch at that moment, containing enough force to lift the ocean itself, turning an Olympic pools worth of water into a projectile that shot up toward their attackers. The icicles behind Catheya wereunched at the same time, and they actually stabbed into the water bomb, turning it into a cier radiating an immense cold.


    A tremendous shockwave erupted above just as they breached the surface, no doubt the ice mountain crashing into whatever defenses the attackers had prepared. The scene above was just utter chaos, but Zac could vaguely see a few sources of power with the help of <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong>.


    <em>Six people, no First Seeds, </em>Sharpos voice echoed out in Zacs mind.


    Do it, Catheya said with a sinister smile, and the whole area was suddenly drowned in darkness, like they had been thrown into the abyss.


    Zac could sense that the whole world had been sealed off, but Zac could still see the attackers just fine. In fact, it was like they had been lit up like spotlights in the dark. It was a domain skill, and while he couldnt confirm it, he believed it was activated by the now-invisible Varo. Zac had always suspected Catheya''s staid butler to have something like an assassins ss, and this domain seemed to lean in that direction.


    The others seemed to have things in hand, but Zac couldn''t just sit by and watch this time around, and he finally finished channeling energy into <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>, which made it look like the world had frozen in ce. Fragments of the ice bomb fell back toward the churning waters in slow motion, and Zac effortlessly dodged them along with several descending attacks as he made his way toward the cliff where the attackers stood.


    It was a mixed group of treants and humans, and they were alreadyunching a series of powerful attacks that had almostpletely submerged the Titan in a chaotic swirl of energies. Qirai emitted some odd pulses that kept pushing sharp roots and golden spears, and some sort of radiant des away, like she was creating a void zone around herself. Another ice shield had already appeared on her hand, helping keep the pressure down.


    Qirai was essentially taking on the role Zac himself usually took when fighting with allies; the meat shield. That was just fine with Zac since he was moving away from the defensive archetype in his undead form. He appeared behind the group a momentter and deactivated his movement skill. It was impossible to prepare skills while he was in his intangible form, but his axe still shot toward the closest throat as it started dripping extremely corrosive liquids.


    However, a two-meter tall crystal hand appeared to block his strike, and a counter-stab of a golden spear shot toward him before he even had finished his attack. Zac wasnt worried though. He might have moved away from a pure defensive ss, but that didnt mean he was without defensive means.


    Three pygmy skeletons appeared behind Zac, each one of them radiating such an immense aura of death that the air around them kept distorting. One held antern wrought out of bone, and a blue me radiated from within. The second held a coffin asrge as itself, while the final one was mostly obscured by a ck cloud that floated around it as though it was a living thing.


    Zac infused a stream of energy into the coffin-bearing pygmy skeleton, and a deathly barrier very reminiscent of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> sprung up to block the iing spear. At the same time, the blue light inside the second pygmysntern increased in intensity, and the Crystal hand quickly deteriorated and fell apart. Zac was already mid-swing by that point, and his axe ruthlessly shot toward the Treant cultivator again.


    The Treant looked shocked at its defenses crumbling so quickly, but he was still a peak E-grade cultivator. A wall of roots sprung up to block and retaliate, and Zac found himself cut off from the enemies once more. But that was fine with Zac, as that bramble wall had essentially trapped the ambushers with him putting pressure from behind and Qirai from the front.


    He had already spotted six huge snakes climb up the cliff-side too, no doubt Sharpos summoned beasts. They didnt emit too strong auras, but they all were still Late E-grade equivalent. They didnt immediately jump in to tussle with the group of cultivators, but they rather helped keep the battle contained and the living trapped in one spot.


    Zac couldnt spot Varo or Yod, but he guessed they were somehow keeping the enemies upied in other ways. As for Zac, the situation had essentially turned into a battle between life and death. Zac, his four chains, and hisntern-wielding pygmy kept whittling down the barriers while the Treant desperately grew new ones in an attempt to overwhelm him.


    A huge eruption of force almost threw Zac off his feet, and he sensed that it was Qirai who had finally unleashed a massive punch at the defenses the group had erected after getting the ambush thrown back in their faces. Of course, Zac didnt n on giving these people any chance to breathe.


    He was utilizing his insights into the Dao of the Axe as much as he could to maximize the damage he was causing to the defenses. He had usually stayed a human back on Earth, but he had still somewhat integrated his Path into his Draugr side as well. Still, it was ultimately a bitcking, and integrating his warlike movements into hisbat style wasnt as smooth as in his human form.


    The axe-work was fine, roving back and forth like a furious charge of a deathsworn army. But the patterns of his four chains were still slightly stilted. Zac wanted to use them to keep an ever-present pressure on his enemies, like four raiding parties constantly demanding attention while the main army pushed forward.


    As for his fused path of Coffin and Axe, he still hadnt quite found a direction like the Evolutionary Stance he had started forming as a human. He did have some ideas on how to fuse death and conflict, but he hadntnded on anything specific yet. His goal was to find inspiration during this trial, something that fit his personality and that could match the Evolutionary Stance.


    For now, he kept using <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> rather than <strong>[Gorehew]</strong> in an attempt to shake something loose from the battle. He figured his odds of figuring something out would increase if he fought with a death-attuned skill imbued with the Fragment of the Coffin while following abat style based on the Fragment of the Axe.


    His axe ripped through endlessly growing nts as pools of miasmic corrosion spread beneath his feet. He could have activated his other skills as well, but he had pretty much confirmed that these people werent powerful enough to be a threat to Catheya. As for the others, he wasnt as sure. In a sense, this was a chance for him to inspect their strength.


    If they got themselves killed against this group of the living, it might be for the best. Otherwise, theyd just be a weakness when they were set against more powerful enemies.


    But even with Zac only unleashing a small part of his kit, the Treeman soon found himselfpletely overwhelmed. The biggest problem was the aquamarine mes from thentern-wielding skeleton. It was just too efficient at eating through defenses, even more so than Zac directly swinging into the barriers with his axe.


    A pang of danger suddenly erupted in his mind, and Zac looked up in time to see a massive crystal spike descending toward him. It contained an immense aura of life, and golden lightning crackled through its core. Zac frowned and halted his assault for a second, long enough for him to point toward the spike.


    The third pygmy finally made its move as the swirl of darkness around it expanded and rose like a hungry maw. It actually swallowed the crystal whole, and a momentter a tremendous shockwave erupted a few hundred meters out to sea as the very same crystal spike mmed into the ocean, causing a small tsunami.


    The cultivator looked on with nk iprehension, and Zac only grinned as he once more pushed forward.

 Chapter 705: Profane Exponents

    Chapter 705: Profane Exponents


    The ultimate strike of the treemans ally was diverted, allowing Zac to attack with reignited vigor as the normal shield pygmy kept him safe from the asional attacks. The barriers it conjured just looked like coffins, but they were actually even sturdierpared to his old skill <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong>.


    I need assistance! the treeman roared with a voice that sounded like dry bark, but there was no time for anyone toe to his assistance before the fight took a drastic turn.


    However, the change didnte from Zac, but rather someone else.


    A small blue flower had appeared through a crack in the ground without anyone noticing, and it released a weak blue light that turned two of the assants, a mage who held off Sharpos snakes and the man who conjured crystal hands to protect the party, into frozen statues before anyone had the chance to react. The attackers had already been overpowered before, and instantly losing a third of their party utterly crushed their will to keep fighting.


    Qirai took the opportunity when the defensive barriers fell to punch a third cultivator with a lightning-quick jab to her temple. Zac didnt feel it looked overly powerful, but his eyes widened a bit when he felt a sharp spiritual ripple passing out through the other side of the cultivators head. Her eyespletely zed over and she slumped onto the ground, her soul definitely crushed.


    Only now did Zac realize that that the brutish Revenant had somehowbined pugilism with mental attacks. It was probably because of her master not wanting the Titan to destroy the corpses.


    Half the party had fallen in an instant thanks to Catheya and Qiraisbo, and the others all used their ultimate escape means to get out of there. Zac had already broken through their defenses though, and two chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>shot out and caught the treant mid-teleportation. The man was ripped back to the battlefield, and he didnt get the chance to try again before he was cut in two by a swing of Zacs axe.


    Two pieces of bleeding lumber fell onto the ground with a heavy thud, but the remains quickly crumbled as they hadnded in the pool of corrosion that spread out around Zacs position.


    I cant believe your master let you get a ss like that, Catheya muttered as she rose up to the cliff with the help of a pir of ice, her eyes drawn to the rotten pool around Zacs feet. What were you thinking walking the path of Decay? Youre harming your own foundation if you keep destroying the bodies of those you defeat.


    Ive never had any ambition to be a lich and raiserge armies, Zac shrugged as he picked up a Cosmos Sack from the ground before it disintegrated. And these guys werent strong enough to be my right-hand-men.


    Still, its like youre burning money, Catheya muttered as she gave the treeman a look of helplessness, but she didnt push the issue any further.


    What about the other two? Zac asked.


    Its being handled, Catheya said, and she barely had time to finish her sentence before Varo returned with two bodies.


    Zac hadnt expected that the Revenant was powerful enough to deal with both the escapees. Certainly, neither of them was in great shape after the battle, but it hadnt taken more than a few seconds. He had truthfully somewhat discounted the butleresque Revenant after seeing his performance when gathering up or entering the trove, but Zac realized that underestimating this guy could be deadly.


    Lets go. We should have alerted people in the surroundings even if the fight took less than a minute. Some bigshots have probably reached Cork Ind already, no need to tempt fate, Catheya said.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The group nodded, and they quickly cleaned up the battlefield before they moved further into the ind. Zac threw over the treants Cosmos Sack to Catheya, and the others did the same. This had been a team battle, and resources would be allocated dependent on contribution. If they only went by who dealt killing blows, then people like Yod and Sharpo who filled other functions than directly killing would be left without a scrap.


    The small pygmy skeletons followed Zac for a few hundred meters until they finally dissipated after bowing in his direction. Catheya looked at the trio curiously before her eyes turned toward Zac.


    An oddity for sure she smiled. I guess they suit you.


    Zac rolled his eyes in response, but he inwardly agreed with her sentiment. The trio came from thest of his skill fusions which resulted in a skill called <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong>. It was the toughest one of all his fusions and the one that differed most from its original skills.


    The fusion actually came from <strong>[Immutable Bulwark]</strong> and <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>, and they were Zacs solution topletely rehauling his defensive capabilities. <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong> had grown a lot more powerful as he had pushed it to peak mastery, but the change wasnt exactly what he hoped for.


    Reaching high mastery had increased the army to 350 skeletons, and also added a dozen mages whounched fireballs somewhat simr to the turquoise mes of his pygmy. At peak mastery, the skill had conjured 500 skeletons while adding 5 captains and one extremely powerful general that would probably be able to defeat anyone else on Earth by himself.


    They would be a mighty force that could aid most defensive cultivators, and <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong> was probably the skill that best personified his path. Itbined both death and war in a very palpable way. Unfortunately, that didnt mean it really fit Zacs toolkit, and the skeletons were ultimately only used for their damage diversion.


    Meanwhile, <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>was very powerful, but it always required him to wield a shield, which didnt really suit Zacs taste. Hed much rather use <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>in its offensive form, using the chains to bind and restrain his enemies as a means of defense through offense.


    The result was a new supportive skill that was a lot more flexiblepared to his old ones. The first pygmy was simply a pure fusion of the bulwark of his <strong>[Immutable Bulwark] </strong>and the skeletons in <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>. It became a coffin-bearing skeleton, a representation of his path and Dao of the Coffin that could protect him or groups of people.


    Meanwhile, thentern-wielding pygmy specifically targeted defensive skills by corroding defensive fractals. Its weird burning light wouldn''t be able to kill most E-grade cultivators, but it was extremely efficient at eating through defensive arrays and barriers. This pygmy drew inspiration from several sources. Part of it came from the skeletal mages that appeared when Zac upgraded <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>.


    But a big part of the inspiration came from Kenzie and her array-breaking enterprise.


    He had once asked Kenzie how her array breakers worked, and she said that a breaker and a barrier were essentially different sides of the same coin. Many of the patterns and runes the two used were the same, but they were just applied slightly differently. That was what gave him the guts to try having the System repurpose the overabundance of defensive patterns in the two skill fractals into something offensive.


    Zacs undying side wasnt like his living one, where he had a few terrifying skills that could destroy all opposition. He was more like a spider trapping his targets in a web, slowly whittling them down until heunched a final strike. However, thatbat style had a weakness; time. Anything could happen in a battle, and Zac had thought of various ways to increase the speed he could squeeze his enemies to death.


    One route was to get a finisher skill like <strong>[Arcadias Judgement]</strong>, simply turning people to mush. Another way was to quickly destroy his enemies defenses and allow skills like <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> and <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> to work a lot quicker. The result was shockingly effective. Any defense within his domain was quickly targeted and dissolved by the priest pygmy, and Zac believed the skeleton would even be able to destroy D-grade defenses when the skill reached Peak Mastery.


    The third pygmy had taken on the power of discement from <strong>[Undying Legion]</strong>, but its usage was a lot more flexible. It could either transfer damage from Zac to the three pygmies, or disce an attack altogether as it did with the crystal Spire.


    When used correctly, it could actually be considered an offensive skill, though the skill ultimately was under the control of the attacker. They would usually be able to dissipate the attack before they identally attacked themselves because of the discement.


    Restrain your auras and follow me, Catheya said as she attached a series of talismans to individual ice crystals that floated above everyones heads.


    Zac didnt exactly understand how they worked, but it felt like their group was somewhat isted from the surroundings, just like how the distraction array worked. Zac looked at the setup with interest, and he felt that the way Catheya used her Dao to create mobile array arrangements was pretty ingenious. Perhaps he could do something simr, if he ever could gain such control over his Dao.


    The trees around them kept gettingrger as they ran deeper into the forest, and they were soon overshadowed even than the massive Redwood trees back on Earth. Any tree around them would berge enough to be turned into a serviceable vessel, but Catheya kept going deeper for another hour until she stopped close to one tree that looked a bit sturdier than the others.


    She took out a rope with small array disks attached every meter, and Varo started putting it around the root of the trunk. It almost looked like Christmas lights, but Zac understood it was a specialized array as the whole tree trunk suddenly was cut off as the dozens of miniature disks on the rope cracked. The tree didnt even have the chance to tilt before it just disappeared, no doubt ced in a Cosmos Sack of Catheyas.


    Alright. Well split up here, Catheya said as she took out another small array disk. There is a hidden shipyard beneath the river somewhere around here. A few of us will start processing and hollowing out the tree, while a few others I continue further inside."


    Varo and Qirai were clearly not surprised by Catheyas statement, but Zac could see that both Yod and Sharpo were caught unaware. It looked like neither of the two had made simr deals as he had. Of course, Sharpo seemed to have already figured something out earlier when they discussed the route.


    As for Zac himself, he started to feel that the price for the <strong>[Stone of Hope]</strong> might have been even higher than he initially estimated.


    What is going on? Yod eventually asked.


    I was tasked with a second goal whening here, Catheya smiled. I have been ordered toplete a small task on Cork Ind. Dont ask why because I dont know.


    I agreed to help, but this ce Zac sighed as he looked toward the heart of Cork Ind.


    The Living Pulse ran straight through the middle of the ind, imbuing it with a surge of life-attuned energies. Therge trees were not the only thing of value in this ce, there were also all kinds of treasures. Right now the heart of the ind was in apletely pristine state, and thousands of cultivators no doubt rushed toward the core to harvest the valuables before the mainstream cultivators reached this spot.


    It was truly a no mansnd for the unliving.


    Were not here to go against the collective strength of the Dreamers, Catheya said with a shake of her head. We go in, do our thing, and get out. Yod and Sharpo, you can begin preparations in the hidden shipyard with the help of Qirai.


    Safer to go together, Yod slowly muttered, and Sharpo seemed to agree.


    Perhaps so, but Im just following my masters instructions. Initially, three were supposed to remain, and four go, but now well split three-three. Me, Varo, and Arcaz will goplete the mission, Catheya smiled.


    Qirai had clearly been informed already, and she took both the array crystal and a Cosmos Sack from her master as she turned to the outsiders.


    Come on, lets go. The shipyard is some distance away, she said as she started running.


    Yod and Sharpo exchanged a nce before they followed the Titan.


    So I guess Im not privy to the shipyards whereabouts if things go sideways here? Zac sighed as he saw his teammates disappear among the trees.


    Well, would you even want to join those three in case things go wrong? Catheyaughed in response as she started walking further toward the core of the ind. I have a feeling youd rather stake it out yourself.


    Do you even know the location of the pearls? Zac asked with a suspicious nce. Or are we just toiling in vain for this mystery mission of yours?


    Of course, Catheya nodded. Its the reward master negotiated for me in return forpleting this mission. He said that there definitely aren''t any errors in the clues and path he got. There might even be an Autarch involved for him to be so certain.


    Why you? There are millions of natives who could take up tasks for the undead factions. Why have an Imperial like you been given this task? Zac asked.


    Catheya didnt really need to watch her words now that the two other outsiders were gone, and Zac really wanted to find out anything he could about this mission of theirs. He couldnt directly ask about his own task because of the brand hiding in his body, but perhaps he could gather some clues from Catheya without directly asking.


    Who knows, Catheya shrugged. But you know, it doesnt really matter. The old ancestors at the top will always y their games. Even Hegemons are just receable chess pieces to them. And thats a good thing.


    Sounds real good, Zac snorted sarcastically.


    We might be expendable, but also not valuable enough to be specifically targeted. So, I will keep my head down andplete my mission like a good chess piece. Ill take the rewards and empower myself, and one day I will be the yer instead of the chess piece, Catheya smiled. Such is the way of the world.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds as he looked toward the center of the ind. Perhaps Catheya really didnt know what was going on. Was this what life was like for those in established factions? Being pawns in schemes beyond their understanding, their lives not under their own control. Everyone hoping that they''d gain control over their own fates one day?


    You saw the auction. Quite a few of the items meant for E-grade cultivators werent even sold since not one of the old monsters was prepared to fork out even the minimum bid, Catheya added. If you want something really good you have to work for it yourself. Such is Heavens Path. The Boundless Heaven will only help those who help themselves.


    Not sure if I want the Heavens help, Zac muttered, but be understood her point.


    Not every opportunity was a Mystic Realm. Simply being used as a chess piece by bigshots could be considered an opportunity since they sat on resources that lower-grade cultivators desperately wanted.


    The trio kept a low profile as they pushed through the undergrowth between the towering trees. The forest floor was thankfully quite lush even with the massive canopies hundreds of meters in the air blocking out the sun, thanks to the fact that many nts only needed Cosmic Energy to thrive.


    They heard the asional battle in the distance, but Catheya thankfully showed no inclination of heading over to fish in muddy waters. They did run into a duo of beastkin, but the battle was over before it even started. The two were frozen in ce in an instant, followed by Zac and Varo each dealing with one of them before they even had a chance to erect their defenses.


    Their strength wasnt very impressive, and they had probably pushed themselves to the limit just to reach the ind in hopes of getting a few valuable herbs. The environment worked against the undead in this ce, but he and Catheya were pureblood Draugr with one very powerful advantage; their vision.


    It was almost like sonar in this ce, allowing Zac to see others long before they saw him. However, Catheya was somehow able to spot parties long before he did. She didnt seem to use any skills either, leaving him wondering if it had something to do with her race. Catheya had already inadvertently divulged that all Draugr had the same bloodline, and perhaps she had managed to strengthen her innate abilities through it.


    Eventually, they approached the core of Cork Ind where a gargantuan world tree proudly towered over its much smaller brethren. It had been visible even through the dense canopies since it almost split the sky in two. Now that they were getting closer, the trees were growing sparser. It was like the world tree had a domain on its own.


    Zac hadnt really considered what they were here to do, but now that he got a better look at the unfathomablyrge tree he started to form a hypothesis.


    Dont tell me, Zac slowly said as he looked at the enormous tree with a grimace.


    Well, what do you think? Catheya smiled.


    People are going to be pissed off if we cut down that thing.

 Chapter 706: Opposing Sides

    Chapter 706: Opposing Sides


    Are we really doing this? Alvaries sighed as she looked down at the seemingly ordinary mountain below. The implications


    The Holbok Mountains were situated on a remote part of the Dendrian Worlddisk. None of the Twilight Rivers passed anywhere close, and the closest settlement was over ten thousand kilometers away. With its awfulmunications, it took hours even for Hegemons to reach this spot.


    There were no resources worth mentioning growing in this 500 kilometer stretch of peaks and forested ravines. There were a few D-grade Beast Kings, but they were of unimpressive heritage, their ancestors thrown here to form a proper ecosystem. There was a grand harvest every thousand years or so to pluck all the wild herbs that this area was designed for, but the next harvest was over five centuries away.


    The asional E-grade cultivator would find themselves in this area to temper themselves and test their luck in case some non-protected treasure had appeared, but the ce was pretty much deserted with the Twilight Ascent going on. So the mountain range felt like a deste patch of wilderness right now, like those you could find across most real worlds.


    Yet, beneath the seemingly calm surfacey a shocking secret.


    What do we care? Paro snorted. We have toiled for 40 thousand years for the n, and what is our reward? The best resources are kept for the main branch, with only scraps being left for external elders. Didnt we decide back then? Wed earnestly work for the n after joining, and whether we fulfill our hidden mission would depend on the reception.


    Youre right, Alvaries sighed, but her two tails still danced restlessly, each wave causing the air to crackle.


    Things have already reached this point, Paro added, noticing the hesitation in his wifes demeanor. Even if we dont fulfill our tasks, there are no doubt others who will. When the dust settles, we wont be able to stay here, no matter which side is sessful. We might as well go with the side that has already promised us the resources to take the next step. We... are running out of time.


    Alvaries nodded, and she waved her hand, which moved the spatial bubble they hid inside toward the closest ravine. They kept flying, following the markers on the intricatepass that Paro continuously tinkered with. The two eventually reached a secluded cave that looked no different than thousand others just like it.


    There was a tribe of bugbears living inside, their matriarch just at the peak E-grade. The two flew right above their heads without causing a single wave, and they finally reached an unmarked wall. Alvaries couldnt help her curiosity, and she scanned the whole mountain along with thousands of meters of bedrock below.


    There was just rock to her senses. A few Spiritual Metals were strewn about in the depths, but they werent worth the effort of excavating them. There really was nothing worth mentioning in the whole mountain, at least ording to her <strong>[Ripple Feedback]</strong>. The wall in front of her was supposedly just a piece of F-grade stone, the same as the rest of the whole mountain range.


    Nothing? Paro asked, and Alvaries nodded in confirmation. Marvelous.


    Paro took out a series of seemingly normal low-grade Cosmic Crystals the next moment and ced them in a particr pattern on the wall. Nothing happened for a few seconds, causing the two to frown in consternation. Was thepass wrong? However, their fears were soon alleviated as minute patterns slowly appeared in the depths of the crystals, forming an array on the stone.


    The two couldnt even sense a hint of any energy fluctuations, but a door soon emerged right in front of them. Even now, Alvaries waspletely unable to sense anything amiss. Her scouting skill was still telling her it was sheer rock in front of her, and that the two were walking through solid bedrock as they descended a set of stairs.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Each step of theirs took them hundreds of meters forward, yet it still took them five minutes before they reached the end of the tunnel; arge cave covered in extremely esoteric engravings. The cave itself looked rough and uneven at first nce, but everything echoed with the Dao. Every stctite, every outcropping; they all had a purpose in this n.


    It was a nigh-perfect fusion of array and natural formation, and Alvaries felt like she stood inside a supreme Array Disk. Or almost inside it. The true core had to be the mysterious pond in the middle, or rather the three-meter tall crystal hovering above it.


    I wonder which master set this up, Paro said as he looked around with amazement. I never heard anything about the Lord being an Inscriptionist, especially not to this degree. Is someone from the outside helping him with all this?


    Perhaps, I think hiswork is a lotrger than he lets on, Alvaries nodded. Are you confident inpleting the task?


    Dont worry, Paro said as he smiled at his wife. I might not be able topletely understand this thing, butpleting the objective is childs y.


    The two walked over to the core crystal hovering in the middle of the pool. Paro took out a two-meter-long spike; the array g they had been provided with so long ago. Sometimes he dipped it in the water, sometimes he used it to draw runes in the air. With each motion, the mysterious pond rippled a bit, and the energies got more and more condensed in the area as the runes covering the ceiling and walls slowly came alive.


    But the pattern was wrong. It followed the schematics Paro had worked on by himself in secret.


    A wave of destion gripped Alvaries heart as she saw Paro slowly stab the g into the water a few more times. She stepped closer as though she wanted to observe, but her right tail suddenly shot forward with impossible speed. On its tip was a perfectly ck orb, a true miniature ck hole that contained endless potential for destruction.


    It mmed into the back of her husband before he had a chance to react, and his whole midsection was instantly turned to nothingness as Pathways and Cultivation Core were disintegrated. There wasnt even an explosion as Paros life foundation was extinguished, the rampant forces sent to the void to never be seen again.


    You knew? Paro said with a weak voice after looking down at the massive hole where his core should have been.


    I knew, Alvaries sighed as she grabbed the grand g with her second tail before it dropped into the pond.


    Paro was the Array Master and the one who was supposed to finish this part of the task. Alvaries was supposed to scout for warriors sent to impede their task and to protect her husband. However, 40,000 years was a long time. Long enough for her to learn the outs and ins of the array that now surrounded them. Perhaps almost as much as her husband.


    Her tail elongated and turned into a blur as she lightly stabbed the array g with expert precision across a series of spots on the pond, causing a dozen ripples to appear. Paro''s meddling was erased as the small waves intersected, forming esoteric fractals which submerged into the depths and superimposed on the hidden prearranged pattern below.


    The two sets formed a perfect whole, and the pond turnedpletely tranquil a momentter.


    Well, it was fun while itsted, Paro coughed as he slumped down on the ground.


    It really was, Alvaries said with red-rimmed eyes as she looked down at the paramour with whom she had shared her life for eons.


    But the time had alreadye, and they both had made their decisions and preparations. It was true what Paro said. They were running out of time, and it looked like both hade to the same conclusion. Even if things went their way, there weren''t enough resources for both to take the next step.


    Revive me if you reach the peak, will you? Paro smiled as the life left his eyes.


    Of course, Alvaries nodded.


    Far away, the trajectory of a Twilight River started to slightly adjust, its transformation so minute that it would be mistaken as a natural fluctuation. But in two years, it would be one of the spearsunched at the Heavens themselves.


    Persistent bastards, Abonzo spat as he ate a healing pill before turning toward the leader of their group. What now?


    Trivorad looked down at the twenty corpses in front of them, natives from both living and undead factions, and then at the vast patch of destruction that stretched almost as far as the eyes could see. The battle had destroyed a fifth of Cork Ind, leaving tens of thousands of scorched trees strewn about.


    The group of seven could sense a few auras in the distance, but it was obvious those cultivators clearly disyed them to show they werent an enemy.


    Were done here, Trivorad eventually said. The Deacon told us to destroy the source node on this ind and install the rerouter, but we still have three other spots to cover. These natives were most likely here to stabilize the hidden weakness. There are also indications they are just one of many factions with simr tasks.


    Should we split up? Vinka ventured.


    No, Trivorad said with a shake of his head. The Havarok Dynasty has sent over a hundred peak Hegemons into this ce ording to our intelligence. The Deacon wasn''t certain whether their purpose is aligned with our own. The stars were obfuscated, but the patterns leaned toward them working against us. If we split up and encounter their parties, most of us will fall. We were sent here to lend assistance, not to sacrifice ourselves.


    Iing! Vinka suddenly shouted, and the group quickly prepared themselves as a storm of miasma roiled forward with tremendous speed.


    A huge section of the ind was suddenly shrouded in darkness as a thousand-meter skull peeked out through the thunderstorm.


    Looks like the Radiant Temple has a hand in this game after all, a jarring voice that sounded like a thousand wails emerged from the skull. Youve caused quite the scene.


    Killing a few miscreants is nothing much, Abonzo snorted as the air twisted around him.


    A momentter, a thousand-meter-tall temple surrounded by a radiant parhelion appeared above their heads. Ethereal chimes echoed from its halls, and the roiling storm of miasma was somewhat pushed back by a glistening starlight.


    Indeed its not. So why dont you enter our little cloud? Ill properly wake you up and give a miscreant like you a sense of purpose, another voiceughed from within the storm.


    Enough, Trivorad said as he turned toward the skull. You should be a member of Hive Ouro. What is the opinion of the Eidolon on this situation?


    The huge skull was silent for a few seconds, and the group tensed themselves in case of another battle. Even Trivorad was a bit worried after sensing the sinister energies swirling inside the giant head. Hive Ouro alone was not a threat to the Radiant temple, but the Eidolon was a lot more cohesive than the Draugr or the Reavers.


    If one Hivemind had vested interests in Twilight Harbor, then it was very possible that one of the four grand hives lent some strength to back them up at a crucial time like this. His souls had been tempered by the Radiant Chapter for 30,000 years, but even he didnt feel confident against an enemy like this.


    The benefits of an ascension supersede the value of Twilight Harbor, the voice eventually said. "We can always set up new outposts in the area."


    So were in agreement, Trivorad said, and the group rxed as well. Then well take our leave.


    Having a simr objective does not mean we belong to the same side, another voice cackled as two purple suns ignited inside the skulls eyes. Your involvement is just an unnecessaryplication. The Hive will suffice.


    War Phnx, Trivorad growled as the group all took out a red canister. Its either us or them.


    Zac looked at the towering tree in the distance. Even if he wanted to destroy this thing, was it even possible? Its diameter had to be at least five hundred meters, and a spiritual tree like this was no doubt extremely sturdy.


    Some factions might take offense to our task, but the mothertree has been destroyed a few times before, Catheya shrugged. It will be back within twenty openings or so.


    So in twenty thousand years? Zac asked, really feeling the weight of their actions.


    Zac knew it waspletely backward, but it somehow felt worse bing an eco-terrorist and destroying an ancient tree like this,pared to taking out hostile cultivators.


    Wait, its not a sapient tree, right? Zac asked.


    Not quite? Catheya eventually said after a much too long pause.


    Great, Zac muttered. He was about to continueining, but he stopped when he saw an enormous fireball m into a small section of the tree trunk. Others are attacking it!


    It was a squad of four people who all unleashed one powerful attack after another at the mothertree, and Zac soon spotted more squads just like them. Unfortunately for the four closest cultivators, their efforts didnt seem very effective. The thick bark on the tree was like impervious armor, and only some small wood chippings fell from the attacks. It would take a lot of work to take down this oversized bastard.


    Looks that way, Catheya nodded.


    So, do we really need to get involved? Why not let others topple that thing for us? Zac asked. Missionplete in either case, right?


    Well, first of all, I dont know that. I have a specific array I was told to use. Secondly, why give this opportunity to others? Catheya snorted as she turned toward the World Tree.


    Zac didnt understand what she was talking about first, but his eyes soon widened when he spotted it; a massive <strong>50,000</strong> hovering above the tree. It should by all rights be covered by the skyscraper-sized leaves, but it looked like these kinds of things couldnt be blocked.


    Fifty thousand contribution points were even more than what youd get from forming a Peak Dao Fragment, and more than enough for Zac to lose any moral hang-ups about forest preservation. Even if split between three, it was a massive boon. It would take dozens of life-and-death battles to get the equivalent number of points.


    Do you think there are more ces like this in the Twilight Ocean? Zac slowly asked.


    This tree should be one of the top 3 in the early stretches of the ocean, but there are definitely more of them along the way, Catheya said with a teasing smile. Not feeling so glum about our mission any longer? Our path will take us to multiple ces like this.


    Well, Im just happy to help, Zac nodded.


    A real gentleman, Catheyaughed. Come on, lets go before someone steals our points.


    There might be a small risk of that happening, but Zac wasnt so sure whether the mothertree was the prey or the predator as they moved closer. Over a hundred roots suddenly sprung up from the ground behind the group of cultivators whounched the fireball earlier. Two were immediately turned into paste, while another was grievously wounded as she was mmed into the trunk by ash.


    The final member managed to avoid the ambush through an instantaneous movement skill or escape talisman. Seeing his party getting annihted before they even managed to break through the bark was clearly more than he had signed up for, and he instantly disappeared into the forest, running for his life.


    Still, Zac wasnt overly worried by the tree itself as they snuck closer to the vast trunk. He was currently in his Draugr form, but he was a Hatchetman at heart. Cutting down some branches and roots was something he excelled at. Besides, the putrefying mists from his various skills worked far better on organic thingspared to weapons or stone considering they were based on the Seed of Rot.


    As for cutting down the tree itself, it was impossible that Catheya didnt have some n for it.


    They made their way toward the mothertree hiding as best as they could, and Zac spotted a total of seven squads on the way. For now, no party seemed interested in fighting with each other. They were all trying different ways to fell the tree and reap the rewards. Of course, if it looked like one party had found a way to cut down the mothertree, then things would probably take a drastic turn.


    Eventually, they reached the trunk, and Catheya nched as the area was suffused in life-attuned energies in addition to the Twilight Energy. The tree almost felt like a Nexus Vein; its energy might not be very profound, but it was seemingly endless. Zac guessed that Catheyas task was to taint this massive reservoir for some reason, and his guess was quickly being confirmed as she took out a two-meter spike that was covered in dense fractals.


    It reminded Zac of how he had heard that you could kill a tree simply by driving a copper nail into its trunk, poisoning it from within. Was this something down the same vein? It looked like it, though Catheya clearly wasnt able to simply push it through the thick bark. She had rather erected a circr array around the spike, and it was entering the wood as though it was fusing with it.


    But the process was slow, and it clearly didnt go unnoticed as a shudder went through the area. The next moment, Zac heard a humming sound, and this time it was he who nched after looking up at the distant tree crown.


    "Wasps."

 Chapter 707: Mothertree

    Chapter 707: Mothertree


    How much more? Zac growled as he wasunched into the air by two chains, his axe empowered by a massive jagged edge as he cut apart yet another 2-meter wasp before destroying arge root that aimed for Catheya. Well be overrun sooner orter.


    He wasnt joking. The only reason there wasnt a mountain of wasp corpses and destroyed roots around him was the corrosive effect of his domain turning everything to mush. Unfortunately, that meant he was walking around in ankle-deep sludge which was pretty disgusting.


    Another wasp was impaled by one of his chains, the corrosive liquid effortlessly digging through its armor ting. There were already five wasps hanging on the chain, forming a gristly warning to the other insects that hovered over their heads. And it actually worked. The domain of <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> almost worked like insect repent, and together with his warning, most of the wasps targeted the other groups.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Only three groups remained by this point, the others scared away or eradicated by the residents of the tree along with the tree itself. The situation was somewhat stable, but the roots were never-ending. He had just cut one apart, but Zac was forced to dodge a swift swipe the next moment as a five-meter-thick root ripped through the air.


    He had tried cutting one like it apart just a minute ago, only to find his edge incapable of cutting more than half the trunk. The m had been enough tounch him fifty meters into the air and forced him to expand one of his three healing brands.


    Varo did what he could to help, but he wasnt as useful in a protracted siege like thispared to ambushes. He ultimately took a defensive position behind Zac, cutting apart anything that snuck past his rampaging swings.


    Just a few more minutes, Catheya said as she threw a wink in his direction. Keep it up, youre doing great. Very powerful.


    Zac only snorted in annoyance, but he knew she wasn''t just messing around. Her arms were a constant blur as she formed various sigils that helped push the spike further into the tree, and Zac sensed that she might actually be spending more Miasma than he was. And all this was while taking out an impressive number of wasps with the help of her icicles.


    Varo asionally crushed a Miasma Crystal next to her to alleviate the situation, and Zac eventually made a decision. A vast aura field of death spread out with Zac as the core, swallowing all the corpses and Catheya alike. The atmosphere took a drastic turn, and even the pervasive Twilight Energy was pushed away a bit. Obviously, it was the peak mastery <strong>[Field of Despair]</strong>.


    Each upgrade had increased the area it could cover, though Zac only used it for the immediate vicinity at the moment. Reachingte mastery in the skill had allowed him to gain a better sense of everyone within the mists, and this sense was even further improved by reaching peak mastery. The skill now expanded his observation abilities to the point that they almost rivaled the omniscience he gained from <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong>.


    The weakening effect was strengthened further as well, now being able to fully remove up to 10% of the attributes up to the limits of E-grade Race, 2,500 attribute points. Even Zac would be noticeably impacted by such a loss.


    But the real reason for bringing out <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> was the improved conversion ratio, where each kill resulted in almost double the refund when corpses were drained. Zac immediately felt a surge of Miasma entering his body, and both Catheya and Varo got to enjoy a weakened version of the boost.


    You know <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>? You actually managed to get an Epic F-grade ss? Catheya eximed from the side. I knew my instincts were right when hiring you. <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>is a very sought-after skill among the crusaders, but few can gain it. Any interest in selling it?


    Zac inwardly sighed when he heard Catheyas analysis. This was why he didnt want to show too many of his skills unless necessary. Anytime he exposed something, there was a real risk of divulging even more than he nned.


    And cripple myself for some money? Zac snorted as he cut off another root before it could m into the defensive barrier Varo had erected. No thank you.


    Well, if you change your mind, the Eldritch Archivals are always looking for new Inheritance Crystals, Catheya smiled. Still, its pretty odd. That skill is given tomander-archetype sses from what Ive heard, a skill to bolster armies. But you dont seem to follow that path at all, you give me the feeling of a surly lone-wolf.


    If you have the energy to chat, why not focus on speeding up that thing? Zac sighed as he saw another of his spectral henchmen getting ripped apart after destroying a patch of roots. They kept popping up to deal with the wasps, but it was like the mothertree hated them with vigor. It targeted them within seconds of appearing, preventing him from building up a proper army.


    Dont tell me you had a change of heart? Catheyaughed, ignoring Zacsment. No wonder you said you had no ambition to raise an army. Was the burden ofmand too heavy? Well, being amander requires you to have faith in the strength of your followers. I think it was the right choice for you, youre the Ill do it myself-kind of guy. Thats not bad, mind you. A useless person cant have that mindset and survive.


    For the love of God, Zac muttered as he unleashed his annoyance on the wildlife.


    He ignored Catheyas teasing, knowing it was just hertest attempt at trying to extract some more information from him. Unfortunately for her, Zac had lived with a far wilier Demon for over a year, and he was mostly immune to those kinds of attempts by now.


    Instead, he focused on his form. The tree was thankfully not really sapient, and it was clearly justshing out at random in their direction, like someone absentmindedly trying to wave away annoying flies. Gave him enough leeway to try some things out.


    Zac pictured himself a harried army defending an outpost, attacked from every direction by ferocious warriors. The attacks were like waves, and the pressure points kept changing, like the army was trying to create a weakness in his defensive line. Zac himselfshed out in retaliatory force, sometimes just defending, sometimes setting out in a raid to clean out problems before they arrived.


    He even used his chains to create putrefying traps to stall the enemy lines. He was quickly integrating the variousponents of his undying toolkit into his path, but he still couldnt find the answer to his envisioned fusion. For now, he could only keep progressing and hope hed figure something out sooner orter.


    The minutes passed, and Zac eventually found a rhythm that lessened his strain significantly. The mothertree was a bit like the golem he fought to open the Dao Repository. It might contain boundless energy, but it didnt use it efficiently. It had a set of actions that it cycled, and Zac only needed to anticipate which it was. As for the wasps, unless a queen made its appearance, they wouldnt be able to change the situation.


    Arge circr pattern had almostpletely formed around the spike, which was over three quarters inserted into the tree by now. Zac estimated it would only take a minute or two before it waspletely embedded.


    Stop right now! a sudden roar echoed out as arge shape appeared among the Cork Trees in the distance.


    Zac nced in the direction of the shout, thinking it was some fool overestimating his own abilities. Their group was the smallest, but there were over 20 cultivators hacking away at the tree. What would this lone warrior do about it? However, when Zac spotted the source, he froze for an instant, almost getting himself gored by a root.


    It was a treeman emitting an almost blinding aura. He looked like a king walking among his subjects, as the trees actually bowed slightly in deference where he passed. And it was no wonder. He was definitely cultivating some Dao of Nature, and his aplishments decidedly eclipsed Zacs Fragment of the Bodhi.


    He was roughly three meters tall, and his crown was made up of small green leaves with golden edges. A wheel of living wood hovered behind him, and Zac felt immense spiritual fluctuations from it as well. He guessed it was some sort of Natural Spirit Tool that had an awakened spirit just like <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong>.


    Together with his extremely condensed aura and Dao emissions, it quickly became clear; this was absolutely not some random crab soldier, but a true elite. His estimation was proven right a momentter as a value appeared above his head; <strong>2,500-5,000.</strong>


    There was no doubt about it, this guy had two peak fragments at the least, possibly even a Dao Branch. Together with his condensed aura, Zac didnt feel very confident about their prospects.


    Theres trouble, Zac said as he saw the man close in on them with fury written all over his face. This guy is the real deal.


    The other groups had clearlye to the same decision, and one party after another disengaged and fled toward the forests. No one was making any real headway on the tree, apart from one group who had managed to cut off roughly fifty meters of wood by unleashing thousands of cuts. Why keep risking their lives now that a Heavens Chosen had entered the picture?


    Catheya frowned as she looked over, but she came to a different decision than the other parties. A storm of miasma gathered around her as arge fortress of pure ice sprung up out of nowhere. It fused with the tree itself to create an impervious barrier radiating a cial intractability. Four glistening crystals appeared above the ramparts, and Zac was almost blinded by <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> after seeing how much energy they contained.


    Catheya must have sunk half her Miasma into this defensiveyer.


    This defense will crumble when the four crystals are extinguished. Help lessen the burden, she said with an uncharacteristically serious expression. We dont need to defeat him, we only need to dy him.


    Zac nodded as two chains pushed him up to the rampant, and he saw that the treant was quickly growing in size. He soon stood over ten meters tall, and the wheel grew to match his size. He gave Zac no further time to prepare as he grabbed the wheel and threw it at the wall with shocking force.


    The three pygmies of <strong>[Profane Exponents] </strong>had already appeared behind him, and Zac infused the casket-bearing pygmy with massive amounts of Miasma along with the Fragment of the Coffin as a thick shield appeared in front of the wheel. However, Zac immediately understood there was trouble the moment the wheel shed with the barrier.


    Zac felt the miasmaprising the shield quickly erode and crumble as a shocking verdure spread through his skill like a stream ofva cutting through a block of ice. He tried to infuse the barrier with more of his Dao, but the inevitable was barely dyed as the wheel soon shattered the coffin and continued its flight toward the ice wall.


    There was no doubt about it; this was the power of a Dao Branch. There was no way a peak Fragment had this kind of overbearing presence.


    A growl escaped Zacs lips as he jumped out to meet the attack himself. He refused to be overpowered by a simple throw, even if it was empowered by a Dao Branch. He shot forward from the rampant as two of his chains lodged themselves in the ground to stabilize his trajectory, and a sinister jagged arc appeared in front of his edge as he swung at the wheel with everything he had.


    Axe and wheel collided, and Zac suddenly felt as though he was submerged in an endless river of leaves. Each of the leaves contained a terrifying amount of life force, steadily purifying their surroundings. Or destroying, if you looked at it from the perspective of an undead. Thankfully, a good chunk of the momentum in the throw had already been expended, and Zac managed to push back the force as hended outside the rampart.


    His own form quickly grew to five meters as the pitch-ck armor of <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> enclosed him, and he felt a surge of power in his body as his attributes were boosted by almost 10%. Apart from the improvement to his taunting ability, reaching peak mastery had finally boosted the inherent buff as well, pushing it from 10% to 15% to his Base Attributes.


    The boost was limited by the skills grade though, and it couldnt keep up with Zacs exponential attribute growth in the E-grade. Just like Emilys elemental axes, Zacs constitution had already passed the limit of what the skill could boost. Hopefully, it would be enough to help slow down this mammoth.


    The raging cultivator looked slow and clumsy in his colossal tree-like form, but his actual speed indicated a Dexterity on par with Zacs own. He covered the distance in just a few seconds, and the wheel flew back into his hands just as he entered the domains of <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> and <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>.


    The skills did what they were supposed to do, but it almost felt like they only served to enrage the titanic avatar rather than harm him. He could clearly sense his surroundings just fine even when having his vision limited by <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>, and he looked absolutely infuriated as he saw roots and wasps rot and fall apart as an effect of the corrosive atmosphere.


    As for the treeman himself, he was covered in a glowing sheen that rebuffed the corrosive domain from actually touching his body.


    You scoundrels! Do you know what you are doing?! the treant roared. This mothertree is the lifeblood of the forest! Murder it and you will harm the whole poption!


    The next moment the deathly grip on the surrounding area was instantly ripped apart as a fantastical forest sprung up around him. The scene reminded Zac of his own <strong>[Hatchetmans Spirit]</strong> a bit, but its power was far beyond his own skill. The trees were like unholy beacons, except they radiated the warmth of life.


    There were also thousands of small flower-creatures dancing around, each of them emitting a strong sense of life. The corrosive mists of <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> killed them by the dozens every second, but new ones kept sprouting up from the ground to rece the ones who fell.


    Zac<strong></strong>felt his <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> deactivate in just a second, unable to withstand the purifying effect of the treemans own domain. His other skill was thankfully not that easy to get rid of as it was continuously emitted from his body, and the first axe wraith silently appeared behind the attacker.


    The leaves and corrosive mists swirled as its axe ripped through the air, cutting straight at one of the giants legs. Zac sensed life-attuned entering the leg just before the collision, and he wasnt surprised to see the thick bark being able to nullify the attack. He still wasnt disappointed though as a section of sinister green runes appeared on the treeman.


    However, Zacs tion was quickly doused as a root shot out from the mans leg, instantly destroying the wraith by flooding it with the Dao. The wood on its leg started to rot with speed visible to the naked eye a momentter, but even Zac could tell that the process was too quick. He hadnt used <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> too many times, but he knew that the skill wasnt this powerful.


    As expected, the section of the leg that was marked by the green runes fell off the treemans legs a secondter, and they were actually reced by new roots and bark in just a second. Meanwhile, Zac was assailed by the exuberant domain. He felt some of his buff from <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong> being nullified by a sense of weakness.


    Thankfully the feeling wasnt too strong, since Zac was more resilient to life than normal undead. So what if some life-attuned energy seeped into his body? <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> was already fast at work expelling it, since it was considered toxins in his current form.


    Unfortunately, Zac wasnt the only one put under pressure by the fantastical domain as roots started climbing up the icy ramparts, and Zac saw one of the hovering crystals shrink with a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Even if Zac wasnt operating under the oppression of the treemans domain, he still wasnt really a match to the cultivator in front of him. The treeman was clearly of the same opinion as he ignored Zac and instead shed toward the ice wall. A huge shockwave spread out as he straight up used himself as a battering ram, and two of the ice crystals immediately shattered in response.


    An enormous root from the mothertree itself emerged the from the ground the next moment, and it actually looked like the treeman was able tomunicate with it. He ordered it to m into the wall as well, destroying yet another icy crystal before Zac even had a chance to react. Less than a fraction had passed, yet three-quarters of Catheyas defenses were already exhausted.


    Keep him away! a frantic shout came from inside as a cial tide shot out toward the treant.


    Zac grit his teeth as the four chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>shot forward andtched around the giants arms and torso. He instantly grabbed the four chains next and pulled with all the force he could muster. The treant was definitely a Heavens Chosen with an attribute pool and Dao above Zacs own, but the power contained in Zacs pull couldnt be ignored.


    The treeman was lifted off his feet and thrown back a few meters, causing him to look over at Zac with shock.


    Youll have to go through me first, buddy, Zac said as he cracked his neck.


    He wasnt as confident as he let on, but Zac was still slowly being filled with expectation as he looked at the hulking powerhouse in front of him. He had discovered his Evolutionary Stance in a pitched battle against the Twinruin Bloodstalker a few months ago.


    Wasnt this big guy the perfect target to take the same step in his current form?

 Chapter 708: Turn of the Seasons

    Chapter 708: Turn of the Seasons


    Why do you insist on profaning nature like this? the treant asked as he destroyed an axe wraith with a wave, his irate voice sounding like crackling thunder. Those points will not be enough to change anything.


    Well, you never know, Zac said as he stomped down on the ground, causing the familiar cage of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> to spring up and trap them both inside.


    Ill teach you Draugr to respect nature. Shes your mother as well! the treant shouted before he raised his arms. Solstice!


    The enormous wheel once more rose behind the treants back, and Zac felt a shudder as it turned 90 degrees. The feeling of exuberant verdure around him was instantly exchanged by sweltering heat where he was being constantly sted by an angry sun. The trees in the fantastical forest changed, and they started to bear fruits that all turned into 2-meter warriors that radiated the might of strong middle E-grade fighters.


    It felt like his sealing fortress had turned into a greenhouse, but the important thing was that it had sealed off the cial fortifications behind him. Zac noticed that an ice-crystal was already reforming, though its speed was pretty slow. Of course, Zac had seen just how much pure force the treant could exert, and he knew that his F-grade trap wouldntst more than a hit or two.


    Zac shot toward the treant before he had the chance to unleash any more skills. He needed to turn this into a dogfight and prevent the activation of any finishers. If this guy had some skill like <strong>[Arcadias Judgement]</strong>, hed be able to take out both him and Catheya simultaneously. Twenty thick chains shot toward the treeman as well, desperately trying to bind him in ce.


    Unfortunately, even the strengthened chains the peak mastery of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> provided werent enough to withstand the aura sting out from the enemy. They were quickly covered in a green moss that made them lose their structural integrity, forcing Zac to spend Miasma to form new ones. Zac immediately changed hismand to send most of the chains toward the wood puppets, while only using a few to harass the main target.


    A furious war had already erupted inside the cage, with new wraiths and wood puppets appearing every second. <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> was burning arge amount of energy at the moment, but the same had to be true for the treemans skill. Zac was happy to keep wasting energy, and he let the skill run while he fought the treeman.


    A herculean jump put Zac in front of the evenrger treant, and his bardiche clove through the air with furious momentum as the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> shot toward the treant''s hand that was grabbing for the Spirit Tool wheel. The titanic treeman was not so easily suppressed though, and he formed a thickyer of bark on his forearm like a protective bracer to block out Zacs swing.


    Simultaneously, he snatched the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> with lightning-quick motion and hurled Zac away like a piece of garbage. Zac was flung across the cage, but just before hitting the cage walls, he turned into a puff of smoke. It was <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> activating in the nick of time, though Zac shortened the cast time by 20% by infusing the final part with <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>.


    He shot back through the arena, ignoring the blistering heat that was even more palpable in his intangible form. Zac was once more in front of the living tree before he even had the chance to take two steps toward Catheya. Four chains shot toward the treants eyes as a blue fire spread across his left leg.


    Both Zac and a recently spawned wraith targeted the burning section, and huge chunks of wood were cut loose as the treant hurriedly avoided the chains threatening to blind him. Zac wanted to follow up with another strike, but dozens of spearlike trees suddenly sprung up around where he stood, forcing him to scramble out of the way.


    He realized that it was a few of those weird pixies that had burrowed into the ground and transformed into weaponized trees. He had ignored those things until now, but it looked like they were yet another threat to him. Zac swung his axe back and forth in wide arcs to cut the roots apart, but they were far harderpared to the muchrger roots of the mothertree.


    Soon enough, Zac found himself bloodied and pushed back over fifty meters by an ever-expanding forest, and the treant was already lumbering toward the edge of the cage again. The wound on the treemans leg was fast recovering, and he grabbed the wheel in his hand, clearly intent on breaking apart the cage once and for all.


    Zac immediately rushed forward to intercept, but he knew that he would have to change his tactics fast. His previous strikes were meant to take him down in a simr fashion he took down the cksmith golem. Cripple limbs and then take him out. Unfortunately, this treeman was not only extremely powerful, but he also seemed to be a Vitality cultivator.


    The good thing was that his attacks werent overly powerful. The domain he released was swelting but manageable. The wood puppets were powerful, but they were restrained by <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> and <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. The wooden spikes had huge potential forrge-scale destruction, but they wouldnt be able to take him out.


    The biggest risk was the brute force in the treemans swings along with his hidden cards. As long as he could restrain those, then Zac would at leastplete his job. He soon reached the giant once more, but instead of forcibly attacking with a huge swing, he dragged himself to the side with the help of <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>, letting the other chains trail behind.


    Suddenly he was behind the treant, and three chains wound around one of the treemans feet as Zac stomped down on the ground and pulled. The treeman grunted in annoyance as he swung the massive wheel in a wide arc to smash Zac, but a coffin-formed barrier appeared before the swing even had started, preventing the strike from generating any momentum.


    The treeman still managed to break through just a momentter, but Zac had already jumped up and swung his axe at the targets neck by that time. A dozen terrifying branches, each one containing enough power to cause cracks in space, shot out from the treemans crown to intercept. However, Zacs trajectory had already changed again thanks to his chains pulling him to safety.


    Meanwhile, two chains of <strong>[Profane seal]</strong> interlinked and formed a thick fetter as they mmed into one of the treemans feet, causing him to stumble a bit. Zac along with his skills and chains were anywhere and everywhere, like a swarm of flies around arge predator. No strike was aimed to kill. They were rather aimed at ruining tempo and stealing momentum.


    The treeman was quickly bing frustrated, and he forcibly swung the enormous wheel into the ground, causing a tremendous explosion that kicked up a storm inside the cage. Cracks spread across the walls and towers of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>, but they slowly started to heal as there was no follow-up. Zac had blocked out the shockwave by jumping into the air and shielding himself with <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong>, and he was already back on the target before the treant finished his attack.


    Zac could feel that he was onto something as his attacks started to slowly transform.


    From the moment the first seeds of life appeared in the universe, they started their endless struggle against their surroundings: evolution. But there was one more struggle that was born the very moment life was introduced to the cosmos; the struggle against death itself. Warriors struggled and risked their lives, all for the sake of power, wealth, and longevity.


    However, even the supreme beings at the peak of the pyramid had one enemy they couldnt beat the vicissitudes of time.


    Aging and its inevitable withering were ever-present and relentless, like a specter looming over the shoulder. No matter whether they fought or fled, it would be there, slowly squeezing thest ember of resistance from their body. The rot woulde for even the greatest of Emperors. Eventually, there was nothingness. Finality.


    Zac soon looked at the towering treant as a representation of the living trying to dy the inevitable. The special Draugr sight that he barely utilized until now was fast bing the key that showed how life-force constantly surged through the enemys body. Combined with his <strong>[Cosmic Gaze]</strong> he saw everything he needed to see to follow this new path.


    Any time the giant tried to empower one of his skill runes, Zac was already there. An axe stabbed into his leg from behind and infused it with a corrosive rune. A chain shot toward a vulnerable spot to force a response. Zac himself unleashing a massive swing that even the treant would have to deal with.


    Each little sh would mark the enemy for death and close another avenue of turning things around. This was not some sort of restriction of a skill, it was restriction through tempo. In fact, Zacs actions were gradually slowing downpared to the frantic pace he kept just a few seconds ago. Death never rushed, it was slow and methodical; inescapable.


    This was not the ruthless war of the jungle, but the endless war all beings fought against themselves. One represented change, the other was stillness. There was no need to finish the war, as death had all the time in the world. He only needed to keep up the pressure, to douse any hope of resurgence. Zac felt as though he was bing one with his path once more, but nothingsted forever.


    The treeman was ultimately just too powerful. Had this been a weaker target they would have been locked down and ground down until only a rotten pile remained, but this was a Vitality-based cultivator with ess Dao Branch. It was impossible for Zac to whittle him down. Just dying him for just below a minute without using his Remnants was already a miracle.


    But things wereing to an end. The giant was running out of patience, and Zac started to sense some burgeoning killing intent for the first time during the battle. This was something he had realized from the start; this giant was actually quite gentle. He hadnt reallyunched any true killing blows at Zac, at least not until now. The treeman was taking off the kiddie gloves.


    Even worse, it looked like thepanions of the treant were catching up since Zac could sense two strong beacons of life force rapidly closing in.


    A green 50-meter-tall rune appeared in the air as the treeman roared with frustration, and Zac suddenly felt like he had been hit by a train as he was flung away and mmed into the wall of <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong> on the other side of the cage. Cracks spread across the whole cage from the immense aura of the rune, and its intensity just kept growing.


    Zac tried to rush back, but a sea of roots threatened to swallow him. It was like natures rage had been unleashed on the area, in an even more palpable waypared to his <strong>[Natures Punishment]</strong>. Life was running amok, and Zac did all he could to dy the inevitable. But his cage was like a water balloon filled with a small ocean; it simply couldnt contain this kind of an attack and it soon broke apart.


    I cant hold him, and more areing! Zac roared.


    The slithering roots looked like a sea of snakes with the treant in the middle, and Zac was forced up on the icy ramparts for protection. A second crystal had regrown while Zac dyed, but it had already been broken apart from the pressure. Suddenly, Zac felt a pang of danger, and a burning orb shot toward the fortifications.


    In its heart was the wooden wheel of the treant, but it was like he had turned it into a sun as it zed with terrifying heat. Zac had already understood that the treeman was cultivating some sort of ss and Dao rted to the four seasons, and he guessed that each season had its own strength. Spring and Summer were most likely the most efficient season against the undead, while the other two were rted to death and decay, making them unsuitable to fight the unliving.


    In either case, a raging inferno like the one that wasing their way was definitely enough to smash the fortifications in one go. One coffin barrier after another appeared to block the sun''s approach, but they were simply crushed one by one. This time it wasnt just a simple Dao-empowered Spirit Tool. There was an E-grade skill empowering the attack as well.


    Zac was soon out of options, and the ck shroud of the third pygmy shot forward and enclosed the iing attack. But it felt like Zac was trying to push a mountain with his bare hands, and he knew that there was simply no way to transport it far away like he did during thest fight. He only managed to adjust the attacks angle, making the wheel m into the ground just in front of the icy wall.


    It was like a bomb had gone off, and both roots and wall were disintegrated as Zac was flung into the trunk of the mothertree,nding just a few meters away from Catheya and her array. The spike was almostpletely inserted by now, with less than a foot remaining.


    Seize the moment, Catheya shouted. Just one more attack and were done.


    She pointed her hand toward the treant next, and a shocking burst of cold sted out from a blue gem on her bracelet. The smoldering fire that was spreading was quickly quenched, and thousands of iing roots were chilled and drastically slowed.


    Darkness spread across thousands of meters in each direction as a tunnel of destruction shot straight toward the treeman. It was Varo who unleashed a stab that contained tremendous might. It was like he pierced space itself for hundreds of meters, and innumerable roots were ripped apart in an instant.


    Even the treant himself was suddenly afflicted with a deep scar as he stumbled backward.


    Zac saw the opportunity and he rushed forward with all speed he could muster. Energy surged into his body as two thick streams of Mental energy entwined before they moved to the huge jagged edge that was fast forming. Dao from the hanging coffin in his mind seeped into one of the spirit streams, and his Dao Avatar representing his Fragment of the Axe infused the second.


    The ck jagged edge of <strong>[Gorehew]</strong> suddenly transformed a bit, with sharp barbs appearing across the jagged edge. It radiated a terrifying aura as well, a mix of destruction and destion.


    Watch out! a scream echoed out from the distance, but it was toote.


    The treeman barely had time to slightly tilt his body and erect a fewyers of bark before the Dao-braided edge cut into his body, leaving a terrifying wound behind. The scar ran for over two meters from his shoulders down to his midriff, and the wound already reeked of rot. The treant wailed and fell over, but Zac barely had time to register the strike before he was forced away by a blood-colored root.


    It was one of the two followers who had almost caught up, and she radiated a shocking killing intent that far eclipsed herpanion''s. If the original treant was mildly upset about Zac and Catheya messing with the mothertree, then this new arrival was ready to enter a deathmatch. Her whiplike root reeked of blood, and she even eclipsed Zac''s own killing intent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac barely managed to avoid the strike with the help of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, the treant had already reached her leader by that time. Luckily for Zac, she seemed more upied with treating the gristly wound of herpanion than dealing with him, and he immediately rushed toward the mothertree. He had a pretty good understanding of the situation.


    The powerful treant was probably a talented but sheltered scion, and the two followers were enforcers sent into the trial by his family to help him out. They were clearly ready to kill from the get-go, and they had definitely tasted blood before.


    Time to go, Zac wheezed the moment he reached Catheya who was still forming a series of seals with her hands.


    Not yet, she said as she tried toplete the process. I just nee-


    She didnt get any further as a coffin-shaped shield mmed into the head of the spike with enough force to cause the whole mothertree to shudder. It was Zac who had turned <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> into its defensive form and decisively used it as a hammer to push the spike the rest of the way.


    There, done, Zac grunted. "Time to go."

 Chapter 709: Agent of Chaos

    Chapter 709: Agent of Chaos


    Catheya nkly looked back and forth between Zac and the firmly embedded nail that soon disappeared, clearly shocked at having her work being finished so crudely.


    You...! Catheya stuttered, but she quickly regained her bearings. Fine, it should still work. What a brute, so impatient.


    She waved her hand and a blinding snowstorm suddenly spread out from their location, and Varo followed up with his shroud of darkness. Catheya then gripped both his and Varos hands, and Zac felt his surroundings lurch. The next moment they were thousands of meters away, hidden among the normal Cork Trees.


    Catheya hurriedly took out an array disk from her Spatial Ring, and it immediately started to emit soothing ripples into the surroundings as they started running. Zac felt a slight pressure on his mind a momentter, and he realized that someone was scanning the area. Thankfully, the pressure soon moved, no doubt thanks to the array Catheya had taken out.


    "It passed us by, Catheya whispered, her mouth crooking upward as she looked at Zac. You really got the job done. Though I might deduct some style points for being so crude with the array."


    You cant hold it against me. That guy was way too strong, and his helpers had arrived, Zac muttered with some helplessness. "We only seeded at all since he wasn''t willing to go all-out at the start."


    Dont worry, you went above and beyond what could be expected, Catheyaughed. You were quite impressive. Your skillset is a bit disjointed, but you have clearly found a path of your own. Im a bit jealous.


    Zac snorted, not forgetting to keep vigil of the surroundings as they escaped in the same direction they came from. All in all, he was pretty happy with the oue as well. He didnt manage toplete hisbat style, but its framework was already formed. Zac had thought it would take months, but fighting one powerhouse could save a lot of time, it looks like.


    Now he just needed to keep sharpening it against opponents, hopefully ones not as unkible, or as gentle, as the treeman.


    The trio kept running for another hour, avoiding any cultivator groups thanks to Catheyas uncanny senses. However, they stopped when they heard an extremely loud thunder that reached all the way to their bones. The group looked to the sky, but there was nothing but the asional scattered cloud blocking an otherwise clear sky.


    Catheyas eyes lit up, and she turned around toward where they came from. Zac followed suit, just in time to see the whole mother tree topple over with a deafening crash. Thousands of trees were pushed to the ground from the shockwave, and a storm of life-attuned energies reached for the sky as Zac and the other two were thrown off their feet.


    The scene was almost blinding to Zac with his abyssal eyes, and it reminded him of the incursion pirs. The pir didnt actually disappear either, but it rather kept spewing out energy as though the tree had been a stopper to an underground geyser of pure life. It looked like the spike had worked as intended, though it took some time for it to finish the job.


    Zac had opened his Ladder screen a couple of times over the past hour, but he was a lot more hopeful this time around.


    <strong>[Arcaz ck  Contribution: 39,746 Rank: 7,541. Value: 100-250.]</strong>


    His contribution points had made a tremendous leap, increasing by almost five times thanks to getting roughly half of the contribution for felling the tree. Zac didnt know how the System calcted contribution, but he felt it was fair enough. He guessed that Varo only got a few percent while Catheya took the rest. It was great news since it proved that Zac didn''t lose out even if he only acted as a meat shield.


    The sudden boost had pushed him all the way to the top 10,000, which was a huge improvement since he had steadily dropped to the 300,000th spot as all the participants entered. It was impossible to make any exact assumptions since there were so many ways to gain contribution, but he guessed that there were at least 6,000 people who possessed a Life-or-Death Dao Branch in this trial.


    The other ones ahead of him most likely had abination of forming a Peak Dao Fragment along with points from ughter and destruction.


    Isnt that something? I wasnt holding out much hope for the trial, but perhaps Ill be pleasantly surprised, Catheya smiled before she turned away from the fallen tree.


    Zac understood what she was talking about. He had observed his employer over the past fights and he could make deductions by now. She most likely had two Daos, with the main one being rted to ice. She had also used a death-attuned Dao a few times, mostly while tinkering with the corpses she had collected during the trial.


    He had sensed that the terrifying ice flower she used to take out two ambushers was imbued with a braid of the two as well, with ice being the leader.


    Her current bounty was 100-250, but Zac estimated that she was in the lower span of the range while he was in the upper part. That didnt make her weak, but rather that her main focus wasnt valued by the Tapestry of Twilight. It was possible there were many other powerful warriors out there in a simr situation; holding powerful Daos that werent rted to Life or Death.


    So, any guesses why we did this? I mean topple the tree specifically, Zac finally asked. "Was it to release all that life energy?"


    Im guessing it has something to do with the living pulse, Catheya eventually said after some thought. The mothertree doesnt seem to have much value. Its wood is pretty durable, but its not a treasure-wood.


    Then what?


    If I had to guess, Id venture the tree was a node in an enormous natural formation spanning either a part of the Twilight Ocean, or even the whole thing. Were either modifying or destroying that formation by hitting some of the nodes, Catheya said. And dont ask me why, I have no idea.


    Wont that guy or someone else just fix it now that were gone? Zac curiously asked.


    Perhaps, but does it really matter? Catheya grinned. We finished our job. If someone wants to undo the damage we caused, what do I care? Besides, that guy is powerful, but I dont think he has the means to revert our actions. The tree falling most likely set off a chain reaction that is hard to stem.


    Theres quite some distance from the peak, Zac muttered. I couldnt even hurt him, and we barely dyed him a minute.


    Why are youining? You know who that was? Catheya chortled. It was Yanub Mettleleaf, one of the top E-grade warriors in the whole Twilight Harbor. Were lucky it wasnt some life-or-death battle, and rather that he simply was upset about us harming the mothertree. Were also pretty lucky it was a young treant who arrived rather than a squad of killers. A lot of the treemen are pacifists, and not that skilled in killing arts. Of course, thats until you get them properly enraged.


    Zac wasn''t surprised to hear the treant was someone famous considering the power he unleashed by the end. Furthermore, he actually recognized the name from the information missives he had prepared. Yanub was ranked in the top thousand among the hundreds of millions of E-grade warriors in Twilight Harbor. He was over three hundred years old as well, and the consensus was that he had dyed his evolution almost a century to participate in this Twilight Ascent.


    Such an action would rob most human cultivators of their momentum, but treemen could simply take root and go semiatose. They barely made any progress in cultivation that way, but their aging was drastically slowed as well. It was almost like entering a time dtion zone that sped time up rather than slowed it down.


    Furthermore, those listings werent too urate, as the exact strength of all those peak characters was unknown, especially this close to a Twilight Ascent. Yanub might barely be in the top 5000, or he might be aiming for a top 100 spot. It was hard to tell for Zac who hadn''t encountered too many elites at the peak of E-grade.


    "How would you rank someone like that in this trial?" Zac curiously asked.


    "He wasn''t some peak character," Catheya slowly said. "He''s a second seed talent who most likely has mostly exhausted his potential for the E-grade. In Twilight Harbor he might be considered a first seed due to having formed a Dao Branch, but I doubt it. His great power mostlyes from time rather than talent. I''d say he has a good shot at top 1000, even 500 if his experiences sharpen him a bit."


    "Seeds?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "Just a way to categorize potential. A second seed could be seen as one of the ten most talented cultivators of a generation. A first seed cultivator is someone who only appears once every few generations. Above that is the Heaven''s Chosen, extreme talents who might only appear once every thousand generations in a n," Catheya said. "These kinds of talents are often eligible for unique stipends and opportunities from the Empires they belong to."


    Alright," Zac nodded, but he frowned when Catheya stared at him expectantly. "... Thank you?"


    "What thank you!" Catheya spat with annoyance. "Aren''t you going to ask what seed I am?!"


    Zac looked at Catheya for a few seconds as they kept running. "Second seed perhaps?"


    "Well, whatever," Catheya huffed, which caused Zac to smile a bit since he felt he had hit bullseye. "We''re here."


    Zac looked around in confusion, but it was just the same river they had run along for the past ten minutes. He nced at Catheya quizzically, but she just shot him a grimace before jumping into the waters. Varo was right on her heels, and Zac eventually followed suit. Zac soon found Catheya swimming toward a dense patch of seaweed, and he realized there was a hard-to-spot tunnel behind a boulder.


    They swam inside, and the waters were soon reced by a dry underground cave. It just looked like a decent hideout, but Catheya took out another array disk and put it against the wall, causing another entrance to emerge.


    A secret shipyard, there are thousands spread throughout the ind, Catheya exined as they reached arge well-lit cave. This one was created by an elder of the Eldritch Archivals a long time ago. The undead are always outnumbered in this ce, and she figured shed be safer when hiding beneath a life-stream.


    In the middle, the huge tree trunk of the cork tree was ced on a few beams. Its crown was already cut off and thrown to the side, and there were three small mountains of wood chippings to indicate the hollowing-out were well underway.


    Zac couldnt see Yod and Sharpo, but judging from the sawdust that kept being thrown out from a hatch in the trunk, he guessed they were fast at work hollowing the thing out. Qirai was instead holding a massive brush, and she was coating the coarse bark in some unknown ck tar that held a strong and refreshing aroma of death.


    Oh, Mistress! Qirai eximed when she saw the trio enter the shipyard, and two heads soon emerged from within the trunk. Is it done? We felt an earthquake just before.


    Its done, Catheya nodded. How are things going here?


    Its not too bad. We just cant exert too much force on the wood without risking forming hidden cracks, Qirai said. Itll be another hour or two.


    Good job, Catheya nodded before she imprinted some information into a crystal and turned to Zac. These are the interior ns. Your sections are marked and you can change them as you wish as long as you dont weaken the structural integrity. Oh, and dont use your putrefying abilities to dig, I dont want our ship to turn into a rotten piece of scrap in two days.


    Zac snorted before he jumped into the enormous trunk. He was pretty anxious to leave this ce after the ruckus they caused, and if he needed to be a carpenter to make that happen, then so be it. The two had made some decent progress so far, but how could theypare to a Hatchetman? Zacs arm turned into a blur as huge shavings were cut off around him.


    The wood was pretty strong, but it was nothing to even <strong>[Rakans Roar]</strong> when it was imbued with the Fragment of the Axe. One room after another was created with speed visible to the naked eye, each one crafted with pinpoint precision. Zac might not be able to craft things with fractals, but it wasnt anything difficult to cut out things following a map.


    Qirai had thought it would take up to two hours to finish the preparations inside, but through Zacs effort, the interiors were done in less than thirty minutes. Sharpo and Yod had even decided to get out of his way and instead opted to help Qirai coat the hull. Soon enough it was all done, at which point Catheya produced a massive sheet of fabric.


    It was covered in thousands and thousands of crystals and fractals, and Zac looked on with interest as she spread it across the vessel. Qirai, Yod and Zac eventually helped lift the whole tree, and Varo and Catheya finished the wrap topletely enclose the trunk. Catheya jumped inside the submersible a momentter, no doubt to install the innerponents of the array.


    The group waited for another 20 minutes, at which point they finally sensed the arraye to life. The huge tarp changed color to look just like the pitch-ck coating before it melded with the wood itself. Left behind were only inscribed patterns and embedded crystals on the bark.


    The transformation wasnt done there, as the vessel shrunk to just a third of its original size, no doubt to make it more durable and harder to spot. He didnt know if there was a spatial array among therge number of fractals, but even if there were none, he knew the vessel wouldnt be cramped. He had hollowed out most of the rooms, and he knew that thirty people wouldfortably fit inside even after the ship shrunk, let alone six.


    Impressive, Zac muttered.


    Our mistress has her means, Qirai proudly said to the side. Come, make yourself useful and help carry this thing to the dock.


    The dock was arge pool at the back end of the cave, and they simply threw their new vessel into the waters to make sure it wasnt leaking. Everything looked fine, and a minuteter the whole group had boarded as the ship sailed at the bottom of the river, heading for the closest outlet into the Twilight Ocean.


    The group, except Varo who was off somewhere steering the submarine, sat in a meeting hall, and most looked a lot morefortablepared to before. The coating alone helped keep out some of the life attunement, and the purity array was already up and running as well, with Qirai holding the ck orb that was its core.


    There we go, everything went ording to n, Catheya smiled.


    Whats our next step? Zac asked.


    There are three more ces we need to visit on the way to the Life-Death Pearls. We will make use of the Living Pulse for speed between these spots, after which well head for the location of the pearls, Catheya exined.


    What about all the treasures around us? Sharpo asked.


    Were still in the outer parts of the Twilight Ocean. Treasures are sparse, and chances of finding something good are pretty low. This vessel does have some scanning capabilities though, and we will stop if we spot something interesting. Otherwise, well proceed at full speed toward richer waters, Catheya said.


    Sharpo looked a bit disappointed, no doubt hoping to make use of the safety of the group to find some more troves. Zac was more than fine with the current n though. If anything, he wanted to head toward the deeper waters as soon as possible. The quicker he could get his hands on the life-death pearls, the quicker he could improve his Daos and move on toward his other goals.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In fact, he wanted to split off from the group as quickly as possible. Hanging around Catheya with her hidden goals was asking for trouble. This time it worked out fine with the Mettleleaf guy, to the point that Zac even gained some insights. But who knew whod crop up the next time?


    Also, the helpful purification arrays that she had erected in this vessel actually did more harm than good for his cultivation.


    The arrays were turning a part of the Twilight Energy into normal Miasma, which did nothing for him since he wasnt a cultivator. Twilight Energy had the odd ability to burrow into people whether they liked it or not, which was what allowed his soul and <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to continuously absorb the energies.


    The meeting went on for a few more minutes until Varos voice echoed out through a speaker.


    We have left Cork Ind.


    Alright, Catheya smiled. Everyone is free for now. Remember the rolling schedule for the purification array. Each members chambers have been equipped with a daughter node. Use that one to empower the Array when its your turn.


    Finally, things had calmed down, and the fifty-meter long tree trunk shot through the depths, its advance powered both by the arrays and the nearby stream cutting through the ocean. Two weeks passed without much happening until they closed in on a cave called the Divine Grotto.


    It wasnt quite as impressive as it sounded though. The cave was just a mine that had a lot of life-attuned spiritual metals. No one in the party cared about those kinds of things even if there was a small chance of finding very valuable metals in the depths of the tunnels. It wasnt that people didnt like money, but rather that the Divine Grotto would soon quickly fill up with living cultivators looking for a rtively safe ce to gather some wealth.


    But the group still entered after stowing away the submersible. Three hourster they emerged again, swimming for their lives. This time their assants werent Dreamers, but rather a few thousand crab-like creatures that didnt take kindly to Catheya installing a weird gathering array that started drawing miasma into the whole grotto.


    There was even a massive Half-Step D-grade boss in the mix, which forced everyone to throw out a series of defensive barriers to block the exit long enough to summon the submersible and escape. Zac wasnt certain what would happen to the Divine Grotto after their sabotage, but he guessed that the Divine Materials wouldnt be quite as divine after a year or two.


    After that, it was on to the next one of Catheyas targets, and Zac felt he was fast bing an agent of chaos.

 Chapter 710: Detour

    Chapter 710: Detour


    The damage caused by their actions was not readily apparent, but Zac believed things would eventually reach a tipping point. Perhaps the Living Pulse would be gone by the time they were done unless someone stopped them. But ultimately, Zac didn''t care too much. Messing with the Divine Grotto had provided another 8,000 Contribution Points, so their actions were clearly sanctioned by the System.


    Zac sat in his privatepartment, currently busy powering the purification array. Running the array for hours on end wasnt too taxing, but it was boring. It was impossible to enter a meditative state when he constantly had to maintain the array, and there wasnt much else to do either. He could only go over various missives on the Twilight Ocean to pass the time, but he had read them cover to cover over a dozen times by now.


    He had pretty much memorized all the fixed locations in the missives, but more than half of the locations and dangers were new things that the System added between generations, and this was especially true for the Twilight Chasm. Beingpletely prepared was a fool''s hope.


    Finally, his time was up, and he took his hand away from the array. Zac felt life-attuned energies quickly spread through his chambers, but they were soon pushed away again as the air gained another death-aspected Dao instead of his Fragment of the Coffin. It was Yod who had started channeling the array, taking the next shift.


    The purification couldnt keep all the life energies away in the ship, especially not this close to the Life Pulse, but it did lessen the strain the others felt. As for Zac, his mental ocean was still far from saturated, and hed be able to remain unaffected for a long time.


    However, Zac had noticed that the speed his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had to work had increased by a noticeable margin, now beating once every five minutespared to the once every ten back at the starting continent. That meant the energy density was roughly double now that they had entered the middle reaches of the Trial. He wasn''t sure it would be able to deal with all the energy by the point they reached the inner parts of the ocean.


    Zac took a deep breath, feeling that it was finally time. He had spent the past two weeks going over the insights he gained during his battle with Yanub Mettleleaf, trying to integrate his new stance with his insights into the Dao of the Axe.


    He restored his mental energy with Soul Crystals for an hour before he took out two small boxes from his Spatial Ring, each of them containing a Dao Treasure. Zac stabilized his mind for a few more minutes before he ate the first one. A surge of energy entered his body, and it circted a round through his pathways before it shot toward his mind.


    The hidden node <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> immediately woke up and started absorbing the delectable energies, but Zac forcibly stilled it as he pushed the energies toward the avatar of himself. The avatar immediately stood up on top of his soul core, and he started swinging his copy of <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in a series of attacks.


    Some of the swings were quick and unfathomable whereas others were powerful and overbearing like a battalion of heavy cavalry descending upon an unsuspecting enemy. Some felt like they contained world-ending force while empty, whereas others looked average but had the power to y powerful generals.


    This was the insight that Zac had started work toward for some time. He was walking down the path of war, and war was everchanging. His axe needed to be the same, especially now that he was forming two very differentbat stances. Zac had found himself on the losing end against weaker enemies on multiple asions, and it was usually because he used his weapon like a brute.


    Certainly, the axe was ultimately not a weapon as versatile as the sword, but it didnt mean it was simple. As he had started refining his paths, he realized there were endless variations and permutations to even a seemingly crude weapon as the axe. He wanted to shed his rigidity in favor of flexibility, to be as everchanging and unpredictable as the tides of war.


    That didnt mean he was heading toward a Dexterity-based fighting style from a Strength-based one. But one of the goals of a Strength-based Warrior should always be to constantly refine themselves and figure out how to make their strikesnd. How to catch the wily rangers, how to find the weakness in the guardians armor, how to fell the undying ones in one fell blow.


    Strength was the basis of victory and survival in his Evolutionary Stance, and without enough strength, his Inexorable Stance would be useless. Who would allow themselves to be restrained if they could simply power through and break his tempo like Yanub eventually did?


    Scenes of his recent battles shed by his hand, and a path was slowly forming. However, Zac frowned when he sensed his inspiration suddenly turn hollow, like he was just daydreaming rather than pondering his Dao. He immediately ate the second fruit, and he once more found himself immersed in the feeling ofmunicating with the heavens.


    Finally, it felt like something blurred became focused, like something snapping into ce. Zac opened his eyes a momentter, and a smile spread across his face as he opened his Dao Screen.


    <strong>Fragment of the Axe (Peak): All attributes +40, Strength +1110, Dexterity +700, Endurance +30, Wisdom +130. Effectiveness of Strength +20%.</strong>


    Zac looked at the result with a grin. It was a long timeing, but it didnt make it less satisfying. His boost from gaining 8 levels back in the Twilight Harbor had been substantial, but it ultimately couldntpare to a Dao Breakthrough at his stage. A level provided roughly 350 attributes now that he was in the Middle E-grade, but a Dao evolution provided over 2,200 attribute points thanks to his massive multipliers.


    It was also a wee change to see the Fragment of the Axe add some extra Dexterity. He had essentially been forced to continuously pour his free points into Dexterity to scale it with his other attributes, but this would give him a breather to focus on either pushing his Strength to even greater heights or work on his survivability.


    No one wanted to die, but Zac leaned toward putting points into Strength for a while. He still had two Dao Fragments waiting to be upgraded as soon as he got his hands on the Life-Death Pearls. Each of them would provide a big boost to his survivability, making it unnecessary to waste his free points there.


    Zac opened his Ladder as well, but he sighed and closed the screen after seeing he hadnt gained any Contribution Points for evolving the Dao Fragment. It was expected, but he had held out some hopes hed at least get a constion prize.


    He closed his eyes again and started observing his Dao Avatar, but Zac only got a few minutes to get acquainted with the evolved Fragment before he heard a chime. He opened his eyes and shot a querying nce at the door leading out to themunal area. Someone was standing outside, and Zac got up with a grunt and crossed his living room.


    It wasnt too big, just forty square meters, but it would be considered an extremely luxurious suite on any cruiser back on earth. Catheya hadnt prepared any furniture, so Zac had simply thrown out some random things he had lying around, making the interiors look a bit sparse and discordant.


    Zacs favorite feature was a window that covered half his outer wall. It was actually an array that connected to the patterns outside, and it gave Zac a grand view of the outsides. Sometimes it was just hazy waters, but at other times there were beautiful corals or schools of fish shing by. Right now it was turned off though, as Zac didnt want to be disturbed during his breakthrough.


    Its you, Zac said as he opened the outer door, and he wasnt surprised to see that it was Catheya who had arrived. Come in.


    Congrattions are in order, she smiled as she sat down at the table and activated the window array.


    Were you spying on me? Zac said with a slight frown as he sat down opposite her.


    Hardly, Catheyaughed as she took out a decanter of wine and two sses. I could feel your breakthrough through the door. A weapon-based fragment, no?


    Axe, Zac shrugged as he took a swig of the wine. So, what brings you here?


    What a boorish fellow. A beautiful girles to your chambers and you scrunch up your brows like youve been asked to lend money to a stranger, she sighed. We have been in this ce almost a month now, and I was bored. Besides, you have an air of loneliness around you, I figured you could use thepany.


    Thats just how cultivation is, Zac shrugged as he looked outside. What are your ns after weve messed up the trial ground and snatched those pearls?


    Well see, Catheya slowly said. Probably keep going a bit further and look for inheritances or Troves as we make our way toward neutral waters. Why, you want to travel with us?


    Just making conversation, Zac said, neither confirming nor denying. How far are we from the next spot of our mission?


    We''re pretty close, but this one might take a few days, Catheya said. "It''s deep underground."


    Zac nodded nomittally, and the two sat in silence for a moment until Catheya suddenly changed the subject.


    Are you able to send a message to my Ancestor?


    If I could, what would you provide in return? Zac retorted.


    How about an adorable wife? Catheya said with a sweet smile.


    Zac answered the proposition with a nk look saying all that needed to be said, causing Catheya to humph in annoyance.


    Whatever, whod want such a boorish husband as yourself? Id spend my days wilting away all alone while you were locked away in a cultivation cave, she snorted before downed her ss. Well, let''s go. We need to recoat the vessel before setting off toward the next target. The energies are getting pretty powerful, and we can''t have the ship breaking apart in this area."


    She sashayed toward the door, and Zac found his eyes drift toward her lithe waist and swaying hips illuminated by the ambient light of the Twilight Ocean. However, he froze when he found Catheya had stopped as she looked at him with a victorious smile.


    Maybe youre not aplete blockhead aft she said with a smug grin, but her voice drifted off as she looked at the window with a confused frown. What are they


    Her eyes widened in rm the next moment as she took out an array crystal and frantically infused it with energy. Zac immediately got a sinking feeling as he whipped out his axe. But he only had time to hear a horrified <em>NO!</em> from Catheya before the wall to his chambers were ripped apart, and they both were dragged out by an unrelenting force.


    The world turned into a confusing blur as Zac suddenly found himself plunged into the Twilight Ocean. It didnt take long for him to figure out what was going on though. It hadnt been a powerful cultivator that attacked their vessel. It had rather been destroyed by the Living Pulse itself, and Zac waspletely caught by it.


    He tried to swim out toward the calmer waters, but the force in the stream was just too much even for him. Zac was constantly dragged back and forth by the chaotic swirls within, but he did spot a few scraps of their broken submarine in the waters around him.


    What the hell had happened? Why were they this close to the Living Pulse? They had always kept a respectable distance, only taking advantage of the power of the stream without actually getting close. Had some piece of debris shot out from the Living pulse and mmed into their ship with enough force to overpower the shields? Or did the steering arrays malfunction?


    A huge piece of rock suddenly mmed into his back with enough force to make him see stars. It reminded him of the simple fact that this was no time to worry about the reason for the ship failing. Even worse, the hit along with the frantic current actually made him lose his grip of <strong>[Rakans Roar]</strong>, and the Spirit Tool was immediately swallowed by the stream.


    Zac felt a pang of loss, but he quickly regained his wits as he took out a random spare axe and a shield before activating <strong>[Vanguard of Undeath]</strong>. He hoped it would provide an additionalyer of protection, but he was shocked to find his armor instantly ripped apart from the rampant energies inside the stream.


    The same happened to the three poor pygmy skeletons when he tried conjuring them. They desperately held on for just a second before they couldnt take the torrential force contained in the waters and fell apart. Zac was left to defend with his body alone, but he already felt a bit delirious from the insane amounts of life-attuned energies in the stream.


    Zac could only activate the defensive mode of his Tool Spirit, conjuring the shield for the first time in a while. The coffin lid was extremely sturdy, and the asional beast carcass or piece of debris that shot toward him was diverted without too much effort. However, that didnt much help with his real predicament; he was getting poisoned by a degree that not even he could deal with.


    He considered activating <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> to move away, but he gave up on the idea. The life-attuned energies around him were dense enough to almost blind him, and he had no idea what would happen if he turned himself into an intangible ghost. He might find himself ground to dust the moment he lost his physical form. He was better off in his current form as his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> which was furiously beating to convert the invasive life force into pure energy.


    But he also knew it was just a temporary relief. The hidden node could only convert so much, and he was being continuously drowned in it. Zac had already tried to activate an escape talisman sown into his robes, but it simply fizzled out. He frantically looked for other solutions, but his surroundings were suddenly reced by darkness before he found a solution.


    The Living Pulse had burrowed underground. This was his chance.


    His eyes soon adjusted to the darkness as <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> transformed to its offensive form. The stream continuously split as it pushed into dozens of different caves, and Zac soon lost any sense of direction. He kept trying to stop his frantic journey with the help of his chains, but even a split-up Living Pulse contained too much force.


    Half an hour passed until the submerged tunnel around him suddenly expanded into a proper cave. Two chains shot forward and embedded themselves in the ceiling, and Zac desperately dragged himself out from the stream before he was pulled even further.


    Finally safe, if you could call it that.


    There actually was a thin tunnel leading straight up where the waters weren''t raging, and he only needed to follow the path for a few minutes before reaching a cave that was actually drained. He dragged himself up and activated an illusion array with shaky hands as he ate a healing pill. Even then, he fell unconscious a few secondster.


    Zac woke sore and nauseated, but a quick scan proved that there was nothing overly wrong with him. He had slept for over ten hours by the looks of it, and his constitution had gradually cleansed his body during this time. Only then did he get a proper look at the surroundings, and he had to admit it was beautiful.


    The ce he found himself in reminded Zac a lot of his life-attuned side of his cultivation cave. The ceiling and walls were absolutely covered in various nts emitting strong life-attuned energies. It wasn''t a surprise. The Living Pulse ran straight through these subterranean tunnels, and the ambient energy was absolutely chock-full of Divine Energy in addition to Twilight Energy.


    Still, the beauty didn''t much help with his predicament, and Zac grunted as he got back on his feet. His constitution was barely able to deal with the energy in this ce, but it still felt like he was standing in a field of poison. The sooner he got out of here the better.


    Cutting his way out was a possibility if all else failed, but he was afraid of cutting his way through the stone left and right. The Living Pulse had clearly split up into dozens, perhaps hundreds, of streams. What if he suddenly broke the wall and found himself caught by the stream again?


    There was also Catheya and the others to consider. Catheya had definitely been swallowed up by the stream just like he was, and he wouldnt be too surprised if the same was true for the others. He took out the tracking array, but he sighed in disappointment when there was no response. Perhaps the streams of the Living Pulse created some sort of interference, or perhaps...


    Not everyone was as durable as he was, nor as able to deal with this kind of environment.


    He eventually went with his gut as he started to make his way forward in search of either hispanions or a way out, harvesting all kinds of weird herbs on the way. The energy was dense, and it wasnt easy to get here. That was a perfectbination for rare herbs and treasures to appear, and Zac figured he might as well the best of a bad situation.


    There was a use in his employment contract that said that all obligations were voided if a situation like this arose, as long as the group couldnt reform within a week. It was a very real chance that his shot at the Life-Death Pearls was gone, but he would do his best to find at least Catheya before giving up.


    The subterranean tunnels were really a hidden repository of wealth, and Zac had gained herbs valued at over 50,000 E-grade Nexus Coins in just over an hour. Most of them were only useful for the living, but that was just fine with Zac. Unfortunately, none of the items hed found were any real treasures.


    But after four hours he did sense something odd; a blistering cold. There was no reason for such a cial cold to be this far underground, and a wave of relief hit him as he followed the clues into another cave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Inside was a wretched-looking Catheya encased in a four-meter block of ice.

 Chapter 711: Traitor

    Chapter 711: Traitor


    Catheya''s left arm was clearly broken, and multiple wounds covered her body. Herplexion was pallid even for a Draugr, and Zac sensed her aura was very unstable. She neither had his durability nor the ability to deal with the dense life-attuned energies from what he knew.


    Encasing herself in ice was probably a desperate measure of hers to block out the surrounding energies, but it was just a stopgap. The block of ice was bobbing in ake full of life-attuned energies, and it was gradually being whittled down.


    Zac wasn''t exactly sure how he could help with her situation, but he began by lifting the block out of the waters and carrying it over to an adjoining cave that wasn''t submerged. He put Catheya in the middle before taking out a series of arrays. One was a dispenser array that he had prepared for when he would travel alone.


    He ced it around the block of ice and put a series of Supreme Quality Miasma Crystals into it. Soon enough the block of ice was covered in dense clouds of miasma. The array didn''t really purify the Twilight Energy like Catheya''s array did, but it did push some away. It was the mostmon way to deal with the Twilight Energy, but it was far more expensive to runpared to Catheya''s purification array.


    In fact, such an array wasn''t publicly avable.


    Zac himself sat down facing the Catheya within the ice, and he essentially used himself as a purification array by absorbing some of the Twilight Energy close by. The hours passed, and Zac put one Miasma Crystal after another into the array as he waited. Sitting inside the cloud did a lot of good for him as well, and after the better part of a day, he was pretty much back in prime condition.


    Catheya''s aura was slowly growing stable as well, partly thanks to Zac asionally crushing Soul Crystals in addition to the miasma crystals. Finally, she opened her eyes, but Zac actually felt a pang of danger prompting him to jump out in the way. It was just in time as well as the block of ice exploded,unching shards in all directions like a cluster bomb.


    Thankfully he had reacted in time, and a coffin-shaped barrier blocked the fallout. His array wasn''t so lucky, and Zac grimaced when the miasmic cloud dispersed.


    "You owe me an array, you know," Zac said with a grimace.


    You! Stay back! she answered with a ferocious glint in her eyes as a spike appeared in her hand.


    Whats the matter with you? What the hell happened? Zac sighed, but he followed Catheyas instructions.


    It really looked like Catheya would attack him if he got any further, and he was in no mood for a fight at the moment.


    You think there was a traitor? Zac said, soon understanding why she was so stand-offish.


    You, Sharpo, and Yod. One of you three did this, she said.


    Well, Sharpo or Yod, Zac corrected.


    Oh, I should just take your word for it? she snorted.


    I mean, you were standing right in front of me. I was the first one to get screwed over, Zac said with exasperation. "Besides, I dragged you out of the waters and spent a small fortune to block out the surrounding energies for a while."


    Catheya looked at him for a few seconds until she eventually snorted and put away her spike. Well, I am pretty sure its not you. For one, you have a connection to my ancestor. Secondly, I honestly doubt youd have the skill to fiddle with arrays without me or Varo noticing.


    Well, whatever, Zac said, a bit miffed at being looked down on. Even if it was true. Im still young, I have plenty of time to pick up side-skills."


    Catheyaughed a bit, but her face froze into a grimace as she looked down on her arm. She took out a pill and swallowed it, closing her eyes for a few seconds before looking up at Zac with an unusually serious expression. "Thank you, I owe you my life. And I''m sorry about just now, I wasn''t in my right mind when I woke up, and I panicked when sensing a strong aura right next to me."


    "Well, don''t sweat it," Zac shrugged. "Though you do owe me for the array.


    How can someone be such a miser when walking around with enough wealth to topple nations," Catheya wryly smiled, but she still took out an array that seemed even better than the one Zac had used. "Here."


    "Great," Zac smiled as he stowed away the array. "Now, do you know how to get out of here?"


    "This is a repeater point of the Living Pulse, where it goes below ground and then reemerges stronger, Catheya sighed. It was actually our next stop, but we obviously werent supposed to enter this way. Or go this deep.


    So, we just need to make our way up? Zac muttered.


    Wait, Catheya said as she took out a ck core.


    Zac immediately recognized it, seeing it was the gathering array meant for when they arrived in this ce.


    Theres another mark down here, Catheya said.


    Wait, it works? Zac said with confusion as he took out his shard again. Still nothing. I think mine broke.


    I obviously deactivated the daughter-arrays after realizing there was a traitor among us, Catheya snorted. "There weren''t any signals active when I was forced to seal myself though. How long have we been down here?"


    Oh, right, Zac said. "We''ve been here around two days now. I was knocked out as well, then it took me a while to find you and stabilize your aura."


    Two days," Catheya muttered. "I doubt the traitor allowed themselves to get caught by the stream and dragged down here, but it''s more than enough time to get down here through the tunnel system. But even if they did, would they take out the tracking array like this?


    Could be a trap, Zac said.


    Either its one of our people who needs rescue, or its the traitor trying to lure us out. In either case, we should check it out, Catheya slowly said, a ruthless gleam shimmering in her abyssal eyes.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac hesitated for a bit, but he eventually nodded. He wouldnt mind getting some revenge on the person who almost got him killed. But there were some things he needed to make sure of first.


    Are you still able to locate the Life-Death pearls? Zac asked.


    If she couldn''t, then he might be better off just setting off on his own. This traitor was probably connected to Catheyas mission, and there was no point getting involved if there werent benefits to match. Especially considering Catheya''s current condition. Her aura had stabilized, but she was still wounded and heavily suppressed by the area. He would definitely have to do the heavy lifting in any shes down here.


    Of course, that had no connection to the submersible, Catheya said. And the reward has only increased. Theres at least one traitor, and there might be casualties among the others. Setting off alone now would be a mistake.


    "Right, lets go get that scoundrel, Zac immediately agreed.


    You know, next time you can at least pretend youre helping out of gentlemanly convictions rather than greed, Catheya muttered as the two set out toward the source of the signal.


    Like youd buy something like that anyways, Zac retorted with a smile.


    Sometimes they had to descend into submerged tunnels to continue on their way, and they were teeming with nt life to the point they couldnt even see the walls. Corals, Seaweed,rge luminous fungi, and all kinds of underwater nts fought for space along the walls. There were also many types of smaller animals flitting about, all of them leaning toward life rather than death.


    This ce, Catheya sighed as she took out a Miasma Crystal.


    Why not take out the purification array? Zac asked.


    I dont have it, Catheya said with a helpless shake of her head. It was connected to the submersible when it broke apart, and the core was far from your room. Varo should have been sitting right next to it though. Hopefully, he managed to take it.


    Thats a shame, Zac muttered.


    Is it? she said with a prating look. For some reason, it looks like youre absolutely fine walking in this poisonous environment. Come to think of it, it was the same while you fought next to the mothertree. Did my ancestor provide something for protection? Can you share?


    Theres nothing like that, Zac coughed. Im simply a bit more durable than you. Besides, I wasnt really hurt on the way down here.


    Right, Catheya muttered, but she didntment any further.


    Catheya kept taking out one crystal after another to withstand the poisonous energies burrowing into her body, but Zac could see how she was struggling even with that. Zac couldnt be certain, but he believed she wouldnt even be able to exhibit half her normal strength in a ce like this, and that was in her prime condition.


    It was no wonder that the undead usually stayed away from the living pulse. The restrictions on them were a lot greater here, and they probably were lessened for the living.


    The signal started moving, Catheya suddenly said with a small frown. Away from us.


    They might have decided to find their way out, Zacmented.


    The two kept going for another twenty minutes, at which point the signal stopped again ording to Catheya. Even before, it hadnt moved very quickly, meaning that the person on the other end might be in a bad way. It lent some credence to the theory that it was someone else who had been dragged down by the Living Pulse rather than descended through the tunnels. If it was Sharpo, an intangible death-attuned ghost, she might be on the brink of copse by this point.


    Soon they closed in on the source of the marker, and it seemed toe from arge cave that was simply teeming with life.


    Ready yourself, Catheya whispered as she ate what looked like a soldier pill to boost her energy reserves.


    Zac nodded, but he froze when he realized he had lost <strong>[Rakans Roar]</strong> to the living pulse earlier. He was pretty reluctant to take out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> in front of Catheya unless absolutely necessary, so he ultimately just transformed <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> to its back-pack form and took out a random spare axe. A momentter they entered the cave, and the scene inside was both beautiful and haunting.


    An unmoving body on the ground in a vast field of flowers, and it was someone they knew: Yod.


    A shimmering haze covered the whole cave, like motes of starlight. There was also a corpse lying a few meters away from Yod. A single nce indicated that the man had died not long ago, and the wounds on his body indicated that Yod was responsible for the mans death. There were also scars or burnt patches all over the cavern, indicating a heated battle.


    Had the two people met by chance in this ce and a brutal battle had ensued?


    Its really Yod, Catheya whispered. He looks hurt.


    "Are the flowers safe?" Zac asked hesitantly.


    "Should be. I am pretty sure they''re Vigorbloom Lcs," Catheya muttered.


    Hearing the name made Zac actually remember the nt, and he took out one of hispendiums to confirm. The image matched perfectly, and the description made Zac breathe out in relief. These flowers weren''t poisonous, but rather medicine. They were the mainponent for creating some Berserking Pills for Dreamers, but their scarcity made the recipe unpopr. As for the unliving, their only value was resale.


    "There might be more ambushers though," Catheya added with a pointed look.


    Zac nodded, and he activated <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> as though he was afraid of ambush rather than leery about Yods himself. The two walked closer, and Zac frowned at he looked at the haze around them. But his danger sense didn''t give off any warning, so he followed Catheya to the core.


    We need to get him out of this ce, Zac said. With his wounds, it might be lethal to stay this close to a bunch of Spirit Herbs.


    I Catheya said, but the words got caught in her throat as she slumped down the ground.


    Zacs eyes widened in rm, by a wave of vertigo hit him before he had a chance to escape, and he found himself on the ground as well. Zac tried to get back on his feet, but he was shocked to find that something was wrong with the Miasma in his body. It had frozen in his body and it felt like the ichor had been turned into lead.


    On a second look, there were some small white motes inside his veins, and it was these pollutants that seemed to have caused such a massive change. Zac didn''t get it. His danger sense hadn''t sensed anything amiss, and the nts should be benign. There also weren''t any suspicious energy fluctuations.


    Yet he hadn''t noticed the infiltration at all. Normally, <strong>[Purity of the Void] </strong>would have been able to deal with this issue, but it was already busy dealing with therge amounts of life-attuned energies.


    The problem wasnt only that he waspletely unable to circte his Miasma, it was like his whole body was frozen in ce. He wasnt even able to move enough to put an antidote pill into his mouth. He wasnt able to drag himself to safety with the help of his Tool Spirit either. The chains ultimately required a little bit of his energy to control, and he couldnt even give them that.


    What is this? Whats going on? Zac grunted with a slurred voice as he tried to shake himself loose.


    Catheya didnt even get the chance to respond before Zac felt a ruthless pull as his pores started to leak massive amounts of Miasma. He was lying face to face with Catheya, and he saw that she was in a simr situation, and her eyes widened in shock. Their energies merged in the air before they were dragged to a small sphere he hadnt noticed before.


    Zac tried to forcibly keep the energy in his body and resist the drain, but he was only able to slightly slow down the speed at which he lost energy.


    A muffled snicker echoed out from behind, and Zac recognized it to be Yods voice.


    Its futile, Yod grunted, his voice just as slurred as Zacs own. Even a Hegemon would find themselves locked down for a while with my preparations. Youll be drained long before your body limatizes to the poison here.


    You lunatic, you used yourself as bait to trap us? Zac spat.


    Hardly. Would I be in this wretched state if this bastard didn''t appear out of nowhere and wounded me? But its worth it if I can take both of you Imperial bastards out. Ill recover in a month or two.


    How is this possible? Catheya wheezed. "Is it not Vigorbloom Lcs?"


    Im not surprised you outsiders dont know, Yod grunted with augh. You didn''t misidentify the lcs, but there are some things the missives won''t tell you. They release a pollen that perfectly blends with the Twilight Energy and burrows into the bodies of others. It''s really medicine for the Dreamers. But for us, it''ll cause a little-known reaction if concentrated enough. Our order has used it for assassination for tens of thousands of years."


    Zac tried one thing after another, but nothing he did worked. He could use his mental energy just fine, but there was nothing to channel it into. He could feel <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> as well, but it was like his Skill Fractals were blocked out by the pollen, making him unable to activate <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>. Catheya didnt seem to have any luck either, and the two could only lie down and helplessly look at each other.


    "It''s lucky. I nned on finishing you off, but Arcaz had already found you by the time I did. I nned on giving up until I found this ce by chance," Yod grunted. "The rewards I will gain for stopping you will be shocking."


    It looked like Yod had been a spy all along, working for some mysterious order. Not only that, it even seemed as though he was a proper Array Master, something he hadn''t shown any indication of at all until now. He had the ability to tinker with the Submersible, and he could also manipte catheya''s tracker while setting up this trap.


    It looked like Catheya''s mission had been leaked somehow, considering Yod had been ced by her side even before they entered. Was it Yod who took out Ravan as well? Or perhaps he just divulged the locations of the people. Varo had barely survived as well, even though he was an assassin who should excel at stealth.


    As for why Yod was doing this, it clearly was linked to their mission. He had been unable to hinder them at the first two locations, though it was a bit suspicious how quickly they had been spotted by those crabs now that Zac thought of it. Perhaps Yod felt forced to take action as they closed in on the third spot without any major issues, and he forcibly steered the submarine into the Living Pulse.


    I can pay you Ten thousand D-grade Nexus Coins to let us out of here, Zac eventually sighed. Im sure thats more than what your employers are paying you."


    I have a ticket to the Empire as well, Catheya hurriedly added with a weak voice.


    The Corpselord didnt actually even bother to respond, and Zac was starting to get worried for real. Not for himself though. <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> was continuously cleansing some of the pollen that had burrowed into his body, and he should sooner orter be able to leave here on his own. Besides, even if he was drained of Miasma he would just revert to his human form.


    But Catheya didn''t have that kind of luxury. Running out of Miasma was a death sentence for her. What would happen to the brand hidden in his body if Catheya suddenly died right in front of him? Were there hidden measures added to its core functionality? Zac hesitated for a few second as he looked at the rapidly paling Catheya.


    Uh, if youre going to do something, could you do it now? Catheya said, her voice shaking a bit. I have just a few minutes remaining before I enter my final slumber.


    Zac wanted to help, but the problem was whether he could. The Duplicity Core needed some energy to activate now that it was sealed, but he couldnt infuse anything at all. But he did have his bloodline talent avable, and his Specialty Core was no doubt protected from the pollen as thanks to Leandras array.


    It should work.


    Oh well, Zac sighed as the cage to his Duplicity Core snapped.

 Chapter 712: Truths and Conspiracies

    Chapter 712: Truths and Conspiracies


    It worked. The energy from <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> had no problems undoing the bindings from Leandras obfuscation array, and the Duplicity Core instantly returned to in view of Zac''s inner sight. He wasted no time and instantly activated the core in case the pollen could hamper the process.


    Zac felt the familiar wave of weakness, followed by an exuberant vigor as his cells were with energy. It was just as he had expected; the weird pollen surged through his veins, and he almost felt like he had eaten a Berserking Pill or an aphrodisiac. His Cosmic Energy raged through his body, and he was suddenly ready to take on the world.


    But before the world, there were some immediate issues to remedy. The energies in the room churned as Zacs aura exploded outward, neither constricted by arrays, lcs, or the Mystic Realm itself. Zac heard a groan from Yods direction, but he was more concerned at dealing with the weird array sucking the death out of Catheya. His oldpanion appeared in his hand as he stood up, and Zac suddenly felt whole again, in a way he''d never felt while wielding <strong>[Rakan''s Roar]</strong>.


    Impossible! Yod screamed when he saw Zac somehow ignore the effect of both the pollen and arrays, but Zac disregarded the traitors screams as he swung at the ceiling, sending out a series of silvery fractal leaves.


    A barrier sprung up to protect the draining sphere, but it was shredded in an instant thanks to the enormous power in his peak mastery fragment. The pull of Miasma immediately stopped, though that didnt mean Catheya waspletely out of the woods.


    As for the Draugr, she looked up at Zac with mute iprehension as he walked over and stuffed a soldier pill into her mouth and a Miasma Crystal into her hand before gently lifting her up to ce her back against a rock. Yod didnt get quite as gentle a treatment as Zac simply grabbed one of his legs dragged him over.


    The two unliving were stillpletely immobilized by the pollen, giving Zac a moment to sort things out. How to deal with Catheya was a real conundrum, but his attention was first turned to the traitor of the group.


    You Whats going on? Yod stammered. Youre a Dreamer? No, thats impossible.


    Catheya was still just looking at Zacs face as her own kept changing expressions, like her mind had short-circuited from trying to reconcile all the snippets of information she had on his two identities. Yod might not know who stood in front of him, but Catheya surely did. After all, <strong>[Million Faces]</strong> had deactivated the moment he swapped race.


    Dont sweat the details. I just happen to be a Draugr with some special abilities. Why are you doing this? Zac asked with a frown. Couldnt you have waited to attack Catheya until after we got the pearls? Why involve me?


    What the heck? Catheya blurted from the side, finally waking up from her shocked state.


    Why I am doing this?! Yod growled, rage oveing his fear and confusion. Do you even know what youre doing? What the goal of your little side-mission is? Youre trying to destroy Twilight Harbor! Id take you out even if I have to die with you. Ten Thousand Nexus Coinspared to trillions of lives? Go screw yourselves!


    A bit bombastic, arent we? Zac snorted, though he could sense some hesitationing from Catheya.


    You outsiders! Yod spat. Youe to our homes and bleed our resources dry! And thats not enough! You even want to detonate the Twilight Harbor so that some bigshots can harvest the resources in its depths! I guess you got tired of slowly siphoning our wealth, huh?


    What? Detonate the whole ce? Zac eximed. What about the other participants?


    What about them? What is the life of some frontier ants for the vaunted B-grade Empires? Yod snorted.


    Hes lying, Catheya said from the side. My master wouldnt sacrifice me even if the n is true.


    Where did you hear this? Zac asked as he turned back to Yod. "Who is this order you mentioned?"


    I wouldn''t tell you even if I could. Go ahead, Kill me. There are more like me who will give everything to save our home, Yod said before he closed his eyes.


    Well, whatever, Zac snorted as <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> ripped through the air.


    A muffled thud echoed out through the cave a momentter as Yods head was cut clean off and fell into the field of flowers. Zac looted any items of interest on his body before he stowed it away. He wouldnt be able to turn the body to make another follower, but he didnt want to leave any clues behind.


    Eventually, he turned back to Catheya who silently looked on with aplicated gaze.


    Its you, after all, Catheya eventually sighed.


    Its me, Zac shrugged.


    There was no point in denying it. Even if his disguise skilled had worked across transformations, there was no way she wouldnt make the connection when he suddenly turned into someone living. His best disguise was the simple fact that you couldnt be both alive and dead, and he had already shown that to be false.


    The question is how well go forward from here, Zac continued as he tried to gain any clues as to what Catheya was thinking.


    Unfortunately, she didnt divulge much. Her face was a calm mask now, though he could still sense some confusion and curiosity. There werent any hints of repulsion or hate, like his transformation was heresy to the Draugr race. Then again, she would probably keep any such thoughts deep in her heart in a precarious situation like this.


    What do you want? Catheya eventually asked.


    Let me think for a bit, Zac muttered as he sat down in front of her.


    There was certainly the issue of her masters brand and his contract to take into consideration, but the simple fact was that Zac was unwilling to let Catheya die when he so easily could save her. She had her own goals and ambitions, but she had been nothing but helpful to him since the first time they met.


    She helped him in the Base Town, and she never seemed to act against him during the months they had worked together. Overall, he felt she was a good person, and Zac couldnt just stand by while she died. But at the same time, it had left him with a mess on his hands.


    Catheya wasnt biased against the living, but she was ultimately a citizen of the Undead Empire. Now that she had this information, how would she act? Forming a Contract of Binding like with the Valkyries was out of the question since she had a higher level than him, and a simple contract like the employment contract wasnt strong enough to guarantee much of anything in the long run.


    Youre worried I will spread this unique ability of yours to my people back home. That this ability will implicate you and your close ones, she slowly said. You dont need to worry.


    Well, thats a relief, Zac said with a roll of his eyes. Care to exin why?


    "Why would I?" Catheya said. "I have absolutely nothing to gain from betraying you. But more importantly, I''m not some ingrate who ces wealth above myrades. Besides, what are you even worried about? If the Empire found out about your situation you''d be invited with open arms and heavily nurtured."


    "Or I would get dissected because some old monster got curious," Zac snorted.


    "There''s no way the princes would allow that," Catheya snorted. "Do you think the Empire hasn''t tried? Undead who can transform and absorb Cosmic Energy when there''s no miasma around? Who can eat the vast number of treasures only Dreamers can digest? If it was possible to aplish something like this with any certainty, we would have figured it out billions of years ago. I bet you''re a freak of nature that can''t be replicated, like so many other Heaven''s Chosen through the ages."


    Still, Zac muttered, though her points made some sense.


    Could you move me a bit further from these infernal flowers while we discuss this further? she asked.


    Not just yet, Zac smiled.


    And can I ask why not? Catheya sighed. I truly have no interest in divulging your secrets, whatever they are. Why would I? You are clearly connected to my ancestor, and I dont think its a simple connection if what you said about her husband is true. If anything, I might just bring trouble down on my own head if I somehow ruin the ns of my ancestor. We are on the same side here.


    Not betraying your benefactors secrets is just a matter of course, Zac countered. There are also the issues of guarantees and remuneration.


    A real benefactor wouldnt keep their beneficiary captured in a poison mist to extract them of valuables though, Catheya said with a raised brow.


    Well, the Heavens are ruthless, and all that, Zac shrugged. Life is hard and I need to fight for all the benefits I can get.


    Yeah, your life looked really hard when you outspent Hegemons left and right, Catheya snorted before her brows scrunched up. Wait! Where did your moneye from?! I discounted you being a Progenitor because of your wealth, but now youre really one? Whats going on?!


    Thats whats important now? Zac asked, but Catheya was obviously in full calction mode.


    Alive and Dead Annihtion Aetherlord husband. Catheya muttered.


    Zac listened on with confusion, even he a bit curious what kind of crackpot theory she was cooking up. Unfortunately for her, she was doomed to miss the mark, considering she wascking a few key pieces of information.


    Ancestor walked the path of pure Death, and the aura your follower emitted Master said it had a hint of Oblivion. She must have made a breakthrough, which allowed her to live until now. Her husband is an Aetherlord, a rare race blessed by unusual attunement to life, Catheya said, her eyes boring into Zacs. You are a mix of life and death Are you Ancestor BeZis son? Are we rted?


    You can call me Young Grand Ancestor, Zac nodded, while also memorizing the key pieces of information she had unwittingly divulged.


    Catheya snorted before her brows scrunched up. No wait, master said you dont even have a hint of the SharvaZi bloodline. And I dont think you lied when you said you only met in a vision back in the tower. Dont tell me you have even more big shots helping you out, giving you money? What are you, some sort of old monster-ma?


    Her face was a tapestry of fluctuating expressions as she tried to go over the various pieces of information she had on him. Zac inwardly groaned since she was getting a bit close to the truth with thetest guess. Of course, the fact that it was a Technocrat powerhouse, and his mother to boot, was probably not something shed ever get right. Thankfully, Catheya soon calmed down again.


    I guess I wont be able to figure it out unless you choose to tell me, she eventually sighed before she solemnly looked into his eyes. You need to make a decision here.


    Zac looked into Catheyas eyes for a few seconds before he sighed and created a normal System-enforced mutual contract. It was straightforward enough, simply saying that they couldnt divulge each other''s hidden aces to any parties. Catheya immediately agreed to with a small smile, and Zac carried her out of the field of Vigorbloom Lcs a momentter.


    Before leaving the area he quickly harvested the patch of flowers. Yod had probably extracted most of their medicinal value to set the trap, but there might still be some pollen left. It would be a waste to leave behind. He took the array markers and the living cultivators body as well before carrying Catheya away.


    Theres still the matter of payment, Zac said after setting Catheya down in a cave some distance away from where they met Yod.


    Well, what do you want? Catheya asked. Theres not much I have that I can give you. Youre way wealthier than I am.


    I want information, Zac slowly said.


    What kind? Catheya countered.


    I want you to teach me all you know about raising undead, upgrading and modifying skills, and bloodline evolutions, Zac said.


    Why dont I just tell you the secrets of the Heavens themselves while Im at it? Catheya said with exasperation.


    You know, Yod ran into one living cultivator, I bet there are more around, Zac slowly said as he took out a few Vigorbloom Lcs. Perhaps they would be more amenable to helping out if the immobilized Draugr they found presented them with a bouquet.


    Fine, fine, Catheya said with a re. Ill teach you what I can, but I have restrictions I cant break. Draugr Bloodline Methods arepletely off-limits, but I can teach you a bit about skill evolutions and my necromancy knowledge. Gods, you''re so weird. You''re extremely powerful and disgustingly wealthy, but you''re barely above a newborn in knowledge.


    Well, we all have our weaknesses, Zac smiled.


    Hah, right," Catheya snorted before her eyes widened, and her volume increased as it looked like she had just received her biggest shock yet. "Wait! The amulet you bought, it''s for you! You''re a mortal! A Draugr mortal?! That''s impossible! Absolutely impossible!"


    "No wonder you were ready to enrage a Monarch, it''s for your cultivation. With your umtions, breaking a node must be like dancing with death," Catheya muttered. "I can''t wrap my head around this."


    "Then don''t. Focus on building a curriculum for me instead," Zac said with exasperation.


    However, only after we leave this ce. You havent really saved me yet, Catheya said. I am weakened by the environment, restricted by those cursed flowers.


    Alright, fair enough, Zac agreed.


    So you actually are a Draugr since you want manuals? Youre not just pretending? Catheya asked as she looked him up and down curiously. Or is the current you the fake? No, thats not right either. Ive seen you fight in both forms.


    Zac, Arcaz. Im both, alright? Zac grunted. How it works is my business.


    So what do I call you? she asked curiously.


    Up to you, Zac said after some thought, afraid to give up even more information by saying a specific name.


    So mister Deviant Asura then, Catheya said as a smile spread across her face. You know, I think I get it now. Youve channeled all your libido to one of your personas. Thats why youre such a blockhead in your Draugr form and a deviant in the other. Its a relief, I was starting to worry that I had really overestimated my charms.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What deviant, Zac groaned with annoyance and embarrassment. He thought Catheya had left Zecia before that moniker was coined, but it looked like he wasnt so lucky. That title is just something some jerk came up with based on some misunderstandings and exaggerations, probably a friend of someone I killed in the Base Town. Just call me Zac in this form and Arcaz in the other, okay?


    Fine. There were a lot of those little misunderstandings from what I heard though, Catheya said with a pointed look. And I do believe I remember you appearing from the Tower of Eternity in enough jewelry to make an imperial concubine jealous.


    I knew a bunch of people would be waiting outside because of the quest, and I got those items from a powerful cultivator in the Battle of Fates I mentioned. What was I supposed to do? Get myself killed because looking proper is more important? Zac muttered.


    Catheya snickered in response, but she thankfully dropped the subject. It looked like she had regained her humor now that her life wasnt in immediate danger any longer.


    Zac knew he was going out on a limb here, but he didnt know what else to do. He couldnt go around killing and silencing everyone, even friends, who found out about his Specialty Core. Being in a constant state of fear and paranoia was no way to live. Being cautious was important, but he couldnt let his secrets define him. It was that kind of secrecy on his part that ultimately led to the death of Thea, though his mother was obviously more in the wrong.


    Part of him still wanted to bring Catheya back to Earth to ensure that she couldnt spread the news, but he knew that it would be nigh-impossible to enforce that. It wasnt like Zac could stuff her in a coffin like Ogras did with Emma, and make it all the way to the teleporters before getting stopped. Catheya''s master had definitely ced a marker on her for safety.


    This was a gamble of sorts, the same one he took with Ogras four years ago. If things worked out, you could say he had anotherpanion he could trust his back to, and one with ess to the Undead Empire at that. If things went south, he would at least get some benefits from the disaster before fleeing.


    He would probably have to adjust his ns for the trial though. Escaping a few months early in human form seemed to be the safest bet going forward.


    You know, this makes me half your master, Catheya suddenly said with a wide smile.


    Zac was about to counter her point, but he got distracted as a screen suddenly appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Monthly Contribution Ladder]</strong><ol><li><strong>932,032 Uona Noz''Vdir</strong></li><li><strong>861,864 Ykrodas Havarok</strong></li><li><strong>682,248 Haldur</strong></li><li><strong>621,338 Dravzur Kuldas</strong></li><li><strong>598,654 Kataron Rissit</strong></li><li><strong>596,211 Aia Ouro</strong></li><li><strong>582,852 Drogrid Rotheart</strong></li><li><strong>572,973 Kerstin Agda</strong></li><li><strong>521,426 Kvistir</strong></li><li><strong>518,195 Alduz Venarun</strong></li></ol>


    <strong></strong><ol start="100"><li><strong> 224,338 Gembur Bloomroot</strong></li></ol>

 Chapter 713: Young Monsters

    Chapter 713: Young Monsters


    So its a monthlydder, Catheya muttered, but Zac barely heard her as he read through the list. I wonder if there are any benefits in being on it.


    What the hell, Zac eventually blurted, far more interested in the top names than anything else. How do those two have so many points?


    Every single person on thedder was a real terror, but how could two people have over 800,000 Contribution Points? Even if they immediately formed a Middle-Stage Dao Branch after entering, theyd still need to umte another 300,000 points from somewhere. Just how many people had these two killed?


    Or did they actually have one middle stage Dao Branch already, and evolved a second one? That way theyd have 750,000 Contribution points in total. Still, there was a long way between 750,000 and 932,032 points, which made Zac wonder just what kind of being she was. He did recognize four names in the top ten from his missives or through their surnames, but a full six of them werepletely unknown.


    That by itself indicated that this trial was umon. One or two supreme elites might appear from the outside for a Twilight Ascent, but six? Furthermore, one of the four names he recognized was Ykrodas Havarok, who obviously was an outsider as well.


    The general power was beyond Zacs expectations. Eighty people in the top 100 had over 250,000 Contribution Points, which meant that there might actually be eighty of them with middle-stage Dao Branches. That might not sound like a lot, but it was extremely hard to reach that point from what Zac had gathered.


    It put extreme requirements on affinity in general, but more important was the time it took. Forming a Dao Branch by itself was extremely challenging, and many required thousands of years to reach that point. Even among those who had the talent to aplish something like that, most simply stopped at an Early Branch or even Peak Dao Fragment before evolving.


    Spending centuries on ones Dao in the E-grade was only something you did if you werepletely out of options, since doing so would rob you of your momentum. Zac doubted someone like a Havarok princeling would harm his future like that. This Ykrodas might be Zacs age or even younger, which made his aplishments even scarier.


    Furthermore, the people on the list were just those who had formed multiple Life- or death-aspected Dao Branches. There were probably arge number of cultivators who were just as powerful as these rankers, who followed different paths. Some of the rankers might also hold secondary Daos like he and Catheya.


    He had felt pretty confident after seeing his Contribution approach 50,000 the other day, but seeing this list was a harsh wake-up call. Even Yanub Mettleleaf should be pretty far off from being able to enter this group.


    Uona Catheya slowly said.


    Do you know that person? Zac asked.


    Not really. But she should be part of the Eternal n judging by her surname, Catheya sighed. And I think Aia Ouro is a pureblood Eidolon.


    Can you tell me about the Eternal n without breaking apart? Zac asked curiously.


    Sure, Catheya shrugged. Their situation is a bit special. You could say they form an independent enve of the empire with their own territories andws, and theyre not really protected by themands.


    And the Primo simply epts an independent force like that? Zac asked.


    Apart from the Primo, the Eternal n has the strongest cultivator. That affords them some special benefits, Catheya exined. What do you want to know?


    Are they really vampires? Zac asked curiously.


    Vampires?


    Bloodsuckers, rified. The Nosferatu.


    NozFeratu? I think thats one of their older branches, Catheya nodded with some confusion. And yes, bloodsuckers is an apt description. They are pretty unique in that way. Drinking the blood of Cultivators is a form of cultivation for them. They can absorb some of their essences, making high-quality blood something like a mix of a Dao Treasure and Miasma Crystals.


    A bloodline talent? Zac asked


    Apparently not, Catheya said with a shake of her head. They sometimes enlist elites to bolster their ranks, and they gain this ability as well. Many have tried to figure out how it works, but no one has seeded. The method is tightly controlled by their n. One thing is for sure, its a sinister method. Those who get drained essentially get crippled even if they survive.


    Isnt that an unorthodox path? Zac asked hesitantly. Robbing the cultivation of others.


    It doesnt look that way. The System doesnt seem to mind, but that might be thanks to the Blood Progenitor rather than whether its unorthodox or not. It makes them an enemy of all living factions though, as they see Dreamers as food. Thats how they came to us. They were being pushed pretty hard in the early days of the System, by a coalition led by the Buddhist Sangha and sought refuge with us, Catheya exined.


    The Buddhist Sangha? Zac asked curiously.


    Nine Mountains, Eight Temples, Four Oceans, and One Paradise, Catheya said, some dread evident in her eyes. The Buddhist Sangha is one of the true peak factions in the Multiverse, eclipsing even the Undead Empire.


    What?! Zac eximed with shock. Why havent I heard of them then?


    They live far from the frontier, and they mostly keep to themselves, Catheya said. They cultivate the heart more than anything else, and they seldom leave their temples. But when they get angry, they really hold a grudge. Two of their Temples are still fighting with the Eternal n to this day.


    Two out of eight temples are as powerful as the Eternal n? And they have a bunch of other things as well? Zac asked with some shock.


    Theyre a scary bunch, Catheya nodded.


    Zac wondered if thats where Abbot Evesting Peace had been taken by 84th Fatty. Perhaps his original form was part of one of those Buddhist factions on the other side of the Multiverse. It also made him think of himself, and his Fragment of the Bodhi. The Buddhistnds would probably be a pretty amazing ce to look for opportunities for his nature-aspected half. His ss was even named after Arcadia.


    But for now, learning about the Eternal n was more pressing if there was a bunch of bloodsuckers stalking the Twilight Ocean, with one of them being absurdly powerful.


    The Eternal n dont eat the undead? Zac asked.


    They can, Catheya grimaced. But our ichor apparently tastes beyond appalling. Like rotten food for the living. They wouldnt dare drink our blood in either case. Its one of the core agreements for them to join our side. Anyway, you need to watch out for those people, not just Uona. I think they might be a bit like you.


    Like me? Zac asked with confusion.


    You''re both living and dead. They are the opposite in a sense; theyre not dead, but they are not technically living either. They have fused Miasma and their Blood Power into something unique, Catheya said, making Zacs eyes widen a bit. I dont think theyre as suppressed as others inside this ce thanks to that.


    What cheat-like existences, Zac muttered with disgust.


    Like youre one to talk, Catheya snorted. Well, there is some bnce to it. Their numbers are thankfully pretty low all things considered.


    Zac wasnt surprised considering there seemed to be a direct corrtion between inborn power and the ability to pass that power on to the next generation.


    What about the other races? I havent even seen any Reavers in Twilight Harbor I think? At least no pureblood ones, Zac asked next. The closest is the Venarun n.


    You really dont know anything about your heritage? Catheya asked suspiciously. The more I learn about you the weirder you get. I cant divulge much about the Empire, but you could say that the four races were put in charge of four cardinal directions. The Reavers are focusing on other fronts while this Sector and Zecia are technically part of the Draugr Domains, though thats naturally contested by the living. However, smaller ns sometimes send delegates to the frontier sectors to make some money.


    Zac understood. It looked like the closest Undead Kingdom was ruled by Draugr, allowing Catheyas n to move freely. Meanwhile, the Eidolon had to go through the Karabas n while some Reaver faction had secret deals with Venarun n.


    Catheya wouldnt be able to divulge much else about the empire, so Zac focused his attention on something else. What do you think about what Yod said? Are we really destroying this realm?


    I havent heard of any such ns, but its not impossible, Catheya eventually admitted. This Mystic realm is really odd, and the controlling factions may have set their sights on it. Whatever is creating the Twilight Energy has to be something pretty unique.


    Then shouldnt we stop the mission? Zac eventually said. I dont want to be responsible for something like destroying the harbor.


    Were just a small cog in the machine, Catheya said. I bet there are hundreds of squads like us if what Yod said was true. Were just slightly influencing a few nodes. People have done much crazier things in the Twilight Ocean over the past eons without causing a stir. Besides, its not like we can stop. I have my contract, and so do you.


    Zac grimaced with annoyance, but he slowly nodded in agreement. It was true, with him and Catheya reuniting, he was still technically on the job. There was also the egg in his Spatial Ring that needed to be delivered no matter what. Only now, it felt even more likely he was carrying some sort of bomb.


    It might be an exaggeration though. I doubt master would send me inside if what Yod said waspletely true. Also, destroying the Mystic Realm would cut off one of the most important revenue streams of my n, Catheyaforted. Now, please let me rest up for a while. I have a hard time rebuffing the Twilight Energy with this pollen inside me.


    Alright, Zac agreed as he took out a Supreme Nexus Crystal and started absorbing the energy.


    It took almost a full Day for Catheya to recover to the point that she could move again, and that was with Zac regrly flushing her body with his Fragment of the Coffin. Even then, it was just dealing with the restrictive properties of the Vigorbloom Lcs. She was still heavily impacted by the atmosphere itself.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Apart from asionally helping Catheya recover, he mostly focused on his own cultivation. Now that he had already been exposed, he might as well make use of the time to catch up, and he constantly sat with Supreme Nexus Crystals in his hands to fill up the empty Nodes in his body. Yods death had set the foundation for one level, and the day of resting filled it outpletely and then some.


    Catheya asionally looked up with a weird expression, still clearly having some trouble reconciling the fact that a supposed Draugr was now happily sitting in the middle of dense life-attuned energies and absorbing Cosmic Energy.


    Apart from the cultivation, he had made an interesting discovery about himself; he looked better than before. He guessed it was a direct result of his Draugr race evolution since this was the first time hed switched races or deactivating <strong>[Million Faces]</strong> since then. It was a wee addition for sure, but he was more interested in other benefits the Draugr evolution provided.


    Unfortunately, it looked like the only other thing he gained from his odd situation was the additionalyer of protection to his skin, rather than the improved pathways or energy reserves. Still, it was better than nothing, and it indicated that he might be able to find some synergy if he managed to train some constitution on his human side.


    The two eventually got ready to leave, and Zac turned to his employer for directions.


    So, do you have any idea of how to get out of here? Zac said. Im guessing you dont want to stay in this environment longer than necessary.


    Well, we were dragged further down than we were supposed to go, but it shouldnt be an issue, Catheya said as she took out a small astrbe. This thing should help us find the node, and from there we just need to keep going up.


    Alright, Zac nodded as he got up to his feet.


    Are you unable to change back into your undead form? Catheya asked as she started walking in pace with Zac.


    Why would I change now just to get assaulted by the surroundings like you? Zac asked.


    So you actually are affected by the environment, Catheya muttered.


    Are you trying to figure out my weaknesses? Zac asked with a pointed nce.


    No, I was just happy to hear the Heavens have eyes after all. Things started to feel a bit unfair, Catheya muttered. There are so many interesting ces in the multiverse, and you can visit them all while I am relegated to a small corner.


    A small corner thats big enough to traverse for hundreds of thousands of years, Zac countered, but he understood her point.


    The Undead Empire was one of thergest factions of the Multiverse from what he had gathered, but it was only so bigpared to the endlessness of the Multiverse itself. There were probably numerous sections and dimensions where they had no presence at all, and going there as an undead was dangerous.


    The astrbe Catheya had prepared provided them with a general direction, but getting there was easier said than done with the unpredictable tunnels. One time they found themselves in a vast underwaterke, where Zac had to fight off a bunch of underwater dinosaurs, and they almost stumbled into the living pulse a few times as well. The two kept going for another four hours, at which point Catheya finally stopped.


    I think its just ahead, she said. But theres trouble. I can smell the lingering scent of the living. We might be toote.


    Are they still here? Zac asked.


    It doesnt seem like it, but its impossible to tell for sure with all the interference in the atmosphere, Catheya said. But I bet they moved on after installing some measure to block ours. Of course, the visitors may be normal trial takers as well, people who have entered the caverns in look for valuables.


    So, whats the n? Zac asked as he tried to sense whether any people


    I should be able to quickly notice if the arrays works or not, Catheya slowly said. If its been blocked, we simply move on. Were not some deathsworn, no need to force it.


    Good, Zac said as he took out <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> and slowly approached the mouth of the tunnel.


    The insides were massive, with a ceiling height of over a hundred meters. The cave was thergest one they had entered yet, and it almost looked like they entered a forest with how lush the precipitation was. There were clear signs of arge number of nts having been harvested as well, proving Catheyas guess to be right. Thankfully, Zac couldnt spot any people staying behind.


    Catheya soon crept up next to him, holding a Miasma Crystal in her hand to somewhatbat the extremely dense energies inside the cave. This was simr to the area around the mothertree. Something was clearly generating life force here as well, but space was enclosed, trapping most of it inside.


    Zac sensed a few weak fluctuations from Catheya, and she slowly nodded in confirmation that she couldnt find anyone. The two wordlessly entered the forest and proceeded with hurried steps until they reached the core.


    There, arge boulder sat slightly embedded into the ground. It was roughly fifteen meters tall and almost thirty meters wide. That by itself wasnt too interesting, but it was covered in esoteric patterns that gave Zac the hint of life. It wasnt something that cultivators had added though, but rather something natural like the patterns on the Stele of Conflict he had witnessed in his tower climb.


    Another point was that the stone didnt seem to be the same material as the endless tunnels they had walked through until now. The stone in front of them was a unique deep yellow bordering on orange, while the stones in the tunnels were more of a garden-variety bedrock.


    Had someone ced it here?


    Zac tried to put it into his Cosmos Sack, but it didnt budge. He tried to push it a bit next, but the only thing that happened was Catheya smacking his hand with an exasperated tsk before she started probing the stone. Several ice crystals flew around it as she made simr seals like when she worked the spike they used to kill the mothertree.


    Its changed, Catheya sighed. Im not sure whats been done, but my preparations wont work any longer.


    I could just break the stone? Zac ventured, ncing at the ''<strong>10,000''</strong> hovering above it.


    I wouldnt do that if I were you, augh reached them from behind, prompting both Zac and Catheya to swirl around in shock.


    They suddenly found themselves in front of a group of six cultivators, not one of them looking weak. They were living cultivators of human heritage, though they didnt look exactly like any of the humans on Earth. Their hair was dark with a slight purplish tint, as were their irises. Their skin was olive, though it was a bit hard to tell with the extensive tattoos that covered their faces and arms.


    Havarok! Run! Catheya whispered with urgency, and Zac wholly agreed.

 Chapter 714: Unplugged

    Chapter 714: Unplugged


    Zac knew he couldn''t rely on Catheya at the moment. She had expelled enough pollen to move around freely, but there was still some left to restrict her abilities. Combined with her wounds and the environmental suppression, she was all but useless at the moment.


    He wasnt confident in dealing with five Havarok Imperials even if going all-out. The leader was the biggest issue. His aura beneath that of Yanub Mettleleaf back on Cork Ind, but it was definitely above Zac''s own. Also, in contrast to the slightly nave treeman, this man gave Zac the impression of a veteran of a hundred battles with stable and congealed killing intent.


    Thankfully there was no way that Ykrodas Havarok, the second-ce holder on thedder, was part of this group, or any other of the rankers for that matter. They were most likely just some secondary squad who had been sent here to deal with the rock behind them. Zac immediately grabbed Catheya as he acted <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, rushing around the rock to escape in the opposite direction of the squad.


    Its no use escaping, the man snorted as a shimmering dome enclosed the area five hundred meters around them.


    Zac reached the barrier, and he could immediately sense that it would take a while for him to break through it withoutying a siege. Both he and Catheya instantly threw out a general Array Breaker of their own, but Zac swore when he saw them fail to find a chink in the armor.


    It''s futile. After the chaos all along the Living Pulse, we figured that someone would arrive here sooner orter," the leader continued, and Zac sighed as he turned around, The Havarok soldiers had followed them at a leisurely pace, and they now stood right between himself and the yellow rock. "I have turned this whole area into a sealed domain. If some general Array Breakers from the frontier could destroy our imperial arrays, wouldn''t it be a huge joke? But I didnt expect the group to look like yours. A human and a Draugr?


    Zac understood the mans confusion. Mixed parties of both the living and undead were definitely umon, though not unheard of. But such a party wouldnt head to a ce like the Living pulse. At least not unless they had some hidden objectives.


    It was obvious that this group was here on a mission just like they were. Even worse, it looked like they had opposing objectives. Zac couldnt wait to be done with this mission and disappear into the ocean like some random trial taker. He had no interest in making the Havorak Empire into an enemy.


    Youve betrayed the living and led this person here? another member of the group asked as she red at Zac. Do you know the ramifications of what you are trying to do? Who youre trying to help?


    Zac sighed as he looked at her, as she actually reminded Zac a bit of Thea. She had simr features, and she even wore three thin swords over her back. One stark difference was the face tattoos, looking like a spider web of red fractals. He had read about the Havarok Empire before, and it was much more militant in nature than the Radiant Temple or even the Undead Empire.


    They werent like the Radiant Temple who didnt much care about their domain as long as they kept producing resources and talented seedlings. The Havarok Empire was one cohesive unit where strength trumped all, even birthright to a certain degree.


    The tattoos were a designation of sorts, telling a story of their exploits. Apparently, they weren''tpletely cosmetic either, but the patterns rather formed proper arrays. Zac had almost gotten his hands on a simr method in the Tower of Eternity, but he ultimately gave up on that method.


    I think this is all a misunderstanding, Zac said with a light smile, though he didnt rx in the slightest. We are just allies of circumstance. A series of unfortunate events brought both of us beneath the surface, and we decided to team up to find a way out of this ce.


    Well, its a possibility you are telling the truth, though my guts say youre lying, the man smiled. But it is clear that you are not beyond redemption. Your ss is rted to nature, which means youre not a traitor of life. A local guide, I assume? To help these Draugr abominations with their goals. But you should know, whatever shes paying you, its not enough. They want to destroy your home.


    So, what do you propose? Zac eventually asked with a small frown.


    You should have known better than to intermingle with an Imperial. The Draugr ns have destroyed thousands of worlds within the Havarok Empire alone, afflicting trillions with the curse of undeath. Some punishment is due, but Im not unreasonable. I dont think youre part of this struggle. Hand her over, and you can leave after paying a ransom, the man said. 90% should do. I will also give back half if you join us as a guide for three months.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Collecting ransom was a pretty rare concept, at least in the frontiers. But it did work to a certain degree. After all, robbery of Nexus Coins was impossible, and extortionists would lose the money and even get fined if they didn''t honor their part of the agreement by killing or robbing the victim afterward.


    In the frontier, people were pretty poor so robbers would just target Cosmos Sacks and Spatial Rings instead in search of loot. Zac guessed the concept of ransom was moremon in the Havorak Empire, where there were stricter rules and people had bigger wallets. The problem was, what did he mean by 90%? Were they actually expecting him to show his status screen?


    That definitely couldn''t happen since he was sitting on over 900,000 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    I ept, Zac nodded with a fearful look as he took a few steps away from Catheya, causing her to look over with an open mouth. I have 300,00 E-grade nexus coins on me, how about I-


    Zac didnt get any further before a massive hand appeared out of nowhere, radiating a terrifying might. There hadnt been any fluctuations from either him or Catheya, which allowed him to catch the group unaware. They barely had time to look up before an enormous primal axe was upon them.


    The stone edge was emitting a terrifyingly sharp gleam as it was infused with his recently upgraded Fragment of the Axe. If possible, he would have preferred to form one of his basic Dao Braids, but Zac was afraid that even the slightest dy would give these people the chance to turn things around.


    No! the man roared as barriers sprung up above them, but how could hastily erected shields match up to a finisher conjured by almost a quarter of Zacs energy reserves?


    Another in the group was more decisive and immediately crushed an escape talisman. However, it was clearly not a supreme escape treasure as the swirls of wind from the talisman didnt even get the chance to swallow him up before Zacs attacknded.


    Four massive surges of energy entered his body as cultivators were turned to mush the moment the enormous axe mmed into the ground. The whole cave heaved and shook as a scar almost five hundred meters long cut both the mystic stone and half the forest in two, and frantic winds full of extremely sharp force ripped the remaining flora to shreds.


    One cultivator actually possessed an Earth-escape skill, and he had quickly sunk into the ground to avoid most of the skill. Unfortunately for him, this was <strong>[Arcadias Judgement]</strong>, and the axe swing was just the first half.


    The whole cave floor shuddered for a second before a tremendous shockwave spread out, which was followed by the whole cave breaking apart. Zac felt another stream of energy enter his body a momentter, but Zac still rushed forward with finality in his eyes as a fractal forest sprung up to rece the destroyed one.


    He suddenly disappeared as the ground beneath his feet cracked, and he appeared in an empty spot a hundred meters away a momentter. <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> already radiated a sanguine luster that lit up half the cave, and the air howled as the edge cut through the air. It looked like he was aiming at nothing, but space suddenly flickered as a wretched-looking man appeared out of nowhere.


    The final Havarok warrior had lost both an arm and a leg, and it looked like he would topple from a gust of wind. His aura was erratic, but he still managed to generate a undting ball of chaotic power in his remaining hand as an intricate talisman appeared above his head. The rampant energies didn''t even phase Zac, and he only slightly angled his torso as he continued his swing. He felt a sixth and final surge of energy while a chunk of his torso was sted to smithereens.


    The pain was blinding, and Zac fell over with a groan. His defensive skill was no match by the final st of a dying warrior, but at least he got thest of them in one go. There would be no one to spread the news of what happened here. There was no time to rest though as the shakes from his finisher didnt stop after even a few seconds. In fact, they grew more intense as the seconds passed.


    Its the living pulse! Catheya screamed with dismay. Its being rerouted!


    Uh, Zac grunted and spat out a mouthful of blood as he saw one geyser after another sprout up from the cracks he had caused. Well, find a way out of here.


    What the hell! Do I look like a Geomancer to you?! she huffed as Zac looted the corpse next to him with shaky hands, but she still conjured a series of ice crystals and closed her eyes.


    Zac guessed she was using some sort of scouting ability to find a way out. Zac was focused on something else though; booty. He had been forced to burn his whole <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>-reserves to take these guys out before they had a chance to react, and he still had another hole sted in his body. He needed some sort ofpensation for his suffering.


    Thergest scar in the ground was fast filling up with water, and the ground was still heaving ominously. Still, Zac ate one of his peak healing pills as he shuffled forward, and the chains of <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>shot into the waters while Zac dug through the meaty pulp on the ground until he fished out a couple of Cosmos Sacks, a few Spirit Tools and a Spatial ring. The chains rose out from the water a momentter, dragging up another corpse.


    It was the cultivator who had used an earth-escape skill. He was the only body that retained a semnce of its original form apart from the leader''s. Both corpses looked gruesome, but they might be salvageable with the help of his Mark of Creation and some Corpselord methods. They were probably too maimed to be Revenants, but it was high time for Zac to learn the method to create the secondmon form of the undead.


    Hurry! Catheya shouted as she started running in the opposite direction where they came from. I found the path they came from. Hopefully, it leads to the surface!


    Alright, Zac grunted as started running to catch up. Each step felt like getting stabbed, but it was better than getting swallowed by the Living Pulse.


    Zac soon caught up with Catheya with the help of <strong>[Loamwalker]</strong>, but the two only managed to get a few hundred meters inside before a shocking torrent of densely life-attuned waters burst through the ground, shooting rocks in all directions like a cluster bomb. The two jumped into the tunnel Catheya had chosen, and she hurriedly tried to erect an ice wall to keep the deluge away.


    Unsurprisingly, it only withstood the pressure for a second before the ice waspletely eroded.


    The two kept up their frantic escape while trying to erect various roadblocks for the water. Catheya erected walls while he threw out everything from boulders to submersibles to block up the path. Still, the Living Pulse was undeniable, and it kept crashing through all barriers in its pursuit.


    Catheya was clearly having trouble keeping up even when using some sort of frostblink ability, and Zac eventually had <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> pick her up, which allowed her to focus on forming barriers without having to worry about running.


    Zac eventually reached a wide chute that led straight up while also having multiple paths to choose from, and he quickly climbed up rather than continue down one of the other tunnels. Just a few secondster the Life Pulse sted into the area, but it was thankfully diverted through the three of the tunnels rather than continuing upward.


    The two stopped at a terrace after climbing over two hundred meters, and they sat down to recuperate while watching the waters below. The Living Pulse was readjusting, and the cave kept shaking for over ten minutes until the situation stabilized.


    Thank you, Catheya eventually said.


    No problem, Zac shrugged. Was better than being slowed down by your shuffling.


    Not that, Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. For not giving me up. Would have made your life a lot easier.


    Oh, that. It''s not like I could show them how much money I have, Zac said with a wry smile. Besides, I need you to guide me to the Life-Death Pearls.


    Right, Catheya snorted. Still, thank you.


    Well, no problem, Zac smiled.


    The two rested up for a while longer, where Catheya focused on resetting her arm and expelling thest pollen in her body.


    Meanwhile, Zac used some of his kill energy on [Surging Vitality] to close the gristly wound on his side before focusing on his Nodes. The remaining energy was enough to gain two levels, though that was only thanks to him already having opened the nodes in his undead form. After the energy was expended, Zac took out a Supreme-Grade Nexus Crystal and continued to fill up the remaining nodes.


    Even with the physical wound being fixed, it would still take a while for <strong>[Purity of the Void] </strong>to remove the lingering Dao from the Havarok leader. He had actually left a mark as well, but Zac thankfully noticed it and crushed it with a continuous stream of mental energy.


    It took him another ten hours topletely expel the foreign Dao, at which point Zac had also managed to activate the partially filled third node. At that point, he was level 105 in his human form,pared to level 109 as a Draugr.


    Zac gave it some thought, and he allocated the 30 Free points into Strength, just like he did with the previous 10. Survivability was important, but the previous battle had proven that a strong offense was a viable type of defense as well.


    You fused the two big skills you used in the Base Town into one, Catheya eventuallymented when Zac opened his eyes.


    Yeah, Zac nodded.


    There was no point in denying it. Catheya had watched his battles outside the Tower of Eternity from the first row. She would have to bepletely oblivious to not understand where <strong>[Arcadias Judgement] </strong>came from.


    I dont understand how it just appeared out of nowhere though. I didnt sense a thing until it was there, Catheya said as her ck eyes peered into Zacs, like she was trying to dig out his secrets hiding within his body. The more I see the less I understand. Can you sell me the method?


    Its impossible for you, Zac said with a shake of his head before he started lying through his teeth. "It''s a trick on the senses."


    So natural endowment. A natal illusory Specialty Core perhaps? Is it rted to your weird body? Catheya asked, but she held up her hands upon seeing Zacs re. Alright, alright.


    Zac didnt know if such a Specialty Core actually existed, but he was more than happy to let Catheya believe her guess to be wrong. Especially since it meant getting even further from the truth in regards to his double races.


    Still, such an ability is extremely handy if used right, she muttered. There has to be a drawback for bnce though.


    Zac didnt really feel there was one, but he agreed that there probably should be one if not for his mothers meddling. For example, the Specialty Core called Overdrive empowered attacks almost as much as a berserking skill or a Cultivation Manual, but you overdrafted your body by using it. Meanwhile, he only needed to absorb some energy to refill his reserves.


    Or perhaps he simply didn''t know the price of his action, and fate would sooner ortere to collect.

 Chapter 715: Ripples

    Chapter 715: Ripples


    A ripple spread through the web, and a small smile spread across Alvods face. It looked Va Tapeks little disciple really did deliver. He had been worried there for a bit since he felt the node condensing. Luckily, the node was broken apart before the change was irrevocable.


    Not that Catheya SharvaZis role was critical to his designs. It was not like his path toward Eternity was so fragile that it couldnt take a few mishaps. It was only one conduit out of hundreds, most of which had been in ce for eons. But the more lines that were added, the closer to perfection his tapestry would get. The fallout of this particr node wasnt as good as the constructed route, but it was good enough.


    If anything, things were going above expectation. He should have guessed. Destruction always came easier than conservation, and change was part of the heavenlyw. The real question was what the local natives had nned for the final step. They wouldn''t roll over at the core of their foundation being extracted and stolen, especially not by an outsider.


    Alvod waited with anticipation, and a shimmering drop suddenly appeared in front of him. It was dark green in color, though it sometimes felt it was golden or ck. It hovered in the air, its very existence impacting reality around it. Death was not death. Life was not life. It was the cyclic harmony of twilight and daybreak, the eternal evening tides.


    A small bead of Primal Dao. Truth condensed into the purest form the base dimensions could take without unraveling. Something that only formed naturally in the exalted domains, the cultivation havens that someone like him would never gain ess to.


    The Heavens had been gated off, and the ancient factions held the keys. You would either have to pursue the broken peaks or bend the knee for a chance to drink at the fountain of truth. But Alvod wasnt willing. His Path was within the purview of the Heavens, but he would never surrender his freedom.


    Even his old friends thought his actions in the Havarok Empire were a matter of vengeance. They thought he had fled here and entered the Twilight Ocean like a rat scurrying for safety. It couldnt be further from the truth.


    Reociv Havarok was a full-bodied bastard who deserved to die for what he did to T, but would Alvod really have risked everything if not for the item that had fallen into the princeling''s possession? The item which now formed the core of the tapestry of life and death. Alvod had found half of the core beforeing to power back in Zecia, and he had spent four hundred thousand years looking for its other half.


    Yet that bastard had swooped in and identally got his hands on it just as Alvod was on the precipice of sess. It was Alvod who brought that Immemorial Realm to the surface at the cost of most of his fortune. Yet that man had gotten his hands on the item without even understanding what he was dealing with?


    He had no choice. If Reociv was allowed to bring that item back to his ancestors, theyd soon realize its true nature.


    Tens of thousands of runes emerged from the tapestry and they formedyers afteryers of seals and protections around the bead of truth. This realm was too lowly for it to contain a bead of pure Primal Dao for long. It would get tainted in no time, reduced to its baserponents.


    The sealed bead was soon interred into the tapestry, which caused shuddering waves to spread out through the patterns. The bead eventually joined the others in the core, and Alvods eyes gleamed with anticipation as he saw that the beacon was three-quarters full. His cells screamed with desire as he looked at the Primal Dao, but he forced himself to look away. He knew that his chances were slim even if he managed to fill the chalice to the brim.


    He needed to be patient. Just two more years.


    Hear ye, hear ye, the ever-suffering grand marshal of the Kingdom of Billy sighed, still not fully understanding the nomenture of his new overlords. King Billy, Lord of Bonk Mountain has in his infinite wisdom sent out a divine decree, so listen well! The Divine Kingdom of Bonk Mountain requires more Dao Stones to be sourced for the conflict with the others! Every household will need to contribute 3 Dao Stones.


    The gathered Smallboys, or rather Gnivelings as they were called before King Billys grand impartment, listened on as theirrge ears shook with worry.


    We have been fishing for stones every week for the past four months, one of the Smallboys said as he stepped forward. We appreciate what King Billy has done to protect us in this new environment but the stones are bing scarce. We lost Lorom just two weeks ago.


    A few voices of agreement rippled through the crowd, causing Hanos brows to scrunch up. The Marshall nervously nced toward the mountain, but he steeled his heart as he felt a tendril poke him between the shoulder des. Hanos somewhat liked his new master, but he liked living even more.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    What do you know! Hanos roared. King Billy is who keeps us safe through hismunion with the holy spirit. King Billy is the one who protects us from the bands, tirelessly swinging the holy scepter for our salvation! But do you think such a sacrificees cheap? Do you think King Billys miracles can be created out of thin air? He needs more resources! No moreints, set out right this instant!


    Some of the Gnivelings muttered and waved their oversized ears at the towering mountain, but most simply went to prepare their gear for excavating the Dao Rocks from beneath the ocean bed.


    <em>Good, just three more viges, </em>a gleeful voice echoed in his mind.


    <em>What about King Billy? What if he finds out? </em>Hanos cried in his mind <em>I dont want to be bonked.</em>


    <em>Ill deal with that. Besides, the great king has other things to worry about right now.</em>


    Two weeks of fervent collection, but it was finally time. Ogras looked at the pile of Dao Stones with anticipation shimmering in his eyes. Over two years of arduous cultivation, and one year of nning. He was finally ready to leave that insufferable giants shadow.


    Who would have expected ahersted Dimensional Seed to gain sapience? And who would have expected it to form such an intimate connection with that brute, when there were far more dashing candidates so close by? Was it because Billy saved these big-eared bastards while Ogras secured the treasures of the newly incorporated realm? Or was it simply because simpletons flocked together?


    Things hadnt been too bad in the beginning. Those ThZaroth Hivebeasts werent joking around, but they provided ample opportunities to hone onesbat skills. With the air being teeming with the Dao, each day was a revtion. Be it skills, Daos, or even levels, everything came smoothly in this ce. Even evolving skills was aplished as naturally as breathing since you were in a constant state of inspiration.


    Two months of ughter, and the two of them had finally managed to kill the Hive queen and seize the enormous meteor that contained her hive. It had not only provided them with a Nexus Node, but also arge amount of food as the warrior ants were actually quite delicious.


    But from there, things started to go awry.


    It turned out that the Earths Nexus Nodes werent the only ones Ogras was locked out of. He was even unable to be the master of a deste rock in a hidden realm. Instead, he was forced to once more don the mantle of the helpful advisor, steering Billy in the right direction. But he couldnt understand why such a simple mind was so hard to control.


    If anything, his experiences over the past three years had ingrained him with a deep respect for that bespectacled human that usually followed Billys side. Nigel was his name? How did he manage to get anything done with this bastard holding the reins?


    It was time to change his approach. He had tried so hard to get the brute to do the heavy lifting, but he was adamant about holding the fort rather than sending the troops to the depths of this ever-growing realm. And if he couldnt get others to pave the way, he would simply have to do the job himself. He could feel it. It was beckoning to him deep in the darkness. Something rted to his path.


    Something with the ability to reforge his fate.


    Besides, it was now or never. It was clear that the pocket realm they lived inside was stabilizing. For over two years it had frantically moved about and swallowed one realm after another, but the sky seldom changed color any longer. Eventually, the Dimensional Seed would find some spot it liked and settle down.


    And when that happened, it was just a matter of time before this ce was discovered, before an entrance was drilled open and greedy bastards came swarming in. All these Hidden Realms collected, each of them most likely never touched by other men. Each of them full of unique treasures and opportunities.


    He needed to snatch them all before the outsiders arrived.


    Behind you! Bubbur roared, and Gu whirled around as hisrge two-hand sword drew a ruthless arc.


    A desated head jumped out of the pirates sleeve to bite down on the edge, but it shrieked and started to break apart when the corrosive acid smeared on the de touched its mouth. It instinctively released its bite, which allowed Gu to finish the swing and cut both the guardian head and the pirate apart.


    Gu sighed and looked around, relieved to see that things were finally calming down across the hidden base. These situations could spiral out of control at moment''s notice. Normally, that would have been a problem for the soldiers, but all hands were fighting hands in the Muscle Brigade, even his own.


    A burning meteor suddenly mmed into the protective dome on the sky, and Gu hurriedly shot out a hook from his belt before he was dragged out into the void again. He wasnt really phased about the environmental array being broken though, since something like this happened weekly.


    And the source of the chaos was often the same.


    Boss, watch out! a man screamed. Youll break the base before weve looted it.


    Sorry, sorry! a rough voiceughed as Greatest Peak flew through the new entrance he had created. This captain was pretty strong, I got a bit excited.


    Gu sighed as he looked at the burning crater. The pirate captains gear was definitely unsalvageable at this point. Again.


    Money brat! Stop moping around and get to counting, Bubbur said as he threw over two Cosmos Sacks.


    Its Quartermaster Gobao, Gu said as he took out his inspection table before he started scanning the contents of the sacks.


    Most items were simply categorized in the back of his mind, while a few were taken out to be properly scanned.


    You mean Shartermaster? another brigadier who came to turn in the haul sniggered, prompting a few roars ofughter.


    That was almost two years ago! And I was out on my mind on that hexbrew we found the day before! Gu said with grit teeth before he shot a baleful re at theughing pirate hunters. Go on, keepughing. Well see who gets their sry paid with Nexus Coins and Spatial Fragments, and who gets paid in unseble scrap.


    Ill call you whatever you want the moment you can beat me, Bubburughed. Now hurry up, boss has that glint in his eyes.


    Gu groaned, but he still sped up as he looked through the Cosmos Sacks one by one in search of hidden markers. It was amon practice between these space brigands. Theyd leave a concealed treasure or two among their hoarded loot, in case it was stolen. That way they could always find the loot again if stolen.


    Others would turn into beacons warning anyone in the vicinity, making it impossible to sneak up on unsuspecting targets. He was making fast progress, but he got a sinking feeling as he saw Greatest walk over with the fires of war burning in his eyes.


    Wait, boss! Gu entreated. Just a few more minutes!


    You know the rules, Greatest said as he shed forward, his fist ripping through the air with enough force to bend space itself.


    Gu inwardly cried as he scrambled away, and he could only look on with despair as one Cosmos Sack after another was swallowed by the void caused by the swing. The most effective method to make sure you werent being tracked was to destroy everything.


    This Heavencursed family.


    Why did the pirate captain have to possess that taboo technology, which resulted in an epic sh between the Boss and a machine swarm outside the meteor? Now the madness of the fight had already imed Greatest Peak, and anything that dyed him fighting another worthy adversary would be destroyed, even if it was a mountain of wealth.


    Lets go, Shartermaster, Bubbur said with a wry smile. Theres still the young boss. If we hurry you might be able to find some good things.


    Gus eyes lit up and he immediately jumped onto Bubburs Raider.


    The Raiders were something they had looted two years ago after one of the tougher fights of the Muscle Brigade, and they had helped them adapt to this chaotic ce tremendously. The Raiders were small four-meter vessels that almost looked like umbres.


    They only housed five people, they could barely turn, and they had no weaponry. But they had two very desirable features that had made them a fan-favorite among the brigadiers. First, they were extremely quick, cutting through the chaotic spatial waves like butter. Secondly, the front of the vessel, the umbre, was both an extremely sturdy shield and an efficient Array Breaker.


    Now, every time the Muscle Brigade found a target to interrogate, or rather rob, over a hundred Raiders shot out from the mothership like small meteors, each one manned by five bloodthirsty meatheads. Those who owned Raiders almost always reached the criminals, or rather prey, faster than the others.


    Gu shook his head as Bubbur escorted him to the satellite base that Average was in charge of taking down. It was an intelligence post, but Gu didnt hold much hope that they would find what they were looking for this time either.


    They had arrived over three years ago in the central region of the Million Gates Territory, and they had eventually managed to confirm that a Space Gate really was forming somewhere. However, Million Gates Territory was just too vast. More to the point, space was too chaotic, making any attempt at navigation nigh impossible.


    So even after searching for two full years, they hadnte any closer to figuring out where the gate actually was. For all they knew, it might have already stabilized, and an endless army was gathering at their gates without the Zecia sector knowing. Hopefully, that wasnt the case though.


    It appeared like the invaders didnt have it too easy. The odd Spatial Ripples that was the source of the disaster were still ongoing, though they only affected the Million Gates Territory these days from what hed heard. Forming a Space Gate between sectors through such turbulence should be impossible, or at least prohibitively expensive, for frontier forces ording to the boss, so they were most likely waiting for things to settle down.


    Blood and a few corpses littered the halls as Bubbur crashed his Raider through the closest wall of the satellite base, but it looked like most of the defenses were the mechanized troops sold by the heretics hiding at the outer rims of the Million Gates Territory.


    The cultivator in Gu despised these things, but the businessman in him almost salivated at the prospective earnings these taboo tools represented. He had seen just how money these items could bring in while visiting one of the Leviathans to trade and stock up on items. Unfortunately, these things were all ted for destruction now that the Muscle Brigade had its hands on them.


    Gu found Average in themand room, and the young man nodded at Gu as he pointed at a small pile of Spatial Treasures. Three years of fighting pirates hadpletely reforged the youth, turning him into a capable warrior brimming with killing intent. However, the years in the heart of the Million Gates Territory had left their mark on Average, and he looked more like a pirate than pirate hunter by this point.


    Then again, that could be said about himself as well, and Gu shook his head as he looked down at his scarred hands.


    Anything interesting? Gu asked as he started scanning the Spatial Rings.


    I found it. I finally found it.

 Chapter 716: Relegation

    Chapter 716: Relegation


    There was no telling if there were some hidden downsides to his unique ability, but so far the only one seemed to be how hard it was to upgrade his Bloodline. He still held on to the <strong>[Cardinal Kernel]</strong> because of the events on the Memorysteel Mountain. He wanted to upgrade his bloodline to E-grade, but the moment probably needed to be right.


    First of all, some random patch of seabed or cultivation cave wouldn''t do. Just the awakening had eaten half the treasures in the mountain, there was no telling what the second awakening would require. He didn''t want to waste the kernel by activating the process, only to find there wasn''t enough fuel to power the whole evolution. Secondly, he needed to find a safe ce, since he had been knocked clean out thest time.


    What if some cultivators cropped up because of the chaos and decided to get some easy contribution points?


    "I can''t, and don''t want to, go into detail on this ability," Zac eventually said to Catheya. "This mental trick is part of the agreement, so keep it to yourself, alright?


    If possible, he would have preferred using his Annihtion Sphere to take those people out rather than using <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>. That way, Cahteyas memories would be erased as well. Unfortunately, he had no way to use the skill as an area attack that could target all six cultivators. He might have been able to take out the leader, but then the others would have escaped or retaliated.


    Or perhaps the leader would have managed to avoid the strike like he almost avoided <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgement]</strong> at which point Zac would be screwed since he would have lost the element of surprise.


    I know, Im not an ingrate, Catheya snorted before she looked at him usingly. You know, its a bit depressing to travel with you. At first, I thought we were roughly at the same level, but now Im finding that you werent even exerting yourself before. How are people like me even supposed to get a shot when there are monsters like you walking around?


    There is ultimately bnce in the universe, Zac snorted. Things are not as simple as they look.


    I know, Catheya nodded. Heavy is the crown. I think its the same with my ancestor. She should have the qualifications to be a real tycoon back home by now, but shes still maintaining her distance as her n is falling apart. Who knows what kind of troubles she has encountered on her road to power.


    Falling apart? Zac asked with a frown. Is your n in trouble?


    Not trouble like extinction, but trouble nheless, Catheya sighed. We are facing relegation.


    What? Relegation? Zac asked as he looked at Catheya in confusion.


    I once told you that conflict within the Empire is disallowed, but that doesnt mean there isntpetition. Strength is ultimately the most important thing. Our n has been in a steady decline for a long time, and were risking being downgraded from a Middle-tier n to an Entry-level n, Catheya said. We will loserge parts of our domains, which means even fewer cultivation resources. Itll probably exacerbate the decline even further.


    And that is why you wanted me to send a message to BeZi, Zac surmised.


    Exactly. I wanted her to tell her that ReZar SharvaZi is approaching his end. His chances at forming another step are bleak ording to my father. He will leave on his final journey in fifty generations or so, and there is currently no one to take his ce, Catheya said. We have managed to keep the news sealed for now, but its just a matter of time.


    Whos ReZar? Zac asked.


    Ancestors lineal great-grandson, Catheya said. And our only Autarch.


    Whats these steps you talked about? Zac asked. Is it rted to the B-grade?


    Yes, Catheya nodded. Gaining Autarchy is to form adder to Heaven, and the more steps you form the greater the foundation you build for thisdder. Each step adds not only power, but arge amount of longevity. Our ancestor is a One-Step Autarch, the lowest level. Hes already used too many longevity medicines, and a breakthrough is his only chance now.


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding. It looked like having an Autarch, even if one at the lowest rung, was enough to be considered a Middle-tier n in the Hearnds. That probably meant a low-tier n had Divine Monarchs and powerful umtions, and forces beneath that werent even considered proper ns.


    Zac also felt that probably meant that a peak-stage n in the Undead Empire might not even have A-grade cultivators going by the grading of n SharvaZi, or at least not too many of them.


    Ancestor BeZi was an above-average Two-step Autarch when she left, Catheya added. For her to still be alive She has to have reached theter stages of Autarchy, or perhaps even higher. If she returns, wed not only avoid relegation, wed instantly be promoted.


    No wonder Catheya was so eager to find her ancestor. It was really a matter of heaven or hell for her n whether she returned. A n falling from grace always led to a feeding frenzy, and Zac doubted that themandments couldpletely protect against something like that. It was essentially heavenlyw.


    So steps are a bit like Cosmic Cores? A bottleneck? Zac asked.


    "I can feel that I''m not allowed to discuss it, Catheya said. Autarchs are the main power of any empire since those above rarely make a move. Knowledge is controlled.


    Well, keep your secrets then, Zac smiled.


    Like I have a choice," Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. "But I can tell you that everyone who reaches that stage has once been Heavens Chosen or something even greater, yet less than one percent ever go beyond three steps. You could say that cultivators at that height live in defiance of the Heavens, even when walking Heavens Path. Every step is met with resistance."


    Well, I guess that''s still far off from us, Zac shrugged as he thought things over.


    Catheyas request was pretty simple; convey a short update of the situation of n SharvaZi. But Zac wasnt sure if he could. He might be sent back to the underground cave and BeZi if he found the second Splinter of Oblivion, but that might very well have been a one-off thing that the System arranged for him.


    I might be able to ry your message. The question is, what can you provide in return? Zac said after a while.


    Ill hold nothing back when teaching you all the insights and corpse-raising methods my master has imparted, Catheya said. You can even keep the information crystals.


    Thats part of the previous deal, Zac snorted. Do you have any other information from your n that can be useful for me?


    To be clear, I can only teach you things my master has imparted me with. I cant divulge any of n SharvaZis methods, same as with any descendant you meet, Catheya said.


    Your master is not part of the n? Zac asked with interest.


    Only partly, Catheya said with a shake of her head. Master Va Tapek an old friend of the third Supreme Elder of n SharvaZi. He joined us as an exterior elder, but hes not very restrained. Ive gained most of my methods from him rather than the n, and he never restricted me from teaching others.


    It really looked like n SharvaZi was in decline. Catheyas master wasnt even a Divine Monarch from what Zac had heard, yet the n couldnt demand much of anything from the sounds of it. Also, there there was still one question that puzzled Zac quite a bit.


    Why you? Zac asked with confusion. Why would a high-tier Monarch take you under his wing and take you all over the frontier? They don''t usually do that, right?


    You should have already seen it; we are both Ice Warriors," Catheya exined before she deted a bit. "Also I happen to be the descendant of the third Supreme Elder. His youngest daughter, in fact.


    So, your Master is kind of doing his buddy a favor by taking on? Zac guessed, getting a re in return.


    I might not be some dual-race indestructible weirdo, but I have my strong points as well. My Ice affinities are among the top three in my generation in the n. I have at least five Hidden Nodes, and I natally opened one of them, Catheya said with a haughty demeanor. And a powerful father is a talent as well, proves I have strong genes.


    Natally what? Zac asked, ignoring thetter part. "You mentioned that word before as well."


    How do you know so little when you obviously have so powerful backing? Catheya muttered with exasperation. It means I opened one of my hidden nodes upon birth. I could use some of its effects while in F-grade, while it waspletely unlocked the moment I evolved.


    Something like thats possible? Zac eximed. Which one did you open?


    Zac hoped to gain some insight into the hidden nodes of the Draugr, in case there were still some lurking in his body. His three hidden nodes were all connected to his Void Emperor-bloodline and seemed to form a closed system, but that didnt mean there werent more of them to open.


    I guess its fair you know some after what youve disyed to save me, Catheya said after some hesitation. It''s a special hidden node rted to my nose.


    Your nose? Zac repeated with a nk look.


    Its very sharp, Catheya added.


    A very sharp nose, Zac sagely nodded. Impressive.


    Its a natural scouting ability that can help me with everything from finding treasures to spotting hidden enemies. It allowed me to sense your Draugr heritage all back in the Base Town! Well, whatever. A brute like you wouldnt understand a good thing if it hit you in the face, she huffed.


    I can try sending a message, but your masters scattered methods arent enough considering they are part of our earlier agreement. I want a top-grade treasure as well, Zac said. One equivalent to the things the top 1,000batants could get from the Fate Plucking-trial.


    If I had anything like that, I would have already used it on myself, Catheya said with exasperation.


    There are still almost three years to go in this ce, right? Zac smiled. Between killing off people and exploring the depths, you should get your hands on one. If you hand one over to me before the trial ends, then Ill try to send a message when I return.


    Why must I find it myself? Catheya frowned. Do you think you can just pick those things up from the ground? Only a handful are excavated every Ascent, and seldom by people like me. My master can get one in short order after we leave though.


    No deal, Zac said with a shake of his head. This is non-negotiable. Lucky for you this is a double trial. Your odds are a lot better than normal.


    Things had already progressed to this point. There was no way hed stay along a second longer than needed in the Twilight Harbor. Between Catheya discovering his true form and Alea wanting to eat the Twilight Fruits, he had pretty much given up on the Fate-Plucking Ladder unless something changed.


    It was better to leave the trial a few months early and slink away before anything could happen. After that, hed have around ny years to sound out whether Catheya betrayed his secrets and what the Undead Empires response would be.


    Ill try, but you have to understand that you''re asking the impossible from me, Catheya entreated. "Please, this is a matter of life and death for my n. Isn''t there anything else I can do for you? On the outside or in here?"


    Hearing thest part gave Zac another idea and he quickly made a decision.


    There is one other thing, he slowly said. I am looking for two particr spots in this Trial, and they should be around the middle reaches. Find the exact location of those two ces, and Ill try to convey the message.


    Thats it? Catheya asked skeptically. Just the location of the two spots?


    Thats it, Zac said. Deal?


    Absolutely, Catheya quickly nodded. Do you have a description?


    Zac immediately described the two locations of the two remnants as best as he could remember them from the vision back in the Mystic Realm, along with the hints he had gathered so far. He figured he could have Catheya find those two ces while he checked out the Chasm and got rid of the brand this Va Tapek had left in his body.


    Never heard of those two ces, and they''re not in the private missives of my n. But I should definitely be able to find them within the year, Catheya nodded. Whats special about them?


    Dont enter those ces, Zac said. Only trouble waits in there."


    No wonder youre looking for them then, Catheyaughed. Trouble seems to follow you wherever you go. Do you know that your home sector is currently in istion because of you? We barely got out.


    What? What did I do? Zac asked with confusion.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Because of the thing you summoned in the Tower of Eternity, Catheya said. Apparently, that stele is some weird artifact older than the System itself. Wherever it appears, conflict will appear. The higher-ups are afraid that just its apparition will cause spread chaos across the frontier after you summoned it, so Zecia has been quarantined. No ships in or out. Of course, its impossible to keeppletely sealed, especially when the Heavens thrive on conflict.


    No wonder, Zac sighed, remembering how that huge ogre at the Big Axe Coliseum had mentioned that war wasing.


    Was it all his fault? He quickly shook his head. It couldnt be, he was just a small fry who could barely impact the fate of a single. If anything, it was on the System. It was the System that conjured that apparition, not he. And since the System wanted a conflict in Zecia, it would aplish it one way or another.


    That alone was barely afort as he thought of the chaos and loss of life that a Sector-wide war would bring. Unfortunately, he was still just a nobody. He wouldnt be able to impact the situation as he was right now. He could only push himself to get stronger, and once he reached the top, hed be able to prevent things like this from going out of control.


    The two sat in silence and continued to recuperate and cultivate for a few more hours, but eventually, it was time to go. They hadpleted their task as best as they could, and Catheya still hadnt sensed any of her followersing down to look for her. She was anxious to get back to the surface, and Zac was eager to go get the Life-Death Fruits.


    They simply picked the tunnel at the top of the chute they had rested in and followed whatever path had the least ambient life-attunement energies. Their efforts paid off over the next hours as they kept ascending until the energy was barely marked by the Living Pulse.


    We should being in on the surface by now, Catheya said.


    Alright. Give me a second, Zac said, making Catheya look over with confusion.


    Zac jogged over to a secluded section out of Catheyas sight and erected an illusion array around him before he closed his eyes as he let waves of Cosmic Energy spread through his body. He kept this going for over a minute until he finally activated his Duplicity Core. A wave of Miasma spread through his body, and he was back in his Arcaz personality a few secondster. It was the best he could do to obfuscate the exact details of his transformation for the moment.


    So weird. Is the Twilight Energy even affecting you at all? Catheya said with a shake of her head when Zac returned, and he only smiled in response as he passed her by on the way to the exit.


    They were almost at the crest, and both of them readied themselves for battle just in case. The waters above them were mostly neutral in vor, but it was still a stretch that passed right above the Living Pulse, and there would definitely be numerous cultivators passing. Two Draugr would definitely stick out if discovered, and they were pretty lucky they hadn''t run into a single group since taking out the Havarok squad.


    Truthfully, his actions beneath the surface might have worked in their favor in unexpected ways. The upheavals he caused might have been felt all the way to the surface, and whod dare venture into some tunnels that coulde crashing down on you at moments notice? Thest stretch was too narrow to pass through, but they were so far from the Living Pulse by this point that Zac simply cut it apart, creating a tunnel to leave through.


    Two signals! Catheya eximed with glee the moment they emerged from the underground. It should be Varo and Qirai!

 Chapter 717: Radiant Temple

    Chapter 717: Radiant Temple


    Two signals were better than nothing, but it also meant that yet another one of their squad was down for the count. Only a month had passed, yet they were approaching the average 50% casualty rate for the Twilight Ascent. This trial was bound to be a bloody chapter in the history of the Twilight Harbor.


    Where do the signals from? Zac asked as he scanned the surroundings for enemies.


    Half a day away, toward where the Living Pulse will emerge, Catheya said as she started to move in that direction. They must have figured Id appear somewhere close to the outlet.


    Zac nodded and followed suit, and they started to make way through the dense underbrush of the ocean. Luckily, the area was full of seaweed growing over two meters wide and fifty meters tall, providing them with ample cover as long as they hid their energy signatures. That along with Catheya''s node-empowered nose, they didn''t encounter any trouble until they reached the spot.


    It was a nondescript part of a ridge that ran along the direction of the living pulse, with neither any entrances nor cracks to show for it. Catheya was still sure it was the right spot, and she walked over and knocked with a certain pattern on the stone. A door appeared out of nowhere a few secondster, and Qirai peered outside.


    Its good that youre fine, Qirai said with relief before she shot a re at Zac. Youre still around?


    Still around, Zac smiled as he looked the Titan up and down. You look worse for the wear.


    It was true, the Titan looked like she had been through a few tribtions to match Zacs own. Qirai sported a nasty burn on her left cheek, and it looked like it stretched down beneath her clothes all the way to her left hand. Her aura was also a bit unstable, and Zac guessed her soul was slightly wounded.


    Are you alright? Whats going on? Catheya asked with worry. And wheres Varo?


    Varos inside, sealed, Qirai sighed. Hes hurt pretty bad.


    Who did it? Sharpo? Catheya asked as they stepped inside the hideout, a hint of killing intent leaking from her body.


    No. Shes either dead or escaped, Qirai said with a shake of her head as she sealed the door behind them. You think she was the traitor?


    Probably not. We got dragged beneath the surface, Catheya said. We met Yod there. If not for Mr. ck here, I would be dead.


    Oh? Qirai eximed with surprise, her previously hostile gaze making a drastic turn. Thank you.


    Nothing to it. I got caught in his trap as well, after all, Zac smiled.


    Take me to Varo, Catheya urged. "I''ll see what I can do."


    There were just two rooms in the dugout, with Varo being in the inner one. He was lying in a coffin that reminded Zac a lot of the one he had gotten for Alea back then. His state was in even worse shape than expected, with extensive burns covering his body. His left arm essentially looked like a scorched twig, and Zac wasnt sure that was something that could be restored with healing pills, no matter how good they were.


    Not only that, but there was a blistering heating from within Varo''s body, no doubt from some fire-aspected Dao hidden inside the assassin''s body. Zac figured the two must have met an incredibly powerful fire-based cultivator, considering he could cause such extensive damage even inside an ocean that should weaken his or her attacks a bit.


    Who did this? Catheya asked again, the room temperature decreasing by a noticeable margin.


    After the ship broke apart, the two of us and the ghost found ourselves next to the Living Pulse without a ship, Qirai sighed. Sharpo wanted to split up, but how could we let her just slink away? She might have been the traitor. We caught her and started making our way here. We figured that youd appear around these parts one way or another as long as you survived getting dragged away by the stream.


    But this section is ultimately controlled by the living, and no one who has made it this far already is a weakling, Qirai continued with a grimace. We got ambushed by a trio from the Kalvan n but managed to kill one and chase the other two away. We werent as lucky when we ran into a group from the Radiant Temple.


    The Radiant Temple? Not one of their Subsidiaries? Catheya eximed with surprise. How..?


    Zac knew what she wanted to ask. The Radiant Empire was different than The Undead Empire in that it was a rtively small force. Certainly, they had billions and billions of members, but that was still nothingpared to the endless citizens of the Undead Empire or even the Havarok Empire.


    The Radiant Temple rather ruled over tens of thousands of subsidiary ns, empires, and sects than having direct control. They only set up Subsidiary offices called Temples of Radiance in the subsidiary sectors, though it was more apt to call them tax collection agencies. Altogether, they controlled an area over fifty times the size of the Zecia sector, but those who were actually part of the Temple were vanishingly small in numberpared to the actual number of cultivators within their domain.


    The Radiant Temple used those subsidiary sectors for two things; generating resources through taxes and treasure collection, and to scout for talents. Most peak talents of the subsidiary factions were absorbed into the Temple, while the elders of the subsidiary faction got a hefty reward in return. That way they maintained control, while also got talented seedlings sent to them from left and right.


    That also meant the true members of the Radiant Temple were the best of the best in not only a B-grade Empire, but also dozens of subsidiary Sectors. The Havarok squad they met could have been anything from some lowly n to just soldiers in the Havarok Army, but members of the Radiant Temple were all the real deal.


    How were Qirai and Varo still alive if these kinds of people came for them?


    It was luckily just a scouting party of three members, two of which were employed locals, Qirai said. It was the real members who unleashed an attack that destroyed everything when we needed to flee. It was like a supernova that went off. I managed to block out most of it, but I think Sharpo got swallowed entirely. Varo is as You can see.


    Catheya nodded heavily as she took out a stopper and poured its contents over Varos body, causing them to emit sizzling sounds. After that, she ced an ice-blue gem on his chest, and the fiery energying from his body was quickly getting suppressed.


    Hell heal, but hell be out for a while. Even then, he might have to make a transition, Catheya sighed before she turned to Zac. Do you have any means to help?


    The transition Catheya mentioned was either to shed his mortal coil to be a specter or be a Corpselord. Both came with demerits though. Few cultivators sses skillsets were meant to be used as ghosts, and youd lose a chunk of your power that way. Reaching Hegemony would be a lot harder as well.


    Meanwhile, adding outsiders body parts to your own unavoidably created some issues with affinities and rejection.


    I have some good pills I Bought from the Karabas Pill house, but thats about it. My only healing skill is the one I got at your ce, Zac said with a shake of his head.


    Truthfully, Zac did believe that it might be possible to use his Mark of Creation to fix Varos arm. The Revenant was in aa, and his will shouldnt impact the process of creation unless he woke up. But Zac had already exposed two of his major secrets in just a few days, and he definitely wouldn''t expose the third just to speed up Varo''s recuperation.


    Also, the Creation Energy was his personal ace that could both save his life or destroy an enemy.


    Alright, Catheya sighed as she turned to Qirai. We cant stay here, especially not after the chaos we caused beneath the surface. Furthermore, more and more of the living will appear over theing days, passing through toward the depths.


    So whats next? Zac asked.


    We have lost three members of our party, and one is taken out ofmission. The casualty rate is over 50%, allowing me to cancel the operation. There is one more node we should have visited originally, but well skip it. If anything, weve already performed above expectation. We havepleted more than half of our assigned task, Catheya said.


    So, the peals? Zac said as a smile spread across his face.


    Right, greedy fellow, Catheya smiled with a shake of her head. The pearls. Do you have any spare vessels we can use?


    Soon enough the group set out on the vessel that Zac had found in the Spatial ring of the leader of the Havorak group. It was made from arge spiraled shell, and it could thankfully be powered by anyone as long as it was fueled by Nexus Crystals. Varo had saved the purification array when the vessel sunk, and Zac was once more put in the awkward situation where his soul tempering was put on hold.


    There was not much to do about the situation though as they had entered the middle reaches of the ocean.


    The Twilight Energy had already gone from an ufortable annoyance to real suppression for Catheya and Qirai, and both needed a proper environment to focus on recuperation. It wasnt the end of the world though, as it looked like Zac would ultimately save two weeks by skipping the final target on the side mission.


    Instead, they were shooting straight toward the Life-Death Pearls with Qirai on the wheel while Catheya and Zac used the purification array for eight hours each in turn. Qirai would use it for four hours, after which they let it be turned off for the final four. The past weeks had been pretty boring while maintaining the array, but this time Zac was immersed in swallowing up all the knowledge Catheya had to offer.


    First, they covered the basic knowledge of fractals and how they rted to skills and arrays. A lot of what Catheya knew about the subject leaned toward Miasma and Ice, but the rules were still generally applicable. The most important was therge number of solutions, methods, and practical examples of upgrading skill fractals that Catheya provided.


    Upgrading skills was actually a pretty straightforward subject if you simply wanted the same skill but stronger. The process was sort of a mini-test by the System, where you had to prove at least a basic understanding of the runes to seed. It was essentially the same thing as redrawing pathways, but you had to figure out the new pattern yourself based on your knowledge and the general rules that the Apostate of Order had set up.


    Of course, if you diligently followed a Heritage, your predecessors had already performed the heavy lifting for you. Everyone still needed to make some personal modifications though. Pathways were like a thumbprint; each one unique and based on one''s body. If youpletely followed the patterns of others, you were bound to end up with a skill that only partially matched your pathways.


    Furthermore, the greater your understanding of the Dao and your skills were, the more you could do with the upgrade.


    Skill fractals were somewhat rigid in most cases, where you couldnt just redraw them as you wanted like you could do with pathways. But if you cut off a skill fractal from your pathwork you could temporarily extract it from your body, at which point the fractal would turn malleable for a limited duration.


    That way you could perform the changes you needed to perform to take the skill from F-grade to E-grade. The arrays that Zac had purchased back in the Twilight Harbor helped with this exact process, both providing suggestions and prolonging the duration that the skill fractal could stay out of the body without taking too much damage.


    A skilled hand could use that window of time to also make changes to make the skill better fit your needs and pathways. That meant you could walk away with a skill that was not only a grade higher, but you could even get a skill that was higher quality and better suited to your path. But conversely, if youcked proficiency and understanding, you could mess up so much that the skill was degraded to a lower-quality skill.


    Or even destroy the skill fractal altogether.


    Seeing as more than half of Zacs skills already were peak quality thanks to getting an Epic ss at F-grade, it also meant that there was pretty only one way to go; down. So, the most important thing for him was to gain an understanding of the process and gain enough proficiency that he could evolve the skill to the point that he could evolve them without them going from peak to high quality.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac had already read through a lot of materials on the subject, but it was still eye-opening to get ess to the knowledge of a High-grade Monarch. A lot of the information he had gathered until this point was broad and only scratched the surface, but Catheya had given him a set of crystals that covered tens of thousands of different patterns, and how to properly upgrade them without losing efficacy on the upgrade.


    After just three weeks Zac had already managed to form preliminary schematics for most of his skills, barring the moreplex skill fractals between his two sses. There were no guarantees, but he felt like he was ready to start putting theory to practice as soon as he had upgraded his Daos and gained some better understanding.


    Next was the general knowledge of necromancy. Zac already knew some parts, but he still learned a lot over the following two weeks. For example, Zac had assumed that all turned cultivators restarted at level one because of his experience, but that wasnt actually the case. Revenants naturally lost around one grade upon being turned, but that could be reduced by locking some of the energy inside the body quickly after killing them.


    Conversely, you could actually make the bodies lose even more if you wanted to retrain the follower from the ground up. For example, getting the level-kill titles were a lot easier for low-leveled cultivators. The easiest way to do this was to ce drainage arrays on the corpse that worked a lot like the one that almost killed Catheya before. Unfortunately, progress on this front wasn''t quite as smooth as it was for his skill upgrades.


    I know I called you a meathead, but this is ridiculous! Catheya said one day as she looked at Zacs array, which more looked like a series of squiggly lines. How are you this bad at energy control? Youre a pureblood!"


    You know my situation," Zac sighed as he shook the <strong>[Stone of Hope] </strong>in front of Catheya.


    "Oh, right," Catheya said as she thought things over. "Well, I guess you technically don''t need to make these arrays yourself. But you would be reliant on an array master to properly perform the arts. But if you get to that point, you might as well hand over the whole process to a subordinate, you know?"


    "Yeah, I guess," Zac sighed. "Let''s go back to the skill fractals."


    The lessons kept going for another week, at which point Zac felt the vessel slow down. A minuteter Qirai entered the study he and Catheya used.


    "We''re almost there. I think we should go the final bit on foot," the Titan said.


    "How is Varo?" Catheya asked.


    "Still unconscious," Qirai said with a grimace.


    "Alright," Catheya said, looking a bit downcast before she turned to Zac. "You can''t carry him in that coffin of yours, right?"


    "Not if you want him to evere out again," Zac wryly smiled.


    "Alright. Well, we can''t leave him here. Qirai, you''ll fashion the casket into a backpack like Mr. ck''s. Make it so that it''s quickly detachable in case of battle," Catheya said. "We''ll bring him with us that way. Harvesting the Pearls will take a week or two. Hopefully, he''ll wake up in time."

 Chapter 718: Hollowtongue Mountains

    Chapter 718: Hollowtongue Mountains


    So this is the ce? Zac asked as he dragged his axe out of the head of the corpse.


    They were currently at a depth of over three thousand meters, gazing at a submerged mountain range. It reminded Zac a bit of Earth back home, in the sense that it looked like this particr mountain had been dropped in the middle of nowhere through randomization. The seabed he stood on was made from the same golden-green sand as the rest of the Twilight Ocean, but the mountain in front of them was wrought from somepletely different material.


    It was neither the white or golden often synonymous with life, and neither did it have the murky hues of death. It was rather a deep blue, and Zac didnt feel like the area leaned toward either life or death. Yet it was undeniable that the energy in the area was the strongest they had encountered so far, like there was a Nexus Vein hiding beneath the mountain in front of them.


    This could be both a good and a bad thing. Good in the sense that it probably meant there were a lot of valuable things growing in this ce, a chance to pocket some valuables. Bad in the sense that the mountain was huge, and missing it was pretty hard. They had already spotted three parties in short order, one of which had tried to take them out only to find themselves outmatched.


    It wasnt really thanks to Catheya or Qirai, though they had fought valiantly. It was he who had singlehandedly taken out more than half of the other group in a furious offense. Even in these conditions, he waspletely fine, though he started to suspect that his cheat-like advantage had a best-before date.


    His death-attuned ocean was fast filling up with the truths hidden in the Twilight Energy. In three months or so itd reach saturation, perhaps even sooner if he kept going further toward the heart of the Twilight Ocean.


    There was still the life-attuned half of his mind that had barely gained any improvements so far, but it was obvious that he would reach a limit long before the trial was over unless he stayed a Draugr the whole time. But for now, the situation gave him a huge advantage against the otherpetitors in the Mystic Realm.


    Elites who would normally put up a tough fight got steamrolled as they could barely exhibit half of their strength.


    Whats the matter with you? Catheya sighed as she looked down at the corpses strewn around Zac, though Qirai looked a lot more appreciative.


    The titan nodded with respect toward Zac as she handed her mistress the corpse of the cultivator she took out. Her demeanor in general had taken aplete turn since he and Catheya had returned from the underworld. Catheya had briefly gone over the events, though they had obviously been severely modified to protect his hidden identity.


    Still, the fact that Zac had not only saved Qirais master a few times, but also singlehandedly taken out a powerful squad in an adverse situation, was all she needed to open up. They hadnt spoken much on the way here considering Zac had been busy with his studies and Qirai with steering the vessel and keeping a lookout for enemies, but she had often came by offering some liquor during their free time.


    Almost two months Ive spent teaching you the basics of internment and necromancy. Whats the first rule? Catheya continued as she stowed away Qirais and her own corpse.


    Dont destroy the heads, Zac said with a roll of his eyes. There were seven of them, and they were pretty strong. Not much of a choice. If you always worry more about their bodies than taking enemies out as quickly and cleanly as possible, youll sooner orter get yourself killed.


    Well, I guess youre right in a sense. And to answer your question; yes, this should be the ce, Catheya nodded as she turned toward the sapphire-hued peaks. This is the Hollowtongue Mountains, and the pearls are supposed to be hidden in a valley here.


    Hollowtongue? Pretty weird name, Zac muttered. And how hidden can the valley be in the middle of an ocean? Cant we just swim up to the surface and look around?


    First of all, thatd make us a target for others staying within this mountain range. Secondly, this whole mountain is a natural formation. You cant enter it from above, you need to go through one of the formation eyes, Catheya exined.


    What happens if you try to cheat? Zac asked curiously as he tried to find any clues of the formation she was talking about.


    If youre lucky, youll just get trapped or thrown out. If unlucky, youll be led to a death zone, Qirai said as she scratched her stomachzily. Its the same with a lot of ces like this. Unless you have the means to see through the natural formation or the power to force your way through, you better avoid messing around.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Passing through by skill is absolutely impossible considering your talent for arrays, Catheya added with a wink. Also, natural formations contain the power of nature itself, they are much harder to break open than a manufactured array.


    So your map was essentially just to lead us to a well-known mountain range? Zac asked with a raised brow. Ive even read about this ce in my public information packet.


    Well, first of all, the pearls appear at different spots, if they appear at all during a trial. Knowing they could be found in these mountains is a huge advantage. There are hundreds of ces like this out there, along with endless stretches of nothingness, Catheya said. Secondly, I will be able to find the general direction we need to move in. For now, let''s go inside. Our battle might have drawn some attention.


    Zac took out his information packet to brush up as they swam toward one of the valleys that apparently acted as an entrance to the mountain range, but there wasnt really much to go by. Ns package didnt contain anything about this ce, but another missive had a short excerpt.


    The Hollowtongue Mountains were named after a specific beast that lived inrge numbers in the caverns and trenches below the surface. They had tongues with stingers that contained extremely condensed Twilight Energy, which was essentially a poison to humans and the undead alike. It also mentioned that the whole ce was a huge confusion array just like Catheya said, and that it was almost useless to simply trust your eyes.


    Furthermore, the mountain range was subtly rearranged between each trial, so preparing maps beforehand was futile. Everything was up to chance unless you had some means to traverse the mountain range, which it thankfully looked like Catheya had.


    The deal still holds. Well harvest pearls for a week before we leave. Remember, the pearls start losing efficacy after a month, and it will take a while to absorb each. Youll probably want to find a secluded spot as quickly as possible, Catheya said as she took out an astrbe that looked a lot like the one she used to find her way in the tunnels a few months back.


    What about me? Zac asked as he looked up at astrbe. You have that thing, but how will I get out of here afterward if it''s a big confusion array? What if Im stuck in here for three full years? I have other things on my te.


    We had a few simple sparepasses, Catheya slowly said with an odd expression. But it turns out we sort of lost them when Varo was attacked.


    Thepasses arent very rare though, Qirai quickly said when she saw Zac eye Catheyas astrbe. Well probably stumble into some people on the way, and we can pick up apass from them. In fact, these people we fought might have one.


    Even without, its not too difficult to leave, Catheya added with a smile. You just need to stay in the valleys rather than mountain tops and travel toward what looks like the exit. Youll run into a few dead ends, but youll be out within a week or two.


    Thats fine then, Zac nodded as he started scanning the Cosmos Sacks of the fallen ambushers.


    Unfortunately, there wasnt anything like that in the four sacks he rummaged through. He did however gain over 80 Twilight Fruits in one go. It really started to be clear that killing was the most efficient method of harvesting these things. He had only gotten his hands on 30 or so through his own efforts while gaining more than ten times that number through kills.


    In fact, the early and middle reaches were probably starting to get cleaned out by this point. If you wanted to harvest more the normal way, youd have to enter the inner reaches where fewer cultivators roamed.


    He was out of luck in his haul, but Catheya fared better, perhaps since she had targeted the leader. She threw over a woodenpass toward Zac with a smile. Here you go. Now you dont need to look at me with such scary eyes. This thing is not as nice as mine, but it is easy to use. If you reach a crossing, the markers will point along the energy flow. If you want to leave, go in the opposite direction.


    Great, Zac smiled as he fiddled with thepass a bit before he stowed it away.


    The group entered the mountain range, and they didnt even get the chance to move for more than a few minutes before a school of piranha-like fish shot toward them from what looked like a crystal beehive. Catheya tried to freeze them all, but they actually bit their way through the ice block.


    Zac immediately activated <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>, shrouding the area in a corrosive haze to take care of the frenzied beasts but he was shocked to find the little things scuttling through the ck waters barely affected. They were barely phased as they swam straight toward their group, though a few wraiths appeared and took out a good chunk of them in a few wide swings.


    Persistent bastards, Qirai grunted as she released a mighty punch that contracted space itself.


    Hundreds of piranhas were instantly crushed, and the rest were slowly whittled down over the next minute. Eventually, the whole area was filled with thousands of mangled carcasses. The toothy beats werent very strong, but they possessed durability that far exceeded expectations. Their bite was quite powerful as well, and even Zac had a few marks that bled some ichor.


    It was the same with Qirai, while Catheya didnt even dare to get bit by the things. She had enclosed herself in a frosty barrier while sending out icicles from within.


    Are these the Hollowtongues? Zac asked he held the frenzied little fish in his hand, trying to see inside its maw.


    No, Catheya said with a shake of her head as she swam over to the beehive. Just some local wildlife. You should prepare yourself. We have mostly traveled inside a submersible over the past months. The beasts well encounter from here on out will be far more powerfulpared to the ones who lived by the shores of the starting continent.


    She formed an icy de and cut the whole thing off from the mountain wall it was attached to, prompting Zac to look over curiously.


    "These guys don''t seem very ptable, but I could smell some roe from inside. It seems pretty delicious," Catheya exined.


    I didn''t take you for a foodie," Zacmented.


    "What''s the use of great longevity if you don''t fill the years with interesting things?" Catheyaughed. "It wasn''t that long since I gained the ability to eat, there are all kinds of things I haven''t had the opportunity to try out yet."


    With Qirai carrying the still-unconscious Varo on her back, the trio continued, and Zac quickly becamepletely lost. The natural formation was clearly messing with his senses, and it felt like the mountains werepletely foreign to him when looking back. It was lucky he had found thepass in such a timely manner.


    Catheya didnt seem to be thrown by the formation though, and they only asionally stopped for her to find the direction with her astrbe. They did also have to hide or detour a few times to avoid nearby groups. It wasnt really that they were afraid, but they were all far more interested in the Life-Death Pearls at the moment.


    There would be plenty of time for looting and piging after they had made their Dao breakthroughs.


    The state of the mountain range also filled them with some urgency. They passed spiritual trees now and then, including those which grew Twilight Fruits, but they had all been plucked clean. Some cultivators had probably rushed this ce and plucked the whole mountain range clean of any easy-to-harvest treasures.


    The Life-Death pearls were supposedly in a very hard-to-find spot, but no one wanted to take any detours after seeing how they were a bitte to the party already. Eventually, Catheya turned and started swimming up along a mountain peak.


    "Follow close, we''ll pass through the formation here," Catheya exined as she turned to Zac. "Can you connect us?"


    "I thought we weren''t supposed to climb the peaks?" Zac asked as he sent out two chains toward both Catheya and Qirai.


    "We have to if we want to reach the valley," Catheya said as she looked at Zac and Qirai. "Just let me drag you two from here on out. Don''t elongate the chains, and don''t expel Miasma. The formation will test you, and if you expend any energy or unleash a skill you will put us in danger."


    Zac nodded, and he soon felt the pull as Catheya pushed herself forward by doing a ssic breaststroke rather than pushing herself forward with Miasma. Suddenly, she simply disappeared, making it look like the chain of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> was cut off two meters ahead. Zac first considered trying to catch up, but he eventually stilled his nerves and stayed his hand.


    After a while the chain turned, and his brows rose when he found himself heading straight toward a sharp piece of rock jutting out from the mountain wall. He gritted his teeth and braced himself, but the spike disappeared as he passed right through it. Things continued like this with one scene recing another, and Zac found himself ramming into everything from illusory thorny bushes torge predatory beasts.


    But after half an hour it all stopped, and Zac spotted Catheya floating right ahead, standing at the entrance of a valley as she yed with the chain of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>. Was this another illusion? Zac looked around for a good minute before he felt he could confirm that this was all real.


    He sighed in relief as he swam over, his nerves pretty frayed after being assaulted by an endless series of illusions for so long. His Danger Sense and powerful soul had ultimately told him that the things he saw were fake, but that knowledge didn''t help much when you stared into the maw of a twenty-meter piranha.


    We made it, Catheya said with a smile as she saw Zac''s approach.


    Only cost us half the crew, Qirai muttered with a sardonic grin as she caught up as well.


    "Well, the core members are still around at least," Catheya sighed before turned to Zac with a spurious smile. "I wasn''t sure you''d be able to sit still for this one. A lone wolf putting his life in the hands of someone else? It''s been hard on you."


    "Well, I figured I was sturdy enough to take a hit or two in case the visions were real," Zac snorted. "So this is the ce? No wonder you said it was safe. You''d need some dumb luck to find this valley without the directions."


    The valley was surrounded by peaks, and the only thing here were dozens of things that looked a lot like oysters spread out with a few hundred meters between them. Each of them was well over a meter wide, making Zac wonder just how big these Life-Death Pearls actually were.


    It''s secluded, but I doubt were the only group looking for this ce. There is no time to waste, Catheya said.


    So how do we harvest these things? Zac asked. I searched high and low for information back in the Twilight Harbor, but I couldnt find anything specific.


    Its not too difficult, Catheya said as she led the group toward the closest oyster. These things continuously feed on the ambient truths of the Twilight Ocean. You need to cut off its head and then quickly infuse it with your Dao. This will trick it that it''s evolving rather than dying, and it will condense all its insights into a pearl that is somewhat simr in function to a Beast Core."


    Can you infuse it with any Dao? Like my Axe Dao? Zac asked curiously. "And are there any differences to the quality of the pearls depending on the Dao you use?"


    No. Your Dao is just there to trigger the process. The only benefit of a powerful Dao is that the pearl formation bes a bit quicker, Catheya said with a shake of her head. And the Daos you use have to be rted to Life or Death for these nts to be tricked. No one has managed to find any other Dao-type that works. Mixed-meaning Daos from different branches are fine as long as Life and Death take a major role, but nothing else."

 Chapter 719: Mixed Meanings

    Chapter 719: Mixed Meanings


    Mixed Dao works, huh, Zac muttered as he looked out across the valley.


    His vision had been broadened quite a bit over the past 40-odd days he had been under the tutge of Catheya. The focus had been on skills and necromancy, but everything was interconnected when it came to cultivation. Catheya simply had a much broader vantageing from a powerful n in a massive empire, in addition to having a Monarch to personally guide her. The basic understanding that formed the foundation of her lessons contained as much new information as the lessons themselves.


    They had touched upon the system of Daos a bit as well when talking about upgrading skills. Thest time he got some sort of rundown into how Daos were interrted was all the way back when he met Anzonil during the hunt. He had gathered a few more missives since then, but they were just things that were publicly shared in a frontier sector. They were nothingpared to the information crystals Catheya got from her master.


    The biggest shock was that Chaos actually wasnt the sole Supreme Dao.


    That simple fact hadpletely thrown his worldview for a spin. As Zac understood it before, Creation and Oblivion were the peak Daos, with the unattainable Chaos on the top. This was the pure path he thought, with other all Daos subservient. The Dao of Chaos was definitely a top-tier Dao, but it was just one of many peaks. There were others just like it.


    For example, the Dao of Axe was not part of either Life or Death it turned out. Zac had thought it a branch of Oblivion, but it was rather part of the Truths of Conflict-grouping along with other weapon Daos. Space and Time belonged to their own groupings as well, as did the elements.


    Furthermore, his particr path leading toward Chaos wasnt part of the Systems domain. Zac had already guessed as much from the Aetherlords talk about broken peaks, that reaching the absolute peak of Creation and Oblivion wasnt possible within Heavens Path. Zac previously thought this created some problems for the Undead Empire, which was so heavily steeped in Death while still being part of the System. After all, Death was a subordinate of Oblivion.


    But it turned out that it wasnt as big a drawback as one could expect. For one, the elemental paths including the Dao of Ice were within Heavens Path, and so were the other two great heritages of the Undead Empire. Furthermore, it was also possible to infuse concepts of one Dao Group into another, where you made one the leader.


    These kinds of Daos were generally called mixed-meaning Daos, and they were different from the fusions that Zac hadpleted until now. First of all, Dao seeds weren''t true Daos of any particr branch, but rather simple concepts that could be added into pretty much any Dao. A real mixed-meaning Dao would appear if he did something like fuse his Fragment of the Bodhi and Fragment of the Coffin into one Dao Branch.


    Catheya didn''t say it outright, but it sounded like this was the path she was walking down. She would take her Dao of Death and Dao of Ice, and fuse the two into the Branch of Deathly Ice or something simr, where her ice insights were the primary. There was an endless number of possiblebinations, such as Branch of the Deathde which was amon fusion of the Fragment of the Sword and various Death-attuned Daos.


    For a while, Zac had been confused a bit about why people would limit themselves with these kinds of Daos rather than pursuing one or multiple pure paths such as himself. After all, there was a clear line from the lowest Dao Sead all the way to the Supreme Dao of Chaos when going down his path.


    Certainly, reaching those heights was beyond difficult, but cultivators should have dreams, right?


    But it turned out that walking a mixed-meaning path had one clear benefit. As long as one of the Daoponents were covered by the System you''d be within the System''s purview, which shielded you from the wrath of the original Heavens. Zac was currently walking away from Heavens Path with his cultivation leading toward Chaos, which put him in the crosshairs for some nasty punishments. This would be a problem that haunted him through all his breakthroughs, unless he changed his ns for his path.


    For example, he had found that he was currently at a crossroads with two of his Daos. He could take the Fragment of the Bodhi either toward the Branches of Life or the Branches of Nature as things stood. The Branches of Nature were within Heavens Path, while Life was not. He could even change his path toward the Buddhist Sangha if he wanted.


    The same was true with Coffin. He could either push it toward Death or Nature due to its features of rot and decay. There were no doubt other directions he could take the Dao Fragment as well, though he didnt have any clear path in mind at the moment. In either case, he wasnt technically on the Boundless Path just yet, which was why Triv was so confused as to why he had attracted tribtion while still early E-grade. It was the next step on his path that would properly ce him onto the Boundless Path, for better or worse.


    All this knowledge didnt really change Zacs ns since he still had the intention to move toward Oblivion and Creation, but it was important to remember how flexible the Grand Dao was. The Dao was not a series of narrow corridors leading toward the same exit, it was an endless sea of truth where you picked what resonated with you to form your path.


    It was simply that some parts of the oceans were uncharted territory, whereas others had already been secured by those that came before. Part of the Dao had been integrated into the System from day one, fueled by the understanding of Emperor Limitless and his followers. Actually, this all tied back to the Apostates as well.


    It was widely believed that each of the Apostates had mastered a Supreme Dao and brought it into the Systems purview. The Apostate of Order had obviously mastered the Dao of Order, but the others werent as obvious. The Beast Progenitor was believed to have added the Dao of Nature, which covered everything from beasts to nts to the seasons themselves.


    The Apostate of Mercy was actually the one who perfected the Elemental Daos. Before then the Daos had still been part of the System, but it had been an iplete heritage. The Apostate of Greed was surprisingly the one who finally brought the Dao of Space into the fold, which made the Mercantile System possible, while also letting the System perform the randomizations and perfected teleportations.


    The only question mark was the First Defier. It was unclear which Dao he helped perfect, if any. His appearance was ultimately so long ago that it was impossible to really confirm anything, especially considering his reign had been extremely short-lived by all ounts. Some said ten thousand years, others a millennium. A few even imed he reached the peak within a century.


    Catheya had no idea which was the truth, but she was ultimately just a member of the young generation. There were tons of things that she didnt know. For example, some still held to the belief that Chaos was the Original Dao, which was why it was impossible to master. Only by cing all the other peaks under the control of the System would there be a chance at grasping it without being reduced to nothingness.


    Not that things like that mattered. He hadnt even pushed all his Fragments to the Peak yet, though this excursion would hopefully remedy that.


    So these things are actually nts? Zac asked skeptically as he looked at therge oyster fifty meters away from them.


    Its a bit of a hybrid, I think, Catheya shrugged. The lines are a bit blurred on some beings. Just look at the treants. In either case, observe.


    She threw out a supreme Miasma Crystal the next moment, and then an icicle that cracked it. Arge haze of Miasma spread out, and the oyster started to shake a bit as it started to rise from the ground. Only then did Zac realize that it was actually attached to a thick thorned stem, and it was this stem that was rising from the ground to get closer to the dense deathly energies.


    Catheya shot a de of ice toward the Life-Death nt the moment it had stopped moving upward, which caused the area to explode with activity. A dozen de-like stalks sprung up from the ground as the oyster started to descend toward the ground. However, Catheya was too quick, and with a sh of ice she had passed the sharp stalks and appeared right next to the nt, and it was cut off in one swift swipe.


    The sharp stalks started to il about erratically, exhibiting power strong enough to take out middle E-grade cultivators with their thrashing. A series of ice barriers sprung up with Catheya as the core, and she ignored the stalks as she ced her hands on the severed stem holding the oyster. A storm of deathly energies burrowed into the nt next as she infused it with her Deathly Dao.


    Help me deal with the stalks, please? Catheya asked, and Zac started to sever them while Qirai gripped them and ripped them apart.


    Soon enough the two stood in front of Catheya who kept infusing the oyster with her Dao. By this point, the oyster had actually started to absorbrge amounts of Twilight Energy from the surroundings, which Zac guessed was the cue that the process of forming the pearl had begun.


    So thats it? Zac asked as he looked at the oyster.


    Thats it, Catheya smiled. The process will take a few hours, and you cant stop feeding it your Dao during that time. Harvesting is simple enough. When the pearl has formed, just crack it open and ce the pearl in a sealed box.


    Theres only three of us here, Zac said as he looked around. How about we split up to speed things up?


    Qirais brows slightly furrowed since that differed from the original n, but Catheya nodded in agreement. Remember, we are gathering for four though, so everyone will have to chip in a bit.


    Thats fine, Zac nodded.


    A quick scan had indicated that the valley held over a hundred oysters, which was better than the average trial. There were more pearls than he would be able to use even if the group consisted of seven members. Now that just four members were remaining, he would probably have to discard most of them in either case. Might as well feed some to Varo, so that he might gain something even while in aa.


    The trio soon spread out, and Zac walked toward a random Life-Death nt some ways away from the other two. Zac didnt bother withing up with some new method, and he simply threw out a crystal as well before cracking it with a pebble. He activated his movement skill as the oyster rose toward the energy, and the world suddenly stopped. A momentter he appeared right before the stem.


    The weird creature didnt even have a chance to react before <strong>[Veruns Bite]</strong> had ripped right through the stem. The ground heaved a bit as the root system below started to rampage from having its head cut off, but the nt never had the chance to extend its weapon-like stalks this time around. Just three of them managed to emerge from the ground, but they were effortlessly cut apart as Zac started to infuse the head with the Fragment of the Coffin.


    The dying Life-Death nt greedily absorbed the energies Zac provided, and Twilight Energy started to surge toward the oyster as well. The swirl of energy was more condensed in his case though, and Zac guessed it was because his Dao Fragment was higherpared to Catheyas. Zac wasnt certain, but he guessed that her Ice-attuned Dao was either High or Peak mastery, while her Death-attuned Dao was at the middle stages.


    The process continued for two more hours, at which point a ripple spread out from the oyster. The ripple was rife with meaning, and Zac knew the pearl had been born. The extremely enticing Dao Fluctuation made Zacs thoughts turn to dozens of avenues for his cultivation, but he pushed down the burgeoning bout of inspiration as he hurried over and urgently ripped apart the shells.


    Inside was a shimmering dark-green pearl norger than the pearls that youd find on a ne back on Earth. He looked at it with greed, and he was a bit surprised to find he wasnt the only one. The coffin on his back shuddered a bit, and he felt an intangible nudge of hunger in his mind, even strongerpared to when<strong> [Loves Bond] </strong>indicated its desire for Twilight Fruits.


    So you want these things as well? Zac muttered. "Well, wait until we have finished gathering them."


    That Alea wanted these pearls wasn''t too surprising after her interest in the Twilight Fruits, and Zac was more than happy to provide. There were more than enough pearls to go around, so it was with gusto Zac stowed the pearl into a jade box he had prepared. The ripples disappeared just a few seconds after the lid was sealed, and Zac found his mind clear once more.


    Zac wanted to immediately harvest another pearl, but he first rested for half an hour as he absorbed two Soul Crystals. The process wasnt as taxing as an all-out fight, but it was more taxing than running the purification array. Half an hour of rest was enough, and Zac soon shot toward the next oyster.


    Half a minuteter, Zac was already infusing the next oyster with his Dao. However, this time infused the fallen nt with the Fragment of the bodhi, though he first made sure that he was performing his experiment out of sight of the other two. Catheya had said that the inspiration came from the nt itself, but he figured his Dao might influence the pearls at least to some extent considering the amount he poured into the thing.


    Two hourster a second pearl was formed, and Zac curiously opened the oyster. A small smile spread across his face as he saw that this particr pearl indeed veered a bit more toward a golden huepared to the darker pearl he harvested before. It also emanated ripples that were slightly more in tune with life than death, which was exactly what he was looking for. Any little advantage was needed with his weird constitution.


    The days passed, and the trio worked without rest as one oyster after another was harvested. Thanks to splitting up it took them just above five days to pick the ce clean.


    You were quite the farmer," Catheyaughed as the three gathered. "It almost felt like your eyes were shining when you harvested these things. How many did you manage to harvest?"


    "Fifty-four," Zac smiled. "What about you two?"


    As I expected, Catheya nodded. I got 36, Qirai actually got 34. Altogether it''s 124, and 31 pearls each ording to our agreement."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I have a proposition," Zac said, drawing an interested nce from Catheya. "I am willing to buy every pearl you don''t need. Ten D-grade Nexus Coin each."


    "Are you nning on selling them?" Catheya asked with a raised brow. "They''ll onlyst a month or so, even when sealed."


    "I have other uses for them," Zac shrugged.


    Qirai clearly looked interested in making the deal, almost to the point of salivating, and Catheya slowly nodded as well. "How about we keep 15 pearls each, and sell the rest to you? That way we have a few extra in case we absorb them quicker than expected. How does that sound?"


    "Perfect," Zac said and transferred 480 D-Grade Nexus Coins.


    Your means once again leave me in both awe and despair," Catheya smiled. "Well, things turned out a bit hectic than I anticipated, but overall the mission was a sess. What are your ns now?


    Ill find somece to seclude myself for a while, Zac said. "This trial is a bit more dangerous than I expected, so I''ll need to make some breakthroughs before continuing alone."


    He had wanted to do this for a while now, and not only for the pearls he had finally got his hands on. The small hidden wounds in his body from his first node-breaking rally were pretty much fixed after these three long months, which meant he would be able toplete his second round of node-breaking. Zac didnt know how long he had before his immunity or umted toxicity became a problem, but he felt he should be able to gain at least a handful of levels in this round.


    So between a few levels and potential Dao Breakthroughs, the power boost he stood to gain was tremendous. And that was something he desperately needed considering where he was heading next.

 Chapter 720: Seclusion

    Chapter 720: Seclusion


    Alright, Catheya nodded, not looking surprised in the slightest that Zac would head off on his way now that the pearls were collected. Ill take you out of this ce before we find our own paths.


    The descent from the mountain was just as nerve-wracking as the ascent, but thirty minutester they stood in a secluded spot down by the foot of a mountain, covered by five-meter tall corals and Catheyas arrays in case any group of trial takers was lurking nearby.


    Remember toe look for me before this thing is over, Catheya said as she handed Zac a crystal and a sack of herbs. This is a method to gain even more from the pearls than just eating them as is. And try to not do anything crazy after this, alright? No causing trouble that will cause ripples on the outside.


    Of course, Zac smiled. Im not crazy.


    Well, you seem to have a penchant for trouble, Catheya said with a pointed look, which made Zac scratch his chin with some embarrassment.


    Well, Ill be careful. I will find you in a year or so unless Ive found some opportunity thatll dy me, Zac promised.


    Ill look for the ces you wanted, Catheya nodded in return.


    Zac swam away a momentter, heading for one of the pathways away from their current spot. A look back showed that Catheya and Qirai soon started moving toward another. There was no time to lose considering the pearls onlysted so long, but he had to find a good spot to seclude himself. Zac made good time as he swam through the valleys, and he didnt stop for three hours as he made his way forward with the help of hispass.


    However, Zac didn''t head back in the direction they came from, but rather the opposite. He was nning on passing straight through the mountain range on the way to the inner parts of the ocean, finding a cultivation cave on the way. Eventually, he found what he was looking for; a small crack in the rock which released air bubbles.


    Zac hid in a dense patch of bushes as he activated his movement skill. Two secondster the world shifted into one of death and he shed forward toward the crack. The intangible form of <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong> had its benefits, and he effortlessly squeezed through the path that normally wouldnt even fit his hand.


    The tunnel kept going for thousands of meters into the depths without widening, but just as Zac started to consider turning back, he found himself in arge cave that was mostly filled with air. The ce was roughly one hundred meters across and a bit reminiscent of his cultivation cave back home, except thend was on a ledge five meters above the waters.


    The Twilight Ocean formed a small subterranean river that just passed by below the ledge and left through another crack on the other side. The walls and ceiling were covered with the same sort of moss that had dried out the tunnels beneath the Living Pulse. There was also a lone mysterious flower that grew on the edge of the ledge; and Zac could soon match it with <strong>[Palvae Granulosa]</strong>, a medicinal nt used in top-quality race-upgrading medicinal baths.


    It was a peak E-grade nt, and each one of its 20-some leaves was worth upwards of 5,000 E-grade Nexus Coins. It wasnt a bad haul, though not something that mattered all-too-much to Zac. It did spread a nice aroma in the small cave though, and Zac decided to leave it for now.


    First thing first; he needed to turn this ce into a cultivation cave. He swam beneath the waters again swiftly sealed both the inlet and outlet to the river both with arrays and by physically filling them with stones. It would turn the fresh water in the small river stagnant in a few months, but it didnt really matter.


    Zac secondly added ayer of istion arrays to the cave. He was over a thousand meters below the valley, but there were perhaps more tunnels in the mountain above. This way he waspletely shut off from the rest of the world, and he would be able to work on his cultivation in peace.


    He cleared out a patch of moss and ced down his new prayer mat before he took out two boxes. One of them held the death-attuned pearls he had purchased from Catheya and Qirai, and the other held the Death-attuned pearls he generated with the help of the Fragment of the Coffin. The coffin on his back was veritably vibrating by this point, Zac took out one pearl from each box.


    It thankfully didnt look like <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> cared about what it was fed as it opened its casket by a small degree. Zac threw one purchased pearl after another inside until he had thrown a full thirty of them into the shrouded insides. That was three times more than what most cultivators managed to absorb, and he realized was lucky that he had purchased a set of spares.


    The lid snapped shut after swallowing the thirtieth pearl, and Zac sensed that the coffin had entered some sort of hibernation on his back. He would probably be able to use it in a pinch, but he preferred not to disturb Alea. Instead, he focused on the second box as he took out a set of tools. He essentially had gathered base items for over twenty professions over his years of fighting, including a few alchemy sets, he took out arge pestle from one of these sets before he poured ten pearls into it in one go.


    Zac was almost dragged into a bout of inspiration from the sounds as the small pearls shed together in the bowl, and the air was beset by such pure Dao fluctuations that he could discern small runes appearing and disappearing in turn. However, they suddenly disappeared as a set of runes lit up along the pestles rim. It was an istion array that would trap the medicinal properties of the items being processed, and it helped Zac snap back to reality as he started to work the materials.


    He followed the instructions in Catheyas crystal, quickly grinding the pearls and a few dried herbs into a fine dust. However, he looked down at thepound with hesitation when he was done, and he eventually added ten more pearls. Twenty pearls was overkill, potentially harmful for most cultivators, but his body had always been greedy. He didnt want to sit down and refine another brew mid-epiphany because he made a too small a dose.


    The next step said to simply pour thepound in a liquid of your choice, but Zac had the capability to be a bit extravagant at this point. He took out a Dao Fruit and turned it into a mush that he mixed with the powder and added some water, turning it into a proper Dao Smoothie.


    The brew looked like a blueberry shake filled with gold kes that swirled around inside, and it both smelled and looked delectable. Wasting no time, Zac downed the brew straight from the pestle as to not let any of the efficacy escape. He immediately closed his eyes, and he focused on the Dao Avatar in his mind.


    He had thought long and hard on the route he should take with his Fragment of the Coffin over the past years, and he had made tons of revisions over thest half year he had spent in his Draugr form. Half of the origin of his Dao Fragment origin was Hardness, something that probably was once meant to be the Fragment of the Shield for his Undying Bulwark-ss.


    That didnt mean the insights he had gathered were useless though, and that they couldnt remain as a part of his path. He just needed to find a way to properly incorporate the concept into his path, and he felt like he had found the answer during his battle with Yanub Mettleleaf.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Death was the ultimate barrier that most cultivators dreamed of breaking past on their road to Eternity. But fight as they might, it was immutable and intractable, fiercely guarding the great beyond. It trapped the living in their slowly decaying bodies, and together with time turned everyone to dust.


    It was inescapable, like unbreakable chains wrapping around the targets.


    Zac barely had time to set the course before he was whisked away as a miraculous wave of understanding shot into his soul. It felt like the crude concoction he had just brewed had formed a clear line ofmunication with the Heavens themselves, and he sensed something vast and unending. It was just like when he glimpsed the corner of the Dao of Heaviness all those years ago, though what flickered in front of him now was on a far grander scale.


    Thousands and thousands of insights had been melded together to form a coherent whole that far surpassed what Zac could grasp. Each part beckoned to him, tantalized him like nymphs luring him into deeper waters. He knew that he could follow the calls and meld with the nearby insights, and he would emerge stronger for it.


    But that would be to passively take whatever you were given, and that was not his path. He needed to be the one in the drivers seat and his mind searched for the truth that he hoped existed, the part of the Dao of Death he wanted to incorporate into his Fragment of the coffin. He imagined the coffin-lid closing, creating a world of its own.


    There was just the inside and the outside. The world outside the coffin would eventually move on no matter who had been interred, while the insides of the coffin would be a sealed world of its own, one where the outside world held no sway or influence. It was a world of silence and gradual decay, left forever to its own devices.


    Zac held onto his truth, and it gradually matured and filled out as the Heavens themselves filled in the nks. Things that had felt obscure and inscrutable before had be as clear as day thanks to the concoction that had expanded his mind to the size of the cosmos. Time passed, who knows for how long, but Zac eventually woke up and became cognizant of his surroundings again.


    He was surprised to see that the cave had turned into a realm of utter death, with all the moss in the hidden cave having been reduced to various states of decay. The only thing unscathed was the spiritual flower, which rather seemed to have grown a few inches and gained a couple of new leaves.


    A nce at an array showed that he had actually been out of it for seventeen full days, which shocked Zac wide awake. It was a lot longer than he had expected, but his gains werent small either. Some of the efficacy would have been lost from the remaining pearls by this point, but there was not much he could do about it.


    Luckily he had already considered this issue and he had only harvested pearls with the Fragment of the Bodhi by the end, which should have helped keep the freshness to some degree. But before using them he needed to stabilize his mind a bit, so Zac started to absorb energy from some Soul Crystals as he opened his status screen with anticipation.


    <strong>Fragment of the Coffin (Peak): All attributes +40, Endurance +1110, Vitality +650, Intelligence +60, Wisdom +150. Effectiveness of Endurance +20%.</strong>


    There were no real increases to any attributes except Endurance and Vitality from upgrading the Dao Fragment, but Zac wasnt surprised with the result at all. His insights delved into the sealed world of the Coffin, and to some degree the gradual decay in this hidden domain. The aspect of the seal increased the Endurance of the coffin, and both Decay and Regeneration were linked to Vitality.


    He hoped that this evolution would help consolidate the aspect of Hardness better with his path, while also increasing corrosive effect against anything caught within his domain. Most notably, it would hopefully empower the restrictive ability of skills like <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong> and <strong>[Profane Seal]</strong>. He had already prepared the materials to help with a self-guided skill upgrade, but Zac was still leery about taking that step with his defining skills.


    Zac knew the clock was ticking, but he still spent a few more hours consolidating his gains and restored his drained mind. Only when he felt like he was back in top shape did he transform to his human form and mixed a second Dao Smoothie. A momentter he found himself part of the grand cosmos again.


    Unfortunately, he felt the effect wasnt as strong this time around, but he still gained insights and inspiration left and right. For his Fragment of the Bodhi, he knew the path to take as well, though that insight honestly wasnt quite as clearpared to his first one. It was unavoidable, he hadnt experienced much in his human form after setting the course. Meanwhile, he had lived as a Draugr in the Twilight Harbor and the Twilight Ocean for half a year now, encountering all kinds of tribtions.


    During the years he had stayed back on Earth he had mostly pondered on the resilience aspect of the Fragment of the Bodhi or the Dao of Life in general. The ability to keep standing in the face of adversity. However, he felt the insights he had gained in the battle against the Twinruin Bloodstalker was more to his taste, the idea of the ruthless jungle where lives rose and fell like the tides.


    His visions brought him back to the windswept bands, where the consecrated Bodhi had created a kingdom of verdure within its canopy, where life was shielded from the harsh environment outside. However, even in such a paradise were there no such thing as peace. Space was limited, and stalks of grass vied for supremacy against bushels and small trees.


    As the decades passed species came and went, where the weak were culled to give space to the strong. Life was everchanging, and so were all its creations. The great Bodhi could only set the stage, but the nts within would decide the oue and the future. Zac witnessed the seasons pass, but a frown slowly spread across his face.


    Something wascking.


    The vision was rife with meaning, but it also felt hollow, imperfect. He sensed he could breakthrough right now if he so desired by borrowing a bit from the vast tapestry of Life, but he couldn''t guarantee that the result would be perfectly aligned with his path that way. Perhaps it was because of hiscking foundation, perhaps it was because of the reduced efficacy of the second batch of Life-Death Pills.


    He felt himself heading toward a precipice, and he knew he had to make a decision. The next moment he forcibly dragged himself out of the epiphany as a huge vortex erupted in his soul. This wasnt the vortex of his Soul Strengthening Method, but rather the vortex hidden inside his Dao Avatar.


    It was <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> that had finally been released from its shackles, and it greedily swallowed all the lingering medicinal efficacy of his smoothie. Zac noticed that another 11 days had passed, and the remaining pearls were close to going bad. <strong>[Loves Bond] </strong>was still in a state of fugue, so it looked like Alea had eaten her fill just like when Verun got its hands on some nice resources.


    He didnt want to waste the remaining pearls, and he prepared a third and final smoothie, though he didnt waste one of his few remaining Dao treasures on this one. He had actually found three of them from his numerous battles inside the trial so he wasnt out quite just yet, but this smoothie wasnt for the Fragment of the Bodhi.


    A surge of mysterious energies entered his mind as Zac swallowed the concoction, but and it was all swallowed by <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. The node was already filled with his Mental Energy by this point, so he guessed that this extra energy would go toward pushing the Hidden Node toward an evolution.


    The process was slow, and Zac slowly went over the result of his initial session. It was a bit of a let-down that he had not quite managed to get where he wanted to go with this session. But the final Dao Fragment was right at the precipice, just missing the final puzzle piece that would turn an iplete picture into something perfect.


    And Zac wasn''t too worried. His cultivation path was one forged throughbat, and he knew he would have ample chances to fight in his human form soon enough. There were plenty of targets to go around in this ce.

 Chapter 721: Runebinder

    <h4>Chapter 721: Runebinder</h4>


    Zac spent the next few hours stabilizing his mind and getting back to perfect condition. The final snippet to evolve Bodhi still eluded him, and he eventually gave up. He knew all-too-well the Dao couldn��t be forced, especially not for him. Sitting around pondering was all-but-useless with his affinities.


    But he did eventually realize what was responsible for the sense of wrongness in his epiphany. It was rted to the source of his vision.


    The scene of the fighting species beneath the Bodhi tree was just like how he conceptualized how he should fight in his human form. But his Evolutionary Stance was not just Bodhi, it also contained his understanding of the axe. It wasn''t pure, like the Dao of Life he needed to move toward. Meanwhile, the vision he had created for the Fragment of the Coffin was both a proper concept of its own and a link to his Inexorable Stance.


    But he knew he had at least formed a proper framework. The part of his epiphany that worked was based on change. Conversely, his insight into his Death-attuned fragment represented finality. Life and death; Creation and Oblivion.


    His Dao progress hade to a stop, but there were more things to work on. Zac had already spent close to a month in seclusion, but he wasn��t done there. First, he spent three days filling up his still-empty nodes on his Human side, pushing his level to 109 with the help of a stack of Supreme Nexus Crystals and the energy that his [Void Heart] kept spitting out as it purified the Twilight Energy.


    Only then did he swap back to his undead form and took out another set of [Aethergate Pills].


    The odd sense of damage and weakness was all gone by now, which should allow him to go for a few levels. A surge of energy entered his body as he swallowed one of the pills, but he frowned and threw one more pill into his mouth as he felt thecking energy that shot toward his node. The damage was gone and the umted Pill Toxicity was within what was eptable, but he was starting to build up an immunity to the [Aethergate Pills].


    Thankfully he had a backup n, and he eventually swapped to his human form after having broken open two nodes with [Aethergate Pills]. One pill had almost opened three nodes the first time around, but these two nodes alone had forced him to take seven pills. The supreme leveling pills weren��t usable in his human form, but that was fine by Zac as he took out another iid box.


    Inside were the best leveling pills that the attendant could get her hands on, and Zac felt a powerful surge in his body after swallowing the shimmering amber-colored pill. The pills were not as potent as the [Aethergate Pills], but they had a greater effect when considering the immunity he had built up toward those specific pills.


    He once more entered the slow but steady cycle of gaining levels and filling nodes with Supreme Crystals, but Zac sighed and stopped after he had forced open five nodes in total. The result wasn��t as good as back in the Twilight Harbor, but the damage to his body was almost at the same level since each node was harder to break open than the one before. Besides, both his immunity and umted Pill Toxicity would be a problem if he went any further.


    His [Purity of the Void] was fast at work, but much of its efforts went into expelling the invasive energies from his body, leaving most of the umted Pill Toxicity untouched. Zac couldn��t be sure, but he probably wouldn''t be able to gain any levels this way again inside the Twilight Ocean unless he found some opportunity that cleansed his body like theva bath did.


    Until then, he would have to do things the old-fashioned way.


    The [Chainbreaking Pills] were still waiting to be tested, as was the [Stone of Hope]. Hopefully, he��d get the opportunity to try those things as soon as the imperceptible damage to his foundation had healed. For now, Zac spent another week filling up his levels with the help of Supreme Miasma Crystals on his undead side until both sides were maxed out.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    114


    ss


    [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion


    Race


    [D] Draugr - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Monarch-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Fragment of the Axe - Peak, Fragment of the Coffin - Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi - High


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    7599 [Increase: 105%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Dexterity


    3406 [Increase: 75%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Endurance


    6019 [Increase: 96%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Vitality


    4558 [Increase: 84%. Efficiency: 228%]


    Intelligence


    1345 [Increase: 69%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Wisdom


    2545 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Luck


    435 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]


    Free Points


    140


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 938 235 n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac looked at the numbers with satisfaction. Just over half a year had passed since the events with his mother, but his attributes had essentially increased by 60% since then. Add to that the increasedbat prowess of forming his twobat stances, his improved Daos, and his Dao Braiding, and hisbat power was pretty much doubled.


    Even Heaven��s Chosen would probably be shocked if they heard of such a cultivation speed, and they might even form a heart demon if they learned it was a Mortal who made such strides.


    Dao and levels were dealt with, but there were even more things that Zac wanted to try now that he was alone. Zac allocated his free points into an even split between Strength, and Wisdom before he took out a number of array gs. The added Wisdom was to make up for the fact that histest Dao improvements barely provided any points into Wisdom, and to hopefully help facilitate what he was about to do next.


    It was time to upgrade the first of his skills.


    His mind still held some lingering inspiration after swallowing the Life-Death Pearls, and his understanding of the Dao had taken a step forward. He wanted to use this wave of momentum to make his first manual skill upgrade. He knew there were some risks involved, but he would have to take that step sooner orter. The experience would also allow him to get a practical understanding of the process, and show him where he needed to improve further.


    As for the skill he had decided to evolve, it was [Indomitable]. Mentalists were a lot moremon in this cepared to back in Zecia. Now that he was heading toward the depths of the sector, he wanted to strengthen his Mental Defenses even if his soul was stronger than most people��s. An F-grade Skill ultimately wasn��t enough to block out a Peak E-grade Mentalist��s attack, and he couldn��t trust a series of fortuitous encounters to save him every time he ran into someone like Vri��s predecessor.


    At the same time, it wouldn��t be the end of the world if [Indomitable] lost a bit of its efficacy when reaching E-grade due to Zac��sck of experience in upgrading skills. It shouldn��t be one of the most straightforward evolutions as well since Zac didn��t want to change a single thing with the skill except its grade. It would be much moreplicated to upgrade [Vanguard of Undeath] for example, where he wanted to remove the requirement of a shield to activate the skill.


    Zac lit a set of incense as he sat down in the middle of the [E-grade Fractal Framework Array]. Evolving or modifying a skill could be done in two ways. The first way was to do everything by hand, following one��s own intuition and understanding of a skill. The second way was to use some sort of prepared tools to help facilitate the process.


    The former method was mainly used if you were an extreme talent, or if you had gotten your hands on some sort of treasure that provided you with an epiphany. Thetter was the method used by more than 99% of all cultivators though, and any sect or n would have specific array chambers for that very purpose.


    Zac knew his limitations all-too-well. Freestyling it with his zero affinities and clumsy energy control was essentially to ask for trouble. That��s why he had paid a premium to get the best portable arrays that money could buy. Sess still depended on Zac and his understanding though, so this was essentially a final exam of his studies with Catheya.


    The array hummed to life as Zac sat down in the middle of it and closed his eyes. He focused on the skill fractal in his mind, and he took a steadying breath before he made his move. His soul shuddered as the connectors between the skill fractal and his pathways were all severed in an instant, after which he surrounded the skill with denseyers of Mental Energy.


    This was the first step of a skill evolution, the severing needed to make the patterns malleable. He carefully moved the fractal out of his body and infused it onto an empty disk right in front of him. The disk lit up, and a perfect copy of the skill fractal appeared with aquamarine luster as a hologram above it. Meanwhile, Zac felt a steady drain on his mind as a continuous infusion of Mental Energy was required to keep the fractal stable.


    The circr fractal that made up [Indomitable] contained tens of thousands of miniature patterns that formed a cohesive whole, and Zac marveled as he looked at the design. It was like he was gazing at the patterns on a seashell, but thousands of times moreplex. Some truths were hidden in those fractals, like how mathematical forms hid within the spiral patterns of the shells.


    His mind started to wander, perhaps still a bit affected by the Life-Death Pearls, and Zac hurriedly focused his mind. He had already made a n in his mind based on his years of study along with Catheya��s teachings, and he started to send out tendrils of Mental Energy to manipte the hologram. Meanwhile, he sensed many streams of energy entering the disk that held his actual Skill Fractal.


    This was a bit like those surgery robots on Earth, where Zac would modify the erged hologram as the array made the actual changes to the skill fractal. It did increase the energy expenditure in return for lowering the difficulty, and Zac was more than willing to pay that price.


    What Zac needed to aplish in this process was both easy and difficult. He didn��t need to change any functions, so he simply needed to increase the density of patterns in the skill to allow it to exhibit greater strength. It was just like how engineers fit more and more transistors on microchips back on Earth to increase theirputing power.


    That would turn the skill into an Early E-grade skill, after which the System once more would take charge of the modifications on the pattern when the skill upgraded to middle proficiency and so on. Then again, the better the foundation Zac created, the more functions the System would be able to add. It wouldn��t fix any mistakes of his though. Imperfections by his own making would have to be resolved by himself.


    Zac started the process by redrawing one section of the circr pattern, an area that housed the patterns designed to store energy. These were usually the safest ones to upgrade in the start, and they often helped stabilize the rest of the progress. There were thousands of such interlocked patterns on his skill fractal, and Zac quickly got to work.


    One F-grade storage pattern was turned into nine interlocking ones, where one E-grade core was surrounded by eight supporters. The first transformation took a bit of time, but each change went quicker and quicker until he managed to rece a pattern in just over a second. Rushing the work wasn��t optimal, but there was a time limit on this process.


    He needed to form the evolved skill fractal and reattach it to his pathways before he ran out of steam. Otherwise, he��d cripple the fractal or even lose it altogether.


    The skill fractal kept changing over the next hours, though most of the modifications Zac performed were so fine that they wouldn''t even be recognizable from the distance. He quickly realized that having a n was all well and good, but some issues could only be discovered when in the heat of it. Certain sections upgraded just fine, but small problems kept cropping up when his schematics didn��t hold up in the real world.


    Sometimes it was his instincts that indicated something was wrong. That wasn��t just a blind gut feeling, but rather a dissonance between his Dao understanding and the patterns in front of him. Other times it was his array that was helping him out by pointing out imbnces, feedback loops, or energy leakages through the fractals.


    By themselves, most of these small imperfections wouldn��t be a problem, but they could quickly snowball into something serious that would be nigh-impossible to fix without reworking the whole fractal. This was thankfully where the huge number of practical examples Catheya had shared came in handy, as many of the issues he encountered were well documented. He just needed to slightly modify the skill fractal to amodate these changes, and the array stopped beeping ominously.


    Sometimes he kept going on some section for a while even after the array stopped any warnings. A workable and a perfect pattern were twopletely different things, after all. Zac kept adjusting the patterns and adjusting the bnce between things like defensive runes and Dao-infusion runes until he reached a perfect state.


    As to what perfection was, it was hard to say. It was once more came back to his gut, like how you could get apletely different impression from two different paintings which looked pretty simr on the surface.


    Zac��s vision was starting to be blurry as he slogged on. Even with his unusual amount of mental energy, he was starting to feel hard-pressed to keep up his focus. He tried to lessen the strain with the help of Soul Crystals, but it was only prolonging the inevitable. He was forced to work faster and faster until he almostpletely relied on the Array to make suggestions that were decent rather than perfect.


    A new skill fractal without any obvious fault was eventually born. It looked 90% like the original pattern, but Zac had been forced to add two small sections to the skill fractal that glommed onto its sides. A series of imperfections along with the need to adjust the pattern to his E-grade pathways had forced him to add new sections to retain all the functionality. It looked a bit ugly and it wasn��t perfect, it would get the job done.


    The only downside he could spot was that it would take slightly longer to activate the stronger state of the mental defense skill, and that it would cost slightly more to run.


    He had spent too much time getting each part just right in the beginning, leaving too much work to be done by the end. Zac pressed his hand against the disk holding the actual fractal, and he felt the new-and-improved skill fractal enter his body and move to its previous position. He arduously reattached the fractal through hundreds of small pathways, and he eventually felt his Miasma smoothly running through it without issue.


    A breath of relief escaped from Zac��s lips just as the array powered down. It was a sess, and he quickly opened his Skill Screen to take a look at the result.


    [E] Indomitable - Proficiency: Early. The will of the underworld is intractable, undeterred by the screams of the bound. Upgradeable.


    As expected, the result was the same skill as before, except that it was now E-grade. However, Zac noted with some interest that the vor text had changed from the upgrade. The old text said ��A vanguard of undeath moves forth, undeterred by the whispers of those who wish to impede the crusade.��


    Zac guessed that the vor text was changed to represent how it now was fitted with his Fetters of Destion-ss. The adjustments weren''t enough to turn it into a new skill though, which was fine by him. Fusing the skill had alsoe with another advantage; he had gained a new title.


    [Runebinder: Manually evolve a skill while in E-grade. Reward: Base Attributes +50.]


    Zac had already looked into the matter, and he was pretty relieved when he saw the result. There were various levels of the title, with the worst one being Runebreaker. You��d get that skill if you messed up so badly the skill was degraded to the point to be relegated to a lower tier. There was also Runemaster, the version where you evolved a skill and it actually became stronger than before, like turning a High-quality skill into a peak-quality one.


    Runebinder was right in between, meaning that he had lost some efficacy when adding his modifications, but not to the point that the skill went from a Peak-Quality skill to a High-quality skill. That was actually above expectation for his first try. He just needed to incorporate what he had learned and figure out solutions to the things that confused him during the process, after which he could keep evolving some of the simpler skills.


    In addition to the rune-series of titles, there was an even better version where you created a skill from scratch. If you managed to create a peak-quality skill on your own before reaching D-grade, you��d reportedly get a top-tier title. Zac had to set aside any thoughts of getting that title for now though. He wasn��t confident in even creating a low-quality skill at the moment, let alone a peak-quality one.


    In a perfect world, he would keep upgrading every single one of his skills before setting out, but he felt like the moment had passed. He might have dared to upgrade a few more of the simple ones if his mind had still been in a state of elevated rity. Unfortunately, the energies werepletely processed by now, and he was back to his normal non-enlightened self.


    Besides, he still didn��t feel confident in evolving skills like [Profane Seal] even if he had the liquid courage of the Dao Smoothies. Not only was it a finisher with many interlocking parts which made the pattern far moreplexpared to [Indomitable], but it also contained more than ten times the number of patterns to modify.


    Zac would have to make some major sacrifices in efficacy if he wanted to upgrade the skill with his current aplishments. But his goal was aplished, and it was time to set out. His Soul Sea had been even further augmented during his month-long seclusion, and he needed to set out before it was toote.


    It was time to set course for the Twilight Chasm.

 Chapter 722: Marked for Death

    <h4>Chapter 722: Marked for Death</h4>


    Zac nced at the lonesome nt some distance away, and he eventually decided to let it live out its life. It had apanied him for over a month in this ce, and it had even been marked by his Dao. It felt like a waste to harvest it, and Zac instead turned to therge coffin leaning against the wall.


    [Love''s Bond] hadn��t changed outwardly over the past month, but it felt more corporeal in some way that he couldn��t really exin. He walked over to see if it was done absorbing the pearls, and it shuddered when he ced his hand against the lid. Zac��s eyes widened as two of the chains extended from the holes on the side of their own ord, each of them gently caressing him before they were retracted once more.


    Almost...


    It was just a whisper in his mind and he felt the connection break immediately after, but it made Zac��s heart shudder. It was undeniable; it was Alea��s voice. As for the meaning, he understood it after inspecting the Spirit Tool. It looked like [Love��s Bond] was on the verge of some sort of evolution.


    He still wasn''tpletely certain, but he believed that the Spirit Tool was still just Peak Quality F-grade, where it still could keep up with him with some difficulty. Then again, he had seen how the chains weren''t really powerful enough to restrain warriors like Yanub Mettleleaf, and he wasn''t too sure its skills would much good against the enemies he faced nowadays.


    A proper evolution would let [Love''s Bond] explode with power, but more importantly, such an evolution might actually help heal Alea''s soul. Tool Spirits'' grades were based on the grade of the Spirit Tool, so upgrading [Love''s Bond] would essentially mean a Soul Awakening for the Poison Mistress unless there were some hidden restrictions Zac didn''t know about.


    For now, she was still in a dormant state, though the Spirit Tool had finished its absorption. He equipped the coffin on his back again, filled with a renewed sense of motivation. He didn��t have anything else to feed her at the moment, but the ce where he was heading supposedly had the greatest number of hidden treasures.


    Zac had gone back and forth on whether he should head straight to the Twilight Chasm and get rid of the weird egg, or if he should first travel the inner reaches for a bit in search of opportunities. Eventually, he had decided to go straight for the Chasm. First of all, the hidden brand felt like a sword hanging over his head, and he was extremely eager to get rid of it.


    Secondly, it was a matter of being able to deal with the energies inside the chasm. He could feel that [Void Heart] was approaching its limits in being able to deal with the Twilight Energy this far into the trial, and he needed his soul oceans to pick up some of the ck. If he waited too long, the oceans would already have been filled, and he would have lost part of what made him so resilient against the Twilight Energy.


    Finally, it was a matter of caution when it came to the remnants. Things had gotten out of hand when he absorbed the Shard of Creation, and he was afraid something simr would happen again when he took on the second set. He might even be forced to leave the Twilight Ascent early, which would be a death sentence if the egg was still in his Spatial Ring.


    He didn''t want to wait a moment longer, and he soon shot through the narrow cracks after clearing the blockages to let water once more flow through the cave. Zac didn��t immediately return to his corporeal form upon exiting the nondescript crack though, but he kept speeding away from where he emerged. He didn��t know why, but he had felt a tinge of danger the moment he exited even if he didn��t see anything amiss.


    It was like the pressure of a looming threat, and Zac figured it was because there were cultivators nearby. Spotting him was extremely difficult in his intangible form, but he trusted his instincts in not reappearing right in front of the crack, and he only transformed after having moved thousands of meters away.


    However, his carefulness soon proved futile. He only had time to swim for five minutes before he sensed a number of auras bearing down on him, and he frowned when he realized they seemed to be targeting him specifically. A momentter a group of four cultivators appeared in front of him, all of them clearly part of the same faction judging by their attire.


    Zac��s initial instinct was to escape, but he soon realized that these people��s auras weren��t too oppressive, and he instead adapted a wait-and-see approach. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Finally, you appeared! We were starting to worry you had died in there!�� the girl who looked like the leader said with annoyance. ��You might have avoided our trap, but we''ve hunted far wilier prey than you.��


    Zac frowned as he looked up at the group of four, inwardly wondering what the hell she was talking about. What trap? It sounded like they had spotted him entering the crack in the mountain. Had they set something up right outside to catch him unaware when he emerged? Too bad for them his high Luck made a mockery of most such preparations.


    ��Who are you? What do you want?�� Zac asked as he tried to get a read on the group.


    The girl in the lead emitted an aura of a peak E-grade cultivator with decent umtions, and the rest were not far behind. However, Zac��s attributes were already starting to reach a state where he could match those at the peak E-grade, except the old bottlenecked elites and the Heaven��s Chosen.


    They might think they had the advantage since Zac''s aura was at the same level as their leader''s, but their effectivebat strength should be halved this far into the trial grounds. They might see him as an easy target considering they called him prey, but they were in for a surprise.


    ��What do we want? Money, of course,�� the leaderughed as she projected an image showing Zac��s face as his voice echoed out. The voice recording was from when he bought the [Stone of Hope]. ��Did you think you could spend almost fifty thousand D-grade Nexus Coins and not cause any waves? You might have a Dao Guard outside, but that won��t save you here.��


    Zac��s expression sunk when he saw the image, but he ultimately wasn��t too surprised. The events at the auction had spread far and wide, and he wasn��t surprised some people had discovered his ��real�� name and face. His Arcaz ck-identity had no doubt been added to some information missive listing good candidates to rob during the trial.


    ��This is just perfect,�� Zac said as [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his hand. ��I needed some targets to test a few things out.��


    The leader sneered and was about to retort, but her eyes widened when Zac suddenly was right in front of her, teleported forward by the initiator of [Profane Seal]. They had clearly been ready for battle though, and they instantly spread out the moment Zac made his move. Lucky for him, their thoughts were still on attack than escape, allowing the cage to trap them without issue.


    This ss didn''t have any skill to take them all out in an instant like he did with the Havarok squad, so Zac had instead decided to target the leader with a blitz. The second fractal on [Verun''s Bite] had already lit up, indicating that its cutting force had temporarily been boosted by a great degree, and the area was awash with sanguine luster as Zac swung the axe at the leader.


    A wall of ice appeared to block his strike, but it was cut apart thanks to the terrifying sharpness of a peak mastery Fragment of the Axe. A dozen ice flowers appeared behind the broken wall, but Zac��s attack was inexorable as it wove between them like a specter. Try as she might, she wouldn''t be able to dy the inevitable. The odd movement didn''t look fast, but it had passed through the secondyer of defenses in an instant, striking straight at the ice-mage herself.


    For an instant, it looked like zac hit a crystal statue instead of a cultivator as she transformed through some means, but she was soon returned to flesh and blood as she wasunched through the waters from the impact. Huge jagged wounds covered her body, and her aura was already unsteady from his initial attack. She managed to survive the ambush though, and she desperately fended off four spectral chains as she popped a healing pill.


    Still, a wound like that wasn��t something you��d recover from in a minute or two, and she had gone from the biggest threat to the weakest one in the bunch.


    A deep crack spread on one of the towers of [Profane Seal] as a bulky warrior punched it as a ck mountain hovered above his head, but he didn��t manage to break out before Zac had a chance to release his other attacks. First came [Fields of Despair], followed by [Deathmark], [Vanguard of Undeath], and [Profane Exponents]. Waves after waves of suppression and death spread through the cage, though multiple beacons of life lit up to ward against Zac��syered domains.


    However, Zac had not one but five domains active; three from his skills, his taunting aura making any action difficult, and finally a massive Dao Field from his recently evolved Fragment of the Coffin, which in turn was boosted almost a whole tier by [Spiritual Void]. Perhaps if they had some sort of War Array they��d be able to rip apart his domains like that terrifying treeman, but it didn��t look that way.


    ��Break out!�� the leader shouted as she looked around with trepidation. She had already felt the brunt of his might, and she clearly wanted nothing more to do with him. But how could Zac let theme and go as they pleased?


    He immediately swam toward the man who seemed to possess the greatest pure offensive force, but the two others moved to intercept and give their ally time to break the cage. One of them appeared in a sh, and she stabbed forward, forming ance of condensed lightning. The coffin pygmy behind Zac��s back conjured arge barrier just in time before the crackling spear of light mmed into him.


    The lightning was relentless though, and while its main force was blocked, some tendrils still found their way around the barrier and through the cracks in Zac''s armor. He felt his body getting scorched as he was inundated by a series of powerful lightning bolts. However, Zac��s effective Endurance had actually passed 15,000 if he added in the boost from [Vanguard of Undeath]. It would take a lot more than a secondary st to impede his path.


    The lightning rogue seemed about tounch another attack, but she quickly had to sh away as a ruthless axe almost cut her head clean off. It was a spectral warrior from [Deathmark] who had made a silent entrance, and three more had already appeared close to others and forced them to split their attention.


    The earth-aspected warrior had already received a first deathmark since he chose to forcibly block its strike by petrifying his arm, and his face had turned beet-red in pain because of the corrosive storm that flooded him through the mark. The others rather chose to dodge than to block, the far smarter option of the two.


    Seeing that the target had turned into an arc of lightning to escape the axe, the wraith instead turned its attention to the final warrior who had stopped some distance away. He was currently forming an intricate fiery array that screamed of might, but his progress was stalled as he was forced to conjure barriers to block out both a number of spectral chains from [Profane Seal] along with the ghosts.


    Zac was fast turning into an army of one as the chains of [Love''s Bond] also joined the melee, and [Fields of Despair] provided him with nigh-omniscience inside the cage. It allowed him to be everywhere with his chains, wraiths, and attacks, keeping constant and unrelenting pressure on all four cultivators at once.


    Their initial goal had been to escape his cage, but their efforts had quickly been reduced to a passive state of defending against a ceaseless assault from every direction.


    The fire-aspected Array Master was constantly being interrupted in his work, but he was still desperately setting up what looked to be a massive attack. He needed to go, so Zac barreled toward him instead of chasing the lightning user. The Array Master erected a huge blockade to bar his path, but the barrier didn��t even get a chance to show its might before a blue fire started to eat through it like a corrosive acid. A huge jagged scar appeared in front of Zac��s bardiche from activating [Gorehew] as he closed thest distance.


    A massive spike suddenly appeared out of the void, and it looked extremely reminiscent of the earth punishment of [Nature��s Punishment]. It naturally came from the earthen warrior who had almost managed to destroy [Profane Seal] before. He had already destroyed the axe-wraiths harassing him while taking on another mark, and he now aimed to cause a breach in Zac��s cage with a massive finisher.


    However, just as the spike was about to m into the cracked tower, a pitch-ck haze swallowed it whole, and a wail echoed out as the lightning rogue suddenly found herself impaled on its sharp tip, her blood forming a crackling cloud at the opposite side of the cage.


    The scream caused a slight distraction in the fire-attuned Array Master, and Zac��s five-meter jagged edge empowered with the Fragment of the Axe ripped right through the final barrier before it continued into the body of the man. A fiery rune appeared to protect him, but it was dim and weak, perhaps from Zac��s domains, perhaps because of the Mystic Realm. It just exhausted a small part of Zac��s force before [Gorehew] pushed through and ripped his body into pieces.


    Zac didn��t stop there as he instantly turned into a puff through a bloodline-activated [Abyssal Phase], and the Earth Warrior found himself decapitated before he even had a chance to see who struck him. Zac was only easing his suffering though, as he was slowly dying from the two marks of [Deathmark].


    A third surge of energy entered his body almost at the same time as the earth warrior died. The chains of [Profane Seal] had caught the rogue the moment she was unexpectedly stabbed through Zac''s usage of [Profane Exponents].


    Like most lightning cultivators, her forte was speed, and the moment she was caught a group of axe wraiths had finished her off. They might not have been a match to her outside the Trial, but since Zac wasn''t suppressed in here, then neither were his summons. That left only the half-crippled leader, who desperately struggled to escape.


    A storm of ice spread through the whole arena as she unleashed everything she had in an effort to destroy the cage before it was toote. She was clearly pushing herself as the wounds across her body worsened. Unfortunately for her, the whole area was suffused in the corrosion of [Deathmark], and over half of the ice shards were reduced to nothing before they could even hit anything.


    The rest found their efficacy lowered because of the other restrictions, and many even veered away from hitting the walls, instead turning toward Zac because of the taunting effect of [Vanguard of Undeath]. Still, Zac felt that he would only be able to maintain his cage a bit longer. This was after all a peak E-grade warrior beating on an F-grade skill.


    If not for his recently evolved Dao Fragment it would long have fallen apart between her and the Earth warrior''s attacks. Zac once more activated [Abyssal Phase] with his bloodline and shed over, but he suddenly felt a sharp pain as he was dragged back into his corporeal form with a few wounds.


    It was the ice mage who had unleashed some a second even deadlier storm within twenty meters around her, and it contained enough force to disturb space itself.


    ��I��ll pay! Just let me leave,�� she entreated with despair as she looked at the three unmoving bodies floating behind Zac.


    ��I��m a guy who spent tens of thousands of D-grade coins, remember?�� Zac snorted. ��What need do I have of your ransom?��


    ��You��ll regret this!�� she screamed with madness in her eyes as she shot toward the wall of [Profane Seal].


    The inner storm around her was like a mobile meatgrinder, and it ripped apart the cage in less than a second. However, that small dy had allowed Zac to catch up, and four powerful chains braved the storm and gripped the cultivator tight. Her body emitted sizzling sounds as the corrosion of [Blighted Cut] empowered by his upgraded Fragment of the Coffin rapidly corroded her body, and she screamed in pain as she fiercely struggled to get free.


    Unfortunately for her, she was well and truly stuck, and Zac didn��t waste any time as he activated the finishing function of the skill. Three extremely sharp cuts ripped the leader��s body apart, but just before she died a weird crystal appeared in her hands.


    It looked like a firework had gone off inside the red haze of her blood. Zac quickly dodged a shimmering projectile, but he swore with surprise when it suddenly changed trajectory and shot right toward him. A barrier from [Profane Exponents] appeared to block, but the light actually flew around it like it was a living thing.


    Finally, the light entered Zac��s body as thousands of small crystals shot out and soared across the mountain range, and Zac barely managed to catch one before it flew away. The bloody waters soon cleared, and he saw the head of the leader drift some distance away, her face locked in a twisted visage of reluctance and hatred.


    ��Shit.��


    He had a pretty good idea of what she had done just before losing her life, and infusing some energy into the crystal he caught confirmed it. She had used some sort of Tracking Array, or a Revenge Array as it was sometimes called. It was all-toomon for people to meet their end in Mystic Realms, and most would want to drag their killer with them down to hell as a final act of defiance. This array had marked him, while the shards could be used to find the mark.


    Luckily, the message was short and sinct and didn''t contain any of his secrets. The Elementalist had mostly focused on his wealth. The only mention of his skills was that he used chains and a cage. Zac understood her reasoning all too well. Justice wouldn��t move many of the cultivators hiding in this mountain range, but wealth would. And if she made him out to sound like a Heaven''s Chosen, who would dare attack him?


    Time was of the essence, and Zac looked inward to find the brand with [Spiritual Anchor]. Thankfully it hadn''t managed to blend with his pathways just yet, and he quickly moved to seal it with ayer of Mental Energy and his Dao. He was about to destroy it, but he suddenly stopped as he had an idea.


    He would be able to remove the mark easily enough, but did he really need to? He was still a good distance from the depths of the Mystic Realm, and there shouldn��t be too many peak warriors staying in this area by this point. If there were people ready to kill him for his wealth, why not rob them of theirs?

 Chapter 723: Into the Abyss

    <h4>Chapter 723: Into the Abyss</h4>


    ��Are we really doing this?�� Kurtz frowned as he looked at the small crystal encased inyers of his Mental Energy. ��We saw the fallout ourselves at the auction. He has the protection of a Monarch outside. Besides, you have heard the rumors. Something odd is going on this trial, and a character like this might be involved in the upheavals.��


    ��Our options are limited,�� Havan sighed. ��We have reached an impasse, treading water for three centuries. The offers from the established factions have already dried up. We can��t give up our freedom for a chance at Hegemony any longer even if we wanted.��


    Kurtz and Fath sighed as well. It was true. They had been so full of vigor two hundred years ago, waving off the invitations of ns and sects alike. They had reached the peak of E-grade in just 30 years and already gained renown in the circles of wandering cultivators, what need was there for them to sell their souls? For the next 50 years things were fine, and the trio of childhood friends kept making improvements to shore up their foundations even further.


    Then their progress simply stopped.


    How Kurtz wished he could go back in time and shake some sense into his younger self. There was no shame in joining an established force, to take part in the wisdom of the predecessors. Now they were impossibly stuck at the bottleneck, feeling their momentum drying up.


    It wasn''t inconceivable they''d find the opportunity to take the next step inside the Twilight Ascent, but it was ultimately a long shot. Even if they found the opportunity, it might not be enough for all three. But the opportunity in front of them was different.


    ��This Arcaz ck does definitely have a terrifying background�� He spent over 50,000 D-grade Nexus Coins on that auction. Even if we just get that ne and nothing else, we can reforge our fate by selling it to the Veilplume Monarch after things have died down,�� Havan said. ��I think we can get ten thousand D-grade Nexus Coins from her, more than enough for us to make an earnest attempt at Hegemony.��


    ��And who knows what else he has in his Spatial Ring,�� Fath added, indicating his stance on the matter. ��And I don��t think this will kill our dream, but rather the opposite. We need power to get to that ce.��


    Kurtz took a deep breath, but he soon steeled his resolve. What Fath said was true. Killing a noble Draugr might cause trouble, limiting their chances at making it to the Hearnds. But what about now? Not even the local tyrants were extending invitations at the moment, let alone any of the factions with their roots in the Undead Empire.


    ��Alright,�� Kurtz eventually said as he took out three vials. ��If we do this, we need to go all out.��


    ��You old goat, you still had these?�� Havan blurted, but his eyes shone with delight. ��With this, our chances are even greater.��


    The three immediately turned thought to action and set out through thebyrinthian gullies and canyons of Hollowtongue Mountains. They knew the general direction of the target, but reaching him would still require some effort. As expected, it took almost four hours and a lot of doubling back to close in on him, and that was only because he hadn��t moved since they set out.


    The spot they had reached was a secluded valley, and it had been quite a chore to find a path leading inside. Their target sat on a rock five hundred meters away with arge coffin on his back and a brutal axe in his right hand. His long silver-grey hair swayed in the waters as he calmly looked at Kurtz and hispanions'' approach.


    His features were pristine, and Kurtz could feel a palpable pressure on his soul from all this distance. This was a true pureblood, perhaps even someone from the original line from how the very core of his being felt subdued by his mere gaze. Arcaz ck was nothing like the diluted bloodlines of the local factions.


    Kurz soon enough snapped out of the reverie as he started to analyze the man as an enemybatant. The choice of weapon seemed a bit odd to Kurtz, and not in line with what he expected from a Draugr noble. Perhaps if it was an Izh''Rak Reaver with their predilection toward physical carnage.


    Besides, beastcrafted weaponry wasn��t too popr among their kind since they always held a hint of life. It was possible to transform the Tool Spirits into deathly beast spirits, but the exorbitant cost didn��t justify the benefit. Why all the hassle when you could create a natural death-attuned Tool Spirit by crafting using the right materials from the start? Was it perhaps a quirk of the obscenely wealthy?


    A value of 500-750 soon appeared over the Draugr��s head, which was a bit of a surprise. It was too low for a Dao Branch from what they had gathered, but too high for a Peak Fragment. Did he possess two Death-attuned fragments and was working on fusing them into a singr branch? That would mean he most likely had yet another Dao though since pure death needed to be mixed with something else.


    ''Triple Fragments?'' Fath''s voice echoed out in his mind, echoing his own guess.


    It would put them at a small disadvantage, but three fragments were not necessarily that much stronger than their own dualities. They also had numbers and teamwork on their side. If they met a few yearster, they might have delivered themselves for ughter. But as long as the young master didn��t possess a proper branch, Kurtz felt they still had a good chance to walk away victorious.


    ��Arcaz ck,�� Kurtz greeted as he scanned the secluded valley.


    Judging from what they had learned about the Hollowtongue Mountains so far, there should only be one entrance and exit to a valley like this, unless there was some hidden passage that the Draugr Lordling had found. Arcaz ck was definitely not a fool though. Himing here and not moving for six hours was definitely not him thinking he was in the clear.


    It was an invitation.


    Kurtz wasn��t surprised, and neither were Havan or Fath. It was extremely suspicious that the mark had lingered for a full week as it made its way through the mountains. There was no way they were the first party to follow the call. Even if Arcaz ck didn��t notice anything amiss at first, he should have figured something out soon enough and removed the tracking brand.


    ��So it��s just the three of you?�� the young Draugr said as his eyes moved back and forth between their squad.


    Kurtz felt a shudder as those abyssal orbs. He felt a sense of primordial fear, but also a sense of longing. Those eyes were not only a gate to the endless abyss, they were also windows to the promisednd. The world where Monarchy was just considered the middle-point of cultivation. Where nigh-eternal Autarchs erected divine domains for their followers to gain insights into the Dao.


    Where thetent will of the Primo connected the mortal realms with the Heavens themselves.


    ��We apologize for the impudence,�� Havan sighed as he took out [Trailzer], the ancient Spirit Tool they had found in a Trove 200 years ago. ��For our dreams, we must sin. Your death has the power to transform our fates.��


    ��Many have tried to steal my fate,�� Arcaz grunted as he stood up, the collisions of the chains connected to his coffin echoing through the valley. "None have seeded so far."


    There was nothing else to be said, and the three immediately made their move, centuries of fighting together allowing them to work in perfect harmony. Fath became the eye of a poisonous storm as he activated his [Shroud of Azuza] while Havan��s sword domain spread to cover half the valley. As for Kurtz, he quickly conjured the four markers of [Mindworld], superimposing his restrictive domain on top of Havan��s offensive one.


    However, Kurtz barely had time to realize something was wrong before Arcaz ck appeared right in front of him. Primal fear surged through his veins as a terrifyingly condensed aura was released from the Draugr Lord. But hundreds of near-death experiences had honed Kurtz��s reaction. The moment the young lord appeared, Kurtz was already phasing 300 meters away with [Voidgate].


    Fath and Havan didn��t run from their target though, but they rather pushed forward as Kurtz sent out eighteen array clones from his body, each of them indistinguishable from his real self on the surface. But the clones barely had the chance to move away from his position before a massive construction sprung up around them. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Gates, walls, and miasmic towers. There was even a restrictive rune above in the sky that made Kurtz sink toward the surface. This was a proper fortress, and Kurtz frowned as he looked around at the intricate detail of the skill. This was a true peak skill, not something that people in Twilight Harbor would have ess to. It was a testament to the difference of heritage between them and this young lord.


    ��Don��t panic, we knew about this skill from the beacon,�� Fath��s voice exhorted through the mental link. ��And it should still be unevolved from the looks of it.��


    Kurtz agreed as he took in the skill. The restrictive rune that had appeared over their heads was exquisite, but it ultimatelycked the spirituality of an E-grade skill. It would probably be able to put even middle E-grade warriors under pressure, but it was just a minor inconvenience to them.


    Four spectral chains shot out from the ramparts, but Kurtz simply had them disoriented and shuttling back and forth in search of the true target. In an instant he had managed to lure twelve of the chains, lessening the pressure of the two front-line fighters by arge degree.


    However, he barely had time to set things up before a miasmic haze followed by a cascading wave of darkness spread out, filling the whole cage. Next, a Dao Field put them under far greater pressure than the restrictive rune above their head, and it was only partly countered by their own auras.


    Had their guesses been wrong? The pressure they felt clearly surpassed that of a Peak Fragment, yet it wasn''t at the level of a Dao Branch. A braided Domain? Was such a thing even possible?


    The Dao Field put them under pressure, but the pervasive darkness was even more troublesome; it was a corrosive shroud just like Fath��s [Shroud of Azuza], and a constant strain to deal with. He kept the shroud at bay through activating [Soulwall], prompting a barrier wrought from Miasma and Mental energy to appear around him. The drain he felt from keeping the skill active was pretty high, but definitely manageable.


    An eruption of force caused the ground to shake, and Kurtz could see that Havan hadunched his opening salvo. He and the Draugr Lord stood locked in ce as the aquamarine edge from Havan��s [Swordwail] was locked in ce by a massive jagged edge. The lordling actually used a skill like [Gorehew]?


    It far differed in quality from the other exquisite skills Kurtz had seen so far. It really looked like the Trial had arrived a bit early for the young Lord. Some of his skills were clearly still unevolved, so he must have chosen to buy some temporary skills from a local repository instead of rushing his cultivation.


    Fath was already shooting forward, ance of putrefaction gathering on his hand. Kurtz focused his mind as he activated [Mindworld], trying to drag the young Draugr into a realm of delusions. However, it felt like his mental energy was dropped into a vast ocean when he tried to find the man��s consciousness.


    Was this some odd mental skill? No! It had to be some unique soul tempering method. Kurtz infused more energy into the skill, digging deeper toward the recesses of the man��s mind. But he soon found himself at an impasse. The weird ocean had already robbed his skill of most of his momentum, and then he finally reached a vast. It felt like the fractal stretched from horizon to horizon, vast and free of blemish.


    Peak tier E-grade Mental Defense.


    ��His mental resilience is too great,�� Kurtz swore through their mental link. ��I won��t be able to force him into my mind world in short order.��


    ��Switch to harassment if mind-bending fails,�� Havan said as he applied more pressure.


    Fath reacted instantaneously as well, changing his goal from killing to maiming. It was lucky as well as it looked like the Draugr waspletely impervious to the illusions he was assailed with. Two chains pierced toward Fath with pinpoint precision as the Draugr suddenly exploded with power, shrugging off Havan with pure force alone.


    Kurtz was shocked by the disy of force since he knew that Havan''s effective Strenght was over 17,000 if including his Cultivation Manual. Just how strong was Arcaz ck topletely overpower him like that?


    Kurtz was about to help out, but his defensive barriers were suddenly covered in blue mes, and he felt a great sense of danger that forced him to quickly swap position with an array clone. It was just in time as well as a wraith had appeared from the darkness, cutting straight through the substitute with a ruthless swing.


    He didn''t even have a chance to restart his attempt to assist hispanions before the chains all shot toward him with unerring uracy,pletely ignoring the clones. Suddenly, ance of poison appeared out of a ck shroud, and Kurz instinctively activated his life-saving talisman.


    Thence was clearly Fath''s [Misery''s Edge], one of his strongest skills. Why was Fath attacking him? Had he made a deal with the Draugr somehow? Kurtz''s thoughts were thrown into disarray, but the spear full of pestilence dissipated before it could even reach the thick barrier.


    ''He disced my skillsomehow!'' Fath eximed in Kurtz''s mind, and he slowly nodded in understanding.


    Meanwhile, Havan was taking the brunt of the damage as Arcaz ck waspletely brutalizing him with his axe. He only used two of his chains for support, leaving others to constantly harass Fath, who also had been forced to take out over ten wraiths that kept popping up to attack Kurz''s clones.


    Three gristly wounds were already covering Havan''s body, yet Kurtz found himself unable to provide any real help. Any time he tried to form a sigil in his mind, something was interrupting him. It felt like he was being suffocated by the chains around him, even if he hadn''t even been caught.


    ��He��s too powerful, drink the elixir!�� Havan eximed as he threw out a handful of ancient talismans, causing a massive eruption of rapidly spreading ice.


    Havan scrambled to create some distance while he downed his vial, and both Kurtz and Fath quickly followed suit.


    It was a concoction made by the Technocrat Thaumaturges, and therefore considered banned contraband. But this was no time to worry about such things. Kurtz felt his body burn as his mind exploded with power. He would be bedridden for a month after this, but it was worth it as long as they managed to take this guy out.


    However, just as their auras grew, so did the Draugr. Not only in aura, but even his physique. A shield had appeared in his free hand as a thick ck armor covered his five-meter body. He looked like a true juggernaut, and Kurtz suddenly felt his perception bend a bit as the dark knight crushed the restrictive ice.


    Three of his doppelgangers were suddenly ripped apart, but Kurtz didn''t care as his mind was filled with bloodlust.


    The world turned fuzzy as an eruption of mental energy pushed both chains and wraiths away. Kurtz savored the feeling of power as the [Whisperer of the Depths] was finally allowed to be activated, and a twenty-meter avatar appeared behind his back. Each of his twenty hands formed a sigil of purgation, and the intricate fractal in the sky soon broke apart and was reced by the Sigil of the Depths.


    Fath grew to his ultimate form as well, a five-meter reaper whose dripping toxins were so powerful that space itself corroded, while Havan looked like an apostle of a Sword Saint as four ck wings appeared on his back. The Draugr Lord had firmly takenmand of the tempo since the beginning, but he finally found himself greatly restrained by the supremely powerful suppression of [Whisperer of the Depths].


    He had been pushed down to his knees as his hand moved toward his head, no doubt assailed by an endless number of illusions. But the Draugr disyed a shocking resilience as he started to push back himself back to his feet, and Kurtz felt his grip steadily weakening. Just how strong was this man''s willpower?


    ''He... Breaking through,'' Kurtz exhorted through the mental link, his mind sluggish from the taboo brew.


    Thankfully, both Fath and Havan understood his meaning, and the whole valley shook as they unleashed their power to the fullest, taking advantage of the rapidly closing window of opportunity. The two shot toward Arcaz in a deathly pincer attack, but a sense of wrongness filled Kurtz''s heart as he suddenly sensed a terrifying aura erupt from the Draugr''s body.


    It was death beyond death, destruction of utmost finality, a phenomenon that had no ce appearing in an E-grade trial. Cracks appeared on the helmet of the hulking Draugr as waves of primal destruction emanated from his body. The courage gained from the berserking concoction was instantly quenched, but they all knew they couldn''t stop at this juncture.


    This was the key to Hegemony, the final crossroads that would decide their fate. Ascension or death.


    Pestilence converged with Judgement, and it looked like the Draugr feared Pestilence the most. Every single chain moved to bind the iing reaper, but Kurtz knew such a measure wouldn''t hold Fath for long in his current state. However, his eyes widened in horror as the Draugr narrowly avoided the spear of poison as he mmed a small sphere into Fath''s chest.


    A series of barriers appeared behind the Draugr at the same time as the chains moved to intercept, but Havan destroyed them all to deliver an attack filled with all the force he could muster. Kurtz saw how the terrifying sword radiance created a rift in space itself, but his eyes were trained on Fath, or rather therge space of nothingness where his chest should be.


    He was gone, irrevocably so. Kurtz could sense the destruction of a soul all the way from here, and even his own mind had been damaged from gazing upon that thing. Even odder, he felt his memories fragment and fall apart, and he felt them slip through his fingers to never be seen again.


    One of them had fallen, and they hadn''t managed to aplish the task. Havan''s attack was powerful enough to y a half-step Hegemon, but that didn''t help when the strike actually missed. The Draugr had managed to dy the strike just long enough with his barriers to move out of the way, his right leg dodging the strike with only a centimeter to spare.


    Havan reacted instantaneously though and stabbed [Trailzer] into the Draugr''s chest with a lightning-quick jab. That should have been the end, but Kurtz felt like he had gone mad as he suddenly saw the sword embedded in the Draugr''s body turn into ck ichor. A Spirit Tool had simply disappeared, or been turned into something else?


    How was that possible?


    Kurtz couldn''tprehend what was going on, and Havan looked even more shellshocked after having his oldpanion disappear like that. The waters churned, and Kurtz was beset with grief upon realizing that he was thest one still standing of his squad. He turned to run, but he wasn''t surprised to find the young lord suddenly appearing right in front of him.


    There hadn''t even been the slightest energy fluctuation when the Draugr teleported, but Kurtz didn''t care about that mystery. The Draugr lordling clearly had an array of terrifying means that some frontier cultivators couldn''tprehend. They should have known better, but greed makes fools out of men.


    Kurtz smiled with a mix of destion and release as the darkness weed him.

 Chapter 724: Profiteering

    <h4>Chapter 724: Profiteering</h4>


    Zac grunted as he looked down at the deep wound in his chest and swallowed one of the Dawn-series healing pills along with a soldier pill. Arge ball of hard-to-expel Dao was lodged in the wound, but there was not much he could do about it at the moment because it was time to go. He turned his gaze inward and toward the brand, and with a push of Dao hepleted his preparations and crushed it in one fell swoop.


    Seven days had passed since he was branded, and he had been attacked 11 times. Two of those ambushes Zac had escaped from, four groups had been relieved of their Spatial Treasures before being knocked out and hidden a few meters beneath the soil, and five battles had ended with unteral annihtion.


    He had made a fortune over the past days from looting Cosmos Sacks, including everything from rare herbs to a small mountain of Twilight Fruits. There was, unfortunately, no treasure at the same grade as the Life-Death pearls, but he still had formed three mountains of assorted loot. Even if he didn''t manage to unlock the manuals, the umted value still had to be around 20 to 30 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    That wasn''t really much to the current him, but he knew that he couldn''t turn his nose away from making money like this. He was burning his ''inheritance'' left and right, without any proper channels to recuperate what he spent. Every little thing counted.


    But the real gain had been the great progress he had made on hisbat stance. It was rapidly evolving into something real, where he could already incorporate most of his skills without missing a beat. In contrast, his Evolutionary Stance was still only a basic technique so far that didn''t make use of any of his Skills.


    His Contribution Points and Ladder Position had made a significant jump as well, though most of it came from gaining 25,000 points for evolving his Death-Attuned Dao Fragment. With his other sources of points, he already surpassed most cultivators who had entered with a Dao Branch and only got the 50,000 points to start off with.


    [Arcaz ck �C Contribution: 81,167 Rank: 2,541. Value: 500-750.]


    His points were a bit inted because of the mothertree and the other two locations he helped destroy, but it honestly wasn''t empty strength any longer. Zac knew he was still far from the top tier-powerhouses, but he was confident that he could soundly defeat anyone without a Dao Branch by this point.


    He even felt like Yanub Mettleleaf wasn��t an insurmountable enemy by this point, as long as they met in the deeper parts of the Mystic Realm. After all, he had evolved both Coffin and Axe since they fought, which should make it a lot easier to deal with his powerful regeneration.


    But more than anything, thedder showed just how hard it was to form Dao Branches in the E-grade. Catheya had already said that it required not only extraordinary affinity, but also valuable opportunities, but only now was the point starting toe across. Eleven million, most of them the best of the best in the Twilight Harbor, yet there were probably less than ten thousand people inside the trial with a Dao Branch.


    It was clear that taking that step was exponentially harderpared to forming a Dao Fragment in the E-grade. Seeing such a grim situation, he was once more pretty happy with his weird constitution. The bottlenecks were starting to grow more and more palpable for those around him.


    Forming a Cultivator''s Core without the stability provided by a Dao Branch was extremely difficult from what he''d gathered, so thedder was a poignant reminder of just how few of the trial takers would ever reach Hegemony. Meanwhile, he only needed to make sure he had enough treasures to eat and enough enemies to fight to keep progressing.


    After testing things out over the past days, he could confirm that the lethality of [Deathmark] especially had taken a huge step forward from the Dao upgrade. The passive shroud alone was dangerous to the average peak E-grade cultivators, and it was almost game over if they got branded by a mark.


    The amount of putrefaction that flooded into their bodies was simply too overwhelming, which was onlypounded by the Twilight Energy that was already messing with people''s constitutions.


    Better yet, Zac had not met a single cultivator who had managed to erase the brand within three seconds, which was a lot of time to be subject to the extremely potent toxins. He had also gotten a lot more adept at instructing his wraiths to better integrate them with his Inexorable Stance. They were still a bit simpleminded, but it would probably get better as soon as he managed to upgrade the skill.


    So far any skill evolutions it had eluded him, but he felt he should be getting close based on his experience with [Blighted Cut].


    However, even with his recent powerups, thest four battles had been pretty rough. Two of them he had immediately fled from upon seeing the strength of the party, though he had left them with a small parting gift; a hundred offensive talismans flung in their direction. Activating them all cost almost three-quarters of his Miasma, but the eruption had been a sight to behold.


    The party that attacked him twelve hours ago had been pretty impressive as well. It had been four cultivators from the Yon��Dai Family, one of the thirteen factions on the Twilight Council. They had all been at a power level that surpassed his own, and they both had E-grade Skills and a War array to empower each other.


    If not for the advantage he was given by the Twilight Energy, he would have been in big trouble against that quartet. He had still been forced to use up all three of his healing brands mid-battle, along with most of his Void Energy from [Force of the Void]. Thankfully, the Void Beast organ allowed him to recover the hidden energy storage within a few hours.


    Things had obviously gotten even more pressed in thest battle. The trio of Revenants were decent opponents, and Zac had only nned on robbing them after continuing the duel for a while longer. But things changed because of two reasons; first, that brew that had pushed their strength to a level that surpassed his own while also shaking off most of the effect of the Twilight Energy.


    There was no room to hold back in a situation like that.


    Secondly, his hidden advance array had warned him that arge group was approaching the Valley, perhaps even one of the two armies he had already escaped from once. He had been forced to go all out, using the energy from both his remnants in short session. One of the methods had even been something he had thought up on the spot.


    Warning bells had gone off the moment the sword entered his body, and he knew that a storm of chaotic energies would rip his innards to pieces unless he did something. So he had instinctively forced the Creation Energy into the sword, not even bothering with having some specific goal in mind. Zac had sensed the insipient Tool Spirit being drowned in Creation, falling apart along with the weapon itself.


    However, the cost for that attack had been steep; he had once more lost some of his longevity.


    It looked like the only safe way for him to use the Creation Energy was to use the Mark of Creation. Anything else would drain him of his life force, no matter if it was to heal himself or unleash bursts of wild Creation. It was maybe lucky that he hadn''t really found any way to use the hidden Oblivion Energy in his soul. Perhaps it had a simrly sinister price to be activated freely.


    There was at least some good news as well. It was the first time he used Annihtion Sphere for real since he evolved his Soul, and he could pretty much confirm what he sensed when he was cornered by that Corpselord Hegemon after the Auction. His control over the process had improved considerably thanks to his empowered Mental Energy. Forming the sphere wasn��t really a matter of chance any longer, and he didn��t feel he was at risk of identally annihting a body part or two unless something unexpected happened.


    He was also able to control the amount of stored Oblivion Energy he expelled, though there seemed to be a minimum amount of energy required to reach a critical mass and form an Annihtion Sphere. He had lost roughly a third of his stores, but he didn''t feel too bad about it. He would have needed to expel some of the energy soon enough anyway, to alleviate the mental corruption that came with keeping it all inside.


    The gains were plenty, but it was time to go. The next group would arrive in less than ten minutes, and Zac had no ns to stay around when they arrived. Miasma surged through his body as he started channeling [Abyssal Phase], and he flew into the thin crack he had already discovered. A series of loud explosions erupted behind him, as the Talismans he had triggered blew half the valley to kingdome.


    That chaotic eruption should both mask any lingering energies from his fight, while also making it impossible to figure out where he had gone. Half a minuteter he had passed through half a mountain peak, at which point he stopped and returned to his corporeal form. Zac looked around for any threats before he activated his Specialty Core as the robes on his body changed their design to suit his human side.


    Color returned to his eyes and face a few secondster, and he took off his shoes before he set off again, following the current toward what he hoped was the outer parts of the mountain range.


    There was no way to know whether he had missed something, but he felt he had covered all his bases. His signal should have disappeared in that valley, and he was now tens of thousands of meters away, looking like a human instead. Even if anyone encountered him, they shouldn��t be able to tell he and Arcaz ck were one and the same. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ttering sounds echoed out in the distance, and Zac cracked his neck as he took out [Verun��s Bite] again. He had mostly fought in his Undead Form for almost half a year by now, and it was time to go at it as a human for a while. After all, he couldn��t simply let the insights he gained back in the Big Axe Coliseum fade away as he focused on other aspects of his cultivation.


    His vision was suddenly blocked as a two-meterrge critter appeared seemingly out of nowhere. It was a Hollowtongue, the beast after which the mountains were named. A stinger shot straight toward Zac��s heart, but he was already on the move as [Verun��s Bite] ripped through the waters.


    Zac himself pivoted his body before he pounced with his axe, almost like a beast biting down at his target. Green blood spread through the waters as the axe embedded itself in the odd critter''s head, but he felt a burning pain on his left shoulder. He had underestimated just how agile that tongue was, and he had failed topletely avoid it as he went in for the kill.


    A fiery tsunami of supercondensed Twilight Energy flooded his veins, and the sensation almost made him see double for a moment. Zac had already activated [Innate Ward], but it was no use now that the stinger had already pierced his skin. It did however block out the blood that spread around him, which by itself seemed highly toxic.


    He felt his veins constrict, but his Fragment of the Bodhi quickly came to the rescue as it brought waves of warmth through his body. The toxin was weakened, at which point [Void Heart] pounced. [Purity of the Void] helped against poisons to some degree, but it was already dealing with pill toxins and the Twilight Energy itself.


    A momentter the situation was back under control, except for a red bump where the stinger had pierced his skin.


    The pain was thankfully far from lethal, but he knew that the blood spreading through the tunnel might attract trouble. He pushed his body down to the surface of the tunnel and shed away with [Loamwalker], only appearing a few hundred meters away. It was a weakness of his movement skill in the waters; he actually had to touch the ground to activate the skill.


    He could still do his ��double jump�� in the middle of water though, but it would have to be preceded by a normal step on the ocean bed.


    The ttering sounds grew ever louder as he continued, and Zac knew he had chanced upon a hive. Sure enough, he encountered one Hollowtongue after another until he reached the mouth of arge submerged cavern. It was asrge as ake, and there were hundreds of Hollowtongues swimming about or resting on the cave wall or stgmites.


    Zac looked at the scene for a few seconds, considering what to do next. Most of the beasts didn''t provide any Contribution Points, but there was one that did; a five-meter mutated version that was given a wide berth of the others. It radiated a powerful aura, far beyond the normalte-stage Hollowtongue. It had to hold ate Dao Fragment at least as well since it was actually worth 183 Contribution Points.


    The points were a wee addition, but Zac was more interested in the challenge. A den full of peak E-grade beasts and a powerful alpha seemed like a good ce to continue forging his path. He had made good strides on his Inexorable Stance style so far, and now it was time to start consolidating his Evolutionary Stance.


    Zac estimated it would take between 40 to 60 days to reach the edge of the Twilight Chasm after he exited this mountain range, and he hoped to have shored up his skills before reaching that point. This ce made a great starting point, so Zac swallowed an antidote pill preemptively before he shot into the den.


    Only an hourter did he leave the subterraneanke, covered in scars and pumped full of dangerous amounts of Twilight Energy. Above his head was a small cloud of energy he had been forced to release after killing all those critters. The battles over the past days were more than enough to push his next node to the precipice of breaking open, at which point he had started to release all the energy instead of aiming for another level.


    Forcing open a node just a few days after opening five of them felt a bit too foolhardy even for him.


    Zac made his way through the underground tunnels, following the general direction of one of hispasses, this one an upgraded version he had looted two days ago. It was time to leave the Hollowtongue Mountains.


    Leaving such a wake of death and destruction behind filled him with mixed emotions, but this was ultimately how the road to supremacy looked. If he ever wanted a shot at catching up to Leandra, he needed to be ruthless both against himself and against others. At least he had only targeted the kind of groups who were the same, people who were ready to hunt down people for their loot.


    Perhaps he had even left the Hollowtongue Mountains safer by eradicating these squads for those who just wanted to search for treasures in peace. He knew that he was ultimately just making excuses for himself, but he believed it was fine as long as his Dao Heart was clear as he walked down his path.


    You''ve got to do what you''ve got to do to stay sane in the Multiverse.


    Zac soon emerged from the cave, and he quickly set out toward what should be the outlet of the mountain range, on the opposite side of where he entered. He had slowly made his way across the Hollowtongue Mountains between his fights during the past week, and he estimated that he should be able to leave within half a day. However, he suddenly felt a presence far ahead, prompting him to stop in his tracks.


    It was a squad of eight people, which would be a chore to take out even for him. However, they made no move toward him, and they had clearly exposed themselves intentionally.


    ��Excuse us!�� one of the men shouted, and Zac frowned as he took out an escape talisman just in case.


    ��Please wait! We mean you no harm! We are looking for a Draugr Imperial named Arcaz ck,�� the first man said with a small bow, which made Zac take a second look at the group with confusion. "We are paying well for information and assistance!"


    Zac nkly looked at the group for a few seconds before he waved the leader over with a crooked smile. Why let an opportunity to make both connections and some money slip through his fingers.


    And who knew more about Arcaz ck''s activities than he did?

 Chapter 725: Information Exchange

    <h4>Chapter 725: Information Exchange</h4>


    The group of cultivators was too far away for their bounties to show up, but Zac saw the leader��s bounty as he got closer; 250-500. That was essentially the average of those who managed to reach the Hollowtongue Mountains from what Zac had seen, making the members of the group footsoldiers.


    The man hesitated a bit when he saw Zac��s own value, but he still approached a bit further before he stopped.


    ��You��re looking for that crazy Draugr?�� Zac asked skeptically. ��Sounds like a good way to get yourselves killed.��


    ��We dare not target him ourselves. Many have already fallen, we know that. We are simply looking for him on the orders of Auride Serveris of the Radiant Temple,�� the leader exined.


    ��Oh?�� Zac eximed curiously, and he suddenly remembered one of the fights in the past week.


    It was one of the two groups he had fled from. He had suddenly stumbled upon a group of over twenty cultivators, four of whom wore robes that seemed to be rted to the Radiant Temple. One of the warriors had emitted a very intense aura, and a massive two-handed sword circled his head.


    The small army hadn��t actually made a move on him, but Zac didn��t dare take any chances because of the number of people and the strength of their leaders. He had chucked one of his pre-made talisman balls to set a whole valley on fire while he fled with [Abyssal Phase]. Now it looked like that man was looking for revenge.


    ��He is currently at the 1,533rd spot on the trial, a future powerhouse of the Temple. He is paying handsomely for both clues and tracking marks,�� the leader continued when Zac didn��t immediately speak up.


    That rank might not sound too impressivepared to the rankers, but Zac knew it represented real strength. It was noticeably higher than his own, and Zac had definitely sensed a powerful weapon-rted Dao emanating from that leader''s body, which made sense considering the massive sword.


    ��I got two of those crystals and some second-hand information,�� Zac slowly nodded. ��What is the young Lord willing to pay for that? I am only interested in treasures and Twilight Fruits.��


    ��10 Twilight Fruits per crystal,�� the man said.


    ��Even if the signal has gone out?�� Zac asked with a raised brow.


    ��We don��t know what the young master is nning,�� the cultivator shrugged. ��We can pay five for second-hand information if it''s useful.��


    ��I got close to the signal three days ago, to see if an opportunity would present itself,�� Zac sighed. ��But a massive explosion suddenly erupted. Judging by the energy signatures he should be an Array Master who had set up a trap. The force was much too strong for it to be an attack. Just half a minute after the explosion, the man was over ten thousand meters away. I guess he has high-quality escape talismans to move that quick in the mountains. If you want to trap him, you need to do something to block those kinds of arrays.��


    The man��s face got a bit weird when Zac described the event where his leader got sted to kingdome, but he slowly nodded and took out a normal jute sack and filled it with twenty-five Twilight Fruits. Zac in turn threw over two of the crystals he had snatched the past days, somewhat regretting he couldn��t divulge he actually had 16 of them.


    The two groups left in their own direction soon after, with Zac heading toward the outer reaches of the mountains. The 25 Twilight Fruits was a nice enough bonus, though just a fraction of the almost 600 he had robbed over the past days. What was more important was the information he got from the trade; the Radiant Temple-leader had some method to track him.


    Zac scanned his body over and over with [Spiritual Anchor] over the next ten minutes, but there was really nothing left behind. His second-best guess was that the sword cultivator had some method to reverse-engineer the Revenge Array so that one of these tracking crystals could instead track the other crystals. If that was the case, his location would be lit up considering how many he carried.


    It didn��t hurt to be careful, so Zac took a circuitous route the next few hours and dumped one crystal after another into various powerful currents, allowing them to be dragged back into the depths of the mountain range. With that dealt with, he had washed his hands off the whole situation. Something was brewing in the Hollowtongue Mountains, and he wanted no part of it.


    He kept going through the winding paths for another two days, at which point he finally reached the exit. The towering peaks were eventually reced with jagged boulders, who in turn were reced by a mostly t seabed covered with corals and seagrass.


    Zac didn��t encounter anything of interest over the next week except the asional nt he found with the help of [Forester''s Constitution]. It was obvious he was moving through the same paths as others had traveled before him on the way to the inneryer of the Trial. Any of the real treasures in this area, if there ever were any, had long been harvested by those who had rushed here.


    Eventually, the topography started to change a bit as Zac found the ocean depths slowly decrease until it was just a few hundred meters. At the same time, the ambient energy was steadily increasing as Zac spotted a vast forest in the distance. The trees weren��t of as grotesque proportions as the cork trees over at Cork Ind, but they more than made up for it in number.


    The forest line stretched across the horizon, blocking his whole field of vision as they reached from the ocean floor all the way to above the surface. Zac didn''t immediately enter, but he rather took out his missives, trying to figure out which forest he was dealing with. There were over a dozen sprawling forests in the Twilight Ocean, and a few would be dangerous to enter even for him.


    Some were the homes to massive schools of fish or other beasts, and the hordes were so numerous that even he would find himself harried to death if he wasn''t careful. There was not much to go by though, and Zac found himself at an impasse where he wasn''t sure whether he was better of passing straight through to save time, or to spend a week or two going around.


    Suddenly, a lone figure emerged from the forest line in the distance, swimming straight toward him. It was clearly a cultivator rather than a local beast, and Zac looked over with a small frown that only rxed when she stopped over a thousand meters away from him. The woman sent out a crystal, and it sped through the waters toward him. Zac looked at it suspiciously, considering whether he should destroy it or not, but he soon realized what it was and epted it.


    ��Are you interested in a trade?�� the unknown cultivator asked through themunication crystal.


    ��A trade for what?�� Zac asked curiously. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Judging from your trajectory, I think you took the Life Pulse on the way here, and we could both benefit from updating our mappers as well,�� she said. ��I have also traded and killed until my [Ocean Chart] has reached 2.33%pletion. I have traveled in the outskirts of this forest for a while as well, and I have valuable information.��


    Zac gave it some thought, and he agreed. There was a small risk of giving up good information and getting false information in turn, but the mappers were smart enough to differentiate with first-hand ounts and bought information.


    ��I can do that. My map is 2.46%,�� Zac answered as he engraved a copy on one of his spare mappers.


    Of course, this copy was slightly altered to not make his path in the Hollowtongue Mountainspletely clear. It also didn��t disy the location of the valley with the Life-Death Pearls, or the disjointed external data containing the Volcano and its surrounding features.


    The stranger did the same, and Zac smiled with satisfaction when he saw how his mapper almost doubled. This cultivator had followed another current here and traveled roughly two weeks through the edge of the forest before she reached this ce. Part of it covered the Life Pulse though, and Zac guessed she had traded with someone taking a simr route as himself.


    He quickly scanned the contents, and he slightly sighed after seeing none of the spots that held the Remnants were marked down. He had handed over the task of finding the spots to Catheya, but it would obviously be even better if he managed to find them himself.


    ��Is there anything of note happening where you came from?�� the voice asked.


    ��The mothertree on Cork Ind fell just after I got there, even with Yanub Mettleleaf trying to stop it. It was a real mess,�� Zac said. ��The undead were involved I think. There was also a manhunt for some Draugr called Arcaz ck back in the Hollowtongue Mountains where I just came from, led by the Radiant Temple. The guy is apparently filthy rich, but he survived for a week before disappearing.��


    Zac had already started using his own exploits to make some money, and he saw no reason to stop now. Besides, he had been pretty isted so far and didn��t have much else to contribute.


    ��There were unusual shes along the Silverwind Stream as well,�� the woman sighed. ��A squad of elites from the Havarok Empire annihted a mysterious unit of wandering cultivators. Those cultivators were unknown, but they disyed shocking power. The grandson of a Havarok Marquis actually fell.��


    ��Do you know what they were fighting about?�� Zac asked.


    ��It was on the second major stop of the Silverwind Stream; the Gem Grotto. It sounded like the wandering cultivators tried to blow the whole thing up for some reason,�� the woman said. "The empires are up to something, best to stay out of their way."


    The Gem Grotto was a somewhat popr destination for the lower-tier cultivators, and it was a bit like Divine Grotto he had contaminated. It was essentially a Nexus Crystal Mine like his own mine back home, except it was full of Twilight Crystals. Those crystals were pretty useless for cultivators, but they turned into either Miasma Crystals or Divine Crystals when taken back out, making the cave a steady but limited source of wealth.


    Destroying the whole cave truly made no good sense; it was like setting a mountain of money on fire. The purpose had to be rted to his own mission, proving once more that he was just one of many squads involved in this mess. At least he wouldn''t be involved any longer as soon as he rid himself of that weird egg.


    ��Which forest is this?�� Zac asked next.


    ��It should be the Greengrove Archipgo,�� the woman said as she took out a four-meter eel from her spatial ring. ��This should at least be a Greengrove Eel, and I caught it inside this forest. The appearance of the canopies above surface matches as well.��


    The two kept sharing some information for a few minutes, but there was ultimately only so much to cover. Both were going at it alone, which meant they could only keep to the edge of the big events and more dangerous spots.


    ��Your map was superior, so I��ll give you an additional piece of information. There is a temporary settlement on top of one of the canopies roughly two days from here. I never dared enter myself, but I looked at it from the distance for half a day. People did bothe and go, apparently without issue,�� the woman said, and she disappeared a momentter.


    Zac was pleasantly surprised at the news. Temporary settlements often appeared in trials like this since it was a convenient way for the powerhouses to make some money. Some top tier expert set up shop, using their name and prowess as a guarantee of safety. People could go there to socialize, trade, and exchange intelligence.


    However, Zac could also understand why the woman ultimately never entered. There was always a risk of getting robbed or killed when entering a ce like that, and that risk only increased when you were a lone warrior without any background to rely on. Furthermore, this supposed Dao Trial had a clear ughterponent, which made things even sketchier.


    Still, Zac ultimately chose to head for the encampment.


    One of the main benefits of the ce was themunal maps. Everyone entering would usually have to contribute their own map in addition to an entry fee, or at least be able to sell a copy of their mapper. That led to themunal map being thebined effort of dozens, perhaps hundreds, of warriors.


    The current goal was to get to the Twilight Chasm as quickly as possible, to get rid of the egg and search for treasures before his soul oceans got saturated by the Twilight Energy. The best way to do that was to find one of the streams entering the chasm. It could save a month of travel time, and he had already looted seven submersibles from his battles in the Hollowtongue Mountains.


    Updating the map to amunal one might even add some information on the ces rted to the Remnants.


    So Zac entered the Greengrove Archipgo, but he didn��t even get further than a hundred meters before he was assaulted by an eel just like the one the woman showcased. It shot out from a hole in one of the towering trees reaching above the surface.


    Zac knew that this was a domain of the beasts, so he already had [Verun��s Bite] ready at hand, and a swirl of leaves passed among the trees,pletely overwhelming thete E-grade eel. It released sea of lightning across the area, but Zac��s Endurance and [Innate Ward] was enough to mollify the effect until the beast died.


    However, Zac swore in annoyance when he saw a dozen more eels shoot out from the surrounding trees, probably called over by the lightning domain. A huge leaf appeared in front of his de, and it immediately gained a golden luster before a radiant wave flew out, quickly followed by one of pure death.


    Life and death formed the signature demarcation of [Rapturous Divide], but Zac��s eyes widened in rm as the scar just kept growing as it continued forward. One Tree after another toppled as the Twilight Energy in the surroundings were reduced to their baseponents, pushing the lethality of the skill to unprecedented levels.


    The madness onlysted for less than a second though before the radiant domain of Arcadia was ripped apart by the Twilight Energy, cutting the skill short. Still, that was more than enough as all the eels had been split before they even had a chance to unleash their domain or move out of the way.


    The same was true for the trees, where many had lost a twenty-meter section of their trunks. However, they still hovered in the air, as though they didn��t need their roots to survive. Zac knew it was just because of their canopies above the surface though. They were pushed together so densely that they essentially formed proper inds made out of leaves. The trees that weren��t cut apart propped up those that were.


    Zac quickly looted the battlefield before he moved on. It was lucky he decided to test out the skill before using it in a real battle. It��s effect was definitely strong, but it worked a bit differentlypared to normally thanks to the Twilight Energy. It was more chaotic, with hundreds of demarcations forming a thick band of destruction, instead of one clean line.


    Its lethality was pretty impressive, but it was also ripped apart by the surroundings itself. So if someone managed to defend for just half a second, the attack would be rendered useless by the Twilight Ocean.


    It was worthy trade in Zac''s opinion, and he continued to temper himself beneath the Greengrove Archipgo for half a day, fighting the various beasts that made the waters their home. The eels were thergest poption, and Zac had soon killed hundreds of them, and it felt like his whole body was electrified by this point.


    However, Zac suddenly felt a pang of dangers as a sea of lightning started to approach, and he quickly hid inside a hollow trunk as he activated an illusion array. It first looked like a natural cmitying closer, but Zac could eventually discern a monstrosity if an eel in the center. It stretched over one hundred meters, and the movement of the beast caused crackling sounds that echoed through the forest.


    It was covered in an armor of lightning as well, and it emitted a dense killing intent. Even worse, it looked like it was looking for something. Or someone. Was it angry that its children had been killed over the past day ande to find the culprit?


    Zac wasn''t in any mood to fight this thing at all. This big bastard waspletely different to the mutated Hollowtongue he had fought with rtive ease the other day. This was definitely a proper Beast King going by the aura, the equivalent of a Hegemon. These things were rare, but they definitely existed inside the Twilight Ascent.


    They were supposedly mainly living inside the Twilight Chasm, but some kings could appear this deep in the trial. Part of Zac wanted to test his mettle, but this didn''t feel like the time or ce. This big guy didn''t seem like a pushover, and even if he defeated him, who knew what kind of attention it would draw and what aces he would be forced to burn.


    Thankfully, the beast didn''t discover Zac''s hiding spot, and it soon left in the direction of where Zac had killed the smaller eels. Zac decided to not stay beneath the surface in case it came back though. It was time to finally head above water after months of traveling on the ocean floor.

 Chapter 726: Ventus Kalavan

    <h4>Chapter 726: Ventus Kvan</h4>


    Zac swam out of his hideout after making sure the King Eel was gone and he swiftly followed the tree trunk until he reached the canopy. It was extremely dense, to the point that Zac eventually had to cut a path through the shrubbery, making a 30-meter tunnel until he reached the other side of the tree crowns.


    He left the muted world of the ocean depths behind as he was greeted by distant bird cries and a breath of fresh air. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was a wee change after having mostly inhaled the weird waters of the Twilight Ocean, only asionally finding a dry cave where the air was stale. Zac looked around, and he had to admit the scene was a bit novel. The sky in the Greengrove Archipgo waspletely blocked when looking at it from the ocean floor, but above the surface, there were thousands of inds made by the Greengrove Trees'' canopies bunching together.


    Meanwhile, the Twilight Ocean formed shallow seas and rivers between the inds, where shoals of small fish swam about. These rivers weren''t actually connected to the ocean below, and he would have to cut through the densely bunched leaves to get back to the proper ocean. It was a bit weird to know he wasn''t standing onnd, but rather in a tree crown, as Zac could barely tell the inds weren��t natural.


    The ground was essentially a solid mix of leaves and soil that had drifted over from somewhere, and some branches of the Greengrove trees had continued to grow above the ''ground'', turning into miniature trees of their own that reached a height of around ten meters.


    Animal calls wereing from all directions, mostly that of birds who perhaps used the archipgo as a stopping point while traversing the vast ocean. None of the tree crowns grew more than five or six meters above the water surface, but Zac guessed the intermittent inds with the massive trunks beneath the surface had a calming effect on this part of the ocean, acting as natural wave breakers.


    The low altitude of the inds made Zac��s life easy as well since he instantly spotted a marker a few inds over. It almost looked like an incursion, except that it didn��t contain any strong presence. There was also a line on top, simply saying ��Temporary Settlement.�� It looked like whoever had set this ce up, hade prepared.


    It was no wonder someone had decided to put up a temporary settlement in this ce. Most people were ultimately morefortable staying above-water, but powerful storms usually raged above the surface, especially this deep into the Mystic Realm. Those storms could be even more lethal than the currents that passed through the waters, which was why most people simply stayed closer to the ocean bed.


    Zac observed the surroundings for over an hour from the cover of his tunnel, but there was very little activity. He did spot two groups of cultivators surreptitiously moving toward the beacon, but there were no outbursts of energy indicating battles taking ce. Only then did Zac start to make his way forward as well, swapping between using [Loamwalker] across the moats and swimming across the shallow seas.


    A few hourster he reached his destination, an unusuallyrge ind. It was over five times the normal size of the surrounding inds, and it actually rose almost twenty meters above the surface. The Twilight Energy was actually denser than normal as well, making Zac wonder why the powerhouse had chosen this ce to set up camp in such a weird spot.


    ��Wee, 25 Twilight Fruits to enter,�� a guard said, and Zac��s brows rose when he looked at the dozens of people inside.


    He had hoped the entry fee to be in Nexus Coins or Nexus Crystals, but it looked like he was being too optimistic. There weren��t too many people who went this deep into the Mystic Realm, but with peopleing and going, the base had to make a few hundred Twilight Fruits a day. Even if it was shared among the workers, it was still a massive haul.


    ��That much?�� Zac couldn��t help but ask.


    ��Well, you can stay up to a week for that price,�� the guard shrugged. ��And with the leader��s purification array, it��s definitely worth it. The chance to expel all the umted gunk from your body in return for a few thousand E-grade Nexus Coins?��


    ��Fine,�� Zac grunted and handed over the entrance fee, along with a few extra to the guard. ��Any tips you have to share?��


    Alea was still happily eating any Twilight Fruits that he threw her way, but he still had a few hundred left after his rampage in the mountains. A small bribe to create some goodwill wasn��t too expensive in exchange for getting some information.


    ��Thank you. Only one rule to follow. Don��t cause a ruckus and don��t exert too much energy. Otherwise, everyone here will attack you,�� the guard said.


    ��Why would people attack me just from exerting some energy?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, this ce has a guardian beast,�� the man grinned. ��No one wants you to wake it up.��


    ��What?�� Zac repeated with confusion.


    ��You saw how big this ind is. It��s not a coincidence. This town is sitting right on top of the den a Raksha Shrimp King,�� the man exined. ��That��s why there��s the rule about limiting energy outbursts. No one wants to wake the slumbering beast below.��


    ��There��s a beast king right below us?!�� Zac eximed, keeping his voice low even though the mor of the town. ��That��s impossible."


    ��You can go below if you want to check things out yourself,�� the man shrugged. ��A few have. But you should know that everyone will attack you if you return with a bunch of shrimp underlings in tow. Better turn you into an offering than let the beastse over.��


    ��That�� is something else,�� Zac eventually sighed. ��The big boss of this ce is pretty smart. Who is it?��


    ��His name is Ventus Kvan,�� the guard said.


    ��Not a local?�� Zac asked with a small frown, not recognizing the name.


    ��No, but he��s not a stuck-up bastard like some of the Imperials. He��s from the Radiant Temple, and he actually seems to have a few invites,�� the man said with longing in his eyes.


    Zac could understand the man��s desire. Many natives of Twilight Harbor had aplicated rtionship with the foreign factions. They partly despised them because of how they came to the Zervereth Sector and robbed it of most of its top-tier cultivation resources. But they also dreamed of being discovered, to be taken to the supreme cultivation havens that B-grade factions no doubt possessed. A simple word from this Ventus Kvan couldpletely change the trajectory of someone��s life.


    Having invites also gave some indication of the standing of this Kvan guy. Catheya only had one token to the Undead Empire, and that was mostly because of her master. The Radiant Temple was notoriously picky as well, so having multiple invites meant that he must hold significant status among the younger generations.


    Still, it made him a bit hesitant hearing there was another Radiant Temple elite in this area, apart from the guy who had made his haunt in the Hollowtongue Mountains. Was it a coincidence, or was it something more?


    ��Do you know what ranking the young master has?�� Zac asked hesitantly.


    ��No idea,�� the guard sighed. ��His contribution value is actually 0, but his strength can��t be too low. There was a raid a week ago and ten people attacked. They were powerful, but the young master appeared and simply ripped them apart like they were trash.��


    Zac nodded in understanding. It was a shame that thedder only appeared once a month, and it only showed the top 100. He wasn��t on the list, so he could be anything a powerhouse that was just short of entering thedder, to someone at rock bottom. Of course, he could also be someonepletely uninterested in the Trial since his Daos didn��t seem to be rted to Life or Death.


    He might instead be targeting the Fate-Pluckingdder considering the entrance fee. It didn��t matter much to Zac though. He was in a new persona known to no one at the moment, and the struggles between the big shots were far beyond him. He was more interested in gathering information and updating his [Ocean Chart].


    Thetter was easy as there was a building specifically designed for that very purpose, and Zac immediately headed over after saying his thanks to the guard. However, he stopped again after just taking a few steps as over 80% of the Twilight Energy around him was suddenly reced by Cosmic Energy.


    The effect was the same as Catheya''s array, but it looked like it spanned the whole settlement. The settlement might only be a walledpound, a square, and some temporary structures thrown up, but the cost to purify such arge area had to be pretty extravagant. This Ventus Cvan was clearly burning massive amounts of Nexus Coins to harvest more Twilight Fruits.


    ��How do you perform trades here?�� Zac asked as he entered the store designated to update your mapper.


    ��We do straight trades ofpletion for free, with 0.2% margin. You can also buy 1%pletion for 8 Twilight Fruits. We also sell aplete copy for 40 Twilight Fruits.��


    ��What rate are you currently at?�� Zac asked.


    ��8.84%,�� the shopkeeper said with some pride. ��Including 1.3% that��s deeper than this current depth. Buying the full copy is definitely a good deal.��


    Zac whistled, actually a bit impressed. It wasn''t too different from Zac''s own [Ocean Chart] that was currently at 3.47% after the trade the other day, but there were only so many routes that led to the Greengrove Archipgo this early in the trial. For them to fill up almost a tenth of the trial in just over 4 months was no small feat.


    As for whether the full price was a good deal or not, Zac wasn��t so certain. Part of thepletion probably contained the Life Pulse Route, along with early sections of the trial that were of no use for Zac.


    Still, he wasn��tcking fruits, and he would keep getting more as time passed. Zac ultimately doubted Alea was truly insatiable, just like how Verun only wanted a limited amount of blood from each type of source.


    ��I��ll just take a copy,�� Zac muttered and handed over another 40 Twilight Fruits. ��Your boss must be making money left and right.��


    ��My granny always said my face would bring great fortune, and I guess it��s true,�� a smooth and melodic voice emerged from the entrance, and Zac turned over to see a man standing in the entrance.


    ��Boss!�� the attendant hurriedly said as he stood up a bit straighter, which prompted Zac to make a double-take.


    If the Tal-dar were elf-like creatures with jagged teeth and some other bestial features, then Ventus Kvan looked like a proper high elf. Zac had never seen that kind of species in the Base Town or while traveling the Zecia sector, making him believe it was either a regional race or one that simply wasn��t represented in Zecia. After all, while humans were everywhere, many other races were not.


    Ventus had half a head to Zac��s height, but Zac wouldn��t be surprised if the elf only weighed two-thirds of what he did. Zac��s whole frame had be a brutish bulk of chiseled muscles, while Ventus was extremely lean, though in a refined rather than emaciated way. He didn��t give off the aura of a warrior at all, but rather of a schr.


    That impression was only increased since he was actually holding a weird instrument in his hand, something resembling an abacus. But instead of wooden balls on rods, there were hundreds of small stone beads hovering in an array without anything keeping them in ce. It was clearly something valuable as it emitted an aura that surpassed Zac''s own weapons.


    It was not necessarily higher quality, but it was definitely higher grade than his own Spirit Tools. The odd appearance of the Spirit Tool and the gentle appearance of the elf wasn''t enough for Zac to put his guard down. He had already heard the warning from the sentry, and his instincts told him that this man was extremely powerful, no matter if his appearance and aura were almost that of a nonbat ss.


    Zac wasn��t exactly sure how to deal with the sudden appearance of the big honcho himself, so he simply nodded in his direction as he mentally readied himself for battle just in case.


    ��Wee to my little town, my friend,�� Ventus smiled. ��I have been waiting for you. I have a business proposal for you.��


    ��Waited for me? We don��t even know each other,�� Zac countered as warning sirens went off in his mind.


    ��Then I guess we were simply fated,�� the elf smiled in return as his fingers grazed a few of the gems on the abacus, prompting them to change their constetion.


    ��Come visit me when you are ready. It will be very beneficial for you as well. After all, aren��t you right at the precipice?�� Ventus said with a wave before he left, leaving a befuddled Zac behind.


    Zac tried to understand what was going on as he spied on the elf saunter back toward the walled-off area in the settlement, with all the resting cultivators quickly getting up on their feet to greet him. Zac had stayed nondescript since arriving, and his current identity didn��t have any interesting points. His array was currently inactive, but the bracer he got from Greatest should be enough to block any spying at the e-grade.


    The situation was definitely suspicious.


    ��Boss has called a few people over since he set up shop here almost two months ago,�� the attendant shrugged when he saw Zac��s inquiring look. ��All of them left not long after. The longest stay was two hours. Some of them sported wounds, but they didn��t look disappointed. A few even had their bounties increase. You can ask anyone here, many even stay here longer than nned in hopes that the boss will call them over.��


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he nodded and left. The elf had already entered hispound, but Zac didn''t immediately follow. He instead walked through the small settlement, surreptitiously asking one cultivator after another for some information in exchange for Nexus Coins. After half an hour the situation was clear; either they all were under some sort of spell, or the attendant was telling the truth.


    In fact, many had asked those who left thepound what happened, and it turned out that the elf was looking for suitable sparring partners and had supposedly built a sparring cage that was powered by Dao Treasures. Most tried to stall as long as possible so they could benefit as much as possible from the insanely exorbitant setup, but most fights onlysted for a moment before they failed to keep up with the boss.


    A few actually managed tost long enough to reach a breakthrough of their own. Of course, some were also dreaming of being discovered by showcasing their skill during the sparring session.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds, but he eventually walked over toward the walled-off section. He had fallen just short of evolving his Fragment of the Bodhi before, and this seemed like a good opportunity. If this didn''t work, he could always find a Beast King to pit his life against. A sparring session here would even allow him to save on his own Dao Treasures so that he could keep them for a rainy day.


    Sparring with an elite from a B-grade faction would definitely be beneficial to hisbat style as well. How was his Evolutionary Stance supposed to evolve if he didn��t seek out various powerful opponents? Still, he mentally prepared for a prison break in case the scion��s intentions weren��t quite as pure as advertised.


    The gates to the mansion swung open as Zac approached, and they closed after he entered. The interiors were actually just arge garden, and Zac looked around with some confusion, realizing that none of the nts were spiritual in nature. Was the elf simply walking around with a pouch full of soil and flowers for situations like these?


    ��Oh, you��re finally here,�� Ventus said as he looked up from a book he was reading.


    ��You could have saved me some trouble if you simply exined yourself,�� Zac grunted as he scanned the area for hidden traps as best as he could.


    ��No need to be so tense,�� Ventusughed. ��I have no designs on your life. You��ve seen my bounty. The amount of ughter and destruction I would have to unleash to even gain a top 10,000 spot would be shocking. And even all that effort would just result in a Limited Title even worse than the ones I already have. What��s the point?��


    ��So why evene here?�� Zac probed.


    ��Orders from above, can��t go into detail. However, my intuition tells me you have an idea of what I��m talking about,�� Ventus smiled. ��The Perennial Vastness Token is a happy surprise though.��


    ��You don��t have things like that in the Radiant Temple?�� Zac asked, diverting the subject from what he did and didn��t know.


    ��Well, we do have a few simr opportunities, but nothinges for free. If I can save decades'' worth of Temple Points by snatching this opportunity for myself, I can use the points on unique treasures or other good stuff instead,�� Ventus shrugged. ��So, are you ready to spar? Let''s help each other across the threshold.��

 Chapter 727: Order

    <h4>Chapter 727: Order</h4>


    The elf was clearly gearing up for a sparring session that would push them to reach a breakthrough. However, Zac had some reservations even if the opportunity seemed good.


    ��Why me?�� Zac asked. ��If you can��t give me a proper answer I��ll have to decline.��


    That was the most burning question in Zac''s mind. If he was giving off clues about his situation to the young elites of the B-grade empires he needed to know immediately. Or if this elf had somehow found out about some of his most important secrets, the situation might turn into something bigger than a simple spar.


    ��Can you tell what path I follow?�� Ventus asked as a Dao Field spread out from his body.


    Zac��s thoughts whirred as he felt the ambient energy, and he looked at the elf with surprise. It was actually just a Dao Field from a Peak fragment as far as Zac could tell, which was decidedly lower than he had expected. However, the Dao Field was still far more intense than the fields of his own two peak fragments, almost a whole tier higher.


    This Ventus must be right at the precipice of forming a Branch, and Zac also suspected he had an extremely powerful soul to push the Dao Field to this extent. As for the type of Dao, Zac actually didn��t have the slightest clue.


    It didn��t really feel like abat-oriented Dao; there was no bloodlust or sharpness to it. It was neither attuned to nature or the elements, and it didn��t feel like Adcarkas Dao of Space or Levi��s Dao of Time. It did give off a mysterious and intangible feeling, but it wasn��t the Dao of Karma either.


    For some reason, it made Zac think of an old academy with observatories and ancient books and scrolls filling tables.


    ��Books��?�� Zac said fromck of better answers.


    ��Well, not quite,�� Ventus smiled. ��My path is within Dao of Numerology, one of the children of the Dao of Order.��


    Zac��s brows rose a bit in surprise. The Dao of Order was a top-tier concept, proven by the simple fact that it had birthed a proper Apostate. As for the Dao of Numerology, Zac didn��t know a lot about it. He remembered Levi mention it once, and he had read short descriptions in missives about Dao.


    There was no proper faction in the Zecia sector following this Dao as far as Zac could tell, and it was apparently as hard to master as the Daos of Space, Time, and Karma.


    These Daos put greater demands on affinity for some reason, and it was no wonder this guy managed to be a proper member of the Radiant Temple with this kind of aplishment. It was probably even harder to form a Peak fragment subordinate to the Dao of Numerologypared to forming a Dao Branch of some weapon-based Dao.


    That didn''t mean these Daos were more powerful, though the rarity of a Dao was an advantage of its own. Zac had fought against a lot of elementalists and weapon masters over the past years, and he could trust his instincts against those kinds of warriors. But against the elf in front of him? He was still clueless on what to expect in a battle.


    ��Every day since entering, I have calcted the streams of fate of the Twilight Ascent, and the path gradually grew clearer. I chose this spot specifically to form a settlement, as it rests on a nexus on the way to the Twilight Chasm. Arge number of those marked by fate will pass through these gates, and you are one of them," Ventus said with an intense look. "Even better, the presence of the Undead Empire and Havarok Empire in this area is extremely weak, with a low probability of me running into someone troublesome while collecting Twilight Fruits."


    It was just like Levi had said. If he was speaking the truth, then Ventus Kvan was essentially like a supeputer that gathered thousands of pieces of information, turning them into data that helped him predict the future and his optimal path. Abbot Evesting Peace''s Dao had been different, but the end result was simr.


    He had known all sorts of things that had yet happened through his insights into Karma. For a peak E-grade cultivator from a B-grade faction to be able to do the same, it wasn��t too surprising. Zac hesitated for a while, but he eventually nodded. His intuition told him that while the elf didn''t necessarily exin the whole situation, he also wasn''t lying.


    ��So, how does this work?�� Zac asked.


    ��Come with me,�� Ventus smiled, and the two walked over to a tree that twisted to form a tunnel.


    They eventually reached an underground chamber that had a ceiling height of over ten meters and a diameter of almost a hundred meters. Its walls were made from the densely packed canopy of the Greengroves, and hundreds of banners with inscriptions were hung from both ceiling and walls. Zac guessed they were purifying talismans since the Twilight Energy in the area was barely as dense here as at the starting continent.


    There were also eight braziers standing by the wall equidistant from each other. Zac��s eyes roved across the engravings and braziers, looking for any hint of something amiss. But neither his Danger Sense nor his skills found anything wrong with the setup, and his instincts told him that this was the kind of preparation you''d see in a cultivation cave.


    In fact, there were already Dao Treasures loaded in each of the braziers, and the moment that Ventus closed the door, small fires ignited beneath the fruits. An alluring scent spread through the whole ce, and the area soon felt a weakened version of the Dao chamber where they cracked open the Dao Funnel. Part of him wanted to simply sit down and gobble everything up, but he knew that doing so would just harm himself.


    He was stillcking that final inspiration of what direction to take his Fragment of the Bodhi. If he just let himself get swept up by the mysterious smoke, he might end up with an imperfect Dao that didn''t quite match with his path. Zac turned toward Ventus, but he hesitated when he saw the smiling elf just standing there with therge wooden frame in his left hand.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ventus eventually said with a raised brow. ��It��s not cheap to run this thing, you know.��


    ��Uh, are you going to fight with that thing?�� Zac asked hesitantly as he looked at the wooden frame and the floating stones within.


    ��You��ll understand soon enough. Don��t worry, just fight freely,�� heughed. "No skills though. They are just conduits to the Dao rather than its base, and it might attract the big guy below us."


    ��Alright,�� Zac said. ��You better not regret it.��


    It looked ludicrous that the elf wanted to defend against [Verun��s Bite] with stone beads and a wooden frame, but Zac guessed his reservations were simply him being a country bumpkin. Not wasting any time, Zac shot forward as Ventus shed to the middle of the chamber with a graceful leap.


    Zacunched a probing strike aimed at the elf��s chest, but he effortlessly avoided it by shifting his weight with expert precision. At the same time, the elf flicked one of the stones on his Spirit Tool, and Zac felt the universe somehow tilt when hearing the clicking sounds of gems colliding.


    It wasn��t really a spiritual attack, at least not a type he was familiar with. It rather reminded him a bit of when he fought the Karmic Cultivator in the Tower of Eternity, where the man tried to impact his fate. He didn''t actually feel those kinds of karmic restraints, but he still felt like a beast trapped in a cage for some reason.


    Zac swung his axe once again to break out from the mental shackles by putting out some pressure of his own, and he also tried to stomp down on the elf��s foot to lock him in ce. However, he was surprised to find it was rather his own foot that had been restrained, with Ventus immobilizing him with a force that belied his thin frame.


    Something suddenly changed in the weird weapon as the hovering stone inside the wooden frame suddenly lit up like stars, and some of them rearranged themselves into a constetion resembling an intricately decorated shield. Zac didn''t know why he thought so since a few dozen motes of light couldn''t depict an image with such rity. But that was what he saw.


    In either case, there was no time for Zac to ponder on the implication of the rearrangement since the elf actually moved the abacus to counter Zac''s own attack. Such a collision would normally result in a broken wooden frame and Zac��s enemy thrown across the room or cut apart entirely, but it was like the weird Spirit Tool nullified force.


    The collision didn''t quite halt Zac''s strike, but Ventus had somehow managed to exert very little power to diffuse most of Zac''s momentum, and Zac suddenly found himself getting his forehead flicked before the elf distanced himself in a sh.


    ��You better get serious,�� Ventusughed. ��You��re no good to either of us like this.��


    ��Right,�� Zac muttered as he prepared himself.


    The most recent exchange had been a bit embarrassing, but now he at least knew that the man could take the heat. He shot forward once more, like a beast pouncing on another powerful predator encroaching on his domain. His axe cut a ruthless upward arc aimed at maiming rather than killing, but he once more heard the beads colliding, somehow restraining him.


    Thankfully, the heart of the Evolutionary Stance was change and freedom. Life always finds a way; if one path closed, there would still be innumerable other paths to sess. Zac fluidly changed his upward swing into a tackle, and Ventus quickly took a few shuffling steps to avoid getting thrown onto the ground.


    The elf regained his tempo almost immediately though, and heunched an offense of his own. Zac was already pushing forward to force the fight into the tempo of his stance, but he almost felt like he had been gored on ance when he found a palm mming into his chest seemingly out of nowhere. The elf looked weak and refined, but he was really packing a punch.


    Zac estimated Ventus'' effective attributes to be around his own, and it was even possible that was because he was restraining himself to match Zac''s power. However, Zac''s gut told him that they were simply closely matched, which probably meant that Ventus possessed a Dao Branch he currently wasn''t utilizing. There was no other way that he would be able to match Zac''s attributes as far as Zac was concerned.


    Attributes weren''t the only source of the effectiveness of the elf''s strike though. It was like Ventus had found the absolutely optimal moment to strike. It hit Zac straight in his sr plexus, and the strike even took advantage of Zac''s own momentum. Zac almost felt like a dumb boar running straight into the raised spear of a hunter, impaling himself on the weapon.


    A small setback like that wouldn''t stop a beast in the wild though, and the gleaming edge of [Verun''s Bite] ripped through the air in an attempt to cut off the offending hand. Unfortunately, it was like Ventus knew his actions even before Zac did so himself. Zac was following his instincts, and the elf was somehow calcting what Zac''s instincts would say in real-time, continuously adjusting his response.


    The two exchanged a dozen strikes in an instant, where all of Zac''s attempts to forcing open Ventus'' nigh-perfect defense were rebuffed, with Zac getting punched by one painful counter after another. He was quicklying to understand the power of the elf''s path; it was using precise calctions and predictions to find the optimal ways to strike. Meanwhile, the odd Spirit Tool was not only a defensive treasure, but it also looked like it helped Ventus make those precise calctions.


    Zac couldn''t think of any direct solution that didn''t involve ''cheating'' with his skills or bloodline, so he could only redouble his efforts. There should be a limit to either Ventus'' calctive abilities, or his ability to respond to Zac''s unfettered assault. In fact, Zac felt that his Inexorable Stance would be pretty effective against this kind ofbatant.


    So what if you could predict fate if fate was inexorable and unavoidable?


    However, Zac''s purpose wasn''t to win but to find inspiration. A minute passed, and the speed the two exchanged strikes kept increasing. They had turned into a blur as they flickered across the Dao chamber, each strike empowered not by Dao but their Path and their convictions. Zac was quickly bing engrossed by the battle, partly because of the environment and partly because Ventus was an excellent sparring partner.


    It felt like he was fighting fate itself with his Evolutionary Stance. Zac''s technique was everchanging and ever-improving, but Ventus was already prepared no matter what he tried. In fact, the elf''s methods were evolving as well as Zac''s movements became more and more unpredictable. He wasn''t just anticipating Zac and countering after a while, but he rather started pushing the direction of the fight in inscrutable ways.


    Everything from a small shuffling step to moving the stars in the abacus was filled with meaning, meant to change the way Zac reacted. It was extremely powerful on its own, but especially so against someone like Zac who used an instinctual type of fighting. It was almost like Zac couldn��t trust his instincts, as his own Path was being affected by Ventus��.


    That didn��t dampen Zac��s enthusiasm though, rather the opposite. Every moment his technique improved, bing more and moreplete. He also felt a burgeoning wave of inspiration wash over him. He was literally fighting inside a tree canopy, hidden inside a small sanctuary in a dangerous zone.


    He was standing inside his own Dao, gradually perfecting his path.


    Evolution was endless, everchanging. If his Inexorable Stance represented the ultimate fate of all living things, then the Evolutionary Stance represented the ability to break those chains of fate and thews of nature themselves.


    The smoking haze from the braziers started to transform, turning into two forces in a struggle for supremacy. One was overbearing, like the Heavens themselves as it towered above all creation. The other was much smaller, but it frantically fought against therger one, constantly eluding being locked down.


    Ventus was aiming at bing the arbiter of fate, an apostle of Order. His actions would be Heavenly Law, dictating providence and the tides of battle. Meanwhile, Zac birthed and discarded one move after another in an endless cycle, each attack a life going from birth to death in the span of a breath. Each one was unique and unpredictable.


    He was bing an agent of Chaos, infecting fate with an unerasable tinge of uncertainty.


    And the motor of it all was Life. Life was the source that kept filling Zac with inspiration, while his weapon was the delivery method. Axe and abacus shed over and over as neither Ventus nor Zac was ready to give an inch as the fight represented their paths. It was even bing unclear whether they were really just sparring fighting for real as time marched on.


    Fists met flesh, the collisions echoing with the truths they both searched for in the heat of battle. However, as the two were getting more and more caught up in the ripples of inspiration, the fight started to transform once more. An outsider would probably get confused if he spectated the fight since the strikes gradually became slower rather than faster. It must have looked like they both were running out of steam, but the truth wasn��t that simple.


    For every move that Zac executed, there were ten that were discarded. They both were continuously adjusting from the slightest change in the battlefield, like they were ying chess thinking dozens of moves ahead. The bringer of this change wasrgely Zac, as he started toe to a realization.


    Life was full of endless possibilities and unpredictable, but it was also extremely efficient. Excess was a luxury of humans rather than a truth of life. The wolf wouldn''t go on a mad ughter and kill more than it could eat. It would be a waste of energy. nts and beasts wouldn''t evolve features that served no purpose, since every morsel of energy was needed to survive in the wilds. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just like how life was efficient, so did Zac need to be more discerning in hisbat style. Hisbat style would still be marked by randomness and unpredictability, but he would need to be in the driver''s seat. This would create a targeted evolution rather than series of random events that might or might not end well.


    It was important to distinguish between concept and application. In true evolution, most mutations failed and 99% of all species perished sooner orter. But that oue was obviously not eptable when he was fighting. He couldn''t let himself get maimed or even killed just because randomness dictated it.


    And as he controlled evolution, he was controlling fate. If fate wanted him to perish, he would break through fate and find a way. Zac''s attacks gradually became more and more forceful, no longer trying to trick or subvert Ventus''bat style. His instincts told him to break right through it.


    He was already a Mortal on the path of cultivation, so what did he fear fighting directly against predestination?


    The elf frowned as he suddenly found himself pushed harder and harder, and the storms of Dao around him became more and more overbearing. But it was to no avail as Zac fought like a man possessed, pushing forward with wild abandon. Zac was umting one wound after another, but rips and tears started to appear on Ventus'' robes as Zac pushed on.


    The elf was unwilling to be pushed around, and the abacus swung toward [Verun''s Bite] in an effort to steal his momentum once more. But Zac''s knee rose with enough force to make the air fracture, and it hit the bottom of the wooden frame with overwhelming might just before the two weapons shed.


    Zac felt a strong resistance for an instant before the abacus flew out of the elf''s grasp and into the air. His whole being surged with momentum, and Zac barely remembered to stop his edge before it sunk into the chest of Ventus.


    "It''s my vict-" Zac said with burgeoning pride, but his promation got cut short as a hard object suddenly mmed into his head.


    It was the abacus he had forced out of Ventus'' hand. It had flown up a couple of meters into the air, but the trajectory made it fall back right on top of him. The collision had caught himpletely unaware, and Zac stumbled a few steps back as his vision turned white for a second. He shook his head to clear his mind, but he saw that the elf thankfully had no intention of following up on his lucky break.


    "Relinquish fate to seize the future," Ventus muttered, his eyes burning with conviction as he stood rooted in ce.


    It looked like the elf had found a path of his own, and he quickly scurried to the other side of the chamber and sat down.


    Zac was covered in painful bruises, but he was still ted as he walked over to the opposite side and sat down as well. His body was full of the mystical energy of the Dao Treasures already, and it all shot toward the celestial Bodhi in his mind. He had found it, the direction he wanted to take the Fragment of the Bodhi. And now he simply needed to form it with the fuel that Ventus had provided.

 Chapter 728: Dao Branch

    <h4>Chapter 728: Dao Branch</h4>


    The scorching sun sted the bands, and the lone Bodhi was still the only ind of life in an ocean of death. The punishing rays had kept the vast desert in a deathly grip for an eternity, but the sanctified tree was not content with simply enduring. It was the agent of change, the key to life in this lifeless world. Year after year a golden haze would spread from its canopy, small seeds with the power of transformation.


    Life was the breaker of barriers that pushed cultivators to pave the road toward Eternity. The Heavens had its designs; it was immutable and intractable, but it couldn''t stop the innumerable beings of the cosmos from grasping for the great beyond. It staved off death as it filled the living with endless possibilities, allowing all manners of beings to spread across all space.


    Eventually, a seed from the Bodhi would manage to take hold, and one tree would turn into two. Two would birth four, and eventually, the bands would be a deste desert no longer. A small seed could break the status quo that had gripped the world for a near-eternity, and when the winds of fate blew, anything could happen.


    Zac had already incorporated his Dao with his Path, and most of the insights were already consolidated after the previous bout of meditation. There was now an added element to the Fragment of the Bodhi, just as with his path; fighting fate. If the death-aspected side of his cultivation represented finality and inexorability, then the life-aspected side represented endless possibilities.


    The two concepts were opposing and irreconcble, but Zac still felt it was the right way to go. Soon enough, the Fragment had taken the final step, and he had managed to push his final Dao Fragment to Peak Mastery. He opened his eyes and activated his Dao Screen, taking a gander at the results.


    Fragment of the Bodhi (Peak): All attributes +40, Endurance +550, Vitality +1110, Intelligence +30, Wisdom +280, Effectiveness of Vitality +20%


    The results were in line with his own expectations, with the only caveat that the evolution provided a bit more Wisdom and a bit less Endurance than expected. That was just fine with him, considering his physical durability was pretty disgusting already. There wasn��t much else of interest that had changed, except hisdder position that had made another jump, though this time only by 300 ces.


    It wasn��t too much, but Zac wasn��t surprised. The evolution had pushed him just past 100,000 Contribution points, which meant he most likely waspeting with those who had formed a Dao Branch by now. And who among those warriors hadn''t managed to gather a bunch of Contribution Points through other means?


    He would either need to form a Dao Branch or find something valuable to destroy like the mother tree to make another qualitative leap forward on thedder. For now, he was more interested in what was going on with Ventus Kvan. Zac''s own breakthrough had consumed a decent chunk of the Dao-infused mists in the arena, but it was nothingpared to what was going on around the high elf who still had his eyes shut.


    There was a storm brewing above him, to the point that space itself was affected by the outburst. It didn��t crack and form spatial tears, but it was like thews of nature changed within ten meters of the elf. It reminded Zac of how it felt when he stood in front of the trapped Dimensional Seed, where his very path was being questioned by the aura Ventus exuded. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It didn��t take long for Zac to find his bearings though, and he looked on as a five-meter rune appeared above Ventus''s head. It wasn''t engraved or inscribed, but it was rather formed by what looked like shimmering stars. It looked a lot like the stones in the odd Spirit Tool, but these small stars were made by the Dao itself.


    Unsurprisingly, the constetions they created felt far more tangiblepared to the one in the spirit tool. Looking at the rune was like looking at the heavens themselves, and it was like Zac had been transported to that mysterious space where Yrial had performed his Dao Impartment to him.


    Behind the motes of lite was a vastness that Zac had never seen before. A bridge had been formed in the chamber, a bridge between their physical realm and the beyond.


    It was a shame that Ventus'' path waspletely separate from his own. Looking at the process of forming a Dao Branch from first row gave him all kinds of insights, but it would have been far more beneficial if their Daos had been more aligned. As for what Dao Ventus was forming, Zac wasn''t certain.


    Zac believed it was technically possible to form a Branch of Numerology, just like it was possible to form Branches of Life or Death from Bodhi and Coffin. But you could form many different Dao Branches even if you walked a path of purity as Zac did. Even two concepts within the Dao of Order could form a unique Dao, and it seemed as though Ventus might have some rtion to stars going by the Dao Apparition above his head.


    The process continued for over an hour at which point the braziers werepletely sucked dry. The elf was forced to take out three more Dao Treasures, each one better than anything Zac owned, to continue the job. But the elf was definitely making great progress. The celestial rune above his head kept growing more and more powerful and condensed.


    The position of the stars kept making small adjustments, and Zac felt like it was approaching closer to perfection with each passing moment. It was almost like when he upgraded [Indomitability], but on a far grander scale. Zac looked at the apparition with awe, stunned by itsplexity - it was rife with meaning.


    Eventually, it seemed like everything clicked into ce, and a mysterious pulse spread out from the rune, and Zac could feel it deep into his soul as it passed through him and continued out from the arena. The apparition quickly shrunk in size next before it entered Ventus through his be. Only ten minutester did he open his eyes, and Zac saw pure tion on his face.


    Zac could understand the feeling. Forming a Dao Branch was one of the biggest hurdles to forming a powerful Cosmic Core with some certainty. He was pretty certain that the elf already had one Dao Branch before, but one��s main Dao was more critical to upgrading one��s Core since it more represented one��s path.


    With Ventus having formed two Dao Branches, one of which was the extremely hard-to-train Dao of Numerology, reaching Hegemony was just a matter of time now. Without it, you needed some unique opportunity or a good chunk of dumb luck to seed. But those kinds of people would always be limited in their potential since the Dao was the foundation for all cultivation.


    A Cultivator Core formed mostly with the help of an external treasure wouldn''t be aligned with the Cultivator himself, and it would usually have very low potential. Most such Hegemons would never leave the initial stages of the D-grade, but that alone was enough to be an elder in a D-grade force and gain thousands of years of longevity.


    It was the same for Zac. Finding proper information on Mortals forming their Cultivation Cores was pretty hard since it was so exceedingly rare. But the gist of it was that there was no real method to slowly form the foundation of the core like Cultivators did through their manuals.


    You had to try to forge it in one go, where part of the process was fueled by Dao, and the other part of it was fueled by treasures. It was more than ten times harder than it was for cultivators since the Mortal had nothing to build upon. It put even higher requirements on one''s Dao as well since it was a more integral part of the process without a Cultivation Manual to do some of the work.


    That alone was what stopped almost all mortals from ever taking that step. Simply gaining a Dao Fragment in the E-grade was almost impossible with the extremely low affinities Mortals had for the Dao. How would they possibly manage to form a Dao Branch that could help stabilize the process?


    That was why Galvarion''s aplishment was such a shock, to not only manage to make it into Hegemony but even past it into Monarchy. He must have been blessed by extraordinary luck to make up for hiscking affinities, finding one opportunity after another to push him along. Of course, it was also possible that he had already be a Cultivator by the time he was aiming to form his inner world through boosting his affinities, something that might not be possible for Zac.


    ��Congrattions,�� Zac eventually said as Ventus got to his feet. ��I feel I gained a lot from seeing your breakthrough.��


    ��Thank you,�� Ventus smiled. ��I am happy that you could take a step forward as well. The fighting style you are forging for yourself �C marvelous. I seldom see such integration between man and Dao even back at the temple.��


    Zac smiled, but he was actually a bit confused about that point. For example, while Catheya was extremely adept with her Daos and skills, he didn��t feel much of a Path from herbat style. It was the same with most people he had encountered, with only two real exceptions. One was Adcarkas, who had perfectly harmonized with the Dao of Space. Even now, Zac felt he was barely beginning to catch up to the Dominator''s mastery.


    The other was Kenzie when she fought under the guidance of Jeeves.


    Ventus was the third person Zac met who had reached that stage, and he was obviously a rare genius to form this kind of Dao Branch while still in the E-grade. Zac didn��t really feel like he personally was some sort of genius when it came to these matters, and his affinities to the Daos were simply abysmal. Was his ability to so easily integrate his Dao a benefit of his constitution, or was it rather the result of his unique road to get where he currently stood?


    ��I have no idea why a monster like you remains unattached, but my calctions indicate you have some private issues weighing you down,�� Ventus continued. ��But you know what, the Radiant Temple don��t care about your past as long as you��re not an unorthodox cultivator. If your grudge is with a local faction, why not juste to our ce?��


    ��Your ce?�� Zac said skeptically. ��You��re inviting me to the Radiant Temple?��


    ��Well, not really,�� Ventusughed as he threw Zac a token. ��I��m just a little disciple myself, it��s not like I can decide who can enter. Perhaps if it was some of those highbrow scions with powerful ancestors to rely on, but I��m an outsider myself.��


    Zac snatched the token and took a look at it. Its design waspletely different from the one he got from Catheya, but it was clearly a cut above the other ones he still had in his Cosmos Sack. It was a proper cross-sector teleportation token and something that most people in the frontier dreamed of acquiring.


    ��Then what��s this?�� Zac asked.


    ��It��s a token to the Lucent Mile Continent in the Yr��Vanium Sector. In case you don��t know, Yr��Vanium is a Sector roughly ten times older than Zervereth, and you could say it��s in the process of transforming into an established sector from a frontier sector,�� Ventus said.


    ��Yr��Vanium is firmly under the control of the Radiant Temple, and we regrly hold trials on the Lucent Mile Continent. With your strength, you will have no problems at all bing an Outer Member, and bing an Inner Disciple definitely is to be expected. You should only need to temper yourself and yourbat style a bit more, and you might even be a core or personal disciple after being vetted for a few years.��


    Zac looked at the token with interest, and he eventually put it in his Cosmos Sack.


    ��Are there any requirements on age or grade to join?�� Zac hesitantly asked. ��I can��t say I��m not tempted, but I have some stuff I need to deal with. I might even be a Hegemon before I��m ready to look for a faction.��


    ��Pretty confident,�� Ventus grinned. ��But I think you have the qualifications to be. There are no strict requirements, but the Temple obviously prefers younger cultivators. Most outsiders who join are betweente E-grade and early Hegemons, and the E-grade cultivators are generally around 30 to 50 years old. Those at the precipice of forming their core might be a few decades older, but I honestly doubt the Temple would ept an E-grade cultivator over 100 years unless they have some unique skillset or special circumstance. For example, they might have extreme potential but have been stuck and wasting away on a trash world for too long.��


    ��Are you sure you want to give me this? I might not even be able to go,�� Zac asked curiously, knowing his identity as a mortal might waste this token. He couldn''t say that part out loud though, as his power was just too ridiculous for being a Mortal.


    ��Well, I do get Temple Points for every member I manage to recruit for the sect, so I hope you use the opportunity. But I can always get more contribution points through scamming some young scions,�� Ventus grinned. "I hear a disciple brother of mine got sted by some crazy Draugr not far from here, he is as smooth as a baby and as red as a lobster right now. I can probably provide a fake divination in return for a good chunk of contribution."


    Zac couldn''t help but feel sorry for Auride Serveris. He still didn''t actually know if the guy was hostile toward Arcaz ck when they ran into each other the other day, and now he was also about to get scammed by his fellow disciple.


    ��Is there tension between outside members and those who are grandfathered in?�� Zac asked to change the subject away from his other persona.


    He was honestly contemting giving it a go in the future if he felt he could enter a ce like that without exposing his secrets. Even an outer member would gain ess to a lot of knowledge that would benefit most cultivators. He had seen just the kind of heritage a fragmented group like the Big Axe Coliseum possessed, and that was nothingpared to what a proper B-grade force like the Radiant Temple would have.


    But Zac was a bit hesitant to go if the Radiant Temple was the kind of ce where the old families within the faction had all the power, turning the whole Sect into a pseudo-n where the outside recruits were barely considered members.


    ��Well, yeah. Nepotism is a reality in any faction. Otherwise, the old goats at the top wouldn��t work as hard. But it��s not too bad,�� Ventus shrugged. ��The young lords have better resources, but us outsiders generally have greater talents. It��s the young lords with good talents you have to watch out for.��


    ��Are any people like that here?�� Zac asked curiously.


    Ventus didn��t immediately answer, but he eventually shrugged like he didn��t care. ��Kataron Rissit is one of ours. The Rissit Family��s supreme elder is one of the twelve Grand Deacons of the Temple, and Kataron himself is probably their most talented n member in 100 generations. He��s not a bad guy, but he��s a bit singletrack when he��s on a mission. Better stay away from him.��


    Zac recognized the name immediately since it belonged to the current 4th ce ranker on thedder. Kataron Rissit had started at the 5th spot, barely suppressing the 6th. But every time thedder had appeared, he had made great strides forward. He had surpassed the 4th ce holder, Dravzur Kuldas after a month, and he was currently just a hairbreadth away from iming the third position.


    There was still a pretty decent chasm between him and Ykrodas Havarok or Uona Noz''Vdir, but he clearly stood out from the other Rankers.


    ��Right,�� Zac nodded. ��Thank you, I-��


    He didn��t get any further as a tremendous shockwave threw him off his feet, and he felt powerful auras fluctuate from the surface. Another shockwave erupted, and Zac could suddenly hear a bunch of screams and screeching sounds of beasts. There was one clear suspect of the chaos, and Zac grimaced when he realized that the Raksha Shrimp King probably hade knocking.


    He had a sneaking suspicion that it was because of the ripple that Ventus'' breakthrough released, and he looked at the elf who responded with a helpless smile.


    "What now?" Zac sighed, knowing there were probably tens of thousands of shrimps waiting right beneath the canopy he stood inside.


    ��Well, you can''t subvert fate every time,�� Ventus sighed as he threw an odd array disk to Zac. ��Best of luck to you, I hope we��ll meet again. This is the key. Help the others, will you?��


    ��Ah?�� Zac blurted, getting a foreboding sense of d��j�� vu.


    His suspicion was immediately confirmed when the Radiant Temple disciple simply disappeared in a sh of starlight, very simr to how Ogras got swallowed by shadows just after getting Zac to throw out that poison kettle so long ago. Zacughed at the simrities, but he choked on hisughter when he realized that the escape talisman he had taken wouldn''t activate.


    Space was sealed.

 Chapter 729: Raksha Shrimp

    <h4>Chapter 729: Raksha Shrimp</h4>


    Zac red at the sealed talisman in his hand, swearing at both the wily elf and the salesman who had guaranteed ''unparalleled ability to escape even inside a sealed domain'' for the talismans.


    "Don''t be like that. Now hurry, my preparations can only dy the big guy for a minute," the voice of Ventus echoed through the chamber, surprising Zac.


    It looked like the elf had known something like this would happen and made some preparations. The thing Ventus threw Zac at the end clearly wasn��t an escape token, but it looked like it was meant to deal with the situation above. Zac sighed with some exasperation before he rushed out of the Dao Arena, and he was met with a scene of utter chaos outside.


    The outer wall was already gone, and there was an enormous hole in the Greengrove canopies right outside the settlement. And from the depths of the tunnel, hundreds of Raksha Shrimps skittered forward, reeking of bloodlust with their six serrated ws ready to tear the settlers apart. Even the smallest of them was 4 meters long, brutish crustaceans clearly bred for war. Thergest specimens were almost twice as big, and Zac guessed they had to be the ones who reached had Peak E-grade, with the rest of them being in theter stages.


    They rolled forward like bulldozers, but the protective arrays still held while the wall did not. In fact, the whole sky had been reced by a starry neb, making Zac feel like he was looking up at space outside the Mystic Realm rather than the greenish haze of the Twilight Ocean. Motes of light were constantly falling, each one of them targeting a shrimp that stepped too far.


    The motes looked harmless, but one massive beast after another fell helplessly on the ground after a simple touch, and piles of them were quickly forming at the edge of the settlement. The two dozen cultivators still inside weren''t affected though, and the motes harmlessly passed them by. A few took the opportunity to strike at the shrimp, but most were trying to break out.


    It was not only space that had been sealed, but the beasts had actually managed to erect a physical barrier creating a cage far stronger than [Profane Seal]. There was a huge water barrier that encapsted the whole settlement and the surrounding five hundred meters. Even Ventus''s prepared defenses were within the water cage.


    As for the source of the barrier, it was pretty obvious; a 40-meter long Raksha Shrimp King that actually floated in the air above the tunnel that it had created. Not only did it have eight enormous ws that made Zac''s heart shudder when he looked at it, but it had actually formed what looked like wings made out of blood-red water.


    His best guess was that the Beast King was tricked into thinking there was some opportunity for a Dao breakthrough hidden in the town, and it had now locked it down to look for it. Thankfully, it looked like it was a bit hesitant about entering itself because of the odd cloud in the sky, instead letting its children test the water.


    Zac only hesitated for a second before he shot toward the water wall on the opposite side of the town, away from the Raksha Shrimp King and its minions. Fighting a Beast King was something he was nning on doing sooner orter, but there was a time and ce for everything. This one had a seemingly endless number of followers to throw at him, and some of them had quite formidable auras.


    Besides, the king himself gave off a much more condensed aura than the electric eel even if the shrimp king was less than half the size. Not only that, but the Raksha Shrimp species were generally considered one of the most dangerous species in the inneryer of the Twilight Ocean ording to the missives he''d bought thanks to one special ability of theirs.


    They could utilize a War Array.


    The king had brought thousands of subjects, and it might be able to turn itself into the equivalent of a Middle Stage Hegemon with theirbined contributions. It was no surprise that the settlers focused on stalling while trying to break the water wall rather than going all-out to take the king out. Few E-grade cultivators would willingly anger a Beast King, even less than a Hegemon.


    F-grade beasts were almost always weakerpared to cultivators level for level, except for some unique races. E-grade beasts were a bit better off, but still slightly behind. They had gained some basic intelligence and an understanding of the Dao, but they were still a tier lowerpared to cultivators with their weapons, and skills, and so on.


    However, that all changed at the D-grade. The boost in power for humans was big, but it was even bigger for beasts. Beast Kings were essentially the lowest grade beasts that were considered bestial cultivators, beings who followed in the steps of the Beast Ancestor.


    Only those who managed to purify their bloodline would manage to form a Beast Core, and when that happened they would gain a Bloodline Inheritance. This bloodline inheritance differed greatly in quality and scope between species, but even the worst ones were a full kit of both skills and a cultivation method that suited their kind.


    Though apparently, beasts with extremely pure bloodlines could awaken such an inheritance much sooner, some even from birth.


    The bloodline evolution alone would give them a tremendous surge in power, and forming a Beast Core would award them with a shocking amount of energy, and energy reserves were already one of the things they surpassed cultivators at. With the inheritance itself, they suddenly gained ways to make use of those almost endless stores of Cosmic Energy with skills and to empower those skills with cultivation manuals.


    That was why the difference in power between cultivators and beasts was pretty much removed at the D-grade. In fact, the average cultivator was slightly disadvantaged in raw power. Zac was no average cultivator, but he still was far from the peak of the E-grade. The amount of strength he would have to exhibit to deal with this big guy was a lot more than he was willing to show in front of over a dozen elite cultivators.


    Instead, he decided to follow Ventus''s suggestion and help the people escape.


    ��Keep attacking it,�� a burly humanoid roared as he unleashed a tremendous sh with a two-handed sword at the barrier. ��We need to exhaust it!��


    The others didn''t need to be told what to do, and they were piling on in an effort of breaking through the thick wall of water to escape. A few even tried to swim right through it, but they were rebuffed and bloodied from the attempt.


    ��It��s you!�� a familiar face eximed when he saw Zac approach. It was the storekeeper who had helped him update his [Ocean Chart]. ��Where��s the boss?! We need his help getting out of here!��


    ��He teleported away somehow,�� Zac said with a crooked smile. ��I think he��s gone already.��


    ��What?!�� multiple people eximed, ring at Zac like this was all his fault.


    ��What are you looking at me for? Do you think I want to be stuck in here with you people?�� Zac grunted as he took out his axe.


    The next moment a storm of Axe-infused leaves mmed into the barrier, but it just rippled without properly breaking. The barrier was something else, and a showcase of the difference between the D-grade and E-grade. Hegemons simply had a disgusting amount of energy to spare, and the Shrimp King could probably just keep infusing the barrier with energy until their whole group was exhausted.


    After confirming the situation, Zac took out the item he got from Ventus. The elf had said that this was the key, and Zac��s best guess was that it was meant for this very situation. He readied himself as he infused the token with Cosmic Energy, and he instantly felt it emit a shocking cold. He had a good guess what was going on.


    ��The boss prepared a key! Get ready!�� Zac roared to those few who were attacking the shrimp at bay in the distance, and he threw the talisman at the barrier a secondter.


    A huge seal appeared from the token, the rippling waters of the barrier immediately started to freeze, and the water wall soon turned into an ice wall. That wasn''t the only change though; much of the energy that filled the waters were somehow nullified, making the ice not much stronger than just a normal wall. However, Zac knew the window of opportunity was limited as an enraged roar erupted from the beast king.


    The Beast King could clearly sense what was going on, but an almost blinding starlight illuminated the area as a storm of silver leaves shot toward the rapidly freezing wall, cutting out arge chunk of ice in one go. A few more mighty attacks erged the escape path even further, forming a proper pathway.


    Zac instantly shed forward with [Loamwalker], appearing far outside the barrier in an instant. Three cultivators were even quicker than he was, and most of the others were hot on Zac''s heels. The whole ind shook the next moment, and Zac knew the Beast King had been forced into action.


    This was no ce to stay, and he rushed forward, his steps empowered by his movement skill as he shed toward a neighboring ind. A crash and an eruption of Cosmic Energy behind him indicated that the Beast King had caught up to someone, but Zac didn''t stop to look. He had already paved the path, the others would have to deal with the fallout themselves. As for Zac, he set course for the depths of the Mystic Realm.


    He was asionally forced to jump down to the bottom of the shallowkes to activate the moment skill again, but he was still making great progress across the archipgo. He only stopped ten minutester to get his bearings, and it thankfully didn''t look like any of the shrimp had followed him.


    There was however a few cultivators on neighboring inds. They bowed in his direction before disappearing, and he followed suit as he jumped into one of the rivers of the Greengrove Archipgo and dug a hole that took him to the proper ocean beneath the canopies.


    The Raksha shrimp were probably still gathered around the encampment, looking for the Dao Treasure that the Shrimp King thought he had sensed. However, they would probably spread out the moment they couldn��t find it, aiming at the cultivators instead. So Zac didn��t want to spend any more time in the area than he had to.


    Huge swathes ofnd, or rather water, had been added to his [Ocean Chart], and Zac started nning his route as he pushed forward. Most of the added spots were unsurprisingly in the earlier parts of the Twilight Ocean. It was like Ventus had said, the temporary settlement seemed to be at the nexus of four paths, of which the route he took was one.


    However, some parts had been scouted that went even deeper than the settlement itself. Zac had ��wasted�� almost two months between Catheya��s mission and his cultivation session, and some had reached this area over a month ago. A promising route to the Twilight Chasm had already been found, and Zac only hesitated for a few seconds before he changed course toward the already charted path.


    The map bought from a Temporary Settlement didn��t hold all the private markers that cultivators could add, such as warnings of powerful beasts or natural disasters, but it was still much safer than to go about things blind. The route would take him through Greengrove Archipgo and some more, where one of the settlers had spotted the beginning of another stream.


    That stream was most likely one of the dozen-odd currents that led to the Twilight Chasm and entered its depths, and the quickest way for Zac to get where he needed to go.


    But before setting off, there was one thing to take care of. He was currently swimming between the towering mangroves, but he suddenly swam a bit closer to one of the trees. Without warning, he pivoted in the waters, and stomped off against the trunk, utilizing the tree to activate [Loamwalker].


    He shed a few hundred meters forward, at which point he double-jumped in the waters to instantly change his direction and move around another trunk. There was nothing in sight, but a storm of leaves still shot out as Zac swung [Verun''s Bite] with a ruthless gleam in his eyes.


    The waters suddenly shuddered as two bloodied men appeared out of nowhere, both of them looking at Zac with surprise and trepidation.


    "Is there some sort of misunderstanding?" one of the men asked. "We just escaped with our lives, why attack us like this?"


    "Preemptive self-defense," Zac shrugged.


    Zac had actually realized that someone was following him for a while now. Part of it was thanks to his peak mastery [Cosmic Gaze]. Each improvement to the skill brought the same benefit; greater detail to his energy vision. By the time it had reached peak mastery, it captured even the weakest hint of attunement.


    Not only that, he had just evolved his Tree-based Dao and he was inside a forest, which made his senses extremely keen. Zac had noticed that there was a spot with weaker attunement a few hundred to a thousand meters behind him. That was often the tell-tale sign of an illusion array or cloaking skill that didn��t quite match up to Zac��s own sentry abilities.


    But the most sure-fire way was obviously his Luck. With his recent Dao Evolutions, his mostly stagnant Luck had finally taken some steps forward, and he was approaching 1000 effective Luck. That was a shocking amount for E-grade cultivators, and it unsurprisingly provided great benefits. His warning senses had never been sharper, and he could feel something amiss just from the fact that he was being targeted. Previously the danger would have had to been palpable for him to get this way.


    The two had tried to make it look like Zac had made a mistake, but he could sense killing intent hidden in their eyes. As expected, the two suddenly shot toward Zac as they brandished their weapons. They could probably tell that their ploy had failed and decided to instantly attack to retain some of the element of surprise.


    Zac wasn''t worried, and a vast fractal forest sprung up among the mangroves, making sure he''d sense if there were even more people lurking in the area. His aura exploded to a level that far exceeded what he had disyed inside the town, and the waters churned from his roiling killing intent. This deep into the Twilight Ocean, this kind of outburst essentially represented a Heaven��s Chosen.


    The two were clearly shocked by the disy, and one of them took out an escape talisman without hesitation.


    ��Wai-�� the other man screamed in rm, Zac had already pounced on him.


    The robber''s head was lobbed off as the other man activated the talisman. But he was dragged back by the chains of [Love��s Bond] before he was finished in one go as well. Zac deactivated [Hatchetman��s Spirit] and scurried away after looting their rings and Corpses.


    The gambit was a huge sess. Zac was definitely powerful enough to deal with these two warriors without too much effort, but it shouldn''t have been that easy. The two were still elites that dared travel in the depths of the Twilight Ocean, and Zac didn''t want to attract any attention so he had unleashed an unnaturally powerful aura to catch them off-guard, courtesy of his bloodline and [Spiritual Void]. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The two must have thought he was a monster with a Middle Stage Dao Branch between not being restrained at all and having his aura so condensed. They would definitely have figured out it was just fake power within a second or two, but they both died long before that.


    Zac traveled for another ten days, continuing his progress between going over Catheya��s fractals and battling various beasts that had made the expansive mangrove forest their home. His Dao evolution was rapidly being consolidated into his path, and he was shoring up the insights into his path he had gained as well.


    Soon enough he reached the edges of the Greengrove Archipgo, but he didn��t leave just yet. He first found an inconspicuous tree an hour from the edge and dug a small cultivation cave in its crown. He plugged the hole with the branches he cut out and followed up by setting down a couple of arrays to seal the area.


    He had already incorporated his lessons from upgrading [Indomitable], and he had pushed his Life-attuned Dao Fragment to peak as well. Now that things had calmed down, it was time to make a real go at upgrading his skills.

 Chapter 730: Upgrades

    <h4>Chapter 730: Upgrades</h4>


    Zac felt he had umted enough to give it another go at upgrading his skills, but rushing things at this juncture would create a lot of extra work down the road. The better the state of his skills were post-evolution, the less effort he''d need to spend on slowly fixing themter on. So he went over every skill fractal fastidiously while more going over his ns, checking and double-checking the missives he had collected before coting everything against his insights into his recently evolved Daos.


    The next stop would be the Twilight Chasm itself, a terrifying ce where other cultivators were only one of many worries. There were natural death traps and beasts aplenty, and the few cultivators who were traversing the chasm were all peak talents who were at the level of Yanub Mettleleaf or even higher. Running around with mostly F-grade skills in that ce was idiotic, even borderline suicidal.


    His insights had obviously not reached the peak yet, but they were good enough to perform adequately when upgrading his skills. He would get more and more hands-on experience as well, making the process easier with every attempt. The first target of his upgrade in his human form was carefully chosen for this very reason.


    It was [Hatchetman��s Rage]. The berserking skill''s pattern was even simpler than [Indomitable], and it shouldn''t be too hard to upgrade even if he nned on making some minor adjustments.With the lesson learned from this attempt, he would proceed to the moreplex patterns.


    Still, it took three full days before Zac took out another [Fractal Framework Array], this version slightly differentpared to the previous one. Its base function was the same, but this version rather ran on Cosmic Energy and was made to help with life- and nature-rted skills. It was one of the items he had made the Hexmaster buy for him after collecting everything for his Draugr cultivation himself.


    The array lit up, and Zac gingerly cut off the skill fractal and infused it into the core disk. A hologram appeared once more and he started making adjustments following his n. The patterns grew denser and more intricate as Zac upgraded one section after another of the fractal. The patterns were slightly differentpared to the ones in his undead form, but the difference was simply to amodate the different types of energy sources. Their fundamental functions were the same.


    There was a delicate bnce in the skill fractal, an equilibrium between patterns responsible for providing the temporary boost of [Hatchetman''s Rage], and patterns that kept the process stable for as long as possible while also minimizing the bacsh. The change Zac wanted to enact was simple; more power. The boost provided by [Hatchetman''s Rage] didn''t need to be a full minute. A battle could be decided in less than a second, as the fight the other day proved.


    Besides, his body was unnaturally durable thanks to his extremely high Endurance and Vitality, along with his mother''s machinations. The bacsh he had to endure was drastically weakenedpared to normal cultivators, so making the skill a bit more nted should work just fine. As long as he didn''t go insane like he did after eating the [Rageroot Oak Seeds], the more power it released the better.


    However, the skill fractal suddenly started to shake as warning messages appeared next to the hologram, causing Zac to frown with worry. Things were not quite out of control just yet, but it was clear that his adjustments threatened to destroy the skill fractal''s bnce. The fractal had to be constantly filled with Cosmic and Mental Energy to stay malleable, and it was this that made the process so precarious since the energy could go wild and ruin the whole fractal.


    Zac didn��t panic as he rapidly kept going, quickly upgrading the counterforce to the boosting section. But he wasn''t fast enough, the fractal was bing too imbnced. He had thought he had made enough concessions to keep the process stable even after adding so much force into the skill, but it looked like he stillcked some theoretical foundation.


    He thankfully had a solution in mind, and he made a temporary release valve like Catheya once had mentioned, providing an outlet for the energy that was building up to ominous levels. It was a temporary measure, but one that would allow him to work on the main diagram that would naturally contain the power.


    Only when it was stable enough did he remove the release valve and patch up the spot with the original patterns that were there before the temporary change. An intervention like that weakened the pattern by a couple of percents, but it was far preferable to just letting the thing blow up.


    After that first little hup, the process continued without any real surprises. Overall, the result was pretty good, and Zac managed to return a recently evolved skill fractal to its proper position with Mental Energy to spare. The fractal looked somewhat simr to before, except it was obviously lopsided now with a muchrger section being reserved for power-boosting.


    It was a huge sphere with small additions below, and it made Zac think of a setting sun for some reason. He had expended more than 80% of his mental reserves in the process, forcing him to take a break. That was fine with him though, and he curiously opened his Status Screen to see the result while he started absorbing energy from a Soul Crystal.


    [E] Arcadian Crusade - Proficiency: Early. Nothing will deny the vengeance of Arcadia, not even death itself.


    Zac''s heart beat an extra time as he read the description, but he sighed when he saw that he hadn''t actually upgraded his title. That meant the skill was still a high-quality one, but that the adjustments to the skill fractal wererge enough that not only the description was changed, but even the name.


    Unfortunately, there was still no description of how the skill worked, and curiosity gnawed at Zac as he slowly recovered his Mental Energy. Initially, he nned on immediately moving on to evolve the next skill, but he eventually caved and decided to activate the skill to get some ''practical experience'' of the process.


    He activated a surveying array to confirm there were no cultivators in the immediate vicinity before arrays before pushing Cosmic Energy into his new skill fractal. Suddenly the world turned white as a tremendous explosion erupted around him, turning the sturdy wood of the mangrove into shredded splinters that were shot hundreds of meters in every direction, creating a huge disturbance in the ocean.


    Fury coursed through his veins and the fires of war burned in his eyes as his pathways were expanded to a bursting point. The waters around Zac churned as a white-and-gold set of fractals covered his skin in what looked a bit like a tribal tattoo. Zac could only see it on his hands, but he could feel that both his arms and chest were covered as well.


    It was almost a shame that he wouldn''t be able to test out this shocking amount of force that rippled through his body.


    However, Zac soon cursed his errant thoughts as space bent before spitting out a massive creature that was more maw than body. It had no doubt been attracted by the eruption of energy from the activation, and it swam toward Zac with murder in its eyes. The hideous creature looked a bit like an anglerfish without the antenna, and it was clearly in the early stages of Hegemony.


    He hadn''t nned on fighting a D-grade beast today, but Zac still shot forward without hesitation. There was no telling how long the boosting effect wouldst after his change, but it would definitely be shorterpared to before. He needed to settle this quickly.


    The Beast King looked enranged to find an E-grade cultivator rather than natural treasure at the source of the energy eruption. A high-pitched shriek echoed among the Greengrove trees, as a water de spanning hundreds of meters rushed toward Zac, cutting apart trees like they were made from paper.


    However, a leafrge enough to look like something plucked from a worldtree appeared in front of Zac, and it cut through the waters with unstoppable force. de met leaf, and the whole section of the forest shook from the collision. The Beast King''s probing attack was clearly imbued with vast amounts of energy, but it was no match to the ferocity contained in Zac''s empowered swing.


    It broke apart and turned into a series of chaotic currents, but Zac cut through those as well as he kept going forward. One of the nearby trees was on the verge of copsing, but Zac managed to reach in time tounch himself forward with the help of [Loamwalker]. It looked like someone had set off a bomb where Zac pushed off for leverage, and the force from his step was the straw that broke the camel''s back, breaking the mangrove in the middle.


    Space shrunk as Zac shed forward, but he suddenly found himself severely slowed down as he got within a few hundred meters of the Beast King. The fifty-meter long anglerfish had erected some sort of Domain, but it looked like it was meant to trap rather than to allow it to escape as it still swam straight toward Zac with murder in its eyes.


    Its maws opened wide, and Zac almost felt like he was looking into a portal to another dimension as it sped toward him. The momentum of the crusade was still urging Zac on though, and there wasn''t any hesitation in his heart as another enormous leaf appeared, this one rapidly gaining a radiant golden hue as it unleashed an enormous haze of pure life that moved to epass the whole anglerfish.


    The deathly fog of the Abyss followed almost instantly behind the radiance of Arcadia, and a storm of unparalleled proportions was unleashed in the direction of the poor Beast King. It immediately realized that it was in trouble, but it was toote as it had almost reached Zac already. It tried to erect a barrier, even a D-grade beast''s defenses proved insufficient to deal with [Rapturous Divide] empowered by [Arcadian Crusade] and the ocean itself.


    In fact, Zac felt he could boost the effect even further, but he restrained himself for one simple reason; doing so would actually cost him life force. What he had unleashed right now was more than enough, so paying such a steep price on a random beast was overkill.


    The delimitation between Arcadia and the Abyss was just as chaotic this time around, perhaps even more so. Space fractured and recovered over and over, and long tendrils of destruction spread in every direction as the two clouds shrouded the Beast King. It desperately tried to escape using the same sort of spatial discement as before, but not even a Hegemon could traverse space this fractured.


    The anglerfish had no choice but to withstand the chaos that had engulfed it with its skills and the durability of its body. But the madness that Zac had unleashed was not something that a freshly evolved Beast King could withstand. Perhaps that Raksha Shrimp King would have fared better thanks to its thick shell, but the scales on this deep-sea dweller were clearly unable to withstand the spatial cracks.


    Enormouscerations were cut open across its body, and Zac felt a tremendous surge of energy before he even had a chance to follow up his initial salvo with [Judgement of Arcadia]. The waters eventually calmed down, and Zac looked at the mangled remains of the Beast King with some helplessness.


    He had expected that his first battle against a Beast King to be an epic contest between man and nature, but it was more like a wanton ughter. His new skill had added a full 35% power, and it had also sped up the speed he activated his two skills by arge degree thanks to forcibly turning his pathways into superhighways.


    Thetter wasn''t that impressive considering his bloodline, but he wouldn''t need to be nearly as careful with this abilitypared to [Force of the Void]. But for now, he needed to get out of here. The odds of any other cultivator being in this area were pretty low, but the waves he had caused weren''t small.


    Zac didn''t want to risk it, especially with an impending bacsh, and he was actually filled with a sense of impending doom as he hurried away. He had gained enough strength to rip an early Beast King to shreds from his new skill, and the price for such power was likely to be equally impressive.


    As expected, he didn''t get very far before a searing pain spread throughout his body, and he couldn''t stop himself from releasing a weak whimper as he sank to the bottom of the forest. His veins were once more set on fire, but this time in apletely different sense. It felt like he had been poisoned on top of being run through a wringer.


    The bacsh from [Hatchetman''s Rage] had mostly been a wave of weakness thatsted a few hours, but this pain reached into Zac''s very soul, even eclipsing what he had been forced to endure when using the [Bone-forging Dust]. He knew that he had to create at least some distance from the scene of the battle, but he could barely swim in his current state.


    Without any better options, Zac activated one of his escape talismans, soon finding himself tens of thousands of meters away. Getting forcibly transported like that only worsened his pain, but he activated another three talismans before he was satisfied. Only then did he dig a small burrow beneath arge root of a random mangrove, and he continued to dig until he was nestled over a hundred meters beneath the ocean bed.


    Falling asleep right now was risky, but his eyes were refusing to stay open as he descended into a deep slumber. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A nibbling pain startled him awake some timeter, and he found himself covered in 40-centimeter long mollusks trying to break through his skin with small pincers. A wave of killing intent made them scurry away into the sand, allowing Zac to check his state in peace. Some surface wounds from the critters aside, he was mostly healed after activating his new skill.


    However, he realized that he had actually slept for half a day while recuperating, and so deeply that random beasts actually thought him a corpse at that.


    The bacsh was pretty bad, but Zac believed it would be more manageable over time as his strength grew and his bloodline kept evolving. If anything, this was exactly what he had been looking to achieve when evolving the skill. The effect was palpable; a boost of roughly 35% was a drastic improvementpared to the 25% of [Hatchetman''s Rage].


    Besides, his old berserker skill had been unable topletely boost his attributes now that they had outgrown the skill, reducing the actual effect to something like 10%. [Arcadian Crusade] had no such limitations though, providing a massive augmentation that hadsted around 15 seconds from the looks of it.


    The duration was even shorterpared to [Hatchetman''s Rage] when it was at early mastery, but 15 seconds was more than enough to cause a whole lot of damage.


    Even better, [Arcadian Crusade] even allowed him to empower it by expending longevity if his back was really against the wall in the future. It was a bit like the Anointed''s unique methods, trading life for power. Zac could actually empower strikes with his life force if he really needed, but doing it through a skill would definitely have a greater effect than using it ''raw''.


    The experiment could tentatively be considered a sess, but he would probably be a bit more careful in the future after evolving a skill. He was still emboldened by sess, and Zac soon dug his way up through the sand before he set out in search of a new cultivation cave. The previous set of defensive arrays to hide his cave had all been destroyed by activating his new skill, but luckily he had over ten identical sets just in case.


    Soon enough another canopy had been hollowed out, and another set of illusion, istion, and defensive arrays hummed to life as Zac started to focus on the next skill to evolve. He still took half a day to analyze his mistake where he almost made [Arcadian Crusade] copse, and how it applied to the other skills he had nned on upgrading. Only then did he activate the array once more, and the process started up again.


    One skill after another was transformed over the next week, all of them sessfully elevated to the next tier. Almost every evolution had some twists and turns, but he was definitely satisfied with the result.


    [E] Arcadian Crusade - Proficiency: Early. Nothing will deny the vengeance of Arcadia, not even death itself. Upgradeable.


    [E] Forester''s Constitution - Proficiency: Early. All living beings under the Heavens are one entity. Upgradeable.


    [E] Earthstrider - Proficiency: Early. Traverse the boundless worlds, unrestrained and unfettered. Upgradeable.


    [E] Piercing Gaze - Proficiency: Early. Unravel their secrets. Upgradeable.


    Four upgrades, and only one had been relegated to a lower grade.

 Chapter 731: Minefield

    <h4>Chapter 731: Minefield</h4>


    Three core skills had been directly upgraded to their E-grade equivalent without any major issues, with [Forester''s Constitution] mostly staying the same and [Loamwalker] being adjusted to the point that it was given a new name. The former skill was a passive buff that boosted his Endurance and Vitality, with the peak skill adding something like an inborn instinct for the forests, helping him both find opportunities and avoid dangers.


    Zac had tried to put more focus on the part that improved his instincts, but it had proved tooplicated. He guessed that part of the drew inspiration from the Dao of Nature, and he was currently veering away from that path toward the Dao of Life. The two were pretty closely rted, but they were still paths of their own.


    Still, his efforts had been enough to slightly change the description to no longer just mention ''Man and Nature'' to instead incorporate all living things. It was a step in the right direction, and he hoped it would broaden how the skill could be used. Being so dependant on forests nearby to provide full benefits was a weakness he wanted to move away from somewhat.


    He didn''t really sense anything different from the skill itself so far, except that his attributes had gained a small boost. That wasn''t because the skill provided more points, but rather that it could scale even his massive attribute pools. It now provided 15% Endurance and Vitality as it did before Zac''s attributes grew too big.


    Perhaps the instinct would work like that as well, providing him with a natural understanding of stronger nts and ces as well. After all, Zac doubted [Forester''s Constitution] could give many insights to things like D-grade nts before.


    The changes to [Loamwalker] were more extensive, where he mainly focused on improving the part that represented his double-jump. Staying inside the ocean had shown how big a weakness it was to always bendlocked. Soon enough he would fight Hegemons who all could fly, so he needed to improve the skill''s aerial performance.


    It looked like his change was a sess, but he would have to test it out after leaving in a bit.


    Unfortunately, problems cropped up when he had attempted to evolve [Cosmic Gaze]. Its fractal wasn��t tooplicated on the surface, but it did contain a few unique patterns that weren��t present in his ss skills. This had created some hidden connections and unexpected dependencies that made the skill far moreplicated to upgrade than Zac had expected.


    He was forced to perform one patchwork after another as the skill fractal started to be unstable, and the result was [Piercing Gaze], which Zac estimated was a high-quality sibling to [Cosmic Gaze]. It was a sobering wake-up call that there was still a lot that he didn��t know when it came to patterns, and it was also a good reminder that skills from outside sources ultimately weren��t as in tune with his understanding as his ss skills or skills he would create himself in the future.


    Upgrading them would require greater preparation, and some might be doomed to fail because ofckingpatibility.


    Zac wasn��t all-too-beat up over the loss though. A high-quality E-grade investigative skill was still pretty much equivalent to his old skill at peak mastery. Besides, he still had the original skill in his Draugr form. He would prepare some more before upgrading the skill on his undead side, and hopefully, it would retain its full strength that time. As long as he seeded, he would reform [Piercing Gaze] and restore it to its former glory on his human form as well.


    Making some mistakes was ultimately normal, and something that happened to most people when upgrading their skills. Keeping them at the F-grade, waiting for perfection was a fool��s errand, as it would dy his own progression. He was already halfway tote E-grade and he still hadn��tpleted the step that most finished before even reaching middle E-grade.


    Adjusting skill fractals after the initial process was a chore from what he''d gathered, but it was possible. They were like brittle ss, and every change had to be slowly and carefully performed, and fixing one was a slow process that would take a couple of years. Still, it was simply something he could add to his daily cultivation routine, taking a few minutes every day to slowly work on those that needed to be fixed.


    The downside was that it was a bit risky to use the skills while doing those kinds of upgrades, so he wouldn''t be able to do so inside the Mystic Realm.


    So some mistakes were expected, but he still left [Hatchetman��s Spirit] alone as he swapped to his Draugr form. That skill was simply tooplex, and he wasn��t confident in changing it without System-assistance. Repairing mistakes was fine and all, but that was only true up to a point. If he messed up to the point that the skill became unrecognizable, then there was only so much he could do.


    This time he meditated a full day before finally activating the array, and the skill fractal of [Fields of Despair] entered the array. The peak quality skills were more intricatepared to the high-quality skills of his old Hatchetman ss, but this particr domain skill was one of the three basic skills he gained at level 25. Its effect was great, but the patterns were nowhere near at theplexity of [Profane Seal].


    Besides, some of the structures in the skill fractal were surprisingly reminiscent of [Hatchetman��s Rage] and [Forester��s Constitution]. It was a marvel in a sense. Two opposing concepts with opposite effects, one buffing and one cursing, had such a simr appearance.


    Soon enough the process wasplete, and a new skill fractal entered his body.


    [E] Fields of Despair - Proficiency: Early. A deste haze, both entrapping and illuminating. Upgradeable.


    The upgrade was a sess, and Zac had only made some small adjustments. He had given up some of the skill''s ability to provide Miasma to other undead warriors, and in turn, expand the omniscience the skill provided from Peak Mastery. Ideally, he would have done away with those parts meant for warfare entirely, but they were an integral part of the fractal.


    Cutting them outpletely would have caused too big an imbnce, to the point that Zac had no way to upgrade the skill at all. He would have to gently steer the skill in the direction he desired with each upgrade instead, and by the time he became a Monarch, it might bepletely in tune with his Path.


    Just like with [Hatchetman''s Spirit], Zac still didn''t dare to touch [Vanguard of Undeath] and [Profane Seal]. There was still reason to celebrate though after thistest boost in power. Just over half a year had passed now since Zac entered the trial, and the improvements he had made were shocking.


    His raw attributes had increased by almost 80% since he left for the Havenfort Chasm, and his effectivebat strength had increased even further. If he fought that Half-Step cksmith Golem today, he would be able to take it out without using any berserking items at all, and the same was probably true for Adcarkas.


    Then again, Zac knew that as he got stronger, so would his adversaries.


    There was no time to lose, so Zac finally set off again, heading for the stream indicated on the map. He still traveled in his human form, and he finally found a chance to try out [Earthstrider]. He swam between the mangroves, but a patch of grass suddenly appeared around his feet and he disappeared the next moment.


    Zac appeared again a few hundred meters away, but he only stayed for a fraction of a second before he disappeared again, this time a few flowers appearing around his feet. He kept going, but suddenly he felt a sense of hollowness in the skill, and hended on the seabed. The skill was quickly ''recharged'' by some unseen force, and he felt he could sh away again any time he wanted. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    This was exactly what he had hoped for. He could already create a simr effect with [Hatchetman''s Spirit], but this was far more convenient. [Earthstrider] actually created a patch of greenery right by his feet, allowing him to move unencumbered just like his double-jump. However, he only managed to perform five jumps before he was forced tond.


    Still, that was a huge improvement, especially considering he didn''t even need to start the skill on the ground. The movement capabilities of [Earthstrider] themselves were barely superiorpared to [Loamwalker], but Zac didn''t care. It already performed great in battles, and it would be even more flexible going forward.


    Zac was already close to the edge of the archipgo, after which he once more entered the more open waters. The energy was extremely dense by this point, so the ocean obviously wouldn''t be empty. If anything, it was teeming with life by this point, with corals, weeds, and all kinds of nts fighting for space on the seabed.


    An endless number of fishes and beasts scuttled between them, most of them mostly harmless even though they emitted energy signatures at E-grade. Zac was only asionally forced to fight since unleashing his aura was enough to make whole shoals spanning hundreds of meters swim for their lives.


    He continued traveling through the verdant ocean for another week until there was a change once more. He had reached an odd stretch of water with ball-like nts covered in beautiful flowers that swayed as the balls slowly bobbed abut. They seemed mostly stationary, looking like flourishing miniatures. Zac still felt a vague sense of danger from them but passing through them seemed risky, if impossible, considering there had to be millions of them.


    The waters were filled from the surface all the way down to the seabed, and they were ced so closely that his vision almost looked like a solid wall. His [Ocean Chart] told him to go straight through, but Zac decided to trust his instincts and first try to see if he could pass them.


    However, even as he tried to find another route, the bobbing balls were reced by an endless sea of jellyfish who each had hundreds of tentacles, each one of them over fifty meters long. Zac didn��t recognize the balls, but he did know about these jellyfish. They were both venomous and voracious, trying to snatch up any cultivator who passed by.


    Ultimately he chose to backtrack to the field of weirds. He had no desire to tangle with hundreds of thousands of jellyfish, and the one who filled in the [Ocean Chart] must have passed through the minefield of flower-balls since the map went right trough the patch they filled up.


    Zac prepared some escape talismans just in case, and he used both [Piercing Gaze] and [Forester��s Constitution] as he started to make his way through the minefield. A long rattan vine suddenly flew out from the closest ball, and Zac instantly cut it off with his axe. The waters around the cut were suddenly filled with a dark haze, and Zac instantly felt a sharp uptick of Twilight Energy in his body.


    It was pretty simr to the Hollowtongues, which allowed Zac to shrug off most of the effect and allow him to swim away. However, a sweet scent attracted his attention, and he saw a small berry sitting alone on the crown of the weird nt. A chain shot forward with lightning-quick speed, snatching the fruit up and dragging it back just in time to avoid dozens of rattans that emerged from the ball a momentter.


    It was like the inert ball of green growth had beenpletely infuriated by the theft, and it raged as it searched for the culprit. Even a few of the neighboring balls were attacked, causing something of a chain reaction of destruction in the area. Zac found himself assailed from every direction, but his evolved [Forester��s Constitution] quickly proved its worth.


    It was like he instinctively understood how these previously unknown nts would act, and he swam in a pattern that allowed him to dodge most of the vines. The few that were unavoidable were quickly cut apart by a bodhi-infused [Nature��s Edge]. Such an attack full of life-attuned aura didn''t seem to draw the semi-sapient nts'' attention, allowing him to avoid any further retaliation.


    Zac barely had time to get out of the danger zone before spotting another ball with a fruit on top of it, and he hesitated only for the fraction of a second before another chain shot forward and ripped the whole bush off the mini. As expected another wave of destruction was unleashed, forcing Zac to continue to bob and weave.


    Things continued like this for two days, at which point Zac left the area a bedraggled mess. Wounds covered his body, and he held ominous volumes of toxins in his body. But Zac felt it was worth it. The toxins should be flushed in a few days from a mix of his pills and hidden node, leaving nosting downsides behind. Meanwhile, he had managed to loot over 200 of those odd fruits.


    They weren��t listed in any of thependiums, but considering they were in the depths of the Twilight Ocean they had to be good things. After all, that minefield would probably take out 99% of the cultivators entering. As for their function, Zac actually guessed they were rted to body tempering.


    The fruits had a slightly bloody aura, and Zac��s cells greedily reacted to them very much in the same way as they did when put in front of bloodline treasures like the [Blood Nucleus] or the [Cardinal Kernel]. He stowed them away, happy to see his preparations for his Bloodline Evolution more and moreprehensive.


    It didn��t take Zac long after passing the minefield to find the stream on the map, and the area was blessedly void of other cultivators. One more week passed, and things thankfully calmed down after he hitched his vessel to the stream. The vessel he currently used was still the one he looted from the Havarok Scion. It was simply the best one he had, no matter if considering base materials or quality of arrays.


    He had spotted a few Beast Kings far in the distance, but most minded their own business. Many Beast Kings possessed intelligence equivalent to cultivators, and they probably understood that cultivators who managed to reach these depths of the Twilight Ocean were not someone to mess with.


    After all, the life span of Beast Kings was around ten times that of Cultivators, and the oldest ones should have lived through dozens of trials. Of course, others followed their innate bloodlust and tried to attack his vessel, but Zac was long gone before they reached him.


    The ship didn��t have any purification features installed, and the base design only relied on cultivation arrays to make the insides more bearable. If it was before, this wouldn''t have been an issue, but as time passed Zac felt himself increasingly under pressure. Finally, after another week passed, Zac felt his body reach its limit.


    Thankfully wasn''t the limit of what he could endure, but rather the limit of what his body could passively expel without him lifting a finger. [Void Heart] currently beat once every minute, which seemed to be the limit in these conditions. Zac felt a wave of relief after every beat, but more Twilight Energy entered his body every minute than his Hidden Node swallowed.


    Some of the leftovers were dealt with by [Purity of the Void], but it wasn''t nearly as effective for this particr purpose. So it came fell to Zac to manually process the leftovers just like all other cultivators had done since entering the trial. He simply expelled a little bit of Cosmic Energy, and his body naturally absorbed the Twilight Energy instead.


    It felt like breathing stale air, but his bloodline was thankfully still doing the heavy lifting. The effect on him was currently far less severe than normal cultivators had even at the starting continent. Still, it also meant that he would be more and more restrained as he kept going.


    The soul ocean was filling up pretty fast in this ce as well, but Zac still felt that he should be able to go for at least two months before his life-attuned ocean reached max capacity. At that point, his resistance against the environment would drop even further, but there was not much he could do about that.


    That��s why he needed to quickly rid himself of the odd stone and perhaps snatch some treasures before returning to depths he could handle. And finally, Zac saw his journey wasing to an end. The ocean bed simply stopped far in the distance, and it was reced with endless darkness. The stream took a sharp turn and plunged into the chasm, heading god knows where in the depths of the Mystic Realm.


    He had finally reached the Twilight Chasm.

 Chapter 732: Twilight Chasm

    <h4>Chapter 732: Twilight Chasm</h4>


    The enormous chasm quickly grew closer, and Zac immediately steered his vessel away from the stream and stowed it away after swapping to his Draugr form. His undead soul ocean was even more filledpared to his living one, but he had still chosen to travel the final stretch in his Draugr form, at least until he got a bettery of thend.


    Whenparing his two sses, Fetters Of Destion currently had greater survivability. With [Force of the Void] and [Abyssal Phase] working together, he could instantly escape from most perilous situations to an evenrger degree than his upgraded [Earthstrider]. But more importantly, this final task of his was definitely rted to whatever the bigshots outside had nned, and he didn''t want to get his human persona involved in this mess.


    He''d drop off the odd egg before swapping over to his human form,pletely washing his hands of whatever schemes the Monarchs had.


    Zac had read about the Twilight Chasm, but seeing it with his own eyes was still something else. It looked like an endless hole that reached into eternity, far surpassing the Havenfort Chasm in scope. It wasn��t an empty hole though, as he spotted dozens of interconnected mountains sticking up from the depths. All-in-all, the chasm was almost as big as the starting continent, meaning it would take weeks to swim across it.


    Of course, that was not really possible. Beasts and cultivators were one of the dangers in this ce, but another was the unpredictable currents. Zac looked over to his left, and he saw the stream that he had hitched a ride from until this point. It looked like a waterfall that descended into the depths, and he vaguely spotted another simr situation far in the distance.


    Overall, there were over a hundred streams that had the Twilight Chasm as their endpoint, where they plunged into the abyss heading god knows where. The best guess was that the streams formed a loop, and they''d emerge again where they started. Of course, no one had survived attempting to find out, as dropping into the depths of the Chasm was a death sentence.


    Just the surface of the Twilight Chasm had an energy density far surpassing any other area of the Twilight Ocean, and it got worse the deeper you descended from what he''d gathered. Hopefully, he wouldn''t have to go too far down to drop off this egg, as even he wouldn''t survive down there.


    Zac took out the odd stone from his spatial ring, looking between it and the ravine in front of him. He doubted the mission was as simple as just throwing the thing inside, but he never actually got any more detailed guidance from Va Tapek when he handed over this thing. A weak fluctuation suddenly appeared around his hand as the icy brand appeared on it again, and Zac groaned when he received a burst of energy into his mind.


    His vision suddenly changed as he shot through turbulent waters and jagged cliffs. The scene took him to a secluded valley through a hidden pathway, where an ancient altar stood erected in the middle. On it, the stone in his hand pulsed, and each beat awakened a few mysterious runes around it.


    Soon enough his vision was back to normal, and Zac looked down at the orb with exasperation. As expected, there was a specific drop-off site stored inside the brand. The bad news was that he would need to actually enter the Twilight Chasm, but the good news was that he didn��t actually need to enter its heart.


    The weird altar was located just a quarter into the twilight chasm, and it was actually not that far from his current location. Zac guessed that Va Tapek must have surmised that Zac would reach the Twilight Chasm from this general direction. Every second he loitered in this area was another second he was worn down a little bit more by the Twilight Energy, so Zac wasted no time before setting out.


    Zac didn��t immediately jump out into the vast unknown though, but he made his way back and forth along the precipice, constantly rooting his chains into the bedrock to make sure he wasn��t suddenly ripped into the chasm by an unpredictable current. He was trying to find a patch of calmer waters to enter through, but it quickly became apparent there was no such thing.


    Going above water served no purpose either. He knew that ce was even scarier than below the surface. Hundreds of streams converging into one spot didn��t just do a number on the environment in the waters, it was even worse up there. Hundreds of hurricanes and insanely powerful winds made the environment deadly even for Hegemons. The chaotic currents in the chasm were safe inparison, at least unless you had something like a Branch of Gale to protect you from the winds.


    Eventually, Zac found a somewhat decent spot and jumped off from the ledge, and he instantly found himself assaulted by sharp waves from every direction. They tried to rip him down to the depths, and he was forced to keep expellingrge amounts of Miasma to move forward. If he relented for even a second, he would be swept up by the waters and dragged god knows where.


    His situation was luckily manageable thanks to thebination of his Draugr-vision and [Cosmic Gaze].


    The more powerful the current, the more energy it also contained, which essentially turned the danger spots into brightly lit streams that he could circumvent. That didn��t mean he was safe though, as the streams constantly changed direction like a bucking horse, and Zac was forced to scramble out of the way more than once.


    Suddenly, his mind screamed of imminent and deadly danger. A stream was veering straight toward him like a snake, and he saw no choice but to forcibly activate [Abyssal Phase] with the help of his bloodline talent. He was turned into a cloud of energy in an instant, but his whole being screamed with pain as he felt himself being ripped apart. Zac only managed to move a second in his abyssal form before he was forced out of it, but that second had thankfully put him out of harm��s way.


    He was stillpletely drenched in dripping ichor when returning into his physical form, a poignant reminder that he wasn��t immortal in his energy form. He had already suspected as much when being trapped in the Living Pulse, but knowing what could and what couldn��t harm him wasn��t an exact science. Clearly, rampaging Twilight Energy was on the list of dangers to his intangible form.


    Every second was a struggle as Zac slowly made his way toward the first mountain ridge inside the chasm, and his reserves actually started to dip to dangerous levels. Just traversing the empty space of the chasm was difficult enough, but he was constantly forced to put a great deal of effort into dealing with the Twilight Energy umting in his body as well.


    The density had essentially doubled the moment he jumped from the ledge, and it seemed to only be getting worse as he traveled further toward the core. But finally, he reached the closest mountain, and four chains shot out from [Love��s Bond] and embedded themselves into the wall.


    He dragged himself over and breathed out in relief after finding a spot somewhat protected from the turbulent waters. Zac felt a bit like one of those mountain climbers camping on the side of sheer cliffs as he hung from his chains while he started restoring his Miasma with a Soldier Pill and crystals. Normally he wouldn��t have wasted a Soldier Pill in a ce like this, but the Twilight Energy was just too powerful.


    It was a negative spiral. The more Twilight Energy he failed to expel, the greater the suppression would be. And as he got weaker and weaker, he eventually would sumb to the environment. This was why people didn��t push beyond their means in the Twilight Ascent, even for a quick sojourn to search for booty. There was no guarantee you��d make it back even from a half-day trip in an area your constitution couldn��t handle.


    Zac thankfully had one final ace he hadn''t been forced to use to deal with the Twilight Energy just yet, but he knew he was close to reaching that point. For now, he kept making his way forward among the sharp cliffs, using his sharp eyes and high Luck to navigate the treacherous waters. He did see both caves and some promising spots that might lead into secluded valleys, but he ultimately chose to focus on his main task.


    He could go searching for treasure as soon as he was rid of this suspicious egg and the brand hiding in his body.


    Quite a few Beast Kings lived in the chasm, but they thankfully stayed inside their caves most of the time. The chasm itself was actually quite deste because of the dangerous currents, and few nts could survive for long on the surface. Instead, every single mountain was a cornucopia of hidden spots with valuable treasures that had grown in seclusion from the currents or other outside interference.


    Apparently, there were many secluded valleys like the one where they harvested the life-death pearls as well, but he didn''t have any way to find those spots except relying on dumb luck.


    Zac had estimated his journey to take just three days, but it took him over a week to follow the path lined out in his vision. Some time was wasted from avoiding Beast Kings emerging from their caves to hunt, but most of it was a matter of having to stop and focus on expelling Twilight Energy for a few hours to prevent any dangerous build-up.


    A new problem appeared the moment he reached the spot though, and Zac frowned as he looked at the sheer mountain wall in front of him where the hidden tunnel should be. It was either real or an illusion so good it had blended truth and false to a perfect degree. Was the map wrong? It shouldn��t be. Everything else had matched his vision perfectly, except this wall which should be a tunnel leading into a hidden valley inside the mountain.


    A thought suddenly struck him, and he took out the sphere. His eyes lit up when the response was immediate; the wall fluctuated for a few seconds before it just disappeared. He still had no idea whether the wall had been real or fake as he passed through the tunnel, but he guessed it didn��t matter.


    Soon enough he entered the valley, and it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. The density of Twilight Energy was even lower herepared to the Starting Continent, and a small haze emerged from his pores as therge umtions of toxins were being expelled by [Purity of the Void]. Between one Hidden node gobbling up the energy, and another expelling it, Zac figured that he would be good to go within a few hours or so.


    The altar stood in the center of the valley just as advertised, but Zac only started to advance after having recovered to perfect condition. The procedure looked simple enough in the vision, but Zac wasn��t as optimistic. Everything about this mission and this ce was suspicious. For example, where did this altar and the inscriptionse from? Had someone built it? And what would actually happen when he ced the egg on it?


    Chaos had gripped the whole Trial, and it felt like the contraband he had brought in here was if not in the heart of it, then at least close. Which begged the question; what was Va Tapek doing with this thing? Catheya hadn��t said anything out loud during the month they had traveled together after the events beneath the Living Pulse, but she was definitely troubled by the situation with her master. She either was an excellent liar, or she really wasn��t clued in on the situation.


    It almost felt like Va Tapek was breaking with the Sharva��Zi n for whatever reason, joining a conspiracy that would potentially destroy one of their major revenue sources. And if he was, what did that mean for Catheya? Would she even still have a master when she came out from this thing? He remembered her words back on at Cork Ind about chess pieces, and he really felt like one as he slowly walked up toward the altar.


    There were no threats around, and none of his early warning methods indicated any danger. Zac still gripped his axe nervously as he ced the egg on the center of the altar, but his danger sense didn''t even have a chance to wake up before a pulse threw him off the steps. It didn''t hurt though, and Zac barely registered it as he looked at his right hand with glee.


    The icy-blue brand appeared on the back of his hand again, and it even emerged and started to disintegrate into small ice crystals. Just as they were about to dissipate, they formed a simple sentence in the written script of the Undead Empire;


    Such is bnce restored and Karma severed.


    "Bnce my ass," Zac muttered. Va Tapek had only spoken a few words to the Veilplume Monarch, and he had been sent on a trip to the most dangerous ce of the Twilight Ocean.


    If not for his Bloodline, he would have been forced to train like his life depended on it for the whole trial before attempting to deliver this thing. Still, he knewining about Catheya''s master was futile. It was just another indignity he had to push to the back of his mind, just like all other lower-rung cultivators. Instead, he turned to the egg to see if it brought some change.


    It just sat silently on the podium for a few minutes, but suddenly it released the very same ripple as he saw in the vision, and it felt like the whole realm beat with it as a few runes lit up around it. Zac felt the pulse all the way to the depths of his bones, but he found he was neither harmed nor helped by it. It just passed him through, like an extremely deep bass.


    However, there was one thing that had changed from the pulse; [Love��s Bond] had woken up again. Alea hadn''t spoken a word after that short message back in the Hollowtongue Mountains, but the Spirit Tool woke up with a vengeance because of the egg. The whole coffin on his back hummed with intense desire, its hunger far eclipsing both the Twilight Fruits and Life-Death Pearls.


    It even eclipsed the ardent craving that Verun had shown toward that mysterious stone or the Dragon��s blood back then. Four chains shot toward the egg without Zac doing a thing, driving home just how much Alea wanted the mysterious treasure. It almost felt like he was fighting five frenzied snakes as hemanded the chains back into the coffin.


    ��You really want this thing, huh,�� Zac muttered as he looked at the stone in front of him.


    It beat once more, causing another shudder to ripple through the valley. Zac hesitated for five minutes as he watch the egg beat over and over, each ripple empowering itself and the surroundings with a little bit more energy. It was like the treasure was slowly charging itself from a drained state, and the desire from [Love��s Bond] increased with each passing moment.


    Zac knew he was about to do something immeasurably stupid; he had to snatch it.


    He had searched high and low for over three years, but [Love��s Bond] was clearly extremely picky, not once having shown any interest beforeing here. The Twilight Harbor had been the only ce holding things Alea needed, and none of them even were close to this item. Who knew if he would ever find something like it again?


    Alea was right at the precipice, and this might be the final key to the puzzle.


    Doing so would definitely put him in harm��s way, but the thought refused to leave him once it had taken root. One by one the people around him had fallen since the Integration. First was his dad, then Alea. Ogras, Billy, over a dozen Valkyries and followers in the hundreds. Even Thea had met her end, and he didn''t know if he''d ever be able to see his sister again.


    It felt like this egg represented a way for him to break the cycle, to at least bring one person back from the dead. And if he could do it with one, he felt more confident in helping the others as well. This opportunity didn''t only provide a chance for him to evolve his Spirit Tool, it represented hope that his lofty goals weren''t a fool''s dream. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Besides, did stealing this odd object really change anything? He was already nning on slinking away in the darkness like a bandit, using his human form as a disguise from Va Tapek and any other prying eyes. So why not go all out now that things hade to this point?


    Zac soon found a problem though as he jumped back onto the altar between heartbeats; he waspletely unable to move the treasure now that it had been locked into ce. Pulling with all the force he could muster didn''t do a single thing, and [Love''s Bond] was unable to absorb it while it was attached to the altar as well. He found himself at an impasse for a few minutes, until he had another idea.


    ��Brand it with your Mark of Creation, making it forever yours,�� Zac whispered, his eyes glimmering with a mix of madness and determination.

 Chapter 733: Repercussions

    <h4>Chapter 733: Repercussions</h4>


    Zac knew he wasn''t thinking rationally, but his desires muffled the voice of caution in the back of his mind. Using the Mark of Creation to forcibly take control of the egg was worth a try. He could sense that mysterious energies that filled the runes of the egg and the runes on the altar were too vast for him to overpower, but he might be able to snatch it as long as he seized control for just a moment.


    As to whether this messed up Va Tapek''s or the Undead Empire''s ns, Zac couldn''t care less. That man had sent him on what might almost be considered a suicide mission. If anything, Zac felt he would end up carrying a ball of resentment if he didn''t do something to mess with his ns. Besides, Zac guessed the Monarch had a bunch of contingencies in case this egg never reached this ce. After all, Va Tapek must have believed that Zac reaching this ce was a long shot at best.


    Two streams of mental energy and Dao entered the weird pathways on his shoulders, and they were soon joined by a mysterious intangible force that normally hid deep in his cells. A momentter a small sphere full of endless potential appeared behind his hands, a small rune barely visible inside. Zac kept infusing it with energy for a while until it stabilized while also instilling it with the purpose of why he was doing this. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Create an opportunity to steal the egg and have it be food for [Love��s Bond]. Those thoughts and desires permeated the rune, and it subtly changed before Zac pushed it onto the egg. He sensed a slight resistance before the Mark of Creation entered the smooth surface and disappeared. A shudder passed through the egg, and it spread into the array and out into the whole mountain.


    Zac was just about to see if he could take it, but a massive pulse suddenly threw him over thirty meters away as a storm of energy shot toward the sky from the altar itself. Millions of runes lit up all across the valley, and Zac found himselfpletely immobilized by a force far beyond what he could understand or endure. Unable to move, Zac found himself looking at the spectacle with a mix of horror and awe.


    Who had created something like this? The tapestry that appeared among the walls spoke to the very core of Zac''s soul, and he felt awash with inspiration while his body was inundated with a terrifyingly concentrated force. [Void Heart] and his soul had been quiet since entering the secluded valley, but they woke up with a vengeance to greedily swallow the extremely precious energies that raged all around him.


    Zac barely registered what was going on inside his body as his eyes darted back and forth, trying to imprint the vast schematic that had appeared on the walls. The feeling was just like when he sat in front of the Big Boss''s Big Wall, but on a far grander scale. Not only that, but the insights were rted to Life, Death, and at least two other concepts that he had no understanding of.


    Was he looking at the blueprint of the Twilight Energy, with all the insights that made it possible on open disy for him?


    Zac wouldn''tin even if he found himself stuck here for a year, but too much of a good thing wasn''t beneficial either. The levels of energy quickly grew ufortable even for him, and it felt like the whole valley had been turned into an enormous cauldron, where he was part of the impurities that were being burned away by the raging waves.


    The chaos didn''t stay contained to the valley either, but it had rather shot toward the surface, creating a pir of force that had to be visible from far and wide. His tampering with the egg must have made the ancient preparations go haywire, and he was now paying the price.


    The outburst thankfully onlysted ten seconds, but that alone was enough to fill him with enough energy to almost explode. As for the energy itself, it was pretty odd as well. It was Twilight Energy, yet it wasn''t. Its base was the same, but it was purer, more primal in a sense. He wouldn''t even be surprised if the odd thing inside him was the source of the Twilight Energy, which when mixed with Miasma and Cosmic Energy became the ''lower'' version that permeated the whole Mystic Realm.


    The energy was filled with far more meaning than the original energy as well. Both his Soul Oceans were rapidly expanding and evolving, probably to a stage that he wouldn''t be able to reach with Twilight Energy alone. Zac grunted as he got back to his feet, a bit flummoxed that what should have been an opportunity for Alea somehow had be an opportunity for himself.


    He had just evolved his two final Dao Fragments to Peak Mastery with the help of the Life-Death Pearls, but he had already gained another bout of inspiration. Most of the concepts he had glimpsed on the runes were far beyond him right now, but they''d serve as a foundation for him to move toward forming his two branches.


    Part of him really wanted to investigate the source of that amazing energy to see if he could siphon off any more, but the scope of the spectacle had set off warning signals in his mind. Such an outburst must have been seen or at least sensed from far and wide, and he wouldn''t be surprised if both Rankers and Beast Kings were making their way toward his location at this very moment.


    Outbursts like this were often a sign of a great treasure having been born, and if he suddenly emerged from the cave he would be a prime suspect. He needed to get away before that could happen.


    However, he couldn''t go before trying to actually steal the egg, and he shed forward once more, suddenly appearing on top of the Altar. The egg had once more calmed down and resumed its normal beat, with each beat illuminating a few more runes. Try as he might, he still couldn''t dislodge the thing from its spot on the pedestal.


    There was one change though; Zac could actually sense his mark inside the egg. It hadn''t been erased by the outburst, but had rather somehow fused with the treasure. With each beat, the Mark of Creation released a minute ripple that probably wouldn''t be discernible to anyone but him, and Zac actually felt a weak connection slowly forming between himself and the treasure.


    His abyssal eyes looked at the egg with anticipation, knowing that not all hope was lost just yet. Who knew, he might be able to wrest control sooner orter after the Mark of Creation hadpletely fused with the egg.


    The question was how long that would take. For all he knew, it might take over a year, and Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he jumped down from the altar and started running toward the exit. This treasure was a big opportunity, but he needed to be alive to enjoy it. Who knew what problems could crop up if he stayed here. Better he leave for now and deal with his other matters, ande back in a year or two when the situation had calmed down.


    He rushed through the tunnel, and Zac breathed out in relief when there were no massive beasts waiting outside. He still activated [Abyssal Phase], moving thousands of meters away from the cave mouth before the furious currents outside the secluded valley forced him back into his corporeal form.


    Zac was about to swim away, but he suddenly felt a terrifying pressure descend upon him. He immediately turned around to see what was going on, and his eyes widened as a sanguine current ripped through the Twilight Chasm, heading straight for him. It was hundreds of meters long, and it almost looked like it intentionally crashed into the powerful currents in the chasm just because it could, crushing them with pure force.


    An escape talisman appeared in his hand, but he sighed when it fizzled without activating. It was just ast-ditch effort though, since he had already known this would happen. The energies were far too chaotic in the chasm, making it impossible for the talismans to connect two different spots in space.


    He considered activating [Abyssal Phase] again, but he knew he wouldn''t be able to get far even if he forced it. Besides, the blood river moved extremely quickly, and it had already reached him.


    ��Oh? A Draugr reeking of mysterious energies appearing just after the whole chasm was thrown into chaos? Just what have you done?�� a curious voice said as a young woman emerged from the stream.


    It was an otherworldly beauty who had appeared in front of him, her features perhaps only matched by Iz Tayn or Be��Zi of those who he had encountered in his whole life. However, much like Be��Zi, her beauty was marred by a weird set of eyes where the sclera was red instead of white. She also had four small pupils instead of one, though Zac��s own eyes widened a bit when the four pupils suddenly fused into one as she titled her head.


    A skill?


    Her features were otherwise pretty much human, apart from her ears which were slightly prolonged and ended in a tip rather than a rounded bow. She emitted a graceful and even somewhat fragile aura, but Zac understood that she was anything but. It barely looked like the rampant current had any effect on her at all thanks to a few thick bloody swirls that circted around her, and the river she had used to move through the chasm seemed more like a skill than a treasure.


    Of course, the immensely powerful swirls of energy wasn��t the only clue of what kind of being stood in front of him. More poignant was the ��100,000�� above her head. It was even higher than the mothertree, let alone any other trial takers. And he unfortunately had a pretty good idea who he had encountered.


    ��Reaver caught your tongue, Draugr?�� the woman smiled.


    ��Mistress Noz��Vdir, I presume?�� Zac sighed with a small bow. ��It��s an honor.��


    ��Such a gentleman,�� sheughed. ��Who are you?��


    ��I��m just a nobody who havee to the frontiers in search for opportunities,�� Zac smiled as he tried to figure out a way to get out of this mess.


    There were four portals leading out of Twilight Ocean just outside the chasm, all of them days away. Then again, they were no good even if he could reach them since there were still a few months before they would open to let people out of the Mystic Realm. And with his escape talismans not working, he would be hard-pressed to escape from this monster.


    It looked like he could only pray that Uona Noz''Vdir wouldn''t attack another Imperial.


    ��If you''re a nobody, then why is your bloodline even purer than any hearnd scion I''ve met?�� Uona smiled. ��My stomach is rumbling just from standing close to you. Are you a lineal descendant from the Abyssal Shores?��


    ��How could that be the case,�� Zac said with a strained smile. The conversation had taken an extremely regrettable turn.


    ��Alright, whatever. It''s not surprising the Draugr have their eyes set on the opportunities in this quadrant. Tell me what happened here,�� Uona shrugged. "I want the energy that''s coursing through your body, and I think you would prefer I take it from the source rather than from you."


    Zac wholeheartedly agreed, but he also couldn''t say the truth. The brand had disappeared, but who knew if the restrictions remained like an oath? What if he identally killed got himself killed by divulging the secrets. He could only mix some lies and truths and hope to get out of the situation in one piece.


    "I was searching this mountain for opportunities when I felt an odd pulse from within. I tried to find a way inside since I figured it was something valuable, but the whole ce was suddenly drowned in this energy to the point it almost killed me. I think someone got there first, they might even be absorbing the treasure as we speak," Zac hesitantly said, hoping to send the vampire on a goose chase.


    ��Don��t y dumb with me,�� Uona said as a chilling pressure started to spread from her. Clearly she was not so easily convinced. ��I could sense the unique aura from ten mountains over, yet there is not a hint of it anywhere except on you right now. Did you already eat the treasure?��


    "If I did, I wouldn''t be swimming around in these dangerous waters," Zac quickly said. "I would have secluded myself inside the mountain."


    ��So you��re either lying or useless?�� Uona sighed with disappointment. ��Well, then you might as well die.��


    ��Wait!�� Zac shouted with rm. ��You must havee with the same goal as our people! We are on the same side, we shouldn��t be fighting among ourselves when there are the Havarok to deal with.��


    ��Same side?�� Uona snorted as she pointed toward Zac. ��There is only the side of the Eternal n. All else is cattle, that slippery bastard of a Princeling included. Since you refuse to help, then what good are you?��


    Zac felt a sense of profound danger the next moment, and he immediately activated [Profane Exponents] as he started swimming for his life. However, therge barriers that he erected were instantly crushed by a tide of blood that rushed straight toward him. Not even the Twilight Chasm was a match to its ferocity, let alone Zac��s own defenses.


    It wasn��t just a matter of volume, though the enormous sanguine river was massive enough to drown the whole cage of [Profane Seal] in an instant if it so desired. It also contained extremely high-grade insights, insights thatpletely crushed his own Fragment of the Coffin. It was so far beyond what he had felt when fighting Yanub Mettleleaf, to the point that Zac guessed she had not only infused the river with multiple Dao Branches, but also empowered them through some extremely powerful braiding method.


    Perhaps she even used the Dao Arrays that Catheya had mentioned once. Even worse, it was just like Catheya had guessed; Uona didn''t appear any more restricted by the Twilight Energy than he did. At least he hoped that was the case. If not, she was simply a terror at a level he only encountered in Iz Tayn before.


    Zac knew he waspletely outmatched, but he obviously wasn��t willing to just give up like that. He steadied his mind as he started channeling his Miasma into his movement skill. Meanwhile, he used the chains of [Love��s Bond] to increase his speed by mming into the mountain wall and dragging himself forward. The enormous river was still gradually catching up, and Zac knew he had no option.


    The channeling was finallyplete, and he disappeared into a puff of energy as the world slowed down to a crawl. Painful currents ripped into his abyssal form, but Zac forcibly kept the skill going as he started creating more distance to the blood river. However, Zac only managed to increase the distance by a few hundred meters before his mind screamed of danger.


    He didn��t even get the chance to react before ance of blood shot out from the river and pierced through his form with impossible speed. Zac felt like his whole body was on fire as he was forcibly dragged back into his normal state, and he felt a wave of despair as he looked down at the stump where his right leg once had been.


    Arge trail of ichor was already forming behind him, and his vision had threatened to close in on him. It was extremely lucky he had only been hit in the leg rather than his heart or head. If he were less fortunate, he''d be a real corpse instead of just an undead.


    But Zac suddenly heard a snicker within the blood river as it slowly crept closer, and it dawned on him - Uona was toying with him.


    He didn��t know why, but the snicker made rage overtake his dread, and he immediately stopped swimming for his life. The remnant��s influence on his mental state had been mostly averted as his soul cultivation proceeded over the past years, but the voices calling for destruction once appeared in the back of his mind.


    Perhaps it was because of the mockery, perhaps it was because his body was in an agitated state after using the Mark of Creation. And this time, Zac didn��t try to push away the poisonous thoughts of destruction. Escape was clearly futile, so he had to change tactics.


    If she wouldn��t let him go, then she could just go ahead and die.


    He wasn��t someone she could toy with without getting burnt herself. Fury burned in his chest, fueling the torrential streams of energy that once more entered his shoulders. This time the goal wasn��t to create a bridge between himself and the weird egg, but rather to annihte that woman in one go.


    The energy kept umting in his chest, but he forcibly kept it condensed inside his body as he kept moving away. The problem with the Annihtion Sphere was his difficulty to properly deliver the strike. Another spear shot out from the river, and it hit even after he tried to dodge. Zac grit his teeth as he saw his left hand get dragged away by the current, forcibly keeping the process going even through the all-consuming pain.


    Zac suddenly appeared right on top of the river thanks to the teleport of [Profane Seal], and a massive sphere formed between his right hand and his grisly stump as he felt a burning pain spread across his face and neck. He pushed every morsel of Annihtion Energy he had umted in his soul into the sanguine waters and used his rage and pain as the fuse.


    The response was immediate as a huge chunk of it simply disappeared into an orb of nothingness while the rest of the sanguine river was pushed to a boiling point. It didn''t evenst for half a second before it copsed, the blood swallowed by the currents which had been kept at bay until now.


    A bloodied form emerged from the waters, her state even more pathetic than Zac''s own. She was missing one of her arms along with a chunk of her torso, and she had lost one whole leg to boot. Even the parts that had avoided the Annihtion Sphere were covered in weird cracks thatplemented the tendrils of pain that spread from Zac''s head down to his shoulders.


    But she was still alive.


    The four chains of [Love''s Bond] instantly shot toward weak spots for a quick kill, but Uona''s closed eyes opened as she stared at him with confusion, pain, and vengeance. Sanguine Eyes met Zac''s abyssal orbs, and the Twilight Chasm shuddered as an ocean of blood destroyed the mangled body of Uona and everything within a thousand meters.


    Zac was right at the epicenter, and he only managed to resist for an instant before everything turned ck.

 Chapter 734: Crushing Pressure

    <h4>Chapter 734: Crushing Pressure</h4>


    Searing pain woke Zac up with a start and he found rampant energies wreaking havoc inside his body. It wasn''t something Uona had done, but rather terrifying amounts of Twilight Energy, far more than his bloodline could handle. His whole body was barely holding together from all the wounds, but the energy was an even more immediate threat.


    Perhaps he should consider it a relief that there was no kill energy upying space inside his body. He had no idea how Uona had managed to survive blowing herself up in an eruption of blood of such epic proportions, but she should barely be hanging on just like him from the state he left her in. Unfortunately, that was not much of afort as he found himself on the verge of sumbing to the environment around him.


    No matter what he did, things only got worse inside his body, and Zac tried to swim toward the surface where the density should be lower. However, as he looked around to get his bearings there was only darkness. Darkness so pervasive Zac even feared that he had been blinded by that final explosion. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Thankfully, the world lit with color to an almost blinding degree when he activated [Cosmic Gaze], and Zac immediately understood what was going on.


    Uona��s self-destruct skill had knocked him out, and he had been dragged God knows how far down into the depths by the currents. If the absoluteck of any light reaching this far below the surface was the first clue, then the terrifying amounts of Twilight Energy assaulting him was the second.


    The density of Twilight Energy was multiple times more powerful than that of the surface of the Twilight Chasm, dozens of times greater than other parts of the Twilight Ocean. This was way beyond what he could handle, even with his unique set of advantages. And that was when he was in prime condition.


    Just a stump remained of his right leg, and his left hand stopped a bit after his elbow. His pathways were broken and the little Miasma left in his body moved turbidly through the storms of Twilight Energy ravaging his innards. Normally, losing all his miasma would result in swapping over to his Human side, but he actually wasn��t sure he��d survive the transformation in his harried form.


    He was running out of time, and his feeble attempts at swimming upward werepletely futile. The currents were shockingly powerful, and new wounds kept appearing across his body to add insult to injury. He needed to get out of this ce, or at least find a spot to rest up and recover.


    Zac was dizzy and nigh-delirious, but he suddenly saw a spot of even more condensed darkness rapidly approach, and he knew that his chance had arrived. Four chains shot forward, each of them empowered by [Blighted Cut] to give them greater prative force. One, two, three chains were imed by the currents before they reached their target, but two hit true and embedded themselves in the wall just as Zac was swept by the underwater mountain.


    Sharp pain in his midriff cost him his consciousness for an instant as he was suddenly forced to a halt, but being sted by the furious waters didn''t let him stay under for long. He arduously dragged himself to the wall, helplessly scanning for any caves or crevasses where he could take cover for just a bit.


    There was none.


    Zac wouldn��t give in though, and [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand as he frantically started carving a hole into stone. Any rock that was ced this deep into the Twilight Chasm and still remained was bound to be extremely durable, and Zac barely managed to leave marks deeper than a few centimeters even when going as hard as his condition allowed.


    But he refused to stop, and one chipping after another was imed by the streams as he dug further and further into the mountain. After five minutes, he had finally made a hole two meters deep, where the waters were blessedly calm. This ce allowed him to avoid the currents, but it didn��t solve his predicament with the Twilight Energy.


    But he had an idea.


    He properly secured himself in the stone with every single chain before he took out a spare shield to block out the few streams finding their way into his crevasse. Only when he and his spot were secured did he take out the small Array Disk for [Nine Reincarnations Manual] with shaky hands.


    The Array hummed to life as Zac crammed a cocktail of Soldier Pills and Healing pills down his throat, and he almost cried with relief as the insanely condensed Twilight Energies assailing him rapidly decreased in density. He felt a powerful drain of Mental Energy in his mind, and he passively let the array siphon what it needed as he took stock of his situation.


    He was in an absolutely horrid state, with deepcerations covering his whole body. Even his pathways were damaged, not to speak of his missing limbs. For now, he could only bind a set of ropes around the stump of his leg and arm to stem the loss of Ichor as he focused on other issues.


    Thebination of pills and the array had at least allowed him to right the ship, albeit barely. [Void Heart] and [Purity of the Void] were fast at work dealing with the lethal levels of Twilight Energy that had already umted in his body. The real star was obviously the Life-Death Array.


    Not only did it continuously swallow exorbitant amounts of Twilight Energy, but it also expelled huge amounts of Cosmic Energy. The Array only wanted the attunement to empower the Mental Energy going into the array, and it expelled the actual energy into the surroundings.


    It wasn��t a great feeling to sit in the middle of a cloud of Cosmic Energy as an undead, but it was far preferable to Twilight Energy. The Cosmic Energy that the array spat out didn��t possess the weird ability to burrow into his body, and it essentially acted as a shield against the Twilight Energy in the surroundings.


    Of course, the Twilight Energy was endless and pervasive, and it continuously kept swallowing up the Cosmic Energy he generated. However, Zac had nock of Nexus Crystals, and he started to continuously crush Miasma Crystals to bolster the effect from his Array. Those two actions together were just enough to keep the immediate Twilight Energy at bay to the point that he was expelling more than he was forced to take in.


    It was a continuous drain on his resources, but it provided him with a stable environment as long as he kept the array running. There was enough Twilight Energy inside his body to kill ten peak E-grade Cultivators, and if not for his unusual bloodline he would probably already have died before waking up in the depths.


    His Soul Ocean on his undead side had already reached sublimation after swallowing the mysterious energy in the valley, which slowed down the purification process somewhat. The Soul Strengthening Manual didn��t need much of his attention though, and he managed to use some of his Mental Energy to start refining the Twilight Energy.


    Twilight Energy was slowly turned into Miasma which replenished his pitifully low stock, and he felt himself slowly crawling away from the brink of death. Thirty minutes passed in this state of gradual recuperation until the first cycle of his Soul Strengthening Method ended. A storm of attuned mental energy came crashing back, filled with the power of the Mystic Realm itself.


    The cultivation method was very much the same as before, so he had started with his death-attuned side since he was in his Draugr body at the moment.


    Doing so would slow down and weaken the effect of the cultivation sessionpared to if cultivated as normal, infusing himself with death while living, and with life when dead. But that was exactly what he wanted in this situation. The less pressure he put on his mind, the better. The more time he could buy for himself, the better.


    Still, a huge chunk of death-attuned mental energy poured into his soul aperture, and his deathly soul sea became even darker as it started to churn. The moment the first revolution ended, the ambient energy instantly exploded back to full force, and Zac quickly activated the second rotation to give himself another breather.


    This process continued for six whole hours, at which point the ck ocean was veritably shaking with barely restrained might. It looked like it would swallow the life-attuned waters and turn his soul into one vast ocean of the abyss, and Zac was forced to continuously expend arge amount of mental energy to keep the ocean in itsne.


    Seeing as the first half of the session was done, Zac changed his race after making sure he was firmly attached to the wall. A bout of weaknesster he found himself filled with life, but he was quickly filled with a wave of nausea from therge amount of deathly energies that filled his body. It came from [Void Heart] that had operated at maximum during the cultivation session.


    He had tried to absorb or expel the runoff manually, but he obviously wasn��t as efficient as his Hidden Node. It hadn��t been a problem in his undead form, but now it was.


    Still, there was not much to do about the situation, and Zac started working on expelling it as he activated the second round of Soul Cultivation. The density of Twilight Energy once more decreased, and some of that left-over death-attuned energy was suddenly swallowed by the [Void Heart] while some more was expelled by [Purity of the Void].


    The minutes passed, and soon enough the energy had passed through the small array, bringing with it a surge of vivacious mental energy. It entered the golden ocean, and its churning waters rose up and started to push back the deathly ocean. The waves crashed against each other, and Zac felt a small tremor in his mind as his shimmering Soul Core was ced in the heart of the conflict.


    One round after another had the battle only increase in ferocity, and waves were soon tall enough topletely submerge the soul core. His soul aperture was fast bing a chaotic storm of life and death. All the while, Zac felt his soul being polished.


    That was not the only change though. While some of the imperfections were being sanded off by the chaos, it also looked like the waters left something behind. It was like some sort of fine sand was brought from the depths of the oceans up into the waves, and a few of those barely discernable motes of energynded on the soul core and quickly melded with it.


    Altogether, it looked like the session added a bit more than it removed, though just barely. It wasn��t too surprising though. It was his first proper Soul Cultivation session since he evolved his soul, and he hadn''t done anything to empower the process. Besides, Zac figured that the number of impurities that were removed after each session would decrease over time as his soul became more perfected, which would lead to a greater effect.


    Unfortunately, Zac quickly found himself in a worrying situation as the cultivation session was drawing to an end. The ambient energy would return to its terrifying density in just a moment, and Zac would once more find himself overwhelmed. Doing another round of Soul Cultivation was impossible, and it was impossible to activate the Array without actually connecting it with his mind.


    His hours of hard work expelling all that umted energy inside his body would soon be undone unless he did something, but he had already found the solution. Another supreme Nexus Crystal Appeared in his hand, and he immediately crushed it before the Twilight Energy had a chance to rush back. The whole area was instantly drowned in dense waves of Cosmic Energy, though not quite as dense as when the Soul Strengthening Array was also helping.


    The first time he tried this method it had worked for almost half an hour, and he had crushed one a minute while running the array. But this time the relief barelysted ten seconds before the Twilight Energy had gobbled it all up. Zac immediately crushed a second crystal, and the Twilight Energy was once more pushed back.


    There were few, if any, E-grade Cultivators who had the financial strength to burn almost 5,000 E-grade Nexus Coins every minute, but he had thankfully stocked up on a small mountain of Crystals before entering the trial. After all, he had no idea if he would have the chance to purchase another round after he left the Twilight Ascent. But even his stock wouldn''tst the whole trial going at this rate.


    Zac knew all-too-well that not even he could stay down here forever, but there was one more thing he needed to do before he set off. He looked down at his left leg ending just above his knee, and he grit his teeth as he loosened the rope keeping it closed. A thinyer of skin had already appeared over the wound thanks to his crazy Vitality, and Zac said a silent prayer as he cut off a thin slice with [Verun��s Bite].


    The waters quickly turned red, but Zac stanchly kept his focus as he crushed another Supreme Nexus Crystal before he roused the slumbering Creation Energy in his body. For this purpose, there wasn��t even any need to create a Mark of Creation, and he just looked as a new leg rapidly regenerated to rece the missing one.


    The pain of growing a limb was excruciating, but no more so than many other wounds he had suffered over the past years. It wasn��t enough for him to lose his focus, and he kept picturing how his legs looked. He had known that this situation would happen sooner orter, so he had already memorized everyst part of his body, both through scanning himself and by using [Spiritual Anchor].


    He remembered every hair, every pore on his body, just so that he would be able to recreate them without any aberration. Soon enough the foot was added, and Zac was hit by a wave of weakness. Unfortunately, it was not the weakness of needing sleep, but rather something much more sinister.


    He had once more lost a good chunk of his longevity.


    Zac couldn��t be certain, but he guessed that he had lost a few decades reforming his leg, which didn��t feel too dreadful now that he had reached D-grade Race. Still, that was only one of two limbs missing, and he sighed as he turned toward his missing left hand.


    Regrowing his left hand wasn��t necessarily needed to get out of this ce, and hisbat effectiveness wasn��t contingent on having it either. Needing to regrow it was rather a matter of his pathways. He was already disadvantaged as a Mortal, and now with his pathways broken in two ces his energy waspletely turbid, which made dealing with the Twilight Energy all that much harder.


    He also had skill fractals on his Left arm. Luckily, skill fractals were protected by the System, and they would be back as soon as his spirit body recovered. However, he wouldn��t be able to use them until his hand regrew.


    The process repeated itself once more, and he barely had enough Creation Energy toplete the process. With him having used his Annihtion Energy on Uona, he waspletely tapped out for this hidden ace. He would either have to wait a few months to slowly gather more energy or forcibly open his cage again if he wanted to make use of the two powers of the Remnants.


    His limbs were sessfully regrown, but he still rested another three hours at the cost of a small hill of Nexus Crystals. Only then did he feel his state stable enough to leave. His crystals would run out before the trial ended, and Zac knew that there was only one way to go. So he steeled himself as he slowly made his way out of the small alcove.


    The chains of [Love��s Bond] were still firmly embedded in the stone, but Zac still almost found himself dragged further into the depths the moment he was exposed to the torrential waters. But he ignored the pain as he started pulling himself up, moving meter by meter along the rock with the help of his chains.


    However, progress was slow as he was climbing against the current. The chains were barely able to rise against the currents, and there were barely any footholds for him to climb using his own hands and legs. Swimming was out of the question as well. The second he let go of the wall, he would instantly be dragged to the depths.


    Zac only managed to climb 100 meters or so before he felt himself approaching his limits, and he quickly started to cut another dugout in the wall. A minuteter he had created another safe zone, and he blocked the pathway best as he could before started up the costly process of keeping the ambient energy at bay.


    This cycle of short climbs and long durations of rest kept going for over ten hours, at which point he once more was ready for another round of soul cultivation. He had made decent progress in this time, climbing over a kilometer along the cliff wall. The strategy worked well enough, but he still worried a bit about his prospects. The waters above him were still utterly pitch ck, making him wonder just how far down he had been dragged.


    It wasn��t like he couldn��t stomach the cost, but he was burning almost 500 Supreme Nexus Crystals between each climb, and he only had so many of them. The real issue was the mountain he was climbing though; all his ns were contingent on the mountain he was climbing actually reaching all the way up, but there were no guarantees that actually was the case. If it abruptly ended before he��d climbed to a point where the currents weren��t powerful enough to drag him back to the depths, he''d be screwed.


    Two days passed, and Zac was making greater and greater progress as his climbing technique steadily improved. The bad news was that it was all still pitch-ck above his head, but the good news was that the energy density was slowly decreasing. He could go a little bit further with each climb, and the rest periods cost a little bit less.


    He believed that sooner orter he would reach a depth where he would barely be able to hang on with just his Soul Strengthening Array and Hidden Nodes, perhaps using the asional crystal to tide him over. That would be the optimal ce to hone his soul, easily fulfilling the harsh requirements on cultivation environment.


    Who knew, he might evenplete the Second Reincarnation in one go thanks to the unique environment of the depths of the Twilight Chasm. If he ever got out of this ce, that is.

 Chapter 735: Mountain Formation

    <h4>Chapter 735: Mountain Formation</h4>


    The situation was grim, but it wasn��t all bad. Where there was danger, there was also opportunity. Zac''s cells suddenly came alive with greed while climbing, and he spotted a secluded cave not far away. He entered it cautiously after switching to his undead form, and he found himself face to face to a flower that had once juicy bulb at the top that reminded Zac of a dumpling.


    It emitted an earthy aroma that was extremely enticing, but Zac forcibly ignored the primal hunger as he took out a jade box and harvested the thing. He couldn��t recognize the nt at all, but his best guess was that it was some sort of native Dao Treasure judging by the aura it emitted, one of a far higher quality than the Life-Death Pearls.


    It was definitely a treasure valuable enough to match anything a top 500 contestant on the Fate Plucking Ladder would be able to get from the vault, perhaps something even greater. Using it now was too risky considering he had been out of it for twenty days when ingesting the first round of Life-Death Pearls. Even passing out for an hour in this ce might prove lethal.


    Unfortunately, his grand n hit a sudden and unexpected turn a dayter; he had reached the peak of the mountain, and he was still far from the surface. In fact, it looked like the mountain had been broken off by the turbulent waters, and it had been turned into a mostly t teau a few kilometers across.


    Swimming to the surface was still not an option. If anything, the currents were even stronger right at the summit, and Zac was forced to climb down some ways to not risk getting ripped off the mountain. Zac''s only option was finding another mountain to climb, but he couldn��t see any from his vantage. Worst-case scenario, he would have to descend the mountain until he found another one it connected to, but that would potentially waste weeks, if it was even possible.


    There was one more thing he could do, and Zac spent two days traversing the side of the teau until he finally spotted another mountain far in the distance.


    The problem was the vast chasm between him and the target. Zac mulled on the conundrum while performing another cleansing Soul Strengthening Cycle, after which he started digging arger-than-normal cave. It took a whole hour before he was finished, at which point he took out arge conic stone.


    It came from one of the Spatial Rings of the cultivators he took out just before leaving Greengrove Archipgo, and it would be the sacrifice for this endeavor. He entered the vessel and thoroughly studied it before he loaded the array full of Supreme Nexus Crystals. Zac took a deep breath before he cranked the speed-controlling array to the limit.


    The vessel shot out like a bullet from Zac��s makeshift dock, and it hurtled straight toward the taller mountain in the distance. Steering was out of the question since he hadpletely overtaxed the array far beyond what it could sustain for long.


    Ominous groans immediately started to echo through the hull, even with the shields working at max capacity. A Tremendous shudder made Zac lose his footing a momentter as arge section of the hull was ripped clean off. Thankfully, he had made it more than three quarters across the chasm before the ship was ripped apart, and he felt confident he��d be able to swim thest stretch.


    However, he had severely underestimated just how strong the currents were, and he found himself rapidly dragged downward as he inched toward the peak. The amount of Miasma he was expelling to propel himself forward would be enough to drown out an army of F-grade warriors, but it wasn''t a match to the intractable power that wanted to drag him to the depths.


    Zac started to despair that days of effort would be wasted and that he might not even make it across at all, but he was confused to suddenly find the downward pullpletely interrupted, allowing him to scramble toward the mountain. But Zac almostpletely forgot to keep swimming as he nced upward to see what was going on.


    Something was swimming a few hundred meters over his head, its body stretching on for thousands of meters. Zac couldn��t see exactly what it was, but he could barely discern dark green scales, each one asrge as a football field by the looks of it.


    What was this thing? And what was it doing in an E-grade trial? This big bastard would make even the dragon he fought look like a little shrimp. He wasn''t even sure the mountain he had been climbing had been broken off by the currents any longer. This guy would only need to ram it once to get the work done.


    Zac was frozen in fear and hesitation for only a second before he continued swimming toward the mountain, using as much energy as he dared without causing toorge a ripple. The creature thankfully seemedpletely disinterested in Zac even if he was spotted, and he managed to reach the mountain just in time before the thing passed him by.


    In its wake came a tumultuous storm, and Zac barely managed to hold on to the cliff wall. His body was instantly covered in cuts, and he was forced to immediately cut a cubby to start resting again. Meanwhile, the monstrosity was seemingly only passing by the area, and it rounded the mountain Zac climbed before it sunk toward the depths.


    He never managed to see its face, but the beast best resembled some sort of overgrown sea snake since it neither had the fins of fish or wings or ws of a dragon. It was just an oversized tube ripping through the chasm, its massive trunk of a body turning the streamspletely chaotic.


    Zac rested up with his Soul Strengthening manual while keeping watch, but the gargantuan beast never made another appearance. Perhaps it lived even further down in the depths and only made the rounds now and then. Zac even guessed that thing was the true ruler of the Twilight Chasm, even though it hadn''t been mentioned in any missive.


    It was far beyond any normal beast king, to the point that Zac suspected it might be approaching Monarchy. Why such a thing existed inside the Mystic Realm was beyond Zac, and he could only endeavor to not draw its ire.


    Zac soon started climbing again, but he found himself in a predicament after another two weeks. It looked like the section he had found himself in was a cluster of fifty-odd peaks, with the cliff he started on being slightly separated from them. He had managed to swim between these cliffs without sacrificing any more vessels, but it soon became apparent that most of these mountains didn��t reach much further than the original one.


    He had discerned what looked to be a muchrger cliff or perhaps even the wall of the chasm, far in the distance, but the way there was extremely perilous. Not only was the distance almost four times as great between the closest peak and his earlier jump, but the streams were extremely powerful. He wasn��t confident at all in making it across without the big snake helping out.


    And even if he made it across in one piece, it was possible that he would also be dragged to such a depth that his methods to deal with the Twilight Energy wasn��t enough.


    Still, what else could he do?


    He knew he would have to take the leap sooner orter if he wanted to get out of here, but he didn��t go immediately. The peaks were all drenched in energy, and there were bound to be some treasures here. As long as he could make some sort of breakthrough, he��d increase his chances of survival when making it across. He immediately set out, but it was easier said than done finding anything down here.


    For one, it was pitch ck, and his other sights could only help him see so far. He spent one day per mountain peak, climbing around as much as he could in search of energy fluctuations or anything else that might indicate a valuable. And suddenly on the sixth day, he found something. It wasn��t a precious metal, nor was it a unique nt hidden in a crevasse. It was a pristine five-meter-long bone that had been lodged in a crack.


    Zac guessed it had been brought there by the currents rather than the fact that a beast lived down here since Twilight Energy this dense was no doubt poisonous to normal Beast Kings as well. The bone was still in the middle of an extraordinarily powerful stream, and that was one reason why Zac believed it might be a treasure.


    A normal bone even from a D-grade beast would have eventually been ground to dust in a situation like this, but this one seemed to have no issue withstanding the cutting waters.


    In fact, it almost looked like the waters were refining it. Zac had his suspicions, but he was currently in his human form so he couldn��t be sure. He was trying to use the intuition gained by [Forester��s Constitution] to find herbs, but he swapped over to his Draugr side after some thought as he hid from the stream in a secluded crevasse.


    As expected, the moment he trained his abyssal eyes at the bone, he was almost blinded by the immense life-attuned energies it contained. The bone lit up like a beacon in the darkness. It was clear; the bone was somehow storing a bit of the life-attuned energies of the waters that passed while expelling some of the deathly energies.


    Over who knows how many years, the bone had be a Treasure Bone of pure life. Zac wanted to immediately head over and pick it up, but he first had to spend the next hour cracking Miasma Crystals and expelling built-up energy. Only then did he set out, but he was surprised to find that the chains of [Love��s Bond] weren��t strong enough to dislodge the thing.


    Zac wasn��t deterred though, and he immediately moved to n B. The chains of [Love��s Bond] mmed into the mountain wall or wrapped around a few outcroppings before he crawled over, securely fastened. Three small pygmies appeared in the waters behind him, but cracks immediately started to spread across their bones.


    The skill would onlyst a few seconds before the surrounding energies ripped the skeletons apart, but that was enough. One barrier after another appeared to slightly divert the powerful current surrounding the bone, making it slightly easier for Zac to climb over. He saw that the bone had essentially fused with the mountain itself, and it was no wonder the chains had been unable to drag the bone over.


    But the strength of nature was nothing in front of the power of Zac��s greed, and he ripped it and a section of the mountain straight out of the crack with a herculean tug, and he quickly dragged himself back with the chains just as [Profane Exponents] crumbled. The bone entered his Spatial Ring, and Zac wasn��t really surprised when he felt the wave of hunger in his mind.


    Verun had woken up inside the ring, and it clearly indicated a desire to consume the mysterious bone. This was exactly what Zac had hoped for when snatching the Treasure Bone, but he didn��t let Verun feed on it just yet. The axe wasn��t really needed to solve his current predicament, but he couldn��t let it absorb the bone right now. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Previously when Verun got something good, it had enclosed itself inrge crystals to digest it, and this was no time for that.


    Instead, he continued, and he managed to find three extremely impressive materials over the next two weeks. One was a metal that emitted intense energy fluctuations, yet wasn��t listed in any of the precious materials missives. It had to be something extremely rare for that to be the case, and rare items were always good to have.


    Neither of his Spirit Tools wanted it, but he might be able to use it to trade for something he did need in the future. After all, the absolute rarest items were rarely possible to buy with Nexus Coins alone, and many warriors preferred straight-up trades of simrly exotic materials.


    He also found another one of those odd dumpling-like fruits, this one even slightlyrgerpared to the first. He still wasn��t certain whether it was a Dao Treasure or something else though. His best bet was showing them to Catheya to see if she knew what they were.


    Thest ones were stalks of reed-like grass swaying in a secluded spot protected from the more powerful currents. Zac had almost been dragged out to the depths when he gazed upon them since their sway had an extremely potent hallucinogenic effect. It was only thanks to his evolved soul he barely managed to regain his sanity and desperately scramble back to the mountain before he was dragged away.


    Harvesting them had been a challenge with him being constantly hypnotized, but the closer he came to them, the more he could sense that they would have an amazing effect on nurturing one��s soul. They were his best find so far, and he nned on simply eating them unless he found something looking more promising to help him out.


    However, he suddenly spotted something extremely mysterious, something that smelled of opportunity. Zac was climbing a mountain as usual, when there suddenly was a weird fluctuation in the distance. A whole mountain suddenly flickered into existence before disappearing again in just a few seconds. It was almost like he had seen a mirage, but he could soon confirm it was real.


    He wouldn��t have noticed anything if he hadn��t seen the mountain for a brief window, but now that he knew it was there, he could see how the powerful currents swirled around it. It wasn��t phasing in or out of reality, but it was rather shrouded by some unknown method. Zac frowned as he looked around at the mountain peaks, realizing that the hidden mountain was right in the middle of the cluster he was currently exploring.


    A Natural Formation?


    He immediately dug a cubby and started up another round of soul cultivation, keeping watch over the secret peak. The mountain reappeared twice in a span of ten hours, and it was preceded by a mounting surge of energy each time. There was also a hint of spatial energy in the mix, making Zac wonder if space was sealed, but a weakness appeared every once in a while.


    If he wanted to enter the mountain, it would probably have to be in that brief window. Zac had already decided over the past hours; he would take his chances and enter that ce. The soul grass he harvested was nice, but not enough to reach his second Reincarnation. Absorbing them wasn��t sufficient to give him the power to reach the wall of the chasm, he needed to take a risk and check things out in that ce.


    Zac made his preparations over the next day, ignoring the mountain as it appeared four more times. Soon enough, he shot out in another of his spare vessels, this one having over a hundred talismans stered to its hull. That was the limit of what he could activate withoutpletely draining himself, and the vessel was lit up like a sun as it pierced through the frantic currents just as the energy of the hidden peak started to surge.


    The whole ship shook and started to fall apart as it mmed into an unseen barrier, but Zac was ready. Only a third of the talismans had been defensive ones to deal with the current without the ship crumbling, and the rest simultaneously lit up to create a tremendous explosion, and it was quickly followed by a massive axe cutting through the waters.


    It was [Arcadia''s Judgement], and not even the terrifying pressure of the ocean could withstand the wooden hand as it ripped open a tear in an unseen shield. Zac knew he couldn''t hesitate, and a patch of flowers appeared beneath his feet as he shot forward, passing right by his own attack and forcing himself through the temporary weakness in the natural formation.


    He had expected to find the mountain he had seen on the other side, but his eyes widened in terror when he was actually met with a chaotic storm of spatial energies. He didn''t even have a chance to orient himself before he found his surroundings twist. Thankfully he hadn''t been swallowed by the void, but rather transported to some unknown cave.


    The cave was drained, and Zac took a deep breath with wonder as he looked around. The ground was littered with all kinds of things that had most likely been dragged here just like himself, and there was everything from ancient corpses, cultivators and beasts alike, torge chunks of metal and soil.


    In fact, the materials here were even more plentiful than all he had gathered himself so far. Unfortunately, there was something odd going on, where the older materials seemed to have been drained somehow, including an identical piece of metal as the one he had found the other day.


    As for the culprit for that and him getting dragged here, there was one clear suspect - the flowers.


    They were the only thing that seemed to grow in the cave naturally, and they absolutely covered both ceiling and walls. Their alluring aroma was simply amazing, but that was the least impressive thing about them. First of all, the density of Twilight Energy was pitifully low in this ce, to the point that Zac wouldn��t even need to use his Soul Strengthening Array to get by here.


    There was only one way something like this was possible; these flowers were continuously swallowing exorbitant amounts of energy, enough to drain the whole area to the point that only a trickle remained. They were even so voracious they somehow dragged materials from the outside to be absorbed.


    Then again, it wasn��t certain that these flowers actually swallowed all the energies themselves. Intense spatial fluctuations wereing from this ce, making Zac wonder if these flowers had formed some sort of natural formation that sent the Twilight Energy to the void just like they had teleported him and all these materials here.


    He walked over to the closest one and inspected it, and he felt like he could discard any theory that the spatial fluctuations came from some other source. The flowers themselves held extremely condensed powers of the space, and miniature cracks actually appeared in space when Zac brushed one of its petals.


    The movement increased the fluctuations by another tier, and Zac felt his body waking up, greedily swallowing the energy the flower released. He had no idea what species of flowers he was looking at, and his missive couldn��t help him either. However, he could tell with absolute certainty that whatever these flowers were called, they worked wonders on his constitution.


    Zac knew that he had found it. He had found the opportunity to make another breakthrough, and it was one he had been holding back on for a long time now.


    It was time to push his bloodline to E-grade.

 Chapter 736: Limitless

    <h4>Chapter 736: Limitless</h4>


    Evolving his bloodline was risky considering the chaos he had caused when awakening it the first time, but he didn''t have many options if he wanted to get out of here. It was either that or wait in this cave until the trial ended. This ce seemed safe enough with the flowers eating all the Twilight Energy, but he refused to just sit around for over two whole years.


    Besides, wasn��t this the perfect opportunity? There shouldn��t be a single cultivator able to reach these depths, and he hadn��t even seen any beasts except that monstrous thing. Meanwhile, there were dozens of peaks all around him, many of them no doubt containing extremely valuable treasures he was simply unable to find.


    Along with the absurd amount of ambient energy in the Twilight Chasm, he had the perfect stage to breakthrough, no matter how much energy his bloodline demanded.


    He needed to make some preparations before taking that step though, and he started setting up a series of arrays in the middle of the cave. It wasn��t the usual illusion and istion arrays he used when arranging a temporary cultivation cave, but rather protective arrays. Last time he had formed a huge vortex, and he was afraid that he��d drop the mountain above him right on his head if he didn��t think things through.


    That��s why he arranged twoyers of protection. One offensive array to st arge hole in the rock above his head in case a section fell toward him, and another to block any errant debris.


    He also started digging through the stone with [Love��s Bond] having all four of his free chains entrench themselves in spiraled patterns downward to secure him in ce. The cave didn''t seem connected to the ocean outside, but there were no guarantees that would still be the case that vortex Ogras described appeared again.


    After that, Zac wasted no time, and the [Cardinal Kernel] appeared in his hands. His cells were already extremely agitated from the flowers around him, and Zac''s hands even started shaking from barely constrained hunger as he cut a small wound in his hand and let his blood drip down on the dark-green crystal before he firmly gripped it in his hands.


    The Natural Treasure hummed to life as it went from green to red, and Zac soon found a stream of primal energy entering his veins. His heart started to furiously beat like a war drum, and the energy quickly spread through his whole body.


    His body greedily sucked more and more energy out from the crystal, causing the air to twist around the heart-shaped treasure. Eventually, it cracked,pletely drained by the Void Emperor-bloodline. Zac wasn''t satiated at all though, and he felt a familiar state of madness brought on by hungering over him.


    This time he wasn''tpletely out of his mind thanks to his strengthened soul, but he still started to greedily chow down on the hundreds of fruits he had found just a few weeks before. Each one of them contained so much energy it would take a normal E-grade cultivator weeks to refine, but the energy had all been absorbed by his cells before the fruits even had reached his stomach.


    The more he ate, the more voracious the hunger became. He could feel it. He was still iplete, and just likest time, the promise of perfection loomed in the distance. He was reaching the tipping point, and he pushed away any final misgivings as he swallowed one fruit after another, madness and desire burning in his eyes.


    Something far in the distance cracked, and Zac''s vision started to blur. He first tried to fight it, but his mind was swiftly dragged away. Thest thing he sensed was tens of thousands of gates appearing in the area, each of them taking everything from their surroundings.


    He had once more be the void.


    -----------------------


    ��I��m here to help clean up,�� Karz said demurely without lifting his gaze from the ground.


    ��Ah! Gar, eh, Karz, is it?�� the quartermaster coughed. ��Well, chambers 2, 14, and 28 will need cleaning today.��


    Karz��s heart beat an extra time when hearing he had been assigned to a single-digit chamber, and number two at that. This would be a pretty big haul. Still, he controlled his aura and expression as he walked toward the inner parts of the Alchemy Hall. Thanks to months of building his ��reputation��, he passed straight through the security checks without causing any waves, gaining ess to an area that not even Inner Disciples could enter.


    The scheduling formation indicated that chambers 14 and 28 would open in an hour or so, while chamber two was more imminent. Karz walked over to the finely decorated waiting hall and sat down in a corner where he wouldn��t be in the way. Even then, his appearance caused some ruffles, and he saw two cultivators looking at him with frowns on their faces.


    He recognized one of them to be a Core Disciple of the Alchemy Hall, but the other woman was unknown to him. However, Karz guessed that she had alreadypleted her body tempering and entered the Profound Realm, judging by her aura. She was young as well, making Karz believe she had to be some talent among the Core Disciples.


    ��Who is that?�� the woman said with a disgusted tone, and Karz could tell that she wasn��t really trying to hide her voice. ��I can smell him even through the medicinal aroma.��


    ��Oh right, you just came back. I don��t know his name, but he��s called Garbage,�� the other voice answered. ��An elder found him in the garbage heapsst year and took pity on him. I heard he actually has a Heavenly Affinity barely high enough for him to target Inner Discipleship, but there''s something wrong with his head. He��s obsessed with refuse, and is more interested in collecting and disposing of it than cultivating. It��s kind of convenient though, so people just let him do his thing. He��s managing the refuse for most core disciples and even some elders.��


    ��Should have left someone like that among the trash,�� the first speaker spat as the two walked around a corner. ��A lowly person will always stay lowly.��


    ��You��re right. Do you know what a disciple saw when they spied into his courtyard? He actually���� the other cultivator said before the voice got indistinguishable from the distance.


    Karz had heard the whole thing, there wasn��t a single ripple in his heart. He knew he was being despised, but what did he care? In fact, it made his goals easier. And if there was one thing he knew to be true in this world, it was that her decree was fundamentally and irrevocably wrong. The only certain thing was change.


    However, he couldn��t help but snort at how na?ve he was before, back when he still scavenged for scraps a few years ago. Old Vek had talked about the Cultivators as though they were some sort of celestials, full of poise and grace. Buting here he had soon realized the truth.


    In some ways, they were even dirtier than the scavengers down at the ground.


    Subterfuge, backstabbing, ying little games to mess with each other just to pass the time. They were just mortals who grew increasingly cruel and twisted as their powers grew. They were bound by conventions, fettered by things as honor and reputation as surely as if they were trapped by real feathers.


    It wasn''t surprising. They didn''t understand true desperation, the hunger that pushed you into a fight to the death against another scavenger just for a rotten carcass. They saw him as lowly, and he saw them as foolish. He soon threw that woman out of his mind as he eagerly waited for the door to open.


    A dense cloud of medicinal aroma eventually wafted out from the chamber as the thick gates swung open, and his pores opened and greedily swallowed as much as they could without exposing his secret. Following the aroma a young man appeared, wearing an even more exquisite robepared to the woman before.


    His appearance didn��t match his clothes though, as his hair was in disarray as his eyes werepletely bloodshot and zed over. But he still stopped and refocused when he saw Karz sitting outside.


    ��It��s you,�� the young man said with surprise when he saw Karz waiting outside.


    Karz knew who this was; Laondio Evrodok. He wasn��t surprised that this man had been allowed to use the second refinement chamber, the second greatest cultivation chamber except for the one the supreme elder used for his experiments. In fact, Karz had heard that Chamber Two had recently been upgraded to even surpass chamber one, all for this man.


    If Karz was at the absolute bottom of the totem pole to the point that people actually called him Garbage, then Laondio Evrodok was his pr opposite. The ragged-looking man was actually the greatest genius the sect had ever seen in its four-million-year history, and not by a small degree from what Karz had heard.


    He was being personally groomed by both the Sect Leader and the two Supreme Elders, and many hoped he would be the one to move their mountain to even greater heights. His talents were so great that a Herald from the upper realms would descend in a few years to try him out. In a few centuries, he might be a Herald himself, ruling over the mortal realms like a god.


    ��I��m just here to clean,�� Karz said.


    ��Here,�� Laondio grinned as he took out a vial containing a few pills. ��A small thank you. Your service is appreciated, but you cannot forget your own cultivation.��


    ��What��s this?�� Karz asked as he looked at the weirdly shaped pills.


    ��Mytest recipe. It��s an impurity-cleansing pill! I call them [Pure as Laon]!�� the man said with pride.


    ��Is it as good as the [Turbulent Wind Pill]?�� Karz asked, even he slightly excited by the gifts. Those kinds of pills would save him a lot of time.


    ��Well, no, it��s much worse,�� Laondio coughed, making Karz��s eyes dim a bit. ��But it��s cheap! It costs just a fraction of those exorbitant pills.��


    ��Oh��?�� Karz hesitantly said.


    Laondio was clearly not satisfied with the lukewarm response. ��Think about it! What separates the haves and have-nots in the world right now?��


    ��Resources,�� Karz said without hesitation.


    ��Exactly!�� Laondio said, his dry eyes lighting up with excitement. ��It��s resources! The wealthy cultivators get to eat the greatest Heavenly Treasures and Cultivate closest to the purest Dragon Veins. Meanwhile, those with lower stature are bound to struggle on the road of cultivation. Impurities will umte quickly from absorbing the Earthly Qi, and even the greatest geniuses will find their road to cultivation cut short because of providence rather than effort.


    ��This is the first step to even the ying field! A cheap pill to help those with nothing to fall back on break through the chains of fate, to make anyone''s potential limitless!" the alchemist exined, and Karz''s eyes widened as he felt the air around the young man twist like his conviction was imposing its will on the heavenlyws.


    "I heard you grew up on the ground? Your body must have absorbed a lot of Earthly Qi while living outside of the protection of the Dragon Veins. This will hopefully help put you back on course," Laondio continued.


    ��Why are you giving me this?�� Karz hesitantly asked.


    ��I heard how much you have helped people around here. This is just a small token of thanks,�� Laondio said before he walked away.


    The gesture was nice, but ultimately superfluous. Ever since that weird spot in his back had burst open, he had continuously rid himself of the taint. In the beginning, it was to the point that his sweat was a disgusting ck ooze, but by now his situation was mostly fine. In fact, he believed that his constitution would have been a lot betterpared to even Core Disciples if not for his nightly activities.


    Karz scurried into the room, and he looked at the piles of discarded flowers, stems, shells, and other leftovers from Laondio��s alchemy session. He briefly wondered if the young star would be as generous with his pills if he knew that it wasn��t selflessness that drove Karz��s actions, but rather greed.


    The rest of the Cultivators on this mountain might see a bunch of worthless scrap in front of them, but Karz saw something even better than the Origin Pills that were distributed every month to Outer Disciples such as himself.


    He put all the scraps into his bag of holding before he carefully cleaned the whole room, putting everything back to where it was supposed to belong. He didn��t really care about this part, but he saw it as payment for the valuable materials he collected. An hourter he had spruced up the other two alchemy chambers as well, and he left the inner sections of the Alchemy Hall.


    ��Thank you, young man,�� the quartermaster smiled as she furtively looked around. When she saw that no one was looking she handed him a bound parchment. ��This is for you. It is the entry-level fire-control technique we teach Inner Disciples. If you master the methods to control the me, you can be a proper assistant who gets paid by the Sect for your hard work. You could even be an Alchemist if your Heavenly Root allows for it.��


    ��Thank you,�� Karz said with surprise as he quickly stowed away the method.


    An entry-level technique was not muchpared to the top-methods the Sect possessed, but he knew that the Quartermaster had bent the rules a bit in his favor for providing this.


    ��I will work hard to learn this method.��


    ��Don��t worry if you can��t master it,�� the Quartermaster smiled. ��Alchemy is a grand path, but it ultimately not for everyone. Even if this one doesn��t suit you, I am sure that someone hardworking like you will find another one.��


    ��Thank you,�� Karz bowed before he started his trek down from the Alchemy peak.


    It was unfortunate. Kind-hearted people like the Quartermaster would never reach the peak in cultivation. Her advancement opportunities would be stolen through back-room deals of less open-hearted cultivators, and she��d be stuck as lower management even if her talent indicated she should rise higher.


    But after talking with Laondio, Karz was a bit conflicted. He had considered the ruthless struggle for treasures and methods Heavenlyw, but was that really an absolute? Were there no better ways than everyone wing for every advantage they could get? Or was the young genius simply a dreamer with his head in the clouds after never having encountered any real hardships in his life?


    Ultimately, it didn��t matter. Karz was far better off nowpared to his years in the trash heaps, but he still didn��t feel much closer to the ��glorious life in the sky�� he had dreamed of before. As his power grew, so did his vantage. It even felt like the mountain he was trying to climb to the peak was growing even quicker than he was.


    For example, it was onlyst month he learned of exalted existences called Void Heralds, cultivators who had broken through to unimaginable heights. These kinds of beings didn��t even exist in the sect, or the neighboring ns for that matter. And that was still not the peak from what he��d gathered. Cultivation was really without end.


    Karz eventually returned to his secluded domicile. Seeing the sprawling walls would probably confuse any visitor to the sect. What kind of Outer Sect Disciple got such a huge courtyard when space on the mountain was limited, even if it was almost by the foot? However, if they stepped inside, they��d soon understand why a ce like this existed.


    It almost felt like entering another world when he passed through the gates to his home. The dense Spiritual Energy outside had been shed by more than three quarters, barely any better than what you��d see down on the tainted grounds. And what little ambient energy remained was oddly tainted for being so close to a Dragon Vein.


    So what if the ce was big? Any cultivator who lived in a courtyard like this was essentially crippling their cultivation.


    Karz didn��t understand the specifics, but an elder had called it a ��fault-line�� of the dragon vein. It seemed as though the Dragon Vein used some spots to dump its low-quality energy, just like the sect used the incineration teaus on the ground to get rid of their trash. But that didn��t matter at all to Karz since he had his own unique methods. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The horribly bad cultivation environment wasn��t the only odd thing about the oversized courtyard. It was another oddity that had raised a lot of brows in the sect, to the point that Karz had earned his unttering nickname.


    Piles and piles of scraps filled almost every empty free spot of the courtyard, creating mounds reaching up to five meters tall. Karz looked around for a bit until he found the right spot. It was a three-meter-tall pile of alchemic dregs that had almost turned to dry ash by this point, and he stowed away thepletely drained materials before he released the pile he had collected during the day.


    After that, he walked to a certain pile of garbage andy down on top of it with a contented smile. It was a scene just like this that hadpletely thrown his reputation into the gutter, but Karz didn��t care. He was sure that even the Sect Master of the Blue Spring Sect would join him if he possessed the same ability as he did.


    Nothing happened for a few seconds as hey there, but soon he felt a hunger from the depths of his body. It grew and grew until it couldn��t be contained by his body any longer. That feeling had to be satiated, and the universe soon gave its answer as thousands and thousands of celestial tendrils rose from the garbage piles.


    Like moths to a me, the tendrils started to worm their way toward him. Most of them came from the recently added piles, while some were reluctantly forced out of the almost-decayed piles that had been there for a few weeks. Some tendrils were even drawn out from the air itself as Spiritual Energy freed itself from the Earthly Taint on its way to Karz.


    His body was soon alight with force, the energy surging round and round between his meridians, leaving a little bit behind with every circuit. People thought he was justzing about while lying in piles of garbage half the day, but he was actually cultivating at a speed that was probably unsurpassed in the Sect.


    He and Landio had agreed that the main issue stopping most people from progressing was resources, but truthfully it was not just that. All methods of cultivation seemed to be filled with imperfections, where even the pills made by elders left over 70% of the energies of the Spiritual Herbs inside the discarded dregs.


    Karz had no idea how to fix that issue, but his body had shown him the way to make use of that fact. He didn��t know why, but he had quickly realized that others couldn��t see this ability of his. All these beautiful tendrils that danced through the air were only visible to his gaze, a miracle just for him.


    He looked at the sky as he silently cultivated with his homemade method. There were all kinds of worlds out there, many far greater than the Hur''Vaz Empire the Blue Spring Sect was part of. Cultivators powerful beyondpare, beasts asrge as wholes, treasures with unimaginable power.


    The world was truly limitless. Thankfully, Karz believed he was too.

 Chapter 737: Grand Origins

    <h4>Chapter 737: Grand Origins</h4>


    Zac woke up, and he was immediately beset by an intense hunger as he sat up with a grunt. He pushed down the sense of starvation as he looked around, and he was relieved to see that the situation wasn''t too bad. He had beenpletely consumed by his Bloodline Vision even after having his soul evolve, but his surroundings were still somewhat intact.


    Sometime during his breakthrough, the cave had been breached and flooded, but he was still protected from the currents outside. The cave itself had undergone a massive transformation though as all the flowers and the materials they had collected were gone, and the cave itself had grown to over five times in diameter.


    It wasn''t too bad, and Zac suspected it was thanks to the fact that he had somehow created thousands of small vortices this one rather than one massive one right behind his back. He couldn''t be sure, but Zac felt the difference was rted to Karz��s ability at the end. However, while Karz had be something like a ma that extracted pure energy from all kinds of sources, his bloodline had rather proactively gone out on the hunt to swallow them into the void.


    It was the second time he had been shown Karz and his unique abilities, and the visions filled him with mixed emotions. He had already suspected it after the first vision, but now it almost felt certain. His mother''s n had somehow gotten their hands on the genes of the Limitless Emperor, and it was that supreme being''s bloodline that coursed through his veins.


    It was no wonder Leandra had said he carried the Original Sin. He had initially thought it was because his birth had drawn the wrath of the Heavens, but that wasn''t necessarily the case. What could be considered Original Sin, if not creating the System itself? Emperor Limitless had to be the biggest sinner in the history of the Multiverse in the eyes of the Technocrats.


    Zac didn''t know what to think about the situation. He wasn''t even sure if he was an actual descendant, or if Karz''s bloodline had somehow been extracted and imnted into his body. Zac was pretty certain that he wasn''t a pure clone though, partly through clues left behind by Leandra, and partly by the fact that he didn''t look like Karz at all.


    Karz was definitely human, but looked somewhat of Mediterranean descent, with ck wavy hair and an oliveplexion. His irises were golden, and his features were truthfully a lot better than Zac''s.


    The real situation was a bit unclear, but Zac had a decent guess what his mother''s n had been thinking. It wouldn''t be too surprising if the Limitless Emperor would have created some sort of unique ess methods to the System, and Leandra might have nned on using his Bloodline like some sort of backdoor.


    Add Jeeves hidden by a perfected Duplicity Core, and they had all they needed to sneak the Dao of Technology into the System, perhaps even take control of the System itself. It was no wonder that the System reacted so violently when he was discovered, if Zac''s guesses were correct. Hopefully, he would be safe as long as his Bloodline was corrupted, but it was something to keep in mind.


    Perhaps he''d only invite punishment again if he uncorrupted the Void Emperor-bloodline.


    For now, he could only put the matter of his heritage and Emperor Limitless aside, and instead focus on the gains. And just as he was about to open his status screen to check, he noticed something extremely odd; the amount of Twilight Energy he was assaulted by was extremely low, to the point that his Hidden Nodes had no problems dealing with it.


    That wouldn''t have been surprising if the flowers were still there, but the flowers had been absorbed and the cave had been breached. He should be under a furious assault of Twilight Energy already, but he was leisurely sitting in the submerged cave like nothing was wrong. He immediately activated [Piercing Gaze], and even if its quality wasn''t as good as [Cosmic Gaze], it immediately exposed an extremely odd phenomenon.


    The cave was absolutely drowned in Twilight Energy, but the situation was different within a sphere of two meters around his body. It was like he was enclosed in a small sanctuary, where the density was just a tenth of the energy outside. It wasn''t like some void was swallowing the rest of the energy, but rather that it was somehow kept at bay.


    Furthermore, he could actually sense a familiar and ancient aura radiating from his body, and Zac could somewhat guess what was going on. His eyes lit up, and he quickly opened his status screen to confirm his suspicions.


    Name n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    114


    ss


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race


    [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Fragment of the Axe - Peak, Fragment of the Coffin - Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi - Peak


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    7825 [Increase: 105%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Dexterity


    3502 [Increase: 75%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Endurance


    6823 [Increase: 96%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Vitality


    5790 [Increase: 84%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Intelligence


    1447 [Increase: 69%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Wisdom


    2862 [Increase: 76%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Luck


    455 [Increase: 91%. Efficiency: 197%]


    Free Points


    0


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 938 715


    His attributes hadn''t changed since thest time he checked, and neither had he gained any Title for evolving his Bloodline. He had heard from Catheya that there was a title for awakening your bloodline while in F-grade, with a greater version avable if you awakened before even starting cultivating. Unfortunately, it looked like simply catching up wasn''t enough to get the title while in E-grade.


    Still, Zac hadn''t expected any title, and he was far more interested in his Bloodline Screen.


    Bloodline


    [E - Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent


    Force of the Void - 32%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes


    [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Zac looked at the result with satisfaction. He was already 99% certain after the vision, but he had really managed to evolve his bloodline to E-grade in one go. For now, he wouldn��t need to worry about it for a long while, since gaining a D-grade Bloodline generally wasn��t possible before actually getting there in your cultivation.


    Of course, he would still have to nurture his Hidden Nodes to set the foundation that would allow him to quickly upgrade them after bing a Hegemon.


    The most obvious change was the addition of a second Bloodline Talent; [Void Zone]. It sounded like a domain ability, and he figured that it should be this ability that kept the Twilight Energy at bay. It was just like with his first bloodline talent, it was simply on by default until he managed to form a connection with it.


    Zac turned his attention inward, trying to glean whether anything else had changed. At first, everything looked the same, but he realized that his pathways had widened a bit. Not only that, but he could feel that his cells somehow wererger even if they were the same size, even though that made no sense.


    It was almost like they all were forming small spatial arrays, but for what purpose Zac still didn''t know. He sensed his energy reserves, and they didn��t seem anyrger nowpared to before. So what was the point of millions of small hidden pockets inside his body if they didn��t do anything?


    Zac couldn��t think of anything in the vision that resembled what he was looking at either, and he could only put the matter aside for now. He figured that it shouldn��t be something bad, and that the truth would sooner orter show itself. Instead, he tried to figure out exactly how his new Bloodline Talent worked.


    There was no drain at all on his Cosmic Energy, and judging by the aura, the talent ran on the Void Energy provided by [Force of the Void]. He thought back to the vision of Karz he had just now, and it almost felt like the System or his mother had a sense of humor. In the first vision, Karz showed the ability to endlessly gain affinities through absorption, while he was perpetually stuck at no affinity.


    Then Karz gained the ability to freely absorb energy that even more powerful cultivators had no way of extracting, but Zac got the ability to keep energy at bay?


    The ability was definitely extremely useful in his current predicament, but its long-term usefulness was not quite as clear. However, Zac had high hopes for it to double as both a Defensive mechanism and a suppression. For example, the Twilight Energy could essentially be considered poison, but he was able to keep it away from him.


    Would he be able to do the same if a cultivator drowned the area in a poison mist, keeping himself protected? Would he be able to do it even if it was something more corporeal, like a de created with Cosmic Energy? Would it be barred from getting close to him, like an ultimate zone of nullification?


    There were other things that were unclear, and he curiously took out a Middle-Grade Nexus Crystal and crushed it. A puff of energy spread out in his new domain, but it disappeared in just a few seconds. Furthermore, the amount of Twilight Energy that managed to pass through the void increased by a small amount when the [Void Zone] was tainted by Cosmic Energy.


    He took out a Supreme Nexus Crystal next and did the same thing. The result was simr, but the effect was more pronounced. It looked like there was a limit to how much energy the [Void Zone] could push away or banish, or whatever it was doing. Still, it would be a great tool to add to his repertoire, and it was an ability that essentially was a cheat in this ce.


    With this, he essentially became infallible in the Twilight Ocean.


    He wanted to experiment some more, but he first needed to get the ability under control before he ran out of Void Energy. Over three years had passed since he did this thingst, but he still hadn��t found the slightest clue of any better cultivation method than [Bloodline Resonance]. Hopefully, it would work this time around as well.


    Zac took out the manual to refresh his memory for a few minutes before he once more started to create a resonance with his second talent as well. The ripples in his body grew more and more intense over the next hour, and even his improved constitution was soon reaching its limits from the endless collisions ravaging his body.


    But finally, he felt another connection form, this time to the second bloodline talent. He breathed out in relief before eating a healing pill. The damage was thankfully not too bad, and he started to y around with the talent after resting for just five minutes.


    He turned it on and off, and Zac looked on with interest as the Twilight Energy surged and was pushed back, over and over again. It almost looked like waves crashing against the rocks on the shore, though the scene quickly calmed down after he stopped messing around. There was something he wanted to test, and he first swapped over to his Draugr form.


    The powerful domain waspletely unaffected by the change, keeping the Twilight Energy at bay as he was filled with miasma. He scanned his undead constitution for any changes, but just like his human body, the only change was the odd erging of his cells. Using [Void Zone] worked the same way as well, allowing him to move on to his next experiment.


    Zac tried to activate [Profane Exponents] next, but he frowned when he felt some sort of resistance when trying to activate the skill. It looked like even his own body was under the effect of the weird field he emitted, prohibiting him from doing anything. Zac changed his tactic and tried to activate the skill outside the zone as well, but the sensation of great resistance was the same.


    The suppression wasn��t absolute though, and as he pushed even further the skeletons appeared behind him, though they looked a bit bleak. A barrier appeared, but it took its sweet time, and it was significantly weakened. Zac dispelled the three pygmies, but they returned just a few secondster, this time full of power as they radiated that ancient aura of his hidden energy reserve.


    Zac��s heart started to beat faster as he quickly understood the implications. What if he was in a melee, and his new domain suddenly swallowed both him and his enemy? A seasoned veteran would immediately force the skill to activate, but he would still be a bit slowed down and restrained. Meanwhile, Zac could actually speed up his skill summon, increasing the gulf even further.


    Just how powerful was this ability?


    This was a true domain, far surpassing those he used to create a restrictive hellscape inside the cage of [Profane Seal]. The only problem was that its radius was a bit too low for it to have too much practical effect since most fights ended without Zac getting within such close proximity of his enemies. However, the skill had just been awakened. Just like how the storage of [Force of the Void] grew, so should the radius of [Void Zone].


    He could imagine the scene in the future, him locking down kilometers of space in every direction as he unleashed instantaneously conjured skills on his helpless enemies. These two abilities together created an almost unbeatablebination. Of course, this restriction would probably be a lot weaker against higher-leveled enemies, which was a shame since those were the only real enemies of his.


    At least it should help him stay alive when swept into a conflict like the one in the Technocrat research base.


    He still remembered how he had almost gotten himself killed by the errant energies when The Great Redeemer and The Collector shed. If he had this Bloodline Talent back then, the wounds he had umted would probably not have been so bad. He might even have been able to stay conscious for the impartment of [Purity of the Void].


    He kept trying out various things over the next thirty minutes to find any weaknesses of the ability. But it really looked like it was pretty well-rounded.


    The biggest difference was whether the energy entering the domain was ��owned�� or not. If it was ownerless energy like the ambient Twilight Energy, the effect was extremely pronounced. However, even talismans maintained around half of their efficiency when heunched them at himself with the help of his chains.


    Skills were even less restrained, and his Spirit Tools weren��t affected at all from entering or exiting the sphere. In other words, it was a pure energy barrier, with no real effect on physical objects. There was some more experimentation to be done, but he was starting to feel a drain on his body; he was fast running out of Void Energy.


    The weird organ appeared in hisp, a stone-like clump over a meter across. It contained powerful energies, but Zac sighed when he sensed that he was unable to extract it at all while [Void Zone] was active. He was forced to deactivate the protection, and a surge of Twilight Energy came crashing in on him.


    It onlysted for a few seconds before he cracked a Supreme Miasma Crystal as he took out his Soul Strengthening Array. The environment had been ruined after activating his bloodline, and he wasn''t nning on staying here any longer. He would just rest up and figure out his next step whilepleting a full cycle with the array.


    Remembering how his bloodline had gobbled up innumerable valuable flowers made him remember the void gates that had spread all across the mountain range, and Zac suddenly thought of something. Was it possible he had gained some Contribution points from awakening his bloodline like this?


    [Arcaz ck �C Contribution: 1,244,719 Rank: 1. Value: 150,000 (Bounty)]


    Zac nkly looked at thedder for a full minute,pletely forgetting to activate the Soul Strengthening Array. He couldn''t believe what he was seeing. He had shot up to the first position in one go, overtaking even that crazy vampire with 200,000 contribution points to spare. Whatever he had gobbled up during his Bloodline Awakening had been worth as much as twenty Mothertrees.


    He was ted at the opportunity to snag a top-tier Limited Title, but the bounty on his head was a stark reminder that the danger his position represented. Everyone would suddenly be gunning for him, especially Uona and that Havarok princeling. Even more troubling, the System definitely wouldn''t let him rest easy with his current rank.


    No one had felt the sweet sorrow of the System''s attention as frequently as he had during the early phase of the integration. The more outstanding you were, the more challenges the System would throw your way. Zac sincerely doubted the System would let him sit down at the bottom of the chasm and cultivate in peace after having taken the first position on thedder.


    A loud crash suddenly startled him awake, and Zac cursed himself for his nigh-prophetic misgivings. A second crash followed the first, and it contained such force that Zac felt like he had been physically punched in his chest even though the source came from the outside.


    Zac started to get a sinking feeling as he remembered the broken peak he had climbed the other day, and he grimaced when an enraged roar ripped through the waters with such force that the whole mountain shook. A tremendous aura spread through the area next, and Zac could feel anger so palpable that the water around him almost boiled.


    Zac couldn''t see the originator of the furious bellow, but he didn''t need to. The gargantuan snake had returned, and it was pissed off.

 Chapter 738: King of the Mountain

    <h4>Chapter 738: King of the Mountain</h4>


    Various incipient ns for the near future were thrown out the window as the whole mountain once more shook under the weight of the Beast King''s wrath. There was no way Zac could stay in the area and work on his cultivation. Even if he wasn��t discovered, he wasn��t certain the mountain would survive the rampage of the enormous snake much longer.


    Zac retrieved his chains and made a final cursory scan of the area before he started to move. As expected, everything of value had already been absorbed through his bloodline evolution, not even leaving husks behind. He figured that it wasn��t aplete loss though. All those treasures had to contribute to something when they were swallowed by the void, even if he wasn''t exactly sure that that was just yet.


    Another roar outside made the waters churn even within the mountain, and Zac looked around for a way to get out of the mountain. He doubted that he gave off any aura from the treasures that had disappeared. But he also doubted that an enraged Beast King, or perhaps even Beast Emperor, would care too much about such minor details. It would simply attack anything that was suspect.


    As for fighting the snake, there was simply no way.


    The immensity of the beast was just beyond what he could handle, no matter if you talked level or physical size. His stockpiled energy from the remnants was mostly used up after fighting Uona, but even if they weren��t �C so what? A full-powered Annihtion Sphere would not even be enough to breach the gargantuan scales the snake was covered in.


    A Mark of Creation might create some sort of tumor-like growth, but it was no way one mark was enough to take out something that size. Escape was the only option, preferably all the way to the potential wall he had gleaned in the distance. He would have to pray that his newfound ability would be enough to take him across the vast chasm without getting ripped to shreds.


    First thing''s first; he needed to get away from the central mountain since it was just a matter of time before the snake made its way here. After all, Zac had a strong suspicion that it was no longer hidden like before now that he had absorbed all those odd flowers. The snake would definitely investigate if sooner rather thanter.


    The cave he had been teleported into before had been sealed off from the outside, but his evolution had caused a crack and let the water inside, providing Zac with a convenient route out of this ce. It wasn��t a proper pathway though, and Zac had no choice but to activate [Abyssal Phase] when the crack turned much too thin to traverse.


    Soon enough Zac appeared at the surface of the peak, and he once more reverted into his tangible form as he restrained his aura as much as he could. His body was already starting to fill up with Twilight Energy after having used his intangible form, and he was forced to immediately reactivate his bloodline talent again.


    The storm of Twilight Energy that burrowed into his body was instantly rebuffed, giving him a reprieve from the onught. Zac sighed as he carefully peered out from the mouth of the crack, and he was thankfully met only with raging currents and distant peaks. No Midgard snake was slithering about outside, though the palpable air of bloodlust still suffused the whole area.


    Another roar echoed out from the distance, and Zac guessed that the snake was stillying waste to the outer sector of the cluster of peaks. He was about to set out, but his danger sense suddenly woke up and he immediately shrunk back into the crevasse with wide eyes. It wasn''t the snake that suddenly appeared, but he felt a powerful sense spread across the whole area before continuing toward the other peaks.


    The snake was on the hunt for real.


    It felt like his heart threatening to jump out of his mouth, but he almost cried in relief when felt another crash reverberate through the area. The snake had attacked another peak rather thaning for him. It looked like his Void Zone had managed to obfuscate his presence to at least avoid a cursory scan.


    Zac knew this was his chance, and he grit his teeth as he pushed out from the mountain. Void Zone helped with the Twilight Energy, but they didn��t really affect the currents just like Zac had feared. They immediately started dragging him further into the depths while he traversed the chasm between the peaks, and shallow gashes appeared one after another on his body because of the waters.


    But it was far preferable to bing snake food.


    Zac hadn��t had time topletely restore his reserves of Void Energy after his experiments, but he sensed it would be enough to keep his new talent active for half an hour at least. He needed to use that time to the fullest to get away from this ce while the snake was upied elsewhere.


    He couldn��t follow his old regimen of climbing for a few minutes before resting for an hour. The whole mountain range would be leveled before he got out of harm��s way that way. Soon enough Zac had crossed the chasm to the next mountain, using as little energy as he possibly could. Part of him believed that the immense density of Twilight Energy around him should be enough to obfuscate a small burst of energying from his skills, but he wouldn��t take any chances with that monstrosity lurking somewhere close by.


    Zac didn''t stop and rest like he usually would, and instead popped a healing pill as he started to climb around the peak so that he could swim toward the next one. He was pretty familiar with the area after having looked for treasure for a few weeks, and he knew there were five mountains he would have to cross before reaching the peak closest to the distant mountain.


    A roar echoed out again, and Zac was dismayed at how much closer it was this time. Getting subjected to the cry at closer proximity felt like getting hit by a sledgehammer, and Zac could only look on as the waters around him were tainted with ichor squeezed out from his wounds. Still, he didn''t as much as grunt or let his aura fluctuate in fear that he would be discovered.


    Out of nowhere, a gargantuan shape shed by, its speed seemingly impossible considering its size. It was like Zac''s whole vision had been reced by impossiblyrge scales out of nowhere. Zac said a silent prayer as he prepared for the worst, but he was relieved to see the beast ramming straight into a neighboring mountain, causing cracks thousands of meters long to spread across its slopes.


    It looked like the Twilight Ocean buckled from the impact before it rushed out in every direction with terrifying force. Zac didn''t even have a chance to erect any defenses before the wave crashed into him, almost knocking him clean out then and there. His chains had thankfully managed to keep him fastened to the mountain wall, and he grabbed on with desperation as huge chunks of rocks were ripped away around him.


    Suddenly, a weaker screech echoed out as a hundred-meter-long fish with long trailing fins shot out from one of the cracks in the neighboring mountain, its aura clearly eclipsing the Beast King that Zac killed in the Greengrove Archipgo. From the looks of it, it had been in secluded cultivation deep inside the mountain, enjoying the dense Twilight Energy in the area until the snake came knocking.


    However, it clearly wasn��t preparing to fight the intruder over having its territory encroached. It pierced the torrential currents as it expended every effort to escape. The farrger beast wouldn��t simply let up though, and its head snaked around with almost impossible speed, snatching the fish up in a ruthless bite.


    There was no fight and no struggle, just a muchrger predator gobbling up its helpless prey, which only reinforced Zac��s decision to not fight the thing. Killing the Beast King did nothing to alleviate the snake��s anger though, and it released another earthshattering roar after having swallowed the much smaller fish.


    Zac was starting to umte wounds upon wounds even with Void Zone active, and he wasn''t sure how much longer he could take even indirect damage from this beast. He felt incredibly small and helpless, just like when he witnessed the sh between the Hegemons inside the Mystic Realm. ck ichor freely leaked from his nose and ears as therge cracks all over the mountain worsened.


    The ocean itself became muddied for a few seconds as innumerable shards of rock fell off the mountains and joined the currents. However, the debris was quickly cleared thanks to the unearthly speed of the waters, and the monstrous beast was once more exposed.


    The snake released another snort before it started to slither away,pletely crushing the currents that mmed against its scales with enough force to kill a normal Peak E-grade warrior. Zac��s whole body shook from a mix of primal fear and adrenaline overload, but he staunchly held on as he kept utilizing his new bloodline talent to be able to withstand the Twilight Energy.


    It really looked like the ability did help a bit against discovery. Of course, it was also possible that he was simply so small and insignificant that the snake didn��t care about him, though he wouldn��t rely on such a ky theory to survive. He stayedpletely still against the mountain wall as he watched the snake move further and further away until it was impossible to discern its head even with [Cosmic Gaze].


    It was the first time that Zac had managed to spot the true appearance of the impossiblyrge creature. It had a long snout like an alligator rather than a traditional snake, and it had the teeth to match. Hundreds and hundreds of jagged fangs covered its enormous maw, each onerge enough to be considered a mountain on its own. Eight pitch-ck pairs of lifeless orbs sat on the two sides of its head, the smallest pair of eyes asrge as barn doors.


    Its appearance was terrifying enough, but Zac��s thoughts were more focused on something curious. There was actually arge rune on the beast��s forehead. It wasn��t something that had naturally formed on the beast��s scale, but rather something that had been inscribed by the looks of it. More importantly, it was actually a rune that Zac actually recognized.


    It was the insignia of the Twilight Lord.


    He had a few theories about how something like that was possible, but now wasn��t the time to worry about the details. Zac didn��t dare wait too long, and he actually swam right under the snake''s tail after shoving a stack of talismans into a crack in the rocks behind him. He once more took advantage of the cover against the currents that the enormous animal provided, and he reached the next mountain even before the Beast King hadpletely left the area.


    It quickly became clear what the snake was doing as Zac kept moving further and further away from the heart of the mountain range. Every so often another one of the immense pulses spread out and covered the whole area, and a tremendous shockwave erupted within a minute. Zac estimated that it had exposed and disposed of over twenty Beast Kings over thest hour, one more powerful than the next.


    Zac felt a sense of dread upon realizing that the area was nowhere near as deste as he had initially thought while traveling back and forth in search of treasures. It was just that these beasts all hid within the depths of the mountains, perhaps in fear of the big guy that was now hunting them one by one.


    Another pulse rippled through the waters, the force of the ability powerful enough to divert the currents themselves. Zac froze in ce as he staunchly endured the feeling of his insides getting shifted by the energy wave. It soon passed, and Zac hurriedly squeezed into a nearby crevasse and cracked two Supreme Miasma Crystals as he took out the Void Beast organ.


    Five minutes passed, at which point Zac stopped and activated Void Zone once more, and it was just in time as the gargantuan snake passed by just two mountains away in search of its next victim.


    It took over almost two hours, and he had been forced to make four stops, but he finally reached his destination; the very edge of the mountain range. Less than half of the mountains in the area were still unscathed by this point, and Zac could only attribute the fact that he was still alive to dumb luck.


    The snake hadn''t attacked anything closer than that fish he saw killed earlier, which was the only reason he hadn''t been turned to mush. Of course, if it came to that he could always jump into a current toward the depths of the Twilight Chasm, but that would only be recing one certain death with another.


    There were limits to everything, even his cheat-like methods, and Zac held no delusions that he would be able to freely travel as far down the Chasm as he wished without any ramifications. For now, the n was still on, and Zac saw his target far in the distance. There was just the issue of the vast gulf of frantic currents in the way.


    He knew it would be perilous to cross this distance even with Void Zone, but there wasn��t much he could do about it. The snake was clearly growing more irate by the minute, no doubt because it had failed to recover a single one of the missing treasures. Zac wasn��t some expert in hiding his presence, and he��d be discovered by one of the scans sooner orter as the beast tightened its. After all, he was asionally forced to turn off his talent to restore his reserves of Void Energy.


    Time was of the essence, but Zac didn''t immediately set out. Finally, the scanning pulse came, and Zac waited with bated breath until he heard the distant explosion apanied by a whimpering cry of some unknown Beast King. This was it - he wouldn''t get a better opportunity than this.


    Zac immediately shot out taking the leap of faith into the unknown, his senses strained to the maximum to avoid the currents too powerful for him to deal with. It felt like he was in the middle of a hurricane, surrounded by rampaging gales. However, something suddenly changed behind him, prompting him to identally get viciously swiped by arge rock that was being dragged down toward the depths.


    An outcropping in the neighboring mountain suddenly transformed into a humongous octopus that sped off, cutting through the waters in the same direction as Zac. Each one of its eight 100-meter-long tentacles frantically pushed the beast forward, creating a full-fledged storm in its attempt to escape. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac''s brow''s rose when he realized that the Beast King had been nning the exact same thing as he, both of them speeding away from the area the moment the Beast King was upied on the other side of the mountain range. The octopus had no doubt spotted Zac considering their close proximity, but both minded their own business in their desperation to escape. Zac considered turning back for a moment, but he was already some ways into the waters. He had to keep going.


    Things were going even betterpared to when he used his Cosmic Vessels before, and Zac saw a glimpse of hope that his n would actually work. Void Zone dealt with most of the twilight Energy, and he used [Love''s Bond] in its shield form like a turtle shell to protect most of his body as he pushed himself forward with the help of his legs.


    However, an infuriated roar and a sense of overwhelming doom soon dashed his hopes. He still couldn''t see it, but he felt how a towering killing intent had locked onto the area, which meant it was just a matter of time before that terrifying maw would catch up. Zac swore as his abyssal eyes turned toward the Beast King swimming next to him, a me of fear and fury burning in his chest.


    This god damn octopus had blown his cover.

 Chapter 739: Reciprocity

    <h4>Chapter 739: Reciprocity</h4>


    Clearly, Zac wasn��t the only one who held animosity toward the other escapee. The Octopus screeched with a mix of fury and fear, and it made its move before Zac had time to figure out a way to deal with the crisis. It was like space twisted as a tentacle shot toward him, extending far beyond what should be possible. It was just a blink of an eye, but the attack was already upon him.


    Zac only had time to readjust his shield and empower it with the Fragment of the Coffin before the vicious swipe mmed into him, throwing him back against the mountain range. Simultaneously, a vast haze of ck sludge covered the waters, and it was somehow resistant to the incessant pull of the currents as it hovered in the area like a thick haze.


    The fury in Zac��s heart turned into a raging congration as he red in the direction of the Beast King. There was no doubt about it; the Octopus wanted to use him as a scapegoat while it escaped. But how could Zac give up without a fight? He activated all the talismans he had left in various spots in the mountain range, hoping that a series of explosions would divert the snake''s attention.


    Meanwhile, a grey pill flew into Zac''s mouth as he set off after the tentacled beast, and the effect was immediate. His muscles swelled and torrential amounts of Miasma started coursing through his body. Just like with all berserking pills he had eaten before, this one came with a surging momentum and battle lust as well, though not to the point of full-on-lunacy like the Rageroot Oak seeds.


    Still, the goal of escape grew a bit blurred as Zac��s abyssal scanned the area in search of the Octopus, and [Love''s Bond] changed to its offensive form as forced himself through the obstacle it had left behind. However, the Beast King was in its natural habitat, whereas Zac was not. Even a top-quality Berserking pill wasn''t enough to allow him to catch up to the frantic escape of the octopus, especially considering how the weird cloud of ink it left behind felt like sticky goo that impeded his progress.


    Even worse, the enormous snake seemedpletely uninterested in investigating the cascading series of eruptions from the talismans and it was fast catching up. Zac couldn''t be certain, but judging by how rapidly the towering aura in the distance grew more and more distinct, he had less than half a minute before the beast had caught up. The snake should have been on the other side of the mountain range, but the speed the snake exhibited was far exceeding anything that should appear in this trial.


    The situation wasn��t looking good, and desperate times called for desperate measures.


    A ck spike appeared in Zac''s hand, and a surge of cursed power immediately coursed through his body as the berserkingpound he looted from Faceless #9 activated. It felt like he would explode as the two berserking treasures caused havoc on his body, and his body suddenly disappeared in a puff.


    Of course, it wasn''t Zac actually exploding, but rather him activating [Abyssal Phase]. His mind screamed for speed as he cut through the churning waters, and the additional energy and the battle madness from the berserking pills allowed him to withstand the currents far longer than he would normally.


    He didn''t care about the damage that was being wrought upon his intangible form, his mind was fast bing consumed by the hunt, of going ever faster. Suddenly, it was like the already turbid surroundings became even more leaden, almost to the point that time seemed to have stopped altogether. It immediately became easier to navigate around the worst of the currents, and Zac pushed through the restrictive ink and caught up to the fleeing octopus in no time.


    It almost looked like it had been frozen in time, but reality quickly caught up when Zac appeared right on top of the octopus'' mantle, his eyes burning with madness as [Verun''s Bite] ripped through the waters. A massive jagged edge appeared in front of the axe as two streams of mental energy empowered by Dao and madness burrowed into the skill fractal of [Gorehew].


    The octopus tried to use a tentacle to swipe Zac off from its body, but two chains dug into flesh as the other two moved to intercept. The jagged edge of Zac''s offensive skill mmed into the bulbous mantle, and the defensive measures of the octopus proved utterly incapable of forming any significant defense. A water barrier was ripped apart and the thick sinewy flesh was cut right through by the skill empowered by two Peak Dao Fragments.


    Eight tentacles spasmodically iled about in the air as Zac''s axe dug into the innards of the beast, but he still didn''t get any surge of energy even after swinging his weapon three times in rapid session. Zac growled in frustration as he saw flesh rapidly regenerate, the Beast King showing its resilient life force. Zac knew this wasn''t the time for a protracted battle, and two new streams of Mental Energy entered his shoulder.


    A small sphere appeared between his hands, and Zac unhesitantly pushed it into the bleeding wounds before he activated [Abyssal Phase] with the help of [Force of the Void] once more.He had almost run out of energy after restoring his arm and leg a few weeks back, but he recovered just enough to barely form an extremely weak Mark of Creation by this point.


    Zac didn''t expect the small outburst of pure creation to actually kill the enormous beast, especially seeing how durable it was. But his eyes lit up when he saw how a series of weird transformations took ce inside the mantle. The Beast King''s thoughts were no doubt in turmoil with the snake bearing down on them, and wild imagination was like fertilizer for the Mark of Creation.


    Between the grievous wounds and the Mark of Creation creating havoc, the Octopus was dead in the water, allowing Zac to activate his movement skill once more to create amanding lead. However, the energy-dense waters were soon too much for Zac even when filled with energy from the berserking treasures, and he was forced to revert to his normal form. Thankfully, he had managed to create a distance of over two thousand meters by that point, but every hair on his head stood on end as he sensed an extremely powerful consciousness lock onto him.


    The thick ink left by the Octopus shuddered and dissipated the next moment as half the horizon was reced by a maw the size of a mountain. Zac peered into its depths, feeling just as weak as when he had gazed upon the true form of the Collector back then. Thankfully, he only had to gaze at that terrifying scene for an instant before the maw closed around the octopus, turning it into yet another appetizer.


    Zac was in no mood to stick around, but his horror only mounted when he realized he was utterly unable to do so. It was like the whole Twilight Chasm had frozen solid. The furious currents were gone, no longer leavingcerations across his body. It would normally have been a relief, but the terror in Zac''s heart only mounted upon finding himself unable to as well. His arms were iling and he was expelling huge amounts of Miasma to create momentum, but he didn''t move an inch from the terrifying head that grew ever closer.


    Thankfully, it didn''t look like it was intent on ruthlessly gobbling him up like it did the octopus as the snake stopped a few hundred meters away from Zac. His whole vision was blocked out by the huge snout of the beast, and he felt his heart tighten as the sixteen eyes focused on him.


    ��DRAUGR�� a booming voice echoed out in Zac''s mind with enough power to make him puke out a mouthful of ichor. ��WHERE ARE THE FORMATION FLAGS? RETURN THEM, AND YOU CAN LIVE��.


    If being stared down by a primordial creature wasn''t clue enough, Zac knew he was in deep shit the moment he heard it wanted its items back. Most likely, the array gs had been swallowed by the void with the rest of the treasures of the mountain range. His thoughts whirred, and he tried to see if he could lie his way out of this one. It hadn''t ever worked so far, but he didn''t have a lot of options at the moment.


    ��I am Arcaz ck from the Abyssal Shores. I don��t know what you��re speaking of. I was dragged down here just minutes ago because of some sort of earthquake. Help me reach the surface and the Empire will reward you. You are connected to the Twilight Lord, I��m sure he would appreciate gaining another friend among the Draugr,�� Zac said with a bow, trying to mask his fear.


    ��IF YOU DO NOT HAVE THEM, THEN YOU CAN JUST DIE,�� the earthshattering voice echoed out in Zac��s mind as the beast spat out a wave of destruction that rippled toward him.


    ��SAVE ME, AND I��ll PROVIDE ANOTHER PIECE OF THE PATTERN!�� Zac roared at the top of his lungs, seeing no option but to turn to the only one who could save him right now.


    The Beast King only snorted in response, but it froze as the whole chasm rumbled.


    The world of darkness was suddenly illuminated by a golden hue as the sea turned into one of lightning. An aura of vast power, far eclipsing that of the snake, descended, and Zac knew his gambit had seeded. He wasn��t trying to elicit help from The Twilight lord. He was looking for someone more reliable.


    The System itself.


    ��IMPOSSIBLE!�� the snake screeched, its voice filled with shock and dread.


    There was no response to the snake��s cry, but a bolt of lightning entered the wave of destruction rippling toward Zac, causing it to unravel halfway between himself and the Beast King.


    Zac felt like he had been pped by an angry god from the impact, and cracking sounds echoed out through his body as dozens of bones shattered in an instant. The forceunched him like a rocket through the waters,pletely ignoring the snake''s restrictions. It was almost like he teleported as he mmed into the mountain wall tens of kilometers in the distance, causing massive cracks to spread out like a spider web for hundreds of meters in each direction.


    The world grew blurred as Zac felt yet another set of bones shattering from the collision, but the berserking pills thankfully forcibly stopped him from losing his consciousness. He quickly used two of his healing brands, which at least allowed him to somewhat stabilize his body''s gruesome state. The area was still drenched in lightning, and having been thrown away to a greater distance gave Zac a proper vantage of what was going on.


    Thousands of golden lightning bolts rained down on the snake, its gargantuan scales cracking one after another from the impact. The area around the oversized beast had turned into a zone of death, and lower beast kings would probably have been turned to ash if they entered. However, Zac couldn��t help but worry when he saw that the snake didn��t actually get ripped apart from the heavenly punishment.


    It fought tooth and nail, and a whirlpool consisting of terrifyingly condensed Twilight Energy had sprung up around it, protecting its body as it forcibly tried to endure the tribtion. Not only that, but Zac saw how nine white peaks suddenly rose from the depths, each of them covered in intricate patterns. Together, they cut through the water like it was nothing, forming an immense formation that released waves and waves of power that surrounded the snake in yet anotheryer of protection.


    The thunderstorm raged with greater and greater intensity, but Zac sensed that the amount of tribtion lightning the System had conjured was limited, prompting him to swear in exasperation. How could the endlessly powerful overlord of the Multiverse lose against an oversized snake? A familiar voice suddenly echoed out in his head, and thankfully not the painfully loud roar of the beast.


    [Reciprocity has been achieved and bnce is maintained. Beware the Terminus.]


    ��How is almost killing me and not even dealing with the beast achieving bnce?�� Zac spat with incredulity, but there was no response. Zac could feel that the System��s presence was already gone, leaving behind only a single prompt.


    Reciprocity (Unique, Limited): Surrender a glimpse of Chaos. Reward: - (0/1) [598d]


    [NOTE: Failure toply will result in loss of 10 levels and one random Dao.]


    Zac��s eyes grew wider and wider as he read the prompt, almost to the point that he forgot the predicament he was in. Losing ten levels wasn��t too bad, but the System was actually threatening one of his Daos, the very core of his Path? That was even worse than when it threatened his skills back in the Mystic Realm, and there was clearly no room for negotiation.


    The System really wasn��t holding anything back when it paid up-front.


    Unfair as it may be, Zac knew that there was no meaning to railing against the Heavens. He could only suck it up and be happy he got to live another day. It was just like how Catheya described it. He was bound to be a chess piece until he gained the power to control the board himself.


    A tremendous p of thunder refocused Zac��s attention, and he saw how the sea of lightning was condensing, seemingly gathering for one final strike. Meanwhile, the snake��s aura was reaching unprecedented heights as the white mountain peaks below it cracked. The peaks crumbled, but as they fell apart the shards of milky stones formed a tremendouslyrge rune, spanning over ten kilometers across.


    Looking at the sigil was like looking at the truth of the ocean itself, and it seemed able to even borrow the unending force of the Twilight Ocean itself as the waters started to churn. The terrifying Beast King was clearly going all out in an effort to withstand the thunder punishment. Win or lose, Zac knew he couldn��t stay around for the result. His body was already teetering on the brink of copse, and he wasn��t actually that far from the battleground.


    Zac looked back and forth in search of a solution, and he saw his chance when he spotted a piece of moss deep within the crack in the mountain wall. The crack had been caused by him mming into the wall, but for there to be moss, there had to be a tunnel system even before this area was exposed.


    No matter if he climbed up or down the mountain wall, he��d still be exposed to the snake. But if he managed to head deep enough into the side of the Twilight Chasm, he might be safe.


    He took a steadying breath and activated [Abyssal Phase], and he was immediately beset by the terrifying energies that suffused the area. It wasn��t just the Twilight Energy any longer, but also the thunders of the Heavens themselves that had infiltrated the waters, along with the extremely powerful energy that Zac suspected was part of the snake��s Dao.


    There was no time to lose, so Zac immediately shot into the crack, digging deeper and deeper in a frantic effort to put as much solid rock between himself and the cataclysmic sh outside. Suddenly, the seemingly frozen world of [Abyssal Phase] cracked as an apocalyptic explosion erupted far in the distance.


    Zac was immediately forced out of his intangible form, but he was ready as dozens of Defensive Talismans activated while the pygmy skeleton appeared in an instant, covering him in barriers while a ck haze ensconced him to divert falling rocks. The shockwave ripped through the area, throwing Zac into a wall, his defensive barely able to do anything to lessen the impact.


    The world turned din, but a pained wail echoed through the mountain and woke him up. Zac had hoped it would be a final roar of defiance before inevitable death, but there was an unmistakable tone of tion hidden within the pained howl. The snake had survived, though it most likely was a pyrrhic victory.


    Zac''s whole body screamed in protest, but he forcibly activated his movement skill once more, squeezing even further into the tunnel system at the edge of the twilight chasm. Deeper and deeper he went, until he could go no further. He reverted into his physical form and activated hisst healing brand before swapping over to his human form. He was running dangerously low on Miasma, and he would rather transform himself than suddenly just fall over.


    The transformation took just a few seconds, but Zac felt himself on the precipice of the passing out three times over. But he soon gained his human form, and he arduously set off through the tunnels once more, using [Earthstrider] to make his way through the sprawling tunnel system. Using the skill the normal way while having [Void Zone] active was impossible, so he could only tap into his rapidly dwindling stores of Void Energy to make do.


    He felt a few more shockwavesing from the direction of the snake as he fled for his life, but they grew more and more indistinct until they couldn��t be heard at all. Zac no longer had any idea just how far into the bedrock of the chasm he had escaped, but he knew that he couldn��t go much further. His vision was already closing in on him, and he looked back and forth until he found a secluded spot. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac hadn��t seen any creatures making these tunnels their home just yet, but there should be some considering the walls were covered in valuable herbs and the atmosphere was full of energy. His hands were shaking, but he managed to ce down a set of istion and obfuscation arrays before he fell down on the ground, cradling the Void Beast organ.


    He was out of better options. He felt his mind slipping, but he needed to keep the [Void Zone] active to not get killed by the ambient energy. The talent had been activated while he was unconscious thest time, and he prayed that it would work out this way. Finally, he let the darkness consume him, and he fell into a deep end dreamless slumber.


    It might have been a few minutes, or it might have been a few days, but Zac was suddenly startled awake as a prompt appeared in front of his face. He looked at it with bleary eyes, and a wry smile spread across his face as his mind drifted back to sleep, briefly wondering what kind of reaction people would have upon seeing his name on the top of thedder.

 Chapter 740: Dark Horse

    <h4>Chapter 740: Dark Horse</h4>


    ��What the hell!�� Qirai screamed, her eyes almost bulging out of her head. ��Am I seeing things?! Has this cursed ocean finally driven me insane?��


    ��If it did, then it dragged us all down,�� Catheya sighed as she looked at the screen in front of her.


    [Monthly Contribution Ladder]


    ��


    Her face was calm, but a storm raged in her heart. Just what had that lunatic done this time? Was it too much to ask for him to stay out of the limelight? No, he had to throw a wrench in the whole trial, getting his name known far and wide. She thought he had learned his lesson after causing all that havoc back in Hollowtongue mountain after they parted, considering he had been quiet for some time.


    It turned out he was just amassing momentum for whatever madness he had aplished. Catheya felt a headacheing on as she tried to figure out what to do from here on out. She might have been able to hide Zac Piker''s identity before as no one of importance would care for a random trial-taker, but how could she possibly do that now?


    Forget her master, even the officials of the Empire might start asking questions about him, especially when this trial was so out of the norm.


    It was almost mindboggling the kind of shockwaves Zac Piker managed to create with his limited power. He had plunged the whole Zecia sector into chaos while still in the F-grade, and her master had actually estimated that he was somehow rted to the odd spatial ripples that were the hot gossip back before they left. He didn��t have any proof, but the timing was too coincidental with the appearance of the Stele of Conflict.


    Now he had appeared here, and the trial that had been held for tens of millions of years without much issue had somehow be the preamble of a cataclysmic struggle between three empires from the looks of it. He had once more be the eye of the storm of fate, and Catheya had a creeping suspicion he wasn��t done causing trouble.


    After all, there was definitely something odd about the location she had found for him. She hadn��t managed to get past the restrictions to enter the heart of the volcano, but her nose told her all she needed to know; that ce was cursed. Yet that man wanted to go there, proving he was up to no good. The question was what she should do.


    Stay clear or ride the storm to the end?


    ��Some people know his identity,�� Varo said from the side. ��His connection to n Sharva��Zi is known by a few after the events at the Auction. What should we do?��


    Catheya nced at her follower, his sleeve hanging empty after the amputation, before she looked the window for a whole minute. Finally, she made her decision.


    ��We��ll keep the course. Arcaz ck will being our way as soon as he''s done with whatever he''s up to, and I want to have both locations confirmed so that we can send him on his merry way as quickly as possible,�� Catheya sighed.


    ��That guy might be powerful, but he is trouble,�� Qirai reminded.


    ��The fate of our n is a weak candle in the wind. If something isn��t done it will be snuffed out before long. The Supreme Elder is barely staving off the madness, and I��m sure there are a few neighbors more than willing to push him into an early grave,�� Catheya said. ��Arcaz ck is like a beacon of providence, his mere existence can change the wheels of fate. How can we give up on it at this stage? Who knows, whatever he��s doing might even be at the behest of my ancestor.��


    ��Elusive maneuvers?�� Varo ventured.


    ��Exactly,�� Catheya nodded as she took out a mask that fused with her face.


    It felt like maggots burrowed into her flesh, and soon enough her pristine features had been reced by a much more squarish face. The mask was gone, and anyone who looked into her eyes would no longer see the abyssal orbs, but rather two icy-pale eyes that emitted a freezing cold.


    She wasn��t the only one who changed asrge scars started to appear across Qirai��s body. Her teeth fell out the next moment as her jaw grew, reced with sharp fangs. A long rat tail sprung out next, and her right arm grew almost thirty percentpared to the original. Anyone looking at her right now couldn��t possibly think of her as anything but a Corpselord guardian.


    As for Varo, he was thest one to worry about. He had not one but three ways to change his appearance, and together they formed a disguise that would fool everyone but the absolute peak scouts.


    ��I hate this form,�� Qirai muttered as she scratched her snout.


    ��You look very powerful,�� Catheyaughed.


    ��I��ll give that guy a good talking to when hees back,�� Qirai grunted as she started getting used to moving around with a tail.


    ��Will Mr. cke back and risk getting discovered?�� Varo asked from the side. ��Waiting out the trial and staying hidden seems more appropriate.��


    ��My intuition tells me he��lle,�� Catheya slowly said. ��I think the two spots he��s had us look for are the true reason he entered the Twilight Ocean in the first ce. Besides, does that guy seem like someone who would be content with hiding in a cave for another two and a half years?��


    Qirai simply snorted in response as Varo slowly nodded in agreement.


    ��What do you want us to do?�� Varo asked.


    ��We��ll head toward that temporary settlement we heard about before,�� Catheya nodded. ��We need to expand our charters since I have no idea where to look from here on out. Besides, we might learn what''s actually going on over there. I''m sure that whatever that unlucky star did ruffled some feathers.��


    ��I wonder what those two hotshots are thinking right now,�� Qirai snorted as she startled dismantling the array gs of their hideout. ��I bet that princeling and crazy bloodsucker are grinding their teeth right now.��


    ��He really knows how to keep life interesting,�� Catheyaughed.


    Uona threw away the emptied husk of the cultivator she had caught before, a surge of pain and humiliation burning in her heart.


    Why wouldn��t they regrow?


    No matter how much Blood Essence she gathered, her limbs refused to regenerate no matter how many times she activated her bloodline ability. Even wounds left by Hegemons would slowly regrow, but something was wrong this time around. That ball of destruction the Draugr unleashed, was it truly Oblivion? Something like that shouldn��t be possible to wield by an E-grade warrior.


    Did Arcaz ck carry one of those seeds? She had heard about warriors getting infected by those fragments that carried the ancient curse, but this wasn��t how it should work. Those warriors never were in control of the seeds, the seeds were in control of them. Even the powerful could only seal them away, never taking advantage of the energies within.


    Was Arcaz ck somehow unique in that sense? Or was it something else?


    That ant! Uona grit her teeth as she paced back and forth, her gait only made possible by turning a Blood Servant into a temporary limb. Everything had gone awry because of that encounter. Not only had he stolen her spot, his name sitting on top of her head to remind her of the humiliation. Now, the situation might even affect her family��s ns.


    Their nascent branch was finally starting to rise, with two Autarchs holding down the fort at home and at the Eternal Court. With a third one, they could send one to the frontlines, bing a core contributor to the war against those bald bastards. The amount of resources that would bring to their family would be enough to stabilize their foundation as a High-grade branch, and they would be able to slowly work toward the peak from there.


    And now she looked like this. The other Chosen already looked down on her because of hercking heritage, even though almost half of them had worse foundations than she did. What if she came back looking like this? The walls of her submersible cracked as they were nketed by Uona��s fury, but she slowly calmed down as she started considering her next step.


    Part of her wanted to leave and have Grandpa Nether heal her wounds, but she couldn''t face him like this. She had aplished most of her tasks, but the most important parts were still left undone. The Blood Effigy would need at least another year to grow. Now with Arcaz ck entering the fray... This was not over. A Pureblood Draugr like that couldn��t bepletely unknown.


    "Where is the closest settlement?" Uona asked as she turned toward her guide.


    "Mistress, settlements often spring up around exits, though it is a bit early for that now. However, there should be one settlement a month''s travel from our current location called Glory''s Rest. It is a mountain that has been turned into a town over millions of years, its features remaining intact between trials," the blood servant answered with a bow.


    Uona nodded in understanding as she slowly tapped her nail against the table. However, she frowned when she saw the blood servant take a hesitant step forward.


    "What is it?"


    "Mistress, I might know something of importance," the blood servant slowly said as it looked at her wound.


    "Oh?" Uona said, not really caring about what a thrall might consider important.


    But she still indicated for the blood servant to speak up. He had helped her immensely over the past month, and without his knowledge,s she might not even have surpassed Ykrodas on thedder. It wasn''t that the princeling was stronger, but he had brought a whole army to help, the coward.


    She even did feel a bit bad about refining this Troker into a blood servant. But the regret onlysted for a fleeting second. How else would she be able to bring him to the depths of the Mystic Realm without him sumbing to the atmosphere? She''d take the thrall back to the n after this was over, and that alone would more than make up for making him an eternal servant to her n.


    "That terrifying energy in Mistress'' wound. I know of a ce in the Twilight Ocean where a simr aura can be sensed," Troker hesitated.


    "Is there now?" Uona said, a smile spreading across her face.


    ��Who?! Who the hell is Arcaz ck?!�� Ykrodas roared with fury as he smashed a wine ss. ��Where did this mane from?!��


    He couldn��t believe what he was seeing. He had memorized every single name on thedder, and this man had not once appeared before.


    ��He is not mentioned in our or the local missives. He��s not even in the whole tournament registry,�� Orbot said after scanning his memories. ��Either a hidden elite or an outsider with a ticket. Judging by the name, I��d guess undead.��


    ��Ask around. He��s not necessarily unknown even if he��s not in any missives,�� Ykrodas frowned. ��His points don��t make any sense either. What do you make of it?��


    ��ording to my estimates, he��s not a threat to your majesty,�� Orbot slowly said. ��I think this man has one Middle Branch at best. Perhaps even lower.��


    ��That��s it? He can��t possibly have gained so many points through ughter,�� Ykrodas frowned.


    ��My best guess is he��s encountered some opportunity. Young Master gained 50,000 Points from ingesting that constitution-augmenting treasure before, and our enemies have harvested quite a few points by destroying nodes. I think this fellow managed to stumble upon some sort of opportunity that unlocked arge section of the tapestry,�� the advisor mused.


    ��Makes sense,�� Ykrodas nodded. ��He wasn��t even on thedder before.��


    ��Your majesty is absolutely right. If anything, this is an opportunity for us,�� Orbot added. ��That Eternal nss is difficult to deal with, but she seems to have encountered some difficulty considering her points have barely grown since thest tally. As for this Arcaz ck, we just need to kill him. With the bounty on his head, your Majesty can reach the top in one go.��


    ��Easier said than done,�� Ykrodas sighed. ��That person could be hiding anywhere, probably inside the chasm itself. Why would he pop his head out at this juncture? He has a good chance at maintaining his lead all through the trial, and will get the third spot at worst.��


    ��I doubt the Ruthless Heavens would let someone just hide out and im the rewards,�� Orbot said as he slowly tapped the table. ��But I do have an idea to move events in our favor.��


    ��What have you cooked up this time?�� Ykrodas smiled, his densely inscribed face turning into a fearsome mask.


    ��We, unfortunately, don��t have the means to find him as things stand. But I happened to hear that a certain Core Disciple of the Radiant Temple is touring a region a week��s travel away. Someone who is a member of the Constetion Hall,�� Orbot said with a pointed look.


    ��A numerologist?�� Ykrodas eximed, his eyes lighting up. ��That would work. But catching those wily bastards is easier said than done.��


    ��That is absolutely true,�� Orbot nodded. ��Your Majesty would have to make a move personally on this one I think.��


    ��That��s fine by me. I didn��t know Constetion Hall was mixed up in this mess. No wonder we��ve had so much troublepleting our tasks.��


    ��We��re alone in this struggle,�� Orbot nodded with a sigh. ��Both the temple and the unliving want the ascension to proceed. The temple even seems to have an agreement with the target. Perhaps he��s nning on joining them for sanctuary after this is over with, taking the mantle of another Grand Deacon."


    ��They wouldn��t dare,�� Ykrodas said with a shake of his head. ��It would disrupt the bnce.��


    ��An agent then, a rogue Autarch causing chaos among the temple��s enemies, while staying clear of their domains,�� Orbot said. ��Might be even more useful than a proper member.��


    Ykrodas grunted in agreement. That man had caused so much trouble while still a Monarch, and he didn��t seem to have anypunctions about ughtering the weak. Just how much Havarok blood would flow through the sector if that lunatic had his way?


    ��Completing the task is ultimately more important than my ranking,�� Ykrodas said. "How is the progress of the seals?" n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Should be just about finished,�� Orbot nodded.


    ��Let��s take a look,�� Ykrodas said, and the two ventured down into the catbs beneath the settlement.


    Down below a massive hall stretched out, with almost five hundred warriors sitting in orderly lines. Surrounding them were fifty array masters, all of them continuously forming sigils as they chanted in unison. The ground was covered with runes, and new ones joined them every second as they crawled toward the warriors.


    The runes then climbed up on the warriors'' bodies, joining thousands just like it. Ykrodas knew from experience that the process was extremely painful, but the warriors didn��t as much as move a muscle as they were being engraved. Ykrodas truthfully didn��t know if these people could feel pain any longer. Feel anything, for that matter.


    ��Sacrificial beacons. Not living, not dead,�� Orbot said as he looked down at the native deathsworn with aplex gaze.


    ��This is their conviction. Steeled warriors willing to be swords aimed at those who threaten their homnd,�� Ykrodas aid, his eyes looking across the hall. ��We��d be lucky to have such warriors in our ranks. Have the others send them out the moment the process is finished. Let��s go find that numerologist.��


    Alvod looked at the rippling tapestry that stretched across the horizon, a frown marring his face. Why was joy so often marred with sorrow? Had he pushed the boundaries too far, to the point that the Ruthless Heavens finally sent a warning? He knew that meddling with a trial was to mess with the coremandments of the System, and there were bound to be repercussions if he overyed his hand.


    However, his brows slowly rxed as the tapestry calmed down, the pressure of the Heavens slowly lessening. Left behind was a moreplete tapestry, like a stubborn imperfection that had finally been smoothed out. But something had obviously changed, and not for the better.


    His eyes turned to one of the three whirlpools far beneath his position, and he could feel how the flow had be far too disorderly to properly make use of. If things stayed like this it would be far more inconvenient to harvest that power when the Heavens truly came crashing down. He sent a mentalmand to his sentinel, but his brows rose in shock when he couldn��t get a response.


    It wasn��t hard to put two and two together. What had Thram done to draw the ire of the System? She should be safe from any restraints, considering she was a native Alvod had raised and nurtured for 30,000 years. She also knew better than to mess with the funneling array, especially this close to the fruition of the ns.


    Someone must have managed to figure out a way to mess with his array, even when it was ced in the depths of the Twilight Chasm. Anger once more burned in his chest as he pictured the face of the Havarok Emperor. It had to be them. No one else should want to destroy that particr array.


    His eyes turned to the chalice, and he grit his teeth as he extracted nine drops, before quickly infusing them into nine gs. The gs flew out in an instant, each taking a specific position in front of the tapestry. Alvod''s aura exploded as his world projection emerged, a world of endless tides that crashed against the gs.


    As the tide rose and fell, a few small engravings, each looking like something left behind by the birth of the universe itself, were added to the nine gs. It was the Primal Dao being slowly transformed into the core of the array.


    Nine drops and a lot of effort would dy him for half a year. Fury smoldered in Alvod''s chest, but he didn''t let it affect his concentration as he slowly recreated the gs that had been lost. With each crashing of the tides, he felt how his enemies gained another day toplete their schemes. As the tides receded, his eyes turned to the chalice, now looking far more unfilledpared to earlier.


    But this was ultimately just another bump in his path. He had survived far worse. Tram should wake up soon enough, and he would get the whole story then. Alvod''s scowl eventually started to ease up as the confident smile once more spread across his face.


    If anyone knew how to bide their time before exacting overwhelming revenge, it was him.

 Chapter 741: Gathering Strength

    <h4>Chapter 741: Gathering Strength</h4>


    Zac eventually woke up from hisatose state, and his eyes feeling like they were full of gravel as every part of his body hurt. He swallowed another Healing Pill with a grimace as he stowed away the Void Beast organ. It looked shriveled like an oversized raisinpared to when he bought it, and Zac guessed that it had lost more than eighty percent of its remaining energy while he was unconscious.


    Part of it was probably because of him absorbing some of it while unconscious, but most had most likely been eroded by the extremely dense ambient energy in the tunnels. It was a bit of a blow, but not the end of the world. Some of the energy that entered [Void Heart] was always turned into Void Energy. Certainly, it wasn''t nearly as efficient as absorbing the energy from the Void Heart, but it was enough as long as he didn''t constantly use it.


    The tunnels werepletely silent, and there were no immediate threats. So Zac didn''t immediately set out, instead opting to go over the situation. First of all, he opened his quest screen since he didn''t get a proper chance to go over things before.


    Reciprocity (Unique, Limited): Surrender a glimpse of Chaos. Reward: - (0/1) [590d]


    [NOTE: Failure toply will result in loss of 10 levels and one random Dao.]


    Eight days.


    He had been unconscious eight days after almost bing a treat for the enormous snake. Even then, his body was in a pretty wretched state. That wasn''t to say there hadn''t been any gains from the ordeal. First of all, he had gained another huge chunk of Contribution Points, further cementing his lead on thedder.


    He had no idea what the source of the points was though. Just maiming the octopus wasn''t enough. Zac''s thoughts turned to those mysterious mountains that had risen from the depths of the chasm to assist the enormous snake, and he felt it might be connected to them. They had clearly contained a lot of mysterious energy, and they had in a way been destroyed because of his actions.


    Another gain was that he had actually managed to push [Abyssal Phase] from middle to high mastery. Being chased by a primordial beast was clearly an effective method to squeeze out one''s potential, though Zac definitely wouldn''t try something like that again.


    With the Void Beast organ being mostly depleted, Zac instead opted to crush a Supreme Nexus Crystal as he started using [Surging Vitality]. Progress was slow, and he sighed in regret that he hadn��t upgraded the skill along with ss skills back in the Greengrove Archipgo.


    The slow recuperation at least gave him some time to reorient himself and n his next step. The situation was prettyplicated before, and things had only gotten even more convoluted after he managed to mess with the Twilight Lord. With hisdder position being exposed to the world, he was probably not only the target of Uona, but also the other top rankers.


    Zac wasn''t as worried about them as he was about the Twilight Lord though. It didn''t take a genius to realize that the elusive master of the Twilight Harbor was mixed up with the odd events in this trial, and the formation gs that Zac had destroyed might have been integral to his ns. After all, they were not only nted so deep in the chasm that no trial-taker could mess with them, but they even had that terrifying guardian beast.


    Not only that, but Zac had been forced into making a deal with the System, and he knew the odds ofing out on top in such an endeavor pretty slim. Certainly, Zac didn��t need some quest to tell him to get the two remnants. He had already nned to do so as soon as he got out of the Twilight Chasm.


    But it had only been an opportunity to be stronger before. If it didn''t work out, then fine, but now he once more found himself with his back against the wall. Before, it was still possible for him to sneak out through one of the exits if things proved too vtile on the surface, but that was out of the question with the looming punishment.


    There was also the issue of the Glimpse of Chaos. While he had nned on snatching the two remnants, he hadn��t nned on using them to conjure another one of those Chaos Patterns. Not only had it messed with his pathwaysst time, just gazing on it had almost destroyed his soul.


    Besides, the scene was extremely attention-grabbing. Last time he��d at least been inside the Tower of Eternity where not even an Autarch could spy on him, but if he unleashed a Chaos Pattern in this ce, there was a good chance someone would notice, and possibly even record the events.


    There wasn��t much to do about it though, since he simply refused to lose one of his Daos. Seeing as it was a punishment from the System, Zac doubted he��d be able to simply ��regrow�� the Dao with some treasures in case it was taken from him. The question was how toplete the mission without getting himself killed or his real identity exposed.


    Luckily, the System wouldn��t send the repo man for his Dao Fragment just yet. He had almost two years before the time limit, and he was already nning on being long gone from this ce by then. It also gave him some wiggle-room to prepare himself for what waited on the surface.


    There was no reason to leave the Twilight Chasm just yet. His scheduled rendezvous with Catheya was more than half a year away, and he was better off using that time to empower himself than setting out as is. Forming a Dao Branch was his best option to gain an edge against the top contestants of the trial, but he knew that goal was all but impossible right now.


    Just a few months had passed since evolving all three of his Fragments, and he was severelycking the foundation to immediately push toward a branch. It was one thing if he was nning to fuse his Daos, but this time he was aiming for evolutions. That meant he would have to essentially double his insights in one go.


    That didn''t mean he was out of options. There was still his soul, and he was thankfully ensconced in the perfect ce to improve it. Doing so would bring all kinds of benefits, the most important of which was the ability to better withstand the Remnants. He wasn''t too worried if it was just the one set, but he had no idea what would happen when with multiple sets in his body.


    The only point of reference he had was the peak E-grade cultivator who caused the downfall of the Eastern Trigram Sect back in the hunt. He had absorbed two Splinters of Oblivion and had subsequently been reduced to an extremely powerful lunatic. In contrast, Anzonil''s disciple had been able to withstand the madness for almost a decade after having absorbed one set.


    The difference was remarkable, but there were too many variables involved to draw any clear conclusions. But it was clear that the effect of the remnants increased the more of them you swallowed. Anything he could do to better deal with such a situation was of utmost importance. Besides, the stronger his soul became, the better he would be able to utilize his Dao in battle.


    His crude Dao Braids were extremely powerful, but it was a crutch that he needed to be in an excitable state like when he fought the Octopus for the braids to form fast enough. Another reincarnation would hopefully shore up that weakness, allowing him to freely use Dao Braids in battle.


    Having decided on his course, Zac spent the next five days slowly getting back into shape, mixed with running his Soul Cultivation arrays to stave off the Twilight Energy. Resetting his bones wasn��t too hard with his constitution, but there were quite a bit of the foreign energies stubbornly left in his body after his frantic escape, mostly the Dao from the snake.


    The [Purity of the Void]-node was working hard at expelling it, but there was simply a difference of level between the two, making progress slow. Still, most of the damage from the two berserking treasures was dealt with while he was unconscious, and he had regained most of his fighting strength by now.


    Completely recovering would take a bit longer, but he had already wasted over two weeks. He could technically stay here and cultivate, but it would cost unnecessary resources. Gaining [Void Zone] had allowed him to stay further down than he would before, but there was not much of a point doing so. The Twilight Energy was essentially poison even to him, and exposing himself to more than he had to was just foolish, especially now that he had lost his source of Void Energy.


    Besides, he was too close forfort to the area where he had encountered the snake. In a perfect world, he''d want to set off to apletely different section of the Twilight Chasm, but he''d settle for putting a few day''s worths of travel between himself and this ce, in case it decided toe knocking after recovering.


    Before leaving Zac first doused himself in a healthy amount of a grey mixture. It made him look like he had rolled around in a pile of ash, but it was something far more expensive. It was apound that helped weaken any potential karmic threads, a more potent version of what he had gotten from Catheya back in the Tower of Eternity.


    He hadn''t nned on using thepound until just before leaving the Twilight Ocean, but an extra application seemed pertinent after meeting the Twilight Lord''s guardian. The mixture gradually dried across his body until it looked like pieces of y that fell off one by one. Only then was he ready to leave the area.


    The tunnel system he found himself in was just one confusing maze, and having run through them in a muddled state didn��t make things any better. He simply kept going further into the mountain, away from where he came, asionally changing paths into one that seemed to lead toward the surface. All the while he kept his [Void Zone] going, since traveling without it keeping the Twilight Energy at bay was extremely slow. It forced him to asionally top up from his already dwindling reserves of Void Energy, but time was of the essence.


    The area was just like the tunnels below the Living Pulse. Some of the sections were submerged, whereas others were kept dry thanks to a number of Spiritual Herbs producing gases. And it wasn��t always oxygen as Zac found out. He suddenly stumbled, his vision swimming as he breathed a sweet aroma.


    His eyes widened, and he quickly swallowed an Antidote Pill before he dove into the waters of a nearby tunnel. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It was just in time as well as two previously lifeless roots barely missed snatching him up, moving with enough speed to cause small cracks in the air. Missing once wasn��t enough to deter them though, and they dove into the tunnel after Zac. His mind was a bit muddled by the noxious mists, but not even Poison Masters would have as many points in Vitality as he did.


    Coupled with his hidden node and the Antidote pill, he was almost instantly back in fighting condition, and [Verun��s Bite] ripped through the roots as he made his way back into the poisonous tunnel. The source of the poison became apparent soon enough �C there were actually a number of small flowers on the very roots that had tried to snatch him up.


    The perpetrator was actually not even in the tunnel itself, and Zac followed a series of increasingly frantic roots hundreds of meters into a nearby tunnel where a massive tangled mess of a ntmanded most of the free space. It was a twenty-meter-tall ball of squirming roots, and it had appendages that stretched into over a dozen pathways.


    Zac wasn��t sure if it had nted itself on an intersection, or if it had actually dug the paths itself, but this was no time to worry about that as over fifty poisonous vines and roots shot out toward him. The power of the nt seemed to be equivalent of a bottom-rung Beast King, but Zac wasn��t too worried. He was currently in his human form, and his ss was almost tailor-made for this type of enemy.


    Therge cave was soon filled with another source of verdure; the spectral forest of [Hatchetman��s Spirit]. Zac��s already sharp senses from [Forester��s Constitution] were immediately supercharged, and he wove back and forth between the roots asrge des formed like leaves shed into the frenzied leaves.


    It was nature versus nature in a ruthless conquest for supremacy. Even in Zac''s weakened state, the roots and vines simply had no way to reach him as [Verun��s Bite] wove a tapestry of death around him. However, the poisonous mists were growing increasingly dense, to the point that even he was starting to have trouble dealing with it.


    Out of better options, Zac quickly threw out five talismans which erupted into a congration of white-hot mes that consumed the whole cave. However, the mes didn��t linger, but rather consumed the whole ce before disappearing like a sh. The tangle was pretty much unscathed by the mes, but most of the toxic pollen was gone, incinerated by the offensive talismans.


    Zac took the opportunity and started pushing toward the core of the nt. He had already cut enough roots to make a year��s worth of firewood, yet they just kepting. Just like a Beast King, a nt of this grade contained an immense amount of energy, and it would most likely be able to keep conjuring more roots long after Zac had exhausted himself. He needed to strike at its core.


    His finishing skills would probably be able to take the thing out in one quick go, but Zac felt it was a waste. This was a proper D-grade Spiritual Herb, and some part of it was bound to be useful or valuable. Completely shredding the nt was too much of a waste, and Zac instead waded into the depths of the tangle.


    A frantic struggle ensued between Zac and the spirit herb. One minuteter the roots started to wildly shudder before they lifelessly slumped down on the ground. Zac crawled out of the tangled mess a little bitter, an odd seed-like item in his hand.


    It was around thirty centimeters across, and it was once the source of all the roots. There was arge crack across its surface, left after Zac had mmed his axe into it. It had released a lot of the stored energy, but Zac simply found no other way to ��kill�� the thing. He put the core in a jade box before stowing it away, quickly leaving in case some more powerful beast or nt was attracted by the noise.


    Zac kept a slow pace over the next few days, taking the time to clean out the tunnels of anything of value. There was quite a bit of wildlife in the tunnels as well, most various types of insects at the peak of E-grade. He did meet two Beast Kings as well, but he was only forced to fight one, with the other one refusing to leave its nest. Thetter one got to live, with the former was cleaved in two by [Raptorous Divide].


    He did gain a few thousand contribution points through his efforts, but none of the treasures he found appeared as valuable as the things he had looted on the mountain peaks further down in the depths. Still, he had found quite a few herbs that would most likely raise some eyebrows in Twilight Harbor, many of which weren''t even listed in his information missives.


    More impressively, he had actually stumbled upon a vast submerged cave where almost four thousand Twilight nts grew. He unhesitantly harvested every single fruit, increasing his store tenfold. He had already given up on the Fate Pluckingdder, but these things were still pretty useful even outside of thepetition.


    The ambient energy in the tunnels was gradually decreasing, but it was still far too powerful to deal with without using [Void Zone] while traveling, and the organ was fast running dry. He had initially wanted to travel for a while longer, but it was time to start looking for a good spot to cultivate. As long as he stopped, he would be able to withstand the Twilight Energy easier while stationary, since he could simply crush Nexus Crystals then.


    But for some reason, the ambient energy was actually increasing rather than decreasing, even though he kept ascending through the tunnels. The reason soon became apparent as he spotted a crude golden-green crystal embedded in the tunnel wall. He had actually stumbled upon a Twilight Crystal Vein.


    Most people would be pretty happy to find money growing out of the walls, but Zac swore in annoyance as he increased his pace, shing through the tunnels in hopes of making it through the energy-dense area as soon as possible. However, he suddenly stopped after thirty minutes as he spotted something curious; a small crack in the wall.


    The crack itself wasn''t very interesting, but it was rather the fact that Twilight Energy was continuously being dragged into the small opening that was interesting. Was the density lower on the other side of this wall? Zac immediately swapped over to his Draugr form, and he activated [Abyssal Phase] and shot in. The wall actually hundreds of meters thick, but he shot through it in a second.


    He returned to his physical form the moment the area opened up, and his eyes widened when he looked at the brightly illuminated chamber he found himself in. The walls werepletely covered in Twilight Crystals, every single one of them of supreme grade and at least asrge as a football. There were tens of thousands of them too, a fortune for most E-grade cultivators.


    Yet, the ambient energy was far lower in this chamberpared to outside, and it was all because of a massive crystal in the middle of the room. It was asrge as Zac was and covered in esoteric markings that seemed to have formed naturally. More importantly, it continuously absorbed the energy that the Supreme Twilight Crystals exuded, causing a rapid drop in the invasive ambient energy.


    Zac wasn''t exactly sure what he was looking at, he knew two things for sure. First of all, that thing was a treasure, something even greater than the items he had looted on the mountain peaks.


    Secondly, he had found the perfect cultivation cave.

 Chapter 742: Minds Eye

    <h4>Chapter 742: Mind''s Eye</h4>


    The humongous crystal was like an emperor among its subjects, but it wasn''t hard to see that it wasn''t actually a Twilight Crystal. It looked more like an oversized tiger''s eye gemstone or an agate if anything. He didn''t immediately approach, but he first scoured his information packages to find something simr.


    Eventually, he found something promising, though he looked up at the man-sized gem with some hesitation. There was a rare gemstone called [Mind''s Eye Agate] that looked simr and could sometimes appear in energy-dense crystal mines. However, the examples he saw in the missive were norger than his pinky, and they didn''t have the markings of the humongous stone in front of him.


    The normal agates were popr additions to jewelry or prayer mats as they emitted a weak aura that could help calm one''s mind just like spiritual incense. This thing was obviously doing something simr as well, but on a far greater scale. It gobbled up the ambient energy and in turn exuded an aura that covered half the cave.


    Seeing as his danger sense waspletely quiet, Zac slowly went inside the field to test its effect. He was instantly filled with a sense of calm and stability, and he could feel how his mental energy was rapidly being restored. It felt like he had crushed a dozen Soul Crystal going by how quickly his mind was recovered, and it was absolutely perfect for his goal, so Zac started to set up array after array to prepare the area.


    This chamber would be his cultivation cave for the foreseeable future, and he needed to protect the area. First came the defensive arrays at the heart of the cave, followed by observation arrays keeping watch in miles and miles of tunnels, mainly in the direction of the Chasm and the surface. Finally, he took out some furniture and ced them at the edge of the cave before cing his prayer mat right in front of the marvelous gem.


    The final set-up might not be as tailormade for his needs as his cultivation cave back on Earth, but it more than made up for it in the raw energies avable. Even with the mutated [Mind''s Eye Agate] sucking up half of the Twilight Energy, the ambient energy left behind was far higher than anywhere on Earth, including on Port Atwood.


    It was actually to the point that his body couldn��tpletely deal with it, with more and more Twilight Energy gradually filling his body the moment he deactivated [Void Zone]. However, the effect was nowhere near what he was forced to endure while climbing the mountain peaks just a few weeks ago, and cracking a Supreme Nexus Crystal allowed him to be shielded from the ambient energy for almost two minutes.


    With [Void Heart] constantly absorbing the invasive energies, his stockpile of Void Energy was gradually getting restored as well, though it took almost a day for his reserves to bepletely topped off. In either case, he had more than enough crystals tost him up to two years, and he would even be able to recoup the loss by looting the chamber upon exiting.


    Seeing as everything was set up, Zac took out the intricate Array Disk and started up his soul cultivation once more. This time he wasn��t just cultivating to protect himself from the environment, so he did everything he could to make the process as efficient as possible. That meant cultivating opposing alignments, with his Draugr side absorbing life, and his human side absorbing death.


    Furthermore, he started to empower the cycles with his Daos to increase the effect. A stream of pure Dao entered the small array disk along with the flood of Mental Energy, and Zac instantly felt a sense of weakness. The drain was ten times that of infusing the array before the first reincarnation, and small beads of sweat started to run down his head just as hepleted the first circle.


    The gains were just as powerful as during the first reincarnation though, and a storm of death entered the ck ocean, to the point that his whole Soul Aperture shuddered a bit from the sudden and rapid infusion of Mental Energy. He still wasn��t at his limit, and he infused the second circuit with is Dao as well, followed by the third.


    However, Zac wasn��t certain he��d be able toplete all 9 revolutions if he kept going this way, and from the fourth revolution onward, he cultivated the normal way. The hours passed, and by the time the ninth revolution had finished, Zac was barely able to restrain the deathly ocean in his mind. He actually needed to use a decent amount of his mental energy from just keeping his Soul Aperture from going out of control, and he quickly started to cultivate the second set of revolutions to restore bnce.


    The hours passed as one cycle reced the previous, and the depths of death were gradually being countered by the peaks of life. The ninth revolution finished and the two opposing concepts reached equilibrium. However, bnce didn��t mean harmony. An unprecedented storm erupted in his mind, with the core of his soul being constantly pelted by the raging waves.


    Zac grimaced as his vision blurred from a soul-rending pain, but he grit his teeth and endured. It looked like infusing three revolutions from the get-go was overdoing it a bit. Truthfully, he had only managed to push himself that far thanks to the aura of therge gemstone in front of him, but he had faith in the resilience of his soul.


    Besides, he had something prepared for a situation like this.


    The storm continued for almost an hour, at which point small hairline cracks covered the surface of the pristine core in the heart of his soul. It was rather the effect of overextending oneself than actual wounds, but Zac still ate a soul-mending pill as he took out a stalk of shimmering grass. It came from the small patch he had discovered on the mountain peak the other day, and his soul screamed with hunger as the stalk gave off an enticing aroma.


    Zac looked at the 80-centimeter stalk for a second before he shrugged and crammed it into his mouth. Taking a Spiritual Herb like this was wasteful at best, and suicidal at worst. Many herbs contained dangerous and chaotic energies that interfered with the medicinal efficacy you wanted, or even contained poisons that required refinement to get rid of.


    However, it wasn��t like Zac had an Alchemist hiding in his sleeves, and his Hidden Nodes were more than able to deal with chaotic energy and poisons alike. Besides, Zac believed that his Danger Sense would warn him if the stalk was actually deadly. Thankfully, the stalk contained such pure energy that it could almost be considered a natural treasure, and Zac soon felt a soothing stream entering his Soul Aperture.


    It was like a warm gust from spring swept the gloom of winter away, and a haze of radiant green light spread across the waters of his mind. The radiant sphere at the heart of his soul was like a sun-parched desert, and it greedily swallowed the light, prompting the hairline cracks to rapidly close up as impurities were expelled.


    His Soul Core was like an insatiable vortex as more and more energy was absorbed, until things finally calmed down. And Zac had to say, the result was tremendous, with his soul having gained at least 5% strength from one session. Some of it came from the cultivation method itself, whereas a little bit was added by the soothing aura of the [Mind''s Eye Agate].


    But the star of the show was obviously the unnamed stalk of spiritual grass he had eaten.


    It was just a stalk, yet it had improved his soul more than a couple of weeks of running his Soul Strengthening Array would. Zac gave it a thought before he took out another one, but the effect was far worse the second time around. The energy entered his Mental Aperture just the same, but it almost looked like his Soul Core was satiated.


    Most of the emerald haze was instead swallowed by [Spiritual Void] replenishing the stores he had expended when attacking the Octopus in his frenzy. Zac wanted to just keep going, but there was not much he could do for his soul now that the revolution had finished. There was another thing he could do though, and a massive bone thumped down on the ground, its weight enough to make the whole cavern shudder.


    It was the treasure bone that he had found stuck between two rocks the other day, and Verun keened with hunger as Zac took out the axe from his Spatial Ring. A series of incessant roars echoed out in Zac��s mind, and he smiled as he swung the weapon straight into the bone, deeply embedding the edge into the marrow.


    A joyful roar followed those filled with hunger, and while Zac couldn��t see anything with naked eyes, he could sense that the Spirit Tool had already started extracting the essence from the bone. As for how long it would take, Zac had no idea. It had taken it weeks to absorb the dragon''s blood, and Zac guessed this bone came from some powerful Beast King to survive in the harsh environment of the Twilight Chasm.


    Zac followed the transformation as he recuperated from the Soul Strengthening cultivation, asionally crushing a crystal while asionally feeding [Love��s Bond] a Twilight Fruit. Twelve hours passed, at which point Zac started up his cultivation session again. This turned into a daily routine, and three weeks eventually in this manner.


    In those weeks he had made some discoveries. It turned out that the spirit grass was reusable, but only once every five days or so. If he ate them any quicker, he would waste a lot of its efficacy. Meanwhile, the agate was seemingly inexhaustible, constantly releasing its aura. Zac couldn''t wait to ce that thing in the middle of his cultivation cave back home, perfecting it even further.


    The Zac before integration would have been bored out of his mind after just sitting around for weeks on end, but making gradual improvements to one''s cultivation was pretty addictive, to the point that Zac doubted he ever would tire of the feeling. Besides, he had something else to look forward to, and it was finally time as crackling sounds suddenly echoed throughout the cave.


    Zac curiously walked over after finishing his cultivation session, and he noticed thatrge cracks covered the surface of the sturdy treasure bone. He gripped the hilt of [Verun��s Bite] and he eximed in surprise over the weightlessness as he lifted weapon and bone alike.


    The treasure bone had weighed as much as a tank before, but Zac guessed that it only weighed something like fifty kilos now that its essence had beenpletely extracted. A powerful roar echoed out through the cave, and Zac smiled as he took out a couple of bottles. Whole rivers of blood were poured out as Zac uncorked the stoppers, but the Spirit Tool swallowed it all to thest drop.


    Some of the blood was collected by himself during the trial, but most of it was actually purchased in Twilight Harbor. [Verun��s Bite] wasn��t unique in desiring high-grade blood, and it was useful in everything from cooking to pill making. With the world disks of the Harbor holding whole ecosystems including millions of Beast Kings, there was nock of supply of blood, to the point it was even cheaper than Beast Cores.


    Soon enough a sanguine crystal had been formed, with the beastcrafted axe suspended in the middle. Zac grinned from ear to ear as he carried therge crystal to another spot beneath the agate, in case its aura could help Verun finish its transformation quicker. It had been a while since the axe had evolvedst, but that bone alone had been enough to actually push it toward bing a High E-Grade Spirit Tool.


    The evolution probably wouldn��t bring any great increase in power since it wasn��t a fundamental evolution like bing a D-grade Spirit Tool. But another ability would be unlocked, which might prove useful in the future.


    Seeing that his weapon was moving forward, Zac felt it was about time he did the same himself. His body was back to tip-top shape, and the foreign energies were mostly was expelled. There might be some of it lingering in various nooks and crannies of his body, but if it was, then it was too fine for [Spiritual Anchor] to spot it.


    In either case, he felt ready to finally test something he had been waiting on for so long; the efficacy of the [Stone of Hope].


    He had long been at the precipice of gaining a level since using the pills back in the Hollowtongue Mountains, and he took out a Beast Core with anticipation. A storm of wild energies entered his hand as he started to absorb the stored energies. [Void Heart] instantly woke up, each beat of the node creating an intractable suction as more and more energy was dragged inside.


    The process continued for ten minutes, at which point the hidden node was satiated. It wouldn��t take long for [Void Heart] to refine this type of energy, so Zac quickly stowed away the core as he steadied his mind. Next, the small vial containing the [Chainbreaking Pills] appeared in his hand.


    Zac quickly swallowed the pill that emitted a pungent odor, and he grimaced as he felt a sickly and murky gunk spread through his body, covering his nodes and pathways in what almost felt like spiritual excrement. However, he did feel that the tightness of the nodes loosening a bit, and it was just in time.


    A surge of pure energy was expelled by the hidden node in his heart. Normally, Zac would expel this energy, but this time he immediately seized control of it as he pushed it toward his midriff. The next node was located on the side a bit lower than his navel, and if the explosion was too bad, it would mean a whole lot of intestines getting destroyed.


    More importantly, quite a few of his pathways intersected in that area since the cultivator��s core would eventually be ced beneath his navel. A node exploding there would leave him severely weakened for months, which was why it was so important for him that his two prepared methods worked.


    The node was already right at the precipice, and the surge of energy was more than enough to st the node wide open. A sense of trepidation filled his heart as he sensed the familiar signs of the node being about to explode. This kind of pain was something that stayed with you like a mental scar, and he remembered those days in the sickbed back in Port Atwood as clear as day.


    However, he suddenly felt reality shift, like he had stepped into a dream. The gems embedded in the walls around him emitted a fuzzy luster, and sounds had be muted as his perception had been turned down. Zac looked down at his hands, worried for a second that the [Chainbreaking Pills] had hallucinogenic effects, but he immediately realized what was going on.


    It was the [Stone of Hope] that hung from its neck.


    Previously, the iid gemstone in the ne had beenpletely inert, but it was currently emitting a strong white light that clearly had a tremendous effect on its surroundings. Zac didn��t have time to enjoy the state he was in though as the changes in his body still kept going. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    An explosion erupted, and Zac was beset by a soul-wrenching pain as flesh and ichor flew across the area. However, both the explosion and the subsequent agony were somehow muted, like an eruption taking ce underwater. His surroundings suddenly shifted once more as the [Stone of Hope] shut itself off, leaving some of the agony behind in that dreamscape it had wrought.


    Zac took a shuddering breath as he activated the three healing brands on his back one by one, each one generating a surge of vitality that helped patch up the flesh wound on his side. Physical wounds weren��t really an issue, especially when there was no foreign Dao or other energy causing trouble in the wound. Spiritual wounds were far trickier to deal with though, and Zac quickly turned his sight inward to check up on the aftermath.


    It only took a few seconds to realize that the result was even better than he had hoped. The unique treasure had reduced the foundational damage by more than half in one go, which was the difference between being bedridden and just grievously wounded. His pathways were still a mess, but the damage to his foundation wasn��t nearly as bad as before.


    The [Chainbreaking Pill] and his ne had worked perfectly together. The pill had weakened the structural walls so that the eruption wasn��t as bad. Normally, bursting a node was like filling a gas canister with too much gas, eventually resulting in a tremendous explosion. With the [Chainbreaking Pill], it was more like a balloon being filled with too much air.


    The explosion was still there, but not nearly as dangerous. It was harder to understand what the [Stone of Hope] had done when it illuminated the cave with the ethereal light. The most simr experience he could remember was when he fought the Karmic Cultivator back in the Tower of Eternity.


    It was almost like the stone had conjured a dream-version of himself, and it was this alternate reality Zac that bore the brunt of the damage. He had no idea what kind of magic or Dao made something like that possible, but he wouldn��t question it as long as it worked. Judging by the state of his body, a few weeks to a month of rest and he should be fine.


    He would be hard-pressed to exhibit even a third of hisbat strength in his current state, but it was far better than spending months in a sickbed too weak to even lift a finger. With this pace, he might even reach thete stage of E-grade before leaving his seclusion.


    Havingpleted the task, Zac immediately activated his [Void Zone] ability, getting a reprieve from the Twilight Energy as his body started to expel the gunk from the [Chainbreaking Pill]. A lot of the impurities had actually been expelled the moment his insides were stered across the floor, but even more remained like a murky film over his pathways.


    The thing was perhaps even worse than Catheya exined, a ball of condensed toxins that essentially poisoned you to make it easier to break through. The left-over gunk didn��t really weaken him, but Zac still found that thepounds were extremely hard to remove, even with his [Purity of the Void]. It almost felt like his pathways were covered in rust or something, and he understood why no one would use something like this unless absolutely necessary.


    Removing these toxins would probably waste more time than they would save for cultivators, and it would probably cost a lot of money as well. Most people would be forced to sit in purification arrays or medicinal baths designed to extract impurities. Even then, it would probably be difficult to remove all the impurities, which would cause all kinds of troubles down the line. Only a desperate mortal would eat something like this.


    In either case, Zac had found a method that would at least work during the middle stages of the E-grade. With that, his days turned into a blur with half of it being dedicated to his soul and the other half to expelling toxins and preparing for the next breakthrough.


    Soon, days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months, and Zac almost forgot about all the pressing issues of the outside world.

 Chapter 743: Catching Up

    <h4>Chapter 743: Catching Up</h4>


    Emily��s brows were furrowed from a mix of worry and hesitation as she hurried toward the Dao Repository. Something was going on, and not just with the emergency meeting the Stargazer had called. Something was different with the atmosphere in Port Atwood since she had returned from the Tower of Eternity.


    It wasn��t just the seemingly endless amount of resources that had appeared out of nowhere just before she left. They were sent back by Zac ording to Joanna, and it wasn��t out of the norm for him to do things like that. Her own care package had allowed her to even match the performance of Thea Marshall even though her ss wasn��t purelybat-oriented.


    There were some odd undercurrents, weird nces like some core members of Port Atwood were keeping something from her. Were people already starting to get restless from Zac��s absence? That definitely spelled trouble. After all, it was still a few years until Zac could be expected to return at the earliest.


    And she knew that she wasn��t strong enough to protect Zac��s interests on her own in case some people had started to eye the vast fortunes of Port Atwood. No matter if it were those aliens from theb or the demons, her level 87 cultivation wasn��t enough to stop either of them. If a rebellion really was brewing, they might be in for a rough one.


    Thankfully, there were the Valkyries, and Emily smiled when she saw Joanna waiting outside the gates of the Towers of Myriad Dao.


    ��You��re here,�� Joanna smiled.


    ��Were you waiting for me?�� Emily asked with confusion.


    ��Well, you know how that guy is. Standing on the steps until the meeting starts is preferable to getting berated,�� Joanna helplessly shrugged.


    ��He gets nicer if you visit more often,�� Emily giggled as the two walked inside, where the conference table was already set up between the towering statues.


    ��Well, we might need his assistance this time around, so please help keep him happy,�� Joanna whispered.


    ��Just what��s going on?�� Emily asked with a low volume as they entered the halls, a bit surprised to see the old Monkeyman and the gem turtle present as well.


    Perhaps she had let her thoughts run wild. If these people were present, the meeting wasn��t rted to rebellion from the looks of it. But the group waiting in the Dao Repository still gave some indications that the matter was big. Apart from the two leaders of the Mystic Realm refugees, there were also Ilvere and Janos, along with Mr. Trang, Alyn, and Calrin who looked as confused as she was. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, none of the various officials of Port Atwood were present, such as the Mayors of the colonies or Adran. Neither were there any leaders of the civic departments, from agriculture to the tax bureau. It was clear; everyone present was part of or represented the elite fighting force of Port Atwood. For them all to be gathered, there had to be a threat that had appeared out of nowhere.


    Was war really brewing?


    ��You��ll find out soon enough," Joanna sighed when she saw Emily''s questioning nce. "We��re still waiting for the final members to arrive."


    ��Other people? Aren��t everyone here?�� Emily asked with confusion as she looked around the room.


    Joanna was about to open her mouth, but she stopped herself and shook her head, indicating for Emily to wait a bit. Emily rolled her eyes in response and walked over to mingle with the others.


    It had been some time since she saw some of these familiar faces. She had stayed a full 9 months in the Tower of Eternity and immediately entered seclusion in the Dao Chambers of the Atwood Academy upon her return. The building constructed by Kenzie had helped her consolidate her gains and push her second Dao, the Seed of Flow, to Peak Mastery.


    She had already managed to evolve her Seed of Spark to Fragment of the Setting Sun, symbolizing the end of summer. Her water-based Dao would eventually form as the foundation for spring as she walked the path of nature. At least that was the n. Zac had talked about the importance of a path until she feared her ears would fall off, but it still felt like she didn��t resonate with her path like Zac did with his.


    Well, whatever. She would figure it out sooner orter, and the more she traveled and experienced the closer she would get to her truth. Her current progress had been enough to gain an Epic ss she was happy with �C [E-Epic] Razor Sun, a ss that not only pushed her old shamanic skillset to the next level but also added some devastating offensive capabilities that she had felt herself missing in the Tower of Eternity.


    She knew how Zac��s crooked brain worked by now. The more she veered toward a support ss to help him out, the less likely he would be to take her along on his adventures. He would just feel he was risking her life for some buffs to himself, taking advantage of her. That was obviously stupid, but men often were.


    So she needed to prove her ability to protect herself first, after which she could figure out how to help him. For now, that meant figuring out what the hell was going on here. A series of steps dragged Emily out of her thoughts, and she saw that three people were arriving, each of them emitting an all-too-familiar aura.


    The aura of death. Emily��s eyes widened as a scorching halo erupted behind her back, and a fiery lizard two-meter long appeared by her side, a familiar created with [Apostle of Autumn].


    It felt like all three of them were a threat to her too, especially the woman in the middle. She wore an elegant ck dress so long that it dragged behind her like a wedding dress, with blue details studded here and there. She had long white hair that was tied back with a bejeweled pin, and sported odd tear streaks on her cheeks made Emily''s mind shudder.


    The most striking were her eyes, two orbs that bothmanded attention and forced her to look away. The blue streak that formed a thin pupil seemed to hold a terrifying power that threatened to suffocate Emily��s very soul.


    It looked like she was a mourner heading to a funeral, and herpanions looked just as odd. To her left walked a woman who was very clearly blind, with two hollow sockets where her eyes should be. However, inside the gaping holes, two small turquoise storms raged, giving the revenant a manic appearance.


    She wasn��t as striking as the other woman, but an odd fleshy eye hovered over her shoulder, making Emily nce over at Abby with hesitation. A distant cousin, perhaps? Or more likely, a conjured ability like her own lizard, perhaps there to provide the blind Revenant with the ability of sight.


    The craziest part was, Emily recognized this person. It was Levi, the traitor of the Mystic Realm who had almost gotten them all killed. Emily started to get a sinking feeling as she put two and two together, and her eyes turned to the third person who towered over the other two. It was like he exuded an oppressive darkness, and he wore arge hood that covered most of his features.


    However, a white snout stuck out from the shadows of the cowl. Emily didn��t recognize the beastman, but someone else certainly did.


    ��You! Cervantes!�� Hekruv Vira shouted with shock as the appearance of thergest neer was exposed.


    Helo��s reaction was even greater, with dozens of gems across his body erupting with almost blinding radiance as his aura veritably exploded. A massive hammer made from dark-blue steel appeared in his hands, and the whole chamber was suffused in an aura of immense weight. It almost felt like Emily had been transported to the depths of an ocean, with billions of tons of water weighing down on her shoulders.


    ��It would appear you gentlemen knew my predecessor,�� the huge werewolf said, removing his cowl before he bowed at the other two beastkin. ��However, while I share a body with Cervantes, I am not he. My name is Rhuger ckwood, captain of the Einherjar.��


    ��Pika ckwood, captain,�� the second revenant said, leaving only the mysterious woman in the middle.


    ��Levi���� Hekruv Vira sighed as he nced at Joanna, who clearly wasn��t surprised to see these new arrivals. ��So this was your fate.��


    ��What the hell is going on?!�� Emily finally cut in as she red back and forth between Joanna and the undead. ��What has Zac done?!��


    ��I think you already understand,�� Joanna shrugged. ��This was one of Lord Atwood''s ns to protect Earth and make use of the unique nature of our.��


    "That rascal," Sap Trang muttered before he took a deep drag from a pipe and sat down.


    "He really raised a bunch of Zombies instead of expanding the Academy? Don''t we have enough trouble on our hands already?" Emily said with a stomp before she nced at the revenants. "No offense."


    ��None taken,�� the woman in the middle smiled. ��I am Vri, leader of the Einherjar. If it��s any constion, we have no connection to the Undead Empire. Zachary Atwood is our progenitor.��


    ��The Einherjar is like the Valkyries,�� Joanna nodded. ��They are only loyal to Lord Atwood."


    "So we have a secret Revenant Army? As general of the forces, I am a bit hurt I wasn''t made aware." Ilvere snorted as he looked the Revenants up and down. "Well, no matter. Our force is so diverse already, what''s a few of the unliving? So, why has this meeting been called? If hidden cards like these... Einherjar... are being brought to the light, it cannot be a small matter."


    ��The truth would be exposed sooner orter, but we originally had nned on keeping it a secret at least until Lord Atwood returned,�� Joanna nodded. ��But something has changed, which is why we called this meeting. Please, everyone. Come sit down.��


    ��We fought those zombies for years, and that guy just goes and creates new ones,�� Emily muttered, getting an emphatic nod of agreement from Sap Trang, but she still sat down at the table.


    ��Port Atwood has received a quest, and as Lord Atwood is busy searching for opportunities, it has been handed over to me," Abby said. "This world has been presented with an opportunity, most likely thanks to the young master''s impressive performance. An opportunity to sharpen our elites. We have been awarded an incursion."


    Exmations erupted in the room, with peoples'' expressions ranging from excitement to disgust. Emily felt a chaotic jumble of emotions running through her head. She knew that Zac was getting further and further away from them all, to the point that he might eventually discard Port Atwood altogether in search of greater heights. An Incursion meant another round of Origin Dao, quests, titles, and unique treasures.


    A way for herself and Port Atwood to keep pace.


    But she remembered all-too-well the kind of terror and suffering the integration forced upon an unsuspecting world. She remembered the sense of helplessness of her siblings disappearing into thin air, desperately struggling against an increasingly hostile environment. Of being exposed to the ugliness of mankind when society copsed. Could she really bring herself to deliver such suffering on others?


    ��Is this normal?�� Hekruv Vira asked with a frown. ��Our records about newly integrated worlds are limited, but I haven��t heard of such an opportunity being dispensed by the Heavens to such a fresh world. From what I understood, the first century is meant to slowly adapt and nurture the first generation of proper cultivators, at which point the assimtion will take ce.��


    ��This is not the standard procedure, but it is not unheard of. Zachary Atwood has aplished many mindboggling feats... Yet his force,�� Abby sighed. "You are too weak."


    ��Too weak? Too weak for what?�� Emily frowned.


    ��To survive what��s toe,�� Joanna said.


    ��And what is that?�� Ilvere asked.


    ��War," Vri said. "War ising. Our master released the madness of war in the Tower of Eternity, and now conflict hase knocking at our door. Lord Atwood is inexorably linked to this struggle. As we are now, we will not be able to assist Lord Atwood, let alone be able to protect our world. We will be swept away by the currents, fodder for our enemies."


    Fear gripped Emily''s heart, and she remembered the warning in Zac''s letter. He had indeed told her about this, saying that war wasing to the Zecia Sector. However, it was one thing to hear about some diffuse and distant conflict, and another to be presented with a draft notice.


    "The Einherjar and Valkyries will enter the incursion in full force," Joanna added. "The world we''re invading is not like Earth. It already has cultivators, and the limit of expedition members is level 100. We expect the opposition to be harsh, far more so than the scattered resistance Earth put up. But it is the only way for us to keep moving forward for the foreseeable future. Opportunities on our have grown scarce."


    "What about the Demonkin?" Ilvere asked.


    "Anyone with Port Atwood as Alignment can enter," Abby answered. "Which excludes some of you."


    Ilvere grimaced a bit, but he slowly nodded. The demon nced at Janos, who imperceptibly nodded in agreement.


    "If you''ll have us, we are willing to take that step once more. We have been through it once already, and while we got steamrolled, we still possess some unique understanding that might prove useful," Ilvere said, and Joanna nodded in agreement.


    "I... Cannot," Sap Trang sighed with a shake of his head. "This old man cannot in good conscience take that step... I will stay and guard our home in your stead. Don''t worry, nothing will happen with me and Little Bau patrolling the waters."


    "I... I..." Emily stammered, frozen with indecision.


    Her thoughts were a jumble, and she couldn''t decide what to do. Suddenly, a calming wave soothed her mind, and she looked over as the mysterious revenant had walked over.


    "Child, no need to fret," she said as she produced a token and a letter. "Our master has prepared another path for you. It will be dangerous, but it is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and be stronger."


    ------------


    Zac opened his abyssal eyes as the storm in his Soul Aperture slowly subsided. A smile spread across his face as he had taken yet another step forward in his cultivation. It had taken eight months of arduous work, but he had finally managed to infuse six revolutions of his Life-Death Array with his Dao.


    The extrayer had resulted in a soul storm of unprecedented ferocity, but the gains were also demonstrably greaterpared to using just five infusions. The storm had generated almost 15% more motes that turned into fertilizer to the core of his soul, which was now almost four times asrgepared to when he started to cultivate his soul in earnest.


    In fact, the core of his soul wasn��t the only thing that had changed over the past eight months. The oceans themselves kept some of the infused meaning from each revolution, and they teemed with energy by now. In fact, if Zac focused, he could sometimes see vague scripts forming in the waters, markings containing the truths of Life and Death.


    They onlysted for an instant, but it was a testament to how much meaning Zac had managed to impart into the oceans. Of course, most of it was thanks to absorbing all that Twilight Energy, setting up an extremely sturdy foundation to cultivate upon. If he had cultivated in his own cave back on earth, it would probably have taken a decade or two to reach this point.


    Even his Soul Aperture itself had been considerably strengthened by the constant shes between life and death, and Zac suspected that his natural resistance to soul attacks had be a lot strongerpared to before. All-in-all, he was in a far better state to deal with the uing challenges. Zac was about to continue his Cultivation Session by focusing on expelling some of the toxins in his body, but he froze as he suddenly sensed something.


    A presence.


    It was weak like a candle in the wind, but it had appeared out of nowhere, right in his temporary cultivation cave. Zac sprung into motion as the coffin took its ce on his back while a spare axe appeared in his hand. He had been discovered, and no matter who had managed to find this ce, it couldn''t possibly be good news.


    ��Well, you��re a weird one. A Draugr cultivating Life touched by the Buddhist Sangha. No wonder you managed to travel this deep into the chasm,�� a boomingugh suddenly echoed through Zac��s cave.

 Chapter 744: Uninvited Guest

    <h4>Chapter 744: Uninvited Guest</h4>


    Zac looked back and forth for the source of the voice, but no matter what method he used, he couldn��t pinpoint the source. The voice belonged to a man, but Zac couldn��t ce him at all. The stranger''s ability to analyze his situation so easily was extremely disconcerting though, but Zac had thankfully activated the array hiding his Duplicity Core the second he sensed something amiss.


    His mind went through all kinds of possibilities. Was it perhaps Ykrodas who had finally managed to track him down? Zac wouldn��t be surprised if the Havarok Princeling had set his sights on him, considering that Ykrodas still hadn��t managed to pass him on thedder to this day.


    But his instincts told him it was someone else. Ykrodas belonged to a proper B-grade force that no doubt possessed all kinds of methods, but it still felt extremely unlikely another E-grade cultivator would be able to track him down to this extremely secluded spot. And even if they knew where he was, could they even reach him? He was in the middle of a Twilight Crystal Mine, and they''d explode from the energy density before getting close.


    There was someone else who might possess that ability though. Someone far more dangerous than some E-grade scion.


    ��It wasn��t easy to track you down,�� the voice continued. ��But I guess it is time to discuss reparations.��


    It was him.


    There was no hesitation any longer, and Zac immediately took out his most powerful escape talisman and infused it with Miasma. However, it just turned to dust as the surrounding cave shuddered for a bit. The talisman hadpletely failed, and worry turned to fear upon realizing that the energy in the area had turned extremely turbid and lifeless. He was already infusing energy into [Abyssal Phase], but nothing happened.


    Without that skill, Zac couldn''t even leave the room. He was stuck.


    "Who''s there?!" Zac shouted, though he already knew the answer.


    ��You know,�� the man continued as though he hadn��t noticed anything. ��If you had been smart you wouldn��t have answered me when I spoke to you earlier. That way I might not have actually found you.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted with wide eyes, which prompted the man to boisterouslyugh again.


    ��I��m just kidding. The Twilight Chasm is my domain. It��s not so easy to elude me. To answer your question, I��ve gone by many identities. My current one is the Twilight Lord,�� the voice answered. ��It��s quite impressive. Millennia of preparations, thwarted by a Draugr not yet of age. You have no idea the cost of your actions.��


    ��I think there has been a misunderstanding,�� Zac slowly said as he grasped for a way out of the situation. ��I have no interest in working against you or the Twilight Harbor. I am just looking for opportunities as I pass through this sector.��


    Should he try to fight his way out? Zac discarded the idea as soon as it appeared. The walls around him were hundreds of meters thick, and he didn''t even have any target to attack. Besides, he had already been discovered once in a forgotten corner of the Mystic Realm, proving that the Twilight Lord had far greater control over this ce than Zac previously thought possible.


    Not only was the Twilight Lord able to nurture that monstrous snake that had surpassed the limit of what should be permissible in this trial, but he was even able to send his consciousness into the Twilight Chasm. This went against everything he knew about Mystic Realms controlled by the System, and there was only one possibility that he coulde up with.


    The Twilight Lord was inside the Twilight Ocean.


    N had already said that the Twilight Lord hadn��t been seen for tens of thousands of years, and he knew that thest C-grade trial took ce 20,000 years ago. Had he somehow found a way to stay inside the Mystic Realm after it closed at that point? But for what purpose? And more importantly, just how far did the Twilight Lord��s grasp extend?


    Even if he was inside the trial somehow, there was no way that the System would let him run amok in a sanctioned E-grade trial. And the Twilight Lord should definitely know what had transpired eight months ago, which hopefully meant he would tread more carefully going forward. After all, only a fool would risk drawing the ire of the Heavens after already having been given a warning.


    That was his way to survive this encounter, so he slowly rxed and stowed away his axe.


    ��Misunderstanding? Just passing through?" The Twilight Lord snorted. "Sometimes you can get swept up in grand events even without intending so, a victim to the torrents of fate. I know that feeling all-too-well.��


    Zac suddenly sensed a small surge of energy, and he swirled around as an illusory shape took form at the edge of the cave. The man looked like a human, except his skin had an odd greenish-golden hue. He was almostpletely covered in scars as well, and he both had the aura and disposition of a warrior of a thousand battles. He exuded an air of confidence and drive, his eyes seemingly piercing straight through Zac��s soul.


    The appearance of the Twilight Lord��s avatar was startling, but Zac was even more shocked that he actually recognized the man. And it wasn��t that he had seen images of the Twilight Lord since arriving to the harbor, but rather from a missive he had bought back in the Zecia sector. The man in front of him looked a bit older and his skin tone waspletely different, but the main features were the same.


    It was the Eveningtide Asura.


    The true appearance of the man behind cataclysmic events back in the Zecia sector wasn��t widely circted. In fact, none of the information houses in Zecia dared carry much information about him out of fear he��d one day return. The intelligence read more like tales of heroics and bravery rather than proper information missives, and any factual information such as appearance, ss, skills, and strength was notably missing.


    But Zac had been extremely curious about the Eveningtide Asura since he was almost considered the seconding of him, and their backgrounds were pretty simr. The fact that no one dared to sell intelligence on him through the Mercantile System couldn''t stop Zac with his nigh-unlimited ess to every corner of the sector.


    One of his followers had managed to procure a proper missive from a declining information house that had lost its Mercantile Licence. The way it described the events 980,000 years ago waspletely different from the public information.


    Rather than a heroic lone wolf, the Eveningtide Asura had been described as a ruthless opportunist who skirted the edge of unorthodoxy without everpletely leaving the embrace of the System. He never cared about right and wrong in his pursuit of power, and his hands were already drenched in blood long before the more well-known events where he ughtered dozens of peak ns upon his return took ce.


    Both Zac and the man in front of him hade up in the same way, being progenitors ofs integrated into the Zecia sector. However, while Zac had somewhat stumbled onto the path of supremacy, Alvod Jondir had firmly embarked on it through murder. Every threat to his supremacy on his home, foreign or native, had been butchered, after which he essentially turned his home into a furnace for his own cultivation.


    By the time the had been assimted, only a broken F-grade remained, with Alvod having extracted the essence of the World Core itself. It was this very ability to absorb the power of thes themselves that had eventually sparked a manhunt, because not only was it an extremely powerful method to cultivate, but it was also a huge threat to most ns.


    What if the Eveningtide Asura appeared on their one day, slowly siphoning off the power of the World Core?


    So while the man standing in front of Zac appeared like a straightforward warrior with the aura of a hero, he knew that it was just an image hiding a ruthless cultivator that made the Great Redeemer seem as harmless as a baby chick. A cultivator who was also famous for being extremely thorough in his acts of revenge.


    Zac felt beads of sweat rolling down his back, but he controlled his aura and facial expression to not give away the fact that he knew the true identity of the man in front of him. Meanwhile, his thoughts were a confused jumble as he simply couldn��t understand what was going on. Most people thought that the Eveningtide Asura was long dead for hundreds of thousands of years after having angered some powerful force, yet he stood right in front of him, seemingly doing just fine.


    Was the Eveningtide Asura actually the Twilight Lord, or was he simply pretending? When had the change taken ce? Because one thing was for certain; the current Twilight Lord had reigned for over six hundred thousand years, which made it impossible that Alvod had been him from the start. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Lord Twilight, it''s an honor,�� Zac said with a bow, working hard to keep his face impassive. ��I apologize if my actions inadvertently caused any problems to the trial. My masters will provide rpense for any damage.��


    ��I am pretty certain there is no n called ��ck��, they have better taste than that. Who are you? Who are your masters, and what interests do they have for this trial?�� the man snorted.


    Zac hesitated for a moment before he made a decision. He had never managed to trick anyone when lying through his teeth, and he wasn��t so arrogant as to think he could suddenly outsmart an old monster who had lived over a million years. He would need to expose some of his secrets, but leave some things vague.


    ��None whatsoever,�� Zac eventually said he disyed his Fragment of the Coffin,plementing the earlier disy of the Fragment of the Bodhi. ��They are both Autarchs with no interest to this ce of the Twilight Harbor. One of them is walking the path of Oblivion, the other the path of Creation. I was sent here to temper myself and����


    ��Life is not Life... Death is not Death�� Oblivion and Creation,�� Alvod slowly mused, his eyes gleaming. ��You are here for the two shards that were absorbed a few eons ago.��


    ��I am supposed to fetch them for my masters. But if they are part of Lord Twilight��s ns, I will stand down,�� Zac quickly said.


    Alvod looked at Zac in silence for a full minute, though it might as well have been a year as far as Zac was concerned.


    "You are really an interesting one, and our paths are surprisingly simr. It''s almost a shame our conclusions diverged, leading us toward different peaks," the Eveningtide Asura sighed. "The path you''re on... is without return."


    Zac was extremely to find out what he meant, but he didn''t dare disrupt the man since it actually seemed like he was changing his mind about something. Seeing as he probably came with vengeance on his mind, that could only be good news.


    ��You caused me a great deal of trouble, but perhaps this can be an opportunity to wipe the te of Karma clean. Those two items are like tumors in this realm, causing a constant disturbance in theposition of Twilight,�� Alvod said. ��They are empowered by the Twilight Energy as well, and have formed powerful natural formations around them.��


    Zac frowned when he heard about them being powered by the Twilight Energy as this was outside his expectations. Then again, he couldn��t be too surprised since they were still here even though they were ced in the middle of the Mystic Realm. If they were easy to get, they would have been snatched up long ago by some greedy trial-taker.


    ��I havee prepared,�� Zac lied. ��And if there��s anything else I can do to help out����


    ��Kind of you to offer, brat,�� the Eveningtide Asuraughed as arge vat of liquor appeared in his hand. ��Actually, there is something you can do for me. As acting Earl of Twilight Harbor, I require assistance. Receive my decree.��


    ��I just said that to be polite!�� Zac screamed in his mind, but he still nodded quickly in agreement. However, his eyes widened as he realized his mistake. A piece of information that he had almost forgotten emerged from the back of his head, and his fears were soon confirmed as a screen appeared in front of him.


    Cleansing Waters (Decree): Follow the tracker and unblock the turbid energy. Reward: Reward based on performance after the end of the Twilight Ascent. (0/729).


    Zac barely had time to read the quest prompt before a small vortex opened up as well. It looked harmless enough, but Zac still didn��t dare step forward until it had dropped off a small box and disappeared.


    ��Careful enough,�� the projection snorted as it took a swig. ��Well, the foolhardy die sooner orter. But do not worry. If I wanted you dead, you would already have entered the cycle of reincarnation. This is just a simple tracking array to lead the way.��


    ��Lead the way to what?�� Zac asked with a frown, having no idea what the quest actually wanted him to do.


    ��People are acting against the Twilight Harbor currently participating in the trial. Their backgrounds are too powerful, so I could only let them enter and try to minimize the damage they caused. Unfortunately, they have proven surprisingly resourceful, forcing me to intervene,�� Alvod sighed. ��They have managed to undo a lot of good work that has been done to make this ocean flourish, messing with the energy flow of this realm.��


    Zac''s bullshit radar was reading off the charts, but there was no way he''d expose the Eveningtide Asura''s lies. There was no way that this man was doing something out of the good of his heart, and it was probably just a matter of fighting for resources between monarchs. But ultimately, it didn''t matter to him. He just needed to survive this ordeal now that he had been roped in.


    He had offered to help and then agreed to provide assistance. That was his mistake. It might have been an empty gesture, but it allowed Alvod to generate a quest. Most cultivators weren��t able to do so, but the Twilight Lord was clearly a middle-tier noble holding the rank of Earl.


    Someone like Zac who just controlled a single was just a Lord, but he suspected that a future quest reward would be him being elevated to a Baron, the next level of the System-run hierarchy. Higher status didn��t increase hisbat strength, but it allowed someone to make more use of the System��s features.


    This wasn��t a feature that had been added by the Apostates, but rather something rted to the original function of the System. It was a training system for the war of the Limitless Empire, and the leaders of the empire were supposed to be able to tap into the System to some degree.


    One such ability was to generate quests like Alvod had done right now.


    The problem wasn��t the quest itself, but rather the danger it represented. Zac didn��t have any concrete proof, but there were some indications that a connection like this was almost like a Karmic bond. For example, Abby instinctively knew all kinds of things that happened all over Port Atwood thanks to her being connected to the System.


    What if the Eveningtide Asura could use this quest to keep track of him?


    Zac didn��t let his misgivings show on the surface though, and he reluctantly picked up the array that had appeared.


    ��Oh, not happy?�� Alvod snorted, clearly sensing Zac''s hesitance.


    ��It��s just that I already have a target on my back���� Zac sighed.


    ��Well, how about this?�� the man grinned as a token appeared in his hand. ��As long as you destroy over half the jammers, you can exchange this item from my treasury outside. You should know my reputation already. I will not shortchange someone from the junior generation. Not that I can with a sanctioned quest in progress.��


    Zac hadn��t seen the token before, but there was one word written on its surface in the script of the multiverse �C Vast. It didn��t take long to put two and two together, and his heartbeat sped up upon realizing it was the Perennial Vastness Token.


    As for the reputation, Alvod obviously meant his reputation as the Twilight Lord, a man known for taking in a lot of talented wandering cultivators and nurturing them. He did honestly have a pretty good track record in that regard, but that didn��t provide muchfort for Zac who knew the man''s true identity.


    ��I��ll do my best,�� Zac slowly said. ��However, that item is already imed by the Fate Plucking Ladder.��


    ��It��s my treasury, so I do what I want with it,�� Alvod guffawed as the token disappeared. ��Those on the outside are growing a bit uppity since I��ve been in seclusion gone for too long, giving out my treasures out left and right. But I��ll show them wha-��


    The Twilight Lord suddenly stopped mid-sentence as another presence descended upon the cave. This one was all-too-familiar as well, carrying a sense of indifference in its boundless power.


    ��I guess it��s time to go,�� Alvod muttered. ��Complete your task and we��ll wipe the te clean. One month. I want to see results within one month. Otherwise, I might be led to believe you are actually working against me.��


    He was gone the next second, and the pressure of the System disappeared a momentter. It was clearly just interested in booting the interloper from the trial rather than conversing with Zac this time around. It left Zac alone in the cave once more, though it didn��t feel nearly as safe and secluded this time around.


    ��Well, shit.��

 Chapter 745: The Last Laugh

    <h4>Chapter 745: The Last Laugh</h4>


    The cultivation cave where he had spent the better part of a year no longer felt like a secure sanctuary, like a home that had been burrized.


    Zac knew that he was mostly to me for getting wrapped up in this mess. Staying in one ce for this long was to tempt fate, but the location was simply too good to give up on. He had been making rapid progress, both in levels and in regards to his soul. Over the past three months, he repeatedly considered finally setting out, only to feel the need to keep cultivating a little bit longer.


    Now he had been exposed, and the quest screen in front of him loomed over his head like an executioner''s axe.


    Thankfully, it didn��t look like the Eveningtide Asura had managed to get the whole picture. Zac couldn��t be certain, but Alvod��s control of the Mystic Realm probably wasn��t as great as he tried to let on. Why wait eight months if ��the Twilight Chasm was his ''domain��? It was either prohibitively difficult to manifest inside this ce as he did, or his senses were blocked out by the System, making discovering Zac difficult.


    It was also clear that the System didn��t allow the Twilight Lord to directly alter the events as it descended after just a minute, even though the Eveningtide Asura only appeared as a weak presence. Unfortunately, it was impossible to tell exactly what Alvod had managed to glean in their short encounter. For example, had he activated the array in time? Would Alvod even be able to discover anything as a weak consciousness?


    One thing was for sure though, Zac didn��t dare swap between his races in this ce any longer. The intruding presence had been booted by the System from the looks of it, but who knew what methods a Monarch possessed. Also, the final threat of the Eveningtide Asura made him afraid to dy much longer.


    It was a shame too as he had managed to reach level 120 two weeks ago. If he pushed himself, he might have been able to gain another five before the trial ended. Truthfully, he had hoped to reach level 125 after a year, but progress was rapidly slowing down. He still had more than enough Beast Cores and [Chainbreaking Pills] to keep going, but the problem was his hidden node.


    [Void Heart] could ultimately only purify so much energy, whereas the amount of energy required for each node increased exponentially. For the first two levels, his wounds had been the bottleneck, with the next node being ready to be opened the moment he had recovered. But from level 118, that changed to an issue of energy supply.


    Reaching level 120 had taken three weeks longer than the previous level, and Zac guessed he��d require another two months for the next. It was just like when he got his hands on Nexus Crystals in the beginning. He gained a few levels smoothly in the earlier stages of the F-grade, but soon enough the energy the crystals provided were all but negligible.


    He had tried feeding the hidden node all kinds of things, from natural treasure to straight-up going back to absorbing Twilight Energy. Having [Void Heart] feast on natural treasures was no doubt the quickest, as it processed and returned that energy far quicker than anything else. Conversely, using Twilight Energy didn��t only take three times as long to refine, but it also left a bunch of unwanted energies behind.


    Seeing as he only had so many natural treasures, he had soon enough reverted to only using Beast Cores while keeping the Twilight Energy away by crushing supreme-quality crystals. It was a disappointment, but pushing five levels in eight months as a mortal was a tremendous achievement. Doing the same had taken Galvarion well over a decade, and not even Catheya��s leveling speed was at this level either.


    To reach level 125, Zac might need two to three full years cultivating this way. Of course, he could drastically shorten that time through ughter, but Zac knew the ship had sailed. He didn��t dare burst up any more nodes now that he was leaving the chasm - he needed his fullbat strength going forward.


    Getting a new set of skills was impossible, but there was one more thing he could do. Eight months of refining his soul wasn''t enough to reach the second reincarnation, but it had still strengthened his soul tremendously. With some help, it should be just enough.


    Zac spent the next five hours refilling his mental energy and stabilizing his mind, at which point he took out one of his [Fractal Framework Arrays] meant for his undead side. Having spent this long in one ce had given Zac ample time to train his proficiency in upgrading skills, with all his anciry skills being evolved by now, except for [Beauty Yrial''s Great Transformation Skill].


    Even [Cosmic Gaze] had been upgraded to E-grade on his Draugr form, though he still hadn��t managed to improve [Piercing Gaze] in his human form to match.


    There were, however, two final holdouts on his Draugr side, and leaving before improving the situation might prove lethal. [Vanguard of Undeath] still worked decently enough, but [Profane Seal] simply wasn''t durable enough to deal with the elites of the trial. He had seen how effortlessly Uona had broken through his cage, and there were more examples like Yanub Mettleleaf and the ice mage in the Greengrove Archipgo.


    He was about to set out with a massive bounty on his head, and he needed the ability to trap others, making sure his location wasn��t exposed. He needed to upgrade [Profane Seal], even if there was a risk of it being downgraded to a lower-quality skill. However, Zac wasn��t without some confidence.


    He ced the [Fractal Framework Array] right next to the oversized [Mind''s Eye Agate] to make sure he could get the most out of the treasure, but Zac wasn��t done there. A small jade box appeared on the ground in front of him, followed by a crystalline vial with a shimmering pill inside.


    It was the [Dawn Awakening] pill, whereas the box contained one of the two dumpling fruits. He still didn��t know what the item was called or its exact usage, but he had managed to form an educated opinion three months ago. He had been a bit bored and restless, and ovee with curiosity he cut off a small bite from the smaller of the two natural treasures.


    It was just a corner of the nt, but the energy had still provided some clues of the treasure��s true nature. It was not a Dao Treasure, at least not as far as he could tell, but it was still something extremely useful.


    Zac immediately swallowed the [Dawn Awakening] pill, it was like a wave of power swept through his body, transforming it into something else. Suddenly, it felt like he had be a part of the Twilight Ocean, perhaps even an integral part to its infinitely intricate tapestry. He was one with the ocean, and the ocean was one with him.


    The feeling was so palpable that he actually stopped himself from crushing another Miasma Crystal when his surroundings were impacted, and the Twilight Energy that swirled around him was no longer hostile to his presence. It didn��t try to force its way into his body until he exploded, instead simply sticking to him like a pet sticking to its owner.


    The change was intoxicating, but Zac knew he had bigger fish to fry than to enjoy the absence of the pervasive and crushing pressure of the Twilight Energy. He opened the lid of the jade box, and he stuffed the unblemished dumpling into his mouth, swallowing bit by bit until he had consumed the whole thing, stem and all.


    The natural treasure looked like a white ball of rice dough, but it actually contained a juicy pulp that was dark green, tasting a bit like a mix of kiwi and divinity. He had never eaten something as delicious before, though he wasn��t sure if it was another side effect of [Dawn Awakening]. The pulp juices were full of the mysterious energy that had tricked him into thinking it was a Dao Treasure, and it perfectly blended with every single inch of his body.


    Most of all, Zac was filled with an unprecedented sense of rity, where the scripts and patterns that were the source for many a headache were suddenly as clear as day. It felt like his IQ was rising exponentially by the second, and he was awash with ideas to not only improve his current skills, but even create new ones.


    This was the true nature of the mysterious fruit he had found; Inspiration.


    It was a treasure that provided an unprecedented state of rity into matters rted to Life and Death. No matter if it was creating skills or upgrading existing ones, it could take your concepts to a whole new level. No doubt it would be an amazing treasure for craftsmen as well. Anyone who created an item under the influence of this fruit would no doubt produce a Spiritual Tool or Pill of unprecedented quality.


    Zac wasted no time, and the extremelyplex Skill Fractal of [Profane Seal] soon emerged from his body and entered the array. He had thought about this step for months on end, running hundreds and hundreds of simtions, analyzing every single step of the process over and over to make sure to avoid as many of the pitfalls as possible.


    There were so many patterns working together in perfect harmony to create the extremely impressive cage that had be the staple of his undead side, and the slightest mistake could cause the whole structure to unravel. However, as Zac looked at the projection of the skill fractal in front of him, he wasn��t content. He saw it as a piece of art, as a burgeoning life holding vast amounts of untapped potential for greatness. If he followed his original n he would seed, he would create a top-tier E-grade skill.


    But he could do better.


    There was a small voice in the back of his head that urged caution, but Zac pushed those thoughts befitting smaller-minded men aside as he was consumed the glory of creation, and like a master artisan he set about his work with both conviction and precision. Whole sections of the skill fractal were transformed, taking in and adding various concepts.


    Runes that had never appeared on any of his skills before were added, based only on pictures and descriptions he''d seen in information crystals. He dug deep for all kinds of sources of inspiration. Some came from obvious sources, like his other skills and his Dao Visions. Others were things he normally wouldn''t even consider, such as the river of death that swirled around Be''Zi and the ominous tower that probably held one of the Splinters of Oblivion.


    The array was beeping ominously after just a few minutes, but Zac was undeterred. He felt like he was one with the skill fractal, and he could feel the limits it could tolerate, like it was part of his own body. And he would need to push that limit over and over to reach the goal he was still conceptualizing as he was moving along.


    Zac strayed further and further away from his envisioned path, grasping higher and higher. He felt how his soul was being rapidly drained, which was no surprise considering the number of adjustments and calctions he was doing on the fly. But he didn��t care. Perfection couldn��t be constrained by budget concerns, and he just crushed a couple of Soul Crystals as he kept going.


    Eventually, the Skill Fractal was an unrecognizable clump of discordant concepts, a mess made up by thousands of barely interlocking parts. If nothing drastic changed before he ran out of Mental Energy, the skill would bepletely ruined. The seeds of doubt grew increasingly loud, but Zac knew there was no turning back now.


    He could only trust his instincts, doubling down on the madness as he pushed on with his mad n. Soon enough, his vision started to blur. What once was clear was gradually bing convoluted again. The skill fractal no longer looked the seed of perfection, but more of a testament to man''s folly.


    However, Zac knew that was just a mirage, and desperately squeezed out thest of the medicinal effect of the natural treasure as his mind provided the final motes of mental energy he had left. He was almost there.


    The final rune was the onlyponent missing, and as it was added, tens of thousands of runes suddenly snapped into ce. There truly was greatness hidden in chaos, but Zac had no time to celebrate. He hurriedly extracted the Skill Fractal as he felt his consciousness slip, and he barely had time to reattach it to his pathways before he passed out, his mind utterly overdrawn.


    Zac woke up with a splitting headache, but it was nothingpared to the pain of his body almost exploding from energy overload. He hurriedly activated [Void Zone] to stop any more energy from entering his body, after which he quickly started to refine the energy that filled every inch of his body.


    Soon enough a massive cloud of expelled energy had formed above his head. This time he had only been out of it for twenty hours, which was a relief considering he didn��t have the Void Beast Organ to perpetually power [Void Zone] this time around. Ten minutester the situation wasn��t quite as deadly, allowing him to breathe out and check his status screen.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    120


    ss


    [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion


    Race


    [D] Draugr - Void Emperor (Corrupted) n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Fragment of the Axe - Peak, Fragment of the Coffin - Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi - Peak


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    8889 [Increase: 110%. Efficiency: 250%]


    Dexterity


    3910 [Increase: 80%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Endurance


    7383 [Increase: 101%. Efficiency: 250%]


    Vitality


    6311 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Intelligence


    1656 [Increase: 74%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Wisdom


    3443 [Increase: 81%. Efficiency: 197%]


    Luck


    466 [Increase: 96%. Efficiency: 197%]


    Free Points


    0


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 938 715


    His attributes had taken a surprising leap since he allocated his free points into Dexterity and Wisdom a few weeks back, and it wasn��t hard to find the source.


    [Runic Erudition: Form a path-bound supreme-quality skill while still in E-grade. Reward: All stats +5%. Effect of Strength, Endurance, Wisdom +5%]


    Zac looked at the title with marvel, both exalted by the boost it provided and what it represented. A supreme-quality skill? Zac didn��t even know such a thing existed, but it was all he needed to see to know that his gambit had seeded.


    This was exactly what he needed. He was tired of being taken advantage of, tired of being used as a disposable chess piece in the machinations of the old monsters lurking outside the trial. He needed more strength, and this was a step in the right direction. Zac knew it wouldn''t make a difference against terrifying beings like the Eveningtide Asura, but even an ant could create some waves that would have unexpected consequences.


    He was tired of being a tool, a mere chess piece to be used and discarded by these old Monarchs who barely would spare him a nce. He felt his very soul buckle and rage at the restraints that kept being ced on him. It was time to strike back. Directly confronting someone like the Eveningtide Asura was obviously out of the question, but a n was already starting to form in Zac��s mind, a way to get what he wanted while also throwing a wrench in his and Uona''s ns.


    They would see who would have thestugh.


    Alvod took a deep breath as the memories of his soul sliver returned to his mind, and a sneer soon covered his face. Arcaz ck, that little brat was nowhere near as cowed as he wanted to let on. These youngsters all thought themselves so clever, that they were unique and infallible. He would soon learn the harshness of the multiverse, as so many had before him.


    But there was still a lingering sense of unease in Alvod''s heart as he went over the words of the young Draugr. Was he really rted to two unknown Autarchs walking the boundless path? It sounded ludicrous, but Alvod knew that not even he would be able to instill a Draugr with affinity to life.


    Someone had devised a heaven-defying method, and it was possible that it truly was someone the brat knew, rather than a fortuitous encounter. Not only that, but the brat had clearly recognized his true identity. Arcaz ck was more involved in the events Alvod had set in motion than he tried to let on.


    However, Alvod eventually calmed down. The convergence of fate on the Twilight Harbor was too great, it was expected that some unexpected parties would make an appearance. If the Draugr was speaking the truth, he most likely was a vessel the two masters were nurturing, an experiment to travel that broken peak. That wouldn��t interfere with Alvod��s ns, and it might in fact help him.


    Conversely, if the little bastard lied, then Alvod had contingencies for that as well. Thousands of people had thought they could pull one over on him over the eons, yet they had all turned into fertilizer for his Dao. He had nned this for so long, and no matter if it was the Havarok, the Imperials, or this Draugr, he would handle them all.


    They would see who would have thestugh.

 Chapter 746: Ascent

    <h4>Chapter 746: Ascent</h4>


    [E] Pir of Destion - Proficiency: Early. Stuck and struggling. Inexorable destion. Upgradeable.


    Zac looked at the skill screen, endlessly relieved he didn��t listen to the whispers of doubt in the back of his mind that told him to give up on his drug-induced ambition and instead try to salvage the skill. Its description didn''t seem any differentpared to any other of his skills, but he knew that it most likely was the most powerful one in his repertoire at the moment.


    His best guess was that it was the kind of skill you''d get from an Arcane ss, which should add anotheryer of raw power output. As for the skill being ''pathbound'', it probably meant the skill was tailormade for his path, havingpletely broken free from the ill-fitting archetype of his previous Undying Bulwark-ss.


    Zac gave it a thought as he took out the second dumpling, but he sighed with regret when he opened the lid of the jade box where he stored it. A gust of dense herbal aroma wafted into his face, but his body was mostly indifferent to the presence of the treasure. Just as he expected, this dumpling was the sort of item you could only enjoy once. He wouldn��t be able to use the second one for evolving [Vanguard of Undeath] or [Hatchetman''s Spirit], it looked like.


    Still, [Profane Seal] was the lynchpin of his Draugr ss, and now that it was upgraded and improved, he felt a lot more confident even if he encountered the true elites of the trial. Even if he still was some distance away from defeating them, he was a lot more confident in escaping with his life intact. After all, while the details had be blurry in the wake of his epiphany, Zac was still certain that [Pir of Destion] remained a restraining skill even after the evolution.


    He briefly considered upgrading [Vanguard of Undeath] even without the liquid rity of the natural treasure, but he felt drained after eating the dumpling, like he had used a year��s worth of inspiration in creating [Pir of Destion]. Any skill he created in his current state was bound to be unimpressive, if he managed toplete the upgrade at all.


    Besides, while the dumpling might not be serviceable for another round, there were all kinds of opportunities out there. Both his sses were doing just fine without upgrading their final skills, and he would get another set of skills upon reaching level 125. Now that Zac knew that attaining these kinds of unique skills was possible, he might as well keep [Vanguard of Undeath] and [Hatchetman''s Spirit] unevolved until he found some way to enter another bout of inspiration.


    With that, Zac knew it was time to get going. Of course, that didn��t mean he would leave a small fortune behind, and Zac turned into a whirlwind of unfettered greed as he ripped out one crystal after another from the walls. The shimmering light in the chamber grew dimmer and dimmer until even the broken crystals had been stowed away.


    That left only two crystals inside the cave; the massive [Mind��s Eye Agate], and the sanguine stone where [Verun��s Bite] was still sealed.


    Verun had actually finished its evolution months ago, but it had indicated to Zac that it wanted to stay inside the crystal. The aura of the [Mind��s Eye Agate] apparently helped Verun strengthen its spirituality, though the effect was obviously not as pronounced as Zac''s when using a Soul Strengthening method.


    Still, the stronger the Tool Spirit, the easier the evolution to D-grade would be for Verun, so Zac had let it cultivate in peace while he focused on his own cultivation. But all good things had toe to an end.


    ��It��s time to go buddy,�� Zac smiled as he put his palm against the smooth surface of the crystal.


    There was no immediate response, but a roar echoed through the cave as cracks started to spread across the surface of the crystal. Suddenly, it cracked, and Zac snatched up the axe before it fell on the ground. However, doing so almost made him topple over, and he looked at the weapon with a mix of surprise and satisfaction.


    Since having finished its evolution, its weight had increased almost ten times over, and it felt far more sturdypared to before. That wasn��t a problem for Zac, even if he hadn''t expected it when grabbing it. If anything, it made the weapon easier to wield now that its weight better matched his massive increase in Strength.


    That wasn��t the only thing that had changed, and Zac��s thumb traced the fourth rune that had been lit up. The fourth rune represented the fact that the Spirit Tool had reachedte E-grade, just one step from the peak. The first rune was the one that let him release Verun and have it join him in battle, and it was what truly set it apart from most beastcrafted Spirit Tools.


    This activation both cost a huge amount of blood and had a pretty long cooldown, so it could only be used sparingly. The second rune was far cheaper, and it had a prettymon effect; sharpness. It used some sort of sanguine power to empower the edge, providing it with a stronger prative force. It cost a decent chunk of blood, but Zac still often used it when he needed a bit extra lethality in his swings.


    The third rune was both useful and useless, since he hadn��t had cause to activate apart from trying it out. The third rune activated an odd ability that could best be described as molting, probably a result of feeding [Verun''s Bite] dragon''s blood. The outeryer of the axehead would be brittle and fall off as a newyer grew out to rece it. Zac initially had some difficulty figuring out what good that ability was, but he soon realized it was a type of empowered restoration.


    [Verun��s Bite] had the ability to sharpen and recover from damage like most Spirit Tools, but the process was pretty slow. Still, with the weapon being of such high quality, the small blemishes Zac rued from battles were easily fixed, making the third ability a bit superfluous. However, Zac felt the ability would be handy sooner orter as he fought stronger and stronger enemies.


    After all, the passive regeneration could take days, whereas the active ability took just a few seconds. As long as he could stall for a bit, he could even use the ability in the middle of a fight. It might even be able to allow Verun to survive where most Spirit Tools would break, which was an extremely precious insurance policy.


    Now the axe had a fourth ability, and realizing what it did made Zac all the more cognizant of the importance of finding the right food for Verun. The fourth ability built further on the most fundamental aspect of the treasure bone �C weight.


    Activating the rune could almost instantly increase the weight to a level so great that even Zac barely could withstand it. The ability suited Zac��sbat style very well, and it meshed perfectly with his Fragment of the Axe. The Fragment was fused from the Seeds of Heaviness and Sharpness, matching two of the axe''s abilities perfectly.


    Zac knew he had lucked out a bit though, and he knew that he would have to be a bit more discerning going forward. It wasn''t just a matter of getting a bad ability by feeding it the wrong thing, but he also risked turning the weapon lesspatible with his path. That was doubly important when he would evolve the weapon to D-grade. He would have to make sure it aligned with his path perfectly by that point, though Zac still didn''t know how he''d aplish that.


    Only the agate was left behind after having extracted [Verun��s Bite], and the gemstone had already dimmed somewhat now that there weren��t any Supreme Twilight Crystals to siphon energy from. Zac quickly went to work, digging into the ground around the gem, forming a two-meter pedestal to hold the gemstone in ce.


    The [Mind''s Eye Agate] entered his Spatial Ring to join the Twilight Crystals, and Zac turned to an intangible wraith after taking a look around. A few secondster he appeared in the main tunnels of the crystal mine, and he swept forward, asionally ripping a crystal from the walls. Normally, he would have taken every single crystal, leaving just a mottled wall behind.


    Unfortunately, he wasn��t in any position to do so at the moment. Now that he was on the move, crushing crystals to alleviate the ambient energy wasn��t nearly as effective. Even he couldn��t stomach the cost of crushing one every second as he rushed through the tunnels, and there was no point in leaving gusts of pure energy in his wake.


    He needed to cover as much distance as possible while he had the energy to run [Void Zone], which meant he only extracted the most valuable crystals and herbs, leaving the rest behind.


    Zac made steady progress through the tunnels, and the asional beast that was unlucky enough to find itself in his way was quickly disposed of as Zac used them as target practice to get used to the new weight of his weapon. He didn��t really ascend toward the surface though, but he rather worked his way in the direction of what should be the waters of the Twilight Chasm.


    Until now he had wanted to move as far into the bedrock as possible to avoid discovery from either snake or trial-takers. Now that it was time to get out of here, it would be far quicker to simply climb up the wall with the help of his chains. He certainly couldn��t move as quickly while defying the constant tug of the currents, but he also wouldn��t waste hours backtracking back and forth in the hard-to-traverse cave system.


    It took him the better part of a day to reach his destination, mostly because he finally had to stop and run his Soul Strengthening Manual to expel Twilight Energy, but he eventually reached a section that waspletely submerged in water. From there it just took another two hours until he found his way out of the massivework of cracks and tunnels that had been his sanctuary the past eight months.


    First, he spent another ten hours restoring his Void Energy, after which he made his move. The calm and somewhat brackish waters of the cave system were soon reced by the torrential currents of the chasm. He looked back and forth, but neither the monstrous snake nor any other obvious threat was anywhere in sight.


    Two chains dug into the wall as the other two crawled upward along the sheer mountain wall. They extended for over two hundred meters before they mmed into the stone while oozing ck tar. It was [Blighted Cut] that empowered them with a much greater prative force, and the stone bubbled as it melted to let the chains dig deeper.


    Zac dragged himself further and further up, but he froze in fear after just twenty minutes as he spotted something enormous looming above. He felt his hands shake in fear of being discovered, but he eventually calmed down when he realized he wasn''t really dealing with the gargantuan pet of the Eveningtide Asura.


    He still couldn''t make out what it was though, but after climbing for another ten minutes did he finally figure it out. It was a mountain, if you could call it that. It might be more urate to call it a mountain-sized rock hovering in the chasm, seemingly unaffected by the constant pull from the depths of the chasm. Zac could only see its bottom, but it was just asrge as the mountains he had climbed before.


    Was this the true nature of the peaks of the Twilight Chasm?


    Rather than actual mountains connected to the ground, perhaps the peaks that people searched at the top of the chasm were nothing more than oversized rocks. The same possibly went for the peaks he had traversed further down in the depths. In fact, who knew how manyyers of mountains were stacked like this in the endless depths of this ce.


    A couple of minutester a few more peaks came into view, silently hovering in ce like the first one. Zac looked at them thoughtfully, remembering the purpose of the peaks below. Were these mountains part of some array as well, perhaps? An obstinate part in the back of Zac''s mind wanted him to swim over and cause some damage if that was the case, to show the Eveningtide Asura that he was not so easily pushed around.


    However, the vast majority of Zac held onto his sanity, knowing there was a time and ce for everything. He did want to throw a wrench in the works of the Eveningtide Asura, but that was ultimately more about self-perseverance than spite. Something massive was going down on the outside, and the events inside the trial could clearly affect the oue judging by how the various factions were going all out sending their elites into the Twilight Ocean.


    The more of Alvod''s preparations Zac undid, the less time the Eveningtide Asura would have to spare on a junior who slighted him. He would be knee-deep in whatever the B-grade factions had prepared. However, Zac couldn''t overdo it. If he caused too much trouble and his actions were exposed, then Alvod might very well hunt him down just out of spite.


    He rather needed to figure out which side everyone was on, and subtly assist the Eveningtide Asura''s enemies.


    So he slowly looked away from the mountains, instead focusing on covering as much ground as possible. But as he climbed, he became more and more shocked just how deep this ce was. Four days passed, and he actually found himself passing twoyers of mountain ranges. But finally, Zac saw an end to his climb as the oppressive darkness started to give way to weak golden light.


    Four hourster Zac found his surroundings properly illuminated, and he finally found himself able to cope with the environment without relying on his Soul Strengthening Array. As expected, he had been climbing the actual wall of the chasm all this while, and if he kept going for another hour, he would reach the crest.


    However, Zac didn''t climb the final stretch to the edge. Instead, he pushed out from the wall, shooting toward the closest mountain in the distance. He was eager to leave this ominous ce, but there was one thing he wanted to do first. With things having reached this point, Zac had decided to see if he could harvest the odd egg.


    Zac had actually been able to sense his brand for a while now, and the mark had grown a lot stronger since he nted it nine months ago. His original n had been to go fetch the two remnants and then return for the egg, but the events in the depths of the chasm had probably ruined those ns.


    He truthfully doubted he would be able to continue exploring the Twilight Ocean after forming the Glimpse of Chaos, so this might be thest chance to recover it. He could still somehow sense that the mark hadn''t really "matured", but he was out of options.


    It thankfully looked like the currents had dragged him almost straight down after Uona knocked him unconscious. It wasn��t too far a distance he needed to travel to get back to the mountain peak that housed the hidden valley. There was a small chance Uona was waiting for him over there, but he doubted it considering her points had been steadily climbing since five months ago. She was most likely off hunting cultivators elsewhere.


    Zac reached the very same spot where the hidden tunnel was located a few dayster, and there were thankfully no signs of anyone lying in wait. Unfortunately, there was also no clear way for him to get inside without the egg acting as a key to open the path. He spent the next few days swimming back and forth, trying everything from brute force to dumb luck to break into the valley.


    But no matter what he tried, the area waspletely sealed off, the rock shockingly resistant to his efforts to dig into it. Eventually, he returned to the location of the tunnel to see if there was anything he had missed.


    The mark felt like a taunting beacon, reminding him of the fact that the thing he desperately wanted was just out of reach. The feelings of impotence once more returned, and Zac growled in annoyance as two streams of Dao entered his shoulders. Soon enough, a small mark appeared, and he pushed it into the stone as he kept picturing the tunnel opening up.


    Using his ace at this juncture was a risk, but Zac refused to give up now that he hade back to this ce. The mountain wall shuddered in reluctance, but Zac felt a transformation starting to take ce. It was much slowerpared to before, but it felt like the stone was starting to be intangible somehow.


    However, just as Zac thought he had seeded, the wall started to revert back into stone as a pulse emerged the heart of the mountain. Zac stared at the wall with aggravation upon realizing he had failed, but he didn��t even have time to consider backup ns before the wall shuddered once more.


    At the same time, he felt the brand on the other side of the wall go from a beacon into a raging fire, and the connection between himself and the mark grew exponentially stronger. Zac gaped in shock as the tunnel once more appeared, this time covered in the intricate runes that had started to cover the valley just as he left thest time.


    However, there was an indiscernible difference this time. While the runes had only held the prime truths of Twilight before, they were now speckled with a hint of something more, something that belonged to Zac. The energy of Creation. His gaze soon turned toward the direction of the egg, but the hallway waspletely covered in a thick haze seemingly wrought out of the Dao itself.


    It moved like it was alive, and small glimmering specks within the dust made the churning shroud look like a star-speckled neb. Looking at the swirling clouds made his drained soul once more fill with inspiration, and he almost entered a state of epiphany then and there.


    However, a wave of panic broke his trance as the walls started to shudder ominously. The runes flickered, seemingly in a struggle against themselves. The tunnel that shouldn''t have opened had been forced open, but it clearly wouldn''tst long. Zac threw caution in the wind as he shot forward, not caring about what kind of dangers might lurk within. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Just the clouds that had escaped the valley were this marvelous, how could he let go of the opportunity that waited within?

 Book 3 release and December Schedule update!

<h4>Book 3 release and December Schedule update!</h4>


    As for the webnovel schedule in December, I��m giving Zac a breather this Christmas as well, with the series having a holiday break betweenDec 20-31. This affects all Patreon Tiers and Royal Road releases.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Chapter 747: Dissenting Views

    <h4>Chapter 747: Dissenting Views</h4>


    Zac felt like he was tearing through the veil of the heavens as he pushed through the haze, embraced by life and death as they had joined each other into a nebulous soup. Of course, Zac believed something even greater was brewing in the depths of the valley, and [Love��s Bond] was already stirring in anticipation. The chains gingerly stroked the runes in the tunnel, and the Dao clouds shuddered in turn as the two resonated.


    Each physical step also felt like a metaphorical step down his path, and Zac''s original purpose of entering this ce was starting to be muddled as he approached the mouth of the tunnel. A small part of his reason foring here was to foil whatever designs Va Tapek had for this realm, but it seemed so insignificant now. The same was true for the Eveningtide Asura. What were they in front of the Grand Dao?


    The murmurs of the most post profound truths of the Twilight Ocean whispered into Zac''s ear as he approached the light, but even he hadn''t expected what waited for him at the other side. What was this?


    It felt like he had somehow been transported to the depths of the cosmos, to the origin of the universe where all matter and truth was reduced to a primordial farrago. Base concepts that tethered him to the mundane realities of existence held no sway in the storm he found himself in, and he felt himself bing a stain that blemished a perfect tapestry.


    The tunnel was gone, the Twilight Ocean and the surface were gone. All that remained was the Dao and the runes that spun all around him in a dance that codified reality. Life wasn''t life. Death wasn''t death. Truth was malleable, and it changed as the runes swirled around him, forming a river that was everchanging, yet always the same.


    Of course, there was also the throne. Standing in the middle of the chaos was a point of order, and on its pedestal, the seed was still beating, each thump deepening the waters of the river around him. The egg was barely recognizable any longer, as it had somehow transformed from something physical into a concept.


    Millions upon millions of runes formed a tapestry that while norger than an ostrich egg, contained a whole universe. It had drawn upon the essence of the Twilight Ocean and distilled it into something greater, something higher. Was this true Dao? Looking at his own avatars, Zac felt like a caveman producing a fledgling fire while looking up at the stars, not able to grasp the vast chasm between the two.


    It terrified Zac, and it enthralled him.


    Thump.


    Zac was now closer, standing at the foot of majesty, his soul weeping with inadequacy. Had he walked the distance, or was he simply moved here because this was his destined terminus? He felt his sanity fraying, but there was a small core that tethered him to the mortal world, and that frayed lifeline was screaming at him to take that thing and get out.


    Thump.


    He stood on the altar, his skin slowly transforming to conform to the higher truth of this valley. It was slowly gaining a greenish tint, and indistinct runes flickered before once more disappearing. They were of no script Zac could recognize, but they roared like crashing waves of Twilight. This was not a matter of being overrun by a deluge of sludge, it was losing one��s fundamental essence in front of a deeper gospel.


    The fundamental core of Zac''s being was being supnted, but he barely registered it as his gaze was locked on something marvelous. The egg was not the only thing on the altar. There was something else, something perhaps even more precious than the insight locked in the avatar of Twilight itself.


    It was a bead of distilled light hovering right above the egg, but its true appearance was blocked out by fouryers of shockinglyplex runes. Each beat of the egg released a crashing tsunami of Twilight, but only the most perfected pieces of the tapestry were allowed to enter the arrays enclosing the light.


    Zac didn''t know why, but it felt like that thing was unsullied by nature, and arrays were the only thing protecting it from being indelibly stained. However, the sanctuary the arrays were providing was slowly being corroded by design, and he knew that this pure light would eventually be swallowed by the river that coursed through this valley. The river of Twilight.


    His mind was a chaotic struggle, ripped between the desire to protect and the desire to devour. Hispanion didn''t have the samepunctions, and four chains shot forward, targeting the gestating truth of the ocean. A small mark of endless possibility cried in his mind in desire to fulfill its natal edict, to be consumed and in that way find new life.


    But no matter what the Spirit Tool tried, it was unable to dislodge the egg. If anything, it had be a cemented part of the area. It had be the core of this universe, an eternal fixture that couldn��t simply be moved or taken away. Every moment Zac felt himself eroding, and he knew something had to change.


    Suddenly, a mad idea took form as Zac looked down at the glowing avatar of Twilight. In its current state, it was unapproachable, an extension of the ocean itself. Taking it was as impossible as stealing the whole Mystic Realm.


    But what if it was no longer an avatar of Twilight, but an avatar of his own? The more he thought about it, the more it started to make sense. And as his idea sprouted, nurtured by greed and his path, so did the swirling clouds around him lose their luster, the runes no longer mesmerizing in their profundity.


    "It''s wrong," Zac muttered, his abyssal eyes wide with mania as his silver hair danced in the wind. "It''s all wrong. Life is Life. Death is Death. Forever separate, always in conflict."


    Two storms of Dao and ancient madness surged out from his mind and into his shoulders. It was Life and Death, unsullied and eternal. Twilight was just a half-measure, a mockery of Chaos. It was a poison, and he was the cure.


    Conviction had pushed him forward, but Zac was all-too-aware of the gravity of his action, of the risks. This was not the time or ce to form the Glimpse of Chaos. He didn''t have two intact remnants to provide the fuel for the fusion. What was left was his soul and his life-force, both of which would probably be drained beyond a breaking point to conjure that glimpse.


    Zac desperately pushed the two forces apart before they had a chance to fuse in his chest, even if doing so felt like breaking his soul apart. He pushed and pushed, and two storms surged through his arms, pouring out into the radiant egg.


    A p of thunder shook the cosmos, and Zac was thrown dozens of meters away, his body racked with pain. The nebulous clouds churned and cried as he pushed through them in his desire to return, ignoring the mounting feeling of wrongness of the runes around him. The intricate patterns inside the seed of Twilight shuddered and fluctuated wildly, its millions of small runes slowly warping into something new.


    And as the egg changed, so did the universe.


    A cascading ripple spread through the valley, with the delicate system of Twilight unraveling as it was supnted by something that resonated with Zac''s soul. However, he immediately spotted a problem. While the original Tapestry around him had felt like a cop-out, a defeat in the face of the true peaks of the Grand Dao, it wasplete, a self-sufficient system existing in harmony with itself and the universe.


    Meanwhile, the chaotic storm he had introduced into the system was just that; a storm.


    It was raw power that might hold the potential for a peak creation. But for now, it was iplete, insignificant insights nibbling at the edges of the truth. Zac didn''t exactly know what this ce was designed to aplish, but he knew that his own Dao was not up to the task. It would sooner orter break apart, even when powered by the distilled essence of the remnants.


    Before that happened, he needed to make his move.


    "Take it," Zac said with grit teeth, and the chains once more stormed the egg with rapid ferocity, wing at it with desperate hunger. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But yet, it was hopeless. It was still fixed in ce, the core of this microcosm of Dao. Zac sensed a wave of disappointment, followed by the coffin lid slightly opening to start absorbing the dense clouds of Dao in the valley. It looked like Alea had given up, opting to make the best of a bad situation.


    Zac shook his head with a sigh, and thoughts of escape started to take hold. However, he suddenly spotted something changing. The arrays protecting that pure beam of light were fast crackling, suddenly looking like brittle ss as they were imbued with the distilled inspiration wrought from Zac''s path. They clearly weren''t designed or able to hold the energy the egg was now releasing.


    Part of him was ted, but part of him was horrified. He could feel it. When the arrays broke apart, that light would be gone forever, like a star being extinguished. It would be sullied by the mundane, and the world would be a little bit worse by it. He couldn''t sit by and watch it unfold, but what could he do?


    Another crack echoed out, and Zac lurched forward and swallowed the light before it was toote.


    It must have looked like Zac swallowed a sun, but there was no searing pain spreading through his body. If anything, his body was suddenly wrapped in a soothing embrace, no longer beset by the overpowering Daos in the valley. His body had be the Heavens itself, a universe unto its own.


    Some of the light illuminated his soul, and he felt his three Dao Avatars zed into life, each one of them radiating an unprecedented verve. He wasn''t in a state of inspiration, he was the Dao itself. But the blinding radiance of supremacy was slowly wearing off, and perfection was slipping through his fingers.


    That piece of heaven he had swallowed was not so easily absorbed, in a way he had never encountered before. This was not like when swallowing the Cosmic Water or a treasure beyond his grade. He didn''t feel like exploding at all. Rather, he felt like a leaking sieve, where his body simply couldn''t hold that miraculous light.


    The infinitely pure understanding was gradually leaving him, instantly dposing into lower Dao the moment it touched the environment. Try as he might, Zac found absolutely no way to stem the tides. Zac sighed with despondency, but his eyes soon regained a sense of purpose. Whyment over the loss of borrowed glory when he should make the most of this precious moment in time?


    While iplete, he had branded the egg with his Dao, and it had, in turn, distilled it into something greater, something that was now on full disy in the valley. The runes that once held the tapestry of Twilight now held a ratified version of his path. Zac smiled as he suddenly disappeared from the pedestal.


    Thump.


    [Verun''s Bite] ripped through the glittering veils shrouding the valley, its primordial roars echoing the lust for power. Each swing left golden arcs behind as motes of stardust stuck to the bone edge. The arcs seemed like the leaves of the bodhi, not one exactly the same as the others.


    It was alive; everchanging and evolving, eternally struggling against death. It was the predator stalking its prey, it was the nt mutating to endure the harshening summers. It was everything, constantly adapting. It might be struck down, but it would never give in. It would rise up again to defy fate, stronger, evolved. And this dance would continue until the end of time.


    Thump.


    The Dao clouds churned as they were ripped apart by four chains dancing to the tune of inevitability, streaks of darkness forming an inescapable cage. They sealed everything they encircled, like a spider trapping its prey. It was patient, since death would always win in the end. They were the grinding gears of time, the inexorability of fate.


    Clouds of Dao kept being swallowed, as this path was always taking, and never giving.


    Thump.


    He was conflict, ever-changing, never-ending.


    He was a storm that raged through the valley, and the cosmos itself answered his call. His body shone with radiant luster as the impossibly pure Dao left his body. However, while he couldn''t contain it, it had still been marked by his path. And as it changed, so did the valley. The runes that danced all around him were no longer a river. They had split into two armies that were locked in an epic struggle.


    The murky green had turned into shimmering gold and oppressive ck, life and death.


    This was the truth of Twilight. Such a fragile harmony was bound to be broken as the convoluted ultimately returned to the primal. Oblivion is the inevitable end of Creation, just as Creation invariably will follow Oblivion. Each sh would birth something new, just like each swing of his axe could change his fate.


    A thousand scenes shed through his mind as Zac kept swinging his weapon, memories that had led him down the path he now stood on. Try to avoid it as he might, conflict was inexorable. To aplish anything in this universe, he would have to keep fighting. If he wanted to change the fate he had been dealt, he would have to keep struggling.


    Zac felt his momentum increasing, and the gently swirling clouds of stardust were swept up in the hurricane of his path. Raging wind sted the ck and golden runes, forcing them into even greater shes. The world shook and thundered, but Zac kept swinging, feeling he was getting closer and closer... to something.


    His movements were mirrored by the avatar in his mind. However, it no longer sat on top of his Soul Core but rather danced on top of the waters of the two oceans. The fading radiance of the bead of light still illuminated its body, and torrential amounts of the Dao Clouds entered his avatar form.


    A swing from the avatar illuminated the deathly ocean with streaks of golden light, and a swipe subdued the golden ocean with the threat of death. With every breath, Zac''s movement grew more precise, and a dense aura spread out from his body. And as his aura spread, the struggling runes subtly changed.


    One moment they were life and death locked in their eternal struggle, the next moment weapons shing in a pitched war. Zac felt his momentum reaching a precipice, and his Dao Field suddenly congealed. First, it became a condensed ball of his insight hovering above his head, but it soon took a more distinct shape.


    It was two axes reaching over twenty meters into the air, one glimmering in gold and the other shrouded in darkness. They both emitted an aura of supremacy, neither willing to give in. Their edges were locked against each other, and the pressure they exerted impacted reality itself. The surroundings twisted and cried from their mere presence, their conflict being imprinted into space itself.


    Suddenly, crashing thunder intruded on the scene, and Zac''s abyssal eyes widened as the secluded valley of life and death had been encroached upon by churning clouds crackling with purple lightning. A boundless fury subdued the clouds of swirling Dao beneath, and the shimmering runes fast lost their luster. Not even the egg dared to keep beating, now once more a simple stone.


    Soon enough, only Zac and the two axes remained, the rest shrouded by the descending clouds. The true Heavens had descended, unwilling to share the truths of the Dao.


    This was the price of the Boundless Path, but Zac was undeterred. He raised his axe, and the massive projection shrunk before entering [Verun''s Bite], prompting it to give off a hair-raising aura. Meanwhile, the avatar in his soul returned to its position on top of the Soul Core, its presence rapidly rising.


    The Heavens were clearly enraged by Zac''s actions, and he was suddenly drowned in purple light as it gathered its punishment. A bolt of condensed wrath descended, and Zac swung his axe in an upward arc, unleashing a wave of terrifying destruction as a smile spread across his face. The Heavens wanted a conflict, but that would only solidity his Dao.


    However, the smile turned crooked as the two forces shed, followed by his outburst of Dao being instantly crushed. The bolt continuedpletely undiscouraged, mmed into Zac like the fist of an angry god, the force so tremendous that cracks spread across the now-exposed valley. Another bolt soon followed as thunder crashed, and Zac felt his vision blurring as he desperately tried to withstand the electrified fury.


    Suddenly, he lost his footing as a massive section of the valley simply crumbled, unable to withstand the presence of the Lightning Tribtion. He felt a surge of ocean watere crashing toward him, but he barely had time for a final thought as a third bolt knocked him unconscious.


    Uh oh.

 Chapter 748: Imprints

    <h4>Chapter 748: Imprints</h4>


    Zac woke up with a start, his still mind scattered by the electrifying experience he''d just endured. He instinctively raised his arms to block the punishment from above, but he soon realized the oppressive presence of the Heavens was gone. It still took him some time for his mind to snap back into focus, and he breathed in relief upon realizing his surroundings weren��t shrouded in oppressive darkness.


    He was still illuminated by the dark gold of the sky above the surface, meaning he hadn��t been dragged into the depths once more. He looked around to orient himself, and he realized that he was actually hanging from a ledge, the four chains of [Love��s Bond] lodged into the wall to prevent him from being carried away by the currents.


    It looked like Alea had saved his bacon when the Lightning Tribtion had knocked him out. A wave of shame hit him, and he shook his head as he dragged himself up to the ledge. He had entered the valley to find a way for Alea to evolve, yet it was he who had snatched the opportunity in the ce.


    Certainly, the egg was impossible to bring away even after he had risked it all, but he hadn��t even stopped to consider whether [Love��s Bond] might have wanted that amazing bead of pure light as well. He had just shot forward and gobbled it up like a frenzied beast.


    ��I��ll find a way to make it up to you, I promise,�� Zac sighed as he caressed one of the chains, but there was no response as usual.


    However, there was one startling change, and Zac looked at the chain in his hand with marvel. It was still pure ck like it had been since the start, but it was now covered in a somewhat familiar pattern. The engravings were ck as well, but they emitted a dense aura of death, making them light up under the scrutiny of [Cosmic Gaze].


    The script didn��t seem like an actual skill fractal or something like that, but they rather reminded Zac of the markings on the Stele of Conflict. Of course, their instilled meaning wasn��t at the same level. The stele held the fundamental truths of conflict, profundity at its highest level. Meanwhile, it looked like [Love��s Bond] had been marked by the deathly runes that had surged like a storm in the valley.


    A thought struck Zac, and he took out [Verun��s Bite] as well. As expected, the axe was covered in simr brands. These markings were golden in color rather than the ck of the coffin, and they formed a spiderweb-like array with the red veins that already covered the bone of the edge. Zac looked down at the axe thoughtfully, not sure what to make of the situation.


    It really looked like he would have to do something soon.


    His axe was already leaning toward life before this, both from the nature of beastcrafted weapons and from the treasures it had eaten. It was instilled with the unsurpassed lifeforce of the dragons, and it had drunk the blood of innumerable beasts toplement its nature. Now, it was covered with patterns that held the essence of Life.


    While it was great for his human ss, it might be a problem for his current form. Should he get another axe toplement Verun? Or should he try to instill another set of brands on the weapon, adding death to the life? Both solutions had their pros and cons, but now wasn��t the time to go over it.


    Things had gone out of control once again, and he looked at the surroundings with some helplessness. The mountain that held the secluded valley was partly gone, ripped at least into two parts. The ledge he was sitting on was probably a section of the edge of the valley judging by the scorched runes that were engraved on the rock around him.


    But the rest of the valley itself was simply gone.


    There was just ocean as far as the eye could see, meaning that the pedestal, the egg, and most of the runes most likely had been dragged to the depths of the Twilight Chasm by now. His whole body hurt, but he knew he couldn��t stay. Thest time he came to this ce, the outburst was just a shadow of what he had unleashed today, and who knew how many elites were on the way to investigate themotion.


    He took onest look at the scorched walls, the marks that once held the tapestry of Twilight all but illegible by now, and he scratched the back of his head with a wry smile as he set off. For a moment there he had felt like a true Heaven��s Chosen, seizing the Dao and bending it to his will. However, the True Heavens wasn��t messing around, pping him back to reality before he had a chance to properly enjoy the experience.


    As to why he was mostly fine, it was clear his [Void Heart] had once moree through for him. It had beenpletely silent since he woke up a few moments ago, and Zac''s chest was all pins and needles and covered in red scars that looked like angry veins. It was no doubt a side-effect of the node having drawn all the tribtion lightning into the void before it could cause any real damage.


    Luckily, he had activated his [Void Zone] just before getting zapped the final time. It hadn��t managed to impede the Tribtion Lightning at all for some reason, but it did allow him to avoid getting overwhelmed by Twilight Energy while out ofmission. Going by the amount of Void Energy left in the tank, Zac figured he hadn��t actually been unconscious for more than a couple of minutes.


    Zac pushed through the churning waters as quick as he could muster, heading further toward the center of the chasm rather than back toward the edge. Almost an hour passed, at which point he was finally forced to deactivate the field of nullification that kept the Twilight Energy at bay. Zac braced himself for a struggle now that he didn��t have his hidden node to help, but he was surprised to see that it wasn��t that bad at all.


    It was like the Twilight Energy was suddenly unable, or perhaps rather unwilling, to burrow into his body, and he was beset by less than a third of the invasive infiltrationpared to before. His first instinct was that it was thanks to his breakthrough, but he soon concluded that wasn��t the case. Having a greater foundation would help against the Twilight Energy, but the effect wasn��t this pronounced.


    Something else had changed, and Zac didn��t need to be a betting man to figure that it was rted to the events inside the valley. He wasn��t sure if the effect was permanent or not, but for now, he would make the most of it as he created some distance from the shattered mountain.


    Zac made good time over the next few hours, and he passed by four mountains until he finally stopped. At that point he found a secluded cave and sealed it up, hiding himself to go over his gains. Having the marks of his Path engraved on his Spirit Tools was an unexpected boon, but that obviously wasn��t the biggest win of the day.


    The blue screen listing his Dao appeared, and Zac looked at it with marvel.


    Branch of the War Axe (Early): All attributes +50, Strength +2250, Dexterity +1000, Endurance +150, Wisdom +250. Effectiveness of Strength +25%.


    Evolving the Dao to a Branch unfortunately didn��t quite result in a doubling of its attributes, with the t boost going from 2,250 to 4,000. However, the real gain with a Dao Branch was the force they brought to bear in a fight rather than the jump in stats. It was a qualitative leap in how they empowered skills, in a far more palpable waypared to the difference between a High and Peak Dao Fragment.


    Zac had experienced the difference during his fight with Yanub Mettleleaf. His defenses had simply crumbled in the face of the treant��s Dao Branch, like he was trying to block a raging me with a paper sheet. With this, Zac felt he wouldn��t bepletely outmatched in a direct sh even with the rankers of the trial, though the top names no doubt were still a bit out of his reach even with thistest breakthrough.


    Going into the valley he hadn��t expected to progress his Dao at all, yet he walked out with a Dao Branch. With how recently he evolved his Fragment of the Axe to the peak, he figured he was years of building a foundation from actually taking this step. But that light had changed everything.


    Thinking back to it, Zac still couldn��t believe how magical that thing was. It was so far beyond any Dao Treasure or Origin Dao he had encountered so far. It was a nk te, yet it contained everything. He hadn��t even managed to absorb 1% of the light before it slipped out of his body, yet it had pushed him this far. If he had managed to make use of even half of its efficacy, he might very well have pushed all his Daos to the limits of the E-grade.


    If he could only get more��


    Zac quickly shook his head, knowing he was being too greedy. He hadn��t even heard of something like that before, meaning it was beyond rare. Either it was something that could only be encountered by chance, or something that was hoarded by the people at the top. And after going over the events in the valley, Zac started to feel he had a better understanding of what was going on with that valley, and the implications weren''t great.


    The mystical Egg that Va Tapek made him bring here was some sort of purifier by the looks of it. The mountain had most likely contained an ancient gathering array, and the empowered Twilight Energy had entered the egg through the pedestal.


    The egg, in turn, somehow purified and elevated the base concepts that was the foundation of Twilight Energy, and the result was the mysterious runes and Dao Clouds swirling around in the valley. However, even those miraculous things were just a by-product, with the essence of the egg��s output being steered toward the light above the egg. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac had felt the effect of that light on his own Dao. It didn��t connect him to the mighty, yet distant, Grand Dao like Yrial��s impartment did. For a moment, he was the Dao. While the line shone on his soul, he had understood it as clearly as though it was his second nature.


    Before he had entered, he hadn��t actually been clear on what form his first Dao Branch should take. But seeing the runes of his path swirling around him, the shing war between Life and Death, something had clicked. Of course, it was all thanks to that light that guided the way, but it was till just as clear as before, in contrast to how he felt after most bouts of inspiration.


    Focusing on his path had allowed him to learn and consolidate the part of the Dao of Conflict that he needed, infusing it into what was now the Branch of the War Axe. The added epithet of ��War�� to his Dao was based on conflict, and it had been symbolized by the very struggle between life and death that was central to his path.


    He was a bit unclear on the purpose of infusing Twilight into the miraculous light though. It had such an amazing effect in its pure state, and adding something external felt like it would just blemish it. Was it about efficacy, that the light was hard to absorb normally? The light had provided earthshattering benefits to an E-grade cultivator like him, but for a Monarch, it might be insufficient.


    As to who was growing beads of supreme Twilight in the heart of the chasm, it wasn''t hard to figure out. The real question was why the hell Va Tapek was working with the Eveningtide Asura. Until now, Zac had worked under the assumption that Catheya''s Master had been working alone, or perhaps in conjunction with the other Monarchs from the Undead Empire.


    But from the looks of it, that was not the case, unless he hadpletely misunderstood something about the purpose of that valley.


    Zac quickly gave up though. There was simply too much he didn''t know, from cultivation to the motives to the old monsters outside. But one thing was for sure; if Alvod found out he was behind this as well, then he might very well be in deep shit. Hopefully, his sight had been blocked after being booted by the System, but Zac still had a bad feeling about it.


    Unable to do much about the situation, Zac instead turned his sight inward, and he breathed in relief upon seeing that his body was in its normal state. He still remembered how his body had been starting to transform for a moment, his skin turning green as markings covered his hands. In fact, he had seen that exact phenomenon before, on the avatar of the Eveningtide Asura. That was the second clue that he had inadvertently thrown a wrench into Alvod��s ns, rather than Va Tapek��s.


    Zac had made a cursory scan before, but it really looked like the odd effect had been dispelled either by the Dao light, or perhaps by him renouncing the path of Twilight. Unlike his weapons, Zac didn''t get a set of patterns of his own though. He still looked like a normal Draugr without any mysterious runes to represent his path. But perhaps there was something else that had changed with his body.


    Miasma started coursing through his pathways following a set pattern, but there was no response from the energy around him. Zac tried again, this time with a different cultivation manual, but the result was the same. Nothing. He had held onto a small lingering hope after being so in tune with the cosmos for a while, but it looked like he still was a piddling mortal.


    His affinity hadn��t increased at all, and a few experiments confirmed that his Dao control wasn��t any better either.


    Still, Zac figured it might be for the best, and he finally turned his gaze toward his Soul Aperture. His soul might have been the area that most directly benefitted from being washed in the glow of the Dao. As expected, he felt that the oceans in his mind had once more been elevated to even greater heights, and watching the waves crashing against each other almost felt like watching a Dao-instilled treasure like the Big Boss��s Big Wall.


    More importantly, it felt like the oceans were more in tune with himself. It wasn��t like he couldmand them at will, but their insights better matched his own somehow. And it wasn��t really a surprise. Before, they had mostly been infused by the insights hidden inside the Twilight Energy, with some crapsing from Divine Crystals and Miasma Crystals.


    But now, the waters had gobbled up and copied the very essence of his path thanks to the bright light and the almost endless amount of Dao in the valley. The two avatars of Bodhi and Coffin looked mostly the same, but Zac noted that they were a bitrgerpared to before. He didn��t really know what that meant, but he figured it was a good thing since they also felt more ��real�� somehow.


    Perhaps it simply meant he had solidified his foundation, taking him one step closer to forming his other two branches.


    The biggest transformation was obviously the Dao Avatar that represented his Branch of the War Axe. It still sat on top of his soul core, with an axe in its hand, but it almost felt like a real being rather than an avatar. Furthermore, it kept changing. Zac curiously observed the avatar as it kept transforming. The avatar had looked like him in his human form before, but it was now in a constant flux between his two identities.


    One second it was a human, the next a Draugr, though the Draugr had his true appearance rather than the one Zac used for Arcaz ck. As it switched back and forth, so did the weapon in its hand change. Unsurprisingly, it was the very same axes Zac had conjured while forming the branch.


    One was pitch-ck and wrapped in chains, and it emitted an extremely oppressive aura. Zac felt suffocated just looking at it, and it felt like those chains were binding him rather than securing the edge to the handle. It was inexorability taken form.


    His human form instead held an axe radiating a golden gleam, yet Zac found it impossible to pinpoint what kind of axe it was. One moment it looked a bit like the hatchet he had used when the integration took ce, and in another, it resembled [Verun��s Bite]. But it also looked like a thousand other axes all at once, always changing unpredictably.


    The change in the avatar no doubt reflected the integration of Dao and Path. The insight that he had added to his Fragment of the Axe was mainly rted to conflict and struggle, and it was filtered through the two stances he had developed over thest year. Yet, as he looked at the two weapons the avatar held, they never emitted an aura of either life or death even if they clearly represented those paths.


    It was a pure branch, rather than mixing it with snippets from his other Daos. It was possible that he would try something like that in the future to better integrate his other two Daos into the Dao of the Axe, but for now, he felt it more prudent to delve deeper into conflict, since it was what bound his Daos together.


    There were no other changes he could find, but that was more than enough. He had pretty high hopes for the Twilight Ascent before entering, but the gains had far surpassed what he even dared hope for. His attributes had more than doubled since Kenzie was taken and Thea killed, and most of it was thanks to the Twilight Ocean.


    Now, he just needed to make sure he''d survive all the enmities he had created getting this far. First off, he needed to leave the chasm before the Eveningtide Asura returned with a vengeance.

 Chapter 749: Folly of the Boundless

    <h4>Chapter 749: Folly of the Boundless</h4>


    Ogras grunted with disgust as he chewed on the astringent mixture of herbs. The sickly heat radiating from the wound on his back was soon reced by a cooling wave, proof that his makeshift antidote did at least work to some degree. It would take a lot more to rid himself of that sinister poison, but there was no opportunity to properly rest until he reached the next checkpoint.


    He didn''t know how, but his location was always exposed by those bastards, no matter how well he hid.


    The demon sunk into the shadows, and his form soon appeared outside the dpidated mansion, right in front of the squad of wretched creatures that had hounded him for the past two days. They were no more than a meter tall, but Ogras knew all too well the terror that was hidden within their diminutive forms.


    They looked a bit like goblins though their skin was a dark mottled purple. They were also covered head to toe in an arcane script that Ogras couldn��t make sense of at all. It feltpletely disconnected from the general runes of the Ruthless Heavens, indicating they were wrought in a ce outside Heaven��s purview.


    Their eyes empty holes filled with sinister energy, and they sparked with malice when they saw their target appear. The goblins needed no order to instantly attack. Their bodies bent and twisted as everything from simple spearpoints to massive maws was created from their bodies, attacking Ogras without hesitation or mercy.


    His body cracked like a mirror while two ruthless eyes peered at the scene from a safe distance.


    Ten spears wrought with condensed shadows sprung out from the ground, impaling a few members of the war party. The spears were covered in ethereal patterns of their own and imbued with the Peak Fragment of the Umbra to maximize their power. The ten spears targeted just six of the goblins, but none of them actually shot toward a vital.


    Instead, they all pierced specific runes that shone brightly on the goblins'' bodies, causing a chain reaction of cracks spreading through the script. Four of the goblins instantly shattered and turned into dust, leaving not even a corpse behind. However, the other two withstood the attacks as the runes covering their bodies shuddered and frantically rearranged themselves.


    The next moment the shadow spears cracked, and the goblins stood there unaffected at all by what should have been a lethal strike. Ogras swore, realizing they had changed up the script again. The surviving goblins screeched in fury as their auras rose, and dozens of purple cracks appeared in the sky, each one of them emitting a cursed aura.


    They looked a bit like spatial tears, but Ogras suspected they were something else. Because he had never seen the void on the other side of those things, only nightmares. It was one of these scars that had left the nasty wound on his back a month ago, teaching him a valuable lesson about the danger of these creatures.


    The cracks quickly spread like a poison on reality, ripping everything in the surroundings to shreds. Decaying trees, walls, and even the ground turned mottled before it was reduced to ash, prompting a storm of dust to swirl through the area. The building where Ogras had rested was turned into nothingness as one of the goblins drowned in with tears a fit of fury, but it was no skin off Ogras�� back.


    He had already receded into the shadows, heading west as he sent another of his shadow puppets running due north. He looked down at his forearm as he ran, a small hint of satisfaction on his face. Another line had been added to his tattoo this time, meaning there was just one pattern missing toplete the tapestry.


    One out of four would have been considered proper shit luck two weeks ago, but he had hunted these goblin scouts for two weeks without a single one of the two missing lines being filled in. Meanwhile, the creatures had tightened the in their hunt for him, making every step fraught with danger.


    But it was worth it, Ogras figured, and he once more opened the quest screen for a boost of motivation.


    The folly of the Boundless. (Limited, Trial): Hunt the Qriz''Ul and collect their core runes. Each fully-filled pattern will form a key. Reward: Based on the number of keys gained. (4/6)


    NOTE: All 6 keys are required to enter the Main Repository.


    In the beginning, Ogras had felt the mission easy enough. He still remembered the glee upon finding this fragment of a long-lost civilization at the corner of this realm. It had taken the better part of a year trekking through the worlds that simpleton of a Realm Spirit had swallowed as it gallivanted through the void.


    He had felt like the chosen one for once, finding ancient ruins at the end of his arduous journey. This was what adventurers dreamt of, the opportunity to rummage through the rotten carcass of a failed society. It was his opportunity to rekindle the dashed hope he had felt upon realizing that the Mystic Realm back on Earth wasn''t holding anything of value.


    This was a proper Cultivated Realm, where any random building might hold supreme methods and resources. Certainly, none of them had done so thus far, but he was still locked out of the core sections of this ce. As he had traveled the brokennds, it quickly became clear that the civilization had fallen in war �C and a war of their own making by the looks of it.


    It had taken him two months and gathering the first sets of tattoos, but it hadn��t been too hard to piece together what had happened. And it was a tale as old as time - a tale of hubris and taking shortcuts in the endless pursuit of power. These people, the Ra''Lashar, had clearly dabbled in the unorthodox, and they mainly cultivated through summoning beings from another ne �C the very same beings that now hounded Ogras every waking moment.


    What they actually were, Ogras still didn��t know. Because they sure as hell weren��t goblins. In fact, Ogras had already realized that their appearance was a simple form of mimicry, taking the shape of the ones who had summoned them. Their true form was some sort of energy creature, and they could even be considered living arrays.


    The Qriz''Ul were actually the dense scripts covering the bodies, rather than the bodies themselves. The only way he had found to kill them was by piercing their core runes, but the problem was that the runes kept changing. He had managed to kill four easily enough this time, but the stronger ones were far harder to deal with, especially considering every drawn-out battle attracted hundreds of these things.


    Ogras had never heard of beings such as this before, but he knew that they could pose a huge threat if they ever spread out of this ce. He had seen it, seen how three creatures suddenly split into nine, each one almost as strong as the originals. With that kind of ability to multiply, they would be a blight on any they inhabited.


    Thankfully, it looked like the civilization that had summoned these things understood that fact as well and had created some sort of multiyered seal that kept these critters inside their kingdom. They had even created a trial to cleanse the Qriz''Ul in return for their heritage, which was the quest the Ruthless Heavens had provided the moment he stepped through the outermost seal.


    Most likely it was an act of vengeance on their killers rather than an act of goodwill, but Ogras didn��t care. Killing these things was decent experience, and as soon as the tattoo was filled to the next tier, he would be able to ess a higher tier of rewards. And he knew where the final piece of the puzzle waited.


    Ogras eyes turned toward the tower far in the distance, his eyes gleaming with desire. Every checkpoint brought him closer to that structure, and the rewards would grow better with every step. Now that this ce had been integrated by the Ruthless Heavens, there was no chance for them to balk on the reward either.


    That didn''t mean there were no hidden traps, but Ogras knew he could turn back any moment. Between every seal was a secure checkpoint which doubled as an opportunity to exchange his tattoos for riches, and if things got too heated, he''d simply back down. The price of overconfidence was apparent all around him, and he wasn''t about to get done in by some demon-goblins.


    He was getting out alive from thishersted realm, and he''d exchange some of the wealth he had umted in this prison for a bhanalia that would make the Subi of the Twin Lotus Pavilion blush with shame. If he didn''t beget a dozen little bastards in whatever town he found outside the Dimensional Seed, then his name wasn''t Ogras.


    That didn''t mean he wouldn''t push himself. Every time he considered cashing in, he pictured that dull face. He pictured that annoying smile as one treasure after another fell into that man''s paws. He could feel it. Whatever Zachary Atwood was doing right now, he was no doubt falling headfirst into some opportunity, no doubt while setting the whole sector on fire.


    Ogras knew that the five years in this virgin world hadpletely elevated his prospects and allowed him to make shocking progress, but it wasn''t enough. How embarrassing would it be if they met in a couple of years, and that bumbling human had somehow gone even further ahead after Ogras had enjoyed this kind of environment for years on end?


    It was uneptable.


    So Ogras refocused on the task at hand, slowly following the calling on the iplete tattoo. When he was missing two marks, it had pointed in every direction, making itpletely useless. But now that there was just a single piece missing, it was pointing him toward a single location. Ogras had encountered this phenomenon four times already, and he knew that the big boss held the final piece of the puzzle.


    Killing any more of these troublesome critters would just draw more attention, so he melded with the shadows as he moved through the ruins like a wraith. Eventually, he reached the spot indicated. It was arge domed building that might once have served as a temple. Dozens of Qriz''Ul ambled around at its gate, but Ogras noted that not a single one stepped inside.


    Using [Darkside] to teleport onto one of the balconies would have been the easiest solution, but it was out of the question. These things looked pretty dumb, but they were pretty alert when it came to energy fluctuations. If not for his Fragment of Mirage, he would have been caught innumerable times by now.


    Instead, Ogras was forced to slowly crawl closer, making use of brief windows of opportunity where the aimlessly wandering creatures had lumbered far away enough that he could sneak a bit closer. Finally, he reached the wall of the temple, and with one fluid motion dragged himself up along the wall until he reached a secluded balcony five meters up.


    He jumped inside, [Skybreaker] already at the ready in his hand, but he was thankfully greeted by an empty room that seemed to have serviced as a scribe''s workstation. Old illegible scrolls covered the floor, the ink on the parchment long faded away. The door to the chamber was closed, but it luckily didn''t squeak at all as he pushed it open to peer outside.


    A nose.


    That all ogras saw. A nose asrge as an Alpha Barghest, full of welts and sinister runes, pointing straight toward the sky in defiance of both beauty andmon sense. Ogras'' heart almost jumped out of his mouth, and he pushed the door shut again ever-so-slowly, afraid to startle the thing right outside.


    How was this fair?


    The goblin that was lying in the domed chamber at the heart of this temple had to be over fifteen meters tall while maintaining its original proportions. By the looks of it, it was sleeping, but Ogras didn''t know if these creatures actually slept. He hadn''t seen any evidence of them doing so thus far at least.


    He had observed the thing for a moment, but that creature was clearly not only big but also filled to the brim with the dark energies of the Qriz''Ul. Ogras guessed it might even have evolved to the next step, though its aura wasn''t nearly as deep as his grandpa''s. Still, tackling a creature of this magnitude, it was asking too much of him. Even with the skill he got at level 125, Ogras didn''t feel confident at all.


    "Well, I guess that''s it for me," Ogras muttered with reluctance as he turned toward the balcony.


    "Are you sure?" a shrill and guttural voice muttered from behind. "I can- ACK!"


    The speaker didn''t get any further as [Skybreaker] pierced straight into its forehead, and the spear turned into a blur as it kept stabbing over and over. Unfortunately, it looked like the attacks werepletely ineffectual.


    "I''m dead damnit, so stop trying to kill me," the goblin said with exasperation as he tried to swat the spearhead away, though his hand simply went straight through the weapon. "Look at me, you idiot. Do I have those runes across my skin?"


    "Sorry, didn''t notice," Ogras lied as he moved toward the balcony while he gripped a thick stack of exploding talismans.


    Of course he had noticed, but what did it matter? It wasn''t like the original citizens of this ce were his allies even if a few of them had somehow survived until now. If anything, they might get in the way of him getting to the treasures. Better kill and say a prayer in case the goblin was friendly, than get killed by some rune-parasite-summoning lunatic.


    "So long our world has been lost to the river of time, and a bastard like you is the one who finds us," the goblin muttered. "Well, I guess it''s destiny." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Whatever," Ogras whispered with a roll of his eyes. "What do you want? And speak with a lower volume, you imbecile."


    "Because of that dolt?" the goblin sneered as he nced at the closed door. "We could sing and dance for an hour without that thing noticing. It''s ced itself in a type of stasis to reserve energy."


    "Good to know," Ogras shrugged, still whispering. "So what do you want?"


    "It would be a shame if you left like this," the goblin grunted. "There are still a lot of Qriz''Ul profaning our final resting ce."


    "Well, that''s not my problem," Ogras shrugged. "Should have thought of that before you summoned them."


    "Well, that''s true. The second part, that is," the goblin agreed. "As for the first, I wouldn''t be so sure."


    "Is that a threat?" Ogras asked, his eyes thinning as he tried to figure out if he had any ghost-killing capabilities. Unfortunately, hecked any life-attuned abilities like those Zachary Atwood possessed.


    "Threat? No, an opportunity," the ghost said with a wide grin. "That Ka''Zur neswalker in your body is giving you trouble, no?"


    "What are you talking about?" Ogras shrugged, barely managing to keep his face impassive.


    "No need to y dumb with me, brat," the goblin snickered. "I might just be a figment brought back from the void to maintain this ce, but I was once a Grand Warlock who had delved in the arcane for eons. I know one of those shadelings when I see them."


    "And you want to help me?" Ogras said with a raised brow. "Pretty generous for a goblin ghost."


    Simultaneously, his mind was going over what he had learned of these goblins so far,paring it to what the little ghost in front of him was saying. This civilization had almost all focused on contracting and training nefarious creatures from another realm, using them to fight in their stead. And while these things were distinctly different from Asshole in some regards, they were a bit simr in others.


    Were they actually rted? Did Assholee from the same realm as the odd parasites outside? And did that mean their methods might actually be of use for him?


    Getting fused with Asshole had led to a higher affinity to shadows, at the risk of his very soul. The Ka''Zur neswalker had been quiet for a long time, but Ogras knew it was lurking somewhere in the depths of his soul, waiting for the opportunity to pounce. It wouldn��t get the chance. However, permanently dealing with Asshole without losing the benefits that the creature provided was easier said than done.


    If he could impose a Soul Brand on Asshole, he would bepletely safe from attack as long as he maintained his cultivation lead. Now, he didn��t even dare get too wounded or go all-out in a fight out of fear that the creature would make a move.


    "Generous? Not really, but my hatred for the bastards outside is greater than my indifference to you. This shield won''tst forever, and I''m afraid it will break apart before someone morepetent than you appear here," the goblin shrugged.


    "Well, I''m all ears," Ogras said.


    "Whoever tampered with that creature in your body didn''t know what he was doing," the goblin said as he looked at Ogras with disgust. "You are one, yet separate. One of our great shamans possessed a technique to draw the creatures of the Lost ne into her body, using them to empower herself. With that method, you will be able to truly make use of the power locked inside you."


    "And look how that went for her," Ogras said with a pointed look.


    "Our demise was due to another experiment," the goblin said with a roll of his eyes. "Rasata fought to the very end, and the creatures that had fused with her soul never managed to revolt. Of course, the moment she fell, her body became an eldritch horror that elerated the fall of our civilization. A regrettable quirk, but who cares what happens to our body after we fall? Might as well go out with a bang."


    "And let me guess," Ogras sighed. "That method is locked inside the tower? Probably guarded by a bunch of supercharged bastards like the big guy outside?"


    The widening grin of the goblin was all the answer he needed.

 Chapter 750: Seal

    <h4>Chapter 750: Seal</h4>


    Zac would have preferred to enter seclusion for a few days to consolidate his gains, but he was running against the clock here. Alvod had given him one month to unblock at least one jammer, and he had already spent a good chunk of that time climbing the chasm and heading to the valley. He would have to get used to his newfound power on the go.


    He soon left the cave, swimming even further toward the heart of the Twilight Chasm. Zac didn''t want to head back where he came from since that way would take him toward the Living Pulse once more, which was the opposite of what he wanted. If he had entered the Twilight Chasm from the South, then he instead set a rough course heading northeast.


    The Death Pulse should be somewhere in the opposite direction of the Living Pulse, and cutting straight through the surfaceyer of the Twilight Chasm would save a few weeks of travel time. Hopefully, that would also lessen the chance of encountering elites, since even they usually stayed at the periphery of the chasm.


    It wasn''t that he was afraid. This deep in the trial he was nigh-invulnerable thanks to his resistance to Twilight Energy. But the moment his location was leaked, it would lead to all kinds of trouble. And the topbatants had all kinds of methods to stay alive, making it almost impossible to guarantee his secret being kept.


    Of course, not even Zac dared to enter the most central area of the Twilight Chasm even in his current state, which was purported to be a towering mountain tens of timesrger than the ones he climbed here. ording to rumors, it stretched tens of thousands of meters above the surface, and it held just as great treasures as the deepest depths of the chasm.


    But it was also crawling with Beast Kings, and not something Zac wanted to entangle himself with right now. There was too much to do, and too little time. The days passed as he crossed from mountain to mountain, asionally snatching a herb or mineral that seemed valuable. His senses were constantly stretched to their limits in search of other trial-takers, but he hadn''t spotted a single one.


    Had he overestimated the elites of this opening, or were the rankers busy with something else?


    He was however constantly targeted byrge packs of beasts every time he reached a new mountain. But Curiously enough, not a single one of the Beast Kings made their appearance to lead their subordinates, even when Zac could sense their auras hiding deep in the mountains. That only increased the unease Zac felt, and his mind was starting to get frayed after a week''s travel.


    He knew that he wasn''t scary enough to subdue all the Beast Kings in the chasm, so just what was going on? These behemoths were the mostmon source of deaths in the chasm, yet he was swimming through their territories unchallenged. Were theyying low because of what transpired in the valley? Or had a certain apex predator lurking in the depths made an appearance recently?


    Zac didn''t know what was the case, and the mystery prompted Zac to push himself to his limit to cross the chasm in record time. With his improved attributes and experience with far deadlier currents in the depths, Zac found himself able to almost effortlessly cover ground. Sometimes, he was even able to hitch a ride with one of the currents, saving hours in one go.


    Unfortunately, he did feel that the Twilight Energy was starting to enter his body at a greater and greater rate, meaning the immunity he enjoyed wasn''t permanent. Zac wasn''t too bothered by that fact though. It wouldst over a month by the looks of it, and by that time he would be far from the chasm. Another week passed, and Zac eventually reached the other edge of the chasm, with less than a week to spare before the deadline.


    It looked pretty much the same as there he first arrived, a massive wall stretching down into the darkness, with enormous currents rushing into the chasm to turn into submerged waterfalls. He didn��t immediately approach, but instead stayed hidden on a nearby mountain for almost an hour without making a move.


    No matter if it was his Draugr-sense or [Cosmic Gaze], he still couldn��t spot any cultivators staying by the edge, and it was starting to get to him. There were millions of cultivators participating in the trial, and normally, there should at least be a few thousand who venture into the chasm every round.


    He gave it some thought, but he eventually decided to stay in his Draugr form as he set off toward the edge. His Draugr identity was definitely exposed because of thedder, making his human identity a lot safer inparison. Of course, it wasn��t a very good disguise considering the bounty on his head, but he knew that the prompt required a few seconds to appear.


    A few seconds might not sound like a lot, but it was enough to either ambush an unsuspecting party or escape with a talisman. That had been his original idea, but he didn''t dare break the array hiding his Duplicity Core unless necessary now. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac reached the edge soon enough and was greeted with a barrenndscape that stretched for miles. Still, the scene was filled with a sense of beauty to Zac, who was more than done with the subdued darkness of the Twilight Chasm. Besides, he knew that the environment should soon gain some more greenery. It was simply that the currents made it impossible for anything to grow around the edge.


    Sure enough, the deste rocks were soon reced by a thick bed of moss and swaying seaweed. Ten minutester, the grass had grown to over five meters in height, turning the area into a veritable forest. Zac was forced to slow down his pace somewhat since this area had to be a prime location for an ambush.


    He suddenly spotted something amiss, though it wasn''t a cultivator lying in wait. It was rather a massive rune that shimmered in the waters at the edge of his visibility. It onlysted a second before it disappeared, making it almost seem like the water refractions were ying with his mind. However, after the first one came another, and two turned into innumerable runes that stretched across the horizon.


    It was like the whole Twilight Chasm had been cordoned off by some sort of array, and Zac immediately took out the array disk for his quest. For the second time, the tracker indicated a spot not too far away. The first time was when he had almost finished his climb on the opposite side of the chasm.


    By the looks of it, the location was situated right beneath the line demarcated by the gargantuan array. These runes were connected to whatever jammers the Twilight Lord wanted removed, and they probably stretched all around the Twilight Chasm. The question was what kind of array had been set up, and who was behind it.


    The native ns being behind this felt like a distinct possibility, considering they should be the factions with the most reason to stop the Eveningtide Asura''s ns. Exactly what the Eveningtide Asura was nning wasn''t clear, but the words of Yod echoed in the back of his mind.


    The Corpselord had been convinced that someone wanted to blow up the whole Mystic Realm to drain it of its resources, but he had rather been convinced that the culprit was the foreign empires rather than the Twilight Lord himself. And knowing the ruthless method of cultivation the Eveningtide Asura employed, Zac figured this Mystic Realm wasn''t long for the world if he had his way.


    The empires were clearly embroiled in this matter as well, and the more Zac learned the more he understood he had no business getting himself involved with something like this. Yet he found himself swimming toward the spot marked on the tracker, using the lush ntlife as a means to cover his approach.


    Soon enough he got within a few kilometers of the mark on his tracker, but he still hadn''t spotted anything amiss. He got closer and closer, moving back and forth to get a better vantage. And eventually, he saw it. There was just arge pir embedded in the ground, covered in markings. It was the same color as the ocean itself, and the engravings made it blend in almost perfectly with the seaweed around it, forming a nigh-perfect camouge.


    That wasn''t only true for his mundane senses. The energy it emitted was wholly unimpressive, not standing out from the nts in the area at all.


    If Zac was just passing by, he could probably have swum a few hundred meters from it without noticing its existence at all. It had to be a disguise. The Eveningtide Asura had risked the wrath of the Heavens to enter the Trial and find someone to shut that thing off. Perhaps the pir had arrays hiding the energy it emitted.


    The scene was a bit odd, making Zac feel something was amiss. He could simply take out a projectile from his spatial ring and destroy that thing with azy throw. Why were there no defenses to the thing?


    As far as he could tell, the pir wasn''t even protected by a weak barrier, and there were no warriors or defensive golems stationed there either. If this was an integral piece supposed to thwart the Eveningtide Asura, why had it simply been nted and forgotten like this?


    Zac scanned the area over and over, using every method avable in his repertoire to look for any sort of trap. But there was nothing. Zac hesitated for a second before he swam upward, heading for the surface of the ocean. He risked getting exposed this way, but he needed to figure out what the hell was going on.


    This odd setup looked harmless enough, yet it looked like it managed to keep the whole Twilight Chasm depopted. There had to be some trick to it. But there was nothing to see on the surface either, except torrential storms and a humongous flying Beast King howling in the distance.


    He quickly swam back to the depths before he was spotted, and he soon enough found himself just fifty meters from the Array Pir. Part of him wanted to just ignore this thing and keep going, but the thinly veiled threat of the Eveningtide Asura made him grit his teeth and take out [Verun��s Bite].


    A deep growl made the waters vibrate as Zac shot forward, therge jagged edge of [Gorehew] forming in front of the axe. Thankfully, the Spirit Tool hadn''t suddenly be incapable of channeling his undead skills after gaining the golden patterns. If anything, it felt like energy coursed through the weapon smootherpared to before.


    Zac was in front of the pir in no time, but his eyes widened when the seemingly engraved runes across the pir rearranged themselves with dizzying speed, releasing a tremendous st that rebuffed his strike and pushed Zac back over twenty meters. The strike hade from what looked like a gate made from the runes, and out of it, a densely tattooed man stepped out.


    The attacker seemed to be a member of the Havarok Empire judging by the tattoos that covered his body, but Zac was filled with a sense of wrongness as he looked into the man��s empty eyes. There was no spark of sapience in those eyes, and the man in front of him reminded Zac of the silver guards of Salvation more than an elite cultivator.


    It wasn��t strictly a puppet though as Zac could sense that the man in front of him was alive. However, his energy signature was pretty odd. He neither resembled a living cultivator nor carried the mark of undeath. He rather off an aura simr to a creature of the Twilight Abyss, perfectly in tune with the Twilight Energy. Furthermore, even after having observed the odd puppet-man for a few seconds, no contribution points showed up over his head, meaning the System didn��t consider the man a trial-taker.


    The runes on his body immediately lit up in a dark golden-green, and Zac instantly felt a storm of Twilight Energy gather around him. In an instant, the energy density in the area had reached levels that surpassed the outer chasm, and if not for his unique constitution, he would have been in big trouble.


    Zac looked back and forth between the silent man and the pir behind him, no longer sure just which one of them was the actual target. The puppet reeked of killing intent, and he shot toward Zac as energy built in his body. His runes turned almost blinding and chaotic arcs something surrounded him.


    His first instinct was to call it lightning, but it was fully made by Twilight Energy. It made him think of his experience in the valley, where he almost got convinced that life was not life, and death was not death. They were rather receptacles for something else, like how Twilight had somehow be a receptacle for thunder in the puppet in front of him.


    It was an interesting contrast to his own path, but Zac didn''t have any time to study it as the puppet was almost instantaneously upon him. The warrior didn��t have any weapons and instead swiped his hand toward Zac like a beast. Waves of twilight thunder rippled forward, and Zac was shocked at the power the attack contained.


    This puppet, had it once been one of the Rankers of the trial? Zac had a hard time imagining too many being able to unleash such a forceful attack, even if he wasn''t restrained by the Twilight Energy in his current state. However, Zac quickly realized the truth of the matter as he sensed a familiar source of power in the cascading wave of destruction.


    Lifeforce.


    The zombified cultivator was burning his longevity to unleash terrifying amounts of energy in the go, and the whole area groaned under the chaotic might of his attacks. Still, it was nowhere near enough to make Zac feel despair, and he stood in ce as a thick coffin sprung up in front of him. It was the skeletons of [Profane Exponents] that had made their appearance, for once not being beset by terrifying currents the second Zac brought them out.


    The roiling wave of lightning struck the barrier, and the whole area for almost a hundred meters was instantly turned into a void as the water was forcibly evaporated. Of course, the odd scene onlysted for an instant before the ocean copsed on itself again, causing a storm to erupt in the area.


    But the crashing ocean itself was cut in two as Zac swung his weapon, its edge radiating the unquestionable might of the Branch of the War Axe. The lightning storm was unable tost even a moment as the ripping edge of Dao shot forward, its churning chaos nothing in of the madness of war.


    The energy whole area itself was suddenly roiling, and not from the outbursts of attacks. It was Zac who had unleashed his Dao Field, which now was powerful enough to almost impact the fundamentalws of the area. Even the usually harmonious Twilight Energy was growing erratic, almost breaking apart in an internal struggle.


    For a moment the outline of two massive axe appeared behind Zac''s back, but they onlysted for a fraction of a second before they dissipated and joined the more intangible energy of the overpowering Dao Filed. Zac wasted no time as he appeared right next to the puppet, the edge of [Gorehew] once more ripping toward him.


    The puppet had been pushed off-bnce by the Dao Field, and its runes flickered as he hold his head in a silent scream. Zac guessed the zombification process wasn''t perfect, and the warrior''s original path suddenly found itself in a struggle against the one imposed on his body. Ultimately, it didn''t matter, and the ck edge ripped him clean in two, prompting a surge of energy to enter Zac''s body.


    Zac looked at the bisected body of the cultivator thoughtfully for a moment before he swam toward the pir. No wonder the chasm was so empty. If puppets like these were ced out all around the area, few would dare to make their move. Itsbat strength was nothing to scoff at, but more importantly, the amount of Twilight Energy it had gathered was enough to kill most warriors on its own.


    A second swing destroyed the array pir as well, but Zac''s brows rose in surprise when the engravings on its surface actually detached from the crumbling rock and turned into glistening sigils hovering in the water itself. The runes quickly reformed themselves, distorting and elongating until eight vortices formed.


    From the void, eight more figures stepped out onto the ground, each one of them radiating the same killing intent as their fallenrade as the energy density area started climbing toward unprecedented levels. Zac''s first instinct was to book it, but he swore in surprise when the whole area was suddenly sealed by some sort of Twilight Energy lock.


    Zac looked back at the eight warriors with a sigh as torrential amounts of Miasma started to churn in his body. It looked like these guys wanted to lock him down, but two could y that game. It looked like it was time to try out his new skill.

 Chapter 751: Pillar of Desolation

    <h4>Chapter 751: Pir of Destion</h4>


    The rampaging Twilight Energy was putting even Zac at a disadvantage as he felt dangerous amounts storming into his body even with thetent protection he had gained inside the valley. Thankfully, simply using his new-and-improved Dao Field lessened the pressure significantly, which allowed him to finish charging his new skill without having to turn to his Void Energy.


    He had figured that a supreme-quality skill would be pretty energy-hungry, but he was shocked to find that it required 60% of his energy to finally form, meaning it was actually impossible to activate solely with his hidden energy reserve. That alone was crazy considering how massive an energy pool his attributes and Draugr heritage provided, but even more shocking was the fact that a small amount of distilled energy of Oblivion was dragged into the skill fractal.


    Zac had no time to worry about that though as the skill was finally ready, and it was just in time. The eight puppets seemed to have realized that he wasn''t exploding from energy overload, and their auras started to umte as they no doubt readied themselves to strike. However, they were toote as the whole area rumbled as it was rapidly being swallowed by endless darkness.


    He himself was no exception, and he felt himself meld with the nothingness around him. He was suddenly one with the domain, and Zac felt he would be able to appear wherever he wished. He could also stay and let his skill do the work for him, which he opted to do. Unsurprisingly, the eight puppets instantly stopped in their tracks as they tried to find their way in the darkness.


    From that darkness, a sole pir suddenly rose from the ground, and even Zac was shocked at the grotesque monument of suffering even if he was the one who had conjured it. It looked a bit like a totem pole reaching fifty meters into the air, and it waspletely constituted from statues and reliefs of hundreds of people locked in agony. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Some missed arms or other limbs, while others were maimed to the point of entrails spilling down on their neighbors. A few even held their decapitated heads in an embrace as they were pinned to the pole by thick chains that formed an intricate mesh from top to bottom.


    Their wounds were carved with excruciating detail, yet their facial features were indistinct, creating a sense of discordance. But as Zac looked at the figures, the unreadable faces suddenly became all-too-familiar. It was the faces of those who he had killed on his journey. Thankfully, the effect onlysted an instant before the statues turned back to their previous form.


    A few seemed to be struggling against the fetters that bound them while an even smaller group was lost in a fugue of abject hopelessness. However, most of the depicted warriors, especially those ced toward the top, seemed to be struggling to climb higher. To reach the orb above them.


    At the top, a sphere of utmost darkness hovered, an anti-sun radiating true death. Zac could feel that not even an undead would be safe if entering that thing, since there ultimately was an uncrossable line between undeath and true death.


    And in the heart of the orb - nothingness. Oblivion.


    It was just a small seed, but it was enough to bring true finality to death. Yet, for some reason, the wretched beings seemed desperate to enter the orb, even though they were frozen in ce. You could perhaps say that the totem pole represented limbo, whereas the orb represented release.


    However, try as they might, they would never reach that spot, bound as they were by thick fetters of destion. The orb hovered untouched, drenching the area in its immense aura.


    The dark domain it had created was different from the darkness that spread from skills like [Deathmark] or Varo��s obfuscation skills. It was a sealed domain with no escape, and Zac looked with interest as the remaining runes of the pir cracked, making sure that no other puppets would be teleported to the area.


    At the edge of the domain, a river of darkness created a towering wall as impassable as the River Styx itself. Certainly, people could enter if they so wished, but doing so would put them in Zac''s kingdom. Here he was sovereign ruler, the arbiter of fate. Not even Twilight held sway in here, and it was severely weakened by thebination of his Dao Domain and the orb exuding supremacy at top of the totem pole.


    The zombified warriors worked as one, unsurprisingly deducing that the pir presented a huge threat. Each of them conjured massive waves of energy as theyunched their strikes at the base. Some of the attacks were elemental in nature, like the st of twilight-touched lightning from the first cultivator to appear.


    Others were just chaotic mixes of energy, condensed into a lethal storm that tried to tear apart everything it touched. However, not one of them used any skill, and Zac was starting to suspect they weren��t able to. Whatever was done to these people had fused them with the Twilight Ocean, probably at the cost of their original cultivation methods.


    Zac sent out a mentalmand, and eight of the ethereal chains on the totem pole shot out, each of them targeting a puppet. They entered the chaotic storm of twilight like spears of death, but they were swallowed in the tide as the barrage mmed into the totem pole with enough power to almost destroy space itself.


    However, the core of [Pir of Destion] only received superficial damage even from such a terrifying strike. Some of the statues had cracks running across their bodies while a few of the chains shattered. The chains that Zac had sent out were momentarily dispelled into puffs of darkness, but they had actually reformed after less than a second and were already closer to their targets than they were before.


    The puppets finally disyed some semnce of sapience as they spread out, with four shooting toward the pir whereas the others tried to break out from the domain. Those who went of the offense were struck down first, and Zac felt a surge of Miasma entering his body as the first of the puppets was caught while the other three desperately dodged.


    Just like the old skill [Profane Seal], the chains immediately started draining their captives of energy, bing fodder for Zac to keep fighting. The tattooed warrior furiously struggled as it released one strike after another, but the moment the chain had actually ensnared him, it was like it had transformed from an intangible manifestation of darkness into a physical object.


    Suddenly, it was as durable as the totem pole itself, and it barely received a scratch as it dragged the man closer and closer to the pir. In fact, it was a few of the statues that were pulling on the chain, and Zac almost felt like he could sense a hint of schadenfreude in their nk eyes as they pulled the captive closer and closer.


    A second one of the zombies was caught soon after, and then a third. They were pretty agile even without ess to skills, but many of their advantages were nullified here. Some of their energy-gathering ability was blocked out by theyers of domains, but more importantly, the whole area was under tremendous pressure from the orb in the air.


    The old [Profane Seal] had a massive fractal that doubled as a gravity array, and that effect was retained in an even more powerful form from the glowing anti-sun. These puppets had tried to take the pir down, but the closer they got, the more affected they were by the restriction. Soon enough, they became too slow to avoid the chains.


    Zac sensed that he could actually activate [Blighted Cut] any time he wanted after having caught the first set of puppets, but he wanted to unearth the full effect of the skill now that he had activated it for the first time. Everything had been so clear when he formed the thousands of patterns that made up this terrifying ability, but it had all be blurred and confused even before hepleted the process.


    Now, things were slowlying back to him, and he looked with rapt attention as the first of the puppets were finally dragged onto the pir by the nearby statues. It struggled and fought, but it was all in vain as the statues enclosed the man in an embrace as the fetters wound them all tighter and tighter.


    A pained wail echoed out from the puppet, and Zac could see some emotion in its eyes for the first time �C fear. It onlysted for a fraction of a second though before the enormous sphere of death on the top of the pole released a pulse, prompting a wave of darkness to cascade down along the length of the pir. It passed the spot where the warrior was being held, continuing out through the other chains to deliver a painful surge to the other captives.


    The darkness passed, and the puppet bound to the pir was gone, reced with yet another statue locked in an eternal struggle. Meanwhile, it looked like the totem pole had grown a bit taller, and the sphere at the top had grown slightly more oppressive.


    The other half of the puppets were still trying to break out from the prison Zac had conjured, but the river swirling at the edge of the cage was as impassable as his old skill, or rather even more so. Zac could feel how their monumental attacks were disrupting the churning waters, but it wasn''t enough. It was an everchanging blockage, and Zac sensed how the cracks in his skill were swiftly moved away, reced by other sections of the river.


    Breaking out was possible, but you would either need to be able to unleash a terrifying strike to split apart the river in one go, sort of like Billy��s titanic smashes that could break apart almost any array. If that wasn��t an option, you��d need extremely keen senses or good scouting skills, so that you could keep track of the damage you caused.


    The second option was easier said than done even if you had the capability, since [Pir of Destion] wasn''t the only skill Zac would have going in a situation like this. Activating another skill would force him out of hiding, but Zac didn''t care as he silently appeared at the edge of the cage, far away from his targets.


    One spectral wraith after another appeared as Zac activated [Deathmark], and he smiled with satisfaction as he saw the wraiths looking more corporeal than usual. It was no doubt thanks to the orb of budding Oblivion shining down on the area. While it suppressed the interlopers in this domain, it also looked like it helped Zac��s summons.


    He didn��t feel any boost to himself, but that was perhaps because he wasn��t a conjuration of death like the axe-wielding wraiths. In either case, they looked slightly more corporeal, and while they didn��t seem much stronger, they wouldst longer and be able to withstand more punishment before dissipating.


    Soon enough three more puppets were caught by the chains of death. Two of them were inexorably dragged toward the pole, but one managed to resist. It was an extremely bulky warrior who probably had Strength as his main attribute that managed to resist the pull. He had dug his feet into the ground, and his limbs bulged as he released a torrent of energy to withstand the pull of the fetters and even topple the pir itself.


    However, the stalemate onlysted a second before a wraith shed over, its axe separating the man��s head from his torso with an emotionless swing imbued with the Branch of the War Axe. Soon enough he was dragged along with the others, joining the statues on the pole.


    Zac finally felt a pang of danger as the two surviving warriors shot toward him, their auras rising to unprecedented levels. Zac had been in this very situation more than once before, and the small skeletal warriors of [Profane Exponents] appeared behind him, just in time to form a thick barrier to seal him off.


    The next moment, the cage wildly shuddered as the two puppets self-detonated, creating a terrifying explosion of Twilight Energy in the area. The barriers Zac had hastily erected were only enough to block the destruction for a second, but that was enough for Zac to activate and sh away with [Abyssal Phase].


    The rumbling soon subsided, and Zac deactivated all his skills. The real Twilight Ocean soon came crashing back, no longer held back by his deathly river, and Zac looked at the destion around him with a satisfied smile. Two deep craters had been left in the ground after the puppets self-destructed, but Zac was more interested in the small spot frayed space that lingered at the area where the core of the anti-sun had once been.


    It was a crackling ck glob that shuddered as it was rooted in ce, looking a bit simr to a spatial tear yet decidedly different. It almost felt like a frayed thread on a sweater, and if Zac pulled on the thread it would lead into the true Abyss. Zac obviously wouldn''t do such a thing, instead opting to immediately set off after confirming that he had progressed the quest and that there was no loot to pick up.


    Theck of Spatial Treasures was disappointing, but the quest progress was higher than expected. In fact, it had reached (9/729). It mostly confirmed that it was those odd Havarok cultivators who were considered the jammers in the quest, rather than the array pir itself. There were probably a lot of them lurking around the rim of the Chasm, and what he��d seen so far didn��t give Zac reason to believe finishing the quest to be overly difficult.


    The preparations of the Havarok might have been enough to thwart most people since most would be lucky if they could even stay alive in front of the energy density the puppets conjured. Zac even guessed that only he and Uona would have the ability to trash those things as they came.


    Even then, Zac didn��t start swimming along the edge of the array in search of the next pir, and neither did he wait for another batch of puppets toe looking for him. He kept going straight ahead instead, moving further and further away from the chasm. Destroying the pir was simply a precaution, a way for him to disy some progress in case the Eveningtide Asura really had some hidden traps in case hepletely disregarded the quest.


    But there was no way he was actually going to keep breaking open those jammers.


    A [Perennial Vastness Token] was nice and all, but you needed to be alive to enjoy it. This was a Decree quest, and he would have to physically head over to the Eveningtide Asura or an assigned representative to cash in on the quest. The chance of him surviving such an exchange was worse than slim.


    Getting a decree quest would normally be a dreame true for most wandering cultivators, since getting one was the quickest way to add a Teleportation Array to your private teleportation system. Just being able to travel back and forth between Twilight Harbor and some other world in the Zervereth Sector would allow you to make a decent living as a porter.


    But that was for normal cultivators, and for normal times. It wasn��t even a given that the Twilight Harbor would exist in a few decades if Alvod Jondir had his way, so what good was teleportation ess? And even the harbor survived, would Zac dare return to this ce after the ruckus he had caused?


    So why make an enemy of the Havarok Empire for a reward that you��d never get to enjoy? If anything, the more of the jammers that stayed intact, the better. That way the Eveningtide Asura was more likely to have his hands full while Zac fled back to the Zecia sector in his human form, never to be seen again.


    Zac even wished he was a bit more talented like his sister. If he was, he might have figured out a way to seal up the chasm even better. But for now, creating some chaos would have to do.

 Chapter 752: The Spider and the Fly

    <h4>Chapter 752: The Spider and the Fly</h4>


    Zac knew he had been too reactive until now, dealing with things as they came. But he knew he needed to start making some moves on his own, or he''d eventually get trapped in someone''s schemes, be it the Eveningtide Asura or therge factions. He needed to be the spider rather than the fly stuck in the web, and that feeling had been part of the motivation behind the formation of his new skill.


    And it was with that conviction he needed to push forward through this trial, no longer staying passive. First off, Zac needed to get away from here. He had noticed a weak shimmer in the waters when he destroyed the pir, like a spider web burning up, and he guessed that whatever array the Havarok erected had broken down in his section. He made use of that fact as he left the chasm behind, heading in the general direction of the Death Pulse.


    The most pressing issue was that his [Ocean Chart] waspletely nk in this area, and he wasn��t really in a mood to waste more time than necessary. He was running behind schedule because of his extended cultivation session, and he was already a couple of monthste to his rendezvous with Catheya.


    Zac definitely couldn��t get caught in some sort of trial or danger zone at this moment, wasting what precious time he had. He needed to catch someone and borrow their map, preferably gaining the route back to the middle reaches of the Twilight Ocean in one fell swoop. Unfortunately, the puppet-like cultivators didn��t even have a Cosmos Sack, let alone an [Ocean Chart].


    Furthermore, the ocean remained oddly deste, with no cultivators in sight even after traveling for two hours. It almost started to feel like he had been thrown into an empty dimension, or that he had lost track of time and stayed beyond the closing of the trial. Thankfully, it didn��t take much longer until Zac found his first clue.


    A massive rune illuminated the ocean far in the distance, just beneath the surface. This wasn��t an array like he had seen before, but rather a marker simr to the one Ventus had used for his settlement in the Greengrove Archipgo. However, this one said ��Warning!�� in the Multiverse general script rather than indicate a gathering spot.


    Zac hesitated only for a second before he changed course, heading straight toward the marker. It was definitely worth the risk if he could get some answers. Finally, he saw the source of the glowing sign; an inscribed block of stone with hundreds of groves. In each grove, an information crystal was embedded, waiting for whomever to pick one like a flyer. Some of the crystals shone with a golden luster, whereas others glowed with the cold turquoise of Miasma.


    It was hard to tell whether the block of stone had hidden arrays, so he had [Love''s Bond] stretch through the vegetation he was hiding in and continue for hundreds of meters beneath the ground until it sprung up like a snake right in front of the marker. The fetters snatched one of the crystals radiating Miasma before it pulled back to where Zac waited.


    He simply picked up the crystal before he shed away, furiously swimming for thirty minutes before stopping. It was a small precaution in case the thing was a trap, and only after erecting a series of istion arrays did he infuse some Miasma into the gemstone, which clearly was a high-quality information crystal.


    Arge screen immediately appeared in front of him, showing arge group of cultivators. Standing in front of them was a burly cultivator standing as tall as Billy, with a massive sword draped across his back. He radiated an extremely ferocious aura as well, to the point that it could be sensed through the screen. Of course, Zac recognized the man since he was extensively covered in every information missive he owned.


    ��Iam Aldus Venarun and I have a matter of grave importance to share with all the undead factions of the Twilight Harbor, along with our friends of among the wandering cultivators.''


    Zac was a bit surprised as he listened to the message. Going by the odd tattooed cultivators and the array g before, Zac had expected to see Ykrodas Havarok. But this notice was made by a local rather than an outsider. Zac calmly kept listening, though he never stopped scanning the area for any sort of threat closing in on him.


    ''Enemies of the Twilight Harbor are scheming to bring harm upon it. A few shortsighted families from the Undead Empire along with the Radiant Temple are bent on copsing the Twilight Ocean upon itself, stealing its essence. We cannot allow this to happen. It would spell doom for our homes and true death for trillions. Everyone needs to do their part in protecting our homnd.''


    The scene suddenly changed, and Zac��s eyes widened when he saw it was a short clip of the enormous snake that had almost killed him in the depths of the Twilight Chasm. The clip was short, only showing the beast��s head from a distance for an instant before a wave of destruction rippled toward the source of the video. It didn''t take a genius to figure out that whoever filmed that clip was no longer of this world.


    The Twilight Lord is fighting for our survival, Aldus said as the projection swapped back to show him again. ''He is risking his life by bending the rules, sending a guardian to seal off the Chasm. It is the heart of this ocean and the lifeline of the harbor, which makes it one of the targets of our enemies. The council and our allies have worked together to aid the Twilight Lord''s efforts, by setting up a vast tracking array.''


    ''We have cordoned off the whole Twilight Chasm, and anyone entering will be an enemy of the whole Council. Even if the Twilight Lord��s guardian doesn��t manage to strike you down, we will hunt you down with everything we have. You might think it unfair, but this is a matter of life and death. So please, turn back, and look for opportunities elsewhere. If you wish to join our cause, you can do so at any one of our stations.''


    The projection changed again, showing several locations on a surprisingly detailed map. Zac hurriedly copied the map, adding vast swathes to his [Ocean Chart] in one go. By the time Zac was done, the projection had died down, and the area was once more silent.


    Zac looked around, and while the area was empty, he still activated another escape talisman, disappearing in a puff of smoke. He appeared among some 50-meter tall corals a momentter, startling a school of crabs who were busy picking apart a massive eel. A short but frenzied battleter, Zac shot away through the reef, his Spatial Ring filled with a small mountain of high-quality crab meat. He didn��t travel too far though, but rather stopped at a secluded spot to go over the information.


    He finally understood why there were so few people in the area at least. The tracking array was a pretty strong deterrent, and Zac had experienced their methods himself, with the powerful puppets appearing out of nowhere. He guessed that anyone who passed through those runes would be branded, bing a beacon for teleporting puppets.


    And even if someone managed to pass through that outeryer of defense, there was still that terrifying snake to worry about. Zac wondered just what had happened while he was secluded in cultivation for eight months. Was that snake really guarding the Twilight Chasm? If so, why? Was it simply to prevent any more idents from happening?


    Zac was definitely suspicious about how the information was framed. From what Zac had gathered, the Council and the Eveningtide Asura shouldn��t be on the same side. Alvod was using this Mystic Realm for his cultivation by the looks of it, draining it like he had done with so many worlds before. It was more likely that Aldun Venarun simply reframed the clip to suit their purposes when the snake was doing something else entirely.


    He was pretty surprised that the undead n with some Izh''Rak Reaver heritage had taken up with the Havarok Empire, but it ultimately didn��t matter much to Zac��s purposes. The chart the crystal had provided was far more useful. It had mapped out seven towns and their surroundings, the closest one being just over a week''s travel away. There was another one in the inner reaches, though it wasn��t located in the direction Zac had left the chasm.


    The rest of the towns were located in the middle and early sections of the ocean, too far for Zac to reach anytime soon. Unfortunately, it didn��t show any indication of where the Death Pulse was located, so Zac reluctantly steered toward the closest settlement. He figured he could catch someone there, finally getting an update of the state of the trial, hopefully an update that didn''t take such liberties with the truth.


    The days passed as Zac traversed the core region of the Twilight Ocean. This area was just one huge reef forest with massive corals that shone in all colors of the rainbow, making the experience almost psychedelic. He had tried traveling in a submersible to avoid prying eyes, but he had lost it to a Beast King��s sneak attack after just 1 hour. He had ultimately been forced to travel the normal way, not wanting to lose any more of his ships.


    The deathly silence of the Twilight Chasm didn��t reach this area, and it seemed like every single coral was home to some powerful beast or deadly nt. Even when exuding a blood-drenched aura that marked him as a tough nut to crack, Zac found himself mired in dozens of battles over the next three days.


    While this ce was a ruthless ce where only the strong could survive, it was also a ce full of opportunities. Every time he was attacked by a beast at the precipice of reaching D-grade, Zac could almost be sure he��d find a valuable treasure in their den. Certainly, none of the items were anywhere close to the dumplings or the soul-nurturing grass he had found in the depths of the Twilight Chasm, but some would still be considered rare treasures if presented at an auction back in the Zecia sector. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    On the fourth day, just as Zac was in the middle of looting the den of an overconfident mollusk monster, Zac felt his chest thump, but it was not his heart that beat at the prospect of treasure. It was [Void Heart] that was finally waking up after a month-longatose state. He barely had time to seal the cave with a series of arrays before the hidden node beat again, and Zac hurriedly sat down as he was beset by a storm of lightning.


    It was clear that his E-grade hidden node was incapable ofpletely refining Heavenly Lightning, and Zac screamed with pain as rippling currents coursed through his body, setting his world aze. Thankfully, he could feel that the lightning had been somewhat changed, and it didn''t have the presence of the Heavens themselves, that ancient fury intent on killing those who walked the Boundless Path.


    Zac''s whole body twitched as more and more lightning was released by his Node, and soon enough his whole soul Aperture was beset by a cmitous storm as well. Thousands of lightning bolts struck down at the ocean, and his Soul Core was almost like a lightning rod that was constantly targeted.


    However, while he was filled with agony, Zac didn''t reallyment the situation. Trauma was generally just trauma, but suffering sometimes had a silver lining. His whole body was spasmodically twitching on the ground, but he could feel how his cells were greedily swallowing the lightning, almost as quickly as [Void Heart] was spitting it out.


    As to where it went, Zac wasn''t sure, but he assumed it was the same ce as all the other treasures he swallowed when evolving his bloodline. Not only that, but Zac also felt his soul being refined by the continuous lightning strikes. The process continued for over twenty minutes until it eventually stopped, and Zac shakily got back into a sitting position. His hair was singed and standing straight out and he smelled like a roasted pig, but he was filled with excitement as he started to check on his condition.


    The most palpable change was his Bloodline Talent - [Force of the Void]. Until now, it had held 32% of his normal energy reserves, but that number had been pushed up to 38% in one go. It was just 6 more percent, but it was still an amazing step forward considering he had barely progressed that much after years of absorbing energy back on Earth.


    His cells had long felt like billions of small ck holes drawing energy to the void, and it seemed these small vortices had been slightly expanded by the tribtion lightning. Even better, some of the nigh-impossible-to-remove gunk from the [Chainbreaking Pills] had been singed clean from his nodes, saving him well over a month of work.


    This was great news considering this was just one of the tribtions he would have to endure in the E-grade. With his path being formalized and pointing toward the Boundless, the System wouldn''t protect him against the Heavens when forming his three branches, even if the Branch of the War Axe technically was within the System''s purview.


    If anything, the Minor Tribtions that would hit him for his other two branches might be even more powerful considering they were part of a strictly Boundless Peak. But Zac figured the Heavens could zap him every month if it meant getting these kinds of rewards, and he continued to go over his body.


    His soul had improved as well, but it wasn''t as palpable as the situation with his Bloodline Talent. The shimmering core in his Soul Aperture hadn''t grown bigger or denser, but Zac felt its luster purerpared to before. Most likely, the lightning had zapped some of the impurities from it.


    The Soul Core had been almostpletely pure after performing his first reincarnation, but much had happened since then. For one, the energy of oblivion kept pouring into the core, slowly nurturing it while leaving a bit of its mark behind. But most of the umted impurities were ultimately that grass he had chewed raw for months down in the chasm.


    That Spiritual Herb had been extremely pure, but each stalk no doubt left some impurities behind. And after eating almost a hundred, there was bound to be some detriments toe along with the detriments. Unfortunately, the [Purity of the Void] only dealt with the impurities in his body, leaving his Soul Aperture untouched.


    So this boon, while not useful in the short run, was bound to help with his second reincarnation in the future. Apart from that, the two oceans seemed energized somehow, but Zac couldn''t pinpoint exactly what the change stemmed from. Zac kept scanning his body for another couple of minutes, but there wasn''t anything else to find.


    His attributes were still the same, and he didn''t feel any change or improvements to his Dao, unfortunately. Still, it was far better than what most could expect. For a boundless cultivator, simply surviving the punishment was all the benefits you could expect. And from what Zac had gathered, most were left bedridden for months, sometimes years, after getting sted by the Heavenly Lightning.


    Having unearthed all the benefits he could from the lightning, Zac soon set out again through the vast reef, this time looking for treasure with even greater fervor. The tribtion lightning had sted away a lot of his impurities, making this a prime opportunity to stuff himself with treasure. Who knew, he might encounter another sudden bout of inspiration that would allow him to form a second Branch.


    It would be a huge waste if he hadn''t umted a bunch of impurities that he could powerwash out of his system by that time.


    That��s why Zac��s eyes lit up when he saw a harried figure swim through the reef in the distance, and he quickly masked his aura as he crept closer. The creature in question was a weird 80-meter-long monstrosity that looked like a mix of a turtle and an alligator. The result was a Beast King with a spiked shell on its back and massive jaws with three rows of sharp teeth.


    It was a creature bred for war, evidenced by the fact that it actually had another Beast King in its maw; a 40-meter long fish that still released an ominous aura even in death. However, that in itself was Zac��s opportunity, since the victor hadn��te out of the battle unscathed.


    Arge crack ran across the spiked shell on the Beast King��s back, and it had multiple deep wounds across its body. Its aura was a bit unstable as well, and Zac guessed it was rushing back toward its den to nurture its wounds. If that thing had been in perfect condition, Zac wouldn��t have wasted his breath.


    He might have been able to take it down even if it was a lot stronger than the Beast Kings he had fought in direct battle so far, but it might have forced him to use the energy of the Remnants to win. Now, the situation was different, and any treasure an apex predator like this kept in its den would have to be pretty impressive.


    Zac had his goals, but a small detour shouldn��t change the situation too much. He started to follow in the Beast King��s wake, making sure he wasn��t discovered, and the thrill of the hunt and the promise of treasure made adrenaline course through his veins.

 Chapter 753: Reef Forest

    <h4>Chapter 753: Reef Forest</h4>


    Zac panted deeply for a few seconds before he eventually ripped out the edge of [Verun��s Bite] from the brain stem of the beast. Afterward, he quickly swam up, escaping the gory soup inside the Beast King''s skull. All around him, the massive den was in shambles, the wallspletely unable to withstand the fury of their sh.


    The original n had been to ambush and take the wounded beast down in one quick go, but ns could only take you so far. The first surprise hade when the beast finally reached its den, an enormous chasm that continued thousands of meters into the ground. Zac had been shocked to find that its aura had simply disappeared just a minute after entering.


    It was like it had teleported away, without giving the slightest hint of what it was about to do. Zac first thought that it was unusually good at restraining its aura, but that didn''tpletely exin the situation. There had to be something inside, be it a powerful Nexus Vein, a unique herb, or even some mysterious metal whose aura would allow the Beast King to gradually refine their bloodline.


    But there was nothing like that. Conversely, the energy hadn��t decreased either like it did around the small chamber that had be his Cultivation Cave down in the depths. The energy the hole emitted was exactly the same as the ambient energy, making Zac guess something else was at y.


    Either there was an array hiding what was going on inside, or perhaps a unique material with obscuring capabilities. In either case, it piqued Zac''s interest, and he had slowly made his way inside after waiting for another 20 minutes to let the Beast King lower its guard. Unfortunately, it had been futile, and Zac had almost gotten himself killed by a terrifying energy beam that engulfed the whole entrance when he entered.


    If not for his Danger Sense and activating [Abyssal Phase] with the help of his bloodline, he would have been severely burned. However, he managed to dodgepletely unscathed, which left the wounded Beast King in an awkward situation, considering using an attack of such magnitude had worsened its wounds considerably.


    The battle had turned into a ruthless melee afterward, where Zac eventually managed to create an opportunity with the help of the finishing strike of [Blighted Cut], which had opened up arge enough wound in its skull for Zac to sneak inside. From there, a rampage inside its brain had given the king of the reef a gruesome but quick death. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had ultimately been forced to use [Pir of Destion] again even though he had nned on doing without, but the chains of [Love''s Bond] simply wasn''t strong enough to trap such a strong Beast King, even in its wounded state. Just trying would damage the chains, which in turn would harm Alea.


    It was a useful experiment though since it was a confirmation that he could only attach one chain to even such a massive creature. The chain had at least wound itself over ten times around the beast, and it had managed to endure just long enough for him to unleash [Blighted Cut]. However, he knew that even his ultimate skill wouldn''t havested against a Beast King for too long.


    In either case, the hunt was a sess which meant it was time to loot. The beast was quickly chopped up into manageable chunks, though Zac could quickly confirm that its meat most likely wasn''t serviceable. It had a rank odor not fit for eating, but it would still be useful as feed or as a lure for other beasts.


    As for the den itself, it was covered in Twilight Crystals, though most of them had been broken during the sh. Unsurprisingly, the energy intensity inside the den was far greaterpared to the outside, in this case, thanks to sitting on on a Nexus Vein. Unfortunately, it looked like the ''treasure'' that this beast had found for itself was a natural formation rather than an item, meaning it impossible for Zac to bring away.


    He had sensed a mysterious energy being generated in the center of the cave, but that energy was gone by the time the fight was over. That didn''t mean his hunt was fruitless, and his eyes first turned to the small hill of corpses in the corner of the cave, and then the mound of Twilight Crystals in another.


    It looked extremely grim, but Zac still shot toward the pile first to rummage for wealth among the fallen cultivators. There were almost a hundred corpses gathered, and judging by the state of dposition of the remains, this beast had preyed on trial-takers for at least 10 E-grade trials. For all Zac knew, this bloodthirsty bastard might have been a known terror of the area.


    Zac only briefly scanned some of the rings and pouches, but he realized that most of the Pouches had been broken down by the Twilight Energy, their contents lost to the void forever. Thankfully, the Spatial Rings were more resilient, and while many had lost a lot of their space, what remained contained an impressive amount of treasures.


    Those who had fallen were mostly native elites from the looks of it, while Zac guessed seven of the identifiable corpses came from the three B-grade factions. Even then, the items inside were almost exclusively treasures found in the ocean or the preparations they had brought for the trial itself. The imperials didn''t have a single skill crystal or cultivation manual inside their rings, for example.


    Finally, there was the odd crystal mountain hidden in a secured corner of the cave. Throughout the whole battle, the beast had kept away from that side, and Zac curiously looked at the skeleton sitting on the mound of Twilight Crystals. After having encountered something simr once before, Zac could quickly confirm that this set of bones had once belonged to a Hegemon, this one probably much stronger than the other skeleton he still carried in his Spatial Ring.


    Its bones shone like polished metal, and they exuded a palpable pressure as Zac swam closer. Zac wondered why the Beast King would ord this long-dead cultivator such respect, but after some time he believed he had found the reason. It was not the skeleton itself, but rather the item on its wrist and the benefit it provided.


    It was the bracer the fallen Hegemon carried that hid the aura of the cave, rather than the natural formation or the Beast King itself. To aplish that, it was constantly drawing energy from the thousands of crystals beneath, and Zac guessed that it was the beast that had figured out how it worked and supplied the crystals.


    The thing seemed able to block out the aura of anything that entered this cave. It had a mesmerizing blue luster, and Zac could vaguely spot what looked like a rune deep inside. The craftsmanship of the metal bracer that held the sapphire-like gemstone was absolutely exquisite, and the treasure reminded Zac of his [Stone of Hope].


    He hesitated only for a moment before he put it on his left wrist just like the skeleton had, and the change was immediate. Whatever field the gemstone emitted was drawn in, suddenly only covering his body. Zac tried infusing it with some Miasma to see if he could make it spread its protection to a wider area, but his energy was rebuffed.


    Zac furrowed his brows a bit as he nced at the mound of crystals beneath the skeleton, and he guessed that the item wasn��t made for the undead. That was fine with him though. This effect alone was a great get. Anyone could restrain their aura, but there were always some of it leaking out.


    Besides, anyone using scout abilities would see the energy inside his body just like he did with [Cosmic Gaze] no matter how skilled at energy control you were.


    This treasure would hopefully allow him to traverse unseen, just like the array pir of the Havarok had almost perfectly blended in with the surroundings. He doubted it would be able to hide the bounty that would appear above his head, but he also knew that thing only showed up when he was focused on.


    He spent a few more minutes storing the skeleton and crystal mountain before scavenging the cave for any more treasures, but the Beast King was pretty organized, as far as turtle monsters went. Most of the corpses and treasures had been dragged to the same alcove, except the D-grade skeleton which had been ced in its own section. Seeing as there were nothing else of interest Zac simply left, once more setting course for the settlement indicated on his [Ocean Chart].


    It took him another five days to pass the vast coral reef, even if his new bracer saved him a lot of headaches. As long as he kept it running he was ignored by most of the animals that made the reef their home, even if he was spotted. They probably figured that eating something that didn��t emit a speck of energy was a waste of time. Why fill their bellies with trash when they could gobble up something much more ptable?


    Some beasts still tried to rip him apart just out of spite, but most of them let down their guards since killing such a weak being didn��t warrant any effort. They were quickly proven wrong as Zac bisected them with azy swing of his own, adding their carcasses to his rapidly growing stockpile of high-grade meat.


    These fights quickly showed the limits of the bracer. It only worked while Zac didn��t emit too much energy himself. The moment he unleashed a skill the effect was broken, and the beasts around him could suddenly sense his aura. Secondly, it was a bit troublesome to keep going, seeing as it required non-miasmic energy to function.


    Without anything to feed it, the sapphire lost its luster after around an hour. Zac quickly fashioned a makeshift solution by fastening a Supreme Twilight Crystal to it, though he suspected he wouldn��t need something like that in his human form.


    Having the crystal against his skin led to more Twilight Energy entering his body, but it was a small price to pay for Zac as he crept closer toward the gathering point the information missive had shared. He was still half a day away from the settlement marked on the mapper, but a sudden outburst of energy followed by massive explosions made him stop in his tracks and quickly take cover.


    It didn''t seem like beasts fighting from the energy signatures, and Zac cautiously crept closer until he spotted the source. It was cultivators, over a dozen of them. Seeing them filled Zac with an odd sense of relief. He hadn''t seen a single soul for almost a year, to the point that he started to doubt his sanity a little bit. But he really hadn''t been left behind, forgotten in this cursed ocean.


    The group of cultivators was fighting against a school of fish that had made arge beehive-like coral their home, and Zac had quickly receded into the shadows before he was spotted. The group was made up of six elementals and nine undead, Revenant natives by the looks of it. Two of them had bounties at [2,500 - 5,000] as well, indicating they most likely possessed Dao Branches.


    Zac wanted information, but taking on a group of fifteen elites was overdoing it. More to the point, Zac wasn��t certain some locals knew the answers to his questions, and their allegiances were a lot harder to guess. That party might just be a band of strong cultivators looking for opportunities together, or they might be agents of some of the foreign factions.


    For all he knew, there might be spies for all the major forces in that group considering their average strength.


    He rather hoped that he could stumble upon members of either the Radiant Temple or the Havarok Empire. Some Imperial n of the Undead Empire would be fine too, but there wasn��t a high chance of that happening. From the looks of it, there didn��t seem to be many of them around, with the notable exceptions of Uona and the Eidolon scion whose activities were still a mystery to him.


    In fact, he and Catheya were the only true pureblood Draugr inside the trial as far as he knew. Not a single scion from the nearby Draugr-led Kingdom was participating, and Catheya��s n had apparently sold most of their slots to others rather than use them themselves. In contrast, the Havarok Empire had thousands of cultivators entering from the looks of it, and the Radiant Temple had multiple squads as well.


    That by itself was some sort of clue to his questions. But exactly what it meant, Zac still didn''t know.


    Zac left the group of cultivators to their devices, aiming for a group of easier targets to digest. Preferably, he''d like to find and catch a lone explorer, but he didn''t know if there were too many of those this deep into the ocean. The hours passed as Zac dodged one group after another as he crept through the forest. He didn''t actually go any closer to the reef any longer, rather opting to find some cultivators at the edge of the reef.


    He had been extremely close to pulling the trigger on a group of four human cultivators, but he had been rudely interrupted just as he was about to close in on them. Another set of cultivators shot closer as well, clearly intent on robbing the quartet. Zac was forced to creep back into the shadows again, swearing at the group of ten opportunists ruining his good fortune.


    But finally, eight hours after encountering the first squad, Zac found his perfect opportunity. A sudden light of life flickered between two corals in the distance, and Zac first thought his eyes were ying tricks on him. However, he soon realized what he was seeing was real. His Draugr eyes were seeing the outline of a humanoid from the life force it exuded, but his other senses couldn''t spot a thing.


    Someone was traveling alone, using some sort of skill or treasure to hide both their aura and appearance. Luckily, they couldn''t fool his special sight that was almost like a heat-seeking vision, and a smile spread across Zac''s face as he activated [Abyssal Phase]. The world was reduced to a crawl as he shot forward, rapidly closing in on the target.


    The runner only noticed something was wrong just as Zac had appeared right behind them, and by that point, it was much toote. Zac turned back into his corporeal form right next to the invisible target, and his hand shed forward along with four unbreakable chains. As expected, the target didn''t have an actual shield running, and he felt his fingers close in on a throat as they mmed into a coral with enough force to topple it.


    A pained scream echoed out in the area, but no beast darede close as Zac unleashed his Dao Field and empowered it with a storm of extra Dao from his [Spiritual Void] and his immense killing intent. It was like the area had be a war zone, and Zac could almost hear the screams of desperate warriors moring as his eyes bore into those of his captive.


    He couldn''t believe his luck when he saw that it was a Havarok Cultivator sporting pretty serious wounds. The injuries didn''te from him bum-rushing the poor man, but they rather appeared to be from a previous battle. The cultivator had been fleeing toward the settlement from the depths of the reef, so Zac guessed that something had gone awry in there.


    It wasn''t a surprise. Zac himself could fight freely in these waters, but most cultivators would be pressed to exhibit even 20-30% of their strength in this area. Entering a ce with multiple Beast Kings roaming was to dance with death, and Zac guessed that the rest of this man''s party had be food for the wildlife.


    The cultivator lookedpletely dibobted for a second before his gaze met Zac''s, and his eyes slowly widened withprehension.


    "It''s you!" he croaked with a strained voice.


    Zac only smiled in return as he took out a sharp needle, which he unceremoniously stabbed into the man''s throat. It was a paralyzing agent locking him in ce. Zac would have preferred to seal his cultivation altogether, but he figured that the environment would kill the poor man if that happened. And that couldn''t do with the ns Zac had.


    "I guess I''m easy to recognize," Zac smiled as he removed his grip. Of course, he kept the Havarok agent locked in his chains, and he moved the edge of [Verun''s Bite] to the man''s throat to discourage any hasty actions. "In a sense, we''re fated. I was just looking for someone from your empire, and here you are, delivering yourself to me. Answer my questions, and I''ll let you go."


    The cultivator shuddered for a moment, but a sense of calm soon appeared in his eyes as he stopped struggling.


    ��Like I''d trust an abyssal fiend like you,�� the man grunted. ��Just kill me. I will never betray the Empire.��


    "Now don''t be like that," Zac snorted. "Believe it or not, our interests are more aligned than you would think. In fact, I need you to send a message to your prince after this. I failed to kill off that bloodsucker thest time we fought, but if prince Ykrodas is interested, we might be able to finish the job together."

 Chapter 754: Return

    <h4>Chapter 754: Return</h4>


    ��It was you who maimed that lunatic!�� the man eximed with surprise, but he quickly regained hisposure. ��Do you take our lord for a fool? Teaming up with an Imperial to fight an Imperial? What a joke.��


    ��You should understand that the hidden conflicts beneath the surface of the Undead Empire are far greater than the small skirmishes with random factions here on the frontier,�� Zac snorted. ��In either case, I don��t need you to decide anything on your own. I just need you to ry my message.��


    Of course, what Zac wouldn��t tell his captive was that the man��s conclusion was spot on, except for the part of both him and Uona being Imperials. He had no real intention of teaming up with Ykrodas Havarok to take out Uona, at least not if he had anything to say about it. As far as he was concerned, those two could y their deadly games while he picked up the two remnants and got the hell out of this ce.


    But a the same time, if there was something he had learned over the past five years, it was that the System had a fondness for throwing lethal challenges at him. Zac still wasn''t sure whether it was a result of his abnormally high Luck or because of his bloodline, but the fact was that trouble kept finding him one way or another.


    Considering that Uona was as troublesome as they came, it seemed prudent to try and make some small preparations. Uona should also be one of the biggest thorns in Ykrodas Havarok''s ns, no matter if it came to the contributiondder or therger schemes at y. If things came to blow, this simple message might provide a lifeline.


    ���� I will recount this meeting in full if given the chance,�� the man said after some hesitation.


    ��Good. I need some information, so let''s get some things out of the way. I know there��s arge-scale conflict is taking ce, where the Havarok Empire is on one side, and the Twilight Lord is on the other. Of course, the Twilight Lord is rather the human cultivator known as Alvod Jondir, or the Eveningtide Asura,�� Zac grunted, and he was ted to note there was no surprise on the captive''s face.


    It was finally time to get to the bottom of things.


    ��Our goal is to thwart the ns of the Eveningtide Asura, just as you said,�� the scout eventually said after some hesitation. ��But I don��t know the exact ns, and even if I did, I would not tell you. My squad was only stationed here to keep the area stabilized. We set out three days ago to investigate an aberration, but we ran into a mishap leaving only me behind."


    Zac had a pretty good idea of what that aberration was, but he ignored it and pushed on.


    ��Why is your faction bothering with this matter? From what I��m told, Alvod is just a wandering Monarch from a frontier sector,�� Zac asked.


    ��He caused unimaginable losses to our Empire a long time ago. He even killed one of our ancestral princes,�� he said with fury in his eyes. ��Now he wants to sacrifice one of our mainmercial nodes of the frontier to defend his Dao and achieve Autarchy? We will never abide!��


    Zac inwardly shuddered, realizing the situation was really as he had feared. He had figured the situation was bigger than Alvod simply wanting to evolve a Dao or something simr, and this proved it. Having an Autarch being pissed off at you was not a great way to live, and it only doubled Zac��s desire to not get too bogged down in this mess.


    ��Well, taking that step here in the frontier�� You might not need to do anything to get your wish,�� Zac shrugged as he feigned disinterest. ��More importantly, where is everyone? I left seclusion a month ago, only to find that the chasm is sealed off and no elites in sight.��


    ��We have sealed off the chasm,�� the man said. ��Most wouldn��t dare enter.��


    ��I doubt Uona or the rankers would care about that message of yours,�� Zac said, opting to forgo divulging his deeds with the pir. ��I could easily make it through that array of yours if wanted to as well.��


    Zac had a strong suspicion that this man��s wretched state was rted to Zac''s actions at the chasm, so he massaged the truth a bit. Admitting he was the reason his captives had been killed would put a real damper on the conversation, and there was still much he needed to figure out.


    ��We have our means,�� the scout said as he looked at Zac with suspicion. Zac could sense the man''s aura fluctuate a bit, but it looked like the soldier reluctantly dropped the matter after a second. ��But most have left for the inheritance.��


    ��The what?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��An ancient city appeared in the middle reaches of the Ocean three months ago. It��s still sealed off from what I��ve heard, but people are flooding there from all over the trial in hopes that it��ll open,�� the man said with yearning in his eyes. "Some believe it will automatically open its gates at a set time, others believe enough warriors need to gather before the trial starts."


    ��Ancient city? Trial within a trial? What?�� Zac muttered, not having expected this piece of news at all. ��I��ve never heard about something like that.��


    ��Neither have the natives, but many believe it��s a unique inheritance of the trial,�� the man said. "Perhaps something left behind from before this realm was created."


    ��It rather sounds like a trap,�� Zac said skeptically. "Is it something that the Radiant Temple or the Natives have set up?"


    ��We... Believe it might be something Alvod Jondir has dragged from the depths to distract us, but we might be wrong. Uona Noz''Vdir has been spotted in the vicinity, as has most of the rankers,�� the man said. "But something of that scale, we doubt E-grade warriors can conjure such a thing, unless someone has been working toward it for dozens of trials."


    ��Anotherplication, just what I need,�� Zac muttered.


    Zac kept questioning the man about the general state of affairs of the trial for a while longer. Thankfully, the Havarok soldier, who was named Trakodles, was more than willing to rat on any faction except his own, especially the Radiant Temple. After just a few minutes Zac knew more about that faction than after meeting Ventus Kvan.


    He also added Trakodles''s charted territories to his own [Ocean Chart], massively expanding his map.


    "Alright," Zac eventually said. "As I said, I am willing to work together with your leader to take down Uona Noz''Vdir. The stage has been set, and an opportunity to discuss this further will present itself at the gates of that city. Until then, I hope we can stay out of each other''s way. I know Ykrodas might be eyeing my bounty, but I urge him to remember his mission, unless he is prepared to lose everything. Now, it''s time for you to take a nap."


    "What?" Trakodles blurted, only to have a pill shoved into his mouth.


    Trakodles''s eyes rolled up into his head as Zac started to push the man deeper and deeper into the soil. He stopped at thirty meters beneath the surface, after which he surrounded the warrior in Supreme Divine Crystals and an illusion array.


    The crystals would absorb some of the energy from the surroundings, helpingbat the atmosphere. The array wasn''t really for the man''s protection, but rather for him to be a bit harder to locate. He had almost missed it, but Trakodles had sent out some sort of signal by cracking a talisman the moment they crashed into the coral reef.


    Zac only pretended to not notice in hopes that his captive would keep talking in an attempt to dy. Back-up was no doubt on their way, though it would take them a few hours to reach this ce. With his preparations, they would hopefully waste a couple of hours pinpointing their ally''s position as well, giving Zac more time to gain a head-start.


    The corals turned into a kaleidoscopic blur as Zac rushed to create some distance. Only after having swum tens of thousands of meters did he take out an escape talisman and crush it. Zac appeared dozens of kilometers away, and he quickly oriented himself before setting off again, making a wide berth around the settlement.


    The [Ocean Chart] of the Havarok warrior had provided Zac with everything he needed to make it back to the middle reaches. It even detailed the location of the Death Pulse, saving Zac the need to capture an undead warrior as well. However, he didn''t head toward the Death Pulse, but rather a current somewhat poetically called the River of Broken Ambition. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The name came from the fact that it was one of the few currents that could take warriors from the core regions of the Twilight Ocean all the way to the far safer waters in the beginning. Most of the currents, including the Death Pulse, rather streamed in the direction of the Twilight Chasm, making them unsuitable for his purposes.


    He would eventually have to head for the Death Pulse to find Catheya, but traveling against its current would waste monthsparing to hitching a ride to the River of Broken Ambition.


    Zac kept a frantic pace over the next week, not even stopping for a quick rest, as he pushed toward the next danger zone. It was a massive maelstrom that had made a vast swathe of the inner ocean extremely precarious to traverse. The energy density was a lot higherpared to outside the turbulent waters as well, which was why some considered it a testing ground for those who considered going to the chasm but weren''t sure they could handle it.


    For Zac, who had survived weeks in the depths of the Twilight Chasm, it could barely be considered a challenge, and he cut through the chaotic waters like an arrow, saving over a week on his route. Hopefully, this had also thrown off any potential pursuit, though Zac hadn''t sensed any signs of such a thing taking ce.


    The moment the waters stabilized, he took out one of his submersibles and set out, using the vessel to hide his identity from any curious onlookers. From there, Zac''s journey became a lot more tranquil. It took him a week to reach the current, at which point his speed more than doubled.


    The following week,s Zac mostly rested and consolidated his gains. The ambient energy had already be too sparse for him to use his Soul Strengthening Manual, not that he dared use them while traveling. The ship usually sailed itself, but he asionally had to take over to avoid beasts or greedy cultivators.


    More than once did Zac encounter ambushes by people trying to snatch the riches of those fleeing from the inner ocean in defeat. These attacks invariably ended in wholesale ughter this time around since Zac couldn''t have his whereabouts spread. At least those short and bloody encounters allowed him to confirm and sometimes expand on what he learned from Trakodles.


    The Havarok Warrior had pretty much spoken the truth, though he had failed to mention that the Havarok was clearly targeting the ancient city that had popped up. Ykrodas had gathered most of his forces to stand guard outside its gates, and their presence on the other areas of the trial was mostly skeleton crews like the one Trakodles had been a part of.


    Soon enough a month had passed along the River of Broken Ambition, at which point Zac finally detached his vessel from the current and set a new course. He was at the edge between what was generally considered the middle and inner section of the ocean, meaning it was time for him to start looking for Catheya.


    He kept her token in his hand as he sailed toward the Death Pulse, but themunicator didn''t show any sign of activating during the sixteen days until he reached the pulse. The Death Pulse itself was just like he imagined, a massive, kilometer-wide current of condensed death. He had felt the environment change even hours before reaching it, the difference was palpable now that his submersible was only a few thousand meters away.


    It felt like he was enclosed in a warm embrace, in contrast to the poisonous environment of the Life Pulse. The feeling was a poignant reminder of just how unnatural this realm was, with its corrupted energy constantly burrowing into his body. It made him long for the days when he could leave this ce, but he soon refocused and passed right beneath the current, continuing on the other side.


    Zac kept steering his vessel in a zig-zag pattern over the next 20 days along both sides of the Death Pulse. He was trying to get close enough to Catheya for the tracker to activate, and one day his efforts finally paid off. He looked down at the array disk with a mix of anticipation and hesitation as he put away his submersible and entered a dense forest beneath him.


    He understood all-too-well how much chaos he had created, and he wasn��t sure what kind of reception awaited him. He even considered turning around and leaving. Then again, since he could see that Catheya was nearby, then the Draugr scion had probably sensed his approach since a few hours ago.


    There was no point to his hesitation. He had decided to put his trust in his Draugr associate, in the fact that she had not decided to throw him under the bus to protect herself. Of course, that didn��t mean that he would just blindly go in without some preparations since there was some risk that she had been captured by his pursuers.


    A thorough scan of the surroundings exposed some of the usual wildlife, but no cultivators either living or undead. The spot Catheya had chosen was really deste, and the area didn''t seem to have much in the way of valuable nts. There were no suspicious energy fluctuations either, and his Danger Sense waspletely quiet.


    If there was a trap waiting, then it was extremely well-hidden.


    Even if there was some risk involved, Zac still swam toward the ce his beacon indicated, a small chain of mountains sitting in the middle of the forest. As expected, when he got within 100 meters of a sheer wall, a gate appeared out of thin air and soundlessly opened. Zac steeled himself as he swam inside, both his axe and his coffin at the ready in case of ambush.


    Past the hidden gate was a roughly carved tunnel leading into a small chamber no more than five by five meters. Its walls and ceiling were filled with small holes, and looking into them gave Zac an ominous feeling. The three small skeletons of [Profane Exponents] appeared behind his back, protecting him in case something nasty came flying out from those trapholes.


    ��Hello?�� Zac eventually shouted as the seconds passed, and only then did another hidden door open.


    Zac shed inside, and he immediately found himself face to face with three familiar figures in the other room. Catheya sat on an ice crystal crafted into a high-backed chair, and her two followers stood behind her. He breathed out in relief upon seeing they were fine. He hadn''t heard anything about the three since setting out, and their situation had been a constant weight on his shoulders.


    But in fact, it seemed like they were more than fine. Just over a year had passed since they metst time, but Zac sensed that they all had made pretty impressive gains to match his own, Catheya most of all. Her aura had always been one of an elite, but it was much deeper now. Not only that, but over her head a bounty of [750-1,000] soon appeared, proving her improved aura wasn��t just empty bluster.


    Her increase in bounty was proof that her Death-aspected Dao had be a Peak Fragment, but Zac was certain it wasn''t the only Dao she had improved. Her bounty wasn''t too high, but the cold aura she exuded easily surpassed that of someone with a simple Peak Fragment, which meant she probably had formed some ice-rted Dao Branch.


    Qirai��s aura had be deeper as well, even if her bounty was still a pitiful [0-250]. It was no surprise, considering she probably had abat-oriented Dao, possibly coupled with a Soul-oriented one. Even Varo felt a bit stronger, though Zac noted that he had ultimately lost his badly mangled arm. An empty sleeve now hung to his side.


    It wasn''t the end of the world though. Catheya''s master, or her n if Va Tapek turned out to be a traitor, shouldn''t have too much trouble regrowing an E-grade cultivator''s appendage. And even if that failed, there was the Corpselord route that was open to the undead. Of course, Varo could also do just fine without the use of a second arm as evidenced by people like Ogras.


    Zac was feeling excited to finally link up with his old allies, but the oppressive feeling in the room was making him a bit unsure whether the feeling was mutual. Catheya and her twopanions didn��t say anything for a few seconds, instead opting to mete out even stares that spoke volumes on their own.


    ��Uh, long time no see. How have you all been?�� Zac said with a small smile, trying to lighten the mood since the pressure of Catheya��s gaze was starting to get a bit suffocating.


    ��What was thest thing I asked of you before we split up?�� Catheya finally said, her voice shaking with barely contained fury as the room turned into a freezing hellscape.


    Right then and there, Zac felt he might be better off facing another turtle monster than this enraged trio.

 Chapter 755: Parting the Clouds

    <h4>Chapter 755: Parting the Clouds</h4>


    "Thest thing you said?" Zac muttered as he scratched his chin. ��Uh�� Don��t cause trouble?��


    ��And what did you do?�� Catheya said with a dangerous smile.


    ��Well, that wasn��t my fault. Uona-�� Zac tried to exin, but he didn��t get any further before he got cut off.


    ��So you did attack her!�� Catheya exploded. ��No wonder that crazy harlot put a bounty on my head! We haven��t been able to sleep a wink for months because of you! Looking over our shoulders every waking moment, afraid that the bloodthirsty she-devil or the Havarok prince would entrap us in their hunt for you. Battle after battle the moment our disguises were exposed!��


    ��To be fair, she was the one that attacked me first. What was I supposed to do? Let her attack me?�� Zac muttered before he froze. ��Wait, the Havarok Empire is looking for me as well?��


    ��What do you think? You surpassed them both on thedder, and it didn��t take much investigation to find out that you had been part of the missions to mess with the Living Pulse. With your contribution points, I think they are seeing you as their number one obstacle to achieving whatever goal they have in here,�� Catheya sighed as she slumped down in the chair. ��I swear�� I have never heard of anyone with such a penchant for creating chaos such as you. At least it looks like the Havarok stopped looking for you two months ago, which gave us some the opportunity to find this ce.��


    ��It can��t have been all bad,�� Zac said as he took out a chair of his own, shrugging off ayer of frost that had formed on his robes. ��I can��t believe you��ve managed to form a Dao Branch this quickly.��


    ��What Dao Branch? Thisyered domain?�� Catheya snorted as she red at Zac. ��It��s just a third Dao Fragment I was forced to form just to stay alive. My whole cultivation path has been thrown off-kilter because of your unrivaled ability to create enmities. Now I have to figure out what to do with a second Ice Dao.��


    ��Well���� Zac coughed, feeling a bit bad for Catheya.


    Initially, he had even been a bit jealous. He had been forced to go to insane lengths and swallow that mysterious Dao light to form a branch, and she had aplished the same in the middle reaches of the ocean? But it turned out it wasn��t actually an Ice Dao Branch as he thought, but rather two Peak Dao Fragments both of the ice variety. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Still, forming a Peak Dao Fragment from nothing in just over a year was almost as shocking as forming a Dao Branch. Besides, the aura she had exuded for a moment was simply too great, making Zac believe there was more to it. Did Catheya perhaps have a Hidden Node that worked simrly to his [Spiritual Void]?


    Forming another Dao Fragment was a good thing on the surface, but it could also spell trouble. He knew that Catheya''s original n was to form a Dao Branch by fusing her two Daos. Now, she was suddenly saddled with a third Fragment, this one in the same vein as one of her other two Daos.


    It wasn��t too umon to cultivate two Daos of the same type, but the goal was usually to fuse the two simr Fragments into one Branch. However, she couldn��t do that now, since that would leave a sole Death-attuned Dao Fragment. Upgrading that Dao as is would mean flirting with the boundless path, which was highly frowned upon in the Undead Empire.


    She would ultimately have to still fuse Death and Ice and thenplement it with another Ice-based Dao Branch. Problem was, that such a path would put tremendous requirements on her affinity to ice. Even elites had a hard time forming and progressing a single mixed-meaning Dao Branch, but Catheya suddenly had to gain the equivalent insight of one and a half pure Ice Branch.


    It was not just a matter of doubling the time it took her to cultivate. She would require both a lot of additional lucky encounters, life-and-death battles, and time to meditate on a way to piece it all together.


    Simply giving up on one of the Dao Fragments wasn��t an option either. The System neatly arranged one��s insights into packages and named them Seeds, Fragments, Branches, and so on, but it was ultimately just understanding of the universe. It was all one, all connected.


    That��s why you couldn��t just collect 100 Dao Fragments to boost your Luck and other attributes. It would end up with your path being all messed up. You��d have problems even progressing in the D-grade with Dao Fragments weighing you down, and bing a Monarch was simply impossible. How would you form an inner world on such a shaky foundation like a Dao Fragment?


    Of course, if Catheya seeded on her new path, she would be stronger for it. Two Dao Branches was not just twice as strong as one. There was also the added benefit of Dao Braiding apart from the attribute boost. But the risk of getting stuck in a bottleneck was much greater than going with a more conservative Single-Branch Path.


    That��s why most people except the real elites only aimed for one Dao Branch. People who dared to aim for three branches like Zac himself was exceedingly rare, even in the top factions.


    ��Your talents were wasted on only going for one Dao Branch anyway,�� Zac said. ��A budding Heaven��s Chosen like yourself should have at least two, right? Just look, your new Fragment has progressed by a terrifying amount in one short year.��


    Catheya only snorted in response, but she did seem a bit mollified. ��Well, I was considering adding another facet to my cultivation after meeting you. I just wish I would��ve had more time to n and meditate on the decision further, rather than being forced into it.��


    ��If it��s any constion, pretty much all my insightse from almost getting myself killed, and it has worked out pretty well so far,�� Zac said before his brows furrowed in confusion. ��Wait, what does your Dao have to do with me?��


    Catheya just smiled as she conjured two ice shards. The first one slowly turned into a beautiful flower which gave Zac a sense of immense cold, reminiscent of the terrifying bolt Va Tapek had unleashed in the Twilight Harbor.


    The other shard turned into an icicle, and Zac almost felt his soul getting pierced by looking at its sharp edge. Zac wasn��t sure exactly what insights had gone into that Dao, but he felt it much more aligned with his own Dao of Conflictpared to the other shard. It looked like Catheya had opted to go all-in on an offensive Dao while her other one was more all-purpose from what he��d seen so far.


    ��Sometimes, brute force is simply the best solution, which you are walking testament to,�� Catheya said as she gave him a long look that made Zac��s hair stand on end. ��Besides����


    ��What?�� Zac hesitated, his heartbeat speeding up from the intense stare.


    ��Nothing, never mind,�� Catheya muttered.


    ��Well, offense is the best defense,�� Zac said with a weak smile. ��And don��t worry, I��ll be more careful going forward."


    ��Please, don��t jinx us any further,�� Catheya groaned while Qirai almost looked like she had been physically wounded by Zac��s assurance.


    ��On another subject���� Zac said hesitantly.


    ��Yes?�� Catheya slowly said as her eyes slowly thinned.


    ��Here, I have prepared a small token of apology,�� Zac said, quickly changing course from asking about the remnants.


    From the sounds and looks of it, the trio had barely managed to stay alive thanks to his exploits, and it was just too heartless to immediately ask about his own matters. Instead, he took out three boxes and threw them over to Catheya and her two followers. Inside Catheya��s box was the second dumpling, while the other two contained what he suspected to be top-quality Dao Treasures.


    ��What��s this?�� Catheya asked, her scowl suddenly reced by an impish smile.


    Zac immediately realized he might have been duped, but he didn��t really care. It was ultimately true that he had caused Catheya a lot of trouble, and this was a was simply making amends.


    ��I don��t know what it��s called. I found it in the heart of the Twilight Chasm. It��ll provide you with a powerful epiphany, allowing you to improve death-attuned skills in all kinds of ways. I used one to upgrade a skill, it worked extremely well,�� Zac said. ��I think you could use it when crafting as well. It might allow you to create a uniquely powerful follower, or perhaps form a supreme-grade skill to go with your new Dao.��


    ��Supreme-grade? That great?�� Catheya eximed as she looked down at the box with shock. ��Thank you, it looks like you do have some conscience after all.��


    The other two nodded in thanks before they stowed away their boxes, and Zac could sense that the tense atmosphere had rxed by quite a bit.


    ��So you really went all the way to the chasm,�� Catheya sighed. ��I guessed as much, but I wasn��t sure. I wanted to check it out as well, but some other time perhaps. By the way, were you involved in that enormous snake making the rounds in the chasm?��


    Zac smiled a bit helplessly with a shrug. He wasn��t sure why the big snake had targeted groups of cultivators at the surface, but he guessed it had taken out any threats to its master��s n. However, Zac wondered if it would still have done the same even if he hadn��t ruined its ns at the bottom.


    ��Should��ve known,�� Catheya snorted, whereas Qirai gave him a thumbs up.


    ��Don��t listen to the young miss. Cultivators are meant to liverge! Otherwise, what��s the point?�� the Titan Revenantughed. ��And we were only in true mortal danger a few times while looking for those ces.��


    ��You still looked after getting a bounty on your heads?�� Zac said, his heart beating an extra time with his excitement. "Did you find them?"


    ��Why else would we be hunted day or night?�� Catheya red. ��I promised we��d find them, so we did. It was actually not too far from the ravine we ran into Uona, that crazy witch. Luckily, she was busy decimating a small army and didn��t realize who we were, so she only sent a few blood thralls after us.��


    ��Near the ravine, you said?�� Zac frowned as he got a sense of foreboding.


    He had sted Uona with a full-powered Annihtion Sphere, and now she just happened to be seen close to the resting ce of the second splinter? He wanted to believe in coincidences, but he didn''t need his Danger Sense to realize his n might have hit a snag.


    ��Well, that��s not good,�� he muttered.


    ��That��s the understatement of the year,�� Catheya exhaled. ��Do you know who the Noz''Vdir are? Varo had heard of them before. They have two Autarchs, both of them more powerful than our Patriarch. And both of them have a good chunk of lifespan left as well. I fear they might retaliate against n Sharva��Zi unless you can get our ancestor to return.��


    Zac��s eyes widened a bit, only now realizing his actions might have implications outside the Mystic Realm as well. There was an unspoken rule in the Multiverse that the grudges and actions inside Mystic Realms stayed between the members of the junior generation, but there was a limit to everything.


    There were no guarantees they would let bygones be bygones if he directly impacted their bottom line with his actions. And after interrogating that Havarok warrior, he understood what was going on. It was apetition for the opportunity that the Eveningtide Asura was trying to create. If his actions cost the Eternal n an Autarch, just how far were they willing to go for revenge?


    Would the Undead Empire step in to protect n Sharva��Zi? Or at least the more powerful Draugr ns?


    ��You know, I tried entering the ravine before we were discovered,�� Catheya said after the silence had stretched on for a while. ��I couldn��t pass the natural formations, but I smelled something familiar. The same thing I smelled from Zac Piker when he caused havoc at the base town. The same thing as the tear-streaks on your follower��s face.��


    ��Oblivion,�� Zac grunted. ��The path of your ancestor. Uona has reason to believe I��ll appear there if she��s figured out the same thing as you.��


    ��And you��re still going?�� Catheya asked hesitantly.


    ��Have to,�� Zac grimaced. ��That weird town people keep mentioning, is it close to the ravine by chance?��


    Zac��sst hope was that Uona had simply passed by the area of the splinter while hunting cultivators around the ancient city.


    ��Not really,�� Catheya said, dashing his hopes. ��A month��s travel away, maybe?��


    ��Well, shit,�� Zac muttered.


    ��You really haven��t had enough?�� Catheya said with a raised brow. ��I don��t exactly know what is hidden in those two ces, but my intuition tells me it��s nothing good.��


    ��I would prefer to stay hidden for the rest of the trial, but I can��t stop now,�� Zac shrugged. ��I have things that I have to aplish.��


    ��Well, one of the locations is not that far away,�� Catheya eventually sighed as she threw him an intelligence crystal. ��Tell me. Whatever you have nned. Will it be as�� impressive�� as what you��ve done thus far?��


    ��Well, this one might get a bit chaotic,�� Zac admitted with a crooked smile.


    ��Give us a moment,�� Catheya groaned as she nced at her two followers who promptly nodded and left the chambers.


    ��How bad are we talking? Are you able to say?�� she asked when the two were alone.


    Zac hesitated a few seconds before he decided to tell the truth. ��I want to say that nothing will happen, but my hands are tied. The result�� is unpredictable. Might be as hectic as the Tower of Eternity. With Uona creeping about, it might get even worse.��


    ��Is it my ancestor making you do this?�� Catheya asked with a frown. ��Or is it my master?��


    ��Neither,�� Zac shrugged before he braced himself. ��I havepleted what your master asked of me. Did you know that he is working with the Twilight Lord, who just so happens to be the Eveningtide Asura?��


    ��What?!�� Catheya eximed, looking genuinely surprised. ��The Eveningtide Asura from the Zecia sector? I thought the Asura had been killed?��


    Zac didn''t immediately answer, but rather sat frozen for a few seconds before he breathed out in relief. He had thought long and hard just what he could and couldn''t say to Catheya. He had seen the brand disappearing, and the text had said that ''karma was severed''. However, did he dare bet his life on it?


    Ultimately, he had settled on sharing everything he had managed to piece together, but keeping all information about the egg and the valley for himself, just in case. And it didn''t look like he had triggered any hidden curse by divulging his findings.


    ��Apparently not,�� Zac eventually shrugged before sharing all the information he had gathered so far.


    Catheya only asked a few rifying questions, and she sat in silence for almost a minute after he was done.


    ��I finally get it,�� Catheya said with sorrow in her voice. ��So the Eveningtide Asura is trying to break through to Autarchy, turning this ce into a sacrificial vessel. I can��t believe master is helping the Eveningtide Asura, after all my n has done for him. And no wonder so many elites have gathered. This will be a real bloodbath.��


    ��Why do so many factions care whether Alvod tries to break through?�� Zac asked.


    ��A single Autarch emerging can shift the power dynamics in these outer sectors, but it��s not really about that. It��s about resources, and why no Autarchs ever emerge in the frontier sectors,�� Catheya said.


    ��Just why is that?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��These sectors are too lowly, and the true face of the Heavens are shrouded, like the sun being hidden by thick clouds. It''s not possible to ponder on the Grand Dao here. In fact, it''s so bad that Autarchs try to avoid these lower Sectors altogether. Just existing in them is a constant drain on their foundation. Without ess to the Heavens, they''re like starving beasts sacrificing muscle mass to survive a bit longer," Catheya sighed.


    "With the Heavens shrouded, you simply cannot seize and defend your Dao. Doing so requires a special environment, and this is not just an issue of the frontier either. n Sharva��Zi doesn��t have direct ess to such an environment. The whole n has to contribute to the Empire for ages to gain a single chance at Autarchy. Even then, the odds of sess are extremely slim.��


    ��But Alvod has found a way to break this convention,�� Zac concluded. "To part the clouds, so to speak."


    ��Apparently,�� Catheya nodded. ��Normally, I would have said it was a fool''s dream, but considering the weight the multiple factions put on this matter, I think that it will actually work. A unique opportunity for Divine Monarchs, situated out here in thewless frontier�� Autarchy without spending a hundred thousand years'' worth of umtions. No wonder the sharks are circling the waters.��


    ��Where does that leave us?�� Zac asked with exhaustion. ��Are we all screwed? Is there anything we can do?��


    ��Leave early,�� Catheya thoughtfully said. ��The Boundless Heavens might provide some sort of lifeline if all hell breaks loose, but I wouldn��t bet my life on it. Perhaps it will deign us a worthy sacrifice in return for the ascension of another Autarch.��


    ��That sounds like the system, alright,�� Zac muttered. ��This ancient town, do you think it��s rted to everything else going on?��


    ��What, you��re nning on wreaking havoc over there as well?�� Catheya countered with a raised brow.


    ��Not if I can help it, but sometimes you don��t get a choice,�� Zac said. ��What��s your take?��


    ��It��s a bit suspicious,�� Catheya said. ��A mysterious town appearing like this when so much is going on? If I had to guess, it might be rted to Aia Ouro.��

 Chapter 756: City of Ancients

    <h4>Chapter 756: City of Ancients</h4>


    ��Aia Ouro? The Eidolon?�� Zac said with confusion. ��They''re the ones who have conjured the city? Are you sure?��


    ��They call it the City of Ancients, apparently. It appeared much closer to the Death Pulse than the Living pulse, so I��ve actually traveled around that area quite a bit over thest year. And I encountered an inordinate amount of spectral cultivators flitting back and forth,�� Catheya said. ��Besides, I heard rumors of the Eidolon''s vessel being spotted here as well, over a month before the city rose through the ground. Why would such an elite stay in the middle reaches, if it was not rted to that ce?��


    ��What would a bunch of ghosts have to gain from doing this?�� Zac asked.


    ��I have no earthly idea, but whatever they are doing should be aimed at helping their elders seize the opportunity for themselves. Of course, I have no idea how things like that work. I wouldn��t be surprised if Aia Ouro themselves didn��t know exactly the purpose of their actions,�� Catheya said. "Perhaps there is something at the heart of the City of Ancients that can help wrest control of this realm? That''s the idea I''ve been able toe up with so far, but the truth is probably only known to some Divine Monarch outside."


    ��A bunch of paranoid old goats,�� Zac muttered.


    ��It��s those kinds of people who survive for long enough to be Divine Monarchs,�� Catheya winked as she took out a decanter and two sses of wine, pouring a cup for Zac. ��Now, what will you do after this, provided we survive?��


    ��What do you mean?�� Zac asked as he took a swig.


    ��You know the kind of chaos you��ve caused, and you seem to have no intention of stopping. I will be questioned the moment I leave this ce, and you should know that the contract we��ve entered will not hold,�� she said with a helpless shrug. ��Not to mention master and my n, it��s also likely that the Umbri��Zi Family will want to look into the matter. Who knows, with your disy, you might attract attention from even higher ces.��


    "Like the Abyssal Shores?�� Zac asked curiously.


    The Umbri��Zi Family was the Draugr n ruling over the Undead Kingdom in the area. Technically, most of the Undead Provinces in this part of the frontier were subordinates of the Umbri''Zi, including the Kavriel n that governed over the Zecia Sector. However, the provinces were ultimately pretty autonomous, simply sending some resources in steady intervals.


    Zac didn��t have a lot of information about the Umbri''Zi, since their presence wasn��t all that palpable in the Twilight Harbor. Catheya had exined their disregard as a matter of pride. The Umbri��Zi was on the precipice of bing a High B-grade n, with both an extremely powerful matriarch and a handful of lower Autarchs to lord over their domain.


    Their domain wasn''t just the Undead Kingdom, but they apparently controlled vast territories in the Undead Hearnds as well. It would be a bit of an embarrassment for a vaunted n like that to set up shop shoulder to shoulder with a bunch of the living factions in a frontier settlement.


    Rather than that, they had others do business for them, like half-blood Draugr forces with some weak link to their bloodline. Furthermore, forces like Sharva''Zi had to pay a tax to the Umbri''Zi rather than the Twilight Lord. So, Zac felt that it was possible for the Umbri��Zi to look into him after these events.


    Hopefully, they shouldn��t be antagonistic toward him, considering he had worked against the Twilight Lord��s interests rather than the Undead Empire��s on this asion.


    However, while the Umbri''Zi was well-known, the Abyssal Shores was still a nk. Uona had mentioned it like it was the holynds for Draugr, yet he hadn''t heard a word about it from any other source.


    ��Well it��s-�� Catheya said before she stopped herself and looked at Zac suspiciously. "Wait, why are you asking? Why do you know that name?"


    ��Uona thought I was from that ce,�� Zac said before he hesitantly decided to tell the truth. ��And I might have rolled with it and used that as my background story from then on out.��


    A groan echoed through the room as Catheya slumped forward with her head in her hands, in a shockingly urate homage to the statue depicting the Crown of Despair.


    ��Why must you torment me like this?�� Catheya said ��You impersonated a person from the shore? Who? Who knows this?��


    ��Well, there��s you,�� Zac said, getting an exasperated grunt in return. ��And Uona. And the Havarok Empire, probably.��


    ��Anyone else?�� Catheya asked icily.


    ��Oh, and the Eveningtide Asura, probably. Well, I told his snake guardian, and it probably passed it along?��


    ��Why not just shout it in front of the gates to the City of Ancients where a few hundred thousand warriors can hear you?�� Catheya said while ring at him.


    ��You think that would help?�� Zac asked, but he quickly stopped messing around upon seeing that she was on the verge of another eruption. ��Alright, alright. I��m sorry. I simply didn��t have a lot of options, and I didn��t want to implicate your family with my actions any further. I figured that the Abyssal Shores would be powerful enough they could survive taking the me for my actions."


    Catheya��s demeanor softened a little, and she eventually shrugged. ��Well, that''s true. It��s not like you��re at the stage where you can rock the Abyssal Shores. They don��t care about some squabbles on the frontier. They��re only interested in the advancement of Draugr.��


    ��So just what is it? Can you tell me?�� Zac asked with burning curiosity. Who wouldn��t know about the peak institute of their heritage?


    ��Well, it is a matter of the Draugr rather than the Empire,�� Catheya thoughtfully said. ��It shouldn��t break anymandment if I discuss it considering you��re Draugr. The Abyssal Shores is indeed the seat of our power. But more importantly, it is the origin of our kin.��


    ��What?�� Zac eximed with surprise. He had expected the former, but thetter was a surprise.


    ��There is a mysteriouske of infinite depth and infinite darkness. Not even Autarchs can enter it ande out alive. There are even rumors that one of the non-Draugr princes once entered the Abyssal Lake, only to barely escape with their life intact,�� Catheya said.


    Zac��s whistled in surprise. A ce not even Autarchs could tread... Just kind of dangers did it contain? As for the princes, Zac was pretty she was referring to one of the Empire''s elusive A-grade cultivators.


    ��The Draugr are the sole exception. Eons ago, our ancestors emerged from the depths, walking onto the Abyssal Shores. They had no memories of the past, of where they came from. Were they born in the ocean, or did theye from some realm hidden in the depths? We still don''t know. They only knew they were the Draugr,�� Catheya said as she nced at Zac. ��This was long before the System, mind you.��


    ��Then what happened?�� Zac asked.


    ��Our ancestors lived at the Abyssal Shores until the integration took ce, our most powerful ancestors easily rebuffing any attempts to unroot us. But theke actually closed itself during those dark ages, and it no longer sustained us. By that time, our ancestors had already allied with the other undying races, and they joined in the exodus. Eventually, the Undead Empire was founded, and we moved theke to its core at a shocking cost,�� the Draugr scion continued with some wistfulness. ��Two A-grade ancestors sacrificed their lives to aplish the task.


    ��Today, theke is once more our Hearnd. The Abyssal Shores is the name of our centralized faction. A few of our ns have permanent residence there, while some elites of our race get to train there temporarily. It��s in the heart of the empire, so the cultivation environment is naturally unsurpassed. Furthermore, theke itself presents us Draugr with unique and unrivaled opportunities ever so often.��


    Zac slowly nodded with a thoughtful look in his eyes. Traveling there to cultivate for a while sounded like a huge opportunity, but he doubted that was possible for him. He was neither a true Draugr nor a member of the Empire.


    ��Well?�� Catheya asked with a re.


    ��Well, what?�� Zac repeated with confusion.


    ��Your n?�� Catheya eximed with exasperation. ��Focus up.��


    ��Ah, right,�� Zac smiled. ��Worried for me?��


    ��Worried about the chaos you infuse into your surroundings,�� Catheya snorted before she became serious. ��Your name is probably known far and wide outside, and my involvement with you ismon knowledge by now. I cannot lie to the Imperial Ambassadors.��


    The two stared into each other��s eyes for a few seconds, before Zac eventually sighed with some exhaustion. ��Well, I��d appreciate it if you kept my situation secret. If it��s impossible�� Well, that��s too bad, I guess. You think the Empire would want to kill me or Recruit me?��


    ��Definitely recruit you,�� Catheya slowly said. ��A Heaven��s Chosen marked by fate, who could walk among the living as either a spy or ambassador? I wouldn��t be surprised if some old monster imed you as a direct disciple.��


    Zac smiled at that, but he didn��t feel as confident himself. The warnings of Yrial echoed in his head, and there were no guarantees that he wouldn��t end up dissected rather than nurtured. The good news was that he doubted he was interesting enough for an ancient Autarch to make a move. And even if some Monarch came looking for him back in Zecia, so what?


    He already had a handful of Monarchs gunning for him over there, and he was doing just fine. No one even knew his real identity, and if things really got out of hand, he could always seal Earth after the Assimtion, making sure no clues got out. If worse came to worst, his core personnel would go into hiding across the sector, while he became a wandering cultivator.


    With his teleportationwork, he��d be night impossible to catch, and anyone would have to think twice before targeting Earth, lest they wanted to bring another Eveningtide Asura event down on their heads. Of course, for that kind of deterrent to be effective, he would need to prove his effectiveness at pushing through the ranks. He would need to be a lot more powerful than now by the time the integration took ce.


    "Well, I will try to be gone by the time my identity bes an issue. I can always sound out the situation in the future after things have calmed down. I''m nning on heading out to the two spots locations as soon as possible, and leave the moment I have what I need. The that City of Ancients and the fate of the Twilight Harbor, I want no part of it," Zac eventually said.


    "We''ll leave early as well," Catheya nodded.


    "Could you give me a few days headstart before you leave the realm?" Zac asked.


    ��That��s fine,�� Catheya shrugged. ��We have already picked up most of the treasures my master had divined for us. There are a few locations left, but I doubt they haven��t already been stolen by others by now. We''ll move toward the second spot and help you with reconnaissance. Then we''ll exit three days after you''ve left the Ocean.��


    ��No wonder your auras are so much stronger,�� Zac said with a raised brow. ��Were the Life-Death Pearls even the best item your master had the Twilight Lord provide?��


    ��Well, some of the items on the list weren''t as plentiful as the pearls,�� Catheya shrugged before she looked at him with a small smile as she leaned forward. ��And you are ultimately an outsider. Of course, if you chose to join our family�� Anything I have would be yours.��


    ��I��m pretty happy with my current situation,�� Zac rejected without hesitation, prompting Catheya to humph and lean back into her chair. ��More importantly, I have collected some things that I have trouble identifying. Perhaps you can help?��


    ��Why ask me?�� Catheya said with a studiouslyzy tone. ��You said it yourself, I��m just a second-seed talent from a force not worth joining. What insights could I possibly provide the vaunted Arcaz ck, the unfettered snake-charmer and unmatched troublemaker?��


    ��Alright alright,�� Zac snorted. ��How about this, for every twenty treasures you help me identify, I��ll give you one? Please?��


    ��Every twenty treasures?�� Catheya eximed. ��What��s going on? Just how many items have you snatched up? Did you rob the Twilight Lord��s treasury or something?��


    ��Something like that,�� Zac coughed, prompting Catheya��s eyes to widen even further.


    One by one Zac started taking out the small mountains of items he had umted since they split upst time. The moremon items he had found in the middle reaches were all in his information package, but that was about it. He had collected a huge number of herbs and materials in the reef forest, especially from all those spatial items, and there was also the items from the chasm itself.


    Unfortunately, he had absorbed most of the treasures he had encountered during his Bloodline Evolution, but there were still over a dozen items from the floating mountains. Furthermore, he had collected arge number of treasures hiding in the expansive caveworks in the wall of the chasm, each one more energy-rich than the other.


    Initially, Catheya had eximed over Zac��s good luck as he started taking out one box after another, but her demeanor eventually turned from excitement to shock, and then to nk iprehension as the piles of natural treasures grew. Still, she performed her task almost as expertly as Calrin and his cousins.


    It took almost two hours, but the results were eventually tallied up. Catheya had only managed to identify roughly 30% of the items that Zac had taken out, but it wasn��t surprising considering most of the things he had picked up didn��t grow anywhere outside of the Twilight Ocean. However, while Catheya couldn��t name the majority of materials, she still disyed an impressive ability to categorize what was left.


    Soon, arge pile of Attribute Fruits had umted to his side, and Zac��s eyes gleamed when he looked at the five herbs that would be able to raise his Luck. He seriously imprinted the aura they emitted, so that he would remember the feeling in case he ever ran into something simr in the wild.


    The other attributes were just a matter of time for him to fill up thanks to his massive wealth, but Luck-boosting fruits were shockingly rare, and not something that reached auctions very often. Even now, he still hadn��t gained a single point in Luck from fruits during the E-grade.


    Apart from that, there majority of the items were not really useful for him in the short run, perhaps except the 30-odd Dao Fruits that he��d save for when he had found some more insight into his Daos. The vast majority of items were mainly useable for crafting. For example, Catheya had identified a ck block of metal as [Shadesteel]. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Its main use was to be smelted into runes on weapons, which would strengthen its energy conductivity and the weapon��s abilities. There were over a hundred items that would provide these kinds of effects, from leaves that would form a dye that could help clothes hide one��s aura better, to berries that would strengthen the water-based nature in pills.


    Finally, there were a total of five treasures that each one was at the level of a uniquely supreme E-grade treasure, which was shocking considering that not a single such item was found in most trials. Unsurprisingly, four of them had been found on the floating mountains, with thest one in the lower parts of the cave system.


    Two were affinity-boosting treasures, one boosting life and the other death, and Catheya looked at the death-attuned one like a starving wolf.


    ��Just take it,�� Zac smiled.


    ��What?�� Catheya said, her eyes wide with confusion. ��You don��t want it? Even if it might help you be a cultivator?��


    ��My situation is a bit special,�� Zac shrugged. ��That thing won��t be of much use to me.��


    He wasn��t lying. He sincerely doubted a treasure like that would amount to anything more than some food for his Hidden Nodes. Certainly, many of his followers back home delved into the Dao of Death, but the problem with this trial was that it was somewhat simr to the Tower of Eternity. Some treasures would be useless the moment they were taken outside since they depended on this unique environment.


    So anything that could be eaten before leaving should be eaten, and it was better to give Catheya such a treasure than banking on that it would survive until he could hand it to someone back home.


    ��Has my charm finally started to wear you down?�� Catheya asked with a wide smile.


    ��Something like that,�� Zac snorted.


    ��Alright, thank you. I won��t forget this,�� Catheya said. ��How about this? I��ll take this and nothing else. Otherwise, I might form a heart demon.��


    ��Suit yourself,�� Zac said as he stowed away the other treasures.


    "Alright, that''s it for business, right?" Catheya smiled. "Travelling all alone with that bounty on your head for months can''t have been easy. How about you stay a day and recharge your batteries? I have be quite the expert at preparing the various specimen of this ocean, and who knows when you''ll get a chance to drink wine from the Hearnds next time?"


    "Alright, I''m in," Zacughed. "I guess one day off couldn''t hurt."

 Chapter 757: Second Set

    <h4>Chapter 757: Second Set</h4>


    Zac looked at the receding backs of Catheya and her twopanions, sighing before he set out alone again in his submersible. As he looked at the empty chamber of the vessel, his thoughts drifted back to Triv��s list of necessities for cultivation. One of them waspanions, and Zac felt that today.


    It was easy to get engrossed in your own world when secluded in cultivation. But while that kind of life had its benefits, itcked the color of pursuing the Dao in thepany of others. He had only spent a day with the trio to catch up and n his next step, and nothing out of the ordinary had happened.


    Yet that single day was more memorable than traveling through the Twilight Ocean for the past three months, seeing all kinds of marvels. Certainly, it was hard to stay indifferent when being the constant focus of attention to a great beauty like Catheya. He was even starting to get used to the abyssal eyes that he and she shared, and they no longer simply felt like gates to the underworld. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    While the situation was ttering, it was a bit hard to deal with. He knew he was a bit dense, but he wasn''t blind. There was a streak of something real mixed in when Catheya teasingly flirted with him, and that truthfully scared him. Certainly, part of it was because he was still raw from what happened to Thea, but there was something else.


    It almost felt like he was cursed. Hannah had a mental breakdown and tried to murder him, and she was the one that was the best off among his romantic interests. Alea had been reduced to a Spiritual Tool, and Thea had been straight-up murdered by his own family. The Multiverse was a dangerous ce, but part of him couldn''t help but wonder if it was the System''s machinations at y.


    What if the System wanted him focused solely on cultivation so he could keep conjuring chaos patterns for it, and it nudged fate to remove all distractions from his path?


    There was, unfortunately, no way to know, and he soon dropped the matter to refocus on the task at hand. The volcano was two weeks away, and it would take another two months to reach the ravine afterward. By then, over two years would have passed in the trial, and only the confident would remain.


    After all, people weren��t automatically teleported out from this trial. The final three months were a safe zone when anyone could leave without getting contribution points deducted for not staying the full trial. Those who were toote would be stuck inside, and none had ever survived such an ordeal.


    There were only so many exits as well, and most would be guarded by hunters looking for wealth and contribution points. Some warriors were mostly here for wealth, and they��d start looking for a way out before the hunters gathered.


    The trip was thankfully not too eventful. The appearance of the City of Ancients had drawn a lot of attention, and the number of cultivators that had flocked in that area was approaching a million ording to Varo. That left the other regions of the middle reaches pretty deste inparison, which suited Zac��s purposes perfectly. Encountering cultivators in this area would only waste time without bringing any benefits, considering his [Ocean Chart] had already been filled in by Catheya.


    Zac wasn��t just sitting around during this time. He set his vessel to autopilot the moment he reached a deste stretch before he took out a pile of boxes. Inside were the Attribute Fruits Catheya had identified.


    Wasting no time, Zac immediately bit into the first of the fruits, though it rather looked like a fleshy pinecone. It was one of the fruits that should boost his Luck, and Zac ate it stem and all. There was no stream of energy spreading through his body after eating the thing, but he rather gained an odd sense of interconnectedness with the world around him.


    He felt like a Buddhist monk who had be one with the universe, but the feeling onlysted for a moment before the feeling passed. Soon enough he was back to normal, but he still opened his Status Screen to see the results. A smile immediately spread across his face as he saw that his Luck had increased by 12 points in one go, meaning the fruit had provided a full 6 points before his titles boosted the number.


    Of course, if the fruit had rather provided something like 50 points like normal Peak E-grade Attribute fruits did, that would have been far preferable, but Luck fruits didn��t scale like that. Perhaps that was for the best, considering that let Zac maintain his advantage even against higher-grade enemies.


    The Monarchs already gained enough Luck through their Daos as is. If they could gain thousands of points into the mysterious attribute through simply eating some fruit, then his enemies would simply stumble upon Earth by chance sooner orter.


    After having eaten the first, Zac kept going, working his way through the Luck Fruits until moving onto the other stats. It was lucky the Natural Treasures were almost instantly refined to the essence needed to boost his physique, considering he stuffed himself with over 20 kilos of fruits before he was done.


    And the result was pretty impressive. He had already set a small foundation with the Technocrat mixtures he looted from the Mystic Realm, but this was his first palpable step forward. Altogether, he had gained over 100 base attributes per stat, a massive step forward that was essentially the attribute equivalent to a High Mastery Dao Fragment.


    That might not be enough to make a difference against someone like Uona or Ykrodas, but every little bit counted. The real prize was his boost to Luck though, and the benefits that it brought.


    [Grand Fate: Reach 500 Luck at E-Grade. Reward: Effect of Luck +6%]


    Zac was hadn��t expected to see a title like this, considering it was functionally the same as his old title called ��Fated��. Normally, the first title of a certain type would prevent him from getting a simr one at higher grades, yet he somehow got both.


    His best guess was that things worked differently for things rted to Luck, or that some title series simply followed their own rules. For example, the given effect of Luck this time around was 1% higherpared to the E-grade, making Zac believe it was a chain where he could get the seeding one during every grade. Put together, they would provide a tremendous boost to Luck.


    That was ultimately just a guess of his, but more Luck was always a wee sight, and he was now solidly above 1,000 Effective Luck. Hopefully, that would mean an even stronger Danger Sense and even greater instincts for opportunities. Who knew, the boost might even allow him to get the two remnants without issue, though Zac didn��t hold much hope for that happening.


    He knew that Uona was a disaster waiting to happen, and a couple of Attribute Fruits wasn��t enough to give him any confidence he could withstand her furious revenge. That was mostly why he targeted the Shard of Creation first, apart from it being closer to where Catheya hid. Absorbing the first one had almost allowed him to fight a Technocrat Hegemon in F-grade, and this time his soul was far strongerpared to when he visited the Little Bean.


    The Shard would hopefully be the ace that would allow him toplete his mission one way or another.


    Catheya��s information package was extremely detailed, with not only dangerous sites clearly marked, but also popr hunting grounds where one was bound to run into other trial takers. It allowed Zac to plot a course with minimal interruptions until he reached his target; the Ouroboros Loop. It was yet another current, this one running perpendicr along the middle reaches.


    It took him along the middle ocean through all kinds of underwater environments, but Zac was more interested in going over various information packages than enjoying the view. He had seen it all by now, and these treasure spots were just a cheap mimicry of the dangers and opportunities he had encountered at the heart of the ocean.


    His time was better spent working on his cultivation, but since he was a mortal that wasn��t an option during downtimes like this. The long bouts of uneventful travel over thest three months had even made him seriously consider taking up some sort of side profession. Previously, he had put the matter aside to prioritize shoring up hiscking theoretical foundations, but he was fast catching up with the general level expected of a young E-grade scion.


    The problem was that he couldn��t figure out what kind of job to learn. It couldn��t just be a hobby to pass time, but rather something that he could make use of during battle or his cultivation. The most obvious choice was alchemy, which would allow him to refine the mountains of herbs he kept collecting.


    Unfortunately, that route was probably impossible. A vast majority of Alchemy Heritages were based around fire, of which he had no Dao. And even if he found a method where he could make us of his Dao of Life or Death, there was still the looming issue of his energy control. You needed extremely precise control over not only your Dao, but also over energy maniption to extract the valuable parts from herbs and then fuse them into a pill.


    Inscriptionists and Array Masters had simr requirements, putting Zac at a loss.


    He was only good at using brute force, but what job was that good for? Zac had collected a couple of simple heritages by this point, but none of them seemed to be suited to his toolkit. For now, he just kept deepening his horizons while slowly shoring up the foundations of his insights.


    The days passed, and Zac was fast closing in on his destination. He detached the vessel from the current and continued by foot. While doing so, he once more went over the reports that Catheya had written, a thoughtful frown on his face.


    She had tried entering both the grounds to make sure they were the ces he referred to, though Zac guessed curiosity yed a big role in her decision. However, she had not managed to enter the volcano at all. Entering from above was impossible for various reasons. First of all, there were surprisingly powerful avian beasts circling the volcano above the ocean surface, even Beast Kings by the looks of it.


    It made this ce one of the deathtraps of the middle reaches. There were hundreds of these kinds of ces in the trial, spots teeming with danger but no treasure. Sometimes there was simply no reward to go with the risk, and figuring when that was the case was one of the more valuable skills among explorers.


    Apart from the asional risk-taker hoping to discover something everyone else had missed, most people simply ignored ces like these.


    The beasts were not the only problem. Even if you managed to hide from the powerful birds that made the mountain their home, you still needed to find a way to deal with the terrifying heat. Resilient cultivators such as himself would be able to withstand the furious mes of the volcano for a while, but there was also an extremely powerful natural formation powered by the mountain itself.


    Catheya believed you��d get stuck around the mouth and slowly get roasted if you tried to enter that way. Thankfully, there were many cracks in the volcano itself, and Catheya posited at least some of them should provide a path to the inner chamber of the volcano. Unfortunately, those entrances proved to be just as dangerous.


    The natural formation didn''t extend to those tunnels, but she had been forced to run for her life to avoid a terrifying ripple that she said was ''an antithesis to her very existence''. It didn��t take a lot of guesswork to understand it was a wave of creation that had spread out. The question was how to deal with something like that.


    Zac had been constantly inundated with purified motes of Creation for years by now. Would he prove immune to the ripples that Catheya felt would end her life? Or was he just as susceptible? Zac figured there was only one way to find out, and he pushed forward the next two days until he reached the towering mountain.


    It pushed up through the surface of the ocean, reaching thousands of meters into the air ording to the report. Zac didn��t breach the surface though, but rather swam toward an area roughly 200 meters beneath the surface.


    It wasn��t based on fears of the avian beasts or something Catheya had written, but rather his instincts. He could feel it, almost as palpable as he had felt his Mark of Creation hidden in the Egg before it was dragged into the depths of the chasm. There really was a Shard of Creation in the heart of the volcano, and it was neither at the top or far beneath the surface.


    It was somewhere in the middle, just at the height Zac was heading for. If he needed any further proof, he didn''t need to look far either. The dormant remnants in his mind had woken up, and Zac felt war was brewing as they started vibrating while still locked in each other''s embrace. The quicker Zac dealt with this matter, the sooner these troublesome things would calm down again.


    The area around the volcano was quite deste, with very little nt life growing. It was no surprise to Zac considering he saw ample proof of volcanic activity as he swam closer. The ocean bed was almost covered inyers uponyers ofva rivers that had been frozen by the waters. In fact, the water itself was well beyond 100 degrees where Zac swam, and a normal mortal would be scalded to death in an instant if dropped into these waters.


    Of course, it wasn��t much of an issue to Zac by this point, and neither did it prove lethal for the crabs and mollusks crawling across the walls of the mountain, seemingly digging into the stone itself. Zac was confused for a moment until he spotted a crab unearthing a clump of a red y-like substance and swallowed it in one bite.


    It looked like this ce had created a unique eco-system of its own, with the creatures beneath the surface eating actual mud filled with fire-attuned energies for sustenance. Meanwhile, the birds of prey above the surface most likely fed on the beasts below. The crabs still contained a lot of the Twilight Energy, but it was almost evenly matched with the fire of the mountain that fed them.


    Zac eventually reached the mountain proper, and his very presence scared away the critters crawling around in search of food. It wasn��t hard to find one of the cave entrances Catheya had mentioned either - they were practically everywhere. However, Zac did note that not a single one of the crabs entered those burrows, even when the avability of that fiery mud should be greater closer to the magma within.


    It wasn��t that hard to figure out the reason, and he posted up right at the edge of a tunnel, patiently waiting with his gaze turned toward the depths. Four minutes passed, and Zac started to wonder if he ultimately was too far out. But suddenly, he felt a shift. A wave of energy swept through the mountain, getting closer until it was almost upon him.


    Initially, Zac had nned on withstanding the pulse here at the edge of its effective radius, but he immediately pushed back and created hundreds of meters of distance. It was just in time as well, as a wall of energy shot out through the cave mouth, creating havoc on the area before being dispersed by the Twilight Ocean.


    Half a minuteter any sign of its appearance was gone, but some of the energy lingered. Zac swam back with a frown on his face, and he felt the remains of the creation pulse burrow into his body along with the Twilight Energy. Thankfully, his Hidden Node found no difficulty gobbling the thing up, but Zac could feel pain all over his body until the wounds were healed.


    It was like he had been instantly sunburnt by standing in the leftovers of the pulse. Or perhaps it was more apt to liken it to radiation poisoning. In either case, it spelled trouble. He finally understood what Catheya meant when she said an antithesis of her very existence. It was not just the energy of the Shard of Creation in that wave, it was much more.


    First of all, there was fiery energy from the volcano itself, but it took a backseat to the two other powers. The first was unsurprisingly the tainted energy of creation stemming from the shard, but the second part was pure life. It looked like the wave had fused with the Twilight Energy somehow, supercharging and weaponizing the life aspect of the ambient energy.


    It would be extremely perilous to take on that wave as a Draugr, even with his hidden nodes slowly absorbing the energy. It almost felt like he was in a video game, and he was one of the undead monsters who could be harmed by yers casting healing spells. It wouldn��t help much that [Void Heart] could swallow Life-attuned energies if the pulse had already ripped him to pieces.


    Thankfully, there was an easy fix to that problem, and a snap echoed out from within his body as Zac broke the seal to his Duplicity Core.

 Chapter 758: Magmatic Core

    <h4>Chapter 758: Magmatic Core</h4>


    The seal hiding Zac''s Duplicity Core was broken, and he immediately began the transformation process. Soon enough he stood at the cave mouth in his human form, and he closed his eyes to once more sense the remnant energies from the Creation pulse. The supercharged life-attuned energy in the area was still hostile to him, but its effect was not much worse than any other attack at the moment. It was definitely a better idea to enter the volcano in this form.


    Zac wasn��t stoked about using his human form and losing the protection of Leandra��s array after finding out that the Eveningtide Asura was lurking in some corner of the Twilight Ascent. But what choice did he have? Not getting the Shard of Creation would lead to his cultivation being crippled, which trumped any unproven concerns over his privacy.


    The life-attuned energies were now manageable just like the fiery energies that permeated the area, but that still left the weak motes of diluted Creation. The core force that had carried the pulse was different to the Creation Energy he usually dealt with, in that this energy was raw, wild, and still tainted by the will of the shard itself.


    It was much more troublesome to deal withpared to the distilled energy that was extracted from his trapped shard, and it didn''t take long for Zac to realize that he wouldn��t be able to simply make the energy his own by absorbing it. However, he had another idea of how to deal with the pulses, and he once more waited at the edge of his chosen tunnel. Soon enough Zac sensed an identical build-up, though this one was slightly weaker.


    It would still serve Zac��s purposes, and he readied himself as he sensed the turbulent wave of Life and Creation ripple forward. At the same time, two streams of energy entered his shoulders, and a small shimmering globe appeared between his hands, shuddering with unbridled possibility.


    Suddenly, Zac pushed his hands forward, and the mark pushed into the wave of creation heading through him. Zac imparted his will into the Mark of Creation, and the small walnut-sized ball instantly grew into the size of a cantaloupe as it stole the wild creation in the area to power its creation.


    Zac could sense how the act had started a chain reaction that would only end in disaster, and he hurriedly threw the Mark of Creation away before he shed to safety with [Earthstrider]. A blinding eruption of light illuminated the whole ocean for a moment before a fifteen-meter wide object wrought from an alloy of stones appeared where the Mark once was.


    It was a chaotic mesh of patterns and materials, and it broke apart the moment it hit the rocky ocean bed. Zac looked at it thoughtfully before his gaze turned to the blistering welts that had appeared across his hands.


    That bright light had released a wave of chaotic energies that had passed right through him, and while his body was already fast at work repairing itself, it was something both hard to defend against and lethal. Zac looked out across the field of crabs, and he could see how many of them shuddered with pain until they slumped down one after another.


    Still, the experiment was a sess. He had not been directly impacted by any of the Creation Energy in the wave at all when it passed through him, and even the amount of weaponized Life had been lessened by a good margin. As for the weird rock the bundle of creation turned into, it was the result of Zac��s wish of the thing turning into a harmless boulder.


    Why it didn''t turn into a simple rock was harder to guess, and it could be anything from the influence of the Twilight Ocean, hiscking understanding of the Dao of Creation, or even thetent consciousness from the Spark of Creation. In either case, the Mark of Creation had turned extremely unstable the moment his purified energies had been joined by the wild energies in the pulse.


    Seeing that he had found a method to push through the pulses, Zac sat down and rested for a few hours to restore himself to perfect condition. Using even a walnut-sized Mark of Creation left a smallwork of fine cracks across his neck, just like the Annihtion Spheres, and he knew he would have to conjure more of them to reach the heart of the volcano.


    Those cracks were extremely hard to heal, but they solidified and became invisible after a few hours, lessening the risk of them worsening on their own. In an ideal world, Zac would have wanted to have already cleansed himself before that point, but he still hadn��t found a method to do so. Only his natural healing along with the purified energy of opposing remnants worked, and the cracks generally disappeared after a week or two if it came from a small-sized mark like this.


    Zac didn��t have weeks to waste at the moment though, and he set out as soon as he felt his condition stable. He once more waited at the mouth of the volcano until yet another pulse erupted. This time he didn��t interact with the wave of Creation at all, instead opting to slip into the tunnel in its wake.


    He knew he had roughly five minutes before the next pulse would arrive, and he pushed his speed as much as he could with [Earthstrider]. He turned into a blur, rushing through one tunnel after another, but he swore when he ran into one barrier after another. Eventually, three minutes had passed without him making any real headway, forcing him to escape once more and wait for the next pulse to pass before continuing his scan.


    This cycle continued for hours, whichter turned to days. There was something odd about those tunnels. It wasn''t the fact that they werepletely devoid of living things, or that it was wrought from a confusing mesh of a million different materials rather than the rough stone of the exterior mountain.


    It wasn''t even the fact that the tunnels made no sense from a geological standpoint, though it was a bit rted. There was something mysterious about these paths, and Zac almost felt like he was running along the lines of an array rather than paths that were supposed to be the result of heat expansion.


    Not only were paths extremely confusing and almost impossible to memorize, but it almost felt like they contained the secrets of the Dao of Creation. Sometimes he was even forced to stop as he felt a surge of inspirationing on, but the feeling quickly passed. He was missing too much context to understand what was going on.


    Thankfully, four days of ceaseless work bore some results. Zac started to gain some sort of inherent understanding, and he managed to make it deeper and deeper between each pulse. He had even managed to find two paths he believed had a good chance of leading into the volcanic core where he felt the Shard of Creation calling for him.


    It wasn''t only thanks to the fact he Creation-wrought tunnels started to make sense to him. He also had two rambunctious remnants locked in his mind that essentially functioned likepasses for him. They could definitely sense their sibling hidden in the heart of the Volcano, and their energies grew wilder the closer he got.


    Those two tunnels he had found elicited a far greater responsepared to any other pathway so far, making Zac believe they provided a direct path to the shard.


    The problem was that the volcano was simply massive, and he would have to push through at least one pulse to confirm. He had already wasted one Mark of Creation on testing the viability of traversing the tunnels, and he couldn��t keep racking up the damage to his body right before absorbing the second Shard.


    If he wanted to go, then he had to go all in. There was some lingering hesitation if he was doing the right thing. After all, he might expend multiple Mark of Creations only to find a dead end. If he kept doing that, he would soon enough either run out of Creation Energy or the cracks would reach an irreparable state.


    But what choice did he have? His fortey in brute force, but that was of little help against the powerful Natural Formation guarding the mouth of the volcano. So Zac grit his teeth and once more set out the moment his opportunity arose, pushing straight toward the path he felt most likely to bear fruit.


    The temperatures steadily rose as the tunnel turned to a blur. He almost felt like he was passing through a fever dream. One moment the walls were made from glistening alloys, which then seamlessly turned into a convoluted crystal cave where he was hounded by thousands of his own reflections.


    Dark twisted tunnels, jagged paths he barely could squeeze through, even a spot where gravity itself was suspended, forcing him to fly forward with the help of Cosmic Energy. There was no rule or reason, only unfettered creation. Zac constantly used his evolved movement skill to keep maximum pace, asionally stepping onto the walls or ground to reset it.


    Even then, there was no end in sight after rushing for over four minutes, and he could feel the iing threat.


    Two more streams of energy entered the circuits on his shoulders, and he formed a small mark of creation in his hands. Soon enough, the wave of creation came crashing through the tunnel, and Zac pushed his hands forward to intercept. Once more it was a sess, and Zac threw the ball behind him, creating a huge eruption of mes this time.


    He was currently passing through a submerged patch of tunnel, but not submerged by the Twilight Ocean. It was rather a hard-to-traverse swamplike water, where the liquid seemed to grip him harder the quicker he moved. The inferno incinerated the water that filled the tunnel as it rushed to fill the tunnel in two directions.


    Having the ball of creation turn into a storm of mes was a bit risky, but it was easy to imagine considering he was beset with fiery energies all-around. Zac would have preferred to create nothing, but that was simply impossible from what he had learned over the past years. Creation was the opposite of Oblivion, and nothingness was the one thing that could not be brought forth.


    Zac was thrown forward by the enormous force, and he barely managed to avoid getting gored by a stgmite that had appeared out of nowhere. In fact, the whole area ahead had transformed, going from a cubic hall full of engraved disks to a chamber filled with thousands of sharp spikes.


    Thankfully, Zac could still sense that the path to the Shard of Creation was intact, so he kept running forward while diverting some of his attention to dealing with the alien energies that had entered his body in the wake of the pulse. The minutes passed as Zac continued his mad dash, and he forced his way through three more pulses before he reached a massive pool of magma that felt differentpared to the endless biodomes he had just passed.


    At least Zac hoped that was the case, considering the bubbling pool ofva was the endpoint of the tunnel. If that pool didn''t leave into the heart of the volcano, he had just wasted weeks, perhaps months. After all, he was beset by a searing pain in by now, and he didn''t need a mirror to know that his upper body was covered in a dense pattern of cracks.


    There was no time to lose, and Zac rushed straight toward the pond, withstanding the searing heat. It wasn��t to the point thebination of his Fragment of the Bodhi and a massive pool of Endurance was overwhelmed, but he still took out a talisman and infused some Cosmic Energy into it.


    A blue film instantly covered his body, and the oppressive heat was lessened by a decent degree. He had hundreds of simr talismans neatly stacked in his ring after his visit to the volcanic trial back in the Zecia sector, but he knew that the heat was the least of his issues.


    The rational part of his mind screamed that he was insane, but he still took a deep breath and jumped inside, using Cosmic Energy to burrow deeper and deeper into the magma. The heat was far greaterpared to the volcano he had swum around in to get his Heart of Fire-title, but the more pressing issue was that its fire-attuned energies were infused with Creation.


    It felt like he was being beset by a series of hallucinations as his surroundings kept twisting while he sunk deeper into the magma, but he knew the reality was much more dangerous than he was dealing with some simple illusion arrays. Every second, more foreign Creation energy entered his body, pushing his [Void Heart] to the limit.


    But his hidden node was ultimately limited, and it was also dealing with the Twilight Energy and fire-attuned energy of the volcano. Soon enough wild Creation would start umting in his body, and who knew what trouble that would cause. Zac hesitated a second, but he still conjured another Mark of Creation even if no pulse was iing.


    The ambient Creation was gradually being siphoned into the sphere rather than entering his body, and Zac hurried to make the most of the limited time he could keep it going. The Shard was further toward the center of the volcano, submerged a bit deeper, but Zac felt himself rapidly drawing closer now that there was no confusing pattern of tunnels keeping him at bay.


    A sudden burst of light made him stop in his tracks, and he was shocked to find theva simply ending. He threw the Mark of Creation far away before pushing his head through the finalyer of magma, and he realized that the whole heart of the volcano was a massive but slow-moving whirlpool.


    In the heart of the whirlpool, there was nova, but there was something else.


    The shard silently hovered in the heart of the swirl, the magma turning as the remnant did. With each turn, Zac saw a world of possibilities. In each refraction, he could sense the vastness of the cosmos. This was creation, true creation, not diminished or boxed in by his limited imagination.


    Last time he hadn��t been able to properly observe the remnant because of the force fields that the Technocrats had erected around it, but he was shocked at the beauty of it, and he almost felt like he was about to be dragged into an illusion. It was nothing like the shard in his cage. Certainly, he could still vaguely see a small crystal in the center, but the true value was the boundless insight it exuded.


    If it had been him in the F-grade, Zac would probably already have jumped over to grasp the treasure in a daze. However, his soul was far stronger this time around, and he was able to dispel the desire burning in his heart. Of course, he was still going to snatch it, but at least it was his decision this time around.


    At least he believed it was. Or was this yet another time he had been manipted by the System? Ultimately, Zac guessed it didn��t matter, and he made one final survey of the situation.


    It was clear that the Shard of Creation wasn��t in a passive state. It was constantly drawing fiery energies from the depths below, and Twilight Energy from the mouth of the volcano. Enormous amounts of energy entered the mysterious object every second, and Zac could feel how its aura was steadily growing. It had already been over four minutes since thest burst, and Zac sensed that another one would be unleashed any moment now. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The question was, wait for the pulse to pass, or go before he had to withstand another one?


    Zac ultimately chose the former, and he ignored the painful maze of golden cracks. Just one more. It was either that or risk one of those terrifying pulses erupting from within his body.


    The momentum grew, and Zac could sense that even the escaped motes of creation were being dragged back into the shard, like the water level sinking just before a tsunami. Then suddenly, it felt like the universe stopped for a moment, and Zac felt his mind drift as the remnant lit up with a terrifying splendor. It was too much, and Zac desperately closed his eyes as he pushed his mark of creation forward.


    His final mark aplished its task as well, but it instantly destabilized from the massive overload of energy. Zac barely had time to swim back into the magma before a terrifying explosion rocked the whole area as a gout of mes shot toward the sky. He felt a wave of unbearable heat turning his skin to charcoal, but that was the least of Zac''s worries.


    The final point-nk pulse was the straw that broke the camel''s back, and the two remnants that had been locked in a hate-filled embrace for four years suddenly detached from each other. The two immediately entered a pitched struggle, but Zac immediately saw that it was different from normal.


    The Shard of Creation railed against the cage with even greater vigor than the Splinter of Oblivion ever did before it gotpany. However, the splinter actually fought against the shard rather than the cage, over and over blocking the shard��s attempts to break out.


    And Zac could sense it - fear.


    The Splinter of Oblivion was no longer concerned about victory or escape, it was fighting for survival. Zac''s eyes lit up, feeling he had gained an unwilling ally in this task, and he shot forward before any more variables had time to crop up. There were no barriers barring his path, and he effortlessly reached the shard.


    First, he took out a box wrought from treasure jade, but it started to mutate and fall apart before he even had a chance to close the lid. He had somewhat expected this to happen, but it was still a disappointment that he couldn��t store the thing. He would have to absorb it right now, and he instead grasped it with his left hand.


    The crystal was cool to the touch, but Zac was still beset by terrifying agony as his arm started to rapidly mutate and take a series of grotesque shapes. Zac knew there was no stopping now though, so he pushed the small crystal straight toward his chest. A shudder spread out from his body as the crystal slipped inside without issue, the pulse pushing the swirling wall of magma over fifty meters away.


    Zac had no time to worry about his surroundings though as he prepared to enter the fight of his life - it was now to eat or to be eaten.

 Chapter 759: When Fates Align

    <h4>Chapter 759: When Fates Align</h4>


    Another ripple was released by the shard, and Zac felt like a universe was growing within his body as a storm of Creation spread out from head to toe. His body was rapidly transforming from the wild impulses it emitted, and he knew that anyone watching him right now would be beyond horrified by what they saw.


    He desperately hold on to his image of reality to make sure the changes didn''t spiral out of control, but reality suddenly felt malleable, open to reinterpretation. Alluring whispers beckoned for him to take the chance, to transcend from his lowly form, and he felt an echo of agreement from within the cage. Wasn��t he disappointed that his human form was so inferior to his Draugr side, be it in energy cirction to storage capabilities?


    Why not change it? It only required a single thought.


    It was a trap. Zac could feel it even in his mudded state. The remnants only dealt in backhanded gifts, and until it had been locked down and firmly controlled, he had to be careful with his desires. But that was easier said than done. The rampaging remnants scurried back and forth with blinding speed, leaving a trail of destructive creation in its wake.


    Try as he might, it seemed almost impossible to curtail its rampage. Why was it so different from thest time? Was it because the shard in the volcano had enjoyed almost unlimited ess to vast quantities of energy? Back in the Technocrat vessel, he hadn��t turned into a rapidly transforming monstrosity the moment he took on the shard.


    Or had he?


    Back then, he had been instantly knocked unconscious before getting whisked away by a vision, and who knew how long he had stayed unconscious. This time he had managed to stay awake, for better or worse. Part of him wanted to embrace that sweet darkness to avoid the horrifying agony of having your body reformed into one wretched state after another, but he didn��t dare to give in.


    There was a good chance this was something new. It didn''t seem like the shard��s actions were just its natural state of creative exuberance. Rather, it felt like the shard had already sensed its sibling, and it was shooting back and forth in an attempt to locate it. Zac couldn''t let the thing continue unchecked, but he didn''t even have a chance to figure something out before he felt reality slow down to a crawl.


    The seed was suddenly locked in ce just below Zac��s neck, and his limbs were no longer undergoing wild transformations between a series of ghoulish creations. Even the enormous whirlpool of magma around him had ground to a standstill, and it seemed to Zac that the only thing that moved were his thoughts.


    Unfortunately, even they were starting to be hazy as his vision closed in on him. He felt his mind being dragged far away, and he desperately tried to tether at least a remnant piece of consciousness to his body before it all went dark.


    A crackling sound full of ebullience echoed out into the void, each snap exuding the primordial Dao. For untold ages the [Spark of Creation] left its mark on the universe, its conceptions inching ever closer to that impossible threshold.


    Worlds were born with a single breath, marvels beyondpare conjured with a thought. Its desire was the Heavens and its will the Earth. But as the spark grew more powerful, so did its hunger. Not even Creation could ovee the ancient Law of Bnce, and every spark of inspiration had its price.


    Worlds were born with a single breath, and stars dimmed to never shine again. The spark didn''t mind. After all, change was a form of Creation as well, and it moved through the cosmos in search of more sustenance to fuel its blessings.


    Hunger. Growth. Desire. The spark shed, its tendrils stretching toward every corner of myriad nes. Creation was never over.


    With a wave of his arm, the Spring Saint brought life to the deste fields, his desire for life bending the harsh elements to his will. Of course, nothing came without a price, and his murky eyes turned to his followers whose backs were already bent over with premature age. Two years and they were already like this. He inwardly sighed as his eyes turned back to the seemingly lush grass that was springing up all around them.


    Self-hatred burned in his heart, but he couldn��t stop now. He couldn��t tell his ardent supporters that it was a lie, that the bountiful gardens he wrought were a cmity waiting to happen. It was all a charade, his desire to create something greater supnted by an older and undying will.


    Soon, it would all turn to dust.


    Hopefully, he and his followers would be dead before then. That way they wouldn��t have to witness the evil they had brought to their world. Even the purest intentions could be corrupted, even the most benevolent of deeds could be harmful. Life without soul was just corruption, and the world he had created was hollow.


    The whispers had grown so loud, to the point that they almost drowned out the calls of the wild. Regret gnawed at her as she kept running, desperately trying to create some distance from the site of her outburst. A whole settlement turned to a monument of her folly, her people turned to sacrificial offerings to that insatiable desire.


    It was never enough. It always wanted more. More energy, more impressions, more yearning. It could never be satiated, that ancient madness that had permeated her very being. Silence was oppression, stillness was death.


    She was so hungry. She had denied herself for fifty years, wanting nothing, doing nothing, wasting her potential and future in an effort to stem the inevitable. Even then, the mors had grown louder, and her attempts to impose order now seemed soughable. Four quick jumps took her to the top of the mountain, far from any settlements or reflection pools.


    The moons were so beautiful today.


    She had been renamed after Sarda��Lavain, the Shepherd, the moment her talent was discovered. The council had hoped she would be a shepherd, keeping the flock safe from the darkness of the Ymrid Expanse. The moons had looked just like they did now during the ceremony.


    Tears streamed down her cheeks, and she finally let herself remember. The whole mountain rumbled as one statue after another appeared, memories given form in one final salute. Ten, fifty, a thousand scenes appeared, wrought with loving detail in stone and wood. They were alive in a sense, as they lived in her desire.


    Nature screamed with pain as the Sarda''Lavain led her flock into the one ce the curse couldn''t follow - nothingness.


    Zac''s soul was taken on a journey through one horrid fate after another as the world stood still around him. Not one of the visions was a scene of triumph. They all depicted the inevitable doom waiting at the end of absorbing a Shard of Creation, to the point that Zac felt something was amiss. Did the new shard in his body sense that he had already locked away its siblings, and was now trying to wear down his confidence?


    If so, it would take more than this. He was just a child in multiverse terms, but his will wouldn��t be broken by something like this. He had goals that keep him on the path. He would get there even if he had to extinguish that ancient will that had tainted Creation itself.


    And even if he didn''t believe in himself, he believed in the System and its greed for more chaos patterns. This wasn''t the ce where he would fall. He simply let the scenes wash over him, each one of them a lesson to engrave in his heart.


    But suddenly, the scenes stopped, like they had two times before. His consciousness once found itself on that lofty mountain, staring at the being sitting on the peak as the sky danced in a thousand colors, each ray containing a facet of truth that far surpassed anything Zac knew.


    ��Oh?�� the Aetherlord said as he opened his eyes, his word rife with the Dao. ��You again?��


    Thest time Zac had been sent to this mountain top he had been in the F-grade and still clueless about a lot of things. He had been a frog in the bottom of a well so to speak, but years of hardship and experiences had greatly broadened his horizons. Only now could he fully appreciate what kind of monster appeared before him.


    The cosmos itself bent to his will as Creation had taken physical form by his aura. It danced across the horizon, for as long as his eyes could see in every direction. This was not a Dao Field or condensed intent, this was pure Dao fit to be considered Heavenly Law. This man was simply too powerful, even more so than his Technocrat mother.


    His presence put pressure on Zac''s very existence, like his soul couldn��t fathom that something so grand could be crammed into a single body. Then again, it was perhaps not only his perception that was different this timepared tost. Zac felt more tangible this time, more than just a wisp of consciousness.


    ��Just a blink of an eye has passed yet you have once more drunk from the poisonous waters of false Creation. I warned you when we parted ways, that the hunger for the boundless will leave you a withered husk,�� he said with disdain. "Yet you once more run the errands of the Viinous Heavens."


    ��Aren��t you the same?�� Zac muttered, and he immediately regretted it.


    Or perhaps the Aetherlord hadn''t heard him? It was hard to tell in Zac''s current form, whether his words were real or just stray thoughts. However, the sneer on the Aetherlord''s face quickly gave him an answer, and Zac immediately tried to leave. This man was terrifyingly powerful, but he was a bit of a bastard judging by theirst encounter, and who knew what he would do this time.


    He only needed to speak with Be''Zi anyway, and seeing this guy was proof enough that the n was feasible. The world shuddered as Zac tried to drag himself back through his spiritual anchor, but it suddenly stabilized as the connection was cut.


    ��Don''t be so hasty to leave, human," the Aetherlord said. "And don''t get your facts mixed up. It is not the shards that bring us together, it is the Cursed Heavens. I took no shortcut to reach my current height, unlike you who invited that madness into your heart."


    Zac was shocked to hear that the Aetherlord hadn��t actually meddled with the Shards of Creation. Zac had always considered him and Be��Zi as some sort of safety. Those two had made it to the middle orter stages of Autarchy with these things in their bodies, which should be more than enough to achieve his own goals of finding and saving Kenzie.


    But now it turned out it was all a lie? They had simply cultivated Oblivion and Creation without the interference with the shards?


    ��Well, it looks like you handled the first one surprisingly well,�� the Aetherlord continued with a ruminating look. ��I can barely sense its mark on you. The System stepped in when I would not? Interesting. You might be able to amuse us a while longer.��


    ��Could you tell me how to fuse the shards?�� Zac ventured, seeing as the Aetherlord seemed to be in a good mood.


    ��You still bear the stench of the Cursed Heavens, even more now thanst time. Not destroying you is already testing the limits of my patience,�� the Aetherlord said. ��However, there is a saying. One is an eternal curse, two is a cmity. Five is... Heh, well perhaps you will find out? In fact, how about a wager?"


    Zac didn��t immediately answer, afraid he��d be caught in a simr scheme like with the Eveningtide Asura. However, it didn��t look like the Aetherlord Autarch nned on doling out a quest. Zac suddenly realized it might not be possible, seeing as how this man seemed to havepletely broken from the System.


    ��Arrive in front of me with five shards within 100 years, in person or a vision like this, and I will impart you with a Creation of my own,�� he said with a small smile. "It will be immensely beneficial for your path."


    "What if I fail?" Zac hesitated. "And what did you mean by cmity?"


    ��If you fail, then you will simply be another one who failed to satiate the boundless greed of the Viinous Heavens. Make no mistake. Now that you''ve set out on this path, there is no return,�� he said as his smile widened. ��As for what cmity means, you will find out soon enough. Now, off you go."


    Alvod''s eyes shot open and he looked at the Twilight Tapestry with anticipation. It fluctuated precariously for a few seconds as a foreign intrusion made its presence known. However, the unwee visitor was soon gone, and the Tapestry returned to normal, even stronger than before.


    "That brat actually followed through," Alvod smiled as he rose into the air from his prayer mat.


    As expected, that little Draugr hadn''t taken his mission to heart, only making a symbolic effort before setting off to look for his own fortunes. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Was his reputation really so bad that someone would distrust him eons after his attack on the entrenched powers? Alvod didn''t really care that the world didn''t know the truth of the matters back then. He had followed his heart to right a wrong, not just for himself, but for Zecia''s very future. But his infamy did make his life a bit harder.


    And now, this Arcaz ck had taken one of those cursed objects, the remnant from the Spark by the looks of it. Who knew what kind of trouble the brat would create with that thing kicking around in his body. Being able to impact one''s surroundings with such meager strength was a talent worth admiration.


    Alvod still remembered how one of the purifiers had washed up on his shores along with the scorched remains of the distition array powering it. He hadn''t believed his eyes when he saw how his tapestry had been tampered with in an attempt to force a system of Life, Death, and War.


    "You think my path a lie, a defeat?" Alvod snorted as his gaze turned to another spot on the tapestry a few hundred meters away. "Foolish. There are as many paths to the peak as there are stars to the sky. Just because they have been hidden, doesn''t mean they''re inferior."


    Space bent and he soon hovered in front of the spot he had marked before. Even now, Alvod hesitated a bit, but he soon steeled his resolve. He knew that he would encounter all kinds of roadblocks on the road to Autarchy. As long as he could follow his heart, he could live and die without regret. And his heart told him this needed to be done. Otherwise, it would be like having a fly buzzing around in the back of his head.


    "You want to abscond with the treasures while everyone else suffers? The Council, the undead factions, even the Havarok bastards. They risk everything for the advancement of their path. You think yourself above it?" Alvod muttered as a ten-thousand-meter tall wave materialized behind his back. "You think yourself safe after the System''s warnings? Naive."


    The wave crashed forward, powered by the weight of a supreme world on the precipice of forming its Dao. The tapestry flickered as an ancient will pushed back, but it was too weak. The crashing eveningtide turned into nine streams of monstrous power, and the tapestry was forced to give way.


    Alvod pushed his hand inside, ignoring the deep p of thunder above. Searing pain assaulted him, but he crushed the resistance and paved a path.


    "Go now, child," Alvod muttered with a distorted voice as the pathway shrunk. "Hurry."


    Alvod''s pained grimace turned into a smile when he sensed hismand being heeded. He sunk back toward his prayer mats as his singed hand gradually was healed by a couple of nurturing streams.


    "And thus our fates align," Alvod grinned as his gaze turned back to the original spot. "There is no escaping what''s toe. Let''s see how you enjoy riding this tiger."

 Chapter 760: Golden Canopy

    <h4>Chapter 760: Golden Canopy</h4>


    The towering mountain and the mindbending sky of pure Dao shattered, and it was like someone had started up time again as Zac found himself back in his body. He felt like days had passed as he had been taken through one vision after another, while in reality, it had only taken an instant. The swirling whirlpool of magma once more started spinning, but Zac saw that it was starting to copse now that there was no shard to maintain bnce.


    However, Zac didn''t have time to worry about something like that as a tremendous force built up inside his body, a storm of creation. Not only did it forcibly pull in shocking amounts of energy from the surroundings, but it robbed Zac as well. Mental energy, Cosmic Energy, even his life force went into the mix, joining the madness the Shard of Creation was concocting.


    The absorption of the shard was quickly getting out of hand, but Zac did have one advantage this time around that hecked thest time. First of all, he was almost a whole grade strongerpared to when he fled through the technocrat vessel. But more importantly, he now had a properly awakened bloodline to help out.


    His pores had once more turned into small vortices that siphoned off some of the endless energy radiating from the Shard of Creation. [Void Heart] was hard at work as well, swallowing a decent chunk with every bite. And it quickly became evident that the more Creation Energy his body drew away, the less energy and life-force did the storm draw from its surroundings.


    [Purity of the Void] helped as well, though it didn��t actually expel the Creation Energy, but rather stripped some of the shard��stent will from it. Some even entered his Soul Aperture, some getting swallowed by [Spiritual Void], and some getting infused into the golden ocean. The very system that helped him deal with the Twilight Energy hade through and protected him once again.


    But most surprising was a new addition, an unusually powerful vortex that had appeared almost right where the Shard of Creation had been frozen while he was shown the vision - at the top of his sternum, just below his neck. Its suction was not as powerful as [Void Heart], but exponentially greater than the small passive draw from his cells.


    However, Zac couldn''t see where it went. It just disappeared, like it was drawn to another dimension. There was one very exciting possibility for this, but there was no way he had time to investigate the situation. Not even his Void Emperor-bloodline could contain the vast energies that the rampaging shard exuded. It needed release, and Zac desperately struggled to expel it from his body before he burst at the seams.


    A thousand streams that fluctuated between opalescence and gold shot out in every direction, each one of them filled with the majestic force of Creation and Zac''s very essence. Anything they touched, changed. Most notably, the ocean of magma in the supersized volcanic chamber immediately started to undergo tumultuous changes, and thousand chaotic scenes yed out at once.


    And in the middle of it, Zac found himself a conduit of energies he couldn''t understand or control. Why was this so different? Pain muddled Zac''s thoughts, but he struggled to stay sane as he tried to figure out a solution. But the voices were so loud, almost drowning out his thoughts. It was just a deep buzz in the depths of his brain, but it was rife with meaning.


    It was a constant flood of suggestions, thousands of them crashing into his mind every second. Form wings and fly out of here. Create a tunnel of unmeltable steel and walk out. Turn fire to ice. Be an elemental and embrace the heat. The whispers were endless and without reprieve, to the point that Zac started to lose sight of what was him and what was the shard.


    He had thought it would be different with his first set of remnants being behind lock and key, but the cmity the Aetherlord mentioned hade just the same. Was this the reason for the fall of the Eastern Trigram Sect? One was an eternal curse, two was a cmity where the user became a walking disaster.


    Zac despaired as he felt a second wave of unfettered creationing on again. What was the use of his bloodline improving or a new Hidden Node being born, if he wasn''t alive to enjoy it? But he suddenly remembered his talk with the Autarch. He had talked like the effect of collecting five shards was something well-known, meaning that two was just a threshold.


    A bottleneck that needed to be conquered, no different from the other difficulties he had managed to conquer thus far. Others had passed this step before him, so why couldn''t he?


    Magma beneath his feet turned into a stable teau of stone, but Zac didn''t move away even as magma fell toward him like crashing tidal waves. He needed to somehow force the shard until submission and pass the cmity before he could worry about anything else. Even rapidly transformingva that had submerged him had to take a backseat.


    With his Endurance, Vitality, and Gear, he would survive at least half an hour like this, but the same couldn''t be said about the remnant. His body was already overflowing with energy again, and Zac knew that he couldn��t simply make it disappear. The wheels had already been set in motion, and a price needed to be paid.


    But did it really have to be his own life force? Zac was reluctant, but he still took out a small box containing what looked like a milky-white diamond, the third of the five supreme items he had picked up at the depths of the Chasm. Inside, an almost heaven-defying energy was trapped �C longevity. This thing was just like the Longevity Pearls he found back in the Tower of Eternity, but it was on another levelpletely.


    This thing was enough to create over ten peak-quality longevity pills ording to Catheya, far more external life-force than anyone could absorb on their own. After all, these kinds of treasures were all limited, just like Attribute Fruits. Some cultivators could take in more longevity than others, but it would normally not surpass 10-20% of your original lifespan.


    For Zac, whose current lifespan was around 5,000 years, it meant a couple of centuries. Unfortunately, it wasn��t enough, going by the rate the shard was going. But as long as he could continuously draw the energy from the gemstone and use it to power the forced creation rather than supnt his own life, he would hopefully not emerge from this as an old man.


    The energy kept building, but Zac breathed out in relief when feeling a warm stream of what best could be described as time entering the fleshy blob his arm had turned into. It worked. Instead of losing decades of his lifespan, he had only lost a couple of months, with the resting from the longevity treasure. It was a shame using one of his five supreme treasures like this, but it was far preferable to dying. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    But dealing with the cost of the shard''s outbursts was just the first step. Zac immediately cursed when a deep rumble spread through the area as if prompted by his wayward thoughts. Something was brewing, and it wasn��t hard to guess what considering he stood in the heart of a volcano.


    The magma around him suddenly transformed from molten rock to water, which in turn was instantly vaporized by the searing heat. It resulted in a tremendous eruption, where magma and Zac were both pushed away to make room for the heat expansion. Zac groaned as he felt a few bones snap, but they instantly fused back together thanks to another thought.


    He had to stay calm. An errant wish for the hard-to-traverse magma to be more like water had almost knocked him unconscious. Getting out that way was certainly possible, but Zac refused to lean on the shard unless he absolutely had to. He had seen the result of indulging desire over and over in the visions.


    It was a poison, like the Cosmic Water that seemingly quenched your thirst while burning out your pathways. He needed to seal the remnant somehow, but there was simply no time. In fact, Zac realized there wasn��t time for anything at all as he sensed a terrifying force build beneath him.


    This wasn��t something like the attack of a Hegemon, this was the fury of nature itself. There was no time to push through the sea ofva and run through the endless tunnels. His mind frantically spun, and he reluctantly infused his will into the third burgeoning pulse building inside him. A wave of opalescent gold shot out, and the whole area around him turned into a 50-meter diamond with him securely ensconced in a small chamber in its heart.


    Zac''s arm turned into a blur as he threw out array after array, talisman after talisman, heedless of the cost to enhance his lifeline. It was just in time as well as an apocalyptic explosion erupted beneath his feet, and an unbearable kic force pushed him down on his knees as he, along with millions of tonnes of magma, shot toward the sky. A deafening bang caught up with him a momentter, just as a shocking wall of heat passed straight through his diamond and breaking his arrays, setting his whole world on fire.


    The stench of seared flesh assaulted his nose, but it onlysted for a moment before his body reformed again. The one good thing about this process was that his body was nigh-indestructible, though the same couldn''t be said of his other creations. The diamond, famed for its hardness, couldn''t withstand the volcanic eruption and cracks rapidly spread through it until it shattered into a million pieces.


    Luckily, it had absorbed most of the initial force from getting shot up thousands of meters in the air, and Zac suddenly felt a sense of weightlessness. A dozen eyes appeared on his body as he looked around, and he was met with the scene of an endless ocean stretching in every direction. Above him, an impossiblyrge plume of ash from the eruption, and an unfathomable amount ofva cascading down toward the ocean below him.


    Zac knew he had been flung thousands of meters into the air. Falling from this height would normally not be that much of an issue, especially now that he could use his movement skill in the air. The more troubling issue was the hundreds of thousands of boulders, each one of them teeming with fire-attuned energies, that had been dragged from the depths of the earth. If just one of them smashed into him, even he would get wounded.


    But the more pressing energy was once more the shard. Another eruption was brewing. This one was far worse than anything the shard had released so far, and Zac prayed it would be its final gambit in imposing its will on him. A storm of life-forced was drawn out from the gemstone as the voices in his mind reached a crescendo.


    A hundred-meter-wide whirlpool instantly formed around him, and the red-hot magma inside the storm instantly turned into cold, cracked stone as all energy was siphoned off. Zac did what he could, but it was too much. He released a roaring from the very depths of his soul, containing the full force of his mental energy and his conviction.


    A huge shockwave pushed the closestva and boulders away as it dispersed the hurricane that had formed around him, but it was nothingpared to what came next.


    It looked like a sun had been born in the middle of the chaos, a radiant sphere of gold over five hundred meters across. For a moment, it seemed like it was kept afloat by the enormous gout ofva, but the scene onlysted for a second before it started to change, the gold spreading in every direction like a mushroom cloud.


    Zac could sense it all through his connection with the cloud as he plunged toward the surface, propelled forward by both the outburst and his Cosmic Energy. The shard was exhausted for the moment, and Zac took the opportunity to form a sturdy shield of Mental Energy around it. It still exuded creation energy as it struggled to break free, but it was nowhere near as bad as before.


    The final explosion had weakened it enough to provide Zac a reprieve and focus on survival. He had be yet another falling meteor, jointing the tens of thousands of the others around him. The sound was deafening, with thousands of birds screeching in pain as their bones broke and their feathers burned, and the falling projectiles created sharp whistling sounds that felt like daggers in Zac''s brain.


    As bad as it was, it was still nothingpared to what was going on above him, at the epicenter of the final outburst. The golden cloud had spread out and fused the ash, and a storm of Creation had erupted within, fueled by the still-ejectingva. Thousands of sounds wrought from god-knows-what kind of creations had turned into a deafening cacophony.


    As Zac plummeted toward the rtive safety of the ocean, asionally using falling boulders to reset [Earthstrider], he looked back at the chaos he had caused. And while the sound was enough to turn a man deaf, the scene was simply breathtaking. Zac��s eyes widened as he froze in ce, even forgetting to breathe.


    It was a tree. A tree of Creation.


    The thousand-meter pir ofva created a red-hot trunk, and the golden cloud and ash had turned into an enormous crown. Within the crown, Creation ran rampant, where every branch held a thousand possibilities. No matter where you looked, there was something new, and it almost looked like it was decorated with magical Christmas lights as new colors joined the gold before being changed into something else.


    Zac woke up from the stupor after a few seconds and started to flee further away again, but he felt that scene would stay with him for a long time. That ��tree�� he had identally formed almost felt as impactful as the grandeur of the Lifebringer Tree he had seen in his Dao Vision so long ago. In a sense, this magical apparition behind him was more of a Tree of Life, holding not only the key to life itself, but to all creation.


    Unfortunately, Zac''spse in concentration had given the shard the opportunity it needed to escape, and it broke apart the chains that bound it with a burst of energy. However, it didn''t start charging another burst. Instead, it started undting at a weird frequency, and Zac''s heart beat an extra time when he felt a matching vibrationing from the cage in his mind.


    He tried to trap the shard again, but the remnant burned through the barriers even the action made it dim even further. The shard pushed straight into his Soul Aperture before Zac had a chance to reform his cage,pletely ignoring the defenses of [Soul Guardian]. The shard seemed exhausted, but it was still was like a second sun had entered the area, and the golden ocean especially practically frothed as it was drenched in Creation.


    Zac got a bad feeling seeing the shard��s course of action, and his fears were immediately realized as it mmed into a seemingly empty spot in his aperture. Of course, it wasn��t simply a random spot, but rather the hidden gate connecting Zac��s Soul Aperture with the cage holding the other two remnants. The trapped shard frantically struggled in turn, while the Splinter was fighting for its life to prevent itself from getting overrun.


    Another m rocked his Soul Aperture, and Zac felt that the tunnel would be forced open soon enough if he let things proceed.


    But the shard had entered his soul, and that was Zac''s turf. It looked like a shimmering haze rose from the glistening core in his soul as he released way more Mental Energy than most Peak E-grade cultivators could muster at the threat of death. It turned into a new cage around the shard, this one so dense that it almost looked corporeal.


    The shard fought hard to break out and resume its siege of the prison, but it was to no avail. Cracks formed on Zac''s makeshift prison, but they were quickly healed as he kept instilling more and more energy into it. After half a minute the shard stopped, and Zac was filled with a surge of victory as hended on the ocean surface.


    This was why he had worked so hard for close to five years, never forgetting to cultivate his soul. The Shard was sealed by his mind, and he had plenty of energy to keep it going until he found a permanent solution. He turned back and took onest look at the scene he had created before he dove into the ocean.


    A golden canopy shimmering with a million lights, a trunk created with the heart of a world, and ten thousand red meteors falling like leaves in autumn.

 Chapter 761: Eruptions

    <h4>Chapter 761: Eruptions</h4>


    Zac dove into the Twilight Ocean and the scenery above was immediately reced by a subaquatic hellscape. He had already been somewhat prepared considering the spectacle he had caused, but the pandemonium that met him was even beyond what he expected.


    The whole ocean was a bubbling cauldron as tens of thousands of superheated boulders dropped into the waters from above. The falling debris was filled with fiery energy, and the rapid cooling by the ocean caused them to crack one by one, causing cataclysmic explosions that spread in deadly chain reactions.


    Meanwhile, gouts ofva shot out from the hundreds of cracks in the volcano itself, turning into giant spears that decimated anything in their path. Zac could only keep going, desperately avoiding the mayhem best as he could. Even then, he was constantly wounded by flying shrapnel or boulders mming into the waters from above.


    If not for the abundant creation energy coursing through his body, he would be covered in wounds after just a minute.


    Zac really missed [Profane Exponents] at this moment, his three loyal followers whose defensive properties were leagues beyond [Innate Ward] which he had gotten from his Dao Repository. He really needed to find a way to upgrade [Hatchetman��s Spirit] soon, and it seemed like focusing on its defensive capabilities would be the smartest course of action.


    The visibility was all but null from the soot and the fact that the ocean was boiling, so Zac was shocked to suddenly find himself in front of a squad of almost 20 undead warriors who had formed a protective circle. Most of them were Revenants, with five of them being Corpselords. It looked like they had decided to investigate the area but had gotten caught up by the chaos.


    They had sacrificed speed to maintain a defensive shield as they moved further away from the volcano. Zac wanted nothing to do with them, but the opportunity to slip away had already passed since he almost entered their formation by ident, cing him just a few meters away from the undead warriors.


    ��You! What happened here? We hear-�� one of the Revenants eximed, but his eyes widened after a second. ��That bounty! Arcaz ck!��


    ��He��s human?!�� one of the Corpselords blurted, and the whole group stared in confusion, seemingly even forgetting the chaos that raged around them.


    The confusion onlysted a moment though, with some of them charging attacks while others turned to run for their lives, not wanting to test their mettle against the first-ce holder on thedder. But they were too slow. An enormous wooden hand appeared through the boiling waters, the axe in its hand axe mming down in their midst. Its edge radiated a blinding sharpness, but there was something different about [Arcadia''s Judgement] this time.


    Thick golden veins covered the wooden hand, adding a second set of inscriptions on top of those that seemingly naturally formed in the bark. The golden tendrils didn��t stop at the hands either, but they covered the enormous axe as well, imbuing it with a unique power �C the power of Creation.


    Zac was normally unable to infuse his skills with the energy from his remnants, except for his newly created [Pir of Destion], but this time it had happened without him even trying. Perhaps it was unavoidable, with his Soul Aperture being filled with Creation Energy.


    Adding the Branch of the Axe would probably have been enough to deal with this group of bogmon trial-takers, and more than ten streams of energy entered Zac as their bodies were turned to shreds from the initial swing. A few had almost managed to activate escape talismans by that point, but the second stage of the skill would soon take care of them.


    Or that was what would normally happen.


    Instead, a dense maze of golden scars shot out from the axe and covered the area, passing right through everything from boulders to corpses, and through the unlucky few who had survived the initial swing. Zac grimaced as he knew what would happen next, and a group of pained wails echoed out as the cultivators started to suffer horrifying transformations.


    A few turned into grotesque clumps of uncoordinated flesh, others turned into base materials. Creation had entered their bodies, and there was no turning back for them. A series of fractal leaves shed through the crowd as Zac ended the lives of the rest of the members, as much to ease their suffering as to protect his secrets.


    Still, Zac wasn��t very happy, either with being forced to ughter a bunch of people or upon learning that there were cultivators in the area. He immediately swam away, afraid that themotion would attract more people. As he fled, he looked inward to get a better understanding of the situation.


    As expected, some Creation Energy had slipped through his Mental Energy cage when activating [Arcadia''s Judgement]. He had tried to maintain a solid barrier around the still-hostile shard, but his ability to focus on multiple things at once was still just awful. His control had been loosened a bit when infusing his Dao into the attack, and a stream of Creation Energy had slipped through the cracks even if the shard was still held in ce.


    Some of it entered his skill, while some entered the golden ocean in his mind. However, most of it escaped his Soul Aperture, much to the delight of the various vortices in his body. It was a bit of a pain in the ass, but Zac believed it was unavoidable. He could see how the shard was already recuperating.


    The two other remnants were able to conjure energy out of nowhere while locked away by both the System and Be��Zi, so it was no surprise that his newly-acquired remnant could do the same. He would probably have to asionally release the valves, so to speak, and expel some energy. Otherwise, his Soul Aperture was bound to blow up.


    Luckily, the initial eruptions had only exhausted half of the life force locked inside the gemstone, meaning he wouldn��t have to waste his own lifespan in the short run. Furthermore, he would only have to do this for a few months until he got his hands on the splinter. At that point, he would drain both remnants with a Glimpse of Chaos, and then shove them into the cage to join their siblings if all went ording to n.


    Zac kept going for another fifteen minutes, utilizing [Earthstrider] to put more distance between himself and the volcano. Thankfully, it didn''t seem his skills would get infected with creation unless he tried infusing it with his Dao, allowing him to use the movement skill without worry. Soon enough he had left the direct danger zone of the volcano, and he immediately took out his submersible.


    Therge spiraled shell appeared next to him, and he quickly jumped into it and sped off before anyone else could spot him and his human form. He hadn''t encountered anyone after that group of unlucky explorers, but the area was bound to be swarming with people soon enough. A lot of trial takers were gathering in the vicinity to the City of Ancients, but even more cherished their lives and stayed far away.


    These people instead put their efforts into collecting the various herbs and treasures strewn across the ocean, and they mighte this way to investigate. Zac''s ears were still ringing from the eruption, and it could probably both be felt and heard across huge distances. A mortal might try to get as far away from an active volcano as possible, but cultivators were the opposite.


    Who knew what kind of valuable metals and other treasures would be dragged from the depths when a volcano this massive erupted? Zac wouldn''t be surprised if those explosive stones that had fallen into the ocean contained all kinds of nice things. Of course, it wasn''t enough to pique Zac''s interest. Instead, he immediately set course for the ravine marked on his [Ocean Chart].


    The vessel was essentially put on autopilot, with Zac splitting his attention between monitoring the shard and keeping watch for an ambush. After some consideration, Zac decided to stay in his human form for the time being. He would probably have to use his Draugr form to enter the ravine if that ce was anything like the volcano, but for now, it felt like an unnecessary risk to rock the boat by entering a weakened state.


    Seeing that the situation had calmed down, he opened thedder with some curiosity. He had only gained 30,000 contribution points for destroying that mysterious valley back in the Twilight Chasm, a pittancepared to what he thought he should have gained. That ce held so many insights into Twilight, but he still only got what looked like a bounty by the System.


    This time around, the result was thankfully a lot better.


    [Arcaz ck �C Contribution: 1,754,274 Rank: 1. Value: 175,000 (Bounty)]


    He had gained over 180,000 Contribution Points in one go, once more pushing past Uona to reim the first position. The vampire had passed him just one month ago, after steadily collecting Contribution Points while he was in secluded cultivation or traveling the vast distances of the ocean.


    Ykrodas had been closing on him as well, though he had stillcked around 100,000 points. But now, Zac had imed the crown once more. Honestly, he wasn''t too excited about it. The boost was too small to matter in the long run. That Eternal n scion seemed a bit haughty, and he was afraid that him passing her on thedder would make Uona redouble her efforts at capturing him.


    Hopefully, it wouldn''t result in Catheya getting in trouble again while she scouted ahead for him around the ravine and the City of Ancients.


    Still, Zac was a bit confused. The energy eruption he had unleashed this time around was at least ten times thatpared to when he felled the mothertree back on Cork Ind. Not only that, but he had released massive quantities of Creation into the trial, and Creation should hold a lot of insights into Twilight.


    So, 180,000 points felt a bit stingy, even if it was a huge chunk all things considered.


    His best guess was that he hadn''t gained a single point from the shard itself, and the reward rather came from the volcano and all that its eruption destroyed. Zac had known that was a possibility going in, considering that the remnants weren''t part of the trial. They had found their way into this Mystic Realm some way, but they weren''t actually rted to Twilight.


    They were on a different path altogether judging by what he had seen in the valley. In the Twilight Tapestry, Life was not Life, and Death was not Death. These two concepts had been fused into some other path, moving away from the peak leading toward the Daos of Oblivion and Creation.


    Zac might have deduced a logical reason, but he was still quite disappointed with the result. Getting the first position in a trial like this would probably result in an amazing title, and perhaps even Title Permanence. But the remnants had been hisst hope to cinch the position. There was no way he would stick around to the end of the trial, meaning his Contribution Points would get halved upon leaving.


    For him to maintain the lead, he would have needed to get a crazy amount of Contribution Points from snatching the two remnants. That way he would have been able to maintain the lead even after getting points deducted. Now, he would be lucky if he could maintain a top-ten position by the time the trial ended.


    There was one silver lining though. That magnificent scene of creation and destruction might not have contributed much to the Path of Twilight, but it did feel relevant to his own cultivation. He still hadn''t pieced together exactly how, but Zac felt his experience would be useful for his Fragment of the Bodhi.


    He was still far from forming a branch the normal way, but he still felt there were some clues hidden in the vision of the volcano tree. He just needed to ponder on it for a while to figure out exactly what inspiration to draw from the experience. Unfortunately, a certain stowaway in his mind refused to give him the peace and quiet to ponder on the Dao.


    The remnant was relentless, like a trapped beast that refused to give in.


    The weird humming whispers were a constant annoyance in the back of Zac''s mind as the days passed, and the shard kept exuding energy without stopping. Mostly, it was manageable, with Zac slightly opening the cage now and then to absorb the energy. His body was thankfully insatiable, never saying no to more of the high-grade energy.


    That was another reason he didn''t want to swap to his Draugr form prematurely. The odd node just below his throat was still absorbing energy, and Zac was afraid to do anything that might interrupt the process. There was still no information in his bloodline screen, and he couldn''t tell if this node was connected to his Void Emperor bloodline, or if it was something that was actually being created by the shard.


    With so little information impossible, he preferred to maintain the status quo. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, the struggle inside the cage abated after a couple of days. The Splinter of Oblivion had essentially taken up a position as a goalie in front of the crack where energy was being siphoned out. However, Zac could feel that the two were just as hostile as before. They were just waiting for an opportunity to turn the tables on the other.


    His body was mostly in a good state thanks to the Creation energy healing him every time he got hurt during the mad escape. He did however feel a bit hollow, for ack of a better word. It was most likely due to the constant transformations his body was put through. It couldn''t possibly be good for you to be turned into a hundred different miscreations in a short span.


    Meanwhile, there was also the issue of the numerous golden cracks between his head and shoulders. They had faded after a few days, but he could feel them more than ever before. It didn''t seem like they were healing at all, with the constant waves of Creation being released by the shard. The situation wasn''t ideal, but he did have some surprising gains from the ordeal.


    Putting aside the matters of the new Hidden Node and his Contribution Points, he had also pushed [Force of the Void] another 4%. Not only that, but Zac actually felt like his bloodline had benefitted in general. His Hidden Nodes had all gobbled up some of the energy, and it seemed like they kept some for themselves.


    And more energy kept pouring into his bloodline as time passed. However, his silent cultivation was suddenly interrupted as the two Shards of Creation suddenly went haywire at the same time. The one trapped inside the fractal prison unleashed a ferocious offense at the splinter while the one in his Soul Aperture started to rail against the Mental Energy cage as it spewed massive amounts of energy.


    The constant droning in the back of his head had once more turned into a deafening chorus of insidious suggestions, and he felt his mind ovee by endless possibilities. Zac barely had time to jump out of his vessel before he erupted, causing a wave of chaotic creation to rip through the area.


    Thousands of pirs wrought from everything between granite and gold were conjured out of nowhere, and they shot out in every direction like a cluster bomb. Only then did the chaotic voices subside, but not before the newly-acquired shard had managed to break out of its cage and m into the pathway to the prison once more.


    Zac hurriedly captured the remnant once more before he jumped into his submersible and sped off. The situation returned to normal soon enough, except for the murmurs that had grown a bit louderpared to before. He couldn''t figure out what led to the outburst even after observing for a few days. It was like the two shards were linked, and suddenly decided tounch an ambush at him.


    Yet, Zac soon came to find that it wasn''t a one-off thing. Another eruption urred just four dayster, though Zac was better prepared this time. Then came a third, and a fourth as the shards refused to settle down.


    It caused a massivemotion every time, but there wasn''t anything Zac could do about it except make sure he traveled the more deste parts of the ocean. The whispering murmurs kept growing louder as well, and Zac could almost feel a frustration building within the shards after a month had passed.


    Zac forced the remnants down over and over, using his massive stores of Mental Energy to his advantage. If he hadn''t started cultivating his soul when he did, he might have been in trouble from the whispers. But thanks to his hard work, it was now more of a constant annoyance than something that affected his mind. He doubted he would go on a rampage like a splinter had tricked him into, at least not in the short run.


    Eventually, the journey reached its end. He was just a few days away from the ravine, and he had slowed down the submersible to a crawl by that point. Finally, he stopped altogether and stowed away the vessel with a frown. The surroundings looked exactly like Catheya had described, but that wasn''t the point.


    He was supposed to have made contact with Catheya two days ago, but hismunication crystal was still unable to form a connection. Not only that, but the tracker was inert as well. Zac took out a blue talisman, and he swore when it turned ck after infusing some Cosmic Energy into it.


    The whole area was jammed.

 Chapter 762: Changes in the Ravine

    <h4>Chapter 762: Changes in the Ravine</h4>


    Zac looked down at the pitch-ck talisman with a frown for a few seconds before he steered the submersible in another direction. The fact that someone had ced jammers in this area was extremely suspicious, and there was a high chance that it was rted to him. Why else would someone bother with a ce like the ravine? ording to Catheya��s missive, bursts of utter destruction made the area impassable.


    Not being able tomunicate with the others was a problem, but luckily not one without a solution. Zac continued sailing for another two hours before he stopped at a secluded spot hidden by enormous stalks of seaweed, each one of them asrge as a skyscraper. He donned a cloak to hide his appearance before stowed away the vessel.


    For the next hour, Zac swam back and forth in the area, observing one leaf after another until he found one that had a small freeze-burn close to the root. He immediately swam down and started digging until he found a Cosmos Sack hidden within the soil.


    This was one of the contingencies he had set up with Catheya during theirst meeting. They both figured the area around the ravine could be dangerous, with Uona already having been spotted here once before. So they decided on a couple of drop-off locations for Catheya to leave amunication crystal in case she had to leave the area.


    They hadn��t expected the ce to get locked down by jammers, but their preparation luckily worked for this situation as well. More importantly, the fact that Catheya had managed to leave the Cosmos Sack here meant that she had left voluntarily, rather than something had happened to her.


    The Cosmos Sack only contained two things; an [Ocean Chart] and amunication crystal. Zac threw out a few arrays to hide his presence before he took out themunication crystal and infused it with some energy. A recording of Catheya immediately started ying, and Zac listened on with rapt attention.


    ��Two months ago, something happened in this area. We sensed a terrifying presence in the distance, right at the location of the ravine. It felt like a Monarch had descended, someone even stronger than my master. Shortly after we sensed the aura, the Heavens moved to intercept, and the presence disappeared after just a few seconds.


    ��An hourter, we spotted hints of Uona��s blood river heading in the direction of the City of Ancients. She came from the direction of the ravine, and the powerful aura was most likely rted to her. I believe she somehow had her ancestor break into the Mystic Realm and assist her.


    ��A few minutester, a terrifying explosion reached us from somewhere far in the distance�� in the direction of the volcano. Knowing you, something shocking has probably taken ce over there. We observed the ravine for another three weeks, but the ce seems abandoned. It is still impassable for me, but it seems the danger is gradually declining.


    ��Varo managed to discover the origin of the jamming arrays, but we decided to leave them as to not alert anyone about our presence. By the time you��re reading this, we have moved toward the City of Ancients to search for more information. My intuition tells me you��ll being our way soon.�� N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The message ended there, and Zac took a deep breath to calm down after themunication crystal stopped ying. He infused some mental energy into the [Ocean Chart] Catheya had left behind, and it only added three spots, the jammers that had been buried to preventmunication.


    Zac put away the Cosmos Sack before he turned in the direction of the ravine. He didn��t want to believe it to be true, but his instincts told him that Catheya��s intuition was right on the money. For some reason, Uona had stolen the splinter with the help of her ancestor. Perhaps it simply was to mess with him, or perhaps she needed it for something else.


    He had to check out the ravine to make sure, but he couldn��t set off immediately. Something was definitely up, and he didn��t want to meet whatever challengesy ahead in his human form. Besides, he would have to change to his Draugr form to pick up the Splinter in either case.


    The problem was that changing his race was a risk both to the Hidden Node still growing in his chest. Furthermore, who knew how the Shard of Creation would react if he suddenly entered a weakened state. Zac couldn��t do much about thetter, but he did have a n for the former. Over the past two months of travel, the node had slowly transformed thanks to being constantly fed energy.


    The Creation Energy was no longer entering an invisible vortex when reaching his sternum. Rather, a small bead had formed, and it didn��t just swallow Creation Energy. Almost all of the energy that was periodically spat out by his [Void Heart] was swallowed by the bead, and it even took on raw Twilight Energy. This turn of events was different from how his previous nodes had formed, but that wasn''t necessarily a bad thing.


    If anything, it felt like a relief that his cultivation for once worked as it did for others. This embryotic stage was how Hidden Nodes looked for most cultivators, after they had located their nodes and forced them to the surface. Zac had simply never seen it before because he had opened his Hidden Nodes using treasures and unconventional methods.


    It was a bit weird that it swallowed all kinds of energy on its own though. Most Hidden Nodes needed a cultivator to slowly infuse the node with their Cultivation Manuals. Then again, Zac guessed he shouldn��t be surprised. Nothing worked the way it was supposed to with his body, it looked like. The problem of not knowing was unfortunately a weight upon his shoulder that stopped him from activating the Duplicity Core.


    If the node had still been hidden, like it was in the beginning, Zac would probably just have rolled the dice and hoped that he didn��t ruin the node by transforming into a Draugr. But now that the embryo had formed, there was another path avable to him �C to burst open the Hidden Node before transforming. That way he should guarantee he didn''t ruin the Hidden Node''s formation by changing race in the middle.


    Seeing how energy-starved the node was, it might be possible to force it open just by cramming a bunch of random treasures down his throat. But thankfully, Zac didn��t need to resort to such a crude method. He had something much better.


    Two of the supreme items he had gotten his hands on were rted to affinity-boosting. Another was a supreme death-attuned wood that could raise the quality of an E-grade Spirit Tool upon evolution, and something he hoped to be able to use for Alea in the future. The fourth was a life-saving herb, something that could turn the situation around even if he had a foot in the grave. It contained Time Energy, literally turning back the clock on lethal wounds.


    ording to Catheya, there would almost be no wound it wouldn��t be able to mend, be it physical or spiritual, and it would work in either of his forms. The only caveat was the risk of the wound being caused by someone too powerful, like ate Hegemon or Monarch. Their Daos would most likely be powerful enough to resist being erased like that, nullifying the herb��s efficacy to arge degree.


    The final supreme treasure was something every E-grade cultivator wanted, a type of treasure Catheya called a gatecrasher �C an item that could help open Hidden Nodes. These kinds of treasures weremonly called gatecrashers because of the ��three gates�� �C the mostmon Hidden Nodes in the multiverse.


    The treasure still wasn��t as valuable as the [Eye of Har��Theriam] he had gotten from Yrial though, and for a simple reason. His unnamed gatecrasher couldn��t locate and excavate unearthed Hidden Nodes. That wasn��t a problem now though that the node had already been dragged to the surface.


    Zac wasn''t too enthused about the treasure before since hadn��t encountered any indication that he had more Hidden Nodes than the three he had already opened. But the Shard of Creation had either found a node hidden extremely deep, or perhaps even created one out of thin air.


    He took a deep breath and shoved the small pill-like bead into his mouth, simultaneously redoubling his efforts to keep the Shard trapped. A surge of extremely condensed power slid down his throat, and it stopped by the point it reached his sternum. Zac breathed out in relief that the mote of energy stopped by itself, saving him the effort of actually guiding it.


    That way he could keep the remnant under lock and key the treasure did its thing. The energy ball reached the small bead, and it looked like the Hidden Node was a ck hole swallowing a sun. A stream of supremely condensed energy was continuously dragged from the gatecrasher, entering the depths of the node.


    At first, Zac didn��t see any change, but soon enough his mouth curved upward as the node started to grow. At first, the node grew from a dot to arge circle. That didn''t seem too odd, but Zac''s brows rose in surprise when the Hidden Node suddenly turned into a small triangle. The node waspletely differentpared to the others, or any node he had read about before.


    It almost looked like a triangr well, with a white frame and ck waters in its depths. Zac wasn''t actually sure why he felt that way though. The node was pretty small, yet it felt like the hole inside the frame was almost infinitely deep. More and more energy kept entering the node, and a few minutes passed until the node shuddered and changed again, this time turning into a cube.


    At the same time, a set of scripts appeared on the frame, and they didn��t look like anything he had seen before. It wasn''t a script like those based on the work of the Apostate of Order, and neither was it the primal engravings he had seen on items like the Stele of Conflict. It was something else entirely, seemingly detached from the System.


    Four corners turned to five, and then six and seven. With every transformation, the script grew denser, more esoteric. But oddly enough, the depth of the ''waters'' actually decreased as it gained more edges. In the beginning, it had almost seemed endless, but by the point it had turned into a heptagon, it rather felt like a shallow pond.


    The shard was unusually quiet during the whole process, but he still frowned as he saw the process gradually slow down after an eight corner being added. There was still a decent amount of energy left from the gatecrasher, but the amount that entered the Hidden Node had turned from a stream to a trickle.


    Normally that wouldn��t have been a problem, since that would usually mean the process wasplete. However, Zac could feel that something was missing. There were only eight edges, and his instincts told him that there should be nine for the node to beplete.


    Zac saw how the energy of the supreme treasure started to dissipate after not being able to enter the Hidden Node, and he desperately crammed one natural treasure after another into his mouth in hopes that the burst of energy would kick-start the process again. But it was useless. The Hidden Node seemedpletely different to the various chaotic energies that entered his body.


    Dao Treasures, crystals, energy-packed herbs meant for alchemy. Zac tried everything without any results. The only thing that happened was that his [Void Heart] got a feast, and [Purity of the Void] got busy cleaning up all the gunk. Soon enough, the node had stopped absorbing energy altogether, just as it felt like it was on the cusp of forming its ninth and final corner.


    Unfortunately, nothing Zac did work, and he could only give up after an hour of testing everything. Zac felt a sense of defeat as he cut a deep gash on his arm. Having released a chunk of the umted toxins, Zac swallowed a healing pill before opening his Bloodline Screen just in case.


    Bloodline


    [E - Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent


    Force of the Void - 42%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes


    [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes


    [E - Iplete] Quantum Gate


    Zac looked at the screen with a mix of tion and confusion. His fourth node had actually appeared on the screen, but it raised as many questions as it did answers. The easiest takeaway was that it wasn��t rted to his bloodline �C as expected. But what it actually did, was still a mystery.


    He checked his [Quantum Gate] over and over, but there was nothing. The node almost looked like a mirror by this point, with the pond so shallow it might as well be a windowpane. But there was nothing on the other side, just darkness. It didn��t ept energy either, and no matter what he tested, it didn��t seem to improve any aspect of his cultivation.


    The name itself made Zac think of teleportation, but it didn''t emit the slightest amount of spatial fluctuations or energies, and neither did it emit the aura of the void. No matter how he scoured his memory, he hadn��t heard of anything like it before either, no matter if you talked appearance or name. In fact, he didn��t think ��Quantum�� was a word the System or cultivators used.


    But there were some people who probably did �C the Technocrats.


    Together with the odd scripts, I seemed more and more likely that this was an inborn node that the burst of Creation had managed to force open, rather than something it conjured out of nothing. Was this perhaps a node Leandra��s family passed on? Or was it rather something he had been imnted with, just like the Duplicity Core?


    Of course, the node��s origin wasn��t as important as figuring out how to fix it. The fact that it said Iplete rather than Corrupted hopefully meant it simply missed that final ingredient to form the ninth edge and properly activate. And did he even dare activate it? It was called a Quantum Gate.


    What if the gate connected him to Leandra, or even some sort of doomsday device, through quantum entanglement? Or what if the node waspletely useless, considering that he wasn��t swapping out any body parts for machines?


    It was impossible to know for the time being. At least the node was stabilized to the point it had appeared on his status screen, which had to be enough for him to not worry about losing or ruining it when swapping race. Zac spent another hour ridding his body of all the excess energy he had umted from his feeding frenzy, before sending amand into his Specialty Core.


    A wave of weakness hit him as death spread from his core to every inch of his body, but he barely noticed it as he kept the shard in check with everything he had. However, the remnant sensed an opening, and it expelled a wave of creation that forced its way out of the Mental Energy cage. Zac felt his body morph and change, but he held on while his ss-changing process finished.


    Only then did he release a wave of creation that reshaped the seaweed forest into a world of ice. Thankfully, that was the extent of his problems. The creation energy still coursed through his body, but it wasn��t any more lethal to him in his Draugr formpared to when he was human. Zac still didn��t know why, but Creation simply wasn��t deadly to his Draugr side, just like Oblivion wasn��t any more dangerous when he was human.


    It was only when it fused with the Twilight Energy that it had be a problem.


    However, Zac��s eyes widened in shock when he saw that his new hidden node was missing. He hesitated for a bit, but he decided to dy his mission by a few hours to get to the bottom of the situation. An hour passed, and Zac swapped into his human form once more, and he breathed out in relief that the node had reappeared.


    Soon enough, Zac was once more sailing toward the ravine in his Draugr form. It turned out that [Quantum Gate] only existed on his human side, in contrast to the bloodline nodes that existed in both. It lent credence to the theory that it was rted to his Technocrat heritage, which Zac had some mixed feelings about.


    It did at least open up for the possibility that he might be able to discover Draugr Hidden Nodes in the future, now that it was proven both his sides could have unique Hidden Nodes. The Void Emperor bloodline was extremely overbearing, to the point that it might have made his other nodes extremely hard to find.


    Another day passed, and Zac finally reached the edge of the ravine. It looked like a scar in the earth, reaching thousands of meters into the ground. It was like the whole ce was shrouded by imprable darkness, and Zac felt his hair stand on end as he tried to glean what waited inside. He also strained his eyes to expose the slightest hint of sanguine energy in the vicinity.


    His desire was made into reality, and he felt new eyes growing across his face as they looked for any signs of danger. Zac took a deep breath and got his impulses back under control, and the additional eyes closed before disappearing altogether. The briefpse of control had at least confirmed a few things for him.


    There was both good news and bad news. The good news was that Uona really wasn��t in the area, and it didn��t look like she had left any traps either. The bad news was that the amount of Oblivion Zac sensed in the depths of the ravine was less than a third of what he had encountered in the volcano.

 Chapter 763: The Price Paid

    <h4>Chapter 763: The Price Paid</h4>


    Something was definitely wrong. Zac was still a pretty decent distance from where he guessed the Splinter of Oblivion was located, but he didn''t feel his remnants react at all, like they had when he closed in on the volcano. Neither could he pinpoint the splinter''s location as he had been able to with the shard.


    Even then, Zac pushed off from the edge of the ravine and swam into the darkness. He needed to confirm the situation before he set off to start a blood feud at the City of Ancients. Besides, he might be able to find some clues in the depths of just what was going on.


    The light from the ocean surface was quickly subdued by pervasive darkness. It wasn��t a problem for him though, and the chains of [Love��s Bond] suddenly pped away a shark trying to gobble him up. Zac barely registered the attack as he continued further down, following his senses to swim toward where the energy of Oblivion was the densest. Because that was the thing; the energy was not gone, it was simply reduced.


    Hopefully, the splinter had simply been sealed somehow by the vampire, and Uona had hopefully underestimated his ability to break things.


    The shark was both the first andst creature he encountered, with the area soon bing a domain of almost pure death. Just like in the volcano, the death-attuned energies were different from both Miasma and Twilight Energy. It was rather reminiscent of the sphere of darkness that sat at the top of his [Pir of Destion].


    It burrowed into his body as he swam deeper, seeking to destroy all that it touched. But the energy wasn''t nearly as condensed as the weaponized Life in the Creation Pulses. Besides, he was Draugr, born from Death far more majestic than this. The ambient energies could barely harm him, and Zac felt he could stay here for days without sumbing.


    However, some real dangers were lurking in the darkness as well.


    Zac suddenly shed out of the way, narrowly avoiding a tendril of nothingness that had appeared out of nowhere. Inside it, the power of Oblivion hid, destroying everything that the tendril touched. The Shard of Creation in his mind shuddered, perhaps eager to sh with the tendril, but Zac simply swam away after having dodged it.


    But that attack was just the first of many, and Zac soon found himself in a confusing sea of destruction. Water kept disappearing as tendrils swayed back and forth, causing the waters to turn extremely chaotic. Even Zac didn��t dare risk touching those tendrils without an Annihtion Sphere of his own, and he carefully dodged back and forth as he followed the intensity of energy.


    A few minutes passed and the tendrils grew denser, but there weren''t actually any signs of any pulses or the like. This was different from the missive, and Catheya had mentioned she had felt bursts of power much like the ones the Shard of Creation had released. Zac ultimately chose to take a risk and activated [Abyssal Phase].


    The world slowed down as his perception of time changed, and his vision turned the monochrome. Zac didn''t waste any time and he immediately shot forward, effortlessly avoiding hundreds of tendrils that now moved almost in slow-motion. They were easy enough to spot in his current form, having a far darker shade of ck than anything else. Another minute passed, and Zac reached his destination - a pitch-ck mountain that seemed to be the source of all the destruction that raged across the area.


    The mountain almost looked like a beehive after having been the home of the Splinter of Oblivion for thousands of years, and Zac stopped in his tracks for a second, looking at the patterns in the stone with interest. It was just like the volcanic tunnels, marked by hidden meaning. The scars in the mountain formed a mysterious pattern, a pattern that Zac felt held clues to the truth of Oblivion.


    He still had ample reserves of Miasma remaining, so he took advantage of the low danger of the ravine to swim one circle around the mountain, memorizing all the patterns that the remnant had left on the ce. Only when he was done did he shoot forward, heading straight toward one of the thousands of entrances.


    However, his mind suddenly screamed of danger, prompting him to stop in his tracks and return to his corporeal form. Just inside the mountain, a shield with a hair-raising aura was erected. His first instinct was that this was a roadblock left by Uona, but on second thought, Zac realized that couldn''t be true. It rather looked like a thick wall of Oblivion had swallowed so much Twilight Energy and ocean water that a solid wall of death had been formed.


    This nigh-physical wall, in turn, blocked any more water from getting through. Zac hesitated for a second before he started forming an Annihtion Sphere, even with the risks it brought. It would certainly be easier to expel some of his overflowing Creation into the barrier and hope it worked, but Zac could sense more than some Oblivion lurking inside the wall of death.


    He had no idea what would happen if he attacked Oblivion with a bunch of Creation, which was why he had countered Creation with Creation back in the volcano. The two Daos were each other''s opposites, but that didn''t mean they canceled each other out. Worst case scenario, a mote of chaos would be formed, and that couldn''t lead to anything good. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    More likely, apletely uncontroble eruption of energy would st both Zac and everything around him into smithereens.


    The Shard of Creation was clearly incensed upon sensing the purified energy of Oblivion being drawn out from Zac''s Soul Core, but it actually restrained itself for some reason. Zac would have thought it would rail against the cage in front of this much energy, but it was like it behaved better the deeper he delved into this ce.


    Zac didn''t know why it was helping him out, but he wouldn''t waste the opportunity as he quickly pushed the Annihtion Sphere into the wall. His sphere was like a ck hole, greedily gobbling up more and more energy from the barrier until it had be over a meter across. Zac figured that was enough and threw the sphere away.


    The Annihtion Sphere ripped through the waters, searing space itself until it imploded, taking tens of thousands of liters with it into nothingness. Zac didn''t care about that though and was rather busy squeezing into the breach in case it would close again. The insides of the mountain were mostly hollowed out, through some weird twisted pirs remained.


    Zac carefully started moving toward the core of the mountain, but he stopped after just a minute as he heard a shuffling sound.


    ��You came after all,�� a cackling voice said.


    Zac looked over with shock as his axe appeared in his hand, ready to unleash a wave of unfettered carnage on whoever had spoken.


    However, Zac could quickly confirm that it wouldn��t be much of a fight. The one who had hidden in the mountain was on the verge of dying. He seemed to be a revenant, but his skin was covered in protruding veins that had an angry red re. His eyes were glowing red as well, and he emitted a strong smell of blood. Zac hadn��t seen one before, but he was pretty certain that it was a turned Blood Thrall he had encountered.


    Blood Thralls were essentially ves to cultivators of the Eternal n, but many still entered the contract willingly from what Zac was told. They gave up their freedom, but they gained power in return. Their bodies were filled with ��the holy blood��, which functioned as a second source of strength for these warriors.


    As long as they properly integrated with the blood, they would be Blood Servants, who were consideredmoners rather than ves in the domains of the Eternal n. In both cases, they could be just as strong as any other elite, but the reason Zac didn��t see a battleing, was the fact that the Blood Thrall had lost most of his body already.


    Both his legs were gone, as was his stomach. He had one of his arms intact, but the other ended just below his shoulder. Zac could sense that it was fading, and fading fast. The thrall had probably sealed itself somehow to prolong its life, and now that it had woken up, it would notst very long.


    As for the source of his wretched state, Zac could understand it all-too-well. The thrall had been hit by Oblivion.


    ��You have a message for me?�� Zac sighed.


    ��Indeed,�� the thrall coughed. ��Mistress Uona cordially invites Master ck to the City of Ancients to reconcile their differences. The item you are looking for is waiting for you there.��


    ��City of Ancients? How is your master rted to that ce?�� Zac frowned.


    Unfortunately, the thrall only snickered in response, and he turned into a bloody goop a secondter. Zac swore as he looked back and forth through the cave, but neither the splinter nor any more thralls hid in the darkness. He even found the spot where the Splinter of Oblivion once had rested, but the only thing remaining was an engraved line signed by Uona herself.


    ��I took it. You can��t have it. Come fight me if you have a problem with that.''


    Zac guessed it was a precaution in case the thrall wouldn��t make it until he appeared, but it at least ayed any confusion from the thrall��s flowery way of speaking. The only way he would get his hands on the Splinter of Oblivion was if he ripped it from Uona��s cold dead hands.


    He closed his eyes with exhaustion for a few seconds, taking a few deep breaths to stop his tired and aggravated mind from conjuring some new type of horrors at the cost of his life force. Only then did he open them again, and he wordlessly turned around and left. He was curious how the hell Uona managed to summon her ancestor to reach the heart of this ce, but it ultimately didn��t matter.


    She had decided to cut off his lifeline when the System was holding his cultivation hostage. This was the second time she targeted him while he was minding his business, and it would be thest. She had told him toe fight her if he had a problem, and Zac swore that she soon woulde to regret those words.


    -------------


    Ventus took a deep breath as he looked up at the sky. The stars had shifted, and fate had be obscured. No calctions would be able to foretell the result any longer. But his mouth still curved upward, as this was exactly what he had hoped for.


    ��You have sensed something,�� a calm voice said from the side.


    Ventus turned to his captor, and his smile widened when looking at the staid face of Ykrodas Havarok. A storm was brewing, and not even this princeling would be able toe out of it unscathed.


    ��That smile of yours makes me a bit unsettled, temr. I��m starting to feel I would be better off simply killing you to save myself from the trouble,�� Ykrodas snorted.


    ��Fate wille knocking no matter whether I am alive or dead,�� Ventus grinned. ��So why not keep me alive? That way you��ll at least have an inkling of what might happen going forward. Besides, you know the price of killing me. Do you really want to turn the conflict into a blood feud with how the winds are blowing?��


    ��You are right. A storm is brewing," Ykrodas nodded. "Who knows if your token is still of any use? If you want to stick around, make yourself useful. What did you see?��


    Ventus'' smile didn''t fade, but a pang of fear still rippled through his heart. Ykrodas was right. If this was like normal times, a Token of Exchange would be honored, and a ransom would be paid in return for release. But these were not normal times. He couldn''t show fear though. He had calcted everything. The path was narrow, but it was there.


    Especially now.


    ��Fate is gathering over the City of Ancients,�� Ventus said as he turned to look at the sprawling city in the distance, the movement prompting his fetters to rattle.


    ��You don��t need to be a numerologist to figure that out,�� Ykrodasmented. ��There is something else.��


    ��He ising,�� Ventus said, not bothering to hide the truth. ��And he brings a storm in his wake.��


    ��Arcaz ck?�� Ykrodas said with a frown as his aura rose. ��Before you said he wouldn��t be a thorn in my side, and that he was even aiming at leaving early. Now, you��re saying he��sing here? Are you toying with me?��


    ��Uona has forced his hand somehow,�� Ventus hurriedly said. ��I warned you of this probability, that their conflict wasn''t resolved. The details I cannot calcte, Ick information.��


    ��So, he ising here after all,�� Ykrodas muttered thoughtfully as his aura receded. ��I guess his ploy turned out to be prophetic.��


    ��He should have known better than to tempt the Heavens like that,�� Ventus smiled.


    ��Is his arrival good or bad for the Havarok?�� Ykrodas asked as he calmly looked at Ventus''s face for clues.


    ��It can be good,�� Ventus slowly said. ��It can be bad.��


    ��ying games with us,�� the princeling��s advisor said from the side, his eyes cold with murderous intent. ��Have you not learned your lesson yet?��


    An involuntary shudder went through Ventus''s body, but he immediately stabilized his mind again. He had known torture would wait down the path he had chosen. Such was the price of trying to siphon Heavenly Fate.


    Hopefully, it would all be worth it.


    ��You should not see Arcaz ck as an agent of the Undead Empire,�� Ventus eventually said. ��My calctions indicate he has no real interest in the fate of the Realm Spirit or the ascension of Alvod Jondir. He is a lone agent, a messenger of Chaos.��


    ��Chaos? You think he��s here to make trouble for the other imperials?�� Ykrodas ventured. ��To prevent one of the other factions of their empire from stealing the opportunity? Is that why the Umbri''Zi is so conspicuously absent?��


    ��Not figurative chaos,�� Ventus smiled. ��Literal Chaos. He is rted to that unreachable peak. A storm of fate is dancing around him, causing havoc on everything it touches. My calctions are bing less tenable by the second. Therein lies your opportunity, but also the risk to your ns. To everyone��s ns.��


    ��An E-grade warrior shouldn��t be able to carry such fate,�� Ykrodas frowned. ��The umted providence of those outside shouldrgely negate it.��


    ��Well, you don��t need to trust me. Soon enough, your Sandsayers will find the shifting dunes unreadable as well,�� Ventus muttered. ��One month. You better prepare yourself. Your seals will fail, of that I am sure.��


    ��Impossible,�� Ykrodas said with a shake of his head. ��The Eidolon has tried to break the restriction for half a year without any result, and every day our restriction grows stronger.��


    ��I��m only rying what I��ve calcted,�� Ventus smiled. ��I��ve told you already, your n would have failed in either case. The stars tell me that Uona and the Eidolon are walking in parallel, though both sides hide a dagger behind their backs.��


    ��So, vaunted Starseeker,�� Ykrodas snorted, ��what is your suggestion for me? Give up and let your temple im another Autarch?��


    ��That is beyond what I can see. I can only tell you one thing. When the Heavens descend and all reality cries, give in to his demand. That is your path for survival,�� Ventus said as bleeding cracks started to form across his skin. ��Don��t forget the price he has paid by that point.��


    ��The price he has paid?�� Ykrodas muttered as gave Ventus an inscrutable look. ��The Havarok is not unreasonable, but there are some bottom lines that cannot be crossed. It''s up to this mysterious Draugr from here on out.��


    ��My lord?�� the advisor asked.


    ��Prepare our backup n. Start inscribing the heart-sealing brands on our elites. We��re entering the City of Ancients in a month,�� Ykrodas sighed. "Also, prepare the array. I need to send a message outside."


    "It''ll be ready in three days," the advisor nodded.


    Ventus only smiled in return as he slumped down on the ground. He had done everything that he could. From here on out, he simply needed to stay alive. Of course, that would be easier said than done.

 Chapter 764: Blood and Soul

    <h4>Chapter 764: Blood and Soul</h4>


    There was nothing else of interest in the hollowed-out mountain, so Zac immediately set out the same way he came. Besides, the invitation might be a misdirect, and it was possible that an insane bloodsucker was bearing in on his position at this very moment. If so, he would rather fight somewhere else, than in this restrictive ce.


    Zac emerged at the top of the ravine a few minutester, and he immediately crushed an escape talisman to move away. The moment he reappeared he turned into his wraith form and shed away with [Abyssal Phase], not forgetting to make use of the slowed-down environment to look for threats.


    However, there was no blood tide crashing toward him, and no other signs of a trap waiting to be sprung. It really looked like she wanted him to head to that city. Zac was just about to return to his normal form, but an odd flickering of light far in the distance caught his attention. He immediately changed course and rushed over to the small hill he had spotted.


    Normally, Zac wouldn��t have cared about some random glimmer, since there was an endless number of herbs and materials that gave off some light after gaining spirituality. The expansive reef back by the Twilight Chasm had almost looked like a rave, for example, without any of the corals being anything much of value.


    However, this was different, since he actually recognized the energy �C it was not Twilight, but rather the power of stars.


    Zac turned back into his corporeal form and swam over until he was in front of the source of the anomaly. It looked like a couple of fireflies were dancing upon a random rock on top of a hill, but it was rather small stars that winked in and out of existence. He scanned it over and over, and there was no doubt.


    He had been sitting at first row when Ventus had formed his Dao Branch, how could he possibly mistake his Dao for something else?


    The question was why there was a small mote of his Dao on this deste stretch ofnd in the middle of nowhere. Ventus was a numerologist from a B-grade faction, making Zac believe there was a deeper purpose for it. Most likely, the elf had somehow managed to calcte that Zac would pass by this area, and left this marker here to be found.


    But whether Ventus left this thing for ��Zac Piker�� or ��Arcaz ck��, he had no way of knowing. Could he have calcted that the two were one and the same? Zac doubted it. He didn��t have any proof, but he was somewhat certain that his mother��s array contained anti-divination capabilities. Otherwise, it would be useless in preventing others from finding out his secret.


    Whichever of his identities this mark was left for, Zac��s instincts told him it wasn��t a trap. Even then, he summoned the three pygmy skeletons of [Profane Exponents] and even started charging up [Pir of Destion] as he moved his hand toward the shimmering starlight.


    It was almost like a mirror cracked as a small area on top the stone shifted, and the starlight was suddenly reced by a small box. Zac opened it, which prompted a recording to immediately start ying as a hologram of the annoyingly handsome elf was conjured by shimmering starlight.


    ��Greetings Mr. ck. You do not know me, but I hope you��ll trust me when I say our fate is connected. I am Ventus Kvan, Starseeker of the Radiant Temple. By the time you see this, I will have been captured by Ykrodas Havarok in his efforts to enforce his will on this trial.


    "I am not asking for you to save me. I am simply bringing a word of warning in hopes you will reciprocate in the future. I spent a decade of my lifespan to calcte some major events in this trial, and if you��re seeing this particr message, you have failed in whatever mission that brought you to the Twilight Ocean.


    "Do not worry, calcting the details of your mission is far beyond my abilities. It is rted to Chaos, making any divination unreliable at best. But I do believe that you are heading toward the City of Ancients in hopes of resolving your matters.


    "My gift to you is divulging the true nature of the City of Ancients. As you probably know, this realm is not a natural formation of nature. It is the result of realms of opposing elements colliding, resulting in this odd ocean. What you might not know, is that these two ancient worlds both had a spiritual will, and these wills survive to this day. One of them is hiding in the heart of the City of Ancients.


    "The Realm Spirits are weak and susceptible to sabotage by this point. The faction that manages to decide the fate of this spirit, will have a leg up on the events that follow. The Eidolon is nning to either turn it into a soul ve or rece it with a spirit of their own, and the Eternal n should have a simr goal.


    "The Havarok wants the spirit to live on for a while longer, and I think you can figure out the goal of the Radiant Temple yourself. I do not know exactly what will await within the gates of the City of Ancients, but the stars warn me of a cage of soul and blood. This is the limit of what I can calcte at this juncture. I hope we will meet again."


    Zac thoughtfully looked at the small box for a moment before he crushed it and shed away. The moment he reappeared he applied another round of karma-breaking powder across his body. The message left by the Numerologist was extremely helpful, but it was still extremely diforting that he had been read to the point that Ventus had managed to ce down amunication crystal like that.


    Soon enough he set off in his vessel again, heading straight for the City of Ancients. The information that Ventus had shared didn��t change his goal, but it had given him a better idea of the situation. He didn��t know exactly what a Realm Spirit was, but he guessed it was something simr to a Tool Spirit.


    It wasn��t hard to connect the dots from there. If there was a spirit having some sort of control over this Mystic Realm, it would probably affect the Eveningtide Asura��s ns. Meanwhile, it sounded like the undead factions wanted to turn the Realm Spirit into a backdoor to snatch the opportunity for ascension.


    Zac didn''t care about the struggle over the Realm Spirit''s fate, but he had a feeling that he would be dragged into it whether he liked it or not. And from what he had gathered, it sounded like the best option was if the spirit survived, allowing it to act interference on Alvod. He sighed with exhaustion as he looked at the state of his body.


    Thankfully, he had only been forced to activate a single Annihtion sphere to break into the heart of the ravine, and the single set of cracks was fast being eroded by the Creation Energy in his body. But Zac had hoped he��d have managed to form an equilibrium by now with the help of the Second splinter, which was impossible in the short run.


    Thankfully, the brush with Oblivion had somewhat calmed down the Shard of Creation for the time being, and it was currently sitting motionlessly in his Mental Energy cage. But that didn''t mean it had been subdued or that it had given up. The shard was still agitated, but more in the sense of a cornered beast preparing to pounce.


    Its demeanor waspletely different from how the shards acted in all those visions. The shard holders had all met a miserable end eventually, but they didn��t seem as pressured as he was. It was more of a slow grinding down where thoughts of desires were fulfilled, but in a way that brought unintended and often horrible consequences.


    His situation wasn��t just a matter ofpleting his quest any longer. If he didn��t manage to regain equilibrium within a few months, something bad would happen. The shard kept gaining energy out of nowhere to continue its assault, while he was constantly expending Mental Energy to resist.


    The best theory he coulde up with was that the new shard kept acting out because it failed to merge with the one locked in his cage. He had already passed the ��Cmity�� by surviving the outbursts and wresting control, but the process was only half-finished. At the same time, he didn��t dare let the second shard into his cage, causing an imbnce like that.


    As precarious as the situation was right now, Zac had a feeling it could get exponentially worse if he opened the cage before having collected the splinter. So for now, he was stuck in this weird state of limbo, as half a cmity on two legs. Hopefully, Catheya would have some answers for him soon enough.


    Two weeks passed, at which point he suddenly felt a change in one of his talismans, prompting him to immediately take out amunication crystal and infuse some Miasma.


    ��Mr. Chaos,�� Zac said with a modified voice through the crystal, a small smile spreading across his face.


    ��Blue Lily,�� an unrecognizable voice responded, confirming that it was Catheya on the other side. ��How did it go? Is it done?��


    ��I got your message,�� Zac sighed. ��It failed, it was like you expected.��


    ��Can you meet up?�� Catheya asked.


    ��I��m on my way,�� Zac responded as he cut the connection.


    Not far from here, hundreds of thousands of warriors had gathered, and it was impossible to know what kind of capabilities they had. Just like bugging telephone lines was possible back on Old Earth, it was apparently possible for inscription masters to lock onto themunication crystals of others. They might even be able to use the signals to pinpoint the speakers.


    That��s why they disguised their voices and didn��t go into any details. Some things could only be discussed in person. Even if someone had managed to listen in, it didn��t warrant any additional attention. With so many people and groups gathered in one ce, there were bound to be tens of thousands of schemes taking ce at any given time. Why waste time on a random one when there were no hints of there being a payoff, especially when he mentioned the operation was a failure?


    Zac soon enough reached the spot his tracker indicated, this time a small de in a forest of dense reeds. It was located almost two weeks travel from the City of Ancients, no doubt because it would be a bit risky setting up a camp any closer. A hole appeared in the ground, and Zac jumped inside.


    A momentter the four of them sat together like they did a few months ago. However, the atmosphere was more subdued, with Zac��s ns having gone awry.


    ��What happened?�� Catheya eventually sighed.


    ��Uona had figured out my goal, and she��s stolen the item in the ravine. She left a message for me. She��s forcing me to enter the City of Ancients,�� Zac mumbled with some distraction as his shard had finally started to wake up after weeks of inactivity.


    ��Well, the road of cultivation is full of setbacks. This chance might have passed, but new ones wille,�� Catheya said on the other side. ��Are you ready to leave this trial?��


    ��I can��t,�� Zac sighed. ��If I leave without that item, I will probably die.��


    ��WHAT?!�� Catheya shouted with shock as she dropped the ss in her hand. ��Why didn��t you tell me?��


    "Not only that," Zac grunted. "Without it, I will not be able to contact your ancestor."


    "Never mind that," Catheya said with exasperation. "You should have told me the ravine was that important to you. I might have been able to distract that witch for a while."


    ��Well, I hoped things would work out somehow, but I guess I was a bit optimistic,�� Zac grunted. ��Anyway, I��m heading to the City of Ancients.��


    ��Wait, take a breath, and calm down. You know how powerful she is. We need a n!�� Catheya hurriedly said.


    ��Don��t worry, this is not your fight, and I won��t try to implicate your n. Besides, I have my methods, it��s not like all hope is lost. I almost killed herst time, and this time I have the means to finish the job,�� Zac said with a weak smile.


    "How could you possibly... Wait," Catheya muttered before she seemed to realize something. "Like that time?" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac didn''t exactly know what she talked about, but he guessed she might be referring to when he raged out at the Zethaya pill house. However, he didn''t have time to answer before he felt a surge building in his mind. His eyes widened in rm, and he immediately started making his preparations.


    ��Watch out!�� Zac roared as he rushed toward the exit, his breath turning into opalescent gas full of creation. ��Get away from me!��


    Catheya caught on quickly, andyers andyers of ice enclosed the three as Zac pushed his hands into the wall. He needed to contain it, he couldn''t let it spread and hurt the others. He furiously imposed his will on the storm of Creation that erupted, pushing it all into the stone.


    For a second, a huge chunk of the wall turned into an empty hall full of a dozen statues, each one depicting a person he had met inside the trial and made from a different material. The next moment, the chamber had turned into a confusing maze made from bronze, but it didn''tst any longer.


    Zac strained his mind and imagination to the limit as he cycled over a dozen scenes in an instant, each transformation exhausting some of the energy and preventing it from ballooning out of control. It took just two seconds, but Zac slumped down on the ground with a throbbing headache and shaky hands when he was done, leaving a wall of Memorysteel behind.


    ��What�� was that?�� Catheya asked with a shuddering breath before she emerged from her protection while repeatedly sniffing in the air. "This smell..."


    Zac smiled weakly in return as he got back on his feet and sat down again. "It''s safe now. For a while at least."


    ��Is it really safe?�� Qirai asked with a frown as she stepped in front of her master while Varo red daggers at him from the side. ��Are you safe?��


    ��A side-effect from my mission,�� Zac grunted. ��As soon as I get what I need from Uona, it will be fixed. For now, I''m a bit vtile. Sorry, I thought I had it under control.��


    Of course, he wasn��t quite as optimistic as he tried to let on. Getting his hands on the splinter was nowhere near as straightforward as he would like. Certainly, he almost managed to kill Uonast time with a simple Annihtion Sphere, and this time he was armed with a fully charged Shard of Creation.


    But at the same time, she was now ready for him to use that kind of attack, and she had probably spent a full year figuring out a counter.


    His best chance was that he would be able to create an opening with the help of the unpredictable nature of Creation. She was probably expecting a ball of Oblivion, but he was going to attack her with the opposite. He had to make that count.


    ��Is there nothing you won��t blow up?!�� Catheya cursed as she thumped down on her chair again. ��We haven��t even covered how you managed to cause a volcano to erupt. Are you allergic to some peace and quiet?!��


    Zac only smiled weakly in return, not sure how to respond.


    ��Well, we��re still going,�� Catheya said after taking a few calming breaths. ��We might not be able to help you in a direct conflict, but we can help you gather intelligence and provide anciry support. Besides, we''ve stayed by the City of Ancients for over a month by now, you will save a lot of effort having us around."


    ����Alright,�� Zac reluctantly agreed. ��I��m sorry, I keep putting you guys in danger. I��ll try to find a way to make it up to you all.��


    ��No need to be so distant, we��re all friends, right?�� Catheya countered with a smile. "And I''ve already gathered some tidbits I think you''ll find interesting."


    The two proceed to exchange what they had learned since they met thest time, which ended with Catheya ring at him usatorily.


    ��How is it that you keep finding out more about what��s going on while off traveling in deste regions,pared to us who actually spent a month in the temporary city?�� Catheya muttered with annoyance.


    ��Lucky, I guess,�� Zac smiled.


    ��So it is a trap, after all,�� Catheya muttered. "A lot of people have simr thoughts, but there hasn''t been any clear proof either way."


    ��People know, yet they stick around?��


    ��The city has essentially been confirmed to predate the Twilight Harbor, and everything points to it being untouched. Even if Aia Ouro has managed to set up some sort of trap, they believe that with enough participants, the smart ones will walk out with ancient treasures while using the foolish as shields," Catheya exined.


    ��And everyone sees themselves as the smart ones,�� Qirai added with a snort.


    ��A disaster waiting to happen,�� Catheya agreed before she released a deep sigh. ��Blood and souls�� Realm Spirit�� What a mess. And now with a walking powderkeg joining the fray, ancestors have mercy on us.��

 Chapter 765: Gathering at the Gates

    <h4>Chapter 765: Gathering at the Gates</h4>


    Zac didn''t know how to feel about being called a walking powderkeg, but it was hard to argue with the description after having literally blown up a volcano just two months ago.


    ��Well, I do have something that might work,�� Catheyaughed after seeing Zac''s awkward expression. ��I didn��t manage to gather all the information you needed, but I did manage to get my hands on a few interesting items that might help you.��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked curiously, happy to change the subject.


    ��First, this,�� Catheya said as she took out a finely crafted cloak seemingly made from high-quality wool.


    ��Invisibility cloak?�� Zac blurted with excitement.


    ��Unfortunately, no,�� Catheya smiled. ��True invisibility requires too much energy to trick even the eyes of scouts. It would have to be a D-grade treasure making use of a Hegemon��s Core. This is something simpler, but still very useful.��


    ��I can��t see any difference?�� Zac muttered as he tried putting the thing on.


    ��It��s a distraction cloak,�� Catheya exined. ��You know that others need to focus on you for roughly two seconds to see your bounty, right?��


    ��Ah!�� Zac eximed, looking at the robe with appreciation.


    He remembered that Verana owned a cowl just like this. She had used it to hide her identity when they entered the underworld together, and even Zac had found both his mind and eyes drift any time he had tried to focus on her. The cloak Catheya had provided now seemed to be of even higher quality, and Zac immediately realized how useful it could be in this ce.


    ��Exactly. You already have something to deal with your aura sinceing back from the Chasm, and with this, you will avoid anyone��s attention. As long as you keep moving and don��t do anything to draw attention, you might even be able to walk on a crowded street without getting exposed,�� Catheya smiled. ��Secondly, I have this.��


    The next moment, a finely crafted golem appeared, its body covered in inscriptions. It was roughly as tall as Zac was, and it even emitted a pretty dense aura, roughly the equivalent of a normal cultivator at the peak of E-grade.


    ��A golem?�� Zac muttered as he looked at Catheya for her to exin.


    ��A remote-controble puppet,�� Catheya exined as she handed him an array disk. ��Infuse your mental energy into this disk, and you will be able to control the puppet from a great distance.��


    ��You��ve really thought of everything,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Well, as much as I��d like to take credit, both these methods have be somewhatmon outside the City of Ancients. The few puppeteers and craftsmen who have entered the trial are making a fortune. I simply snatched up a few of the higher-quality goods,�� Catheya exined. ��Now you can enter the settlement without raising any waves. I''ll try to figure out something else on the go."


    ��This is more than enough,�� Zac hurriedly assured. ��Should we set out?��


    ��Give us a moment, please?�� Catheya said.


    Zac nodded, guessing they needed to discuss the situation among themselves. He left the hidden room, leaving Catheya and her twopanions.


    "I won''t ask you to go with me this time," Catheya said. "You know how dangerous this might get. If I fall, you can still return to the n and work in my father''s pce."


    "Where you go, we will follow," Varo said without hesitation, and Qirai nodded in agreement.


    ��So I guess we��re going on an adventure together,�� Qirai snickered. ��I guess your spring is finallying, huh? Some heat to melt that frozen heart?��


    ��That��s enough,�� Catheya snorted. ��You know it��s not like that.��


    ��Then what is it?�� Qirai said with a raised brow.


    ��That��s���� Catheya hesitated. ��We��ll see. For now, I simply enjoy traveling with him. Don��t you feel the same way? You know how life is back home. It''s safe and stable. But it''s also slow, uneventful, and predictable. If I return, I will be a Peak Hegemon at worst, a middle Monarch at best, tasked with maintaining some section of our estate until the madness takes me.��


    ��Well, you better figure out what you want, and thenmunicate it clearly,�� Qirai snorted. ��That guy��s ability to create trouble is top-notch, but he seems about as dumb as theye when ites to matters of the heart.��


    ��Yes, mother,�� Catheyaughed. ��When did you be so wise?��


    ��Whatever,�� Qirai grunted as sheunched a jab toward Varo. ��How about it, want me to help you ambush your rival?��


    The quiet Revenant effortlessly dodged the swing, shifting just out of reach. ��Arcaz ck holds great importance to n Sharva��Zi, provided his connection to the founder is true. Working against him is out of the question.��


    ��Boring,�� Qirai muttered.


    ��Alright, that��s enough. You don��t need to worry about me. For now, try to figure out a way to turn this mess into an opportunity for us,�� Catheya said as she walked out of the room.


    The group set off toward the City of Ancients, with Varo once more taking on the role of helmsman. It allowed Zac to rest and focus on keeping the remnant in check. It almost felt like it had realized Zac was aiming to pick up another splinter since the ravine, prompting it to start stockpiling energy for the uing sh.


    It was hard to tell exactly how sapient these things were. Sometimes they just felt like small balls of primal anger, while at other times it seemed as though they had personalities of their own. In either case, it made Zac��s life a lot easier. It still released a burst of energy now and then, but it was far more controlledpared to before.


    Finally, after just below two weeks of travel, the vessel suddenly stopped before Zac felt a thump as it set down on rocky ground. Zac was about to step out of the vessel to check on the situation, but a cough from Catheya stopped him in his tracks. He shrugged helplessly and instead took out the golem, which was now decked in a robe.


    ��Be careful to not expose yourself,�� Catheya said. ��We probably have dozens of sets of eyes on us. Luckily, the spot we usedst time was still avable, and our neighbors should quickly lose interest when they see it''s us.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac agreed as he slumped down into the chair again and infused some energy into the Array Disk.


    His perception shifted, and Zac was beset by a bout of vertigo for a few seconds until his vision stabilized. Suddenly, he had two sights, oneing from himself, and one belonging to the puppet.


    It was an odd feeling, but as long as he didn��t move around too much in his real body, he could freely control the golem as though it was his own. That was partly thanks to him practicing over the past weeks though. The first times he had been unable to shift his focus properly, making the puppet stutter like a drunk. It had been a source of endlessughs for Catheya, and an embarrassing reminder for Zac of his horrible performance during the Dao Discourse in the Tower of Eternity.


    Catheya donned a cowl to hide her features, even though her face had transformed into a Revenant''s, and the two walked out of the vessel.


    ��I guess I''ll start setting up the arrays,�� Qirai grunted, and Zac only hummed distractedly in response as he focused on the vision of the golem.


    The City of Ancients was located in a vast basin, sitting in the center of the thousand-meter-deep indent in the ocean bed. Meanwhile, Varo had set down at the edge of a cliff overlooking the whole area, providing a spectacr view.


    The city itself was not that shocking, at least not in Multiverse Terms. Some of the cities on the Twilight Harbor world disks wererger than whole countries of old Earth. Meanwhile, this city didn��t seem much bigger than cities like New York or London.


    Interestingly enough, it was enclosed by an air bubble, and it was even filled with swirling clouds that obscured most of the city��s features. However, now and then a small piece of the city was exposed, showcasing ancient structures that seemed to be in decent shape. Zac could understand why many believed it housed treasures after seeing the glimpses of thousands of mansions.


    In the heart of the city, a massive castle pushed through the clouds and was one of the few permanently visible structures. Its walls were covered in fractals, though many of them had cracked from eons of disrepair. Even then, it gave off a grand aura, and Zac guessed that it was once the home of a supreme cultivator. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The city was surrounded by thick medieval walls reaching over fifty meters into the air. That would not be an issue normally, considering they were underwater and could simply swim over it. However, there was clearly a barrier powerful enough to keep the whole Twilight Ocean at bay, let alone some piddling E-grade cultivators.


    Outside the city, four smaller settlements spread out in front of the four closed gates, and Zac could barely believe his eyes when he saw people walking back and forth like it was just some random town on the outside. Of course, he had already heard about the situation from Catheya, but it was still eye-opening to see in person.


    It was all thanks to the Twilight Council, apparently. They had allied with the Havarok Empire to enact strict rules for anyone entering the settlement outside. The Radiant Temple hadn��t opposed the idea, and neither had the spectral cultivators. Uona��s stance was unknown, but it was a fact that she hadn��t attacked anyone within a day��s travel of this basin.


    Zac turned the golem��s vision to the side, and he spotted dozens of vessels parked just like theirs, at the edge overlooking the chasm. Some had even built small mansions to live in. And this was just a small section of the ledge that surrounded the basin.


    ��It��s hard to believe we��re in the middle of a ughter trial,�� Zac muttered, his voice being transmitted through the array disk.


    ��It��s not as peaceful as it seems,�� Catheya smiled. ��I figure at least ten thousand cultivators have died in those settlements, and at least a hundred vessels like ours have been raided. But as long as you��re strong enough to ward off opportunists, it��s pretty safe.��


    ��Even then, people keep flocking over,�� Zacmented as he looked at the streams of cultivators swimming down toward the cliffs from every direction.


    ��In a ce like the Twilight Harbor, only 1,000 or so out of all the Trial Takers are expected to reach Hegemony through normal means,�� Catheya said. ��Few have ever left the Harbor. The Twilight Ascent is the only chance to create an opportunity to ovee theircking talent and fate. Many havee even if they know the odds are they will die here.��


    ��Is it really worth it?�� Zac muttered as he looked down at the city.


    ��Aren��t you the same?�� Catheyaughed. ��The things you''ve done so far are beyond death-defying. If you can risk your life even though you''re so strong already, why can��t they? If anything, their willingness is even greater. If they die, they die. If they seed, their destiny will changepletely.��


    ��Fair enough," Zac eded. "So, what do you think? Should I try to break down the gate? I can��t sit around here forever. If Uona is already inside����


    Catheya and the others had followed Uona after she had snatched the splinter, but she had disappeared after closing in on this ce. Things mostly pointed toward the vampire having entered the city somehow,


    ��You wouldn��t be the first one to try,�� Catheya smiled. ��But give it a little bit longer. I think we��re close.��


    ��What makes you say that?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��Womanly intuition,�� Catheya winked.


    ��Is it poption��?�� Zac muttered,pletely ignoring herment. ��Or perhaps energy flows?"


    ��Whatever,�� Catheya spat. ��It��s the clouds, you meathead.��


    ��The clouds?�� Zac repeated with surprise as his gaze turned back to the City of Ancients. ��What about them?"


    ��The clouds are a lot thicker nowpared to thest time I visited. When the city first appeared, you could see most of the city at any point. Now, it looks like it''s just days from beingpletely obscured.��


    ��Making it impossible to see from the outside if something sinister is going on inside,�� Zac concluded.


    ��Exactly,�� Catheya said.


    ��You��re not heading inside, right?�� Zac asked for the fifth time or so.


    ��I told you, no,�� Catheya snorted. ��At least not unless the defensive array breaks apart. I want adventure, but being trapped in a ughter array is not my definition of adventure. Only a deviant would enjoy something like that.��


    "I told you I don''t like that nickname," Zac muttered.


    "Whatever," Catheyaughed. "Let''s head down while the others deal with the arrays. A few weeks have passed since I was herest, and if the city is about to open, we might learn something important."


    Zac nodded, and the two swam down toward the closest settlement. As they descended, Zac spotted thousands of small shacks that formed a circle at the edge of the basin, enclosing both the City of Ancients and the settlements outside.


    "What are those?" Zac asked.


    "Guard stations," Catheya snorted. "The Havarok set them up. It''s one of the worst-kept secrets of the area that there are array gs under each one of them. I never managed to figure out what they were for, but now that I know the whole story, I would guess they''re either there to empower the Realm Spirit or make sure the gates don''t open."


    Zac nodded, and the two soon entered the closet settlement. But unfortunately, even after having traveled back and forth for over three hours, there was not much of value he had learned. There had been no sightings of Uona, and not forck of searching. Thest time she was seen was when she appeared roughly two days'' travel away, ten days after she had stolen the splinter. Since then, nothing.


    In somewhat rted news, the Havarok was running a campaign that the city was a ughter trap, but it mostly fell on deaf ears. But Zac was still pretty interested in therge posters the Havarok had set up. One of the mostmon messages was ''Uona lurks inside the City of Ancients'', like she was some sort of dangerous beast.


    People thought it was meant to scare people away from entering, but Zac wasn''t so sure. He didn''t feel he was being narcissistic when he believed the warning was a message for him.


    "What do you think?" Zac asked Catheya as he looked at the sign.


    "I guess they''d know if anyone," Catheya slowly said. "And we don''t have any better idea."


    "It''s a conspiracy," a nearby Revenant warrior who had overheard their conversation spat. "Those Havarok dreamers say that only death awaits inside the trial, yet they have called over more than 500 more soldiers over thest two weeks. Even more, they have recruited ten times that number as mercenaries."


    "Well, who cares even if that witch hides in there," Catheya winked. "She can only kill so many of us before she runs out of blood, right?"


    "You got that right!" the warriorughed as he walked away.


    Zac simply snorted before he turned away and continued down the street. Greed was running rampant in the settlements, and almost half of the discussions were theoretical debates about what kind of treasures waited inside and what they''d do after breaking through to Hegemony.


    There were also quite a few who took advantage of the calm to make some money, and there were dozens of exchange stations where a few wealthy but uninformed scions were trying to buy up Twilight Fruits en masse. It seemed extremely unlikely that the Fate-Pluckingdder would take ce when the trial closed in a year, and it looked like the more connected ns hade to a simr conclusion.


    Only the Elementals and one more n were buying Twilight Fruits, and but Zac felt it was more formercial purposes than fordder cements.


    The two eventually returned to their submersible, which was now shrouded in both ayer of mist and an illusion array to keep prying eyes away. Zac opened his real eyes and stowed away the puppet as they walked into the vessel.


    "I guess we''ll just wait?" Catheya sat as she sat down next to Zac. "A week at most seems to be the consensus."


    "I guess so," Zac nodded.


    The following days, Zac simply rested up in the vessel, but every day the impatience built in his chest. He felt stressed, and not just about the splinter. It almost felt like there was some looming danger that he was unaware of, but his Luck tried to make him aware of.


    And on the fifth day of waiting, something changed.


    "What the hell?!" Zac roared, startling the others to the point they erected defensive measures.


    However, it wasn''t another burst of creationing on, and neither was it the gates of the City of Ancients opening, even though the city waspletely shrouded by this point. It was something far more unexpected, and Zac almost felt his brain short-circuit as he looked at the screen in front of him.


    "What''s going on?" Catheya eventually asked as she peeked out from behind a wall of ice.


    "How is this possible?!" Zac muttered, barely hearing Catheya''s question.


    Catheya gave her two followers a look, and they left the room as Catheya walked over and put her hand on Zac''s arm. "Hey?"


    Zac finally woke up and looked over at Catheya before he shared the screen that had just popped up in front of him.


    Incursion opening in 8 hours.


    Maximum Level: 100.


    General: Vri ckwood


    Lieutenant General: Joanna Thompson


    Captains: Pika ckwood, Rhuger ckwood, Ilvere Azh''Rodum, Ciru Volor


    Combatants Registered: 10,000 (10,000).


    Surcharge for preregistered items and teleportation: 5,053 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Approve?


    "What in the heavens," Catheya murmured, her eyes wide.

 Chapter 766: Incursion Owner

    <h4>Chapter 766: Incursion Owner</h4>


    "What in the heavens, 5,053 D-grade Nexus Coins?�� Catheya said with shock, her eyes as wide as saucers. ��Are your followers trying to crush the natives under mountains of wealth? Even if they seize the, it will be a long, long time before you turn a profit. Knowing Zecia, it might not even be possible.��


    ��That��s what you think I��m worried about?" Zac said with exasperation. "Why the hell has an incursion started up without my knowledge?"


    ��What, you didn��t know?�� Catheya asked with interest.


    ��How would I know? I��ve been stuck in here for thest two years,�� Zac said as he waved at the ocean outside the submersible.


    ��Just how powerful is your fate?�� Catheyaughed. ��You identally became an incursion owner? Is that even possible?��


    ��Be serious,�� Zac groaned. ��Can I stop this?��


    ��Stop it? Why would you want to?�� Catheya countered with confusion written all over her face. ��It looks like they have things in hand, and you seem to have the capital to endure their spending.��


    ��Have things in hand? They just endured the integration five years ago, and now they want to unleash that kind of suffering on others?�� Zac said with a frown.


    ��That��s up to your followers isn��t it?�� Catheya shrugged. ��You should know their characters, no? Are they the kind of people who wantonly ughter the innocent for power?"


    ��No, but..�� Zac muttered.


    ��Well, there you go. Would you rather the slot go to my empire or those body-snatching cultists you mentioned in the Tower of Eternity? For all you know, your followers might be the saviors that save the lives of billions," Catheya shrugged. "There''s more than one way to conquer a."


    ��Still though,�� Zac said with a shake of his head.


    ��Perhaps if they didn��t have such a monstrous leader who kept rushing between causing trouble and falling into piles of wealth they wouldn��t be pushing themselves to risk their lives like this. But you should know that your rate of improvement is terrifying. Your strength has what, doubled, since appearing in the Twilight Ocean? How long until your faction can no longer contain your fate?"


    ��I know,�� Zac muttered. ��But there is no need for them to go this far����


    ��It��s like the people outside,�� Catheya said. ��Everyone has their dreams and aspirations. Few of those who have truly embarked on the path of cultivation are content with simply bing average. Trust in your people that they know what they are doing.��


    ��I just wish I could be there to help him,�� Zac muttered, but he knew it was impossible.


    Even if he left right now, he would be far toote. The closest exit was over a week��s travel away, and it took close to two weeks to pass through the void when teleporting between sectors. By the time he reached Earth, the members of Port Atwood would long have entered the incursion and connection would be cut for at least three months.


    And that didn''t even factor in that leaving the Twilight Ocean now would cripple his cultivation, and possibly even kill him because of the imbnce between Creation and Oblivion.


    ��Well, help me make sense of the text at least if you can,�� Zac sighed.


    ��Which part?�� Catheya asked. ��The Maximum level is the soft limit of entry. Going above that level tacks on a massive surcharge, and that surcharge doubles for every additional level."


    ��Wait, that means that putting a level 110 through the incursion is a thousand times more expensive than a level 101?�� Zac eximed.


    ��Exactly. And sending a level 101 is roughly a thousand times more expensive than sending one within the soft limit. Below that, the price difference is not quite as steep. However, you''d most likely be able to send over a hundred peak F-grade warriors for every level 90 warrior,�� Catheya exined. "Most likely, some of the generals or captains in the invasion are the reason for the exorbitant price.��


    Zac slowly nodded, believing that might be the case. The three undead of the Einherjar should all be within level 100, especially Vri who might not even have Evolved by now. Of course, the fact that she had taken the mantle of general over Joanna indicated the mentalist most likely had evolved by this point.


    As for Joanna, he wasn''t as sure. She had been around level 95 when he set off for Twilight Harbor, and gaining another 5 levels were well within reason even if she didn��t push herself. Most likely, she was a good few levels above 100 by now, considering the items he had sent back home for the Valkyries to enjoy.


    The same was true for Ilvere, who was already at peak F-grade upon reaching Earth. He had entered E-grade just a few months after the Origin Dao ran out. Thest two, Zac didn��t remember. Ciru was one of the gemlings of the younger generation, but Zac barely knew him apart from him being very talented in bothbat and crafting.


    It was no wonder that ns like Azh''Rezak refused to send a single E-grade through the Incursion. Azh��Rezak was barely scraping by to nurture a couple of Hegemons. For them to spend hundreds of D-grade Nexus Coins to let a level 77 pass through was impossible, especially considering they��d be restricted by the System anyways.


    ��Are the slots negotiable as well? And what''s included in this fee?" Zac asked.


    ��Your force was provided ten thousand slots, and they filled them all. You can send more people, but the cost gets steeper for every additional warrior that gets teleported,�� Catheya exined. ��The surcharge is for approved arrays, gear, and the warriors themselves. Forparison, I had 5,000 warriors and a cost of 629 D-grade Nexus Coins when I led my incursion at 17. And a good part of that cost was for the terraforming array.��


    ��I remember a friend mentioning that the warriors in his n could spend money to increase their strength even further?" Zac asked.


    ��I''m not sure about that,�� Catheya slowly said. ��Is his faction on the more poverty-stricken side? I guess some ns have their warriors pay their way to some degree. Another feature you can pay for is to unlock more of your strength upon arrival, but it''s not worth doing so past a certain point."


    "The Ruthless Heavens are already matching your strength with the natives, and your restricted power is meant to unlock at roughly the same pace as the natives can improve if they make the most of the opportunity. Unlock too much of your strength, and you might be harming yourself. After all, there aren''t many insights to be had if you simply ughter all the natives like they were ants," Catheya said.


    "Then why allow it at all?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "If a faction is willing to pay more than a is worth to send some younglings there, why would the Heavens not abide? It''s all about bnce. It would be more than happy to send a Hegemon through an incursion since the revenue that would generate could pay for the cost of integrating one hundred other worlds," Catheya said. "Thus increasing the odds of nurturing powerhouses."


    "The Ruthless Heavens indeed," Zac sighed, but he still infused his will into the ''ept?'' button, giving his tacit blessing to the madness.


    The screen disappeared, and a nce at his Status Screen indicated that the System had already charged him for the cost. He could only pray that they knew what they were doing when preparing everything. Between the Demons, Abby, and his other elites, they would hopefully havee up with a n with a high degree of sess.


    Even then, Zac knew there would be casualties, perhaps even more than when Earth''s Integration took ce. After all, back then he had been involved with closing almost all the incursions. If he had sent his armies instead of going himself, the loss of life would have been catastrophic after having closed 2-3 of them.


    It took him over an hour to calm his nerves, where he frantically kept trying to figure out a way to help his people. Unfortunately, it really looked like there was nothing he could do. Thankfully, Vri had long returned with the resources from Twilight Harbor, and the foundations of his followers should have improved considerably by now.


    Along with the vast wealth at his disposal, Port Atwood would probably be even better prepared than most C-grade ns. It wasn��t that these ancient factions couldn��t provide the resources, but rather that they wouldn��t. An incursion was a risky investment, with both the natives and other factions contending for the.


    For most, it ended up as a training trip for the young generation, where they stayed for a year or two to enjoy the Origin Dao and hunt for rare herbs before returning. Few factions were willing to spend thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins on a couple of F-grade juniors who hadn��t even proven themselves.


    That alone helped Zac calm down quite a bit. Being agitated did him more harm than good, considering how it exposed him to the shard in his head. The low susurrus of ��helpful�� suggestions had grown considerably louder since the screen had popped up, making him barely able to think clearly.


    He had even felt a sudden urge to pierce the void and create a Space Gate between his location and Earth. That was a solution to his predicament that might actually ''work'', but Zac was certain he would run out of lifespan long before managing to create something like that. He quickly pushed the urge down and emptied his mind again.


    However, the equanimity was eventually broken again almost eight hourster. It wasn��t due to the fact the incursion should start any moment now, though. A sudden ripple made Zac��s eyes shoot open from his meditation, and the golem next to him immediately rushed out of the submersible. From there, Zac could see the huge upheavals that were taking ce in the City of Ancients.


    Catheya had been right, there was no doubt about it. The city waspletely obscured by thick churning clouds now, and not even the castle in the middle was visible any longer. The grey haze had essentially looked like a solid wall by this point. However, it was still clear that the city was waking up from its slumber as it radiated enormous amounts of energy.


    Not only that, but previously invisible inscriptions had appeared on the fortifications, forming some sort of powerful array. One by one they awakened, and the aura the city emitted grew with every breath. The thing didn''t feel like an uninviting weaponized fortress though. Its aura wasn''t that of bloodshed, but one of ancient mystery.


    Zac''s mind was upied elsewhere, but even he couldn''t help but be moved by possibilities the ce held. More importantly, it meant it was finally time for him to get going. Between the splinter being snatched from under his nose and his followers risking their lives on some unknown world, he held a belly full of anger.


    He almost looked forward to running into Uona by this point.


    --------------


    ��The ocean has shifted,�� Faebloom Monarch sighed as a handful of leaves on his head turned white and dropped from his crown. ��Thest spirit is exposed.��


    A stir rippled through the room, as this no doubt meant the schemes of the outsiders no doubt had seeded inside the E-grade trial. A surge of anger filled Rhodium��s heart as he gazed across the room. Vassal factions like Karabas n no doubt held most of the me for divulging the secrets of the ocean, which was why they all were absent from this meeting.


    However, many of the ns here today had no doubt given up some findings of their own over the years to reap some benefits. Otherwise, something like this simply wasn''t possible.


    His own n, Yrvar-Las-Eseru, had held a chair at the council for six million years, yet they only knew of some fragmented rumors about the city that once belonged to that ancient Autarch. But some outsiders had not only managed to locate it, but even modify it before bringing it to the surface? How could that possibly be possible without multiple council members selling out core secrets of the Harbor?


    ��Is there truly nothing we can do?�� Rhodium sighed as he turned to the Faebloom Monarch.


    The ancient treant slowly opened his eyes, his expression downcast as he shook his head, causing the leaves in his crown to flutter with the Dao of Nature.


    ��All our efforts to block the currents of fate have been a failure. The second facet of the Realm Spirit has already dispersed, meaning that the avatar in the E-grade trial is the only one still standing,�� Faebloom sighed. ��Even if it remains to the end of the trial, I think the Twilight Lord will be able to supnt its will and take control.��


    The fact that the D-grade trial had ended in defeat was ultimately not too surprising. With the advantage of better results across three full grades and far superior equipment, the power discrepancy between the elite and the frontier Hegemons was just too big. However, they had held out some hope that quantity would beat out quality inside the E-grade trial, where they had hundreds of thousands of people working for them.


    ��It��s only one of two, and that man has already seized the core chamber. Besides, they are simply too old,�� Heryes of the Necromancer''s Guild agreed. ��They remained hidden for too long, and it��s working against us. If they had sumbed to the river of time a few million years ago, a new spirit would have been born by now, one properly in tune with the new realm. That way the Twilight Lord would never have been able to do something like this.��


    ��There��s no point inmenting that right now,�� Rhodium said. ��It looks like we are out of options. We will have to proceed with our final gambit.��


    ��Should we strike now?�� Artolo, a Corpselord Monarch, ventured with some anticipation in his eyes.


    ��It wouldn''t work,�� Heryes grimaced. ��That bastard is hiding in the folds between the trial dimensions like its nexus. We might actually be helping him if we strike now."


    ��What about the Havarok?�� a Revenant monarch asked. ��Have they answered our call?��


    ��They have assured us they have the situation under control, but their goal is ultimately not the same as ours. For them, the only thing that matters is killing the impostor and preventing a hostile Autarch from ascending. Ruining our lifeline to make that happen is a small price to pay,�� Rhodium frowned.


    The room once more turned silent, and Rhodium looked around the chamber withmentation. Twenty-four Monarchs, the weakest of them at the end of the middle stage. Yet they were filled with impotence as fate pushed forward like a tsunami. A tsunami that would swallow their homes and cut off their path of cultivation.


    Certainly, none of them were in mortal danger. They could leave at any moment and look for another ce to call home. But the price for doing so was too steep. Their current umtions were thanks to their predecessors�� hard work for tens of thousands of generations and the unique environment provided by the Twilight Ocean.


    With both gone, they could simply give up on refining their inner worlds any further. Most would no doubt lose a stage or two without the Twilight Rivers providing them with a constant stream of pure energy. Their creations weren''t stable enough to withstand the drought of the Frontier for too long.


    But there simply weren��t too many sanctuaries at the edge of the Multiverse, ces where the Dao was clear and the energy dense enough to keep them going.


    The few continents that could support a handful of Monarchs had entrenched powers that would fight tooth and nail to keep any rootless ns from settling in. Uprooting the locals would cost too much, further weakening their already damaged foundations. And joining the greater factions, after rebuffing their inquiries for millions of years? n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They��d be lucky to be cannon fodder at some front line in the hopes that their descendants might get to live the life ofmoners rather than ves.


    ��We can��t just wait around,�� Ovo, one of the two Rox''At Elementals present at the meeting, said as six golden des appeared behind their back. ��Rebirth through death.��


    Murmurs of agreement echoed through the hall.


    ��Lady Heryes is right. It is not the right time,�� Faebloom slowly said.


    ��It��s never the right time with your kind,�� Artolo growled. ��You and the other cowards have prevented any concerted action for months now while the situation grows more and more chaotic. We��ve spent exorbitant sums setting up those nasty spears, yet they��re collecting dust while Alvod Jontun gets closer to his goal.��


    The treant only grunted in response as space opened up above his crown, depicting the scene in the distance.


    A vast ocean of blood churned above the entrance to the Twilight Ocean, stretching for hundreds of kilometers in each direction as it blocked out the spatial anomaly from above. Sitting on top of it was a small ind where three warriors emitted tremendous auras. Any one of them would be a match for any of the councilors, but the hooded being in the middle was in a league of his own.


    He was shrouded in sinister darkness, and his aura was not only that of a Divine Monarch but one right at the threshold of ascension. They still didn��t know his identity, but even a fool would know that he was here to snatch the opportunity for himself.


    If the Eternal n guarded the Twilight Ocean from above, then the Eidolon guarded it from below. One million crystals formed a shockinglyplex set of arrays, thousands of them interwoven with suchplexity that they still couldn��t make heads or tails of the situation. They hadn��t even managed to pinpoint which one of the crystals that housed the Divine Monarch the spectrals had sent.


    As if that wasn��t enough, there was even a vast neb slowly rotating around the two guardians, tens of thousands of stars that formed an ever-changing pattern. It did not only provide an outer barrier to stall any sabotage of theirs, but it even blocked out most of their long-prepared methods to influence the trials. If not for the System''s warning, none of the Trial Takers would have made it out of that triangle of death.


    Artolo snorted when he saw the scene, but his fighting spirit had clearly waned a bit. Taking on not only the Undead Empire, but also the Radiant Temple, was a bit much even for the battle-crazed Corpselord.


    ��Let us wait a bit longer. The Tarramak Vault will open quite soon. At that point, those three will not be able to act so domineering, and an opportunity should present itself,�� Rhodium said, and the others nodded. "For now, let us finalize thences."


    "Interesting, interesting," Artolo snickered as he phased out of the chamber. "I''ve never killed a whole realm before."

 Chapter 767: Depths of Madness

    <h4>Chapter 767: Depths of Madness</h4>


    ��I guess this is it,�� Catheya smiled as she walked up to Zac, or rather the golem that stood at the edge of the basin.


    ��Looks like it. Most people seem to agree,�� Zac nodded.


    The whole city was abuzz from the changes, and tens of thousands of warriors streamed toward the four gates. Zac could spot dozens of energy eruptions in the settlements as well, signs of chaotic battles taking ce.


    The City of Ancients waking up was like a match setting the whole area aze, and order was fast crumbling. As things looked, the scene would turn into a full-on war unless something changed. Thankfully, they didn��t need to wait for more than another minute before the gates begun to swing open, prompting the trial takers to freeze in anticipation.


    ��No quest,�� Catheyamented. ��At least not here.��


    ��Is that a clue?�� Zac asked.


    ��Increases the likelihood of this being a man-made event,�� Catheya exined. ��If it had been a true ancient city appearing by itself, the Ruthless Heavens would be more likely to turn the event into a limited quest. Of course, with people wing at the gates, the System might deem it unnecessary to increase the incentives.��


    Soon enough the doors werepletely opened, but Zac still couldn��t see what was going on inside. The entrance reminded Zac of a spatial gate, a shimmering wall giving no hints of what waited on the other side. That didn��t stop those at the front line though, and thousands of people heedlessly rushed into the unknown, wanting to gain the first-mover advantage. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Others adopted a wait-and-see approach, hoping to use the first batch as an experiment to see what kind of dangers waited on the other side. Unfortunately, not a single one who entered emerged again, which almost certainly confirmed that the City of Ancient was sealed from the inside.


    Even then, more and more people kept streaming inside, and hundreds of powerful auras started to descend toward the gates from the cliffs. It was the elites who had bided their time, hiding at the edge. Judging by some of the auras, there were more than a few who possessed Dao Branches. But even they were drawn by the dense energies and mysterious fluctuationsing from the city.


    Zac��s eyes turned toward therge Havarok encampment in the distance, and he saw how orderly lines of warriors had started pouring toward the gate closest to them as well. The dams had copsed, and the Havarok had given up on keeping people away. Instead, they joined the fight, though Zac wasn��t sure what their exact objectives inside would be.


    The real Zac donned the distraction cloak and stepped out from the submersible for the first time in weeks, stowing away the golem who had been his eyes and ears. It was time to make his move. Zac��s goals in this ce differed from everyone else��s, but he still was filled with some anxiety as he saw one warrior after another swimming through the gates into the unknown on the other side.


    What if someone somehow managed to get their hands on his splinter and then left?


    ��Be careful,�� Zac said to Catheya as he started to slowly infuse [Abyssal Phase] with Miasma. ��Don��t worry about whether I have left or not if things get out of hand. Just exit the trial. I��ll figure something out.��


    ��Aren��t you sweet,�� Catheya smiled as she patted his arm. ��And don��t worry. I��ll be fine, as will your followers. Who knows, you might have another waiting for you by the time you return home.��


    Zac smiled weakly in response, once more filled with urgency. He didn��t know what he could do to help out his people back home, but that didn��t lessen his desire to return.


    ��Here, use this while you approach,�� Catheya said as she handed him an ice shard. ��It��ll obscure you, just in case.��


    Zac looked at it curiously as he infused it with some Miasma. The ice crystal immediately started expelling motes of ice all around him, hiding him in a shimmering neb.


    ��Thank you for all your help,�� Zac sighed. ��I��ll convey your message to your ancestor as quickly as I can.��


    ��I have an idea if you��re willing. I can proactively reach out to the Ambassadors, exin your situation, and convey that you are friendly and can be an asset to the Empire. As long as I get the message to representatives of the empire, not even my master would dare make a move on you,�� Catheya said. ��At least it would give you a window to prepare, no matter what response the empire has. I''ll try to send you a message somehow as well, if I''m in a position to do so.��


    Zac slowly nodded, feeling the idea made sense. He had already reconciled with the fact that his secret would be exposed soon enough. If not the moment Catheya left the trial, then at least by the time she returned home. And she was right. It was probably better to reach out to the empire preemptively, rather than leave his secret to a declining n desperate to regain its glory.


    Even if Catheya and possibly her father wanted to befriend him, what about the other elders?


    ��Alright, I trust your instincts,�� Zac smiled. ��Get me a good deal, alright? I wouldn��t mind visiting the Abyssal Shores in the future.��


    ��Gods help us,�� Catheyaughed.


    The next moment Zac was gone, turned into an abyssal wraith. The world slowed down once more as Zac shot toward the City of Ancients. However, he didn��t go for the closest one, but rather the one to the east. The eastern gate was opposite of the one the Havarok Army was heading toward, which would hopefully minimize his interactions with those people.


    They had sent out that olive branch, but Zac wouldn��t trust his life on it.


    The ancient city came closer and closer, as Zac moved with zing speed, but he noted that dozens of the cultivators descending from the ledges could match his pace. He even spotted three that were moving slightly quicker than him, most likely talents who had Dexterity as their main attribute.


    Luckily, this was not a race, and Zac didn��t rush into the portal when hended at the edge of the mob waiting right outside. He immediately started walking through the crowd at random to avoid having someone focusing on him. Honestly, though, Zac doubted his distraction cloak was even needed judging by how intently most people were staring at the shimmering barrier that hid the insides of the ancient city.


    Not a single warrior who had entered had made it back outside, but neither did Zac sense any battles or suspicious fluctuations within the walls. It waspletely tranquil, providing no clues as to what waited inside. Zac hesitated a bit as he circuitously came closer and closer to the gate. Should he really enter? It seemed like a pretty deadly event, and he hadn��t even confirmed if Uona or the splinter was inside.


    But suddenly, a shudder rippled through his mind �C it was there.


    It was distant and obscured, but he had felt a weak hint of oblivion from the depths of the city. Zac hesitated no longer, and with one leap, he entered the City of Ancients.


    A thick haze immediately greeted him on the other side,pletely robbing him of any visibility. He couldn��t even see the axe that had appeared in his hand, and his Draugr Vision didn��t do anything to help him either. The only thing he could sense was what he could touch, and that was the cobblestone street he walked on.


    Zac started to make his way forward, his nerves taut in preparation for an ambush. However, what met his gaze was not an army of spectral cultivators or Uona. It was a normal dpidated street party covered in the ever-present haze. He turned around toward where he came from, but the way back waspletely obscured.


    He guessed it was a powerful confusion array running along the wall, preventing anyone from leaving. It might be possible to brute force his way out of there, but he had no interest in trying that out right now. He could still sense the splinter, and it felt much closer than before. It was so familiar. The impression was weak, but it reminded him of how it had felt when he had just found himself stuck with the first splinter.


    Zac shook his head as he stepped onto the path, his brows scrunching together into a frown.


    That god-damned vampire. Zac grit his teeth as he looked around at the ghastly surroundings. Even now that the haze wasn��t as dense, he could barely see more than fifty meters ahead. It was all her fault. She had forced him into this cursed ce, when he could have been back in Port Atwood by now.


    It was her fault that his people had set out on such a dangerous mission without him, invading a world without his protection. Who knew how many deaths it would lead to? Annoyance turned to fury as he continued forward, the knuckles on his right hand whitening as he saw the faces of those back home. He had already lost so many, and Uona had made him lose even more.


    A sudden fluctuation in the air made him turn toward the left with a snarl, where a human drenched in blood appeared through the haze, his eyes tinted with madness and suffused with killing intent to the point that the white haze had turned red around him. That suited Zac just fine as he felt in urgent need of some release, and he actually stowed away his axe before he grabbed the man with his bare hands.


    The human roared in anger as he tried to rip Zac to pieces, but Zac simply sneered asthe four chains of [Love��s Bond] blocked his attacks. Zac''s own two hands gripped hard and started to pull apart, and the man only had a chance to wail with pain before he was ripped in two. The rain of blood looked so beautiful as it painted the walls red, and Zac was lost in revelry for a moment. The mists in half the street had gained a rogue tint by now, and Zac felt like the world suddenly was more beautiful.


    If he could only find a few more people andplete the imagery��


    A sharp pang of pain erupted from his mind as the Shard of Creation mmed against the tunnel, prompting a few new cracks to appear. Zac shuddered as his mind cleared up, and he hurriedly erected the cage around the remnant again. Only then did he look down at his sanguine hands with iprehension.


    What the hell had just happened?


    That sense of rage was so familiar. The splinter in Uona��s possession, could it really affect him from this far away? It hadpletely consumed him even if he had felt something was amiss for a few seconds. Or was the splinter in his mind somehow exerting pressure on him now that its brother was closeby? Zac frowned as he looked down at the corpse. Neither felt right.


    The haze?


    Zac quickly closed his pores and ate a general antidote pill, but it barely helped against the murderous impulses at all. He could quickly confirm that the effect wasn��t really medicinal in nature. He closed his eyes and stabilized his mind, moving away from the corpse, or more importantly the pool of blood that seemed to react with the mist.


    However, he still felt weird murderous tendencies assail him even after avoiding both red and white mist for a while. It was like the very air was filled with condensed killing intent or something simr, some manner of tainted Mental Energy that couldn''t be seen or sensed. [Purity of the Void] was thankfully fast at work purifying the red mist that had already entered his body, but the biggest contributor to his mental state recovering was actually the wild shard in his Soul Aperture.


    The air was filled with pervasive killing intent, and it entered his bodypletely unseen. But the moment the murderous intent came in contact with Creation it mostly fell apart, through his body took some damage from what was created in its stead. Some wounds were a small price to pay though, since the transformations didn''t seem to cost him his life span.


    The foreign energy that had slipped into his body had paid the price of Creation all on its own, perhaps thanks to having a will. It resulted in weird wounds filled with toxic goop forming in his body. Normally, Zac would have simply cut his arm and exsanguinated some of the impurities to speed up the process, but there was something weird going on with blood in this ce as well.


    It looked like Ventus�� predictions were right on the money. The City of Ancients contained ayered trap of soul and blood. The area itself nurtured and magnified your murderous impulses, perhaps even with the help of the Splinter of Oblivion. Next, blood interacted with the mist and supercharged it into something that provided all of the madness but none of the strength of items like the [Rageroot Oak Seed].


    Now that he had realized the danger, Zac didn''t feel the threat was too big. At least not for now. His mental state had been in a bad spot because of the stress from the shard and the incursion, allowing him to fall for a trap that normally wasn''t nearly strong enough to take someone like him out. As long as he kept his mind guarded and his mental state stable, he should be able to withstand this ce easily enough.


    A sloshing sound drew Zac out of his musings, and he looked on with a mix of confusion and disgust as the pool of blood around the corpse started to congeal into small rivers that ran off into the mist, like they were called from the distance. Oddly enough, they didn��t move along the main road that should lead toward the heart of the city, but rather down one of the alleys and into the haze.


    Zac hesitated for a moment before he shook his head and stayed on the main route, walking down the road and into the darkness. Once more, he found himself shrouded in the haze, but this time he was more cognizant of the risks.


    He still heard the whispers, but he steeled his mind as he walked, forcibly keeping the anger at bay. Soon enough, he emerged from the haze, but something was wrong. The street, the buildings, theyout. It didn��t fit with the section he had walked through just a few seconds ago. Had he been teleported?


    Or was the whole town covered in a confusion array, rather than just the edges? Zac was pretty sure that was the case. It didn��t look like he was getting closer to the splinter, even if he had walked toward it in a straight line.


    A door suddenly exploded as two bloodied warriors tumbled out, both of them fighting for their lives in a ruthless melee. One of them was an undead warrior using a sword made from ice, and the other was a human holding a staff. But the wizard had clearly gone mad, using his weapon to bash in the swordsman��s head rather than conjuring spells.


    The oue of the fight was predictable, with the swordsman skewering the mage, the attack rapidly freezing him into a block of ice. However, the human seemed to have regained a sense of self at the brink of death, and a dozen massive wooden spears teeming with life sprung up from the ground, impaling the ice warrior a dozen times over.


    The fight had ended in mutual destruction, and Zac looked on with a frown as the whole street around the twobatants became shrouded in a red mist. The mist onlysted for half a minute before dissipating, and Zac walked over, his eyes on the pool of ck blood that had formed beneath the Revenant.


    As expected, the ichor started moving soon enough, flowing in a certain direction for around twenty meters before it sunk beneath the cobblestones. Zac immediately followed, entering a side passage. If he couldn��t trust his eyes or his sense of direction, he could either choose a path at random or follow the direction of the blood in hopes that it would lead him the right way.


    Soon enough he emerged, and a victorious smile covered his face when he sensed that the splinter was a bit closerpared to before. However, just as his sense of the splinter had grown stronger, so had the haze and the whispers of mayhem in the back of his mind.


    A dying warrior was lying on the ground right in front of him, and Zac didn''t waste any time as he followed the blood that poured out from the man''s body. He appeared at another crossroads a momentter. This ce was empty of crazed warriors, but it still confirmed his suspicions. The mental oppression was once more marginally stronger, as was the haze.


    He would have to delve into the depths of madness if he wanted to find what he was looking for.

 Chapter 768: The Rules of Madness

    <h4>Chapter 768: The Rules of Madness</h4>


    The clouds swirled around him as Zac observed the new patch of ruins he had entered by following the trail of blood. He was still in the outer edges of the city, judging by the illustrations he had purchased at the settlements outside. People had painted the town by capturing the snippets seen between the clouds and extrapted a semiplete image of the City of Ancients.


    Some sections had never been exposed for some reason, including most of the central part of the city. However, many of the residential parts of town had been drawn in great detail, though the map was mostly useless now that everything seemed to be randomized by the confusion array. Thankfully, it was still possible to make an approximation of where he was located by the architecture.


    The City of Ancients was like most cities, with the outer regions holding smaller buildings, apart from a number of massive structures that seemed to hold special functions. One was clearly a coliseum, while others might be temples or exchanges. These small buildings were covered with weaker arrays by the looks of it, and many of the buildings were nothing but rubble.


    Meanwhile, the neighborhoods closer to the vast castle in the center were a lot more affluent, and there were a few parks asrge as forests that had peeked through the clouds. There was not much else to say about this town, except that it seemed to have been the home to two different races when it wasn��t abandoned.


    There were two clear architectural preferences in the city, though the buildings were mixed pretty freely. Roughly half of the houses were built in white and faded blue rock, having rounded curves that made Zac think of stones smoothed by the ocean waves and to some degree Greek architecture. A lot of these buildings had spiraled roofs like the shell of a hermit crab, and Zac felt it was part of some sort of natural formation to strengthen the buildings.


    The second half of the buildings were more sterile, using mostly ck stones when creating living quarters that seemed like a slightly gothic predecessor to Scandinavian minimalism. However, these buildings had provided more space for gardens and sculptures, though the former had long turned into lifeless soil by this point.


    The buildings around him were part of the slums, though which part was impossible to tell. There were no crazed warriors to help point him in the right direction, but Zac still had some options. One was to exsanguinate himself, but he��d only do that if he was stuck. Instead, he took out a bottle of blood he had collected to replenish Verun��s skills, and he poured a small pool of it on the ground.


    Time passed, and Zac frowned when his offering didn��t elicit much of a response. The pool shuddered a bit, but it eventually simply seeped through the cracks without providing much of a clue. Whatever collected the blood in the city seemed to prefer fresh blood, but the haze seemed to like stale blood just the same as it rapidly turned red around the pool.


    Zac sighed in disappointment as he stood up. He had a lot of blood on hand, but it looked like it wouldn''t lead him straight toward the splinter. Instead, he turned his attention to one of the still-standing buildings in the area; a two-story house that seemed to have once been a storefront on the ground floor with a decentlyrge living area on top.


    He had called this area a slum, but it was only rtive to the vast mansions in the inner town, which had gardens tens of thousands of square metersrge. Depending on the level of people who had once made this ce their home, it might even have been a Hegemon who ran this store.


    The odds were he��d just get moved further from the core if he picked a new path at random, at least until he figured out another way to beat the confusion array. So why not stuff his pockets until someone came along? In case that failed as well, he would have to bleed himself and risk a potential bout of madness.


    Four chains shot forward, but they were rebuffed by a flickering barrier as a set of fractals lit up along the house. A piercing screech was emitted as well, making Zac nch as he instilled his chains with the Fragment of the Coffin before attacking again. The barrier was barely functional with multiple fractals missing, and destroying a few more runes on the building broke itpletely.


    The whistling sound stopped as well, and Zac looked at the building with bemusement. Ancient theft protection, perhaps? It would be pretty hard to sneakily pilfer a store with that sound waking the whole neighborhood.


    Zac stepped into the storefront, but there was not much to be found. There was ayer of dust over five centimeters deep, and when he touched a small wooden bench, it copsed into ash as well. Just how long had this city been hidden under the ground for furniture to be reduced to this point? There was no way that herbs would maintain their efficacy this long, but other items weren��t as touched by the passage of time.


    Swirling clouds of dust were kicked up as he rummaged about, and Zac was soon forced to tie a cloth over his mouth nose to avoid inhaling the ancient dust. Eventually, he found something of interest in a pile of dust and shards of ss that might once have been a disy case for the store. It was a couple of stacks of talismans, though only 11 maintained their use after going through them.


    Most had lost their efficacy by this point, with the inscriptions having faded away. The papers only remained since they were made from some sort of spiritual material, and possibly treated somehow to increase their quality and durability. Still, the ones that remained provided Zac with some clues. Looking at the scripture, it was clear that this shop was meant for the living, rather than some undead race.


    The inscriptions were based on the script of the Apostate of Order, but trying to decipher it felt like looking at some protonguage on earth rather than the letters he was used to. [Primal Polyglot] and his umted experience still helped him somewhat understand their functions though, mostly because they weren��t thatplicated.


    The first set was simple healing talismans you��d p on your wound to seal it and increase the speed of recuperation. The talismans held a hint of Life in them, and Zac estimated they��d be equivalent to a Middle E-grade healing pill. The other type of talisman was life-attuned as well, and Zac found them pretty interesting.


    They were actually offensive talismans even though their patterns were over 50% identical to the healing ones. From what he could tell, they were meant to flood certain part of an enemy��s body with life-attuned energies and damage organs and bursts blood vessels. They essentially overhealed parts of an enemy��s body.


    This method was quite ingenious, considering many defensive talismans and skills wouldn��t block out a healing wave. The bodies of living cultivators also took in these kinds of energies naturally since life-attuned energy had all kinds of health benefits. Putting Divine Crystals in Cultivation Caves was the norm, for example, since it boosted health and longevity.


    The talisman took advantage of this fact, acting like a trojan horse to bypass some of warriors�� natural resistance. This obviously wouldn��t work against undead whose bodies were naturally hostile against life-attuned energy, but these talismans would probably be quite lethal against them anyway.


    Zac felt there was a lesson there, as he still struggled to find ways to use the Dao of Life offensively. If he wanted to grasp the Branch of Life in the future, he would have to broaden his definition of Life to include more than just the healing aspect. This was just one simple but effective aspect of life, while the pulses at the volcano had shown him another aspect.


    He kept rummaging through the house for another minute, but he only found some Nexus Crystals hidden under a loose tile in the bedroom and two more stacks of talismans. Even then, Zac wasn��t too disappointed since his findings confirmed a few things. First of all, the city seemed to have been hastily vacated.


    Otherwise, the talismans and secret stash of money would have been brought away by the owners. It was also possible that everyone had been instantly killed by something like a mental attack, and their bodies had turned to dust like the furniture. No matter which was the case, that hopefully meant the bigger houses also had their valuables left behind.


    Secondly, a shop at the edge of the City of Ancients sold Middle E-grade items like they weremon goods, which probably meant the inner parts held D-grade items. And perhaps, the castle in the middle was once controlled by a Monarch, meaning there was a chance for C-grade items to appear.


    Zac was still some ways from reaching D-grade, but he had already spent a good chunk of the seemingly endless fortune his mother had left him. Port Atwood would sooner orter start generating a steady source of revenue, but ie sources like the Havenfort Chasm would take thousands of years to build up.


    This was a huge opportunity to make a fortune in the short run. After all, even the worst C-grade items were way more valuable than the best E-grade items. Just a single pill or a piece of Spiritual Metal at C-grade might be worth more than his whole fortune. Certainly, he had his hands full with Uona and the splinter, but he would have to be crazy if he didn��t keep his eyes open for other opportunities.


    Hopefully, the System hadn��t been stingy and whisked away all the high-grade items already.


    Light steps suddenly echoed out on the cobblestone outside, and Zac immediately turned away from the deste store and walked out to see who had arrived. It was a Revenant who was made from some unknown humanoid race with oversized purple eyes. She was not affected by the madness of the city either, and three glowing orbs shuddering with condensed mental energy swirled around her.


    The moment Zac stepped out of the doorway, the woman turned in his direction. At first, she looked a bit confused, like she couldn''t make heads or tails of what she was seeing. At first, Zac didn''t know why, but he looked down at himself and noticed he was absolutely covered in dust. A quick shake and it fell off, and the Revenant''s look went from confusion to despair as she looked into Zac''s abyssal eyes.


    Thedder screen had appeared above the Revenant as well by this point, and the Revenant only showed a value of 0-250. The moment she realized who she was dealing with, she rushed toward the closest path, but Zac was much quicker. A chain mmed into a wall in front of her, and Zac dragged himself over to bar her path.


    ��Stop,�� Zac calmly said.


    ��Lord ck,�� she said with a deep bow, her voice shaking with fear. ��I have nothing that would enter your exalted eyes. Please spare me.��


    ��I have no interest in your life, but I need answers. How do you resist the madness?�� Zac asked the woman who had shrunk away with fear.


    ��I��m a Spiritual Warrior. My soul is strong enough to resist the lure,�� she said, and Zac wasn��t too surprised now that he had gotten a better look at the three orbs rotating around her. They were not only made from miasma, but they also contained a lot of Mental Energy.


    ��Are you able to ovee the confusion array and pick the correct path?�� Zac asked.


    ��No,�� she hurriedly said with a shake of her head. ��It is out of my expertise. After finding out the nature of this ce, I simply n on moving at the edges and avoid battle until someone breaks this array.��


    Zac sighed, realizing he wouldn��t get anything of use out of this woman. She was not much better than the average warrior that entered the trial, just above the weakest warriors who had dared enter the City of Ancients. She didn��t seem to have any backing either that would allow her to share insights that Zac didn��t already know.


    He asked a few more questions, but she knew even less than he did. He even had her try to instill some mental energy in a batch of blood to ��enliven it��, but it didn��t make a lick of difference. One side of the pool bubbled slightly more than the other, but the whole thing was pretty inconsistent. That left him with one conclusion; someone would have to bleed if he wanted to proceed.


    It almost felt like it was intentional. Uona didn��t explicitly stop people from finding the way toward the core, but every step forward would need a sacrifice of blood. That blood, in turn, would probably be used for something nasty that would empower the vampire.


    ��Release some blood, and you can go,�� Zac grunted.


    ��Please, I saw another warrior get a wound. He was withstanding the madness before, but it seeped into the wound. I��m afraid-�� she hesitated.


    ��I��m sorry, but I don��t have a lot of options either,�� Zac said with an even stare. ��It��s life and death for everyone here. I��ll give you two options. Release some blood on the ground and I��ll give you a natural treasure from the inner part of the Mystic Realm. Refuse, and I��ll knock you out and use you as apass.��


    He knew what he was doing wasn��t very gentlemanly, but this wasn''t the time to start equivocating about right and wrong. If possible, he would prefer not to harm the innocents to reach the heart of the City of Ancients, but he��d do what he needed to get the job done. The Havarok had warned of this ce for months, yet this Revenant and others had jumped heedlessly into the maws of the unknown in search of treasure.


    Besides, the sooner he got to the heart of the city, the sooner this madness would end.


    In fact, Zac started to wonder if he might be able to seize the splinter without having to deal with Uona at all. After seeing the state of the Blood ve back in the ravine, Zac had guessed she used her underlings as containers for the thing. But now, the remnant was out in the open judging by how its aura permeated the whole city.


    Hopefully, Uona would be busy with all the blood that kept pouring toward the heart of the city, allowing him to snatch the splinter with the help of his movement skill before they knew what hit them. He��d seen the Havarok entering the city ready for war as well, and he might even be able to use them as a distraction while absconding with the splinter.


    The mentalist was clearly reluctant, but she took a deep breath as she took out a knife with a silver gleam. A small wound was opened up on her palm as a stream of ck blood fell on the cobblestones. The reaction was immediate as the white haze in the air was drawn over, their color rapidly darkening to gain a sanguine hue.


    ��How do you feel?�� Zac asked curiously from the distance, not forgetting to mark down the direction the blood moved before being swallowed by the ground.


    ��It��s entering my body,�� she said with a shuddering breath as ck veins stood out on her forehead. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac looked on as the Revenant struggled for almost a minute while stumbling around in the area. Her eyes had gained a red tint, but she was still clearly in control as she applied a healing balm over the wound. The bleeding stopped quickly enough, and her visage rxed soon after as she regained her aura stabilized. She took a shuddering breath before she looked at Zac.


    ��Avoiding the haze did only lessen the effect. I felt a powerful bloodlust enter my body until the wound closed no matter where I moved. However, simply being covered in blood did nothing to me personally, except attract the haze. After the wound was closed, I was able to expel the bloodlust by controlling my mind and circting my Dao,�� the Revenant reported, clearly understanding what Zac was looking for.


    The report was extremely helpful. It looked like getting wounded in this ce was doubly dangerouspared to normal, but as long as he kept his mind in check, he shouldn��t be taken out ofmission. As long as he didn��t get rage-addled to the point that he started fighting like a beast, forgetting skills and energy cirction, his body would heal quickly enough while [Purity of the Void] dealt with the rest.


    ��Thank you,�� Zac nodded as he threw over one of the decent herbs he had found in the Coral Forest on the way back from the chasm. It was nothing special to him after having pilfered that ce for weeks, but it was probably as valuable as over fifty good herbs you��d find in the middle reaches of the Twilight Ocean.


    ��It��s my pleasure,�� The Revenant said with a curtsy before she hurriedly stowed away the precious herb. ��If anything, the experience helped me as well. It��s better learning the rules of this ce now than when under attack by a crazed warrior.��


    ��True enough,�� Zac grunted as he walked into the haze in the direction that the blood had indicated, leaving the Revenant to her own devices.

 Chapter 769: Sneaking Inside

    <h4>Chapter 769: Sneaking Inside</h4>


    ��Time to go, Number 7,�� Zac muttered, and he was answered by a bestial roar.


    The chains of [Love��s Bond] rattled as the Corpselordpletely consumed by rage tried to break free for the hundredth time. Zac didn��t even register the mor any longer as he nicked the thigh of the struggling warrior, prompting a small stream of ck blood to fall toward the ground.


    The ichor was snatched up by the pull before it even had time tond, proving that he had made great progress even though it sometimes didn��t feel like it. He shed forward, immediately entering the haze and leaving the deathly husks of ancient trees behind. Soon enough he appeared in another section, this one thankfully the edge of the forest he had spent thest three hours inside.


    He had appeared between two trees in a line that delineated the park, and on the other side of a cobblestone road stood an intricately carved wall leading into what Zac assumed was one of the inner mansions of the City of Ancients. There were no enemies in this one either, and Zac sighed in relief before he closed his eyes.


    Thest battle had been pretty rough, with Zac being pushed hard by a warrior who wielded two Peak Fragments. Normally, Zac wouldn''t have been too worried about such an opponent, but there were so many special restrictions in ce here. He had been pushed to fight twice as hard just to avoid getting wounded, and anypse in concentration led to the shard in his mind desperately trying to break out.


    Meanwhile, that warrior had lost his rationality to the environment of the inner regions of the city. He was consumed by his killing intent to the point that he even used life force in his attacks, but not to the point that he forgot how to use skills. Only by whittling him down with his Inexorable Stance had Zac managed to exhaust, trap, and then kill the warrior without wasting too much energy or opening himself up to the madness.


    The screams of murder were almost deafening here in the heart of the city, and it felt like the slightest nudge could push him over the edge. For now, his willpower and hidden nodes were enough to make do. But unfortunately the same couldn��t be said for Number 7.


    Inhuman gurgling sounds echoed out from his captive, and Zac looked over with a sigh. Opening this path was the limits of this Corpselord by the looks of it. His muscles were twisting and turning like a dozen snakes inhabited his body. Any more and he would share the same fate as Compass and Number 2.


    ��Good luck,�� Zac muttered as he sprinkled some Calming Dust he had looted from another warrior on the Corpselord before throwing him into the haze.


    Zac shook his head and started walking toward the gate leading into the mansion, hoping to find some loot while waiting for the array to reset. He had been so full of momentum two days ago when entering this ce, with anger and urgency pushing him forward. But the nature of the City of Ancients constantly sapped him of his momentum, and he just felt mentally exhausted by this point.


    The first lesson after parting with the mentalist Revenant was that you couldn��t wait too long after following the blood trail. He had wanted to see the result of getting wounded, but that had given the weird array enough time to reset, sending him further away from the core.


    From there, he had made pretty quick progress by capturing a warrior who hadpletely lost his mind already. Since he wasn��t in any state to introduce himself, Zac had simply called him Compass, since that was what he would be used as. Compass had provided him with a lot more insights.


    First of all, the blood wasn��t leading the way. It was opening the path. If too little blood was sacrificed, the paths the blood indicated weren��t any better than taking a path at random.


    Secondly, you could only advance between three and five zones in a row before being forced to stop for around twenty minutes. Any faster, and you��d get stuck in the haze for half an hour until you were spat out further back than when you started. Zac had eventually figured out when to stop by observing his remnants, but that was only after he had been stuck in the haze four times, wasting quite a bit of time.


    Third, you could only be instilled with so much madness before things turned messy. Zac had a small mountain of healing pills by now, and he had simply shifted between bleeding the first man he caught and restoring his blood with pills to make rapid progress. But he had been stopped after being trapped the first time around.


    Compass had suddenly exploded, resulting in a massive eruption of blood that had almost managed to drag Zac into madness as well. He had been bled too much, allowing the weird array to reach a critical mass inside his body. The whole section had been turned red upon the eruption, and Zac had been forced to escape down a random path.


    The same fate, unfortunately, befell Number 2, another warrior deep into the throes of madness by the point Zac ran into her. She had already killed her enemies and her allies by the time Zac found her, and she became proof that people could only get bled so many times before the umted toxins became too much to bear, even if you gave it some time in-between.


    Now, Zac simply captured any blood-crazed person he ran into and borrowed their blood before letting them go. After helping himself to their Cosmos Sacks, of course. If they survived or not after that would be up to their luck.


    He had hoped Number 7 would be able to take him the final stretch, but he found himself stranded once more. At least he could feel he was extremely close by now. The splinter��s presence was palpable, and this was the second park he had passed through. There were only so many of them in the City of Ancients, and he guessed that the castle would being up any time now.


    Zac looted the gatehouse of the mansion with practiced ease, but he was barred from entering the proper structure by a wall of haze. Any further, and he��d end up somewhere random again. Normally, he would have been extremely annoyed at not being able to enter the core sections of the mansion, but he had encountered this situation over a dozen times already.


    Only open spaces were included in the maze that the Eidolon and Uona had crafted, with just the edges of themunal spaces and mansions being essible. He had looted over fifty houses of some random crystals and treasures already, but he still hadn��t found a single trove worthy of its name so far.


    Time passed, and Zac started to hesitate about what to do. There was nothing else except the edge of the park and the gatehouse. He could dismantle the wall itself, but it was made from somemon E-grade stone that wasn''t worth more than a few E-grade coins.


    He had been forced to backtrack and lose over two hours�� progress to find Number 7, and now he was even further into the maze. Only a handful had the ability to get this far, and none of them would be an easy target to capture and bleed. Zac looked in the direction of the splinter again, finallying to a decision.


    He��d roll the dice. The splinter felt so close that he could almost touch it, and going by the vast wall enclosing the mansion, it had to be one of the buildings neighboring the castle itself. Still, he did have some misconceptions about sacrificing some of his blood.


    Hopefully, his solution would work.


    He took a steadying breath before weakening the cage to the shard, causing a flood of Creation energy to course through his body. The remnant was veritably vibrating by this point, and Zac wasn��t sure he''d be able to keep it contain it with Mental Energy much longer. It was clearly gearing up for war, each shudder squeezing out a little bit more Creation Energy in anticipation.


    Zac only released a small bit of what he had captured in the prison, but it was enough to almost overwhelm him. The whispers of mayhem were immediately drowned out by the whispers of possibility, but Zac forcefully kept his mind nk before he cut a small before pricking his finger with [Verun��s Bite], and a drop of pure darkness appeared.


    Just as the ichor was about to get dragged off to god-knows-where, a surge of Creation entered it on Zac��smand. The drop flew toward the left for a few seconds before it turned into a small firefly that swung its pitch-ck wings a few times before exploding. A surge of killing intent filled him, but it was immediately doused in the mor of the rampaging Creation.


    Zac immediately shed away from the reddening mists and toward the direction the drop indicated, and he immediately pushed on the wound to squeeze out a stream of blood before it closed. A storm of Creation entered his ichor this time as well, but it only shuddered as Zac tried to keep the energy contained.


    The ichor entered the white mist, and Zac sensed the small shift that confirmed the path had opened. He shed forward, but he swore when he appeared in another small section of the City of Ancients rather than inside the castle. Zac��s anger onlysted a second before he quelled his mind, but it was still enough to conjure a massive gate out of gold in front of him.


    A pained grimace appeared on Zac��s face over the loss of life force, but at least there was some good news to go with the bad. It wasn��t a random urrence that an opulent gate had appeared from his expenditure of creation. Another one could barely be discerned within the mist at the other side of the area, this one evenrger than the one he had created.


    In fact, he didn��t see the top of the gate, or the wall it was attached to, even though the visibility reached over fifty meters in the air. Even the ostentatiously decorated wall in the previous section was only ten meters high or so, indicating he might just have found his goal. If this wasn''t the wall leading to the castle in the middle, then what was?


    The gate was barely visible with most of it swallowed by the mist, and Zac walked back and forth with a frown wondering just what the best course of action was. He punched the towering wall to see if breaking through was feasible, but it only ended with a painful rebound hurting his knuckles, while not as much as a crack appeared on the brick he had targeted.


    Zac��s abyssal eyes widened in shock. He hadn��t infused his Dao or full power into the attack, but there was almost thirty thousand effective Strength behind the punch. It was enough to turn a small mountain into gravel, yet he hadn��t even left a mark on this stone? It wasn��t like he had sensed any array or barrier blocking his attack either.


    Just how sturdy was this material?


    Zac tried to break the stone with his axe as well, but even a high-powered swing only left a surface mark rather than a scar. Zac looked at the enormous wall, and an almost impossible thought crossed his mind. Had someone actually used a D-grade material to build a wall as big as this? Were there cultivators this disgustingly wealthy?


    His brain almost short-circuited at the thought of the costs involved for such an undertaking. There were no doubt many ancient ns in the Multiverse hearnds who could do something like this without a care, but this was ultimately the Frontier. From what he had heard, there were quite a few Monarchs in the Frontier that hadn��t even seen C-grade materials their whole lives.


    Even the well-off Monarchs from established forces considered C-grade materials as priceless treasures, perhaps only getting their hands on a handful during their whole lives. After all, C-grade materials were simply to slow toe into being. If it took a million years to nurture a Monarch, then it might take ten times that for a C-grade herb toe into being unless some special circumstance was speeding the process along.


    Problem was, how often could a stretch in the forest remain untouched for ten million years, even in a secluded Mystic Realm? Natural cmities, beasts fighting for territory, greedy cultivators looting the herb while it still was E- or D-grade. The spots these herbs could appear in the Frontier were scarce enough, and it wasn��t like these ces would be left untouched for the time required.


    That��s why D-grade materials were the base resource for Frontier Monarchs to progress as well, where they reced quality with quantity. They swallowed mountains of resources just to maintain their cultivation, constantly scratching their heads on how to gather enough money to progress as well.


    For them to build a simple fortification purely from D-grade materials? Inconceivable.


    The scene far surpassed his earlier estimation of what kind of town this was. It had to be an exceedingly wealthy Monarch who had once lived here. A Divine Monarch, probably, who had less use for D-grade materials. Perhaps�� Even someone greater.


    Zac��s heart hammered as he considered the possibility of looting an Autarch��s residence. Even if it was just an Autarch��s outhouse, it was probably worth as much as a small kingdom in the Zecia sector going by the extravagance of the outer wall. But Zac forcibly calmed his mind and refocused on the task at hand.


    Cutting his way through the wall was out of the question. The only method he saw would work was if he either expelled an Annihtion Sphere to blow a hole, orrge amounts of Creation energy to turn the stone into something else. Problem was, the wall was probably way too thick to blow up even with all the Oblivion Energy he had umted. And who knew how much lifespan would be required to transmute solid D-grade stone?


    The wall waspletely airtight as well, making it impossible to make use of [Abyssal Phase]. Zac looked around with hesitation before he released a small creation-infused droplet of ichor again. As expected, it shot into the wall rather than into one of the side passages.


    Eventually, Zac walked over to the arch of the gate, trying to peer around its edge. Finally, there was some good news, as Zac could see that there wasn��t a door in the way. It might have rotted off, or it might be some sort of drop-down gate. In either case, he could barely make out a tunnel of unknown depth.


    He couldn��t see the other side at all as it was covered in an extremely thickyer of mist. But that was enough for him, and a n had already formed in Zac''s mind. A bottle appeared in his hand, and a small river of blood started pouring out onto the ground some distance from the gate. Even this close to the core of the City of Ancients, the ��dead�� blood wasn��t dragged away, but rather formed a pool on the ground before it slipped between the cobblestones.


    The whole area darkened as the extremely condensed clouds started absorbing the blood, and Zac felt his whole vision turning red. That didn''t stop Zac though as he kept pouring out blood, and he was ted to see that his n worked.


    It almost looked like a strong draft affected the tunnel as haze kept streaming out from the gate, heading straight for the still-growing pool of blood. Previously, the tunnel had beenpletely filled, and Zac knew from experience that passing through in a situation like that would get him all turned around until he appeared god-knows-where in the city.


    But now, the haze had thinned out, though it still was a bit iffy whether it was enough. Zac grit his teeth and crushed the bottle, prompting a cascade of blood toe crashing out. Tens of thousands of liters created a gory tsunami, making it look like he was under attack by Uona.


    Zac was absolutely drenched in blood, and he felt his vision swim for a bit as his mind grew muddled. But the pain from a series of shes between creation and bloodlust in his body kept him sane enough to remember what he needed to do. The chains of [Love��s Bond] rushed into the tunnel, which now had a space over fifteen centimeters wide void of any haze.


    He was finally able to see the end of the tunnel, allowing him totch two of the chains to the wall on the other side, while another two kept him in ce to the outer wall. With this, he was firmly attached to the wall, and it shouldn��t be possible for him to be dragged away by the confusion array.


    The environment was quickly bing unbearable where he was, so Zac wasted no time putting his n to practice. Two of the chains extended while the other two retracted, which dragged Zac through the tunnel like he was attached to a conveyor belt.


    The haze was all around him, making any sense of direction impossible, but he kept pushing himself through until he suddenly found himself on the other side of the tunnel. It felt like he had finally escaped a nightmare where he kept running in ce as the small snippets surrounded by obscuring clouds had been reced by a grand view of a huge castle reaching toward the sky.


    He had made it.


    However, a wave of killing intent reminded him that he had justpleted the easy part of his mission. This killing intent didn��te from some array this time, but rather a small army of red-eyed cultivators surrounded by swirls of blood. They looked a bit surprised by his appearance, but that was about it.


    ��Our mistress was wondering if you would show up,�� one of the leaders said as dozens of powerful auras were released. ��She will be delighted to learn of your presence.��


    ��So much for sneaking,�� Zac muttered as a huge jagged edge appeared in front of [Verun''s Bite].N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 770: Out of Time, Out of Options

    <h4>Chapter 770: Out of Time, Out of Options</h4>


    Zac tried to take in the situation as he cleared his mind of the tremendous waves of synthetic bloodlust that crashed into his mind after drenching the previous area in blood. The castle grounds were far biggerpared to how it appeared through the vaunted dome from the outside. It felt like a city of its own stretching thousands of meters in every direction.


    Just the outer square he had entered was as big as half of Port Atwood, with the whole castle grounds being tens of timesrger. It was nowhere near the scale of the research base in the Mystic Realm, but it was still insanelyrge to be a residential building. A million people would be able to live here with plenty of room to spare.


    The group of Blood Cultivators in front of him, most likely Blood Thralls converted by Uona, seemed to have been in the middle of preparing for some battle, only for Zac to stumble right into the square they used as a gathering point. There were over fifty of them, with many of them emitting auras that put them in the top percentile of the trial.


    Uona had been active in her recruitment, not simply indulging in wanton ughter that most seemed to have believed. As for the blood mistress herself, she was nowhere in sight. However, Zac could sense a tremendous sanguine aura in the distance. It didn��te from the main structure though, and Zac could guess why �C it was sealed.


    A radiant rune hovered above its main tower, powering a barrier that seemedpletely imprable. The bloody aura rather came from a side structure right next to the castle. A huge bloody sphere hovered above the building, and more and more power blood continuously seeped into it from the building below.


    Something terrifying was brewing inside the ball, no doubt the results of thousands of cultivators being killed and drained in this trap. Was it an offensive array of some kind? To strike at either the Havarok who probably were on their way as well? Or rather at the sealed castle in the middle, to seize the valuables and expose that Realm Spirit that Ventus mentioned?


    Oddly enough, the deste aura of the Splinter of Oblivion didn��te from the same direction as the bloody egg. Instead, it seemed to originate from another side building almost on the opposite side of the massivepound he had entered. This one didn��t give off any indications of danger like that shockingly condensed sphere of blood, but Zac still felt the hair stand on end when looking in that direction for some reason.


    In either case, he had already been exposed. The fact that Uona wasn��t already rushing toward him probably meant she couldn��t just leave that orb as she wished. That didn��t prove that she waspletely locked in ce though, and the more time he wasted the higher risk was of him getting mired in her ploy.


    Zac shot forward, and the pent-up frustration that had been set to simmer for weeks now was finally allowed to be ignited into a congration. For the first time since entering the city, he didn��t quell these murderous impulses. The haze was gone, and he could feel that the pervasive array didn''t cover this core section either.


    The traps of soul and blood could no longer harm him, making his anger a tool rather than a weakness. Instead of pushing it down, he used it to regain his long-lost momentum as he closed in on the Blood Thralls, the chains of [Love��s Bond] piercing the streams of blood flooding toward him.


    He didn''t activate [Abyssal Phase], as there was no need to. His towering aura filled with killing intent had given the Blood Thralls pause, and that short moment of hesitation was all he needed to close the short distance with a few herculean leaps. A keening cry of bloodlust echoed through the square as the massive edge of [Gorehew] ripped three Peak E-grade warriors to pieces.


    The moment the de had bisected the final warrior it instantly disappeared, just as a sinister aura filled the chains of his other Spirit Tool. The churning waves of blood closing in on him instantly turned ck before they started to fall apart, a result of an overwhelming wave of corruption filling them from [Blighted Cut].


    Zac''s eyes lit up, confirming his theory that his rot-based skills would be effective against blood cultivators. However, while these were warriors working under some sort of ve-likepulsions, they were ultimately talented warriors who had qualified to enter the Twilight Ascent. More attacks were already pelting toward him, but the three pygmy skeletons had already answered his call.


    Arge spectral coffin appeared in front of him, and it swiped back and forth to crush the iing blood spears. Still, [Profane Exponents] couldn''tpletely block out everything when fifty warriors attacked him at once. A sharp pain erupted in his side as anky cultivator shed past him with shocking speed, wielding two daggers dripping of both blood and ichor.


    Unfortunately for him, the rogue had underestimated just how inhumanly durable Zac''s body was, and he had only managed to leave a shallow wound in his side. The des had beenced with some sort of toxin, but Zac could instantly sense that it wouldn''t be a problem. The City of Ancients was ultimately in the middle reaches of the Twilight Ocean, and his [Purity of theVoid]-node had more than enough capacity over to help deal with some toxins.


    Besides, he was a pureblood Draugr, which brought the benefit of extremely strong natural resistance to most poisons. So the attack didn''t even phase Zac as he continued to push forward as a wave of darkness spread with Zac as the epicenter. One skill after another was activated as Zac started to superimpose his domains topletely restrict the small army.


    The blood soldiers clearly understood that they were dealing with a closebat warrior, and they quickly set up a series of defenses while two squads pelted him from behind a bloody barrier. Meanwhile, the rogue from earlier was joined by another group of nimble warriors that tried tounch quick and deadly strikes at him from the sides.


    None of these warriors were a threat to him, but there were simply so many of them. He only had two hands and the ability to keep a couple of skills running at once, and he felt one shallow wound after another being added to his body. However, this was exactly the kind of fight he excelled at, and he inexorably pushed forward as he was finally joined by some reinforcements in the form of the axe wraiths.


    From there, the dance of his Inexorable Stance begun, where he continuously pushed forward, unleashing an unceasing barrage at both the backlines and the warriors who tried to nk him. A spectral warrior suddenly appeared behind a thrall who wielded a spike and a shield, but just as she was about to stab the spectre and destroy it, a chain dripping of corrosion shot toward an opening under her arm.


    She desperately swiveled to block the chain with her shield, but that opened her to an attack from the wraith. She was still a Dexterity-based warrior, and she phased to the side just as she was about to be bisected by a ruthless swing of the wraith. However, she was still nicked by the spectral edge, which meant her fate was sealed.


    A rune appeared on the wound, and she stumbled forward while shrieking from pain as the darkness of [Deathwish] streamed into her wound. A few more warriors had been marked already, and even the unscathed Blood Thralls were in a bad way from his corroding domain. The blood attacks were continuously being eroded by the pervasive atmosphere, and by the time they reached Zac they''d lost half of their strength.


    Zac wouldn''t let his summonedpanions do all the work, and the four chains of [Love''s Bond] weaved back and forth to restrain and harass the nks while Zac pushed straight ahead, braving a ceaseless barrage of attacks. The ranged attackers tried to keep some distance, but he used his superior attributes and wraiths to direct the battle.


    Soon enough, he had managed to essentially swap ces with the blood thralls, with them having their backs against the huge wall. That way, they weren''t able to escape his advance, and Zac would be able to maneuver more freely in case reinforcements appeared.


    It was a valuable insight. Until now, he had only fought one or a handful of enemies while utilizing his Inexorable Stance. In those battles, his tactics had been to restrain each individual warrior, directing the tempo of the fight while creating openings. Now, it was more about controlling the tempo of the whole battlefield while breaking apart their cooperation.


    He was like an inexorable army, pushing forward, neither fearing death or defeat. Any attempt of the enemy to swing the battle in their favor was crushed before it even had a chance to be started. Ambushes were turned into franticst stands as wraiths, corrosive chains, and Zac himself appeared out of nowhere.


    Defenses and defensive lines were broken by brute force and the ghastly light of thentern-wielding skeleton. The battle had onlysted for thirty seconds, but more than twenty thralls had already fallen to Zac''s unceasing barrage, with another ten sporting either wounds or corrosive runes of [Deathmark].


    As Zac pushed forward, he realized that these warriors were a bit like the tattooed puppets he had encountered close to the Twilight Chasm. There were mages, warriors, and Dexterity-based cultivators, but they all used blood as the basis for their attacks. Zac didn''t know exactly how it worked, but it was undeniable that these people probably had their cultivation path altered when they were turned.


    There was a hint of unfamiliarity in their actions, of sluggishness that he normally wouldn''t encounter in an E-grade warrior. That was a huge opportunity for Zac as one warrior after another fell, continuously restoring some of his lost Miasma through [Fields of Despair].


    Unfortunately, Zacbored under some disadvantages of his own. He took a step forward, but a burst from the Shard of Creation made him stumble. The remnant was in a fully rampant mode by now, and Zac felt he had a few minutes tops before he lost control entirely. The Shard needed an outlet, and quickly.


    ��Just wait a little more and you��ll get your wish,�� Zac muttered as he adjusted the grip of [Verun''s Bite].


    The inner area was almost void of people, and his eyes once more turned toward the nondescript building in the distance, the building where the Splinter of Oblivion waited for him. As long as he got his hands on that thing, Uona was more than wee toe over. He��d treat her to the same reception as the adolescent dragon back in the Tower of Eternity; a st of Chaos right in her face.


    Until then, he was still restrained, fearful of exposing his huge stockpile of Creation energy in his body. That��s why he had to fight so hard against a group of cultivators who both were weakened by the Twilight Energy and unfamiliar with their new state of existence; the moment he infused his skills with his Dao, they would definitely transform like [Arcadia''s Judgement] did.


    That would expose his hidden card against Uona without a doubt. Even if she wasn''t here, he was sure she was observing the battle one way or another.


    Zac fought desperately, using everything he had learned over the past two years as he tried to restrain and dismantle their cooperation while he felled one warrior after another. But for every Blood Thrall he killed, he received a couple of wounds. Furthermore, these ves were not deterred at all by seeing theirrades fall. If anything, they fought more valiantly, and Zac even saw that the blood of the fallen streamed toward theirpatriots to bolster their attacks.


    Meanwhile, his domains were starting to fall apart.


    A dozen thralls had worked together to unleash a bloody rain, where every drop was like a small projectile that ripped apart the darkness. Together with the constantly churning rivers of blood that rampaged through the area, crushing his specters and forcing him back just as he was about to deliver killing blows with his axe, he knew his skills teetering on the brink of copse.


    The blood thralls weren''t stupid either. They had lost half their warriors already, while only dealing some surface damage to Zac in return. But with his skills falling apart, they had onest chance to turn the tides before he killed them all. The bloody rivers suddenly ignited one by one, as the thralls sacrificed their longevity to give them a final burst of power.


    Zac didn''t know if it was just to deliver a strike of vengeance while they stood at death''s door, or if Uona''s mark had some sort ofpulsion. In either case, it was bad news. It felt like he was surrounded by a swarm of bees that frantically tried to defend the hive. Meanwhile, the force inside his mind kept building, making it harder and harder for him to focus.


    Something had to give. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Enough!" Zac roared from pain and frustration as thirty bloody chains, each one wrought from bone and sinew, ripped out from his body in an outburst of fury and Creation.


    They punched forward with undeniable momentum, propelled forward by a D-grade treasure gone berserk, crushing defenses and ripping warriors to shreds. It felt like Zac''s own body was being torn apart as well, but he had at least managed to use the Longevity Gem this time around rather than his own life force.


    The area looked like it could have been ayer of hell by this point, with enormous pools of blood stretching covering hundreds of meters. Maimed body parts littered the ground, some hacked to pieces by [Gorehew], with others corroded and killed by [Deathmark].


    In the middle, Zac stood like a denizen of the Maleboge, his body a mix of ck and red as the chains created from his innards held thest thralls in the air like a morbid homage to the spectral chains of [Profane Seal]. Zac groaned in pain as the links shook, throwing off the carcasses before they were drawn back into his body as he expended some more Creation Energy to restore his body to its normal form.


    The moment the chains were back in his body, a grey ball appeared in his hands which he threw down on the ground, creating a thick ashy haze that covered the area. By the time the dust cloud had settled, Zac was already gone, transformed into a spectral wraith as he surged toward his goal �C the Splinter of Oblivion.


    His gory outburst was pretty suspicious, but he was out of time and out of options. The blood thralls had dyed his progress to the point that the amount of Creation Energy had be unbearable, and he would have to vent it one way or another. Rather than creating something out of thin air or empowering a skill, he had decided to transform his own body.


    Having his body reconfigured like that hurt more than getting stabbed, but it didn''t release any Creation Energy out of his own body, which hopefully would make anyone observing the fight mistake the bone chains for a self-mutting skill.


    Zac appeared fifty meters away from the building where he could sense the remnant, but his abyssal eyes kept ncing in the direction of the blood ritual. Uona still hadn��t made her appearance after all that carnage, but he could see that there wasn��t any blood flowing up toward the sphere either. Was she stopping its formation so that she coulde deal with him?


    He obviously didn��t want to wait and find out, so he kicked the massive door leading into the building in front of him, creating a mor as though a massive church bell was being rung. The door didn��t break apart as he��d hoped, but it at least swung open. The shard in his mind was like a radiant sun by this point, ceaselessly expelling torrential amounts of energy, almost reaching the levels in the volcano.


    It felt like he was trapped in a nightmare with thousands of wailing voices fighting for his attention. The shard was ready for war, to the point Zac could feel a primordial hunger as he stepped into the enormous chamber where the splinter waited for him. Even then, Zac found himself rooted in ce as he looked at the scene inside with wide eyes.


    Why did the Eidolon have his splinter?!

 Chapter 771: Madness Made Real

    <h4>Chapter 771: Madness Made Real</h4>


    Zac''s eyes turned back and forth, his mind nking out by the surprising scene. The building hadn''t given off any signals at all from the outside. If not for his high Luck giving him a hint of danger, and the fact that he could sense the splinter thanks to his other remnants, he would have thought this ce yet another empty building along with the dozens of others. Yet it was bustling with activity.


    Well over a hundred crystals hovered in the air, the outermost half forming small circles of between five and nine crystals each. Within, the remaining crystals formed a star-shaped pattern that connected the outer circle with onerger circle at the core. These crystals felt a lot like Soul Crystals, but they were asrge as a man and emitted far stronger mental fluctuations.


    Furthermore, there was an undeniable hint of death in these crystals rather than simply Mental Energy, like how Miasma Crystals were to Nexus Crystals. Small aquamarine shrouds circled them all, resembling small nebs surrounding a ck hole. The crystals were a treasure, but they clearly already had an owner.


    Why had the Eidolon gotten themselves mixed up with the splinter?


    This was the first time Zac had seen this race in person, but he had both heard and read the descriptions already. The Eidolon didn��t have any set shape like normal Spectral Cultivators since they never had any physical bodies that formed the basis of their sense of self. Instead, they took whatever shape they wanted, shapes they simply liked or felt resonated with their path.


    There were over a dozen that looked like pale-blue skulls, each of them having a sinister me in their eyes. Another group looked a lot like the gemstones that hovered in the area, though they were intangible. Many wereplex patterns that made Zac think of Skill Fractals, and [Primal Polyglot] indicated that these shapes were somehow rted to Soul Cultivation.


    Most ultimately looked like humanoids, which partly was a matter of convenience for these beings. The other undead races were humanoid, though Zac had heard murmurs the mysterious race of ��Founders�� were a bit different, so the Eidolon usually took on these shapes as well. It didn��t impact their cultivation at all from what he had been told, and they felt it worth it if it meant not getting ostracized.


    Even the ones who preferred an abstract shape would normally swap over to a humanoid avatar when meeting the other undead races. However, even if they had taken the general shapes of spectral cultivators, it was clear they were not. They were a lot like the Rahm back in the Creator Shipyard, in the sense they didn��t have any facial features.


    Instead, arge fractal covered their otherwise nk faces. The fractal was the insignia of their n, or rather their Hive. Every single one of the Eidolon had one of these marks somewhere, no matter what shape they took. Even the eidolon who were just intangible clouds had the rune hovering in the heart of the dust.


    Their Hive was a central part of their identity, and the Eidolon were a lot more close-knit than most other races. Zac didn''t exactly understand it, but it seemed as though the line between individual and collective was somewhat blurred for this race. The closest thing he could think of was the AI Hiveminds he''d seen in science fiction movies back then, though the Eidolon definitely possessed individual minds and cultivations. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    One Eidolon was hovering inside every outer circle of crystals, and five of them sitting in the innermost circle. These five in the center all emitted extremely strong energy fluctuations, to the point that the screaming shard in his mind was somewhat subdued by the Mental Fluctuations they radiated.


    Especially powerful was one Eidolon, in particr, this one having a humanoid shape. In contrast to the others, this spectral cultivator''s form was so dense that it almost looked corporeal, and they even wore robes created with extreme attention to detail. Just by their terrifying alone, it was clear that this one was the leader - Aia Ouro.


    Aia Ouro had not made any big moves since entering the Twilight Ascent, yet they had maintained a top ten position without breaking a sweat. And it was no surprise to Zac. While their aura wasn''t quite at the stage of Uona''s it was extremely condensed. Not only was the leader at the peak of the E-grade with heavy umtions, but Zac was pretty certain they also possessed a Middle-Stage Dao Branch, possibly with subsidiary Daos to empower it.


    And at the heart of the circle of radiant crystals controlled by Aia was a hovering gem of absolute darkness. Below it, a Blood Thrall that was either dead or dying sat, his body covered in multipleyers of dense restrictions. The thrall waspletely locked in ce by the looks of it, but Zac wasn''t sure he was even cognizant of his surroundings, as his eyes were nkly staring up at the splinter.


    Above the Splinter, a massive being sat. It reached over ten meters in the air, an avatar with six arms like a Buddhist Asura. It even had the boundless murderous intent of an asura, dwarfing even Zac''s own killing intent. It was no surprise though, considering murderous intent kept streaming up from the ground and into the crystal before it was infused into the avatar.


    The huge thing sat in a meditative pose, where the upper set of arms formed a mudra that generated a sphere that had an extremely strong aura of death. The bottom set of arms was the opposite, where a sphere of pure life hovered. It was so powerful that the Eidolon had added ayer of protection around it, as to not get affected by it.


    In the middle, pure condensed Twilight Energy swirled, forming a coherent trinity. However, the Twilight Energy was somewhat different in nature from what he had encountered inside the secluded valley in the chasm. It contained terrifying amounts of killing intent, and it released spiritual fluctuations as well.


    Zac immediately knew that this was the construct the Eidolon nned on using to supnt the Realm Spirit. He couldn''t be certain, but it seemed like the Eidolon Divine Monarch cultivated some sort of Dao of ughter, and they wanted to instill this path into the Twilight Ocean through this Avatar, perhaps to improve the odds of seeding in the ascension.


    ��Lord ck, wee," an androgenous voice echoed out from every direction, yet Zac somehow knew it was Aia Ouro who was speaking. "May we ask why you have interrupted our work?"


    ��I have no interest in what''s going on here," Zac slowly said as he tried to figure what was going on. "I have no designs on the Realm Spirit, and no master outside who wants to snatch this opportunity. But I need the Splinter of Oblivion."


    ��The corrupted remnant?�� the Eidolon eximed with surprise before it shuddered and fiercely turned in the direction of the building with the blood orb. ��That scheming little����


    ��Give it to me, and I can even help you out against Uona,�� Zac said with a shuddering breath as stepped into the chamber, his eyes glued to the remnant. "I know you are headed toward a collision course."


    It was so close, and he felt a liquid run down his nose as his whole Soul Aperture was plunged into chaos. The two remnants in the cage had been quiet for a long time, cracks were already spreading across the fractals as the two remnants were going out of control. With another splinter so close-by, the splinter no longer tried to guard the exit.


    Instead, it was actingpletely unhinged, swapping between attacking the shard and attacking the cage. The splinter in the middle of the massive array had sensed its sibling as well, and it shuddered as waves of oblivion were expelled. However, the array the Eidolon had set up was surprisingly powerful, swallowing the energy and infusing it into the avatar.


    ��Lord ck, please stay your hand," the voice said with some urgency. "We are happy to give you the splinter as soon as the Realm Avatar has been sessfully formed. But for now, the remnant is integral to our array. Removing it will damage the avatar and make us lose much of the intent we have collected. It will make us fail the mission. Just give us five hours toplete the process."


    ��Move out of the way,�� Zac growled, his eyes wide with hunger.


    Waiting just one hour, let alone five, waspletely out of the question. He''d either be dead or insane by then going by how rapidly things were deteriorating in his mind. And even if he was willing to sit around until they were finished, how could he trust the words of some stranger? What if their process absorbed or damaged the splinter?


    More importantly, would Uona just sit around and wait as well?


    ��Don��t force our hand, Draugr,�� Aia said, and a bone-chilling sharpness had appeared their voice, to the point that the whole building shook. "We have recording arrays running all across thispound. Acting against us will harm the empire''s chances of gaining another Autarch. We are well within our rights to kill."


    Zac could barely hear the Eidolon by this point, the voices in his head reaching a crescendo. However, he could make out that they wouldn''t relinquish what he needed. Uona or Aia Ouro, it didn''t matter. Anyone that barred his path was someone who was trying to get him killed, who stalled his return to Port Atwood.


    Prevented him from feasting.


    ��Then you can all die!�� Zac roared as his whole torso opened up to disy a massive maw of ovepping fangs in a bout of madness made real by the Creation in his body.


    "Lunatic! Abomination!" the voice of the Eidolon leader screamed with fury as a dozen massive gemstones cracked under the pressure of Zac''s aura.


    The world darkened the next moment as Zac disappeared, reced by a torrential river that epassed the whole array and the twenty-odd spectral cultivators within. The ghastly totem pole of [Pir of Destion] slowly rose, though this time it didn��t appear in the middle of the cage.


    Instead, it hadmandeered the left half of the cage, whereas the intricate formation of gemstones held their own at the right. A few of them had broken apart, but the rest of the hundred-odd crystals had lit up with a deathly cold light that made Zac��s soul shudder.


    ��Contain the Avatar and form up!�� Aia Ouro shouted as their body entered one of the crystals, and a rapid change quickly followed.


    It was like reality flickered between two states, where the array and huge six-armed Avatar existed in one, and an enormous skull in the other. The flickering stopped after less than a second, with only the skull remaining. As to where the array had gone, Zac had no idea, but there wasn''t any time to solve this particr mystery.


    The skull emitted a terrifying aura, putting pressure on not only Zac��s soul as he hid in the darkness, but even on his body. The scene was a reminder of the terrifying natural ability of the Eidolon; the hivemind. Eidolon Hives could link their very existences due to their peculiar nature, forming a natural War Arrays that far outshone anything Zac and his armies had ess to.


    The gain thankfully wasn��t at a level where one plus one made two, but thebined projection of the group of Eidolon felt like it could match the towering aura Uona had released when she had gone all-out in the chasm. They were not an easy opponent, but Zac didn��t have much of an option but to fight.


    He had been hoping to stalk closer to the splinter and snatch it under the shroud of darkness, but the damn skull had actually swallowed the Blood Thrall and the remnant, hiding them within its body. Even worse, Zac felt that the projection was able to see him clearly, even though the activation of [Pir of Destion] allowed him to perfectly blend into the darkness.


    Zac wasn��t about to be outdone, and the orb of Oblivion radiated a terrifying splendor as over twenty chains shot toward the skill. Zac silently breathed out in relief as he unleashed one skill after another. It looked like his skills considered the hivemind multiple entities even after they had fused, which would make both [Pir of Destion] and [Deathmark] far more effective in this fight.


    But the ghastly skeleton suddenly opened its mouth and released an earthshattering shriek that seemed toe from the deepest level of hell. It contained a sea of anguish that ripped at the very fabric of space, containing both a terrifying amount of Mental Energy and Miasma.


    The five spectral axemen that had formed turned to dust in an instant, and the shroud of [Field of Destion] was ripped apart. Next came the chains of his cage, but not even they could withstand the might of that abyssal shriek. They fluctuated between tangible and spiritual as they continuously tried to reform themselves, but the wail seemed to harm the links even in their untouchable state.


    Cracks started to appear on the statues grasping the tower itself, and Zac felt the deathly river containing the battlefield starting to lose its coherence. Even the ck orb at the top of the totem pole flickered like a candle in the wind. Zac could feel how the skill would fail at any moment, and this was clearly just the opening salvo of the skull.


    There was no way.


    There was simply no way that he could defeat the Eidolon''s War Array unless he went all out. He had hoped avoiding this, especially with this particr skill, but he grit his teeth as the hidden node in his mind opened wide, releasing a storm of Dao into his Soul Aperture. The surge from [Spiritual Void] raged in his mind as it shot toward the Dao Avatar of the Fragment of the Bodhi, and it was like a ma for the dangerously dense Creation in his mind.


    Another thick stream of Mental Energy emerged from his Soul Core, and this tremendously unstable mix of Dao and Creation rushed into the skill fractal, and from there entered the massive cage around him. The result was immediate, and Zac gaped in shock as the ghastly totem pole started to fall apart, whole statues starting to fragment, prompting shards of stone to fall like rain.


    Suddenly, the ck orb at the top dissipated, but the absence of darkness was soon reced by a radiant opalescent light. The next moment, a shudder went through the crumbling tower, before it exploded with such force that it broke apart the attack of the skill. However, the tower hadn''t broken apart - it had been reborn.


    Gothic ck had been reced by baster white, but the hundreds of captured souls were still wing their way up toward the orb at the top. However, while it had felt like the statues struggled to be erased in the original version of the skill, it now rather seemed as though the statues wanted to reach the shimmering orb at the top to be reborn anew.


    The few that were closest to the top couldn''t withstand its splendor, and they rapidly started mutating by the chaotic waves of creation the orb emitted. Meanwhile, the surging river around them had been reced by a confusing and everchanging haze, making it seem like they had been trapped in a copsed dimension.


    Golden links shot toward the ghost, which immediately released another salvo of its own. However, these links of Creation and Bodhi weren��t so easily rebuffed, and they withstood the terrifying wave of destruction as they mmed into the huge avatar. Just the touch of the links was like corrosive poison to the construct, and it started to bubble and release sizzling sounds.


    Not only that, but the links started to slowly drag the group of Eidolon toward the tower, where they would be recreated into whatever the erratic orb at the top desired.


    ��What!�� a scream echoed from within the War Array. "This is taboo! This is sacrilege!"


    Zac wasn��t in any state to respond, as his situation wasn��t as optimistic as it looked. [Pir of Destion] was an exceedinglyplex skill, to the point he didn��t understand the skill fractal at all after having creating it during his epiphany. Now, he hadpletely subverted the core of the skill by infusing it with Life and Creation, creating some sort of mirrored version in a frantic attempt to counter the deathly attack of the ghost.


    But how could such a creation be stable? Let alone using life in a Death-attuned skill that ran on miasma, it was filled with Creation as well. It shouldn��t be possible at all, but it was forced together with the help of the shard and Zac��s iron will. But the shard was the concept of continuous change taken physical form, and it resisted being forced to stay the same and power the skill.


    It felt like his mind was breaking apart, but Zac forcibly held on as the golden chains dragged the struggling skull closer. A wave of blue fire containing a blistering cold shot out form its eyes, and they contained such power that Zac felt cracks appear on his Soul Core from just standing in its vicinity. If it actually hit him, he felt his soul might shatter altogether, even with [Indomitable] and his refined soul providing him with great mental protections.


    A dozen talismans appeared in his hands as two treasure rings on his hands snapped, prompting over a dozenyers of soulwarding barriers to emerge around him. It stopped his soul from being wounded, but it didn��t solve his current predicament. The hivemind was too powerful, and his skill would copse before he managed to drag them to the terrifying golden orb on top of the pir.


    He would have to take a risk if he wanted to end the battle in one go. Zac''s eyes burned with madness as he rushed forward, deciding to put it all on the line.

 Chapter 772: Web of Ancient Madness

    <h4>Chapter 772: Web of Ancient Madness</h4>


    The golden orb radiated unquestionable might, dispersing the mental undtions that assailed it. He pushed down with a sneer, and it mmed into the spectral cultivators beneath, unleashing a wave of destruction in every direction. A pained wail echoed out across the field, and it was followed by a deadly silence.


    Ykrodas swung his sword to rid it of the corrosive thrall''s blood before putting it away. The square in front of him was littered with hundreds of destroyed thralls along with the spatial aberrations indicating where the spectral cultivators of the Karabas n had fallen. He frowned at the scene, filled with a sense of unease.


    The Karabas spectral trying to bar their progress wasn''t anything surprising. These ghosts were no doubt deathsworn of the n, sacrifices that their elders would provide passage into the empire hearnds. Therge number of thralls was a bigger issue.


    ��How is she controlling this many?�� he muttered with some hesitation.


    Uona Noz��Vdir was unquestionably powerful, but she was ultimately just at the E-grade. Yet she had sent over five hundred thralls their way to stall their approach. To form such a vast army of blood ves should be pushing it, no matter if you considered the amount of essence blood required, and the demands it put on one��s soul.


    The Havarok Empire did not have much contact with the Eternal n, but they still knew the basics. To raise a thrall required the sacrifice of some blood essence, which was rted to their foundations. Raise too many too quickly, and it should harm her foundation, perhaps even cripple her.


    Yet, by his estimations, this lone scion had raised over three thousand thralls in total since the start of the trial. It didn''t make much sense. The Law of Bnce might not be invible, but there was no way the Eternal n would dare step out of bounds like that. She had to be using something her elders had prepared, and it was a problem not knowing where her limitsy.


    Even if he didn''t want to admit it, there was an undeniable bridge of foundation between himself and the blood mistress. If he went in blindly, he might not only get himself killed, but also ruin the ns of his ancestors.


    ��Report,�� Ykrodas said without turning toward the captain who had walked over.


    ��Twelve lost. Five to battle, seven to madness,�� the man said before he hesitantly added. ��One deserter. Jumped into the haze in the heat of battle.��


    ��Add the fallen to the list of martyrs. Mark the deserter��s lineage for exmunication upon our return,�� Ykrodas said. ��Have the next section been broken open?��


    ��The acolytes are busy purifying the blood. Do young master want them to focus on progress instead?" the captain asked.


    ��No. There��s too much blood here. We can��t let it feed the Blood Effigy,�� Ykrodas said, though it wasn��t without reluctance. ��Have the men rest and fortify their heart-sealing brands while the battlefield is cleansed.


    ��It will be done,�� the captain nodded. ��There is one more report, this one from a scout. Kataron Rissit has made his move, and he is making rapid progress through the maze with roughly fifty elite warriors. He might appear before us at the core.��


    ��Like he��d dare,�� Ykrodas snorted. ��He��s been skulking around, modifying the leylines while keeping out of harm''s way. I��m sure he��s timing things so that we will arrive at the same time. He does not have the guts to put himself at the forefront."


    "Perhaps he aims to free this one in addition to killing the Realm Spirit," Orbot ventured as he nodded at the numerologist who they had dragged with them just in case.


    ��How could that be possible,�� Ventus said with a grimace. ��The Rissit n is part of the Starbanner Legion, while I��m a lowly acolyte of Constetion Hall. He��s a scion of an ancient family, I��m an outside hire. You know how it is in the temple. Why would he waste any effort on me?"


    ��A lowly acolyte with a Token of Exchange,�� Ykrodas snorted. ��I wonder, is the one hovering outside the trial your master?��


    ��I wouldn��t know,�� Ventus smiled. ��I might as well be blind by this point.��


    ��Arcaz ck again?�� Ykrodas said with a raised brow. "If he��s going to make a move, he better hur-"


    ��It��s broken!�� a sudden exmation cut Ykrodas short, and he turned over with a frown.


    It was the leader of the acolytes who was hurrying over with confusion written all over his face.


    ��You��ve broken the blood ritual already?�� Orbot eximed. "Don''t get sloppy at this juncture."


    ��My lords, something has changed!" the acolyte said with a shake of his head "The soul-siphoning array is breaking apart. It is no longer being controlled by the looks of it. Not only that, the blood ritual has been stalled. It''s like a rootless tree by this point. As long as we push a bit, it will crumble."


    "Both the blood array and the soul-siphoning array have been stalled?" Ykrodas eximed with shock, unable toprehend how one of his most daunting tasks had beenpleted just like that. "Are you sure?"


    ��Chaos,�� a snicker came from the side. ��Chaos has arrived.��


    ---------------


    Uona gleefully looked on as the two thorns in her side went all out in an effort to kill one another.


    She still didn��t know if it really was Grandpa Nether who had helped her snatch that cursed thing, but the end result was even better than she��d expected. Perhaps it had been a trap by someone meant to put her on a path of no return, but she had luckily heard the tale of the fall of the two aberrations that had gued the Multiverse in the early era of the System.


    There was no way she''d drink from that poisoned well, but not all could resist its call. She could barely stop herself fromughing out loud when remembering how that arrogant ghost had demanded the corrupted remnant in return for allowing her into the City of Ancients. They had veritably hummed with greed upon sensing the unlimited potential for destruction hidden in the thing.


    ��You thought you would be able to pull one over on me, little ghost?�� Uona snickered. ��See where that got you.��


    They thought their souls so unique, able to resist the taint while extracting the remnant of its value. They hadn''t hesitated to incorporate it into their soul-siphoning array to speed up the formation of the Soul Effigy, thinking it would both bolster their ns and stall hers. Fools. It had never been her intention to use that cursed item in her Blood Effigy.


    Nothing good woulde from getting mixed up with that ancient madness.


    But it had be the perfect method for her to take out one of the biggest obstacles in performing her mission, and without overstepping themandments in the slightest. What could n Ouro say after her grandpa snatched the opportunity of ascension, especially upon witnessing the recording of Eidolon fighting Draugr where both sides had descended into madness?


    Those ghosts had just used that thing for a couple of weeks, yet they had already lost their rationality, bing unwilling or unable to part with the remnant. Even in the face of an insane Draugr that had managed to harm her before.


    What unable to extract it from the array? It was just an external source of power, as receable as the Nether Gems they used. What needing to wait for five hours? They were simply hoping that she''d show up and deal with the Draugr for them, but when since when was life so easy?


    However, that damned Draugr was as unpredictable as ever. She had been ted to see him shedding all cordiality in his desire to gain the remnant, even surpassing her most optimistic scenarios of mutual destruction. But that madman possessed the power of both the aberrations. Was he actually striving toward that unachievable peak rather than the depths of Death?


    Uona didn��t know how he was still alive, but he probably wasn��t long for this world. Even then, a sense of unease filled her as she looked at the transformation of the skill he used. Things were bing harder and harder to predict with him acting like this, but one thing was sure.


    She definitely couldn''t let him get his hands on the splinter as well.


    ------------


    Deep thuds echoed from the ground as Zac rushed forward, finally moving from his hidden position at the edge of the cage. The prison was fast copsing around him as he made a beeline toward the struggling skull, with the three pygmies flying in tow.


    Their bones had turned into mottled pearls since Zac had found himself forced to fuse his Fragment of the Coffin into the defensive skill, and the shields that the coffin-bearing pygmy conjured became more and more distorted. However, while their form was starting to grow grotesque, their defensive properties were still top-notch. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac swiped his hand past the tower of destion as he passed it by, and a shudder echoed out across the area before the foundation of the totem exploded. It had been reformed into a mix of ice and molten lead, and the collision of searing heat and chilling cold had resulted in a tremendous eruption.


    The sky screamed and shed in myriad colors as the totem pole started to topple, swinging the orb of Creation in a precipitous arc. Zac didn''t so much as look back, but two of the chains of [Love''s Bond] had already attached themselves to the falling pir, dragging it in the direction of the still-trapped skull.


    Out of better options, Zac had decided to drag the sphere of Creation to the Eidolon if he couldn''t drag the Eidolon to the sphere. The gargoyles locked to the totem pole were more than willing to help out as well, and they gleefully pulled at the golden chains even as they crumbled to dust one by one.


    The Eidolon clearly understood the danger they were in, and torrential amounts of Miasma churned in the area as a fifty-meter wide seal appeared in front of the skull. Surrounding it were roughly one hundred aquamarine lights, each one of them containing a rune of their own. Zac''s first instinct was that it was some sort of array, but he quickly realized it was an ultimate skill that the Hive had unleashed.


    Darkness.


    He was void of thought, void of purpose. He was just a flickering light, a spark in the endless darkness. He knew he was in the middle of something, but details became increasingly difficult to grasp. His step grew heavier as their purpose failed them. Why struggle?


    A roar of Creation startled Zac awake, and he was shocked to see himself missing a hand along with big chunks of flesh on his torso. It looked like his body was simply turning to dust from the undtions of that terrifying seal. Just a fraction of a second had passed, but he had almost walked straight into the afterlife in one go.


    Cold sweat ran down his back, but he couldn''t stop now. Zac was forced to drink from that poisoned well yet another time as hebated the waves of destruction, and he quickly realized the attack thankfully wasn''t powered by true Oblivion. It was ''just'' an extremely powerful skill performed by a peak expert, which allowed him to regenerate quicker than he was being destroyed.


    The pygmy skeletons didn''t have the same luxury of nigh-endless supply of Creation, and they quickly crumbled under the might of the skill. But they had managed to help long enough, allowing Zac to reach his destination.


    Veins stood out across Zac''s face, and it felt he was pulling a mountain. The pir was terrifyingly heavy, even after most of it had crumbled away already. But the radiant orb was just ten metes away from the huge rune by now, heading straight for the skull. Zac''s arms suddenly turned into a blur as over ten balls flew out, each of them exploding in unison.


    All ten of them were [Void Balls], ripping apart and sealing space all around them now that the cage was on the verge of copse. A final eruption from the ghastly seal exhausted the 100-odd lights surrounding it, and Zac was almost blinded with pain as his body waspletelycerated once more.


    However, the huge sphere of Creation refused to be destroyed. If anything, it almost felt enraged as it pushed into the seal. There was no explosion or outburst of chaotic powers, just an odd ripple as the sphere of Creation passed right through, and the seal was simply reduced to the same sort of dust that it had turned others into.


    From there, the orb of creation mmed straight into the forehead of the skull. A thousand shrieks almost knocked Zac out once as he just reformed his broken body, but he wasn''t the only one having a bad time. His bomb of Creation was exerting its terrifying influence on the skull, and Zac felt one wave of energy after another enter him as Eidolon sumbed to the attack in droves.


    Suddenly, the skull simply disintegrated, and a handful of Eidolon desperately flew away, their intangible bodies chaotically shuddering as they tangled with an invasion of Creation. Aia Ouro was among those who had managed to survive, but they were clearly grievously wounded. Two more of the surviving Eidolon fell just a few meters away from where they started, but Zac wasn''t interested in that.


    A huge stack of talismans flew out from his sleeves, and a bone-chilling cold spread across the area, sealing even space itself as the temperature dropped to an almost unbearable degree. Simultaneously, Zac instilled his will into the crumbling sphere, forcing it to heed onestmand of his.


    Themand wasn''t to finish off the maimed spectral cultivators, but rather to flood down at a particr spot on the ground in the huge chamber they had fought inside. Zac''s eyes lit up when he saw it was a sess, and a stream of opalescence flooded toward the frozen spot. However, Zac didn''t wait around to see the result, and instead activated [Abyssal Phase] with the help of [Force of the Void], sparing no effort to increase his speed to the limit.


    The area was a chaotic mess of broken space from the [Void Balls], frozen space from his talismans, and chaotic swirls of unfettered Creation left over by his attack. Turning into an abyssal wraith in a ce like this was perhaps even more dangerous than doing so in the frenzied waters of the Twilight Chasm, but he knew he only had one shot at this.


    The skull had copsed, and he could vaguely spot the Blood Thrall in the heart of chaos. Unsurprisingly, he had died. His body was rapidly falling apart, partly because of the creation, but partly because of the remnant that hovered right next to him. Finally, Zac had finally found his opportunity, and he intended to take it.


    But his heart filled with dismay as the disintegrating thrall suddenly melted into a pool of goop which in turn transformed into a maw. It swallowed the remnant in one gulp before it simply winked out of existence. The scene was extremely quick, to the point that it looked fast even in the slowed-down environment he experienced as a wraith.


    Space cracked the next moment as a familiar figure stepped out from the void. The chaotic and frozen atmosphere that was meant to seal, or at least somewhat dy Uona Noz''Vdir had proven utterly incapable of stopping her, and Zac knew his gambit had failed. He immediately returned to his corporeal form a hundred meters away from the blood mistress.


    "So you had actually managed to spot me, how embarrassing," augh echoed out across the hall as the Splinter of Oblivion appeared in a sh of blood.


    Zac only grunted in response as he furiously looked at the vampire, or rather the remnant that hovered above her hand. Between his multipleyers of domains and the aura of Creation that had suffused the whole area, how could he miss there was another enemy hiding beneath the ground?


    It was just a drop of blood hidden between two tiles, yet it wasn''t enough to escape Zac''s supercharged senses. He had tried to both directly attack her with the left-over Creation and seal her path to the Splinter of Oblivion while he took it for himself. But she had already been one step ahead of him, being able to use the dead thrall as a transportation device.


    "You lunatics," an infuriated voice echoed out, and Zac frowned as he spotted Aia Ouro appearing in the distance.


    Their shape was the same as when Zac saw them before, but their aura was extremely unstable. Not only that, but Zac could still sense remnants of Creation inside their body, which no doubt was a source of endless pain and trouble for a spectral cultivator.


    "You two are running rampant in this ce, caring nothing about thew. We are here as subjects of the empire, and what kind of chaos are you sowing!" the ghost sputtered.


    "Truth is rtive. We cannot let it be subject to the whims of the user," Uona sneered. "Isn''t that what the Grand Speaker of Hive Yso said when your ilk suddenly drew back on the battlefield, causing one Autarch to be crippled and over fifty Peak Monarchs to fall among the Eternal n? Who''s to say what really happened here?"


    "You want to subvert the event?! Do you think Hive Ouro is going to stand for this?!" the ghost roared, and the whole building shook from their wrath.


    "Enough. You might have been a worthy foe on the outside, but in this environment, you were never my match," Uona said. "And now, you have less than fifteen percent of your strength remaining. Go deal with that disgusting energy inside your body, or the situation might get even further out of your control."


    "This is not over," the Eidolon growled, but they still dissipated, leaving Uona and Zac behind.


    "This has gone on long enough," Zag said with grit teeth. "We never had an irreconcble grudge, and we don''t have opposing goals. Give it to me and our Karma is severed. Make it any harder than it has to be, and only one of us will walk out of here alive."


    "Well, you say that," Uona smiled, though Zac actually felt it looked a bit strained. "Yet my instincts tell me that if I give you this thing, I will definitely die. Things have been set in motion, and they will have to reach their natural conclusion."


    Zac took a deep breath before he leveled an even gaze at Uona. Abyssal eyes gazed into two sanguine orbs, two fates that had somehowe to a collision course. As the heavens so often decreed, one would have to be fertilizer to the other''s path.


    "Very well."

 Chapter 773: A Seed of Fear

    <h4>Chapter 773: A Seed of Fear</h4>


    Two powerful auras shed inside the enormous chamber, but Zac��s murderous intent and Dao were undeniably surpassed by Uona��s might. It was no surprise, considering she far surpassed him both on Dao and levels. She was a true Heaven��s Chosen, and she was even able to avoid part of the Twilight Energy��s restriction thanks to her heritage.


    The blood mistress looked a bit different from thest time the two met. Her face was still as beautiful and ever, but two of her limbs were dark red and veiny, and Zac could feel how theycked the spirituality of the rest of her body. It was no doubt a result of getting sted with annihtion and having regrown the limbs using some sort of technique or healing pill.


    Those limbs didn��t seem nearly asplete as his own regrown limbs, but the loss didn��t seem to have had much of an effect on her aura. Zac��s heart hammered as he looked around for a way toe out ahead, but he was insteading up woefully short. No matter how he looked at it, his odds weren��t great.


    He had expended more than half his Miasma already, and his biggest skill had been used up. The Shard of Creation was still churning out tremendous amounts of power, but he only had a quarter left of his Longevity Gem. Soon enough, he would have to pay with his life to keep using that cursed power.


    Besides, he had already lost the element of surprise. He had been hoping to st Uona with a surge of Creation, corrupting her blood in one go to seize an opening. But now, there was little chance of that happening. She clearly knew what the remnants were, and she would most likely figure out a way to minimize her exposure.


    A seed of fear had taken root in his heart as he looked into the sanguine eyes of the vampire. This was one of the deadliest enemies he had ever faced. It almost felt like he was standing in front of that terrifying cyborg again, but there was little chance of Uona running out of life-span mid-fight.


    But Zac pushed down the fear as he tightened the grip of his axe. He had managed toe up with a couple of gambits, but there was no telling if they would work. He would have to find the answer in the heat of the battle. The air exploded as Zac shot forward, a cascading wave of killing intent filling the air.


    The domains of [Fields of Despair] and [Deathmark] were once more released, and the three pygmies had reformed behind his back. Zac noticed with some surprise that their auras had risen, while their bones had gained a dark shimmer. It wasn��t something rted to Creation, but rather that the skill had actually evolved after the previous battle.


    It wasn��t too surprising. He had used the skill quite a bit since entering the ocean. If anything, the upgrade was long overdue, even if E-grade skills took a lot longer time to evolve. It didn��t look like the evolution had added any new functions to the skill, but rather made it all-around stronger at the cost of slightly higher energy expenditure.


    The evolution came at the right time as ten massive orbs of blood appeared in the chamber, forming a circle almost as big as the cage of [Pir of Destion]. They looked like sanguine suns, drowning out the darkness of [Deathmark] with a profane light. A stench of blood filled the air, and Zac suddenly found himself in a world of blood.


    It was an illusory technique, yet it wasn''t. It was a mix of real and fake, drowning out his senses while his domains were being dismantled. Oceans of blood had appeared all around him as thousands of streams filled his vision, but Zac ignored the confusion blur as he looked around to pinpoint Uona��s true location.


    She had disappeared from her spot the moment the surroundings changed, proving that she didn��t want to fight him head-on. Unfortunately for her, Zac had a unique advantage in this case. No matter how strong her ability to restrain her aura, it didn��t affect the Splinter of Oblivion. It was like a lighthouse beacon in the world of blood, leading him in the right direction.


    As he saw it, there were only two oues. Either Uona kept the remnant close to her, allowing him to locate her at any time. If she tried to hide it somewhere, like in a pocket of space, he would be able to snatch it, and hopefully manage to use its power to end the fight in one go.


    Zac only managed to take a couple of steps toward the remnants before his mind screamed of danger, but the shield pygmy��s timing was impable. A shield rose the moment his Danger Sense warned him, blocking out ance of blood. However, the spear was just the first of many, and Zac found himself bogged down as deadly attacks came from all around him.


    It was the orbs of blood that were the source. They keptunching extremely powerful attacks while he was disoriented by the blood world. It was a highly effective cage, and it was pretty reminiscent of Zac��s own fighting style in this ss. Still, with Zac��s extreme Luck, he had an early warning system, and itsted him long enough to activate [Abyssal Phase] without using his hidden Void Power.


    His bloodline was his most important hidden card, and he would have to use his Void Emperor talents where it counted.


    The world of blood was still there as his surroundings shifted, but it had at least slowed down remarkably, allowing Zac to freely flitter between the iing spears as he closed in on the splinter. The chamber was just over five hundred meters wide, and it would take him less than a second to reach the seemingly unassuming pool of blood.


    However, just as Zac was about to reach it, a shockingly poignant scream of mortal peril stopped him in his tracks. He hurriedly regained his corporeal form, just in time to turn [Love��s Bond] into its shield form while also conjuring another coffin-shaped barrier above his head. It was just in time as well as a pir of red light mmed into the pond with the remnant. Zac was right at the edge of the attack thanks to stopping in time, yet he found himself pushed to his knees by the pressure.


    It felt like a Heavenly Punishment had descended from above, and the barrier of [Profane Exponents] only managed to weaken the attack before cracking, letting the light spill down on Zac who held up his shield to protect himself. His whole body groaned as he strained under the pressure, but he didn��t even have time to figure out a way to move away before another pang of danger came screaming. He desperately tilted his body, but it wasn��t enough as his left lung waspletely punched through by a dark-red spear.


    It was better than getting a hole punched in his neck, which was where the skill was originally aimed. With the force contained in that stab, he might have been decapitated altogether, which was probably something that not even the Shard of Creation could fix.


    This time, the attack wasn��t a skill, but it was rather Uona herself who had appeared. She hadpletely transformed, donning an exquisite te mail of dark-red metal which covered her from head to toe. Even her fingers were protected by fine interlocking scales that would have no problem bending, and the only thing visible from her face was two dark-red lights shining through a slit in her helmet.


    Zac could immediately tell that this wasn��t a skill like his own [Vanguard of Undeath], but rather extremely high-quality equipment. It was covered in dense sets of fractals, and Uona was clearly infusing it with a steady stream of Miasma and blood power. The armor had in turn pushed her aura to the next level, and Zac guessed that its defenses were no doubt were excellent as well, possibly even surpassing [Love''s Bond].


    Normally, people in the lower grades wouldn��t use such gear because of the massive energy requirements to keep it powered. One��s pathways simply couldn��t supply enough and still maintainbat effectiveness, turning skill summoning and energy cirction sluggish. That would do more harm than good, making it much more practical to use defensive talismans or barrier conjuring treasures like nes and rings.


    Only at the D-grade would one��s pathways be widened and energy supply so great that you could equip proper war gear to boost both power and defenses, but it looked like there were some exceptions. Uona was somehow able to withstand the downsides of such demanding gear, which put Zac at even more of a disadvantage.


    The pain of getting a hole punched straight through his lung was excruciating, but he found his opportunity to finally counter the blood mistress. A surge of Creation entered the vampire''s spear, overwhelming and corrupting the innate ability of the weapon to block foreign Dao. The spear immediately started to distort, but Zac��s heart sunk when he only heard a snort from within the helmet.


    The next moment, the spear simply exploded as Uona disappeared in a burst of blood, perfectly avoiding the fallout. Zac wasn��t as lucky, and deep scars covered his whole body as small spatial fracturescerated him all over. Only then did he finally manage to get out from the restrictive light.


    He realized he had mistaken Uona��s ss. He already knew that most Eternal n members were Vitality-based cultivators, no matter if they leaned toward physical fighting as he did, or rather ssical magic sses. Higher Vitality nurtured their blood, which in turn powered their ss. Zac had figured she was a blood mage after theirst battle, focusing on Vitality and Intelligence, but he was wrong.


    She was a warrior just like himself. She had probably simply not bothered using her actual skills before, seeing no need to wield her spear. Uona was still not willing to stay in close-quarters with him though, probably out of fear that she��d get sted by either Creation or Oblivion. That gave him a small breather to scramble back on his feet and reorient himself while activating [Undying Mark], but the situation wasn��t looking good.


    While he had been stabbed, the splinter had been moved again. The signal now came from the opposite side of the blood world, and Uona was nowhere in sight. She was just like the spider waiting to strike, havingpletely seized the momentum. However, Zac noticed something interesting, and he started to formte a battle n.


    The blood had lost some of its energy, meaning it probably took a decent toll to teleport something like a remnant. Meanwhile, she had this immensely powerful domain running, along with her war gear. She had to be expending tremendous amounts of energy every second, to the point it had to affect even a Heaven��s Chosen of a supreme race like the Eternal n.


    As long as he could drag out the fight for a while, she should be losing steam soon enough. Problem was, he wasn��t really in peak condition either after dealing with both the thralls and the Eidolon. He could only pray that he��dst long enough to find some kind of opportunity. Until then, he would have to keep forcing her to expend more and more energy.


    A storm of blood spikes was already bearing down on him, so Zac wasted no time as he started running again, this time staying in his corporeal form as he made a beeline for the splinter again. He felt a bit like a bull being yed by a skilled matador, but the fact was that getting close to the splinter would force Uona��s hand.


    She would either have to make an appearance and rebuff him or teleport the remnant away from him. In either case, it would put her on the defensive, forcing her to expend more of her energy. Meanwhile, there were still things to do even if he was unable to pinpoint Uona''s exact location.


    The four chains of [Love''s Bond] shot forward while Zac grew into the hulking five-meter behemoth of [Vanguard of Undeath]. The skill was severely limited by this time since it was still in F-grade, but it at least provided both some protection along with a small attribute boost. Besides, it had one more very important use that might turn this fight around.


    The skill did force him to use one of his spare shields since he wanted to keep his coffin in its offensive state, but it wasn''t much of a bother. In fact, it allowed him to crush a few of the iing blood spears, as long as he was careful to not take the hits straight on with the shield. After all, his spare shield was just a peak E-grade shield of decently sturdy materials and then reinforced by an F-grade skill.


    Meanwhile, his chains shimmered with an opalescent oil as they punched into the thickest umtions of blood energy Zac could pinpoint as he ran. The reaction from the pools of blood was immediate as they started to undergo frantic upheavals. It was no wonder - the chains were channeling [Blighted Cut] which were in turn boosted by the Fragment of the Coffin and Creation.


    Zac had already confirmed that creation was extremely effective against the blood thralls with their vibrant blood, and the blood arts of the Eternal n were connected to their Blood Essence somehow. Damaging the blood would harm Uona more than destroying most cultivators'' skills would. It was one of the few detriments to the disgustingly blessed existence that was the Eternal n.


    The reaction was almost immediate as Zac felt a scream of danger before he even had reached halfway to the splinter. Uona had appeared right behind him in a puff of blood, but Zac was ready this time. He swirled around, this time getting a grievous wound in his gut, narrowly avoiding getting his spine destroyed.


    Uona didn''tck for spears it seemed as she used an identical one to the weapon she sacrificed before. The armor of [Vanguard of Undeath] had been utterly incapable of even slightly impeding Uona''s strike, but Zac had already been prepared to use this opportunity to trade strikes.


    His reach was even greater than Uona''s in his current form, thanks to his towering physique. His massive bardiche was even longer than Uona''s spear, and it swung down straight toward her head in an effort to end the battle in one go. The edge also gained a sanguine glow and earth-shattering weight as Zac activated two of the fractals on [Verun''s Bite].


    The blood world was drowned in the bestial roar of Verun, but Uona had no intention of taking the herculean strike straight-on. Blood started to swallow her up to once more allow her to blend into the chaotic environment, but she suddenly stumbled as the blood world lost its luster. The movement skill failed, just as the bardiche was almost upon her.


    It was Zac who had activated [Void Zone].


    Zac had spent months of traveling alone in his submersible after leaving the chasm, and it had given him ample time to try out all kinds of things. He had performed hundreds of experiments with his recently gained Bloodline Talent to ascertain exactly what it could and couldn''t do for him.


    He had found a few interesting interactions, and one of them was rted to [Vanguard of Undeath]. The original [Void Zone] had a radius of slightly over 2 meters around his body, which barely allowed him to inundate an enemy in a melee. However, when he activated the talent in his super-sized form, the aura''s radius actually scaled perfectly with his increase in height.


    With him going from 1.80 meters to a bit over 5, so did the radius of [Void Zone] expand to almost six meters at the cost of costing four times as much Void Energy. Another downside was that he lost his attribute buff from [Vanguard of Undeath] and that the armor became useless, but that didn''t matter to him since they weren''t helping him any longer in either case. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    What did matter was that it allowed him topletely surround the blood mistress in his nullification zone, robbing her of her skills. Zac couldn''t activate any skills either, but his axe was already bearing down on his target. The sanguine luster had disappeared, and the weight had turned a bit hollow, but the swing would strike before the nullification zone managed to rob the axe of the empowermentpletely.


    At the same time, the thousands of patterns covering Uona''s armor had dimmed down, meaning that its protective and empowering measures were just a shadow of its true force. Uona was frazzled by the mysterious change, but she still reacted quickly as her spear rose to guard against the iing swing.


    But the preparations were too different, and there was too little time for her to adjust. The axe came bearing down on her before she even had time to raise the spear, pushing it out of the way as the gleaming edge mmed into the armor with shocking force. The metal tes couldn''t take the force and cracked as Uona wailed with pain, but Zac''s full-powered attack didn''t manage to kill her.


    The blood mistress had managed to tilt her body to at least avoid getting her head crushed. The axe had instead cut straight through her left corbone and continued toward her heart, but it didn''t quite get there. Zac was burning with anxiety as he hurriedly swung again while Uona was blinded by pain, making use of the opening he had created by targeting the same spot.


    The armor was far sturdier than Zac had anticipated even without any Miasma powering it, and the helmet looked at least three times as thick. Having felt the sturdiness of the equipment, he wasn''t confident he could actually cut through it without Dao or skills, so he went for the heart instead of the head. The nullification zone hadpletely deactivated the skills of his axe by now, but the armor ting waspletely broken through already.


    The axe bit into flesh again, and he felt a surge of tion from Verun as it greedily swallowed blood while it dug deeper. However, a sense of extreme danger suddenly filled him. It felt like a primordial beast had awakened inside Uona''s heart just as he was about to destroy it.


    Zac didn''t know what happened next. One moment he was standing above Uona, ready to finish the job. The next moment he found himself flying through the air as the ichor in his veins churned, almost like it was boiling. But one thing was clear by theck of energy entering his body.


    He had failed.

 Chapter 774: Overwhelmed

    Chapter 774: Overwhelmed


    Pain ravaged Zac��s body as he soared through the air, and the armor of [Vanguard of Undeath] had almostpletely been blown apart, prompting the skill to deactivate. A wave of despair filled him as he tried to reorient himself. His trick with the supersized [Void Zone] was his best idea to take out Uona.


    It should have worked.


    Just what was that primal anger? Was there something inside the blood mistress�� bloodline that had been triggered by his own Bloodline Talent? Or by the threat of death? It had unleashed a terrifying wave of energy, overpowering his nullification zone for an instant and setting his veins on fire.


    Zac didn��t even have time to make sense of the situation before he felt a surge of primal danger again, and he hurriedly swung his axe toward his left. It was just in time as well, as Uona had appeared out of nowhere with a spear of blood in her hand. That wasn��t the only thing different thing about her either.


    Until now, she had fought steadily and methodically, carefully dismantling his defenses and seizing the momentum while mostly avoiding the extreme dangers of his Creation energy. If he hadn��t managed to turn the tables with [Void Zone], she would have had a good chance to bleed him of his longevity before he managed to catch her.


    She was like a spider in the web, turning Zac��s style against him, a seasoned warrior with experience in fighting powerful foes. But now, that image of a steady warrior was gone, reced by something�� demonic.


    Swirls of tainted blood surrounded the blood mistress as she had appeared in the air next to him. Her eyes were like beacons, radiating waves of sanguine light. They were filled with an unquenchable hunger and bloodlust, and her aura was one of utter ruthlessness. There was no doubt about it; Uona had entered some sort of berserking state at the threshold of true death.


    The grievous wound by her shoulder was still there, but it looked like her torso was held together by a million small tendrils of blood that closed the wound with a speed visible to the naked eye. Her left arm still hung limply to the side though, but she had no problem wielding her spear solely in her left, and it drew a vigorous arc through the air straight toward him.


    The two weapons shed, and Zac was shocked at the power her attack contained. He was in an awkward position, unable to properly bring out all of his strength, but he was still shocked to find himself almost getting overwhelmed by brute force. Worse yet, Uona didn��t just disy shocking strength, but she had also turned into a speed demon.


    Her whole body turned into a blur the moment her first attack had failed, and Zac only had time to angle his axe before a ferocious swipe struck him from above. A wave of pain radiated through Zac��s arm as he was mmed into the ground below.


    Zac��s body screamed in protest as he scrambled up on his feet. He had ample experience of getting flung like this, but it was a uniquely awful experience when the cobblestones were made from high-grade material. Normally, his body would win out in a sh between the ground and himself, but this time it was like getting punched a second time as he was forced to an abrupt stop when the stone refused to give way.


    A primal sense of danger warned him that things had just begun, and a ruthless jagged edge shimmering in opalescence ripped the air in two as Zac activated [Gorehew] and instilled it with the Branch of the War Axe. The shard was happily releasing more and more energy, and Creation had entered the de as well. It might look like the remnant was helping him cope with a powerful foe, but Zac knew the truth wasn��t quite so benign.


    This was what the remnants did.


    Unfettered creation and change, no matter the cost. The shard had been locked down for months, but now it found a continuous outlet of creation. Zac could feel how the corruption was burrowing deeper into his body with every expenditure. The remnant probably wanted Zac to keep fighting until he was just a husk without a shred of remaining life span. At that point, it would find the next power source to continue to fuel its work.


    A bloody spear shed with the jagged edge of [Gorehew], unleashing a shockwave that swept clean any lingering remnants of the domain skills of the two. The blood world had broken apart when Uona lost connection to her Miasma, and Zac��s domains had already been ripped apart by the blood mistress.


    He considered unleashing them again, but he ultimately decided against it. They wouldn��t do much in a struggle like this, and they might prompt Uona to unleash her own skills again. Even if her power was scary, it was preferable that she had decided toe into melee range like this. This way he could whittle her down like always, so he was better off saving his energy for where it could make a difference.


    With his two feet firmly on the ground, Zac managed to unleash a lot more power in his swing. Furthermore, the miasmic edge of [Gorehew] was essentially cursed with Creation, prompting every strike to leave some taint behind.


    However, Uona was clearly holding nothing back. Her weapon had been protected by a churning swirl of mottled blood, and the moment the taint of the remnant entered it, she had unhesitantly discarded it. The blood was flung tens of meters away, where it was free to morph and distort without affecting Uona at all.


    The spear she used in the exchange remained unsullied that way, and Zac could see that it was a true high-quality item this time around, rather than another of her expendable spears. It put him under greater pressure, but Zac could only keep going, struggling along until the vampire ran out of blood.


    Uona didn��t seem intent on backing away at all any longer. She had already begun her second attack as she rid herself of the tainted blood, and the spear was just a blur by this point as a ded spearpoint rushed toward Zac��s throat. Zac felt like he was dancing right at the precipice of disaster, but he forewent blocking the attack, instead only slightly tilting his head.


    A sh of heat erupted as the spear barely managed to tear a small wound in Zac��s throat, and he growled with pain as he pushed past the spear toward the exposed belly of the blood mistress. However, her armored form was like a blur, and Zac was forced to stop his lunge to avoid a kick that contained enough power to kick his head clean off.


    A bone spear suddenly shot out from Zac��s elbow as he dodged the spear, heading straight toward Uona��s gut. It was filled with Creation, like a poisoned needle aimed to debilitate. The vampire didn��t actually seem surprised though, and the butt of the spear was somehow already crashing down at the bone spur, breaking it apart.


    Zac��s furiously swung his axe in an upward arc, hoping to at least maim the leg of hers that still retained all of its energy. But Uona overcame that as well by actually releasing the grip of her weapon and using Zac��s own momentum to push herself to the side, narrowly avoiding the ded edge.


    He had somewhat hoped she��d use some sort of blood skill to block his attack, which would have allowed him to once more make use of [Void Zone], but she wasn��t using any skills at all, probably for that very reason. Zac could still use skills though, and the three pygmies suddenly appeared behind his back.


    The teeth at the back of [Verun��s Bite] ripped toward Uona��s arm as a coffin barrier appeared to block her swing. However, Zac��s eyes widened in horror when the whole area changed at the exact moment the barrier appeared. It was he had been transported to hell as dozens of tendrils of condensed blood shot toward him.


    There was no way for him to avoid all those attacks, and he hurriedly activated [Void Zone] again. The spears lost their vigor as they lost the connection to Uona, but his own skill didn��t fare any better. The skeletons turned faded, and even an offhand swing of uona would be able to pierce right through it.


    She had been waiting for him to activate skills of his own, just to counter him this way. Unfortunately for her, she didn��t know that he wasn��t as restrained as she was. The weakened barrier broke as Uona��s spear pushed down toward Zac��s throat, but another barrier appeared immediately after, this full of vigor and emitting an ancient aura.


    Zac had resummoned [Profane Exponents] with the help of [Force of the Void], just like he had when he first figured out the talent, allowing him to retain its strength even while [Void Zone] was running. Meanwhile, four chains pushed forward, each of them dripping with corrosion and Creation.


    The blood mistress�� armor managed to block two of the chains, but one managed to puncture it through at a seam, while the final one entered the previously damaged part to unleash its unstable payload. Meanwhile, Zac continued his own swing, punching two deep holes straight in her chest with the teeth that served as Verun��s counterweight.


    The vampire screamed in pain, but she ferociously swung her spear with such vigor that Zac was forced back while the two chains that had embedded themselves in her were broken apart. Uona hurriedly backed away the moment Zac was pushed back, and Zac��s eyes widened as two fountains of blood gushed out from where the links of [Love��s Bond] had attacked her.


    It was not just a trickle, but rather hundreds of liters that were somehow being expelled from her body. Unfortunately, the scene managed to extract all of his Dao and Creation Energy he had managed to infuse into her body as well.


    ��I don��t know what allows you to shield the area from the Heavens themselves,�� an emotionless voice emerged from within Uona��s helmet. ��But it will not save you. Nothing is infallible.��


    Zac only sneered in return, but her promation was quickly proven somewhat prophetic. He tried simrbo attacks again, but Uona had figured out that nullification zone was only so big. The moment Zac activated the Bloodline Talent, she forcibly stepped back and unleashed a barrage of blood at him in return.


    He simply couldn��t restrain her while she was inside the field, the power gap was just too big. Thebination of [Force of the Void] and [Void Zone] did at least allow him to fight somewhat evenly against the otherwise superior Heaven��s Chosen.


    Even then, Zac found himself desperately fighting just to hang on. Uona was fighting like she was possessed, holding nothing back as she pushed and pushed to rip him apart. Zac tried to fight back with the inexorable stance he had formed over the past years, but how could he start restraining Uona when she both outmatched him in skill and attributes?


    It felt like she had six arms as she weaved her spear in an everchanging arc of death, and even if he managed to restrict her weapon, a terrifyingly powerful punch or kick with a ded boot would put him in his ce. Zac was getting overwhelmed even if he fought with everything in his arsenal.


    The chains of [Love��s Bond] were ripping through the air in deadly arcs to restrain and strike the vampire from behind, but it was like Uona had eyes in the back of her head. Small condensed spears appeared out of nowhere mmed into the chains just as they were about to hit her, and they contained such power that Zac felt his Spirit Tool taking continuous damage.


    Zac even started to wonder if she had even higher luck than himself going by her reaction time. He kept activating [Void Zone] to catch her off-guard, but after the first time, she reacted immediately. He also unleashed sudden bursts of creation in all sorts of ways, even turning a chunk of his flesh into a cannonball to shoot into her, trying to counter skill with chaos.


    But nothing worked.


    Any time he managed to infuse some Creation into her body, she immediately expelled ten people��s worth of blood. At the same time, the blood she had thrown away after shing with his Creation-infused axe swings was enough to fill an Olympic pool.


    Zac didn��t understand how this was possible. Was there no limit to how much energy and blood she was able to expend? He pushed [Cosmic Gaze] to the limit and he found a clue mid-sh. There were two surges of Blood Energy every time she discarded a fountain of blood. One came from within her heart, making it look like she expended her Essence Blood to keep fighting.


    But the second energy burst indicated that might not be the whole story. It was minute to the point that Zac wouldn��t have sensed it at all if not specifically looking for it, and it came from quite far away. It came from the direction of the blood sphere.


    Was Uona somehow using the collected blood of the Blood Effigy to keep fighting? How was that possible? His thought swirled as he kept his pitched battle going, and he suddenly came to a realization. The purpose of the blood effigy was to link the Divine Monarch outside with the Mystic Realm, and what better way than to link a Blood Effigy and a blood cultivator than with the Bloodline of the Eternal n?


    Uona had probably activated whatever link would be used during the ascension, siphoning blood just as it would siphon a whole realm in the future.


    The more he thought about it, the more sense it made, but that also meant he was in deep trouble. He had seen how much energy that sanguine egg hovering in the air contained. He would be long dead before he managed to exhaust it all. He needed to change tactics.


    Zac suddenly roared as a burst of unfettered creation was expelled from his body, ripping apart the surroundings. Uona was rampaging, but she still had enough state of mind to not needlessly take such a chaotic burst straight in the face. She shed away to avoid the shockwave, giving Zac time to follow up on his n.


    He fled.


    For the first time since kicking therge door open, Zac once more found himself outside the huge chamber after having turned tail the moment he unleashed a barrage of Creation. The square was empty, and who knew where the Eidolon had fled after getting themselves almost killed. That meant Zac wouldn��t get overrun by another angry Heaven��s Chosen, but that didn��t improve his situation much.


    Getting out of the building only changed his surroundings.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��It��s futile,�� the demonic voice of Uona echoed out from behind, but she didn��t get the chance to continue before a primordial roar echoed out across the massive square.


    The next moment, a massive hyena mmed into the blood mistress in a bout of unmatched ferocity. It was Verun who finally had made its appearance, and it almost looked like the Tool Spirit had taken a berserking pill. A storm of blood surrounded it, and its body was a mix of chaotic energies as it tried to rip its enemy apart.


    Interestingly enough, it had also undergone slight alterations since appearingst. After absorbing that dense bone, the spirit had be more congealed. It felt a lot more like an actual beast now, and there was far greater heft behind its swipe as it stuck Uona��s spear with such force that she was pushed back into the building.


    Not only that, but the mottled pattern of red streaks that covered its body ever since swallowing the dragon��s blood had changed a bit. There were golden spots in the red, and the same was true for the bloody swirls that surrounded its legs. It was almost like the blood inside the beast��s body was bing like Billy��s in his titanic state, but Zac knew the sources were different.


    The origin of the golden power wasn��t a result of swallowing Uona��s blood, but it rather came from the experiences in the valley. Zac could sense pure life inside the blood.


    Verun pushing back Uona gave Zac the breather he desperately needed, and he stuffed three pills into his mouth as he kept running. Two surges of energy immediately filled him with vigor. The lesser of the two was his highest-quality Soldier Pill, a quasi D-grade pill that would restore over 30% of his maximum reserves over the next minute.


    The far more ferocious surge was actually something made from a [Rageroot Oak Seed], and it immediately pushed his strength to the next level. Initially, Zac would have preferred to avoid using a pill like this in the Twilight Ocean. After all, even if it managed to help him take out Uona, there were still Aia Ouro and thousands of other powerhouses lurking in the area.


    He was taking a huge gamble by eating this, that he would be able to hide away while he endured the terrifying bacsh after the effect ended. After all, turning the seed into a pill had simply made the thing easier to swallow. It did nothing to reduce the drawbacks of the item. Zac immediately felt a bout of madness gripping his mind, to the point he almost turned around to charge the vampire who shot out through the building again.


    Thankfully, the third pill had dissolved by that point, and he felt his mind clearing up again. It was a pill that helped dispel various negative mental states. Together with his empowered soul, it allowed him to endure the mental decay that had turned him into a raging lunatic when fighting the cksmith golem in Bra��s trial.


    A pained yowl echoed out behind him as he felt a good chunk of Verun��s energy being expended. The Tool Spirit was extremely ferocious, but it was ultimately not a match to a peak E-grade Heaven��s Chosen. It shed back and forth, but it only managed to slightly impede the vampire as she strove to catch up.


    Finally, it couldn��t take it any longer and unleashed a cascading wave of bloodlust and blood that mmed into Uona, stopping her in her tracks for an instant. Zac felt the Tool Spirit return into the axe with a mix of exhaustion and reluctance, but it had aplished the task of giving Zac the headstart he needed.


    ��Stop!�� an enraged scream echoed out, but the pills had been absorbed already, and Zac turned into an abyssal wraith.


    A thousand spears shot toward him, but he wasn��t as easy to take down as when they fought in the chasm. Now, [Abyssal Phase] had already reachedte mastery, and his attributes had been boosted by almost 30% by the berserking treasure. It gave him enough speed to avoid most of the spears, though he still found the edges of his intangible form damaged.


    Soon enough, it became untenable to keep the skill going, but by that time he had already reached his target. It wasn��t the gate through which he had entered the massivepound, but rather the 10-meter ball of blood hovering above a building very simr to the one he had just emerged from.


    Zac had never nned on actually escaping from Uona. But since she kept getting powered by this thing, his best course of action was to cut off her power at the source. As long as he could destroy this thing with a burst of Creation, she��d run out of blood energy soon enough. Besides, there had to be a price to be paid for continuously drawing power as she did.


    Hopefully, she��d be hit by a bacsh the moment this thing blew up.


    ��Damage that thing and you will make an enemy of the whole Eternal n!�� Uona screamed in anger as she closed in on him like a hurricane of blood.


    ��Since when has Draugr feared a bunch of bloodsuckers?�� Zac snorted as he punched his whole arm into the huge sanguine orb.

 Chapter 775: Overextended

    Chapter 775: OverextendedN?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Stop!�� Uona screamed again, but Zac ignored her as he unleashed a storm of Creation into the sphere.


    At the same time, he threw out dozens of [Void Balls] with his free hand, turning the whole area around him into a veritable minefield to hamper the vampire��s advancement. It looked like the whole mystic realm was about to break apart as a wall of spatial tears covered the whole area, but even such a dangerous scene didn��t stop Uona in her tracks.


    She unleashed an unhinged cascade of blood that rippled forward, and one tear after another was destabilized and crushed by the torrential amounts of energy. Zac��s looked on at the scene with shock, swearing at the shard to work quicker as he secured his position with the chains of [Love��s Bond].


    The pygmies had appeared once more, and the two defensive pygmies were immediately forced to work overtime. While the wave of blood crushed the nigh-impassable shroud of spatial tears, some blood bullets managed to pierce through, heading straight toward Zac with enough force to st a hole straight through solid steel.


    The ck shroud of the third pygmy shot back and forth, constantly losing some of its mass to slightly redirect the projectiles. They were filled with some sanguine Dao, but Zac thankfully didn��t need to adjust their trajectory overly much. Just a little bit was enough to have them shoot into the sphere instead of him, and the ones who couldn��t be diverted were blocked by a coffin barrier that just covered his front.


    There was some sort of inner barrier that shielded the core of the blood sphere. It heroically resisted the corruption while the outeryer of supercondensed blood started to morph into everything from base elements to soulless creations that almost felt like a mockery of life. Most shockingly, over thirty bodies were formed, and they fell down and smashed into the roof below.


    Zac didn��t recognize a single one of them, but he didn��t believe they were random faces wrought from nowhere. More likely, they were soulless clones of people who had fallen in the City of Ancients. Some of their lingering spirituality had been dragged here along with their blood, bing a source of inspiration to the torrent of Creation.


    A few of them shuddered and moved, but Zac felt a deep sense of wrongness when he looked at them flop about on the ceiling below. They were alive, yet they weren��t. It was just like what that old man in the shard-vision hade to realize. The life created by the Shards of Creation was hollow, soulless.


    It was perhaps possible for the Dao of Creation could create true life, but it wasn��t possible for some remnant shards at least. Perhaps, that was the domain of the Heavens alone. Of course, unraveling the truth of Creation wasn��t a priority right now. He struggled to control the ebullient Creation Energy to break apart the inner restrictions of the sphere, and a wave of relief filled Zac��s heart when he sensed the barrier finally give way.


    Most likely, that barrier would have been able to take an all-out strike of either him or Aia Ouro. Uona might even have somehow infused it with the ability to withstand an Annihtion Sphere. But Creation didn��t destroy, it changed, and there was no way for Uona to have known he had this ability when setting up the defensive restrictions around the effigy.


    A small breach had been formed when the base nature of the core was forced to transform, and Zac didn��t need to exert any effort to usher the Creation Energy as it stormed into the heart. It was already attracted by the extremely powerful energy signature that had started to leak, and it rushed into the opening like a starving beast.


    ��No!�� Uona screeched, but it was toote.


    A shockwave erupted and threw Zac hundreds of meters away, and he groaned in pain when he flew straight through the gauntlet of bloody attacks. Even activating [Void Zone] wasn��t enough because of his momentum, and new wounds umted as he was hit by one bloody bullet after another.


    Next came the spatial storm, but his Bloodline Talent was thankfully able to rapidly weaken the spatial turbulence as he shot through it and into the storm of blood. Fear filled his heart as he essentially was inside one of Uona��s skills, and he kept expelling creation energy even at the cost of his life. The vampire didn��t actually counter, and he shot out through the other end of the bloody tide, leaving a scene of utter chaos behind.


    His ears were ringing sound from the impact of the shockwave, but he could still hear the pained screams from the Heaven��s Chosen, which exined why Uona seemed incapable to retaliate at the moment. Zac mmed down on the ground, and the churning heat from the [Rageroot Oak Seed] was the only thing that allowed him to stay conscious and crawl back on his feet once more.


    His left arm was broken, along with a couple of ribs, but he had already expended all his charges of [Undying Mark]. He grimaced as he used some more Creation Energy, and he was beset by that deathly sense of hollowness. Most people would be able to increase their lifespan after finding a rare treasure like the Longevity Gem, yet he had lost at least a century since picking up the shard.


    He briefly wondered if he would even be able to enter the Radiant Temple any longer. They probably had some arrays to measure age over there. Would such an array call him a centennial by now? After all, this wasn��t the first time he had been forced to use up some of his lifespan. Altogether, it had to be close to two hundred years lost, just below a tenth of his expected lifespan.


    Zac would get another burst of longevity after forming his core, and another one every time he improved it to the next stage. But he had entered a somewhat hopeless spiral where he encountered situations where he was forced to give up more and more of his life to cinch a path to survive. The sacrifice had at least allowed him to keep going a bit longer, and he rushed toward the blood mistress who had fallen down on the ground.


    A huge pool of blood had formed around her, but it didn��t look like a skill this time around. She was bleeding from both her ears and her nose, and her aura had be not only a lot weaker but also extremely unstable. The splinter was left in the building far behind him, but Zac still rushed toward Uona.


    Killing the scion wasn��t his ultimate goal, but there was no telling if trying to seize the remnant would work even if it might seem like an opportunity had presented itself. If Zac didn��t seize this opening to finish her off, he might never get the chance again. What if she was still able to transport the remnant away in a puff of blood? Killing her was the only real option for aplishing his goal.


    However, Uona wasn��tpletely out of the count, and she struggled back to her feet and started running. She didn��t run toward Zac in an effort to strike back at the one who had foiled her ns. She was rather running toward the rapidly distorting Blood Effigy.


    The huge egg of blood had grown to over fifteen meters across after Zac had infused the storm of Creation, and it was undergoing rapid upheavals. It wasn��t just in shape, though it did twist and distort like something was trying to break out. Its aura kept changing as well. It could release a wave of scorching heat for a second, only for the deep sanguine aura to return the next moment.


    There was a clear struggle between the Path of Blood and the everchanging nature of Creation, and Zac knew that every transformation would rob the effigy of some of its original purpose and energy. It was probably this that Uona was trying to stop, and Zac inwardly cursed after not being able to catch up to her, even after activating [Abyssal Phase] with [Force of the Void].


    She had risked everything to unleash some sort of blood-based escape art, turning into a stream that shot straight into the huge blood egg with almost impossible speed. Even worse, Zac suddenly sensed two bursts of blood energy; one from within the sphere, and another one from behind where the splinter resided.


    His suspicions were immediately confirmed when he sensed that the splinter��s presence was inside the blood orb now, instead of behind him. She had been able to transport the splinter all along, which meant he had made the right decision in ignoring it. Unfortunately, it didn��t help him much at the moment, considering he knew that Uona wasn��t up to any good.


    Zac didn��t need to wait long to find out what the blood mistress was nning. The huge egg suddenly exploded, and chaotic currents of sanguine energy ripped into Zac and forced him out of his intangible form. A wave of pain threatened to knock him clean out even if a storm of liquid fire churned through his veins, but Zac barely held on as he grimly looked at what had appeared in the bloody sphere��s stead.


    It was a grotesque miscreation that looked more like a demonic effigy than an avatar of the Eternal n. Its face waspletely distorted with seven eyes and three mouths, each of them having pocked tongues reaching almost all the way to the ground. The thing had no legs as it hovered in the air. Instead, there was just a fleshy mess that dangled down like a cursed dress.


    Its torso was unnaturally wide as well, making its form resemble a downward-pointing triangle. Instead of arms, the creature had hundreds of long tentacles. It was impossible to tell the thing was corporeal or blood taken shape just by observing the thing, and Zac had no idea if this was the intended look of the Blood Effigy or the result of his interference. But the undeniable truth was that his attempt to destroy it had failed.


    It did however radiate an extremely unstable aura tainted by both the remnants, and going by Zac��s experience with Oblivion and Creation, it wouldn��tst more than a couple of minutes before copsing. It was those minutes that would decide whether he lived or died.


    A plop was followed by a wet thud as Uona was discarded from the effigy and dropped onto the hard cobblestone below, her body looking extremely drained. If Zac had sensed her aura on the outside at the moment, he would have guessed she was just a peak F-grade cultivator. Most of her armor was destroyed as well, perhaps the result of meddling with the Splinter of Oblivion.


    She weakly looked up at Zac, the hatred in her eyes so powerful that it almost had taken tangible form. Zac hesitantly looked at her for a second, before his gaze shifted to the effigy again. The splinter was inside, and he had made his decision. Going by the unstable aura, the effigy would copse soon enough. He just needed to keep his distance until that time.


    But the ghastly creation was clearly of another mind, and dozens of its tentacles suddenly rose into the air as they started to vibrate like tuning rods. Zac looked on with shock as the whole sky turned red while the Twilight Energy in the area started to change. At the same time, the ground rumbled like an earthquake was about to ur.


    Zac��s eyes widened asrge wounds started to appear across his body, like the air itself was a lethal weapon. He even felt the ichor in his body being dragged out, forcing him to hurriedly heal the wounds with even more Creation energy. He also started rotating the Fragment of the Coffin to strengthen his skin, but the efficacy was subpar at best.


    Whatever the Blood Effigy was doing, it was beyond his ability to stop. Zac didn��t know if it was a domain skill or if the thing was impacting the Mystic Realm itself. Whichever were the case, he knew he was in deep trouble. Even the rampaging shard seemed to be a bit subdued by the avatar hovering in the distance.


    Without hesitation, Zac started to run, this time fleeing for real. He didn��t dare to activate his movement skill considering the environment, and he pushed his legs to their limits as he rushed toward the gate in the distance. But Zac only got a hundred meters before huge red fractals appeared, crushing his hopes of escape.


    The huge jagged edge of [Gorehew] appeared, infused with panic and Creation as it mmed into the bloody mark. It shuddered a bit, but just like how Uona had dealt with Creation Energy, so did the fractal. It simply shot out a deluge of tainted blood straight in Zac��s face, pushing him back tens of meters. When Zac got the blood out of his eyes, he saw that the barrier hadn��t weakened at all.


    He knew he either had to swap over to his human side and unleash a more powerful strike or use his Annihtion Sphere if he wanted a chance to escape. Unfortunately, there wasn��t time to charge up either as his mind screamed of mortal peril. The effigy had somehow closed in on him in an instant, without as much as a ripple of energy.


    Dozens of blood tentacles were already shooting toward him, and Zac desperately started to swing his axe to stave off the assault. He fought with everything he had, but the appendages were intangible and regrew faster than Zac could destroy them. At the same time, one of the mouths of the effigy opened and released a huge storm of chaotic blood in his direction.


    A ck haze of the pygmy skeleton tried to swallow the sanguine tempest, but the skeleton pygmy��s attempt to relocate the attack proved fruitless, which wasn��t a surprise considering it was imbued with god-knows how much energy. Furthermore, it was instilled with a sublime Dao rted to blood, its stage clearly surpassing his own Dao Branch.


    Out of options, Zac prepared to unleash another huge wave of Creation at the risk of irrevocably harming his foundations. But suddenly, a shudder rippled through the coffin on his back as he felt the lid open on its own. Zac��s eyes widened in rm as he saw the enormous avatar of Alea make her appearance. She had actually activated [Death��s Embrace] on her own, the defensive skill engraved on the lid.


    Alea looked a bit different this time around, just like Verun did before. She was bigger for one, containing far more energypared to before. This wasn��t a surprise, considering how he had fed her thousands of Twilight Fruits along with the Life-Death Pearls. She had even absorbed quite a bit of the extremely condensed energy inside the valley back then.


    It would be shocking if she hadn��t grown stronger, especially now that she was at the precipice of waking up.


    That wasn��t the only change. Just like with the primordial hyena, hazy markings now covered her skin, markings that resonated with his path. It was Death, pure death as he had envisioned it during the chaotic events inside the valley, where he had denounced Twilight and confirmed his truth. This understanding was mirrored across Alea��s body, though it was just in an embryonic state.


    However, even if Alea felt a lot more powerful this time aroundpared to when she protected him against the Lich King, Zac still wasn��t ted to see her appear. Normally, a Peak-quality and peak-grade F-grade Tool Spirit would be enough for any battle in the E-grade, especially when activating a powerful spell with a long cooldown like this.


    But this battle had far surpassed what could be expected in the E-grade. Even early-stage Hegemons would find themselves unable to contend in a struggle like this unless they had some extremely powerful tools that could make full use of their energy stores.


    Yet she held on, trying to take on more and more harm as her arms were held in a wide embrace. She didn��t only block the bloody storm, she also attracted the tentacles that now hid within. More and more blood was contained and condensed into a sphere of extremely condensed energy, but Zac saw that it didn��te without a price.


    One crack after another appeared on the coffin lid as simr cracks appeared on Alea��s avatar, ample proof that this situation was beyond what she could handle. A pained grimace appeared on her face, but she still held on. Fury and helplessness filled Zac��s heart as he scrambled for a solution.


    He needed power. One final burst to turn the tides. And he knew where to find it. He had held off on it since there was no going back from this, but if he hesitated longer, [Love��s Bond] would break apart. From there, he��d justst a few seconds longer, especially if that ball Alea had condensed erupted.


    A crack echoed in his mind out as a fractal of the prison in his mind crumbled. A deluge of stocked-up and unfiltered energy stormed into his mind like rain in a parched desert. The two remnants didn��t wait for even a second as they escaped the cage that had held them prisoners since forming the first Glimpse of Chaos.


    The splinter rushed out with the most urgency, desperately avoiding the other two remnants as they both set off in pursuit. All three of the remnants exuded huge amounts of energy, instilling Zac with a cursed power. Seeing the cracks on the coffin lid and the pained visage of the avatar hadpletely infuriated Zac, easily overpowering the mind-calming concoction he swallowed earlier.


    He shot forward, passing the avatar as he entered the storm of blood himself. It tried to rip him apart, but he was unstoppable now that he had paid the ultimate price for strength. Either he would seize the splinter, or his body would explode from the situation inside his body. A huge imbnce had already been formed, where the crashing waves of creation were almost about topletely surround the struggling splinter.


    The two captive remnants had been continuously drained and restrained over the past years, but the second shard was like a wild bucking horse filled with vigor. Furthermore, the two shards had formed some sort of resonance, where their proximity empowered one another as they drew even more energy from the void.


    The splinter wouldn��tst long, but it had started to vibrate ominously, clearly intent on going out in a final ze of glory. Zac couldn��t let that happen. He roared as he tried to impose control. His mind felt like it was being stabbed by needles as he forcibly took charge of the bucking energies, but he still managed to throw them out of his body to counter the effigy.


    There was no time to form any Marks of Creation or Annihtion Spheres. Every outburst came at the cost of his essence, no matter if it was body or spirit. A wave of unfettered creation ripped the storm of blood apart, and Zac was like a ghastly specter as he obliterated space itself as he moved forward in its wake, removing the distance between himself and the avatar.


    The three bloody tongues moved with impossible speed to impale his body, but he didn��t even register the pain as he furiously dug into the effigy, willing to sacrifice his body as long as he could reach his goal. He dug deeper and deeper, and finally, his hand seized a bucking gemstone at the effigy��s core.


    Thest time he had been mesmerized, tricked into putting the Splinter of Oblivion against his head. This time, he acted willingly, desperately even. A fourth surge of power joined the previous three, forming a precipitous bnce in the chaos.


    Zac directed one final hateful re in Uonas��s direction as the world slowed down and his consciousness was whisked away.

 Chapter 776: Ripples on the Lake

    Chapter 776: Ripples on the Lake


    A slow but steady heartbeat echoed out throughout the void, each thump vibrating with the primordial Dao. For untold ages, the [Heart of Oblivion] grew, with each cycle inching closer to that impossible threshold.


    Worlds were destroyed with a single breath, reality itself turned to ash with a thought. Its desire was the Heavens and its will the Earth. But as the heart great grew more powerful, so did its hatred. Not even Oblivion could ovee the ancient Law of Bnce, and every end had its price.


    Worlds were destroyed with a single breath, but the young reced the old. The heart was angry, but also relieved. After all, without the cycle of Samsara, endless oblivion would be impossible. So it moved through the cosmos in search of more sustenance to fuel its curse.


    Hatred. Destruction. Desire. The heart beat, its madness spreading toward every corner of the myriad nes. Oblivion was never over.


    �����������C


    Why was she here? Her thoughts felt sluggish as she looked around at the vast battlefield below. Tens of thousands of fallen warriors littered the ground, and she felt a weak recollection as she looked at the insignia on their arms.


    Her gaze shifted, turning to the wretched creatures who must have had been the enemies of the fallen soldiers. Many of them sported wounds that no doubt was left by the people��s army. At the same time, there were dozens ofrge swathes of nothingness, where neither soldier nor invader had fallen. The only clues that it wasn��t a random urrence were the cut-off bodyparts lining the edge of those zones, along with a sense of familiarity she couldn��t ce.


    She didn��t know why, but a surge of anger filled her as she looked at the ugly faces of those things that had fought against the soldiers. Humans, they were called, she suddenly recalled. She waved her hand, and nothingness followed. Hundreds of bodies were erased, never to sully her gaze again as another zone of nothingness appeared.


    ��Wavemistress Warna! You are alive!�� a call came from behind.


    Warna, that seemed familiar, she thought as she slowly turned to the source of the sound. There were two of them, and they were the same as the soldiers, wearing identical clothes and sporting the same sort of wounds. The one on the left sparked some sort of recollection, but it felt like a haze that dispersed as quickly as it appeared.


    These two were different.


    While the others were perfectly content in perpetual nothingness, these two were vibrant, a blemish on the quietude around her.


    ��You are different,�� she slowly said, voicing her displeasure.


    ��Different?�� the man to the left said, his tentacles shuddering hesitantly. ��What do you mean? Are you okay, mother? What is this aur-��


    Another wave, and the battlefield was quiet once more. She nodded with contentment as she closed her eyes, melding with the nothingness. But even asy down among the others, a lingering question refused to be erased.


    Who am I?


    ���������������C


    Despair filled his heart as he ran through the narrow streets, his gaze fearfully turning toward the sky in search of his pursuers. How had thingse to this? He hadn��t wished for too much. He had just wanted to im a small piece of the sky for himself, joining those beings in their floating pces.


    But things had gone out of control almost immediately after finding that cursed gemstone in the depths. Power beget power, and as he waved his hands, the heavens cried while he reaped the rewards. But the whispers of destruction had been too much. It was never enough, and it all felt like a nightmare when he looked back at his gruesome struggle for wealth and power.


    Had it been him? Had it been the gemstone? He couldn��t even remember what his true nature was anymore. It had all been twisted and muddied as he reached for the stars. Suddenly, he found his escape blocked as a huge golden barrier had appeared in front of him while an overwhelming pressure bore down on his shoulders.


    They had found him.


    ��It��s futile, destroyer,�� the man said. ��Your path ends here.��


    He looked up at the warriors in their glistening equipment, radiant beings that seemed to be one with the Heavenly Dao. This was what he had wished for. To be one of these celestial beings. Yet they looked at him with loathing, with scorn, even though he wielded powerparable to their own.


    He didn��t remember what he had been so regretful about any longer. Rage bubbled in his heart as he gazed into those loathsome eyes that were filled with condescension. As long as they were destroyed, the sky would be clear once more.


    ����������


    The Shard of Creation had shown Zac visions of desire, and the inevitable price of giving in. The splinter instead showed him visions of despair, how all dreams turned to dust eventually. Every step forward was paid with your spirit until there was nothing left to be had. Some had fallen into madness quickly, as he almost had after taking on the first splinter.


    Others had held on, but they didn��t notice how pieces of their humanity had been stripped away bit by bit. Eventually, they became hollow, mindless killing machines who only sought to destroy. Seeing those visions made Zac feel a sense of dread since most of the people hadn��t sensed their spirits decaying.


    Was he the same?


    Every time he had used the tainted energies of the Shard of Creation, he had felt how some of his lifespan was being stolen. Meanwhile, he had thought the price for using the energy of the splinter was simply the bouts of murderous intent. But what if there was more? How would he know if he had lost something?


    Perhaps, whole facets of his personality that were gone, sacrificed for power during his struggles over the past years. It was undeniable that he was colder and more murderous todaypared to the early days of the integration. He had thought it was an unavoidable result of being thrust into the madness that was the Multiverse, but there might have been more to it.


    No, it shouldn��t be. Even if he had been robbed like the people in the visions, it couldn��t have been too much. The splinter had always been caged since day one, in contrast to the two shards who both had spent some time rampaging freely inside his body. He probably hadn��t actually suffered the same fate as those in the vision, considering he had almost only dealt with energy purified by the prison.


    But it was a stark warning to him of whaty waiting in the future, especially if he was nning on collecting more sets of these cursed things. He would probably be able to recoup at least some of the lost lifeforce with medicines or Natural Treasures, but could you recover from having pieces of your spirit destroyed?


    It really drove home the need for him to continue working on his soul. He needed to find a way to purify the energies from the remnants on his own, rather than relying on the prison. He couldn��t keep paying such a terrifying price every time he took advantage of these items. The cage probably wouldn��tst more than a decade, especially not after destroying another fractal.


    At that time, he would be all on his own.


    The visions kept shing through Zac��s mind as he struggled toe to grips with this new knowledge, but part of his mind was upied with the situation by his real body. Thankfully, it looked like time had slowed down for Uona as well. Otherwise, he��d be dead by now. Perhaps it was rather his perception of time that had changed.


    In either case, it allowed him to breathe out and n his next step.


    He still felt churning anger as he remembered the pained face of Alea and the cracks that had covered [Love��s Bond]. Once again, she had sacrificed herself to keep him safe. It was just like when he fought the Fiend Wolf or the generals of the three mini-incursions. He kepting up short, and she was the one who had to pay the price.


    At least, he had achieved his goal. He had seized the splinter. But having done so, Zac realized he hadn��t really thought things through. He had somewhat taken for granted that everything would resolve itself the moment he had collected the splinter, but exactly how? The eventsst time had beenpletely out of his control, and it wasn��t like the System would zap his enemies if he asked it nicely.


    He needed to be in the driver��s seat this time around if he wanted to achieve his goals rather than just running the System��s errands at the cost of his own safety. Last time, the whole area had been locked down, but time hadn��t stopped as far as he could tell. He needed to reach Uona before that happened somehow.


    As long as she was next to him while forming the Glimpse of Chaos, he could still achieve what he wanted. His mind scrambled for ways to make that happen, but he was forced to put those matters aside as he found himself in a familiar ce once more.


    ��A fleeting moment has but passed, yet you once more stand before me,�� a sigh echoed out across the cave, prompting ripples to spread through the deathly miasma around him. ��It was inevitable.��


    Zac looked upon Be��Zi, and he was once more shocked at was he was witnessing, just like when he found himself in front of the Aetherlord thest time. She was the Dao personified, radiating such terrifying energies of destruction that the splinter in his mind seemed like nothing but a firecracker.


    If she willed it, he would be destroyed, removed from the river of time entirely. Even the Miasma around her had transformed, bing something darker than death. It felt like the river of energy was the end of all existence, and stepping into it would result in true oblivion.


    ��Two aspirants, two appearances, two fates interwoven,�� Be��Zi muttered, prompting the Miasmic river to shudder. ��To what end?��


    Zac had a thousand questions rushing through his mind. How had she created the prison in his mind? What did he need to do in order to purge thetent will from the remnants, freeing himself from the curse? But he ultimately chose to aplish what he had promised Catheya before anything else.


    ��It is my honor to meet you again. I have-�� Zac said, but he was stopped short.


    ��I cannot help you again,�� Be��Zi said with a shake of her head. ��Doing so would be a disservice. You have chosen to walk down the Path of Oblivion, and you will need to bear the full weight of that decision. That is your only chance to reach the peak. The path is precipitous and the peak has yet to be fully restored, but cultivation has always been in defiance of the Heavens. I am confident it can be done.��


    ��It��s not that,�� Zac said, though he had to admit he was a bit disappointed she shut him down so quickly when thinking he was about to ask for help.


    He had lost quite a few fractals since they metst, and each loss shortened the time he had before all hell broke loose. Getting getting the cage reinforced would have been a godsend. The two remnants locked in the prison had pretty much provided only benefits with no demerits until now, and the longer he could keep them captives, the better he would be equipped for their unavoidable release.


    But what the Draugr Autarch said was most likely true as well. Those cages were just external help, and they were only meant to be a stop-gap anyhow. He would have to find a way to deal with them with his soul alone, or he would eventually be like those people he had seen in the visions.


    ��n Sharva��Zi has asked me to send a message,�� he exined.


    ��You know of my descendants? I thought you one of the lost lineages,�� she eximed, her expression undergoing a subtle change. Zac even felt he could sense some disappointment on her face. However, her face quickly returned to that mask of indifference that now seemed even colder after having known the far more animated Catheya for a few years. ��Then you should understand I have severed my Karma with the empire.��


    ��Well, I��m not part of the Empire either,�� Zac said. ��I am simply friends with your descendant, Catheya Sharva��Zi. She looks just like you. She asked me to convey this message.��


    ��She could smell me on your person,�� Be��Zi slowly nodded. ��One of the gifts of Zi.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��They are hoping you cane back home,�� Zac said. ��Your descendant, Re��Zar Sharva��Zi, is nearing his end, and they have no one to take his ce. Your n is facing relegation.��


    ��Home�� Obliviones for all,�� Be��Zi muttered as she looked at the ceiling of the dark cave.


    Zac didn��t know what she was talking about, but his heart dropped when he looked at her impassive expression. Clearly, the news of relegation didn��t seem to phase her overly much. Zac wondered what he should do in this case. It wasn��t like he could convince an Autarch to do something she wasn��t interested in.


    And how could he face Catheya like this? She had considered him their lifeline, and she had risked her life to get him to send this message. And now he had to tell Catheya that no help was forting, that their ancestor didn��t care?


    ��I cannot return,�� Be��Zi eventually said as she turned back to look right at Zac, and he could feel that she gazed at him far more intently than before. ��But they need not worry. I can feel that the annihtion of my kin has been abated. Ripples on theke.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted, having no idea what the old Draugr was talking about.


    ��Two fates, two pairs climbing a broken peak. A��Zu set a goal with his fatebound, so I shall do the same. Collect five of the cursed remnants within one hundred years, and appear before me once more. If you appear as your own, and I shall impart on you true oblivion, unsullied by that ancient madness. If you are supnted by the atavism, I shall free you and return your soul to the Samsara,�� Be��Zi said as she closed her eyes. ��Thus the cycle continues.��


    ��Atavism?�� Zac asked with urgency as he felt the vision breaking apart.


    ��One is an eternal curse, two is a cmity. Five is Atavism, where five lingering resentments form a consciousness. To climb the broken peak, an unbreakable will is needed,�� the voice of Be��Zi echoed out as the chamber twisted. ��Survive, and prove you are worthy to continue climbing.��


    Zac��s vision darkened until he suddenly was back in his own body. The moment his consciousness returned, he was immediately beset by searing pain as time started up again. His body was in a horrendous state after having been impaled by the bloody tongues of the Blood Effigy, and his whole body was covered incerations.


    Meanwhile, two sets of remnants immediately flew into a frenzied battle, where the previously harried splinter fought with redoubled fury now that it had gotten reinforcements. Insidious tendrils shed against opalescent light in the battlefield that was his body. Zac screamed from the unimaginable pain, but he refused to let go of his consciousness and slip into thatforting darkness.


    A shockwave of dark power erupted from within his body, forming a vacuum around him and setting him free from the bloody tongues. The burst of condensed Oblivion had destroyed the effigy from within, and Zded on the ground as the huge holes in his body healed with a speed visible to the naked eye.


    He was loath to use even more energy in a crude way like that, but he had to release some to at least somewhat weaken the struggling remnants inside his body. However, such a small outburst was nothing to the ancient madness that had been unleashed, and he felt himself rapidly losing control before he even managed to get back on his feet.


    Uona was still lying on the ground in the distance, looking up at him with incredulity in her eyes as the Blood Effigy started to fall apart. Seeing her filled Zac with a towering murderous intent, which was only further amplified by the [Rageroot Oak Seed] and the cascading waves of oblivion coursing through his veins.


    He wanted nothing more than to sh over and rip her apart, but he couldn��t. He knew that his embryonic n to create the Glimpse of Chaos in her face had failed, since there was simply no way to dy what needed to be done.


    A stream of Fragment of the Bodhi entered one of his shoulders and the Fragment of the Coffin the other. Life and Death, each one of them dragging some of their respective remnant energy into the pathways of [Cyclic Strike]. The two streams turned into something new as they were pushed together in his chest, just like thest time he had tried this.


    Two of the remnants immediately entered a panicked state and tried to escape his body, but the two new additions were uncaring as they unleashed barrage after barrage at one another even as they were drained by the funnels. The two older remnants who were wise to what would happen next were unable to escape as well, as their energy had already entered the fractals.


    The streams had turned into an unbreakable leash as more and more was dragged into the funnels, turning them into ck holes of unceasing hunger. Zac felt the terrifying build-up in his chest once more as the two currents refused to merge. It felt like his whole body was set aze, and hundreds of veins of searing heat and blistering cold covered him from his head all the way to his fingertips.


    The pain only grew, to the point that Zac felt he would go mad, but the process was thankfully quicker this time around. There were two remnants to fuel the process, though one pair had been drained for years already. The pathways had changed as well, allowing for more energy to course through. Finally, his soul had beenpletely remoudled, allowing for a torrent of Mental Energy to speed up the process.


    Suddenly, two became one, and the effect was immediate.


    An immense pressure descended on the area, and Zac found himself locked in ce. Even the copsing Blood Effigy had stopped in its tracks, its cascading rain of blood suspended in the air like an intricate ss ornament. A powerful rumble shook the whole City of Ancients next as a dense cloud covered the sky, pushing the Twilight Ocean away.


    Golden arcs of lightning crackled within the hazy gray, each one of them on apletely different levelpared to those that had hounded the huge snake back in the chasm. In those arcs, an impossibly vast consciousness waited, gazing down at the city like a god. Zac could feel it.


    Power, supremacy, greed.


    The System had once moree to collect, and Zac could feel the hunger as the glimpse was starting to form in his chest. However, Zac looked at the blood mistress in the distance, his heart filled with wrath and unwillingness.


    ��You want this thing, right?�� Zac squeezed through grit teeth as he forcibly pushed through the restraints, forcibly taking a step forward by siphoning some of the energy that was forming in his chest.


    The moment just a small tendril of that power entered his body he realized why the System was so filled with desire. With Chaos, reality could be subverted. The power to create anything, to destroy anything. It had the power to overthrow fate, bring change to order. It was everchanging, unwilling to be bound.


    Yet it was there, in his body, making the impossible possible. Zac felt drunk with sess and murder as his gaze returned to Uona, and this time her eyes were filled with unbridled horror.


    ��If you want it, then you better give me some leeway.��

 Chapter 777: Greed and Chaos

    Chapter 777: Greed and Chaos


    Shock filled Uona��s heart as she saw the core arrays of the Blood Effigy simply disappear, turned into nothingness in a burst of Oblivion. All she had sacrificed, all she had done. It was for naught. Her ns ruined, the effigy destroyed.


    Why had she angered that thing?


    The ill-starred Draugr fell onto the ground, but not even a second passed before he crawled back to his feet, and the wounds across his body were already closing. How were you supposed to fight something like this? Someone not following the Law of Bnce, wantonly drawing on cursed powers to achieve his goal. He was unkible and with nigh-unbeatable methods of destruction.


    Her final act had been one of desperation. To nullify the corruption with destruction, infusing the remnant into the effigy to destroy the invading force, at the cost of all the remaining Essence Blood in the hidden vessel. Even if it ultimately failed, it should at least have provided enough power to annihte that man a few times over.


    Yet he had managed to push straight into the effigy, using that other unholy ability at thest moment to break past the blood barrier. Now he stood there, with destruction in his eyes and corruption in his hands.


    Why? Why had she listened to that voice to steal that thing, even when she had been uncertain whether the voice actually belonged to her kin? She knew the answer; hubris. She was a chosen, standing over trillions. She had even gazed upon the Bloodmother��s avatar once. This was just a trial at the frontier, how did anyone dare bar her path, even harming her? In here, she believed herself the Heavenly Law, of unmatched power and heritage.


    Foolish.


    She had even been forced to ignite her bloodline to avoid death in that nullification zone, and then sacrifice her Blood Essence to stem the corruption in the effigy. She would have to be submerged in a blood pond for at least twenty years topletely recover. And she hadn��t even aplished her goals.


    The Draugr still stood while the effigy was gone, making Grandpa Nether��s mission far more difficult. Being relegated was entirely possible, between the lost momentum and her impetuous actions. However, a p of thunder made her realize that was the least of her problems. She looked at the sky, her eyes wide with iprehension.


    What was going on?! The Ruthless Heavens had descended, a true consciousness at that. Why? Why would the System shift such a significant part of its mind to this deste corner of the multiverse? Not even defending one��s Dao would garner such a presence in most cases, especially not an ascent at the Frontier.


    Yet it was here. The sky rumbled as arcs of golden lightning lit up the sky, making it impossible to draw any other conclusions. She could feel the heavenly presence weighing down on her, she could feel the gaze of the supreme arbiter. She couldn��t as much as get back on her feet, not that she dared stand in defiance of the Heavens themselves.


    But he did.


    She once more looked in his direction, only to find a monstrosity stare back. She had been right. Letting him get his hands on that cursed thing was the beginning of the end, and a terror she had never felt before filled her heart as she stared into those eyes.


    She was no longer looking into the Abyss. She was gazing upon Primordial Chaos.


    The long steely hair of the Draugr danced in the air, buffeted by chaotic winds that swirled around him. His eyes had lost the familiar darkness, reced by the endlessly churning grey storm of chaos. His whole face was covered in two sets of jagged scars, together forming something that her mind couldn��t begin toprehend.


    Sharp pain in her mind made her shudder, and she was shocked to realize a crack on her Soul Core had appeared. Just gazing upon those markings had damaged her soul. The thunder rumbled again, this time with even greater ferocity, and Uona felt she could feel some ancient anger hidden inside.


    What was the Heavens angry about? Was it him? Was it her? The array they had set up in this city was technically permissible, but it was still toeing at the edge of unorthodoxy. No, it wasn��t her. A sh of golden lightning mmed into the ground, barely missing the Draugr who had somehow managed to take a step forward.


    Toward her.


    The sky grew darker in response, like it was infuriated at the man��s defiance. But Arcaz ck paid it no heed it seemed. His aura grew more erratic, more primordial, creating a hair-raising feeling. Something was brewing inside him, something that shouldn��t exist. At least not here, in an E-grade cultivator.


    Another rumble, and the Draugr had somehow shifted position, removing half the distance between them. She hadn��t noticed him moving at all, but she wasn��t surprised. He had swallowed both Creation and Oblivion, and Chaos was now coursing through his veins. Trying to understand the situation based on a cultivation system created by the Apostate of Order was hopeless.


    Once more reality changed, and he now stood only a few dozen meters away. It was palpable by now, the danger that was hiding within his body. Small pieces of her reality were being stripped away, turning into motes of red that escaped from her body. Just being in his proximity was deadly, and she had to get away.


    Uona struggled against the weight of the Heavens, but she barely managed to push herself up to a sitting position. Her desperation grew as she struggled, but it was futile. It quickly became clear; without sacrifice, there was no chance for her to survive this madness.


    Seventy-five Nodes ignited, each one exploding and releasing a torrent of energy. At the same time, the nucleus condensed by her Dao and her Path cracked, undoing five years of preparations and marking the loss of dozens of valuable Natural Treasures. Her aura rose to unprecedented heights, allowing her to finally stand up.


    But she was just a candle in the wind, burning through both ends to give her a fighting chance. She still felt as weak as a mortal, and she started running away. Crippling herself cultivation had cemented her fall from the elite, but it was better than dying. As long as there was life, there was a way.


    Her progenitor would perhaps take pity on her and help her recover her cultivation. Or perhaps, the Eternal Court would use these events to put political pressure on the Abyssal Shores, which would increase her value enough to be restored. That was her only hope.


    The madman seemed upied, barely noticing her escape as she ran toward the closest exit. But that was not much of a relief as the intensity of the thunder above just kept increasing. She felt so excruciatingly slow, like her reality had been reduced to a crawl. But finally, she managed to leave the courtyard, and she felt the pressure slowly abate as she moved away from the epicenter of the Heavenly Descent.


    Opulent mansions were reced by a dead forest as she kept moving, but escape talismans and movement skills kept failing her. It wasn��t a surprise though. Even if the whole city wasn��t suppressed, she still wouldn��t be able to control the rampant energy in her body.


    ��Not so fast, bloodling,�� a thunderous shout erupted like a p of thunder, but it was fury rather than fear that filled her heart.


    It was that Havarok princeling, making his appearance at the worst possible time. Behind him, over a hundred soldiers had formed a defensive line, though all of them were on their knees or prone on the ground. Only the prince himself was still standing, though he had to use his sword to remain upright under the pressure from above.


    ��Fool! Out of the way,�� she screeched, her heart hammering with horror upon seeing her path being barred. ��You��ll kill us all! He ising!��


    ��I am already here,�� a voice echoed out, all-too-close.


    Terror threatened to turn Uona mad, and the horror only intensified when she found herself unable to move, locked in ce as the Heavens bore down on her with unprecedented weight. She barely managed to turn her body to look behind her.


    There he stood, an aberration that shouldn��t exist �C chaos taken physical form.


    ��You brought this on yourself,�� Arcaz ck said, and he suddenly stood right in front of her.


    There were no rules to his movement. He just was. Unpredictable, unstoppable. And between his hands, it appeared �C Chaos.


    Her thoughts grew muted and distant as she was mesmerized by the pattern that had appeared. It was not as poignant of the holy ponds back home, nor as palpable as the Dao of her Ancestor. Yet it contained endless mystery and the whispers of that long-forgotten era where Chaos reigned supreme.


    The barriers were broken, unable to remain standing after she had sacrificed her cultivation. She felt her mind straining, unable to bear the weight of the Dao. Her eyes were opened wide as she desperately tried to understand the message in that small glimpse of the peak. As long as she could just grasp a corner, she would be able to not only survive, but to gain unprecedented benefits.


    She was-


    ����


    Ykrodas looked on with wide eyes as a golden pir of lightning mmed into Uona Noz��Vdir,pletely extinguishing her spirit and ending her reign of terror. The first bolt was followed by a few more, until her harried body was given a reprieve as it fell to the side, exposing the man who had appeared behind her.


    ��If you want to live, look away,�� a voice echoed out in his mind, and there was no hesitation as heplied.


    This was beyond his scope of knowledge. This was true Heavenly Intervention, something he thought a myth. The thing that man had conjured had called the Heavens to this small corner of the Multiverse. His heart hammered as he squeezed his eyes shut, but his vision was still lit up by lightning multiple times over until the immense pressure on his shoulders was finally lifted.


    Groans echoed throughout his lines, and Ykrodas took a shuddering breath as he turned around. Most of his followers were fine, if a bit worse to the wear. However, he sighed with some helplessness upon seeing that over ten people were staring nkly ahead, their eyes milky-white and not emitting a speck of spirituality.


    They had gazed upon something they shouldn��t have and paid the price of coveting something imed by the Heavens.


    Ykrodas shook his head, and he turned toward the source of the terrifying events. Arcaz ck stood in silence, his eyes closed as his face was turned toward the still-churning sky. Ykrodas didn��t know if he was in the middle of an epiphany or if his soul had been wounded by the Heavenly Intervention, but the Draugr��s aura was shuddering erratically as the weird patterns on his skin twisted and started to fade.


    Now would perhaps be the optimal time to strike, but Ykrodas wouldn��t do such a foolish thing. He had seen the harried form of Uona as she ran for her life. Her cultivation had been destroyed, her soul damaged. Most importantly, he had seen the horror, the sheer terror in her eyes that was so strong that it made his own heart beat faster.


    This Draugr was too mysterious, to vtile. Ventus had called him Chaos incarnate, and Ykrodas only now realized just how correct he had been. Ykrodas wouldn��t risk his life or the ns of the empire to strike at this enigma, at least unless he absolutely had to. Instead, he took the opportunity to look around.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The haze over the City of Ancients had beenpletely cleared by the lightning, and Ykrodas could even see the heart of the city. He saw the central tower, the seat of the Realm Spirit. He saw how the protective rune in front of it flickered with lightning for a minute before going outpletely.


    Had the barrier been actively destroyed by the Heavens, or had themotion simply been thest straw to unravel that ancient protective seal? In either case, it meant the core waspletely exposed, and Ykrodas cursed as he tried to find any traces of Kataron Rissit. They had entered this park roughly around the same time, yet he was nowhere to be seen.


    He was nowhere to be seen, and Ykrodas was filled with a sense of urgency. He needed to move, yet he dared not pass the man in front of him, even with an army at his back. So he could only wait, steeped in impatience, for Arcaz ck to wake up. Soon enough, the terrifying appearance of the Draugr returned to normal, the patterns gone entirely.


    The dark thunderous clouds were gone as well, but Ykrodas frowned as he felt an alien aura suffuse the Twilight Energy, subtly altering it. Arcaz ck opened his eyes, and Ykrodas was confused when he saw the confusion on his face. It almost looked like the Draugr had woken up from a dream, but he quickly regained his wits as he turned his gaze to Ykrodas.


    ��Ykrodas Havarok,�� he slowly said.


    ��You sent a message that our goals were aligned some months ago. Does that still hold?�� Ykrodas asked, surprised at how hoarse his voice sounded.


    ��It still holds,�� Arcaz nodded before his gaze shifted. ��But leave him behind.��


    Ykrodas�� brows scrunched as he looked at Ventus Kvan before they widened as he looked at the fallen body of Uona.


    ��The price that has been paid,�� Ykrodas sighed before snapping his fingers, which released the fetters that held the numerologist. ��Fate is fickle.��


    The slippery elf only smiled toward him before stepping to the side, though Ykrodas noted he didn��t join Arcaz�� side.


    ��He is free, and we will make no moves on him as long as he does not act against us again,�� Ykrodas said. ��Is that to your satisfaction?��


    ��That is fine,�� the Draugr nodded.


    Ykrodas hesitated for a second, filled with burning questions. What the hell just happened? What was that thing between his hands? What other madness do you have in store? Finally, Ykrodas picked the most pertinent one. His ancestors would be able to answer the rest after seeing the recordings. ��Can I ask, what is the situation at the core?��


    ��The Blood Effigy is destroyed, and you saw the fate of Uona yourself,�� the Draugr slowly said. ��The Eidolon had built something simr, but I destroyed that as well, along with most of the ghosts. Aia Ouro is still alive, but I doubt they are in fighting condition after our battle.��


    ��And the realm spirit?�� Ykrodas asked.


    ��It��s fine, as far as I know,�� Arcaz shrugged. ��I never saw it.��


    ��I have to go. You have helped us immensely, and the Havarok Empire will remember this favor. But others are aiming to destroy the spirit, and I must protect it,�� Ykrodas said.


    ��Well, you better hurry,�� the Draugr said with a grimace.


    ��Why? Has the Radiant Temple already made their move? Or is it the natives?�� Ykrodas frowned.


    ��Well, neither,�� the Draugr coughed, and Ykrodas felt he almost looked queasy. ��I��m talking about that.��


    Ykrodas didn��t understand what the man was talking about, but he still followed with his gaze as Arcaz pointed straight toward the sky. His eyes widened with horror the next moment as he saw dozens of silvery cracks that spread with speed visible to the naked eye.


    ��We have an hour if we��re lucky. After that, the Twilight Ocean will copse.��


    ��������


    Aia stabilized their mind as best as they could before cutting off the final tainted piece of their soul. They had lost over 30% of their spirit, but at least they would survive. With time and some treasures, their spirit would regrow.


    A smallfort was that no matter how bad a state they were in, Uona Noz��Vdir was in a worse one. Those scenes would be imprinted on their soul for the rest of their life. That horrifying power that Arcaz ck had unleashed before chasing that harlot into the streets of the City of Ancients.


    It only took one look to confirm their suspicions; their cements had moved up one spot. A Heaven��s Chosen of the Eternal n had fallen in the Frontier. Served her right for trying to entangle Hive Ouro with that madman. The moment they returned, they seek an audience with the ancestors and lodge aint against both those lunatics.


    ��So this is it,�� a sigh echoed out, terrifying Aia. ��Seventy-eight million years, only to be ripped apart by greed and chaos.��


    ��Who?!�� they screamed as they roused their exhausted spirit.


    Looking around, Aia saw him standing by another window of the building they had chosen to hide inside, looking up at the sky. It took a second, but they suddenly realized who it was. The man looked exactly like in the pictures, but that only served to make them more confused.


    ��That��s impossible! You��re long gone!�� Aia said with a mix of confusion and fear.


    How could this man be standing here? He had been killed so long ago. Was this a lingering resentment? That was the only thing Aia could think of, as the man had absolutely no aura at all, not a speck of spirituality.


    ��An Edgewalker has appeared and conjured a corner of the Primordial Dao, yet this is what you��re confused about?�� he snorted. ��Well, you will make a decent offering.��


    ��This is impossible! You can��t-�� Aia said, but they didn��t get any further as space twisted, ripping their soul to shreds.


    The sky rumbled again, but the man only snorted in derision as he walked over and picked up the Spatial Gem of the little ghost. ��What can you do to me that hasn��t already been done, you greedy old fellow?��


    His gaze turned once more to the scene outside, to the walking contradiction who had regained his senses by now. Arcaz ck was gazing up at the sky, at the cracks that had been created by his own hands.


    ��Child, it has to be fate that you appear before me after all these years,�� he muttered as blood started to run down his nose. ��It is time we met.��

 Chapter 778: A Little Bit of Chaos

    Chapter 778: A Little Bit of Chaos


    Zac looked at the receding backs of the Havarok army as they made their way toward the core of the City of Ancients. He briefly wondered what they would think upon seeing the gristly scene inside, where enough blood to fill a smallke had been expelled by the blood mistress, painting the whole courtyard red.


    A sharp pain brought him back to the present, and he slowly turned back his gaze toward the one person who remained. Ventus Kvan. Zac still didn��t know how much about his situation this elf knew through his Dao of Numerology. Did Ventus know they had met already, that he had two identities? Or had the elf rather gleaned somehow that Zac would be able to save him upon his capture?


    From the expression of Ykrodas, thetter seemed to be true at least, where the elf had already made some preparations for his release. It was a real headache to deal with a mysterious ability like numerology. Part of him wanted to simply kill the elf to keep any secrets from slipping out, but his conscience wouldn��t let him.


    The elf had helped him not only by warning him about the situation here, but he had even helped him break through in one of his Daos. Also, Zac waspletely spent, and there was no way he��d best this man in a confrontation at the moment.


    ��Ah, Lord ck, it is a pleasure to finally meet you,�� Ventus hesitantly said after the silence had stretched on for a while. ��I hope my warning served you well.��


    ��You illuminated the path for me, and I saved you in return,�� Zac grunted. ��Thus, bnce is restored.��


    ��Then I��ll take my leave, unless young master has any further instructions?�� Ventus smiled.


    ��Be careful when meddling with fate,�� Zac said. ��Small actions can grow into storms that swallow all in its path.��


    Ventus froze for a second before he wryly smiled in return. ��I��ll bear that in mind. My actions were my own, unrted to the temple.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    With that, he disappeared a puff of stardust, finally leaving Zac alone. He waited a few seconds before bending over to take the Spatial Ring of Uona before stowing away her body. After that, he slowly walked away until he slumped down at a secluded spot with his back against a dead tree. Just exchanging a few sentences had almost been beyond what he could manage now that the surge of chaos had left his body.


    He felt like a hollow husk now that things had calmed down, especially with the side-effects of the [Rageroot Oak Seed]ing to bear. That��s why he tried to give off an aura of confidence when talking to Ykrodas, and why he tried to fill the prince with some urgency. Luckily, the seal of the main tower had failed when the System unleashed its lightning, which gave the Havarok warriors pretext to hurry on their way.


    Zac took a ragged breath, and his hands shook as he took out a small box. His vision was already blurred, but he managed to cram the thing inside into his mouth, swallowing it in one go. Warm streams along with an odd undting power spread through his body, swiftly mending some of what was broken.


    It was the supreme treasure that contained the power of time, used to restore his body as much as was possible. The effect was immediate and amazing, effortlessly sweeping away the after-effects of the berserking pill, along with most of his internal wounds. It even restored some of his missing energy, making it like it was never spent.


    Of course, the damage wrought from the remnants wasn��t something an E-grade herb could so easily fix.


    Zac sighed as he looked at the wretched state of his body. More than half of his pathways were broken, and even his nodes showed some damage. Healing treasure had managed to stabilize the nodes and pathways a bit, but there were lingering energies that refused to be cleansed. He would barely be able to exert a tenth of his peak power at the moment, and judging by the state of his nodes, that alone was a risky endeavor.


    He might worsen the damage, leading to the nodes cracking altogether. A node breaking was extremely troublesome from what he had gathered. It could be restored, but there were few items that could expedite something like that. Mostmonly, you simply had to rest up for a couple of years, slowly nurturing them and letting them regrow. If you didn��t, you��d have an imperfection in your pathways, making the formation of a core pretty much impossible.


    Two strands of Chaos, that was all that it took for his body to reach a state like this. Allowing such a thing into his pathways was like pouring jet fuel into a moped. The energy hadn��t actually been rampant at all, but its mere existence was lethal to his body. It wrought more havoc without trying than the sets of remnants did.


    He turned his gaze to the cage in his mind, content to see all four of the remnants locked in a hateful embrace. The moment the Glimpse of Chaos had been formed, the remnants had beenpletely drained likest time, allowing him to hurriedly push them back inside. Thankfully, Ykrodas Havarok and his army had been so shocked by the spectacle and the death of Uona that they hadn��t dared interrupt the process.


    A new golden fractal had appeared in the cage, recing the one that he had destroyed to let the two others out. At the same time, the cracks that had covered some of the remaining fractals had been mended, reducing the risk of leaks or idental cracks. It wasn��t much, but it was as far as the System was willing to go by the looks of it.


    Zac had hoped to extract some more benefits upon feeling the hunger of the Heavens, but that thing was just too stubborn. For one, he had hoped for the System to upgrade the cage, but he had only managed to make it repair the damage that was directly rted to forming the chaos patterns. It did however promise it would keep doing so every time he conjured new glimpses in the future as well, lessening some of the pressure he felt at the prospect of gathering more of them.


    Any more than that, it nkly refused. It almost felt like he had been talking with an insurance investigator trying to deny a im, rather than an ancient and omniscient creation. When he had failed to get any other improvements to the remnant prison, he had tried something else �C he had demanded some things rted to the [Nine Reincarnations Manual].


    With the events in the Twilight Ocean, it wouldn��t be long before he underwent the second reincarnation and begin work on the third. He had first demanded moreyers of the manual, but the system had rejected the request with prejudice, to the point it almost zapped him with a bolt of lightning. When that failed, Zac had instead tried to get the materials he needed for the fourth reincarnation.


    He had the array tes for the third reincarnation ready to go, but a bustling ce like the Twilight Harbor actuallycked every single one of the core materials for the array needed at the fourthyer of the Soul Strengthening Method. He had already looked around in the Zecia sector as well without any luck, meaning he was bound to head straight toward a bottleneck unless something changed.


    Having the materials needed for the fourth reincarnation would greatly increase his chances of taking charge of these remnants. Going by the Strength his soul had gained so far, he figured that undergoing three reincarnations would put his soul at roughly the same level as a soul-cultivating elite at peak E-grade.


    That was extremely powerful, but still not at the level where he couldmand the remnants. The fourth reincarnation would push his soul into the territory of the D-grade, vastly increasing his odds as it put his soul at the same grade as the remnants.


    Zac was pretty much certain he��d be able to withstand the Atavism that Be��Zi mentioned with five reincarnations. Four reincarnations would be far more difficult, but it would perhaps be possible with enough preparations and supporting treasures. Unfortunately, the result was the same; a nk refusal where the System talked about the Law of Bnce.


    Of course, there was one more thing he managed to squeeze out, which was that had allowed him to aplish his most immediate goal. It was the ability to kill Uona, who would definitely be a thorn in his side if left alone. The System had helped restrain the Glimpse of Chaos and removed some of the pressure on him for almost a minute, allowing him to catch up and take her out.


    Without that, he would have been stuck, frozen in ce until he unleashed the glimpse into the sky.


    The gains were less than he had hoped for, but he knew he was ultimately not in the best position to haggle. There had been a Chaos Bomb brewing in his chest at the time, and he couldn��t have been too convincing when threatening to hold it back. What was he going to do, explode and die out of spite?


    But the exchange had once more proven just how much the System wanted these glimpses. It had adjusted the rewards of its own quest and even yed the supporting role when taking out a Heaven��s Chosen of an A-grade faction, just so that it could take a look at this corner of chaos.


    Zac wouldn��t be able to make use of that fact in the short run, but hopefully, he would be able to turn that into his advantage when he found more of those remnants. This time he had lost most of his potential gains because of cashing in early, using the System��s hunger to survive that massive snake back in the chasm.


    Next time, he would hold out for some treasure as well.


    Still, it was a revtion of just how powerful the young elites of established factions were. Without the Shard of Creation paving the path, he would have died ten times over. Let alone Uona, Aia Ouro would have killed him before the vampire even had time to show up. Furthermore, even when using the cheat-like remnants and a berserking treasure he had found himself on the losing end against Uona.


    The cost he had been forced to pay was shocking. Of course, that didn��t mean his prospects were all that much worsepared to Uona��s. There was still a lot of room for growth for him in the E-grade, be it levels, Dao, or skills. Meanwhile, Uona had to be at the stage where she prepared to form her Cultivator��s Core.


    Besides, while the cost had been steep, it wasn��t like he was without benefits, and Zac found his gaze turn to the Spatial Ring that had previously belonged to the blood mistress. It was sealed by some unknown method, but it was bound to have a lot of good things, perhaps even materials that would be useful when forming his Cultivator��s Core in the future. Her body was valuable as well, for a variety of reasons.


    Verun was clearly keen on drinking her blood, to the point that the Tool Spirit had almost entered a frenzy when they fought earlier. Not only that, but her body had essentially turned into a lightning rod that filled her with Heavenly Lightning, which still lingered in her body. That energy had proven pretty useful for him before, and Zac would hopefully be able to extract it with [Void Heart]ter.


    Thinking of a dead person as a cultivation resource bordered on unorthodoxy, but he knew he had to grasp any opportunity that came his way as a mortal. Besides, how was this any different from raising his foes and turning them into members of his army? He had already gone pretty far in his pursuit of power. Also, it somehow felt justifiable in this case, considering Uona had called him cattle before.


    There were other gains besides the loot as well, and Zac opened his Status screen.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    123


    ss


    [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion


    Race


    [D] Draugr �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood �Cary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven��s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt �C 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity �C 8th Floor, Heaven��s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, Weight of Sin, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Fragment of the Coffin �C Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi �C Peak


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    11792 [Increase: 110%. Efficiency: 261%]


    Dexterity


    4772 [Increase: 80%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Endurance


    8114 [Increase: 101%. Efficiency: 250%]


    Vitality


    6615 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 238%]


    Intelligence


    1945 [Increase: 74%. Efficiency: 187%]


    Wisdom


    4036 [Increase: 81%. Efficiency: 197%]


    Luck


    514 [Increase: 96%. Efficiency: 208%]


    Free Points


    30


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 662


    He had actually gained three full levels without trying, and without using the torrential amounts of kill energy that still filled his body. His mind was a bit fuzzy on the details, but one had been burst open when the four remnants shed in his body. It had already been at the precipice of opening since long ago, and the rampant energies had pushed it over the edge.


    Luckily, between the Supreme Healing Treasure and the [Stone of Hope], the damage wasn��t too bad. The other two nodes had been opened with him barely noticing from the two streams of Chaos. Each tendril had infused a minuscule amount into a node of their own, and the nodes had simply been open the next moment, without as much as a pop or eruption.


    It was a wee surprise, but Zac was more interested in something else, and he opened the Bloodline Screen after allocating the 30 free points into Dexterity.


    Bloodline


    [E �C Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent


    Force of the Void �C 50%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes


    [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes


    [E] Quantum Gate


    The two biggest gains were rted to [Force of the Void] and [Quantum Gate]. The bit of Chaos that hadn��t entered his nodes had been swallowed by his Bloodline, pushing it forward by a huge degree. His Bloodline Talent had been improved all the way to 50% in one go.


    Unfortunately, he somewhat felt the small vortices in his cells had reached saturation. Zac couldn��t be certain, but he guessed that he wouldn��t be able to pass 50%, at least not without evolving the talents or his Bloodline.


    The recently discovered node had finally appeared in his Draugr-form as well, and it looked like his previous theory had been correct. He had needed to infuse the Hidden Node with Oblivion on his undead side toplete it. He had no idea whether he was simply lucky that he had the Oblivion and Creation necessary for the formation, or whether any two opposing forces would do the trick.


    However, as Zac looked at the small node at his sternum, he couldn��t help but feel a bit confused. As far as he could tell, it didn��t do anything. It didn��t seem interested in swallowing any energy, and it didn��t provide any attributes or abilities either. Zac hesitantly circted a small stream of Miasma to pass by the node, but there was simply no response. It might as well have been a decoration.


    Zac grimaced, wondering if it was really something meant to be used with the machinery of the Technocrats, rendering it useless for him. He wasn��t ready to give up just yet, but now was not the time to experiment. Zac sighed as he closed the status screen and once more turned his gaze toward the sky.


    The more pressing matter was what the hell he should do next.


    The chaotic scars continued to spread across the sky, and he could sense that the atmosphere itself had started to be a bit vtile. He hadn��t been lying when giving the Mystic Realm one hour before all hell broke loose. If anything, he had been underselling just how rapidly the Mystic Realm was deteriorating.


    When the Chaos had been coursed through his pathways, he had somehow inherently understood what would happen next. The cracks would increase with exponential speed until the Mystic realm destabilized and copsed. He and everyone else would be thrown out, perhaps into the void, perhaps into the Twilight Harbor where a bunch of Divine Monarchs waited.


    He had absolutely no idea how things would y out at that point. Even surviving the realm exploding felt uncertain unless the System stepped in. And even if he did, he would still be in extreme peril. Things were bound to get extremely chaotic when the realm copsed a year early, with Alvod and the other Monarchs struggling to seize whatever it was that could help them ascend.


    Zac remembered the terrifying shockwaves when the Voridis A��Heliophos fought against the Collector and the Administrator inside the Mystic Realm back on Earth. Just some errant bursts of energy had been enough to maim him. As bad as that was, it was nothingpared what waited outside.


    At least three Divine Monarchs were going all out to seize the chance at Autarchy, with even more Monarchs entering the fray to help out their side. Any errant strand of energy from such a struggle was enough to turn him to dust a hundred times over.


    Zac sighed as he took out themunication crystal to Catheya and infused a small amount of Miasma into it as he held a Supreme Miasma Crystal in his free hand. The connection was opened almost instantly, indicating that she had probably been waiting for him to call.


    ��It��s me,�� Zac said with a hoarse voice.


    ��Are you okay?�� a worried voice emerged from the other side.


    ��A bit worse for the wear, but I��ll survive,�� Zac grunted as his gaze shifted from the spatial ring where Uona��s lifeless body was stowed away, to the fracturing sky above. ��More importantly, you need to prepare yourself. Things got a bit out of hand, and the Mystic Realm will copse in less than an hour.��


    Zac��s mouth tugged upward as he could hear a muted groan on the other side.


    ��You said ��a little bit chaotic��,�� Catheya sighed, the exasperation so palpable it could be felt through themunication crystal. ��I guess I should have understood we have very different definitions of what that entailed.��

 Chapter 779: Company

    Chapter 779: Company


    Zac smiled as he let Catheya release some steam through themunication crystal. She had probably been under a lot of pressure the past days, and letting her lecture him a bit actually helped him readjust his psyche. He could feel how his mental state was a mess at the moment, a chaotic skein with fraying ends.


    It was no wonder, with how brutal the battle had been.


    It was the first time he had been pushed like this since fighting Void��s Disciple, where death loomed at every corner and there was no way for him to back down. He had been close to dying many times over down in the chasm as well, but it was far more palpable when getting pushed beyond your limit in a head-on collision against a peer.


    ��I guess that��s par for the course with you,�� Catheya continued through the crystal, her volume growing louder as she went on. ��Why wouldn��t you destroy a Mystic Realm or two? Most people would be happy with the Title and the treasures they harvested, but I guess they simplyck ambition of a greater man.��


    ��Well, you know,�� Zac coughed, and immediately grimaced when some pain red up in his side.


    ��I am guessing Uona fell by your hands when the Heavens descended,�� Catheya muttered.


    ��I��m sorry to implicate you guys. She gave me no option,�� Zac sighed.


    ��That��s fine. We both knew that this was a likely oue by how things turned out. I��m more shocked you actually managed to take her out than anything else,�� Catheya said. ��But tell me, did you kill the Eidolon as well, or was that someone else?��


    ��Oh? Aia Ouro died?�� Zac eximed with surprise. ��I thought they would survive my attack after they fled.��


    ��So you did battle the ghost as well,�� Catheya groaned. ��And their preparations on the inside?��


    ��Destroyed. By me,�� Zac admitted.


    ��So you have now managed to infuriate not one, but two, of the great factions of the Undead Empire?�� Catheya groaned. ��A shame there are no reavers around, or you could have aimed for the trifecta. I already dread the day you visit the Hearnds. I wouldn��t be surprised if you managed to enrage one of the Founders as well.��


    Zac simply snorted in response as he kept focusing on restoring his body while doing some field repair of his pathways with the help of [Spiritual Anchor]. It would take weeks of work to restore the pathways, but some small alterations would at least lessen the amount of Miasma he was leaking every second.


    ��Well, what��s done is done,�� Catheya eventually relented. ��Do you need me to head over?��


    ��No, that��s okay,�� Zac said after some hesitation.


    He didn��t know exactly how things would y out when the Mystic Realm broke apart, but he figured that it might be a bad idea to get thrown out together with the Draugr scion. Her master would probably move to either capture or save her, depending on exactly where his allegiancesy. She, in turn, would inform him that she had valuable intelligence for the Empire.


    Her master wouldn��t be able to kill her due to thepulsions, and he would be forced to take her to an ambassador or representative without any undue dy. Catheya would essentially use the information about him as a method to protect herself in case her master had turned traitor against the Sharva��Zi n.


    It was the least Zac could do after all the trouble he had caused her and her n by killing not only Uona, but even Aia Ouro by the looks of it.


    ��However, the arrays in the town have broken apart. The inner mansions probably have a lot of good things,�� Zac added. ��It might be a good idea to continue your looting in here.��


    ��Really?�� Catheya eximed, some excitement apparent in her voice. ��Well, if the realm is going to copse in an hour, I might as well give it a go. If I��m going to get ripped apart by the void, I��d prefer to die a wealthy woman. Besides, we have long run out of targets here on the outside.��


    Zac wasn��t surprised. While he had entered the City of Ancients, Catheya had enacted a n of her own. She wasn��t willing to enter the obvious trap that the city represented, but that didn��t mean she was simply going to sit around. She had instead decided to target some cultivators on the outside.


    Many hade for the treasures in the City of Ancients, but fewer than half had ultimately entered. There had been quite a few enterprising individuals who set up shop as well, and they had absolutely cleaned up by profiteering on the cultivators preparing to enter the city. They had charged exorbitant prices for things like defensive talismans or puppets and the like, often taking the natural treasures of the Twilight Ocean as payment.


    Catheya had decided to rob these merchants whose Spatial Rings were overflowing with low- and middle-grade treasures.


    ��The Havarok and Radiant Temple have entered the core of the city by the looks of it. You��ll have to contend with the regr elites of the Mystic Realm though,�� Zac added.


    ��That��s fine. Our little trio has be pretty adept at fleeing by this point,�� Catheyaughed at the other side. ��Are you sure you��re okay?��


    ��I��m fine,�� Zac grunted, though his heart suddenly lurched. ��Well, I have to go now. We��ll talk a bitter.��


    Zac wouldn��t have minded talking with the Draugr a bit longer, but something had changed. He wasn��t alone in the forest any longer.


    He immediately cut the connection to themunication crystal while bracing himself in case he would have to fight the new arrival. A middle-aged man had suddenly appeared out of nowhere right in front of him, without producing as much as a ripple of energy. Zac��s danger sense didn��t give off any indication of mortal danger upon the arrival of the man, but he still felt an immense sense of pressure as he stared into the eyes of the man.


    The cultivator was a variant human judging by his appearance and clothes, but he didn��t feel like a trial taker. The man rather gave off the indomitable aura of an old master, even if he didn��t emit even a speck of spirituality. However, while he looked pretty imposing, his state was pretty wretched.


    Blood ran down his nose and from the side of his mouth, and small cracks covered his face and exposed hands. Zac frowned when he sensed the familiar aura in the wounds, and he quickly formed a hypothesis, one that was all but confirmed after a few seconds had passed.


    ��You are the Realm Spirit everyone has been looking for,�� Zac hoarsely said.


    ��Correct,�� the man nodded. ��Of course, this is just an Avatar. My true self is still in the castle. You really did a number on my body just now.��


    Zac was about to answer, but he was shocked silent when the man shuddered until the visage carrying the telltale pallidplexion of a revenant. Zac��s mind short-circuited for a second as he looked at the transformation. Was the Realm Spirit like him, someone with two races?


    ��I see your thoughts are racing, but I��m sorry. We are not the same, young man,�� the middle-aged man smiled. ��I am not the real thing.��


    ��The same?�� Zac hesitantly said.


    ��There��s no point to y ignorant with me. You have been walking inside my body for years,�� the man snorted, his voice suddenly having a slightly different cadence since changing form. ��I realized something was different about you the moment you entered the realm. Truthfully, I most likely wouldn��t have noticed you if not for the fact you brought that ancient Dao Purifier inside. Since then, I have been keeping watch.


    ��It was only after you transformed in the Hollowtongue Mountains I could confirm your situation. Don��t worry. No one, not even the usurper hiding in the depths of this realm, knows of your true situation. In fact, I have helped obfuscate your exact situation from Alvod Jondir��s gaze.��


    Zac knew the jig was up the moment he mentioned the Hollowtongue Mountains, and he inwardly cursed Va Tapek again for having him mule such a dangerous item into this ce. The Hollowtongue Mountains was where he swapped races the first time, and where he first deactivated his array. Thankfully, it looked like the Realm Spirit Didn��t care, but Zac still felt extremely exposed with his secrets out in the open like this.


    ��Don��t look so worried. Us meeting is a good thing for you. Here, a small greeting gift,�� the man said and threw over a small gemstone.


    ��What��s this?�� Zac asked with confusion as he looked at the unfamiliar gem.


    ��It is the spatial treasure of the ghost you fought earlier,�� the man exined.


    ��Aia Ouro?�� Zac said as he looked at the man suspiciously.


    ��Why are you looking at me like that?�� the man snorted. ��I��m just a Realm Spirit, how am I supposed to kill someone? The ghost hid inside one of the side buildings and started to cut off parts of their spirit body to rid themselves of the energy you infused into them. But their luck was trulycking. The moment you called on the Heavens, they were restrained and lost control. The Creation energy consumed them.��


    Zac looked at the Realm Spirit with wide eyes, before he wryly shook his head. Aia Ouro really had bad luck. The situation the man described sounded perfectly usible. Of course, it was possible the Realm Spirit was lying and finished off the ghost himself. He knew too little about Realm Spirits to know whether that was possible or not.


    He had tried to find out more since arriving at the settlements outside the City of Ancients, but the little he had managed to gather seemed mostly hearsay. That alone proved they were extremely rare, and definitely not something all Mystic Realms or world possessed. But from what he had gathered, they were supposed to be a unique type oftent consciousness that could awaken inside a Realm Core or World Core, somewhat resembling a Tool Spirit.


    These beings would essentially turn the into a living entity, depending on how you defined living, which could absorb energy quicker than a normal world. This would provide all sorts of benefits for the natives, like increased energy density. More importantly, many believed a Realm Spirit could actually evolves by themselves, something that generally needed extremely precious treasures or help from the System.


    However, the appearance of this man didn��t seem like what the missives had described. Realm Spirits weren��t supposed to be this human. They could ��live�� for billions of years, as long as a, so their consciousness was supposed to bepletely differentpared to a cultivator. Communicating with them was supposed to be like trying tomunicate with nature itself, and this situation clearly didn��t fit the bill.


    So considering that most of what he knew was a bit off, it was impossible to tell whether this Realm Spirit was lying or not. In either case, things had already progressed to this point. He had been willing to take the me for Aia Ouro��s death until now anyway, but now he did at least get his hands on their Spatial Tool.


    ��Thank you,�� Zac slowly said as he stowed away the crystal. ��But I��m assuming you didn��t juste to have a conversation and bestow gifts upon me.��


    ��Why not?�� the man smiled. ��My life is ending soon enough, isn��t myst moments better spent inpany than alone?��


    Zac didn��t answer the question and only kept his gaze level at the man.


    ��Alright, I do have something important to discuss with you,�� the man said, changing back to his human form mid-sentence. ��But first, we should take a walk.��


    ��A walk?�� Zac repeated with a raised brow.


    ��A group of eight warriors is closing in, four of which are possessing Dao Branches. I assume you don��t wish to encounter them in your current state?�� the man smiled.


    Zac worriedly looked around through the forest. He couldn��t see anyone, but his vision was limited. It wasn��t impossible someone was approaching now the arrays covering the city had broken down. Most people would probably still be out of their minds from the killing arrays, but the elites would probably make a y now that things had reached this point.


    He was pretty exposed as well since he had only managed to take a few steps before toppling over. Zac groaned as he got back on his feet, barely able to perform the task by using a random spear from his Spatial Ring as a cane. Normally, he would have used the chains of [Love��s Bond] to move when his legs wouldn��t listen, but that was impossible at the moment.


    Alea had fled into the coffin the moment the Heavens had appeared, taking that terrifying ball of blood and Oblivion with her. Since then, Zac hadn��t sensed her presence in the slightest, and he looked over his shoulder at the coffin with worry. Cracks covered its whole surface, and it emitted dangerous fluctuations.


    ��The little girl is ferociously holding on,�� the Realm Spirit sighed. ��But she has overextended herself.��


    ��Can you tell her situation? Do you know anything that could help?�� Zac hurriedly asked.


    ��I guess you could say we are kindred spirits,�� the man smiled. ��I do have a solution. But for now, let��s walk.��


    Hearing that the Realm Spirit might be able to help Alea, he quickly ambled forward to keep up. Following the Realm Spirit was a bit risky, but if it wanted to attack him, it would probably already have done so. The fact that he could help Alea trumped most of his misgivings as well, not to mention that it might be able to send him out of this ce early.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Kindred spirits?�� Zac asked curiously as the two walked toward the core again, though Zac noticed the Realm Spirit didn��t move exactly toward the central castle.


    ��Just like the little demoness, I was once a cultivator. Two actually,�� the Realm Spirit exined. ��Of course, so little of my original identities survived that I��m more of a new being than an old.��


    ��So you were a cultivator?�� Zac eximed, but he wasn��t overly surprised.


    Seeing the appearance of this man had made Zac think of the Eveningtide Asura, and of how he had be one with Twilight. It somewhat seemed that Alvod Jondir was trying to walk down the same path as this Realm Spirit, or perhaps use their resemnce to ess the core of the Mystic Realm.


    ��This ce, which is now called the Twilight Ocean, was once part of my inner world,�� the man sighed, once more swapping over to a Revenant. ��The two faces you see me wear belong to two first-step Autarchs that fought to the Death extremely ago. Because of a certain treasure we fought over, our deaths wasn��t the end.


    ��A small part of our inner worlds survived and fused into this Mystic Realm. Innumerable yearster, my two siblings and I woke up, each one controlling one version of this realm. Now, I am thest one to remain, and I will join the others soon enough,�� the man sighed. ��But before that, I have some matters to attend to.��


    ��So this is what the inner world of an Autarch looks like?�� Zac muttered as he looked around with wide eyes.


    ��Hardly. We had both defended our Dao and connected our Inner Worlds to the Heavens. Our inner worlds were far grander in both depth and scalepared to this deste Mystic Realm,�� the Mystic Realm snorted. ��Here we are.��


    Zac looked around with interest. The Realm Spirit had taken him to one of the mansions that were right next to the towering inner wall. Zac hadn��t passed this particr one before, but it resembled most of the other mansions that he suspected to have been lived-in by undead cultivators.


    ��This town was created in an attempt to live as a cultivator once more after waking up,�� the man sighed as he looked around. ��s, some things were not meant to be. Time is different for a Realm Spirit. I fell asleep, and when I woke up, everyone had been dead for a million years. Some timeter, I was modified by the System to be a trial ground.��


    The two entered the courtyard, and Zac felt a bit of trepidation when he saw the dispersing haze congeal behind them, blocking his escape.


    ��Just a small measure to make the treasure hunters look elsewhere while we talk,�� the Realm spirit exined. ��My time is running short so I will make it brief. I have a task I would like to entrust you.��


    Zac looked hesitantly at the Realm Spirit, trying to suss out his motives.


    ��I��m sorry,�� Zac eventually said, steeling himself for an eventual outburst. ��I have run myself raggedpleting tasks for old mons- ehm, masters. You��ve seen the state of my body. I can barely help myself at the moment, let alone others. I will have to decline.��


    ��Well, that��s a shame,�� the Realm Spirit said with a raised brow. ��But what if the task I��m talking about is for you to take a priceless treasure away from here? Something marvelous beyondpare, and something that should be highly beneficial for someone with your unique situation.��


    Zac nkly looked at the Realm Spirit for almost ten seconds before he released a deep sigh.


    ��Alright, what do you need me to do?��

 Chapter 780: Marvellous Beyond Compare

    Chapter 780: Marvellous Beyond Compare


    Zac��s body was on the verge of shutting down, but he still couldn��t stop himself from epting such a lucrative task. How could he possibly say no to a treasure that a former Autarch called ��marvelous beyondpare��? It was even to the point he might form a Heart Demon if he turned away now, forever wondering how things would have panned out if he hadn��t backed down at this moment.


    ��I knew I could count on you, young man,�� the Realm Spirit smiled. ��By the way, you can call me Qi��Sar.��


    ��First of all, tell me how to help my Tool Spirit,�� Zac said, trying to remember if he had heard that name before.


    But he drew aplete nk, as there was nothing of the sort mentioned in the missives he had poured through, and neither had Catheya mentioned it.


    ��Her grade is too low, and she is overwhelmed by the ferocity of the energies she has absorbed. It is slowly tearing her apart as she is unable to refine the energies quickly enough,�� Qi��Sar said. ��In her current state, she willst a few days at the best. Luckily, there are many ways to help her. The easiest method is to provide something that will seal the energy temporarily, allowing her to take out and refine it bit by bit.��


    Zac nodded in agreement, feeling the method feasible. After all, that was exactly what he was doing with the remnants in his mind. The fact that he had a few days was a relief as well, as he really needed to rest for a few more minutes.


    ��I just so happen to possess some refined Temporal Crystals. Have the Tool Spirit absorb a few of them, and she will be able to seal the rampant energies within a temporal field, drastically slowing the rate of destruction. It should be enough for her to refine them,�� the Realm Spirit continued.


    ��Perfect,�� Zac eximed. ��Where are they?��


    ��I do not have them on me,�� Qi��Sar smiled. ��Remember, I am just here as a projection. Lucky for you, they are right by the treasure. I have used quite a few Temporal Crystals to speed up its maturity so that it could be taken away before this realm copsed.��


    ��So just what is this treasure you want me to take?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��All in time,�� the Realm Spirit said.


    Zac frowned in annoyance, but his brows quickly smoothed out. It was a bit odd that he didn��t want to say, but hearing the exnation gave some indication of what kind of treasure it was. From the sounds of it, the item was something living rather than a fully-formed treasure. Otherwise, Qi��Sar wouldn��t have needed to put it in a Temporal Field to mature it.


    ��Wait, it��s not the item that the Divine Monarchs are fighting over?�� Zac hesitantly asked.


    ��No,�� the Realm Spirit said with a shake of his head. ��They are fighting over the true core of this Mystic Realm, a mutated World Core that contains echoes of the Daos my two predecessors possessed before dying. They are trying to take my ce and directly connect with the core, which would allow them to more easily transform and absorb the Dao within. Along with some other preparations, they have a decent chance of calling down the old Heavens.��


    Zac��s heart beat an extra time when he thought of a core containing the Dao insights of an Autarch. Even if he could get a small whiff of that, he would probably push all three of his Daos to the peak of what the E-grade could withstand. Even that white light that passed through him in the valley would probably be unable to match up to something like that.


    ��Don��t even think about it,�� the Realm Spirit snorted when he saw the greed in Zac��s eyes. ��Even if I helped you get close to take it, you would only get yourself killed. A sense of propriety is important for a cultivator, to know when to advance and when to back away.��


    ��Alright, I get it,�� Zac muttered as he sat down on a dusty chair, not forgetting to keep restoring his body as best as he could. ��Are we in a hurry?��


    ��We have some time, but I cannot linger too long,�� Qi��Sar said. ��The System has deactivated the real restrictions of my castle, allowing the children to slowly make their way toward my sanctum. I need to return within fifteen minutes to stop them from trapping my spirit. I want to die on my own terms.��


    ��Fifteen minutes,�� Zac sighed. ��Barely enough to make some field repairs. This better be worth it.��


    ��Don��t worry, you will not be disappointed. The item I want you to take away is of lower grade than the World Core, but it might be just as useful to an Edgewalker such as yourself.��


    ��An Edgewalker? What?�� Zac said with confusion.


    ��It is what you call people such as yourself, beings that innately hold two opposing paths. You walk at the edge between two grand Daos,�� the Realm Spirit exined.


    ��There are more people like me?�� Zac asked with a mix of relief and disappointment.


    ��What is truly unique in the Multiverse?�� the man smiled. ��But I can��t remember ever encountering one such as yourself before. It should be quite rare, especially Life-Death Edgewalkers.��


    ��How would the Undead Empire react to someone like me?�� Zac asked hesitantly.


    ��I am afraid I do not know. Truthfully, I thought you a covert member of the empire, sent here because of your unique constitution. Too little remains of my memories of the inner workings of the Undead Empire. Too much time has passed,�� the man said with a shake of his head. ��But your constitution and the fact that you have already climbed that broken peak with some sess should warrant some nurturing.��


    ��The Dao of Chaos?�� Zac muttered. ��Howe everyone calls it a broken peak? Is it because it��s unorthodox?��


    ��No Dao is unorthodox,�� the Realm Spirit snorted. ��The Dao is the Dao. However, as the eras turn and time itself grinds to dust, the bnce of the Heavens shift. Eventually, a cataclysm will take ce, one where the Heavens themselves are ripped apart.��


    Zac listened with confusion, not quite getting it. But he ventured a guess. ��Like the Dark Age preceding the System?��


    ��The birth of the System cannot truly be considered such an event,�� the Realm Spirit said. ��This current era and the era of Emperor Limitless, they are one and the same, far too short timespans to be considered eras on their own.��


    ��But the System has been around for an extreme amount of time, far longer than even the lifespans of A-grade cultivators,�� Zac countered. ��That��s not enough to be considered an era?��


    ��The lifespan of those at the peak can seem endless to most, but it cannotpare to the age of an era. When Emperor Limitless began his mad experiment, the era was still in its infancy, and the Heavens were still recovering from the previous cataclysm. Most likely, that��s the only reason his attempt seeded,�� the Realm Spirit smiled.


    Zac��s eyes were wide as he listened with rapt attention, almost forgetting the wretched state of his body and Alea��s situation. This Realm Spirit clearly had ess to knowledge far beyond the scope of the Frontier. This was a huge opportunity to get a deeper understanding of the Multiverse and the Dao of Chaos.


    ��Most factions call this current era the Era of Unification. A harmonious bnce of Dao, centered around the Dao of Order,�� the Realm Spirit continued.


    ��But the Apostate of Order was just the third one to appear?�� Zac said with confusion. ��How can his Dao be the main one?��


    ��He is the first true Apostate,�� the Realm Spirit smiled. ��The Beast Progenitor was on equal standing to Limitless Emperor even before the System was born, most likely even more powerful. They simply infused their Dao into the System to give the myriad beasts of the Multiverse a path in this new reality. As for the First Defier, he was an aberration that likely will not appear again. Talomis A��Pakrava, the Apostate of Order, was the first one to reach the peak under the guidance of the System.��


    ��How is this rted to the Dao of Chaos?�� Zac hesitantly asked.


    ��The Order and Chaos, two opposite realities,�� the Realm Spirit mused. ��This era is one where Dao is harmonious and orderly, but during the previous era, Primordial Chaos ran free, influencing the will of the Heavens. That��s why we generally refer to the previous era as the Primordial Era.��


    ��Did everyone cultivate the Dao of Chaos back then?�� Zac said as he shuddered, remembering just how terrifying that energy was.


    ��Hardly, but it was the glue that held the Heavens together, and its influence could be seen in all paths. Conversely, this Era is one forged through Order, where your pathways, your skills, your Titles have the echoes of Order within,�� Qi��Sar said.


    ��How do people know all this?�� Zac asked. ��I thought people barely knew what was going on in the age of Emperor Limitless.��


    ��The Eternal Heritages,�� the Realm Spirit smiled. ��I had the luck of witnessing one such site in my lifetime, it is my greatest source of pride.��


    ��Eternal Heritage?�� Zac said, never having heard of anything like it before.


    ��All life in the Multiverse was extinguished at the end of the Primordial Era, all matter returned to the Primordial Chaos. But some things�� Are beyond the Dao itself, eternal. There are a handful of items and ces that survived the cataclysm of the Primordial Era. Each one of those Heritages is beyond yourprehension, powerful enough to turn empires to dust.


    ��It is through those Heritages much about the ancient past was discovered. I personally know of two eras that have left behind such items, a testament to the might of their time. Apart from the Primordial Era, there has also been an era where the Five Elements were the basis of all reality. There are most likely more of them out there, but the peak factions are fiercely guarding them,�� Qi��Sar said.


    ��Greater than the Dao,�� Zac muttered, unable to imagine just how powerful those ces were. Did they surpass the A-grade?


    ��In contrast, not a single such Heritage has been created in the Era of Unity, at least not to my knowledge,�� Qi��Sar said, confirming Zac��s guess. ��The beings that created these Heritages�� They would be unmatched and unopposed if they appeared in this age.��


    ��And this is somehow rted to the Broken Peaks?�� Zac asked.


    What Qi��Sar said was interesting, but time was limited and he needed to get something tangible he could use.


    ��The cataclysm ended the Primordial Era, and the Heavens themselves were destroyed. Of course, the Dao is eternal, and it slowly reformed itself, giving birth to the current age. However, some parts were more affected by the cataclysm than others. The Dao of Chaos and a few others have still not beenpletely reintegrated into the Heavens. Then the System arrived,plicating things further,�� Qi��Sar said.


    ��Does that mean cultivating the Dao of Chaos is impossible?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Nothing is impossible,�� the Realm Spirit said. ��As I said, the Dao is Eternal. While cultivators call them Broken Peaks, it��s more apt to say they are obscured. You can still climb them, but it puts greater requirements on your affinities. However, walking the trodden path within the purview of the System�� It has its own issues.��


    ��Is that why the Undead Empire doesn��t want its followers to cultivate pure death?�� Zac ventured.


    ��No, that is due to another issue, but I cannot discuss it,�� Qi��Sar smiled. ��Thepulsions still bind me, even in this state.��


    Zac wanted to ask more, but it looked like they had run out of time. The Realm Spirit shuddered as a couple of new cracks appeared on his face.


    ��It is time for me to return. Follow me,�� he said.


    Zac got back on his feet with a grunt, and the Tool Spirit led him deeper into the mansion, passing one opulent room after another. Eventually, they entered a seemingly unassuming study, but Zac realized what was going on when the Realm Spirit indicated for him to move a small statue. Zac walked over and pushed it, prompting a trap-door to smoothly open.


    ��This pathway will lead to the cer of my castle, allowing you to circumvent the cultivators guarding the entrance aboveground. The treasure room is located down there as well. The others are busy breaking through the restrictions to reach my core. If all goes ording to n, you will not meet any of the other trial takers in this venture,�� Qi��Sar said.


    ��Simple enough,�� Zac muttered. ��Will you tell me now what it is you want me to take away from here?��


    ��It��s a special crystal I have nurtured with the energy of realm for millions of years,�� Qi��Sar relented. ��A unique creation of life and death.��


    ��No wonder,�� Zac whistled, though he inwardly wondered if things really were that simple.


    ��As long as you take that thing away, you��re free to help yourself to everything else left in the treasury,�� the Realm Spirit added.


    ��Very generous,�� Zac said with a slightly raised brow.


    ��I can��t take it with me into the cycle of reincarnation,�� the Realm Spiritughed when he saw Zac��s skepticism. ��I might as well do a good deed by helping someone on a simr path as my own. Besides, the less that is left to the vultures outside, the easier I��ll be able to pass on.��


    ��I hate to ask, but are you able to control where I am let out when this all goes down?�� Zac ventured. ��I have essentially angered every party in this conflict. If you want me to take this treasure of yours away, I could use the assist.��


    ��I might be able to slightly move you further away from the core of the action. But you should understand that I will be facing my end the moment the realm copses, and I cannot guarantee anything,�� the man said after some thought. ��But if you help me with this task, I will do my utmost.��


    ��That��s fine, I can manage from there,�� Zac slowly said.


    While he said that, Zac wasn��t quite as confident as he let on. In fact, he felt the odds of him being able to smoothly return to Zecia pretty slim. There was no guarantee that the Teleportation Arrays would work when he exited. The tform housing the arrays might have been destroyed already. And even if it still stood intact, there was no way that Alvod would keep it operational.


    Shutting that thing down would be the first thing he did to prevent any powerful enemies from joining the struggle. Zac had some cards prepared, but they probably wouldn��t work in the middle of whatever chaos waited outside. But as long as he could get far enough away, he had a shot. If not, he would have to figure something out. There would be a lot of cultivators stranded, and a solution would hopefully present itself.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac couldn��t expect the Realm Spirit to aplish something impossible, and he even felt embarrassed to ask. After all, no matter who won on the outside, the man standing in front of him would die. A former Autarch, someone who had towered over trillions of beings, one of the true rulers of the Multiverse.


    ��Are�� you okay?�� Zac hesitantly asked.


    ��Most of my old life is hazy, but the little I remember was grander than what most could ever dream of experiencing. I have seen civilizations rise and fall, I have witnessed miracles and experienced sorrows, all in the pursuit of the Grand Dao,�� the man smiled. ��But everything must end. I have already overstayed my wee. It is time for me to enter Samsara.��


    With that, he was gone. Zac thoughtfully looked at the spot where the Realm Spirit disappeared for a few moments before his gaze turned to the hidden corridor leading toward the castle. He tried to make sense of the former Autarch, but it was impossible to draw any definite conclusions. He had been congenial, but was Qi��Sar��s intentions really as pure as he let on?


    The spirit hadn��t made any threats or tried to force his hands, but he had made it almost impossible to say no. The material to stabilize Alea just so happened to be in the same room as the mysterious crystal? The spirit would help expel him at a safe spot if Zac helped him?


    Their talk had been harmonious, but if there was one thing Ogras had taught him, it was to never take people at face value. This was an old monster, two even, who hade close to the peak of cultivation. That was something that required not only talent, but also smarts, ruthlessness, and an unbendable will.


    Was he really resigned to falling here and bing fuel for the Eveningtide Asura��s ascension?


    Zac knew that existential exhaustion was a real thing, but it was surprisingly rare among peak existences. Their conception of time shifted as their grades increased, and they only got where they were because of an obsession with the Dao. So it was a very real possibility that this Realm Spirit had some ns of their own, a gambit to continue their pursuit of the Dao.


    The question was what role Zac��s mission had in this mess, and whether there was anything he could do to protect himself from any further machinations.


    His thoughts turned for the next couple of minutes, but he ultimately shook his head and started to get ready. No matter what the true reason was for the Realm Spirit approaching him was, Zac still had to go through with it. But he would keep his eyes open and y things by the ear.


    A stream of energy entered his Specialty Core, and a momentter, life spread through his body. However, Zac��s eyes widened with rm when he felt terrifying fluctuations in his chest as a storm of Twilight Energy surged into his body. It felt like his body was being ripped apart by a million spatial tears, and like his pathways were on fire. He fell down on the ground with a scream, barely able to stay conscious.


    What the hell was going on?

 Chapter 781: Linked

    Chapter 781: Linked


    Pain far beyond what he had endured during the fight spread through every part of Zac��s body. He feared that the Duplicity Core had somehow been damaged during the battle without him noticing, resulting in a wed transformation process. Thankfully, Zac quickly realized that wasn��t what was happening.


    The issue seemed to being from his recentlypleted [Quantum Gate]. He didn��t know exactly what it was doing, but he figured that it shouldn��t be harmful. However, the torrential amounts of Twilight Energy that surged into his body was a problem, and he quickly took out a couple of Supreme Nexus Crystals and crushed them.


    The Twilight Energy around him was quickly being reced Cosmic Energy, but the neutral energy barely had time to appear before it was dragged into Zac��s body as well. He was like a voracious vortex, but it wasn��t actually the hidden node itself that was the source of the pull. Every single part of his body greedily sucked in energy, even though his Human form shouldn��t be energy-starved at all.


    He started to regret swapping races as the pain threatened to drive him mad, but he didn��t have much of a choice. He was running dangerously low on Miasma, and his pathways were an absolute mess. Meanwhile, his Arcaz ck persona had be public enemy number one, and who knew if this ce would blow up early.


    After all, the one-hour deadline was simply his estimate based on the chaotic decay, but there was no guarantee that Alvod or someone on the outside wouldn��t make their move before that. Someone might strike early to seize an advantage, resulting in everyone getting thrown out early.


    But now, Zac started to wonder if he would even survive the transformation as he was beset by pain that far surpassed even that of the Bone-Forging Dust. Even if whatever [Quantum Gate] wanted to do was beneficial, his body wasn��t really in a state to undergo anyrge transformations at the moment.


    The process thankfully onlysted for a couple of minutes, but that short moment had felt like an eternity. Zac took a shuddering breath as he got back to a sitting position, but he froze and looked around with wonder. A few secondster, he quickly turned his gaze inward to inspect his body.


    It only took a cursory scan to figure out what was going on, and Zac breathed out in relief. Seeing the changes had pretty much confirmed that the node was imnted by his mother and her n, meant to work in tandem with the Duplicity Core. And luckily, its function definitely wasn��t rted to the Dao of Technology.


    He was ted to see that his pathways had grown thicker and sturdierpared to before. Not only that, but he felt his whole body was tougher, and touching his skin confirmed that it had further strengthened the extra subcutaneousyer. He had already gained some of its benefits upon reaching D-grade race, but now it had been pushed to the same level as his undead side, along with his energy reserves.


    Furthermore, the first thing he had noticed when the process wasplete was that his eyesight had improved, now naturally able to spot lifeforce just like his Draugr-vision did. Seeing the result, Zac had a pretty good idea what his mother��s n had been nning for him. He didn��t want to confirm it right now, but he was somewhat certain that his poison resistance in his human form had shot through the roof as well.


    The [Quantum Gate] was designed to carry over benefits. His main form, the human side, was an empty receptacle, while the other side of the Duplicity core was meant to feed things into it. Thus, he had now gained all the unique benefits of his Draugr race on his human side as well.


    From the looks of it, the benefits only seemed to be those that were rted to race. He didn��t have any Miasma to control, and the skills of his other ss were still out of his reach. A nce at his status screen confirmed that he hadn��t gained any attribute points either. Furthermore, it looked like the gate was a one-way street, since he hadn��t noticed any improvements at all in his Draugr form after the Hidden Node had beenpleted.


    Perhaps, Leandra and the Kayar-Elu had meant for his other race to be machine-rted, allowing them to sneak the Dao of Technology into his human body through the [Quantum Gate]. Or perhaps they had nned to infuse some weird chimeral bloodline on the other side, providing various unique benefits to a human cultivator.


    As to why they didn��t simply make him some more powerful race, Zac wasn��t certain. But there was generally some bnce in the universe. Humans didn��t have any advantages, but they didn��t really have any disadvantages either. Meanwhile, many beings with unique abilities had harsh downsides to match.


    Of course, the most likely reason was that the Kayar-Elu tried to pull one over on the System with the so-called Root Compact. Making the impossible possible.


    Zac couldn��t help but have his imagination run wild with the possibilities, and he felt some mixed emotions when remembering how Leandra had felt disappointment when talking about his Draugr side, like it was a waste of their hard work. However, Zac quickly threw those useless thoughts aside, knowing that things had turned out pretty good all things considered.


    As far as races went, Draugr were pretty close to the top, barring those unique and rare existences. The benefits he would get from his undead side, provided his spection was correct, were bound to surpass what he would get from most races. It also made him even more determined to try and excavate some racial Hidden Nodes for his Draugr bloodline before breaking through to D-grade.


    Besides, his undead side was what had made him walk down his current path, and possibly what had made the System steer him toward the remnants in the first ce. Learning about the Primordial Era and the fall of Chaos had not dampened his willingness to walk down his current path at all.


    If anything, it had strengthened his resolve. From the sounds of it, the main drawback of cultivating a broken peak was that it put greater demands on your affinity to that Dao, apart from the System not shielding you from the tribtions, but Zac circumvented the issue of affinities altogether.


    He wasn��t too worried about the Tribtion Lightning either. Most missives talked about them with extreme dread, but he hadn��t felt that way at all when getting zapped. They had hurt pretty bad, but he hadn��t felt like his soul was about to be extinguished as some missives warned. If anything, the lightning almost felt beneficial to him.


    Meanwhile, it sounded like cultivating within the purview of the System��s Dao had its problems as well. There were some unknown drawbacks to cultivating the incorporated Daos ording to Qi��Sar, though they most likely only became apparent at the higher stages. Otherwise, he would have heard about it already.


    As for the history of the Multiverse, while interesting, Zac didn��t really put it to heart. The fact that the universe was eternal and cyclical was pretty shocking, but it wasn��t like those theories weren��t floating about before the integration as well. That before the Big Bang, there had been previous universes.


    It didn��t impact Zac��s life in the slightest, especially considering Qi��Sar said the current era was still in its infancy. There were possibly trillions of years before the people of the Multiverse would have to worry about the next cataclysm.


    The most interesting part was the mention of Eternal Heritages, particrly those from the Primordial Era. Being able to visit such a ce would be a huge opportunity, especially for someone like him who aimed for the Daos of Oblivion and Creation. Problem was, those ces seemed to be monopolized by the peak factions in the Multiverse, which wasn��t a surprise, really.


    The Frontier didn��t even seem to possess Ancient Realms, let alone Immemorial Realms like the one his mother was taking Kenzie to. Worrying about these Eternal Heritages was a waste of time. But simply knowing of their existence was valuable, since you never knew what you would encounter in the future.


    Having confirmed the situation with the node, Zac went over his body a few more times to get a sense of how much power he could exert. The result was decent but not great. Even if his pathways were fine in his Human form, his nodes were shared between the races. They were still damaged, making it dangerous to overextend himself. The damage wrought from the remnants remained as well, and Zac could feel the hidden cracks in his foundation.


    He would definitely have to avoid any more battles if possible, especially with elites who would push him. Just to be safe, he altered his appearance to that of a middle-aged man. At first, he had been worried that his true appearance would have been changed by hisrge expenditure of life force, but losing a few centuries at D-grade race thankfully wasn��t enough for something like that to happen.


    Zac also turned his ck with a greenish tint, just like how some human natives looked after cultivating among Treants on the tforms that were covered with life-and-nature-attuned arrays. Having confirmed with a mirror, Zac also hadn��t gained the pallid skin or abyssal eyes of his Draugr side, even though he had received the benefits they brought.


    Hopefully, that would allow him to disguise himself as a local elite if encountering anyone, especially with his Fragment of the Bodhi. He did hold off on activating the array around his Specialty Core though, in case something unexpected would crop up. He would switch that thing on just before the realm copsed.


    Having prepared everything that he could, he walked into the corridor behind the open trapdoor, wielding a random axe he had looted during the hunt. He was relieved to see he could turn [Love��s Bond] into its amulet form without issue as well since the big coffin on his back was pretty hard to hide. This way, he should bepletely indistinguishable.


    The hidden tunnel was simple and unadorned, but it seemed to be protected by some sort of shielding array. Zac couldn��t sense anything from the outside at all, even if he only walked a couple of meters beneath the surface. Soon enough the stone around him changed, and he realized that he was passing through the inner wall.


    The pathway was only so long, and after a few minutes, he reached the end; a solid stone wall. The Realm Spirit had disappeared before exining the next step, but Zac looked around thoughtfully, pushing and pulling on anything. Suddenly, one of the stones lit up with a small array, prompting the wall to slide open.


    Zac walked through, surprised and slightly rmed to find himself in a clean and well-lit room lined with a couple of sparsely-stocked wooden shelves, rather than the dusty ruins he hade to know in the City of Ancients. He breathed out in relief upon realizing there was no one around, and the cleanliness was thanks to the arrays on the walls still working.


    ��There is a crystal on the second shelf. It contains the path you need to take,�� Qi��Sar��s voice echoed out in the room, giving Zac a start.


    ��Could��ve just led the way,�� Zac muttered as he walked over.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I couldn��t split my attention and keep that projection going. I am being attacked from multiple directions, and I had to shrink my consciousness from the whole realm to just this building to endure a bit longer,�� the Realm Spirit sighed.


    ��Alright, sorry,�� Zac coughed as he walked over to the shelf.


    Just like the Realm Spirit said, Zac found a small information crystal was hidden underneath a cloth. Inside it was a map of the cer, giving Zac the directions to the hidden treasure room. From the looks of it, he would only need to travel around five minutes through the corridors at a decent pace to make it there, giving him some wiggle-room.


    So he didn��t immediately leave the room but rather gave the small storage space a second look. The shelves were mostly empty, but there were a couple of urns that looked a lot like the vats that Ogras used to age his wine. Anything left to age had probably spoiled by now, even with spiritual energy increasing the shelf-life many times over.


    But that didn��t stop him from taking them away.


    Zac wasn��t done there, and he gripped one of the wooden shelves, exerting some pressure on the material. His eyes lit up as the shelf only groaned a bit in response to his strength, proving it was most likely made from D-grade materials like stones outside. It wasn��t inscribed either, meaning it could perhaps be reforged into proper D-grade equipment.


    Leaving behind such good materials would be a huge waste, so the shelf joined the vats in his Spatial Ring.


    ��What are you doing?�� an exasperated voice echoed out after a moment. ��I am straining myself to us time over here.��


    ��I thought you were busy,�� Zac said as he stowed away another shelf. ��This is ancient D-grade wood. It��s worth a pretty penny.��


    ��You��re heading toward a treasury as the realm is copsing around you, yet you��re shopping for furniture,�� Qi��Sar sighed. ��Besides, wood is a living crafting material, like Spiritual Herbs. It is too old by now, and it has lost its spirituality. It would be one thing if the shelves were made out of refined metals or stone, but this����


    ��I hear you,�� Zac nodded as he put thest two shelves into his spatial ring as well.


    He considered ripping out the illuminating crystals from their sockets as well, but they didn��t seem like they were worth anything. He finally left the room, following the map. Outside was a spacious but empty corridor, and multiple doors were lining it. He shed over to the closest one, and it opened without any sound, except a groan from the Realm Spirit.


    The room on the other side was farrgerpared to where he came from, but Zac quickly closed the door and moved on. Inside, there had been a few massive basins withrge but exhausted crystals hanging in the ceiling. It looked like the room had been made to cultivate some water-based treasures, but the arrays had long failed and the water had dried up.


    Zac shed from one room after another on the way to the treasury, sweeping up everything in his path that even looked a little bit valuable. The spurring from the Realm Spirit grew more urgent by the minute, but Zac wouldn��t just leave money on the ground when visiting a former Autarch��s castle, even if time was limited.


    A sudden shockwave from above shook the castle and made him stop in his tracks for a moment, but he quickly started moving again. He had first worried it was the Mystic Realm finally starting to copse, but it rather seemed to have been the result of a sh between cultivators above him. It looked like the Radiant Temple and Havarok Empire had finally encountered each other.


    Still, the scare filled him with enough urgency to just perform cursory nces into any room he passed, and he only took things that still emitted some spirituality. Still, he managed to fill his Spatial Ring with valuable metals, stones, and all kinds of tools. The rooms in the cer all seemed to be geared toward crafting, either nurturing materials or refining them.


    However, they were clearly not the ��top rooms�� that the master of the castle himself would use, but rather for the live-in craftsmen of the manor who created items meant for the day-to-day operations of this vastpound. The top-tier rooms were probably upstairs, which was why the treasury was hidden down here. And soon enough, he reached the nondescript wall that held the entrance to the treasury.


    Zac��s heart drummed with excitement as he followed the instructions in the crystal. A hidden chamber slid up soon enough, prompting an immensely condensed wave of Twilight Energy to waft over him. It was even beyond what he had been forced to endure in the bottom of the Chasm, and he hurriedly activated [Void Zone] to not get overrun.


    The terrifying amount of energy only served to fan Zac��s excitement, considering that it probably meant the room was filled with treasure. The ambient energy was so dense that it had turned into a thick haze, but it was dispersing now that the door had opened. Zac unhesitantly pushed inside, and his eyes kept growing wider as more and more of the treasury was exposed.


    He had struck it rich.

 Chapter 782: The Trove of the Ocean

    Chapter 782: The Trove of the Ocean


    The treasury wasn��t too big, but what itcked in quantity, it made up in quality. Zac had been worried that it would be just an empty room, considering how most people simply carried their most valuable possessions in their Spatial Tools. But as he looked around, there were over twenty items that emitted the powerful fluctuations of D-grade items, not including the piles of Cosmic Crystals.


    It was far from his most exaggerated hopes, where boundless C- and even B-grade treasures were strewn about. But Zac knew that was impossible in a System-controlled E-grade trial. He had already realized that low- or middle D-grade was the limit of what the System would allow in this version of the Twilight Ascent.


    Anything beyond that was most likely ced in the higher-grade versions of the trial. And as expected, the D-grade items were all sealed by a golden brand, proving that not even the treasure chamber of Qi��Sar was free from the System��s meddling. It didn��t look like he would be making hundreds of C-grade Nexus Coins today, but that didn��t mean his haul was anything to scoff at.


    The value of every single treasure had to be measured in D-grade Nexus Coins, including the piles of Cosmic Crystals that all exuded shocking amounts of energy. And all this paled in front of the item ced in the middle of the room on a small inscribed pedestal. On top of it, a meter-tall dodecahedron wrought from mottled metal rods stood.


    The metallic cage was not the real treasure, but rather acted as some sort of containment field for the thing that Qi��Sar wanted him to bring away. It was an odd-looking crystal that looked like a thick candy cane, and it hovered in the middle of the cage. But instead of red and white, it was ck and golden. It didn��t emit any energy at all, but Zac quickly realized it was because of the containment field.


    ��This is the thing I need you to take away,�� Qi��Sar��s voice echoed through the hall, though his projection still didn��t appear. ��My children.��


    ��Your what?�� Zac blurted.


    ��It is a Realm Spirit. A true one, rather than one forged by chance such as myself,�� Qi��Sar exined. ��I have nurtured it for ten million years, expending innumerable treasures that have been left behind. Not only that, but it is a mutated twin-souled Realm Spirit, holding the affinities of both life and death. For an Edgewalker such as yourself, it is a unique opportunity to craft a cultivation perfectly suited to your path.��


    ��So that��s why you were so insistent,�� Zac said. ��You want me to save your children from the copse of this Mystic Realm? Is that even possible?��


    ��They have yet to awaken, making them technically not yet alive,�� Qi��Sar said. ��However, they are still bound to the realm. The cage you see around it is meant to protect the crystal housing them, and to keep them stable while you bring them away. However, this can only be done at the moment when the realm copse.��


    ��The realm breaking down will break the connection, and I just need to take them away at that moment?�� Zac confirmed. ��What then?��


    ��You acquire a high-quality world or realm such as this, and simply imnt this crystal by the World Core. As long as this world has no consciousness of its own, these two children will eventually fuse with the core and truly awaken,�� Qi��Sar said. ��Thus, a world perfectly suited for our needs will be born, while my children will get a chance to start anew. Simple enough.��


    ��It��s pretty big though, can I put it in a Spatial Ring?�� Zac frowned.


    ��You can, but no longer than ten years. They are not alive like you, but the environment in a Spatial Treasure is void of energy, which can harm them if too much time passes,�� Qi��Sar said. ��But as I said, you cannot take it now. You need to start infusing the array with power, preparing it for the end. With your wild pige, we are cutting time short.��


    ��What array?�� Zac asked with raised brows as he walked closer.


    ��The cage itself is the array,�� the Realm Spirit sighed.


    ��This thing is?�� Zac muttered as he slowly walked a few circles around the dodecahedron, looking at the fine engravings on the rods. ��Never seen anything like it.��


    ��The multiverse is full of marvels,�� Qi��Sar muttered. ��Now, hurry up and start powering up the array. You are running out of time.��


    Zac looked at the array for a few more seconds before he shrugged and straightened his back.


    ��I��m sorry, but my first priority is to save my Tool Spirit,�� Zac slowly said as he turned to a pile of crystals he had never seen before. ��Exin what I need to do before we deal with the Realm Spirits.��


    ��As I said, just use the refined Temporal Crystals,�� Qi��Sar urged, and Zac looked at a particr pile of crystals.


    The crystals were light purple and covered in engravings, and it looked like white flickering lights were trapped inside. They appeared and disappeared, seemingly at random. With the temporal energies surrounding them, it almost felt like the sparks moved back and forth in time in an eternal cycle. Most of the crystals were sealed by the System, but some were fine.


    From the looks of it, the avable crystals were mostly out of energy, perhaps because they had been used up to power whatever array Qi��Sar had used. It was also possible the small runes that covered their surface had failed, prompting them to leak enough energy to get downgraded from D-grade to something equivalent to Pseudo D-grade.


    ��You simply need to have the young demoness absorb the energy within,�� Qi��Sar sighed. ��The Tool Spirit is supreme inside their inner world, she should have no problem using the extracted energy from the refined crystals to trap the rampaging ball of power she had absorbed.��


    ��But how do we make sure that the crystals slow down time, rather than speed it up?�� Zac frowned. ��She��s already under pressure. If we mess this up she might die.��


    ��These are refined Temporal Crystals,�� the Realm Spirit said with impatience. ��Simply extract the Temporal Energy from the correct rune, the circr one, and it will be made into a Temporal Deceleration Field. It is far less efficientpared to using the Temporal Crystal with an Array, but it is enough for your purpose.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac picked up one of the Temporal Crystal with a frown, and he could feel the burning impatience of the spirit as he turned the crystal over multiple times before he attempted to extract some energy from the circr rune as the spirit said. Soon enough, he could feel how a small area in front of him was filled with temporal energy.


    He took out a low-grade Nexus Crystals and threw it inside, and his eyes lit up when he saw it slow down to a fifth of its original speed as it passed through the Temporal Energy. Zac repeated the same experiment a few times, both trying things out with different crystals, andparing the effect with the other rune, the one that sped things up.


    ��I guess it is good that you are careful. Careless cultivators die an early death. But you also need to be decisive, grasping opportunities that are in front of you,�� Qi��Sar eventually said as he saw Zac y around. ��I can feel how those on the outside have made their move. You are running out of time.��


    A huge shudder suddenly rocked the whole realm, almost to confirm the Realm Spirit��s warning. Zac looked around with wide eyes, as he felt a burst of Chaos even through the thick walls. Mixed in with it was something else, something he couldn��t ce. Perhaps an attack from a Monarch on the outside had managed to make its way inside?


    ��I can only stave off their attempts for so long,�� Qi��Sar urged again.


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded as he put a temporal stone next to the amulet on his neck and activated the rune.


    At first, there was no response, but Zac soon felt a pull from the small coffin as it started to absorb the temporal energy. Zac nodded with satisfaction as he kept providing more and more energy while stowing away the other treasures in the hall.


    First, the Temporal Crystals were stowed away.


    Over 90% of them were sealed by a golden brand, meaning they were proper D-grade crystals. Considering their wide array of uses and their scarcity, Zac believed that this small pile of roughly 80 crystals was worth at least as much as all the Natural Treasures he had plundered over the past three yearsbined. These were things that had a huge demand but no steady supply in the Frontier.


    In fact, he had no idea how they formed at all.


    From there, he stowed away one pile of crystals after another, ignoring both the Realm Spirit��s increasingly urgent exhortations to hurry up and the increasingly powerful shakes that rocked the whole realm.


    The Temporal Crystals were probably the most valuable ones in the treasury considering there were no Spatial Crystals, but the others were all D-grade crystals with various interesting attunements. Of course, there were hundreds of normal and death-attuned Cosmic Crystals, multiplying his small stockpile more than ten times over.


    Altogether, the non-attuned Cosmic Crystals alone were worth tens of thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins, almostpletely recouping his expenses in Twilight Harbor. Add to that all the attuned crystals, and he might just have doubled his vast fortune, considering he could probably sell these kinds of Cosmic Crystals at a premium back home in Zecia.


    Apart from the crystals, there was only one more raw material; arge block of Spiritual Metal, seemingly the same material the array cage was made from. The block was just one meter long with a diameter of 30 centimeters or so, but Zac felt his arms strain as he lifted it. It weighed almost like a mountain, shocking Zac as he exerted some pressure its the surface.


    ��What is this metal?�� Zac eximed.


    ��Diluted ckearth Steel,�� Qi��Sar grunted. ��ckearth Steel is a proper D-grade metal known for its durability and ability to iste energy. But with the System limiting materials, I had to turn it into a Pseudo D-grade alloy to prevent it from being sealed.��


    Zac curiously tried to infuse some of his energy, and just as the Realm Spirit said, it was almost like it hit a solid wall. He nodded with understanding as he stowed the treasure away, and another rumble shook the treasure chamber.


    ��You have only a few minutes,�� the Realm Spirit reminded.


    ��Alright. I am almost done,�� Zac nodded as he turned his attention to Alea. She had finally finished absorbing Temporal Energy, and Zac felt the Spirit Tool had stabilized somewhat. He nodded in satisfaction and stowed away the Temporal Crystal he had used to feed Alea before sweeping the shelves bare.


    The items that remained were mostly various tools, but there were also a few sets of information crystals, inscribed ques, and even a couple of scrolls. They were all different methods of storing things like Cultivation Manuals, methods, and skills, but there was no time to go through them since the realm was really falling apart at the seams.


    ��So what now?�� Zac asked.


    ��The array needs life and death along with energy to activate. Infuse your Daos, and the cage will do the rest. It��s set to fully activate the moment the connection between my children and this realm is cut,�� Qi��Sar eagerly said now that Zac was finally ready to deal with his task.


    Zac nodded and walked over, and without any further ado started infusing his Fragment of the Bodhi and Fragment of the Coffin into the cage. However, he only infused one at the time, alternating between the two Daos as he fed more and more into the Array.


    ��What are you doing?�� Qi��Sar almost screamed with fear after a particrly rough shudder spread through the treasury, almost throwing Zac off his feet. ��You are too slow! My children will not make it at this rate!��


    ��If you have followed me over the past years, you should know my energy control is pretty horrible,�� Zac said with embarrassment. ��Besides, my soul is wounded from before. I am infusing it as quickly as I can, but you need to hold on a bit longer.��


    ��All because of your greed,�� Qi��Sar growled, but Zac suddenly felt the realm stabilize a bit from the increasingly incessant shudders.


    Still, Zac could feel how the realm wasn��t long for the world. The Twilight Energy around him was unraveling, and space had started toe apart at the seams. With his lingering connection to Chaos, he could feel they were right at the precipice.


    ��Are we close to done?�� Zac frowned as he felt his already drained soul being sapped of more and more Mental Energy. ��I am running out of energy here. I need some left if I am supposed to take it away.��


    ��Well, it needs to be able to withstand the bacsh of the connection breaking,�� Qi��Sar said. ��And don��t worry. I will send you further away with myst breath. Now, get ready, we are abou- WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!��


    The receiving runes had suddenly started to twist along with the ckearth Steel. The istion capabilities of the alloy were impressive, but they weren��t a match to the small burst of Creation Zac had forced into the array. He had managed to retain a small amount of both energies for emergencies, and he had chosen to use hisst Creation Energy at this moment.


    The vibrant force spread like a poison through the dodecahedron, causing hairline cracks to appear. The Realm Spirit was screaming at him with horror in his voice, but Zac ignored it as [Verun��s Bite] had appeared in his hand. The axe was already descending toward the array as it appeared, with the two runes of sharpness and heaviness radiating a sanguine glow.


    The swing bit into the metal tubes with such force that it shocked the whole treasury. The cage held, except for some small cracks that covered its surface. But Zac wasn��t deterred, and he furiously swung his axe two more times until the cage cracked altogether, unleashing a storm of contained energy.


    At the same time, the whole Mystic Realm groaned as spatial tears appeared all over the ce, signaling that the realm was truly falling apart. Zac was inundated in extremely condensed Life and Death, but he didn��t step back. Instead, he grabbed the shimmering crystal, hurriedly ripping it out of the socket just as he felt a surge of energy entering the room.


    Cracks spread across the small spiraled gem as it started leaking energy, but Zac simply stuffed it into a treasure box along with a couple of the Life-and-Death-attuned Cosmic Crystals he had found in the room, before sealing the box with a talisman and stuffing it into his Spatial Ring.


    ��What have you done?!�� an infuriated voice roared with enough force to make the whole room shake.


    Zac only snorted in response, not bothering to talk with the Realm Spirit any longer. Something had been off about the congenial Realm Spirit since the beginning, and that feeling had only be stronger after he entered the castle. Zac couldn��t pinpoint the problem, but something wasn��t right.


    Seeing how urgently the Realm Spirit had wanted him to get to the treasury, Zac had been filled with reluctance, to the point that he had started stalling. Why else would he have spent twenty minutes looting ratty old furniture and broken-down tools when the world around him was copsing?


    The Realm Spirit kept being careful to not push him too hard even when wasting time, no doubt afraid its ns would fail if he became hostile. That way, less than fifteen minutes was remaining when Zac reached the treasury, giving the Realm Spirit less time to enact whatever n it had concocted.


    And having seen the cage, Zac mostly figured out what was going on.


    A vast majority of the runes were foreign to him, but some were not. He hadn��t seen them in any of Catheya��spendiums of patterns, or from any missives he had bought. Rather, they were something that had originated from Adcarkas, Void��s Disciple. After Zac had managed to kill the Dominator, he hadn��t dared take his Cosmos Sack back to Earth, but rather destroyed it along with his and Harbinger��s corpses.


    However, some things still managed to make their way back, and he had seen these particr patterns upon visiting n Volor. It was shortly after they set up their underwater town where the frogmen had appeared on Earth.


    When the Mystic Realm started copsing, Void��s Disciple and Inevitability had been nowhere to be found. So, the Zhix traitors had decided to move toward the Memorysteel Mountain, bringing their captive gemlings with them. However, they had first collected everything in the buildings where Dominators had stayed for thest couple of months.


    It was among these items Zac had found several schematics, along with some research notes and experiments. Zac couldn��t make any heads or tails of it, but Kenzie and Jeeves had quickly realized that the notes were rted to soul transference. Adcarkas had been researching a way to adapt a possession-type array to make use of the Spatial Energy of the Dimensional Seed.


    Most of the array schematic was missing, most likely left on Void��s Disciple��s body, but it was certain that it was the method Adcarkas used to take over the body of his daughter. And now, Zac had seen simr patterns on the cage in front of him.


    The old Realm Spirit had lived for a long time, but it was clearly not as willing to enter the cycle of reincarnation as he had tried to let on.

 Chapter 783: One Shot at Eternity

    Chapter 783: One Shot at Eternity


    Alvod looked at the array of items in front of him as he sat in the center of the Ascension Array, his heart beating with a mix of trepidation and anticipation. Four hundred thousand years of preparation, all for this moment. He would either defend his Dao and begin the next step of his journey, or he would turn to dust, as so many had before him.


    His gaze turned to the chaotic scars that covered the tapestry, and he shook his head with a wry smile. Things had turned out alright, but that young Draugr was a troublemaker of unprecedented proportions. To think that he had managed to form a shadow of that elusive Dao with the help of those two cursed objects. Even more surprising, he was still alive and kicking.


    It was no wonder the brat had such confidence in his path. Alvod had always thought it a fool��s errand. But who knew, he might just be able to keep climbing a while longer. Of course, seeing that fragmented Dao didn��t shake his Dao Heart at all. That little animal had his path, and he had his own.


    The descent of the System and the hastened copse of the realm was unexpected, but it didn��t change things overly much. He had lost a year of preparations, but so had those on the outside. Besides, his whole road of cultivation had been bumpy, so why should his ascent be any different?


    Thankfully, the two intrusive whispers in the back of his mind had been quieted just before the System descended, which improved his odds of sess by at least five percent. Most likely, it was the Draugr who, either wittingly or unwittingly, destroyed the preparations of his fellow imperials while hunting the remnant that Alvod had set loose.


    Alvod had figured that one of the two being destroyed by the hand of Arcaz ck would be a good oue, but he had underestimated the control the Draugr held over Creation and Oblivion. It appeared the masters Arcaz ck mentioned were real, as they must have provided him with something to curtail the madness of the ancient remnants, at least until they could be harvested.


    It was time.


    Alvod closed his eyes and focused while the array lit up around him, and his Dharma Treasure emerged from his be a momentter. The small wooden rowboat rose above his head, forming an illusory tidal wave beneath itself. It crashed against the daybreak, an endless cycle of ebb and flow. It was the herald of the Evening Tide, the harbinger of his Dao.


    Next, Alvod threw out the Wheels of the Six Paths, each one of them taking a position on the crumbling tapestry. He couldn��t help but once more open his eyes and look at them with mixed emotions. Finding the first wheel of this ancient and heretical Buddhist treasure, the Wheel of Preta-Gati, on his homeworld hadpletely remolded his destiny.


    It had allowed him to defy the heavens themselves as he became a ravenous ghost that fed on the world itself. It had made him unsurpassed and unmatched in might, but it had also set him down a path of tragedy. He became a cmity for his homeworld far more dangerous than any invaders. When he woke up from his stupor, nothing but ruins remained.


    Things had only somewhat stabilized when he found the Wheel of Manushya-Gati as well, in the hands of a young woman he had killed in his madness. He even managed to seize a Body Tempering Manual in the Tower of Eternity that more efficiently made use of the unique energy the wheels generated.


    These wheels had made him extraordinary. Without them, there was no guarantee he would even have survived the integration. Even if he did, the odds of him reaching Hegemony were slim. Monarchy was but a distant and unrealistic hope. At most, he would have managed to be a local warlord on his home at the edge of the Multiverse, destined to nevere in contact with the real truths of the universe.


    But for all the wheels had given him, they were also the cause of endless suffering. Alvod knew it wasn��t just a matter of their value causing avarice in others. The more he made use of them, the heavier his Karmic Debt would be, which maintained the Law of Bnce. It had be so suffocating he had been forced into hiding for hundreds of thousands of years, unable to even gaze upon the sky.


    Now, mighty foes had gathered to interrupt his ascension, making a nigh insurmountable task even harder. However, with thest two wheels collected in the Havarok Empire and his imminent ascension, things were finally about to reach a turning point. As long as he seeded, the Six Paths would open, and he would shed the Karmic Debt he had umted by severing his chance at reincarnation.


    He would only live once, but Alvod was fine with that. One shot at eternity was all he needed.


    ��I am the holder of the Evening Tide,�� he said, and reality shuddered as he imposed his will on the wheels. ��The ages turn, Karma dies, and the world is reborn.��


    The tapestry resisted, or rather the Realm Spirit did. When the wheels had turned one full circle, the Twilight Ocean would be gone, reincarnated as an avatar to his path. Alvod only smiled at the struggle, and his gaze turned to the small chalice hovering in the air, its receptacle filled to three-quarters with Primal Dao.


    Seven drops, one for each wheel while thest one entered his Dharma Treasure. The rowboat was already at the peak of its grade, and the infusion pushed it one step further, putting it right at the threshold. Seeing that the treasure held, Alvod grinned his gaze turned to a small y figurine.


    ��Life is not life, death is not death,�� he muttered as the figurine floated into his hands.


    A million dense scripts shed into being on the small figurine as it started exuding an inscrutable and earth-shattering aura. But that was nothingpared to the radiant disy in his inner world, where a ten-thousand-meter-tall statue lit up in a simr manner. An unprecedented storm erupted in his inner world, with the crashing waves reaching thousands of meters in the air.


    The small wooden boat became an avatar of the storm as it crashed forward, the eventide churning in its wake. It mmed into the weakened tapestry, causing reality itself to crack. The wheels turned ny degrees, and Alvod took a shuddering breath as he felt cracks spread across his world. However, he wasn��t deterred at all, and his mouth curved upward in a bloody smile as he heard an earth-shattering rumble on the outside.


    It had begun.


    ����������


    ��It��s all wrong,�� Elou Alu��Vdir muttered with a frown as she gazed up at the churning clouds that were umting, covering an area far greater than the whole of the Twilight Harbor. ��What should we do, Lord Nether?��


    The deep thud of an immensely tyrannic heart echoed out, its power enough to cause ripples in space itself. It pushed into the churning anomaly of the crumbling Daoworld, searching for answers within.


    ��The effigy has failed,�� Nizu Noz��Vdir frowned. ��I cannot sense the presence of my descendant either. Something unexpected must have happened by the end.��


    ��If the effigy has failed���� Grifon Alu��Vdir hesitated as he nced at the sea of crystals that were slowly waking up, each one of them emitting the troublesome Shroud of Azur to hide the movements of the Eidolon cultivators.


    ��No matter. Chaos has taken hold of this event, and no side will be able to seize a clear advantage,�� Nizu muttered with a sigh as six golden rings appeared behind his back, each one of them throbbing with the Dao right at the edge of the threshold. ��But when ites to foundations and strength, the Eternal n fear no one, certainly not some frontier Monarchs. I will force my way. You two, restrain those scheming natives, and monitor the movements of Hive Ouro.��


    ��Will they even dare-�� Grifon snorted, but the grin on his face froze when space cracked.


    Out from the void, nine spears emerged, forming a perfect encirclement around the spatial anomaly. Each one was almost ten kilometers long and covered in dense scriptures that palpitated with destructive energies. The next moment, nine Monarchs appeared, each one hovering above a respective spear.


    A ripple echoed through the Twilight Harbor as the nine spears shot forward, heading toward the anomaly with crushing momentum.


    ��Godyer spikes,�� Nizu muttered with some surprise. ��The locals are going all out.��


    ��Lord, we cannot���� Elou hesitated as her aura started climbing.


    ��Not to worry,�� Nizu smiled as he took out arge sanguine crystal. ��You are not alone. Stopping three of them is enough. The Eidolon will be forced to make a move as well. As for the final three, the main character will have to deal with them himself.��


    The two elders breathed out in relief, and they looked over at the crystal in Nizu Noz��Vdadir��s hand. Suddenly a sh of light emerged from its core, spreading its radiance for tens of kilometers and prompting the heavens to rumble.


    ��That��s..!�� Elou eximed, her eyes wide with shock and hunger.


    ��This Heavenly Descent belongs to the Eternal n,�� Nizu smiled as the crystal cracked.


    ��������������-


    As expected, the Realm Spirit had mixed truths with lies. The crystal really appeared to be a nascent Realm Spirit, and the array actually had the capability to protect the crystal within. But it also contained the ability to transfer a consciousness, which was a huge problem.


    There was no way Zac would feelfortable infusing a deceptive Autarch into Earth��s World Core. That was a disaster waiting to happen. He would rather break the cage and risk losing the young Realm Spirits than risk having it be a vessel to Qi��Sar. It was possible the former Autarch only wanted to find a new home to continue living, but there were all kinds of mysterious and weird abilities out there.


    What if he wasn��t content staying a Realm Spirit forever? Wasn��t Zac��s dual races a perfect vessel if Qi��Sar wanted to embark on the path of cultivation again? Even worse, Zac only understood a small part of the array on the cage, and it might have contained even more hidden traps than just the Soul Transfering Array. Just the fact that it was supposed to run on his Dao was suspicious.


    Zac had immediately decided to strike, even if he didn��t have all the facts.


    As to why Qi��Sar was insistent on not putting it away just before the realm copsed, his motivations were probably true. However, he wasn��t just talking about this young Realm Spirit being locked to the Twilight Ocean, but also himself. Qi��Sar probably wasn��t able to transfer his consciousness while the realm was still standing, indelibly bound to the Twilight Ocean.


    The moment the realm copsed, he would be free and have a short window of opportunity. It was right before that moment Zac had destroyed the cage, using the surge of chaos in the atmosphere to guide his timing.


    ��So you figured it out,�� Qi��Sar��s voice echoed through the chamber, the previously congenial voice now rife with sinister intentions. ��I didn��t expect you to understand that array from how clueless you��ve acted over the past years. You truly hid yourself deeply.��


    Zac wryly smiled, happy that his ignorance had worked in his favor for once. The Realm Spirit had clearly been spying on him, and it must have witnessed the months he spent studying basic patterns that most elite n members had already memorized by the time they started cultivating. How could someone like him have known about an esoteric unorthodox method like a Soul Transferring Array?


    Even Zac��s greed where he had looted everything he came across had worked in his favor, and Qi��Sar hadn��t suspected his motivations to loot the side chambers at all. Zac had even happily looted the worthless Twilight Fruits and low-grade herb over the past years, so why wouldn��t he go mad with greed for D-grade materials?


    ��I��m sorry, I don��t feelfortable carrying an old schemer like you out of here,�� Zac snorted. ��It probably wouldn��t end well for me. But don��t worry, your legacy will live on through your children.��


    The safest option would simply have been to stall things out until the realm copsed, giving up on the twinned life-death Realm Spirits. That way, he would make it off scot-free with a hoard of treasure. However, Zac was unwilling to give up on this unique opportunity. Qi��Sar had been lying about some things, but Zac didn��t think he was lying about how useful this crystal was.


    Who knew what kind of benefits a pair of mutated and connected Realm Spirits could bring to a young world like Earth? Right now, it was unclear if the would even survive the two shing elements it had been imparted with. But with these little things, Earth had the potential to be a proper C-grade world. Perhaps something even greater if Zac managed to nurture the properly.


    There was no response from the Realm Spirit this time, but Zac suddenly felt a scream of danger, and he unhesitantly activated [Earthstrider] to sh away. It was just in time as well, as something weird happened to the spot where he just stood. Space somehow twisted on itself, like a rag being squeezed. The area was returned to normal in an instant, but the pedestal that had held the crystal and array cage had turned to dust from the spatial twist.


    Space itself seemed hollow as well, like it was somehow destroyed.


    Zac��s eyes were wide with rm, and he started running for his life, exiting the treasury in a mad dash. Another pang of danger warned him that he still wasn��t safe, and he ignored the protests of his body as he kept activating his movement skill, shifting almost a hundred meters in an instant. Space kept falling apart where he had been standing, and Zac knew it wasn��t just a random urrence.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    From the looks of it, Qi��Sar was destroying his own body to take out Zac.


    Zac rushed toward the tunnel leading out of the castle, hoping that the Realm Spirit��s control would be weaker further away from its seat of power. However, he grimaced when he saw the whole storeroom twisting before being ripped apart. A momentter, he heard a rumble from within, indicating that the tunnel had copsed.


    One way out of here had been destroyed, but that didn��t mean Zac could stop moving. The only reason he was still alive was no doubt because Qi��Sarcked any real means of attack by the looks of it. After all, any random skill of a former Autarch would not only be immensely powerful but also extremely difficult to avoid.


    Besides, Zac figured he probably had his hands full as he felt a series of tremors. Some came from directly above, most likely a final sh between the Havarok and the Radiant Temple. But there was also the asional shake that rocked the whole realm, and they didn��t seem to be a result of the realm copsing.


    The old monsters on the outside had probably made their moves.


    Luckily, Zac had not only spent his time looting scraps after entering the castle cer. He had studied theyout, which included the path leading up. Before, it had mostly been to keep watch for other people sneaking up on him, but now it turned into a lifesaver as Zac shed up a set of stairs, finding himself on the ground floor.


    Another rumble shocked the castle, and Zac looked upward with some surprise. The force the two sides were unleashing in their battle was nothing to scoff at. Without the remnants assisting him, Zac didn��t feel confident at all dealing with something like that. He remembered the army standing behind Ykrodas Havarok, guessing that they used some mighty War Arrays in the struggle to either protect or kill the Realm Spirit.


    Having reached this point, Zac muttered a silent prayer that Ykrodas Havarok would fail at this final juncture, allowing the Radiant Temple to kill Qi��Sar, or at least harm him to the point he couldn��t waste any of his attention on Zac. After quickly orienting himself, he shed away once more, barely avoiding the increasingly frantic attempts at killing him.


    ��I might fall here, but I will have you apany me across the bridge of forgetfulness,�� Qi��Sar raged, and Zac��s eyes were wide with rm as the whole castle started to rumble.


    The infuriated Realm Spirit was actually copsing the whole building after having failed to take Zac down. He desperately made his way toward the exit, but even with his movement skill, he knew he wouldn��t make it. D-grade Boulders from the ceiling were already raining down on him, and the walls were on the verge of copsing entirely.


    Having a castle fall on his head wouldn��t necessarily kill him, but that wasn��t the real problem. He had already experienced just how difficult these stones were to break through. Bing trapped in D-grade rubble would make him a sitting duck for the realm Spirit. One spatial twist and he would be a goner.


    Seeing no other option, Zac grit his teeth as infused some Void Energy into two skill fractals, prompting arge leaf to appear in front of his axehead. Two bursts of Mental Energy were squeezed from his drained soul, prompting two clouds to shoot forward just as his path was about to be blocked.


    The divide of the Abyss and Arcadia appeared from two vertical shes, its power almost unstoppable thanks to the Twilight Energy and the fact that space had be extremely brittle by now. Not even the sturdy rocks could withstand the attack, and Zac desperately squeezed through the void, emerging outside the castle in front of two shocked sentries.


    Zac only nced at the two Havarok soldiers as a sea of killing intent rippled out from his body, prompting the two warriors to instinctively step back in fear. Their shortpse was enough for Zac to make his move, which was to heedlessly run away with [Earthstrider]. Behind him, the towering castlepletely copsed.


    ��You little bastard!�� a roar echoed out with enough force to make the whole City of Ancients shake, but Zac didn��t even nce back as he fled through the tunnel leading out of the inner courtyard.

 Chapter 784: Collapse

    Chapter 784: Copse


    Alvod snorted as he sensed the world-ending ferocity of the iing Godyer Spikes. The council��s ns were truly sinister. They wanted to copse the realm right at this critical moment, trying to force a singrity with the Realm Core as a medium for rebirth. Even if the worldly reincarnation failed, it would at least be a vicious strike at him.


    It was with mixed emotions he looked out across the Twilight Harbor. Even if it was out of necessity, this little corner of the Frontier had been his home for the better part of his life. Certainly, he had spent most of the time in secluded cultivation or stasis, but he had still watched the fates of those who made the Twilight Harbor their home. Generation after generation of triumphs and setbacks, an endless cycle of ebb and flow.


    ��All for the Dao,�� Alvod sighed, his eyes hardening as he extracted another set of drops from the chalice.


    This time, it was not just a few drops, but more than half of his whole reserve. He looked at the sphere of Primal Dao with hunger, but he kept his desire in check as he waved his hands. Eight Purifiers rose into the air, forming a circle around the blob as Alvod started forming Dharmic Seals with blinding speed.


    The Tapestry of Twilight shuddered as a storm of meaning entered the purifiers under the control of Alvod, who added his own Dao to finish the process. Alvod quickly threw out the prepared materials at the moment ofpletion, before spitting out a blob of heavenly fire. The materials mixed with the Primal Dao, and Alvod breathed out in relief when the mixture congealed into a small ball of shimmering paste.


    He had researched this method for close to two hundred thousand years, and spent another fifty thousand refining and preparing the materials. All that effort finally paid dividends as thepound exuded the purest of Dao and endless potential, but Alvod knew the most critical part remained. He took a deep breath before he made his move, and the whole realm shuddered as Alvod spat out a mouthful of blood.


    The pain was blinding, but Alvod refused to let the darkness consume him as he released a steady breath toward the small ball. In his breath, his severed soul resided, and Alvod didn��t dare as much as blink as he looked at thepound with worry.


    The seconds passed after the shroud entered the Dao Paste, and Alvod��s heart hit rock-bottom as nothing happened. Was it a failure? Had he sacrificed too little of his soul? He could spare a little bit more of his mind, but that would worsen his ability to withstand what woulde next.


    The spears were getting closer as well, and he knew that those foreigners wouldn��t do all the work for him. They needed to weaken him, though not to the point he failed to conjure the Heavenly Descent. They would probably leave two or three spears for him to deal with.


    As he agonized over whether to cut off another part of the soul, his dismay turned to tion as the small ball suddenly transformed into a simile of his own face. At the same time, Alvod felt his conception shift, suddenly seeing his surroundings from two directions.


    It worked.


    While Alvod knew his gambit was a sess, he knew it wouldn��tst long. A vortex appeared in front of him, and the small ball immediately shot inside, heading straight for the Realm Core.


    ��Eat your fill, little spirit,�� Alvod smiled, though he felt a pang of loss upon sacrificing so much Primal Dao. That small chalice had almost bankrupted him, and now only a third remained. ��A remnant obsession thinking themselves an ancient cultivator. You thought I needed to kill you to achieve my aim? Since you are struggling to hold on, why don��t you show me theprehension of a vaunted Autarch? A final opportunity to rekindle your lost glory.��


    A piercing cry echoed out from the vortex just as it closed, and Alvod snorted as the wheels turned another 90 degrees. The shock of being forcibly infused with all that Dao had made the spirit lose its mind for a moment, allowing his n to proceed. Of course, that was just an indirect benefit.


    The ancient Dao locked in the Realm Core needed to be ignited. If that failed, all else was for naught. Without it to act as a sacrifice, the Heavens wouldn��t descend, making fools out of everyone here. Thankfully, Alvod could already feel the buildup in the heart of the ocean, and the sky outside rumbled with even greater furor. It wasn��t long now.


    Satisfied, Alvod��s gaze turned back toward the situation outside. The Godyer Spears were almost upon him by this point, but he didn��t even feel a ripple in his heart at these siege arrays that each had the power topletely extinguish the life of a peak Monarch.


    ��I guess I should be honored you use these things against me, but it appears I have been too low-key the past years. You dare stand in defiance of me, the Eveningtide Asura?�� Alvod growled as [Lamentation Point], his trident and primary Spirit Tool, appeared in his hand. ��I guess I have to y a few chickens to keep the monkeys at bay.��


    Another vortex appeared, and he pointed his weapon toward the hole, unleashing his wrath.


    �������C


    Space groaned as Refestus desperately squeezed through the crack, the light from his ancestral talisman dimming by the second. The spatial turbulence pressed closer to his body, and panic filled his heart as he struggled with all his might.


    Suddenly, he was through, shooting through the vacuum of space with the pent-up momentum of his daring escape. It had worked! Refestus breathed out in relief when he saw the familiar world disks in the distance, relief washing over him when spotting his homedisk. His n should still be okay. He had been worried over the past two years, almost to the point he left early even if it went against his orders.


    Refestus had known things were bad even after the first month inside the trial, but he only realized the true gravity of the situation when the sky started to tear apart. Suspicious events had passed one after another in the trial, with the foreign Hegemons causing one scene after another. Local elites such as himself could only stay out of the way, trying to fish in the muddied waters andplete the tasks they had been assigned by the council.


    But how could they deal with kill-squads of foreign Hegemons with far superior equipment and Heritages? He had personally witnessed a sh between the Eidolon and some elites from the Radiant Temple. The cataclysmic battle had rather seemed like a struggle between Monarchs than Hegemons. Since then, Refestus had just gone through the motions toplete his tasks, instead focusing on survival.


    It didn��t take a genius to realize something was different about this trial, and the whole cursed realm copsing was the final straw. Most Hegemons opted to set up protective arrays and weather the storm until they would be sent out by the Heavens, but seeing the actions of those two Eidolon had filled Refestus with doubt.


    Would some defensive arrays really be enough?


    If it was, then why did the two ghosts cover themselves in awe-inspiring arrays and slip through the spatial cracks in the sky, leaving the Trial early? Resfestus had quicklye to a decision, and he followed in the wake of the two imperials, opting to squeeze into a spatial tear in a bid to survive. Theck of other cultivators around him proved that he was among the first to find their way out.


    However, a single look around tampered his celebratory mood, and once more filled him with dread. Heedless anything else, he once more started flying for his life in a desperate struggle to get as far away from the Twilight Ascent as possible. What sort of madness had gripped the old monsters this time around?


    A sea of blood churned across the sky, the crashing waves sounding like a million heartbeats that set Refestus�� blood aze, like it wanted to slip out of his body and joint the sanguine waters. There were also innumerable crystals that emitted a mysterious haze, and the lights within threatened to pull his soul out of his body.


    Most terrifying of all were the nine spears that were shooting toward the heart of the Twilight Ascent, each one of them controlled by one of the harbor��s true leaders. Refestus�� eyes were wide with shock when he spotted the Faebloom Monarch, the leader of the treants, his crown radiating blinding power as he shot toward the ghastly lights.


    Another spike was pushed forth by Artolo, the warmongering Corpselord whose infamy was known across the whole Zervereth Sector. Even Rhodium, the Bluearch Monarch and the current leader of the Twilight Council, controlled one of the spikes as it shot straight toward the Twilight Ascent.


    Refestus almost cried in relief upon following his guts, leaving early before those shockinglyrge needlepoints stabbed into the Twilight Ocean. The Mystic Realm was already teetering at the brink of copse, and the Twilight Council seemed intent on putting it out of its misery.


    A red light suddenly illuminated the area for a moment before it disappeared. It didn��t seem like much, but that brief sh was enough to fill Refestus with even greater horror. He puked a huge mouthful of blood as innumerable wounds opened up throughout his body, and he desperately ate one of his lifesaving pills while trying to get his rampaging Miasma under control.


    He nced back to see what was going on, just in time to see two towering giants rise from the bloody ocean. Both of them reached over ten kilometers in the air, bloody devils with four wings on their backs. One of them held a spear evenrger than the iing spikes, while the other was surrounded by three spinning rivers of extremely condensed blood.


    A simr scene was taking ce in the ghastly haze as three massive ghosts took form. Refestus wasn��t very clear about Ghost Dao techniques, but he felt a deep dread as he saw the twisted visages of the three avatars. The ghost in the middle also had a long horn that emitted a sinister pitch-ck aura, and Refestus screamed with horror when he felt his Soulwarding Gem crack.


    He hurriedly looked away before more of his protections broke, his mind reeling at the implications of what he had just witnessed.


    Dao Avatars. Refestus nched upon realizing these foreign Monarchs were going all-out, unheedingly unleashingrge-scale skills that were banned in almost all cities of the Multiverse. Simr scenes took ce atop the nine spikes as well as the vaunted members of the Twilight Council fully unleashed their auras.


    Normally, Refustus would be cheering on the Council with all his heart, perhaps even joining the struggle. But this was so far beyond his capabilities that it wasn��t even funny. No matter what side would walk away victorious from this, it was doubtful the Twilight Harbor would even survive the event.


    His thoughts turned to his descendants on the disk, and he forcibly rotated his energy to start moving again. Their n only had Six Hegemons. The n Leader had already fallen in the Twilight Ascent, and who knew if the third elder would make it out now? The two elders who had remained behind had only entered Hegemony with the help of pills and other resources. They were stuck right at the beginning, barely stronger than an elite E-grade cultivator.


    Refestus was the only one who would be able to protect the n from the upheavals that would follow this war. He couldn��t take any risks here.


    However, horror filled his heart as Refestus felt another towering aura appear behind him. An enormous trident had appeared, and its very presence put immense pressure on the whole area. The bloody ocean seemed especially affected by its appearance, and its waters frothed furiously in response.


    The already towering aura just kept rising, until Refestus felt it reach a crescendo. He felt death looming over his shoulders, and he couldn��t help but look over one more time as he ran for his life.


    Two golden balls of frantic waters shot forward, their surface covered in immensely powerful runes. They shot toward the iing spears, aiming for both the weapon and the controller. Artolo summoned thousands of enormous chains, and space itself was ripped apart as they drew a ruthless arc toward the water bombs.


    A huge golem appeared as well, conjured by the elemental who controlled another spike. The golem punched into the air, and enormous cracks of vibrant life spread forward, rushing through space with blinding speed. The councilors�� attacks shed mmed into the iing spheres, but they had clearly underestimated the power they contained.


    Chains snapped and the golem crumbled as the spheres continued forward. The two Monarchs seemed shocked, and huge amounts of energy churned around them as they prepared their next move.


    But there was no time. After the initial sh, the runes on the spheres of waters lit up, and the two balls veritably teleported forward, prompting them to be impaled on the enormous spears. It felt like time had stopped for a moment, but reality soon came crashing down as the water bombs burst.


    It looked like two golden suns had appeared as enough energy to turn Refestus into cinders a thousand times over were unleashed. The explosion swallowed the whole spears along with the two Monarchs who had controlled them. Refestus�� mind turned nk as he felt the Dao contained in the shimmering light.


    It was like he was gazing into the eyes of the Heavens themselves, two fiery orbs of life and death. But the impression onlysted for a moment, before a shockwave rocked reality itself. Space was twisted andpacted as the chaotic wave of Dao and unbridled energy pushed forward, each moment swallowing tens of kilometers while the epicenter became a zone of utter destruction.


    There was no time to run. There was no time to set up any defenses, not that it would do him any good. Refestus could only say a mental prayer for his descendants, hoping that they would survive this cmity. Or at least that they would face as painless an end as himself.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A momentter the wave passed him by, and Refestus Ynovium was no longer.


    �����C


    Zac looked around for any more attacks, but a pained wail from the Realm Spirit suddenly rocked the whole City. It seemed the Radiant Temple had managed to pull one over on the Havarok Empire and Qi��Sar, much to Zac��s delight. Of course, that only dealt with his most immediate problem.


    Huge scars spread across the sky, vortices leading out of the Mystic Realm. He saw how torrents of energy and matter were being dragged inside every second as the Twilight Ocean copsed. Zac peered into the void, looking for any clues about the outside, but there was nothing to be found at the other side of those tears. There was just endless darkness, making it uncertain if they actually led to the Twilight Harbor.


    Another shudder rocked the whole mystic realm, and Zac heard a fearful shout in the distance. It was almost time, and he took out themunication crystal one final time.


    ��This is it,�� Zac said. ��Good luck out there.��


    ��There��s a minute or two remaining I think,�� Catheya sighed on the other side. ��Should we gather up?��


    ��We better not,�� Zac muttered after some hesitation. ��I kind of infuriated the Realm Spirit just now.��


    ��Of course you did,�� Catheyaughed. ��It��sforting to see that some things stay the same even as the world crumbles.��


    Zac smiled as he looked over his shoulder just in case.


    ��It��s been fun traveling together,�� Catheya continued. ��I hope we can meet up again. The road of cultivation is long, and it��s better traversed with somepany.��


    ��Likewise,�� Zac smiled. ��I think I will have toy low for a bit after this, but I hope we can meet again. Perhaps in the Hearnds, even.��


    ��The Heavens protect us,�� Catheya giggled.


    Zac hesitated for a second before he decided toe clean. ��I have spoken with your ancestor.��


    ��You have?! How?! What did she say?�� Catheya eximed with shock.


    ��Nevermind how. She said that she cannot halt her cultivation right now. But she promised me that the threat facing the Sharva��Zi n has been averted,�� Zac said.


    He couldn��t bear telling the whole truth, where it seemed like Be��Zi had abandoned her previous self altogether. Instead, he mixed truths and falsehoods.


    ��She cannote, after all?�� Catheya said with some despondency. ��Well, thank you for try-��


    Catheya never finished the sentence as a weird fluctuation rippled through the Mystic Realm, causing themunication crystal to malfunction. Zac sighed as he put the crystal away before he looked up with a mix of anticipation and trepidation. The tears in the sky hadbined, turning into an enormous hole that expanded with extreme speed.


    In just a few seconds, it had covered half of the sky, and the Ocean Waters were suddenly just gone, reduced to a chaotic mix of Miasma and Cosmic Energy. Zac knew that this was it, and he transformed into yet another appearance while he covered himself in talismans. He urgently swore at the System to hurry up, and finally, the prompt he had waited for appeared in front of him.


    The enormous spatial tear was descending like a shroud of darkness, and Zac hurriedly ate two pills while he fervently covered himself in an ashy mixture. One of the pills was another healing pill, while the second was a Karma-breaking Pill that would hopefully strengthen the efficacy of thepound he used on his body.


    Next, he finally activated the array around his Specialty Core, hiding his unique constitution from any prying eyes outside. The darkness was almost upon him by this point, and Zac looked around the crumbling world with a mix of emotions. He couldn��t help but wonder if Catheya was right as he thought back to the events over the past two years.


    His goal for the Twilight Harbor had simply been to push his Draugr Race to D-grade, and perhaps buy some cultivation resources for himself and the Einherjar. How had it ended up with an ancient Mystic Realm copsing and him making enemies of multiple factions that could annihte the whole Zecia sector if they so desired?


    Were these shocking events rted to the Stele of Conflict as well, or was it simply the System pushing him further down this path of no return? Or was it simply bad luck? In either case, it had left him with few options of what to do next.


    It was time for him to die.

 Chapter 785: Fertilizer for One’s Path

    Chapter 785: Fertilizer for One��s Path


    Rhodium burned with anxiety as he saw Artolo fall, unable to withstand even the opening salvo of the Eveningtide Asura. Ovo was still standing, but the Godyer Spike the Rox��At Elemental controlled had been damaged to the point it might as well be considered an ornament by this point. It was already leaking its energies, forming a zone of destruction stretching a dozen kilometers in each direction.


    Things had gone out of control too quickly. They had all been in meditation to reach a sublime mental state before the battle, but they had been forced to wake early and immediately set out. Why had the realm crumbled early, and why had the System involved itself? They had no choice but to make their move before the Godyer Array had properly charged up, and they had decided to control the spikes themselves instead.


    That cut the might of the spikes in half, but Rhodium knew that was only part of the problem. How could someone native to the frontier be this powerful?


    Especially someone who had spent almost half of his lifespan in secluded cultivation, unable to gather rare treasures and honing his skills in battle. ording to their estimates, Alvod Jondir had been severely wounded when usurping the throne, to the point his cultivation had regressed to Middle C-grade. They had figured the false lord to be powerful thanks to having forcibly increased his cultivation to Divine Monarchy, but he actually surpassed his grade in strength.


    It made their mission almost insurmountable, and Rhodium was filled with regrets. If they only found out about these ns earlier they would have been able to enact more airtight ns. They had barely managed to construct these spikes, yet they didn��t even have a proper delivery system. But Rhodium knew they couldn��t stop here.


    The spikes had been activated, and they would onlyst for a few more minutes before their pathways would crack from the rampant energies contained within.


    ��Alvod Jondir shouldn��t be able to unleash more attacks in the short run,�� Heryes��s voice echoed out in his mind. ��I will try to deal with one of the bloodsuckers.��


    ��I will assist you,�� Rhodium frowned as an azure river appeared around him. ��We need to restrain them at least, allowing the others to finish the objective. The Faebloom Monarch will restrain the ghosts with Ovo and Ubulo.��


    ��Alright,�� Heryes agreed.


    Rhodium sent amand to his spike and it changed course, now heading straight for the two sanguine avatars instead of the anomaly. The necromancer followed suit, and a towering skeleton appeared behind her. The skeleton grabbed the Godyer Spike, intent on using it as a weapon.


    The two bloody avatars got ready to meet their attack, the mage choosing to deal with the skeleton. The rivers that had surrounded her shot forward, each one of them containing boundless amounts of Essence Blood, making it wildly powerful.


    The skeleton responded in kind as it spat out a shroud of condensed putrefaction. Heryes had no doubt imnted the ancient skull of her prime servant with terrifying toxins, and Rhodium prayed it would be enough to putrefy the blood of the Eternal n. Rhodium had no time to worry about his ally though, and he rather focused his attentions on the other avatar.


    Tens of thousands of runes were appearing around the vampire��s spear as he had retracted his weapon. He was building momentum, and Rhodium knew he couldn��t tarry. He infused his Dao into the azure river, prompting it to shudder as it grew massive scales. An earth-shattering roar caused space itself to crack as the river turned into the simile of a primordial flood dragon.


    It shot forward, its advance causing space itself to freeze before cracking.


    However, the vampire had finished his preparations, and he stabbed forward with furious momentum. Rhodium thought to block, but he suddenly felt the shadow of death loom over him, and he quickly formed a few incantations, prompting himself and the spike to shift ten kilometers away.


    It was a wise decision, as the space where he had previously upied simply disintegrated, forming an almost endless scar in space. The dragon was badly maimed as well, but its core runes were still intact, allowing Rhodium to reform it.


    The stab had carried a shocking amount of force, far beyond what Rhodium had expected. He looked over with worry, just in time to see the three rivers break out from the restrictive haze of Heryes. The streams had darkened considerably, but they still maintained more than half of their essence. They shot forward with almost untouched momentum, and Rhodium��s face sunk when he saw Heryes�� prized possession get ripped apart by the three frothing rivers.


    The Necromancer paled in response, and her mind was no doubt wounded after the destruction of her puppet. She wasn��t ready to give in though, and a storm of millions of bones poured out of her sleeves, forming a dense cloud that spread over five kilometers. The bones swirled and crashed into each other, causing a deafening cacophony that rippled toward the rivers.


    They were forming an ancestral curse, and Rhodium shuddered as he unwittingly moved a bit closer to Heryes. Space around her was bound to be excluded from the cursed field, which was important to know considering the crazy Necromancer��s proclivity for wanton destruction when going all out.


    Meanwhile, a huge explosion behind Rhodium confirmed what he had been worried about. The monstrous jab had continued until it mmed into a world disk. The disks were covered in extremely mighty arrays, but Rhodium could feel that most of the restrictions had broken down already. He needed to make a move. If things continued this way, there wouldn��t be anything left to salvage even if they won.


    His heart bled, but he still took out the small blue gemstone he had saved for over two hundred thousand years. It was supposed to be one of the coreponents the next time he expanded his inner world, yet he was forced to use it in a situation like this. He absorbed the primordial force within, and another roar echoed through the cosmos as the azure dragon doubled in size and shot toward the avatar with newfound vigor.


    Meanwhile, Rhodium formed a series of seals, and tens of thousands ofnces appeared behind him, each one a hundred meters long. a series of azure halos lit up around each one of them, filling the spear with energy until they suddenly shot forward with enough speed to cleave the void itself. They fell like deadly rain, heading straight toward the three Monarchs below.


    He hoped that a direct attack would lessen the pressure on hispanion, and hopefully provide an opening for someone tounch their spike at the spatial anomaly. But a deep heartbeat echoed out through the area, and Rhodium was shocked to find cracks appear on his own heart. The damage quickly healed though, and he instilled more and more energy into his spear array.


    In response, a huge tidal wave of blood rose behind the three Eternal n members, and it pushed forward to swallow the azure spears within. Rhodium grimaced when he felt the connection to his skill break long before they managed to pierce to where his targets were sitting.


    He hadn��t even managed to make them move out of the way.


    Meanwhile, the whole area was crying as almost two dozen Monarchs unleashed one mighty attack after another. Rhodium knew this ce would be tainted for tens of thousands of years as a result, but there was nothing to be done about it. Both he and the other councilors fought desperately to reach the Spatial Anomaly, but the imperials were far more powerful than they expected.


    They managed to upy five of the spikes, with only two managing to enter the Spatial Anomaly. That was far below what they had hoped for, but it was better than nothing. Even that was only thanks to the Radiant Temple staying out of the way, for some reason content with circting at the edge of the battlefield.


    Just two wouldn��t do it. They had estimated that they needed at least four to strike to copse the realm entirely. Now, they would just be a small thorn in the Eveningtide Asura��s side, unless they managed to force two more inside.


    Suddenly, a deep gong echoed out from above, and Rhodium��s eyes widened when he saw the churning clouds open up. First, it was just a small hole in the middle, a small weakness that leaked a marvelous shimmer. At the same time, the Spatial Anomaly was twisting, almost beating like a heartbeat as it started turning.


    Another gong, and innumerable shimmering lights simultaneously shed into being, almost forming a belt around the battlefield. The golden light had the mark of the System, and Rhodium spotted cultivators emitting weak auras within. It was no doubt the trial takers being taken out of the crumbling realm, but he had no time to worry about them as he knew what was about to happen.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The nking sound of a wheel turning could be heard from within the anomaly, and a third gong echoed out, harkening the arrival of the Heavens. The small hole in the thunderous cloud suddenly erged, growing to a fifty-kilometer-wide hollow in an instant. From within, an endless amount of light poured down upon them all, drenching them in the chorus of the Boundless Dao.


    ��The eye of the Heavens,�� Rhodium whispered with a mix of marvel and horror as the energy inside his body went haywire from being exposed to the Heavenly Law.


    They were toote.


    The destruction hade too quickly, and the Eveningtide Asura had already seized the opportunity while their ns had fallen apart. The fact that the Heavens had descended meant the Realm Core had been seized and repurposed, used to conjure a Heavenly Descent.


    Rhodium��s thoughts were a mess, with part of him wanting to furiously fight, to confirm his path by destroying another��s. Part of him simply wanted to run away. But he was locked in ce as his eyes were glued to the spectacle above. From how the battlefield had grown quiet, the same was true for the others.


    The Heavens itself had descended, bringing the true Dao to bear. Inside the radiant lights, the answers to all questions that had gued him for the past eons were hidden. If Rhodium could simply find the right stream, he could finally break past the bottleneck that had locked him in ce since he lost his momentum.


    But a shocked shriek ripped Rhodium out of his reverie, and he looked over with confusion to see his fellow councilors attacking each other. The Faebloom Monarch had actually ambushed Ovo, who was already wounded after withstanding the attack of the Eveningtide Asura. A simr scene took ce on the other side of the anomaly.


    A wave of dizziness suddenly hid him, and his eyes widened in rm as he furiously looked over at Heryes, who sighed as the storm of bones headed his way.


    ��You?!�� Rhodium roared, knowing he had been poisoned.


    ��I��m sorry, old friend,�� Heryes smiled, though there was no mirth in her eyes. ��Death is inevitable. With the Heavenly Descent a fact, the harbor has reached its end. The guild needed to n for all contingencies. You forget, our situation is far worse than yours, considering our leanings.��


    ��So you should have fought twice as hard to protect your sanctuary,�� Rhodium growled as he desperately tried to recoup his energy.


    But it was like his Cosmic Energy had turned into a gas that steamed out from his pores, and he felt his inner world be shrouded in darkness. Meanwhile, the gargantuan bones of the broken skeleton scattered across the area started to regroup, once more forming an undamaged warrior that shot toward Rhodium instead of the imperials.


    Two of the vampire Monarchs didn��t sit idly by, and they added insult to injury as they both had their avatars restrain and target him. However, the leader of the three ignored him, instead swallowing some small bead as thousands of tendrils emerged from his back, shooting down toward the anomaly below.


    Six golden rings above his head swirled, forming a celestial song that sang of the cycle of life and death, of blood and war. The chimes fused with the Heavenly song from above, trying to harmonize. Rhodium knew the man was trying to supnt the Heavenly Descent, but he wasn��t in a position to care about that at the moment.


    He saw the crashing waves of blood surge toward him, yet he was barely able to move between the poison and the pressure from above. He knew there was no point in lingering, and he activated his Spatial Discement Treasure. But despair filled his heart as he felt how space itself was sealed.


    Would he really fall here?


    ��The Heavens might ept your offering, but we do not abide!�� a snort suddenly echoed in his ears.


    The voice wasn��t loud, but it contained a tremendous force as it echoed out through the cosmos. It contained the might and will of the Dao itself, and one avatar after another broke apart, unable to maintain their form in front of a superior truth as an impossible pressure descended on the area. Even the shimmering light from the Dao Ocean above dimmed, temporarily suppressed by an unbreakable will.


    The next moment, the universe was split apart by a horizontal scar that stretched as far as his eyes could see. Out from it, a celestial army emerged. Tens of thousands of warriors stepped through the tear, each one reaching hundreds of meters in the air. They exuded a bloodlust that drowned the whole Twilight Harbor in a red haze, but their gazes were thankfully trained at the undead imperials and the Spatial Anomaly, rather than at himself.


    Behind them, an impossiblyrge presence took form, its hands holding apart space itself as he pushed his torso through. He was tens of thousands of meters tall, and Rhodium felt his blood boil when looking at the inscrutable tattoos that covered the giant��s face. They spoke of bloodshed and war, of unquestionable might and of victory.


    The man��s other half was still on the other side of the void, but his shocking aura forcibly kept the spatial tear open. Atop the man��s head sat a jade crown, the six red gemstones iid on it a clear answer to who had arrived. The Sixth Protector. Rhodium��s breath quickened when he realized what was going on, and despair quickly turned into tion. They might just make it after all.


    The Havarok Empire had actually managed to send an Autarch through the Tarramak Vault somehow, in the flesh no less.


    �����C


    Catheya looked around with wide eyes, horrified at the auras she could vaguely sense through the golden barrier around here.


    ��Are you two okay?�� she asked.


    ��We��re fine,�� Qirai wheezed, though Catheya noticed her aura was extremely unstable.


    It was no wonder. The Mystic Realm had fallen apart, and their exit had been bereft of the stabilizing arrays you saw on Space Gates and Teleportation Arrays. They had been dragged through the void, their bodies exposed to chaotic Spatitial Energies along with the exhaust of the realm itself.


    Thankfully, the System had taken mercy on them, erecting the golden barriers after they had withstood half the journey on their own. However, the golden glow around them was slowly dissipating, and she could already smell the cataclysmic danger that waited outside.


    ��Get ready to teleport away,�� she said as she ate a soul-soothing pill, and her two followers followed suit.


    Ten secondster, the shielding dissipated, but they didn��t even have time to activate their escape talismans before they were subdued and immobilized by multipleyers of terrifying pressure. If not for the defensive equipment they wore, their bodies might have started crumbling then and there.


    Catheya looked at the scene, her eyes wide with horror. She had known it would be bad, but this was beyond even what she could have imagined. Above in the sky, extremely dense clouds stretched on as far as she could see. In its center, a marvelous light shimmered, but she hurriedly looked away when she felt her soul shuddered precipitously.


    She had a good idea of what that light was, and she knew that it was not something an E-grade cultivator herself could meddle with. The Heavenly Secrets were not so easily divulged. Besides, this was no time to enter meditation. Over a Dozen monarchs floated around the Spatial Anomaly, and they clearly had been fighting just a moment ago.


    But now, they all faced a terrifying army, led by a man of shocking proportions. Catheya had never seen her family��s Autarch in the flesh, but she had sensed the aura left behind by him and her ancestor. This aura was weaker, but it was extremely condensed, which wasn��t a surprise considering he was here in the flesh.


    Catheya didn��t understand what was going on. She knew that this sector of the Frontiercked proper Space Gates to allow a being as powerful as an Autarch to pass through. Had he sailed here across the vast darkness, spending god-knows how much time and even harming his foundations? And if they knew of this event that long ago, they surely should havee up with some better ns?


    It didn��t make sense, yet he was here, his mere presence causing space to shudder. The implications were terrifying, but not everyone seemed to be as subdued by the arrival.


    ��Since everyone has gathered, let��s get this show on the road,�� an unfamiliar manughed, his voice filled with boundless conviction. It was the Eveningtide Asura.


    The next moment, the Twilight Ascent exploded, unleashing a surge of rampant energy that seemed without limit. Catheya looked at the almost blinding disy with dismay, knowing that even a fraction of that force would be able to extinguish her in body and soul. Thankfully, the energy didn��t erupt in a shockwave of unbridled energy and Dao.


    Instead, it poured into the dozens of twilight rivers that formed a spider web through the Twilight Harbor, and they lit up with unprecedented might as they started to move, gathering toward the heart of the Harbor. The huge avatar snorted as he spat a ball of destruction toward the core, but the rivers formed an enormous cocoon around it.


    The power in the attack contained enough power to kill a Peak Monarch, yet the rivers managed to withstand it. Thankfully, the Autarch had controlled his power as well, and not as much as a ripple spread out toward the lower-grade cultivators.


    ��Alvod Jondir. I havee to enact judgment on your sins,�� the Autarch growled, his voice sounding like Heavenly Law.


    ��Not even the heavens can judge me, protector, let alone you,�� the Eveningtide Asuraughed from within the cocoon. ��You shall all be fertilizer for my path.��


    The sky rumbled in response, as though enraged by the promation. Nine purple tendrils started to descend toward the cocoon, and screams echoed out all around her as their aura covered the Twilight Harbor. Catheya squeezed her eyes shut, but she felt herself losing control. The Heavens had been pulled down to the frontier, and nothing could withstand its wrath.


    Her mind drifted as she lost sensation, and an endless cold gripped her. Darkness crept closer, and thest thing she remembered was the silhouette of a man sitting on a balcony, enjoying the scenery of the Twilight Harbor.

 Chapter 786: Rip and Tear

    Chapter 786: Rip and Tear


    Zac was startled awake by pained cries and rampant energies that rocked the area. It looked like the transfer out of the Twilight Ocean had knocked him unconscious, which wasn��t surprising considering the wretched state his body and soul were in. Thankfully he had covered himself in defensive talismans just in case, and they had activated just like they were supposed to.


    Not that it waspletely necessary. Zac looked around with his bleary eyes, and he saw how people kept appearing in golden bubbles that contained the aura of the System. As expected, it had provided some measure of protection for the trial takers upon their departure from the Twilight Ocean.


    However, it looked like the System wasn��t willing to overexert itself. Zac��s own barrier was already gone, exposing him to the harsh realities of his surroundings. He had felt himself under immense pressure from the moment he woke up, and Zac recognized that aura all-too-well. It was the Heavens, the real one that had almost sted him to smithereens a few times.


    The whole area was drowned in that ancient wrath, and Zac felt his Cosmic Energy extremely turbid, barely answering his call. Not only that, but there were extremely powerful insights suffused into the air. Zac didn��t know it was a result of vast Dao fields that covered thousands of kilometers, or if it was the lingering result of two powerful attacks colliding in the distance.


    In either case, it meant trouble, and the more he saw as he looked around, the more horrified Zac became. The whole Twilight Harbor was on the brink of copse, with thousands of spatial tears stretching like tendrils as far as he could see.


    It was like he was caught in the middle of a three-dimensional spider web, where the wrong move would end with him bing swallowed by the void or cut apart by the scars in reality itself. Apart from the tears, space was littered with everything from struggling cultivators to whole ptial ruins floating about.


    There weren��t too many cultivators appearing in shes of light any longer. Most had either fallen or left already, and he spotted quite a few fleeing people far in the distance, moving away from the inner parts of the Twilight Harbor. Problem was, the Twilight Rivers with their spatial arrays were gone while space was unstable. Traversing this kind of war zone at the E-grade was extremely perilous, and you would have to survive for at least half a day in this environment until you could reach the outer edge of the harbor, where the teleportation arrays waited. Provided they still worked.


    As to where the huge buildings and other debris came from, it wasn��t a mystery. Zac could see that he had been let out somewhere in the middle of the harbor, with world disks both in front of him and behind. More than half of the disks had already broken apart, and whole civilizations had be space debris that drifted about.


    And there were corpses. So many corpses.


    It was to the point that Zac��s brain could barelyprehend such a loss of life. The space between the destroyed world disks was littered with bodies, most of them F-grade mortals judging by theck of spirituality on their bodies. They had probably been subjected to the void of outer space the moment the atmosphere of the Twilight Harbor copsed, and that wasn��t something a mortal could withstand for more than a couple of seconds.


    Of course, they might have already been dead by the time their word disks broke apart. The force required for something like that would most likely be powerful enough to extinguish their souls in an instant.


    Zac couldn��t actually see the source of the mayhem. A huge chunk of a broken world disk, spanning hundreds of kilometers across, hovered in front of him, blocking most of his vision. It was a bit disconcerting to not see what was going on, but he knew that it might have been this chunk of stone that had protected him while he was unable to protect himself.


    A huge shockwave from the heart of the harbor made reality groan, andrge cracks spread across his protective disk. However, it withstood the impact, severely weakening the destructive wave. Not only that, but it was like space was suddenly lit up with millions of shimmering stars, and they seemed to absorb a lot of the errant energies before dimming again.


    There was no need to guess where that shimmer hade from. It was the method of the Radiant Temple, where someone had set up a massive protective array that stretched as far as his eyes could see. It helped restrain the errant energies somewhat, and it had no doubt saved countless lives already.


    Of course, Zac didn��t believe the temple only protected him and the other E-grade cultivators out of benevolence. If killing a bunch of mortals and low-grade cultivators put a stain on your Karma, then the opposite was probably true as well. Since Ventus liked to meddle with fate, some elder from their faction was probably using the situation to rack up Karmic Merit. Saving lives to cultivate.


    But Zac couldn��t be picky. Their motives might be impure, but it was still a lifesaver considering the might contained in those strikes. Even with [Void Zone] activated, he felt his bones groan in protest as the wave passed him by. Zac was so exhausted, but he knew that he needed to hold on for a while longer.


    There were a few things that he needed to do be done immediately, and he hurriedly took out the prepared item. In front of him, his twin appeared. Or rather, a body that looked almost exactly like Arcaz ck, except for his abyssal eyes being gouged out. Runes covered his skin as Zac infused the body with his Dao, but the marks were fading fast. In a few moments, they would be gone entirely, having fulfilled their purpose.


    It was not a clone of his, but rather something darker in nature. The man was once a Revenant, one of the stronger enemies he had fought on the way back from the chasm. He had been part of an elite squad that had tried to ambush him, but now he had been reduced to a tool that would hopefully help Zac out.


    Arcaz ck��s identity had be extremely problematic, and he had to do everything in his power to steer attention away from himself, from Earth, and from the Zecia Sector as a whole. Otherwise, Alvod Jondir mighte knocking in a few centuries, at that point an Autarch bent on revenge.


    Now, there was also Hive Ouro and the Eternal n to worry about. He couldn��t put all his faith in Catheya��s ability to trade his allegiance and the fact of him being an Edgewalker in return for safe harbor. Especially not after his talk with Qi��Sar. Zac had thought himself something unique, but if a sliver consciousness of an ancient Autarch knew about people like him, he might not be as valuable to the Undead Empire as he had hoped.


    And even if Catheya managed to garner some interest for him, it might only be among the Draugr factions. So it would still be in his interest to throw off the scent for the others, specifically by having Arcaz ck ��die��.


    This solution was something he had prepared while waiting for the gates to the City of Ancients to open, though Varo and Catheya were the ones who did most of the heavy lifting. The corpse in front of him had be fatelinked with him, where any Karmic Links that led to Zac would also lead to this corpse. With him having used multiple Karma-cleansing items along with activating the Array around his Duplicity Core, those links should now only lead to the corpse.


    Essentially, pinning the me on a dead guy.


    Initially, the method was only meant to obscure one��s Karmic threads, but Zac had taken it one step further after Catheya and Varo were done with their ministrations. With the help of his Shard of Creation, he had transformed the man��s body into a copy of his own. However, he hadn��t managed to recreate the signature Abyssal eyes and had opted to simply gouge them out.


    Thus, Arcaz ck had fallen at the end of the Twilight Ascent, his body set to drift in the ruins of the Twilight Harbor. This trick wasn��t perfect, but it should make any attempts of tracking him down far harder. An adept Karmic Cultivator would probably realize something was amiss, but with the corpse��s karmic threads shining brightly, it would be nigh-impossible to find the real Zac.


    Thankfully, the harbor itself would help him even further ording to Catheya. With so many old monsters gathering in one spot and duking it out, the fate of an E-grade warrior should be drowned out in the white noise of their Dao. Even the Heavens had descended to muddy the waters. It was one of the few good points with the current chaos.


    ��Thank you,�� Zac sighed as he pushed the body away, letting it drift away and join the innumerable corpses that littered the area.


    Ideally, Zac had wanted to take an [Coward��s Escape]-pill as well the moment the realm copsed. But he had ultimately decided against it, even after getting the prompt that indicated he had cinched the first-position title for the trial. He really wanted to get rid of the quest that the Eveningtide Asura had forced upon him, but eating that pill would mean he would fail the quest for upgrading the Creator Shipyard as well.


    [Materials for Karunthel] was a chained quest, and Zac feared that not getting the customized D-grade Cosmic Vessel would be the least of his losses if he ate the pseudo-death pill. Most likely, he��d be stripped of the qualifications to upgrade the shipyard altogether. He was on good standing with Karunthel, but that didn��t matter considering it was the System that set the rules.


    He didn��t have any other means to deal with the lingering quest and the threat it might pose, but Zac realized the issue was fast solving itself as he looked around. The whole harbor was falling apart, so the quest should automatically fail sooner orter, considering how it was a decree quest linked to the Twilight Harbor.


    Having discarded the Karmic dummy, Zac wasted no time to start his own escape. He didn��t know who was winning between Alvod and the other factions, but between the heavenly wrath and the earthshattering shes, he knew it was just a matter of time before disaster struck his area as well.


    He first tried activating the escape bangle on his arm, but as expected, there was no response. The first function of the bangle only worked in the Zecia sector, unfortunately. Zac tried various other escape treasures as well, but they only fizzled out, failing to activate. It was no wonder that the people in the distance were flying rather than zapping away.


    Space was sealed, making teleportation impossible.


    Zac had no option but to start moving as well, and he started releasing some Cosmic Energy to move through the vacuum of space. Thankfully, there were tons of debris lying around, allowing him to continuously use [Earthstrider] to drastically increase his speed. Unfortunately, each activation resulted in a throbbing pain in his nodes, and activation was extremely arduous because of the heavenly pressure.


    Thankfully, both those issues were solved by using [Force of the Void]. With his bloodline talent, no energy cirction was required, alleviating the pressure on his nodes. At the same time, the restrictions from the heavens didn��t seem to affect his unique Bloodline Energy. It allowed him to move quickly, though he was expending quite a bit of Void Energy.


    A scream of danger in the back of his suddenly made him sh out of the way. Just a momentter, a gust passed by the area where he previously stood. At first, it looked like nothing, but Zac was filled with horror when space simply disintegrated where he had flown a moment ago. A scar tens of kilometers long and hundreds of meters high had appeared out of nowhere.


    The corpses that littered the area were utterly disintegrated by the attack, and the nearby debris was dragged into the enormous spatial tear that was left behind after the gust. Zac felt the pull as well, and he desperately activated his movement skill over and over until he got far enough.


    Zac��s heart beat like a drum as he looked back, only to find that the world disk that had protected him before had finally been cut into two, exposing the scene behind. The first thing he noticed was the enormous avatar almost looking like Poseidon, wielding an immense trident as dozens of rivers surrounded him, each one of them piercing toward the sky.


    It didn��t take him long to realize who it was; Alvod Jondir, the Eveningtide Asura. He was right in the middle at it, attacked from every single direction. From the front, a humongous avatar peered out through a vast spatial fold, and Zac��s heart sunk when he felt his aura. It was even greater than his mother��s, meaning it was a bonafide Autarch who had made an appearance.


    However, his aura was not that much stronger than hers, and Zac didn��t get the sense of immensity or profundity from this tattooed man as he did from Be��Zi or A��Zu. Most likely, it was a First-Step Autarch who had barely managed to break through. Of course, that still meant he was a terrifying existence who could essentially run roughshod in the frontier.


    A Havarok Autarch wasn��t the only thing Alvod had to deal with at the moment. Simultaneously, a huge depression had opened up in the churning clouds above, and Zac looked at the shimmering lights that descended with marvel. It was Dao, pure Dao that held the secrets of the universe. If he could just absorb a sliver of that light��


    Zac shook his head, knowing his limits. He saw those white tendrils falling like rain, the terror they contained. The Eveningtide Asura controlled the rivers having them sh with the descending punishment. The Twilight River was filled with unprecedented levels of energy, yet they were no match for that mysterious light.


    The rivers only managed to withstand the energy for a moment before they disintegrated, resulting in simr eruptions like the one that had almost killed him just now. Alvod seemed undeterred, and he kept reforming the rivers as a golden pir rose slowly rose from his body, heading towards the Dao in the sky.


    That pir was a true marvel, and it contained everything Zac had sensed inside the valley and more. He heard the crashing waves as he looked upon the light, he was transported to the edge between night and daybreak. Life was not life, death was not death.


    Zac hurriedly shook his head to clear his thoughts. That pir was perhaps even more lethal to him than the lights in the sky. It represented the path of a Divine Monarch, and its intrusive influence was incredibly powerful even at this great distance. Even worse, it was just one of three such pirs that rose toward the sky.


    Alvod��s Dao Pir wasn��t even the tallest one. While Alvod was busy shing with a celestial army led by the Havarok giant, tens of thousands of huge red seals hovered right next to him, seemingly trying to fuse with his avatar. Zac could smell the stench of blood all the way to where he was, meaning it was no doubt the Eternal n.


    The shortest pir was aquamarine-white, and it flickered ominously like it was about to break apart. Three enormous ghosts surrounded it, but a sudden swipe from the Eveningtide asura cut one of them apart. Alvod received a fierce attack from the Havarok Autarch in return, but his gambit was enough to push the Eidolon over the edge, causing the pir to copse.


    Zac was shocked at all that three people were trying to break through at the same time, while fighting each other at that. He had heard that most Divine Monarchs secluded themselves for thousands of years before making their attempt, as the smallest of distraction or stray thought might adversely affect their chances of sess.


    The situation had be untenable for the ghosts, and an infuriated shriek rippled through the Twilight Harbor. Zac felt his mind blur as his soul was covered in cracks, but the churning oceans in his Soul Aperture along with [Soul Guardian] thankfully absorbed enough of the wail for his soul to remain intact.


    Others weren��t as lucky, and Zac saw how many of the others who were escaping suddenly stopped moving, their souls identally crushed by the Eidolon Monarch. Not even the elder from the Radiant Temple could provide enough protection from that shriek.


    That wasn��t the end of Zac��s worries as the ghosts seemed intent on retaliating. The pir contained a Divine Monarch��s condensed Dao, and Zac saw how it was turned into a terrifying attack directed at Alvod. A ghastly fire consumed the whole avatar in an instant its radiance overshadowing the Heavens themselves for an instant.


    Over twenty Twilight Rivers were ripped apart, and more than half of the bloody seals were broken as well. The destruction resulted in a chaotic mix of energies freed from their respective owner��s control, and they immediately rippled outward, destroying everything in its path.


    Zac desperately push his movement skill to move even faster, but he felt the wave of destructione closer and closer. He wracked his mind for solutions, but he couldn��te up with anything better than throwing out hundreds of talismans behind him, expending almost half of his Cosmic Energy to activate them all.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Defensive Talismans lit up, formingyers uponyers of barriers between Zac and the Monarchs. Zac wasn��t done there, and he quickly activated [Void Zone] as well. He cursed the fact that he didn��t have any defensive skills to help out at the moment, and without any better options he simply took out some of the D-grade rubble he had swiped on the way out of the castle, forming a finalyer of protection.


    The wave finally crashed past him, and he felt the barriers crumble in rapid order. Next came the boulder in front of him, turning into dust after enduring just an instant. But thankfully, [Void Zone] was extremely efficient at weakening uncontrolled energies, and he almost cried in relief when his body was onlycerated with deep cuts all over as the wave passed him by.


    He ate a Soldier Pill and Healing Pill as he resumed his escape, but Zac worried about his prospects. It was one thing to dodge those condensed cuts that ripped space apart. But he only had it in him to block one or two more of those all-consuming waves of destruction, even with the ster light weakening them considerably.


    Meanwhile, there was still half a day��s worth of travel before he reached the edge of the harbor. Zac wracked his brain to find a solution, but he suddenly froze as he spotted something all-too-familiar not too far away.


    Wasn��t that..?

 Chapter 787: Stronger

    Chapter 787: Stronger


    Zac could barely believe his eyes when he saw the small egg sail past him, barely visible among the endless pieces of rubble. But he was certain. He couldn��t sense his Mark of Creation at all, but that was definitely the egg he had dropped off at the valley, or at least a copy of it.


    A shudder by his chest from [Love��s Bond] confirmed it. No matter whether it was the one he had transported to the heart of the Twilight Ocean or if it was another one, it was definitely something that Alea wanted to consume. Problem was, it had quite the momentum as it soared through the ether, flying away from both the core and from Zac.


    Toward a spatial tear in the distance.


    It might have been expelled along with the cultivators or knocked away during the battle for ascension. Zac had no way of telling why it had appeared here, but he unhesitantly changed course, pushing himself to the limit to catch up to the thing. Alea��s situation had improved after infusing the coffin with Temporal Energy, but he wouldn��t put his faith in Qi��Sar��s advice.


    The Realm Spirit was probably willing to say whatever it needed to get closer to Zac and have him put down his guard, no matter if its advice was true or not. After all, it only needed to fool him until he had activated that odd cage array around the infant Realm Spirits. For all Zac knew, infusing [Love��s Bond] with the Temporal Crystals might just have slowed down everything inside the coffin, rather than just the chaotic energies.


    [Love��s Bond] might be breaking apart, just at a slower pace. But wasn��t this thing perfect for Alea��s situation? The small egg had been able to refine and purify the energies of the Twilight Ocean, turning them into something useful. Perhaps, it could help Alea do the same. At the very least, it was clearly something she desperately wanted.


    After everything she had done for him, he couldn��t back down now, especially when it was just a small detour. He pushed off from a broken store sign that floated next to him, quickly making his way toward the item. However, Zac felt the energy in his body go haywire as he heard an enraged voice roar from behind.


    ��Enough!��


    It didn��t sound like Alvod. Rather, it was filled with a familiar Dao that beat like the drums of war, of shing steel and bloodied swords. It was the voice of someone who had made war their path, and it felt like a general��s order that almost managed to stop Zac in his tracks. It was no doubt the Havarok leader, and Zac��s felt a wave of dismay upon realizing that the Autarch��s aura was rapidly rising. This wasn��t actually his full power?


    He didn��t know the details, but ording to Catheya, there were some issues that prevented Autarchs from freely roaming the ��lower realms��, the Sectors that didn��t normally have the capabilities to nurture B-grade cultivators. Perhaps that was what had stopped him from simply unleashing a wave of destruction that ripped the Eveningtide Asura apart, but it looked like his patience had run dry.


    Zac nced back to see that a hugence had appeared in the crowned giant��s hand, surprisingly simr to the one Zac had seen in the vision from the Stele of Conflict. However, while the one that the mysterious general had formed out of a crushed moon was crudely formed and filled with the raw and unbridled power of conflict, this weapon instead relied on extremely high-grade runes to attain a simr might.


    In either case, it was a terror of a weapon, radiating an aura that was almost a match to its owner. Space continuously cracked around it, and Zac felt himself pierced by just looking in its direction. It was possible that this was the first B-grade treasure he had seen, and it was trained at Alvod.


    At the same time, Zac actually sensed the aura of the Heavens grow deeper, more profound. Not only did the swirling vortex in the sky expand a bit, but there was a secondary source of the feelinging from within the giant��s body. Then, an enormous rune appeared behind the giant��s back.


    Looking at it felt like looking at the shimmering lights in the sky. It wasn��t a snippet of a path or intent taken form. It was pure Dao, imbued with the weight of the Heavens themselves. It was War, and Zac felt the Cosmic Energy in his surroundings bend to the will of the runes, reforming itself under a new world order.


    The sky rumbled at the appearance of the brand, Zac saw how two nearby world disks crumbled, unable to withstand the pressure any longer. The two remaining Dao Pirs weren��t faring much better, and they flickered precipitously like candles in the wind. The two stopped fighting with each other for a moment, and Alvod took out an ancient-looking cauldron.


    He threw it out, and it emitted a multi-colored aura that stabilized the area around him. Zac barely discerned some ancient hymns as well, reminding him of the impression he got from staring into the golden light of [Rapturous Divide]. It was the song of the Arcadia, divine hymns holding the truths of paradise.


    Zac forcibly kept his mind from drifting away, speeding toward the egg as he kept track of the events behind him. Alvod��s Dao Pir had stabilized after throwing out the cauldron, and it seemed like he wasn��t nning on backing down even after the Autarch had unleashed an even greater part of his might.


    The man from the Eternal n was clearly not ready to back down either. A thump echoed out as a red sh appeared from within the sanguine waters near Alvod, and Zac groaned as it felt like his blood was about to be pulled out from his body. Only by stopping his movement skill and activating [Void Zone] did he manage to keep his blood to himself.


    Others weren��t as lucky, and innumerable red streams shot toward the center of the realm. Millions of millions of bodies were instantaneously exsanguinated, and the blood turned into vast rivers. Zac didn��t know why, but it almost felt like the blood wasn��t being stolen, but that it rather returned to its origin, like rivers returning to the ocean.


    The sanguine pir stabilized as well, and Zac actually noticed that both the pirs had grown taller. Did the Havarok Imperial inadvertently help the two by unleashing his Dao? From the looks of it, his Dao had strengthened the connection between the heavens and this area, making ascension easier.


    If that was the case, he was probably out of options but to unleash his true power. The Eveningtide Asura was a known monster, and an elite from the Eternal n had to be difficult even for an Autarch to deal with.


    ��Good!�� Alvodughed as an enormous rowboat appeared above his head, bringing a shocking tidal wave in its wake. ��Let��s put it all on the line, for my path.��


    ��For eternity,�� a dour voice echoed out from within the bloody ocean.


    From within the bloody ocean, the red light shed again. It lit up the whole Twilight Harbor, drenching even the Heavens in sanguine luster. The myriad streams of blood condensed around it, forming a massive sword. Zac was dismayed when he felt the might in that weapon. It was clearly controlled by a Divine Monarch, yet it was almost a match to the hugence.


    It was all thanks to that light, that terrifying red light that seemingly had the power to contend against the Heavens themselves.


    No matter if it was the rowboat and the living ocean beneath, thence rife with the momentum of war, or the rapier of the Eternal n, their might was just too much. Zac could barely withstand them now before they had even beenunched. How would he possibly survive a sh between the three?


    He desperately looked around in search of answers, and his eyes suddenly stopped on the egg. There was no other option. Zac propelled himself forward, no longer looking back at the three warriors fighting for supremacy. Space itself couldn��t withstand the might of their towering auras colliding.


    The whole area buckled and was pushed outward, forming an advance shockwave as the three prepared to put it all on the line. Zac saw his surroundings twist and bend, but he ignored the ominous portents as he desperately jumped from one piece of debris after another to keep his movement skill going.


    Each step with [Earthstrider] was pushed to the limits of what the skill could achieve, even if he had to literally step on the drained corpses of the fallen to make it happen. He was a blur that cut through thepactedyers of space. Finally, he reached his destination; the purifier egg. It was just at the edge of the enormous spatial tear which stretched in front of him like a wall of ultimate darkness, taking up his vision.


    Behind, the blood-drenched auras kept increasing in intensity, and the stars in the area rapidly dimmed, unable to withstand this kind of output. Zac hurriedly grabbed the egg the moment he appeared next to it, but he didn��t stop or turn around from there. He simply kept going, disappearing in an instant as he jumped again.


    Into the Void.


    It was the only solution Zac could think of. The Void was dangerous and he couldn��t stay inside for long before sumbing, but was it really more dangerous than two Divine Monarchs duking it out with an Autarch? He wouldn��t bet his life on his Luck being enough to steer the errant bursts of energy from heading his way. It was better to hide between the folds of reality and then sneak back through a tear when the fighting was over.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Tearing pain assaulted his body, and it felt like he was being drained. However, the weird feeling abated drastically as he activated [Void Zone] again. It was a relief that his Bloodline actually managed to protect him in this dangerous no-man��snd, but he knew that he wasn��t out of the woods just yet.


    The spatial tear was open right behind him, exposing him to the events at the heart of the Harbor. The tear had been a wall of darkness on the other side, but he could still see the three powerhouses from within the Void. Desperately, Zac tried to move out of the way, andrge bursts of Void Energy were exhausted in an effort to gain some traction in this weird dimension.


    It felt like he was stuck in a waking nightmare as he tried to traverse the nothingness, where he barely moved in ce. He had alreadye in contact with the odd properties of the Void in the research base, and he had onlyter learned that it mostly stemmed from the fact that the Voidcked the Dao of Space.


    It made traversing the Void extremely confusing, considering something that appeared to be right in front of you could be thousands of meters away, and vice versa. There was no gravity, there was no direction. It wasn��t a vacuum, it was nothingness. It was these odd features that made Teleportation Arrays possible, apparently, allowing you to move across the Multiverse for a fraction of the energy it should��ve cost.


    Of course, that knowledge didn��t help him right now, but he did remember something else. Zac��s mind throbbed and his skin crackled as he deactivated [Void Zone] before emitting as powerful a Dao Feld as he could, squeezing what little energy he had left to impose his will on the surroundings. It worked, and he finally found himself moving. He shot one final look at Alvod Jondir as he moved out of the way from the spatial tear.


    Even if he was a madman at worst and a ruthless powerhouse who sacrificed everything for the Dao at best, Zac couldn��t help but feel some sort of connection with the man. Their origins were eerily alike, and they even walked simr paths of cultivation. Now, he was struggling all alone, desperately fighting off both an imperial elite and an Autarch to seize an opportunity to continue his cultivation.


    Zac was beset by a wave of gloom as he looked at that solitary back. Was this what the pursuit of the peak looked like? Withstanding eons of loneliness, shedding everything that didn��t help you on your path. All for what? For longevity, so that you could extend your dreary existence? To seize some sort of truth that would satiate your obsession?


    What pushed Alvod Jondir to these lengths?


    The small wooden boat above Alvod��s head suddenly lit up, turning from corporeal to intangible as it melded with the crashing waves that had propped it up. Millions and millions of runes covered the golden waters as it split to strike both the vampire��s rapier and the Havarok imperial simultaneously. The waves contained unstoppable momentum, the condensed force of his will.


    The Autarch wasn��t to be outdone, and the whole world dimmed as he swung hisnce in return. Zac desperately wanted to see the result of the sh, but he ultimately chose life over discovery, pushing himself out of the way and losing the vantage.


    There was no sound, and no warning as the whole Void lit up. Tens of thousands of scars appeared all around him as immense currents of furious energy burst through. The same held true for the scar he had just entered through. It was like a dam had burst, pouring a hyper-condensed mix of fireworks andva through the spatial tear.


    The current shot forward through the Void, pushing forward for tens of thousands of meters, veritably forming a luminescent river of pure destruction. Simr scenes could be seen all around him, and the whole Void was lit up.


    Only then did Zac see what his surroundings really looked like. He wasn��t alone. In fact, there were tens of thousands of people in his immediate surroundings, though it was impossible to tell how close they actually were in a ce like this. Most of the bodies were fallen mortals who had probably been sucked into the void, but there was some activity as well. And those who were alive mostly emitted the auras of Hegemons.


    A few were busy looting the floating corpses, but most were waiting right by one spatial tear or another, clearly having a simr idea of survival as himself. Some had been too eager or simply unlucky, and their disintegrated corpses had been swept away along with the rivers of shing energies that had formed all over.


    That didn��t actually stop people, and Zac frowned when he saw a few particrly powerful Hegemons cover themselves in immensely powerful barriers before they pushed into the churning chaos that covered the spatial tears. Why were they in such a rush? This ce was lethal, but Hegemons would surely be able to survive a while in this ce.


    The scene gave Zac a sinking feeling, and he understood that this ce might be far more dangerous than it seemed. He hesitantly looked at the weakening glow of the nearby spatial tear, wondering if he should attempt an escape as well. But even the fading energy between mortals was far beyond he could handle, at least without the help of the remnants.


    A shudder made Zac look down with surprise, and he saw how [Love��s Bond] took on its backpack form by itself as he felt a wave of hunger in his mind. He heard the ttering of chains, and he hurriedly handed over the egg that was still in his hands. He heard the lid opening for a moment, before quickly mming shut again.


    Soon, I will be stronger, Alea��s voice echoed in his mind before the coffin shrunk again.


    He sensed a wave of contentment before he lost the connection, but Zac was still ted. With such a statement from her, he could let go of any worries that her soul or foundations had been damaged by taking on the Blood Effigy��s attacks. In fact, it looked like she would evolve soon enough.


    But just as one issue was solved, another one cropped up. The spatial tear that was supposed to be his ticket out from the Void suddenly copsed, unable to withstand the barrage from outside. Left was a long river of rootless energy and vast darkness.


    He was stuck.

 Chapter 788: Trapped

    Chapter 788: Trapped


    An obscuring shroud from a Haze Talisman spread around Zac as he hurriedly took out [Verun��s Bite], immediately conjuring a fractal leaf. He knew himself well enough to know that he didn��t have the strength to force open a spatial tear himself, at least not onerge and stable enough for him to escape through. But hopefully, the dimensional wall around him would still be weakened enough for him to reopen a pathway.


    At the same time, he didn��t dare to immediately cut open a path in case the terrifying energy shockwaves were still raging outside. The long scars in the Void were a poignant reminder of just how ferocious the struggle for ascension was. But no new scars were opening around him at the moment, so he ultimately infused his Daos into the de one after another as he activated [Rapturous Divide], ignoring the throbbing pain in his head.


    The two waves melded, prompting a two-colored sun to erupt a few meters ahead of him. But Zac frowned when he saw that the divide between the Abyss and Arcadia had failed to open up a path out of this ce. There was a spatial rupture, but it was as thin as a strand of hair, making it sharp enough to kill someone, but absolutely useless for escape.


    Zac sighed as he started looking around. Sticking around in the Void for too long was out of the question. The environment itself was harmful, and Zac didn��t want to find out if the Collector had brethren living in this area. So he needed to find another exit, and fast. The good news was that far from all the Spatial Tears that led back to the Twilight Harbor had copsed, but getting to them quickly proved difficult.


    First of all, he was forced to turn off [Void Zone] if he wanted to traverse the Void, which immediately exposed him to the darkness. It felt like he was being constantly cut by thousands of small knives, and his skin was slowly drying out like it was sapped of its vitality.


    Secondly, he found himself utterly incapable of actually making any progress even if he moved. His surroundings turned into a confusing blur as he propelled himself forward by expelling Cosmic Energy, with his rtive position to the surroundings continuously changing. The experience was so nauseating he was repeatedly forced to stop in order to fight an onset of vertigo.


    Zac quickly realized that the spatial tear had served as an anchor, infusing its surroundings with the Dao of Space. With the spatial tear gone, the normal rules didn��t apply any longer. His eyes had be useless, with directions andmon logic no longer holding any sway. It became more apparent why the Hegemons had so desperately struggled to jump back through the tears, to the point some even braved the rampant energies.


    They were probably afraid of getting stuck like he was.


    At the same time, it was clear that not everyone had this kind of problem. There were dozens of people flickering about, somehow moving through the area to loot one Spatial Ring or Cosmos Sack after another from the innumerable corpses. Theycked the frantess of the other cultivators, clearly considering the situation an opportunity rather than cmity.


    Was it Spatial Energy? Did they have some sort of Spatial Treasures that could instill the Dao of Space into their surroundings, allowing them to move freely in the Void? Or were their Daos simply powerful enough to affect vast areas of space? Zac took out two Soul Crystals and started absorbing the energy as he increased the radius of his Dao Field.


    Suddenly, he noticed something, prompting him to change course. A momentter, a body appeared in front of him as though it had teleported. Or at least half of one. Of course, it wasn��t teleportation. Zac had sensed the body��s spirituality with his Dao field, and it was like their locations became connected through his Dao.


    The moment he reached the body, Zac hurriedly activated [Void Zone] once more, giving his body a reprieve as he checked the lower half of the fallen Hegemon for treasure. He was still as stuck as can be, so Zac figured he might as well stuff his pockets while waiting for his body to recover. Unfortunately, it looked like the warrior had carried his Spatial Tool on the hand that was missing, leaving Zac empty-handed.


    Zac didn��t immediately leave, but rather kept his Bloodline Talent going for a while longer. Budding Void Emperor or not, the Void was clearly not a domain he could withstand at his current level. The damage wasn��t as bad as when he had experimented in the research base Mystic Realm, but Zac doubted he wouldst more than a couple of hours without his nullification zone.


    Luckily, the environment did contain some of the force that Zac could refine into Void Energy, and his [Void Heart] had been hard at work since he had fled into this ce. Unfortunately, the pace his Void Energy was being reced didn��t match his consumption. Even then, Zac figured he would be able to survive around half a day in this space if he alternated properly as he had down in the chasm.


    Hopefully, that would be enough time for him to leave this ce and for the battle outside to abate.


    As if conjured by his thoughts, the Void was suddenly lit up again as hundreds of new tears appeared, each one of them spewing torrential amounts of energy into the surroundings. Zac froze in ce as his eyes widened with terror, but he breathed out in relief upon realizing that none of the deadly rivers were bearing down on him.


    He hadn��tpletely recovered from his previous spacewalk, but he still deactivated his nullification zone to spread out his Dao Field once more, hoping that one of the new tears had appeared near him. Unfortunately, he didn��t sense anything, but he still set out, pushing his way in a random direction for a minute.


    His only gain was finding two more two bodies, one of which was a Hegemon with his Spatial Ring intact. Zac spent the next hour shuttling back and forth with increasing urgency, but while his pockets were filling up with Spatial Rings and Cosmos Sacks, he didn��t have as much luck with finding any exits.


    Everyone else in the area was struggling in a simr manner, yet few were sessful. If anything, there seemed to be more people being forced into the void than leaving it.


    The distances were far greater than Zac had anticipated. Even after moving for so long, he hadn��t run into a single living cultivator, even if there were thousands of them around scuttling about within his small section alone. For all he knew, there might be thousands of kilometers between him and the closest cultivator, or closest spatial tear for that matter.


    To make matters worse, the spatial tears closed one by one as the minutes passed, and fewer and fewer new ones were carved open.


    Zac couldn��t be certain, but he believed that the Eternal n Monarch had either been killed or forced out of contention around fifteen minutes after he entered the Void. From that point on, the energy that crashed through the dimensional barrierscked the Dao of Blood, meaning that the shes were only between the Eveningtide Asura and the Havarok Autarch.


    And now, not a single tear had been opened over the past five minutes. Conversely, only thergest spatial tears remained.


    No one bothered actively looking for loot any longer. Even those who moved freely had made their way to a Spatial Tear and snuck out, mostly ignoring the pleading gestures from the surviving cultivators left behind. Zac still flew toward any corpse he sensed in hopes their body would be floating next to one of the still-remaining tears, but so far there was no such luck.


    It was starting to be more and more apparent that his original solution was bound to fail, and he eventually decided to try his backup n. There was still an endless repository of unimed wealth left floating in the endless void, but Zac had started feeling a sense of urgency since new tears stopped opening.


    He needed to get away from this area. If the battle for ascension had ended, the old monsters outside might turn their attention toward the next order of business: punishing the person who had caused so much trouble in the E-grade trial. He had done as much as possible to avoid being exposed, but who knew what kind of means and methods Monarchs possessed.


    Zac finished looting a rtively intact body of a Hegemon and stowed away the body before activating another Shroud Talisman to obscure his actions again. Next, he took out arge stone disk. It was five meters across and one meter deep, looking like a massive coin made out of rock and embedded with hundreds of Nexus Crystals.


    It was covered with inscriptions as well, inscriptions that should be familiar to any cultivator who had ever left their home; a Teleportation Array, though a somewhat modified version.


    It onlycked a few easily added strokes, and Zac urgentlypleted them as he inserted a series of High-grade Nexus Crystals to power the array. This was ast-ditch measure he and Kenzie hade up with before he started traveling the sector in search of materials.


    The second function of his escape bracelet was that it could authorize a Teleportation Array pretty much anywhere, with some caveats. One of those limitations was that it couldn��t be used inside another array��s sphere of influence, which was what stopped him from taking it out in the middle of the Twilight Harbor.


    Another downside was that using this temporary array cost five times as much as using a normal one, but that didn��t matter to Zac. Not only did he have the fortune left by his mother, but he had received an even greater windfall between looting Qi��Sar��s treasury and dozens of fallen warriors in the Void.


    However, Zac and his sister discovered another unadvertized obstacle to using the bangle. As a Teleportation Array nearedpletion, it automatically started generating Spatial Fluctuations, making it impossible to store in a Spatial Ring. It had taken them some trial and error, but Kenzie had ultimately created five identical tforms which were 98% finished, with just a few simple additions remaining.


    From there, Zac could finish the preparations in just a few minutes, far quicker than the days it would have taken to set the thing up from scratch. After that, he just needed to connect the Array with his bangle, and he should be good to go. It was this lifeline that had given him some confidence he��d make it out in one piece even if the Teleportation Arrays of Twilight Harbor had been turned off.


    With this thing prepared, he would simply need to keep flying until he exited the harbor��s sphere of influence, perhaps hidden in a convoy of refugees, before he took this thing out and zapped back home.


    The preparations were finished, and Zac��s eyes lit up when he saw the array light up. But, relief was quickly reced by dismay when the flickering lights soon dimmed again. He looked over the disk to make sure it wasn��t damaged, but there was nothing amiss. Zac took out an information crystal Kenzie had prepared, but no matter how many times he looked it over, there were no discrepancies.


    The array was identical to the schematic. Was it the location? A Teleportation Array utilized the Void for travel, but perhaps it was impossible to actually set one up inside it, at least without Spatial Crystals to provide Spatial Energy. Zac scratched his head in search of solutions, but he couldn��te up with anything.


    He had already deactivated [Void Zone] when starting up the array, and a few minutester the second Teleportation Array fizzled out in an identical manner. Zac stowed away the two arrays, filled with a sense of impending doom as he looked at the slowly dimming Void around him.


    The streams of unbridled power were being whittled away, as were the cultivators stuck in the void. Some desperately attacked their surroundings, disying marvelous feats of strength. A few actually seeded and slipped away, but most were like him. The darkness grew more oppressive by the second, almost suffocatingly so.


    But Zac refused to give in, and a manic gleam shimmered in his eyes as he took out one stack of offensive talisman after another, tying them together with a chaotic mix of various Attuned Crystals and energy-rich Beast Cores. Finally, he took out hisst five [Void Balls], hoping to use them as a catalyst to tear a hole in space.


    He knew he couldn��t hold back, seeing as his [Raptururous Divide] had failed before. Even Hegemons found it hard to escape. He would have to go all out, and he reluctantly prepared his exhausted body one final time. He had onest chance to get out of here. He would weaken space with a chaotic bomb made from his energy-dense materials, and then seal the deal with an attack from [Arcadia��s Judgement] empowered by [Arcadian Crusade].


    If even that failed, he��d have to unleash an Annihtion Sphere. He had used his small reserve of Creation Energy to destroy the array cage around the nascent Realm Spirits, but he still retained some Oblivion in his soul. Hopefully, it wouldn��te to that, considering how bad the damage to his foundations was already. There was still some time before he had reached his limit though, so Zac kept growing his unstable payload as he tried stumbling onto one of the few remaining spatial tears.


    Suddenly, a weird crooning noise echoed through the Void, which was a shock considering the odd dimension had beenpletely silent since the Spatial Tear next to him closed. Zac felt an immense sense of dread, remembering the bloodthirsty Void Creatures all-too-well, and he unhesitantly threw out his bomb after infusing it with energy.


    Space shuddered above his head as he activated [Arcadia��s Judgement]. But before space had a chance to crack and unleash the huge wooden hand, he felt his connection to the skill get cut, prompting a sharp pain in his head like his mind had been stabbed. His vision swam from the bacsh, but he desperately tried to focus his vision to try again.


    But it was toote.


    A shimmering sphere had appeared out of nowhere, sealing him inside and blocking his path to the churning ball of destruction. A momentter it went off, turning into a terrifying inferno of shing elements. The destruction was beyond what even he had expected, and he hurriedly activated a few defensive talismans with wide eyes.


    The measure was quickly proven unnecessary though, and Zac was filled with a mix of horror and relief when he saw that the bubble that had enclosed him didn��t as much as ripple when it was swallowed by the chaotic energies. Even a few small spatial tears mmed into the barrier, but the tears broke apart in an instant.


    The sphere was unbelievably durable, and fear quickly overwhelmed his relief. Zac felt like a caged animal he furiously swung his axe into the barrier with all force he could muster, but it was futile. The spere was just as tough from the inside, and no matter what Dao he infused into his strikes, the result was the same.


    There was no way a low-grade cultivator was responsible for something like this, and Zac urgently looked around to see what the hell was going on.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He made two quick discoveries which helped him stem the budding panic somewhat. First of all, the harmful environment of the Void was held at bay by the white shimmering bubble. Secondly, it didn��t look like he specifically had been targeted. The whole Void was suddenly littered with bubbles, tens upon tens of thousands of them.


    Even the corpses had been encapsted along with the still-living cultivators, and Zac saw how innumerable warriors struggled to break out. But if the sess rate of escaping the Void had been bad, then this was just abysmal. He didn��t spot a single bubble breaking, which could only mean one thing; this had to be the work of a Monarch, and not a low-grade one by the looks of it.


    Things suddenly took a turn for the worse as Zac felt a wave of weakness, and he spotted a few runes that had appeared on the outside of the sphere. His prison was draining him, just like how Yod��s array had almost managed to kill Catheya before. Zac threw out a small hill of crystals to counteract the drain, but it was futile.


    It was almost like the sphere had created a [Void Zone] to rival his own, and nothing he tried worked. Just what was going on? His first thought was that some of the powerhouses outside had taken pity on them and decided to enter the void and fish everyone out, no doubt expecting something in return.


    There was no way that it was a purely benevolent act considering the restrictive array, after all. Zac even considered swallowing his main Spatial Ring in case of being demanded an exorbitant ransom, but those thoughts suddenly flew out of his mind as a huge vortex in the Void suddenly opened up.


    It wasn��t a Monarch who emerged through the mysterious spatial gate. Neither was it one of the grotesque-looking Void Beasts as far as he could tell. In fact, Zac had never seen or read any missives on the kind of creature that had effortlessly captured so many warriors. But from its appearance and size, only one description seemed apt.


    A monstrous fish best described as a leviathan had appeared.

 Chapter 789: Doubts and Schemes

    Chapter 789: Doubts and Schemes


    The darkness might only havested for an instant, or it might have gone on for a year, but a glimmer of light finally broke the gloom as Catheya woke up to the sound of shattering ice. All around her a sealed dome of ice broke apart as shimmering runes dissipated, exposing her and her two followers to the familiar surroundings of her master��s Cosmic Vessel.


    ��Good morning,�� a familiar voice said, and Catheya felt her heart once more freeze over as she turned her eyes toward the source of the sound.


    ��Master,�� Catheya hesitantly said as she struggled to get her mind to focus up. She needed all her mental faculties if she wanted to weather this cmity. ��What happened?��


    ��Two weeks have passed since I was forced to seal you. I had to use Myriad Ice since you were so far away from me,�� Va Tapek smiled as he slowly walked into the hall. ��I had to thaw you three slowly as to avoid any damage.��


    ��And the Twilight Harbor?�� Catheya hesitated as she looked around.


    ��Gone. It couldn��t withstand Alvod Jondir��s ascension,�� Va Tapek sighed.


    So the Eveningtide Asura had actually seeded. She was shocked, remembering the chaotic scene just before she fell unconscious. Even an Autarch had tried to stop him, yet he somehow pulled through? Just what kind of foundations did he have to seed in the face of such adversity.


    However, the more pressing issue was that one of Alvod Jondir��s allies stood right in front of her. She knew that she was just an antpared to her master, but fury still thawed the chill that had still lingered in her body. ��The Sharva��Zi n has been your home for eons, so why-��


    ��Now, don��t go saying such hurtful things, girl,�� a snort cut her off, but Catheya��s eyes widened as a flood of relief filled her. Her dad was here, which meant she was safe.


    Wait, her dad was here?


    ��Father?�� Catheya hesitantly said as she looked around, just in time to see her father��s lean silhouette appear next to Va Tapek from a swirl of poison.


    ��Do Mr. Tapek seem like someone who would betray the n for a Dreamer? I��ve taught you to think deeper,�� Ruz Sharva��Zi sighed as he waved his hand, prompting Catheya to float over. ��Now, let me look at you.��


    Catheya had a million questions threatening to burst out of her head, but she forcibly stilled herself as she let her father scan her cultivation. Meanwhile, her two followers quickly made their exit after bowing in the direction of her father.


    ��You��ve set the foundations for a second branch? And your affinities have increased. Not bad. It seems you��ve worked hard these past years,�� Ruz eventually said, a rare smile spreading across his face. ��Did you have fun in the Twilight Ocean?��


    ��What fun?�� Catheya huffed, slowly adapting to the unexpected turn of events. ��Things grew way out of control. I��m lucky to be standing here.��


    ��We had confidence in you. These kinds of experiences are required to reach greater heights. You can��t always hide in Mr. Tapek��s shadow and expect any great results,�� Ruz shrugged.


    ��I know, dad,�� Catheya sighed. ��Now, can you please tell me what��s going on? I saw the harbor before I was sealed. Our whole worlddisk should be destroyed, ourmercial lines ruined.��


    ��Do you really think we didn��t have an idea of what was about to happen in the Twilight Harbor?�� Ruz snorted. ��The bloodsuckers heard whispers about it in the Eternal Halls, but we were oblivious?��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Then why?�� Catheya said with a frown. ��Our foundation, millions of years of effort.��


    ��Obviously, we got something much greater in return,�� Ruz shrugged. ��Think, child. Where were the Draugr during this mess?��


    ��That��s-�� Catheya muttered with hesitation.


    This was something she had wondered about over the past year. Why hadn��t the Umbri��Zi thrown their hat in the ring? Why was an opportunity in Draugr Territory left for the Eidolon and Eternal n? They ultimately failed from the sounds of it, but it was not their opportunity to seize from the beginning.


    ��Mr. Tapek brought news of Alvod Jondir��s n to me over five millennia ago, long before you were even born. Since then, the elders have nned for this event. First of all, we didn��t lose much. We have been stealthily siphoning everything of value from Twilight Harbor for decades. We only lost some low-grade material that is entirely receable,�� Ruz said.


    ��Master?�� Catheya asked with confusion. ��How- How do you know the Eveningtide Asura?��


    ��We met in the Havarok Empire,�� Va Tapek smiled. ��We became allies of necessity for a short while. Truthfully, I thought him dead for a long time, until he sent word to me a few thousand years ago. He needed my help.��


    Catheya��s eyebrows scrunched up slightly, which made Va Tapekugh. ��Child, you��ll make me sad if you look at me with such consternation. You are correct. I am the one who told your n about my old allies�� ns. I was also the one who helped spread the news to Hive Ouro, the Noz��Vdir, and even the Havarok Empire. But that was exactly what Alvod Jondir asked of me.��


    ��What?�� Catheya blurted.


    ��Alvod knew he was missing two things. Daoguards to ward off the meddling of the Twilight Harbor Council while he was at a critical point of his preparations, and the ability to perfect his path without a breakthrough. Leaking the news would solve both those issues. The Divine Monarchs of the Undead Empire needed to let Alvod copse the Twilight Ocean before they could seize the opportunity, so they became highly motivated guardians for him toplete a few critical steps,�� Va Tapek exined.


    ��As for the second part, he managed to find his answer when pressured from every direction, finally perfecting his Dao and empowering it to the point it could withstand Heaven��s wrath. Of course, he barely managed to squeak by with an unconventional method like this, bing a One-Step Autarch. But his aplishment will be remembered for tens of millions of years,�� the Revenant mage continued.


    ��But that means we sold out our people? Won��t the Empire sanction us?�� Catheya asked with worry.


    ��How is it a breach to tell our brethren of an opportunity of Autarchy?�� Ruz shrugged with a calm face. ��The opportunity was real, though we failed to mention how tightly bound the Daos of Life and Death were interlinked at the heart of the Twilight Ocean. That made it far more difficult for Nizu Noz��Vdir and Tua Ouro to connect to the Heavenly Dao than they had expected. But if things yed out differently, they might have seeded.


    ��Unfortunately for them, providence wasn��t on their side that day, with Nizu falling and Tuo being crippled. But the fact that promising Divine Monarchs belonging to hostile camps got themselves in trouble, how is that our fault? And if some threatened middle-grade families deem fit to send us a few gifts to celebrate how things panned out, we��d obviously be amenable to that.��


    ��Most importantly, this benefited the Umbri��Zi family,�� Va Tapek added.


    ��But they weren��t even here?�� Catheya said with confusion.


    ��Exactly. They were somewhere else. At the Tarramak Vault, in fact,�� Ruz smiled.


    ��What!�� Catheya almost screamed. ��Don��t tell me they seized it?!��


    ��s, no,�� Ruz said. ��Holding that ce is too costly, not worth the effort. But destabilizing it, especially after it was prematurely forced open����


    ��The Havarok Empire has been locked out of over twelve sectors,�� Catheya said, the situation finally dawning on her.


    ��The Sixth Protector of the Havarok Empire forcing his way here in his full form was enough to destabilize the gate. The moment he fled back in defeat, the Umbri��Zi managed to destabilize their pathways even further. War is already raging across the stars,�� her father nodded. ��By the time the Havarok Dynasty manages to reconnect to the frontier, we will already have purified half of them. Their backers can��t fault the Undead Empire on this method, and one of the conquered sectors�� is ours.��


    ��We��ll be able to form a province!�� Catheya��s eyes gleamed.


    Losing a profitable business in the Twilight Harbor was a big hit, but what was thatpared to the revenue of a whole Sector? Certainly, they would have to pay a tax to the Umbri��Zi Family, but they both had the bloodline of Zi. The Sharva��Zi had always been extremely well treated in their dealings in the frontier thanks to that link.


    ��But why didn��t you tell me anything?�� Catheya eventually huffed. ��Am I really your daughter?��


    ��We couldn��t risk our ns leaking. With the Eidolon involved, we couldn��t let juniors hold any critical information,�� Va Tapek smiled. ��What if you were captured inside the mystic realm, and they dragged the truth out of your mind? This n was extremely risky, with a high chance for failure.��


    ��Old men and your secrets,�� Catheya red.


    ��Well, it all worked out fine, didn��t it?�� Ruz shrugged. ��Truthfully, things yed out more beautifully than we could ever have dreamed. Who would have thought that the Sixth Protector would arrive with such fervor? We really have your little friend to thank. But he��s also made the situation a bitplicated.��


    ��My friend?�� Catheya asked with confusion. ��What��s wrong?��


    ��He killed the scions of both the Eidolon and the Eternal n before he ripped the very fabric of the Mystic Realm asunder. He even crippled the Realm Spirit during his rampage from what we��ve gathered. He essentially removed all the roadblocks for Alvod��s Ascent, forcing the Sixth Protector toe in person instead of conjuring an avatar or possessing a descendant,�� Va Tapek exined.


    ��But he also dragged us and the Umbri��Zi into the mix. You were mostly sent in there to provide you with experience, yet one of your party members, another Draugr, became the focal point of the trial. He even killed two Scions of the empire, opening us up for a broader line of questioning,�� Ruz sighed. ��Our n would only truly work if we had usible deniability.��


    ��That crazy witch Uona attacked him first. She was running rampant here in the frontier, doing whatever she wanted. She almost killed me as well, and put a bounty on me!�� Catheya frowned. ��Arcaz didn��t even want to go to the City of Ancients, but Uona forced his hand. She only has herself to me.��


    ��Still, someone from the Empire will need to speak to us, to you in particr, about what transpired inside. We need to find a strategy to protect our family from being sanctioned,�� Ruz continued, clearly not caring about the details of the events inside. ��Our situation is precarious enough as it is.��


    Catheya understood his reasoning. For her father, who was in the right or wrong among the junior generation didn��t matter. What mattered were the political implications and how they could affect the n. ��You��re not suggesting we��re supposed to cook up some lie and push the me on Arcaz, right?��


    ��Well, we still haven��t learned who the Empire will send. Our response highly depends on what camp the ambassador belongs to,�� Ruz sighed. ��The Umbri��Zi is sending a delegate as well. We��ll hopefully be able to figure out a path with their help.��


    ��I am already here,�� a pealingugh echoed out through the vessel, and only then did Catheya realize another Draugr right next to them, like she had always been there.


    ��Mistress Umbri��Zi,�� Ruz eximed sith shock, and both he and Va Hurriedly bowed.


    Catheya quickly curtsied as well, her heart rapidly beating as she understood the implications of how her father acted. The Umbri��Zi was a far more powerful n than Sharva��Zi, but there was no need for such deference between Monarchs. That could only mean one thing; the Umbri��Zi had sent the avatar of one of their Autarchs to look into the situation.


    Her heart tightened as she gazed upon the woman. This had all ballooned far beyond what she had expected. She had felt somewhat certain that her n would work, but that was before she knew of the truth behind the curtains. But she should have known that Arcaz ck would somehow be the unwitting lynchpin in a massive political plot.


    Because why wouldn��t he?


    ��No need for formalities. We��re of the same branch,�� the woman said as her eyes turned to Catheya. ��How marvelous. You are almost a spitting image of little Be��Zi, but you have a warmth that she alwayscked. I was under the impression she had sumbed some time ago, yet I read a conflicting report on my way here? Is that stubborn little girl still alive?��


    Catheya��s eyes widened even further since she finally realized who this was. This was not one of the outer elders or lesser Autarchs of the Umbri��Zi. This was the Matriarch herself, Reyna Umbri��Zi, someone who was at least a fifth-step Autarch. An ancient being who had lived for at least 20 million years, partly thanks to her mastery over the Dao of Time. A wave of her hand and the Sharva��Zi would be annihted.


    ��Don��t over-think things, child. The fact that I am here is a good thing,�� Reyna said. ��The Ambassador will arrive in three days. Before then, I have been sent to get to the bottom of a few things.��


    ��You��ve been sent��?�� Catheya muttered with incredulity while the brows of her father furrowed in consternation.


    Who could send a fifth-step Autarch on an errand, except those two factions?


    ��That is beside the point,�� Reyna said. ��Now, answer my question.��


    ��Ancestor Be��Zi Sharva��Zi is alive, ording to Arcaz ck,�� Catheya hurriedly said, not daring to lie in front of this ancestor. She was an arch-duke of the empire and someone who could decide the fate of not only Arcaz but also her n. ��Arcaz ck has been in contact with her. She�� sent a message that she was unable to return at the moment.��


    ��So she��s alive,�� Reyna sighed as a scene appeared in front of them, a scene Catheya hadn��t seen before.


    However, she knew the ce; the City of Ancients. Catheya looked on with wide eyes, and it felt like she was seeing her travelpanion for the first time. Terrifying markings covered his face, and chaotic swirls of unbridled power coursed around him. He didn��t seem like a warrior, but a force of nature, a cmity that couldn��t be quelled.


    His silver gazed looked down upon a bedraggled Uona like an Emperor meting out judgment, and a momentter heavenly lightning mmed down on the vampire, extinguishing her body and soul. Was this how Arcaz had ended the two powerhouses? How was something like this possible?


    ��Be��Zi is alive, and her apparent disciple happened to unleash hollow Chaos. It looks like she refused to give up on that unclimbable peak. Well, she was always a stubborn one, and it seems to be working for her,�� Reyna continued before she waved her sleeve, prompting the scene to disappear.


    Catheya breathed out in relief, realizing that Reyna didn��t care that their ancestor had seemingly broken themandments of the empire to pursue the Path of Oblivion. Was it because of a familiar sentiment, or was it possible that the Path of Oblivion didn��t sh with the Heart of the Empire?


    ��He is an odd one,�� Reyna muttered before she turned to Va Tapek. ��I gather you scanned him. Is it true hecks the mark?��


    ��He is truly unattached,�� Va Tapek confirmed with a small bow. ��I had never heard of a member of the divine race not attached, which was why I sent back a report.��


    ��It was that report that resulted in me having to visit this Heaven-forgotten corner of the multiverse,�� Reyna smiled before she turned to Catheya. ��Child, tell me what you know of this young man. It is more important than you know.��


    ��I���� Catheya hesitated for a few seconds, her eyes flickering between her father and the ancient matriarch of the Umbri��Zi family.


    ��You care for him,�� Reyna slowly said with a small smile, and a small box appeared in her hand. ��Don��t worry, I mean him no harm. In fact, here.��


    ��This is?�� Catheya asked with confusion as she took the box, only opening it when she saw the nod from the old Autarch. ��Perennial Vastness!��


    ��That old thing still hasn��t given up, still biding his time in that mysterious realm,�� Reyna said with a smile. ��I was curious, so I had a talk with the newly ascended Autarch. A remarkable young man. It is a shame he declined our offer to be awakened, he would have made an impressive Outer Elder. In either case, Alvod Jondir left this behind for Arcaz ck, with the message that while the mission was a failure, the end result was eptable. This is his reward.��


    Catheya��s eyes were wide as she looked down at the token in her hands. This thing was beyond precious and something even scions of the Empire would want. For a Mortal like Arcaz, it might be his best path of forming a proper core.


    ��Of course, you can use it yourself if you so desire,�� Reyna snickered as she looked at Catheya teasingly. ��I don��t care either way.��


    ��No, I will deliver it to him,�� Catheya hurriedly said. ��More importantly, I bring a message from Arcaz ck to the empire.��


    ��To the empire?�� Reyna said with a raised brow. ��Big words from a child. Then again, he clearly has wild ambitions. Tell me, what did he want you to convey?��


    Catheya took a deep breath before she exined Arcaz��s unique situation. She tried to paint him and his weird abilities in as positive a light as she could, of how he could benefit the Undead Empire. Of course, she failed to mention what a lightning-rod he was, and the chaos his human identity had already caused back in the Zecia sector.


    ��No matter what his actions might look like, he bears no ill will against the Undead Empire. However, he is worried that he would be an experiment to some Monarch if his situation became known, which is why he has refrained froming home until now,�� Catheya ultimately said.


    ��A being of both life and death? So he��s an Edgewalker? How interesting,�� Reyna eventually said, looking a bit surprised for the first time since appearing out of nowhere. ��It��s not very often one of these aberrations show up, and I think it��s only the second time the undead half is Draugr. I think I understand now why he reached out to me.��


    The response was absolutely not what Catheya had expected, and she struggled to understand what was going on. Edgewalker? Catheya had never heard of the concept, and neither had her master by the looks of it. In fact, he looked extremely surprised at the information, which was no surprise considering he had scanned Arcaz before.


    But all that was pushed away when she heard Reyna��sst statement. She had already considered this when hearing that the Umbri��Zi Matriarch had been sent here by someone.


    Could it possibly be one of the two Abyssal Lords who was behind this?

 Chapter 790: The Final Twilight

    Chapter 790: The Final Twilight


    The fact that one of the two A-grade leaders of the Draugr race might have taken an interest in something like an E-grade cultivator was almost iprehensible. People at their level didn��t even care whether Monarchs lived or died, and generations of E-grade cultivators would live and die in a single cultivation session of theirs.


    At the same time, Catheya knew what she could and couldn��t ask about, so she instead focused on the other part Reyna had divulged.


    ��Edgewalkers? Something like this has happened before?�� Catheya hesitantly asked.


    She felt a wave of regret upon remembering how confidently she had assured Arcaz about how this n of hers would work. But it turned out she was talking out of turn,cking critical information. She had never heard of such a marvelous thing, which was why she was so adamant that Arcaz could be a high-value member of the empire.


    But if they weremon, his value would immediately plummet, which meant his safety was no longer guaranteed.


    ��The Multiverse is beyond ancient. What hasn��t happened before?�� Reyna smiled. ��We could even create them if we wanted. Unfortunately, they all have a fundamental weakness no matter if they were created artificially or if they were born from some cosmic hup.��


    ��A weakness?�� Catheya said with worry.


    ��Life-Death Edgewalkers cannot form a Cultivator��s Core because of their contradictory nature,�� Reyna sighed. ��If they could, they would have be strategic resources of our empire. Agents who could walkpletely unfettered in thend of the living? But now, they are simply natural oddities, dayflies with a small window of glory.��


    Catheya nched when she heard of Arcaz��s Fate. Was this the work of the Law of Bnce? He was shining too brightly, like a candle burning from both ends. It felt extremely unfair that the path of someone so miraculous as that would be cut short at the measly E-grade. But if not even someone like Reyna knew of a solution, odds were that there wasn��t one.


    At least there was one piece of good news that came with this. ��So no one would want to kill him for research, at least?��


    ��Research?�� Reyna snorted. ��What��s there to research? If it was possible to actually nurture beings who could keep both their races and pass on that ability, we would have long figured it out. Some things are simply outside of the Heavenly Law. However, it is still of paramount importance we bring him in.��


    ��May I ask why?�� Catheya hesitantly asked.


    ��Do you know how long it has been since we encountered an unattached Draugr?�� Reyna asked.


    ��I-�� Catheya stuttered, not following the shift in topic.


    ��384 Million years ago, a small settlement in a Mystic Realm,�� Ruz said, seemingly understanding something. ��Long-lost tribe members of the Zul. Today, the Zul have four Ancestral Nodes instead of three.��


    ��Just so,�� Reyna said. ��The Children of Draug lost much in the Dark Ages. Whole bloodlines surrendered to the void. We managed to reim some of what we lost by retracing our steps after the Empire was founded, but we are still notplete. Too much time has passed by now, and the odds of finding any more of our brethren are growing bleaker every day. Yet here he is, Arcaz ck. A fresh infusion not seen in eons.


    ��We cannot let the other races, especially the Eidolon, learn of this. Since the sacrifice of moving the Ancestral Lake, we have been considered the weakest race. But we have slowly umted and recovered for so long. An addition to our bloodline can have cascading effects within a few million years, just like the branch of Zul had back then. If Arcaz ck carries one of the three missing bloodlines�� It can be revolutionizing.��


    ��What would you have us do?�� Ruz said with a serious frown. ��n Sharva��Zi will do everything in our power to help with this mission.��


    ��First of all, these matters don��t leave this room. If one of the other factions learns of this matter, they might hunt him down to prevent our race from gaining this asset,�� Reyna said. ��Secondly. Arcaz ck��s true identity is Arcaz Umbri��Zi going forward, a lineal Heaven��s Chosen nurtured in secret by my n.


    ��We will take the me on this one, and say that he has been sent to a sealed world to reflect on his actions and recover from the bacsh of using the remnant of Oblivion. Luckily, we have records of all three sides meddling with that cursed thing, so it shouldn��t be too big a problem shifting the me. I��m sure those ancient aberrations don��t mind,�� Reyna smiled.


    Catheya only gaped in response. That man was simply not bound by convention. She had hoped that she would be able to secure Arcaz a decent position through his unique abilities, but he had somehow subverted her expectations and be a Scion at the absolute top of the food chain, far surpassing even her standing.


    ��We��ll say we sent Arcaz Umbri��Zi to hasten the copse of the Mystic Realm and force the Dreamer Autarch to make a move, but he went too far in his zeal to aplish his mission. Just as that young bloodling did, by all ounts. That should be enough,�� Reyna said. ��Any questions?��


    ��Noints,�� Ruz hurriedly nodded, though Catheya could see he wasn��t too happy with the turn of events.


    She could understand why. n Sharva��Zi had been the sole link between Arcaz ck and the Undead Empire, and now it turned out he might carry a bloodline so valuable that the Abyssal Shores dispatched the Avatar of a five-step Autarch. Both the connection between herself and Arcaz, and his connection with her Ancestor, firmly tied their wagons together for good or bad.


    But now, Reyna Umbri��Zi had snatched him, along with the potential benefits he could bring, in one fell swoop.


    ��Good. Now, where is this little troublemaker?�� Reyna asked.


    ��I��m sorry, we had no idea he was an Edgewalker when the realm copsed. We looked for Arcaz ck, but not his Dreamer counterpart,�� Ruz sighed. ��We truly have no idea what happened to him. He might have slipped away, but I am afraid something else might have happened that might prove a problem.��


    ��There is no way he fell here,�� Catheya said with conviction.


    ��He is alive,�� Reyna nodded in agreement. ��He has managed to hide his tracks surprisingly well, but we would know if he had fallen.��


    ��It is something else,�� Ruz sighed with a shake of his head. ��Something odd took ce during the ascension, but it went unnoticed due to the chaos. After things calmed down, we tried to create a tally of survivors and harvest any high-potential bodies. But we stumbled upon a problem. A huge number of Dreamers, undead warriors, and even corpses are missing. Millions, altogether.��


    ��Missing?�� Reyna frowned.


    ��Innumerable warriors were sucked into the Void, yet we could scarcely find a single one when forcing open a path. We��ve also received reports of small spatial tunnels opening, sucking in unwitting warriors. At first, we thought it was simply space crumbling from the ascension, but after seeing the Void����


    ��You think they��ve been abducted?�� Reyna frowned as she closed her eyes.


    No one in the room dared interrupt whatever the ancient Autarch was doing until Reyna opened her eyes with a frown after ten minutes. ��It is barely discernible, but there are some remnant spatial fluctuations in the void. I cannot ce the energy signature though. It might be the work of a Spatial Autarch, or it might be some aberrant energy wave rippling through the Void.��


    Ruz and Va Tapek looked into each other��s eyes, unable toe up with any helpful suggestions.


    ��I will send word back home to see if any of our archivists recognize what this is,�� Reyna sighed before she turned toward Catheya. ��Meanwhile, we��ll also follow the assumption that he made it out as he had nned. It is of paramount importance that we find him quickly. Where do you think he would go in this situation? We must ensure he stays Draugr.��


    ��I��m sorry?�� Catheya said with confusion. ��I think he can change races as he wishes?��


    ��Not like that, child,�� Reyna snorted. ��As I said, Life and Death cannot both be the basis of a Cultivator��s Core. It would lead toward Chaos, the peak thatpletely refused being categorized by the Apostate of Order. The fundamental stages of cultivation in this era are simply not suited for such a thing, no matter if you��re within the System��s purview or not.


    ��Something has to be sacrificed to move forward,�� the Autarch continued. ��Life-Death Edgewalkers do have one way to break through to Hegemony. They can discard one of their identities and be a singr whole, crippling part of themselves to continue on the road of cultivation. If Arcaz ck would discard one of his facets, which one do you think it would be?��


    Catheya hesitated a bit, not immediately providing an answer even with her father wordlessly urging her on. Finally, she made a decision.


    ��Arcaz ck is a progenitor, the leader of a that will stay shrouded until he has reached Hegemony,�� Catheya eventually said. ��He isn��t beholden to any faction, and he has a seemingly endless source of wealth toe and go as he pleases. He is suspicious to the point of paranoia, and if some random stranger tries to tell him what to do, he is almost guaranteed to throw a wrench in those ns.


    ��You shouldn��t underestimate his ability to cause chaos. He singlehandedly managed to change the fate of a whole sector while still in the F-grade, and you saw how he managed to influence events here.��


    ��That was him?!�� Va Tapek eximed with shock, drawing confused looks from the other two.


    Va Tapek quickly exined what had happened in the Zecia Sector, of the Stele of Conflict and the quarantine that had almost prevented him from leaving.


    ��To think he has such an impact on fate. Clearly, the System has honed in on him for some reason. Just where did this child sprout from?�� Reyna frowned, but she soon rxed again as a smile spread across her face as she looked at Catheya. ��Having said so much, I guess you have a proposition for us, no? Looking at you reminds me of your little ancestor, so I might be amenable to ept as long as it is within reason.��


    ��I don��t know where he is right now, but I am willing to head back to Zecia and talk with him about this situation. I should be able to get a message through to him one way or another. That way, I can make sure he doesn��t make any hasty decisions, and someone like me shouldn��t raise any gs among our enemies,�� Catheya said. ��But I want something in return.��


    She could feel it. Arcaz was like a whirlwind of fate, one that was constantly advancing. She didn��t know exactly where he was headed, but she knew that she wanted to go along. But she also knew that she wouldn��t do as things stood. Arcaz ck had been weaker than her when they entered the Twilight Ocean, but he shot right past her in two short years.


    If she wanted to travel alongside that man, to experience the true marvel of the Multiverse, she needed something beyond a simple opportunity or treasure. Her momentum needed a fundamental boost, her foundations needed to be remolded. Otherwise, she would just be an impediment to his path, an empty vase who couldn��t bring anything useful to the table.


    This was her chance to catch up, to be a travelpanion who had the strength to withstand the winds of fate that surrounded Arcaz ck. If she didn��t seize it, she had the feeling that he would be so far beyond her the next time they met, that he might as well be from her father��s generation.


    For all she knew, he was already off somewhere creating more chaos and making progress on his cultivation.


    ������������-


    Zac was filled with a sense of helplessness as he looked at the gargantuan creature far in the distance. Over two weeks had passed since trapped in this infernal bubble, but he still wasn��t any clearer on the situation. Why had this huge thing captured him and all the others? And where was it taking them?


    He desperately wanted to escape, yet he didn��t dare make a move. The Leviathan-looking beast had shown exactly what it did with those who rebelled. Zac still remembered the scene vividly.


    The appearance of a creature that would dwarf even the enormous snake in the Twilight Chasm obviously hadn��t gone unnoticed. Scale and sizes were hard to grasp in the Void, but the Leviathan had to be at least tens of thousands of meters long. It looked a bit like an alien fish, with gills glowing in green and white, and at least ten sets of eyes that emitted extremely powerful spatial fluctuations.


    There was also finrge enough to shroud out the sky on its back as well, but its tail more resembled an octopus��. Thousands of thick fleshy tentacles stretched toward the depths of the void, each one of them emitting the same spatial fluctuations as its eyes. It was clearly a beast that leaned heavily on the Dao of Space, which exined why had so effortlessly appeared in front of them.


    At the same time, Zac was somewhat certain it wasn��t a Void Beast. First of all, it looked nothing like the grotesque Void Beasts he had encountered thus far. But more importantly, its aura waspletely different. It emitted the primal aura of a high-grade beast, suffused with powerful spatial fluctuations.


    Furthermore, it didn��t seem to have much love for Void Beasts.


    Four times over the past two weeks it had stopped or made detours, with the sole purpose of ripping a couple of unlucky Void Beasts to shreds. The longest hunt took them through five dimensions andsted a whole day, yet it didn��t eat them or harvest any parts. It only unleashed terrifying waves of spatial turbulence at them, leaving mangled scraps behind before moving on.


    Being the target of a mysterious mythological beast had unsurprisingly put the other caged cultivators on the edge, and some of the bubbles had started to shudder as their captives held nothing back in a desperate attempt to escape. The Leviathan��s solution to quelling the rebellion was simple; it ate the spheres that emitted strong fluctuations.


    Seeing the huge beast simply devouring over a hundred cultivators, many of which were emitting more powerful auras than himself, had eliminated Zac��s thoughts of escape. He still had the Oblivion Energy, but even if he managed to break open the impossibly sturdy bubble, then what? He would be stuck in the Void, unable to leave and without any means to break free. The Leviathan would simply recapture him or gobble him up.


    He reluctantly decided to wait for a better opportunity. Thankfully, the beast didn��t seem interested in actually eating anyone else, and it soon turned around and reentered the vortex it had created. Zac had been ted for roughly five seconds until he found his prison following suit. A momentter, he had found himself part of a bobbing river of shimmering bubbles coursing through an endless series of dimensions.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Leviathan was unhindered by space or any dimensional barriers, effortlessly opening one portal after another, scuttling through space with even greater ease than any Cosmic Vessel Zac had heard of. Sometimes, Zac found himself looking out at unfamiliar stars and gxies, but usually, his view had been the endless darkness of the Void. All the while, the string of captives had been dragged along.


    Zac��s nerves had been extremely taut the first hours, but the Leviathan never attacked any more of the captives after the first warning. Even now, every single prisoner waspletely unscathed, if you discounted the mental torture of not having any idea of what was going on. Of course, the draining array was still active, though it only kept him at an extremely weakened state.


    An even greater torture for Zac was the fact that there was a spatial lock inside the prison, one that was soprehensive that he couldn��t even peek inside the pile of Spatial Rings he had looted. For all he knew, he might be sitting on a vast fortune, or perhaps even some odd treasure that could get him out of this ce. But the items inside the Spatial Treasures might as well be on the other side of the universe.


    He was still able to open his Status Screen though, and he smiled as he once more looked at the new Limited Title.


    [The Final Twilight: ce first during the final Twilight Ascent. Reward: All Attributes +10%, Strength +5%. Effect of Attributes +10%.]

 Chapter 791: Leviathan

    Chapter 791: Leviathan


    The final Twilight Ascent had been far more dangerous than the previous ones, especially considering the fallout. Unfortunately, that hadn��t been enough for the System to deem it necessary to award Zac another limited title slot or title permanence. But it had at least adjusted the reward.


    Zac had seen historical examples of status screens in his missives, and the first position in the E-grade Twilight Ascent would generally provide between 6% and 10% attributes, along with a maximum of 8% effectiveness. Generally, the ughter-based trials provided the highest rewards, which wasn��t a surprise considering the System��s predilection for carnage.


    His special version far surpassed the historical records even if it technically was a Dao-based trail, and it was way betterpared to the titles that he had gathered so far. Seeing the massive boost the new title provided, Zac doubted he would be able to find anything better in the short run.


    Limited Titles would get better and better for every grade, eventually far outstripping the normal ones. Even then, the Limited Titles you could gain in the D-grade rarely reached a boost of 15% to any attributes from what Zac had heard. So it was an extremely wee addition, and Zac once more opened his status screen, partly out of boredom.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    123


    ss


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race


    [D] Human �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood �Cary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven��s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt �C 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity �C 8th Floor, Heaven��s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Fragment of the Coffin �C Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi �C Peak


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    12709 [Increase: 123%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Dexterity


    5097 [Increase: 88%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Endurance


    8740 [Increase: 116,5%. Efficiency: 275%]


    Vitality


    7256 [Increase: 104,5%. Efficiency: 262%]


    Intelligence


    2035 [Increase: 82%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Wisdom


    4215 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 216%]


    Luck


    540 [Increase: 106%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 662


    No title permanence meant The Final Twilight-title had reced the one called Weight of Sin, which was the aggressively mediocre title he received upon climbing the Memorysteel Mountain. The long downtime had also allowed him to fill out his three recently opened nodes using the leftover kill energy from Uona along with some crystals.


    He was lucky to have taken out a small hill of Supreme Nexus Crystals just before the bubble��s arrays sealed his skill fractals and Spatial Rings. They didn��t help against the constant drain on his energy reserves that kept him weakened, but as long as he pushed the energy he absorbed straight into his nodes, the siphoning array didn��t manage to snatch it all. That way, he had managed to gain the three missing levels on his human side, where he had put the free attributes into Dexterity as usual.


    Unfortunately, he couldn��t use the energy from the crystals for much else. He had surreptitiously tried activating [Surging Vitality] with Void Energy to recover his wounds though. It had worked, but the bubble actually started vibrating slightly in response, prompting Zac to hurriedly stop before the warden noticed.


    Being unable to activate his healing skill didn��t matter all that much though. Most of the damage to his body was to his foundations and nodes, which wasn��t something [Surging Vitality] could help with. His improvements on that side were slow, but he was definitely in far better shapepared to when getting captured.


    His nodes didn��t feel like they were teetering on the brink of copse any longer, though it would probably take another month or two of rest before they were back in peak condition. The cracks from conjuring another Glimpse of Chaos would most likely take even longer to recuperate from, but the event hadn��t saddled any worrisomesting changes from the looks of it. It wasn��t great, but Zac knew that it would take most people years to recover from a situation like his. If not for his weird constitution, he would perhaps be permanently crippled.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The pathways on his shoulders had been widened a bit, and a couple of new engravings had formed, giving them a stronger aura of Creation and Oblivion. It was like every time he conjured a chaos pattern, [Cyclic Strike] was somewhat altered in a direction better suited for its new purpose. Zac even looked forward to seeing what it would turn into after getting anointed five times.


    Perhaps he would freely be able to infuse his skills with the power of the remnants by that point, allowing them to reach the same terrifying levels of force as when he fought in the Twilight Ocean. As for the remnants, they hadn��t woken up at all since getting shoved into the refurbished fractal prison.


    But the fractal had already begun draining the remnants again in an ironic mirroring of his own situation. Just as Zac had hoped, the stream of purified energy was greater nowpared to before, with more energy enforcing both his soul and his constitution. This proved his idea worked; that each set of remnants was like a multiplier to his cultivation speed for his Soul Strengthening Method and improving his bloodline.


    The risks would obviously increase with each set he gathered, but Zac��s soul had made tremendous improvements since getting stuck with the first splinter. He didn��t sense any instability in his mental state at all, though he knew that the effect of the remnants was extremely hard to catch.


    In other good news, the quest that Alvod Jondir had pushed upon him when they met in the Twilight Chasm had simply disappeared around a week after he was whisked away on the journey. From his prison, it was impossible to tell what that meant. His best guess was that Twilight Harbor had finally copsed, losing its status as a sanctioned capital and prompting all open quests to close.


    Other possibilities were the death of the Eveningtide Asura or him simply dissolving the quest. In either case, it was one less thing to worry about, though Zac couldn��t help but wonder if it wasn��t preferable if he was caught by Alvod rather than the terrifying beast in the distance. After all, things had seemingly turned out pretty well for the Asura, and Zac had inadvertently helped with his ns quite a bit.


    Zac shook his head before closing his status screen, once more resting his back against the cage as he gazed upon the vast darkness around him. If not for his capture, he would probably be home by now. Yet he found himself here, unable to help his people at all. He hadn��t gained any screen of the Incursion��s status either, leaving himpletely in the dark of how they fared.


    But he would need to find a way to save himself before he could save his people.


    His attributes had skyrocketed since traveling to the Twilight Harbor, to the point that his effective attributes had pretty much tripled. He remembered he had just barely passed 4,000 Strength around the time Leandra returned to Earth. Now he had over 12,000, while his Efficiency had increased as well.


    Add to that the less quantifiable improvements, such as the destructiveness of his evolved Daos, his upgraded weapon, his evolved skills, and his further awakened bloodline, and you could almost say he had been reborn in the Twilight Harbor. He was even confident that he would be able to take on ten copies of his previous self without breaking a sweat.


    But what did that matter to the enormous beast dragging him to some unknown ce? This thing considered Hegemons to be tasty snacks. Zac even doubted that an Annihtion Sphere right in its head would manage to harm it.


    The days passed and Zac started to wonder if he��d ever get out of this ce. But finally, there was a change. The Leviathan emitted the powerful spatial ripples that were the tell-tale sign that it was about to enter another dimension again. That alone wasn��t surprising, but when his prison passed through the vortex, his eyes widened.


    One Leviathan had turned into three, each one looking identical to the other two. At the same time, the number of bubble prisons had almost doubled, and Zac looked at the scene with shock. He still hadn��t found any helpful clues, but he mentally started to prepare himself for one final struggle.


    No matter what was going on, the fact that these monsters had started to gather up possibly meant they were closing in on their destination. Of course, there was not much to prepare. He had hurriedly stowed away his axe the moment he decided to not escape, fearful that being armed would incur the wrath of the Leviathan.


    Meanwhile, [Love��s Bond] had turned unresponsive since he had fed it the mysterious egg. He would perhaps be able to force it into its shield form, but he would rather not unless absolutely necessary. Soon enough, the three Leviathan��s opened a huge gate and entered together, and Zac��s heart trembled as he felt the tremendous waves of Spatial Dao on the other side.


    This was it.


    A momentter, his bubble passed through. A sudden burst of radiance forced Zac to cover his eyes for a second, and he realized they should have entered in a proper dimension this time around. However, any thoughts on their location were thrown to the back of his mind as he saw what the river of bubbles was flying toward.


    He had been na?ve. Those little worms that had dragged him here weren��t fit to be called Leviathans. The thing in front of him was a true Leviathan. It almost felt like his mind was breaking from estimating just howrge this beast was, but one thing was for sure; it was not just the size of a like Earth, it even dwarfed some of the continental tes that made the Twilight Harbor.


    It looked quite simr to the Space Fish that had taken him here, but this ancestor had clearly undergone a series of bloodline evolutionspared to Zac��s chaperone. The difference wasn��t just like the difference between Vul, the Barghest Alpha, and its brethren. It was like the difference between a dragon and a small lizard.


    Looking at the Leviathan felt like looking at the Laws of space. Azy wave from any one of its innumerable tentacles caused massive cracks in space, and the sail-like fin on its back was massive enough to blot out the Heavens themselves. A neb churned around it, almost looking like cosmic waters.


    Its body was also covered in huge scripts that almost seemed to be alive. Together, they formed some sort of natural formation, one that was far beyond his scope of understanding.


    Zac had never seen anything like this before, not even in his Dao visions. He knew there were impossiblyrge beasts wandering the endless Multiverse, but it was another thing entirely to be ced in front of one. As for its power, it was definitely not just the equivalent of a Monarch.


    This was a proper Primordial Beast, one that emitted a noticeably stronger aurapared to the Havarok Autarch he saw the other day, though it still didn��t quite reach the level of Be��Zi or her husband. Why was something like this here in the frontier?


    Or had he actually left the frontier already, dragged to another sector entirely by the Space Fish?


    A sh of light dragged Zac out of his thoughts and his eyes away from the terrifying being he was floating toward, just in time to see his guide disappear in a puff of spatial energy. Only then did he properly take in the situation, and his heart sunk even further. His group captives were just thetest arrivals.


    There were innumerable bubbles all around the behemoth. Another vortex appeared in the distance, and yet another beast chaperone came dragging a few hundred bubbles. Just like the one that had taken him here, the beast disappeared in a spatial ripple the moment it emerged, leaving its captives to their fate.


    Were the smaller beasts living inside their parent? Or were they just clones?


    Even without a beast to guide them, the spheres kept moving in an orderly fashion. But Zac��s horror only mounted when he realized where he was heading; the Leviathan��s gaping maw. It was no wonder the smaller beasts hadn��t eaten any more captives as they traveled. They didn��t dare steal their leader��s dinner.


    Zac��s heart beat like a drum as he scrambled for a way to survive. He had hoped that he had been captured to be an indentured worker or something considering he had been left alive. If that had been the case, he would have a shot at escaping by using his Void Energy. But now, he knew he couldn��t wait any longer. He could feel it �C if he entered that impossiblyrge maw, his odds of survival were essentially zero.


    The Leviathan��s mouth wasrge enough to swallows whole, but it wasn��t the sharp fangs that worried him. Its maw was filled with a terrifying cloud of spatial destruction, far beyond any spatial tears he had ever seen. There was no way he would survive even a second in such an environment, yet he and the other bubbles flew toward it with zing speed.


    Terror overwrote the overwhelming pain from using the power of the remnants as a storm of Dao and Mental Energy entered the two pathway highways on his shoulders, where Axe and Coffin were forced together. Luckily, the beast guarding his bubble was gone, giving him a small window of opportunity. What little Oblivion Energy he had saved up in his Soul Core was dragged out, acting as the catalyst for the Annihtion Sphere.


    A small ball full of endless destruction rapidly grew between his hands, and Zac felt a burst of rage bubble in his mind. The shock along with the damage left behind by the remnants had made him susceptible to the whispers of the splinters. But Zac forcibly took control of the madness, using it to squeeze out a little bit more energy from his harried mind.


    Meanwhile, he activated [Piercing Gaze] in search of any weak spot in his prison with the help of Void Energy, ignoring the small shudder that spread across the cage. Unfortunately, the sphere used concepts far beyond his understanding or scope of what his skill could decipher, so Zac could only m his attack into a random spot on the wall with righteous indignation.


    The satisfying scene of his cage cracking like a dome of ss didn��t appear. Zac was dismayed to realize there was a hidden spatial barrier between himself and the surface of his cage. It was just a thin film, yet it felt like his attack was forced to cross hundreds of miles to reach the wall.


    By that point, his energy was almostpletely expended. The sphere holding him captive only rippled a bit before a series of esoteric patterns suddenly appeared across its surface, joining the ones that Zac suspected were responsible for the restrictions and energy drain. Zac scrambled for other ideas, but it was helpless.


    He still had ess to his Void Energy, but that didn��t do him much good. His weapon was sealed inside his spatial ring, but he knew that his skills would be worthless in this situation in either case. Others had unleashed far more powerful attacks than his without any luck. The high-concept Dao inside his Annihtion Sphere had been his only hope.


    There was no way that [Love��s Bond] would do any good in this situation either. More importantly, he was worried that activating skills would prompt the Leviathan tosh out at him prematurely, based on the new runes that covered his bubble. His only hope now was that his cage would break the moment it entered the huge maw of the Leviathan and that he��d survive with the help of [Void Zone] long enough to swim out of there.


    However, Zac looked around with confusion as his own sphere suddenly made a turn and diverged from the others��. Almost all of the innumerable cages were dragged toward the beast��s maw, but his own joined a few thousand others that instead shot toward the huge fin on its back. It didn��t take long to figure out what differed between his own and the other spheres either; the engravings.


    His own cage was covered in dense scripts thanks to using the Annihtion Sphere, as were the others who had avoided disaster. The markings weren��t identical, but they rather held varying echoes of the Dao, where Zac could sense a mix of Pure Death and Conflict on his own �C the groundponents of his Annihtion Sphere.


    Another prison that wasn��t flying too far from him actually emitted temporal fluctuations, and Zac spotted a humanoid man sitting inside with closed eyes as though he was in the middle of meditation. Meanwhile, the bubbles which had no such unique markings things moved toward the beast��s mouth.


    It didn��t look like patterns were based on cultivation strength either. He saw at least two Peak or at least High Hegemons shooting toward the mouth, both of them desperately banging on the barrier as they were dragged toward their doom. He had spotted them in the Void outside the Twilight Harbor before, and he had seen the shocking attacks they had unleashed in an attempt to escape back into the main dimension.


    His eyes met one of the other��s for a moment, and he saw a chaotic mix of emotions in the Revenant��s eyes. Confusion, fear, rage and indignation. Most importantly, reluctance. Reluctance to have their path ended like this, to be food to some monstrous beast. Zac turned away, unable to look on as they were dragged into the spatial storm.


    He felt so weak and helpless, but more so, he was filled with relief. The Annihtion Sphere hadn��t managed to break him out of his prison, but it looked like it had allowed him to survive the first culling. Something about the energies he had unleashed had piqued the Leviathan��s interest, saving him from a gristly end.


    The question was, what was it nning?

 Chapter 792: Orom

    Chapter 792: Orom


    The group of bubbles that had avoided the fate of bing a part of the Leviathan��s feast was soon divided even further, where ny percent moved together toward the tails. Next was roughly six or seven percent that shot away together, moving toward arge ridge on the beast��s back. Zac was in the third group, the second smallest one with just over a hundred of the ��earmarked�� cultivators.


    The final group was just one solitary sphere, covered inyers andyers of engravings. It lookedpletely different from the others, and it suddenly just disappeared in a puff of spatial energy. As for his own cohort, it shot toward a spot just ahead of the enormous sail-like fin on its back.


    Zac instinctively knew that he had survived some sort of culling, but he was still filled with unease as his cage got closer and closer to the space fish. The gargantuan Leviathan took up most of his vision by this point, stretching across the horizon. It was filled with such tremendous power that Zac couldn��t stop his body from shaking.


    Suddenly, arge portal opened up in front of him. It looked a bit like the ones the smaller Leviathans had created to pass through dimensions, but this one was far more stable. It was lined with patterns that looked a lot like the brands that covered the whole body of the beast, natural expressions of the Dao.


    The small group of spheres shot straight into the portal, and Zac felt an odd spatial ripple pass through him before he was shrouded in absolute darkness. A searing pain suddenly erupted on his left arm, followed by a wave of weakness that spread through his body. Zac had no time to figure out what had been done to him before the darkness lifted and Zac found himself lying with his face down in the dirt.


    He hurriedly scrambled to his feet only to find himself in the middle of a forest de, surrounded by the captives from the other bubbles who had been sent through the final portal. His mind nked out for a moment, and as he looked up at the purple sky, he wondered if they had been teleported to some world.


    The warriors around him all gave Zac the impression of powerful elites, and he immediately tried to sh away to create some space for himself. However, he found that the energy in his body was extremely sluggish, and another type of seal prevented him from activating [Earthstrider]. Not only that, he felt so helplessly weak since passing through that portal.


    The other cultivators were as clueless as he was on what was going on. A few tried to escape from the group, only to find the de sealed with some sort of array. The moment they got close, an ominous rune appeared out of nowhere.


    The bubbles were gone, but they were clearly still trapped, and Zac took the chance to check his situation. The result wasn��t great. First of all, there was a new brand on top of his left hand, at the spot where he had felt the pain before. It was extremelyplex and reached halfway up his elbow, far surpassing the one that Catheya��s master had once ced there.


    It was clear that this brand had reced the restrictions covering the bubbles, sealing his power and limiting energy cirction to a slow crawl. In other words, it was a prisoner brand, simr in function to the arrays that usually covered dungeons and prisons in the Multiverse. After all, you needed something to make sure a powerful captive didn��t suddenlysh out and kill their captors.


    A nce at his status screen confirmed his suspicions. His real attributes were still there, but they were struck over, reced by a line that simply said 1,000.


    One thousand attribute points? That was something you��d see on an F-grade elite. No wonder he felt so weak. He was lucky he had already ced [Verun��s Bite] into a spatial ring. Just carrying the axe when restricted like this would be a bit of a struggle since its most recent upgrade.


    In fact, a few captives were in that exact predicament. Shimmering weapons were lying in the grass next to them, and they were desperately trying to lift them, only to barely be able to budge them. Others were luckier, wielding tools without such forbidding weight. However, the brand on Zac��s arm seemed to prevent him frommunicating with [Love��s Bond], essentially turning it into a useless ne.


    Zac felt extremely exposed after having his attributes restricted to just 1,000 points, but at least it looked like everyone had been dragged down to the same level, even the Hegemons. Everyone��s aura was extremely uniform, except for the unique vor granted by everyone��s Daos.


    In other words, the 1,000 referred to Effective Attributes, though Zac had already guessed as much after sensing his current strength. After all, his current power was well below the state when he finally passed 1,000 raw Strength by the end of the Tower of Eternity. He didn��t get much time to think about the implications, as a new face suddenly appeared on top of a stone just outside the de.


    ��Congrattions, you lucky bastards. You get to live another day,�� a gruff voice echoed out, prompting everyone to look over with apprehension.


    The first words out of the new arrival were a bit crude, but they were still a relief to Zac. It looked like his life wasn��t in immediate peril, which would give him a chance to figure some way out of this ce. After all, his Void Energy had already proven to work against the restrictions of the Space Fish.


    Having ess to that hidden force had to be a tremendous advantage in this ce. Not only did it allow him to unleash skills while the others were helpless, but the skills might even contain their original strength if they could properly circumvent the prison seal. Skills like [Abyssal Phase] might prove to be the key to getting out of this ce unseen and unnoticed.


    But for now, Zac would bide his time. He needed to understand what was going on, and he once more nced at the captives around him. This time, he noticed something odd. They were all roughly the same size. If it was just a bunch of humans, Zac wouldn��t have thought much of it, but there were all kinds of races here.


    He had long be ustomed to seeing cultivators the size of buildings walking the streets, but he was now standing shoulder to shoulder with a beastkin that should at least have a meter on him. There was also a proper Ogre shaman in the mix, whose race often reached five meters or so. That scene confirmed something else he had already suspected; these people weren��t all from the Twilight Harbor.


    In this small group alone, 11 races weren��t native to the harbor, three of which he didn��t even recognize. At the same time, he recognized a couple of insignias on the captives and the style of clothes a few others wore. It was clear that the Leviathan had sent out its feelers in multiple directions, but roughly half of these people came from the same ce as he did. Moreover, he recognized a few people who should be from the Havarok Empire judging by the tattoos that covered their faces.


    As for the one who spoke just now, it was an unknown humanoid race that almost looked a bit metallic. He had just onerge eye on his forehead like a cyclops, but that eye had three different pupils. He wore a gold-lined white robe, held together by a golden brooch that seemed to be an insignia of some force that Zac didn��t recognize.


    He didn��t wear any weapons, but Zac��s instincts told him that the man was some sort of fighter leaning toward Strength just like himself. There was an innate sense of pressure emanating from his body, one that made Zac think of Greatest. No one made a move upon seeing this unknown man, but Zac could sense how many tensed up and prepared for battle.


    ��May I ask why you have captured and sealed us all?�� a middle-aged man in a flowing robe eventually said.


    ��Do I look like a jailer to you?�� the metallic man snorted. ��I��m in the boat as you. I just got here a few millennia before you all.��


    Zac��s heart lurched upon hearing millennia, and a few other nched as well.


    ��You were all conscious for the capture? You saw that big bastard eating yourpanions?�� the man continued. ��Well, that��s the Orom. Your new home for the foreseeable future. This whole ce is inside its body. It��s a true realm rather than an inner world, so don��t bother looking for the big guy��s soul.��


    ��Your strength is greater than ours, why?�� the man continued, and Zac only realized the discrepancy now. The man in front of them was indeed a bit powerful than the group of warriors around him.


    ��See this badge?�� the metallic man said as he pointed at the brooch. ��This is the insignia of the Orom Attendants. Weplete some tasks for the Orom, and it provides us with some unique benefits in this ce. A gold badge attendant such as myself has twice the attributes as normal citizens, though that doesn��t matter much in this ce. The ess to unique training grounds that this brooch provides is far more important.��


    Zac raptly listened to the metallic man, but he simultaneously kept trying to figure out the rules of this ce. A muffled curse from the woman next to him drew his attention to something, and he hurriedly focused on the Spatial Ring on his finger. There didn��t seem to be a spatial lock sealing them any longer, but the prison brand prevented him from using this thing as well.


    ��A golden badge is the equivalent of a Hall Master of a sect, I suppose,�� the metallic man continued, ignoring the actions of his captive audience. ��There are both higher and lower ranks. You better be careful if you run into someone with an Emerald Badge. Their attributes are capped at 10,000, and they are the only ones allowed to kill others in this world.��


    Next, over a hundred crude ques appeared in his hands, and they flew over to each captive. ��For now, you��re just citizens. You don��t need to wear these like I do if you don��t want to. But don��t lose it since you need it for various things in this ce. You don��t want to be forced to rece one, trust me.��


    ��How do we be attendants?�� a beastkin asked as he snatched his token.


    ��You don��t,�� the metallic man shrugged. ��At least not right now. You will find out more when we reach the town. But suffice to say, while this ce is a bit weird, some things will be quite simr to a sect. You can slowly work your way up thedder and gain contribution points. These points can then be turned in for all kinds of convenient things.��


    ��Can they be used to buy back our freedom?�� the original man asked, and the group perked up at that.


    ��No, you can��t. But there is a straightforward method to get out of here,�� the man smiled. ��You simply need to confirm your Dao.��


    ��What?!�� a man roared. ��Be a Divine Monarch? Why not ask us to defend our Dao while we��re at it!?��


    ��Hey, I don��t make the rules. I just ry them, just like how I was told when I was dragged to this ce,�� the attendant grinned.


    The promation was pretty shocking, not only to Zac but to those around him. Bing a Divine Monarch was just not a matter of time, but talent and opportunity. Even if everyone in this small group was a Heaven��s Chosen, actually bing a Divine Monarch was just a longshot that normally required arge number of lucky encounters.


    The man had essentially given them all a life sentence.


    ��Now, don��t look so glum,�� the metal man said. ��Your fate could have been a lot worse. Didn��t you see where most people were headed?��


    ��Did the others really get devoured?�� an insectoid woman asked with a frown, and Zac shuddered upon remembering the scene outside.


    It was an almost iprehensible loss of life that had taken ce. That was still taking ce, by all ounts. It was a stark reminder of how Earth had essentially been a trial ground where the challenges and dangers were artificially controlled by the System. Out here in the wild, there were no safetys, and death could lurk around any corner.


    But the citizens of Twilight Harbor and the trail takers who visited such as himself were truly unlucky. First, the whole harbor got blown up by the struggle between a bunch of old monsters. But the lucky few who managed to enter the Void to avoid the fallout were snatched up by some crazy monster lurking in the shadows.


    ��As far as we can tell,�� the metal man nodded. ��You survived the great filter of the Orom, which means you have potential. The others were deemedcking and were instead turned into nourishment. This is actually an exciting period for us old citizens as well. The Orom only feeds when it finds a congregation of fate, and that means two things. Fresh faces like you people, and a deluge of new items up for grabs.��


    Zac guessed the deluge of new items came from the hundreds of thousands of Spatial Rings that the Orom swallowed. Just the thought of all that wealth made Zac��s heart beat a bit faster, almost to the point he forgot their gristly origins. There had been a lot of Hegemons in the mix, and even some Monarchs might have fallen. His wealth was pretty terrifyingpared to most E-grade cultivators.


    Butpared to what this space fish swallowed, it was simply nothing.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��What about the other groups who survived?�� another man asked with worry in his eyes. Zac guessed he had seen someone he cared about setting off toward the tails.


    ��There are three groups. Thergest group is sent to do misceneous tasks for the Orom. Indentured Servants, I guess. The second group is second-string cultivators. You��ll learn more about themter. As for you, you��re the first-string, which is what you want to be if you have to be stuck inside an enormous monster.��


    ��There was one more group. A single sphere,�� another captive muttered.


    ��Oh?�� the metallic man eximed with surprise. ��That��s pretty rare. I haven��t heard of such a thing happening in over a hundred thousand years. I am not sure, but I heard those people are potential disciples, sent to an inheritance trial. Others believe the Orom identally swallowed someone with too big a backing and is just providing them with an opportunity or some restitution before letting them go. I��m not sure which is true. In either case, it��s not rted to you guys.��


    ��Then what does this Orom want with us?�� an old man standing next to Zac asked.


    ��That��s the good news; it just wants you to cultivate. To break through your shackles, no matter if it��s rted to your levels, constitutions, insights, souls, or crafts. Be a Divine Monarch or the equivalent, and you have provided enough to be set free,�� the man snickered. ��As to why the Orom is doing this, I think most of you can understand.��


    Zac had no idea what he was talking about, but looking around he saw an understanding look on most of the new captives.


    ��How are we supposed to cultivate with our resources sealed in our Spatial Rings?�� a woman asked with a frown. ��I doubt this Orom can provide all the specialized arrays and treasures we need.��


    ��Outside Spatial Treasures are sealed in the Orom World, apparently because of some terrifying item that was brought onboard millions of years ago. Almost killed the big bastard, ording to the records,�� the attendantughed. ��However, there are secured locations you can take out any items you need for cultivation, and they will be scanned for problems. You can then transfer them into locally-made Cosmos Sacks.��


    ��What about my weapon?�� a man frowned as he looked down at a blue staff that clearly had extraordinary origins.


    ��Alright, in a few moments, you will have a brief window to stow away items. You will not be able to take anything out though,�� the attendant said before touching his golden insignia. ��I suggest you take this opportunity, or the items will be lost to you forever.��


    Zac felt a shudder from the brand on his arm a momentter, and he realized the brand must have received somemand. He tried infusing his will into the ring on his hand, but it was still out of reach. However, he saw the others hurriedly stow away the weapons that were lying on the ground.


    ��Well, let��s get out of here. We need to be gone before the next group arrives. I will lead you to the closest settlement. You��ll get a better understanding of the situation over there. But if you want my advice; simply settle down and focus on your Dao. This ce isn��t all-too-bad,�� the attendant grinned.


    ��Then again, I��m sure you��re all thinking of various ways to escape. I did as well, at first. But you will find that the Orom is not so easily tricked.��

 Chapter 793: Experience

    Chapter 793: Experiencen/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Settling down is fine for some, but my Dao is confirmed through ughter,�� a scarred human said with a frown. ��Settling down would destroy my path.��


    ��Don��t worry. There are designated zones for that as well,�� the metallic man with azy wave as he started walking, and a shimmer across the de indicated that the barrier had been deactivated. ��Come, it��ll all be clear enough soon. Of course, you��re free to go wherever you want. I won��t stop you.��


    The hundred-odd cultivators looked at each other with confusion, and most shrugged before following the Orom Attendant. A few others, including the man who walked the path of ughter, walked off in their own direction, soon blending with the foliage. Zac guessed those people were wandering cultivators unwilling to be part of a collective.


    As for himself, Zac decided to follow the bulk of the captives. It didn��t make much sense for the attendant to be lying at this point, and he needed to understand this ce better if he wanted to attempt a prison break. The old human who spoke up earlier walked along as well, and Zac slowly walked over to walk next to him.


    ��Excuse me,�� Zac eventually said with a low voice. ��Could you exin why the Orom captured us?��


    ��What makes you think I know?�� the old man said with a raised brow.


    ��You looked like you did. I think only a few of us were left out of the loop,�� Zac said with a helpless shrug.


    ��Well, whatever,�� the old man sighed. ��You can see this one as a freebie, seeing as we got caught together. Do you know the mostmon way to reach the peak of cultivation?��


    ��Talent and lucky encounters?�� Zac ventured with some confusion.


    ��Hardly,�� the man snorted. ��Theft!��


    ��Cultivation is endless, but resources arecking,�� the old man sighed. ��Especially at the top. Not only that, but the demands on understanding be greater and greater, soon to the point that even the most talented cultivators get overwhelmed. So, they steal. Steal resources. Steal cultivation havens. Steal Dao and Fate.��


    ��Steal Dao and Fate?�� Zac blurted, but he quickly thought back to the events of the Twilight Ascent.


    It was clear that the Eveningtide Asura had turned the whole Twilight Ocean into some sort of cultivation resource. Ande to think of it, the quest was designed to ��perfect the tapestry of twilight��. Was that the same thing? Using generations of cultivators to shore up his understanding. Each death, each breakthrough; a fragment of it was all siphoned to himself.


    ��Looks like you get it,�� the old man nodded. ��This big bastard is using cultivators to speed up its progress from the looks of it. It��s a crooked path, but it��s better than doing nothing. It��s the same as what most cultivators keeping people inside their inner worlds are doing.��


    Zac��s eyes widened a bit at that. This wasmon practice?


    ��Of course, it��s usually descendants who gain resources, safety, and a superior environment in return,�� the old man added. ��Absorbing hostiles into your world would be extremely dangerous, and it��s impossible in most cases. This big guy can only do it because we��re not actually inside an inner world. We��re rather inside its body like parasites.��


    ��How does that affect us?�� Zac asked. ��If our fate is getting robbed?��


    ��No idea,�� the old man grimaced. ��But it��s not like your Daos can get ripped out of your body. Most likely you will find progress and cultivation slower, as some of the benefits goes to thendlord. And being trapped like this might slow down your momentum, subverting your fate. But I guess we��ll find out more over the following centuries.��


    ��Centuries,�� Zac muttered with a helpless shake of his head.


    ��Don��t tell me you��re part of the younger generation?�� the old man eximed as he looked over at Zac with surprise. ��I thought all of us were old hands who had already confirmed our paths. But now that you mention it�� Your aura����


    ��E-grades and early Hegemons being dragged here are somewhat rare. I think you��re the third one to pass the filter this time around, though a few more should arrive over the following week. Your insights are too shallow to bring any benefits to the Orom, but it has decided to take a bet on you. If one is snatched, they usually have something interesting going on,�� the metallic man grunted as he looked back from the front. He had clearly heard the whole conversation. ��If you want my advice kid, avoid thebat-oriented ces for now.��


    ��Why?�� Zac asked with a frown, realizing he might have inadvertently divulged more than he should have. ��Isn��t everyone sealed the same?��


    A few of the captives immediately startedughing, and the old man looked at Zac like he was a fool. ��Brat, stop my fist.��


    Zac looked over with surprise, only to find a punch already flying toward his face. Zac��s own body was thankfully already moving by instinct, and he used one hand to divert the blow while countering with a gut-punch of his own. There was something off with the old man��s attack though, and Zac was forced to adjust his body over and over to avoid its trajectory.


    However, no matter what he did, the fist just kept getting closer, while his own attack was somehow way off-mark. A momentter he suddenly found himself on the ground with a zing pain in his head. He tried to get back on his feet, but he was actually groggy enough to fall back down on his ass.


    What had just happened? Their attributes were the same, yet it felt like the old man was twice as fast as he was.


    ��Brat, I could defeat ten of you simply based on my experience,�� the old manughed. ��And I am just a Late-stage Hegemon. The Monarchs would be able to take on an army of you brats even while having the same attributes. Our attributes are locked, but that doesn��t mean we can��t benefit from our understanding ofbat and the Dao.��


    ��Well, shit,�� Zac muttered as he shook his head to regain some rity.


    It was true. He��d be able to take out at least ten people with simr stats back on Earth based on hisbat experience alone. Add to that thebat stances he had started to form based on his Daos and his Path, and he was undefeatable. Butpared to ate Hegemon, he was still farcking in experience. They had all fought longer than he had lived.


    Furthermore, those who had made it to this ce rather than getting killed were all unusually talented from the looks of it. It would be odd if they hadn��t all formed a path of their own by now, and spent millennia polishing it.


    ��Well, it��s not all bad, kid,�� the metallic manughed as he started walking over. ��You��re at the bottom of the totem pole right now, but the fact that you were dragged here proves your talent is umonly high. People in your situation seem to have the highest chance of leaving this ce, only exceeded by the high-grade monarchs right at the precipice. Some of us might rely on you in a few dozen millennia to get word to our families.��


    Zac looked at the metallic man with gratitude, realizing he was helping him out here. Thest sentence could act as a deterrent to the old monsters around him. Messing with him might be nice to relieve some stress in this messed-up situation, but it mighte back to bite them in the future.


    Besides, he had one unique advantage to defend himself in this ce if it came down to it; his bloodline.


    ��Have there been people saved by their families?�� a graceful woman asked, speaking up for the first time.


    ��There are asionally such things happening,�� the metallic man nodded. ��Some people have been teleported out from this ce without breaking through. Others have just disappeared. Most of these people have been ransomed by the Orom, or perhaps the Orom was threatened to spit them out. But don��t expect anything unless you have Autarchs among your elders.��


    ��And some have disappeared?�� another man said spectively.


    ��They might have died, or they might have figured out a way to escape. No trap is perfect,�� the attendant shrugged. ��And don��t ask me how since I have no idea. If youck the confidence to confirm your Dao but have some powerful ancestors, I��d suggest you start making fate tokens and giving them out to those who seem to have the potential to leave the normal way. Usually, when someone confirms their Dao, a few more people are freed within a few centuries.��


    ��Is it possible to break through grades in this ce?�� Zac asked.


    ��Most look at the Orom like a jailer, but you can also consider it a gardener,�� the metallic man said as he reached a hand down toward Zac to help him up. ��We are the crops it��s growing. And how could crops grow without the proper nourishment? You��ll find that this ce has some advantages that are hard to find elsewhere. I��m Murbot, by the way.��


    ��Zac,�� Zac grunted as he got back on his feet. He shot a nce at the old man who had exined things to him earlier. ��Some punch.��


    ��Don��t feel too bad, I��ve been beating up brats like you for 2,000 years,�� the man guffawed. ��Your reaction wasn��t bad, much better than my shitty descendants.��


    Zac smiled in return, though he was a bit surprised inwardly. The Hegemon looked pretty old, to the point that Zac suspected he was running out of longevity. But 2,000 years was nothing to someone at that level. If anything, he was still young,pletely different from the old Hegemons who had been stuck at some bottleneck for eons.


    He didn��t know why the man looked like that, though it probably was just a mark of entricity. Most people preferred to stay young-looking, but some went in a different direction. On second thought, Zac should have figured that was the case. What would the Orom want with an old man stuck at a bottleneck? How many insights and breakthroughs could someone like that provide?


    The group started moving again soon enough. However, they only moved for another few minutes before they stopped again. It wasn��t due to Murbot stopping to exin something, but rather because of the appearance of a densely engraved pyramid in the woods.


    ��A seal mountain, Pseudo C-grade!�� the old man eximed, and more than one warrior rushed forward with greed in their eyes.


    However, Zac stayed behind, as did most of the captives. Greed had made even these Hegemons forget themselves, but Zac understood it wasn��t a coincidence they passed this thing. How could something so valuable just be up for grabs? And how would anyone even stow it away with their Spatial Treasures locked?


    As expected, the old masters soon returned a bit shamefaced a minuteter, all of them unsurprisingly empty-handed.


    ��What a waste,�� the old man groaned sighed as he threw a wistful look at the mountain. ��That��s at least 100 C-grade coins left lying in the wild.��


    Zac looked at the mountain with shock and avarice, ns already forming in his mind. Perhaps there would be an opportunity to snatch it in the future with the help of his bloodline talent. Perhaps there were even better treasures waiting out there for him.


    ��It��s a good reminder for you all,�� Murbot grinned. ��As I mentioned before, you will be able to transfer your items to local Cosmos Sacks, but you need to be careful. You need the strength to put the items back again. This thing was left here three hundred thousand years ago by a Gold Badge wanting to show off to a new batch of recruits. No one has been able to take it away since.��


    Zac snorted, and a fewughs emerged from the group. The scene was a bit odd considering everyone had just be a prisoner, where most of them were bound to be trapped for the rest of their lives. If it was earthlings, most would be deep in a pit of despair by now. Then again, these people were all Hegemons and higher who had confirmed their paths and were elites in their own right.


    Something like this probably wasn��t enough to cause a ripple in their mental state even if they didn��t have the hidden means as he had.


    The group kept walking for another two hours, their progress feeling ufortably slow now that his Dexterity had been cut down to a tenth. Then again, Zac��s annoyance was nothingpared to the Hegemons who probably weren��t used to walking long stretches anymore. People kept peppering Murbot with questions, but he was not too interested in divulging any secret tricks of this ce.


    He kept saying that everything would be made known when they reached their destination. And finally, they reached a small town, looking almost like something you��d find in a fairy tale. The streets were wide and clean, and the homes were beautiful mansions. Not only that, the ambient energy was extremely dense. In fact, Zac had noticed that since being dragged into this ce. It wasn��t just a matter of quantity, but quality.


    Catheya had talked about outer realms being ��far from the heavens�� when describing the frontier, but he hadn��t understood what that meant. However, now it felt clearer. He wouldn��t say that the Cosmic Energy was attuned, or that the air was filled with Origin Dao. It was simply�� Better.


    He could sense his Daos with greater rity, like the opposite feeling of when he was in the Tower of Eternity and the Dao felt hollow from the time dtion. It didn��t feel as palpable as when Earth was newly integrated and rife with Origin Dao, but it was rather stable and pervasive. Perhaps it was equivalent to a C-grade continent, considering that people had managed to achieve Divine Monarchy in this ce.


    ��As far as prisons go, this is probably the best one I��ve been locked inside,�� a beastkin muttered, prompting a fewughs.


    ��If you like this ce, then you better work hard. You remember those second-string cultivators I mentioned?�� Murbot said as he nced back at the group. ��Their environment is�� Not quite as nice. You are presented with a carrot, they are presented with a stick. If you don��t progress fast enough, you will be relegated down and they will take their ce. And let me tell you, those people would be ready to ughter their ns for a chance to move here after a few years in that ce.��


    Zac shuddered, once more reminded that the Orom wasn��t some benign being that provided cultivation opportunities for the fun of it. It was doing all this for its cultivation, and any dead weight who didn��t provide insights would be discarded. He had heard a few stories about the kind of ces where established factions created Deathsworn, squads of humanoid killing machines. The Orom was most likely using those kinds of cruel methods to squeeze out any potential it could from those second-string cultivators.


    ��I��ll give you a warning. You are safe from the first relegation, after which you will have to fight for your right to stay. Things might look rxed in this ce, but everyone is desperately cultivating to stay ahead,�� Murbot added. ��Now, follow me. There is onest ce I need to show you before I set you loose.��


    The group walked for a few more minutes until they reached arge square filled with people, a mix of old prisoners and other cultivators who had just been dragged here as well. The old cultivators seemed to belong to two groups. The first group was walking in and out of arge building, clearly having some errands to run.


    The other group was just there to look at the neers, and Zac noticed that a few of the new captives were approached. Zac��s eyes thinned, his scammer-sense waking up. It felt like the prisoners were trying to take advantage of the neers somehow. Of course, no one who had made it here was a fool, and it looked like the attempts were met with failure.


    ��This ce is the beginner��s square,�� Murbot exined as he pointed at therge hall that had constant foot traffic. ��The store is over there. There are more towns out there on this continent, and they all have roughly the same items. You all get 1,000 Purchase Points to start off, which can help you get settled in the Orom World. There are various ways to gain more points but read about that yourselves. Alright, I��m off. Good luck, hatchlings.��


    The attendant walked away the next moment, using his superior attributes to zip away. Zac looked in his direction for a few moments before turning to the two massive steles that were erected in the center of the square. They listed the rules of regtions in this ce, and the more people read, the worse their expressions got.


    Zac was the same with a furrow on his face. This ce looked nice and orderly, but in reality it was pretty sinister.

 Chapter 794: Freedom’s End

    Chapter 794: Freedom��s End


    The world they had been trapped in was simply called the Orom World, and they were currently in a town that was somewhat morbidly named Freedom��s End. There were 17 more towns in total, though you were allowed to set up a cultivation cave almost wherever you wanted. Traveling this world from end to end would take about five months even with their current attributes, proof of just how massive this ce was even if it was just the innards of a Leviathan.


    There had to be some high-grade spatial maniption at y for this to be possible. The Orom had beenrger than a, but it ultimately wasn��trge enough for someone with 1,000 Dexterity to take almost half a year to rush from end to end.


    Thankfully, there was a system of teleportation arrays that only required 10 Purchase Points to use. Even better, the first three uses were on the house, allowing the neers to check a few things out. After that, you had to use the points you collected. The most straightforward method to gain more points was to make improvements to your cultivation.


    Every single Contribution Point you gained, also awarded a single Purchase Point. Unfortunately, there was no clear exnation of how many points different breakthroughs awarded. It was all up to the discretion of the Orom, or rather the brand on their hands. You could also gain Purchase Points through trade or a few other means, but Contribution Points only came from making progress.


    As to why there were eighteen towns in total, it was rted to the cultivation like most things in this ce. Freedom��s End had no particr attunement, but there were seven neighboring zones that all had different attunements rted to nature. Zac looked around the square, and he could sense that most cultivators in the area had an earthy aura. Freedom��s End was probably where these nature-aspected cultivatorspleted any business they had.


    Most of the other towns had simr functions, being central hubs surrounded by enriched cultivation environments following various peaks, from Space to the five elements. Zac��s eyes eventually stopped at the 8th settlement; Samsara��s Edge. It was a town surrounded by zones of Life and Death.


    Wasn��t that just perfect for him?


    The description of Samsara��s Edge even had an additional note that the Death-attuned Zones were filled with Miasma rather than Cosmic Energy, and Zac guessed that was where most of the undead cultivators in the Orom cultivated. It was perfect for his purposes. Zac had already realized that escaping right away was impossible, no matter how much he wanted to get back to Earth.


    Whether the escape method hended on would rely on Kenzie��s Teleportation Arrays or him making use of his Bloodline, he would probably only get one shot at it. So first, he needed to recuperate to a perfect state, and if possible empower himself even further before making his move. Secondly, it would take some time to devise a n, considering it was a proper Autarch keeping him trapped.


    He couldn��t just plonk down the Teleportation Array in the middle of the forest and expect it to work.


    As for rescue, Zac didn��t hold up much hope. Even if someone from the Undead Empire became interested in him after Catehya��s report and the events in the Harbor, how would they even find him? He had stopped counting after passing through 50 dimensionalyers on his way to the Orom, and the beast most likely used various top-grade methods to avoid being hunted down all this time.


    And while his Mother was technically an Autarch as far as he could tell, there was no way she would be interested in helping him. The only way Zac could see that happening was if she felt his imprisonment an affront to her own exalted name or something simrly insane. He would have to rely on himself to get out of here, and he kept reading therge stele in hopes of gaining any clues that could help with that.


    As to why the Orom was interested in so many different peaks of cultivation, Zac had no idea, and neither was it exined. Perhaps it was hoping to draw inspiration from all kinds of sources. Besides, Spatial Cultivators were just too rare, just like Karmic Cultivators. There was no way it would be able to fill a whole world like this with spatial cultivators, at least not without garnering a whole lot of unwanted attention.


    Zac guessed that using his Annihtion Sphere had marked him as a unique talent of Death or perhaps even Oblivion, which was why he was sent to cultivate rather than turned into food. He guessed that the sphere originally had some sort of affinity tester, and he wasn��t surprised that it didn��t consider him a target for nurturing at first.


    Not all the towns were these kinds of elemental hubs though. One of them housed an arena where you could fight against both beasts and other cultivators. You could even bet your Purchase Points there when fighting, but betting on others wasn��t allowed. You needed to earn any points you gained in the Orom World.


    Another town held the gate to the ��wilderness��, a vast sector teeming with beasts. It was a ce to temper yourself, to confirm the insights you had gained while meditating.


    The space in the wilderness was farrger than the rest of the Orom Worldbined, but that resulted in the cultivation environment being worse. Setting up a cultivation cave there would be impractical, but those who confirmed their path through ughter would invariably spend a lot of time there.


    Skill fractals were unlocked there as well, though the attribute limiters were still active. Zac didn��t quite understand how you could possibly power up a Monarch��s or Hegemon��s skills with only 1,000 attributes avable, but he guessed the Orom had figured out some way to let cultivators use lesser versions of their skills.


    If one of the ques held the various spots and highlights of this world, then the next one held the rules. As Zac read one after another, it became all-too-apparent that the luxurious and carefree front of this ce was all but an illusion. There were extremely strict rules put in ce to maximize the benefits of the Orom.


    Just as Murbot mentioned, there were recurring relegations. E-grade cultivators were measured once every five years, Hegemons once every fifty years, and Monarchs once every five hundred. The rules were simple; There were only so many spots on the first string, and those spots were handed out based on the number of Contribution Points you had gathered since thest relegation.


    If you were a first-string cultivator and got stuck at some bottleneck, you��d probably get reced by a second-string cultivator soon enough. And the lowest-performing members of the second string were straight-up killed as a warning to the others. That essentially meant that any Hegemon who found themselves unable to make any progress for a few hundred years would get executed.


    As new arrivals, their situation was a bit special. Murbot had mentioned being safe from the first relegation, but that was only against the old prisoners. Their group of new arrivals would have one reshuffle in three years before they started topete against the main poption for slots. Zac guessed that was an extra measure because those prison bubbles were only so urate to determine talent.


    So if you didn��t perform you��d quickly fall out of grace and enter a world of hurt, but conversely, there were perks of makingrge strides in your cultivation. The more Contribution Points you gathered, the more Purchase Points you could exchange for kinds of cultivation treasures without affecting your cement. Even better, high cements would provide additional benefits such as ess to restricted cultivation grounds.


    And from the sounds of it, there were marvelous spots inside the Orom that were attractive to even Monarchs.


    As for the other rules, they were like most ns except stricter. That was actually a good thing for Zac, considering how he was at the bottom of the totem pole in this ce. Killing was strictly prohibited, and even harassing cultivators who were meditating resulted in harsh contribution penalties.


    The method to be Orom Attendants like Murbot was simple enough as well. You needed to gain a certain amount of total contribution, while alsopleting some quests the Orom assigned.


    There were a few other rules that made it clear that this ce wasn��t some sect though. For example, procreation was banned in this ce. Having a child would result in harsh penalties, and the child would be taken away. Zac guessed that the Orom didn��t want sprawling ns springing up inside its body, draining its resources, and it took to draconian measures to make sure that didn��t happen.


    That resulted in there only being roughly 500,000 cultivators living in the Orom World. Of course, this small group alone would most likely be able to easily conquer a sector like Zecia considering most of them were elite Hegemons and Monarchs that the Orom felt was worthy to keep around.


    ��Three years, I��ll have to go all out,�� the old man said with a grimace before he turned to Zac. ��So what will you do, brat?��


    ��I��ll rest a week or two before I start looking for a ce to set up camp,�� Zac sighed. ��I was almost killed a few times over before getting captured, I need to recuperate a bit.��


    ��So you were in the middle of a fight as well? Where did youe from?�� the old man asked curiously.


    Zac didn��t immediately answer, prompting the old man to snort. ��What a careful brat. I am just trying to figure out how wide a that big bastard was casting. I am from the Yr��Lyserium Sector, a subsidiary sector of a faction called the Radiant Temple.��


    A few of the new arrivals walked over and a tattooed warrior spoke up. ��23rd Outer Regiment of the Havarok Army.��


    The old man and two others looked at the beastman with small frowns, but he soon rxed with a shrug. ��I guess old grudges are irrelevant in this ce.��


    ��I came from the Twilight Harbor,�� Zac eventually said, and many indicated they had the same origin, just like he had suspected before.


    ��Oh, that trading hub in the frontier?�� the old man eximed with surprise. ��Quite a distance from us. This big bastard has quite some reach, it should have made use of the Tarramak Vault somehow. It must have defended its Dao under the Path of Space to aplish something like this. And howe so many of you came from there?��


    ��I don��t think Twilight Harbor exists any longer,�� Zac said. ��I��m not sure exactly what happened, but a full-scale war broke out, destroying a whole Mystic Realm while I was still inside. It was simply pandemonium outside, and I was dragged into a spatial tear. I was captured before I found a way back into the main dimension.��


    He obviously wouldn��t mention that he yed a pretty big role in destroying the Twilight Ocean. As far as he was concerned, Arcaz ck had nothing to do with him. He wasn��t sure he would ever be able to use that identity again, depending on the Undead Empire��s response to his actions.


    Of course, this was all dependent on him actually finding a way out of here.


    ��The Twilight Lord sacrificed the Mystic Realm to create a chance to form a Ladder to Eternity,�� a beautiful woman with two long tails sighed. ��I was thrown into the Void before I had a chance to see the result.��


    ��An ascent in the frontier?�� the old man eximed, and a few others had faces full of longing as well. ��I wish I was there to see it.��


    ��He was really trying to be an Autarch?�� Zac asked curiously as he looked at the two-tailed woman. ��I thought that wasn��t possible in the frontier.��


    He had already discussed the situation with Catheya at length, but the people around him were all old monsters who should know more. He would have to be crazy to not make use of the opportunity to y dumb and glean some hard-to-ess information.


    The woman hesitated for a bit, but she eventually asked. ��That is normally the case. I��m just a Hegemon as well so I don��t know how it was possible.��


    ��As the universe matures, the Dao grow scarce,�� the insectoid woman spoke up. ��The Boundless Heavens have ushered in an era of prosperity, but the Heavens can��t keep up. The ancient factions refuse to give up their advantages and draw the heavens to their side, leaving the Dao scattered in the frontiers. Still, the Dao is omnipresent, and the Heavens can be recalled to the frontier with the right catalyst.


    ��The Boundless Heavens asionally integrates unusually energy-dense dimensions, allowing for a burst of progress before those at the peak intervene,�� another old man smiled. ��Those ancient factions say it��s for the safety of those on the Frontier. With them shrouding the heavens, no Autarchs will naturally appear. In return, Autarchs will find travel on the frontier a constant drain on their foundations.��


    The cultivator didn��t say it outright, but his expression told Zac all he needed to know what he thought about the protection of the ancient factions. It was just an excuse to drain the weaker sectors and enrich their own cultivation grounds. Those kinds of things were beyond him, but it further exined why Leandra had been so insistent on taking Kenzie away from Zecia at least.


    ��So anyone breaking through to Autarchy inside the Orom and freeing everyone is impossible?�� Zac sighed, realizing that insight would never be enough to reach Autarchy.


    It didn��t matter how deep your insights were or how great a foundation you hadid down. If youcked that pure connection to the Heavens, no one would be calling down the Heavens to defend their Dao. If Zac was a Space Fish abductor, then his first order of business would be to make sure that kind of connection was impossible.


    ��Unless someone figures out a way to steal the foundation of the Orom itself to fuel their Ascent,�� another man said with azy shrug. ��It is already a link to the Heavens through its own confirmed Dao. It seems like it doesn��t want to find out if such a thing is possible, thus booting anyone with a confirmed Dao.��


    The group kept discussing the Eveningtide Asura��s attempt for a while longer, but people started setting out soon enough. Ultimately, they had only been gathered together by chance, and only two pairs seemed to have any rtion to each other on the outside.


    ��I guess something like this is hard to stomach for a youngling like you,�� the old man sighed as he looked at the people walking away. ��For me, this ce might be the only chance I have of ever forming an inner world.��


    ��Just when I was about to try out for the Radiant Temple as well,�� Zac said with a smile. ��I received a token to head over to Yr��Vanium Sector and all.��


    ��Really?�� the old man guffawed. ��Well, if you manage to get out, you can always contact my old friend. He��s just an information officer in the Radiant Temple, but has some good connections and a soft spot for outside hires. His name is Io Sardovar.��


    ��You have that much hope in me?�� Zac smiled.


    The old man grinned a bit as he furtively looked around. ��Your reaction is the same as ours, but our situation isn��t the same. This ce might actually improve our chances to reach Divine Monarchy. I essentially had no hopes before, but this ce�� at least gives me a sliver of a chance. But a young E-grade fledgling like you should be a lot more struck to have their Path derailed. I think you have some confidence in getting out of here. Do you have an Autarch ancestor perhaps? Are you perhaps a descendant that one of the Grand Elders sired outside the temple?��


    Zac only gave a nk look in return, knowing all-too-well what the old man was thinking.


    ��Well whatever,�� the old man snorted when Zac refused to answer. ��In either case, I��d like to leave a message with you as soon as I figure out how. In return, you cane once a month to get pummeled by me. You still have a lot of room for improvement, so it should provide you with some inspiration. I will reside somewhere in Glimmershroud.��


    Glimmershroud was one of the towns, and it was surrounded by zones rted to the Dao of Order and the Dao of Space. Zac couldn��t sense which one the old man followed, but he leaned toward the former considering what he had learned about the Radiant Temple.


    ��Alright. Those paths unfortunately aren��t for me, but I��lle over if I get some points to spare,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Bring some alcohol if you do. A vigorous brat like you should be able to gather a lot of Purchase Points in short order. Don��t be stingy with your friends,�� the old man said before he sauntered away.


    ��Friends? You didn��t even introduce yourself,�� Zac muttered with some exasperation before he walked toward the contribution exchange.


    There were two functions the Contribution Store filled; to sell the cultivation resources avable in the Orom, and to unseal the items locked in your Spatial Treasures. Zac wasn��t sure which one of those services he was most eager about, and the prospect of treasure almost allowed him to forget the predicament he was in.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

 Defiance of the Fall Book 4 now out on Amazon/Audible!

Defiance of the Fall Book 4 now out on Amazon/Audible!n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 795: Unboxing

    Chapter 795: Unboxing


    The insides of the Contribution Store were quiterge, with a fifty-meter wide disk where just as many clerks stood in attendance. Zac noted that they all wore the same white robes, with a simr insignia as the one Murbot wore. However, Zac sensed that these people weren��t someone standing above him in the Orom��s hierarchy, but rather below.


    These people emitted extremely faint auras, and Zac guessed their attributes were locked at something like 2-300 at best. Most likely, they were part of the servants, the people who made up thergest group of those captured.


    Some of the disks were upied with customers, and Zac noted that anyone using the services had their surroundings blurred, making it impossible to see what was going on. Zac thought for a second before he walked over to one of the free attendants, this one a middle-aged human.


    ��Wee, how can I help?�� the man said with a smile.


    ��Uh, I��m new here. Do you have a catalog or something I can look through?�� Zac asked.


    ��Oh, young master is part of thetest batch?�� the man sighed, and Zac could see some jealousy sh in the man��s eyes before it was gone. ��Of course, the Exchange provides a catalog free of charge.��


    He handed over a crystal next, but Zac looked at it with confusion. How was he supposed to activate it with the brand on his hand?


    ��The energy seal is a lot moreplex than you might expect,�� the man said with a small smile. ��Just try to activate it like normal.��


    Zac was a bit skeptical, but he followed the instructions. Suddenly, his Cosmic Energy flowed freely, entering and activating the crystal without issue.


    ��You can divide items in the Orom World between authorized and unauthorized. The seal will not prevent you from using authorized items, while unauthorized treasures will be locked out,�� the clerk exined.


    Zac had already read about this on the signs outside, but he was surprised how seamlessly it worked. The prison array on his hand was clearly high-quality if it could make distinctions like that on the fly.


    ��Where do I authorize my items?�� Zac asked.


    ��Do you see the rooms over there?�� The man said as he pointed to the left. ��Those are unsealing chambers, one of the few ces where you can activate your spatial ring. You can take out any items you require there and have them authorized. You should beware though, the room is covered in arrays that would detect if you try to take out something dangerous or detrimental to the Orom. If you take out such offensive treasures, you will be deducted Contribution Points, perhaps even executed.��


    ��If I had items like that I wouldn��t be here,�� Zac cursed under his breath.


    This Primordial Beast was just too careful, maintaining such restrictions even on E-grade cultivators. Still, that wasn��t all bad. The more draconic the measures, the better it might actually be for him. The more focus they put on ces like these unsealing chambers, the less attention they might ce on other parts of the Orom where they wouldn��t expect Spatial Rings to work.


    For now, Zac focused on the situation at hand. He had been given 1,000 Contribution Points, and he might as well make the most of the situation. However, the more he read the more his brows furrowed together.


    ��This is it?�� Zac eventually asked.


    ��Well, we are right at the end of a cycle, and it was an unusually long one. No new materials have appeared for almost 800 years, thest time the Orom fed,�� the man helplessly exined. ��However, there are also better items avable, though young master needs to increase his standing first. There are also some unique attuned items in their respective settlement that you will not find in the others.��


    Zac nodded in understanding.


    ��When will the stock be replenished then?�� Zac asked.


    It was a bit morbid to ask about the scraps from the innumerable people the Orom had killed and consumed, but he couldn��t be picky in a ce like this. He, in particr, requiredrge amounts of resources to progress. If his prison escape dragged out, he would definitely need every advantage he could get to stay ahead.


    ��The servants are fast at work categorizing the newly acquired items,�� the clerk exined. ��It usually takes around two months until the process isplete. At that point, the items will be added to the stores or made avable in other ways. Some treasures might appear before that, though, as you new arrivals exchange items for points.��


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. Thest part was the result of an odd rule in the Orom World, where you could only sell outside items to the Orom itself, in exchange for Purchase Points. However, if you crafted Pills or grew some herbs inside the Orom, you could sell them freely, though at a price set by the Contribution Store.


    It seemed like an odd rule in a ce designed to extract as much progress as possible out of the captives, but Zac guessed it was the result of some other incident far in the past. ording to Murbot, the Orom World had been extremelyx at the start, but things had be increasingly draconic over the eons as highly motivated cultivators kept causing chaos in their attempts to escape.


    ��Alright. For now, I��ll take a Low-grade Cosmos Sack and an Elementary Cave Kit,�� Zac eventually said.


    The Cosmos Sack wasn��t anything impressive, except for the fact that it was an authorized item. Its size was just a tenth of his better Spatial Rings, but that was more than enough to carry misceneous items he needed during his stay here. There were far better versions as well, but things got expensive very quickly. The Cosmos Sack he bought cost just 10 Contribution Points, whereas the worst Spatial Rings cost over 500.


    The Elementary Cave Kit cost 50 Contribution Points was a set of five arrays meant to facilitate cultivation. Three of the arrays were for cultivation; a gathering array to increase energy density, a purity array to strengthen the attunement of the cave, and a rity array that worked like the incense and prayer mats in his possession.


    Thest two were an istion array that would allow you to cultivate without interruptions, and finally a ��climate array�� that dealt with everything from temperature, humidity, to things such as cleaning and pest control. Zac didn��t really benefit from the Energy Density or the attunement for his normal cultivation, but it might be needed for something else; his soul.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The oceans in his soul had probably surpassed what was intended by the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] already, and his soul had taken another leap forward after taking on the second Splinter of Oblivion. He just needed to rest up and consolidate his gains, after which he was ready to take the next step.


    The Elementary Cave Kit was heavily subsidized as well, to the point that it was almost a freebie for neers. But apart from that, it was slim pickings. Zac also got a more detailed map of the Orom World for 5 Contribution Points after which he walked over to the unsealing chambers.


    The room was empty when Zac entered, and he could feel how a number of arrays activated the moment the door closed behind him. It actually felt like he had entered a different dimension altogether, probably a security measure in case a Monarch took out some terrifying offensive talisman with the power to destroy a country.


    A crystaly waiting on a table, a burst of information entered Zac��s mind after instilling the crystal with some energy. Zac mulled things over for a few seconds before pile after pile of various Supreme-grade crystals appeared in the room before entering his new Cosmos Sack. After that, Zac took out various herbs he had gathered in the Twilight Ocean.


    He was focusing on things that would benefit his cultivation in the short run, either through direct digestion or after being turned into pills. After the natural treasures, he also took out a series of arrays. Each time he took out an Array Disk, a presence descended on the room before the item was scanned.


    His Soul Cultivation Arrays and specialized energy gathering arrays passed just fine, but when he tried taking out an escape talisman, it immediatelybusted. Thankfully, a few of his practice axes weren��t stopped, but he still didn��t dare take out [Verun��s Bite] in case the Orom would destroy it.


    Soon enough, a small hill of items had entered his new Cosmos Sack, at which point Zac was content. Luckily, it was cheap enough to authorize and transfer cultivation resources. Basic Cultivation resources were free, which included all types of Nexus Crystals and mostmon herbs.


    The more unique herbs Zac had taken out from the depths of the Twilight Ocean were scanned for 1 Contribution Points each, and the arrays weren��t that much more expensive. By the time Zac was done, he had only spent 34 Contribution Points, saving the rest for when the other resources appeared.


    Of course, Zac didn��t immediately leave the chamber. This was one of the few ces where he could freely open Spatial Treasures, and he had been waiting for weeks to find out exactly what kind of treasures he had been carrying. His heart beat with anticipation as he took out one item after another from his pockets.


    First, he checked the Cosmos Sacks he had picked up in the Void and from the cultivators in the City of Ancients. Altogether, there were dozens of them, yet theirbined value wasn��t anything too impressive. Unsurprisingly, it looked even the ones he got from the Void had exclusively been owned by E-grade cultivators and lower, and the gains were thereafter.


    The only exceptions were a couple of Manuals that seemed higher-quality than anything he had back on Earth, along with a Body-tempering manual. Most of their information was sealed, but Zac still put them in his Authorized Sack. There were also two high-quality herbs that Zac didn��t recognize, along with a few thousand Twilight Fruits.


    After picking out what he wanted, Zac threw each Cosmos Sack onto another array in the room. Space twisted, and a momentter the sack was gone and Zac had gained a couple of Purchase Points. The items in each Cosmos Sack provided between 0 and 2 points. It wasn��t much, but it helped cover some of his expenses until now while freeing up his pockets.


    After performing a mental tally, Zac realized why the Orom was so insistent on keeping a monopoly. It actually paid less than a tenthpared to the prices quoted in the store, which no doubt helped it save a lot on expenses. It was a bit annoying, but Zac wasn��t too interested in making more points in any case.


    Instead, he focused on the Spatial Rings he had looted. Most of them had been taken from bodies that emitted fierce auras, and he had high hopes for their contents.


    And he wasn��t disappointed.


    The first ring contained a vast assortment of arrays, Cosmic Crystals, unique treasures, and information missives. It was a shocking collection of items, far surpassing any of the bags he had looted in the Twilight Ocean, and going through them all would take months. There were thousands of other items as well, orderly arranged ring��s pocket space.


    Sets of equipment that seemed to be D-grade, weapons, tools for cksmithing, raw metals, and ores. Zac looked upon the huge array of items with wonder for a few minutes until he finally put the ring back in his pocket without taking out anything. The treasures in this thing were definitely worth a whole pile of D-grade Nexus Coins, but he didn��t want to take out things in the Orom World unless necessary, both to avoid any unforeseen risks and the expenditure.


    His mental energy swept through one ring after another, and while most had clearly just belonged to the wealthy among the younger generation, but a few of them had been owned by proper Hegemons. One thing he noticed was the huge discrepancy in wealth between the D-grade cultivators.


    A few barely had a few Cosmic Crystals or treasures to their names, while the items were cheap mass-produced stuff. It was just like the broken-down Cosmos Sack he had looted from the Hegemon skeleton that had be an octopus�� home. He had been way poor, no matter if youpared to Zac himself or the previous owner of the first ring he scanned.


    Meanwhile, a few rings had hundreds of impressive-looking raw materials, everything from stacks of jade boxes containing natural treasures to bs of shimmering metals. If converted into Nexus Coins, each such item would probably be worth anything from a few hundred to tens of thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Two rings only contained mountains of low-grade cultivation materials, perhaps some n��s stock of resources taken away when the chaos ensued. The quality of the items was much lower than what he had already sent back home to earth with Vri, but the quantities more than made up for it.


    Zac��s mind was abuzz as he kept a mental tally of his estimates, and he eventually passed 4 C-grade Nexus Coins by the time he had gone through all the rings. It wasn��t like his wealth had skyrocketed, but that was a huge windfall, and one not tainted with the bad blood of Leandra��s gift. Furthermore, there were hundreds of items, treasures, and materials he hadn��t included or given low price tags since he had no idea what they were worth.


    For all he knew, the actual number might be five times his estimate.


    He had also located a bunch of items he could directly benefit from, including both Attribute Fruits and Dao Treasures to replenish his dwindling stocks. But he left those items behind as well, wanting to n out his next move before wasting any more Purchase Points.


    Next, he eagerly took out the Spatial Gem that had supposedly belonged to Aia Ouro, and his eyes lit up when he swept his mind through the crystal. It was extremely well-stocked with all kinds of arrays and rted materials. More importantly, the Spatial Tool contained two different types of crystals that emitted energy fluctuations that resonated with his soul.


    There were even three densely engraved boxes, each one containing what seemed to be a supreme cultivation treasure, two of which clearly rted to the soul. Thest one was a piece of ck ss, which Zac had no idea what it entailed. But considering it was treated with the same importance as treasures that gave off even greater mental fluctuations than the grass he had used for cultivation in the Twilight Chasm, it had to be something special.


    Finally, Zac turned toward the final item; Uona��s spatial ring. From the looks of it, n Noz��Vdir was more powerful than Hive Ouro, and Uona was more of an elite than Aia Ouro, so he had great hopes for her Spatial Treasure. However, Zac��s eyes widened with horror the moment he infused the ring with energy.


    It was like he had set off some chain reaction when activating the item, as he saw the spatial pocket rapidly copse. He desperately started taking out one item after another, focusing on the materials and items that looked the most expensive or useful. There was simply too little time though, and he was dismayed to find his mental suddenly tendril cut off, and the ring crumbled a momentter.


    In front of him, five items were resting on the scanning table; a box containing six sanguine gems shimmering with dark energies, two pieces of metal that seemed even better than anything he had found in the Twilight Ocean, a vial of blood, and a set of Information Crystals.


    That was all he had managed to take out before the ring crumbled, but the rest were mostly mountains of loot from those she had murdered in the trail by the looks of it. These five items should have been among the best things in her possession. The array scanned one item after another, and Zac was surprised to see it took as long to scan the vial as the rest of the itemsbined.


    Not only that, he noticed that scanning the blood cost a whopping 100 Contribution Points, even though the process normally was almost free. Zac had thought the odd gems to be the most valuable, but it looked it was the blood. Zac thought back to his battle with Uona, and the events that had preceded it. He had wondered where she got the energy to raise so many blood thralls while also nurturing that terrifying blood effigy.


    Was this blood perhaps the answer?


    The vial was sealed, but even then, he felt a sense of pressure emanating from the swirling blood inside. It should be a Pseudo D-grade item at most, considering she had brought it into the trial. But it was also possible that Uona had managed to sneak inside a proper D-grade material with the help of her ancestor.


    In either case, Zac hoped it would be useful for Verun to finally make the push toward Peak E-grade, and perhaps even set the foundations for evolving to D-grade in the future. He stowed away the items in his Cosmos Sack before finally leaving the sealed chamber and the contribution store.


    From there Zac traveled Freedom��s End for a few more hours, learning snippets of information here and there. Eventually, he picked an empty house, of which there were quite a few, and settled down for the day to digest what had happened.


    As he looked down at the street from his window, Zac pondered on what he should do next. His first instinct had been to escape as quickly as possible to go back to Earth, using his bloodline to circumvent the restrictions in this ce.


    But was that really the right move?


    The incursion back on Earth had already started, it was toote for him to do anything about it. Not that he could, in either case. The level limit was 100, while he had reached 123. The cost to enter as reinforcement would be just shocking, if he was allowed inside at all. He couldn��t be certain, but he didn��t think it was a coincidence the opportunity was awarded while he was gone. It wasn��t an opportunity meant for him.


    He still couldn��t enter the inheritance trial either, and ording to Leandra, it would be years before the Dimensional Seed reappeared in the Million Gates territory. Meanwhile, his actions in the Twilight Ocean had no doubt caused some ripples, and he couldn��t put his whole faith in Catheya��s ability to turn the situation in his favor.


    Perhaps, hiding out in a space fish for a couple of months while things calmed down wasn��t the worst of ideas.

 Chapter 796: The Pursuit of Completeness

    Chapter 796: The Pursuit of Completeness


    It wasn��t just a kneejerk reaction to stay inside the Orom for longer than Zac had initially nned. From what he had gathered, the Orom would keep dragging poor souls to be filtered for over a week.


    Even if Zac managed to escape right now, he would probably be dragged right back in. However, ording to what he��d heard, the Orom moved with a shocking speed most of the time, swimming through various dimensions just like its smaller brethren. It would be far better to escape while the beast was on the move since it would be gone in an instant, hopefully leaving Zac behind in some empty corner space.


    Having traveled Freedom��s End for half a day had proven that this ce was full of opportunities as well. There were unique resources, and the ce was veritably teeming with old masters that he would normally never have the chance to interact with on a somewhat equal standing.


    There was also the wilderness, a ce that seemed perfect for him to perfect his stances. Your power was fixed, but the beasts kept getting stronger the deeper you delved. The only way to push further was to improve what you could do with the power you had, just like how that old man had easily knocked him on his ass earlier.


    Apparently, there were some powerhouses in this ce that had been able to aplish unbelievable things in the wilderness with raw skill and tactics. There was still a lot of room for improvement in this regard, and Zac got the feeling that working on his stances would also help him get closer to forming hisst two Dao Branches.


    Zac looked out across the settlement from the window of his temporary residence for another few minutes before he made his decision. He would follow his guts �C stay behind for a while longer to recuperate and consolidate his gains. Then extract this ce for all the benefits that he could get his hands on before escaping.


    As for the downsides of this ce, it didn��t much matter to Zac if he didn��t n to stick around. He was safe from the first relegation, and he had enough resources to produce impressive improvements in case he was still around in three years for the shake-up.


    However, this all hinged on his bloodline being able to help him break out of this ce.


    If that didn��t work, Zac knew he was in big big trouble. He wasn��t as smart or as knowledgeable as most people in this ce. He didn��t have any cultivation method to gradually push him forward, and he wouldn��t be able to simply meditate to make breakthroughs. His Void Energy was the only thing that gave him an edge.


    If these kinds of people hadn��t managed to flee from this prison through conventional means, how could he?


    But cultivating in this ce for the long-term was out of the question. He had gained a decent idea of the required advancements to be safe from relegation, and it didn��t look good. With new people being added every few hundred years, there was no settling down. In fact, the demands were so high that the average lifespan in the Orom World was just a tenthpared to the outside.


    Monarchs were lucky if they could survive 100,000 to 150,000 years, a far cry from their natural lifespans. Hegemons would usually be relegated out by the time they turned 10,000 unless they managed to break through to Monarchy and get a boost of momentum. Of course, there were also innumerable examples of people suddenly finding themselves stuck, dying far earlierpared to this.


    The reason was simple; after that initial burst of breakthroughs, their improvement slowed down, making them unable topete with the new arrivals. Soon enough, the old were relegated, reced by new faces who hadn��t expended their potential or momentum yet. Zac didn��t want to live in a desperate environment like this longer than he had to, but there was one more reason he knew he had to escape.


    After seeing the Contribution shop and learning about the various ces and benefits avable, Zac hade to a simple conclusion; he wouldn��t be able to continuously progress in this ce. He hadn��t encountered any real bottlenecks with his unique cultivation method so far. But in return, he required a lot of resources to progress, no matter if you talked Dao, Levels, Soul, or Bloodline.


    The Orom expected you to make most of your progress simply by cultivating, making use of the dense ambient energy and attuned zones. There were unique cultivation grounds in this world as well, but those ces cost Purchase Points, and people only used them when they were at the precipice of breaking through.


    Making breakthroughs in this ce would him Contribution Points and the equivalent amount of Purchase Points, but he would have to spend far more resources for every breakthroughpared to what the breakthrough was worth.


    The wilderness wasn��t any help either. Since people��s attributes, including the Orom Attendants, were limited to 1,000 in the wilderness, the beasts were just early to middle E-grade over there. Even if Zac managed to ughter half the wilderness, he wouldn��t get enough kill energy to reach peak E-grade.


    His fortune in the form of Nexus Coins was almost useless in this ce as well. Who��d take a System currency in a prison where there was no ce to spend it? Besides, there were the harsh restrictions on trade that didn��t go through the Contribution Store. There had been asions wherete Monarchs had started hoovering up Nexus Coins when they were at the precipice of confirming their Dao, but events like that were extremely rare.


    Luckily, Zac was disgustingly wealthy for an E-grade cultivator, which would keep him safe in the short run. However, his requirements would only increase. What felt like a mountain of wealth in his Spatial Rings right now, might not seem as impressive by the time he started looking to form his Cultivator��s Core.


    Ultimately, Zac knew he would enter a downward spiral, where his gathered resources were rapidly depleted while being unable to replenish them. Soon enough, he��d be broke, and he would be relegated one step after another until he was culled.


    Furthermore, the process of reaching Hegemony was a problem. Ignoring issues like missing out on the Inheritance Trial back home, would he even be able to form a core in this ce? He had long since gathered a few missives that had methods for Mortals to take that step, but it didn��t look too optimistic. The exact methodology differed, but the essence was the same.


    You had to consume innumerable treasures, preferably containing the attunement of your path. From there, you��d use one method or another to extract the essence of the treasures, and push it into the spot where your core would form. Like that, you would add oneyer after another while keeping constant pressure with arrays and Mental Energy, until something like a core would form.


    It was technically possible for Zac to aplish that here, though there were no facilities avable that could aid him with the process. After all, the Orom didn��t swallow Mortals, but only those with extremely high attunements. Zac was even afraid tomission the arrays he needed, in case it would result in him being purged.


    Besides, Zac was reluctant to use the methods he had on hand. It was painfully clear; the methods he had gathered so far were extremely basic. Their odds of sess were abysmally low even for people with weak foundations. With so many different treasures making up the core, it would be unstable.


    When connected to one��s pathways the rampant energies would rip it apart before you had a chance to properly refine and strengthen it. For someone like him, Zac wasn��t even sure if it was possible.


    Secondly, even if he seeded, the result would beckluster. The kind of core you formed with this type of method would be weak and full of imperfections. Most likely, you��d be stuck at early D-grade, unable to evolve the core any further. Zac��s n had always been to find some sort of high-grade technique that worked for mortals, possibly through a System-reward like how he got his Soul Strengthening Method.


    If that failed, he would try to adapt the best one he could get his hands on, making it more suitable to his unique condition and the opposing elements of his path. After all, it wasn��t like he simply needed to form an ice-attuned Cultivator��s Core or something. He had to somehow cram Life, Death, and Conflict into the core without it exploding.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Perhaps Yrial had some insights considering his path of fire and ice, or Zac might be able to glean some solutions from the Realm Spirits in his Spatial Ring. He might even be able to figure something out with the help of the term Edgewalker, now that he knew he wasn��t alone. But that all required time, and the ability to freely travel in search of answers.


    Certainly, the prospect of being bottlenecked and killed in this ce wasn��t the only reason he needed to escape. Just the thought of being stuck inside the Orom as the world outside passed him by filled his heart with a sense of existential dread. Perhaps the people of Port Atwood would think he died during the Twilight Ascent, especially if they managed to find out about the copse of the Twilight Harbor. Perhaps they would believe he had abandoned Earth, turning his gaze toward a wider stage.


    Zac quickly stabilized his mind before his thoughts spiraled out of control, instead of focusing on what he could do. For now, he needed to recover himself to peak condition, so Zac spent the next five days stabilizing his body. He even decided to use 200 of his Purchase Points to use one of the high-grade facilities in Freedom��s End for two days.


    It was a recovery room that used dozens of arrays and attuned energies to recover all sorts of wounds and ailments. As Murbot said, the Orom fed during congregations of fate, which usually meant war. A lot of those who were dragged here were already wounded, sometimes grievously so. The Orom knew this, and therefore provided services that would get its captives to quickly return to cultivating.


    Zac��s wounds were pretty bad, but the room he used could even heal Peak Hegemons. The cracks in his soul were rapidly mended, though that was partly thanks to some of the items found in Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem. The same was true for his wounds, though the lingering echoes of Chaos resisted the healing process.


    Another thing that the arrays were unable to fix was the hidden damage from overusing the energy of the remnants. The spider vein-like cracks on the upper half of his body were still there, though they were invisible to the naked eye. The array did at least help [Purity of the Void] shoo some of the foreign Daos from his body, and when he walked out of the healing chamber, it felt like had been on bed rest for over two months.


    During his stay in Freedom��s End, he had seen one group after being led here. His group was thergest one so far though, with some of the others only having a dozen people. However, on the third day, a lot of Havarok warriors and undead Revenants arrived, staring daggers at each other.


    Zac was shocked to learn that the Umbri��zi n had dered war on the Havarok Empire, and fierce battles were currently taking ce across multiple frontier sectors. He even spotted a couple of Draugr, though he noticed that every single one had pretty diluted bloodlines, kind of like N who had guided him through Twilight Harbor. He guessed that Orom knew enough not to anger a n like Umbri��Zi and left the true n members alone.


    Or perhaps it killed them all to hide any traces of what it had done.


    On the third day, Zac had also made an extra trip to the Contribution Store and taken out all the various cultivation methods he had gathered since arriving in the Twilight Harbor. Some came from those he had fought, others came from various sources. For example, there was a stack of old methods he had found in the cave of the Beast King where he got his aura-hiding bracelet.


    From there, he had hurried to a nondescript mansion where a dozen cultivators were already lining up. Zac entered when it was his turn, and he emerged with a smile on his face thirty minutester. The information crystals had all been sealed to block his prying, but how could that be a problem in the Orom World?


    The man Zac had visited was called Provedius, a middle-grade Monarch and a Jade Orom Attendant, surpassing even Murbot. He was also known as the greatest unsealer of the Orom World, and he had effortlessly unlocked every single method that Zac had gathered, with the sole exception of two of the crystals belonging to Uona and one of Aia Ouro��s.


    Provedius had been unsealing stolen and looted missives for over 50,000 years in hopes of stumbling onto something that would provide the inspiration to break through his current bottlenecks. In fact, he had specificallye over to Freedom��s End for that very purpose. Even better, the only price he demanded for his services was that he was allowed to make a copy of any information he unlocked.


    If he ever managed to get out of this ce, he would probably have an exceedingly valuable Heritage to base his faction on. Unfortunately, the Orom prevented from Provedius selling any of the methods he had gathered over the millennia since that counted as selling outside goods. Then again, he probably wouldn��t have made the methods public even if he could.


    Most people would be unwilling to sell any techniques in a ce where peoplepeted in terms of progress. What if you sold a method that allowed yourpetitor to surpass you, forcing you into relegation?


    As for the content of the information crystals Zac had unsealed, they were mostly useless. There were almost one hundred different cultivation methods, though it only felt worthwhile to put five or so in the Academy back home. It wasn��t that the others were bad, but there were issues with spreading your base too thin.


    It was better to focus on a handful of paths where the sessive generations of Port Atwood could expand and add detail to the Heritage. That way, they would also be able to form more coherent armies if needed. If Zac put the hundreds of methods he had collected until now in the Academy, it would be too chaotic and the odds of elites emerging would decrease rather than increase.


    But there were a few information crystals that were quite useful to him as well, especially from Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem. More than half of them contained a vastpendium of Arrays and inscription patterns, a good chunk of them supplementing the information he��d gained from Catheya. There was also a Soul Cultivation manual that seemed extremely powerful. It was called the [Thousand Lights Chapter], but Zac wasn��t sure a non-spectral cultivator would be able to cultivate it without making some pretty big modifications.


    However, there was a lot of general information about soul cultivation attached to the method, which was helpful even for Zac and his [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. It delved deep into what a soul was, and how to utilize it as efficiently as possible. There was even a technique that couldn��t quite be considered a skill, but something he was keen on trying out.


    It was called the [Thousand Lights Avatar], but it didn��t actually look like it required the [Thousand Lights Chapter] to work. It was a technique where you continuously extracted Mental Energy and your Dao from your soul and infused it into your spiritual body. In the beginning, it wouldn��t do much good, but after you had reached some sess you would see all kinds of benefits.


    First of all, it would continuously strengthen the spiritual body, which included one��s pathways, which was extremely useful as Zac neared theter stages of the E-grade where every node-breaking was fraught with danger. At higher grades, it could do even more miraculous things, such as performing spirit walks with your spiritual body.


    For a Spectral Cultivator, it was pretty much a cloning technique.


    At the highest stage, it would be a second life of sorts. If you got your soul destroyed in battle or cultivation mishap, you could reform a backup soul with your [Thousand Lights Avatar]. It would be significantly weakerpared to your original soul, but it was obviously far preferable to dying.


    Reaching that state would take hundreds of years of effort though, and wasn��t something that could benefit in the short run. For now, all the general information on soul cultivation and soul evolutions were far more useful. While thements were for a different heritage, they still added to his understanding of his own method.


    After all, the version of [Nine Reincarnations Manual] he had on his hands was extremely terse, without any insights or experiences. Last time, he had only realized mid-breakthrough how the first reincarnation actually worked. He wanted to be better prepared for the second round, and this might help him out.


    As for the description in the Nine Reincarnations Manual, it wasn��t much more helpfulpared to the first one:


    Refined by the seas of Life and Death, the soul returns to the Samsara. Continuous reinvention is at the heart of the Heavenly Law. From a singr unity, the multitudes of the Cosmos can be beseeched. From Eight Trigrams a system is formed, where the singr unity is supreme.


    Nine Dharmas, nine Heavens, nineyers of the Abyss.


    The cycle of Life and Death is the cycle of the Samsara and the pursuit ofpleteness.


    Zac felt that the cluey in the second paragraph. But what did Nine Dharmas, Nine Heavens, and nineyers of the Abyss refer to? The number nine was central to his Soul Strengthening Method, and to the Dao itself, but it didn��t help him much in preparing for the second reincarnation. But if there was some repeated process involved in the reincarnation, he would have to aim for nine revolutions to reach perfection.


    And that was exactly what Zac was nning on doing.

 Chapter 797: A Thought to Change the World

    Chapter 797: A Thought to Change the World


    Apart from thependium on arrays and souls in Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem, there was also a good treasurependium, along with descriptions of popr cultivation resources the Eidolon used. The special treasures that the ghost had saved were listed as well, giving Zac a proper understanding of what he was dealing with. Unfortunately, the ss pane was rted to crafting Illusion-based items, and thus useless for him.


    However, both of the others were Natural Treasures with great effect on the soul. One would strengthen it, while the other purified it. Aia Ouro had probably saved them for when making a push for the D-grade, but now they had rather be fuel for his second reincarnation. He was already somewhat confident his soul had reached the required levels before. But with this, he was almost certain.


    Apart from the two treasures, most of Aia��s other items were geared toward soul cultivation as well. Many had simr effects as the treasures but with lesser potency. Apparently, the Eidolon used sticks of incense rather than pills though, which made things a bit difficult for Zac. He was afraid of wasting the efficacy with his corporeal body, so he simply started eating the sticks instead, ignoring the extremely acrid taste.


    Eventually, five more days had passed, and Zac saw how activity had started to die down in Freedom��s End. Some people had taken the opportunity to stretch their legs when the new batch arrived, others had tried to scam them. But with the excitement all-but-over, most returned toward their cultivation caves while the new arrivals spread out across the Orom World.


    Now, there was just a smattering of people walking down the streets of what almost looked like a ghost town. It wasn��t a surprise, considering that most people in this world were Hegemons who usually spent years at a time in seclusion. The next time people would emerge was probably when the new products had been tallied and added to the contribution stores.


    Seeing as his condition was way better nowpared to before, Zac knew it was time for him to get started. It was time to find out whether his ns to escape would work. Zac hadn��t just rested and studied Aia��s soul missives over the past week. He had started nning his escape while scouring the city for intelligence on how harshly the Orom World was monitored.


    As far as he could tell, the Orom didn��t care one whit about what went on in this ce. It didn��t monitor its inner world at all by the looks of it, and simply let the attendants do all the job while it passively reaped the rewards.


    Even if someone escaped, it didn��t seem to care too much. If anything, the old captives expected the new arrivals to try various methods to escape. If someone actually figured out a way, good for them. Of course, any attendant who reported a missing person or an escape method would be awarded a bunch of Contribution Points.


    Knowing this, Zac had decided to perform a few experiments, and he left Freedom��s End heading due north. Traveling by foot was pretty inefficient what with the restrictions and his inability to use [Earthstrider], but he had still decided to walk between Freedom��s End and Samsara��s Edge. The two cities were pretty closely situated, with the Life-attuned areas neighboring the Nature-attuned zones.


    There were even two unusuallyrge mixed-meaning zones where cultivators could set up their caves.


    Going by foot would take around two weeks, but it would allow him to get a better understanding of this ce. Unfortunately, it turned out his second senseing from [Forester��s Constitution] was disabled as well as he walked through the forests, but it wasn��t like there would be a bunch of treasures waiting right at the edge of a city.


    With the energy being so dense and rife with Dao, treasures could certainly grow. Unfortunately, the people who had been trapped in this world for millennia had essentially memorized all the hotspots and picked the Spirit Herbs the moment they matured. Many also liked to stake out small ims to grow herbs to supplement their cultivation or took up professions like inscriptions or alchemy to save on Purchase Points.


    Days passed, and Zac eventually reached a slightly dour stretch of woods where the was a clear depression of Cosmic Energy. It was a no-man��snd between the attuned zones. All the zones in the Orom World were supported by gargantuan gathering arrays that concentrated the energy into smaller areas, which resulted in seams of lower-qualitynd appearing in-between.


    This stretch was the worst for setting up cultivation caves or growing herbs, and the only time cultivators spent in these zones was when they passed through the area. Conversely, the middle-point of every zone was where the energy and attuned energy was the densest. That was also where the Orom Attendants set up their cultivation caves, and they were able to push out people with the help of their superior attributes.


    But Zac wasn��t interested in the cultivation havens at the heart of the zones. In fact, he had decided to travel by foot exactly because he wanted to reach this deste ce. He walked around a few hours until he found a small mountain, and he dug himself deeper and deeper through the rock until he was over a hundred meters below ground.


    At this kind of depth, it would be extremely difficult for cultivators at the surface to notice his activities even if they chanced upon the area, which was perfect in case you nned on performing some ndestine experiments.


    Zac looked around the area for a good while even after setting up the istion array, but he eventually turned his attention toward the ring on his finger. At first, he tried to instill it with his Cosmic Energy, but the result was the same as before. There was an invisible barrier barring his path, and his Cosmic Energy turnedpletely turbid upon even attempting to activate the spatial treasure.


    Next, he took a steadying breath before rousing his bloodline. He wanted to use his Void Energy to activate the Spatial Ring. At first, there was no response, but Zac knew it wasn��t because of his n being a failure. It was simply a bit difficult to control this elusive energy. If Cosmic Energy felt like a hard-to-control river that coursed through his body, then Void Energy was simply a vacuum.


    How do you push nothingness into a Spatial Ring?


    However, his eyes lit up after a few minutes upon seeing his hard work paying off. He had simply been forced to expel arger chunk of Void Energy,pletely covering his right hand. That had been enough to trigger the ring, and his mouth turned into a wide grin as he took out a Supreme Nexus Crystal. Zac ced it on the ground and waited for over an hour, but there was no response.


    Zac breathed out in relief before cing the item back in his Spatial Ring, fearing that putting an unauthorized item in the authorized Cosmos Sack might somehow be exposed. Next, he decided to take an even bigger risk, and he took out an offensive talisman. Even then, nothing happened, though Zac only kept it out for five minutes before hurriedly putting it back.


    Five minutes was what it would take him to take out and finish one of his spare Teleportation Arrays. Seeing that he could take out a talisman that long meant that part of his n would work. Zac breathed out in relief, but he decided against actually activating a Teleportation Array at this point. He was afraid that activating a Teleportation Array in the Orom World would spoil his only opportunity to escape.


    Zac also took out [Verun��s Bite] for a moment and he was relieved to feel its weight suddenly decreasing after sending a mentalmand to the axe. A fractal leaf from [Nature��s Edge] appeared just fine as well, and Zac grinned when he felt the power the skill emitted. It was weakerpared to his full power, but it was definitely stronger than just 1,000 effective Strength.


    With this, he doubted that anyone but Emerald Badges in the Orom World would be a threat to him if it came down to it.


    All through the experiments, the prison seal had beenpletely inert. It didn��t look like it had any safeguards that scanned for energy output or spatial fluctuations in the vicinity. His bloodlinepletely circumvented its limitations, just like he had hoped. Having confirmed his Bloodline mostly worked in this ce and what he could and couldn��t do, Zac didn��t waste any more time in this ce.


    Zac immediately set off, heading toward the life-attuned side. He wanted to find a ce right at the edge of life and death to set up a Cultivation Cave, which would give him the best environment to perform his second reincarnation. The energy density in these seams was far worsepared to the central zones, but they were still better than most ces on earth.


    Besides, there was that intangible quality of Dao in the air. That alone made the Orom World superior to most D-grades as far as he could tell, no matter where inside the space fish you stopped to cultivate. As for thecking density of ambient energy, Zac had more than enough crystals to create a terrifying life-death environment.


    Soon enough he left the deste band between the zones of Nature and Life, and he found himself in another lush forest a dayter. Zac looked around with interest, and he felt that the contrast between the two zones was quite illuminating.


    Life and Nature were closely linked, to the point that a huge chunk of those who cultivated either, cultivated some sort of mixed-meaning Dao. He would personally have walked down that road as well with his Hatchetman ss, if not for the remnants changing his ns and pushing him down the paths of Pure Life and Death.


    Therefore, seeing the difference between the forests helped him somewhat get a better understanding of the two peaks.


    The forest rife with the Dao of Nature had filled him with harmony. It felt like every nt and tree had been somehow connected, a part of a bigger whole. It was almost akin to the interconnectedness of the Dao of karma, where the forest was as much one singr entity of massive power as it was millions of individual nts and beasts.


    Cultivating the Dao of Nature would allow one to draw on that vast and ancient power, bing one with the forest. It was to let the cycles of nature push one forward, cultivating in bnce and tranquility.


    The forest of life was a stark contrast to this concept. The feeling Zac got here wasn��t one of harmony, but rather one of chaos. Some trees towered toward the sky as they drenched their surroundings in darkness, their trunks uneven from greedily absorbing the ambient life. Others were twisted and full of bulbous knots, the Divine Energy having resulted in weird mutations.


    No two trees or bushes were alike, each one reborn into something unique from the Life Attunement. They had set off on their individual journeys, fueled by the endless possibility of life. Most journeys clearly ended in disaster judging by the hollow trunks and dead nts on the ground, but Zac saw how some of these failed creations were consumed by their neighbors or turned into vessels for parasitic nts.


    It was a scene of constant and unpredictable growth, and Zac eventually took out a practice axe as his eyes glistened. The axehead danced among the foliage as the air whistled. Zac kept swinging his axe while moving forward, not one of his swings identical to the previous ones. The turbulent forest had resonated with his Evolutionary Stance, and he couldn��t stop himself from practicing it for a while.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He didn��t infuse any energy into the attacks, and neither did he imbue the weapon with his Dao. He just moved along the path, his attacks echoing the impression he got from the various trees around him. He didn��t know how long he was in this state, where he kept delving deeper into the heart of the Evolutionary Stance, urged forward by the ambient energy and the whispers of the leaves.


    With each swing, he also got closer to his vision of the Branch of Life he wanted to form. It was finally starting to diverge from the nature-heavy aspect he had inherited from his Hatchetman ss. But looking around, Zac realized he didn��t need to give up the imagery of a tree just because he wanted to walk down the path of Pure Life.


    Life was everything, and anything could be life. It represented the endless possibilities, the spark that led to a river of events. It was-


    Zac didn��t get any further as he suddenly felt a pressure weigh down on him, and his eyes immediately flicked open just in time to avoid walking right into a person. He hurriedly took a step back, realizing the person he had almost crashed into was some sort of tree person.


    Or at least he assumed that. Half of her face looked human, except for the green hair and iris, but a transformation covered the other side. Skin was reced by bark, and small twigs grew from her chin and eyebrows, sprouting small purple leaves. The woman almost made Zac think of a corpse that had been left to rot in a forest. But her aura was vibrant much like the trees around them, though Zac felt he could sense a hint of something malicious beneath the exuberance.


    The pressure she emitted was the same as his, but Zac still felt some trepidation from her gaze. It was not just the fact that she was no probably ate Hegemon or even higher, but there was also something else. Meeting someone in this deste stretch of forest was a poignant reminder that he had just arrived in the Orom World, and there were probably a bunch of hidden rules and tricks he wasn��t aware of.


    ��A bit crude, but it has captured the essence,�� the woman smiled, though the smile turned crooked because of the wooden side of her face. ��I don��t recognize you. Are you part of the new arrivals?��


    ��Uh, yes,�� Zac slowly nodded.


    ��Samsara��s Edge is that way,�� the woman said and pointed to the right. ��If you continue down this path you will reach my abode. I hope this little friend will amodate me and take the long way around. A few of my experiments are approaching fruition.��


    ��Experiments?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��nts,�� the woman exined. ��I don��t want them to be impacted by your killing intent at the precipice of their metamorphosis. A thought can change the world, don��t you agree?��


    ��I guess?�� Zac said with confusion. ��I��m sorry, I wasn��t nning on intruding on anyone��s domain. Is there any way for me to make sure I don��t make this mistake again?��


    ��Normally, someone will extend their aura to warn you if they don��t want you to approach their arrays. Unfortunately, it seems you were a bit caught up in your axe to me notice me,�� she exined.


    ��Oh���� Zac coughed as he turned away. ��Well, again. I��m sorry. Have a good day. Good luck with your experiment.��


    Zac hurried away after that, making quick strides toward the city. The woman had been congenial enough, but her aura was a bit off. Zac couldn��t be sure, but there was a sheen of madness and despair hidden in her smiling eyes. Perhaps, she was on the edge of relegation. Who knew what someone in that position might do to someone she believed was messing with her final chance at breaking through?


    The weirdly exuberant forest had turned oppressive after that encounter, and Zac increased his pace while keeping greater watch of signs of other cultivators. It still took him five days to reach Samsara��s Edge, at which point it almost felt like a weight had lifted from his shoulders.


    The settlement was quite simr to Freedom��s End, though half the city was shrouded in the familiar turquoise haze of Miasma. Zac had to admit that the Orom was quite gutsy, daring to set up sections of pure death in its body. What if it spread, turning the beast into some abomination like the creatures you could still encounter in the Dead Zone back on Earth?


    In either case, it wasn��t Zac��s problem, and he made a quick trip to the Contribution Store. Just like the clerk back in Freedom��s End had said, this store provided a few life- and death-attuned treasures that weren��t avable anywhere else. Zac spent another 58 points to purchase a few more items before leaving again.


    Zac kept going straight through the city, heading down the main street which also acted as a demarcation between life and death. From there, he entered the wilderness heading deeper and deeper for three full days before slowing down. He looked down at the mapper in his hand, and he could confirm that he had reached his destination.


    He had traveled down the no-mansnd between Pure Life and Pure Death for the past week, and he had reached the spot that was right between the central spots of the two zones. This ce was where the no-man��snd was the thinnest due to the overflowing energy density, and Zac smiled when he felt the familiar shes between Life and Death in the area.


    He spent the better part of the day looking for the perfect spot, and he finally found something with potential. There was a smallke that had riversing in from both zones, bringing with them attuned energies. A constantly churning haze covered the surface of the waters, but Zac still entered.


    Initially, he had hoped to find an underwater cave to dry out, but he actually found something better. There was a small ind in the middle of theke,pletely hidden by the haze on the waters. Zac stepped back ontond, and the more he looked around, the more satisfied he became.


    The ambient energy wasn��t as good as in the Twilight Chasm, but there were constant winds of either life or deathing his way as he stood at the shores. They were pure as well, far more so than the muddled concepts that had been crammed together into Twilight Energy. With some work, this ce would be his paradise while remaining unusable for others.


    Zac walked across the ind a few times beforeing to a decision. The ground was soft sand, making it too annoying to set up a proper cave. There wasn��t much point in undertaking that kind of job for a temporary abode, so he simply covered the whole ind in an illusion array and istion array.


    From there, he added the cultivation arrays, though he swapped out the gathering and purity arrays with a portable arrangement he had brought from Port Atwood. Their quality wasn��t necessarily better than the Elementary Array Kit, but they were more suited for his purpose; to gather and agitate Life and Death toplement his cultivation method.


    Finally, Zac cut down a couple of trees and fashioned a simple cabin, and he ced it in the middle of the ind. It was extremely crude, with just a bed in a side room and a prayer mat in the living room. But it would serve his purposes. He spent the next few hours making sure everything was up to par, which led him to also add a second line of arrays to cover the wholeke, just in case.


    Of course, the odds of someone crossing this particr segment were far lowerpared to most areas in the Orom World. No undead would willingly leave their miasmic zone to enter an area that was essentially poison to them. The same was true for people cultivating pure life, or finding inspiration for their mixed-meaning Daos in the Life-attuned zones.


    With this manyyers of arrays, it would be impossible even for Emerald Attendants to spy on him. Only the Orom should be able to peer inside, but that was a risk Zac would have to take. With that, Zac returned to his cabin before taking out another Array Disk. This time it wasn��t another protective array, but rather the disk needed to practice the [Nine Reincarnations Manaual].


    He had investigated what needed to be investigated. He had healed what needed to be healed. It was time for him to start working on his breakthrough, so he could earn some points and treasures before getting out of here.

 Chapter 798: The First Clue

    Chapter 798: The First Clue


    Zac shook his head with some helplessness as he pushed his makeshift raft across theke. He had been so full of purpose as he sealed himself on his little ind a month ago, yet he found himself leaving without having aplished what he set out to do. But who could have expected it would take over a month to fully digest those two Soul Treasures that Aia Ouro left behind?


    At first, the energies the items contained simply floated about in his Soul Aperture, but he quickly found that each cycle of [Nine Reincarnations Manual] had infused a little bit more of the energies into his Soul. Absorbing the treasures worked in his human form just fine, but he quickly realized the effect was better when he was drenched in death.


    Therefore, he had spent most of his time in his Draugr formtely to get the most out of the items.


    This was something Zac had decided on since long ago; he would have to use his Specialty Core in this ce. No matter if it was to break the prison seal on his left arm or for escaping, Zac knew he would need to use everything in his arsenal. Furthermore, people were restrained in this ce, to the point they shouldn��t be able to glean anything from him even if the array in his body wasn��t active.


    The good news was that the prison seal didn��t seem to notice anything amiss when transforming, and neither the Orom itself nor one of its Attendants came running to inquire what the hell was going on. The bad news was that changing race and inner energy didn��t break or weaken the Prison Array.


    He was just as sealed in his Draugr form as his living one.


    At least, the situation allowed him to freely cultivate his soul over the past month. It might have taken longer than expected to fully infuse the medicinal efficacy into his soul, but the effect was ster. Altogether, his Soul Core had grown in size by over 10%. More importantly, Zac felt it had reached some sort of limit, prompting the leftover energy of the first treasure to eventually be absorbed by [Spiritual Void].


    The cleansing treasure also managed to expunge impurities he didn��t even know he had, just like when he had taken thatva bath. A lot came from eating all that grass down in the Twilight Chasm, but he also sensed hidden energy from all kinds of encounters, from Aia Ouro��s soul attack to tribtion lightning.


    As proof of his progress, he had gained 68 Contribution Points during his cultivation session, just from his soul bing stronger. He felt ready to take that next step anytime, but one thing held him back. Soon, two months would have passed since being trapped in the Orom World, and it was about time for the new stock to appear.


    It was a huge event where people had saved their Purchase Points for centuries in hopes of finding something that would help them break through their bottleneck. It was like ck Friday in space, where everyone would rush to purchase items before they were snatched by someone else. Thepetition for items that suited him wouldn��t be in very high demand, but there were still some cultivators at the E-grade and early Hegemons topete with.


    Furthermore, there were the second-string cultivators who would also get a chance if he waited too long.


    Zac had nned to make this trip after undergoing his second reincarnation and use his newly-collected contribution points, but how could he possibly take that step with the whispers of treasures causing his mind to stray every five minutes? So now that he hadpletely absorbed the soul treasures, he��d decided to make the trek back to Samsara��s Edge and check out the wares.


    The trip was uneventful, but the same couldn��t be said for the settlement when he finally reached it after a couple of days. Samsara��s Edge was slightlyrgerpared to Freedom��s End, yet it didn��t feel empty at all. There was an unprecedented hustle and bustle, with constant foot traffic up and down the streets.


    Unsurprisingly, the people were mostly a mix of undead and cultivators emitting vibrant auras, though Zac was surprised to see that there were quite a few monks among the living who didn��t exactly emit the aura of a life cultivator. Had the Orom snatched up cultivators from some sh between the Buddhist Sangha and the Undead empire a few thousand years ago?


    It was the first time Zac had seen so many Buddhist cultivators in one ce. The Buddhists had a small presence in the Zecia sector, but he hadn��t run into a single one during his travels. Just like Catheya said, the Buddhists generally cultivated in seclusion, which made their methods unique in a sense.


    Most cultivators were forced to continuously seek out lucky encounters to progress on their paths, but numerous Monks never left their temples. Zac had no idea how something like that was possible, but he suspected there had to be some drawbacks to such a method. All cultivation had to adhere to the Law of Bnce, and if they could continuously progress without outside help, there had to be something they were forced to give up in turn.


    Suddenly, a monk turned around, clearly having sensed that Zac was staring at him.


    ��Amitabha, Benefactor,�� the monk smiled as he slowly walked over. ��Is there something amiss?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac coughed. ��No, I was just thinking about something.��


    ��Benefactor is unfamiliar to me,�� the monk smiled. ��Is benefactor perhaps a new arrival? If benefactor has any advice, this poor monk will be happy to listen. Lasting peace and the holy life are discovered through new friendships.��


    ��I��m not experienced enough to dish out advice. It��s just�� I was once a progenitor,�� Zac slowly said, figuring he might as well ask something that had confused him for a while. ��From a Sector without a strong Buddhist presence. Yet there were monks looking just like you, long before we were integrated.��


    ��So it was like that,�� the monk nodded. ��All is one, one is all. The hymns of the Akani??ha are the hymns of the Cosmos. Anyone can listen in and gain enlightenment.��


    ��They��re a poison of the heart, a gue on the Multiverse,�� a snort emerged from behind, and Zac looked over with surprise.


    It wasn��t an undead cultivator as Zac had expected by the voice��s cadence, but rather a dour-looking human who emitted a strong aura of decay. ��The Buddhist Sangha is corruption. It is the death of self. The more they ensnare with their gospel, the stronger their mountains grow. And with the things they control����


    ��Amitabha, Buddha��s love reaches all,�� the monk only smiled. ��But a heart needs to be open to receive the love.��


    ��You are one of the new E-grade brats, right?�� the Necromancer said, ignoring the monk and instead turning his gaze on Zac. ��Be careful of spending too much time around monks. They are natural pathbreakers, destroying everything to fuel their own enlightenment. If you��re not careful, you��ll turn into an empty vessel, endlessly reciting sutras to empower their ?akra. If they are left unchecked, one day the Immortal Buddha will open his eyes, and that is when we all fall.��


    After that, the dour man grunted with disgust and walked away, heading for what looked like a temporarily set-up restaurant.


    ��Benefactor must excuse my old friend,�� the monk said with a smile. ��We were brought here at the same time, and we carry a shared fate.��


    ��That��s fine,�� Zac said. ��It was just a stray thought I had upon seeing your familiar clothing.��


    ��Then, I hope benefactor finds what you��re looking for,�� the monk nodded. ��And remember; while one��s flesh can be fettered, the mind will always be free. It is never toote to turn back from the sea of bitterness. We always wee discussion into the path.��


    Zac nodded, and he watched the monk slowly walk away as well as his thoughts swirled. He remembered Catheya having mentioned a bunch of Mountains and Temples, with the One Paradise standing at the top. Then this monk had in turn mentioned Akani??ha, which he believed was one of the divine realms of Buddhism.


    Did that ce contain something that could send out the Dao of Buddha or whatever to all corners of the Multiverse, to the point that monks would start sprouting up even on unintegrated worlds? What had that kind of power? Was it the result of some supreme being at the peak of the A-grade practicing their Dao?


    Or perhaps one of those Eternal Heritages that Qi��Sar mentioned? Considering the Buddhist Sangha was one of the most powerful factions in the multiverse, it stood to reason that those people controlled at least one such heritage.


    Even more worrying were the warnings of the necromancer. By his words, the Buddhist Sangha sounded pretty dangerous, no matter if you talked about forced conversion or the Buddha himself. However, Zac wouldn��t take something like that at face value, especially not from someone who clearly had a grudge with the monks.


    Still, the warning made him a bit leery about the smiling monks around him as he headed toward the exchange.


    There was arge gathering already waiting outside, but it didn��t look like the new stock had arrived just yet. In fact, the doors to the Contribution Store were closed, something that wasn��t ever supposed to happen. Zac also spotted a couple of clerks standing by the entrance, and he walked over after some thought. The moment Zac walked up to the closest one, she wordlessly handed him a talisman with a bow.


    ��What��s this?�� Zac asked as he epted the item.


    ��With the high foot traffic around these times, the Orom has long instituted a queue system to avoid any issues. When the talisman lights up, you have ten minutes to enter the Contribution Store. After that, you have up to 30 minutes to peruse and purchase the new items. No one else is allowed to enter over the next two weeks,�� the clerk exined.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��So all these people will be before me?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��No, it is random. Though higher-ranked citizens do have an advantage,�� the attendant smiled. ��But perhaps your Luck will pull through.��


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac nodded and walked away.


    He didn��t have much else to do, so he simply made the rounds through Samsara��s Edge, listening to the discussions and looking at what kind of cultivators had chosen paths rted to life or death.


    Zac was also surprised to find himself at the center of some attention, even among undead cultivators. It wasn��t anything bad though. It was mostly people throwing out an olive branch with some diffuse promise about exchanging pointers. Zac didn��t understand it at first, but soon enough a peak-stage Hegemon exined it.


    There was definitely some truth to Murbot��s exnation about the E-grade cultivators that the Orom passed through its filter. There were multiple examples of young elites crashing through the grades in the Orom World, their terrifying momentum generating a positive cycle where they got ess to better and better cultivation resources and cultivation grounds.


    However, there was one more reason the E-grade cultivators got some attention. Members of the younger generation were the most likely people to get picked up by someone on the outside. It wasn��t a surprise, considering that any E-grade cultivator a Primordial Beast found interesting was more likely toe from some powerful faction with Autarchs.


    Of course, most E-grade cultivators didn��t belong to either of those two groups, but they had good odds of bing high-level attendants as well. In either case, there was no harm in doing someworking, considering it could help them out down the road.


    Zac wasn��t the greatest conversationalist, but he managed to get to know quite a few hegemons over the next few days, and his vision was greatly broadened. It turned out that most people staying in the surroundings didn��t cultivate pure life or death like he was, but they rather swapped between sectors in hopes of sparking new insights.


    A few didn��t cultivate life or death at all, but rather absorbed themselves in a foreign Dao for a while in hopes of finding some inspiration, just like the Orom was doing by the looks of it. Zac passively stored away any information he could glean from the discussions, until one day he stumbled onto something extremely important to him.


    ��I��m sorry, did you say Six Profundity Empire?�� Zac suddenly eximed as he looked at the Revenant in front of him with shock.


    ��That��s right, why?�� she asked, clearly a bit surprised at Zac��s strong reaction. ��Why, are you from there? Don��t worry, past grudges don��t matter in this ce.��


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I just heard it��s an impressive empire. My ancestor visited it once.��


    ��Oh?�� Lorna eximed, her eyes widening a bit. ��Your ancestor was an explorer?��


    Zac knew what she was driving at. She surreptitiously tried to inquire whether his ��ancestor�� was someone capable of travel between empires, which would make them a powerful Monarch at the least, possibly even an Autarch.


    ��Something like that,�� Zac smiled. ��Could you tell me more?��


    ��Well, the Six Profundity Empire is a decent strength A-grade force of Daoist Origins. It is not quite at the level of the Undead Empire, but it does have some connections to the Buddhist Sangha, while also being a core member of the Star Alliance,�� Lorna exined. ��Our contact with them is mostly on the battlefront.��


    ��Where is this empire located?�� Zac asked, ted to finally find some clues to Kenzie��s whereabouts. ��And what��s the Star Alliance?��


    ��The Six Profundity Empire ims a stretch of the Cosmic River and its surrounding areas. The Star Alliance is a group of empires that have banded together to protect their interests againstrger enemies,�� Lorna said. ��The Undead Empire doesn��t have any direct contact with them, but some sects of theirs asionally join in on crusades against us when they are looking for some bloodshed to temper themselves.��


    Zac asked a few follow-up questions until he believed he had a decent understanding of where that huge empire was located. It was hard to get a proper grasp of locations in the multiverse, considering it was mostly specks of activity surrounded with vast chasms of nothingness. But hearing Lorna exin it, it didn��t seempletely impossible for him to reach that ce.


    He could set course for some sector controlled by Buddhist Sangha, and find his way from there. Or, he could head in the general direction of this ��Cosmic River�� Lorna mentioned, which was like a streak of unusually fertile cultivation grounds that stretched for an insanely great distance.


    Worlds inside this river would all have greater energy densities than normal, and the Dao was pretty clear as well. Apparently, there were even some sections of the river that had turned into impossiblyrge formations that prevented even Autarchs from forcing their way inside, making it amazing cultivation grounds shielded from the outside world.


    If he didn��t want to go through the Buddhist Sangha, he could instead cross the Undead Empire in his Draugr form. If members from the Six Profundity Empires sometimes joined the Buddhist Sangha in their crusade against the empire, they should be somewhat closely situated to the warfront that the Eternal n was responsible for.


    Of course, either of those options was absolutely impossible in his current state, not counting being held prisoner at the moment. Even if he managed to escape, there was still no way for him to make his way there. He would have to either find a series of wormholes, or somehow get teleportation tokens high grade enough to teleport through the whole multiverse.


    But those things were beyond rare.


    He had hoped to get his hands on a few Teleportation Tokens in this ce, but it looked bleak. Tokens had a maximum radius, and most of them only worked within a single sector. The better ones, like the one he got for Twilight Harbor or the one that would take him to the Yr��Vanadium sector of the Radiant Temple, could pass through a couple of sectors. But that was it.


    The distance between Zecia and the Six Profundity Empire was most likely tens of thousands of times greaterpared to the one between Zecia and the Twilight Harbor, and he might even die of old age during transit if he didn��t use a higher-tier teleportation array. As to how Leandra was nning on traversing such a shocking distance, he guessed peak Technocrats had their own methods not bound by the rules of the System.


    Zac eventually nodded in thanks and epted a sealed message from the Revenant to her n before moving on. She was a member of the Undead Empire, and if given the chance, he��d send word of her situation to her descendants. A whileter, Zac simply sat down and started meditating while waiting for the treasures to arrive.


    Finally, after three days of meditation, Samsara��s End was lit up with activity as the first batch of cultivators were called to the Contribution Hall.

 Chapter 799: Depths of Death

    Chapter 799: Depths of Death


    Unsurprisingly, most of the 50 cultivators who were called first were high-grade attendants, with the majority sporting insignias wrought from white jade. Jade was the stage between Gold and Emerald, with bronze being the lowest tier.


    Except for citizens such as himself, of course.


    Zac knew that most of these cultivators were Monarchs, and he imprinted every single face to memory, making sure he wouldn��t identally annoy one of these people in the future. However, as he memorized their appearances, he noticed something surprising.


    ��Why are there no Emerald badges here? There should be some in the area, right?�� Zac asked a neighboring cultivator. ��I figure those people would be the most motivated to find some items.��


    ��Emerald Badges can teleport to a private town with the help of their tokens,�� the man sitting next to Zac exined with a face full of envy. ��They don��t need to make the trek to the cities. Besides, I hear the best items don��t leave Liberty Point, making it pointless to head over here.��


    ��Oh,�� Zac nodded understanding.


    It looked like Murbot wasn��t kidding around when talking about the benefits of bing attendants. The best items weren��t even released to the public cities. That wasn��t the only benefit Emerald Badges had from what he��d learned over the past days. Emerald Badges could actually avoid up to five relegations.


    It was a small concession by the Orom in hopes that they��d manage to break that final threshold and provide a huge burst of insights. Conversely, Jade Attendants got one freebie, while Gold Attendants and lower had to live in constant fear of relegation just like everyone else.


    Thankfully, Zac��s Luck pulled through, and he didn��t have to wait more than a few hours before his talisman lit up. He immediately entered the Contribution Center and sunk his attention into the stock after nodding at the clerk.


    Staggering volumes.


    There was simply a shocking number of items added to the contribution store. The number of unique treasures had multiplied over one hundred times over, and the stock of base cultivation resources had skyrocketed by at least five hundred times. Some materials, like basic Cosmic Crystals, had their supply increased thousands of times over.


    Zac couldn��t even begin to estimate the value of all these items, and this was only what was avable tomon citizens such as himself. It was a testament to just how many resources the Orom World went through over 500 years. Even more shocking was the fact that over 95% of the resources the Orom snatched didn��t even enter the Contribution Store.


    Anything of middling or low quality was somehow ground down and distilled into the pure energies that went into running the Orom World and feeding the Orom and its handful of descendants.


    It was also obvious that a frantic shopping spree was already taking ce, seeing as the listed stock was continuously dwindling on all kinds of items. The scene filled Zac with some anxiety, and he quickly started scouring the list for anything that could either help with escaping or his cultivation.


    Thankfully, the clerks hadn��t been idle over the past two months, and every single item had been analyzed and categorized, making it easy to find useful items. Zac didn��t find any items that would prove useful in a prison break, but he did spend a good chunk of his remaining Purchase Points on three sets of items.


    The first purchase was two bottles of Pseudo D-grade Node-Breaking Pills that seemed to even exceed the [Aethergate Pills] he had bought in the Twilight Harbor. They were called [Ster Enkindling Pills], and there were altogether ten pills inside each bottle. As long as his pill immunity didn��t reduce their effect too much, these pills would be able to help him push through most of the High E-grade.


    Since the pills were made for E-grade cultivators, the two sets of peak-quality pills only cost 80 Purchase Points, which was nothingpared to the items meant for Hegemons or Monarchs. They were also made for the living rather than Undead cultivators, which decreased the likelihood Zac would already have built up a natural immunity to the materials that went into the pills.


    Secondly, Zac purchased a chunk of an interesting material he had never heard of before. It was called [Spiritual Ice], but it wasn��t meant for his Soul Cultivation. Its only apparent use was to temporarily freeze and harden one��s spiritual body. At the surface, it didn��t seem very useful, especially since it apparently turned your mind extremely turbid. But it did have one interesting ability.


    As it froze you, it also made your body and mind more durable, allowing you to lessen the impact of Node Bursting. Seeing as it didn��t seem to sh with his other preparations, he figured that he might as well get it as he would soon start going for the nodes in his head. The more protections he couldyer for that step of the way, the better.


    The third item was an unnamed Peak E-grade Natural Treasure containing both Life and Death, quite possibly a treasure that some poor soul had found in the Twilight Ocean before being culled. It didn��t have any direct uses listed, but Zac figured it mighte in handy when forming his core in the future. Besides, with its wild and untamed energy and its unknown use, it only cost 120 Contribution Points, making it a steal.


    There were hundreds of other items he really wanted in the store, many of which he had never heard of but possessed marvelous effects. There were unique treasures that could improve affinities, strengthen souls, awaken bloodlines, and form constitutions. There were even items that contained Dao Impartments. And that was just the tip of the iceberg.


    But Zac was like a beggar that stared through the window to some luxury store, the wares inside far beyond what his wallet could handle. Altogether, he had spent just over 250 contribution points, leaving him with a total of 468 Purchase Points. The more marvelous treasures that he had spotted cost over ten thousand contribution points, and there were even some that cost over one hundred thousand.


    Did that mean the items the Emerald Attendants kept for themselves were priced in the millions?


    Havingpleted his goal, Zac left the Contribution Store and set course for his private ind in a hurry. He didn��t bother buying any crystals, herbs, or Cultivation Methods put for sale, considering he had more than enough of those kinds of things in his Spatial Rings.


    He had already been eager to return to his cultivation before, but now there was an additional reason for him.


    Most of the treasures were out of his reach, but he had set his sights on one particr supreme-grade treasure that he might be able to snag. There was a death-attuned item with a simr purpose as the [Eye of Har��Theriam]. Unfortunately, it cost over 6,000 Contribution points, far beyond what he could afford at the moment.


    Zac wasn��t sure whether there were any undead E-grade cultivators apart from him who were able to make use of that thing, but if it were, then it had suddenly turned into a race for Purchase Points. If not for the fact that the items he purchased were cheap and of extremely limited quantities, he wouldn��t even have bought them.


    But Zac hoped the items would allow him to gain a couple of levels in one go, recouping the cost of the pills and then some.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Having talked with the older captives for a few days had helped him gain a better understanding of what to expect in terms of Contribution Points. A general rule of thumb in this ce was that you��d get Contribution Points equivalent to the number of raw attribute points your breakthrough provided.


    So, if you formed a Dao Seed, you��d get 15 Contribution Points, whereas forming a Dao Branch might grant you something like 2,500. However, that was just a general rule, and the Orom could award anything from half of the points to three times the points dependent on how useful the brands deemed the insights.


    Thankfully, breakthroughs that provided no attributes could still provide points, sometimes even more generously than Daos. Soul Cultivation was such a topic, and the Orom seemed very interested in that aspect of cultivation, to the point that Mentalists often were among the most long-lived people in this ce.


    The points Zac got before were just a small incentive to keep pursuing the path, but a big payoff was hopefully waiting for him after his reincarnation. Even if he couldn��t afford the treasure that could find and open Hidden Nodes right away, he would hopefully be able to use his sales quota to convert some of his less useful treasures to Purchase Points. Unfortunately, it turned out that each attendant rank and grade had sales quotas of their brought-in treasures.


    It was a small safeguard to prevent wealthy, but otherwise unimpressive, prisoners from converting mountains ofmon cultivation resources into enough Purchase Points to snatch a bunch of extremely valuable treasures. Some things were hard to find even for the Orom, and it wanted the best treasures to go to the most talented cultivators, just like how a sect worked.


    Besides, the conversion rate was just atrocious. He had seen just how stingy the arrays were when he offered up dozens of Cosmos Sacks.


    So making actual breakthroughs was his only way to get it, and he was determined to buy it before anyone else. Since opening his [Quantum Gate], Zac had made it a primary goal to try and open up new nodes on his Draugr side. Considering they were considered a divine race among the undead, their Hidden Nodes shouldn��t be anything to scoff at.


    Even if he had teased Catheya a bit about her nose, it was a pretty amazing ability. Not only had it exposed his true nature in the Tower of Eternity when everyone else was none the wiser, but it proved extremely useful when out exploring. While a treasure nose was useful, Zac hoped he would be able to get a node that improved hisbat strength, either in defense or offense. After all, out of the four nodes he had opened so far, only [Spiritual Void] could help him in battle.


    The surroundings turned to a blur as Zac rushed back to his ind. Soon enough, he reached theke that had turned into his temporary home, and he passed through the barriers to reach the ind. The ambient energy had turned even denser since he left, a result of the arrays still building up the environment by siphoning energy from the surrounding waters.


    Zac rested for a couple of hours to stabilize his mind before he took out the first of the Array Disks. It was time.


    The hours passed as one revolution reced another, and he found himself steeped deeper and deeper into a deathly abyss. Each revolution was imbued with the Fragment of the Coffin, and each revolution increased the ferocity of the ck ocean in his mind. Eventually, Zac finished the seventh cycle, and his face was pallid as he was covered in death-suffused sweat from the pain in his mind.


    Even back in the Twilight Chasm, his soul had reached the level of strength needed to empower six revolutions with his Daos without harming himself. Back then, he would have managed to empower the seventh cycle too if he really pushed himself, yet he found himself struggling at this same level almost a yearter.


    On the surface, it looked like he had barely improved, but Zac knew that the situation wasn��t as simple as that. Since finishing his eight-month cultivation session in the Twilight Chasm, his two soul oceans had undergone a drastic change. First, they were transformed and empowered in the valley when he was steeped in life and death. The concepts stored within the oceans had more than doubled, which also meant the storms they kicked up during cultivation had doubled in ferocity.


    Next, the oceans were infused by the remnants. The shard had stayed for months in his soul aperture, but the real transformation of the oceans took ce when he formed the glimpse of chaos. Torrential amounts of Oblivion and Creation had been squeezed out of the remnants and dragged through the oceans before they entered the pathways on his shoulders.


    The two oceans had even been marked by Chaos when he circted those two slivers of Chaos through his body. Perhaps, that had been the biggest factor behind the shocking and unpredictable storms that were kicked up now every time he cultivated.


    At the same time, his soul had gained a lot of power after the chasm as well. Surviving all kinds of trials and tribtions could strengthen one��s soul just like it led to breakthroughs in one��s Dao. And Zac wasn��tcking in tribtions, no matter if looking to the mysterious light that infused his soul, the actual Tribtion Lightning, the storm of Oblivion that forcibly empowered his soul, or the benefits of forcibly sealing a Shard of Creation for months.


    Along with the marvelous treasures left by Aia Ouro, his mental strength was many times greaterpared to when leaving the Twilight Chasm. Without that, he probably wouldn��t even have managed tost five Dao-empowered cycles with how his oceans looked. If anything, seven revolutions right now most likely eclipsed the difficulty of performing nine Dao-empowered revolutions with normal soul seas.


    That brought a question of its own. Was he ready to undergo a reincarnation or not? His Soul Core had pretty much reached sublimation for what the method allowed. He could sense that the benefits were minusculepared to the difficulty of finishing a revolution. But at the same time, he worried that the powerful oceans would increase the difficulty of his breakthrough, which spoke for empowering his soul even further.


    These thoughts had gued Zac over the past month as he slowly digested the two Soul Treasures, but he didn��t want to wait any longer. The faces full of desperation and hope in Samsara��s Edge urged him on, reminding him of what was at stake. This was ultimately a prison, one that he needed to get out of. He couldn��t getcent and let his momentum stall, or he��d never seize the opportunity to escape this ce.


    This was the one.


    He had a better understanding of the process, and he had a broader knowledge of the soul in general. He had dozens of Spatial rings containing innumerable treasures that he could take out if necessary. He even had Cosmos Crystals attuned to life and death that could unleash an unprecedented storm of energy if need be.


    The cost of a single one of those crystals could bankrupt a hundred E-grade elites, yet he had more than a hundred of each kind. Hecked for nothing, and only the fear of crushing his soul once more held him back. But no longer.


    Zac forcibly shook his mind awake before it was imed by the deathly chill. Shortly after, an imposing will pushed down on the deathly ocean as he contained some of the chaos brought from the seventh infusion. The next moment, his Dao Avatar on top of the Soul Core turned into its Draugr form before spewing out a storm of deathly Dao as Zac opened the gates to [Spiritual Void].


    The stored-up Dao joined the faltering stream from the hanging coffin before they dragged the already deathly Mental Energy into the Array Disk for an eighth revolution. As he was drained, Zac rapidly lost control over the churning waters in the pitch-ck ocean, but he could only grit his teeth and withstand the waves crashing into his Soul Core.


    The minutes passed, until finally, a storm of even stronger death poured back from the array, pouring into the ocean. A deep rumble that echoed through his Soul Aperture made Zac��s nose bleed, but he kept going, using the same solution as he had during the first Reincarnation. Two months had passed since getting trapped, which was enough to stockpile quite a bit of Oblivion Energy.


    He forcibly squeezed the entrenched energies from his soul, pouring them into the array disk along with thest scraps he could squeeze from the hanging coffin. Zac hurriedly crushed a few Soul Crystals as well, but the energy that entered his mind was like a few drops of rain in a parched desert. With a puff, it was gone, only providing some minimal relief as Zac started the ninth revolution.


    Zac didn��t know if a second had passed or a century. Time had no meaning to Death, and his consciousness hade as close as humanly possible without crossing that threshold. He had no wants, no desires. He had melded with the nothingness, a small spot of darkness in the raging sea of the Abyss.


    He was Death.


    A small ripple suddenly broke the illusion, and Zac found his utterly drained soul flicker awake as the final cycle waspleted. His energy came crashing back like an icy river, pushing the deathly darkness of the ocean to perfection. The rumble was even greater this time around, and it almost felt like the Heavens had been summoned to his Soul Aperture as dark clouds formed over the raging sea.


    However, these clouds were pitch-ck, mirroring the waters below. They were vapors of pure death. And their mere aura caused small cracks to spread across Zac��s Soul Aperture. Zac found himself slipping into that soothing darkness again as the storm in his mind reached cataclysmic proportions, and he hurriedly sent a mentalmand into his Specialty core.


    He had pushed the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] beyond its limits in its descent into Death, and it was time to form the counterpoint to his reincarnation.

 Chapter 800: Perfection

    Chapter 800: Perfection


    A ripple passed through Zac��s Duplicity Core, and a few secondster another wave of death spread through his body, almost fusing with the impossible volumes of unadulterated death umted by the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. The chill of death was still there, as was the raging storm in his mind. However, it no longer threatened to consume his sense of self, to convert him into an unthinking Revenant.


    Being Draugr was to be one with the Abyss, and the pitch-ck ocean in his Soul Aperture was less than a shadowpared to theke from which his race sprung. But that didn��t save his harried Soul Core from getting almost drowned by the raging waters. The golden ocean was rapidly shrinking as well, unable to counteract the ferocious momentum from its nemesis.


    Zac felt himself slowly losing control, but a loud snap startled him awake. It was the Array Disk in his hands that had cracked, unleashing a storm of unrelenting death upon the area. The wooden cabin around him instantly rotted away and crumbled around him, but the energy didn��t spread too far.


    It was somehow contained above him, no doubt a part of the array��s function to help with this final step. The churning clouds of death were mesmerizing, and Zac felt some echoes of the higher truths hidden within. However, he quickly refocused on the task at hand. Insights were good and all, but surviving this tribtion was even better.


    He hurriedly took out the life-attuned Array Disk and started up the second set of revolutions. He knew that he was at the most precipitous state right now, and he desperately held on while the cycle began. As long as he could withstand this first revolution, the golden ocean woulde to his aid in containing the deathly ocean.


    Zac once more found himself in a state of limbo, where all thoughts were expunged except his desperate struggle to contain the chaos in his mind. The staunch willpower he had nurtured through innumerable life-and-death encounters hade to his aid, turning into an indestructible wave breaker that kept his Soul Core just safe enough to withstand the surging tides.


    Each second was agony, but he held on, refusing to give in to the abyssal ocean. And finally, a surge of warmth entered his soul as the first revolution finished and brought with it a wave of untainted life. The golden ocean roused itself, finally starting its counterattack to reim its lost ground. It was still not nearly as powerful as the churning ck waters, but it was a start.


    One revolution after another passed through the small disk in his hands. He was getting closer to a state of bnce every minute, but Zac was forced to swallow Soul Mending Pills as though they were candy to prevent his Soul Core from crumbling prematurely. As he had suspected, the war that raged by the time he finished the seventh cycle surpassed what the method called for.


    His shimmering core waspletely submerged by this point, drowned by towering waves that mmed into each other.


    Yet Zac pressed on, a sheen of madness glimmering in his abyssal eyes. He held it all together with a small film of Mental Energy and sheer will, and ck veins stood out all over his face as he started the eighth cycle. It felt like an eternity, but finally, a crashing wave of mental energy full of vigor eventually returned.


    His whole Soul Aperture was veritably vibrating by this point, but he pushed on. There was no turning back now. Not only would it cause a tremendous bacsh, but it would just make his future breakthrough more difficult. The energies crammed into his aperture had already surpassed what it could withstand, so what good would continued cultivation do? He needed to break through and increase the capacity of the tank.


    Not to mention he��d already broken one of the Array Disks.


    A sense of hollowness spread through his body as he extracted all the umted energy of Creation he had gathered, and he pushed it right into the array. He let the disk do its thing as he used every ounce of will and remaining energy to simply stay coherent, to stave off the tendrils of life that were poison to his Draugr form.


    Zac wasn��t sure his Soul Aperture wouldst the whole cycle no matter how strong his will was, and he desperately searched for solutions. Eventually, he could only swallow Soul Mending pills by the handful while pushing a huge amount of Miasma to his head, using it to pressure the aperture from outside to maintain a semnce of equilibrium.


    Somehow, Zac managed to pull through, but he was still filled with trepidation as a storm of life came rushing back into his mind. He was rapidly losing control, and a crack from the array in his hand unleashed a wave of life into the surroundings, pushing the deathly clouds that still raged to the side.


    It almost looked like the siblings to the clouds of [Rapturous Divide] had been summoned, and a war to match the one in his mind erupted all around him. It even started dragging the ambient energies of the whole area into its struggle, and the opposing Daos in the Orom World were more than willing toply. Zac wasn��t surprised, and he could only hold on for dear life as the storms inside his Soul Aperture grew even more ferocious.


    There was no ebb, only a flow that kept gaining momentum. The waves in his mind had grown so massive that they resembled mountain ranges by this point. It looked like two tectonic tes had collided, with his Soul Core submerged deep in the heart of the chaos. Life and Death had taken the main stage of his soul, but a shadow of his third Dao yed an important part.


    The small avatar had already left its position on his Soul Core, and it kept dancing among the frothing waters. One moment it looked like a human swinging a golden axe, and the next it was an abyssal Draugr with an axe wrapped in chains. As it swung its weapons, the oceans answered like an army roused by a powerful general.


    His world shook as the war raged on, and cracks spread across the domed sky. The storm reached a crescendo, and Zac found his consciousness twist as a crack echoed out from the depths of his mind.


    A st of pure mental destruction ripped apart the rotten shreds of his cabin before leveling the trees around him. Zac inwardly breathed out in relief that he hadn��t taken out the [Mind��s Eye Agate] for his breakthrough, seeing as its benefits rather came during prolonged cultivation sessions. It would have been a huge loss to destroy that amazing treasure so soon after getting it.


    Zac could feel his perception expanding along with the unfettered wave of Mental Energy. It crossed the waters of the smallke, and cascading waves rose like soldiers answering a call. The mental wave kept stretching for hundreds of meters in each direction, a supreme presence lording over the no-man��snd.


    However, Zac��s nigh-omniscience didn��tst long. He found his expanded vision blur as his mental energy started to spin, forming a soul hurricane as it pulled back into his mind, bringing all the attuned energy in the area with it. First, the surrounding hills and rivers were drained of meaning, and theke shared the same fate a momentter.


    Next came the mysterious clouds of life and death, kept together by some inscrutable markings Zac couldn��t quite make out. It all was all dragged in by an unrelenting pull, and Zac screamed with pain as a tidal wave of Life and Death poured into his be. It was like a heavenly spear cut through the two raging oceans before it mmed into his Soul Core.


    The core was already covered in cracks by this point, and this was the straw that broke the camel��s back. Zac was beset by a soul-rending pain as his core exploded. Thousands of shimmering shards ripped through the ocean with unstoppable momentum, forcibly ending the war through mutual destruction.


    The outburst of powerpletely destroyed the walls of his Soul Aperture as well, and there was suddenly no clear divider for his mind any longer. It was just like before he had awakened his soul. However, instead of a murky ball of congealed energy, his soul now looked like a mottled ocean that stretched for miles in his mind.


    The two seas had been reduced to a messy mix of gold and ck, looking like two oils that refused to properly mix. The waters kept squirming from the proximity, but something kept everything in ce; the innumerable shards. They had be fixtures in the ocean, each one connecting a ball of water to it through some unknown means, either surrounding itself by life or death.


    The scene was extremely chaotic, but it wasn��tpletely out of Zac��s expectations. He had known that his soul would shatter like thest time, judging by the terse description of the process, and he already knew the solution. He needed to start gathering and fusing the broken shards before he died.


    The problem was how. The second reincarnation was simr to the first, but there were also clear differences. Zac had hoped that he would find some clues by this point, what to aim for. How should he fuse shards that had all been tainted, surrounded and marinated in a soup of life and death?


    Were you meant to make a choice at this point, where living cultivators focused on the life-marked Soul Shards, and the undead on the deathly ones? That way, you could form a soul better suited to your path. But that wouldn��t work for him, someone with two races and an equal focus between life and death.


    Could he form two soul cores, one for each element? Would that ruin the method, which called for both oneness and thew of nine?


    He didn��t know if he was doing the right thing, but he also knew that each second was precious at this stage. He could only start imposing his will on the shards, slowly arranging them by their respective elements. For now, he started at one corner of the ocean to see if his theory was correct, while maintaining some control over the rest of the waters, preventing it from dissipating.


    Soon enough, the pockets of life melded together, but Zac frowned when another problem immediately cropped up; the shards refused to fuse like thest time. The golden waters were in the way, acting like some sort of instion.


    Was he supposed to mix life and death, after all?


    He urgently redirected a couple of shards, but as expected, it worked even worse. If life and death had mixed so easily, the fusion process would already have started up when the chaotic soup was created. Zac wracked his brain, desperately trying to match any piece of information he had gathered over the past months with what he was seeing in his mind.


    Suddenly, a snippet from Aia Ouro��s missives resurfaces in his mind.


    While the ultimate goal of nurturing one��s soul is to empower it and allow it to be a greater extension of your will, the methods to aplish this varies greatly. Generally, a distinction between Attuned and Unattuned Soul Strengthening Methods needs to be made.


    The ultimate goal of the attuned Soul Strengthening Methods is to remold one��s soul, to push it closer to your Path and your Dao. In terms of Body Tempering Methods, they will provide you with a constitution. Just as a fiery tempering technique might award its practitioner some manner of Fire Constitution, so can the fiery Soul Strengthening Method provide you with a soul attuned to fire.


    The benefits of this should be clear for any practitioner of the Dao. An attuned soul will empower the matching Dao, just as the constitution will empower the matching skills. The drawback of this gift is the narrowing of one��s path. A Dao of a different peak will be harder to wield, and soul skills of shing elements will be weakened.


    From there, it had gone on to exin that most methods dyed the process of attuning one��s soul, as to not prematurely lock in users before they had confirmed their path of cultivation. But what if the [Nine Reincarnation Manual] differed from the norm, and already at the second Reincarnation meant for you to attune your soul?


    If true, it directly shed with Zac��s assumptions after reading that missive. It had also gone on to describe unattuned methods, such as the [Thousand Lights Chapter] and a few other methods. These methods didn��t provide an attunement to your soul, but high-quality methods instead made up for it by producing stronger souls that weren��t forced down a certain path.


    It had also mentioned that even unattuned methods often used various Daos to improve their cultivation speed, and Zac had ultimately categorized the [Nine Reincarnation Manual] into this type of method. After all, while he steeped his Mental Energy in life and death, his Soul Core had stayedpletely untouched by those elements.


    But seeing the situation in his soul, he wondered if his understanding was wed, and he focused on a random shard surrounded by a bubble of extremely pure life. He exerted his will, and he was filled with a mix of tion and trepidation that the exuberant energies entered the shard, indelibly marking it with Life.


    The glee came from having found the path forward, while the trepidation came from the ramifications. Still, Zac couldn��t worry about the future right now, and how an attuned soul would affect him. He could only put his faith in the System once more, hoping that it hadn��t provided him with a method that would sh with him being an Edgewalker.


    He spread his consciousness, and one bubble after another started shrinking. However, by the point the surrounding bubbles were absorbed to two-thirds, Zac met an insurmountable resistance. Zac panicked for a moment, but he figured it was a result of him overstuffing the oceans. Thankfully, a solution quickly presented itself as the waters around the shards exploded, leaving puffs of attuned vapors.


    Meanwhile, the explosions exposed glimmering Soul Shards hovering inside the haze.


    Zac felt like his mind was about to split apart as he desperately imposed his will all over the ce, trying to do keep the uncontroble ocean in check. Eventually,rge pockets of shimmering gems floated in his aperture, half of them pale gold and the other turquoise. Their colors looked slightly dilutedpared to the oceans, most likely because of the pristine white of his broken soul core.


    Seeing that some chunks had been processed, Zac exerted tremendous pressure on the crystals, just like he had during the first reincarnation. Immediately, the pieces started to fuse, and the process looked a lot like previous times. As two crystals fused, a more condensed one was formed that was just slightlyrger than before. In return, it emitted stronger energy, and its color was slightly deeper.


    Having found the correct method, Zac immediately got to work, fusing some parts while attuning others. He worked his way through therge space of his Soul Aperture like a conveyor belt, but he suddenly encountered an issue. Two crystals had formed, one shimmering in gold like a piece of divine amber, while the other emitted the deathly chill of a supreme Miasma Crystal.


    They looked immensely powerful, either one of them more than a match for his previous Soul Core thanks to the enormous amount of energy added from the ocean, the umted energy of the Array Disks, and the torrential amounts of energy he had swallowed from the surroundings. However, Zac could feel that they had reached sublimation after only having absorbed a fraction of the shards of his soul.


    He tried to forcibly squeeze more into the cores, but it was simply impossible. As he pushed one shard inside, another one was pushed out, maintaining equilibrium. His mind worked with lightning speed, for once utilizing the thousands of points in Intelligence he had racked up to confirm something.


    ��Nine,�� Zac muttered, realizing that each attuned Soul Core contained exactly 729 shards, which was nine by nine by nine.


    It definitely wasn��t a coincidence, and he immediately stopped trying to force any more into the cores. Instead, he exerted pressure on some of the unattached crystals, and the familiar process started up once more. Two Soul cores eventually turned to four, and four into six. Zac had no idea how much time had passed by this point, but he was exhausted.


    Worse yet, the protective bubbles around the remaining shards in his aperture had started leaking, the attuned waters turning into a haze as they slowly shrunk. Thankfully, he had already processed more than half of his soul, and he had more than enough attuned energies to spare. Still, his vision was starting to blur and his speed was slowing down, so he threw an item into his mouth as he kept working.


    It was a mental stimnt found in Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem, an item equivalent to a Solider Pill for the mind. A surge of mental energy stormed into his aperture, immediately putting pressure on the remaining shards to speed up their transformation. Unfortunately, the energy was ��unliving��, and not a true recement to his own spirit, and it wouldn��t be able to rece any soul shards that were lost.


    However, it did help to some degree, which was better than nothing. It gave him the strength to keep working, and it managed to buy enough time to form another set of attuned Soul Cores.


    Four cores of life shone like radiant suns, as they leisurely floated in his Soul Aperture. Meanwhile, four aquamarine moons emitted opposing energies as they formed aplex dance with their opposites. The scene was oddly reminiscent of the situation the remnants found themselves in. However, Zac felt like these eight cores didn��t just restrict each other, but they empowered each other as well.


    They rotated in his soul like eight miniature celestial bodies, and his mind had changed from an ocean to a small corner of space. The oceans were partly gone, sacrificed in the formation of these marvelous Soul Cores. Remaining were just vast hazy clouds in gold and aquamarine, nebe shrouding this soul in mystery.


    Zac could feel a connection between the cores, and he knew that he could draw energy from either one or all eight at once, depending on how much force he wanted to exert. They were separate, but they were also one. The total power they contained was amazing, but Zac wasn��t satisfied. After all, there were only eight of them.


    Nine Dharmas, Nine Heavens, Nineyers of the Abyss. That was what the method called for, and Zac knew that he was still short of perfection.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Problem was, he had run out of soul shards.

 Chapter 801: Singular Unity

    Chapter 801: Singr Unity


    Zac gazed at the eight shimmering orbs floating in his mind, urgently trying to figure out a solution for the final missing core. Soon, his attention turned to the clouds containing vast amounts of life- and death-attuned energies. At first, he had simply assumed that the nebe were left-over energies from the process. After all, his soul oceans had contained far more energy than necessary, so it made sense that there would be some remaining.


    But what if that wasn��t the case? Zac immediately had an idea, and streams of Mental Energy emerged from the eight fully-formed cores. It felt so natural, so easy. Before, he could arduously control two streams, to form his crude Dao braids. But now, he was actually controlling eight of them, though their movements were a bit stiff.


    Still, that was enough for Zac��s purpose, and he made the streams catchrge globs of nebulous dust before dragging it all toward one of the cores. It was one of the first two he had formed, and Zac looked on as he drenched it in the two sets of clouds, prompting the familiar explosions to erupt.


    It was like magnificent fireworks had gone off around the core, and Zac felt the immense pressure the explosions put on the core. The chaos continued for a few moments, and Zac��s brows furrowed as doubt crept into his heart. However, a small stream of shockingly pure light was eventually squeezed out from the heart of the core, its radiance almost blinding.


    Zac��s eyes lit up, and he gingerly took control of the sliver as he helped drag it out from the core. He first nned on pushing the attuned clouds away, but he quickly realized that the shes didn��t impact this pure string at all. It was his soul, condensed and refined to an unprecedented state. Some random life-death explosions weren��t enough to harm it even if it was just a thin string.


    His instincts were correct, and it looked like the tendril knew what to do on its own. The eight attuned cores kept rotating in that mysterious pattern, and it was like they formed some sort of vacuum at the heart of it all. The scene made Zac think of a yarn winder, and his gaze turned to the other eight cores.


    He had figured out the method to refine the cores one final time, but he had a feeling that execution could still impact the end result. If he put pressure on just one core at a time, he would eventually form eight unconnected strings. Wouldn��t it be better to extract all eight strings simultaneously, allowing them to form a proper yarn?


    Zac had spent years looking at the intricate patterns on the Array Disks of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], and he was almost certain his theory was correct as he looked at the pattern of the eight outer cores. Zac didn��t quite understand the underlying meaning of their movements, but he had sensed the same truths hidden in the clouds that sprung from the Array Disks.


    The essence of the soul strengthening method was hidden in that dance, and he needed to imprint that essence into the ninth and final core. Zac immediately spread his consciousness, pushing his recently improved control to the limits as he rekindled the conflict between life and death throughout his soul.


    As if sensing his desires, the avatar for his Branch of the War Axe that had been sitting in the middle of the circle stood up. It immediately began its dance of conflict, swinging its axe as it kept swapping between incarnations. Wherever the avatar passed, the struggle was pushed to the next level.


    Controlling so many shes simultaneously was far beyond what he could normally manage, but Zac kept eating pills and incense sticks found in Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem. The effect was getting worse and worse, but it was enough to help him maintain control of the process. Soon enough, eight pristine strings slithered toward the center of his soul, almost drawn together as though by maic attraction.


    Soon enough they touched, and a ripple spread out through Zac��s soul as his perception shifted once more. Before, he had already sensed that the eight cores were connected, but that feeling was far more palpable now. He finally understood the true meaning of ��From Eight Trigrams a system is formed, where the singr unity is supreme��.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The moment the eight strings connected, they entwined into a small knot that became more and moreplex as it and the outer cores kept spinning. The newly forming core was the real center of his soul, and Zac felt the walls of his Soul Aperture reform around it.


    The bigger the shimmering ball grew, the more space was crammed into his Soul Aperture. It was already multiple times greaterpared to before, yet the ball kept growing. It almost felt almost like he was forming an inner world, but Zac knew that this wasn��t a true space like the one a Monarch formed.


    It was rather his mind conceptualizing something intangible, a ce where the line between thought and reality were blurred. But it was undeniable that the ninth core��s growth meant his soul was bing more powerful. Of course, the price of the growth was that the eight outer cores kept shrinking, though their colors grew more and more intense.


    In Zac��s opinion, it was a worthwhile trade, but nothing good canst forever. The oceans had left behind shocking amounts of energy, but the clouds were growing dim. No matter how much the Dao Avatar urged its surroundings to struggle, the eruptions grew further apart and weaker. Thankfully, the strings had already stopped growing by that point.


    It looked like he had reached a limit of how far he could condense the outer cores. They had shrunk to a third of their original size, but they emitted shockingly deep auras of life and death. The eight strings detached from the outer cores the next moment and were dragged into the inner core which was now twice asrge as the outer ones.


    However, even with the esoteric patterns almost melding the eight strings together, they were still not perfectly fused into one core. Zac hesitated a bit before he made his decision, and the treasure he had just bought appeared in his hand. He had initially nned on saving this thing until he formed his Cultivator��s Core, but he couldn��t be picky at the moment.


    He remembered all-too-well how the soul shards slowly hardened during hisst reincarnation, and he was seeing that exact same phenomenon in the central core. He needed a final push, and he ced the Natural Treasure against his forehead, hoping that the suction would activate again.


    It was a sess, and the small vortex by his be opened once more, dragging torrential amounts of rampant energy from the treasure. It was just like Zac expected. During thest reincarnation, he had used multiple treasures to perform a perfect reincarnation. This time, it hadn��t been needed so far, but that was only because he had overdone things with the two oceans.


    It was like two waterfalls came cascading down from the heavens above. They mmed into the newly-formed core, where the Dao Avatar was already waiting. A final series of explosions gradually squeezed the inner core tighter and tighter, forcing it to shrink. Soon enough, it was impossible to tell that there had ever been eight distinct strings.


    It was now a radiant sun, far eclipsing his previous core in both size and density. The moment it formed it was like something snapped into ce, and Zac was beset by an unprecedented state of rity. Hundreds of thoughts rushed through his mind, seemingly unconnected impressions and insights forming a greater whole. It was all one.


    Zac slowly opened his eyes, a wide smile stered across his face. He had done it �C a perfect reincarnation.


    His gaze alone caused ripples in his surroundings until the brand on his hand sprung to action. The sense of limitless power was subdued, his soul output once more restrained to what was permissible in the Orom World. He wryly smiled as he looked down at his hand.


    He had held onto a small hope that disintegrating his Soul Core, thus technically dying, would have tricked the brand into dissipating, but it didn��t look like the Orom was so easily fooled. Even with the prison brand limiting his mind, Zac could still sense the improvements to his soul. If his old soul was a fortress surrounded by a moat, then his current soul was like an impervious mountain.


    The dampening ocean of his previous reincarnation was gone, but the nine Soul Cores created a mysterious formation as they swirled in his mind. The outeryer of attuned cores created a nigh-imprable barrier protecting his true core. No matter how much rain or lightning rained down on its surface, it would stand tall.


    Even if some terrifying Mentalist unleashed an overpowered strike at him, Zac knew that he could sacrifice one of the outer cores, essentially making him a cat with nine lives. He wanted to find out what other benefits histest breakthrough brought, but he was wrung dry. Eventually, he gave it up altogether and focused on recuperating.


    Zac spent the days barely moving an inch. His only actions were to turn back into his human form and light five sticks of soul-nurturing incense around him. He wasn��t only focusing on letting his drained Mental Energy recuperate, but he was also immersed in the stream of impressions he received when his soul was perfected.


    He had been beset by a series of epiphanies in regards to all facets of his cultivation, from his Daos to skill upgrades, to improving his two stances. Zac wanted to burn those impressions to memory before they turned into a confusing haze again, but he eventually had to admit defeat after five days. Anything he had lost by this point had be too muddled to make any sense of.


    Perhaps he��d regain that sense of inspiration down the road when touching upon something tangential. Perhaps not. In either case, it was time to move on to the next step of his n. Just as he had hoped, the Orom hadn��t skimped out upon breaking through his soul. It was considered a lot harderpared to simply forming a Dao Branch, and Zac guessed his method was quite unique as well.


    Altogether, the breakthrough hadted him just over 11,000 contribution points, far better than his estimates. He had expected the breakthrough to provide somewhere between 4,000 and 8,000, but it looked like the Orom was extremely interested in improvements of the soul. The points were more than enough to afford the treasure, but he didn��t immediately head out.


    Instead, he checked his body for any hidden damage before taking out a [Chainbreaking Pill] and the Stone of Hope. After hesitating a bit, Zac ultimately decided against using the [Spiritual Ice] for now.


    The item wasn��t reusable, with each use eating up a chunk. The information missive had estimated it was enough for 10 to 15 uses, and they were better saved for thest stretch of levels. There was still some ways to go before that, and Zac took a steadying breath before swallowing the first [Ster Enkindling Pill].


    A radiant power spread through his body, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. It had been some time since using any leveling pills, and he had both been sted by Heavenly Lightning and Chaos since then. Along with the continuous ministrations of [Purity of the Void], Zac knew he would be able to reach High E-grade today.


    It didn��t take any effort to gently guide the powerful ball of energy toward a node right by his heart. The pill energy immediately forced its way into the small vortex, and it didn��t even take five minutes before Zac shuddered as cracking sounds echoed out from his chest. The mysterious domain of [Stone of Hope] had already activated, butZacstill puked a mouthful of blood before slumping over.


    His heart had beencerated from the explosion, but what would have been a lethal wound before the integration, was now just a minor tribtion. Having a broken heart wouldn��t even phase a Hegemon, and someone like Zac with massive pools of both Endurance of Vitality could seal his blood vessels and survive for hours in this state.


    That was more than enough time for Zac who swallowed a healing pill before activating [Surging Vitality] with his Void Energy. His heart started to rapidly reform, and it was back in working order within five minutes, allowing Zac to continue his work without wasting too much of the medicinal efficacy of the precious pill.


    He had already been somewhat close to breaking open thetest node, and most of the pill energy remained. Capitalizing on his momentum, Zac pushed the shimmering ball upward until it reached his throat. That was the location of the final node in the middle E-grade, acting as the gate between the head and the body.


    More and more energy crammed inside, and even Zac started to be filled with trepidation as he felt the buildup. Suddenly, he had an idea, and nine streams of mental energy poured down from his Soul Aperture. Before, his mental energy hadn��t been powerful enough to make much of a difference when breaking nodes, but things were different now.


    The wreckage around him was ample evidence of the potency of his soul.


    The nine streams started to enclose the node, each attuned core forming one superimposed barrier after another, alternating between life and death until they all were sealed by his inner core. Half an hourter, Zac felt the familiar buildup. Reality shifted as a sharp pain erupted in his throat. But not a drop of blood was lost this time.


    There was some internal bleeding though, so Zac activated [Surging Vitality] again as his heart drummed from the excitement. His idea had worked even better than expected, with the mental barriers providing even more protection than the [Chainbreaking Pill]. The makeshift barriers had ultimately copsed from the outburst, but that was partly due to him being unustomed to controlling so many threads of Mental Energy at the same time.


    The moment the inneryers had been attacked, he had lost control over the outer ones, making things a bit chaotic. As long as he had some practice, Zac believed he would be able to double the strength of his barriers.


    Zac felt a surge of glee that almost matched the one he felt after evolving his soul as he took out a Supreme Nexus Crystal to begin the process of filling the nodes. Having sessively opened the node in his throat without much issue was a huge aplishment. Certainly, he had used pills to lessen the impact drastically, but Zac knew that the biggest obstacle of being a mortal in the E-grade had finally been ovee.


    With his previous preparations along with the mental barriers and [Spiritual Ice], he was finally confident in tackling the final 25 levels of the E-grade without breaking his brain. It might have cost him a fortune and a lot of headaches, but he was finally there. Now, he could fully turn his attention to the D-grade.


    A couple of days passed until the small whirlpool in his throat finally gained a momentum of its own, prompting a surge of Cosmic Energy to course through his pathways before calming down. He had reached level 125 in his human ss, and he immediately opened his quest screen with anticipation.


    Empyrean Aegis (ss): Form one major and one supporting Dao Branch. Reward: Empyrean Aegis skill. (1/2)


    The System wasn��t holding back against this time around, demanding two Dao Branches toplete his quest. Even an elite like Catheya hadn��t nned on going down that kind of difficult route until an opportunity presented itself. Then again, it could almost be considered a freebie for Zac since that he was nning on forming multiple Dao Branches anyway.


    As for the name of the skill, it was almost definitely a defensive skill, which was exactly what he wascking in his human form. It also put less pressure on the final skill evolution that awaited him; [Hatchetman��s Spirit]. If he hadn��t been given this kind of skill from the quest, he would have been forced to somehow turn his domain skill into a more defensively oriented one.


    As long as this skill delivered, he could focus on strengthening the domain aspects of [Hatchetman��s Spirit] instead. It was perfect since Zac had found some inspiration in the forest of life before. He would hopefully be able to recapture that feeling down the road as long as he traveled the other life-attuned zones for a bit.


    Having filled the nodes in his human side, Zac quickly rebuilt his cabin before swapping over to his Draugr side. Another few days passed until he reached level 125 there as well, prompting him to gain a second ss quest as expected.


    Desperation��s End (ss): Extinguish one million souls. Reward: Desperation��s End skill. (0/1,000,000).

 Chapter 802: Dao Manifested into Law

    Chapter 802: Dao Manifested into Law


    The System was often a bit annoying, but it had to be said that it was quite considerate when creating bnced sses. Just like his human sidecked a top-tier skill for survival, his undead sidecked a good finisher that frontloaded damage. [Pir of Destion] was a terrifyingly powerful skill, but not only did it cost more than half of his Miasma, but it even required some Oblivion Energy to activate.


    Meanwhile, [Blighted Cut] was technically a finisher, but it required a few steps to set up. It was also quite cheap, with its finisher being even below [Rapturous Divide] in raw damage output. Of course, if hit by that dismantling skill while inside [Deathmark], you��d be flooded with corrosive damage, making your remaining life short and painful.


    Zac hoped [Desperation��s End] was a powerful skill like [Arcadia��s Judgement], where he could make use of his Void Energy to instantly overwhelm and execute difficult opponents. That way he��d be able to better make use of his bloodline in his Draugr-form as well. As for extinguishing souls, Zac wasn��t quite certain what that meant. It sounded like simple ughter, but he would have to visit the wilderness to make sure.


    Seeing as it was a quest for an Epic ss, there might be some trick to it rather than simply ughtering a bunch of animals.


    A wisp of Zac��s consciousness entered the small token he got from Murbot, and it listed his current Contribution as [11,584]. Some quick math confirmed what Zac had hoped; pushing both his levels to 125 hadted him 376 Contribution Points, an exact match to his gain in raw attributes. In other words, he gained Contribution Points for leveling both his races, making leveling more lucrative than for other people.


    Together with his saved-up points, he had more than enough for the node-finding treasure and traveling the Orom for a while. He would first return to Samsara��s Edge and hopefully purchase the Bloodline Treasure, after which it was time for him to start exploring the Orom World.


    Some pieces of the puzzle to his escape were in ce, but others were missing. He was able to use his skills and energy just fine, and swapping between races hadn��t agitated the prison brand. He essentially had his whole arsenal avable, and now he needed to turn all these tools into a way to break out.


    The main issue was that space was sealed in the whole Orom World, so he would either need to use his abilities to escape the inner world or find a weak spot where the Teleportation Array could be taken out and activated. The Orom World had clearly marked edges, and perhaps it was possible to sneak into its actual body somehow.


    So, he nned on traveling to the edge of the Orom in search of solutions. Luckily, these kinds of actions weren��t considered anything unusual, and he didn��t even need to cover up his activities. A lot of cultivators from his cohort had probably done the same thing already. Even those who had quickly adapted would often reach a point where reality set in, and they��d rail against their imprisonment.


    If all that failed, he had one final backup n, though it would dy him at least another year, possibly more. With his twice-reincarnated soul, he would be able to store a whole lot of Oblivion Energy, to the point he would be able to create a terrifying crack in space. Onerge enough he would be able to sneak through.


    If even that failed�� Zac shook his head, not ready to even entertain that oue.


    Before setting out, Zac collected all the array gs and other items he had left across the ind before erasing any traces of habitation. It wasn��t like he needed to hide his soul cultivation, but he also didn��t need to raise any unnecessary questions like ��why would someone cultivate in a ce like this?��. Besides, he was done with this ce for now, having aplished his goal.


    If he needed this ce again, he could always set it again, though that would mean his ns had gone awry.


    Zac set off along the now-familiar paths toward the settlement, and he was relieved to feel that he was essentially in perfect condition even though he had opened two nodes. It was thanks to the prisoner brand. It drastically limited his power output, but that also helped serve as a protection. In other words, gaining levels in this ce wouldn��t slow him down at all unless he overdid things.


    He reached Samsara��s Edge three dayster, and he was surprised to see the town still full of hustle and bustle even after more than two weeks had passed. He guessed that the warriors who stayed behind took the opportunity to destress before consuming whatever treasures they had bought.


    Many had probably been secluded for decades, perhaps even centuries, and were in dire need of some R&R. Besides, the next culling was in over twenty years for Hegemons, and 270 years for Monarchs. They weren��t exactly running out of time.


    A few of the cultivators recognized Zac and waved him over, which resulted in him making some new acquaintances. When asked why he had returned so quickly, he told the truth after some consideration. He had managed to break through with his Soul, providing him with a windfall of Purchase Points.


    It was a bit unnerving to be so candid after having been introduced to the Dao of Paranoia by Ogras, but sometimes you had to give a bit to gain something in return. The more potential he exhibited, the better his reception would be among these powerhouses. That, in turn, could open up all kinds of doors for him in the future.


    ��Youngster!�� a distorted voice drew Zac��s attention as he closed in on the Contribution Store, and he looked over to see a radiant energy being in the distance.


    It was something akin to a Life Elemental that Zac had spoken with while waiting for the store to openst time. Its true name was unpronounceable, but people called it Ubo. The elemental looked a bit like a spectral cultivator drenched in gold, but it was actually a semi-corporeal species. Therge shimmering rock in its belly was its true core, but the shimmering body that it had formed was real enough to carry items and even consume food.


    Zac immediately walked over with a smile on his face. Not only was Ubo a Monarch and a gold attendant, but there was someone familiar standing next to it; the half-tree woman he met while crossing the forest two months back.


    ��Hello, again,�� Zac smiled before turning to the semi-tree. ��I hope your experiment was a sess.��


    ��Oh, you know Heda?�� Ubo eximed with surprise. ��She rarely leaves her little plot ofnd.��


    ��I watched him dance,�� the woman smiled before she looked strangely at Zac. ��I have been thinking of you.��


    ��Uh�� Alright?�� Zac hesitantly said.


    ��Don��t mind her,�� Ubo coughed. ��For some reason, she decided to fuse her soul with an unknown seed the Orom picked up a few dozen millennia ago. She hasn��t quite been herself since.��


    ��It worked,�� Heda shrugged. ��I would have been culled if I didn��t try something new.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Is having your soul subverted that much better than simply dying?�� Ubo muttered before they turned to Zac. ��So, what are you up to, youngster? Your life energy is quite vibrant. I guess you are below 50 years of age, no? Having trouble limatizing to the repose of reclusive cultivation?��


    ��Something like that,�� Zac smiled. ��I thought I would tour the Orom World for a bit. I��m still finding my way, and there are so many things to draw inspiration from.��


    ��Taking inspiration is fine, but be careful to not get swept up in someone else��s path,�� Ubo urged as a token shed into being. ��I will not enter true seclusion for another ten years or so. If you��re interested, you��re wee to visit my abode. I was born from a sanctified rock and instilled with untainted life since my mind��s eye first gazed upon the world. My experiences might be of use to you.��


    ��Absolutely,�� Zac nodded as he stowed away the marker. ��Thank you.��


    ��Me too,�� Heda said as a wooden que sprouted and detached itself from her left hand. ��There is death in your life. Perhaps, we can inspire each other.��


    ��I��ll try to make it,�� Zac slowly nodded.


    With these two, he had gathered almost twenty markers. They were essentially invitation tokens that not only acted as maps to people��s cultivation caves, but they were also markers and messages to the outside world in case someone managed to leave.


    It was a simple form of quid pro quo in this ce, where people exchanged cultivation lessons for hope. These two cultivators were the first Monarchs he had received an invitation from though, making them even more valuable.


    These two were not quite as powerful as Yrial in his heyday, but they were not just fragments of a soul. Just a few simple instructions could help a lot. Zac was almost disgustingly powerful for his level, but that didn��t mean there wasn��t a lot that he could learn, even from Hegemons. No matter if it was their experiences in breaking bottlenecks or their pursuit of the Dao, they had walked far further down the road than he had.


    Zac could freely enter the contribution store by this point, but he still had to wait for an hour before a disk became avable. A few minutester he emerged decidedly poorer, but with the treasure securely stowed away in his Cosmos Sack. Apart from the [Seed of Eldritch Awakening], as the node-finding treasure was called, Zac also spent over 4,000 points on a series of items.


    Items geared toward E-grade cultivators were dirt-cheap, so he managed to purchase treasures that could improve his constitution and soul, longevity-boosting items, and top-quality Attribute Fruits and Dao Treasures. He still had roughly 1,500 points to spare, but there was nothing else he urgently needed in the Store, and nothing he feared would go out of stock if he didn��t buy immediately.


    Rather, Zac believed he was better off renting some of the high-quality cultivation grounds with his remaining points unless he found an exit quicker than expected. Those ces could help with everything from his skill fusions to helping himprehend his Dao and stances at an elerated pace.


    If he managed to escape ahead of schedule, he would simply have to give up on those 1,500 points, which wasn��t a big dealpared to his vast fortune.


    There wasn��t anything else left to do, so Zac walked over to the transport hub and teleported over to Glimmerwood. The Orom World was shaped like an oblong circle, with the wildernessmanding one of the short sides. Closest to the other edge, and the Orom��s head ording to spection, Glimmerwood was situated.


    Zac figured he��d check out the space-attributed zones and the edge of the Orom World first, working his way down as he looked for weaknesses to exploit.


    As luck would have it, Zac ran into a familiar face, the old man who had helped him a bit when they first arrived. He was currently drinking with two others he didn��t recognize. But judging by their auras, they should all follow the Dao of Stars. Perhaps they were others from the Radiant Temple who had been captured as well.


    Zac only stayed behind to talk for a few minutes before he left with three more tokens. It turned out the old man was called Travo Raso, and he was some sort of fixer for the Radiant Temple. For example, if some minor n didn��t pay their taxes or hid a promising talent, Travo went there to see what was going on.


    Such activities were a bit beneath the officials of the Radiant Temples, so they preferred to use outside experts like Travo to make sure the money and young talents kepting. Certainly, with Travo��s apparent talent, he would easily have been able to enter as a proper member of the Radiant Temple. However, he had enjoyed the freedom too much to be a proper enforcer.


    More importantly, Travo had enjoyed the huge number of bribes that kepting his way in return for looking the other way when people shirked their responsibilities.


    From Glimmerwood, Zac headed west, aiming to reach the tip of the Orom Word. The surroundings of Glimmerwood were quite differentpared to the other zones he had passed through so far. For one, the sky was ck, though the area was illuminated by numerous constetions that kept changing.


    Apparently, the sky contained the echoes of the Orom��s own understanding of the Dao of Space and the Stars. There were innumerable such truths hidden all across the Orom World. It was all designed to subtly influence the captives�� paths, thus increasing the likelihood of them generating useful insights.


    Those at the top could see through it, but for an E-grade cultivator like Zac, it was simply impossible. Thankfully for him, the way he gained insights was pretty weird. He could look at the Orom��s Sky for a million years without forming any Dao Branches unless he was absorbing some Dao Treasures. With zero affinities, a sky was just a sky.


    Right outside Glimmerwood��s area of influence stood a forest full of luminescent nts that stretched for a day��s travel. Zac encountered several warded-off cultivation caves among the trees, but he didn��t encounter anyone as he took a long berth around. Eventually, the trees grew sparse as the forest was reced by a mountainous region.


    It didn��t feel like the mountains were natural formations, though Zac figured that might be a result of how the Orom World was created. There was no rain or strong winds in the Orom World, except in the elemental zones, and this particr section neither had seasons or a daily cycle. It would be odd if the stones were whittled down in such a ce.


    Instead, the mountain walls were covered in extremely sharp cuts and it almost looked like aser had shaved off some sections. With the spatial fluctuations emanating from within, it was obviously the work of the Dao of Space. The area was rife with spatial energies, but Zac frowned when he realized it wasn��t a good thing in this case.


    Just like temporal energy could both slow down and speed up time, spatial energy could both weaken and strengthen thews of space. In this area, Zac suspected it was thetter, making the seal even stronger. Wanting to try something out, Zac found a secluded spot where he activated [Earthstrider] with some Void Energy.


    As expected, he was met with strong resistance, and he only moved a fifth of the distancepared to what he expected. It felt like pushing through quicksand, proving the spatial energies were working against him. Trying to tear open space in this area would be extremely difficult.


    Zac still continued toward the edge of the world, but even after two weeks, he was unable to find a single spatial tear. Not that he had held expected much. If random tears popped up in the area, people would definitely try to escape through them, just like how desperate captives in the research base did.


    Eventually, Zac crossed the final mountain between him and the edge, and his brows rose when he saw over twenty people already standing there. The atmosphere was pretty oppressive, but Zac still walked over. A few nced in his direction, but most were seemingly lost in their thoughts.


    ��Trying your luck as well, kid?�� a sigh echoed out, and Zac looked over to see a familiar face. It was one of the Havarok warriors who had been dragged here in the same cohort as himself.


    ��No good, huh?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��See for yourself,�� the man said with a wave.


    Zac nodded curiously as he continued past the group. One moment, his vision was filled with expansive vistas that stretched to eternity, but the scene grew blurred as he kept going. A momentter, he reached a shimmering haze that looked like a purple neb. This was the true edge of the Orom World.


    He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he would bemitting a crime if trying to pass through the barrier. However, a Revenant suddenly popped out next to him, swearing like a sailor as he walked back toward the others. Zac wasn��t nning on using his hidden cards in front of an audience, but he still entered to get a sense of what he was dealing with.


    A momentter, he emerged again, looking at the spot where he came from with confusion. Just like in the City of Ancients, he had been redirected without noticing. However, while the thick haze in the City of Ancients had been the result of some intricate illusion arrays, Zac��s instincts told him that the edge of the Orom World was rather the result of high-grade spatialws.


    His mind wasn��t tricked to turn around, but space was rather folded in some way, where all directions were steered back toward the Orom World. Zac sighed and walked back to the group, and his suspicions were confirmed soon enough.


    ��How could people possibly have broken out from this ce before?�� the Revenant swore. ��This isn��t a barrier. This is Dao manifested intow. To break through, you��d need to overpower it. But how could we aplish that without having confirmed our Dao?��

 Chapter 803: Journey

    Chapter 803: Journey


    Zac grimaced when he heard the Revenant��s description of the spatial seal that prevented them from leaving the Orom World. He wasn��t exactly certain what ��Dao manifested intow�� meant, but he guessed it was like a Dao Field but innumerable times more powerful. From what he had gathered, Dao Intent was the next step after a Dao Field, and Dao Law might be multiple levels above that.


    Dao Intent was a testament to the degree you controlled your Dao. It wasn��t dependant on the strength of your soul, though a powerful soul generally helped. When you reached the level of forming Dao Intent, you could condense your understanding into something more corporeal than just arge field around you.


    It could essentially be turned into something akin to a skill, where you could kill a thousand people with a simple thought or empower your normal attacks. He still remembered the powerful de of sword intent Thea had been imparted with from the de Emperor inheritance. That small fragment contained a huge amount of insights into the Dao of the Sword, and it had helped her both cultivate quicker and unleash powerful strikes.


    Those were just simple tricks though, which were mostly useful against arge number of weaker enemies. The more important aspect was that by the time you could form Dao Intent, you had a far greatermand of your Dao. Skills empowered by the Daos would be stronger and you would more easily integrate the Dao into yourbat style.


    Most likely Dao manifested intow meant you had such high control of a Dao that you could essentially change how the world worked in a certain area around you.


    ��Perhaps there are times weaknesses appear,�� a beastman ventured.


    ��I think you are right,�� another cultivator agreed. ��I heard from a Gold Attendant that the Orom world asionally enters some sort of dark state. All Cosmic Energy is dragged out from the world and thews grow dim. People might think it happens when the Orom is fighting or entering dangerous pockets of space. It can��t waste energy on us in that kind of situation, which might present some opportunity.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��I heard about that as well,�� a golemoid cultivator with an earthy aura rumbled. ��But cultivators are sealed by the brand when that happens, and everyone��s energy is siphoned off like in the bubbles. Who would be able to break out in that kind of state?��


    Zac��s heart shuddered when he heard that there were windows of opportunity that could appear at any moment, but he kept his face impassive. Seeing as nothing else came up, he eventually excused himself before walking away. Zac continued along the edge, prompting half his field of vision to be the mountain range he had just passed, and the other half the purple neb that stretched to the sky.


    A few hours passed, and Zac activated his ocr skill to make sure none of the others were close. After making sure he was alone, he once more started pushing into the haze as he kept going, using everything from his Draugr-vision to [Void Zone] in an attempt to force his way through. The only thing he didn��t do was unleash powerful strikes like [Arcadia��s Judgement] out of fear that someone would notice.


    Unfortunately, no matter what he tried, the result was the same.


    It was just like the Hegemons before said, the concepts safeguarding the edge of the inner world were just too profound. It wasn��t a barrier that could be broken, and it wasn��t some sort of energy that could be nullified. Thews of the universe had been altered right at this edge, where up was no longer up, and left was no longer left.


    Not even his Void Emperor-bloodline could subvert thews of space like that, rendering his [Void Zone] useless. Still, Zac refused to give up. He had already decided to walk along the edge of the whole Orom World in search of opportunities, and that was what he would do. Some setbacks right in the beginning weren��t enough for him to give in to despair.


    A few weeks passed like this, and Zac eventually entered the next zone. Along the way, Zac had encountered even more people who sought an escape, and his helplessness was mirrored in their expressions as they passed each other by. The ce he had just entered was another rocky region, this one illuminated by a scorching sun and filled with fiery energies.


    Rivers of magma flowed in crevasses, and Zac was shocked at how rapidly his surroundings had changed over the past hour. Zac eventually steered away from the edge, finding an unimed cave an hour��s trek away from the edge. There, he set up his arrays before taking out a bottle of [Ster Enkindling Pills].


    Three weekster, Zac emerged, having broken open another 4 nodes and filled them with energy, providing him with thousands of more Contribution Points. He had officially entered the Late E-grade now, which meant that each node and each level provided even more attribute points.


    Zac believed he had a pretty big advantagepared to the other E-grade cultivators in that regard. The few ��lucky�� ones who had survived the great filter were mostly at Peak E-grade already, with their eyes set at forming a core. They didn��t have easy ess to Contribution Points in the same way as he did, which might be more important as a speedy escape started to look less likely every day.


    Even after having consecutively opened four nodes in his head, Zac was still in decent shape. He had a pretty bad headache, but it was nothingpared to the suffering of blowing up your brain. It could have been much worse, but the damage was kept to a minimum thanks to his powerful soul.


    Zac had continuously worked on familiarizing himself with his transformed soul while traveling, and he was getting increasingly adroit when controlling the nine tendrils. It was still not exactly smooth, but he wasn��t making big mistakes like the first time he tried shielding a node any longer.


    He believed he would be able to improve his technique even further as long as he kept working on it, but it was enough to barely receive any physical damage while breaking open nodes with the help of pills, though the damage to his foundations was still there. Unfortunately, he had reached the limit of the [Ster Enkindling Pills] for now, though he still had mountains of Beast Cores in his Spatial Rings.


    The real test would be whether he could safely brute-force levels with all his new advantages, but Zac would wait and restore his state to peak condition before attempting something like that.


    As Zac got more and more used to his odd nine-core soul, it became increasingly clear that his cultivation method was pretty unique. He had found that he could choose whether he wanted to drag attuned Mental Energy or pure Mental Energy from his outer cores, making it something in-between an attuned and unattuned cultivation method.


    However, the amount of energy the cores released was greater when he extracted attuned energy. It was like only half of the core was used when conjuring unattuned energies. In other words, only a cultivator who cultivated both life and death could make the most of the soul that the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] created.


    Zac had only undergone the second reincarnation so far, but the effect might only grow greater as he progressed further with the method. It was pretty lucky that Vri had dropped the method in favor of whatever Soul Strengthening Method that Ralz Carzood, the Crown of Despair, had imparted. Otherwise, she would probably find herself unable to use a significant part of her soul down the road.


    It made Zac quite curious about the origin of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. He had scoured the contribution store already, and it wasn��t listed among the thousands of methods that were for sale. Conversely, all themon methods were there, most of them in various editions.


    More importantly, how many people did actually cultivate both life and death at the same time? From what he��d gathered, it was extremely rare to have affinities in both those paths. Was the technique something created by a life-death Edgewalker such as himself? Or was it custom-designed by the System to allow him to keep gathering the remnants for it?


    There were indications that the method had Buddhist origins, but Zac knew too little about the various branches of the Buddhist Sangha to draw any definite conclusions. Who knew, it was perhaps possible to turn the Daos of Life and Death toward some sort of Dao of Samsara or Reincarnation, rather than pushing the Daos toward Chaos.


    Perhaps he could ask some monkter, they seemed pretty open about themselves. For now, the method worked just fine for him, which was all that mattered.


    Zac continued his journey after reaching level 129 in one go. Unfortunately, while he made some strides with his cultivation, the same couldn��t be said for his prison break. No matter if it was the fiery region or cier that neighbored it, there were simply no weaknesses to exploit. The barrier was imprable, and digging downward was no use either.


    After pushing roughly two kilometers into the ground, a simr spatial barrier appeared. It was like he had reached the core of a, where every direction technically was up. He found himself floating in the air, continuously falling without actually moving. If he tried forcing his way through the odd field, he encountered the same type of spatial bending as before. He could only climb out of the tunnel with disappointment and continue on his way.


    Zac wasn��t interested in the Daos that had left their mark on the frozen world around him, but he was a bit interested in how they impacted their surroundings. Zac doubted that the Orom bothered to meticulously craft every zone for its prisoners. Rather, it just flooded the areas with different Daos, and the attunement slowly terraformed the world.


    Was this how attuned worlds looked? Would Earth be like the zones around Samsara��s Edge in the future, where the dominant Dao had a direct impact on everything from a de of grass to the cultivators who lived on thosends? Or was it amplified here for the sake of expediting breakthroughs?


    No matter what was the case, Zac found it harder and harder to ignore the whispers in the back of his head. His prospects of escaping were getting lower and lower each day. He had considered himself unique, armed with both his unique bloodline and the remnants. But he had underestimated just how absolute the Orom��s domain was.


    In this ce, the Orom was the Heavens, and its will was Heavenly Law.


    More than once, Zac found himself beset with hesitation, but he pushed those thoughts aside as he kept going, looking for fault-lines while visiting nearby settlements to gather information. He also had a cksmith fashion a copy of [Love��s Bond] in exchange for 500 Purchase Points.


    The copy could not change form and it had no skills. But it was made from high-quality materials, especially the five pitch-ck chains. The cksmith had even managed to infuse the metal with some corrosive crystal that would help strengthen his skills even though the tool wasn��t death-attuned.


    It was a far cry from the real thing, but it would be enough to serve his needs, no matter if you talked about training in the wilderness or practicing his Inexorable Stance. As for the real deal, it was still in deep slumber. Zac wasn��t sure if it was because of the dangerous energies or the Purifier it had swallowed, but he could only wait and see.


    Showing up inside a settlement in his Draugr persona was also a way for him to legitimize his other personality. There was no census or anything, so this way people would simply assume he was one of the new prisoners from thetest batch. He made sure to make some connections in his undead form as well, though he wasn��t able to gather too many tokens this far from the sections where the undead generally stayed.


    While traveling in his undead form, he wore a simple mask to shield his Draugr heritage, simr to the one he wore when arriving at the Twilight Harbor. It was a bit unusual, but it wasn��t unprecedented that people hide their appearances one way or another. Some cultivators developed quirks, and people chalked it up to something simr.


    Weeks turned to months as Zac made his way toward the wilderness, one step at a time. He also secluded himself a few times to digest various ideas and insights he had on the road. Eventually, he reached the eastern section of the Orom World, and Zac stopped one day as he stood atop a small hill that provided great vantage of the surroundings.


    When reading about the Orom World��s arena on the stele of rules, Zac had pictured something like the Big Axe Coliseum back in the Zecia sector. However, the structure that stood in the distance was just a fraction the size of what he expected. Of course, it was still a couple of times bigger than the sports arenas back on Earth since it required enough space for superhuman to sh, but it was nowhere near the city-like size of the coliseum he visited on the Bloodwind.


    Zac thought about it for a moment before he decided to head over, and he was met by a raucous round of cheers as he passed through the gate. There were a couple of clerks stationed by the entrance in case you wanted to sign up for battle, but Zac was more interested in observing some fights.


    You seldom had to wait long to spectate a duel from what he had gathered, considering there were tens of thousands who sought inspiration by alternating between fighting in the wilderness and battling on the stage. This soon after the Orom fed, the number of participants and spectators was even greater. Only the years before a culling would see more foot traffic, when people desperately struggled to break through.


    Zac sat down at an empty seat with a decent view, just in time to see two warriors leave the arena. One was a human sporting a nasty wound in his side, whereas the other one was a beastman who was carried out by an attendant. Seeing as he might have to wait a while for the next fight, Zac took out a vat of spiritual wine he had moved over to his Cosmos Sack.


    ��First time here?�� a friendly voice echoed out, and Zac looked over to see a smiling woman donning leather armor covered in unfamiliar runes.


    On her belt, there were over twenty identical daggers, while two short-swords were sheathed by her hip. She had a bloody aura, but Zac didn��t believe she walked some sort of assassin path even if her weapons leaned that way. He felt a sense of familiarity as he looked at her. It wasn��t that he recognized the woman, but he rather suspected she walked some path rted to the Dao of Conflict.


    ��Just arrived,�� Zac nodded.


    ��New batch, huh?�� she said as she thumped down next to him, her eyes locked to the vat in Zac��s hand. ��I��m Yurul. I guess you could say I have some renown here. Fought over 2,000 matches, altogether.��


    Zac smiled slightly as he took out another vat and handed it to her, prompting her eyes to light up. Her hands turned into a blur before she poured at least five liters worth of alcohol down her throat.


    ��That hits the spot. I��ve mostly been drinking ol�� Barrel��s swill for over a thousand years. It��s strong enough, but he insists on putting those centipedes inside. They taste alright, but it��s a pain when they bite your tongue,�� Yurul sighed. ��That��s what you get when buying alcohol from a poison master.��


    ��The centipedes are alive?�� Zac said with a raised brow.


    ��They cultivate inside the vats, which purifies the brew,�� Yurul shrugged. ��You nning onpeting? You seem like the fighting type.��


    ��I was told to avoid this ce,�� Zac smiled. ��For now, I��m just here to watch.��


    ��Avoid?�� Yurul repeated with confusion until her eyes widened. ��Oh, you��re one of the brats? Bad luck, huh? Well, better than bing fertilizer, I guess. Any chance of you getting out of here?��


    ��We��ll see,�� Zac smiled.


    He had been asked that quite a few times by now, though few were as direct as the diator next to him.


    ��Mooching off the neers again, Yurul?�� a gruff voice snorted as a scarred ogre walked over.


    ��Don��t mind him. He��s just a bit pissy he lost 5,000 Purchase Points yesterday,�� Yurulughed. ��Another of the regrs had just made a breakthrough in secret, and he chose Obbo to provide the celebratory gift.��


    Zac looked at the ogre with confusion.


    ��People hide their breakthroughs to swindle good folks out of their Purchase Points. Arol pretended to get in a heated argument with me thatsted for five days, and it ended with me challenging him. It was all a ruse to make me ce arger bet,�� Obbo sighed as he thumped down next to Yurul.


    ��Like you haven��t done the same,�� Yurul snorted as she nced at the arena. ��Oh, Pavina is fighting today? She��s a tough one.��


    Zac followed her gaze to see a Revenant emerge from one of the gates, her aura reeking of death. A small smile crept up across Zac��s face as he looked on. His luck hade through for him again. Pavina was actually a Silver Attendant and someone who seemed to cultivate Pure Death.


    He had just visited the arena out of curiosity, but an opportunity to study someone who walked a simr path as himself had fallen right in hisp.

 Chapter 804: Waking Up

    Chapter 804: Waking Up


    The air screamed and the red dust swirled as the halberd pierced toward her. Her mind was still a mess, but the endless drills she had endured guided her movements. A brutal scream emerged from the depths of her soul as she swung her axe in an overhead arc to m it out of the way.


    At the same time, a burst of the sun��s fury ripped straight past her from the totem behind her back, finishing off the orc who had lost his right arm already. Another wail meant [Apostle of Autumn] had finished yet another warrior, leaving the captain as the lone survivor. Going from three versus one to a one versus one in an instant had extinguished his desire to battle, and swirls of razor-sharp winds erupted around his body.


    Emily recognized that skill all-too-well. After all, her enemies were the very party she had traveled with over the past six months. It was [Razorwake], Captain Krog��s E-grade movement skill. Emily was inwardly hesitant about striking the back of a fleeing enemy, but the will of the Bloodwind World and the wounds across her body urged her on.


    Roots sprung up from the ground as Emily activated [Spring��s Embrace], and the roots locked the area in ce, preventing Krog from shing away. From there, she seamlessly closed the distance as Cosmic Energy coursed through her body, her fury conveyed through the Fragment of the Axe as she struck.


    Krog understood the situation he was in, and he turned around with a ferocious glint in his eye. A crying mask appeared the moment Emily��s tomahawk closed in on his body, but a sh erupted from Emily��s fingers as one of her rings cracked. The defensive treasure that was meant to block Emily��s strike instantly crumbled from the light, and her weapon dug deep into flesh.


    A cascading torrent of blood drenched her even further, but she ignored the viscous liquid as it covered her. She delivered a second strike, this one digging even deeper. Krog feebly tried to counter, but a fiery lizard bit his muscr arm clean off, prompting this halberd to drop to the ground.


    Krog stumbled to his knees as bubbles of blood formed around his lips. He was trying to say something, but Emily didn��t want to hear it. With a sh of her axe, his throat was split wide open, and he toppled to the ground with a thump.


    A huge surge of energy burrowed into her body, but she barely registered it. Not even the insidious energy that covered the Bloodwind World could prevent the wave of confusing emotions that had pushed to the surface now that the crisis was averted. She had been betrayed, with all six members of her adventurer party suddenly striking her out of nowhere.


    It was clearly a premeditated attack, and not a single one of herpanions had tried to warn her. It wasn��t like she had joined a veteran party who had adventured on the Bloodwind World for decades either. Only Krog and Brudge knew each other from their homeworld, while the others were recruited at the same time as her.


    Yet they hade to an ord to assassinate and rob a fellow member of the Big Axe Coliseum


    She knew that she had been shielded from the true horrors of the Multiverse since Zac saved her life all those years ago, but she still couldn��t believe it. She also knew that she would be the one lying on the ground right now if not for Zac, her treasures split among the warriors whose corpses now littered the area around her.


    A gentle nudge made her look over with confusion, and she weakly smiled when she saw how her conjured lizard had walked over to her side. It looked like it was trying tofort her, even though it was just an energy construct without a real mind of its own. Was it some sort of self-defense mechanism from her subconscious?


    ��Thank you,�� she sighed as she patted the lizard��s head, and the summon along with therge totem pole dissipated a momentter.


    She suddenly felt so utterly alone, a stranger lost in a corner of the Gorehowl Forest. Yet her instincts kicked in, and she heard her master��s urgings in the back of her head. Not Warsong��s, but Zac��s. She moved the bodies together into a pile before she took out a ck vial and started pouring its contents over the corpses.


    Soon enough, only ash and a few treasures remained, and she stoically put the treasures into a spare Cosmos Sack one by one. When it was filled, she took out a talisman and ced it on the sack before throwing it into the air. Talisman activated, and a burst of chaotic energies was followed by a wave of spatial fluctuations.


    The Cosmos Sack had been ripped apart, its contents lost in some unreachable corner of the Void. With the corpses destroyed as well, she used a cleansing Array to rid her of all the blood and grime before covering her in Fate-breaking dust. Finally finished with Zac��s danger-averting procedure, she shed away through the forest, taking the long route back toward the teleporter in case of ambush.


    She feltpletely hollow as she rushed through the forest, entering some sort of fugue state as she simply moved by instinct. Only when approaching the teleporter five dayster did she somewhat wake up, and she roused herself before stepping onto the array. With a sh she appeared outside the Big Axe Coliseum, the events of the past week somehow feeling like a dream.


    A few confused looks were directed her way as she returned alone, but she ignored the warriors. She knew what they were thinking. Krog was only ate E-grade warrior with almost no chance of reaching the E-grade, but he had stayed in the coliseum for over 15 years. Quite a few at simr levels knew of him and his newly established party.


    Why was she returning from a hunt alone?


    The stares almost felt like daggers, and she hurried into the coliseum, heading to the inner sanctums. She shed her token to the Pseudo D-grade warrior who guarded a specific corridor, and he nodded before activating a teleporter for her.


    A momentter, she found herself standing at the top of a balcony that overlooked the whole coliseum. This ce was one of the hidden mountain peaks behind the coliseum, and it belonged to one of the leaders of the Big Axe Coliseum. It belonged to Warsong, the fourth elder.


    ��You��re back,�� the scarred man nodded as she looked at Emily��s ragged appearance. ��How was it?��


    ��The others attacked me,�� she said, her voice shaky as she finally allowed herself to remember the betrayal. ��We adventured together for months, yet they tried to kill me!��


    ��Indeed,�� Warsong nodded. ��Do you know why?��


    ��Because of my treasures,�� Emily spat, but she suddenly looked at her master with shock. ��You knew they would target me?��


    ��I assumed as much, so I followed you,�� Warsong nodded.


    ��You didn��t step forward and stop them?�� Emily stuttered with wide eyes. ��Am I really your disciple?��


    ��If you were killed by that kind of rabble even with all the precious items you��ve been unting, then you weren��t qualified to be my disciple,�� Warsong shrugged. ��Instead, this turned into a decent learning experience for you. You say that you want to understand war, that you want to reach the peak, yet your hands are almost untainted of blood.��


    An aura reeking of blood flooded the balcony the next moment, a killing intent endlessly more powerful than the pervasive atmosphere of the Bloodwind. It no longer felt like she was looking at a man. It felt like she was looking at a primordial beast, the two axes hanging from his belt razor-sharp fangs bared at her.


    ��Why should I help you?��


    ��I-�� Emily weakly said, her anger quelled by the ruthless gaze of her master. ��I��m sorry.��


    ��You used three peak-quality E-grade items to kill those people. One restriction talisman, one offensive talisman, and the defense-breaking ring at the end. By their quality, I would say you spent roughly 12,000 E-grade Nexus Coins to kill a couple of warriors whose total wealth barely surpassed 1,000 E-grade nexus Coins. And you actually destroyed the items rather than rightfully im them. If you were a wandering cultivator like most warriors in this ce, you��d be long dead.��


    Emily looked down at the ground as she took in the admonishment, knowing he was speaking the truth. The items Zac had prepared were the only reason she was alive. This wasn��t even the first time she had relied on them.


    ��You have an Epic ss, a set of powerful skills, and extremely developed Daos for your age. You should have been able to kill those six without breaking a sweat and without using a single supportive item,�� Warsong continued. ��This will keep happening unless you smarten up. I am guessing that is why your backer sent you here.��


    ��That��s����


    ��No need to repeat that story about finding a trove,�� Warsong snorted. ��I don��t care which faction you��re from. I took you in because I saw your potential and I found your path interesting. But I will note to your aid like some elder of your family. And judging by the fact that you were sent here of all ces, neither will they until you��ve be worthy of nurturing further.��


    Emily wanted to retort, to counter or swear like she did when teased by Zac. But she couldn��t as much as make a peep. The aura of her master was too powerful, quelling any resistance.


    ��Well, you��re still young, and you have a lot of room for improvement,�� Warsong eventually sighed before restraining his aura. ��If you want it, I have an opportunity for you. But I��ll only provide it if you agree with my rules.��


    ��What is it?�� Emily asked with a breathless voice, feeling like a mountain had finally been lifted from her shoulders.


    ��A pocket dimension has been discovered not too far from here. It has been imed by the Ruthless heavens, and only those at the E-grade can enter,�� Warsong said as he looked down at the diator stages far below.


    ��A Mystic Realm?�� Emily said as she finally looked up, her messy mind suddenly cleared by a wave of desire.


    Desire to be stronger. Desire to shed the weakness she had seen in herself.


    ��Most of these pockets will be Open Realms after the initial event and turned into something like a training ground or herbal garden depending on the environment. Because of its location, it will be jointly controlled by the coliseum, the Supreme Sword Pce, and four other factions,�� Warsong exined. ��We��re mostly on good terms, butpetition is heavenlyw.��


    ��Depending on the results of the trial, each faction will get different a different share of ownership. We will all send a series of peak warriors to open the realm and a few seedlings with potential. It will be a small-scale war for ownership and opportunities,�� Warsong said. ��You��re too weak to be a warrior, but you have the foundation to be a seedling.��


    ��And you��ll give me a spot? Even if I messed up?�� Emily hesitantly asked.


    ��As I said, on one condition,�� Warsong slowly said as his eyes bore into hers. ��I will give you one of the spots, but only if you leave your treasures behind. You only get one life-saving item and your equipment. If you want more talismans and defensive treasures, snatch them from the bodies of your fallen enemies.��


    Emily��s eyes widened in shock as she thought back to how many times the mountain of treasures had saved her the fifteen months she had spent on the Bloodwind. She knew herself well. There obviously wouldn��t be any monsters like Zac in a small-scale trial like this, but there would be peak E-grade warriors.


    She was still only level 103, unable to deal with those who had umted a foundation at the peak of the grade, even with her Epic ss and other advantages. If she brought all the items Zac had left for her through Vri, she would be almost unkible and able to dominate the whole trial with treasures alone.


    But without them�� She would be under constant threat of death.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��I��ve told you already. War ising, a war far more brutal than anything you will experience in some small trial. You need to make a choice. Hide behind your heritage, or enter the path of a true warrior for a shot at controlling your destiny.��


    ��I��ll do it,�� Emily said with clenched fists, a glean of determination shimmering in her eyes.


    ��Good,�� Warsong nodded. ��Thankfully, you have some time remaining. Rest up. In two days, I��m sending you to the Twinruin Gorge. Your des have finally tasted some blood, but not enough.��


    ��������-


    Zac was still a bit shook as he made his way through the deathly forest neighboring Samsara��s Edge, once more donning the mask hiding his Draugr heritage. He had alreadye to terms with the fact that his strength was right at the bottom rung in this ce, but watching a dozen matches in the arena had still been an eye-opening experience.


    The way the Hegemons fought was beyond ferocious, and they managed to squeeze more power out of the small number of attribute points they had than Zac thought possible. Their bodies were a blur as they shed over and over on the arena, fluently swapping between skills and pure technique in a desperate struggle to create openings.


    Not a single second was wasted, not a single movement superfluous. They became avatars of their paths as they shed, putting it all on the line. Zac had somewhat felt that he would be able to at least put up a decent fight as long as he could use an axe, but from what he saw, he was far from reaching that point. Even the weakestbatants he had observed over thest day would have easily have dismantled his stances before taking him out.


    The stronger ones would simply have crushed him.


    This was especially obvious in the two battles between Silver Attendants. Even now, Zac didn��t quite understand how they aplished some of the strikes they unleashed. Pavina, for example, had pushed death to a level Zac had never seen before. However, she wasn��t like Zac, a spider who gradually trapped and whittled down his victims.


    She was a grim reaper, whose strikes and technique presented another facet of inexorability. Zac almost felt like his own Inexorable Stance was a jokepared to the lethality that the Revenant exhibited, but he pulled himself together, knowing that he was still finding his way.


    Still, while the fights had shocked him, they were also exhrating. Even if only Pavina had a path close to his own, it was still extremely illuminating to see how the different warriors incorporated their Daos and skills into a fluidbat system. He was simplycking proper foundations, with no masters to teach him and no elders in his force to show him the way.


    There were Yrial, but he was ultimately just a ghost. The duration the ghost could guide Zac was extremely limited and highly dependent on his mood. It was nothingpared to growing up in a sect, or with elders who could knock away at least some of the roadblocks on the road of cultivation. Zac had initially nned on taking a trip into the wilderness after visiting the Arena, but he had ultimately decided against it.


    First of all, he had found out that even the weakest of the beasts in the Wilderness had twice the amount of attribute pointspared to the prisoners. It was the Orom making up for quality with quantity. The beasts it reared were ultimately just in the E-grade, and it would be useless for a Hegemon to fight on even grounds with something like this.


    If there wasn��t a handicap, there was no point. Zac was pretty confident in taking out beasts at twice his attribute pool, but he knew those kinds of fights weren��t his strong suit. If anything, he was usually the one who bullied the enemy with his massive attribute pool rather than the other way around.


    Thankfully, he heard that the attribute configuration would change to match his own allocation. For example, roughly 30% of his attribute points were Strength when not restrained, so his Strength would rise to almost 2000 in the arena or the Wilderness. Conversely, most of his other attributes would be lowered, except for Vitality and Endurance.


    Only Luck was untouched, probably because the Orom was unable to mess with something like that.


    Even then, Zac was a bit hesitant about entering the wilderness at that moment. His life wasn��t in danger thanks to his bloodline, but he still didn��t want to risk getting exposed just to save his life from a beast tide. Besides, he had pretty much given up on finding an easily exploitable weakness in the Orom��s spatial seal by this point. He didn��t believe he would suddenly be able to pass through the walls in the wilderness.


    That meant he would have to wait for his Oblivion Energy to gather up. Four months had passed since evolving his soul already, but Zac could sense that he wasn��t even half-full by how much purified Oblivion Energy he could store. Since he couldn��t influence that process, he might as well spend the time focusing on consolidating his gains and powering up.


    His first target had been tantalizing him for months already and it was finally time to see if his investment was worthwhile. It was the [Seed of Eldritch Awakening] that might open another Hidden Node.

 Chapter 805: Ancient Dread

    Chapter 805: Ancient Dread


    ��Is it really here?�� Gu muttered as he kept watch for those sinister insects that seemed to lord over this.


    ��That��s what the captain said,�� Bubbur grunted, though he was clearly as confused as Gu was.


    ��What would the invaders want with an uninhabited ce like this?�� Gu frowned as he looked around. ��The seems old enough, which means this area has to be pretty stable. But there are multiple nearby gates. It would be impossible to hold it for long.��


    ��Not to mention these critters,�� another member of the expedition grunted. ��Setting up a camp in this ce would be suicide. There are simply too many, and they are freakishly perceptive. Just look how they attacked our ship. Those bastards would have to invest way too much in shielding to make it worth it. Even setting up camp on a random asteroid would be better.��


    ��It only took us four jumps from the Leviathan to get here,�� Bubbur thoughtfully said. ��Perhaps they��re setting up an ambush?��


    ��They would have to be suicidal to attack the Leviathan with their current strength,�� Gu said with a shake of his head. ��Their weapons are pretty terrifying, but by the time someone powerful enough makes it through, the Leviathan will be long gone from that position.��


    At least Gu prayed that was the case. They still hadn��t found the Space Gate, but they knew it was out there. After all, they were here already.


    At first, they were just rumors, unconfirmed sightings of a new group of spacefarers in this chaotic sector of space. Normally, that wasn��t anything odd. Now and then, a new species or people appeared through a rift, their homeworlds suddenly connected to the Million Gates and the outer world. But these people were different.


    For one, the faction was too diverse to be some isted civilization that had grown inside a Mystic Realm. Secondly, their methods were too advanced. The Muscle Brigade was among the best-equipped and most ferocious squads in the area, yet every sh with the invaders had been a costly endeavor.


    Even when the Muscle Brigade overwhelmed them in numbers and levels, the invaders exacted a high cost before sumbing. And they were true zealots. Even now, they didn��t know where they came from or what their faction was called. They only knew what they could glean from the corpses.


    Neither the researchers nor the thieves had managed to crack their weird spatial tools either. Finding news of this world was simply a stroke of luck. Greatest Peak managed to ambush kill a leader in one go, right when he was reading a star chart.


    The only good news was that the Space Gate hadn��t stabilized just yet, giving them a few more years to prepare themselves. Those squads who had arrived were just at the E-grade, with the asional early Hegemon squeezing through. The Muscle Brigade had beenmanded to hunt down any squad they could in hopes they could finally find the Space Gate, but it didn��t look good.


    Even with over a thousand simr squads having been sent into the Million Gates Territory by the recently formed alliance, they simply couldn��t find it. Not even the sages of the Heliophos n could glean its location ording to Average. ording to them, the issue wasn��t the chaotic territory.


    The gate was shrouded, and not even their Monarchs could break it.


    That could only mean one of two things. Either their enemies were extremely powerful, or the System was aiding the invasion. Perhaps it was both. In either case, it was bad news. Yet the Muscle Brigade pressed on, delving deeper and deeper in the seemingly endless expanse of the Million Gates territory. If they couldn��t prevent the invasion, they could at least hamper their efforts.


    These advance scouts were working toward something, gathering intelligence and setting up outposts. The more scouts they could kill and preparations they could ruin, the better their position would be when all hell broke loose. Perhaps they could even dy the invasion for a couple of years, which would allow for more fortresses to be built.


    That��s why they were on this cursed ind infested by an endless number of insects, each one of which essentially carried a gastric bomb in their abdomen. Gu was scared enough that he was ready to strike at every shadow that moved, but he no longer felt discontent about joining these kinds of dangerous missions. He had even volunteered for this one, wanting to use his unique ocr skills to aid hispanions.


    What he was doing had value, and even someone like him could make a small difference in these critical times. He might have been discarded by his n, but the Allbright Empire was still his home. The hundreds of trillions of lives didn��t deserve to be swept up in this war. He had seen how sinister these people were.


    Wherever they had encountered locals, not a single life was spared.


    ��If not ambush, infiltration, then?�� Bubbur ventured as he scratched his beard.


    ��No point in guessing,�� Average said as he nced back at the squad. ��As long as we find what we��re looking for, we��re bound to find some answers.��


    Gu nodded in agreement as he nced at his friend. It was true what they say; heroes rise in troubled times. Just a few short years had passed, yet the loudmouth young master had transformed into a capable leader that the Muscle Brigade willingly followed. Of course, his explosive growth in power had helped solidify his position among these meatheads.


    After all, while this chaotic ce had its dangers, it also held uncountable opportunities. They had lost more than half of their squad by now, but those that had survived had gone through a baptism of fire that no training regimen couldpare to. Average, in particr, had essentially been reborn through the inheritances and troves he had survived.


    Hopefully, they would get the chance to consolidate for a while longer. They had grown a lot, but they were ultimately just E-grade warriors. An errant sh between captains could crush their souls. Only when they became Hegemons would they be able to equip proper regalias, which would at least provide a semnce of safety in arge-scale war.


    Hours passed as the squad crept closer, closing in on the camp they had spotted from orbit. Oddly enough, the incessant chirping from the native beasts grew more and more sparse as time went on. Did the invaders have some method to repel them? Finally, they were within a few kilometers of their target, at which point the jungle was eerily silent.


    Seeing as no critters were nearby, they activated a cloaking array before taking out their enhanced binocrs. The invaders had set up camp at the edge of a vast chasm, one sorge they had seen it from outer space. Gu had never seen anything like it before, and he even suspected that some supreme warrior had tried cutting the huge in two in some ancient era.


    The scar reached almost halfway through the world, and just looking at it from space had filled Gu with dread.


    ��What are they doing?�� Bubbur whispered as he looked over at Average. ��Is it a trap?��


    Gu frowned as well, feeling disconcerted by the scene. The invaders were right there in full disy. A few were standing at the edge of the chasm, apparently looking out at the vast beyond. A few others were simply sitting a few meters away from the others, mindlessly staring at the sky. It was a far cry from the ruthless warriors they had shed with before.


    Average looked confused as well, and he didn��t say a word as he kept observing for a few more minutes. But there was simply no change. None of the invaders moved as much as an inch.


    ��Go!�� Average eventually growled, and the squad rushed out like a rabid pack of wolves.


    There was no need for words from that point on. Their group had been through over a hundred battles by now, and their cooperation was wless. They soundlessly closed in on the distance, and a series of attacks rippled out with perfect timing. However, Gu couldn��t believe what he was seeing as one enemy after another was ripped apart, not even lifting a finger to defend themselves.


    ��Stop!�� Average eventually shouted as he threw out two chains that grabbed the sole remaining invaders.


    ��I didn��t get any energy,�� a warrior suddenly muttered, and Gu looked over with surprise as he stepped into the camp.


    Some of them were already dead before?


    ��Uh, boss,�� another warrior said as he walked out to the edge. ��You need to see this.��


    The others walked over as well, and they were shocked into silence by what they saw. An ancient fortress silently floated in the massive chasm, and it radiated a terrifying aura even if it was damaged by a huge scar. Had that thing just appeared? Because they should definitely have spotted that from orbit.


    The construct was not asrge as the war fortresses the alliance was frantically building, but its quality was vastly superior. The aura it emitted was more overwhelming than anything he had ever encountered, including the Monarch that met with the captain a year ago. Its towers and walls were covered in scripts that Gu didn��t recognize, and he didn��t recognize the design either.


    This wasn��t something built by someone in the Zecia sector. They simply didn��t have the capability to build something like this. It didn��t match the invader��s heritages either, which begged the question; how the hell did these invaders know where to find this thing? Where did ite from? And why were the invaders all dead or braindead? And who was powerful enough to damage this thing with a single attack?


    A hum suddenly broke the silence as some runes lit up on one of the towers.


    Something about the sound elicited a primal fear that threatened to break Gu��s spirit, and he wasn��t the only one. A few simply fell on their knees, while others desperately looked away. This was not something they could get involved with.


    ��Run!�� someone shouted, but it was toote.


    ��������-


    Unique advantages like Hidden Nodes, Constitutions, Specialty Cores, Attuned Souls, and other kinds of enhancements were restrained in the Orom World, but not sealed altogether. Even those with less unique Bloodlines than his could somewhat benefit from their abilities, and those with many such rued advantages generally did better in the wilderness.


    That was why he wanted to open another Hidden Node before entering the wilderness. Conversely, the Attribute Fruits in his Cosmos Sack would only provide some Contribution Points, but no real strength.


    Zac could technically take the seed anywhere and at any time, but he had no idea how Draugr Bloodlines worked. They might have unique requirements like his Void Emperor Bloodline, so Zac had decided to visit to improve his odds of sess. Eventually, he saw a towering peak through the miasmic haze, which meant he had reached his destination.


    It was the ckink Mountain, a unique cultivation resource a few days�� travel from Samsara��s Edge.


    There were two spots in the death-attuned zones that held special opportunities, and one of them was the ckink Mountain. The solitary peak was thousands of meters tall, and it held 242 empowered cultivation caves along with one mansion at the peak. The mansion was only essible to Emerald Badges, and the eight peak-quality caves could only be booked by Jade Attendants and higher. But the rest was avable for rent.


    What made the ckink Mountain differentpared to the zones themselves was the amazing density of Miasma and Dao in the caves. Even the worst of the caves at the foot of the mountain far surpassed the density you could enjoy in the center of any zone. Of course, nothing good came for free, and you had to pay Purchase Points to rent these caves.


    Zac soon arrived at the foot of the mountain, where a few dozen houses were erected. It wasn��t a real settlement, but rather a ce to wait in case the cave you wanted was upied. Thankfully, few people were willing to pay for prolonged stays on this mountain, only splurging when they were ready to push for a breakthrough.


    ��Wee,�� a bored-looking clerk said as Zac entered a small office. ��Are you here to rent?��


    ��How is upancy at the moment?�� Zac asked. ��I��m looking for a low-tier cave.��


    ��You��vee at the right time. Few caves are upied at the moment, but that will likely change in a few months,�� the clerk said as he infused some energy into an array, which prompted almost one hundred small crystals to rise from a nearby box. ��These are all the low-tier caves. Let me know which one you��re interested in and I will check its avability.��


    Zac nodded in thanks and walked over to the gems. They weren��t Miasma Crystals, but rather small arrays from the looks of it. Zac infused a stream of mental energy into two crystals at random, and he was immediately met by two small ripples of energy. Zac��s nodded in understanding and nine streams poured out of his mind, each one moving from one crystal to another.


    After months of training, he had mostly gotten used to his transformed soul. He had even gained another 800 points by simply stabilizing and strengthening his soul with the help of treasures. Altogether, he had already passed 15,000 Contribution Points without even trying, which was why he could afford a room at all.


    ��Is there anything amiss?�� the clerk asked with confusion when Zac returned after just a few seconds.


    ��I��d like cave 183, please,�� Zac said.


    ��Oh, alright,�� the clerk said. ��Cave #183 is luckily avable, costing 1,000 Purchase Points per 12 hours. How long will you be staying?��


    ��One day is enough. I can extend the stay if need be, no?�� Zac asked.


    The crystals were a pretty interesting solution. The ckink Mountain contained a tremendouslyplex array, and most of the caves actually held different Daos. Certainly, all of them contained the Dao of Death, but just a third of the chambers were Pure Death.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Other caves were filled with mixed-meaning paths, mostly those popr in the Undead Empire. Zac had even sensed a couple of crystals that held a Death-Conflict imprint. Ultimately, Zac had chosen one of the pure-meaning Caves. As to why Zac chose #183, he couldn��t exactly put his finger on it. While its imprint was extremely simr to over a dozen others, it simply felt morefortable for some reason.


    He figured it had the best match with his Draugr side.


    ��You can extend your stay without leaving as long as no customer outside has booked the same cave. Your token will inform you when your time is up,�� the clerk nodded as he handed over a small que. ��Your key. This will lead the way.��


    Zac thanked the man and shed away, making his way up the mountain following the signal in the key. It only took thirty minutes to reach his destination, an excavated cave whose entrance was covered in intricate runes. Zac couldn��t tell if the runes were part of an array, but they seemed like some sort of fusion between death and the patterns he had seen around the spatial gates the Orom used.


    Their meaning was too esoteric for Zac to decipher though, no matter if he relied on [Primal Polyglot] or any of his rued knowledge. There wasn��t any indication that a cultivation haven waited inside, so Zac curiously stepped through the threshold. The moment he entered the cave, a barrier activated behind him, quelling all sound and impressions from the outside. It once more felt like he had entered a sealed dimension, where there was only himself and the Dao.


    Still, Zac was a bit confused as there weren��t any particrly impressive levels of energy around him, so he walked deeper into the mountain. Soon enough, he reached a densely engraved door, and he opened it to reach the core of the cultivation cave.


    A wall of pure death immediately mmed into him with such ferocity that he was pushed a few steps back, and Zac��s eyes zed over for a moment. Death. He had opened a door of no return, crossed the river of forgetfulness into an eternal domain of stillness. Death was always there, waiting, epting all whether they wanted to or not. It was nothingness, it was release.


    Zac shuddered as he regained his wits, but it was still with some trepidation he walked into the chamber. He had initially wondered if he was too cheap, not springing for 12 hours in one of the middle-grade rooms. Now, he rather wondered if he had overestimated himself bying to the ckink Mountain at all. This environment bordered on the edge of what was harmful rather than helpful.


    Still, the price was paid and Zac refused to turn back now. It wasn��t only a matter of cost either. He didn��t want to lose the sense of momentum he had gained after witnessing so many valiant warriors showcasing their skills. He wanted to use that adrenaline rush and hunger for power to fuel his breakthrough. There was no time to find some other ce to settle down.


    So he let the gate close behind him, shrouding him in utter darkness. Zac was constantly beset by impressions as his body filled with Miasma, but while he weed the energy, he rejected the truths. Zac knew that he would probably be able to turn his Fragment of the Coffin into a Dao Branch if he stayed a week in this ce.


    However, such a breakthrough would be like the first ones he had back on Earth, where he was imnted with external concepts.


    He didn��t want a Dao Branch based on the Daos fed into the cave by some array. He wanted a Dao Branch that was his alone, a branch attuned with hisbat style, his ss, and his path. Since Zac still hadn��t found all the answers he looked for in that regard, he couldn��t let himself get influenced by the curated truths that hid in the mountain.


    Instead, he took out the pitch-ck box and picked up the small seed within. It was norger than an almond, but it felt like he was holding a small in his hand. The inner chamber did not let in as much as a wisp of light, but the seed was somehow darker than ck, which made it stand out in the dark.


    Zac looked down at the Natural Treasure with wonder, but the feeling onlysted a moment before he swallowed it. The effect was immediate, and Zac felt like he had be a ck hole with the small seed as the core. He didn��t drag matter or energy into his body this time around though, but rather darkness.


    It emerged from the ceiling, from the walls, from the floor beneath him. It flooded his body through every pore, frantically burrowing deeper. The gloom was growing deeper, turning it into an Abyss that he had only seen in the eyes of Be��Zi before. Zac tried to channel it, to guide the changes the [Seed of Eldritch Awakening] was eliciting.


    But he was losing control. His body was no longer his own. It was bing one with the Abyss. Even the shimmering cores in his Soul Aperture were drowned in pervasive dusk. Thest thing he felt was a burning sensation through his veins before his consciousness faded.

 Chapter 806: Darkness Perfected

    Chapter 806: Darkness Perfected


    The Abyss was his home and his sanctuary, a womb where time and space held no meaning. He didn��t know where he ended and the Abyss began, but he knew that he was safe. There were no sensations, no suffering. He was one with the universe, and it was one with him.


    But one day, there was a ripple in the darkness, change in the stillness. It called for him.


    He didn��t know how, and he didn��t know why, but he moved toward the beckoning call, his very core burning with urgency. He had been content being one with the Abyss forever, to revel in his absence of being. But now that the darkness was not alone, his soul cried for more.


    It couldn��t be seen, it couldn��t be touched. But its elusive nature only made it more palpable in this world of absence. It was even more real than he.


    He was gued with questions. Who was he? What was his purpose? Concepts that were once foreign flooded his mind, both cursing and liberating him. The Abyss was still his home and part of his very being, but he knew that it couldn��t answer the questions that now tormented him. He needed to leave.


    The Abyss was fighting his efforts, like a parent reluctant to let their child go. But the calls grew more urgent, and he pushed on, borrowing the endless power of the Abyss to fight the Abyss. After all, as much as they were separate, they were one.


    Before, space held no meaning, but now, he started to realize just how far it was. Each breath, he traversed vast distances, entering sections of the Abyss he didn��t know existed. Before, it had never mattered. Now, it filled him with curiosity. He could feel mysterious things hiding in the darkness, glorious things.


    But they would be there in the future as well, and their call was not as urgent as the one from above.


    For the first time in his life, he felt exhaustion. Whatever he was doing was draining him. Yet his destination was still so far away. When he couldn��t draw enough power from his surroundings, he dug deeper into his personal Abyss. And the Abyss answered. A surge of power spread through his being, and he felt the exhaustion melt away.


    His desire gave him strength, and each time he moved, he wasn��t as drained. He still felt the exhaustion, but his will was unbreakable, his adamance unrelenting. Another call came from below. It was urging him to let go. Only suffering waited on the other side. It was telling him toe home.


    He didn��t listen, and suddenly, the darkness was no more. The endless Abyss had given way to an endless sky, and millions of flickering lights weed his arrival. The Abyss had represented perfection and unity, but the myriad colors forming a chaotic tapestry contained an equal truth. For the first time, he took a deep breath, and reality shuddered.


    Crashing waves against ancient rocks mourned the loss, but he knew what he had gained outweighed what was given up. With a simple thought, he could join those flickering lights far in the sky, but he instead walked onto the shores. He wasn��t the first; two were already standing there, letting themselves be baptized by the new environment while leaving their mark on the sky.


    As he arrived, their eyes turned to his. In their eyes, he saw home, his origin. He saw the endless Abyss, darkness perfected.


    ��Azol,�� one of them said.


    ��Mez,�� his other friend added.


    ��Eoz,�� he answered. He didn��t know why, but it was true.


    Nothing else was said. Nothing else was needed. The others would soon arrive. Until then, Eoz was content with standing at the shores, hearing the soothing waves of home as he gazed upon the endless sky.


    �������������C


    Zac took a shuddering breath as he woke up from the vision, but he didn��t even get a chance to digest what he had seen before he found himself in the middle of a torrent of energies. It felt like the ichor in his veins had been reced with acid, but that was nothingpared to the burning pain in his throat.


    A groan escaped his lips, but he knew that he had to hold on. Something was changing in his body at the cost of tremendous amounts of energy. The cave was meant for early and middle-stage Hegemons, but it was sucked dry by him all the same. Even then, he knew it was nothingpared to the terrifying amounts of energy the Draugr called Eoz had consumed in his vision.


    Each moment, the Draugr had absorbed more energy than Zac had in his entire life. If Eoz sat here, he would most likely have destroyed the whole ckink Mountain in a few seconds. Zac didn��t know whether the predecessor in his vision was an Autarch or something even greater, but he was definitely not below Be��Zi, and far beyond the Orom or the Havarok Autarch.


    All three Draugr in his vision were. It had looked like those progenitors were just stargazing, but Zac felt like they had been shifting the Heavens themselves with their mere arrival. It made him wonder. Just what kind of ce was the Abyssal Lake, to birth at least three such monsters out of nowhere?


    Was it an Eternal Heritage? Did Draugr originate from an older era? And what were those things that hid in theke just out of sight, each one emitting a worldending aura that could snuff out an Autarch��s soul in an instant? After having seen it himself, he was no longer surprised that even A-grade cultivators could be wounded when exploring the Abyssal Lake.


    Yet, he felt a sense of yearning when thinking back to that darkness. Even with the danger, he had felt so safe there in the vision, at peace to a degree he had never felt before. Even if he couldn��t visit the depths where Eoz originated from, he still wanted to enter the shallows of the Abyssal Lake, even if just to reim that sensation.


    But he knew there were quite a few steps before he could reach that point. Most importantly, he needed to withstand the breakthrough. The energy in his body was getting crammed tighter and tighter as more poured in, and the [Quantum Gate] was swallowing as much as the rest of his bodybined.


    It somewhat confirmed his earlier theories, but he wasn��t in any state to celebrate.


    Any time Zac felt he would explode from the pressure, his cells shuddered and swallowed a mouthful before the process started over once more. He had no idea how long it took, but the pull eventually subsided. Even then, the room was let almostpletely bereft of energy, which was almost a relief for Zac as he took a shuddering breath and sat up.


    The process was over, and he curiously turned his gaze inward, looking for the new Hidden Node. However, a few seconds passed, and Zac furrowed his brows in confusion. Something had changed with his body, but he couldn��t actually find any node. Had the process failed, even after being shown the vision? Or was this something rted to his Void Emperor bloodline?


    He thoroughly scanned his body a few more times, but the only change he could spot was that his energy was denserpared to before. If his Miasma was water before, it had turned into a viscous jelly now. That change hadn��t impacted the speed with which he could move his energy though, so Zac eventually turned to his status screens for answers.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    129n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ss


    [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion


    Race


    [D] Draugr �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood �Cary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven��s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt �C 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity �C 8th Floor, Heaven��s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Fragment of the Coffin �C Peak, Fragment of the Bodhi �C Peak


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    13895 [Increase: 123%. Efficiency: 287%] 1,000


    Dexterity


    5570 [Increase: 88%. Efficiency: 206%] 1,000


    Endurance


    8981 [Increase: 109%. Efficiency: 275%] 1,000


    Vitality


    7502 [Increase: 97%. Efficiency: 262%] 1,000


    Intelligence


    2275 [Increase: 82%. Efficiency: 206%] 1,000


    Wisdom


    4615 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 216%] 1,000


    Luck


    540 [Increase: 106%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 662


    Nothing had changed in the status screen, but Zac finally found some answers in his Bloodline Screen.


    Bloodline


    [E �C Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent


    Force of the Void �C 50%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes


    [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes


    [E] Quantum Gate, [E] Adamance of Eoz


    He still couldn��t find the Hidden Node while scanning his body, but it was right there next to [Quantum Gate], though that alone was a bit confusing. His new node wasn��t a Bloodline Node? That was impossible. He had seen the very origin of the Draugr race, just as Catheya had described it.


    The Draugr corpse that had been trapped in that odd pocket of space for innumerable years, and who was the source of his own Draugr side, had to be a descendant of that Eoz. It had to be an effect of his Void Emperor Bloodline. Zac wasn��t sure whether you could have two bloodlines, but he hadn��t heard of anyone with an imbuement like that.


    Generally, the more powerful bloodline would push the other one aside, though the repressed bloodline still hid in one��s genes. From there, it could pop up in a future generation if the main bloodline weakened. It could also provide various benefits right away, such as improved affinities.


    In Zac��s case, it looked like his Draugr Hidden Nodes were categorized as normal Nodes since they weren��t part of his main Bloodline. If that had any ramifications down the road, Zac had no idea. But for now, it looked like everything had turned out just fine. Seeing that [Adamance of Eoz] had been awakened and provided some sort of benefit, Zac closed the Status Screen.


    Even now, the energy hadn��t returned to the chamber, and he took out a watch from his Cosmos Sack. He was worried he had overstayed his visit, but the breakthrough had thankfully onlysted only four hours. Was wrong though, and he took out his token just in case, and he was immediately met with a shocking vision.


    ��What the hell?�� Zac swore as he pped the thing a few times to see if he could reset the values.


    Opening the hidden node had provided a whopping 9,900 Contribution Points, yet he felt a surge of anger upon seeing his transaction history. For some reason, he had been charged an extra day��s stay, which meant he had lost another 2,000 Contribution Points. Zac stewed in the deste environment of his emptied-out cave for 10 minutes before he rushed down the mountain.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac asked furiously the moment he entered the small office. ��Is there something wrong with my cave?��


    ��How could that be?�� the clerk said, though he looked at Zac with some shock in his eyes. ��Young Master, you simply drained over two days�� worth of energy from the cave, forcing me to add to your tally.��


    ��What?�� Zac swore. ��If I absorbed two days�� worth of energy, I would have exploded. There must be something wrong with the cave.��


    ��I��m sorry, this is all automated,�� the man said with a helpless shrug. ��There are fail-safes to make sure insufficient energy won��t get in the way of a breakthrough, but you will be charged for all the extra energy that is infused into the chamber. If it��s any constion, you got a bargain. In total, you used up 53 hours�� worth of energy, but you were only charged for 48.��


    ��Well, alright,�� Zac grunted. ��So the energy won��te back in the chamber over the next two days?��


    ��I am afraid not,�� the clerk said with a shake of his head. ��Unless you pay for more time.��


    ��Alright, I��m checking out then,�� Zac shrugged as he threw over the key.


    It was a pretty annoying to lose 2,000 Purchase Points out of nowhere, but he doubted the Orom would bother scamming people with a scheme like this. He must have absorbed a monstrous amount of energy during the vision, just like he usually did when evolving his Bloodline. But he did make a mental note to never evolve his Bloodline in a ce like that.


    With the amounts of energy his Bloodline consumed, he��d be so deep into debt that he would never be able to dig himself out of that hole.


    His bloodline was a no-go, but it was still huge to get confirmation he really had Draugr nodes. Perhaps he should try making friends with one of the half-blood Draugr in the Orom to glean some more information. He had avoided them until now out of fear he��d get exposed, but even a half-blood should know about awakening hidden nodes.


    But there was no hurry. First, Zac made his way back toward Samsara��s Edge as he tried to figure out the use of [Adamance of Eoz]. It was a bit annoying to explore his limits when his limits were restrained by the prison brand, but he did discover something interesting after eventually taking out a Divine Crystal.


    The Life-attuned energies inside were essentially poison, but Zac absorbed a small amount anyway. His old Hidden Nodes would take care of the invasive energy soon enough, but he wanted to test if his resistance had improved.


    And it had.


    Or it was perhaps more apt to say that his energy and his flesh refused to blend with the energy, making it harder for the life-attuned energy to burrow deeper into its body. Soon enough, it was gobbled up by his [Void Heart], but even that was met with some resistance until Zac paved a path with a mentalmand. Curious, Zac kept experimenting, and the effect was essentially always the same.


    No matter if it was foreign energies scattered around him, or if it was infused into his body one way or another, he found that his natural resistance had increased by a noticeable degree. This didn��t extend to physical or mental hits, but he was already plenty durable in those departments.


    Even then, it somehow felt like this defensive ability was a side-effect rather than the main use of [Adamance of Eoz]. He still remembered his escape from the Abyssal Lake vividly, how his will pushed him forward, breaking the fetters that had kept him in the depths. So his pace kept increasing until he was in a full sprint toward the settlement, and he immediately jumped onto the Teleportation Array when he arrived.


    A momentter, Zac once more appeared next to the small coliseum, but he didn��t enter the building this time around. Instead, he set course due east after purchasing a small booklet in a nearby shop. Three days passed until he finally reached a huge square arch standing on a hill. It was fifty meters wide, and it rose almost a hundred meters into the air, making it easily visible even from a distance.


    A few makeshift settlements were erected around the hill, and around 50 cultivators lounged in the area. It wasn��t few, but it wasn��t many either, considering that this was one of the entrances to the wilderness.


    ��Oh, an undead warrior over here? Want to buy a missive on the local wildlife?�� a beastkin asked as Zac closed in. ��Just 100 Purchase Points. I have a high-quality Unholy Font as well in case you need it.��


    ��That��s okay,�� Zac said with a shake of his head as he passed by.


    The Unholy Font was a simple-enough ne that essentially duplicated the effect of an Unholy Beacon. However, while the beacon transformedrge swathes ofnd, an Unholy Font only generated a small cloud of Miasma. This allowed undead warriors to stave off the ufortable effect of Cosmic Energy without wasting any effort on their own.


    However, Zac already had dozens of simr items in his Cosmos Sack, including peak-quality ones that could be powered by Cosmic Crystals to exude a shroud evenrger than his [Fields of Despair]. Furthermore, it looked like his newfound ability was somewhat efficient at staving off ambient energy as well, though he couldn��t be consideredpletely insted like when using [Void Zone].


    Zac wasted no time as he stepped through the gate. His surroundings twisted for a moment, and he felt a surge of warmth from his left hand. A momentter, he appeared right by tworge rocks in a vast savannah. Only now did he realize how quiet the Orom World was in general, when he was suddenly subjected by constant roars from dozens of different types of beasts.


    Still, Zac cracked his neck as he eagerly took out one of his spare axes. He hadn��t fought for almost half a year, and between the almost constant threat of death after killing Uona and being trapped in this weird ce, he had built up a whole lot of stress. Certainly, he needed to figure out more about his congealed energy and how to progress his ss Quest.


    But those issues weren��t as urgent as unleashing a wave of carnage before he went mad.

 Chapter 807: Adamance

    Chapter 807: Adamance


    The umted stress and inspiration filled Zac with an overflowing momentum that urged him to rush out and start whaling on the poor beasts in the area. It almost felt like when the Splinter of Oblivion had messed with his mind, though Zac kept himself in check a bit longer as he tried to get used to the changes in his body. His attributes had already been adjusted, and he now had over 1,900 Strength.


    He felt more in tune with himself even if his attributes had be skewed again, and the energy coursed through his body more naturally. Zac tried activating [Gorehew], and this time the prison brand didn��t prevent anything. Arge jagged edge appeared in front of his weapon a momentter, and it looked almost identical to when he had used it in the Twilight Ocean.


    But its strength was hollow.


    Conjuring the de cost as much Miasma as it used to, but the brand on his hand siphoned off more than 80% of the energy, leaving a husk of a skillpared to its original strength. He had seen the same phenomenon during the fights in the coliseum, though their skills had probably been drained of more than 95% of their energy.


    Apart from its weakened state, Zac felt there was something different about the skill, and he curiously rapped his knuckles against therge de. The jagged edge shuddered a bit before a powerful rebound rippled back into his hand. It was hard to be certain since he was still unustomed to using skills in his limited form, but Zac believed that the de was a bit sturdier than it should be.


    Was this the effect of his Draugr Node, [Adamance of Eoz]?


    The node had made his energy more congealed somehow. Did that effect extend to skills? But what did ��adamance�� refer to? Zac looked at the de for a few seconds before he dispersed the skill. He had plenty of time to figure out how things worked. Besides, he had always been a practical learner.


    He was tired of just standing around, and he finally stepped out from his hidden spot. A small ripple around him meant he was no longer hidden from the surroundings, and he could immediately spot a few bright blobs of life closing in on him.


    There were nine gates in total that led into the wilderness, each one of them working the same way. They would send you to a random location in the first band of the wilderness, and you would be protected until you took a few steps from the starting position.


    Just like the Orom World, there were various attunements in the bands, though the energies weren��t nearly as palpable as in the cultivation zones. It was just about enough to create some different environments while amodating more types of beasts, and Zac had chosen the gate that currently led to an area that bordered fire and nature.


    At the edge of the savannah, he could barely make out a mountain range that flying lizards, golemoid species, and hundreds of other beasts made their home. There were miasmic zones as well up to the fifth band, but Zac wasn��t looking to find inspiration from death-attuned beasts at the moment.


    There were nine bands in total, where the first four were safe zones, which meant you weren��t allowed to sh with other cultivators. But further in, more than half of each zone waswless, and you could even rob other prisoners. The only safety was that you would be teleported back rather than killed upon receiving a lethal attack, at the cost of some Purchase Points, of course.


    It was just like PvE and PvP zones in an online game, but Zac had no intentions of heading that deep. In general, you��d need to have the skill equivalent of a Middle to Late Hegemon to avoid bing helpless prey in the fifth band. If you managed to cross the ninth and reach the edge of the wilderness, you would essentially have pushed your path of ughter to the point you should be able to confirm your Dao.


    Going by what he had heard, Zac wasn��t confident he��d be able to make it that far even if he relied on his Void Energy and its unrestrained attacks.


    For now, Zac was content with staying in the first and perhaps the second band, and he cracked his neck as the pack of animals closed in on him. After thirty seconds, he could spot the beasts even without his Draugr sight, and he realized it was four beasts that looked a bit like warthogs. Apart from being three meters long, they were also a bit leaner, and their green fur almost looked like long swaying stalks of grass.


    Their tusks were also noticeably bigger than the species on Earth, and the tworger specimens even sprouted small horns.


    The pitch-ck coffin of his recement weapon appeared on his back, and four ck-and-green chains slithered out like snakes as Zac calmly walked toward the animals. Suddenly, the four beasts flickered, and Zac��s whistled with surprise when they appeared just fifty meters away from him, having gained a huge surge of speed as they barreled toward him.


    At the same time, Zac felt a tightness around his feet, and he nced down to see the knee-high grass twine around his ankles. These beasts actually possessed skills? Having skills at the early E-grade meant they had a decent heritage, but Zac still wasn��t too worried.


    The grass had been empowered, but it still wasn��t able to withstand the two chains thatshed out, each one of them dripping corrosive liquid after being empowered by [Blighted Cut]. Simultaneously, the remaining chains shot forward as a shroud of darkness spread out from Zac��s body. The warthogs had almostpletely blended with the swaying grass by this point, but their strong life signatures couldn��t stay hidden from Zac��s Draugr gaze.


    He swung his axe to the side, striking the beast that tried to nk him. It seemed shocked about being exposed so easily, but its reflexes were extremely quick. It tilted its head to block the attack with its tusk, and it clearly nned to use its hefty body to crush him.


    Zac��s initial instinct was to forcibly throw the beast away, but he found himself physically overwhelmed. Being physically overpowered by some random pig would take some getting used to, but Zac quickly adapted. Instead, he fluidly shifted his position, avoiding the brunt of the leap while delivering a ruthless punch in the hog��s side as it passed him by.


    At the same time, his chains aimed for the eyes of the remaining beasts, which made them scream in fear and forcibly change course. A pang of danger red in the back of his head, but the three small skeletons had already appeared by this point. A spectral coffin rose to protect his back, and a smattering sound echoed across the area as thousands of stalks of grass failed to pierce the barrier.


    It looked like these hogs could control the grass more freely than Zac had expected.


    Thankfully, Zac��s reinforcements started to appear by this point as [Deathmark] had already covered the area for a while now. Three of the wraiths were instantly destroyed by ferocious headbutts or vicious bites, but it gave Zac an opportunity tounch some strikes of his own. Meanwhile, one of the smaller warthogs rammed straight into the final axe wraith, but Zac��s brows rose in surprise when it actually blocked the rush with its axe.


    Certainly, cracks appeared on the spectral axe upon being hit by one of the tusks, but it held long enough for the wraith to counter with a slice that opened up a shallow wound on the beast��s haunch. The warthog wailed as the corrosive mist started entering its body, but Zac was more interested in the wraith that had started dissipating.


    It was just like he had experienced before with [Gorehew]. Judging by how much his skills had been restained, the specter shouldn��t have been able to withstand the hit. An E-grade beast with an average of 2,000 attributes should have crushed it with such a direct attack. But the specter had be more durable, allowing it to survive just long enough to unleash a counter.


    Not only that, but the empowering effect seemed to be greater than when he summoned the jagged edge by the entrance. One time might have been a miscalction, but two times pretty much confirmed it. [Adamance of Eoz] didn��t seem to directly improve his offense or defense, but it made his energy and energy constructs sturdier.


    Various uses shed through his mind, from withstanding powerful Daos to wasting less energy conjuring defensive barriers. However, Zac still couldn��t figure out exactly how to control it and the hogs weren��t willing to let him ponder on it as they tried to pincer him.


    Zac soon found himself hounded from every direction, with thousands of razor-sharp des of grass adding insult to injury. He almost found himself overwhelmed, and if not for the powerful defensive ability of [Profane Exponents] and the improved durability of his wraiths, he would have racked up some nasty wounds already.


    There was no time to ponder on his nodes or improve his Inexorable Stance. Simply staying afloat was a struggle, and he furiously struck with all weapons in his arsenal in an effort to seize the tempo. Thankfully this was just the beginning of the first band, and the hogs only had so many tricks up their proverbial sleeves.


    As he grew more ustomed to the current state of his body, Zac could gradually switch from avoiding attacks to going on the offensive. He soon figured out that it was the smaller hogs that controlled the grass, while the horned ones rather focused on physical attacks. Soon enough, he managed to separate the two groups, and he ended the two magehogs in an instant with a ferocious swing of [Gorehew] empowered by his Dao Branch.


    Same as with the skills, he found most of his Mental Energy and Dao entering the prison brand, making Zac swear with annoyance. Was it perhaps the warriors in the wilderness that contributed the energy and Dao needed to keep the Orom World running?


    With only two hogs and no grass attacks to deal with, Zac immediately managed to capture the third one with his chains. Its fur had already be mottled by the corrosion all around them, but its suffering was over in an instant as zac activated the finishing strike of [Blighted Cut] to unleash three shockingly sharp strikes in an instant.


    From there, it was just a matter of time before the final hog was killed as well, leaving just a panting Zac in arge ring of corroded grass. The beasts hadn��t managed to leave any big wounds, but he was covered in small cuts that stung. Zac ate amon healing pill, surprised at how much resistance some random beasts at the first band could put up. These kinds of beasts were the ones that Zac usually ughtered by the thousands without breaking a sweat.


    Then again, their cooperation had been decent at best, full of ws to exploit. Meanwhile, their attacks had been choreographed and their grass control was more annoying than lethal. Their short-lived advantage almost exclusively came from their superior attribute pool, but that alone had been enough to cause a headache, even with his peak-quality skills helping out.


    Was this what it was like fighting him? Having more skill and talent but being roughhoused by raw attributes.


    Zac shook his head and moved on, not bothering with the carcasses. They were ultimately just early E-grade beasts, their bodies not worth anything. The amount of kill energy they provided was beyond pitiful, and Zac knew he would have to fight for years to gather the energy required for breaking open a single node.


    Of course, he hadn��te here for levels. He hade here to explore his new node and to work on his quest. If possible, he also wanted to work on his skills and stances. There were both free and rentable facilities for evolving skills in the Orom World, but there was no rush. He wanted to first gather more inspiration. Meanwhile, Zac had encountered an issue upon opening his quest screen.


    [Desperation��s End (ss): Extinguish one million souls. Reward: Desperation��s End. (0/1,000,000)]


    He had just killed four beasts, yet the progress was still zero. Zac was certain that the beasts were real, rather than some sort of constructs or illusions. He had even sensed the beasts�� souls dissipating soon after he killed them. Even his Draugr-vision couldn��t see souls, but his empowered soul had given him a more refined sensitivity toward Mental Energy.


    Those hogs had souls, Zac was certain of it. He was way too far gone down the road of ughter to reflect upon the moral implications of this discovery, and he was more curious about what he needed to do to progress the quest. Luckily, the savannah wasn��tcking beasts, and he spotted a huge furry centipede slither toward him through the grass.


    A few minutester, five bloody sections of the insect were strewn across the floor, with the remaining part of the centipede feebly struggling against the Dao-empowered chains. After failing to unload a salvo of poison it sumbed to its grievous wounds, and Zac closed his eyes as he sensed the weak fluctuations by its head.


    The air screamed as Zac��s axe ripped through the empty space where he had felt the weak mental fluctuations, but it didn��t make a difference. The feeling was gone, and his progress remained at zero. Just how was he supposed to extinguish a soul? Did he need to learn a soul-killing mentalist skill to progress?


    He certainly had some free spots in his pathways, but Zac was reluctant to fill them with random junk. Besides, he was almost certain that there was some trick to it.


    Zac kept going, and he soon found himself in a pitched battle with two green panthers. He kept trying to restrain and catch them, but they refused to be sucked into the momentum of his Inexorable Stance. Their Dexterity had to be at least three time��s his own, he barely saw their forms as they shed by, leaving small wounds or a destroyed specter in their wake.


    The Inexorable Stance he had been so proud of while traveling the Twilight Ocean utterly failed to restrain them. Death might be inexorable, but his stance clearly hadn��t captured the essence of that fact just yet. As he tried to force an opening with his chains and axe, he thought back to Pavina, and how she had ruthlessly and dismantled the defenses of her enemy in the arena.


    She walked the path of death just as he did, yet her lethality was so much greater than his, even with Zac��s all umted advantages. It wasn��t that her ss was so different from his either. She had used a ghastly avatar that controlled ropes of darkness and she had used pure death as a poison, simr to his [Blighted Cut] or [Deathmark].


    Pavina hadn��t used any pure offensive skills like [Gorehew] or [Nature��s Edge] at all, but she had almost made it seem that way. It was like she had be death incarnate as she pushed forward. Why would death need to wait for its victims? She was the ender of all, destroyer of life. As much as the warrior had struggled, she was the one who abjudicated his fate.


    Zac felt that was the key, a missing ingredient in his stance. Even if he had managed to partly incorporate his path into hisbat style, allowing him to restrain his enemies and control the momentum, he could definitely improve his lethality. Why should the spider hide at the edge of the, watching its prey slowly tire itself out?


    Even if the prey was too powerful to take out in one bite, Inexorable Stance should not only wee them into the arms of eternity, it should push them into the Abyss. He needed to be the master of death with the help of his axe.


    His attacks gradually grew quicker as Zac as one scene after another from the coliseum shed through his mind. Zac let death guide him, and as his attacks grew quicker and more condensed, so did their restraining efficacy improve. The moreplete his stance grew, the more preupied the panthers became with simply staving off death and staying alive.


    Their hesitance was the nail in the coffin. With a wet gurgling yowl, one of the two panthers were impaled by a chain, its wound sizzling from the corrosive acid that dripped from the links. Seeing its mate getting skewered pushed the surviving panther into a frenzied rage, and it lunged straight toward him with such speed that Zac was pushed on the ground, though he managed to unleash a swing that ripped open the belly of the beast.


    Zac was drenched in a flood of blood and viscera, but he still kept his cool, conjuring a barrier just before a set of razor-sharp teeth dug into his throat. A growl escaped his lips as he pushed the beast away, and two streams of Mental Energy entered his axe, each one soon flooded with Zac bloodlust and Dao.


    The beast was already on death��s door after losing most of its innards, but death didn��t wait around as a sh split it clean in two from nose to tail. A small sputtering of kill energy entered his body, but Zac ignored it as he opened the quest screen once more. As he had hoped, the screen actually showed (1/1,000,000).


    He had felt it upon delivering that final strike. His Dao-braided strike had crashed into the panther��s skull, destroying its soul before it had a chance to dissipate. A momentter, some minute kes had disappeared into his body, though Zac couldn��t see where they went. Perhaps, it was an offering to the formation of [Desperation��s End], or perhaps it was just some soul fragment that flew in his direction by chance.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    In either case, he had found the solution. It was a bit gristly, but he would have to crack a whole lot of skulls to unlock his new skill. Thankfully, the wilderness was clearly notcking in targets judging by the incessant cries, and he was awash with ideas on how to improve his two stances. He had nothing better to do until he had gathered enough Oblivion Energy, so Zac shook off the blood that covered him from head to toe before he walked deeper into the wild.


    It was time to get back to basics; one man and his axe against the world.

 Chapter 808: Cat and Mouse

    Chapter 808: Cat and Mouse


    ��Never have I seen such a flighty bastard,�� K��Rav swore. ��You��ve been reading that thing for months now. Strengthes from pushing forward and seizing what��s yours, not cowering in a corner.��


    The goblin was sitting on a sofa in the study, opened books strew all around him. It was the fifth time this day it hadined, but Ogras didn��t care.


    ��You think I��m like you bastards, ready to jump straight into the abyss?�� Ogras snorted. ��There is no way I am going to blindly cultivate some method made by you lunatics. I need to understand it better before making a decision. Besides, I have still notpletely healed from those cursed energies I had to endure from your so-called safe path.��


    ��Cultivating the Spiritlock Physique would greatly alleviate that problem,�� K��Rav said. ��And then we could get on with the important business.��


    Ogras only rolled his eyes before he turned back to the scroll in front of him. It was true, the goblin elder called Rasata had created a terrifying technique that would give you a constitution called the Spiritlock Physique. For every stage you mastered, you would be able to seal one more spirit in your body and gain part of its strength.


    There were a few problems with the technique though, apart from how it was recorded. Rasata posited that the limit would be nine spirits in total, but she had only managed to infuse five of them into her body. She had also deduced the sixthyer of the [Spiritlock Technique], but it was unproven and, ording to her ��a bit risky.��


    Coming from these lunatics, that was saying something.


    He had stayed in the central tower for months now, and the more he read about the history of the Ra��Lashar Goblins, the more horrified he became. He had thought he understood just how far people would go for power, but he had never heard of a civilization as crazed as these people. If they had been part of integrated space, the Ruthless Heavens would probably just have sted their whole to preemptively avert disaster.


    Conjuring the Qriz��Ul spirits from the Lower ne had been the main cultivation method of these goblins, but inviting that madness into their lives had only scratched the surface. The elders, the powerful families, even thehersted beggars on the street had delved into crazy and unorthodox methods to strengthen themselves even further. Not one of them had any respect for their lives, and few ever died of old age.


    Some experiments were a sess, such as Rasata��s [Spiritlock Technique]. Others had devastating consequences, and the Qriz��Ul uprising was simply the cmity that finally did them in. There had been simr incidents in the past. And even if the cursed beings of the Lower ne had failed, something else would have killed these madmen soon enough.


    Then again, Ogras would never admit it to the annoying ghost, but he was thoroughly impressed by what those long-snouted goblins had aplished. Their civilization had only started down the road of cultivation 16,000 years before their demise, yet they had raised over twenty Monarchs, though only half were still alive by the uprising. And that was without the assistance of the Ruthless Heavens.


    The whole tower was filled with taboo techniques and weird experiences of these mad scientists, techniques that would cause a storm on the outside. Figuring out which techniques were madness and which ones were inspired genius was the hard part. Certainly, those methods requiring taboo practices such asrge-scale sacrifice were easy to avoid, as were the techniques that had terrifying side effects.


    For example, one of the Warlocks Elders had managed to turn himself into a conduit for some sort of eldritch horror, gaining a huge amount of power. However, anyone below a Monarch who came within 100 miles of him was assaulted by whispers that gradually turned them into murderous lunatics. The elder couldn��t even join the final battle since he caused more damage to his own people than the enemy.


    These sted goblins also didn��t have any proper system for recording their techniques, and they were like children, constantly looking for the next thing. Few bothered fixing the imperfections of their creations. They simply kept pushing further down the road until they exploded or turned insane.


    Thankfully, Rasata was one of the few who had worked to perfect her [Spiritlock Technique]. Certainly, the reason for that wasn��t benign or anything. Rasata had been madly in love with the Grand Warlock, Hoso Kat��Rov. However, he had spurned her advances, citing her nose being too small to marry someone of his standing. Love had turned into hatred, and she had escaped into her research.


    Her ultimate goal was to perfect the [SpiritlockTechnique], and have it supnt Hoso Kat��Rov��s spirit-controlling technique as the premier cultivation method of the Ra��Lashar goblins. Unfortunately, that hate-induced drive had turned her cultivation manual into a weird mix of angry poems, a list of pranks and failed assassination attempts on the Grand Warlock, and the actual methods to cultivate the Spiritlock Constitution.


    ��Why don��t you go lure some more critters into the trap if you��re bored? I still haven��tpleted the final brand required to enter this ce the above-board way,�� Ogras muttered as he felt the incessant stare of the ghost.


    ��You want even more freebor?�� K��Rav snorted. ��How about you hold up your end of the bargain, instead? That would solve both our problems.��


    ��Give me a break,�� Ogras said. ��I haven��t even finished going over these mad ramblings, and you want me to sink my teeth into that thing? That might take over a year.��


    ��A year?�� K��Rav guffawed. ��Even if you studied for a century, you��d only be able to grab at the edge of the miracle we created. As long as you finish that thing����


    ��I know, I know,�� Ogras responded with azy wave. ��When that thing ispleted, the clouds will part and phoenixes and dragons will dance to celebrate our glory.��


    ��Keep pretending,�� K��Rav spat. ��I saw you almost drown in your own drool when you looked through the notes.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Your g is a bit impressive, but I��m not in any hurry,�� Ogras shrugged as he kept reading.


    The goblin only snorted in dissatisfaction as he turned toward the windows overlooking the ruins of his former empire. Ogras nced at the ghost before he kept reading, though his mind was only partly upied with the Spiritlock Physique. The ancient bastard said he was brought back by the System, but after having witnessed the weird methods stored in this tower, Ogras wasn��t so sure.


    He hadn��t found any damning evidence over the past year, but that didn��t matter. Ogras trusted his guts, and they were telling him that this warlock who refused to leave for the underworld was up to no good. And even if he was wrong, so what? He��d rather kill a thousand innocent ghosts than risk his little life.


    Ogras was even hesitant to finish the sixth and final key to this ce and reap the rewards, afraid that unlocking the tower would also unlock the ghost��s power. K��Rav seemed to understand his misgivings, but he pretended to be oblivious. He had even insinuated that he would be happy to pass on as long as the mission waspleted, but that only made Ogras more unwilling.


    So they yed their game of cat and mouse, each one pushing their agenda. Parts of him screamed to simply take his winnings and leave while he was still ahead. But even if he had gained a lot from this ce, there was still more to go. He had already decided to take the gamble, even if he was betting with his life.


    That thing was really something, but it couldn��t be finished without K��Rav��s help.


    ����������


    The silvery leaves ripped through the air, causing a swirl of frozen air as they shot toward the two four-armed yeti who kept harassing him from a distance. The storm pelted against his skin, but his [Innate Ward] empowered by the Fragment of the Bodhi and improved durability from [Adamance of Eoz] was enough to withstand the brunt of it.


    It was lucky as well, as he had his hands full when dealing with the ice pangolin that keptunching extremely sharp scales at him under the guise of the storm. Its control was sublime, reminding Zac of Travo Raso��s sword array that he had suffered inside multiple times over thest months.


    However, while the Radiant Temple employee��s array adhered to his fusion of the Dao of the Stars and the Dao of the Sword, this pangolin had rather instilled it with ice and wind, perhaps forming something akin to a Fragment of the Storm. Speed, ferocity, and destructive capabilities, it had it all.


    And the two damn yeti underlings magnified the danger.


    Yet Zac pushed on. These beasts represented a threshold, being one of the strongest groups at the edge of the second band. Being able to defeat these guys without relying on his Void Energy would mean that he had reached a level where he could match most early Hegemons in this ce. And the Orom World didn��t bring in any useless people.


    Barely being able to fight his way through the first two bands of the wilderness in eight months didn��t seem too impressive to Zac, but it was apparently quite shocking. Most of the Hegemons he had sparred against had be a lot more courteous after seeing his rapid progress, almost treating him like an equal. ording to them, it usually took well over a century of slowly polishing one��s technique to reach this level.


    It felt like some sort of vindication. He was a mortal, unable to cultivate or absorb energy nearly as quickly as others. His Dao Control was adequate at best, and that was only thanks to his soul cultivation. Without it, Zac would be beyond awful due to his zero affinities.


    But he was a rarely seen genius when it came tobat, showcasing a marvelous ability to integrate his Dao insights into his technique. He still hadn��t managed to break his losing streak at the coliseum with either of his two races, but that was mostly because he wanted to fight people who could inspire further breakthroughs with his skills and stances. And those kinds of people weren��t weak.


    Zac weaved through the storm that raged around him, his steps as inscrutable and chaotic as the unlimited possibilities of life. The pangolin repeatedly failed to trap him or exploit his patterns, because there was no pattern to the Evolutionary Stance. Suddenly, he made his move, taking advantage of the two yeti being preupied with his Dao-infused attacks.


    They had conjured a wall of ice to protect themselves, but that had forced them to split their attention, prompting the raging storm to weaken. Hundreds of engraved trees rose from the ground, and their vibrant lifeforce pushed the blistering cold of the tundra away. Zac disappeared a momentter, fusing with the tree that had appeared right next to him.


    A momentter, the tree was ripped apart by the pangolin��s scale array, but Zac had already been transported to another tree right by that point. Teleporting through the trees of [Ancestral Woods] barely produced a ripple, and it was hidden among the constant burst of life the other trees expelled.


    The tree behind him started to rapidly wither after having fulfilled its purpose, but Zac was already moving in on the two targets. Only when two clouds closed in on them did the yeti realize their target wasn��t trapped in the storm any longer, and they immediately spun around to meet the attack.


    A small golden pce appeared in the sky as hymns of Arcadia drenched the surroundings in life. Meanwhile, a bottomless ravine appeared beneath, almost sucking Zac��s soul inside as he looked at it. The space between the two visions was just a hairline, but that thin line was an uncrossable divide that shot toward the two beasts.


    A ferocious storm mmed into the peak proficiency [Rapturous Divide], but Zac was full of purpose now that he was so close to reaching his goal. The boost of [Adamance of Eoz] rose to match his desire, allowing his skill to withstand the hailstorm long enough to break apart the defensive runes and grievously wound the two.


    The beasts were thrown into their own fortifications from the attack, but they were still alive. However, Zac appeared right by them, and the keening cry of his axe was amplified by the ice as he cut straight through the neck of one of the yeti. A pang of danger made him sh away, and he heard two sharp explosions ripple out in quick session.


    It was some sort of icy ball that had burst out from the dying beast and almost instantly exploded into a thousand razor-sharp spikes. The spikes simply melted when they hit the second yeti, but Zac found himself punctured full of wounds even after dodging with [Earthstrider].


    The skin around his wounds turned blue for a moment as he was flooded with chilly Dao, but [Adamance of Eoz] was preventing it from spreading and sealing his mobility. The pangolin was already rushing toward him, and Zac shed forward again, unleashing a furious barrage at the remaining yeti before he was pincered again.


    The beast was desperately defending itself by conjuring one skill after another, but with every sh Zac��s technique subtly changed, evolving toward something that could kill the beast. A sharp pain red up in his side as a scale swiped him, but Zac endured the agony as he finished off the second mage by cleaving its head in two with an Axe-Bodhi fusion.


    With only the pangolin to worry about, Zac entered a ferocious melee where he only relied on [Nature��s Edge], [Earthstrider], and [Innate Ward] to fight the beast who averaged 2,500 attributes and possessed and powerful control abilities. He had mostly stayed in his Draugr form the past months, but he had still made great strides with his Evolutionary Stance as well.


    Each movement was a rebirth, each swing a new creation. One wound after another appeared on the Pangolin��s body as its scales kept getting destroyed. The leader of the tundra ferociously fought back, but it kept getting pushed further into a disadvantage. If not for the berserking brand on its body, it would have fled already.


    Eventually, the beast fell after Zac managed to strike its head twice, breaking into its skull and instantly killing it.


    Two of the three beasts had their brains destroyed, the inadvertent result of grinding his Draugr quest for months on end. He was no stranger to gory scenes after all he had done since the integration, but the gruesome scene was starting to get to him a bit. He had even considered giving up on the ss quest and acquire a finisher somewhere else.


    But after discussing the task with Travo Raso, Zac hade to better understand the purpose of such a quest. It was to prepare him for the future.


    The further you walked on the road of cultivation, the harder it would be to kill your enemies. First of all, those who didn��t possess the means and instincts to survive in the Multiverse died before reaching any great heights. Those who survived possessed all kinds of methods to escape with their lives intact, even when overwhelmed by a superior foe.


    Using teleportation talismans was just the mostmon method, and it had a lot of limitations. There were also skills, clone methods, illusions, and all kinds of other things. Somete Hegemons could even survive by hiding their soul in a drop of blood while their body was destroyed. This wasn��t a huge issue for Zac��s human side where he struck hard and fast, leaving nothing behind.


    But it was different for his Fetters of Destion-ss.


    Whittling down one��s enemy was an effective method to win, but it meant that some of your targets were bound to escape. The real world wasn��t like the wilderness, where every beast was unable to back down from a fight. However, there was one surefire remedy to prevent any escape method; destroy one��s soul.


    Only extremely rare techniques like Aia Ouro��s Thousand Lights Avatar could survive something like that, and not without paying a price. In a true life-and-death battle, most warriors would therefore try to strike the soul first, and the core second. Destroying a Cosmic Core would cripple a cultivator, which was the second-best thing to actually killing an enemy. But that would still leave you exposed to retaliation.


    It was this mindset that the System had been trying to instill into Zac and his Inexorable Stance, one kill at a time. Now, that fighting style had spilled over to his human side. He had been a bit worried about the moral implications, but Travo Raso and his friend hadughed for a good minute when he raised his concerns about preventing people from reincarnating or entering the afterlife.


    Since then, the two had called him Little Lord, short for Little Lord of the Underworld, for his presumed ability to dictate life after death. In truth, not even Divine Monarchs possessed the power to utterly annihte a soul to the point reincarnation or resurrection was prevented.


    Zac was exhausted, but he still started running away from the battlefield. He had proved himself already, and there was no time to linger around until some other apex predator of the second band arrived. A huge grilled nk appeared in his hand as he ran, and he started devouring the meat like a starving ghost.


    The benefits his most recent Hidden Node provided were amazing, improving his strength in so many ways. However, it was very draining, and he still hadn��t found a way to turn it off. He could somewhat strengthen or weaken the effect by altering his mental state, but emotions were not so easily controlled. He still hadn��t found the limits of what it could provide, since it was impossible for him to enter a true life-and-death struggle in the Orom World.


    Fighting for a few hours now left him winded in a way that he had never felt since bing a cultivator, and absorbing Cosmic Energy or Miasma didn��t help. The only thing he had found to alleviate the exhaustion was devouring high-grade food, forcing him to constantly run around with mountains of easily-held dishes. Sometimes when the beasts refused to relent, he had been forced to fight while stuffing his face with his free hand.


    Zac kept running for another ten minutes until space rippled around him. He had finally reached the third band, which meant he would be able to skip the first two bands next time he came here. Of course, Zac prayed that wouldn��t be necessary. One year had passed since he evolved his soul andst used his Oblivion Energy.


    He still hadn��t reached the limits of what he could store, but he was getting close. It was time to make his final preparations before he broke out of this ce.

 Chapter 809: Hubris

    Chapter 809: Hubris


    Zac looked down at his hands with incredulity and despair as thest embers of Oblivion dissipated in front of him. Soon, just a depression in reality remained, and a momentter there was nothing. The searing pain that ran from his head down his arms was nothingpared to the agony of defeat.


    He had failed.


    Sixteen months. He had saved up Oblivion Energy for sixteen months, yet that wasn��t enough. The full-powered Annihtion Sphere had only managed to tear a hole in space norger than a hand, and it had closed so quickly that the deadly ball of destruction didn��t have time to provide ess. Even if he had been gutsy enough to push through the small rip with [Abyssal Phase], he would have been torn apart before even entering it.


    His thoughts had ground to a halt as his emotions ran amok, but he soon pushed down the burgeoning panic as he disappeared, transformed into an abyssal wraith. The surroundings of the death-attuned zone turned into a blur, and he crossed tens of thousands of meters in an instant. Still, that wasn��t enough, and he kept going, thankful he had plotted an escape path in case of failure.


    Zac couldn��t be certain, but unleashing a three-meter tall ball of utter destruction was bound to raise some eyebrows in case anyone saw or sensed it. He wanted to be far, far away by the time anyone came to investigate. He only deactivated his skill five minutester, at which point he had used up more than half of his Void Energy.


    He returned into his corporeal form in the crown of a tree with extremely dense foliage, and he soon jumped down with a prayer mat under his arm like he had been sitting in the tree cultivating. He had passed through a good chunk of a zone in a short few minutes, something that would normally have taken him days.


    It should be impossible to connect him to the now-distant event unless the Orom itself was investigating. Zac kept going for another few hours until he reached his cultivation cave where he secluded himself, his eyes and ears peeled for any response. Hours turned to days as his nerves kept fraying, but no Emerald Attendant came to take him in. Neither did his prisoner brand act up, and Zac finally let himself rx after a week had passed.


    However, while it didn��t look like he was in trouble at the moment, Zac found himself gazing out from the window he had carved inside the dead tree, his mind bereft of purpose and direction. This was supposed to be it. He had spent thest four months squeezing everything he could from this ce, from gathering all kinds of treasures to furiously sparring with all kinds of elders.


    It was to the point that he had raised some eyebrows and started some rumors, and he had almost been drowned in piles of fate tokens. He had known that his actions were a bit suspicious, but he couldn��t help himself with so many treasures avable all around him. Now, it was all for nothing, and he found himself stuck in this ce after acting so mysterious. It felt like a thousand eyes were trained on the tree he hid inside.


    He had already spent eighteen months in the Orom World, far longer than what he had expected or nned. Yet he didn��t find himself any closer to escaping now than he did when he just arrived. If anything, he felt further away from returning to Earth than ever, as one escape n after another had fallen through. Now, he wasn��t even certain what to do. His bloodline wasn��t enough, and not even the remnants could pave the way to freedom.


    Should he try getting relegated and hope there were some weaknesses to exploit over there? No, those people were even more tightly controlled than the cultivators of Orom World. He would only be sending himself there to suffer. Zac desperately searched for solutions, but he hadn��t managed toe up with anything over thest week, let alone now. He was stuck.


    Despair threatened to swallow Zac whole as he imagined himself forced into desperate cultivation, struggling to keep up with his odd constitution until he finally sumbed as so many had before him. Until now, he had somewhat considered himself above those around him, gifted with supreme fate. This might have been a prison for others, but for him, it was just an opportunity.


    The hubris.


    No! Zac shook his head as his abyssal eyes regained their rity. He refused to give up. If the force of the Annihtion Sphere had been too weak, then he simply needed to boost it. If he increased the output tenfold, the spatial tear should be bigger and more stable. He simply needed to strengthen his soul and his Dao to make it happen.


    It might take a while to push his Fragment of the Coffin to be a Branch of Death, but he was confident he could aplish that in this ce, even withoutpromising his path. If that wasn��t enough, he would push his Branch of Death and the Branch of the War Axe to the middle stage, turning the Daos into even more powerful vessels to form the Annihtion Spheres.


    Perhaps he could improve the process of forming the outburst, focusing its power with the help of his empowered soul. Until now, he had always just pushed two streams of Dao into the pathways on his shoulders, but there was perhaps more he could do. For example, what if he created specific braids to empower the streams? Perhaps even Dao Arrays?


    The more Zac thought about it, the more his hope was rekindled. Perhaps there were some treasures or methods that would allow the incorporeal form of [Abyssal Phase] to survive inside the annihtion sphere long enough to escape. This wasn��t the end; it was just the beginning.


    If eighteen months wasn��t enough to escape, he��d cultivate for three years. If that failed, then ten. He wouldn��t stop pushing himself in his pursuit of freedom until the Orom ripped him apart. Even then, he��d at least try to go out with a bang, damaging the big bastard or killing its descendants. Perhaps he could detonate the remnants in his head, creating one final st of chaos upon his demise.


    For now, Zac figured he��d avoid using his Draugr side for a while just in case, and he transformed back into his human form before emerging from the cultivation tree he had used as one of his home bases over the past year. He didn��t dismantle the arrays that shielded it, but he did take out a warning array before leaving.


    It was a simple array that would transmit a signal to a daughter-array in his Cosmos Sack in case anyone forced its way into the tree. From there, Zac walked toward the side of the living, passing through the forest that had almost be as familiar to him as the forest of Port Atwood. In total, he had spent roughly two-thirds of his waking time in the wilderness, constantly pushing himself to improve hisbat stances.


    However, he had never stayed more than a month in the wilderness each time, sometimes just a week or two. In-between, he had traveled across the Orom World, sparring against dozens of different Hegemons or being imparted some general knowledge. Finally, he had set up two rudimentary cultivation caves, one for each persona, where he digested the insights before heading out again.


    There were only so many hours avable each day, and every aspect became more and more demanding as he progressed further. Zac had figured that he could evolve his Daos and work on his soul anywhere, and his limited time in the Orom World would be best spent by utilizing the old monsters and improving his cultivation stances.


    He had at least made some small inroads into forming the Thousand Lights Avatar in-between battles in the wilderness. He estimated that his spiritual body had be around 10% more congealed down to his throat, which was a step in the right direction. It was less than 1% toward forming a proper avatar, but it was something.


    Zac kept going for two days until he reached his second cultivation cave in the neighboring life-attuned zone. This one was in a tree as well, but rather in the crown of a majestic oak that towered above most of the trees in the life-infused forest. Sitting in its crown and gazing upon the surroundings had helped him gain some insights into the Dao of Life.


    The scenery had yed a big role when upgrading [Hatchetman��s Spirit] into [Ancestral Woods] as well, though he had drawn inspiration from multiple sources. The teleportation was a mix of his omnipresence of [Pir of Destion] and thenky swordsman in the Battle of Fates, who could move through the sword pirs he had erected.


    Unfortunately, the high-grade skill-upgrading chamber along with years of umtion hadn��t been enough to form another ultimate pathbound skill, [Ancestral Woods] was above-average even among peak-quality domain skills. The result was no doubt better than what he would have aplished with just a [Fractal Framework Array].


    For example, he had managed topletely transform the defensive properties of the skill. Before, the skill had conjured a divine tree with defensive charges, but those had never reallye into y. They weren��t powerful enough to help if his constitution proved insufficient. Furthermore, he was already getting [Empyrean Aegis] as soon as he got his life-attuned Dao Branch.


    So instead, Zac had taken inspiration from [Undying Legion] when making the adjustments. Now, the trees could soak up some of the damage he received, apart from providing the omniscience, attribute buffs, and teleportation. It had be like a skill with over a hundred small charges, where each teleportation expended one charge.


    It was altogether superior to the previous version, with the exception that the trees had be semi-corporeal now. Attacks infused with either Dao Branches or enough energy could damage the trees, though it would take some effort to rip them all apart. That was doubly true considering [Adamance of Eoz] transferred over to his human side through [Quantum Gate], even if the node didn��t appear in his status screen.


    Zac spent the next few days in his tree crown regrouping himself and nning his next move. Until now, he had focused mostly on his techniques, but if he wanted to strengthen the effect of his Annihtion Sphere, he would have to put more effort into his Daos and his soul.


    Should he set up his cultivation cave on the ind again, this time springing for a more permanent setup to work on his soul? His Soul Aperture hadpletely stabilized after the evolution by now, and he could start practicing the thirdyer of [Nine Reincarnations Manual] at any time. Problem was, he only had 200 Purchase Points to his name after his pre-escape shopping spree.


    He had lots of ideas, but he felt he could use some guidance. He infused some energy into his Cosmos Sack, where over two hundred tokens floated in the void. He was the most familiar with Travo Raso, but the old man had entered seclusion to prepare for the 3-year reshuffle of new arrivals. Eventually, his eyes turned to a glistening token; the one belonging to the unique lifeform Ubo.


    Zac had tried visiting the elemental once before, but Ubo was still out from its cultivation cave at the time. But that was months ago, and Zac figured he could give it a try. The elemental lived in the same life-attuned zone as Zac had set up his cave in, though on the opposite side. Considering he was also a Monarch, who better than Ubo to ask for some pointers?


    There was also Heda, but Zac was still a bit leery about the cultivator locked in a perpetual battle for her soul with some terrifying parasitic nt life. So Zac made his way toward the mountain that Ubo had made its home. Ten dayster he arrived, and he once more gazed with marvel at the golden mountain.


    It was teeming with life, even emitting a weak halo as though it was a holy mountain from legend. But even though it was drenched in powerful energies, there wasn��t actually a single nt growing on its slopes. Perhaps that was why Ubo had upied this spot in the first ce; its vor of life matched Ubo��s origin.


    The whole mountain was covered in a shimmering barrier as well, and Zac infused some energy into the invitation token to notify the elemental of his arrival.


    ��So you��re here, youngster. Come in,�� a voice emerged from within the mountain after a moment, and the barrier flickered to provide passage.


    Zac curiously entered, and he soon found himself in the heart of the mountain. He had thought that his cultivation cave back home on Earth was impressive enough, but he couldn��t help but gawk as he looked around. Ubo had essentially hollowed out the whole mountain, and over a hundred golden pirs rose over a thousand meters into the air, each one of them covered in esoteric engravings.


    There were simply arrays everywhere, and Zac was almost blinded by the thousands of Divine Crystals that illuminated the ce. There was even plenty of natural sunlight in the cave as well, thanks to strategically ced vents in the ceiling. The area was asrge as a whole vige, and it contained even contained ake where Zac spotted thousands of golden carps swimming.


    There were also dozens of buildings and side-caves whose purpose Zac couldn��t pinpoint because of obscuring arrays blurring them out.


    In the center of it all was a massive altar reaching over fifty meters into the air, and the energies that swirled around it was almost a match to the cave he had hired to open his Hidden Node. And even if Zac wasn��t an expert, he could tell that most of the arrays surrounding the altar weren��t even activated, which meant that Ubo probably could boost the environment even further.


    Seeing this ce made him embarrassed just thinking of his dinky little cave back home, or even worse the crude camps he had set up here in the Orom World. Then again, he had visited quite a few cultivation caves by now, and this one was definitely more intricate than anything else he hade across.


    Some warriors were even worse than he was, where they had simply just found a spot that they liked and thrown out a mat.


    ��Not bad, huh?�� Uboughed, its voice reverberating through the cave.


    Zac looked around with confusion until he spotted the mysterious stone on top of the altar. It was just sitting on top of an embroidered pillow, but a momentte it rose into the air as the shimmering body of Ubo congealed.


    ��It��s eye-opening,�� Zac agreed as he looked at the meticulously designed cave. ��There are truths hidden in this arrangement.��


    ��There are truths hidden in everything,�� Ubo countered. ��But you are correct. Every item and building in this cave are part of a formation I created to imprint my path on my surroundings. This way, I am never led astray while meditating. I��m not as powerful as those at the peak in this cage, those who are able to subvert the will of the Orom World and rebuff the subliminal messages.��


    The next moment, Ubo appeared at the foot of the altar, and it conjured a table along with some spiritual fruits.


    ��If my memory serves, roughly two years have passed since your arrival,�� Ubo said after the two sat down. ��Do you feel confident about the three-year shake-up?��


    ��It should be fine,�� Zac slowly said. ��I read you need 15,000 points on average to pass at the E-grade. I��ve already passed that, and I still have time to make more progress.��


    ��Not bad,�� Ubo nodded. ��But don��t getcent. You should have read some of the records.��


    ��It��s hard to believe,�� Zac muttered with a shake of his head. ��How could someone at the E-grade gather more than 100,000 Contribution Points in three years?��


    The current record at the E-grade was set two million years ago, where a woman called J Evermyre gained 118,235 Contribution Points before the 3-year deadline. Even forming a Dao Branch was only worth a couple of thousand Contribution Points. To pass 100,000 in three years, she must have not only gained multiple advanced-stage Dao breakthroughs, but also practiced some other highly valued methods like soul cultivation or bloodline evolutions.


    Even then, Zac��s performance wasn��t anything to scoff at. He had already gained over 35,000 Contribution Points since arriving in the Orom World, making him pretty much safe from the 3-year culling. And that was without even aiming to maximize his Contribution Points. He was confident that he would be able to gain quite a bit more over the next year as well, as long as he didn��t get stuck on some bottleneck.


    ��Well, that particrdy only stayed for four years before leaving. The Orom World also entered a 20-year weakened state around the same time, so most assume someone in her family took issue with their descendant being caught,�� Ubo snorted. ��So what brings you here today?��


    ��I encountered a bit of a setback recently,�� Zac sighed. ��I figured I would stretch my legs and clear my head for a bit.��


    ��Setbacks are part of cultivation. I once fell into a spatial crack that threw me into a corrupted inheritance trial. Took me 800 years to break out,�� Uboughed. ��Setbacks can be as valuable as epiphanies, provided you make the most of it. Tell me, what are you nning on doing next?��


    Zac felt that the atmosphere had shifted a bit, like there was some sort of hidden implication to the elemental��s question.


    ��Well, I��ll keep training and then try again,�� Zac eventually said after a while. ��I don��t like to back down after having decided on something.��


    ��Ha!�� Uboughed. ��I guess the Lord was right.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted with a sinking feeling in his chest.


    Had someone exposed him, connecting his two identities and his escape attempt? Zac immediately got ready to fight or escape, but what was the point even if he managed to kill the elemental in front of him? There was still this anonymous Lord who could turn him in at any time. Or was the Lord the Orom?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac frantically tried to figure out what to do, but his mind froze when he saw a familiar object appear above Ubo��s hand.


    ��The Lord contacted me half a year ago. He told me that you would visit me soon,�� the elemental exined. ��It was he who instructed me to ask you about your ns, and present this thing in case your answer was to his satisfaction.��


    Zac barely heard the elemental��s words, his eyes glued to the token hovering in the air.


    ��Perennial Vastness����

 Chapter 810: Opportunity

    Chapter 810: Opportunity


    Zac made his way toward the eye of the life-attuned zone, his heart filled with misgivings. The token Ubo showed had just been a projection, but ording to the elemental, the real Perennial Vastness token was his as long as he met with the Lord. But since when did good things simply fall into one��sp? He was pretty lucky, but not that lucky.


    Ubo was clearly just the messenger, but the elemental had thankfully confirmed that the so-called Lord wasn��t the Orom itself.


    But Ubo refused to borate any further, only urging him to not keep the Lord waiting. Zac had reluctantly agreed, and he left the mountain a minuteter, his previous ns put on the backburner. After all, the Perennial Vastness Token was too good to pass up, and it might even be his ticket out this ce.


    At this point, Zac could only pray that this mysterious Lord who seemed to have anticipated his every move was friendly. Hopefully, he wouldn��t demand something oundish in exchange for the token, but Zac was prepared for the worst-case scenario. He was filled to the brim with Creation Energy, and his Void Energy had mostly been recovered by this point.


    Between the two, he had a decent shot at even taking out Monarchs in this ce.


    But there were no guarantees. After all, there were just over 100 zones in the Orom World, and most of the warriors living at the heart of a zone were either High or Peak Monarch. Weirdly enough, Zac had absolutely no recollection of who this particr powerhouse was. Come to think of it, it was a bit odd he hadn��t even considered the issue.


    Zac��s tree fortress was a day��s way into the life-attuned zone from the small ind, and if he kept going for five days or so he��d reach the heart of the zone. They were practically neighbors, but Zac had barely spared the powerhouse a thought. Had his mind been influenced to ignore the matter somehow?


    The realization filled him with even greater trepidation, but there was no turning back now. It was hard to tell exactly how many of his secrets this Lord knew, and avoiding him might be even worse than just facing the issue head-on.


    Two days passed as Zac got closer and closer to his destination, and he had already passed dozens of massive barriers shielding huge cultivation havens. These inner parts were exclusively controlled by Monarchs, and all their caves were fitted with massive gathering arrays. As a result, the environment between these massive bubbles was even worse than at his treehouse.


    Of course, if a Hegemon dared set up camp this far into a zone, he��d quickly get kicked out if he didn��t have enough strength to defend his im. No one wanted to die, and any energy siphoned by a neighboring Gathering Array was an attempt on their lives as far as the cultivators were concerned.


    Even then, Zac realized that the cultivation havens simply stopped as he got closer to the true center of the zone, and the environment was suddenly awash with life. The density was at least three timespared to his treehouse, and the attunements infused in the environment were equally impressive. Even the rustling of some leaves filled Zac with wonder and inspiration.


    Oddly enough, Zac was also filled with a sense of familiarity, but he couldn��t pinpoint the source of the impression. It was almost like something was calling to him, but the feeling waspletely different from the far more palpable urge he got from the remnants. Was it the Lord? Did they actually know each other?


    But that was extremely unlikely, unless they had met in the Orom World without Zac knowing.


    Soon, the chaotic forests of unbridled life had been reced by an orderly bamboo forest, where each pole reached for the sky. Each bamboo shoot was almost identical in size, but that didn��t mean they weren��t instilled with the exuberant energy of the environment. In fact, these trees seemed far more life-infusedpared to the random ntlife behind him.


    It almost felt like he would be able to squeeze out pure life from the shoots if he so desired, but he didn��t dare doing anything of the sort. He was right in the core by now, and this forest was probably nted by the Lord himself. If he needed any further evidence this ce was imed, he could spot various red and golden ornaments hanging between the bamboo poles up in the sky, giving the forest almost a festive feel.


    Zac��s instincts told him that most of those things were Spiritual Tools and high-grade talismans, yet Zac was unable to discern as much as a ripple of energying from any of them. As for the markings on the ornaments, they reminded Zac of the Sanskrit engravings on Mount Evesting Peace back on Earth. They seemed filled with meaning, but they didn��t seem rted to themon script that made up most arrays.


    Zac stood rooted in ce, hesitant about what to do from this point forward. There was no barrier or vast aura barring his entry, and he had been invited. But could he just barge in like this? This ce didn��t feel like somewhere he should intrude upon, especially not with all those unidentifiable talismans hanging above his head.


    ��Follow the path,�� a voice suddenly echoed through Zac��s mind, and Zac steeled his heart as he entered, following a small paved path that had seemingly appeared out of thin air.


    The voice had filled him with an even greater sense of familiarity, but his brows furrowed with confusion as he walked down the forest path. Just who was it? He couldn��t ce it at all.


    The forest wasrger than Zac expected, and he walked for over three hours without reaching the end. By that point, he had passed hundreds of thousands of bamboo poles and ornaments, and he could barely fathom their collective value. By now, he had figured out their purpose at least; they were soul-nurturing talismans that filled him with vigor.


    Not only that, but Zac had realized that the whole bamboo forest was just one gargantuan array, where each bamboo shoot and ornament acted as a g. The arrangement was terrifyinglyplex, and he couldn��t even begin toprehend its purpose. But finally, the scenery shifted as he reached a small templeplex next to a babbling brook.


    Zac had suspected as much from the various clues, but this confirm it. The ��Lord�� was a monk of the Buddhist Sangha.


    The temple was much smaller than the one on Mount Evesting Peace, with two small bell towers at the front, followed by a main hall where Zac vaguely could make out the statue of some deity. Further in the back, Zac could spot two mirrored buildings as well, and Zac guessed they were either for meditation or living.


    At first nce, it felt simple, to the point it might as well have been a random temple situated somewhere in the mountains in east Asia. But there was something grand hiding within the simplicity. For example, Zac didn��t dare enter the temple in front of him. Just looking in its direction made his soul shudder.


    It felt like a true deity hid within that statue, and Zac��s instincts told him that encroaching on its territory would have disastrous consequences. Even if he didn��t die, he was afraid that his Dao Heart would be damaged. He once more remembered the warning of that necromancer when he just arrived, of how Buddhists were natural pathbreakers. Looking at that temple, he finally understood what he meant.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He turned away from the temple and instead started walking toward a small tform by the water. It had actually taken him a few times, but Zac had finally noticed there was someone sitting on top of it. However, the bald man was so in tune with the surroundings that Zac��s eyes didn��t even register he was there.


    In fact, Zac guessed that he was only able to spot him because the man wanted him to. As he walked over, he got a better look at the man, which only increased his confusion. He was some sort of humanoid, but he was more akin to a dwarf than a human. Zac guessed he would barely reach his chest when standing up, yet the monk probably weighed more than he did.


    When you added hisck of hair, he gave off an almost cherubic impression. The monk had three marks on his forehead that emitted a mysterious aura, but Zac��s eyes were still drawn to a token fastened to his sloppy kasaya. An emerald badge. As Zac closed in the monk opened his eyes, showcasing two silver irises, and he smiled in Zac��s direction.


    But why did his gaze look so shifty?


    He had the temple, the clothes, and the spiritual forest, yet Zac felt like the fat little man in front of him was one of those fake monks scamming travelers in tourist hotspots. And his first words only strengthened that feeling.


    ��Amitabha. Wee, benefactor. Karma pulls us together, we are connected. Benefactor, you carry great destiny on your self,�� the monk smiled as he walked down from the precept tform. ��But with great fatees dangerous tribtions. How about making a small offering to this poor temple and receiving its blessings in return?��


    Zac nkly looked at the smiling monk in front of him, barely believing what he was hearing. This monk was probably a peak Monarch and an Emerald Badge, yet he was trying to solicit an E-grade cultivator for resources?


    ��I would, but I am afraid I would be punished for sharing resources,�� Zac said with feigned disappointment as he showcased the prison brand on his hand.


    ��How can the Orom��s Law measure to Buddha��s love?�� the monk admonished with a sad look. ��But this poor monk hears the willingness in your voice and senses the benevolence in your heart, and will therefore gratefully ept this offering. Come, let me show benefactor around.��


    Zac was confused at first, but he almost swore when he saw that the monk was holding one of the Spatial Rings Zac had hidden within his sleeves. That particr one held a good chunk of low-grade materials along with a pile of Cultivation Methods he had nned on selling through Calrin.


    ��That��s���� Zac eximed, but the monk simply walked away, chanting ��Amitabha��.


    Zac didn��t have the slightest idea how the hell the thieving monk snatched one of his Spatial Rings, but he breathed out in relief when the rings that held the real treasures were still on his person. His instincts told him to just suck up the loss and leave, but he eventually took a calming breath before reluctantly following the monk.


    He still hadn��t aplished any of his goals ofing here, so he couldn��t just leave.


    ��Ubo said that your eminence wanted to meet with me?�� Zac eventually said as the monk seemed content with just taking a stroll. ��About the token����


    ��This poor monk has stayed here so long, s. But he has heard many tales of wonder. A previous visitor described the marvelous wines cultivators enjoy. It piqued this poor monk��s interest,�� the fat little monk interjected before giving Zac a pointed look. ��Benefactor just arrived at this world, no? Perhaps, benefactor can expand this poor monk��s understanding.��


    Zac mutely handed over one of his vats of liquor and then added two more as the monk��s expression showed clear signs of dissatisfaction. He didn��t even bother asking why a monk wanted alcohol. The bald little bastard had already robbed him, so what if he also partook in meat and liquor?


    ��Amitabha. To understand all creation one must partake in all creation,�� the monk said with a self-suffering look as he took a deep swig from one of the vats.


    Zac hesitated to ask again, fearing that the monk would just counter with more demands, but a sh of light suddenly flew in his direction. He hurriedly snatched it, and his eyes widened when he saw it was the Perennial Vastness Token.


    ��Benefactor has grown a lot since west met. Hopefully, this thing will help down the road,�� the monk smiled as he kept walking.


    ��We��ve met before?�� Zac asked with confusion, still unable to make sense of the familiar feeling. He almost believed it was some illusion skill the monk used to scam people.


    ��As this poor monk said, we are connected,�� the monk smiled. ��Our roads have intersected before. Twice, in fact.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted, but the brook and the bamboo were suddenly gone.


    A small cherry tree swayed in the wind, and a unique creature sat in silent meditation. He had no legs, but wings and two unusually long arms. A momentter, the scene shifted again, and Zac saw a fat little youth putting a whole mountain into his inner world.


    ��Lord 84th? The Lotus Emperor?�� Zac eximed, and he felt some sort of blockage snapping in his mind, and he could suddenly connect two and two again.


    So it was another avatar. Zac should��ve guessed the moment he saw the fat little man. However, something must��ve blocked his thoughts, just like Lord 84th had somehow removed one of his futures back on Earth.


    ��It is surprising. In this vast universe, benefactor has not only met my 84th incarnation, but also formed a Karmic Cycle with one of my still-sleeping avatars,�� the Buddhist smiled. ��Truly a blessing.��


    ��May I ask who your esteemed self are?�� Zac queried.


    ��This poor monk managed to awaken third by a stroke of luck. My Dharmic name is Three Virtues,�� the monk smiled as they passed by one of the inner structures, and Zac couldn��t believe his eyes when he spotted two blindingly gorgeous women sitting inside chatting.


    The monk actually had girlfriends staying at the temple? Zac felt his understanding of Buddhism had reached new highs, or new lows depending on how you looked at it, after this one short visit. But that shock was nothingpared to what he saw in the opposite building.


    It hovered inside some sort of ss cage, and an outer seal of Buddhist runes stopped any aura from leaking. But it was no mistaking it. There was a Shard of Creation in this temple.


    ��That��s!�� Zac eximed, but he quickly tried to make his face impassive.


    ��Benefactor likes this thing?�� Three Virtues smiled as he nced at the shard, but he soon shook his head. ��Benefactor should be careful. There is an undying will hidden inside, a will that not even this poor monk��s sutras can cleanse.��


    Zac looked at the sealed Shard of Creation for a few more moments, and he was slowly starting to form a hypothesis. There was no way the monk just happened to lead him past this thing on ident.


    ��This thing is a blight on your fine temple,�� Zac slowly said. ��I am willing to take it off your hands.��


    ��That would surely be an act of great benevolence,�� Three Virtues nodded as it was a matter of course. ��s, there is a problem.��


    ��What��s the matter?�� Zac said, inwardly groaning as he saw that shady look in the monk��s eyes again.


    ��Have benefactor heard of Batallion Leader Kaldor?��


    Two weekster, Zac crept closer to the heart of the dead zone, once more relying on his Draugr persona. In his hands was the roughly crafted invitation token that shifty Monk imparted with him before throwing him out of the bamboo forest. The invitation token to the overlord of the Pure Death-zone.


    ording to Three Virtues, he was more than happy to get rid of the Shard of Creation. In fact, he had only reluctantly gotten it from the Emerald Badge Contribution Store to bnce out the Splinter of Oblivion that this Kaldor bought a while back.


    As to why Three Virtues felt Zac was the man for the job to snatch that thing, Zac had a pretty good idea. The monk hadn��t said it outright, but he definitely knew about Zac��s two races somehow. Three Virtues had strongly indicated that while Batallion Leader Kadlor held no love for the living, he had left some invitation tokens for promising undead warriors to find.


    And one of those tokens had somehow entered the hands of Three Virtues.


    Zac didn��t know if the monk could sense the remnants in his mind as well, but it was certainly possible. But Zac was convinced that the monk wanted Zac to collect a pair. As to what the monk was nning, Zac didn��t know. Did he know that two remnants would lead to the formation of a Glimpse of Chaos? Did he want to use Zac to escape?


    Thankfully, the monk had already provided Zac with one escape route from the Orom World with the Perennial Vastness Token, and his instincts told him that the monk��s schemes weren��t directed at himself. Truthfully, Zac didn��t believe for a second he��d survive an attempt on his life from the monk, so there was no point for Three Virtues to scheme against him. The strength of an Emerald Badge peak Monarch was far beyond what he had expected.


    Zac knew he was being led by the nose as he got closer to therge fortress in the distance, but being forced to y a part in someone��s scheme didn��t necessarily mean your fate was out of your hands. There were risks, but there were also ample rewards to be had. His goal was to find five sets of remnants, and a third set had presented itself just after he��d evolved his soul?


    No wonder the System had ignored him when Zac had pleaded with it to take him out so he could continue his mission.


    ��One of the new brats?�� a rough voice echoed out from within the fortress when Zac got closer, and Zac groaned as his vision swam.


    It felt like he was drowned in a sea of blood, and deafening screams of rage and suffering threatened to drive him mad. But Zac soon stabilized his mind and kept walking, guessing this was some sort of test. It was killing intent so condensed it had essentially turned into a mental attack, but his resilience against killing intent was far beyond normal by this point.


    ��Oh, not bad,�� a snort echoed from within as the gates swung open. ��I don��t hold much love for people wasting time on cultivating the soul, but you have a decent smell of carnage on you. Seems you��ve even killed some of those ghost bastards and a pureblood bloodsucker? Pretty gutsy. Is that why you��re hiding in here even if you��re a pureblood Draugr?��


    Zac froze for a moment, but he wryly smiled as he took off his mask, exposing a back-up face to his Arcaz ck persona. He should��ve guessed he wouldn��t be able to hide his heritage to someone who was a match to that monk. Zac walked into the fortress, but therge field inside was empty.


    He turned toward the castle next, but a barrier stopped him from going any further. So he could only stop in his tracks, waiting for the boss toe out.


    ��So you��re the little bastard who caused such a ruckus in my zone a while back? Did you know I had to take the me for that one? Bastard, costing me 50,000 Points,�� the voice swore, and Zac stumbled backward as another wave of killing intent almost knocked him out.


    The aura that had descended on the square could only be forged through innumerable life-and-death battles. Neither the Ogre in the Big Axe Coliseum nor Greatest could evene close to the aura of supremacy that flooded the castle. The Havarok Autarch��s killing intent might��ve been stronger, but it had been less condensed.


    This was something else entirely.


    Yet Zac stood his ground, feeling he��d be in more trouble if he fled. Thankfully, he was right, and the pressure subsided soon enough.


    ��So, I can guess why you��re here. The stench of that cursed little thing is still all over you. Is that why you��ve nurtured your soul? You want to cram your head full of these things?�� the man said, and Zac sensed that Kaldor��s tone had changed from anger to curiosity.


    ��Something like that,�� Zac muttered, feeling that being straightforward with this Batallion Leader was his best goal. ��It should make me stronger. At worst, I��ll be a lunatic, and I��ll be someone else��s problem by then.��


    ��Hah!�� augh echoed out through the square. ��Fair enough. Well, seeing as we��re the only two purebloods in this ce, I guess I can help out a bit.��


    ��Lord is a Draugr as well?�� Zac eximed with some excitement, hoping he could gain some insights into his Hidden Nodes.


    ��Bah, who��s one of you?�� a snort came back, instantly dashing those hopes. ��I can give you that thing. After all, I am a bit curious about what would happen. But I refuse to help someone useless, so you��d have to aplish something to prove yourself.��


    Zac inwardly prayed it wasn��t to take the Shard of Creation from the Monk. He wasn��t in any mood to deal with a catch-22 between two old monsters ying some game.


    ��A duel. No skills and no using that cursed energy. Within three years,nd a single hit on me, no matter how weak. I will not use my Warbones, and I will restrain my Daos to peak Dao Fragments. Seed, and I will give you that little splinter. Fail, and I will kill you,�� Kaldor said. ��Do you dare to take up the challenge?��


    Zac didn��t immediately say yes. By the looks of it, this Kaldor was actually an Izh��Rak Reaver, and a pureblood at that. Zac still didn��t know much about them, except the fact that they were natural-born killing machines. They had extremely powerful constitutions and natural affinities forbat.


    Even if Kaldor restrained hisbat style to the level of Peak Dao Fragment, it would probably be perfectly integrated. With his huge amount of experience, it would be an extremely tough battle. Zac couldn��t ambush him with Void Energy either. That might work on Peak Hegemons and perhaps even Early Monarchs, but Zac held no such delusions after feeling the killing intent of Kaldor.


    To get the splinter, he would have to win fair and square. But first, Zac needed to know more.


    ��How strong do I need to be to seed?�� Zac asked.


    ��If you manage to pass the fourth band in the wilderness, I��d say you have a fifty-fifty shot,�� Kaldor said.


    Zac slowly nodded. He had two choices now, one easy and one dangerous. He could eithery low until he reached Peak E-grade in this ce before setting off with the Perennial Vastness token. Or he could gamble his life to seize the third set of remnants. It took him one year to pass the first two bands. Could he pass two more in three years?


    Possibly, as long as he made some meaningful breakthroughs.


    He had almost managed to tear apart space with a single Annihtion Sphere a month ago. With chaos coursing through his body, escaping and destroying the brand on his hand would be a cinch. His gaze turned to the ring on his finger, where the Perennial Vastness token rested. But his Abyssal eyes soon turned back toward the castle where the Izh��Rak Reaver was secluded, his heart beating with conviction.


    Was it even a choice?

 Chapter 811: Entangled

    Chapter 811: Entangled


    ��No!�� an exasperated scream echoed through the sealed chamber, prompting an avnche of guards toe running.


    ��Mistress?!�� the captain shouted with worry as she activated the dozens of arrays that sealed the whole, preventing even Autarchs from breaking in.


    Space was seared she unleashed her domain through the surroundings, but her demeanor soon softened as she turned to the young mistress with confusion. ��Is something amiss?��


    ��I��m sorry to startle you. The connection is getting bad again,�� Iz sighed as she waved her hand at the blurry screen in front of her. ��No point in staying here now.��


    ��Please, wait! The impartment is not yetplete!�� the captain urged with horror, seeing that her ward was attempting to leave her cultivation session early again. ��I will call for Lord Valderak. He will have answers.��


    ��Alright,�� Iz muttered as she sunk further down into the shimmering liquid.


    A few secondster, scorching mes broke space apart as a densely inscribed golem stepped through the void.


    ��Uncle,�� Iz smiled from the pond.


    ��Little girl, what��s wrong? I had almost fallen asleep when arrays suddenly covered the whole,�� the golem sighed.


    ��You guys keep overreacting every time I so much as yawn,�� Iz muttered with a roll of her eyes.


    ��Your grandfather worries,�� Valderak smiled before he turned to the flickering screen. ��Oh, the Divine Mirror is blocked again?��


    ��It��s those stupid remnants,�� Iz frowned as she rose from the pool again. ��I already missed thest one. I��m going in person this time.��


    However, a gentle pressure stopped her from rising too far, and Iz once more sunk into the liquid as she red at her uncle.


    ��There is only a finite amount of Everme Bloom remaining since the birth of the era,�� Valderak said with a shake of his head. ��Few can stomach its cost. More importantly, your grandfather once risked his life seizing it in the Endless Storm. You cannot discard it.��


    ��I know, I��m sorry,�� Iz sighed. ��I just�� I��ve been sitting here for years, absorbing this thing. Now, Mr. Bug is about to do something stupid again, and I can��t even watch it in the mirror. This isn��t life. I want excitement like he has.��


    ��That brat sure knows how to attract trouble,�� Valderak said with a bemused shake of his head. ��I thought he was trapped inside that mutated Voidcatcher? Or did he escape?��


    ��He tried breaking out with those remnants, but it failed,�� Iz giggled. ��You should have seen his face. But now it looks like there is another set in that stupid fish.��


    ��His destiny has really be entangled with those things,�� Valderak muttered. ��No wonder, no wonder����


    ��I can still see what��s going on, but the reception will only get worse as Chaos creates ripples across the river of time,�� Izined. ��I should have been there for thest one. I don��t want to miss it again.��


    ��How about this,�� the golem eventually said after looking at the shimmering mirror for a few seconds. ��The interference of Chaos is still weak. By the looks of it, we have time. We��ll ask Master to divine it for us. If you��ve finished absorbing the primal essence of the Everme Bloom by the time the brat gets his hands on the next set, I��ll take you there in person.��


    ��And you won��t trick me into going to some trial or mystic realm this time?�� Iz said with a raised brow.


    ��No tricks, I promise. So work hard on your cultivation,�� Valderak grinned. ��This is an opportunity every fire cultivator in the universe would dream of.��


    ��Alright,�� Iz smiled as she sunk to the bottom of the pond, throwing a final look at the hazy image of the silly Draugr in the mirror. ��I��ming for you Mr. Bug.��


    ����������������������


    Having made his decision, Zac wasted no time.


    ��I want that splinter. I��ll take the challenge,�� Zac said.


    ��Brat, I think I have an idea of what you��re nning to do with that thing, but you should know that it is as much a curse as an opportunity,�� the Izh��Rak Reaver grunted. ��Don��t sacrifice your future for some short-term benefits.��


    ��I��m aware,�� Zac nodded. ��I still want to give it a try.��


    ��Fine. The ignorant are truly fearless. Three years,�� Kaldor snorted from within the mansion.


    ��About that�� Would it be alright if I came here to ask for pointers?�� Zac ventured, feeling he would be a fool not to try to seize this opportunity.


    Commander Kaldor was one of the most powerful warriors he had ever encountered, most likely even eclipsing Yrial. Even some offhanded guidance from this man would be worth its weight in gold.


    ��What? You want me to help you defeat me? When has there ever been such a good thing?�� Kaldorughed. ��Prove yourself before you ask me for any pointers. Now get out of here.��


    A wave of extremely condensed Dao rippled out from the mansion the next moment, and Zac felt like he was looking into the maw of some primordial beast. He hurriedly scurried out of the way, exiting through the gate which closed behind him. Zac shook his head and started walking away, but he stopped when he sensed a small item flying toward him.


    Zac caught the small token, at which point Kaldor��s voice echoed out in his mind. ��Go to Pavina. Learn to walk before you can run.��


    A smile of anticipation spread across Zac��s face as he looked at the token in his hand. As far as he knew, the Silver Attendant Pavina hadn��t appeared in the Coliseum since Zac saw her fight over a year ago. Even then, her dominating disy of pure Death still lingered in the back of his mind, and it had been a major source of inspiration as he worked on his skill quest and his Inexorable Stance in the wilderness.


    In fact, his death-based fighting stance was a lot more maturepared to his living side by now. He had already delved into the suffocating inexorability of death during the Twilight Ascent, and over the past year, he had infused a lot of lethality into the stance as well. If he hadn��t spent thest four months working on his Evolutionary Stance while collecting treasures, his human side would have been left far behind already.


    By the looks of it, that imbnce would only get worse over the next three years. Unfortunately, there was nothing to do about it. After all, failing in the duel against Kaldor didn��t only mean not getting his hand on the remnant. It meant death unless he managed to flee somehow. After all, Zac��s instincts told him that Kaldor wasn��t joking around when he said he said that failure would result in death.


    But Zac wasn��t nning on escaping in either case. He had already passed the second band of the wilderness with his less refined stance. If he pushed himself, he would already be able to make some headway into the third band in his undead form. Now, he simply needed to build on that foundation and conquer the next two bands.


    Kaldor had given him three years to prepare, but Zac wanted to conquer the fourth band in two. That way, he had some leeway and time to polish his stance even further. After all, Kaldor only gave him a 50-50 shot even if he passed the fourth band. Obviously, Zac didn��t want to risk his life unless he absolutely had to.


    Before heading to the Wilderness to continue grinding, Zac knew could use some advice. Luckily, Kaldor had provided just the thing. Zac immediately set course Pavina��s Cultivation Cave, following the directions inside the token. There was clearly a connection between the two undead powerhouses, considering Pavina��s residence was only half a day��s journey away from Kaldor��s castle.


    Furthermore, Pavina��s mansion looked almost identical.


    The gates swung open as he got closer, and Zac once more took off the mask he generally wore in his Draugr form before he walked inside. He figured Pavina already knew about his race, or would know soon enough. A minuteter, he stood in a hazy hall littered with discarded weapons, burning incense sticks, andrge tapestries that looked like banners that had been through a few wars.


    It almost seemed like the mansion had barely survived a brutal siege, with both walls and pirs covered in scars. However, while the interiors were nowhere near as orderly as the beautiful cave of Uvo, the life elemental, Zac felt there was more at y in this ce than met the eye. There was truth hidden in the disorder, and every single scar on the walls was instilled with meaning.


    In the midst of it all, the Silver Attendant Revenant sat on a prayer mat with arge unfurled scroll in her hands. She curiously looked at Zac as he walked over, giving special attention to his abyssal eyes. Even if there was no killing intent or malice in her stare, Zac suddenly felt like he was trapped in a world of endless death.


    The pressure was suffocating, forcing Zac to take a steadying breath as he stopped in ce. It felt like he had been sent to the deepest recesses of hell, but the feeling thankfully onlysted a moment before Pavina relented. Even then, Zac was shaken, feeling like he had been exposed to something far greater than a Dao Domain.


    ��Sorry, I am still getting used to the power of my inner world,�� Pavina said with a small smile as the pressure disappeared. ��You are the one who dared enter a life-death duel with Master?��


    Zac wasn��t surprised to hear Pavina was Kaldor��s disciple. Master-disciple rtionships were quite rare in this ce because of the directpetition, but they weren��t unheard of. However, Zac was more shocked by the other piece of information she divulged.


    ��You��ve be a Monarch?�� Zac eximed with shock, remembering that Pavina was just a peak Hegemon back when she fought in the arena.


    Normally, an ascension into monarchy would be a grand event, especially for someone like Pavina who likely walked the boundless path of Pure Death. Boundless cultivators were beset by the Grand Minor Tribtion.


    The name was a bit odd, but taking that step would summon the most powerful of the minor tribtions. There were two weaker stages as well, one upon reaching E-grade and one when bing a Hegemon. By the point Zac became an E-grade cultivator, he was still cultivating the Heavenly Path without any real sense of direction, but he would have to withstand the old Heaven��s punishment upon trying to form his core.


    Even cultivators walking Heaven��s Path would cause quite a scene when forming their inner world. It was an event somewhat simr to the Dao Apparitions in the Tower Of Eternity, where their understanding of the Dao was put on disy. Unfortunately, the Orom teleported people away when they broke through as a security measure, cing them in some differentpartment of its body.


    It robbed spectators of their chance to glean some truths into the Dao, but the Orom prioritized its safety over providing opportunities to its prisoners.


    ��It was long overdue,�� Pavina shrugged with a casual expression, but Zac saw a small smirk on her face before she returned to her neutral expression.


    ��Still, it��s an amazing aplishment,�� Zac said, pushing down any sense of shame to properly butter up this recently ascended Monarch. ��It��s one thing to do it in the empire where our people have all the facilities avable. But to aplish it in the Orom World takes another level of talent.��


    ��It��s nothing much, just passable,�� Pavina said with a studiously impassive face, but Zac noticed that the basic mat set out for him had been reced by a much higher-quality one in an instant.


    Zac wanted to roll his eyes upon confirming this seemingly cold master really had unleashed a bit of her newfound power to show off her breakthrough. But Zac also remembered how the Revenant warrior had manhandled that other Silver Attendant on the arena. He had put up a valiant struggle, but Pavina had been in the driver��s seat from beginning to end, not taking a single hit.


    She had stood out among Hegemons, even in this ce.


    ��What do you seek from me, child?�� Pavina asked as Zac sat down.


    ��Some advice, I guess,�� Zac said as he organized his thoughts. He had clearly contacted her already, so he simply decided to jump straight into it. ��Commander Kaldor said I need to conquer the fourth band to have a decent chance of surviving his challenge. I think it��s doable, but I want to avoid any pitfalls as I train over the next years.��


    ��Well, let��s see what we��re working with first,�� Pavina said as she stood up.


    Zac got right back on his feet with some surprise, mentally preparing himself for a tough challenge.


    ��With or without weapons?�� Zac asked.


    ��I have heard of you,�� Pavina slowly said. ��You are making rapid progress from what I am told, but you are not yet at a stage where you can showcase your prowess without your weapons of choice.��


    Zac simply nodded and took out one of his training axes, wasting no time as he rushed forward. He swung his axe in a ruthless underhand arc as the chains of his coffin aimed to pincer and restrict Pavina��s movements. However, it was like Zac was trying to trap a cloud as she effortlessly weaved through the restrictions Zac set up as her finger moved toward his forehead.


    Once more the feeling of inescapable death threatened to overwhelm him, and two chains mmed into the ground, pushing him back dozens of meters to avoid the strike. That simple movement had been too terrifying, making Zac move away on instinct. Pavina was a Silver Attendant, but he could sense that she didn��t even use the equivalent of 1,000 Attribute points when countering his opening salvo, and neither did she use the power of her inner world.


    It was pure suppression through technique.


    Still, the first swing had only been an attempt to get a sense of her strength, so Zac wasn��t deterred as he shot forward again. He was trying to perfect the Inexorable Stance, so he had to be unstoppable, intractable. An army of death that would never stop, that would inevitably quench all hope and life.


    The air screamed as he rushed forward, once more unleashing a barrage of strikes at the stationary revenant. The swings of his axe aimed to kill, while his chains aimed to maim. All strikes were designed to force a response that would open up weaknesses or prevent Pavina from attacking, allowing him to control the momentum until he couldunch a killing blow.


    It was just a duel, but Zac didn��t hold anything back, confident that the Monarch in front of him wouldn��t sumb to his attacks. Zac wanted to showcase all he had to get the most incisive advice. But he had to admit there was also a part of him that wanted to prove himself, to trip up this powerful warrior who walked a simr path as he did.


    However, no matter what he tried, he kept finding himself at a disadvantage. Her movements were minute but sublime, and Zac hadn��t even managed to push her off from her prayer mat even after a full minute of trying everything in his repertoire. She simply avoided his attacks with pinpoint precision or deflected them with flicks of her hands that almost feltzy.


    The chains that were supposed to bind and restrict her somehow became fetters that kept getting in the way of Zac��s swings. Zac furiously pushed forward, but he couldn��t help but feel like a marite that yed out a stage fight that was directed by Pavina rather than himself.


    ��That��s enough,�� Pavina eventually said as she suddenly took a step forward, her left hand redirecting Zac��s axe as her right stabbed right for his throat.


    She stopped her attack right before her nails broke the skin, but Zac��s hair still stood on end as he jumped backward. Throughout the fight, she had never used her superior attribute pool, and neither had she used the two spikes that seemed to be her weapon of choice. She hadn��t utilized any of her Daos either, though every movement of hers was obviously in tune with the Dao and the truths of the cosmos.


    And Pavina was just the disciple. He still had to fight her master, who no doubt was many times more skilled than she was. He still had a long way to go.


    ��What are your Daos?�� Pavina asked as the two sat down on the mats again.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac hesitated a second before he decided to answer truthfully, considering his Daos weren��t some big secret. ��Early Branch of the War Axe and Peak Fragment of the Coffin.��


    ��Pure death through coffin. Death and conflict, restriction and destruction. Nothing groundbreaking, but an interesting application,�� Pavina nodded as she looked at him with a mix of curiosity and confusion. ��It is a solid path, but why is your implementation so chaotic? Your bloodline is as pure as theye, yet you seem to have no Heritage to fall back on? What are your elders nning, having you derive everything on your own?��


    ��It��s a bitplicated, but I don��t have any masters or elders. I was born outside the Empire, and I kind of got trapped here before getting the chance to visit,�� Zac exined. ��As you can tell, I��ve mostly cultivated on my own with the asional feedback from outsiders.��


    ��Huh, you��re not an imperial?�� Pavina said with interest. ��Well, I��ve heard that the empire asionally stumbles on small tribes who were lost during the great migration.��


    ��Do you have any instructions for me?�� Zac said, eager to turn the discussion away from his unorthodox background.


    ��At first I was worried I��d ruin some old ancestor��s n by meddling with your training, infusing my understanding into your path,�� Pavina slowly said. ��But if what you say is true, then I think I can help clear some things up. Master told me to help as much as I can.��


    ��He did?�� Zac said with surprise, remembering all-too-well how he was essentially thrown out of Kaldor��s castle.


    ��Don��t let his demeanor fool you,�� Pavina smiled. ��Lord Kaldor has worked hard for millennia, teaching and helping the undead warriors in this ce. Many even believe he can leave any time he wants but chooses to suppress his cultivation for our sake.��


    Zac was surprised to hear that the brusque Izh��Rak Reaver spent so much effort on the undead cultivators who were caught by the Orom.


    ��So what should I do?�� Zac asked eagerly, not wanting to waste the opportunity that Kaldor had presented him. ��I only have so much time, and progress will get harder and harder. Should I evolve my Dao Fragment before anything else?��


    ��Not unless you need the Contribution Points to survive the first shuffle,�� Pavina countered. ��A breakthrough now would hurt you more than it would help.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted. ��Since when is evolving your Dao a bad thing?��

 Chapter 812: Formation and Integration

    Chapter 812: Formation and Integration


    Zac obviously understood that it was bad to rush a Dao breakthrough with treasures, but that didn��t seem like what Pavina was referring to when saying that breaking through would be detrimental to him.


    ��Do you know about the stages ofbat technique?�� Pavina asked.


    ��Like forming a path or Dao Intent?�� Zac ventured hesitantly.


    ��Intent is somewhat rted, as are most things when ites to cultivation,�� Pavina slowly said. ��However, it is ultimately somewhat different to what I am referring to.��


    ��If you hadn��t formed a path, you wouldn��t have been epted by the Orom. Now, you��ve started working on abat technique unique to you. From the ground up, by the looks of it�� the Revenant Monarch ventured, getting an affirmative nod from Zac.


    ��However, you have just started the journey. Most factions call the state you��re in the Formation Stage, though you have blurred the lines a bit.��


    ��Formation stage,�� Zac muttered, the term not ringing any bells.


    ��Truthfully, the vast majority of cultivators take a shortcut for this stage,�� Pavina said as she gazed at Zac with a small smile. ��They choose to walk in the footsteps of their predecessors, learning established the techniques of their ns or sects before anything else. It is a central part of a proper heritage.��


    Zac��s nodded in agreement. He had read through the techniques of the de Emperor Heritage back home many times. Even if the methods and techniques listed there required a sword, Zac had still used them as reference many times when consolidating his foundations. By now, he had almostpletely moved away from the concepts in that Heritage through multiple iterations of his two stances.


    ��In the Formation Stage, you gradually create a technique suited to your temperament, build, weapon of choice, Daos, and so on. Bit by bit, you incrementally improve your technique until you��ve reached the limit of what you can aplish. At the peak of perfection, this technique allows you to utilize every fiber of your being to aplish your goals,�� Pavina exined. ��After mastering this stage, you reach the next; integration.��


    The now-familiar sense of deadly crisis immediately filled his heart as Pavinazily pointed her finger in Zac��s direction, and it felt like a spear of untold power was pointed straight at his soul.


    ��You have great instincts,�� Pavina nodded. ��In the integration stage, your Dao and your technique be one as you directly instill the heavenly truths you have gained into every action you take. At this stage, even those who follow a Heritage have to reinvent the technique they learned growing up, adapting it to perfectly suit their path. This is an impassable barrier for most, even Hegemons, when they have to transition from being a follower to a leader.


    ��Striking will be as effortless as taking a breath, but as powerful as a thunderp. The difference between someone who has entered the Integration stage and someone who hasn��t is almost as palpable as the difference between someone who has infused their skill with their Dao and someone who hasn��t.��


    Zac��s eyes widened a bit in shock, since that was no small improvement. Of course, the description was a bit imprecise considering the various levels of Daos, but it was just an idea.


    ��You said earlier that I have blurred the lines?�� Zac hesitantly said. ��What did you mean by that?��


    ��In your case, you are forming a technique, where most of your inspirationes from your Daos,�� Pavina exined. ��There��s not anything inherently wrong with that, but your foundations arecking. It��s making you create inefficient movements and techniques. If you don��t shore up the foundations withbat theory, your technique will end up with too many exploitable ws that will be difficult to fix without reforming the whole stance over and over.��


    ��You��re saying should improve my skills and technique first, and integrate my Daoter?�� Zac asked with a thoughtful frown.


    He had always thought his method was the way to go, where he slowly improved hisbat style by drawing inspiration from his Daos and his path. But from how Pavina described it, he had been putting the cart before the horse to some degree.


    ��Have I been wasting my time?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��You��re just a child, so how much time could you possibly have wasted?�� Pavinaughed. ��You have created a decent foundation, and your style of self-discovery will aid you immensely down the road, where more orthodox cultivators will run into roadblocks. However, you are creating extra work for yourself. That might be fine on the outside, but here in the Orom World? Or with the deadline with my Master?��


    ��Right now, you are trying to integrate your Daos and path into yourbat style, but your stances are still not mature enough to properly bear their weight. Especially not your Dao Branch. So every time you gain an epiphany or deepen your understanding ofbat, you both need to alter yourbat style, and then figure out how to properly integrate your Dao into the equation.


    ��Continuous improvements are a given on the road of cultivation. But if you first reach a point where you master your weapons and yourself, you will waste less time infusing your insights and reiterating,�� Pavina patiently concluded. ��Simply put, you know too little of basicbat theory to efficiently integrate your Dao. You need to learn to walk before you can run.��


    Pavina��s words perfectly echoed what Kaldor said before he threw Zac out of his castle. Had the Izh��Rak Reaver actually spotted this weakness somehow? Had Kaldor watched his fights in the Arena, perhaps? Until now, Zac had held some reservations to what this newly minted Monarch was saying, but his instincts now told him that what she said was mostly correct.


    And this basic truth wasn��t something that would change because of his zero affinities or dual sses.


    You could liken forming a stance to building a house. Right now, he was essentially ripping parts off from ceiling down to foundation every time he found some issue, which caused a ripple effect of issues cropping up. Pavina wanted him to firsty a solid foundation so that any future improvements would require less invasive adjustments.


    This was both good news and bad news. The bad was that he seemed to have wasted some time over the past years. The good news was that he had still made enough progress to shock most Hegemons, even while following his imperfect training methodology. If he adapted his learning style, he might make even quicker gains going forward, which was great news considering how much he had on his te.


    ��In particr, your control of those chains of yours is atrocious,�� Pavina added, dragging Zac out from his thoughts.


    ��I used a shield in the F-grade,�� Zac wryly smiled. ��I swapped over to this for various reasons.��


    ��An armament box is preferable to a shield for an offensively geared warrior like yourself,�� Pavina nodded. ��But your understanding of how to use it isughably shallow.��


    ��Armament box?�� Zac asked with confusion. ��The coffin?��


    ��Armaments or Weapon Boxes are an interesting but slightly umon subdivision of weaponry,�� Pavina exined. ��They take many shapes, but they can most easily be likened to Mother-Daughter arrays. The box is the mother, and what it releases are the daughters. In your case, it��s a coffin and chains. But it can be anything from a sheath and flying swords to a hive and millions of poisonous insects.��


    Zac knew of the concept, and he had even seen it a few times. But like Pavina said, it wasn��t thatmon a method, mostly because they had high demands on the user. Shooting out a thousand flying swords from a jumbo sheath had the potential to unleash terrifying waves of destruction, but that was only if you could properly control and empower them.


    Not only did it require much more energy to keep going than a singr weapon, but it also put greater demands on your soul. Furthermore, while more units might mean more theoretical power, the risk of inadvertently creating an opening due to theplexity increased. This had be painfully apparent in his fight with Pavina, where the chains ultimately caused more trouble than they helped.


    ��Can you teach me?�� Zac asked with some hope.


    ��I am hesitant to directly teach you any techniques,�� Pavina rejected. ��Your cultivation method is one of self-discovery, and me influencing your path will do you no good. I can help you point out the weaknesses in your basicbat theory through dueling, but you will have to find the solutions yourself.��


    Zac nodded. He was somewhat disappointed, but he knew it might be for the best. However, there was one part he didn��t quite get. ��How does holding back my breakthrough factor into this?��


    ��Breaking through right now will not aid you in the short term. If anything, the small boost of strength the prison brand will allow you to keep will be a crutch as you strive to improve yourself, hindering progress,�� the Revenant said. ��But also, it is theoretically easier to step into the integration stage the lower your Daos are.��


    ��The moment your foundation is set and you have had some initial sess with integrating your Dao, then you can form your second Dao Branch. Infusing the new insights into your technique will be far easier than forming your Dao Branch first and then infusing it. It might save you months, years even. Besides, following the standard path, your Dao Branch will likely be better in tune with your desired oue.��


    Zac felt immensely lucky he had stumbled onto this opportunity. He had consulted over two dozen cultivators in this ce over the past years, but no one, not even Travo Raso, had been nearly as helpful as Pavina had. Not since taking Yrial as a master had he received such incisive guidance on how to improve and climb out of the pitfalls he had inadvertently jumped into.


    ��Incidentally, if youplete the Formation Stage and have initial sess with your integration, you should be able to pass the fourth band of the Wilderness,�� Pavina said.


    ��There should be stages after integration?�� Zac asked curiously, considering integration only seemed to take you so far.


    ��Of course,�� Pavina nodded. ��After integrationes conception, where the perfect fusion of technique and Dao gives birth to something greater than the sum of its parts. It will allow you to bring forth might that rival that of skills with a simple swing of your de. Add Miasma to the equation�� and few will be your match.��


    ��How many bands would someone that mastered the conception stage walk?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Mastered the conception stage?�� Pavina snorted with disdain. ��Even an early Monarch would be able to walk freely in the wilderness.��


    ��What?!�� Zac eximed. ��That powerful? Then it��s the peak of technique?��


    ��Not at all,�� Pavina said. ��But it��s enough to be a foundation when confirming your Dao. But it is not the end. The next stage after conception is the Domain of Worldly Laws, but it requires an extremely deep understanding of the Dao.��


    ��Worldlyws���� Zac muttered. ��So all Divine Monarchs have mastered the Conception Stage?��


    ��There are innumerable too many paths to power. Altogether, I��d say that less than 1% of all Divine Monarchs have mastered the Conception Stage,�� Pavina smiled. ��For example, mages generally don��t train in this way. It��s mostly infighters who follow this path, and many of us don��t even put that much weight into integrating their Dao with their technique.��


    ��But if it provides that much power,�� Zac hesitated.


    ��It��s a matter of time investedpared to what you get in return,�� Pavina exined. ��You should have realized this while traveling the Orom World. Elevating technique doesn��te easy to most people, while you appear to be decently talented in this regard. Most are better off working on other methods to improve themselves. Bloodlines and constitutions, Domains and Intent. Body Refinement, Soul Cultivation, Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization, and Mystical Calction. These are just a few. Many ns, sects, and factions have their own unique abilities that will help their members on the road of cultivation.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac recognized some of the methods Pavina listed, but not all. The list almost felt overwhelming, considering it proved there were so many ways he could still improve in his current grade.


    ��Supportive professions and methods such as formations, divination, poison mastery, trapping, beast mastery are others. Your utilization of a supportive armament could be considered such a path,�� the Revenant added. ��So just a few of all Monarchs focus on perfecting technique. But all Divine Monarchs have inherently entered the integration stage based on their understanding of the Dao alone.��


    ��So many methods,�� Zac muttered with dismay.


    ��It��s not like you��re supposed to study them all. As I said, there are many roads to power. What are you going to do? Cut yourself into pieces so you can walk them all?�� Pavina snorted. ��Even if you��re supremely talented, you have to discard some and focus on those that bring the most value for the time invested.��


    ��For example, what if you grew another arm? In theory, it��s another limb to hit your enemies with, so shouldn��t you grow it? What about 5 arms? One hundred? Cultivation isn��t just about adding new tools to your belt,�� the Revenant exined.


    ��But the Heavenly Talents have moreyers of advantagespared to normal people,�� Zac said.


    ��Of course,�� Pavina nodded. ��Otherwise, they wouldn��t be Heavenly Talents. Background, talent, opportunity. It all ys a factor in how many unique advantages you can umte into one path. But an understanding of one��s self is the most important in reaching the greatest heights. Too many geniuses find themselves stuck too early.


    ��They consider themselves the proud sons of the Nine Heavens and integrate one grand heritage or concept after another into their path. Eventually, their baggage bes too heavy, and their cores or inner worlds fail to contain it all,�� Pavina smiled. ��Then again, those who don��t take risks will never stand out from the masses. And out of hundreds of trillions of geniuses who risk it all, a Supremacy might be born.��


    Zac slowly nodded as he took a deep breath to clear his mind. The A-grade was too far away for him to even consider, and his thoughts turned to his options for getting stronger over the next three years.


    It was also just like Pavina said. Cultivation wasn��t just about adding new tools to his belt. He had so many things to work on, from his soul cultivation, to Daos, to his technique. He��d die an old man in the E-grade if he strove to perfect every single facet, so there wasn��t a need to add anything more at this point.


    ��So, what do you rmend I do?�� Zac eventually asked after having digested Pavina��s teachings. ��Return to the second band, and fight without instilling my Daos and technique?��


    ��If you feel that perfecting yourbat technique is the best way to spend your time, then you need to first shore up your foundations. Let me ask you, have you upgraded your mastery skill?�� Pavina asked.


    ��Uh���� Zac coughed, having pretty much forgotten about those skills.


    ��I thought so. Felt too talented for the basic courses, eh?�� Pavina grinned. ��I could sense that you have [Axe Mastery] at least, which probably is why your axework is far superior to the control of your chains. Go evolve your [Axe Mastery] and then buy [Armament Mastery] if you have an avable slot. Come back when both are Middle E-grade Proficiency. I��ll spar with you again at that point.��


    ��Thank you so much,�� Zac said as he stood up, realizing the session was over.


    ��Those small suggestions can��t be considered anything much,�� Pavinaughed. ��You��d get the same advice in any sect or n.��


    ��Still, it was helpful to me,�� Zac said. ��I��ll remember the favor.��


    From there, he left, immediately heading for Samsara��s Edge. Five dayster he emerged from the Contribution Store with a skill crystal containing [Armament Mastery]. He hesitated a bit, but he eventually went into one of the empty houses to learn the skill. The reason for his hesitation was that [Armament Mastery] actually took up the same spot as the peak proficiency [Bulwark Mastery], forcing him to give up on the old skill to learn the new.


    Zac quickly shook off the hesitation and rebranded the skill. He had already made his decision long ago, and all of his shield-based skills except [Vanguard of Undeath] were gone. That skill would eventually make the transition as well, as soon as he decided on exactly how he wanted to reform it. He had held off until now, as the way he fought using Inexorable Stance kept changing.


    Hopefully, he would find the answer for that issue as well as he progressed toward the integration stage.


    A wave of nostalgia hit him as the familiar guiding lights appeared in his vision as he activated the new skill, this time pathing trajectories for the chains of his recement coffin. It was just like when he learned the basics of swinging his hatchet back on Demon Ind, lost and alone in a forest crawling with Barghest, Gwyllgi, and Imps.


    Zac only yed with the skill for a few minutes before teleporting to the Wilderness, but he chose to enter the first band. His meeting had been a wake-up call. It was time to build the foundation that would take him all the way to Divine Monarchy and beyond.

 Chapter 813: Technique

    Chapter 813: Technique


    The chains of [Chainbox], the working name of Zac��s spare coffin, caused the whole ravine to be drowned in a raucous rattling which was continuously reinforced and multiplicated by the iron-rich cliffs to his sides. The mor was almost at the level of a mental attack by this point, but Zac barely noticed it as he focused on perfecting his control over his armament.


    Fifty meters away from him, a harried mountain rat with metal ting desperately tried to break out from its besiegement, but the four chains of [Chainbox] caused an inescapable around the bison-sized critter. A few of the shing sounds of metal against metal came from the links mming into the damaged scales, but most of the sounds actually came from the chains colliding with each other.


    Looking back at his fight with Pavina month ago, Zac almost wanted to dig a ditch and hide in it out of shame. He had been so full of vigor, feeling like he was inching closer and closer to the true meaning of inexorability, a restrictive stance that embodied Death and Conflict. But all the while, he had used his chains, a majorponent of restricting and seizing the momentum, like a iling orangutang.


    It also made him want to apologize to Alea for wasting such a precious resource. Unfortunately, she was still in a passive state as she hung from his neck. Even now, yearster, Zac had no idea what was going on. For all he knew, she was still absorbing the massive amounts of energies she swallowed from Uona, along with the purifier ball she ate just as they entered the Void.


    It was also possible she hadpleted the absorption already, but that her evolution was restricted by the Orom. Zac could probably break the seal on the ne with his Void Energy, but he didn��t dare in case it would hurt Alea��s progress. He would have to wait and find out when he got out of this ce. For now, [Chainbox] would have to do.


    He had always considered the chains to be a flexible addition to his repertoire, but within a limit. He could control their force and direction, which pretty much made him consider them as mobile spears he could stab into his enemies. If the target was weakened enough that Zac believed the chains would hold, he could bind them.


    But that was barely scratching the surface.


    Over the past month, he had gone through innumerable variations with his chains as he walked through the early reaches of the first band. He had exclusively focused on mastering his armament as he evolved his newly acquired mastery skill, and he only used his axe when out of options. Over thest three days, he had only been forced to do so four times.


    It didn��t seem like much considering he was fighting the weakest of all the beasts in the Wilderness, Zac knew it was a huge aplishment. After all, he didn��t use his Daos, and neither did he use any skills. He simply followed the various concepts hidden inside [Armament Mastery] to take out beasts with twice his attributes. He had soaked up the teachings like a sponge, rapidly turning them into something practical and deadly.


    Zac had first been worried that he would have to scrap the Inexorable Stance altogether to fix its underlying issues, but that wasn��t the case. He simply put aside the concepts of death and conflict for a moment, and instead focused on the underlying theory. Trajectories, movements, pathing, tempo, momentum.


    One by one, these concepts were rehauled as [Armament Mastery] went from Early to high mastery, and Zac was shocked to see how much his lethality improved. The first few days, every single beast had managed to break out from the proverbial cage of chains, but they were increasingly finding themselves helpless against Zac��s techniques.


    He had also used the Peak-Proficiency [Axe Mastery] a bit between fights to give himself a refresher course to see if he had missed something. Looking at it with a fresh set of eyes after having worked on a technique of his own, he was both embarrassed and delighted to see how many insights were hidden in the seemingly simple swings.


    It wasn��t just about the Dao of the Axe, and neither were the ever-flowing set of attacks empty receptacles to be filled with his Daos to reach the Integration Stage. It was like every marked-out trajectory contained a lesson on everything from tactics to momentum, if you knew to listen. They were unsullied by outside concepts, unblemished by biases or the influence of sses or anything else.


    The rat screeched with helpless frustration as it swirled andshed its tail at one of the chains that slithered around it like a snake. The collision pushed the chain away, mming it into a second. However, with a small mental nudge from Zac, this transfer of momentum allowed him to alter the trajectory of the second chain.


    The chain that had previously just stopped the rat from escaping took a sharp turn. With the boost of speed from the rat��s attack, it shot forward, piercing straight into the eye of the beast as itpleted its swipe. It was almost like the rat had given the push then delivered itself to be ughtered, but the truth wasn��t so simple.


    Zac felt the minute influx of energy as he reyed the battle in his mind. The chains were not separate entities, they were one. There was always cause and effect, where even the enemy was bing a part of the method. This method of control was the greatest takeaway over the past month, and it was what had skyrocketed his efficiency with his chains.


    The chains were only so nimble, but a simple collision could change everything. It could allow a sharp turn, block strikes by shifting a part of the chain into position, and create a general pressure through constant changes and variations. Before, Zac had almost only focused on the end-point of the chains, but now the whole length was fast bing an instrument to be manipted.


    There were an endless number of patterns that could spring from simple collisions between the four chains he used. Different types of collisions caused different effects, and you could create a chain reaction that became harder and harder to anticipate for the target. And all this could be further manipted by Zac infusing energy into the chains, retracting, extending, turning, and empowering them.


    This ability bordered into the techniques of some types of mages, who created inescapables of death by nning dozens of steps ahead like in a chess game. Zac had no goal to take this theory to its limits though, and he was happy if he could smoothly generate 2-step attacks like the one that killed the steel rat. Any more than that, and the patterns would be tooplex for him to manage.


    After all, his axework was ultimately the main driving force in hisbat style, and he had no interest in changing that up. But as long as he had the mental capability and energy reserves to add something to hisbat stance to make it more lethal, why not? Especially when the chains tied into his Dao and his skills.


    Zac soon enough found another target to hunt, this time a group of three stocky lizards that might as well have been dinosaurs considering their three-meter length. His hair danced from the wind the four chains kicked up as they shot forward, instantly putting the three animals at the defensive. The ttering sounds of chains once more echoed through the mountainous regions, intermingled with the angry roars of the beasts.


    Fighting and restraining three beasts were far more difficult, but Zac had be a lot more skilled in restraining without actually binding someone. The moment one of the beasts tried to break away, one of its brethren stumbled into him, tripped up by a sneaky chain or trying to avoid a strike at their vitals.


    Meanwhile, the third one was forced to move so that its body became a barrier when the beast got ready to rush out again. This was the kind of restriction he aimed for, and he wasn��t even using his Daos to aplish it. If he wanted, Zac could have pushed [Armament Mastery] to peak mastery in a few days, but he had wanted topletely digest every piece of information.


    The goal during this outing wasn��t simply to maximize his lethality and push deeper into the wilderness. It was to aplish his goals with the smallest possible investment, just like how Pavina had created wonders with her minute movements. The fights over the past month made Zac truly appreciate what Kaldor and Pavina meant by saying he needed to learn to walk before he could run.


    Apart from leaving hidden ws in his technique, he had been wasting so much energy and effort by trying to solve every little thing through his understanding of the Dao. Revisiting the Mastery-skills made him realize that he was dreadfully inefficient in this manner. Some things did not need a fancy solution.


    His fight with Adcarkas had been eye-opening, where he for the first time saw true integration of Dao into movements. But it had also saddled him with some bad habits. In a sense, it was like taking a helicopter to your next-door neighbor to borrow a cup of sugar. It technically worked, but it was way too much work.


    Zac had ample stores of both Miasma and Mental Energy to bear this kind of inefficiency, this wasn��t just about energy conservation. It was more about time management. The more he could aplish with small actions during a fight, the bigger the time window he would have to unleash his skills or killing blows.


    One beast after another fell, leaving Zac thest man standing. It was time. He could feel the build-up in the skill fractal in his chest, and Zac rushed toward the hidden site he had prepared.


    Over thest few days, he had been essentially walking in a circle in the mountain range. In the middle of the circle, he had prepared a cultivation cave where he could reach Peak Mastery of [Armament Mastery] in peace. Soon enough, he reached the secluded cave, and he activated the set of arrays he had arranged beforehand.


    The cave was sealed, and the chance of any beast finding this ce in the next couple of weeks was extremely small, let alone the few hours he needed to undergo the vision. After lighting up three sticks of incense, Zac sat down on his prayer mat, no longer holding back the breakthrough.


    A momentter, his vision changed, and Zac saw an elderly man walking up a lush mountain with a weave basket on his back. Out of the forest, six masked men suddenly jumped out, clearly full of ill intent. Just as they were about to decapitate the old man, the lid to the basket rose and arge wooden hand emerged, blocking


    The hand wasn��t something born from nature like the hand of [Arcadia��s Judgement]. It was rather meticulously carved and painted to almost look like the real thing. After the hand, anky figure emerged from the basket, stepping out in front of the old man. It was a six-armed demon, where two hands held stakes and another two hammers.


    The demon suddenly flew forward with such speed it almost looked like teleportation, driving a stake through the head of one of the assants, its jab dreadfully quick. Two of the masked attackers tried to circumvent the demon, but Zac was surprised to see them suddenly falling down as their bodies were cleanly cut apart. Only then did Zac notice the dozens of nigh-invisible strings that ran from the basket to the demon.


    After a few seconds, all the attackers were dead, and the demon separated into thirty smaller parcels that flew back into the basket as the old man continued on his journey.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The next scene depicted a warrior with a scarred marble statue on his back. Embedded in it were eight weapons, each one unique of a distinct design. One by one they were dragged out and flew off to fight the cultivator��s enemies, the des working together as smoothly as a professional hunting party.


    One such scene reced the next, and Zac��s horizons kept getting wider as he saw one odd method rece another. He saw puppeteers, insect controllers, armorers, array masters, and all kinds of unique fighting styles. Mages who had somehow pre-stored spells in a backpack, poison masters who unleashed unholy mixtures upon their surroundings, there seemed to be no limit to what was possible with armaments.


    Some of the techniques were only tenously rted to his coffin-and-chainsbination, but they did still disy how one should fight using the mother-daughter weapon type. Most of the cultivators he saw had their armament as main weapon, while some used it like zac, to reinforce orplement their main attack.


    Out of all the visions, the one that Zac felt most familiar with depicted a reptilian man using two tulwars as main weapons. On his back, a beautiful set of steel wings hung, where thergest feathers at the edge could detach from the wings and be controlled. They were razor-sharp, like small knives that cut through the air, tormenting the reptilian��s enemies from the nks while he unleashed a storm of carnage with his swords.


    Zac eventually woke up, but he didn��t immediately move out. Instead, he sat in his cave, ruminating over his Inexorable Stance. What should it look like? Even now, he wasn��t thinking in conceptual terms like the inevitability of death, but in simpler terms.


    What kind of technique should he strive for? What kind of footwork? What roles should the chains ultimately have? What kind of strikes should he use with his axe? Should he battle head-on, or adapt a style of quick strikes before creating distance? Had he gone wrong anywhere with what he had built so far, focusing on Dao more than on himself?


    Ten days passed until Zac finally opened his eyes again, and he immediately exited his cave. He could spot a beast in the distance, but he didn��t bother with it, instead making a beeline in the direction of the second band with the help of [Abyssal Phase]. Two dayster, he had found a target at the edge of the second band; a 2-meter tall macaque surrounded by arcs of lightning.


    It was one of the rulers of the first zone of the wilderness, a perfect sparring partner to put histest theories to the test. The primate immediately rushed forward, and a wave of lightning shot toward Zac. He used one of his chains to soak up the lightning and disperse it into the ground while the other three continued toward the beast.


    This time, Zac went forward as well, and the arcs of blue lightning were reflected in his axehead as he swung his weapon in a seemingly straightforward arc. But while it wasn��t imbued with the concepts of death or his Branch of the War Axe Zac had infused into the Inexorable Stance before, it still managed to leave a deep wound in the primate��s chest. It was like his swing was invisible to the hulking monkey.


    The effect wasn��t thanks to superior attributes or the Dao, but rather due to the smart usage of his chains. While one chain was dealing with the lightning, the other three instead targeted the beast. Through constant collisions with each other, the ground, and the animal��s razor-sharp ws, they formed a confusing tangle that could deliver a strike from seemingly any direction.


    This alone forced the beast to spread its awareness, not only targeting the undead warrior in front of it. Finally, a snap from two chains colliding right by the animal��s right ear, followed by a swipe against its right haunches, provided a short window of opportunity where the left side of its chest was wide open.


    The monkey instantly realized its mistake, but it was toote. It only managed to generate a lightning field to protect itself, but Zac��s powerful strike still managed to leave a grievous wound almost unopposed. After delivering such a strike, it was just a matter of time before the primate fell.


    He had actually managed to reach the edge of the first band without using any skills or Daos. Of course, this aplishment was not just thanks to [Armament Mastery]. Most of his strength ultimately came from the past two years of refining his technique, even if his method had been a bit inefficient.


    The kind of trickery with sounds and feints that tricked the macaque would be less useful against a hardened veteran, but it was a proof of concept that he could create a very simr effect to his old Inexorable Stance without even infusing any of his Daos into his technique. It was akin to creating a restrictive formation with the help of the constantly moving chains.


    As long as he integrated his Dao insights into his current stance, it should reach apletely new level of power. But Zac shook his head, ignoring the voices tempting in the back of his head. Instead, he left the Wilderness, heading for the skill upgrading chambers in Samsara��s Edge.


    It was time to enter phase two of his training.

 Chapter 814: Mastery

    Chapter 814: Mastery


    Zac appeared in the teleporter of Samsara��s Edge with a sh of light, and he settled inside one of the empty buildings as took out an information crystal. It was a short missive on mastery skills, something he had picked up for 150 Purchase Points when buying the [Armament Mastery] skill. Even now, he hadn��t actually read it, afraid that its contents would influence his training right when he was at the beginning of learning.


    Now that he had reached peak mastery he didn��t have those reservations any longer, so he curiously read through the materials. Most of the missive was a list of different categories of mastery skills, along with examples. There were a lot more types of mastery skills than he had expected. They included not only weaponry, but also all kinds of arcane specialties and crafts.


    Thetter, unfortunately, only worked for nonbat sses though, dashing Zac��s hopes of an easily-acquired skill like alchemy or cksmithing.


    The most relevant part of the missive rted to upgrades, and it was quite straightforward. The consensus was that the Mastery Skills weren��t technically true skills. They didn��t contain the essence behind the teachings, and it was more urate to consider them daughter arrays to the System. Therefore, the only step needed to upgrade the skills was to increase the detail of the pathways, and he already knew how to do that.


    However, the missive also included an extremely interesting snippet of information, something which confirmed a suspicion of his. Mastery skills had two empty sockets, where one was rmended to leave a pattern representing one��s Daos. That meant, he could leave two marks of his Dao Branch in [Axe Mastery], and the impartments would be slightly adjusted to suit his vor of axe usage.


    The same could be said for his armament mastery, but that was where Zac became a bit hesitant. He hadn��t spent much time as a humantely, and his Evolutionary Stance had fallen even further behind. However, he couldn��t help but wonder if the addition of an armament wouldn��t help elevate that stance as well.


    He had the skill already, and the ability to make something of it. Using a coffin and chains might not be the optimal route for his human side, but the vision from [Armament Mastery] had shown that only one��s imagination limited what kind of armaments could be created. Perhaps something like vines?


    Would it be a mistake, locking the mastery skill to his Fragment of the Coffin? Should he avoid attunement altogether, or should he bnce the skill fractal out with the Fragment of the Bodhi? Part of him wanted to return to Pavina and confer with her on this matter. But he didn��t, his hesitation about divulging his duality keeping him at an impasse.


    Ultimately, he decided to add his Life-based Dao to the skill fractal. He��d had constantly been going over his stances over the past month, and the more he thought about it, the more sense it made to mirror his two sides. He had ultimately returned to the basics, but some things wouldn��t change with his path.


    One stance represented change and breaking fate, the other stillness and inevitability. One side was Death, the other Life. Evolution and Inexorability, these two represented pr opposites that would grow over time, until they reached the highest domain.


    Zac felt that his two sides needed to stay aligned, even if their core values were each other��s opposites. Like yin and yang. For while the two stances were separate right now, Zac had the notion of fusing the two into one supreme path through conflict down the road.


    Having arrived at this conclusion, Zac immediately set out, filled with motivation as he entered the facilities at the edge of the city. He booked an unattuned cultivation chamber, which was a higher-quality version of the [Fractal Framework Array]. Unfortunately, there were no attuned life-death chambers in this ce, so Zac would have to do it on his own.


    Zac took out two attuned natural treasures just in case he needed some liquid inspiration, but Zac didn��t think it would be required. The array hummed to life, and he infused the skill fractal of [Armament Mastery] into arge crystal in the center of the room. At the same time, he felt a soothing stream of pure Mental Energy seep into his soul while his thoughts became as clear as crystal, proof of the high quality of the chamber.


    Things progressed as expected over the next few hours. The basic patterns of the skill fractal were as simple as they came, barely at the level of a low-quality skill. Most of the effort was spent adding two Dao arrays to the skill fractal. The patterns were a simplified manifestation of his Daos, their appearance based on the two Dao Avatars in his Soul Aperture.


    The two trees, one radiant and the other withered with the coffin hanging from its only branch, were now residing on one of the outer cores each. The axe avatar that looked like himself had once more taken its ce on the main core, and its eyes were closed in meditation.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Eventually, the upgrade process wasplete, and Zac eagerly returned the skill fractal into his pathways before opening his Skill Screen.


    [E] Armament Mastery (Bodhi & Coffin) �C Proficiency: Early. The seed is nted as you strive for mastery. Upgradeable.


    The skill was still upgradeable, though Zac read in the missive that D-grade was thest stage of the skill. After that, you would have to search for answers yourself, which Zac figured was fair enough. A Monarch really should be at the stage where they knew what to do. The two Daos he had instilled into the skill were listed as well, proving his infusion had worked.


    Zac hesitated a bit with his next step, but he ultimately chose to leave the chamber and transform into his human form elsewhere, before renting another upgrade chamber.


    This time, he was nning on upgrading [Axe Mastery], but he was a bit hesitant on how to form the patterns for his Dao Branch. It felt weird trying to draw a small version of himself, like how his Dao Avatar looked. Ultimately, Zac created two different patterns, each one looking like one of the two axes his avatar used as he swapped between forms.


    The upgrade went without any surprises, and he immediately returned to his temporary home in the city. Full of curiosity, he activated [Axe Mastery], and he saw the familiar trajectories appear in the living room. Zac started following the guidance, but a frown eventually appeared on his face after a couple of minutes.


    The proposed trajectories were identical to when he used the Peak Mastery F-grade skill. There was nothing new that was shown. Zac thought it over before he infused the fractal with his Branch of the War Axe, and he nodded in satisfaction when they changed. Exactly how the strikes differed were a bit hard to pinpoint, but as he went through the motions, they felt extremelyfortable.


    That didn��t mean the old trajectories were bad or anything. It was like the difference between wearing a nice-fitting suit and a tailored one. But having taken a shortcut into the Integration Stage once already, Zac could tell this wasn��t the same thing. While there were echoes of his Dao behind the small alterations, the swings were still just normal techniques.


    The more he followed the patterns, the clearer it became. The mastery skill showed a shadow of the Integration Stage, where pure technique had started getting influenced by heavenly truths. Even if there was just a hint of it inside the swings, Zac was ecstatic, as he instantly detected a few mistakes he hadmitted with his old integration of the Evolutionary Stance.


    But Zac believed that as long as he managed to grasp these differences and the underlying reasons behind them, he would not only have an easier time integrating his Daos in the future, but also understand his Dao better. He tried imbuing his other two Daos Fragments into the skill fractal as well, but unsurprisingly, he was met with resistance before it failed. He had branded the fractals with his Daos, and the others wouldn��t work anymore.


    He kept experimenting with the two skills for two days until he returned to the wilderness in his undead form, this time starting from the second band.


    Zac was no longer solely focusing on the chains as he began histest assault on the wildlife, but he was rather integrating what he had learned over thest month into his reformed Inexorable Stance. It mostly went fine, but he found himself unable topletely utilize all the tricks he had picked up from [Armament Mastery].


    There were simply too many variables to control. Himself and his axe, along with the constantly moving chains. That alone was hard enough to keep track of. Add to that one or multiple enemies, most of which wouldn��t react as one hoped. Thankfully, there was ample room for improvement.


    The more he fought, the more the lessons from [Armament Mastery] were elevated from being a mastered ability into instinct that required no thought. One day, theplex movements would hopefully be second nature to him, so that he could solely focus on his axe and his enemy.


    The days passed as he moved across the second band of the Wilderness. He didn��t move past the midpoint, content in fighting the earlier parts. This time around, he asionally swapped over to his human side to reference the teachings hidden inside the E-grade [Axe Mastery]. Unsurprisingly, it was also this skill that first reached middle proficiency after just two weeks.


    It had roughly been eight years since the integration by now, and he reached Peak Proficiency of the F-grade [Axe Mastery] during the first year, inside the Tower of Eternity. Since then, he had continued improving his axework on his own, and he had already discovered most of the lessons in the upgraded version of the mastery skill through battle.


    Some discoveries allowed him to advance his techniques, but reaching middle mastery was mostly about gaining a deeper understanding of many things he was already doing by instinct. After having reached middle mastery of [Axe Mastery] he focused more on his other mastery skill.


    Of course, Zac��s true goal wasn��t to evolve these skills. It was to improve his techniques, so most of his time was spent inbat or meditation where he inched closer to perfection. Because of that, it took another two months before he reached middle mastery of [Armament Mastery] and managed to infuse the concepts into his Inexorable Stance.


    A lot of time had passed already since epting the quest, but Zac wasn��t stressed at all about not having returned to the third band all this time. He knew just how much he had improved over these four months. He would be able to push deep, deep into the third band by the time he returned, perhaps even conquer the whole thing. But for now, he left the Wilderness to visit his new teacher.


    ��You��re back,�� Pavina nodded when Zac finally returned to her mansion. ��Close to four months. Not too long, not too short. Interesting. Come, show me what you��ve learned.��


    Zac immediately shot forward once more, the chains of [Chainbox] forming a strangling tangle of cold hard metal while he rushed straight for the Revenant herself. Pavina smiled as she looked around, and she started to once more sh with the chains to force her momentum on her surroundings.


    However, Zac was like the surging tides as he unleashed a ceaseless barrage of strikes. Every time Pavina flicked one of the chains, another one came to the rescue by offsetting the momentum she created. Even then, Zac found himself overwhelmed, even if Pavina only used techniques equivalent to the Formation Stage.


    Still, he managed to hold on for almost 20 seconds before he found a finger pointed against his heart as she broke through his defenses, forcing an opening when he tried tond a strike with his axe.


    ��Continue,�� Pavina said as she took a step back, and the two resumed their duel without missing a beat.


    Last time, their sparring session didn��t evenst two minutes. But this time, they fought for half an hour. Even though Zac gradually improved as he got used to fighting a person rather than a bunch of beasts, Pavina managed tond a strike at his vitals almost fifty times.


    ��Not too bad,�� Pavina nodded as the two stopped. ��While four months is too short to make any real progress with your armament, they are no longer an active hindrance, at least. Rest an hour, then we duel again.��


    Zac nodded in thanks. Herment wasn��t the real teaching, it was the duel itself. Every time she had tapped his vitals she had pointed out a ring weakness in his stance. He closed his eyes and reyed the fight in his mind, going over every single moment in search of solutions. Just like she said thest time, he would have to find the answers himself.


    Soon enough, Zac stood up and started to slowly swing his axe as the chains drew graceful arcs through the air. In his mind, he once more saw Pavina��s hand heading for his heart, and he shifted his weight while the chains moved to intercept. However, he soon stopped with a shake of his head and reset his position, trying something else.


    His first response would have solved the attack if it was static, but it wasn��t like Pavina wouldn��t adapt and change her attack if he directly tried to block. Over and over, he reyed that first hit, not only going over his measures but how the Revnenat would respond. Eventually, he found a solution as he managed to force a situation of mutual destruction, where his chains would have pierced her gut if she went through with the strike.


    From there, Zac would have seized the momentum, where he could strike her down with his axe before she could attack again. In this manner, Zac went through the whole battle one exchange after another, trying various things to solve the most ring issues that Pavina had pointed out. The Revenant Monarch didn��t offer any further advice, and she had closed her eyes in meditation while Zac entered an almost magical state where he knew no exhaustion.


    Eventually, he had found solutions for all the strikes Pavina unleashed, though they were still just theories that needed to be tested and confirmed. He stopped swinging his weapon and turned to Pavina, who eventually opened her eyes and leveled an even stare at him.


    ��I��m sorry, how long was I doing this?�� Zac coughed, realizing he hadpletely lost track of time.


    ��Three,�� Pavina sighed.


    ��Three hours?�� Zac muttered. ��It actually felt like long-��


    ��Three weeks, you lunatic,�� Pavina said with a roll of her eyes. ��What kind of person overshoots their one-hour deadline by over five hundred hours?!��


    ��What?�� Zac eximed as he looked around.


    ��I must be a more talented teacher than I thought with how I managed to inspire an epiphany,�� Pavina smiled, clearly not as annoyed as she pretended. ��Well, luckily I wasn��t in a hurry. Come, let��s see if your bout of inspiration bore any fruit.��


    The two battled again, and while he was still essentially toyed with, Zac managed to stretch the time between hits by another fifteen seconds.


    ��Not bad. It seems this path is right for you,�� Pavina eventually nodded. ��Go ahead, figure out the kinks somewhere else. Come back when you��ve reached high mastery with the two skills.��


    ��When can I start properly integrating my Dao again?�� Zac asked before he left.


    ��After you��ve reached Peak Mastery of the two skills and consolidated what you��ve learned,�� Pavina said without hesitation. ��Now, go.��


    ��Alright, thank you again. I��ll see you in a few months,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Bring something to drink the next time, will you?�� Pavina said. ��Common courtesy.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac hurriedly nodded as he took out a couple of barrels from his stock. It was lucky that more than half of the Spatial Rings he had snatched in the Void contained liquor, with how thirsty all the residents of the Orom World were. Otherwise, he would have run out long ago.


    Zac exited the mansion, leaving the Revenant standing by her meditation spot, her eyes fixed on Zac��s receding back.


    ��Absolute monster���� Pavina muttered with shock evident in her eyes. ��What kind of progress is this? Is this the Heritage of Draug? But why is his spirituality so faint?��

 Chapter 815: Vivi

    Chapter 815: Vivi


    With the ws in his training method corrected, Zac returned to the routine where he rotated between wanton ughter in the Wilderness, duels in the arena, and short periods of secluded cultivation. Part of him wanted to rush toward the peak with the two E-grade mastery skills and conquer the third band, but he reined himself in.


    The first month after his second duel with Pavina he made good progress as he gradually patched up the mistakes she had pointed out. This time, it took a bit more time, since he wasn��t able to enter that marvelous state he had enjoyed after they met. However, problems arrived when he hadpleted the fixes and strove to move forward with the new teachings in the Middle Proficiency mastery skills.


    Zac was continuously beset with the impression he was missing something, like something was holding him back. At first, the feeling was just a small annoyance, like a fly buzzing around his head. Zac figured it was because it simply was bing harder and harder to incorporate the techniques.


    After reaching Middle Mastery, the trajectories and strikes the skills showcased became even more sublime. They didn��t only exact extreme requirements on force and momentum, but there was something ethereal about them, something that defied being grasped easily. It was like every swing contained thousands of variations, and every time he performed the attacks Zac sensed something different.


    Sometimes, the sensation left him with more questions than answers, and he often found himself stuck at an impasse. However, while the difficulty was quickly ramping up, he did ultimately make steady progress. The feeling of mismatch, of his stance being iplete, seemed to stem from something else.


    Eventually, the feeling became so palpable that he chose to return to Pavina before evolving his mastery skills tote proficiency. This time, she didn��t have any easy solutions, even after fighting for half an hour.


    ��How odd,�� Pavina muttered after they finished their sparring session. ��I cannot discern what the source of your hesitation is. There are still weaknesses in your stance, but that is to be expected. I don��t get the sense ofcking that you mention.��


    ��So I should just ignore it?�� Zac asked hesitantly. ��Is it just in my head?��


    ��No,�� Pavina said. ��You should trust your instincts in cases like this. Me not understanding the issue doesn��t mean it��s not there. I am just an outsider, and cultivation is ultimately a personal journey. You are still ahead of schedule. I suggest you slow down and search for answers before moving forward. You might have missed something.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac slowly nodded.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He returned to the wilderness, trying to find the answer to his problems through battle, but the more he fought the more he found himself at an impasse. Had he reached the limits of hisprehension? No, Zac still felt there was room for improvement without infusing his Daos. Eventually, he chose to swap over to his human side and work on his Evolutionary Stance to clear his head for a few days.


    Most of his training in the past two years had been rted to foundational techniques rather than the deathly aspect of his other stance, and these teachings had to be integrated into his life-attuned stance sooner orter. Having already gone over everything once, Zac figured it would be even quicker the second time around. Besides, Zac figured it might spark some inspiration that would solve his predicament.


    Zac decided to stop breaking through levels as well. He had found that the damage to his pathways, foundations, and soul after forcibly breaking open the nodes in his head was slowing the derivation of his techniques. Since he didn��t need the Contribution Points from the levels, he stopped at level 139 just to make sure this wasn��t the problem. It was just one level short of Yrial��s requirement, and he still had over two years to spare.


    By that time, he should be able to push a couple of levels with pills again.


    Zac could only pray that these measures were enough. If this didn��t work, would he have to cultivate his soul or something, in the hopes that greater mental prowess would help him deduce the stances quicker? After all, Zac felt he was improving a lot quicker since arriving at the Orom Worldpared to before. It might be the environment, but it might also be his soul evolution that had sped up his progress.


    Or would he be forced to integrate his Daos on an imperfect foundation, just so that he would survive the duel? It should work, but Zac was reluctant to do so now that he finally had found the path.


    He quickly got absorbed with the cultivation of the Evolutionary Stance, and days quickly turned to weeks. It was like Zac hoped. With already having gone through this once, he made rapid progress retooling his life-based technique. More importantly, as he stayed in his human form, the feeling of ipleteness grew fainter and fainter.


    It didn��t take a genius to figure out what was going on by that point; it was the imbnce between stances that had caused trouble.


    The two stances represented the two branches of his cultivation path, and they were ultimately part of one system. What Zac hadn��t expected was that they were so interconnected that he became hard-pressed to progress one side if the othergged behind. There was no logical reason behind it, as far as he could tell. Zac supposed it was either a mental block because his path required equilibrium, or there might be some other underlying theories that were beyond him.


    Ultimately, the reason didn��t matter. He had found the cause and the solution �C he just needed to put in some effort on his human side as well. Another two weeks passed, and Zac had finished integrating the techniques equivalent to Peak F-grade of the mastery skills. However, when he started infusing [Armament Mastery] with the Fragment of the Bodhi, finally ran into some issues.


    As expected, using [Coffinbox] felt extremely ufortable in his human form. It had already been a noticeable issue when he trained the unattuned techniques, but it became a lot worse after his attacks started containing a hint of life. The trajectories still appeared when activating the skill, but everything felt wrong.


    Chains had be so indelibly interlinked with his concept of death, from the hanging coffin to [Love��s Bond] and the restrictive nature of Inexorable Stance. Even worse, he believed the issue would only worsen when [Love��s Bond]woke up, considering it was infused with Oblivion by now.


    Soon enough, Zac found the experience unbearable, and he left the Wilderness to seek counsel. This time, he didn��t head to Pavina though, but rather someone else.


    ��Don��t you have the solution for this already?�� Ubo asked with confusion when Zac visited the Elemental to confer with him.


    It would be weird to ask Pavina about this issue, so he went to a life-based Monarch instead. Besides, Zac realized needed to send a message to Three Virtues that he was dealing with Kaldor and the splinter, to make sure the shifty monk didn��t do something with the Shard of Creation.


    ��I do?�� Zac said.


    ��Just go visit Heda. She has tens of thousands of different types of nts, and she��s one of the five most skilled Arborists in the Orom World,�� Ubo said. ��Among us who walk the path of Life, she is surpassed by none.��


    ��Right,�� Zac slowly said, but his heart was full of reluctance.


    ��Are you worried about her condition?�� Uboughed. ��People have gone much further off the conventional path in search of power, both in the Orom World and outside. Her fusion is nothing special, and she is still firmly in control of her soul.��


    ��Alright, I��ll visit her,�� Zac agreed.


    ��No hurry,�� Ubo said as Zac got ready to leave. ��Stay for a few days. I can sense you have worked too hardtely. You need to stop and unburden your mind. Incidentally, I wanted to test the efficacy of mytest restoration array on fleshy beings.��


    Zac was a bit reluctant, but he ultimately agreed to stay for a week inside Ubo��s mountain. The elemental was a terrific host, and the array it had Zac sit inside was almost as powerful as the one he used to heal when he first arrived. The only issue was how talkative Ubo was. There didn��t seem to be an end to the marvelous feats he had aplished both before and after being caught by the Orom.


    Zac even wondered if the elemental had him stay just so it had someone to brag to, with how he had be a captive audience inside the array. But the array did work wonders, so he let his drained body get restored as he ��ooh�� and ��aah��-ed at the right ces during Ubo��s retelling of his heroic exploits.


    A weekter, Zac emerged, rxed and exhausted at the same time. The Arborist��s cultivation farm wasn��t too far from where he first encountered her, but it was quite some distance from Ubo��s mountain. It took him close to two weeks to reach her neck of the woods, and the life-attuned forest gradually transitioned from the individualistic chaos to vast fields covered in top-quality farming arrays.


    While Ubo��s cultivation cave was meticulously crafted, itpletely lost to Heda��s domain in acreage. From the looks of it, each field only grew one type of nt, but there were small differences between them all. Perhaps Heda was letting the Dao of Life coerce mutations of various species in the hopes of discovering something useful.


    It took him over two hours walking through the enormous fields until he finally spotted a small farmhouse in the distance. Heda was already waiting outside, smiling at him with the fleshy half of her face as Zac got closer.


    ��I have waited a long time,�� Heda nodded as she looked at Zac. ��I was about to go catch you.��


    ��No need for any catching,�� Zac said. ��I was caught up with my cultivation. My first relegation will take ce in a few months.��


    ��You will survive,�� Heda said without hesitation.


    ��I should be fine by now,�� Zac agreed. ��I am here for something else.��


    ��Oh?�� Heda said curiously, and Zac shuddered inwardly as a few roots across her face pulsated.


    ��I heard from Obo you are skilled with living weapons? Like vines?�� Zac ventured.


    ��Of course,�� Heda nodded, and Zac��s eyes widened in rm as he saw a thick purple vine suddenly emerge from her neck before retreating into her body. ��There are many cultivators who use nt-based lifeforms in battle, but most cultivate Nature. Do you want to imnt yourself? I have a few promising experi-��


    ��No!�� Zac hurriedly said as he took a step back. ��Just something I can carry with me.��


    ��Oh,�� Heda said, the disappointment evident on her face. ��Well,e in.��


    The two entered her farmstead, which was surprisingly small. Heda was carrying out a huge number of experiments judging by the fields, so he would have expected someboratories or factories to process all those nts. But there was only a simple cottage surrounded by a beautiful garden.


    ��Myboratories are underground,�� Heda exined, seemingly understanding what Zac was thinking as he looked around. ��I��m sorry I cannot offer a tour. The saplings down there can be altered by the slightest change in aura, making the data unreliable.��


    ��Some other time, then,�� Zac smiled.


    The two sat down at an unadorned wooden table overlooking the garden outside, and Zac exined his predicament. He also showed her [Chainbox] to give her a better notion of what kind of nt he was looking for.


    ��There are an endless number of nts like that,�� Heda shrugged. ��Show me your dance again.��


    Zac eagerly got back on his feet and started swinging, using the Evolutionary Stance against an imagined foe.


    ��Lifeless, but better,�� Heda nodded. ��More boring than your old dance, but probably the right solution.��


    ��I��m shoring up my foundations before reintegrating life into the equation,�� Zac smiled.


    Heda was obviously not cultivating technique like he or Pavina. The Arborist had rather been interested in his disy of Life manifested as the Bodhi Tree, by the looks of it.


    ��I cannot think of any nt in my garden that perfectly suits your path,�� Heda said after some thought. ��But that is usually the case. Living Weapons are best nurtured from a seedling, doused in your Dao from birth to maturity. That way, it will be perfectly in tune with you.��


    ��Oh, alright,�� Zac said with disappointment.


    ��But I have something that might work for now?�� Heda said as a half-smile spread across her face.


    ��I cannot have anything growing inside me,�� Zac resolutely said.


    He definitely refused to have a parasite in his body like Heda. He didn��t want to continuously fight for his soul like the arborist, or like Ogras for that matter. But there was also a practical reason for his resistance. Would a parasite nt even survive when he swapped into his Draugr race and flooded his body with Miasma?


    ��No, something else,�� Heda said before shing away.


    Two minutester she returned with a metal tube in her hand. Attached to it was some sort of cling vine roughly half a meter tall. There were small thorns hidden amongst its heart-shaped leaves, and it had a purple flower at its crown. It looked harmless enough, making Zac wonder if it was really a living weapon.


    More importantly, it looked like it was dying. Its leaves were shriveled and more than half were brown instead of green, and its stem was wrinkly like it was dried out.


    ��This is Vivi,�� Heda exined as she caressed one of the flowers. ��She was one of my earliest experiments since being trapped in this world. She was both a great sess and a great failure.��


    ��She seems a bit sick?�� Zac said, still a bit confused.


    ��Not sick. Dying,�� Heda sighed. ��My skills werecking at the time, and I was unable to ovee the limits of her origin. Thus, Vivi never managed to be a nt Queen. Today, I would have managed to do it. But it is much toote, the window has passed. Now, she only has a century or two left to live. But she does enjoy eating corpses, so why don��t you take her out for some bloodshed in her final days?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac hesitated as he looked at the wilting vine.


    ��Before you say no, you should know that she is as powerful as a Late-Stage High-quality E-grade Spirit Tool even in this weakened state. If you feed her well and regrly infuse her with some Mental Energy, she can match Peak Tools for a while,�� Heda said. ��She will not slow you down.��


    Looked at the nt with a new sense of appreciation. Even weakened, the diminutive nt was so powerful? Just how dangerous had it been at its prime? No wonder Heda called it a great sess.


    ��How would it work?�� Zac asked. ��I don��t have any nt-based or pet-based skills.��


    ��Since you don��t want to swallow her core, you will have to imprint her,�� Heda said. ��Thankfully, she is just an E-grade nt, so her consciousness is hazy. And with her advanced age, she is quite docile. Buy [Link of Demeter] from the Contribution Store. If that slot is taken, you can also use [Nature��s bond] or [Herbal Harmonization]. They will work as well, but they are nature aspected rather than life-aspected.��


    ��How much would this nt cost?�� Zac hesitated, knowing that the Orom wouldn��t allow her to give it away.


    ��Between the spatial tube and Vivi herself,�� Heda slowly said before she closed her eyes. ��2,500 Purchase Points. That��s the lowest price I am allowed to set.��


    Zac wasn��t too flush with Purchase Points, but 2,500 was a steal for a weapon at the equivalent of ate E-Grade Spirit Tool. Heda was giving him a deep, deep discount here, even if you factored in the nt��s short remaining lifespan.


    ��I��ll take her,�� Zac said. ��But what did you mean by spatial tube?��


    ��Vivi does not have spatial skills of her own, and her real body is over five hundred meters long,�� Heda smiled as she stroked the leaves of the vine, prompting it topletely retreat into the tube. ��Most of her body is hidden inside the tube. Her maximum reach with her vines is three kilometers, but they will gradually lose force after five hundred meters. Of course, don��t worry if they are damaged. As long as you feed her Cosmic Energy, they��ll regrow very quickly.��


    To showcase what she was talking about, she had two vines suddenly shoot out through the window, and they ripped through the air until Zac could barely see their ends. A momentter they were retracted again, leaving turbulent winds in their wake. The vines had been as thick as ropes, and they didn��t have any hint of decay or weakness.


    Even Zac had felt a bit pressured by the aura they exuded.


    ��Amazing,�� Zac whispered, knowing living weapon would fill the role of [Chainbox] without missing a step. If anything, Vivi was far superior.


    ��Do you know why I wanted to meet you?�� Heda asked as she handed him the tube.


    ��Because of my usage of the Dao of Life?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��No. That was not very impressive,�� Heda said, making Zac grimace with embarrassment. ��I wanted you toe because you are rootless in this world. You do not belong, and I don��t believe you will be here in a decade or two.��


    ��That��s��, Zac hesitated. ��Why do you say that?��


    ��It��s hard to exin. It��s a gift of my cohabitant,�� Heda shrugged as she took out a small ss container. ��I have a request.��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked.


    ��When you leave the Orom, please break this ss and throw it away,�� Heda smiled.


    Zac took the small ss container, and he saw that a shimmering seed was hidden inside.


    ��That��s it?�� Zac asked. ��Just throw it anywhere, even the Void?��


    ��It doesn��t matter,�� Heda smiled.


    Zac looked at the seed curiously, wondering if it was some escape measure of the Arborist. He considered the risks of doing as she asked, but he felt it wouldn��t be too risky to just throw it out before teleporting away. She had no reason to hurt him, and his reservations about her were mostly rted to her grim appearance.


    ��I��ll do it, if I ever manage to leave this ce,�� Zac eventually agreed.


    ��Good enough,�� Heda nodded.


    With the help of the Arborist, Zac fashioned the pole into a back protector that ran along his spine. ording to Heda, not even a Middle Hegemon would be able to break it with a full-powered swing. Even if it broke, it simply meant that the true body of Vivi would be released. If that happened, he would have to get a new spatial container that could nurture life.


    Even better, he could store the spatial tube in a Spatial Ring, as long as Vivi waspletely retracted. The only caveat was that he had to take her out at least once a month though to feed her Cosmic Energy and some corpses.


    ��When her time is up and she can fight no longer, nt her somewhere nice, please,�� Heda said as Zac tried moving around with the pipe along his back. ��I have ced a seal on her that willst a month. Imprint her before that.��


    The tube fit perfectly, and he didn��t even notice it was there. It did look a bit odd though, since the purple flower stuck out from the top of the tube, making it look like he was carrying a very thin vase rather than a sheath. He thanked Heda again before leaving, eager to get the taming method before the critter broke free and went on a rampage.


    With this, the final roadblock to the Integration Stage and formingst two Dao Branches had been dealt with, and Zac couldn��t wait to return to the wilderness. He had run into some speedbumps, but his goal was still the same.


    Within a year and a half, he wanted to gain the power required to duel the Izh��Rak Reaver.

 Chapter 816: Shadewar

    Chapter 816: Shadewar


    The swarm of elemental constructs was being whittled down as the ravenous army of cursed shadows pushed forward. Hidden among the ciers, Ogras�� eyes shimmered as he looked for the leader of these wretched things. Finally, he spotted it; a patch of frigid Dao more condensed than its surroundings.


    The world turned monochrome as he phased into the Grey World, and he crossed the chaotic battlefield, ignoring the shadow puppets around him. In the grey world, his army looked different. Rather than the intangible forms that methodically decimated the ice beasts in the real world, they maintained their real forms here.


    Wretched goblins whose eyes and mouths were covered with talismans emanating purple mes, their whole spectral bodies covered in runes.


    ��s��, a sorrowful sigh echoed out in his mind, but Ogras ignored it as usual. He had bigger fish to fry than dealing with some maudlin warlock.


    Besides, the sneaky bastard had no one to me but himself. If not for K��Rav��s schemes, would Ogras have bothered gathering thousands of errant souls of his citizens, forcibly binding them to his Shadow g? Well, he probably would have, but he would have been more polite about it. After all, he needed someone to house and enve the malignant Qriz��Ur entities.


    Such was the climb to the peak. Eat or be eaten. The warlock had tried possessing him at the critical moment of crafting the g. He had used misdirection, the Voidbrand on his arm, and the ancient arts of his civilization as bait to lure Ogras down a path of no return. Ogras, in turn, had schemed against the warlock since the moment he popped up unannounced.


    Even then, he had only survived by the hair.


    Having reached the first stage of the [Spiritlock Physique] had not only given him a great boost to his Shadow Affinities and attributes, but it had also given him an inherited ability of the Ka��Zur inswalker that was once his familiar. The ability to split his consciousness and send off part of his mind on a journey through the shadows without anyone noticing.


    He could even swap positions with this doppelganger at any time, making him even harder to kill. But Ogras had not once let the Goblin Warlock get a hint of this ability, even though he had used it almost constantly since sessfully cultivating Rasata��s Body Tempering Technique. With his doppelganger, he had scoured the huge tower for hidden knowledge that could help him out.


    A lot of ces were sealed, but the tower was extremely old. Some ces had deteriorated to the point that a shadow could squeeze through a crack. Ogras had found whole repositories left behind by the masters of the fallen goblin empire, things K��Rav had never wanted him to discover. It was thanks to two techniques, in particr, he managed to break through the goblin��s schemes.


    First, it was a Soul Strengthening Method unlike anything Ogras had ever seen before called [Delirigoria]. Its benefits to the soul were almost nonexistent, but it was quick to train and it provided one unique benefit; it turned one��s Soul Aperture into a virulent wastnd for any foreign entity, making your body and mind naturally resistant to attempts at possession.


    The method was crafted by one of the councilors of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom because way too many of their citizens went mad from the Qriz��Ul twisting their minds. Unfortunately, the method was only finished by the end of the war, and Ogras�� research indicated that K��Rav had fallen even before the method waspleted and announced.


    The second method was a technique with the unfortunate name [Bagaboom]. While its name was dumb even for an insane Goblin scientist, it proved to be exactly what Ogras needed; a single-use offensive sigil formed in one��s mind. It took Ogras a full year of constantly infusing Mental Energy into this hidden brand in his Soul Aperture, but it was a lifesaver when K��Rav finally made his move.


    Thanks to these two defenses, K��Rav had the tables turned on him, forcing the goblin ghost to give up on his attempt of possession even if his soul was far superior to Ogras��. Unfortunately, it wasn��t a perfect victory, and that old bastard managed to survive by turning himself into the Tool Spirit of his g.


    Preferably, Ogras wanted to erase that bastard to avoid any danger down the road, but the ghost had perfectly nned its contingency. If he killed K��Rav, the g would turn into a fancy ornament. Reforming the g was impossible as well. The two had spent over a year on its formation, and all those efforts were just the finishing touches upon an almostpleted weapon. Even if Ogras had the skills to start over from scratch, it would probably take decades, centuries even, to create something like this.


    It was a weapon invented for the war with the Qriz��Ul, and its birth had required not only the fell karma umted by the whole kingdom. It also required the unique arrays that Ogras was forced to leave behind when the tower crumbled as a final act of revenge from K��Rav. Thus, the spectral goblin would keep growing stronger as new shades were crammed into the g.


    Even worse, the warlock keptining in the back of his mind, a broken record railing against his unjust treatment as though his attempt at possession was fair y. K��Rav��s soul was simply too powerful, and Ogras was unable to shut out his quibbling. Sometimes, Ogras wondered if the trade-off was worth it. The sounds of heated battle behind him immediately answered his question.


    Of course it was.


    K��Rav couldin all day as long as he provided the strength needed for Ogras to keep pushing forward. The [Shadewar g] was a terrifying treasure, way more powerful even than his old n��s defining treasure; the [Spear of Ar��Amak]. And that was while the g was still in its infant state.


    The army of spectral goblins had proven extremely useful, no matter if it was forrge-scalebat like now, or forming War Arrays from within the safety of the g itself. He had even managed to kill a Beast King by overwhelming it with these almost unkible little buggers, allowing him tond a killing blow without even being in danger.


    Besides, the fact that K��Rav kept scheming had its benefits as well. That meant the game was still going and some pieces weren��t expended. It was a looming threat, but one that could bring unexpected benefits. When the tower copsed, most of the knowledge of the Ra��Lashar was lost, except for the things Ogras managed to memorize and the things locked in the Tool Spirit��s mind.


    There was some core knowledge that hadn��t been written down or perhaps intentionally erased by K��Rav or some of the other leaders. For example, the brand that was still on his arm was supposed to bring him some benefits, considering that it was a reward from a quest of the Ruthless Heavens.


    However, it had only be a weakness for the warlock to exploit, almost costing Ogras his life. Even now, its benefits were out of his reach. Unfortunately, Ogras currently had no way to extract that intelligence from the ensconced Tool Spirit. But as long as the game kept going, an opportunity would eventually present itself.


    For now, Ogras was content maintaining the status quo. He had spent far more time in the ruins of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom than he had nned. While the odds of anything as valuable appearing in the other corners of the Mystic Realm were low, Ogras still wanted to explore as much as possible before outsiders came pouring in.


    The monochrome surroundings were infused with blue and white as Ogras left the Grey World just a few meters away from the concentrated spot of icy Dao, and ance of darkness shot forward with monstrous momentum. The wall of ice surrounding the Ice Spirit was utterly destroyed, forcing it to flee through the cier.


    Most people would have a hard time keeping up, but Ogras wasn��t most people. The shadonce shot forward, stabbing into the ancient ice and causing hairline cracks to spread deep into the icy mountain with almost instantaneous speed. The attack didn��t harm the spirit, but it created innumerable small mirrors through the ice.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A skill fractal shed and the Dao rippled, and fake became real while real became fake.


    A storm of shadows turned ice into shreds around him as Ogras swapped ces with one of his mirror images, appearing right in front of the Spirit. He could kill it then and there, but that wasn��t why he had made the detour. Two crude talismans flew out, and Ogras rapidly started performing seals with his hands.


    The Spirit desperately struggled against the talisman, and Ogras was instantly covered in ayer of frost. However, he preservered. Eventually, a shimmering shard of ice hovered in the air, two talismans tightly wrapped around it. Ogras smiled with glee, his first true spirit capture a sess.


    This technique was part of the [Spiritlock Physique], an improved version of the method most of the goblins had used to capture spirits. Mastering this method was integral if he wanted to proceed to the next stage of his physique, since the smallest error in the seal would mean death or madness when sealing more spirit��s in his body down the road.


    ��Any young acolyte back home would be able to catch a little Ice Spirit who had yet formed a true consciousness��, K��Ravsnorted in his mind.


    ��Yet I am standing here today, while they all became devilfood,�� Ogras grinned. ��Perhaps your acolytes should have studied moderation instead of capturing spirits.��


    ��Greatness alwayses at a risk and a cost,�� the warlock snickered in response. ��I know of the one whose shadow you��re chasing. I saw him the short moment we shared a mind. You��ll have to work harder than this if you want to achieve your goals.��


    ��No need for a wretched Tool Spirit to worry about my matters,�� Ogas snorted as he stowed away the sealed spirit.


    He didn��t have any ns of integrating this thing into his body. First of all, what K��Rav said was true. This spirit wasn��t some supreme creature, and Ogras needed top-quality spirits to get the most out of his physique. It would be easier to integrate low-quality spirits, but Rasata had posited that would lead to a weak foundation where you would get stuck long before reaching the peak of the method.


    True to the goblin kingdom��s core mentality, the [Spiritlock Technique] was a technique that could offer greatness as long as you were willing to take the risk. The deadlier the abominations you gobbled up, the greater the effect.


    Besides, with his unique Race, he had no choice but to exclusively look for shadow-based creatures to infuse. Unfortunately, those things were both extremely rare and hard to spot, creeping in the seams of reality. Perhaps that bastard who called himself the Umbra had more creatures in stock, provided Ogras ever got out of this ce and managed to return to Earth.


    He had ultimately caught this little spirit because it was very rare, and rare meant valuable.


    Ogras took a step forward, melding with a mirror image of himself. Something as marvelous as this didn��t even require the activation of any skill thanks to fusing the Peak Fragment of Mirage with his Doppelganger ability, and he soon stood atop the cier once more. Having lost their source of power and spirituality, the ice creatures had turned into unmoving statues, leaving the shades without an enemy to unleash their frustration and rage upon.


    A grin spread across Ogras�� mouth as he snickered, the sound immediately amplified by the towering cliffs around him. He swung his g, returning his unwilling followers into the cursed maelstrom inside the g. From there, he shed a few times, rushing through the icy world with amazing speed.


    The days blended together in this lifeless vista, but Ogras kept going deeper, his eyes constantly scanning the horizon. Suddenly, he stopped, his eyes wide with excitement. The notes were true!


    In the distance, he finally saw what he was looking for. A mysterious glimmer, this one different from the constant and almost blinding radiance of sun-sted ice. A momentter the glimmer was gone, but Ogras found himself trapped in a bubble of light. Explosions erupted all around him as ice was melted or ripped apart.


    But Ogras wasn��t worried. He was ted; the notes said this would happen.


    The notes said he was trapped and he would have to survive the attack, but he still tried to get out of the 50-meter-wide trap. A barrier barred his escape, and his body was suddenly covered in wounds from the piercing lights as he failed to enter the Grey World. He was forced to weave back and forth, avoiding the blue streaks hidden among the other lights as he took out a crystal and a parchment.


    The information crystal immediately exploded, and Ogras grimaced as he started scribbling down his findings. His memories were already fading. His preparations provedpletely ineffectual, but he staunchly held to the scene of that glimmer as he frantically jotted down his findings while narrowly avoiding death.


    He had lost the trail twice already. Hopefully, he��d be able to leave behind some additional information this time. A minuteter, Ogras looked around with confusion before his eyes turned to the parchment in his hand. A troubled frown marred his face.


    It had happened again.


    A few minutes were lost, and he was surrounded by destruction. Ogras pushed down his misgivings as he ate a healing pill before heading in the direction the notes indicated. A snicker echoed in his mind, but Ogras ignored it. He knew what K��Rav was getting at.


    Perhaps, he really had gone mad during his visit to the goblin tower or from practicing taboo methods. Why else would he be following notes he left himself while in a state of delirium? Ogras had no idea what the hell he was talking about when talking about ��natural phenomena�� and ��illusory glimmers in the sky��, but he had already decided to follow the clues.


    If the notes could be trusted, it might be a unique treasure hidden in this cier that would help him perfect his Path. If the notes were false, what did it matter? It would mean he had gone crazy in this ce, so he might as well follow the clues until he lost thest vestiges of his sanity.


    Ogras kept going deeper into the endless world of ice, his thoughts upied by the Dao. Reality and illusion be one, truths and falsehoods interwoven into an indecipherable patchwork. Being everywhere and nowhere, a surveyor from the shadows who controlled life, death, and fate itself.


    The Path of the Illusory Shade.


    ���������C


    ��Little Chain defeated Olgoroth two weeks ago, I should have guessed you would arrive sooner orter,�� Traprandar said with a small smile as he yed with the golden hoop that never left his hand.


    ��That is unrted,�� Zac shrugged, though his brows furrowed like he was annoyed.


    Annoyed that the masked undead warrior had managed to defeat a Bronze Attendant before him.


    ��Is it now?�� Traprandar pointedly smiled at the four vines that wound themselves around Zac��s arms and midriff in a hug.


    Zac had made some waves in the coliseum twenty months ago when he appeared with the spatial tube on his back, suddenly wielding four powerful vines inbat. Luckily, [Link of Demeter] used up a free spot in his pathways on the right side of his back, which had allowed him to easily form a connection with Vivi.


    He hadn��t been met with any resistance at all, only a vague sense of hunger and excitement that only increased after he killed the first beast in the wilderness. Buying the skill hadpletely emptied hisst savings though. He even had to push his levels to 140 just to afford the skill and get the loose change needed to use the teleporters.


    Thankfully, his intermittent sessions of Soul Strengthening provided impressive amounts of Contribution Points, and pushing the skills in his two sses toward peak mastery helped along as well. In the end, he had passed the 3-year evaluation with over 40,000 Contribution Points, and just enough points to enact his n in the arena.


    It was a far cry from the record-holder��s 118,000 Points, but still well beyond the norm for his grade. Besides, Zac would easily have passed 50,000 if he hadn��t focused most of his time on reforming his two stances. However, not everyone was so lucky as to effortlessly pass the first relegation.


    Travo Raso, the Temple Fixer and Zac��s first friend in this prison, was one of those who didn��t make it.

 Chapter 817: Raising the Stakes

    Chapter 817: Raising the Stakes


    The three-year shuffle for new arrivals was quite straightforward. It worked just like the normal relegations, where Zac��s prison brand had shed a month before the deadline. In his case, it emitted a soothing blue glimmer, indicating he was above the cut-off. The less fortunate ones would instead be shown a ring red, providing them with one final warning and opportunity.


    The early warning was designed to squeeze out a burst of inspiration through desperation, and a sense of unease among those who were just scraping by. No one was allowed to rx. Only those such as Zac himself who had performed far beyond the average could ignore the pressure, though even Zac with his massive pool of Contribution Points had felt a bit unnerved.


    He couldn��t even imagine what was going through the minds of those who were barely hanging on.


    When the relegation finally arrived, his prison brand shed again, unsurprisingly the same color in Zac��s case. However, a momentter, Zac felt vibrations from his Cosmos Sack. Twelve of Zac��s collected tokens had suddenly been marked by a rune that looked like a brokendder. The token belonging to Travo Raso, the Radiant Temple fixer, had been one of them.


    Even to this day, the brands were visible on the tokens, their owners�� failures acting as a warning to others. If the tokens cracked, it meant their owners had died in the hellish environment of the second-string cultivators.


    Three had already cracked in the year since the relegation.


    It was a stark reminder that this was not some cultivation haven, but a heartless cage. It made Zac even more desperate to get his hands on the remnants and leave this depressing ce. This oversized fish was ying with people��s lives and using them as Dao Batteries. If Zac could, he would rip open this false sky above his head, drowning it with the Dao of Chaos.


    But before he could do that, some steps had to bepleted. First of all, he needed to perfect his two stances. Four months ago, Zac finally reached peak proficiency of his two Mastery Skills. The skills hadn��t provided any visions this time around, but rather taken his techniques even closer to the Dao, showing the way in a sense.


    After another two months of work, he had finished incorporating the lessons into the Inexorable Stance. The process was quite smooth, considering he was inching toward the very same concepts and theories he had used to form the two stances in the first case. In a sense, he was returning to the origin, this time armed with a wealth of experience and a rebuilt foundation.


    During a ferocious battle in the deeper parts of the fourth band, he had managed to take that final step, reintegrating the Daos of Coffin and War Axe into his Inexorable Stance. Reaching this point was both faster and slower than he had expected considering his initial burst of rapid progress. Slower in the sense that his two-year deadline had already been passed by three months by now. Faster in the sense that he had worked on both his stances, not just the one.


    His Evolutionary Stance was stillcking something though, and even after two months of grinding, he hadn��t managed to enter the Integration Stage. He had infused the Daos over and over, the concepts of a technique as everchanging as life itself. Of oveing fate and breaking through all shackles.


    But every time the result had felt off, like he hadn��tpletely grasped the essence.


    The first step of the Integration Stage was the most important. It was the first building block of something greater. If he got it wrong, he would find himself in a simr situation in the future, where he would have to tear down his stance and rebuild it. But considering that his Daos and technique were so interconnected, that would probably mean his future Life-attuned Dao Branch would be crooked as well.


    That was a problem that was far more difficult to ay, and something that could cause a tremendous headache when forming one��s Cultivator��s Core or Inner World.


    Still, Zac knew he was right on the cusp of breaking through the thin film that was holding him back. So he had decided to alter his ns a bit, aiming for a breakthrough in the arena when pitted against a skillful enemy. After all, pitched battle was how a good half of his epiphanies were born, and it matched the fate-breaking aspect of his stance.


    If he could make some Purchase Points at the same time, all the better.


    Luckily, Zac had spent years on this particr money-making scheme. Zac��s two personas were already the source of a lot of rumors andparisons considering they were both E-grade and wielded axes. With Zac��s human side suddenly copying the chains by adding Vivi to his repertoire, spection had veritably exploded.


    Unsurprisingly, there was a good chunk of people convinced Zac and ��Mr. Chains�� were the same person, though Zac hadn��t heard anyone use the term Edgewalker. They figured he was some sort of twinned being born through circumstance. For example, where the human side survived while his undead persona awakened. It sounded pretty unbelievable, but Zac had to admit the truth was even more far-fetched.


    Another camp consisted of the people who believed the two youngsters were connected since before the Orom, and these were the rumors Zac had tried to encourage. Thanks to some ��identally leaked�� snippets of information from Zac, his two identities were essentially rivals since birth through a grudge inherited from their masters.


    Both walked simr paths, eager to prove their superiority.


    Traprandar happened to be one of the people who leaned toward this theory, and this was part of Zac��s calctions when targeting the man. First, he had yed out a scenario where Mr. Chains, was slowly pulling ahead thanks toing under the tutge of Pavina, the Worldlock Monarch.


    Zac��s human side had disyed a series of desperate battles in the arena where he struggled to keep up, but he had been slowly been left in the dust over the past two years. In reality, this was a mix of Zac holding back his strength and the simple fact that the Evolutionary Stance had somewhatgged behind.


    Next, Zac targeted Olgoroth. He was an overbearing Corpselord who had a simrbat style as the Evolutionary Stance, though his technique obviously wasn��t based on life. It did however contain the elements of ferociously breaking the shackles of fate, in Olgoroth��s case his low birthright, and pushing forward, constantly changing and improving.


    This served three purposes. First, the Corpselord was a perfect opponent to hone his path and shore up his foundation after reaching the Integration Stage with the Inexorable Stance. Zac��s path was based on inevitability and restraints, so fighting someone like Olgoroth was far more valuable than fighting almost any other type of warrior.


    Secondly, Olgoroth and Traprandar hated each other, and Traprandar had defeated Olgoroth three times in a row over the past twenty years. It made the Corpselord irritable and easy to instigate into betting big against Mr. Chains who walked a simr path of restrictions as Traprandar. At the same time, it shouldn��t make Traprandar too worried even if he started suspecting that Zac and Mr. Chains were one and the same.


    Finally, together with the backgrounds that Zac had crafted for his two identities, it set the stage for entrapping Traprandar as well for one final payout. As long as Zac could y the part of someone who was in over his head and refused to give in to his nemesis who was getting ahead.


    ��Healthypetition is good in this ce, but your actions are bordering obsession. Don��t get lost in someone else��s path,�� Trapandar snickered as he looked at the vines on Zac��s body. ��Little Chains�� path is more suited for such a tool, and his skill in using them is ahead of yours.��


    ��Will you ept or not?�� Zac said, his face darkening.


    ��I might,�� the Traprandar smiled. ��But you should understand my predicament. If I win, it��s a matter of course. I am ate Hegemon and Bronze Attendant. Beating up a brat is more embarrassing than impressive. If I happen to lose, my reputation is ruined like a certain Corpselord��s.��


    As Traprandar said the final sentence, he nced in the direction of the stands with a taunting smile, where an absolutely infuriated Olgoroth red back.


    ��It��s easy to talk big, bastard!�� Olgoroth roared. ��You��re just afraid you��ll lose to the weaker of the two, proving I am superior.��


    Zac was flush with excitement when he saw Traprandars expressions and heard the exchange. Clearly, Traprandar was interested, but he was trying to raise the stakes.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It was just what Zac had been praying for, but he maintained an annoyed demeanor as he waved his token. ��That guy bet 10,000 Purchase Points. I��ll bet 18,308 Points. When I defeat you, I��ll have defeated that bastard by proxy as well.��


    ��Look who��se up in the world. I remember when you only gave up 50 points in the beginning,�� Trapandar smiled, but Zac could feel the hesitation in his eyes.


    Had Zac messed up, being too greedy with such arge bet?


    The small bets Traprandar mentioned came from Zac��s first year in the Orom World, before Pavina had righted the ship, so to speak. Zac had lost 58 consecutive fights between 8 visits to the arena back then, earning him the nickname ��Pocket Money�� since he always bet a handful of Purchase Points to get someone to spar with him.


    But that had eventually changed with him winning some duels in both his forms, though his Human form was still not at the level where he should have the guts to challenge Traprandar.


    Zac knew that this was a critical moment, where Traprandar might smell something amiss. 18,000 Purchase Points wasn��t anything to scoff at, even for ate Hegemon. The fact that Zac could put out such a sum might seem suspicious, even if it had been four years since he arrived.


    ��I guess I can teach you a trick or two for such a generous fee,�� Traprandar eventually said, having chosen greed over precaution.


    Zac knew he had caught the fish, now he just needed to reel it in. He jumped down to the empty arena with a scowl and pressed his token against the Arena Array, depositing the 18,308 Purchase Points. A sh of hesitation and regret appeared on his face, but he quickly smoothed over the expression as though it was a mistake. In reality, Zac had practiced it for weeks since duplicity didn��te as naturally to him as for certain demons.


    Still, part of the worry was real. The specific number 18,308, was meant to indicate it was Zac��s total, and it wasn��t that far from the truth. He had just over 21,000 points after betting 10,000 Purchase Points against Olgoroth a few weeks back, a bet he only managed to put forward thanks to reaching the integration stage and saving for 20 months.


    His n hinged on Traprandar believing that Zac��s actions were bluster from an inexperienced E-grade youth caught in a pissing contest with his rival. Years of small investments, all for one big payout. If he seeded, he would suddenly have over 40,000 Purchase Points, allowing him to afford one of the top-tier treasures that had been out of his reach since arriving in this ce.


    Traprandar eventually jumped down from the waiting area and pressed his bronze token against the array as well, prompting the stands to explode with excitement. 18,000 Purchase Points was not too much for some of the spectators, but it was still an umonlyrge bet. Besides, they carried a unique implication since an E-grade cultivator had put forth the bet.


    It should be Zac��s entire savings, the resources meant to generate the Contribution Points needed to survive in this ce. Lose them, and he might have sentenced himself to death. For Traprandar his reputation was at stake, something that was even more important than life and death in this ce for some.


    Losing against an E-grade warrior who arrived just a few years ago as a bronze attendant? A warrior who wasn��t even the strongest in his cohort? It would be too embarrassing.


    With Traprandar having infused the points as well, there was no turning back for either of them, and Zac immediately discarded his fake demeanor. He jumped up on the arena with a calm expression as a copy of [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand, an axe Zac hadmissioned when starting to work on his Evolutionary Stance in earnest.


    Traprandar instantly noticed Zac��s change and a sh of coldness appeared in his eyes. Zac wasn��t bothered; it was intentional. He wasn��t nning on using trickery in this fight. It needed to be a head-on melee where both fought with everything they had. That was how he would seize the opportunity for a breakthrough.


    ��So it was a ruse, after all,�� Traprandar slowly said as his aura rose. ��How? You and Little Chains worked together? Or are you really one? Is it truly possible?��


    ��Does it matter?�� Zac said with a small smile as his own aura condensed beyond what he had ever disyed before. ��Give it your all.��


    ��Hmph,�� the man snorted as a second golden ring appeared in his other hand, the other half of his twinned weapon.


    The arena��s barrier activated and enclosed the two, and both sprung to action at the same time. Zac rushed forward, utilizing [Earthstrider] to close the distance. But Traprandar chose to backpedal as one shining light after another emerged from his body, and the whole arena was drenched in a golden sheen as they rose toward the ceiling.


    Traprandar wasn��t a pure Life Cultivator, but he rather focused on a mixed-meaning Dao based on Stars and Life, possibly with a hint of fire mixed within. He didn��t have any skills in numerology like the cultivators of the Radiant Temple as far as Zac could tell, but there was rather some sort of light-based concepts hidden in the Dao of Stars.


    Zac didn��t immediately unleash his own domain to match the one his enemy was erecting, afraid that it would be destroyed before he could make full use of it. Thankfully, the arena was only so big, and Zac eventually caught up to the warrior who couldn��t use movement skills while releasing his domain.


    Even then, Traprandar had already managed to unleash over two dozen lights already, and they formed an array that put Zac��s body under great strain while also containing a slightly hallucinogenic effect. Thetter was thankfully mostly nullified through his powerful soul. Zac catching up meant no more stars could be released, stopping the domain from gaining any more power.


    But even before Zac had the chance to unleash an attack of his own, the warrior disappeared in a blinding sh of light that made Zac��s eyes burn. A pang of danger warned him even before he could regain his vision, but he had already dug one of Vivi��s vines into the ground earlier, allowing him to instantly drag himself out of harm��s way.


    Using a Living Weapon was surprisingly easy, it turned out. The vine gave Zac full control over her ��limbs�� as his consciousness spread into hers, allowing him to use the vines just like he would the chains of [Chainbox].


    The air screamed as the ded ring ripped space asunder as it narrowly passed Zac by, leaving a wall of searing light in its wake. It would stay up for the duration of the fight, a part of Traprandar��s restrictive heritage. Zac tried to hit the spinning ring with a quick jab of his axe, but the weapon disappeared in a sh of light before he could connect, instantly returned to its owner.


    Zac barely had time to adjust before a rain of golden drops shot his way. The four vines he used rapidly expanded and grew into a Bodhi-infused wall that blocked the attacks, but they were riddled with holes in an instant before falling apart. Zac didn��t care since they had served their purpose, and he emerged to their side and unleashed a series of ded leaves in the direction of Traprandar with [Nature��s Edge].


    Even if the vines were cut off a hundred times over, Vivi would just heal or grow new ones in an instant without feeling as much as a pinch.


    It was one of the differences between chains and vines that had taken some getting used to, where the vines were to some extent used as discardable weapons. It allowed for some all-out attacks unheeding of taking damage yourself, which suited the offensive style of Zac��s Evolutionary Stance. The downside was that the vines weren��t as sturdy as the chains, making some maneuvers impossible.


    A blinding sh of light forced Zac to close his eyes, but his powerful soul allowed him to know what was going on. Traprandar had appeared right in front of him as Zac focused on the ded leaves flying toward the other side of the cage, one of the ded rings already falling toward his neck.


    The arena shuddered as axe and wheel met each other in the first true sh of the battle.


    ��You nned and schemed, but it won��t matter. I will take those points of yours,�� Traprandar grinned as he unleashed a rapid series of swings that seemed toe from everywhere, giving Zac a suffocating feeling.


    Meanwhile, Zac felt the light around him congeal, and he was surprised to find the air itself slowly turning into some sort of crystalline prison without as much as a ripple of energy as a clue. This wasn��t a skill Zac had seen Traprandar use before, and moving was getting harder and harder.


    Zac wasn��t worried though �C he was ted. The more restraints Traprandar had that Zac could break, the better. The moment he managed to break all the shackles Traprandar could erect, his Evolutionary Stance would take that next step.

 Chapter 818: Transition

    Chapter 818: Transition


    Space was rapidly freezing over, and Trapandar furiously swung his ring des to keep Zac in ce. The warrior was using his signature skill already; every time the two shed, a band of light was added to Zac��s body, hampering his movements. The chakram seemed simple at the surface, but in Traprandar��s hand, they formed a never-ending dance that reminded Zac of the sun and the moon.


    However, while Traprandar was continuously swinging them, it rather felt like Zac was the one being moved.


    It was like Zac was a small stuck in the orbit of the Hegemon��s sun, unable to break free of its pull. Together with the weird crystallization of Zac��s surroundings, he knew something needed to change. He could imagine all too well what would happen if he got trapped inside a crystal when fighting a warrior who used light as a weapon.


    Zac roared as his aura surged, and the skill fractal on his hand was flooded with Cosmic Energy. The next moment, the whole arena was drowned in a tempest of emerald leaves, and the crystalline cage broke apart before it had a chance to fully form. Zac had be the eye of the storm, and nothing could contain him as Zac activated the upgraded version of [Nature��s Edge].


    Reachingte mastery had added a unique, feature just like when [Chop] reached peak mastery. This time, it didn��t add a persistent controble de though. It rather allowed Zac to unleash a torrent of destruction, hundreds of leaves, in every direction. Activated in the heart of an army it would cause untold bloodshed, but it could also be used to break out of a siege, like now.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Crackling sounds echoed out as Zac forcibly broke the shimmering restraints that had been left on his body. Meanwhile, the ring-wielding warrior was forced to back away from the onught of razor-sharp leaves. Still, he effortlessly avoided the avnche of attacks, parrying the few which couldn��t be dodged. But suddenly, through the storm, a vine hidden among the leaves shed forward with extreme speed and seized Traprandar��s ankle.


    The Hegemon swore as one of the ded wheels mmed down to cut it off, but another barbed vine shot straight toward his jugr at the same time. Traprandar��s weapons could cut apart the vines in a swing or two, and he would quickly be able to get free. But the barbs were sharp enough to leave lethal wounds if left unattended, forcing Traprandar to target the one going in for the kill.


    Thankfully, that small dy was all Zac needed.


    He had broken or whittled down all the restraints by now, allowing him to catch up to his vines and Traprandar both. His axe drew a majestic upward arc as it mmed the second chakram out of the way before Traprandar could use it to free himself. The Hegemon was too powerful to be restrained by a vine attached to his leg, but it allowed Zac to stop his teleportation ability by invading him with his Dao.


    Traprandar understood this conundrum perfectly well, and his efforts were targeted to remove this vine. The struggle overtched-on vine became a central aspect of the battle, while the two tried to find openings tond blows on each other. Traprandar used his restrictive abilities, while Zac relied on technique and his vines, where Vivi��s appendages were constantly forcing Traprandar to focus his attention elsewhere.


    The techniques were simr to how Zac used the chains in his Inexorable Stance, but there was a difference in vor. The chains restricted the enemy��s options and movements by threatening damage, but less than ten percent of their moves actually shed with the enemies by now. Instead, the chains constantly moved around them, putting the warriors under constant pressure.


    The moment the enemy slipped up, the links would pounce, leaving festering wounds behind or sealing them long enough for Zac to go in for the kill.


    The way Zac used Vivi��s vines was more ferocious. The vines were constantly assaulting Traprandar. It wasn��t a threat of damage if the enemy didn��t take a step back or restrain themselves; Zac was doing everything in his power to make sure shes took ce. If the enemy backed away, the vines pursued. If the enemy countered, Zac aimed for maximum engagement to break open their defenses and whittle down the enemy. To make this possible, new vines were constantly growing out of the tube on his back to rece the ones that Traprandar ripped apart.


    However, Traprandar was ate Hegemon who had survived innumerable struggles. He wasn��t phased in the least by Zac��s neverending offensive, and he slowly eked out enough of an advantage to let him activate a skill that conjured seven mirrors in the sky. Zac had seen this skill before, and he knew that he would have to watch out for deadly beams of light shooting out from these mobile turrets.


    The stars above, the floating mirrors, the chakrams that performed their ster transformations, and Traprandar��s ability to constrain and whittle down. It formed a nigh-perfect cage, but Zac��s goal had always been to force Traprandar to take the match seriously rather than to end things quickly. This was an opportunity that the creatures in the Wilderness couldn��t provide.


    Zac pushed his technique to the limit as he strove to keep the warrior in a pitched melee. The swirling storm of leaves was still filling the arena, actually providing ayer of protection in addition to being sharp enough to cut through steel. They flickered about in a seemingly random pattern, but Zac knew their movements weren��t random.


    They were instilled with the Fragment of Bodhi, and they created everchanging formations based on his Evolutionary Stance that both targeted the mirrors while also blocking the sts they released. The scene was reminiscent of [Nature��s Protection], the defensive skill that had gone into the fusion of [Nature��s Edge].


    Zac hadn��t expected the skill to gain this ability atte mastery since he had essentially sacrificed the defensive skill in order to upgrade the otherwise un-upgradeable [Chop]. But it was definitely a wee addition where it shored up the weak defenses of the ss. Together with the added sturdiness stemming from [Adamance of Eoz], the leaves were extremely hard to damage, let alone destroy.


    Besides, the skill had only reachedte mastery so far. Zac couldn��t wait to see what the System would add when he managed to evolve the skill to the peak. As long as [Empyrean Aegis] was as impressive as it sounded, the defenses on his human side might even match that of his Draugr form.


    Traprandar, in turn, was constantly trying to push Zac off-bnce by constantly showing new tricks and changing up the tempo. The bronze attendant hadn��t taken his techniques to the Integration Stage, but that didn��t mean he was at a disadvantage in direct conflict. He still had millennia of experience and higher-stage Daospared to Zac.


    Besides, his abilities were easier to use while in a pitched battle. The air sizzled as Zac narrowly dodged another beam that ripped through the air, leaving a depression in space where his left leg was just a moment ago. Even with their impressive durability, the leaves were slowly being whittled down.


    Zac guessed that the mirrors were a continuously running skill like his [Deathmark], while the storm of leaves was a single-summon-ability that Zac was unable to replenish. The cooldown was quite short before he could resummon another storm, but he would still be exposed to attacks for an extended duration if nothing changed.


    A deep thud like the knell of a bronze bell echoed through the arena as Zac furiously punched one of the ded rings with his free hand, pushing it and its wielder back for a moment. He felt the weight of the restrictive band tightening around him, but he ignored it and the burning gash that was opened up from another st as he unleashed a series of swings so quick that his arm turned to a blur.


    Almost twenty des shot out in quick session before Zac once more lunged at Traprandar, but the moment he was about to reach the man the Hegemon exploded, throwing Zac tens of meters away. Some minor burns covered his face and body, but he felt a wave of blinding light passing straight through his body to enter his mind.


    It was actually a soul attack.


    Luckily, Traprandar had severely underestimated his mental defenses, which would stand its own even against an elite mentalist by now. Zac still knew he was in a precarious situation, and he furiously swung his axe in an upward arc, cutting a beam of light apart before intercepting a downward swing of a ded ring.


    Zac was thrown back into the ground with a groan, bis vines had already repositioned themselves, lifting him back to his feet as he desperately fought to regain his momentum. Unfortunately, a small error could have devastating consequences, and Traprandar hadpletely seized the advantage of his surprise skill. Thankfully, his gambit had destroyed most of the mirrors in the sky, drastically lessening the pressure from above.


    Even with five of Traprandar��s mirrors being destroyed, Zac found himself at a hopeless disadvantage. He tried everything he had learned over the past years, unleashing one ruthless and unpredictable swing after another while the vines kept an unrelenting tempo. But Traprandar was like an iron tower who refused to give up his control of the momentum.


    It felt like the Hegemon was everywhere at once. Two wheels he used were in his hands one second, only to suddenly soar through the arena, taking unpredictable turns before striking at Zac out of nowhere. The starlight shone from above, and Zac saw that small crystals had started to grow across the floor. Sooner orter, they would be a problem as they started to refract light.


    Even then, Zac didn��t activate [Arcadian Crusade], even if it would give him the power to recapture the pace. He fought on in an-out assault, taking three hits for every strike he managed tond on Traprandar. Unfortunately, the Hegemon��s defensive abilities didn��t only rely on his restrictive fighting style, but he also had the ability to form circr runes of light with only a thought.


    They weren��t too durable, but every time Zac hit one, it released a blinding sh and a shockwave that pushed back his weapon. By the time Zac gathered his strength again, Traprandar had already moved out of harm��s way. One minute after another passed, and Zac was turning into a gory mess. He had a decent chunk of Cosmic Energy remaining at least, but that was mostly because he didn��t get many opportunities to use it.


    Traprandar was only sporting a few shallow wounds by this point, and he was still in prime fighting condition by the looks of it. He had used up a lot of Cosmic Energy to maintain this advantage though. His overbearing fighting style was effective, but it did rely on multiple skills to work. Tiring him out wasn��t an option though.


    First of all, it wasn��t Zac��s goal with this fight. Secondly, while Traprandar was restricted down to the same attribute pool when fighting with a normal citizen, he still had a Cultivator��s Core. He probably had ten times the amount of Cosmic Energy as Zac even in his downgraded state. But Zac still fought on without as much as a thought of surrender. He could feel how he was getting closer, how the answers hid here in the midst of desperate struggle.


    Unknowingly, Zac��s perception started to change as he ferociously threw himself against Traprandar��s techniques to break out from the siege. Each bleeding gash was a lesson, each blistering welt was a burst of inspiration. His swings no longer adhered to a fluid and ever-changing technique aimed at unrelenting offense. They gradually morphed into strikes from a primordial beast that fought for supremacy.


    Every swing was a life, a death, and a reincarnation.


    An endless cycle of rebirth Zac pushed forward. There was no such thing as defeat, there was only an endless series of new beginnings. His vines were no longer a supportive Armament aimed at forcing openings and pressure through constant harassment. They were his pack, nibbling at the nks of their enemy. If they survived, they would feast. If they lost, they would die. Such was thew of the jungle. Such was thew of the Heavens.


    The golden bands restraining his body shattered quicker and quicker, and the intricate cage of lines left in the wake of the flying chakrams were destroyed faster than they were created. How could light possibly hamper the endless pursuit of evolution when the nurturing rays of the sun were part of life? It was bound to be taken, extracted, and used for his own gain as Zac reinvented himself.


    The beams of destruction descending from the sky no longer seemed threatening. Such was life. Heavenly cmities came and went, and what emerged from the ashes would be stronger than what came before. Even those who fell would only be gone for a moment. Through the cycle of Evolution, they would be reborn to fight again.


    Forever.


    Zac felt his aura soar as an intangible ripple spread out from his body, a ripple denoting that Man and Dao had be one.


    ��You too? It��s not possible!�� Traprandar roared as he redoubled his efforts, worry evident in his eyes.


    Cracks appeared across the Hegemon��s skin, allowing a golden sheen to escape through his body. His aura soared, most likely from having activated some sort of berserking skill. A new set of mirrors appeared in the sky, these ones covered in golden sigils that thrummed with power. However, they didn��t point toward Zac, but rather each other as they formed a circle.


    Zac woke up from his magical state, and a rush of tion filled him as he realized he had done it. This time, there was no sense of imperfection as he returned his Evolutionary Stance to its original glory. Or rather, a far superior versionpared to the old. However, now was not the time to inspect his gains.


    Traprandar was going all-out to protect his reputation and his points.


    A set of white and golden fractals covered Zac��s skin as he activated [Arcadian Crusade], almost mirroring the shining cracks now marring Traprandar��s face. A ferocious momentum built up inside him, and his mind was awash with bloodlust. But Zac wouldn��t start iling his weapons like a madman just from the mental maniptions of a berserking skill any longer.


    He had integrated the Dao itself into his Evolutionary Stance, which wasn��t just something akin to learning a new skill. It was understanding of the Heavenly Truths and letting them permeate the core of his very being. Skills like [Arcadian Crusade] reduced the weak-willed into berserking madmen who only followed their instincts to fight, but those instincts had already been elevated into pure technique in Zac��s case.


    With an unprecedented surge of momentum, Zac pounced like a pack of wolves closing in on its prey. Traprandar was trying to fight back best as he could, but his berserking skill proved utterly insufficient. His defenses crumbled and his restraints broke as Traprandar found himself submerged in the sea of Zac��s violence. A series of wounds to match Zac��s own covered his body in an instant.


    Yet Traprandar didn��t give in, clearly preparing something since the energy in his body had been churning like crazy for a while. The light in the sky was growing stronger, as though a sun was being born in the center of the mirrors. Suddenly, reality inverted as the space between the mirrors became the mirror, while the mirrors became anchoring runes.


    From the other side of the crystal pane, a terrifying entity gazed down upon Zac. It looked like an eye surrounded by a churning swirl of mysterious runes and golden hoops, almost reminiscent of a biblical seraph asprehended by the mortal gaze. Zac had just turned the tide, but he was still beset by a sense of primal dread as he looked up at that creature.


    There was no path but forward, and Zac continued to suppress Traprandar even as he felt something terrifying brewing above his head. Traprandar was trying to dy and entrap him, but he was finally forced to teleport away with a nasty wound that ran all the way from his shoulder down to his gut. If it had been just an inch deeper, the arrays of the arena would have kicked in and ended the match.


    Still, managing to push the Hegemon into an unmitigated retreat was exactly what Zac needed at the moment. Eight thick streams of Mental Energy twinned into a sturdy rope before he infused them with four streams of Bodhi and four streams of Coffin. The summoned entity was already emerging from the mirror by that point, but two celestial domains rose to meet its descent.


    Zac initially hadn��t wanted to use [Rapturous Divide] in the arena, fearing it would fan the rumor mill seeing a fusion of life and death like that. But the thing in the sky put him under too much pressure, and he saw no alternative but to go all out. There was [Arcadia��s Judgement] as well, but he wouldn��t be able tounch it in time without using Void Energy to fuel the skill, which wasn��t something he could disy in an arena battle like this.


    The hymns of Arcadia shed with the deafening silence of the Abyss. The unpassable chasm between the two formed, and it was just in time. Five massive halos had appeared behind the summoned creature, and they condensed into a terrifying beam aimed straight at Zac. The two forces shed, and even the barriers that sealed the arena shuddered from the all-out attacks as Zac was pushed to his knees.


    Space cried and twisted as the all-out attacks of two forces tried to consume each other, but Zac immediately got a sinking feeling and made his preparations. The creature was too powerful. Even with [Adamance of Eoz] and his robust infusion of a Dao Braid, the temple of Arcadia was fast crumbling under the pressure. The Abyssal chasm wasn��t much better off, and it looked like it was copsing unto itself.


    The stalematested for another two seconds, but Zac suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood as his attack failed, while the terrifying being still hovered in the sky. Its eye had lost its glimmer, seemingly unable to unleash another scorching ray like the one that took out his attack. But it still had over half of its golden hoops intact, and they were now falling toward Zac like a heavenly judgment.


    However, they didn��t get too far before space cracked again as a runic wooden hand emerged, holding an axe that exuded unquestionable might. The creature had already exerted all of its power, and it was effortlessly split in two before the axe continued its descent.


    Toward a shocked Traprandar, who had copsed on the other side of the arena while waiting for his ultimate attack to finish Zac off.


    Zac was drenched in blood, his mind a bit woozy. But he still smiled even though the golden hoops filled with deadly power were falling much faster than the axe of his ultimate strike. A forest sprung up around him the next moment, and he melded into the tree just before thousands of shimmering lights ripped his surroundings to shreds. A momentter, a gong echoed out as a protective bubble enclosed him �C just in time to block out a massive shockwave that rocked the whole arena.


    He had won.

 Chapter 819: Bargain Hunting

    Chapter 819: Bargain Hunting


    As the dust settled, Zac was greeted by a deafening silence even after the isting array had been deactivated. Traprandar was arduously getting back to his feet as his right hand hung limply to the side. A new wound, this one almost cutting the arm clean off, had been added to the other ones �C the result of [Arcadia��s Judgement] finding its target.


    Between Traprandar��s wounds, the pressure from the huge hand, and Zac��s omniscience through [Ancestral Woods], the Hegemon had been unable to dodge the attack. As usual, the Arena Array sprung to action the moment Traprandar��s wounds had passed a critical level, and Zac��s skill was dispersed before the Hegemon died.


    Suddenly, a raucousugh broke the silence, and Zac looked over to see Olgorothughing so hard tears were streaming down his face.


    ��They got you. They got you!�� he howled with glee. ��My loss was worth it. Definitely worth it.��


    Traprandar scowled at the Corpselord before turning his fiery gaze at Zac, who could only return a wry smile as he ate a healing pill and activated [Surging Vitality]. Part of him felt bad about scamming these two Hegemons out of their Purchase Points, which meant they would be less prepared for the next relegation. But Zac had already made sure they weren��t some sort of saints. They weren��t like Pavina or Kaldor who helped others in this prison or anything.


    Then again, it ultimately didn��t matter.


    This was how the multiverse worked, where people fought tooth and nail for resources. So many had already died as a direct result of his pursuit of power, so what was some robbing? Resources would only grow scarcer as he continued down this path, where every single C-grade treasure would be hotly contested. A B-grade treasure was enough to start a war that would shock empires to their core. Getting weak-hearted meant death, and the end of his aspirations.


    Still, that didn��t do much to alleviate the mixed emotions Zac felt as he walked down from the arena and epted his Purchase Points. He had sworn that he wouldn��t lose his mortal heart after descending the Havenfort Chasm, but it was getting harder and harder to live up to that promise as time passed.


    Was his pang of remorse proof he still had a conscience, or was it just him trying to convince himself he was the same person as the one before the integration?


    ��Little Pocket? No, ah, Zac Piker, was it?�� a hesitant voice emerged from the path leading out of the arena.


    It was Yurul, the diator he met the first timeing here. They had met a few times since she had almost been a fixture in this ce over the past decade as she was trying to find some sort of answer through these duels. However, this time her demeanor was a bit different from normal, and she looked at him with a queer gaze.


    ��I am entering seclusion,�� Zac smiled. ��I might not be back for a while.��


    ��Oh, alright,�� Yurul nodded, before the tension in her face smoothed out.


    It looked like she had decided to not inquire about his real situation. Still, she took out a token from her Cosmos Sack, something she had never done before. ��I have a twin sister on the outside. She was a young acolyte of the Everseal Tribunal of the Yr��Koloq Sector bordering the frontier. If you ever get out�� If possible�� Could you tell her what happened to me?��


    ��If I ever get the chance,�� Zac nodded with a smile as he took the token, donning a hood as he left the arena.


    His disy of power along with the rumors of his unique situation would probably start a wave of discussion, something he had no interest in dealing with. He had never heard of the Everseal Tribunal or the Yr��Koloq Sector, but if he stumbled upon the ce in the future he��d do Yurul the small favor of sending her sister the token since Yurul was the one who taught him the method to seize Purchase Points in this ce.


    But he didn��t want to get bogged down with too many Karmic Links, so hurriedly left for Samsara��s Edge before anyone else caught up with him. He had aplished the most important milestone before the duel with Kaldor, where he had properly entered the Integration Realm. Zac already knew he would be able to pass the fourth band with the strength and techniques he had umted, but there was still eight months before the deadline.


    Part of him wanted to go through the duel as soon as possible so he could finally return to Earth, but he knew that he had to be careful. Even with his current level, the Izh��Rak Reaver said Zac only had a 50% chance of survival. That was definitely too low forfort when fighting against a battle-crazed Peak Monarch who supposedly could confirm his Dao any time he wanted.


    Thankfully, there were some things he could still do to better those odds. The most obvious step was to elevate his two Dao Fragments to branches. Even if he couldn��t enjoy the attribute boost in this ce, the breakthroughs would lend greater strengths to both his stances and to his attacks. Kaldor had promised to keep hisprehension at the stage of Peak Fragments, so gaining another two Dao Branches would be a big advantage.


    However, he needed some time to consolidate his gains before that. And just as it happened, Zac had a few more ideas on how to make the most of his next months. So, Zac didn��t immediately head toward his teachers or his cultivation caves, but rather toward the Contribution Store. Now that he was flush with cash, it was time to make some purchases.


    The reason he took the risk and bet his whole fortune against the two Hegemons was that he didn��t want to leave the Orom World without picking up at least one of the unique treasures this huge bastard had snatched up over the eons. And there were a lot of them that collected dust in the Contribution Stores.


    These were all items that would cause a storm on the outside world because of their unique benefits, but their cost-to-benefit ratio was too inefficient for most people in the Orom World. Some benefits and powerups didn��t provide Contribution points, making people unwilling to stomach the high price tag. Others might provide benefits, but they were slow to materialize, making them a viable option only if you were already safe from the relegation.


    An example of thetter was affinity-boosting treasures. They were extremely costly on the outside, especially those useable in the D-grade. But they were not as useful in the Orom World where you needed quick gains to survive the continuous relegation. So what if the benefits of higher affinities would slowly umte over a lifetime? In the Orom World, you needed to get stronger right now.


    ��Wee, young master,�� the store clerk nodded as Zac entered the store.


    Only one other disk was upied, with the Orom World havingpletely returned to its usual pace after the excitement of the new arrivals had abated. Zac scanned the list of items, and he breathed out in relief that all of the items he had his eyes on were still avable. Three particr items piqued Zac��s interest more than the others.


    The first option item was an item the registry called the [Hollow Core]. It was a semi-natural treasure reportedly formed from the core of a unique being and then reforged through some unknown natural cmity. It had been turned into an extremely sturdy container, perfect for building one��s Cultivator��s Core.


    The [Hollow Core] exuded some sort of pressure that would forcibly contain rampant energies as you built up the core, allowing pretty much anyone with the prerequisite Dao Stages to form at least a medium-quality Cultivator��s Core. Even a cultivator could make use of it to improve their chances of sess, and the stability it provided might allow a cultivator to push their core to the next tier.


    However, it had one big drawback in this ce; using the treasure to form a Cultivator��s Core would drastically lessen the Contribution Points gained from the breakthrough.


    When inquiring why that was, Zac found that the restrictive array of the [Hollow Core] was so unique that the prison brand didn��t manage to ess the inspiration and insights from within. Certainly, if the Orom really wanted, it could probably improve the brand to gain ess. But why bother exerting that kind of effort for some random unique item?


    With a price tag of 32,000 Contribution Points, few E-grade cultivators could afford it. The few who could afford it probably didn��t need it. They were most likely great talents who would be able to form high-quality Cultivator��s Cores, and the additional benefits the [Hollow Core] provided couldn��t cover the cost of both the treasure and the loss of points from their breakthrough.


    Still, it could potentially be a great asset to Zac who didn��t have the benefits of cultivation manuals or natural affinities, and who wasn��t nning on breaking through inside the Orom World in either case. He could use all the advantages he could get to form something that could withstand his path.


    The second treasure was a single seed of something called the Heavenrender Vine. It was an item that he had been suggested by Heda to rece Vivi when she eventually passed on. Zac had long since ovee the unsettled feeling of socializing with someone whose soul was in constant jeopardy of being consumed, and Zac had visited the Arborist regrly over the past twenty months.


    Not only did she possess a wealth of knowledge regarding the Path of Life, but dueling against her thousands of nt species was an immense assistance in integrating the vines into his fighting style. After all, he only had [Armament Mastery] on his undead side, and he sometimes hit roadblocks in tranting the lessons.


    Heda never held back when sharing her knowledge. She had treated him with utmost sincerity since day one, in contrast to Ubo who mostly seemed to have invited Zac out of boredom, and then after that because of Zac��s connection to Three Virtues. Zac wanted to reciprocate the treatment, so he had surreptitiously asked about infusing the old vine with Creation Energy to restore her condition or forcibly allow her to breakthrough.


    Unfortunately, Heda said it was no use.


    No matter if you talked about nts of cultivators, all were born with the shackles of mortality, including cultivators. Certainly, some were less restrained than others, but everyone had a natural limit to their aplishments. Less than one in ten thousand E-grade cultivators possessed the prerequisites to step into Hegemony naturally, and even fewer seeded.


    There was a small window of opportunity where you could break these shackles, using a mixture of momentum and opportunity to subvert your destiny. But if you missed that chance, you were essentially locked in. Not only would your body resist the evolution, but even the very core of your being resisted going any further.


    Vivi had lived a long life even for a Spirit nt, and to forcibly prolong her life would bring more suffering than happiness, and neither Zac nor Heda wanted that. This was something all powerhouses of the Multiverse had toe to terms with sooner orter. There was only so much you could do even with all your strength and fortune. Not even Autarchs could subvert the basicw of aging.


    That was why elders seldom got attached to the younger generations of their ns. Thousands of generations would rise and fall during their lifetime, and getting too invested would only lead to heartbreak, sometimes even Heart Demons hampering their own pursuit of the Dao.


    Besides, Zac figured that his Creation Energy was more likely to drain what little lifespan the vine had remaining than recoup it. While Heda clearly had a special attachment to this vine, even she said that Zac was better off focusing on a sessor. To spend a century or two on purifying a high-potential seed with his Dao.


    The Heavenrender Vine was a terrifying nt species that was almost unstoppable when it had grown. Its name came from the fact that it was extremely aggressive, and that it seemingly had no limits on how big it could grow. Some vines had conquered wholes, forming vast single-organism forests on its surface where all living things were prey.


    The item in the store was ssified as a Supreme Quality D-grade item, but it only cost 43,000 Contribution Points. The reason was simple; it didn��t really serve any purpose inside the Orom World. Nurturing and raising a Heavenrender Vine could bankrupt a Hegemon, and doing so wouldn��t award any Contribution Points.


    In fact, the listing specifically said that Heavenrender Vines were a banned species that you weren��t allowed to grow in the Orom World. You were only allowed to buy the seed for study. For Zac, it could be a great asset down the road, and the Vine would naturally enter the C-grade as long as Zac could afford to nurture it.


    Heda even said there were B-grade vines out in the Multiverse, but anything beyond early C-grade would require unique fortuitous encounters.


    The biggest risk with this purchase was that there was no guarantee he��d always use vines as he had over the past years. He had discussed his use of Armaments at length with Pavina over the past years, and Zac had realized that his attitude to his skills and tools was a bit rigid.


    ��Nothing is constant,�� the Revenant had said one day when Zac voiced his concerns. ��Things change as the seasons pass. Not everything needs to be carried to the end. Being sentimental can be useful when braving the eons of lonesome struggle that is the road of cultivation. It reminds you why you are fighting, why you refuse to give in.


    ��But do not let the things you carry be things that chain you down. It is a given that you will not use all the skills you acquire for all eternity. That does not mean they are useless now or that it is a waste of time learning them. They helped you during a period of your life, allowing you to reach the next stage of your path.


    ��One day you might realize that the chains are no longer needed for you to aplish your goals. Will you still carry them because of a decision you made as a child?��


    It was a worthwhile reminder. Zac had unintentionally reached a point where his Spirit Tools had be hispanions and where he was absolutely unwilling to give them up. He hadn��t even considered swapping out [Verun��s Bite] to some axe with greater potential. Zac would rather search for the fortuitous encounters required for Verun to apany him to the end.


    There wasn��t anything wrong with this mindset. The longer you nurtured a weapon, the more in tune with you and your path the weapon would be. Someone who constantly swapped out their weapons would be hard-pressed to reach that kind of natural cooperation as Zac had with his axe. But while this was true for his axe, it didn��t need to be the same with everything else.


    Just like Pavina said; if the vines didn��t work out, he could always stop using them. Pavina could aplish more with a single finger than he could with all the tools in his repertoire. He didn��t need to be worried that he wouldn��t be able to disy all the facets of his stances with his axe alone in the future.


    Besides, he still hadn��t forgotten his longstanding promise to Alea. The goal was still to resurrect her, which carried a decent risk of destroying [Love��s Bond]. Even if the weapon survived, Zac knew he wouldn��t have the same attachment to it afterward.


    But even if he got the Heavenrender Vine and it turned out to be superfluous in the future, he could still have great use for it. As long as he managed to elevate it to middle C-grade, it would be an existence that few in Zecia would dare mess with. It had the potential to be Earth��s ultimate guardian in case Zac needed to leave home for prolonged durations when searching for his sister.


    Finally, there was a treasure called the [Stone of Celestial Void]. From the looks of it, it was some sort of unique treasure born in the Void itself. It contained almost an iprehensible amount of energy, enough to outright kill over a hundred Hegemons. Furthermore, it was said to hold some mysterious insights that were impossible to identify.


    This was something that he was eyeing for his bloodline. The amount of energy his Void Emperor-bloodline had required to reach E-grade was almost unreal. Considering the biggest divide between E- and D-grades was the immense energy reserves of Hegemons, Zac didn��t even dare to think of how many resources it would cost to push his bloodline to the next stage.


    The [Stone of Celestial Void] had the potential to be the spark that allowed him to ignite his bloodline and begin the breakthrough, like when he somehow siphoned all the valuables in the depths of the Twilight Chasm.


    The stone cost 56,000 Purchase Points, which was slightly above the 49,699 he currently possessed between winning the duel and getting almost 9,000 contribution points for reaching the Integration Stage. But as long as he formed his next two branches, he would most likely be able to afford it.


    Apart from that, there were dozens of items of simr quality. While those didn��t seem as useful for his own cultivation, some were definitely more valuable on the outside. There was always the option of taking the most valuable item and exchanging it for something even better than these three things on the outside.


    Zac stood frozen in hesitation for almost twenty minutes, but he eventually emergedpletely broke from the store, now with a small wooden band on his finger. Inside, a small seed hovered above a vast field of spiritual soil, the space spanning a couple of square miles. The Contribution Store was pretty generous, throwing in a miniature realm where he could nurture nts.


    He had ultimately chosen the seed since it felt like the Heavenrender Vine was the option with the best odds of paying great dividends.


    The [Hollow Core] seemed pretty amazing, but he wasn��t certain it would work together with his Specialty Core that already formed a shell around the spot where his future Cultivator��s Core would be. Besides, he had the Perennial Vastness Token. He had asked around, and while he couldn��t find anyone who had been there, he had managed to pick up a few rumors.


    From what he could gather, the method used in the Perennial Vastness Realm was unique, and it mainly relied on items gathered inside that unique realm. He had even sacrificed a Spatial Ring to confirm this by visiting Three Virtues. While the details were unclear, it was a trial and an opportunity wrapped into one, and the better you performed the better your core would be.


    Zac couldn��t be certain, but there was a decent chance of outside tools like the [Hollow Core] would prove useless, or at least inferior to native alternatives, in that ce. The re-sell value of the [Hollow Core] was probably the lowest out of all the items as well, as it wasn��t that impressive to guarantee an ascent into D-grade. Those stuck at the bottleneck would surely pay anything for such an item, but E-grade cultivators didn��t have nearly enough money.


    As for the use of [Stone of Celestial Void], it was just too big a risk. The Contribution Shop refused to take it out for him to inspect, so he couldn��t confirm it was useful for his bloodline. Besides, it was simply too expensive, and choosing the stone wouldn��t allow him toplete the next part of his n.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Forming Dao Branches meant a powerup, but it also meant something else in his case �C he was about to get zapped Tribtion Lightning. Twice. While it was deadly, it was also an opportunity on its own. Last time, it had purified his body, ridding him of impurities, some of them so stubborn that [Purity of the Void] couldn��t get the job done. After these tribtions and the one when reaching D-grade, it might be centuries before he was presented with this opportunity again.


    It was time to gunk up his body.

 Chapter 820: Gunking Up

    Chapter 820: Gunking Up


    Zac had prepared for this step since he epted Kaldor��s challenge, and with histest spending spree, he had everything he needed to make the most out of his uing tribtions. So he made a beeline for his cultivation cave upon leaving the Contribution Store, and he arrived at the small ind in the no-man��snd between life and death a few dayster.


    Years had passed since he leveled the local nt life during his second reincarnation, but the vegetation had long since regrown thanks to the dense ambient energy. There were no signs of any habitation, but Zac��s surroundings suddenly shifted after he entered a dense patch of undergrowth and activated an array disk.


    Atch appeared on the ground, and Zac opened it before jumping down. Behind him, the illusory arrays sprung back to life, hiding the entrance from any passer-by. Further and further down Zac went, until he reached a cave 200 meters beneath the ground. The air shimmered as he passed through a checkpoint, and he was immediately assaulted by the ferocious waves of stockpiled energies.


    Almost three years ago Zac had looked into creating this ce to restart his Soul Strengthening cultivation, since he figured he might as well work on his soul while he digested what he had learned in the Wilderness. Building such a ce on top of the ind felt too exposed for a permanent residence, so Zac decided to dig into the ground.


    To his surprise, Zac had stumbled into this ce by chance. The cave was clearly manmade, but it had taken advantage of the energy veins of the neighboring zones to create a gathering formation. It was far superior to the one Triv had erected inside his Cultivation Cave back home, and even more efficient than the gathering array he had purchased in the Contribution Store. Thankfully, there was no cultivator around, and the signs indicated that it had been abandoned for a long, long time.


    It looked like Zac wasn��t the first life-death-cultivator trapped in the Orom World. Zac didn��t know who his predecessor was since there were no messages or heritages left behind, but it had saved Zac a lot of effort. He only needed to make some minor alterations to make the energy flow better suit his Cultivation Method and erect a couple of arrays, and he was done.


    A prayer mat was left in the center of the cave, and Zac was immediately inundated in the struggle between life and death as he walked toward it. He had already nned out how to extract as many benefits as possible from the tribtions, and leveling pills was just part of it.


    He could do the same with his soul.


    However, Zac didn��t immediately start up the cultivation method, but he first slotted five Life-attuned Cosmic Crystals into an array, followed by five Miasma Crystals of simr rank. The powerful energies sealed inside the crystal joined the ambient energy, pushing the environment to the next level.


    The expenditure was beyond exorbitant with each one of the crystals being worth hundreds of D-grade Nexus Coins, but they wouldst him over a month. More importantly, they allowed Zac to push the quality of his cultivation environment to a simr level as the hidden cave he had found at the bottom of the Twilight Chasm.


    Next, Zac released some Void Energy to take out his [Mind��s EyeAgate] before slotting it in a grove just behind the Prayer mat. Going further from his prayermat, he installed an array disk the size of a barrel lid. On it, Zac ced an intricately engraved chest, and he immediately opened its lid.


    Inside was the ck and golden spiral-formed crystal of the twin-souled Realm Spirit, and they greedily started to absorb the energies in the cave the moment they were sealed. Even then, Zac saw how much weaker the lights were already, and he felt some regret as he ced his hands against the smooth crystal. He felt a weak nudge, proving that the spirits were still alive.


    But he didn��t do something soon, they��d perish. He had tried all kinds of things since he first took them out a few years back, from sealing to nurturing, but he couldn��t replicate Qi��Sar��s array at all. They definitely wouldn��tst the full ten years that the old realm spirit mentioned. He would be lucky if they survived more than a year.


    asionally letting them feast like this seemed to help a bit, but he knew they would stop absorbing the energies in a day or two, unable to continuously draw sustenance from the ambient energy. They were like nts dragged out of the soil, and anything he tried was just a temporary relief. Hopefully, he��d return to Earth in time.


    If not, it was simply not fated. Perhaps the spirits would turn into some useful treasure upon their death.


    Finally done with his preparations, Zac returned to his prayer mat and took out two of the bottles he had bought. Zac left them alone for now, and instead withdrew the densely inscribed Array Disk for his Soul Strengthening Manual.


    The cultivation methods of the first two reincarnations were simple enough. Zac had essentially been able to zone out and let the array do its thing, but those days were over. The third method of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] required not only active participation, but also an actual understanding of life and death.


    Five streams of Mental Energy were dragged out from Zac��s soul as he activated the array. Four came from his life-attuned cores and one from his central core. Joining them was a stream of insighting from the Bodhi Tree in his Soul Aperture. Zac had long realized that using his human side to cultivate Death didn��t help him at the current stage of his method, so he had swapped over to circting life when human since that was what he was more ustomed to.


    The continuous drain of energy would keep going for almost an hour, but Zac would be busy during that time. The outer cores of his soul suddenly sped up as Zac imposed his will on them, and their trajectories grew more and more inscrutable. Of course, Zac was extremely familiar with what the patterns entailed. They represented his Daos of life and death.


    Their movements drew two separate pathways in the hidden space of his soul; one of life, and one of death. The cores were often precariously close to colliding, but they never actually collided. However, a great tension was building up through the pathways, and Zac almost felt like he was watching two armies simting a war.


    This simtion wasn��t autonomous. It required constant input from Zac as he visualized the trajectories and what they meant. A single slip-up would noticeably reduce the effect of the cycle, and resting for just a minute could ruin it altogether. Zac nced at one of the pill bottles with hesitation, but he ultimately chose to wait.


    Fifty-five minutes passed as Zac continuously pushed the cores through countless revolutions of life and death. Finally, a torrent of life-empowered energy came crashing back from the array, and Zac immediately uncorked one of the bottles and poured out a pill into his hand. The small pill was shockingly powerful, and it had emitted such immense fluctuations it almost managed to hypnotize him.


    He still wasn��t sure this would work, but he threw the golden bead into his mouth before it made him lose control over the trajectories in his mind. The pill melted before he even had a chance to swallow, and just a momentter a sandstorm of golden grains had entered his Soul Aperture.


    It was the medicinal efficacy of the pill he had just ingested, the [Divine Elevation Pellet]. It could tenuously be considered a soul nurturing pill, but it wasn��t something designed for mentalists. In fact, no self-respecting mentalist would willingly use this pill, even though its name was quite impressive.


    It was a unique pill of the Orom World, sold by some unknown Emerald Badge from what Zac had gathered. Its use was simple; it forcibly empowered souls with life, providing the user with Contribution Points and a somewhat stronger soul. On the surface, it sounded great for any cultivator walking the path of life. A soul more in tune with their Dao, without using any Soul Strengthening Method at that. What��s not to like?


    The problem was that the pill contained arge amount of impurities, meaning it provided short-term benefits while potentially causing big issues down the road. It was a pill born from the desperation of this prison, where it was better to sacrifice some of your potential than being culled. It would buy the warriors some time, giving them a chance to turn things around.


    Obviously, things rarely worked out for these people, but it was still a pill that had a steady demand in Samsara��s Edge. Unsurprisingly, there were quite a few simr pills on the market, for various attunements. Of course, the second bottle Zac had prepared was the same, but for his undead side.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac was taking a calcted risk here. Adding impurities to his soul at this stage might interfere with his Dao Breakthroughs, but he dared use these pills since he had suppressed his cultivation for so long. He was right at the cusp for both the Daos, and even if he met resistance, he could simply eat an additional Dao Fruit to crash through the barrier.


    The ferocious sandstorm instinctively sought to join the returning surge of Mental Energy, but Zac held half of it back, instead pushing it into the four Divine Cores. Meanwhile, he guided empowered torrent toward another spot of his soul; a small golden globe that was barely visible next to the farrger outer cores.


    The ninth outer core.


    This little pellet had been formed the first time he activated the cultivation method, but it had been even smaller back then. Every time he practiced the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] since then, the new core had grown a little as it was flooded with energy from the other cores. By now, it was roughly a tenth the size of the original cores, and Zac estimated it would take around 15 years of daily cultivation to fully form it by normal means.


    It wasn��t a lot, but it also wasn��t little.


    Especially when considering that he would need nine cores of life and death to reach the maximum number of cores. And that was just the first half of the method. Going by his observations, there had to be a subsequent period of strengthening his cores after they were all fully formed. Altogether, Zac figured the third reincarnation would require a century of focused cultivation.


    A century was not too much, even for an E-grade cultivator, but it showed why so few bothered with Soul Strengthening. By Zac��s estimates, the third Reincarnation he was working on was equivalent to the second half of the E-grade in terms of stage. To spend a hundred years in the E-grade, where you spent almost 18 hours a day on Soul Cultivation, was uneptable to most people.


    It wouldn��t leave enough time for all the other parts of cultivation, which meant it would either ruin your momentum or leave you with ring weaknesses. Only a Soul Cultivator would feel this trade-off worthwhile. Or Soul Cultivators and Zac, rather. Even then, the Mentalists would probably be able to speed up the progresspared to someone like Zac, who didn��t have a unique soul any special affinities in that regard.


    His only strength seemed to be that his soul had unlimited potential, and it didn��t get stuck in any bottlenecks, just like his body. Most people couldn��t cultivate Soul Strengthening Methods even if they wanted, considering their souls would simply stop improving after a bit. Their souls would strengthen as their realms increased, but that was the extent of it.


    But Zac was unwilling to spend a whole century on the third reincarnation, no matter how useful an empowered soul was. Luckily, he had found some ways to shorten that duration. First of all, there were the two splinters who continuously fed his soul with high-grade energy. Secondly, he had realized that the stronger the outer cores were, the quicker each revolution would be.


    And the quickest way to improve the outer core was to snatch various opportunities. He had seen just how much time he had saved on the Second Reincarnation by visiting the Twilight Ocean. Without the unique environment and all the lucky encounters in that ce, he would still not have passed the Second Reincarnation, even if had circted the method every single day.


    Even the life-and-death struggles had honed his mind and shored up his foundations. Secluded cultivation simply couldn��tpare.


    This didn��t change with the third reincarnation. He had already consumed some resources he found in Aia Ouro��s Spatial Crystal along with some treasures in his Spatial Rings. These treasures had helped him not only grow his main core but also condense the attuned energies in his outer cores.


    He would have to keep looking for materials to speed up the process, be it pills, natural treasures, or unique cultivation grounds.


    Hours passed as three more rotations were finished, where Zac ate another pellet after every single revolution. The fifth divine core had enjoyed shocking improvements, but Zac could sense that he would only be able to use these pills for another cultivation session before they lost their efficacy. Even now, a good chunk of the golden mist was expunged by his body before it even reached his Soul Aperture.


    Furthermore, his Divine Cores all sported a series of dark-grey spots now, the impurities that had been hidden in the golden storm. Another hour passed and Zac took a fifth pill as the energy from the fifth revolution returned. He was hoping he could change what was about to happen next by controlling the medicinal energy, but he ran into a dead-end this time.


    Zac could only look on with some disappointment as the stream of life-attuned energies dissipated into a haze, failing to reach the fifth core.


    As the cores moved through his Soul Aperture, the energies were gradually returned to the four outer cores. That, unfortunately, didn��t do anything to strengthen them though. It only put them in an excitable state, just like how the seas had started raging in the previous reincarnation. Even then, Zac had to continue,pleting one revolution after another where most of the energy was lost to the void.


    Otherwise, he wouldn��t be able to start up the second half of his method. Zac still couldn��t quiteprehend the exact reason for this limitation. If possible, he would have preferred to focus all nine revolutions in rapidly building up the missing outer cores, but he was restricted by the number of cores he hadpleted.


    Four fully-formed cores meant he would be able to infuse the fifth core four times and no more.


    Each additional core would allow the trajectories of the outer cores to grow moreplex, which in turn would improve his soul in all kinds of ways, including how many energy infusions he couldplete. If he had only managed to form one or two outer cores of each attunement, he would have been forced to spend twice as much time on the third reincarnation. At least.


    Furthermore, the more outer cores he formed, the quicker the next formation would be. For example, the ninth and final core should only take half the time the fifth did, considering it would be infused eight times per cycle. Besides, putting the outer cores in an excitable state didn��te without its benefits, so Zac let nature take its course as he finished all nine cycles.


    By the time the ninth revolution wasplete, the Divine Cores moved almost twice as fast as their opposites, and the Miasmic Cores were greatly restrained.


    Having finished the first half of the cultivation session, Zac swapped over to his Draugr form and began the work on the second set of revolutions. Just like in his human form, he took a pill each time for the first four revolutions. This one was exactly the same as the [Divine Elevation Pellet], though it was called [Ruin��s Gift] and forcibly expanded souls with the taint of death.


    Thankfully, Zac was able to form the fifth Miasmic Core simultaneously as the Divine Core, cutting the time spent in half. Once more, four sets of empowered streams of Mental Energy nurtured the growing core before the whole set of Miasmic Cores became more and more frantic, their movements no longer as suppressed.


    Zac looked at his middle core that had silently been hovering in the heart of it all during the whole process. As the outer cores had grown more excitable, small motes had started to fall toward the central core,nding on its surface like a thinyer of snow. However, with only four sets of outer cores, the conflict still couldn��t reach a level of conflict that also refined the main core, so it simply grew without getting more condensed.


    This process would continue for over an hour until the outer cores left their empowered state. With both sets finished, Zac no longer needed to provide any input. The outer cores were like wind-up toys, moving on their own now that Zac had staked and infused energy for the better part of a day.


    He could even move around a bit by this point, though too much would shorten the duration his soul got nurtured. Zac stayed put for now, and he took out a third pill bottle and swallowed two pills inside. A ferocious surge of energy barged into his mind, and the small motes of snow were swept up by a blizzard that engulfed his central core.


    A burst of synthetic progress was added to his unattuned core. Just like the other two pills, Zac had intentionally chosen a pill that provided huge benefits but containedrge amount of Pill Toxins. Unfortunately, Zac found that the unattuned pill wasn��t as effective as the two attuned ones. He had feared as much, considering therge amount of resources like this he had consumed not long ago.


    Still, it was better than nothing, and Zac figured that it might save him a month or two of hard work. Soon enough, his mind returned to its normal state, signifying that the session was over. Even then, Zac sat unmoving for almost 20 minutes, not immediately continuing his training n.


    But he knew he was dying the inevitable, he had already made his choice. With great reluctance, he swapped out his prayer mat with arge barrel. Next, he took out arge stone urn sealed with a denseyer of talismans. He took a deep breath before ripping off the talismans. This uncorked the container and allowed him to gradually fill the barrel with its contents.


    Zac thought he had been mentally prepared, but he quickly realized his folly. His hair stood on end, his is eyes watered, and he was hit by a wave of nausea that almost knocked him out. This was unlike anything Zac had encountered before. It was beyond his scope ofprehension.


    The grey viscous mixture smelled like an embattled porta-potty three days into a festival where nothing but eggs and hot sauce was served.


    The stench was so overbearing that it could be considered both a mental and a physical attack wrapped into a single odor. Plugging his nose and sealing his pores had done nothing to alleviate the horror �C the stench almost seemed sentient, and it refused to be denied.


    Yet Zac kept pouring. The road of cultivation was full of tribtions, and this was just thetest one. Even then, Zac felt this one might be even more difficult to ovee than the Heavenly Lightning.

 Chapter 821: Celestial Clay

    Chapter 821: Celestial y


    The stone urn was a spatial treasure, and Zac eventually resealed it when the barrel was three-quarter full. For better or worse, there was a lot more of the grey mud stored in the vat, and he had to save it for future endeavors. The stench had spread through the whole cave by now, the environmental arrays utterly incapable of stemming the unceasing emanations.


    Zac wasn��t any better off after withstanding the initial wave of nausea. His nose, his very being, refused to limate to the stench. The hexbrew was something mentioned by Heda, but even she had been unable to rmend it when Zac asked about items with powerful effects butrge drawbacks.


    The bubbling grey mud was called [Celestial y], in what might be one of the most egregious cases of overselling something Zac had ever encountered. It could be considered a natural treasure, something that was nearly impossible to create. It did, however, have a small chance of forming in taintednds marked by extreme blights, war, or natural disasters. In other words, ces with extremely fell karma.


    But just like the sign at the Havenfort Chasm said, ��Night is the mother of the day��. Something divine could really be born out of this horrifying product. The [Celestial y] was one of the rare items that could boost one��s inherent Luck, and it was even more effective than most Attribute Fruits.


    Fruits providing Luck were hotmodities, and Zac hadn��t been able to get his hands on any even if a few had popped up in the Contribution Store. Everyone could use a bit of Luck in this prison, since it could be the difference between finding inspiration and being relegated. However, while all the Luck-boosting fruits had been sold the first day the store was refilled, the [Celestial y] had remained in stock since the previous cycle.


    If it was just the smell, most cultivators would simply grit their teeth and jump right in before secluding themselves until the stench had abated. But there was an issue with how the y was formed. Being born in all that fell Karma, it unsurprisingly contained extremely hard-to-cleanse impurities that spread through one��s whole body.


    That might just be a thorny problem that could slowly be alleviated for a powerful faction on the outside. Then again, those kinds of factions would probably find other means to fill out their Luck. In the Orom World, where you couldn��t spare the time to slowly purify your body, it was almost a death sentence. What good was extra Luck when the impurities were enough to risk your future breakthroughs?


    Only two groups of people would dare use [Celestial y]; someone like Zac, with the unique abilities to cleanse impurities, or people absolutely out of options. But most in thetter group would rather spend theirst Purchase Points on things like the Cultivation Chambers or Dao Treasures.


    Zac fought to quell his full-body dry heaves as he dressed down to his underwear before sinking into the mud, letting the sludge rise all the way to his neck before stopping. A shudder went through his body, before he finally dipped his head beneath as well. Thus, he was fully submerged in the profanepound.


    Some things were not as bad as they smelled, but the [Celestial y] was definitely not one of them. As the weird gunk entered his pores, it felt like his whole body had be an olfactory organ,pletely inundating him in the malodor. Zac had to forcibly grip his knees to keep himself from flying out of the vat, ruining the opportunity.


    After being taken from its pool of origination, the [Celestial y] wouldn��tst more than twelve hours outside of a sealed environment. Even sealed, it couldn��tst more than a millennium or two, a stark contrast to most items that couldst for eons inside a Spatial Tool. Most believed that the Heavenly Secrets locked in the goop couldn��t be permanently contained, and it would escape sooner orter.


    So Zac could only endure and thank the heavens that there was no one around to see or smell what he was doing. He could imagine thements if someone like Ogras or Emily had seen this cultivation method. He wouldn��t hear the end of it.


    But he didn��t have many other options.


    The rules of his duel with Kaldor were clear; it was a straightforward melee without the use of skills or his remnants. That left him with very few options to improve his odds in the short run. Dao and Technique were the big two, where his other options were quite limited. Boosting his Luck was one of the best solutions he hade up with.


    He had room to gain around 20 points raw points in Luck since he had only filled up around half of his ceiling with Attribute Fruits for both F- and E-grade. With all his titles, that would boost his Effective Luck by nearly 100 points, which was a boostpletely unrestrained by the Prison Brand. That might be what would clinch victory against a tough opponent like Kaldor.


    Luckily, the [Celestial y] wasn��t grade-restricted like the Attribute Fruits. Four rounds of cultivating like this, one bath a week, should be enough to hit the limit. He wished there was more he could do, but if there were only so many ways to improve. With the rules for the duel like they were, his bloodline was essentially useless, not that he had any way to improve it further at this point.


    If the Contribution Store had more treasures that could open up more Draugr-nodes, that would be one thing, but he was out of luck there. He had considered treasures meant to improve constitutions, but nurturing constitutions with an awakened bloodline was essentially impossible.


    So apart from his soul and the [Celestial y], Zac only had one final solution. He was nning on breaking through a couple of levels since every level gained did slightly improve the speed with which he could circte the energy in his body. Other than that, he would simply have to continue to train, pushing his Integration Stage techniques even further.


    Since the y would retain its efficacy for half a day, Zac desperately struggled to enter a meditative state to escape the stench. Interestingly enough, his connection to his two Dao Fragments always felt much clearer after running thetest method of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual].


    There was something about observing and running those mysterious patterns with his cores that strengthened his bond to those Daos, and today was no exception.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He hoped to break through the first of the two Dao Branches in a month, making this his final opportunity to revise and go over all his insights. The hours passed, and Zac arduously managed to forget the vile mud he was ensconced inside. Eventually, he heard a crackling sound, which meant the y had dried into a brittle solid mass that was fast falling apart.


    Zac was filled with relief as pushed through the kes of dried [Celestial y], crawling out from the barrel as though it was a barrel full of snakes. He immediately threw the barrel into a Spatial Ring before setting up another array. For the next few hours, Zac was trapped inside a storm of water, spiritual leaves, and coarse sponges that scrubbed him all over thousands of times. Meanwhile, the cave was slowly being aired out by the environmental array, the stench finally giving way now that it was without a source.


    Even then, Zac didn��t feelpletely clean when he emerged, even if every particle of y had been removed from his skin. Perhaps, he wouldn��t feel clean for months after that experience. However, his mood did visibly improve when he noticed that his Luck had improved by a full 16 points from this one session, meaning one bath had provided a full 8 raw Luck.


    That was essentially the equivalent of a Peak Luck Fruit at less than a percent of the cost.


    With that ordeal out of the way, Zac spent the next week in seclusion, alternating between opening a node with a Node-breaking Pill and cultivating his soul. As Zac expected, the Soul Strengthening Pills he had prepared mostly lost their efficacy after three sessions, but Zac estimated he had saved almost two years of progress this time around.


    Of course, in normal situations it might have taken a decade to gradually rid his body of all the impurities, making the method useless for Mentalists. Eventually, it was time for another cursed bath, and this process repeated twice more until the day of his breakthrough arrived. By now, his body was absolutely permeated by impurities �C from his soul to nodes and cells.


    But the progress was not bad �C a greatly enhanced soul and two new levels, for both his races. It could have been more, but Zac didn��t want any lingering damage to his body when dealing with the Tribtion Lightning. So he had pulled out all the stops, from using the disgusting [Chainbreaking Pills] to supreme quality node-breaking pills, leaving almost no damage behind.


    Most importantly, he had gained a full 51 points in Luck. When adding all the points his Attribute Fruits had provided thus far, Zac realized that he had actually surpassed the limits of a normal cultivator. Even with his background and unique bloodline, he had been unable to gain any more than 25 points in Strength from Attribute Fruits, for example.


    Some races could slightly surpass these limits for specific stats. But from what Zac had gathered, 25 per grade was a hard cap on Luck, no matter your origin. Most couldn��t even get that. However, Zac had actually managed to gain 27 raw points in Luck per grade, pushing his luck all the way to 591 Points.


    Zac had no idea where what allowed this attribute to surpass the normal limits. It might be rted to the Fated-titles he got, where a stronger fate might allow for greater leeway. Or it might be something else entirely. In fact, Zac wasn��t even sure if he had reached his limits since he had run out of [Celestial y].


    But that was just as well, considering that it felt like he was covered in a film of oil from all the impurities in his body by now. If not for the uing Tribtion and his Hidden Node, he would essentially be crippled by this point. The feeling was extremely ufortable, and he was afraid that staying like that for too long would directly hamper his mental state. Perhaps, it would even affect his ability to absorb the Dao.


    So Zac finally left his month-long seclusion and headed toward the [Hallowed Pools], the cultivation ground that matched the [ckink Mountain] in function. His breakthroughs had provided an impressive influx of Purchase Points, and he sprung for one of the Middle-grade chambers for half a day.


    This cultivation cave was a golden pond hidden in a cave underground, where the walls were studded with Divine Crystals. Zac felt like he was looking at a primordial soup as he stared at the shimmering waters, the origin of life. He had developed a small phobia against submerging himself in cultivation liquid thanks to that wretched mud, but there was barely any hesitation as he swam to the depths of the pond.


    The moment he entered the waters, Zac was almost forcibly dragged into his breakthrough prematurely. But he held onto his sanity as he reached the bottom of the pond where a small array was engraved. He knew he was pushing it renting a cave meant for Hegemons, but he was confident in maintaining his own vision of life.


    For years now, he had dyed his breakthrough as he condensed and perfected his path and his stances. By now, he could see the route he wanted to take so clearly that it might as well be real. Over the past month, he had spent every waking moment pondering on his path, confirming that the truths he had seized during his endless battles over the past years were in tune with his path.


    Thest time he upgraded his Life-attuned Dao was after the battle with Ventus, the Radiant Temple numerologist. Since then, he had encountered and experienced so much. In fact, he had witnessed so many expressions of life since he started cultivating, from the various facets of the human experience to the more conceptual meanings of life.


    For some, like Traprandar, life manifested as a powerful light, a beacon that could both nurture and destroy. It was a force of nature like lightning or fire. It was like the sun, sharing its blessing with the world but burning anything that came too close.


    For others, Life represented Divinity �C the bridge between mortality and the Heavens. It was the gift of the Cosmos, and what connected almost all beings of the Multiverse. Thus, it represented the cohesiveness of the shared consciousness, where all was one and the one was all �C one of the ts of the Buddhist Sangha.


    In Zac��s case, he saw life as change; boundless opportunity and possibility, resisting any and all restraints imposed upon it. Since his first vision of the Lifebringer, the celestial tree that outgrew its homeworld, he had delved deeper and deeper into the truths of the transformative nature of life. At first, change was represented through the changing cycles of nature when he worked on his Seed of Trees.


    From there, it integrated the ability to break convention by adding the concepts of braving the harsh winds and finding life through death. At the same time, the Seed of Sanctuary added stability. It made his Dao impervious to the wills of external pressures, where life derived from within could break the chains of fate and bring about endless possibilities.


    Life represented progress, as materialized through his Evolutionary Stance. Only through a constant cycle of reinvention could perfection be grasped. However, his path was not one of passive discovery, of epting whatever change came his way. Seizing andprehending life was to control life. To control fate. Through hisprehension of life, he would be the arbiter of his future.


    That was his Path of Supremacy.


    Suddenly, Zac��s pores opened wide, greedily absorbing the surrounding waters with such gusto that the whole cave shook. At the same time, the Bodhi tree in his mind detached from its usual spot on one of the Divine Cores. It took position above his central core, like the bodhi was bing the heavens of his inner world.


    Hundreds of small streams of purified insights entered his Soul Aperture and were swallowed by the Bodhi, all while Zac staunchly held onto his path. The Dao Avatar kept growing in response, molding itself into Zac��s vision of the Dao of Life. Eventually, his Dao Field exploded out from Zac��s body as a massive apparition appeared above his head, stretching all the way to the pond��s surface over twenty meters above.


    At first, the apparition mirrored the Dao Avatar��s appearance, but it gradually started to transform. Suddenly, it had be the Lifebringer, its branches stretching toward eternity, a realm unto its own. The next moment, it was the apocalyptic tree that was created from the volcanic eruption in the Twilight Ocean. The consecrated Bodhi tree that once birthed the [Praj?�� Cherry], the small sapling he had found in the Dead Zone.


    Both avatar and apparition kept changing, reflecting both his sources of inspiration and the ever-changing nature of hisprehension.


    Suddenly, a rumble spread through the world, reaching the very core of Zac��s being. His eyes shot open, and he was surprised to find himself standing in outer space. His surprise didn��te from the fact that he found himself overlooking a beautiful gxy full of vibrant colors, but rather that he had been moved to Orom��s Tribtion Dimension without so much as a spatial ripple.


    Unfortunately, this space was even more tightly sealed than the Orom World itself, and escape was all but impossible. Of course, the spatial restrictions didn��t apply to the Heavens, and Zac saw how an ominous ck cloud had started to spread through the emptiness of space shrouding the cosmos above his head. Zac frowned as he saw the roiling darkness kept expanding to the point it stretched for dozens of kilometers in every direction.


    It wasrge. Veryrge. During hisst tribtion, he had been pretty out of it, but he was certain this Tribtion Cloud wasrger thanst time around. Its diameter was at least thirty percent wider, which Zac could only assume would trante into a harsher punishment. His fears were all-but-confirmed as he sensed the intangible presence hidden within, the boundless wrath of the Heavens.


    It was out for blood.

 Chapter 822: Calamity

    Chapter 822: Cmity


    As expected, the punishment for evolving a Dao firmly outside the System��s purview came with a harsher challenge. The System wasn��t shouldering any part of the tribtion this time around. Each rumble felt like a primal call of destruction, with each purple sh hidden within the clouds containing condensed wrath for going against the natural order.


    This was not a trial �C it was a cmity.


    The golden tree that had been conjured by his breakthrough shuddered from the pressure, Zac felt a pang of fear as he looked up at the vast energies that had umted. He couldn��t stop the pang of primal fear to grip his heart. After all, only 5% of people who directly shouldered a tribtion survived.


    Even then, Zac��s heartbeat was steady and his gaze was calm. This time around Zac wasn��t identally stumbling into a breakthrough, he had prepared for this step for a long time. He wouldn��t be one of those who had their path cut short. He was here to crash through Heaven��s punishment in one go.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Five swirls beneath his feet continuously fed him with insights from the pond back in the [Hallowed Pools], fueling his aspiration as he reformed his Dao Field with the tree in the center. With his Dao on full disy, it felt like this deste pocket of space had be a lush forest full of verve. A p of furious thunder greeted the arrival of Zac��s Dao, and he felt the vast presence fully focus on him as the errant arcs of purple lightning started to gather up.


    This time, he wouldn��t swing at the lightning bolts like a lunatic. He had done his research on how to best surpass a tribtion. There were some ways to deal with the lightning bolts, Zac had found out, but directly attacking the lightning was not one of them as far as Zac could tell. Perhaps if one was disgustingly powerful you could directly disperse the clouds, but Zac was far from that level.


    What he did thest time during his bout of hubris was akin to pouring gasoline on the fire, only worsening the situation. In reality, there were two paths to go about the breakthrough; to hide from the Heavens and to defy the Heavens. These two terms were even older than the System itself, which was no surprise considering the boundless cultivators walked their path with at least one foot outside the System��s purview.


    Hiding from the Heavens meant figuring out ways to weaken the tribtion or make it spread its focus. Some unorthodox cultivators set up sinister arrays where human sacrifices were performed to hide their fate, or temporarily disce their Dao onto someone else, tricking the Heavens into targeting the innocent. What his mother did to Thea was exactly this, as far as he could tell �C sacrificing an outsider to allow Kenzie to pass into the E-grade.


    Some unique treasures and methods weren��t as sinister though.


    The most famous faction who hid from the heavens were no doubt the Technocrats, who had supposedly perfected this technique. From what he��d gathered, they were able to weaken the tribtion by more than 70%, depending on their individual tech. There were even rumors of some sort of Technocrat Holy Land that waspletely shielded from both the System and the Heavens.


    That alone had ignited another wave of wrath in Zac upon learning. His mother obviously had various means to cheat or weaken Kenzie��s Tribtion Lightning, yet she chose to use an unorthodox technique that killed Thea. It was not an act of necessity �C it was spite. Just the thought of it made Zac��s angere bubbling again, but he quickly quenched it before refocusing on his breakthrough.


    Zac couldn��t rx or get distracted at this point; he had no ns of hiding from this tribtion.


    The benefits of hiding from the Heavens were obvious; you��d survive where you would likely have fallen otherwise, you carry on with your life. The downside was pretty punishing as well, though. Your breakthrough could barely be considered sessful, though Zac wasn��t too sure this applied to the Technocrats as well.


    From what he��d heard, cheating a breakthrough this way was almost akin to forming a Half-Step Cultivator��s Core. While the reality wasn��t quite that bad, it was still a far cry from a true breakthrough. At best, you��d have to spend a huge amount of time and effort on shoring up the weak foundations left behind by the false breakthrough.


    At worst, your cultivation journey hade to its end.


    Few elites who had stepped on the path of the boundless were willing to live with such a drawback, and they chose to believe in themselves and their ability to withstand the punishing bolts of lightning. That was the kind of conviction one needed to defy the Heavens; to stare into the eyes of death and not flinch.


    For most, Tribtion Lightning was simply a cmity to be avoided at all costs, and they didn��t have the strength to seize the opportunity it presented. In fact, there were benefits to directly taking the lightning bolts of the old Heavens, benefits that not even the System could provide. His bloodline had simply allowed him to take far more advantage than most.


    As long as warriors properly withstood the punishment of the Heavens, they could absorb small wisps of the Heavens themselves. For cultivators, it was an opportunity to marginally increase their affinities. Having the lightning pass through their Dao Fields also helped stabilize your Dao, saving you months of hard work.


    Zac most likely wouldn��t be able to enjoy the former with his unique Bloodline. He should have noticed some change after the previous tribtion if that was the case. But he did think he could benefit from thetter, which was a huge advantage for his uing fight. The less time he needed to consolidate, the more time he spend on improving his techniques even further.


    His ability to cleanse his body with Tribtion Lightning seemed to be a unique benefit of his bloodline though, and he hadn��t heard of anyone else benefiting in this manner. Last time, it was all thanks to his [Void Heart] swallowing lightning and turning it into something usable that had thoroughly cleansed his body and strengthened him. However, Zac believed that he hadn��t unearthed the full potential of his bloodline.


    Karz had been able to draw sustenance from pretty much anything. Zac bet that Karz would be able to swallow at least some tribtion lightning, even if it hadn��t been shown in the visions. The same was true for the mysterious man who had flown through the cosmos in his node-opening visions, swallowing stars like it was nothing.


    Zac felt he should be able to do the same. As the first bolt of lightning congealed in the clouds, Zac steadied his mind. He had two goals today, apart from simply surviving. First, he wanted to stay conscious throughout the whole breakthrough, so that he could take full advantage of this opportunity. Secondly, he wanted to seize a bit of the lightning himself, performing an initial cleansing round to remove some of the muck that permeated his body.


    The purple arcs of lightning lit up the whole cosmos by now, hatred and spite taken physical form. Even as Zac held onto his convictions, he couldn��tpletely erase that primal fear from before. This was probably how the ancient cavemen of Earth felt as they hid from the crashing thunder, fearing the wrath of an almighty god.


    Zac didn��t know why, but that thought somewhat calmed his nerves. Perhaps, it was a connection of sorts. A shared experience from generation to generation, linking them across the long river of time. The cavemen had survived, and this storm, too, would pass.


    The first bolt descended, and Zac took a steadying breath as he infused all the willpower and conviction into his Dao Field, which was now shrunk to its absolute minimum. It was so condensed that it barely covered the tall apparition, which now had sunk to cover Zac��s whole body. It was like he was hidden in the core of the bodhi��s trunk, protected from the raging cmity outside.


    This was the true way to withstand a tribtion, to anneal your Dao in Heaven��s Mandate.


    Unfortunately, being prepared didn��t mean you were safe, and the whole world turned white as a pir of lightningpletely covered him and his Dao Field. The shimmering Bodhi was only able to stop the onught for half a second before it cracked, allowing the lightning to squeeze inside and target Zac.


    It looked like the whole tree was burning, and the golden sheen was supnted by a blinding purple. Zac felt his whole Dao Field was on the verge of copse, but he staunchly held on since he felt his Dao being tempered. The only solution he hade up with was to open the gates to [Spiritual Void], unleashing all of his Sealed Dao to strengthen his field.


    As far as Zac could tell, this shouldn��t be considered a shortcut. It wasn��t some outside skill, it was simply his Dao and nothing else. He hoped this would allow his Dao Field tost longer, allowing it to be tempered even further than normal. Unfortunately, he wasn��t in any position to gauge the effect, as he was busy just withstanding the brunt of the attack.


    His protective bubble was already breached, and Zac was immediately filled with heavenly wrath. His instincts screamed at him to give in, to push it away, to do anything to end this soul-rending pain. He had been assaulted by all kinds of attacks before. mes, acid, poison, and all forms of weapons. He had bled, he had been maimed, he had hovered at the border of death. He even had his soul ripped apart once, he had never encountered this kind of pain before.


    It was all-consuming and final, the ultimate retribution for stealing the Dao from Mother Nature. The tribtion was lightning yet not lightning. It was more akin to Oblivion in a sense, yet it wasn��t. If anything, the tribtion lightning rather felt like it contained the absolute absence of Dao, the absence of everything. Everything it touched would be destroyed, since the Dao was the basic building block of the universe.


    It was a void.


    Zac knew he was screaming from the pain, but he couldn��t hear his cries over the crackling sounds of his soul frying. He was using his all to just stay afloat, to desperately try andplete the tasks he had set for himself. His tattered mind pushed and pushed, trying to impose his will on the frantic lightning coursing through his body, trying to use it to singe thergest spots of impurities in an ultimate baptism.


    Unfortunately, channeling the tribtion waspletely out of his grasp as the lightning had a will of its own, a will far more powerful than his own. His [Void Heart] had already woken up though and started to greedily swallow any bolts that came close. Its momentum was gradually increasing, prompting the tribtion to realize the danger just likest time.


    Since he couldn��t channel the energy, Zac instead tried to keep it inside his body a little while longer before it escaped the [Void Heart]��s hunger. It would ravage his insides even more, but he had confirmed that while his cells were being destroyed, it took some of the impurities with it. It wasn��t quite as much as he had hoped, but it was better than nothing.


    He only managed to withhold the lightning for a second before it forced its way out, leaving Zac panting heavily as cracks covered his skin. His Dao Field waspletely shredded as well, but Zac roused his spirit to reform it as he ate a cocktail of healing pills. Soothing waves spread through his body and mind, but Zac knew it wouldn��t make much of a difference.


    After all, the second wave was already descending.


    The bolt mmed into his reformed Bodhi tree just a momentter, once more drowning it in purple destruction. The second lighting contained even more power, and Zac couldn��t maintain his field for more than an instant before the lightning poured into his body, transporting him to a world of agony.


    There were no longer any thoughts in Zac��s mind of controlling or taking advantage. He only clung to survival as bleeding cracks opened up all across his body. His Soul Aperture was not much better off, with the tranquil star system beset by a fierce cmity. The Cores were pelted by bolts, covering them in hairline cracks.


    What felt like an eternity passed until the lightning finally left his body, and Zac wheezed as he looked up to the sky, his vision blurry and his mouth tasting metal. Just one more. One final strike and he��d be done with it. Even more impurities had been expunged, but the effect was actually worse than after the first bolt.


    Was it because he was unable to affect the situation on his own? Or was it because there simply had been so many impurities in his body the first time around, that it was impossible to avoid?


    There was no way to tell, and Zac��s only thoughts were now on staying awake. To maintain his Dao and hold onto his convictions. There was no turning back at this point, and Zac took a steadying breath before roaring in defiance as the third bolt crashed into him. The Bodhi turned to splinters and his blood turned to ash, overwhelming all resistance.


    His soul was lightning, his body was lightning. There was nothing else; only pain and the color purple. He was just a leaf swept up in a hurricane bent on destruction. But he held on to that flickering sense of self, of the golden tree that looked like it could carry the weight of the Heavens themselves.


    An instant was stretched to infinity. Eras turned as Zac was caught in purgatory, assaulted from every direction by voices that told him to give in. That he would still pass even if he let go. After all, he was the descendant of the Void Emperor, his lineage would keep him safe. Yet he held on, refusing to rely on that sort of crutch.


    A million times he was urged to surrender, and a million times he said no.


    Suddenly, the pain stopped, the change so sudden Zac wasn��t sure the impression was real, but the vibrant cosmos soon came into view, confirming the lightning had receded. The tearing agony had been imprinted into the core of his being and its shadow lingered, confusing Zac��s mind.


    But he had made it.


    Not only that, he had remained conscious, albeit barely. The clouds slowly parted, their churning undtions filled with a sense of frustration and unwillingness. At the same time, the cosmos started to blur, and Zac found himself back in the bottom of the pond once more. This wasn��t teleportation, it was some sort of Space Melding, where two coordinates or two dimensions were fused into one.


    Now wasn��t the time to think about that, and he rather focused on the storm of energy that entered his body, dragged into his mind by his glowing Dao Avatar. The divine tree was greedily drinking the rich water in the pond itpleted its transformation. As Zac looked on, he was filled with an odd sense of discrepancy.


    Not with the Dao itself, since it felt it was gradually bing more and more in tune with his path. It was rather an odd spatial phenomenon, where he felt the tree was rapidly growing even though it stayed the same size inside his aperture. It was like that small avatar was the size of a mountain, yet it kept growing somehow.


    His body was riddled with wounds, and his souls were covered in cracks. Yet he suppressed the pain after swallowing another set of pills, his mind fully upied with observing his Dao Branch.


    As the hours passed, the form of the tree didn��t change much. The most significant change was how the branches, which had previously formed almost a circle that enclosed the trunk in a protective bubble, were being raised into the air. Soon enough, they all pointed to the sky, giving Zac the feeling they were holding up the heavens themselves.


    From the branches, leafy vines hung down toward its roots, theirzy movements filled with whispers of life. He couldn��t hear anything from inside his aperture, but he still felt like he could hear a soothing rustle from the Dao Avatar, and he felt like he was transported back to his courtyard in Port Atwood.


    Safe, secure.


    Eventually, the process stopped, and the tree returned to root itself on one of the Divine Cores. Zac finally let himself rx, knowing he had perfectly passed the tribtion. A quick estimate proved he still had a few hours on the chamber, so he swam out of the pond and sat down on its shore, no longer requiring such massive bursts of energy.


    Zac knew he needed to go over the state of his body, of his soul. However, there was one thing he needed to do before all that, and he quickly opened his Dao Screen.


    [Branch of the Kalpataru (Early): All attributes +50, Dexterity +300, Endurance +800, Vitality +2250, Intelligence +50, Wisdom +250, Effectiveness of Vitality +25%]

 Chapter 823: Kalpataru

    Chapter 823: Kalpataru


    Zac nkly looked at his new Dao Branch for a few moments before he finally remembered where he��d heard the term Kalpataru before. Seeing something he barely recognized was a bit of a surprise. He had expected something simple along the lines of ��Branch of the Consecrated Bodhi��, ��Divine Tree��, or even ��Branch of the Yggdrasil�� for his new Dao Branch.


    Just like its predecessor, the name came from Buddhist scripture. With so many exalted monks living in the life-attuned area, Zac had broadened his knowledge of the Buddhist Sangha quite a bit over the past years. One of the monks had mentioned the Kalpataru, a Divine Tree with the power of longevity, something closely linked to life.


    If consecrated properly, it could even grant one��s wishes from what Zac heard, which was the domain of Creation. The tree was apparently a real thing and not a myth, but it was more akin to a Natural Treasure than a Spiritual nt. It couldn��t be grown and it produced no seeds. It would appear out of nowhere, born from the Cosmos itself. It even had a will of its own, and if it wanted to leave, not even an Autarch could keep it.


    It would just disappear, avoiding all restrictions as it moved to another part of the Multiverse.


    Seeing how the name still followed a Buddhist heritage didn��t bother Zac. It was ultimately just a name, derived from Zac��s understanding of the universe. It didn��t mean the monks had managed to subvert his path or infuse the teachings of Buddha into his Dao. He was simply cultivating life through the imagery of a tree and the concept of change, making the name fitting enough.


    What mattered was the content of his Dao, and he had never felt so in tune with his life-attuned Dao as he did right now. He finally felt the Dao had be his own. Until now, it had been propped up by Dao Fruits and necessity, but it had been remolded to perfectly fit his path, something that could be discerned through the change in attribute allocation.


    Vitality was still the main attribute, followed by Endurance. However, seeing that the Dao Branch had added 300 Dexterity was a wee surprise. With his two sses and conflict-based Dao Branch, his Strength was running far ahead of his other attributes. It still wasn��t at the level where it caused him any trouble, but he ultimately wanted to aim for a more rounded build.


    While he had gained a bunch of Dexterity, Zac had actually lost some Wisdom, while his Intelligence barely increased. It was an obvious shift of focus, where the points that should have gone into Wisdom had been allocated into Dexterity.


    It was a wee change, as far as Zac was concerned.


    He had needed the points in Wisdom back when his soul and its defenses werecking. But by now, his soul was bing extremely powerful, to the point that it was even sturdier than his body. He didn��t need the extra mental strength and protection provided by Wisdom, and he was better off gaining some speed instead.


    Zac eventually closed the status screen and touched his token next, prompting a [9,715] to appear. Almost four thousand of the tally were left-over points from his earlier cultivation session, meaning he gained around 6,000 for forming the Dao Branch. The amount of points gained from the breakthrough wasn��t the maximum possible, but it was clearly better than the average.


    Some didn��t even gain 2,000 Contribution Points when forming a Dao Branch. This result was within Zac��s expectations as he��d already learned that Boundless Daos provided more Contribution Points in general. Daos within Heaven��s Path were more harmonized, while those who entered the boundless were more likely to be individualistic in nature.


    Therefore, boundless breakthroughs had greater odds to include new insights for the Orom, which was why an unusuallyrge part of the poption of the Orom World walked the Boundless Path.


    Zac stayed at the edge of the cultivation chamber until the time was up, using the immense energies to replenish his [Spiritual Void] and further stabilize his newly-formed Dao Branch. In fact, he saw some benefit to his Divine Cores as well, where they absorbed some of the energy and concepts in the golden waters.


    It proved that his previous notion was correct; he needed to find attuned cultivation grounds to improve his cores. Unfortunately, this golden water didn��t seem too useful for his soul, but there were all kinds of life-or-death-attuned materials out there. He just needed to find the right ones to save years of arduous cultivation.


    While making full use of the cave, Zac also went over the state of his body. He had to admit, things were better than expected. After being subjected to that horrifying torture, especially from the third st, he had expected that his body would almost be in a crippled state. But he was surprised to find that the damage was actually quite superficial.


    It didn��t make sense.


    He had felt how his body was essentially being erased by the Tribtion Lightning, yet he was mostly fine. Certainly, he was absolutely covered in small scars, from his skin to his organs and his soul, but these wounds didn��t contain any lingering energy or Dao. It was nothingpared to the stubborn damage left behind when he formed the Chaos Patterns.


    Come to think of it, he was pretty much fine when waking up after his previous breakthrough as well. This waspletely different from the norm. Even the staunchest elite spoke with hushed tones when discussing the Tribtion Lightning, and most were left bedridden for decades after withstanding them.


    In his case, he felt he��d be back in full form in a day or two, even quicker if he made use of one of the healing arrays. He didn��t delude himself into thinking he was uniquely talented or anything. This was thanks to something else.


    ��Void,�� Zac muttered as he thought back to the bolts of lightning.


    It had felt like the purple lightning was the absence of Dao taken form, an anti-Dao of sorts. How was this rted to his Void Emperor-bloodline? Was the Void it spoke of the Heavens themselves? Was that why his bloodline had taken such a leap forwardst time his [Void Heart] swallowed Tribtion Lightning?


    But then, how did Void Beasts fit into the picture? Why was their energy so useful for his Bloodline? And why didn��t that ancient aura that his Void Energy emitted feel like the Tribtion Lightning at all if they shared an origin? Zac shook his head, knowing that these answers were too far out of his reach.


    But it did make him even more eager to find out more about that ancient era. About Karz and the Limitless Empire. He really needed to get his hands on some sort of manual to go with his bloodline. Right now, he was fumbling along, using the remnants and random encounters to push his bloodline forward.


    How few of his impurities he managed to burn away proved how little control Zac had over his bloodline. Zac bet that if he had a proper manual instead of the absurdly simplistic [Bloodline Resonance], he would have been able to really take advantage of the tribtions. More importantly, there was probably a limit to how far he could improve himself using such an unreliable strategy as random encounters.


    Just like how the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] had started adding demands onprehension at the thirdyer, he needed to better understand his bloodline if he wanted to keep evolving it. Perhaps, he would be able to search for some answers in the Million Gates Territory.


    From what he had heard, Mystic Realms and ancient detritus were sometimes spat out from those spatial rifts, containing remnants left behind by the Limitless Empire. Most of it was useless scraps, but some were not. The treasure that made the Void Priestess fight with her life on the line had appeared there, for example.


    Of course, Zac needed to get out of this ce before he could start nning his next step.


    Zac left the cultivation chamber the moment his token buzzed, afraid that he��d get charged for another 12 hours if he loitered. From there, he returned to his cultivation cave, where he once more entered seclusion. This time, he didn��t spend any time on gaining levels or bathing in toxic mud.


    Instead, he swapped between cultivating his soul and slowly integrating the Branch of the Kalpataru into his Evolutionary Stance. There were still eight months to the duel, and he wanted to spend as much time of that as possible in his undead form. To avoid getting bottleneckedter, he had to take the first steps with integrating his life-attuned branch before that.


    One week passed in this manner until he felt a thump in his chest. Zac was in the middle of a cultivation session for his soul, but he immediately cut it short. There was still an ufortable amount of impurities saturating his body, and the next few minutes were critical in aying the situation.


    The thud came from his [VoidHeart], meaning it had had finally finished processing the Tribtion Lightning. A momentter, it started to spit out one burst after another, each one filled with the promise of both pain and possibility. Last time, Zac hadn��t known what to expect, so he mostly let the Tribtion Lightning do its thing.


    Now, he wanted to control the events, and he was ted to find that it worked to some extent.


    Thanks to [Void Heart]��s purification, the previously uncontainable lightning was far more malleable, and Zac pushed it through his body on a crusade of purification. The lightning still hurt like hell, but the agony wasn��t even at the level of the first tribtion bolt. It allowed him to maintain his concentration as he used massive amounts of Mental Energy to drag the lightning toward the thousands of spots of umted toxins.


    With every heartbeat, hundreds of oily spots and stubborn imperfections were singed clear, leaving behind pure cells without any blemishes. This time around, his cells didn��t greedily swallow any lightning, and his [Force of the Void] remained locked at 50% capacity. It really looked like he had reached his limits for this Bloodline Talent, at least until the bloodline evolved.


    That was fine with Zac since it left him with more lightning to temper himself with. His mind was already drowned in a thunderous storm, and purple sts hit his cores over and over. The numerous attuned cores had just made a full recovery two days ago, but they were already beset by another onught. Thankfully, Zac could tell that the bolts wouldn��t leave anysting damage.


    The previously mottled cores were fast regaining their luster as one bolt after another exploded against their surfaces. Not only that, but the energy they emitted started bing increasingly condensed as the Tribtion Lightning left some of its essence behind, saving Zac even more time to reach the peak of the third reincarnation.


    Unfortunately, nothing goodsts forever, and the bolts started to escape through his pores, dispersing into the environment. At the same time, both [Purity of the Void] and [Spiritual Void] absorbed the asional arc of lightning, though they weren��t nearly as voracious as his cells had been thest time around.


    The final arc of lightning escaped his body soon enough, leaving Zac covered in a new set of scars. Even if his scorched wounds looked a bit nasty, Zac felt great. It was almost felt like he had been reborn, or at least been returned to his prime condition. That oily feeling, like he hadn��t bathed for weeks, was finally gone.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The tribtion itself had removed around five percent of his impurities at best, but this second baptism had removed at least sixty percent of the remaining impurities. That meant a third was still left behind, but there was still the second tribtion to deal with that. Seeing the result, Zac decided to not try to muck up his body any further.


    He didn��t want any gunk remaining after his second tribtion. Not only would it hamper his energy cirction during his duel, but it was also high time he started to prepare for his next breakthrough �C Hegemony. He didn��t want to stop at the peak of E-grade for over a century before making his attempt at forming a Cultivator��s Core.


    Soon enough, he would have spent 10 years in the E-grade. While it wasn��t long, Zac was struggling to catch up with Leandra. Taking it slow and steady wouldn��t cut it. His initial n had actually been to reach D-grade within 10 years, matching the one year it took to reach E-grade. Now, he knew that was insufficient to reach the umtions he wanted.


    His new deadline was 20 years at the most, but the sooner the better. If he could push his Dao Branches to Middle proficiency within a few years, while also finding some inroads into properly forming a core that would work in his body, he would immediately crush his Perennial Vastness-token.


    Zac knew that a few years probably was too short a time to reach the limits of the E-grade; Late-stage Branches and a thrice-reincarnated soul. But it ultimately didn��t matter. Those things weren��t something that couldn��t be aplished after his breakthrough. They would simply make the process of forming his Cultivator��s Core easier, but he hoped he wouldn��t have to go that far to seed with its formation.


    Soon enough, another month had passed, and Zac had long adapted his Evolutionary Stance to make proper use of his new Dao Branch. The process was even smoother than he could have hoped for. It was like the two were meant for each other, effortlessly fusing into one. And they were.


    Zac had somewhat understood the reasoning behind Pavina��s suggestion to wait with his breakthrough, but only now did he witness just how spot-on her advice was. His technique had paved the path for fusing his Dao and Path into one, removing the incongruities and forging everything into one coherent system. Or almost coherent.


    There was still one aspect that remained to be integrated for his triumvirate path to be perfected �C the final Dao Branch.


    By now, the foundations on his Draugr side were as stable as an imprable fortress, his umtions even surpassing those that allowed him to form the Branch of the Kalpataru. So it was with a steady heart Zac made his way toward the [ckink Mountain], only making a short detour to pick up [Empyrean Aegis] at the local Nexus Node.


    The quest for this defensive was to gain two Dao Branches, and he wanted to cash in on the reward before forming his Deathly Dao Branch since he didn��t know it could affect the nature of the skill. Having imprinted the new skill fractal, which was ced on back of his head of all ces, swapped back to his Draugr form and set off.


    A few dayster, he reached the cultivation grounds where he rented a middle-grade cave to match his previous breakthrough. Soon enough, Zac sat ensconced in the depths of death, pondering his Dao and the road that had led him here.


    Just like with life, death had many faces and expressions, something Zac had be all-too-familiar with since the integration. In a sense, it was central to every cultivator��s struggle as they fought to cheat death and gain eternal life. Death became the ultimate adversary, always waiting to end their path. Death also became a close friend, following them throughout their journey. Only by walking at the edge of death would a warrior reach the peak.


    For some, especially in the Undead Empire, death was also synonymous with war. It was destruction, the act of vanquishing your foe. It was a coreponent in the struggle so central to both the Heavens and the System. If Zac had been born Draugr rather than identally gaining this second identity, he would most likely have taken this path as well; death through conquest.


    For others, Death represented control and hierarchy. Both liches and necromancers walked this path, where their death became their tool to gain minions. Then there were the hexmasters, the shamans, the poison masters, and the various different cultivators who infused Death into their path. For them, death was power �C a primal force few could withstand.


    For Zac, Death was stillness; the end of change and dominion over fate. It was a bridge toward eternity. His finding the Dao of Death had been a circuitous journey, far more idental than that of Life. However, as the years passed, he had finally started to assimte it into his own. His Draugr side was no longer a persona, a skill to be used or power to be exploited.


    The Draugr was him as much as his human side by now, and his desire to delve deeper into this aspect of the cosmic truths was just as real as his connection to life. It all started with the Seed of Hardness, once meant to be the Fragment of the Shield. Instead, it came to represent the invibility and inexorability of death.


    Next, came the Seed of Rot, born out of necessity and a sense of imbnce. It now represented the transition from life to death, from movement to stillness. After all, just like his Branch of the Kalpataru, his Dao was not a Dao of passive eptance, even if it was centered around stillness. This was also Pavina��s first impartment to him, her disy in the arena that showed how death could be proactive.


    The vision of the cursed lotus had fused Hardness and Rot into something more aligned with his path. Death was the ultimate cage that all beings railed against, like someone entombed against their will. Sealed in its heart was evesting nothingness.


    To cultivate was to struggle against fate, but death was the ultimate judge of that struggle. By controlling death, he was not just the arbiter of his enemies�� fate, but also his own. As their chapters ended, his own road would grow wider, reaching toward that lofty peak. That was his Path of Supremacy.


    The cave rumbled as the truths within began to resonate with what was engraved in Zac��s heart, and he opened his abyssal eyes to wee death into his soul. He felt the withered tree rise from its Miasmic Core, and he could hear a spectral rattle from the hanging coffin as the Dao Avatar moved toward a central position in his aperture.


    It had begun.

 Chapter 824: Culmination

    Chapter 824: Culmination


    Leyara passed through the barrier shielding the outer hall, and she was immediately greeted by a vast silence. Her steps, her breath, the basic sound of existence was swallowed by the void, leaving only a nket silence. It wasn��t ufortable �C rather the opposite. It felt like returning to the womb, and even her thoughts were being muted into a susurrus.


    Her master would chide her for giving in to the nothingness, so Leyara soundlessly put her hands together in the Emptiness Mudra and channeled her cultivation technique. Her hazy cognition congealed, turning immovable, a polished stone sitting in the middle of a river. While she was part of the Void, she was distinct from it. Refined by it.


    She walked inside, space and distance feeling indistinct because of theck of sound to apany her actions. She held onto her seal as she moved forward. Hundreds of inky ck crystals floated in the air around her, each one silently humming in tune with the chamber. Today, a squall of Drikvirs hade over from the gardens, most likely attracted by the Void Pristess�� Dao.


    They were like silken bands of light, flickering in and out of this dimension as they danced around the Void Stones, their source lighting up the usually shrouded hall. A smile spread across Leyara��s face as she saw the naughty little critters, but she didn��t dare wave one over out of fear she��d lose her concentration.


    She wasn��t in any mood to face the Tranquil Wall and recite scriptures so soon after returning. So she turned her gaze away, heading toward the exit at the other end. There would be time to y with the animals that made the Void Monastery their hometer.


    Her master sat at the same ce she did when Leyara left on her mission. The same ce she had been sitting since long before Leyara��s great-grandmother was born. Leyara could barely sense her master��s presence even when standing right in front of her, she was so utterly in tune with the Void.


    Per Janodrok wore the same long white robes as always, its engraved hems spreading out like a lotus flower around her sitting position. Her features were made indistinct by the veil of darkness that shrouded her, but Leyara knew she was beautiful, extremely so. Why else would those old toads be so obsessed with her? There were more female Monarchs to court if you just wanted a diplomatic alliance.


    Seeing her master��s lonesome back as she gazed at the hovering scar in front of her made Leyara��s heart clench with sorrow. How long would she sit here in solitude, missing out on the joys of life? To guard a promise so long forgotten? But Leyara hurriedly wiped away the sorrowful expression as her master turned to her direction, and a radiant smile bloomed on her face instead.


    ��You��re back,�� Per smiled, waving her disciple toe closer.


    The universe came crashing back with Per��s voice, the white noise of reality suddenly so loud it was unbearable. But like a rising tide, the stillness returned the moment Per was finished speaking. Her voice was the Void, and when it existed, the surrounding stillness could not. How would a river exist in the ocean?


    ��You have made progress in yourprehension.��


    Leyara opened her mouth with expectation, but only silence emerged from her throat, her words unable to take shape. Her face scrunched up with annoyance before she jumped into her master��s embrace.


    ��It is still too early for you to break the void,�� Per said with a shake of her head as she caressed Leyara��s head, her smile slowly fading. ��Work hard. We are entering a turbulent age.��


    ��I think I��m getting closer,�� Leyara answered in her mind. ��I felt something condense.��


    ��I��m sure,�� Per nodded as Leyara sat down in front of her. ��How was it?��


    ��Dalos performed the 81 rites, but there was no response. We traveled the nes for over a year, but there we were no clues to the disturbance. If the anomalies are rted to the Void Star itself, it is hidden well. Or at least beyond our capabilities to understand,�� Leyara conveyed with a shake of her head. ��The only sign of abnormalities was the unusual number of beasts.��


    ��Tides are forming?�� Per hummed, not looking too bothered.


    Leyara shrugged in response, not too sure. The number of beasts was a bit more than usual, but it was yet not at the level of a tide. And even if one emerged, so what of it? They arrived every few centuries as the poption strove to purify their bloodlines. It was a win-win situation, where the beasts rid themselves of weakness and the monastery��s subordinate factions gained some wealth and experience.


    ��What about you? What did your heart say?�� Per asked.


    Leyara hesitated for a while, not immediately answering. She had felt something, but she was afraid she had imagined it.


    ��Do not doubt your instincts, child. Your ability in this regard is unique, even surpassing what I am capable of,�� Per said.


    ��It felt happy,�� Leyara eventually said. ��Expectant.��


    ��Happy and expectant?�� Per slowly muttered, her eyes giving no clue what she was thinking. ��I understand. How is your progress?��


    ��I managed to form my second Dao Branch during the mission,�� Leyara grinned.


    ��Good child. Yourprehension has always been at the forefront in this sector,�� Per smiled. ��Unfortunately, you are a bit inexperienced in other aspects, and I cannot help but worry. I have set up a training session for you. To shore up your foundations and prepare yourself. You need to reach Hegemony within 15 years.��


    ��15 years?�� Leyara repeated with confusion before her eyes widened in understanding. ��We��re really joining?��


    ��In some matters, we cannot maintain neutrality. This is one of them,�� Per nodded.


    ��Have they discovered something?�� Leyara asked with a pang of worry.


    ��From the looks of it�� Our enemies are walking the unorthodox path. Not one or two factions, but the whole army,�� Per sighed. ��The war will be brutal beyondpare.��


    ��A dark sector?!�� Leyara asked as she shuddered with horror.


    ��It might be a false rm. We will find out more over theing years,�� Per said. ��What will be, will be. Go find Mra, she will impart you with the art ofmand over the next year.��


    Leyara slowly nodded with a frown as she stood up, any thought of ying around in the gardens forgotten as she hurried toward Mra��s Cloister. The situation didn��t sound so grave from the rumors she had heard. Just some scuffles in thewless sector. But for her master to act, the situation must be extremely serious, and she wasn��t strong enough to protect anything as she was.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Per saw her disciple exit the suppressive buffer before turning back toward the hovering scar.


    ��First the Space Gate, now you. Is it connected?�� Per sighed as she grasped the ancient token hanging around her neck. ��Million Gates�� Is it really there?��


    ������-


    The bristled lizard released onest sorrowful wail as it helplessly watched the axe descend, but itsmentations were cut short as Zac��s strike cut through its thick skull and extinguished its soul with one practiced motion. A small sputter of energy entered his body as the local tyrant of the Fifth Band fell, leaving Zac panting and ravenously hungry after fighting for over an hour to take down this stubborn animal.


    Still, the hunger barely registered as he eagerly opened his Quest Screen.


    [Desperation��s End (ss): Extinguish one million souls. Reward: Desperation��s End Skill (1,000,000/1,000,000) COMPLETE]


    It had taken more than four years, most of which had been spent ceaselessly fighting in the Wilderness, but he had finally made it. One million souls had been extinguished, turning Zac into what could best be described as a walking cmity to the beasts that made this ce their home.


    Luckily, even the beasts in the First Band qualified for the quest, allowing him to progress tens of thousands of kills a day toward the end as he acquainted himself with histest Dao Branch. Over four months had passed since he returned to the wilderness, and he started right at the beginning this time. For over twenty-two hours a day he had fought, in an almost macabre dance with death.


    Zac had spent one month in the first band, getting used to his new Dao Branch. After that, he had pushed forward, never stopping until he reached the middle reaches of the Fifth Band. He knew that he couldn��t go much further though. Having a powerful technique wasn��t enough. Those who got this far generally had Late Dao Branches or higher.


    Some had even reached the next stage of thedder,pletely eclipsing his own aplishments. Technique wasn��t enough, you needed a more powerful base to use it with, just like Pavina had said. You might be able to walk the whole wilderness if you mastered the Conception Stage of technique, but only with the caveat that you were also a Monarch.


    Improving his technique had almost allowed Zac to make the impossible possible in the Wilderness, but it could only take him so far. Besides, Zac knew that its benefits were amplified here in the wilderness where he was only fighting Middle E-grade beasts. He would find more of a challenge than just an attribute disadvantage if he entered thewless sector of the Fifth Band, but he didn��t dare.


    Even if sparring against those powerhouses who walked the path of ughter would be far more efficient, he didn��t dare do so right now. The deadline of his duel was getting close, and he couldn��t allow himself to be maimed by someone and saddled with hard-to-cleanse invasive Daos.


    It was time to head back.


    Leaving wasn��t just a matter of ability. There wasn��t much of a purpose in going all-out and forcing his way deeper into the Wilderness. While the animals here were extremely powerful, it was only inparison to his limited state. Without the prison brand and Zac avoiding using his bloodline, he would be able to kill thousands of lizards like this without breaking a sweat.


    Zac wasn��t really putting it all on the line in this ce, and so he wasn��t actually finding any new truths in the heat of battle. Most of his gains here were ultimately based on his desperate struggles in the Twilight Ocean. The Orom World had given him an opportunity to better understand what he had learned and experienced since the integration, and then turn it into something useful.


    But he had squeezed his umted inspiration to the limit already, and he could go no further down his road this way. The Orom World had reached its limits on what it could provide. It was really time to leave. Not just the wilderness, but the Orom World itself.


    Zac started making his way toward the closest teleportation exit as he pondered on his path. He had far surpassed the bare minimum Kaldor mentioned, but that didn��t mean he could expect an easy fight. He opened his Dao Screen to look at his Daos, hoping the lines of text would lead to some new epiphany.


    [Branch of the Pale Seal (Early): All attributes +50, Strength +300, Endurance +2250, Vitality +800, Intelligence +50, Wisdom +250. Effectiveness of Endurance +25%]


    Zac had been just as befuddled when he saw his newest Dao Branch as when he formed the Branch of the Kalpataru. Thankfully, he had eventually figured out the origin of the name. The Seven Seals might not bemonly known, but the representation of the first four was famous even in popr culture �C the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.


    As for the Pale Seal, it had to be referring to the fourth of the Seven Seals.


    The fourth seal was aptly the one that released Death who would gue the earth with war and famine. At first, Zac had been a bit confused since the imagery seemed a bit at odds with his Dao, but he eventually understood that there were two parts to the simile. The firstponent was naturally Death, the thing hidden inside the seal.


    Secondly, it was the Seal itself, just like how his Fragment of the Coffin had worked; hardness containing rot. The seal was clearly sturdy beyondpare since it was able to restrain death itself until it was released. This restraining power was central to his path and his technique. Finally, the Dao pointed toward the next stage of this peak �C the seventh seal. When the seventh seal broke, even the Heavens would be silenced as the end of days arrived; the Apocalypse.


    Oblivion.


    The gain in attributes mirrored his Branch of the Kalpataru perfectly, which wasn��t much of a surprise considering the two were one half of a whole. The difference was that his Life-attuned branch focused on Vitality and provided Dexterity to represent the changing nature in Evolutionary Stance, while the Branch of the Pale Seal provided Strength and focused Endurance.


    This time, he had lost a bit of Intelligence to reach this bnced state, but it wasn��t like Zac was using that attribute too much anyway.


    Zac appeared in Samsara��s Edge two dayster, and he immediately set course for Kaldor��s castle. Everything that needed to be dealt with had been aplished. His impurities had been purified, his Daos and Techniques were stable. Entering seclusion for thest three months wouldn��t bring any benefit.


    It would only rob him of his momentum, so Zac chose to strike while the iron was hot. He would be lying if he said he wasn��t afraid, but there was also a part of him that was burning with excitement. The opportunity to duel with a master at the precipice of confirming his Dao, to experience the vantage of a peak expert from an A-grade faction.


    That kind of opportunity simply didn��t exist in the Zecia Sector.


    So it was with a somewhat tumultuous heart he stepped through the gates of the Izh��Rak Reaver��s castle.


    ��You��re early,�� Kaldor��s voice immediately echoed out through the castle, and Zac could actually hear an unmistakable tinge of excitement to match his own.


    ��It was time,�� Zac said with a serious expression.


    ��Interesting, interesting,�� a gruffugh echoed out as the gates slowly opened.


    Out from the darkness, Kaldor walked, and it felt like the whole Orom World trembled from his mere presence. The prison brand was obviously unable to restrain the grandeur of this warrior��s path, and Zac felt like he had been punched in his gut by the unmasked aggression. This was a true warrior, one born through battle and hardships, there were no two ways about it.


    Kaldor stood around two meters tall, just like Zac, but Zac knew that Kaldor��s real height should be between three and five meters. He was simply restrained by the spatial maniptions of the Orom. Come to think of it, Three Virtues was the only one whose size was different from the norm. Why hadn��t Zac reflected on that before? Was it yet another mental maniption from the monk��s side?


    Zac shook his head, returning his focus to his adversary. His build was slim, almost looking emaciated, but it emitted a supremely brutal pressure. Greatest��s blood-drenched aura was just a shadow of what Zac felt right now, and Zac��s own killing intent was nothing but a drop in the ocean. Kaldor��s build might be scrawny for a human, but Kaldor definitely didn��t look human.


    After all, he was a skeleton.


    Or rather, Kaldor looked like he wore full-body bone armor beneath a tattered vest and loose-fitting pants. However, those bones weren��t a Spirit Tool or forged equipment. They were Kaldor��s true exoskeleton, a unique feature of the reavers. Not a single inch of his flesh was exposed, not even his eyes. Not that Izh��Rak Reavers had eyes in the same sense as humans did.


    It was rather three gemlike bones embedded in his skull, one in the middle of his forehead and two almost at the edges of his face, forming a wide triangle that provided surround-vision from what he��d heard. In addition, there were just two small holes for a nose and a thin unmoving line for a mouth.


    This odd appearance only scratched the surface of the reavers. For example, while reavers had flesh, they didn��t have organs. They had muscle and sinew. Supremely condensed muscles that turned them into unstoppable forces of nature.


    They didn��t even have brains as their consciousness was spread through their bones rather than in their head. Thousands upon thousands of small runes covered Kaldor��s skull and arms, and Zac knew that the same was true for his whole body. It wasn��t something Kaldor had done himself, but rather a natural progression of their bodies.


    You could say that the warlike Reavers were all body cultivators, but they cultivated their bones rather than their flesh. They needed no Spirit Tools or defensive equipment. They were the equipment. Their bones surpassed almost anything at their grade in durability thanks to their unique body tempering arts, making them extremely difficult to kill.


    The bones also gained various abilities as their ranks grew. At D-grade, for example, they finally awakened their Warbones, which Kaldor thankfully wouldn��t use in this duel. It was an inherent transformation ability that was a mix of skills like [Vanguard of Undeath] and the activation of War Regalia, the energy-consuming equipment only Hegemons and higher could use.


    Durable, powerful, and bloodthirsty. The war-hungry armies of the Izh��Reavers were the scourge of the neighboring empires of the Undead Empire.


    In a sense, the Izh��Rak Reavers seemed to be more in line with Zac��s own build than Draugr were, but he was still thankful that he had been imnted with Draugr genes than reaver genes. He felt that the difference between a being that was something like a mix of insect and skeleton and a human was too great a bridge to pass.


    Zac tried to figure out what kind of technique Kaldor used, but hiszy stance gave no indication of what to expect. This was the one thing Pavina had refused to help with, and no one else seemed to know either. Or perhaps they feared to spread Kaldor��s secrets, considering he held the right to kill people in the Orom World.


    ��Well then,�� Kaldor said as his mouth and nose disappeared, leaving a smooth surface without any weakness. ��Show me why you��re worthy of the Path of Oblivion.��

 Chapter 825: Path of Oblivion

    Chapter 825: Path of Oblivion


    ��Worthy of the Path of Oblivion? What does that mean?�� Zac asked, but the only response he got was a deafening scream of danger and an baster fist ripping the air apart in its approach toward Zac��s left temple.


    Just a fraction of a secondter Zac heard the crashing sounds of stone tiles breaking, the sounds of Kaldor lunging toward him finally catching up. The fist seemed straightforward, but it exerted the pressure of a whole world copsing in on him. Was it Kaldor��s technique, or was it the inherent power of a warrior with a perfected inner world? Zac couldn��t tell.


    Zac��s instincts immediately kicked in, and he actually leaned into the punch as he pivoted, countering with an axe swing of his own as the chains on back his began their dance of death. But it almost felt like he had been transported back to his first day in the Orom World where Travo Raso put him in his ce.


    It was like his perfected movements were as clumsy as when he first arrived, and time slowed to a crawl as Zac saw the fist grow closer and closer. Zac believed he had timed it perfectly, and he had confirmed that Kaldor had restrained his aura down to 1,000 Attribute Points, yet his calctions were way off. His instincts told him that insisting on his current route would only end with his skull being cracked like an egg, when it should have led to an equal exchange of strikes that would have won him the bet.


    He trusted his instincts.


    Even if Death couldn��t be avoided forever, it could be dyed. He had been too impatient and geared up, hoping to end the fight in an instant in a surprise upset. Now, Zac had to make a small sacrifice to not be immediately taken out ofmission. His muscles screamed in protest as he forcibly stopped his swing while changing his pivot to raise his arm to block.


    A rapid shing of chains pushed two of the links between Kaldor��s fist and Zac��s bicep as well, narrowly allowing him to divert the force even further. But suddenly, the sense of danger resurged with refound urgency. What should have been a light graze had somehow turned into a deadly assault, once more subverting Zac��s understanding.


    Two chains mmed into the ground, pushing Zac backward over ten meters as he absorbed the force of Kaldor��s punch. A sheen of sweatcquered his back, and he looked at the reaver standing in Zac��s previous position with surprise. Without any facial features, Zac couldn��t glean anything about Kaldor��s mood, giving Zac the impression he was fighting some sort of emotionless robot.


    In a sense, it almost seemed like he was fighting a Technocrat for a moment there, considering he hadn��t sensed any emanations of Dao at all from that opening salvo. Kaldor had somehow tricked Zac��s mind twice without using any of his insights to empower his strikes.


    ��Notpletely hopeless,�� Kaldor grunted, his voice now muffled as though he was speaking into a can. ��You want answers? Win the bet first.��


    Zac wasted no more effort on talks or contemtion, and insteadpletely melded with his path. His new Dao Avatar radiated unquestionable finality as it released dense ck tendrils of pure death. It no longer looked like the dead tree with a hanging coffin. Zac now understood that imagery had been partly a crutch, where he based his understanding of death on his understanding of life.


    But now that he had stepped onto the Path of Pure Death, the two conceptualizations had diverged further. Now, the Dao Avatar appeared in the form of an Iron Maiden, with some differences from the grotesque medieval torture device. Instead of spikes, the insides were lined with chains, judging by the endless rattling of links you could hear from within.


    Also, instead of a tormented face at the top, there was just a pitch-ck halo, like a ck hole leading into the abyss. Just like the Kalpataru��s vines rustle formed a song of unfettered life, the rustling chains of the Iron Maiden formed a tune of inescapable death. However, while their portents might seem dour, Zac felt a sense offort hearing them. It was stability, it was peace.


    Just like the Branch of the Pale Seal had woken up, so had the miniature version of himself, the Dao Avatar for his Branch of the War Axe. No longer did it switch between his two races. It had solidly be Draugr as it wielded the axe of chains, giving off the aura of a grim reaper. Its strikes were death incarnate, repressing and unyielding.


    The tendrils of death were immediately attracted by the disy, forming a dour shroud that almost looked like the chains on the real Zac��s back. As his avatar moved, so did Zac, the aura around him shifting into one of utter inexorability. There was nothing else on his mind any longer, only the battle.


    Another snort echoed out from within Kaldor��s skull as he shot forward, but Zac wouldn��t allow himself to be ambushed again. The chains formed an outer perimeter as over a million deaths showed the way. The short breather had allowed Zac to figure out the truth. The situation had felt simr to when he first was bested by Travo Raso, but the circumstances weren��t the same.


    Instead of vastly surpassing Zac��s skill level and fundamentals, the reaver was rather using extremely intricate footwork that messed with Zac��s perception.


    When it looked like Kaldor stepped to the right, he was actually moving left, and vice versa. The minute cues for momentum and intent that Zac��s instincts based themselves on turned into traps. Nothing was as it seemed, where slowing down could mean speeding up, or some other action altogether.


    It was an extremely refined method that required not only exquisite control over your body, but also a meticulous understanding of the mind. You needed to perfectly grasp what drove an opponent��s actions to so perfectly trick the instincts that had been forged through thousands of battles. It was not something Zac could do at all, at least not against someone who had some experience with life-and-death struggles.


    But ultimately it didn��t matter. It was just another attempt to escape the inevitable.


    There was no worth in analyzing the disconnect between the Izh��Rak Reaver��s gruff and straightforward persona with this kind of refined fighting style. He might be trying to teach through battle, or it might be a natural expression of someone so far ahead on the road of cultivation. Zac only needed to focus on his own path �C to restrain, to whittle down, to deliver death.


    The sound of rattling links echoed through the courtyard as the four chains spun their web of death, their undtions restricting Kaldor��s options to advance. It wouldn��t help even if Kaldor��s techniques made him unpredictable, as long as Zac controlled all the avenues to choose from. However, a Monarch was not so easily contained, and Kaldor chose the most straightforward solution; to break the pattern and force open a path.


    Kaldor shifted his position, cing him in a precarious position right among the chains, but Zac didn��t have time to seize any advantage before the reaver unleashed an extremely precisebination of a punch and roundhouse kick. A shockwave rocked the surroundings as the chains became entangled in an unproductive mess.


    Zac knew his patterns weren��t airtight, but it had to have taken a terrifying ability to so utterly expose the weaknesses. However, just as Kaldor dealt with the chains, a gleaming edge was almost upon his head. It was Zac who made his move while Kaldor had his hands full, and his axehead radiated a deathly luster as it closed in on its target.


    A thin forearm appeared out of nowhere as Kaldor twisted his torso, using his other leg as a pivot. Zac��s axe mmed into Kaldor��s arm, and a painful rebound shocked his own wrist while not as much as a mark was left behind on Kaldor��s bones. No one said anything after the exchange; they both knew this didn��t count as a hit.


    Kaldor had been fully prepared to block the strike, and he used his forearm as a shield in ce of an actual weapon. Even if the reaver hadn��t said it outright, Zac knew he had tond a true hit that the Monarch couldn��t avoid. After the initial exchange, Zac knew things wouldn��t be over so easily.


    Zac was still a bit surprised to see that his Branch-infused swing didn��t as much as push the reaver off-bnce, even if he was bent at a ny degrees angle and used only one leg for bnce. The other leg was still in the middle of the previous kick, but Zac felt a pang of danger as the kick somehow gained momentum by transferring the force of Zac��s strike.


    Death didn��t back down or cower, so force met with force as Zac stayed true to his path. The chains had already untangled thanks to Zac buying some time, and they resumed harassing the reaver while Zac kept up his pressure. Kaldor wasn��t giving an inch either, and it felt like he had three heads and six arms, continuously parrying swings or disrupting the chain formations.


    It was an odd feeling, where Kaldor was simultaneously stronger and weakerpared to Pavina. He was stronger in his understanding of rhythm, of making the most of simple timing. His control was appallingly urate, where Kaldor kept forcing advantages by manipting Zac��s trajectories and strikes by almost unnoticeable degrees.


    These small differences only cost Zac fractions of seconds, but they gave Kaldor the breathing room he needed to shift the rhythm and avoid being put on a defensive. However, his techniques were inferior to Pavina��s due to restricting himself to concepts limited at the level of Fragments. After having battled Pavina so many times, Zac felt the attacks were almost simplistic after gaining some understanding of what Kaldor was doing.


    This was the key to victory, and Zac took full advantage, using both his Dao Branches in his strikes and as a basis for his Inexorable Stance. Every attack he performed contained the inevitable nature of death, every movement was like anotheryer of choking constriction that would eventually im its prize.


    Kaldor had already turned into an baster blur as he fended off chains and swings from every direction, but Zac could tell that death was slowly creeping closer. In the beginning, Kaldor��s unpredictable nature repeatedly disrupted Zac��s rhythm, but the reaver was increasingly moving in ordance with Zac��s own Dao.


    Zac��s axe descended, and Kaldor once more avoided the strike with a hair��s breadth, no longer able to afford himself inches of leeway. Still, their battle had be akin to a chess game nearing its end. Even if there were still a few hundred moves that needed to be performed, the game should end in Zac��s favor unless hemitted a blunder.


    Fetters nked, and the hollow calls of sharp metal colliding with bone formed a song of cessation as the twobatants moved toward the inevitable. Still, Zac didn��t dare let down his guard at all, and he entered a transcendent state where he was one with his path, not letting any emotions or distractions lead him astray.


    Kaldor was aware of the conundrum, but no matter how he fought, he couldn��t break free, restrained by not only Zac��s technique but more so by the rules of engagement. Zac had already reached the level required to contend in this duel when he defeated Olgoroth. Since then, he had made some massive improvements, turning a life-and-death struggle into a passable trial just like he had nned.


    However, Zac suddenly got a sinking feeling as the refined technique of Kaldor got more rugged, more brutal, and a dense red haze seeped out from his body; congealed killing intent. Luckily, Kaldor��s time was running out, and Zac��s work was reaching fruition. The reaver had been pushed off-bnce by a powerful swing, and the four chains lounged.


    Both hands were temporarily bound just as Zac��s axe shot forward, aiming straight for the reaver��s chest. The opening had finally presented itself after hundreds of exchanges; death hade to collect. However, just as Zac was about to checkmate the reaver in this meticulously nned game of his, Kaldor did the one thing that would prevent a victory.


    He flipped the whole table.


    The indistinct steam oozing out of the reaver��s bones suddenly moved, transforming into an unrecognizable seal beneath Kaldor��s right foot as he stomped down. Zac��s chains werepletely disrupted and lost their grip, while Zac himself was once more flung away.


    ��Good, good!�� Kaldor growled, his form barely visible in the thickening mist. ��You didn��t disappoint me. To think you managed to push me this far. But it��s not enough. Not enough! Show me your Path. Show me Carnage!��


    ��Are you breaking the agreement?�� Zac frowned as he steadied himself.


    ��Breaking what? This is just killing intent, the mark of a warrior,�� Kaldorughed. ��I never used a skill! How did I cheat? How?!��


    Zac looked at the skeleton with wide eyes for a moment, once morementing that most of the old monsters he had encountered shared onemon trait; shamelessness. Was that a coreponent required to reach the peak of cultivation, to tantly twist the situation into one��s favor, forgoing any sense of dignity?


    Certainly, it hadn��t been explicitly stated, but using the killing intent of a Peak Monarch was overstepping the bounds of the duel. That strike had been decidedly more deadly than anything that could be dished out with Peak Fragments. He had even felt huge pressure when using his Dao Branches.


    It was the first time Zac had seen killing intent be weaponized to this degree. Zac himself had used it a few times before to suppress or even knock out weaker enemies, but that method was extremely crudepared to what Kaldor had done. The skeleton had actually controlled the intent somehow, then turned it into what looked like an array to amplify his power.


    ��Are you going back on your word?�� Zac repeated.


    He immediately got his response as Kaldor rushed forward, his killing intent on full and unabashed disy. Zac only hesitated for an instant before he rushed forward to meet the charge. He didn��t know if Kaldor was losing control due to battle lust, as reavers were reportedly wont to do, or if he wanted to push Zac a bit further to test him.


    If it was the former, Zac could back off and return when Kaldor��s head had cooled down. Since Zac would have won with that final strike if not for the interruption, Kaldor would probably hand him the remnant withoutint. However, if it was thetter, Zac felt giving up so quickly might cost him his chance to get the splinter. Kaldor had made it clear; he had no love for cowards.


    For now, Zac would keep going a bit longer since he hadn��t reached his limits. Kaldor no longer bothered to rely on finesse, and Zac��s instincts told him that that had never been the skeleton��s true path. It was painfully obvious as the reaver wed at him with wild abandon, his fingers glowing red.


    Zac countered with a swing of his own, but even death was rebuffed by the insatiable will contained in Kaldor��s attack. Zac was pushed back a step, but he immediately adapted and lunged for another strike. With unprecedented focus, Zac restarted his stance as he calmed his mind. Death couldn��t be impatient, it couldn��t be swayed by outside events.


    It was steady, intractable. And if it failed, it was only a temporary defeat. Death would win out in the end; no one could escape. But it quickly started to feel like Zac was trying to contain an enraged Barghest with a prison made of twigs. Kaldor��s punches seemed simplerpared to before, but they contained an indomitability that broke Zac��s Dao.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The reaver��s strikes ignored everything as they went in for a kill. Technically, it should have meant leaving his body with numerous openings, but Kaldor kept unleashing those red arrays with his fists, feet, knees, and elbows in a furious barrage.


    Every time their attacks collided, Zac felt like being rebuffed by an army of battle-hardened veterans, where their wills had been turned into a power of faith. Zac tried to regain control, but he repeatedly found his technique unable to withstand this kind of power. It was undying, evesting, a true manifestation of the Dao of Conflict.


    The strikes put Zac under a kind of pressure he hadn��t felt since entering the Orom World, where every strike of Kaldor��s carried the threat of death. The whole courtyard was drowned in it by now, pushing Zac��s nerves to a breaking point. Even Zac��s vision started to blur, like he was being dragged down into Kaldor��s madness.


    No matter what the reaver was nning, one thing was clear. The killing intent was all-too-real, and every single strike was aimed at Zac��s vitals with the intent to kill. If one of those array-empowered strikes was allowed to hit his body without its force dispersed, his Duplicity Core wouldn��t be able to fake his death and save him.


    Zac briefly considered giving up on his chains, fully concentrating on his axework to focus his strength. However, he immediately discarded the idea, choosing to trust what he had built over these past four years. Part of him wanted to discard it all now that he finally encountered something that cleanly suppressed his Inexorable Stance. When real stakes were at y.


    But his path was not a lie. It had led him through insurmountable odds, and it would take him through this as well. The moring calls of the illusory war hidden in Kaldor��s bloodlust faded away as Zac��s abyssal eyes stared straight into Kaldor��s soul. He advanced again, and he felt something shift as his soul and body melded into one, where his path filled his very essence with enduring purpose.


    He was inexorable.

 Chapter 826: Harmony

    Chapter 826: Harmony


    Not once since stepping into the Integration Stage over half a year ago had Zac felt this in tune with his creation, where he and his Dao were on track for bing one and the same. The Inexorable Stance was no longer just an extension of his will, it melded with his whole body. He had turned into an immovable fixture in the midst of Kaldor��s madness, an ind of death that the warriors born from the reaver��s killing intent couldn��t breach.


    At first, Zac wondered if he had somehow leapfrogged a whole level and stepped into the Conception Stage, but he immediately realized he was overestimating himself. Even Monarchs who had studied their Daos and techniques for eons were hard-pressed to ever reach that level of technique, and it was much too early for Zac to take that step.


    Neither was his state the result of deepening his foundations in the Integration Stage. Zac could tell that he had still just begun his work on his integration �C the mysterious sense of unity came from somewhere else, from something that Pavina hadn��t prepared him for; his soul.


    More specifically, it was thanks to the skeletal framework he had set up for the [Thousand Lights Avatar].


    His own movements and that of his Dao Avatars were almost in sync as Zac fended off the mad assault of his skeletal adversary. When he swung his training axe, so did the avatar swing his chained axe of death. When Zac manipted the chain formation erected with [Chainbox], so did the ck tendrils from his Branch of the Pale Seal dance in his soul aperture.


    With Zac being the target of an unprecedented wave of killing intent and pressure, he had been pushed to the limits to make the most of his technique. The fluctuations and concepts generated by his Dao Avatars had grown stronger than ever and were even further empowered by Zac opening his [Spiritual Void]. Unknowingly, this power had then spread into the thin strands of Mental Energy Zac had started drawing along his skeleton.


    That was the first and easiest step of the [Thousand Lights Avatar] �C to just set up a framework to build upon as he progressed. The method had suggested the original user, the Eidolon, to form it based on their favorite appearance. Since Zac wasn��t an amorphous wraith, he had chosen to instead form the frame based on his skeletal structure.


    From there, he would gradually fill out his body, from copying pathways to flesh and muscle until his body was filled by a secondary soul of sorts. This initial step hadn��t taken too much work, allowing him to mostlyplete it while resting. Most of the work came from engraving a set of patterns that prevented the mental energy from immediately dispersing.


    The initial step might have been straightforward, but it hadn��t brought him any benefits either. Zac had tried to make use of his nascent avatar in the wilderness, both by instilling it with Dao and trying to use it to push his mental energy into his skills quicker. Neither really worked. It was more efficient to infuse his muscles with his Dao if he wanted to empower his body, and the pathways were much-too-thin to carry the required amount of Mental Energy to bolster a skill with a Dao Branch.


    Now, this weak framework had be some sort of bridge, improving the harmony between himself and his Dao Avatar. It blurred the lines between corporeal and spiritual, where it all moved toward a singr unity. It was still far from perfect, but it did make his stance more natural, putting not only his mind but his whole body in the right state.


    Zac had no idea this kind of thing was possible. Pavina didn��t cultivate her soul at all, apart from using some sort of warrior method that passively strengthened its defenses over time. Thus, she had never mentioned that soul and technique could empower each other. If anything, those who had powerful souls and thus high control rather focused on intent, where cultivators integrated their path with their weapons or spells rather than their technique.


    This was great news for Zac, who had not been able to make a lot of use of his extraordinary soul except for withstanding the remnants and performing his crude version of Dao Braiding. The former was a stopgap to avoid going insane, and thetter was nothing special. His braiding was even worse than what some F-grade talents could perform.


    The remnants were providing a powerful hidden ace while also helping cultivate his soul, but Zac was ultimately receiving somewhat limited returns from cultivating his soul even if it was the most time-consuming aspect of his path. He had previously hoped on making use of his soul cultivation to form axe intent, or even some technique-based intents like ��Evolutionary Intent��.


    Zac had figured that between the crystallization of his path, his rapidly improving technique, and his powerful soul, he might be able to add intent to his repertoire, but he had been utterly incapable of forming even a wisp of intent. Unfortunately, it looked like intent required affinity that would allow him to better control the insights in his Daos.


    The failure had made him uncertain about persisting with his soul cultivation beyond what was necessary for the remnants, since those years would be better spent on exploring Mystic Realms, battling to hone his Dao and techniques, or refining his skills. Even some side-professions seemed more efficient for his goal of catching up to his mother and saving Kenzie before it was toote.


    However, his current state had shown him a new direction.


    It was still just a shadow of a path, but Zac could feel it brimmed with possibility. To fuse his soul and link it with his Dao Avatars, essentially a fusion between Man and Heaven. This would be a system of his own creation, something that took advantage of both his refined soul and talent for improving his technique.


    A wailing scream of danger dragged Zac out of his thoughts, but it was toote. He had messed up, allowing himself to be consumed by his discovery in a fight that allowed for no distractions. A fist hidden behind a ring-red array was closing in on his heart, and it was toote to dodge. Zac could only minimize the damage, and he furiously spun his torso as his chains pulled the attack off-mark.


    Still, Zac��s vision turned white from pain from having a part of his lungs and ribcage disintegrated as Kaldor��s fist grazed his torso. If he had been just a heartbeat slower, Kaldor��s attack would have hit him square in his chest, destroying his heart and most likely shattering his whole upper torso.


    There was no longer any doubt in Zac��s mind about the veracity behind the intent within Kaldor��s punches. The killing intent was real, and if Zac slipped up, he would get himself killed. The wound in his side was dripping with ichor, but his powerful durability was thankfullying in handy as the bleeding stopped almost immediately without even using any skill.


    Still, Zac knew he wouldn��t be able to keep going much longer. It wasn��t the wound �C this was nothingpared to some things he had been through. The real problem was that Kaldor was still ramping up. With every sh, Kaldor��s momentum increased, and the dense haze of bloodlust grew thicker.


    Zac was struggling to regain control of the fight, but even with histest breakthrough, he had only gone from being the weaker side to barely hanging on. It didn��t matter if Kaldor was only relying on insights at the level of Peak Fragments �C the condensed bloodlust more than made up for thecking foundation. If things kept going, there was only one oue �C death.


    Over and over, Zac rallied, putting everything he had learned to use. His whole body was bing one with his Dao Branches, and every movement was in ordance with his path. Yet a second wound soon joined the first, and then a third. The only thing Zac had gained from taking those terrifying punches was a short breather, but Kaldor soon snatched back this advantage with his unrelenting assault.


    Pain racked Zac��s body, and the whole world was a hazy red as Zac desperately held on, but those three shimmering aquamarine lights from Kaldor��s skull started to look like the light at the end of the tunnel. The suppression wasplete and suffocating, with Zac barely clinging on to life through his mastery of death.


    It was time to disengage.


    Kaldor had gone far beyond the agreement of the duel, and Zac had already gained an epiphany in the heat of battle. If Zac kept pushing it, he would eventually fail to turn these deadly strikes into ncing blows. There was no point in persisting in this sham of a trial.


    However, just as Zac was about to step back, even sacrificing [Chainbox] to dy Kaldor if needed, he felt a terrifying energy congeal right behind his head. He was forced to lunge forward to avoid a huge red brand that had appeared in the air, the first time those arrays didn��t form attached to Kaldor��s limbs.


    The brand immediately erupted, ripping space apart before releasing a tumultuous shockwave. If Zac had retreated into that thing, his head would have been blown right off. The scene thoroughly infuriated Zac, the dark swirls of oblivion gathered in his mind as he readied himself to fight fire with fire.


    But it took time forming even the smallest of Annihtion Spheres, and the detonation had pushed Zac right into Kaldor��s waiting arms. Zac desperately swung his axe to force the reaver into defense, but anotherrge array appeared like a shield while a killing strike continued toward Zac unimpeded. There was just no time, and Zac went with the only solution he could think of.


    The red haze suddenly dispersed within a meter and a half from Zac, and Kaldor��s two arrays sputtered and died out. The churning Daos in Kaldor��s body had been muted as well ording to Zac��s [Cosmic Gaze], and the skeleton stopped in his tracks for an instant.


    Zac saw his opportunity, and he immediately gave up on activating [Abyssal Phase] with Void Energy. Instead, he slightly altered the trajectory of his axe, passing right through the spot once guarded by the sanguine barrier. At the same time, Zac used all four chains to dy Kaldor from resetting his punch, which was no longer powered by his killing intent.


    One attack sped up while one slowed down.


    Crackling sounds echoed out as fetters snapped, but they were joined by a blissful ng as Zac��s axehead mmed straight into Kaldor��s chest, prompting sparks to fly. The strike contained everything Zac had to give, but the exoskeleton was just too hard. Not even a scratch was left on its baster surface, yet it almost felt like Zac��s wrist would snap from the rebound.


    Zac didn��t fight the powerful counterforce and instead used it, along with Kaldor��s dyed punch, to create a ten-meter distance between the two. Kaldor didn��t move after the exchange, and the red haze around him slowly dissipated as the twobatants stared at each other in silence. One silent and brooding, the other panting and covered in wounds and ck ichor.


    ��It��s my victory,�� both suddenly concluded.


    ��Your victory? Have you lost your mind?�� Zac immediately swore, losing all decorum as he felt another wave of anger growing in his chest. ��There��s a limit to how shameless you can be.��


    The reaver was already cheating by using extremely refined Arrays in this duel, both empowering his strikes and using them like actual skills. Even then, Zac hadpleted his task andnded a hit, only to hear he had lost? Had Kaldor ever nned to give him the Splinter? Or had he be obsessed with it, wanting to keep it for his own?


    ��You have guts kid, talking to me like that,�� Kaldor snorted as thest of the red haze reentered his bones. ��This is obviously my victory, with you using that weird skill.��


    ��What skill?�� Zac countered. ��I never used a skill. It��s my Draugr Bloodline, and you never said anything about those.��


    ��Little bastard, you think you��re the first Draugr I��ve met? Since when did your kind have that kind of bloodline talent?��


    ��Go visit the Abyssal Shores if you��re curious,�� Zac shrugged as he ate a healing pill, still angry with the shameless reaver even if he had calmed down by now.


    ��Don��t you think I know you��re some sort of aboriginal outside the Empire��s purview, brat?�� Kaldorughed. ��But fine, It might not have been a skill. So, what did you do? If I was at your grade my Dao would have beenpletely suppressed, cut off from the heavens themselves.��


    Zac only shrugged in response without any intention of exining what he did. ��Since it��s not a skill, why not honor your part of the bargain before anything else? Where is the splinter?��


    Kaldor had given in, but Zac still felt cheated. Even if the Izh��Rak reavercked any facial expressions, Zac could tell that Kaldor was quite pleased even after having lost. It really looked like Kaldor had been going overboard to dig into Zac��s secrets rather than going mad, and he had seeded.


    That final st right behind Zac��s head was probably meticulously nned rather than an unfortunate coincidence, a gambit to force Zac into showcasing any secret techniques he had.


    Still, Zac didn��t darein as he activated the five seals he had formed with histe-mastery [Undying Mark], the healing skill that he had gotten ample experience using over the past few years. The situation was unfair, but there was ultimately nothing he could do about it at the moment.


    Kaldor was so far beyond himself no matter if you talked strength or standing, soining would do him no good. Furthermore, Zac was asking the reaver to hand over a priceless treasure, which meant breaking the rules of the Orom World. For now, Zac could only pray that him showing off one of his Bloodline Talents wouldn��t cause any issues down the road, and thank the lucky stars he didn��t need to use the far-more-conspicuous [Force of the Void].


    ��Now, don��t look so glum,�� Kaldorughed, clearly understanding Zac��s misgivings. ��Well, this can be considered my bad. I��ve been bored the past few millennia and got a bit too excited. How about this? In addition to that ursed item, I��ll provide something else. Ask me one question, and I��ll do my best to answer without holding back.��


    Zac��s heart shuddered, and he looked at Kaldor with surprise. This was a precious opportunity, even if Zac didn��t feel it matched up to being exploited like this. Pavina hadn��t divulged too much about Kaldor��s origins over the past years, but he had managed to piece together a few things. First of all, Kaldor was from a faction of equal standing to the Umbri��Zi n, though it was more of an army than a n.


    Secondly, Kaldor had arrived in the Orom World as an early Monarch, meaning the skeleton had at least some real standing even before he was caught. Why the Orom had actually dared swallow him was unclear, and perhaps only Kaldor himself knew the answer to that question. In either case, Kaldor should possess a lot of information, no matter if it was on cultivation, the Undead Empire, or the wider world.


    He needed to make this question count.


    ��What��s the real reason members of the Undead Empire can��t cultivate the Path of Pure Death?�� Zac eventually asked.


    This was the most pertinent question he could think of, where Kaldor also had a decent chance of knowing the answer. Asking about cultivation wasn��t too urgent since he didn��t have any pressing issues in that regard. The only exception was how to form a core in his unique situation, but why would Kaldor have an answer to that? Besides, he would be able to meet Yrial soon enough, someone who walked a path of duality who was probably more experienced in this regard.


    Zac wanted to find out more about the six Profundity Empire and the origin of Leandra��s faction, but it wasn��t that was urgent either. Even if he got the answers he was looking for, he was way too weak to do anything about it. He did, however, need to know more about the weird rule of the Undead Empire.


    His identity was already sensitive considering not only his actions in the Twilight Harbor, but also because of him being an Edgewalker. If there were some hidden issues with walking the Path of Pure Death or Oblivion in addition to all that, he needed to know. It would be critical for his future rtionship with the Undead Empire, whether he would ultimately dare go there or not.


    ��Brat, are you trying to get me killed?�� Kaldor muttered, and Zac looked on with confusion as he took out a bottle of white mixture that he started covering his head with.


    ��Do you know how the Undead Empire was founded?�� Kaldor asked as he started covering his neck and chest following his head.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��The ancient undead factions banded together to find refuge during the Dark Ages,�� Zac slowly said, not understanding why the skeleton was oiling himself up. ��You eventually found the Hearnds and settled down.��


    ��Our ancestors found no Hearnds,�� Kaldor snorted as he steadied himself. ��We found what��s now called the Heart of the Empire.��


    ��The Heart of the Empire?�� Zac repeated, drawing aplete nk. Catheya had never mentioned that thing before, and neither was it mentioned in any of the missives he had read in the Twilight Harbor.


    ��I doubt you��ve heard of it, considering it��s the core of our power,�� Kaldor sighed as cracks suddenly appeared all over his body. ��After all, it��s an Eternal Heritage holding the key to Death.��

 Chapter 827: Heart of the Empire

    Chapter 827: Heart of the Empire


    Zac mutely looked on with amazement as deep cracks spread across the Izh��Rak Reaver��s bones. It was definitely the work of the Undead Empire��smandments, a punishment for divulging the secrets to an outsider. Zac knew just how sturdy the exoskeleton of reavers was, and Kaldor was at the peak of Monarchy. Even then, the restriction that bound all imperials managed to cause such damage for uttering a few sentences. Just how overbearing was the Primo?


    Or was it rted to the Heart of the Empire?


    Zac had always wondered what the Undead Empire had to fall back on in order to survive to this day. After all, they were making enemies left and right with their eternal crusade, even against peak factions like the Buddhist Sangha. Certainly, the Undead Empire was a terrifying existence, and Zac suspected they had at least a dozen Supremacies from what he��d gathered.


    Still, was that really enough to fight in every direction, contending against multiple factions at once? At first, Zac had believed it was rted to the Primo and the mysterious Founders. If the Primo was a powerhouse at the peak of the A-grade, or perhaps even something beyond that, it might be enough to prevent the empire from beingpletely overrun.


    However, since finding out about the existence of Eternal Heritages from Qi��Sar, Zac had floated the possibility of the empire controlling some ancient relic that kept them, or at least the Hearnds, safe. From the sounds of it, it might be the case. What all this had to do with Pure Death wasn��t clear, but Zac guessed the reaver was getting there.


    The white concoctionKaldor��s smeared across his body hade alive, and it burrowed into the cracks. Just a few secondster it had solidified, seemingly repairing the damage altogether. Zac looked on with mixed emotions, inwardly vowing to never make this troublesome species an enemy for real.


    Even if he managed to crack those disgustingly sturdy bones, they actually had concoctions that could mend the damage in an instant?


    ��Spare shavings,�� Kaldor exined when he saw Zac��s look. ��A pain to make, literally, but I��ve had a lot of free time in this ce. Anyway, the ancestors found the heart and managed to gain limited control over it. It was the emanations of the heart that birthed the Hearnds, and it is still upholding it to this day.��


    Zac��s eyes widened in surprise, partly because of what Kaldor said, but mostly because of what could be discerned between the lines. Limited control? The Primo and the Undead Princes were unable to take full control of this Eternal Heritage, even after billions of years? It almost sounded like they were using it in an unintended manner, just siphoning some of its leftover energy to terraform the surroundings.


    The possibility almost beggaredprehension. Just bing a Monarch was akin to bing a god, where you carried a literal world in your body. You could live for a million years, surpassing Earth��s civilization tens of times over, and you controlled vast powers.


    Above that were Autarchs, and then the mysterious Supremacies who were so exalted that Zac still had no idea what kind of existences they were. The only information he��d manage to gather was that they could change thews of the heavens all across the empires they controlled, remolding the Dao in their image.


    But even these kinds of beings were unable to properly control an Eternal Heritage erected in a bygone era? Just who created it and what kind of stage had they reached? Just what were the limits of cultivation? Perhaps he��d be able to find the answers someday, but for now, Zac took a steadying breath and refocused on his question.


    ��What does the Heart of the Empire have to do with my question?�� Zac prompted.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Some things will just harm you if you know. Suffice to say, the path of Pure Death is inextricably linked to the heart. If the general ban wasn��t imposed, the source of our power would be weakened, diluted. Only a scant few can be allowed to walk the path of purity, and it is not only a matter of talent �C there��s also temperament and providence. If the wrong person reaches the peak�� The consequences could be disastrous,�� Kaldor sighed as a few more cracks appeared across his body.


    Zac slowly nodded. Hearing the exnation, the first thing he came to think of was Be��Zi. Was this why she had severed her Karma with the Empire? She wanted to delve into Pure Death and Oblivion, but she wasn��t qualified? Or did she have the qualifications, but broke some rules when wanting to transition Pure Death into Oblivion?


    And why would the Dao, the fundamental truths of the universe, be linked to an old ruin? How were they connected? There was something odd going on at the peak. From the various pieces of intelligence Zac had gathered, there seemed to be some sort of limitations to the Dao as you approached the Terminus.


    It was almost like the truths became a finite resource, where each peak could only house so many cultivators. Zac was about to ask some rifying questions, but the reaver immediately shut him down before Zac had the chance.


    ��Brat, just join the Empire if you want to know more. With your bloodline, you��d get a hero��s wee. Ow, ow, my bones,�� Kaldorined. ��If you can control these cursed remnants, you should be able to find a backer within your kin who can let you undergo the examination. Our races are always eager to find members on the outside.��


    ��Why��s that?�� Zac asked with interest.


    ��So many fell during the Dark Ages. Others were lost as we searched for safe harbor,�� Kaldor grunted. ��All our heritages are iplete, except for the bloodsuckers who joinedter. Finding someone like you might mean your race can reim something they had lost, though the odds are minuscule. You can use that as a bargaining chip.��


    Zac nodded pensively as he thought back to his vision of Eoz, the founding Draugr. He had no idea what the names of the various branches of Draugr were, except for the other two mentioned in his vision and Zi, the ancestor of Catheya��s n. What if Eoz was a lost heritage? With his ancestor being the third to break out of the Abyssal Lake, Zac figured the bloodline had to be quite strong.


    That alone might be even more valuable than his identity as an Edgewalker. If not for the Undead Empire as a whole, then at least for the Abyssal Shores. With this knowledge, he felt far better prepared for potentially joining the Undead Empire in the future, though he would have to digest what he had found out first.


    ��So, the splinter?�� Zac eventually said.


    ��Take it,�� Kaldor grunted as he pointed toward an empty spot in the courtyard.


    The next moment, the ground rumbled as an opening appeared, from which a pedestal rose. On top of it rested a ss casing covered in intricate engravings. Four pitch-ck runes slowly rotated around the box as well. These illusory runes were somewhat simr to the ones Be��Zi had erected in his soul, though they weren��t nearly as refined.


    If Zac had to guess, it was Kaldor himself who had added the outer array to add a secondyer of protection to the cage. Even then, it wasn��t perfect. Zac could vaguely sense the remnant that was floating in the middle of the cage, and the two splinters in his mind stirred a bit. However, the caged splinter was in some sort of sealed state, with only some weak tendrils of Oblivion leaking out from its casing.


    ��Good riddance,�� Kaldor muttered as he looked at the Splinter of Oblivion. ��That energy is quite interesting, but it is ultimately no good. Be careful with this thing.��


    ��I know,�� Zac sighed as he mentally started to prepare himself.


    He didn��t know what to expect when absorbing the third set, but he couldn��t imagine it would be afortable experience. Thankfully, he had evolved his Soul Sincest, which would hopefully allow him to make the trek to the bamboo forest after this without causing a scene.


    ��I��m not just talking about its mental influence,�� Kaldor said, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. ��Do you know why there��s only one set of these things in the Orom World, even when this big bastard has been alive for almost 40 million years? Surely, it would encounter more of them as it swallowed millions and millions of poor souls. After all, there are not just one or two of them out there.��


    Zac nodded in agreement, remembering the vision of when that godlike existence destroyed the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation. Going by the apocalyptic scene, there were at least a few thousand remnants scattered across the Multiverse. It really was a bit odd that Orom only had one set, considering this was the second time he stumbled into a pair in a couple of years.


    ��The Orom discards the other ones it finds?�� Zac ventured after some thought.


    ��Exactly. Spits them right out before running away,�� Kaldorughed.


    ��One is an eternal curse, two is a cmity,�� Zac muttered.


    ��What��s that?�� Kaldor asked before he shrugged. ��No, I��m talking about something else. These things alter fate.��


    ��Alter fate?�� Zac repeated with confusion.


    ��The creature that was split into these shards was a unique existence born during the rebirth of the era. It was only the equivalent of peak Autarch, but its control over the Dao was greater than most Supremacies. The only reason it didn��t reach that stage was because of an obsession that held it back, forever trapping it at the threshold.��


    ��What does that have to do about fate-altering?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Its obsession was too powerful, and it alters reality even in its pseudo-dead state. These remnants want to be reforged into one. My guess is, the more of these things you collect, the more you��ll find yourself on a collision course with more remnants. Whether you like it or not.��


    ��The remnants are somehow altering events? Altering my decisions?�� Zac asked.


    ��No idea how it actually works,�� Kaldor said as he scratched the spots on his skull he had just repaired. ��It can be considered an opportunity. Who knows, this phenomenon might be what brought you to me and Pavina, eh? But it might also be a cmity, where you��re dragged to a ce of no return. More importantly, are you willing to be a puppet, to be manipted based on some ancient bastard? Or do you want to be in control of your fate and your path?��


    Zac wordlessly gazed at the shimmering splinter as he went over the reaver��s words. It was true, he had repeatedly felt like a puppet when it came to these remnants, of how he felt the System was essentially forcing him down a path.


    Hearing this, he might have been unfair toward the System. Perhaps, it was the remnants themselves who kept pulling him toward their brethren, with the System simply cheering them on. But it didn��t really matter. As Kaldor said, it was ultimately an issue of his fate not being in his own hands. It didn��t matter so much who was manipting him �C what mattered was that he needed to break free.


    ��Is there anything I can do?��


    ��Who knows,�� Kaldor said. ��I only heard about these things in passing before I got trapped in this ce. But I figure there should be some solutions. The ancient will hidden inside these things is hard to deal with, but the power of the crystals themselves is not that impressive. Perhaps you can extract what you need and discard the rest when you get strong enough?��


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement as he walked toward the sealed crystal hovering in its cage. The closer he got, the more the remnants in his mental prison stirred, but they seemed a bit confused, unclear what was going on. The same thing was happening to the sealed splinter, where its ck luster flickered ominously, but it didn��tsh out at all.


    ��You have just over three months,�� Kaldor said just as Zac was about to pick up the cage.


    ��What?�� Zac said with confusion, stopping in his tracks.


    ��As I said, you had three years to take this thing. Soon after, it had to be returned to be resealed,�� Kaldor grinned. ��Since you came three months early, you have just over three months to y around with this thing before it goes back to the repository in Liberty Point.��


    ��What happens if I don��t return it?��


    ��Someone like me will be sent to retrieve it. Someone who��s not bound by the rules of a duel,�� Kaldor said pointedly.


    ��And if I consume it?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Same deal, but your corpse will be retrieved instead,�� Kaldorughed. ��So you better be sure about what you��re doing.��


    Cold sweat ran down Zac��s back as he looked at the splinter in front of him, and he inwardly cursed Kaldor for being so vague. If he really waited until thest day, wouldn��t he be screwed? It would take him weeks to reach Three Virtues�� bamboo forest and get the shard, more than enough time to be tracked down by an Emerald Badge.


    After fighting Kaldor, who had restrained his Daos to the level of Peak Dao Fragments, Zac was even less confident in making it out of a battle like this alive. Certainly, Kaldor was most likely one of the most powerful Emerald Badges around, but even the weaker ones had unique strength like Kaldor��s killing intent.


    ��Thank you for the warning,�� Zac said. ��So how do I take away this thing? Can I put it in a Spatial Ring?��


    ��Sure,�� Kaldor nodded. ��But it will taint the pocket space. It shouldn��t be a problem for a year or two, but the ring would eventually destabilize and blow you up.��


    Zac breathed in relief, but his heart still beat like a drum as he ced his hand against the ss casing, trying to imprint the seals to memory. The runes on the ss box were distinct from both Kaldor��s Addition and Be��Zi��s gift, more in line with the seals the System had added to the prison in his mind. Perhaps their design would be one of the clues to figuring out a way of this mess in the future.


    A wave of unfettered desire mmed against the cage in his mind, but it quickly calmed down as Zac put the cage into his Cosmos Sack. He infused his senses into the bag, and he immediately understood what Kaldor meant earlier. Kaldor��s protective runes didn��t make it into the bag, and a ck haze had started to spread from the ss box in the subspace, causing some ominous ripples in the fabric of reality.


    Thankfully, Zac didn��t have any important item in this native bag, and he didn��t care if it would break down. As long as it could withstand the influence until he��d fetched the shard as well, he was content.


    Having gotten what he��de for, Zac saw no reason to linger in the reaver��s mansion. He wasn��t sure what to think of Kaldor. The old monarch had been extremely shameless and forced his hand, but he had also provided great assistance. Perhaps, it was only thanks to this Izh��Rak Reaver he was safe and sound after setting off his Annihtion Sphere years ago.


    Still, no matter how many benefits Kaldor had provided, it ultimately felt like Kaldor had his own ns, where he once more had be an unwitting pawn in some greater scheme. The sooner he could get away from this ce, the better.


    ��So, where are you off to now, brat?�� Kaldor asked curiously as Zac got ready to leave.


    ��I��ll visit Pavina and thank her for helping me survive today��s battle,�� Zac answered after some consideration.


    ��That little traitor,�� Kaldor snorted, though he clearly wasn��t upset. ��And then?��


    Kaldor��s expression waszy, but Zac understood there were hidden implications within the question.


    ��After that?�� Zac hesitated. ��I��ll stay in the area for now.��


    ��Hm,�� Kaldor nodded. ��If you ever get out of here, are you nning on joining the Undead Empire?��


    ��I��m not against it, but I haven��t made any decisions,�� Zac said. ��From what I��ve gathered, the situation seems a bit messy.��


    ��All powerful factions are messy,�� Kaldorughed. ��That��s how things are when great benefits are at stake. Not even the baldies of the Buddhist Sangha are any different. Where there is cultivation and the pursuit of Eternity, there will be intrigue and backstabbing. But you should know; you will always be iplete until you return to your origin.��


    ��My origin?�� Zac frowned. ��The Abyssal Lake?��


    ��Exactly,�� Kaldor said. ��Without returning to your origin, you will never unlock your true potential. But when you do, you will be able to look down on the world. Such is the benefit of a divine race. Goals that are just flights of fancy for base creatures like Revenants or Humans will be well within your reach.��


    Zac furrowed his brows, notmenting on the promation.


    ��Off you go then, brat,�� Kaldor added. ��Remember, you have three months before that thing has to be returned. Not even I can help you after that.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac eventually said as he left for Pavina��s mansion. ��For everything.��


    ��I wonder, what will you choose?�� Kaldor muttered as he sensed the young Edgewalker disappear among the trees before his gaze turned in another direction. ��And why did you have me go to these lengths?��

 Chapter 828: Words Spoken from the Heart

    Chapter 828: Words Spoken from the Heart


    A dayter, Zac reached Pavina��s mansion, and he found his teacher sitting with an axe simr to Zac��s own in her hand.


    ��You won,�� Pavina nodded as Zac arrived, cing the axe to her side. ��I��m quite the teacher.��


    ��Yes, you��re quite something,�� Zac smiled.


    ��How did it go?�� Pavina asked.


    Zac recounted the whole battle, including how Kaldor started cheating the moment he was about to lose. There was a decent chance that the reaver acted with a hidden purpose rather than being consumed by bloodlust, whether it was to push Zac to find a breakthrough or to sound out any hidden strength. Which one was less obvious, and trying to glean anything from Pavina��s inscrutable expression didn��t help at all.


    She simply nodded like Kaldor��s shamelessness was a matter of course. Neither did she try to dig into what kind of bloodline technique Zac had used to turn things around. Zac wasn��t willing to divulge that secret either, since it was obviously different from what normal Draugr possessed. He did however want to see if Pavina could shed any light on his most recent find, whether his idea had potential.


    So, he recounted what happened when he started using the framework for [Thousand Lights Avatar].


    ��Soul and technique,�� Pavina slowly muttered. ��Interesting. It sounds a bit like theter phase of the Integration Stage, yet distinct somehow.��


    ��Do you think it��s feasible to fuse your soul into one��s technique this way?�� Zac asked.


    ��I don��t see why not,�� Pavina said. ��Your soul is the bridge between the grand Dao and yourself. If you can really spread your soul, and not just mental energy, throughout your body as you mentioned, it should be helpful. It might not only strengthen your technique, but also increase the pace you improve it.��


    ��Are there any problems?�� Zac probed, noticing that the Revenant wasn��t looking too enthused even if she praised the method.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Time,�� Pavina said without hesitation. ��You��re young, but you should have already started realizing the time and effort required to walk toward the peak. Every step forward is a tremendous undertaking, be it from skills, Dao, levels, or other aspects of your path. The soul is famously demanding in this aspect, and what you��re proposing is to not only cultivate the soul. It is also to form a spiritual avatar and mold it with your stances.��


    ��I don��t see a scenario where too many would bother with something like this, apart from a cultivator who has a ss based on this kind of fusion between the soul and physical attacks,�� Pavina eventually concluded. ��Even if it can strengthen you, the time cost in proportion to improvement is both risky and limited from what I can tell.��


    ��So it��s a bad idea?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��I didn��t say that,�� Pavina said with a shake of her head. ��I said it wasn��t advisable for most people. But most people do not have your talent for fusing your path and technique. The capability to cultivate their soul is quite rare for most races, and I have never met anyone who dared to walk both these time-consuming routes. But you can only go so far following convention.


    ��No Autarch had reached their level by being reasonable and measured �C their conviction in their path is unbreakable, no matter how crazy it might seem to others. I am simply urging you to confirm whether this method is something that resonates with you and your path. If it does, try it out. The worst that can happen is that you fail and possibly get stuck in some bottleneck. But even then you��ve been true to yourself, and all journeys must end somewhere. That is the fate of a cultivator.��


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement. It was just like Pavina said. Time was bing more and more precious as he grew stronger, even if his longevity kept improving. He was already runningte for his nned breakthrough into Hegemony, and the more he added to his te, the more baggage he would have to carry down the road.


    There was thankfully still time to figure all this out. As long as his n seeded, he would be back on Earth soon enough, and he could finally take a breather and collect himself. His foundations had never been as solid as they were right now, and he could afford a breather where he properly nned out his next steps.


    The two kept talking for another hour, but it was eventually time to go. The splinter was calling him from within his Cosmos Sack, and he was eager to get the shard as well before something went awry. Three Virtues seemed to know much more than he let on and Zac feared that the more time he gave the shifty monk to prepare, the worse a position Zac would find himself in. However, before he let, he was beset with indecision, his heart caught between paranoia and goodwill.


    Should he tell her?


    This was something he had been struggling over since Pavina had taken him under her wing, putting him back on the right track with his cultivation. Exposing his escape ns might ruin everything, even if Pavina herself wasn��t nning on ratting him out. The Orom was generally oblivious to the Orom World, but who knew what it actually picked up through the Prison Brands?


    But could he really just disappear from this prison, leaving behind those who had given him so much?


    He couldn��t, his conscience wouldn��t allow it.


    ��In the next few months, I��ll����


    ��Some things need not be spoken,�� Pavina interrupted as she nced toward the sky.


    Zac was surprised, but he immediately rephrased what he was going to say. It turned out that he had been worrying about nothing, where Pavina already had a decent idea of what was going on. He should have expected it, considering that Kaldor had already figured out he was the source of the previous st of Oblivion that failed to break himself out.


    ���� I��ll go into seclusion. I generally stay close to the border of life and death, I��d be morefortable if you guarded the area.��


    Pavina nodded with a smile. ��Go on with your cultivation. No need to worry about me. What will be, will be.��


    Zac slowly nodded as he said his goodbyes, wondering if he would ever see this mentor of his again.


    ��He seems confident,�� Pavinamented as Zac left.


    ��Little bastard. I was the one who gave him that cursed item and the one who received the bacsh for his previous attempt,�� Kaldor swore as he stepped out from the shadows. ��Where was my invitation?��


    ��That��s what you get for going so hard on my little disciple,�� Pavina smiled. ��He seems to remember both goodwill and grudges, weighing them against each other.��


    Kaldor only snorted in response before his aura changed to a more serious demeanor. ��Gather the others. This is it, it��s time toplete our mission.��


    ��Should we really heap this responsibility on the child? And not even tell him?�� Pavina hesitated. ��Can he carry this burden alone?��


    ��Perhaps not, but he��s not the only one making their moves. Fate is congregating, almost by a scary degree. Even the big guy seems to sense something amiss. It has sped up considerably,�� Kaldor grunted. ��But its futile. It��s swallowed too many of the baldies. Fate is inescapable.��


    ��The Sangha,�� Pavina grimaced. ��If ites to blows, I fear, even with master to protect us����


    ��Don��t worry,�� Kaldor said with a shake of his head. ��Our goals are different.��


    ��What about the child?�� Pavina asked. ��We��re just going to let such a talent disappear?��


    ��Don��t worry, I tested him,�� Kaldor said. ��I divulged some core secrets of the Empire, and I only received some surface damage. He has already one step through the door, he just doesn��t know it.��


    Having delivered the warning to Pavina, Zac felt like a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Better yet, even after a week had passed as he returned to Samsara��s Edge, there still hadn��t been any issues cropping up. Therefore, he didn��t immediately head toward the secluded bamboo forest in the heart of the Life-attuned Zone. First, he visited Heda��s farm.


    In many ways, the arborist had helped him as much as Pavina, and if Zac didn��t offer her this hint as well he��d feel bad about it forever. After all, he couldn��t be certain that the seed Heda asked him to throw out was actually an escape measure of hers. It might simply be her way to send out something of hers into the multiverse, a heritage of sorts.


    Heda only smiled and patted his head when he told her where she should go for the next months, not giving him any indication at all whether she intended to follow his advice or not. He still stayed behind for a while, and the Arborist checked up on Haro, the Heavenrender Seed left in Zac��s Worldring.


    ��You can put Vivi inside now,�� Heda eventually concluded. ��She will help nurture the seed, and curtail its inherent destructive tendencies.��


    Zac was ted, and he immediately took out the spatial tube from his Cosmos Sack and put it into the low-quality Worldring. The huge vine hidden within the tube immediately emerged, a giant that spanned over a hundred meters. Its massive stalk dwarfed the small seed hovering above a series of arrays, yet Vivi didn��t get too close.


    It gingerly waved its vines around the seed, almost looking afraid to inadvertently hit it. The movements weren��t threatening, but rather protective as she formed a defensive perimeter around Haro. Heda had already exined it was quitemon, but it was still odd for Zac to see a nt with motherly instincts, especially considering the two nts were different species.


    Even with the big vine appearing in the ring, Heda��s arrangements weren��t harmed at all. The deste farnds that the ring originally came with had beenpletely transformed since Zac purchased the seed, with Heda having set up multiple arrays to automate pretty much everything needed to nurture the Heavenrender Vine.


    The only thing he needed to do was allow the small but constant drain of Dao and mental energy into the array. That way, the seed would be imprinted with his spirit, sort of like the undead he raised. That would make it much easier to form a contract as he had with Vivi. Without it, Heda wasn��t confident he��d manage to aplish the task.


    Taming an adult Heavenrender Vine was pretty much impossible, they were far too bloodthirsty. They��d even attack an Autarch rather than submit, fighting until theirst breath. Only by nurturing a seed did you have a chance, but these things were simply too hard to get. Only mature C-grade nts nurtured a seeds, and they might only give birth to a dozen or two over their nigh-eternal lifespans.


    Furthermore, the moment a seed was born, it was immediately flung into the cosmos, often by the vine tearing a hole in space itself. With the seed barely emitting any energy signature, it would just look like a small piece of space debris. Finding one was a matter of luck, which was why they were so exorbitantly expensive on the outside.


    Eventually, it was time to leave, and Zac made a beeline for the heart of the zone after reminding Heda to stay close over the next few months. Ultimately, he didn��t choose to warn Ubo or any of the other cultivators living around Samsara��s Edge that he had gotten to known over the past years.


    Ultimately, he couldn��t save everyone. For one, there were no guarantees to his n, and the more people he let know, the greater the odds of betrayal. He had his goals and people who relied on him back home, far stronger connections than those that he had made here out of necessity. If he could, he would properly damage the Orom on his way out, but that was the extent of what he could do.


    Zac reached the bamboo forest a weekter, and he stopped at the edge likest time.


    ��Enter,�� the voice of Three Virtues immediately echoed in his mind, and Zac suddenly saw a path in front of him.


    Zac walked inside, eventually reaching the small tranquil temple hidden in the depths. This time, there were actually over thirty monks sitting in silent meditation on the tform by the river. A muted susurrus of harmonized voices drifted over, but Zac couldn��t make out any individual words. Still, there was an intangible phenomenon gathering throughout the area, like some mysterious power was brewing.


    The scene reminded Zac of the monks at the Temple of Evesting Peace by thest time he visited. They had joined together to summon Lord 84th back then. Was this the same thing? The thought made Zac wary as he looked for the dwarven monk himself. The timing was too suspect.


    If Three Virtues was really nning something with the help of his acolytes, it had to be rted to Zac and his mission. But how?


    ��Amitabha, Almsgiver,�� a voice drifted out from the main hall where Zac had vaguely spotted some powerful statue before. ��It has been two years.��


    ��I have aplished the task your eminence gave me the first time I visited,�� Zac said, his gaze eventually moving away from the monks by the river. Even after Zac spoke up, they hadn��t so much as looked over in his direction. They werepletely upied with their meditation. ��I��m here to pick up�� that thing.��


    ��No rush, no rush,�� Three Virtues answered, still not appearing. ��As Almsgiver blesses us with his presence, fate shift and the clouds part. Benefactor would do us a great honor if he visited this poor monk��s temple to celebrate thepletion for the statue of our guardian deity.��


    Zac hesitated as he looked at the main hall, remembering all-too-well the fearful emanations that hade from the statue within the first time he visited. This time around, he couldn��t sense a thing, and Zac wasn��t sure whether that was a good or a bad thing. But ultimately, what could he do? He needed the shard, so he would have to y along.


    For now.


    His nerves were still stretched taut as he slowly entered the temple, ready to sh away at any hint of danger with the help of [Earthstrider]. He was even ready to take out the Splinter of Oblivion if need be, no matter if his danger sense waspletely silent as he entered. But no obvious threats were waiting for him as he stepped through the threshold.


    The hall was mostly empty, unless you counted the beautifully drawn paintings covering the walls. They depicted various devas and Boddhisatva��s imparting their blessings, but Zac didn��t dare look too closely even if they didn��t emit any energy fluctuations. He knew thatyers andyers Buddhist doctrine and impartments were infused in these kinds of imagery, and looking to closely could impact one��s path if not careful.


    On the other side of the entrance, Zac finally spotted the monk sitting on a mat in front of a five-meter tall statue. The gilded man depicted wasn��t anyone Zac recognized. In fact, he barely looked like a Bhottisavha at all, but rather a regal warrior who held a sword with a pommel that looked like a dragon.


    He did have the familiar halo behind his back though, and now that Zac was this close he sensed a vague hint of faith energy surrounding the statue.


    ��S��gara,�� Three Virtues smiled as ��The chosen protector of this Poor Monk��s temple.��


    ��Is he real?�� Zac couldn��t help but ask, curiosity oveing his purpose ofing.


    Over the past years, Zac had heard and read many tales surrounding Buddha and the Buddhist Sanga. Of mystical realms, powerful warriors, and godlike beings he had never seen or heard of elsewhere. However, these stories seemed distant and hazy, just like mythology back on earth.


    There was no anchor to the Multiverse in the stories, no mention of other forces or beings like the Primo. So were these celestial beings that the monks consecrated actual cultivators, or were they rather concepts of the path?


    ��What is real? What is false?�� Three Virtues smiled. ��If a kingdom��s throne is empty, is it not a kingdom?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Come, sit,�� Three Virtues said as he pointed to the mat next to him before lighting two sticks of incense in front of the statue.


    ��Is there something wrong?�� Zac hesitated, feeling like he was being set up for another scam. ��I was just nning on helping you getting rid of that thing. I don��t want to take up any time of your time and that of your disciple-brothers.��


    ��It is our delight to wee Benefactor back to the temple,�� Three Virtuesughed. ��Let me ask you, Almsgiver. This unrepentant beast has trapped cultivators of all backgrounds for millions of years. Do you think the Orom deserves punishment?��


    ��I��m just an E-grade cultivator,�� Zac hesitated. ��Why do you ask me?��


    ��Words spoken from the heart contain the power to change the world,�� Three Virtues smiled.


    ��If that was true I��d be long gone from this ce,�� Zac muttered, but he saw that the smiling monk was still waiting for an answer.


    Zac didn��t know if this was some kind of test, and whether there was a correct answer, so he simply chose to answer from his heart. So he gathered his thoughts for a moment as he looked at the imposing sword-wielding deity for a few moments before opening his mouth.


    ��If speaking from a cosmic perspective, I would have to say no,�� Zac eventually said. ��What the Orom is doing is ultimately not that different from other cultivators. It is snatching resources to increase its strength, cutting off the path of others to advance its own. From all what I��ve seen since I stepped on the road of cultivation, that is the Heavenly Law. Evolution.


    ��I have walked through mountains of corpses to get where I am, and I am still nothing but an E-grade cultivator. By the time I reach the same level as the Orom, I would possibly have killed even more than he. Yet I don��t consider myself evil, deserving of punishment. We all knew the risks when we started challenging the heavens to gain power and longevity. To think the Orom to be deserving of punishment because of this would make me a hypocrite.��


    ��Amitabha, a vast heart is immeasurable. Benevolence is a divine path,�� Three Virtues nodded. ��Yet, I sense Almsgiver is not done.��


    Zac slowly nodded. ��While I don��t think it is inherently deserving in the grand scheme of things, it is still deserving of punishment from my perspective. It has robbed me of years I could have spent with my loved ones, of my momentum, of friends, and who knows what else. I am not an enlightened being, my heart cannot epass all beings like you monks. If given the opportunity, I��ll retaliate against my captor.��


    Silence echoed in the hall after Zac��s promation, and it almost looked like the head of the deity had grown more sinister as the swirling clouds of incense gathered around it.


    To the side, the smile of Three Virtues grew wider.

 Chapter 829: True and False

    Chapter 829: True and False


    After having spoken his piece, Zac felt an odd premonition that he couldn��t decipher. It seemed as though something had changed, yet everything was the same. The temple, the monk, and the statue �C it was all as before. Yet Zac felt out of phase, forck of a better term.


    ��A benevolent heart is important, but indiscriminatepassion can bring more suffering than good. Expunging Mara is a great merit, though this poor monk believes no fate is beyond redemption,�� Three Virtues said, and it was like his words clicked reality back into ce.


    ��Bnce is required, I believe Almsgiver understands that fundamental truth quite well.��


    Zac slowly nodded, though he honestly wasn��t quite certain what point the monk was trying to make.


    ��Almsgiver has helped this poor temple resist the blight of Oblivion, a meritorious deed in line with the Dharma,�� Three Virtues continued. ��In fact, Almsgiver gives this poor monk the impression of a budding arhat, full of life and possibility. With Almsgiver having such harmonious rtion to the Dharma, has Almsgiver ever considered ordination?��


    ��No one can say what the future holds,�� Zac said, afraid to give a straightforward rejection at this stage, even if he had no intentions of shaving his head and donning a kasaya. ��What will be, will be.��


    With a massive faction like the Buddhist Sangha, there were manyyers of membership, and things weren��t as ck and white as it was with the Undead Empire. With the undead, you were either a member, where themandments bound you �C or you were an outsider, no matter if you were another undead or a dreamer.


    With the Buddhist Sangha, the lines were blurred. Most notably, anyone could visit most of the Buddhist cultivation grounds, though the mysterious Paradise and three of the four oceans were always closed to outsiders. The properly ordained monks who permanently resided on the mountains were just a small minority of the total poption of the sangha.


    The vast majority could almost be considered loose cultivators, and they followed Buddha��s teachings to very varying degrees. Some of them were fullymitted, bing self-ordained monks and sometimes running monasteries or temples on the outside. Others were empires with a Buddhist heritage, where many cultivators followed adjoining paths.


    There were even people who simply visited the holynds to make use of the high-quality cultivation environment. The monks didn��t seem to mind at all, and they even shared a lot of techniques with the public. Even unorthodox cultivators carrying tremendous amounts of fell karma were allowed inside, much to the annoyance of their pursuers.


    Conflict was banned in most regions of the sangha, but there was danger of another kind. As that necromancer had once said, the monks were natural pathbreakers, and that effect was no doubt amplified manifold in the Buddhist Hearnds. Those who visited with impure motives might find their path subverted in short order, some to the point they lost all sense of self.


    They became beings without emotions or desires, and they gave up on everything except the sutras and the Heavenly Dao. Visiting the sangha required an extremely sturdy Dao Heart, but that danger was actually a source of attraction to some elite cultivators. Those who managed to hold onto their path might eventually walk away with a tempered heart and a path even sturdier than before.


    That fact enticed countless geniuses who had been stuck at some threshold. For them, the gamble of losing your identity or breaking their limitations was well worth taking. The temples were probably happy with the arrangement as well, having a steady stream of great talents being sucked into their path.


    While all these types of visitors could be considered followers of the Sangha, they ultimately weren��t a true part of it. Like Catheya had said, there were Nine Mountains, Eight Temples, Four Oceans, and One Paradise. These chapters were predominant powers unto themselves, and could all be considered A-grade factions.


    The way they went about things was a bit different, but most of the Mountains and Temples had vast arrays of subordinate monasteries and factions as well, who could be considered outer disciples of the Sangha. To be ordained was to officially join either one of the main branches or their subordinate factions.


    Trillions of people in the world would jump at the opportunity to officially join the Buddhist Sangha, even if it was for one of the lower temples. However, that path was not for Zac, no matter what the names of his Dao Branches were.


    ��Amitabha, as long as Almsgiver lives true to his heart, he will always be weed with open arms,�� Three Virtues nodded. ��Come, let us close this chapter of Karma.��


    Zac��s eyes lit up and he immediately got back on his feet, relieved to see that the monk wasn��t nning on reneging on his offer or throwing a wrench into Zac��s ns. However, the reliefsted less than a minute, because he quickly saw something amiss in front of him.


    The rear structure where Three Virtues kept his Shard of Creation hadpletely transformed since thest time Zac was here, where it had gained a golden sheen. More importantly, its insides were absolutely flooded with Creation Energy, along with countless runes that contained vast amounts of Buddhist spirituality.


    The scripts were slowly floating around in the middle of the soup of creation, and Zac felt his mind shudder just from ncing at the ever-churning mixture.


    ��Unfortunately, this poor monk has failed to properly contain the energy released by the shard over the past few years,�� Three Virtues sighed. ��I��m ashamed, I��m ashamed. This one could only contain it to a small area, lest it harms any innocent bystander.��


    Zac looked at the golden temple, his body shuddering from the intense fluctuations of creation. The shards in his mind were already acting out, their reaction far strongerpared to the response of the splinters when he picked up his third copy at Kaldor��s castle. Eventually, his gaze shifted back toward the still-smiling monk, Zac��s eyes filled with unspoken reproach.


    ��Amitabha, heart is all,�� the monk said. ��With an immovable heart, nothing can bar your path.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I��m guessing the ss casing sealing shard is in the middle of the temple? And I just have to go inside and get it out?�� Zac sighed, getting an affirmative nod after each question.


    Zac only grunted in response as he stepped forward, not even bothering toin. He couldn��tpete with this level of thick-skinned behavior. Three Virtues was obviously more than capable of dealing with some run-off Creation, even more so than Kaldor judging by the tens of thousands of monastic runes that danced through the stockpiled energy like they had be one.


    Not a drop of energy was able to leave the temple, proving how powerful the containment was. There was no telling how the monk had set this thing up, but his intentions were clear; Three Virtues wanted him to undergo whatever trial he had prepared.


    Zac had two options as he saw it. The first was to take the plunge, betting on the fact that Three Virtues wasn��t actually out to hurt him. Secondly, he could turn around and leave, giving up on the opportunity. The former option was more dangerous, but thetter came with strings attached. Was the Splinter of Oblivion alone enough to break out? How would he get his hands on a shard before the imbnce caused problems? And would Three Virtues even let him back down at this stage?


    Ultimately, Zac chose the former. He didn��t trust Three Virtues as far as he could throw him, but Zac did trust in his ability to deal with Creation Energy. After all, while the umted energy was a bit shocking to look at from the outside, he had been forced to endure much worse after swallowing the second shard.


    If there indeed were some trap hidden inside the runes, Zac still believed that he would be able to singe his body clear when forming the Glimpse of Chaos. Of course, there was the implicitfort when dealing with someone like three Virtues; the monk was probably an Autarch when he split himself into all those incarnations, and even the incarnations were approaching the threshold of Autarchy by the looks of it.


    Would someone like this really bother concocting some convoluted scheme? Doubtful. They��d either just kill him outright or tell him what to do. The monk obviously had hidden motives for his actions, but Zac guessed they were rather targeted at something else than at Zac himself.


    So Zac stepped inside, readying himself for an onught of Creation, but he was relieved to find that the Creation Energy wasn��t nearly as wild as what he��d endured back in the Twilight Ocean. However, the moment he let down his guard, he was beset by a wave of agony as his arms turned into huge golden wings.


    He urgently tried to turn his arms back to normal, but he was shocked to find that it didn��t work at all. He didn��t understand what was going on. Zac had encountered situations like these dozens of times by now, but the more he tried to revert the changes, the more Creation Energy his body absorbed.


    ��Amitabha, heart is all,�� the voice of Three Virtues once more echoed in his mind.


    The monk��s voice was like a bell dispersing some of Zac��s anxiety, and he somewhat understood what was going on. So Zac quelled the burgeoning panic and stilled his heart. Soon enough, he closed his eyes and shut out everything except the steady beats from his chest. His panic abated, and when he opened his eyes again he found that his arms had returned to normal.


    He didn��t know how, but the monk had changed the nature of the Creation Energy, making it respond to one��s mental state instead of one��s desires. Having gotten the Creation Energy under control, Zac took another step into the temple, but the moment his foot hit the ground, his surroundings changed.


    Zac suddenly found himself in a vast temple instead of the small rear building of Three Virtues�� temple. He wasn��t alone either �C there were hundreds of monks sitting in prayer, each one chanting scriptures.


    Illusion Array?


    That was Zac��s first instinct, but his usual tricks for breaking out didn��t work at all. It really felt like he was here, with not a single weakness in the facade. Another wave of panic threatened to rise to the surface, but Zac stopped in his tracks and stilled his heart again. There was no telling if his real body would suffer the consequences if he spiraled out of control in this illusion.


    There had to be a trick to this �C a purpose behind the Monk��s arrangements.


    Time passed as he properly took in the surroundings. The smell of incense and old parchment, the sounds of crackling scrolls, and hundreds of voices joining into an indistinct chant. The symmetry of the all and the stable tranquility of the ambiance. Eventually, Zac could feel it.


    The monks were monks, but they also weren��t. Each one was chanting a scripture of their own, and the truths hidden within their words were them as much as their corporeal form. Not one chant was the same either. They all had one thing inmon �C they were false. They didn��t contain the truth, at least not the one he needed.


    Havinge to a conclusion, Zac immediately set out, walking among the straight lines of unmoving monks. Eventually, his gaze stopped at a specific one. The acolyte looked the same as the others �C his appearance almost a carbon copy of the monks he had met back on Earth. His sutra didn��t sound different than the others either, but it was different somehow.


    ��Heart���� Zac muttered as he looked down on the monk who was seemingly oblivious to his presence.


    He hesitated for a few moments before he walked over. ��Hey, can you hear me?��


    There was no response, with the monk continuing his chant unabated. Not knowing what to do, Zac simply chose to pat the man��s shoulder, prompting his surroundings to change. He was back in the temple drowned in creation, and he saw that some parts of his body had transformed while he was trapped.


    Zac immediately closed his eyes to steady his heart again, and his body was back to normal in no time. There was one differencepared to before though �C there was now a line of Buddhist scripture floating around his body.


    Was it the sutra he heard in the vision? Or one of the runes that danced around him? In either case, Zac didn��t want it. It felt like an uninvited guest, and he was afraid that it��d sneak into his body if he wasn��t careful, harming his path. So he pushed his consciousness against the swirling characters, and they actually floated away.


    However, the next moment he found himself back in the temple, and he had to once more find the monk who resonated with his heart. Soon enough, an identical swirl danced around Zac��s left hand, allowing him to take another step into the temple. It looked like he was stuck with this thing, at least until he left this trial.


    Zac��s vision shifted, and he found himself in the courtyard of a monastery this time. In front of him was a vast wall with thousands of ques, each one inscribed with a short prayer. Zac didn��t immediately spot any que that resonated with him, but he tried just taking one at random to see if it would allow him to get back to the temple.


    It worked, but the second set of characters he had summoned shed with the first, resulting in both of them flying away. Zac swore with annoyance, a feeling that was further intensified when he realized he had somehow been transported back to the entrance of the temple. He nced back, and he saw Three Virtues still standing outside with the same smile on his face.


    Zac grunted with exasperation, but he quickly regretted it when he found himself breathing burst of mes. He calmed his mind and resumed his journey, effortlessly gathering the first snippet. He was soon transported back to the prayer wall again, and this time, he took some time until he finally found the one that resonated with his heart. Zac still couldn��t pinpoint exactly why this specific tablet was the right one �C he just knew it was.


    As expected, the second line perfectly fused with the first this time around, allowing Zac to take another step into the temple. This time, he was transported to a mountain library filled with ancient scrolls, each one of them containing densely written sutras. It took Zac over ten minutes before he finally found the one that was his, and two lines dancing around him turned into three.


    Like this, Zac continued forward, each step taking him one step closer to his goal; the shimmering crystal locked inside a ss cage on the other side of the building. Each step ced him in a new world, where he had to find truth among falsehoods. With each sess, the yarn of swirling scripture around his body grew denser, moreplete, but Zac still couldn��t quite figure out what kind of sutra it was.


    Each sess did not only add to the scripture he was building, but it also increased the difficulty of his next vision. Passing the fifteenth vision, which required him to pick the correct pebble in a stone garden, took him half a day. There were four different stones that all felt fitting, and he was locked from indecision for hours until picking the right one.


    Half a monthter, Zac was actually sent back to the start just as he was about to reach the ss case. For the first time in days, he lost control, going through a tumultuous procession of transformations before he managed to calm his mind. He hurriedly made his way back, passing one trial after another.


    Even now that he had almost made it to the end, Zac couldn��t quite understand what he was doing. But for some reason, he was bing a lot better at discerning what was true, and what was false. The scroll that took him ten minutes to find the first time around was discovered after just three minutes after having reached the depths of the temple.


    More importantly, the Creation Energy barely had any effect on him by this point. Small ripples still spread across his skin when he let his mind stray, but there weren��t any big mutations like in the beginning. Was this good, or was it bad? Zac couldn��t tell at all, even as he entered a deeper state of tranquility.


    Was it something sinister like hypnosis, of the emptying of one��s sensations? Or was this some sort of cultivation of the heart? Should he fight it, or should he embrace it? It could be the key to dealing with the whispers of the remnants, but he was hesitant to let this new sensation take hold �C especially after what he knew about the dangers of the Sangha.


    But he also realized that he found himself incapable of reaching the deeper parts of the temple without entering this state.


    Eventually, he chose to go with the flow, but while holding onto his core principles in the depths of his soul. He also started rotating his outer cores based on the concepts in the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], which seemed to bring rity to the emptiness. Eventually, Zac found himself back in the same vige that had thrown him back to the starting point before.


    This time, he was staring at a little boy who was helping grind ink for his father who was selling talismans in a small stall. It had taken Zac five days of walking through the streets, of observing the fates of the mortals in this medieval vige. But he was sure he was right this time. There was truth in every movement of the child.


    In the grating sound as the dark-purple ink was being ground, in his steadfast expression, in how the stacks of talismans next to him were arranged. Zac walked over, but before he had a chance to speak up, the little boy looked up and peered right into his eyes.


    He was no longer a small boy in a small mountain vige, even if his shape hadn��t changed at all. He had be a primordial deva, filled with boundless power. There was infinite potential brewing inside him. Potential for creation. Potential for destruction. It held the truths of the six paths, the truth of eternity.


    ��Golden. Boundless,�� the boy said and the world crumbled.

 Chapter 830: Sublimation

    Chapter 830: Sublimationn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    As the world copsed and the small mountain vige was reduced to nothingness, Zac found himself standing atop a boundless ocean beneath a golden sky. There was not a wave or a ripple, yet Zac couldn��t see what hid below.


    However, he could feel it.


    There was harmony. Tranquility. A sense of belonging. As long as he sunk into it, he would be part of it. Part of the unity, where all was one. The moment that thought struck him, he felt a tremendous attraction from beneath as distant chants carried across the waters. All was one, and heart was all.


    Zac��s path had crystallized, and his heart had grown extremely sturdy after going through innumerable life-and-death struggles. But even he felt it difficult to resist the pull �C to just close his eyes and meld with the oneness. It would not only grant strength, it would also free him from all suffering. It was almost like the ocean wanted to swallow him.


    That sudden spark of cognizance startled something wide awake in the core of his being, and the tranquility of the boundless ocean no longer had the means to affect him. His heart beat and his soul roared while his cells opened wide with hunger. The sky rumbled, and swirling nothingness consumed the gold as it covered the heavens.


    It didn��t contain the wrath of the old heavens or the indifference of the new. It contained hunger. An infinite hunger that surpassed the bounds of reality itself. If entering the ocean would mean him bing one with all, the void entailed being one with nothing.


    Ripples finally appeared on the ocean, and founts were starting to rise toward the sky, the water clearly trying to resist the pull but failing. Zac looked back and forth, his role seeming like that of an observer, even if he knew that he was the source of the churning void above.


    Or rather, his bloodline was.


    The world once more crumbled, and Zac looked around to see what he��d encounter next. He was surprised to find himself standing outside the temple with a ss case in his hands, staring into the surprised visage of Three Virtues as a golden scroll floated in the air. Zac was still in a transcendent state, and he closed his eyes to get a better feel of the situation.


    After a few minutes, he could confirm that this was all real. It was not yet anotheryer of illusions to tempt his heart or trick his mind. He still couldn��t tell why he knew what he knew. He only knew that it was true. However, he did feel that this sense of certainty was slowly leaving his body.


    It was not because he was beset by a new round of illusion, but rather because the state of enlightenment he had encountered was temporary �C some sort of impartment left inside the temple by the monk. Perhaps, the monk wanted to show him a path, or even give him a taste of the benefits of cultivating the heart.


    Even then, Zac felt no desire as he felt thest vestiges of rity leave his body. That kind of path would probably allow him to deal with the lingering consciousness in the remnants, where an immovable heart would be able to resist all temptations and see through all falsehoods. But he had already staked out his path, and he was confident in his own abilities.


    As for the final vision, Zac believed it was the true trial for the shard �C the natural pull of the Buddhist Sangha. Seed, and his foundations would further stabilize. Fail, and he would probably have be further linked to the Dharma, perhaps to the point he lost part of his self. However, his bloodline had thrown a wrench in the trial, being offended by the ocean��s influence. It had even gone so far as to forcibly swallow some of the boundless ocean, prompting the trial to end early.


    It looked like not even Buddha could subdue the Void Emperor.


    ��Why?�� Zac eventually asked as he opened his eyes, feeling his mental state having returned to normal.


    ��Amitabha, Almsgiver,�� Three Virtues smiled. ��The Dharma is the greatest of all joys, the highest of all delights. Cessation of desire conquers all suffering, and it is the road to enlightenment.��


    ��Cessation,�� Zac muttered before shaking his head with a smile, ��is not for me. I am much too greedy. How long have I been inside?��


    ��No more than an hour,�� Three Virtues said, and Zac felt he could discern some helplessness in the monk��s eyes for some reason.


    Zac wasn��t too surprised that so little time had passed during the trial. Most likely, the illusions themselves hadn��tsted more than a few seconds each. Most of the time hade from the steps in-between and gathering his withs outside the temple.


    ��What is this?�� Zac asked as he looked at the golden scroll hovering in front of him.


    He recognized its aura quite clearly; the scripture he had collected had not disappeared after he left. Instead, it had formed an actual sutra by the looks of it, though Zac wasn��t able to tell whether the scroll was real or illusory. It was only partly unfurled, allowing Zac to see dozens of lines of text along with the image of a golden cultivator covered in an unfamiliar set of pathways.


    The aura emanating from the scroll was somewhat familiar, giving off an undeniable hint of life and creation, but there was much more to it. Part of it reminded him of his own ss, of the lofty temple of Arcadia that appeared when he activated [Rapturous Divide]. Unsurprisingly, another part reminded him of the power of Buddha.


    ��It is truly astounding, Almsgiver. We must be fated, after all,�� Three Virtues said with obviously feigned surprise. ��This poor monk desperately recited the sutras in front of this pagoda for years, hoping to contain the energies within. To think that Almsgiver managed to rearrange the fractured teachings of Buddha into the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].��


    Zac stared at the monk for a moment, rendered speechless by the level of shamelessness. The monk was clearly trying to force a karmic link between himself and the sangha, both by showcasing the value of Heart Cultivation and now throwing in a technique. However, Zac had to admit he was intrigued, both by the energy signature and by the name.


    ��Varja sublimation?�� Zac asked. ��A Body Tempering Manual?��


    Body tempering was quite widely used among some chapters of the Buddhist Sangha, and there were monks as durable as Izh��Rak Reavers. In fact, Zac had actually seen a corner of their most wide-spread Body Tempering Technique back on Earth already; the [Diamond Sutra]. However, he had never heard of this [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] before.


    ��Just so,�� Three Virtues nodded. ��A foundational method to temper one��s flesh into one possessing boundless life. It quashes imperfections and elevates the divine, setting the stage for greater things in the future. It has unsurpassedpatibility and can be transitioned into myriad advanced techniques. It was created in the earliest era, and numerous great Dharma Guardians of the Sangha started with this method. A blessing, a blessing of the Heavens!��


    ��Why are you doing this?�� Zac asked, obviously not buying the spiel.


    ��By illuminating the path for others, you also illuminate your own,�� Three Virtues smiled.


    ��I cannot ept this,�� Zac eventually said. ��As I said, my path is not the search of nirvana. This thing might end up hurting my cultivation.��


    ��Almsgiver need not worry. Not only have the warrior monks and arhats used this method with great sess. Numerous friends of the Sangha have exchanged great merit for this technique, before transitioning it into other body tempering techniques without any rtion to us.��


    Zac had to admit he was tempted after hearing the monk��s exhortations, but he still had a lot of reservations.


    ��Almsgiver, there is a difference between a living being and a being of Life,�� the monk added, giving Zac a start. The monk��s smiling visage turned serious for a moment as he looked deep into Zac��s eyes. ��Almsgiver, are you truly in bnce?��


    Zac looked at the small monk, once more beset by the ufortable feeling of having all his secrets exposed. He had even activated his protective array around his Duplicity Core beforeing here, but it was probably much toote to change anything. Of course, Zac understood what the monk was digging at.


    His trinity of Life, Death, and Conflict was not in a true state of bnce, depending on how you looked at it. His Daos were in perfect tune with his path thanks to his hard work in the Orom World, but could the same be said about his races? His Death-side was represented by a Draugr, a race born from the Abyssal Lake, one of the purest representations of Death in the multiverse. It cultivated Miasma since birth, essentially meaning it had a natal Death-attuned Physique.


    Meanwhile, his other side was human. That was it. A bog-standard race of the multiverse, where his unique point was that he would get whatever benefits his other side got. However, it was not, like Three Virtues called it, a being of life. His human side didn��t use Divine Energy to match the Miasma of his Draugr side, but simple unattuned energy.


    Technically, this [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] could be the key to addressing this imbnce, but it brought up many questions. First and foremost �C did he really need it? Would a life-attuned constitution on his human side even benefit him? Did every part of his cultivation need to be mirrored in this way?


    Ultimately, the trinity was based on Dao, not body.


    Secondly, could he even cultivate this thing? What effect would it have on his Bloodline? Would it result in a sh like the one in his vision, where the void assaulted the boundless nature of Buddhism?


    Finally, and perhaps most importantly; did he even dare cultivate this thing even if he wanted to? Growing up he had been taught not to look a gifted horse in the mouth, but the opposite was true out in the Multiverse. Three Virtues wouldn��t just give away a precious body tempering manual without purpose, no matter what flowery words he spouted.


    At best, it would only force him to continue cultivating some Buddhist techniques, binding him tighter to the Buddhist Sangha. But what if there were more sinister concepts hidden within the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]? What if he ended up an empty vessel the moment hepleted his physique? After all, brainwashing was the forte of these monks.


    ��I need to consider this,�� Zac slowly said. ��Can I store this thing somehow?��


    ��If you determine your course with force or speed, you will miss the path to enlightenment,�� Three Virtues nodded. ��However, this poor monk has to insist Almsgiver learn the contents by heart before leaving. Almsgiver has seized this opportunity through fate and good merits, but we cannot let aplete copy of the sutra be released into the world.��


    Did the monk expect Zac to give in to temptation and train this technique after learning all the benefits it could provide? Zac had to admit �C it was a pretty good n. Even then, Zac went ahead and grabbed the hovering scroll, much to the monk��s delight. The next moment, he felt a massive surge of information cramming into his brain, like hundreds of books�� worth of text.


    There were postures you could train in, scriptures that sped up the process, tens of thousands of treasures that could aid in the formation of a ��Golden Vajra Physique��. There were even chapters on Heart Cultivation and alternative methods to train such as tattoos and clones. It was a veritable treasure trove of knowledge, and it was with great reluctance Zac sealed that knowledge in a corner of his mind before he turned to the happily smiling monk.


    ��Well, it��s time for me to head out,�� Zac said. ��Thank you for all your help. I��ll remember the benevolence of your eminence.��


    ��Almsgiver is too kind,�� Three Virtues smiled. ��But if this one can give one final suggestion?��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked.


    ��Almsgiver has no need to rush. Providence is umting, but it has yet not reached a crescendo. The time when fate is most malleable will arrive very soon,�� Three Virtues smiled.


    Zac slowly nodded in thanks before leaving the small temple, the droning sounds of the still-meditating monks traveling with him through the bamboo forest. Only when the decorated bamboo poles gave way to the vibrant steppes outside did he dare rx. He had done it �C he had secured the means of escape.


    However, Zac was a bit lost at the moment, having expected he needed to absorb the remnants the moment he seized them. Zac had even guessed that was the ultimate goal of Three Virtues �C to force the appearance of a Glimpse of Chaos right by his temple. This guess was obviously wrong, but the odd encounter in the temple didn��t make things any clearer.


    It was too annoying dealing with Karmic experts.


    The only thing Zac could be certain of was that every action of Three Virtues had a purpose, from the short chat in front of the statue of S��gara to disying the benefits of Heart Cultivation. But it could be anything from advancing the monk��s ns in the Orom World to something thousands of years in the future.


    The only clue Zac had was the monk��s final rmendation. He clearly wanted Zac to wait a bit before absorbing the remnants. It was the one thing where he waspletely candid. But even that simple suggestion felt like a mindbender after the mentally exhausting visit. Was it a real suggestion, or was it reverse psychology?


    Should he just go ahead and absorb those things immediately, or would he sabotage his attempt by making his move early?


    As Zac made his way toward his small ind, he ultimately chose to wait a bit. He was ultimately dealing with an Autarch, and it wasn��t like he was trying to slip out unnoticed. Forming a Glimpse of Chaos was a real spectacle, and he risked drawing both the attention and ire of the Orom before he could teleport away. If fate really was congregating for some reason, such as the monks preparing some scheme, it would provide a good cover.


    Two months. Zac decided he��d give it two months, leaving roughly four weeks to spare before the remnants had to be returned. If nothing had happened by that point, he��d leave and not look back.


    Zac didn��t bother going back to Samsara��s Edge. He was all out of Purchase Points already, having bought the [Hollow Core] in addition to the Heavenrender Vine Seed, something that was only possible through his multiple breakthroughs. Even then, he had been forced to take a pretty big loss.


    Even after forming two Boundless Dao Branches, forcibly elevating his levels, Soul, and then improving his Integration Stage, he had beencking some points. Only by selling off a mountain of resources for 8,000 Purchase Points was he able to afford the second supreme treasure. It pained him, but trading a bunch of expensive, butmon on the outside, materials for a unique treasure was definitely worth it.


    Soon enough, Zac was back in his hidden cultivation chamber, and he took out the first of the two ss boxes. Kaldor��s protective runes were gone, and tendrils of darkness left painful cracks on Zac��s arms as he held the case in his hands. As expected, it did release a continuous amount of Oblivion Energy, though this one felt raw and wildpared to what was released from the prison in his mind.


    Zac didn��t try to break open the casing, but rather put it at the heart of a formation at the right side of the cave, letting the Oblivion Energy fuse with the Miasma that was dragged from the death-attuned Zone. Next, he did the same thing with the shard, turning his cultivation cave into something unique, something containing hints of both Creation and Oblivion.


    The two remnants stirred upon being ced in such close proximity, but the seals on the casings were something else, preventing the remnants from awakening altogether.


    This was the best Zac solution could think of, where he could make use of the marvelous cultivation cave and the remnants until his deadline. The energy that was released through the runic funnel in his mind was pure, but the amount was also quite limited �C far lesspared to what was released from this newly acquired set.


    Like this, weeks passed, where Zac silently practiced the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], mentally preparing himself for the ordeal of forming a Glimpse of Chaos. There were no disturbances, but as the days passed, he actually felt a strange sense of something building. It wasn��t his soul getting stronger, though using the remnants was definitely effective in empowering the attunement of the outer cores.


    It was just like Three Virtues said �C it was like a storm was gathering, a hurricane of fate. The feeling was simr to his Danger Sense, making him believe it was rted to histest boost in Luck. It was a wee new ability, and it was about time he gained something new from the attribute. After all, his effective Luck had almost doubled since entering the Twilight Ocean.


    Then one day, the storm arrived.


    The arrays in the cave sputtered and failed as the orbs illuminating the chamber dimmed, prompting Zac��s eyes to shoot open with glee. There was still a week until his nned escape, a month before the deadline for the remnants. But just as the monk had indicated, an opportunity had presented itself prematurely.


    The Orom World had entered a dark state.


    Whether it was a sign from above or a direct consequence of Three Virtues�� schemes, Zac didn��t know, but it ultimately didn��t matter. The Orom might have encountered some outside threat forcing it to reroute all its power from the Orom World to itself rather than quelling an internal insurgency. In either case, it meant the big bastard had run into trouble.


    The thought alone prompted a smile to appear on Zac��s face, the schadenfreude far outweighing the disappointment of his Soul Strengthening session ending prematurely. The more pressing issues the Orom had to deal with, the more he would be able to aplish in the dark.


    As expected, Zac felt a wave of weakness spread through his body as his prison brand flickered, and just moving became a chore. He could still circte a trickle of energy, but it was barely enough to maintain basic bodily functions. Thankfully, activating [Void Zone] and covering himself in Void Energy counteracted the effect enough for him to move freely. That was enough to aplish his tasks.


    He turned into a blur as he swept through the cave like a hurricane, stowing away the few items he hadn��t already secured already, most notably his cultivation arrays, [Mind��s Eye Agate], and the twinned Realm Spirits. Finally, he grabbed the two ss casings, ignoring their anger at being so close together, before rushing to the surface of the ind.


    Only to be met by a sky set on fire.

 Chapter 831: Gathering Storm

    Chapter 831: Gathering Storm


    Far different from the descriptions of the Orom World going dark, it had instead been turned into a congration of mes that elicited a primal fear in Zac��s heart. They reminded Zac of the apocalyptic force he saw when forming his Seeds of Hardness and Sanctuary. When that ancient protector had sacrificed himself to protect his world against the end of a universe.


    It felt like that kind of judgment had descended on the Orom World right now. There were no heavens, there was no Law of Space �C the Dao itself was being incinerated by the inferno above.


    Thankfully, something was holding it back, either the Orom or the originator of the attack himself, preventing the brunt of the terrifying energy from descending. Zac wasn��t sure even Kaldor would survive if those messhed out on the cultivators below. Just looking at the roiling tongues of fire left scorch marks on his body, forcing him to avert his gaze. Enduring them would extinguish him in an instant, and no [Void Zone] or other preparations would do him any good.


    At first, he had figured it was the monks making their move, but he immediately shot down that idea. This could not possibly be the work of a Monarch, meaning it shoulde from the outside. Perhaps a true Boddhisatva had tracked down the Orom to punish it with cleansing fire, but Zac didn��t sense the echoes of the Buddhist Sangha in the mes. They were pure and unrelenting, like the primal fires that could both birth and extinguish an era.


    Even if the mes didn��t originate from within the Orom World, there were still people ready to take advantage of the chaos. Zac didn��t even get the chance to take in the scene before eruptions of unbridled power appeared in multiple directions. To his left, coruscating waves of divinity rippled in every direction, and Zac looked on with mute iprehension as a towering golden diety rose into the air.


    It appeared in the direction of the bamboo forest, and if there had been any doubt before about Three Virtues�� involvement, it was gone now. After all, it was the avatar of S��gara who had been conjured, the statue he had seen just a few months ago. The avatar had to be tens of thousands of meters tall, yet it somehow seemed even greater.


    Space and scale couldn��t properly do it justice �C it was like the deity was the size of the cosmos itself. Zac only dared shoot asional nces in its direction, as he actually felt his heart being moved from witnessing its splendor. If Zac wasn��t careful, he��d be a warrior of the Dharma with all of his emotions expunged.


    The enormous avatar slowly put its hands together in a mudra, and Zac vaguely heard the chanting of sutras even from this great distance. Millions and millions of lotus flowers were born in the sky, almost shrouding the fiery inferno above. However, the delicate white flowers didn��t seem to have any intention of contending with the mes above.


    Instead, they were nurtured by it, growing just like normal flowers under the sun. Together, they danced in theck of wind, the dancing petals setting up some sort of array that filled Zac with dread. The scene was mesmerizing, and Zac suddenly felt his vision shifting for an instant, finding himself standing inside a vast temple where each lotus flower had been transformed into a golden statue.


    The next moment the vision was gone, but Zac wondered if the monks had somehow connected this space with an actual temple somewhere in the multiverse. Just what were they nning?


    The monks weren��t the only ones who had made their move. A pitch-ck tower had appeared to Zac��s right, and looking at it felt like looking at the true face of death. Even the roiling mes above were somewhat dampened by the darkness the structure radiated, though Zac could tell that the tower didn��t dare grow too tall to avoid drawing the ire from what was above.


    Zac could even sense powerful fluctuations further in the distance in almost every direction of the Orom World, but it was too far away for him to see what was going on. One thing was for sure though; the seal of the Prison Brand was obviously not as absolute as the Orom had thought, for these kinds of things to appear out of nowhere.


    Things had clearly been brewing beneath the surface since long before Zac arrived.


    The chaotic scene had thrown Zac off-bnce, but he quickly gathered his wits. So what if things were chaotic? Wasn��t that exactly what this moment required. It almost felt like the whole world had gone mad as a result of his desire, the desire to drown the Orom World with Chaos.


    Now, it was time to leave his own mark on the tapestry.


    There was a good chance that the Orom would enact an even harsher lockdown now that things were spiraling out of control, so Zac didn��t dare to waste any more time. He took out one of his semi-finished teleportation arrays and urgently spent the next few minutes fixing the final engravings while fearfully ncing at the sky in case something changed.


    Thankfully, things were still gearing up, giving Zac enough breathing room to finalize his preparations. He only left one final inscription unfinished on the array before taking it out of harm��s way, cing it on the shores on the other side of theke. He knew all-too-well what came next, and he felt some lingering fear as his gaze turned to the two ss boxes lying on the ground. He couldn��t have his escape pod destroyed by a wave of Oblivion.


    Cracks had already started to appear on the two ss canisters, and it looked like the trapped remnants were waking up. With the Orom draining the environment of its ambient energy, the two ss cages had lost their main source of power. With Zac also maintaining [Void Zone] they were barely holding on against the burst of energying from within.


    With the boxes in such close proximity, the two slumbering remnants had finally be aware of each other. They were furiously trying to break free to attack their nemesis, and parts of the arrays were whittled down with every sh. Still, Zac estimated it would take a few more minutes before the seals finally sumbed, and Zac didn��t have that kind of time.


    After being hidden inside his Spatial Ring for years, [Verun��s Bite] finally made its appearance. A furious howl filled with anger and liberation was released as Zacpletely unleashed the stored energy in his [Spiritual Void], and the wholeke churned in response as Zac swung hispanion for the first time in too long.


    Eight streams of Mental energy entwined into a sturdy rope before entering the axe. Half of them were infused with the unstoppable potential for destruction of the Branch of the War Axe, and the other half with the undeniable force of the Branch of the Kalpataru. The golden markings across the Spirit Tool lit up with golden luster as the weapon was flooded with the Dao, but the sheen was almost drowned in a sanguine brilliance released from the runes on the handle.


    The axe fell, and the world grew quiet for a moment before an earthshattering shockwave leveled all the trees on the whole ind. However, Zac��s eyes became wide as saucers when his mighty swing empowered by his Bloodline and his Dao didn��t so much as leave a mark on the ss casing holding the Splinter of Oblivion.


    Zac had visualized a scene of the cage shattering like brittle ice in the face of his fury, but reality wasn��t quite so satisfying. However, Zac wasn��t discouraged. He knew there was a good chance these ss casings were made from some extraordinary materials, but he thankfully had a backup n.


    He was about to stow away his axe, but a wave of reluctance filled his heart while a simr sentiment was conveyed from the Tool Spirit. So instead, he put it on a loop on his belt while forming two new streams in his mind �C once more abination of Life and Conflict. But this time, the streams didn��t enter his hands or his weapon, but rather the two unique pathways on his shoulders.


    Activating the modified skill fractals for [Cyclic Strike] had an immediate effect as the purified Creation Energy spread throughout his body eagerly started to gather. His body was chock-full of energy from both remnants by this point, in preparation for this very day. A glistening rune appeared between his hands in just moments, and Zac could see endless possibilities inside its depths.


    This was the second time Zac had unleashed a Mark of Creation since forming the Branch of the Kalpataru, and he was still mesmerized by the Dao Branch��s effect on the skill. Before, the mark was apletely foreign object created by circumstance, but he could feel a tendril of his own presence inside it now.


    He wouldn��t go so far as to say he had control, but it definitely wouldn��t blow up by surprise any longer. More importantly, he felt he would soon be able to mold the mark even further, turning it into something greater than a ball of unfettered Creation. For now, he believed that a normal mid-powered Mark should do the trick.


    Zac pushed the ball of Creation against the ss, and he smiled when he saw the sealed remnant inside go insane upon feeling its antithesis encroaching on its domain. The ss might be extremely sturdy, but the energy generated by the remnants was inexhaustible, and the array was already worn down. Besides, it relied on the trapped remnant being in a sleeping state, which wasn��t the case any longer.


    At the same time, Creation was seeping into the esoteric runes on the ss casing��s surface, slowly twisting them with its mad desire for change. The formation resisted, but it simply had no energy to draw from at the moment, and it was fast losing ground. First, it was just the asional fractal pattern that broke apart or shifted, but that was enough to cause a cascading ripple of change across the array.


    Soon enough, a crack echoed out, and Zac was almost sted off the ind by a tremendous burst of Oblivion. Sharp shards of ss had embedded themselves in his body and a good chunk of the ind was simply erased, but Zac ignored the pain as he kept breaking apart the cage. He was almost there.


    For the umpteenth time in the past weeks, he tried to initiate a negotiation with the System, but even if he heard a slight pressure that might indicate the System��s presence, he got no response. Zac didn��t know if the System was calling his bluff, knowing Zac couldn��t just skip the formation of another glimpse.


    A more likely scenario was that the events in the Twilight Chasm were unique, where a creature that shouldn��t exist had been nurtured in an E-grade trial. The huge Snake had broken the bnce of the Trial, and the System intervening could be seen as an attempt to restore order. Normally, it wouldn��t have be an issue since no trial-taker should have been able to survive in that depth.


    Alvod had probably paid the appropriate price to make the System look the other way, maintaining thew of bnce �C until Zac arrived. Thus, an anomaly had urred, forcing the System��s hand. Outside of grade-restricted trials, there were no such rules of conduct �C this ce might as well be the Wild West.


    Even then, Zac didn��t give up. He might be able to seize something at thest moment.


    The temperature in the Orom World was steadily rising, but that was probably the least of the prisoner��s worries at the moment. The Buddhist chants kept growing louder, and Zac felt his mind under assault as he saw glimpses of that mysterious temple over and over. Meanwhile, golden scripts had started to dance around the innumerable lotus flowers in the sky in a disy of both might and beauty.


    Zac doubted the tremendous waves of faith targeted him in specific, though he couldn��t be sure about the prisoners in general. Was a mass conversion about to take ce in the Orom World? To bring half a million top geniuses into the fold of the Dharma? Even for a peak faction like Buddhist Sangha, it had to be considered a decent win.


    Thankfully, it turned out that [Void Zone] was quite effective at muting the attraction of the Buddhist Chants, though it was only a temporary repose. He was simply too weak to stave off the mental influence permanently, but it wasn��t like he nned on staying behind for too long anyway. The Creation from outside and the Oblivion from inside had finally caused enough damage, and the powerful array on the ss cage couldn��t maintain its functions any longer.


    Leaking cracks turned into a gaping hole as the high-grade ss broke apart, and Zac��s hand pushed through the shards to grab the splinter. At this moment the remnants in his mind fully woke up, finally having confirmed another of their brethren waited outside. This time the roles were reversed, with the splinters trying to break out while the shards hampered their efforts.


    The sutras werepletely silenced at that moment, and the world had grown oppressively silent as Zac held the Splinter of Oblivion in his hands. In reality, it was the remnant that had crushed all sound, annihted fate, leaving only nothingness in Zac��s surroundings. The sense of nihility seemed to stretch toward eternity as the world slowed down, and then there was only darkness as the third Splinter of Oblivion entered Zac��s body.


    ��������������


    Iz marveled at the beauty of her surroundings from her vantage inside her uncle��s eye. She had grown up ying on his body, but the opportunities for her to see the true essence of his mes were rare.


    All Daos had their strong points and weaknesses, but her grandpa had said it all converged toward the peak. When youpletely grasped a Dao, it was whatever you needed it to be. Your truth would be equal to the will of the Heavens, and Valderak was right at that threshold. His mes surpassed both time and space, bing a supremew as he unleashed his might.


    The Void itself was incinerated as mes stretched across the horizon, and even the nearby stars dimmed in obeisance. In the middle of it all, a big fish furiously thrashed, but it was locked in ce by the Sixteen Pirs of Anguish. The mutated Voidcatcher was unleashing tremendous ripples of space, but it was ultimately just a second-step Primordial Beast.


    No matter if it was raw strength, heritage, or Dao, her uncle was far superior. The big fish might as well have been a Hegemon �C to the Primordial Golem known across the multiverse as the Empyrean Mountain, it made no difference. Even then, it struggled, desperately trying to break open the dimensionalyer


    ��Serves you right for eluding us for over a year,�� Iz muttered before she turned to her uncle standing next to her. ��You won��t burn the people inside, right?��


    ��My mes are not targeted at the captives, so it should be fine,�� Valderak��s avatar answered with a shrug. ��If people still die, they simply aren��t fated. But don��t worry, your little friend will be fine.��


    Iz nodded before once more turning toward the fifty-meter-tall ss pane that was her uncle��s eye.


    ��What friend? He��s���� Iz muttered, but her voice died down as her brows furrowed.


    Just what was he? Even now, she couldn��t put her finger on it. There was just something about him, something novel. But what? He wasn��t too powerful, though Iz guessed he should be one of the strongest people at his grade in this deste corner of space. Even among the ancient factions, he could be considered a rare talent in terms of raw strength.


    But she had met many people like that already during the outings her uncle and grandpa had tricked her to participate in, and she was always filled with annoyance when dealing with those people. Yet she found herself using the Divine Mirror almost every day for a few hours, even when Mr. Bug was just sitting in silent meditation.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At first, it was just curiosity about the one who dared to curse at her, but it had somehow be a hobby she enjoyed far more than any of the arrays her guardians had prepared. Even that Neural Network of the Technocrats or the Heavenly Realm of the ancient Imperials became boring over time, but watching that guy bathe in fateblighted refuse or getting beat up by low-grade beasts never grew stale.


    In a way, he was the antithesis of herself. He was a nk te, with no backing and no idea what he was doing. But he was also Free.


    ��Have you decided what you will do when you meet him?�� her uncle asked curiously.


    ��Well���� Iz hesitated. ��First, I��ll beat him up a bit for calling me crazy. After that, we��ll see. Perhaps I��ll have him take me to some trial? I want to experience his ability to cause all this chaos firsthand. I don��t want to go back too quickly now that grandpa finally allowed me to leave. Who knows when I��ll get to travel again after this?��


    ��Master worries for you,�� Valderak sighed. ��He fears the fate of your parents will repeat itself.��


    Iz wordlessly nodded, a pang of sorrow filling her heart as she remembered the sealed form of her mother. Even with her grandpa��s efforts, it would be tens of thousands of years before Eruz Tayn could wake up. The battle had been too intense back then, and not even her grandmother had been able to directly retrieve her soul from the past.


    Of course, a few thousand years was nothingpared to the two million years her mother had been sealed already, most of which Iz had spent gestating inside Eruz��s womb. Her grandfather had waited so long and worked so hard to piece together her soul back by scouring billions of temporal fractures in the past. Even then, there was noing back for her father.


    Their enemies had made sure of that.


    ��Grandma killed all those people millions of years ago already. She even incinerated a whole universe, fraying the Heavens themselves. Who��d dare target me? And what would be the point? Just to anger my elders again?�� Iz muttered.


    ��Never underestimate the lengths people will go to in pursuit of the peak. The old enemies are gone, but new ones will crop up as long as the Tayns control a corner of the sky,�� Valderak urged.


    ��Alright, alright,�� Iz agreed, having heard the same warning so many times before.


    It looked like Valderak was about to continue, but he suddenly stopped and turned toward the Voidcatcher. ��Oh?��


    ��What��s wrong?�� Iz asked with worry as she tried to discern what had changed.


    ��Fate is gathering, and I sense fluctuations at the threshold of Autarchy inside the Orom��s Inner world,�� the golem said with some interest. ��The sangha and the unliving are making a move. More importantly, there was a weak burst of Oblivion just now.��


    ��What? He��s starting? We made it in time!�� Iz eximed, her mouth curving upward.


    Just like inside that life-death trial of his, things wereing to a boiling point. This time, she wouldn��t miss it.


    ��Wait, do you think we��re part of the storm of fate he umted?�� Iz asked curiously.


    ��It��s hard to say where the line between coincidence and fate lies,�� Valderak said. ��But he is undoubtedly the fulcrum.��


    Iz nodded before her brows furrowed with displeasure. ��This stupid fish keeps buckling and I can��t see anything. Can you send me in?��


    ��Absolutely not!�� Valderak said without hesitation. ��The energies within are getting too chaotic. Don��t worry, we have some time. I��ll toast this bastard a bit more and make it spit out the boy.��


    Iz reluctantly nodded, and a tragic wail echoed through the cosmos.

 Chapter 832: Mounting Threat

    <h4>Chapter 832: Mounting Threat</h4>


    The lightning-scorched tower had finally crumbled, unable to withstand time and the madness of its master. In the rubble, she sat, her heart burning with hatred and her hands covered in ash. Hatred against what, she no longer remembered. The ashes of whom, she could no longer recall. She had given it all up for power.


    Yet now, only emptiness remained.


    Zac barely had time to digest the miserable scene before he was whisked away to another, witnessing outbursts of madness and despair. It was just like his previous encounters, with one worrying difference. This time, it all felt so real. Before, the scenes had been visceral, almost to the point they could leave a mark on his mind. But now, it was so much more.


    His soul was far superiorpared to when hest absorbed a remnant, yet he found himself struggling to hold on to his sanity as the Splinter of Oblivion unleashed its manic obsession. The parasitic consciousness hidden within the crystal hade out in full force, and doubts kept invading Zac��s path.


    He had seen his absorbing these things as a necessary evil until now, a risky gamble to more quickly gain power. But what if he had unknowingly already fallen to the ploy of the remnants, blindly grasping for more when his true self should have long realized something was wrong? The moment he had learned of the third set, he had not even hesitated when risking his life to seize them �C even when he already held the means of escape through the Perennial Vastness Token.


    Why?


    He had always known he was a pawn in someone��s game, be it the System��s or the remnants themselves. Yet he had never questioned their end game, and just figured he��d tide it out and walk away a stronger man. Why? Was that how a resource was used? No, it was squeezed of all its benefits and discarded before the master went looking for the next useful idiot to exploit.


    Doubts, hesitation, and regrets kept rising to the surface, even rehashing his failures during the earliest months of the integration. Knowing that it was the result of absorbing the remnant didn��t help either. If anything it added anotheryer of torture �C Zac knew he was being tricked into this state, yet he couldn��t break it, which only further fed into the insecurities he��d gained from being peppered by the visions.


    Trying to logically dispel his doubts didn��t help either �C he wasn��t dealing with something that could be reasoned with. Reiterating the fact that there was nothing he could have done for his father, that he returned as quickly as possible to Greenworth, didn��t ay the guilt at all. The misery threatened to consume him like he was drowning.


    Soon enough, Zac barely registered the visions even if they kept going, stuck in his own private hell instead. If only he could quench all these thoughts. Extinguish everything.


    The thought cut through his distress like a knife, but warning bells immediately went off. The unwee thought had properly woken him up, and he realized just how dangerous a situation he had been in just now. He was standing right at the precipice �C if he gave in to that feeling, Oblivion, or rather that ancient consciousness, would consume him.


    Zac knew the situation was bad, but he still didn��t try to remember and regain that tranquil state he had enjoyed during Three Virtues�� trial, where nothing could affect him. Neither did he break open his self-imposed seal on the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] to recite the heart-calming sutras it contained.


    That was not his path.


    Instead, he focused on his goals rather than his failures, holding onto the vision of Thea being lifted into the air by his mother, of Kenzie being whisked away. The focus wasn��t that he couldn��t protect them �C how could he against someone like Leandra Kayar-Elu? Instead, he focused on how his sister needed to be rescued and Thea needed to be avenged.


    He focused on Earth being like a small raft about to be flung out into a raging ocean as the Zecia Sector was about to be embroiled in war. Of Ogras and Billy being stuck in some pocket of space, their fate unknown after having risked their lives to save his sister and Earth. There were so many people he owed, so many things he needed to aplish. He refused to get pushed down by his mistakes or bogged down by hesitation. He would keep moving forward, and some fractured spirit from a bygone era would never be able to change that fact.


    Neither would he drink the poisonous waters of the Dharma to quench his thirst �C he had faith that he would be able to aplish his goals without their aid. Eventually, Zac took a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes. He was back in his own body, and time was starting to start up again.


    That was way too close.


    Zac knew he had been overconfident. He had believed that after surviving the Cmity A��Zu warned of and then performing a perfect reincarnation, absorbing the third set of remnants would proceed without a snag. But if one could survive the remnants just by cultivating one��s soul, then why did everyone in the vision sumb sooner orter?


    It had be painfully clear that a powerful soul wasn��t enough to deal with the madness hidden within the Splinter of Oblivion. Its energy couldn��t just pollute his soul �C its attack on Zac��s heart was just as formidable, and harder to both notice and defend against.


    The distant Buddhist chants resumed as Zac exited his special state, and the air was veritably vibrating with Dharmic power. However, it was drowned out by the railing madness from within. Zac had passed the first hurdle, but the splinter was already on a rampage. It had found his mind, and his Soul Aperture was being drowned in Oblivion.


    The Divine Cores in his mind had been put on a defensive, barely holding on with the protection of his Branch of the Kalpataru. Meanwhile, his Branch of the Pale Seal was infiltrating the waves of annihtion, channeling some of the rampaging energy into his Miasmic Cores. Zac knew this was an opportunity for cultivation, but the surroundings were crazy enough as it were.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His powerful soul might have failed in protecting his heart, but its benefits soon became apparent asyer afteryer sealed the rampaging splinter within, barely letting a trickle of energy escape. It furiously mmed against the cage Zac had erected, but even if it managed to break the innermostyers, there were still almost a dozen moreyers it had to deal with to escape.


    The war inside his remnant prison had entered a fever pitch as well, but Zac wasn��t worried at all. The sealing fractals were in pristine condition thanks to the System fixing them thest time around, and it wasn��t like it would need to withstand the shes for long.


    Seeing that the situation was as stable as it could be when dealing with ancient madness in a world literally set on fire, Zac breathed out in relief as his gaze turned toward the second ss box. However, he suddenly froze with realization. Something else was different with this round �C he didn��t get to meet Be��Zi during his spiritual journey.


    Had she blocked him froming over again, tired of getting her cultivation interrupted every few years? Or was it the System that felt there was no need to align their fate any longer since the quest for five sets of remnants had already been agreed upon?


    A wave of searing pain suddenly derailed his thoughts, and Zac was aghast at the thought of embers from the ferocious mes in the sky falling down on him. Thankfully, Zac immediately realized that it wasn��t the mes that had attacked him, even if the situation was a bit thorny.


    The brand on his arm had awakened and it was unleashing some sort of sinister energies into his body. It was like a spiritual acid instilled with a purpose, and Zac felt both his cells and pathways being destroyed at a rapid pace. Did it realize he was about to break out? Or had it sensed that Zac had freed one of the remnants?


    Zac was annoyed at the interruption, but he wasn��t too worried. His [Void Zone] was already weakening the brand, and his [Void Heart] had begun its feast on the invading energy. It was a shame his natural poison resistance wasn��t quite as good in his human form, but that didn��t mean he was out of options.


    He opened a small hole in the barriers trapping the Splinter of Oblivion in his soul aperture, and a storm of Oblivion Energy was immediately spat out by the enraged remnant. Anotheryer of small cracks spread across the empty space of his soul, and Zac felt his mind turn a bit numb once more.


    This was the first time he had a free splinter raging in his body, with the previous two sets being instantly thrown behind bars. He could tell that using the remnant��s energy would work just fine. In fact, the splinter would love it. After all, using its wild energies had a price different from the shard �C where the shard damaged his body and lifeforce, the splinter damaged his soul and his mind.


    In a way, it was even scarier to use than Creation Energy, even if its price wasn��t as readily apparent. You could recover some of the longevity you��d lost, but recovering broken pieces of your mind �C your memories, emotions, and convictions �C that was a far trickier subject. He wasn��t sure there would even be any warning signs. Eventually, he��d just stare around in confusion like all those people in the visions.


    Therefore, Zac urgently dragged the energy out of his soul and into his body, wanting to waste as little time as possible. It pushed forward like a tidal wave, swallowing the invading energies and leaving not even ashes in its wake. It was risky circting pure Oblivion through his body, but as long as he controlled the energy, he could choose what it would target.


    The wave of oblivion destroyed the prison brand��s assault in less than a second before reaching the brand itself. Another wave of agony erupted on his arm, but he was shocked to see that the brand didn��t break from the collision. This was why he had chosen to absorb Oblivion first �C to get rid of his seal before taking on the Shard of Creation as well.


    Instead, Zac found the rune protected by a thin barrier containing the samews of space that made up the borders in this realm. Zac could sense it was slowly weakening, but he also felt his control of the wave of Oblivion slowly slipping through his fingers. If nothing was done, he��d end up disintegrating his hand.


    At first, he nned on simply discarding the energy, letting it swallow a chunk of the ind. However, things were heating up in the Orom World, both literally and metaphorically. The lotus flowers kept perpetuating, covering arger andrger piece of the sky as they started to descend toward the ground.


    Meanwhile, the chants had grown more invasive, and even if he was mostly insted through the remnant destroying all energy that entered his mind, the visions of all those statues kept appearing at shorter and shorter intervals. It felt like an ominous countdown of sorts, and Zac wanted to be gone before it reached the end.


    The situation on Kaldor��s side was changing as well, though Zac didn��t feel any threat from their direction. Most of the tower that appeared out of nowhere had copsed, leaving a metal framework behind. It almost looked like one of those support structures for spaceships, but there was no vessel next to it. Instead, a huge femur radiating unreal levels of force was fastened inside.


    It was massive, to the point that Zac could see its shape even from this great distance. It had to be at least a kilometer tall, which was confusing since it emitted the same type of aura as Kaldor did. Not that the bone belonged to the reaver himself, but perhaps to some ancestor of his. After all, it seemed as though it might have belonged to an Autarch, making Zac wonder just how it had appeared in the Orom World without the Orom noticing.


    The set-up reminded Zac of a gargantuan wall-breaker aimed at the ground itself, and Zac shuddered as he saw the huge femur starting to rise as runes lit up across its surface. Any dy felt risky, so Zac instead chose to go ahead with his n B. He shed a few meters, appearing in front of the still-intact ss cage, and unleashed the torrent of annihtion right at it.


    A wave of darkness flooded out from his hands, utterly drenching the area in imprable gloom. The scene onlysted for less than a second before the energy disappeared with a crackling sound, prompting a small tempest as air rushed to fill the vacuum the attack created. Left behind was only a cracked ss cage inside a ten-meter crater, and powerful tendrils of pure Creation radiated out from the fractures.


    The cage was on the verge of breaking, so Zac jumped down into the hole and seized the remnant the moment the seal shattered ignoring the bleeding gashes as he gripped the Shard of Creation. A primordial p of thunder joined the chaotic scene above, but Zac didn��t have time to see whether the System had arrived �C the visions had imed him once more.


    Once more, Zac became an unwillingpatriot to predecessors who had be mixed up with the Shards of Creation. Over and over, he witnessed scenes of futile resistance followed by inevitable tragedy. Most of those who got themselves mixed up with the Spark of Creation had done so not out of greed or megalomania, but out of a desire to help.


    To protect theirpanions, to tame inhospitable surroundings �C to make the impossible possible, and seize an opportunity for survival. But the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and the best oues in the visions were those who managed to kill themselves before they destroyed around them as their desires drove them insane.


    Yet Zac was different �C he could feel it. He had witnessed how he was chosen by fate, walking off with rich rewards in situations where anyone else would have died. Where these people failed, he would prosper. He only needed to grasp the power within and subvert the Heavens themselves. He just-


    Zac shuddered and forcibly quelled the mad impulses and rampant hubris that had spread to the core of his very being. He had been prepared for his heart to be attacked after the previous encounter, yet he almost found himself failing right out the gates. Once more, he held onto his path, his goals �C but more importantly, he held onto himself.


    It was true that he had his unique strengths, but being a genius didn��t matter in the multiverse. Only power mattered. So what if he was stronger than most E-grade cultivators? Anyte Hegemon like Traprandar or Olgoroth could squash him like a bug on the outside when he didn��t have the prison brand to protect him. Even Early Hegemons would be hard for him to take down if they possessed powerful-enough War Regalia.


    So what was there to be proud of?


    Everyone who had reached theter stages of cultivation had ovee innumerable challenges, seeding where trillions failed. He couldn��t getcent, thinking that some D-grade remnant would allow him to bring about earthshattering changes. It was better to rely on himself, to progress one step at a time until he held true power.


    Soon enough, he was back in his own body, and his mind screamed of danger as he felt the Shard of Creation making a beeline for the trapped splinter. Above, thick lightning clouds were gathering, pushing away the mes and lotus petals alike. However, Zac��s eyes thinned when he saw the strings of Buddhist scripture rising toward the churning clouds.


    Were Three Virtues trying to siphon power from the System itself?


    Zac had no time to bother about the ns of the Sangha, and it was not like the clouds above were tribtion clouds that could benefit him. He had yed with the idea of using these lightning bolts to temper himself as he had with the Tribtion Lightning, but remembering Uona��s end, he wouldn��t dare try something like that.


    At least not before he became a Hegemon.


    The two remnants inside his body were going all out, and it felt like their energy reserves easily surpassed the two he had picked up inside the Twilight Ocean. Was it because they had been sealed all this time, umting energy while the previous set had been free to unleash waves of destruction on their surroundings?


    Zac didn��t mind �C any extra energy was a wee addition. Zac had even more to spare, and a snap echoed out in his mind as he forced open the gates to his remnant prison. Four shimmering lights emerged from the hidden pocket dimension with wild abandon, joining their two brethren in a struggle for supremacy.


    His soul cried as his eleven cores were drowned in waves of turbulent powers. There was no way for his mental energy to restrain all six remnants, and he didn��t know what would happen first; his aperture bursting or his soul cores being destroyed. He could only open his mental seal to his aperture, and soon enough the war spread to every corner of his body.


    Zac saw how his skin shifted from opalescent splendor to oppressive gloom �C all while new cracks kept appearing across his body.


    The prison brand was still trying to kill him, but it was barely able to defend itself as it was engulfed in the battle between Creation and Oblivion, let alone striking out against Zac. Still, this couldn��t go on. However, Zac was already dragging torrential amounts of Mental energy, Dao, and energy from the remnants into the two pathway highways on his shoulders, as he had two times before.


    Zac sensed a wave of fear emanating from the veteran remnants, but it was much toote. The process had started, and it wouldn��t end before a Glimpse of Chaos had been born.

 Chapter 833: Little Chaos

    <h4>Chapter 833: Little Chaos</h4>


    Zac felt the first wisp of Chaos form when the two streams of energy from his shoulders finally couldn��t resist the mounting pressure, but it was still not stable. Or stable in the sense that chaos was stable, anyway. For better or worse, the remnants had still plenty of energy to spare. They had already ceased fighting in his aperture, now more interested in fleeing than vanquishing their foe.


    Unfortunately for them, they had be part of something greater as their energy returned to its origin.


    As bad as the remnants had it, Zac wasn��t much better off. It almost sounded like someone was ripping dried parchments as painful cracks kept opening across his body, starting from his forehead and covering his whole torso. The more energy that was dragged into his shoulders, the more damage he had to withstand.


    The painful process was pretty much running on autopilot by now, with the small wisp of chaos growing in both size and depths of its truths. Soon enough, it would be seized by the System above, and he could already feel its consciousness descend on the Orom World, filled with greed and jubtion.


    He could no longer move, yet this was his window of opportunity.


    As the ball of unadulterated chaos formed in his chest, he roused a huge amount of mental energy and sent it over. Since the System didn��t want to bargain this time around, he would simply take what he needed. The moment he saw his chance, Zac pounced, dragging out a small wisp of Chaos from the umting ball.


    It put up a ferocious struggle, and it felt like the small mote resisted being controlled on a fundamental level. It was Chaos �C uncontroble and unpredictable by its very nature. Having dragged the small wisp out from the growing pattern, Zac knew it wouldn��tst long. Soon enough, it would slip through his fingers.


    So he urgently pushed it through his pathways, ignoring the damage it was wrecking on his body as it moved toward the Prison Brand on his arm. This was a test of sorts, and Zac looked on with anticipation as the two shed. Or rather didn��t sh.


    The spatial barrier that protected the Prison Brand from the Oblivion Energy before might as well not have been there as the mote of Chaos passed through without issue. Zac couldn��tprehend the concept of its movement at all �C it was like it both formed a bridge and annihted the space between at the same time, something that made no sense.


    A momentter, the pattern on his wrist started to twist and transform. Some parts simply disappeared into nothingness, whereas others mutated in unpredictable ways. It realized it was being tampered with, but between theck of ambient energy and [Void Zone], it was having problems rousing a proper response. Thanks to that, it simply fell apart before it could do anything.


    Zac breathed out in relief, previously afraid the brand would explode just before getting destroyed. He had been prepared to lose his arm if need be and regrow itter, but it looked like he wouldn��t have to worry about that. As the mark faded, Zac also felt his body erupt with power, his aura rising to an unprecedented degree.


    Gone were the chains sealing his strength and sapping him of momentum. He felt unburdened, unhindered, and free. But a golden bolt of lightning mmed into the ground the next moment, reminding him that his task was only partly done. Zac took a steadying breath before once more controlling the wisp of Chaos in his arm, once more channeling it through his body.


    Between his limiters being removed and the little mote shielding him from the pressure above, he could somewhat move again, just like back in the City of Ancients. However, every second he stayed in this state was more damage wrought on his body, not to mention the growing ball of chaos he could only dy for so long.


    Thankfully, his escape was both nned and prepared, so Zac infused some energy into a ring on his hand, taking out an odd contraption from within. It was a tightly bound ball of crystals, held together by rope and talismans. It shone with four different colors; aquamarine and gold from Divine Crystals and Miasma Crystals, along with pale purple and mottled ck for Temporal and Spatial Crystals.


    A bomb that would render even the mad Ishiate Tinkerers weak in the knees.


    Dozens of attuned Cosmic Crystals rigged to blow was enough to even fill a Hegemon with trepidation, but there was no way it would be able to actually harm the Orom. Thankfully, that wasn��t Zac��s goal anyway, though he still wasn��t sure his idea would work.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He was running out of time. The remnants in his mind were almostpletely drained, and the anomaly in his chest had begun stabilizing. The urgency in the sky had grown even stronger as well, and lightning was incinerating lotus leaves by the thousands. If he didn��t take the Glimpse of Chaos out soon, Zac was afraid that the system would simply st his chest open and take it out.


    Before that, he needed to use it to enable his escape.


    He had considered various ways to use the uncontroble energy of Chaos to leave the Orom World, and he had essentiallye up with two solutions. The first was to stall the formation of the glimpse as long as possible while finishing one of the teleportation arrays. With the Glimpse of Chaos, he would then distort the spatialws around him and teleport away, perhaps even infusing the array itself with the power of chaos.


    If it worked, he would be gone, and Zac doubted the Orom would dare follow after the System had made an appearance.


    The second idea was to cause a weakness in the fabric of space, sting open a tear to another dimension with the power of Chaos. After having escaped, he would then quickly teleport away before the Orom caught up.


    The moment he saw the fiery sky, he had chosen to go with the second option. Teleporting from within the Orom was risky, but he had figured that the System��s presence in the Orom World would keep the space fish in check. However, something was clearly going on outside the Orom as well, and Zac didn��t dare enter a Teleportation array in these kinds of conditions.


    It would be a truly ignoble death, being ripped into shreds the moment he activated the teleporter because space all around the Orom had be too unstable to support teleportation. Instead, Zac would make his way to a neighboring dimension before using the array, reducing the risk that the spatial turbulence of two Autarchs fighting would take him out.


    Zac tried to stem the drain of energy from the remnants as best as he could while he activated the talisman array on the crystal bomb. At the same time, he forcibly snatched a second wisp of chaos from the growing ball in his chest while infusing the bomb with the old one he was fast losing control of.


    Turbulent waves of energy started to radiate from the shimmering ball of crystals. Zac ran for his life, using the chaos-influenced [Earthstrider] to phase hundreds of meters away. Even then, he was flung into the air while it felt like reality itself broke. Life and Death shed with Time and Space while the wisp of Chaos fanned the mes, forming a singrity of iprehensible might.


    What little remained of the poor ind was ripped to shreds from the tumultuous waves of raw energies, and the veryws of physics were disintegrating. Zac mmed into the waters just before a de of temporal turbulence whipped past his previous position, and he almost lost control of the budding Glimpse of Chaos in his body.


    Another bolt of lightning confirmed Zac had very little time remaining, so he roused himself and breached the surface of the waters before returning to the spot the ind once stood. There was no spatial tear at the heart of the explosion, as much as a wound in space itself that radiated unpredictable waves of power.


    Right now it was just turbulence rather than a gate to another dimension, but that was Zac��s aim from the start. He arduously pushed against the heavenly pressure to reach the epicenter of the st, the single wisp of Chaos finding it harder and harder to withstand the mounting pressure from above. By this point, the System��s desire had almost turned into a corporeal form, and Zac knew its patience had reached a limit.


    At that very moment, Zac felt a second pressure sweep over the area, and Zac froze in ce as he stilled his aura before igniting the mote of Chaos, forming a small shimmering sphere around himself. He didn��t know why he knew how to do something like that. It was like he inherently understood a lot of things with chaos when in touch with it. Yet the moment the Glimpse left, hisprehension would quickly fade.


    It was just in time. The presence was just too powerful, and he didn��t have any other means to hide than relying on chaos. That little bangle on his arm would definitely fail in hiding him from the gaze of an Autarch. Thankfully, the scan passed him by after stopping a moment on the spatial wound, seemingly not having found what it looked for.


    The energy left in the remnants was all but a trickle by this point, while his mind was drained and his body was covered incerations. However, Zac had formed his third Glimpse of Chaos, this one surpassing the previous two in intensity. Zac pushed the turbulent chaos out from his chest, though he kept two final wisps behind by force. That scan had scared him straight, and he needed them to move in either case.


    The benefits of his empowered soul were quickly showing themselves. Last time, Zac had been forced to bargain with the System for just two wisps, yet this time he was able to rip four from the glimpse before he reached his limits. Who knew, the next time he might be able to seize eight, and further temper both his soul and his body.


    With two wisps of Chaos using his body as a yground, the pressure was greatly alleviated. Even then, Zac found himself faced with another threat �C the endless mysteries hidden within the Glimpse itself. It was right there, no more than a meter from his face, its ever-shifting form hinting at something amazing �C something that didn��t even exist in the current cultivation world.


    It followed no rules, not even its own. Yet it held supreme power to both create and destroy, to subvert fate and make the impossible possible. Not only that, it contained clues to elevating both his Daos and techniques to unfathomable levels, where he would walk unopposed among everyone in his grade. With this-


    A bolt of lightning cult his reverie short, and Zac��s heart threatened to jump out of his mouth as a golden pir mmed down on his position. The bolt tried to wrest control of the blob hovering in front of him, yet Chaos resisted, unwilling to be contained. Unable to, even, based on its most fundamental nature.


    Thankfully, the collision didn��t actually harm Zac, and there almost seemed to be a tacit understanding between the two supreme forces. Eventually, the System reluctantly gave up, but a second strike was already brewing above. Taking advantage of the lull, Zac enacted his n, if you could call it that.


    He stretched out his hands and willed the Glimpse of Chaos into the spatial wound.


    There was no explosion as Zac had expected. Instead, there was just a ripple before an enormous grey swirl appeared, stretching over fifty meters into the air. It somehow managed to steal terrifying amounts of energy from the neighboring realms, and both the enormous femur and the golden Boddhisatva dimmed as a result.


    Even torrential streams of Life and Death were dragged over from the depths of the Orom World, once more drowning the parched surroundings in ambient energy. Seeing as that energy was previously siphoned by the Orom itself, it had probably been robbed as well, and an angry earthquake indicated his guess was correct.


    The swirl kept growing, but a second st from above blinded Zac as the System repeated its attempt to swallow the Glimpse. This attempt too was met with failure, and Zac inwardly celebrated having stored all his energy for years to give the chaos pattern an extra kick. Perhaps that would be the difference between sess and failure with this mad scheme.


    Not only did the golden bolt of lightning fail to absorb the Glimpse of Chaos, but some of its energy was even swallowed by the growing swirl. Along with everything else it had siphoned off, the chaotic anomaly had finally formed. His exit lookedpletely different from anything he had seen before, not resembling a spatial tear or a Teleportation Array in the slightest.


    It was impossible to guess its shape as it was constantly shifting. But more importantly, the construct didn��t seem to exist in the same three dimensions as Zac did. Just shifting his gaze made the whole thing twist on itself, like he was looking at it from apletely different angle.


    It was odd and resistingprehension, but Zac knew it would work. Being temporarily in tune with Chaos, he had a slight understanding of what this thing would do. It could best be described as a Chaos Gate �C existing everywhere and nowhere at once. Spatial turbulence couldn��t restrict it since it didn��t actually move in the same sense as teleportation did.


    Just as Zac was about to step inside, a shimmering pir of gold mmed into the Glimpse of Chaos once more, threatening to rip the gate apart just as it formed. Zac��s world turned white for an instant, and Zac rapidly blinked his eyes to regain his vision. Once more, the heavens had been rebuffed, but Zac felt the Glimpse would only resist one or two more sts.


    Before anything else, Zac threw a small bead into the shifting vortex of chaos. He had no idea where he��d end up on the other side, so he felt it was best to aplish Heda��s mission this way. Zac also wanted to see how seed fared upon entering the Chaos gate, but his eyes widened when the seed rapidly grew, forming a familiar figure.


    ��Thank you, little Chaos. Your disy will live on in my dreams forever. I hope we meet again,�� Heda��s voice echoed out in his mind. ��Please take care of Vivi.��


    With that, Heda was gone, whisked away god knows where. At least Zac believed that was the case. At the same time, Zac could sense fate congregating at his location. Were people rushing over because of the massive anomaly? Was someoneing to stop him? Or was it that powerful presence that was returning, most likely the Orom itself?


    With an instantaneous burst, Zac activated [Earthstrider], and the chains of [Coffinbox] picked up the teleporter from where he left it on the shores before returning in an instant. He once more stood in front of the anomaly, and he couldn��t help but feel hesitant as he looked at the growing ball of chaos. Even if his instincts told him that the thing was decently safe and that Heda seemed fine, what did he know?


    Was this yet another case of the remnants filling him with hubris?


    However, what choice did he have? Stay here and be converted, cooked, or recaptured? Absolutely not. Zac knew that risks would be involved, and he stepped forward before something changed, taking his chances that his Luck and his temporary understanding of Chaos would pull him through.


    Just as Zac entered the odd anomaly while pushing the Glimpse of Chaos in front of him, he felt the ballooning blob of chaos dislodge from its position, slowly drifting toward Kaldor��s tower. Zac hesitated for a bit, but he ultimately tried to impose his will, having it instead turn toward the life-attuned side. Rather than impacting Kaldor and Pavina, the shifty monk could deal with the fallout.


    He knew he had been within a hair��s breadth from falling to their scheme, where he almost turned to the heart-cleansing Sutras to ovee the Splinter of Oblivion��s surprisingly difficult tribtion. Zac had a strong suspicion that the moment those sutras took root in his heart, he would forever have a connection to the Sangha and be unable topletely extricate himself from their control.


    So he pushed deeper into the Chaos Gate with his Teleportation Array fastened to his back, narrowly dodging a st of golden lightning from above. He wasn��t trying to steal the ball of chaos from the System, he simply needed it to pave the way. As long as he carried this thing, he should be untrackable for everyone except the System itself.


    However, a scream of danger made him turn around in fright. The bolt of lightning he narrowly avoided just now hadn��t actually dissipated �C it had followed him into the chaos. Zac felt thews around him furiously resisting, but it ultimately couldn��t withstand the barrage of the System itself. It might be Chaos, but it was just a small corner of that peak Dao.


    Zac prayed it would resist a bit longer, and he sacrificed one of the wisps to stabilize his surroundings. The Orom World had already disappeared in the rear window, reced by an endless grey. The further the Chaos Gate could take him, the better. However, it was like the gate had a consciousness of its own, and it had another idea �C expel the reason for the lightning hounding it.


    Something pushed him, and the gray expanse shattered as his surroundings were reced by a golden radiance.


    ��What!�� Zac blurted, looking around with rm.


    Out of all ces in the multiverse �C why had he been sent to a ce like this?!

 Chapter 834: Ripples in his Wake

    <h4>Chapter 834: Ripples in his Wake</h4>


    The air rippled, finally exposing the two warriors who had been standing at the shores of the smallke, just as the young man entered the twisting sphere of Chaos.


    ��Amitabha, Amitabha. How marvelous,�� Three Virtues smiled, though there was clearly a sense of helplessness on his face as he saw the anomaly drift toward his domain.


    ��That��s what you get for being too greedy. Virtue through indulgence �C the hubris required to attempt something like that,�� Kaldorughed. ��Couldn��t help yourself seeing all that fate umting, could you?��


    ��There is no limit to the number of paths Buddha��s boundless heart can contain,�� the monk answered before turning to the sphere, putting his two hands together in prayer.


    A thousand-meter-tall deva appeared behind his back as waves of unfettered divinity streamed toward the anomaly. Thousands of lotus flowers bloomed in an instant, yet they were ripped apart one by one by Chaos. However, the monk was undeterred, chanting one mantra after another until a golden vase formed around the anomaly.


    The surroundings grew lush in an instant as dharmic prosperity radiated through the world. More importantly, the greyish sphere finally stopped in ce, its momentum exhausted. Three Virtues nodded in satisfaction and dispelled his skill, but Kaldor could see how the flowers in the sky had waned, and the chants had lost some of their mystery.


    Kaldor inwardly snorted, knowing that the monk had been forced to sacrifice quite a bit of his stockpiled merit to prevent chaos from ruining his ns. Ultimately, any bad news for the Buddhist Sangha was good news to them, even if the two had be allies by necessity inside the Orom World.


    However, Kaldor was more satisfied with what the brat��s final act signified. He had taken a stance, and it was clearly in favor of the Undead Empire.


    ��I��ve never heard of anything like this thing,�� Kaldor eventually muttered. ��One moment it feels like I can see through it, the next it is utterly foreign. Do you know how it works?��


    ��All is connected,�� the monk smiled. ��A gate of Chaos is a doorway without limits. s, the details elude this poor monk as well.��


    ��Whatever, don��t tell me,�� Kaldor snorted. ��Doesn��t matter.��


    ��The window has not yet closed, old friend,�� Three Virtues smiled as he looked over at the reaver. ��One step for liberation. One thought for transformation.��


    ��Trying to tempt me?�� Kaldor said with a raised brow. ��I am not done with this ce. What about you? You��ve been here a lot longer than me. Even someone cultivating the heart must grow weary of this ce by now.��


    ��Amitabha, all is one. As long as my heart remains pure, my path is satisfied. s, the fate between this poor monk and Lord Orom is approaching its conclusion,�� the monk said.


    ��So, will you tell me now why you were so adamant about altering events?�� Kaldor asked, unable to contain his curiosity. ��Those on the outside are definitely here for the kid, and fate would have reached a tipping point as long as the brat stayed trapped. You had me waste five million Purchase Points to hasten his escape by a few minutes?��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��The young Almsgiver having the remnants is important, though I cannot delve deeper when that ce is involved,�� Three Virtues exined.


    Kaldor frowned thoughtfully. He had already guessed the mysterious Edgewalker had some connections to that ce since this scheming monk approached him, but he still couldn��t figure out how. And why involve him and the Undead Empire? Was the Sangha that confident?


    ��Even if you wanted him to have the Remnants, you could have just bought them yourself and gifted them instead of arranging this scheme of yours. In the end, your ns only seemed to have driven a promising Edgewalker toward the Undead Empire while driving a wedge between him and the Buddhist Sangha,�� Kaldor said with a shake of his head.


    ��Children will often not realize the purpose of the teachings of their elders. Yet one day, it will crystallize into something that will bear fruit and positive Karma,�� the monk smiled.


    ��I guess we��ll see,�� Kaldor said. ��You��re ying a dangerous game involving the empire in your schemes. Grasp all, lose all.��


    ��Can it not be a parting gift from this poor monk?�� the monkughed as he looked up at the reaver��s expressionless face. ��Lighting amp-��


    ��I know, I know,�� Kaldor groaned. ��No need for your diatribes. You wanted a karmic debt, right? Well, I guess I��ll take the gamble the brat��s that important.��


    ��His fate is beyond what I can estimate. It leaves ripples in his wake. One day, those ripples will turn into a storm. Some will drown while others will be raised to the Heavens,�� Three Virtues smiled. ��This is as far as I can go.��


    ��Well, he certainly smelled like trouble. This big bastard is already suffering from his appearance,�� Kaldorughed. ��Well, that��s the Abyssal Shore��s problems now. He is destined to join the empire.��


    ��Destiny is a tricky thing,�� the monkughed before he turned away. ��This is the second tost time we meet.��


    The Izh��Rak Reaver temporarily froze in surprise agreement. ��On the outside����


    ��Such is fate,�� the monk nodded as he disappeared. ��Good luck finding what you��re searching for.��


    ��Goodbye, old friend,�� Kaldor sighed as his gaze turned to a spot beneath the waters.


    A bone spur shot out from his finger, and a huge eruption ripped space and time apart, utterly annihting any lingering karmic threads or other clues of the one called Zac Piker. A second spur shot out a momentter, entering the swirling anomaly. Hopefully, the beacon would work even with a gate as weird as this.


    A momentter he was gone as well, leaving just a broken world and a burning sky.


    ����������


    Unless the whispers of Chaos had lied to him, the ball of Chaos should have been able to take him almost anywhere. So why did he find himself in front of a face so big that he first mistook it for a burning mountain? A face whose mes were all-too-familiar. It was amplified a hundredfold out here in the emptiness of space, but there was no doubt in Zac��s mind.


    The mes released by this monstrosity were the very same as the mes in the Orom World.


    Zac desperately backed away after confirming he could still control the shuddering Glimpse of Chaos. Holding onto that thing was his only source of safety in this situation. This small change in distance was nothing to a supreme being like this, but it at least gave him a chance to understand what he was dealing with; a gargantuan golem floating in an endless expanse of mes.


    Behind its back were five sets of burning wings, each one longer than the golem itself. As theyzily beat, the Dao rippled and space shuddered. Zac��s felt his soul almostbusting upon looking at the patterns the wings drew, unable to contain even a corner of their might. More shocking, the three sets of remnants retreated into their prison on their own ord, fleeing from the terrifying pressure the golem exuded. The prison stillcked a gate, but they made no attempt to escape. They even gathered together for support, seemingly unable to withstand the mes on their own.


    Zac had never encountered a being as powerful as this �C neither the Orom nor the Havarok Autarch couldpare at all. The only ones who mighte close were A��Zu and Be��Zi, but Zac honestly doubted those two were a match to this golem even if they teamed up. Was this a peak Autarch? Or was this an actual Supremacy in the flesh? It was too far beyond him, he had no frame of reference


    The good news was that the golem didn��t seem to have any intention of killing him. At this kind of proximity, it would have to actively restrain its aura to not st Zac into nothingness, and Zac doubted even a Glimpse of Chaos could save him from that kind of ending.


    However, there was someone in the area that was even more powerful.


    Zac arduously turned his head, and he wasn��t surprised to see Orom thrashing in the distance. The Primordial Beast dwarfed the golem in size, yet it felt like a flea in front of its Dao. It had already lost a good chunk of its innumerable tentacles, and grotesque scorch marks covered its body. It was releasing awe-inspiring bursts of Spatial energy, but it was futile. Sixteen pirs of ultimate fire just incinerated the Orom��s attacks and attempts to form spatial tears the moment they appeared, before carrying on with scorching the beast like it was just a dish to be prepared.


    The Orom��s predicament was a source of no small amount of joy. Zac had been trapped for over 4 years in this bastard. It wasn��t much for most people in the Multiverse, but it was over a tenth of his whole life until now. And he was one of the lucky ones, where most simply got swallowed and chewed up.


    But the Orom��s plight was ultimately a smallfort in the face of the predicament he found himself in. His n would have worked pretty much no matter where he appeared from the Chaos Gate, so why did he have to end up here? Even if the System��s bolt of lightning had gotten him thrown out, shouldn��t he still have been transported more than a few hundred kilometers?


    Was it the domain of mes that had impacted his escape? No, if that was the case, why was Heda nowhere to be seen? Did the golem actually target him? Was it here for the chaos as well? There was no time for him to get to the bottom of things as the roiling clouds of thunder had caught up, seemingly appearing out of nowhere right above him.


    ��Take it, you asshole!�� Zac roared as he pushed the Glimpse of Chaos away from him. ��But remember, if I don��t get out of here, no more glimpses for you!��


    A p of thunder was all the response he got. The next moment, a pir of lightning mmed into the pattern, draining the universe of all color. The final sliver of chaos left in his body wasn��t enough to resist the Heavenly pressure any longer, and Zac found himself locked in ce as he gazed upon the Terminus.


    With the System somehow restraining the chaotic pattern, Zac finally got a true glimpse of the truths within, yet Zac didn��t know whether it was a blessing or a curse being shown this thing. His soul was so much more powerfulpared to before, but he still felt utterly insignificantpared to what hid inside the Glimpse of Chaos.


    His mind was overwhelmed by a torrent of insights, and trying to turn the flood of concepts into an epiphany was a fool��s errand. As long as he didn��t go insane or break his soul he��de out ahead. So Zac could only hold onto his sanity until the System finally dragged that cursed thing out of this ce.


    Even the fantastical golem was unable, or at least unwilling, to contend with the System��s pressure, and it looked like the world was frozen for what felt like an eternity until the bolt of lightning dispersed. A momentter, the System left, though Zac felt a new rune appear in the prison of his mind, once more sealing the drained remnants inside.


    Zac released a pent-up sigh of relief, but the sigh turned into a pained grunt as the slightest movement filled him with agony. The glimpse was gone and the remnants were dealt with, but the havoc they had caused in those few short minutes had left him in almost as bad a state as after his fight with Uona.


    The only difference this time was that his soul was in a much better state, and he didn��t have any wounds on his body except for those left by Creation, Oblivion, and Chaos. Unfortunately, it was those wounds that were the hardest to deal with, though Zac had prepared for this day. In his ring, he had a slightly inferior but portable version of the type of healing array he used in the Orom World �C hisrgest purchase when he made his preparations before making his first attempt at escape with an Annihtion sphere.


    Of course, that thing wouldn��t help him with his current situation, something Zac was immediately reminded of as he felt a new presence lock onto him the moment the System was gone. It was the golem.


    ��Uh, don��t mind me, senior. I��ll just get out of your way,�� Zac said as he started pushing himself through space with Cosmic Energy, away from that terrifying golem and the Orom itself. After some hesitation, he added another sentence. ��There are people inside that fish��s body, prisoners. I hope senior can be gracious and spare them.��


    The golem didn��t seem to havee to kill indiscriminately. Otherwise, he would already be dead, no matter if you considered the mes in the Orom World or the fires that surrounded the Orom without harming a hair on his body. So that small reminder might save those within, though that was as far as Zac could go.


    So he flew away as quickly as he could while maintaining control of the final wisp of chaos left behind. What he could use it for, Zac had no idea, but it was better than being unarmed. He would only be able to hold onto it for a minute or so, but that should be long enough for him to move quite some distance away.


    Perhaps far enough to leave the golem��s fiery domain unless it extended its breadth.


    ��Mr. Bug, do you think it��s so easy to leave after I��vee all this way?�� a crystalline voice echoed through the void, dashing Zac��s hopes in an instant.


    The massive burning mountain was a woman? No, there was no way the hulking golem was the source of the voice. More importantly, he recognized it, though he couldn��t quite remember from where. Then it came to him, and the hair on his body stood on end when he realized who had just spoken. It couldn��t be, right? What were the odds?


    Then in a burst of mes, she was there �C Iz Tayn.


    Zac looked with horror at the iing figure. Just like him, she was just a small speck in front of the apocalyptic golem. Yet he remembered that orange-golden hair that danced behind her as she approached, those sapphire eyes whose pupils were slightly vertical �C full of indifference like she was a goddess looking down at the mortal realm.


    Apart from the three odd lines drawing graceful arcs across her cheeks and down her forehead, she lookedpletely human �C and was no doubt the most beautiful woman Zac had seen in his life. It was just not about pristine features, it was like her very being was in tune with the Dao itself, with every feature containing the truths of the Heavens.


    However, her mesmerizing appearance wasn��t enough to calm the burgeoning panic over the situation. He remembered those terrifying mes of hers, of how he had been utterly humbled thest time they met. The worst thing was that he could feel that nothing had really changed, even after all he had been through.


    His mind screamed of danger as she approached, and the aura she radiated made his hair stand on end. He couldn��t be certain, but judging by the regal Dao that exuded from her as she sailed through space, she most likely had multiple Middle Stage Dao Branches. Perhaps even Late Stage. Zac had no confidence at all dealing with this kind of peak genius, especially not in his wretched state.


    And even if Zac did, dared he actually attack her? She was clearly connected with the monstrous golem, their Daos almost perfectly aligned. They shouldn��t be family, but perhaps they came from the same sect. Perhaps the golem was even her master. He had a strong suspicion he would be reduced to ash the moment he even thought of using hisst wisp of chaos to deal with this girl.


    Zac��s exhausted mind railed at the unfairness of the situation. He had nned for years and risked everything to escape through the Chaos Gate. So why the hell had this crazy woman appeared here?! Was it bad luck? Or worse, had she actually hunted him down? Had she instructed the golem to ruin his escape somehow?


    He was too dog-tired already, and this wasn��t a variable he was prepared for. He was drawing a nk on what he should do.


    ��Crazy stalker,�� Zac muttered as he tried to rouse himself for a fight, but he immediately regretted airing the subconscious sentiment.


    ��What was that?!�� Iz eximed as three sets of wings burst out from behind her back.


    They were nowhere near as grand as the ones the golem used to cover half the sky, and neither did they contain even a fraction of their concepts. Still, they contained some sort of purity that Zac could only remember seeing once before �C the white light he had tried ingesting back in the Twilight Chasm.


    Seeing the wings of untainted mes, and remembering her shocking disy while still at F-grade, Zac wondered just what kind of heritage this woman had. Seeing how her master or Dao Guardian was such a terrifying being, Zac knew he shouldn��t be too surprised by anything she disyed.


    His mother should be the equivalent of an Autarch, and she had thrown more wealth in his direction than Earth would be able to generate on its own in centuries. And that was just to sever karma with him.


    What if a faction with actual Supremacies wholeheartedly wanted to nurture someone? Zac didn��t even dare imagine what kind of treasures this annoying woman hade in contact with. Yet one more reason he regretted blurting those words before, but his mind was simply too exhausted by the glimpse and overwhelmed by the situation to filter himself.


    There was only one entity he could turn to for help right now.


    ��You better help me!�� Zac roared at the sky, which prompted Iz Tayn to stop and look at him with confusion. ��You left like a bandit, you bastard! What about your Law of Bnce?! You got the glimpse, I got screwed over! Is that bnce?!��


    ��What are you-�� Iz is eximed. ��I��vee here to show-��


    Zac just waved at the girl to stay quiet, forgoing courtesy out of necessity. His soul was utterly drained, yet it was suddenly crammed full by a burst of information. It was the fifth Layer of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], and that one tome contained as much information as the previous fourbined.


    That Wasn��t the only gift, as Zac felt his wrist heat up. His mind was in chaos, but he still spotted the golden runes dancing around his escape bangle, and he knew what he had to do. Zac was hesitant, but what choices did he have? He moved the final wisp of chaos and pushed it into his bracelet.


    Space and Chaos converged in an instant, and the terrifying surroundings were reced with darkness as he was whisked away by teleportation. A few minutes passed without change, and only then did Zac dare rx. By now he should have moved millions of miles already. The System��s idea had worked.


    He was going home.

 Chapter 835: Furnaces and Troublemakers

    <h4>Chapter 835: Furnaces and Troublemakers</h4>


    Iz looked at the spot where Mr. Bug once stood, her heart filled with unwillingness as space smoothed out following the burst of chaotic turbulence. This wasn��t how it was supposed to go. How did he escape? Was she set up? Her eyes thinned as she turned to her surprised-looking uncle who had appeared next to her.


    ��Lord Valderak, I thought you locked space?�� Iz asked with a calm voice.


    ��Ai, child, why do you use such distantnguage?�� Valderak sighed. ��I swear, this was not something I arranged.��


    ��Then what happened?�� Iz frowned. ��How could he simply disappear?��


    ��That little madman hid some chaos in his body, and he infused it into some rudimentary escape bangle on his arm. I could lock down space, but I know too little about the Dao of Chaos. I feared that if I blocked his escape, he��d be rendered into a mist of blood as he was ripped out from whatever concepts dragged him away,�� Valderak exined.


    ��More importantly, he carried the mark of the Boundless Heavens. It mostly stabilized the spatial tunnel for him. Who knows what the result would be if I tried to meddle,�� the golem continued. ��You know the situation of most of your grandpa��s disciples. A shift in the heavens can be lethal while they are aplishing their tasks.��


    ��And you are not just saying this to cate me?�� Iz said, notpletely convinced her uncle hadn��t simply looked the other way, happy to be done with this matter.


    ��When have I ever lied to you?�� Valderak said with an innocent expression.


    ��All the time,�� Iz muttered.


    ��Well,�� Valderak coughed. ��Not this time.��


    ��Alright, where is he now?��


    ��One second,�� Valderak said as he closed his eyes.


    However, he quickly opened them again and shook his head. ��Chaos is truly a mysterious path. I can sense him, but in multiple directions. All are true, yet none of them are. We will have to wait for a bit to know for sure.��


    ��So we missed him,�� Iz frowned. ��By the way, what��s a stalker?��


    ��It��s�� Someone good at tracking down people. Like how you managed to track him down across the multiverse in a few short years. He was most likely impressed, albeit begrudgingly?�� the golem offered after some hesitation.


    ��So it was a backhandedpliment,�� Iz nodded. ��Well, I��ll still beat him up for good measure when I catch up.��


    ��As you should,�� Valderak nodded before he stopped with a frown. ��Wait, catch up? You��re not thinking of-��


    ��I��m not going back. Definitely not,�� Iz said resolutely. ��Not before I��ve aplished my goal.��


    ��Ai, all this for that troublesome brat?�� Valderak sighed. ��I cannot stay in these lower realms much longer. I have already tempted the Heavens by dealing with this fish. Someone might take notice if I linger and use it against your grandfather.��


    ��A failure might affect my Dao Heart. If you��re okay with me having such a failure hanging over my head while forming a core, then we can go home,�� Iz calmly said, eliciting a groan from the golem.


    ��When did you be such a naughty girl?�� the golem muttered. ��Is it because you��ve watched that brat?��


    ��I don��t know what you��re talking about,�� Iz smiled, but a scowl returned to her face when she looked at the still-burning Voidcatcher. ��All because this troublemaker of a fish refused to spit out Mr. Bug. He said there was no such person in his world, that he had scanned to make sure. What a liar!��


    ��The guts of a lion,�� Valderak nodded. ��I��ll burn him a bit more.��


    The next moment, the heat of the surrounding rose once more, and the dimension itself started fraying as Valderak no longer had to worry about incinerating an E-grade cultivator.


    ��Please wait, young miss, esteemed master!�� a new voice shouted as a humanoid cultivator appeared in front of the gargantuan Voidcatcher, surrounded by gigantic feathers crackling with lightning that were able to block out the mes.


    White arcs of lightning continuously shed around her, and her eyes shone with white radiance, matching the long feathers she had instead of hair. The next moment, an old man appeared next to her, his body covered in scorch marks. Obviously, thetter was the avatar of the Voidcatcher himself, the old man who had lied to them just a minute ago.


    Iz looked with surprise, while her uncle only snorted and waved his hand, dragging the two cultivators to their side.


    ��Finally willing to show your face?�� Valderak grunted before he looked at the young girl with some surprise. ��A Thunder Roc? What��s a little brat like you doing inside a Voidcatcher?��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I humbly apologize if my Dao Guardian did something to upset lord and the young miss,�� the feathered woman said with a deep bow. ��Our elders will make reparations if we have overstepped any bounds by mistake.��


    ��Your elders?�� Valderak asked before he slowly nodded in understanding.


    Iz wasn��t quite following, but she understood the gist of it when the Roc spoke up again.


    ��Lord Orom was assigned to apany me by the Starbeast Alliance.��


    Valderak didn��t react at all to the mention of that powerful organization, but Iz��s brows slightly furrowed. She wasn��t too versed in politics, with her uncle always telling her it was unimportant. He always said to do what you wanted and if someone disagreed, just test their fate. But even she knew the situation had be a bit thorny.


    Grilling the fish would bring some trouble to her grandma, and she had enough on her te with the System trying to hunt her down.


    Besides, the Starbeast Alliance was pretty powerful even if they only had a couple of thousand official members. After all, the minimum requirement to join was to be a Primordial Beast. Not only that, they only took in the big guys whose bodies were so massive they couldn��t stay ons any longer, perennially drifting among the stars. This so-called Lord Orom was probably one of their smallest members.


    This Roc was just a child, but by the time she reached adulthood in a few millennia, her wingspan would be enough to cover a upon taking her beast form. Iz looked at the young girl curiously and found she was fearfully looking back at her before averting her gaze. As far as Iz could remember, this was the first roc she had ever met, though there were some other beast cultivators at herst gathering.


    Seeing the two here was also a bit confusing. Iz wasn��t an expert on Starbeasts, but they really shouldn��t be this close to the frontier. They needed so much energy just to sustain their oversized bodies, making these deste regions almost lethal. It might be somewhat able to sustain itself by swallowing enough treasures and cultivators, but it would still be better off if it just stayed in one of the regions controlled by the alliance.


    ��You must be a promising one to reach atavism at early D-grade, though I still wonder why they assigned a Primordial Beast to guard you,�� Valderak slowly said before his eyes thinned. ��More importantly, the Starbeast Alliance have really be overbearing as ofte, with your guardian swallowing humanoids left and right. Its fell karma is almost blinding me.��


    ��Only second-tier warriors and below,�� the young woman hurriedly said. ��The alliance remembers the agreement, and we make sure to stay within the limits. Sometimes a mistake might ur, but we always offer reparations when that happens.��


    ��So what are you doing in this region? You should know the rules of non-interference,�� Valderak said.


    ��It��s my fault,�� the young Roc said. ��I said I wanted to visit the wild regions, dragging Lord Orom with me.��


    ��Uncle, let��s go,�� Iz said, no longer interested in staying since she couldn��t grill the fish and Mr. Bug was already gone.


    ��One second,�� the golem smiled before he turned to the old man. ��Give us the [Stone of Celestial Void].��


    Iz looked at her uncle with confusion, and the two beasts were startled as well. Even then, space flickered and a small stone appeared in the hand of the old man.


    ��Is this the thing lord is talking about?�� Orom said hesitantly. ��It should only be a D-grade material, if lord wants, I have many-��


    ��This is what I want,�� Valderak interrupted as the stone flew into his hand. ��Child, let��s go.��


    Iz nodded, and the next moment the two disappeared in a puff of mes leaving the two beasts to their own devices.


    ��Ai,�� the old man sighed as he turned around, looking at the state of his body.


    ��Mister, how bad is it?�� Til��Siri asked.


    ��I am ashamed. I could not resist that master at all,�� Orom said, some fear still lingering in his eyes. ��But I should be fine in ten thousand years or so.��


    ��Audacious,�� the roc said with a frown. ��Such an attack, for what? An E-grade cultivator?��


    ��That golem�� It should be the sixth disciple of Mohzius Tayn,�� the old man hesitated.


    ��The Tayns?�� Til��Siri eximed with fright. ��We��re lucky to be alive, then.��


    ��I��m sorry for implicating the young miss,�� the old man sighed. ��It��s all because of my oversight swallowing that troublesome brat.��


    ��You were just following orders, mister,�� Til��Siri said with a shake of her head. ��The providence on that batch was unprecedented, and I think he must have been a big part of it. Did we get what we needed before he escaped?��


    ��That��s���� Orom said hesitantly as he frowned at his body.


    ��What��s wrong?�� the roc asked.


    ��The monks have banded together to spread their gospel, and the undead are digging toward the corpses. If I allow it to continue, the result will not be as good. The array still needs to charge for another few years.�� the old man said. ��I am afraid that I cannotpletely restrain them in my current state.��


    ��A throne, the Sangha, and the Undead Empire. All at the same time. It cannot be a coincidence,�� Til��Siri muttered, her brows furrowed in thought before her eyes lit up and she turned to the Voidcatcher. ��Do you think..?��


    The old man clearly understood what she was referring to, and a smile spread across his face. ��It is fractured, but it really looks like it might be in this region.��


    ��Tens of Millions of years of searching, it��s finallying to an end. The Alliance will reward you richly for your contribution,�� Til��Siri said, her eyes veritably radiating. ��Just let those people on the inside take what they want. Just put up enough of a struggle to make it believable. We��re going back.��


    ��Your father doesn��t want us to confirm?�� Orom asked.


    ��Normally, yes,�� Til��Siri hesitated. ��But now�� I have a bad feeling after meeting those two.��


    ��Too many coincidences at the same time,�� the old man agreed.


    ��Hopefully, the Tayns just came for that boy,�� Til��Siri muttered. ��And perhaps those inside are only after the bodies. But we shouldn��t push it. Let��s return immediately. The Starbeast Alliance has a headstart thanks to the prophecy, but the other factions will find out sooner orter. We need to maintain the lead as long as possible if we want the best chance of seizing that thing.��


    ��Ultom Courts, Left Imperial Pce,�� Orom whispered with longing in his eyes before the two disappeared.


    Orom opened up a rift in space, eager to leave this wretched area behind. He��d deal with those buggers inside his body as soon as he managed to hide in a spatial fold. However, just as he was about to pass through, Orom found himself slowed to a crawl. His movements, his Dao, his thoughts. They were all decelerated, as though he was trying to swim against the current of the river of time itself.


    ��It took us some time tracking you down,�� a snort echoed through the void as a woman appeared out of nowhere. ��Looks like you��ve run into some trouble.��


    She was as small as a speck of dust, but Orom shuddered as he saw space freeze for thousands of miles in every direction. Even those terrifying mes that had threatened to consume him just moments ago were stopped in ce as temporal ripples spread in every direction, dragging a moment in time toward eternity.


    Had someone been attracted by themotion just now, making their move now that he was weakened? He refused to give in, knowing he was right at the finish line. He had signed up for an eternal task with the Starbeast Alliance, all for the chance to remove the imperfection in his bloodline. Finally, he had aplished it �C he had found the clues to the Left Imperial Pce.


    He pushed his harried body to the limits, but every dimension he connected to was an eternity away, locked away by millions of years of death. If he dared pass through those barriers, he knew his remaining lifespan would be used up before even getting close.


    ��See what they want!�� he heard Til��Siri say from the safety of her courtyard, and he inwardly swore at this brat.


    He hated showing obeisance to this little bird, just because her mother was a bigshot. Worse yet, he was afraid she��d try to take credit, even if she had only been here a few years. She hadn��t done a thing so far, and she had only spent her time using up his resources and studying the [Emptiness Array] to understand his method of searching. It was he who had spent most of his life scouring the edges of the Multiverse for any clues.


    Still, he could only follow the little roc��s orders. At least this new arrival didn��t directly attack upon arriving. So Orom conjured an avatar again, appearing some distance away from the humanoid woman reeking of antiquity and death. He shuddered when he saw the two abyssal orbs for eyes, and he was filled with some trepidation upon remembering he had consumed some half-bloods recently.


    But a second tremor shook him to the core upon remembering the description he��d heard just a moment ago �C the brat who had managed to escape. ��An E-grade human with an axe. He sometimes looks like a Draugr.��


    It couldn��t possibly be�� Right?


    ��I havee to collect one of your furnaces,�� the woman said without preamble. ��He is a pureblood Draugr wielding an axe and chains, but he might sometimes look like a human.��


    Oh no.


    ������-


    ��Why did you want that thing?�� Iz asked curiously as she looked at the small stone in her uncle��s palm.


    They had found a nearby sun to reside on while waiting for Mr. Bug to pop out, the scorching heat helping her uncle alleviate some of the pressure.


    ��Girl, don��t you remember?�� Valderak smiled as he threw the small ball over to Iz. ��Your little friend wanted to buy this thing, but he wasing up short.��


    ��He��s not my friend,�� Iz muttered, but she still grabbed the treasure as it flew over.


    ��Then, don��t you want to be friends?�� the golem asked. ��Isn��t that what you��re missing? Friends to go on adventures with, to deal with the boredom brought by eons of cultivation.��


    Iz thoughtfully looked at the stone in her hand, sensing the odd energies within. She didn��t know why, but it reminded her a bit of that guy. Was it bloodline-rted? She yed with it a bit as she considered what her uncle said. Was this why she hade all this way? Perhaps?


    She had always stayed on her private since young, where only the most trusted attendants could reside. People who had served for generations without evering in contact with outside factions to minimize the risk of betrayal. The only exception was her uncle, and the other disciples she had yet to meet.


    While the attendants on the were friendly, Iz knew enough to tell they weren��t friends. There was an unbreachable distance between them, one ingrained into their very cores. Besides, theycked talent, meaning they weren��t fated. Even if she managed to get closer to one, they would eventually drift apart.


    Her uncle had said that one��s perspective of time and people would change as you rose through the ranks. Those who couldn��t keep up weren��t fated, bound to an ignoble existence. As for those young masters she had met on her few outings, they weren��t friends either. A few might have the potential to keep up with her cultivation pace, but they were just sent there by their elders in an attempt to build rtions with her grandpa.


    Was this why she was so interested in Mr. Bug? A weird aberrance at the edge of the universe containing a bloodline that put pressure on her own. Someone who didn��t even know about the situation in the upper realms or who she or her grandparents were, yet had the potential to reach the true realms of cultivation and ascend beyond being an unfated transient existence.


    ��Are you good at making friends?�� Iz said with surprise. ��I have never seen you with any.��


    ��Bah, that��s just because I��ve been guarding you for the past few decades,�� Valderak snorted. ��I have a lot of friends.��


    ��Are you referring to the other uncles and aunts?�� Iz asked suspiciously, wondering if being disciple-brothers and sisters were really the same thing as friends.


    ��Anyway. You catch more flies with honey,�� Valderak said after a few seconds of drawn-out silence. ��You should beat him up to prove you are stronger than him. That brings respect, and it will encourage him to keep getting stronger. Then you can give this thing as a present. That will show that you are generous and kind of heart.��


    ��Uncle actually knows about these matters as well,�� Iz nodded.


    ��I��ve been around for six million years, what don��t I know?�� Valderak boisterouslyughed. ��Just listen to your uncle and you can��t go wrong. You can also take out the stone if he is about to escape again. The brat seems pretty greedy, and seeing this thing should stop him in his tracks long enough for you to catch him.��


    ��Alright, I��ll listen to uncle,�� Iz smiled. ��Can you sense anything yet?��


    ��Not yet,�� Valderak said with a shake of his head. ��It might be a while depending on how far he teleported.��


    Iz nodded, and simply closed her eyes in cultivation.


    ��Oh, there we go,�� Valderak eventually said after two weeks had passed. ��He��s out.��


    ��Let��s go!�� Iz said with glee.


    ��There��s a problem,�� the golem frowned. ��He��s in a sector at the utmost border, and the Heavens have restricted it for some reason. My perception got extinguished in an instant.��


    ��Then what do we do?�� Iz frowned.


    ��Let me talk with your grandfather,�� Valderak said after some hesitation and closed his eyes.


    Two minutester they opened again as a second golem appeared next to them, this one a Peak Monarch.


    ��Ancestor,�� the golem said with a bow.


    ��Apany my ward to a frontier sector to gain experience,�� Valderak said. ��Shees to harm, and fate for you and your line ends. Aplish the mission, and I will personally assist you in confirming your Dao.��


    ��I understand,�� the golem said with a bow. ��I will aplish the task without fail.��


    ��Grandpa is letting me go?�� Iz said, actually a bit surprised. After hearing that her uncle couldn��t go, she would have thought her grandfather wanted her to return.


    ��Go, have fun,�� Valderak smiled. ��Make friends, fight some people, go on adventures. I��ll teleport you as close as I can, but it will take you a while longer to reach the sector.��


    ��Uncle is the best,�� Iz said, her smile widening even further. A few momentster the two were gone, leaving Valderak behind.


    ��I guess I should check out what has all these factions in a tizzy,�� Valderak muttered, and the next moment he was gone as well.

 Chapter 836: Stacked

    <h4>Chapter 836: Stacked</h4>


    It almost felt like a dream when Zac stepped out from his teleportation room and stepped into hispound. Six years. It had been over six years since he left Earth with not a single update on the state of things, except for the notification that his followers had somehow epted an incursion in his name.


    Thankfully, there were no smoldering ruins or screams of battle greeting his return, indicating that things should be under control. It was something that had constantly worried him for the past month as hey low at a remote corner of the Zecia sector.


    He should have guessed that infusing a tool with Chaos would make its functionality unreliable.


    Still, having appeared in a deste spot at the edge of the Sector after weeks of being hurtled through some subdimension was far better than he could have hoped for from an item that would normally only work inside the sector itself. Unfortunately,rge chaosden cracks had appeared all over the bangle, making Zac leery about using the thing again.


    However, he didn��t have much choice as he had been dropped off in the middle of space, and with air running out he had used the Teleportation Array on his back to teleport to a remote trading hub he had frequented before. He hadn��t dared immediately return to Earth out of fear that the Orom, the golem, or Iz herself would show up at his doorstep.


    Zac couldn��t bring those monsters back to Earth, so he had rented a top-tier cultivation cave, once more reminded how amazingly cheap things were in this remote corner of the Multiverse. Every day he had spent cleansing himself of karma and looking for marks left in his body, trying to recover his broken and chaos-addled pathways as much as he could while keeping an eye on the sky.


    When a month had passed, Zac figured people either wouldn��t or couldn��te after him, and he had finally returned home. Zac immediately wanted to find someone, but a p of thunder above his head made him look up with solemnity.


    It hade, just as he expected. The gathering clouds didn��t contain the vast indifference of the System, but rather the fury of the Boundless Heavens. Zac knew it hadn��te for him though, but rather for someone else; Alea. He had noticed something brewing over the past week as Zac gradually whittled down the Orom��s seal on his Tool Spirit.


    Perhaps by design, it was quite easy to deal with after having left the Orom World. After all, most of those who left were either scions with powerful backing or powerhouses who had confirmed their Daos in the limited environment of the Orom World. There was no point in angering these kinds of people.


    However, as theyers of restrictions were removed one by one, Zac had felt that sense of premonition that fate was gathering on his location. He could somehow tell it was rted to [Love��s Bond],so he had eventually left thestyer of restrictions and hurried back home. As expected, she was breaking through.


    For almost five years she had been digesting the enormous ball of blood and Oblivion, joined by Temporal Energy and continuously bolstered by the Ambient Energy inside the Orom World. And this was as a Peak F-grade Spirit Tool. Her umtions were shocking, and this step was long overdue. However, Zac hadn��t expected a minor Lightning Tribtion to arrive because of this.


    Then again, it was undeniable that [Love��s Bond] was an unorthodox weapon, no matter if you talked about its origins or what it had fed on. Zac wondered if the same would happen to Verun in the future, considering the axe had been marked by pure life inside the Twilight Chasm.


    A wave of hunger filled Zac��s mind, and he didn��t hesitate as he started emptying his Spatial Rings of anything he could think of. There were mountains of rare materials, from things he had found in the Spatial Rings in the Void to the supreme treasures he had found in the Twilight Ocean and Qi��Sar��s treasury.


    The piles kept growing as Zac took out one thing after another, just like when Alea��s coffin was turned into a Spirit Tool the first time. Altogether, the value of the mounds surrounding the coffin was probably inching toward three million D-grade Nexus Coins, a ludicrous sum for an F-grade Spirit Tool. Even the passive energy the treasures leaked was enough to create a chaotic storm in the sky.


    However, Alea didn��t take too many of the treasures. First, she picked up the [ckearth Steel] fromQi��Sar��s treasury, the chains barely able to drag them toward the lid, along with the supreme-quality death-attuned wood Catheya had identified for him. Next, she picked up five other unnamed Death-attuned metals Zac had found in the Twilight Ocean, along with a few dozen Death-attuned natural treasures.


    She did, however, leave Uona��s corpse behind, though Zac did feel the axe on his waist perking up when he took the body out.


    Seeing the decidedly one-sided nature of the materials, Zac was a bit surprised considering how she had feasted on Twilight Fruits for years. He had expected her to want at least some life-attuned materials to bnce all that death, but it looked like he was wrong. Or had her needs changed after first being marked by Pure Death, and then swallowing Oblivion?


    And if so, how would that impact her soul?


    By the time Alea had finished gathering everything she needed, the sky was dark with tribtion clouds while purple clouds crackled. However, Zac was inwardly relieved when he sensed the clouds were decidedly weakerpared to the punishments he had endured to evolve his two Dao Branches.


    The familiar rattle of chains moving echoed out through the area, but it was followed by a groaning sound Zac had only heard a few times; the opening of the thick coffin lid. Zac��s heart beat an additional time as the lid swung almostpletely wide open, but he couldn��t see Alea��s body at all. Instead, there was only vast darkness that almost reminded him of the Abyssal Lake.


    For now, the darkness was only a shadow of the real thing, but was [Love��s Bond] moving in that direction, toward the Abyssal Death of the Draugr? Was it he who had influenced her path that way? Or was it the System who had imnted the Spirit Tool with this path upon its creation, to make the coffin better match Zac��s Draugr persona?


    Zac didn��t know what the truth was, and he didn��t even know how to feel about it. So he could only look on with mixed emotions as tendrils of Darkness quickly consumed all the materials, dragging them into the coffin like a hungry vortex. The lid quickly closed after that, but a dark shroud covered the Coffin as it rose into the air.


    Alea had finished her preparations just in time, and the first bolt of purple lightning mmed into the coffin a momentter, instantly dispersing the darkness. The whole coffin shuddered as Zac felt a pang of pain in his mind, but he could sense that both Alea and the Spirit Tool itself had endured the first strike just fine. There was just a scorched spot on the lid and some small cracks across its surface.


    The lid opened slightly again, releasing a second puff of darkness, this one even more condensedpared to thest. Unfortunately, just like Alea��s defenses grew stronger, so did the bolts of lightning, and the second tribtion left deep cracks across the whole lid. Luckily, there should only be one more to go, and Zac was relieved to see the lid open a third time.


    However, relief turned into confusion and fear as the ten-meter avatar of Alea��s torso appeared, her ck eyes staring up at the sky as she stretched her arms out in a familiar gesture.


    ��Are you crazy?!�� Zac shouted with horror, but he didn��t dare go closer. Doing so would just infuriate the Tribtion Cloud, making things harder for Alea. ��Don��t copy me! Absorbing that thing is extremely dangerous!��


    However, Alea didn��t seem to listen, and Zac could only pray she knew what she was doing. He looked on with worry as the final bolt of lightning descended, drenching the avatar in a sea of purple death. The demoness held on for a moment, but Zac was horrified to see that she eventually cracked and broke apart, absolutely incapable of containing the punishment with [Death��s Embrace].


    Zac felt like he was back on that mountaintop again, helplessly watching Alea��s soul fall apart. The only thing keeping him from going crazy was his connection with the demoness. It was weakened, but her consciousness was still there, so he stayed his hand as he saw the coffin drag the fragmented pieces of the spirit back inside.


    Along with a mote of lightning.


    The Tribtion Lightning seemed infuriated, and it showered the whole coffin in lightning,pletely obscuring Zac��s vision. Thankfully, it only had so much energy to expend, and Zac sensed reluctance as the bolt dissipated. Left behind, was a pitch-ck obelisk of condensed darkness, reminding Zac of the times [Verun��s Bite] had enclosed itself in a bloody crystal.


    ��Soon,�� Zac heard in his mind before the connection was cut.


    ��You just woke up and you��re already going into seclusion again?�� Zac helplessly muttered as he looked at the ck cocoon, but he was inwardly awash with relief.


    It looked like she had broken through sessfully, and judging by the materials she had consumed, it was bound to be a big leap in power.


    ��Who goes there?!�� a ferocious shout broke the calm just as it settled, and Zac looked over with bemusement to see a spectral apparition float over with furious momentum.


    Or rather hide behind two hulking puppets that emitted the power that even surpassed the Half-Step cksmith golem he fought to open up the Dao Repository.


    ��My Lord! You��re back!�� a surprised voice eximed as the ghost peered over the shoulder of one of its bodyguards.


    ��It��s been a while, Triv,�� Zac smiled. ��How are you?��


    ��Nothing toin about, now that young master is back,�� Triv said as he hurriedly flew over. ��Your aura is like the radiant sun, and your return is like the parting of the clouds, a great-��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac snorted. ��What is it?��


    ��Incidentally, I was wondering if the young master has joined the Undead Empire? I was shocked to hear you once more met up with the noble Draugr mistress who visited our province a decade ago,�� Triv said. ��It truly is fated.��


    ��Well, she��s putting in a good word for me,�� Zac smiled as he started carrying the ck cocoon toward his courtyard. ��I am not sure how things stand though. Things spiraled out of control a bit in Twilight Harbor, and I��ve been stuck in an isted world for the past four years. How is the situation on Earth? You guys actually started an Incursion?��


    ��There have been some problems among the dreamers, from what I��ve heard,�� Triv slowly said. ��Unrest on the main continent of this world. Infighting, seizing territory. Of course, no one has dared make any big moves even with master gone and much of our forces being upied on the other world. But I hear there are rumors of you sumbing off-world, and there is just a matter of time the elites of this world start fighting for your supposedly empty throne.��


    ��Well, as long as nothing has happened, it��s fine,�� Zac nodded before he stopped and looked at his butler with a frown. ��Wait, the elites are still offworld? What��s going on?��


    Zac had always assumed that the Incursion would be over by now. Over four years had passed since it started, far longer than the situation on Earth to reach a critical point. If his people still hadn��t returned, it usually meant one of two things; either, they had been eradicated by the natives orpeting factions.


    If not, they had been dragged into a drawn-out battle, which also indicated the situation had turned thorny.


    ��They are still there, though the situation is mostly stable from what I hear,�� Triv sighed. ��The Invasion Gate has long since stabilized, and the elites spend most of their time on the other side. The level restriction has been increased all the way to level 150 already, but it is still very expensive to go back and forth. So most stay there permanently since the environment over there is still far superior as there is still some lingering Origin Dao.��


    Zac wasn��t surprised. Even he had felt just how much worse the environment became after Earth lost itsst specks of Origin Dao, and the situation was far more palpable to cultivators who depended on their affinities and meditation to seize Dao Seeds.


    For example, among the demons who joined the Azh��Rezak incursion, only a handful had Dao Seeds by the time they arrived, but after a few years on Earth, almost seventy percent had formed their first Dao Seed, and a few had formed multiple. And that was despite the Dimensional Seed siphoning off a good chunk of the Origin Dao the System awarded Earth.


    If he was a cultivator, he wouldn��t want to spend any time on Earth either as long as there were Origin Dao to be had somewhere else.


    ��Is young master interested in heading over?�� Triv asked.


    ��Soon, but not right now,�� Zac slowly said after some thought.


    Zac wanted to meet everyone, but now that he had finally returned, he suddenly felt extremely exhausted like he had been carrying a heavy load for years. He needed to settle down a bit first and stabilize his mental state. Besides, while he had managed to repair most of his broken pathways the month he stayed off-world, he had reopened some internal wounds during the teleportation just now.


    ��For now, I need to recuperate for a while,�� Zac continued. ��It took some effort escaping the ce where I was trapped. Can youpile a report of all major events and changes since I left? Oh, and don��t tell anyone I am back, except Abby and Adran. Come back in three hours.��


    ��Certainly,�� Triv hurriedly nodded, and he was gone in a sh a momentter.


    Seeing the ghost disappear while the two guardian golems, who clearly had been upgraded somehow, lumbered off, Zac turned toward his courtyard. As he walked through thergepound, he was filled with a mix of emotions. At a secluded spot between two trees, Zac spotted an antique telephone booth painted pink, left behind by Thea during the time she lived in this ce.


    The wholepound was filled with these kinds of things, especially the area around his living quarters. Seeing the installment made Zac stop for a while with a sigh. Close to seven years had passed since Leandra returned, her appearance an even deadlier cmity than the Tribtion Lightning.


    The hurt had slowly faded over the past years, but the guilt remained. Zac still wondered if Thea would have been caught in the crosshairs if he had been more forthright about the secrets he kept. He should have realized that Thea would have noticed therge researchbs and factories underground, no matter how ingenious Kenzie��s means to hide them were.


    Zac hesitated a bit, but he ultimately chose to keep the telephone booth and the other items where they were as he returned to his courtyard. The walled-in mansion was exactly as he had left it, except for two additions. The Ambient Energy had increased by a noticeable margin, no doubt the result of Triv��s hard work. Zac couldn��t exactly put his finger on it, but he was reasonably certain that the trees in the whole inner area of Port Atwood had been rearranged to be a massive formation.


    And his courtyard was in the eye of the formation, the hotspot for ambient energy.


    The second change was that the courtyard had more than doubled in size, adding a second building drenched in Miasma. However, this half was shrouded in high-powered arrays, and it looked like a hedged-off garden from the outside. Zac guessed that Triv was afraid Zac would forget or discard his undead side, so it added this ce.


    The encased coffin wasn��t absorbing any energy at the moment, but he still chose to leave it at the heart of the miasmic zone of his courtyard just in case. After that, he took out one of the folding chairs from his old camper and sat down, taking a deep breath as he took in the moment.


    He really was back. Finally.


    The road had been far bumpier than he had expected, no matter if you looked at the Twilight Ascent or what came next. In return, the gains were almost unfathomable for a trip that was initially just meant as a shopping spree to look for skills and some way to upgrade his undead side to D-grade race.


    He had already looked at his screen dozens of times the past month now that it wasn��t restricted any longer, but he still couldn��t resist taking another look. Sometimes it almost felt like a delirious fever-dream thinking back on what he had been through over the past years, but numbers don��t lie.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    145


    ss


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race


    [D] Human �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Earth] Port Atwood �Cary Lord


    Titles


    Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven��s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt �C 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity �C 8th Floor, Heaven��s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Branch of the Kalpataru �C Early, Branch of the Pale Seal �C Early


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    18177 [Increase: 123%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Dexterity


    7526 [Increase: 88%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Endurance


    14540 [Increase: 124%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Vitalityn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    12512 [Increase: 112%. Efficiency: 273%]


    Intelligence


    3058 [Increase: 82%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Wisdom


    5995 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 216%]


    Luck


    632 [Increase: 106%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 662


    As looked at the numbers, a smile slowly spread across his face like it had many times before. He knew he was just an antpared to the old monsters littering the Multiverse, but he had to admit �C he was getting kind of stacked.

 Chapter 837: Ensolus

    <h4>Chapter 837: Ensolus</h4>


    Zac knew he had gotten continuously stronger in the Orom World, but that sense had always been skewed and suppressed because of the prison brand. But the gain in attributes was absolutely shocking, even surpassing all his breakthroughs during the Twilight Ascent. Then again, Zac knew he shouldn��t be surprised considering gains on the path of cultivation were exponential.


    The awards from each level during Late E-grade were worth three times those in the early E-grade, for example.


    And just likest time, each mote of Chaos he managed to drag into his body had opened a node without him even noticing, saving him a lot of time dealing with the final hurdles on his path to peak E-grade. As long as he pushed himself, Zac believed he would be able to reach peak E-grade within a year. Of course, that didn��t mean he was ready to make his D-grade push just yet.


    But he was getting there.


    Thanks to all the experts in the Orom World, his foundations and understanding of Cultivation had been shored up immensely. It wasn��t only a matter of the techniques he had learned with the help of Pavina and Heda, but it was a matter of vantage. Over the past years, he had discussed cultivation with dozens of talented Hegemons and Monarchs, some of which were more powerful than even the top powerhouses of the whole Zecia sector.


    Their worldview had helped broaden Zac��s own, and he better understood what was required to keep going where others encountered roadblocks.


    Having confirmed everything was in order, Zacpleted another customary sweep of his body. Unfortunately, the results were the same. Even now, he had no earthly idea just how Iz Tayn managed to find him. He had gone over the course of events and her words innumerable times over the past month, and there was no doubt in his mind �C she hade for him.


    But why?


    Was it because he called her a lunatic before escaping? Was it such a big deal after she tried to kill him? And if it really was the cause, then why didn��t she emit a speck of killing intent when she appeared in front of him? Zac had only realized that after making his escape, but she hadn��t actually tried to attack him. He had just been too preupied with the stress of the situation and her guardian��s aura to notice.


    Had she perhaps spotted how he changed race during the Battle of Fates? It wasn��t impossible. He hadn��t noticed anyone looking at him when he converted into his Draugr form, with everyone too upied with their battles to notice a change in one of the corpses on the ground. Except for her. No one dared even approach Iz Tayn, giving her ample room to observe the situation from that sun of hers.


    But would someone like her care about a Life-Death Edgewalker, even if knew what was going on? Zac eventually shook his head, no closer to figuring the reason behind her actions than before. Only that woman herself knew her motivations for tracking him down, probablying all the way from the central regions of the Multiverse to this deste edge of the System��s domain.


    As for his body, it was getting better. Having absorbed four motes of Chaos had been a bit too greedy, and taking on eight of them next time was out of the question. His pathways were mostly mended by now, but they were weakened by the lingering effects of the motes. The same was true for his Nodes, but they had reached a point they would withstand a battle or two without breaking by now.


    He figured that another month or two would suffice when using his Healing Arrays, at which point he could visit Yrial again. Having lived in the Orom World for years might have lessened the benefits his ghost master could provide, but there were still some nks that the Lord of Cycles might be able to fill in.


    Most importantly, Yrial might be an Edgewalker himself, which would mean he could hold the key to forming a Cultivator��s Core containing two opposing forces. In contrast to Pavina and Heda, he also knew his real situation with his two races, which might allow him to provide more incisive advice. Of course, the two Monarchs who had taught him back in the Orom World might have known his situation as well, but neither he nor they ever broached the subject.


    The hours passed, and Zac finally felt himself gain a sense of bnce. He better understood why all those Hegemons and Monarchs in the Orom World took regr breaks from cultivation, their rest sometimessting years. You couldn��t just keep rushing headlong, you were bound to hit a wall sooner orter.


    He still was impatient to gain power and rescue Kenzie, let alone dealing with the more immediate issues such as saving Ogras and helping Alea, but haste makes waste. He needed to digest all he had been through before taking the next step. Still, he was getting a bit antsy sitting around in his courtyard, but he sensed Triv was actually already hovering outside, waiting for the deadline.


    ��Come in,�� Zac said, and the butler appeared in the courtyard a momentter.


    ��My apologies for rearranging things without young Master��s permission,�� Triv said as they appeared in the courtyard.


    ��I like it,�� Zac said. ��I can feel there is a budding spirituality connecting my whole forest. It must have been a lot of work setting it up.��


    ��It��s not just young master��spound. With the assistance of your followers, the whole archipgo has been transformed into something worthy of being the capital of the Atwood Empire,�� The ghost said. ��In fact, the poption of Port Atwood has already surpassed ten million.��


    ��That many?�� Zac eximed. ��Won��t it affect the energy density?��


    ��Not at all,�� Triv said. ��The Spiritual Vein has kept growing beneath this ind, and it is now many times stronger than before. A few of the inds have, however, be hotspots with Miasma due to this archipgo being ced right between Pangea and Elysium, as the second continent has been named. There is more on the subject in the reports I have arranged for the young lord.��


    ��Good work,�� Zac nodded. ��Was there anymotion from the tribtion cloud?��


    ��None,�� Triv said. ��It was exined as another elite having formed a Dao Branch, but their identity kept secret.��


    ��Another?�� Zac eximed with a raised brow.


    ��The young general is terrifyingly talented, as expected of the progeny of the young lord,�� Triv sighed. ��Lady Vri formed her first Dao Branch two years ago, and I hear rumors she formed a second one on the other world.��


    Zac nodded, once more marveling at Vri��s talents. Just who was that scary girl that Vri��s body once belonged to? Not only had she essentially insta-killed him during the Battle of Fates, but her constitution had helped birth such a powerful Revenant. Someone like her was far more likely to be a scion like Iz Tayn than some frontier elite.


    ��Anyone else?��


    ��Lady Joanna is reputed to be at the precipice, onlycking a spark of inspiration. The same goes for the Demon gentleman and a few others,�� Triv said. ��But most have found it hard to progress their Daos after forming Fragments, even with a second helping of Origin Dao.��


    Honestly, Zac was more surprised that Joanna had reached the threshold of forming a Dao Branch herself, even if he knew that final step was something that would elude most cultivators for their entire lives. Joanna was different from Vri, or even more grounded examples like Thea. Her talents weren��t bad, but they weren��t ster either.


    She must have pushed herself extremely hard during the incursion to make such rapid progress.


    Zac eventually turned his attention to the reports and infused a wisp of his consciousness into the crystal. Immediately, pages upon pages of information and data flooded his mind, thousands of pieces of information dating back all the way since he left.


    Clearly, Adran or Abby had erected this database the moment Zac left and continuously added information to it. Now, it constituted volumes of data that would have made his head spin before the Integration. Everything was listed, from obvious things like revenue streams andrger political changes, to detailed data such as tallies on tens of thousands of Atwood Academy Graduates.


    There were reports on citizens�� sses as well, and a quick scan proved that Port Atwood was not only making rapid improvements for their armies. The huge sums he had poured into raising craftsmen were finally beginning to pay off, with many promising talents having reached middle and evente E-grade with craftsmen professions.


    Three years ago, Port Atwood even saw the birth of its first Spirit Tool from the hands of one of the Ishiate craftsmen, though it was a low-quality one that was unlikely to even reach E-grade. Of course, that was also discounting the growing repository of synthetic Spirit Tools that n Volor could create with the help of their crystals.


    However, as he skimmed the mountains of data, there was one thing he was missing.


    ��What about Emily?�� Zac asked. ��She hasn��t returned to Earth yet?��


    ��The young miss returned two years ago, but she left soon after realizing the Lord had not yet returned. She said she was heading back to the arena, and that she was joining some sort of trial,�� Triv said.


    ��Heading back?�� Zac muttered with surprise.


    He had left two single-use Teleportation Tokens to his disciple. One led to the main continent of the Allbright Empire, the token that Pretty Peak had given him. The second one led to the Big Axe Coliseum, and it looked like she chose to use thetter, which didn��t surprise Zac in the slightest. He figured she��d be right at home among the orcs, minotaurs, and other tribal species.


    But for her to say she was heading back must mean she had made a name for herself over there, either by getting her hands on another token or by officially gaining ess to the Teleportation Array. Both were quite difficult, especially thetter one. It both required getting some renown in the arena, and then having one of the arena masters give out difficult quests toplete.


    ��If the Lord wants, I can arrange a message sent through the merchants,�� Triv offered.


    ��No, let her follow her path for now,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I��ll go visit herter.��


    Zac kept perusing the documents for a few minutes, filled with satisfaction and pride, though he had to admit there was a small hint of�� he didn��t quite know. Reading how his followers continuously kept pushing Earth and the budding Atwood Empire toward new heights proved he had surrounded himself withpetent people, but it also meant he wasn��t as integral to the continuation of Earth as he might like.


    He had been gone for over six years, twice as long as he��d stayed behind post-integration. Yet Earth was fine. Great, even. Certainly, he knew much of their aplishments were only possible thanks to his infusion of resources, but he had to admit that running a kingdom wasn��t his strong suit. If someone needed to get chopped, he was the man for the job, but all these things listed in the reports?


    They might be better off without him interfering, essentially turning him into a deadly figurehead.


    ��Ah right,�� Zac suddenly said, dragging himself out of thoseplex thoughts.


    ��Is there anything else, master?�� the ghost asked.


    ��Here, take this. A small thank you for tending my ce over the past years,�� Zac smiled as he threw Aia Ouro��s Spatial Gem over toward the ghost.


    Inside were a pile of resources meant for Spectral Cultivators, including a couple of cultivation manuals. Zac didn��t know if Triv, a nonbat cultivator, could make use of them, but it wasn��t like there was anyone else around that could benefit from those things. Seeing as how Triv had maintained and even improved his wholepound for years, Zac figured he might as well give them to Triv.


    ��This! This is,�� Triv stuttered as it scanned its contents. ��This is too precious! Where did master find this?��


    ��I was attacked by a young master of an Eidolon Hivemind. This was the spoils of that encounter,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��The Eidolon? Why would they attack you? Were you in your human form?�� Triv eximed, looking shocked and a bit confused.


    ��Things aren��t as harmonious in the Empire Hearnds as the citizens of the Kavriel Province are led to believe. There is a lot of infighting, it seems. In the trial I joined, Draugr, Eidolon, and the Eternal n fought and schemed against each other. If I didn��t kill them, they would have killed me. No need to worry about it,�� Zac said. ��After you��ve memorized the manuals, hand them over to the Einherjar. They mighte in handy in the future.��


    ��So things are like that,�� Triv sighed, sounding a bit forlorn.


    Zac could guess what Triv was thinking. It was probably a disappointment learning that the supposed paradise for undead cultivators was just like everywhere else; filled with schemes and infighting. However, the spectral butler perked up soon enough as the Spatial Gem somehow fused with their incorporeal form,pletely disappearing.


    ��Well, I should have figured. Struggle is Heaven��s Mandate, and not even the great Primo can subvert that decree. And don��t you worry, young Lord. No matter what happens in the future, loyal Triv will always be your most ardent spectral supporter, no matter how many Hives send their invitations my way!��


    ��Thank you,�� Zacughed as he shifted his attention back to the missive, though he wasn��t too sure how genuine the ghost really was.


    But when he reached the section about the Incursion his smile gradually turned into a frown, though Triv��s assurances gained a somewhatical meaning. The situation was beyond what he had expected, and when he read about the recent changes, he started to get a sinking feeling. It looked like he needed to make a trip to the Ensolus Continent, and soon.


    However, there was one thing he needed to confirm first.


    ����������������


    Vri looked up from the stacks of papers just in time to see Ilvere, Rhuger, and Joanna enter her office that adjoined her meditative pond.


    ��We just got word from Miter��s Hall,�� the demon said. ��They��ve spotted movement. If all goes as expected, they��ll be here this time tomorrow.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Alright,�� Vri calmly said. ��Is everything prepared?��


    ��It��s all dealt with,�� Joanna said with a somber expression. ��What do you think they��ll choose?��


    ��If they��re wise, they��ll ept our terms. It��s their one route to avoid cmity, no matter if it is one of their own making or one of the Heavens,�� Vri said.


    As though prompted by her words, the whole room violently shook as the energy in the chamber turned chaotic. This was the second tremor of the day �C they were getting closer. Vri was no expert on the subject, but she doubted this world would remain standing in a year unless something changed.


    ��It��s getting worse,�� Joanna sighed. ��This might really be thest chance. If the talks fall through, war awaits.��


    Vri nodded in agreement. If tomorrow��s summit failed, an unprecedented war would sweep through this world. Even if they were the strongest party, the enemies would fight with their very existence on the line.


    Just like the Ruthless Heavens wanted.


    Only when they had arrived at the Ensolus Continent did they realize just how much value the System put on their Lord. Earth was a unique world with its twinned affinities, yet the System actually saw fit to create another one through the integration �C fusing a dead world and one teeming with life. It was essentially a gift-wrapped world created in Lord Atwood��s image.


    It was a shame that no gifts from the Heavens came without strings attached.


    ��Don��t get your hopes up,ss,�� Ilvere grunted. ��I don��t know about that old wraith Eomid or his brothers, but I doubt Hanuk will give in without a fight. Strength is the core of their society, it��s divine providence. He is the leader of the Mavai Hordes on the basis of being undefeated and unrivaled. To give in to an outsider would deprive him of the mandate to make decisions for the tribes.��


    ��If the demons in your Azh��Kir��Khat can live with people being above their head, why can��t these people?��


    ��It��s different,�� Ilvere shrugged. ��It took innumerable years of bloodshed for the Azh��Kir��Khat horde to form. Even then, it can only maintain its stability thanks to the powerhouses on the top and our perennial enemies. It was one thing if we could utterly crush the Mavai, but now�� Besides, Hanuk��s hands are tied. Even if he believed giving in would be the best option for his people, the tribes might not agree.��


    ��They��d really risk it all than just bend the knee?��


    ��Would you really ept a situation where the fate of your whole world was in the hands of a stranger?�� Ilvere countered. ��Your family, your neighbors, the tribes, and everything you had ever known? To risk everything being taken away with but a thought? I know I��d rather risk it all and fight to the death.��


    ��We still have to try,�� Vri sighed.


    ��Ruthless Heavens indeed,�� Joanna muttered.

 Chapter 838: Impossible Choice

    Chapter 838: Impossible Choice


    Today��s mission was one of diplomacy, but the biggest risk to the proceedings was neither the golden-scaled demons nor the dour wraiths. It was the System, and the quests it imparted to all citizens of the world when the tremors began.


    For the natives, it was quite straightforward �C emerge victorious against the other and the foreigners, and the whole would be attuned to your element. From what they��d gathered, the other incursions had gotten simr quests, where the most fitting element for them would stay on if they conquered the world.


    It was the same for Port Atwood, until the moment they ousted all the other Incursions, including the very same Undead Empire that had gued Earth. The moment Port Atwood conquered the Ensolus Continent, thus controlling half of this newly formed world, their quest had changed.


    With their performance their quest got upgraded, adding new reward options. Suddenly, Port Atwood had three options to choose from in case they managed to subjugate or eradicate the natives. The first option was the same as before �C remove one of the two attunements, leaving only life or death.


    Second, and the option they were trying to propose today, was to allow the System to stabilize this for another ten years, giving themselves and the natives a chance to find a method dealing with the shing elements in the center of this world. Since Earth showed no indications of copse, there had to be a solution. This way, everyone would win without needless bloodshed, though the native forces would be officially subordinate to Port Atwood.


    However, with the third option, the System had all but closed the door to peace. Worse yet, the Ruthless Heavens had made sure to share these options with the natives, fomenting the winds of war even further.


    ��If Hanuk declines, do you think he will just duel for control, or will it be an all-out assault?�� Vri asked Ilvere, who had been responsible for most of the diplomatic endeavors with the Mi tribes.


    ��If we were all Demons, he might have followed the rites and requested a duel. But with our mottledposition, I doubt he��d consider us worthy of following their traditions,�� Ilvere said.


    ��Will we really move back if ites to an all-out war?�� Rhuger frowned. ��Losing the resources is fine, but the implications for the Lord are massive.��


    ��I think we all know the Lord well enough to realize his priorities. If we back down, he might lose the qualifications to be a Baron, but our lives are more important. I refuse to believe he��d choose a title over us,�� Vri said.


    ��In a sense, we have aplished what we came here for. With the opportunities of the Ensolus Continent, our power has skyrocketed. What other force has this high a degree of elites?�� Joanna agreed.


    ��Still, we must do our utmost to let ite to that,�� Vri added. ��It��s bad enough if we are unable to help Lord Atwood aplish his goals. If we actively hobble his progress due to our ineptitude, I don��t know how we will make it up to him. For example, if we can bring just one of the two factions into the fold, we can easily overpower the third with minimal loss of life. The biggest risk is if the two join hands against us before turning against each other.��


    ��If only the boss was back,�� Joanna sighed. ��He��d solve this with either a few words or a few chops.��


    Vri only smiled in response, though she couldn��t help but once more wonder just what had happened in Twilight Harbor. Even if he stayed behind for a while, Lord Atwood should have been back years ago by now. And if he found some opportunity and got dyed, he would no doubt have sent back a message through the teleporter.


    Only the core members of the force knew the truth �C that their leader was missing rather than training. Still, they could only keep improving, waiting for his return.


    Hours passed as the final touches to the summit were dealt with, while thousands of scouts and monoliths scoured the Ensolus Continent for any signs of foul y. Most of the elites were mentally preparing as well. If it really came to blows, they would be pushed to the limits against the very best the natives had to offer.


    In this way, the night passed in muted suspension until the guards at the edge of Fort Atwood reported that the first of the two processions were on their way.


    ��Hanuk isn��t with them?�� Vri muttered as they walked toward the gates, feeling something was amiss. ��Increase the frequency of reports from our strongholds and sweep the area with the All-seeing Monoliths.��


    One of her subordinates nodded and walked off, and she stepped out onto the courtyard of Fort Atwood. In the distance, a towering wall rose over fifty meters into the air, every inch of it covered with inscriptions. Hundreds of towers buzzed with forbidding power, their offensive arrays always ready to strike.


    Behind her, the incursion pir still shone from within the inner courtyard which was surrounded by the actual star-shaped fort, showering the area in emerald and grey, its color mirroring the hundreds of banners hanging along the walls. It had cost almost 1,250 D-grade Nexus Coins to erect this fort alone, an exorbitant sum for most forces.


    ording to Ilvere, n Azh��Rezak had spent less than 50 D-grade Nexus Coins altogether on their Incursion. From the native��s perspective, they were cheating, but it was part of the rules. The natives had been better preparedpared to the Earthlings, who only survived thanks to Lord Atwood, but they ultimately made the same mistake.


    Both the Mavai and the Kingdom of Raun were too cautious, only closing four Incursions on their own. They were too leery of entering the Ensolus Continent and joining the struggle against the invaders and the odd beasts unique to whatever cursed had been the source of this war-torn continent.


    A few scattered factions understood the grave threat that brewed on the central continent of this world, but they didn��t manage to bring the bulk of their people on their crusades. Too many natives were busy enjoying the improved atmosphere and rtive safety of their own continents. Why should they risk their lives by heading to Ensolus which was ten times more dangerous?


    In the end, it was the Atwood Empire who routed the 20-odd Incursions spread across the Ensolus Continent, taking control of the whole thing while the natives sat on the sidelines. The unique treasures and opportunities that should have gone to the Mavai and Raun Spectrals had mostly fallen into the hands of her subordinates.


    Apart from the Neutral Zones with the System-controlled Teleportation Arrays leading to the two other continents, there were also twenty-one lesser battlements surrounding Fort Atwood by now. Together, they formed a grand array of nigh-imprable defenses. If the natives wanted to attack, they would have to bear a shocking price in both resources and lives.


    Still, with the world at the brink of copse, it wasn��t unthinkable they��d take the risk.


    ��What do you think?�� Vri asked as she turned to Ilvere.


    ��It��s too hard to tell. Hanuk might be preparing an assault while using these people as a decoy, as you fear,�� the demon general hesitated. ��However, it might not necessarily be a bad thing.��


    ��We��ll find out soon enough,�� Vri nodded. ��What will be, will be.��


    Eventually, the Demon Contingent arrived, a squad of fifty seasoned warriors covered in golden scales, some of which had runes engraved �C a sign they were all elites among elites of the Mavai. The rest of the small army, a thousand elites atop ferocious beasts, stayed outside the walls, but their bloody auras could be felt all the way to where they stood.


    Five of the warriors who had entered, in particr, emitted extremely condensed auras, and Vri sensed three of them were Half-Step Hegemons, while the other two were extremely talented E-gade Cultivators at the peak of the rank. Thankfully, it was a few years too early for scores of Hegemons to appear, even if these natives had a small head-start on Earthlings.


    The natives who had already reached E-grade before the integration mostly suffered from the same issues as the prisoners of the research base �C exhausted momentum andcking foundations. Only a few older talents managed to push to the peak of the grade by hoarding some of the abundant treasures that had cropped up.


    ��The emissaries of the Kingdom of Raun are closing in as well,�� a scout reported.


    ��Good,�� Joanna nodded. ��Anything unusual from their side?��


    ��Not that we can see,�� the scout said. ��They are surrounded by a cloud by miasma, but Eomid is visible in the front. There appear to be around 50 ghosts in total who are heading toward us while the army has taken position some distance from the demons.��


    ��Good, keep us posted,�� Joanna nodded.


    Vri stood ready, and she let her consciousness suffuse the whole courtyard and its hundreds of elite soldiers. Their exteriors were all calm, seemingly ready to join up in their War Arrays and duke it out with the natives. However, their emotions were like ripples on ake, unable to hide from her senses.


    Eventually, she turned her head toward the gates as they swung open, and the demons riding their multifarious mounts entered. They were full of vigor, and the roars of their tamed beasts put the whole courtyard under an invisible pressure.


    ��Wee,�� Vri said with a small smile as she opened her eyes, her gaze quenching the mor in an instant, with only the asional whimper escaping from the maws of the previously aggressive mounts. ��You grace Fort Atwood with your presence. However, I was expecting Warchief Hanuk to appear in person. Perhaps you can exin?��


    ��I�� am Hanuk��s third son, Ra��Klid. I am the leader of this party,�� a slimmer demon with a massive de slung across his back said, only slightly thrown off bnce by her gaze.


    His performance was better than Vri expected, but that wasn��t what surprised her. She would have expected Ra��Klid��s role to fall to one of the three grizzled warriors at the Half-Step D-grade, rather than this younger warrior. Then again, he was hiding his true strength by the looks of it. His aura was even weaker than the two other elites at the peak of the E-grade, but he would never be able to control these warriors without strength of his own.


    Most likely, he wore some treasure to hide the specifics, but Vri could form an idea with the help of her soul being spread throughout the party. He should be peak E-grade rather than a Hegemon, but with enough umtions to let him overpower the other five elites himself. In other words, he was a threat �C someone that only herself, and perhaps Joanna and Ilvere, could deal with in singlebat.


    Not only that, but he seemed to contain more schemes than the average demon, who preferred dealing with issues head-on. The ripples surrounding him were exquisite and everchanging. It was an unexpected variable, but she figured it was still better than dealing with Hanuk, the old berserker with god-given strength and irascible temper.


    ��As to why my father is absent, we do have an exnation,�� Ra��Klid said before nodding at one of the three elders.


    An old man with small bones hanging from his horns, signifying he was one of their powerful shamanistic war priests, touched his Spatial Ring, prompting the warriors of Port Atwood to tense up. However, he didn��t take out a weapon, but rather a box wrought from what appeared to be a ribcage.


    He opened the lid, and even Vri was a bit shocked to see the severed head of Hanuk, painted in the customary white and red of the Mavai final rites.


    ��So it was a challenge,�� Ilvere muttered.


    ��You are correct, Warmaster,�� Ra��Klid nodded. ��My father was a great warrior who united many tribes before the Integration, but he was unable to adapt to this new reality. He wanted to lead the tribes, including the old and the young, to a war of annihtion without even hearing what you have to say. I had to challenge him for the sake of our people, and I luckily managed to give him a warrior��s end.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A re of anger caused some waves in the sea of her mind, but Vri quickly quelled those impulses. It was hard-wired into the souls of the undead that Patricide was a grave sin, and she couldn��t even imagine raising her hand against Lord Atwood. However, she knew that cultures weren��t the same, and the young devouring the old to maintain the strength of the pack was something you saw every day in the wild.


    ��And what is your stance?�� Vri smiled, showing no indication of the turbulence the severed head had caused in her heart.


    ��The continuation of the Mavai is my main goal,�� Ra��Klid said. ��As such, I am willing to listen to the details of your offer. These five champions are representatives of my newly-formed council, and they represent the will of the tribes. Together, we can speak for the entirety of the Mavai.��


    So, he didn��t offer anything more than to keep an open mind.


    ��The young surpass the old,�� a deathlyugh echoed through the courtyard as the undead procession floated through the gate, led by a crown-wearing ghost with decidedly human features, except for theck of eye sockets.


    That space had been reced by an engraving that formed a half-circle across his forehead; the mark of the Raun Spectrals, a unique race of ghosts the Ruthless Heavens had found in some deste corner of the multiverse. Vri��s gaze turned toward the ghosts, once more marveling at death��s ability to find a way.


    It was no surprise running into some demons on an unintegrated world. After all, they were one of the more populous species in the Multiverse, onlygging behind Humans and a few others. However, for a civilization of wraiths to appear, a series of unlikely coincidences would have to ur.


    The Raun Spectrals had once been human, but as their gradually became death-attuned for an unknown reason, they desperately searched for a solution to survive. Eventually, the Kingdom of Raun, thest standing bastion of humanity, had taken a drastic step to ensure their survival. They had managed to shed their mortal coils while still living in a homemade ceremony that infused their souls with death.


    The world of the wraiths was apparently slightly more energy-richpared to the demons��, but their numbers of citizens were much lower. After all, there were only so many who could beget progeny. In the case of these specters, they had to reach Middle E-grade before they were able to cut off parts of their souls and nurture them in specially-made pools of undeath.


    Before the integration, there were only so many wraiths who managed to reach this height. In return, those who did were wholeheartedly focused on the continuation of their race. They spawned thousands of ghosts by sacrificing one part after another of their minds until their souls finally crumbled. Their whole society had been centered around raising enough Ancestral Ghosts in the limited environment back then.


    Of course, that had changed now that the kingdom had been transported to a D-grade World temporarily teeming with Origin Dao. Now, those Ancestral Ghosts had turned into powerful spectral warriors somewhat akin to the Anointed of the Zhix. They had been fed with all the treasures their world had been able to spawn before the integration, and that culture had continued to this day, even if they didn��t birth nearly as many warriors any longer.


    Instead, they used that advantage to shift from venerated birth-givers solely focused on raising ghosts, to bing the de facto rulers of their tribes. There were already three D-Grade Ghost Kings from what they��d gathered, though the one in front of them was the leader �C Eomid.


    ��Wee King of Raun,�� Vri continued without missing a beat. ��Since we��re all here, shall we enter? We have set up a-��


    ��Out here is fine,�� Eomid snorted, cutting Vri short. ��We have ��enjoyed�� your exquisite battlements enough times to know better than to enter the den. We have the people we need right here, so what need is there to go any further?��


    ��The unholy one makes a good point,�� the leading shaman of the demons agreed, and Ra��Klid didn��t seem interested in rebuffing him.


    ��As long as all parties are willing to talk, we are happy to oblige,�� Vri nodded as Joanna waved over a group of attendants who immediately started setting up an outdoor area.


    Truthfully, Vri wasn��t surprised these leaders were unwilling to enter the heart of Fort Atwood, and they had seen this as a probable oue. They even had preparations in ce in case they refused to even pass through the outer gates, with multiple sets of furniture and mobile arrays prepared. Thankfully, they were still willing to enter the courtyard and leave the bulk of their armies behind, which could be seen as a good sign.


    Soon enough, a conference table was set up, along with a simple set of istion arrays to obscure their talks from the guards outside.


    ��So, Spiritwalker, you have called us here to pay as cracks spread across our world. Now, what do you have for us?�� Ra��Klid said, immediately getting to the heart of the matter.


    ��Our offer hasn��t changed,�� Vri said, knowing what the new warchief was getting at. ��You officially surrender to the Atwood Empire, allowing us to finish our quest to integrate this into our force. Your attuned continents will remain under your respective jurisdiction, and you will also have the opportunity to set up settlements on the Ensolus Continent. Together, we will then search for solutions to the imbnce of this world.��


    ��That��s it?�� Ra��Klid frowned. ��The same deal as before?��


    ��The same deal as before,�� Vri nodded. ��It is neither better nor worse �C it is our only offer. An offer far more generouspared to what any other faction would give. Many dream of joining the Atwood Empire ande under the banner of the Deviant Asura, someone known in every corner of the Zecia Sector.��


    ��We have more resources than you can dream of, and your elites would both be able to train in our facilities and use our contribution system,�� Joanna added. ��And should we fail to find a solution, we will do our utmost to evacuate your poptions to Earth, which has more than enough room to house both your poptions. If you chose war, you know what kind of ��


    ��So nothing��s changed,�� Ra��Klid sighed. ��You still expect us to put faith in you not choosing to drain our world to bolster your own. I was hoping your Lord would finally make an appearance, providing an actual solution.��


    ��Indeed,�� Eomid said. ��Even now, he��s unwilling toe?��


    ��Our lord is wholeheartedly focused on his cultivation,�� Vri said. ��He has left the matter of this incursion entirely to us.��


    ��Still not here,�� Eomid slowly said before his aura suddenly exploded. ��In that case�� We choose war.��

 Chapter 839: The Oriole Behind

    Chapter 839: The Oriole Behind


    A beautiful mansion with both an orangery and an actual orange orchard on the main ind. An impressive paycheck for a rewarding job as an instructor, along with exclusive ess to restricted cultivation resources. A doting, at least by demoness standards, wife who brought sshes of color to his otherwise orderly life.


    So where had it all gone wrong? It was that damn boss of theirs, Carl could feel it.


    Lord Atwood��s madness had somehow crept into Carl��s heart unbeknownst to him, its insidious influence transcending time and space. That insanity had tricked Carl into doing something so foolish as to sign up to join the incursion as a lieutenant of the second wave, when he already had everything he needed back home.


    The worst is already dealt with, they said. Teleport over, spread the gospel, drink some Origin Dao, ande back a rich man. He should have learned his lesson after that experience in the Mystic Realm. When it came to the boss or even his closest confidantes, there was no such thing as quick or easy.


    Three years he had spent in this scary ce, fighting one Incursion after another, risking his life at every corner of this sted Ensolus Continent. Carl was pretty done with this ce by now, but the situation had gottenplicated. Too many secrets had been exposed on this alien world. It turned out the mysterious Lord Atwood had actually raised armies of the undead on the hush-hush before jetting off to outer space, because why wouldn��t he?


    With everyone��s levels being essentially the same, it was almost impossible to sign contracts that would hold much water. And with them finding those herbs growing around the ancient ruins, the leaders no longer dared send more than a handful back to Earth at a time. At least not until the boss was back and could shoulder whatever came next.


    Some believed the boss had gone and gotten himself killed somewhere off-world, but Carl knew better. There was some truth to the adage that only the good die young �C an unlucky star and professional madman like the Lord Atwood would oust them all.


    Of course, if he really wanted to go back, he would have been able to make something happen. He had enough contribution points to take a three-month vacation at least. But how could he leave this ce with Lissa refusing to go back? So he was stuck fighting demons, ghosts, and the weird beasts that had made the Ensolus Continent their home.


    And now even their own had turned against them, adding yet anotheryer of horror to the Ensolus Continent.


    ��Captain! Snap out of it!�� Carl shouted as he hesitantly pointed his bow at Rovik, the Revenant warrior he had been assigned to assist when guarding the summit. ��Don��t think I won��t poke a hole in you just because you managed to get your hands on some of the Brewmaster��s Rum!��


    But while Carl sounded, and hopefully looked, ferocious, he wasn��t sure what to do. Should he attack? Rovik��s previously pale eyes had turned ck while markings appeared had appeared on his forehead, looking a lot like those troublesome ghosts. It really looked like Rovik had betrayed them, but from what he understood of these undead, they were essentially the boss��s children or something simr.


    It should be hardwired in their minds to stay loyal. So, was he possessed? Could the undead be possessed? Wasn��t that redundant? And would he start some sort of international incident if he attacked? But the Revenant was definitely up to something even if he didn��t attack, with his energy surging ominously like that.


    Worse, he wasn��t the only one, with both living and undead guards suddenly sporting those marks. Carl felt himself sweating bullets as he was locked in hesitation, looking at the shrouded area in the middle of the courtyard for direction. The situation grew even tenser when he saw a weird rune starting to take form above Rovik��s head.


    But suddenly, a sh of white, and Rovik was split in two, and the rune above his head dissipated.


    ��Are you crazy!�� Carl wheezed, though he was inwardly extremely relieved to see Lissa both alive and unmarked by that rune. ��Shouldn��t we knock them out or something?��


    ��It was not the captain,�� Lissa said, her everpresent smile reced by a somber frown. ��Take a look around, who it is that��s acting out. It��s all people who have been stationed at either the Dorius Cliffs or Pengem Groves in the past six months. Our people have been reced somehow.��


    ��Are you certain?�� Carl hesitated. ��Is it from [shfire Scan]?��


    ��Their souls are extremely weird,�� Lyssa nodded. ��Like dozens of souls cut and sewn together to look exactly like the originals. But they are falling apart now that those runes have appeared. They won��tst more than a minute or two.��


    ��So, do you want to hide out in the barracks for a minute or two?�� Carl ventured as he furtively nced at the leaders in the distance. ��I doubt they��ll miss us.��


    ��You want a talk withdy Vri, or perhaps that dead wolfman?�� Lissa smiled in return.


    ��I will quash these ghost��s dastardly ns before they know what hit them,�� Carl solemnly nodded as a pitch-ck bow appeared in his hand.


    An arrow condensed with [Bough of Apollo] and further empowered with his Fragment of the Inferno appeared in his hand, and the air itself screamed from being incinerated when he let go the string of his Spirit Tool. A fiery streak was drawn through the air, weaving through the guards before they hit their mark.


    ��Not bad, sweetie,�� Lissa smiled as she saw the two weird ghost-copies copse, before the third target��s miasmic shield exhausted the arrow��s energy.


    His attack somehow seemed to serve as a wake-up call, and multiple attacks rained down on the shapeshifters who defended as best they could. Some managed to form their runes, whereas others were struck down.


    ��I much preferred it when you called me Lord Husband,�� Carl grunted, though he didn��t really mind sweetie either.


    ��Silly human rules of courtship,�� sheughed as she melded with the surroundings. ��What good are demure women? Of course, if you be a Hegemon, I might consider it.��


    ��Like I��m not trying to,�� Carl muttered as he fired off another arrow.


    This time he was toote, and yet another rune had appeared in the air. He tried breaking it apart with a Dao-empowered attack, but impotently passed tight through.


    Carl sighed as he willed the arrow to swerve into the head of another shapeshifter, or whatever they were. At least these guys seemed happy to be target practice, only defending and not attacking. The leaders of the incursion didn��t have it as easy, and Carl took a couple of precautionary steps toward the edge of the courtyard upon sensing the ramping auras.


    Suddenly, the glistening runes on the outer walls grew din, and a sea of ghosts descended on Fort Atwood just a momentter. Carl��s eyes widened in rm and he instantly conjured his Arrow Array while activating [Erebus Step], readying himself for a tough fight. If there was any doubt before, it was gone now. It took less than a minute for the Peace Summit to implode.


    As Carlunched a stream of arrows targeted at the remaining shapeshifters, one thought struck him �C the boss would have loved this.


    ����������-


    How was this possible?


    Their arrays had multipleyers of sail-safes, and every single member of the guards was regrly scanned after their experiences with the Church of Evesting Dao. Yet they had both been infiltrated, and their defensive arrays had been turned off. They had been prepared for the natives to try something, but even Vri hadn��t expected to be outyed to this degree.


    The fraught emotions were causing a storm across the square, with the changeing too suddenly.


    ��I��ll deal with the assault,�� Joanna��s voice echoed in Vri��s mind as the golden armor enclosed her.


    The next moment, she shot toward the iing tide of ghastly elites, and fifty golden streaks of lights joined her from hidden their positions at the edge of the courtyard. Soon after, a stream of elite warriors emerged from Fort Atwood, their auras soaring as they rushed to meet the avnche of spectral warriors.


    Chaos was quickly descending on the fortress, but the small spot in the center of the courtyard was an untouchedke of tranquility with three leaders and their retinues stuck at an impasse. Both the demons and the undead delegates had sealed themselves into protective bubbles, one in glistening gold and the other in dour ck.


    ��Why are you doing this?�� Vri calmly asked as she released the locks to her spiritual power, causing her hair to dance in the air. ��Why give up on the road toward survival?��


    ��Road toward survival?�� Eomid��sugh emerged from the opaque shield. ��Five years have passed and you��re no closer to finding a solution than the day you arrived. If there is one thing the Kingdom of Raun understands, it��s that death can arrive at any moment, and you need to seize the means to survive yourself. And that is exactly what we did.��


    Sensing the previously normal-looking souls of the Fort Atwood guards slowlying apart as they conjured thoserge shimmering runes, Vri realized what was going on. She didn��t understand the theories behind what had been done, but she did recognize the vor of spiritual fluctuations.


    ��You managed to contact the Undead Empire,�� Vri stated.


    ��You think us fools, oblivious to the situation the undead of the Zecia Sector finds themselves in? A singr faction with enemies in every direction. I do not know why you refuse to join the Undead Empire, but why drag the Kingdom of Raun into your madness? Even if we survive, we will end up being cleansed sooner orter,�� the ghost king growled.


    By this point, even a fool would be able to sense the growing fluctuations from within the ck barrier. They weren��t just staying put �C the three Ghost Kings were preparing for war.


    ��So yes, we managed to contact the elders of the Undead Empire. They were quite enraged to hear about an unaffiliated faction such as yours ousting their incursion, and they provided us with the methods to infiltrate your fortress,�� Eomid said.


    ��You created chimeral souls, sacrificing hundreds of warriors to copy the souls of our people,�� Vri frowned. ��This borders on the unorthodox.��


    ��We can sacrifice everything for survival, including ourselves,�� Eomid countered.


    A peak E-grade spectral warrior suddenly appeared next to her before the Ghost King had even finished his sentence, his dagger already shooting toward her throat. However, Vri only nced at the ghost as she activated [Woeful Dejection] releasing a burst ofpressed Miasma and Mental energy, and the Branch of Hollow Sensations.


    A shriek echoed out as the ghost was sted over a thousand meters until it mmed into the outer walls whose runes had already gone dark. Its incorporeal form dissipated into a hazy cloud that would soon turn into nothingness. There were no odds of the elite warrior reforming; its soul had already been disintegrated before it hit the wall.


    ��Are you part of this?�� Vri asked as she turned her gaze toward the demons, many of whom shied away from her stare now that she had unleashed her aura.


    She knew what the demons called her; The Soulblight Witch. She wasn��t too fond of the moniker, but it did serve its purpose in a tight situation like this. Besides, it was a lot better than her Lord��s unfortunate title.


    ��We have no part in this scheme,�� Ra��Klid smiled from within the shimmering barrier. ��We will let you deal with it before resuming our talks.��


    ��Like the oriole,�� Ilvere swore as he gave the demons a scathing stare, the two massive boulders already umting force above his head. The demon��s eyes turned to the elders standing behind the young chieftain, who also didn��t make a move. Their only change was taking out their weapons and setting up a defensive perimeter in case the shield was broken. ��Is the council of the same opinion?��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Our chieftain��s will is the will of the tribes,�� the shaman nodded. ��You speak of leadership, so prove yourself worthy. If you cannot even deal with a challenge to your rule, how could we possibly entrust the lives of the Mavai to you?��


    Ilvere only snorted in response, before turning his gaze at the thick barrier the undead elites had enclosed themselves inside. ��What should we do? I won��t be able to take this thing apart in the short run, and the bastards are clearly up to something.��


    ��We cannot discern exactly how these runes are blocking the circuits,�� Ciru��s voice joined Ilvere��s as the Volor nsman activated his node of Vri��s [Spirit Council], sending the message from his position deep underground. ��We have activated the back-up routes and array-breakers, but there is some odd resistance that can��t be simply bypassed. I think����


    ��Large-scale sacrifice,�� Vri confirmed. ��Each of those runes contains the will of thousands of sacrificed ghosts. Theirtent will impacts everything around us. It can be considered a faith-based attack.��


    A huge explosion erupted as Joanna was forced to unleash her [Armament Zone], proof that these invading spectral warriors were the cream of the crop. Vri was full of reluctance, knowing the implications of not being able to sway these stubborn ghosts, but she knew she had to act to minimize the loss of life.


    Hopefully, they could still get the demons to join them in a quick war in exchange for making the whole life-attuned, thus salvaging Lord Atwood��s chances of bing a Baron. She still hadn��t managed to unearth the true secrets of her body, but she forcibly pushed her mental energy into her veins, allowing them to draw the spiritual array with her blood.


    A hazy eye appeared above her head the next moment, mirroring her own unique set of eyes. She knew the ability was still just a hollow mimicrypared to what Lord Atwood had described, but it was proof that her hard work had started to bear fruit. Besides, the bloodline avatar was powered by a soul far more powerful than what her body��s previous owner ever controlled, giving it a greater boost.


    ��So be it,�� Vri sighed. ��Since you chose this path, you will have to bear the price.��


    The next moment, the pitch-ck halo appeared behind her back as she activated [Circle of Decay], and the matching gate appeared above the undead delegate��s barrier.


    Two strikes suddenly mmed into the miasmic shield, one a world-breaking strike from Ilvere��s boulders and another a beam of condensed darkness from Rhuger. The two attacks weren��t enough topletely break through the barrier, but it was enough to cause cracks to appear.


    ��Despair,�� Vri sighed, and destion fell like rain from the sky.


    The world lost its color as the rays of despair fell on the already damaged barrier. The demons quickly moved even further away, not daring to even look at the cascade of death and mental anguish taken corporeal form. It looked like the sun��s rays peeking through a cloud on a hazy day, though the colors were inverted.


    Vri always felt the scene was extremely soothing, but she knew that looking at this attack was enough to create Heart Demons among the weak-willed. She briefly wondered what her Lord would see if he looked upon the attack with his Draugr eyes. Would he see the same beauty as she did?


    She shook her head, refocusing her attention on the barrier. Or rather the ghosts maintaining its function. One by one they fell, their minds dragged away to the abyss as Vri infiltrated the safe zone through the cracks her captains had opened. A few more ghosts tried to bolster its defenses, but a second barrage arrived a momentter, providing Vri with the opportunity topletely drown the insides with her despair.


    Shrill screams echoed out as Vri felt a series of bursts of kill energy. However, the flow suddenly stopped as a pulse rebuffed the raysing from above. It was the other two Ancestral Ghosts who had made their move, stepping out from the barrier to deal with Vri. In their hands, they had their unique spectral weapons, and they were alreadyunching an opening salvo after temporarily dispelling the mental attack of [Circle of Decay].


    ��Regret,�� Vri whispered as she pointed at the two warriors, and she felt the streaks on her cheeks cool down as two sigils appeared in front of her.


    They shed with sinister lights as they shot toward the Ghost Kings, and they passed straight through the attacks that were aimed at her life. However, she didn��t even spare those attacks a nce as she started drawing another sigil in her mind, one meant for Eomid who still hid inside the mist.


    The two attacks were already slowing down, robbed of their vigor by Pika��s [Deceleration Field]. By the time they hit Rhuger��s [Opaque Bulwark], they had already lost more than half of their force. They still managed to break through Rhugher��s defensive skill, but by that point, it only required a burst of mental energy to crush them.


    Meanwhile, the sigils of her [Final Asylum] had already reached the two ghosts who finally realized what kind of danger they were in. This kind of mental prison was especially lethal to a spectral warrior, even if they were in the D-grade, and they desperately fought against the suction of the skill. If they relented for even a moment, they would be trapped until they died or managed to exhaust the cage.


    However, just as she was about to send a third and final asylum into the churning mists, Vri sensed a fluctuation that unmistakably contained spatial ripples.


    Short-distance teleportation? Vri��s eyes widened with rm and she immediately turned to the pir at the heart of the fort. A momentter, she sensed a burst of deathly energies, and she knew her fears were true. The true reason the ghosts had created those sacrificial beacons to deactivate their arrays was not to provide their army with a point of ingress. The army was just a diversion.


    The real n was to teleport Eomid into the heart of the fort, bypassing the spatial restrictions that were normally in ce.


    She immediately wanted to rush back and prevent the Ghost King from damaging the Nexus Hub, potentially trapping them on the Ensolus Continent without a supply line. However, the two other ghost kings held nothing back, clearly burning their life force as they destroyed the prison sigils before shing over to block her path.


    Fury turned into despair, and Vri prepared to forcibly draw on her bloodline to instantly st these two hegemons into nothingness, no matter the price.


    ��No need. This ends now,�� a calm voice suddenly echoed in her mind, a voice both so familiar and distant that it felt like a dream.


    And in the wake of the voice came a storm.

 Chapter 840: A Storm Descends

    Chapter 840: A Storm Descends


    Ra��Klid inwardly shuddered as the main gates of Fort Atwood swung open like the gates to the abyss, his 180 points in Luck telling him that lethal danger had descended upon this ce. Budding trepidation rapidly transitioned into a primal fear as an aura of ultimate suppression sted out from the interiors of the fort, absolutely drowning the whole courtyard in an instant.


    For a moment, Ra��Klid felt as though he was back on the Southbend Steppes before the Integration, just an unproven warrior with five hundred He��Ruk Blooddancers bearing down on him atop their raptors. The feeling of being outmatched and outnumbered, of fear leaking through his pores from the impending doom.


    He wasn��t the only one who felt the change in the winds of war �C how could you miss it? Fighting rapidly abated, with even Peak E-grade warriors struggling to simply stay upright from the storm of killing intent that unceasingly kept flooding the courtyard, a single source overwhelming thousands of veteran warriors.


    What kind of monster was approaching? Who could emit such an aura of savagery and how many deaths must they have on their conscience?


    A few shes of light ripped through the air next, and the previously unbreakable runes conjured by the unholy ones crumbled into nothingness. Just like that, the only thing protecting the ghosts from the terrifying fortification of these outsiders had failed, but Ra��Klid barely registered as the runes on his scales hummed with delight.


    ��True Divinity,�� the shaman whispered with ardent fervor shimmering in his eyes, and they both turned toward the source of both the aura of terror and the Dao of their origin.


    It was a human male who came walking through the main gates of the fort, wearing a warrior��s robe in the same colors as the banners of these otherworlders. His appearance wasn��t anything special, except for being slightly more rugged than his thinner brethren. But while his appearance was average, his aura was not.


    The air twisted around him as he walked, unable to contain the force of his conviction. It almost felt like the chaotic and impure energies of the Ensolus Continent were weing its sovereign, and a storm was rapidly kicking up in the sky. He was not doing anything after that initial salvo, yet he had somehow be the center point of the whole fort, his presence demanding the leaders�� full attention.


    The pressure of staring down into the furious and Paka-addled eyes of his father in the Circle of Challenge was nothingpared to what he felt from standing in front of this man. Ra��Klid felt his own conviction falter as the man came closer, each step of his feeling like a hammer against his heart. Even though the human carried the aura of divinity, it felt different, and Ra��Klid even started wondering if they were on the wrong path.


    ��Breathe,�� the old warrior to his side whispered, though Ra��Klid could see he was gripping his axe so deeply his ws had dug into his palm, causing tiny droplets of blood to fall on the ground.


    Ra��Klid surreptitiously nodded in thanks to his old mentor and turned back toward the human who could be none other than Lord Atwood, the Deviant Asura who many presumed dead after being missing for years. They thought him just a mayfly, a burst of magnificence followed by irrelevance.


    Foolish.


    After the Soulblight Witch had proimed herself a follower of the Deviant Asura years ago, Ra��Klid and his confidantes had done everything in their might to gather all the intelligence they could. Even then, the recordings of his fight in front of the Tower of Eternity were nothingpared to being put face-to-face with the man.


    The man in the recordings had essentially been a beast �C powerful and unpredictable,shing out at his surroundings. But the man in front of him was a true warrior, every movement perfectly in tune with the Heavens themselves. It even felt like the Deviant Asura had transcended the fabled Divine Warriors of legend, the hallowed masters whose strikes contained the will and faith of their whole tribe.


    It might even surpass those legendary existences, transcending the most revered experts in Mavai History. How was it possible? How could someone improve to such a degree in a few short years? The Divine Warriors only reached their level after centuries of tempering, allowing them a few short decades of supremacy before their aging bodies failed to match their skill.


    Was this what a peak genius in this so-called Zecia Sector looked like?


    In one of his hands, the Deviant Asura held a beautifully crafted bone axe that told a story of blood and glory, instilled with a power that resonated with the very core of the Mavai. It was the same weapon as the one in the recordings, yet it seemed to have undergone almost as great a transformation as his master.


    Yet Ra��Klid barely spared the weapon a nce, even if it was a treasure that would have made him drool in normal situations. As shocking as the axe was, it was nothingpared to what the man held in his other hand.


    The old bastard Eomid.


    The Ghost King was furiously struggling, yet the vise-like grip around his throat effortlessly locked him in ce. Not only that, but some sort of nt had bound the spectral warrior as well, seeminglypletely unbothered by the fact the warrior was an intangible spirit.


    ��My king!�� Kantasta, the right-hand man of Eomid, screamed, and he turned into a river of des as he rushed toward the Deviant Asura.


    The man barely spared him a nce, his axe drawing azy arc that made Ra��Klid��s hair stand on end.


    ��Perfection!�� Mondrik gasped, and Ra��Klid had to agree with his teacher.


    He had never seen such a beautiful strike. It was simple, yet it was sublime, and Kantasta barely managed to avoid getting cut in two. It had barely contained any energy, yet it had exhausted all of a Peak E-grade warrior��s momentum. This was perfection, creating miracles with the smallest of movement, a world in one��s hand.


    The ghost understood it was outmatched, and it immediately conjured a scimitar-wielding apparition above his head, most likely his ultimate skill. However, it was futile. With a small step and a follow-up strike flowing as smooth as water, the elite assassin was cut down as though he was a redback sog bred for ughter.


    Seeing his confidante being killed prompted another serious burst of resistance,


    ��It failed!�� Eomid croaked.


    ��And now the price has to be paid,�� Lord Atwood sighed.


    ��Wait!�� the ghost screamed. ��We can-��


    But there was no waiting and no mercy with the Deviant Asura. Eomid should have understood as much after feeling the terrifying storm of blood that was ingrained in the man��s aura. Even then, Ra��Klid��s eyes turned to saucers as the powerful Ancestral Ghost was ripped apart as though he was made from brittlegrass, only his Cultivator��s Core remaining. The core entered the man��s Spatial Treasure, while the rest of his body started dissipating.


    It was obviously not just raw Strength, though Ra��Klid knew the man had more than enough to spare. It was a level of Dao that perhaps only the Soulblight Witch could match on this world. A flood of pure life had stormed into Eomid��s intangible body, overwhelming his defenses and effectively shredding his soul.


    Just like that, one of the peak warriors of this world had fallen in such an ignoble manner.


    In their ns to take out Eomid, Mondrik had estimated that at least three councilors would have to sacrifice their lives, yet the Deviant Asurahad ended him like it was nothing. How was this possible? Even if he had managed to enter the D-grade since disappearing, the difference shouldn��t be this big.


    He had no answer to that mystery, but he could only thank the lucky stars he listened to Mondrik��s and Vakra��s advice to stay neutral in case either of the opposing sides made a move during this meeting. What if the Mavai actually joined the unholy ones in an attempt to take out the Soublight Witch? It might have been him being ripped apart just now instead of Eomid.


    ��You know who I am, this insurrection ends now. Anyone who doesn��tply will die, and their whole race will be implicated,�� The Deviant Asura��s said, his voice empowered by a killing intent that sent shivers down Ra��Klid��s spine.


    Ra��Klid almost hoped the unclean ones had some more cards up their sleeves, allowing the Mavai to get a better picture of the man who had be a legend in the Base Town of the Tower of Eternity. Unfortunately, the cowardly ghosts seemed to have lost all their fighting will upon seeing the Ghost King getting torn apart.


    ��Mercy! We surrender!�� Aouvi shrieked as he fell to his knees, and Carva immediately followed suit, meaning all three of the Ghost Kings had either died or surrendered by now.


    A momentter, every single ghost in the courtyard was kneeling, waiting on the judgment of the axeman. Ra��Klid��s eyes glimmered as he looked at the scene, his mind briefly turning to his father, drunk and belligerent as he shouted at his harem, believing he had been at the peak of the world. Ra��Klid shook his head.


    If the Mavai wanted to survive in this world where monsters like the Deviant Asura walked thends, they needed to adapt.


    �������������C


    The previously chaotic courtyard was so quiet that you could hear a pin drop as Zac looked at the sea of kneeling specters, the air around him still flickering from the ripped-apart wraith. He was shocked at how quickly these guys gave in, his eyes even thinning in suspicion they were nning something else.


    Still, he couldn��t believe his luck.


    He had nned on being present for the summit mentioned in the reports just in case, though in hiding so that he could observe both the performance of his people and the response of these natives. Unfortunately, his trip to the Underworld had taken longer than expected, making him run a couple of minuteste.


    However, he didn��t expect things to go south so quickly, even though the missive had mentioned the risk of things falling through was quite high. Zac wasn��t surprised, considering the reward Vri could choose upon conquering this �C topletely drain this world��s World Core and use the energy to push Earth to Middle E-grade.


    How could anyone feel confident about surrendering in such a situation?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even then, he hadn��t expected to run into one of the ghosts, a D-grade one at that, the moment he appeared on the Ensolus continent. He had somehow made it all the way to the teleportation room and was trying to tamper with the Nexus Hub using some foreign contraption. Luckily, the ghost had been just as surprised as Zac when he appeared, allowing Zac to thwart the attempt and capture the man in one go.


    Honestly, things went a lot smoother than Zac could ever expect, considering the man was a Hegemon. The ghost didn��t even have a chance to activate a single skill before he was bound by Vivi and flooded with the Branch of the Kalpataru,pletely disrupting his energy flow. At first, Zac thought his training in the Orom World had made him even stronger than he realized, but he soon understood the real reason after he felt the ghost��s attempts at breaking free.


    The ghost��s stores of Miasma were far greater than Zac��s own reserves, but he was not able to use a huge amount of it at any given moment. Either his foundations were damaged, or he had not properly recovered from forcing a breakthrough. Because there was no way he had reached Hegemony the normal way.


    After all, the ghost was only supported by two Middle Stage Dao Fragments. He must have forcibly pushed himself into the D-grade using some sort of unorthodox means or by eating some treasure that had appeared on this newly integrated world.


    Bing even a weak Hegemon would normally be enough to deal with most E-grade elites as long as you had the right tools, but it wasn��t enough to deal with someone like Zac. Perhaps if the ghost had a high-quality War Regalia or the time to gain a couple of levels it��d have been a different story, but this ghost wasn��t even a match to Aia Ouro, Hegemon or not.


    Let alone to Zac himself, who sported a trio of Dao Branches and a slew of titles to boost his attributes far beyond the norm of a Peak E-grade cultivator.


    Now, the question was how to deal with these natives. He had read the thoughts and motivations behind Vri��s and Joanna��s ns for the Ensolus Continent and this World, giving him some insights that not even his elite soldiers had. However, there were also a lot of things he didn��t have aplete grasp on. He guessed that he would have to y things by the ear.


    A sh of golden light, and Joanna decked in golden armor appeared before him, joined by a squad of nine other Valkyries who all were somewhat familiar to him.


    ��You��re back,�� Joanna breathed, her eyes practically sparkling. ��We knew you��d make it.��


    ��I��m back,�� Zac smiled. ��I��m sorry it took so long.��


    ��As long as you-�� Joanna started, but a sudden wail disrupted the quiet that had gripped the courtyard.


    Zac frowned and looked over, seeing it was one of his guards who had copsed on the ground, tightly grasping the rune that had appeared on her forehead. A few warriors rushed over, but they weren��t sure whether to help or execute the guard screaming at the top of her lungs.


    ��What have you done to my people?�� Zac frowned as he turned to the two remaining D-grade ghosts.


    ��Alive!�� the ghost said. ��They��re all alive!��


    ��What?�� Zac frowned as he looked at the unmoving bodies strewn across the floor, either dead from forming those runs or dead from the Atwood Empire soldiers striking them down.


    ��These are not your people. They are bodies purchased through an iplete mercantile license connected to the Undead Empire,�� the ghost exined, the words practically spilling out of her mouth in her hurry to salvage the situation. ��They were modified to look like your guards and then infused with chimeral souls made from our own people. However, for the aura topletely fool the scans, your guards had to be alive and linked to these warriors.��


    ��What happened to them now that these chimeral souls are copsing?�� Zac grunted as he crossed the courtyard with a sh, appearing next to Vri.


    The mentalist didn��t say anything, only slightly smiled as she patted his arm, almost as though confirming he was really there. Zac smiled back in her as he looked into her unique eyes, but this unfortunately wasn��t the time for a proper reunion. He had to deal with these ghosts before they did something stupid again.


    ��They should have gotten a weak bacsh, but the connections are not strong enough to harm them,�� the other ghost added, shying away a bit upon Zac��s sudden appearance. ��In fact, they are not far away. With your permission, we can call for our people to lead them here.��


    ��You��re quite helpful all of a sudden,�� Vri smiled from the side before she turned to Rhuger. ��Get a report of the surroundings, and try to contact the outer forts. The ghosts might be attacking our border guards as we speak.��


    ��There is no such thing happening,�� the Ghost Queen hurriedly assured.


    ��Why should I believe you?�� Zac snorted.


    ��Survival above all. Our n was like this from the start. If this gambit seeded, your people would be cut off from your. We wouldunch a full-scale war, hopefully dragging these demons with us to deal with you, the greatest threat, before turning on each other,�� the Ghost King exined, hiding nothing. ��If we failed, we would immediately surrender. If my liege so desires, execute everyone here, but we beg you to leave a route to survival for our citizens.��


    ��I hope my liege can appreciate the situation we found ourselves in,�� the other ghost added. ��If we didn��t approach the Undead Empire, we would��ve met our demise in 100 years.��


    Zac was still not willing to just forgive these ghosts after theyunched an attack on his people, but they did have a point. Their situation wasn��t the same as the Mavai tribes. They could essentially find a ce within anyrger faction of Zecia even if they weren��t ced within the Azh��Kir��Khat Horde.


    Conversely, the Kingdom of Raun would be annihted by any faction except the Undead Empire.


    ��We have told them of ��Mr. ck��, but it is unclear if they believed us when we said a pureblood Draugr leads the Einherjar,�� Vri��s voice once more entered his mind.


    ��What are your names?��


    ��Aouvi, my liege,�� the ghost looking like an old bearded man hurriedly introduced himself.


    ��Carva, my liege,�� the regal-looking spectral queen followed.


    ��Eomid broke the truce today, but there is still a road of survival for the Kingdom of Raun,�� Zac slowly said as he looked at the subdued ghosts. ��However, if you and the Mavai Tribes want to save this, a price has to be paid.��

 Chapter 841: The Path Forward

    Chapter 841: The Path Forward


    Saying that he could save the was pretty bombastic, but Zac was somewhat certain he could make it happen. The reason he waste was just to make sure he could put forth his proposal. But first, he needed to make these flighty ghosts and the demons trust him.


    ��You don��t have to worry about this being some ploy. I don��t need to y any games �C if I wanted to, I could simply eradicate both you and the demons now that I��m back,�� Zac added. ��My strength is my truth.��


    His words could be seen as a threat, yet he could sense both the demons and some of the ghosts rxing somewhat. A few of the demons even looked at him with reverent eyes, their stares creeping him out a little bit. Then again, he had read up a bit on the Mavai, and he knew that his Branch of the Kalpataru must be extremely attractive to a species whose elite warriors had Life-attuned constitutions.


    A sudden shake that gripped the whole courtyard made Zac freeze in ce, and he felt how the odd energies around him grow erratic. It was an extremely weird sensation, almost the opposite of the Twilight Ocean. There was both life and death in the air, yet they refused to mix. They were like two oils forming a chaotic and everchanging mix, where people had to wear specially designed arrays to cultivate.


    In return for the chaos, the energy was weirdly animated, and it was apparently quicker to cultivate in this ce than normal as long as you managed to filter the energy. For Zac himself, he could simply rely on the same method here as he did in the Twilight Ocean; use one half of the energy for himself while his [Void Heart] transformed the other half.


    ��Now, let��s finish this summit before this sted falls apart,�� Zac sighed.


    ��You are the Lord of the Atwood Empire we��ve been hearing about. The Deviant Asura,�� the leading demon said with a glimmer in his eyes. ��I am delighted to finally meet you, warchief. I am Ra��Klid, the current leader of the Mavai. My son visited the Tower of Eternity three years ago. You are the one who left that tree in the center?��


    ��That was me,�� Zac nodded as his Tower of Eternity-title appeared in front of him, drawing loud exmations from demons and ghosts alike.


    Most likely, this was the most powerful title anyone on this world had ever seen.


    ��They really spoke the truth. It is an honor standing in front of such a warrior. My shameful son only reached thetter half of the third floor. He said he couldn��t imagine how someone could reach the ninth,�� the demon praised before he looked around. ��There is another one, yes? Some king of the undead?��


    Zac inwardlyughed, feeling that this demon was a bit interesting. Ra��Klid even reminded him a bit of Ogras; a crafty mind surrounded by meatheads. Not that demons were stupid, it was just that most of their subraces preferred straightforwardmunication �C like an axe through a skull.


    ��Arcaz is dealing with some other matters, but we are both back,�� Zac said before turning to the ghosts. ��For now, send your soldiers back and have them return my people. Meanwhile, we��ll resume this meeting.��


    ��We don��t seem to have any casualties from this engagement, only a lot of wounded,�� Vri��s voice appeared in Zac��s mind again. ��Looking at it now, it really seems they were nning on holding back until Eomid disrupted the connection to Earth. No unforgivable sins have beenmitted either over the past years.��


    Zac nced in Vri��s direction, knowing what the mentalist was getting at. She wanted him to go easy on the Undead, most likely so that they could be an asset down the road. Zac wasn��t usually in the business of just forgiving someone who attacked his people, but he ultimately trusted in her judgment.


    A momentter, the spectral army was gone, leaving a befuddled guard who wasn��t sure what to do. However, after a few barks from the remaining leaders, order was restored. A new table had reced the one that had been destroyed, and the leaders of the three factions once more sat down, though Zac was the one who represented his side this time around.


    ��So, as you probably know, I am Zachary Atwood, ruler of the Atwood Empire. I have just returned after a cultivation journey, so I am not up to date with all the details of this world. But I know the broad strokes,�� Zac began.


    It turned out that his real identity had finally been exposed not long after he left, and all of the Zecia Sector knew his surname was Atwood rather than Piker. It was one of the first things mentioned in the missives, and his people believed it was the result of some unaffiliated citizen of Earth choosing to spill the beans in return for a payout upon visiting the Tower of Eternity.


    His name being exposed was honestly a matter of time, and it ultimately didn��t matter. Zac had already confirmed there were no curses or karmic skills that worked from just having a name. Besides, he could still keep reinventing himself every time he left Earth by changing his face. It was, however, a reminder that not even Earthlings could be trusted, and he would have to make his preparations watertight for when Earth finally got assimted.


    Until he reached Monarchy himself, Earth would be a weak point of his, and he needed to make sure it was protected or hidden away.


    ��This world is about to copse, and there are no easy solutions. The Kingdom of Raun chose war,�� Zac said as he nced at the wraiths who shuddered nervously. ��Meanwhile, the Mavai chose to sit on the sidelines. Trust is the biggest issue, where you are unable to believe in our promises.��


    ��There was no consensus,�� Carva, the Ghost Queen, hurriedly said. ��We wanted to avoid war if possible, but with our whole race on the line����


    ��No matter. I can understand your position, seeing as I have undead under my banner as well. I probably would have made the same choice as Eomid did. After all, I was the one who personally ughtered most of the factions who invaded Earth a decade ago, when we were the ones in your current situation,�� Zac said, which seemed to have calmed the ghosts down a bit.


    Zac extending an olive branch didn��t mean he hadpletely put the matter of the attack behind him. He had faith that Vri and the others would��ve pulled through even with this scheme, considering Nexus Hubs weren��t something you could just break willy-nilly.


    He could also sense the powerful spiritual fluctuationsing from the mentalist next to him. Knowing she possessed two Dao Branches, she should have eventually been able to defeat these forcibly raised Hegemons. However, doing so in an instant might have required some drastic means akin to him using his remnants.


    Zac couldn��t bear to see her overdraft and damage her soul after what he went through with Alea. Even if she survived, something that could harm her cultivation or even her potential. Him stepping in like that might have cost some warriors breakthroughs in the heat of battle, but the Multiverse didn��tck deadly encounters. The safety of his people came first, and he couldn��t just sit idly by even after capturing Eomid.


    Of course, Zac would have people investigate this insurrection further, no matter how subservient these two Hegemons acted right now. There might be more instigators hiding in the shadows, ready to strike at a moment��s weakness or when he was off-world dealing with his other matters.


    That was true for both sides, not only the ghosts.


    The demons had chosen to put up a smiling front, but Zac would be a fool topletely trust them. They would be monitored just the same, to make sure there were no threats to him, his people, or Port Atwood. But no matter what he found, he wouldn��t condemn a whole poption just based on the actions of a few leaders at the top.


    Part of it was that he did sympathize with their situation since Earth went through the same thing just a few years before them. In a sense, they werepanions in suffering. But there was another reason this incursion still wasn��t over; Port Atwood desperately needed soldiers. War wasing, and Earth would not even make up a single squad in an inter-sector war.


    The bigger and more powerful his faction grew, the better positioned they would all be down the road.


    The poption of these two factions was slightly below Earth��s, but their civilizations grew up with Cosmic Energy and Miasma. So even if their numbers couldn��t match the more populous Humans, their armies wererger, even if Zac included the Zhix hordes. These armies weren��t too impressive right now since they still relied on the low-quality heritages they had formed pre-integration, but with time, that would change.


    Just like the forces of Port Atwood.


    ��Your hesitation is justified. I got the quest as well when I entered this world,�� Zac continued as he looked around. ��With one thought, we could drain this whole if given control. And even if we honor our deal, there are no guarantees we��ll be able to save this world. But what if I can save this world right now, before you even need to make a decision?��


    He was talking about the twinned Realm Spirits in his Spatial Ring. Three days had passed already since he returned, yet he only appeared on the Ensolus Continent just now. It was all because he needed to visit Earth��s core. Reading about the shakes that threatened to rip this world apart was pretty ominous, and Zac was worried the same thing would happen back home sooner orter.


    If he had to choose between saving Earth and this, he would choose Earth every time. However, Earth had been life-death attuned even longer than this one, yet not a single issue had cropped up. It made Zac wonder if the System had done something differently on Earth.


    The journey wasn��t veryplicated thanks to Triv. The butler had used his incorporeal form to go deeper and deeper to help Port Atwood investigate the state of Earth, and he had installed teleporters in the depths. It was too troublesome and expensive to ce one beneath the magmatic mantle, but Zac still managed to reach over ten times deeper than the Underworld in just a few minutes.


    The actual core was quite far from the deepest outpost, but he had only needed to spend just over a day in the mantle before he got his answer. The Twinned Realm Spirits had stirred, and it was followed by a sense of fear. Fearing from the depths of the.


    It turned out that Zac had risked it all for nothing, with Earth��s situation already dealt with by the System or by chance. There was already a spirit residing in Earth��s core, making the twinned spirits in his ring superfluous. After all, a native spirit was probably a superior fit for Earthpared to imnting the two Realm Spirits he had picked up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Thus, he had a simple solution for this world, one that shouldn��t put Earth at risk, considering the twinned spirits�� dubious origin. He was somewhat certain Qi��Sar had really died back when the Twilight Ocean copsed, but who knew what kind of means that ancient being had. What if a wisp of Qi��Sar��s soul hid inside the Realm Spirits, and he infused them with his homeworld? That would be akin to inviting disaster into his home.


    It was better to use it on this new world, especially since it would fall apart if nothing changed anyway. Sure, the Realm Spirits might turn into some powerful life-death item upon their death, but if Zac was unwilling to use the treasure on Earth, he was even more hesitant about using them on himself.


    Zac had been looking for a world to ce his Limited Trial on anyway, the reward for his Sovereignty-quest chain. This way, he could even gauge outsiders�� reaction to a life-death world while he used powerful arrays to obscure Earth. If it turned into a neutral trading hub akin to Twilight Harbor, then great.


    If this ce was targeted because of it, then he would have to tighten the security around Earth even further.


    ��What!�� Ra��Klid blurted, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. ��Warchief, you have the means to heal this world? Without the quest of the Ruthless Heavens?��


    ��With both elements remaining?�� the Ghost King added.


    ��That��s right,�� Zac nodded. ��I have found a solution to what ails this world, a way for it to stay on as is, without one element swallowing the other. That way, the main source of conflict is dealt with, and we can all look toward the future instead.��


    ��How is it possible?�� Ra��Klid asked with glimmering eyes.


    ��That, I cannot tell you. It involves some high-grade secrets that will only harm everyone involved if spread. But you should see the results quickly after a short transitional phase,�� Zac said.


    Honestly, Zac had no idea if what he said was true. What did he know about Realm Spirits? If not for there being one in the Twilight Ocean, he still wouldn��t have known they existed. However, the shakes should stop as soon as the realm spirits integrated with the core. Hopefully, the process would be quick and painless, which would allow him to quickly move on to his other matters.


    ��What are your requests?�� Aouvi asked, immediately getting to the crux of the matter.


    ��Nothinges for free,�� Zac nodded. ��You cannot imagine the cost of stabilizing a life-death world. Truthfully, this whole is only worth a fractionpared to the solution I prepared.��


    ��Essentially, Vri��s offer still stands,�� Zac said. ��Both your factions will swear allegiance to the Atwood Empire, and we will name this Ensolus after this central continent. The details of the deal will still be negotiated by Vri and her people as they are better versed in those matters.��


    ��Why are you doing this?�� Carva hesitated. ��If it is so expensive to heal this world����


    ��Two reasons,�� Zac said. ��First, I want to turn this into the front-facing side of my Empire, amercial hub that outsiders can visit after the Assimtion.��


    ��While your world will hide in the shadows,�� Ra��Klid concluded.


    ��Exactly,�� Zac said, not bothering to hide anything. ��My identity is sensitive, so I want to hide my until I have the strength to protect it. This will shift some of the danger to Ensolus. However, with riske opportunities. This can drastically improve the prosperity of this world. I will even ce an extremely valuable inheritance site on this, something your warriors can visit in exchange for a fee. These kinds of things can turns into money-making machines that benefit all their citizens.��


    ��I guess it��s not much differentpared to a normal assimtion,�� Carva hesitated. ��We do not possess the means to hide our world in either case.��


    Zac only nodded in response before continuing. ��As for the second reason, war ising to Zecia.��


    ��I am not sure how much your people have managed to find out about the bigger world, but you should have been able to gather some snippets of information by now. Simply put, a massive war is about to break out. Standing to the side is not an option, so I need to bolster my forces,�� Zac said. ��The war will break out before our Assimtion, meaning we will stand alone unless we join hands.��


    ��War against who?�� Ra��Klid asked with confusion.


    ��I don��t know the details yet,�� Zac said, ncing at Vri.


    ��Something called a space gate has appeared in our sector, connecting our part of space with another one. Normally, it��s impossible to travel such distances, but this gate makes it possible. We do not yet know the details of these invaders either, but early indications are the whole sector will soon be embroiled in a massive struggle,�� the mentalist exined.


    ��So, what is your answer?�� Zac asked.


    ��The Kingdom of Raun has already surrendered,�� Carva said with a bow. ��We will ede to whatever demands you have, and we will pay restitution for our actions today. We will discuss the details with your followers.��


    ��Good,�� Zac nodded. ��And you don��t need to worry about the Undead Empire. Arcaz ck is a pureblood Draugr with connections of some of the peak ns of the Empire Hearnds. With one word from him, the Kavriel n of the Zecia Sector will invite the Kingdom of Raun with open arms, no questions asked.��


    Once again, Zac was kind of stretching the truth. It all depended on Catheya��s performance after he fled the Twilight Ascent. If all worked out, she would have spoken for him with the Umbri��Zi n and perhaps even the Abyssal Shores. In either case, it would be effortless for them to make some arrangements with a Draugr border n that could barely be considered pureblooded.


    Catheya and he had worked out a few methods tomunicate through ry after he returned to Zecia, but he hadn��t been able to check things out yet. Besides, he needed to n some countermeasures before trying to reconnect with the Draugr Scion. After all, there was a distinct possibility they chose to ce the me of the chaos in the Twilight Harbor on him, an unaffiliated Draugr.


    Perhaps some Monarch was lying in wait the moment Zac went to check his messages.


    ��You lead by strength, and your Dao carries the true divinity of legend,�� Ra��Klid added after exchanging a few looks with the elders next to him. ��We have no issues joining under your banner the moment this world is healed, provided you continue to lead with truth and honor.��


    ��Then today��s meeting is over,�� Zac nodded, happy things were dealt with so quickly.


    This was why Zac made such a grand entrance, putting his Dao and Killing Intent on full st to the point he even activated [Spiritual Void]. With some shock and awe, a lot of annoyances could be side-stepped. ��Both your delegations are wee to stay either here or camp outside while we iron out the details of this merger. After the quakes have stopped, I will visit you both, and you will officially join the Atwood Empire.��


    ��You have no idea how lucky you are,�� Vri smiled from the side. ��Your future paths just grew quite a lot wider.��

 Chapter 842: Prelude to War

    Chapter 842: Prelude to War


    The two groups of delegates looked quite eager, though it was no doubt at the prospect of these ominous earthquakes finally abating rather than joining some recently-formed empire. Zac didn��t mind. Certainly, he would have preferred willing and wholeheartedly loyal followers, but he wasn��t so na?ve as to believe these races would follow him based on some agreement after years of war.


    Things didn��t change so quickly. But give it a few decades, where dissidents were quietly removed, and they should have epted these new circumstances. After a few millennia, few would even remember life before the Atwood Empire.


    Until then, he would have to make sure their actions were loyal even if their hearts were not.


    ��Should you change your mind after I��ve spent a fortune on fixing this, I will see it as an act of war. I will keep chopping off heads until a representative who is willing to join the Atwood Empire steps forward,�� Zac said as he looked back and forth. ��The treatment of a subjugated force will naturally differ from one joining willingly. That is all.��


    This was the best solution Zac could think of in short order, the one that would result in the least bloodshed. He was no shrewd politician, so he could only use the method he knew �C force. However, he hoped that proving himself by infusing the Twin Spirits before taking over the would foster some goodwill that would lessen the problems down the road.


    Not muchter, a scout report said that a group of humans had been spotted, a bit gaunt but otherwise unscathed, who��d be back within a few hours. It looked like the Ghost Kings hadn��t lied before. There was not much else to say at that point, and the two groups of delegates returned to their armies camped outside for the day.


    Zac walked back into the fort with Vri and the other leaders of Port Atwood in tow. Soon enough, they retreated to the conference room originally meant for the peace summit while others dealt with the fallout outside.


    ��Sorry to throw a wrench in your ns,�� Zac smiled when they were finally alone.


    ��I��m ashamed,�� Vri said as she bowed deeply. ��We used so many resources, yet we had to rely on you to deal with the mess we had created.��


    ��I��ve read the reports,�� Zac said. ��You expended a lot of resources ousting the other factions, including the Undead Empire. It��s no surprise the locals had time to organize, especially with their spiritual heritage.��


    ��This is my mistake,�� Vri once more said. ��I-��


    ��No, you did the right thing,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��It��s not a matter of efficiency, it��s a matter of principle. It would have affected morale if we started killing natives so soon after we went through the same thing.��


    ��Are you okay?�� Joanna cut in. ��We��ve been worried something happened. We have been trying to find a way to reach that Twilight Harbor but without any luck.��


    ��Don��t bother,�� Zac grunted as he sat down at the table. ��It blew up.��


    ��What?!�� Vri blurted, a rare disy of losing her footing as a mentalist. ��How could such a ce blow up? The harbor alone should be able to contend in power with half the Zecia sector.��


    The others were wide-eyed as well, and some looked at Zac like he was a monster surviving something like that.


    ��Well, it turns out the Eveningtide Asura is still alive and well,�� Zac said as he gave a shortened version of what happened in the Twilight Harbor and Twilight Ocean, while glossing over the parts that involved his secrets.


    ��Amazing,�� Ilvere sighed. ��It��s these kinds of experiences that are needed to reach the top? I think I��ll stay on as a guard captain.��


    ��Autarchy�� B-grade,�� Joanna muttered with a glimmer in her eyes. ��It��s so distant.��


    ��It��s unprecedented in this sector,�� Vri nodded. ��But if the Eveningtide Asura could do it, so can young master.��


    The Valkyries nodded as though it was a matter of course, but the others were not so convinced. Even Hegemony was a distant dream for someone who was born on a D-grade world, while Monarchy required you to subvert fate. Autarchy was not even a dream, something impossible to aplish the frontier, let alone a weak sector like Zecia. Opportunities like the one Alvod Jondir seized didn��t grow on trees.


    ��And you found the solution for Ensolus when you raided that treasury?�� Joanna asked curiously. ��Isn��t it better to use it on Earth?��


    ��That was why I took the risk and snatched it in the first ce,�� Zac nodded. ��But it won��t work. I visited the core of Earth beforeing here. It turns out our homeworld already has something simr. It might be a result of the System protecting the. Funny enough, I got the realm spirits just days after you epted the incursion. I wonder if the System knew I��d get them and arranged this.��


    ��The Ruthless Heavens has always shown consideration for its chosen,�� Ilvere said, and Rhuger nodded in agreement.


    ��That was over four years ago,�� Joanna said with confusion. ��What happened next? Did you visit the Undead Empire?��


    ��Hardly. I got swallowed by a space fish when I escaped,�� Zac sighed, and then told them about the Orom and how he was trapped there for years. However, he changed the nature of his escape by saying that the fire golem��s attacked caused spatial tears in the Orom World, and he had simply jumped through one.


    ��Death is waiting around every corner in the multiverse,�� Joanna muttered. ��How is one supposed to grow when monstrosities multiple grades higher can appear at any time?��


    ��That��s just it,ss,�� Ilvere grunted. ��Everyone will have to make a choice. You can stay on your homeworld and make steady progress, but you will never reach beyond the limits of the. Or you can take the risk to step into a vaster world, provided you have the prerequisite power and opportunities. You will most likely die from this path; only a few people like young master will rise while billions fall.��


    Joanna nodded in agreement, her face a bit downcast. Zac could only sigh, unable to offer any constion except a pat on her shoulder. What Ilvere was saying was true. His pouring resources over the people of Port Atwood could only push them so far. Not only that, but the more they relied on outside help, the less likely they were to rise to prominence.


    You needed to take risks to gain power.


    Even then, there was a matter of even having the qualifications to take the risk. Not everyone had his ability to travel freely. Joanna, for example, was locked to Earth unless she asked for his help. And even if she ventured out to dangerous areas in the Zecia Sector, she would most likely end up as fertilizer to someone else��s path.


    Part of it was simple statistics. If you joined ten medium-risk adventures with a 30% mortality rate, you only had a few percent chance of walking out alive. If you joined certain-death events like the cataclysmic Twilight Harbor or the Orom��s culling, you were essentially screwed if you didn��t have something unique to fall back on.


    That was the second part of the issue �C the Multiverse was not equal.


    This wasn��t a video game, there wasn��t bnce in the sense that everyone had the same chance to reach the peak. Certainly, some people like Alvod Jondir managed to rise to their current heights by finding some supreme treasure. But while some could reforge their futures through a stroke of luck, most people relied on heritage.


    Zac relied on both.


    It was undeniable that he had braved greater dangers than anyone else on Earth, but a big reason he could do that was his background. If not for his unique bloodline, he would have died ten times over already. If not for Leandra��s n imnting him with the Duplicity core, Zac would not even have survived Mhal��s attack when he was injected with the Draugr sample.


    ��There��s no need topare yourself to others. Cultivation is an individual journey,�� Zac eventually said as he looked around the room. ��And I can see that you all have made great strides.��


    It wasn��t empty praise. Six years was neither short nor long, but it had clearly been enough to reforge the core group of the Port Atwood elites. Their auras were thick and condensed, proving they hadn��t just pushed their levels with the help of treasures. There was both experience and hard work behind their auras, something secluded cultivation couldn��t nurture.


    ��The Ensolus Continent has provided a lot of opportunities,�� Vri smiled.


    ��Ourst attempt was a bit wretched,�� Ilvere said with a wry smile. ��But this time we got our money��s worth. Uh, young master��s money��s worth.��


    ��And I believe the greatest opportunity still remains,�� Vri added.


    ��The Ensolus Temples?�� Zac asked, referring to the mysterious ruins at the center of the continent, after which this continent, and now World, got its name.


    ��The Ensolus Temples,�� Vri nodded. ��We have only managed to enter one since its seal was broken-down, but the manuals inside drastically improved our heritage. If you manage to crack open the others, there might be even greater treasures waiting within.��


    ��For now, I have no interest in seizing those things,�� Zac said. ��You have worked for years to secure them, so you keep working on it. I��ll try to help out if I can, but right now I have a lot of things on my te. I��m running a bit behind schedule after getting stuck like that.��


    Exploring some ancient temples, which Vri guessed might even predate the System, was obviously an interesting concept, but he really had too much to do at the moment. The temples weren��t going anywhere anyway, and they seemed nigh-imprable judging by the reports. Judging by the reports, it might require the strength of a powerful Hegemon to break open those things.


    If his people still hadn��t managed to crack them open before the Assimtion, he��d definitely give it a go. But otherwise, he wanted to leave this opportunity for them to explore.


    ��Running behind?�� Joanna muttered before her eyes lit up. ��Are you breaking through?!��


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I��m not in a hurry in that regard. It will be a couple of years before I take that step.��


    ��That long?�� Joanna said with surprise. ��After seeing your disy, I figured you were right at the cusp.��


    ��Our lives are measured in millennia by this point,�� Zac smiled, still having some troubleing to terms with that concept. ��I don��t want to rush things like I did for myst breakthrough. I want to shore up my foundations a bit first.��


    ��It��s not quite that simple, I��m afraid,�� Ilvere sighed. ��The war is reallying closer, it was not just a sales pitch. We need some Hegemons to take charge. If not you, someone else.��


    ��I read some of it in the reports,�� Zac nodded. ��Have you found out anything else?��


    ��There still hasn��t been any official response from the peak factions, but the rumor mill is in full spin,�� Joanna answered. ��The top factions are building huge fortresses, each one asrge as a from what I��m told. Apparently, the invaders are already here, though they are few in numbers, and they still haven��t left the heart of the Million Gates Territory.��


    ��The Million Gates Territory?�� Zac grimaced.


    Between the warnings of the Ogre at the Big Axe Coliseum and Catheya, they had long known that something was brewing. But Zac didn��t have any specifics until now, and learning that the Million Gates Territory was at the heart of it all was definitely not good for his ns. Would he have to dodge murderous invaders at every turn when he went to pick up Ogras?


    Would it even be possible if he dyed too much?


    ��Do we know anything about what kind of people the invaders are?�� Zac asked.


    ��That kind of intelligence still hasn��t been made public,�� Ilvere said. ��But going by the response of the peak factions, it will be a tough fight. Otherwise, the other empires would have left the Allbright Empire to fend for themselves. They have to fear that the whole sector will fall.��


    ��Conflict,�� Zac sighed.


    ��We got an early warning thanks to you, but evenmon factions are starting to be aware something is happening,�� Ilvere added. ��The price of cultivation resources is steadily climbing as everyone scrambles to makest-minute breakthroughs. The auctions arepletely void of top-quality treasures by now. The same goes for things like arrays, talismans, and pills.��


    ��Even if we��re not conscripted, some of us have to go early,�� Joanna added. ��We need to umte contribution points for our.��


    ��What��s that now?�� Zac asked.


    ��We need a few Hegemons to rise before the war reaches Port Atwood,�� Vri exined. ��We have gathered information about sanctioned wars for years now, and it is more akin to an incursion than a normal struggle. If it was just a conflict between two factions, only those at the top would matter. But when the System controls the events, even E-grade warriors can participate and gather Contribution Points.��


    ��The System will set up graded battlegrounds and contested worlds, lessening the danger considerably,�� Joanna added. ��With the quality of our gear and resources, we have a good chance to perform well even if we stillck experience. However, our survival hinges on being able to nurture warriors with the credentials to be captains andmanders. If weck these kinds of leaders, we��ll have to take orders from some outsider, which could mean being used as cannon fodder.��


    ��The System seems to be extremely rigid when ites to war,�� Vri sighed. ��Break the chain ofmand, and you will face harsh consequences. Of course, it��s within limits, where a nefarious or ipetent leader would simrlye under scrutiny. But that won��t do us much good if we��ve already been wiped out because of amand we couldn��t refuse.��


    Zac nodded thoughtfully, feeling the news was a mix of good and bad. Good in the sense the risk of his people being wiped out by some random Monarch was a lot lower this way. Bad in the sense that their foundations were stillcking �C the war wasing too quickly.


    ��Leaders,�� Zac muttered. ��Is it skill or strength? I mean I think I have qualifications on the former to be some captain at least, but I don��t know anything about tactics.��


    ��There are multiple variables behind the System��s appointments, from what we can gather,�� Vri exined. ��First and foremost is strength. Secondly, nobility seems to be a big factor in who gets handedmand. For this, we have a good advantage, with you on the cusp of bing a Baron.��


    ��I am?�� Zac blurted and opened his quest screen.


    Still nothing new, except for the incursion quest he got upon arriving on Ensolus.


    ��You will be a Baron the moment you control more than one,�� Vri smiled. ��You might even be awarded a title considering you��re still E-grade.��


    ��There��s such a good thing?�� Zac whistled.


    It looked like controlling a faction was useful in more ways than just having people gather resources for cultivation. There was better treatment from the System and even direct boosts to your Strengths. Zac didn��t have any ns on abandoning Earth before, but this actually proved that focusing more of his attention on his budding empire mighte with all kinds of unexpected perks.


    ��So what��s this about contribution?��


    ��Sooner orter, teleporters will appear on Earth and Ensolus,�� Joanna exined. ��But you can join the war efforts earlier by heading to the frontlines yourself. The more contribution the Atwood Empire has racked up before the official start, the better treatment we��ll receive. We have explored options to send a few of our elites to the Million Gates Territory to gain experience and contribution. With you back, our odds are even better.��


    Zac slowly nodded, realizing it was time to spill some of the things he had kept to himself since Leandra snatched his sister. ��I haven��t told you all this before, but I had been nning on going to the Million Gates Territory for a long time. Mostly to train and pick up Ogras and Billy though.��


    ��WHAT!�� Ilvere almost roared, jumping to his feet with wide eyes. ��The boss is alive?! Your sister was right? What in the Heavens is going on?��


    ��I wasn��t nning on telling you in case things didn��t pan out,�� Zac sighed. ��But with this war, things have changed. When Ogras sacrificed himself to save my sister, he wasn��t ripped apart by the Dimensional Seed as it looked like. He was transported to its newly created Mystic Realm. The Dimensional Seed was then attracted to the Million Gates Territory by the strong spatial currents over there.��


    ��How do you know this?�� Vri asked with confusion.


    ��Because that intelligence was what my sister demanded in return for leaving willingly that day,�� Zac exined, drawing gasps.


    ��You don��t mean!�� Joanna eximed.


    ��My sister wasn��t killed that day,�� Zac confirmed. ��She was abducted. Don��t ask me by who; it��splicated. They are too powerful, and the less people know, the better. This is why I am struggling to be stronger. To get her back.��


    ��Then Thea,�� Joanna hesitated.


    ��No, she was really killed,�� Zac said with a shake of his head.


    ��We��ll help you,�� Vri immediately assured. ��Even if it��s only to deal with the roadblocks to your cultivation.��


    ��We��ll definitely do what we can,�� Ilvere said, looking visibly moved. ��To think that the miss actually did that for our young master.��


    ��Kenzie was ultimately taken, but that doesn��t change the immense debt of gratitude I have to Ogras,�� Zac nodded. ��I am definitely heading there, though now it sounds like I��ll also have to deal with some invaders.��


    ��We would like toe with,�� Vri and Joanna both said, and it looked like pretty much everyone was of a simr opinion.


    Zac didn��t immediately agree, but he didn��t disagree either. Initially, he had nned setting out alone considering the dangers, but perhaps that was being selfish, depriving his people of a chance to progress. The Million Gates Territory would definitely be dangerous, now even more so than usual.


    But was it his ce to dictate whether they should get to take those risks for the sake of their cultivation? For Earth?


    Besides, didn��t cosmic vessels require crews? His biggest point of reference was Little Bean, the technocrat vessel. That thing had thousands of people on board, most of them crew members. The vessels he saw fly by in the Twilight Harbor were pretty massive as well, and they probably required multiple people to keep track of things.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Even if he didn��t want such a massive ship, perhaps he needed to bring some people to manage the vessel he got from Karunthel��s quest.


    ��Alright, I will talk with the Creators,�� Zac eventually nodded. ��I��ll see about getting us a ship. I guess we��re about to be space mercenaries, so make your preparations.��


    Excitement and determination shone in people��s eyes, but the moment was ruined by a small tremor that reminded Zac of the most pressing issue.


    ��But first, I guess I should fix this.��

 Chapter 843: Ensolus Mines

    Chapter 843: Ensolus Mines


    Zac spent the next few days in Fort Atwood, mostly catching up with everyone. While no one had tales as fantastical as being swallowed by a gargantuan space fish, it quickly became clear that the elites of Port Atwood all had their share of adventure and hardship on the Ensolus Continent.


    The most shocking thing was that Janos was presumed dead, gone missing in the mysterious Ensolus Temples. They still held out some hope that the illusionist had somehow lucked into an inheritance, but it had been three years already. Even if he had entered some trial ground, he should havee out by now.


    Apart from that, more than thirty Valkyries had fallen, reced with the next generations of spear maidens. In total, the casualties had surpassed one thousand, most of theming from the first bloody year when they eradicated one invading army after another.


    It wasn��t really a big numberpared to how many had fallen in Earth��s integration, but it was worth remembering that only elites had been taken on this mission. Each death meant the loss of a talent that Port Atwood had invested heavily into, standout warriors who had survived the Integration only to fall a few yearster.


    The second biggest cause of death was the unstable beast of the Ensolus Continent, with the natives only being a distant third. That alone was somewhat lucky since a couple of skirmishes at the edge of the continent wasn��t enough to form some irreconcble grudge from either side.


    Therefore, the negotiations proceeded smoothly, with Zac only participating in a few of them. Vri and the administrators had a much better grasp on the nitty-gritty details of incorporating a world and hundreds of millions of new citizens under his reign.


    He did, however, take time to appear as Arcaz ck in front of the ghosts for a private meeting. He wanted to somewhat ay their worries, once more alluding to his connections to the Undead Empire. And it looked like it had worked, especially after he showed some of the spectral cultivation techniques he had requested Triv to send over.


    Of course, he wouldn��t hand over such precious techniques just a few days after an insurrection, but it both acted as proof of his connections and a motivator to stay loyal.


    After three days most issues were ironed out, where taxation and other issues were dealt with. Essentially, the Kingdom of Raun would be forced to hand over arger share of their revenue because of their attack, but it would be lowered to the demon��s level after they had contributed enough to the war efforts.


    In either case, huge shipments of resources would start flowing from the two outer continents on the Ensolus World soon enough, many of them rare materials with their respective attunements. The cessation of war would also allow Port Atwood to drastically expand their operations on the Ensolus Continent, which was still teeming with valuable resources.


    With the situation stabilized and the two armies having returned to their respective continents, Zac set out in secret, using one of his flying treasures to head over to a ce called the Ensolus Mines. It was one of the biggest sources of wealth on the Ensolus Continent, a vast Nexus Crystal mine producing both Divine Crystal and Miasma Crystals, awork of tunnels tens of timesrger than the mine on his ind back home.


    More importantly, it contained a secret chute leading into the depths of the. Since Ensolus wasn��t officially conquered just yet, Zac couldn��t just teleport to the mantle of the. It was a bit annoying, but it was a small price to pay for strengthening the bond between his force and these natives.


    Thankfully, his people had already done all the heavy lifting in their effort to stabilize this world, having dug deeper and deeper for years on end until they reached the same depths as Triv had back on Earth. Even Zac was beset by a wave of vertigo as he peered down from the ten-meter-wide chute, an endless hole leading into the abyss.


    ��It will take one week to reach the bottom using floating disk,�� Ilvere, who acted as his guide on this mission, said.


    ��A whole week?�� Zac grimaced. ��What if I just jump?��


    ��I knew you would say that,�� Ilvereughed. ��I tried it once, it��s quite an experience. It will take just over half a day that way. A series of lights will alert you when you��re getting close to the bottom. Thending is hard, so you better be prepared to deal with it somehow.��


    ��No problem,�� Zac smiled. Honestly, even if he smacked right into a floor of solid rock he��d be mostly fine. ��Are youing as well?��


    ��I��ll stay up here,�� Ilvere said with a shake of his head. ��I wouldn��t mind another leap, but getting back up is a bit boring. Besides, I need to make sure no one tries to trap you down there or sneaks back into the mines now that they��ve been evacuated.��


    ��Good,�� Zac nodded and jumped down.


    In an instant, Ilvere��s form at the edge of the chute turned into a speck, and a minuteter Zac found himself in what looked like a tube that stretched to eternity in both directions. If not for the repeating runes that reinforced the tunnel and the asional glimmering crystal shing by, he wouldn��t even have been able to see that he was moving.


    At first, the experience was pretty exhrating, but it soon grew a bit tedious, so Zac simply closed his eyes and started to meditate. He hadn��t gained any new insights from taking out the Ghost King, but this odd energy of the Ensolus Continent was quite interesting. It was a novel contrast to the surprisingly stable Twilight Energy, and almost a case study in what not to do when trying to fuse the elements of life and death.


    On the surface, it should have been perfect; energies of life and death, locked in a perennial struggle. It was a lot like he envisioned his Path and how he should create his Cultivator��s Core. Life and death shing, with everything controlled by conflict. And the swirling mix of life and death was certainly in constant upheaval on the Ensolus Continent, but not in a good way.


    There was no bnce at all. The energy on the continent wasn��t homogenous, and pockets of life and death would constantly form while the other element was pushed away. But soon enough, that would change again, in an unstable and unpredictable swirl. Certainly, it was chaotic in a way that slightly resonated with the Dao of Chaos, but having this kind of environment in his Cultivator��s Core would be disastrous.


    He could picture it; sooner orter, tremors simr to the ones that afflicted this world would appear in his Core until it broke apart. Just what was it that prevented this energy from fusing into a more stable Chaos Energy, or at least some subordinate version of it? His memory of the Chaos Pattern had long grown indistinct, but he could still remember that its energy was one whole and extremely stable in its unpredictability.


    He needed to recapture that feeling. Minor Chaos was the best solution he coulde up with when forming his Cultivation Core, to create something akin to the Motes of Chaos but rather based on his three Daos. With such a core, he should be able to cultivate using either Cosmic Energy, Divine Energy, or Miasma. It would be the first step in fusing his two sides as well, a second bridge to join the [Quantum Gate].


    But the situation on the Ensolus Continent and the clear delineation in the Twilight Harbor made him wonder if the Daos of Life and Death could even withstand such a concept. Were they impossible to fuse before elevating them to Creation and Oblivion? If so, what did it mean for his core, which required both?


    Should he give up on this idea entirely, and instead aim to create something unattuned and solely based on his Branch of the War Axe? It would certainly be easier, but from what he��d gathered, one��s core needed to resonate with all one��s Daos, not just one. There were no easy answers, unfortunately, and it wasn��t like there was a wealth of information on Edgewalkers, at least not in the Frontier.


    A series of shes in his surroundings made him put the matter aside and open his eyes. It looked like he had been meditating for half a day already, and the bottom of the chute was closing in on him �C looking like a fiery eye of a dragon. ording to Ilvere, there should be arge cave with a research base waiting for him below, but as he exited the chute, he was rather greeted by a roiling sea of magma.


    Zac hurriedly activated [Earthstrider] and took a few steps in the air to exhaust his momentum before mming into the molten rock. Scorching heat immediately assaulted him from every direction, but also thick streams of both life and death.


    It was a mix of pain and pleasure as his body greedily swallowed the energies, but he still activated one of his heat-averting talismans to lessen the pressure on his body. Visibility was essentially zero, but he could get an idea of the surroundings by spreading out his Dao Field. It looked like the tremors had destroyed the protective arrays and breached the cave, filling it with magma.


    Thankfully, this ce had been abandoned for months due to this exact risk, meaning none of his scientists had been burned alive in this ce. After all, most E-grade warriors only had a fraction of his Vitality and Endurance, and they��d get incinerated in minutes.


    It quickly became obvious that the floor of the cave had been burst apart, so Zac simply pushed deeper into the magma, getting some serious d��j�� vu from his time in the Twilight Ocean volcano. Hopefully, things wouldn��t get quite as explosive this time around.


    The hours passed as Zac descended deeper and deeper into the mantle, but even he was quickly finding the environment unbearable. Eventually, he stopped and activated another me-retardant barrier, giving himself some breathing room. Only then did he take out the engraved box holding the twinned spirits and opened the lid.


    ��I can��t go any further than this,�� Zac said as he looked down at the spiraled crystal. ��Can you take things from here?��


    He had no idea if these things could actually think or understand his words, but he had started talking with them long ago every time he took them out, hoping to rouse their spirituality as they were fading away. Besides, he had sensed that weak hint of fear from Earth��s spirit, so these things might really have some sort of sapience.


    The two spirits didn��t answer, but the crystal started to hum and vibrate, its previously flickering lights fast gaining strength. Suddenly a crack echoed out as two powerful pulses of energy shot through the barrier like a spiritual drill, heading straight toward the core of the. In an instant, the pulse had left Zac��s scanning range.


    ��Not so much as a thank you,�� Zac muttered as he looked at the fragmented crystal in his box, but he was inwardly relieved.


    It turned out those crystals weren��t the actual Spirits, but only something to temporarily house them. Judging by the speed of the spirits, they should reach the World Core within a couple of hours. That meant the clock had started ticking, and he urgently swam back toward the chute. He had no idea how this would react upon the World Core being seized by the foreign realm spirits.


    Would there be a struggle? Some massive outburst of energy? No matter what, the magmatic mantle couldn��t possibly be a safe ce to stay at a time like this.


    Zac spared no expense, activating one talisman after another as he plowed through the magma, and he managed to return almost twice as quickly as he had descended. He immediately jumped into the chute and took out a floating tform that started to lift him through the chute. The speed wasn��t impressive, but it gave him the footing he needed to take out something better.


    A rocket.


    It was quite an odd-looking flying treasurepared to the other ones he��d found in the dozens of rings he had snatched, a sleek emerald crystal needle that was just five meters long and barely wide enough to squeeze into its solepartment.


    It had no defensive arrays, extremely high energy consumption, and it was quite ufortable to ride, but it had one undeniable advantage �C speed. It was probably used either as an escape pod or for some sort of hobby. Zac crammed inside and shot off, the momentum almost giving him whish as the floating tform beneath him crumbled.


    The walls of the chute turned to a blur as the needle ship pierced the air resistance and almost space itself, on the return back to the surface. However, after just an hour, Zac felt an ominous rumble, a rumble that soon turned into something much worse �C a massive earthquake. It was like the whole was screaming in pain, and Zac was currently right in its mouth.


    He felt a wetness in his ears, and even his bones and organs groaned in protest as the shakes grew increasingly intense. Even the energy in the air was going out of control, and small cracks started to appear on his vessel from the vibrations. The arrays on the walls of the chute lit up to resist the shakes, but how could some manmade runes resist a having a seizure?


    Cracks rapidly spread across the walls, and Zac��s eyes grew pitch-ck in preparation for what would certainlye next. As expected, the small stones soon started to rain down the chute, and these stones were soon reced byrge boulders. With the immense speed of the needle, he was almost there, but he got a sinking feeling as new cracks appeared on his vessel every time it reduced a boulder to ash by piercing it.


    Finally, the transformation finished, and three pygmy skeletons appeared outside the flying treasure. Unfortunately, it was toote, and the vessel broke apart just as a sturdy shield appeared above. Still, the shield protected him from having a boulder m into him, and he urgently took out another flying treasure.


    However, a burst of superheated air interrupted his ns, and even his durable Draugr skin was scalded as he was flung thousands of meters in the air in an instant, pushing him and the falling rocks straight up in the air far quicker than any flying treasure could aplish. His surroundings became a confusing blur, with only the three skeletons a fixture in a deafening storm of rocks and smoke.


    And magma.


    ��Oh SHI-�� Zac wailed, but he didn��t get toplete the sentence before the torrent of magma mmed into him like a bulldozer from behind, ripping his defensive skill apart and drowning him in molten rocks imbued with a momentum that no E-grade cultivator could ever hope to generate.


    One talisman after another was expended as Zac desperately held on, but just as he ran out, he felt a wisp of fresh and non-scorching air. A momentter he felt himself lurch, and when the magma around him parted, he was shocked to find himself at the top of a massive pir ofva reaching over ten thousand meters into the air.


    Simr scenes could be spotted in every direction, and the mountain atop the Ensolus Mine had already been sted apart, along with the fortune it contained. Soon enough, Zac found himself falling, and he turned back into his human form after some hesitation. If the energy was agitated before, it was rioting now, and he didn��t dare activate [Abyssal Phase] in this kind of environment.


    Instead, he utilized the same technique as before, taking a couple of steps in the air before mming into the edge of a newly-formedvake that had reced much of the Ensolus mines. Blobs of molten rock were falling all around him, and he deftly swerved back and forth, asionally cutting a boulder in two as he ran away from the copsed mountain.


    In the distance, he actually saw a barely familiar figure wave him over with two swirling boulders in the air blocking any magma from falling on him.


    ��There you are,�� a soot-covered Ilvere panted after Zac had rushed over, a wry smile appearing on his face. ��I had really forgotten how�� extravagantly�� you dealt with things.��


    ��Well, that��s me,�� Zac said before coughing out some ashy smoke. ��Are you okay?��


    ��That was a bastard of an earthquake,�� Ilvere grunted. ��But it seems things won��t get any worse at least. Hopefully, theva will cool down in a couple of days and we can start looking into what��s salvageable.��


    ��Do you have any method to contact Fort Atwood, to see if they��re okay?�� Zac asked.


    Ilvere quickly took out a thick stack of papers, and he breathed out in relief when all of them were intact.


    ��Life effigies collected from people stationed in every outpost,�� the demon exined when Zac looked at the stack with confusion. ��Since all of them are intact, our settlements should either have been unaffected by the earthquake, or their shields held off anyva that hade their way.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Good,�� Zac sighed in relief.


    ��Was�� it a sess?�� Ilvere hesitantly asked, and Zac honestly didn��t know as he looked at the apocalyptic surroundings.


    The magma pir had copsed into a fountain that ��only�� reached a few hundred meters in the air. But ash still blotted out the sky while thevake was slowly submerging the broken shards of the Ensolus Mine.


    ��I�� think so?��

 Chapter 844: Three Options

    Chapter 844: Three Options


    Ilvere looked at the soot-covered Zac before turning to the still-sputteringke filled withva so hot and rife with chaotic energies that it created odd apparitions reaching for hundreds of meters into the air.


    ��Well, if you say it��s fixed, I��ll believe you,�� the demon coughed. ��The past weeks, we haven��t had more than eight hours between tremors. We should have a preliminary result by the time we��ve returned.��


    ��Right,�� Zac nodded before taking out a cleansing array, sting himself and his guide with a storm of scraping winds and water that quickly turned pitch-ck before it was flung away. ��Let��s go.��


    The two flew away a momentter, using another flying treasure that looked a bit like a spaceship you could see on artwork in the early 20th century. It was sleek and silvery with small fins, though there was no rocket at the end. Instead, there was a viewing deck, since its flight was powered by arrays rather than propulsion.


    The reason Zac picked that one was because it had strong shields and an air filtration system, both of which came quite in handy withyers of ash covering the whole area in a dark haze, and the asional rock still falling from the sky.


    Their departure was just in time as well as a second eruption suddenly rocked the area twenty minutester, its fiery plume of magma visible even through the shroud. Both Zac and Ilvere looked at the scene from the windows with wide-eyed horror, and Zac urgently took out dozens of defensive talismans from his Spatial Ring, activating them just in time before a massive shockwave sted the area clean of ash and sent the vessel thousands of meters off-course.


    The second eruption was even worse than the first, and by the time it abated, a new mountain had appeared out of nowhere and reced the one that had just been sted apart. Simr scenes were ying out in every direction, with the Ensolus Continent pretty much getting a second randomization following the integration, though this one was one wrought from fire and brimstone rather than the System��s spatial maniptions.


    Forests were turned to ash as magmatic tsunamis swallowed them whole, and Zac shuddered as he heard the wails from the wildlife within, inwardly saying a prayer of thanks that the weird beasts on the continent were terrifyingly aggressive and quite literally insane from the chaotic energy. Meanwhile, new towering peaks shot through the ground, perhapsing all the way from the core of the itself.


    Furthermore, the series of earthquakes and volcano eruptions had kicked up unprecedented storms across the continent as well, forcing Zac and Ilvere to push the vessel to the limit to avoid getting dragged into supersized tornadoes that contained such ferocity they��d easily rip apart any pre-integration civilization it encountered.


    But with the bad, also came some good.


    ��The energy, it��s so dense,�� Ilvere muttered as he looked through the windows, and Zac had to agree.


    These eruptions did not only spew out magma, but also incredible amounts of energy that probably had been locked deep in the��s core. Currently, the density of attuned energies was more than twice what it was before �C and that was far in the sky. If they went closer to the faultlines that now crisscrossed the Ensolus Continent, the energy would be even greater.


    It made Zac wonder if the had been upgraded to Middle D-grade just by infusing the twinned spirits. Unfortunately, after the apocalyptic upheavals started abating twelve hourster, Zac felt the ambient energy gradually recede as well, but he still believed it would stop at a higher densitypared to before.


    Ultimately, Zac wasn��t too interested in the energy levels of Ensolus. He was more interested in any potential changes the twinned Realm Spirits could bring to the unstable mix of life and death. So he let Ilvere maintain the wheel as he tried to sense any changes, to see if there would be any gradual transition from chaos to order in the air. This kind of opportunity was rare, and he hoped it would help him gain some ideas for the future.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Ah, it��s gone!�� Ilvere suddenly eximed, waking Zac from his meditation.


    Zac looked around as [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand, but the scene outside was not much differentpared to before. The hurricanes had started to peter out when the shakes abated, and now it was just a bit stormy outside, making Zac a bit confused about what the demon was talking about. ��What? What��s gone?��


    ��The quest!�� the demon exined.


    Zac immediately opened his screen. In contrast to Ilvere, Zac still had the incursion quest, but its reward hadpletely changed.


    [The Ensolus War (Incursion): Subjugate the native factions of the Ensolus World. Reward: Choose one of three rewards. (0/2)]


    Rewards:


    [Option 1: Upgrade Earth to High D-grade Energy and Low D-grade Mass, Downgrade Ensolus to a Peak E-grade Energy and Mass World (redeemable within 1 year)]


    [Option 2: Fuse Earth and Ensolus to a Middle D-grade Energy and Mass world (redeemable within 1 month)]


    [Option 3: Choose approximate Assimtion Location for Atwood Empire (redeemable within 85 years)]


    ��You can��t see the options any longer?�� Zac asked.


    ��No,�� Ilvere said as he looked at Zac curiously. ��But you can?��


    Zac nodded, and he shared the screen after some thought.


    ��Upgrade, fuse, and choose a location,�� Ilvere muttered. ��I wonder why they have different deadlines.��


    ��Perhaps it would be hard to fuse thes after the Realm Spirits hadpletely fused with the World Core,�� Zac suggested. ��So, what do you think?��


    ��Honestly?�� Ilvere slowly said. ��I��d pick the third, I believe?��


    ��Oh? Rather than upgrading Earth?�� Zac asked with some surprise. ��Getting a High D-grade world by downgrading a low D-grade world is a pretty good deal. Then again, Ensolus might surpass low D-grade on its own now after things stabilize.��


    ��Well, I don��t know the specifics of the Assimtion; n Azh��Rezak never expected to get that far. But I know how much the location of a world matters. Thes at the edges of the horde back home are always ravaged by the Tal-dar. With a massive waring up, you can ce us far away from the carnage, allowing us to avoid the brunt of it,�� Ilvere said. ��You can even wait over 80 years and choose based on the current state of the war.��


    Zac nodded and indicated for the demon to keep going, interested in what the veteran had to say.


    ��Increasing the disparity between our world and Ensolus would make sure a subjugated force does not overpower us, but it doesn��t seem to be in line with your ns. Neither does fusings,�� Ilvere slowly said.


    ��Pushing Earth to High D-gradepared to Early D-grade is big, though,�� Zac muttered. ��It will exponentially increase the number of Hegemons Earth will be able to raise.��


    It was true. In an early D-grade world, the peak factions would generally have one or two Hegemons, most of them at the early stage. One or two cultivators on the might be able to push to Middle D-grade by hoarding resources. In contrast, on a High D-grade World, even Peak Hegemons could appear with the right resources and heritage. Furthermore, therger factions would be able to raise scores of weaker Hegemons.


    Certainly, with Earth remaining at low D-grade Mass, the wouldn��t have enough space for too many peak figures. The higher you climbed, the bigger a support system you needed. If he had been a normal cultivator who relied on his n for resources, he might have needed to gobble up the resources of half the for a shot at Peak Hegemony.


    ��That��s true. Long-term, it would be huge,�� the demon agreed. ��But will it matter for the war toe? An upgraded��s effects will only make themselves known after generations have passed, where each sessive generation is born slightly more talented than the one before. This generation��s Hegemons will be born at the battlefield, not in some secluded cultivation chamber.��


    ��Unless a System-based world upgrade brings the kind of opportunities that the integration did,�� Zac countered.


    ��Yes, but I think I would have heard of something like that,�� Ilvere hesitated. ��But it doesn��t hurt to ask the floating eyeball or the smarter ones.��


    ��That��s what I��m thinking as well,�� Zac nodded. ��We��ll discuss this with the others when we return. For now, keep these options to yourself.��


    ��No need for the natives to know this,�� Ilvere agreed. ��You��ve held up your part of the bargain. Now it��s time for them to hold up theirs.��


    As the days passed on their return journey, the absoluteck of tremors following the initial massive outburst all but confirmed that this world was really healing. However, the unstable state of the Ensolus Continent��s ambient energy remained the same, making Zac wonder just what the realm spirits changed. Perhaps it would take longer for a more substantive transformation to take effect.


    Soon enough, they saw Fort Atwood far in the distance, its grand defensive arrays still running on full power. The surroundings were quite devastated, but both Zac and Ilvere breathed out in relief upon seeing that the fort itself was absolutely fine. However, as they flew closer and closer, the demon started to get a constipated look, like he wanted to say something.


    ��What is it?�� Zac eventually asked with a raised brow.


    ��It��s about Janos,�� the demon hesitated, and Zac immediately understood what the demon wanted. ��I know you have a lot on your te, so I hate to ask�� but����


    ��You should have more free time now that the war is ending,�� Zac said after some thought. ��Draw whatever resources you need from the coffers to buy karma-finding arrays or whatever can help locate missing people, and take some talented scouts to make a proper sweep. If you can find any indication of where Janos ended up, I will do my best to help you save him. Unfortunately, I don��t have the time to scour the whole ce myself right now.��


    This was the least he could do for the Illusionist who had fought valiantly for Port Atwood many times over. Normally Zac would have gone himself, but with the war looming over everyone��s head, he felt there were a million things he had to deal with before it was toote. He couldn��t spend months scouring the temple ruins that spanned an area asrge as a small country, an area that was riddled with weird arrays and natural formations that were extremely time-consuming to break through.


    ��Of course,�� Ilvere hurriedly nodded, a wide smile spreading on his face. ��This is more than enough. I will set out as soon as the situation has stabilized.��


    Soon enough, they were right in front of the powerful barriers, and Zac could see that the two armies were camped out on therge courtyard, no doubt having been let in when the situation turned chaotic. His vessel had obviously been spotted some time ago as well, and the delegates along with the leaders of Port Atwood were already waiting at the center of the courtyard.


    Thousands of eyes were peeled at him as he had ilvere set down the sooty vessel before he emerged from within, the burns that had covered his face thankfully long gone already.


    ��Lord Atwood, you really did it, you healed this broken world. Let me be the one to thank you first,�� the ghost king Aouvi said with a deep bow. ��We feared the worst when nature ran amok.��


    ��I appreciate your people showing providing sanctuary,�� the demon chieftain added with a nod after throwing a loathing nce at the spectral warrior.


    ��It��s nothing,�� Zac nodded, ignoring the friction. ��Have you heard anything from your continents?��


    ��The energies have been turbulent, but we finally managed to get word back yesterday. There was some unrest, but nothingpared to what we saw outside your shields. Just some mild shakes, followed by a clear increase in energy,�� Ra��Klid said with excitement before a cough from the old warrior behind him made him somber up. ��We hear the quest is gone?��


    ��The global quest was transformed into a private one after I used my own resources to stabilize this world,�� Zac exined, though he didn��t divulge the options. ��However, there is one thing that remains.��


    From there Zac pointedly nced at the Incursion pir in the distance, which was still showering the fort with its light.


    ��Ah, yes, of course. Of course,�� Aouvi said. ��As ranking Lord of the Kingdom of Raun, I hereby surrender to the Atwood Empire, so that we may join under their banner.��


    A momentter, arge suddenly parchment shed into being in front of the ghost, and both he and Carva put their hands on it after some hesitation. It was a System contact that officially turned the Kingdom of Raun into a subordinate force of Zac��s faction. That meant all system-based functions, including the automatic taxation, came under his control. It also meant that most acts of treason would turn into System-based events, which meant Zac and his subordinates would get a quest to quell uprisings.


    The process was simple, but it was only possible thanks to multiple requirements being met. The first was power, where the Atwood Empire had to be ranked higher than the Kingdom of Raun through whatever measurements the System used. Secondly, there had to be a consensus in a surrender, where all the top-ranking members stamped the parchment. If there were a bunch of D-grade Ghost Kings hiding somewhere, it wouldn��t have worked, since Aouvi and Carva wouldn��t have been able to speak for their faction.


    ��The Mavai will always honor their word. Strength and honor, Warchief Atwood,�� Ra��Klid said and repeated the process with three out of the five councilors he had brought. Apparently, the other two weren��t Lords in the eyes of the System, since the process finished without a hitch.


    The next moment, the incursion pir started growing until it seemingly reached deep into space. The whole sky was drenched in emerald and grey for a moment as a familiar surge of energy filled Zac��s body, a sensation he hadn��t felt in some time now. A momentter, the incursion pir spread out to cover the whole sky before slowly fading away.


    Curiously, Zac opened his Title-screen while the others observed the spectacle, and his heart thumped with delight when he saw two new entries awaited him.


    [Bloodied Baron: Be a Baron through subjugation. Reward: All attributes +5%.]


    [Connate Conqueror: Conquer a while in E-grade. Reward: All attributes +5%.]


    ��You kept your word about fixing this world. I hope you will continue to lead by example, raising our people to new heights,�� the young warchief said as the radiance in the sky faded.


    ��The road we have ahead of us is long with many unknowns, but I will do my best to pave a path for our people,�� Zac nodded as he closed his title screen, before imbuing his voice so that the observing armies could also hear what he said next.


    ��I am not really one for speeches, but let me just say that I��m happy to wee you all into the Atwood Empire. I don��t n on treating you any better or worse than the citizens of Earth. Those who perform well and bring something to the table will get ess to opportunities and resources that are hard to match in the whole Sector. Those who just coast by will be ignored and left to fend for themselves,�� Zac said, his voice echoing through the courtyard. ��And those who act against our interests will be dealt with strictly and severely.��


    At that point, a burst of dense killing intent was unleashed, showering the whole courtyard for a moment. However, just as soon as it was unleashed it was gone again, but Zac hoped it would leave a mark in the hearts of these elite warriors.


    ��Now that you��re citizens of my faction, you will gain initial ess to the Atwood Empire Contribution Store, and in the future our Dao Repositories. Don��t look down at what they contain just because we��re a newly formed faction. Due to some lucky encounters of mine, we have manuals that can match those of the big Empires in the Zecia sector,�� Zac continued. ��Using them canpletely transform one��s fate, elevating you from a talented warrior to a powerhouse with the qualifications to leave their mark on history.��


    ��Is that how warchief became so powerful?�� Ra��Klid interjected with glimmering eyes, his voice also loud for the benefit of the spectators.


    ��Well, part of it. ess to resources can help improve your foundation, but most of my poweres from risking my life over and over, finding my path at the edge of death,�� Zac said, getting approving nods from the older demons.


    ��In either case, I am not a hands-on leader �C I am focused on the path cultivation and strengthening myself, and I urge you to do the same for the foreseeable future,�� Zac added. ��We can start ying politics when we��ve won the uing war.��


    ��It��s as you say, Lord Emperor,�� Aouvi nodded. ��With this healed and war being over, we shall immediately begin shoring up our foundations. Your�� encounter�� with King Eomid proved that our strength is truly hollow, something we quickly must remedy.��


    ��From what I��ve heard, this continent isn��tcking for beasts,�� Zac smiled before ncing at Vri, who nodded in confirmation. ��Some bloodshed will sharpen you up. My people will soon start posting missions to tame thisnd. So those who want to contribute to the empire can start earning contribution and valuable resources as soon as they��ve received their token.��


    The next moment, a group of soldiers came walking out from the barracks, each of them holding chests full of information crystals. This moment had been carefully nned for, and soon enough all the leaders and a good chunk of the soldiers were fervently scanning the contents.


    ��What is this!�� Ra��Klid almost roared, his eyes as wide as saucers as he scanned the information crystal. ��Rich�� you��re rich!��

 Chapter 845: Baron of Conquest

    Chapter 845: Baron of Conquest


    The Mavai Warchief��s eyes were so passionate when looking at the Information Crystal that Zac wondered if he needed to take it away before the demon tried to do something untoward to it. Then again, Ra��Klid wasn��t the only one, with the natives being locked in ce with expressions ranging from incredulity to fervent desire.


    The contents of the crystals were actually quite simple. The first part contained an introduction to the Atwood Empire, some basic rules, and an exnation of how contribution worked. The second part was simply a massive list of cultivation resources, a short description of each, and their respective cost in contribution points �C essentially a simpler version of the store in the Orom World.


    ��Most of these resources are the lowest-tier items in our stockpile, items that are immediately avable for purchase in return for Atwood Empire Contribution Points,�� Zac said, his voice directed not only at Ra��Klid, but all the elites present. ��We have far more valuable treasures as well, but you need to rank up to gain ess to those. But as you can see, we have left some special treasures for those who rack up points quickly. Oh, and I��ll be adding a whole load of new resources soon enough. I have collected a lot of good things during my travels.��


    ��Ensolus never had any native citizens, and many things remain unknown and uncharted to us, especially after the upheavals�� Vri added with a smile. ��To quickly set the foundations for this and get your civilizations used to the ways of the Atwood Empire, we have added some incentives. Both the factions and the individuals who contribute the most over the next few years will see rich rewards far beyond what is listed in this missive.��


    ��Does that include ess to the high-grade cultivation methods and skills you mentioned?�� The shaman ventured, his golden eyes almost burning with desire.


    ��No,�� Vri said with a shake of her head, surprising Zac a bit. ��The Atwood Empire is fully focused on nurturing talents that can rise to the peak of the Zecia sector. The top performers will not be awarded the chance to purchase these methods �C the methods will be directly provided, along with treasures worth multiple D-grade Nexus Coins. You have all helped erect the Merit Exchange over the past few days, and you can already collect your citizenship tokens there. Remember, even gaining levels and Dao breakthroughs will award contribution points in the Atwood Empire, so work hard on your cultivation.��


    The ghosts and demons nced at each other, clearly deliberating whether they should wait for the orders of their superiors or make a run for it. As for the leaders themselves, they simply gave a few hurried pledges of loyalty before shing away, leaving their warriors in the dust in their hurry to get the contribution tokens.


    A few secondster, four disorderly queues had formed where the elite warriors of the Ensolus World impatiently waited to get their hands on the tokens that would give them ess to the vast fortunes of the Atwood Empire. Only a few shamefaced delegates of each side remained, but even they quickly excused themselves when Zac said that today��s events were over.


    The representatives of the Mavai Tribes and the Kingdom of Raun probably knew this was all a scheme to have thempete against each other, thus lessening the risk of them joining hands against their new rulers. But what did that understanding matter in the face of unique treasures that could speed up their cultivation and improve their foundations?


    It felt a bit odd to end such a momentous asion like this, but Zac didn��t mind. The more the elites got used to the Merit Exchange, the more integrated and dependent they would get. So he looked on at the spectacle for a minute, before he turned to Vri.


    ��Come with me,�� he said as he turned toward the fort, and the two walked away while the others dealt with the exchange.


    With his part essentially dealt with, he once more turned his attention to his titles. Normal increases to attributes had long since reached a level of diminishing returns, but any free boost to his attributes was obviously wee. And seeing as the two titles gave increased attributes rather than t, they would be a boost for the rest of his life. With this, he was just one or two titles away from an increase by 100% in every single attribute, something which had to warrant some sort of boon. Perhaps even a high-grade title.


    Unfortunately, seeing the new titles was also proof of how easily elite factions could boost the strength of some of their scions. It was no wonder Catheya had been given an incursion when she was just seventeen. It was not just to provide the Origin Energy, but also to get her a couple of titles. Considering how good these things were at the E-grade, Zac bet Catheya had even better titles to her name.


    And while the System generally had its rules that titles had to be earned, Zac was sure that peak factions could easily bend them. It shouldn��t be too hard for someone like Iz Tayn to have her nobility pushed well beyond Barony, gaining any follow-up titles that came with it.


    That made him think of something else, and he looked over at the mentalist with curiosity. ��Did you get any titles as well?��


    ��I got three, apart from my private quest as an Incursion General,�� Vri nodded. ����Connate Conqueror��, ary Invader��, and a title for having reached 25 Titles while in E-grade.��


    ��You already have 25 titles?�� Zac eximed with surprise, realizing that two of Vris��s new titles were alternate versions of the ones he got in F-grade.


    ��I managed to get the Apex Hunter title here on Ensolus,�� Vri smiled. ��I found a Beast king with extraordinarily weak mental defenses. That alone provided two titles. With the titles for forming, fusing, and creating skills, I have gotten a total of 9 titles on Ensolus. Unfortunately, many of them are the diminished versions of the ones you can gain in F-grade.��


    ��Still, amazing work,�� Zac nodded before opening his status screen as well, where things were mostly the same.


    Except for one interesting change �C his alignment.


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Almost everything in the line had changed. The mention of Earth had turned into Zecia, and Port Atwood had turned into Atwood Empire. Finally,ary Lord had changed into Baron of Conquest, which was the biggest surprise. There were different kinds of Barons?


    Zac would have to get a missive on the subject from Calrin, but the biggest takeaway had to be that the System had officially epted the Atwood Empire as a real thing. He already suspected as much after the quest rewards for the incursion, but with this it was official. Once more, he turned to his general topare, and Vri simply shared her screen.


    As expected, it looked just like his, except for Vri having the title of a Subordinate Lord, which was somewhat of a surprise to Zac.


    ��As I mentioned, I had a private quest to finish the incursion,�� Vri exined. ��One of the rewards was lordships, the other one is dependent on grade and will be received when I get to a Nexus Node.��


    ��Can you see your mark?�� Zac asked with some curiosity, remembering just how amazing the rewards from those kinds of quests could be.


    ��B-grade, which is better than I expected considering how things ended,�� Vri said.


    ��Not bad,�� Zac nodded. ��The System probably takes into ount how quickly you routed all the other invaders. Hopefully, it��ll help you set the foundation for Hegemony.��


    ��It might be a while,�� Vri smiled. ��Even if the soul strengthening method I got from Master is quite suited for me, I expect it will take at least a decade unless I encounter some opportunity.��


    ��Have you undergone the inheritance trial in the E-grade yet?�� Zac asked.


    ��No,�� Vri said. ��I haven��t been able to leave Ensolus since the Incursion started. If I returned to Earth, the Incursion would immediately end, since the general leaving would count as forfeiture.��


    ��Oh yeah,�� Zac said. ��I��m heading back now. Are you joining me?��


    ��There is no hurry,�� Vri said. ��I will stay until the delegates and their armies returned. Tonight, we��re having a banquet, and after that I expect them to leave.��


    ��A banquet,�� Zac frowned, a bit reluctant to squeeze that into his schedule.


    ��Yes, but it��s best if you do note,�� Vri said, but she quickly continued when she saw Zac��s eyes widen. ��It��s not that we do not want you here! With your identities, it will be tooplicated. For such a festival, why would Zachary Atwood appear but Arcaz ck not make an appearance? Or the opposite?��


    Zac grimaced, understanding the issue. It was fine for his real name to be exposed to the wider world, but he was still leery about letting his dual races be made public knowledge. It was one thing if some Autarch far away in the Empire Hearnds learned of him being an Edgewalker, but the risk of it having negative ramifications was far greater in a remote ce like Zecia.


    ��For now, the less you appear in public, the better. If you be too approachable, people will eventually start asking questions, like why you��re never seen together,�� Vri exined.


    ��Yeah, I don��t think it would look very convincing if I kept going to the bathroom to swap races,�� Zac said with a wry smile.


    ��Thankfully, you have always been focused on cultivation, rarely appearing in public. It has helped curtail the spread of rumors immensely,�� Vri smiled. ��If possible, perhaps you can find some sort of cloning technique that will at least allow you to make some joint appearances? Until then, we��ll simply say you��re busy cultivating or putting out fires elsewhere.��


    ��I��ll look into it,�� Zac nodded.


    A minuteter, they reached the secluded courtyard in the middle of the fort. The incursion pir was gone, but the Nexus Hub remained. Eventually, the hub would be moved to some heavily guarded structure that would act as the off-world Teleportation Station of Ensolus, but for now, it was still for private use only. Just as he was about to teleport away, Zac stopped and turned to Vri who looked back at him curiously.


    ��You have done great work here on Ensolus,�� Zac said. ��Honestly, knowing you were the one in charge of the incursion saved me from going mad with worry, and allowed me to focus on breaking out. I��m really proud of you.��


    A radiant smile bloomed on Vri��s face. ��Thank you. It means a lot.��


    A momentter, Zacappeared at the Nexus Hub by Azh��Rodum, which was now surrounded by heavy fortifications. However, he was surprised to find over a hundred soldiers standing guard, with multiple nasty arrays humming with power. However, when they saw it was him who had appeared, the soldiers immediately rxed.


    ��I��m sorry Lord Atwood,�� the captain said, and it turned out to be Harvath, the demon soldier who had partaken in his first excursion to the underworld. ��The pir suddenly disappeared, so we set up a perimeter just in case, even if we heard you had returned.��


    ��All is fine. Ensolus is conquered, and there shouldn��t be any more wars over there in the short run,�� Zac nodded as he turned toward the closest teleportation array.


    ��Ah, my Lord,�� the demon coughed. ��I happen to have found myself looking for a change in scenery����


    ��Speak with Ilvere on the subject,�� Zac smiled. ��There will be arge number of job openingsing up over the next weeks. There are a lot of resources in that world that need to be extracted and refined. For now, I have to deal with a few other matters.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Of course, of course,�� the demon hurriedly said as he stepped to the side. ��I am sorry for holding you up.��


    ��That��s fine. It��s good to see you again,�� Zac nodded before shing away.


    A momentter he stepped out from the teleporter in hispound, and he immediately set course for Port Atwood. He could have teleported to the city��s teleportation terminal instead, but it felt like a hassle. This way, he got to visit Port Atwood without drawing any attention. However, Zac couldn��t believe his bad luck when his desire for anonymity backfired on him.


    ��Still noting to pay your respects?�� a sudden snort echoed through his private forest as thousands of radiant lights almost blinded him.��Nothing can escape the gaze of the great sage.��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac groaned as he changed course. ��I��ming, ease up with the sters.��


    Thankfully, the blinding lights that contained their telltaleck of any sort of Dao abated as Zac made his way to the Dao Repository. A few minutester, Zac inwardly groaned when he saw that not only had Bra��s private garden more than doubled in size, but it had also gained an outer wall, a smallke, and a bunch of songbirds that definitely weren��t native to Earth.


    ��Enter, mortal,�� a grand voice echoed through the garden, and Zac sighed as he shed over to the gates that swung open infuriatingly slowly.


    ��It��s good to see you again, Bra,�� Zac said as he donned a strained smile when he finally managed to squeeze into the Towers of Myriad Dao. ��You look quite dashing, as always.��


    The Tool Spirit looked the same, in the sense that he looked gaudy and pampered. This time, he used had the sage-like persona, it looked like, with golden robes and a golden fan.


    ��And you look slightly less wretched,�� Bra snorted.


    ��All thanks to your teachings,�� Zac nodded, deciding he might as well deal with things while he was here. ��On that topic, I wasing to see you after dealing with a quick errand. I wanted to see if I can undergo the second inheritance trial?��


    ��You mortals, always in a hurry,�� Bra snorted, but he did close his eyes seemingly in thought.


    Yrial had told him to wait ten years, which hadn��t quite passed yet. However, Zac since then added both energy gathering and soul-nurturing arrays to the Towers of Myriad Dao, so he hoped his teacher had recovered a bit faster.


    A momentter, Bra opened his eyes again. ��It is ready, but I will need to gather energy for a few days to start it up. Of course, an offering ofmiserate value and beauty is also required.��


    ��An offering, huh?�� Zac sighed as he scanned his spatial ring.


    Eventually, he took out a series of statues depicting powerful warriors full of authority. He had found them in one of the Spatial Rings he pilfered in the Void, and Zac guessed they might have been gate-guarding statues for some upstart Twilight Harbor n. They had quite a few arrays inside, but more importantly, their design screamed of excess.


    Each statue was around four meters tall and simply covered in gems, arrays, and intricate talismans hanging from their clothes and fingers. If slotted with a Nexus Crystal, they even emitted a mysterious smoke.


    ��I picked these valiant guardians up at great personal expense,�� Zac sighed. ��I was nning to use them as central ornaments outside my government building, but I guess they are better suited to adorn and protect your gardens instead.��


    Obviously, that was a lie. He would die of shame if he ced something as overly extravagant as these things outside his offices.


    ��I guess this will suffice as an initial offering,�� Bra snorted. ��But don��t think the great sage is so easily bought off.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded, though he was inwardly rolling his eyes. ��I��m sorry, I know I just arrived, but I need to prepare for the inheritance trial.��


    ��Alright then, off you go,�� Bra sniffed as he nced at the six statues. ��Remember to bring a better offering when undergoing the trial. Otherwise I might be led to believe your obeisance isn��t sincere.��


    Thankfully, Adran had people visit Bra almost daily to butter him up while Zac was gone, saving Zac from being held hostage by a lonely Tool Spirit. Soon enough he was back on track, making his way toward the inner gate in the distance. By now, the inner wall leading to hispound had been moved three times, and it took him almost ten minutes to reach the closest gate.


    It wasn��t all because of Bra��s gathering arrays though. As warriors became stronger and their means more varied, the leaders of Port Atwood had decided to add moreyers of security to hispound. Now, there was a no-mansnd between bra��s gardens and the inner wall withyers andyers of defensive and illusion barriers, almost turning his private forest and beachhead into a separate dimension. From the outside, one would only be able to see forests and the Towers of Myriad Dao, thetter at Bra��s insistence.


    Zac passed through the gate, nodding at two extremely startled guards before donning the presence-hiding cloak he got from Catheya. There were no structures immediately on the other side of the wall either, except for the asional guardhouse. However, the area wasn��t empty like the other side.


    Instead, there was a band of beautiful gardens, squares, fountains, and small rivers running for almost a kilometer meters along the wall. It was not only a leisure walk for the citizens of Port Atwood, even if Zac saw many families and couples stroll through the idyllic surroundings. Beneath the ground were carefully constructed defensive measures that could add anotheryer of defenses in case hispound was under attack. The environment was also carefully designed to not block out too much vision, and reaching the wall unnoticed was essentially impossible.


    Beyond the band, there was a row of beautiful mansions, not one structure identical to the others. Port Atwood had be a bit like the Base Town in make-up, in the sense that it had be a symbol of status to live close to the inner park and hispound. Some of the Valkyries, Demons, and other core members of Port Atwood had secured residences there.


    It wasn��t only about status though. The environment was unmatched, as were the energy density in this area was unparalleled, except for some spots up on the mountain. And with all the defensive measures hidden below-ground, it was also exceedingly safe, giving the owners peace of mind while they were off-world fighting.


    Beyond the inner district, the towering skyscrapers reached toward the sky, their number having increased more than tenfold now that the Nexus Vein beneath could support far more cultivators. It was hard to believe that Earth had been met with an extinction event just ten years ago, where almost 90% of humanity died.


    Zac had never seen a city as prosperous as Port Atwood before the integration. Back when the expansion of Port Atwood had started in earnest, Zac had simply said he wanted to avoid a sterile city. The city nners were more than adhering to the wishes he hadid out �C they had far surpassed his imagination.


    There were gardens, parks, and public cultivation grounds everywhere, bringing lushness and breathing room to the city. some massive tforms had even been erected between skyscrapers, and Zac saw them holding lush greenery as well, along with hanging gardens, artificialkes, and wide streets that were generally paved with well-tended grass. It was a mix of srpunk and magic, and Zac could barely look away.


    With its careful nning and vast resources avable to be spent on public resources, Port Atwood was fast growing into a proper capital that could hold its head high even whenpared to established factions in the Zecia sector.

 Chapter 846: Unordinary Luck

    Chapter 846: Unordinary Luck


    There were a few people that Zac needed to talk with now that he was back from Ensolus, but he only hesitated for a second before making his way toward themercial district. For years, he had been holding onto his fortune, wondering exactly what it was worth. Not only that, but there were thousands of items in his rings that he couldn��t identify, and the curiosity had kept him up some nights in the Orom World.


    Finally, he was back, and any further governance could wait now that he had dealt with Ensolus. He wanted to get his treasure trove identified and appraised.


    Still, Zac wasn��t in a hurry, so he leisurely walked down the streets, enjoying the fresh air and the sights. A lot of people were wandering about, yet it didn��t feel cramped at all with no vehicles plugging up the street. With spatial tools, there was no need for any trucks to move items. And with the citizens of Port Atwood mostly being talented cultivators and their families, people could move faster by simply walking than taking a car.


    There were, however, a few people riding on mounts, and Zac was a bit surprised to see spot a grizzled man ride on an armored Barghest that was evenrger than the six-legged Alpha he killed way back when. Luckily, it didn��t emit any of the bestial bloodthirst the Barghest were known for, and there was even a hint of intelligence in its eyes. It looked like the Tal-dar had imparted some of their skills over the past years.


    Over an hour passed as Zac got reacquainted with his town, his identity hidden within his hood. With its powerful inscriptions, Zac could essentially walk right next to people without them noticing, allowing him to catch glimpses of the daily lives of his citizens. But eventually, he reached his destination, and he passed through the opulent gates to the Thayer Consortia Compound.


    The store, whose size had increased over tenfold since hisst visit, didn��t contain the slightest hint of its wretched state of ten years ago. Back then, some of the dpidated buildings didn��t even have roofs, but now there were more than a dozen grand structures in what had essentially turned into a district unto itself.


    Apart from multiple department-store-sized buildings, there were also huge training yards where customers could test out items, and Zac smiled as he saw a bunch of kids ying around. They were probably pre-cultivating students of the academy, and one of them was arduously swinging around a real steel sword while the othersughed at his clumsy performance.


    Still, there was something about the youngster��s determined expression that resonated with him, and something about those seemingly clumsy swings he appreciated. So Zac took off his hood and shed over, appearing in front of the kids and a startled attendant in an instant whose eyes turned to saucers when she recognized who he was.


    ��Not bad,�� Zac smiled as a Spirit Tool shortsword appeared in his hands, its inscribed de gleaming with sharpness before he ced it back in its scabbard. ��It could be considered fate we met today. This de might be better suited for you though. Remember; path, skill, technique, and Dao. It is all connected.��


    The young boy looked part-afraid by Zac��s sudden appearance and part-confused over his words. Even then, his hand stretched out to grab the scabbard, a glint of hunger in his eyes. Zac nodded, and a momentter he was gone, having used [Earthstrider] to head into a slightly less conspicuous building on the back �C a structure solely for managing the fast-growing Thayer Consortia.


    Two receptionists were going over some documents in the lobby, but they shot to their feet when Zac suddenly appeared out of nowhere. A momentter, he was led to an enormous office on the top floor where the attendants bowed and took their leave. Inside were both Calrin, who had gotten slightly plumper since Zac saw himst, along with Vikram, whose aura had be a lot more refined.


    The young genius Zac was wearing a pair of sses that Zac could tell were some sort of Spirit Tool, as were the ledger in his hands. Working at the top of a License-holding business must have been extremely conducive to his Mercantile ss, and it looked like he had perfectly adapted his old skillset to the new environment.


    ��Young master,�� the little Sky Gnome said with glee as Zac entered the offices. ��When I heard the young Lord Atwood had returned safe and sound, I cried three days and two nights straight from relief, while the Thayer Children danced and sang praises to the Heavens, who truly-��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac snorted before the merchant started parading those puppy-eyed gnomelings in front of him again. ��What��s going on?��


    ��He��s hoping for you to deal with his problems again,�� Vikram shrugged.


    ��You!�� Calrin eximed as he gave Vikram a death stare. ��Cretinous wretch! For years you have harassed me-��


    ��Stopped you from embezzling funds.��


    ��Harassed me,�� the Sky Gnome repeated. ��Clipped my wings, stopping us from reaching our full potential-��


    ��Bankruptcy,�� Vikram interjected once again.


    ����And yet I imparted my knowledge of business unto you,�� Calrin huffed.


    ��Tried to scam me,�� Vikram sighed.


    ��And this is the thanks I get?��


    ��What problems? What have you done?�� Zac asked, happy to hear his outside hire was performing splendidly in curtailing the seemingly inherent shiftiness among the gnomes.


    ��I assure you, I have furthered your interest faithfully,�� Calrin said with eyes glimmering of fake sincerity fraught with suffering. ��But as you must have heard by now, the uing war has caused chaos in the mercantile sector. Our Thayer Consortia is finding itself hard-pressed to turn a profit, at least not with the rules you set before leaving.��


    Zac slowly understood what Calrin was getting at. After the situation on earth had stabilized, Zac had set some ground rules for his budding business empire. At that time, he was yet not a majority shareholder, but he was still the Lord of Earth. Seeing how he was essentially setting up a monopoly on the market, apart from the limited businesses run by the Marshall n, Calrin had pretty much unlimited power.


    If he wanted, the Sky Gnome could essentially have set any prices he wanted for items not carried in the General Stores, siphoning the riches of the whole. With Smaug gone and Zac having dominated the wealthdder, there was no one else holding Mercantile Licenses at the moment. Not even the Marshalls had managed to get their hands on one, and they still weren��t even close ording to the missives.


    Zac wasn��t surprised. If it was so easy to get one, then the Tsarun n wouldn��t have needed to target the Thayer Consortia. You needed to be a true talent in business and aplish rare feats to even get the quest chains started. From there, you needed to get at least an A-grade evaluation to get a Temporary License. To make it permanent, even more trials and tribtions waited.


    So since his business essentially was without anypetition, Zac had set up some hard limits on pricing to bnce profit and allowing Earth��s warriors to keep progressing. But even then, how could the gnome have run into trouble in a couple of years with his massive cash infusion?


    ��Even if prices have gone up, shouldn��t we be doing fine?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, we are still turning a profit, but not nearly as much as we should,�� Calrin grimaced. ��We are also finding it harder and harder to fill the purchase orders of your subordinates. Our old enemies have taken the opportunity to strike back at us now that the situation has turned unstable.��


    ��And you expanded to aggressively in a changing market,�� Vikram added. ��Getting us even more enemies.��


    ��Hush, you,�� Calrin waved. ��Without some aggression, we would just get boxed in.��


    ��What enemies?�� Zac asked. ��Is it rted to Tsarun?��


    ��Partly,�� Calrin said. ��Tworge businesses are working against us, locking us out from most of the supply lines, affecting both our ability to import and export. On top of that, there are some smaller ventures like our own consortia who are trying to seize our markets now that we��re being pressured. Part of the issues unsurprisingly originates with the Tsarun n, while the otherrge corporation is targeting us due to our�� ahem�� array-improving business.��


    Zac inwardly groaned, realizing the chicken hade home to roost from Kenzie��s extortionist business.


    ��I don��t understand how twopanies can cause us so much trouble,�� Zac frowned. ��Why can��t you just trade through that license of yours?��


    ��All intra-sector trade through a Mercantile License is under the purview of the Zecia Mercantile Guild, which is controlled by thergest mercantile organizations and ns,�� Vikram exined. ��The System is uninterested in the details, so it pawns off that responsibility to the ones who have the qualifications and are willing to pay the fees.��


    ��Their licenses are far more advanced than the basic ones we use,�� Calrin added with envy written all over his face. ��With them, they can control a lot of things. They can even ban certain products and impose tariffs. Currently, there are nine ns at the top, and two of them are actively working against us.��


    ��Who?�� Zac asked with a frown.


    ��The Starlode Ventures, who have close rtionships with the Tsarun n. A lot of the Tsarun-n��s business is going through them, and they are suspected to even trade with the Undead Empire and unorthodox cultivators,�� Calrin said. ��The Second is the Draol Munitions, who have a close alliance with many of the Inscriptionists your sister, ah, consulted. Thetter is especially troublesome now since they are one of the two biggest suppliers of expendable wartime items such as talismans, arrays, and offensive and defensive treasures.��


    Zac somewhat knew of the two ventures, but not much more than that. He knew Draol Munitions had a store at the heart of the Base Town, but it was kind of exclusive like the Zethaya Pill House. As for Starlode Ventures, Zac had visited more than one of their auction houses across Zecia when procuring items for his sister and Jeeves.


    ��What about the other seven?�� Zac frowned. ��Will the others just look the other way when they harass smaller ventures?��


    ��Crushing the smallerpetition by abusing their superior licenses ismon practice, I��m sure all of them are doing it to one poor sap or another,�� Calrin shrugged. ��Why would the others intercede on our behalf? Even if they were so inclined, they aren��t interested in rocking the boat now that the sector is about to be plunged into chaos. Everyone is scrambling to make money while our shelves are half-empty and we��re taking a loss on much of what remains.��


    ��Still, even if they can cut you off from some resources, they can��tpletely iste us, right?�� Zac asked with confusion. ��Shouldn��t we be making a lot of money on exports even if we can��t import the items we want?��


    ��What exports?�� Calrin snorted. ��This is just a single miniature that��s mostly wilderness. How can our production amount to anything in the grand scheme of things? More importantly, we barely have any craftsmen, and it��s the refined items that are truly in demand right now. Talismans, equipment, arrays. Things you earthlings want me to procure without providing anything I can sell in return.��


    ��Well, there��s not much we can do about the craftsmen, except to keep providing our talents with resources to gain experience,�� Zac shrugged. ��So what do you want from me?��


    Hispany being pushed into a corner by some big businesses was a somewhat thorny issue, but not something would lose sleep over. He��d help if he could, but he wouldn��t break his back to increase the profit margins of the Thayer Consortia. After all, he had already gathered more resources than he could possibly need for the next century.


    ��Well, you have the unique ability to travel the sector,�� the Sky Gnome said with a crafty grin. ��If we can buy resources directly from the source, we can directly circumvent those bastards.��


    ��You want me to be a porter for you?�� Zacughed. ��I don��t have time for that. But you know, I think I can do you one better if you��recking resources.��


    ��What��s this? More items lifted from your enemies?�� Calrin asked curiously as Zac threw over a couple of his Spatial Rings. ��Not to worry, we��ll deal with any eventual diffi�� culties����


    Calrin��s greedy gleam quickly transformed into a hollow stare, and his small hands started to shake as they grasped the Spatial Ring.


    ��What�� This���� the gnome sputtered, prompting Vikram to look over with curiosity. The young industrialist picked up another one of the rings to scan its contents, and he instantly lost the staid expression he��d maintained since Zac��s arrival.


    ��Like you said, just some items I lifted from my enemies,�� Zac smiled.


    Altogether, Zac had looted far more spatial treasures than the few he threw over �C hundreds of them. However, most of them weren��t too impressive since they were lifted from the E-grade adventurers in the Twilight Ocean. All that mediocre loot barely filled one of his bulk item-rings, with the resting from bulk purchases in the Orom World and Twilight Harbor, along with the Hegemon-owned rings he looted in the Void.


    ��This not good,�� Calrin eventually said as he closed his eyes and leaned back into his chair. ��Not good at all.��


    ��What?�� Zac frowned. ��These items weren��t even looted in the Zecia sector. It can��t be too difficult to pawn them off. And if the problem is volume, I have dozens of these rings.��


    ��Please stop,�� Calrin groaned as his shoulders drooped. ��I can��t take it.��


    ��What��s the matter with you?�� Zac said with a raised brow. ��Since when were you allergic to treasure?��


    ��You��re going to give me a Heart Demon,�� the gnome choked, and there were actually tears forming in the corner of his eyes. ��I work myself ragged day after day, going over quotes and reports until I see numbers dancing across the walls. But I barely manage to make a few D-grade Nexus Coins in profit while you return with treasures worth millions.��


    ��Well, so sorry about that,�� Zac said, his voiceden with sarcasm.


    ��I should have be a warrior. A brute,�� Calrin muttered, not listening to Zac any longer. ��No need to worry about projections, no need to keep constant watch over my thieving employees. Just swing my axe and drown in wealth.��


    ��It��s not like these thingse easy. I shouldn��t even be alive,�� Zac snorted. ��You know where I got these things? A Divine Monarch fought with an Autarch, and the shockwaves ripped the capital of a C-grade force to shreds. Trillions died, probably. I picked these things of the bodies of Hegemons who had been killed by errant sts, narrowly avoiding getting sted myself.��


    ��Ah?�� Calrin said, his eyes zing over. ��Hegemons ripped to shreds?��


    ��Then I got captured by a monstrous beast that ate Monarchs like candy,�� Zac added.


    ��That��s���� Calrin said as he nced at the rings again. ��Perhaps, the slowly and steady path is the best, after all.��


    ��Perhaps you��re right,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��And going from thatched roofs to annual revenue counted in D-grade coins can��t possibly be considered bad.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��That��s right,�� Calrin puffed his chest. ��Even with the winds blowing against us, good ol�� Calrin is bringing in the profits. So this loot, what do you want to do with it?��


    ��I have already made a preliminary sweep and put aside the best things,�� Zac said. ��For the rest, same as usual. The good stuff goes to the contribution store, the decent to the shops, and the trash can be pawned off elsewhere. Hopefully, you can make some alliances with all those things, get yourself out of your current predicament. Oh, but keep any strategic war resources aside until we know what we��ll be dealing with down the road. And if you find something interesting in the rings, put it aside as well. I might have missed some good things.��


    ��Certainly,�� Calrin said.


    ��I��ll keep the thievery to a minimum, but I only have so many eyes,�� Vikram sighed.


    ��You! Evil thing!�� Calrin spat.


    ��On another topic,�� Zac said, ignoring the two who almost seemed like an old married couple. ��I need thetest information on the Void Gate and Salosar.��


    Void Gate was the key to getting his hands on the Ferric Worldeater for his quest to upgrade the Shipyard, and Salosar was the closest ce he had ess to thanks topleting the System��s training regimen in the research base. It could be considered a border town that was either neutral or a subsidiary to the Void Gate.


    It was a mercantile hub that provided the reclusive faction with cultivation resources, while the gate used Salosar to pawn off some materials that only appeared inside their domain.


    ��No need,�� Calrin said. ��I already have it.��


    ��Oh?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��I��ve been keeping some tabs on them since you asked me all those years ago,�� Calrin said. ��And with the recent changes, I��ve been updating my reports weekly.��


    ��Changes? What��s going on�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Apparently, they are having problems with some sort of beast tide?�� Calrin hesitated. ��And they have sent out calls for assistance.��


    Zac��s brows rose in surprise over this unexpected turn. He had wondered whether he would need to expose his identity to gain ess to the Void Star where the Ferric Worldeaters could be found, something which would bring some real risks with a powerful faction like the Void Gate. But just as he was wondering what to do, a solution had presented itself.


    He had to admit �C being blessed by unordinary Luck was quite convenient.

 Chapter 847: Call to Arms

    Chapter 847: Call to Arms


    ��The information about the nature of the beast tide iscking, but the situation has to be grave,�� the Sky Gnome exined. ��It��s the first time in recent memory they allow outsiders into their domain.��


    ��Most of those who have entered have failed to return,�� Vikram added. ��Casualties at the battlefronts are reported to be extremely high.��


    ��And people are people still going?�� Zac asked dubiously.


    ��Absolutely. The Void Gate is filthy rich, and their rewards are great. The shortsighted warriors are just doing it for the wealth, while the better-informed wandering cultivators see this as a final opportunity to temper themselves before the war breaks out,�� the Sky Gnome exined. ��After all, no matter how harsh a beast tide is, it cannotpare to the cruelties of war.��


    ��Anything new on the Ferric Worldeaters?�� Zac asked.


    ��I��m afraid not. The only description the Void Gate has provided is that some of the beasts are intangible and that some of the fighting will take ce in space, but specialized equipment will be provided,�� Calrin said as he handed over a couple of information crystals.


    ��Intangible? Ghosts?�� Zac muttered with confusion.


    ��Not necessarily. There are all kinds of energy-based life-forms out there,�� Calrin shrugged. ��But I haven��t been able to find out anymore. I suspect those who join the missions are bound by contracts,�� Calrin sighed. ��Either that or the information houses are leery of angering the Void Priestess. But you might find out more if you head over.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��Do you know of any way for me to masquerade as an Early Hegemon? Or at least a Half-Step D-grade Cultivator?��


    ��It sounds like you need an Aura Modtor,�� Vikram offered.


    ��A what?�� Zac asked.


    ��He��s right, for once,�� Calrin reluctantly agreed. ��I��m guessing you��re already as strong as a Hegemon, but your aura is clearly that of a peak elite E-grade cultivator? If so, you need a modtor.��


    ��What does it do?��


    ��It cannot change the strength of your Aura, but it can change the way it appears and continuously infuse it with your energy. Therefore, only elites can use it,�� the gnome exined. ��As long as you have the attributes, a good modtor will allow you to appear as a Hegemon, though it will gradually drain you of Cosmic Energy while your aura is on disy.��


    ��They��re not very useful for most people. Few can use them, and the ones who do, have no reason for doing so,�� Vikram added.


    Zac nodded in agreement. It generally wasn��t very useful to appear as a weak Hegemonpared to an E-grade Heaven��s Chosen. Even if thetter was a grade lower, they��d receive better treatment almost anywhere. Normally, Zac would rather hide his aura if he wanted to go incognito, but he feared that wouldn��t be possible this time if he wanted to sneak inside as a mercenary.


    ��Try to get me one of those things, the higher quality the better,�� Zac said.


    ��No problem,�� Calrin smiled. ��While most things are hard to acquire right now, niche items like these are still collecting dust in various auction houses. You should be able toe and collect one in a week or so.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac nodded as he took out the rest of his spatial treasures. ��Then I��ll leave the rings with you. To be clear, I was stuck in a miniature world for five years, which was more than enough time to memorize all the items. So no funny business.��


    ��Don��t listen to this screeching little monkey,�� Calrin said as he waved at Vikram with annoyance. ��The Thayer Consortia always act above-board.��


    ��If you say so,�� Zac snorted before leaving the Sky Gnome toplete the tally.


    Zac donned his presence-hiding cowl again as he walked out from Thayer Consortia, his thoughts already having shifted from his treasures to the Void Gate. The more he thought about it, the more suspicious it seemed. How could a faction like the Void Gate find themselves pressed by a beast tide? With the Void Priestess and the Void Monastery secluded at the heart of the Gate, it should be one of the safest ces in the Zecia Sector.


    Was there a conspiracy at y? Did the Void Gate have some specific purpose in luring wandering cultivators to their side? Or was it rted to the war? Zac shook his head, knowing he wouldn��t get any closer to an answer from here. He would simply have to head over to Salosar and check things out himself. If it seemed safe, he��d enter under a pseudonym, using that modtor thing to pretend to be a powerful Half-Step cultivator. That should provide him ess to the inner sections of the Void Gate without standing out.


    If things seemed too sketchy, he��d risk it and send word to Leyara.


    Having made his choice, Zac continued down the road toward the main government building, intending to visit Abby next to confirm some details about the Assimtion and operations. However, he suddenly stopped upon spotting a familiar building just ahead.


    It was a three-story pub that looked almost exactly the same as before. The only difference was that the surrounding houses had been removed, reced by a small park where some tables were set. There weren��t too many guests considering it was just lunchtime, but there were a couple of groups having a beer under the shade of the trees.


    Zac hesitated a few seconds, but he ultimately chose to enter, keeping his cowl on. Thankfully, there was only a single couple sitting indoors, and they were too engrossed with each other to notice any other guests. So Zac simply sat down at his usual spot, taking off his hood.


    ��Hey, no spells in the bar, I��ve told you peop-�� Ryan muttered as he looked up from a ledger, but he froze with shock when he recognized Zac��s face. ��It��s you!��


    ��I thought your ce would be bigger by now,�� Zac smiled.


    ��I, ah,�� Ryan stuttered a few seconds before he found his wits. ��Well, I thought about it, but I eventually gave up on the idea. I like this small and cozy atmosphere. Running a business empire sounds like a pain in the ass.��


    ��Won��t it affect your cultivation?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��I have kind of shifted,�� Ryan shrugged. ��I focus more on the brewing than the barkeeping nowadays. As long as I manage to brew better and better attribute-enhancing mead or liquor, I will keep progressing.��


    ��Let me see the results of your hard work then,�� Zacughed, suddenly in the mood for some native brews after being locked in the Orom World for years.


    Ryan nodded, and he hesitated a bit before taking up a miniature barrel that couldn��t contain more than a couple of pints. It had a golden stopper, and the barkeep gingerly poured what looked a lot like an amber ale into a ss.


    ��Here you go, one ss of ��Hatchetman��s Delight��,�� Ryan coughed, looking a bit embarrassed.


    ��That��s its name?�� Zac grimaced, no longer sure if he wanted it.


    Still, it emitted a tantalizing aroma, prompting Zac to take a reluctant swig.


    It felt like cutting mes were trickling down his throat, unleashing a congration in his belly the moment it had been swallowed. Even Zac with his Vitality passing 13,000 felt a bit tipsy, and the feeling refused topletely go away even after circting his Cosmic Energy. Meanwhile, Zac felt full of power, and his veins pulsated as though he had taken a berserking treasure.


    ��What the hell,�� Zac wheezed. ��There are people in Port Atwood who can drink this and not keel over?��


    ��Well, no,�� Ryan said as he scratched his head with a wry smile. ��You would be the first one to taste it and remain conscious. So, how did it taste? Did you get any boosts?��


    Zac shot the barkeep a re before taking a look at his status screen.


    ��I got a boost of 350 raw Strength and 200 raw Vitality,�� Zac said after forcing his drifting mind to focus for a second. ��That��s pretty impressive for a concoction. Are there any side effects, except the intoxication? Can it be stacked with other methods?��


    ��It��s liquid courage, so to speak, so it should be stackable with berserking treasures and skill,�� Ryan said. ��But the strain on your body would increase. As for side effects, I haven��t observed anything except a splitting headache when the test sub- eh, customers, wake up. With your constitution, it should be fine though.��


    ��Alright, can I put in an order for a couple of casks? And if you can do something simr with field rations or dried meat, I want that as well,�� Zac said. ��A few thousand kilos would suffice.��


    ��Thousand? Kilos?�� Ryan blurted. ��Are you nning on providing rations to the army?��


    ��Something like that,�� Zac smiled. ��Can it be done?��


    In reality, the rations were all for himself. With [Adamance of Eoz] constantly running, he was always a bit hungry, in contrast to most E-grade cultivators who barely needed to eat by the time they reached the peak of the grade. After a harsh battle, he would almost keel over if he didn��t eat something quickly. If he could get some food made by actual professionals like Ryan, he hopefully wouldn��t need to eat as much and as often.


    ��I mainly focus on drinks nowadays, but I do have a few recipes and a meat-searing skill,�� Ryan said. ��But I know a good chef who has a simr focus as I. We can team up for this order.��


    ��Even better,�� Zac smiled. ��Only High or Peak E-grade meat, if possible, and dishes you can eat on the go with one hand. I��ll get you whatever you need.��


    ��No problem,�� Ryan nodded. ��It will take a few days with those kinds of quantities. In return, could you do me a favor?��


    ��Sure,�� Zac nodded. ��If it��s within my power.��


    ��It should be,�� Ryan said with a hushed volume. ��It��s about Lily.��


    ��Who?�� Zac asked,pletely nking out on the name.


    ��The pet shop owner I introduced you to. The one you recruited to the Academy,�� Ryan sighed. ��I think something is wrong with her.��


    ��Wrong how?�� Zac frowned, finally remembering who he was talking about. It was the young girl he had headhunted for Alyn to turn into a beastmaster with the long-term goal of taking control of the Ayn Hive. ��She didn��t die or have a mental break, right?��


    ��No, but something has been�� off about her the past few months,�� Ryan whispered. ��I can��t pinpoint it, but her eyes sometimes make my hair stand on end. She mentioned some sort of insects long ago�� I think something went wrong in her cultivation, almost like she��s possessed?��


    ��I��ll look into it,�� Zac nodded. ��There��s an extremely skilled Mentalist in my army, though she��s off-world. As soon as she returns to Earth, we��ll see if there��s something wrong with Lily.��


    Zac wasn��t an expert on the subject, but even he knew there were dangers rted to forming links with beasts. For example, if the beast became too powerful, it could break the mental fetters and attack its trainer. Was it perhaps possible the controller and controlled could swap ces? Zac realized they might have overestimated themselves when trying to control a being like a Hivequeen.


    It was literally an entity that controlled thousands of minions with their powerful mind. Even if the Hivequeen was just an infant that hadn��t even gained sentience when Zac left for Twilight Harbor, it sounded like something had changed during his time in the Orom World. If so, it could pose a big threat to Port Atwood as long as he or the other elites weren��t around to deal with it.


    The prospect of Lily having be a puppet weighed on both his and Ryan��s conscience, and the conversation grew a bit stilted after that. Soon enough, Zac stood up and excused himself, once more heading for the government building. But he didn��t even have time to take ten steps before stopping because he received a slight mental nudge.


    ��It��s always something,�� Zac muttered, but his eyes were full of excitement rather than annoyance. Any thoughts of meeting up with Abby were already gone as he shed away, going so far as to activate [Earthstrider] as he passed through Port Atwood like a blur.


    He didn��t even bother entering hispound through a gate, simply opting to jump straight over the inner wall, passing through the killing arrays thanks to his uniquemand token. Just a few momentster, he stood in the courtyard of his own manor, where Triv already stood waiting.


    ��I��m sorry to have disturbed you, I figured young master would want to know,�� the butler said.


    ��Of course, thank you,�� Zac nodded as he walked into the death-attuned zone of his courtyard.


    The nudge in his mind earlier hade from Triv using the mentalmunication skill of the butler ss. Triv had simply informed him that powerful fluctuations wereing from within his courtyard, and it didn��t take a genius to figure out what was going on �C Alea was finally ready toe out from her cocoon.


    His heart beat like a drum as he entered the illusion array, almost immediatelying face-to-face with therge obelisk he had ced there almost two weeks ago by now. It was much smallerpared to before, having shrunk to just a thinyer covering the coffin. And the coffin was clearly in the final phase of its evolution as it released powerful deathly pulses that shocked Zac with their purity.


    Was it because of that odd egg Alea had swallowed just as she entered the void?


    A quiet crackling broke the silence that otherwise covered his courtyard as shavings gradually fell from the crystal. Cracks were spreading as well until the obeliskpletely shattered from a massive eruption of pure death and a cold cutting force that even managed to leave some bleeding gashes on Zac��s arms.


    Left behind was a coffin that was both familiar and foreign at once. It still had the same general appearance as before �C a ck coffin with numerous engravings and chains holding it together. However, its edges were no longer smooth, instead reced by extremely detailed carvings that seemed to be both ornamental and not. They didn��t make up any fractals or arrays, or any other type of legible script Zac could recognize.


    But they actually contained a hint of Oblivion.


    The closest thing that Zac had ever seen was right in his own body; the patterns on his right shoulder �C the ones that had been formed after Oblivion reformed [Cyclic Strike] three times over. The carvings on [Love��s Bond] were still quite indistinct though, and Zac probably wouldn��t have realized their origin if he wasn��t marked the same way himself.


    The second difference was that the arrays on the lid had changed. The circr array on the top remained, though it now looked a bit like a porthole. Swirling darkness could be seen within the array, like he was looking at a gateway to the abyss. Meanwhile, the wreath-like arrays were gone, reced by one vertical line stretching from the circle all the way to the bottom, along with three horizontal lines cutting through it on the lower half.


    As for the chains, they were now pitch-ck and matte, except for the endless number of patterns that covered the links. It was the runes that had appeared after being marked in the Twilight Chasm, but they had been refined, their meaning deepened. Zac even felt they contained a lot of truths at the level of his own Dao branches.


    ��How do I look?�� a familiar voice echoed from behind, and Zac��s heart almost threatened to jump out of his mouth as he spun around.


    It was her �C in the flesh.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 848: In the Flesh

    Chapter 848: In the Flesh


    There she stood, as beautiful as he remembered. That alluring smile, those intoxicating curves, those limpid eyes that seemed to both invite you in and warn you off �C toxic perfection. Alea was so lifelike, and one memory after another was dragged from the depths of his mind. But the next moment she shifted, her horns disappearing as her silk robes were reced by the hardy linens that would hold up in the fields.


    His most trusted subordinate had be a hazy simile of Uyn, her features not nearly as detailed. One face after another a familiar figure appeared before him. Friends, lovers, even enemies. The Atwood siblings, full of mindboggling luck andyers of secrets. His stern but doting grandfather. It was a real walk through memoryne.


    ��I really need to get out of here,�� Ogras eventually sighed, and with a wave of his hand, the illusion disappeared. ��Or I��ll soon go mad.��


    ��How would you know if you haven��t?�� a voice snickered in his head. ��I��ve seen it so many times before. That hazy state where perception starts to shift, where old truths be muddied and new ones take their ce. Where the discrepancy between one��s inner and outer world slowly drives a wedge in your personality, splitting it into two ipletes.��


    ��Are you done?�� Ogras asked with a roll of his eyes.


    ��If conjuring past friends and lovers to apany you with the help of your new Dao Branch isn��t crazy, then what about the lost hours?�� K��Rav gleefully asked.


    ��It��ll sort itself out,�� Ogras shrugged with disinterest as he walked over to the tree. ��They are getting spaced out further and further apart, meaning they will be gone soon enough.��


    Ogras said that, but he, unfortunately, wasn��t as confident as he let on. After spending a mind-bending year in the depths of that icy domain, he knew his grasp of reality had slipped a bit. Who could possibly be fine after having their memories wiped almost a hundred times?


    Even more troubling was that the gaps in his memory kept appearing even after absorbing that weird treasure, but this time without any helpful notes hastily scribbled down. He thought he had refined all of the icy crystal to form his Branch of False Truths, his illusory Dao Branch based on his vision in the Tower of Eternity and spending so much time living at the edge between falsehoods and truths.


    ��If you say so,�� K��Rav snickered, his presence thankfully returning into the g.


    Ogras once more swore at the fact the g couldn��t be ced in a spatial tool, what with the technically-living souls inside. Then again, he wasn��t sure he��d dare ce it inside one in either case, out of fear the shifty warlock would find some way to take his g and run. So he could only endure the goblin��s attempts to foster Heart Demons, or at least annoy him to death.


    Thankfully, life wasn��t all bad, and he looked up with anticipation at the fruit whose color was rapidly growing deeper. An enticing aroma was already spreading through the area, and desirous calls could be heard in every direction. However, not one of the beasts dared toe closer as the treasure matured, the rotting carcasses strewn across the area a poignant reminder of what would happen if they did.


    This was the fifth one, and most likely thest. Ogras didn��t mind, seeing as he had almost gained immunity to them by now. In other words, it was about time to move on from this forest. Though where, he didn��t quite know. He had found the Ra��Lashar Kingdom by chance when following his guts, and from there had passed through one biome after another, each one a realm fragment the Dimensional Seed had swallowed.


    The Mystic Realm was a lot bigger than Ogras had expected, but he was finally running out of ces to visit. To the south of the forest was the edge of the realm; a weak film that could move thousands of meters in an instant, throwing any poor bastard who had strayed too far into the void. To the west was the cier and the other regions he had already visited, and to the east were the bands. That left north, where the simple giant presumably still yed court.


    The question was whether he should enter the bands, risking running into swarms of those battle-crazed bipods. He had encountered dozens of strays, or perhaps scouts, over the past years, and they had kept getting stronger just as he had. Their bloodlines were clearly out of the norm, which was extremely odd considering how many of them there seemed to be.


    Normally, when individual beasts were this powerful, there wouldn��t be too many of them, what with thew of bnce, and all.


    Thankfully, most of them seemed reluctant to leave the bands, which Ogras estimated taking up nearly a third of the Mystic Realm, and Ogras wasn��t sure poking that nest was worth it. He had seen those voracious bastards chew straight through both Spiritual Ice and hardened rocks like it was nothing.


    With years having passed by now, there couldn��t possibly be much of value remaining in the bands, unless it were some sort of treasure they weren��t interested in. That thought alone made Ogras grimace. It wasn��t the thought of losing out on treasures, though that certainly pained him as well.


    Gods, it had already been ten years. A whole decade stuck in thishersted realm.


    A snap dragged him out of his thoughts, and Ogras quickly snatched the fruit as it fell from its branch, immediately swallowing it before it had time to begin its rapid decay.


    ��Time to work, you bastards,�� Ogras muttered as he infused some energy into the [Shadewar g], and dozens of guardian ghosts appeared around him as Ogras sat down and closed his eyes.


    Minutes turned to hours, and hours turned to days as Ogras gradually channeled the seemingly inexhaustible energies contained in the fruit into the node in his head, all while channeling his Cultivation Manual. Finally, he felt a pop, followed by a zing headache that almost made him keel over.


    A few of the ghosts immediately stirred, but a couple of quick jabs instilled with the Branch of the Grey World ended the insurrection as quickly as it began. Ogras had the technique to control the ghosts, but would take decades, centuries perhaps, to perfectly brand all the captives in the inner world of his unorthodox Spirit Tool.


    Of course, having a resentful ghost as a Tool Spirit didn��t help. Luckily, it was mostly fine as long as there were some enemies around to turn their aggression toward, and it was only when forced to stand around like this they started to get antsy.


    Having opened seven nodes in just under two months was huge, and it had put him right at the precipice of Peak E-grade. Just two more levels and he��d be there. A nce at his status screen confirmed what he had been hoping for as well; thetest level had pushed his Dexterity past 10,000, which really had rewarded him with a title as he��d hoped.


    [Specialist: Reach 10,000 points in a single attribute before evolving to D-Grade. Reward: Dexterity +5%.]


    Having wheedled information out of Zac for years, Ogras already knew he��d gotten a title for pushing one of his attributes 1,000 while still in F-grade. Thankfully, a version of the same title appeared in the E-grade as well, though no doubt watered-down. Then again, he had nothing toin about.


    Before he left for Earth, he couldn��t have imagined reaching his current heights in just over a decade. Two Dao Branches, a mutated race that was conducive to his path, a unique Body-Tempering Technique that had almost increased his, admittedly unimpressive, attribute efficiency by half. And that was only the things you��d see on a status screen.


    Apart from that, there was the simple fact of having formed a working path while still in the E-grade, having his affinities boosted by a considerable degree thanks to this unparalleled environment. Who knew that a baby Mystic Realm was this amazing, probably surpassing the cultivation environment even of the peak factions in Zecia? He just needed to find a recement for the [Grey World Mudra], and he was golden.


    He had been quite proud of the manual back home, as his grandpa had gone through some trouble to acquire it. But back then both his vantage and ambitions were a lot more restrainedpared to today, and he feared it wouldn��t be good enough to form the kind of core he wanted.


    Such was the curse of having an unimpressive start �C every step forward would be uphill until you managed to right the ship.


    ��Well, betterte than never,�� Ogras smiled as he turned toward the tree.


    If it was back home, the elders would have covered the tree in a series of arrays to speed up its recuperation process. That way, it��d provide its next batch of fruits much quicker. Here, there was no need for that. Having absconded with most of the wealth in this realm already, Ogras had no ns of ever returning.


    So why respect thew of conservation in this ce? What was it to him if some bastard in the future didn��t find anything worthwhile when visiting this forest?


    His spear appeared in his hand, and Ogras punched a deep hole with a simple jab that just reached the heart of the trunk. A momentter, an amber sap started to pour out from the wound, the stickypound veritably teeming with energy. Ogras wasn��t too sure he��d be able to use this goop on himself, but it should fetch a pretty penny on the outside considering how energy-dense it was.


    Another hour passed as Ogras siphoned out the lifeblood of the tree while it withered with a speed visible to the naked eye. However, a deep thud made him look around with rm, but he quickly realized it wasn��t some big beasting to stake a im on the tree. The sound rather came from the sky �C where space itself had been indented.


    It almost looked like a window with a spiderweb of cracks, but those cracks were rapidly mending. The next moment, a second thud echoed through the world to worsen the spatial damage again, but there wasn��t a third. Five minutester, the sky hadpletely recovered, but Ogras�� gaze didn��t turn away as he thoughtfully took a swig of his almost depleted stock of liquor.


    Was it finally time?


    Finally, his eyes shifted away from the sky before turning to the east. Onest hurrah before it was time to say goodbye?


    ������������


    It really was her.


    However, Zac soon realized it was not literally Alea in the flesh, considering the demoness was partly translucent as she stood behind him with her familiar smile. Her appearance was also a lot more like therge avatar of [Death��s Embrace] than her old self, with the reddish tint of Torrid Demons having been reced by pristine white with ck scale-like markings.


    It was a bit like Ogras�� odd transformation, but the aura waspletely different. While Ogras�� constitution felt indistinct like he was made out of shadows, the patterns on Alea��s skin rather contained the whispers of death. Her horns were quite different as well, almost looking like crescent des with the outer side of them sharpened into an actual edge.


    But the most palpable transformation were her eyes, who looked more like the eyes of a Draugr than those of a demon, though she did have a sclera with a slight turquoise tint. It was just that her pupils were much bigger than before, making her eyes almost look entirely ck. But even with all the changes, it really was her.


    ��You��re finally back,�� Zac said with a hoarse voice, his heart assaulted by a wave ofplex emotions.


    ��Well, in a sense,�� Alea smiled as she nced at the coffin next to Zac. ��Did you miss me?��


    Even if her appearance was different, the smile was the same. For a moment, Zac was teleported back to the earliest days of the Incursion, just after he had dealt with Rydel and the Azh��Rezak incursion. Back then, there had been no Port Atwood, only Zac and his camper with the asional visits from Alea or Ogras.


    The situation had been pretty desperate back then, but it had also been simple. He had spent most of his days in the mines, slowly detoxifying his body from the Cosmic Water while Ogras helped set the foundations for his budding empire. Back then, he only had one goal �C to find his family, and he was steadily working toward it.


    Now, his power far surpassed what he could ever have imagined, but his life had grown soplicated. There were dozens of matters requiring his attention, threats looming in every direction. So much history weighing on his shoulders, so many goals that remained far out of reach.


    ��I did,�� Zac eventually said as he forced a smile. ��It��s really good to see you back in one piece. How is your soul?��


    ��My soul is healed and haspleted its transformation,�� Alea said as she curiously looked around the courtyard. ��Unfortunately, this form is not a natural state for me any longer, I��m not like that weird guy at the Dao Repository. I can��t stay like this for long �C it��s exhausting. Perhaps I��ll be able to move more freely by the time I reach whatever stage Bra��s at.��


    ��Is there anything I can do to help?�� Zac urgently asked.


    ��Well, you can keep me fed and happy,�� Aleaughed. ��You should have figured out what kind of materials I��ll require going forward.��


    ��No problem,�� Zac nodded. ��And don��t worry. I��ll figure out a way to return your soul into a body, one way or another.��


    ��Don��t worry so much or you��ll turn into an old man,�� Alea smiled as she floated over to Zac��s side.


    She tried to touch his cheek, but her hand passed right through, and Alea looked as disappointed as Zac felt. There was still a long way to go. However, Alea quickly regained her smile as she took a step back.


    ��I��m in no hurry. With my soul fused with this weapon, I might even outlive you. Besides, between my environment and you feeding me all these treasures, I��m making better progress on my cultivation than I ever have before.��


    ��Still,�� Zac muttered.


    ��More importantly, put me on,�� Alea eagerly said as her eyes widened in anticipation. ��I have a surprise for you.��


    It was a bit odd to hear the term ��put me on�� from Alea, but he still did as he was told. He walked over and ced his hand on the cold surface of the coffin, and its chains smoothly wound around him and ced the Spirit Tool on its position on his back. It was more than five times heavier than before, even if it still only was the size of arge backpack.


    ��Now, send themand,�� Alea grinned, and Zac felt a stream of information enter his mind.


    ��What the-�� Zac blurted, but his eyes lit up as he sent a stream of Branch of the War Axe into the coffin.


    The next moment, a muffled rattle was followed by a weapon appearing in his hand �C a pitch-ck axe. At the end of its hilt, a chain was attached, connecting the weapon with the bottom of the coffin. The axe itself was actually quite familiar �C its design almost an exact copy of the axe his Dao Apparition wielded.


    It was roughly the same size as [Verun��s Bite]; somewhat oversized for a one-handed axe with a forty-five centimeter crescent edge, eclipsing Verun��s by five centimeters. On the back of the edge, a big spike acted as a counterweight, mirroring the smaller teeth on his primal-series axe.


    However, there were a few differences to his Dao Avatar��s weapon. For one, this one wasn��t wrapped in chains. Instead, its hilt was made from some slightly mottled metal that felt extremely sturdy. On the back of the haft there was also a familiar set of runes �C identical to the ones that had appeared on the coffin lid.


    The horizontal line ran along the full length of the haft, while the three horizontal scripts became his grip. The temper line of the edge was also quite interesting, almost perfectly matching the carvings on the coffin itself. Curious, Zac swung the weapon a few times, and he felt the bnce was simply perfect even if its length and edge differed slightly from [Verun��s Bite].


    ��Very dashing. I suit you quite nicely,�� Aleaughed. ��Do you like it?��


    ��It��s perfect, but how did you do this?�� Zac asked. ��I��ve never heard of a Spirit Tool changing this much from an evolution.��


    ��It��s a bit hard to exin, but that array you used on me is still around. Even now, its potential isn��t exhausted. I should be able to transform upon reaching D-grade as well, but that will probably exhaust the energy in the array. After that, you��d have to find me a cksmith,�� Alea shrugged as she floated around Zac.


    ��I love it, but don��t overdo it with these transformations,�� Zac urged. ��What if you damage or identally alter your soul? Remember, the goal is to bring you back.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Yes, yes,�� Alea said with a roll of her eyes. ��But until then I want to be able to help you out. What if I be too weak, and I have to spend millennia in your Spatial Rings because you��re afraid I��ll break in battle. Then I might really go crazy.��


    ��Alright, is there anything else I can do?��


    ��You sure?�� Alea asked as she leaned closer.


    ��Uh, yes?�� Zac said.


    ��Alright,�� Alea said after some thought. ��Don��t date anyone else then.��


    ��What?!�� Zac blurted, thinking she was about to ask for some expensive material.


    ��I��m just joking. Why would I need to be jealous of some woman? Like I don��t know you��re closer to your weapons than you will be any woman,�� Aleaughed. ��Do what you want. Someone as powerful as you ought to have a handful of wives and a few dozen children, really. Now, I need to go.��


    ��Go? Already?�� Zac asked with reluctance.


    ��Like I said, I can��t stay in this form for long. I��ve already overstayed my wee. I will be slightly weakened for the next few weeks, and you won��t be able to use my new skill,�� Alea sighed.


    ��If I evolve you to Middle E-grade, will you be able toe out again?�� Zac asked.


    ��Middle E-grade?�� Aleaughed. ��Silly boy, I��m already Late E-grade. Work hard, or I��ll pass you by.��


    The next moment, she was gone.

 Chapter 849: The Atwood Empire

    Chapter 849: The Atwood Empire


    ��Wait, you��re Late E-grade?�� Zac eximed, but Alea was already gone and there was no answer forting from within his mind.


    It really looked like she was unable tomunicate freely just yet.


    Zac couldn��t sense her presence at all in his mind, except for that intangible bond he had with his other Spirit Tools. But even if she had disappeared as she had after their previous short conversations, Zac wasn��t worried anymore. Like Alea said, she was healed, and she was even making progress on her cultivation.


    And truthfully, as much as Zac loved to hear her voice again, he was somewhat relieved that Alea wasn��t able to freely speak in his head. It was not that he had a bunch of secrets that he needed to keep from her �C they were way beyond that point by now.


    It was rather about the feeling of having his mind invaded, even if Alea obviously wouldn��t be a hostile presence in his mind like Heda��s seed. That was why both Vri and Triv��s skills rather worked like telephone calls. They had to nudge his mind, and he had to ept their attempt tomunicate.


    With Alea gone, Zac swapped over to his Draugr form before spending the next few minutes getting acquainted with his upgraded weapon. The fact that she had managed to leapfrog all the way from Peak F-grade to Late E-grade was huge, but Zac figured he shouldn��t be too surprised.


    With the things [Love��s Bond] had swallowed since its formation, Zac wouldn��t even have been surprised if it became a D-grade Spirit Tool.


    At first, Zac had been worried that the chain attached to the haft of his new axe would be a hindrance, even if it was thinner than the other ones he used to attack. However, he was relieved to find that the chain seemed to have a mind of its own, never getting in his way or hitting his hip.


    In fact, it could even be considered a strength rather than a weakness.


    First of all, the chain constantly danced in the air next to the handle, acting a bit like a crossguard. It probably wouldn��t be able to block out an all-out strike, but having some metal in the way of a surprise strike targeting his weapon-holding hand was obviously a good thing.


    Secondly, the chain essentially turned the axe into a throwing weapon. He suddenly hurled the weapon at a tree on the other side of the courtyard, and the axe shot forward like an arrow. At thest second, Zac slightly nudged the outstretched chain, prompting the axe to make a sharp turn before drawing an arc that cut down a neighboring tree instead.


    It was a fusion between his understanding of axes and armaments, allowing him to control his axe as both. This type of maniption of the chain was the simplest form of control, but it hinted at all kinds of possibilities down the road.


    Just a momentter, the axe was back in his hand as the chain retracted with such speed that it almost looked like teleportation. A Dexterity-based elite might be able to grab hold of the axe on its return, but would they even dare to?


    ��Triv,�� Zac said as he walked out from the istion array and threw over his axe to the startled butler. ��Try to drag the chain away from me.��


    ��Ah, young master, these types of feats are not my strong suit,�� Triv hesitated.


    ��Well, there��s only you around,�� Zac shrugged. ��Don��t worry, just do your best.��


    ��Alright,�� Triv reluctantly agreed, and some sort of semi-tangiblesso formed around the axe as he started to pull away.


    However, as try as they might, the coffin effortlessly dragged the ghost closer and closer. Zac grabbed the chain himself, and he could feel that Triv utilized the equivalent of around 3,000 Strength to resist the pull. That wasn��t close to the coffin��s limits by the looks of it, but Zac would have to find someone stronger to test it out properly.


    ��Alright, thank you. You don��t need to wait around here,�� Zac said.


    ��Then I will take my leave,�� Triv said, throwing an appreciative nce at the axe in their grip before flittering away.


    Left alone in his courtyard, sat down on a prayer mat as he thoughtfully looked at the axe that had once more returned to his hand. With Alea having created a perfect axe for his undead form, it looked like one of his issues had been dealt with. He had been struggling to decide what to do with [Verun��s Bite] �C to infuse the weapon with Death to bnce out the life it had absorbed, or to let it stay as it were.


    Now, Alea had made the choice for him, and the more he thought about it, the more suitable he found it. There was some logic to the argument that using only one weapon would help push one��s technique to its limit, but there were practical ramifications to only using [Verun��s Bite] as well. For one, the Undead generally didn��t use primal-series weaponry because of the very affinity sh Verun exhibited.


    Secondly, if he wanted to keep his two sides separate in the eyes of outsiders, he couldn��t be running around with [Verun��s Bite] both as undead and human. It had already be an issue in Twilight Harbor, where he had been forced to get a substitute to avoid getting found out by Catheya. But using a lower-quality substitute to his real weapons was a deadly gambit, one which could cost him dearly in case he suddenly ran into a powerful enemy.


    Now, all those issues were solved, with him having full kits for both his sides; [Verun��s Bite] and Vivi when fighting as a human, and [Love��s Bond] taking both those roles in his undead form.


    Over the next few hours, he made a couple of other discoveries. The most obvious one was that the Spirit Tool had actually lost its shield form. Now, [Love��s Bond] could only take on its backpack and ne forms.


    In return, the main chains of the coffin had be disgustingly sturdy, and Zac wasn��t sure if even a Middle D-grade cultivator would be able to damage the links. Along with a massive boost in durability, they had also be more pliable, responding far quicker to his mentalmands. This had drastically improved the defensive capabilities of the links and essentially removed the need for a shield.


    In return, it cost a lot more Miasma to manipte the chains, but that wasn��t surprising. And with his stockpiles, he would be able to use them continuously for a whole day before running out of energy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Finally, he discovered that [Blighted Cut], his base skill that had been somewhat underutilizedtely, had almost been reborn with a proper weapon. With [Blighted Cut] activated, both his axe and the chain attached to turned even darker than ck, and the gleaming edge of the axe started releasing such potent toxins that even Zac was appalled.


    If [Gorehew] was good at taking out weaker enemies, then [Blighted Cut] had be a terror for infighting, which was perfect for Zac who had spent years working on his technique. Part of the effect came from his improved Dao, but it was also obvious that his Spirit Tool amplified the corrosive effect of the skill.


    In a perfect world, Zac would have wanted to spend a couple of months getting properly reacquainted with [Love��s Bond] after having used [Chainbox] for years, but a buzz from amunication crystal forced him back to reality and its many duties.


    ��Lord Baron, it��s an honor,�� the Stargazer said with visible glee as Zac stepped into her office twenty minutester.


    ��Don��t you look chipper,�� Zacmented.


    ��It��s all thanks to you,�� Abby bobbed. ��I am the administrator of a progenitor who managed to be a Baron in ten short years �C a miracle. I have received a promotion, plus administrating a sanctioned Empire has more than doubled my cultivation speed.��


    ��Well, d I can help,�� Zac snorted.


    ��If you open your management screen, you can now also hire more administrators such as I. As a Baron, you can add one additional administrator per world, for a fee of course,�� Abby added.


    ��Why would I want to do that, though?�� Zac asked. ��Port Atwood has already nurtured manypetent administrators. Why bring in more Stargazers?��


    ��Well, for one, you don��t have to choose Stargazers,�� Abby muttered. ��But it��s also a matter of convenience. We have ess to some functionality that others don��t. We are also neutral, only beholden to you, and limited in our actions by the System. Having outside administrators at the heart of your government, even if we don��t have any de-facto control, will prevent corruption to a certain degree.��


    ��Alright, I��ll look at candidatester. But no funny business. Don��t think I��ve forgotten your white little lies,�� Zac smiled, waving away the Stargazer��s exnations. ��More importantly, have you received the information about the quest Ipleted on Ensolus?��


    ��About what to do with their?�� Abby asked. ��I got it.��


    ��What��s your opinion on it?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��All have their merits,�� Abby said. ��I think evolving this is most beneficial in the long-term, but it is a bit dangerous to have such a potent miniature world. Those kinds ofs are often highly contested; they are perfect for private residential worlds. I��m not sure you will be powerful enough to defend such a, even with your power.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��I guess I��m going with option three then. Can I pick a location right now?��


    ��One second,�� Abby said as the stardust in her eye started swirling faster. Only half a minute did she speak up again. ��You cannot choose a location right now. You will be able to choose a spot in 40 years at the earliest, and 85 at thetest. You also need to have visited the spot you have in mind, and it cannot be directly controlled by another empire.��


    ��No problem,�� Zac slowly nodded. ��I haven��t figured out where to put us anyway. So, why did you call me over?��


    ��You have a problem with the local factions. When the Atwood Empire became a sanctioned empire, the incursion world was not the only one affected. Everyone on Earth has had their Affiliation changed, and we have received dozens of requests for rification,�� the Stargazer exined. ��We haven��t dared provide any clear answers before you had weighed in on the matter.��


    ��I��ll deal with it,�� Zac groaned, and he left Abby��s offices twenty minutester armed with stacks of reports and a travel schedule.


    And so, spent the next few days visiting the strongest factions of Earth, where Abby and his other subordinates made sure his appearances were well-publicized. Part of the reason was to exin what was going on, while part of it was to show the world he was back and as powerful as ever �C quelling any thoughts of rebellion.


    Thankfully, the pushback from the factions wasn��t too big, considering his rule over Earth was all-but-official before in either case. There were some grumblings over the new taxation rates, but those grumblings quickly died out after the Contribution Tokens started to be rolled out just like on Ensolus.


    With the number of official citizens of his faction going from millions to billions in just one week, Zac was forced to adjust the contribution rules to a slightly less generous model. Luckily enough, Vri had already expected such a change, so the missives on Ensolus had said that the exact rewards were still being calcted to adapt to the new situation.


    It was still easier to gain contribution points in the Atwood Empirepared to most established factions, though fewer would benefit from it. Zac had, under the suggestions from Abby and the golem at the exchange, eventually changed the model to one that mainly targeted elites.


    Now, you either had to contribute resources to gain other resources, or perform umon feats.


    For example, you could still get contribution points from gaining levels, but only if you progressed at a certain pace. It was meant to push people harder, where they perhaps needed to take some risks against beasts or the wilderness to keep up. If they seeded, they��d both be tempered and gain contribution. If they failed, they might be hurt or even die.


    It was harsh, but the Zecia Sector was about to enter a war that wouldst god-knows-how-long. Zac suspected that it would be decades at the least, and if his people didn��t squeeze out all the potential they had, they��d only be fodder at the battlefield. Better suffer a little now than suffer a lotter.


    It only took him three days to deal with the local factions, but Zac kept touring Earth for a while longer. Seeing Earth��s transformation, he marveled over how simr Earth and Ensolus had be. Elysium, the previously deste desert continent, was now at least 80% death-attuned, with small pockets of surprisingly condensed life.


    It really had be a paradise for his undead forces, and his rapidly growing poption of undead civilians. He had left a lot of his ichor with Vri, and a few more generations of zombies had sessfully been turned into Revenants. With the poption booming, there was finally enough manpower to expand beyond just having an army.


    Proper towns had now appeared next to the military bases, which held as many nonbat sses as warriors. The first generation of natural-born undead children had appeared on Elysium over thest year as well, with the first set of Revenants having managed to reachte E-grade. Even then, his undead cities were still quite small and limited in scope, a far cry from Port Atwood.


    Finally, Zac toured his archipgo, and just like the missives said, his ind kingdom had be the seam between Elysium and Pangea, with almost half of the inds having turned Death-attuned. It was a bit inconvenient for his faction which had spread to almost all inds by now, but there wasn��t much of a loss in the long run.


    Thankfully, Hive Kundevi had avoided getting their ind impacted, and Zac decided to make a short visit to meet with his old allies. Ibtep was still in the underworld, but he was soon led to the inner chambers where N waited. The former Anointed was still almost three meters tall, but their aura didn��t feel nearly as imposing as the first time they met.


    It turned out that the spiritual leader of the small hive had already encountered a bottleneck at the middle E-grade, with their remaining nodes being too weak to open either through cultivation or force. In other words, the chances of N ever reaching the peak of the grade were essentially nil.


    It was an unwee reminder of the reality of a cultivator �C for every grade you passed, you would leave most of yourpanions behind.


    Each grade was a watershed that would keep a vast majority of cultivators, and that would be especially apparent now that Earth had lost its Origin Dao and integration-rted opportunities. N was the first such person he encountered, but there would surely be more.


    ��Don��t mourn for me,�� N smiled upon seeing Zac��s expression. ��The fact that I am able to live past the crusade is already a blessing. When it is my time, it will be weakness leaving the Hive. But I hope you can help our future generations adapt to this new reality as we are finding it difficult on our own.��


    ��What do you mean?�� Zac asked with some confusion.


    ��The Hives are unable to nurture the kind of warriors needed to meet the challenges of this wider world. We are amunal race, where the Hive is all. However, the pursuit of the Dao is ultimately a personal journey of discovery, which is putting us at a disadvantage,�� N sighed.


    Zac immediately understood what N was talking about. The thinking of the average Zhix warrior was extremely rigid, and Zhix like Ibtep and Rhubat were extremely rare. If cultivation didn��t require insights into the Dao, they would probably have left the humans on earth far behind with their one-tracked mentality, but now they rather found themselves stuck.


    Without the boost of the Origin Dao, how many of them would even be able to form Dao Seeds and make it past the F-grade?


    ��Your subordinates have graciously epted warriors into your institutions, but we can see that their performance is not very impressive. We have tried setting up warrior camps both here and in the underworld as well, with the goal of nurturingbat-based Daos,�� N continued. ��But it seems we are missing something.��


    ��I wonder�� if the Zhix are doomed to be left in the dust in this new environment, a weakness leaving this world.��


    ��No need to give up just yet,�� Zac said after some thought. ��And there��s no need topare yourselves to humans. We��re known to be one of the most adaptable races in the multiverse. The Zhix might simply need another generation or two to get used to the changes. Besides, I know that there are extremely formidable insectoid races in the multiverse. The problem might be that our training methods don��t suit your people.


    ��I��ll ask my people to look for solutions. Our sector doesn��t have anyrge insectoid empires as far as I know, but there should be some factions around. But even if we can��t find anything, don��t worry. Just like you adapted to meet the threat of the Dominators, you will eventually adapt to meet the requirements of the Multiverse.��


    Even if Zac tried to sound positive, he still felt downcast as he flew back toward his ind, opting to take the scenic route rather than teleport to clear his head. With N failing to even evolve their race, they would be gone in a few hundred years. Right now, that still seemed really far off, but Zac already felt how his perception of time had started shifting.


    He had already spent months in seclusion at a time, the passage of time barely noticeable as he focused on his soul or techniques. Soon enough, these months would turn to years as he became increasingly disconnected from the mortal world. It meant losing part of what made you human, where you got strength and longevity in return.


    But soon enough, Zac recovered his state of mind. Ultimately, everyone had their own road to walk. The lives of lower-grade people might be far shorter than those aiming for the peak of cultivation, but that didn��t mean their lives were unfulfilling or insignificant. Life was what you made of it.


    The forested edge of his ind appeared on the horizon an hourter, and the moment he got in reach, he once more felt Triv��s spiritual nudge.


    ��The Master of the Dao Repository has asked for you,�� the ghost butler conveyed, the message almostpletely dispelling the clouds in his mind.


    Twenty minutester Zac passed through the gates of the Towers of Myriad Dao, his eyes immediately turning to his master �C The Lord of Cycles.

 Chapter 850: Paint your Path

    Chapter 850: Paint your Path


    The enormous statue of Yrial looked a bit different from how it used to. Today, a haze chock-full of fiery and icy energies surrounded it, and it actually released an aura akin to a real cultivator. It looked like Bra hadn��t lied when he said he needed some time to gather energy. The scene made Zac a bit cautious �C why did the second inheritance trial require this kind of energy? Was it rted to difficulty, or was it something else?


    If it was the former, then Zac heldplete confidence, but if it needed the energy to teleport him to some other sector, then it might be a problem. He wasn��t willing to leave Zecia again, especially not while his escape bangle still hadn��t been repaired. So Zac turned to the Tool Spirit, who was in his warrior persona today, with a mighty broadsword on his back and glimmering armor. ��You��ve worked hard.��


    ��It��s nothing to the mighty Bra,�� the Tool Spirit snorted, his nose almost pointing at the ceiling. ��So, what have you brought today?��


    Zac stifled his annoyance as a small mountain of golden ornaments appeared on the floor. One day, he would push down the haughty Tool Spirit a peg or two, but for now, he simply wasn��t strong enough. So he could only smile and showcase his offerings; chandeliers, statues, furniture, paintings, and all kinds of knick-knacks he had gathered.


    ��These are invaluable heirlooms I collected during myst outing. Each one was a defining treasure of great renown,�� Zac lied as he channeled his inner Calrin. ��While they don��t contain much spiritual energy, their artistic value is incalcble.��


    Bra gazed at Zac for a few seconds before turning his eyes to the shimmering pile of treasures. ��Well, they cannot bepared to the artistry of my towers, but what can? I guess these trinkets will have to do. If anything, they can showcase the great gap between mundane artistry and the celestial artistry that is Bra.��


    Zac inwardly breathed out in relief that his attempt to pawn off some useless decorations had worked out. He still had a bunch of actual treasures and arrays prepared just in case, but why waste his money if he didn��t need to?


    ��It��s their honor to be ced in your grand temple,�� Zac nodded before pointing at the Lord of Cycle��s statue. ��If I may ask, what��s with the aura?��


    ��You would have to ask the haughty guy inside,�� Bra said in a mighty showcase of his unsurpassedck of self-awareness. ��I was just responsible for collecting the necessary energy. If you ask me, it��s a feeble attempt of the Lord of Cycles to match the grandeur of the Towers of Myriad Dao.��


    ��Alright then, so the same procedure as before? Do you know how long it might take?�� Zac asked, trying to finagle at least something useful from the Tool Spirit.


    ��All these questions,�� Bra grunted with annoyance. ��Do you take the great sage for your tour guide? Just step onto the teleporter and get out of my sight. It shouldn��t take too long.��


    Zac only grunted in response this time as he walked away, stopping right in front of the teleportation array. Since the Tool Spirit was in an unhelpful mood, he tried to gather any hints from the array. Thankfully, it looked the same asst time, which decreased the odds of this being an actual long-distance Teleportation Array.


    His gaze once more turned to the statue towering in front of him, and a wave of nostalgia hit him. It was hard to believe that just over ten years had passed since he stood herest. It both felt much longer and shorter than a decade. He was so inexperienced back then, fumbling his way forward as he desperately grasped for the power needed to save Earth from the threats it faced. Now, he was almostpletely reborn, but he still hoped Yrial could provide the answers to the questions that were ailing him.


    Zac took a deep breath as he scanned his body one final time, making sure there were no lingering threats or weaknesses that might impact him in the trial. By now, he was mostly restored, with only some lingering echoes of forming a Glimpse of Chaos remaining. With that, he stepped onto the teleporter.


    The next moment, Zac found himself standing on a floating disk among purple and pink clouds beneath a foreign sky of breathtaking beauty. The scene was mesmerizing, but his attention was soon drawn to the massive object floating in front of him. It was arge disk wrought from stone, its rim engraved with some unfamiliar scripts as it slowly rotated in ce like a wheel.


    Most of its t surface waspletely smooth, and there were no clear hints to its function. There was a second, much smaller, wheel right in front of him, looking a bit like a daughter array to its 50-meter-tall parent. Zac guessed it was rted to whatever trial Yrial hade up with, and a familiar voice confirmed the hunch soon enough.


    ��Paint your path of Cyclic Supremacy,�� Yrial��s voice echoed through the clouds as the smaller disk floated closer, his tone containing a grandeur that felt extremely fake after knowing the real Lord of Cycles.


    Zac grimaced as he gripped the disk in his hand, his fears somewhat realized. If it was just about Dao or strength, Zac had full confidence in dealing with the trial, having far surpassed what anyone could have expected for a small local Dao Inheritance. But if he needed to prove a cyclic path, then things had suddenly be a lot thornier.


    ��Uh, teacher? Master?�� Zac hesitated as he looked at the disk in front of him. ��There was kind of a change of ns. Can you change the test a bit?��


    There was no response, and Zac guessed the voice was pre-recorded, even if Yrial probably was watching from his own dimension. However, there was one change in response to his words; a curtain of fiery ice, or perhaps frigid mes, had appeared in the sky. The fiery sea was in a mesmerizing flux as it passed through Yrial��s cycle between fire and ice, yet Zac was dismayed rather than enraptured as he looked at the masterful Dao control.


    Because the curtain was slowly falling toward his position.


    It was like he had been trapped in some clich�� ruin where a spiked ceiling was gradually moving closer. In ten minutes or so, he would be drowned in fiery ice. Even if he managed to withstand the domain, it would no doubt mean the trial had failed, and that he had lost his chance to confer with his master until he was powerful enough to force his way inside.


    There was no time to lose, so Zac immediately infused a wisp of Mental Energy into the small disk in front of him to find any clues to what�� paint your path�� meant. However, only a second passed before he swore and almost threw the daughter-array into the clouds. The issue wasn��t that it was too hard to figure out what to do, but rather that it was too familiar.


    The array worked almost exactly the same way as the Dao Discourse Array back in the Tower of Eternity.


    If not for the incredibly bad timing, Zac would have found it pretty ironic. It was at the Dao Discourse against the Enlightened Three he finally realized the futility of pursuing a cyclic path of life and death, and instead took his first steps toward his current system. Yet now, he had found himself in a simr situation where he actually needed to showcase a cycle.


    This time he couldn��t just flood the array with his Daos Mental Energy tainted with Oblivion Energy. For one, he was pretty much tapped out on the remnant front, and his Mental Energy was extremely pure nowadays after years of Soul Strengthening. Secondly, even if he managed to overwhelm the disk, so what? That would probably just count as a failure.


    The curtain of cyclic mes kept getting closer, and Zac could only grit his teeth and do his best. He first infused his Branch of the Kalpataru into the small disk, and a radiant tree started to appear on the left side of the wheel. But as the wheel kept turning, the image of the tree was twisted and distorted, bing indistinguishable before Zac even had a chance to infuse his second Dao Branch.


    Let alone try to affect some faux-cycle to trick the trial.


    Zac grunted in annoyance as he cleared the disk. For his second try, he instead formed two thick streams of Mental Energy and twinned them into a sturdy braid. Then, he filled the streams with his daos of Life and Death before infusing the Dao Braid into the small disk. The next moment both of his Dao Avatars appeared on the turning wheel.


    Unfortunately, the result was the same. The avatars only retained their meaning for a second before they were twisted and broken down, almost as though the huge wheel was a millstone. They couldn��t even stay on for more than a few breaths, let alone form any sort of cycle.


    ��What the hell,�� Zac muttered, but he refused to give up as he tried one thing after another.


    However, no matter how he infused his Daos into the disk, they never fused, and as the wheel kept spinning it ruined every attempt of his. Zac even sent over the chains of [Love��s Bond], but while they managed to slow down the wheel, it started to creak ominously, forcing Zac to let go.


    There was something special about the rotation, where his own Dao would be attacked if it wasn��t rotating in step. However, he was absolutely unable to make that change. It wasn��t enough to try and rotate the mental energy on the disk �C it had no effect at all. The underlying theory wasn��t really a mystery �C while the wheel was spinning to represent a cyclic path, the true cycle was conceptual.


    If he couldn��t infuse that kind of understanding into the wheel, the drawings wouldn��t spin, and they would immediately break apart.


    The minutes passed as Zac exhausted every possibility he could think of, but it was futile. He simply didn��t possess the ability to pass this trial either by hook or crook, and the curtain of mes was getting closer and closer. Seeing he was out of options, Zac growled with annoyance. Since he couldn��t fake a cyclic path, he would instead force his own upon this picky wheel.


    A keening cry echoed out amongst the clouds as [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand, its sharp bone edge glimmering in blue and red under the curtain of Yrial��s Dao. Eight streams of Mental energy, four instilled with Branch of the War Axe and four with Branch of the Kalpataru, poured into Spirit Tool, instilling it with one-half of his path.


    The trial space was fraying at the edges from the immense power contained in the weapon as Zac infused as much of his Dao and energy it could withstand. He didn��t use any skills, either his own or Verun��s, but instead swung his axe in an inscrutable swing that carried the insights of his Evolutionary Stance.


    It wasn��t just an empty movement; with the amount of energy crammed into the de, an actual de of pure Dao shot forward, looking a bit like his old skill [Chop]. And the target wasn��t the canopy in the sky, but rather the Dao wheel. An enormous shockwave caused the clouds to roil, exposing glimpses of a glimmering world far below.


    It looked like an enormous crystal rather than a continent, with thousands of refracting lights reaching him through the cracks in the clouds. But Zac ignored the odd scene and instead focused on the wheel.


    The attack had left a massive scar on the wheel, drawing a straight vertical line a third into the disk from the left. The scar almost felt like a crack in reality, teeming with churning waves of life. It felt like just the small cracks in the clouds around him, showcasing a glimpse of paradise, though it also contained a foreboding aura from his conflict-based Dao.


    The unfamiliar scripts at the edges had been utterly ruined as well, and the wheel had ground to a halt. However, Zac saw that the runes were slowly reforming, and he swapped forms, his eyes turning ck as his skin turned pale. Simultaneously, [Love��s Bond] hummed as his new axe appeared in his hand.


    A stray thought hit Zac as he formed eight new streams of Mental Energy �C should the axe have a name of its own? Or should it be considered part of [Love��s Bond] since they were technically just one Spirit Tool? But the name didn��t seem fitting for a ded weapon. Zac guessed he would ask Alea the next time she popped up, but he would simply call the axe [ck Death] until then based on its color and affinity.


    A second wave of pure Dao shot forward, and a second scar appeared on the disk. If the first one felt like a tear almost exposing a celestial world, then the second one felt like a festering wound, teeming with death and carnage. It was destruction, a shadow of the abyss itself.


    With two scars running parallel across the disk, each one rife with his Dao, the wheel couldn��t take it any longer. Small cracks started to spread, forming a spider vein pattern. Interestingly enough, Zac saw how the cracks only seemed to appear in the middle of the disk, between the two scars, while the outer edges were unblemished.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The new cracks started at the cuts and spread toward the other side, almost like they were reaching for one another. Zac looked on with rapt attention, feeling he could actually glean new truths from the scene. The cracks weren��t random �C they formed some sort of pattern based on his Daos.


    It was almost like he was looking at two armies from a great distance, with streams of cavalry reading toward the enemy lines. It was a war between Life and Death, a conflict as old as time itself. Soon enough, the two sets of cracks reached the middle of the disk where they met one another, which rapidly sped up the process.


    Zac could only see a hint of something, he did not know what, a moment before the disk copsed in a burst of energy that threw Zac off his feet. It had almost looked like a third scar had formed where the two lines of cracks met, one that emitted an aura superior to either of the originals. Unfortunately, it had been so unstable that it onlysted a moment.


    Seeing the disk break apart made Zac��s heart sink. His gambit had failed, where he wanted to forcibly engrave his path onto the disk. But a few seconds passed and nothing happened. Why wasn��t he sent out if he had failed? Did he still have a chance to make it? There was, however, one issue remaining.


    The curtain of mes was still descending, and it was only a few hundred meters above him now. He looked up at them with hesitation, wondering if he should activate one of his escape means. By now, he had found a few better alternatives to the [Coward��s Escape], methods that would allow him to leave the trial without losing all his other quests.


    The easiest method was simply to activate a spatial talisman powerful enough to destabilize this temporary space, which would result in him being spat out. That kind of method wouldn��t work inside Mystic Realms or top-tier heritages, but it should be more than enough for this kind of simple inheritance.


    However, Zac refused to give up just like that, and the Miasma in his body churned as his [Spiritual Void] was unleashed. He was going all out from the start, and a massive Dao Braid entered a skill fractal on his right bicep along with almost a third of his Miasma.


    Billowing waves of darkness poured out from his back the next moment, but it didn��t turn into a domain of death like [Deathwish]. Instead, the energy condensed into a grid of strings that looked both like some sort of skeletal wings, a mesh of chains, or a spider��s web. They stretched out from his back five meters in every direction, thework constantly twisting as it umted energy.


    One shimmering orb of utter darkness soon congealed at each tip, while [ck Death] in his hand started radiating a gray haze thatcerated the air around it. Zac glowered at the sky, and with a roar swung his weapon in a sharp overhead arc, causing the insanely sharp haze to rush forward. In an instant, the wave transformed into a metallic skull with a huge scar on its forehead.


    The skull only appeared for an instant, where its jaws opened far beyond what should be possible. Before disintegrating, the skull unleashed a soundless wail that contained such force that it formed a barely visible de that shot forward with almost impossible speed. In its wake spatial tears full of the Dao of the Axe swirled around, creating a trail of destruction that slowly expanded outward.


    The scene was pretty shocking, but the skill wouldn��t end with just one single de. The two wing-like appendages on Zac��s back pped, and they suddenly expanded five times in size. In an instant, they reached the size of airne wings before being absorbed by the two orbs at the ends. With that, a set of soul-chilling runes appeared at the surface of the orbs, at which point Zac finally released them.


    The two singrities shot forward with such force they tore straight through space, reappearing right next to the de which had reached the roiling curtains of mes by now. The moment they appeared their surrounding was sealed as the runes shed, and it looked like the icy mes had beenpletely frozen over as they stopped in ce.


    The de and two orbs crashed into each other the next moment, and Zac was forced to activate [Profane Exponents] to withstand the cataclysmic eruption that followed. Death and Conflict fused into one, and nothing could withstand its might as a ck inferno ripped the whole canopy to shreds. Zac looked at the scene with awe behind his barrier, not sure if even he would survive at the heart of that explosion.


    He had tried out [Desperation��s End] inside the Orom World before, but the scene back then was barely a shadow of what he witnessed now. For one, the orbs hadn��t been powerful enough to seal their surroundings, and the explosion had been like a matchpared to today��s congration.


    A few errant waves of fiery ice rained down around him, but the chains of [Love��s Bond] effortlessly flicked away the ones that made it past the barriers. A minuteter, the sky was clear, void of both his attack and the domain.


    ��Uh,�� Zac eventually hesitated as he looked around, a bit hesitant about what he should do now, stuck as he was on a disk flying among the cloud��.


    ��How could I ever have epted a brute such as you as my discip��e?�� a sigh echoed out right next to his ear��. ��The long years inside this ce must have turned me insane, just like the little Tool Spir��t.��

 Chapter 851: Blueprints

    Chapter 851: Blueprints


    A small smile spread across Zac��s face as he heard the familiar voice. This was obviously not a recording, meaning he had managed to brute-force his way through this trial as well. So he swapped back to his human form while the clouds shifted, forming a tunnel that no doubt led to his teacher��s domain. He walked toward the edge of the floating disk, but he shot one final look at thest lingering remnants of his skill.


    [Desperation��s End] had a ring weakness, being the slowest skill to activate between both his sses by far. Even then, Zac was extremely happy with it. His Fetters of Destion-ss had a lot of skills that bound enemies and whittled them down, but itcked direct lethality. So that the ss��s ultimate finisher was a st of utmost destruction had pretty much added an entirely new tool to his toolbelt for his Draugr ss.


    Not even his [Arcadia��s Judgment] contained this level of raw power, though it did deliver two consecutive strikes �C the initial swing and the following eruption from below. That kind of design had its advantages as well, where the first strike could take out defenses while the follow-up went for the kill.


    This new finisher of his required some more preparation, but that was fine with Zac. His other skills would bind the enemies to his cmity, and [Desperation��s End] would sever their path. And he even had the perfect trump card in case he needed to speed up the process �C his Void Energy. The Void Energy wouldn��t allow him to instantly deliver a strike, but it would drastically cut down on his casting time by instantly conjuring fully-formed singrities and wings.


    Furthermore, the skill was a novel expression of the fusion of the two Daos that made up the foundation of his ss; Axe and Pale Seal. The skill even required both Daos to even function, so it was a huge relief that he had eventually learned to braid his Daos with his homemade method.


    It wasn��t too umon for high-quality skills to require more advanced control of Dao, but Zac had still been a bit surprised the System added such a skill to his ss. Perhaps it was a reminder to keep working on his Soul, as the requirements to activate his skills would only grow more stringent down the road.


    There were still a lot of things to discover about his skill, since this was the first time he activated [Desperation��s End] without the prison brand limiting him. For example, those two singrities were actually controlled by him when he shot them out. That probably meant there were other ways to use them than simply bashing them into the conjured de. That was simply the most fundamental technique he had gained an inherent understanding of the moment he got the Skill Fractal.


    However, figuring out the details would have to wait, and Zac turned his head toward the now fully-formed tunnel. It looked stable enough, but Zac still felt his heart shudder as he stepped off the floating tform and entered a pathway made out of clouds. Thankfully, it held, and Zac shed forward, soon appearing in a new world.


    This time, Zac didn��t find himself on the moonlit floating ind where he met Yrial the first time. Neither was it the odd gemlike world he had vaguely spotted beneath the clouds. Instead, he found himself walking across a field filled with flowers, the scene somewhat reminiscent of the Dao painting he was forced to purchase with his creditsst time. However, here the flowers were far more varied, creating a mesmerizing explosion of colors and scents.


    In the distance, a wooden perg had been erected, and the thousands of pieces of hanging silk cloth that made up its ceiling were dancing in the breeze. The tintinnabtion from chimes hidden among the silk bands and the rustling of cloth and leaves were the only sounds, together forming a harmonious melody that soothed Zac��s soul.


    Zac walked over, and he found the familiar figure reclined on a set of pillows with a bouquet in his hands, his features full of beauty and ambiguity. Having gained some experience sincest time, Zac realized that his master wasn��t simply almost impossibly beautiful. Seeing his features now, Zac could spot echoes of both fire and ice in perfect harmony.


    It was Dao, just like he had seen when looking at Iz Tayn. Or was it perhaps more apt to say it was affinity, where great attunement with one��s Dao slightly changed one��s features to get more in line with the heavenly truths? And would that exin why he so often heard he looked rugged but mundane, even if Zac felt his appearance had markedly improved through his two Race Upgrades? His featurescked any hint of the Dao, thus making him appear worse than it really was to cultivators.


    More importantly, just how talented had Yrial once been? Certainly, the mark of Dao on his features was just a whisperpared to the palpable feeling he got from Iz Tayn, but Zac suspected that weird girl was close to the peak of the Multiverse in terms of heritage or talent. Still, it possibly meant Yrial possessed affinities beyond pretty much anyone else he had encountered.


    Even then, he had fallen before even confirming his Dao, proving that just talent and hard work weren��t enough to reach the peak. The Multiverse didn��tck the hardworking and the talented. You needed luck and opportunities as well.


    ��I told you to return in ten years at the earliest, and you appear in front of me in ten years almost to the day?�� Yrial asked with a raised brow as Zac entered the carpeted perg. ��Did you miss your beautiful master that much? It must have been difficult, only having ��A Flower of Fire and Ice�� to remember me by. Or did you ignore my requirements, forgoing decorum in your greed for my treasures? Which is it?��


    ��Definitely the former,�� Zac reluctantly answered, remembering all-too-well the capricious nature of his departed master.


    Yrial smiled as though it was a matter of course, slightly waving the bouquet in his hands, which released a wave of perfume while the cloth above his head parted, letting the rays of the sun dance on his face and his long hair. Zac inwardly groaned, but he still kept himself from interrupting on until Yrial had showcased his face from a few different angles. Only then did Zac dare speak up.


    ��The situation on the outside has grown a bit messy. I need to leave my home soon, and there is a small chance I won��t be able to return before bing a Hegemon.��


    If all went ording to his ns, he would return after fetching the Ferric Worldeater by the Void Gate. However, this was ultimately his first excursion without any real protections. It wasn��t some system-based trial like the Twilight Ocean, where his enemies were all bound to be the same grade as he.


    It was rather a beast tide in a foreignnd, where both Peak Beast Kings and hostile Hegemons, even Monarchs, could appear. There was no way to tell how things would y out, especially with his escape bangle down for the count for the foreseeable future. That��s why he wanted to see if any quick power-ups were waiting for him with his master, especially survival methods.


    Since Yrial had been a wandering cultivator all his life, and going by the quest Zac got when he became his disciple, the Lord of Cycles had to be good at fleeing from his enemies. Zac needed some of those abilities since that was one department where he was currentlycking. Otherwise, Zac might find himself stuck on some hostile or Mystic Realm, at which point he only had one option �C push to Peak E-grade before using his Perennial Vastness Token.


    ��You��re pretty confident about evolving even with your trashy constitution,�� Yrialmented as hezily returned to a lying position, but his exquisite brows were slightly furrowed as he looked at Zac. ��More importantly, what was up with that disy of yours, ruining my blueprint? Did you forget everything I said the moment you left ten years ago? You were supposed to create a cycle.��


    ��Well, some things happened,�� Zac sighed. ��It looks like forming a cycle is impossible with my affinity. It requires a level of control I can��t reach no matter how much I train, so I was forced to make some changes.��


    ��Well, I knew that was a possibility,�� Yrial shrugged.


    ��You knew?�� Zac eximed. ��So you sold me that skill just to mess with me?��


    ��I only guessed it,�� Yrial smiled. ��Who knows what rules your weird body follows? But I figured that even a failure could be useful in helping you find your path. And I think I was right. Life and Axe, Axe and Death.��


    Two miniature swords suddenly appeared, one wrought from white-hot mes and another one of pristine ice. Suddenly the two shed, which released outbursts of energy that lit up the whole perg.


    ��Two opposites reborn through the forge of conflict. Interesting enough. That final creation of yours was somewhat impressive, but you��re far from realizing its potential. And looking at what happened to the blueprint, that doesn��t bode very well for you, even if some of the damage was because of the thuggish way you painted your path.��


    ��You��ve called that wheel a blueprint twice now, what do you mean? A blueprint for a cycle?�� Zac asked, his eyes turning away from Yrial��s simtion of his path.


    ��You could say that,�� Yrial nodded as the two swords fused into a wheel that looked a lot like the yin-yang symbol. ��But also for something else. It was a temte array for condensing a Cultivator��s Core. If you managed to paint your cyclic path on the wheel, it meant you would be qualified to make a run at Hegemony. But look at you, how could you possibly form a core with such vtile energy? You��d blow up.��


    ��It��s that bad?�� Zac grimaced. ��Then how do Edgewalkers normally do it?��


    ��Edgewalkers?�� Yrial smiled. ��You don��t hear that term often. I guess you��ve done your research. We��ll get to thatter, but first, let me check you out. The Daos you infused into those winddes of yours were quite interesting.��


    ��It wasn��t a-�� Zac muttered, but he shrugged and stopped when he saw Yrial wasn��t listening, his eyes glued to what Zac assumed was his redacted status screen.


    ��You.. what!�� Yrial blurted. ��Those Daodes weren��t some simple skill? They were just pure Dao and energy?!��


    ��Well, yeah?�� Zac nodded as though it was a matter of course, taking some pleasure in his master��s shocked face.


    ��How is this possible?!�� Yrial continued, his pristine face starting to distort as he shot to his feet, any hint of hisckadaisical demeanor gone. ��How can a legendary garbage like you have formed three Dao Branches in ten short years? Did you fall into a vat of Primal Dao?��


    ��Primal Dao?�� Zac said with a shake of his head, but his eyes suddenly lit up. ��Wait, is it like a pristine white light, giving off the aura untainted by worldly Dao?��


    ��You���� Yrial wheezed. ��You didn��t����


    ��Well, no,�� Zac said, prompting his teacher to breathe out in relief. ��It was only a couple of motes, not a whole vat.��


    ��Brat, are you trying to kill me again?�� Yrial swore as his gaze grew distant. ��Why did I never have this kind of luck back then? If someone had thrown some Primal Dao my way, would I have found myself stuck without ever confirming my Dao?��


    Thankfully, the Lord of Cycles quickly regained his wits though he still looked at Zac with a disgusted expression that made Zac think of Ogras. ��Well, even a pile of dung will be consecrated in the Dao with that kind of opportunity. So, what else have you been up to? You should have eaten the treasure I provided? Have you managed to excavate the other Hidden Nodes it showed?��


    ��Well, I think I have more to open, but I can��t be sure,�� Zac said, and Yrial nodded as though it was expected. ��For now, you could say I have opened five.��


    ��Brat, are you doing this on purpose? From now on, say your results quickly and concisely or I��ll start deducting credit,�� Yrial said with a roll of his eyes as he started to fan himself with the bouquet out of annoyance. ��What else have you improved?��


    Zac hesitated a second, but he ultimately chose to follow his original decision. He had argued with himself over just how much he should tell his departed master, where Zac��s ingrained paranoia fought with his desire to get proper advice. If he told Yrial too little, Zac would once again get feedback that didn��t take into ount all aspects of his path, just like how it was with Pavina and Heda.


    But if he told Yrial too much, it might have some unintended consequences down the road, though he honestly didn��t know what. Ultimately, he had decided to tell Yrial most of what he had discovered about himself and his path, barring only his guess about his supposed connection to Emperor Limitless. Just like Pavina said, some things were better not spoken out loud, though he was worried about the System rather than the Orom this time around.


    The benefits far outstripped the risks as far as he was concerned. If someone managed to break into his Dao Repository and extract his secrets from Yrial, breaking the rules of the System-enforced master-disciple contract, having his secrets exposed would probably be the least of his worries.


    ��I gained a peak-quality Soul Strengthening-Manual in the Tower of Eternity, which I have cultivated to the third out of nineyers, making my soul stronger than most Mentalists��. I have also awakened my bloodlines, which is rted to my Hidden Nodes,�� Zac said. ��Oh, and I have reached the integration stage for the two stances of my technique.��


    The Lord of Cycles leveled an even stare at Zac for a few moments, while Zac smiled sheepishly in return. He knew what Yrial was thinking. Even if it felt like his progress had been slow at times, it had to be said that his cultivation speed was monstrouspared to most elites. Aplishing even one of his breakthroughs in a decade could be considered good, but doing it in multiple branches? Most likely, only Heaven��s Chosen could aplish something like that.


    ��Alright, why have you started cultivating your soul? Is it because of your garbage affinities?�� Yrial eventually asked.


    ��Well, it helps with that, but it��s not the real reason. I didn��t tell you thest time I was here, but the System has kind of messed with my path a bit,�� Zac grimaced as he roughly exined the situation with the remnants in his mind, though he didn��t mention Be��Zi or their quests.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Creation, Oblivion, and Chaos�� The broken peaks of the Boundless Path,�� Yrial sighed. ��To think you had been dragged into the schemes of the Boundless Heavens before you even set out on the path of cultivation. Is it rted to your races?��


    ��Probably,�� Zac slowly nodded. ��The System probably saw an opportunity to try something out when I got my Draugr side, though it might be because it doesn��t want me to turn to my mother��s faction.��


    ��Why would the Heavens care about something like that?�� Yrialughed. ��Don��t let your ego get the best of you.��


    ��Well, it turns out my mother wasn��t a native of the world I grew up on. She was a Technocrat. A powerful one, probably an Autarch. And judging by what they were up to, they might have been one of the most powerful Technocrat families around.��


    ��Of course, she was,�� Yrial groaned. ��No wonder, no wonder. That��s why I couldn��t understand the scripts on that Spy Core of yours �C it was the work of those maniacs. Don��t tell me you have started imnting yourself with those cursedponents, departing from the natural order?��


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��My mother considers me a failed experiment of theirs, and she kind of left me here before she kidnapped my sister. I can��t be sure, but I think I ampletely organic. My mother��s family was annihted before they reached the stage where they would start imnting me with odd things.��


    Honestly, it felt extremely good to finally vent a bit after years of hiding the true facets of his heritage. With both his Sister and Ogras gone, no one really understood what he was going through and the difficulties he faced. So one secret after another was spilled in the perg over the next hour as Zac roughly recounted what he had been through since they metst time.


    ��Now, I am getting closer to forming my core, but I honestly don��t know how to tackle that problem. I was hoping you could point me in the right direction, being an Edgewalker as well,�� Zac said.


    ��How could I possibly help you? In fact, don��t talk to me,�� Yrial muttered as he pointedly looked away. ��I cannot even look at you right now. Mysterious background, being led to weird treasures by the Heavens themselves, bloodline experiments, unprecedented constitution, opportunities appearing wherever you turn. You bastard, did you steal a whole Sector��s providence or something?��


    ��That��s���� Zac coughed. ��I mean it might sound a bit unfair, but it hasn��t been a bed of roses. I��ve lost count of how many time��s I��ve been wounded or almost died by now.��


    ��Whatever,�� Yrial huffed, but he eventually took a deep calming breath. ��Alright, your kind master will put aside this injustice for now. Have a look at the realities of pursuing Hegemony while I try to unravel the mess you have created.��


    Zac was about to ask what he was talking about, but the next moment he found himself beset by a wave of vertigo. The world shattered as he fell onto the ground, but then it suddenly reformed again, and Zac got back on his feet with confusion. He thought Yrial had sent him on another quest, but the perg and field of flowers were still there.


    But why had a wall suddenly appeared? And were those flying treasures flying in the sky?

 Chapter 852: Determination

    Chapter 852: Determination


    There were dozens of small vessels whizzing through the air, most of them taking the shape of gonds that left plumes of glittering clouds in their wake, a feature clearly added not for function but aesthetics. Zac also spotted the asional warrior flying on his own, with the vessels giving the Hegemons wide berth.


    ��Young master Lau��Sai, I��m sorry for intruding,�� a shaky voice said, prompting Zac to look over with confusion.


    A young woman emitting an aura of Middle E-grade stood at the edge of the perg, her hands fidgeting as she looked past Zac.


    ��Yana, I told you to never apologies for visiting,�� a euphonious voice answered, prompting Zac to once more turn around.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There he was, a young scion wearing the very same robes Zac had used the past decade, standing at the edge of the small perg with a paintbrush in his right hand. Next to him was an easel with a semi-finished abstract painting, whose circr motif made Zac think of a shattered te.


    The painting feltcking somehow, and it wasn��t forck of proper supplies. Neither the canvas nor the brush weremon goods; the bristles were actually on fire. However, as the young man finished a stroke, a fiery ochre was left behind on the canvas rather than a scorch mark.


    The young man was naturally Yrial donning a gentle smile, exhibiting a refined, albeit slightly sickly appearance. In this vision, his hair was tied up with some sort of ornamental clip, and he wore a ferronni��re with a small gem that emitted a soothing aura simr to Zac��s [Mind��s Eye Agate]. This Yrial only looked slightly younger than the soul whisp Zac knew, but Zac could sense that he was just at Peak E-grade. Not only that, but he guessed that Yrial��s paleplexion was not natural, with his aura being slightly unstable as well.


    Was he perhaps wounded?


    More importantly, what was going on? This was different from the quest he got during hisst visit. Back then, he had essentially taken the ce of Yrial in one of his memories, but now his teacher was standing right in front of him. Zac tried opening his Status screen, and while it worked, there was no quest waiting for him.


    Looking down at his hands, Zac could see himself just fine, but the other two in the perg seemed oblivious to his presence.


    ��Uh, hello?�� Zac called out just to make sure, but they ignored him.


    Zac knew it wasn��t the young couple slighting him, but rather that they really couldn��t see him. The whole situation was reminiscent of his Heart Tribtion where he had presumably been dragged into an erased memory from his past. Of course, it wasn��t his own memory he visited this time, but rather Yrial��s.


    His teacher had told him to witness the ��realities of pursuing Hegemony�� just before sending him here, so Zac guessed this memory was from around the time Yrial made that step. The young girl Yrial called Yana flushed a bit upon seeing Yrial��s gentle smile, and Zac inwardly cursed his master to grow a couple of pimples for exposing him to this overly ambiguous scene.


    Turning his gaze away from the love-struck youngsters, he instead took a proper look at the surroundings. It quickly dawned on him what was going on, and why there were so many vessels in the air. The field of flowers was just part of arge walled-in courtyard.


    Behind the young girl, Zac could spot a small but beautiful mansion almost hidden among several willow trees, and asional buildings were poking over the walls. However, a weak shimmer around the courtyard indicated that this ce was shrouded by some sort of privacy array.


    It looked like Yrial had taken the beautiful garden and removed the rest when forming the world in his inheritance. As to why, Zac had no idea. Perhaps this ce and this young girl held a special meaning to him. The girl in question had be extremely flustered, perhaps by Yrial��s admittedly singr appearance, or perhaps by his familiar tone, and it almost looked like she was about to flee out of embarrassment.


    ��You are always a wee guest,�� Yrial smiled as he stowed away his brush. ��Seeing your smile always illuminates my soul.��


    ��I.. Ah�� How are young master��s wounds?�� Yana asked as she took a hesitant step into the perg.


    ��Thanks to your help, I feel much better already,�� Yrial said as he looked deep into Yana��s eyes. ��Perhaps, my dream of Hegemony isn��t dead just yet. If not for young miss finding me wounded in the forest�� It��s a gratitude this one will carry for the rest of his life.��


    ��Ah, no, it was just something I should do,�� Yana hurriedly said.


    ��I still worry,�� Yrial said, his eyes so wet he looked like he was about to cry. ��I��m afraid I will inconvenience you by living in your townhouse like this. It could tarnish your reputation.��


    ��Don��t be silly,�� Yana huffed. ��Who��d dare talk about the mayor��s daughter like that? Besides, if we����


    She didn��t finish the sentence, but the blush on her cheeks spoke volumes. Was this what dating was like on easy mode?


    ��One day I��ll be someone worthy for you,�� Yrial sighed. ��But now, I��m����


    ��I brought something,�� Yana said with a low voice as she surreptitiously looked around. ��You mentioned your Spiritual me had been extinguished, right? Luckily, my grandpa found a very rare Spiritual me in a Mystic Realm a few hundred years ago. I brought one of its embers.��


    The next moment, she took out an inscribed box from the bag on her side.


    ��I cannot ept this!�� Yrial said with wide eyes as he took a step back. ��It��s too precious. There is no way your family agreed to this. I cannot let you do this for me.��


    ��It��s nothing,�� Yana said with an embarrassed smile. ��The main me was only slightly weakened �C it will recover in a few hundred years, and I��ll just face some light punishment. Please, take it. It��s would be an injustice to the heavens if someone with your talents would have your foundations damaged before you��ve reached your potential.��


    ��Then�� I��ll ept it,�� Yrial said with some hesitation. ��Once again, you have saved me. I can only hope I��ll live up to your expectations one day.��


    ��Just be careful so you don��t open up your wounds,�� Yana smiled before she looked around. ��I need to go back now before I��m discovered. Try to absorb it quickly. That way they can��t make you spit it out.��


    Yrial stood with the box in hand and a gentle smile on his face as he watched Yana leave, bowing in her direction as she nced back one final time. As she left through a gate, his smile slowly transformed, turning into an impish grin.


    ��I��m sorry little flower,�� Yrial mumbled as his erratic aura stabilized. ��Times are tough even for handsome people. If fate permits, I will make it up to you.��


    Zac��s eyes widened at the scene immediately putting two and two together. Yrial mentioned he had been ��saved�� by that girl in some forest. Had he simply pretended to be hurt to get closer to her, or rather the Spiritual me her family controlled? Zac was filled with a new level of ��respect�� upon seeing the avaricious gleam in Yrial��s eyes as he opened the box.


    This was the tribtions of Hegemony? Scamming naive girls out of their family��s treasures with the help of silky skin and smooth words?


    Then again, Zac wasn��t one to judge. This could be considered mildpared to his own modus operandi where seas of blood were left in his wake. This way, only someone��s coffer took a hit, and the girls�� family could probably afford the loss even if the box looked extraordinary.


    Inside the chest was a small vial containing a small blue me. The moment Yrial opened the box, a cold snap spread across the area, causing ayer of frost to cover the pillows and nearby flowers. No wonder Yrial wanted this thing; it was extremely simr to the fiery ice he often formed.


    Yrial hurriedly closed the box before taking out a series of containers from his spatial ring. From there, Zac looked on with interest as Yrial transferred the ember of blue mes into another vial while the original box and vial were ced on a small array. A whole ritual thenmenced, involving karma-breaking dust, various liquids, and Yrial painting some sort of array on his face.


    Ten minutester it finished with the box simply disappearing as space distorted inside the array. The whole process was so fluid that it couldn��t possibly be the first time his teacher had done this, and Zac guessed any clues that could lead Yana��s elders to Yrial were gone. Zac had performed simr procedures quite a few times himself, but Zac had to admit he wascking in this regard.


    From there, Yrial took out a pre-written letter, though one intentionally written to look like it was hastily scribbled, sprinkled some perfume on it before cing it on the table in the perg. Zac didn��t have time to read the whole thing before Yrial folded it, but it said something along the lines of old enemies having found out Yrial survived, and not wanting to implicate the young miss, he had been forced to flee. Something about how she should forget him if he hadn��t returned in a year.


    Ten minutester Yrial had left the city through a teleporter, disguised as a Daoist nun. Zac was somehow dragged along for the ride as though he was attached to Yrial through an stic cord, even through the teleporter. Half a day passed this way as Yrial rotated between touring shops and teleporting to a new town, each time using a different, but always beautiful, identity.


    It looked like Yrial��s transformation techniques were of a higher grade than his own, though his androgynous appearance probably helped him smoothly switch between genders without any hint of something being amiss.


    Finally, Yrial appeared in a sprawling town in a forest of towering trees that reached thousands of meters into the sky. Only the slums were located on the ground, while grand manors resided in the tree crowns. Yrial took out a floating leaf and flew between the trees for half an hour until he reached a secluded manor on a mid-sized branch. Where the building was carved into the bark of the massive tree.


    It looked like it was owned by Yrial since he used a token to pass through some barriers, though it might have belonged to yet another one of his acquaintances. By this point, Zac had started to wonder just how long this vision wouldst. Hours had passed since Yrial tricked that Spiritual me out of that poor girl��s hands, and Zac had simply assumed his teacher wanted to use the icy mes as a catalyst to break through.


    And finally, it looked like something was about to happen.


    Zac walked over with anticipation as Yrial started setting up aplex cultivation array in the middle of a cultivation chamber inside the tree. Zac had never seen anything like it before, though there were some parts he recognized. It sort of appeared to be a mix between a Body Tempering Manual and a Beast Training Technique.


    He knew that some cultivators, especially those training in elemental Daos, chose to infuse things like Spiritual mes or Divine Woods into their bodies to strengthen themselves and their connection to their Dao. However, this was the first time Zac saw it in person, and he looked on with interest as Yrial extracted one wisp after another from the sealed ember and infused it into his body.


    The process looked extremely painful, with Yrial��s skin both freezing over and getting scorched at the same time. But he pressed on until he had absorbed five wisps in total, at which point he copsed on the ground unconscious. Time twisted and hours passed in an instant until Yrial finally woke up with a cough.


    He crawled to a sitting position and threw a healing pill into his mouth between ragged breaths. A few minutester he closed his eyes before forming a bowl with his hands. Zac felt some sort of energy turn inside Yrial��s body, and eventually, a small apparition appeared in his hands. Zac immediately recognized it �C it looked a lot like Yrial��s painting from before.


    Hundreds of small shards together formed something akin to a circle, half of them made from orange mes and the other half from milky-white ice. The mes looked exactly like the ones on Yrial��s paintbrush, but Zac noticed there were small kes of chilly blue on the embers, no doubt a result of Yrial absorbing some of the Spiritual me. The two elements started to spin, but it only took a few seconds before the apparition copsed.


    Ice extinguished mes and mes melted ice, only a few of the shards managed to fuse into something simr to Yrial��s fiery ice, but these shards weren��t enough to save the cycle. Yrial eventually opened his eyes, disappointment evident in his eyes. But his downcast state onlysted for a few moments before he took out a massive map coving half the floor.


    If Zac read this thing right, the world Yrial lived in was simply massive, where Earth would only take up a small corner of the map. And it wasn��t aplete map either. The edges simply blurred out, with the asional note of what kind of environment resided beyond. Zac had a decent guess of what was going on �C Yrial lived on one of the mythical C-grade continents that Zac had yet to visit.


    Those physics-defying stretches ofnd defied space, taking up mind-bogglinglyrge areas. A world sorge that a Peak E-grade cultivator would die of old age before having the opportunity to visit even a fraction of the countries, factions, and danger zones it housed. This kind of environment produced an endless number of opportunities thanks to its dense energies, and it was the kind of ce most cultivators the Zecia sector could only dream of visiting.


    But where there are opportunities, there are also dangers. A lot of sections of these kinds of continents were extremely dangerous, with nock of Beast Kings or even Beast Emperors staking their im in the wilderness. One false move and you��d find yourself stuck in a death trap. But most dangerous were the other cultivatorspeting for the abundant resources.


    The surroundings shifted, and Zac suddenly found himself deep in the forest with Yrial desperately fighting a fifty-meter snake. It was either a Half-step Beast King or a newly evolved one, and Yrial was pushed to his limits as he unleashed one wave of blistering mes or frigid blizzards after another. It was the first time Zac saw Yrial fight, and it looked like he was a hybrid between a controller and a mage.


    Yrial��s weapon of choice was arge ded wheel that flew around him like a satellite, but over half his attacks were pure elemental skills of either fire or ice. At some point, Yrial would be the Lord of Cycles, but he had clearly not reached that point in this memory. There was a mysterious tempo to how his teacher swapped between using his two elements, and the Snake had a hard time dealing with the constant rotation between scorching and freezing attacks.


    Eventually, the beast sumbed to Yrial��s unrelenting offensive, but Yrial was poisoned in return, with green splotches appearing on his face. Still, it was with a wide smile he formed a de of crystalline ice and started to dig into the beast��s head.


    The world shifted again, and Yrial was now sitting at a cliff of a snowcovered mountain, the harsh winds containing terrifying amounts of cold. Yrial��s body was shaking so bad he could barely control his limbs, but his eyes never left the small me in his hand. It flickered precariously, but it never went out. It even looked like it was somehow absorbing the cold from the surroundings.


    Like this, one scene reced another in a constant stream of memories as hours turned to days, weeks, and eventually months. Desperate fights, journeys to deste regions in search of answers, Yrial pursuing his path through meditation and painting. Progress was slow and Yrial was met with one setback after another. Grievous wounds, dead ends of the Dao, hundreds of failed paintings. Falling victim to the capricious elements during his journeys, fleeing from pursuers �C Zac even saw Yrial standing over a few newly-dug graves with hollow eyes, his hands covered in dirt and blood.


    But he never wavered.


    Yrial pressed on no matter the challenges, and any time he was pushed down he dragged himself back to his feet. Years passed in this way as Yrial searched for opportunities and inspiration on the vast continent he lived on, where Zac got dragged between pivotal moments in time.


    No matter if it was wild regions teeming with beasts or sprawling cities with ancient masters who could extinguish his life with a wave of their hands, he kept giving it all for a chance to form his cycle. It was eye-opening to see how hard he had pushed himself on his journey. It was an important lesson �C no one would aplish anything without working hard. Talent was just an advantage, but you still needed to seize your future yourself.


    Gradually, Yrial��s control of the elements went from impressive to sublime, the mes on his brush grew colder, and the paintings he created were ever getting closer to whatever he was searching for. Hundreds of shards in the apparition were reduced to fifty, and Zac saw the wheel starting to turn in Yrial��s hand. A yearter, fifty had be twenty.


    Zac had long lost track of time as he had be engrossed with what he witnessed, his whole being consumed by the spiral Yrial risked everything for. His adventures might not have had the same kind of stakes as Zac��s own �C there were no Autarchs or peak Monarchs messing with his path.


    But that didn��t mean there was no danger. If anything, Yrial had been forced to undergo far more deadly trials than Zac had to seize the opportunities and treasures he needed to progress. One day, in a particrly desperate battle against a sword-wielding Hegemon, something finally coalesced �C fire turned into ice, and ice turned into fire.


    Thus, the Lord of Cycles was born and the world crumbled.

 Chapter 853: The Nature of Duality

    Chapter 853: The Nature of Duality


    As the world shattered upon Yrial forming his cyclic fiery ice, Zac once more found himself lying on a set of pillows inside the perg, the tinkling chimes and rustling flowers weing him back to ��reality��. A quick mental check indicated that only a week had passed, even if it had felt like years.


    It was no wonder that Bra had been forced to gather energy for a couple of days. That kind of temporal dtion had toe at a steep price. Furthermore, it left Zac in a weird muddled state, so he closed his eyes and started meditating.


    Having seen the struggles of a future Monarch first-hand had been eye-opening,pletely different from hearing or reading about it. Yrial was an extreme narcissist, and a bit of a conman ording to the visions, since Yana was only one of many marks Zac had seen. There had been men and women alike who had been conned out of their or their faction��s treasures to feed Yrial��s Path.


    But no matter what ws his personality had, Yrial��s Dao Heart was immutable.


    It was a stark difference between what he had seen and the people he usually met. Perhaps only Joanna amongst his followers had that kind of unbreakable desire to pursue the path of Cultivation. But most couldn��tpare. They might struggle when pushed, but they didn��t value their Dao over their life. For example, Catheya could be considered a talent even in a faction like the Undead Empire, but she didn��t have Yrial��s drive or conviction.


    More importantly, Zac finally understood what Yrial had meant by blueprint before. The biggest struggle of his teacher wasn��t actually forming the core �C it was designing it. Two opposing forces needed to be merged into a stable unity, where each half empowered rather than suppressed the other. It was clearly an iparably difficult task, taking even a supreme talent like Yrial years of meditation and risking his life to aplish.


    In return, Yrial got something extremely potent. Zac couldn��t be certain since the vision ended before he got to that part, but he guessed that this kind of core would be a lot more powerful than an average one. It was a bit like Dao Braiding or Dao Arrays; the sum was greater than its parts.


    Zac also better understood what Yrial meant before, when he didn��t hold the energy Zac managed to form in high regard. His teacher was right. That third scar that had almost formed on the wheel was potent, but was it even something that could be turned into a Cultivator��s Core? It seemed more fitting as a blueprint for his next tier of Dao Braids than a stable source of energy �C a braid that incorporated all three of his Daos.


    That kind of use didn��t require the stability he had seen in the swirling ball off fiery ice. If the trinity-braid erupted after a few seconds when infusing an attack, all the better. It was only more damage to his enemies. But if that solution wasn��t right, then what? Yrial��s method was impossible for him. The Dao Control Yrial had exhibited when painting or forming that apparition was lightyears beyond what he could manage.


    A full day passed as Zac organized the torrent of memories that had been crammed into his head, and he eventually opened his eyes with a sigh. He might not be any closer to finding a solution than before the vision, but Zac was at least a lot more cognizant of the difficulties an Edgewalker would encounter when forming his core.


    ��How about it, isn��t your teacher dashing?�� Yrial grinned as he flicked a lock of his long hair.


    ��It was eye-opening to see such an earnest pursuit of the Dao first-hand,�� Zac nodded, not needing to lie to cate his master at all. ��But what happened to Yana?��


    ��Her father was furious,�� Yrial sighed. ��She was trapped in an energy-starved dungeon for ten years, and theck of energy harmed her foundations. Her chances at Hegemony weren��t great before, but she was doted on by her elders. But between harming the Spiritual me and the imprisonment, her path was cut off.��


    ��That��s���� Zac muttered with mixed emotions as he looked around at the perg which was modeled after Yana��s backyard.


    ��Resources are limited in this world,�� Yrial said with equanimity. ��Every treasure you seize means dozens of others will go hungry, having lost the opportunity to progress. Your path is paved with the crushed dreams and bones of others. That is the weight we have to carry as cultivators, and you��ll have to find some way to keep moving forward while not being weighed down by the karmic debt you rue.��


    ��In my case, I returned to make things right for that little flower a centuryter. Unfortunately, things took a bad turn. Yana was sacrificed in an attempt to enrage me and drag me out. But they had severely underestimated how much power I had gained since I stole the ember, and I exterminated her n so that she wouldn��t be lonely in the afterlife. After that, I could only keep progressing, so that her sacrifice and the sacrifice of all the others wouldn��t be in vain.��


    ��That seems�� A bit convenient,�� Zac muttered as he looked down on his calloused hands, his thoughts turning to his own karmic debts.


    ��One can only do their best and follow their heart,�� Yrial said. ��The moment your path is poisoned with doubt and guilt, your momentum will falter. Sincerity for the Dao and unflinchingly moving forward is even more important than talent or opportunity. Lack of talent can be ovee, and opportunities can be forced, but acking heart will stop you in your tracks.


    ��Remember, until you reach the very peak, you are just a leaf struggling in the wind. You cannot bear the weight of the world. It��s not only bad for your cultivation, but it is foolish arrogance. Yana��s fate is pitiful, but I refuse to bear the full weight of her fate. Sometimes, things just fall apart.��


    ��I understand, I think,�� Zac sighed.


    Yrial was right. Even if there were things he regretted since the integration, both things he did and didn��t do, he couldn��t let himself get trapped in some sort of unwinnable argument of what-ifs. He knew he had done the best he could with the knowledge and options he was given at the time, but you can��t win them all.


    ��It��s good that you understand,�� Yrial nodded as he looked at Zac, hiszy expression gaining a serious air for once. ��Even someone as disgusting as you won��t get far without a strong Dao Heart and sincerity toward your path. Only by having those can you be considered qualified to grasp for eternity.��


    ��I��m trying, but I��m honestly more lost now than I was before,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I feel like I��m stuck at the starting line after seeing the process of you forming your core. I haven��t even managed to create a wed blueprint like those shattered shards of yours. But if I manage to take the first step, I might be able to keep working on it like you did. Can I ask how you arrived at that point?��


    It was a shame, but the vision had not actually shown how Yrial first came to follow his Cyclic Path. He was already working on it when he tricked that young girl out of the Spiritual mes, so his inspiration must have arrived even earlier. But how had he tranted his path of fire and ice into a workable Cultivator��s Core?


    ��Your path is far harder than mine,�� Yrial said as he leaned back into the mound of pillows. ��Mine was a natural conclusion of Heaven and Earth.��


    ��What?�� Zac blurted. He knew the first statement was true, what with Chaos being a broken peak. But Zac had no idea what Yrial meant with the second half of his statement.


    ��Have you learned about the various groupings of the Dao? The peaks?��


    ��Somewhat,�� Zac nodded.


    ��You are pursuing the peak of Chaos,�� Yrial nodded. ��Whereas I am an elemental cultivator. Do you know the terminus of my peak?��


    ��Not really,�� Zac said. Catheya had simply called it the peak of the elements and said that elemental cultivators followed their respective elements to their conclusion. ��I guess it��s the four elements? Or perhaps five?��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��No,�� Yrial said. ��The name, and to some degree the nature, of the elemental peak is contended, with old teachings colliding with new. Those ugly monks call the peak Mah��bh��ta, the Great Element. It can both be seen as the basic building block of the universe, and it can also be the basis for inner enlightenment, the relinquishing of the material ne. It is the supremebination of all Materia.


    ��This was the path that the Apostate of Mercy perfected, though her deductions differed from the Sangha��s, much to their dismay,�� Yrial continued with some glee on his face. ��Hers was the Dao of Heaven and Earth where the Heaven was the spiritual Ether of Enlightenment and the Earth was the Mundane World. To be clear, her Heaven is not the System or the Dao itself, but rather a form of unblemished spirituality.


    ��So, can you tell what defines this peak?��


    Zac tried to guess what Yrial was digging at, but he eventually shook his head.


    ��It is a path of Duality,�� Yrial smiled. ��Inner and outer world, Heavens and Earth, Yin and Yang. No matter what you want to call it, the peak has two facets.��


    ��Isn��t it the same with my peak?�� Zac countered. ��With Creation and Oblivion?��


    ��No, since they are true opposites, while the Elemental Daos areplementary opposites. It might seem simr, but it is very different. No peak is the same, which is why they are separated in the first ce. Take the Peak of the Continuum. It is based on Time and Space, but those who follow both those paths are not Edgewalkers since Time and Space are not opposing concepts.


    ��What I am trying to say is that every peak has its own challenges and opportunities, and the duality of Edgewalkers is generally thought of as part of the peak of Heaven and Earth. In my case, I fused Yin mes and Yang Water and thus joined Heaven and Earth,�� Yrial exined. ��It is still extremely difficult to aplish, especially in the lower grades. That��s why almost every cultivator only focuses on either the Earth-aspect or the Heaven-aspect of the peak.


    ��Or if they focus on both expressions, it��s usually a holistic approach to one singr element,�� Yrial added after some thought. ��For example, fusing Heavenly mes and Earthly mes into True mes.��


    Zac slowly nodded. He didn��t know exactly what the separation of yin yang meant when it came to the elements, but he guessed it was another way to look at various facets of the Dao.


    ��But as I said, each peak is different. The past days I have tried to simte a cycle based on my knowledge and the Daos you showcased,�� Yrial said as the massive wheel appeared in the air behind the perg, the massive disk still split in two. ��But I am afraid simply cannot find a solution.��


    ��What do you mean?�� Zac said with a sinking feeling. ��So it��s impossible?��


    ��I didn��t say that,�� Yrial immediately rejected. ��Never let anyone limit your pursuit. I am saying that the techniques and methods I��ve learned might not be as useful as I��d initially hoped. However, this is simply a preliminary deduction from a soul wisp, and my understanding of your Daos is obviously lesser than your own.��


    ��Then what should I do?�� Zac frowned.


    ��The methods I have might still provide you with some inspiration, just like how [Cyclic Strike] showcased your limitations,�� Yrial said. ��Otherwise, the easiest solution would be to find a Chaos-based Heritage. That kind of heritage should contain some blueprints and techniques you can use as a basis for your own attempt at Hegemony. But such a thing should be extremely rare. I heard some rumors that there were ancient cultivators who had delved into that Dao, but I never met or even heard of any Chaos Cultivator during my lifetime.��


    Zac nodded with a grimace, perhaps knowing even better than Yrial just how difficult that would be. A Chaos-based Heritage? If Qi��Sar��s words were to be believed, those things all stemmed from the previous Era. In other words, the only ce you��d find them was inside an Eternal Heritage. Gaining ess to such a ce was even harder than meeting a Supremacy, so going looking for one was out of the question.


    Certainly, with Chaos being a broken peak with essentially no one cultivating it, these methods might not be very valuable. They might have been sold and disseminated from the peak factions controlling Chaos-based Eternal Heritages long ago. Unfortunately, that didn��t mean they would reach the Frontier. If he wanted a shot at getting his hands on such a thing, he would probably have to visit the central regions of the Multiverse.


    But if it was so easy to reach that ce, everyone would have done so already.


    His Perennial Vastness Token was currently his only link to a higher-grade environment, but now that he had a better understanding of the situation, he didn��t dare use it before he had at least a decent backup n to forming his Cultivator��s Core. Catheya might have said that anyone would leave that ce with a Core, but she didn��t know the specifics of that ce nor the difficulties Zac faced.


    If he just went there blind with his unique situation, he might ruin his one shot at Hegemony.


    ��Any other ideas?�� Zac asked.


    ��Nope,�� Yrial grinned. ��Figure it out yourself.��


    ��Some teacher you are,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Now, don��t pout,�� Yrialughed, the pealing sound almost making Zac question some fundamental aspects of his being. ��Since I don��t know, it��s better for me to stay quiet on the matter. What kind of teacher would I be if I sent you down the wrong path or limited your scope? Ultimately, it��s you who have set out on this unusual path, so you will have to look inward in search of answers.��


    ��My only advice is to not get too attached to anything. If your first idea fails, just drop it and start looking for other solutions. A few years lost are not wasted as long as you keep moving forward. Even if it doesn��t feel like it, you will be gradually getting closer to an answer, even if it��s just through a process of elimination,�� Yrial said. ��Even paths can be adjusted until you confirm them with an Arcane ss or through confirming your Dao.��


    ��Alright, then,�� Zac sighed.


    It was a disappointment that Yrial didn��t have any solutions for him. It looked like he would have to figure things out on his own. Thankfully, he was nearing the peak of the E-grade, and his Soul Strengthening wasn��t that urgent. After he and his followers had set out into the Million Gates Territory, he would have time to fully turn his focus on researching stable life-death cores while his people steered the vessel.


    Yrial��s final advice was also a valuable reminder. His path was unique, and he felt it had amazing potential as long as he could work out the kinks. Those motes of Chaos seemed to hold all the answers he looked for, the hidden truths of the Multiverse. But ultimately, was this path more important than his goals? To save Kenzie?


    No.


    If his path wouldn��t allow him to aplish his goals, then it was the path that needed to be changed, not the goals. Life was Life, and Death was Death. That was what he had proimed in his heart when his path collided with Alvod��s. However, if it was to protect those around him, Life didn��t need to be Life �C it would be whatever he needed to be.


    But Zac soon shook his head. There was no point in giving up before you had even started. The sector-wide war hadn��t even started, and with how slowly things moved in the Multiverse, he would have years before he would need toe to a decision. Only when he had truly exhausted his options would he start looking for alternatives.


    ��So, do I as a disciple get double credits this time around as well?�� Zac asked, focusing on the most important thing right now; the loot.


    ��Of course,�� Yrial nodded. ��Same rules asst time. I start with 10,000 Credits which are doubled for being my disciple. After deductions, you are left with 16,000.��


    ��You��ve already deducted points?�� Zac scowled. ��Why?��


    ��With your disy before, how could I not remove some points?�� Yrial said with a scathing look before ncing at the broken wheel that still hovered behind him. ��That kind of barbarism is an affront to my Path of Cyclic Supremacy. Besides, the issue of your face remains.��


    ��I��ll give you the former, but my features have definitely improved since I upgraded my Races to D-grade,�� Zac countered, though he felt his voicecking conviction.


    ��How is going from a wretch to a cretin over a whole grade an improvement?�� Yrial countered with a scrunched-up nose. ��I will only deduct two thousand credits for your face this time, but you better figure something out for the next grade or I will not be so lenient. Hegemony can be considered the true start of cultivation, so my expectations on your performance will grow more stringent.��


    ��And by performance, you mean appearance?�� Zac sighed.


    ��If not, then what else?�� Yrial shrugged. ��You��ve already abandoned my Cyclic Path. As your master, I have to teach you something, even if it��s just to not look like a Grao Howler while carrying the title of my disciple. Any problem?��


    Zac had no idea what a Grao Howler was, but he could only assume it was some beast with an unttering appearance. Even then, he could only grit his teeth and smile to avoid getting any more points deducted. ��Sounds fair enough.��


    ��I thought so,�� Yrial smiled as a shimmering information crystal appeared. ��Let me know what you decide to get. If you have any questions, I might answer if I��m in a good mood.��


    ��Here we go again��, Zac sighed, his voice barely audible.

 Chapter 854: The Oriole and the Orchid

    Chapter 854: The Oriole and the Orchid


    Zac inwardly grumbled, but he kept his opinions to himself as he infused a wisp of energy into the information crystal. However, only a second passed before he looked up at his master withint in his eyes.


    ��There��s a lot fewer items this time.��


    ��I told youst time. Bra had me fill the inheritance a certain number of times for each grade, with the F-grade needing the most items. However, while the quantity is lower, the quality of items is a lot higher on average. I wouldn��t say that anything here is earthshattering, but I would have killed for some of these things when I was your grade back then.��


    It made sense. It was in the original Bra��s interest to focus on the higher stages of the inheritances, while just handing out some decent baubles at the F-grade. After all, Bra was a Peak Hegemon from what Zac had gathered. If he had a descendant that managed to pass this inheritance, they would be an elite worthy to nurture.


    If someone passed the D-grade Inheritance, they would be a contender to be a future leader of Bra��s n.


    Zac scanned the list of roughly 50 items carefully, but there were just too many items with names that didn��t immediately exin their function. Worse yet, only a certain category of items had descriptions, each one of them more detailed than thest. ��To begin with, I��ll take the ��The Oriole and the Orchid��.��


    ��Excellent choice,�� Yrial said, his smile seemingly illuminating the whole world as arge box appeared next to him. ��It��s good to see that you at least have learned some manners sincest time we met, buying another memento to remember your dear master by.��


    Zac nodded with a strained smile, as though Yrial hadn��t just ckmailed him to buy another vanity item. Even then, there was some anticipation as his gaze turned to the box containing the statue of his master. Yrial waved his sleeves with excitement, and a lid opened to expose the baster statue within.


    It was an expertly sculpted Yrial sitting in a meadow of extremely lifelike flowers, the whole piece hewn from one solid piece of some spiritual rock. One of Yrial��s hands was outstretched, with a small bird perched on his index finger. It was almost indistinguishable from the real thing, and it felt like the small bird could fly off at any moment. The statue itself also emitted great tranquility, almost as though Zac was the one sitting among the flower without a care in the world as hemuned with nature.


    This feeling was the true reason he chose this particr item, even if there were cheaper items that would satisfy Yrial��s demand. ording to the description, ��The Oriole and the Orchid�� had a very strong soul-nurturing effect after being ced in some sanctum of Yrial��s inner world for dozens of millennia.


    Why Yrial had some sort of sanctum with statues of himself wasn��t something Zac required deeper digging. He was simply interested in its ability to hopefully speed up his Soul Strengthening.


    In fact, there were a few more vanity items Zac was eyeing, from ornaments to paintings, and a scroll of poems detailing Yrial��s beauty. He remembered what happened when he gave away the painting thest time around; a bunch of people formed Dao Seeds over the next week. Its effect was even better than most of the Dao Treasures in Yrial��s credit store, yet it cost the same or even less.


    In other words, the vanity items were actually among those with the greatest value, as long as you could get over the aesthetics. For example, the lock of hair was still for sale, an item that could almost be considered a C-grade material. However, before spending any more credits, Zac first wanted some advice.


    ��Unfortunately, a lot of the items avable are not suitable for you,�� Yrial sighed. ��I didn��t expect someone with such a different path to pass my inheritance. This includes the two supreme items, [Bowl of the Raging Seas] and [Infernal Mote].They are extremely potent Core-strengtheners for those following in my path. For you, they are just shiny baubles.��


    ��I guessed as much,�� Zac sighed. ��So, what can I use?��


    ��First of all, you should buy the [Book of Duality],�� Yrial said. ��It��s only 1,000 credits because it��s a normal book that you can copy, but its value isn��t ordinary �C in a sense, it��s almost as valuable as the two supreme treasures. I only managed to get my hands on it toward the end of my journey, but if I had it when I was still in E-grade, I would have avoided a lot of pitfalls.��


    Zac looked at the book Yrial mentioned. There were actually five copies of the [Book of Duality] in the heritage and they were cheap. This indicated they weren��t extraordinary, so Zac had passed them by during his cursory scan. However, his interest was piqued by Yrial��s description and he quickly bought it.


    A momentter, Zac held an actual leatherbound book in his hands, reading the short message on the first page.


    I am Kalo, and my path has taken me to the edge of the Heavens and Earth. In this book, I have left my gathered knowledge and insights on duality. May they assist you in the pursuit of the Terminus.


    If Zac hadn��t just gotten a better description of the elemental peak, he might have thought this book rted to Creation and Oblivion because it mentioned the Terminus, but he now knew that was unlikely. Zac flipped through the pages, and as expected they were filled with various diagrams and arrays rted to the elements, apanied by mysterious letters that each seemed to contain thousands of words and meanings each.


    It was amon way to convey a lot of information in a short space, but it required the one who wrote it to have a true understanding of what they were writing. In other words, Yrial could probably copy the text, but if Zac tried to do the same, they would lose almost all their meaning. He almost got lost in the words as he read a random page, so he quickly shook his head to clear it before stowing away the book.


    Zac didn��t really understand what he had just read, but he still understood why Yrial wanted him to get the tome. An encyclopedia containing a powerful Edgewalker��s insights into the specific difficulties of cultivating duality would surely be useful, no matter how different Kalo��s actual path was to his own.


    ��Who is Kalo? Where is this thing from?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Some ancient faction far from the frontier,�� Yrial sighed. ��For a while, I hoped to visit theirnd for a chance to continue my path, or at least get a copy of the book that hadn��t lost so much of its original meaning. This thing is probably just a copy of a copy. Unfortunately, I never found any more information about Kalo or their origins. Still, the book helped me understand my path better even as a Monarch. I doubt whoever wrote it was someone simple. Perhaps you can find some inspiration within and use it to stake out your own path.��


    ��It will be a great source to reference,�� Zac nodded. ��I also need some escape treasure, preferably a reusable one.��


    ��With your penchant for getting yourself in trouble, that��s probably a good idea,�� Yrial snorted. ��The most powerful ones are the [Panopticon Seal] and the [shfire Flourish]. I think thetter is better suited for you.��


    Zac wasn��t surprised Yrial mentioned those two, even if their names didn��t expose being escape treasures. They both cost over 8,000 credits, making them some of the most expensive items in the inheritance �C there was no way they could be simple.


    ��What kind of items are they?��


    ��The [Panopticon Seal] is an ancient treasure that I think once might have been a n-defining treasure for an ancient formation n. It contains a terrifyinglyplex array that can utterly seal space for over a kilometer in every direction almost instantly. As long as you hold onto the seal, you will be able to escape through a path only you can see. Meanwhile, everyone else will be frozen in ce, no matter if it��s one or one hundred enemies.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��The [shfire Flourish] is a fire-based escape treasure I found shortly after bing a Hegemon. It will turn you into a ball of mes andunch you through space, while sending out hundreds of decoys in every direction.��


    ��Why do you think I should get the second item then?�� Zac frowned. ��If the [shfire Flourish] is based on the Dao of Fire, Can I even use it?��


    ��The seal is extremely powerful, being able to seal space with such sess that even Late Hegemons will find themselves stuck for a minute or two. However, it is best used in conjunction with other escape measures. It sounds to me that escape is one of your weaker suits, with your path being one of constantly forging ahead. What will you do after the Hegemon breaks free? Don��t think some random escape talisman can save you from a motivated D-grade cultivator.��


    ��Meanwhile, the [shfire Flourish] will shift you to a neighboring dimensionalyer, while also making it harder to find you. That feature obviously doesn��t work inside Mystic Realms, but it will still take you extremely far in an instant. As for the fire-based aspect, it��s mostly fine.��


    ��Mostly?�� Zac said with a raised brow.


    ��Well, with you not having an affinity with fire, it will probably hurt like hell to use the item,�� Yrial snickered. ��But better a little pain than death, right? With your constitution, you should be fine.��


    ��Just pain, but no damage to my cultivation or anything like that?�� Zac thoughtfully asked.


    ��I didn��t say that. Both items are supreme escape treasures. Apart from being a pain to charge, activating them will damage your foundations. Such is thew of bnce.��


    ��It almost sounds like they are meant to be used together,�� Zac ventured. ��One to seal the enemy, and one to run away.��


    ��That��s how I did things when out of options,�� Yrial nodded.


    ��So how about����


    ��Forget it.��


    The two were locked in a wordless struggle for a few moments, but Zac eventually relented with a sigh. ��Alright, I��ll take the [shfire Flourish].��


    It might not be exactly suited for him, but it was the kind of treasure he needed �C something akin to Thea��s escape skill or the item the cultist leader used after their battle in the Dead Zone. Meanwhile, the [Panopticon Seal] sounded a bit too much like his [Pir of Destion] to make it worth 8,750 points, even if it was a powerful item.


    He would simply have to find another way to restrain his pursuers while activating the [shfire Flourish] in the future.


    ��Good choice,�� Yrial said, his smile widening as a box appeared in Yrial��s hands. ��I didn��t want to influence your choice, but I actually modified the flourish one day when I was beset with an epiphany. Now, it��s even better than when I used it. You��ll be the envy of the cultivation world �C it took me quite some effort to instill my charm and aesthetics into this item.��


    ��Better how? What did you do?�� Zac asked with a sinking feeling as he heard the ambiguous words.


    ��First, leave a drop of blood and bind it,�� Yrial urged as he took out a small red wand from the box, prompting Zac to reluctantlyply.


    ��Perfect,�� Yrial smiled. ��Don��t worry, I won��t waste the actual escape charge. I��m just a bit curious how it will turn out with you as the controller.��


    ��How what will turn-�� Zac asked, but he didn��t get any further as a fiery ball shot out from the wand, shooting right past his head.


    Zac scrambled out of the way with rm as he covered his head, but he breathed in relief when the fireball wasn��t followed by an explosion. However, Zac��s expression sunk with dismay as he turned around, wholeheartedly feeling that Yrial��s modifications were far worse.


    The blue sky and the field of flowers in the pocket dimension had lost their luster in the face of the almost blinding spectacle the [shfire Flourish] had left behind. However, it wasn��t some sort ofbat-rted apparition, or some maze-like array meant to confuse the enemy.


    It was rather an image of Zac��s face left as a ten-meter hologram floating in the air.


    However, while it was him, it also wasn��t. Zac saw his eyes sparkle like stars with a tearful expression that spoke of both reluctance and love. There was a slight blush on his cheeks and rosy lips locked in a small pout, with his usual buzz cut reced by a wavy cascade of chestnut-colored hair. Surrounding his face was a swirling sea of fiery and icy flowers, illuminated by rays of light. Finally, beneath the spectacle was one line written by glittering stardust.


    Parting with a dearpanion is always a sweet sorrow.


    ��It��s not quite the same when you��re using it,�� Yrial sighed with a shake of his head. ��At least it fixed your hair.��


    ��This�� what���� Zac stuttered, finding himself lost for words.


    He couldn��t believe what he was seeing. The failed effeminization of his face. His ambiguous expression and the even more ambiguous words. In what universe was this a suitable function to add to an escape treasure? The only way it could be useful was if the scene was so unexpected and surreal that his pursuers found themselves shocked enough to lose track of him.


    ��Ah, don��t worry,�� Yrial sagely nodded. ��It��s designed to use whatever face you��re currently wearing. So no need to worry in case you��re using a disguise.��


    ��Like that��s my concern right now!�� Zac wanted to roar, suddenly worrying that his already strained reputation would take another hit if he was ever discovered using this cursed escape wand.


    ��Not only that, but this is only one of five different memorable scenes I engraved into the [shfire Flourish]. It��s impossible to be certain, but I think it might be one of the most stylish escape items in your sector.��


    ��It��s quite something,�� Zac said through grit teeth as he turned away from the still-glimmering apparition. ��But I worry these superfluous additions might weaken its main function. I think it would be better to restore the item to its original state.��


    ��Well, it does cost a bit more energy, but it is negligiblepared to the expenditure for the actual escape,�� Yrial exined. ��And I refuse to ruin this piece of art, even if it will be sullied by your face. I suggest you rather start thinking on how to improve your features, allowing you to leave behind an even more mesmerizing scene that will linger in the hearts of your pursuers forever.��


    ��Alright, well, I guess that��s fine then,�� Zac sighed with a sense of defeat.


    ��With this purchase, you still have 5,500 Credits,�� Yrial smiled. ��Do you want any more advice?��


    In the end, Zac purchased a non-attuned Natural Treasure that would help strengthen any prototype core, which would speed up the process after he��d found a proper core blueprint to work from. It only cost 1,500 Credits as well, making it a steal. For the final 4,000 points, Zac got another unique treasure called [Hanamon��s Awakening].


    It was yet another Node Opening treasure, one that Zac hoped would help him out with his Draugr Eoz heritage. Unfortunately, it could only help open nodes he had already located, and it only worked with constitution-based Hidden Nodes, which was why it was so much cheaper than the [Eye of Har��Theriam] he gotst time.


    It was a bit of a gamble, but there wasn��t much else he wanted from the inheritance. Race-boosting pills weren��t a thing in the D-grade since once��s race was connected to one��s Cultivator��s Core at that stage. Every time you upgraded your core, your longevity and attribute cap would increase. Finally, when you perfected your core, you��d officially reach C-grade race.


    ��Looks like you got your money��s worth,�� Yrial nodded after Zac had stowed away the final item. ��But remember, treasures can only help you remove some roadblocks on your path. Cultivation ultimatelyes from within.��


    ��I know,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Now, is there anything else you want to ask of your beautiful and benevolent master?�� Yrial smiled. ��Remember, it will probably be a while before we see each other again.��


    ��Actually, there are a few things,�� Zac nodded, relieved that Yrial still had the energy to chat. ��First of all, I was hoping you could help me upgrade your transformation skill. Secondly, I was wondering if you had ever heard of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].��

 Chapter 855: Upgrades

    Chapter 855: Upgrades


    ��One thing at a time. I��ve been asleep for most of the time since we metst, but I have some preliminary ideas for the transformation skill,�� Yrial nodded. ��I just need to see how the pathways of the core have changed during its upgrade. I even have some ideas to improve the aesthet-��


    ��No, wait,�� Zac urgently interjected. ��You can��t add any effect to the skill! It will expose me mid-battle.��


    ��I guess you��re right,�� Yrial eventually sighed, not without some reluctance. ��Alright, let��s see what we��re working with here.��


    He pushed a finger against Zac��s chest and closed his eyes next. Only five minutester did he open them again with a thoughtful look.


    ��Is there a problem?�� Zac asked.


    ��How could something like this stump your exalted master?�� Yrial harrumphed. ��But the patterns are growing quiteplex, requiring an understanding of the Daos infused into your Spy Core. I can somewhat circumvent it for now, but I doubt I will be able to form a D-grade version of the skill. So after this, you��re on your own.��


    ��That��s no problem,�� Zac nodded. ��I need to start forming skills myself soon anyway.��


    ��Yes, that��s one department you��ve fallen behind,�� Yrial nodded. ��By the time I evolved, I had already created six skills.��


    ��Six?�� Zac blurted, feeling that one or two was already quite good.


    ��There��s no need for you to go that far,�� Yrial shrugged. ��I didn��t have as many opportunities as you when starting out, so I had a simr problem as you did with your Draugr ss before. I had a Rare E-grade ss that didn��t quite incorporate my path, so I needed to form skills that better represented my Path of Cyclic Supremacy. Otherwise, I would have been stuck with a pendulum-oriented ss in D-grade as well.��


    ��Pendulum?�� Zac said, but he immediately realized what Yrial was talking about.


    In the visions, Yrial was constantly swapping between cold and hot when fighting, a bit like how Ilvere often shifted between light and heavy when using that boulder-like weapon of his. Somehow, that seemed to have a greater effect than constantly using either one of the elements.


    ��It is a viable path, but it doesn��t provide the level of amplification as a true fusion of elements,�� Yrial nodded. ��There is a chapter about it in the book you bought. In a sense, it keeps the elements separate, and the absence of a fusion bes the third element. Perhaps it��s worth for you to look into.��


    Zac thoughtfully nodded in agreement. That kind of system didn��t seem too bad. He wasn��t swapping between life and death currently when fighting, but his coreprehension when shing against Alvod��s path had been that Life was Life, Death was Death, forever separate, and always in conflict. Perhaps that kind of system could be useful for a base that he retooled for his purposes.


    ��Well, here we are,�� Yrial eventually smiled as he handed over a crystal. ��The skill isn��t naturally upgradeable, so you will have to refine the paths yourself.��


    ��That��s fine,�� Zac said. ��Thank you.��


    He had already gained some experience in this regard inside the Orom World, with his human side having reforged [Piercing Gaze] into [Cosmic Gaze] already. Doing something simr with [Beauty Yrial��s Great Transformation Skill] shouldn��t be too difficult as long as he had the blueprint and as long as he was careful.


    After all, he had long realized that his pathways had a much greater ability to recoverpared to most people��s. Some pathway adjustments that would require a cultivator to rest for a month were dealt with in a couple of days, speeding up the process significantly. If that was thanks to his high attributes or his unique constitution, Zac had no idea. Probably a little bit of both.


    ��Now, what��s this about a Buddhist technique?�� Yrial said.


    Zac stowed away the transformation skill for now as he recounted his meetings with Three Virtues, the technique, and his guesses about his path.


    ��Scheming baldies,�� Yrial snorted. ��I��ve been on the short end of that stick myself. However, I have to say his words are not without merit, and the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] is a well-known Body Tempering Technique. Your undead side currently has an attunement that your human sidecks. For normal people, that would make your cultivation nted concerning the Dao, but I��m not too sure that aspect matters to you. However, it might affect your cultivation in other ways.��


    ��Like an imperfect fusion of life and death,�� Zac ventured, receiving an affirmative nod.


    ��If your goal is to fuse, or even just stabilize, your two sides, a perfect bnce might be required. The Dao of Chaos is a miracle �C a Dao that shouldn��t exist, a paradox. There should be extremely stringent requirements for it to form, where a single missingponent will make the transformation impossible.��


    ��What about the pathbreaking effect of Buddhism? Or any other traps hidden in the method?�� Zac asked.


    ��Pathbreaking only works on the weak of heart,�� Yrial snorted. ��If you��re so useless that you be a monk from practicing their techniques, you don��t have the qualifications to continue your path. I would be more concerned as to why the Buddhist Sangha is helping you. They are not some benevolent samaritans �C they are incredibly pragmatic with their cause and effect. If they provide you with these kinds of resources, they are expecting something in return.��


    ��Do you think it��s a brainwashing technique, turning me into a vessel for possession or something simr?�� Zac asked, remembering the pitiful end for his old enemy, Inevitability.


    ��That, I doubt,�� Yrial said. ��They cultivate the heart and the self. Possession would break their path. They don��t forcibly convert people either, though who knows what they do in the dark. Personally, I believe that would hurt their path as well. Theirs is a supreme belief of Buddha��s Path. If they need to use trickery for conversion, that would mean their path is not perfect, and it would harm their cultivation and the Sangha itself.


    ��They would rather use the apparent perfection of their techniques to leave small nuggets of doubts in your heart, nuggets that would form a trail leading straight into the embrace of Buddha. That would reaffirm their path, strengthening the Sangha.��


    ��Can you scan the technique for me?�� Zac ventured.


    ��No way. I��m just an aged soul wisp. Getting in contact with aplete Buddhist Heritage would probably destroy me. Besides, just because it��s not a faulty technique, it doesn��t mean they haven��t made precautions to prevent the spread of their secrets,�� Yrial said. ��Try infusing the method into an empty crystal.��


    Zac nodded and took out a spare crystal from his ring, but a frown spread across his face a momentter. Nothing happened when he tried to engrave the words in his mind.


    ��You see?�� Yrial smiled. ��You will have to make the decision yourself, weighing risk and reward is a coreponent of being a cultivator. Do your research before making your choice, and then act on it decisively. But while you have time, don��t dally too long if you want to keep your momentum. I can tell you though that undoing body tempering can be difficult, impossible even. Even if you stop in the middle, you might find yourself stuck with an iplete constitution.��


    ��I��ll try to do some more research before making a decision,�� Zac nodded.


    Zac spent the next few hours inside the trial inheritance. Most of the time was Yrial regaling him about his exploits of the past, while Zac asionally inserted some question that had gued him over the past years. Yrial answered some, ignored some due to not wanting to affect his path, and pretended he wasn��t clueless about others.


    For example, when Zac asked whether he��d ever heard of a Tayn n, Yrial haughtily answered that he couldn��t keep track of every little faction in the frontier. Neither did Yrial know too much about the Perennial Vastness of the [Perennial Vastness Token]. He had only briefly heard of it, but by that point, he was already a Monarch and uninterested since it didn��t pertain to him. Thus, Yrial had even less information than what Zac had gathered from the elites in the Orom World.


    But finally, it was time to go.


    ��Time is running out,�� Yrial sighed as he looked out across the field of flowers. ��I know you are loath to leave your dear master, but I need rest.��


    ��When can Ie back next time?��


    ��The trial is meant for someone approaching Peak Hegemony, but you might be able to brute force your way into the trial quicker than that. But no earlier than reaching Late Hegemony,�� Yrial said. ��As for time, it doesn��t matter. My soul wasn��t damaged this time around like after the impartment.��


    ��Late hegemony,�� Zac nodded. ��Alright, I��ll see you soon again. Thank you for all your help today. You��ve really helped me figure some things out.��


    ��Have fun with your war,�� Yrial grinned. ��I joined a big one once. There was a lot of loot to be pilfered, both from allies and foes, and ample opportunities to be seized. Just try not to die.��


    ��Sage advice,�� Zac snorted as the world started to twist.


    Thest thing he saw was Yrial turning his head toward the left across the field of flowers with an inscrutable look in his eyes, in the very direction Yana hade from in the vision.


    A sh of lightter Zac appeared in the hall of the Tower of Myriad Dao, and he shot aplex look at the towering statue behind him. His second go at the Lord of Cycles inheritance had been a bit of a mixed bag. It had been nice to see his master again, but he hadn��t quite aplished all of his goals, the biggest one being a solution on how to form his Cultivator��s Core.


    However, he had gained some nice items along with the resources needed to start his own research in earnest, and he had a few ideas already on where to start. And with his transformation skill soon to be upgraded to E-grade, he would once more be able to use both his sses in battle.


    As for the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], Zac was leaning toward using the body-tempering aspect of the technique while forgoing the heart cultivation chapters. If that was even possible. However, he first wanted to do some investigation, preferably getting his hands on a couple of simr manuals to contrast andpare.


    ��Took your time,�� Bra snorted as he appeared in front of him. ��Those little battle-ves of yours have kept bothering me while you underwent the trial.��


    ��They��re not ves, they��re my elite soldiers,�� Zac sighed. ��What did they want?��


    ��How should I know?�� Bra shrugged with disinterest.


    ��Alright, thank you for your work the past week,�� Zac nodded before turning toward the exit, not wanting to spend his limited free time being berated by an unstable Tool Spirit.


    ��Wait,�� the Bra said just as Zac was about to leave.


    ��You should think of what to do with the other inheritances,�� The Tool Spirit said. ��Right now, I��m not fulfilling my purpose, which is like having a fly buzz around my head. The shady demon and the dumb brute are gone from what I gather, as is your sister. With your woman dying, that means only you and your undead progeny are upying the inheritances.��


    Zac looked at the statue of the de Emperor for a few seconds before turning back to Bra.


    ��Well, like you said. You��re eternal. I��m in no hurry; no need to waste your gifts on the undeserving,�� Zac shrugged. ��But I��ll have my people keep a lookout for potential candidates.��


    ��I don��t care much about the others, but you need to find a suitable candidate for the Celestial Artisan,�� Bra said with umon seriousness in his eyes.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac could understand the sentiment. Something probably went wrong for the original Bra, with his Dao Repository bing a System Reward rather than a resource for his descendants or disciples. His inheritance was different than the others in that way. The others added the trials and rewards as payment for Bra��s services, while the Celestial Artisan��s inheritance probably was a genuine one.


    Unfortunately, there was simply no one in his surroundings who deserved this reward. No standout craftsman had appeared on Earth so far, and the Gemlings had their own path of craftsmanship.


    ��I��ll do my best, but I might have to recruit someone from off-world,�� Zac said.


    ��As long as you understand,�� Bra nodded. ��Now, off you go.��


    Zac snorted before he shed away, leaving the Dao Repository behind. A scan of the surroundings indicated no Valkyries were waiting around, meaning whatever message they had couldn��t be too important. So Zac started walking toward hispound rather than Port Atwood. However, he didn��t stop when he reached his manor but rather continued until he reached the sea.


    ��Lord Atwood, it has been a while,�� the Creator liaison said as Zac entered the shipyard reception, its emotions impossible to tell on from the featureless face where apertures were reced by a single fractal.


    ��Brat, not bad,�� a boomingugh echoed through the hallway as Karunthel, still using his enormous spider-legs, ambled into the room. ��Already a Baron.��


    ��Just lucky, I guess,�� Zac smiled, not bothering to ask why the golem foreman knew something like that.


    ��So, are you here about the upgrade?�� Karunthel said with excitement. ��About time. It��s a bit embarrassing to be the foreman of this toyshop.��


    ��Kind of,�� Zac nodded. ��I know where the worldeaters are, and I��m heading off-world soon to go get one. Now that it��s drawing closer, I wanted to check with you how long time it would take to build the reward, and if there was anything I could do to improve the quality of the vessel.��


    ��Oh? Our wares are not good enough for your tastes, brat?�� Karunthel sniggered, though it was clear he didn��t take it to heart. ��What��s the problem?��


    ��I��m heading into a chaotic strip of space teeming with invaders and pirates, I could use every advantage I can get.��


    This was his biggest worry. An Early D-grade Cosmic Vessel had seemed impressive when he first saw the quest, but now with the war brewing and the general danger of the Million Gates Territory, it might not be enough to safely traverse the Million Gates Territory safely �C especially not if he and his followers were nning on racking up some contribution through battle.


    Certainly, some of the vessels of pirates and bounty hunters in the Million Gates Territory could barely be considered D-grade from what Zac had gathered. However, others were quite powerful, there were even Technocrats and unorthodox Cultivators using taboo methods in the area.


    ��Brat, don��t forget; we are the Iliex,�� Karunthel snorted. ��Our Early D-grade wares are at least at the level of Middle D-grade when put in the perspective of this backwater region.��


    ��I understand that,�� Zac said.�� But still����


    ��Well, let me check,�� Karunthel shrugged before freezing in ce. Only a couple of minutester did he move again, and it almost looked like he had rebooted. ��Huh.��


    ��What?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, I am not allowed to build you anything better than an Early D-grade vessel,�� Karunthel said.


    ��So it��s impossible,�� Zac sighed.


    ��I��m not finished,�� the huge golem-spider said. ��I am not allowed to build one ording to the quest, but I can create a specialized Cosmic Vessel. One that��s barely flightworthy in its current state but easily upgradeable. A framework, if you will.��


    ��Absolutely,�� Zac said, his eyes lighting up. ��Let��s go with that.��


    ��Hold on,�� Karunthel. ��While this method is permissible, the actual upgrade would be outside the agreement of the System-awarded quest. First of all, the maximum output of an Early D-grade Shipyard is Middle D-grade vessels, and only once per century. Secondly, with the limitations set in ce on a System-run store like this, you would have to provide the materials yourself rather than use our channels.��


    ��That��s no problem,�� Zac said as he handed over an Information Crystal before pouring out a mountain of resources around him. They were a sample of all the peak-quality materials and items he had kept for himself rather than handing over to Calrin, while the crystal was his semi-urate tally of items he had already handed over to the Sky Gnome.


    It would obviously have been better if the System didn��t limit the Creators, but such were the rules. Licensed Stores added through the Town System had all kinds of rules and regtions they had to follow. In return, they got the System��s protection and ess to new markets. Meanwhile, unlicensed stores were not rted to the System at all.


    They had no limitations and no protections except whatever muscle they could muster. The Thayer Consortia had lost all their unlicensed stores centuries ago, the moment the Tsarun n turned their gaze toward their little business. In that sense, if the Creators had actually made their way to Earth on their own and set up a shipyard, they would have been able to do business however they wanted.


    They could even have sold B-grade vessels if they so desired, and the System wouldn��t care.


    ��I guess your adventures were quite lucrative,�� Karunthel hummed as he scanned the piles of materials, asionally prodding them with his metallic spider legs. ��The value of this trove is counted in C-grade Nexus Coins. Of course, so are decent Cosmic Vessels.��


    ��I have recorded the materials,�� Rahm added from the side. ��Give us a few minutes while we will run simtions on viable frames.��


    Zac nodded before he started stowing away the materials, his heart already beating with anticipation. How could one not get excited over the prospect of a personal spaceship?

 Chapter 856: The Final Frontier

    Chapter 856: The Final Frontier


    ��You look like a fledgling apprentice about to get his first batch of materials,�� Karunthel grinned upon seeing Zac��s excitement.


    ��Of course,�� Zac said with a wide smile. ��We used to say that Space is the final frontier. How can I not get excited at the idea of exploring it in a personal ship?��


    ��The final frontier?�� the spider-golem hummed. ��I like that. Of course, I��m not sure how true that is what with the outer-��


    ��Ahem,�� Rahm interjected, dashing Zac��s hopes of learning of some more restricted knowledge.


    ��If need be, I can get almost any quantities of any readily avable material in the Sector,�� Zac added as he got back to the topic. ��But rare treasures might be a bit tricky with the time constraints.��


    ��Understood,�� Rahm nodded. ��Do young master have any specific requests?��


    ��First of all, the ship needs to have strong protection against spatial turbulence because I will regrly pass through spatial storms and wormholes,�� Zac slowly said. ��And since I will be hunting invaders, features that can enable me to ambush enemies would be great. Finally, the ability to escape from pursuit.��


    ��Brat, that��s a lot,�� Karunthel snorted. ��If a ship excels at everything, it will no longer be Middle D-grade.��


    ��Whatever you cane up with,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Well, you have picked up quite a few good things,�� Karuthel nodded. ��We should able to make some decent alloys with it, though the attunements are a bit�� We��ll have to check our database.��


    A momentter Rahm and Karunthel walked to the backdoor of the office while Zac stayed behind, praying that they had some blueprints that would work with his somewhat one-sided stockpile of pilfered materials. It wasn��t that his materials were bad, but most crafts had pretty stringent requirements. There was no guarantee that the Creator��s heritage would mesh well with his items, considering a lot of the raw materials were either life- or death-attuned.


    Most of the D-grade items in his possession were ultimately from the rings he looted in the Void, and they had all presumably belonged to Hegemons native to the Twilight Harbor. Therefore, over a third of the materials had one of the two attunements or some sort of mixed affinity, including more than half of the peak-quality items.


    Finally, after what felt like an eternity, the two emerged again, and Zac almost shot up from the sofa.


    ��Well, while your materials are decent, not too many of them are useful for creating Cosmic Vessels,�� Karunthel said. ��But we did find a few alloys in our databases that would work. However, after filtering out all the designs that don��t fit within the scope of the quest, the shipyard��s level, your materials and requirements, there are only three viable options left.��


    ��Are you kidding?�� Zac said. ��Three is great. I was worried there would be none.��


    ��How could that be?�� Karunthel snorted. ��That would be an affront to our name. Do you know how many designs we have umted over the eons? Neither do I, but it��s a lot. And most designse in different variations depending on the desired attunement and equipment. With the materials you have collected, your vessel will either have to have a slight Death-attunement or Life-attunement.��


    ��Slight attunement?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Your quest does not allow for an attuned vessel,�� Rahm exined. ��Therefore, the base framework will have to be unattuned. From there, we will upgrade the vessel by adding attuned alloys, arrays, and systems, thus upgrading the vessel to Middle D-grade.��


    ��Can the vessel be both? Life and Death-attuned, that is?�� Zac ventured.


    ��Not possible,�� Karunthel snorted. ��You want me to build a Chaosengine, brat? That��s the stuff of legends. We can iste certain sections and flood them with whatever element you want, but we cannot integrate both life and death into the framework of the vessel. The two elements would sh, causing all kinds of issues we have no way of solving.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded, disappointed but not very surprised.


    He had hoped to see if the Creators had some solutions to the fusion of Life and Death, but it looked like he was overthinking things. Even if their faction had some solutions, it probably wouldn��t be a readily avable Middle D-grade design.


    ��The first option is a scout-ss vessel spanning 300 meters,�� Rahm continued as a screen appeared in front of Zac. ��Its speed is the greatest among the three, and it has serviceable anti-detection technology, which can help with both ambushing and escapes. However, its shielding and weaponry are the worst of the three.��


    Zac looked at the sleek silver ship with golden lines and runes covering its surface, its design somewhat resembling a catamaran built for speed. Apart from the image, there was also a list of features of specifications, including everything from arrays to cargo hold and personnel capacity.


    From the description, it looked like its defensive arrays weren��t meant for battle, but rather to withstand any odd environments the crew explored. Therefore, its shields were effective against sustained environmental damage, but they could only take a limited number of direct hits from enemy attacks. It also didn��t have much in the way of fighting back, though its scanning equipment and drones seemed very impressive.


    ��The second one is my rmendation,�� Karunthel eagerly continued as a second screen appeared. ��A somewhat unknown variant on a popr destroyer model.��


    Zac looked at the design, and he felt a palpable pressure from the imposing pitch-ck monstrosity. This ship looked a lot like a normal boat, except a heavily fortified metal castle was ced on its stern.


    ��Strong shields, strong weapons; a mobile fortress,�� the foremanughed. ��No need to run from your enemies if you can just blow them up. Unfortunately, we can��t bring our more advanced weaponry to the frontier, but even these old designs pack quite a punch.��


    Karunthel wasn��t joking around. If the description was to be believed, the destroyer had no less than six weapons tforms, ranging from a literal Deathray meant to destroy or at least incapacitate ships. Even if the targets survived, they might get forcibly converted into zombies. There were dozens of array towers, unmanned attack drones, and even aary bombardment system.


    Even its bow was a massive de empowered with some sort of array, allowing the owner to run straight into their enemies. The shields were powerful as well, and they should have no problem withstanding the spatial turbulence in the Million Gates Sector.


    ��So what��s the catch?�� Zac said, his eyes gleaming.


    ��Of the three, it��s the slowest and least maneuverable,�� Rahm said. ��The scouting vessel has various escape protocols, while no such things are installed on this vessel. Any decent scanner will also pick up its powerful energy signature.��


    ��Can I install escape protocols and cloaking technologyter?�� Zac asked.


    ��We are already pushing the limits by offering you these designs,�� Karunthel said. ��We will not be able to make any further adjustments except for repairs. Besides, all these systems and arrays are working together in a delicate bnce. If you start recing parts, you��ll quickly run into various issues. Pushing through spatial tears and shifting dimensions is no joke. If you muck about without knowing what you��re doing, you might find yourself disintegrated when you make a jump.��


    ��Oh alright,�� Zac nodded with a shudder, scrapping any idea of cramming the ship full of addons after getting his hands on it.


    ��You should be careful about hiring outside mechanics as well,�� Karunthel said. ��If they��re useless, they��ll probably end up getting you killed. If they are any good, they��ll notice that the vessel is not from around these parts. Cosmic Vessels are tooplicated to hide their origins like the simple ships we��ve built for you thus far. At least for me and the other craftsmen sent here.��


    ��I��ll be careful,�� Zac nodded. ��What about the third model?��


    ��The final vessel is a journeyman-ss cruiser,�� Rahm said, showcasing the third vessel.


    The third option looked a bit like a hollow pyramid, where the tip was the front of the vessel. Halfway up arge viewing deck could be seen, while there were multiple slots for weaponry. Out from the hollowed bottom threerge pirs stuck out, presumably the motor this model used.


    ��Sorry, journeyman?�� Zac asked as he read through the specs.


    ��The previous vessels were targeted at or specially designed for factions setting up a proper armada, from small fighters to sizedmand-ships,�� Karunthel exined. ��Thus, these models are more specialized in nature. Journeyman ships are normally sold to powerful wandering cultivators or as private vessels for elites. They are all-rounders that you generally don��t see inrge-scale wars.��


    ��Jack of all trades, master of none,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Exactly,�� Karunthel nodded. ��This model is quite flexible. We can make it either life-or-death-attuned, and the modr design gives you some freedom to prioritize which aspects you want the ship to focus on. For example, you can swap out turrets for more energy storage and shield-generators, and so on. On the other two vessels, the design is mostly set.��


    Zac looked at the specs for a long time, unable to immediately decide which he wanted. Each one of them had its strong points, but the situation in the Million Gates Territory was simply too unpredictable.


    ��No need to make your choice right now,�� Karunthel added. ��There is a lot of work to be done, and we can start by putting together theponents used in all three models. Think it over so you have an answer by the time you return with the worldeater. That way, we can begin manufacturing the moment the shipyard Is upgraded.��


    ��This is a list of the required materials andbor cost for each respective vessel upgrade,�� Rahm added as he handed Zac an information crystal.


    ��Alright,�� Zac said, immediately grimacing upon seeing that all of the vessels were priced in the millions of D-grade Nexus Coins, even after the rebate from getting the basic framework from his quest.


    It was no wonder most D-grade cultivators were locked to their or cluster. A single vessel cost more than raising dozens of Hegemons in the Zecia sector. For example, Zac knew that Ogras�� grandpa��sworth, including his gear, was only counted in the low thousands of D-grade nexus coins.


    However, Karunthel��s words made him think of something. ��Will the size of the shipyard increase after getting an upgrade?��


    ��Of course,�� Karunthel nodded and turned to his second-inmand. ��What kind of tform will we get?��


    ��A D-grade Shipyard in this situation will roughly take up 52.2 times the area,�� Rahm said. ��With your requirements for privacy and camouge, it would increase to 57.8.��


    ��Almost sixty timesrger?�� Zac eximed as he nced at the massive warehouse outside the window. That thing was bigger than any building he had seen pre-integration, and they wanted something more than fifty times that size? It would swallow up the whole coastline of his ind.


    ��The production tforms for Cosmic Vessels are quiteplex,�� Karunthel shrugged. ��We need to set up everything from foundries to array furnaces, temperingkes, and the actual construction lines.��


    ��You will be able to move thepound freely within your domain upon the upgrade,�� Rahm added. ��And it is not water-locked any longer. With Port Atwood having be a capital, you can ce us on any ind in the archipgo. However, cing the foundry on a Death-attuned ind will rue a steep conversion charge since we do not use that kind of energy.��


    ��Alright, no problem,�� Zac quickly nodded. ��I��ll check what��s avable. But I might have to put you guys on the ocean floor if you need even more space in the future.��


    ��That won��t be necessary,�� Karunthelughed. ��C-grade shipyards and higher are strategic resources involving many secrets of the Iliex. Those tforms are almost exclusively kept inside the inner worlds of our Master Craftsmen or inside private realms. If you actually manage to upgrade the shipyard again, we��ll just transform the ind you gave us to a private residence.��


    ��Oh, right,�� Zac nodded. ��And how long will it take for you to put together the vessel?��


    ��The Boundless Heavens will be helping out with the quest, so not too long. Two months outside our temporal arrays at the most,�� Karunthel said. ��Oh, one more thing. Get a worldeater with a strong soul. The stronger the soul, the better the vessel will be.��


    ��The worldeater��s soul will be used for the vessel?�� Zac asked with a slight frown.


    Between the cursed sword he snatched in the Tower of Eternity and [Love��s Bond], he knew all-too-well theplications that came with the fusion of souls and items. Even if it had worked out for Alea so far, the path was fraught with issues, and it went against the natural order. So infusing a soul into his Cosmic Vessel didn��t seem like a very good idea.


    ��Don��t worry, we won��t use some dumb animal as a Tool Spirit,�� Karunthelughed, clearly understanding Zac��s concerns. ��But it will be aponent for one of the central arrays. A strong soul will mean the quality of the core is higher, which will allow for smoother energy transfer. That will improve everything from shield durability to speed.��


    ��So it��s enough if I just get the core?�� Zac asked.


    ��Nope,�� Karunthel said. ��The Boundless heavens wants you to catch a live one, so that��s what you��ll have to do.��


    ��Alright, I��ll get the beast as quickly as possible. I��m heading out within a couple of days,�� Zac said, but just before he stepped out of the reception hall, he turned back and asked one final question. ��Have you ever heard of a powerful faction of fire cultivators called the Tayns?��


    ��That��s�� Not something we can discuss,�� Karunthel eximed, so shocked by the name that he actually took a step back. ��But you need to be careful. Some things are better left alone, alright?��


    ��Alright, I��ll see youter then,�� Zac slowly nodded and walked out.


    The two Iliax looked at their customer as he disappeared among the trees in the distance.


    ��Crazy brat, don��t tell me he��s mixed up with those maniacs?�� Karunthel muttered. ��Is this why��?��


    ��Doubtful,�� Rahm said. ��Mohzius Tayn has guarded his wife��s throne for millions of years, rarely stepping out, and his disciples are busy causing havoc elsewhere. More importantly, these models�� It breaks convention. What happened in that meeting?��


    ��I argued for an upgrade,�� Karunthel grinned.


    ��Is it worth it? Is he worth it?��


    ��I guess?�� Karunthel nodded after some thought.


    ��Can we even build them?�� Rahm asked. ��The restrictions.��


    ��They will be temporarily lifted,�� Karunthelzily said. ��And theponents that are out of my league will be transported.��


    Rahm turned toward Karunthel, his normally wooden aura fluctuating from shock. ��Rem will forcibly expand our authority? What did you agree to for him to pay such a price?��


    ��A section-head isn��t powerful enough for this,�� Karunthel snorted. ��And Rem wouldn��t do me any favors no matter what price I paid, not after I raided his stockpile. This is an order from higher up. For some reason, the leaders really want a certain type of scanner on this brat��s ship.��


    ��A specialized scanner?�� Rahm muttered. ��Should we tell him?��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��We can��t, strictest orders,�� Karunthel said, and Rahm silently stared at his foreman for rification.


    ��Don��t look at me like that. I like the brat as much as you,�� Karunthel as he looked down at Rahm. ��That��s why I bartered for them to upgrade his options if they wanted me to do this. Considering how easily they agreed, they must be looking for something extremely important. The price to make the Boundless Heavens look the other way will be tens of times greater than the cost of the vessel itself.


    ��I guess some scary bastard has made a deal with the Chapter of Creation to imnt this thing. With the brat mentioning the Tayns, they seem like a strong contender. Not even the Allfather would dare say no to them. Of course, it could be someone else looking for something in this area, and we��re the only ones around who can help.��


    ��This�� This is not our way,�� Rahm slowly said. ��What if he��s harmed as a result?��


    ��Whatever those bigshots are looking for, it��s out there whether we install the scanner or not. Hopefully, the improved design will help him survive whatever lurks in the dark.��


    ��The final frontier���� Rahm muttered. ��Just what are they expecting to find in this deste corner of space?��

 Chapter 857: The Future of the Empire

    Chapter 857: The Future of the Empire


    Zac��smunication crystal had already started vibrating while looking over the Cosmic Vessels, and he was surprised to see that it was Vri who had tried to contact him. It looked like the mentalist had finally returned to Earth after spending over five years on Ensolus.


    A few minutester, Vri appeared in his courtyard, apanied by Joanna.


    ��Both of you?�� Zac asked with surprise.


    ��Rhuger and Ilvere can deal with things on Ensolus for the time being,�� Vri nodded. ��With the restrictions of the Incursion gone, we have begun the upgrade of all facilities. Soon enough, both our forts and resource gathering facilities will be impregnable against factions at the level of the Mavai Hordes and the Raun Spectrals.��


    ��With the addition of teleporters, we can move freely across the continent as well, allowing for both reinforcements and evacuation if needed,�� Joanna added.


    ��Well, wee back to Earth, both of you,�� Zac smiled. ��How does it feel?��


    ��A lot has changed. I read the reports but it��s another thing to see it with my own eyes,�� Vri nodded.


    ��I��ve been back a few times by now, but it��s still hard to believe how quickly things change between each visit,�� Joanna sighed.


    ��It will slow down soon enough,�� Zac said. ��We are still adapting to the Multiverse.��


    ��How did the inheritance go?�� Joanna asked with some longing in her eyes.


    Zac nced at Joanna, feeling it really was a shame. He just realized that she would have been a great candidate to undergo the de Emperor��s inheritance, even if she used a spear. Having heard the whole story about Irei and his wives from Thea, Zac believed that sincerity was more important than weapon of choice. In this regard, Joanna excelled, having already pushed her Spirit Tool spear to E-grade.


    Unfortunately, even if the de Emperor Inheritance would open up in a few more years, it didn��t matter. The inheritances started at the F-grade, for better or worse. But Zac still made a mental note of making sure with Bra before handing the spot over to someone else. It simply was a bit inconvenient to be restricted to only selecting F-grade cultivators. By this point, everyone he knew had already entered the E-grade.


    ��What, is there something wrong?�� Joanna asked with a frown.


    ��Oh, no it��s nothing,�� Zac said as he was dragged out from his thoughts. ��The inheritance was okay. My path has diverged a bit from the Lord of Cycles though, so I didn��t quite get everything I had hoped from the encounter.��


    ��As we find our paths, outside help is bound to be less and less helpful,�� Vri nodded.


    ��Yeah, I guess that��s true for everyone,�� Zac agreed. ��More importantly, I��m heading off-world again in a couple of days.��


    ��So soon?�� Joanna said with a small furrow in her brows. ��You��ve barely been back for a month.��


    ��Hopefully, it shouldn��t take too long. Less than a year,�� Zac said as he shared the quest screen for [Items for Karunthel]. ��I need to go get that worldeater or whatever. From there, it won��t take too long before we can set course for the Million Gates Territory. I just came back from a meeting with the Creators.��


    ��So we cane with to the Million Gates Territory?�� Joanna said with gleaming eyes.


    ��You��ll have to, whether you want to or not.�� Zacughed. ��I need some capable people to help me steer that thing.��


    ��How many can go? How is the environment?�� Vri asked, and Zac quickly recounted the specs he had seen in the office before.


    ��These vessels�� are far beyond the norm in the Million Gates Territory, in the whole sector, in fact,�� Vri slowly said. ��Few can build cosmic vessels of this quality. Only Monarchs and the wealthiest Hegemons will be able to take outparable vessels. We might need to disguise it somehow.��


    ��What, really? I know they��re good, but they��re that good?�� Zac eximed, a bit reluctant to make his spaceship look all grubby the moment he got his hands on it.


    ��It��s true,�� Joanna nodded. ��We looked into buying a ship before you returned, and what you describe is on another level entirely. The problem is rted to the materials, apparently. You need to know the method of producing unique alloys that can withstand both attacks, spatial turbulence, and the pressure of the universe when phasing between dimensions.��


    ��Without those kinds of recipes and the skill to forge the alloys, you would have to build the whole vessels out of high-grade materials. That might improve the quality, but the cost would increase one hundredfold,�� Joanna said. ��Add to that the skill required to infuse hundreds of high-quality Arrays into the ship����


    ��Can the Creators mass-produce Cosmic Vessels at this level?�� Vri asked. ��If we could put these for sale����


    ��These models are unique, with some parts being a quest reward of mine, and others using materials that don��t exist in the Zecia sector,�� Zac said, but his heart was still beating with excitement. ��However, they will still be able to mass-produce simpler models once their factory is up and running.��


    ��Simpler models will definitely sell even better,�� Joanna said with a smile. ��I think you��ve struck it rich.��


    Zac��s smile widened as well, remembering Ogras�� exaggerated reaction when he first got his hand on the Iliex Shipyard. It looked like the true value of a Creator Shipyard was about to appear. It was perfect timing. Not only could high-quality vessels help with the war efforts against the invaders, but they would provide an important revenue source for his Empire.


    After all, him identally stumbling into piles of treasure wasn��t a sustainable source of materials and wealth for himself and his followers.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Well, that��s something forter,�� Joanna said. ��Do you need anyone of us to go with you to fetch that animal for your quest?��


    ��Not this time,�� Zac said. ��I am nning on sneaking inside among the mercenaries, getting the beast, and leaving. With too many people, things might getplicated. Of course, I am hoping I can simply purchase the thing instead of needing to head too deep into the Void Gate��s territory.��


    ��Alright,�� Vri said. ��We��ll continue the integration of Ensolus. There is a lot of work to be done now that the incursion officially is over. With your permission, I��d like to transfer a few million citizens to this world.��


    ��Million?�� Zac said with confusion. ��Do we even have millions of people to spare on Earth?��


    ��All our facilities on Earth, from mines to spiritual fields and workshops, are fully manned since long ago. The sry and benefits of your employees are known far and wide, and we are flooded with applications every day,�� Joanna exined. ��Getting a million volunteers wouldn��t take long.��


    ��The number of applications has only increased now that the general poption has been able to glimpse your contribution store,�� Vri added. ��And with the new Contribution algorithm, few apart from the elites and employees will be able to rue enough contribution to get anything worthwhile.��


    It was true. Before, anyone who wasn��t actively cking off would slowly gather contribution points in Port Atwood. But with the new system, you would have to work for it. Even then, it was a pretty generous System. After all, in most factions, only the core members would even get ess. For example, in n Azh��Rezak, only members of the actual n could get ess to the n��s resources.


    The millions of citizens who simply lived in their domain would have to rely on themselves while paying even higher taxes.


    ��Aren��t the natives of Ensolus enough to fill the positions?�� Zac asked.


    ��We want to bring all the races over to better integrate the poptions,�� Vri said. ��If we keep the two worlds isted from each other except a small number at the top, Ensolus will remain a colony looking for ways to break out.��


    ��Makes sense,�� Zac slowly agreed as the considered the proposal. ��But if we start bringing people over en-masse, the cat��s out of the bag �C that the Atwood Empire has both undead and living citizens.��


    ��I am aware,�� Vri nodded. ��That��s why we need your go-ahead first.��


    ��How have things gone so far in that department?�� Zac asked. ��How did the soldiers react upon seeing the Einherjar?��


    ��Things went better than expected, honestly �C we were prepared to quell a riot if need be. There were some grumblings in the start, especially among the elites who were harried by the Undead Empire for weeks. But most people understand your undead and the Undead Empire are not the same,�� Joanna said.


    ��I feel that the newly integrated are not as inherently averse to our kin as what I saw on the streets of Twilight Harbor,�� Vri thoughtfully added. ��They might consider us unnatural and weird, but there are so many unnatural and weird things happening to them since the integration. Thanks to that, our impact is lessened, and there aren��t eons of bad blood ingrained into our bones.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac nodded. ��Well, I guess it��s about time anyway. We can��t hide a part of our poption over on Elysium forever. I��m nning on rearranging the Spirit Vein to turn a section of Port Atwood into a Death Attuned District. That way, the living and undead can live in the same city and start the integration for real.��


    ��If I may suggest an alternative,�� Vri said as she took out the purification array most people used on the Ensolus Continent. ��As you��ve seen, living and undead are living quite well on Ensolus as long as we have these arrays. If possible, I would think it even better to strive for this kind of environment in Port Atwood, where life and death are one, rather than separate.��


    Zac suddenly remembered his conversation with Vri Back in the Twilight Harbor, about how the harbor was not much different from the Zecia sector. The undead had their zones and their stores, while the living had theirs. Even the shared world disks had clear lines between life and death, andingling was ultimately limited as a result.


    The n he suggested was ultimately the same, even if the stigma of consorting with the ��other side�� might not be as poignant here.


    ��Have you noticed any side effects of staying in that kind of environment?�� Zac eventually asked.


    ��Not that we can tell, as long as the purifiers work,�� Vri said. ��The real issue is that we honestly don��t know how this mixture is formed. We haven��t been able to recreate it back on Earth just yet.��


    ��Your n is not bad, but I think it��s a bit premature to flood Port Atwood with this kind of unstable energy,�� Zac rejected. ��We can revisit the topic when we can reliably recreate this environment, or even a better one in the future. I��ll allocate more resources to research this and provide some life-death treasures I��ve picked uptely. Until then, the districts will have to do.��


    It wasn��t just a worry about the health of his citizens that made him say no. He honestly doubted the n was feasible in the short run �C who understood the difficulties involved with fusing life and death better than he?


    ��Of course,�� Vri nodded, though Zac could tell she was a bit disappointed.


    ��I haven��t forgotten what you said back in the harbor,�� Zac added. ��I��ll do my best to make your visione true. But we have to take it one step at a time. For now, keep the Earth and Ensolus separated �C anyone you hire to head over will sign on for a year at the least. Meanwhile, have the city nners start drawing up the expansion of Port Atwood, but don��t draw any Miasma yet. As soon as I return, we will make things public.��


    ��We��ll handle it, don��t worry,�� Joanna assured. ��On a rted topic, I have a message from the Stargazer. After analyzing the sector, she wanted to rmend the Kaldran Strait for the Atwood Empire.��


    ��The no-man��snd between the Kavriel Province and the Human Empires?�� Zac hesitated. ��I mean it makes sense with our attunement, but that ce is a constant warzone. Even if it��s far from the frontlines of the Million Gates Territory, that ce will never see any calm.��


    ��The Kaldran Straits are enormous,�� Joanna said. ��It��s risky, but Abby thinks it��s the best ce for a life-death attuned world. With the miasmic domain of the Kavriel Province providing energy for one direction, and the counterforce from Zecia itself, it should push the ambient energy of yours to the next level. There are also many scattered worlds without any affiliations or powerful leaders, making future expansion easy.��


    ��There should be parts of the strait that are far from the established battlefronts,�� Vri added. ��As long as we pick a dimensionalyer that��s not part of the known routes, the odds of anyone running into us by ident should be quite low.��


    ��We can start looking into it, but we need the Cosmic Vessels first,�� Zac eventually agreed. ��Let��s focus on the short-term issues first.��


    ��When are you leaving?�� Joanna asked.


    ��As soon as I have everything I need. Come with me to Calrin��s. I might need your help with something,�� Zac said as he stood up. ��Or is there anything else?��


    ��No, that��s it. I��ll start preparing for the expansion and recruitment,�� Vri said.


    ��You have the best understanding of our people,�� Zac said. ��If you will, could you start working on a shortlist of candidates to bring into the Million Gates Territory? Apart from warriors, we need medics, array controllers, and so on. That excursion will probably take years, so only people who can handle that kind of pressure.��


    ��I��ll look into it,�� Vri nodded.


    From there, things proceeded quickly as Zac nned out his next course of action. Seeing Yrial��s journey toward Hegemony, andter hearing his embellished tales, had imparted a few important lessons that weren��t rted to forming one��s core; how to stay alive in the Multiverse. Wanting to leave nothing to chance, Zac ordered one report after another on the situation on the Salosar cluster.


    Soon enough, a proper n had taken shape. Zac had everything he needed as well, including the high-quality modtor Calrin had gotten his hands on. However, he would have to wait for another ten days before he set out again. It wasn��t that he needed more time to prepare, but rather that things over at Salosar weren��t ready.


    Having found himself with a few days of free time, Zac teleported over to his Cultivation Cave with Triv to upgrade it with a few of his recently gathered treasures and arrays. It quickly became apparent that his private forest wasn��t the only ce Triv had fiddled with. Apart from beingpletely repaired since his Soul Reincarnation, every single facet had been refined and elevated.


    ��You��ve worked hard,�� Zac smiled. ��I can��t believe the energies have reached this level.��


    It wasn��t at the level of the unique environments in the Orom World like the ckink Mountain, but the energy was still so dense that a haze covered the subterranean forest in this central cave. The only thing missing was that the energy was somewhat hollow now that there was no Origin Energy left �C it had the meat, but itcked the insights that marked top-tier cultivation environments.


    ��Well, admittedly, the mountain did most of the work,�� Triv smiled. ��With these purification arrays Young Master has brought, I will be able to improve the cave even further.��


    The two toured the three sections of his cave for the next hours, where Zac showcased the various resources he��d gathered, and Triv offered suggestions on how to incorporate them into the cave. Ultimately, the cave was reinforced with another twoyers of defensive arrays, along with the Purification Arrays he bought in the Orom World.


    Next, they nted some of the high-quality life-and-death treasures he��d gathered. They��d siphon some of the ambient energy, but the aura they��d exude would improve the quality of what remained. Since Zac couldn��t cultivate anyway, losing some density wasn��t a big deal. Meanwhile, any added insights in the area, and their shes with their opposing elements, might help him gain some inspiration for the formation of his core.


    It would take a while for the herbs, trees, mushrooms, and other materials to take root and start transforming the environment, but Zac was heading out soon in either case. Triv would take care of things while he visited the Void Gate.


    The following couple of days Zac spent on [Beauty Yrial��s Great Transformation Skill]. Reforging a skill manually was a bit of a chore, even if your body was unusually adaptable. The biggest issue was that any mistake in either nning or execution could damage the fractal, just like when you upgraded a skill the normal way.


    Thankfully, Yrial had set up an extremely simple n for him, where the skill would reach E-grade after 18 sessions with a one-week rest in-between. Each session, he would add or alter a specific set of pathways, ensuring that the skill would be usable and stable throughout the process. That was the benefit of having a Monarch for a teacher �C Yrials natural understanding of patterns far surpassed his own.


    Even if he didn��t cultivate the Daos that were the basis for the Specialty Core, he understood enough how to interact with it.


    Zac also continued his Soul Cultivation, and he even started analyzing the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] during his downtime. With such a packed schedule, the ten days went by in a sh. Zac��s eyes opened after a long bout of meditation. It was finally time.


    First Salosar �C then outer space.

 Chapter 858: Salosar Seven

    Chapter 858: Salosar Seven


    Zac stepped out from the teleporter of Salosar Seven, one of the twenty-two official subordinate worlds of the Salosar Cluster, donning a temporary face. Together with him was Joanna, who was decked out in the liveries of the Space Gate Guild. They found themselves in a gallery inside an enormous hollow tower, the scene almost a bit reminiscent of the Havenfort Chasm, though the scale obviously was much smaller.


    Behind them was a stone wall, and their sides were blocked by some sort of obfuscation array. However, the arrays were notpletely opaque, and they could see small spatial ripples constantly appear all around them in other, presumably identical, rooms. That left only the front, which led to the edge of the gallery, which wasn��t blocked to the sides.


    Joanna simply bowed at Zac and activated the teleporter again, disappearing before she could be questioned or inspected by the nearby guard who stood outside the only exit to the room. Zac walked over, making no attempt to hide his aura, which exuded the energy of an Early Hegemon thanks to his modtor.


    The thing worked just as Calrin had advertised, but it was pretty demanding to keep running. He would only be able to use the modtor for around two hours before running low on Cosmic Energy, but that was more than enough for his purposes. As for masquerading as a Half-step Hegemon, that was much easier, and he could do that for a full day as long as he wasn��t forced to expend a bunch of energy in battle.


    ��Wee, Lord Hegemon. It��s my honor to receive your excellence,�� the middle E-grade guard bowed as he imprinted Zac��s aura onto a crystal. ��May I ask what brought the esteemed Lord to Salosar Seven?��


    ��Just taking a look,�� Zac slowly said. ��I heard there might be some opportunities here with an unusual Beast Tide.��


    ��That��s true,�� the guard quickly nodded and took out an information crystal. ��Any Hegemons joining the mission would be esteemed guests of the Void Gate. There is a specially-erected recruitment station erected in the Larnak Sector of Salosar Prime, all the information you need is in this crystal. I am sorry, but we also require Lord Hegemon to fill in some details at the entry station behind me.��


    ��Why?�� Zac frowned. ��My n��s reports on Salosar didn��t mention anything like this. I don��t like my details getting spread left and right.��


    ��It is a new security measure the council has set in ce for those arriving from out-of-system,�� the guard said with another quick bow. ��With the Void Gate opening its proverbial gates, many spies have tried entering their domain to cause harm or steal resources. Those who are not part of the local factions will have to fill in a short statement. But Lord Hegemon does not need to worry �C these are handled with utmost secrecy, and not a wisp of information will reach any third party or information house.��


    Zac nodded with a displeased grunt before grabbing the information crystal. From there, he headed over to one of the hundreds of disks at the edge of the walk surrounding the central chasm of the tower, his aura gradually receding into his body.


    Truthfully, Zac already knew about these procedures thanks to Calrin, and they had already prepared a background for him as a newly-ascended Hegemon from the Allbright Empire. The disguise wouldn��t hold up to close scrutiny, but he had spent almost five D-grade Nexus Coins on tokens, n Seals, and other items to verify his identity. It was extremely unlikely these early screenings would spot anything amiss.


    A few momentster, Zac expressionlessly stepped out into the hollow core of the tower, gently floating down toward the bottom hundreds of meters below. It wasn��t that he had figured out some way to fly to perfect his disguise as a Hegemon, but there was rather a simple gravity array in the center. People were floating down all around him until they reached the bottom tform.


    As Zac looked around, it almost looked like it rained people, while there was a constant stream of people disappearing into the outgoing arrays at the lower floors. It wasn��t too surprising. Salosar Seven might not sound too impressive due to its numbering, but Salosar Two through Five were mostly closed-off worlds where the powerful ns and factions of the cluster resided.


    Thus, Salosar Six through Eight were popr destinations for those seeking entertainment ormerce, and also the worlds where middling families and the more sessful wandering cultivators stayed. The other worlds were not as well-off, with eleven and beyond being E-grade worlds.


    Thoses, along with the unofficial worlds without a Salosar name, were mostly feeder worlds whose purpose was to produce the everyday resources the residents of the upper worlds required. Apparently, there were arrays asrge as countries on thoses, where the ambient energy of vast swathes ofnd was dragged into the spiritual fields, workshops, or whatever else the families needed the energy for.


    It left the rest of thes extremely energy-starved, and just reaching E-grade essentially required you to work in the facilities that stole all the energy. Learning about the situation was a stark reminder of why it was so important to nurture Earth into a proper faction that could stand on its own.


    In fact, a few of the Salosar feeders had once been newly-integrated worlds that didn��t amount to much. Either they failed during the integration to one of Salosar��s local factions, or they weren��t powerful enough to avoid that kind of fate during the Assimtion. Obviously, almost no newly-integrated would be able to resist any established factions nearby, but there were some fail-safes in ce.


    Normally, the world would get some sort of trial to see if they had properly limatized after a century, and if they performed well enough, then the local invaders would be barred from forcibly seizing allnd and resources. If not, the unluckys would end up as feeder-worlds, while the more fortunate would only get levied with heavy taxation to whatever local power whose sphere of influence they had appeared inside.


    Such was the fate of the powerless in the Multiverse.


    It was thew of the jungle, which could both be considered extremely unfair and fair, depending on how you looked at it. Zac didn��t wish for this kind of exploitative hierarchy for his own budding empire, but neither did he have any interest in bringing about social change to the Zecia sector. He wasn��t some savior, and neither did he have any problem appreciating the splendor of Salosar Seven even if he knew how this world was supported.


    The air was clean, the energy was dense, and the scenery was beautiful. The structures of Salosar Seven were mostly erected with some sort of purple stone with opalescent streaks that lit up when the sun hit them.


    They would stay luminescent even after sunset, making for a beautiful and mysterious atmosphere in the evenings. Along with the nearby ind oceans with paradisial archipgos, Salosar Seven had be a popr destination for those who needed a break in their cultivation and wanted to spend some time rxing.


    There was still argemercial sector, but it was more geared toward entertainmentpared to its brethren. Of course, it wasn��t for the bars or the brothels that Zac hade, and he started to orient himself following the map Calrin had provided him with.


    Noticing Zac standing in ce as though he was lost, a few people approached him, but they quickly backed away after a shake of his head. Seeing the guides looking for work, Zac felt a pang of regret thinking back to N, the half-blood Draugr who had guided him in Twilight Harbor.


    He had no idea what had happened to her when the whole Harbor exploded, but Zac knew her odds of survival weren��t great. Zac could only hope that N��s father, the Information House fact-checker, had sensed something amiss through his work and moved the family to the outer edges of the harbor at least.


    Salosar had imposed a temporary no-fly rule for everyone except the city-issued ships, so Zac hired a ferryman. Normally, these kinds of limitations would only be seen in the capitals of C-grade worlds, with Hegemons otherwise refusing toply. But the Void Priestess was simply too powerful, and no one wanted to draw her ire at this critical time.


    Zac spent 20,000 E-grade Nexus Coins to check in at a premium Cultivation Cave next, paying a month in advance. However, he didn��t spend more than a few minutes inside before leaving, setting out in the wider city by foot. An hourter he walked the streets lookingpletely different, having taken a cue out of Yrial��s ybook to change his appearance inside unmonitored corners or stores or alleyways a few times.


    With that, he headed toward his real destination. Zac knew he was probably overdoing it with the counter-espionage, but there were reasons to be wary. For one, inteary travel was not thatmon in the frontier, and any unknown Hegemon popping up out of nowhere would raise some eyebrows even in a flourishing ce like Salosar.


    It might seem like there was a constant stream of people exiting the tower, but Zac knew that over 99% were locals from the Salosar Cluster. Just a fraction were foreigners, and of those, the powerful would be marked for further investigation. After all, information was both wealth and power in the Multiverse, and there were a lot of businesses who made a point of knowing about everyone and everything that went on in their local sphere.


    Even arriving incognito wouldn��t help, since the information houses would start matching you and your aura against possible candidates in their tallies. If there were none, you��d suddenly be even more suspicious since you were not only a stranger, but also trying to hide who you were. That��s why Zac chose to go with the somewhat cumbersome method of buying an identity.


    No matter if it was needed or not, Zac felt it was good practice �C being rigorous about security couldn��t hurt. In the visions, Yrial always followed certain procedures when visiting or leaving a new settlement, no matter if he had reason to believe he would be targeted or not. After all, some threats were unknowable, and having his true identity exposed was not the only risk Zac was facing.


    Just by appearing in Salosar alone, he might already have gained a target on his back by some enterprising thieves or assassins.


    Zac made two jumps with the public teleporters, a luxury few worlds in the Zecia sector enjoyed. They weren��t connected to the System��swork to facilitate teleportation, which meant anyone could freely use them. In return, they needed to be set up by skilled Formation Masters who had delved into the Dao of Space. Even then, they seldom had the range surpassing that of a.


    In Salosar��s case, the arrays were massive disks that could fit thousands of people, and they activated every time enough money was contributed. Sometimes, it could take hours, but if you had the money and didn��t want to wait, you could activate the array early.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    By the time Zac reached a residential district on another continent, his expensive robes had been transformed to look like decent but inexpensive leather armor, and he released the aura of an Early E-grade warrior as he took in the surroundings. It was an interesting contrast to Port Atwood, where both had their strong points.


    Salosar was a flourishing, with dense energies and high quality of living. There was constant foot traffic on the streets even in these somewhat remote corners of the, with most people emitting the aura of Peak F-grade. Of course, their levels weren��t a surprise.


    Peak F-grade was, by far, the mostmon level on most D-grade worlds. Nexus Crystals and Leveling Pills weren��t too expensive, and most people would pick nonbat sses that slowly pushed their level to the peak of F-grade in a decade or two.


    But without Origin Dao to cram the Dao down your throat, the vast majority would be forever stuck at the most fundamental bottleneck of cultivation. The difference between these normal citizens was that the ones with money and a decent constitution could evolve their Race and live for 3 to 500 years.


    The few who reached E-grade were either decently talented or had the money to splurge on a Dao Treasure or two to force a breakthrough. So even though Zac was emitting the energy signature of an unassuming early E-grade warrior who would barely be considered a cultivator, he still caught quite a few people throwing him jealous or longing looks as he walked the streets.


    Zac continued for another hour before he reached a quiet neighborhood where most buildings had decent-sized courtyards or gardens surrounding their mansions. Following the map in his Information Crystal, he soon reached a manor consisting of five buildings with a walled-in garden of 20 thousand square meters or so.


    It was a decent-sized plot ofnd which would be considered massive in any city before the integration. Even then, it was nothingpared to the mansions in the more affluent sectors that were cities unto their own. This was the kind of building a family with an E-grade cultivator and some foundations could afford, and it usually housed around five generations of a family.


    Zac sent a wisp of Cosmic Energy into an array to announce his arrival, and the gate slowly swung up to showcase a young girl looking no more than six years old. She curiously looked up at Zac with confusion in her eyes, rapidly blinking herrge as eyes though she was trying to remember who he was.


    ��I don��t know you?�� the child eventually stated.


    ��No, you don��t. I havee for the skychime you��re selling,�� Zac said.


    ��Oh! Come in,�� the child said.


    Zac nodded and walked inside, and the child arduously closed the gate behind them. However, they didn��t get the chance to take more than a couple of steps before Zac sensed a vague pressure from the little girl.


    ��Not another step,�� the child said, her aura rapidly climbing from nothing to past the limits of the E-grade.


    The child was a genuine Hegemon.


    ��Now, who are you, for real this time?�� the young girl asked with a dangerous glint in her eyes.


    ��I��m a friend of Calrin��s. He should have told you I��ming,�� Zac smiled as he took out the token that would confirm his identity, not shocked at all by the scene. ��Are you Triski?��


    ��So you��re the one that thrifty bastard sent,�� the child muttered as her skin started to change. ��I was expecting one of our own.��


    The next moment, it was not a small human child who stood in front of him, but rather an adult Sky Gnome. This was her true identity �C a local information merchant. Or thief, depending on how slow business was at the moment. Calrin had managed to connect with Triski through some old channels of his n a year after Zac left for Twilight Harbor, and she was the main source of the information the Thayer Consortia had gathered on the Void Gate, Salosar, and its subordinates.


    ��Well, it wasn��t convenient,�� Zac shrugged. ��Do you have the report we ordered?��


    ��Here,�� Triski said as she threw over an information crystal. ��Ship manifest of the ��Lucent Dive��. In total, there are 308 Half-Step D-grade Cultivators and 32 Early Hegemons onboard, almost all of theming from Ymrid.��


    Zac nodded in thanks as he scanned the contents. Ymrid was one of the closest major D-grade worlds and the nexus of a cluster ofs much like Salosar. It was close enough that evenrgemercial vessels could travel the distance within a year if they spent enough energy, meaning there was a lot of travel between the two clusters.


    ��There is also a vesseling in from Karbron in two weeks in case this one won��t do, and it��s a big one. Should be almost a thousand Half-Step Hegemons on that one and tens of thousands of E-grade cultivators, but I haven��t gotten my hands on their manifest yet.��


    Two minutester, Zac sighed with a shake of his head.


    ��Well, you can stay here if you want,�� Triski shrugged and pointed at a building. ��There is a cultivation cave beneath that structure. I��ll have the next manifest soon enough.��


    Zac thanked the Sky Gnome again and entered the building, and he spent the next few days going over the reports and gossip Triski supplied him, for a fee. Finally, the gnome got her hands on the second manifest, and Zac��s eyes lit up when he saw that his chosen strategy would work.


    ��Gaun Sorom,�� Zac said.


    ��Alright,�� Triski smiled. ��Do you want him to disappear?��


    ��No, I have something else in mind.��

 Chapter 859: Gaun Sorom

    Chapter 859: Gaun Sorom


    Vri walked down the ttering corridors, ignoring the insect warriors just as they ignored her. With a small mental nudge, she was functionally invisible to their gaze. It was a shame that her power was too low to allow for this kind of measure in the outer world �C that way, she would have been able to walk alongside her father without causing him undue trouble.


    Sometimes, she wondered, was being undead a blessing or a curse?


    Admittedly, gaining sapience from the depths of death was a gift. Without Zachary��s impartment, she would never have existed, and she would never have seen the marvels of the universe or touched upon the truths of the Heavens. But this was ultimately a world of the living �C she was the aberration, no matter what the Undead Empire believed.


    Was she bound to be relegated to a small corner of this vast world while her friends explored the vast beyond?


    Or had she be greedy? She was not even ten years old, yet she had seen more than most Hegemons in this remote sector of the Multiverse. Traveling to another sector �C that was something that even eluded most Monarchs.


    She knew where these feelings stemmed from �C the look of impatience in her father��s eyes. The expectation when he spoke of Salosar and the Million Gates Territory. Compared to most Earthlings, and even her subordinates, he had be a true citizen of the Multiverse, someone who looked at the vaunted sky with hunger rather than fear.


    He wasn��t long for this ce. Even if Earth was his home, it would only be the location where he would rest for a while before setting out again. At most, he would leave a clone here in the future, while his true self sailed further and further away. She was happy for him, but it also made her a bit lost.


    Where did that leave her?


    No matter if it was his cultivation speed or the life-attuned destinations he wanted to visit, she knew she wouldn��t be able to keep up with him forever. Even a couple of decades was stretching it �C she could sense that the time required toplete the nextyer of [Paean of Anguish] would take her the better part of the next century.


    Certainly, the stress and negative emotions this sort of situation brought forth were extremely conducive to the Soul Strengthening Technique she got from her master, but she would much rather solve the root of her turbulent emotions. The solution was right there, but it wasplex in its simplicity.


    She needed to find her own purpose.


    Vri knew she needed to find something more than just being a hanger-on swept up in the fate of Zachary Atwood, the Deviant Asura. She knew this was also what her father wanted for her, but she didn��t even know where to start looking for something like that. Finding that spark that would drive someone to greatness in a world where most muddled along in a dream-like state. Who wouldn��t want to find something like that?


    Facilitating the unification of undead and living within her father��s empire was a worthwhile goal, but that couldn��t be considered a purpose. It was a task that would be dealt with soon enough. But what else was there? She did enjoy cultivation, but she knew she didn��t have the same burning drive as Joanna.


    Being born under the protective umbre of her father, she had never been forced to awaken that all-consuming hunger that burned in the Valkyrie��s heart. Of course, that kind of obsession was not the only path to power �C for many, they would even be fetters. However, you needed something that kept you going when months turned to years, and the Dao became your only truepanion across the long lonely eons.


    Neither did the Undead Empire attract Vri, in contrast to the desirous Raun spectrals. Visiting their domain would be interesting, but it was not something she was ready to risk her life for.


    Well, she had time. Ilvere often joked how she was not even a teenager yet, and it was true in a sense. Had she been born a human, she would not even start cultivating for another 7 years or so. Being too consumed with finding one��s purpose might make her focus on the distant future so much that she missed the avable paths right in front of her.


    For now, she was happy enough furthering her father��s goals, which apparently included dealing with rebellious ants and their attempts at possession.


    Vri tapped her foot on the floor, prompting a chasm into the depths of the hive to suddenly open up. However, her surroundings fluctuated as she unleashed bursts of mental energy, allowing her to gently descend by bouncing between the walls, rather than helplessly falling into the gastric acid below. A few minutester Vri stepped into the inner sanctum of the Ayn hive, where her target was sitting in silent meditation.


    Seeing that her entrance had gone unnoticed, Vri let out a small cough, prompting the young girl to swirl around in shock.


    ��Who are you! This is a restricted area,�� Lily eximed with wide eyes. ��What- this energy! The rumors are true! There are zombies hidden within Port Atwood!��


    ��So they are, though we prefer to be called Revenants,�� Vri smiled. ��My name is Vri ckwood, and I have been sent here by Lord Atwood. What shall I call you?��


    ��If you��re really sent by Lord Atwood, you should already know my name,�� Lily frowned as she slightly repositioned herself to guard the small pir behind her �C the core of the adolescent Hivequeen.


    ��There is no need for games, child,�� Vri said with a shake of her head. ��We have known about your situation for some time now. I was sent to confirm the details. Just going by the mental fluctuations, I have a decent idea, but I hope you can rify some things for me. How far has your fusion gone?��


    Lily��s eyes widened in rm, and the whole chamber suddenly shook as powerful mental fluctuations started radiating from both the beastmaster and the Hivequeen��s Core. However, Vri smiled as the massive eye appeared in the air above her, its emotionless stare crushing the duo��s assault before it could begin.


    Cracks spread across the small pir, and blood started running down Lily��s nose and ears as she rolled around on the floor screaming.


    ��Onest try,�� Vri said. ��The Lord feels regretful about how things ended for this poor girl, and he wanted me to solve this situation without bloodshed if possible. I don��t carry those limiting emotions. If you can��t convince me that you��re not a threat to Lord Atwood or his subjects, I will incinerate your soul before he returns.��


    ��If you kill me, she dies as well,�� Lily slowly said as she crawled to her feet, the cadence of her voice suddenly changed.


    ��Then that would be her fate. She wouldn��t be the first to fall in the service of the Atwood Empire, and she won��t be thest,�� Vri said with equanimity. ��But you still have a way out. Relinquish control of the girl and form a proper contract. Your children will be warriors for the Atwood Empire, and you will be provided the resources to continue your growth.��


    ��Join that man? He killed my mother, killed thousands of our children,�� Lily growled. ��All that suffering �C for nothing?��


    ��Suffering is Heavenly Law,�� Vri said. ��Your hive was transported here by the Heavens, and the situation only allowed for one victor. The Lord has already been magnanimous to let you live on after your mother��s attack �C I doubt your mother would have been so benevolent. But our patience is running thin. Now, make your choice.��


    ���������������C


    Having some stranger killed just to achieve his n didn��t sit right with Zac, at least not with a target like Gaun Sorom. If it had been an unorthodox cultivator who hadmitted numerous atrocities, it would be a different story, but Gaun Sorom was just a normal Wandering Cultivator who fit Zac��s requirements.


    Gaun had been active for over 500 years in this neighborhood of the Zecia Sector, though he originated in some ce called the Tumbling Sky Cluster, named after the local overlord �C the Tumbling Sky Sect. He had been staying in Karbron over the past 10 years and had now chosen to head to Salosar to join the fight against the Beast Tide.


    Little was known about hisbat style as he preferred to look for opportunities alone in the wilderness, but his weapon of choice was an axe. Add to that, he was primarily human with only a small hint of orc in his heritage. There were some small discrepancies, but Gaun ticked off most of Zac��s checkboxes for his main n �C to borrow a local��s identity for the beast tide.


    Zac had some backup ns, no matter if his meeting with Triski fell through or if there were no suitable targets, but this one felt like it had the best odds of himing and going without causing any waves. He wasn��t in any mood for another cataclysmic event like the Twilight Harbor this time around. Zac just wanted the Ferric Worldeater so he could get his ship. Unfortunately, Zac had started to wonder if that was a fool��s hope over the past days as he waited for Triski to get the second manifest.


    Fate was gathering.


    It was still nothingpared to what he felt when that burning golem attacked the Orom, but he could somewhat feel that something was slowly building. Seeing as the Beast Tide was the only big thing going on in the area, it was a reasonable assumption it was the source of the feeling. Things were not as simple as they seemed, and he was afraid he��d get dragged into something big if he contacted Leyara Lioress.


    ��Do you have any idea on how to get a private face-to-face with him without anyone noticing, including himself?�� Zac asked.


    ��The next batch of mercenaries will be ferried over to Salsoar Prime five days after Gaun arrives on this,�� Triski said. ��I can try to arrange something depending on where he��ll end up staying, but it will cost some money in bribes.��


    Zac only snorted and transferred 3 D-grade Nexus Coins, which almost made Triski��s eyes pop out of her head. ��I expect there��ll be no hindrances?��


    ��Of course,�� Triski eagerly nodded. ��With this kind of money, there will be no problems even if you kill him on an open street.��


    Three dayster, a hooded Zac stood waiting at a servant��s gate outside a walled-in forest protected by a barrier that shimmered like starlight. Inside were hundreds of mansions for rent, targeted at visiting guests of a certain dignity. Soon enough the gate soundlessly swung open, and Zac stepped inside.


    ��The pattern,�� the young woman whispered as she handed over a small parchment and a token. Zac looked it over for a few seconds before nodding, and it spontaneouslybusted a momentter.


    With that, the servant girl scurried away, eager to be far away from whatever would happen next. Zac only shook his head with a smile before making the adjustments on a nearby teleportation array, finalizing the process by socketing the array with the key.


    With a sh, his surroundings changed, and Zac found himself in the middle of a secluded courtyard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The pattern was actually the solution to the supposedly personalized array. When new guests checked in at this particr resort, they would be able to modify a certain part of the barrier, almost like setting a pin-code, so that not even the residence employees would be able to teleport inside. Yet there were clearly backdoors built into the system, backdoors that would open for whoever had enough cash.


    If Yrial had shown him some of the dangers lurking in the dark for wandering cultivators, then Triski had broadened his knowledge even further. You could never trust the means and motives of outsiders �C you needed to depend on yourself. And clearly, Gaun was quite conscious of this universal truth.


    Dozens of roots suddenly appeared from the ground, all of them trying to ensnare Zac and seal his movements. Meanwhile, a hooded being shot toward him with a snarl, the ferocious axe in his hands already shuddering with what seemed to be two braided Peak Fragments. Zac inwardly smiled, feeling that Gaun��s aura was just the right strength �C around 60% of his own.


    That way, Zac would be able to impersonate the wandering cultivator while hiding a good chunk of his true power.


    Zac subtly shifted his position with a couple of seemingly simple steps, utilizing his understanding of Armaments to avoid the roots gunning for him. Simultaneously, a spare axe appeared in his hand, and Zac prepared to crush Gaun��s assault head-on to end the fight early.


    However, a scream of danger made him urgently scramble out of the way, but the roots which had appeared to be a simple restrictive array suddenly lit up with esoteric patterns while their speed more than doubled. The iing figure of Gaun was slowly dissipating as well �C it was an extremely lifelike illusion.


    The real Gaun was already behind Zac, the edge of the cultivator��s axe falling toward his skull. It was quick, efficient, and ruthless �C showcasing the strength and experience of someone who had walked the rivers andkes for the better half of a millennium.


    No longer underestimating the Wandering Cultivator, Zac flooded the fractal on the back of his head with Cosmic Energy, the Branch of the Kalpataru, and a small amount of Void Energy. In an instant, aurel crown of golden leaves appeared on Zac��s head while the whole courtyard turned golden.


    The ground was gold, the sky was gold �C the world was drowned in empyrean splendor. Two pirs, each one studded with a thick stele with inscrutable characters had appeared as well, but it was clear to anyone with eyes they listed some sort of supreme edicts.


    The scene was magical, almost making Zac believe he had been transported to some sort of celestial court, but it didn��t change the fact that Gaun��s axe was almost upon him. However, Zac wasn��t worried in the slightest as his own axe ripped through the roots around him rather than moving to intercept.


    As nned, the attack was stopped just a few decimeters from his head, with a shimmering golden barrier having appeared to block out the strike.


    The shield rippled a bit, but it held against a mighty swing of a Half-Step Hegemon who had infused their weapon with two Dao Fragments, proving that being ssified as a Peak-quality skill wasn��t just for show. The barrier even nullified the shockwave that would normally turn the interiors of the courtyard to shreds, though that also spared Gaun from any counterforce.


    However, just as the Wandering Cultivator was about tounch a follow-up strike, he suddenly groaned and stumbled with shock evident in his eyes.


    This was the true form of [Empyrean Aegis], the new defensive skill he had received at level 125. The first part was the basic ability of any proper defensive skill �C a barrier. The golden barriers of Zac��s skill would both activate automatically or onmand, and he could currently have two of them active at one time. The only slightly unusual feature of the feature was that it seemed to be based on a mix of both his Vitality and Endurance, rather than just Endurance.


    The second half of the skill was a bit more unique �C the whole area drowned in gold had be part of a powerful defensive domain. If Gaun had simply stood unmoving, the skill wouldn��t have affected him at all. But the moment one started rotating Cosmic Energy, they would suddenly get pushed down by a terrifying pressure while their energy cirction would be disrupted.


    It was like the Heavens themselves were punishing any action against Zac, bing his personal protector.


    The effect was even better than Zac had expected. He had only tried the skill while restricted before, and it was great news that it had such an obvious effect even on Half-Step Hegemons. With Gaun almost falling over, the skill should be able to affect even true Hegemons to some degree. It might only provide a small dy before they crashed through the interference, but a small dy could change the tides of a battle.


    The skill represented an interesting facet of the Dao of Life �C the facet many equated with divinity. Life was the fount of all beings, so going against its will was to go against the universe itself. The concept didn��t exactly mesh with Zac��s ownprehension of the Dao, but that didn��t really matter. If anything, it shored up a weakness in his own understanding.


    Zac wanted to seize the opportunity the skill had provided so he stepped forward, but an amulet around Gaun��s neck cracked and conjured a barrier. The defensive treasure seemed to be Early D-grade, but its quality was extremely low as to allow for a Half-Step Hegemon to activate it.


    ��I just want to talk,�� Zac urged, but Gaun wasn��t listening.


    Zac could understand the sentiment �C how could the man trust someone suddenly sneaking into his courtyard at night? Zac needed to defeat him first. That would both prove he wasn��t after his wealth or his head, and allow him to negotiate from a position of power.


    Another swarm of roots suddenly crashed through the ground as Gaun scrambled to his feet, but they didn��t target Zac. Instead, they tried to take down the two pirs who the cultivator, correctly, assumed was the source of the restrictive domain. The roots were ferocious, and some small cracks started to appear on the pirs.


    However, Zac didn��t care. They were more durable than they looked, and they were actively being repaired by his Dao Branch. They wouldst long enough for him to aplish his goal �C and the air screamed as his axe mmed into Gaun��s barrier. Just the first swing was enough to cause small cracks, and a second one was following right on the first��s heels.


    ��Wha-�� Gaun grunted as he stumbled again, but Zac noticed how it was a feint �C the man��s hand was already moving toward the Cosmos Sack on his waist.


    Zac snorted and unleashed his [Spiritual Void], its boost allowing him to immediately crash through the faltering barrier. With an inscrutable step infused with his Evolutionary Stace, he passed through the chaotic energies, appearing right in front of the wandering cultivator. The thing Gaun took out was actually an escape talisman rather than an offensive treasure, choosing survival over mutual destruction.


    But he was too slow �C Vivi��s vines had already rushed forward the moment the barrier cracked, and Gaun suddenly found himself bound by Branch-infused vines, making any attempt at teleportation impossible.


    ��Now, are you ready to talk?�� Zac smiled as he ced the edge of his axe against Gaun��s throat.


    ��Uh, nice to meet you,�� Gaun said with a reluctant smile. ��How can I be of service?��

 Chapter 860: Into the Void

    Chapter 860: Into the Void


    Pretty Peak walked down the engraved hallways, her foul mood not improved at all by the chance of seeing the insides of the newly-built and exceedingly expensive War Fortress.


    Just what was going on?


    Months spent on pushing deeper into the Million Gates Territory, only to be called back before she could even begin her search. The only reason she didn��t find that damned Commander was that she was pretty sure it wasn��t he who had ordered her vessel back �C it had to be from someone in her family. But why would her elders send her back just as she was approaching the area where her cousin and uncle delved into? It was her father who told her to join the scouting vessel and look around for clues.


    Soon enough, she reached the inner chambers she had been instructed to report to, and Pretty cracked her neck before equipping her bracers. There was only one person who could rescind the orders of Strongest peak, and if he was inside this room, then she was about to be attacked.


    The doors swung open, and a cascading wave of killing intent immediately pushed Pretty back a few steps before she managed to regain her footing. She activated [Unflinching], and the world turned red as sanguine runes appeared over her bare arms. Space buldged inward as she unleashed a punch, and the killing intent was pushed aside as she rushed into the room.


    However, just as she entered, a pang of danger warned her that she wasn��t out of the woods just yet. Space cracked as a projectile flew at her, but she didn��t flinch at all. Her hand turned into a w as she swiped at the iing projectile, creating four gashes in space that collided with the attack.


    She didn��t use a skill, but the swipe was infused with the Branch of the Headsman and her frustration, and it barely managed to break through the thin film of energy surrounding the apple that had been flung in her direction.


    ��Not bad,ss,�� a rumblingugh echoed through the hallway. ��Have you decided on a name?��


    ��Not yet,�� Pretty sighed as she deactivated her battle stance.


    As expected, it was her grandfather who had called for her, but she froze in surprise upon seeing a familiar yet foreign figure sitting next to him, ying with a nasty-looking scimitar �C her grandmother. Not only that, but her aura was extremely condensed, which could only mean one thing �C she had finally be a Monarch.


    Was this why she had been recalled? Because Kantaja Peak had finally left seclusion after 1,800 years?


    ��Hello, child,�� she smiled. ��It��s nice to finally get to meet you.��


    ��Greetings, grandmother,�� Pretty said as she bowed deeply. ��Congratul-��


    She didn��t get any further as a white blur shot up between the mats, aimed right at her forehead. There had been no energy fluctuation and no warning from her Danger Sense, and even Pretty found herself frazzled as her bow turned into a swirl that barely allowed her to move the bracer on her left hand to block.


    A sharp twang echoed out as Pretty wasunched into the air, mming into the ceiling above. She felt her organs shift, but she could only push through the pain as sheunched off from the ceiling andnded in abat position, ready to take on any follow-up attacks. There was thankfully none forting, but Pretty obviously wouldn��t rx in front of her grandpa.


    Or her grandmother, for that matter, considering her reputation was even worse.


    ��The sixth generation seems promising,�� Kantaja nodded before she turned to her husband. ��But they��re still a bit soft. Have you given up on your child-rearing n? Or is it my three useless sons who aren��t following the precepts?��


    ��Well, a little bit of both, I guess?�� Ultimateughed. ��I was bored so I tried a few new things. In either case, the war will help toughen them up.��


    Pretty couldn��t help but feel some annoyance at the discussion as she extracted the projectile �C a strand of hair �C from her bracer. Her father had essentially tortured her since she was two, including throwing her into a wild mystic realm before she had even started cultivating. How was that being soft? But she could only swallow anyints lest the Kantaja showed her why she was known as the Knuckle Butcher, one of the most feared assassins in the Allbright Empire.


    Most assassins used stealth and nning to execute their n, but Kantaja instead sent a letter to the target that she��d kill them within the year, and then she bulldozed all the resistance the target erected. If they fled, she searched for their location by uprooting any holdings of theirs like a walking hurricane. Unsurprisingly, most of her assassinations ended with thousands of dead and massive structural damage.


    The only reason she hadn��t been was a mix of shamelessness and Ultimate Peak��s influence. Whenever Kantaja killed people she put up her hair in a certain braid and called herself Tankaja instead of Kantaja, insisting that the assassin was apletely different person. With the Peak Family backing her, no one ever dared call her on her ims.


    Thankfully, Kantaja only targeted unorthodox cultivators and those who were suspected of having dealings with the enemies of the Allbright Empire, which was why the imperial n mostly looked the other way. Even then, Pretty had heard rumors that her grandmother entering terminal seclusion wasn��t just because she was getting close to forming an inner world.


    She had been a bit too overbearing while searching for some answer to her Path of Butchery, and even the Peak Family started to find it hard to bear the weight of her actions. Pretty wondered what kind of reaction her emergence as a new Monarch would elicit back in the Empyrean Sector. Most likely, they were praying that she��d get herself killed in the war.


    Not even Pretty dared imagine what kind of trouble her grandmother would kick up now that she had ascended to C-grade, though it was a relief to see a fourth Monarch having appeared in the n in addition to grandfather, granduncle, and her father. Each one was a strategic resource, and they would need every bit of power they could get in the uing war.


    ��How are things in the Million Gates Territory?�� Ultimate Peak asked. ��Killed any of those bastard yet?��


    ��More than I expected. The Landing has been erected,�� Pretty sighed. ��The number of invaders has increased tenfold over the past year, and some have even been spotted in the sixth band. Almost all of the scouting units are led by Hegemons by now.��


    ��Sixth band, still some time then,�� Kantaja muttered as she stabbed the scimitar into the ground a few times. ��It��s too far. I was hoping there would be some people nearby.��


    ��Is this why you asked me to return?�� Pretty hesitated. ��I still haven��t found any clues of Average or Uncle Greatest.��


    ��Your uncle returned a month ago,�� Ultimate sighed. ��He is currently in stasis.��


    ��What!�� Pretty eximed, but her shock quickly turned to pain as another strand of hair pierced straight through her gut, prompting a fountain of blood to stter across the floor.


    ��Never lose your vignce, you little runt,�� Kantajaughed.


    ��Thank you for the lesson,�� Pretty coughed as she ate a healing pill. ��Is my cousin fine?��


    ��The fate of Average is still unknown, though his Life Candle is still burning strong,�� Ultimate said with a shake of his head. ��Greatest encountered something while hunting for leaders of these Kan��Tanu invaders. They had set up camp at an uncharted world for some unknown reason. While Averageunched a raid on the surface, something suddenly emitted an extremely powerful energy.


    ��Our vessel, along with most of my son��s squad, were instantly annihted as cracks in reality spread for millions of miles. Hearing the description, it is most likely the source of those powerful fluctuations we could sense all the way in the Red Sector back then. Greatest managed to save some of his subordinates by opening a path back from the Void, but by the time he emerged, the was gone.��


    ��If the was destroyed, then Average,�� Pretty hesitated.


    ��It wasn��t destroyed from what Greatest could tell,�� Ultimate said. ��It disappeared.��


    ��The whole was moved?��


    ��No,�� Ultimate said. ��That was too big, not even ate Monarch would be able to take it away. Besides, the energy was different to anything they had encountered from the invaders so far.��


    ��But little Great said he did somewhat recognize it,�� Kantaja added. ��He believed it was rted to the Limitless Empire.��


    ��And you just so happen to know someone with insight into that matter,�� Ultimate added. ��Someone whose master just so happens to be the most powerful Spatial Cultivator in the Zecia Sector who can make sense of this mess. We need to get to the bottom of this. For one, it��s our best chance to find Average. Furthermore, if there are powerful relics appearing in the depths of the Million Gates Territory, they can��t be allowed to fall into the hands of the invaders.��


    ��Grandfather wants me to go to the Void Gate?�� Pretty Peak asked.


    She didn��t ask why they didn��t go in person �C there was no need. Ultimate had killed no less than five promising Void Temrs on one of his Rampages at the edge of the Zecia Sector. Each one had been a prospect for Monarchy, and if not for the Allbright Emperor interceding, the Void Priestess might have hunted him down over a hundred thousand years ago.


    ��How about Clever? Clever Peak doesn��t sound too bad?�� Ultimate grinned. ��Your flight to the teleporter at Chaos Landing leaves tomorrow. The Space Gate Guild will ferry you over. It��s good timing as well. Something odd is going on over there as well. Try to figure out what��s going on. Back when the Void Gate appeared in the Zecia sector, there were rumors they had connections to some outside force. Now, millions of years have passed and people have mostly forgotten, but it might be relevant now.��


    ��Something odd is going on in the Void Gate as well?�� Pretty asked with surprise.


    ��Lots of that going around since I emerged,�� Kantaja smiled. ��Looks like I broke through at just the right time.��


    ������������������


    ��Don��t worry, I��m not interested in your life or your possessions,�� Zac said as he slowly took away his axe from Gaun��s throat.


    However, he didn��t release Vivi��s bindings, since that would allow the wandering cultivator to escape. Zac also erected a series arrays around them, making sure that the proprietor of this ce wouldn��t be able to spy on the conversation. Of course, this wasn��t his only assurance. Triski had been paid handsomely to keep the Peak E-grade proprietorpany during this meeting, to make sure he didn��t have a sudden change of heart.


    ��If you��re friendly, why appear in my courtyard in the middle of the night?�� Gu muttered with discontent, but Zac was relieved to see he stowed away the Escape Talisman. ��Thought you were an assassin. Could��ve just sent a letter.��


    ��There��s someone who��d be willing to go through all this trouble just to assassinate you?�� Zac asked with a raised brow.


    ��Somone as handsome as me is bound to make an enemy or two,�� Gaun shrugged. ��While I always act aboveboard, sometimes thepetition for resources gets heated. Now, may I ask who you are and what kind of business you have?��


    ��My name isn��t important,�� Zac smiled. ��And I��ll make it brief. We want your identity. Name your price.��


    ��My identity? Why should I believe that? I��m just a Wandering Cultivator, my identity is worth noth-�� Gaun snorted, but he suddenly froze as he looked at Zac with hesitation. ��You��re an outsider?��


    ��It seems you understand the situation,�� Zac nodded. ��We can make it worth your time.��


    Gaun hesitated for a few seconds.


    ��I don��t want to know why you want the identity of a known person in this cluster, but it cannot possibly bode well for me,�� Gaun slowly said. ��This is the Void Gate we��re talking about. If you or whatever organization behind you cause havoc under my name, how will I eke out a living? And what��s to stop you people from silencing me?��


    ��If my boss wanted you dead they would have sent an assassin instead of me,�� Zac shrugged. ��We��re not some sinister cabal. A certain individual simply wants us to enter the territory of the Void Gate and look around. I can tell you this much, it is not some simple Beast Tide they��re dealing with. You might be better off not going in either case.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��No need to tell me more,�� Gaun exhorted. ��The less I know the better.��


    ��So, you agree?��


    ��Well, on a few conditions,�� Gaun said. ��First of all, you need to take me away from the Void Gate��s sphere of influence, even if you��re saying you won��t cause any trouble. It shouldn��t be too hard since you��re an outsider, right?��


    Zac only smiled as he took out a box full of Teleportation Tokens, prompting Gaun��s eyes to turn to a needlepoint as he drew a sharp breath. Zac could understand what Gaun was thinking �C only someone with an extremely powerful background could take out so many different tokens.


    Truthfully, less than a third were actual Teleportation Tokens. The rest were the Fate Tokens he had collected inside the Orom World. They emitted almost an identical sort of energy though, so Zac had thrown them in with his leftover tokens to make himself and his fake boss seem more impressive.


    ��We can send you to all kinds of ces. No C-grade continents though. Your identity isn��t worth that much,�� Zac said.


    ��A- Alright,�� Gaun said, clearly a bit shaken by the scene. ��Secondly, I want fift- one hundred D-grade Nexus Coins to get myself set up and rece my Lifewarding Treasure.��


    ��That thing can��t have cost more than one or two D-Grade Nexus Coins,�� Zac snorted. ��It wouldn��t be able to block more than one strike of an early Hegemon.��


    ��Still, you should know the difficulties of being an outsider on a new world, money will be needed for all kinds of-��


    ��Twenty-five D-grade Nexus Coins, not one more,�� Zac countered.


    ��Ai�� Fine,�� Gaun sighed, but Zac could see how his eyes were practically radiating from the sudden windfall.


    Twenty-five D-grade Nexus Coins might not be much for a Hegemon from an established faction, but for a Wandering Cultivator in the Zecia Sector? It was no doubt way more than Gaun had ever held at one time �C most Wandering Cultivators were t broke. Even if they asionally made decent money exploring Mystic Realms or the wilderness onrgers, they would be forced to spend it all on cultivation resources and various fees to the local overlords soon enough, making it nigh impossible to umte a fortune.


    Seeing as they had reached an ord, Zac took out his prepared contract, only adding the two rewards to the settlement. It was quite simple. Gaun would get the rewards, and in return, he wouldn��t be allowed to use his own identity or return to this area of Zecia for the next five years. In addition, there was a use of confidentiality from both sides.


    Honestly, it wouldn��t be impossible for Gaun to break this contract, but it would require the help of a decently powerful Hegemon. And Gaun would hopefully not dare do something like that since it might anger some unknown force who would know where to find him.


    ��Why does it feel like I��m selling myself?�� Gaun sighed as he imprinted his energy onto the contract.


    ��Well, consider it a testament to your reputation that someone wants your identity,�� Zac smiled as he handed Gaun a cloak with the same kind of function as his own-attention averting treasure. ��Now,e with me. I need to learn some things that are not covered in the missives.��


    The wandering cultivator wordlessly nodded, and the two teleported back to the side gate from where Zac led Gaun to a mansion he had rented. There, Zac spent the better part of a day going over Gaun��s background, mannerisms, contacts in the area, so that his disguise wouldn��t be exposed the moment he stepped onto the recruitment station.


    Finally, Zac had everything he needed, and the two sat in front of each other in the courtyard. However, Gaun had now taken on another face. His skill was much worse than [Million Faces], but it was good enough for a quick trip to the Teleportation Station. Meanwhile, Zac looked almost exactly like Gaun had before. Looking into the mirror, couldn��t help but marvel at his own handiwork.


    His previous attempts at subterfuge had varied from unsessful to downright disasters, but Zac felt that he might actually have a shot this time around.

 Chapter 861: Mission Compound

    Chapter 861: Mission Compound


    ��So creepy,�� Gaun muttered as he looked at Zac testing various expressions with his disguise.


    ��Well, it��s your face,�� Zacughed.


    Having spent the past day in what could almost be considered a bonding session the two had gotten a bit closer, even if Gaun had been the only one providing information. The wandering cultivator asionally tried to pry into Zac��s background a few times, but he had mostly kept his thoughts to himself.


    Luckily, Gaun had almost been the perfect target for infiltration. He didn��t know anyone in the Salosar Cluster, apart from some surface-level-connections to people at his level. It was the same with Karbron as well. Just like the missive said, he had only been there for ten years. What the missive didn��t mention was that he had spent most of those years recuperating from wounds he had gotten after losing the struggle for a treasure in the wild.


    He did mention a few of his acquaintances that might appear in the area because of the Beast Tide, but it would take another two years at the least before the first ships from the Tumbling Sky Cluster reached Salosar. By then, he should be long gone.


    ��Alright, it��s time to go,�� Zac eventually said. ��Do you have any preferred area of the Zecia Sector you wish to teleport to, or do you want me to send you to a random D-grade world?��


    ��If possible, I want to be sent as close to the Allbright Empire as possible. But not the Red Sector of the empire,�� Gaun said without hesitation, clearly prepared for the question.


    Zac looked at the Wandering Cultivator with surprise. The fact that Gaun wanted to travel to the Allbright Empire wasn��t too surprising since it was one of the most flourishing parts of the sector. Only a few factions, like the Dravorak Dynasty, were slightly more powerful, but the Albright Empire was considered more amodating to wandering cultivators.


    However, the fact that he specifically mentioned the Red Sector, the area of the Allbright Empire that bordered the edge of Zecia and the Million Gates Territory, indicated he knew about what was going on over there. Someone like Gaun was unlikely to know about the war already considering how much Zac had spent on that kind of intelligence, even if some murmurs had started to spread.


    Zac knew all kinds of details, but that was only because he got an early warning on the Bloodwind World and spent dozens of D-grade Nexus Coins on intelligence reports. It was obviously impossible for a wandering cultivator to do the same.


    Even more baffling was that Gaun specifically wanted to avoid the Red Sector, even though the big factions over there were screaming for manpower for everything from building War Fortresses to joining Mercenary Squads. Gaun was obviously not afraid of danger since he had been nning on joining the Beast Tide, so why shy away from that?


    ��You know about the changes in Zecia?�� Zac ventured to make sure.


    ��I was lucky enough to learn a thing or two while I recuperated. I��ve worked as a private guard for one of their researchers the past couple of years,�� Gaun nodded. ��I know war ising. A big one.��


    ��If you know, why not the Red Sector?�� Zac asked, not able to quell his curiosity. ��That would allow you to join the war effort earlier, which will have all kinds of benefits.��


    ��How can there be such a good thing?�� Gaun snorted. ��I��m not sure you understand the plight of a wandering cultivator. I barely have the resources to work on my cultivation, let alone the resources needed to travel deep into that weird chaotic area and hunt for opportunities. Even if I manage to join a crew, what role would I get as a stranger in a chaotic ce like that?��


    Zac immediately understood the problem. The answer wasn��t hard to guess �C those people would end up as meat shields.


    ��It��s better to spend the next few years in the Albright Empire, looking for opportunities to join established factions as a captain or some sort of bodyguard to their young. With waring up, the requirements for recruitment should have gone down in the other sectors of the empire as well. It should be possible to sign decent temporary contracts.


    ��The local factions of the empire should still be among the first to be dragged into whatever��s going on, and I will get my opportunities sooner orter. And even if I��m still an outsider, I stand better chances of surviving as part of arge organized forcepared to some frontier Mercenary Squad.��


    Zac looked at Gaun with interest, a bit surprised how quickly and meticulously he had formed a n for himself after seeing the teleportation tokens. This kind of shrewd thinking was nothing like the short description in the missive, which rather portrayed the axe wielder as some sort of gruff barbarian that was hard to reason with.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gaun��s n even showed a possible path for the Atwood Empire. Why not do the same as Gaun, though from the opposite side? If Zac could snag a couple of experienced Half-Step Hegemons with a good reputation, he could vastly improve the foundations of his army. His army��s resources were unsurpassed for their level, but theycked hardened veterans who could act as the core of individual squads.


    Meanwhile, some Half-Step Hegemons wouldn��t be powerful enough to usurp his position or cause any havoc on Earth.


    ��Interesting. It looks our reports misjudged you. I��ll send you to the Lucent Dream Sector of the Albright Empire. It��s almost as far from the Red Sector as you can get, so it should suit your n,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Really? You��ll really send me to a proper empire?�� Gaun eximed, his eyes wide. However, his excitement quickly turned to suspicion. ��What��s the catch?��


    ��No catch,�� Zac said. ��Except you will have to figure out your background on your own. And the you��ll arrive at is just early D-grade.��


    He had just the thing �C Gu��s token to his hometown. After being tricked by Catheya in Twilight Harbor, Zac had already confirmed with both Heda and Pavina that his remaining tokens were free from any tracking measures. More than half had some rudimentary measures in ce, but they had been easily resolved by the two Monarchs, even if they were restrained.


    Meanwhile, Zac already had ess to no less than 100 teleportation locations in the Lucent Dream Sector of the Allbright Empire, so he had no use for the token any longer. Zac was happy to send Gaun there. He wouldn��t be hard to track downter, and he��d make a good informant.


    Triski had proved just how useful local contacts could be, and it was about time he and Calrin started setting up a properwork, turning the lies about his organization��s reach into reality.


    ��I��ll just say I got a token from a quest and decided to shed my past,�� Gaun shrugged. ��It��smon enough. Such a ky background will bar me from any higher positions, but it��s not like I��d get those in either case. As for the grade of the world, it doesn��t matter. I hear thes are a lot closer in the established empirespared to the rest of Zecia. It shouldn��t be impossible to get proper citizenship and travel after contributing to the war efforts.��


    ��Alright then, let��s go,�� Zac nodded as his face changed to a random temte.


    The two made their way toward the very same tower Zac arrived inside, where Zac pretended he was an attendant who kept Gaunpany. Soon enough, the tower loomed in the distance, and Zac surreptitiously handed Gaun an information crystal.


    ��If you find that the opportunities in the Allbright Empire are not up to your expectations, you can try contacting us through this method,�� Zac said before handing him a crystal. ��It��s not my ce to promise anything, but we are always on the lookout for people who can help us in various ways.��


    ��But I guess you still won��t tell me who ��you�� are?�� Gaun asked.


    ��No,�� Zac smiled.


    Gaun slowly nodded, but he did take the information crystal containing a method to send a message to the Thayer Consortia through a series of proxies. He didn��t immediately resume their walk toward the teleportation station though, but rather leaned in a bit closer.


    ��I have a feud, with a true Hegemon. He calls himself vo, but it��s an alias he uses when traveling. His true identity is an outer elder of the Tumbling Sky Sect, though I don��t know his name,�� Gaun whispered. ��He uses his vo identity to do things that would reflect poorly on an orthodox sect. I identally found out about it when I saw him kill one of his own sect nephews over a treasure. I hear he might be joining this event as well. Be careful.��


    ��Why didn��t you mention that before?��


    ��I was afraid you��d rescind your offer,�� Gaun coughed as he scratched his chin with some embarrassment. ��This is a huge opportunity for me. But since you treated me with sincerity, I ought to do the same.��


    ��Well, it��s no problem,�� Zac shrugged. ��If this vo tries anything, he��ll just be another casualty in the beast tide.��


    Zac wasn��t surprised Gaun had some enmities �C who didn��t after a couple of decades of cultivation? He��d already expected as much after learning about his reason for moving to Karbron. And Gaun��s suspicions were true �C there was an vo on the manifest of the very same ship as Gaun arrived on, though they traveled in different sspartments.


    But seeing as it was some random outer elder of a small local Sect, Zac didn��t care. The Tumbling Sky Sect was just another D-grade force semi-attached to the Void Gate like Salosar. Someone like that didn��t have nearly the kind of pull needed to cause any waves in this ce, and neither did he have the strength to pose any threat to him.


    Zac followed Gaun to the teleportation array to personally witness Gaun use his token and sh away. After having confirmed that Gaun had really left, Zac returned to his courtyard where he spent the next few days listening for any news of Gaun somehow managing to betray him. However, Zac felt it unlikely.


    It was just like Gaun said �C moving to the Allbright Empire was a huge opportunity for him, and forcibly breaking the contract would definitely cost many times more than the reward he could get for selling the information that some unknown entity had bought his identity. Gaun returning to the Tumbling Sky Cluster was even less likely, if his enmity with vo was to be believed.


    So as expected, there weren��t any issues when Zac set out five dayster, joining a stream of wandering cultivators who were ferried over to Salosar Prime by locals in exchange for a nominal fee. Together with tens of thousands of others who intended to answer the Void Gate��s call, Zac made his way toward the city-sized recruitment station.


    Soon enough, they could see an enormous shimmering barrier in the distance, obscuring what was going on inside. Outside, a physical wall had been erected, which appeared to be guarded by real members of the Void Gate.


    With the Void Gate being a monastic faction, their members were mainly divided into two groups �C temrs and devotees. The Void Temrs was a highly trained army geared toward the same type of warrior sses most factions used, though they had their own heritage and subsses. It was this faction who mostmonly left the domains of the Void Gate, seeking experience through battle all over the sector.


    The monks and nuns of the devotees were more diverse ording to what Zac had gathered, but the details were quite sparse since they rarely left the monasteries. However, the devotees who traveled with the temr armies as spiritual support often had nonbat sses such as healers or supportive sses like array masters or augmenters.


    The hundreds of entrances to the recruitment station were unsurprisingly manned by squads of temrs, each one of them at the peak of E-grade with very impressive umtions for amon soldier. In front of every entrance, arge scroll hovered in the air, and it was the first time Zac had seen suchrge-scale use of System-backed contracts.


    Zac had recently gained ess to a slew of new features thanks to his nobility being upgraded, but he knew he wouldn��t be able to copy this type of method.


    ��Wee. You need to sign a Confidentiality use to enter the building and learn the details of the mission,�� the young temr said as Zac approached, his face an impassive mask as he pointed at the contract hovering in the air.


    His demeanor did not contain a shred of the cordiality Zac received upon first arriving at Salosar Seven, even if Zac currently exuded the aura of a Half-Step Hegemon. Then again, the young warrior had probably said the same thing thousands of times the past months, so his bored demeanor wasn��t a surprise.


    But more importantly, this was the difference proper backing did �C even if Zac hadn��t entered through the entrances meant for unattached cultivators, he would still have easily been pegged as one by the gear he was currently wearing to impersonate Gaun.


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded and infused a wisp of Cosmic Energy onto the contract after confirming the terms were the same as what was described in the missives.


    Thankfully, the contract and its uses were identical to the one he had gotten through a missive, making things easy. The contract simply said that Zac could not divulge anything he learned inside the recruitment station for the next five years. In return, he��d be able to get some nominal resources that wouldn��t amount to much for anyone beyond early E-grade.


    The remuneration was just there to make it a binding contract in the eyes of the System, where a quid-pro-quo was a demanded. The real payout woulde from the actual beast tide rather than this particr contract. But while the reward wasn��t very impressive, the counter-party to the contract was.


    The Starfall Monarch.


    The Starfall Monarch, or Keon Dakess as his real name was, was one of the most powerful temrs of the Void Gate. Altogether, it was estimated the Void Gate had around ten Monarchs, with the Void Priestess being by far the far strongest one. But the others were nothing to scoff at, and the few who had made an appearance in the outer world had performed impressive feats that left asting mark.


    And since Keon Dakess was the other party to the contract, it meant he was probably somewhere inside the enormous recruitment station �C it was no wonder everyone was on their best behavior. Unfortunately, there was not much else to be gleaned from the contract. It didn��t have any other uses except the non-disclosure agreement, and the only hints of what was going on were listed onrge ques between the entrances


    Essentially, they were recruiting everyone from Middle E-grade and up, including supportive nonbat sses. The recruits would be able to choose missions based on the Void Gate��s estimate of enemies, timeframe, and danger. However, the Void Gate took no responsibility in cases the challenge would prove harder than expected.


    Their only amodation was the promise that all units and all missions would consist of at least half their own people, which hopefully meant they weren��t nning on using the outsiders as cannon fodder in some sort of human wave tactics against the tide.


    Since nothing was out of ce, Zac signed the contract and picked up the goodie bag with the resources provided. However, he immediately dropped it off at another table as he walked further inside, just like most of the warriors above High E-grade did. Zac didn��t think the items had been tampered with, but he simply did not need the things inside.


    A small sign said that all resources returned would be provided to young cultivators who studied at the Void Gate��s public schools throughout the area. Zac had already heard of those ces before. They were simple schools that taught anyone willing to listen the basics of cultivation. They also had things like gathering arrays and gravity arrays to help set a foundation.


    Not only that, but all students who visited would get provided food and a small stipend, which was a big attraction to the less fortunate. Therefore, these schools almost acted as orphanages for children who were down on their luck for one reason or another.


    Part of the motive behind these establishments was simply to help the less fortunate, but there was a practical reason behind it as well. It was a cheap method to look for diamonds in the rough, and the Void Gate often recruited from these public schools. Secondly, it was to breed positive karma.


    Karma was elusive and intangible, but it was an absolutely real concept in the Multiverse. And even if you didn��t believe that the universe would reward you for good deeds, there was still the System to consider. With the Void Gate helping it with its prime directive �C raising warriors �C the System would help out in various ways in return.


    It could be things like the talents getting more attention and better quests, Mystic Realms finding their way to their domains, to lessening the severity of the manmade tribtions the System liked tounch at established factions. Thus, these kinds of schools were quite widespread in the Multiverse. A small fraction of the students got recruited by a proper faction, while most learned the skills to get a job.


    The final group became wandering cultivators, unwilling to give up on their path for a more mundane life. In a sense, they chose to go against fate just like a Defier. Many of these wandering cultivators might have the basic foundations to be defined as a cultivator by the System �C but so what? Most cultivators didn��t make it past the F-grade, especially not those without any connections or opportunities.


    Seeing the table and therge piles of offerings left by the wandering cultivators, many of whom had attended the very schools they now donated to, Zac was filled with an indescribable emotion. The struggle and irreconciliation that the table represented resonated with Zac to his very core. However, he didn��t get the chance to see if this feeling would lead to something more as someone stepped in between him and the donations.


    ��Is there something amiss?��

 Chapter 862: Tasks

    Chapter 862: Tasks


    Zac was startled awake from his almost trance-like state, surprised to find a diminutive nun standing in front of him with a scowl on her face. She was mostly human, but just like Gaun, she seemed to have some sort of alien blood in her heritage, with small ridges forming in her head where a demon would have grown horns.


    However, her skin was without the scale-like pattern of demons and her hands and feet looked human. All-in-all, she reminded Zac of Zakarith a bit with her short stature andrge eyes, though the little merchant demoness back on Port Atwood would never dare look at him with such a fierce expression. Then again, Zakarith wasn��t a Peak E-grade cultivator like this nun.


    ��I��m sorry, miss?�� Zac asked hesitantly.


    ��Is there something wrong? You have been eyeing the donations for a while now,�� the nun said, and there was no mistaking what she was insinuating from her tone.


    ��Do I look that bad off?�� Zac wryly smiled, showcasing the slightly oversized canines of his newly acquired orcish heritage.


    ��Then what were you doing?�� she said with suspicion.


    ��I was just thinking back to those days,�� Zac lied since he honestly didn��t quite know himself why he had stopped.


    He felt he had touched upon some sort of inspiration or understanding, but it had already slipped through his fingers. However, it was an important reminder that the Dao was everywhere �C it wasn��t only discovered in the heat of battle. The Dao was not just a tool of war, it was everything. The more he would experience the more he would get in contact with it.


    ��Time is truly unrelenting. In the blink of an eye, centuries have passed and new generations are standing where I once stood,�� Zac continued with a sigh since the nun��s scowl hadn��t eased up. ��The cycle continues.��


    ��A- I see,�� the Nun said, looking a bit embarrassed. ��I thought- nevermind.��


    ��I doubt you��d see any Wandering Cultivators steal from the hands of those children,�� Zac said as he pointedly looked at the small pile of Cosmos Sacks that had been ced on the table next to the gift bags. ��No one understands the need and the desire better than us. Hopefully, one day a child will truly break the fetters of fate, proving our path is not a lie.��


    ��Thank you for your guidance,�� the young nun said with a small bow, her expression softening. ��This is the first time I��ve gone outside since�� I appreciate the viewpoint. Please,e inside.��


    Zac slightly nodded before walking toward the shimmering barrier that ran was right behind the gate. Being an official member of the Void Gate, she could be considered an elite of the younger generation of Zecia, even if she wasn��t at the level of the peak talents. She had probably heard all kinds of things about wandering cultivators since growing up, and it was no surprise she was suspicious. Thankfully, she wasn��t some sort of overbearing elitist who refused to back down. It would have been pretty annoying to make an enemy the moment he arrived.


    The surroundings twisted as Zac stepped through the shrouding array, and he found himself on a massive street that was at least a hundred meters wide. There was a constant stream of cultivators entering to his left and right, tens of thousands of warriors who all would be considered top experts back on Earth. Judging by the crowds outside, this scene would probably continue for over a day, where the number of mercenaries in this batch alone would be counted in the hundreds of thousands.


    On the opposite side of the street waited a series of newly built restaurants, hotels, and training squares. There were even a couple of bars, and Zac could hear the asional raucousugh all the way here.


    ��Never seen a recruitment station like this,�� Zac muttered.


    ��The Void Gate will not force anyone willing to help us out to take certain tasks. Therefore, it takes some time to gather enough people for some missions,�� the nun who had led him inside exined. ��With the need for secrecy, all outsiders will have to stay within this area before we take you into the Void Gate��s domain.��


    Zac nodded, finally understanding why he had to wait five days to enter this ce. It was probably at capacity due to manning a previous batch of missions.


    ��Earlier was my mistake, so don��t hesitate to ask me anything,�� the nun said. ��What level and type of mission are you nning on joining?��


    ��Before I answer, can I ask something?�� Zac countered, getting an earnest nod in return. ��Apart from the mission rewards, will we be allowed to keep the beasts and their materials for ourselves?��


    ��You want the beast carcasses? They��re not very- ahem, yes. You can keep them. Usually,�� the nun nodded. ��If you kill or capture it, then it��s yours. For the things you don��t need yourself, you can sell them at resource depots. I should tell you though, most of the beasts we��re dealing with are not worth a lot.


    ��Even if you fill your Cosmic Bags to the brim, their value will be far worse than thepensation of the Void Gate. However, there are a few species that are considered strategic resources of ours. Taking them or their bodies out of our domain is disallowed.��


    ��In return, we will pay very well in case you encounter these rare beasts,�� the nun continued as she took out a small tome. ��Their features are in this booklet, make sure you memorize them. This version has more detailed descriptions and imagespared to the ones you can pick up at the mission hub �C a small apology for casting aspersions.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac smiled. ��So some of the species have bounties apart from the missions?��


    ��You could say so,�� the nun nodded. ��While most animals are barely serviceable for sustenance, capturing a few of these valuable specimens can be even more lucrative thanpleting a difficult mission.��


    ��That��s amazing,�� Zac whistled, but he looked at the nun suspiciously. ��Then I guess they��re dangerous?��


    ��All of them have pure bloodlines,�� the nun nodded. ��However, the real reason for their high bounty is their scarcity.��


    Zac nodded before turning his attention toward the small book. Each page only had a couple of illustrations, but each image contained a book��s worth of information when infusing his Mental Energy into them. For example, a simple image of a flower contained the details of a whole family of herbs, thousands of them neatly arranged in an easy-to-search manner.


    It was essentially an encyclopedia on the local flora and fauna, a pretty nifty gift to get right off the bat.


    It didn��t take him long to find detailed descriptions of both [Ferric Worldeaters] and [Ferric Voidwyrms], thervae-stage of the species. Seeing the vivid images and detailed descriptions, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders �C there really were Worldeaters inside the Void Gate.


    ording to the missive, the Voidwyrms were between two to ten metersrge and up to a Peak E-grade beasts. Bing a Beast King turned them into World-eaters, where the smallest specimen would reach one hundred meters. Luckily, Zac had already prepared a beast pouch that would be able to fit a beast up to a thousand meters. Anyrger than that would be an issue. Of course, Worldeaters surpassing a kilometer��s length would also be too powerful for him to deal with, so it was a moot point.


    As for their affinities, they normally had insights into gravity. However, a few of them actually managed to grasp the Dao of Space, and it was obviously one of these rare talents that he needed to get if he wanted to get the best Cosmic Vessel possible. However, he immediately saw a problem �C spatial worldeaters were considered a strategic resource with a sizeable bounty.


    Zac wouldn��t be surprised if the Void Gate wanted them for the same reason as he �C as coreponents for spatial arrays. He would have to look into the possibility of smuggling one outter. If it was impossible, he would have to settle for a normal one. For now, it was great news getting confirmation on his target. However, the more Zac read in the missive, the weirder he felt the situation.


    ��There are a lot of wild herbs and other materials with bounties here as well, but where would we even run into wild herbs?�� Zac frowned. ��Are we not fighting close to any settlements? Just where is this beast tide located?��


    Beast Tides were only called as such when a horde of monsters set their gazes on a city, either due to some powerful alpha or as a tribtion sent by the System. In other words, a beat tide was a siege, where you whittled down the innumerable monsters through using ranged attacks or raiding their lines.


    In such a situation, there obviously wouldn��t be any opportunities to pick Spiritual Herbs �C those only grew deep in the wilderness or inside wild Mystic Realms. Even if you pushed the tide back, you��d only find the cultivated surroundings of the cities. As such, the bounties in the encyclopedia read more like a hunt or exploratory trip into an unimed Mystic Realm.


    But if that was the case, where the Void Gate needed people to explore some recently-discovered subdimension, there was no need to lie. Mystic Realms popped up left and right, especially so in the past decade ording to Calrin. Something about the spatial turbulence of the invaders made all kinds of hidden realms appear.


    ��I cannot divulge the details, but the Void Gate essentially controls an unusual number of Mystic Realms. Due to some unforeseen events, these Mystic Realms are now being invaded, meaning we are fighting on hundreds of battlefronts in very varied situations,�� the nun sighed.


    ��Mystic Realms can be invaded? How could a bunch of beasts sneak inside if you control the entrances?�� Zac asked with a raised brow, not even needing to feign ignorance.


    ��It��splicated. You will find more details as you peruse the recruitment stations inside,�� the nun said with a small bow. ��However, I rmend you not overthink some things �C the Void Gate values their secrets.��


    ��Alright, thank you, young miss,�� Zac nodded. ��This booklet might be a lifesaver.��


    ��I��m nothing,�� the nun smiled. ��I am Vai Ss. You can ask for me at the administrative building if you need assistance. Of course, I��m setting out on a mission soon as well.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac nodded. ��I��m Gaun Sorom.��


    With that, Zac blended with the stream of mercenaries, following the signs past the rows of restaurants and temporary residences until he reached a square with twenty-five rows of hovering signs, each one looking a bit like the System��s quest screens. Close by, a temr was handing out booklets that looked a lot like the one he just got, and Zac picked one up before he curiously walked over to check the closest screen.


    [Task #208]


    Rebuff horde of Ka��Sotrov Shades. Task includes performing a sweep for hidden nests.


    Estimated Duration: 5 months.


    Mission Level: High E-grade.


    Danger: High.


    Reward: 1,000 �C 10,000 E-grade Nexus Coins dependent on the state of facilities and personal contribution.


    Prioritized Recruitment: Mentalists, Geomancers.


    Localized Rare materials: Ka��Sotrov Godstone, Lunar Creeproots, Fekrian Jade, Fluatide.


    [Slots: 408/1,250]


    Following that was a description of the shades, including their appearance andmon skills. The Ka��Sotrov Shades was one of the intangible beasts mentioned in Calrin��s missives, and just like the Sky Gnome had guessed, they weren��t undead. They were rather special rocks that utilized some sort of spiritual projections sounding like the ultimate version of [Thousand Lights Avatar].


    Zac wouldn��t be surprised if they one day managed to transform into beings akin to Ubo back in the Orom World. But for now, they were a highly aggressive pest who moved by having their spectral projections carry their physical bodies around until they found fertile soil. At that point, they hid their true bodies deep underground, where they started siphoning off the energy from the surroundings.


    Meanwhile, their projections killed and destroyed everything thatpeted with them for resources. Having appeared in a Mystic Realm used as a garden for herbs, they had be a cmity that threatened to destroy a yield of high-value crops.


    ��Excuse me, how do you define high risk?�� Zac asked the temr handing out booklets.


    ��Thirty percent casualty rate for warriors at the mission level. The details are listed in the brochure you��re holding,�� the temr said.


    ��Thank you,�� Zac nodded before walking away.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac slowly browsed the screen as he scanned his two booklets. The second one he just picked upcked a lot of detail on all the species in the Void Gate. It mostly focused on the strategic resources, and Zac guessed most mercenaries would simply have to take anything else they picked up to a store to get them valued.


    The public booklet did however contain a lot of general information geared at outsiders, including the risk assessment. Just like the temr said, High Danger meant a 30% casualty rate, where casualty was defined as losingbat ability for over three years. Simply put, death or grievous wounds.


    Furthermore, that estimate was based on their average temr strength. Wandering cultivators, whose equipment was worse and whose heritage was iplete, probably ran an even higher risk in these missions. Apart from high danger missions, there were low, moderate, and extreme danger. Finally, there was a separate set of safe missions with an expected casualty rate of 0%.


    Looking around the square with missions, it quickly became apparent that safe missions were exclusively nonbat tasks �C it was mostly grunt-work, to be honest. There were things like extracting as many minerals as possible from a mine before the enemy beasts arrived, or assisting the local smithies in the massive foundries.


    None of the quests were actually for craftsmen though, and Zac guessed the Void Gate either hired them through other channels or had enough skilled workers on their own.


    The pay for those missions was just one percent of the generous sum the hard missions provided, and the odds of finding one of the bounty materials were apparently very low. Conversely �C the few impossible tasks could pay out almost half a D-grade Nexus Coin for three months of work for a Half-Step D-grade Hegemon.


    That was extremely generous judging by the discussions among the other wandering cultivators, especially considering you��d make decent money from beast cores and harvesting other items. Seeing the excitement on their faces, Zac realized he had probably overpaid Gaun. The wandering cultivator would probably have been happy with a tenth of what he was offered considering these rewards.


    However, you could repeatedly earn money in this ce �C nothing was stopping you from taking multiple quests in a row provided you survived. That was so little leaked about the events in the Void Gate. Some had long sincepleted their first, and sometimes even second, task. Some were recuperating in the superior facilities of the Void Gate, while others had already set out again.


    Of course, quite a few had already fallen in search of wealth in this ce. An extreme danger mission had a lethality rate surpassing 50%, so only those with nothing to lose would take on a mission like that. Unfortunately, you couldn��t just keep it safe and take on missions of lower grades. Some hegemons might be tempted to take a bunch of E-grade extermination quests to earn money quickly and easily, but the Void Gate had put a stop to that.


    The reason was clear just by looking around �C the Void Gatecked people for the higher-grade missions. Zac saw how one cultivator after another infused a wisp of energy into the lower-grade tasks, prompting the slots to rapidly fill up. Meanwhile, the only ones who read the D-grade missions seemed to be curious onlookers.


    Even after walking around for over an hour, Zac only saw one Hegemone over and choose a quest �C and it was a low danger mission. The only exception to the rule was where higher-grade cultivators could join low-grade missions that had failed to fill its slot in a certain amount of time. However, if not even the lower-grade cultivators wanted the quest, it was probably one of the worse ones.


    Conversely, anyone could sign up for a mission up to one grade above their own, which meant Zac could choose an Early D-grade quest if he wanted. That was perfect for him since he wanted to hunt an early D-grade Beast King. It was probably added to provide the elites with a greater challenge, and to fill up the D-grade missions faster with the help ofrge numbers of Half-Step Cultivators.


    Soon enough, Zac found not one but two missions with good potential. The first was task #385, a Half-Step mission with a medium danger assessment. It was a proper beast tide mission where you needed to protect a settlement for a minimum of 3 months. Included in the list of beasts were the voidwyrms, and the quest mentioned there were multiple Beast Kings in the tide.


    The second quest was task #1,032, a high danger Early D-grade quest. This was a quest where the group was tasked to guard a group of nuns acolytes who needed to investigate some sort of spatial anomaly that attracted beasts. Zac guessed it was some sort of treasure that had attracted a beast tide.


    Just like the other task, voidwyrms were mentioned, and with the task being a proper D-grade mission with higher danger assessment, the odds of running into proper worldeaters were a lot higher. However, while task #385 called for over 5,000 cultivators, task #1032 needed only 50. Not only that, but it specifically noted it would test the strength of every Half-Step cultivator who applied.


    Zac had only seen that kind ofment on a handful of missions, and all of them seemed like tasks of strategic importance which couldn��t fail. The odds of getting exposed in such a small unit were a lot higher, not to mention the risk of true danger. After all, if Beast Kings could appear in Half-Step missions, then Middle Stage Beast Kings might appear in task #1,032.


    There would be squad captains present to deal with that kind of threat, but wars were always unpredictable. Zac was confident in dealing with most early Beast Kings by now, but the Middle-Stage was another thing altogether. They had properly benefited from the huge boost of attributes a higher grade provided, and their energy reserves were reportedly five to ten times that of an early-stage beast.


    Furthermore, the simple fact the beasts had progressed to Middle D-grade meant their bloodline was out of the norm �C just like with cultivators, more than 99% of beasts were forever stuck at the start of the grade, their cores unable to progress. Thus, theirbat ability would be higher than the average beasts as well, and Zac wasn��t confident he��d be able to deal with these kinds of things even if he unleashed an Annihtion Sphere.


    Even then, Zac hesitated only for a couple of minutes before picking task #1,032, bing the 37th member to apply. No matter if it was for the search of Ogras in the Million Gates Territory, the Sector-wide War, or Zac��s ns beyond, he would need the best vessel he could get his hands on.


    It was time to go big or go home.

 Chapter 863: Examination

    Chapter 863: Examination


    Having infused a wisp of his aura into the task screen, Zac walked over to a nearby kiosk manned by an acolyte. It was the location where you picked up a mission token so that the captains could contact you when it was time to go.


    ��Task #1,032? High danger D-grade mission?�� the acolyte said when Zac infused his aura into a tablet, ncing at Zac with some surprise.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��That��s right,�� Zac nodded with a terse expression.


    ��Understood,�� the acolyte said, his expression bing slightly more respectful. ��Name, affiliation, and origin?��


    ��Gaun Sorom, unaffiliated, Tumbling Sky Cluster.��


    The acolyte jotted the details down before handing Zac a token. ��The tests to join special missions are held inside the administrative building. If you haven��tpleted them within 24 hours, your reservation will be annulled and you will lose the chance to take on any other missions.��


    ��What about the contract?�� Zac asked.


    ��It will be presented to you after passing the test,�� the acolyte exined.


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac nodded before he fastened the token to his belt and walked away.


    His face had stayed impassive throughout the exchange, but his heart had started beating a bit quicker after being asked his name. He had stayed close by to observe other cultivators picking up tokens, but the acolytes hadn��t inquired about their identities back then. It looked like his strength wasn��t the only thing that would be investigated when taking on these special missions.


    It looked like his preparations would be put to the test even earlier than expected.


    Even then, Zac didn��t rush toward the administrative building in hopes to get epted before they found out more. If anything, he wanted to wait a bit to give the Void Gate a chance to investigate. If it worked out, then great. If not, he would have to go back to n B �C to shed his disguise ande forward as Zachary Atwood, the Deviant Asura, and ask for Leyara.


    But honestly, he wanted to avoid that if possible.


    It was not just a matter of avoiding being targeted by assassins aiming the Tsarun ns�� bounty any longer either. With the knowledge of the invaders bing more widespread, a couple of troubling rumors had started to flourish as well �C where some people believed he was responsible for the uing war.


    They believed that his summoning of the Stele of Conflict set into motion a series of events that led to the invaders appearing, and that he was the focal point of this war. And if the war was a tribtion the System had set up for the Deviant Asura, then killing him might cancel the invasion before it started.


    Zac had wondered the same thing since Catheya mentioned that Zecia had been put on lockdown, but he ultimately chose to not carry the burden of the invasion. This was clearly the System wanting to create some chaos in the hopes powerful warriors would be forged in the heat of battle. It had done things like this since the day it was created, following its core protocols of expansion and empowerment.


    To think that a single F-grade cultivator was the cause of a massive event like this wasughable. He might have been some sort of catalyst, but the System would no doubt have found a pretext to stir up a war one way or another, even if he hadn��t conjured the Stele of Conflict. Neither did he believe this war was designed as some sort of challenge tailored to him �C the System did not need to cause such a massive event for that.


    It could just meddle with fate to drag him into some other conflict while pushing him in the direction of the next set of remnants, or setting the Atwood Empire at a collision course with another local faction.


    Thankfully, it seemed like most people hade to the same conclusion �C that this was just a tribtion conjured by the System, aimed at a Sector that had seen rtive peace for almost a million years. However, that seed of doubt could prove lethal to him. For example, what if the Starfall Monarch felt that killing him had a 1% chance of averting a war that would reap trillions of lives?


    Wasn��t it worth killing him, just in case?


    At best, the Starfall Monarch would be the hero who saved Zecia. At worst, he��d kill a random E-grade cultivator with no affiliation to the Void Gate. If Zac was presented with that kind of scenario, to kill one random stranger to potentially save Earth, he honestly wasn��t sure what he��d do. And neither was it something that Leyara Lioress would be able to stop in case things went south.


    So unless his back was pressed against the wall, he��d try to stay under the radar until he wasn��tpletely helpless in the face of Monarchs. For now, Zac walked the recruitment station with a solemn but unworried demeanor, asionally striking up short conversations with other wandering cultivators to exchange snippets of information.


    In reality, his senses were on full alert, and he was ready to activate the [shfire Flourish] hidden within his robes at moment��s notice. However, nothing untoward happened after an hour had passed, and Zac eventually continued to another section of the station. It was a square evenrger than the one holding the missions, but there were no hovering screens at all.


    Instead, there were thousands of makeshift stalls set up, and the sound of thousands of wandering cultivators haggling for dear life was almost deafening.


    ��Two [Frigid Core Tempering Pills] for sale! They are low-quality, but they were concocted by Ya��vo Haosar of Salsoar Two, so they are low in pill toxicity! The seal is intact for anyone to inspect!�� an early Hegemon shouted, sounding like a random hawker. ��I only trade for Earth-aspected Core Tempering pills or Natural Treasures of a simr grade!��


    Core Tempering Pills were one of the most basic pills used to nurture a Cultivator��s Core. They were essentially the race-boosting pills of the D-grade, except that just pills weren��t enough to make a core stronger. Since the pill was given a Frigid prefix, Zac guessed that the alchemist had added some sort of cold-attributed herbs to the recipe.


    Doing so required a certain amount of skill, considering adding a single ingredient could cause a chain reaction during the concoction process, ruining the medicinal efficacy altogether. As for the seals, they were essentially a stamp of authenticity that contained a bit of the alchemist��s aura, which was quite popr with higher-grade pills.


    Still, Zac wasn��t interested in some basic core-tempering pills. He had whole chests full of higher-quality wares in the spatial rings he had left back home. The same was true for most things that the cultivators were trying to pawn off, but one particr stall caught Zac��s attention.


    ��What��s this?�� Zac asked curiously as he walked over, even though he had a pretty good idea.


    ��Good eye!�� the brutish-looking warrior who ran the stall. ��It��s a core of a unique beast inside the Void Gate �C a Celestial Skybeast.��


    ��A Celestial Skybeast? Zac whistled. ��Never heard of it. More importantly, you��vepleted a mission? And you can just sell the wares like this?��


    ��Of course!�� the man nodded. ��The Celestial Skybeasts are rare and powerful creatures, but their cores are not a restricted material. Most people sold their materials to the depots for a pretty penny, but I wanted to take mine back to benefit my fellow brothers.��


    Zac nodded in enthusiastic agreement, though he inwardly sneered. What Celestial Skybeast? This was obviously the core of a Half-Step Void Beast, an item most likely worthless to anyone but him. The Resource Depots of the Void Gate probably weren��t willing to pay much for something that contained such chaotic energies, so the man was hoping to scam someone by making use of the fact Void Beasts were so rare.


    ��What does it do?�� Zac asked, deciding to y along. ��If it��s just another Beast Core����


    ��Not at all,�� the man hurriedly said before leaning over with a hushed tone. ��Just sense the energy within. Odd, right? Unlike anything else you��ve seen before, no? Don��t you find it weird that these unique beasts appear in the Void Gate and nowhere else, while all the temrs have bodies seemingly forged from steel?��


    ��You think it can temper bodies?�� Zac muttered. ��Impossible.��


    ��Nothing��s impossible in this world,�� the man said. ��I know it sounds crazy to cultivate using the chaotic energies of a Beast Core, but there is something different about the Celestial Skybeasts. You can��t tell now that the temrs are just standing around, but when you join the missions, you will understand the truth of my words.��


    Zac pretended to be slightly moved as he inspected the Void Core a bit closer, inwardly apuding the man��s performance. He was a warrior judging by his aura, but he would be able to give Calrin a run for his money. Obviously, Zac didn��t believe his words. The only chance of the temrs using these cores was if they all had a simr constitution as himself.


    However, he didn��t get that sense at all from the Void Gate warriors walking around in the area, and neither were there any hints of that kind of bloodline or constitution in any missive. From the looks of it, the ��void�� in Void Gate rather referred to space,pared to whatever weird anti-Dao he and the Void Beasts were instilled with.


    The only reason he didn��t discardpletely discard the warrior��s ramblings was the connection between the Void Priestess and the Limitless Empire. There was actually a very slim chance the man had inadvertently caught onto a huge secret when concocting this sales pitch. Honestly, it didn��t matter. For now, Zac just wanted to buy the core.


    ��This, I don��t know,�� Zac hesitated. ��It might be true, but a treasure is worthless if you don��t have the method to use it.��


    ��s, that is true,�� the warrior nodded. ��But you can always submerge it into amon herbal vat and let its energies slowly enter your body. The effect would be worse than using the method of the temrs, but -��


    ��And poison myself while you run off with the money?�� Zac interrupted with a snort. ��However, I am willing to buy it for study, how about 100 E-grade Nexus Coins? That��s already a lot better than an average Beast Core.��


    ��How can youpare this unique treasure with those useless baubles!�� the man almost roared, his face turning red with indignation.


    ��Just calling it as I see it,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Even an elemental Core will bring in over 300 coins!�� the warrior said. ��This thing is a unique marvel of the sector, with only a few being allowed outside of the Void Gate. 2,000 coins, and not a single one less.��


    Zac only rolled his eyes and turned to leave.


    ��Alright, alright,�� the warrior urged when he saw Zac walking away. ��Since we��re kindred spirits, and I can tell you��re on the precipice of breaking through, I will sell this at a loss. 1,500 E-grade Nexus Coins.��


    Like this, a simr scene to the other stalls appeared, where Zac and the warrior almost came to blow as they shouted their offers. Eventually, they settled at 580 E-grade Nexus Coins, and as Zac walked away, he believed they both felt they had tricked the other party. The warrior had probably gotten an exnation at the supply depot, that Void Cores were essentially useless, and anything he got for it would be a victory.


    Still, Zac was extremely happy with the purchase, considering 480 E-grade Nexus Coins was nothing to him. The core only contained a fraction of the energy trapped inside the weird organ Zac bought at the Twilight Harbor Auction, but it was still the best item avable to quickly restore his Void Energy in a pinch.


    As Zac walked the stalls, he found and purchased another three Void Cores, proving the first one wasn��t a coincidence. After surreptitiously asking, it became clear that only two of the sellers had taken part in the same mission. In other words, Void Beasts were appearing at multiple spots inside the Void Gate.


    Was there really some sort of connection, or was it an inevitability when you controlled as many Mystic Realms as Vai Ss implied? Was the beast tide led by Void Beasts? No that couldn��t be right �C no matter if you looked at the mission descriptions or the materials for sale, there couldn��t be too many Void Beasts.


    Furthermore, it didn��t mesh with what he��d learned about these weird creatures. After the events inside the Research Base, he had made some inquiries. Void Beasts were not nearly asmon as one might think. They didn��t pop up around normal Mystic Realms, and they couldn��t be found inside chaotic ces like the Million Gates Territory.


    The best working theory Zac had found was that there wereyers to the void. Normally, people would only enter the surface of the Void when teleporting, and it was at the surfaceyers where most Mystic Realms could be found as well. Meanwhile, Void Beasts possibly lived deeper into the void, only emerging when searching for beings to feed on.


    It made sense. Zac wouldn��t be surprised if his mother��s family had the capabilities to hide their facilities even deeper inside the void, pushing it to ayer one normally wouldn��t reach.


    Apart from the Void Cores, there wasn��t anything that piqued Zac��s interest. Even then, he stayed on for an hour, browsing through the wares and making a couple of purchases with pretend excitement in case someone was spying on him. A gathering of this many wandering cultivators was a rare chance to trade without auction houses or consortiums taking arge cut, so a lot of people took the opportunity to unload their wares or shop at a discount.


    Walking the square also allowed him to pick up more gossip. There were a couple of takeaways from the cultivators who had returned from their first stint into the Void gate. First, the dangers were very real �C the beasts were seemingly endless. The casualty rates were just a guess, and more than one party had beenpletely exterminated, even when undergoing normal difficulty tasks.


    Secondly, the Void Gate was treating the cultivators with some amount of sincerity. There were a lot ofints about how haughty the temrs and devotees were, but they didn��t use the unaffiliated cultivators as meat shields or sacrificial pawns.


    Finally, the Void Gate was powerful, exceedingly so. The returnees were restricted from discussing certain aspects of the missions, but they all said the same thing; the Void Gate possessed shocking means and resources. Everyone knew they were the local ruler with multiple Monarchs, but what these warriors had witnessed had clearly surpassed their expectations.


    But finally, it was time to go, so Zac made his way toward the administrative building at the back of the recruitment station. It was a massive structure far surpassing anything built back home on Earth, and one would be able to fit a whole district inside if one wanted.


    After showing his token to an administrator inside, he was led to arge sparring chamber that was essentially a hundred-meter-cube.


    ��An examiner will be with you shortly,�� the guide said, and Zac simply nodded before sitting down.


    Still, with no one appearing even after twenty minutes, Zac eventually took out the [Book of Duality] and started reading. The more he had studied it over the past weeks, the more marvelous Zac found it. It wasn��t that long �C just over a hundred pages, and reading it the first time had only taken him a few hours.


    The readthrough had provided some shallow insights and a brief exnation of the path of dualities. However, on the second readthrough, Zac had started to realize just how much was hidden inside this seemingly simple tome. He��d already noticed the characters contained special impartments when he got the book, but he had underestimated just how much they contained.


    He had deciphered the first couple of pages easily enough, but the problems started to arrive when reaching the second chapter. Suddenly, he had realized that he still hadn��t unearthed the true meanings hidden in the first chapter, and he used the second chapter as a reference to delve even deeper.


    One plus one didn��t equal two when putting the meaning hidden inside the words together. They somehow fused intopletely new concepts, seemingly unrted to the original ones. And with every added character, the interconnected web of hidden truths grew increasinglyplex, and it required more and more time to integrate each new character into the tapestry that was slowly forming in his mind.


    At first, Zac had figured that the best approach was to unearth all theyers at once by trying to decipher the whole book in one go, but he had quickly realized the futility of that. Perhaps if he was an intelligence-based Peak Hegemon he��d be able to aplish something like that, but there was simply too much contained in the [Book of Duality].


    If he tried toprehend it all at once, the depth disappeared, and he could only glean the surface-level of meaning.


    But the little Zac had deciphered so far had filled him with inspiration. There were no actual Daos or Heavenly Truths hidden into the book, but rather an extremelyprehensive set of information that rted to the very essence of energy, patterns, and control. It was not something that rted to just cores either �C the insights of Kalo, the mysterious author, were universal.


    No matter if it was arrays, crafting, or creating skills, the [Book of Duality] covered some of the fundamental underpinnings that made them possible, the process where Dao and some inscrutable patterns turned into magical things like the huge wooden hand of [Arcadia��s Judgement], or how it could allow you to turn into something intangible with movement skills or teleportation arrays.


    In other words, the book could be considered a whole heritage, as long as you managed to unearth the truths within. It was no wonder Yrial had called it one of the most valuable items in his inheritance. Zac couldn��t imagine the effort andprehension required to impart so much into a few characters �C it was another reminder of what kind of exalted existences Monarchs were.


    Their understanding of the universe was so far beyond his current level that it wasn��t evenparable, to the point they couldn��t be considered humans any longer.


    Zac kept reading, almost forgetting where he was. But a sudden pang of danger cut through hisprehension, and his eyes shot open just as the door to the chamber opened. Through the door a middle-aged man walked, decked in a full-body armor that was of clearly better make than the average temr gear he had seen so far.


    It only took a nce to tell it was a proper War Regalia judging by the massive amounts of energy that coursed through the engraved runes covering its surface. That could only mean one thing �C his test would be supervised by a Hegemon, and a pretty strong one by the looks of it.

 Chapter 864: Teo Kastella

    Chapter 864: Teo Kaste


    ��You seemed quite engrossed, but I could only wait so long,�� the man said with equanimity as he stepped into the room, which was immediately flooded with his overbearing aura. ��Good instinct for danger. I am Teo Kaste, and I will oversee this trial.��


    As the Hegemon walked over, Zac tried to get a sense of what kind of warrior he was. Teo��s aura was pure and condensed, meaning his umtions were beyond the norm. Then again, anyone who made it to Hegemony was a one-in-a-million genius, so him being an elite was par for the course. More importantly, it looked like he was a Middle-Stage Hegemon.


    As for his attunement, it was a bit reminiscent of Zac��s old Undying Bulwark ss, and not just because the man was wearing full-body armor. There was a sense of impermeability and stability to his aura, making Zac guess he not only had at least one defensive Dao but also endurance as his main attribute.


    Between his level, equipment, and focus, Zac knew there was simply no way for him to defeat this Teo Kaste in a straightforward battle, but there was thankfully no way that could be the trial.


    ��I am sorry about wasting your time,�� Zac hurriedly said as he bowed toward the Void Gate temr. ��I am Gaun Sorom. It��s an honor to make your acquaintance.��


    ��Gaun Sorom,�� the temr slowly said. ��ording to our investigation, this is not the level of mission you were expected to take. Neither do you have one of the prioritized sses for this mission. Could you exin why you applied?��


    Zac knew this wasing. Gaun was considered stronger than average among wandering cultivators, but taking on a dangerous D-grade mission was still a bit much. And he was also a pure offensive warrior, while the prioritized sses for task #1,032 were guardians, scouts, and defensive array masters.


    He had figured the discrepancy of power between himself and the real Gaun would be an issue sooner orter, and he had workshopped a believable tale with the help of the original owner of his face. Thankfully, Gaun had been lying low the past decade because of his wounds, so it gave Zac some leeway to spin a believable tale.


    Furthermore, Zac had one final ace. It was the trump card that made him dare infiltrate an established faction like the Void Gate in the first ce �C his mother��s array. Not even Catheya��s master, a Peak Monarch, had managed to find anything amiss. How could some middle Hegemon, or even the Starfall Monarch, fare any better?


    Zac still had no idea exactly how it worked, but apparently, Va Tapek had said everything was in order when trying to glean anything from his body or Status Screen. That was obviously impossible, considering there were no actual Arcaz ck while his body contained all sorts of weirdness. In other words, the Array was most likely worked on perception, making spying eyes see whatever they expected to see, finding nothing amiss.


    Va Tapek expected to see Arcaz ck, so that was what he saw. These people expected Gaun Sorom, so that would be what they saw. Of course, that didn��t mean he was out of the woods. There were various arrays and skills geared toward infiltration and it would be up to his performance topletely pass this hurdle.


    ��Ten years ago, I encountered a great opportunity,�� Zac said. ��It gave me the chance to break through.��


    The next moment, Zac emitted a strand of his aura �C the Branch of the War Axe. Preferably, Zac would have wanted to use his Life-attuned Dao as well, but Gaun only had two Dao Fragments he had tried to fuse into a singr Branch of the Axe for the past 400 years. It would be weird if he suddenly showcased a second branchpletely separate from his recorded abilities.


    ��A major breakthrough, at your stage?�� the captain hummed with some surprise. ��Branch of the Axe �C a pure one. You��re nning to force a breakthrough?��


    ��My preparations are stillcking, but I hope to enter terminal seclusion soon after this Beast Tide is over, using any materials and rewards I gain here�� Zac nodded.


    Breaking through as a Half-Step Hegemon was much harder than doing it as a Peak E-grade Cultivator, to the point most people considered impossible. The biggest hurdle was the defective core you had allowed to fuse with your body. It had to bepletely crushed and reformed into a proper one, but that would unleash its energies into one��s body, which was pretty much the same as detonating a bomb inside your belly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Attempting it was akin to suicide, but some people had aplished the impossible through thebination of improved foundations and unique treasures. Even if it was just one out of ten thousand who seeded while the others perished, that glimpse of hope was enough for some.


    ��I admire your courage, but this is not a training trip,�� the Hegemon said. ��An offensive Dao Branch built on iplete foundations is ultimately not enough for this mission. Some of our researchers are just E-grade. We need warriors who will be able to keep them safe, which includes repelling Beast Kings.��


    ��I understand,�� Zac bowed. ��However, I do have some confidence in my ability. The breakthrough was not the only thing I gained. I also contracted a powerfulpanion. With her, my ability to restrain enemies has increased significantly. Together with my Dao Branch, I should meet the requirements.��


    The next moment, a dozen thick vines appeared from the spatial tube on his back. Zac had deliberated what he should disy in this trial, and he felt Vivi was the most suitable. His [Empyrean Aegis] would probably let him pass, but it was a bit too shy. Meanwhile, Vivi was just right. She was extremely durable, and would even be able to restrain beast kings just long enough for him or someone else to deal with them.


    ��Oh?�� the man muttered as he looked at the slithering vines with interest.


    Teo waved his hand the next moment, and a life-sized dummy flew over tond behind Zac. ��Defend the dummy.��


    Zac wordlessly nodded, and one of the vines moved over to protect his ward. As for Zac, he ced himself right between the dummy and Teo.


    It sounded like a bomb exploded as the Hegemon suddenly shot forward, making a beeline for the unmoving puppet, seemingly intending to barrel straight through Zac. Teo��s momentum was ferocious, but Zac was still inwardly relieved to sense the Temr only used the strength of a Half-Step Hegemon at the moment.


    Over a dozen vines shot out from the tube on Zac��s back, while another set formed a corridor of death no more than twenty meters wide. Zac had essentially turned the battlefield into a narrow trench, where he was the goalkeeper.


    A shortsword and a metal buckler appeared in Teo��s hands, the two probably a paired Spirit Tool judging by their aura matching design. The Hegemon immediately unleashed a dazzling set of swings that hacked into the vines while he used the buckler to create odd shockwaves that pushed others aside.


    One by one, long ropes of Vivi��s vines fell onto the ground as Teo stepped closer, costing Zac a constant stream of energy to restore. Normally, Zac wouldn��t have used such a clumsy method to deal with a simple advance, but he didn��t want to use his evolutionary stance like this. Instead, he adopted a technique that was more akin to Gaun��s, where he used brute force as a feint to deliver his real strikes.


    Having properly stepped into the Integration Stage, it was quite easy for Zac to control how much of his technique to showcase. Currently, he had extracted any hint of his Daos from the way he used the vines, and rather fought as he did while trying to level his [Armament Mastery] skill from high to peak mastery. He even added in some inefficiencies to the way he controlled Vivi to make it seem slightly less impressive.


    Vivi��s assault still looked ferocious, with almost twenty thick vines thrumming with vigor as they tried tosh the Hegemon. However, it almost looked like Teo was taking a stroll as he walked closer, and he almost gave off the impression of a farmer cutting the weeds �C there was almost a bored expression on his face.


    But suddenly, three vines split off from the chaotic mix and nimbly evaded Teo��s sword before shooting forward with almost double the speedpared to the others. Teo immediately realized what was going on, but he only managed to destroy one of the vines before the otherstched onto him and started dragging to pull him off-bnce.


    With the impressive sharpness of that sword, it wouldn��t take long for the Temr to break free, but Zac had no intention of giving Teo that kind of breathing room. He shot forward with [Earthstrider] with one of his spare Spirit Tool axes already in his hand. A mighty shockwave erupted as Zac��s axe intercepted Teo��s sword.


    But Zac barely had time to stop the Hegemon from breaking free before a scream of danger erupted in his mind. The buckler was heading straight for his head, and it thrummed with barely contained momentum. The strike wasn��t uniquely quick or inscrutable �C if anything it felt extremely mundane if not for its force.


    The problem was that the Temr must have begun the attack before the previous sh even took ce, like he knew exactly what would happen. Zac urgently ducked, but his idea to counter with a devastating gut-punch was pre-empted by an armored knee rising to meet him. Once more, his movement had beenpletely predicted, but Zac knew it wasn��t a matter of prescience.


    It was experience and millennia of drills being turned into lethal muscle memory.


    A duck turned into a somewhat unsightly pirouette where Zac barely managed to avoid both Teo��s strikes, but by that point, three daggers were already flying toward the dummy. It was not a big deal though, and one of the vines flicked them aside as Zac resumed his assault. The two were soon again locked in a heated melee, where Zac tried to break open the Hegemon��s imprable defenses one way or another.


    The Temr wasn��t extremely quick, nor had he mastered technique as Pavina had. Teo probably didn��t focus on that aspect of cultivation at all, having simply learned hisbat stance from the Void Gate. Even then, he proved a tricky enemy to deal with. Between his armor and steady stance, he was like an immutable mountain, and Zac found it extremely difficult to impede his strikes or change the tempo without physically overpowering him.


    Even then, Zac was slowly gaining an advantage thanks to Vivi. Neither of them used any skills, so the two found themselves locked in a melee, and it was impossible topletely avoid the unceasing advance of vinesing from the spatial tube on Zac��s back. However, Zac soon found himself in a familiar situation �C the force behind Teo��s swings was gradually increasing, just like when Kaldor started cheating.


    The Temr didn��t change up his technique or add Daos, but when every swing hit harder and faster than the one before, Zac soon found himself at a disadvantage. For a while, he matched Teo��s increase in power, but he eventually found himself using all the strength he could without raising suspicion. So he could only try to hold on as long as possible, hoping that would be enough.


    As Zac found himself pushed harder and harder, he couldn��t help but appreciate the temr��s technique �C orck thereof. It was simple and direct, without any flourishes orplications. It made Zac think of the vor text to his old skill [Chop], how there was greatness in simplicity. Teo felt like a soldier in a Roman phnx �C methodical and extremely deadly.


    After having almost solely focused on technique for the past years, it was an important reminder. There were innumerable paths to the peak, and honing one��s technique was just one of them. Teo was aplishing great things even without bothering with the Integration stage or the stages above, freeing up his time to improve other aspects of his cultivation.


    Zac couldn��t get ahead of himself and think himself able to easily defeat any Hegemon just because he had polished his technique to a level that probably superseded theirs. Between their experience and deeperprehension of the Dao, the difference wasn��t all that big, and they had all kinds of ways to only bridge but surpass that gap in a real battle.


    The melee became more and more desperate as Zac felt himself barely hanging on by the time Teo was solidly using the power of a Hegemon. Vivi��s vines were no longer able to restrain him since he destroyed them too quickly, which increased the pressure on Zac. He knew the trial was all-but-over, and he readied himself to give up.


    But suddenly, Zac��s eyes widened in surprise as the sword in Teo��s hand was gone, and a sharp whistle echoed through the room. His swing had somehow turned into an underhand throw, and the shortsword was barrelling toward the dummy. There was no way to intercept, so Zac did the only thing he could think off �C he pped the dummy with a vine, throwing it a few dozen meters away, out of the way of the sword��s trajectory.


    In a real scenario, the researcher would have been battered but alive, which was preferable to being turned into meat ribbons by the attack of a Hegemon. The sword suddenly stopped in its trajectory before flying back into the temr��s hand as he took a step back.


    ��That��s enough,�� Teo nodded, almost looking a bit regretful. ��Your axework is extremely solid. You have a surprising connection to your weapon, it��s a shame you never joined a proper faction. Looking at your strength, you can deal with the weakest of Beast Kings, while any stronger specimen will require assistance.��


    ��I also have a supreme Defensive Skill. It is what allowed me to survive to this day, but it has a powerful bacsh so I cannot showcase it,�� Zac added when it looked like the Hegemon hesitated whether he should ept him. ��It can buy some time even against an Early Beast king.��


    ��Well, I��ll take your word for it. Your foundation is barely enough for the first string, but your individualistic style is not a good mesh. However, you can easily qualify as a second-string defender,�� the man said.


    ��I��m sorry, what does that mean?�� Zac asked, not remembering anything about that in the quest description.


    ��Due to the dangers and the fact we will be traveling with researchers with no or lowbat ability, we will have two lines of defense. The vanguard will deal with most of the threats, while the second string will be assigned as personal guards,�� the hegemon exined. ��Anything that slips past our outer perimeter or suddenly appears out of nowhere will be dealt with by you. In other words, a situation just like this trial.


    ��We don��t expect you to be an immutable boulder, but someone who can buy enough time for one of the party��s real Hegemons to deal with the threats. As such, yourpensation would be on the lower end of the spectrum, and your priority when distributing rare materials would be lower.��


    Zac frowned as though he was in thought, but he felt it was a pretty good deal. The task had a span of 1-5 D-grade Nexus Coins, but the remuneration was not a priority. He was rather worried that it sounded like a somewhat restricted position. Unless they were given free time to explore, he would find it hard to sneak off and catch a Space-attuned Ferric Worldeater.


    ��Would I have any opportunities to hunt for beasts or bounties as a bodyguard?�� Zac asked.


    ��You would have an opportunity to leave for three days every month, but that is contingent on the situation being stable. We will not ept any run away with a tide barreling toward us,�� Teo exined.


    Zac figured it was fair enough. Just like the temr said, this was not a training journey. Getting three days a month to explore the Void Gate��s restricted areas was pretty generous. He would have to leave it up to his Luck. Even he couldn��t find and capture a space-attuned specimen, he should still be able to get a normal one.


    And if even that failed, might be able to have the first string cultivators capture one of the wyrms in exchange for part of his reward.


    ��I am willing to take on this mission,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Then let me reintroduce myself,�� Teo smiled. ��I am Marshal Teo Kaste of the Order of the Hollow Vigil. As the leader of task #1,032, I hereby invite you under the authority of the Starfall Monarch.��


    As Teo finished his sentence, two screens popped up in front of Zac �C a contract and an actual System Quest. Zac had no idea what hollow vigil meant, but he still bowed in deference once more before focusing on the screens.


    Task #1,032 (Decree): Protect your designated ward until the target anomaly has been stabilized, or for a maximum of 6 months. Reward: 0.5 �C 1.5 D-grade Nexus Coins depending on performance. (0/1) (0/178).

 Chapter 865: Zenith Vigil

    Chapter 865: Zenith Vigil


    This was the second Decree-quest Zac had gotten, with the first being the one he was saddled with by the Eveningtide Asura. This one was straightforward, where he either had to guard his ward for the duration of the mission, or for 178 days. In a perfect world, he wouldn��t have to spend six months in the Void Gate, but it wasn��t too bad all things considered. Besides, the mission would be over the moment they stabilized that anomaly, so there was a small chance he��d be out of here in just a month or two.


    The employment contract was pretty long-winded, but it was essentially the same type of agreement he signed with Catheya before the Twilight Harbor, though he would be paid an additional 100,000 E-grade Nexus Coins for a century-long confidentiality use that covered any secrets of the Void Gate. In addition to that, there was a rule of not actively going against the Void Gate��s interest within their domains.


    The fuzzy wording, along with a couple of other phrases left Zac a bit stumped. While the contract was much moreprehensivepared to the one he signed upon entering the recruitment station, it was surprisingly vague in a lot of ces. For example, ��actively act against one��s interests�� was much too imprecise to avoid being exploited.


    Conversely, in the contract Catheya had him sign, there were all kinds of uses added to that section, including various scenarios. But here, it was left open-ended. It would stop Zac from destroying their buildings or attacking their people, but it was too fuzzy for the System to intercede in most other cases.


    For example, him picking up any valuable he could find wasn��t directly working against the interest of the Void Gate, even if it was a strategic resource. It was just working on his cultivation. Neither would it considered to be actively working against the Void Gate if he saw something untoward and decided to keep it to himself. It would be considered passively working against them at worst.


    ��No need to look so suspicious,�� Teo snorted when he saw Zac��s frown. ��It��s a matter of cost reduction. Salosar is only one of our recruitment stations, we sign tens of thousands of these every day. The more stringent the uses, the more we have to pay for them to be ratified. The Void Gate has money, but nothing is without limits. With our operating costs increasing recently, and with the beast tide hampering our revenue sources, we can��t waste a fortune on every single mission.��


    Hearing Teo��s exnation, Zac suddenly felt he had understood something �C why they went through all this trouble at all. Could it be because of the war? With beasts upying all these Mystic Realms, their supply lines had to have been thrown into chaos, which was absolutely not what you wanted to see when stocking up before a massive conflict.


    Normally, they might have been able to deal with these beasts themselves. But with the deadline, they were forced to look for outside help to expedite the process.


    ��Alright then,�� Zac nodded as he epted both the contract and quest.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A small smile spread across the face of the Marshal as he nodded with satisfaction. ��Well, Gaun Sorom, wee aboard.��


    ��d to be here,�� Zac nodded.


    Looking at the Hegemon��s smile Zac wondered for a moment if there was something nefarious at y, but he eventually put those thoughts aside. He could somewhat feel how he had started getting bogged down by paranoia since taking this disguise. Being security-minded was good, but when you saw enemies in every shadow around you, you were bound to drive yourself mad.


    Obviously, a faction would have its hidden motives and goals, but that didn��t mean they were nefarious or targeting him specifically. He just needed to keep his head down and stay alert, and deal with things as they came.


    The Temr suddenly waved one of his hands, prompting one of Vivi��s cut-off vines to float over. ��An extraordinary specimen, but your control is a bit crude. You��re only controlling three of the vines properly.��


    ��It��s my limit, for now,�� Zac grimaced. ��It��s as you say. I might be able to control one more if I give it my all, but I��ve found more sess when controlling three vines while releasing arge set of diversionary vines.��


    ��This species, I don��t recognize it. Where did you acquire it?��


    ��That��s���� Zac said. ��I��m sorry.��


    ��Fine,�� Teo nodded. ��Are you willing to part for it for the right price?��


    ��It��s my greatest defensive measure for now,�� Zac said. ��And I wouldn��t dare trick lord Hegemon. While this nt is mighty, it is dying. I conferred with an expert who said that it��s well past its pollination stage, and it will die in a century or so. It will not be of much use for an established faction.��


    ��That��s a shame,�� the Hegemon sighed. ��Would you allow our researchers to investigate as well? They might find something your acquaintance did not. If we manage to clone it, we would be willing to give you a greatmission.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac eagerly nodded, though he knew it was a fool��s hope on this man��s part. If Heda said it couldn��t be done, then no Void Gate researcher would be able to fare any better. Still, as a wandering cultivator desperately needing resources, he obviously wouldn��t turn down a deal like this. ��It would be my pleasure to assist in any way that I can. However, with its life being so brittle, I hope we can postpone until the threat of the beast tide is dealt with. In case something happens����


    ��Of course, there is no rush,�� Teo shrugged.


    ��Good luck finding me after the beast tide is dealt with,�� Zac inwardlyughed,but he simply nodded in agreement.


    ��Five more have applied for the task since you did, but I only expect two to pass,�� the Hegemon continued. ��Then again, I might be surprised once more. In either case, I expect it will be a week before we set out. For now, stay within thepound and make your final preparations. We will provide you with some talismans and other useful items when we embark, but the rest is up to you. Any questions?��


    ��Can you tell me a bit more about the environment we will visit?�� Zac asked. ��The quests didn��t quite specify.��


    ��I am only allowed to share exact details of where we��re going after the mission has started,�� Teo said. ��But I can tell you that we will be within a powerful spatial energy field. That will attract certain spatial beasts, so I suggest a few extra space-sealing items. These kinds of talismans generally don��tst long inside the Void Gate, but they can be surprisingly effective.��


    ��Understood,�� Zac nodded, guessing it was a bit like when he used [Rapturous Divide] inside the Twilight Ocean. The ambient energy back there had supercharged the skill, making it both uncontroble and deadly.


    With that, they were done, and Zac left to prepare while Teo walked toward another sparring chamber. Zac spent the next couple of days in the research base waiting for his token to buzz. Most of the time was spent trying to delve deeper into the [Book of Duality]. He had reached a method Kalo called divergence, and Zac suspected the theories within were the foundation for, or at least rted to, [Rapturous Divide].


    It detailed how forcibly keeping two opposing forces separate could create a powerful field in-between, like how mas would create a maic field. With the right techniques, this field could be condensed and manipted in all kinds of ways. This trivia was more interesting than useful, but Zac did wonder if this concept could be somehow used for a life-death core.


    It was a bit simr to the marks he had left on the trial wheel in Yrial��s inheritance. The energies of his two attacks had fused back then, which had caused the energies to instantly go haywire and the disk to break apart. But if he kept the two sides separate, would his creation be stabler? Problem was, could you use the theories of a gap or a chasm as a basis for a Cultivator��s Core? Would that leave you with a hollow core? A core with two halves, like a brain?


    It seemed possible, but doing so would essentially halve the power it could exhibit, considering he��d only be able to use half the core at any given time. And what would happen if he had a pure miasmic half while staying in his human form? Zac remembered the nauseating feeling of absorbing just a couple of wisps of miasma from a crystal. With a proper core, would he continuously be poisoning himself? Would his Hidden Nodes even let the core stay intact?


    Zac eventually shook his head and continued deciphering the characters. The greater the theoretical base he formed, the more options would present themselves.


    Apart from his studies, he spent a couple of hours a day walking around, asionally striking up conversations with the other wandering cultivators. He didn��t find out much else of import, but he did hear one Late E-grade cultivator mention seeing a Half-Step Hegemon in his group teleporting away the moment the quest was done.


    Most people were rather ferried back to Salosar on the Void Gate��s dime to save on costs, but it was good to know there were avable teleportation arrays inside the Void Gate as well. Zac also purchased a couple of space-sealing items from a store set up by the Void Gate themselves, along with an escape Talisman meant to be used in areas with strong Spatial Fields.


    After three days, the recruitment station had grown a lot less crowded as squads set out one by one through teleporters, even though there was a constant stream of new arrivals. A second massive batch arrived on day five, and Zac��s token buzzed three dayster. It was finally time to go.


    Zac immediately made a beeline for a building next to the administrative center �C the missionmand and teleportation room. Soon enough, he stood with a diverse group of cultivators in a private hall. All of them were emitting their auras, and it wasn��t hard to tell that almost all of them were Half-Step cultivators. The only exceptions were four who emitted the especially condensed auras of Hegemons.


    It went to show just how scarce even early Hegemons were on the frontier, especially among wandering cultivators. Facing the group of unaffiliated warriors was Teo and another three Hegemons standing behind him. There were two women and a man, all of them temrs going by their simr sets engraved of armor.


    There were also six hooded cultivators standing by their side, all of them emitting very weak pressure, meaning they were probably the researchers.


    ��Wee, everyone,�� Teo said as he looked at the group of elites. ��The Void Gate appreciates you braving the dangers to help us out. We will do our best to reciprocate your trust. For those of you who haven��t met me, I am Teo Kaste, and I will be running point during this mission. With me are Kalo Taosa and T Vesass, who willmand one squad each. Finally, Havasa Yrvis, leader of the second-string defenders.��


    Zac nced at Havasa, one of the two female temrs. From the looks of it, she was at the peak of early Hegemony. But different from Teo��s mountainlike aura, she gave off a fierce and bloody impression. Zac guessed she was an offensive warrior focusing on Strength like himself. She was probably the one responsible for executing any troublesome beasts who made it past the defensive perimeter, while the second-string cultivators kept the monsters restrained.


    ��There��s only us?�� a burly warrior asked with some confusion.


    ��The others are waiting for us inside the Void Gate,�� Teo exined. ��If we brought all the members to this station, we would have been forced to climb on each other to move around. Now, this is yourst chance to back down. The moment the mission starts, we will not abide deserters.��


    Zac nced around, but not a single one raised any objections. He guessed any ky people had been filtered out before this stage. Then again, the fine for breaking the contract early was pretty steep, and failing quests should be avoided when possible. Even if a quest didn��t have any failure conditions, messing up a mission would lower your importance in the System��s eyes, which could have all kinds of negative impacts.


    ��Alright then. We will make a jump into the Void Gate where we will have proper briefings and join up with our task members,�� Teo said, and therge teleporter behind him activated a momentter.


    One by one, the wandering cultivators stepped inside, with the four early-stage Hegemons taking the lead. Zac recognized three of them from various intelligence packets, but the fourth one, a graceful woman with a dangerous gleam in her eyes, waspletely unknown to him. Two of the others were famous wandering cultivators who had millennia of experience.


    The final Hegemon was called Uzu Huso, and he had only broken through five years ago, which had caused some waves on Salosar Eight where he came from. After the Hegemons, the Half-Step cultivators entered, where an unofficial hierarchy formed pretty much automatically based on their auras.


    This was amon urrence among unaffiliated cultivators. They didn��t have heritage or background topare, so they kept it simple byparing power and feats. In this scenario, the power level Zac had set for himself barelynded him in the top twenty. However, Zac could easily tell that if he went all out, only the experienced Hegemons would be able to put up a real fight.


    Apart from his Titles, it boiled down to Dao. These Half-Step Hegemons had spent centuries, millennia even, squeezing out as much potential they could from their current level. But even then, it was obvious that they were just like the Real Gaun, stuck with Dao Fragments, with many not even having evolved them to Peak Mastery. There were just two Zac suspected to actually possess Dao Branches.


    Still, a few of these warriors emitted respectable energy levels for a wandering cultivator, meaning they had probably encountered their fair share of opportunities during their lifetimes.


    Zac stepped onto the teleporter when his turn came, and after a brief stint of darkness, he emerged in what looked like a balcony. However, on second look it was clear it was rather a viewing gallery inside some sort of enormous stone structure, where the outer wall had been reced by a transparent array.


    The others had already walked over to the edge to take in the view, and Zac shed over as well.


    ��Holy crap,�� Zac muttered, not needing to pretend at all, even after having visited ces like the Twilight Harbor.


    The object that took up most of his field of vision was arge sun with a bluish hue. Judging by its proximity, Zac guessed the shielding array had some sort of dampening effects to prevent people from being blinded. Even then, Zac could both sense and see extremely powerful spatial fluctuationsing from within the star.


    It almost looked like a heart that beat with spatial pulses, and Zac suddenly remembered the note left along with Leyara��s ��gift��, where she wanted to talk fashion and the future under the light of the Void Star.


    Was this it?


    However, while the star was impressive, it still paled inparison to the rest of the view. It quickly became clear they weren��t actually on some with a very close trajectory to the blue sun. Spaceships, ranging from monstrous leviathans over ten thousand meters long to thousands of smaller skippers that shed back and forth in the void, filled his view.


    If not for the distinct arrays and the archaic designs, Zac would have thought he had been teleported to a Technocrat base rather than some space fortress of a Zecia faction. As for himself and his squad, they hadn��t appeared in a Cosmic Vessel like those that flicked about. Rather, they were standing in a tower of a mind-bogglingly huge construct.


    To his sides, he saw five more towers like the one they stood in, each one reaching tens of thousands of meters into the air. They almost looked like beehives with gates the smaller vessels flew into, while therger motherships were docked outside.


    The towers were connected horizontally to an unfathomablyrge oblong structure far below, almost looking like chimneys of a steamboat. Was it actually a ship? Could it even be considered one at this size? The scene was pretty shocking, considering this enormous construct wasn��t the only one �C Zac saw three more just like it far in the distance.


    ��Now this is a real faction,�� the warrior next to Zac muttered with wide eyes, his eyes glued to the scene. ��Just being able to witness this was worth the trip.��


    ��So many vessels, and each one is worth a fortune,�� another wandering cultivator added. ��No wonder the Void Gate has the means to pay such generous bounties.��


    One by one, the wandering cultivators joined Zac and the others at the edge of the room, silently looking at the scene. Even the Hegemons looked gobsmacked at the means of the Void Gate, and Zac wasn��t surprised. The resources of a proper C-grade force simply couldn��t bepared to a D-grade one. Building a ship of this size would probably bankrupt the Salosar Cluster a couple of times over.


    ��Wee to Zenith Vigil, one of our supply depots,�� Teo smiled.

 Chapter 866: My Heart Belongs to the Dao

    Chapter 866: My Heart Belongs to the Dao


    ��This is just a supply depot?�� a woman eximed. ��Not a Core Ship?��


    ��The Void Gate doesn��t employ Core Ships �C we don��t actually live in space,�� Teo smiled, clearly satisfied with the reactions of the crowd. ��Zenith Vigil is mostly used as a ry station for the warriors of the Void Gate. I��m sure you��ve noticed the star over there. That��s our target.��


    ��I know various rumors and theories are floating about back at Salsosar,�� the captain continued. ��But here��s the truth. That there is the Void Star, and it��s a central part of our heritage. In truth, it��s not just a celestial object �C it is something much more interesting. It��s a gateway.��


    ��All those mystic realms,�� a cultivator muttered.


    ��Exactly,�� the Marshal nodded. ��This Void Star is not an entrance to one Mystic Realm �C it holds thousands of realms. It is a unique object that superimposes innumerable dimensions. But now, something has gone awry. The realms the Void Star holds are being flooded with beasts, and some fundamental rules to travel between the realities within have be capricious.


    ��Most missions are pretty simple �C to exterminate the beasts that have invaded and restore order. In our case, we are here to study, and hopefully repair, a node that is causing trouble. Meanwhile, the leaders are trying to investigate the source of the anomalies and the beasts.��


    ��The spatial fields around the Void Star are too powerful for teleportation. Zenith Vigil is ced as close to our destination as possible, but we will have to go by ship thest stretch. When we enter the Void Star, we expect it will take two weeks to a month to reach the anomaly,�� one of the squad leaders added.


    ��For now, let��s head to our vessel,�� Teo added. ��The star is a lot further than it looks because of the dense spatial field around it. It will take three weeks before we reach it. While we travel, we will go over all the pertinent details of what you should expect inside.��


    ��I heard previous squads had the opportunity to peruse the wares and public techniques at the Supply Depot before setting out?�� Uzu, the wandering Hegemon, ventured.


    ��Unfortunately, it took too long to fill this squad. We are alreadyte. You will have a chance to trade after we return instead,�� Teo said. ��Now, let��s go.��


    Zac reluctantly looked away from the breathtaking scenery and exited through a gate to the side with the others. They didn��t need to go very far to reach their destination �C one of the hangars was right next door, and it held a bulky vessel roughly the size of a ser field. Its design was a lot rougherpared to the vessels the Creators had shown him, but that didn��t diminish the strong impression it left.


    Standing in front of it, Zac felt like an ant, and he almost salivated at the thought that his own ship would be at least three times the size of this monstrosity. The docking yard had normal gravity, yet the ship was silently floating in the air without releasing as much as a ripple, and the group embarked with the help of floating tforms that took them into the vessel.


    ��What kind of ship is this?�� another wandering cultivator ventured when they had all boarded, finding themselves in what looked like a cargo hold.


    ��It��s nothing special,�� Teo shrugged. ��It��s a Temr transporter. Its only good feature is its resilience and shielding. Even Middle-stage Hegemons will find it difficult to break its defenses.��


    ��Should we expect an attack en route?�� another cultivator asked.


    ��Normally, no,�� Kalo, one of the seconds-inmand, said. ��But when spatial anomalies are involved, you never know what can happen.��


    ��Everyone has a designated room matching the sigil on your tokens,�� Teo continued as a map appeared above his head. ��For now, feel free to walk around or get to know your squadmates. Yourpanions from the Void Gate have already boarded, you should be able to find most of them in the sparring chambers or the mess. We will start the first briefing in five hours in themunal area.��


    The interiors of the unnamed vessel were quite simple �C a third were sealed chambers that held the arrays for propulsion and defense, and another third were privatepartments. That left some room for the cargo hold they found themselves in right now, two viewing decks, a couple of sparring rooms, the bridge, and arge multipurpose room that included social areas, including the mess hall.


    With that, the four Hegemons left in the direction of the bridge, leaving the fifty wandering cultivators to their own devices. Some stayed on inside the cargo hold, discussing the Void Gate and Zenith Vigil in low volumes, while others went to explore.


    Some walked in the direction of the sparring rooms with determined expressions, and it wasn��t hard to understand they wanted to fight with the temrs. Others sauntered toward the mess hall. As for Zac and a few others, they made their way toward the viewing decks, not having seen enough of the view outside.


    Zac chose the deck at the rear of the vessel since he was more interested in the Vigil Station than the Void Star �C he would have more than enough time to study that thing over theing weeks. There were already a couple of temrs standing there, but they didn��t pay the wandering cultivators much heed. Zac greeted them with a small bow and got curt nods in return from roughly half of the warriors.


    ��We��re already moving,�� one of the warriors next to Zacmented, and they hurriedly walked over to the window just in time to see their vessel soundlessly float out of the hangar.


    There hadn��t been any recoil or force when the ship set off, and Zac hadn��t even sensed any energies from within the ship. The arrays that propelled the system had to be protected by a pretty powerful seal to not leak out a hint of energy.


    Only a minuteter did Zac finally see how the vessel moved �C the ship was generating spatial pulses at the back of the ship. Every few seconds, they released a pulse, and it looked a lot like a stone dropped in a calmke for a second before space stabilized again.


    ��It��s a localized spatial discement configuration,�� a voice next to Zac exined. ��The ambient spatial energy in front of the vessel is absorbed, amplified, and released behind us, creating a smooth and mostly self-perpetuating momentum. The engine is very efficient and inexpensive to create, but these vessels only work in the vicinity of the Void Star.��


    Zac turned over with interest, feeling the voice was a bit familiar. However, it wasn��t Teo or one of the other leaders who had spoken, but rather another familiar figure.


    ��It��s you?�� Zac blurted with surprise.


    Standing next to him was Vai Ss, the little nun who had suspected him of shoplifting when entering the recruitment station. She was wearing one of the hooded cloaks of the researchers who had wordlessly teleported over with the others, but she had taken off the hood hiding her facial features.


    ��We meet again,�� Vai said and performed a small bow. ��It is quite the coincidence.��


    ��Is it really?�� Zac asked with a raised brow.


    Had she followed him here? And if so, why? Had she noticed something amiss with him before?


    ��Ah, well,�� the nun hesitated. ��I did not expect to encounter you again after our previous encounter. But when I saw your name in the mission manifest, it almost felt like fate.��


    ��Don��t go falling in love with me,�� Zac smiled at the timid nun. ��My heart belongs to the Dao.��


    ��That��s- no,�� Vai said with a panicky expression as she bowed. ��I��m sorry, I am not looking for a rtionship. I have taken a vow with the covenant, and as such, I can��t enter any rtionships before reaching Hegemony.��


    ��Stop, stop,�� Zac grimaced. ��I was just joking.��


    ��Oh,�� Vai said with a small blush. ��I��m sorry, I am not used to talking with strangers. But I guess we will get to know each other better over the following months. What I meant to say earlier was that when I saw your name on the manifest, I asked the captain to assign you to me as my guardian. It felt like a sign from the Heavens encountering you twice, and I chose to listen to the will of the cosmos.��


    ��So it was like that,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll do my best. But uh, try not to get yourself in trouble, alright?��


    ��Of course,�� Vai smiled. ��And don��t worry. I am not one of the nonbat researchers. I can defend myself as well, or at least run away and buy you some time.��


    ��So you��re not a researcher?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��I am, in a sense,�� Vai said. ��I reached an impasse early in my cultivation. So 1,200 years ago, I joined a special division researching the Void Star in hopes of finding some inspiration for my path. I didn��t seed, but I did find the work very rewarding.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��You��re that ol- ahem, experienced?�� Zac eximed, somewhat course-correcting upon seeing the pout on the nun��s face. ��Sorry, I am just surprised considering you mentioned it was your first time leaving home. With your strong aura, I thought you part of the young elites of your faction.��


    ��I��ve spent most of my life in the monastery, and I haven��t had much reason to lea-��


    ��Ms. Ss, the Adjunct is waiting for us,�� another researcher interrupted as he walked over, his aura indicating he was a nonbat researcher.


    ��I am Gaun Sorom, it is nice to meet you,�� Zac said with a nod.


    ��Hm,�� the man said before turning and walking away.


    ��I��m sorry,�� Vai said with a weak smile. ��The captain told me we ought to coordinate with our guardians, so I hope we can set up a sparring session during our journey?��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded.


    Zac wryly smiled as he saw the two walk away. The rumors certainly were true; some of these Void Gate cultivators really looked down their noses at the wandering cultivators. Then again, it wasn��t Zac��s problem. He wouldn��t explode in a fit of righteous indignation just from being disregarded, as some hotheads did. If anything, the less attention these people gave him, the better.


    He wasn��t in any rush, so he kept looking at the enormous space station for a few more minutes, seeing how one vessel after another emerged or docked. Going by the size of the station��s main body and the constant traffic, Zac guessed millions of people had toe and go every week. Zac wondered how the Void Gate made that work.


    The Orom had been forced to continuously hunt people and use their materials to maintain the ambient energy. Were the temrs doing the same �C were they forced to burn millions of Nexus Crystals every day to maintain the environment? Or were they able to make use of the Void Star somehow? Or were there perhaps arrays that could copy the process of World Cores, dragging energy from the cosmos?


    Was that the meaning of the Core Ships that the woman mentioned earlier?


    As marvelous as the view was, there were other things Zac needed to do �C the first of which was to get to know the yers in this squad. He might need the help of the Hegemons toplete his private mission, so he needed to startworking. He first made a quick trip to check out hispartment and found it was pretty decent. It was split up into two rooms with the outer room being a multipurpose room with a sofa set and a desk where a few books were ced. Zac looked them over, finding one contained information on the beasts of the Void Star.


    The other one actually contained information on space. It was not really a treatise on the Dao, but it rather contained useful information that would help one understand what various types of ripples meant. The book was no doubt left there to prepare the outsiders for the environment of the Void Star and to avoid any preventable idents.


    After that, Zac made his way to the mess hall, where roughly sixty people had already gathered. It was pretty clear that camps had formed not only between the outsiders and the temrs, but also within the wandering cultivators. Zac inwardly smiled, feeling his situation was a bit like being the transfer kid at a school cafeteria as he walked toward a table with ten wandering cultivators.


    ��Is this seat taken?�� Zac asked, looking at a handsome man with two swirls of mes circting above his head.


    While most of the others had restrained their auras by now, Uzu made no attempts to hide his ascent into Hegemony �C it was almost like he was afraid that someone would miss it. To his side, the dangerous-looking woman sat, silently sipping on some sort of hot brew that emitted dense waves of Cosmic Energy.


    ��Make yourself at home,�� Uzu waved with a wide grin. ��I��m Uzu, and this here is Lady Ilka, an experienced expert from Tanlovi.��


    ��Lord Uzu, Lady Ilka,�� Zac nodded before looking at Ilka with genuine surprise. The Tanlovi Triumvirate was quite far from Salsosar, which meant she had to havee here with the help of the Space Gate Guild. ��I��m Gaun Sorom, second string.��


    ��Gaun Sorom, think I heard about you,�� a dour man on the other side of the table suddenly said just as Zac sat down. ��Heard a rumor you got your hands on a trove at the level of a supreme treasure.��


    ��I wish,�� Zac said with a wry smile, silently memorizing the features of the man causing trouble. ��If I had supreme treasure, would I be taking on this kind of mission?��


    ��Now ain��t that the truth?�� Uzuughed. ��I��m t broke after barely breaking through. If not for the rewards, why would I take this mission instead of the simple beast-killing tasks?��


    A few grunts of agreement echoed around the table.


    ��But I think we made the right choice,�� the Hegemon added. ��Analyzing the tasks with what we��ve learned so far, I think we��re heading for one of the higher-grade realms hidden within that celestial object. I believe the odds of us discovering bounty materials are pretty good. Might be a fate-changing opportunity, even.��


    Zac nodded with some longing on his face, an expression that was mirrored among some of the others. The chances of these people stepping into Hegemony were almost nil, but it was clear they had not given up just yet. The others rather had a greedy glint in their eyes, probably hoping for the treasure so that they could finally retire to a life of luxury back on Salosar.


    ��Have any of you ever heard of these sorts of transforming realms?�� another man asked.


    This man looked a lot like a dwarf with his stocky frame and bushy beard, except he had more than a head on Billy. While the others sat on chairs, this man sat straight on the ground, yet he was level with the others. Going by his extremely leathery skin, Zac guessed there might be some ogre in his bloodline.


    ��Never,�� Uzu said, and the others shook their heads as well soon enough.


    There were some simrities between the Void Star and the Twilight Ascent, but they were ultimately different. For one, the Twilight Ascent was a system trial, and it was the System that had forcibly divided one Mystic Realm into three identical versions. This ce rather felt much moreplicated.


    Eventually, everyone��s gazes turned to Ilka, the only other Hegemon at the table.


    ��It is definitely not amon urrence,�� Ilka slowly said. ��If I had to guess, this is the only ce in our sector with this kind ofyered Mystic Realm. The Dravorak Dynasty has the Hundred Fates, but those Mystic Realms are simply serried rather than superimposed.��


    ��I cannot remember reading about anything like this in the archives either,�� a schrly-looking old man said. ��It should be worth studying �C it might be rted to their strength.��


    ��Ka-Lu over there worked the gates of the Drix Archives for seven centuries, he��s probably one of the most well-read outsiders on this ship,�� Uz nodded.


    ��You think it��s the source of their spatial heritage, rather than the other way around?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Perhaps, perhaps not,�� Ka-Lu smiled. ��But it brings up some interesting questions, wouldn��t you say? A powerful heritage, a mysterious celestial object, and a faction that��s desperately gathering ancient remnants throughout the region.��


    ��You think it��s rted to the Limitless Empire?�� Uzu said, his voice reduced to a whisper.


    ��The Limitless Empire was powerful beyond our understanding. Creating something as marvelous as this ster object should have been child��s y to them. Perhaps the Void Gate found a heritage of theirs somehow, but they cannot freely control it or excavate its deepest secrets. So they��re looking for clues among the ruins of Zecia.��


    Zac looked at the old man with surprise, wondering if he really was onto something. He remembered how Leyara had stopped at nothing to purchase some random vase back in the Tower of Eternity, just because of its connection to the Limitless Empire. Ka-Lu��s suppositions also tracked with his own guesses about the Void Gate��s connection to his heritage and Emperor Limitless.


    Come to think of it, there was one more factor which indicated Zecia might have more of a connection to the Limitless Empire than one should expect from a frontier sector. After all, it was here Leandra��s family had set up a research base looking into bloodlines. And it was here Leandra fled when their experiments failed �C indicating the actual experiments might not have taken ce too far away.


    In theory, the Limitless Empire��s domains should have been the first thing to get integrated when the System awoke, but what if something happened, where certain parts of the empire were disconnected? Or even moved away for some reason?


    ��Remnants of the Limitless Empire? We better hope not,�� the dour man muttered.


    ��Really? You��re not interested in the remains of the most powerful Empire in history?�� Uzu asked with a raised brow.


    ��I��m interested in staying alive. Any realm or Heritage connected to the Limitless Empire, no matter how depreciated, would be a core secret of a faction �C something even the powerful factions above Zecia would desire. If we��re exposed to such secrets, the odds of us making it out in one piece is almost nil, contract or no,�� he shrugged. ��The less we see, the better.��


    The man��s words put a damper on the discussion, but his words weren��t without reason. They were ultimately just outsiders without powerful backing. Most factions would do whatever it took to protect their core secret �C killing a couple of wandering cultivators was nothing. But Zac��s heart actually started to beat with anticipation rather than worry.


    What if there really were clues to his heritage in this ce?

 Chapter 867: A Seed Returned

    Chapter 867: A Seed Returned


    ��Are you ready?�� Zac asked.


    ��I- Yes?�� Vai hesitated as she gripped her tome tightly.


    ��Alright then,�� Zac grinned. He took a step forward and the chamber was flooded with unbridled killing intent. ��Then try to survive.��


    With that, he shed forward with [Earthstrider] as his eyes bored into Vai��s. She had visibly paled from the onught of his bloodlust, but Zac still sensed she managed to infuse her tome with Cosmic Energy. The next moment, one Vai turned into ten, and space started to twist refract throughout the whole room.


    It was a simple spatial maniption that essentially turned the area into abyrinth, where the cardinal directions lost their meaning as they were turned into a Gordian knot. However, Zac only smiled and punched to his left. A tunnel was forced in the twisting corridor of space exposing one of the nun��s avatars who looked at him agape.


    Zac took another step with his movement skill to appear right in front of her, and his axe was already descending toward her head.


    ��Eep!�� Vai yelped, her eyes wide with horror as she looked at the iing edge.


    ��Well, it��s better, I guess?�� Zac muttered as he stopped his swing mid-motion. ��But the aura of your true self was exposed when setting up thebyrinth. And you stopped moving after erecting it, making it effortless to figure out where you were. If you swapped ces with one of your doppelgangers the moment the trap was set up, you would have been able to avoid me a lot longer. Also, the trap you set up was beautifully crafted, but all that effort is wasted in front of a Beast King. Remember, keep it simple and keep moving.��


    This was their fifth training session together, and even if Vai��s performance was pretty wretched, it was still a lot better than the first time they fought. Zac had quickly realized that Vai barely had anybat experience at all. It turned out she hadn��t been in a single life-death battle in her whole life, and his raw killing intent had been enough to render her unconscious.


    When asked, Vai exined she had reached peak E-grade when only 28. From there, she had spent the next fifty years trying to progress using the solitary methods of the Void Gate devotees. Unfortunately, she had hit a brick wall when reaching for Hegemony, and the Void Gate wouldn��t pay for their people��s cultivation forever if they didn��t progress.


    Finally, she had been forced to take up a job as an assistant at some research facility, and that was where she had worked for the remainder of her life, slowly rising in ranks until she became a proper researcher. During that time, she hadn��t fought a single time, so the little she knew from her cultivation days had slowly been lost.


    By now, she had essentially discarded her identity as abat ss altogether, and half of her skills had been reced with ones that would help her with her research.


    That��s why Zac had discarded any idea of trying to teach her some basic footwork or to avoid danger and instead settled on the basic method he had used on Emily long ago. If he could get her used to his killing intent, she hopefully wouldn��t freeze like a deer in headlights the moment a beast came barreling toward her.


    During their second training session, Vai had barely managed to stay conscious, but she had still been so unnerved that she hadpletely forgotten how to use skills or Cosmic Energy. The little nun had simply tried to stumble out of the way while shrieking at the top of her lungs, almost looking like a mortal who had yet to start cultivating.


    So that Vai had aplished this much just a few weekster could be considered pretty good.


    ��I��m sorry, I keeping up short,�� Vai sighed.


    ��Don��t worry about it,�� Zac smiled. ��You��re making progress, and you��re probably a lot betterpared to the other researchers already.��


    ��Still�� Could we go again?�� Vai said with a determined expression.


    ��Sure,�� Zac nodded.


    Like that, the two went a couple of more rounds, where Vai tried to gain some basic experience. But suddenly, the door swung open, and Zac was surprised to see it was Havasa Yrvis, the leader of the second-string defenders, who walked inside. They had spoken a few times by now, and they had even sparred once �C and she was the real deal.


    She used a spiked hammer as a weapon, and Zac had been afraid she would tear the whole vessel apart when she swung that gnarly thing. In return, she was on the slower side for a hegemon. She was a lot like Billy in that sense, though their personalities were nothing alike, and neither were their Daos.


    ��Interesting,�� Havasa said.


    ��Captain Yrvis,�� Zac said with a bow. ��I figured this was the best way to increase her odds of survival in case something happened.��


    ��You��re right,�� Havasa nodded. ��It��s toote for her to gain any practicalbat ability, but getting anointed in killing intent will at least help her stay conscious during a beast tide. I am more curious about you, and why you have such a dense killing intent. It borders on the unorthodox.��


    ��There��s nothing of that sort,�� Zac hurriedly said. ��I��m simply not too bright, so I have spent the past centuries throwing myself against beasts in the wilderness. That��s how I��ve managed to gain the little amount of power I have.��


    ��Mhm,�� Havasa answered nomittally before she turned away. ��We��re going break through in one hour. I suggest you return to yourpartments.��


    With that, she was gone, and Zac turned to Vai for an exnation. However, he found her looking confused as well.


    ��How odd, it should be a few more days,�� she muttered. ��Has the corona expanded?��


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac asked.


    ��We��re about to enter the domain of the Void Star, but we��ll have to pass through a very dense spatial film first. It��s very powerful and can leave hidden pockets of spatial energy in your body, which you definitely don��t want to have when entering a powerful spatial field. There has been more than one Void Gate disciple who has suddenly died from a tear opening up from within their body.��


    ��Great,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Don��t worry, the odds of that happening are quite low, and ourpartments have an additionalyer of shielding. You are much more likely to die from a beast attack,�� Vai hurriedly said.


    ��You��re not helping,�� Zac sighed as the walked out of the sparring room. ��So, after we��ve passed through that film, we��ve arrived?��


    ��Almost. We will have to enter the correctyer, but that will only take a few hours. Thank you for the help these past weeks,�� Vai said with a bow. ��I didn��t realize I had such a ring weakness. I will try not to make your job any harder than it has to be.��


    ��Don��t worry about that and just focus on fixing that anomaly of yours,�� Zac smiled. ��The sooner we can go back, the better.��


    Seeing as they had an hour, Zac walked over to an almost-full viewing deck while Vai returned to her quarters. The Void Star essentially covered their whole vision by this point, a huge ring wall of blue that consumed everything else. However, there were still no clues to how a star could hold thousands of Mystic Realms �C there weren��t any glimpses of anything except fire hiding within.


    Neither were there any clues to the film Havasa mentioned they were approaching, so Zac returned to his cabin soon enough. There was no point in tempting fate and getting sted with a wave of supercharged spatial energies. After all, the barrier had clearly moved out a lot further than Vai expected, so who was to say it couldn��t drift a bit further?


    So Zac sat down at the sealed cultivation chamber and started going over his own research instead. Most of Zac��s time over the past three weeks had been spent in his room, where he deepened his understanding of the [Book of Duality]. By now, most of the second chapter was pletely�� deciphered, though unlocking the remaining five chapters would no doubt add newyers to what he knew.


    As to how long that would take, Zac couldn��t be certain, but he expected at least a year. And that was if he focused solely on the book. Problem was, he had a lot of things on his te at the moment, even after having put a hold on his Soul Strengthening now that he didn��t have ess to the right environment.


    The more he had learned from the [Book of Duality], the more he had felt Three Virtues was onto something. The System, and the whole universe for that matter, was based on the concept of bnce. And while there were innumerable ways to look at bnce, it did seem reasonable that his human side should be life-attuned rather than just�� nothing.


    Problem was that the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] was not just a Body-strengthening Manual. On the surface, the training method seemed quite simple �C there were three different life-attuned and body-strengtheningpounds you needed to prepare, or one of their many recements. With thesepounds, you would then draw a specific array on your body before practicing a certain set of movements while chanting the provided sutras.


    It was Heart Cultivation and Body Cultivation mashed into one, and Zac��s instincts told him that the Heart Cultivation was a trap. It was based on apletely different path from his own, where he drew strength from his convictions and his goals. Meanwhile, the Heart Cultivation method centered around relinquishing �C letting go of the fetters that kept you from enlightenment.


    An approach like this wouldn��t necessarily turn you into an unthinking arhat, as long as you managed to hold onto your path. But even then, it was only suitable for the type of cultivators who had severed everything in their pursuit of the Dao �C family, emotions, desires, and mundane interests. It would strengthen your conviction and connection to the Dao while eroding everything else.


    This didn��t work for Zac, so he was trying to figure out a way to extract only the Body-temperingponent of the technique, and discard the Heart Cultivation. This was easier said than done. It wasn��t like he could just skip chanting the sutras. Not only would that throw off the rhythm of the technique, but he could somewhat tell that the actual stances could affect his state of mind as well.


    So even though he already had more than enough materials to start the introductory stage of the method, he hadn��t practiced it once. Heart cultivation was intangible and elusive, and he feared he wouldn��t notice his personality changing until it was toote.


    The minutes passed, and Zac finally started to see a change in the cultivation chamber. Normally, you��d only sense the powerful spatial fluctuations outside when visiting the viewing deck, but Zac now found space all around him starting to stir. It was as though his surroundings hade alive, with the walls, ground, and even the air itself dancing with the beat of the cosmos.


    At first, it wasn��t too bad. But then the pulse came and reality cracked.


    ��������������


    The pce was vast beyondprehension, looking down at the world with indifference. It held back the endless storm, a stalwart defender that had kept its vigil for an unfathomable number of years. The very air was filled with antiquity and conviction. But few things in this universe were eternal �C and the great fortress had seen its fair share of assaults.


    Each mark marring its structures was a Dao perfected, each scar the representation of an indomitable will. Even the wrath of the Heavens formed intricate patterns across the walls and the towers, yet they proudly remained standing. Together, the indelible marks formed a tapestry of fate so rich that it beggaredprehension. The loss and destruction this castle had seen were enough to make the heavens cry.


    Who had built it, and who had wanted to see it destroyed? And what was the storm that forever drew closer? And what was that mark? The mark looked so-


    The sobriety was deafening across the courtyard. It was hollow yet not wanting �C not even the Heavens could impugn on its domain. There was no life, but also no death. No conflict, no future, no past. There was just emptiness.


    Nine seals. Eight pirs. One destiny.


    The white pebbles that made the path leading toward the solitary building were simple and unadorned, yet they made up the basis of the universe. The seven steps at the end of the path held the weight of an era, each one marked with the same solitary brand.


    The building atop the small tform was simple, but the aura emanating from within had surpassed the Heavens, surpassed the Dao. It couldn��t be defined by the heavenlyws, because it had transcended what should be possible. And it was waiting.


    Ultom.


    ���C


    Mohzius�� thoughtfully frowned as he mulled over the messages from his disciples. The Starbeast Alliance was gathering strength while the ancient nsunched massive wars. Even the Sangha and the remaining Apostatic ns were stirring.


    Why now? It was much too early for another ascent. The Heavens were still gathering momentum. But there were few other things that could cause such a stir.


    Suddenly, space rippled, and a smile spread across his face as he looked at the sky.


    ��What��s wrong, love?�� he asked. ��The Heavens will find you if you keep popping in like this.��


    ��It��s busy at the moment. One of the pirs is stirring.��


    ��Well, that would do it,�� Mohzius grimaced as he nced at the missives in his hands. ��This is not a great time for us. What do you want to do?��


    ��As you said, it��s not for us,�� the Empyrean Throne said. ��Perhaps we��ll find an opportunity in the future depending on how things turn out. For now, let the others fight it out. The pirs are not so easily seized. Last time, the strugglested almost a million years.��


    ��That one was special, though,�� Mohzius muttered.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��They��re all special. Just stay put until I can emerge, and keep little Iz safe from the storm that��sing.��


    ��About that���� Mohzious coughed.


    ��Old man, what have you done?�� a chilly voice growled as the gxy shuddered.


    ������-


    ��Amitabha, excuse me, brothers,�� Blessed Fate smiled.


    ��Off to that decrepit little temple of yours again, brother Fate?�� Kendos frowned. ��Why not just move down from the mountain? The forest path is growing treacherous. Basto��s son almost got gored by a beast of a boar the other day.��


    ��I��m telling you, something odd is going on,�� Hastus added. ��The animals are growing bigger, meaner.��


    ��Amitabha, what will be, will be,�� Blessed Fate sighed. ��One of the heavenly constants is change, but this poor monk still needs to tend to his temple.��


    The men in the room froze before starting to fade. The happened to the small mountain vige, the mountains, the country, and soon the whole world. Tens of thousands of years of history, gone. Billions of lives lived across hundreds of generations. Stars were extinguished and gxies died out as all creation returned to the origin.


    Joys and sorrows. Hopes and aspirations. Suffering and despair. All gone. Remaining was just a golden ocean stretching toward eternity.


    ��Amitabha, Almsgivers. Born from the heart, returned to the heart. Come, child.��


    Space shifted, and a small ind appeared, on the center of which a small mountain temple stood. Waiting by its gates, stood a rotund halfling.


    ��Teacher,�� the child said with a bow when Blessed Fate walked over.


    ��Just a few dozen millennia have passed, and you are already making progress,�� Blessed Fate smiled.


    ��It is all thanks to teacher��s blessings, but this one still has a long way to go,�� Three Virtues said with another bow. ��I am still far from creating a world with my heart, let alone a reality.��


    ��Enlightenment cannot be rushed,�� Blessed Fate said. ��What will be, will be. But this poor monk has to confess, I am surprised. This one thought you wanted to keep your incarnations on the outside until your rebirth wasplete.��


    ��It could not wait. As expected, teacher was correct,�� Three Virtues said as he handed his master a small white pebble whose very presence caused ripples to spread across the whole ocean.


    A momentter, a golden buddha rose from the depths, its hands joined together in a mighty seal containing the authority of Buddha. Order was restored, and the Dvarap sunk back to resume its eternal vigil.


    ��The Kalpa turns as Ultom stirs,�� Blessed Fate sighed, his eyes trained on the pebble rather than the scene outside. ��Are we prepared?��


    ��A pebble brought out and a seed returned,�� Three Virtues nodded. ��Though I confess, the path teacher chose seems�� Precarious. This poor monk fears it will have the opposite effect.��


    ��There are no certainties in life, and our actions might end up ruing Mara. With everything at stake, there are no safe paths down the road,�� Blessed Fate said with a sorrowful smile. ��Even so, we will shoulder the weight. If this useless monk doesn��t step through the gates of hell, who will?��

 Chapter 868: Ultom

    Chapter 868: Ultom


    Zac felt his soul cry, unable toprehend what he had been forced to witness. He couldn��t think, he couldn��t see �C his senses were filled with red and the screams of an ancient past. He desperately tried to escape, to scream for help �C anything to break the vision that gripped him and was rapidly eroding his mind.


    Suddenly, he felt a soothing stream of golden warmth fill him, and his frantically beating heart gradually calmed down. The ancient horror was still there �C thefort that filled him was just a firefly in front of a raging inferno. However, it was as though the vision of the courtyard didn��t want to be sullied, and forck of a better word, it exited Zac��s mind on its own as the healing waves spread throughout his body.


    Finally, Zac started to gain a sense of his surroundings, though the world was still steeped in red. He tried to clear his eyes, but his hands didn��t quite listen to him. So instead, he tried to ask what was going on, but only a slurred groan escaped from his lips.


    ��Just rx,�� a low voice said by his side, and Zac arduously turned his eyes to see an elderly man holding his hands over Zac��s chest, and a beautiful shimmer was released onto his body.


    It was Kantomir, one of the five devotees in the squad who were not researchers. Instead, he was a healer, and a D-grade one at that. Why was he here? Zac tried to force his harried mind to focus, and finally managed to take in what he was looking at.


    Blood. Blood everywhere.


    Zac was still in hispartment, but no longer inside the cultivation chamber. He was lying in a pool of blood in the middle of his social area, and the remaining splinters of the door to his inner chamber were lying all around him. The walls were covered withrge swathes of sanguine red as well �C not even the ceiling was spared.


    Had he punched himself out of the cultivation chamber in his delirious state? Or had someone broken in to save him? And why had he lost enough blood to paint the whole room red?


    ��What the- What is going on here?�� another gruff voice asked to the side, and Zac recognized the voice to belong to Teo.


    Clearly, he was just as much at a loss as Zac himself about the situation. Furthermore, both he and Kantomir were fine, indicating that the thing Zac had just endured only applied to him.


    ��I- eurh,�� Zac, trying to force his mind to focus. ��I don��t know. One minute the walls were started to dance, the next moment I find myself on the floor out here. I might have had a deviation in my cultivation. Did you drag me out of here?��


    ��I was alerted about your state from the token and found you lying here screaming at the top of your lungs,�� Kantomir exined before he turned to the Temr captain. ��Is it the visions?��


    ��Visions?�� Zac said, trying to look confused as he wiped the blood from his face.


    The former wasn��t anything odd. The tokens all the wandering cultivators wore contained a tracking array that also monitored one��s vitals. However, the second was more shocking. The Void Gate knew about those terrifying visions?


    ��Enough,�� Teo said to Kantomir before turning to Zac. ��Some warriors, mostly those with Spatial Affinity, are sometimes shown scenes from variousyers of the Void Star when met with strong spatial turbulence. Your wretched state might be because youck affinity with space. Do you remember seeing anything?��


    ��Nothing,�� Zac lied with confusion written all over his face. ��Seen what?��


    ��You might have seen one of the Beast Emperors in the depths of the Void Star, prompting the bacsh,�� Teo sighed. ��This is our mistake. These things usually only happen in the depth of the Void Star, it must have be more unpredictable than we expected. It looks likepleting our mission has be even more important.


    ��Will this keep happening?�� Zac groaned as he slowly got to a sitting position.


    ��Doubtful. Only you on the vessel were hit when we passed through the barrier, and we haven��t had any reports of this being a widespread urrence. I��m afraid you were just unlucky. I guess it��s good to get the bad luck out of the way early?�� Teo said with a wry smile.


    ��Yeah, feels great,�� Zac grunted.


    ��Your soul is intact, and your body is free from any foreign Daos,�� Kantomirmented. ��There is a small amount of spatial energy in your body, but it is well within eptable limits �C nothing to indicate this event left any seque.��


    ��Try to recover as best you can over the next hour,�� the Temr captain added as he took out a bottle of pills. ��I��ll talk to Havasa and have you ced in the inner circle of the formation for the first few days.��


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac nodded.


    With that, Teo and the healer left the room, leaving Zac to try and gather his thoughts as he ate a healing pill �C one of his own just in case. There had been something slightly off about Teo��s exnation, though Zac couldn��t say exactly what. Did the Temr know what Zac had just witnessed?


    More importantly, just what the hell was that vision? It wasn��t a Dao Vision, and it didn��t feel like the visions he had seen when awakening his bloodlines or Hidden Nodes. Neither was it a journey of the spirit like when he had met with Be��Zi or her husband.


    It rather felt like an invasion. One moment there was nothing, but the next this whole reality had crammed itself into the recesses of his mind,tent echoes that created an unbearable crescendo for someone at the E-grade. And with the power contained in the vision, Zac��s very sense of self had been suppressed and reced by knowledge and impressions that were now out of reach.


    But he still remembered the castle �C and what was hidden in its center.


    The power that the vast citadel exuded beggared Zac��sprehension. He sincerely doubted that even that enormous golem that apanied Iz Tayn would be able to leave the kinds of markings which crisscrossed those walls. Even then, the castle couldn��tpare to the profundity of that lonesome courtyard.


    It was like every grain of sand contained a universe, or at least truths that even surpassed the glimpses of Chaos he had conjured. Who could have built a ce like that?


    There weren��t too many options in that regard. It was obviously erected by a peak faction far surpassing any force in Zecia or its neighboring states. Judging by the sense of antiquity and Zac��s current location there was a clear contender; The Limitless Empire. Just like that wandering cultivator had said the day they boarded the ship �C The Limitless Empire possessed means that were far beyond their understanding.


    That would exin why only he was affected while Teo and the healer were fine. If so, it had to be an important facility of the Limitless Empire to emit that kind of power,pletely differentpared to the essentially useless scraps that had popped up in Zecia so far. It seemed almost impossible for something like that to appear in this deste corner of the Multiverse.


    But at the same time, Zac wasn��t certain. It felt like an obvious conclusion that it was rted to his bloodline, but his bloodline hadn��t reacted at all, and nothing had changed in his constitution. Besides, even if the truths hidden in the scars on the castle or within the small pebbles of the courtyard were blurry now, he could somewhat tell they weren��t exactly rted to his origin.


    There was a vague sense of connection between him and whatever lurked in the heart of that small pagoda at the heart of the courtyard. However, it was more like that ce held a connection to all creation and the Dao itself, rather than holding the answer to the true meaning of the ��Void�� in his bloodline.


    That unfathomable sense of having surpassed the limits of the Dao raised another possibility, one that was perhaps even more oundish �C was it an Eternal Heritage? Did the castle stem from an earlier era?


    Or was he underestimating the profundity of the A-grade? Those people were at the very peak of the pyramid, and someone like Zac didn��t have the capabilities to gauge the difference between an Autarch and a Supremacy. It was possible that the castle simply came from some other powerful faction who had fallen during the endless years of the current age.


    After all, the Multiverse was nigh-endless, and there were probably extremely powerful factions who existed outside the System��s purview. That was doubly true during the start of the System��s era when it only controlled a fraction of the domains it had now integrated.


    Or was the castle even real?


    ��Ultom,�� Zac muttered.


    The next moment, his eyes widened in rm as he looked around with fear. Fate had started gathering around him the moment he uttered the name had been engraved in his mind at the end of the vision. Thankfully, the convergence dissipated soon enough, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. But that short moment had been enough to leave his back slick with sweat.


    It was real �C all too real �C and just saying the word came with implications.


    Zac spent the next hour stabilizing his soul while using [Surging Vitality] to quickly mend the small tears that had appeared throughout his body. Thankfully, the healer��s diagnosis was mostly correct, though his mental energy was almostpletely drained after witnessing the scene.


    Even after one hour, he wasn��t any closer to figuring out what was going on or what to do from here. He couldn��t bow out now, especially not if the Temr Captain knew more than he let on. It would be counted as desertion, and possiblynd him in big trouble. Furthermore, Zac wasn��t sure he wanted to leave, even if he could.


    It was he who had been shown the scene the moment he entered the Void Star, and Zac believed an opportunity waited for him inside as long as he dared seize it.


    The smart thing would probably be to keep his head down and avoid trouble as hepleted the task and caught a Worldeater. However, the vision of that lonesome courtyard might as well have been branded onto his soul. And if there was one thing he had learned from socializing with wandering cultivators over the past weeks, it was that opportunities that could change one��s providence were few and far in-between.


    Most of those he had spoken with had spent centuries desperately fighting and looking for a lucky break, risking their lives over and over. Even then, most of them had very little to show for it except their current levels of cultivation. A few had struck it rich a few times when risking their lives inside wild Mystic Realms, but those kinds of opportunities onlysted so long after paying the entrance fee along with house and board.


    Zac knew he had encountered enough opportunities tost a lifetime already, but he knew that the same was true for everyone who had ever reached the peak �C he needed to continuously find and seize them if he wanted a shot at Monarchy and above. That was true for everyone, but doubly true for him with his odd constitution and extremely ambitious path.


    He didn��t delude himself into thinking he could conquer that terrifying citadel, but any random scrap rted to that ce could probably be considered an earthshattering opportunity for an E-grade cultivator. This was what was required to pursue the peak, the conviction he needed to catch up with his mother. Greatness didn��te from ying it safe, there was no way his goals could be aplished that way.


    His years in the Orom World had pretty much exhausted the momentum and inspiration he had gained from all his previous opportunities, and it was time to dive into the deep end again. Zac didn��t care if the vision was shown as part of the System��s machinations, a result of his weird heritage, or even a stroke of fate. He didn��t even care if his actions or pursuits would have unexpected ramifications for the Void Star or Zecia.


    It might be greedy and selfish, but Zac would still face this head-on, win or lose.


    Of course, that didn��t mean he would blindly rush into the depths of this unknown terrain. It might mean he had to dy his trip to the Million Gates Territory though. There was no guarantee he��d find what he was looking for right away, so he might have to stay on andplete more missions inside the Void Star to search for clues. But so what?


    Havinge to a decision, Zac could somewhat feel how something had shifted inside him. It almost felt like his heart had sped up and adrenaline coursed through his body, but he knew it was something else. It was momentum, just like when he decided to risk his life for Kaldor��s remnant or when he chose to immediately break through to the E-grade upon returning from the Tower of Eternity.


    It felt like he was being carried forward by a wave of fate, pushing him further than he would have been able to reach on his own. Still, he let none of this surging show on his face as he finally exited hispartment, looking as good as new after having scrubbed the blood from himself and thepartment.


    Right now, he was just Gaun Sorom. Right now, he would stay his hand, until it was time to make his move.


    ����


    Per��s eyes shot open as the scar in front of her shuddered. A storm of space was released from her hands, but it was to no avail �C an ancient aura permeated the chamber for a few seconds before the scar closed. It felt like her soul had been hit by a hammer, and tears spread all over her body, separating her into hundreds of small parcels of flesh that floated across the chamber.


    For a moment, she was nothing, but the void eventually drew her back together. Even then, her white robes were drenched with blood, and she knew she had lost eons of vitality just now. She closed her eyes, but there was no answer to her call. The heart had closed itself off, its beat no longer walking in step her own.


    The ramifications were clear, and she shook her head with despair.


    ��So another pir is about to be unearthed,�� she sighed, filled with a sense of weariness and reluctance. ��Why here? Why now? It��s too early.��


    She had prayed it wouldn��te to this. Its appearance was important, vital even. But at the same time, the suffering its descent would bring to the Multiverse, to Zecia, and to the Void Gate was inestimable. All these talents that had been raised, how many survive the winds of fate?


    Suddenly, she felt a ripple in the void, and she waved her hand as the blood disappeared from her dress. The void was parted by hermand, opening a gate through space. Two people stepped through, one warrior and one nun. It was Grand Temr Kalcas and Head Abbess Salvara, the previous-generation leaders of the two branches of the Void Gate.


    ��Mistress,�� both said with a bow, their eyes immediately turning to the spot where the scar should have been.


    ��Is it really��?�� the Kalcas asked, his eyes veritably burning as his fighting spirit caused the void to shake.


    ��Tranquility,�� Per urged. ��What brought you here?��


    ��The Void Star just released a massive wave of energy, and we have lost contact with the depths,�� the Abbess said. ��With the marker extinguished����


    ��With the unfortunate anomalies that have gued the Void Star as ofte, we will have to make sure it��s not a coincidence,�� Per said. ��But it is likely true.��


    ��Billions of years �C so many generations,�� the warrior said, his eyes fraught with emotion. ��The search, it��s finally over. We will get to see it before we face the Void. We can face our ancestors with pride.��


    ��There is still a long way to go,�� Per said. ��But for now, stop the excavation and stabilize the paths as best we can. If we have managed totch onto one of its nodes, we can��t lose it again.��


    ��Of course,�� the warrior eagerly nodded. ��What about the outsiders and the missions?��


    ��For now, let everything proceed,�� Per said with some thought. ��Many are watching us right now. Besides, we don��t know what triggered the reaction �C it might be a result of all the new blood arriving. Surely, we have missed more than one person carrying the bloodline over the eons.��


    ��What about the inner array?��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Even if we have lost connection, it should still be operational,�� Per said. ��I will head over myself in a moment.��


    ��Congrattions on finishing the Eternal Vigil,�� Salvara said with a deep bow, and Kalcas immediately followed suit.


    ��Alright, enough of that,�� Per said with a small smile. ��Go fulfill your tasks. We have prepared for this for an eternity, we cannot getcent now.��


    The two Monarchs nodded, and a momentter they were gone, having teleported away to activate the Monasteries and the Temr Orders. Per sighed again as an ancient token appeared in her hand, and she silently looked at the fine engravings for over a minute. Eventually, she stowed away the token again before opening a window in space, showing the Void Star in all its glory.


    What should she do to protect her? What could she do?

 Chapter 869: Landing

    Chapter 869: Landing


    Having cleansed thepartment of any hints of his outburst, Zac made his way toward the cargo hold. By this point, more than half the cultivators had already arrived, and they wore a mix of somber and excited expressions. Vai was already there, and she scurried over to his side when she saw Zac emerge from one of the hallways.


    ��I heard something happened, are you alright?�� Vai asked with worry in her eyes.


    ��Nothing to worry about,�� Zac smiled. ��Just a little mishap, but I��m all better now.��


    ��Just stay close to me after we disembark,�� she said with a low volume. ��I can somewhat stabilize space around us until you��re recovered.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll rely on you then.��


    It wasn��t really necessary, but why turn down a kind gesture?


    The minutes passed until the cargo hold was almost filled to capacity. Between support staff, researchers, outside hires, and Void Gate warriors, the squad had a total of 118 members, and they were all ounted for. Only the two pilots were missing, as they would take the vessel back to Zenith Vigil after dropping their squad off.


    ��Alright, people,�� Teo said as a helmet closed over his head and his Spirit Tools appeared in his hands. ��Ready yourselves. You read the reports �C theyer we��re about to enter is controlled by beasts �C we might be attacked the moment we arrive. From this moment forward, we are at high alert.��


    Zac cracked his neck as his backup axe appeared in his hand �C a pseudo-D-grade mundane weapon he��dmissioned from Calrin. It didn��t possess a Tool Spirit, but it had simple repair and sharpening arrays engraved. And with it containing over 10% D-grade metals, it was both heavy and sturdy enough to take the role of [Verun��s Bite] for a short stint.


    Even then, Zac had noticed the true value of Spirit Tools, apart from how they were noticeably stronger than their mundane counterparts. Both energy and Dao entered a spiritual weapon effortlessly. With Verun, every infusion felt like an extension of his body, whereas there was a noticeable resistance with the metal axe in his hand, even if it was expertly crafted.


    It only meant a small dy in activating skills or infusing his weapon, but that could make all the difference in a heated battle. Still, it shouldn��t matter much in this mission, considering the level of enemies he would get sent his way.


    Two vines emerged from the tube on Zac��s back, snaking around Vai��s waist as she nervously fidgeted with her own Spirit Tool. The other second-string guards prepared simrly, though most of them used spiritual ropes that would prevent spatial fluctuations from separating them from their wards upon disembarking.


    ��It��ll be fine,�� Zac smiled at Vai, and he got a weak smile in return. Zac wasn��t too worried, but he wasn��t surprised the little researcher was stressed out about what woulde next.


    As everyone prepared, the hatch at the bottom of the Cosmic Vessel soundlessly opened, and a wave of heat and spatial turbulence pushed into the ship. A blue inferno was visible below, a raging sea of fire. It was easy to forget as you read the reports of all the different worlds inside, but the Void Star was a real star apart from a container from all those Mystic Realms.


    Normally, there would be floating tforms with stabilized Teleportation Arrays right at the edge of the celestial object that would take you into the Mystic Realms, just like how it worked back on Earth. However, with the erratic spatial fluctuations the Void Star had started releasing over the past years, it had be too risky to use those things.


    Instead, the Void Gate used a more straightforward solution �C to jump straight into the sun. It sounded insane, but it was actually a lot safer than using arrays at the moment. Apparently, the outeryers of Mystic Realms could be essed simply by entering the corona, so you didn��t have to withstand the heat for long.


    And thankfully, the Void Gate were well versed in minimizing the danger by now, and Zac felt extremely powerful arrays hum to life inside the vessel. The next moment, a pir of light descended unto the sun, quenching the fires that rose to lick the hull of the Cosmic Vessel. Zac��s eyes widened in surprise, as the array exposed an opalescent bubble within.


    Was that the barrier to the Mystic Realm?


    ��Gather up the moment yound,�� Teo said as he walked toward the hatch. ��The mission officially starts now.��


    With that, the temr simply jumped down. From his body, a tremendous Dao Field burst forth, almost giving Zac the impression it was a whole mountain falling toward the barrier over a thousand meters below rather than a cultivator. It wasn��t vanity that made him release his Dao Field like that though.


    He was acting as an icebreaker. The ship��s array had pushed away the mes, but it wasn��t able to remove the continuous waves of Spatial Energy the Void Star exuded. But Teo��s condensed aura pushed at least some of it away, making the passage safer for the rest of them. The first batch of soldiers followed immediately followed in the Temr��s wake, after which the second captain repeated Teo��s action to cleanse the area with their Dao.


    Zac was part of the third batch, but he suddenly felt a huge wave of danger, a feeling that was soon confirmed by a ring siren.


    ��EVERYBODY JUMP,�� Havasa immediately roared while the second co-captain of the first string threw out over fifty people in a go by generating a gust.


    Zac was already on the move before Havasa had finished her sentence, his Danger Sense urging him to get out of there. Vai was dragged along screaming in fear, and the next moment they were falling toward the star below. Even then, Zac didn��t feel safe, so he released a continuous series of bursts of energy to elerate even further.


    And it was lucky �C just ten secondster Void Star spat out a beam of blue mes with such speed that it almost looked like aser. It contained so much energy that Zac couldn��t even look at it straight, forcing Zac to close his eyes just as the pir swallowed the ship whole.


    Zac knew it was over for the transporter the moment he sensed the terrifying fluctuations within the spear of mes. Teo had mentioned the vessel could easily withstand the attacks of a Middle Hegemon, but that power was at the level of Monarchs. He could only urge himself further on as he dragged Vai into an embrace, just before a shockwave caused his insides to shift.


    ��Eat a healing pill,�� Zac coughed as he looked at the little researcher who had essentially curled up into a ball before ncing up at the sky.


    As expected, the Cosmic Vessel was mostly gone, partly scorched beyond recognition while other sections were simply gone, probably ripped into nothingness. That eruption had contained the Spatial Energy of at least a thousand [Void Balls], there was noing back from that.


    Thankfully, it looked like everyone had gotten out of the ship in time, with almost fifty people falling toward the Void Star above him. There was also burning shrapnel falling all around them, but that wasn��t enough to be a threat to Half-Step Hegemons. They simply pped any burning debris out of the way in case it flew close.


    ��Don��t get distracted! We��re passing through,�� Havasa��s voice echoed out in his ears, and Zac turned toward the opalescent barrier that was constantly flickering. ��Synchronize now.��


    There was no time to curse their bad luck or mourn the death of the two pilots who had ferried them here. Zac shook his ward to wake her up from her stupor, and they both activated the spatial talismans they��d been given. A flickering barrier enclosed him as a result, with thousands of foreign scripts forming dancing around.


    Simr scenes took ce around Vai, Havasa, and the other nearby cultivators as they fell toward the final barrier of the Void Star. Thankfully, the shockwave had pushed them close enough to the barrier that most of the mes hadn��t had time to return. The little that remained, was dealt with by the Hegemons unleashing their auras, which once more exposed the barrier within.


    At this proximity, Zac could see that the flickering barrier wasn��t just random bursts of energy �C the barrier was more akin to a fractured mirror, where each shard showed glimpses of a different world. There was everything from apocalyptic worlds where the air itself was on fire to underwater domains just like the Twilight Ocean.


    Forests, fields, cities. There were even alien biotopes of all kinds that Zac had never seen before. One shard showed what seemed to be a pulsating spiral that almost seemed alive, with hundreds of thousands of beasts floating around it. However, each image onlysted a moment before it was reced by another.


    Soon enough, the barrier was right in front of him, and Zac��s heart hammered as he braced himself for another vision. Thankfully, he only felt a slight difort as he passed through. And the varied visions had suddenly been reced by dense shimmering clouds that somehow stopped even [Cosmic Gaze] from working more than a few meters.


    His pores opened wide as they were met with a mix of medicinal aroma and dense attuned energies that were a mix of Life and Nature. The ground beneath still wasn��t visible, but it felt like they had broken into paradise. However, that feeling onlysted a moment before his mind screamed of danger once more, and a huge w appeared through the haze, aimed straight at him.


    The talons of the w were more than one meter long each, giving a clear indication of the size of the beast that hid within the mists. Still, there was no hesitation as arge leaf appeared in front of his axe, and he unleashed a lightning-quick attack on the iing swipe. A grating sound echoed out the area as talon and fractal de collided, and Zac frowned when the expected scene of the talon being cut off didn��t happen.


    His swing only left a surface wound, but it did push him and Vai further away from the beast. But even with such a powerful collision, the haze wasn��t pushed away, and Zac still couldn��t make out what had attacked them.


    ��Damn, it��s a convergence!�� Havasa��s voice echoed through the clouds, now a lot more distantpared to before. ��Everyone, you only need to hold on for a minute! The Spatialyers are weaker up here. As long as we pass through the clouds, you will be safe! If your Talismans run out of energy, use the backups or you might be lost to the other side!��


    A despairing scream echoed out within the clouds the next moment, proving it was easier said than done to get through this second gauntlet. Zac sighed. With his track record, he should have figured out that things wouldn��t go smoothly, but this was beyond what even he could have expected.


    A convergence was when two Mystic Realms became superimposed. Normally, things like this didn��t happen inside Mystic Realms as they were spatially protected bubbles hidden in the void. But with thousands of Mystic Realms stacked on top of each other, things apparently got messy, especially at the edges of the realms.


    This time around, it looked they were unlucky, where their destination realm had superimposed with another one �C one filled with aggressive birds, by the looks of it. Honestly, the loss of the Cosmic Vessel and the convergence were most likely rted. Too much Spatial Energy had built up in this area, resulting in both the spatially infused sr re and the convergence.


    Thankfully, Zac could tell the beast that had attacked him was one of the weaker Beast Kings, and it shouldn��t be a problem to keep it at bay. However, just as a huge beak ripped the clouds apart on its way to peck Zac to death, the whole beast suddenly rippled and disappeared.


    Zac breathed out in relief as he turned to Vai who had once more entered her turtle stance with a small barrier protecting her. ��Are you okay?��


    ��I��m ok- AAH TO THE LEFT,�� she shrieked, but Zac was already on the move.


    Just as one beast disappeared in a puff of spatial confusion, another one had taken its ce. Now, a weird-looking and almostpletely translucent floating eel were swimming toward them, leaving ripples in its wake. Zac growled as a shimmering axe appeared inside a halo behind him.


    Zac swung his axe, and a ruthless wave infused with his Branch of the War Axe parted the clouds, almost cutting the eel in two. It didn��t die, but it was grievously wounded, and immediately turned tail and disappeared among the clouds.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It was [Conformation of Supremacy], a skill that Zac had somewhat phased out of his repertoire as ofte since it wasn��t a great fit with his stances. But now that he couldn��t use his Branch of the Kalpataru, it had found some use again, and he was thankful he had the foresight to push the skill to Late Proficiency during his stay in the Orom World.


    The upgrade hadn��t added any new abilities to the skill, but it had increased its power and reach noticeably. And with a Dao Branch fueling the image of the Heavenfall Autarch��s unadorned axe, its strikes weren��t anything to scoff at. It wasn��t nearly as good at dealing with crowds as the explosion of des [Nature��s Edge] could release, but its lethality was close to half of [Rapturous Divide]��s while still being a repeatable attack.


    The bird and the eel were dealt with, but Zac didn��t release the avatar of the axe behind him as he looked around for new targets. Screams and roars filled the air, and with visibility being almost zero, the mental pressure was extreme. He even sensed auras that were well into Hegemony for a few short moments, but it looked like the more terrifying the beast, the shorter their visit to thisyer was.


    Even then, it felt like a terrifying Beast King could appear and strike at them at any moment, and Zac��s Danger Sense could only predict so much. It could warn him when a beast was close or trying to attack, but it didn��t warn him when a beast was about to phase into their dimension.


    Over a minute passed as Zac fought off one beast after another while Vai tried to help by spotting spatial fluctuations around them. Finally, the shimmering haze around them was reced by a burst of light as they pushed through the clouds. Below, they saw the first-string cultivators descending toward a seemingly endless field thousands of meters below.


    They looked like little meteors, surrounded by those blue scripts that kept them locked to this current dimension until they reached the surface. Teo was still maintaining the lead, but the other captains were nowhere to be seen. Judging by the outbursts he had sensed within the clouds, he guessed they were trying to save as many people as possible within the convergence.


    There were thousands of beasts gliding through the air, but Zac could sense that almost all of them were just E-grade. With the bloody aura of almost a hundred Half-Step cultivators and above, the flying beasts native to this dimension kept a wide berth around them.


    Another three minutes passed as the ground grew ever closer, and Zac felt like his sense of perception had been all wrong. What had looked like fields of spiritual herbs was actually a jungle of massive proportions where each nt was either hundreds of meters tall ormanded an area of a whole vige.


    ��So big,�� Zac muttered.


    ��It��s the arrays,�� Vai exined from the side with a hoarse voice, finally having unfurled from her ball. ��This whole realm has been modified for hundreds of thousands of years, and there are growth and gathering arrays installed deep into the ground. But without Array Masters, Arborists, and harvesters to maintain the realm, it has grown out of control.��


    ��They are big, but they��re worthless,�� Vai sighed. ��They are the equivalent of a cultivator whose levels arepletely propped up by pills �C full of toxicity and bereft of potential.��


    ��That��s a shame,�� Zac muttered before he looked at the researcher. ��Some start, huh?��


    ��Thank you for saving my life,�� Vai said as she looked crestfallen. ��I can��t believe we ran into trouble so quickly. The Void Star must be more unstable than we expected for it to suddenly release spatial res like that. What about the rest of the journey?��


    ��Well, this realm looks like we expected at least, right? We might be safe now that we��re properly inside the Mystic Realms,�� Zac said, but he honestly shared Vai��s worries.


    From the looks of it, the problems with the Void Star had suddenly ramped up beyond what the Void Gate had expected, and he couldn��t help but wonder if it was rted to him and the vision he saw. And if that was the case, would he keep attracting trouble for himself and those around him?


    But Zac perked up as he saw energy gathering around Teo, and he pushed those troublesome questions to the back of his mind. ��Ready yourself. We��re about tond. I��m sure the captain knows what to do.��

 Chapter 870: Lucky Day

    Chapter 870: Lucky Day


    The ground was rapidly growing closer, and Zac��s brows furrowed a bit when he saw how a huge pack of wolves had gathered right beneath them. Judging by the excited howls, it looked like the beasts believed meat was literally falling from the sky. Thankfully, the Temr Captain was already on the move.


    Space around him had been twisting for a while as torrential amounts of energy coursed through his body, quantities that would cause an E-grade cultivator to explode within seconds. Finally, a titanic figure appeared above Teo, its one hundred-meter tall frame blocking much of Zac��s vision. He couldn��t see what the avatar looked like from behind, except it had four humanoid hands that emitted extremely heavy pressure.


    Zac could tell the Avatar was instilled with at least a Middle Branch as well, and the air itself cracked as the Temr Captain infused more and more energy into his skill. Finally, the avatar moved as it pushed its hands toward the ground, and it felt like an atmospheric bomb had detonated just below Teo. Zac��s stomach churned from the cascading waves of rampant energies that had been unleashed, but it was nothingpared to what happened below.


    A deep groaning rumble echoed through the area as the earth itself cried from the pressure. Everything within a thousand meters was utterly crushed by the pressure, and a manmade earthquake continued to ripple for thousands of meters. Thousands of Peak E-grade wolves were turned to mush in an instant as nts and the ground itself werepacted into a vast crater. In an instant, a huge pack of beasts had been crushed, leaving not a single intact corpse.


    Zac��s heart beat like a drum as he mutely looked at the carnage, shocked by the destructive capability of Teo��s skill. This was the first time Zac had seen the Middle D-grade Temr unleash his true might, and it was an eye-opening experience. That attack alone would immediately annihte his elite armies back home unless they managed to erect some sort of fortification beforehand.


    Even Zac himself would probably be grievously wounded, even if the attack was arge-scale strike with its force spread out. It was night and daypared to the might an Early Hegemon could exhibit, and any lingering notion of targeting a Middle D-grade Worldeater Beast King was firmly discarded.


    The direct impact had created both cleared out any nearby threats while creating arge, albeit bloody,nding site for the party. However, most of the members of the task force had seen their fair share of blood, and getting their shoes slightly wet from beast blood didn��t faze them as they mmed into the ground one after another.


    Most simply used their body to withstand the collision velocity, though some used various movement skills tond softly. Zac was part of the former group as he mmed into the ground, leaving deep cracks for tens of meters around him. Vai used some sort of Spatial movement skill that expended her momentum, allowing her to softlynd on the ground right next to him at a spot void of any minced wolf. Most of the researchers used this method, either through their own skill or through talismans.


    Zac was about to stand up, but a sudden surge made his mind nk out. It came from everywhere and nowhere at once �C a mix of antiquity and providence. It was overbearing and elusive, an enigma and a paradox. Solving it would allow you to grasp the Dao itself, conquering time and spa-


    Panic and dread threatened to consume him, but Zac managed to force his way out of the fugue state through sheer force of will, only to realize he had unknowingly activated [Void Zone] with a horrified Vai within it. Zac immediately retracted the restrictive bloodline domain, which made Vai stumble and yelp with a paleplexion.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Havasa asked as she shed over, and Zac was eternally thankful that [Void Zone] emitted no energy signature and left no clues behind.


    ��I- ah, sorry���� Vai stammered. ��The descent, and all this blood�� I think I cked out for a moment.��


    ��This is intentional �C you need to get used to these smells and this fell atmosphere,�� Havasa sighed. ��Let your guardian know if you need any assistance.��


    With that, she shed away again, heading over to Teo who grimly looked up at the sky. A quick scan of the surroundings indicated Zac had only lost his mind for less than a second, but he still couldn��t tell if Vai had figured out what had just happened. She looked extremely frazzled as she looked around, her eyes darting back and forth.


    ��Are you really okay?�� Zac slowly asked.


    ��I- I��m fine�� I just felt something odd just now,�� she said with a low volume. ��It was probably nothing.��


    ��Alright, let me know if you need me to carry you,�� Zac smiled. ��I should be able to fight with you on my back just fine.��


    ��N-No,�� Vai hurriedly said with a flustered look. ��I��m fine, really.��


    Zac nodded, but he was inwardly just as flustered as Vai looked. He couldn��t discern the truth. Had Vai noticed his activation of [Void Zone], an unprecedented ability that couldpletely obscure the Heavens? If that was the case, she had lied to a Hegemon of her faction to protect him. Or was she just waiting to speak with them without him present? And had she sensed the same aura he did?


    For that matter, what did the pulse mean? It had been like a fleeting fragrance just wafting by, but it hadpletely consumed his mind for a moment. Its origin was quite apparent �C it contained the same ancient aura as the enormous castle in the vision. It proved that it wasn��t a fluke he had seen that thing when entering the Void Star, and it was his first clue that he was on the right path.


    But did the impression mean there was a connection between this specific Mystic Realm and the castle, or was the aura something that had ingrained the whole beehive of dimensionalyers? Zac��s thoughts churned, but he kept his face impassive as he turned his gaze upward at thest members of the expedition.


    One by one, they mmed into the ground around them, some bloodied and some unscathed. The scene was impressive, but Zac still had a small frown on his face when he saw the state of their unit. The original 118 members, of which 18 were researchers and supportive staff, had been reduced to 109. Less than ten minutes had passed since the task started, and they had lost almost a tenth of their squad to the sr re and the ferocious birds.


    It wasn��t a great start to a mission that was supposed tost months.


    ��We were beset by bad luck, but such is Heavenly Law. We knew there would be obstacles on the way, and this was one of them,�� Teo eventually said when everyone had gathered up. ��But the mission will continue. At least the spatial turbulence didn��t kick us off course, and we should reach the next jump-point within five days. Hegemons, stay grounded �C there are quite a few beasts in this dimension. We will have our hands full without luring a bunch of them over. Scouts, set out.��


    With that, the Temr took the lead as he ran at a pace that would feel like a brisk jog for even Late E-grade cultivators. Most of the first-string cultivators kept an exact pace to his sides, while another squad led by T Vesass brought up the rear. The second-string cultivators stayed close to their researchers in the middle, and a shimmering barrier that hid their auras appeared above their heads.


    Meanwhile, three scouts rushed ahead andpletely disappeared among the trees.


    ��Don��t getcent from the barrier. It has no defensive capabilities �C it will just make most beasts overlook those in the middle and attack the people on the outside,�� Havasa reminded those around her. ��This used to be an agricultural realm, but it has been continuously flooded with beasts over the past three years.


    ��The army left thisyer over two months ago, so we don��t expect an uneventful journey to the waystation. And remember, we need to keep moving. The window is closing, so don��t exhaust yourselves. If you��re running low on Cosmic Energy, let me know.��


    Zac and the others nodded as they kept their eyes peeled at the surroundings. There had been quite a few briefings on the Void Star over the past weeks, and while Zac still didn��t have any idea of how this spatial anomaly actually worked, he did somewhat understand the rules that governed it.


    The Void Star could be considered a maze where each Mystic Realm was a room. Some of these chambers were hidden in the depths of the Void Star, whereas others were right at the surface. To reach the realm you wanted to visit, you had to pass through a certain set of Mystic Realms, making use of weak spots in the dimensionalyers.


    Problem was that the maze wasn��t static. The Mystic Realms kept shifting following some sort of extremelyplex set of rules, moving and disconnecting from each other. Some Mystic Realms were only reachable for short stints every century, or millennia even. Others, like the one they found themselves in right now, were almost always at the surfaceyer of the Void Star.


    The reason they had been forced to set out the moment they reached Zenith Vigil was that the path that had been plotted out for them would onlyst for another month or so. If they took too long to reach their destination, they would have to take an alternative route that would cost them over two months.


    With the Void Star being invaded, each additional Mystic Realm they had to pass through would significantly increase the risk of something going wrong. Their brush with death within the clouds was a poignant reminder of that.


    Nothing happened for the first couple of hours, and they made steady progress toward the edge of the realm. There were the asional packs whose domains they crossed, but it barely slowed them down. Some of the beasts knew better than to attack such a dangerous-looking group, while the rest was quickly dealt with by the first-string cultivators.


    However, while they likely were the strongest force in this outer Mystic Realm, they couldn��t move about with wanton disregard for the wildlife. Just like in most beast tides, the animals were in an agitated bloodthirsty state where most attacked even if outmatched. And the bigger themotion they caused, the more beasts they would attract.


    Now and then, Teo would make a sudden turn or stop altogether for a few minutes. It was a result of the reports the captain continuously got from the scouts running ahead. Sometimes it was a particrly nasty beast or beast pack they avoided, and sometimes they had to stop to let a horde migrate past them.


    With things progressing smoothly like this, there wasn��t much the second-string cultivators needed to do except maintain a lookout for ambushes. With Zac��s honed Danger Sense and instincts, he would instinctively know if any beast had managed to get close, so his mind was mas mostly upied with Ultom.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Even after six hours had passed, there hadn��t been a second burst of that ancient aura. Even then, Zac��s nerves were getting increasingly frayed from a constant worry he��d identally expose his bloodline again. But the more time passed, the more it looked like it was a one-time thing. It happened the moment hended, so was it connected to the Realm Core? He had a few more guesses, but he would have to journey deeper into the Void Star to make sure.


    Suddenly, Teo stopped at the front of the squad as he threw out a series of talismans. It looked like trouble hade knocking though, no matter how careful they were.


    ��Battle positions,�� Teo��s voice echoed out, which confirmed a real battle was on their hands.


    Just thirty secondster, a piercing screech leveled the trees in the area. The talismans Teo had thrown out lit up and blocked the shockwave altogether, but they were still surrounded by a wastnd in an instant. From the distance, a discordant mix of beasts lumbered closer, their numbers in the tens of thousands.


    At the heart of the chaos, an odd beast looking a bit like atle jellyfish floated, and it was no doubt it was the leader of the beast tide going by its aura. It was mostly translucent with blue streaks, and its long tendrils seemed to reach hundreds of meters behind it. Inside its body were hundreds of shimmering orbs that released mighty spiritual ripples, indicating it was a beast with an unusually powerful soul.


    This was not a beast that had just evolved �C it was well on its way toward the next stage of Hegemony. That beast looked troublesome on its own, and there were no less than thirty auras of weaker Beast Kings within the tide. But what really made Zac��s hair stand on end was seeing the rotting bodies of some of the animals.


    They weren��t dead, Zac could tell with a single nce. But they weren��t alive either. It was parasitic mind control.


    From the noses, eyes, and mouths of the beasts, one could see small tendrils swaying around, looking just like miniatures of the appendages of the enormous jellyfish. For others, their whole skulls had been cracked, and a small jellyfish sat right on their brains. Some poor animals even seemed to be receptacles for dozens of parasites, arduously stuttering forward with bloated bodies.


    There was no telling if the big guy was a parasite as well, or if it didn��t need to hijack other animals after having reached D-grade. In either case, it was a grotesque scene, and Zac could guess why it hadn��t avoided the powerful auras of the advance guard �C the big jellyfish wanted more bodies for its descendants.


    ��Standard battle array. It��s a swarm of Mindsiphon Parasites. Destroy both host and parasites,�� Teo said with a calm expression. ��Don��t worry, they��re not as dangerous as they look.��


    ��Why the faces? You bastards should be happy,�� Havasa grinned after seeing the hesitant expressions on many of the wandering cultivators. ��Aren��t you all here for money? Have you forgotten the booklets? That right there is a bounty animal. This is a stroke of good luck to bnce the bad.��


    The simple mention of a ��bounty�� drastically improved morale, but they didn��t get the chance to celebrate before the enormous Mindsiphon King made its move. Ripples spread across the bulbous head of the Beast King, and Zac felt a sense of danger as mental energy started gathering. There was no time to prepare any concerted response �C just a momentter, a chaotic shockwave burst forth, ripping toward the front lines.


    It was an instant attack so it didn��t contain the full force of a Beast King, but Zac could tell that any cultivator with a weak soul or subpar defenses would find their soul grievously wounded from that attack. Lucky for them, Teo was already on the move as theplex arrays on his War Regalia lit up. A group of eight temrs channeled a War Array behind him, and he took a defensive position with his shield.


    Soothing waves spread out from his shield, giving Zac the impression of waves hitting against a rocky shore. They immediately covered the whole frontline before they spread toward the iing mental attack. There was no collision and subsequent shockwave. It was rather as though the Beast King��s attack had entered a quagmire as it was gradually slowed and whittled down.


    By the time it reached the frontlines, only a fraction of its strength remained. Even someone who hadn��t cultivated their soul would effortlessly shrug off an attack of that level, and the warriors immediately regained their confidence upon seeing that the attack had been easily thwarted by their captain.


    ��Advance. Avoid the tendrils of the leader. Continuously channel your Daos to avoid getting infiltrated,�� Teo simply said as he swung his sword, unleashing a simple de attack toward the ranks of animals.


    Almost one hundred possessed beasts were ripped apart in an instant, their bodies so mangled that the parasites couldn��t possibly have survived either. That attack was the starting signal of the fight, and the Beast Tide released a deafening cacophony of roars as they rushed forward. In return, the front-line warriors unleashed a barrage of attacks, turning the whole forest into an apocalyptic hellscape.


    As for Zac and the second-string cultivators, their time hadn��te just yet. And Zac simply enjoyed the first-row seat for the fight. This was what he needed to see �C how a squad of veteran warriors of an established faction fought. Anything he learned today could be applied to his army back home, so Zac looked on with rapt attention.


    Havasa was right, even if Zac didn��t care about the bounty. Clues to an ancient opportunity and a free lesson in army tactics? This really was a lucky day.

 Chapter 871: Professional Unit

    Chapter 871: Professional Unit


    Fiery waves of destruction fought for space with de storms,nces of ice, and all sorts of diverse techniques as the wandering cultivators unleashed their ranged skills at the iing tidal wave of rotting beasts. The little ntlife that remained standing after the Mindsiphon King��s opening salvo was reduced to nothingness while the ground itself opened up to swallow and crush whole swathes of beasts into a pulp.


    But it was as though beasts werepletely oblivious to the danger, heedlessly rushing toward the defensive line. Mounds of carcasses piled up in seconds, yet the beasts just kept crawling over their fallen brethren. Some of the smaller Mindsiphon Parasites survived and either tried totch onto the warriors or scurry back to safety.


    Thankfully, these smaller jellyfish didn��t seem able to unleash mental attacks, and with their flying speed being quite slow, they were easily dealt with. The second wave of beasts was a lot more powerful, and they either dodged or countered the skills as they pushed forward. Zac guessed their parasites either had higher levels or more purified bloodlines judging by their deft control of their hosts.


    They were also led by a number of Beast Kings who unleashed their bloodline skills to protect the beasts around them, drastically reducing the effectiveness of the cultivator��s random attacks. And among it all, hundreds of thick tendrils were slithering forward �C the appendages of the giant jellyfish king.


    Beasts were superior when it came to numbers and constitutions, cultivators had some advantages of their own. Teo had already pushed into the swarm of beasts like a god of war, destroying everything that came close. His War Regalia was continuously unleashing pulses of destruction, killing any E-grade beast that came within a dozen meters without the Temr as much as lifting a finger.


    That was the benefit of Hegemony. With a sea of energy at your fingertips, you could just continuously use both defensive and offensive arrays without issue, something that would be impossible for most E-grade cultivators. A middle D-grade Hegemon like Teo could probably keep his War Regalia running for days without a problem.


    Even the Half-Step Beast Kings and the actual Beast Kings were leery of approaching the man, giving him the space to unleash his skills. First, the avatar from before started to appear again, but it was actually disrupted and destroyed by Mindsiphon King as it frically stabbed it with hundreds of appendages.


    Teo wasn��t discouraged, and the energy from the avatar suddenly turned into shining manacles that instantly bound the tendrils of the beast. At the same time, one of his vice-captains conjured what looked like a miniature gxy that exerted a tremendous pull. A few unlucky beasts were dragged inside, reduced to nothingness in an instant.


    The Temr Captain pushed his hand down, and a rope of starlight connected the manacles with the gxy. It was the first time Zac had actually seen two different peoplebining their skills like that, and he looked on with interest as the Mindsiphon King found over 80% of its tendrils locked in ce. It was powerful enough to resist the pull, but not powerful enough to break free.


    The Temrs weren��t done there as more and more manacles appeared, locking down one Beast King after another across the whole battlefield. This time, the second vice-captain made a move as well, and dozens of small mountains appeared among the beasts. A simr scene followed, where Teo��s fetters connected with the mountains, essentially trapping the leaders of the tide in ce.


    Altogether, it had only taken the three Temr Hegemons to lock down more than two-thirds of the elites of the Beast Tides, drastically lessening the pressure the rest of the squad faced. Zac could tell that these measures wouldn��tst for very long, but they didn��t really need to.


    Teo had never stopped moving as he sealed everything around him, and he was already in front of the Mindsiphon King by that point. The energy in the whole area surged as an inscribed mountain appeared above his head, looking like an evolved version of what his vice-captain used. It emitted an unquestionable weight and dominance, far surpassing the concepts of heaviness that Zac had integrated into his Dao of the Axe.


    It was like the mountain contained the weight of a world as it pushed down on the Mindsiphon King


    Hundreds of beasts couldn��t withstand its unseen pressure and simply copsed into goops of blood. Even the leader was pushed closer to the ground, but the shining spheres inside its body released tremendous waves of energy as the remaining tendrils soon rose to meet the mountain. The tendrils and spheres started to resonate, which generated a domain of their own that mostly canceled the mountain��s pressure.


    Like that, the Mindsiphon��s tendrils were all upied, at which point Teo rose into the air and started to unleash a steady barrage of heavy swings. However, even with its tendrils locked down, the Mindsiphon still retained a lot of its power. Those weird balls inside its body were shining like small suns by this point, and even Zac found it a bit painful to look at the waves of mental destruction that surrounded the Temr.


    The leaders of the two sides had essentially taken each other out of the equation, but it was clear Teo was the stronger party since he simultaneously kept more than 20 Beast Kings locked down as well. Meanwhile, the Array Masters and defensive cultivators had created a set of fortifications and channels on the spot, expertly funneling the tide of beasts into kill zones where the offensive warriors waited.


    Of course, Zac and the others couldn��t just sit by and watch while the first-string cultivators did all the work. The first-string warriors were slowly moving backward in a controlled retreat, leaving a trail of carcasses behind. Even then, the pressure was unrelenting, and one by one, the trapped Beast Kings broke free and madly rushed into the fray.


    The first-string cultivators couldn��t deal with everything alone, but they didn��t have to. By controlling the flow of beasts, pathways opened up in the defensive perimeter that led to Zac and the other second-string cultivators. One by one, the maimed and the weaker beasts were let through, where Zac and the others were waiting to finish the job.


    The axe of the Heavenfall Autarch appeared behind Zac once more as a rotting boar missing half its head rushed over. Before it had a chance to even get close, it was cloven in two with one swift swing. The first swing was followed up by a second that annihted the two small parasites who lived inside its body. A small smile spread across Zac��s face as he felt the surge of energy entering his body.


    The boar was only Peak E-grade, but it was still a huge improvementpared to the beasts he had spent years killing inside the Orom World. Those animals were mostly Early E-grade to match his restrained attributes, and they only awarded a trickle of kill energypared to these animals.


    With him being level 145, it would still take quite a bit of carnage to gain the energy required for a level, but he was undeniably making progress on his levels through kills for the first time in five years. Even better, both the boar and the little jellyfish counted as kills. It wasn��t that hard to deal with the parasites either, even if the E-grade animals were only asrge as a fist and almostpletely invisible. While their physical form was hard to spot, they lit up like little beacons to his [Cosmic Gaze], while the semi-dead hosts had lost most of their own aura.


    A momentter, Zac actually got to end the life of a grievously wounded Beast King that had been let through the perimeter, and a massive surge of energy entered his body. It had required him to essentially kill-steal another wandering cultivator, but swordsman didn��t mind in the slightest. After all, he was bottlenecked in Half-Step D-grade.


    Killing a Beast King only meant risk and no reward for him. The wiry little man even gave Zac a thumbs up as he returned to his position with [Earthstrider], and Zac only grinned as he kept killing. Two minutes passed as the squad methodically dismantled the beast tide, until Zac suddenly heard Teo��s voice in his head.


    ��Everyone, activate mental defenses,�� The temr captain said as the energies in the distance reached a crescendo.


    By this point, the unit had added more than a kilometer��s distance to the Mindsiphon Parasite floating in the air, but more than half of the Wandering Cultivators activated various mental defense talismans or items. Zac felt confident that [Soul Guardian] was more than enough at this point, but he had a talisman ready just in case.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An infuriated wail echoed throughout the area the next moment as the enormous jellyfish in the sky fell toward the ground, bleeding heavily from a gruesome wound that had almost cut its head in two. However, it was barely hanging on by a thread, and Zac could sense a familiar buildup inside its body �C it was nning to self-detonate.


    One of the radiant spheres inside its body suddenly cracked, unleashing a tremendous ripple of hatred and pain that crossed the battlefield in an instant. However, before the beast had a chance to detonate its other pearls or Beast Core, Teo had already leveled a second strike that seemed to have finished the job. The beast��s wails were cut short, and it mmed into the ground a momentter.


    With the early warning, the mental wave passed through the ranks without causing any trouble. And without the support of the Alpha, Teo was free to run roughshod through the remaining beasts. With him attacking from the rear, the remnants of the beast tide were caught in a deadly pincer. After just a minute, all the remaining beasts had either fled or been exterminated.


    ��We��re resting for 20 minutes before heading out,�� Teo said before simply sitting down and closing his eyes with a Low-grade Cosmic Crystal in his hands.


    ��Won��t all the blood lure other beasts over?�� another warrior muttered with a frown as he looked around with worry.


    ��Not with the body of a Mindsiphon King here,�� Havasa said with a shake of her head. ��This is just an outeryer, there shouldn��t be more than a hundred Beast Kings in the whole realm after the previous purge. This bastard probably found its way here by chance and enved all the Beast Kings it could get its hands on. The few who managed to avoid it wouldn��t go anywhere near here.��


    ��Do we really get a part of the bounty even if the captain did most of the work?�� another wandering cultivator asked as he looked at the fallen Mindsiphon King with gleaming eyes.


    ��Those are the rules for group battles,�� Havasa nodded. ��But the captain killed it and did most of the work �C half of the bounty will go to him. Another ten percent will go to Kalo and T each for locking down its tendrils and the other Beast Kings, while the final 30% will be spread out among the rest of us.��


    Zac took out his booklet out of curiosity, and he had to admit the Void Temple was quite generous. The Beast core of a Mindsiphon King was valued at 1 D-grade Nexus Coin, and the remaining spheres would fetch 100,000 E-grade Nexus Coins each. Seeing how it could unleash powerful mental attacks, Zac guessed the items could be used in crafting tools or arrays for Mentalists.


    Even if the cultivators would only see a fraction of that bounty, it was still roughly 4,000 E-grade Nexus Coins per man for a few minutes of work. If this scenario happened a couple of times over the next months, the umted bounties might end up being worth more than the mission reward.


    Zac looked at therge carcass of the Mindsiphon Beast King in the distance for a second before he turned to look at the warriors who scurried around looking for anything of value on the battlefield, while Kantomir went from warrior to warrior to make sure none of the Mindsiphons had managed to sneak on board, so to speak.


    It was a novel experience being part of a proper professional unit. The closest he��de before was the early stages of the Twilight Ocean under the lead of Catheya, but back then everyone had roughly the same power, which would never be the case in an open-world conflict. So seeing how Teo controlled the battle was a good learning experience.


    The Temr was obviously a genius since he had reached Middle D-grade, but he wasn��t a monstrous talent that could deal with any threat by himself. His biggest weakness was his somewhatcking lethality, considering it had taken him a couple of minutes to kill the Mindsiphon King. But even then, there was not a single casualty in the squad.


    There were a lot of bruises and scrapes, but the worst wound was a wandering cultivator who had been gored by arge w of one of the beast kings. Seeing as his aura was stable as he sat down in meditation, Zac could tell it wasn��t a wound that would be a big problem.


    And that was all thanks to Teo. It almost felt like the Temr must have had eyes in his neck going by how he had controlled the events in a way that the pressure was evenly spread across his force. Since Zac hadn��t been too pressured from the battle, he had enough leeway to observe the movements of Teo and his two vice-captains.


    It was obvious that the trapped Beast Kings didn��t break out randomly. Any time there was a lull at a certain section of the defensive perimeter, a nearby Beast King broke free from the mountain suppressing it, and delivered itself and a group of followers to the ughter. That way, they made use of all their strength while keeping the risk at a minimum.


    In a way, the smooth control felt akin to his ownbat stances in how they were meant to maximize his efficiency when fighting, but the theory was rather applied to the whole battlefield.


    This was exactly the kind of expertise Zac needed for the uing war. It wasn��t enough that he was powerful �C he couldn��t be everywhere at once to protect his people. There would no doubt be battles that he couldn��t join, where someone like Ilvere or Joanna would lead instead. They would be like Teo in that case �C powerful, but not a one-man army.


    But theycked his skill in terms of tactics, and also the supportive function of the Temr Order��s Array Masters and vice-captains. But how would one learn something like this? Zac didn��t have this kind of heritage. There was obviously learning by doing, but learning the ropes in the middle of a raging war would lead to mass casualties.


    ��What are you thinking about?�� Vai asked curiously as she walked over.


    ��Nothing,�� Zac smiled. ��I just thought that it��s impressive we didn��t see a single warrior fall with such a powerful enemy. Being unattachedes with a great degree of freedom, but it precludes you from certain opportunities.��


    ��Like you have a choice in the matter,�� a nearby Temr snorted, but Zac didn��t bother with him.


    Vai red at the warrior in Zac��s stead, but her pout didn��t have much of an effect as the warrior simply closed his eyes to focus on recuperation. Zac had no interest in arguing with some random warrior he could snap in half if he so wanted, and instead turned back to Vai.


    ��You were really impressive,�� the researcher said, clearly trying to recover the atmosphere. ��It felt like you were everywhere.��


    ��I haven��t been out much over the past decade,�� Zac nodded as he sat down to rest. ��I need some exercise to get back into optimal condition before we get to the deeper parts of this weird ce.��


    ��Alright,�� Vai nodded. ��Sorry, I won��t bother you while you recuperate.��


    Zac nodded and closed his eyes, as he took out a High-Grade Nexus Crystal. It felt pretty unsatisfactory since he was used to using Peak-quality Crystals by now, but those things were quite rare in the Zecia sector. Taking them out after a minor scuffle like this would raise some brows, so he would have to make do.


    Thankfully, he hadn��t expended much of his vast energy reserves, so he spent most of the rest going over the general flow of the battle, trying to distill it into something that would be useful for his followers back home. Soon enough, twenty minutes had passed, and the group set out once more. Some had managed to line their pockets a bit by pocketing some valuable parts of the zombified beasts, but the bounty was the true prize of the encounter.


    Like this, three days passed, where the squad only stopped to rest for an hour each night at safe-houses that had survived the invasion. They were forced into a couple of more battles against massive Beast Tides, but Havasa��s words proved to be true. None of the horde leaders they encountered were anywhere close to the level of the enormous jellyfish, and dealing with the enraged beasts was just a matter of time.


    Finally, the squad could see the edge of the Mystic Realm in the distance, which meant they would soon reach the waystation that would take them to the next realm.


    ��One down, eleven to go,�� Havasa grinned to the side. ��Let��s see what the Void has in store for us next.��

 Chapter 872: Waystation

    Chapter 872: Waystation


    Zac ignored the second-string captain��s unlucky wording as he inspected the edge of the Mystic Realm. It looked a bit like the opalescent film they had passed to enter this realm, but it somehow seemed far more solid and gave no hint of what was on the other side. It was the dimensional bubble that, in theory, kept this realm apart from the Main Universe.


    In a normal Mystic Realm, this kind of barrier was extremely sturdy, and pushing through it was much harder than phasing between dimensions with a Cosmic Vessel. It contained extremely powerful Spatial Energies that would rip most people apart if they tried. It was half of the reason Mystic Realms were so difficult to invade, with the other half being the difficulty of actually locating them in the Void, with distances and directions working differently there.


    Here in the Void Star, those rules were far more malleable, but they still couldn��t just pass through these inner walls with the help of a talisman. They needed to open a gate, which was why the waystations had been erected. Zac curiously followed the temrs into a hidden cave protected by multipleyers of still-working arrays.


    They went deeper and deeper into the depths of the Mystic Realm, but thanks to the illumination arrays and generous dimensions, the tunnel didn��t feel oppressive at all. Eventually, they reached arge cave that would be able to house thousands of people if they squeezed together. Now, it was empty, with most of the waystations being unmanned for the past years.


    There were dozens of doors to the sides, but Teo led them straight ahead toward arge gate on the opposite side from the entrance. But before stepping through, he stopped at one of the array consoles that lined the walls.


    ��We mentioned these waystations in the briefings �C this is one of five stations in this Mystic Realm. If you for some reason get separated from the squad, your best bet to survive is to find one of these. Your token will grant ess through the arrays,�� Teo Exined as he activated the console behind him.


    Soon, a huge map appeared that looked like just over a hundred circles of varying sizes. A smaller circle at the top was blue whereas the others were green, indicating their current location. Within the blue circle, there was a small red dot, which no doubt indicated the waystation they found themselves in. Connected to the station, there were four lines, three of which led to other circles deeper in the map, while one led to another one at the outermostyer.


    ��This is the local chart, and it will tell you your options to leave or catch up to the rest of us. The exit arrays are clearly noted,�� Teo said as he pointed at Mystic Realm two circles over which had the mark of a teleportation array in the middle. ��Of course, your best bet might be to simply stay put until another squad passes through. If the realm is overrun, these waystations might be the safest spots around.��


    ��How do we find these waystations?�� a wandering cultivator asked. ��I saw no markers on the way here.��


    ��Your tokens have a weak array installed that can pick up the signals from these stations. Just infuse some energy asionally and pray that the signal isn��t blocked out by turbulence. If that��s the case, you can only search by foot by wandering the edge of the Mystic Realm,�� Teo exined.


    ��Don��t bother memorizing the chart,�� Havasa added when she saw the wandering cultivators studying the map. ��It will keep changing as the realms move and rotate. For example, this waystation is generally pointed toward the depths of the Void Star today, but in a month it will point toward the outer edge, making it useless.��


    ��Why can��t we use waystations to leave?�� another warrior asked. ��If it points toward the edge����


    ��Look at the Void Star as arge balloon with multiple smaller balloons inside. It��s not enough to break through the barrier of the smaller balloon,�� a researcher exined after getting a nce from Teo. ��That would only result in you entering an extremely chaotic void within the Void Star. To leave, one needs to find the few spots where outer and inner barriers merge, allowing us to break through everything at once.��


    ��That��s why wended where we did, rather than just arriving right in front of this waystation,�� Teo added. ��There are a limited set of options whening and going, with teleportation not working at the moment.��


    After having showcased the console, Teo opened the huge gate. Within, they actually saw the shimmering wall of the Mystic Realm, with three stone gates installed right at the edge of it. They weren��t active right now, but Zac guessed they could be tuned to connect this realm with whichever one of those four neighboring realms you wanted.


    However, something was clearly wrong with this ce. The inner chamber was marred with splotches of blood and scars on the ground. There were a few consoles to the side, but most of them had been destroyed as well. There were even cracks on one of the three gates, and Zac really hoped that wasn��t the one they needed to use.


    ��Around a month ago?�� Havasa muttered with a frown as kneeled over a spot of dried blood. ��But who? I don��t remember any squads ted to use this station in this timeframe.��


    ��Probably a squad on the way out with extensive losses, forced to take an alternative route,�� Teo grimly muttered as he took out another token. ��The array is functional, but they didn��t turn it off? No status report was inscribed either. Both captain and vice-captains were likely to have fallen. Perhaps a battle over some treasure erupted now that they were approaching the exit.��


    The outsiders stood and watched on in silence as the temr walked over to a pane hanging open and swapped out four exhausted Low-grade Cosmic Crystals and a Spatial Crystal. Hearing the conversation, Zac felt a bit troubled, but since none of the temrs seemed too bothered about the apparent breach of protocol, there wasn��t anything he could say or do.


    Some peacetime protocols might simply have fallen through because of the chaotic situation within the star. Still, this scene was a clear indication of just how strained the situation was, and Zac was inwardly relieved he had brought all of the Spatial Crystals he had in his possession. That way, he��d be able to operate these gates even if he ran into a situation simr to this one.


    Teo walked over to a console next, and the left gate shuddered to life without any issue. It seemed to function a lot like the spatial portal Kenzie had opened up with the drill back in the Mystic Realm, where it essentially looked like a doorway. On the other side, there was an identical room to the one they stood in, though it was in much better shape.


    ��Let��s go,�� Teo said and stepped inside himself, passing through.


    The wandering cultivators hesitated for just a moment, before following suit. This time around, there were no surprises, and one after another they walked into the neighboring dimension. Zac was one of thest to pass through, and he braced himself just in case as he walked forward, where he kept his bloodline and aura tightly sealed.


    And it was lucky he did, since the moment he stepped onto the ground of the other world, a pulse passed through his body to wee him. It was still that solemn aura of antiquity, hinting at boundless possibilities. In fact, the pulse this time was even stronger than thest, more palpable and corporeal.


    It really felt like he was actually moving closer to whatever emitted this signal. Thankfully, Zac had learned his lesson from the previous time this happened, and he barely managed to restrain himself before he identally activated [Void Zone] again. Even then, he found Vai looking at him with confusion, and he realized he had frozen in ce mid-step, right in front of the spatial gate.


    ��That simple?�� Zac coughed as he walked over. ��We passed between Mystic Realms just like that?��


    ��It��s not always this simple,�� Vai exined. ��Some realms are not as closely connected, where we have to walk through a space tunnel. Those can be a bit dangerous from what I��ve read. And like we saw before, there might be convergences that force us to fight our way into the waystations.��


    Zac nodded as he looked around the room. It might look identical, but there was no mistaking this was another world going by thepletely different ambient energy. For one, the room felt like an oven with sweltering heat. There were fire-attuned energies in the air as well, indicating what kind of world they had reached. However, something was a bit off.


    ��The ambient energy seems kind of low?�� Zac asked.


    The ambient energy was equivalent to an E-grade world rather than a D-grade, and not even a peak at that. No matter if it was beasts or treasures, there couldn��t be much of value here unless it had been teleported in.


    ��The energy will be higher in the center of the world, but you��re right. Not all the Mystic Realms are useful,�� Vai nodded. ��Some are mostly used as bridges. This one should be much safer than thest, unless something unexpected happens.��


    ��What if the waystations or the gates break?�� another warrior asked as the spatial gate closed behind them. ��Would we be stuck?��


    ��These waystations are equipped with spatial stabilization much stronger than the talismans we used,�� Kalo, the first-string vice-captain, grunted. ��They are designed to withstand a convergence. But if some sort of spatial turbulence has made them impassable, you can use talismans to swap over to the other realm. Sometimes.��


    ��Will be a bit of a gamble which of the connected realms you enter though,�� Havasa grinned to the side. ��So you��ll have to decide whether to take a leap of faith or make your way to the next waystation. Most realms have more than one.��


    ��But what if���� another cultivator hesitated.


    ��I know we encountered some setbacks at the start, but the situation is not that dire,�� Teo said. ��And anyyer we enter will have at least one working station, no? If the gate on the other side is broken, we wouldn��t be able to enter thatyer at all. If all else fails, your final chance at survival is to make use of the breaches. Most of them lead to otheryers in the Void Star rather than into the unknown.��


    The wandering cultivators grimaced at that, but they didn��t argue the point. Ultimately, they knew what they had signed up for �C any mission had a very real chance of dying.


    As for the breaches, they were the reason for the chaos in the Void Star. They took all kinds of forms, from huge tears opening out of nowhere to stable gateways that shouldn��t exist with how the Void Star worked. Of course, convergences could be counted to this as well, though they were rather an old urrence.


    It was through these breaches that the alien beasts came pouring out, wreaking havoc on the Void Star and the Void Gate��s arrangements. The unknown Teo mentioned was the original source all these beasts originated from as they spread through the thousands of Mystic Realms. The outsiders had never gotten a clear answer exactly where that was, and from what little the wandering cultivators had managed to squeeze out of the temrs and researchers, neither did they.


    ��We��ll rest here for two hours,�� Teo said as he nced at his vice-captains.


    Zac and the others simply sat down and recuperated while the captains left to discuss some things by themselves.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac asked with a low voice when he saw Vai look at the three hegemons with a frown.


    ��It��s���� Vai hesitated.


    ��Ms. Ss,�� another researcher coughed.


    ��Ah, nothing,�� Vai said and quickly closed her eyes.


    Zac frowned in thought, but he simply closed his eyes. Was there something else to the bloody scene in the other waiting room? Or some issue Teo had noticed through thatmand token of his? But soon enough the leaders returned, their expressions calm as though nothing was wrong. Two hourster they departed, and Zac finally got to take in the second Mystic Realm in the Void Star.


    There were no expansive vistas to speak of, only an oppressive path that almost felt like a tunnel with the sky being dark red. There was no sun either, and most of the light actually came from small creeks of superheated water that glowed with a radiant orange. At least Zac presumed it was water, since it definitely wasn��tva.


    To the sides were some sort of extremely dense thorns reaching tens of meters into the air, and Zac couldn��t be certain if they were alive or dead calcified nts. They emitted a weak hint of life, but that was overwhelmed by a raging fire attunement that ran through the thorny branches. There were no signs of wildlife in the area either, either on the ground or in the air.


    Zac still kept his eyes peeled as the group entered the pathway that had clearly been cut through the thorns, acting as though some terrifying beast could jump through the brambles at any moment. It was not only him. After the unexpected losses in the outeryer, where they only expected some minor resistance ording to the missive, everyone was waiting for the next disaster to arrive.


    Thankfully, half a day passed with only the asional attack of Middle or Late E-grade beasts until they reached an enormouske that was almost blinding from the amount of light it released. It seemed to be both the destination and the source of the endless creaks and rivers of glowing waters, and Zac walked over and dipped his hand into it. It was slightly viscous like oil, but otherwise it wasn��t too different from fire-attuned water.


    ��This is the Hako Lake. It will take us around four days to traverse it,�� Teo said as three massive barges appeared in front of him. ��There are quite a few beasts within, but there is only a handful of Beast Kings in the wholeke. Between our auras and the arrays on these barges, attacks are quite rare. This is also the first location where you are free to explore �C some precious metals and fire-attuned nts can be harvested here.��


    ��We��re still doing exploration after the initial losses?�� Uzu eximed to the side.


    ��Of course,�� Teo nodded. ��We will have to be a bit more restrictive with how many set out at a time, but otherwise the rules are the same.��


    This was one of the perks of joining the missions. Someyers were so dangerous that everyone needed to stay together, while others had some safer regions that could be explored by the wandering cultivators. Of course, safety was always rtive in the Mystic Realms, and a third of the projected casualties came from these solitary excursions.


    It was not from blind generosity the Void Gate hired more people than they needed and then allowed them to look for treasures in their Mystic Realms. With most of the Void Star unsecured at the moment, their normal harvesting methods didn��t work. This way, the Void Gate could harvest some of the strategic resources they needed without losing any of their own warriors.


    And if a couple of wandering warriors died to make it happen, it only meant they saved money.


    ��But remember, thiske has some Beast Kings even in normal conditions, so if you��re not confident, don��t stray too far from the barges,�� Havasa added. ��And if you sense any powerful spatial fluctuations, immediately return. It is probably a breach opening.��


    With that, the squads set out, with one Hegemon ced at both the stern and the bow of each barge to make sure no beasts dared swim close. Even then, there was more than one creature that swam close by to see what was going on. At first, Zac wasn��t interested in looking for some materials at the bottom of the oilyke, and it looked like quite a few of the wandering cultivators were of a simr mind after the experiences in the previousyer.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    However, after half a day Zac��s eyes shot open. It was here.


    It was the aura of his visions, there was no doubt about it. It was weaker than the pulses, but it was pervasive. It could only mean one thing; there was something at the bottom of Hako Lake. Something rted to either the enormous castle or the hidden courtyard. It beckoned him like a siren��s call from the depths.


    It looked like he would get his answers sooner than he��d expected.

 Chapter 873: Treasures in the Depths

    Chapter 873: Treasures in the Depths


    The signal urged Zac to jump into the waters and im what almost felt like his birthright, but he kept himself in check. Zac could somewhat sense where the aura originated from, and it was somewhere in the center of theke. Since the barges were heading in that general direction, there was no point in diving too early. After all, he could only explore a couple of hours at most before he needed to get back.


    Zac didn��t want to look too eager, so he started to prepare an excuse to join in on the fun. Luckily, an opportunity presented itself just an hourter, with a smallmotion breaking out on the neighboring barge. Zac and a few of the other wandering cultivators stood up to see what was going on, only to find Uzu grinning from ear to ear with a shimmering item in his hands.


    ��Luckily, I have some experience with both me-attuned realms,�� Uzu boisterouslyughed as he showcased arge red pearl. ��And reading the missives on the way, I realized there might be a few Infernal Longevity ms here. By a stroke of luck, I managed to encounter a m which had just reached Hegemony.��


    ��An Early D-grade Fire-Attuned Longevity Pearl,�� one of the cultivators next to Zac muttered, his face green with envy. ��A Fire Cultivator would pay a small fortune for that, or he can exchange it for a pearl that suits himself. What filthy luck.��


    ��If there��s one, there might be two,�� Zac muttered as he looked down at the radiant waters.


    ��Don��t get your hopes up. There might be some Infernal ms down there, but that guy was simply too lucky,�� Havasa muttered with a shake of her head. ��It takes a long, long time for those pearls to form �C how could we possibly leave too many of them lying around? Just like Uzu said, he must have stumbled onto a m that had just broken through and used the breakthrough to finalize its pearl.��


    Clearly, she wanted to avoid a scenario where a bunch of people got themselves killed out of greed, and she even threw Uzu an annoyed re.


    ��It��s not often you see someone unting their wealth like that,�� she perfunctorily added before sitting down.


    Herment didn��t really taper the excitement in some of the warrior��s eyes, but a few others thoughtfully looked over at Uzu who looked as excited as a child as he showed the pearl to anyone willing to look. Just like most of the other warriors, Zac wasn��t convinced by the straightforward and innocent act. No wandering cultivator who reached Hegemony was simple.


    There was no real reason for him to showcase that pearl. It was not a bounty item, so he wouldn��t have to present it to the Void Gate either. Normally, you��d just stow that thing away and pretend nothing happened, as to avoid getting a target on your back. But here he was, waving the pearl while hinting there were more treasures in the depths.


    Uzu wanted more people to dive into the waters �C he wanted more wandering cultivators to get themselves killed. Problem was that while most knew that was the case, his lure was still effective. The existence of a Longevity Pearl proved that the energies at the bottom of theke were dense enough to form Early D-grade treasures, and they weren��t all snatched by those who hade before them.


    And even if they couldn��t find something of that quality, there might still be peak E-grade items up for grabs.


    ��Are you going?�� Vai asked with worry in her eyes. ��There really aren��t that many pearls down there, but there arerge schools of carnivorous fish. Even if they��re only E-grade, there are schools with thousands of beasts.��


    ��This is what I came for. If I don��t push myself now, then when?�� Zac eventually said. ��I��ll wait a few hours until some of the others return before I try my luck. Don��t worry, you��ll be safe on the barge.��


    ��I��m not worried about myself,�� Vai said with a roll of her eyes.


    ��It��s alright, I��m pretty good at taking a beating,�� Zac smiled before closing his eyes in meditation.


    In reality, he was trying to pinpoint the source of the signal, but it was hard getting a proper read on it. It just provided a vague sense of direction. Thankfully, it was clear that it was steadily getting closer, and as the hours passed, the impression started to point down as much as it did ahead.


    Zac knew it was time to go. This way he could swim ahead of the vessels as he dove deeper, giving him more time to search for the treasure. He waited another two minutes until another wandering cultivator jumped out of the oily water, his arms and face covered in bleedingcerations.


    ��Well, I guess that��s my cue,�� Zac said to Vai.


    ��Be careful,�� she whispered. ��There are still manyyers to go �C no need to overdo it.��


    ��I know what I��m about,�� Zacughed.


    With that, he dove into the water, and he immediately grimaced with disgust. The liquid was oily and scorching hot, and utterly ufortable to swim around in. Fiery energy tried to burrow into his cells as well, but the little that made it past his sturdy skin was immediately gobbled up by his [Void Heart]. Having explored the Twilight Ocean, this invasion was nothing.


    There were no beasts in the vicinity, probably thanks to his proximity to the barges. He still equipped his presence-weakening cowl toplement his energy-hiding bracelet. Then, Zac took out his axe as he made his way downward, heading for the ocean floor below, all the while looking out for both animals and other cultivators. Soon enough he spotted a feeding frenzy, where hundreds of smaller fish were ripping apart the carcass of a huge fish that had dozens of long whiskers that seemed as sharp as des.


    However, the weird creature had been cut in two by a ded attack, and Zac guessed he had found the source of the previous cultivator��s wounds. A few of the frenzied fishes chose to target him instead of fighting for the dead catfish, but it was nothing that couldn��t be solved with a couple of swings.


    Finally, Zac reached the bottom of the ocean, somewhat surprised it was covered in lustrous corals, seaweed, and all kinds of nts. It was a stark contrast to the destendscape above water, which made Zac wonder if there were some specific reasons for it. Perhaps some sort of tidal wave that killed everything onnd every few years?


    Of course, Zac was more interested in treasure than solving the geographical puzzle, but he was a bit confused as he still felt the signaling from further down. Did he need to dig? Or was there some tunnel in the area? Since the signal came from ahead as well, Zac stayed a few hundred meters away from thekebed as he continued forward.


    He could tell that there were quite a few creatures that lived among those corals, but he couldn��t sense anything emitting the aura of a Beast King. Even then, there were the asional ambushes, but Zac never slowed down as he drew closer and closer to his destination. And finally, he saw it �C a deep crack in the ocean floor, leading into the depths of the Mystic Realm.


    There was a weak pulling from the chasm, forming a slight waterfall-like effect. However, it was nothingpared to the Twilight Chasm either in size or danger. This rather seemed to be a simple fissure created from an earthquake or tectonic tes moving, if that was even a thing inside a Mystic Realm.


    In either case, Zac could sense the item was right below him, and his heart thumped with anticipation as he dove inside. Deeper and deeper he went, and he was surprised to find that the ambient energy grew more sparse the further he swam. Soon enough, it could barely be considered E-grade, and the fire attunement has all but disappeared from the orange water.


    Eventually, the radiant glow from the waters hadpletely disappeared, and Zac could only make his way forward by his spiritual sense until he suddenly stopped. The pulse was so close he could touch it, but as he looked around, he couldn��t spot anything out of ce no matter what method he used.


    He swam over to the rocky wall of the fissure, his hands searching the rough surface for any clues. It should be inside here, but there weren��t any indications of a passage, and he couldn��t sense or spot any palpable energy signatures from within. It almost made him feel as though he was going crazy, sensing a signal that wasn��t there.


    There was only one way to find out, and the water churned as Zac punched forward. The wall shuddered from the massive force as deep cracks spread for dozens of meters. The wall was a lot sturdier than he��d expected, but Zac��s eyes still lit up �C the thud was hollow. One punch after another assaulted the wall until itpletely crumbled, but the scene of water rushing into the tunnel he��d exposed didn��t take ce.


    Instead, as pieces of rocks tumbled toward the depths of the fissure, an invisible wall held the waters at bay. Zac couldn��t make heads or tails of the scene, and even if the calling had suddenly grown a lot louder, he didn��t dare rush inside. Instead, he took out a spear that he gingerly pushed inside the dark path.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The spear entered without issue, proving there wasn��t any actual barrier that held the water at bay. Honestly, that only made the situation weirder, but Zac still slowly made his way inside. After all, he was hunting for remnants of an unfathomably powerful faction. So what if it scared the water to not enter?


    That didn��t mean Zac would just rush forward eyes shut, but no matter how he looked, he couldn��t figure out what was going on. Even after taking a couple of steps inside, he could neither find what kept the water at bay, nor any other energy signature for that matter. There was simply nothing after having entered the path �C like he had found a spot forgotten by the Heavens.


    No energy, no Dao, no nothing. It was hollow, empty.


    Growing even more curious about what he��d discovered, he turned toward the depths of the cave, toward the origin of the signal. The pathway itself wasn��t a proper tunnel, but rather a narrow crack that Zac barely managed to squeeze through. Thankfully, it only continued for a hundred meters until Zac found himself at the edge of an extremely odd cave.


    After entering the hidden chamber Zac finally had a pretty good idea of what was going on �C how this ce was created, and the origin of the call. The cave wasn��t very big, just fifty meters across, and it was almostpletely spherical. But the walls were definitely not natural, with twisted formations and patterns that would never appear in nature.


    Neither were the patterns arrays or something manmade. It rather looked like the result of an eruption of a chaotic mixture of energies. Zac wasn��t skilled enough to analyze the patterns, especially with all lingering hints of energy removed from the area, but he was pretty sure that spatial energies were heavily involved. With the Void Star being so chaotic, there was a simple exnation.


    A chunk of space had been teleported inside the bedrock of this Mystic Realm, pulverizing the stone that had upied the stone before. There was even a thickyer of ashy powder on the ground to strengthen this thesis. It was just like when he and the Azh��Rezak Alpha Gwyllgi had taken up the same plot of space when the Integration descended on Earth.


    Judging by the almost suffocating ancient aura in the cave, Zac had a strong suspicion it wasn��t an even fight this time around either. However, this time it was the stronger party that won, and Zac��s eyes turned to the only item inside the spherical cave.


    A singr piece of rubble thaty on top of the dustyyer.


    If he went by appearance alone, Zac wouldn��t have given it a second nce if he passed by the area. It was a bit odd it was dark greypared to the native red, though that could have all kinds of exnations. On its surface, a few white lines were added, but they didn��t provide any tangible clues. Of course, with the stable signal it was emitting, Zac honed in on it the moment he reached the mouth of the crevasse.


    And even if no one else could figure out what was so special about the stone, Zac knew exactly where it came from �C after all, he had seen it before. It was exactly this material the enormous castle in his vision was made from.


    Seeing it was both exciting and a bit disappointing. Exciting in the sense it had once been part of something amazing, a building that most likely housed true Supremacies once upon a time. Disappointing in the sense it was ultimately just a piece of rock. Perhaps it had been carved off from the outer wall during some ancient battle and fallen into a tear in space, carrying with it that ancient and inextinguishable aura.


    But if that was the case, was this all there was to his supposed opportunity? Was it thetent aura in this piece of rock that had elicited the vision? How was he supposed to make use of a piece of stone? Even after standing right in front of it for a minute, he hadn��t felt any benefits to any aspect of his cultivation.


    The piece of rubble might not look like much, but its aura still beckoned him, telling Zac to take it and make it his. Even so, Zac stayed in ce for a couple of minutes to scan both the stone and the cave for any threats. It was just too eerie finding this thing here, waiting for anyone to take it, and he didn��t trust his Danger Sense would work against items of this level.


    But there was simply nothing, and Zac eventually chose to follow his instincts. He jumped down, but his eyes suddenly widened in rm as hisnding kicked up a plume of dust. However, it wasn��t because of the stone, and Zac ferociously swung his axe in an overhead arc. Unfortunately, his attack missed, and Zac growled upon seeing a familiar figure appear right next to the piece of rubble.


    It was the dour man who had tried to get him into trouble the day they set out. His name was Kuru Cera, and he was one of the cultivators whose job was to scout ahead of the group. Of course, that didn��t mean Kuru Cera was harmless �C apart from joining groups as a scout, he was also rumored to moonlight as an assassin.


    ��I knew I did the right thing following you,�� Kuru snickered as he looked down at the piece of rubble. ��You moved with far too much purpose as you swam past thekebed. I knew you had something profitable in mind.��


    Zac neither confirmed nor denied it, but he was inwardly extremely annoyed he had been exposed. He had kept a constant vigil to avoid this exact situation, but scouting simply wasn��t his strong suit. Since the scout never had any intent to kill or even harm him, his Danger Sense hadn��t warned him at all. And Kuru had surprisingly good skills to both hid his presence and his aura, allowing him to stalk Zac all the way here.


    ��You don��t want to get involved in this,�� Zac eventually said as his killing intent started to permeate the cave.


    ��Not so fast,�� Kuru grinned as he tapped the token on his waist. ��Were you asleep during the briefings? Attack me, and the Void Gate will hunt you down. And ording to the rules of our employers, finder��s keepers. I��m not sure what made you hunt down this shitty rock, but my gut tells me it��s my ticket to prominence.��


    There was nothing else to say, and Zac suddenly shed forward, propelled by [Earthstrider]. If he could snatch the piece, then great. If he failed�� Then he might have to find out how urate these tokens were. Unfortunately, while Zac was quick, the scout was a proper Dexterity-based cultivator.


    Kuru��s hand turned to a blur as he snatched the rock just before Zac��s outstretched hand could reach it, prompting Zac to seamlessly transition his lunge into a swing.


    ��Wh-�� Kuru said, clearly shocked Zac actually dared to attack.


    However, the scout didn��t get a chance to finish his sentence, but not because of Zac��s killing blow. A silent pulse was suddenly released from the stone, and Kuru instantaneously turned into ashy dust that kicked up a storm as Zac��s axe passed right through. At first, Zac was ted that bastard got his just desserts, but that feeling onlysted until he saw the particles falling from his own outstretched hand.


    He, too, was falling apart.

 Chapter 874: Flamebearer

    Chapter 874: mebearer


    There was no warning and no pain as his fingers turned to motes of dust. In an instant, his whole hand was gone, reduced to an identical ashy rain that joined Kuru��s. The phenomenon was different from anything Zac had encountered before, including his Annihtion Spheres. It didn��t destroy anything �C it was rather as though the pulse erased all energy and spirituality from any matter it touched.


    Out of panic, Zac did everything he could think of to stem his imminent copse. He knew that talismans or skills would be useless against something like this, so he tried to urge his Hidden Nodes to do something, anything. Of course, he activated [Void Zone] as well, in a desperate hope his own nullification zone would cancel out the one that had been released from the piece of rubble.


    And it worked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Just like that, the copse of his very being stopped, but Zac had no way to tell if it was a permanent stay of execution. He had never sensed any energy causing the disintegration, and neither had his Hidden Nodes managed to cleanse or absorb anything. With his heart beating like a drum, Zac began to scramble away, but he suddenly froze with indecision.


    What if [Void Zone] covering the piece of ancient rubble was what kept him alive? If he ran away, would the stone regain its power and st him again? Or had the stone epted him after activating his bloodline talent? Was his survival proof that the stone was really meant for him, connected to his origin? Or was he just lucky? Should he run, or should he grab it?


    Barely having avoided irrevocable disaster, Zac��s mind was a mess and he was frozen with indecision. But he didn��t even get a second to weigh his options before the piece of rubble made his choice for him. A second, more powerful pulse rippled out from the rock, proving that his [Void Zone] was absolutely incapable of restraining it.


    Next, it floated up into the air, and Zac desperately shed away to avoid it as it shot toward him. But the stone seemed to have a mind of its own, and it mmed into Zac��s chest with a speed he absolutely couldn��t avoid. A deep thud echoed through the spherical cave, followed by a grating sound as the piece of stone crumbled, turning into a fine powder indistinguishable from that on the ground.


    Zac mutely looked down at his chest with mute iprehension. Was that it?


    No. His soul shuddered before both his outer and inner cores ground to a halt. He tried to circte his energy, but it might as well have been turned into ice. Time seemed to have stopped altogether, and he found himself unable to as much as blink, forced to stare at the frozen swirls of dust that had been kicked up by his failed escape.


    His mind still worked though, and he quickly pinpointed the source of it all right in his Soul Aperture. Four shining lines had appeared out of nowhere, exuding the very same aura as those he had been subject to in his vision. Zac recognized somewhat recognized the lines as well �C they were the very same ones that had been inscribed on the piece of rubble.


    At first, they seemed content in doing nothing, but they eventually released a third pulse that spread throughout every corner of his body. It was like his bloodline had been startled awake, the small vortices in his body opening wide as his three Void Emperor nodes entered overdrive. The scene didn��t elicit any fear �C rather the opposite.


    Zac looked on with expectation as the four lines started to release a pure white light containing that ancient aura, purer and more palpable than ever before. It was familiar, yet it was not. It almost felt nostalgic for some reason. The runes didn��t need to exin it, he could understand it by instinct.


    Kuru didn��t have the qualifications toe in contact with this item, and thus he was reduced to nothingness, not even leaving a shred nor his items behind. But [Void Zone] had proved something to the piece of rubble, and the final pulse that scanned him had confirmed it. No matter if it was because of his connection to Emperor Limitless, or if it simply was because he��d passed some other criteria, he had been epted by the runes.


    And now, it was time to reap the rewards.


    A quest screen appeared in front of his eyes, but Zac didn��t get the chance to read what it said. His whole perception was flooded by that marvelous light that seemed to contain a million ideas. Primeval, boundless, and even terrifying concepts swept him away, absolutely overwhelming him. Every moment, it felt like more and more was crammed into his brain, squeezing out everything else.


    His mind could only hold so much before it reached his limits. There was no ominous cracking of his soul, no tearing of his mind. But what he felt was not much better. The vast truths of the universe gradually turned into dust just like his hand, forever erasing itself from his memories. Left was just a sense of loss and inadequacy.


    Zac could barely hold onto his sense of self, but he knew that if he didn��t do something, and soon, it would be just like when he got his hands on that mote of Primal Dao back in the Twilight Chasm. He needed to grasp what he could before it all slipped through his fingers. His Hidden Nodes were the only thing that was doing something right now, each one of the three nodes gleefully absorbing the light.


    But that wasn��t enough �C more than 90% of the light was still wasted. His first instinct was to turn to the Dao just likest time, taking the chance to push his three Dao Branches further. However, as Zac tried to use the chaotic hurricane ofprehension to further his path and his Daos, there was no response.


    Zac soon realized that while the situation was simr to his opportunity in the chasm, the content of that light was vastly different. Just like the cave itself and the dust of the ground, it was void of any energy or the Dao. But without Dao, what else was there? It was the glue that held everything together.


    It felt like a fortune had already slipped through his fingers even if just an instant had passed, but Zac quickly gathered his wits. Of course there were other things to focus on, and he quickly recalled the third chapter of the [Book of Duality]. In an instant, it felt like he��d thrown out a into that vast sea ofprehension, catching at least some scraps for himself before they were reduced to nothingness.


    Out of nowhere, the fundament workings of duality became so clear. Going over the words in the booklet, Zac remembered every detail, every line, and he felt the hidden implications unraveling for him at a pace that was beyond shocking. Even some imperfections left by the imperfect transcription were amended, leaving him with an understanding even closer to Kalo��s original intent.


    Or perhaps it was more apt to say it drew closer to the perfect mechanics of the universe.


    Cycles, harmonies, chasms, pendulums, waves, interlocking patterns, and so many other methods of utilizing and building upon duality revealed themselves to his mind��s eye. A wealth of knowledge wasid bare, filling gaps and lighting a path to the future. But gradually, Zac found that path hazy. It wasn��t that he��d run out of time �C the light was gradually weakening, but it still exuded far more than he could take on.


    He couldn��t remember theter chapters of the book.


    Zac had repeatedly gone over the earlier sections of the [Book of Duality] over the past weeks, and the first half of the book was pretty much imprinted on his brain. It was his method to gradually decipher the book, but he hadn��t gone over theter chapters in such detail. As such, he couldn��t continue this path �C there was nothing for that magical light in his mind to decipher for him.


    He tried to take out the booklet from his Spatial Ring, but it was futile �C either he was frozen in ce or time was. In either case, he couldn��t so much as blink, let alone riffle through a booklet. He needed to change course to make the most of this opportunity. His Void Emperor-nodes were still gobbling up what they could, but Zac could feel that even they were almost filled to the brim.


    There were skills, techniques, and professions to consider, but there was something even better. Something that was firmly and fully locked in his brain.


    The [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].


    For once, Zac didn��t fear the path-breaking power in the sea of knowledge that Three Virtues had left behind in his soul. Even the Buddhist Sangha was followers of the Dao. Meanwhile, the shining light seemed capable ofpletely stripping everything of its heavenly truth, opening the hood to showcase what hid within.


    He delved deeper and deeper into the Body Tempering Manual, trying to understand the overarching themes and connections of the method. How were Heart and Body connected? How could the boundlessness of Buddha��s heart be removed, or at least reced by something that wouldn��t alter his path?


    Zac��s mind shuddered and he felt a splitting headache as a million ideas were born and discarded. But it was not for nothing �C something was starting to form. Something that was uniquely his. But it wasn��t enough. Eventually, his state of rity began to fade, and Zac felt as though he was being plunged into an abyss.


    The truths he needed were getting further and further away, and as the light winked out, they were gone. Left behind in his mind were only the four white lines. But even they released a ripple and disappeared a momentter. Zac took a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes, his heart filled with a confusing mix of tion and deficiency as he saw the world speed up again.


    The previously frozen clouds of dust swirled around for a moment before a churning rumble shook the cave as the waters of Hako Lake, once more glowing a bright orange, came crashing to fill the crevasse. There was no way to tell whether the runes had actually slowed time down for him, or if it had just felt that way with the speed his mind worked, but no actual time had passed since those lines appeared in his mind.


    Zac let the waters crash over him and submerge the cave as a smile spread across his face. He��d been a bit skeptical upon seeing that piece of rubble, but he had ended up gaining in a big way. That shimmering light in his mind wasn��t enough topletely reforge the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], but it had been enough to open a door he didn��t know existed.


    The answer was within the void.


    The original method aimed to relinquish all distractions, to be an unfeeling Vajra with only their eyes on their path. It could be considered a surrender of the self, where one��s heart became empty and boundless to ept the Heavens. That didn��t work for Zac, but the epiphany had helped him realize that removing those parts would essentially remove the very foundations of the manual.


    The Heart Cultivation wasn��t just there as a trap or to lure more practitioners into the arms of the Sangha. It brought purpose to the movements, to the energy cirction, to the patterns, as it incorporated your Dao and your intent into the method. In a sense, it harmonized the method with your path, allowing you to create a life constitution uniquely suited for you. This was the real reason it was considered a top-tier method.


    Without the heartponent, the method would be utterly wed. He would perhaps be able to force the firstyer or two with treasures considering his wealth, but that would do more harm than good. If he did that, then his constitution would take on the nature of the treasures rather than of one that suited him. Such an incongruity would soon cause problems with every aspect of your cultivation.


    But it wasn��t hopeless. The details were already hazy since the shining light left him, but he had seen how the Void could rece the Boundlessness. Instead of relinquishing one��s self, you��d ensconce it in the void. That way, not even the Heavens themselves would be able to influence your heart or your path.


    For a normal cultivator, this path was utterly impossible �C it was a path that required an absolute absence of the Dao. How else would you be able toprehend and wee the true void into your heart? Affinities were a bridge between yourself and the Heavens, and not even crippling your cultivation could remove that. As long as that bridge existed, you could not truly practice the kind of method Zac envisioned.


    In that sense, he was unique, a personpletelycking affinities, with a Void-rted Bloodline to boot. As long as he could create that method, he��d be a ck hole �C he��d take anything he needed to progress, without letting outside elements affect his path or his heart. This would not just solve the immediate goal of getting a life-attuned constitution for his human side �C but it would prove something he desperately wanted.


    A Heart Cultivation method that would protect you from undue outside influence, no matter if it was the System, the Buddhist Sangha, or the Remnants. He had been led around by the nose enough times by now that the thought of cultivating independence was almost as attractive as the thought of aligning his human constitution with his path.


    For a moment, he had seen it all mesh together �C Life and Death held together by the Void in his bloodline, just like his triumvirate path were held together by the Dao of Conflict.


    Figuring out the path he needed to take with the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] was the biggest gain, but it wasn��t all of it. Zac had fullyprehended both the third and fourth chapters of the [Book of Duality], something that would have taken him months of hard work. Not only that, the knowledge had somehow been expanded beyond what was hidden within his copy.


    The former was somewhat understandable �C he��d eaten epiphany-inducing treasures before. However, the second aspect was more shocking, since Zac knew those additional insights weren��t the fruit of his own understanding. They were far beyond what he couldprehend on his own, epiphany or not. The concepts came from within that rune.


    Was he so lucky that it just happened to contain exactly the insights he was looking for? Zac didn��t think so. It was more like that rune represented the fundamentalws of the universe, and the underpinnings of duality were just one small piece of that. It made Zac think of that feeling he��d gotten when he was shown the empty courtyard of Ultom. That coherent and supreme understanding that unified everything which transcended the Dao itself.


    Of course, the burst of inspiration he��d gotten just now was just a shadow of the real thing. But they had to be connected.


    Still, there were some things he couldn��t make sense of quite yet. First of all, the iplete rune he��d seen in his soul for a moment didn��t match the one on the steps in the inner courtyard. It was rather part of a repeating pattern he saw on the massive castle for a moment before his vision changed.


    It was rted, but different. For some reason, it also filled him with a sense of familiarity. Could it be a connection through bloodline, between himself and the Limitless Empire?


    Perhaps even more importantly, he��d gained such a huge windfall from finding a random piece of rubble that had been teleported to this random Mystic Realm. What would happen if he got his hands on a full rune rather than a corner? Or something that held even more of that aura?


    No matter if it was figuring out a blueprint for his Cultivator��s Core or creating his envisioned [Void Vajra Sublimation], it was a huge undertaking. And frankly, it requiredprehension and talent that he might not possess. This could be his ticket to solving those two issues in one fell swoop, not just saving time, but elevating his prospects altogether.


    Zac suddenly remembered he��d gotten a quest just before the wave of insightsmanded all his attention, and he quickly opened it to see if it provided any clues. For a moment he was ted. For another, he was confused. Eventually, he settled with being unsettled. Just what had he be embroiled in this time?


    [Seal of the Left Imperial Pce (Unique, Inheritance): Form a seal of the Left Imperial Pce. Reward: Be a mebearer of Ultom. (1/4)]

 Chapter 875: The Will of the Ancients

    Chapter 875: The Will of the Ancients


    [Seal of the Left Imperial Pce (Unique, Inheritance): Form a seal of the Left Imperial Pce. Reward: Be a mebearer of Ultom. (1/4)]


    Zac didn��t know what to believe as he read the mission. More than anything he felt it a bit ironic. He had just devised a change for his Body Tempering Manual that would shield his heart from the System, yet it looked like he needed to participate in some System-controlled inheritance to figure out the specifics.


    At least that was his first takeaway. The quest was at 1/4, which hopefully meant there were three more pieces of rubble strewn throughout the Void Star. Three more bursts of that sea of knowledge should be enough to figure out all his roadblocks for Hegemony, paving the way for him to visit the Perennial Vastness Realm much earlier than he��d anticipated. And that was just from progressing the quest itself.


    Not only that, but the quest had also given a name to that massive castle in his vision �C The Left Imperial Pce. By this point, it almost seemed like a forgone conclusion that it really was part of the Limitless Empire. Anything else seemed like a hopeless longshot by this point. But just what was a mebearer of Ultom? A representative?


    Seeing as the quest type was listed as (Unique, Inheritance), it might act as the qualification to enter the pce? Or to at least gain ess to some minor inheritance left behind by the Limitless Empire? Just the thought of an Inheritance of that magnitude almost made Zac drool with excitement. What if it was like Bra��s Dao Repository? A repeating opportunity that mightst him all the way to Supremacy?


    No matter which was the case, one thing was for sure �C he needed to find the rest of that rune. The nature of the actual reward didn��t even matter.


    Having just gained such a massive windfall, Zac only wanted to seclude himself for a couple of weeks. He needed to digest what he��d just learned and prepare in case he stumbled onto another piece of the seal. But first things first. Slumbering motes of Creation were dragged from his cells, and Zac felt the sweet nectar of unbridled possibility course through his body.


    But the energy was soon reluctantly pushed back into his body as Zac looked at his perfectly intact hand with confusion. He had been so upied with the wealth of knowledge that he hadpletely failed to realize he was in perfect condition, with no hints that part of his body was previously missing.


    How was this possible? Had the runes turned back time after realizing it had made a mistake? Or had it reced his left hand with something else? No, it seemed unlikely. No matter how many times he scanned it, he couldn��t find anything different from before. It was pretty unsettling, but he ultimately put the matter aside.


    He was too stupid to figure out that mystery, and he only had another hour or two before he needed to get back to the barge. Possibly even earlier, considering how Kuru had just been turned into dust right in front of his eyes. He knew he might face some questioning when he returned, but he could only take things as they came. Hopefully, the runes had so utterly destroyed the token that there were no clues to glean.


    Zac eventually closed his eyes again, slowly going over his insights. However, only five minutes passed until his eyes shot open as his mind suddenly screamed of danger. Extreme, mortal danger. The source wasn��t some angry temr bearing down on him, but that didn��t make the situation better.


    Something was happening in the center of the cave. A small ball containing terrifying waves of Spatial Energy had appeared out of nowhere. It phased in and out of being as it flickered ominously, like it was trying to break into this dimension. Zac didn��t know what it was, and if his absorbing of the rune was the cause of its appearance. It didn��t matter.


    What he did know was that he needed to get away �C and quick. With one step, he squeezed into the crevasse, and with another activation of [Earthstrider],he was out in the chasm. But adding some distance to the anomaly did nothing to quell the terror in his heart �C his Danger Sense was still screaming at him to get away.


    For the first time since taking the appearance of Gaun Sorom, Zac released the floodgates to the divine tree in his Soul Aperture, filling his movement skill with his Branch of the Kalpataru as he escaped as quickly as his legs would take him. By now, the wholekebed was rumbling, and it wasn��t the time to be picky.


    Each step took him hundreds of meters away, leaving churning whirlwinds in his wake. Even then, his horror was only mounting as the frantic energies beneath him grew stronger. He shot out from the fissure like a rocket, heading straight for the surface with all the speed he could muster.


    Eventually, reality shattered, and a shockwave pushed Zac to the surface and hundreds of meters into the air. Zac coughed out a mouthful of blood as the bones in his body groaned, but at least he was out of the waters. Bing airborne gave him a good vantage as well, and he spotted the barges far in the distance.


    Zac mmed into the waters a few secondster, but he immediately got back up again. He couldn��t fly, but he could still run on top of the waters, and a minuteter he jumped onto the barge. Vai hurried over when she saw him, and he waved at her to show he was okay before he ate a healing pill. Two more had already surfaced before him, and three more followed within the next minute.


    Looking around, Zac inwardly breathed out in relief. Those who had just returned to the barges were worse for the wear, but it looked like Kuru was the only casualty. And with this big a cmity, he had the perfect scapegoat.


    ��What is going on?!�� Teo asked as his gaze alternated between the still-wet wandering cultivators and the roiling waters.


    ��A breach,�� one of the warriors said breathlessly. ��A breach is opening up at the bottom of theke.��


    ��He��s right,�� another one added. ��I couldn��t see it, but the spatial fluctuations were terrible.��


    ��I think two oceans have merged,�� one of the two remaining scouts said as he peered down into the depths, his eyes gleaming from some skill. ��I can��t say for sure, but it looks like tendrils of purple mud or thick water is rising from the depths?��


    ��Purple waters?�� T said thoughtfully. ��Aphosis Eight? Or perhaps the Taosi Ocean in Kosdo Nine?��


    ��Let��s hope it��s Aphosis,�� Teo frowned. ��Did anyone see any invaders?��


    ��Invaders?�� someone muttered with confusion.


    ��Beasts that don��t belong,�� Havasa exined.


    Everyone shook their heads, but that did little to ay anyone��s worries.


    ��T,�� Teo said.


    ��I��m on it,�� the vice-captain nodded and jumped into the waters.


    ��Speed up, everyone stay alert!�� Teo said.


    Some arrays on the barges hummed to life as the Hegemons inserted more crystals into the arrays, and they sped toward the other shore. For a minute, nothing happened, until a frazzled T breached the surface and jumped back onto deck.


    ��Not water! Insects!�� the vice-captain shouted, but her voice was almost drowned out by a deafening roar as a ck tidal wave exploded out from the waters, reaching over a hundred meters into the air in an instant.


    Zac looked at the seething wave with iprehension for a moment, until it clicked what the vice-captain had just said.


    Insects?


    ����������-


    Outside a lonely cottage in a shrouded forest, Kouzo wordlessly observed the kettle as its contents simmered over the fire. The bones formed an intricate dance as they swirled around in the broth, their movements mirroring the eight primordial truths. Suddenly, one of the bones snapped, prompting Kouzo to exim in surprise.


    He immediately threw out a handful of bones on the ground next to him to confirm, grunting upon seeing their cement.


    ��The first candle is lit,�� the old man muttered as his murky eyes turned toward the sky. ��Ultom has found a candidate.��


    ��Already?�� a rumbling voice echoed out as a middle-aged man stepped out from the stars.


    The air could not withstand his presence, and cracks spread in his wake as he walked forward, like a cape stretching toward the heavens. The old man sighed as he felt the primal aura being emitted from his body �C the mark of a true Primordial Dragon. It looked like the Patriarch was rousing from his slumber after millions of years if one of his generals stepped forward to take charge of this matter.


    Kouzo had long since retreated from the arena of power, but he could still recognize it was Realmbane who stood in front of him. The solitary golden scale covering his be was proof enough that he belonged to one of the two dragon heritages that were held in the highest esteem even though they were not purebloods.


    After all, Realmbane and the Patriarch had a hint of the Beast Progenitor coursing through their veins.


    Kouzo didn��t understand. The Starbeast Alliance didn��t even contend for the first pir, and only individual Ancestors contended for the three that followed. What was so special about the fifth pir that it elicited this kind of response? Did his master know something? Was that why he exhausted his longevity? But if so, why didn��t he impart what he knew before moving on?


    ��We just got the report from the Worldwing Autarch, and someone has already been epted?�� Realmbane frowned. ��How is this possible? Even if our activities were exposed to the Undead Empire, they stillck critical information. And while the Sangha��s means are unfathomable, there shouldn��t be more than one or two chapters who bother with this matter.��


    ��No prophecy can ount for every variable, not even my Master��s,�� the old man smiled.


    ��Can you tell who it is? If it��s the Undead Empire, then fine. I doubt the Primo is willing to exit his seclusion, and we should be able to deal with his clones. But if it��s those undying Abbots, then it��s trouble,�� the dragon rumbled. ��The more pressure we apply, the more chapters would join hands.��


    Kouzo turned back toward the simmering pot, and minutes passed in silence as he made his deductions.


    ��It��s�� messy,�� Kouzo eventually said. ��I sense the Sangha, but I also sense the Abyss. And there is a hint of the Vigil. There is even something else as well, but it is too deeply hidden. I cannot grasp it from this distance.��


    ��The Vigil is to be expected,�� the general mused. ��But they have never gotten directly involved in the conflict. But what��s with the conflicting hints? Is there someone who is obstructing you?��


    ��I am far from Master��s level in this regard,�� Kouzo sighed. ��There are quite a few who can blind my eyes. But no, this seems to be something else. Only part of the tapestry is obscured, but I do not know what to make of the rest. Chaos runs rife through the threads of fate.��


    ��Chaos?�� the dragon said with a start.


    ��My lord?�� Kouzo asked, and he was met with a rumblingugh.


    ��The Sangha and the Abyss, you say? Chaos?�� Realmsbane said before he released a boomingugh. ��I think I know what we��re dealing with.��


    Space flickered the next moment as a spear-wielding warrior appeared, his face almost covered in scales �C proving his atavism was just an early stage.


    ��Ancestor,�� the man bowed before repeating a slightly lower bow at Kouzo. ��Sage Kouzo.��


    ��A Mutant Voidcatcher just returned from a mission on the outside,�� the general said. ��You should be able to find him in the Sea of Salvation. Bring him to me.��


    The warrior bowed again before he disappeared, off to fulfill his task. Seeing the dragonling disappear, Kouzo turned back to Realmsbane curiously.


    ��See for yourself,�� Realmsbane snorted and waved his hand, prompting a series of images to sh through Kouzo��s mind.


    ��The boy?�� Kuozo eximed, suddenly remembering the report. ��How is that possible? How could an E-grade child be qualified to get involved with these matters?��


    ��The Left Imperial Pce has been without a controller since the Dark Ages. That��s more than enough time for it to have be influenced by the eternal intent of those ancient masters,�� the general said. ��Who knows what their goals were? But this could be good news as well, allowing us to test the waters. Do we have any decent prospects among the younglings of thetest generations?��


    ��I��m sorry, I wouldn��t know,�� Kouzo smiled. ��I secluded myself millions of years ago.��


    ��Alright,�� Realmsbane nodded. ��I will have someone arrange a quick trial. I will need your assistance to find those whose fates shine the brightest and augment them even further. If there is anything you can think of to increase our chance of sess, let me know. This is the highest priority of the council.��


    ��Of course,�� Kouzo nodded, though he was still inwardly confused.


    As far as he knew, only Emperor Limitless knew the true worth of the Ultom Courts, but one thing was for sure �C some things were often more trouble than they were worth. Being rich was a sin if you didn��t have the strength to protect it, and the Starbeast Alliance wasn��t infallible. Judging by how fate was shifting, holding onto the Left Imperial Pce woulde with a terrible price.


    Was there something special about the Heritage from the Lost Era?


    �����C


    It was the same today as well �C the shimmering wall of gold appeared when they came too close. A searingnce of fire mmed into it with enough force to incinerate a, yet it only rippled a bit before space calmed down again. Iz��s eyes suspiciously turned to Kvalk again, her silence speaking volumes.


    ��Young miss, I wouldn��t lie to you!�� the golem quickly said. ��The seal is extremely powerful. Even if I sacrificed some of my cultivation, I wouldn��t be able to breach it.��


    ��I heard it with my own ears. That Draugr girl and her master, who is a lot weaker than you, managed to visit this sector and leave without issue,�� Iz hummed.


    ��Something must have changed for the Heavens to directly block us out like this,�� Kvalk sighed. ��Normally, only the agreements keep the upper realms away from the frontier. Even when there is direct interference, there is just suppression of providence or perhaps a seal on our strength. But this �C a direct barrier barring entry? I have never heard of such a thing. This is the work of the Boundless Heavens.��


    Iz looked at the barrier with reluctance, wondering what to think and what to believe. Was it really the System that blocked her out? Or was Uncle Valderak and his descendant trying to trick her again? Was there no choice but to turn back now that she was so close? She didn��t want to, but she had been stuck here for weeks now.


    Suddenly, she felt the mes in her body stir, and she looked over at Kvalk just in time to see a familiar rune appear on its forehead as towering mes were released from its body.


    ��Little girl, are you having fun on the outside?�� Kvalkughed.


    ���� Grampa?�� Iz hesitated before her eyes widened. ��I knew it! Have you sealed off this sector?��


    ��How could I possibly be so bored?�� Mohzius snorted, the sound a bit unnaturaling from the possessed golem. ��But I am afraid things have be a bitplicated.��


    ��You want me to return?�� Iz frowned.


    ��Your grandmother wants you toe home, she is worried,�� the golem nodded. ��But I am willing to give you a choice.��


    ��What��s going on?�� Iz hesitated, realizing something big had happened.


    ��The Left Imperial Pce of the Limitless Empire is rising from the ashes of history,�� Mohzius exined. ��And it looks like it will make its first appearance in this frontier sector.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Are the uncles or auntsing to fight for it?�� Iz asked with confusion.


    ��We hadn��t nned on it, but things have changed,�� Mozhius sighed. ��It��s up to you now.��


    ��Me?�� Iz said with confusion. ��I��m only here for Mr. Bug. What��s that got to do with me?��


    ��We first saw the signs a few days ago, and I convened with the Old Man River to have him look for clues across the River of Time. It seems your little friend is either responsible for its emergence, or at least connected to it all somehow.��


    ��Mr. Bug?�� Iz eximed before her mouth slowly started to curve upward. ��That��s so like him.��


    ��Yes, well,�� Mozhius snorted. ��He almost reminds me of a younger and less dashing version of me. In either case, it seems the first stage of this emergence will contain some sort of inheritance aimed at the younger generation.��


    ��I wouldpete with Mr. Bug?�� Iz said hesitantly. ��If he was the one who found it, I don��t want to take it. He��s so poor, I��d feel bad.��


    ��It��s impossible to tell the specifics from the outside,�� Mohzius said. ��You mightpete for the same prize, or you might need to team up to explore the opportunities. It all depends on the will of the ancients.��


    ��What do you want me to do?�� Iz hesitated. ��This is such an important matter. I-��


    ��At a certain point, the young need to spread their wings and fly,�� Mozhius smiled. ��Your grandmother would have preferred you stayed under our protection for a while longer, but I believe you��re ready to choose for yourself. And isn��t this what you wanted? To go on adventures with your friend?��


    ��It��s up to you to decide if you want topete for this opportunity. If you��re ready, I will seal this child��s cultivation to middle Monarchy, which should be enough for me to force you two inside. But as soon you enter, you two will be on your own �C not even your grandmother can intercede this time.��


    ��What about those other factions? Will it cause trouble for the family?��


    ��Since when have the Tayns feared some trouble?�� Mohzius snorted. ��Just kill anyone who gets in your way. But if all you want out of this excursion is to meet up with your friend, I will bring you back. I cannot let you enter if you��re just here for a vacation. On the other side of the barrier, you will just be you, without the protections you have back home. You might even die.��


    Iz slowly turned her gaze back toward the barrier again, wordlessly weighing her options. Hearing that she might actually die, she was a bit afraid. Not that she would cease to exist, but rather that she��d waste all that her elders had sacrificed to give her a chance at life. But she could also tell that her grandfather hoped for her to take this risk.


    Treasures and background could only take you so far. You needed more if you wanted to walk the road of eternity. You needed conviction, you needed purpose. Her grandfather hoped she would find that in here.


    She remembered how Mr. Bug struggled every day in the mirror. In many ways, he was more of a cultivator than she was. Was this her chance? To test herself, to find purpose in her existence? If she seeded, then great. If she failed, then she simply wasn��t fated. It didn��t seem like a bad deal.


    ��I want to give it a try.��

 Chapter 876: Negative Spiral

    Chapter 876: Negative Spiral


    Zac, like most of the other cultivators, released a pent-up sigh of relief as he stepped through the dimensional gate to the third Mystic Realm. They had already been somewhat safe after reaching the waystation, but the way those frenzied cockroaches seemed able to absorb energy, he believed it was just a matter of time before the defensive arrays failed.


    He felt a bit apologetic that they had been hounded for days without reprieve, but at least everyone was alive. Of course, if the others found out he was the reason that two-thirds of the squad members had painful bite marks across their whole bodies, they would probably pummel him to death.


    Only the Hegemons and the strongest Half-Step Cultivators were spared, which was saying something considering most of the critters weren��t even E-grade. But when there were billions of them forming a swarm that blotted out the sky, even F-grade roaches could take you out.


    It was a tide in the true sense of the word. Every critter would exhaust a small amount of your energy, and they were endless. Eventually, you would be exhausted, at which point the stronger roaches would breach your defenses and start ripping you open. This was a type of tide that many feared even more than Beast Kings, and Zac remembered Ogras telling him how a rat tide had taken out a whole capital on his home.


    At least that was over with since there was no way the roaches would be able to hound them acrossyers. Unfortunately, the relief didn��tst long. Even if his mind was preupied with the churning sea of energy-feeding roaches, he still remembered to brace himself for another pulse. But even after waiting for half a minute, not so much as a whiff of that ancient aura greeted him.


    There was only the ambient energy a slight electric charge. A world of thunderstorms, perhaps? Of course, Zac didn��t really care what kind of Mystic Realm they had arrived in. He was far more worried about theck of guidance from the ancient remnants of the Left Imperial Pce. What now?


    Seeing as the piece of rubble could guide him through multiple Mystic Realms, he��d assume he would get another pulse leading him toward the next, especially now that he even got a rted quest. That had been too optimistic. Was there really only one piece inside the Void Star? Or was the next piece of rubble too far, forcing him to explore more realms?


    ��We won��t pass by the realm where those buggers came from, right?�� a cultivator hesitantly asked after everyone had taken a breather.


    ��No, and we��ll not pass through this realm on the way back�� Teo grunted, clearly a bit annoyed.


    Zac could understand the sentiment. Things kept going sideways for the poor captain. He had also been forced to continuously use his defensive skills for days to protect the group, and he was visibly pale from the energy expenditure.


    ��With our dash, we��re ahead of schedule. We��ll rest here for half a day before continuing,�� the leader continued before taking over a corner to rest.


    Zac inwardly breathed out in relief as he sat down. It looked like the death of the dour scout had been pinned on the beast tide rather than him, with no one making any trouble. Teo had simply asked everyone who had been in the waters during the breach if they��d seen Kuru, to which everyone shook their heads.


    The relief didn��t onlye from his activities not being found out �C he needed the rest. His energy reserves were shocking for his level, but he was ultimately just an E-grade warrior. Without a core, he couldn��tpare to even Half-Step Hegemon in energy reserves. And since he was one of the warriors, he had been forced to protect the researchers who only needed to keep running.


    With his free hand, Zac took out the [Book of Duality] and started to read through the first four chapters again. He quickly found there wasn��t any need �C after his epiphany, it was like the ideas and concepts were imprinted into his brain. There was no need to digest what he��d read.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Instead, Zac started to go over thest three chapters. He didn��t bother trying toprehend the truths hidden inside. As long as he memorized every page, he would be able to decipher them in case he suddenly ran into another part of the seal. The hours passed, and by the time it was time to go, the pages were memorized and his energy was mostly restored.


    Everyone else looked a lot better as well, with the bitemarks covering their faces healed, but the atmosphere was still a bit subdued as they set out again. Thankfully, they only needed to worry about the weather in the third realm, with the asional thunderbolt striking down at them. However, their force was nothingpared to real tribtion lightning, and they were easily dealt with.


    After its initial hups, things started to return to normalcy �C for a high-danger mission into a weird multi-dimensional star, that is. Days turned to weeks, and Zac��s worries quickly be reality as not a single one of the realms they traversed contained any remnants of or clues to the Left Imperial Pce.


    The same was true for the naturally-appearing breaches they encountered on the way. Zac had been hoping to at least get some confirmation more pieces existed through the breaches, even if he wasn��t nning on jumping through. Unfortunately, the only thing pouring out of those spatial tears were more beasts.


    Over the next eight Mystic Realms they crossed, they encountered huge spatial tears in three, and while none were as bad as the insect tide, they all contained shocking numbers of agitated animals. Zac felt it very odd �C why were there always animals on the other side? It wasn��t like every Mystic Realm contained huge numbers of animals, only the wild ones did.


    So why didn��t any tears open up, only for them to lead to some dead Mystic Realm? Neither was there any indication that these beasts were brought by the System �C when it did, it always awarded the defenders quests. Was there something about these seemingly overpopted realms that led to the breaches? Zac had no idea, and the Temrs didn��t seem interested in sharing their theories either.


    Apart from the breaches, the squad also encountered a tremendous spatial ripple that left a vast convergence in its wake. It covered half the Mystic Realm, forcing them into a day-long and extremely confusing battle where beasts kept popping up out of nowhere and disappearing a momentter.


    Even with all this chaos around them, Zac spent most of his time going over the [Void Vajra Sublimation] in his mind. In contrast to the chapters of the [Book of Duality], the epiphany had only illuminated the path for this idea. Actually creating a working method was terrifyinglyplex. It would probably require another epiphany, but he wanted to solve some pieces of the puzzle before that.


    It was just like eating a Dao Treasure �C the more he managed to sort out beforehand, the more he could make of the opportunity. The more Zac thought about the idea, the more sure he was that this was the right way to go. It was not only about protecting his path either. Incorporating the concept of the void into the method should drastically reduce the risk of the method shing with his Bloodline.


    That was the biggest risk apart from having his path broken, but this idea would essentially turn the highpatibility method into a Body Tempering Manual uniquely suited for only him. Unfortunately, he couldn��t try out his theories during the mission, so he could only run simtions in his mind.


    Others weren��t so free that they could turn their sight inward and ponder on their path. The environment grew increasingly hostile as they progressed deeper into the Void Star. The first casualties, apart from Kuru��s unfortunate disappearance, since the initial convergence came when they encountered the second breach. An endless number of beasts, both flying andndlocked, came flooding out, including dozens of Beast Kings. Not even Teo and his vice-captains were able topletely control the avnche.


    There were simply too many beasts, and they hadn��t managed to force their way out from the encirclement even after furiously fighting for hours. The first-string cultivators were overwhelmed, and more and more beasts had to be let through their outer perimeter to be dealt with by the second-string cultivators.


    Because of this, a dying Beast King managed to kill one of the defenders with itsst breath before Havasa had the chance to take it out. Its final attack even ripped the arm of the researcher the temr was protecting. One of the first-string cultivators fell half an hourter, and by the time they managed to escape, another two had such grievous wounds they would be unable to fight for weeks even with Kantomir��s ministrations.


    Like that, Zac got a second ward; the nun whose arm had been ripped off. Zac was pretty much the most powerful second-string cultivator, so he had to take on a slightly greater burden. It wasn��t that he had revealed more of his power �C it was simply a result of having a Dao Branch. His Branch of the War Axe drastically increased his lethality, allowing him to kill most beasts in a single swing while others required multiple attacks to kill the sturdy beasts.


    More than one wandering cultivator had approached him during their travels, hoping to glean some sort of insight from how he��d managed to finally form a Dao Branch after centuries of being stalled out. Unfortunately, they could only leave in disappointment after Zac said he��d found a natural treasure that both increased his affinity and forced a breakthrough.


    Five more members of the squad, four warriors and one researcher, had died by the time they closed in on their destination, and another three were so wounded they had to be carried. In other words, they had essentially reached a casualty rate of 20% already, after less than half the mission waspleted. From here, they would need to guard the Spatial Anomaly for up to a month and then return to the surface.


    As things stood, Zac doubted they would be able to make it out within the advertised 30% casualty rate. With fewer and fewer warriors being fit to fight, the pressure on the others would increase, creating a negative spiral.


    Thankfully, not every Mystic Realm they passed were dangerous. One waspletely void of enemies, while another had been cleared out by one of therge roving armies just two weeks ago. It was a shame they had already moved on. If not for the mission taking so long to fill up, they would have been able to add to their roster from the massive army. But with their squad already running a bitte, they couldn��t spare the time to move two realms over and fetch new members.


    Finally, after close to a month of traversing inhospitable realms, endless bloodshed, and weird spatial events, the squad finally reached their destination realm. Like a dozen times before, Zac prepared himself for a pulse as he stepped through the Spatial Gate, but just like every time since the events at Hako Lake, there was nothing.


    By now, Zac��s disappointment had started to taper down, and he had somewhat guessed he would have to look for the other pieces of the seal elsewhere. Instead, he turned his attention to the bangle on his arm, and the news was a lot better there.


    As the squad had moved deeper and deeper into the Void Star, the ambient spatial energies had grown denser. By now, it could be sensed on top of the ambient energy no matter where you went, and the environment had a startling effect on the escape treasure he got from the System.


    Since Zac pushed a mote of Chaos into it, the bangle had been in an unresponsive state. Turbulent energies still lingered within, though they had degraded from pure chaos to all kinds of other concepts. Luckily, the bangle wasn��t some random item he��d picked up at an auction. It was provided by the System itself as part of a top-grade evaluation of his performance during the Integration.


    After two months of dormancy, it was finally showing signs of recovery, and the spatial energies in the atmosphere were speeding up the process. As things looked right now, Zac wouldn��t need to find some artificer to repair it. It was just a matter of time before he could use it again.


    That was great news for him since the [shfire Flourish] was essentially only a superior version of an escape talisman. It put an enormous distance between you and your pursuers, but after that, you were on your own. Any pursuer that could force him to run for his life also had a decent chance of seeing through the obscuring effects of the item given enough time.


    But as long as the escape bangle was up and running, that problem would be solved. The feature that would instantly return him to Earth was still on cooldown for another decade, but he would be able to take out a Teleportation Array and go anywhere he wanted. By the time his pursuers managed to catch up, he��d be long gone.


    There were still some ways before the bangle reached a level where Zac would dare use it, but perhaps spending some time next to a spatial anomaly would speed up the process even further. Judging by the atmosphere, they��d be drenched in spatial energies for the next foreseeable future.


    ��Aright,�� Teo said after the spatial gate closed behind them, while Havasa took out arge box. ��Good job getting here, everyone. We will stay in this realm for a while, and there are some things you need to know. There normally aren��t too many dangers in the form of beasts in this realm, but there are some other things you need to be wary of. The spatial energies are quite strong, especially close to the anomaly, which leads to some odd phenomena.��


    Next, the Temr captain took out a metal bracer from the box showing it to the warriors before he attached it to his wrist. ��These are Space Anchors, and they��ll be your best friend in this Mystic Realm. We didn��t distribute them before since they��re frankly quite expensive, and we need all of them back after the mission ispleted.


    ��They have two uses. First, it has an array that works a lot like stabilization talismans we used to enter the Void Star. In case the weather gets bad, these things will protect you.��


    ��The weather?�� a warrior asked with confusion.


    ��Spatial storms,�� Teo rified. ��Waves of rampant Spatial Energies that can send part of your legs to the Void, your head to another Mystic Realm, while leaving your torso untouched. These things will make sure you guys are not split up. Literally.��


    ��However, some storms are too powerful, and they can whisk your whole body away,�� Havasa added as she equipped one of the anchors herself. ��So if it suddenly looks like the whole world around you starts to twist and distort, immediately activate the array on these things.��


    A shimmering blue band of energy shot out from a gem the next moment, stretching across the whole waiting room before mming into�� nothing. Five meters from the wall, spatial cracks appeared in the air while a deep energy barb had dug into the cracks. It really looked like an anchor, though it seemed to rather have the functionality of an ice pick.


    ��This will hopefully keep you in ce until the storm passes,�� Havasa said before shaking her hand, prompting the anchor to dissipate.


    After learning of the possibility of one��s body getting disassembled by a gust of wind, the warriors didn��t need to be told twice to put one of the bracers on. After activating it, Zac felt a thin film of spatial energy ensconce him. It didn��t cost him a lot of energy either, since it seemed to draw power from the surroundings.


    Most people, Zac included, also activated the anchor function to make sure they hadn��t been given a dud. After that, they all set out, but they didn��t get far before they stopped to take in this new Mystic Realm they��d entered.


    ��What the-�� Zac muttered as he looked at the chaotic scene.


    It felt like he had entered a theme park��s house of mirrors, with dozens of disjointed vistas filling up his vision. Most of them depicted a magical forest with blue leaves and undergrowth, but they were disjointed. It looked like he was shown fifty different parts of the forest at once, along with some surrounding busnd.


    ��The world isn��t actually fractured,�� Teo said as he started walking forward. ��It��s an illusion brought by the Spatial Anomaly and the dense Spatial Energies in the atmosphere. You don��t need to worry that a wrong step will teleport you away. You��ll know when an actual fracture appears by its powerful fluctuations.��


    It was pretty nauseating to have your surroundings continuously twist and distort, but otherwise, the realm wasn��t that bad. They encountered three spatial storms over the next few days, but the Space Anchors worked wonders, allowing them to effortlessly tide them over. If anything, the bracers grew stronger in the middle of the storm as they absorbed the dense energies within.


    There weren��t a lot of creatures in this weird world either, mostly some spectral-like flying beasts that didn��t seem interested in attacking the group. Still, this was theyer where he might run into his target �C the Ferric Worldeaters, so Zac kept his eyes peeled. But eventually, they crossed arge ridge, and when Zac saw a weird object far in the distance, he knew he��d have to go hunt for one during his days off.


    Because they had reached the Spatial Anomaly.

 Chapter 877: Spatial Cortex

    Chapter 877: Spatial Cortex


    When the mission mentioned a spatial anomaly, Zac had envisioned something like a permanent spatial tear or perhaps one of those bubbles that he��d seen inside the Technocrat Mystic Realm. Only now did he realize that his imagination wascking. Then again, the description of the task along with the Temrs��ments wereughably downyed, and judging by the scrunched-up faces of some of the other frencers, they carried simr sentiments.


    The first thing they saw were four rings of pure spatial turbulence, like the rings of Saturn except they rotated at different degrees and distances from the anomaly itself. They were crackling with barely constrained power, which created a both harrowing and beautiful scene where they kept seeing shes of distant worlds.


    Apart from the glimpses into the beyond, they presented a different danger �C they kept spitting out condensed balls of space storms at their surroundings like an automated defense. It made Zac infuse a bit of energy into his Space Anchor just to confirm it was still operational �C he wouldn��t want to enter that area without it.


    Within the rings, the anomaly itself hovered in the air on full disy, and it was unlike any phenomena Zac had seen before. It consisted of thousands of strings that together formed a spherical intricate mesh that hovered in the air. At least Zac thought it was spherical. The strings kept moving to reform the ball, but Zac felt like he was looking at one of those images with impossible shapes.


    It kept twisting in on itself with impossible angles, almost making Zac��s brain short-circuit. Zac was by no means an expert in physics or the like, but he guessed that the anomaly was not a three-dimensional item. It worked in dimensions that at least Zac had no method to process �C perhaps you needed to be a Spatial Cultivator to understand what was going on.


    Apart from the seemingly impossible shapes, the anomaly reminded Zac of the synapses in a brain, and there were even powerful spatial currents running through the threads like the electric pulses in a brain. Or perhaps it could be likened to a star chart, where each bulbous node at intersections represented worlds or Mystic Realms.


    But what was it? A natural formation? An energy construct? A ntlike being? A beast? Zac honestly had no way to tell, no matter he tried to suss out the materials it was made from or its purpose. But at least it didn��t look manmade, considering no runes or arrays were covering the threads.


    ��This is called a Spatial Cortex,�� Teo exined when he saw the confused faces of the group. ��Essentially, they are natural formations born from the Void Star, and they y an essential role in our ability to control and traverse itsyers. This one has been acting uptely, and we��re here to deploy a gap measure to stabilize it.��


    ��Gap measure?�� Uzu asked from the side with trepidation in his eyes.


    Zac could understand the sentiment. No matter if you considered the eruption he caused in Hako Lake or the subsequent breaches they��d encountered, they had be all-too-familiar with the terrifying power of space. And now they were supposed to muck around inside this weird,plex, and terrifyingly energy-dense space brain?


    That sounded like a recipe for disaster.


    ��The Formation is perfect as it is, but with the Void Star releasing unusual amounts of energy, there are risks it will be overloaded. So, we will install a series of shunts that will divert excess energy into the void, which should help stabilize the thing until the higher-ups have figured out the root cause of all these changes,�� Teo exined.


    ��We understand your worries, but these are not some hastily thought-up solutions,�� a somber man said as he stepped forward.


    It was Rakosta Kau, the chief researcher on this mission. He was a Hegemon himself, and Havasa had personally protected him during most of the trip, proving his status and value to the Void Gate.


    ��These measures were invented and deployed hundreds of thousands of years ago when we faced a simr issue, and they have been even further improved since,�� Rakosta continued. ��Of course, you are not expected to assist with the modifications either. This is the third instation I oversee, and this cortex seems to be quite stable still.��


    ��So what��s our job?�� another cultivator asked as she looked around at the empty fields. ��Not much to do here.��


    It was true. There was not a beast in sight, which wasn��t a surprise with those spatial rings. The local wildlife had probably figured out that this area came with a lot of danger and little rewards long ago.


    ��Our modifications will produce temporary bursts in energy, resulting in several temporary rifts,�� Rakosta exined. ��Essentially, we will find ourselves under siege. Of course, we have trained in this procedure to keep dangerous periods to a minimum, and we know beforehand when these fluctuations are expected to peak. Still, until the whole array of shunts is installed, the cortex will be a bit erratic, so we always need to be alert.��


    ��We��re setting up an outer perimeter around the cortex in the safe-zone inside the rings,�� Teo added. ��Our task is not only to protect our experts, but also the cortex itself. It is quite resilient, and the native beasts normally don��t approach it, but that��s no guarantee. They can still be attracted by the smell of blood from the invading beasts we kill.��


    ��If everything goes ording to n, the process will take just over a month, with three checkpoints where we can temporarily stabilize the cortex for a few days. However, this process requires on-the-spot modifications. Depending on how the cortex reacts to its changes, we might need to perform further modifications.��


    With that, they went to work, and the anchors quickly proved their worth. Calling the stretch between the rotating cortex and the rivers a safe-zone was giving it too much credit, and it was continuously hit by the space storms. Conversely, if you released too much energy too close to the cortex, you��d risk a resonance where you got zapped by a tremendous wave of energy.


    Thankfully, as long as you didn��t release your aura or too much energy, you were essentially safe beneath the floating construct. Apart from a constant hum being released from above, it made for a pretty good campsite �C especially for Zac��s escape bangle which continuously drew on the bountiful energies around them.


    Of course, it was probably far better for a Spatial Cultivator. Any time Zac looked up at the rotating and continuously transforming cortex, he felt some part of the Dao of Space was on disy within those movements. That didn��t help him though, and he soon joined the others at the outer perimeter while the researchers went to work.


    Zac was shocked to see them actually climb into the cortex, jumping from string to string like nimble little monkeys. Seeing people inside the construct somewhat confirmed his hunch it didn��t exist in three dimensions. The researchers�� positions kept changing as their forms were twisted and distorted.


    The temrs and the warriors formed two lines of defense like before, where the first-string cultivators formed a defensive line with one person every 100 meters or so. The second-string cultivators stood a bit behind, ready to immediately back up whichever side was attacked. And it didn��t take long for them to see some action.


    ��Ready!�� a shout from within the cortex echoed out, and the cortex released a pulse a momentter.


    Zac felt his surroundings twist and bend, and he urgently activated the anchor in his bracelet to stabilize himself �C just in time to see arge spatial tear appearing a few hundred meters away. Out of it, a pack of red-furred bearlike beasts emerged, each one of them emitting a both fiery and immensely heavy aura.


    The bears almost felt like mobile gravity arrays, while their swipes seared space itself. Their numbers weren��t too great, but they all emitted the aura of Beast Kings. Thankfully, the tear didn��tst too long, and it closed after letting seven of the hulking beasts through �C cutting the eighth one in half.


    The invasion looked pretty troublesome, but Zac still moved forward with the other second-string cultivators while first-string warriors joined in from the nks. It even looked like the cortex itself was helping out as well as spatial storm shot straight toward the pack. But Zac��s eyes dimmed when he saw two of the bears open their mouth to release a cascade of blue mes at the iing storm, tearing it apart.


    By that time, Teo, Uzu, and Ilka had appeared, while the other Hegemons maintained the other nks. A furious melee followed suit, where Teo Restrained while the others piled on attacks on the extremely durable bears, led by the two unattached Hegemons. Ilka used a soft sword as a weapon, and it moved like a snake among the beasts.


    It was an extremely nasty weapon that could bend and extend at will �C Zac had seen her stab the forehead of a Beast King from hundreds of meters away. Her actual skills were rted to poison and water though, prompting others to often give her a wide berth. Uzu was a lot simpler �C using a hefty broadsword and a sword-based Dao tounch somewhat slow but devastating strikes.


    The attacks of the bears were extremely powerful, and their hides felt like steel tes, but thanks to Teo they were greatly restrained, so five minutester, they had all fallen while only leaving some of the warriors slightly burnt. During the fight, another tear had already opened up, but the situation was kept under control by a group of warriors led by Havasa.


    ��Remove the corpses before they attract the natives,�� Teo said before returning to his position, and the carcasses were quickly collected as three temrs spread some sort of dust over the bloody patches.


    Zac could only helplessly look on as the blood and pieces of flesh and hide rapidly faded away. The battle was over too quickly, and the stench hadn��t lured over any Worldeaters. Thankfully, Zac did have quite a bit of valuable blood in his Cosmic Ring because of Verun. He could use this methodter when his free day came around to see if he could catch at least one of themon Worldeater younglings.


    From there, he��d try to upgrade to a space-attributed specimen, but he wasn��t holding his breath.


    However, as the days passed, Zac started to wonder if he would ever get that chance. The researchers had to work around the clock, as the longer the process took, the more the energies inside the cortex would stabilize. That also meant there had to be warriors guarding the perimeter around the clock, and it seldom took more than five minutes before new beasts popped up.


    The warriors worked and rested in shifts, but more than once, those off the clock would have to enter the fray when too many beasts appeared at once. Let alone a day off, Zac started to wonder if he��d even manage to get five hours during the downtime. Thankfully, the first checkpoint wasing up in a few days, which hopefully meant some would get to explore.


    Another two days passed, and the intensity of breaches increased. The warriors were stretched thinner and thinner, and most were forced to keep crystals in their hands all the time to not getpletely drained of energy. People��s eyes were almost zed over as they mowed down the beasts with dull expressions.


    It was at this point that disaster struck.


    ��You!�� an enraged roar echoed out as a huge shockwave of energy erupted at the other side of the Cortex.


    Zac got a bad feeling, and he exerted some extra strength to instantly clean out the beasts around him before turning toward the source of themotion �C just in time to see Teo w through the air, somehow dragging Ilka, the wandering cultivator Hegemon, to his position. She didn��t even have a chance to react before she was cut down by a furious swipe that created a scar that stretched for thousands of meters.


    Had Teo gone mad? No, Zac immediately saw what had happened. One by one, corpses started to fall out from the Cortex, including Rakosta. Each one had a hole right through their foreheads, and most of them didn��t even seem to have realized they had died. Zac��s heart was gripped with panic as he saw the one-armed nun among the dead, but he inwardly breathed out in relief when Vai wasn��t among the fallen.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Instead, she jumped out with the other survivors, her face pale as a sheet as she ran over to the dead. The aggressor was cut in two, barely clinging on to life by the looks of it, but Zac still smelled trouble. He attached a recording crystal to his belt as he looked around for other threats, and he quickly spotted a problem. Something was wrong with the cortex.


    ��She destroyed some of the nodes!�� one of the researchers shouted with a fearful face. ��If we don��t do something, it will destabilize!��


    The poor man only had time to give his warning before his head was pierced as well, and Zac looked on with shock as one of the corpses transformed into Ilka while the dying Ilka turned out to be a dying researcher looking up at Teo with confusion and pain. And while all this confusion took ce, things quickly turned from bad to worse.


    Ilka suddenly released a tremendous wave of energy, clearly unheeding of the effect it would have on the cortex. She threw something into the heart of the Cortex, disappearing just before Teo could reach her. The other Hegemons were already moving to intercept as well, but Zac couldn��t believe his eyes when Uzu��s aura exploded with ferocity as he hacked at T with his massive sword, suddenly showcasing more power than ever before.


    The vice-captain was quick to react, probably having expected that if there was one traitor, there might be two. She blocked the ferocious swing, but Zac was shocked to see that recently-evolved Uzu��s power was slightly greater than the temr��s. T��s head suddenly jerked to the side, barely avoiding a poisoned de from Ilka who had appeared not far away.


    But she was already dealing with two attackers, and she couldn��t deal with a third �C ance of light that punched a hole right through her stomach where her core should be. And from all ces, it came from another dead researcher who had been lying below the cortex. Zac recognized the man well �C it was the man who had refused to greet him on board the Cosmic Vessel on the first day.


    He should just be a Half-Step Cultivator, yet he had just released the power of a true Hegemon. Seeing the researcher attack one of his own was even more shocking than some outsiders rebelling. Just what was going on? Were they spies from another faction? But why attack this ce, and why now?


    Zac couldn��t fathom what these three possibly had to gain from this attack. Even if they seeded, they��d be stuck in the heart of the Void Star. Were they nning on killing all witnesses before returning? That couldn��t be. The Void Star wasn��t stupid �C how could they not get suspicious when not a single one of their temrs survived a mission?


    And even if the trio was stronger than expected, Havasa, Kalo Taosa, and Teo had already descended on them like vengeful spirits, furiously trying to tear the traitors apart. Zac, along with most of the others, hesitantly stood rooted in ce, unsure what to do. His first instinct was that the uprising would be quelled soon enough thanks to Teo��s presence, but was that true?


    Would they really choose to strike at this moment if they didn��t have some confidence in dealing with this situation?


    It was not just a matter of which side would win either �C there was the cortex to worry about. Rakosta, along with most of the experienced researchers, were dead, and the energy fluctuations kept getting more and more ominous.


    ��Stabilize!�� Teo roared, and the remaining temrs hurriedly took out one massive spike each and mmed it into the ground.


    Attached to their tips were some sort of ropes that they threw into the cortex. It looked like they were trying to tie the whole thing down, and the rapidly spinning strings were starting to slow down. However, Zac remembered the scene of Ilka throwing something into the core of the cortex just seconds ago, and he wasn��t too convinced this would be enough.


    Should he run? Should he expose his true strength and help Teo and the others take down the traitors? Or should he just wait?


    Suddenly, Uzu was hit by a ferocious attack from Havasa that almost ripped him in two. At the same time, Teo and his vice-captain joined hands to restrain the researcher who reminded Zac of the werewolf Cervantes, swapping between light and corporeal as he fought. The sudden turn of the tides helped most of the wandering cultivators make their choice and they started rushing toward the besieged traitors.


    Zac wasn��t convinced and his eyes turned to Vai who still stood beneath the cortex with iprehension in her eyes. These people could fight it out while they moved to safety. Two of Vivi��s vines shot over to pick her up, but his mind suddenly screamed of danger. He activated [Earthstrider] to speed things along, but there was no time.


    The enormous cortex suddenly imploded, condensing into a shining bead of light in an instant. It was no bigger than an egg, but it emitted terrifying levels of energy that pushed Zac down on his knees. He was unable to so much as breathe, and he could only look up with helplessness, knowing the traitors had won.


    The egg cracked and it took the world with it.

 Chapter 878: In-between

    Chapter 878: In-between


    As the egg broke, it only sounded like the snap of a broken twig, yet Zac felt like he��d just witnessed the opening of Pandora��s box.


    ��Run!�� Zac screamed in the direction of Vai while trying to follow his own advice. But it was hopeless.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac��s surroundings shattered and were swallowed by an unfettered maelstrom of rampant space which was no longer contained by the Spatial Cortex, and he almost puked from the nauseating blur. It felt like his mind was being twisted and bent just like his surroundings were, but Zac still managed to activate the bracelet on his wrist. The energy-anchor shot out, but Zac grimaced when it was ripped apart in an instant.


    A momentter, the bracer on his armpletely cracked, the surrounding onught absolutely overloading what it was designed to withstand. Waves of agony came crashing down on him in an instant, but Zac couldn��t hear his pained scream in the heart of the storm. The copse of a Mystic Realm was deafening, and there was nothing to carry his voice.


    He didn��t have the luxury to worry about others, and neither could he hold on to his secrets or identity �C Zac knew he wouldn��t evenst a second being buffeted by this storm. An aura of antiquity surrounded him as he activated [Void Zone], which kept the mayhem at bay. Some spatial energies still made it through after being eroded, but channeling [Innate Ward] with Void Energy was barely enough to withstand the weakened spatial storm.


    Even then, he was continuously covered in shallow wounds that left behind dense bursts of Spatial Dao, proving he probably would have died if he didn��t also have the added durability he��d inherited from his Draugr Side, along with [Adamance of Eoz] which synergized well with defensive skills like [Innate Ward].


    His Void Heart was already fast at work swallowing the spatial energies as well, giving him a small breather. Unfortunately, it was just a temporary reprieve. Zac was still stuck in the middle of it, like a leaf caught in a hurricane. The surroundings were a confusing blur that continuously changed, trapping Zac in a psychedelic kaleidoscope that was being furiously spun.


    The camp was gone �C the whole area was gone. Even the ground had been swept away, leaving Zac floating in what he assumed were the broken remnants of the Mystic Realm. Vai was nowhere in sight, and neither was anyone else of the squad, traitor or no. He didn��t want to think about it right now, but he knew it was likely they had all fallen already.


    Even he wouldn��tst more than a moment in this chaos without [Void Zone]. The Temrs might have something to deal with this kind of terrifying environment, but no way something like that was standard issue. Perhaps Teo and the vice-captains had a shot at survival, but everyone else��


    Zac shook his head to clear his thoughts. He needed to focus on his survival, and he looked around for clues. The storm seemed to be in a stable state of constant flux �C it was neither growing more powerful nor petering out. The most ominous thing was the white lines. They were the only unmovable fixtures in the whole realm, silently forming hundreds of horizontal strings that stretched toward eternity.


    It was thanks to them that Zac knew he was standing in ce rather than being tossed about. Even then, the lines filled him with dread. His instincts told him that if he touched one of those lines, he��d be in for a world of hurt. They emitted a hint of finality, perhaps representative of the death of the Mystic Realm they were in.


    And new lines kept appearing.


    He needed to get out of here, and quick. Zac hesitated whether he should use [shfire Flourish] or one of his escape talismans, but he ultimately decided against it. Space was too damaged around him, there was no telling what would happen if he used that kind of item. Most likely, he would be ripped apart during the transportation, especially if he was dragged through one of the lines.


    As he considered his options, Zac infused some Void Energy into his spatial ring to take out a peak-quality Pseudo D-grade Soldier Pill and a Healing Pill of simr quality. A surge of warmth and power coursed through his body, recovering some of the exhaustion he��d umted over the past days. He was desperately hungry as well because of [Adamance of Eoz], so he crammed some dried Beast King meat into his mouth as well. What to do?


    A gleaming leaf appeared in front of the edge of his axe, but Zac didn��t even get the chance tounch it before it was ripped apart by the storm. Hundreds of leaves shot out from Zac��s body the next moment as he activated the area attack of [Nature��s Edge], but the result was the same. His skill couldn��t affect, let alone break apart, the storm around him.


    Zac considered trying [Arcadia��s Judgement] as well, but he was pretty certain the hand would be destroyed before he could even finish his strike. Worse, they might conjure more of those white lines. Neither did [Earthstrider] work. It couldn��t be activated in this weird pocket of space by the looks of it. Forck of better options, he could only try the same method he used in outer space or the void.


    He deactivated [Void Zone], and the storm came crashing toward him in an instant. Zac released an explosive burst of Cosmic Energy from his hands, and he felt a surge of victory as he was propelled backward. He reactivated his nullification zone the moment he had gained a bit of momentum, but he was still left with a couple of nastycerations to join the previous wounds.


    The surroundings didn��t change at all from his jump, but Zac did notice something interesting �C the storm around him was slightly weaker than before, especially in one particr direction. He didn��t believe it was thanks to him moving further away from the explosion �C he��d found an outlet.


    This was exactly what Zac hoped for. A massive eruption like this should have created some sort of tears in space, be they breaches, convergences, or good old-fashioned spatial tears. That was his best chance of getting out of this ce alive, even if he got captured by a space fish thest time he tried something simr.


    Five jumps and a new cross-section of painful cutster, Zac found it. It was a jagged tear that ran for around fifty meters, and it almost looked like it was pulsating as it swallowed one mouthful of spatial energies after another. It looked stable, but he knew how spatial tears could suddenly disappear without warning.


    So Zac only looked back in hesitation for a moment before jumping into the tear. In an instant, the roaring chorus of broken space was reced by a deafening silence that felt like music to his ears. It didn��t look like he had entered the void either, but rather a region that partly looked like outer space.


    There were dozens of glistening spheres floating around him, creating dizzying patterns as they swam about. But they weren��ts �C they weren��t that far away from him. Zac could vaguely see all kinds of familiar scenes from the bubbles as well,ndscapes that looked a lot like the ones in the opalescent barrier when they entered the Void Star.


    The spheres were Mystic Realms, or at least windows into them.


    Lights of pure spatial energies stretched between the realms, but Zac frowned when he saw how some of them flickered. Suddenly, one beam was extinguished, at which point one of the windows dissipated into nothingness while the others continued their dance. Seeing the lights and the spheres, Zac��s thoughts were immediately drawn to the Spatial Cortex with its nodes and strings.


    Was this another facet of the Spatial Cortex, where this web of Mystic Realms was the nes it connected? More importantly, what would happen if these lights were all dimmed out? Would he be stuck in this no-man��snd between realms? As the thought struck him, another pir dimmed, which disconnected yet another realm from the shrinkingwork.


    Zac didn��t want to stay and find out what would happen if he overstayed his wee, so he flew toward the closest Mystic Realm. Even if these realms were to be disconnected, it was better to be stuck in a stable Mystic Realm than here. The bubble grew closer and closer, and Zac inwardly nodded when saw nodded when he saw a lush forest within. That realm seemed good enough to camp out in.


    But just as he was about to jump into the window, he urgently stopped his momentum as his gaze shifted to another realm in the distance. He could feel it �C the call of the Left Imperial Pce. There was no hesitation as Zac made a beeline toward that other Mystic Realm, even if it looked pretty ominous. It was barely visible in the darkness of space like it was a world without a sun.


    Suddenly, a wide smile spread across his face, and Zac once again thanked the lucky stars for his massive pool of Luck. Not much was visible through the lens, but he was almost certain he��d seen a Ferric Voidwyrm fly past his vantage before disappearing out of view. If this was not a sign he was on the right track, then nothing was.


    A spatial talisman appeared in Zac��s hand, and a set of blue runes lit up around him as he pierced into the realm. There was no resistance as he entered the sphere, and after a brief bout of vertigo, he found himself falling toward the ground again. Zac looked around, and there it was �C a dozen Ferric Voidwyrms in the distance.


    He couldn��t see where they were going, and a momentter they had been swallowed by the darkness that spread out like a nket across this Mystic Realm. Even then, Zac didn��t try to catch up to the beasts. He was wounded and exhausted, and he needed to recuperate before he tried to hunt any Beast Kings.


    A minuteter, he mmed into the ground, thankful there weren��t any beasts nearby. There was actually some vegetation in this sun-deprived ne, and he hadnded in a sparsely forested grasnd. A sudden pulse weed his arrival, and Zac looked at the sky with a heavy heart. He had finally caught onto a clue again, but it had cost him a lot.


    He wasn��t close to anyone in the squad except Vai, but most of the fallen were good people who only wanted to get by. Yet they had died in such a horrific way, all because of that act of madness. Shaking his head, Zac walked over to a crooked tree nearby and sat down with a grunt as a few of the wounds opened up again.


    Luckily, Zac had a good chunk of kill energy left in his body after defending the Spatial Cortex for days, and his wounds started to rapidly close as he activated [Surging Vitality]. While letting the skill do its job, Zac also took a massive b of meat and a Cosmic Crystal. He ferociously scarfed down the energy-dense meat as he tried to recover energy as quickly as he could.


    The ambient energy of this dour Mystic Realm was almost as high as Earth��s, meaning the ce could be crawling with Beast Kings even if he hadn��t spotted any from up above. However, he only managed to get a minute of peace and quiet before he looked up at the sky with mute iprehension.


    A few momentster, a pale Vainded right next to where he did, and her eyes lit up when she saw Zac sitting not far away. Zac wordlessly stared at the researcher, so surprised he forgot to eat the massive club in his hand. How was this possible? Vai was even closer than him to the detonation, yet she was in even better condition than him.


    Apart from some light wounds, she seemed to be in good spirits, at least physically. That alone was enough for Zac to be cautious. How had she made it through that terrifying storm? Without his [Void Zone], he would have died within a second or two. And why had she appeared here, hot on his heels? He had chosen this ce because of the signal �C why had she?


    ��You��re alive,�� Zac slowly said as he stood up, the crystal in his hand once more reced by an axe. ��Who are you?��


    ��What?�� Vai said, her eyes wide with rm and confusion. ��It��s me. Vai.��


    ��That explosion was enough to take out almost anyone in our squad,�� Zac said. ��I only survived by dumb luck. Yet you, an E-grade cultivator is fine? And how can you appear here, of all ces?��


    ��Well�� It��s not a coincidence���� Vai hesitated. ��I- I followed you.��


    ��How?�� Zac frowned, the grip on his axe tightening.


    ��Your token,�� Vai said with a pleading look as she pointed at the token attached to his belt. ��I-��


    She didn��t get any further before the sky rippled again before it spat out another familiar figure �C a bloodied and battered Uzu. The air around him was lit up by several odd barriers �C most likely the reason he was still alive. The moment he passed through, he threw something into the air behind him which caused the area to shatter like a mirror before space congealed again. Zac guessed he had destroyed the window.


    ��Come,�� Zac said with a low voice, and Vai scurried behind the tree as Zac cracked his neck.


    Zac didn��t see it as a problem that a potentially hostile Hegemon came falling from the sky �C he saw it as pretty good luck. It was an opportunity to get some answers, so Zac took a small step forward, making sure to release some of his aura. Uzu obviously sensed him, and hended a few meters away soon after with a smile on his face.


    ��What a coincidence,�� Uzu grinned as his eyes traveled between Zac and Vai. ��Both guardian and ward, in one piece. I��m quite impressed.��


    ��Why?�� Zac asked with a somber and slightly fearful expression.


    There was something odd about Vai, but Zac��s gut told him that she wasn��t a traitor to the Void Gate. He rather felt her identity might not be exactly what she let on. Still, he took a few steps away from Vai and the tree just in case.


    ��Does it matter?�� the Hegemon said with a bloody grin as he ate a Healing Pill.


    ��You��ve sabotaged a mission of the Void Gate. Of course it matters. An enmity with them will cause trouble wherever you go,�� Zac said with grit teeth. ��And now we might be stuck here. Even if we make it back to the surface, then what? You��ll be caught, and I will probably be implicated as well because I��m unattached.��


    ��Who said I��m leaving that way?�� Uzu snorted. ��Did you really think that��s how the Void Star works? What balloon with smaller balloons inside? It��s awork that lets these people steal the opportunities of a whole sector. Besides, they��ll have their hands full sooner orter. War ising, and they won��t have time to bother about little people like you or me.��


    ��War?�� Zac slowly said, before his eyes widened in genuine shock. ��You��ve sided with the invaders? How? They should still be stuck in-��


    ��I��m surprised you know about the outsiders,�� Uzu smiled. ��As for how, it��s notplicated. Like I said, these realmthieves have stretched their greedy hands all over Zecia, including the Million Gates Territory. But they overestimated themselves.��


    Zac had expected all kinds of justifications for Uzu��s betrayal, but they all were based on the Hegemon working as a spy for some other peak factions of Zecia who wanted to harm the Void Gate. But to think he actually worked with the invaders, who everyone still thought was stuck in the deeper regions of the Million Gates Territory.


    What if they were wrong? By the sounds of it, some sort of pathways connected the Void Star and the Million Gates Territory. His thoughts turned back to the bloody teleportation room back when they first entered the Void Star. Had infiltrators already appeared in the Void Gates, even in Salosar?


    It seemed likely there already were invaders in Salosar, where else would Uzu have made contact? As far as Zac knew, this was the Hegemon��s first mission, which meant he must have changed his allegiances earlier. It was either that or during the month-long trip onboard the Cosmic Vessel. But how could someone convince a Hegemon to take such a risk in that kind of situation?


    No matter what the truth was, Zac got a sinking feeling. For the invaders to have infiltrated a faction like the Void Gate this quickly their methods had to be incredible. Even worse, it seemed unlikely they stumbled into the Void Star by ident. They had a goal and a n.


    Until now, the invasion had felt abstract and distant. But suddenly, it felt all-too-real.

 Chapter 879: Uzu

    Chapter 879: Uzu


    The news about invader influence deep in the Zecia hearnds was shocking, but Zac wasn��t as surprised that Uzu had betrayed the Void Gate �C few wandering cultivators held any allegiances except to themselves. What did Uzu care about which sects controlled this sector? If these invaders paid well enough, he was probably more than happy to sabotage the Spatial Cortex.


    ��I��ve seen your potential. I can introduce you to my contact,�� Uzu continued when he saw Zac��s thoughtful frown. ��You wouldn��t believe the means of these people. Did you know? Their sector is unified �C ruled by a supreme expert at the level of the Eveningtide Asura. Zecia��s powers are doomed. Why fight for these corrupt factions that left you to fend for yourself? Join us, and we��ll seize a proper ce in the new world order.��


    Zac��s eyes thinned at that. A warrior at the level of the Eveningtide Asura? Uzu no doubt referred to an Asura at the level of when he came back to Zecia for vengeance rather than his far-greater power as the Twilight Lord, but it was still extremely daunting. That kind of power could not be nurtured on the frontier. Even if you encountered some unique opportunity and rose above everyone else �C why stay in the frontier?


    Someone like that had a shot at Autarchy and should have set off for greener pastures.


    ��They have so many methods �C they can even help you reach Hegemony without risking everything,�� Uzu continued with an enticing smile.


    ��Hegemony without risks?�� Zac muttered thoughtfully.


    The Law of Bnce demanded an equilibrium of risk and reward. Of course, that was not to say thew couldn��t be broken. The impossible could be made possible as long as you were willing to pay the price. The Great Redeemer was living proof of that, where he progressed through the sacrifice of wholes. But that was the ways of dark unorthodoxy, a path of evil.


    The deep scar left behind by Havasa��s swing earlier suddenly got a new meaning. That attack should have left him half-dead, yet Uzu was standing here with a decently stable aura. But from within that wound, a rank and sinister aura leaked out, and Zac could barely spot some dark-red strings keeping Uzu together, pulsing with malevolent power. Was this ability a gift from his new benefactors?


    Were these invaders Unorthodox Cultivators? But if what Uzu said was true, that would mean the whole sector followed an unorthodox path. Was that even possible? Wouldn��t the System strike down such a ce, either directly or through lucrative quests?


    ��Creating a real Cultivator��s Core is my only goal right now,�� Zac eventually said, drawing a gasp from behind. ��What do you want in return?��


    ��Simple �C kill the girl. She is dead weight, and she cannot be allowed to go back,�� Uzu shrugged. ��That way, you prove your allegiance as well.��


    ��Ai,�� Zac sighed as he nced at the little researcher, who fearfully shrunk back behind the tree.


    The next moment, she was thrown away by one of Vivi��s vines as an almost invisible sword beam shot out from a ring on Uzu��s finger. Zac looked like he barely managed to stumble out of the way, but the ground beneath him cracked as he shot toward the Hegemon with a ruthless gleam in his eyes.


    ��Fool,�� Uzuughed as the massive broadsword appeared in his hand.


    Zac had hoped to keep Uzu talking a bit longer, even if he knew the Hegemon was only stalling to recover his grievous wound. Zac had monitored Uzu since he tried to trick people into Hako Lake, and he had long since realized that his open facade hid a sinister schemer. Of course, until now, Zac had thought his devious methods were only meant to take out thepetition and gain arger share of the bounties.


    Now, it was clear he yed an even bigger game. Zac wondered if even his greedy personality was a ruse to hide his true intentions. In either case, Zac knew there was no way Uzu��s offer was genuine. Why would Uzu risk his payout for a stranger, and potentially introduce someone these invaders would value more than him? He only wanted to sow a seed of doubt to create an opening.


    Unfortunately for him, he was talking with Zac rather than the real Gaun Sorom, and the promise of finally breaking through only served as an early warning rather than a distraction. Zac didn��t need the help from some other random frontier sector to progress, and neither would he kill a friend just to join some shady organization of traitors.


    Besides, his effective Luck was over 1,500 by now. He had sensed a subdued danger from the Hegemon since he appeared, a warning signal that had turned into a siren the moment he surreptitiously activated the offensive treasure on his finger.


    Cascading waves of killing intent emanated from Zac��s body and themon axe in his hand was reced by [Verun��s Bite]. The mission had failed and most of the squad had probably died. Stuck in this Mystic Realm with a hostile Hegemons and invaders lurking about, Zac knew the time for stealth was over. It was time to get back to his roots �C pure unadulterated violence.


    Uzu seemed a bit surprised at the density of Zac��s killing intent, but he still maintained a confident demeanor. Even if he was wounded, so was Zac. And one was a true Hegemon while the other had failed core. A storm of des shot toward Zac as Uzu swung his broadsword, creating a cone of utter destion that continued for hundreds of meters.


    Zac had no time to worry about Vai at the moment, but he figured she��d be fine considering she made it here in one piece. A storm of leaves spread out from his body as Zac released a horizontal swing. [Nature��s Edge] was not only imbued with the Branch of the War Axe this time, but also the Branch of the Kalpataru in one of his self-made Dao Braids.


    Thebination resulted in a terrifying force that effortlessly warded off the innumerable de beams inside Uzu��s attack.


    ��Wh-�� Uzu eximed with surprise at the unexpected strength in Zac��s attack.


    But Zac wouldn��t give the man any time to adapt, and clouds of dense life and death were unleashed with two rapid swings. The Abyss and Arcadia made their appearance and conjured the signature delimitation that cut through everything as it flew toward the Hegemon. Uzu had just been about to soar into the air, but Zac��s Branch-empowered [Rapturous Divide] forced him back on the ground as he countered with a herculean swing of his own.


    His broadsword was covered in a radiant swordlight as it blocked the iing spatial divide, and Zac was slightly surprised that Uzu managed to perfectly block it. However, Uzu��s face turned a shade of green as bursts of blood shot out from his open wound. Blocking Zac��s strike had clearly worsened his condition.


    More importantly, the skill had kept the Hegemonndlocked. If Uzu took to the skies, the odds of Zac killing him were pretty low. Competing with skills at a distance against a Hegemon wasn��t a good idea �C even a recently ascended D-grade cultivator like Uzu should have at least one or two D-grade skills that could make proper use of his enormous energy pool.


    But now, Zac was already upon him, having forced the man into a melee �C Zac��s forte. The air screamed with keening bloodlust as Verun left chaotic whirlwinds in its wake, the axe heading straight for Uzu��s head while Vivi��s vines attacked Uzu from the nks like bloodthirsty packs of hyenas.


    It felt like the cage that kept him restrained over the past month had finally been broken apart, and both his soul and Verun sang with freedom as Zac entered his Evolutionary Stance. Vivi��s vines were already stabbing at Uzu��s vitals while Zac��s unpredictable barragepletely overwhelmed a flustered Uzu who found it difficult to deal with the surprising amount of force contained with every swing.


    Suddenly, Uzu threw away his cumbersome broadsword as two thinner scimitars appeared in his hands. Hisrge and heroic swings were reced by a ruthlessly efficient technique where his two arms felt like six. His two swords seemed to work independently from one another, creating an unpredictable tempo as Uzu tried to break through Zac��s stance.


    The technique was leagues beyond what he��d showcased over the past month, proving once more there was more than met the eye to this cultivator. However, Zac felt it was just a small dy of the inevitable �C even if Uzu��s technique showed both proficiency and experience, he still was barely in the formation stage.


    If the Hegemon had a vastly superior attribute pool, it would have been one thing, but Zac guessed his own effective attributes were actually higher. Uzu��s raw strength was noticeably worse, but his speed was slightly better. And since Uzu no doubt was a more conventional warrior without a slew of attributes to prop him up, it meant his other stats were significantly lower.


    Uzu��s real advantagey in his vastly superior Energy Reserves, but how could Zac let him make use of that? His [Cosmic Gaze] was continuously running, and Uzu��s every attempt at activating skills was met with a near-death experience that forced him to abort and respond. Uzu had still managed to avoid any killing blows, but his face was locked in a pained grimace as smaller cuts kept joining his big wound.


    Zac received the asional cut himself, but he didn��t care. He was swept up with the joy of returning to his path. Every moment his technique was reborn, creating something better suited to break through Uzu��s defenses. Zac��s soul surged with every swing, and he once more felt that mysterious state of harmony as his Dao spread through the framework of his [Thousand Lights Avatar].


    But a sudden pang of immense danger broke Zac��s rhythm, and he instinctively dove to the side just as a thorn filled with malevolent energy struck out from the wound in Uzu��s chest. Zac narrowly avoided the ambush, but by that time he realized he was in trouble. During their fight, Zac had pushed Uzu further and further back, but it looked like that was a nned retreat by the Hegemon.


    Unbeknownst to Zac, the massive broadsword has silently floated up into the air and was now hovering right above him as Uzu had created some distance.


    ��Die!�� Uzu roared as the sword shattered, turning into a pir of terrifying sword energies.


    Zac was extremely surprised �C the broadsword Uzu had used for so long was an offensive treasure rather than a conventional de by the looks of it, one instilled with a powerful Sword Intent Zac doubted belonged to the wandering cultivator. He suddenly found himself under tremendous pressure from thebined domains of Uzu and the self-destructed sword.


    Even with the drastic turn, Zac wasn��t overly worried as a goldenurel appeared on his head. The dusky Mystic Realm was illuminated in empyrean splendor as the defensive domain of [Empyrean Aegis] swallowed not only Uzu but the whole descending beam of empowered Sword Intent.


    Uzu ferociously growled as he unleashed two cross-shes with his scimitars, but his eyes widened as he suddenly stumbled. Zac inwardly snickered, seeing that the man��s feint had backfired. It was the immense suppression brought by the golden domain �C the Hegemon had actually tried to fly away rather than attack. Therefore, his cirction of energy had prompted the defensive domain of [Empyrian Aegis] to knock him back down.


    By this time, the beam of Sword Intent had already descended, its unyieldingtent will forcing its way through the golden domain. Even then, Zac didn��t bother with it as he lunged toward his enemy before he figured out he could force his way through the restrictions. A momentter the beam descended like heavenly judgment, swallowing Zac whole.


    Deep tears stretched for thousands of meters in every direction as the beam exuded a terrifying cutting intent, and space itself shuddered as it was on the verge of breaking apart. It was impossible to see what was going on within, but the savage energy waves proved it was an unrelenting meatgrinder. One of the golden pirs of [Empyrean Aegis] immediately crumbled as cracks spread across the second.


    At this time a bloodied Zac crashed out from the beam, his eyes giving no hint of pain as a flickering golden barrier around him died out. Uzu was dismayed to see Zac survive his finishing blow, but he could only keep going. But by this point, Zac was already right in front of Uzu again, and the four vines of Vivi wrapped around the Hegemon��s arms, temporarily locking them in ce.


    Uzu quickly broke the vines apart, but [Verun��s Bite], now illuminated glowing sanguine runes and two Dao Branches mmed into his shoulder. A barrier containing hints of the Dao of Swords appeared to shield the Hegemon, but it broke apart in an instant. The barrier shattered, leaving Zac with another set of shallow wounds as the shield turned into an attack.


    Even after the surprise attack, the edge of Zac��s Spirit Tool continued unabated until it bit into Uzu��s body. A thick calcifiedyer appeared on his skin at thest moment as a secondyer of defense, but it was nothing in front of Zac��s furious momentum. The Branches of Kalpataru and War Axe were empowered by [Spiritual Void], and Verun itself was imbued with its runes for sharpness and heaviness �C the swing contained the power to cut through almost anything at the moment.


    A pained groan escaped Uzu��s lips as Zac finished what Havasa started �C a second deep scar ran from shoulder down to his hip. With Havasa��s attack, a gory ��x�� had been carved into Uzu��s chest, but Zac��s attack bit far deeper �C it cut through the Hegemon��s whole body, including his Cultivator��s Core.


    A second lightning-quick backhanded swing destroyed Uzu��s head as well, a lesson engraved into Zac��s body after his time in the Orom World. A tremendous surge of energy entered Zac��s body, proving that this was not another trick. Uzu was well and truly dead, and his maimed and bisected body fell onto the ground leaving a panting Zac above.


    Zac ate another Healing Pill as he thoughtfully looked down at the fallen warrior. After his abrupt victory over the Raun Ghost King, this battle was a good reminder that no real Hegemon was a weakling. Even a wandering cultivator like Uzu had a couple ofst-ditch measures that were quite lethal. For example, his Peak-quality [Empyrean Aegis] had barely managed to protect him from the Sword Intent Uzu had sealed in his weapon.


    There was also that thorn that Uzu had released from within his body, which felt even scarier. That malevolent energy had felt extremely threatening. Zac would probably have been grievously wounded if it managed to stab his forehead as Uzu nned. But now that was over with, and Zac began his customary looting by snatching a bloody Spatial Ring from Uzu��s finger.


    He kept searching through pockets for anything of value or anything that could shed some light on these unorthodox invaders. However, a sudden pang of danger screamed for him to watch out, and he urgently shot backward with [Earthstrider].


    At the same moment, a gristly explosion erupted from within Uzu��s corpse,pletely destroying his body. From within his chest, a tangle of hundreds of malevolent thorns burst out, and sharp spears shot out in every direction. To Zac��s horror, the attack was far quicker than he was, and he felt a sharp pain as one of the spurs dug into his gut.


    A storm of malevolent energy flooded his body, and it looked like the other parts of the tangle rapidly withered away. Zac had no idea what this thing was, but it acted like a parasite trying to swap hosts. For an instant, Zac felt himself unable to even breathe as the foreign energy somehow sealed his movements and cirction.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    But from within, a ferocious thud of ancient voracity echoed out from his heart as [Void Heart] woke up with newfound vigor.


    The node had undergone a subtle change after swallowing the mysterious light released by the Seal of the Left Imperial Pce. It never spat anything back out as it did with tribtion lightning. Instead, it grew slightlyrger.


    Now, it emitted a stronger pull than it ever had before, while [Purity of the Void] simrly released a cleansing pulse with more efficacy than ever. Thebined effort of the two temporarily broke the seal on Zac��s body, and he urgently conjured a ded leaf to cut off the thorn before it transferred any more of its energy into his body.


    The parasitic tangle tried to reattach to Zac, but it was withering away rapidly. It looked like it couldn��t survive for long on its own, and a momentter it was gone. Meanwhile, Zac saw a small brand appear by his Specialty Core, formed by the malevolent energies that had managed to invade his body. But it didn��t even have time to properly form before it was broken apart and swallowed by [Void Heart], extinguishing the threat before it had a chance to take root.


    There was still some energy left in his body, but it had lost direction after that brand broke. Some of it was eradicated by his Daos, while the rest was dealt with by his nodes. Just half a minuteter, it waspletely removed from his body. Zac breathed out in relief, but he also felt a bit reproachful over his mistake. Death could reallye at any time and in any form in the Multiverse.


    With the body destroyed, there was nothing left to investigate, and Zac turned around to see Vai running toward him with panic in her eyes.


    ��It��s a blood curse! I��m so sorry. Because you wanted to protect me, you were afflicted by this horrifying thing!�� Vai cried with tears pooling in her eyes.


    She immediately started rummaging through her Spatial Ring, and one odd contraption after another appeared. ��Try to fight the pain, and try not to move �C it will slow it down. I��ll try to form a small spatial tear inside your body. ording to our research, if I can destroy the main seal quick enough, it will not be able to take root.��


    ��No need, I��m fine,�� Zac said as he took a step back, prompting the frenzied Vai to look up with confusion.


    ��You-You��re not in pain? You can move?�� she blurted, her eyes zing over from confusion. That��s�� Impossible.��

 Chapter 880: Stranded

    Chapter 880: Stranded


    ��I��ve already destroyed that seal and the energies have mostly been expelled,�� Zac shrugged as he took out his dried meat, inwardly praising the efficacy of Ryan��s and his associate��s creations.


    Every mouthful felt as filling as stuffing his face with a couple of kilos of meat, saving him a lot of effort and time. He had been hungry for hours by this point, and thest fight had pushed it to the point it felt like his ribs were digging into his stomach. It was a somewhat annoying side-effect of [Adamance of Eoz], but it was worth it.


    In a heated battle like this, the node increased the durability of his Cosmic Energy by over 20%, which allowed [Empyrean Aegis] to withstand that treasure sword. Looking a bit silly and gluttonous was a small price to pay for such a boost.


    ��What are you- No, you can��t just-�� Vai said as she scurried closer with a set of unfamiliar gadgets in her hands. ��That blood curse had been nurtured by a Hegemon. There is no way you can just remove it yourself.��


    ��Not so fast,�� Zac grunted as he levied [Verun��s Bite] at Vai while he continued eating.


    ��Please, let me check on you! The longer you wait, the worse it will get,�� Vai said, tears once more pooling in her eyes from anxiety.


    ��Not before you tell me your real identity and why you know about blood curses for some reason,�� Zac countered. ��You are hiding something �C you might even be another traitor like that friend of yours. Unless you can dispel my fears, we��ll be parting here.��


    ��No, I��m not! I- I- You,�� Vai sputtered, her brain seemingly short-circuiting from trying to both defend herself and urging Zac to let her treat him.


    Eventually, her eyes shone with determination as she took out a small crystalline sphere from her Spatial Ring. It looked like a little ball, but it emitted spatial energies that contained a level of Dao that was far beyond anything Zac had seen before in the Void Star, even from the cortex. It was crammed full of energy as well, and it felt like a hundred [Void Balls] had been pushed together into one terrifying megabomb.


    ��What��s that?�� Zac frowned as he shed over fifty meters away with [Earthstrider].


    Thankfully, Vai didn��t throw the thing at him. Instead, she infused a bit of Cosmic Energy into the ball, prompting a dense spatial wall to spring up around her. It looked extremely sturdy, almost like it had created a pocket dimensionpletely separate from thisyer of space. It reminded Zac a lot of the methods the Orom used to create nigh-imprable barriers.


    ��I��m really part of the Void Gate,�� Vai said after she deactivated the bubble. ��This is how I survived the chaos. It��s a sphere that holds a finite amount of a Monarch��s energy.��


    Zac slowly nodded at her to continue, inwardly realizing he had forgotten an important danger in the Multiverse. Most of his excursions were controlled by the System. The Tower of Eternity, the Twilight Ocean, the Sovereignty-quests �C they all had restrictions on the equipment trial takers could bring, while the Orom World had its own set of rules that were even more stringent.


    This was the outside where anything could happen. Zac still remembered how he��d almost died to Salvation long ago because he had an amulet with a wisp of The Great Redeemer��s soul. That weird blood curse just now could also be considered that kind of outside tool that wouldn��t necessarily be limited to the level of his enemy. Going forward, he needed to be more careful about these kinds of things.


    Certainly, these self-contained items generally required time and effort to create �C a Monarch would have to cut off a piece of their soul to keep that massive amount of energy in check. They wouldn��t do something like that just to make a little bit of money, but they might leave something for a promising descendant.


    ��I��m not a descendant of a Monarch, I came from the outside,�� Vai exined when she saw Zac��s expression. ��When I was epted by the Void Gate, my only blood rtive �C my sister �C was moved to one of the mortal worlds of the Void Gate instead. She had no talent for cultivation, unfortunately, and she passed away just sixty yearster.��


    ��Her constitution didn��t even have the capacity to reach E-grade,�� Vai sighed. ��The same was true for her children and grandchildren. When they passed, I distanced myself from my mortal descendants. It was too painful to see one generation after another die.��


    Zac inwardly sighed as he heard her story. This was the fate of cultivators, and a reason so many at the top became detached. They stopped looking at the young of their ns as individuals because they couldn��t deal with the constant deaths. Ny percent of those they saw on the streets would die during a single retreat of secluded cultivation. One day he, too, would possibly reach a point where he barely recognized any of his subordinates.


    Learning about Vai��s origin was interesting, and it exined why she had been so angry when she thought he was nning on stealing donations to the public schools. However, it didn��t exin why she was running around with an extremely powerful treasure ball that only the most treasured scions would get to use.


    ��Muchter, a distant descendant of my sister was born, and she had far greater talents than I. When she was born, thousands of spatial creatures came to greet her, and she was immediately adopted into the Void Monastery. Today, her name is Leyara Lioress.��


    ��What?�� Zac eximed. ��You��re lying.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Vai quickly shook her head as she took out another item, this one an information crystal. However, there weren��t words recorded, but pictures. In the first picture, Vai and a young girl were sitting in a garden. The girl seemed to be around ten years old, but Zac could still make out some familiar features.


    One image after another followed the first, all of them showing Vai and Leyara as thetter gradually grew into the stunning beauty he met in the Tower of Eternity. Zac looked at the transition with marvel. The long lifespans of cultivators made for some odd imagery. The first picture made it seem like Vai was the big sister or perhaps even a young mother, but thest image made it look like Vai was the younger sibling. She was a constant while Leyara kept changing.


    Of course, that was just a small fleeting observation drowned out by the surprise of them having amon acquaintance.


    The world was truly full of coincidences. Zac had chosen to avoid contacting Leyara out of security concerns since he had no way to contact her without exposing his identity, and he had feared he would be killed long before his message ever reached her. But now, it turned out he��d been traveling with Leyara��s great aunt for months?


    ��I didn��t even know she existed, but she first visited me around two decades ago,�� Vai said with a smile as she carefully stowed away themunication crystal. ��She was a bit lonely, I think, so the Void Monastery sent her to me. So, when little Lara heard I was entering the Void Star, she sent me some things to keep me safe. That sphere was made by the Void Priestess herself.��


    ��If you had such a backer, why did the others treat you almost like a secretary?�� Zac asked with confusion, remembering how Vai seemed to be solidly in the lowest social rung among the small group of researchers.


    ��I didn��t talk about it with my colleagues,�� Vai weakly smiled, before her eyes once more widened in rm. ��Ah, the curse! Please let me help you. You cannot imagine how damaging a blood curse is.��


    ��What about the blood curse? Why do you know about that?�� Zac asked, ignoring her panicky and urgent expression.


    ��Three years ago, our chapter was sent arge number of tomes on various sacrificial rituals and curses,�� Vai said with helplessness, her face scrunching up with disgust. ��We didn��t understand why �C our research was focused on the Void Star. But we figured some unorthodox cult was causing trouble in the region, and we needed to figure out how to expose cultists and help those who had been cursed.��


    ��How did it go?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, the research is still in progress, so I can��t break the curse with an array breaker,�� Vai said with worry. ��That��s why we need to try and st it into a spatial tear. Now please, let me help you.��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac finally relented with a smile. ��See if you can find something.��


    After having seen the pictures, Zac was almost certain that Vai was neither a traitor nor a spy. Her story meshed with his gut instinct as well, except he��d thought she was a descendant rather than an ancestor of a Void Gate bigshot.


    Seeing that Zac finally gave the go-ahead, Vai eagerly ran over with a circr ss pane in her hands. She infused some Cosmic Energy into it, prompting a blue rune to light up in its center. Zac looked on curiously as she ced it in front of his navel, but nothing happened to the tool even after ten seconds and multiple energy infusions.


    ��Huh?�� Vai slowly muttered with a frown as she moved the ss disk all over Zac��s body. ��What��s going on? Where is it?��


    ��I told you, I destroyed it,�� Zac shrugged as took out Uzu��s Spatial Ring. ��More importantly, can you check this thing if there are any more traps on it?��


    It didn��t look like Vai even heard him as she kept muttering about permutations as she took out one tool after another, trying to find the already-extinguished brand.


    ��Did you really destroy the Blood Curse with your own energy?�� Vai eventually asked with skepticism after having exhausted all her investigative trinkets.


    ��I ground it down with my Daos,�� Zac nodded.


    ��That��s impossible. Those things are designed to be extremely resilient against that �C even Middle Branches wouldn��t be powerful enough to break the brand before it settled in your body,�� Vai muttered as she looked at Zac like he was pulling her leg.


    ��Well, I have some other means as well,�� Zac shrugged as he waved the ring. ��Now, the ring?��


    Still, Vai didn��t make any moves to scan the spatial treasure, as she wordlessly looked into Zac��s eyes. ��You showcased at least two Peak-quality skills and Two Dao Branches just now, along with a strength that was almost double that of before. You are not Gaun Sorom.��


    ��I guess I��m not,�� Zac smiled, making no effort to hide it.


    Even if Vai was a bit ditzy and inexperienced, she wasn��t a fool. There were too many differences to simply handwave away with a vague exnation of having found a trove. Even showcasing one Dao Branch and Vivi was pushing it, yet that was just the tip of the iceberg.


    ��Why are you hiding your real identity?�� she continued.


    ��I got into a conflict with a scion of a powerful C-grade n. He died, which enraged the elders. Now, I have a big bounty on my head,�� Zac said. ��Even if I don��t think the Void Gate would care, I couldn��t be sure how individual Hegemons would react.��


    Of course, that was just part of the reason, but it was good enough of an excuse.


    ��A bounty?�� Vai eximed. ��What n? Maybe L can help.��


    ��Tsarun,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Those people are no good,�� Vai muttered. ��A lot of the research materials had been confiscated from a research base believed to be theirs.��


    ��The Tsarun is working with the invaders?�� Zac eximed.


    ��No, not that we know of,�� Vai said. ��Those materials were confiscated thousands of years ago, and we simply used them as a reference for the methods of these new curses and sacrifices. What happened to the real Gaun Sorom?��


    Zac wasn��t sure why Vai cared about the real Gaun, but there was no need for him to hide the truth. ��We made a deal. I borrow his identity, and he got a Teleportation Token from me.��


    ��And you��re really not part of these traitors?�� Vai continued.


    ��No, that doesn��t have anything to do with me,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I don��t have any grudges with the Void Gate. I��m just here looking for a few things.��


    ��Alright,�� Vai nodded. ��I believe you.��


    ��Just like that?�� Zac said with raised brows.


    ��If you wanted me dead, I would have died already,�� Vai said with a small smile. ��I trust you. Can you tell me your real name?��


    ��You can call me Zac,�� Zac eventually said after some hesitation. ��Zac Atwood.��


    The more they talked, the more Zac had realized the jig was up. He simply couldn��t figure out a way to aplish his goals and get out of this ce without using his real identity. The cortex had blown up and most of the members were no doubt dead �C the moment he stepped out of the Void Star he��d be captured and questioned unless he somehow managed to escape.


    So since his identity would be exposed sooner orter, there was not much point in keeping it a secret from Vai.


    ��Atwood?�� Vai slowly said as her brows furrowed together. ��Why does that sound a bit familiar? Are you part of the families of Salosar?��


    ��Something like that,�� Zac coughed with a crooked smile, feeling a bit embarrassed.


    He had expected an exaggerated reaction to the grand reveal that he was Zachary Atwood �C the Deviant Asura who had reached the ninth floor of the Tower of Eternity and brought the Stele of Conflict to Zecia. But the little researcher obviously had no idea who he was, judging by her confused expression. Perhaps she had heard Leyara mention his name sometime but promptly forgot it after.


    So much for fame and notoriety.


    ��Alright, so I��m a bit stronger than I openly disyed, and you have a wealthy descendant. Until we manage to leave this ce, I��ll stay on as Gaun, alright?�� Zac coughed, eager to change the subject.


    ��Okay,�� Vai nodded. ��I will help you keep your secret, and I will talk with my niece. She knows a lot of people who might be able to help!��


    ��I��ll rely on you then,�� Zac smiled. ��More importantly, the situation is still a bit of a mess. Do you know where we are?��


    ��No,�� Vai said as she fearfully looked around, seemingly just now remembering they were in a foreign mystic realm shrouded in darkness. ��But I think we��ve been transported deeper, where the more dangerous realms are.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac muttered. So much for the second piece he sensed being at the surface as well. ��With the cortex blowing up like that, are we stuck here?��


    ��The cortexes do not control the gates between realms,�� Vai said. ��They simply help stabilize the system. A few realms might have been pushed out of ce because of the explosion, but it will take much longer for thework to copse altogether.��


    ��Was Uzu��s exnation true?�� Zac asked curiously. ��Are we actually not inside the Void Star right now?��


    ��Well�� Yes and no,�� Vai said after some thought. ��Both the official model and Uzu��s exnations are true. The Mystic Realms are both here and in various corners of Zecia. Space is split, duplicated in a sense. It��s hard to exin without some understanding ofyered realities.��


    ��But we aren��t stealing Mystic Realms!�� Vai quickly added when she saw Zac frown, clearly mistaking what he was worried about. ��The realms we connect and harmonize with the Void Star are hidden far from the main dimensions. Most of them would probably never appear in Zecia.��


    ��So all those beasts in the breachers mighte from the Million Gates Territory, or even from the other sector?��


    ��It��s possible,�� Vai conceded. ��But it doesn��t make sense. We have always stayed away from that region because of the turbulence. We knew that connecting the Void Star with such a chaotic patch of space would wreak havoc on this system. Something must have gone wrong for these kinds of bridges to form.��


    Zac thoughtfully nodded, but he inwardly wondered if things were that simple. Certainly, the region had seen a fair share of spatial turbulencetely, which was the reason the Space Gate to the other sector had appeared in the first ce. But it felt too coincidental. Were the Void Gate perhaps advancing their positions to deal with the invaders, but it had backfired?


    Or was it rted to the Left Imperial Pce?


    Had the Void Priestess perhaps finally found the clues she was looking for somewhere inside the Million Gates territory? Was that where the piece of rubble he found came from, along with the invaders and beasts? It made sense �C for a prize like the Left Imperial Pce, the Void Priestess was probably willing to risk anything, including the Void Star and perhaps even Zecia as a whole.


    ��I guess it doesn��t matter why the Void Star and the Million Gates Territory are connected,�� Zac eventually said. ��Why would the invaders want to blow up the Spatial Cortex?��


    ��I think�� If it��s an invasion, they want to reform the Void Star,�� Vai hesitated. ��Normally, the only entrance and exit are where we came from, but something has gone wrong. The invaders have found a way to enter the system from the Million Gates Territory. I think they want to destabilize the Void Star and open new exits across Zecia.��


    ��Is that possible?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Yes, the Void Gate has asionally done it when we need to move arge number of people a long distance �C it��s expensive, but a lot quicker than using transport vessels,�� Vai nodded. ��You need to pick a Mystic Realm that is not too far from the surface though, and have the tools to force open a channel.��


    ��But if they seed, swarms of invaders could essentially pop up anywhere in the Zecia sector?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��I think so?�� Vai slowly nodded.


    ��Well, that��s just great.��

 Chapter 881: Worldeaters

    Chapter 881: Worldeaters


    The thought of hordes of unorthodox cultivators popping out of nowhere among unsuspecting citizens was extremely troubling. These kinds of cultivators didn��t have any scruples, and whole worlds risked getting sacrificed for their rites.


    ��I��m sure the Void Priestess will stop it when she finds out,�� Vai quickly said when she saw Zac��s frown. ��She is immensely powerful, and she understands the Void Star better than anyone. This might even be a trap and she��s nning a counter-strike against the invaders.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. Given the Void Gate��s strength, they should be able to quickly deal with these infiltrators �C and perhaps even use them to find the Space Gate hidden in the depths of the Million Gates Territory. If not, they should at least be able to thwart their ns before things escted.


    Ultimately, it was out of Zac��s paygrade. He��d try to take out any infiltrators he could and hopefully rack up some merit, but he wouldn��t delve into the depths of the Void Star and risk his life to destroy the pathway they used. He had enough on his te as is, and the Void Gate didn��tck powerful warriors who should be dealing with this mess already.


    ��Do you have any way to contact your niece? Or at least any armies or squads that are in this area?�� Zac eventually asked. ��They might not know all the details we have.��


    ��That��s���� Vai hesitated, looking a bit conflicted.


    ��We��re well past secrets by this point,�� Zac snorted.


    ��Well, normally we would be able to send for aid at the waystation,�� the researcher relented. ��But there is a problem. It doesn��t work.��


    ��Sabotage?�� Zac asked.


    ��Probably,�� Vai nodded. ��Remember when you asked me what was going on after we entered the second Mystic Realm? The battle scene? The leaders realized that something was wrong with themunication arrays back then. I think they first guessed themunicators had broken down during that fight, but that wasn��t the case. I saw them fail to contact other waystations multiple times since then.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac frowned, but he almost felt it was for the best they couldn��tmunicate with the other squads. After all, the next piece of the seal might be in some restricted area, and it was better to ask for forgiveness than for permission.


    ��Alright, so we��ll leave notes at every waystation we visit,�� Zac shrugged. ��That way we might be able to helpbat the invaders.��


    ��Do you think we��ll be fine?�� Vai asked with worry.


    ��Well, the invaders can��t send any real dangerous people through the Space Gate so far, from what I��ve heard. Early Hegemons at the worst, so it should be fine,�� Zac said after some consideration. ��This is even an opportunity to rack up some contribution.��


    ��Not that,�� Vai whispered. ��What if they really have someone like the Eveningtide Asura? That man killed so many people, and the elites of the sectors were almost helpless against him.��


    ��Well, that��s for the bigshots to worry about,�� Zac hesitated. ��I��m sure they��ve prepared some measures since the Asura appearedst time, right?��


    ��And the others, do you think they��re alive?�� Vai asked as she looked up at the sky.


    ��Maybe?�� Zac ventured. ��Teo was a defensive Hegemon, and he might have been given some special items as a leader of the squad. He might have managed to lead some to safety. You saw how Uzu destroyed the entrance behind him �C they might have been hot on his heels.��


    ��You��re right!�� Vai nodded, her eyes lighting up. ��I��m sure they are fine!��


    Zac nodded, but truthfully, he wasn��t too convinced of his theory. Uzu seemed to only care about himself, and he wouldn��t be surprised if he destabilized space to kill or trap Ilka rather than escape his pursuers.


    ��Alright, we should move. Nothing is gained by staying here,�� Zac said as he turned toward the dense brushes in the distance. ��Besides, I don��t think they��ll allow us to just sit around here.��


    ��Wh-�� Vai said, but her words got caught in her mouth as dozens of grotesque creatures came running out through the bushes.


    They were bipedal creatures that were essentially just two legs and an oversized mouth, followed by a feathery tail that stretched out twice their length. They didn��t have any eyes, but they clearly knew where Zac and Vai were. Zac picked up the researcher with one of Vivi��s vines while he unleashed a barrage of Dao-infused leaves in the direction of the beast.


    Zac didn��t even look to see the result of the attack as he rushed in the direction before rushing into the general direction he saw the Ferric Voidwyrms fly toward. However, he soon slowed down as he peered into the darkness with confusion. Zac had expected a drawn-out hunt, but he was surprised to see the beasts stopping almost immediately.


    A few of the creatures had been killed by [Nature��s Edge], and the remaining beasts had immediately given up on their pursuit to instead feed on their fallen brothers. So much for camaraderie in this ce. Was prey that scarce in this world that they even fed on their own?


    The beasts weren��t stronger than Middle E-grade on average, but Zac had no reason to stay on and kill them all. If these things had been attracted, it might mean that nastier things were on the way as well. So he let the beasts feed on the carcasses as he disappeared into the darkness, each step taking him and Vai hundreds of meters away.


    Only a couple of minutester did Zac slow down after having almost fallen into a tar pit. There was something about that bubbling darkness that made Zac��s hair stand on end, and he quickly created some distance. Still, the visibility was an issue. It was almost impossible to see in the darkness, and even [Cosmic Gaze] was suppressed. The next thing they might run into could be a powerful Beast King instead of some tar.


    Zac kept moving until he found a secluded spot, at which point he stopped and threw out an illusion array that covered the two.


    ��This ce is a bit troublesome, and I��m not too good at scouting. Do you have any way to spot dangers?�� Zac asked.


    Vai��s head immediately bobbed as she took out a ss bowl that somehow held shimmering lights within. ��This treasure can spot energy signatures around us, even those that are hidden.��


    ��Another present from your niece?�� Zac asked with a smile.


    ��In case I got lost,�� Vai admitted with a small blush.


    ��It looks pretty useful. Can it detect all kinds of signatures?�� Zac curiously asked as he looked at the lights within. ��Including treasures?��


    ��Ah? Yes, well,�� Vai hesitated. ��I think so? But it��s difficult to discern what every signal represents. It��s usually a powerful beast, nt, or natural formation.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac said. ��I��ll carry you with Vivi while you keep watch. If you see me running toward something dangerous, stop me, alright?��


    ��I��m not very���� Vai hesitated as she looked around.


    ��You��ll do fine. Adventuring is just like researching. Except with more blood, I guess,�� Zac said.


    ��A- Well, if you say so,�� Vai hesitated, though her expression said she wasn��t too convinced. Still, there was determination in her eyes as she nodded. ��I��ll do my best!��


    ��Alright, first thing��s first,�� Zac said. ��Can you check this ring now? It might exin why Uzu chose this realm. I don��t want to stumble into a hidden base crawling with infiltrators.��


    ��Of course,�� Vai nodded before taking out a few of her tools again. ��There doesn��t seem to be any arrays or self-destruct functions on the item.��


    ��Move back a bit, just in case,�� Zac said.


    A momentter, Zac infused a wisp of spiritual energy into the Spatial Ring. There weren��t any traps, but his face still scrunched up into an annoyed grimace. Clearly, there was one thing Uzu hadn��t lied about �C the man was t broke. Apart from the Longevity Pearl, there was barely anything inside the ring.


    Just some daily wares, a few dozen cheap pills, a small stack of High-quality Nexus Crystals, and a single Cosmic Crystal that seemed to be mostly exhausted already. Zac poured all the random items onto the ground and started rummaging through them in hopes of finding at least one useful thing.


    At first, there was simply nothing, but suddenly he felt something was wrong with one of the robes. A momentter, he dragged out a stack of documents hidden within the lining. The bottommost document was made from a different material than the others, and Zac curiously took it out to inspect.


    There was nothing on it, except fifty-odd paintings of different runes. Zac didn��t recognize them at all �C as far as he could tell, some didn��t even follow the basic rules the Apostate of Order��s patterns were based on. However, Zac froze when he saw one of the runes listed among the others on the bottom half of the parchment.


    The seal of the Left Imperial Pce.


    Having seen the real thing in his vision, Zac could tell it wasn��t perfect. There were some errors in the way it was drawn, which somehow made it lose all of its inherent meaning. Even then, there was no mistaking it. It was at least 80% identical to the real thing. Why was something like this un Uzu��s possession?


    ��This is likely written by the Invaders,�� Vai said with a low volume as looked at the parchment with interest. ��The characteristics in the penmanship and the type of ink are the same as in the manuals we researched. But it doesn��t seem to be anything �C the runes do not form a system, and neither are they a message. Do you recognize this script?��


    ��No idea,�� Zac muttered as he stowed away the parchment in his spatial ring.


    In reality, he had a worrying hunch; he might not be the only one looking for the seal. The parchment almost looked like a bounty �C Uzu��s contact had probably given it to him with orders to report back if he found anything of the sort. As for the other signs, Zac guessed they were either decoys or perhaps rted runes that might lead to the real thing.


    But how was that possible? Had someone among the invaders managed to get the quest as well? Was the Left Imperial Pce hedging its bets? Or was it the System that was arranging some sort of Battle of Fates? There was no way to tell, but it was a good early warning. Seeing this parchment, Zac knew the odds of him running into invaders had suddenly gone up.


    Zac turned his attention to the stack of papers for more clues, but he quickly realized the two weren��t rted. The notes were a bit disorganized, and the parchments were covered in spatters of blood. Most of them seemed to be blueprints, with some sections having dozens of iterations. At first, Zac thought they were Uzu��s research into forming a blueprint for his core, but it didn��t look like it.


    ��Can you tell what��s going on?�� Zac asked before handing Vai the documents.


    ��Uzu wanted to break the blood curse,�� Vai said as she looked at the diagrams. ��But his foundational knowledge was too shallow. His idea was to form an array in his pathways that would automatically be powered by his Cosmic Energy. It would slowly destroy the brand on his core. But internal arrays are extremelyplex, and the blood curse would have erupted long before he managed to break it.��


    Apart from that, there wasn��t much else in the spatial ring, including any clues as to why Uzu had chosen this ce. Had he simply followed Vai to silence her, perhaps? It was no way to tell, and Zac ultimately burned, purified, and erased all the items and the ring itself with the help of a [Void Ball], much to the confusion of Vai.


    ��Just a precaution,�� Zac smiled. ��Can��t be too careful out here.��


    ��A-okay�� I have looked at my token, the closest waystation is in that direction,�� Vai said as she pointed to their left. ��But I cannot tell whether it leads outward or further inside.��


    ��We��ll head there soon,�� Zac nodded. ��But first, first, I need to find a Ferric Worldeater.��


    ��A Ferric Worldeater?�� Vai said with confusion. ��Why?��


    ��Ironically, to fight the outsiders.��


    ��Fighting the outsiders?�� Vai muttered before her eyes suddenly widened in realization. ��You are building a Cosmic Vessel!��


    ��How��d you know?�� Zac eximed with surprise.


    ��The only useful thing on Worldeaters are their Cores,�� Vai slowly said. ��As far as I know, they are mainly used for three things; Array Cores for local Teleportation Arrays, a few types of Spirit Tools, and Cosmic Vessels. The first is useless for fighting locals, and you wouldn��t use the kind of tools you can create with them. That means you are building a Cosmic Vessel.��


    ��Quite the researcher,�� Zac smiled.


    ��You should give up,�� Vai urged. ��The models that use beast cores as part are sometimes called Living Ships �C vessels that almost have an intellect of their own.��


    ��Like Tool Spirits?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��There likely are Spirit Tool Cosmic Vessels as well, but those are not the vessels I am talking about,�� Vai said with a shake of its head. ��It��s more of a passive consciousness that makes controlling the vessel much easier. These ships don��t require highly skilled pilots who can control theplex arrays that make the ships work. You can control them with simplified arrays and thoughts alone.


    ��In return, they are much more expensive and difficult to build. Therefore, few are made �C it��s much easier to train pilots.��


    ��Oh,�� Zac nodded. ��Well, do have any way to pick out a Worldeater in that bowl of yours?��


    ��You..!�� Vai stuttered before she sighed with resignation. ��No, but I think I can attract one. I can build an array that copies the energy signature of a Spatial Natural Treasure. It might attract other space-attuned beasts as well though.��


    ��So we should be somewhat close to a Worldeater��s domain,�� Zac nodded. ��I saw a few Voidwyrms earlier, so there should be some adults around as well.��


    Fifteen dayster, two figures sat hidden in an igloo made from what Zac hoped was mud, waiting for their prey to take the bait. One had a calm expression, while the other was holding onto a bellyful of grievances. The mud was something the two stumbled onto the second day in the Mystic Realm. It stank to high heavens, but it somehow blocked out both their auras and smells without the energy fluctuations of an istion array, making it the perfect portable hiding tool.


    For Zac, this was nothing �C he was more than ustomed to being covered with all kinds of disgusting things. Andpared to the [Celestial y], this mud smelled like the sweetest perfume. Vai, on the other hand, had a far harder time limatizing to the less morous parts of adventuring, and there were two dark circles under her eyes as she asionally looked at Zac with reproach.


    ��This is thest one, I swear. If this one is useless as well, I��ll settle with it and we move on,�� Zac smiled. ��Besides, you were the one who taught me about the ridges.��


    One hundred meters away from them, a shimmering ball hovered in the air, emitting enticing pulses of Spatial Dao. It was the bait that Vai had set up, though it wasn��t the first one. This was the sixth time they were trying to attract a Ferric Worldeater. It wasn��t that Vai��s method didn��t work �C except for two idental stampedes that left the two running for their lives, the other four hunts had attracted the right target.


    However, after Zac was flush with excitement after catching the first one, Vai had informed him that he had essentially caught the dumbest possible specimen. The way she could tell was that it only had one ridge inside its maw. It wasn��t an exact science, but more ridges generally meant greater potential and a more powerful soul.


    Settling for amon Worldeater without spatial affinity was already apromise for Zac, so he refused to create his tailored Cosmic Vessel with subpar materials. In the end, he had dragged Vai all across the whole Mystic Realm and through various packs of starved nightmarish beasts in search of a better specimen.


    Unfortunately, beasts were just like cultivators in that most of them were rtively untalented, with only the asional genius emerging.


    ��Okay,st one,�� Vai sighed with relief as she applied some more fragrant salve under her nose. ��Though you said thatst time as well.��


    ��Well,�� Zac coughed. ��How does it look?��


    ��Nothing yet,�� Vai muttered as she looked into the bowl. ��We might have found them all. Worldeaters are not thatmon. It takes both talent and a lot of energy for them to be born.��


    ��Let��s wait a while longer,�� Zac sighed.


    Another hour passed where the only visitors were the asional F- or E-grade beast that Zac scared away with a burst of killing intent. But finally, Zac saw how a brighter star appeared in the bowl.


    ��A Beast King is closing in,�� Vai confirmed. ��It��sing from that mountain �C I think it��s a worldeater.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded as [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand. ��Same tactic as before. Don��t worry if it doesn��t work.��


    ��I- I��ll seal it this time,�� Vai said with a mix of determination and fear.


    A few minutester, Zac could see it �C something that looked like an enormous river was floating toward them in the sky. It was the Ferric Worldeater who had finally been lured out from within its burrow where it fed on a Nexus Vein. It drew closer and closer, and Zac got ready to jump out.


    These beasts weren��t stupid, and the Worldeater would soon realize that Vei��s array wasn��t actually a recently-born Spatial Treasure.


    ��Wait!�� Vai suddenly eximed. ��A second one is- ah it��s so fast! It��s already here!��

 Chapter 882: Black Heart

    Chapter 882: ck Heart


    The sun covered half the sky, and its warm rays felt like a caress on her skin. For a moment, it was almost enough to forget that the Heavens were shrouded in this corner of space. But the illusion broke as the sound of a door opening broke the tranquility.


    ��I am sorry for the interruption, but I have gathered the information young miss requested,�� Kvalk said as he stepped onto the terrace.


    ��Oh?�� Iz eximed with anticipation as she opened her eyes.


    ��As young miss had gathered from your, ah, research sessions, there is indeed a war that is about to break out in this sector,�� Kvalk said as he handed over an information crystal. ��For now, it is contained to a semi-integrated corner of the endless storms that the locals call the Million Gates Territory. A Space Gate is currently forming there, but it��s hidden by the Heavens.��


    ��What about the other sector?�� Iz asked.


    ��They are Dark Sector ruled by the Kan��Tanu Cult,�� Kvalk said.


    ��An Unorthodox Cult?�� Iz asked with a frown. ��I have never heard of them.��


    ��Neither have I. They are likely some small faction that has taken over either a declining or a remote sector. Unfortunately, with the restrictions, I cannot find out more,�� Kvalk sighed. ��But generally, for them to control a whole sector, they are most likely part of arger faction. Otherwise, some local B-grade force would have stomped them out already.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��I never met a heretic. I hear those people can be quite strong?�� Iz asked curiously.


    ��They break convention for power. Those who survive the rites and the bacshes are usually stronger thanmon cultivators,�� Kvalk nodded. ��Of course, they are still just ants with a crooked pathpared to young miss.��


    ��These natives did not have much information, so I cannot be certain,�� the golem continued. ��But the invaders all seem to carry a somewhat familiar blood curse. If I have to guess, then these Kan��Tanu are a branch or subordinate organization of the ck Heart Sect. Perhaps, one of their outer disciples found their way to the frontier.��


    ��I think I have heard of them,�� Iz slowly said.


    ��The ck Heart Sect are ruthless to others, but more so to themselves. There are seldom more than a million members of their sect because of their standards and recruitment method, and almost all of them are outer disciples. Each candidate is ced in a harsh environment with ten thousand others, each one imnted with a nascent Heart Curse. Every warrior they kill will strengthen themselves, and only one candidate will walk out alive.


    ��To be an outer disciple, a candidate has to survive two rounds, with the second being a battle against 10,000 other candidates who survived the first gauntlet. To be an inner disciple, you have to survive a third round against in a ughter-fest among outer disciples.��


    ��A trillion deaths for one cultivator,�� Iz sighed. ��Why?��


    ��Part of the reason is to find true elites,�� Kvalk said. ��But more importantly, it��s to strengthen the Heart Curse. With every death, the curse will siphon a small part of the strength and talent of the fallen. With a single round, it will not amount to much, but by the third, an already talented individual will have been pushed a whole tier higher.��


    ��Stolen talent cannote without a price,�� Iz muttered.


    ��It is just as young miss says. The reason it��s called a curse even if it increases your talent is the tremendous fell karma it carries. It is like an unrelenting Heart Demon that eventually turns most of the members mad. Even those who can resist will find their personalities gradually get twisted,�� the golem exined. ��The curse will also cause them to be beset by terrifying tribtions.��


    ��Ruining their fate for power,�� Iz said with a shake of her head. ��How pointless. Are all of the invaders like these?��


    ��No, only the elites will have these kinds of curses, and in this area, they will probably have some inferior version,�� Kvalk snorted. ��To steal providence is incredibly difficult and costly. Themon warriors will have simpler brands that will provide power and durability in exchange for their longevity. They are essentially battle ves whose lifespan is cut down to a tenth.��


    ��Hm,�� Iz nodded.


    She was a bit curious if there was any rtion between this invasion and thepetition her grandpa warned her about, but these natives had no idea what was going on. There wasn��t any point trying to find the answers herself though �C there was a much easier solution. She simply needed to find Mr. Bug, and he��d lead her straight into the eye of the storm where the answers waited.


    ��What about the incongruous readings?�� Iz asked.


    It had been extremely frustrating to finally break into this sealed sector only to find she couldn��t find Mr. Bug. The image hadn��t been restored since he conjured that ball of Chaos, and now even the tracking feature was acting up. One day the signal would indicate one direction, and the next day it said he was in apletely different part of the sector.


    They had even tried visiting one of the locations the mirror indicated, only to find absolutely nothing there. Had Mr. Bug figured out some way to avoid detection? No, that was impossible. He was far too stupid for something like that. It felt like she was stuck at the finish line, and she had ultimately settled in the hometown of some local family called Havarok.


    They weren��t very powerful, but they did have ess to all the local informationworks.


    ��These natives haven��t heard of young miss��s associate for years. Instead, I chose to look for clues to the Left Imperial Pce. Since your associate is rted to its awakening, I figured we should be able to find him that way. And with the odd readings of the mirror, I have a theory,�� Kvalk said as he handed Iz a second information crystal.


    ��Void Gate?�� Iz muttered as she scanned the contents.


    ��I believe the Void Gate is a branch of the Vigil,�� Kvalk added.


    ��Ah!�� Iz eximed as she stood up. ��Mr. Bug is off causing trouble in that spatial anomaly!��


    ��The guardian of the Void Gate is quite powerful,�� Kvalk hesitated. ��If she��s a part of the Vigil, I fear I��m not her match in my restricted state.��


    ��If this Void Priestess is a part of the Vigil, she will not interfere with the process,�� Iz countered as she started packing away her furniture. ��Let��s go.��


    ��The local dynasty was wondering if young miss was interested in visiting their inheritance realm,�� the golem added. ��I think their young master wants to use the opportunity to court young miss. Should I test their fate?��


    ��Don��t bother, what fate can they have? Just ignore those people,�� Iz waved her hand as she hurried toward the door. ��Come, let��s find someone to teleport us over.��


    ���������������C


    The thickyer of ash on the ground kicked up the asional dust cloud in therge hollow. However, the creatures who had gathered in ritual obeisance seemed to not even notice theyers that covered their thick coats of ck fur. They simply stared at the ancient temple in the center of the hollow with the dull gazes of fanatics.


    How the hell would he do this? There were ten thousand of these bastards, with the weakest of them being Late E-grade. More than two weeks had passed as well, and none of them had moved an inch.


    ��You still insist on keeping the details to yourself?�� Ogras muttered from his hidden chamber in the mountain wall, his aura and words shielded by denseyers of shadows. ��No matter what, I am taking whatever��s inside. My guts tell me the most valuable treasure in this godforsaken realm is in there.��


    ��Why the hell should I help you?�� K��Rav snickered as he appeared opposite Ogras.


    ��If I die, I��ll be sure to throw you right into the hands of one of the alphas,�� Ogras spat. ��Have fun slowly getting swallowed and digested by these freaks.��


    The goblin red at Ogras for a moment, but his eyes thoughtfully turned to the temple as it released another of its weird ripples.


    ��These buildings mighte from the Lost ne,�� K��Rav eventually relented. ��I��m not sure how they were dragged to the surface dimension though �C we never managed to bring back anything more than energy beings.��


    ��The Lost ne? The same ce as those crazed familiars of yours came from?�� Ogras frowned. ��Bastard, even now you��re lying? Do I look blind? In what way are those pulses anything like the nightmare ne of the Qriz��Ul?��


    He sounded annoyed, but in reality, Ogras was actually inclined to believe the Tool Spirit. Why else would the mysterious brand on his arm urge him forward and respond to every pulse? Besides, finding this ce had been exceedingly easy �C these temples had called for him since the day he stepped into the bands.


    If not for the worry this was yet another trick by K��Rav, Ogras would have arrived at this ce two whole months earlier. And along his circuitous route, he had spotted three simr ruins, each one of them surrounded by these humanoid beasts. However, none of the others had called to him as this temple did.


    Of course, he still wasn��t convinced this wasn��t a trap, but it took all of his self-control to ignore the beckoning pulses from within.


    Ogras was almost certain this was thest piece of the puzzle. Upon finishing the sixth key for his quest in the Ra��Lashar Kingdom, the six tattoos had turned into this singr brand on his hand that still hadn��t shown any use. Initially, Ogras had worried he had lost his opportunity when the bastard of a Tool Spirit activated the self-destruction of the whole tower, but he no longer believed that to be the case.


    The brand itself was the reward for managing to pass all six trials of the quest, but it was still a key to a repository. However, it was not the Ra��Lashar Treasury the brand would give him ess to, but rather this mysterious ruin that not even these powerful beasts dared enter.


    ��What do you know, fool?�� K��Rav snorted. ��A little tadpole questioning the vast knowledge of the Ra��Lashar?��


    ��I��m questioning you, you wailing ghost,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. ��Everything that��se out of your mouth since we met has either been outright lies or modified truths. Why should today be any different?��


    ��Then why did you ask, you wretched thing?�� K��Rav spat. ��Now, will you listen or not?��


    ��Go ahead, sing your song,�� Ogras said with a generous wave.


    ��Bastard,�� K��Rav muttered before the spirit took a calming breath. ��The Lost ne is ancient, and even we didn��t know much about it. We stumbled upon it by ident through a small crack leading into that domain. Our explosive growth was thanks to the few things we managed to extract from that ce.��


    ��And your demise,�� Ogras pointedly added.


    ��Well, yes,�� K��Rav shrugged. ��We got too greedy, but don��t think you would fare any better. For one, the truths that ce contained beggaredprehension �C we only managed to gather some scraps at the edges, and we turned into what you call a C-grade force in a few short millennia. Problem was, something corrupted the Lost ne long before we found it.��


    ��The Qriz��Ul,�� Ogras muttered, his eyes widened with realization as he looked at the thickyer of dust covering the area.


    He hadn��t made the connection over the past week simply because the auras of these ruins and the rune parasites were so different, but there was a simrity. Everything those purple scars touched was reduced to dust, just like these ancient buildings seemed to have destroyed all around them with their pulses.


    ��Those bastards are just a symptom, not the cause,�� K��Rav said. ��In a way, we believed the Dao itself was the corruption.��


    ��What?�� Ogras asked with a raised brow. ��The Dao is the Dao.��


    ��Well, I don��t have all the answers,�� K��Rav muttered. ��We were busy strengthening ourselves �C who would bother to look a gift horse in the mouth? I��m sure there was more to it. In either case, these temples might be rted to the Lost Realm �C an expression of its power without the taint that turned that realm into a nightmare.��


    ��Well, even if you��re right �C so what?�� Ogras grunted. ��How does that help me?��


    ��These dumb brutes don��t dare to go inside, and there is a big pile of dust right by the gates. Entry means death for these things,�� K��Rav snickered before he pointedly looked at Ogras�� arm. ��But not necessarily for you.��


    ��Let me guess, I should just rush through these beasts and jump headfirst through the gates �C in the hopes the brand on my arm will keep me safe?�� Ogras asked with a roll of his eyes. ��What��s next, should I ther myself in grease and tasty Natural Treasures for good luck as well?��


    ��You asked my opinion, so there it is,�� K��Rav said. ��I��ve said it before and I��ve said it again. Nothing great wille without taking some risks. If my idea works, you will pass through in one piece and get your hands on a true relic of the Lost ne. If it fails, you��ll quickly and probably painlessly turn into a pile of dust.


    ��And don��t tell me there isn��t logic to my n. You didn��t so much as nce at those other temples we passed, including the one that looked a lot fancier than this one. You clearly believe this ce is rted to you.��


    ��So, why are you being so helpful all of a sudden?�� Ogras said with thin eyes.


    ��I can��t reason with a paranoid rogue like you,�� K��Rav spat as he flew back into the g in Ogras�� robes. ��Do what you want. I almost hope it fails �C that way I��ll finally get some peace and quiet.��


    ��Unless I haunt you in the afterlife,�� Ogras snorted as his gaze turned to the valley full of beasts sitting in reverie.


    Even if the goblin��s idea worked, there was still the issue of getting through the sea of creatures. These things weren��t like the dumb zombies they had lured away with some Miasma Crystals back on Earth �C these things were pretty hard to trick because of their energy sensitivity. There were also the leaders at the front �C six Beast Kings as far as he could tell, each one of them possessing strength well above the average power of a Beast King.


    Even then, with all he had aplished over the past decade, it should be possible �C as long as he dared enter that courtyard.


    He hesitated for a few minutes, but Ogras ultimately steeled his heart. It was just like the long-nosed little bastard said. Power or death, there was no in-between. If he died, he died �C just another forgotten warrior on the path of cultivation. As far as he knew, everyone on the outside believed him dead already, so what did it matter?


    Ogras turned to shadows as he slithered down a crack in the mountain wall. He slowly inched his way closer to the outer perimeter of the beasts, wanting to advance as far as possible before he was exposed. Eventually, a few of the humanoids started sniffing the air and looking around, realizing something was amiss. That was his cue �C and Ogras exploded into action.


    Two rapid teleportations left him in the heart of the horde, but when he tried to sh forward with [Darkside] a third time, the dense auras from the beasts barred his path. Even then, it was better than Ogras had dared hope for, and a sea of darkness spread out with himself as the epicenter.


    Since [Sea of Shadows] had been upgraded to E-grade and pushed to Late Mastery, its lethality was simply tremendous, and wails echoed out in every direction. However, the domain didn��t evenst a second before it was ripped apart by the sheer number of enemies, exposing six identical copies rushing toward the gate of the temple.


    One by one they were struck down, but when the final copy was about to fall, it took out a spear and swiped in a wide arc around him. Over a hundred E-grade beasts were felled in one go, and the void allowed Ogras to activate his movement skill once more. Now, there was only one barrier between himself and the temple �C the Beast Kings and their direct underlings.


    Ogras waved the [Shadewar g], and screams from the depths of the underworld echoed through the hollow as over a hundred specters appeared. They formed a vanguard as Ogras melded into the shadows, his eyes never leaving the closest Beast King who blocked the gate with a massive Dao Field.


    The ghosts swarmed the humanoid beasts with wild abandon, but they were being torn to shred at a rapid pace, unable to withstand the sharp ws of these things. Ogras didn��t care �C the moment the spirits were released, he had already resigned himself to the loss. But he could collect new souls for the g as long as he made it through this.


    Ance of hyper-condensed shadows, surrounded by circles of esoteric runes, shot toward the final guardian, the force contained in the attack far surpassing the F-grade [Shadonce] it had evolved from. The brutal-looking beast wasn��t worried though, and it unleashed a cascading shockwave with a roar.


    The attack destroyed everything in its wake as it swallowed Ogras�� skill, but a pained screech suddenly echoed out when ance of darkness pierced through its body �C from behind. With [Mirage Lance], real was false, and false was real. The Beast King��s keen energy perception had worked against it �C it instantly realized that the attack from behind was an illusion.


    However, as a fusion of smoke and mirrors, reality was malleable with his evolved skill, and real and illusion switched ces just before they struck. Ogras knew the attack was far from enough to deal with these incredibly durable bastards, but the infusion of his Dao had interrupted the Beast King��s Dao Field for a moment.


    And a moment was all that Ogras needed.


    With a sh, shadows swapped ces, and Ogras found himself right next to the wounded humanoid beast. Even if it was in pain, it reacted instantaneously with a ferocious swipe that left spatial tears in its wake. The ws tore straight through his body, or rather the body of the mirage that had reced Ogras the moment he appeared.


    As for Ogras himself, he appeared right in front of the temple, where his appearance kicked up a cloud of dust. There was no time for hesitation or second thoughts �C the beast kings had already destroyed the specters and were already bearing on him with madness in their ck eyes. He leaped forward through the gate andnded square inside the temple��s courtyard.


    The cobblestones beneath his feet oozed antiquity and the solemn atmosphere quieted Ogras�� beating heart in an instant. However, the ethereal state didn��t evenst for a second before his mind screamed of disastrous danger. Two of the Beast Kings had actually jumped through the gate in their fury, and their ws were about to strike him down.


    Ogras was set to evade the attacks, but a sudden pulse from within the temple froze him in ce. He briefly felt an odd ripple on his arm and his mind immediately nked out, overloaded with a rapid session of images. The first beast king descended on him a momentter, its w going straight for Ogras�� forehead.


    However, while there was death, there was no blood. The instant the w touched Ogras�� forehead, a shudder went through the Beast King and it was reduced to dust in a sh along with its brother. Ogras was fine, and he took a shuddering breath as he woke up from his stupor. It worked �C the Voidbrand had granted him ess.


    He threw a teasing smile at the furious beasts stuck at the other side of the gate, but by the time he turned his gaze toward the decaying temple, his eyes were full of solemnity. The images that had suddenly crammed into his head were scattered and hazy, but one thing was clear; this ce had far surpassed his expectations.


    It had far surpassed his realm ofprehension.


    ��Ultom����

 Chapter 883: Double the Trouble

    Chapter 883: Double the Trouble


    Zac didn��t have time to react to Vai��s exmation of a second target before the first one pushed through the darkness, its true form finally bing visible. As expected, it was another Ferric Worldeater �C a monstrous mix between a flying lobster, and a worm.


    This specimen was almost two hundred meters long, making it the size of a Cosmic Vessel. Its face was mostly arge maw made from six ps that almost looked like a disgusting fleshy flower bud when opening, an image that was only reinforced when you saw that its mouth was filled with thousands of odd tendrils that looked like pistils.


    Ferric Worldeaters didn��t actually have any teeth at all. Instead, those tendrils had the ability to extract almost any energy from materials it swallowed before it passed mundane rubble from the other side. Everything from World Cores to Cosmic Crystals and sturdy metals was drained and turned into useless scrap in no time.


    Just behind its maw, four ws were attached, reaching roughly twenty meters ahead of its mouth. Two of them were designed for digging and looked like an excavator bucket and a long spike, while the other pair was more like traditional lobster ws. The ws looked a bit odd and misced, but Zac had felt first-hand just how quick and lethal those things were.


    Thick tes that looked a lot like rusty iron covered their whole body, which was where the ��ferric�� part in the name came from. In reality, the tes were more like extremely sturdy y than metal. They had very powerful defensive capabilities, but their real use was the extraordinary istion effect they provided.


    It was these tes that allowed the Worldeaters to slowly dig their way into the center of a and withstand the pressure, heat, and powerful energies as they slowly fed on the��s core. But in contrast to what Calrin��s report had said or what their name implied, they didn��t solely feed on World Cores.


    They were happy to eat any powerful source of energy, and they moremonly fed on Nexus Veins, slowly draining and destroying them. Of course, the odds of actually turning into a Beast King without ess to a World Core were extremely slim, and they had to rece quality with quantity. Their ever-voracious nature made them a headache, and if not for the useability of their Beast Cores, they would be hunted and eradicated like an invasive species.


    Then again, they were quite difficult to get rid of altogether. With the unique istion capabilities of their tes, they could survive in the Void for years. Not only that, but they actually possessed a Bloodline Ability that would allow them to dig open a hole into the Void, where they would hide until the danger had passed. Furthermore, their young were often nurtured inside their own bodies where they received part of the energy their parents extracted, making them hard to target.


    This ability for survival was the reason there couldn��t be any hesitation �C two of the previous Worldeaters had managed to flee into the void before Zac could incapacitate them. This time, the situation was even moreplicated, with a second Beast King looming in the shadows. Odd thing was, even with Vai��s early warning, Zac couldn��t locate the beast at all.


    That didn��t mean Vai was wrong �C Zac��s instincts told him something else was lurking nearby as well. Thankfully, years of fighting against all kinds of beasts in the Orom World had given him a wealth of experience, and he had already adjusted his battle n as he shot into the sky with a herculean leap.


    He was still some distance from the Worldeater, which had stopped in hesitation from Zac��s sudden appearance. The Worldeaters were somewhat skittish, but they would not immediately flee upon the appearance of a human, especially not one with multiple aura-hiding measures in ce. Between his aura-hiding bracer and [Spiritual Void] swallowing his Dao emanations, he should look like a mortal who somehow gained the ability of flight.


    This charade wouldn��t trick anyone for long, but it didn��t need to. A short hesitation was all Zac needed as a storm of fractal leaves shot out from his body, each one of them imbued withrge amounts of Mental Energy and his Branch of the War Axe. The innumerable des raked through the air, forming an inescapable that stretched for hundreds of meters in every direction.


    The forest below was reduced to splinters, and the mud hut was destroyed as well. Even then, Zac wasn��t worried �C Vai had moved out of harm��s way the moment he jumped into the air. Not only that, but a new forest rose to rece the one that had been destroyed �C a primordial forest conjured with his [Ancestral Woods].


    The upgraded version of [Hatchetman��s Spirit] had its limitation when fighting in the sky �C for example, its teleportation abilities werendlocked. Still, the trees provided him with a series of other advantages, from the attribute boost to the damage-soaking capabilities and improved vision.


    A rattling sound echoed through the air as dozens of des mmed into the thick tes of the Worldeater, and it screeched in anger at the assault. Shallow marks were left on the surface of the rusty scales, but [Nature��s Edge] was far from able to cut through the tes. Zac didn��t care in the slightest �C the attack had already aplished its goal.


    Six deep thuds echoed out the next moment, sounding almost like underwater explosions. The sound came from a set of array gs Zac had thrown out during the chaos, which had then been activated by Vai. Each of the gs created an odd swirl in space that together formed arge cage of destabilized space. It didn��t target the worldeater though, but rather an empty patch of space.


    Part of the reason Zac had activated [Nature��s Edge] and infused it with his Dao was to hide the Array gs. The Worldeaters were quite sensitive to spatial energies. Without a diversion, they would probably have noticed something was wrong. There was a second reason as well though; to sound out the hidden threat.


    The hundreds of fractal leaves hadn��t managed to actually hit the invisible target, but between the omniscience of [Ancestral Woods] and the feedback from the des, he had still managed to find what he looked for. It was around this area Zac had thrown out his trap, and the results were almost immediate. With space destabilizing, the hidden beast had been forced to the surface �C and it was another Worldeater.


    It was only 120 meters long, a far cry from its brother. Even then, it looked quite impressive. For one, its shells were a mottled dark blue, reminding Zac of a night sky. Instead of stars, there were small runic patterns that seemed to be natural expressions of the Dao of Space. Finally, it had a fifty-meter-long tuft of steel-like hair on its head that swayed in the wind like it was unaffected by gravity.


    A Space-attuned Worldeater.


    This was exactly what Zac had hoped for, but he stilled his surging heart as he proceeded with his n. A high-pitched shriek was emitted by the trapped Worldeater, and Zac could tell that the array wouldn��t hold for more than a couple of seconds. Hopefully, that would be enough.


    Golden runes spread across Zac��s skin, and his aura rose to unprecedented degrees as he activated [Arcadian Crusade] for the first time in years. The fires of war coursed in his veins, and Zac was suddenly filled with a holy vengeance. Every muscle shuddered with barely contained explosive power, and his rapid heartbeat was a drum calling him to battle.


    A huge wooden hand filled with an aura of antiquity appeared out of nowhere, with not so much as a whiff of Cosmic Energy to warn of its arrival. Both the hand and the axe it gripped were covered in golden runes of Arcadia, and its de descended toward its target �C themon Worldeater that was furiously flying to save its brother.


    The beast didn��t so much as flinch from the iing strike, even if it hade out of nowhere. Its attention was fully on the trapped Worldeater, and Zac wasn��t surprised. The Space-attuned Worldeaters were not only valuable to cultivators, but also to Worldeaters themselves. They could lead swarms of Worldeaters through the vast emptiness of space, findings to feed on.


    They were the shepherds of their race, almost holy existences ording to Vai��s booklet. The Worldeaters would do anything in their power to protect these beings, so Zac needed to quickly get the guardian out of the way before he captured the space-attuned one. That��s why he was going all-out from the start, even using Void Energy to speed up and hide the activation of [Arcadia��s Judgement].


    The huge axe descended, empowered by his Dao Braid of War Axe and Kalpataru, his [Spiritual Void], and [Arcadian Crusade]. It was the most powerful strike Zac was able to unleash without using something like his Annihtion Sphere. If this couldn��t deal with the beast, nothing in his repertoire could.


    One of the Worldeater��s ws rose to intercept the iing swing. The ted crusher was even bigger than the axe, but the Beast King had overestimated its defenses after millennia of being impervious if it thought that was enough. Edge and w collided, and a loud snap echoed out as the axe cut straight through the pincer almost unimpeded.


    That was the weakness of Worldeater ting. It perfectly withstood damage to a certain degree, almostpletely nullifying both Dao and energy. But the moment its threshold was surpassed, the ting cracked and lost most of its insting capabilities. Now, the Worldeater had realized its mistake, but the axe of [Arcadia��s Judgement] was already descending toward its head like a headsman��s execution.


    A series of runes lit up across its tes, showering the area in a bronze hue that somehow managed to impede the axe��s descent. Zac inwardly swore upon seeing that the Beast King had learned a defensive bloodline talent. Not all Beast Kings awoke the same Heritage Skills, and only one other Ferric Worldeater had used this talent until now.


    With all the power in his swing, Zac believed he��d be able to push through the repulsing domain, but he wasn��t confident that the skill would retain enough momentum to kill the beast in one go. Meanwhile, two gs restraining the space-attuned specimen had already cracked. He was running out of time.


    Zac grit his teeth and shed forward, using one of his aerial steps with [Earthstrider] to close in on the Worldeater while the huge axe was still pushing down. A pang of danger immediately prompted him to desperately swing his axe to the side, narrowly avoiding being skewered by one of the Worldeater��s pincers.


    A throbbing pain indicated his arm had been wounded by the sh, and he was being thrown away from the Beast King from the bacsh. But Zac took two consecutive steps through the air, urgently squeezing through the narrow opening he��d forced by cutting off one w and pushing back another. Suddenly, he was right on top of the Beast King��s head, with his own attack bearing down on him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There was such a thing as friendly fire with skills, and Zac felt a sense of impending doom as the axe of his own making hung over his head. Still, he didn��t have any n to cancel the skill. Instead, he activated [Void Zone], and his surroundings suddenly grew dim as the runes on the Beast King��s tes were extinguished. Unfortunately, the domain only disrupted the skill locally �C the rest of the beast king was still illuminated.


    Zac prayed that would be enough.


    Just an instantter, the axehead was upon the worldeater since the resistance was suddenly gone. Zac quickly deactivated Void Zone and pushed away with [Earthstrider], narrowly avoiding the strike. A tremendous eruption of energy threw him out of the distorted space of his movement skill, and Zac grunted with pain.


    A groaning sound followed as more than a dozen ancestral trees withered from soaking up the damage he had been forced to endure. A second shockwave followed the first, subjecting Zac to even more agony as he was thrown away like a ragdoll. The damage-averting capabilities of [Ancestral Woods] could only do so much. Zac��s mouth tasted like iron and a couple of his ribs had been broken judging by the stabbing agony in his side.


    Even then, a smile adorned Zac��s face as he crashed to the ground. A torrential current of energy had already entered his body, proving that his gambit had worked. The defensive ability of the Ferric Worldeater hadn��t managed to recover in time, allowing the axe of [Arcadia��s Judgement] to destroy its whole head and kill it in one fell swoop.


    A tremendous earthquake followed a momentter as the dead Worldeater fell onto the ground. Zac wanted to just close his eyes and activate [Surging Vitality] now that the Beast King was dealt with, but there was no time. After seeing its kin getting killed in an instant, there was no way the space-attuned Worldeater would stick around.


    Spatial tears were already appearing around it as the Beast King tried to force open a pathway into the Void. Through his unique vision from [Ancestral Woods], Zac also saw a pale-faced Vai desperately holding on to the array control crystal with blood running down her nose. That was the reason he��d even dared to use his bloodline abilities in the first ce. The researcher already had her hands full maintaining the seal.


    With [Void Zone] not giving off any aura at all, it should be nigh impossible for Vai to figure out what had happened.


    Another array g snapped as Zac scrambled up to his feet, and he knew time was running out. Luckily, [Earthstrider] had reset by hisnding, and there was still plenty of time on his berserking skill. So even if his body groaned in objection, Zac swallowed a Soldier Pill and leaped into one of the ancestral trees, which instantly teleported him to a tree crown right beneath his real target.


    With a push, Zac shot into the air, this time with a goldenurel adorning his head. In his wake, a golden domain rose toward the struggling Worldeater, like a cape made from divinity itself. Facing him was an increasingly turbulent patch of space, which finally descended into total chaos as the Worldeater finally destroyed the cage.


    Zac��s eyes widened in rm when he saw the Worldeater starting to phase out again, and he urgently threw out a D-grade talisman. Forcibly activating even an Early D-grade talisman at his level cost him almost 70% of his Cosmic Energy, but space congealed the next moment. It was one of the talismans he��d bought from the Void Gate before setting off, and it solidified space in an instant.


    That kind of talisman had all kinds of uses in a turbulent region like the Void Star, from stabilizing Convergences to suppressing spatial beasts. In this case, it was thetter, and Zac breathed out in relief upon seeing the Worldeater fail to phase away. Still, a single talisman wasn��t a match for a determined Beast King, and Zac saw the new seal rapidly deteriorate.


    Thankfully, Zac was already upon the beast by that point, and a series of Dao-infused fractal edges rained down on the carapace. The bluish tes didn��tck defensive capabilitiespared to the normal ones, but it didn��t matter. Zac was doing everything in his power to infuse and cover the beast in his Dao, which would hopefully make it harder for the beast to teleport away.


    Together with Vivi��s vines, which had already looped around the beast, and the Arcadian Domain of [Empyrean Aegis], it left the Worldeater unable to open a proper channel to escape. Still, it pelted the surroundings with thousands of spatial tears, and Zac felt extremely grateful for his new defensive skill.


    With him being able to form up to nine strings of Mental Energy by now, he had long since conquered his limitation of only infusing one skill at a time with his Dao. Thanks to that, the golden barrier managed to withstand every tear that mmed into it, though the two pirs down on the ground were rapidly being whittled down.


    Between the initial blitz and activating the talisman, Zac was running dangerously low on Cosmic Energy even after swallowing a Soldier Pill, but he had no ns of slowing down. This was the best way to deal with Beast Kings �C utterly overwhelm them before their almost endless stores of Cosmic Energy could whittle him down.


    Not that he had an option. Zac��s heart hammered as hended on top of the beat��s head, just by therge tuft of hair. He could feel how enormous amounts of Spatial Energy churned within the beast, and the forest below him was starting to twist and distort. All his measures weren��t enough �C the beast was about to jump away.


    Still, Zac stayed on, and a meter-long leaf appeared next to the edge of [Verun��s Bite]. The next moment, dense runes covered the leaf as it was infused by [Rapturous divide]. Just likest time, Zac shed his [Void Zone] for a moment to rebuff any energies inside the Beast King, after which he unleashed his skill.


    Since learning to form his crude Dao Braids, Zac no longer needed to swing twice to activate his skill. Instead, gold and ck instantly converged and formed the impassable divide, cutting deep into the head of the Ferric Worldeater as Zac used all the power he had avable. The result was a clean incision that exposed both the Beast Core and a good deal of brain matter.


    [Arcadia��s Judgement] had both destroyed the brain and extinguished the soul of the first Worldeater, but this was more of a surgical cut. It had almostpletely severed the head and its pathways without killing it. The Beast spasmodically started to thrash as it fell toward the ground, the damage making it temporarily unable to draw energy from its core. Zac saw the ground rapidly draw closer, but he knew his job wasn��t done.


    One huge spike after another appeared in his hand, and he pushed aside his disgust as he inserted them deep into the brain of the beast. It was like the spikes had a life of their own, and they burrowed deeper into the massive head of the Worldeater after getting infused by a burst of Cosmic Energy.


    The two were almost at the ground now, but Zac��s full attention was on sessfully attaching a red crystal to the Beast Core. A subtle shudder spread from the core, and Zac breathed out in relief. A momentter the beast simply disappeared, and Zded on the ground with a grunt. A quick look into his Beast Pouch confirmed that the bluish space-attuned Worldeater was lying next to the other one he caughtst week, proving the capture was sessful.


    As usual, things had refused to follow the script, but he had finally managed to get thestponent for his quest �C and a Space Attuned Worldeater at that.

 Chapter 884: Deeper

    Chapter 884: Deeper


    Even if Zac had seeded, he did feel a bit conflicted upon seeing the motionless Ferric Worldeaters in his Beast Pouch. Neither of them was actually dead �C not really, anyway. At the same time, they weren��t quite alive either. The spikes he had embedded into the beast��s brain had essentially extinguished its soul and dispersed its consciousness, keeping only a small unconscious shred behind. Meanwhile, the crystal he��d attached to the Beast Core would keep energy circting through its body, making sure the body would stay alive.


    It was a bit macabre, but it was amon practice. Some materials from beasts needed to be freshly harvested when used in crafting, and this was a way to aplish that without needless suffering. With the help of the arrays, the beast bodies could be kept in suspended animation for decades before they expired.


    A series of shuffling steps dragged Zac out of his thoughts, and he turned to Vai who was walking over with a somewhat unsteady gait. She was no longer bleeding from her nose and ears, but she was still deathly pale. It wasn��t a surprise �C if anything it was a huge aplishment for a peak E-grade hybrid cultivator to contain a Beast King like Vai had.


    ��Are you okay?�� Zac asked as he ate a Healing Pill.


    ��My soul was slightly overtaxed, but I will be fine in a day or two,�� Vai weakly nodded. ��Are we done with the hunts, then?��


    ��We are,�� Zac nodded. ��Thank you for your help. Without you, it would have been impossible to seed.��


    ��You��re wee,�� Vai nodded, though she looked a bit conflicted. ��However�� That specimen�� It��s����


    ��A good, but absolutelymon, specimen,�� Zac nodded with a nk expression.


    ��Ah?�� Vai blurted, her eyes zing over for a second. ��No, that��s����


    ��Let��s get away from here before any more Beast Kingses to investigate,�� Zac interjected as he walked away. ��Can you collect the mud while I harvest some of the meat from the other Worldeater?��


    [Ancestral Woods] was still running, and Zac��s smiled a bit when he saw Vai speechlessly open and close her mouth a few times before shaking her head with resignation. He��d already realized the little researcher was unable to deal with that level of shamelessness, and she could only reluctantly head over to harvest the acrid aura-isting mud.


    Meanwhile, Zac walked over to the dead Worldeater, where he harvested the ws and a few easily-essed pieces of meat. The Beast Core was unfortunately destroyed, a result of Zac intentionally targeting it. That way, it essentially guaranteed he��d take the beast out ofmission.


    As for the meat, it was travel rations. The Worldeaters looked a bit weird, but their meat was absolutely delicious. Not only that, but it was chock-full of energy since the Beast Kings spent most of their time siphoning energy from Nexus Veins. It was a perfect ingredient for dealing with [Adamance of Eoz], even if itcked the further refinement of a professional chef.


    The two set out just a minuteter, rushing toward a nearby cave they had scouted out before. Vai reluctantly covered the entrance with mud while Zac sat down to properly heal his wounds with [Surging Vitality]. His body released creaking sounds as his bones were set and mended, and he eventually released a shuddering breath a few minutester.


    He still wasn��t in perfect condition, but it was close enough. The Healing Pill he ate earlier would finish the job over the next couple of hours. Vai had sat down to recuperate as well, and it looked it would be a while longer for her. It gave Zac some time, and he thoughtfully turned his attention toward a node in his head.


    Over the past month, he��d fought throngs of Peak E-grade Beasts and even some Beast Kings. His next node had long since reached the threshold, and there was more than enough energy left from the previous battle to finish the job. At the same time, he was in a weakened state from his berserker skill.


    Zac hesitated for another minute until he made a decision.


    ��We��ll leave in an hour instead,�� Zac eventually said, prompting a somewhat surprised Vai to nod.


    The original idea was to leave after half an hour, but Zac needed more time if he was to break open another node. He patiently waited another fifty minutes to let the sense of weakness leave his body before he erected theyers of Mental Barriers around the node in his head. From there, he started infusing more and more of his Kill Energy, until the node finally burst open.


    The air around him shifted for a moment as [Stone of Hope] activated, averting a good half of the damage. From there, the rest was dealt with by hisyered defenses, leaving Zac only with a splitting headache and some minor damage to the pathways. Zac took a shuddering breath as he opened his eyes, and he found Vai looking at him with a gaping mouth.


    ��You- You are not a Half-Step warrior?�� Vai blurted. ��But you used a D-grade talisman. No, before that. You forcibly opened a node? What? Wha-��


    ��You know, it��s generally considered impolite to dig into the details of the cultivation of others,�� Zac smiled as he ate a Soulmending Pill.


    ��No, I��m�� I-�� Vai stuttered, looking like her brain had short-circuited trying to reconcile his strength and previous actions with a Late E-grade warrior.


    The act of activating a D-grade talisman alone was almost unheard of in the E-grade. Even Zac wouldn��t have been able to aplish that if a single one of his advantages were missing �C using Void Energy for [Arcadia��s Judgement], or having extra stores of energy thanks to his Draugr side, for example. Even now, he was pushing it.


    ��Don��t worry about it too much,�� Zac said as he redrew the broken pathways around the node.


    Even if the damage wasn��t too bad, Zac knew he wouldn��t be able to exert more than half of his maximum strength for a few days until his newly-opened node had stabilized. It was a calcted risk. He and Vai had traversed this dour Mystic Realm for over two weeks now, and he was almost certain no lethal threats were hiding in the dark. As long as they made use of Vai��s scouting bowl, they should be able to reach the waystation just fine.


    It looked like a thousand questions were swirling in Vai��s head, even more than after finding out he��d hid his identity. But she eventually managed to restrain her curiosity with a shuddering breath, and instead looked at Zac with worry. ��You��re really fine? I hear forcibly opening nodes is quite dangerous, especially thest ones.��


    ��I��m used to it,�� Zac shrugged as he stood up. ��Let��s go to the nearest Waystation.��


    Vai slowly nodded, and they set out a momentter. There was still an oppressive silence shrouding the surrounding forest, an unsurprising effect in the wake of the powerful fluctuations from his battle. Of course, sooner orter some of the starving beasts nearby would take the risk and investigate the smell of blood, which would probably be the start of a stampede.


    Zac and Vai would thankfully be long gone by then as they made their way through the forest �C with Zac running while carrying Vai in a vine seat by his side, guiding him and keeping watch for threats. It was a bit reminiscent of a simr situation way back, and it filled Zac with mixed emotions. However, Vai wasn��t Levi, and he believed he could trust Vai even when push came to shove.


    By the time the two reached the Waystation a few dayster, Zac was already back to almost perfect condition. It was perfect timing, as there was still the small chance of invaders hiding in there, even if the two still hadn��t seen any indications that would support that theory.


    Thankfully, they found the station deserted, though there were signs that someone had passed through the area not too long ago �C steps that had kicked up a thinyer of dust. The two made a proper sweep of thepound, but there were no real indications if it had been invaders or temrs who had left the imprints.


    But seeing as the failing maintenance arrays hadn��t been reset for some reason, Vai suspected the former. The fact that the dust wasn��t being swept likely meant the base was running low on power. Temrs would likely have added a set of crystals to make sure the waystation kept functioning until someone coulde and investigate why the base didn��t draw energy from the Mystic Realm. Luckily, the mapper was in working order, at least.


    ��I don��t recognize this at allpared to thest one we looked at. Can you tell where we are?�� Zac eventually asked, prompting the researcher to take out one of her tomes.


    ��We seem to be at the edge of the cortex��s domain,�� Vai said after studying the map for a minute. ��We have skipped over fiveyers, it looks like. But that isn��t the real problem. We might be stuck here for a while����


    ��What��s going on?��


    ��Our region has been cut off by the cortex failing,�� Vai said as she pointed at arge section of dark circles. ��And there doesn��t seem to be an easy way to double back. The realms might reconnect after the area calms down in a month or two, but it might not. It depends on how far the Mystic Realms have been moved, and I don��t have any way to measure that.��


    ��So there��s no way out?��


    ��Not the way we came,�� Vai said with a shake of her head, looking a bit fearful. ��We would have to keep traveling and explore the map for alternative routes, hoping infiltrators haven��t ruined those paths as well. And I��m not confident I can calcte the correct path with all these unstable factors taking ce�� I����


    ��Well, I��m not really heading out,�� Zac shrugged. ��So that��s not a problem.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What?�� Vai blurted. ��No, we need to get out, or at least find a captain! These are the inner parts of the Void Star �C this ce is extremely dangerous! You��re strong, but there are Late-Stage Beast Kings and terrifying environments.��


    Zac was a bit conflicted as he looked at the frazzled researcher, not sure what the best solution was. Even if there were dangers, he was still adamant about following the signal of the Left Imperial Pce. Bringing Vai along would be for the best as well. Not only did she have that superpowered defensive bubble, but she was also his best bet of getting out in one piece.


    But he also felt he was asking a bit much of her by dragging her along on this dangerous mission.


    Should he try to bring her out first? But ording to her, it was quite a journey, and it might even take him in the wrong direction. There was no guarantee he��d be able to make his way back to the pulse with how these Mystic Realms shifted. The same was true if he managed to hand her over to some elite squad �C they wouldn��t just let him run off on his own.


    ��Alright, here��s the deal,�� Zac eventually said. ��I can��t leave this ce just yet, and I can��t guarantee I��ll be heading in the direction we need to get out of here.��


    ��What?�� Vai said with confusion written all over her face. ��Why not?��


    ��Like I said earlier, I need to find something,�� Zac exined. ��It��s extremely important.��


    ��Something in the inner regions of the Void Star?�� Vai slowly muttered as she gave Zac a deep gaze. ��Do you know where it is? I can check the map����


    ��I don��t,�� Zac interjected. ��That��s why it��s dangerous. You are wee to follow me if you want, and I will do my best to keep you safe. But it might be a better idea for you to stay here and wait for rescue.��


    ��That��s crazy! Even if you can survive the environment, how would you even find it?�� Vai said as she looked at Zac like he was a madman.


    ��Don��t worry, I have my methods,�� Zac said.


    Vai slowly calmed down, and she thoughtfully looked at Zac until she finally spoke again. ��Will you taking this thing harm the Void Gate?��


    ��I don��t think so?�� Zac said after some thought. ��If anything, me removing it from this ce will probably save the life of anyone stumbling onto it.��


    ��Alright, I��ming with you, and then we��ll leave together,�� Vai nodded with a determined expression.


    ��You don��t have to force yourself,�� Zac said. ��Staying here-��


    ��Those invaders might appear at any moment,�� Vai countered. ��I��m not safe here either. Besides, how would you even get where you want without me?��


    ��What do you mean? I��ll just use the gates?�� Zac said with confusion.


    ��The token of yours will only provide limited ess to a small number of waystations,�� Vai said with a roll of her eyes. ��Our pathways might not normally be locked, but what about now, when there are invaders in here? You might find yourself suddenly stuck in the depths of the Void Star, trapped for years.��


    ��I could borrow-�� Zac muttered as he looked at Vai��s token.


    ��Doesn��t work,�� Vai interjected. ��They are marked with blood.��


    ��Alright, I guess I��ll be depending on you, then,�� Zac said with a weak smile as he turned off the mapper.


    ��Can you tell me what you��re looking for?�� Vai asked as they walked toward the gates.


    Zac hesitated a bit before answering. ��I can��t tell you exactly what it is, it��s dangerous. But I have a quest to gather something.��


    ��Did you get the quest here?�� Vai asked.


    ��No,�� Zac lied. ��But I found one part on the way.��


    ��You did?�� Vai muttered with confusion before. ��When�� Hako Lake! The breach!��


    Zac was impressed by how quickly the researcher put two and two together. He was about topliment her, but Zac almost stumbled when he saw an extremely indignant expression on her face. Zac wryly smiled, suddenly remembering the bite marks that Vai had suffered. He had tried his best to shield her, but with billions of critters, some were bound to pass through the.


    ��I didn��t know taking that thing would conjure an insect tide,�� Zac coughed. ��Next time, we��ll be prepared.��


    ��Alright,�� Vai muttered, obviously still holding onto a ball ofints as she stepped over to the control console. ��Which tunnel?��


    Zac thought back to the map earlier, which had indicated this waystation had ess to two different Mystic Realms, each one leading further into the Void Star.


    ��Uh, can you open both? That way I��ll step through and check it out,�� Zac asked.


    ��That��s why you looked so weird every time we entered a new Mystic Realm!�� Vai eximed. ��You always stopped and looked like you had stomach pains.��


    ��Well,�� Zac grimaced, realizing he hadn��t been quite as circumspect as he��d thought.


    A momentter, two of the gates activated, showing almost identical rooms on the other side. Just from his vantage, Zac couldn��t feel whether one was better than the other.


    Zac picked the one on the left first and stepped through, and a pulse of confirmation immediately told him that this realm was closer to his target than the other. He visited the other one as well, where a second pulse greeted him. However, this one was even weaker than the shrouded Mystic Realm, meaning it was even further away.


    ��This one,�� Zac said, pointing to the left gate as he stepped back to where a curious Vai waited for him.


    The researcher quickly nodded and closed the second gate before the two passed through. The new realm didn��t seem to have any special attunement, but its energy was quite dense �C a clear middle D-grade realm at that. There was also no sign of anyone having visited this waystation for quite some time, meaning no squads had pushed this deep as far as they could see.


    ��This one might be a bit dangerous,�� Zac muttered as he felt the dense energies swirl around them. ��Do you have any notes on these ces?��


    ��I don��t have aplete tally of all the Mystic Realms in this ce,�� Vai said with a shake of her head. ��The inner regions are normally only visited by the elites. I just have some books about interesting phenomena in various realms, ces worth of study.��


    Zac nodded before taking out his attention-averting cowl. ��Here, wear this. It��ll hopefully make any beasts ignore you.��


    ��What about you?�� Vai asked with worry.


    ��I��ll be fine. I��m not so easily killed,�� Zac smiled. ��Besides, I have more simr treasures.��


    It was true, his bracer had a simr function, which had allowed him to pass through the Coral Forest in the Twilight Ocean almost unimpeded. The only beasts that had bothered him were those who attacked him out of malice, while most didn��t care about a small creature that didn��t emit any spirituality or energy.


    The two left the Waystation a whileter and found themselves at the edge of an odd jungle that stretched as far as the eye could see. There were no suns in the sky, but they could actually see thousands of smaller orbs of green light on top of some of the tree crows. In contrast to the previous Mystic Realm, it was almost blindingly bright, though the atmosphere wasn��t sweltering.


    The shimmering orbs didn��t seem to radiate heat, and instead contained massive amounts of nature-attuned energies that created a refreshing atmosphere that had to be perfect for a flourishing jungle.


    ��It��s a primal garden,�� Vai whispered with wide eyes. ��This ce is dangerous, it��s full of-��


    A roar so powerful that it kicked up a literal storm in the area interrupted Vai��s warning. Even Zac��s hair stood on end when he felt the enormous power contained in the howl. There was no way it came from an early D-grade Beast unless it had an exceedingly powerful bloodline. Unless the roar was all bluster, Zac definitely wasn��t confident in taking it on.


    But that small hope was soon dashed. Something else in the jungle had been angered by the Beast King��s outburst, and a piercing screech answered the roar, this one containing just as much power. The two soundwaves shing even kicked up a storm, and Zac wondered if were about to witness an apocalyptic battle between two monstrous Beast Kings.


    ��Let me guess,�� Zac sighed. ��It��s full of Beast Kings?��

 Chapter 885: Primal Garden

    Chapter 885: Primal Garden


    ��A primal garden? What��s that?�� Zac asked with a low volume as he looked around for threats.


    ��The most valuable nts can rarely be manually cultivated,�� Vai whispered. ��There is something about domestication that kills the inherent spirituality of nts. Still, we can��t just rely on chance encounters to provide for our needs. So, factions set up these kinds of wild worlds that are mostly untouched. We only modify the environment slightly to suit certain types of nts, and then leave them alone between harvests.��


    ��What about the beasts?�� Zac asked.


    ��You should know there is a symbiotic rtionship between beasts and Natural Treasures,�� Vai exined. ��They��re needed to protect and nurture the nts.��


    ��So they have their domains?�� Zac slowly said. ��Then we should be fine as long as we keep away from theirirs and the treasures they guard.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��I- I guess?�� Vai said as she fearfully looked at the vast forest. ��Unless there has been a breach to destabilize the power equilibrium in the garden.��


    ��I guess we��ll find out,�� Zac said as he formed a vine chair. ��Keep a lookout.��


    The two set out, but they didn��t get any further than a few hundred meters before Zac stopped again. It wasn��t because he��d sensed any dangers or another pulse from the Left Imperial Pce, but rather a surprising shudder from the spatial tube on his back. Or rather, the wooden ring that he��d attached to it.


    For some reason, the still germinating Heavenrender Seed had reacted to something around them.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Vai whispered, but Zac didn��t immediately answer as he tried to get a sense of the situation through [Link of Demeter], his nt-taming skill.


    ��Vivi, what is it?�� Zac asked, which prompted two of the free vines to point toward a certain tree.


    It was one of the nts that had a shimmering green orb atop its tree crown, or rather the enormous flower it had in ce of branches.


    ��Haro wants these trees?�� Zac mused thoughtfully as he went over what Vai just said. Perhaps it wasn��t a coincidence these odd sun trees grew in this ce. ��What are these things?��


    ��Ah?�� Vai said as she looked at the glowing orb on top of the nt. ��They are called [Repeater Rafflesia]. They extract a lot of energy from the soil and air to form those nature-attuned beacons. They can help speed up the growth of Natural Treasures.��


    ��Can they be nted in a Worldring?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well,�� Vai hesitated. ��Beast Pouches and Worldrings slowly draw energy from their surroundings with their Gathering Arrays. Most of it is used to nurture the beast or nts inside, while some is set aside in case you visit energy-starved areas.��


    ��Sure,�� Zac nodded.


    This wasn��t any news �C it was one of the main differences between a Spatial Ring and tools like Worldrings, with the other one being that space was stable enough to house living beings. Worldrings demanded a constant supply of energy. Depending on what and how much you��d nted inside, the Gathering Arrays might not suffice.


    From there, you��d either have to get a higher-quality ring that could provide a better environment, or you��d have to supply a supplemental source of energy like Beast Cores and crystals. Luckily for him, the Worldring that Heda had gifted him was quite high-quality, to the point that it would be able to amodate Haro well into the D-grade.


    Of course, the more energy Haro got, the quicker Haro would grow, so Zac was constantly supplying the Heavenrender seed with Beast Cores. Apart from that, the main body of Vivi had moved into the Worldring, though Zac still kept the tube on his back. He��d tried wearing the wooden band on his hand, but he was simply more used to having the vinesing from his back since getting [Love��s Bond].


    ��The process of these trees is quite energy-demanding �C without them, this Mystic Realm would most likely be a whole tier higher,�� Vai exined. ��They would put demand a lot of energy, so it would be very expensive to put these kinds of measures inside a Worldring.��


    ��Will the beasts get mad if I take a few of these things?�� Zac mused as looked into the depths of the jungle.


    ��You want to steal our repeaters as well?�� Vai eximed with wide eyes.


    ��Steal? I��m just plucking a couple of flowers,�� Zac coughed. ��As long as the beasts are okay with it?��


    ��I- Ah�� Maybe not? The Beast Kings should understand these nts help their treasures grow,�� Vai hesitated.


    ��Oh well,�� Zac muttered as he walked away, though his eyes never left the tree.


    The two didn��t dare delve deeper into the jungle and instead opted to stay close to the edge of the Mystic Realm. It would cost them a few days extra, but it was better than pathing through wilderness controlled by Middle Stage Beast Kings and their underlings. Thankfully, there was actually a small trench that ran along the edge of the jungle, a manmade path at that.


    It was most likely created for the same purpose as they used it for �C for the farmers to move between regions safely. ording to Vai, there should be some sort of hidden tunnel system as well, but they couldn��t find the entrance. Even if they did, they wouldn��t dare use them �C those kinds of paths were sometimes discovered by the Beast Kings and turned into dangerous traps. And with this ce abandoned for at least a couple of years, that risk had only increased.


    Like this, their travels went without issue, though Zac��s gaze often turned in the direction of the sprawling forest and the riches it contained. If he only could find an opportunity to do some harvesting of his own. And finally, after two days of uneventful travel, an opportunity presented itself. A tearing sound echoed out through the realm before the jungle was flooded with foreign energies.


    ��It��s a breach! It has to be!�� Vai eximed as the two climbed up to the edge of the trench.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Even if they didn��t see physically the spatial anomaly because of a haze that covered most of the jungle, there was no mistaking the energy signatures in the distance. It felt just like the breaches they had encountered themself, except this one might be even more dangerous. His normal vision might not be able to see the breach, but turning on [Cosmic Gaze] almost blinded him from all the energies the breach had unleashed.


    Whatever world was on the other side, it might be of an even higher grade than this primal garden. And it wasn��t uninhabited either �C it only took a few seconds before they could both feel and hear enormous shes between Beast Kings. It was no doubt the native ruler and its subordinates who fought against the invaders.


    ��Do you think this means the Natural Treasures are unguarded?�� Zac muttered as they looked on.


    ��No! You can��t!�� Vai eximed while scowling at Zac with an indignant look, just like when they met the first time. ��E-Even if they are, those are private. I- I��ll tell on you!��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac smiled before he shed away.


    The next moment, he appeared in front of one of the [Repeater Rafflesia] at the edge of the jungle. With a grunt, he started pulling with everything he got while Vivi gleefully helped. At first, nothing happened, but eventually, there was a deep groan as the powerful roots were forcibly dislodged from the soil.


    The next moment the whole tree was gone, thrown into his Worldring where Vivi arranged for it to be nted a few hundred meters away from Haro. Unfortunately, the huge glowing orb above the flower had destabilized and dispersed the moment the tree was uprooted, but it looked like it had already started forming a new one the moment it appeared in the pocket world.


    ��What are you-!�� Vai shrieked as she fearfully looked around.


    ��They have their hands full. I can��t take the treasure, but I should at least be able to borrow a few of these things, right? You have so many, and they��re not listed strategic resources,�� Zac grunted before he uprooted two more of the supersized flowers.


    He was about to snatch a fourth one, but an exceedingly powerful mental wave suddenly passed through the area, making Zac look up with rm. It looked like the king of the region kept a watchful eye over its domain even while fighting against the breach. The powerful ripple also confirmed that it was a Middle Stage Beast King, and not a weak one.


    ��We��re done for,�� Vai cried as she red at Zac with tears pooling in her eyes. ��You will get us killed.��


    ��Don��t worry, this is quintessential adventuring,�� Zacughed as he picked up Vai before running for his life. ��Keep watch of the surroundings.��


    Of course, it wasn��t blind greed that prompted him to uproot the trees. Over the past hours, he��d gotten a decent grasp of the situation in the forest thanks to [Forester��s Constitution] and ample experience in the wilderness. Judging by what he��d seen, there was a good chance the local emperor would fall from this invasion. The fight was already extremely intense judging by the distant eruptions, and the breach showed no indication it was about to close.


    Even if the local Beast King won, they��d be too busy licking their wounds and protecting their domain to pursue him and Vai �C provided the beast even could find them. By the time the situation stabilized, he and Vai would be long gone. Still, that knowledge didn��t do much to help mollify his skittish guide.


    ��You know, cultivation is to grasp every opportunity thates your way,�� Zac smiled as he nced in her direction. ��The moment you let fear and hesitation take control of you, it��s game over.��


    ��You seem to have a lot of philosophical beliefs that are ultimately excuses to justify wanton looting,�� Vai said with a roll of her eyes.


    ��Well, that��s what cultivation is,�� Zacughed. ��Some go at it alone, while others join factions to improve their looting abilities.��


    ��I don��t know about that,�� Vai muttered, but she didn��t press the issue any further.


    In total, the two spent twelve days in the primal garden because of a bout of bad luck. First, they encountered a shockinglyrge rhinoceros that for some reason stood and watched the shimmering edge of the Mystic Realm. To pass it, they would either have to walk below its fifty-meter-wide head or head deep into the jungle.


    Ultimately, they backed away and built another mud hut, in which they stayed for three full days. Finally, the Beast King lumbered away toward the depths of the realm, opening up the path again. The second dy appeared when they reached the next waystation. It turned out that the lone pathway connected to the station didn��t lead them closer to the Left Imperial Seal, forcing them to search for another station.


    Finally, they reached their destination after circling almost two-thirds of the realm. If they had chosen right instead of left upon arriving in the primal garden, they would have saved more than a week. Still, that didn��t dampen Zac��s excitement upon feeling the mysterious pulse grow noticeably stronger upon stepping into the next world.


    Excitement gradually turned to confusion upon attempting to exit the waystation. The reinforced tunnel just kept going and going. Finally, they saw the end of the path; an opening through which they could see a beautiful starry sky. And nothing else. This was an odd one, and Zac was a bit stumped as they stopped at the exit of the base.


    The tunnel simply ended at a seemingly bottomless chasm. It wasn��t that they were far up on a mountainside either �C there simply wasn��t any ground. It was just an almost sheer mountain wall that stretched as far as he could see in every direction. Was it a floating mountain? If so, just how big was this ce? And how were they supposed to find the next waystation?


    ��I recognize this ce! This is the Ramsi Wall, it��s extremely famous! I can��t believe we��re here, it shouldn��t be essible, this is-�� Vai eximed with excitement before her expression turned hesitant.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Zac frowned. ��Are we stuck?��


    ��Ah, that��s�� No, it��s not that. We should be fine,�� Vai hesitated. ��You taught me that one couldn��t hesitate, that one had to grasp opportunities����


    ��I did,�� Zac nodded.


    ��I- well,�� Vai said with a blush on her face. ��There is a unique type of nt here �C [Stargazer Camelias]. They can help one get in tune with the cosmos, to deepen one��s understanding of space. If I could get just one, ah, just two�� I could perhaps solve some matters that have bothered me over the past centuries. It-It��s not for me. It��s only for research!��


    ��Only for research,�� Zac nodded with a small smile. ��Well, let��s go.��


    Four dayster, Zac once more found himself fighting off a pack of infuriated flying marsupials as Vai picked her sixth [Stargazer Camelia] while blushing from excitement rather than embarrassment. He was currently hanging from the sheer cliff wall, using Vivi to move him about and block the Peak E-grade beasts that tried to get to the researcher.


    In fact, this was how they had traversed the wall over the past week since there was simply no better method avable. The creatures that lived inside theplex cave system of this enormous cliff weren��t joking around, and he had been forced to use [Arcadian Crusade] two times already. Scaling the wall was actually safer, even if a drop would mean you would keep falling until you dropped into the Void.


    Vai��s newfound love for looting had cost them a couple of days and left Zac with a new set of scars. Still, Zac didn��t mind. Helping Vai gather some resources on the way was the least he could do in return for all the help she provided. Besides, with the researcher getting into the spirit of things, it would get easier for Zac to snatch any interesting items he found while they searched for the next piece of the seal.


    After all, this was the inner region of the Void Star, where the Void Gate kept their best things. There were bound to be all kinds of treasures in this ce.


    For example, the flowers weren��t the only valuable thing in this ce. The Ramsi Wall was a cultivation haven that was only essible for a short stint once every few centuries. The explosion of the Cortex must have pushed it into ce, giving the two exclusive ess. Normally, it would cost the Hegemons of the Void Gate quite a few Contribution Points to ess this ce and ponder on the Dao of Space.


    Vai worked with practiced ease, nimbly cutting off the stem before cing the flower in a vat that she filled with space-infused water. A momentter, the water had frozen, sealing the medicinal efficacy within. The flower looked quite mesmerizing while ensconced in ice, and there wasn��t any question about where the name came from.


    Therge flower really resembled Abby��s eye. Its ck-and-blue petals formed a spiraled pattern that looked like a neb, and in its center was a pitch-ck bulb that represented the ck hole. It was the bulb that contained the medicinal efficacy, ording to Vai.


    ��I got it,�� Vai said with a wide smile, her hesitance over pilfering the treasures of the mystic realm long forgotten.


    ��I think we need to leave this whole region if we want to find more of them, do you want to-�� Zac said, but he froze as he turned his gaze toward the endless expanse.


    ��A vortex is about to open!�� Vai eximed with a mix of tion and fear. ��We need to get away from the open!��


    The vortex in this instance was a recurring weakness in the spatial barriers of this realm, and why the Ramsi Wall was considered a cultivation haven. For some reason, it always released a meteor shower packed with spatial energies. It was the reason the camelia could grow in this ce at all, and the dense energies essentially turned the whole realm into something greater than a peak-quality cultivation chamber for a while.


    However, that burst of ambient energy also came with a melee between native beasts as they fought for the falling debris. Even powerful Beast Kings woulde out from their caves, and the two needed to be gone before that. Luckily, they hadn��t forgotten their main purpose, and they had continuously moved toward the next waystation following markings that had been left behind on the wall.


    It still took them half a day to reach the tunnel, and Zac finally breathed out when they were safe behind the barrier. By this point, the vortex had almostpletely formed and covered half the sky, and the majestic scene took his breath away even after having seen marvels like the Twilight Ascent and the Void Star.


    ��It��s starting,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Could we stay and watch for a little while?�� Vai asked with puppy-like eyes. ��It might be risky to open the gates right now in either case, and these waystations should have special cultivation chambers. We should be able-��


    ��Sure,�� Zac smiled, and the two quickly found one of the hidden cultivation caves that had a different set of arrays than the entrance. ��I��m curious what a rare opportunity of the Void Gate looks like.��

 Chapter 886: Ramsi Wall

    Chapter 886: Ramsi Wall


    The event was about to start. There was no time to waste, so the two hurried into a side tunnel that Zac had never seen in other waystations. Zac could feel how the rock around them was infused with a mix of unique materials and arrays which both gave off an odd pressure �C no doubt a measure to keep any tunneling beasts away. There was a line of reinforced doors, and Zac simply picked the closest one as it looked the fanciest.


    ��Only Core Disciples can use those���� Vai hesitated, but she quickly dropped the subject as Zac walked inside.


    The cave waspletely exposed to the outside, which allowed the two to get a full sense of the marvelous scene in the sky. Zac had never seen anything like the emerging swirl. It wasn��t really a gate or a breach, it didn��t show anything from the dimension on the other side. Instead, it looked like millions of crystals had been dragged together and turned into a miniature model of a gxy.


    Of course, even if it was a miniature, it covered half the sky, and Zac guessed it was hundreds of miles across. It still hadn��tpletely stabilized, but it was already exuding shocking amounts of energy and Dao. Most of it was space-rted and thus not very useful to Zac, but [Spiritual Void] was happily gobbling up huge chunks of energy.


    The beasts that made the Ramsi Wall their home had alreadye out in full force, and a nce out the side showed the cliffside waspletely covered with E-grade beasts. Meanwhile, thousands of Beast Kings were already floating in the sky. Even then, there was an almost eerie silence as not a single roar was heard.


    It was a bit nerve-wracking to see one beast after another emerge all around them. But apart from the beast-repelling measures, the caves were also hidden by extremely potent illusion arrays. They hadn��t seen any of these caves on the way into the waystation, and none of the beasts seemed interested in getting close to their area. Thanks to this, the two could enjoy the opportunity uninterrupted and with a perfect view.


    This was the advantage of Core Disciples. The repelling measures were strongest in the middle, while the view of some of the caves was probably blocked by the massive Beat Kings in the sky.


    No meteorite had been spat out from the anomaly so far, but Zac guessed it wasn��t far away. Something was building toward a crescendo. At first, Zac mostly joined Vai out of curiosity, but the more he looked, the more he felt there was something about the still-growing swirl in the sky that called to him. It contained some sort of truth that resonated with him, but he couldn��t quite figure it out.


    ��Hey, give me one of those flowers,�� Zac suddenly said.


    ��You want to gain a Spatial Dao?�� Vai asked with confusion.


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��But I feel I can still gain something for my path from this ce.��


    Vai nodded and took out a jar for Zac, and after some hesitation, she took out another one for herself.


    ��Just let the bud melt in your mouth like a candy,�� Vai said as she plucked the pit and sat down.


    Zac followed suit, and a mysterious energy soon spread through his body, traveling along the spiritual pathways he��d created with [Thousand Lights Avatar]. Every moment, he felt himself growing closer to the mysteries of the cosmos, like he and the swirl in the sky were one and the same. Vai��s eyes hadpletely zed over as she looked at the vortex with rapt attention, and the two sat in silence as the sky opened itself like a flower.


    For five minutes, nothing changed except for the building anticipation that was only fanned on by the [Stargazer Camelia]. But finally, with a ripple in the heart of the vortex, the first meteor broke into the Mystic Realm. It was like a radiant beacon of pure unadulterated space, and its splendor was only amplified by the shimmering backdrop of the vortex.


    After the first, the others followed, and soon thousands of shimmering meteorites made their way toward the Ramsi Wall. Most of them contained various facets of space, yet some of them stood out with their own insights. Who knew how long these fragments had traveled in the vast beyond, gradually being instilled with the underpinning truths of the Heavens.


    Together, they formed a marvelous system unlike anything Zac had seen before.


    Even if the scene wasn��t as overwhelming as the solemn supremacy of Ultom, Zac was still filled with inspiration. Since hisst epiphany, he had spent most of his brainpower trying to figure out the intricacies and practical details of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Even now, he wasn��t sure how to actually train with his experimental method.


    The problem wasn��t that the direction from back then was wrong, but rather that hecked in foundations.


    There was too much about his bloodline he didn��t understand �C how it worked, what the concept of the Void epassed. For example, he pictured his heart cultivation as an extension of [Void Zone], where his heart would be shielded from outside maniptions. But he had no idea how [Void Zone] worked, apart from the fact it used Void Energy.


    Without that understanding, how could he create a proper method? This was one of the main things he wanted to gain a better grasp on before finding the next piece of the seal. The next part of the seal might be able to provide him with the answers hecked, but it might not. The stronger his foundations were, the greater the chance of sess.


    And now, he was finally making some progress. As the bud of the [Stargazer Camelia] melted in his mouth, it felt like his body was bing one with the cosmos. His body was no longer mundane bone and muscles �C it had be the starstuff that made up the firmament itself. Looking at the swirling vortex in the sky, it felt like he was looking at the mysterious vortices in his cells.


    Except they moved in the opposite direction.


    There was a lesson there, and it wasn��t the only one. The arms of the vortex followed mysteriousws as well �Cws whose echoes he could see in the star system in his soul. It even felt like the falling meteors had created a unique formation that was constantly changing and evolving. Life and Death. Time and Space. They might belong to different peaks and embody different truths. But ultimately, they were part of the same tapestry; the Grand Dao.


    But what about the Void?


    Space and the Void. The Heavens and the Void. The Void was a mirror, an inversion. The Void between theyers of reality was bereft of actual spacetime, a bizarre expression of the absolute absence of the Dao of Space. In the same vein, the pure concept of Void, whose shadow one could see in the unique heritage of Ultom, was the absolute absence of the Heavens, of the Dao itself.


    That was how [Void Zone] worked �C it was an inversion of the Dao, of the building blocks of reality itself. But how could he make use of this concept? He could instinctively tell that there was absolutely no way to cultivate a Dao of the Void, it would be a paradox. At the same time, it wasn��t just an intangible concept. His bloodline proved it was real.


    The exact truth of the matter was tooplex, too hard to grasp. They might very well be some of the unsolvable mysteries of the Universe. However, he did slowly gain an idea on how to swap out boundlessness with Void in the Body Tempering method. For now, he wouldn��t need to understand everything. He should be able to use Void Energy as a crutch until he reached a higher stage where he had a better understanding of the universe.


    Zac had long forgotten about the passage of time, forgotten about where he was and why he was here. There was only the swirl and the void inversion of the Sutras in his mind. But as the flickering meteors flew closer, so did Zac eventually return to reality, where he found Vai intently staring at him from a few meters away.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��I- ah, nothing,�� Vai said with rosy cheeks. ��It��s just, you emitted very interesting energy signatures just now. Did you have an epiphany?��


    ��Something like that,�� Zac smiled. ��What about you?��


    ��I did!�� Vai said with undisguised excitement, her eyes almost sparkling like the falling meteorites. ��After centuries of being at an impasse, I actually made progress with my Dao! It��s a miracle!��


    ��It��s the reward thates with taking risks,�� Zac nodded.


    ��You don��t understand,�� Vai slowly said with a shake of her head as she looked at Zac with an inscrutable expression. ��My momentum was gone and my path of cultivation was essentially severed. My fate had been decided. Even if I got to witness this ce, I shouldn��t have been able to take such a big step forward. But since I met you, it almost seems like fate has be malleable and everything is in flux. I don��t understand how this is, I have never read of a phenomenon like this.��


    ��I mean, this is the first time you��ve left your cloister in quite a while, right?�� Zac said. ��It might just be the change of scenery.��


    ��If that was enough, we would have been sent to these ces whether we liked it or not. If risking your life was enough, all these bottlenecked warriors wouldn��t be stuck for the rest of their lives,�� Vai said with a shake of her head. ��I tried everything. I risked my life more than once inside environments designed to force inspiration. Only after decades of failure did I finally give up and changed direction to research. Everything has its ce, an order in the cosmos. But something about you is breaking convention.��


    Zac was about to refute Vai��s word, but he stopped himself. Was there some truth to what he said? There was more than one sign that his unique constitution had allowed him to break convention, giving him a unique type of freedom in the Multiverse. But could his condition even affect those around him, reforging their fates?


    Was something like that even possible? Or was Vai simply overestimating his importance to her breakthrough? Even with what she said, it was still a fact that she had spent over a thousand years researching and shoring up her foundations. With the recent encounters, she might simply have managed to transform all that hard work into newfound momentum.


    ��Well, the universe is full of mysteries,�� Zac eventually said. ��If you think I��m helping your cultivation, then you can help me find some nice things in return.��


    ��You. Always thinking of treasure,�� Vai huffed, but there was a small smile on her face.


    The vortex eventually started to close, which was the starting signal for a gruesome melee on the outside. The meteorites had almost reached the wall by this point, and the beasts desperately fought each other to snatch them up.


    ��Your people cultivate in this chaos?�� Zac asked with a shake of his head.


    ��Normally, the warriors would join in on the battle for those meteors. They are covered in mysterious markings containing secrets of space, and they can be refined into top-quality Spatial Tools,�� Vai exined. ��But those people are all Hegemons who can fly and grapple with the beasts outside.��


    ��Hm,�� Zac hummed as he looked out, but the gristly scene quickly doused any desire to join the struggle for those stones.


    There were hundreds of Beast Kings in just this sector of the wall, and they fought tens of thousands of meters out into the air. He couldn��t join in on the chaos without the ability to fly. Even if he risked it all with [Earthstrider], the reward wasn��t worth it.


    ��Alright, let��s go,�� Zac eventually said, and the two walked deeper into the waystation.


    This base was just like the previous one �C they had to walk over fifty kilometers through a tunnel until they finally reached the base proper. This time they were luckier than in the primal garden, at least. There was a third waystation somewhere on the Rimsi Wall, but they didn��t need to find it as the connected realm here led the two closer to the seal.


    Like that, another month passed as the duo delved deeper into the secret worlds of the Void Gate, where every day was a challenge. If it wasn��t the powerful Beast Kings that could pop up out of nowhere, it was the environment itself. One of the Mystic Realms contained such a bone-chilling cold thatyers of ice continuously appeared over their bodies.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Stopping for even a second would mean death, and they constantly had to expend massive amounts of Cosmic Energy to warm their bodies. If the Void Gate hadn��t had the foresight to stock the waystations with unique spare robes that provided excellent instion, Zac wasn��t sure they would have survived the journey.


    But while there were risks, there were also rewards, and both Zac��s and Vai��s Spatial Rings soon held unique treasures that would no doubt cause some waves on the outside. They still hadn��t found anything at the level of a unique supreme-quality treasure, but they were still extremely high-quality items that had limitless demand and no supply.


    For instance, Zac got his hands on a mysterious block of milky-white ice that exuded such cold that Zac almost lost his hands stowing it away. He was even forced to store it in a separate Spatial Ring since it somehow spread its blistering cold in the subspace of the spatial treasure. It wasn��t useful for his cultivation, but he figured it could be turned into a weapon if need be �C if he threw out that thing in the middle of a hostile army, only a wastnd with frozen corpses would remain after a few seconds.


    There were other gains than treasures as well. Thanks to the constant battles against peak E-grade beasts and Beast Kings, Zac had long since reached level 146. He was even getting pretty close to breaking open his next node. Not only that, but he was making great progress on his Evolutionary Stance.


    The simted threats of the Orom Wilderness ultimately couldn��tpare to the real thing. Fighting with Beast Kings or swarms of powerful peak E-grade beasts waspletely different than fighting against early E-grade monsters while limited to 1,000 attribute points. Back then, he had always known in the back of his head he could fall back on his Void Energy if needed, which led to the stakes being lower.


    Here, he was thrown into real life-and-death battles whether he liked it or not, and it was at this edge that real progress was made. He had already caught up to his Inexorable Stance which inevitably had seen some more practice in the Orom World, and fighting these powerful beasts kept bringing new insights.


    The more he fought, the more he also felt he was getting closer to an important answer. It was all connected; his Daos, his path, and his stances. The movements of hisbat stances contained the essence of his Dao and his understanding �C couldn��t that be the foundation for his Cultivator��s core?


    The Apostate of Order had codified everything in existence into the fractals that you saw in every aspect of cultivation. Why couldn��t he do the same with his techniques? If he could form an ��Evolutionary Pattern�� and an ��Inexorable Pattern��, and then interweave and fuse the two with his understanding of duality, wouldn��t that be a core perfectly suited for him?


    That idea was still in an early stage, but he really felt it was a worthwhile avenue to pursue. For the next part of the seal, he wanted to perfect at least the firstyers of his [Void Vajra Sublimation]. But he had already put aside the final two to find a path to Hegemony, and this seemed like a good ce to start.


    Zac wasn��t the only one who made progress. After two weeks and a few more near-death-encounters, Vai finally formed her first Dao Branch. It was only one branch, but it was still an extremely impressive feat. She seeded in what most bottlenecked cultivators could only dream of �C rebooting their cultivation after having lost their momentum. She had also formed a pure Spatial Dao Branch, a path that was known to be notoriously difficult to cultivate.


    Even two weekster she waspletely giddy, and any final reservations of hers werepletely gone. Since then, the two were like locusts, snatching anything they could get their hands of without getting themselves killed. Even Vivi was having a grand time feasting on all sorts of exotic animals. Zac was happy to see her so spirited �C this was exactly what Heda had hoped for the nt to experience.


    And all the while they got closer to the next piece of the puzzle. They had just reached a submerged Mystic Realm, and the pulse he had been weed with was almost as strong as the one he felt when they first broke into the Void Star.


    Almost there.

 Chapter 887: Tangle

    Chapter 887: Tangle


    The underwater world they found themselves in reminded Zac a bit of Twilight Ocean, but there were some poignant differences as well. For one, the water was actually water, rather than an odd fusion of Life and Death. Secondly, the ce was extremely sinister, where at least a third of all nts and beasts had poisonous attributes.


    Seeing as the realm was a solid Middle D-grade Mystic Realm, even Zac found it hard to deal with some of the toxins that could appear out of nowhere. Some rocks turned out to be venomous shellfish that spat bullets of poison, there were almost invisible strings in the water from dangerous jellyfish. And all the while, dangerous predators roamed the ocean for targets to feast on.


    Somewhat ironically, the dangerous environment also helpt them keep safe. Both the venomous and normal beasts in this ce knew all-too-well how dangerous this ce was. In a ce where everything could contain deadly toxins, you stuck to feeding on what you knew was safe. Thanks to that, most of the beasts didn��t go out of the way to attack them and only struck when they felt threatened.


    Unfortunately, the ntlife didn��t share this wariness. There was no surface in this realm, with the whole area enclosed in a rocky wall like a subterraneanke. With the high energy density, the edges were covered in all kinds of nts, some of them reaching hundreds of meters. For example, there was a vast swathe of extremely toxic seaweed that blocked their path on the second day of their travels.


    The forest generated a deadly domain that stretched for tens of miles, and the two had been forced to delve deeper into the Mystic Realm rather than skirt around the edge as they usually did. And even discounting the nts and the beasts, there were still dangers in the toxic sea. There were even pockets of poisoned waters seemingly without a source.


    Zac was constantly in a feverish state while his body worked overtime to deal with the toxins. But as bad as he had it, Vai had it far worse. If not for the various talismans and treasures Leyara had provided, she wouldn��t have survived a day in this ce. Even then, the two were forced to asionally stop and rest to deal with the toxic buildup.


    Any thought of pilfering treasures like before had long since been discarded. Unique toxic nts had a steady demand on the outside, but it wasn��t worth it. The more valuable a toxin was, the likelier it was that harvesting it would get them killed. If anything, they wanted to stay clear of anything that looked unique or valuable.


    Even with all the challenges, they made decent progress through the realm. But on the fifth day, something changed. A deep and sustained rumble made the whole ocean shake, and some of the powerful currents were turned into enormous maelstroms.


    ��A breach?�� Zac muttered as he looked around with a frown.


    ��I can��t sense any energy fluctuations,�� Vai hesitated. ��It shouldn��t be- WHAT IS THAT?!��


    Zac��s head snapped around, and his hair stood on end when he saw what had shocked Vai so badly. It was a chaotic and all-consuming dark-green wave of putrefactioning toward them, drowning everything as it covered the whole horizon. Where it hade from, Zac had no idea, but it didn��t matter.


    What mattered was what would happen if they were swallowed up, and he had the misfortune to see it firsthand. A silvery fish had been knocked back in the chaos as its shoal desperately tried to swim away. It was swallowed by the green cloud, but it immediately shot out again. But a single mistake had sealed its fate, and the peak E-grade beast started rotting away at a speed visible to the naked eye.


    Seeing the scene, Zac wordlessly grabbed Vai as he fled through the waters with all the speed he could muster. He even activated his Dao Field with [Spiritual Void] to cut through the resistance, giving him a small advantage. It barely allowed the two to outpace the cmity, but even then, Zac wasn��t happy.


    The earthquake was only gaining in power rather than waning, which made Zac wonder if they had only seen the tip of the iceberg. Vai clearly understood the problem as well, and she did everything in her power to figure out a solution, from scanning various missives to observing the surroundings.


    Unfortunately, their fears were soon realized as they saw a second poison tidee at them from the left, soon joining the first one.


    ��This is bad!�� Vai cried. ��This cmity will drown the whole realm.��


    ��There is no way we��ll reach the waystations in time.�� Zac frowned as he looked around. ��Do you have any ideas?��


    ��I- I-��


    ��Stay calm,�� Zac said as he pushed a wave of life-attuned Dao through her body to help clear her head.


    ��That��s- There are so many beasts that live here. If this is a recurring event, there have to be safe spots,�� Vai said. ��Should we follow some of the fishes, perhaps?��


    ��Alright, good enough,�� Zac nodded, praying that this was indeed a recurring tide rather than something brought by the recent instability of the Void Star.


    ��Those there,�� Vai eventually said as she pointed to a shoal. ��I have seen their kind all over, yet they don��t seem very powerful. They move in a straight direction as well.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded and changed course, following in the wake of the fleeing beasts.


    The minutes passed, and it started to feel more and more likely these beasts understood something about what was going on. Not only were they making a beeline in a certain direction, but after an hour, two more shoals had fused with the one they followed.


    ��Look to our right,�� Vai suddenly whispered, prompting Zac to nce over.


    It wasn��t a third cloud �C not yet, anyway. But the whole field of view had started to darken, and Zac guessed it wouldn��t be long before they only had one safe direction remaining. His eyes thoughtfully turned back to the fishes who desperately swam in the only safe direction.


    ��What if-�� Vai hesitated with worry.


    ��If ites to that, we��ll figure something out,�� Zac muttered. ��Worsees to worst, we��ll force open a spatial rift and escape. That usually works.��


    ��That��s impossible!�� Vai immediately said. ��A chaotic tear is not something you can just- Wait, what do you mean usually?��


    ��Up ahead,�� Zac said, ignoring thestment.


    Their worst fears, that they would be surrounded by the toxic clouds, were thankfully not realized. There was finally a change in their surroundings �C a volcano, by the looks of it. Seeing it made Zac��s eyes light up. Was this how the fish dealt with the situation? Simply stay within the protectiveyer of the magma which burned the toxins before they reached the depths?


    At least the other beasts seemed to think so. Zac saw one pack of beasts after another dive into the caldera as well. Soon, it was their turn to enter, but Zac and Vai didn��t heedlessly follow the beasts. And it was lucky as well as they saw a tragic scene below.


    It wasn��t a volcano they had stumbled onto, at least not one in the traditional sense. There was something molten-looking below, but it rather looked like quicksilver than magma. Not only that, but it emitted a weirdly ominous aura, something that was only reinforced by the thousands of unmoving bodies that bobbed across the surface.


    They had all been covered in the quicksilver, making them look like gilded statues rather than carcasses, so Zac and Vai had no way to see how the beasts had died. They couldn��t even sense what kind of energies the quicksilver contained, it was somehow shielded or isted.


    ��Have you heard of something like this before?�� Zac frowned.


    ��No, but I�� I think it is alive,�� Vai said after some hesitation. ��It��s not a mixture, it��s either a sentient pool or innumerable miniature creatures.��


    ��What?!�� Zac blurted as he gave the pond a second look, just in time to see the shoal of silvery fish shoot into the quicksilver.


    The area around them suddenly shimmered and Zac sensed powerful Dao-fluctuations that made him think of the ocean and crashing waves. The insights didn��t seem very deep, but the field around the shoal was amplified by the thousands of fish. Zac looked on with interest, realizing they used their Dao to contend with whatever the quicksilver was. And it seemed to work �C Zac saw how a depression around the Dao Field appeared as the beasts pushed into the depths.


    Even then, they soon saw a steady stream of silvery unmoving fish reach the surface. The beasts were dying by the hundreds over the next minute until there finally was nothing. All in all, almost two-thirds of the beasts had perished, but that also meant a third somehow survived. Seeing as there were no more gilded fish getting pushed to the surface, there should be a safe spot somewhere in the depths.


    ��Alright, looks safe enough,�� Zad nodded as he started to descend toward the shimmering surface.


    ��Safe? Most of them died,�� Vai cried, but she still followed close behind.


    ��Are you ready?�� Zac asked when the two floated right above the surface. ��Don��t let the liquid touch you. Be ready to take out that thing of yours if it breaks through.��


    Vai quickly nodded, and the two unleashed their Dao Fields the next moment, with Zac even using [Spiritual Void] to boost his even further. Unsurprisingly, the power of Zac��s three boosted Dao Branches far eclipsed Vai��s newly evolved Dao, but her control was clearly better. She was able to create a field no more than two meters across, while Zac��s stretched for over twenty since he simply was unable to condense it any further.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    That way, she formed an inneryer of defense in case his were breached. And thankfully, it worked just like it did for the fishes �C far better even. The two sank further and further as they kept watch of their surroundings. It really looked like the liquid was alive. All around them, tendrils tried to push through the superimposed Dao Fields to get to them, yet they were continuously rebuffed.


    The quicksilver tendrils that stayed inside too long lost their luster and fell apart, and not one came even close to reaching Vai��s inner domain. It looked like Dao Branches were enough to keep this thing at bay, allowing them to focus on finding a safe spot.


    It took them two minutes, but they eventually discovered a tunnel leading further into the depths, and a few dozen beasts stuck at the ceiling of the path proved they were moving in the right direction. Deeper and deeper they went, swimming under a trail of unmoving animals. Eventually, the path bent upward again. Soon after, the quicksilver turned into pristine waters again, though the tunnel kept going for a while longer.


    Both of them immediately extinguished their auras upon emerging. His danger sense told him in no uncertain terms something terrible was waiting at the end of the tunnel. Then again, one didn��t need a massive pool of Luck to sense the discordant but immense aura from up ahead. It seemed quite dangerous, but even then, they continued.


    Beasts would keeping from behind, and the path was easily big enough to amodate Beast Kings. This was not a ce they could stay, so they carefully inched their way toward the mouth of the exit until they saw what they were dealing with. A quick nce indicated there were no toxic clouds around, proving they had made the right decisioning here.


    Even then, Zac almost wished they hadn��t.


    Zac wondered if this was any better as he looked at the chaotic mix of beasts that were crammed together in a hidden underwater basin. Most of the innumerable beasts were E-grade, but there were well over a hundred monolithic Beast Kings squeezed together as well.


    Herbivores and predators, weak and strong. All were silently sharing the limited space. Suddenly, a three-meter piranha snapped up a smaller eel next to it with a lightning-quick motion, swallowing it in two big gulps. But the moment it struck, the dormant auras of the Beast Kings rose, and the closest one effortlessly impaled the piranha with its tongue.


    A gulpter, the piranha was gone and silence had returned to the basin. It looked like there was an unwritten rule of cohabitation in this ce �C the moment someone acted up. It looked pretty weird, but Zac had an idea of why. The ambient energy was incredibly sparse, no doubt a result of so many beasts being crammed together.


    If beasts started to fight and cause a ruckus, the energy might run out before the danger outside had passed. After all, even if a Beast King entered hibernation, it still required some ambient energy to survive.


    Zac didn��t know why the Beast Kings didn��t just kick out all the weaker ones thatpeted for the limited resources, but perhaps they had some long-term considerations. If the toxic clouds outside killed everything in the realm, and the Beast Kings ate the rest of them in here, then the Mystic Realm would eventually be a wastnd with only a few solitary leaders roaming the depths.


    And so, the Beast Kings became the guarantors for survival in this ce. Of course, Zac wasn��t very confident humans would be afforded that kind of protection as well.


    A powerful aura suddenly appeared below them, and both Zac and Vai pushed themselves against the tunnel wall as they sealed their Cosmic Energy. A momentter, an enormous snake pushed through the silvery liquid, its head alone reaching over twenty meters. It was clearly another Beast King, and even if Zac was confident in dealing with it, there was no way he could do so without alerting the swarm just outside.


    So Zac��s heart beat like a drum as the enormous head came closer. Suddenly, the beast stopped, and a massive tongue flicked in the water as it looked back and forth. Vai was pressed into the wall right next to him, and he could feel how she barely managed to stop herself from shaking. The snake stayed like that for a few seconds, seemingly looking for something, but it thankfully moved away after a while.


    Soon enough, the beast had pushed into the enormous tangle, leaving Zac and Vai to live another day. Even then, Zac felt his hair stand on end after the encounter.


    ��A- I,�� Vai whimpered before she mped her mouth shut.


    ��Shh,�� Zac whispered as he pointed upward.


    Vai looked up with confusion, and she gasped with relief. Most of their vision was blocked by the swarm, but they could somewhat see a weak shimmering light refracted through the surface of the water. There was actually a surface in this ce, which might meannd and a safe harbor from this terrifying Gordian knot of underwater creatures.


    The two didn��t want to wait for another Beast King to show up, so they slowly made their way toward the surface, extremely cautious to not create any ripples in the water or leak even a speck of energy. It was slow and extremely arduous, but their trek thankfully didn��t seem to garner any attention. A few of the nearby beasts red at them suspiciously, but they restrained their bloodthirsty impulses out of fear of reprisal from the Beast Kings.


    Soon enough, they were right at the edge, allowing the two to breathe out in relief. Even if they were targeted at that point, they��d be able to make it out of the water quick enough. Better yet, Zac could already somewhat glean that there was ample space above-water. But just as Zac was about to breach the surface, he felt a sharp pang of danger as he saw a blurry line descend toward them.


    A goldenurel appeared above his head and [Verun��s Bite], and two golden bubbles appeared just in time to block out a sword strike that hade out of nowhere. There was someone who had not only seen their approach but also tried to kill them. Unfortunately, that was the least of their worries.


    The depths below churned as a response to the outburst of Cosmic Energy, and the sinister cultivator above had even thrown in a couple of cracked Nexus Crystals that leaked energy into the waters. One towering aura after another spread through the basin, and Zac sensed multiple Beast Kings immediately lock onto them.


    They were exposed.

 Chapter 888: Pincer

    Chapter 888: Pincer


    Zac and Vai were unscathed from the surprise strike that hade out of nowhere, but Zac could already sense the swarm below closing in on them.


    ��Hold on!�� Zac growled as he furiously pushed back toward the surface, the Cosmic Energy in his body churning as he readied a counter-attack.


    Judging by the power of the sword strike, the ambusher was no doubt a Hegemon. But no matter how dangerous the situation above-water was, they had no choice but to go up. Their position was locked on to by hundreds of powerful auras, of which at least a dozen belonged to Middle Stage Beast Kings. Even one of those ancient monstrosities was enough to threaten their lives �C being pincered by ten of them was a death sentence.


    They had been pushed over a hundred meters into the depths by the force, but in an instant, they were approaching the surface again. This time, Zac unleashed a barrage of strikes in every direction as he swam, hoping to cause some chaos and confusion above with his fractal leaves.


    However, the whole sky grew dark just as they were about to breach the surface, except for one enormous rune that contained an immense weight. Zac recognized the thing immediately �C it was actually a Seal Mountain simr to the one he saw the day he entered the Orom World. This one was obviously far inferior to the Pseudo C-grade treasure back then, but it still unleashed a pressure far greater than a conventional gravity array.


    ��Let me,�� Vai whispered as she put her hand on Zac��s shoulder.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac nodded, and space shuddered from Vai activating her own movement skill. Space twisted, and the next moment Zac found himself falling down, having appeared more than one hundred meters above the surface. The next moment, the Seal Mountain mmed into the water, causing a huge indent in the water. If there were any beasts that hadn��t woken up from themotion before, they were definitely up now.


    A cough from the side made Zac look over with worry. The teleportation was a reminder of just how hard it was to corner true Spatial Cultivators like Vai, but forcing her way through the domain of the Seal Mountain hade at a cost. Blood was running down her ears and nose, and her aura was a bit unstable.


    The scene angered an already infuriated Zac even further, and his gaze swept the area to find the culprits that needed a good chop while sting the aura of a Half-Step D-grade cultivator. Suddenly appearing in the sky thankfully provided a perfect vantage of what was going on. There was a pocket of air that reached roughly three hundred meters above the water surface across the whole basin, but there was only one stretch of actualnd; a five hundred-meter-wide teau that was located almost right above the tunnel they arrived in.


    On the tform, Zac also saw his targets. There were six of them, two of which emitted the auras of Hegemons while the other four were either elite E-grade or Half-step cultivators. Zac breathed out in relief when he saw the bastards who had attacked them. No wonder they had relied on an ambush and then tried to use the beasts to finish the job. They weren��t that powerful a troupe.


    However, their gear was a cause for concern.


    ��Temrs!�� Vai eximed with relief, but Zac pretended not to hear her as he turned his eyes toward the waters, where an enormous face had already breached the surface.


    Zac was mentally prepared to fight a desperate three-way battle, but he was surprised to see the ceiling of the whole basin lit up with powerful blue runes that drenched the whole underwater pocket in a hazy glimmer. Zac activated [Earthstrider] to expel their falling momentum while moving away from the lights, but he was a bit confused about exactly what kind of array they were dealing with.


    He couldn��t feel anything change or suppression, and his Danger Sense was quiet as well. But the enormous fish that reeked of toxicity hurriedly dipped beneath the surface again, where it stayed. The same was true for the rest of the beasts �C ten huge forms had gathered around the tform, but not a single one dared to actually appear above the surface.


    The scene was both unnerving and reassuring. Even if they were all aquatic lifeforms, they were ultimately Beast Kings. With their level of cultivation, they could even fly through the sky if they so wanted, though aquatic beasts generally were much weaker above-waterpared to their natural habitat. Yet they all stayed put, indicating those runes weren��t just there for show.


    It might mean something terrifying was about to happen, but Zac leaned toward the possibility it was some defensive measure the Void Gate had put in ce just for this kind of situation. He didn��t have time to ponder on the what or why right now. As long as it meant one less threat to worry about, he was content. It allowed him to fully focus on these supposed Temrs below.


    Just like Vai eximed, two of the warriors donned the traditional armors of the Void Gate while the other four wore an assortment of gear that indicated their background as wandering cultivators. They looked just like unaffiliated members of a task squad simr to their own, but Zac felt the whole situation was off.


    Why only six of them? And why were four of them wandering cultivators, including one of the Hegemons? He had read the reports and seen how things worked first-hand �C until the sudden betrayal of Uzu and Ilka, two-thirds of the losses in the squad had been wandering cultivators. Furthermore, why were they here of all ces? There was no way a squad with this kind ofposition would be sent to a realm as dangerous as this.


    They were extremely suspicious, but even if they weren��t infiltrators, it was an undeniable fact that they had struck first with the intent to kill. There was no way Zac would allow them to shrug that off even if they turned out to be actual members of the Void Gate. [Earthstrider] took them close to the tform in another step, and Zac threw a shrieking Vai toward the safest spot by the wall before charging the group of cultivators himself.


    A huge fractal leaf formed across his axe the next moment before two clouds simultaneously shot out. The blue glimmer in the area was overwhelmed by gold and ck as [Rapturous Divide] descended on the group, each half of the opposite empowered by a Dao Branch and Zac��s furious vengeance.


    ��Wait! We��re from the Void Gate too,�� Vai shouted, but it was much toote for that.


    The group clearly hadn��t expected such a powerful opening gambit after sensing Zac��s aura belonged to a Half-Step cultivator, which was exactly why he had unleashed it as though he had been angered to the point he lost control. The spatial divide effortlessly ripped apart some of the erected defenses, and two of the weakest cultivators were instantly killed.


    Unfortunately, things ended there as the two Hegemons worked together to deal with his strike. The unaffiliated Hegemon was the sword wielder, and he unleashed a rapid-fire-swing that reminded Zac of the [Ocean Tide] skill he had in his Dao Repository back home. The swings weren��t overly powerful, but they were endless, and each attack exhausted some of the energy and momentum in [Rapturous Divide].


    Meanwhile, the Temr Hegemon had already summoned the enormous seal back to his side. When it struck out toward the spatial divide, it was empowered by the power of the stars. A momentter, the skill was torn apart, allowing the two E-grade cultivators to breathe out in relief.


    Even with them being prepared for an attack, they didn��t walk away from [Rapturous Divide]pletely unscathed. The sh left the surviving warriors with numerous scars when Zac��s skill copsed, which was exactly what Zac had hoped for. After feeling the power in that Seal Mountain, Zac knew he wouldn��t be able to kill the group in one attack, but it was enough to find the answers he was looking for.


    Zac grimaced in disgust when he saw the odd pulsating veins appearing in the wounds of the living, and any lingering doubt was gone the next moment as a bloody tangle jumped out from one of the corpses. Its tendrils shot out in every direction, just like how it had looked when Uzu died. But this time, Zac was actually in the best position, with four targets closer to the tangle than he.


    Suddenly, the sword-wielding cultivator pped the E-grade temr next to him, and the poor man was pushed straight into the tangle. Zac didn��t think it was a matter of sudden change of allegiances like with Uzu and Ilka �C the Hegemon was rather afraid of being infected and used the closest E-grade warrior as a sacrificial pawn.


    With the tangle already having found its target, Zac heedlessly pushed forward in the wake of his attack as a primordial forest appeared all around him. A third of the trees were immediately ripped apart as they appeared beneath the waters, and the two Hegemons destroyed another chunk in their efforts to keep him away.


    However, Zac stepped into one of the surviving trees before it was destroyed, and the next moment he appeared right behind the two Hegemons, his axe already moving in for a kill. The Seal Wielder sluggishly turned around in surprise, but it was toote. [Verun��s Bite] infused with two Dao Branches and using three of its own skill fractals cut right through the man��s armor and destroyed his cultivator��s core.


    The strike was followed up by a swing at the man��s head, and Zac was surprised to see a hint of relief in the man��s eyes just before he died. He was obviously the stronger Hegemon, yet he had fallen so easily. Had he intentionally let Zac kill him? There was no time to find out as a pang of danger made Zac shift his body.


    But it was toote. An agonizing pain erupted in his chest as he was impaled by a sword. Zac hadn��t forgotten about the sword wielder, he had used Vivi��s vines to target his head and heart to dy him a moment. However, the madman had actually sacrificed one of his eyes to deliver a counter-strike of his own, and Zac groaned as the wound in his chest was flooded with a mix of rampant Sword Dao and poison.


    By this point, the whole bloody tangle had crawled into the second temr��s body. Thick squirming veins covered every part of exposed skin, and his eyes gained a reddish tint at he roared like a beast.


    It was like he had swallowed a berserking treasure that made one lose his mind, to the point he seemed to have lost all rationality. Was this the result of having two curses in one body? Did they overload the host��s body to give him a surge of power? If true, the invaders were extremely ruthless, even to their own people.


    Thankfully, Zac didn��t need to worry about another tangle appearing on top of all his other problems. The blood curses were dangerous, but it wasn��t without limitations. He had seen how nothing came forth from one of the two E-grade cultivators, and Zac immediately realized what was going on �C [Rapturous Divide] had destroyed that man��s midriff.


    The blood curse seemed to attach to people��s cores, so if you destroyed the area around the core you also destroyed the core of the curse.


    The sword wound was agonizing, but Zac felt his Hidden Nodes were already hard at work dealing with the invading energies. Meanwhile, he swung his axe in a wide arc that forced the swordsman back, which removed the sword from his chest. A bestial howl echoed through the remains of the primal forest the next second as Verun appeared.


    Zac had his hands full with the Hegemon who was already swinging his sword with wild abandon, and he was worried about Vai. The Tool Spirit gleefully pounced on the Berserking temr, and the man roared in return as he fought like a lunatic. Zac had thought it would be a one-sided ughter, but he grimaced when he sensed a familiar energy fluctuation.


    The temr was heedlessly burning Life-force to augment his power even further. He was just like the cyborg, sacrificing everything for a final ze of glory.


    Still, with all the tempering and priceless materials, Verun wasn��t to be outdone, and the primordial hyena was methodically breaking its target down. Unfortunately, that left the final E-grade warrior unattended. And between Vai, Zac, and Verun, the warrior unsurprisingly rushed toward Vai.


    ��Watch out!�� Zac screamed, but the briefpse of concentration allowed the swordman to activate a skill.


    Ten swords suddenly appeared around them, forming a perfect circle. Zac swore when he recognized the configuration �C it was a cage just like [Profane Seal], and a D-grade skill at that. Even if it was probably just a Low- or Middle-quality skill, it wasn��t something he could break in an instant. Instead, he turned his full attention on the Hegemon �C killing his enemy would be quicker than dealing with his skill.


    Zac could only pray that the lessons he had tried to instill into Vai over the past months would be enough to keep her safe a while longer. He calmed the chaotic ripples in his heart and entered a perfect state of unity between his Dao and his technique to unleash a furious assault. The change threw the Hegemon off-bnce and stopped him from activating any more skills.


    Unfortunately, it looked like a few short sparring sessions and some adventuring was insufficient topletely undo millennia of tranquility and research, especially when met with this kind of brutal melee. Vai looked like her soul had left her body as she saw the burly cultivator rush toward her with a ruthless expression.


    But just as he was about to catch her by the throat and im a hostage, a glimmering belt of condensed space appeared around Vai, cutting the man in two. He could only mutely look at Vai with iprehension as he copsed on the ground. Even Zac was surprised �C [Ancestral Woods] was still active, and he had barely noticed anything.


    Vai must have slowly charged that skill since the moment they appeared above the waters for such a powerful skill to suddenly appear like that. She had even noticed Zac��s strategy to aim for the core, allowing her to destroy the bloody tangle. It was a huge weight off his shoulders, and it allowed him to fight the increasingly desperate swordsman without any worries.


    From there, the battle concluded soon enough. Verun eventually ripped apart the crazy temr, blood curse and all, while Zac methodically whittled down the Hegemon without giving him a chance to turn the tides. With everything dealt with, Zac looted all the corpses before walking over to Vai who stared down at the corpse with hollow eyes.


    ��Not bad,�� Zac said, which dragged Vai out of her trance-like state.


    ��I- I know I look a bit weak and timid. I always get bossed around because of it,�� Vai said with a weak smile. ��I figured I would use it to my advantage.��


    ��Smart,�� Zac nodded, but he frowned when he saw how her hands were still shaking. ��Are you okay?��


    ��He is the first one�� I killed,�� Vai said as she looked down at the body. ��He might have been forced because of those blood curses, yet I-��


    ��It was you or them. Such is thew of cultivation,�� Zac sighed.


    ��That only makes it worse,�� Vai said with sorrow. ��Zecia is already so hectic, and it will only get worse. So many people will die.��


    ��Well, that��s why people like me need people like you,�� Zac said after some thought. ��If you can figure out a way to deal with these curses, we might be able to free and save a lot of people from a simr fate.��


    ��That��s right!�� Vai said, her downcast expression lighting up. ��If I can study these-��


    ��Well, not right now,�� Zac coughed as he pointedly looked at the sky, where the shimmering runes had started to fade. ��I think we need to figure out a solution before those beastse crawling over.��


    ��Solution?�� Vai muttered with confusion before her gaze followed his, at which point they widened in horror.


    ��These guys must have had some solution if they dared attack us,�� Zac said as he scanned the wall.


    ��Those scripts were definitely created by the Chapter of Emptiness,�� Vai muttered. ��There should be a cloister here.��


    The next moment, the researcher took out an array disk that started emitting odd soundless pulses. Zac walked over to ask what she was doing, but he was surprised to suddenly feel all sounds disappear except for thoseing from his own body.


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked curiously.


    Vai looked at Zac with surprise for a second before she pointed at the wall. Zac followed her finger, and he nodded in relief when a part of the wall had started to be transparent. It made sense �C if the Void Gate had bothered to set up a massive array that covered the whole basin, they would definitely have prepared some emergency cave in case someone found themselves stuck here.


    ��Behind me,�� Zac whispered, and Vai wordlessly nodded as the two entered the hidden pathway that closed behind them.


    Thankfully, there weren��t any more infiltrators hiding within the inner chamber, which proved to be quite roomy. There was argemon area, cultivation chambers,boratories, and even a couple of small fields with nts growing. Most of it had recently been riffled through judging by some clues, indicating that the group they just fought had definitely known about this ce.


    Most likely, they had stayed on the tform for the sole purpose of making sure no one else would reach this ce. Unfortunately for them, they had bit off more than they could chew, and this ce had instead turned into a sanctuary for him and Vai. As far as doomsday bunkers went, this ce was pretty nice. And between the enraged beasts and the toxic clouds, it was highly unlikely anyone would show up before the danger passed.


    ��I��ll see if there are any records of what��s going on in this Mystic Realm,�� Vai ventured.


    ��Between the poisons and the beasts, I��d say we��re stuck here for a while,�� Zac sighed as he spread some ointment on the still-bleeding wound on his chest. ��Well, I guess we could use the break.��


    Of course, Zac had no ns of simply wasting his time. The next piece of the Left Imperial Seal was probably two or three realms away, and it was high time he started to prepare for when he reached it. He had originally nned on locating the seal before entering seclusion, but this worked as well.


    The bout of inspiration from the Ramsi Wall had helped deepen his understanding of the Void, but that wasn��t enough. Zac felt there were a lot of uncertainties that needed to be ironed out before he subjected himself to the unimaginable burst of mechanical knowledge of the universe. He needed some practical understanding of both the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] and the direction he wanted to take it in.


    It was time to do some research of his own.

 Chapter 889: Sublimation

    Chapter 889: Sublimation


    It didn��t look like there were any dangers, but Zac still had Vai perform a second, more thorough scan of the hidden chambers while he used his various senses. Only when they had confirmed there really weren��t any hidden traps did Zac rx, though he still installed a couple of defensive and restrictive arrays at the only entrance.


    After that was dealt with, Zac sat down and went over the items in the infiltrators�� spatial rings while Vai headed into theboratories. It didn��t take him long to find simr parchments with the Left Imperial Seal printed onto them. Zac sighed as he looked down at the nigh-identical copies. These invaders were looking for the same remnants as he.


    But how did they find out about it? Did they simply stumble onto it by chance after passing through the Space Gate, or was there something bigger at y here? These people unfortunately didn��t have an answer to shed the light on the situation, even if some of them were actual invaders rather than Zecia traitors.


    He did, however, manage to piece together what was going on with these invaders, mostly thanks to a journal the Temr Hegemon had left behind.


    ��I found it!�� Vai eximed as she emerged from theboratory, holding a dusty Information Crystal. ��It��s all exined here. We are inside the Undrusian Sea, and the event outside is indeed normal, as far as all-consuming clouds of death go. They call it the Undrusian Spring, and it��s created by an annual tidal wave that passes through the whole realm and extracts enormous amounts of toxins from the nt life. Not even Hegemons will be able to survive it without ample preparation.��


    ��I guess that counts as good news,�� Zac grunted. ��Does it say how long it wouldst?��


    ��Usually, around a month,�� Vai said. ��By how quickly it moved, it should have epassed the whole realm by now.��


    ��One month?�� Zac nodded. ��It��s not too bad, as long as those beasts outside don��t keep us trapped in here after the clouds have parted. I doubt anyone will be able to make it to this ce.��


    ��I think you��re right. There are eight more simr volcanoes throughout the realm ording to this, including ones closer to the waystations,�� Vai added. ��No one shoulde here even if they knew about these safe havens.��


    ��Well, at least that��s a relief,�� Zac nodded as he looked around. ��It��s weird how vibrant the energy is herepared to the energy-starved environment outside. Is this a secret research station or something?��


    ��I- It might be?�� Vai said. ��I found some research notes, but I haven��t gone over them yet. Perhaps they studied the poisons in this realm to invent antidotes.��


    ��Or just invent poisons,�� Zac countered.


    ��They wouldn��t!�� Vai insisted. ��The Void Gate doesn��t use such sinister methods to battle. I��m sure they��re doing it to protect lives.��


    Zac only nodded with a small smile. He personally leaned toward a theory where even the most orthodox forces had some ndestine operations that the general poption would frown upon. The Tsarun were pretty extreme in this regard, but Zac doubted any force kept everything aboveboard.


    Vai clearly understood the implication of Zac��s smile and huffed in annoyance. ��You know, a lot of powerful medicines have toxicponents added �C panaceas and toxins are just two sides of the same coin. The Thousand Mile Death embodies this truth.��


    ��The what?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��The Matriarch of the Zethaya n. She is both the most powerful alchemist and poison mistress of the Zecia Sector.��


    ��Oh,�� Zac hummed. ��Sounds pretty scary. Well, I guess it doesn��t matter what this ce was used for as long as we��re safe here.��


    ��I guess you��re right,�� Vai sighed as she nced at the items strewn around Zac. ��Those people�� Were they real temrs?��


    ��They were,�� Zac nodded. ��Only the sword-wielding Hegemon was an actual invader, while the others were natives. The Hegemon Temr was named Unsur Kalca. He was approached almost two years ago, and he epted the blood curse for a chance to restart his stalled cultivation.��


    ��A temr of that level betrayed the Void Gate?�� Vai asked with sorrow in her eyes.


    ��Well, he regretted it almost immediately,�� Zac said as he handed a densely scribbled notebook to Vai. ��But he didn��t find a way to get rid of thepulsions. He tried to find out as much as possible about the blood curse and the invaders as a form of repentance, it��s all stored here.��


    There was a lot of information in the journal, from all agents he��d uncovered to how they moved between realms in the Mystic Realm. The invaders had long since invented array breakers that could forcibly activate the gates without anymand tokens, and there was even one of them in the invader Hegemon��s spatial ring.


    Unfortunately, it turned out that a lot of the arrays and tools the invaders used needed the curse��s unique energy signature to activate.


    There was also a lot of information about the blood curses themselves. For example, Hegemons needed to willingly ept the blood curses, at least themon ones that you saw among these infiltrators. However, Unsur had heard the other Hegemon mention in passing that there were ��Chosen�� among the Tan��Kanu with far more powerful curses, which might have the ability to forcibly possess Hegemons.


    As for the E-grade cultivators, Unsur was unclear. He had noted that the agents tried to convert people if possible, proving there most likely was a chance of failure even with E-grade cultivators. In exchange, if a curse failed to properly fuse with a warrior, it would be a hostile parasite that did all in its power to torture and kill its host.


    This was true for the host-jumping they��d seen in battle as well. Either the curses would attack the enemy, or it would strengthen an ally in pursuit of mutual destruction. In either case, it would makerge-scale battles extremely dangerous. It was a bit like fighting with the Undead Empire, where every time an ally fell, you��d soon be fighting against them as an enemy.


    Zac had his hidden nodes so he didn��t need to worry about either possession or the torture mentioned, but most warriors didn��t have any method to deal with those curses. If the peak factions didn��t find a way to counter the threat of the blood curses, then Zecia was in deep trouble.


    There was a lot more information as well, covering everything from Kan��Tanu society, popr heritages, Unsur��s analysis of their ns, and so on. The most terrifying part was how the blood curses forced the users toply. It was like a mix of carrot and stick. The moment the curse fused with you, it started to produce some odd energies that strengthened your body.


    The moment you acted against the will of the Kan��Tanu, it stopped, and you were almost instantly assaulted by terrifying withdrawal. One��s body would feel like it was on fire while one��s soul was being cut into a million pieces. But the moment you stopped resisting, the pain instantly went away. Most people stopped resisting altogether after a few such bouts of torture.


    Reading the vivid exnations Zac could only imagine how much suffering Unsur had endured topile and hide the journal for years. No wonder there was relief in his eyes when he died.


    As for why the group found themselves here, they were on the way back to what Unsur called a Ster Ladder. It was the tunnel that had formed between the Void Star and the Million Gates territory, and it apparently wasn��t very far from here. They hadn��t nned on visiting this particr realm though, but a mix of shifting realms and powerful squads of temr executioners forced them to take an experimental route.


    The notes had stopped when they reached this Mystic Realm, but the two could piece together the rest from there.


    ��Poor man,�� Vai sighed. ��One moment of weakness leading to a lifetime of suffering. I hope he understood his notes would help fight the invaders.��


    ��I think he did,�� Zac nodded.


    ��My soul is a bit wounded, I need to rest for a bit,�� Vai said with a low voice as she stood up and walked toward one of the cultivation caves.


    Zac looked at the receding back of the little researcher. He could see a lot of weight that had been added to her shoulders after the recent encounter. The damage to her soul after forcibly teleporting them was probably the least of her worries right now, with the betrayals and the blood on her hands being a bigger weight on her mind. There, unfortunately, wasn��t much Zac could do to help her at this stage. She would have to find answers from within to move forward from this point.


    Meanwhile, Zac had his own issues to deal with. The wound that had pierced his lung was healed up a couple of hourster, mostly thanks to Zac using a chunk of the kill energy to restore his body with [Surging Vitality]. Even then, there was enough energy left over for him to break open the next node, a process that Zac had essentially perfected by now. It would still take him a week to get rid of the Hegemon��stent Dao and heal the node, but he didn��t need to be in perfect condition to start working on his body tempering method.


    The [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] was both extremelyplex and extremely simple. It essentially consisted of three mainponents; Life, Body, and Heart. Life referred to absorbing life-attuned treasures and stimting the essence of every living being to elicit an improvement. The method also came with a set of specific patterns that one needed to cover your body in for the method to work.


    The firstyer only required you to pick one of three foundational patterns and its derivates depending on your direction, but the followingyers needed you to make some alterations based on your Dao. That meant only the firstyer could be cultivated without having either a pure or mixed-meaning Dao of Life.


    Body referred to a set of movements that would stimte the potential of one��s cells, and expedite the infusion of the life-attuned treasures. The Body Tempering Manual was quite flexible when it came to what type of life-attuned treasures one used, and the same flexibility was extended to the Body section of the method.


    You could use the movements in various Gravity Arrays or special environments to speed up the process, but it worked fine on its own as well. The method mentioned that training inside something called ��Golden Arhat mes�� was the most efficient, but Zac had no ess to something like that.


    Finally, there was Heart, which was a set of Buddhist Sutras. In total, 81 incantations would be repeated in various ways while he absorbed the life-attuned energies through his skin.


    These sutras were the glue of the method, the connection between one��s body and the inexhaustible life of the Boundless Heavens. It was also here the true essence of the method was hidden. After all, if you could just gain an attuned constitution by smearing your body in life-attuned treasures and then doing some yoga, then everyone would have an attuned constitution already.


    It was these 81 Sutras he wanted to swap out with 81 expressions of the Void. During his epiphany, he had already somewhat understood how that should be done. The Sutras were designed to somehow temporarily realign your very essence to be in tune with the Heavens, which would in turn allow for a mysterious infusion of Life into the core of your being.


    Together, the patterns, the movements, and the sutras formed an interlocking system that made this all possible. Zac simply needed to figure out how to use his Force of the Void to mimic the effect of the Sutras and allow for the energies to be absorbed.


    The firstyer of the Body Tempering Manual was possible toplete at F-grade. As such, it didn��t require very expensive materials, and Zac had literal mountains of top-quality materials avable in his Spatial Ring. In fact, he had brought enough materials to push the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] to the peak of the secondyer.


    The process, like most Body Tempering Methods, was agonizing, yet the rewards were enough for countless people to willingly torture themselves. Each Layer would not only improve Zac��s inherent ability to recover from all kinds of wounds and ward off toxins, but it would also provide actual attributes as well. With the method being a top-quality technique of the Buddhist Sangha, the gain was bound to be impressive.


    In other words, while reaching a state of bnce for his path was the most important reason for cultivating the method, there were many other reasons to go for it as well. So Zac was full of anticipation as he prepared to make the first practical inroads to cultivating the method. For months, he had nned for this moment, and everything he needed was neatly arranged in front of him seconds after stepping into one of the open rooms in the hidden station.


    It would have been preferable to use a Cultivation Chamber, but it felt too risky if he and Vai secluded themselves at the same time. Besides, while he had quite a few secrets on his body, the Soul Cultivation and Body Tempering couldn��t be considered something he needed to keep secret at any cost.


    Next, an engraved brush appeared in Zac��s hand, and it flew over to a bucket of life-attuned paste. It was an inscriptionist��s tool that could be controlled with one��s soul, and the perfect instrument to paint the array needed for the method. His Dao Control might be atrocious, but thankfully that kind of control wasn��t required here.


    Furthermore, being a Mortal had one unique advantage; Zac had ample experience drawing pathways by now. And with the firstyer of [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] being designed for the F-grade, the patterns weren��t overlyplex. Even then, he wasn��t used to these particr patterns even if he��d gone over them over a hundred times by now, and it took almost an hour to draw the pattern across his body.


    The result was Zac looking like a tribal warrior with intricate golden tattoos from his forehead all the way to his soles. Even his buttocks were painted, but he quickly covered himself up with a simple kilt in case Vai emerged early. Like that, the initial preparations wereplete, and Zac already felt a hazy warmth spread across his body.


    Not only that, but he could somewhat sense that energy was circting through the temporary pathways on his skin, which should mean he hadn��t made any mistakes. None of the life-attuned energies were actually entering his body though, and some of the efficacy in the paste had already been lost.


    There was no time to waste, so Zac started performing the required movements. At this stage, Zac simply wanted to get a better understanding of the first twoponents. As long as he could perfect these movements, he would know these parts of the method weren��t the issue when he started experimenting down the road.


    It was a good thing that he did, as well. The movements were surprisingly hard toplete, even if they were meant for F-grade cultivators. First of all, they required extreme precision and control of every single muscle in his body. Both movement and tempo had to be exactly right. If he hadn��t already reached the Integration Stage with his techniques, he would probably be stuck at this introductory stage for weeks.


    Not only that, but the paste was creating problems as well. The moment Zac got a stance right, the warmth from the life-attuned paste went from soothing to agonizing, and Zac almost felt like he was being branded by a cattle iron. The pain in turn made him stumble, forcing him to start over from scratch.


    But ultimately, Zac was greatly overqualified no matter if you talked level or pain resistance, and he slowly got ustomed to the pain as he practiced the movements over and over. Half a day and two more paste applicationster, he couldplete the whole set without any issues, even though the pain only got worse the further on he got.


    Of course, even if Zac used high-quality materials andpleted the movements without issue, he still hadn��t managed to drag any of the energy into his body. It all just evaporated after torturing him for a while, not even giving his [Void Heart] a taste.


    The issue was obviously that he had skipped the Sutras, but that still left him with a sense of want. He had been tortured by a pain that almost reached the level of the [Bone-Forging Dust] for half a day, and there was not a speck of Life added to his body. Zac had nned on waiting a bit longer, but he couldn��t resist the temptation.


    There was still some time before thetestyer of paste lost its efficacy, so he started things up again. This time, he also released some Void Energy into his body as he tried to enter a void-like mental state, where his heart was a ck hole that sucked in all life around him. Instead of fusing with all creation, he would consume all creation.


    The only result was a sharp pain in his mind followed by a thud as he mmed into the ground head-first, his vision swimming from an intense bout of vertigo.


    ��That figures,�� Zac muttered as he slowly crawled to his feet.


    Nothing good ever came easy.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter 890: Repetition and Reinforcement

    Chapter 890: Repetition and Reinforcement


    ��Anything?�� Leyara asked, but judging by the thunderous expression on Pretty��s face, it didn��t look good.


    ��Nothing,�� Pretty snorted as she wiped the blood from her hands with a rag. ��These people are no better than warves, even the native Kan��Tanu. They barely know about the purpose of their own tasks, let alone other missions deep in the Million Gates Territory or overarching ns.��


    ��The poor people of that Sector,�� Leyara said with a sorrowful head shake.


    ��You need to harden your resolve,�� Pretty said as she looked up at the fractured sky. ��Things will get worse before it gets better. The more we learn about these invaders, the more serious it gets. We need answers to prepare ourselves.��


    ��Well, the technicians are finally making some progress. They will open a temporary gate to the next step of the sterdder within the next few days,�� Leyara said.


    ��And you��re still not going to tell me what is going on?�� Pretty glowered. ��I can tell �C you know something about all this. Why this weird ce of yours is connected to the Million Gates Territory. Why your Master refuses to shut it off even after the Kan��Tanu have infiltrated your domain. What these signs mean.��


    In Pretty��s hand, a bloodied parchment appeared, showcasing the distorted seals of the Left Imperial Pce and its nine Outer Courts. The sigils that were the source of Leyara��s current headache �C perhaps the source of the whole war.


    ��Some things are not for us to alter,�� Leyara said with a weak smile. ��We can only keep vigil and let the chips fall where they may. To put our fingers on the scale would not necessarily make things better, but they would make them moreplicated.��


    ��Whatever, if you don��t want to tell me, fine. I��ll figure it out sooner orter,�� Pretty muttered as she walked toward the edge of the realm, no doubt to once more hound the poor nuns working on the odd barrier.


    Leyara released an exhausted sigh as she looked up at the sky. It wasn��t the first time Pretty had pushed for answers, and it wouldn��t be thest. But even if Leyara wanted to provide the answers, who could she ask? Her master had only divulged a few select pieces of the convoluted web just before they set off, and that alone was enough to subvert her understanding of the universe.


    The Vigil, the mebearers, and the eternal destiny.


    It was too much. Even war with ruthless unorthodox cultivators seemed preferable to this pressure that threatened to suffocate her. She was just a spoiled scion of the Void Gate. She wasn��t ready to carry this burden. But the minutes passed, and Leyara eventually steadied her resolve. Her master and the long line of predecessors had worked so hard and for so long.


    The Void Gate had given her everything, and she couldn��t fail them now. So she donned a neutral expression as she joined Pretty and the others as they worked on the portable gate. Pretty stood to the side, her contrite face making a smile tug at the corner of Leyara��s mouth.


    ���� I��m sorry. I know you would have helped if you could,�� Pretty sighed as she looked over. ��I��m just worried about Average. About everything.��N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��It��s okay,�� Leyara smiled.


    ��So what about this one?�� Pretty asked. ��The invaders were trying to break in as well, so they shouldn��t have ess to it either. Why is it important?��


    ��Well, they might have ess to the other side. More importantly, this should be a recent addition to the corridor,�� Leyara slowly said. ��ording to our readings, it should not only containrge amounts of ambient energy, but it is likely a supersized Mystic Realm rather than the smaller fragments we��ve passedtely. It has be a critical chokepoint because of its position in the corridor, and only a few smaller realms can squeeze in around it. If we can control this domain, our control over whoes and goes will greatly improve.��


    ��We could set up a fortress,�� Pretty said as her eyes lit up. ��As long as we patrol the neighboring worlds, no one should be able to sneak into Zecia. We could even reverse the tides, mounting proper attacks on the invaders reaching the heart of the Million Gates Territory!��


    Leyara nodded in agreement, though it pained her not being able to tell the truth. There was one more reason they targeted this ce. It hadn��t been dragged into the Void Star by ident �C it had been brought here by the mounting storm of fate. Now, they could only keep watch as the direction of the era unfolded.


    �������������C


    It had been so evident in Zac��s mind when he was showered in the hazy light of the Left Imperial Seal. The Void Energy his bloodline produced held no Dao, yet it epassed the whole universe. That was why it could mimic any one of his skills withoutpatibility shes on either his human or Draugr sides.


    Using that unique feature, he should be able to mimic the effect of the Sutras just like he mimicked the activation of his skills. The Sutras were like a tuning fork, temporarily adjusting the frequency of his body. Or perhaps it was more apt to liken to the process of forging a weapon. The steel needed to be heated up before it could be molded.


    But now that the profound understanding of the Left Imperial Pce had long since left him, he was left fumbling in the dark. What was once clear now seemed almost endlesslyplex. Even then, Zac didn��t feel any worry as he closed his eyes to steady his mind. This was just a first attempt without any real direction. His work had only started.


    Finding the solution was a process of discovery and elimination. Every time Zac failed, he would gain a small nugget of understanding, and the path toward the truth would be more apparent. This month was only meant to deepen his foundations. Actually creating the [Void Vajra Sublimation] could only happen with the help of the next piece of the seal.


    Zac spent the next couple of minutes going over the sensations just before he keeled over. His biggest worry was that the pain had been a rejection of the method by his bloodline. But after going over his experience, it didn��t seem like it. It was instead an issue of control and harmony. He was supposed to copy a tuning fork, yet he had essentially released a foghorn in the form of a deluge of Void Energy.


    It had utterly ruined the interlocking system that made up the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], resulting in a minor bacsh to his mind. Luckily, a bacsh of this level couldn��t harm his evolved soul in the slightest, allowing him to experiment with impunity. And with him and Vai being locked in here for the time being, he had all the time he needed.


    Over the next three days, Zac kept experimenting, trying all kinds of things with his void energy to see how it affected the method. The problem was that with Void Energy being essentially traceless and invisible, it was impossible to see how it responded to his various experiments. Instead, he could only observe the effect of the life-attuned energy and measure sess and failure by how powerful the bacsh was.


    His first experiments centered on mirroring the paste array on his body, but that didn��t seem to work. He also tried various methods, such as inverting the pattern or using the other ones provided by the technique. Next, Zac tried using [Void Zone], but that simply disrupted the whole process, as did infusing Void Energy into the paste itself.


    This time, Zac had filled his whole body with Void Energy. He was trying to essentially form small whirlpools all across his body to turn himself into a proverbial void. The result was an unmitigated disaster. A stabbing pain made him groan with pain as he cked out for an instant, and he once more found himself on the ground.


    A few shuffling steps and a door opened. ��Is everything alr- WHAT?!��


    Zac��s vision was still swimming from the powerful bacsh, but he could still make out three copies of a furiously blushing Vai at the door. She seemed to be caught between wanting to run away ande over to help, resulting in her being frozen in ce.


    ��It��s me,�� Zac groaned as he shook his head, turning the triplets into a singr researcher. He had returned to his original appearance to practice the method, and he was afraid she��d mistake him for a stranger, especially with all the paste covering his body.


    ��That��s- That��s not-�� Vai stuttered.


    At first, Zac didn��t understand why she was reacting so strongly, but he soon realized what kind of scene Vai had walked into. Not only was he almost entirely naked and covered in goop, but his training kilt had shifted to expose his butt when he toppled over just now. Zac quickly forced down his vertigo and scrambled to his feet, trying to hide the embarrassment.


    ��Sorry about that. I tried to figure something out,�� Zac coughed as he donned a simple robe. ��When did youe out?��


    ��J-Just now,�� Vai said, her gaze finally turning back to Zac after he was fully dressed.


    ��How are you feeling?�� Zac asked as he took out a bottle of water.


    ��I��m better. What are you doing? Is it body tempering? I haven��t seen you do that before,�� Vai asked, curiosity oveing embarrassment.


    Zac first nned on making something up, but he suddenly turned toward the researcher thoughtfully. Even after forming a Dao Branch, she wasn��t much of a fighter. But in this department, Vai was no doubt his superior. Perhaps she had some ideas that could streamline his experiments.


    ��Not yet, but I am trying to change a Body Tempering Manual I stumbled across,�� Zac said.


    ��Why do you want to change it?�� Vai asked. ��Do you want to upgrade it? That��s an enormous undertaking.��


    ��No, it��s a high-quality method, but it doesn��t suit me,�� Zac exined.


    ��Most manuals are created through trial and error over generation after generation of practitioners,�� Vai slowly said. ��Changing things up, at least as a low-grade cultivator, is likely to result in something worse.��


    ��Humor me,�� Zac smiled. ��I��m trying to swap out one part of the technique, but now I��m just doing things randomly hoping I��ll stumble onto the correct answer.��


    ��Are you willing to show me the method?�� Vai asked, her face lighting up with academic exuberance. ��There��s only so much I can do without understanding what I am dealing with. I can swear a confidentiality agreement.��


    ��I wouldn��t mind, but it is locked in my head,�� Zac grunted. ��Anytime I try to copy it or divulge its details, my brain just nks out, and I can��t remember anything. But I can tell you it is a Buddhist method. I want to rece a certain part of the technique with something suited to my Bloodline.��


    ��I knew you had a Bloodline,�� Vai eximed with a victorious smile on her face. ��You are so weird; it makes sense you had to have some inherited advantages. But why didn��t the Void Gate know you? If any n in Salosar managed to awaken such a powerful bloodline, they��d immediately get recruited.��


    ��Only I have it,�� Zac smiled. ��I��m sorry, I can��t tell you much more. It will only bring you trouble. Do you have any ideas?��


    ��Well,�� Vai slowly said. ��I am no expert on Buddhist methods or even Body Tempering in general. But everything has a purpose. If you only want to change one part of the method to suit you, you need to properly understand what it does and how it connects to the other parts.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. So far, he was on board.


    ��Have you ever cultivated the actual method?�� Vai asked.


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I fear I will be stuck if I do.��


    ��I think you will have to if you want to get to the bottom of things. Theoretical understanding can never match up to practical experience. And if you are worried about going down the wrong path, you can use this,�� Vai said as she took out a vial from her spatial ring.


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked curiously as he looked at the shimmering mixture within.


    ��It��s a resetter,�� Vai said. ��This particr concoction is a proprietary blend of the Void Gate �C [Void te].��


    ��A what?��


    ��A resetter,�� Vai repeated. ��If you drink this before and after a cultivation session, your gains will only be temporary. We use them when performing limited trials. Typically, if we want to change a cultivation method, we��d simply hire ten thousand warriors and give them slightly different manuals. That way, we can study the impact of our changes. But that is not always possible.


    ��Sometimes, the method is secret and cannot be shared, or only a select group has enough talent to train in it. For those trials, we use resetters. We have the research subject try out various things and measure the effect as we gradually refine the result.��


    ��That��s amazing,�� Zac said as he took the vial. ��This is exactly what I need. But does it work on Heart Cultivation as well?��


    ��Heart Cultivation?�� Vai eximed with surprise before her eyes widened in understanding. ��Oh, right. The Buddhist Sangha. Well, no. Heart Cultivation is intangible, even more so than Soul Cultivation. There is nothing for [Void te] to expunge. But as long as you have a strong mental state, you should be able to rid yourself of the effect by stabilizing your heart after each session.��


    ��Is that safe?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Well, the heart is elusive,�� Vai slowly said. ��A small crack can break a dam. But from what I understand, Heart Cultivation is based on the repetition and reinforcement of one��s belief. If you take some time to reim your footing afterward, you should be able to remove any lingering effects. But you should know just how powerful the Buddist Sangha is; you will be taking a risk if you do this.��


    ��Repetition and reinforcement,�� Zac hummed. ��You��re pretty clever. Are you interested in joining my force instead of staying with the Void Gate? Maybe I should just kidnap you?��


    ��Wh- What!�� Vai stuttered with shock as she took multiple steps away. ��I- I can��t! My wows, my niece. I-I-��


    ��I��m just joking,�� Zacughed. ��Or I mean, you��d always be wee to join if you really wanted.��


    ��Scoundrel,�� Vai huffed before she smiled. ��Even if I��ve had a lot of fun the past days and experienced marvels I never thought I��d get to see first hand, I cannot leave. It��s not apulsion, mind you. The Void Gate is an important part of me. It��s where I grew up, where my sister and her children are buried. Where little Lara is. It��s home.��


    Vai��s smile was so warm it made Zac a bit homesick. Not only for Earth, but also for a simpler time. A time when his father was still a steady pir of his life, where his sister was just an unruly teenager finding her path in life. When his every decision didn��t have massive implications for not just himself, but billions of people.��


    ��I get the feeling,�� Zac smiled.


    ��I- Ah- I��m sorry. Are you okay?�� Vai asked with worry when she saw Zac��s change in demeanor.


    ��I��m fine,�� Zac sighed. ��Just a bit nostalgic. Well, I��ll try this thing out. Thank you for the tip.��


    ��Wait, take this as well,�� Vai said as she handed him a high-quality information crystal. ��These are notes for an experiment we conducted a few centuries ago. It was to investigate a possible direction for a Cultivation Manual. The project was ultimately a failure, but the notes might provide some idea on how to approach your problem.��


    ��Oh?�� Zac said with interest as he epted the crystal. ��Thank you.��


    ��I won��t disturb you while you figure things out,�� Vai said. ��I��ll be at the other side getting acquainted with my Dao. I haven��t had a chance for some quiet meditation for months. But just call me if you need me.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac nodded. ��And if you need to, I don��t know, talk about all you��ve been throughtely, I��m here for you.��


    Vai slightly smiled in response before she left Zac to his own devices. Zac��s eyes turned to the two items in his hands with a thoughtful look. Should he do it? Did he really dare cultivate the original version of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]? Ultimately, the resetter wasn��t a protection against the real danger �C the path-breaking nature of the Buddhist Sangha.


    He couldn��t help but recall the smiling face of Three Virtues as he agonized over his choices. Was this part of his schemes? That Zac would be forced to dip his feet in the water if he wanted to extract the benefits from the technique. This was exactly what he had wanted to avoid and why he��d held off practicing until now.


    But Zac eventually steeled his resolve. Forging ahead didn��t just mean throwing yourself against powerful foes. It meant having conviction in yourself and your path. If his path couldn��t even survive a sh against an F-gradeyer of a Buddhist Body Tempering manual, then his path wasn��t worth holding onto.


    Of course, that didn��t mean he would just jump into it blindly, so Zac first infused consciousness into the information crystal. The mountain of data that greeted him almost made him throw away the crystal in disgust, but he could only stifle the sense of boredom and go over it. Only ten hourster did he put away the crystal with a sigh.


    He had to hand it to the nuns of the Void Gate �C they took their job seriously.

 Chapter 891: One’s Path

    Chapter 891: One��s Path


    Zac spent the next day studying the methodology behind the research project Vai had shared with him.


    The scrapped project was based around a cultivation manual called [Emberstar Patterns], an interesting technique that an elder of the Void Gate had gotten her hands on when exploring an ancient Mystic Realm. It was a pure fire-based method, but the way it infused one��s nodes with fiery energies that resembled stars was rtively novel.


    The Void Gate wanted to see if the old manual could be retooled and turned into a space-fire mixed-meaning manual to suit their heritage better. But infusing a Dao from a different peak into a pure fire manual was easier said than done. Vai��s nunnery had spent years dismantling the method anding up with different paths that might work �C just like how he was doing now with his Void Energy.


    From there, they had started their experiments, where they swapped out certain aspects of the method and let dozens of youths practice with it. The changes were designed to create different pathways in the cultivators, to improve thepatibility with space-attuned skills and sses. The first trial resulted in deviations that would have killed the cultivators if they hadn��t been monitored.


    They weren��t discouraged, and they kept changing the method, piece by piece, fractal by fractal, as they searched for a perfect equilibrium. Unfortunately, the research team never found a solution that worked. The original manual was evaluated as High-quality D-grade, but the best they could create was a Low-quality E-grade manual that incorporated both Daos.


    [Emberstar Patterns] simply didn��t allow for itself to be altered like they wanted. The moment they added too much foreign Dao, the underpinning theories that made the technique possible fell apart. Even then, it was very illuminating how they worked. It was a systematic process of elimination where they slightly altered the method bit-by-bit, following specific patterns that were designed to ensure they didn��t identally miss a working solution.


    It was this kind of scientific method Zac needed to adopt if he wanted to make any real progress. Right now, he was testing random things in hopes he stumbled onto the answer. That might be fine if he had years to waste, but now, he only had a month to make as much progress as possible.


    He needed to get organized, and the first step was collecting data.


    The n was solid, as far as crazy ventures went. Even then, Zac was so nervous when applying a fresh set of arrays across his body that he made more mistakes than when he tried this the first time. The concept of Heart Cultivation was simply too nerve-wracking. He could essentially be hypnotizing himself to subvert his worldview without even noticing.


    The array was eventually applied, but Zac still spent another twenty minutes stabilizing his heart and mind by meditating to confirm his own stance, conviction, and path. After that, Zac opened his eyes and took a swig of [Void te] before starting up the movements.


    ��Aum,�� Zac said as his hands mmed together, and both a spiritual and physical ripple passed through the room.


    No longer was he stuck practicing inside a ustrophobic cave at the bottom of a toxic ocean. Zac felt like he was standing atop a mountain peak, and a star-spangled sky showered him with the wisdom of the cosmos. Never before had he so clearly understood what the monks meant when they said all was one, and this feeling only intensified as he continued toward the sublimation of his body.


    As he thought, the sutras brought purpose and meaning to otherwise hollow exercise. The movements were suddenly not just a precise set of stances. They became expressions of life, where each pose aligned his body with the heavens. And when one truly became all, it was just a natural course of events when the Life-Attuned energies in the paste entered his body and fused with him.


    The pain grew an order of magnitude more intense, yet it didn��t seem so bad. Suffering was transient, while enlightenment was forever. Nothing else mattered; only the Dao and the boundless potential of Life was worth focusing on. Like this, Zac continued with his tribute to Life, to Creation. Eighty-one ripples were reinforced by three Heavenly Cycles, and the fusion wasplete. Movement turned to tranquility, and the paste on his body fell off, now just a dry mud void of purpose.


    Zac looked at the room he stood in, filled with a sense of contentedness and wholeness he hadn��t felt in a long time. But Zac��s brows suddenly scrunched together as [Void Zone] sted out from his body, cutting him off from the Dao around him and the Heavens above. The sharp reversion severed the connection he felt to the universe, and Zac drew a shuddering breath before swallowing the second dose of [Void te].


    No wonder the Buddhist Sangha had such a double-edged reputation.


    He hadn��t felt anything amiss afterpleting the practice session. He was still Zac. It rather felt like he hade down from an epiphany, where he enjoyed the lingering sense of rity. He hadn��t felt his path subverted at all. Zac had simply thought he had gained a greater understanding of the Dao.


    But in hindsight, he realized just how much his perception had changed, how the sutras had slightly altered his goals. Priorities had been realigned. Until now, the leading star on his path had always been his various goals, from saving Kenzie to securing a ce in the universe for himself and those he held dear. Gaining power and delving deeper into the mysteries of the universe was a gift and a marvel, but it was ultimately a means to an end.


    Yet in that moment, when he was chanting the sutras and moving in ordance with the Dao of Life itself, he had felt �C why bother? As long as he understood the true meaning of Life, everything was possible. All could be aplished as long as he severed his Mortal Heart and focused on the Dao. Certainly, that was both amon and effective method of progressing, but it was not for him.


    Even worse, for a moment, he had felt a terrifying indifference hiding within that sense of vast interconnectedness, a mental state where all was heavenly destiny. If Kenzie was taken, she was taken. Perhaps that was for the best. Earth��s fate was up to the Heavens and not something he should meddle in.


    If those around him died, it was just their time to enter the wheel of reincarnation. He should simply say a prayer and wish them luck on their journey. Thankfully, his true beliefs quickly returned to him the moment he stopped practicing, and his nullification zone had forcibly cut his connection to the technique.


    Zac spent the better part of the next day stabilizing his mind, returning to a sense of normalcy. Over the first hours, a small cloud of golden haze was released from his pores as [Void te] expelled the small amount of Life-attunement he had rued during his session. The process left him with a small amount of toxins, but Zac could tell it would only take an hour or two for [Purity of the Void] to remove them. Vai had really provided him with a top-tier concoction for it to have so few side effects.


    Only when he felt confident he had wholly regained his sense of self did he dare delve deeper and analyze the experience. The first takeaway was that the Sangha��s reputation wasn��t just for show, and he was filled with a sense of respect for those elites who dared practice proper Buddhist methods as a form of tempering.


    Secondly, Void Energy was surprisingly effective at resetting his mental state. Even then, it didn��t change much. It was a valuable safety now that he was experimenting with the original method, but he would still need to reform the manual from scratch. If Zac only wanted to get his hands on the surface benefits of body tempering, he could probably just practice a couple ofyers and forcibly suppress any mental changes with [Void Zone].


    But that wasn��t what he was looking for. He wanted to properly fuse his human side with life, not just form his Cultivator��s Core. The real goal was to reach a state of equilibrium that he nned on maintaining indefinitely, where his Draugr and Human were in bnce �C a state where Death empowered life and vice versa through [Quantum Gate].


    Perhaps even until he could fuse his two sides into one. And for that, he needed to practice the method wholeheartedly and not just grab for immediate gains like some attributes and regenerative abilities. As for finding a solution, he was left with mixed emotions.


    Zac had gained more understanding of what the Heart Sutras aplished in this one sessionpared to going over his memories for months. But most of what it aplished was drive home just howplicated Heart Cultivation was. If anything, he felt further away from a solution now than he ever did before.


    The chants hadn��t formed any mysterious patterns that mirrored or added to the array on his skin. He still didn��t understand what had happened or how it had happened. When he uttered each chant, reality had shifted, and what his heart believed in became true. It was a terrifying subversion of reality that almost upended his previous understanding of cultivation.


    He wasn��t even sure where to go from here, so Zac eventually chose to stretch his legs and see if perhaps Vai had any ideas. Luckily, Vai hadn��t retreated into one of the cultivation caves already. Instead, Zac found her perusing various documents inside one of theboratories.


    ��How was it?�� Vai asked with interest as Zac walked over. ��How do you feel?��


    ��It��s hard to say. Just some chants somehow altered the way I saw the world for a moment, and that belief impacted reality. I don��t understand where that came from.��


    ��It��s probably all connected,�� Vai said. ��You could try the chants without the movements or the paste. I bet the effect will not be nearly as pronounced. They probably form a coherent system where each part enkindles the others.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. ��You��re right. I simply don��t understand how it��s all rted, so I��m having a hard time figuring out where to go from here.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Research is a long-termmitment,�� Vai smiled. ��Don��t rush for immediate gains. Take your time and deepen your understanding first. Take some breaks to reflect on what you��ve experienced. After that, you can start thinking about how to proceed.


    Zac released a pent-up breath as he nodded. Vai was right, of course. He was being too impatient, wanting immediate and measurable progress. But even if he was on a deadline, there was no point in rushing. He had already learned a lot of small details over the past days, things that weren��t mentioned in his imnted memories. If he kept working at it, he would eventually get there.


    After all, he was different from the researchers who had tried to reform [Emberstar Patterns]. There were many things he didn��t understand, but there was one thing he knew with utmost certainty. At the end of the path, a functioning Body Tempering Manual waited. The lights empowered by the Left Imperial Pce and Ultom had shown him that much.


    This month was just meant to find and remove the barricades leading there.


    ��I have thought on your matter over the past week,�� Vai slowly said. ��Heart Cultivation is exceedingly rare, at least in the Zecia sector. But I once read a study that mentioned picturing a certain image can help. Perhaps you can use that? First, figure out what change each chant brings, and then conceptualize that kind of change from your viewpoint? Something that rings true with your path.��


    ��Rings true with my path,�� Zac muttered, remembering the odd trial that Three Virtues had him undergo.


    He had been shown everything from thousands of ancient tomes or rows of monks silently reciting sutras in those visions, and everything had looked identical if you looked at it conventionally. Even then, some things were simply true while the others were false. To this day, Zac didn��t quite understand why he had known these things, but they were undeniably true.


    ��Do you remember if picturing anything, in particr, is better? Like is it objects, or perhaps patterns like fractals?��


    ��Anything that suits you, I guess?�� Vai hesitated. ��I don��t really know, sorry.��


    ��That��s okay. You��ve helped me plenty already,�� Zac smiled. ��It��s even making me feel bad. Here, pick something you like.��


    A dozen boxes appeared in front of him the next moment, each one containing one of the top-tier treasures he had picked up during the years he spent off-world. Each one was significantly more valuable than anything they had found during their time in the Void Star and would cause some waves if put on auction almost anywhere in Zecia.


    ��This- This�� What is this?!�� Vai eximed as she looked with wide eyes at the array of treasures.


    ��Just some things I picked up while adventuring,�� Zac smiled. ��Most of these things are pretty useful for making a push for Hegemony. Take one as a small thank you for helping me with this. You can��t imagine how valuable your insight is.��


    ��I cannot ept this,�� Vai urgently said, almost looking afraid as she looked at the priceless treasures. ��Hegemony, is- is. I don��t����


    ��If you don��t, I��ll feel bad and won��t be able to concentrate on my cultivation,�� Zac sighed with a sorrowful expression. ��And even if you don��t need these things, what about your little niece? She should be looking toward the next stage by now, no? What if she justcked one little treasure to take that step����


    ��That��s-�� Vai whispered, looking visibly distraught by the hypothetical scenario. ��I��ll take the [Kastron Root] then. It helps strengthen one��s corporeity before breaking through, to better withstand the process. With your terrifying constitution, it should be useless.��


    Zac was about to answer, but a powerful ripple suddenly mmed into his mind. One moment, he had been teasing Vai. The next moment he was swept up by the unfathomable depths of the Left Imperial pce. Every cell in his body screamed in both fear and longing, and it felt so, so close. The Undrusian Ocean was forgotten, as was Heart Cultivation and the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].


    In front of the ancient monolith he saw in his mind��s eye, it all amounted to nothing.


    Finally, the vision faded without him being brought into the Ultom Courtyard, and Zac found himself back in his body. He shot to his feet as he wildly looked around him, trying to understand what had just happened.


    ��Ah- I��m sorry! I won��t take it!�� Vai urgently said as she scrambled back, shocked by Zac��s explosion of movement.


    The scared cry startled Zac enough to clear his head, and he apologetically looked at the little researcher as he retracted his billowing aura. ��No, I��m sorry. Something unexpected just happened, and I lost myposure.��


    ��Is everything alright now?�� Vai hesitated.


    ��I don��t know���� Zac muttered. ��Something changed, and I��m not sure if it��s good or bad.��


    ��Is it the Heart Cultivation?�� Vai stammered. ��I��m sorry, I shouldn��t have urged you to take that risk. I-��


    ��No,�� Zac smiled as he threw over the previously unnamed root that Vai wanted. ��My heart is just fine. Here, take this thing before I forget.��


    ��Alright,�� Vai nodded as she carefully stowed away the jade box. ��Thank you for this. I��ll give it back if my niece doesn��t need it.��


    ��Sure,�� Zac grinned, knowing he��d never take it back.


    With that, Zac walked back to his training room, a scowl covering his face. He stared at the cave wall like he wanted to peek through the bedrock and spy on what was going on. Why had he suddenly received a pulse out of nowhere? Not only that, but it was more potent than the one he felt when stepping onto this Mystic Realm.


    Was the piece of rubble he aimed for on the move? Or had it been imed by someone else? If so, what would that entail? Could he snatch it back? Would he still get an epiphany if he got it that way? The spacious cave suddenly felt suffocating as their hidden sanctuary turned into a prison. Anxiety gnawed at him, and even hourster, he found it hard to focus on his Heart Cultivation.


    He had been too confident in the piece of rubble after seeing Kuru Cera being turned into motes of ash from a simple ripple, satisfied that the seal��s lethality would be enough until he reached it. The question was whether it was all toote, even if someone had managed to contain it somehow. Could the situation be salvaged? Zac wasn��t sure, but his eyes turned to the hidden entrance to the cave.


    Surely, the Beast Kings would have fallen asleep by now?

 Chapter 892: The Unyielding River of Fate

    Chapter 892: The Unyielding River of Fate


    ��You thought you could subvert the unyielding river of fate? Chaos might be able to hide you from the Heavens, but not from me. Twice now, you have fled from me. There will not be a third.��


    Behind Iz, six radiant wings slowly fluttered, their gentle movements incinerating the very fabric of the unstable Mystic Realm. Not only that, but the [Five Pirs of Absolution] formed a circle around her two captives, illuminating the area with her Dao and conviction.


    ��What do you have to say?�� Iz asked, her eyes searching for any clues in their faces.


    ��I- Ah, it sounds perfect?�� a wretched-looking cultist said with an eager nod. ��Perfectly befitting the celestial poise of your Eminence.��


    ��No feedback? Nothing bad?�� Iz asked with an expressionless face.


    ��Mistress, you are perfect, like a radian-�� the man eagerly nodded, but he didn��t get any further as smoke suddenly filled his mouth.


    An instantter, the empyrean mes had swallowed him whole, not even leaving ashes behind. The disgusting parasite didn��t get a chance to escape either, with the cleansing fires purging it from the world.


    ��What about you?�� Iz asked as she turned to the other man.


    ��I- ah? What?�� the Hegemon stammered, his face covered in sweat as he looked at the spot where hispanion once kneeled.


    ��How does it look?��


    The man hesitated for a second before he grit his teeth and spoke up. ��What my colleague said was true, but he missed an important aspect that your Eminence might have overlooked.��


    ��Oh?�� Iz asked curiously.


    ��This poor one has never seen anything that couldpare to the beauty and profound power your Eminence exudes, but it does look a bit odd how you are hovering just above the ground. I would suggest either making sure both are in the air when you trap your target, or that you increase your elevation slightly. That way, your Eminence can also look down on them as you should,�� the man said, looking at her with hope in his eyes.


    ��Elevation? How about this?�� Iz said as she rose a few meters into the air.


    ��Perfect,�� the man hurriedly nodded.


    ��Thank you. If fate wills it, you can return to your people,�� Iz nodded as she said as the pirs dissipated.


    ��Thank you, thank you,�� the cultist said with a deep bow, confusion turning into relief upon seeing that the Temrs made no move to intervene. ��I will not disturb the rest of your Eminence any further.��


    With that, the Hegemon shed away, disappearing among the endless clouds a momentter. Iz nodded as she deactivated her skills, feeling she was one step closer to her imagined oue.


    ��This�� That man was a captain of the infiltrators,�� a hesitant voice said as the leading Temr walked up to her side. ��Him being allowed to return will be detrimental to this sector.��


    ��I promised, so he is fated to live,�� Iz shrugged.


    ��This�� Is problematic,�� the captain eventually said after a pause.


    ��Are you questioning the decisions of the young miss?�� the five-legged boulder growled as mes covered the sky. ��The members of the Vigil have truly grown audacious here on the untamed frontier.��


    Iz looked on with some helplessness at her ward��s umpteenth eruption over thest month. How was she supposed to adventure with this overprotective guardian constantly at her side? Back then, Iz had felt a fresh gust of freedom upon learning that the inner regions of this curious anomaly had be too unstable to house Peak Hegemons, let alone Monarchs.


    Who could have guessed Kvalk actually had a skill that would allow him to detach a hand and turn it into a clone? Iz couldn��t wait for when they found Mr. Bug. She could picture it �C her ward would try to restrain their actions, and she had seen multiple examples of how that turned out when that man was involved. Freedom and adventure were just around the corner.


    But for now, she would have to y peacemaker, which was a novel feeling on its own. These people didn��t know her background, only that she was someone important who the Void Priestess had tasked them to guide. Iz hadn��t realized how differently people looked at her and treated her when they weren��t saddled with the knowledge she was a Tayn.


    ��One straggler will not change the course of destiny, even if he has some providence,�� Iz said after some thought. ��Him reporting my presence here might even help curtail the advances of these unorthodox infiltrators. More importantly, a cmity has entered your Void Star. The wheels of chaos have already been set in motion.��


    ��If mistress Tayn could enlighten us about the nature of this cmity, we might be able to provide better assistance,�� the captain hesitated. ��We cannot interfere with some things, but we are happy to help in other matters.��


    ��It is not my ce to tell you,�� Iz said with a shake of her head. ��With him involved, who knows how fate will swing. I don��t want to drag the Vigil into this identally. Let��s just head to the next realm.��


    ��Of course,�� the captain nodded. ��I should tell you �C we have already entered the inner half of the Void Star. With the damage caused by the invaders and some other events, we will not be able to take any more shortcuts. Not only that, our maps are not as reliable as before, so finding our way might be difficult.


    ��The Terminal Disciple of the Void Priestess and some of our elites should be close-by,�� the leading nun added. ��She might be able to help with your quest.��


    ��Perhaps, if we run out of options,�� Iz slowly nodded before she looked at the horizon with a smile. ��But we are close; I can feel it.��


    ��If you say so, young miss,�� the captain slowly nodded, and the group set out again.


    However, the golem held her back, prompting Iz to look at her guardian confusedly.


    ��Young miss, I need to remind you of your task,�� Kvalk said when the others were out of earshot. ��Meeting up with your friend is fine, but this journey is contingent on your promise to Lord Mohzius. Having passed the first watershed is proof Ultom has deemed you worthy, and you can no longer back down. There is a high chance you will be pitted against that acquaintance of yours �C for real.��


    Iz sighed as she opened her quest screen again.


    ��mebearer of Ultom,�� Iz muttered. ��This is a bit troublesome.��


    �������������������C


    The path flickered as the array deactivated, and Zac stumbled back into the hidden cave, his face a green mask of pain and nausea. Over the past couple of days, the anxiety over the sudden pulse had be too much. Zac eventually opted to see if he could forge a path through the toxins with the help of [Void Zone] and his constitution, just like he had in the depths of the Twilight Chasm.


    The good news was that the beasts outside had long since returned to their slumbering state, where they conserved their energy wrapped together in a ball of horror. The bad news was that he had severely underestimated the Undrusian Spring.


    ��Ai-�� Vai screamed as she rushed forward.


    ��Don��t touch me; I��m toxic,�� Zac said with a hoarse voice as he stumbled to one of the rooms they didn��t use. ��I��ll be fine in a bit.��


    Zac couldn��t believe how virulent the waters still were. Not even his Draugr Constitution was a match, and the toxins had flooded his body far quicker than his Hidden Nodes could purify them. Not even [Void Zone] was of any help since most of the poisons were actualpounds rather than some energy. It did weaken it by blocking out the Dao, but that wasn��t enough for him to withstand the onught.


    Thankfully, he had realized the danger pretty quickly and had jumped back into the quicksilver in time. But there was no doubt about it �C no matter how anxious he was about the sudden ripple, there was nothing he could do about it.


    Ten hourster, [Purity of the Void] had finally cleansed a good deal of the poisons that had snuck into his body, while [Void Heart] had turned another chunk into pure energy while leavingrge amounts of toxins in his blood. Thanks to [Purity of the Void], Zac rarely had to exsanguinate his blood any longer, but this time there were simply too many toxins.


    So Zac cut open his arm with his axe and let a pool of acrid blood form next to him, which caused Vai, who had anxiously waited in the distance, to scream with horror.


    ��What are you doing?!�� Vai screamed as she scrambled over, a vat of cauterizing salve already in her hands.


    ��Oh, sorry,�� Zac smiled as he incinerated the blood with a talisman. ��I forgot you were there.��


    ��W-What are you doing?�� Vai stuttered. ��Don��t give up on life. The toxins are painful, but you should recover in a week or two.��


    ��The toxins?�� Zacughed. ��I��ve removed them already. It wasn��t as bad as I first thought.��


    ��What? There��s no way, I saw you,�� Vai eximed as she looked at the burned patch on the ground. ��The Udrusian Spring is not a blood poison. And you are already recovered? How is this possible?��


    ��You should have realized I��m pretty resilient by now,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Is it the same as what protected you from the blood curse?�� Vai asked curiously. ��Is it? Your bloodline?��


    ��It��s rude to look into other people��s secrets,�� Zac snorted as he poked Vai��s forehead.


    ��Fine,�� Vai muttered. ��It was just academic curiosity.��


    ��Well, we won��t be leaving this ce early, that��s for sure,�� Zac grunted.


    ��I still don��t understand why you did all this,�� Vai muttered.


    ��Just getting they of thend,�� Zac smiled.


    There was no simple way to exin the gnawing anxiety after that additional pulse. Even if he was making decent progress on his [Void Vajra Sublimation], it was hard to concentrate when he didn��t know what was going on. With every sign pointing toward the invaders looking for the remnants as well, a sudden change didn��t feel like a good thing.


    Still, his short outing had proved there was nothing to do about it. There was a reason not even the venomous Beast Kings dared traverse the Undrusian Sea right now. So even if Zac was reluctant, he could only nicely stay put and keep working on his research. At least the short outing had allowed him to put the matter aside. If he hadn��t gone out, he would have constantly been worrying whether he was making a mistake not leaving early to find the next piece of the seal.


    The days passed as Zac continuously cycled between cultivating the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] for inspiration and meditating on his own direction for Heart Cultivation. The more he experimented, the more he believed he was on the right track. The solution to swapping out the Heart Sutras had to be forming authentic expressions of the Void with Void Energy.


    It was abination of forming the right truths in his heart and mirroring them with his Void Energy. That should elicit the same harmonization that the original version used, allowing for his body to properly integrate the Life-Attuned energies before his Hidden Nodes gobbled them up.


    The problem was �C what was true? Struggle as he might, he couldn��t create anything that filled him with the sort of certainty he��d felt when going through Three Virtue��s mental gauntlet. Still, he was rapidly deepening his understanding of both Heart Cultivation and the method in general, which would be immensely helpful down the road.


    Not only that, but Zac even got to enjoy some of the benefits that made the Sangha��s methods so desirable for elites �C the Heart Tempering. Repeatedly rejecting a boundless heart was a form of cultivation on its own, and Zac felt his convictions gradually growing more solid. After just a couple of days of practice, he no longer needed to use [Void Zone] to reset his mental state and heart after each practice.


    This was also a great hint of what was toe and another reason to keep the Heart-aspect intact in the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. After taking on the previous set of remnants, he realized that a strong soul wasn��t enough to ward off their subtle influence. But with this additional form of cultivation, he would shore up his final weakness and hopefully pass the Atavism that A��Zu and Be��Zi had warned him about.


    The only downside with the repeated practice was losing purified Creation Energy every time he experimented. Just like some of the purified motes of Oblivion nurtured his soul, so did crumbs of Creation enter his cells. Unfortunately, when he was cultivating the [Boundless Varja Sublimation], these motes were swept up, which meant they also got expelled by the [Void te]-concoction.


    Then again, that could be seen as good news since it proved the Creation Energy could indeed help boost the speed of body tempering, something that was extremely important considering he was behind schedule on that front. The quicker he could push his constitution to something that matched his Draugr body, the faster he could head to the Perennial Vastness and work on his Cultivator��s Core.


    Like this, Zacpletely lost track of time as he dug deeper and deeper into the secrets of the Void and the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. But finally, a deep rumble that shook the whole hidden cave dragged him out of his reverie. Zac immediately walked out of his room, just in time to see Vai emerge from her seclusion as well.


    ��These vibrations���� Vai muttered. ��It must have started.��


    ��I guess that��s it, then,�� Zac grunted as he wiped the paste from his body. ��Get ready to head out.��


    ��What!�� Vai eximed. ��You read the reports. After the Undrusian Spring, a lot of treasures have been born or evolved thanks to all that released energy.��


    ��You��re only making my argument stronger,�� Zacmented and received an annoyed wave in return.


    ��There will be a melee of millions of energy-starved beasts outside,�� Vai said with a roll of her eyes. ��We should wait for them to fight it out and im their prizes before heading out. We won��t even make it to the waystation if we go out now.��


    Zac was reluctant, but he knew Vai was right. ��Alright. One more day. That should be more than enough time for the beasts to tire themselves out.��


    Vai looked like she wanted to barter for more time, but she eventually gave up on the idea. Instead, she headed over to theboratory. She didn��t squeeze in some more time for research, but she instead started cleaning the ce and putting everything back in order. Zac wasn��t quite so dutiful and instead returned to the room he��d spent thest month inside.


    With time running out, he didn��t experiment with the [Void Vajra Sublimation] any longer. He had already reached an impasse, where he simply couldn��t figure out how to form the 81 Truths of the Void. Practicing the method any longer wouldn��t bring him any closer, and it would only increase the risk of getting entrapped by the sutras.


    At least he was mostly sure of the direction he needed to take. Forming arrays with Void Energy to match those he painted on his body was a dead end. Vai��s solution was far better; he needed to create representations of the Void with Void Energy and instill them with his conviction that they were true.


    It was just like his insights rted to the Dao of Conflict he gained under the Stele of Conflict. Purpose was the key �C it could change everything. It could make true false, and false true. But to take this step, he either needed to gain an epiphany or set aside years, perhaps decades, to find an answer.


    But just because he didn��t experiment any further with his Body Tempering Method, it didn��t mean he would justze about. Instead, he started up his Soul Cultivation for the first time in a while. There was no time to set up one of the extravagant arrangements, but his goal wasn��t to maximize his gains.


    Zac always felt refreshed and clear-minded after cultivating his soul, and he believed it would help stabilize his condition after the past month��s experiments. Zac soon got lost in the mysterious transformations and trajectories of Life and Death in his mind until the better part of a day had passed. After that, he simply closed his eyes and took the first proper nap in weeks.


    Some timeter, a shuffling sound woke him up, and he found Vai entering hispartment.


    ��Why do you keep a statue of a man next to you when you sleep? Who��s that?�� Vai asked as she looked at the baster monument to Yrial��s beauty skeptically.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��It��s my teacher,�� Zac coughed as he stowed away the statue with some embarrassment. ��He��s a bit entric, but the statue has unique effects that speed up my cultivation and stabilizes my mind.��


    Vai hesitantly nodded and instead turned to therge crystal. ��I��ve never seen such a big [Mind��s Eye Agate]. It must be worth a fortune. Can you really get this many treasures from adventuring?��


    ��If you��re foolhardy enough,�� Zac said with a wry smile. ��Is it time?��


    ��A day has passed,�� Vai nodded.


    ��Alright, perfect,�� Zac said. ��Let��s set out. I��m curious to see how things have changed outside.��

 Chapter 893: Weight

    Chapter 893: Weight


    Zac and Vai had spent a month preparing for this exact moment, so there was nothing else to do. They left just a minuteter, leaving only a single clue behind �C amunication crystal Vai recorded, containing a warning about the infiltrators and pieces of the intelligence gathered by the Temr Hegemon. Zac doubted it would reach the right hands in time to make a difference, but he wouldn��t begrudge Vai��s attempts to help her people avoid unnecessary deaths.


    The two donned their aura-hiding measures as they stepped onto the tform a momentter. The two only got a couple of steps before they stopped, with Vai��s face alternating between green and white. There was an overwhelming stench of blood in the basin, and hundreds of maimed carcasses were floating on the water��s surface.


    Zac wasn��t surprised. The beasts had crammed together out of necessity and survival over the past month. But with an array of opportunities waiting outside, the beasts had rekindled their ferocious nature the moment the danger passed.


    Eventually, Zac had to lift the reluctant Vai with Vivi��s vines and drag her into the sanguine waters, where he was immediately beset by a pang of danger the moment they passed through the oily film of putrid blood. But [Verun��s Bite] had already appeared in his hands, and the ferocious crablike creature that tried to ambush him was cleanly cut in two.


    The Peak E-grade beast had hung from the cliff as it fed on the carcasses of the fallen, and it wasn��t alone. There were thousands of beasts feasting on the remains of yesterday��s melee. Even then, Zac wasn��t worried as he sunk even deeper. These beasts were so weak they hadpletely given up on the opportunities outside and had instead settled for at least filling their stomachs. There was no way they could pose a threat to them.


    They entered the tunnel they came from, where the wall of shimmering quicksilver greeted them. If anything, Vai looked relieved to enter the oddpound, while Zac was far more ambivalent. He remembered all-too-well what waited on the other side thest time he swam through this path.


    His heartbeat sped up as they finally pushed through the final film and emerged in the volcano��s cauldron, but there were no toxins in sight. Instead, they were greeted by a refreshing aura that reminded Zac of the herbal atmosphere inside the Zethaya Pill House.


    ��Two sides of the same coin, huh,�� Zac muttered as he looked around.


    ��I told you,�� Vai said triumphantly. ��There is no way the Void Gate would deal in poisons.��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac smiled. ��Get your bowl out. We don��t only have beasts to worry about any longer. If we ran into one group of infiltrators, there are bound to be more of them.��


    Vai nodded, and the two started to swim in the general direction the waystation should be. The Undrusian Spring had knocked them slightly off-course, but the realm wasn��t too big, so Vai soon found the signal leading toward their destination.


    Swimming through the Undrusian Sea in the wake of the seasonal purge was an eerie experience. It simultaneously felt like a world filled with and void of life, and they barely saw any beasts over the next two days. The few who had survived the purge and the following gauntlet had seemingly hidden deeply to recuperate and absorb whatever treasures they��d gotten their hands on.


    Meanwhile, the previously dangerous nt life wasn��t nearly as poisonous since the tide had drained them of their toxicpounds. This made the Undrusian sea the safest region they had traversed over the past few Mystic Realms. But nothing good eversts forever.


    ��Stop,�� Vai suddenly whispered, and Zac quickly hid behind a boulder and erected a set of arrays.


    It had been their standard method of survival when passing through realms full of existences who could easily kill them. ��Stop�� meant to hide and assess, while ��back�� meant to run for your life.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Zac asked after the istion array had activated.


    ��Three Hegemons and over fifty E-grade cultivators,�� Vai said as she looked at the bowl. ��The party looks almost as strong as the one led by Captain Kaste. They are on the move, but they are not moving in this direction. What should we do?��


    ��Let��s just wait,�� Zac said.


    ��What if they��re temrs?��


    ��Can you tell with your treasure?�� Zac asked.


    ��No���� Vai sighed.


    ��Well, then we can��t easily approach them. Neither of us has any good stealth or observation skills. We��d be exposed before we could figure out which side they belong to. If they��re temrs, that��s fine, but I��m not sure I could deal with such arge party,�� Zac said, and Vai could only agree.


    The two stayed in their makeshift hideout for an hour, at which point the group was finally out of the range of Vai��s bowl. They waited for another hour before moving out again, just in case they had hidden scouts roaming about. Like that, they continued another day until they found the waystation.


    Zac hesitated as he looked at the tunnel from their hidden vantage. Should they enter? Apart from that first group, Vai also discovered three smaller ones over the past day. Not only that, but it looked like all of them came from this waystation. Who knew what waited inside? A whole army full of cursed cultivators?


    Eventually, the two opted to wait, and it was lucky too. Just ten minutester, another group emerged from the tunnel, this squad consisting of six members. Zac held onto his axe tightly, but the team thankfully just swam away, hurrying toward the other side of the Undrusian Sea.


    Zac waited for another five minutes, at which point he couldn��t take it any longer. ��Let��s go before anyone else arrives. Stay behind me just in case.��


    Vai nodded, and the two rushed into the waystation. Momentster, both breathed out in relief upon seeing the ce was empty. They still made a beeline for the gate room, but their haste proved futile as they sensed a familiar spatial fluctuation upon entering.


    ��It��s activating!�� Vai panicked, and Zac instantly dragged her to a corner out of sight from the spatial gate and activated an istion array.


    Just a few secondster, one warrior after another passed through, none of them wearing the equipment of the Void Gate. Altogether, eighteen cultivators entered, two of which were Hegemons. At first, Zac thought they would make it because they immediately out toward the exit, but his heart froze when he saw one of the warriors scan the room with shimmering eyes on the way out.


    He only stopped for a fraction of a second upon looking at their corner, but that was all Zac needed to know the truth; they were spotted.


    There wasn��t any time for hesitation as Zac shed forward after whispering ��bubble,�� and his axe had embedded itself into the head of one of the two Hegemons before the scout even had a chance to raise a warning. His ambush was followed by a burst of carnage from [Nature��s Edge]. At this proximity, each warrior was almost instantly hit by over a dozen fractal leaves infused with two branches and empowered by both [Spiritual Void] and [Adamance of Eoz].


    Even if the warriors realized they were under attack and managed to erect some early defenses, there was no way for these ordinary E-grade cultivators to survive such a strike. Even a basic attack like the upgraded version of [Chop] contained an almost iprehensible power level when leveraged by all of Zac��s unique advantages.


    Only two E-grade cultivators survived by having the foresight to back away rather than defend themselves, but they might have been better off dying. It was almost impossible to perfectly avoid getting hit by the leaves in this enclosed space, and the two infiltrators who backed away were no exception. The two slumped onto the ground a momentter, alive, but grievously wounded.


    Zac felt like he was being stabbed all over as over ten tendrils of blood curses burrowed into his body, unleashing a ferocious assault from within. The surviving Hegemon was shocked to see his whole squad get annihted out of nowhere, but his first instinct was neither fight nor flight. Before anything, the Hegemon took out a talisman and pressed it against his chest.


    Only then did the Hegemon breathe out in relief before he looked at Zac with a sneer. Zac pretended to be ovee by the blood curses as he hunched over with a grimace, but the reality was actually the opposite. [Void Heart] had already woken up, and each beat ripped off a piece of the curses and swallowed them. Soon enough, they would be torn apart entirely and turned into cultivation fodder.


    The Hegemon��s sneer turned into shock as Zac tackled him to the ground with enough force to cause the whole room to shake. He managed to pierce Zac��s side with his sword, and a soul-wrenching pain wracked Zac as he felt the de grind against his spine. But before he could cause any more damage, Verun had already bit into the leader��s forehead, cutting his head in two.


    Initially, Zac nned to target the man��s Cultivator Core to destroy his blood curse, but at thest minute, he changed his mind. Instead, Zac snatched the ck-inked talisman from the man��s chest and ced it on his own as he backed away a bit. Just as he infused some of his energy into the talisman, the bloody tangle burst out from the man��s stomach.


    The thing lunged at Zac as though it was a real living being, but Zac looked on with interest when the tendrils stopped half a meter away from him. They never continued past that point and instead spread all around him, searching for another target. A smile spread out across Zac��s face upon seeing one of the two survivors being targeted instead, and he looked appreciatively at the talisman on his chest.


    He wasn��t happy the dying man��s woes had just turned even worse, but rather that his suspicions had been correct. The Hegemon had been entirely too calm for someone standing next to a pressure cooker filled with ten blood curses. It looked like the curses weren��t as indiscriminate in their search for a new host as they earlier believed �C some people, likely those with enough status or wealth, had the tools to ward them off.


    There was no point in letting the two stragglers suffer any longer, and Zac shed over and finished the job, leaving the chamber a bloody mess. As he looked at the destruction, he couldn��t help but feel some annoyance. Between his recently-adopted habit of going for the head and the gristly exit of the blood curses, it would turn into a chore to turn these invaders into Revenants.


    Since sending back the batch of procured bodies from Twilight Harbor, the Einherjar had seen no significant growth. Certainly, some native undead children were born, but they were essentially feral little devils until they gained sapience. It would be decades before these native undead citizens could step into society either as nonbat orbat sses.


    He had hoped that this war would provide an opportunity to bolster his ranks surreptitiously. After all, who would notice if a few hundred thousand thousand bodies went missing in a war involving trillions? But seeing the maimed corpses, Zac wondered if it was even possible without wasting Creation Energy to fix the wounds. That might be worth it for some elites, but definitely not for random foot soldiers. It was time to raise some Liches who could create proper Corpselords.


    With all the infiltrators dealt with, Zac turned to Vai, who had ensconced herself in the spatial bubble she used to survive the destruction of the cortex.


    ��Stay inside a bit longer,�� Zac said as he hurried across the room and stowed away all the bodies and equipment.


    The next moment, a torrent of churning waters washed the whole room clean, including Zac himself. There was inevitably some damage to the walls and floor from his fractal leaves, but it was better than leaving piles of bodies and mountains of clues behind. Next, Zac spread some karma-breaking dust over the spot where everyone had died, after which he used a Vum Treasure to drag everything in the room into a Cosmos Sack.


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��Let��s go before anyone else arrives.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Vai nodded and deactivated her defensive treasure, but she didn��t immediately head over to activate the doors to the neighboring Mystic Realms. Instead, she looked at where most of the infiltrators had been killed just a few seconds ago.


    ��You-�� Vai hesitated. ��Do they weigh on you? The eighteen lives cut short just now.��


    ��Is this about that guy who ambushed you?�� Zac asked, getting a nomittal shrug in response.


    ��Honestly? Not really,�� Zac eventually said after some thought. ��If I let that affect me, I would have gotten myself killed long ago. This is the reality of cultivation for most people. The moment you go against the Heavens in pursuit of power, you enter a social contract where it��s kill or be killed. Only those at the very peak have the luxury of benevolence.��


    ��I know that,�� Vai said as she checked the array for damage. ��I��m not sure if that makes things better.��


    ��I know,�� Zac sighed. ��I don��t really have any answers for you. Things kept happening when I started cultivating, and the moment I had the breathing room to stop and reflect on what was going on, there were already thousands and thousands of corpses in my wake. Since then, it��s only gotten worse. The old me would probably not recognize what I��ve be.��


    Zac found Vai was silently looking at him with an inscrutable expression, and he calmly looked back. ��Even then, I don��t regret anything. I��ve done what I had to do to protect myself and those important to me. If anything, I��d be willing to go even further. I guess you have to ask yourself how far you are willing to go to stay alive. To protect the Void Gate. To aplish your goals.��


    Vai didn��t immediately answer, and the two stood in silence for ten seconds until she nodded. ���� Thank you. There are two connections. Should I open both?��


    ��One at a time,�� Zac said. ��There might be more of them on the other side.��


    Vai nodded, and space split apart as the gate opened and disyed an empty room on the other side. Zac stepped through and was met with a weaker pulse in response. The next Mystic Realm was thankfully not only empty as well, but also closer to the seal. Even then, Zac felt it was slightly odd.


    The pulse was more potent than the one he got when stepping into the Undrusian Sea, but it was still not at the level of the random burst he received beneath the surface. Zac had hoped he would get a better picture of the situation with the seal after entering another Mystic Realm, but it looked like he would just have to keep going.


    Having found the correct ce, the two wasted no time as they rushed out of the waystation before running into any more infiltrators. Thankfully, the entrance to the station was hidden in aplex mountain range that Vai said contained a slew of natural spatial formations, making it easy to avoid being spotted until they had created some distance.


    Finally, they stopped to orient themselves, and Zac had to admit this ce looked pretty odd even by Mystic Realm standards. Vai even called it a failed realm since it hadn��t quite managed to reach the state of a stable realm, and the dimensionalyer was surprisingly thin. Zac could actually create small spatial tears with his bare hands if he infused them with his Daos, something that would be impossible on Earth or another ordinary world.


    At the same time, it was a bit too energy-dense to be a random piece of rubble in the Void, so it ended up in this lifeless state. With a ck sky and an almostpleteck of oxygen, it felt like a mountain hurtling through space. It wasn��t exactly like a random meteor, though. For one, the sky was fractured like a broken mirror.


    Vai found the realm fascinating, but Zac wasn��t as enthused. The pulse had proven he was still in contention for the next piece of the seal, and he couldn��t wait to set out again. Everything was ready, only the piece of the seal was missing. It didn��t matter how many infiltrator squads they encountered on the way. He��d go to war if he had to.


    Then again, fighting against some hostile invaders to get his hands on the next part of the seal was easy. The problem was the other choices that might have to be made. Seeing just how dangerous things had gottentely, Zac couldn��t help but nce at hispanion. It was not just a matter of danger either. The Void Gate was clearly connected to the Left Imperial Pce somehow.


    For his goals, for his path, just how much was he willing to sacrifice?

 Chapter 894: Hidden Pockets

    Chapter 894: Hidden Pockets


    After having encountered two parties of infiltrators in such a short span, Zac and Vai��s nerves were on edge as they made their way through the mountain. Luckily, the lifeless mountains of the failed realms were filled with deep crags and confusing natural formations, while the stone itself contained a chaotic mix of energies that would help hide their presence. It provided them with secluded pathways as they made their way forward, and its value quickly became apparent.


    Over the next day, Vai discovered not one but seven parties in the distance, each one of them heading in the same direction �C toward the waystation they just left. Seven was not many, but it was not few either, especially when you considered Zac and Vai kept to the edge of the realm.


    Who knew how many parties there were in total, counting those who cut straight through the middle of this failed realm rather than followed the edges? A hundred? Even more? Not only that, but the parties were getting bigger as well, with two having over a hundred members. Seeing such bustling activity, Vai had a theory �C they were getting close to the path the invaders used to infiltrate the Void Star.


    Seeing the activity left Zac confused. How could the Void Gate allow these people to act so wantonly? Even if Hegemons didn��t grow on trees, there had to be more than enough Temrs to go around. Why hadn��t they sent a proper army down to the depths of the Void Star? Why not cut the problem off at the roots?


    These smaller realms had inherent limits where toorge skirmishes or too powerful warriors could cause spatial instability or even copse, but roving groups of elite temrs could do a lot of damage to hamper the progress of the infiltrators. Vai seemed quite confused as well, leaving Zac with only one theory.


    The infiltrators had managed to cause enough trouble to cut off this entire region of the Void Star.


    The situation was extremely worrying, even if they hadn��t run into anyone overly powerful so far. Not only did the situation put their escape route in jeopardy, but it might mean there were enemy bases with actual arrays and traps set up in the area. Zac could probably deal with a scouting party if it came down to it, but a whole base was asking too much.


    Vai understood the issue all-too-well, and her eyes almost never left the bowl in her hands. She continuously infused it with her Dao to broaden its reach, and if not for Zac providing her with Soul Crystals to recover Mental Energy, she would quickly have toppled over.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The days passed like this, where they continuously stayed on edge as they passed one party after another. More than once, they were forced to backtrack and find a proper hiding spot to avoid colliding with parties. Zac felt doubly lucky he had Vai by his side in this kind of environment. Zac would have long since been exposed without her help, just like how that dour scout had outsmarted him before.


    And that was especially true on the third day as her head suddenly snapped up from the bowl as she gazed toward the edge of the realm. Zac frowned as he followed her gaze, but there was nothing �C only an actual edge where this patch of the mountain simply ended.


    ��There��s a manmade spatial pocket there,�� Vai whispered. ��It��s definitely created by the Void Gate. We might finally have found some allies!��


    ��Spatial Pocket? Like an Illusion Array?�� Zac asked.


    ��Its function is simr, but it��s a more powerful version. You cannot see through it with any observation skills since it��s not an actual illusion. The only way to find it is to know the signature or have an extremely deep understanding of the Dao of Space,�� Vai exined.


    Zac slowly nodded, notpletely understanding how it worked.


    ��Can we enter and see if anyone��s there?�� Vai asked with big puppy-dog eyes.


    ��Sure,�� Zac said after some hesitation, ��if you know how to get inside.��


    ��No problem,�� Vai said and took out an Array Disk. ��Little Lara gave me a master key that should give us ess.��


    ��Your niece is���� Zac coughed, but he simply followed her to an empty patch ofnd.


    Zac was just about to ask how it worked, but their surroundings suddenly shuddered, and they found themselves standing in the middle of a campsite that was almost a hundred meters across.


    ��This,�� Zac muttered as he looked around with surprise, but his eyes immediately honed in on a silver arch standing right at the edge of the realm. Was that a hidden Space Gate?


    ��This is really ours!�� Vai said with excitement. ��Some of our Array Masters have been here.��


    ��Is that a gate?�� Zac asked curiously as he pointed at the silvery doorway.


    ��A portable one,�� Vai nodded as they walked over toward it. ��Usually, we don��t use them because they��re so expensive to make. This one even seems to have a lot of extra features added. I wonder what��s different about it.��


    ��Can you see when it was ced here?�� Zac asked after some thought, suddenly having a theory.


    What would happen if a new pathway was suddenly opened? Could that be the source of the previous pulse? The Void Gate might just have done him a huge favor and set him up with a shortcut to where he needed to go. That would exin the reason the pulse had gotten stronger, and it was a far preferable theory to the piece of the seal being taken or on the move.


    ��It should be pretty recent, a few weeks at the maximum judging by the residual energy,�� Vai said after taking some measurements.


    Zac breathed out in relief, a weight suddenly lifted from his shoulders. It really looked like there was a lot of merit to his theory. If true, then this was a lucky break of monumental proportions. Especially considering how crowded their route was getting. Even if he was willing to fight the infiltrators for the seal, this way was a lot better.


    Who knew how many infiltrators he would have been forced to fight if he followed the original route toward the next waystation. Of course, this all hinged on his theory being right, that this indeed was a shortcut.


    ��Can you activate it?�� Zac asked, which dragged Vai out of her thoughts.


    ��Give me a minute,�� Vai nodded. ��It has a few inscriptions I haven��t seen in this context, perhaps to stop traitors from activating it? I somewhat recognize the method; I just need to think things over for a bit, so I don��t identally trigger it to self-destruct or something.��


    ��Take your time,�� Zac nodded and stepped aside to let her work on the gate. ��How safe is this spot? Can people simply stumble into it?��


    ��Impossible,�� Vai smiled as she pointed between the two edges of the hidden encampment. ��Those two sides are a connected space. If someone walks into one of the walls, they will appear on the other side for us as though they teleported. For the one on the outside, they will not notice anything since the width of this area is essentially zero.��


    ��That��s amazing,�� Zac muttered. ��How big can you make these bubbles? Can you hide a whole inside one?��


    ��Well, I think you technically can,�� Vai said after some thought. ��But it gets more difficult the more stable the space is. You��ve seen how fragile it is in this ce, which makes any maniption a lot easier. You should understand that we��re not ced in a lower dimension like how it works with Mystic Realms or Spatial Treasures. We are hidden inside the sameyer of space we entered from.


    ��A Spatial Pocket ced in the main dimension would require an enormous source of energy. I��d venture this small pocket is drawingrge amounts of energy from this whole mountain range. To hide a whole would be an enormous undertaking. It would be cheaper to simply find and move a Mystic Realm than do something like this.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac sighed.


    Seeing such an amazing solution, the first thing Zac thought of was Earth and potentially hiding the whole thing with this kind of array. But it looked like he would have to find some other method to hide the from the universe in 90 years.


    The hours passed as Zac rested up while Vai went over the Control Array. She had been exhausted by the time they found this ce, but seeing the unique design had invigorated her. Of course, the fact that Zac had crushed a couple of Soul Crystals and taken out the [Mind��s Eye Agate] had helped both her focus and recuperation.


    Zac also explored the campsite in search of clues, but there was not much to go by. The camp was clearly meant as a temporary rest stop, though it was a bit curious the tents were all left behind. Even then, the only thing of interest was that the ground in one of the tents was covered in blood. There even was even a slightly ominous aura here, which made Zac wonder just what had transpired. Execution? Torture?


    Since there was nothing else to this ce, Zac soon went back to Vai��s side to watch her work.


    ��I��ve figured it out,�� Vai eventually said with a slight flush on her cheeks. ��I wonder who made this��it might even be someone from the Void Monastery itself. The methods are not extremelyplex, but itbines so many theories and concepts from various subordinate convents. It has essentiallybined five different arrays and methods into one.��


    Zac could see how excited she was, but he couldn��t wait to hear the verdict, so he coughed a bit before she went off on a tangent.


    ��Ah, don��t worry, I can activate it,�� Vai added.


    ��Great,�� Zac said. ��Let��s do it.��


    ��Do you think our people, ah, my people, are on the other side?�� Vai asked hopefully.


    ��Maybe,�� Zac slowly nodded. ��Though this ce might have been set up by some elites who are heading deep into enemy territory. If weeks have passed since this camp was set up, they might have moved on already.��


    ��Right,�� Vai said, her eyes dimming a bit.


    ��Don��t worry. I think what I��m looking for is in the next realm. After that, we��ll immediately start looking for the members of the Void Gate, alright?�� Zac said, which made the little researcher perk up again.


    Until recently, Zac hadn��t been sure what to do after getting his hands on the second piece. He had caught onto its tail by chance, and there were no guarantees he��d find another piece even if he spent another year inside the Void Star. By the looks of things, they had reached the deepest parts of the Void Star by now, and there had never been any conflicting signals that said he could head in two different directions.


    And with how the region was suddenly crawling with infiltrators, every additional day they stayed behind might lead to a disaster. For now, Zac felt the best solution was to start looking for a way out the moment he picked up the second piece of the seal. If he happened to stumble onto another signal on the way out, great. If not, he would have to search other regions for clues, just like these infiltrators were doing now.


    As far as he could tell, the piece of rubble Zac got had appeared somewhat recently. And with the infiltrators knowing about them as well, there was one extremely promising region �C The Million Gates Territory. That ce was a hotbed of weird spatial anomalies. It wouldn��t be a surprise if a path leading to the Left Imperial Pce appeared somewhere around there.


    From there, the Void Star had swallowed up some pieces of rubble, either by ident or design. Using a Creator Cosmic Vessel to search the region while looking for Ogras and Billy and racking up war contributions would kill three birds with one stone.


    A minuteter, the gate hummed to life, but both Zac and Vai frowned when they didn��t see anything on the other side of the gate. It was just an opalescent wall that released slight spatial fluctuations.


    ��Does it work?�� Zac hesitated as he looked at the opaque screen.


    ��I- Ah�� I think so?�� Vai hesitated.


    A spear appeared in Zac��s hand, and he stabbed it inside the spatial gate to make sure. A momentter, he took it back, and it looked perfectly fine. If the Void had been on the other side, the spear would have almost been destroyed by an attempt like that.


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��Let me scout-��


    He didn��t get any further as both the screen and the whole spatial bubble shuddered ominously, making Zac look around with rm.


    ��It��s running out of energy! This failed realm cannot sustain it!�� Vai said with shock. ��It will copse soon.��


    Zac only hesitated for a fraction of a second before he made his decision. ��Go!��


    The next moment, he had already appeared in a different world, and his heart lurched when he found himself falling. It turned out they had been dropped off in the air just like when they first entered the Void Star. Thankfully, it was only a couple of hundred meters above ground this time, and there were no dangerous birds in sight.


    The ground was drawing closer quickly, but Zac still managed to catch a glimpse of a seemingly boundless forest before he crashed through a couple of tree crowns. A powerful pulse from the Left Imperial Pce greeted him when hended with a thud, and a smile spread across his face. It was a sess, and he had even been able to sense what direction to go.


    However, his smile gradually faded as he looked around with confusion. Vainded next to him a momentter, and she didn��t share his initial ebullience at all. Instead, she looked confused and frazzled.


    ��This is wrong,�� Vai eximed as she took out her bowl and almost put her whole face inside it. ��This is all wrong. ��Why were we sent out here? Where is the other half of the array? Without it, we can��t return. Wh- Hello? Are you alright?��


    Zac knew Vai was talking to him, and he understood that them being thrown out like this wasn��t great. However, Zac didn��t immediately answer as his mind churned. First of all, the next piece of the seal was definitely located in this realm judging by the power of the pulse. But that wasn��t what filled him with uncertainty.


    Why did this ce feel so familiar?


    He was almost positive he had never been to this ce before, yet it filled him with an odd sense of d��j�� vu. Was it because the surroundings looked like amon forest you might see back on Earth, a refreshing break after all kinds of alien environments he had traversed the past months? Or was it simply the pieces of the seal harmonizing with each other?


    ��Sorry,�� Zac eventually said. ��It��s probably nothing. I��m guessing that��s not how those gates are supposed to work?��


    ��No,�� Vai sighed. ��Another one should be ced on the other side after passing through. That way, the gate is stabilized.��


    ��Well, it might be because the other side was to energy-starved,�� Zac mused. ��No wonder they left their camp behind. They probably had to jump through like we did.��


    ��What should we do now?�� Vai asked with worry as her gaze flitted between the bowl and the forest.


    She had clearly hoped to run into her people here, but Zac was relieved that wasn��t the case. With the seal being so close, he didn��t need any furtherplications. And thankfully, this ce seemed pretty harmless. The energy was even denser than Earth, but there weren��t the tell-tale incessant calls of the wild that often indicated a danger zone.


    ��Can you see anything?�� Zac asked. ��Either man or beast.��


    ��No,�� Vai sighed. ��I don��t understand how it woulde to this����


    ��Well, they might have been dropped off elsewhere. Or moved further inside,�� Zac shrugged. ��We might as well move out if we want to figure out what��s happened here.��


    ��You don��t want to find my people,�� Vai said, and it was a statement rather than a question.


    ��Well, not until I aplish what I came here for,�� Zac smiled. ��I doubt they��d let me run off on my own. But after I��ve aplished my goal, it��s probably a good idea to find the temrs who set up this gate. They might be our best bet on getting out of here.��


    ��What will you do if the ones we��re looking for are after the same thing as you?�� Vai asked.


    ��Then I��ll probably knock them out and then steal it,�� Zac said after some thought. ��Can��t have that thing falling into the wrong hands, you know?��


    ��Wrong hands?�� Vai said with confusion.


    ��Anyone��s but mine,�� Zac nodded.


    ��You..! Shameless,�� Vai eximed, but she shook her head and smiled a momentter. ��Fine, let��s go. Do you know the way?��


    ��Follow me,�� Zac nodded, and the two set off.


    For the first ten minutes, they didn��t encounter a single threat. The only beasts they saw were some F-grade critters scuttling about in the tree crown or between the bushels. They came in all shapes and sizes, but they had one thing inmon; all of them seemed absolutely terrified of him and Vai.


    At first, Zac didn��t understand what brought on that kind of powerful reaction. Most F-grade beasts were pretty stupid and aggressive, and he would have expected to get the asional attack. Finally, there was a change as Vai spotted six Peak E-grade signatures in her bowl, and they were even heading straight toward them.


    For the first time, Vai couldn��t give a clear answer whether they were dealing with beasts or cultivators, so Zac simply had Vai stand behind him as he waited for their new friends. Thirty secondster, six hulking humanoid figures came rushing out of the forest, all of them covered in thick ck fur and reeking of bloodlust.


    No wonder the critters in the forest were so terrified upon seeing humans. There were actually humanoid beasts in this ce.

 Chapter 895: Second Piece

    Chapter 895: Second Piece


    Zac looked down at the bloody carcasses with interest. It wasn��t often you ran into humanoid beasts, and this was the first ones he��d seen since the Twinruin Bloodstalker he fought in the Big Axe Coliseum. These guys seemed to have a deeper bloodline than the bloodstalker, but ultimately, they were only E-grade beasts.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They looked like ck-furred yeti with builds almost a match to Billy��s, but that didn��t affect their impressive speed. Their primary attack method was their long ws, but Zac sensed an odd discrepancy between the group. Three of them emitted vague hints of nature-aspected Dao, while the other three leaned toward earth. This was a divergence frommon beasts, where a whole race generally learned the same Dao.


    Were these guys perhaps moving toward Atavism and bing actual cultivators? It was doubtful; their bestial nature was far too pronounced.


    ��Do you recognize them?�� Zac asked the researcher, who shook her head.


    ��I never heard of Humanoid Beasts inside the Void Star,�� Vai said.


    ��Well, let��s hope there aren��t too many Beast Kings amongst these guys. Those things might be pretty dangerous.��


    The two performed a cursory inspection of the beasts, but there didn��t seem to be anything of value on their bodies. Zac still stowed them away, much to the confusion of Vai. He figured that while their ws or meat might be worthless, the bodies might serve a purpose. Could Humanoid Beasts be turned into Revenants?


    He knew that it was impossible with beasts. You had to use their parts for Corpselords, though mixing flesh of cultivators and beasts would generally cause severe rejection. You��d have to be an incredibly skilled Lich to get away with those modifications unless you were okay with the Corpselord having a limited future.


    The alternative to body repurposing was to turn them into undead beasts and enter contracts with them. Apparently, more than a few ns in the Undead Empire went this route since you could consider it a branch of Soul Cultivation. However, beast taming wasn��t very popr among the Divine Races since they had their own heritages.


    All those rules and restrictions might not apply to a Humanoid Beast. But they were so rare that the subject had nevere up when he traveled with Catheya. If he could turn these durable guys into proper soldiers, he would have a terrifying army to add to his repertoire for the uing war.


    Therefore, Zac was quite careful with the bodies of the beasts they encountered over the following days, and there was more than one. At first, Zac had been worried it would be hard to find more of them, but that worry turned out to be unfounded. They were all over the forest, and they were beyond aggressive.


    Anytime the beasts spotted them, there was no hesitation. They immediately went in for the kill, and they didn��t care in the slightest when theirpanions got killed. Zac��s only options wereplete annihtion or escape, and if not for his idea, he would quickly have started to avoid them altogether. They were too big of a nuisance and a constant cause of headache during their journey.


    Other than that, the forest was rtively safe. There was the asional nt that looked a bit dangerous, but it was nothingpared to the realms they passed over the past months. The real problem was how big this ce was.


    After ten days had passed, Zac started to feel like he was stuck in an illusion array. The forest was without end, and Zac wondered just how big this ce was. Compared to the previous Mystic Realms, they would have long since reached the other side with how fast they were moving.


    ��I didn��t even know we had such big Mystic Realms in the Void Star,�� Vai agreed when Zac inquired. ��Generally, realms of this size have too powerful spatial properties, and it creates problems in the star.��


    ��It might be a recent addition,�� Zac muttered. ��And it might be why the infiltrators can enter the Void Star. Is it possible to manually detach a realm from the Void Star?��


    Zac did feel that this whole invasion was above his paygrade, but if he could stop the invaders from using the Void Star as a springboard, he was willing to give it a go if an opportunity presented itself. Not only would it help keep a lot of people safe, but it might even give him some Contribution Points for the war.


    ��Ah, I��m not sure���� Vai hesitated. ��I��ve heard the Monarchs are powerful enough to move the realms with the help of certain treasures manually, but that method is impossible for us. If this ce copsed, it might cause enough a strong enough spatial ripple to cut the connection with the Million Gates Territory.��


    ��So, blow it up?�� Zac nodded. ��Sounds like a n.��


    ��B-Blow it up?�� Vai stuttered. ��How would you blow up a whole Mystic Realm?��


    ��Well, it��s just an idea. But in my experience, things are more liable to blow up than people think,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��That-That��s crazy,�� Vai said with wide eyes. ��Actions have repercussions. Who knows how our karma will be affected by destroying a world?��


    ��Well, with how big this ce is, we have time to brainstorm something better,�� Zac smiled.


    Finally, after four weeks of constant travel, the topography changed. ording to Vai, it seemed as though this realm was a ��Chimeral Realm�� as she called it, thebination of multiple dimensional fragments. The mountain range that stretched out across the horizon hade from another world.


    Hearing the exnation made Zac immediately think of the System, but this was a natural urrence that sometimes happened when a powerful realm was surrounded by smaller satellites. Eventually, the main domain gobbled the smaller ones up, adding them to their bulk. Vai was still confused, as the topography somewhat messed with her understanding of the process.


    She tried to exin the interrtion between space, geography, and leylines, but Zac quickly grew bored and confused. How this ce had been created wasn��t as important as the fact that he felt a weak but continuous signal since he stepped onto the mountain, just like when he had closed in on the first piece on Hako Lake.


    The second piece of the seal shouldn��t be more than a week��s travel from here.


    They still hadn��t encountered the squad from the Void Gate, or any other cultivators for that matter, but Zac knew this ce wasn��tpletely unpopted. They had spotted a few marks that were likely left from cultivators killing those beasts. For instance, Vai had found a boulder that had been pierced straight through, along with the skeleton of one of those beasts.


    Someone had ambushed the thing by striking straight through the rock, either with a spear or arrow, proving the two weren��t alone in this ce. And with them closing in on the seal, Zac had Vai continuously keep track with the bowl again as he carried her into the mountains. Even then, the only enemies they encountered were more of those beasts.


    Zac couldn��t believe how many of them were. He had killed close to a thousand through their month-long trek through the forest, but it quickly became apparent those roving packs were just the few who had gone off on their own. In an hour��s worth of travel in the mountain range, Zac added another 200 humanoid beasts to his growing pile of corpses.


    Going by how many yetis they saw in this ce, the mountain range had to be their home base. There had to be tens of millions of them if they had spread out through the whole region. And so far, the weakest ones he��d encountered were Middle E-grade, which probably meant they naturally reached E-grade upon reaching adulthood.


    Not any random ce could support such a vast poption, yet Zac couldn��t sense anything special about this ce. If anything, the energy density was worse than in the forest. So why did they stay here? Were there riches underground?


    With so many yetis in the vicinity, Zac and Vai soon found it hard to progress as freely as before. The cliffs carried even the smallest of sounds far and wide, and every battle attracted all the beasts in the area. If they kept going like this, they��d never reach the seal. It was not just a matter of dealing with the beasts either, but it also risked warning other parties of their presence.


    So the two carefully changed their tactic to avoid the yeti as best they could as they used stealth to creep forward, even if Zac burned with impatience. With the help of Vivi��s vines, the two climbed further and further into the heart of the mountain, generally avoiding the paths on the ground altogether.


    A few more days passed like this until they saw a massive crater in the distance. Zac��s heart thumped since he recognized its odd shape �C it seemed to be almostpletely spherical. But in contrast to the small cave holding the piece of rubble, this thing was a few kilometers across. It might look a bit different, but there was no doubt in Zac��s mind.


    After months, they had finally reached the second piece of the seal.


    ��That��s odd,�� Vai muttered as she followed Zac��s gaze. ��Never seen a valley like that before. It doesn��t seem like a natural formation.��


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac said as he started moving again, advancing even more deliberately to make sure they weren��t discovered.


    Twenty minutester, they found a good spot to investigate what was going on at the bottom of the valley, and Zac��s brows furrowed with iprehension. He didn��t know what he had expected, but it wasn��t an ancient temple with tens of thousands of yeti sitting in silent meditation outside.


    The valley wasn��t perfectly spherical either �C there was a tiled square outside the temple that had somehow avoided getting disintegrated. It was on this square the yeti was sitting.


    ��Are they praying?�� Vai whispered with shock. ��Have they actually formed a society? And what��s that temple? I don��t recognize it at all. Do you know?��


    Zac didn��t immediately answer but tried to understand the situation better first. There were no two ways about it; the next seal was inside the temple. The scene was a bit confusing, though. After seeing the spherical cave with the piece of rubble, it was clear as day to Zac that the whole valley had been disintegrated by one of those terrifying pulses. Theyer of dust on the ground was proof of this.


    So how had the temple and the square survived? Was it a part of the Left Imperial Pce? It shouldn��t be �C even if the ce were mostly in ruins, Zac could tell the design didn��t seem very simr to either the small pagoda in the Ultom Court or the Left Imperial Pce.


    ��I��m not quite sure either, but I know the item I need is inside,�� Zac eventually said.


    ��I wonder why the yetis are staying outside,�� Vai mused.


    ��If they enter, they��ll turn to ash. See the pile of dust at the temple gates? Those are probably former yetis,�� Zac sighed.


    ��What!�� Vai said with fear. ��Then how will we enter?��


    ��I��m sorry, but you��ll have to wait outside,�� Zac said, and he held up a hand when he saw Vai looked ready to argue. ��There��s nothing I can do. From what I can tell, everyone who hasn��t been chosen will be annihted when getting close. Do you remember that scout, Ceru? He turned to dust right in front of my eyes when I picked up thest piece.��


    ���� Alright then,�� Vai reluctantly nodded. ��I didn��t expect to be stopped at the goal line, but I��m not ready to die to study those ruins. So, what will you do?��


    ��It seems straightforward enough,�� Zac shrugged. ��I��ll just rush straight through the beasts and enter the gate. If they dare follow, they��ll be in for a world of hurt.��


    ��But what if you-��Vai hesitated, not finishing her sentence.


    ��If it turns out I��ve overestimated my fate and get myself killed, you��ll have to leave without me. Try to find your people. Luckily, this realm doesn��t seem too dangerous apart from these mountains.��


    ��I�� Alright,�� Vai eventually eded. ��But I��m sure you��ll be fine.��


    ��Well, I am pretty lucky, all things considered,�� Zac smiled.


    For the next hour, the two looked around until they found a good hiding spot not too far away from the valley, where they set up a series of illusion arrays. It was a cave that was both hard to reach and hard to spot from the ground, and the likelihood of the yetis climbing up here was almost nil ording to what they��d seen so far.


    Zac spent the next hour stabilizing his state and going over everything. There were always things that could go sideways, but he felt he had prepared as much as possible. As long as Zac seized the epiphany, he had something to steer it toward. He had even gone over his Daos and the direction he wanted to take them, just in case the nature of the second epiphany was different.


    ��I��m going. Here, take this,�� Zac said and threw over a Cosmos Sack.


    ��What��s this?�� Vai asked.


    ��Offensive Talismans, Escape Talismans, provisions, and various things you need when adventuring. There is also an information crystal on how to get in touch with my people if I get myself killed,�� Zac smiled. ��I��m sorry I dragged you to such a dangerous ce toplete my mission.��


    ��Don��t say such inauspicious things,�� Vai pouted. ��Just go get that item. I��ll be right here.��


    ��Alright, I��m off,�� Zac nodded before shing away.


    He appeared hundreds of meters away after having activated [Earthstrider], and with a few more steps, he��d crossed half a mountain. He didn��t bother using Vivi��s vines now that he was alone and instead used the mountain walls asionally to reset his movement skill as he zed a path through the sky. It was pretty costly to use his movement skill in this manner, but he couldn��t wait for a second longer.


    Like this, the mountain range turned into a blur until he once more found himself at the valley��s edge. He pushed out, and four steps to the air allowed him to reach the edge of the yetis in almost an instant. Another step took him deep into their ranks, but he failed to take his sixth and final step as a tremendous bloody aura prevented him from activating the skill again.


    Zac had expected as much, and he mmed into the middle of the pack like a meteor. A swarm of fractal leaves ripped apart the closest beast as he rushed forward. No longer did he care about maintaining the state of their bodies. He was only thinking of efficiency, of getting to the temple as quickly as possible.


    He entered his Evolutionary Stance, and suddenly he was an apex predator in a flock of sheep. Two enormous waves of Dao and Killing intent formed a spatial divide that stretched almost two hundred meters. Yetis died by the hundreds as Zac carved a bloody path, and for the first time since entering this ce, he saw some of them run away with fear.


    That didn��t hold for the Beast Kings and their followers, though. They had formed a defensive line in front of the temple when Zac appeared. Judging by the energy churning through their bodies, they had been nning a response for a while now. The result was immediate, and Zac frowned when thousands of spikes blotted out the sky. At the same time, even more spikes formed a circle around him, and it felt like he had been entered the maw of a terrifying beast.


    The only relief was that no spikes popped up through the ground, but the Beast Kings had essentially created a deadly dome that was closing in on him. Zac was shocked at the scene. Since when were beasts this quick-witted and coordinated? Going by the slightly different auras in the spikes, this was actually abination attack where each Beast King conjured roughly a hundred spikes each.


    It was shocking to think they were so clever. Or had they known he wasing and prepared this trap for a long time? It was still impressive, but not as much as naturally forming battle formations. When had he been exposed? When they spied on the valley before? Even earlier? Or was he not the first one to try and seize the thing inside the temple?


    Zac grunted with annoyance as he infused [Arcadian Crusade] with energy. So much for simply rushing through this pack. If he ever found out someone else had raised the awareness of these yeti, they would be in for the beating of a lifetime.

 Chapter 896: Another Cycle

    Chapter 896: Another Cycle


    The enormous spikes had blotted out his surroundings in no time, forming an almost perfect half-sphere. The scene reminded Zac of the chamber that contained the Dimensional Seed back in the Mystic Realm. But back then, the spikes had been pointed at the dimensional treasure. Now they were pointed at him, and the cage was shrinking. Fast.


    The fifty-meter spikes appeared to be wrought from the same rusty stone as the surroundings, but they were covered with ck veins that looked like obsidian. Those veins contained a terrifying amount of energy, and it felt as though thousands of [Nature��s Punishment] were being unleashed at once.


    Not only that, but the array of stctites had formed some sort of barrier. Even if he somehow managed to squeeze between the spikes, he would also have to deal with the fence. Zac nced at ck-furred humanoids who had run away from him earlier. He could barely discern some of them outside the ambush, and their eyes were filled with cold hatred as they silently stared back at him.


    So much for fleeing in fear of his prowess. They just didn��t want to be caught inside the trap that was rapidly closing in on him. There were also hundreds of yetis left inside who were caught between a rock and a hard ce. The Beast Kings had to be hell-bent on killing him since the attack would result in mass casualties among their own.


    Even Zac felt tremendous pressure when he looked up at the spectacle. This was why he always rushed into a melee with Beast Kings and Hegemons. Giving them time to make use of their vast stores of energy and D-grade skills would always put him at a disadvantage. He could tell [Empyrean Aegis] would only be able to withstand a couple of hits before breaking apart, and [Void Zone] wasn��t very effective against corporeal attacks.


    He had to dodge it �C or rather pass right through it.


    Luckily, his ughter had created some breathing room, especially with the remaining beasts escaping from the trap. And with the tremendous waves of energy the thousands of spikes were emitting, there was no way either Vai or anyone else would be able to discern what he was up to inside the trap. As such, a n formed in his mind, and he shed forward to the edge of the encirclement.


    A hand emitting an archaic aura appeared out of nowhere, wielding the wooden axe covered in the markings of paradise. It was [Arcadia��s Judgement] activated with Void Energy, which saved Zac a precious second. The cage had already halved in size in a short moment, and if not for his cheat, he wouldn��t have had time to conjure the skill before getting skewered. And even if activated with Void energy, the skill still gained the boost from [Arcadian Crusade].


    The enormous axe mmed down on the spikes barring his path, and the collision shook the whole valley and agitated theyer of ash on the ground. The veins of the spikes shimmered for a moment as their energy surged, but the spikes still onlysted a moment in the face of Zac��s empowered strike.


    With all theyered powers Zac had added to his most potent attack, the swing felt like a harbinger of the apocalypse as it destroyed everything in its path. Still, the spikes actually crumbled easier than Zac had expected, but a sudden scream of danger forced Zac to scramble to the side. A whistling scream almost blew out his eardrum as a fist-sized shard narrowly missed his head.


    Zac grimaced when he realized it wasn��t just an errant shard shot in his direction by the sh. The spikes were exploding like cluster bombs along the veinlike patterns, which unleashed innumerable projectiles on the surroundings. His attack had started a chain reaction as more and more spikes exploded, and the trapped beasts were already dying by the dozens.


    [Nature��s Edge] couldn��tpare to this kind of mayhem, whether you considered the number of projectiles or their velocity. Another shard whizzed past him like a blur right on the heels of the previous one, and Zac shuddered when he felt just how much energy it contained. A goldenurel appeared on his head as he desperately fended off dozens of splinters with his axe, and it narrowly allowed him to block four spikes that mmed into him from behind.


    The golden barrier of [Empyrean Aegis] saved him from being gored, but it couldn��tpletely dispel the force contained in the shards after the explosions. So Zac found himself pushed in the direction of his own skill. At first, he was afraid that he would find himself attacked by the second stage of [Arcadia��s Judgement], but he was surprised to see the second shockwavepletely blocked and nullified by the tiles.


    Only now did he realize that not so much as a mark had been left on them since the battle started, no matter if it was from his attacks or the projectiles that mmed into the ground all around him with the force of an E-grade elite��s attack.


    A sharp pain dragged him out of his thoughts as a shard managed to pierce through his barrier. One of the steles of [Empyrean Aegis] had already crumbled, and the cascading explosions around him were only getting worse. Zac ignored the dangers as he rushed straight into the path he had opened, trying to cover as much ground as possible.


    He was constantly sted with sharp projectiles, each one containing enough force to m him into the ground or push him off course. But Zac was adamant about getting through this gauntlet. [Verun��s Bite] turned into a blur as he parried as many projectiles as he could, and he threw out whole stacks of offensive talismans with his other hand to avert some more.


    Long patches of Vivi��s vines were being ripped asunder as well as the nt formed thicks to lessen the burden on [Empyrean Aegis]. Even if he was rapidly expending energy, there was simply too much shrapnel being unleashed by the Beast Kings. He couldn��t possibly block it all even if he moved as efficiently as he could following Evolutionary Stance.


    One piece of rock after another broke through the barrier, leaving him with deep wounds and infusions of chaotic energies. Zac knew he would have to eat even more strikes than this if he wanted to reach the barrier outside. But no matter how dangerous his n was, it was nothingpared to the meatgrinder behind him. If he waited around until all the spikes exploded, not even scraps of him would remain.


    Each step was a battle, but he finally believed he had pushed himself far enough. Ancient trees sprouted atop the tiles all around him, though most of them were ripped apart the moment they appeared. Zac didn��t care �C he only needed the effect of [Ancestral Woods] for a short moment.


    Hundreds of scenes entered his mind, and Zac breathed out in relief. He hadn��t miscalcted the distance in all the chaos �C he was just two hundred meters away from the barrier meant to trap him in this hellscape. The shield looked extremely sturdy, and it didn��t so much as shudder after getting hit by hundreds of shards every second. Breaking through it by force would probably take a while.


    Unfortunately for them, Zac had other means. If Vai had seen the trees of [Ancestral Woods] right now, she would have realized they truly lived up to their name today as they emitted an unusually primordial aura. Zac had activated the skill with Void Energy, which allowed for a unique advantage with this particr skill.


    He had already confirmed that Void Energy worked differently and could simply ignore most types of seals. He had used that to kill the cultists back in the Mystic Realm, but [Ancestral Woods] provided a different kind of use �C escape. The forest covered quite a big area, so a few of them appeared outside the barrier.


    The Beast Kings realized something was wrong and moved to destroy them, but they weren��t quick enough. Zac had already suddenly emerged from one of them like a bloody specter, with an axe keening for vengeance in his hand. Zac could tell Verun wanted toe out and fight these Yeti Kings, but he held the Tool Spirit back as he rushed forward.


    Behind him, the rumble kept growing louder as the cage descended into utter chaos, and the cries from the trapped yeti had already been cut short. His heart shuddered as he pictured himself being stuck inside that grinder, but he quickly turned that fear into speed. The gate to the temple was only a few hundred meters away, with only a single Beast King barring his path.


    ��Bastards,�� Zac growled as the muscles in his right arm bunched up, and the golden runes on his face suddenly shone brighter as he closed in on the five-meter-tall Humanoid Beast King.


    Zac unleashed a herculean swing at the iing swipe, and the sh kicked up an enormous cloud of dust from the piles umted around the entrance. Zac was pushed back a step and worsened some of his wounds while the five-meter Yeti King was thrown over twenty meters away with a severed arm and a deep wound its chest, showing just how terrifying Zac��s Strength was for an E-grade cultivator.


    His arm hurt, but there was no time to think. Zac regained his footing and lept forward, flying straight toward the arched gate before the other Beast Kings could catch up. Even if things had gotten a bit hectic, he knew all-too-well how dangerous this was, and he wasn��t thinking about the yeti outside.


    An instantter, he passed through the gate andnded inside the temple��s courtyard, his heart beating like a drum as his eyes were trained on the small prayer hall inside. It was from there the signal came, and the response was immediate. A powerful pulse rippled out from within the ruin, and Zac urgently activated [Void Zone] and covered his whole body with Void Energy.


    Zac still didn��t really know if that was what had saved himst time, but it was better than just getting his extremities turned to ash again. It was also because of this pulse he hadn��t dared let Verun out. Last time, all his belongings survived. In contrast, anything he didn��t touch had been destroyed, such as the Spatial Treasure and gear of the scout.


    The pulse passed through him until it reached the edge of the courtyard, where it simply stopped. Zac stood frozen in ce for a second before he breathed out in relief. It looked like he had been epted. A secondter, a furious burst of energy drew his attention, and Zac turned around to see an enraged group of Yeti Kings stomping outside.


    Even if Zac had survived, they didn��t dare to take as much as one step inside the courtyard, proving they knew just how dangerous this ce was. Still, it was a bit distracting to have them scowl at him and cause a scene. Luckily, there was a simple solution since the stone gate remained intact.


    ��You guys should probably leave if you don��t want to get killed,�� Zac muttered as he closed the doors. ��Things will only get worse from here on out.��


    Zac wanted to rush inside and get the second part of the seal, but his body was a mess. He hadn��t expected to be pushed this far by the beasts outside, so he reluctantly spent the next hour at the edge of the courtyard, restoring his body and energy while recovering from [Arcadian Crusade] ��s bacsh. It would be a colossal waste to squander the opportunity because of exhaustion.


    After ten minutes, themotion outside died down, giving Zac some peace and quiet. Even better, the temple seemed content to wait around as well, in contrast to the rubble that had essentially attacked him like a heat-seeking missile. After what felt like an eternity, Zac got back on his feet and walked toward the prayer hall with a mix of trepidation and anticipation.


    Now that he stood within the temple and things had calmed down, he could feel an intense sense of antiquity emanating from the dpidated ruins. There was also a sense of undying conviction ingrained into the very foundations he walked on. But it didn��t carry the aggressive aura of the Left Imperial Pce, the kind of fierceness that dared to go against the Heavens themselves.


    It was solemn, and Zac felt it was somehow focused on a singr task. Suddenly, Zac stopped and turned his head, but only an empty courtyard met his confused gaze. For a moment, Zac had felt like he saw someone in the corner of his eye, silently looking at him. Just as he thought he imagined things, another shape suddenly appeared, walking right past him toward the prayer hall.


    The moment he saw the body, Zac found himself copsing onto the ground, and he was unable to so much as lift his head in front of its worldending aura. Thankfully, the immense pressure disappeared as quickly as it arrived, and by the time Zac looked up, the figure was gone. Were these imprints left by mighty people back when this ce was still in use? But who could leave such powerful impressions, like he was in the presence of a deity?


    Supremacies. Not even the powerful Autarch he had met had exuded that kind of divinity, and this was just some lingering impression in a dpidated ruin.


    The odd encounter didn��t scare Zac off. Instead, his anticipation grew as he ascended the seven steps of the temple and walked inside. If this little temple was visited by a Supremacy once upon a time, there might actually be more treasures than just a second piece of the rubble waiting in this ce.


    Unfortunately, there weren��t any piles of treasure waiting for him as he entered the prayer hall. Instead, it was simple and unadorned. The room was essentially empty except for a white altar and eight faded scrolls hanging behind it. The rock from which the altar was made was highly weathered, and if there had ever been any inscriptions on it, they were long gone. The same was true for the scrolls.


    They might have been made from some high-grade paper once upon a time, but they had long lost their spirituality. Only one of the eight was still intact, while the others had broken offpletely. But even the best-preserved scroll was chapped and cracked to the point it was impossible to make out what had once been written on it.


    The signal didn��te from the altar, nor did ite from any of the tapestries. Instead, it came from a statuette standing on the edge of the altar. It was roughly a twenty-centimeter tall stone figurine, presumably depicting a man pointing toward the sky. Zac couldn��t be sure since it was also highly eroded, and the raised arm had been broken off at its elbow.


    The statue didn��t look like an original part of the decoration. Contrasting the figurine and the rest of the ruins, it felt like someone had just ced it there after this ce had already been abandoned. It was clearly ancient, but it didn��t share the same focused aura as the rest of the temple.


    It didn��t emit a smidgeon of energy. Just like with the piece of rubblest time, Zac wouldn��t have given it a second nce if not for the strong signal it emitted. The statue also had three white lines covering its otherwise dark-grey surface, proving it was the item he hade for. The scene was odd, prompting Zac to stop just inside the prayer hall entrance.


    The piece of rubble had looked like something that had been knocked off from the Left Imperial Pce, a piece of debris in the true sense of the word. That obviously wasn��t the case with this figurine. It had been ced here by someone rather than having randomly appeared in this valley through a wormhole.


    The difference seemed to carry some significance, some hidden implications hecked the details to decipher. Had it been ced here by the figure he glimpsed outside? Zac stood frozen in thought for a minute until he eventually released a pent-up breath and walked forward. The answers woulde to him sooner orter. Or perhaps they wouldn��t; Zac was okay with that as well, even if he was curious.


    But any stray thoughts were swept away the moment he came within ten meters of the statue. No longer did it seem like a harmless piece of antiquity. Instead, Zac was drowned by a towering aura so powerful he was almost pushed to his knees again.


    Hatred. Irreconciliation. Frustration. Longing.


    A confusing mix of emotions barraged Zac��s mind, and he felt like a leaf swept up in a furious hurricane. No matter if it was his strengthened soul or his recent inroads into Heart Cultivation, they were far insufficient to deal with the sentiments contained within the small statuette. This was a hatred that had turned into a force of nature, holding the power to destroy everything.


    Zac knew the only reason his soul hadn��t instantly shattered was that the anger wasn��t directed at him; it was directed at the Heavens themselves. If anything, it felt like the statue was angry for him, or rather for all beings. Justtent hatred was enough to drench Zac in sweat, and he hesitated on how to proceed.


    Eventually, Zac gritted his teeth and took another step forward. He didn��t know why this seal was different from the previous one. He also didn��t understand why he was almost pushed away by the statuette this time when he couldn��t avoid the piece of rubble even after trying. Zac only knew that his opportunity was within arm��s reach, and some lingering resentment wouldn��t stop him now.


    One step, two steps. Zac slowly pushed forward, subduing the primal voice in his mind that urged him to run away from this pressure. After what felt like an eternity, he found himself right in front of the altar, his whole body once again covered in blood. It wasn��t from his wounds reopening but rather an effect of walking through this palpable anger.


    Zac was eternally thankful the domain hadn��t grown any stronger as he got closer. He was already teetering on the edge of copse as he touched the figurine with a shaking hand. At first, there was no response, but then Zac heard something.


    A sigh.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Another cycle, another mebearer. Will you break the chains or be another link?��

 Chapter 897: Void Vajra Sublimation

    Chapter 897: Void Vajra Sublimation


    The voice carried a sense of exhaustion and helplessness, like the speaker had been forced to observe a Sisyphean undertaking for an eternity. It came from everywhere at once, and Zac could hear it with his ears, soul, and heart. Suddenly hearing someone speak in this secluded ce almost made Zac��s heart leap out of his throat, but he never got a chance to pinpoint the voice��s origin.


    The two sentences had be the catalyst for a series of changes. The figurine released a massive pulse before crumbling into a pile of dark-grey dust on the altar. Zac was thankfully unscathed by the burst, but he found reality slow to a crawl as the smalls in his soul ground to a halt. Just likest time, three shimmering lines appeared in his aperture, their radiant light seemingly containing all the answers in the universe.


    Zac��s mind had been thrown into chaos by the ominous message, and various theories were cropping up like weeds. But the familiar scene in his Soul Aperture brought him back to the present, and Zac forcibly pushed down the confusion as he focused on the task at hand. With everything except his thoughts frozen, he couldn��t do anything about the mysterious messenger even if he wanted. So he might as well grasp the opportunity before worrying about cycles and chains.


    Actually, it wasn��t hard to put the matter aside. The moment the lights appeared in his mind, nothing else mattered. They were showering him with so many insights and impressions that it was nigh impossible to concentrate on anything else.


    As nned, Zac immediately focused his attention on the [Void Vajra Sublimation] and the 81 expressions of the Void he had envisioned so as not to waste even a mote of Ultom��s wisdom. Months of meditation and experimentation had led to this moment, and he almost felt like a student waiting for a verdict from their adviser.


    Had he found a viable direction after thest piece of the seal illuminated the way forward, or had he walked down a blind alley in his search for a solution? Was that perhaps why he had found himself at an impasse back in the cave under the Undrusian Sea, where there was an invisible wall that had stopped him from progressing with his experiments any further?


    The sweet suffering of having his brain filled with a million new ideas started anew, but this time they were built upon far sturdier foundations. He didn��t just start where the previous epiphany had left off. Having a real and practical understanding of the original Body Tempering Method and the effects of Heart Cultivation allowed him to go much further than the intangible conceptualization ofst time.


    Zac felt something was building inside him, something earth-shattering as it diverged from conventional cultivation based on the Dao. His inspiration brought him further and further into the Void, where his answer waited for him, a solution that wouldn��t force him to ede to the Sangha��s worldview.


    But it was tooplex. To understand the Void was to understand all Dao, which was something Zac wasn��t sure even Supremacies were able to aplish. Even if he only needed a simplified method, the truths that Ultom showed him were too absolute, too overpowering that they threatened to damage his psyche and push his path off course.


    Zac held on as he endlessly iterated, pushing the limits of what his Soul and 3000-odd Intelligence could withstand. For the first time since the Integration, he felt a bit regretful that he had essentially discarded the attribute that most improved one��sputational speed. Then again, Zac wasn��t so sure those kinds of boosts were applicable in this kind of situation.


    And then it came to him.


    A pop echoed out in Zac��s mind as though the proverbial barrier preventing his understanding crumbled like it was a real thing. Zac felt like his whole being had been unclogged when it all dawned on him. There was no gradual buildup, no formation of one void expression at a time. All at once, eighty-one elusive dots were born, forming a circle in the middle of his chest.


    Or rather, Zac pictured them like a pattern on his chest. These motes were neither tangible nor imaginary; they were focal points of his Heart Cultivation. No outsider would ever be able to see them, as they were more akin to emotions and mental states than pathways or fractals. But that didn��t make them any less real.


    They were real, and they were true. Utterly and inconceivably true.


    Even in their rudimentary state, Zac could tell that they were not just something dragged out from Ultom��s endless repository of data. They were specially made by him and for him, where Zac used the epiphany like a supeputer for deriving their shapes. If anything, they felt familiar to the point it was a bit odd. Sensing the circle was like he was sensing himself.


    A few secondster, Zac understood what was going on. The dots reminded him of his bloodline. The three lines in his Soul Aperture had somehow connected the ��void�� in his bloodline with the spatial Void he��d been thrown into a few times and the void-state of the Heart he had envisioned for his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    To this day, Zac didn��t quite understand what the ��Void�� in his name came from or if and how it rted to the actual Void between dimensions. The visions of Karz didn��t provide any clue either since his abilities were essentially the opposite of Zac��s own. And since Karz lived in an era before the System, there weren��t any blue prompts to shed light on the situation.


    But seeing the eighty-one dots, Zac suddenly understood a few things, even if hecked the understanding to delve further. The Void between dimensions was just one of many voids. The Void of Space, to be exact; a ce utterly bereft of the Dao of Space. It was simply the mostmonly known one since it had such an impact on the Multiverse.


    Where any Dao existed, so did an opposing force, just like matter and antimatter. This should be the broader Void his bloodline referred to. And these dots represented the Void of Life. That was what he had been missing before when he tried toe up with mental images meant to rece the sutras; the connection between Heart and Life.


    The Buddhist Sangha��s understanding of the Dao of Life was encoded into the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. Only a simr type of understanding would allow Zac to swap out one part without making the whole thing copse. This was the key to his own Body Tempering Method and perhaps to his bloodline as a whole.


    The formation of the dotted circle on his chest was just the start. While Zac delved deeper into the meaning of the Void and its coexistence with the Dao and Void, the tiny dots started to transform as they grew small tendrils. They felt like sprouts emerging from seeds, but they formedplex patterns rather than roots.


    As the seeds grew, so did Zac��sprehension of the Void and the Heart. The questions that had gued him during his training were swept away, reced by irond certainty. Even the mysterious interrtion between Life, Body, and Heart that the Buddhist Sangha had invented was exposed to the light; its secrets wereid bare for Zac to see.


    Armed with the practical understanding and effects of reciting the chants, Zac came to a worrying realization. There were problems with the original version of the method, problems beyond themonly known pathbreaking risk.


    Being flush with the boundless knowledge of Ultom, Zac wasn��t even confident he had been given the original version by Three Virtues any longer. Typically, it was hard to get aplete overview of the jam-packed memories imprinted in his mind, but now, the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] felt like a tapestry for him to look at freely.


    And it was clear as day; cultivating the original method was a surrender of the self, where the Heart would ultimately supnt the Soul. There was a distinct difference in this concept from the moremonly known risks of cultivating the Buddhist methods. Themon understanding was that their methods were a double-edged sword.


    Either you��d sumb and join the Sangha, or you would walk away with immense benefits. This was not the case, at least not with the manual he��d received. This was far more sinister. In essence, your consciousness would be locked away from your own body and turned into a spiritual battery to power the Vajra that your body had be.


    On the outside, you would look like a converted monk who only had a Heart for buddha, when in reality, you��d be a prisoner for the rest of your days.


    The moment you reached the thirdyer and reached what the method called ��Minor Sublimation,�� it would be game over. Normally, any rational cultivator would notice something was wrong before reaching that point, but the Heart Cultivation of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] would chisel away your apprehensions and suspicions. Only by stopping at the secondyer would you be safe, but that stage wouldn��t give you the proper benefits of a Life-attuned body.


    But now, all that had changed. Eventually, the dots stopped growing, leaving Zac with eighty-one unique sigils. His perception shifted, and even if time was still forced to a halt, he felt the small circle on his chest change into a hovering belt around his body. He couldn��t actually see the sigil, but he felt them slowly rotating around him. Together, they formed a circle with a diameter of around three meters.


    The moment the sigils appeared outside his body, a familiar rumble shook the sky. The Heavens had descended, and Zac was almost kicked out of his unique state from the shock. Was he about to get sted by another Lightning Tribtion? Usually, Zac wouldn��t mind, but he wasn��t ready this time.


    Thankfully, the pressuring presence receded just a momentter, like it had just doled out a warning before returning. Or had it been unable actually to pinpoint his location? Either case, Zac was incredibly relieved, and he returned his attention to his [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Forming a working system with these Void Sigils was only the first step, even if it was the hardest one.


    He needed to incorporate everything into the method if he wanted to use the Void Sigils for anything more than tempering his heart. From there, Zac methodically swapped out one piece of the technique after another, recing boundlessness with void until a perfect system had been born. The lights in his soul had mostly dissipated by this point, but he didn��t rush his work at all.


    His memory contained all theyers of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], but Zac would rather finish the simpler ones at the beginning than risk any mistakes. An imperfection in the earlieryers of the method would create problems down the road, and it was better to get things right from the start. Like with the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], he would have to figure out thestyers when he got there.


    Just as the lights were about to wink out, Zac finalized the third Layer of his [Void Vajra Sublimation], which allowed him to breathe out in relief. It was what he needed to reach the first significant breakthrough of the method and gain an actual Life-Attuned Constitution. From there, eachyer would purify and strengthen his body further, with two more major checkpoints; ��Major Sublimation�� and ��True Boundless Sublimation,�� which Zac guessed would have to be renamed to True Void Sublimation.


    And finally, the lights winked out, and Zac was brought down to reality where the marvels of the universe were out of grasp, where he once more was just a trifling E-grade cultivator mucking about in search of answers. Losing the connection to the lights of Ultom felt even rougher this time around. At least there were still two times to go, and if this round were any indication, each epiphany would contain the same amount of insights.


    More importantly, he had actually aplished what he set out to do �C create a working Body Tempering Manual uniquely suited for him. It was a huge aplishment that eluded even some ancient ns, yet he had managed to do it alone. Of course, without the help of the white light, he might never have aplished it, but everyone who reached greater heights had a couple of unfathomable encounters under their belt.


    The moment Zac was able to move again, he shed away from the altar as [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand. He wasn��t overly surprised to find that there was no one around, though, no source to the voice from before. Zac��s best guess was that the voice was a lingering impression, just like those images he��d seen for a moment before entering the temple.


    Perhaps they were all the same; the ghosts, the person who had left the figurine in this temple, and the source of the voice. Perhaps, the voice wasn��t even speaking to him but instead worked like a pre-recorded message. There was no way to know and no time to figure it out. There was nothing else of value in this temple, and it was time to go.


    Zac saw how space had already started to unravel above the altar, meaning a breach was about to hit the temple. But just as Zac was about to exit the prayer hall, the eroded altar hummed before releasing a wave of energy. The breach was immediately rebuffed, and Zac was filled with a sense of tranquility and rity while the outside world was muted.


    It looked like the altar was an item with a simr function to [Mind��s Eye Agate]. But even in its eroded state, the effect was orders of magnitudes greater. An odd sensation made Zac look inward, and he was both surprised and delighted to see lines being added to more than one of his skills. In fact, most of his skills were evolving, proving just how powerful the altar was.


    That was not to say it was all thanks to this temple. Many of his skills were long overdue for an upgrade, but his almost solitary focus on his technique and Soul during his time in the Orom World had put them on the backburner. After having been through two tremendous epiphanies and getting blessed by the altar, they were all bursting forth at once.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac was frozen in ce, unable and unwilling to break this current state ofprehension. For a moment, it didn��t feel like he was standing in a long-forgotten ruin in some pocket dimension. He was standing in a prayer hall where ancient sages had meditated on the mysteries of the universe.


    A few minutester, the process was over, and Zac nced in the direction of the mountain range where Vai waited. After some hesitation, he ultimately turned around and walked back to the altar. It was still emitting that mysterious aura, and while his human side had received a slew of benefits, his Draugr side had not.


    Since Zac had no idea what would wait for him inside the temple, he hadn��t specified any time to the researcher. It shouldn��t have been more than an hour since he left Vai in the cave, even if he felt as though decades had passed from how much he hadprehended. She should be fine with waiting a while longer.


    And the same went for all the questions that had popped up with this breakthrough; the voice, the lingering resentment in the figurine, even the fact that the Buddhist Sangha might have made a y for his body. Of course, it was impossible to tell with someone like Three Virtues. He might have known Zac would be able to change it, or at least he wouldn��t cultivate it blindly.


    He might even have expected to be exposed, which might have forced Zac to visit the Sangha for a proper version. But now, all those questions would have to wait since there was no telling how long this mysterious effect would linger.


    Soon, Zac once more stood in front of the altar, and he still couldn��t understand what was so special about it. It looked like a regr piece of rock carved into arge block,cking any spirituality. Even now, that hadn��t changed. But it was indisputable that it had not only stabilized the breach in space but also turned the whole temple into a haven for cultivators.


    Having decided, Zac��s eyes turned abyssal ck as his skin paled. It was the first time he had swapped to his undead form in a good long while, and it felt like reuniting with a friend more than anything. His time in the Twilight Ocean and the Orom had allowed him to be acquainted with his undead side properly, and it no longer felt like it was a special state or disguise.


    It was as much him as his human side was, and Zac believed that feeling would only increase as he progressed further down his path.


    While the altar��s effect on its surroundings was amazing, it was a far cry from the epiphany. But it was perfect for Zac��s purposes, and he smiled when another wave of inspiration began the moment the transition wasplete. With these skill upgrades, he would have gained aprehensive set of power-ups that covered almost every aspect ofbat.


    A few minutester, the process waspleted without a hitch. But Zac wasn��t done there. Instead, he took out the Death-attuned Natural Treasure he��d saved for just this asion, the treasure that could help upgrade skills. Between his two forms, there was one final holdout in his repertoire; [Vanguard of Undeath].


    The other skills had all been upgraded by now, and with the recent burst of rity, it had fallen even further behind. The temple had even provided sanctuary and an opportunity to fix the final missing link. He would be a fool not to go for it.

 Chapter 898: Arbiter

    Chapter 898: Arbiter


    There were two reasons Zac had held off on upgrading [Vanguard of Undeath] for so long. The first was that it was one of the mostplex skill fractals he had. For a long time, he didn��t feel confident in upgrading it. This issue was pretty much solved inside the Orom World, whether you considered strength of soul or tools to help with the process.


    The real issue was that Zac had been hesitant in which direction he should take the skill. The skill on its own was great �C it provided a noticeable attribute boost without any detriments, bolstered your defenses, and even had a powerful taunting capability that synergized well with his fighting style. Zac could easily upgrade it and call it a day, and he would have a skill most infighting warriors could only dream of.


    The problem was that [Vanguard of Undeath] didn��t synergize as well with his toolkit any longer. He couldn��t even activate it without taking out a spare shield, and [Deathmark] no longer required him to get hit to retaliate against his enemies.


    The way he defended himself had also changed. Between the support from the pygmy skeletons of [Profane Exponents] and Alea��s chains, he didn��t get much from using a shield. With his improved technique, he wasn��t really in the business of trading blows like a brute any longer, even if he could still outmatch and oust almost anyone at his level. So the skill needed to be reformed, which drastically increased the difficulty level.


    Zac had two concepts he��d toyed around with, but both required extensive reworks even if the System simplified the process. His first choice was probably better suited for his needs, but it was moreplex. The backup n instead made use of mostponents of the old skill and only made the adjustments necessary to mesh better with his revamped fighting style.


    The second choice was also more of an all-rounder skill, while the first more heavily leaned on [Love��s Bond]. If Alea regained her form, the skill would be made useless. The choice between these two had dyed him for a while, but he had pretty much decided after Alea woke up for the first time. She was clearly in no hurry to regain a fleshy body, so this direction of his shouldst him through the D-Grade at least. The difficulty of this undertaking had prevented him from simply going ahead back on Earth, but now, Zac felt like everything was in ce.


    His mind was a bit exhausted from the previous epiphany, but the unfathomable aura that now permeated the temple recovered his exhaustion faster than even any Soldier Pill could. Meanwhile, it felt like a portal to the abyss had opened in his chest after swallowing the Natural Treasure, and the whispers of the underworld filled him with inspiration while his pathways became malleable.


    Zac briefly considered taking out his other items, but he ultimately only pulled out two of his higher-quality Incense Sticks, whose only purpose was to recover Mental Energy. As for the others, Zac could somewhat sense they��d cause disharmony with the ancient altar. And since the altar was creating an effect far greater than all his other toolsbined, he didn��t want to rock the boat.


    This time, he didn��t use the [Fractal Framework Array] either. Like in the Twilight Chasm, Zac felt no need for training wheels. But in contrast to that time, his mind was almost impossibly clear. Back when he had created [Pir of Destion], he had descended into an almost manic state, but he felt like a skilled surgeon now when he detached the Skill Fractal of [Vanguard of Undeath] with pinpoint precision.


    One set of fractals after another was transformed or reformed, partly following the blueprint he had prepared. Zac didn��tpletely follow his original n though, because he could clearly see some of his ideas wouldn��t work thanks to his current state of enlightenment. Still, it was not enough to cause worry.


    By this point, Zac was essentially in a stage where he was preparing to upgrade his E-grade skills to D-grade. Even a tricky F-grade skill like [Vanguard of Undeath] couldn��t stump him anymore, at least not with the multyered advantages.


    At the first step of the transformation, the section focused on attribute boosts was bolstered at the cost of defenses. He still left a smaller defensive function in the skill, but it wouldn��t be as obvious as the thick ck armor created from pure Miasma. This part was dealt with in less than an hour since it wasn��t the true focus of the skill or Zac��s ns.


    It was all about the taunting ability.


    This was a feature Zac had never encountered in anyone else��s skill, and it was shockingly effective. Only [True Strike] came somewhat close, but the skill he snatched from the Erudite Master was actually pretty useless. It couldn��t affect battle-hardened and skilled opponents, and those were the only ones Zac needed it against.


    That wasn��t true for the taunt in [Vanguard of Undeath]. Its effect was far-reaching and extremely hard to avoid. It could even subvert the movement skills of enemies and have them appear right in front of him. No matter if it was to stop enemies from moving or controlling a battlefield, it could make the impossible possible.


    This was the most crucial function of the skill, so even if he was in an almost empty state of rity, he still felt some worry as he started to make sweeping changes. Whole new sections were added to the system, making it infinitely moreplex. Meanwhile, the core patterns of the taunt were bolstered, pushing the boundaries of what was possible with an E-grade skill.


    With these many patterns, the skill��s energy expenditure would skyrocket. But Zac didn��t care. His energy stores were simply monstrous for an E-grade warrior, and the n was to step into Hegemony in a few years. He would have more energy than an E-grade skill could ever expend by that point.


    More and more patterns were added until the skill was almost unrecognizable. Even then, there hadn��t been a single moment of imbnce in the Skill Fractal or a single close-call where he almost messed up. Fuelled by the deathly treasure and the mysterious state of emptiness, he was like a machine that methodically worked through the process. Like this, the hours passed until a snap almost broke his focus.


    It was the altar. A deep crack had split it in two, and Zac was surprised there really wasn��t anything inside it. It was just ordinary rock all the way through. It was worrying that the altar had just broken apart like that, but it wasn��t a big deal. Apart from the altar getting a crack, the rest of the temple was fine. The tranquil aura still lingered in the prayer hall, and Zac was already wrapping up the upgrade.


    A few minutester, the process wasplete, and he released a pent-up breath as he inserted the skill into his pathways again. Zac spent the next couple of minutes just sitting in peace as the connections stabilized. Only then did he finally open his Skill Screen to see the results of his hard work.


    [E] Arbiter of the Abyss �C Proficiency: Early. Wield the chains of finality. Be the justice of the abyssal legions. Upgradeable.


    Zac nodded in satisfaction upon seeing the description of the skill that had reced [Vanguard of Undeath]. The previous vor text said, ��Be the eye of the storm. The storm of the abyssal legions.�� The drastic change of [Arbiter of the Abyss] proved that some of its fundamental features had been revamped.


    He was no longer in the eye of the storm, no longer a meat shield meant to run at the forefront of an army. Instead, the skill��s fundamental themes now centered around chains and finality, which was far more on point with his ss. If not for Vai and possibly others spying at the valley, he would have run out to test the upgraded skill on the Yeti Kings outside. Unfortunately, that would have to wait, and Zac instead turned his focus to his other skills on the status screen.


    ss Skills


    [E] Blighted Cut �C Proficiency: Late. Corner. Seal. Devour. Upgradeable.


    [E] Deathmark �C Proficiency: Late. Join your forces in dance to death. Upgradeable.


    [E] Fields of Despair �C Proficiency: Late. A deste haze, both entrapping and illuminating.


    [E] Profane Exponents �C Proficiency: Late. Fatewarded by the profane masters. Upgradeable.


    [E] Indomitable �C Proficiency: Late. The will of the underworld is intractable, undeterred by the screams of the bound. Upgradeable.


    [E] Pir of Destion �C Proficiency: Middle. Stuck and struggling. Inexorable Destion. Upgradeable.


    [E] Desperation��s End �C Proficiency: Early. Bind them. End them. Upgradeable.


    [E] Arbiter of the Abyss �C Proficiency: Early. Wield the chains of finality. Be the justice of the abyssal legions. Upgradeable.


    Zac nodded with satisfaction as he closed his status screen. While his new skills and big finishers weregging slightly behind, he was making decent progress on the skill front. But he could tell there was a clear difference in how the E-grade skills progressed. Back in the F-grade, his skills upgraded as he fought, often mid-battle when he pushed himself.


    That still happened on asion, but it was clear that improving his skills required a more concerted effort in the E-grade. Now, they needed him to understand the underpinnings of the skill and how to improve their effectiveness andprehend the Daos that made them possible. Thankfully, it didn��t require affinities or profound knowledge of fractals.


    Zac had seen how quickly his mastery skills progressed when he put his mind to it back in the Orom World. As long as he dedicated a year or so to it, he should be able to push most of his skills to the peak. And just as luck would have it, an opportunity would soon present itself, provided he got out of this ce in one piece.


    After all, he would have to make some inroads with his newly minted [Void Vajra Sublimation] before heading over to the Perennial Vastness.


    Body Tempering didn��t take as long as Soul Cultivation if you managed to withstand the torturous pain that would grow increasingly severe as you progressed. But Zac figured it would still take a year or two to reach a level equivalent to his Draugr constitution. During the downtime, he would be able to work on his skills to make sure they wouldn��t hold him back the moment he became a Hegemon.


    Zac opened his status screen next to see if there were any other notable changes.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    145


    ss


    [E-Epic] Fetters of Destion


    Race


    [D] Draugr �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles


    [��] Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate, Blooddrenched Baron, Connate Conqueror


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Daon/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Branch of the Kalpataru �C Early, Branch of the Pale Seal �C Early


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    19304 [Increase: 133%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Dexterity


    8065 [Increase: 98%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Endurance


    14325 [Increase: 119%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Vitality


    12420 [Increase: 107%. Efficiency: 273%]


    Intelligence


    3322 [Increase: 92%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Wisdom


    6412 [Increase: 99%. Efficiency: 216%]


    Luck


    663 [Increase: 116%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 647


    There was nothing new to see on his Status Screen. He had somewhat hoped he��d get a new title for creating the Body Tempering Manual or his new skill, but the System hadn��t seen fit to provide anything this time around. Perhaps it wasn��t too surprising. He had already created something unique like [Pir of Destion], which possibly surpassed the limits of E-grade skills since it used a bit of Oblivion Energy to activate.


    Meanwhile, he had to admit he hadn��t actually created a Body Tempering Manual, even if what he had aplished was almost as impressive. It was ultimately monks who researched all the theories, and Zac had only made alterations to suit him better.


    Zac briefly considered whether he should top off the two missing levels on his Draugr side, but ultimately decided against it. The attributes from two levels wouldn��t make much difference, and he had used up the little Kill Energy he got from killing yetis on [Surging Vitality]. Instead, he swapped back to his human form to once more open his status screen.


    ss Skills


    [E] Axe Mastery �C Proficiency: Peak. The seed of Dao is nted. Upgradeable


    [E] Ancestral Woods �C Proficiency: Middle. Oneness with nature


    [E] Rapturous Divide �C Proficiency: Peak. Between the Abyss and Arcadia is an endless chasm. Upgradeable.


    [E] Arcadia��s Judgement. �C Proficiency: Middle. Only judgment awaits those who encroach on the mandate of Arcadia. Upgradeable.


    [E] Nature��s Edge �C Proficiency: Peak. Nature is the most ruthless weapon. Upgradeable.


    [E] Arcadian Crusade �C Proficiency: Middle. Nothing will deny the vengeance of Arcadia. Upgradeable.


    [E] Forester��s Constitution �C Proficiency: Late. All living beings under the Heavens, one entity. Upgradeable.


    [E] Earthstrider �C Proficiency: Late. Traverse the boundless worlds, unrestrained and unfettered. Upgradeable.


    [E] Empyrean Aegis �C Proficiency: Middle. Be as unshakeable as the pirs of life. Upgradeable.


    As expected, there was widespread progress on his human side as well, where most skills had taken a step forward. One positive difference to his Draugr side was that [Empyrean Aegis] had reached Middle Mastery, while [Desperation��s End] remained at Early Mastery. It wasn��t a surprise, really, with how often he had been forced to use his defensive skill while inside the Void Star. Meanwhile, he had barely spent any time in his undead form since getting his ultimate finisher.


    With both his [Void Vajra Sublimation] created and the surprise boost of his skills, Zac could finally turn his attention to the more troublesome matters. His eyes turned to the cracked altar, or rather the anthracite dust that had formed a small pile at its edge. The figurine was gone, but it was still firmly engraved into his memory.


    That hatred and sense of irreconciliation directed at the Heavens was beyond anything Zac had ever felt, and this was just from a small figurine that had almost beenpletely eroded over the countless years. It was a shame. Zac believed that if he had been able to confirm who it depicted, he would have been able to get closer to the background of Ultom and the secrets of the Left Imperial Pce.


    There were also the voice and the ominous message.


    ��Another cycle, another mebearer. Will you break the chains or be another link?��


    Even if the message was cryptic, Zac believed the voice and figurine had together given some critical clues. He waspeting for an inheritance, but the inheritance was not treasures or the pce itself. At least not only that. It was an inheritance of destiny, of a goal.


    But a goal for what, Zac had no idea, and he wasn��t sure he wanted anything to do with it going by the burning anger toward the Heavens the figurine held. If Zac had to guess, it would be that the figurine wanted to destroy the Heavens themselves. Not even the shimmering lights were enough for Zac to get hitched to such a maniacal wagon.


    He was already skating on thin ice with all his borderline unorthodox methods. He was just looking for some solutions to take his wonky constitution into the D-grade; anything beyond that was asking too much. Perhaps he was even better off if he skipped out on getting the fourth piece of the seal. If he could figure out how to form his Life-Death-Conflict core with the next seal, he might as well stop and count his winnings.


    Then again, Zac had been around long enough to know it was not necessarily up to him whether he wanted to partake or not. The first vision of Ultom had literally crammed itself into his head out of nowhere, and it was entirely possible the System or Ultom itself would somehow derail his ns to keep going at it.


    Apart from the meaning of being a mebearer, there was also the issue of the Sangha. Three Virtues was the personification of a shifty monk, but Zac had never felt he was sinister. But the trap hidden within the [Boundless Vajra Sutra] was one of the most diabolical methods he��d ever seen. It was essentially possession, except your body was seized by a Buddha-loving avatar of your own creation.


    Zac didn��t get it. Why had they imparted him with something like that? And was it the intention of Three Virtues or the Sangha itself? And why did it feel like it all was rted to Ultom? He had no proof for his hunch, but Zac couldn��t shake the nagging feeling that everything that Three Virtues had done was to alter the events rted to this inheritance. He might just be paranoid, but the suspicion might also be an effect of his high Luck and how it attuned him to the winds of fate.


    It also just made sense��the voice before mentioned cycles. Zac was confident it referred to eras, like the current Era of Unification. Zac didn��t know about the Left Imperial Pce, but Ultom was definitely an Eternal Heritage. Some monstrously powerful faction had failed in some undertaking and created the Ultom Courts to keep the me of hope alive.


    It was no shocker that even the Sangha wouldpete for something like that. From what little Zac had learned about Eternal Heritages from Qi��Sar and Kaldor, an Eternal Heritage was the most powerful strategic resource a faction could possess. Getting their hands on one was enough to shift the bnce and possibly impact the whole Multiverse.


    With so much on the line, it wasn��t inconceivable that the Buddhist Sangha would go so far as to try to turn him into a puppet. Perhaps Three Virtues had somehow realized Zac had a connection with the Left Imperial Pce and chosen to take a chance. If Zac actually practiced the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], the Sangha might have gotten a mebearer for free in a few years when Zac reached the thirdyer and became a mindless Vajra.


    And if one peak faction knew about Ultom and was looking for it, what about the others? Even if they didn��t know now, they would eventually. The unorthodox cultivators from the other sector were already looking for pieces of the seal, so Zac keeping his mouth shut wasn��t enough. Eventually, old monsters woulde crawling out of the woodwork.


    How would this all affect Zecia? This was just a tiny frontier Sector without any powerful guardians. That golem who apanied Iz Tayn could probably annihte all of Zecia��s peak factions in a week or two. Even if the powerful factions didn��t actively target the natives of Zecia, it was undoubtedly a cmity if the sector became the battleground for an Eternal Heritage.


    For something like that, even Supremacies might make a move. Could Zecia withstand something like that? Zac almost regretted fleeing from that crazy firebug before. If anyone had the answers to this mess, it would be her and her golemoid guardian. Of course, Zac didn��t know about Ultom back then, so it was a bit of a moot point.


    But one thing was for sure; the uing war was not as simple as it seemed, and more was at stake than losing to some unorthodox cultivators. He also knew that his strength wasn��t enough to secure Earth or even protect himself. He was like an ant standing between towering giants whose whims could mean his life and death. He needed to find a solution to this predicament.


    Perhaps he could crawl up the leg of one of those giants? After all, being a mebearer should hold some significance to the factions who wanted to take Ultom for themselves.

 Chapter 899: Edict

    Chapter 899: Edict


    On Kalstor V, the whispers of war had finally reached the general popce, and thousands of rumors circted in the markets, the taverns, and the households. However, the unrest didn��t reach the sprawling manor in the center of the capital, whose forests stretched for hundreds of miles.


    It was like a secluded haven shielded from the sorrows of the outer worlds, and the marvelous des and pristinekes were known across the for their beauty. But those living at Kastor V couldn��t have imagined the rumor was a sham, that there was a festering blight hiding in the heart of the forest.


    ��Where the hell is he?!��


    The evil star paced back and forth, demanding answers just as she had so many times before.


    ��Mis- Mistress, we assure you we have sent out the messages as you have instructed,�� Porto V said as he dabbed his forehead with a handkerchief.


    Porto Couldn��t believe how one��s fortunes could turn so quickly. Living close to the Kaldran Straits was fraught with danger, but this was just cheating. It had started out so well. Just a few centuries after he had taken up the role as a ward of his family��s mercantile, the Undead Empire had halted its warfare for the first time in eons.


    But that reprieve had onlysted a few short years before they started attacking with redoubled efforts. Porto soon learned the reason �C it was not about killing humans and assimting theirs. Not exclusively, anyway. A true war wasing to Zecia, and the Undead Empire was honing their warriors against the coalition��s armies.


    With powerful invadersing over, the Undead Empire saw an opportunity to seize high-potential bodies from both sides, so they no longer cared about their numbers as they reforged their war machine with blood and ice. Anyone who fell at this point wouldn��t be any use in the real struggle, anyway.


    Luckily, Kastor V was some distance from the frontlines where the undead and living were fighting for the fates of theirs. His job was only to rebuff the asional raid or scouting party with the help of the��s arrays and the garrisoned soldiers. But who could have expected this evil star and her supremely powerful guardian would show up out of the blue and forcibly move into his mansion?


    The whole coalition had collectively breathed out in relief when the mysterious Draugr scion had finally left the Zecia sector for the rotten pastures of the Empire Hearnds. Her presence, or rather that of her master��s, had been like a butcher��s axe that hung over the Kaldran Strait for years until the danger thankfully passed without incident.


    But only a scant few yearster, Catheya Sharva��Zi was back, and she had brought an even more terrifying master this time. What was it with thisss and her interest in this remote little sector? Couldn��t she just leave well enough alone and let them lead their lives in peace? And who was this bastard who kept eluding them? If not for him, these unwee guests would have long been gone.


    ��If you did what you were supposed to do, then we would have had an answer by now, wouldn��t we?�� the young scion red, her abyssal eyes boring into Porto��s.


    ��I am starting to think your connection to that man is not as close as you led us to believe,�� a voice echoed through the hall like the death knolls of a funeral procession, and Porto��s hair immediately stood on end. ��Were you perhaps just a passing acquaintance who saw an opportunity to enrich yourself?��


    The next moment, cascading waves of death filled the hall, and Porto desperately took out a number of Divine Crystals to avoid being crushed under the tide of undeath. Even then, he didn��t dare so much as look up when the two spoke, but he also didn��t dare to just leave in the presence of a powerful Monarch.


    ��You can believe whatever you want,�� Catheya snorted. ��You can try approaching him yourself and see how that goes.��


    ��We spent quite a bit on you, child. Yet we have nothing to show for it,�� the second Draugrmented, not sparing Porto so much as a nce.


    ��He came back more than half a year ago, but going by the report, he might be wounded,�� Catheya ventured. ��He might also have chosen to discard this line ofmunication since so much time has passed. Perhaps we should move to the second location?��


    Porto��s eyes widened in a mix of hope and horror. The abyssal eyes of these terrifying Draugr had haunted him for over two years, and every night he had dreamt of their departure. But not like this. They had sworn that they wouldn��t harm him if he sessfully contacted whatever bastard they were trying to find, but they never made any guarantees if he failed.


    Would they really leave him with his little life if he didn��t deliver? That youngss might have done so, but that old wretch who apanied her reeked of blood.


    ��A-Ah, mistress, I will try again. Don��t you worry,�� Porto urgently said as he once more dabbed his face. ��I��m sure we will get an answer momentarily. Surely.��


    ��You have three months,�� the Monarch said as she stared at him with those nightmare-inducing eyes. ��Get us an answer within three months�� If you fail, then I will personally awaken you and this. Now, leave us.��


    Catheya shook her head at the receding back of the corpulent merchant before she turned her gaze back to her guide. Or her warden, depending on how you looked at it. What she said was true; the Umbri��Zi n and the Abyssal Lake had provided her with opportunities that most Draugr could only dream of.


    But it was contingent on her delivering on her end. If she failed, it wasn��t just a problem for her but for the whole Sharva��Zi n. She still remembered the nervous eyes of her father when he sent her off with Enis Umbri��Zi, a Monarch whose bloody feats during the Havarok War had reached even the Abyssal Lake. She was a terrifying butcher, but Catheya couldn��t just sit back and let Enis do as she pleased.


    ��Three months?�� Catheya asked with a frown. ��The deadline set by the Abyssal Lake was five years. Only two years have passed since we returned.��


    ��Things have changed,�� Enis said. ��An edict arrived at the Kavriel n yesterday; I just got it.��


    ��An Edict?�� Catheya said with a sinking heart. Not many had the authority to send out something like that, and it getting one sent to the frontier was nigh-unprecedented. ��Is it the Abyssal Council?��


    ��No, child,�� Enis said as she looked deeply into Catheya��s eyes. ��Ites from the Heart.��


    ��The Founders?!�� Catheya blurted.


    As far as she knew, the Founders hadn��t left the Heart for tens of millions of years as they tirelessly worked on their undertaking. During the endless years of the Undead Empire, they had only appeared during a few critical junctures, like when the Buddhist Sangha was out for blood or during the crusades of the Ancient Imperial ns.


    ��The seal is growing stronger. The backup squads you requested will not be able to make it through.�� Enis said.


    ��Is that it?�� Catheya said with confusion.


    ��No, that was just an update from the Kavriel n,�� Enis said. ��The edict is simple; Zachary Atwood must choose death and join our side. No matter what. This is no longer just a matter of the Abyssal Shores. It is a matter of the Empire.��


    Catheya took a shuddering breath as she tried topute what had just happened. For the Eternal 108 to turn their gazes toward Zecia was iprehensible. Just what kind of storm had that troublemaker kicked up this time?


    ���������C


    ��It isn��t right,�� Emberstorm muttered as they flew toward the enormous citadel in the distance. ��Working with these cretins.��


    From beneath, the screams and mors of the endless series of bloody cages assaulted them, and even Til��Siri was a bit unnerved by the misery. Many thought beasts cruel, but she had never seen these kinds of macabre conditions among any others than the cultivators. This was not natural selection; it was elevation through misery.


    But orders were orders.


    ��We��re not working with them,�� Til��Siri sighed. ��We��re just using them to get to the Left Imperial Pce.��


    ��That isn��t much better. Since when did the Starbeast Alliance need to barter with the Unorthodoxy? Just because we��re both standing outside the cultivator alliances doesn��t mean we��re the same,�� Emberstorm spat. ��The fell karma of this world is nauseating. We should just annihte this little faction and seize the Star Gate for ourselves. The ck Heart Sect wouldn��t dare raise an issue over a frontier sector.��


    ��You don��t know that,�� Til��Siri countered with annoyance.


    Even after reaching Atavism, these ancient and oversized insects were simply too bloodthirsty. Thank the Heavens a Qilin Beast Emperor was in charge of this mission rather than one of those lunatics. Of course, while she and Emberstorm were just sent there to observe and assist at this stage, they had probably gotten the same orders from their elders.


    If an opportunity presented itself, seize a spot by any means necessary. In other words, they werepetitors, and there was no need to keep up any pretenses when dealing with this fool.


    ��Didn��t you hear? The ck Heart Patriarch fought with Lord Realmsbane not long ago, and the Lord was forced to back down. They clearly have a vested interest in this matter. Otherwise, the patriarch would never have appeared.��


    ��So what?�� Emberstorm shrugged. ��Even if Lord Realmsbane was pushed back, it didn��t count. The Lord only fought to prove a point, and they battled inside the ck Heart Dimension. If one of the Ancestors make a move, the whole cult would be turned to ash.��


    ��That��s enough,�� Lonzor said. ��ck Heart Sect is not as simple as you think. Neither of the two went all-out in that fight. If the ck Heart Patriarchpletely unseals the curse in his chest, few in the Multiverse would get out of the conflict in one piece. And there are even rumors their founder is still alive in stasis. Besides, many things are at y here.��


    ��Other factions?�� Til��Siri frowned.


    ��Not yet; we should be among the first,�� Lonzor said with a shake of his head. ��It��s about fate. ording to the Bone Sage, two rivers of fate have converged because of an anomaly. Even the System has gotten involved. Using force could backfire as the rivers drown us. We need to y by the rules.��


    ��So, what should we do?�� Til��Siri asked.


    ��The first step is setting up our presence here,�� Lonzor said. ��As you said, the ck Heart Sect is not able to contend for the Ultom Courts. They simply have too many enemies and too few allies to protect something like that. The Cultivator ns would band together andunch a crusade under the guise of justice to seize the Left Imperial Pce for themselves. So the cult chose a different path. That of a ferryman.��


    ��What?�� Emberstorm said with confusion.


    ��Because of the cosmic hup, there is still much we don��t know, but we do know that this event is targeted at the younger generation. The ck Heart Sect still don��t know the details, but they quickly figured out this sector was integral topeting for the opportunity. Since they couldn��t take the thing themselves, they have opted to demand resources in return for passage through the Star Gate and a spot in the uing events,�� the Qilin exined.


    ��You want us to be mercenaries in some frontier war?�� Til��Siri said with a frown, disgusted at the mere thought of fighting shoulder to shoulder with these maniacs.


    ��The sanctioned war is a part of the puzzle. We just don��t know how yet,�� Lonzor nodded. ��So our tasks are as follows; we need to establish our presence here while searching for clues of the Left Imperial Pce. If we encounter an Inheritor Candidate, we need to either recruit them or kill them. If we find other outsiders sniffing around, we kill them immediately. Finally, we need to quicken the formation of the Star Gate.


    ��Our greatest advantage is that we��re ahead of thepetition. The earlier this war begin, the better we will be positionedpared to those whoe behind us.��


    ��Well, I don��t know anything about stargates,�� Emberstorm muttered before his amber eyes lit up. ��But I can help you kill the Inheritor Candidates. They should just be some frontier natives, right?��


    ��About that,�� Til��Siri hesitated. ��If we really encounter a candidate�� If we manage to seize their opportunity����


    ��Well, you are wee to try,�� Lonzo said with a small smile. ��The Bone Sage said only those beneath a century of age will be able to contend, but you might surprise us all.��


    ��What?!�� Til��Siri eximed while Emberstorm looked like he was about to explode. ��I��m over six hundred years old!��


    ��This opportunity already has an intended recipient, it��s neither for your branches or mine to im,�� Lonzor sighed with aplex expression. ��Our job is to pave their path.��


    ��Who?�� Emberstorm raged. ��I know I��m only on the twentieth spot of the Starbeast Stele, but what bastard has been given this chance without any discussion? That little brat Laka? No, she should be 180 years old.��


    ��It��s not anyone on the Starbeast Stele,�� Lonzor said. ��A primordial has been unsealed.��


    ��������


    Finding a proper backer was essentially the same n Zac had when trying to deal with the Great Redeemer. Unfortunately, the problem remained the same �C how to retain control, or at least autonomy, in a rtionship with a vast power imbnce. Just like Yrial once said, when valuable treasures were at stake, there was no such thing as orthodox or righteous factions.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A crackling sound drew Zac out from his thoughts, and he frowned when he saw that space had once more started to copse. Was it because the mysterious aura of the temple had grown sparse? It looked like it hadn��t actually closed the breach but only momentarily pushed it away. Luckily, Zac had already got everything he needed from this ce, so there was no point in sticking around.


    Zac still hesitated a second before he shed over to the cracked altar. He could feel how space was fast copsing, but he couldn��t just leave such a valuable treasure behind. Zac put his hand on the stone, but his brows soon furrowed. He was trying to put it into a Spatial Ring, but nothing happened.


    Since the altar refused to enter his spatial treasure, Zac could only rely on brute force. His muscles strained as he gripped the edges of the altar, but his eyes almost bulged out from their sockets when he couldn��t move even the smallest piece so much as an inch. He didn��t know if the seemingly ordinary stone actually had the weight of a mountain or if some unseen force was preventing him from moving it, but it quickly became apparent it simply wouldn��t budge.


    Zac was filled with a sense of frustration as he looked down at the broken altar. The treasure was so close, yet it was impossibly out of reach. Would he really have to leave such an amazing item for meditation behind? Even after all his gains, Zac still felt like he had lost out on a fortune, and his eyes roved though the hall for a constion prize until they focused on the tattered scroll hanging on the wall.


    Better than nothing.


    He shed over with [Earthstrider] and snatched with one practiced motion, and he was relieved to see it could actually enter his Spatial Ring. Even now, Zac had no idea if it actually had any effect, but he figured he might as well take it. Who knew? It might be able to provide one final burst of glory that helped him out sometime in the future.


    But the moment Zac snatched the scroll, he immediately regretted it as a new set of cracks appeared on the altar. Simultaneously, the odd undtions drastically increased in power, making Zac wonder if the scroll had actually helped keep the copse at bay. The breach that had been held at bay for so long seemed to being back with redoubled ferocity, and Zac��s Danger Sense screamed at him to leave before it was toote.


    With a sh, he appeared at the doorway of the temple, just in time before space itself copsed like a punctured ball. The altar was swallowed by a chasm that seemed impossibly deep, and Zac felt his footing get precarious as the whole temple started to buckle. Zac nced at the ring on his hand with some regret as he ran for his life.


    Why didn��t he ever learn?

 Chapter 900: Some Things Never Change

    Chapter 900: Some Things Never Change


    The whole valley was being dragged to where the altar stood before, and Zac felt a deep sense of trepidation when he nced at the quickly forming singrity. He could tell it wasn��t just the Void on the other side, and neither was it some other realm of the Void Star �C there was a sense of antiquitying from it, antiquity tainted by an ancient madness that would give the remnants a run for their money.


    Just being in its presence had made the Cosmic Energy in Zac��s body restless to the point he almost lost control of it. Thankfully, the effect lessened the further he moved away from the altar. A momentter, he leaped over the outer gate that served as a demarcation line for the bipedal beasts, ready to fight his way out if need be.


    But on the other side, there were no Yetis remaining. The carcasses from his blitz and the spike trap wake were left behind, but the beasts themselves had already escaped. The whole square was already being bent and twisted from the relentless pulling from the temple, but Zac could still notice there was a new line of annihtion reaching almost halfway across the square.


    Within that line, the corpses had turned into new piles of dust, and Zac suddenly remembered the powerful pulse he released upon touching the figurine. It looked like the final pulse had showcased a greater reach and possibly disintegrated all of the Beast Kings who had waited for him at the gate. Or it was also possible they had realized the way the wind blew and left early. After all, they had exhibited an extraordinary level of intelligence for a group of beasts.


    Now wasn��t the time to worry about the fates of the Yeti, though. The previously imprable tiles of the square were being bent and twisted like they were made out of y, and the enormous valley had almost turned into a tunnel as space itself was being siphoned away. The singrity only grew hungrier, and Zac started to worry if it would even be satiated from just swallowing the valley.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Each step with [Earthstrider] should have allowed Zac to cross hundreds of meters, but space had coagted. He could only exhibit a third of the effect, which wasn��t enough to even offset how much of the square was being dragged into the ck hole behind him. But the pull suddenly lessened as Zac released [Void Zone], and the next step he tookpletely ignored the restrictions ced on the area.


    Using his Void Energy in the open like this was a bit risky, but he was out of options. He could sense that he would be swallowed if he stayed behind just a few seconds longer. The unfettered speed of a Void-empowered [Earthstrider] allowed him to shoot out from the copsing valley in just a moment, cleanly breaking free from the pull as hended on a cliff overlooking the whole valley.


    Behind him, it was like the jaws of a primordial beast were snapped shut as the whole valley was disintegrated. In its stead was a churning darkness that felt like it wanted to consume the universe. But the cmity thankfully didn��t spread any further out through the mountain range, though not forck of trying.


    Zac had been prepared to keep running, but nine enormous sigils had appeared at the edge of the valley, each one vaguely familiar. He hadn��t seen them in the dpidated temple but rather on the parchments lifted from the cultists. That alone wasn��t enough to make him feel safe, but he took out one of his copies as he kept running, and it didn��t take any time to confirm his hunch.


    None of these nine sigils was the one that he had a connection to, but they resembled nine others spread out among the fakes. It really looked like the infiltrators did not only know as much as he did, but perhaps even more. He had no idea what these nine sigils represented, and neither did he understand what the sigils had trapped.


    A deep thud from within the heart of the darkness forcibly interrupted Zac��s use of [Earthstrider], and a stabbing headache indicated his soul had been wounded as he mmed into a sheer mountain wall. He mmed Verun into the stone to stop the fall as he looked around with bleary eyes.


    Only to see apletely changedndscape.


    The ball of churning darkness was gone, reced by an enormous pir that seemed to cut straight through the whole Mystic Realm. It pierced into the sky like the Tower of Eternity on one end, and Zac could see how it had dug deep into the ground on the other. The pir wasn��t corporeal, but it almost looked like a purple night sky that ran like a river through a tube.


    Inside, small motes of lights shimmered like failing stars, and Zac could spot various ruins being dragged toward the sky. It looked tranquil, but Zac��s hair stood on end as he sensed its aura. It was not just a river of stars �C it was a stream of condensed madness far more dangerous than what he��d sensed back in the temple.


    Zac didn��t dare look at it for long; it felt like his mind was being invaded. Only by focusing on the sigils that still formed a protective barrier around it was he safe. Not only that, but he felt the sigils contained a hint of the truths he had briefly been in touch with during his epiphany. Part of Zac simply wanted to sit down and meditate in front of this spectacle, but he knew that this was neither the ce nor the time.


    Those sigils stood strong for now, but that purple sky was simply too ominous. There was no telling what would happen if the sigils failed, so he wanted to be long gone before this thing went sideways. And that was doubly true in case there were infiltrators or Temrs skulking about in the mountains.


    The dark pir was hundreds of times bigger than an incursion light, and those things could be seen from miles away. If there really were people in these parts, there was simply no way this disy wouldn��t attract attention. This wasn��t how he wanted to rejoin the Void Gate squads. He needed to create distance between himself and the Left Imperial Pce if he wanted a chance to sneak out unnoticed.


    If some elite force from the Void Monastery discovered him absconding with a piece of the seal, then the mutated Ferric Worldeater in his Beast Pouch would be the least of his worries. Perhaps he would have taken the risk if the opportunity was more palpable, but he only got a familiar feeling from the sigils rather than the real thing.


    There was also Vai to worry about. He was only a few mountains away from the hiding spot, so chances were she��d been hit by that pulse as well. Or she might even have been implicated by the exodus of the Yeti horde. The thought alone filled him with a sense of foreboding, and Zac swallowed a Soulmending Pill before he shot toward the mountain cave he had left her in. A momentter, Zac passed through the fake wall, and his heart sunk to rock bottom.


    The cave was empty.


    The odds of her leaving on her own ord didn��t look good �C there were a few splotches of blood on the ground. Had her protective bubble run out of power? Or had someone managed to get the drop on her, sealing her movements before she could take it out? Zac desperately looked for clues, and his eyes lit up when he suddenly saw something upon activating [Cosmic Gaze].


    There was a small mark of space-attuned Dao right by the exit, its aura clearly belonging to Vai. If he looked at it normally, there was nothing special about the spot. But to his attuned gaze, it looked a bit like a purple streak. It had to be intentional �C Vai would have needed to infuse the rock with her Mental Energy for it to stay on like that. She was trying to leave a trail for him.


    That alone was extremely good news. Most importantly, she was still alive. Secondly, the little researcher was extremely considerate. If she had thought her captors were too much for him to handle, there was no way she would have left that mark behind.


    There was no hesitation in Zac��s heart as he set out, his gaze roving through the cliffs and crags in the area. He didn��t immediately see anything, but he didn��t give up, not even when one of the runes holding back the starry sky broke apart. Zac ignored the inauspicious signal and methodically checked his surroundings as he shed around in a growing spiral. Finally, he found a second mark a few hundred meters away on a piece of rock jutting out from the wall.


    He had found his direction, and he immediately set out. Like this, he followed the clues like breadcrumbs, where some were markings on stones and others were space-infused droplets of blood. Even if he was quickly getting the hang of things, he wasn��t sure if he was actually getting closer to Vai and her captors.


    They were quite careful and changed direction more than one time, forcing Zac to backtrack and start circling until he could pick up a trail again. Finally, Zac knew he was getting close as a droplet of blood was actually still wet. But the moment hunched down to inspect the drop, he immediately realized there was trouble.


    The ground beneath him suddenly disappeared and was reced by a world of darkness. Zac looked around as he readied himself for a fight, but his opponent was nowhere to be seen. Zac��s battle-honed instincts told him in no uncertain terms someone was close, but not even [Cosmic Gaze] could expose their whereabouts. In other words, an assassin.


    Zac knew an assassin wouldn��t let him prepare, and as expected, the attack was already bearing down on him. Ance of condensed shadows shot toward him from the side, containing enough force to punch a hole through a mountain. The attack didn��t exactly look like Ogras�� [Shadonce], and two Dao Branches possibly powered it. However, the resemnce was still so uncanny that it almost made Zac forget to defend himself.


    That brief moment of hesitation actually helped him avert disaster. His Danger Sense suddenly did a one-eighty and told him the danger wasing from behind rather than from thence that was about to pierce into his chest from ahead. Zac felt like he was looking at a mirror, where he had actually been looking at the mirror image rather than the real thing.


    There was no time to sort out the confusion, thences were moving too quickly. Ultimately, it didn��t matter which one was real and which one was fake �C just destroy them both and the problem would be dealt with. Zac turned into a blur, and [Verun��s Bite] keened with savagery as its edge drew an almost full-circle arc with enough force to shred everything in its path.


    Zac didn��t celebrate averting the initial salvo. This was obviously a skilled assassin, just like the Faceless assassin he��d fought inside the Tower of Eternity. They were slippery as eels and difficult to kill. More importantly, Zac needed to actually catch them if he wanted to figure out what happened to Vai.


    However, Zac was a bit stumped when no second attack came forth, and he found himself standing in the churning mists. Had the assassin actually just left like that? Had he disyed too much power in dealing with that initial salvo?


    ��Bastard, where did you get that axe?�� a hoarse voice said from within the shadows, and Zac felt like he had been struck with a bolt of Tribtion Lightning.


    The voice was slightly different, but there was no mistaking it; it really belonged to Ogras. The field of shadows and the shadonces had felt familiar, but Zac had immediately discarded the possibility it might really be his oldpanion. There was nock of shadow-based assassins in Zecia. Even a n like Azh��Rezak had managed to get their hands on a partial heritage.


    But that voice�� It was unmistakable, and there was no way some random assassin would know to impersonate it. First of all, no one should know his real identity, making it impossible to impersonate his friends. Or was this all an illusion? Was someone messing with his senses, dragging out his old memories to make him lower his guard?


    There was only one way to find out.


    ��Ogras? Is that you?�� Zac asked with a hammering heart as he looked back and forth.


    There was no response for a few seconds, but the shadows eventually dispersed to expose a figure warily standing fifty meters away with a banner in his hand that emitted an ufortable aura that made Zac think of that starry pir before. Zac��s mind descend into chaos, and words failed him when he saw the familiar face.


    It was him. This was no illusion �C Zac was pretty much certain of it. It really was Ogras in the flesh. The demon in front of him looked a lot like ten years ago, but there were some noticeable differences. For one, his aura was pretty odd. It was so faint that Zac could barely feel it, yet it gave him some pressure. The demon��s body was the same. Even looking right at him, Zac felt like he was staring into empty space.


    Something about his presence made Zac��s subconscious overlook the demon and his attacks. If not for his extremely honed Danger Sense, he wouldn��t have been able to sense the attacking from behind before. There hadn��t been so much as a ripple of energy; the secondnce had suddenly just appeared while the first one became a fake.


    At the same time, Ogras hadn��t be a shade. If anything, his body looked sturdier and more corporeal than when Zacst saw Ogras inside the Mystic Realm. He was still monochrome in scales of gray though, a side effect after Void��s Disciple killed him. Back then, Asshole had taken the ce of his heart, which in turn had resulted in a series of unusual changes.


    ��Who are you, and how do you know my name?�� Ogras frowned as he nced at Zac��s axe. ��How are you rted to that temple?��


    Zac��s mind was a mess after suddenly running into a familiar face in the heart of the Void Star, but he still had the presence of mind to realize the problem. There was still a risk this was all a ploy, but Zac felt risks be damned as he activated [Million Faces].


    ��It��s me, Zac,�� Zac said with a wide smile as his face transformed. ��Ogras, is it really you?��


    Zac had expected to see his own feelings mirrored in the demon��s; shock, delight, and confusion. But Ogras�� eyes only thinned as he looked at Zac with suspicion.


    ��More delusions? Are you seeing what I��m seeing? Is it him? Am I still lucid?�� Ogras muttered as he looked at Zac with slightly wild eyes, and Zac frowned when he heard a hollow snicker.


    The next moment, a wretched-looking spectral goblin appeared out of Ogras�� sleeve and flew over to Zac��s side. Zac stared down at the ghost with suspicion, feeling a familiar aura on its body; the aura he had sensed in the starry sky and the chasm that had swallowed the temple. An aura of madness and corruption.


    Why had this thinge out of Ogras�� body? Possession?


    ��Young man, you have shown great potential to so easily rebuff this wretch. Don��t believe what you��re seeing �C his mind has long since been corroded by the shadow creature in his body. Rescue me, and I��ll grant you power you couldn��t- Ai!��


    The ghost didn��t get any further as a Kalpataru-infused fractal leaf ripped him in two. Between Ogras�� slightly odd state, and the sinister auraing from the ghost, Zac figured he was better off swinging first and investigatingter. If the goblin was the threat, then problem solved. If it spoke the truth, then better safe than sorry.


    With how the sigils of the Left Imperial Pce had sealed the ce this goblin probably came from, they were possibly bound to be enemies in either case. And if Ogras really was possessed, then Zac would have to knock the demon out until he could find a purifier or something simr. But Zac��s ns were immediately derailed when the ghost reformed, much to Zac��s shock.


    Even an Eidolon would be hard-pressed to survive a point-nk strike like that, but this little goblin was seemingly unscathed?


    ��Bastard! Wretch! I should have known! Violent animals, both of you,�� the goblin swore as he flew into the g in Ogras�� hand. ��I hope the Lost ne swallows you whole.��


    ��Uh,�� Zac hesitated. ��sorry?��


    Ogras hadn��t made a move yet, but his hands suddenly turned into a blur as he furled up the g and sealed it with two talismans. Only then did he turn toward Zac. ��Who is your mother?��


    The sudden shift of topics threw Zac for a loop, but he soon realized it was a test. Only two people from earth knew of Zac��s heritage; Ogras and Kenzie. No information report would contain the truth, and a pretender would never get that question right.


    Zac hesitated for a moment, but he eventually decided to tell the truth, his heart beating so hard he was almost stuttering the words. ��Leandra Atwood, a Technocrat. What were the first words you said to me?��


    ��I said, ��You natives truly are barbarians, so aggressive,''�� Ogras said with a small smile. ��I guess some things never change.��

 Chapter 901: Catching Up

    Chapter 901: Catching Up


    Zac could still barely believe his eyes, and if not for his senses and his recent inroads into Heart Cultivation, he would still wonder if he had been caught in an illusion array. But his instincts told him in no uncertain terms he wasn��t caught in a mirage, and his heart told him this was all true.


    ��Sorry about that,�� Zac wryly smiled as he walked over. ��I didn��t know the ghost was with you. Didn��t sound like it.��


    ��Don��t worry about it. Believe me, if that little wretch could be dealt with so easily, I would have done so years ago. I seem destined to pick up annoying hitchhikers,�� Ogras sighed as he looked at Zac, his otherwise ashyplexion ented by red-rimmed eyes. ��You��re as ugly as ever, but damn is it good to see you.��


    Zac smiled and dragged the demon into a bear hug as a confusing mix of emotions washed over him.


    One by one, his closest people had been lost over the past years. And while he had gained some new allies and friends, they couldn��t rece those who were gone. But finally, Ogras hade back. It wasn��t just a huge victory on its own, but it somehow bolstered Zac��s conviction that he could do the same with the others. He would get Kenzie back, and he would return Alea to her proper form.


    It was all possible.


    ��Alright, enough of that,�� Ogras said as he dissipated into a mist and reformed a few steps away. ��That littless, she��s with you?��


    ��How��d you do that? No, wait, Vai!�� Zac eximed. ��She��s my guide. You didn��t hurt her, right?��


    ��Well, she��s fine except for a bump on the back of her head and a belly full of grievances,�� Ogras snickered. ��She��s around ten minutes from here.��


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac urged, and Ogras nodded in acquiescence as a shroud spread around the two.


    ��Most of those annoying mongrels have fled already after what I can only assume was your doing?�� Ogras said as he nodded at the still-beaming pir.


    Zac helplessly shrugged in response, prompting the demon to scoff. ��Figures. If anything, I should have realized it was you who had descended on this ce the moment I saw that thing. Anyway, if we run into some stragglers, these clouds will make them ignore us. It will also allow us to talk in peace.��


    Zac nodded in understanding as he curiously looked at the churning clouds around him and the energies they contained.


    ��Two branches?�� Zac whistled.


    ��Not bad, huh?�� Ogras said with a smug grin, which drastically soured when Zac released three Dao Fields with a smile. ��What? A brute like you have somehow managed to form three of them? Whatever. Comparing oneself with a Heavenkissed scoundrel is bound to cause one��s teeth to itch.��


    ��If it��s any constion, I generally only use two branches per form,�� Zacughed.


    ��I guess that��s better,�� Ogras muttered before looking at Zac with perplexity. ��In any case, how in the Heavens did you find me? I figured I would have to make my way back myself.��


    ��Find you?�� Zac said with a nk look. ��Isn��t that my cue? How the hell did you appear here? Did you enter the Ster Ladder?��


    ��The ster what-now?�� Ogras blurted before he stopped and looked at Zac with suspicion. ��Wait, you didn��te here because you were looking for me? We just stumbled upon each other in this godforsaken ce by ident?��


    ��Well,�� Zac coughed.


    ��I see your Luck is as strong as ever. Well, I shouldn��tin as long as I��m benefiting,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. ��Let me guess, you were out adventuring and just so happened to fall into the Dimensional Seed as well? Right into the opportunity in the temple?��


    ��This is actually the Mystic Realm of the Dimensional Seed!�� Zac eximed, things finally clicking into ce. He should have realized the moment he saw Ogras, but he had been too preupied to make the connection. ��No wonder this ce felt so familiar.��


    ��Where else would we be?�� Ogras said as he looked at Zac like he was a fool. ��And you bastard, you didn��t actually look for me after I saved the day so heroically back then?��


    ��I did,�� Zac sighed. ��We had a supreme powerhouse divine your fate seven years ago. She said this Mystic Realm would pop up inside the Million Gates Territory around now, so I��ve been collecting the items needed for the Creators to build me a Cosmic Vessel. I came to a weird ce called the Void Star to get the final item of the quest, and it turns out this realm had entered it.��


    ��Void Star? Sounds vaguely familiar,�� Ogras hummed. ��What��s going on?��


    Zac quickly recounted the situation of the Void Star and its inteyered realms, and the Ster Ladder that had formed leading into the Mystic Realm.


    ��No wonder thess kept calling me an infiltrator even if she was the one who infringed on my Mystic Realm. So that little bastard got caught inside,�� Ogras said to himself before looking at Zac expectantly. ��More importantly, a supreme powerhouse? We have a proper backing now?��


    ��Not quite,�� Zac said with a grimace. ��That powerhouse happened to be my mother.��


    ��She returned?�� Ogras frowned. ��Is that good news or bad news? How powerful is she?��


    ��It��s bad,�� Zac sighed. ��Leandra is crazy powerful, way more than anyone in Zecia even when she��s wounded. She appeared on Earth, killed Thea, and took Kenzie away. I��ve essentially been disowned. Kenzie was the one who had Leandra investigate your situation in return for leaving willingly.��


    ��Thatss,�� Ogras sighed. ��And I��m sorry about your woman. I guess you were right to be wary of that side of the family. So, how do we get your sister back?��


    ��We?�� Zac said with a raised brow.


    ��I��ve done one selfless thing in my life; sacrificing myself to save your sister. But now, your sister has not only returned the favor butpletely nullified my deed by getting captured. Can��t have that, can we?�� Ogras winked.


    ��Well, I could use the help,�� Zac smiled. ��I know they were headed toward a ce called the Six Profundity Empire, which is apparently a top faction closer to the center of the Multiverse. We��re currently too weak to even reach that ce, let alone save her.��


    ��Your mother can just waltz into the Multiverse hearnds like that?�� Ogras frowned. ��Wouldn��t she be discovered and hunted down? Or is this empire full of traitors?��


    ��I have learned a few things about my technocrat heritage since you got stuck here,�� Zac slowly said. ��I think they possess unique technology that allows them to masquerade as cultivators perfectly. Or perhaps form separate bodies that can cultivate within the System��s purview.��


    Zac still remembered the scene back on Earth, where a human Leandra had walked out from the portal her avatar had created. One form was unmistakably technocrat in origin, while the other was unmistakably a cultivator. It was even possible that [Quantum Gate] wasn��t unique to him but rather something that all Kayar-Elu possessed.


    The experiments done on him were probably the next step of that technology, where they fused their technocrat heritage with Emperor Limitless�� bloodline in an attempt to gain control over the System itself. Even if it failed, they would have a half-technocrat half-Void Emperor scion who could take the best from both worlds.


    ��Makes sense they would look into ways to hide from the Heavens and the eyes of other Cultivators,�� Ogras nodded. ��Otherwise, how is the situation outside? Have you stirred up any more trouble?��


    ��Well,�� Zac said with a grimace. ��It��s a bitplicated, but Port Atwood and Azh��Rhodum are still standing.��


    ��Complicated? I suppose that��s usually how it goes with you,�� Ogras snorted. ��What��s going on?��


    ��A sector-wide war is on the cusp of breaking out,�� Zac sighed. ��No one in Zecia will be spared.��


    ��What?!�� Ogras eximed before he looked at Zac suspiciously. ��What did you do?��


    ��Me? Nothing!�� Zac huffed. ��Some people think it��s my fault because I summoned the Stele of Conflict, but how is it my fault a Space Gate appeared in the depths of the Million Gates Territory?��


    ��Maybe the Ruthless Heavens realized too few of the factions in Zecia would mess with you after the disy of the Eveningtide Asura a million years ago. It couldn��t take the tranquility, so it brought in reinforcements?�� Ogras offered and got a re in return.


    ��Anyway, war ising, so it��s great timing you��re back. We need elites to lead our armies. What about Billy? Is he okay? Is he in these mountains as well?�� Zac asked.


    ��He��s fine,�� Ogras snorted. ��That simpleton is essentially unkible in this realm. He��s not here, though. He should be in the heart of the Mystic Realm.��


    ��Unkible?�� Zac eximed. ��He��s gained that much from this ce?��


    ��Well, an empty mind leaves a lot of room for the Dao to grow, but that��s not what I was talking about,�� Ogras snorted. ��The Dimensional Seed has gained sapience, and it��s be attached to the brute. I saw that crazy little gem crush space across over a hundred meters, killing thousands of beasts instantly.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Sapience?�� Zac said with surprise. It sounded very familiar to Qi��Sar, the realm spirit of the Twilight Ascent. But that spirit was formed from the consciousness of two Autarchs through a freak ident. How had a recently born spirit gained sapience in a few short years? It might simply have been unusually talented, but there was a more likely exnation.


    ��I think it was experimented on,�� Ogras said, echoing Zac��s thoughts.


    ��Well, I guess it doesn��t matter much,�� Zac said. ��Have you encountered anyone else in this ce apart from Vai and me?��


    ��Nope, that littless was the first. But I��ve sensed a couple of fluctuations over the past months, like people were trying to break in. None havee to these mountains, except for you,�� Ogras before he pointedly looked at Zac. ��I guess they didn��t sense the call from the temple.��


    ��You too?�� Zac blurted before his brows scrunched together.


    What did this mean? Had he stolen Ogras�� opportunity, or were they bothpeting for the mebearer title? He had suspected such a possibility since the sudden pulse a few weeks back, but he hadn��t worried too much about it. If some infiltrator or other outsider had seized his opportunity, he��d simply snatch it back.


    But what if it was an ally of his?


    ��Don��t look at me like a starving Gwyllgi, you lunatic,�� Ogras said with an annoyed wave of his hand. ��I don��t think we are in contention. Did you know there are at least four temples in this mountain range?��


    ��There are?�� Zac slowly said, his eyes gleaming.


    ��I can see the gears in your head turning, but don��t bother,�� Ogras snorted. ��You only felt drawn to one of the temples, right?��


    Zac nodded in affirmation, realizing what Ogras was getting at.


    ��It was the same for me,�� Ogras confirmed. ��I was drawn to a smaller temple in another region of this mountain. I got the opportunity inside and made some great breakthroughs. But even monthster, I��ve never felt another calling.��


    ��So why did you stick around?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��After getting a glimpse of those truths, I couldn��t just give up when I knew there were probably simr opportunities hiding in the other temples,�� Ogras wryly smiled. ��I��ve been trying to get inside those ces for a while now without any luck. Then one day, I felt an odd ripple and rushed over, and I found your littlepanion by chance. You two actually used one of my old haunts, so I knew something was up when a cave entrance was suddenly a solid wall.��


    ��Poor girl,�� Zac snorted as he took out the rags he��d looted from the infiltrators. ��Do you recognize anyone of these sigils?��


    Ogras curiously looked them over until he tapped on one of them �C a different seal from the one Zac collected, and one of the sigils that had appeared to seal the pir of stars that still stretched toward the sky behind them.


    ��That one, but it��s kind of ruined,�� Ogras muttered as he rolled up one of his sleeves. ��This is the real one.��


    Zac was surprised to see that the demon actually had a tattoo of the seal, though it was iplete inparison to the one he��d seen just an hour ago.


    ��It��s not the same as mine,�� Zac nodded as he pointed at the seal he was forming. ��This one is mine.��


    ��As I expected,�� Ogras nodded. ��It should mean we��re notpeting for the same inheritance if it works simrly to your repository back home. But I��m a bit confused. Why did your visit create ahersted pir that seem intent on burning a hole in the sky? When I took my piece, I only opened a small spatial tear and let loose a beast tide.��


    ��I��m not sure what happened either,�� Zac helplessly said as he looked back at the pir. ��The first time, I didn��t create anything like this. It was like your encounter. It should be fine, though. It seems stable enough.��


    ��Dragging a piece of the Lost ne to the surface, how can it be fine? That madness is no joke. We��ve only been back together for a few minutes, and you��re already-�� Ogras said before he stopped in his tracks and looked at Zac eagerly. ��Wait, this is already your second piece? Do you know where we can get more? I still need two toplete my quest.��


    ��Two more?�� Zac said with surprise. ��Do you have a quest to be a mbearer of�� that ce?��


    ��That ce?�� Ogras said with confusion. ��Why not just say Ult-��


    He didn��t get any further as Zac urgently waved him to stop as he felt fate congregate.


    ��There are Karmic ramifications of uttering that name aloud,�� Zac said. ��We might want to be careful just in case.��


    ��Just the name has that kind of power?�� Ogras whistled. ��I can��t wait to get my hands on the real thing. What��s this about a mebearer?��


    Zac didn��t answer but instead shared his quest screen.


    ��mbearer indeed. There are some other differences as well,�� Ogras muttered.


    A momentter, another screen appeared between the two.


    [Seal of the Hollow Court (Unique, Inheritance): Form a seal of the Hollow Court. Reward: Be a Skybreaker of Ultom. (1/3)]


    ��The Hollow Court?�� Zac slowly said with a slight frown, the names foreign to him. ��Never heard of it. Do you recognize it?��


    ��Nope,�� Ogras shrugged. ��Think I saw a piece of it in a vision, but that��s about it. I thought the thing on my arm was just a key to unlock another quest until I stepped foot into the temple. I figured it was rted to the Lost ne.��


    Zac slowly turned away from Ogras�� quest and instead focused on the unfamiliar term. ��That��s the second time you mention the Lost ne. What��s that? How is it rted to these seals and the inheritance?��


    ��Well, let me tell you about a bunch of lunatics called the Ra��Lashar,�� Ograsughed.


    Zac listened with interest as Ogras told him about how the Dimensional Seed had swallowed a bunch of hidden Mystic Realms, including one full of corrupted goblins. How they had identally found some mysterious dimension they named the Lost ne, and managed to be a Peak C-grade force in a scant few millennia by deciphering some of the lesser secrets of that ce.


    ��Is that ghost of yours trustworthy?�� Zac asked hesitantly.


    ��Not in the slightest,�� Ograsughed. ��But I think he��s right on this one. I can feel their weird contracted spirits have a simr energy signature as that pir of yours.��


    ��And you believe those temples came from the Lost ne,�� Zac concluded.


    ��It makes sense, doesn��t it?�� Ogras nodded. ��If those little goblins could get even a corner of the insights contained in those temples, they were bound to make drastic improvements.��


    ��mebearers, Skybreakers, Pces and Courts, and now the Lost ne,�� Zac mused, feeling a headacheing on. ��How the hell does all this connect?��


    ��Who cares?�� Ogras saidzily. ��We just need to figure out where the next pieces are and empower ourselves.��


    ��I guess you��re right,�� Zac said as he released a pent-up sigh. ��We can worry about the other stuff after we get powerful.��


    Zac knew that even if they spent the next week trying to figure things out, it would just be guesswork. The most important thing in the short run was that it didn��t look like they were contending for opportunities since they were collecting different seals.


    ��That��s right. I��m more curious how you caught hold of this opportunity. Did you find another connection to the Lost ne?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Well, I kind of just got a vision out of the blue?�� Zac said as a smile spread across his face.


    ��That��s just swell,�� Ograsined, his face scrunched up like a raisin. ��Some people have to fight shape-shifting nightmares and contend with crazy ghosts for a chance, while others just fall face-down into a pile of treasures. And you even get four opportunities to my three.��


    Zac onlyughed in response. He had missed this, teasing Ogras with his monstrous Luck.


    ��I had forgotten how infuriating it could be traveling with you,�� Ogras muttered. ��Let��s go find your little guide before I drop dead out of envy.��

 Chapter 902: Shameless

    Chapter 902: Shameless


    There were a million things Zac needed to catch up the demon on, but Ogras was right. They had let Vai wait long enough. With the pir still acting like a beacon, Zac didn��t want to stick around in this ce, especially not now that there were two of them who were connected to Ultom and its rted structures.


    ��Alright, we��re about to reach the little guide of yours,�� Ogras said. ��She��s currently pretending to be unconscious. What does she know?��


    ��Nothing about our opportunities. I only said I had a quest and needed to find something,�� Zac said. ��We have been tracking the signal of the temple across over ten Mystic Realms until now, though, so she probably knows it��s something big.��


    ��Like thehersted pir behind us isn��t clue enough,�� Ogras snorted. ��What about your identity?��


    ��Well,�� Zac coughed with some embarrassment before his face started to transform again. ��I told her who I am once, but she didn��t recognize my name. So, for now, I��m Gaun Sorom, a wandering cultivator.��


    Ogras snickered as he looked at Zac with a raised brow. ��Didn��t know you, eh? Must have been a blow to the seconding of the Eveningtide Asura.��


    ��Well, whatever,�� Zac smiled, somewhat happy Ogras still didn��t know about his unfortunate nickname in the sector. ��We need her help if we��re to get out of here. We��re deep in the restricted territory of the Void Star in the middle of an invasion, and I have�� borrowed some strategic resources of the Void Gate.��


    ��Figures,�� Ogras nodded, not even phased. ��How can thatss help us with that, though? No offense, but she didn��t put up much of a fight.��


    ��Well, she��s a researcher rather than a fighter,�� Zac exined. ��More importantly, she��s the great aunt of Leyara Lioress.��


    ��That girl from the Base Town? The nun with the cleavage?�� Ogras said, his eyes almost burning. ��She��s here?��


    ��It��s that bad?�� Zacughed.


    ��You try being locked in this ce with only a mountain of muscles and a ghost goblin forpanions for ten years. If you arrived anyter, I might have shaved one of those ck-furred humanoids and made it my woman,�� Ogras grunted.


    ��Well, I��m not sure if Leyara��s here, but we managed to enter this Mystic Realm by using a gate left by other Void Gate members. I think it might be a special unit with how deep they��ve pushed into Void Star,�� Zac exined. ��My best idea is to find them and have them take us out. Depending on how things pan out, I might have to expose my true identity.��


    ��That��s pretty risky,�� Ogras frowned. ��Even if they don��t make any connection between us and that ce, we��re bound to raise suspicion.��


    ��That��s why I��m hoping we can use Vai to get in contact with her niece to help us out,�� Zac said with some helplessness. ��We don��t have a lot of options.��


    ��Why not just return the way you came from?�� Ogras asked.


    ��For one, the gate that took us into this particr Mystic Realm was one-directional. But even if we get out, I��m not sure it��s possible to return that way,�� Zac said as he briefly exined the situation with the Kan��Tanu infiltrators and how the cortex broke the connections in the Void Star.


    ��So, we��re surrounded by heart-curse-infested lunatics and stuck deep in some unstable Mystic Realm Potpourri,�� Ogras groaned. ��Never a good clean adventure with you, is there?��


    ��This is nothing,�� Zacughed. ��You should have seen when I ran into the real Eveningtide Asura a few years back, and a C-grade capital exploded. Now, that was hectic.��


    ��You WHAT?!�� Ogras screamed, but Zac had already continued forward toward where Vai was being kept.


    This close-by, Zac could already sense Vai��s aura. He shed over, but he stopped in confusion when he saw six specters standing guard over Vai��s unmoving body. Her eyes were closed, but Zac could somewhat tell she was awake from how her energy circted. Apart from her captivity, she looked unscathed apart from a big bump on her head. Zac almostughed from how familiar the scene was to his encounter with Zakarith, the little mercantile demoness back in Port Atwood.


    The ghosts guarding Vai turned into ck streams that poured out from the cave when Zac appeared, leaving the two alone. Zac curiously nced at the energy streams, wondering just what these things were. Judging by their strange aura, they shouldn��t be one of Ogras�� skills. Neither were they proper ghosts, like Triv or the Raun Spectrals.


    Instead, their aura seemed to stem from the Lost ne Ogras briefly mentioned before, which probably meant Ogras had found some method to control the denizens brought to this dimension. Cultivators who controlled beings from other nes were generally called Warlocks, and they were extremely rare. Perhaps even rarer than Karmic Cultivators.


    Not only did you need a powerful soul to control a being like that, but you also needed to find the creatures to bind. It was a lot easier for Beast Tamers; the multiverse was literally crawling with them. But to find a weakness in the dimensionalyers and forming a bridge required luck, skill, and resources.


    The difficulty of bing a warlock was only one aspect of the archetype��s rarity �C the other was the danger. There was a high risk of getting your mind invaded, or at least influenced, by the alien entities. It also bordered on the unorthodox since many of the methods of forming contracts involved sacrifice.


    He would have to keep an eye on Ogras, just in case, to confirm he still was in control of the situation. Thankfully, Zac had managed to infer some positive signs. Those talismans Ogras used to seal that sinister g of his were freshly made with Yeti hide and blood. If Zac had to guess, Ogras might have used Ultom��s state of rity to devise techniques to deal with the danger.


    A second after the ghosts dissipated, Vai hesitantly opened her eyes to find Zac standing right in front of her.


    ��You��re here,�� Vai cried with tears pooling in her eyes as she ran over to Zac.


    ��I��m here,�� Zac smiled as he hugged the little researcher. ��Everything��s okay. Are you hurt?��


    ��I��m fine; I was worr-��Vai said before her eyes widened in rm. ��Behind you!��


    It was obviously Ogras who had walked into view with a crooked smile.


    ��Oh, don��t worry about him; he��s not an infiltrator,�� Zac said as he nced back. ��This is all a big misunderstanding. We actually know each other from before.��


    ��I��m sorry, littless,�� Ogras grinned. ��I didn��t know you were this guy��s wife. I guess that��s my luck. Stuck here for ten years, and when a little cutie finally shows up, she��s already taken by an old buddy.��


    ��I��m- I��m not his wife,�� Vai stuttered as she embarrassedly took a step away from Zac.


    ��Does that mean you��re single?�� Ogras asked with a grin that made him look like a starving ghost.


    ��Rein it in, man,�� Zac snorted as Vai took another step back with a mix of disgust and fear.


    ��Are you really friends with this bad guy?�� Vai whispered.


    ��We��ve known each other for a long time,�� Zac nodded. ��He��s not as bad as he looks. Long ago, he got swallowed by a spatial tear when saving someone��s life, and it turns out he ended up in this Mystic Realm long before it entered the Void Star.��


    ��You��re the first person I��ve seen in ten years,�� Ogras added, and Zac��s eyes widened when he saw the demon take out Vai��s protective treasure. ��I was hoping to find out where you came from and how to get out of this ce. I didn��t even know the sector was at war, let alone anything about the infiltrators. I��m a righteous and upstanding citizen of Zecia.��


    Vai snatched back the ball before once more taking a few steps back. ��W-What righteous person would appear in my shadows, almost knocks me out, and then robs me before asking any questions?��


    ��A righteous person who wants to live a long life,�� Ogras offered after some thought.


    ��Shameless,�� Vai muttered before looking at Zac askance. ��He really is your friend. Two peas in a pod.��


    ��That��s rude. To both of us, I think,�� Ograsughed.


    ��Anyway, we��re sorry you got hurt because of this,�� Zac said as she handed her a bottle of Pseudo D-grade healing salve. ��For your head.��


    ��Rich guy,�� Ogras said as he stared at the shimmering liquid inside. ��Got any more?��


    Zac snorted and threw over one of his spare Spatial Rings that had a kit of Crystals, pills, talismans, and other necessities in case something happened with his main ring.


    ��Rich indeed,�� Ogras said with shimmering eyes.


    ��A-Are you okay as well?�� Vai hesitantly asked with a low volume. ��I saw the pir while the bad guy carried me away. What was that? Are you really nning to destroy this Mystic Realm?��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��You��re blowing up this ce?�� Ogras said as he looked up from the ring in his hand. ��As much as I��d love to see this realm get sted to the underworld, I think King Billy would object.��


    ��I��m not nning on blowing anything up. I don��t know why that pir appeared. I thought only a breach would open,�� Zac exined before turning to Ogras with a raised brow. ��King Billy? What��s going on?��


    ��Well, apart from befriending that annoying crystal, he also subjugated a tribe of aboriginals and formed the Kingdom of Bonk Mountain,�� Ogras snickered.


    ��W-what��s going on?�� Vai asked with confusion.


    ��More people have been stuck in this realm,�� Zac exined. ��I know one of them. We need to pick him up as well before we leave. Do you have any way to contact your people? This realm is even bigger than we expected. It would be almost impossible to find them if we just searched by foot.��


    ��I-��Vai hesitated as she nced at Ogras, who rolled his eyes and walked further away. She spoke up with a low voice, and she actually looked a bit shamefaced. ��I have a distress beacon, but it��s designed for the normal Mystic Realms in the Void Star. It only stretches for two weeks�� travel, I think. I�� activated it in the forest a few times�� I��m sorry.��


    ��Well, that��s fine,�� Zac shrugged. ��But that probably means your people have moved either toward the heart of the realm or the other side. I��m sure we��ll find them eventually if we send out a signal now and then.��


    ��We don��t need to bother with any of that,�� Ogras said from a distance, clearly listening in to the conversation. ��We can just ask Billy��s pet when we get there. In fact, that brute might already have captured or thwonked those people. You never know with that guy.��


    ��Pet?�� Vai said with confusion.


    ��Billy has befriended the Realm Spirit of this Mystic Realm,�� Zac exined, remembering how Qi��Sar had spied on him as he traveled through the Twilight Ocean. ��It should be able to easily locate any other people in this ce, including your fellow temrs.��


    ��A sapient realm spirit!�� Vai eximed with excitement, the uniqueness of a Realm Spirit oveing her wariness from Ogras. ��That is extremely rare! I��ve only read about it in ancient texts. There��s so much we can learn from such a being.��


    ��You are bound to be disappointed if you go in expecting any wisdom from that thing,�� Ogras muttered from the side, prompting Zac to look over with confusion.


    ��Let��s just say Billy is the brains of that duo, and he��s taught the thing everything he knows,�� Ogras grimaced.


    Zac tried to imagine a Realm Spirit raised by Billy for a moment before firmly putting the matter aside. As long as it could help them out, it didn��t matter. ��Alright, there��s no time to waste. I want to get away from the pir anyway.��


    The traveling duo became a trio as they set out, though Vai was not too enthused by the arrangement. Zac could understand her sentiment after being kidnapped himself. It wasn��t something you just moved past. She asionally shot the demon aggrieved looks, which gave Zac a bit of a headache.


    Even if Vai didn��t know any of his biggest secrets, he still saw her as a friend and an ally, and hoped things wouldn��t go south because of this. Thankfully, Ogras understood the problem as well, so he started a relentless campaign against the poor girl. He swapped between peppering her with various questions, telling jokes, and sharing some of his exploits in this Mystic Realm, most of them clearly made-up.


    Like this, a few days passed until they could see the edge of the Mountain Range. Most of the Yeti had gone into hiding below-ground, and with Ogras�� illusory domain, they could walk right by the stragglers who remained on the mountain paths.


    They had exited in another direction than the one they came from, and instead of an endless forest, they spotted huge shimmeringkes stretching out across a mostly tndscape. There was nock of vegetation either, but it looked more like the Twilight Chasm��s coral forest than a normal one.


    ��Wee to the Bands,�� Ogras said with an expansive wave. ��Some of thekes are saltwater. Others are pure acid. They all have nasty bastards hiding in the depths, and there are even more nasty critters above-ground. This ce has been the cause of many headaches over the years.��


    ��The beasts? They��re aggressive?�� Zac asked.


    ��It��s not too bad,�� Ogras said. ��The real problem is the furry humanoids in the mountains. Since they arrived, the Bands have been their main hunting ground. Sometimes, thousands of those ck-furred bastards descend the mountains like locusts. Their actions have kicked up tides of beasts that fled straight toward the Kingdom of Bonk. It��s be Billy��s new Ratlight, one that hassted for years.��


    ��Alright, let��s head inside,�� Zac said as he looked back at the pir behind them.


    Since yesterday, it had finally started to shrink. Going by the rate it was thinning, it would probably be gone within the week. The thing hadn��t caused any problems, but it was still a huge relief to see it go. No matter if you considered the tremendous amounts of power it contained or the madness instilled into the energy, it wasn��t even a two-edged sword �C it was an uncontroble cmity if it was unleashed on this realm.


    ��Wait, people areing! Almost two hundred cultivators!�� Vai suddenly eximed as she stared into her bowl. ��Six, no seven Hegemons! We need to hide quickly.��


    ��Where?�� Ogras said with confusion as he looked around.


    ��They��re still an hour��s travel away,�� Vai exined.


    ��Pretty nifty, that thing,�� Ogras said as he looked at the bowl with interest.


    ��I-It��s not for sale. It��s mine,�� Vai said with determination in her eyes.


    ��I was just looking,�� Ogras said with helplessness as he held up his hands in defeat.


    ��Two hundred,�� Zac muttered. ��The Void Gate encampment we saw couldn��t hold that many people. Should be invaders.��


    ��What do you think?�� Ogras asked as the illusive domain around them condensed even further.


    ��Keep one or two alive for questioning?�� Zac said after some consideration.


    ��Good,�� Ogras grinned as the air around them started to shimmer. ��Finally some change after years of fighting those beasts.��


    ��Y-you two!�� Vai eximed. ��Going by the strength of the lights, one of the hegemons is either an elite or approaching Middle D-grade.��


    ��Compared to Captain Teo, who��s stronger?�� Zac asked.


    ��Teo, definitely,�� Vai said without hesitation.


    ��Then we��ll be fine. Can you see where they will enter the mountains?�� Zac asked.


    Twenty minutester, the group arrived at a spot Ogras knew. It was a small basin no more than two hundred meters across �C small enough to restrict such a big group, while Zac��s skills could still cover the whole thing. It was the perfect spot for an ambush.


    Vai had retreated even further and was safely hidden in a nearby cave, while Zac and Ogras hung from a sheer mountain wall inside an illusion array further augmented by Ogras�� skills. After sensing just how hard to spot Ogras had be, Zac wasn��t worried they��d be exposed unless the enemies had a Hegemon scout.


    They had essentially be flies on the wall, silently waiting until they finally saw some movement. Two scouts moved with impressive speed, one on the ground and one jumping between mountain peaks using a blood-based movement skill as they headed deeper into the mountain range. Their auras were almost as indistinct as Ogras��, but Zac would definitely have spotted them even if he wasn��t prepared.


    ��The others shouldn��t be far off,�� Ogras whispered when the two had passed.


    ��Can you drop me off in the middle of the army?�� Zac asked. ��As close to the hegemons as possible? Or will that mess with your skills?��


    ��No worries,�� Ogras smiled. ��Just do your thing and soak up their attention �C I will support you from the outside. Like the good old days.��


    ��Like the good old days,�� Zac nodded as he handed the demon the curse-warding talisman he��d picked up before. ��Remember, don��t stay close to those guys when they die, or you��ll get infected. Take this thing just in case.��


    ��What about you?�� Ogras said as he put the talisman on his robes.


    ��I��m immune,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Braggart,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    Another thirty minutester, Zac saw the whole mountain path light up with [Cosmic Gaze] from the powerful auras in the army. They were moving fast and would enter the basin in just a few seconds, so Zac immediately activated [Arcadian Crusade]. With seven Hegemons holding the fort, including a powerful one, he would need to thin out the numbers quickly.


    ��Alright,�� Ogras whispered as he ced his hand on Zac��s shoulder, prompting the world to turn grey. ��I can��t wait to see what kind of monster you��ve be over the past decade.��


    Zac only scoffed, but he was actually a bit excited himself. Most of his Skills had seen upgrades in the temple, and an opportunity to try them out had already presented itself.

 Chapter 903: Choosing Death

    Chapter 903: Choosing Death


    The world twisted, and Zac suddenly sensed hundreds of powerful auras all around him. Ogras had done exactly what he��d asked �C teleported him into the middle of the infiltrator squad. The demon had even left behind a shroud of haze that would give him a slight edge in the ambush, and Zac wasted no time as he swung his axe.


    The grey world around him lit up with sanguine luster as he activated not only the skills of [Verun��s Bite], but also a few of his own.The Dao-infused axe mmed into the head of one of the nearby Hegemons before he had a chance to respond. To add insult to injury, the body was cut apart by a storm of fractal leaves as Zac unleashed his area attack of [Nature��s Edge] that covered a good portion of the basin.


    Zac was disappointed that he didn��t feel any stronger with the upgraded version of [Arcadian Crusade], and it still provided a 35% boost. Instead, the golden runes on his body had grown denser, and he could feel how his energy cirction had been improved by another level. That was pretty decent as well.


    Mastering his techniques had taught him the importance of small advantages, and being able to activate skills 50% faster was huge since it meant you didn��t need to create asrge an opening to strike. Now, it had allowed Zac tounch a surprise strike before the Kan��Tanu Cultivators had even figured out where he stood, and over fifty streams of energy immediately entered his body from the fallen E-grade cultivators.


    But Zac didn��t stop there. The trees of [Ancestral Woods] had already appeared by that point, and Zac leaped into a tree next to him just as dozens of terrifying attacksnded on his position. Ten of his trees were disintegrated in the area he stood, but the attacks also destroyed most of the ownerless blood curses around him.


    These soldiers weren��t fools. Even if they didn��t know the exact effect of the primordial forest, they knew enough to destroy it. Most of his skill had been dismantled instantly, but the sudden appearance of a forest provided an excellent opportunity for the dagger in the dark to make his move. As Zac appeared from another of the trees, he saw a whole nk of the army descend into madness.


    Some warriors struck their allies like they were trying to cut down the tress of [Ancestral Woods]. Others were gored by shadowy spears. Some were even killed by those spectral creatures Zac had seen before. Another 50 warriors had been taken out in an instant, showcasing just how powerful Ogras had be.


    These people were not just random F-grade fodder; the warriors were all High E-grade at the least, with most of them being Peak E-grade. There had to be a significant power discrepancy to effortlessly cull their numbers like this. And not even the Hegemons were safe from Ogras�� all-out assault. A highly condensed shadownce struck a Hegemon from behind.


    The man had just received a bloody gash from one of Zac��s fractal leaves, and Ogras�� strike wasunched with perfect timing. The warrior just barely managed to block it in time with a defensive skill, but the attack had created a huge opening. This was exactly what Zac needed. Most of the Hegemons were still standing, and it was they who were the real threat. Less than a second had passed since the two descended on the infiltrators, and Zac wanted to take out at least two more leaders before they organized a response.


    One of the blood curses had already found his trail, but he ignored the stabbing pain on his back as he activated [Earthstrider]. A step took him right next to his target, and Zac was ted to sense how sturdy his movement skill had be. It didn��t seem quicker than before, but he could tell that it was able to forcibly contract space to a higher degree.


    That was especially important in battlefields where chaotic energies and Dao Fields were always present. Typically, it felt like pushing through quicksand, but the effect was greatly subdued as he plowed right into the condensed Dao field of the scimitar-wielding Hegemon. The warrior emitted a murderous aura, but something like that wasn��t enough to give pause to Zac as he mmed into the Hegemon like a ferocious bear.


    The push was the straw that broke the camel��s back, and the interlockedyer of rocky scales the warrior had summoned crumbled. [Verun��s Bite] followed right in tow as it bit into the forehead of the man, ending him in an instant. It was quick and clean, and showcased the indomitability of an apex predator.


    A scream in his mind alerted him of imminent danger. He narrowly dodged a colossal beam of shrieking madness that destroyed everything in its path, including at least a dozen E-grade infiltrators. It had been released by the leader, a weird hunched-over human whose mouth was bereft of both lips and teeth. His face was locked in a grotesque mask of pain as he looked right at Zac, somehow seeing straight through Ogras�� shadowy domain.


    Zac had barely managed to move out of harm��s way, but it looked like he left an opening just like the scimitar-wielding Hegemon. In reality, Vivi��s vines were acting like a counterweight, and his situation was nowhere near as precarious as it seemed. Since he had reached the Integration Stage of his Evolutionary Stance, it required a lot more effort to push him off-bnce than a surprise attack.


    But the ruse had aplished its goal as another of the Hegemons appeared right behind him with a brutal cudgel in his hand. It emitted smoldering heat like a falling meteor as the Hegemon swung it toward his head. Zac was about to strike, but a spear appeared out of nowhere and pierced the head of the bulky warrior.


    It was Ogras who had appeared out of nowhere and struck like lightning, using some means Zac couldn��t decipher in the heat of the battle. The scene was almost iprehensible as Zac could clearly see the demon fighting against a group of cultivators within his and the cudgel-wielding Hegemon��s sight.


    The demon was gone as quickly as he had appeared, and three of the e-grade warriors fell to the supposed illusion at the same time. Since his own target was dead, Zac furiously circted his Dao and Cosmic Energy, and two clouds shot toward a fourth Hegemon. Simultaneously, a feral snarl echoed through the area as Verun appeared from his axe, and the Tool Spirit pounced on another Hegemon who was charging up a powerful skill judging by the energy undtions.


    Space was parted into an unbridgeable chasm as the hymns of Arcadia and the deafening silence of the Abyss drowned out the pained cries of the warriors. A ferocious swing of the Hegemon parried the manufactured spatial tear, but it was clear this warrior wasn��t up to the task. He couldn��t withstand a Peak-Mastery skill like [Rapturous Divide] that was empowered by [Spiritual Void], [Adamance of Eoz], and two Dao Branches.


    His attack was broken apart, and the spatial divide carved a huge gash into his chest. Unfortunately, he barely managed to expend the final energy of Zac��s skill before gutting being cut apart, but Zac had already appeared in the wake of his skill. A swift swing of his axe finished the job, but an extreme danger gripped him by that time.


    An enormous face had appeared in the sky that radiated an intensely evil aura. Like the one who summoned the skill, the face had no lips or teeth. The avatar didn��t have eyes either, or it was rather more apt to say it had lost them since two huge engraved spikes had pushed into its eye sockets.


    Zac urgently activated [Empyrean Aegis], and two golden bubbles appeared, one around himself and one around what Zac hoped was the real Ogras. At the same time, three pirs rose behind his back, indicating the durability of the skill had gone up another tier. It was just in time, as the grotesque avatar unleashed a tremendous wail that tore apart space itself.


    The scream was deafening, and not even his recently upgraded defensive skill couldpletely block out its effects. The huge avatar��s wail threw Zac��s mind into chaos as bleeding gashes appeared all over his body. Ogras wasn��t much better off. He tried to disappear into the shadows, but space had be too fractured for movement skills, and he was immediately thrown out.


    Gristly gashes appeared across the demon��s body, and bad turned to worse as one of the surviving Hegemons took advantage of the overtaxed golden bubble and punched a nasty hole in Ogras�� side with a mighty javelin throw. Thest vestiges of [Ancestral Forest] crumbled as well, and Zac saw how one of the Hegemons was rushing toward him with murder in his eyes.


    The only good news was that Zac and hispanion weren��t the only ones in trouble. The evil god��s wail didn��t discern friend from foe, and its skill covered the whole basin. It even bounced off the wall to create a dangerous superimposed effect. The surviving Hegemons had barely withstood the attack by activating defensive talismans, but the E-grade warriors didn��t have that kind of luxury.


    Whether it was defensive skills or E-grade talismans, it all broke apart in front of the grotesque avatar. Only Zac, Ogras, and the Hegemons remained standing a secondter, along with Verun who didn��t seem affected by the sound wave. The problem was that the wail was unrelenting, and one of the pirs had already crumbled.


    Cosmic Energy surged into Zac��s right arm as four thick Vines empowered with the Branch of the Kalpataru shot out. They unleashed an all-out offense at the iing Hegemon, continuously breaking apart and regrowing under the seemingly tireless screech from above. A shimmering swirl rose around the warrior as well, and Zac was ted to see the Hegemon turn and run in the wrong direction.


    He quickly broke Ogras�� illusion, but the brief pause had been enough for Zac to finish charging the Skill Fractal on his arm. Space broke apart as the enormous hand of [Arcadia��s Judgement] emerged. The hand and its axe had grown evenrger since the upgrade, gaining roughly five meters in length.


    That was not the only change, as a familiar feature had returned. A massive sigil had formed in the sky, towering over even the enormous avatar. It covered the whole basin, and Zac was amazed to see the avatar was pushed down toward the ground from the pressure. The weaker Hegemons weren��t much better off as Zac��s domain overloaded their already strained defensive talismans, and they suddenly found themselves under attack from not one but two skills.


    Only two people were left unscathed �C the powerful Hegemon who withstood the pressure with the help of an odd shuddering domain, and Ogras who didn��t seem to be affected at all. It wasn��t thanks to the demon��s own skill, though. An unmistakable resonance in the golden barrier around him indicated a synergy between his two skills �C those shielded by [Empyrean Aegis] were exempt from [Arcadia��s Judgement].


    The final pir of [Empyrean Aegis] was already showing cracks, but it was barely enough. The axe descended with unprecedented force, and the whole mountain range shook. The leader knew his skill was in trouble, and four ttering skulls appeared to intercept the axe. However, before they could soak up some of the momentum, a tremendousnce of shadow swallowed them whole.


    It was a bloodied Ogras, now sporting four sets of shadowy wings, who had released the skill, paving the way for Zac to do maximum damage. The other Hegemons could barely withstand the two skills, so they couldn��t help either. The axe bit into the head of the evil god a momentter, and it was immediately pushed the final distance to the ground.


    The first half of the strike destroyed the avatar in one go, and even one of the Hegemons was turned into mincemeat. A momentter, it was like the world itself unleashed its anger on them as thousands of spikes shot up through the ground. In the chaos, yet another Hegemon fell under thebined onught of Verun and Ogras.


    That left the only one enemy standing �C the lipless leader of the army. Unfortunately, he had withstood both the first and second half of the skill. He wasn��t unscathed as one of his arms hung limply to the side while he was covered in cuts and bruises, but Zac frowned when he felt the man��s aura was still rock-solid.


    It was a bit risky leaving the leader forst, but it was the strategy he and Ogras had settled on. They only knew this person was powerful before the army appeared, and there was no way to tell if Ogras could even get close enough to him for Zac tounch a surprise strike. Instead, they had opted to take out as many Hegemons as possible in a blitz and then focus on the leader.


    Even if things had gone mostly ording to n, Zac had hoped he��d reach this point without having expended both [Rapturous Divide] and [Arcadia��s Judgement]. His berserking skill had run its course by now, indicating the time itsted hadn��t changed. Instead, the bacsh had been drastically lessened, and Zac only felt a wave of exhaustion instead of losing half hisbat strength.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was not a coincidence, but rather design. Zac had aimed for this when he reforged the skill; more power instead of more time, and a smaller bacsh upon upgrade instead of an increased time frame. Right now, he somewhat regretted that direction as another 10 seconds on the clock would have been nice, especially as Zac saw the leader��s flesh twist and turn until he was remade anew like a fleshy puppet.


    It definitely wasn��t the unfettered possibility of Creation who had made it possible, nor was it a healing skill. It was the blood curse in his body. Zac had seen those tendrils twist and pulse in the wounds. Not only that, but he could actually feel a sense of danger from the curse, even at this distance.


    There were no two ways about it �C this guy was more powerful than Zac had expected.


    Since the Hegemon wasn��t circting any energy, Zac didn��t immediately make his move either. Zac needed the break more than the infiltrator, so he swallowed a Healing Pill to alleviate some of the exhaustion. Ogras had already disappeared again, probably waiting for a time to strike. For a few seconds, no one said anything, until the Hegemon released a wheezingugh.


    ��So this untested Sector has some warriors with mettle, after all,�� the leader said, his voice a ghastly lisp. ��I��m guessing you��re the candidate who created the pir?��


    Zac frowned as he looked at the warrior. He didn��t seem ruffled at all upon seeing his army copsing. Was the infiltrator that confident in his own strength? And was it just a guess that the Hegemon had pegged him as a candidate of Ultom, or did he have some way to confirm it?


    ��You have proven yourself, so I will give you an option besides death,�� the toothless man continued. ��Return with me to the Kan��Tanu Sector and loyally assist whatever faction we sell you to.��


    ��Sell me?�� Zac frowned. ��What are you talking about?��


    Zac obviously wasn��t about to take this man up on his offer, but anything he could glean from him was valuable information.


    ��This is a greater opportunity than you can imagine. The exalted forces are looking for candidates. If you don��t sell yourself, you will be hunted down without fail,�� the man continued. ��In return, you will be a member of some of the mightiest forces in existence, something Frontier Cultivators like us can only dream of.��


    ��Not interested, sorry,�� Zac grunted as the medicinal efficacy of the Healing Pill was exhausted.


    ��So you choose death,�� the Hegemon said. ��You leave me no choice.��


    ��You��re talking like your whole army isn��t lying dead around you,�� Zac snorted.


    ��Army? These warves?�� the manughed. ��They are not mypanions. They are my nourishment.��


    Hundreds of bodies exploded the next moment, and a red haze covered the whole basin. Simultaneously, the Hegemon��s aura exploded to an unprecedented degree, clearly entering the levels of a Middle Hegemon. Zac felt an enormous eviling from within the leader that was rapidly being covered in pulsating tendrils.


    This was far beyond what he��d seen from any other infiltrators. There was only one answer �C this man carried a curse far more potent than the others, and this was his true state. Space itself shuddered around him like it was finding it hard to contain his aura, and Zac almost felt like he was facing the insanely powerful cyborg again.


    A barrage of fractal leaves shot toward the man, but the shallow cuts they left on the fleshy armor healed almost instantly. Seeing such a disy, Zac knew that this wasn��t something he could deal with in his current state. There was no other option �C he needed to activate the backup n.


    ��Shroud!�� Zac shouted, and it was like a dozen smoke bombs had erupted at once, covering the basin and the surrounding mountains in thick isting shadows.


    Death filled his being as his surroundings changed hue. Chains rattled as a coffin appeared on its back, the swirl on its lid looking like a gateway to the underworld itself. In his hand, [ck Death] appeared as his other tool spirit returned into [Verun��s Bite] before being stowed away. This was the ultimate card in his repertoire, finally made possible by Ogras illusory skills.


    ��I choose Death?�� Zac said as his body started to grow. ��You have no idea.��

 Chapter 904: Arbiter

    Chapter 904: Arbiter


    The fleshy armor around the lipless infiltrator writhed and pulsated like a stygian horror. Even then, he looked at Zac like he was the monstrosity as Zacpleted a transformation of his own. Muscles and bones creaked and groaned until Zac was almost four meters tall. This feature didn��t strengthen him, but he kept it since it had proven useful when he fought Uona.


    However, no one who had seen [Vanguard of Undeath] would recognize the skill even if he had be supersized. The thick ting that radiated the cold aquamarine of death from within was mostly gone. Instead, Zac found himself donning a mantle of utter darkness that covered most of his features.


    He still gained a dark scaled breastte with dense inscriptions, but his helmet was reced by a hood and the rest of his ting with dark robes that continuously released the ck tendrils of the abyss. To an earthling, he probably resembled a grim reaper equipped with a coffin and axe instead of a scythe.


    [Love��s Bond] and [ck Death] looked mostly the same, except the links had grown a shade darker as they had been imbued with the abyssal aura of his Draugr heritage. Of course, they had also grown in size to match Zac��s own, but the axe retained its shape instead of being reformed into a bardiche.


    This was intentional. Even if Zac could fight mostly unencumbered with almost any type of axe thanks to his mastery, there would be a sense of imbnce when he used his Inexorable Stance. The bardiche had been pretty good before since he neither had any proper technique nor an axe for his undead side. But now that he had the perfect weapon, it would weaken the skill if it transformed his weapon.


    There were two more additions to his new look �C the first was a swirling darkness that formed a terrifying backdrop behind him. It was actually the vortex on Alea��s coffin lid that had grown in size. It probably looked like a gateway to the abyss, one even more palpable than the darkness of [Rapturous Divide]. The swirl was now roughly the size of his torso, and it created a profane halo effect.


    And from its depths, the final part of the ensemble emerged; a thick scarred chain that wound itself around his left forearm, essentially forming a thick impregnable bracer. Just looking at the scars caused his soul to shudder, and it felt like they had been left by some monstrous devil whose aura still lingered.


    The chain didn��te from inside [Love��s Bond] but rather from the skill itself, though there was some rtion. The stronger Alea grew, the stronger this chain would be, just like how the power of his shield had partly determined the protective qualities of [Immutable Bulwark].


    ��You!�� the Hegemon eximed. ��What manner of monstrosity are you!��


    ��That��sing from you?�� Zac countered with a raspy voice that sounded like it was summoned from the depths of hell.


    The lipless Hegemon��s transformation wasplete, and it looked extremely disgusting. In his chest was a huge hole from which the tendrils of his Heart Curse had emerged. In its center was a beating mass that emitted an exceedingly evil aura. Bloody veins had wound themselves around almost every part of his body to form a living armor.


    They still rippled a bit, but they had mostly thinned down to a manageable size that shouldn��t restrict his movements. Zac could sense dozens of familiar auras from within those tendrils �C the auras of those he and Ogras had just killed. It created an extremely discordant appearance, which was only furthered by the fact the Hegemon now exuded two auras of his own.


    The Hegemon and his Heart Curse were one, yet they weren��t. Their auras were entwined, empowering each other like a Dao Braid. Zac knew it wasn��t so simple, though. Unless this curse was utterly different from how the other curses functioned, it shouldn��t have any energy of its own. It was ultimately a parasite that acted a bit like a specialty core where it provided power at the expense of lifeforce or energy expenditure.


    Even if the Hegemon had seemingly absorbed a massive amount of blood and energy from the corpses of his so-called warves, there had to be a cost to gaining power this way. No matter how the transformation worked, the leader was definitely stronger than they had expected, and most likely a different tier of warrior than any invader he��d run into until now.


    From Vai��s analysis, this man was supposed to be just above Uzu��s true strength, but he was inching in on the strength of a proper Middle Stage Hegemon with the activation of the Heart Curse. Zac hadn��t expected such a tough fight out of nowhere, but there was nothing to do. This man couldn��t be allowed to leave alive, whether it was because of his secrets or his connection to Ultom.


    ��Get away,�� Zac whispered into the shadows, hoping Ogras could hear him.


    One thing hadn��t changed since he and Ogras metst; he still couldn��tpletely shield the living from the effect of his skills. The next moment, a shroud of darkness descended on the basin, forming a core of unrelenting darkness in the shadow realm Ogras had erected. [Deathmark], [Fields of Despair], and [Blighted Cut] were activated at once. Zac even considered using [Pir of Destion] from the get-go, but he ultimately decided against it.


    The infiltrator had immediately recovered from getting hit by the second st of [Arcadia��s Judgement] empowered by [Arcadian Crusade], and that was before he had absorbed the bodies of over two hundred warriors, including a half-dozen Hegemons. Zac couldn��t waste his Supreme Pathbound Skill right away until he better understood what he was dealing with and the limits of his recovery.


    Hopefully, he wouldn��t have to use it at all.


    ��I don��t know how you suddenly turned into an undead monstrosity, but it doesn��t matter,�� the Hegemon growled. ��I��ll rip you apart just the same.��


    The next moment, another grotesque avatar appeared behind the lipless warrior��s back. It was three faces fused into one, with lumps of tumors and writhing flesh creating a nightmarish scene. They were locked in a silent scream, and Zac frowned from within his hood. Zac wouldn��t have allowed the Hegemon to activate any skills in a perfect world, but it was impossible to avoid.


    Even after his race-transforming skill was upgraded, his swap took a little bit to finish up. And since they had left Kan��Tanu Sound Cultivator forst, he had been given a window toplete his own preparations.


    ��I��ve never met an undead before; I heard they existed in this sector,�� the Hegemon continued, his voice amplified and repeated by the enormous heads behind him. Zac felt his soul shudder from the effect �C just speaking had be an attack in the Hegemon��s current form. ��I will offer your cursed eyes as a gift to the general. I know he would be interested in such a unique specimen.��


    Zac briefly wondered if the man didn��t actually know about Draugr, but he guessed it didn��t really matter. Zac didn��t immediately strike and instead opted to wait and observe for a moment. This man was far too powerful just to throw out his whole repertoire at once and possibly waste the effect of his skills.


    Luckily, Zac had minions who could test the waters for him. An axe-wielding wraith of [Deathmark] appeared out of nowhere behind the Hegemon��s back, and it swung its axe in a ruthless arc aimed at his neck. With itstest upgrade, the specter had be even more congealed, and its weapon no longer looked like it had been picked up from an ancient battlefield.


    Its speed and intelligence had both improved, but Zac inwardly sighed when it was all for naught. The phantom only managed to start up its swing before it crumbled. Some sort of domain surrounded the Hegemon. Not only that, but ten spikes shot out from the fleshy armor that covered the man and ripped the already copsing specter apart. It looked like an autonomous action, which wasn��t surprising considering even the lower Heart Curses had some basic instincts.


    Just after the wraith crumbled, Zac was beset by a sharp pang of danger. Not wanting to take any risks, he turned into a stream of Miasma that flew toward his target. In his previous position, space tore apart as a sound wave so powerful it could be seen with the naked eye spread out in every direction.


    It was the enormous avatar in the air that was responsible. One of its mouths had opened in a wordless scream, and it somehow transferred its wail into a singr spot. By the time the attack caught up with Zac, it had been somewhat diminished. But Zac��s vision was still distorted, and it felt like sharp spikes were stabbing into his ears.


    The shockwave forcibly deactivated [Abyssal Phase], and a dozen flesh spikes shot out from the Hegemon to take advantage of the opening. They narrowly missed as they pierced empty air around Zac, allowing him to regain his footing. It wasn��t a clumsy mistake but rather an effect of [Arbiter of the Abyss]. Even if he had been affected by the soundwave, his new skill was still running.


    And its domain was incredibly powerful.


    When Zac formed the skill, reconfiguring the taunting function of [Vanguard of Undeath] had taken up most of his efforts. It was now responsible not only for control but even part of the defenses. The strength of his taunt had been greatly improved, and he could now rebuff just like he could attract.


    A hit that would narrowly hit would now miss, and a lethal strike would get demoted to a flesh wound as it was rebuffed, drastically lessening the pressure on himself and [Profane Exponents] when he fought. Any skilled enemy would be able to correct for the control domain soon enough, but he could just switch the direction when that happened, forcing the enemy to readjust continuously.


    In other words, it not only helped with defenses while retaining its ability to drag unwilling enemies toward him. It was an effective way to ruin someone��s momentum and rythm. Being able to push his enemies and their attacks into any direction would have been even better, but that was beyond him and his skill. It would require absolute control within your sphere of influence, rather than the more straightforward push away and drag over functionality.


    Using the domain felt as natural as breathing, so Zac immediatelyunched a real offensive of his own since waiting around was fruitless. The corrosive atmosphere of [Deathmark] wasn��t able to leave any real damage on the fleshy armor even in its upgraded state, and it looked like the specters would have to stack corrosive marks to have any effect.


    The lipless Aural Cultivator was still full of certainty and overconfidence after triggering his Heart Curse, and Zac wanted to seize the momentum before he realized he wasn��t as infallible as he believed. Chains oozing with corrosive death rattled as they shot toward the Hegemon while Zac himself followed in their wake.


    He could sense the chains being assaulted by invisible ripples, but it wasn��t enough to damage them. Alea��s chains were already nigh-unbreakable for an Early Hegemon while still an F-grade Spirit Tool, and her recent breakthrough had pushed her three full tiers into Late E-grade. Zac doubted even an all-out strike was enough to cause cracks in the fetters by this point.


    Another pang of danger made Zac control one of the chains to push him out of the way, just in time to avoid a second smaller explosion of sound. It felt like a concussion grenade had been thrown out right next to him, but he had already plugged up his ears with Miasma and the Branch of the Pale Seal. It wasn��t enough topletely block out the noise, but it helped deal with the worst of it.


    Anothersh of a chain propelled Zac right toward the Hegemon, and the colossal axe of [Arbiter of the Abyss] fell toward the Hegemon��s head. There was no worry in the man��s murky eyes as he took out an odd-looking staff. It was made of metal and had dozens of trinkets hanging from links that were embedded along its length, from mottled bones to exquisitely crafted bells.


    He swept the staff upward, and the miasmic clouds around them churned as the two weapons collided. Zac wasn��t holding back, and his force was enough to crumble mountains. And yet, the Hegemon was only pushed half a step back as he blocked the strike. The chains of [Love��s Bond] were already aiming for vitals to restrict the cultist��s options and begin Zac��s inexorable dance of death, but a confusing cacophony of discordant sounds mmed into Zac��s head with just as tangible an effect as a punch.


    Sharp pain bloomed in his side as flesh and ichor flew in every direction. It wasn��t a projectile that had ripped out a piece of his gut but rather a Dao-infused whistle from the Hegemon himself. How the hell someone could whistle without lips was the least of Zac��s concerns right now �C the fact that he could feel a surprisingly powerful Dao in his wound was a much greater cause for concern.


    It would probably have been game over for an average person by getting such a wound, but his Hidden Nodes were like startled beasts whose domains had been infringed upon by an interloper. They went on a ferocious offensive, allowing Zac to contain the damage as he continued to fight.


    It had been some time since he used his Inexorable Stance. Still, he seamlessly slid into the familiar patterns as his axe and chains formed an inescapable that would only inevitably lead to Death. Knowing what to look for, Zac focused on the Hegemon��s mouth, lungs, and throat to interrupt his aural skills, and he activated [Profane Exponents] to protect against further surprise whistles.


    Three silhouettes appeared behind him, and a spectral coffin appeared and blocked the jab in the nick of time. The three pygmies hadn��t grown any taller since the upgrade, and neither had a fourth one joined them. But their auras were deeper, and their equipment looked a lot more powerful, indicating the skill had been given an all-around boost instead of new features.


    Even if he had been taught some decent staff technique, the Hegemon was clearly not an adroit infighter. But between a Dao- and Attribute advantage, his autonomously attacking armor, and the avatar in the sky, which kept unleashing localized bursts of utter destruction, he somewhat kept up. Even then, Zac was steadily dragging the fight into his favor.


    Huge festering gashes kept appearing across the grotesque armor, and whole chunks of flesh kept slouching off the Hegemon��s body. The lipless cultivator managed to release a few barbs of his own, or rather his armor did. More than ten shallow wounds had been punched into Zac��s body by the flesh tendrils, but most of the wounds were intentional blunders on Zac��s part.


    Zac didn��t know exactly what the Hegemon was nning, but it almost felt like the cultivator was leaving behind small bombs in Zac��s body. They were parts of a Heart Curse that looked iplete on the surface, but they still filled Zac with a vague sense of danger. Zac guessed they just needed a trigger to start causing havoc.


    Unfortunately for the Hegemon, the seeds were destroyed and swallowed by [Void Heart] and [Purity of the Void] as quickly as they appeared. The two hidden nodes weren��t able to deal with the puncture wound in his gut, so they instead had turned their attention to the seeds. The Dao from whistle was a lot more troublesome, but it wouldn��t be able to cause any real damage in the short run.


    Zac had already realized that slowly whittling down this man wouldn��t work. Between being an Elite Hegemon and having the stolen vitality of 200 warriors, he just had too much ability to regenerate. No matter how much flesh Zac destroyed, new veins would regrow with a pace that put even Vivi to shame.


    He would have to finish it in one go, and Zac sensed the opportunity was about to present itself.


    Suddenly, a deafening crash of jumbled sounds made Zac��s head spin as most of the trinkets on the Hegemon��s staff exploded. Each one released a sharp burst of sound, and together they formed a tremendous Aural attack. Even if Zac was prepared and had already turned on the active state of [Indomitable], he still found his mind a mess.


    ��Join us,�� the Hegemon sneered, his voice turning into a confusing rattle in Zac��s head.


    At the same time, an incredibly thick fleshy spike shot out from the hole in his chest. It almost looked like an arm had grown out of the hole in the Hegemon��s chest as it shot toward Zac��s gut wound. Zac��s mind was still a confusing jumble from the audible overload, but the coffin-wielding pygmy skeleton came to the rescue. The shield held even against the Heart Curse��s empowered strike, but Zac nched when he saw why.


    It almost looked like a water cannon had hit his barrier when the bloody arm mmed into it. The curse split up into dozens of thinner tendrils that wound around the coffin before reforming on the other side. There was still a chance he could avoid the iing attack by pushing the domain of [Arbiter of the Abyss] to its limit, but Zac actually did the opposite.


    He could feel an enormous amount of energy hidden inside the tendril, but he would still let it hit him. He was sure this was the catalyst for the supposed triggers left all over his body, and he wanted to give the Hegemon a false sense of victory. However, Zac didn��t want the tendril to mix with the powerful Dao left behind by the whistle. The taunting domain of [Arbiter of the Abyss] once more came in clutch as it pulled the tendril toward his other side while Zac pretended to stumble a bit.


    Meanwhile, he prepared a move of his own. The chains of [Love��s Bond] were already striking at the Hegemon since before, and the cultivator was forced to divert some of his attention to avoid getting blinded. Seeing his opportunity, Zac said a silent prayer as his left arm rose, and the abyssal chain around his forearm uncoiled and shot forward.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was even slower than his other chains, and it didn��t even try to intercept the bloody tendril that was almost upon him. Instead, it flew toward the Hegemon. Zac felt a gut-wrenching pain in his side a momentter as the bloody arm punched straight through his breastte and dug into his body.


    Zac saw the Hegemon��s eyes light up as Zac��s body was filled with the evil energy of the evolved Heart Curse. But nothing happened since the seeds were long gone, and Zac grinned at the confused and rmed look of the Hegemon. A momentter, his chain lightly tapped against the chest of the Hegemon, and Zac knew it was over at that point.


    ��Caught you.��

 Chapter 905: Pressure

    Chapter 905: Pressure


    ��You��re immune!�� the lipless cultivator screamed with shock and confusion written all over his face.


    Zac didn��t bother answering; his attention rather focused on a surprising shift in one of his skills. The next moment, three sharp twangs echoed out as deep wounds were carved into the Hegemon. It was the finishing blow of [Blighted Cut] that had suddenly be avable thanks to [Arbiter of the Abyss]. It allowed for instant judgment, and the Hegemon was almost dismembered into four chunks.


    Unfortunately, the durability of the fleshy armor was too great. Even with its upgraded lethality from reaching Late Proficiency, [Blighted Cut] didn��t manage to cut him all the way through. Its force was expended after digging half the way, and thick tendrils immediately shot out from within his innards to keep his body together.


    Not even the corrosive cascade of [Blighted Cut] failing was enough to finish the job. The tendrils of the heart curse broke apart, but new ones reced the old in an endless cycle until the attack was expended. A tremendous shockwave threw Zac back the next moment as the colossal Avatar in the sky exploded. The Hegemon had sacrificed his supportive attack skill to gain some breathing room, and his reaction was immediate.


    He fled.


    Between Zac��s apparent immunity to the Heart Curse and almost getting killed, it was clear the previous confidence of the Hegemon was long gone. Unfortunately for him, it was already toote. Being able to suddenly activate [Blighted Cut] was just a happy surprise, and not what Zac had nned to rely on.


    The moment the sound wave threw him back, the one chain emerging from the abyssal halo had turned into two. The first was the original one that had returned to his arm after being rebuffed. The second was a spectral chain that was still very much attached to the Hegemon��s chest. It didn��t have the usual cold turquoise of Miasma, but it was instead a matte ck that reeked of pure death.


    The Kan��Tanu tried to destroy the ethereal chain with another weaponized whistle, but the only result was the Hegemon stumbling, falling back to the ground when he was rearing to fly away. It wasn��t so easy to deal with this chain. The infiltrator had been fettered by [Arbiter of the Abyss], and he would only be released after receiving judgment. Trying to break free would just result in a spiritual bacsh.


    The Hegemon gave up attacking the chain and opted to simply fly into the sky. But that wouldn��t save him either, and Zac didn��t even bother locking up the area with [Pir of Destion]. Instead, a storm of energy entered the skill fractal of [Desperation��s End], just as the Hegemon suddenly turned 180 degrees and flew straight toward Zac.


    His face was filled with confusion as he turned back, but the same thing happened twice in quick session. By that point, it was toote for regrets. Zac wasn��t taking any chances, and his activation time had been cut down to a third with the help of Void Energy. Two massive wings had already appeared behind Zac��s back while [Arbiter of the Abyss] had turned the Hegemon around, and a scarred skull was now flying toward the man.


    The lipless cultivator readied his staff as ast-ditch effort, but he urgently swung it to his side as another [Deathmark]-wraith had finally appeared to strike him down. A second flourish rebuffed one of the chains of [Love��s Bond] that had followed him into the sky, before he finally swung his staff down toward the de the skull of [Desperation��s End] had unleashed.


    But the swing turned crooked by a tug from the spectral chain. A swirl of darkness from the third pygmy of [Profane Exponents] moved the Hegemon even further off-kilter at thest moment, pushing both arms and staff entirely out of the way.


    The lipless leader roared in defiance and his armor rippled as his energy churned, but it was toote. Two balls had appeared next to him already, and space sealed as the aspects of [Desperation��s End] converged. It managed to restrain even a thrashing Hegemon long enough toplete the strike, and he could only look on with desperation as he met his end.


    A silent swish of a solitary de, followed by a muted thud as the Hegemon��s head fell on the ground. One of Alea��s chains drilled into the severed head the moment itnded, and a surge of energy confirmed that not even the evolved Heart Curse would be able to drag him back from death��s door any longer.


    The body fell onto the ground a momentter as Zac deactivated [Arbiter of the Abyss], and Zac backed away even further when he saw the curse emerging from the chest. Its aura was extremely sinister, and even Zac wasn��t willing to take that thing on unless he had to, especially now that it gave off a sense of terminal hunger.


    The curse withered away a few secondster, and Zac believed he could even sense a wave of intense reluctance as it died out. There wasn��t any second burst of energy though, which probably meant the System still didn��t consider that thing a proper entity. But it was definitely more alive than the weaker curses, and Zac briefly wondered if there were curses that had actually gained a semnce of life.


    There were Tool Spirits, World Spirits, and even Array Spirits, so why not Curse Spirits?


    Stabbing pain in his side reminded him of the trouble at hand, and Zac expended all his [Undying Mark] charges to restore most of the physical wounds. The healing skill��s efficacy was better than before, but it ultimately was only a Middle-Quality skill he��d bought from The Sharva��Zi Dao Repository. It didn��t help with the Dao that was still inside his body.


    Still, Zac was pretty satisfied as he deactivated his various skills and turned back to his human form. The process was swift, and Zac threw out dozens of Attuned Crystals and offensive talismans, which created a storm of rampant energy throughout the basin. It didn��tpletely disperse the lingering deathly atmosphere, but it was now just one among many. And some death was expected on a battlefield.


    Zac was ted to see that [Arbiter of the Abyss] worked just as he��d nned. The taunting domain was helpful in all kinds of ways, though he wanted to test its rhythm-breaking capabilities against a more technically skilled opponent. More importantly, the spectral chain was extremely useful.


    His original idea was to create two stages of the taunt. The first was therge domain that would work against arge number of enemies. The ghost chain could only be used once, but it would strengthen the pullingponent of the domain significantly. Escaping after being tagged was both difficult and dangerous.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    First of all, it should be able to block and deactivate most types of movement skills, including teleportation and various phase shifts. And no matter if the marked target destroyed the links with a powerful attack or stretched them until they broke, they��d receive an intense bacsh. Just damaging the links with a whistle had been enough to knock the Hegemon on his ass. Completely destroying it might even have made him ck out for a moment.


    The only downside of the spectral chain was that it onlysted around 10 seconds, though the other parts of the skill wouldn��t deactivate even after using it. As long as the target could avoid judgment for that long, the chain would disperse. But that was easier said than done when Zac could almost control those he caught like puppets for that duration, and it turned out he could even activate the finisher of [Blighted Cut] through the link.


    Zac looked at the headless corpse in the distance, feeling the fight went pretty well, all things considered. These Kan��Tanu infiltrators were too confident in their Heart Curses, and when they turned out useless against him, their wholebat style came apart. Still, the Aural skills were pretty hard to deal with. The battle would have looked very different if the Hegemon had focused on creating opportunities to use his skills rather than infecting him with the curse.


    The two dreadful Avatars the lipless cultivator had released were a good reminder that Zac still was at a disadvantage in that regard. Sure, neither of the two skills couldpare with the destructive power of his finishing blows, but even Zac didn��t dare take those space-rending wails head-on. And they could be continuouslyunched as though the avatars were mobile turrets, probably for tens of minutes if need be.


    He��d have to be careful if he encountered a proper elite like the ��general�� the lipless cultivator mentioned. Especially if he was supported by an actual army and was allowed to release all his skills from the back lines.


    Then again, it wasn��t a big problem against most Hegemons one encountered. You got even fewer freebies from the System at the D-grade, and most weaker Hegemons were stuck with just two-three D-grade skills for a long time. Eventually, they��d scrounge up enough money for new ones, but they also needed the money to get a War Regalia.


    You could upgrade your old skills, but that was easier said than done. It requiredprehensive skill and understanding to upgrade your old skills to the vastly moreplex D-grade versions that would be able to take advantage of a Cultivator��s Core. Perhaps these things weren��t an issue in the more developed sectors of the Multiverse. But on the Frontier, theck of resources acted as a safeguard for Zac.


    Of course, even Frontier Factions would have adequately decked out talents, and Zac would sooner orter run into someone with a War Regalia and proper sets of skills. Those were the ones to look out for �C the regalia would protect them while they activated the energy-hungry D-grade skills with extreme power.


    The wound in his side still felt like it was on fire, and Zac slumped down on the ground with a grunt as he ate a Healing Pill. Most of the Hegemon��s Dao remained, as were the stubborn will of the evolved curse. His [Purity of the Void] and [Void Heart] were still trying to deal with it, but progress was slow and arduous.


    It looked like his E-grade Nodes weren��t without limits, even if the Dao wasn��tpletely out of Zac��s scope. He suspected it was a Middle Dao Branch that had been amplified through some method, yet it was so difficult to deal with. Even with its owner dead, it refused to simply be gobbled up.


    If anything, it almost felt like it had grown more stubborn, like an actual curse from the beyond. It would possibly take a week even for his Hidden Node to deal with such powerful foreign energies, and Zac didn��t have time for that. But that didn��t mean he didn��t have options.


    If the damage couldn��t be healed, it could still be corrupted.


    Zac steadied his breath before taking out a Longevity Pearl. After that, he roused some Creation Energy. An endless stream of unfettered possibilities poured into the wound, and Zac grunted with pain as he felt his flesh twist and reform. The same was happening to the imbued intent. Gradually, their meaning shifted under the influence until theypletely lost their cohesiveness.


    They had just be unimed energies at that moment, and his Hidden Nodes pounced with redoubled ferocity. A momentter, his flesh turned back to normal as Zac took charge of the Creation Energy. After another minute, the wounds were gone entirely, as were the lingering intents. The shadowy haze started to disperse by that point, leaving Zac panting in a broken valley.


    ��Monster,�� a disbelieving voice said from behind. ��Are you even kible any longer?��


    ��You��re okay?�� Zac asked with surprise as he turned around to see Ogras standing some distance away from him. ��I saw you get gored as well.��


    ��Unlike a monster like you, I can��t just get stabbed left and right and walk it off,�� Ogras snorted. ��Me getting stabbed was an illusion so they��d turn their attention back to you. So, you��re still ying around with that cursed energy in your body? How are your murdery impulses nowadays?��


    ��I��ve been cultivating my soul over the past decade, and I don��t get murdery any longer. And like you��re one to talk,�� Zac scoffed as he waved at the g in Ogras�� hand.


    ��Well, I guess people like us have to take whatever benefits we can get our hands on, even if they have annoying side effects,�� the demon shrugged.


    ��It��s amazing how much you��ve improved in this ce,�� Zac said.


    ��Not much else to do here except cultivate,�� Ogras said with a grimace. ��My grandpa would have bound me up and thrown me into that ck hole himself if he knew I��d train so hard in this ce. And it��s not as impressive as it looked. Most of what I did would have been impossible without a bellowing Barghest soaking up all the attention.��


    ��You��re wee,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    He knew that what the demon said was true, though. His kills had been ambushes that struck fast and hard with the help of his elusive Daos. However, there were limits to such a method. For example, Zac had sensed the danger and blocked it when Ogras tried to ambush him. Most real elites would probably be able to discern such a strike and deal with it, or at least have treasures to protect them.


    After that, the element of surprise would be gone, and hiding from an enemy who was aware of you was a lot harder.


    ��Well, all things considered, things turned out pretty swell. That toothlessd must have been an elite of theirs, and you still took him down,�� Ogras grinned as he took a swig of the liquor he had pilfered from Zac 1 minute into their journey. ��By the way, I dealt with the loose ends while you fought the leader.��


    ��Loose ends?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��The two scouts,�� Ogras shrugged. ��They were hiding just a few mountains over. I think they didn��t dare flee without their boss. I tried to capture them, but their chests just erupted when they were caught in my shadows. I didn��t get anything useful, I��m afraid.��


    ��Should��ve guessed they had some safeguards against capture,�� Zac sighed. ��What about Vai?��


    ��I had a ghost monitor her. She never left the cave,�� the demon reported. ��She kept looking at the bowl, though. I��m not sure if she can see affinities in that thing?��


    ��Shouldn��t be,�� Zac said. ��I��ve used it a few times; it only shows the location and approximate strength.��


    ��Then we should be fine,�� Ogras muttered as he walked over next to him. ��A whole sector full of unorthodox cultivators. This is going to spell trouble.��


    ��We already gained some things from that guy bbering,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Wasn��t good news, though, was it?�� Ogras sighed. ��If those ancient factions with their noses in the aire looking for our opportunity, how will we survive? Let alone meat, we won��t even get soup.��


    ��We need some answers,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll see if there��s anything on his body.��


    ��Be careful to not get ambushed by a Heart Curse,�� Ogras grunted. ��How are you immune to them, by the way? Care to share the method?��


    ��That��d be pretty hard,�� Zacughed as he walked toward the headless body. ��It��s my bloodline that turns them into nourishment.��


    ��Of course it does,�� Ogras muttered from behind. ��Why wouldn��t it?��


    Zac found a Spatial Ring on the leader��s body while Ogras fished out some more from the ground where the other Hegemons had fallen. Zac felt something was off when he looked at it, and he didn��t dare activate it for the time being.


    ��Trapped?�� Ogras ventured when he saw Zac��s frown.


    ��It might be,�� Zac hesitated. ��Let��s pick up Vai and move away, for now. Who knows if there are more squads en route.��


    The two spread a bunch of karma-breaking powder across the basin before leaving, and they found Vai standing at the mouth of her cave with worry in her eyes.


    ��You��re fine!�� Vai said with relief upon seeing the two before she froze in shock. ��Eh? You��re fine? How is that possible?��


    ��It��s the power of friendship,�� Ogras snickered to the side.


    Vai ignored the demon and instead turned to Zac inquisitively.


    ��We��re fine. They weren��t as strong as we feared,�� Zac nodded. ��The infiltrators are dealt with, but we should still leave this area.��


    Neither he nor Ogras needed to rest up. The battlested less than three minutes, and Zac had more than half his energy remaining. So the group immediately left the area and set out into the vast ins as quickly as possible. However, they only ran for half an hour before Ogras slowed down.


    ��Well, that can��t be good,�� Ogras muttered with a slight frown as he looked up at the sky.


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked, failing to see anything amiss. ��Did you sense something? More invaders?��


    ��No, it��s the energy. I��ve lived here for ten years, and I��m pretty familiar with it by now. Something is changing with it. It��s weak, but the air feels�� stale. Sick, even,�� Ogras muttered as he nced at Zac askance. ��I think you might actually have killed Billy��s pet.��

 Chapter 906: Collapse

    Chapter 906: Copse


    ��Killed Billy��s pet?�� Zac said with confusion. ��What the hell are you talking about?��


    ��The pir, genius,�� Ogras snorted. ��What else would cause a whole world to suddenly get sick?��


    Zac froze before ncing toward the mountain range in the distance. By now, the pir was barely discernible, but he still remembered the madness barely held in check by the nine sigils. He also remembered how the pir not only pierced the sky but had also dug into the depths of the earth.


    Where a World Core would typically be.


    Had his actions really damaged the Dimensional Seed? Zac nched at the thought. Even if he disregarded that he was standing inside the Mystic Realm, it was a horrible thought. The Dimensional Seed had helped him open up his [Purity of the Void]-node. Not only that, if it hadn��t been there to draw the attention and avarice of the Collector, the Great Redeemer, and the Administrator, Zac wasn��t so sure he would have survived the Mystic Realm back then.


    Zac turned to Vai hopefully, praying the researcher could disprove the demon��s theory. ��What do you think? Is it possible?��


    ��I can somewhat understand what the bad guy is getting at,�� Vai hesitated as she took out a few measuring tools. ��But the Realm Spirit is unlikely to have died already. If that were the case, we wouldn��t just have sensed a small corruption of the ambient energy. Space itself would start to copse.��


    Zac nodded in thanks, but he was still worried. Just because the Dimensional Seed hadn��t died, it didn��t mean it was fine. He couldn��t sense anything off in the atmosphere, but Zac wasn��t too sensitive to small shifts in energy. If his [Cosmic Gaze] couldn��t see it, it might as well not exist to him.


    ��The World Core might be damaged,�� Zac ventured. ��Or do these ces even have proper cores?��


    ��Mystic Realms need to have cores if they pass a certain size. Smaller realms only need a strong enough energy density to form a spatial field. Even a powerful lingering intent can suffice as a core for a Mystic Realm, but those are extremely rare Inheritance Realms,�� Vai exined. ��All realms above Mystic need to have cores as well, at least that��s what I��ve read.��


    ��So what would happen if this ce��s core was being corrupted?��


    ��Well,�� Vai hesitated. ��World Cores are pretty resilient. They can slowly refine energy, which hopefully means things will gradually return to normal after the pir is gone.��


    ��And if it doesn��t?�� Ogras asked with a frown.


    ��Then�� We��d probably want to leave,�� Vai said as she fearfully looked at the sky. ��A World Core breaking on a normal just means it will be a dead world. Mystic Realms are different �C they are hidden in pockets within the Void, and the realm will lose its ability to hold the Void back if the core breaks. Its ambient energy will gradually be drained to rebuff the copse until it reaches a tipping point. And even if we survive the copse, we could be thrown deep into the Void.��


    ��That��s just great,�� Ogras grunted as he nced at Zac. ��Maybe I should just tie myself to your back right now to secure my little life.��


    Vai looked at the demon with confusion while Zac rolled his eyes. ��If you barely can sense something amiss, it can��t be too bad. The Ambient Energy is as strong as ever, so we aren��t at that point yet. Let��s just hurry to Billy; he might have more answers. The real problem is that the invaders might look for him and the Realm Spirit as well. Can he withstand an attack?��


    ��No idea. Haven��t been back to the Kingdom of Billy since I left,�� Ogras said. ��It wasn��t too impressive back then, but he��s had a lot of time to fortify. And honestly, he improved quicker than me in this ce. I��ve never seen something so disgusting as forming a Dao Branch while sleeping. So he should be fine.��


    ��How long have you been out of contact?�� Zac asked.


    ��Who knows,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I haven��t kept track of the days in this prison. But perhaps five or six years?��


    ��That long?�� Zac eximed as his eyes thinned with suspicion. ��Did you have a falling-out? What did you do?��


    ��I��m innocent here, alright?�� Ogras smiled. ��Living in such close proximity can strain any rtionship. But I was mostly curious about all the pocket realms the Dimensional Seed swallowed. I was nning on returning around this time, but I got derailed by all the excitement in the mountain range.��


    ��Bad guy, I bet you just wanted to steal all the treasures in this ce,�� Vai huffed from the side, getting a nod of agreement from Zac.


    ��What a waste,�� Vai continued as she looked around with sorrow. ��This might be the first Dimensional Seed to appear in the Zecia Sector in millions of years, and its spirit is even sapient. It would be a huge loss if it copsed before we got a chance to learn from it.��


    ��Well, it��s not over just yet. We might be overthinking things,�� Zac said before he curiously looked over at the demon. ��Found anything good?��


    Zac had already heard some of it from what the demon shared about the Ra��Lashar Kingdom and the Lost ne, but he wouldn��t be surprised if that was just the tip of the iceberg. Some exciting things were bound to have cropped up with the Dimensional Seed gobbling up a bunch of smaller Mystic Realms and drowning the area with Origin Dao and Cosmic Energy.


    ��A few interesting knick-knacks,�� Ogras said with azy voice before ncing at Vai. ��Nothing that a vaunted force like the exalted Void Gate would be interested in, right? And I did loot them before this ce got swallowed up in yourdder or whatever.��


    ��Do you think we��re scoundrels like you?�� Vai muttered, but her lips curved up a bit.


    ��Alright, let��s just push straight through this ce,�� Zac said as he looked out across the alienndscape. ��I don��t feel good about Billy being all alone when the invaders have already made their way into this ce.��


    ��And let��s pray those two fools haven��t done something stupid already,�� Ogras added with a shudder. ��Knowing them, our chances aren��t great.��


    ���C


    Billy walked in circles around Gemmy with worry in his eyes. He didn��t know what to do. Gemmy was sick, and nothing Billy had tried worked. And it had gotten a lot worse over the past week.


    ��Owie, owie, owie,�� Gemmy cried from within the fire.


    ��Ah, ah,�� Billy muttered as he looked around for solutions. Finally, he saw the pile of Dao Stones to the side. They always made Billy so feel better, so perhaps they were medicine?


    Into the fire they went.


    ��Oooh, pretty,�� Gemmy hummed as her colors sparkled inside the zing furnace. ��Nope. Owie, owie, owie. Perhaps burn another nket?��


    ��Billy is out of nkets,�� Billy sighed. ��Out of beds too. They are already in the fire.��


    Why didn��t it work? Mama always said that good rest and heat would make you feel better. Billy had first put Gemmy in his bed to heat her up, but it didn��t work, not even with three nkets. Not even putting Gemmie inside the fire was enough, even after the fire became so big it almost reached the clouds.


    For once, Billy missed Horny Guy. He was a liar and a cheat, but he knew many things. Perhaps he knew how to make Gemmy better. But Gemmy couldn��t see him any longer. Not since he went to the nasty ce.


    ��Maybe Billy should go?�� Gemmy hesitantly said from within the fire. ��If Gemmy can��t help Billy, the bad guys����


    ��Stop,�� Billy said with a scrunched-up face. ��Billy is not leaving Gemmy. Billy will take a nap and figure it out. Billy always has ideas after sleeping.��


    With that, Billyy down on the ground, and the warm fire helped Billy quickly sleep even without a nket.


    ��Ah! Billy remembers!�� Billy eximed when he woke up in the familiar world. The hidden world that only Billy could see.


    Well, Billy and Statue-Man.


    ��Statue-man, Gemmy is still sick. If you don��t help Gemmy, then Billy will note back here again, no matter how much you teach Billy,�� Billy said with determination.


    ��Troublesome child,�� Statue-man sighed. ��As I said, it��s no longer up to you. For years now, you have resisted reality. But it ising to an end today. The link of blood between us is all-but-expended. Any more, and my forceful connection will destroy you. This is thest time you will enter this realm.��


    ��Another lie?�� Billy hesitated.


    ��Believe what you will,�� Statue Man snorted. ��But I have a final proposal for you.��


    ��Billy won��t create that Array,�� Billy staunchly said. ��There are already a lot of Bad Guys in Gemmy��s world. Billy can��t risk more things going wrong now.��


    ��Do you remember what Gemmy is?�� Statue Man asked.


    ��Of course Billy knows,�� Billy said with a roll of his eyes. ��Gemmy is the Land Ghost.��


    ��Right,�� Statue Man said. ��Gemmy��s problem is she swallowed something she shouldn��t have. Something dangerous. Nothing you do to Gemmy herself will save her as long as the links to that cursed ne remain. But I have a solution.��


    ��A better solution than fire?�� Billy hesitated.


    ��Yes,�� Statue-Man groaned. ��A better solution than fire.��


    Billy was hesitant. Statue-Man was a trickster and a bit stupid, but he had helped Billy more than once over the past years. Statue Man might really have a cure for Gemmy if he said he did.


    ��A simple trade,�� Statue-Man continued. ��I will give you a solution that will allow Gemmy to reform her world into a pocket realm �C reform it without the pieces that make Gemmy sick. It will hurt and weaken Gemmy, but she will survive. And as long as she survives, she can recover her strength.��


    ��What price?�� Billy simply said, knowing Statue-Man wouldn��t give him something so good for free. Normally, he forced Billy to do silly dances until he was dead tired, but Billy knew this was different.


    ��If you ept my help, you have to create the portal when you leave this Mystic Realm. You have to step through it and enter our subsidiary mountain. Work hard and get stronger until you reach the Eastern Mountain where my true body resides,�� Statue-Man said. ��And you can absolutely not get involved with Ultom.��


    Billy didn��t care about theter part. Billy didn��t even know what Ultom was, so why would he want to get involved with it? Statue-Man was stupid as usual. But the real price was very expensive.


    ��So if Statue Man helps Billy now, then Billy has to go help Statue manter?�� Billy frowned. ��I don��t want to leave Gemmy.��


    ��If you follow my solution, you will not only save Gemmy, but she will be able to follow you wherever you go,�� Statue Man said. ��Without it, she will be stuck in the little Mystic Realm forever. This is actually a solution I��ve been preparing for years since I knew you would want to take her with you. I just had to modify it a bit now that she was sick.��


    ���� Alright,�� Billy eventually said with a determined expression. ��If Statue-Man��s idea works, Billy will make the array and step through. But only if it works. If it fails, Billy will find Eastern Mountain and thwonk it until it bes Eastern Pit.��


    ��Finally,�� Statue-man said with a sigh. ��Ancestors have mercy on us both.��


    ��Ah�� But�� Billy is smart, but Billy is not good withplicated things,�� Billy hesitated. ��Can Billy reallyplete this alone?��


    ��Well, I��ve simplified it as much as possible, but the n is a bit involved,�� Statue-Man said. ��But as luck would have it, you have somepetent helpers in your dungeons. I��m sure they��ll help you in return for being freed. Especially if you say you��re from Eastern Mountain.��


    ��Billy isn��t from Eastern Mountain. Billy is from Billyville,�� Billy scoffed.


    ��Whatever you say,�� Statue-Man said. ��This is thest time we speak here. I hope to see you again, even if you are the most stubborn Titan I��ve ever seen. I will imprint the n into your head so you never forget it. Good luck.��


    A momentter, a storm of ideas entered Billy��s mind, and it felt like he was being thwonked over and over. When it stopped, he found himself lying next to Gemmy��s fire. But this time, Billy remembered. Billy remembered it all, and he would save Gemmy.


    Now Billy just had to make those sneaky sneaks work for him. Easy.


    ���������C


    ��Report,�� Lozo Ul said the moment the two Untested shuffled into themand center.


    ��That��s�� Ah,�� the Spacemelder stuttered, his face pale as his eyes were glued to the ground.


    ��What have you done?�� Lozo asked with a calm voice.


    ��N-Nothing! We have done nothing,�� the old woman next to him urgently said. ��But�� The umtion is lost. We were unable to reverse it.��


    ��Months of efforts suddenly undone, just like that, and you have done nothing?�� Lozo said with a calm voice, but a storm was raging beneath.


    KILL. THEM. EAT. THEM.


    Lozo took a shuddering breath as he pushed down the madness. There were no two ways around it; he was losing control.


    He remembered the relief when he stepped out of the forest where the souls of his 999 brothers and sisters would forever stay. His hands were dripping with blood, and his body was covered in wounds. But something remarkable was brewing within. Something powerful. From an Untested to a Remoulded of Kan��Tanu, a rebirth of both fate and potential.


    Why couldn��t he have been content with his lot?


    Three wives and an enviable cement after he had served his term. If he had yed his cards right, he could have used his uncle��s connections to be stationed at Darasko V as a Lord. But no, he had seen the pces of the Reincarnators and the power they wielded; both political and actual power. He wanted that for himself, for his family who had never nurtured a twice reborn Cultivator.


    So he struggled and fought. Desperately. Endlessly. Until one day, he entered that cursed mountain range that reeked of death. And he emerged, once more, with blood dripping from his hands while his body was covered in wounds. But this time, it wasn��t greatness and glory brewing within.


    It was horror and madness.


    Since then, Lozo��s nightmare had begun. How could a sprawling pce and a harem provide any sce when you spent every single moment fighting for your very soul? Only after reaching the limits of the Kan��Tanu lower hierarchy did he understand that those twice reborn weren��t reborn equal. Those like him, without any backing, found themselves in an endless cycle of dangerous missions for the empire��s glory.


    They had no choice. It was the only way for them to get their hands on the nutrients they needed to stave off the hunger of their dark passengers, lest their sanity became the nutrients. The Reincarnators the general popce saw, those who lived the blessed lives in the capitals, had generations of wealth and connections to rely on. They had underlings to sacrifice and send into war to exchange for the nutrients.


    Some had even been elevated in the Gate of Rebirth and firmly seized control of their Heart Patterns.


    For decades, Lozo thought this would be his life; to endlessly struggle just to keep himself above water and the madness at bay. But finally, the Heavens took pity on his lot, and an opportunity presented itself. An opportunity to not only get the contribution he needed to never worry about the madness again.


    An opportunity to be an Elevated Reincarnator.


    He had been at the right ce at the right time. As one of the Reincarnators sent into this Zecia sector to oversee the advance forces, Lozo was already gaining ample contribution. But as luck would have it, this Mystic Realm and its contents were exposed. At first, this had nothing to do with him, but fate is a fickle mistress.


    The realm was sucked into this Ster Ladder, and space copsed on the base where the connected Reincarnators were staying. Suddenly, he was the Reincarnator closest to the breach, and he was urgently ordered to follow in its wake.


    A yearter, their ns were at the cusp of fruition. If they seeded, Lozo wouldn��t need to lift a single finger for the rest of the war. He and his family would be excluded from the draft, and he would even get a chance to pass through the gates that every Remoulded and Reincarnator dreamt of. He could fully focus on shoring up his foundations and continuing his cultivation.


    But just as he could almost taste victory, everything went wrong. These Spacemelders better have an answer.


    ��Give me a proper exnation, Untested,�� Lozo said hoarsely. ��Or I will find new Spacemelders who can.��


    ��N-Nothing went wrong on our end,�� the male Untested quickly said. ��The arrays the Exalted Halls prepared for us were working as nned, gradually rekindling the withered pathway. But a sudden outside shock to the system caused the pathway to splinter, and a lot of the umted energy was wasted.��


    ��Outside shock?�� Lozo growled. ��The Void Gate? Or are there saboteurs in our midst?��


    ��We have yet to pinpoint the exact location of the interference, but we know it is not from here,�� the other Spacemelder said. ��The energy streamed to the west.


    ��The west?�� Lozo muttered, his seething rage gradually subsiding. ��Have someone make a jump and contact Quol for an update.��


    ��That��s���� the Untested said, sweat streaming down his face. ��We had that idea as well�� But we just got word his que has withered.��


    Lozo swore in annoyance. Quol was one of the strongest warriors who he had managed to take through the Ster Ladder. That was why he was sent to inspect that signal months ago. But now he was dead, just a few days after things went wrong? Someone was moving against them.


    ��Send another unit, one focused on speed and stealth. We need to know what we��re dealing with. Have them warped as close as possible to save time,�� Lozo said to the Remoulder Captain standing at the side.


    ��There is a 60% Mortality Rate at such a jump,�� one of the Spacemelders hesitated.


    ��Then send more to make up the numbers,�� Lozo said. ��How do we get back on track?��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Ah, well,�� the female Spacemelder said. ��The outburst set us back, but we have been slowly closing the leak over the past days. Even then, I am afraid�� with the resistance,pleting on time will be impossible.��


    ��The resistance?�� Lozo mused as he looked at therge map in the middle of the room. ��Ry my order. Activate the second, third, and fourth armies and strike at the native stronghold immediately. Find out how they are influencing this Mystic Realm, and put an end to it. We mustplete this mission before the pathways reopen.��

 Chapter 907: Unsealing

    Chapter 907: Unsealing


    The trio didn��t waste any time as they pushed deeper into the Bands, and Zac couldn��t help but marvel at the environment even if there were a lot of misgivings in his heart. Enormous calcified trees in pink and blue towered toward the sky, their branches homes to scaled beasts with four wings.


    The asional rumble heralded golemoid beasts that migrated betweenkes to extract minerals. Thekes themselves were kettles of puttering death which hid gorgeous flowers in green and purple. Whole fields were made out of ss and mirrors, creating a mystifying spectacle as they ran.


    Their frantic pace drew some ire from the locals, but Zac and Ogras made short work of the beasts who thought they were in for an easy snack. Vai was once more sitting in a chair made from Vivi��s Vines. Ogras had also tried tomission a seat for himself but had been rebuffed. Vai got to sit because she was investigating the infiltrators�� Spatial Rings while keeping track of powerful auras in her bowl.


    As expected, the lipless cultivator��s ring was booby-trapped, while the others had simple seals that the little researcher quickly undid. There wasn��t anything new or exciting in these rings, just a bunch of cultivation materials far worse than what Zac carried around himself. The rings primarily served as a reminder they weren��t alone in this vast Mystic Realm, even if they hadn��t seen a single cultivator after running for three days.


    But even after three days, Vai hadn��t spotted a single additional cultivator. It looked like there weren��t anyrger encampments in the area, or someone would probably havee to investigate by now. However, theck of pursuit had another meaning �C the squad of infiltrators wasn��t originally there for him.


    Did they know about the temples and were sent to investigate? Or did that leader have a quest for Ultom as well?


    After running for another week, they were ultimately forced to stop and rest inside a hollowed-out and crystallized trunk that shimmered like a million sapphires. Running for over ten days straight while asionally fighting had drained them, especially Ogras, who often kept up his illusive domain.


    There was another reason as well. Zac had gotten close to opening another node from the battle against the infiltrators, and a recent fight against three crystal Beast Kings had provided the final energy he needed to open another node. When Zac informed them of his n inside the trunk, the demon looked at Zac like he was a fool.


    ��You��re not at the peak yet?�� Ogras eximed. ��It��s been ten years. What are you waiting for?��


    ��There were some speed bumps along the way,�� Zac grunted.


    ��So what level are you at?�� the demon asked, and even Vai looked over with interest.


    ��Three nodes to go. Two with this one,�� Zac said.


    ��Don��t you have any pills to push you to the final step?�� Ogras said.


    ��I have, but I��ve been wanting to keep impurities at a minimum for my breakthrough,�� Zac exined.


    ��Fair, but we need every advantage in case we have to fight our way out of here,�� the demon said.


    ��You might be right,�� Zac slowly nodded before turning to Vai. ��How is your work on the ringing along?��


    ��Slow,�� Vai sighed. ��It��s not overlyplex, but there are too many patterns I don��t recognize. It��s interesting; the Kan��Tanu base their arrays on an entirely different set of princ-��


    ��So that��s a no?�� Zac coughed, seeing how Vai was gearing up for another lesson. He usually enjoyed listening to Vai expounding on various esoteric pieces of knowledge, but now was not the time.


    ��I can make an attempt, but I��m not very confident,�� Vai said.


    ��I might have an idea,�� Ogras said. ��My little buddy is pretty knowledgeable with arrays. The problem is he��s a pathological liar and a general asshole, so you might need to bribe him.��


    ��The goblin?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��K��Rav, a vaunted councilor of the Lunatic kingdom of Ra��Shar,�� Ogras nodded as he removed the talismans from the sinister g he always kept in his sleeves.


    ��Alright, bring him out,�� Zac nodded.


    A momentter, the pocked goblin appeared within the trunk, where he suspiciously looked back and forth between Ogras, Zac, and Vai.


    ��Let me guess, you ignorant children have run into a problem, and you want me to solve it after trapping me for weeks?�� K��rav said as he gave Ogras a blithering stare. ��Your trick is clever, but we��ll see how long you canugh. Sealing me means removing the barrier between you and the g. How long can you retain yourself?��


    ��What��s he talking about?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Cursed artifact or cursedpany, I had to pick my poison,�� Ogras shrugged. ��Let��s get on with it.��


    ��You��re right,�� Zac said as he looked at the Tool Spirit. ��We have a sealed ring that needs to be opened. Ogras thinks you have the knowledge to show us the way.��


    ��I might, I might not,�� the goblin snickered. ��More importantly, why should I help you? I know who you are, but your status and fame mean nothing to me.��


    ��What do you want?�� Zac sighed, feeling like he was dealing with Bra.


    ��Well, this gentleman is quite content for the moment,�� the goblin grinned. ��Let��s just say you��ll owe me for now.��


    ��I won��t do anything against my conscience just to return a favor in the future,�� Zac said.


    ��That��s fine, that��s fine. I��m sure we��ll be able to reach an ord,�� the K��Rav snickered as he floated over toward the ring in Vai��s hands.


    Vai was visibly ufortable with the spectral goblin in such close proximity. Zac wasn��t surprised. It was not just a matter of appearance, though the goblin looked quite wretched. He emitted a strong corrupting aura, just like that of the purple pir��the aura of the Lost ne.


    ��Those two meatheads, I understand �C they only know how to swing their weapons like base animals. But what is your excuse, girl? How do these simple traps elude you? Is this the limits of the modern researcher?�� the goblin said with a scathing look. ��Even a Ra��Lashar acolyte would be able to open this ring, many of them without losing a limb.��


    ��I- Ah,�� Vai stuttered, utterly unprepared for the sudden dressing down.


    ��Less talk, just open it,�� Zac grunted.


    ��I cannot directly interfere with items in my form,�� the goblin said with a roll of his eyes. ��But here.��


    The next moment, dozens of patterns appeared in the air. Most of them were grey, with a single blue line moving through them like a river. As the blue line passed the various fractals, they transformed, and the whole constetion was reformed after a minute.


    ��This stumped you for weeks? I had more intricate traps to protect my stash of candies back home,�� K��Rav snorted with disdain after he��d shown the solution twice. ��Well, I guess I shouldn��t expect too much from some lunatic who goes around erecting corpse trees. Not even we were so bloodth-��


    The goblin didn��t get any further as he was suddenly sucked into the g before Ogras hurriedly ced a talisman on it. Vai looked down at the ring with a mortified expression, like she couldn��t believe she had missed such a simple solution, even if Zac could tell that the goblin��s method was based on an incredibly deep foundation of understanding.


    ��Don��t let that little bastard get to you,ss,�� Ogras muttered from the side. ��Their civilization didn��t evenst the lifespan of a single Hegemon. Their way of research drew them straight into the abyss.��


    ��There��s no need to feel bad,�� Zac agreed. ��You have other fields of expertise. Not knowing some unorthodox methods isn��t a blemish.��


    ��Thank you,�� Vai muttered before her eyes zed over. ��Wait, corpse trees? Why does that sound so familiar?��


    ��You had to run your mouth to that guy?�� Zac whispered to the demon with exasperation.


    ��Hey, I��ve been stuck here for years with only that bastard to talk to. And you told me you both showed your face and introduced yourself to thess. How is this girl��s brain wired if she can��t realize the truth from those things, but a random mention of a corpse tree sparks some recognition?�� Ogras said.


    ��Still,�� Zac snorted.


    ��Well, this is my bad, alright? I haven��t needed to filter my words for over a decade, and I guess I slipped up,�� Ogras muttered. ��I��ll fix it.��


    The next moment, the demon appeared in front of Vai in a puff of smoke.


    ��Lass, don��t space out,�� Ogras said to the startled researcher as he took out something Zac had never seen before. ��I found this thing inside one of the Spatial Rings as well. I��ve never seen it before; can you identify it?��


    ��That- That��s���� Vai stuttered until her eyes finally focused on the shimmering crystal in Ogras��s hand.


    Zac looked at it with marvel as well as he walked over. It resembled an opalescent Cosmic Crystal but didn��t seem to hold any energy. Even then, Zac found his cells greedily screaming for the gem in Vai��s hand. It was chock-full of Dao, by the looks of it, something Zac had never seen before.


    Certainly, he had all kinds of attuned crystals in his possession, but this was the first time he had seen a crystal filled with only the Dao. It wasn��t just one Dao either, but Zac could feel all three of his Dao Branches resonate with what was within.


    ��Is it a Dao Treasure?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Doubt it,�� Ogras said as he took out two more. ��This looks like an actual crystal that has been mined or fished out from these ponds.��


    ��How interesting,�� Vai said with excitement as she took out a couple of instruments. ��Let me run some readings on it.��


    ��Could you please unlock the ring first?�� Zac smiled.


    ��Ah?�� Vai said before her eyes widened in remembrance. ��Ah, right!��


    ��Alright, we��ll stand guard outside to disturb you,�� Zac nodded as he dragged Ogras onto one of the branches outside.


    ��Did you really find those things in the invader��s Cosmos Sack?�� Zac asked when they were once more isted.


    ��Hardly,�� Ogras snorted. ��We found them shortly after arriving in this ce. We call them Dao Stones, and I think they were created along with the world. They were key in speeding up myprehension, but they aren��t as useful for me now that I have Dao Branches.��


    ��How many do you have?�� Zac asked.


    ��Why do you ask?�� Ogras asked suspiciously.


    ��Just give me a couple of themter,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��I want to see if they are useful for me.��


    Pushing his Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal to Middle Proficiency was some ways off, but Zac could feel that he wasn��t too far from taking that step with his Branch of the War Axe. Hisst breakthrough was over five years ago back in the Twilight Ocean, and he��d not only massively improved his understanding of Axes since then, but even entered the Integration Stage with his two stances.


    He just needed a final push to break through, and these Dao Stones seemed like a good, clean way to fuel the process. Dao Treasures always held some truths of their own, which could influence the direction of the breakthrough if one wasn��t careful. Meanwhile, these things seemed untainted.


    ��They should work even for a brute like you,�� Ogras nodded. ��I think it��s trapped Origin Dao inside. Can��t give out too many, though. They are my golden egg for when I get out of here.��


    ��So stingy,�� Zac sighed. ��I guess I��ll keep my treasury to myself then.��


    ��Treasury? What treasury?�� Ogras said with a mix of anticipation and suspicion.


    ��This is the current merit exchange back home,�� Zac smiled as he threw over a crystal.


    Ogras stared at Zac for a second before turning his attention to the contents of the Information Crystal.


    ��This- This,�� Ogras eventually stuttered, his eyes as wide as saucers.


    ��Of course, the really good things aren��t put there. These are just the random baubles I picked along the way,�� Zac said.


    ��Along the way?�� Ogras swore as he threw back the information crystal with disgust. ��Did you stroll through the treasuries of an ancient faction? Fine, take as many stones as you want. I can��t even look at you right now. I have to go meditate.��


    With that, he shed away and pointedly sat down with his back toward Zac as he gazed out across the saltkes from the edge of a branch. Zac snickered before he sat down as well. But instead of brooding, Zac pushed the trapped Kill Energy into his 148th node until it cracked open with a snap.


    Zac took a deep breath before eating a Soul Nurturing pill, which helped with the headache. Vai was still fast at work with the lipless Hegemon��s ring, so Zac spent the next couple of hours redrawing the pathways in his head.


    ��I��m done!�� Vai eventually said from within the tree hollow a couple of hourster, at which point Zac was mostly recovered.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Vai asked with worry as she looked back and forth between Zac and Ogras as they entered the hollow.


    ��Nothing,�� Ogras grunted as he took an angry swing from his wine. ��Sometimes, you just wonder if the Heavens have eyes.��


    Zacughed in response as he sat down next to Vai. ��Don��t mind him. How did it go?��


    ��It��s done!�� Vai nodded with a smile. ��I have never seen a method like the one the�� ah�� gentleman showed. It��s worthy of further study. I think it might even be useful against some of the other methods of the Kan��Tanu.��


    ��That��s great,�� Zac nodded as he took the Spatial Treasure. ��You��ll save a lot of lives if you manage to build some array breakers for the uing war.��


    Vai eagerly nodded while Zac turned his attention to the contents of the unlocked ring. As expected, there was a lot more stuff inside this ringpared to the Spatial Tools of the previous Kan��Tanu infiltrators he��d taken out. For example, there were ten Low-Grade Cosmic Crystals, which tranted to 1,000 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Even for Zac, that was a pretty good haul, especially considering Cosmic Crystals were almost impossible to get in Zecia outside the C-grade continents. Apart from that, there were multiple sets of various arrays, Natural Treasures, and other materials Zac suspected were for practicing his sound-based skills.


    There were also a few vials of a dark-red liquid that gave Zac an awful feeling. At first, he thought the bottles actually contained Heart Curses because of the simr energy they gave off, but Vai said that wasn��t it. There was no actual array hidden in the liquid, and Vai guessed it was a unique concoction meant to nurture the Heart Curses.


    Zac shuddered at the thought of having such a creepy parasite inside his body and being forced to feed it to make it even stronger. He kept a few of those bottles to himself while handing the rest to Vai as a gift to the Void Gate. Neither he nor the people back at Port Atwood could gain anything from those things, but the researchers at the Void Gate might be able to use them to manufacture weapons or antidotes against the curses.


    The various items weren��t that interesting to Zac. More important was a set of maps, notes, and information crystals. After confirming there wasn��t a secondyer of traps, Zac scanned the items one by one, and his brows furrowed into consternation. The maps weren��t very detailed apart from a couple of sectors, but together with the notes, they told a troubling story.


    ��Looks like I have to eat some pills, after all,�� Zac sighed.


    ��What��s going on?�� Vai asked, and Ogras looked over as well.


    ��The infiltrators found this realm before it even entered the Ster Ladder, and they broke inside long before the Void Gate did,�� Zac said as he handed the other two the notes. ��Judging by these things, there might be over ten thousand infiltrators stationed in this realm alone. They are led by someone called Reincarnator Ul and have some important mission.��


    ��Mission?�� Ogras said with a frown as he started scanning the documents.


    ��The lipless cultivator was sent toward the mountain range over two months ago to investigate some energy signatures,�� Zac pointedly said.


    ��Your opportunity, they were looking for it as well?�� Vai asked with surprise.


    ��Looks like it,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Well, shit,�� Ogras muttered.


    ��T-Then it��s at least good news we came here, even if it��s dangerous,�� Vai said, though she looked rattled from the news. ��Seeing that pir, I bet they are up to no good.��


    ��Are the rest of them in the area as well?�� Ogras asked as he turned to the map.


    ��Doesn��t look like it. This side of the Mystic Realm is mostly unexplored on the maps,�� Zac said as he pointed at the east side of the map. ��I can��t find any mention of what their mission is, but their main base is over here.��


    ��Over there?�� Ogras said with surprise. ��That��s not good. Not good at all.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Why? What��s over there?�� Zac frowned. ��The Kingdom of Billy?��


    ��No,�� the demon sighed as he looked at the pitch-ck section on the map with aplex expression. ��That��s the ruins of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom.��

 Chapter 908: Preparing for the Worst

    Chapter 908: Preparing for the Worst


    ��The Kingdom Of Ra��Lashar? What the hell are they doing over there?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Nothing good, I assume,�� Ogras said.


    ��Are you sure there��s nothing left there?�� Zac asked.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Shouldn��t be,�� Ogras said, but he didn��t look too confident. ��After my quest there finished, the whole thing copsed. A Spatial Rift swallowed the central tower. I searched the area for months for anything of value before moving on to other parts of the realm. But if they found something powerful left behind by those lunatics, we��re in trouble. Everything they made was extremely dangerous.��


    ��Can you ask your guy?�� Zac ventured.


    The demon nodded, but Zac knew it wasn��t good as his face gradually turned into a scowl.


    ��He says he has no idea, but I wouldn��t trust him as far as I could throw him,�� the demon eventually said.


    Zac looked at the ck spot on the map with a frown. He wasn��t convinced the Kan��Tanu��s mission was rted to the Ra��Lashar themselves, and neither was Ogras, judging by his expression. Between their search for the sigils of the Left Imperial Pce, their interest in the mountain range, and now the Ra��Lashar, it felt like it was connected to this Lost ne.


    Were there more seals hidden in the ruins of the goblin empire? And if there were, should they do something about it?


    The trio looked at the map for a few seconds until Ogras eventually sighed and pointed at a much-closer spot on the map. ��The Kingdom of Billy is around here. No matter what these invaders are up to, our first destination hasn��t changed. Let��s just continue on our way while we keep our eyes open.��


    ��Give me an hour or two. I��m pushing to Peak E-grade right now,�� Zac said.


    Zac had hoped to avoid this step and gain his levels through battle instead. The consecutive sts of Tribtion Lightning had cleansed his body, including impurities that had gone unnoticed by his Purity of the Void. It was a shame to ruin that now, but reading the reports put Zac under a lot of pressure. He couldn��t just give up a power-up that was so near at hand.


    Thankfully, his pills were extremely high-quality, and there were only two nodes he needed to open. What little impurities he gained shouldn��t cause any real problems when forming his Cultivator��s Core. One by one, his prepared treasures were brought out, from the [Stone of Hope] to the mysterious ice that froze his soul to harden it.


    The only thing he skipped was the [Chainbreaking Pills] as they weren��t needed any longer since histest Soul Reincarnation. Zac wasted no time as he chugged down four Pseudo D-grade pills in one go, eliciting a shocked gasp from Vai and a disgusted snort from Ogras. He ignored the mor and instead focused his frozen mind on channeling everything into the 149th node in his head.


    Half an hourter, Zac grunted as the node on the back of his head broke wide open. Zac drew a ragged breath before he applied some more ice. He was halfway there, and he nned on riding this wave to the end. The final node of the E-grade was located right by his be, and it was thest blockage in his pathways.


    Waves of Radiant energies poured into the node, but it was like the mysterious swirl was a bottomless hole that couldn��t be satiated. Eventually, the efficacy of his Node-breaking pills ran out, but he stubbornly ate another mouthful. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Zac knew he was right there.


    His danger sense had cut through his turbid thoughts, and he reinforced his Mental Barriers as best as he could while [Stone of Hope] lit up and illuminated the room. The next moment, Zac felt like his soul was split in two as a powerful ripple burst out from his forehead. He heard surprised exmations from the other two, but they felt distant and indistinct.


    Zac waspletely focused on the state of his body. Blood was running down his nose from a deep cut, and it must have looked like a third eye had formed on his forehead. Thankfully, it was just a wound rather than a mysterious mutation �C an outlet Zac had opened to avoid damaging his frontal lobe. Opening the node was painful as usual, but it couldn��tpare to the sense ofpleteness that filled him.


    A surge of energy coursed through his body as Zac took a deep breath. It felt vibrant and powerful, and it wasn��t just the attributes he��d just gained. With his 75 Nodes all being open, his pathways were finallypletely unclogged. The energy gently circting through his body felt natural and unconstrained. It wouldn��t do much for his actualbat strength, but anything that allowed him to handle andmunicate with his Cosmic Energy was a wee thing.


    The peak of the E-grade.


    Less than a fraction of a fraction of all cultivators reached this step, yet he had done it as a mortal. Of course, this was just the start. He was just an ant in the grand scheme of things, but that didn��t douse his excitement as he opened his eyes. Ogras and Vai were both looking at him expectantly by that point, and Zac nodded slightly with a smile.


    ��You done?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Just need to fill the nodes up with energy, but we can do that on the way.��


    ��What was that before?�� Ogras asked curiously. ��Why does it look like you split in two every time you open a node?��


    ��It��s a treasure I got my hands on,�� Zac exined. ��I don��t know exactly how it works, but it��s like the treasure pushes some of the damage to an alternate reality while lessening the damage to me. Why? Do you need to borrow it?��


    ��No, I��ve long since reached level 150,�� Ogras said with a shake of his head. ��It was just interesting. I felt the phenomenon somewhat resonate with my path. Making real damage fake, huh?��


    ��W-wait,�� Vai suddenly interjected. ��You��re not a Hegemon either?��


    ��If I were a Hegemon, I would just have flown myself and the two of you over this ce, no?�� Ogras said with a grin as the shadows started to flicker around him.


    ��But you��re so powerful,�� Vai said with wide eyes.


    ��Well, at least someone has an eye for talent,�� Ogras grinned, obviously satisfied with the reaction.


    ��Don��t stroke his ego,�� Zac snorted. ��Give me another hour before we set out, I just have to recover a bit more from opening the nodes.��


    ��Do you have more Soul Crystals?�� Ogras asked. ��I used up the two in the ring you gave me.��


    ��Be careful with those,�� Zac said as he threw over another one. ��They are almost impossible to restock.��


    ��You��re the one who wants me to use my domain every time thess sees a bright light in the bowl,�� Ogras grinned as the crystal disappeared into the sleeves of his robes.


    Zac spent the next hour redrawing his pathways until they were in workable order. He would still be a bit weakened for another week, but Ogras had already said it would take them at least three to reach the Kingdom of Billy at their pace. It should be enough time not only to recover, but to push his level to 150.


    The moment Zac felt able to fight without identally damaging his pathways, the group set out, heading deeper and deeper into the Bands. Ogras became the primarybatant over the following days while Zac let his nodes stabilize. Zac simply became bait and a meat shield while the demon did the killing.


    To expedite his level, Zac constantly held onto Peak Quality Nexus Crystals as they ran, and torrents of energy poured into his Nodes. Not only that, but Zac also absorbed energy from Beast Crystals he��d hidden within his robes. The messy energy was swallowed by [Void Heart] and spat out as malleable energy that became a second river to speed up his progress.


    After a week passed, Zac resumed fighting as well, and Ogras helped organize things so that Zac delivered all the killing blows on beasts above Late E-grade. It turned to a third source of energy, yet it still took two weeks before Zac had managed to fill all three nodes. The group took the opportunity for a brief stop to rest up before reaching Billy��s ce, and Zac opened his Status screen to check what his level brought.


    Name


    Zachary Atwood


    Level


    150


    ss


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race


    [D] Human �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles


    [��] Grand Fate, Blooddrenched Baron, Connate Conqueror, The Second Step, Singr Specialist


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Early, Branch of the Kalpataru �C Early, Branch of the Pale Seal �C Early


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    20876 [Increase: 143%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Dexterity


    8674 [Increase: 103%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Endurance


    15727 [Increase: 134%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Vitality


    14192 [Increase: 127%. Efficiency: 273%]


    Intelligence


    3763 [Increase: 97%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Wisdom


    6940 [Increase: 104%. Efficiency: 216%]


    Luck


    712 [Increase: 121%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    250


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 933 647


    A single nce at his status screen confirmed what he��d already learned; a full 250 Free Attribute Points were waiting for him rather than just the ten. It was an even greater boon than the 20 Attribute Points he got when reaching level 75. And that was just the start. Not only did peak E-grade provide a full 250 Free Points, but also a new title called The Second Step. There was even a second title waiting for him, one that Zac hadn��t been able to confirm but had hoped for.


    [The Second Step: Reach the peak of E-grade Reward: All Stats +10, Base stats +90]


    [Singr Specialist: Reach 20,000 points in a single attribute before reaching D-grade. Reward: All Stats +10, Strength +5%, All Attributes +5%.]


    As expected, it was rted to the old ��Promising Specialist��-title Zac got when reaching 1,000 Endurance in F-grade. He hadn��t gotten anything when reaching 10,000 Strength, but he had learned Ogras got one during his stay in this Mystic Realm. The mention had made him wonder if it was a tiered title, and his status screen proved it was.


    Thebination of hitting level 150 and the title that came with it had narrowly pushed him over 20,000 Attribute Points, double the level of the first checkpoint of the skill. A quick check confirmed Promising Specialist was gone, reced with the new title rather than him having both. It was a bit of a disappointment, but the old title had only provided +5 All Attributes and +5% Endurance. So the new one was a pure upgrade, especially for his Strength.


    Still, it made Zac wonder if there was actually an Apex title as well, one that would provide Attribute Efficiency. Perhaps if you reached your attribute limit?


    Since he had already passed 20,000 Strength and gotten the title to match, Zac poured all of his free points into Dexterity. Altogether, the three levels had given him almost a 5% increase in his attribute pool, and they were mainly targeted at Strength and Dexterity. That was exactly what Zac wanted �C anything that would allow him to hit a bit harder and a bit faster at this stage was a wee addition.


    It was a shame he didn��t have a quick way to gain thest five levels to his undead side as well, but the boost still gave Zac some confidence when the trio set out again six hourster. Of course, he still hoped he wouldn��t find himself face-to-face with a whole army of infiltrators, possibly led by hundreds of Hegemons. A few levels and titles wouldn��t help against that.


    But some things were simply unavoidable.


    Four days after his breakthrough, Ogras had proimed they were within the official borders of the Kingdom of Billy. They had already left the Bands behind, and had now entered a much more familiar type of environment �Crge tree groves with grassy ins between them.


    There were also signs of human intervention �C enormous but simple trenches and traps designed to deal with beast tides. However, just as the group was about to pass the battlements, Vai suddenly stilled.


    ��Enemies!�� Vai whispered, and the air around them started to glimmer as Ogras powered up his domain before they jumped into the trench and dug a temporary hideout.


    ��How many?�� Zac frowned after they��d erected an istion array.


    ��Thirty, they are moving fast,�� Vai said. ��Looks like a scouting party.��


    ��Do you think it��s Billy��s people? Those Gnivelings you mentioned?�� Zac asked.


    ��Doubtful,�� Ogras said with a shake of his head. ��Billy doesn��t need any scouts. The Realm Spirit is more effective than any scouting unit.��


    ��If there are scouting parties this close���� Vai hesitated.


    ��Then they definitely know about the Kingdom of Billy,�� Zac sighed. ��We might be in for a fight. Do you want to stay here?��


    ��N-No,�� Vai said with a shake of her head as she gripped her bowl tighter. ��I aming with. I can still help, we are days away from the settlement, and you need a scout.��


    ��She��s right,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I can��t guarantee my methods will work against all types of scouts, and it just takes one set of sharp eyes to expose us.��


    ��Alright, we��ll keep going like this,�� Zac agreed. ��We avoid enemy squads as long as possible until we figure out Billy��s situation. He might have relocated already.��


    The three waited an hour for the scouting party to leave the area before they set out again, but they met another group just three hourster and a third scouting party after another five. Even Ogras had a somber expression by that point. There was still a chance for it to be a coincidence with one group. With three, it was all but certain the infiltrators were carrying out some big operation in the area.


    And that operation was definitely rted to the Kingdom of Billy.


    Not only that, but the infiltrators seemed to be expecting trouble judging by the parties, but the three still managed to creep closer and closer to their destination over the next three days. Until Vai��s bowl almost lit up like a bonfire, prompting both Zac and Ogras to look over with confusion.


    ��S-Signals,�� Vai stuttered. ��So many. Thousands.��


    ��Shit,�� Ogras said. ��Billy��s castle is not far from here.��


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac said with a frown, and they kept moving until a powerful energy wave swept past them.


    ��There��s a battle,�� Zac said with relief.


    ��The brute is actually holding out against an army?�� Ogras added, confusion written all over his face. ��How is that possible?��


    ��The Void Gate,�� Vai said, her eyes glimmering. ��I bet they are here fighting against the bad guys. Where else would they have gone but here?��


    Zac finally understood why Vai was so adamant about joining them for this final stretch. She believed there was a good chance the elite Void Gate warriors would be found with Billy. And perhaps she was right. Twenty minutester, they managed to sneak a peek at the battlefield.


    A lonesome Mountain peak stood within a barricaded crater. The whole cavity was protected by a bubble that reeked of powerful spatial energies, and outside, a mighty army wasying siege. Over thirty enormous towers had been erected, and Zac could sense how they were umting power. If he had to guess, the earlier outburst came from these things firing simultaneously.


    ��What are we supposed to do now ?�� Ogras sighed. ��Fight our way inside? The castle is sealed shut �C they are not fighting back at all. I don��t know if we��d even manage to get through the barrier. And if we do, then what? We��d be stuck inside just like Billy.��


    Zac wasn��t sure what to do either. Eventually, he turned to Vai, who looked at the scene wide-eyed. ��How many Hegemons are there?��


    By this point, E-grade cultivators didn��t really matter to him. The only difference between fighting ten and a thousand was how long it would take to win. The problem was the Hegemons hidden within their ranks. A defensive Hegemon could almostpletely nullify his attacks, while offensive ones could unleash powerful barrages at him.


    So if there were too many, there was simply no chance he could take on all these people himself.


    ��Over eighty,�� Vai grimaced. ��Eighty Hegemons.��


    ��Impossible,�� Ogras resolutely said with a shake of his head. ��There is no way I��m fighting that. I��m not dying like this after I finally have a shot at getting out of here.��


    ��How about we send a distress beacon to the Void Gate to confirm if they are inside?�� Zac hesitated, but he froze when there was a sudden change.


    A substantial spatial bubble had started to grow on the barrier in the distance. In just a moment, it was half as big as the barrier itself, while the shield seemed to have lost some of its luster. The new bubble bulged out ominously toward a nk of the infiltrator army, who immediately started to run for their lives. But it was toote. The bubble popped, and over a hundred cultivators were torn apart as a beam of spatial chaos shot out.


    Right toward them.


    ��Hurry, Gemmy is making a path!�� a childish voice echoed in their ears just as Zac was about to turn tail and run for his life.


    Zac nced at Ogras, who looked positively nauseated. But it was clear he recognized the voice, so it was obvious to Zac who it belonged to. There was no hesitation as he grabbed Ogras with his left hand and Vai with a vine as he rushed straight toward the iing chaos.


    ��I knew it,�� the demon groaned. ��I knew there��d be trouble when I heard that voice.��

 Chapter 909: Breaking Through

    Chapter 909: Breaking Through


    The explosion released from the Spatial Barrier surrounding Billy��s expanded forward in a straight line. Every second, it grew thousands of meters longer, and it had already left the army behind as it made its way toward Zac and his twopanions.


    ��This is a bad idea,�� Ogras muttered as he slunk out of Zac��s grip, though he still kept pace. ��You can��t trust that fool of a Realm Spirit to know what it��s doing.��


    An ominous ripple spread through the spatial beam, as if cursed by the demon��s unlucky words. Zac��s eyes widened in rm, and he activated his movement skill, but he frantically canceled it when his mind screamed of mortal danger. It was just in time as well, as his contraction of space had created small fissures in front of him.


    ��What the-�� Ogras groaned as he emerged bloody from a puff of shadows, clearly having encountered a simr phenomenon.


    There was no time to answer as Zac desperately scrambled out of the way. He narrowly avoided getting split in two thanks to Vivi��s vines, but he still felt a cold sensation as the spatial tear nicked him. From there, the errant burst of energy continued past them as it carved an enormous crevasse into the ground.


    Another one had streaked through the enemy lines, instantly killing a set of unlucky souls while cutting apart one of the siege towers.


    ��How can space be this brittle?�� Vai eximed with a pale expression.


    ��Can��t you feel it?�� Ogras grunted as he pointed at the dissipating tear. ��It��s not pure.��


    Zac��s brows furrowed as he sensed what the demon was getting at. There really was a hint of the Lost ne��s madness inside that spatial tear, though it was still barely discernible.


    ��This realm might really be crumbling,�� Vai cried.


    No matter how weak the sign was, it wasn��t good news. They hadn��t seen the situation improve over the past week, but neither had it deteriorated. To see hints of the Lost ne this far from his pir, especially in conjunction with how brittle space was, proved the situation might be even worse than they��d feared.


    ��We��ll worry about thatter,�� Zac said, speaking to himself as much as the others. ��We need to move �C they��ve spotted us.��


    ��Into that deathtrap?�� Ogras said with a raised brow.


    ��It��ll be fine,�� Zac grunted as he kept running toward the iing chaos, even if he wasn��t without misgivings.


    It wasn��t just foolhardiness and blind faith that propelled him forward, even if the madness inside the tears had been an unwee surprise. Thanks to [Rapturous Divide] and his study of the theories in the Book of Duality, Zac had a pretty good idea of what Billy or the Realm Spirit were nning. He had noticed it right away; the core of the iing shockwave was hollow and expanding.


    As expected, the corridor of destruction soon copsed, creating two spatial storms that blocked out the invaders while a third covered the sky. Between the storms, a 100-meter-wide pathway mostly free of spatial turbulence appeared, leading all the way to the walled fort in the distance. It was a solid idea, and it would have been almost perfect if not for space turning so brittle.


    There was no way he��d dare use his movement skill in this kind of environment after his previous close encounter; he might identally step into the Void if he did that. Or perhaps even the Lost ne. Even using too powerful attacks was risky in such an environment, though that was as much a strength as a weakness since that restrained the enemies as well. Most importantly, the spatial beam had opened a path for them while keeping the invaders at bay.


    Or at least most of them.


    Zac knew first-hand how dangerous those kinds of spatial storms were to traverse, but it wasn��t impossible. A few of the invaders were already making their way through under the urgings of their superiors. A few were even thrown inside when they refused to move. However, most were led by Hegemons, who used brute force to carve a path.


    Dozens learned the same lesson they had, and Zac even saw a Hegemon get swallowed by a spatial tear when he tried to teleport through the storm. Meanwhile, hundreds of warriors were rushing toward Zac, wanting to intercept their approach or use their entrance.


    ��I��ll take the left,�� the demon said as dark clouds made from shadows started to spread while Zac tried conjuring a fractal de.


    Space held together even under the pressure of [Nature��s Edge] empowered by two of his Dao Branches, but Zac could feel it wouldn��t be able to endure much more punishment than that. Still, that was all Zac needed as he unleashed a constant stream of fractal leaves toward the right.


    The closest warriors, who previously made up the army��s rear, initially tried to block out Zac��s attacks with various defensive skills. That only resulted in a scene of utter carnage as des empowered by two Dao Branches and a monstrous amount of strength cut through everything in their path.


    The situation wasn��t as lopsided on the other side, even if Ogras used all kinds of tools to impede the iing tide of warriors. Hidden spears rose from the shadows, illusions made warriors turn on their allies, and an obscuring haze led people straight into the spatial storms. It formed a dangerous web that dyed their enemies long enough for Zac and his twopanions to enter the pathway. In their wake, Ogras released his illusory shroud, which would give the three a head start for the final stretch.


    ��Can you destabilize the storms even further?�� Zac asked of Vai, who nodded after some hesitation.


    The researcher started releasing spatial ripples from her vine seat, which entered the churning storms to their sides. The swells were instilled with Vai��s Spacial Dao Branch, and the storms picked up ferocity everywhere they passed. Warriors who were narrowly hanging on as they made their way through suddenly found themselves overwhelmed by a barrage of spatial tears and were ripped to shreds.


    She also sent some ripples toward their rear, opening uprge jagged scars in their wake. She even managed to connect the two storms, though the barrier was nowhere near as thick as the ones to their sides. Still, having a Spatial Cultivator in this proved extremely useful, and she singlehandedly averted more than five ambushes as they ran toward the fort.


    But soon enough, a whole squad of warriors emerged from the storm, led by a defensive Hegemon who had simply blocked out the innumerable Spatial Tears. The group was a bit bloodied and battered, but their auras were still solid as they formed an iron wall between Zac��s group and the wall in the distance.


    However, just as they formed their defensive perimeter, a deep rumble echoed through the area as a golden mountain rose from the ground right at their feet. The Hegemon mmed down on it with an enormous engraved pir he was carrying around, and it formed some sort of seal on the ground.


    The seal groaned in protest when the golden mountain peak mmed into it, but it narrowly withstood the unrelenting push from below. However, the energy the Hegemon unleashed was just too powerful, and spatial tears sprung up all around the invaders. Soon enough, one struck the Hegemon in his left arm, and Ogras used the opportunity to activate a familiar strike.


    Twonces of condensed shadows appeared, one behind and one in front of the Hegemon, who suddenly found himself under attack from every direction. He wasn��t the only one in trouble, though, as the activation had created a series of Spatial Tears all around Zac and the others. Zac knew this would happen, and he already had ample experience dodging spatial tears since his time in the Research Base.


    Zac pushed through the spatial turbulence just in time to see one of the shadownces strike the Hegemon right in his heart. It wasn��t actually enough to kill the man since some sort of te hidden beneath his robes blocked the strike, but the force pushed him right into a spatial tear that tore up his back.


    Together, it was enough to destabilize the defensive seal, and the golden mountain below pushed through with redoubled ferocity. It contained an immense weight, and some of the E-grade warriors the Hegemon had brought were crushed from the pressure alone. Others managed to avoid the mayhem, but they were forced back into the Spatial Storm.


    By that point, Zac and Ogras were already upon the stragglers, and the two finished off the Hegemon with a blitz assault of ferocious swings before they rounded the mountain. Even then, the three were covered in wounds since the mountain had conjured too many tears to perfectly avoid them all.


    After passing the mountain, they had already crossed two-thirds of the corridor, and Zac smiled as he saw the familiar form standing at the mouth of the barrier like a stalwart tower. Billy looked almost exactly like before, except his hair had turned golden just like it did in his transformed state. If Zac had to guess, it meant Billy had properly awakened his bloodline already.


    There was also a powerful sense of oppression emanating from his fleshy body, and it felt like a mountain was blocking the gated entrance rather than a person. Just a bloodline wasn��t enough to give off such a brutal aura, and neither was stacking strength. The titan must have not only awakened his Titanic heritage but also cultivated some sort of body tempering method to the limits of the E-grade.


    Zac didn��t want the giant to identally thwonk him or Vai as well, so his face started to morph back into its original form as they closed in on the opening in the spatial barrier. A wide smile immediately spread across Billy��s when he saw Zac��s appearance.


    ��Haha! Super Brother Man has finally found Billy! And you even found stupid Horny Guy!�� a boomingugh echoed through the area.


    Zac was about to answer, but two more Hegemons suddenly appeared to bar their path. However, they didn��t look too happy about the situation. They knew which way the wind blew, being pincered between an unmovable Billy and Zac who was already bearing down on them like a runaway train.


    The first of the two grit his teeth as he pointed at Zac, prompting a hundred bloody suns to appear above his head. Zac felt a sense of danger from them, but one didn��t need his level of Luck to realize they were trouble. Space crackled around the glowing orbs, and the whole pathway was rapidly deteriorating.


    ��Be prepared in case my barrier fails,�� Zac said as a goldenurel appeared on his head.


    Three pirs rose from the ground behind him, and the three people in his group were each enclosed by one barrier. It was one of the features of the skill reaching Middle Proficiency. With three pirs rather than two, his defensive skill would either turn more durable, or he could protect a third person.


    The activation was just in time as a rain of deadly rays descended on their position. Each sanguine sun was like a turret that released one beam after another, but the suns were also falling toward them like a manufactured meteor shower, each orb creating trailing spatial tears in their wake.


    Zac frowned at the iing mayhem, hesitant whether he would have to unleash one of his more powerful attacks. But space was already at a breaking point from those orbs. What would happen if he added [Arcadia��s Judgement] to the mix? At the same time, he wasn��t confident his skill could block both the spatial tears and the Hegemon��s skill.


    An angry roar broke the status quo as Billy swung his club. Weirdly enough, it crashed into empty space like it was a solid, and huge cracks spread toward the Hegemons. Amazingly, not a single Spatial Tear moved in Billy��s direction �C they were all heading outward. Had Billy gained insights into the Dao of Space, or was the Dimensional Seed Helping him?


    Either way, it forced the second Hegemon��s hand. He had stood guard against Billy, but made a different choice from hispanion �C he fled instead of taking on the giant��s attack. He turned into a stream of blood that cut through the spatial chaos, the skill looking a lot like the ones the scouts in the mountain range used.


    Something like that was a risky gambit, but he actually made it to the outer edges of the spatial storm before the skill copsed, and he emerged as a bloody mess. He was covered in scars and lost one leg, but he was alive. That left a shocked and enraged Hegemon behind, who suddenly faced the iing spatial tears from behind.


    The Hegemon turned back to block by unleashing a bloody storm, but the brief bout of inattention cost him dearly. Ogras had appeared out of nowhere from the man��s shadow, and his spear pierced straight into the man��s bicep. It was far from a lethal wound, but that didn��t mean that Ogras had missed.


    Instead of targeting a lethal point that might be protected like before, Ogras had actually targeted the skill fractal for the skill in the sky. The suns shuddered before they started to lose their cohesiveness, with only the Hegemon��s Dao keeping the skill together. With the skill broken, Zac no longer felt any need to activate one of his finishers.


    The remaining efficacy of [Empyrean Aegis] would be enough to deal with the fallout, so Zac threw Vai to Ogras, who had appeared back by their side with a new set of wounds. As expected, shing over like that was pretty dangerous, but sometimes you had to take a risk. The ground beneath Zac��s feet cracked as he pushed forward with all his might, propelling himself right through the storm of spatial tears and copsing suns.


    A fractal leaf norger than a meter and a half swung down, its form shrouded by two extremely condensed clouds in ck and gold. The Hegemon condensed another barrier, but it was futile in front of a condensed [Rapturous Divide] empowered by Zac��s Dao and a copsing spacetime.


    A colossal scar in space cut straight through the man before it continued into the spatial storms, even swallowing the two apparitions of the Abyss and Arcadia. It even reached the army outside, and Zac looked at the chaotic scene with wide eyes as dozens of energy streams entered his body. Thank god he had angled the strike away from the fort.


    With the Hegemon dead, the final obstacle between himself and Billy was gone. The giant was excitedly waving his club like he hadn��t just brutalized two Hegemons and scared off another. Space was actively copsing by that point, but they were right at the home stretch.


    Ogras caught up with Vai slung over his shoulder, and the three passed through the barrier a few secondster. The spatial bubble closed right behind them, cutting off the spatial tears that looked ready to swallow all around them. The grating sound of the tearing space and pained cries of the warriors caught in the storm were cut off as well, leaving only their panting breaths and Billy��s boomingugh.


    ��Haha, did you like Billy��s mountain?�� the giant grinned as he excitedly swung his nasty club like it was made out of foam.


    ��It was very cool,�� Zac grinned, relieved to see that space was perfectly stable inside the barrier. ��It��s nice to finally see you again.��


    ��Gemmy helped too!�� the childish voice from before eximed as a shimmering crystal flew out from one of Billy��s pockets. ��Billy says you can help bash the bad guys and cure Gemmy?��


    ��Are�� you the Dimensional Seed?�� Zac said as he looked at the floating gem curiously.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Gemmy is Gemmy,�� the gem hummed. ��You are stupid. But why do you smell familiar?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac hesitated. ��We met once when you were younger. We helped each other out to escape from some bad guys.��


    ��Ah! Gemmy remembers! Gemmy was inside you!�� the floating gem giggled, which drew odd looks from Ogras and Vai. ��Your body is weird. Hungry. Hungry Guy.��


    ��Well, uh,�� Zac coughed.


    ��Ah, Gemmy is tired. Going to take a nap in the fire,�� the gem continued before it flew off toward the innards of the fort, and Zac saw that Vai was just as confused as he felt.


    ��Like I never left,�� Ogras sighed.


    ��Finally, friends havee to help. Wee to Kingdom of Billy!�� Billy excitedly eximed as he followed the Dimensional Seed.


    ��So, are we just going to pretend the army outside isn��t there? Or that space isn��t apparently on the verge of copse?�� Ogras muttered as they walked through the thick wall.


    ��Billy hasn��t forgotten how you tricked the Smallboys and stole Dao Stones, Horny Guy,�� Billy snorted. ��And Billy has a n to fix everything.��


    ��You have a n?�� Ogras nodded as they emerged on the other side. ��I��d had hoped to die between the bosoms of two subae, but I guess this ce will have to do.��


    ��Let��s just list-�� Zac said, but he was interrupted by a series of hurried steps and a loud exmation.


    ��Vai?! Is that you?!��


    Zac looked over with confusion as he vaguely recognized the voice, and his brows rose when he saw not one but two familiar faces run toward them.

 Chapter 910: Always Something

    Chapter 910: Always Something


    It was Leyara Lioress who had just shouted Vai��s name as she rushed toward them from across the fort, each step rippling with space as she was propelled forward. She looked just like thest time they met, apart from the revealing garments she wore in the Base Town being reced by a dress more in line with the long white robes most of the Void Gate nuns wore.


    Leyara��s aura was surprisingly condensed, and Zac realized that Vai might have been generous when she ced Ogras at the same power level. Her aura even eclipsed most of the elites Zac had seen in the Twilight Ascent, including those from outside factions. Not only that, but she wore a set of glove-like Spirit Tools that had huge gemstones on the back of her hands.


    Knowing who Leyara��s master was, they were probably Peak Quality Spirit tools, and who knew what other items she was carrying around.


    Seeing Leyara here in the depths of the Dimensional Seed was pretty shocking, but it was even more unexpected to see Pretty Peak by her side. Rather than a dress, she had opted to wear an engraved set of leather armor that emitted a powerful aura of carnage. If Zac had to guess, the leather had been tanned with high-grade beast blood to give it such a ferocious feeling, and Pretty��s martial air only further amplified it.


    Even then, Pretty��s aura wasn��t quite as condensed as Leyara��s, even if it wasn��t that far off. It felt a bit backward after learning about the crazy Peak family. Then again, Leyara wasn��t some nobody. She was a handpicked Terminal Disciple of one of the most powerful cultivators in the sector, while Pretty Peak came from a powerful n in the Allbright Empire.


    ��Ah, the slow girl is here,�� Billy muttered as he looked at Leyara with some trepidation. ��Always asking Billy about the design, never understanding.��


    ��Design?�� Zac said as he looked at Billy curiously.


    Billy��s face turned excited again, but he was interrupted before he could exin.


    ��You! What are you doing here?�� Leyara eximed when she saw Zac standing between Billy and Vai, her pristine face scrunching up into a scowl. ��And why have you brought my aunt?! Are you crazy?��


    Only then did Zac remember he��d reverted to his original face to avoid getting identally thwonked. For a moment, his mind froze with panic, but he soon regained his calm when he realized it didn��t matter. The whole point of going undercover was to hide his identity until he could contact Leyara, which was moot now that she was standing right in front of him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Little Lara!�� Vai cried as she ran over to her niece, tears pooling in her eyes as she threw herself into Leyara��s arms. ��I��m so happy to see you. The Void Star is a lot scarier than you said.��


    ��I��m d you��re okay,�� Leyara smiled as she patted Vai��s head, though her eyes never left Zac. ��What are you doing here? Has that guy done anything to you?��


    ��Ah, Lara, this is, ehm, Gaun Sorom,�� Vai hurriedly said when she saw her niece��s guarded expression. ��He��s�� He��s not a bad guy! W-Well, he is a bit greedy, but he helped me a lot! We were on the same mission to stabilize a Spatial Nexus, but things took a turn.��


    ��Gaun Sorom?�� Leyara nkly said as she looked between Zac and Vai. ��Why do you call him that? That��s not his name.��


    ��Eh, you two know each other?�� Vai said with confusion.


    ��Why wouldn��t I know him?�� Leyara sighed. ��Aunty, I was the one who told you about him, remember? How we met in the Tower of Eternity?��


    ��You have been traveling with the Deviant Asura without knowing?�� Pretty smiled at Vai before she looked Zac up and down. ��I almost thought you had died after not hearing from you for so long, but I��m happy to be proven wrong. We need people like you for the uing war.��


    Vai looked like she had been struck by lightning, her mouth slowly opening and closing without speaking. Zac simply let her process her thoughts for the time being while he dealt with the niece.


    ��Nice to see the two of you again,�� Zac said with a wry smile as he turned to Leyara. ��I��m sorry about dropping in like this. I had nned on contacting you, but I didn��t know how. And with the rumors and the bounties����


    ��You think too little of the Void Gate if you thought we cared for those rumors or the Tsarun Bounty,�� Leyara said with a cute pout. ��The Space Gate has probably been brewing in the Million Gates territory for hundreds of thousands of years. Even if you somehow nudged the events, you could at most have sped things up by a few centuries.��


    Zac was inwardly relieved. He didn��t really think he was responsible for the Space Gate opening either, but it was nice to hear the strongest Spatial Faction in the Mystic Realm backing him up on that front. Still, it was an odd coincidence that Leyara and Pretty were in this specific Mystic Realm, considering it might have been the Dimensional Seed that had triggered the Space Gate to start opening early.


    Was that why they were here, to investigate the source of the turbulence? Or was it rted to the Left Imperial Pce and the Lost ne? Zac was about to ask, but Vai preempted him.


    ��C-Corpse Trees! Atwood�� Piker,�� Vai stammered, her eyes wide as saucers. ��P-Pervert!��


    ��This is why I said you need to keep up with current events, Aunty,�� Leyara said with a shake of her head. ��You never know when you run into scary people on the outside.��


    ��Y-You��re really the Deviant Asura?�� Vai hesitantly asked, her face full of confusion and loss.


    ��Well, yeah, I guess. Sorry I didn��t exin things properly before. I figured it was for the best when you didn��t realize who I was. My identity is a bitplicated, and I have a lot of enemies,�� Zac said with a wry smile. ��But you shouldn��t believe those rumors you might have heard about me.��


    ��So you didn��t fight all the sector elites and then hung them up in your corpse tree?�� Vai said, her face slightly blushing. ��B-Before disappearing for hours with a Draugrdy.��


    ��Uh, no. Well, that did happen,�� Zac coughed before he red at the demon, who had beenughing for a while now. ��What��s so funny?��


    ��The Deviant Asura?�� Ogras snickered, his grin almost splitting his face apart.


    ��I didn��t pick the name,�� Zac sighed.


    ��You did when you broadcasted your desire for young women across the whole sector,�� Pretty Peak snorted.


    ��I��m impressed,�� Ogras whistled. ��Here I thought you remained the same bore as before, but it looks you��ve been living it up on the outside.��


    ��Can we just focus on the matter at hand?�� Zac groaned.


    ��First, exin why you��re here,�� Pretty said with a frown while Leyara thoughtfully looked at him. ��It��s a bit suspicious you��ve been missing for almost ten years, only to suddenly appear here when the ce is crawling with invaders. And you��ve even been traveling undercover?��


    ��I needed some stuff inside the Void Star, so I came here to get it,�� Zac sighed. ��Like I said earlier, I chose to sneak in because I was afraid using my real identity would get me in trouble. Things took a bit of a turn from there as a bunch of infiltrators blew up one of the Spatial Nexuses. Eventually, Vai and I wound up here.��


    ��So, fate brought you here?�� Leyara asked without much surprise on her face, which prompted both him and Ogras to look at the woman suspiciously.


    ��I guess you could say that,�� Zac nodded. ��What about you two?��


    ��I have been fighting the infiltrators in the Million Gates Territory with the Empire,�� Pretty Peak said. ��But that ce is chaotic and hard to traverse, and we simply can��t find the Space Gate. So I came to the Void Gate in search of solutions. Then I learned these Kan��Tanu had managed to infiltrate the Void Star, and that there might even be a path to the Space Gate from here.��


    ��You��re mounting a counter-attack through the Ster Ladder?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Well, that was the n, anyway, but things have taken a turn,�� Pretty grimaced as she red at Billy. ��Some people are making things difficult.��


    ��Billy can throw you back in the dungeon if you don��t like it, Angry Girl,�� Billyughed. ��You are no good at drawing the array anyway.��


    ��Is that about the Design you mentioned earlier, Billy?�� Zac asked.


    ��You two know each other since before?�� Leyara asked when she saw how familiar they were. ��How is that possible?��


    ��Well, Billy is from the same as me,�� Zac shrugged. ��We dealt with the incursions together.��


    ��Ah, Billy misses the Ratlight,�� Billy sighed. ��The Ratlight was simpler than this. Thwonk things, and they give you money and make you stronger.��


    ��Why didn��t you tell us you were from the outside?�� Pretty scowled at Billy. ��Or that you knew Zac Atwood? We could have avoided the misunderstandings.��


    ��You didn��t ask Billy, so Billy didn��t say,�� Billy shrugged.


    ��I��m sure this will all make for a good conversationter. Now, I heard there was a n to get out of this mess alive?�� Ogras interjected.


    ��Ah, right!�� the giant eximed. ��Gemmy is sick, so Billy is healing Gemmy. As long as Gemmy gets better, she can help us.��


    Zac frowned when he heard the news. This was exactly what he��d been afraid of, that him conjuring the pir would have harmed the Realm Spirit and this world.


    ��What do you know about healing Realm Spirits?�� Ogras asked with a raised brow. ��Did you dream up a solution?��


    ��Yes! Billy learned it while sleeping!�� Billyughed. ��Billy always has the best ideas when asleep.��


    ��Uh,�� Zac hesitated.


    ��We were also skeptical at first, but it might actually work,�� Leyara offered. ��Come, look.��


    ��Are you okay?�� Zac asked Vai as he walked up next to her.


    ��I- It��s a lot. I knew you were not just someone from Salosar Seven, but I didn��t imagine you were, well,�� Vai said as she furtively looked at Zac. However, her gaze soon steadied as she looked into Zac��s eyes. ��But I still think you��re a good person, even if you are a deviant.��


    ��That��s not-��Zac grimaced, but the researcher was dragged off by Leyara and Pretty before he could try to exin himself again.


    It was very reminiscent of how Gu had been whisked off back then, and the space around the three was soon sealed. Zac could only shake his head and head toward the edge of the crater with the others. The researcher was no doubt recapping her experiences over the past months. Hopefully, Vai wasn��t to put off by him being vague about his identity.


    Still, the situation was even better than he��d expected. They had stumbled onto Leyara, the key to getting out of this ce, and ns were already well underway. Of course, this all hinged on this n that Billy had somehow dreamt up, so they weren��t entirely out of the woods just yet.


    Soon, they reached the crater��s edge, and Zac could finally see what was hidden inside �C a massive array. It had to be a couple of kilometers in diameter, and it almostpletely covered the crater. In its center, the lone peak remained �C the mountain that was once an insectoid hive.


    There were also some remnants of structures around the peak, but most of them were being dismantled to give way to the innumerable pathways. The work was still underway, with both humans and some small gnome-like beings working hand in hand, with a few floating Hegemons directing from above.


    The array was terrifyinglyplex,prised of hundreds of different sections, most of which Zac couldn��t even begin toprehend. His [Primal Polyglot] wasn��t up to deciphering any clues either. Judging by Ogras�� surprised and befuddled look, he wasn��t expecting this scene either.


    ��What�� is this?�� Zac eventually said after looking down at the crater for a while.


    ��This array will let Gemmye with Billy when we leave,�� Billy said with excitement. ��It will make Gemmy into a Pocket Realm.��


    ��A what?�� Zac said.


    ��It��s a high-grade technique that doesn��t exist on the Frontier,�� a foreign voice said as a Hegemon floated over. ��Hopefully, we will still have time to finish it after your little stunt.��


    ��Bah, stupid guy,�� Billy red. ��Lessining and more drawing, or Billy will throw you back into the dungeon.��


    The Hegemon snorted and flew away after giving Zac a second nce.


    ��What��s going on? Is the shield failing?�� Zac asked.


    ��Gemmy is sick,�� Billy said again with a sad expression. ��She can��t gather much energy any longer, and bad guys outside are wasting it.��


    ��And letting us inside drained her,�� Zac sighed, getting an affirmative nod from Billy. ��I��m sorry.��


    ��It��s not Super Brother Man��s fault,�� Billy smiled. ��Friend helps friends. Besides, Billy thinks you can help. Billy��s n is good, but it can get better.��


    ��I��ll do my best,�� Zac nodded. ��What did you mean by throwing that guy into the dungeon?��


    ��One day, Gemmy said more bad guys were breaking into Gemmy��s World,�� Billy said. ��The first people were already harming Gemmy, so Billy decided to catch these ones. Gemmy did space magic and made bad guys appear inside Billy��s dungeon instead of the edge of the world.��


    ��No wonder,�� Zacughed as he remembered the empty forest they appeared inside.


    ��What is making the world sick?�� Ogras asked from the side. ��How long do we have until this all goes tits up?��


    ��Ah, that��s,�� Billy hesitated, looking a bit confused.


    ��A dangerous energy is invading the Mystic Realm,�� Leyara said as she walked over with Pretty and Vai. ��Vai quickly retold your experiences. I��m sorry about how I acted. I owe you a favor for keeping my aunt safe all this time.��


    ��She helped me just as much,�� Zac smiled. ��What dangerous energy? When did this happen?��


    ��Since the start,�� Leyara said. ��It has been a bit hard to piece together the events, but it looks like the Realm Spirit swallowed up a dimensional fragment holding something dangerous. That realm immediately started releasing its energy, spreading like poison through Gemmy��s world. By the time the Gemmy realized there was a problem, it had already lost control over that region of its body.��


    ��And let me guess, it��s to the east?�� Ogras sighed.


    ��The nasty ce,�� Billy said as he looked at Ogras. ��It got worse after you went there, stupid guy.��


    ��How is that possible? I got a quest to cleanse that ce. I spent a year killing the monsters; I even blew the whole thing up to kill thest of the- ah?�� Ogras said before he froze as his brows furrowed together. ��Now you��re telling me, bastard?��


    Ogras�� behavior looked odd, but Zac quickly realized he was speaking with the Goblin Tool Spirit.


    ��What��s going on?�� Leyara asked curiously. ��By the way, what��s happened to you? You didn��t look like this in the Tower of Eternity. Have you be a ghost? Did the spirits speak with you?��


    ��Yes, to speaking with ghosts, but I am still very much alive,�� Ogras said with a grin. ��If you��re interested, you are most wee to perform a thorough-��


    ��Ahem,�� Zac coughed. ��What did the ghost say?��


    ��Ah?�� Ogras nked out until he remembered what they were dealing with. ��Oh yeah. Remember how the Kingdom of Ra��Lashar rose? How they gained their insights?��


    ��They found a weakness in- ��Zac said before he stopped as his eyes widened.


    Zac had read some of Ogras�� notes on the insane goblin society over the past month, and it was clear what the demon was referring to. The Ra��Lashar was once a simple species on a low E-grade world. But one day, they stumbled onto a weak spot leading to the Lost ne. Not only did that result in their being flooded with enough tainted ambient energy to nurture Monarchs, but they also managed to extract all kinds of knowledge.


    ��The ghost figured the pathway would be gone since the whole has disappeared, with but a small fragment being dragged into this traveling Mystic Realm,�� Ogras said. ��But what if it��s still there? What if the connection remains?��


    ��Bad guys are at the nasty ce making things worse,�� Billy interjected, confirming the reports they lifted from the lipless Hegemon.


    ��The invaders are opening a path, looking for things they shouldn��t,�� Ogras muttered.


    ��We��re lucky,�� Leyara said. ��Vai told me how you conjured a huge pir a month ago? It drained a lot of the build-up in this world. The n was a bit iffy before, but we actually have a shot of getting out of here alive now. There��s only one problem����


    ��There always is,�� Ogras sighed, and Zac could only agree.


    There was always something.

 Chapter 911: Crooked Schemes

    Chapter 911: Crooked Schemes


    Nothing was ever easy in the Multiverse, at least not for those without strength or backing. And in a chaotic scene like the one they found themselves in, Zac wasn��t surprised to hear there were some roadblocks to Billy��s ambitious n.


    ��What will happen when this array is turned on?�� Zac asked Billy, who clearly wasn��t keeping up with the conversation.


    ��Ah,�� Billy hesitated. ��Gemmy wille with Billy and leave?��


    ��It��s not quite that easy,�� Leyara added from the side. ��This array will break off most of the mass of this Mystic Realm before forming a true subspace that will be stored inside the Realm Spirit��s avatar. We would stay inside, but the controller could simply take us out like it was a Spatial Treasure.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What!�� Vai eximed as she looked down at the array. ��How is that possible? The energy consumption alone����


    ��It normally wouldn��t be possible without an extremely powerful energy source, but we have a unique advantage; a sapient World Spirit who is willing to fuel the process. I doubt even my master could aplish this without Gemmy��s aid,�� Leyara said as she nodded at Billy. ��Of course, I can neither confirm nor deny any of this �C this array is far beyond my understanding. We are only drawing it ording to King Billy��s specifications.��


    ��So, what��s the problem?��


    ��First of all, we��re cutting it extremely close,�� Pretty said. ��Those people outside have figured out we can��t replenish our energy, so they are content with gradually whittling us down. Now, it looks even worse, unless the two of you are skilled at formations and energy control?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac said while Ogras studiously looked away.


    ��Thought as much,�� Pretty snorted.


    ��Can��t we just go out and slow them down?�� Zac asked.


    ��That was our n in case things started to go south,�� Pretty nodded. ��We have simply waited since the Temr Hegemons are needed to draw the mostplicated pathways. Apart from them, only Leyara can do it. But with Senior Lioress and you two here, we finally have the opportunity to strike back.��


    Zac nked out for a second, wondering if the Void Priestess had appeared as well. A secondter, Zac realized Pretty was talking about Vai when she said Senior Lioress. It was easy to forget she was over a thousand years old when she almost looked like a teenager. The little researcher was studying the vast array with almost burning eyes, muttering to herself and scribbling down notes.


    It looked like she only needed an exciting topic of study to forget all about the matter of the Deviant Asura.


    ��A few sessful raids will give us more time to draw the array,�� Leyara agreed. ��But that doesn��t solve the real issue.��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked with a sinking feeling that trouble was about toe knocking at his door.


    ��The Kan��Tanu infiltrators are extracting too much energy from these ruins you mentioned,�� Leyara said. ��When this array is activated, it will turn into a ck hole as it swallows all the energy in this world.


    ��Including all that tainted energy,�� Ogras grimaced.


    ��Exactly,�� Leyara nodded. ��We fear that activating while the source of corruption remains will not only drag all that corruption into the core of this world. It might even swallow the origin of all that tainted energy, which will be disastrous. This whole realm would likely explode, killing the Realm Spirit and us alike.��


    Zac took a deep breath before calmly looking at Leyara. ��Let me guess. Someone has to go there and turn off the faucet, so to speak?��


    ��Preferably while conjuring another pir, if possible,�� Leyara nodded. ��The more tainted energy we excise, the more likely it is for Gemmy to survive this transformation.��


    ��So, what��s your n?�� Ogras asked with a raised brow. ��That ce is months away.��


    ��To kill enough enemies for Gemmy to hurl a few people in the right direction,�� Leyara said with a weak smile. ��And hope they survive the journey.��


    ��That��s it? Hurl them across half the domain? That��s the n?�� Ogras asked incredulously as he stared at Leyara and Pretty. ��Billy and that fool of a gem, I understand, but how can you just go along with it?��


    ��Well, we didn��t have much of a choice,�� Pretty said with a roll of her eyes. ��We are essentially prisonbor stuck inside this ce. It was either this or stay in the dungeons while that brute and his pet realm tried to solve this mess themselves. Besides, what are we supposed to do? Let these invaders run about unchecked? Better we blow up this whole ce and us along with it than let them seed in taking this ce over.��


    ��Well, let��s avoid blowing ourselves up if we can avoid it,�� Zac grimaced. ��Why are there no powerhouses here? They��d be able to solve this issue with a wave of their sleeve. Why have you guys only brought Early D-grade Hegemons?��


    ��We had to send back a few of our powerhouses on the way. The inner reaches have be too fragile after the sabotage,�� Leyara sighed. ��If anything, the infiltrators want us to send Monarchs into the Void Star. Their mere presence would most likely cause a chain reaction that would splinter the Void Star, sending the realms to all corners of Zecia. If we��re unlucky, the Ster Ladder will remain intact, giving the invaders free rein. We have already been forced to detach our most valuable realms to avoid that kind of energy overload.��


    ��Weaker Middle Hegemons can technically enter these depths, but it��s not worth it. An elite Early Hegemon will give off roughly the same energy, but their effectivebat strength is higher. You��re a prime example of that. You��re an E-grade cultivator with an aura of an Early Hegemon, yet I bet few early Hegemons are your match,�� Pretty Peak added. ��I would really have loved to spar with you a bit if the world wasn��t ending.��


    ��Another time,�� Zac smiled.


    Zac had expected as much from theck of Monarchs, but it was still a kick to the groin that the Void Priestess or someone like the Starfall Monarch simply couldn��t swing by and solve this mess. At least that exined why he and Vai hadn��t encountered any too dangerous realms until now. Even the most savage ces they crossed had Late Beast Kings at worst, with not a single one sporting the Beast Emperors who supposedly lived in the depths of the Void Star.


    ��Still, you were just going to let Gemmy throw you into a spatial tear and hope for the best?�� Zac hesitated


    ��We don��t have any other means to reach the eastern reaches in time, and Gemmy can only do so much in her current state,�� Leyara exined. ��And if we sent out a squad earlier, then we would never be able to finish the array on time.��


    ��Let��s say the n worked out. What would happen next?�� Zac asked.


    ��Most of this realm would copse while the core region was reforged,�� Leyara said. ��I have a few anchor treasures that should be able to drag people out of the Void Star even if the Spatial Nexuses are in flux.��


    ��So let��s just use those things and get the hell out of here?�� Ogras urged.


    ��Well, for one, Gemmy is blocking us,�� Leyara said. ��But even if she allowed us to leave, they need to be used outside a localized space.��


    ��In the Void?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Exactly,�� Leyara nodded. ��We need to let the world copse and dispel its spatial field. That will ce us in a localized Void of the Void Star, and we��ll teleport out from there.��


    ��What a shitty escape treasure,�� Ogras muttered from the side. ��Need to survive the apocalypse to use it.��


    ��They��re not meant to be used this deep inside the Void Star, and not when the whole system is copsing. Its standard function utilizes the Spatial Nexuses that have been destroyed,�� Leyara sighed.


    ��Aren��t you supposed to be a big shot with a wealthy master? Surely you have something better?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Even if my master had better items, what good does it do me?�� Leyara said with a roll of her eyes. ��I��m just Peak E-grade; how am I supposed to activate a treasure that can st us straight through dozens of spatialyers? These anchors are as good as they get for an E-grade cultivator.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. Even his [shfire Flourish] wouldn��t manage to cross such a vast distance. But thinking of his escape item, a n slowly started to form in Zac��s mind.


    ��One of the anchors would go to the assault group who dealt with the tainted energy,�� Leyara continued. ��The moment this realm copsed, they would use the anchor to get dragged back outside. The other would go to Billy.��


    ��To Billy?�� Zac said curiously.


    ��If everything worked out, Gemmy should be able to send Billy outside into the Void as well, where he could activate the treasure and take Gemmy with him. Once outside the Void Star, he could extract us and send in our armies to deal with any remnant infiltrators.��


    ��This is not just about us either,�� Pretty added with determination. ��We cannot just flee and leave these people to their own devices. Even if we fail, we must drag them with us down to the underworld. We cannot let them seize the Ster Ladder.��


    ��Are you crazy?�� Ogras said with raised brows.


    ��War will always have sacrifices,�� Pretty shrugged. ��If they seize this springboard into Zecia, we��re done for when the real powerhouses arrive. Trading a few juniors, even talented ones, for the safety of the whole sector is a no-brainer. We cannot let them get their hands on this realm.��


    ��That��s not the only thing we can��t let them get their hands on,�� Ogras added with a low voice to Zac.


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement as he looked down at the huge array. After reading the lipless Hegemon��s reports, they had initially thought there were more pieces of rubble hidden in the ruins of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom. But what if that wasn��t it? What if the Kan��Tanu were actually aiming for the source �C the Lost ne?


    The Lipless Cultivator had mentioned selling him off to some powerful faction. Was this their n? To mine and extract opportunities and sell to powerful bidders. And with a prize like Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce, there would be no shortage of powerful factions willing to buy in. The whole sector might be crawling with powerful forces from the Multiverse Hearnds if the pathway to the Lost ne wasn��t closed.


    The demon had evidently arrived at the same conclusion, and there was genuine fear on his face.


    ��We cannot let them continue,�� Zac agreed. ��Otherwise, the invasion will be the least of our worries.��


    ��Fate is gathering,�� Leyara sighed.


    ��I hate this,�� Pretty spat to the side. ��You two clearly know something, and so does the Void Gate. Even the invaders know, while Zecia fumbles in the dark. What the hell is going on? It��s rted to these, isn��t it?��


    Zac looked on as Pretty took out a familiar piece of cloth next �C the ones all the infiltrators carried around. Zac nced at Leyara, who looked a bit conflicted. The scene was a bit odd. Leyara knew, but Pretty didn��t? Ogras looked inquisitively at Zac, who didn��t know what to say either.


    He didn��t have any reason to distrust Pretty Peak, but he adamantly believed that the fewer people knew the truth, the better. What if she reported back to her elders, who then forwarded it to the leaders of the Allbright Empire?


    Only one person with loose lips was needed to create a disaster. The Kan��Tanu seemed to be the same. The lowest members only knew to look for the sigils, while a few others, like the Lipless Hegemon, knew a few more details. But Zac doubted that Aural Cultivator knew anything concrete except that his mission was rted to an opportunity the Kan��Tanu were nning to sell.


    Even then, they were ying a dangerous game, to the point Zac suspected they had something to rely on. Otherwise, why wouldn��t the powerful factions just annihte the Kan��Tanu instead of bartering with them?


    ��I don��t know all the details either,�� Zac eventually said, which got him an exaggerated eye-roll from Pretty Peak. ��Suffice to say, the Kan��Tanu are looking for something, and it��ll be bad if they find it.��


    ��Whatever,�� Pretty shrugged. ��Keep it to yourselves. The truth wille out sooner orter with so many people involved. And you better pray that your secrecy won��t harm the war efforts.��


    ��Since when were cultivators required to share their secrets? Hoarding resources and intelligence is Heaven��s Path,�� Ogras grinned. ��I doubt your esteemed factions are handing out cultivation resources and manuals left and right even when barbarians are knocking at the gate.��


    ��Alright, that��s enough,�� Zac sighed. ��I have an escape treasure that can probably send me all the way to the Ra��Lashar Kingdom in one go, but I��m not sure how well I can steer it. I should manage tond within a few days�� travel, though, and it won��t waste any of Gemmy��s energy.��


    This was the idea Zac hade up with when discussing the escape anchors. He didn��t relish the thought of storming an infiltrator base to blow up a dimensional portal somehow, but it definitely beat their original scheme. The less energy Gemmy was forced to use, the longer they would be able to maintain the shields and work on the array. And while it was dangerous, it beat sitting around in this failing barrier, hoping for the best.


    ��Really?�� Leyara said as her eyes lit up. ��It should work. You��d have to teleport from outside the barrier, though. Maybe use it during a raid?��


    ��The Kan��Tanu have locked down space as well,�� Pretty said from the side. ��You would have to properly break out of the encirclement to avoid any mishaps.��


    ��We��ll figure something out,�� Zac nodded as he nced at Ogras.


    ��Good luck,�� the demon said while giving a thumbs up. ��I��ll be rooting for you.��


    ��What are you talking about?�� Zac smiled. ��Obviously, you��reing with me.��


    Ogras only scoffed in return, but his eyes slowly thinned when he realized Zac was serious. ��You��re joking.��


    ��Like you said, you��ve been there for almost a year. And you even have a ghost guide to help us out,�� Zac shrugged. ��You obviously have toe.��


    ��That was why Billy opened the path for Horny guy,�� Billy nodded as he red at Ogras. ��If Horny Guy doesn��t go, Gemmy will throw him out again.��


    ��Bah, fine,�� Ogras swore. ��I guess the safest ce is by your side anyway. If we fall into the Void, perhaps some beauties in a Cosmic Vessel wille to pick us up.��


    ��Perhaps,�� Zacughed.


    Truthfully, it wasn��t only because of his need for a guide that he wanted Ogras toe with. Another reason was the ruins. Perhaps the Kan��Tanu had already unearthed another set if they were digging into the Lost ne. And if either of them managed to get another piece, it might trigger a second pir and drain this world of more tainted energy.


    Secondly, it would be good to have the demon by his side if everything fell apart and they needed to escape. Billy would be safe since the n required him to have one of the escape anchors, while Leyara would no doubt sort out Vai. That left him and Ogras, who would be taken care of as part of the strike group.


    This way, they wouldn��t be as reliant on Leyara��s generosity when disaster struck. She clearly didn��t have enough anchors for everyone since the n was to leave most people inside Gemmy. And it was unreasonable to expect Leyara to save him and Ogras over her own people. After all, they had only met for two short encounters before.


    ��How many can your escape treasure take?�� Pretty asked.


    ��Not sure,�� Zac said. ��But probably not too many. One or two maximum. It��s also a bit dangerous to use for non-fire cultivators. It will damage your foundations.��


    ��Are you trying to get me killed?!�� Ogras scowled.


    ��You��re part shadows, so you should be fine,�� Zac nodded.


    ��One or two?�� Pretty frowned. ��Is that enough? There should be some powerful enemies guarding that ce as well.��


    ��Our goal isn��t to take them all out but sabotage,�� Zac said. ��A smaller group might work even better.��


    ��What do you think?�� Pretty said as she turned to Leyara.


    ��Well, it��s a better n than we have,�� Leyara slowly said. ��Besides, we have a few weeks to refine the n.��


    ��Alright, I need to rest up a bit after that dash,�� Zac said. ��We��ll talkter.��


    With that, everyone went their way. Leyara and Pretty once more brought Vai away, while Zac headed off with Ogras and Billy. Apparently, they didn��t need to do anything with Gemmy maintaining the barrier. They couldn��t even counter-attack because the barrier was a true spatial divide. Just as the invaders couldn��t attack from the outside, they couldn��t attack from within like you could with a conventional City Defense Array.


    Billy was over the moon from hearing that his actions in the Mystic Realm had helped save Earth. However, he was surprisingly ambivalent about there being quite a few statues of him erected across the, including one in Port Atwood.


    Billy also told him about what had happened since Ogras left, which wasn��t much, really. He had spent most of his time fighting the beast tides or cultivating. Weirdly enough, Billy had asionally fallen asleep for months at a time while Gemmy guarded his body. Seeing how he cultivated and made breakthroughs in his sleep, Zac guessed his bloodline was rted to dreams or dreamworlds.


    It wasn��t exactly what Zac expected from a Titanic bloodline. Then again, he knew nothing about real Titans.


    With only Earthlings around, and Gemmy who was floating inside a brazier, Zac also told them of what had happened to Earth since they were swallowed by the Dimensional Seed. Billy was a great audience, audibly gasping or boisterouslyughing as Zac narrated his exploits from the Big Axe Coliseum to the Twilight Ascent.


    The three spent a few hours catching up, with Zac providing some of the delicacies he kept inside his Spatial Ring. Unfortunately, the evening was only a brief respite, with Pretty Peaking to discuss a surprise raid a few hourster. She wanted to strike while the iron was hot and the outsiders were still a bit disorganized from the spatial mayhem.


    ��Alright, let��s get to work,�� Zac grunted as [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand.

 Chapter 912: Raid

    Chapter 912: Raid


    A knock echoed from the half-opened door to Zac��s study, prompting him to look up from the Book of Duality.


    ��Already?�� Zac sighed as Pretty Peak walked inside.


    ��Apparently, we only have around five days,�� Pretty nodded. ��If you want enough time to figure out a solution over there, we have to make our move soon. And the sooner we get going, the more energy will be left for Gemmy.��


    ��Thought we had just over a week,�� Zac grunted.


    ��Sorry, but we don��t have a lot of options. Senior Ss�� estimates aren��t looking too promising. Everyone is working overtime, including the Gnivelings. If we want a shot at this crooked scheme, we can��t wait much longer,�� Pretty said with some helplessness on her face.


    Zac sighed with a nod. The past two weeks had quickly turned into a struggle against time after Vai discovered some errors in Leyara��s calctions. They had believed themselves to have over four weeks before they needed to finish and activate the array, but it turned out they only had three. If they waited any longer, Gemmy wouldn��t have enough energy to form a stable spatial field.


    ��Well, I guess it doesn��t make much of a difference,�� Zac eventually said. ��I��m going to miss our sparring sessions, though.��


    ��Likewise,�� Pretty smiled. ��But who knows? We might just survive this and get more opportunities in the future.��


    The two had sparred almost daily since Zac arrived at the Kingdom of Billy, barring the days they had to recover from their wounds. Pretty had proven nearly as useless as he was for drawing the arrays, so they had been left to their own devices. Ogras, on the other hand, had been employed to help out a bit, though he still made some time to train and spar.


    Upon learning about his chance to train under the tutge of multiple Monarchs, the demon had been green with envy, and he was trying to glean something through Zac��s stances. Of course, the Evolutionary and Inexorable Stances were useless to Ogras. Still, the theories and concepts that went into their formation were handy for anyone who wanted to improve their own techniques.


    Right now, Ogras was relying on a mix of his n��s techniques and some strikes he��d invented himself, but he was making rapid improvements. The demon reminded Zac a bit of himself when he fought in the Big Axe Coliseum. Ogras had found a direction that was working for him, but he was somewhatcking the foundations to move forward without falling into the same pitfalls as he had.


    Still, Ogras had a fantastic battle sense and a feel for timing, something Zac had already seen when they fought together. Improving his techniques was probably a worthwhile direction for Ogras. However, he would be better off developing a style that struck fast and hard, rather than Zac��s stances, which centered on seizing the momentum before whittling down the opposition.


    Pretty Peak was also shocked at his skill since he hadn��t shown any of that during his battle in the Tower of Eternity, but her own methods weren��t anything to scoff at. This was the first time Zac had seen her fight, and her fighting style was far more in line with her bloody leather armor than her beautiful and almost dainty appearance. She was relying on her n��s battle technique when they sparred, but Zac often felt like he was fighting a beast rather than a cultivator.


    She was an instinctual fighter, just like he was to a certain degree, and she refused to follow her enemy��s tempo. She was full of unexpected moves, incorporating both grappling and various weapons into her repertoire. At any moment, her ws could have been reced by two daggers or a brutal scythe, making it nigh-impossible to know what to expect.


    Apparently, it was a technique developed on the battlefields, though Zac hadn��t had the chance to see the real thing in action. It was devised by Pretty��s ancestor, a talented captain of the Allbright Empire. He had been strong but dirt-poor, and his weapons often broke while fighting on the frontlines. So, he learned to use everything on a battlefield to his advantage in some sort of loot-and-fight-approach where he used the weapons and treasures of fallen allies and foes.


    Of course, the Peak Family was no longer wanting for treasures, but they still maintained the mindset to not rely on their items. In Average��s and Greatest��s cases, they chose the path of pure pugilism, using their bodies as their weapon. Pretty Peak had chosen a different approach where she had mastered multiple weapons, though her primary weapons were ws and the sword.


    The ws were self-exnatory; it was close to pugilism, and the Peak family had a lot of skills and techniques for that fighting style. Mastering swords was a choice of her own, but it wasn��t due to some particr affinity.


    Pretty had instead exined it with the high prevalence of swordfighters in Zecia. If she lost her weapons in battle, a sword would probably be the easiest to steal from her enemies. And there was always a good chance of finding better des in ces like Mystic Realms and Inheritance trials.


    It was a stark difference from Zac��s path where he nned on upgrading and using his treasures to the very end, but there was ultimately no right or wrong in cultivation.


    ��Five days, huh?�� Zac sighed. ��Will the array be done in time?��


    ��Honestly? It doesn��t look too good,�� Pretty said as she hesitantly looked at Zac. ��I hate to ask, but do you think you can help take down another tower on your way out? It would buy us another half day at least.��


    Zac considered it for a moment before he hesitantly nodded. ��We could take one down, but the original n has to change.��


    This would be the seventh and final raid in which Gemmy opened small breaches to let them out for a blitz attack. The first outing had been a rousing sess, where they had formed three parties that targeted sections with fewer or weaker Hegemons. One group was Zac and Ogras, with another being Billy, Leyara, Pretty, and a Defensive Temr Hegemon. Thest group consisted of four more Temr Hegemons and twenty support staff.


    The sudden attack had left 12 enemy Hegemons dead or crippled and destroyed a siege tower, drastically weakening their capabilities. The most significant contributors had been the Temrs, who took down seven of the enemies by using a series of expensive talismans provided for Leyara��s safety. Ogras and he had taken out another three before they were forced to retreat, while Billy��s team had taken care of thest two.


    The second attempt worked out quite nicely as well, as they infiltrated a series of tunnels the invaders had dug in an effort to enter the fort from below. The third raid was a sobering experience, though, with three of their own Hegemons falling while Billy��s party was almost wiped out. If not for the defensive Temr sacrificing himself, then Billy and Pretty wouldn��t only have gotten out with nasty wounds.


    Those losses and the new deadline were the beginning of the vicious circle that had forced them to fight the Kan��Tanu army another three times. Six out of their eleven Hegemons had already lost their lives by now. Another one had actually deserted them as well by using a raid to escape. How he was nning to survive was beyond Zac, but judging by the seething anger in Leyara��s and the other Temrs�� eyes, he would probably have to join the invaders if he wanted a shot at survival.


    Even Ogras had been forced to sit out the twost raids because of wounds, and three raid parties had been reduced to two as Zac joined the Temrs instead of going at it alone. It had lessened the damage they did each battle, but they had no better options. After all, the demon needed to be in tip-top shape for this one.


    ��You��re right, we��re abandoning the diversion. We��ll all join you for this final battle instead,�� Pretty agreed. ��I��m actually a bit excited to finally see your exploits up-close. Some of the Temrs swear that you must be a Hegemon in hiding.��


    ��I wish,�� Zac wryly smiled as he got to his feet. ��Give me three hours; I need to quickly enter seclusion.��


    ��Alright,�� Pretty nodded as she turned toward the door. ��I��ll get everything sorted.��


    Just as she was about to leave, she turned around again.


    ��You know, the real Deviant Asura is a lot better than the rumors,�� she said, as a smile spread across her face. ��But perhaps not as interesting.��


    ��I��m fine with being called boring if those rumors just die down,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Doubtful. The Tsarun n is working much too hard to ruin your image and alienate you,�� Prettyughed. ��Of course, it can all be swept away by deeds. My Grandpa says there will be rankings and contributions stores like most for this war. As long as you prove yourself, no one will care about those rumors. Those who spread them might even face a bacsh.��


    ��Looking forward to it,�� Zac smiled. ��Is there anything else?��


    Pretty hesitated a bit more before she spoke up. ��Is�� there really nothing you can tell me that can help me with Average and our soldiers?�� Pretty asked. ��I can feel it �C how it��s all rted to the events here.��


    It had been a shock to hear that both Average and his old acquaintance Gu had gone missing under mysterious circumstances. An enormous in the depths of the Million Gates Territory had just up and disappeared with them on it, and the event had released enough energy to be sensed all the way to the Allbright Empire.


    The Peak Family didn��t believe that anyone in their sector had the strength to do something like that, and they thought it was rted to the Limitless Empire. That was the original reason Pretty had been sent to the Void Gate, though the infiltration of the Void Star had taken precedence.


    ��What you��ve described ispletely different from what I know,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��From what I��ve seen, there are only two oues from encountering�� that. You either gain the opportunity, or you die. There are no disappearances, especially not wholes. It might be rted, but I am just guessing here as well.��


    Zac wasn��t lying. If the scarred disappearing was rted to the Limitless Empire, then it was probably associated with the Left Imperial Pce. But as for how and why, Zac didn��t have the faintest idea.


    ��Alright,�� Pretty sighed. ��Well, keep your eyes open, will you?��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll see you soon.��


    Zac led Pretty out of his quarters before he sealed it shut. From there, Zac didn��t walk over to his cultivation chamber but rather to his closet. He pushed against a wall, and a hidden chute opened up. Zac jumped inside, falling hundreds of meters until hended in a pitch-ck room.


    These sections were once part of the hive��s incubator, and only a few hidden pathways connected it with the rest of the hive. Here, the queen would store and slowly nurture the eggs until warriors came crawling out from the chutes. These sections were long since discovered and cleansed by Billy and Ogras and had been refitted into secret cultivation chambers or secret shelters.


    A perfect spot for Zac to aplish some things far from prying eyes.


    There was only so much he could do to improve his strength in the short run. The best would have been to upgrade his Branch of the War Axe, but he was still somewhatcking. The raids hadn��t provided enough inspiration either, even if the fighting had been hard.


    That left him with his second option �C his undead side.


    Having traveled with Vai for half a year, there hadn��t been any good opportunities to fill his already opened nodes with Miasma. Thankfully, the downtime between raids had helped him out a lot. After every battle, he had hurried down to these catbs to use the Kill Energy to gain levels. Just filling them up required a lot less energy than breaking nodes open, and he had made a lot of progress in the past two weeks.


    Even then, he was not quite there. His Draugr form was still level 148, just two levels shy of the noticeable Attribute Boost at 150. With time running out, Zac decided to finish the process with leveling pills. Typically, he wouldn��t have eaten pills when absorbing energy from Miasma Crystals would do the trick, but he was under a lot of pressure from the uing mission.


    This time, he didn��t just have his own life to worry about. If he failed to close the pathway to the Lost ne, then Gemmy would fail her transition to a Portable Realm, and most people here would probably perish. He needed every advantage he could get, even if he had to take on a little bit more Pill Toxins.


    Zac sat down at his usual spot, and a bottle of the Leveling Pills he��d bought inside the Orom World appeared in his hand. The [Aethergate Pills] he bought back in the Twilight Harbour were used up already, but these weren��t that much worse. More than enough for his purposes. Deathly waves of Miasma coursed through his body, and the transition wasplete less than a secondter, thanks to his upgraded transformation skill.


    Two pills were swallowed without preamble, and it felt like a frigid star had appeared in his stomach. Zac directed the energy toward the empty nodes in his mind, and it poured into the first one like a surging river. The process went without any issues or surprises, and just two hourster, it was done.


    Now, all 75 of his nodes formed deathly swirls as they formed a perfect system, each feeling like a gateway into the Abyss. He opened his status screen, and a smile spread across his face upon seeing another 260 Free Points added to his pool. With five levels worth of attribute boosts, he had gained a couple of thousand attribute points thesest five levels of his Fetters of Destion-ss.


    As usual, he put the free points into Dexterity, pushing the attribute to 9,770 points. It still felt odd pouring all his free points into the same attribute. But with two sses and three Dao Branches that mainly provided Strength, Endurance, and Vitality, he didn��t have much choice. Even his Wisdom would eventually pass his Dexterity if he didn��t manually remedy the situation.


    Zac didn��t gain any new quest this time either, and neither did he get another title. He was mostly tapped out in that regard, unless he managed to create a skill from scratch before breaking through. Still, the basic prerequisites for his attempt at Hegemony were finallyplete, and in just a decade at that.


    Just reaching this point thwarted all but a select few mortals, and his journey waspletely different from Galvarion��s struggles. The maritime Monarch had spent centuries in the E-grade, each step and every node a perilous journey. Of course, the most challenging part remained; figuring out a blueprint for his Cultivator��s Core. This step couldn��tpare with Galvarion��s, considering he had pretty shallow foundations and an Umon E-grade ss.


    There was also the matter of shoring up his foundations, but that was mostly just a matter of time. But for now, Zac was happy with the results, and he climbed out of the chute. There was still some time left before he needed to meet up with Pretty and the others, which was perfect. There was one more thing he needed to do before he set off for the Ra��Lashar Kingdom.


    ��Gemmy, are you there?�� Zac asked into thin air.


    ��You smell bad again,�� Gemmy��s voice echoed through his empty chamber.


    ��Remember, our little secret,�� Zac smiled and got a giggle in response.


    Hopefully, that meant she agreed. Billy already knew about the situation since the first time Zac transformed, though Zac wasn��t sure he actually understood he had two Races. It rather seemed like Billy considered it like his own Titanic transformation. Still, he had promised he wouldn��t tell anyone, and Zac trusted him to stay true to his word.


    ��Okay, Hungry Guy, Gemmy promises,�� the Dimensional Seed agreed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Where is Slow Girl right now?�� Zac asked.


    ��She is in her room, looking at the pattern,�� Gemmy answered.


    ��Is she alone?��


    ��Yep!��


    ��Perfect, thank you,�� Zac said as he walked out of his room and shed over to another section of the hive.


    Zac knocked at the door, which swung open by itself.


    ��I thought you woulde over,�� Leyara smiled as Zac closed the door behind him.


    ��It��s time you and I have a little chat,�� Zac said. ��About the Limitless Empire and the Left Imperial Pce.��

 Chapter 913: Vigil

    Chapter 913: Vigil


    ��The Left Imperial Pce?�� Leyara said withrge sorrowful eyes. ��And here I thought you had finallye to profess your love before riding off into battle. What a disappointment.��


    ��Be serious,�� Zac said.


    This was a long-overdue discussion. The two of them had danced around the subject for weeks, but Zac needed some rity before setting off for the Ra��Lashar Kingdom.


    ��Who said I wasn��t?�� Leyara winked, but her expression soon returned to normal. ��I know you have a lot of questions, but I don��t have a lot of answers to give you.��


    ��You clearly know at least some of it, and you would have me use your escape treasure to get sent right into the hands of the Void Gate,�� Zac said. ��You should understand the risk that would ce us in.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    This was Zac��s primary concern. Using Leyara��s Spatial Anchor would supposedly drag them right back to the Void Gate. If they wanted the opportunity for themselves, then he and Ogras would be delivering themselves to the ughter. He and Ogras had even discussed fleeing in the opposite direction instead �C into the Ster Ladder and the Million Gates Territory.


    Obviously, Zac wanted to avoid that solution if possible. They didn��t even have any Cosmic Vessel, and his escape bangle was still on its cooldown for another nine years. He would be able to set up a Teleportation Array, but those didn��t work in the Million Gates Territory, meaning they would have to make their way out themselves somehow.


    But no matter how arduous such a journey was, it was a preferable option to being sted into nothingness by a Monarch when they emerged. So the two had made some preparations with the help of Billy and Gemmy, but Zac hoped this conversation would alleviate any need for using them.


    ��Well, I guess I owe you that much,�� Leyara slowly said. ��And seeing as you��re a candidate, you will get to know the truth sooner orter. But you cannot tell anyone else about this. Fate is already fraught with uncertainties, and even the smallest of ripples can bring about a storm.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded.


    ��You have nothing to fear from the Void Gate. We will not interfere with you or the events that are about to unfold. Neither will anyone from our side try to gain ess to the Left Imperial Pce or its nine outer courts,�� Leyara said with certainty. ��Or meddle with the thing residing within.��


    The allusion to Ultom and the mention of the nine sigils pretty much confirmed that Leyara was the real deal and not just pretending to know things to extract information from him. Still, that felt as much a threat as an opportunity when she held the key to their freedom.


    ��Why should I believe you?�� Zac asked. ��Your faction is clearly interested in this stuff, and has probably been looking for them for a long time.��


    ��I think you have figured a few things out already,�� Leyara nodded. ��First of all, the Void Gate is not our real name. Our faction is older than the System itself, and we call ourselves the Vigil.��


    ��The Vigil?�� Zac frowned. ��Never heard of it.��


    ��You wouldn��t,�� Leyara said. ��Honestly, most of us don��t know about it either. The Void Gate is just a small subsidiary force looking for clues at the frontier, and only a select few know the truth. Master only told me just before I entered the Void Star, so this is mostly uncharted territory for me as well.��


    ��Then why wouldn��t you get involved? If you��ve searched for so long?�� Zac asked suspiciously.


    ��If you want to know, then tell me how you became a candidate. What was the criterion?�� Leyara countered.


    Zac hesitated for a few seconds before he chose to tell her the truth.


    ��It just happened the moment I passed through the Void Star��s outer film. I got a terrifying vision that almost killed me. My wholepartment was covered in blood afterward,�� Zac said. ��After that, I could sense the pieces from a distance.��


    ��As I suspected,�� Leyara said as she looked at Zac with aplex gaze. ��The Vigil has a mission. To watch as the river flows and to make sure fate isn��t usurped or altered.��


    ��Fate usurped?�� Zac said with a raised brow. ��Like a nobody bing a candidate?��


    ��No, not like that,�� Leyara smiled. ��This is a matter of those at the very peak. Small beings like us are just part of the river. How could we truly affect it as we are? I don��t know what it means, but the result is that we will not interfere with you, nor will we interfere with any infiltrator who bes a candidate.��


    ��But you��re not just observers,�� Zac countered. ��You directly got involved when you started hoovering up ruins and realms with the Void Star. And now the outsiders are involved.��


    ��That was an unfortunate side effect of our mission,�� Leyara grimaced. ��My master could feel that the pir was stirring, and she had to pave the path to let fate flow unobstructed. That presented an opportunity to these infiltrators. Now, she can��t just close the connection and seal off the Kan��Tanu, since that would affect her true mission.��


    ��So Zecia will suffer because of a technicality?�� Zac frowned.


    ��That��s���� Leyara sighed. ��You could see it that way. But that��s why we��re here. To try and right a wrong without breaking the precepts. Luckily, your friend has provided us with a solution by forcing us tobor for his undertaking. If this realm is removed from the Ster Ladder, then the wholedder should destabilize. Even if it doesn��t, we should be able to do it ourselves since this realm is the origin of fate.


    ��Furthermore, most of the Void Gate will join the uing war, even if the Vigil doesn��t get involved with mundane struggles. After all, this is our home as well. Almost everyone was born in Zecia.��


    ��That��s the least of our problems,�� Zac said. ��You should know what will happen if powerful factions turn their gazes toward Zecia. Will the Vigil spread the appearance of the Left Imperial Pce?��


    ��I don��t know,�� Leyara said and quickly continued when Zac��s brows furrowed. ��I��m stilling to terms with this all. I really have no idea if my faction has allies they��d bring over or if they will keep it to themselves. But you should know, even if the Vigil doesn��t say anything, this cannot remain a secret for long. The ancient factions have their means to discover something of this magnitude.��


    Zac nodded with exhaustion in his eyes. He had already started to fear as much, that an Eternal Heritage appearing unnoticed would be too much to hope for. Even if the Kan��Tanu didn��t expose the truth to the multiverse, it was just a matter of time before some Supremacy figured it out.


    Dealing with that mess was forter, though. If worse came to worst, he��d just have to camp on Earth or Ensolus under the System��s protection until someone imed Ultom and left Zecia alone.


    ��Then what can you tell me?�� Zac sighed. ��What did you mean when you said a pir was stirring? Is the Left Imperial Pce one of the pirs?��


    Leyara looked out from her window, down at the army camped outside.


    ��When the Limitless Empire crafted the System, their power alone wasn��t enough. The Heavens are not so easily subdued, and they had to lend the power of others. Eight pirs were erected at the corners of reality, each one powered by something called an Eternal Heritage. ces of penultimate power, of penultimate truth. Concepts beyond the Dao itself, which was needed to contain the Heavens.��


    Zac shuddered when he heard the description, and the words from his vision once more floated to the surface.


    Eight Pirs. Nine Seals. One Destiny.


    ��The undertaking was a sess, and the pirs provided the strength the System needed to stabilize and grow during its infancy. Many tried to stop Emperor Limitless�� experiment, and the Left Imperial Pce became one of the battlegrounds where even the Heavens joined the fray. But the eight pirs withstood the assault and disappeared.��


    ��But now the Left Imperial Pce ising back?�� Zac frowned. ��How will this affect the System?��


    ��ording to Master, the System is no longer dependent on the pirs. They were let loose long ago. In fact, them returning unattached is by design.��


    ��By design? Whose design is that?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Who knows?�� Leyara smiled. ��Perhaps Emperor Limitless. Perhaps the ancient beings who crafted the ces of power. I only know that the pirs were destined to return, and Vigil would be there to observe and aid the ascent.��


    Zac slowly digested what Leyara had told him, and he believed her on most points. She knew way too much information just to be some frontier scion. As for the Left Imperial Pce and Ultom being used in the construction of the System, Zac could definitely believe it. He had had the same thoughts over the past months, and the scarred exterior lined up with Leyara��s mention of battles.


    It was pretty shocking Emperor Limitless had managed to gather eight Eternal Heritages. However, it wasn��t without reason since many still believed him to be the strongest person to have existed. Besides, this all happened at the beginning of the era, before cultivation had reached its current height.


    The only question that remained was whether he could trust Leyara on the most crucial part; if her faction were really only there to observe or if they were aiming for the Eternal Heritages.


    ��Why are you only observing? What is your end goal?�� Zac asked.


    ��No idea,�� Leyara smiled. ��Master wouldn��t tell me that part. If you want to know, you��d have to ask her. This is pretty much all I know. By now, you might know more than me. For instance, my master never mentioned anything about this Lost ne you told us about.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac sighed, though he wasn��tpletely satisfied.


    Zac asked a few more rifying questions over the following minutes, and he managed to get a few valuable pieces of information out of it. She didn��t know how the trial would look, or how the nine subsidiary courts yed into everything. But she was somewhat confident that no Kan��Tanu infiltrator had managed to be a candidate, which was good news.


    Most importantly, she believed that the Void Star had swallowed no more than five pieces of various seals, while most remained in the chaotic space of the Million Gates Territory. Staying in this ce was unlikely to bear fruit, especially if they managed to break the Ster Ladder with their n.


    The two were eventually done, and it was just in time since Gemmy��s voice appeared and told them the others were waiting at the viewing deck.


    ��By the way, do you know which one of the Nine Imperial Bloodlines you have?�� Leyara suddenly asked as they walked out of her quarters, her voice so casual one might have thought she was discussing the weather.


    Zac��s heart lurched, but he somehow managed to keep his face impassive. ��Nine Imperial Bloodlines? What��s that, and why would you think I have one?��


    ��Because I��m not blind?�� Leyaraughed. ��I��ve felt it a few times over the past weeks. Short bursts that felt like an emperor had descended onto the battlefield.��


    Zac was shocked at how incisive Leyara was. He had indeed been forced to use his [Force of the Void] a few times over the past weeks. It was only to slightly speed up his skill activations to push a couple of rough situations in his favor, and he hadn��t thought anyone would notice. His enemies never seemed to realize, but it looked like Leyara had some means of her own.


    ��Why do you ask?�� Zac asked.


    ��Just curious,�� Leyara smiled. ��Just to be clear, we will not provide you with any resources or manuals even if you do.��


    ��Then I don��t have one,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Stingy,�� Leyaraughed.


    Zac rolled his eyes, but he was inwardly thankful. Leyara had probably not expected him to answer, but this was a good reminder that some apparently could sense the Void Energy. How much it mattered, Zac wasn��t sure. But from what he could tell, both his bloodline talents were things that broke convention, and the fewer that knew, the better.


    The two soon joined the others at the viewing deck at the upper part of the mountain, the high vantage giving them a perfect view of both the soldiers outside and the work on the pathways below. By now, it was almostplete, but some of the mostplex patterns remained to be engraved. The Gnivelings could not help with those sections, even if they had proven surprisingly attuned to the Dao and inscriptions.


    He could even spot Vai working far below, just like she had since they arrived. As far as Zac knew, she hadn��t stopped working over the past ten days. The remaining Hegemons were also helping, but only two array masters were actually skilled enough to direct work rather than taking on the role of assistant.


    Those three wouldn��t be sent out for the raid, but the other Hegemons were ted to join them in this final push. Zac��s eyes turned to Ogras, who was standing to the side. He looked a bit pale, but his aura was stable.


    ��How are you doing?�� Zac asked.


    ��If I say I��m mortally wounded, can I stay behind?�� the demon muttered.


    Zac onlyughed as he looked out at the army waiting outside, seeing that they hadn��t changed their formation much since before.


    ��Still clumped together,�� Zac sighed.


    ��Looks that way,�� Pretty nodded.


    Six enormous siege towers remained, each one guarded by roughly ten Hegemons and a horde of E-grade cultivators who all were protected by a barrier. Work was underway to rebuild the ones that had been destroyed as well, but they wouldn��t be finished in time for it to matter. Pretty even believed the work was just a ruse to divert their attention.


    There were no safeguards or warriors between the six armies, almost like they were inviting you to escape as that previous Hegemon had. This arrangement was far harder to deal withpared to the previous encirclement, where they were uniformly spread out. With how they were clumped together, it was almost impossible to take out any Hegemons now, at least not without taking on some losses of their own.


    For the original n, this wouldn��t have mattered. The idea was for Zac and Ogras to flee the encirclement through one of those open pathways while a diversionary squad struck one of the nearby towers. If everything worked out, they��d leave the lockdown without issue and he��d activate [shfire Flourish].


    But Pretty��s proposal meant taking on one of the six armies before leaving.


    ��And we really have to take down another tower?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��It��s asking a lot from you, but we simply don��t have a lot of options,�� Leyara sighed. ��This is a gambit �C we��re all joining you in striking that spot. If we can take out the Hegemons and the tower, the pressure on us will be much lower.��


    ��The problem is that barrier,�� Pretty said. ��By the time we break it down, the other armies will have had time to send reinforcement, nking us.��


    ��Don��t the two of you have something left up your sleeves?�� Ogras asked. ��You��re supposed to be proud daughters of Heaven.��


    ��We were just a small advance party meant for reconnaissance and, if possible, sabotage,�� Pretty said. ��If I had any siege treasures, I would have taken them out by now.��


    ��I have a few more D-grade Talismans, but I think they can weaken the barrier at most,�� Leyara added.


    ��Billy can thwonk it,�� Billy offered.


    The man looked more like a mummy than a titan at this point, with bandages covering most of his body. Zac didn��t know why he insisted on using bandages when Zac had given him top-tier pills, but both he and Gemmy were adamant they were needed to recover.


    Zac hesitated for a few moments before he looked at Ogras, who curiously looked back at him. ��Remember when we got trapped by the cultists?��


    ��Right here?�� Ogras asked as he pointedly nced at Pretty and Leyara.


    ��No point in holding back if it will get us all killed. Can you cover me?�� Zac asked, and he got a reluctant nod in return.


    ��What are the two of you talking about?�� Pretty asked.


    Zac didn��t immediately answer but instead turned to Leyara first. ��Are you able to tell who or what maintains the shield?��


    ��Not from here, but I will when we get closer,�� Leyara nodded as she curiously looked at Zac.


    ��All right, I��ll deal with the shield; you guys just need to be ready to st the Hegemons when it crumbles.��


    ��You��ll deal with it? Alone?�� Pretty frowned. ��How long do you need?��


    ��It��ll be over in an instant.��

 Chapter 914: Blitz

    Chapter 914: Blitz


    Zac looked up at the viewing deck far above. It was odd to see himself and the others up there, even though everyone was already gathered behind the gates. Their counterparts were illusions made by a few of the Gnivelings, which would hopefully give them a slight edge for the uing battle. The closer they could get to the invaders without notice, the greater the element of surprise.


    ��Everyone ready?�� Leyara asked and got nods of affirmation all around.


    Altogether, fifteen of them would set out: himself, Ogras, Billy, Pretty, Leyara, two Hegemons, and eight E-grade Temrs trained in a defensive War Array. The remaining two Hegemons couldn��t be spared since their expertise was needed on the array.


    ��Are you sure you can do this?�� Pretty hesitated as she looked at Zac. ��I��m not doubting your strength, but we��ve seen how sturdy those barriers are. And we don��t even know if these people have used the arrays to their fullest. Keeping some strength back until a critical moment is amon strategy.��


    ��I promise,�� Zac nodded. ��As long as I can get next to it and know what powers it, I��ll get the job done. At worst, I will severely weaken it.��


    ��Alright then,�� Pretty nodded.


    ��Then let��s go,�� Zac said as he cracked his neck.


    There was nothing else to say, and the group immediately set out with Zac and the Hegemons in the front while the E-grade cultivators made up the rear. They didn��t pass through the gate but instead entered a tunnel leading beneath it. Just 30 meters in the imprable barrier blocked their passage, with two Peak Gniveling scouts standing to the sides of the path.


    ��It��s clear, no activity for half a day,�� the long-eared humanoid nodded.


    Zac nodded in thanks, and a shroud of shadows superimposed by a soothing spatial ripple enclosed them. A small hole silently opened in the barrier, and the group shot forward like a bullet. The walls turned to a blur as they rushed out from the fort, heading straight in the direction of the siege tower in the distance.


    But soon enough, a soft hum spread through the tunnel, and Zac felt like an ethereal wind had passed by him.


    ��We��re spotted,�� Leyara sighed, to no one��s surprise.


    The Kan��Tanu Infiltrators had never stopped scanning these abandoned tunnels since the second raid, so they had never believed they would be able to reach the enemy lines unnoticed. However, they had managed to cover almost half the distance to the army before being exposed, which was more than enough ording to their calctions.


    One of the two Hegemons shed out with his sword, and four beams shot upward at an angle, instantly carving a path leading to the surface. The group rushed out, and they were met with a sky already shuddering from burgeoning power. Just as Zac managed to orient himself, reality shifted, and he was suddenly much closer to the 100-meter-tall siege tower.


    It was Leyara who had shifted space around the whole group in what essentially was true teleportation. Space flickered around them like the skill had conjured thousands of purple fireflies, but it held otherwise. For better or worse, space wasn��t as fragile as during their mad dash toward Billy��s fort. Gemmy��s outburst had drastically weakened the fabric of space, but it was a temporary effect.


    Still, it was clear the whole realm was declining. Even if normal attacks didn��t createrge Spatial Tears, you could still feel that space was more brittle than it should be. And that was something the Kan��Tanu Invaders were making use of. Within their protective bubble, space was solidified with arrays, but the rest of the battlefield didn��t enjoy those protections.


    A dark sanguine light burst into life at the top of the siege tower, making it look like a lighthouse of the underworld. The pulsating glowing sphere contained enormous amounts of energy, releasing hundreds of rays in their direction. Wherever they passed, space was roasted, creating a deadly maze of corrupted energy and spatial tears.


    Zac, Ogras, Pretty, and Leyara were forced to counter the Array Tower��s deadly st as they rushed forward. Leyara was actually the one most effective at dealing with those beams, being a control mage. Those crystals on her hands lit up her surroundings, and it almost looked like she was standing in the middle of a miniature gxy as she manipted space around them.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, the Hegemons infused and threw out one shimmering orb after another to their left and right, forming a 1000-meter-wide corridor. Nothing happened when the orbsnded in the grass, but they weren��t supposed to do anything. At least not yet, as they were a contingency in case things got heatedter.


    ��Going,�� Ogras grunted when the orbs had been thrown out, and they reached stretch free of broken space, and the shadows around them condensed.


    Zac felt four rapid shifts, and they had once more moved closer to the barrier in an instant, though Ogras was forced to zig-zag between the bloodysers. By now, they were getting close, and a thick shield rose above their heads just in time to block one of the beams. Still, they were right in the crosshairs now, with hundreds of more attacks already on their way.


    A powerful fluctuation of energy had been building next to Zac for a while now, and it almost looked like a gargantuan beast swiped at the barrier as two ws tore through space and mmed into the Kan��Tanu��s barrier. The strike was quick and ruthless, but Pretty��s attack only created a small ripple in the shield.


    Of course, no one had expected the attack to work; they just needed a fast attack powerful enough to create some energy ripples.


    ��Slightly left to the tower, four masked cultivators. The array core is the ck pedestal between them,�� Leyara��s voice echoed out in Zac��s head as a series of protective barriers sprung up around him, courtesy of a Hegemon and the E-grade Temrs.


    Zac nodded, and space shrunk as he activated [Earthstrider], forcing his way through the turbulent domain toward the barrier. A tsunami of shadows rushed forward in his wake, shrouding the battlefield in darkness. A momentter, Zac was right at the edge of the barrier, and a frenzied barrage of attacks rapidly wore down his imparted shields. Still, Zac didn��t care as he drew power from his bloodline.


    An ancient aura permeated the area just as a tremendousnce of darkness mmed into the barrier right next to him. Hairline cracks spread across its surface, and there was even a tiny hole right in front of him. A small smile spread across Zac��s face as an ancient forest appeared out of nowhere, instantly summoned by [Force of the Void].


    Before anyone could react, Zac had already jumped into one of the trees and appeared right next to the Array Masters inside the barrier. Behind him, the cracks in the barrier rapidly closed. In fact, they had never even been there. Ogras�� attack had been powerful, but not powerful enough to pierce the shield like that. The damage was just an illusion the demon had attached to his attack, giving Zac an excuse for his bloodline��s ability to circumvent barriers like this.


    A torrential burst of Dao-empowered fractal leaves drenched the area in blood, except for the four masked warriors. A secondary barrier had sprung up to protect them, though it was severely battered by the dozens of strikesing from the ultimate form of [Nature��s Edge]. Zac had expected as much, and before the Kan��Tanu Array Masters had a chance to bolster their defenses, the next strike had already reached them.


    The hymns of Arcadia joined the pained screams around him as space split apart, and the ancient aura of the Void Emperor-bloodline became even more palpable in the surroundings. In a perfect world, Zac wouldn��t use his bloodline this freely, especially not when he��d just been warned by Leyara. But they didn��t have a lot of options. More than twenty Hegemons from the neighboring armies were already rushing toward them, and their window was less than ten seconds.


    If they dyed any longer, they would be boxed in and overwhelmed.


    The Spatial Stabilizators prevented space frompletely crumbling, but it wasn��t enough to block his skill. [Rapturous Divide] swept right through the Array Masters�� battered barrier and then through the cultivators themselves. Zac felt four surges of energy, confirming the targets were down. But the skill wasn��t exhausted with just that, and it ripped through the Array Core before carving a bloody path through the Kan��Tanu army.


    The area rumbled as the shield fell apart, but the sound was soon overshadowed by a deep groan like two tectonic tes grinding against each other. The sky had darkened beyond what the wall of shadows had elicited, but it wasn��t because of some storm clouds. The head of an enormous club ripped through the shadowy haze, its size almost a match to the siege tower.


    ��Group 1, sto-�� a Hegemon roared, but she was forced to swallow her words and dodge as a fractal leaf almost beheaded her.


    The same circumstance urred for two more Hegemons as Zac unleashed a barrage of fractal leaves. Simultaneously, a goldenurel appeared on his head, as a good chunk of the Kan��Tanu army was showered in golden splendor. It was the restrictive domain of [Empyrean Aegis] pushed to its limits, which interrupted hundreds of cultivators from unleashing their skills.


    Zac could sense how the intensity of his domain was weakened when used against so many enemies and that it wouldn��t be able to prevent anyone from circting their Cosmic Energy when prepared for the resistance. But the sudden interruption gave Zac��s group a vital window of opportunity. Some of the Hegemons were upied by Zac, and the rest soon had their hands full.


    Shimmering waves of sword Dao carved deadly paths straight through the E-grade warriors as one of the Temrs unleashed a herculean strike, while the other unleashed what looked like a falling sun right on top of a Kan��Tanu captain. Still, there were twelve Hegemons in this army, and they were quickly moving to deal with the sudden turn of events.


    Three of them conjured walls to block off Billy��s descending strike, but they suddenly froze in ce as a celestial maiden appeared above their heads. Her hair was cosmic dust and her eyes were made from stars, and she held her arms in what looked like an open invitation. She looked like a benign deity, but even Zac felt his hair stand on end when he sensed how space around the Hegemons rapidly eroded.


    The D-Grade cultivators were immediately covered in shallow cuts as space fractured, and when one of them tried to respond, it backfired spectacrly. Spacepletely shattered around him, and Zac��s eyes widened when a ck w emerged from the darkness and simply dragged the man into nothingness.


    The scene was all-too-familiar; Zac had almost encountered the same thing in the Mystic Realm, except his high Luck had saved him from getting captured. A Void Beast was lurking in the dark, one powerful enough to snatch a Hegemon like it was a toy. Had Leyara summoned it with her avatar? Or was it just a lucky coincidence that the Void on the other side of the spatial tear was upied by a waiting monstrosity?


    This was no time to worry about that, though, as the Kan��Tanu had already recovered from his interruption with [Empyrean Aegis], and he was caught right in the crosshairs between his allies and enemies. Zac narrowly avoided four bloody rakes of Pretty��s that ripped through the enemy lines as they shot toward Hegemons, one of them leaving a crippling wound.


    Zac finished the job with a quick jab, while Ogras did the same with another Hegemon, using his shadownce. Altogether, five Hegemons had died instantly while a few more were restrained, drastically lessening the pressure. However, the area was teeming with unfettered Heart Curses by that point, and it almost looked like a living tangle was about to be born.


    The others couldn��t get any closer, and Zac knew he couldn��t stay on much longer either. Even if those things couldn��t kill or possess him, they could still maim his body and create a diversion.


    A second rumble in the sky made Zac nce up just in time to see arge golden rune appear behind Billy��s club. It emitted an aura of primordial fury, and the weapon suddenly gained a huge boost in weight and momentum. The hastily made barriers that had tried to impede it broke down, and the club descended toward the siege tower like a copsing mountain.


    The ground buckled, and a chaotic explosion swallowed hundreds of Cultists as the gathered energies in the tower were unleashed on their surroundings. Zac stepped into one of the few remaining trees of [Ancestral Woods] before the wave of destruction reached him, and he appeared just at the edge of the Kan��Tanu army, where he unleashed another series of Dao-empowered fractal leaves to take out another Hegemon.


    The tower was destroyed and most of the Kan��Tanu Hegemons were dead or grievously wounded by that point, which meant they had aplished their goal. However, they were running out of time �C the neighboring armies were already moving to cut off their escape. If Leyara and the others stayed behind to deal with the rest of the army, they wouldn��t be able to return.


    ��Go,�� Zac nodded upon seeing Leyara��s look, and she nodded in thanks.


    ��Good luck,�� Pretty said, and they were gone the next moment, once more phased away by Leyara��s skill as they desperately ran toward the fort.


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac grunted as Ogras appeared next to him, sporting a few shallow cuts on his face.


    The demon simply nodded, and the shadows congealed around the two. But they didn��t have a chance to sh away as an opaque second barrier suddenly sprung up to trap them. Zac immediately found the source using [Cosmic Gaze]; a crippled hegemon lying in a pool of blood with a cracked ck sphere in his hand.


    ��You two stay behind,�� the crippled Hegemon cackled, his voice wet from the blood pouring out of his mouth.


    Those were thest words as a fractal de cut his head clean off. However, Zac didn��t feel any relief even if he got a surge of energy to confirm the kill. Not only did the barrier remain even after the Hegemon��s death, but something was happening with the dying man��s body. It looked like his hand had been covered in ck ink, and it rapidly spread to cover the man��s whole arm.


    The whole decapitated corpse had been swallowed a momentter, yet that wasn��t the end. Like a ck hole, the pitch-ck tendril absorbed the Heart Curses around them, even those that had already withered. The Survivors weren��t spared either, except for a Hegemon who used a protective talisman before digging into the ground with horror on his face.


    ��Another sacrifice skill!�� Ogras swore. ��These people are lunatics!��


    Zac wholeheartedly nodded in agreement as the Cosmic Energy churned in his body. This was why he had held back on using [Arcadia��s Judgement] until now, even during the past six raids. There was no telling what hidden cards the enemy was carrying, so you needed a few of your own.


    Space cracked as the enormous wooden hand emerged, just as a 20-meter-tall monstrosity of twisting tendrils and cursed energy had been fully formed. As far as Zac could tell, the fused Heart Curse didn��t actually have a living controller, but it still seemed to understand the iing axe was threatening.


    With a piercing shriek, hundreds of slimy tendrils pierced into the descending hand, and Zac groaned in pain. The damage to his skill was transferred to his own body, and Zac felt like thousands of maggots had burrowed into his flesh. Still, the hand was filled with almost boundless life force, and the damaged sections regrew as soon as they appeared.


    The tendrils didn��t have enough raw strength to impede the axe��s descent either, and it only had time to release a second mournful wail before being cut in two. Just a momentter, the whole area shook as the world��s punishment came surging from below. Zac still didn��t know what powered the secondary barrier that kept them trapped, but it didn��t matter in front of the wide-scale destruction.


    It shattered like brittle ss, once more exposing them to the outside.


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac smiled, but his smile froze upon seeing what was going on outside.


    Over ten Hegemons were bearing down on them with furious momentum, with their armies not much further behind. Even worse, the Kan��Tanu had already figured out they would probably want to escape somehow, and they had already unleashed a hailstorm of attacks around them, utterly fraying space.


    Thankfully, the others in his group hadn��t stayed behind, and they were already halfway to the fort. One of the Kan��Tanu armies was trying to catch them, but the spatial mines the Temrs had thrown out worked wonders to dy their advance. That was one less thing to worry about, but it didn��t help with their current predicament.


    There was no way to tell what would happen if he activated [shfire Flourish] in this situation, but things changed again before he and Ogras had a chance to run or fight back. A tremendous pressure bore down on them as though an angry god had turned their attention to this battle.


    Even the Kan��Tanu stopped in their tracks and fearfully looked around as the surroundings grew almost blindingly bright.


    ��What now?!�� Ogras groaned with exasperation, but Zac barely heard him as he mutely stared at the sky.


    The clouds were on fire.

 Chapter 915: A Fate Encounter

    Chapter 915: A Fate Encounter


    The sky, which had previously been overcast and dull, was now illuminated by a radiant golden orange. However, the scene was localized to Zac��s surroundings, as though an empyrean sun was trying to peek through the clouds. Of course, with the immense auraing from above, no one would think this was a natural phenomenon.


    Ogras and the Kan��Tanu looked equally confused by the sudden change, but Zac knew all-too-well what they were dealing with. After all, he had seen a simr scene less than a year ago. Certainly, the mescked the all-consuming intensity of the burning sky in the Orom World, and it only covered a small spot. If that wasn��t enough proof, there was also the familiar fiery attunement that started to appear in the Cosmic Energy around them. It definitely shared the same origin as that of the terrifying Golem.


    Just how was this possible? How had Iz Tayn managed to track him to the depths of the Void Star? He had even circted motes of chaos through his bodyst time, partly in hopes it would destroy any tracking measures she or others might have ced in his body.


    But not even that was enough to throw this crazy firebug off his scent. Zac couldn��t believe his bad luck. What in God��s name was wrong with this lunatic, to make her follow him this insistently? Had he be a heart demon for Iz Tayn when he escaped from her in the Tower of Eternity?


    ��We need to get out of here. Now,�� Zac swore as he looked for a way out.


    Even if the Kan��Tanu had momentarily paused their attacks designed at destabilizing space and trapping them, they were still smack-dab in the middle of a spatial storm. Only the area where the opaque dome had previously been was still intact, but Spatial Tears were already closing in on them.


    ��Enemy reinforcements?�� Ogras frowned as he looked at the fiery sky.


    ��Worse,�� Zac grimaced.


    The sudden change to the battlefield had increased the uncertainty, except for Leyara��s group. Zac had mentioned that his escape measure was fire-based already, so they probably thought the powerful fiery energies were him activating his treasure. Thus, they made it through the gates of Billy��s fort without even having to sh with the intercepting army with the help of Leyara��s spatial shifts.


    The stalemate back on the battlefield didn��tst for long. Ogras, having seen the fear on Zac��s face as he started making his way through the spatial storm, had opted to run first and ask questionster. This time, the roles were reversed, where they were the ones who had to make their way through frayed space rather than the Kan��Tanu. Even worse, many of the Hegemons�� skills were still active as they sted the area, making the journey even more dangerous.


    Meanwhile, the burning clouds in the sky slowly started to spin, seemingly forming a vortex of divine mes. All the while, the attunement in the air kept skewing further toward fire. It almost felt like someone was continuously crushing Fire-Attuned Nexus Crystals around them, letting their energies spread through the area.


    Zac was surprised to see that actually worked in their favor. The chaotic Spatial Energies were being pushed away, and some of the Spatial Tears seemed to literally burn away as space mended. The Kan��Tanu��s lingering attacks were being suppressed as well. It was like the Dao of Fire was iming the whole area, pushing away and suppressing everything else.


    The Kan��Tanu also made their moves upon seeing that they had made it halfway through the encirclement. Unfortunately, the invaders chose to attack with redoubled effort rather than back down, even if they didn��t know what was happening in the sky. Zac once moremented that their enemies were lunatics imnted with Heart Curses, which essentially turned them all into deathsworn who had to finish their missions no matter what.


    Trying to intimidate them was useless since most of them weren��t able to retreat.


    The Temr Hegemons had crafted a set of space-stabilizing talismans as a precaution, and Zac and Ogras threw them out left and right as they tried to make their way out of the bombardment. Ogras was somewhat better off thanks to his elusive abilities, while Zac had to continuously use Vivi��s vines to intercept attacks.


    A trail of broken-off vines was left in his wake, but that wasn��t enough to prevent his body from being covered in wounds. Zac even briefly considered activating [Void Zone], but he didn��t actually know how that bloodline talent would work in this situation. The Spatial Tears could technically be seen as the Void of Space leaking through due to ack of spatial integrity.


    Would his nullification sphere remove thest vestiges of protections against copse, throwing him into the Void? There were also some witnesses he didn��t want to expose his Bloodline in front of, though he wasn��t ready to die to keep that secret.


    ��This isn��t working. We��ll either get incinerated or cut apart by spatial tears before we get out of here,�� Ogras swore as he narrowly dodged a Hegemon��s swing that cut off their escape path.


    Zac nodded in agreement. Should he just do it? Activate [shfire Flourish] and hope that the dense fiery energies in the atmosphere would bolster the escape treasure enough to st through this spatial turbulence. Or should he hold out a bit longer in hopes that Iz Tayn would inadvertently create an opening?


    Suddenly, five pirs of blindingly hot mes crashed down around them, each one containing an unbelievable amount of energy. Space was singed wherever they passed, but the Spatial Tears were burnt and cauterized the moment they appeared. Luckily, none of the pirs were aimed at them, but Zac was still aghast upon sensing the extremely powerful Dao within.


    Was Iz Tayn really this powerful?


    The pirs were rather targeted at the groups of infiltrators who were boxing them in, and seven Hegemons were reduced to cinders in an instant. They had actually been prepared for an attack, but their defensive talismans and skills had proven utterly useless in the face of those mes. It drastically lessened the pressure the two were under, but Zac wasn��t relieved as he looked to the sky with trepidation.


    And there she was.


    Descending from the sky like a demonic angel, her orange hair dancing in the sky like a celestial fire. Six burning wings gently moved behind her back, buffeted by the Dao itself. She wasn��t actually flying though, but rather standing on the back of a three-meter-wide hand wrought from rock.


    It was from this hand those fiery pirs had emerged, and terrifying mes were still burning at its fingertips. And by the looks of it, the hand was actually a being of its own rather than a skill conjured by Iz. It radiated an immensely powerful aura that easily eclipsed that of the Lipless Hegemon, let alone the Kan��Tanu cultivators around them.


    Zac suddenly felt a gaze upon him, and his eyes locked with Iz Tayn��s. He also heard amotion far to the west, but he couldn��t look away as Iz stepped off from the golemoid hand and started to descend toward him. A Kan��Tanu Hegemon unleashed a skill toward her, but she didn��t even so much as nce at the iing bloody ray.


    As expected, the attack and the Hegemon himself were annihted by the burning hand long before the ray reached Iz, and no one else dared to so much as breathe loudly in front of that oppressive disy. They could only look up at Iz helplessly, like mortals in front of a goddess.


    ��You thought you could subvert the unyielding river of fate? Chaos might be able to hide you from the Heavens, but not from me.�� Iz said, her calm voice empowered and elevated by the Dao. ��Twice now, you have fled from my grasp. There will not be a third.��


    ��Always something with you,�� Ogras whispered as he red at Zac.


    ��Hide us,�� Zac whispered as he started infusing Cosmic Energy into the [shfire Flourish].


    They could no longer wait, and the surroundings were mostly stabilized thanks to the trigger-happy Golem. Ogras nodded, and a huge burst of shadows engulfed the whole area. But just as they were summoned, they were dispersed, like clouds unable to withstand the sun��s cleansing rays.


    ��What the- ��Ogras swore as he looked up at Iz Tayn through the remnants of his destroyed domain.


    Zac inwardly sighed before looking up at Iz Tayn. ��Alright, you��ve found me. But we need to deal with these unorthodox cultivators before anything else. The leader is over there.��


    Iz Tayn frowned with annoyance as she nced at the random Hegemon Zac pointed at. ��The ck Heart Sect is irrel-��


    Zac didn��t hear the rest as his body was consumed by mes, and a groan next to him confirmed Ogras had been brought along for the ride. Zac��s whole world was suddenly seen through the lens of fire, and his heart clenched upon seeing Iz this way.


    He had already seen that his stalker seemed more attuned with mes than even Fire Crystals when looking at her with [Cosmic Gaze], but that was nothingpared to what he was seeing right now. The Golem��s Dao of Fire was stronger than Iz��s, yet it seemed subordinate to Iz��s very being.


    It somehow felt like she was the origin of all mes when he looked at her. Like she carried the fires of the era��s birth within her body. It was mesmerizing, and Zac almost felt like he would better understand the underpinnings of the universe if he just got to study those mes a little longer.


    Luckily, the overwhelming pain of being forcibly turned into a streak of fire snapped him out of it, and Zac staunchly held onto his senses over the roaring mes as he steered the treasure as best as he could. Activating the [shfire Flourish] was like setting yourself on fire and taping yourself to a rocket, and the enormous momentum in the treasure ripped him out of Iz Tayn��s grasp.


    The burning pirs were gone in an instant, as was Billy��s fortress. They were moving at speeds approaching teleportation, yet he somehow managed to have a vague sense of his surroundings. Two secondster, Zac felt they had moved the required distance, and he willed [shfire Flourish] to deactivate.


    Zac appeared in a foreign hillside region in a sh of scorching mes. The withered stalks of grass within five meters were incinerated, but there was thankfully no obnoxious avatar announcing their arrival. Yrial had enough presence of mind not to ruin the escape treasure that way, at least.


    Tearing pain throughout his body derailed Zac��s train of thought. His whole body felt like a scorched wastnd, and ethereal mes were still eating at his pathways and organs. Zac groaned with pain as he took out a pill bottle with shaky hands. A gust of ashy smoke escaped his lips from the exmation, a poignant reminder his body was still literally on fire.


    Still, Yrial��s prediction been proven more right than he could have known. He had said that damaging one��s foundations was an unavoidable price of using such a powerful escape treasure, that it was thew of bnce. Yet Zac felt the damage to his body wasn��t that bad. The mes were pretty stubborn, but his Hidden Nodes had already started swallowing them. As for the damage to his foundations, they weren��t any worse than breaking open a node or two. With Leyara��s Pill and a few of his own, he should be good to go before the next battle.


    As expected of a Terminal Disciple of a powerful Monarch, Leyara had all kinds of valuables in her Spatial Ring. She had given him and Ogras one pill each that looked like a golden neb trapped in a ck bubble of night sky. It was called [Resurging Star Pill], a special type of recovery pill that helped after overdrafting your body.


    The pill was normally meant to be used after using powerful Berserking Treasures or Taboo Skills that damaged your foundations, but it should work just as well in their current situation. A weak groan echoed next to him, and Zac looked over to see Ogras kneeling. His body was covered in scorch marks, looking utterly wretched.


    ��You okay, buddy?�� Zac asked.


    ��Heaven-cursed heart-eating lunatics,hersted spatial tears, and now crazed fire witches?�� Ograsined as he swallowed his prepared set of pills. ��You��ll be the death of me.��


    Zacughed in response, but his smile became strained as he felt a tremendous burst of energy behind them.


    ��I told you there wouldn��t be a third.��


    ������������


    Vai nkly looked at the scene from her spot atop the wall, not knowing what to believe. At first, everything had gone ording to n. The tower had copsed, and her niece had safely returned to her side without any further casualties. The infiltrators had sprung a nasty trap to catch Gaun- no, Zac Atwood, but it had failed.


    Then everything changed when the terrifying me cultivator descended from the sky. Vai had never seen anything like it. Just looking at her felt like looking at the true face of fire, more true than any fiery Dao Vai had ever seen. A nce at Lara, who joined her atop the wall, had indicated her niece had no idea who she was either.


    It was a hidden master, and someone who was clearly here for her friend �C the mysterious woman��s words carried through the whole battlefield. Vai wasn��t surprised. Someone like the Deviant Asura wouldn��t attractmon cultivators. She had already seen as much from his two other inordinately powerful friends.


    She still couldn��t believe that her bodyguard and travelingpanion was the man whose actions had shaken the whole Zecia Sector a decade ago, a talent who only appeared once in a million years. Looking back at it, she felt incredibly foolish.


    Who else but the Deviant Asura could fight Hegemons and Beast Kings as though they weremon fodder? Who else would carry a mysterious bloodline that made her very being want to kneel in obeisance? Who else would be embroiled in mysterious heritages that carried the aura of antiquity?


    Still, it was difficult tobine those scattered rumors she��d heard in the monastery with the man who had stayed by her side for months. From the rumors, Zac was a powerful lunatic who was an amalgamation of lust and violence, but the reality couldn��t be any further from the truth.


    His eyes had never carried that glimmer when he looked at her, the glimmer that was painfully obvious in his demonic friend. Neither had he taken up the invitations from the other wandering cultivators during their month of travel. And there had been more than one, especially after he had showcased more of his power.


    In reality, he was almost obsessively focused on his cultivation, where violence was just a means to an end. Over the past two weeks, she felt he had managed to get a bit closer to the real him as well, now that he no longer carried his disguise. As far as she was concerned, Deviant Asura didn��t exist, except in the mouths of others.


    But as she looked at the following scene, she couldn��t help but wonder if there really were some truth to the rumors.


    Amid the new arrival��s primordial mes, a new source of fire had erupted �C right where her twopanions stood. It didn��t contain nearly the purity of meaning of the surrounding mes, but the fire was extraordinary in its own right. It exploded like a firework, sending hundreds of fiery streams in every direction.


    Zac and Ogras had disappeared in one of those streams, and while the remaining mes formed a type of imagery Vai had never seen before, picturing Zac Atwood in the middle of a swirl of roses. His features were different, worse in Vai��s opinion, and his eyes contained frailty that didn��t exist. The avatar showcased a sorrowful smile before turning around, and his departing back was thest thing you saw before the scene was reced by four lines of text.


    A fate encounter, two hearts collide


    But Heaven��s Path won��t be denied


    A lonely road, the pursuit of powern/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Please forgive this lonesome flower


    Vai felt her mind short-circuit as she read the short poem. What? Why? Why had he added such a weird contraption to the escape treasure? And what did he mean by it? Was there some sort of sordid history between himself and the mysterious woman floating in the sky? Vai had to admit she was incredibly beautiful, even eclipsing her niece.


    The mysterious woman seemed surprised by the turn of events as well, as she stared at the flickering poem for a few seconds. But then, she lifted her arm, and a storm of primordial mes incinerated the illusion. The next moment, an incrediblyplex array appeared where the poem hovered, its patterns far beyond anything Vai had ever seen.


    The sigil quickly turned into a thin strand of pure mes that shot toward the east, and Vai looked on with wide eyes as the woman turned into mes and entered the stream. Just a momentter, she was gone, leaving a wide circle of scorched earth and incinerated corpses.


    ��No!�� a panicked roar echoed across the battlefield as her powerfulpanion burst into mes.


    It no longer cared about restraining the invaders as it rushed toward the stream. In the direction of Zac. The shocking scene had created a suspended lull on the battlefield, but reality came crashing back soon enough as the battle between the invaders and the newly arrived squad of Temrs to the west resumed.


    ��What in the Heavens?!�� Pretty Peak eventually eximed to the side. ��Deviant, a pure-blooded deviant!��


    ��I liked it,�� Leyaraughed. ��Both form and function.��


    ��What should we do?�� Vai fretfully asked. ��It looked like that woman managed to enter the slipstream with the help of her mes. They might be in trouble.��


    ��Well, nothing we can do,�� Pretty Peak grunted. ��If that thing worked as that madman advertised, then he��s already a month��s travel away from this ce. He��s on his own now. We can only pray that guy can handle it somehow.��


    ��Don��t worry, aunty. I don��t think they��re enemies,�� Leyara smiled as she ate a Soldier Pill.


    ��How do you know?�� Vai asked curiously.


    ��Woman��s intuition,�� Leyara winked. ��I felt a sense of threat from her, for my long-term prospects.��


    ��Y-you can��t marry that man,�� Vai stuttered.


    ��Oh? You want him for yourself?�� Leyara asked with surprise while Pretty looked over curiously.


    ��N-No. I-I just feel his fate is too powerful. It��s dangerous to be around him,�� Vai said with rosy cheeks. ��I don��t wish for you to be hurt.��


    ��Don��t you worry about me,�� Leyara smiled as she pinched Vai��s cheeks.


    ��More importantly, what should we do about your people over there?�� Pretty interjected as she pointed at the group of unfamiliar Temrs who had popped up out of nowhere. ��They��re putting up a good fight, but that crazy Golem is gone now. They will be overrun unless something changes.��


    ��Let��s go,�� Leyara nodded, but she gave the scorched area ast look before jumping down the wall. ��Lonesome flower, huh?��

 Chapter 916: Subverted Fate

    Chapter 916: Subverted Fate


    The familiar voice felt like a cold shower, if that cold shower was made from scorching mes. Zac prayed he��d gone mad and it was just an auditory hallucination, but the excitement from the mes still burning within his body wasn��t a great sign. The next moment, the embers actually poured out from his cells, while the same thing happened to Ogras.


    They all flew toward the same destination; the woman who calmly stood just ten meters behind them in front of a backdrop of primordial mes. Iz Tayn. The embers danced around her for a moment before rushing into the fiery curtain like moths drawn to the me. Iz looked at the embers�� final journey before the curtain closed, and her attention returned to them.


    Standing in front of Iz Tayn was a sobering reminder that while he had made enormous strides over this past year, he had in no shape or form reached the very limits of the E-grade. Iz��s aura clearly eclipsed his own, and possibly even that of the Lipless Hegemon. Even then, Zac was certain she was still in the E-grade like him because her aura was almost impossibly condensed.


    And impossibly rife with meaning.


    Part of it was undoubtedly the lingering Dao of the powerful mes that had just winked out, but standing in front of Iz reminded Zac of standing in the Dao Chamber when they cracked open the Dao Funnel all those years ago. Except that the only Dao he could sense right now was the Dao of Fire. Her very being exuded the truth of mes, to a degree Zac didn��t think possible in the E-grade.


    It almost seemed like her mes epassed all Daos, though Zac knew that was impossible at her level. In a sense, it was almost like looking at the opposite of himself. Her mes epassed all while he embodied the Void.


    Zac��s instincts told him someone like this was rare even among the peak factions of the Multiverse. Uona Noz��Vdir was the strongest E-grade Cultivator he��d fought thus far, but Zac knew she couldn��t hold a candle to Iz. Certainly, Uona did by no means represent the peak of the Undead Empire, but Zac doubted they had anyone who could match Iz Tayn level for level. Unless the Primo had direct descendants running around, perhaps.


    Taking in Iz��s unparalleled appearance or unfathomable aura was an experience on its own, but Zac��s belly was still full of grievances as he looked for solutions to their predicament. Why did his escape treasure have to be fire-attributed? Couldn��t Yrial have found one based on ice instead? He didn��t know if Iz somehow caught a ride through the stream of mes, or if she had methods to follow it with a treasure on her own.


    What was clear, though, was that she hadn��t been harmed at all by the journey, while neither Zac nor Ogras were in the best of conditions. And he was out of tricks. [shfire Flourish] needed time to recharge, and he wasn��t sure his body would be able to take another jump anyway. His escape bangle was out ofmission as well, and there were no motes of Chaos to make the impossible possible.


    The good news was that Zac couldn��t sense any killing intenting from Iz Tayn, nor was she circting Cosmic Energy. She just stood there on a patch of ground singed clean by her mes. Neither had that weird junior golem managed to follow her by the looks of it, leaving her alone.


    Of course, that didn��t help skew things in their favor if it came to blows. Zac��s instincts told him that Iz alone was enough to deal with both of them even if they were in perfect condition, and that was based on her aura alone. If you included whatever protective and offensive treasures a supreme genius from a peak faction carried, it was pretty much hopeless.


    His only hope for victory was to hit her with an Annihtion Sphere or Origin Mark, but would he even get the opportunity to conjure them if they fought? Besides, killing her was out of the question. He wouldn��t dare, even if he somehow found a chance to take her out. Iz��s faction knew of him, and they knew how to find him seemingly anywhere.


    It was game over for him and Earth if she came to harm. Perhaps for all of the Zecia sector.


    These remote ces weren��t valuable enough for even B-grade factions like the Radiant Temple to bother with. They just snatched up the asional talent that emerged, and extracted some resources on the cheap. A faction that had Peak Autarchs as Dao Guardians for their young might simply eradicate the whole sector in retaliation.


    And while the System��s shroud protected Earth from people like the Great Redeemer, he didn��t hold much hope it would do the same against a determined Supremacy.


    This left him in an extremely awkward situation, where he didn��t know what to do. But since Iz wasn��t saying anything, he��d have to be the one to speak up.


    ��Alright, you have hunted me down halfway across the multiverse,�� Zac said with some helplessness. ��You caught me. Is all of this because of what I said over ten years ago?��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Over ten years?�� Ogras blurted with a raspy voice, but he quickly shrunk back when Iz turned her gaze to him.


    ��Your fate has been swept up in his, and something mundane has be unordinary,�� Iz said as she looked at Ogras, primordial mes flickering in her eyes. ��But can you withstand the river on your own? If not, you will be dragged under, like so many before you.��


    Zac��s eyes widened in rm when he felt the scorching heat in Iz��s gaze, and he remembered all-too-well the unlucky few who had been ced too close to this firebug in the Battle of Fates. Ogras was clearly worse off than he from the teleportation, and his skills had proven ineffective against Iz��s mes.


    The original idea was toy low for a day or two and let the pills nurture them back to the point they could fight unencumbered. But a battle now might worsen the damage even further, especially for Ogras, who didn��t have an unnaturally sturdy constitution to fall back on.


    ��You came here for me, right?�� Zac frowned as he stepped in front of Ogras.


    ��I��ll�� uh�� let the two of you talk, alright?�� Ogras whispered before retreating a few hundred meters away, though Zac noticed one of the shadows by the hills release a small flicker. He was ready to fight in case they were left with no choice.


    That left a frazzled Zac standing nervously in front of Iz Tayn. He didn��t dare take out [Verun��s Bite] at the moment, afraid she��d take that as a threat or insult. At the same time, he didn��t know what to say. How do you lose someone who had already followed you across half the Multiverse?


    He had to make this lunatic leave on her own somehow, but Zac didn��t even know what she wanted. Neither could she glean any hints from her expressionless face, and Zac found himselfing up short when trying to figure out what to say.


    ��Do you believe those words?�� Iz eventually said.


    Zac grimaced. There it was. He had called her a god-damned lunatic right before escaping, and now she hade to collect. Could he simply apologize and pray she��d drop the matter without trying to incinerate him and Ogras? However, the next words out of Iz Tayn threw him for a loop.


    ��The words in the poem you left behind?��


    ��Poem?�� Zac said with a sinking feeling. ��What poem?��


    mes appeared out of nowhere between them, and Zac looked on with growing unease as they formed a field of roses. It was one thing if he got himself in trouble because of his big mouth �C he only had himself to me. But if Yrial��s warped desire to fuse beauty and function had caused even more trouble for him, he didn��t know what he would do.


    Sure enough, he saw the same bastardized version of himself, though the following scene differed slightly from the first. Zac saw himself turn away, and the rose field was reced by a short poem. The more Zac read, the bigger the pit in his stomach grew. This was not just a problem of taunting Iz Tayn. It certainly wouldn��t help with his already tarnished reputation.


    After all, that golem guardian must have seen the text as well, as had those in the Fort. He had warned about the odd feature of [shfire Flourish], but he wasn��t sure how much that would help in front of such a scene. The mes soon dispersed, and Zac found himselfcking for words.


    ��Do you believe the road toward the Terminus is a solitary one? That Karmic Threads tie one down on the road to power?��


    Zac looked at Iz suspiciously, but it didn��t seem like she was joking or messing around. Her face waspletely earnest as she waited for an answer. She had hunted him possibly for ten years, and this was what she wanted to discuss?


    ��Uh�� It wasn��t me who wrote that poem. I don��t have any backing, and this is the Frontier,�� Zac slowly said. ��I have to make do with whatever treasures I get my hands on, even if they have weird side effects.��


    Iz��s lips curved upward at that, and her smiling visage almost made Zac nk out. Living breathing beings had no business being this good-looking. How were others topete?


    ��That doesn��t answer my question.��


    Zac looked at Iz with exasperation, not knowing what she wanted from him. It almost felt like she didn��t know herself, but he supposed having a chat beat getting sted by mes.


    ��Some aspects of cultivation are ultimately up to yourself, but I don��t think it��s a solitary road. I wouldn��t be here without the help from a lot of people, and I��m pretty sure the same is true for you. And even if I somehow reached the peak all on my own, what would be the point of such an empty existence? Where I just sit alone on some mountain peak, churning with power? It��s the Karmic links you mention that give me purpose, that allow me to keep pushing myself.��


    Iz considered his words a few seconds before nodding. ���� Thank you. Still, I havee all this way, so I will have to test your fate with my fire. It is not just a matter of your insult anymore. You will have to prove fate strong enough to carry the title of a mebearer. Otherwise, the other contenders will consume you, and I will have to fight an uphill battle for the inheritance for nothing.��


    ��That��s��!�� Zac eximed with wide eyes.


    Zac��s heart shuddered when his fears were realized. Iz Tayn was really a mebearer. He should have guessed it the moment she appeared inside the Void Star. Going by the name alone, she might be the most suitable person in the younger generation.


    The fact that he would be pitted against someone like her for the inheritance felt like an almost insurmountable wall, but that wasn��t his real worry. Ultimately, Zac didn��t hold much hope of seizing Ultom for himself after learning that the knowledge of the Left Imperial Pce was already widespread. As long as he got a few more pieces of the sigils and their epiphanies, he��d be happy. If he managed to get a small portion of the real inheritance, it��d be a huge windfall.


    He was more worried about the implications of Iz��s mention of other contenders. She had essentially confirmed others would be fighting for the same slot. And if one scion from the hearnds had already joined the fray just months after he got the quest, did that mean others were already here? Or was she just lucky to stumble onto this opportunity while looking for him? Had he identally brought trouble on their head by leading Iz here?


    ��You are free to use either your Human or Draugr form. But if you use those remnants you keep locked away in your mind, I will use means of simr potency,�� Iz Tayn continued.


    Zac was already reeling from her first promation, but that was nothingpared to having two of his biggest secrets exposed like it wasmon knowledge. It felt like his world had been upended, and he looked at Iz with iprehension. How did she know all that? And what else did she know?


    ��Did you not think I saw you back then? How the descendant of the Ignus n nearly destroyed your soul, but you turned cmity into opportunity to force a breakthrough? How you transformed into a Draugr and fought the Red Hand Society assassin?�� Iz said when upon seeing Zac��s confusion. ��Why did you think I called for you?��


    ��I, uh,�� Zac stuttered, his mind still a mess as he found himself in the very situation he had so desperately tried to prevent for so long.


    ��And did you not think my uncle would recognize the remnants from the Heart of Oblivion and the Spark of Creation? But he was quite impressed how you managed to fuse their energies into a rudimentary expression of Chaos. He said he had never heard of anyone doing that before,�� Iz continued with equanimity. ��Now, pick your form.��


    ��Ah, young mistress,�� a hesitant voice drifted over from a distance, where Ogras�� head was sticking out from behind a boulder. ��I don��t think you want to fight right now.��


    ��As I said, fate will not be subverted,�� Iz said without even looking over.


    ��Of course, of course,�� Ogras eagerly nodded. ��Nor should it. But I am sure that young mistress hasn��t waited for years to right this wrong, only for your target to be unable to battle in his optimal state? Look at how wretched he is, how half his hair is gone and burn marks cover his hands and face. I can assure you, the situation within our bodies is even worse, even with you so graciously removing the lingering mes.��


    Iz frowned as she thoughtfully looked between Ogras and Zac, who could only push down his embarrassment and look as pathetic as possible to sell Ogras�� lie. Well, it wasn��t a lie, really. Between him using up most of his skills just moments ago, and the damage from [shfire Flourish], he definitely wasn��t in the best shape.


    ��And that��s not the only thing, young mistress! And you would want to hear this!�� Ogras continued, prompting her to look over curiously. ��We are actually on an important mission! To fight evil unorthodox cultivators, destroy a pathway to a cursed universe, and save the day. If we don��t aplish our task in a few days, then our lives are all forfeit.��


    Zac once more wondered if something was wrong with Iz��s brain since her eyes lit up at Ogras�� promation. It looked like she couldn��t be happier at the prospect of their lives hanging by a thread. She even looked over to Zac, obviously hoping for confirmation.


    ��It��s true,�� Zac reluctantly nodded. ��If we don��t blow up that pathway, this whole realm will be flooded with tainted energy. The realm will copse, and we all die.��


    Iz Tayn looked like she had hit the jackpot, and a slight flush appeared on her cheeks. However, she soon realized Zac was looking at her weirdly, and she quickly regained her impassive expression. She then nodded slightly, like the news was nothing unexpected.


    There were no two ways about it; there was something off with this girl.


    ��We shall postpone our battle,�� Iz eventually agreed.


    ��I can see this young mistress has a righteous heart,�� Ogras continued. ��We would be doubly blessed if you joined us in this endeavor. To thwart evil and protect our world.��


    Iz nced at Zac, who tried to look enthused by the idea. He had to admit that Ogras�� n was solid. Not only would this them an extremely powerful helper, but it would give them a breather to figure out a long-term solution to this Iz problem. ��You��re wee to join us.��


    ��Then I shall apany you,�� Iz nodded.


    ��Of course, it would be our pleasure,�� Ogras readily agreed as he bounded over. ��This lowly one is Ogras Azh��Rezak, at your service.��


    ���� Iz Tayn,�� Iz said, once more looking at Zac.


    ��Zac Atwood,�� Zac said, wholly ufortable under her stares.


    ��Great, great,�� Ogras nodded. ��Now that we��re all friends, can we expect your�� uh�� hand to join us? Its strength could definitely be helpful.��


    ��Kvalk has no interest in fighting against the ck Heart Sect,�� Iz said. ��He is more likely to test the fate of you two. It should take him around three or four days to reach this area if you are interested in battling him as well.��


    ��The ruins of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom are right this way,�� Ogras immediately said as he started walking. ��Treasures and mystery await.��


    Zac didn��t know what else to do, so he simply followed in tow.


    ��As I said, our battle is only dyed. I will find you after this is dealt with,�� Iz added as she floated over to his side. ��But I can see you are not enthused at the idea, so I am willing to offer this treasure as long as you don��t disappoint.��


    The word ��treasure�� could deal with most problems, and Zac looked over at the thing that had appeared in Iz��s hand. Ogras looked over with gleaming eyes, and Zac could understand the sentiment.


    Who wouldn��t be curious what kind of treasures someone like Iz Tayn could take out?

 Chapter 917: Alava’Har

    Chapter 917: va��Har


    Bastard.


    Ogras watched the two social outcasts walk in pace, and it was hard to tell who was more ufortable. Zac wore it inly on his face, but Ogras could almost hear the gears turning in the head of that shelteredss. They looked like a teenage couple full of hormones and awkward love. Double-bastard.


    He��d spent ten years in this godforsaken realm with not a woman as far as the eye could see. All the while, this guy was living it up while pretending otherwise. The more he heard, the more Ogras�� teeth itched. The Peakss, Leyara, even that little doe-eyed researcher who kept throwing him long looks. Ibtep that lunatic had even created a wildly inurate rumor, only for millions of maidens to take him seriously. ording to Pretty Peak, there were massive bounties from lonely singles for the contact details of the Deviant Asura.


    And now, this celestial fairy had fallen right into this useless guy��sp? A woman who had broken Ogras�� understanding of the limits of beauty. And who apparently was carrying around supreme treasures tailored for that durd. Ogras had no idea what that ominous-looking stone was, but Zac was almost drooling when he saw it. So it had to be something good.


    Triple-bastard.


    Iz Tayn reminded Ogras of va��Har from the stories he��d read growing up. A princess of the divine realm descended to the mortal ins in search of love and purpose. Rich, na?ve, and bored. It only took Ogras a single nce to figure out this Iz Tayn was the same; a sheltered rose of a terrifyingly powerful origin.


    Who knew? This might be the first time she left the safety of her family��s domains. No doubt surrounded by servants since birth, butcking proper connections, to the point that a simple curse thrown her way had be an obsession.


    Luckily, Iz Tayn had been easy enough to wrangle, even if he had been forced to throw his face a bit. But what was face worth in front of life? Those mes were just too terrifying. It almost felt like the shadows that made up his body would copse when she looked in his direction. So he would sing his song and dance a little dance until the young empress was satisfied.


    She would join in on their ��adventure�� and then return to the divine realm with her elders. Iz had clearly relegated him to a servant-type shortly after they set off, but that was fine with him. It was just like thess said, too much excitement, and he��d get himself killed. Someone like Iz Tayn undoubtedly had enough suitors to drown him in spit if they thought him getting too close to their target.


    But this useless guy was blowing it. They needed to entertain, damnit! And in return, they would feed on her scraps, be they information, treasures, or knowledge. He desperately tried to send the message with his nces, but that idiot was walking along looking like a martyr about to sacrifice himself against a beast tide.


    Perhaps these two were too socially inept to walk and talk simultaneously?


    �����C


    Iz nced at the unusually mutated demon, who smiled and nodded obsequiously in return. The scene was off-putting. It reminded her of those empty smiles that followed wherever she traveled with her uncle. The smile of those who tried to benefit from the vast wealth or influence of the Tayn family. Part of her wanted to just release her mes and test his fate then and there.


    But she couldn��t. Mr. Bug was still unhappy about the arrangement, even after she had shown the [Stone of the Void] like her uncle had suggested. Was it because their sparring session had been dyed? Uncle had exined that real friendships were forged through battle.


    Only when you had withstood your opponent��s Dao could you truly understand who they were. The Dao was the road to the heart. But now, everything was left on an uncertain note.


    She didn��t know what to make of this silent but palpable sense of rejection. She had always been weed with open arms no matter where she went before. Even ancestors emerged from their sealed chambers to greet her and provide some small gifts of goodwill. To have someone be so overtly annoyed by her presence was a first.


    It was almost liberating in a twisted sort of way. Because his opinions of her were based on their encounters rather than on her surname. Certainly, Mr. Bug knew some of it. But to someone like him, any established family must seem like an unfathomable mountain. He didn��t know what a throne represented or who her grandparents were.


    Still, while Iz felt this atmosphere was novel, it wasn��t what she had envisioned. She remembered those scenes from the graded trial Mr. Bug joined. Of how he��d joked around with that other Draugr or the excitement they felt upon exploring their first shared Trove. The camaraderie created by a shared adversary when the two found themselves beneath that stream.


    But how was she supposed to break the tension in this situation? Iz had no idea. She was increasingly realizing that she wasn��t very equipped or prepared to set out on her own. Realizing that were many types of strengths shecked, strengths that couldn��t be gained through her grandpa��s meticulous preparations for her cultivation.


    She couldn��t bring up Mr. Bug��s adventures either, even though she really wanted to know what happened between a few of her viewing sessions. Or when he had consumed the previous set of remnants. She only knew he had been headed toward a ce called the ��City of Ancients��, followed by a long bout of aggravating static.


    But Grandpa had told her that she absolutely couldn��t tell any outsider about the existence of the Divine Mirror. It was a supreme treasure from a previous Era. Her Grandma had found it long ago in some ruins of the Limitless Empire, and it was a treasure that would drive certain ns mad with desire. Not only that, but her uncle had told her that it would ruin her chance at a friendship if she told Mr. Bug, even if Iz didn��t understand why.


    Thousands of her family��s servants had observed her every breath since she was born, which had no impact on her daily life. But she trusted uncle Valderak knew what he was talking about. Even if she hadn��t found much use for his two weeks of friendship tutoring so far.


    Should she just give him the stone and see if that helped?


    ���������C


    Zac surreptitiously nced at the woman who walked in pace with them, but her calm face gave no clues as to what she was thinking. Everything about her was confusing. She had employed god-knows-what kind of high-grade methods to find him, and even used a peak Autarch to ferry her over to the Frontier.


    But when she had finally caught up with him, she readily agreed to postpone her duel. Since then, she had barely spoken a word. Iz seemed mostly content with walking in silence, while he had a lot on his mind. Ogras had asionally tried making some small talk with Iz, but she either answered in single sybles or not at all. By now, the silence had almost grown oppressive.


    Suddenly, Zac felt Iz��s gaze upon him once more. But before he had a chance to see if something was wrong, Ogras had stopped in his tracks just ahead of them.


    ��There is a hidden cave not far from here,�� Ogras said. ��Our original n was to hide for a day and recover. How about we check out that ce? During that time, we can also discuss the uing battle.��


    Zac nced at Iz, who slightly nodded in agreement.


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac nodded, and Ogras gave him another pointed look before turning away.


    Zac knew what the demon wanted; he was not so dense that he couldn��t understand the opportunistic gleam in Ogras�� eyes. The demon wanted him to befriend Iz and possibly extract advantages from her. But things were not that simple, and he was still digesting the whole situation. Having gone over the events over the past half-hour, Zac hade to a few conclusions.


    He should already have realized that Iz already knew of his two secrets. Even if he hadn��t expected Iz to witness the whole chain of events in the Battle of Fates, he had spoken with her in his Draugr form. The next time they met, he was a human, yet she recognized him as in as day. The remnants were even less of a mystery. He had used what he called a Bronze sh in the Tower of Eternity, and the next time he had just swallowed the remnants and was teeming with their energy.


    But that didn��t exin how Iz had the [Stone of Celestial Void].


    He hadn��t actually seen that item before, but it perfectly matched the description in the listing back in the Orom World. More importantly, only two people knew about it; he and a store clerk. The only time he had said its name out aloud was when he asked the clerk if the treasure could be brought out for inspection. After having been rejected, Zac never mentioned the item again.


    So how did Iz know he wanted it? Even the Orom wouldn��t know, considering how little it cared about the day-to-day inside its body. Just what had happened after he fled the Orom? Or did she have some way to spy on him? The thoughts kept gnawing at him, making him unable to focus on anything else. Eventually, it reached a tipping point, and Zac turned to Iz with a determined expression.


    ��How did you know I need that item?��


    Iz didn��t seem surprised by the question, but she still looked at Zac thoughtfully for a few seconds until her eyes lit up. ��My family set up some rules for me when visiting the frontier. All actions have consequences, and forming karmic debts should be avoided when possible. If you want me to divulge secrets that would normally be out of your reach, then you must prove you are fated with that knowledge.��


    ��How would I prove something like that?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��Withstand my mes.��


    ��Are you just making up an excuse to beat me up?�� Zac asked, his eyes thinning with suspicion.


    Iz��s mouth curved up a bit at that, but she quickly regained her poise. ��If you want to know, you would have to take a strike from me.��


    Ogras had already stopped as well, and he looked at the proceedings with interest.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Just go with it,�� the demon urged. ��If there��s one thing you��re good at, it��s taking a beating. So what��s the harm?��


    ��Easy for you to say,�� Zac red, but he still readied himself.


    There was no way she was nning on going all out at this point, and Zac felt confident he should at least be able to deal with a normal attack without too much issue. A creaking sound echoed out as Vivi��s vines formed a thick barrier, and [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hands.


    ��Go ahead,�� Zac as he jumped back fifty meters to give himself some berth.


    Iz nodded and held up her hand. A small fireball appeared in her palm, exuberantly releasing small bursts of golden embers. Zac rxed a bit since it just looked like a fancy version of amon [Fireball] attack. However, Zac��s eyes widened in rm when it shot out from Iz��s hand.


    Suddenly, it felt like a whole sun was bearing down on him. The little ball contained an immense amount of truths, to the point it created illusions all around him. At least Zac hoped it was an illusion since the whole area had been set aze, even the air. Zac felt a weak exmation of pain from Vivi, and he realized her vines were rapidly drying out, their powerful lifeforce unable topete with the scorching heat.


    Zac could only cut off the twinned and dried-out vines with a swing of his axe, and the symbiotic nt almost fully retreated back into its pocket domain. That left him with one lessyer of defense, just as the deceptive little fireball suddenly doubled its momentum while gaining an intense golden hue. Space was being incinerated in its wake, and Zac felt like hot pokers were being stabbed into the still-tender burns across his body.


    ��Holy-!�� Zac swore as he urgently activated [Empyrean Aegis].


    Two different hues of gold shed for supremacy in the area as the ball of utmost mes mmed into his hastily-erected barrier. The fireball burned its way straight through with a sizzling sound, leaving Zac gobsmacked. It might have expended a good chunk of its force by that point, but what remained was still more than enough to cause rm.


    Normally, Zac would have used the brief window bought by his barrier to move out of the way, but Iz had demanded to withstand the me, not survive the strike. So he could only grit his teeth as he unleashed a herculean swing infused with his Branches of War axe and Pale Seal. He normally didn��t use the second Dao in his human form, but he figured it was more effective at snuffing out mes than a life-attuned one.


    A primal roar of defiance echoed through the scorched wastnds as Verun bit straight through the golden ball of primordial mes. Zac felt his Daos being rapidly whittled down by the unrelenting mes, but his powerful soul churned as he infused more and more of it tobat the drain. The fireball didn��t enjoy the same treatment; soon after, it waspletely ripped apart.


    However, Zac��s relief was short-lived as the ball��s destruction released a stter of mes in every direction like a Dao-infused Molotov Cocktail. A few of them managed to reach his body, and his robes immediately became a tattered mess. A searing pain soon followed as parcels of fiery Dao dug into his body. It was almost as though the mes were alive, in a tangible way that waspletely different from the fire left behind by [shfire Flourish].


    These little mes were connected with the boundless universe.


    Sensing them with his soul felt like looking at the primordial soup from which the Big Bang created the universe. It was a fire of endless possibility, almost reminding him of one aspect of Creation. At the same time, it held the ability to reduce anything to ashes, leaving nothing in its wake but utter destruction. A facet of Oblivion.


    Was this Iz��s Dao? Her vision of a supreme Dao of Fire that was one with all?


    A deep and angry thud from the depths of his chest brought him out from his reverie as [Void Heart] woke up, and it started to drag the wayward embers toward its maws. But the mes were unwilling to go quietly into the night, and they desperately struggled against the pull. The Hidden Node managed to swallow a few, but most embers made their way out of Zac��s body, leaving a second scorch mark behind before returning to Iz��s side.


    The apocalyptic surroundings died down a momentter, confirming it was indeed not real but an effect brought by the Dao infused into the attack. Ogras was just fine, even though it looked like the mes had consumed him for a moment, and he was looking at Iz with wide eyes.


    ��Well?�� Zac grimaced as he looked down at his ruined clothes with dismay.


    It looked like he had returned to his roots, where he looked like a mix of a burn victim and a homeless person.


    ��I am very curious just what your Bloodline is. It is the first time I��ve seen someone dare consume the mes of my family,�� Iz said with interest. ��Or at least seed in doing so.��


    Her words made Zac pause. It looked like she didn��t know quite everything about him, at least.


    ��Well, there��s always a first,�� Zac eventually grunted as he walked over. ��The stone?��


    ��I left a mark on you during our first meeting,�� Iz said, and Zac wasn��t surprised.


    Zac remembered the me touching his chest but not actually harming him. He had long since guessed it was a tracking mark, but he hadn��t been overly worried about it since she came from a different part of the Multiverse. So much for that theory.


    ��You managed to destroy it, but I had an elder bring it back and reinforce it,�� Iz said, making both Ogras and Zac looked at her with rm. Just how powerful did you have to be to bring back a destroyed tracking mark on someone across half the Multiverse? ��It is through that mark I��ve been able to find you.��


    ��Well, that exins some of it, but it doesn��t exin how you know about the stone?�� Zac said, putting the matter of her elder aside.


    ��The mark can create a lingering resonance in weaker cultivators that would let my family identify them,�� Iz nodded. ��That would allow us to do all kinds of things. Such as finding the clerks you had been in contact with while living in the mutated Voidcatcher.��


    Zac looked at Iz suspiciously. It was as usible as anything else, but he worried it wasn��t the whole truth.


    ��In either case, the brand barely works by now,�� Iz continued. ��It would have to get bolstered by my elder again since you weakened it when you conjured Chaos.��


    ��How do I know you��re not just making things up?�� Zac asked.


    ��Every word I��ve said was true,�� Iz said, but she looked a bit hesitant. Eventually, she spoke up again. ��The price for the knowledge might be off. Do you want to know anything else?��


    ��How about you remove the mark instead?�� Zac said. ��After all, you��ve already found me.��


    ��Impossible,�� Iz said with a shake of her head. ��Even if damaged, it has been bolstered by my elder. It��s not something that I can remove.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac grunted. ��Then can you tell me if a bunch of Autarchs, or even stronger beings, wille to Zecia to contend for the inheritance? You should know that��s not something a small frontier sector can withstand.��


    ��Oh, you do not need to worry about that,�� Iz said. ��The Boundless Heavens has shielded this sector. My elder believes this inheritance is targeted at the younger generation, and the Heavens do not want undue interference. When we entered, only a Middle Monarch could be sent through.��


    Zac and Ogras shared a nce, the relief evident in their eyes. This was their biggest worry, but it looked like the System had already dealt with the problem for them. Of course, Monarchs from the outside were difficult to deal with, but they were nothingpared to Supremacies.


    ��Ask her something else,�� Ogras urged as a grin spread across his face.


    ��You ask her, bastard,�� Zac swore as he looked down at his charred body. ��I��m about well done over here. If I get any more toasty, you��ll have to fight the next battle yourself.��


    ��Fine,�� Ogras sighed. ��We��ll talk more after we��ve rested.��


    ��I know many things,�� Iz added as she hopefully looked at Zac.


    ��Isn��t that great,�� Zac muttered. ��Now, where is that cave?��

 Chapter 918: Flicker of Hope

    Chapter 918: Flicker of Hope


    The weak rustle of leaves formed a tranquil song as the silence stretched on, even though the nts in the inner courtyard had died out eons ago. Recing the nt-life was a thickyer of ashy dust. It created a paradoxical environment �C the utter destion of eternal autumn mixed with the fresh winds of spring. Fifty by fifty meters, boxed in by ancient stones and an anthracite sky. Emily only had two things forpany; her thoughts and the tattered banner hanging from the stele.


    The sigil on its surface was simple, yet it held power and profundity beyond anything she had ever heard of. Possibly of anything in the whole sector. It looked like a rising sun, but it carried the breath of the universe. The unending cycle that brought the seasons, that brought life and death.


    The Sigil of the Radiant Court.


    Emily still couldn��t believe she had been epted when Pro��Zul and Ynaea had both been turned to ash right before her eyes. She still felt like an impostor benefitting from something not meant for her, and she was just waiting for the pulse that would im her as well. That was part of the reason why she hadn��t moved over the past eight months, even if the sprawling castle might hold more treasures. Even if the army was ted to leave for the next sector more than three months ago.


    She was afraid to draw unwanted attention, waking up the terrifying power slumbering in this private garden. The other reason was that she simply couldn��t. The gates had been sealed shut behind her, and she knew all-too-well just how sturdy those stones were. Even if she struck with all that she had, she wouldn��t leave a mark.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It wasn��t all bad, though. The energy was both unbelievably dense and filled with meaning, and she was making tremendous progress. The random herbs and baubles she had picked up in her first excursion with the Coliseum was nothingpared to this. The only things of value she got back then were some painful lessons and the ticket to the Million Gates Territory.


    Just sitting in front of the banner obviously couldn��tpare to those shimmering lights, but it still felt like she was gaining a week��s worth ofprehension every day she sat here. And she had a lot of work on. Forming a Supreme Path-bound skill with the help of the three strands of light was just the first step. Creating the Axe Array that would make the most of it required a lot of work, even with the banner helping.


    Before she could even begin, she had been forced to digest the truths from the lights. Truths that hadpletely upended her understanding of synergistic energy, which was the basis of both her supportive skills and offensive ones. Still, she was still just grasping the corners of those truths, and she was getting less and less from the tattered banner. It almost felt like she was extracting the veryst drops that it held.


    The sky shuddered, for the third time this day, prompting Emily to look up with worry. Was the Mystic Realm really copsing? What did that mean for her? Would the whole castle be thrown into the void, with her in it? How could she possibly survive something like this? Emily��s heart shuddered as her thoughts turned to her squadmates, to Earth. To her family. To Zac.


    Would she ever see them again?


    No! She wouldn��t give up. She was so close now. A little bit more, and the array would be finished. If she were right, it would unleash a terrifying amount of force if used together with [Summer��s Squall]. It might even be enough to crack open the gate. So she forcibly pushed any stray thoughts aside, and poured everything into the banner.


    And it worked. Three dayster, it clicked, and the [Dance of the Five Seasons] was born. The moment everything came together, the banner disintegrated, and a screen popped up in front of her.


    [Seal of the Radiant Court (Unique, Inheritance): Form a seal of the Radiant Court. Reward: Be a Lightbringer of Ultom. (1/3)]


    Emily looked at the quest with surprise, but she immediately shot to her feet upon hearing a grinding sound. The gates were actually opening, and tears of relief poured down her face as she started running. She didn��t spare as much as a nce to the small courtyard that had been her home for the better part of a year. All her thoughts were on escape as she stormed into the corridor, where she made a beeline for the exit.


    She wondered what the elders outside would say upon learning that more than 80% of the army had died on the first day inside this deathtrap. Some deaths were unavoidable when scanning a Pocket Dimension for invaders, but this waspletely different from stumbling into some nasty environment or frayed space.


    Soon enough, Emily reached the first corner where one of the wardens waited, but the fractured golemoid guard didn��t react as she closed in on it. Emily breahted out in relief as she shed past it, but her relief didn��tst long. A deep rumble shook the whole castle, and the previously indestructible bricks started to show cracks.


    The whole castle was copsing! Was this her doing? Emily had no way to tell, but she could only urge her legs to run quicker. Why hadn��t she created a movement skill instead of a Supportive-Offensive Fusion Skill?! What if she died from rock to head after surviving spatial tears, murderous constructs, and annihtion pulses?


    Her panic only grew as the walls closed in on her, but she finally saw the gate leading to the enormous courtyard. The ce where they had realized they were trapped, unable to either leave or send a message for help. The ce that had eventually been flooded withnce-wielding constructs when the army had opted to not head deeper into the sketchy castle.


    The corpses and constructs were gone by the time she barged through the gate. It waspletely empty, like it had been scrubbed clean after the battle. She was about to leave through the exit, her eyes widened with rm when another one of the gates vertiably exploded as a fierce-looking Ogre crashed straight through it with two gargantuan stone axes in his hands.


    It was Kan��Kalo, one of the five leaders of the mission, and a member of the Big Axe Coliseum just as she. He looked ready for a tough fight, but he stopped in confusion upon seeing Emily the only other one there.


    ��Little girl! You survived as well?�� Kan��Kalo said with surprise. ��I figured you��d get skewered by one of thosence-wielding monstrosities with your embarrassing strength.��


    ��Wouldn��t die before a fool like you,�� Emily snorted in response.


    The five-meter-tall ogreughed loudly in response before another rumble reminded him where they were. ��We can��t stay here. Want to ride with me?��


    ��Sure,�� Emily smiled and jumped up on Kan��Kalo��s left shoulder.


    Cosmic Energy surged, and Emily��s eyes widened with shock. ��You��ve broken through!��


    ��Was only a matter of time for someone this handsome!�� Kan��Kalo boisterouslyughed as they flew through the exit, but Emily knew the truth.


    This big brute was powerful, but he had been stuck as a Half-Step cultivator for centuries. She might have gotten her hands on the grand prize, but it looked like she wasn��t the only one who had gained from the experience. The enormous castle turned more and more distant as the Hegemon flew through the sky, and she saw one figure after another emerging from various spots.


    ��Should we wait for them?�� Emily hesitated.


    ��All men for themselves,�� the ogre muttered before he hesitantly looked at Emily who wasn��t even asrge as his head. ��And runts.��


    Emily rolled her eyes and a crackling axe appeared in her hand. It released a few arcs of lightning into the clouds before she mmed it right into Kan��Kalo��s head. He almost stumbled in the air, but he soon regained hisposure as he flew away with even greater momentum.


    ��Little brute,�� he snorted as a huge eye looked over at her with confusion. ��No breakthrough?��


    ��I got insights instead,�� Emily shrugged. ��I��ve learned to make an axe array.��


    ��Fancy,�� Kan��Kalo hummed with interest. ��Show meter, yeah?��


    ��Sure,�� Emily nodded. ��If we get out of here alive.��


    ��Haha, I��m not dying in this shithole after being stuck for months,�� Kan��Kaloughed, though he hesitantly looked at the rapidly fracturing sky. ��The closest exit isn��t that far from here. The real problem is what��s waiting on the other side. Better get ready to hold your breath, brat.��


    Emily��s smile turned crooked as she finally remembered how they had arrived. Their squad had found a pathway in the middle of space, far from any. Since it emitted strong energy fluctuations, the joint army had erected a temporary tform and sent in Emily��s squad and a few more to perform reconnaissance.


    But if the army had left three months ago as they had nned, would they pop out in open space? She didn��t have any Cosmic Vessel, and the famously poor Ogre who carried her obviously didn��t have one either. However, a familiar aura suddenly filled the sky, and Emily��s eyes lit up with relief.


    ��Teacher!�� she shouted, and space was cut apart.


    Through the copsing sky, Warsong emerged, his body reeking of blood and killing intent. He sported a nasty wound across his face that almost seemed to have blinded him, but his aura was stronger than ever.


    ��What happened to you?�� Emily eximed, but the axemaster only shook his head.


    ��Later,�� he muttered as he performed a grasping motion with his hand. ��This ce is about to blow.��


    The next moment, twenty more people appeared next to herself and Kan��Kalo, and Warsong immediately turned his heel and dragged everyone out through the entrance he��d cut open. They soon found themselves on the tform the army had erected, though Emily frowned upon seeing it was covered in scars and cracks. A battle had taken ce here.


    Still, there was breathable air, and the enormous warship floating in the distance still seemed to be in working order. Emily and the Ogre shared a look, and they both breathed out in relief. They had made it. They had survived a certain-death trial.


    ��We were afraid you had left us behind,�� Emily sighed as she climbed down from Kan��Kalo��s shoulder.


    ��The Mystic Realm was sealed shortly after you entered, but the locked pathway started releasing extraordinary amounts of energy. We figured something big was happening inside, so we chose to change ns,�� Warsong said. ��Just what happened inside? What was that castle?��


    ��We got sucked into that ce the moment we entered,�� Emily grimaced. ��Most of us died inside.��


    ��I expected as much when I saw so few of youe flying out,�� Warsong sighed. ��Did you learn anything inside? Like who built it?��


    Emily described the building as best as she could, with Kan��Kalo adding details of his own. He was actually a lot more helpful than she was, with his knowledge of various architectural styles and materials. He even knew how to roughly determine the age of the ruins by studying the bricks that made up the inner wall.


    ording to Kan��Kalo, the castle most likely pre-dated the System, meaning it came from the Limitless Empire or one of the factions it warred against. Emily wasn��t very surprised, considering what she��d seen in the vision. That was definitely something belonging to a tyrannical force like the Limitless Empire, and not some little border faction.


    Of course, neither she nor Kan��Kalo explicitly said what kind of opportunities they��d encountered inside the castle. Such were the rules of the Coliseum �C if you found it, it��s yours. They only detailed the traps and environmental dangers they had seen, though Emily doubted it would matter. The pathway had already copsed behind them, meaning it was lost to the Void forever.


    ��I��ll have to talk with the others,�� Warsong slowly said after they��d recounted their experience. ��It might be important. You people return to the Eyrie, we��ll take things from here.��


    Five dayster, Emily was called to her master��s quarters and she frowned when she saw him still covered in wounds.


    ��Are you really okay?�� Emily asked.


    ��Some beasts found the energy released by the pathway alluring,�� Warsong shrugged as he looked at Emily with a smile. ��You did well. What are your ns going forward? Because of the dy, we have decided to split up. Some will return to the War Fort, others will keep going. What do you want to do?��


    ��I-�� Emily hesitated.


    She wasn��t sure. She had been gone from Earth for a long time by now. She hadn��t had any news at all since she entered the Million Gates Territory three years ago. Had Zac returned by now? Had they alsoe here to get a head-start on this mess?


    At the same time, she was hesitant to return now. The quest in her status screen beckoned her. This was her shot. An opportunity grasped with her own two hands, rather than something handed to her by Zac or Teacher. Could she just go home now that she finally had found her path?


    ��You don��t have to choose right now. We depart in two days.��


    ��No need,�� Emily said with determination. ��I��ll keep going. I��ll see this through to the end.��


    ��������������


    ��So much Mara,�� Golden Bell sighed.


    Three Virtues nodded in agreement as the group looked down on the sprawling world in front of them. No matter where they turned their eyes, there was evil and suffering. Men fought like beasts in their twisted pursuit of power, and blood flowed like rivers. It was an inherited madness, suffering perpetuated through generations.


    ��This continent truly needs the love of Buddha to start healing,�� Peaceful Way said with a shake of her head.


    ��This poor monk can sense this realm is on the cusp of integration,�� Golden Bell ventured. ��With a few seeds sown and a couple of temples erected����


    ��For now, it will have to wait,�� Three Virtues said. ��Our seniors paid no small price to find this realm and send us all this way.��


    ��To think there was a third option,�� Peaceful Way said. ��Lord Blessed Fate truly is a master of the Dharma.��


    ��Still, this Goldde Continent is vast,�� Golden Bell hesitated as he looked around. ��Finding the path in this confusing mix of fell Karma will take time.��


    ��Amitabha. A guide is waiting for us,�� Three Virtues smiled as he took out a low-quality spatial ring. ��She will lead the way.��


    ������-


    One step brought him to the Ann ins, where the Stalk Sagesmuned with nature as they followed the ancient paths imprinted by the cosmos itself. Today, the billions of rivers had dried up, and the endless sea of emerald grass was reced by festering pools of blight. Creatures twisted by the Heavens shrunk back into their dwellings as he passed by, unable toprehend why they had just felt a pang of mortal danger.


    This time, he didn��t leave a path of destruction in his wake. What was the point?


    Another step brought him to the towering peaks of the Pasho. Once, the whole mountain range would have sung from the Pasho��Har Bells, their cadence forming a universe through music. But the Pasho were long gone, as were the marvels they created. The Keeper of the Note had been known throughout all creation, but innumerable civilizations had turned to dust since her songs were lost to the river of time.


    Eternity �C was there even such a thing?


    And if this was it, what was the point? Wal��Zo��s heart broke all over again upon seeing his fallen world. These small sections were moved here to honor those who sacrificed everything, yet they had be mockeries of their previous masters. Wal��Zo was even thankful it would soon all be over. He, too, would sink into the river of time, taking this twisted reality with him.


    Another step brought him home, and the connection was erected anew. Wal��Zo slowly made his way back through the hallowed halls, the lingering corruption on his body wilting away with every step. Still, two more hallways had been tainted since he left. A few more Eras at most before their undertaking would finally crumble, and that was if their power wasn��t drawn upon any further.


    Another wave of reluctance filled his heart as his mind wandered back to that distant past. To those who said no to the Terminus, and set about changing the course of history. To the Eternal, who sacrificed herself to keep the flicker of hope alive when all else failed. Soon enough he reached the First Garden, where the withered remains of Sal��Sun basked in the sunlight.


    Next to it, the red pot stood. Inside was a small tree, still no more than a sapling even after billions of years. The gift from that inscrutable man.


    ��I��ve seen it now. Your masterpiece,�� Wal��Zo smiled as he sat down next to the small tree. ��I wonder what you would think if you saw it today. It is truly something. But it seems to have diverged from what you described to us old things. Or is this still within your calctions? I could never tell where your depthsy. I guess that��s why I went along with it. You reminded me of the Eternal.��


    ��Would you still think the price was worth it? The sacrifice?��


    ��I even saw that man��s son. I bet you didn��t expect to hear that, huh?�� Wal��Zoughed. ��Some things even you can��t control. Ripples on theke. I would have given him a shot, but he actually took it on his own. So it will ultimately be up to him to prove himself more than a link in the chain. As it has always been.��


    His gaze turned to the false sky, his eyes flickering with thought.


    ��Fate is gathering. Ultom is rising from the depths. Us old things cannot hold on much longer. The inevitable looms closer.��


    Another hallway copsed, and Wal��Zo sighed as he caressed the sapling.


    ��Laondio, I hope you were right.��

 Book 7 of Defiance of the Fall now out on Amazon/Audible!

    Book 7 of Defiance of the Fall now out on Amazon/Audible!


    The wait is over, Book 7 is out!n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Dimensional Seed is about to mature. The battle for it will decide Earth��s fate.


    Urged on by the System itself, Zac has set his sights on the heart of the Mystic Realm. That��s where the Dominators are heading, and it might be where the answers to his bloodline can be found.


    However, the followers of the Great Redeemer are not the only ones Zac and hispanions have to worry about. The trapped factions of the Realm itself have ns of their own. Even eldritch horrors are flocking to the Mystic Realm, attracted by the powerful treasure in its center.


    In other words, join Zac for the second half of the Mystic Realm arc and see his first steps out into the Multiverse. Links in the Author Note!

 Chapter 919: Testing Fate

    Chapter 919: Testing Fate


    ��Alright, let��s do it,�� Zac grunted as he cracked his neck.


    His Spirit Tool robes had already been ced to the side and covered in Nexus Crystals to aid its recovery, and Zac instead wore threeyers of mish-mashed E-grade armors he had picked up from some random cultists. Iz��s mes had simply proven too potent, and any more tests of fate would probably ruin the clothes altogether.


    ��You can do it, buddy,�� Ogras hollered from the distance, his voice dripping with schadenfreude.


    They were standing in arge cave deep underground that Ogras had found with his shadows, which then had been further sealed off by Iz. A thin film of golden mes covered everything from floor to ceiling, but they didn��t actually feel hot to the touch. The mes emanated from a candle Iz had ced on a random stone. ording to her, not even Peak Hegemons would sense any energy fluctuations from within the candle��s domain.


    Iz, who had spent thest hour in silent meditation, opened her eyes and looked over at Zac with confusion. ��What are you wearing?��


    ��Have to wear something after you ruined my poor robes,�� Zac muttered.


    ��I understand. But those pieces of armor would melt onto your skin,�� Iz said, and Zac groaned when there was a small hint of excitement in her voice.


    It had be painfully obvious that Iz really enjoyed sting him with her mes, and she used different types of mes every time he had asked a question over the past two days. It almost felt like she was experimenting which kind of fire would toast him the best. Iz had even been so disappointed upon learning that Zac couldn��t take any more punishment, that she had provided a bottle of healing pills.


    At first, Zac thought it wouldn��t change things, but that was only until he sensed the monstrous amount of medicinal energy crammed into the pills. Not only that, but in the bottle of 10 pills, every single pill contained a Pill Spirit. This was the first time he��d owned a Spiritual Pill since stumbling onto one back in the hunt, and it was shocking to see ten of them at one go.


    Ten pills whose spirits were all far stronger than the one in the [Four Gates Pill].


    Such pills didn��t grow on trees. Not only did the pill itself have to be of Supreme Quality to have even a small chance of gaining spirituality, but it had to absorb the truths of the universe for a long time to evolve. They were exceedingly rare even in more affluent ces like the Twilight Harbor. A few asionally popped up at auction, but there was no steady supply.


    Some factions had Gathering Arrays for their Pill cauldrons and left batches stewing for millennia in hopes of evolving a few pills. And even then, there were no guarantees. So ultimately, most didn��t bother. The increase in efficacy simply couldn��t make up for the effort and luck required to concoct those kinds of pills.


    But it looked like this basic logic didn��t have any sway with Iz Tayn��s faction. Perhaps top-tier alchemists had ways to guarantee Pill Spirits awakening, but it was still odd to see it on normal Healing Pills. It was a bit like crafting a Peak-Quality Spirit Tool for a toothbrush or paperweight.


    Still, Zac wasn��t about toin about such a windfall. It had not only helped him and Ogras save a day of recuperation, but it had allowed them to gain some vital intelligence. For instance, they��d learned these Kan��Tanu were actually rted to the ck Heart Sect, a massive unorthodox force with actual Supremacies in charge. That exined how they dared to negotiate with peak factions when selling opportunities for the Left Imperial Pce.


    More importantly, it spelled bad news for Zecia. It was already a problem when Zecia��s enemies was one unified force against their fragmented sector. Now it also turned out they had connections to an A-grade force. In other words, they were like the Void Gate. Even if they were just a distant offshoot, their heritage was bound to be deeper than the shallow foundations you��d normally see in a Frontier Sector.


    ��If armor doesn��t work, just go naked?�� Ogras grinned. ��Your hide is thicker than a Barghest��s in either case.��


    ��That would lead to less damage,�� Iz agreed. ��Or mortal clothes that can be properly disintegrated.��


    ��I can��t go around naked,�� Zac said with exasperation as he started removing hisyers of armor. ��Your elders would probably burn me alive if they found out.��


    To say that they had gotten close to Iz over the past day would be an overstatement, but Zac had started to understand her personality a bit better. She wasn��t actually haughty or arrogant like some powerful scions. It was just her penchant for burning things and people that had left Zac with a bad impression. But she wouldn��t take offense to some random words, nor did she act overbearing with either him or Ogras.


    Iz undeniably had some odd social blindspots though, and Zac figured she was a bit of a cultivation idiot like himself. However, while he had only started cultivating when he was 29, she had probably done so from birth. That had left her personality incredibly lopsided, though it seemed like she was working on that.


    ��Oh, you��re right,�� Iz nodded as though it was a matter of course. ��Then, let��s skip it. Instead, tell me of your experiences in the Twilight Harbor.��


    ��How do you know about that?�� Zac asked.


    ��That was where your signal led for a long time, until you suddenly disappeared through the interference of Chaos,�� Iz said. ��By the time I left for the frontier, the Twilight Harbor had long since been destroyed.��


    ��What happened to the people living there?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Most weren��t fated,�� Iz said. ��Around a third of the tforms survived. But without an energy source or a World Core, the environment is doomed to decline until it is barely habitable.��


    ��Must be hell on earth there by now,�� Ogras muttered. ��Those ces will run dry of resources quickly. A lot of people would have to kill and steal to afford a ticket out of there.��


    Zac sighed and said another silent prayer for N, the half-blood Draugr who had guided him when he visited.


    ��So you just want me to tell you what happened in Twilight Harbor?�� Zac asked to confirm. ��And you won��t suddenly st me with a fireball?��


    ����No.�� Iz said after an entirely too-long pause.


    Zac didn��t even need to deliberate before he started to retell his experiences in Twilight Harbor and the Twilight Ascent. Almost any price would beat getting incinerated by Iz��s terrifying mes again. Even Verun had lost its vigor by now in front of her skills, and the Tool Spirit had released a subdued whimper after thest test of fate. If it had to endure any more, Zac worried it might actually mutiny.


    Iz listened on with interest as Zac narrated the events, asionally asking for rifications. But it wasn��t for stuff like one expected, like lucky encounters or powerful beasts he��d fought. She rather asked about mundane stuff, such as what the unique Twilight Water felt and tasted like, or whether the water in the Twilight Chasm was colder.


    She was also delighted when he took out a few of the corals he had collected in the Coral Forest, or the puppet Catheya got him. In contrast, she didn��t care much about the powerful scions he had fought.


    ��The Eidolon and the Blood n. To think they both so easily fell prey to the destructive corruption of the Remnants,�� Izmented.


    ��Blood n? You mean the Eternal n?�� Zac asked.


    ��They do not have the qualifications to speak of Eternity,�� Iz said with equanimity. ��Then what happened?��


    Zac shrugged and continued the story, with the copse of the Mystic Realm and how he had jumped into a spatial tear to survive the battle outside.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��You truly are an unkible Mr. Bug,�� Iz said with a small smile. ��What do you want to know?��


    ��What can you tell us about this Lost ne and its connection to�� that ce? Would conventional means cut off the connection to that ce, or do we need to prepare something more than spatial destabilizers?��


    ��I find it curious you are unable to say Ultom without fate shifting,�� Iz said. ��Is it because you are the first Candidate?��


    Zac could only helplessly shrug in response. It was not like he had any idea.


    ��I don��t know this Lost ne you��ve mentioned, and I don��t recognize the taint in this world. But if you say the templese from there, it��s most likely a pocket world connected to the Eternal Heritage itself. Most of them contain vast realms,�� Iz said after some thought. ��It is a bit odd though. Those worlds are always mirrors of the heritage they reside within, but Ultom does not carry this taint. I cannot exin that, so I might be wrong.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac frowned. ��Well, I guess we��ll just have to pray our preparations work.��


    ��I��m sorry wasn��t of more help,�� Iz said. ��I couldn��t answer your question, so ask me something else.��


    Zac thought for a few moments, but he didn��t know what else to ask. She had already hinted that she wouldn��t divulge her background, and she had already told them most of what she knew about the situation with Ultom and the Kan��Tanu. But there was something else he was curious about.


    ��Then, how did you arrive at the frontier so quickly? Could I use that method to reach the Six Profundity Empire?�� Zac asked.


    His strength was far from reaching the point where he felt confident in saving Kenzie, but opportunities like this were rare. Who knew when he��d meet someone like Iz the next time, someone who had actually traveled from the hearnds to the frontier?


    ��The Six Profundity Empire?�� Iz said with surprise. ��What do you want to do there? Your heritage doesn��t seem to have any rtion to them.��


    ��Humor me,�� Zac smiled.


    ��This is a real scenario? Where you are just you?�� Iz asked.


    ��I��m just me,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    ��A few people owed my family favors and helped my uncle reach this sector, so you wouldn��t be able to use our method,�� Iz said.


    ��So what can I do?��


    ��The Six Profundity Empire is very far from here. You are poor, so you can��t get a Cosmic Vessel fast enough,�� Iz said, her brows scrunched together like she was trying to figure out a riddle. ��And you have no connections that can assist you. There are no gateways in the frontier either�� Hmm����


    ��It��s impossible?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��No, I can think of two solutions,�� Iz eventually said. ��The first is to reach the closest A-grade force. They should have ess to some allies, and you might be able to pay for passage through their long-distance teleporter. That way, you can gradually jump closer and closer to your destination.��


    ��What would something like that cost?�� Zac hesitated.


    ��Transfer between two forces?�� Iz said. ��I don��t know? I hear it��s rarely counted in Nexus Coins. Factions like that have little use for System Currency. You rather need to provide rare treasures for them to activate the long-range teleporters. You should know, the energy required for such a jump would drain a couple of C-grade factions.��


    ��So a jump would beggar a Peak Monarch, and one would have to make multiple jumps?�� Ogras said with a scrunched-up face.


    ��If the factions will even allow you to use them. They are strategic resources, and they are incredibly difficult to both operate and maintain. Some might not want to risk their tforms, since it is one of their lifelines in case of emergency,�� Iz said. ��And if they��ve broken down, they might take millennia to repair. Dozens of millennia if they need to send for Spatial Array Masters.��


    ��What��s the other option?�� Zac sighed.


    ��Enter the Endless Storm and find a wormhole,�� Iz said.


    ��Enter the what now?�� Zac asked, and a nce confirmed Ogras knew as little as he did.


    ��You two live at the Frontier but don��t know about the Endless Storm?�� Iz asked, her head cocked to the side. ��How is that possible? It would be like living by theke but not knowing what water is.��


    Zac and Ogras shared a helpless look. He knew Iz wasn��t trying to be rude, but that perhaps made herments even worse. This wasn��t the first time she had been confused by their ignorance of what she thought wasmon knowledge.


    ��It��s the region beyond the Frontier?�� Zac ventured.


    ��Yes,�� Iz nodded. ��Beyond the Frontiers is the Endless Storm. You can actually see a calm corner of it in this sector; the Million Gates Territory.��


    ��That chaotic ce is a calm corner?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��I hear there are Sr Storms in the depths of the Endless Storm that would destroy even Supremacies,�� Iz said. ��But it��s not all dangerous. It��s called a storm, but there are decently safe regions, some of which arerger than whole empires.��


    ��Where would one find a Wormhole then?�� Zac asked.


    ��Usually in the actual storms,�� Iz said. ��The System��s expansion has pushed back the storm for billions of years, and it has resulted in some interesting phenomena. There are gateways, some of them incredibly stable, that can take you across half of the cosmos in an instant. The Space Gate the ck Heart Sect uses is an example of this, though their sector most likely is quite close to Zecia. Those that can take you across all reality need a stronger storm to be born.


    ��These tunnels are the most convenient methods of travel, but they are extremely rare in integrated space. No one has ever managed to replicate them either, except for Lord Stillsun andter the System itself.��


    ��So I should just head into this storm and hope for the best?�� Zac grimaced. ��Seems like finding a needle in a haystack.��


    ��Without a guide, it would be nigh-hopeless,�� Iz agreed. ��There are factions who live inside the storm, who know of hidden wormholes or are able to find them. In this regard, the Technocrats are unsurpassed. ��


    Zac tried to keep his face impassive, but his heartbeat sped up. Iz had just unknowingly provided him with a huge lead. What if Leandra didn��t choose the Six Profundity Empire because she had a special connection to it? What if she just wanted to go to any random A-grade Empire, and she happened to know of a nearby wormhole that led there?


    If so, perhaps he could find a way to trace her steps into the Eternal Storm after getting his hands on a Cosmic Vessel. Going there early might be preferrable anyway, since he would probably be able to grow quicker in such a ce than here in Zecia. And it would be a good way to disappear, in case the situation with Ultom became tooplicated.


    Various ns started to crop up in Zac��s mind, but he eventually put the matter aside. No matter if it was actually viable or not, it would have to wait. There were a lot of things he needed to deal with in Zecia before he sailed off into some cosmic storm in search of magical portals.


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac nodded before turning to Ogras. ��How do you feel?��


    ��A lot better than I thought possible one day ago,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I��m good to go.��


    ��Let��s head out, then? The quicker we deal with this mess, the more energy Gemmy will have for her transformation,�� Zac ventured. ��Also, I don��t want that golem to catch up. No offense.��


    ��That��s okay,�� Iz nodded. ��That hand is just an expendable clone. It dying will have no bearing on Kvalk.��


    ��That��s not wh-��Zac said. ��Well, never mind.��


    The three once more set out in the direction of the Ra��Lashar Kingdom. Ogras was still leading the way, but it honestly wasn��t necessary. The sky was a pitch-ck curtain to the east, and even Zac could feel the ominous energy churning inside the clouds. You��d almost have to be blind to miss it.


    Ogras didn��t have to expend any energy conceiling their approach either. Iz simply infused some energy into the candle, and it floated into the air and followed her as they traveled. Around them, a ten-meter domain was erected, and both Ogras and he confirmed they werepletely invisible within.


    Seeing how Iz was taking care of everything, Zac chose to squeeze in some cultivation time while he walked. Most of his methods couldn��t be trained while on the move, but he could make some progress on [Thousand Lights Avatar] if he didn��t need to focus on his surroundings. It was almost like making candles, where he covered his Spiritual Framework with his Mental Energy over and over.


    Each time, a little bit was left behind and thickened the avatar, though the change wouldn��t be discernible to the naked eye. Progress was slow, but Zac still kept at it. It was actually because of a suggestion from Iz. She had told him that a powerful Soul could help stabilize one��s breakthrough into Hegemony.


    Zac didn��t have any actual method to aplish something like that, but he had an idea. If he could form a proper avatar around his Specialty Core, he might be able to erect powerful Spiritual Barriers like the ones he used when he opened thest nodes in his head. That meant he had one more thing he needed to aplish before reaching Hegemony, so he couldn��t just ck off and enjoy the view.


    ��Do�� You think it��s fun? Cultivation,�� Iz suddenly asked after an hour of silence, prompting Zac to startle awake from his semiatose state.


    ��If it��s fun?�� Zac asked as a small smile crept up his face. ��You��d have to eat my punch if you want to know.��

 Chapter 920: Tainted Well

    Chapter 920: Tainted Well


    Zac regretted the words the moment he uttered them, but mes were already gathering around Iz, and she was obviously excited at the prospect of getting punched.


    ��I��m ready,�� Iz nodded.


    ��I was just kid-,�� Zac said with exasperation, but he stopped in his track when a displeased frown appeared on Iz��s face.


    ��Do you think me too weak to bear your fate?�� Iz red at him.


    ��Uh, no?�� Zac said.


    ��Then test me,�� Iz said as the burning field expanded around them, forming a dome the same size as the cave they��d spent over two days inside.


    Zac knew there wasn��t much else to do �C he needed to give this fate-obsessed firebug a good wallop. Zac was pretty thankful that Ogras was the only other person around as he stepped back to create some distance. Punching someone for asking him about his feelings and opinions seemed pretty toxic, and it would drag his already frayed reputation further through the mud.


    At the same time, Zac couldn��t help but feel some excitement as Cosmic Energy started to course through his body. Iz Tayn had scared him half to death a couple of times by now, and he was pretty sure she had intentionally targeted his butt in the attack she had traded for intelligence on the ck Heart Sect. He could still feel shes of pain as they walked.


    This was a chance for some sanctioned retaliation.


    Four thick streams of Mental Energy traveled along the framework of [Thousand Lights Avatar] into his arm as the muscles in his legs tensed. A momentter, Zac shot forward like an arrow released from its bow, leaving huge cracks in the ground from where he pushed off. Simultaneously, two streams of Kalpataru and War Axe entered his prepared Mental Energy-Braid before gathering in his fist.


    His hand released a ferocious aura of primal life, and his body naturally moved ording to his Evolutionary Stance. The air twisted around him as he released a vibrant and deadly Dao Field, like an apex predator pouncing on its prey. Zac��s eyes met with Iz��s, and he saw a small smile spread across her face before a wall of mes separated them.


    If this were a real fight, Zac would most likely have released a staggered attack to first break the barrier before delivering the real strike, but this was just a friendly sh. There was no need toplicate things, so when Zac appeared in front of Iz, his hand was already shooting toward the barrier in a monstrous right hook.


    Every muscle, every cell in Zac��s body was in perfect harmony, and all his momentum and force were gathered into one spot. His fist mmed into the shield with enough power to disintegrate a small mountain, yet there was only a subdued thud. All force in Zac��s attack was directed inward, yet Iz��s barrier had somehow managed to absorb most of it.


    Only a trickle of Cosmic Energy and his Dao managed to pass through the fiery barrier, but Zac couldn��t just give up like that. Even if he hadn��t put everything into the punch, it would be too embarrassing if azily erected barrierpletely nullified his attack. So Zac took control and roused the lingering energies before they scattered, and a smaller wave lept toward Iz��s left temple in a final ze of glory.


    But just as Zac��s attack was about to reach Iz��s actual body, a finger gently tapped the ball of energy. Zac��s felt a sh of heat before losing his connection to his attack. Shortly after, the me wall dispersed, and Zac looked at Iz with some helplessness. So close, yet so far away.


    ��You have a novel approach to Dao Braiding,�� Iz said with a smile as four streams of mes appeared around her hand. Two of them shifted colors into a darker hue, and Zac looked on with a sense of defeat as they formed a perfect copy of his crude Dao Braid.


    ��Well,�� Zac shrugged. ��You have to y with the cards you are dealt.��


    ��Cards?�� Iz said with confusion.


    ��Just an expression,�� Zac said. ��To make do with what you have.��


    ��Oh,�� Iz nodded. ��It evens out, provided you are fated. The paths of thoseing from humble beginnings are generally sturdier than those from powerful factions. By the time they defend their Dao, they are often more powerful. Forged through adversity. And in your case, your disadvantages seem to be wholly exaggerated.��


    ��Tell me about it,�� Ogras muttered to the side.


    ��So, your answer?�� Iz said.


    ��What?�� Zac said with confusion until he remembered why they��d fought in the first ce. ��I guess I think it��s fun, for the most part? I like the feeling of discovery. The feeling of pushing past your previous boundaries. I kind of wish I��d have some periods of calm, though. Where I could just cultivate for the sake of it, rather than to avoid getting hunted down by some old monster or die in a war forced down my throat.��


    ��But then you��d be without purpose. Without those Karmic Links that push you forward.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��That��s fine, isn��t it?�� Zac smiled. ��I can always find a purpose if Ick one.��


    ��Find a purpose?�� Iz asked.


    ��Yeah,�� Zac nodded. ��Like if I reached a point all my enemies were gone, and I wasn��t rushing toward anything, I could look for purpose elsewhere. Like pick up hobbies. Improve the lives of the people on my. I don��t know, start a family. I was already a teenager when my dad was my age.��


    ��My uncle said that it is inadvisable to start a family before closing in on your limits,�� Iz said. ��Your heart will be split between the Dao and your progeny, hampering progress. You also risk getting entangled with someone whose fate cannot match up to yours.��


    ��I don��t know. Does it have to be that cut-and-dry?�� Zac said. ��Can��t family be another sort of fuel for your cultivation? Like you work harder because you have something important to protect, something more important than your own life. As for fate, I don��t really believe in something like that. Fate is malleable. If it doesn��t suit you, you change it.��


    ��Fate is malleable?�� Iz said with glimmering eyes. ��Perhaps you are right.��


    ��I don��t want to interrupt�� whatever the two of you are doing,�� Ogras suddenly interjected. ��But we havepany.��


    Zac looked over with surprise, his gaze following in the direction Ogras pointed at. Far in the distance, he could vaguely make out a handful of moving dots. They were neither moving at a fast nor a slow pace, and the dots would cut past their current position in ten minutes or so.


    ��Cultivators or beasts?�� Zac hesitated, feeling a bit hamstrung after not having Vai and her bowl apany him.


    ��Cultivators,�� Ogras said. ��They look like invaders. But it��s odd����


    ��They carry the taint,�� Iz calmly said after ncing at the distant dots. ��A lot of it.��


    ��So I��m the only one without any farsight abilities?�� Zac muttered. ��Well, let��s get a bit closer. Iz, are you sure this domain won��t be discovered, even by scouts?��


    ��It is both an istion field and a Karmic Partition. They have no fate with anything within these mes. As such, they cannot react to it,�� Iz said before ncing at Zac with an inscrutable look. ��Of course, there are no guarantees if fate is malleable.��


    Zac nodded, and the three moved over to an outcropping that should allow them to get a better look at these cultivators. Not long after, the small party was close enough for Zac to properly scan them with [Cosmic Gaze], and his brows furrowed in consternation. Iz wasn��t kidding around.


    A palpable aura of corruption surrounded the group of warriors as they ran through the wastnd. The sinister undtions from their Heart Curses were still there, but it was now mixed with the taint of the Lost ne. The eyes of the cultivators felt a bit muddled as well, but Zac saw how two of the cultivators exchanged a couple of words as they ran.


    In other words, they hadn��t be vessels of mindless aggression like the Qriz��Ul Ogras had described.


    ��Looks like these fools have drunk from a tainted well,�� Ogras snorted after the party was gone. ��Like they didn��t have enough problems with those disgusting curses in their chests.��


    ��That can��t end well for them,�� Zac agreed.


    ��Should we follow them?�� Iz ventured.


    ��They��re not moving in the direction of our destination,�� Zac said after some thought. ��Let��s just leave them be. Who knows if taking them out will alert the others.��


    ��Proper scouting units would always carry life tablets,�� Iz nodded. ��Some carry deadly poisons to use if they find themselves cornered. Better dead than captured, as their deaths would serve as an early warning.��


    The trio set out again, but they stopped just twenty minutester after reaching the crest of a hill. On the other side, a seemingly endless city stretched across the horizon. Only the foundations of a 20-meter-thick wall remained, and the structures inside weren��t any better off.


    Only the asional building retained all of its walls, and there was a palpable sense of gloom covering the ruins. The sky waspletely ck, and a purple haze coveredrge sections of the city.


    ��The Ra��Lashar Capital,�� Ogras exined as he looked at the city with mixed emotions. ��Took me the better part of a year to deal with thehersted rune goblins over there. I can��t believe I��m back in this cursed ce.��


    ��Does it look any different?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, it doesn��t look like the Qriz��Ul have multiplied, at least. But the environment is far worse than when I was here,�� Ogras grimaced as he crushed a Nexus Crystal to release some pure energy around him. ��Back then, the corruption wasn��t this palpable.��


    ��That��s better,�� the demon sighed before turning to Zac. ��Not sure if I can go all-out if we have to fight in the depths of the cit. A bunch of corruption will sneak into my body if I��m not careful. What about you?��


    ��I��m fine,�� Zac shrugged. ��Looks like I��m immune to the taint at these levels.��


    Zac had already noticed it some time ago. There was something else mixed into the Cosmic Energy in the wastnds, though it was barely noticeable. It was a sticky and stubborn energy that snuck into his body and seemingly wanted to glom onto his pathways. The energy was unlike anything Zac had encountered before, except for that enormous pir sting into the sky.


    Back then, the energy of the Lost ne had been contained by the nine sigils, and Zac couldn��t observe its true nature. But even when it had infiltrated his body, Zac didn��t quite know what to make of it. It didn��t feel like attuned energy at all. In fact, Zac wasn��t even sure it wasparable to Cosmic Energy.


    Was this because the energy possibly stemmed from an Eternal Heritage? Was the fundamental energy of the previous eras different than the Cosmic Energy they used now? Thankfully, his [Purity of the Void] quickly dealt with the infiltration all the same, and it never had time to be a problem. The situation hadn��t even gotten to the point where his [Void Heart] needed to activate like in the Twilight Ocean.


    ��My mes are naturally purging the corruption,�� Iz added.


    ��Forget I asked,�� Ogras muttered under his breath. ��Travelling with a buncha monsters.��


    A smile tugged at Zac��s mouth, which made Iz look over with confusion.


    ��You take pleasure in your friend��scking foundations?�� Iz asked curiously.


    ��Hey-�� Ogras interjected, but he just shrugged in defeat and dropped the matter after looking at the monstrously powerful scion.


    ��More in the faces he makes when he gets jealous, I think?�� Zac said after some thought.


    ��Hmm,�� Iz hummed before turning to Ogras, who looked back at her vigntly. ��When I left for the Frontier, my elder gave me 10 B-grade Nexus Coins for pocket money.��


    The demon tried to keep his face impassive, but the shades of gray on his face gained a hint of green, and it looked like he was about to be physically ill.


    ��That��s�� Nice,�� Ogras squeezed through grit teeth before turning around and walking away to the edge of the barrier.


    ��You were right,�� Iz smiled. ��It is a bit amusing.��


    ��You have to take pleasure in the little things,�� Zac nodded while desperately trying to hide his own jealousy.


    Iz looked at Zac for an ufortable amount of time until her mouth slowly curved up. ��To improve my Luck upon reaching E-grade, I bathed in the diluted dew from a two-million-year-old [Fateweave Orchid]. It also helped cleanse my marrow of some Natal Impurities.��


    Zac��s stomach churned as he unwittingly remembered his most recent experience with improving his Luck. It almost felt like he could smell the unbearable stench from the [Celestial y] for a moment, and he was forced to take a steadying breath to stop himself from gagging.


    ��Let��s hurry and close that portal,�� Zac grunted as he quickly walked over to Ogras, realizing he might have made a horrible mistake upon hearing a smallugh from behind.


    Thankfully, Iz didn��t continue bragging about her financial prowess, much to the relief of both Zac and Ogras. Even then, her two littlements had painted a painfully clear picture that his so-called fortune wasn��t worth much in the grand scheme of things.


    Seeing how they were approaching the city proper, Ogras took out a talisman that Pretty Peak had provided. It was a top-quality detection talisman that had proven to work against the Kan��Tanu��s arrays, and the air started to shudder a bit after the demon infused some energy into it.


    As they got closer, nothing changed until they reached the very edge of the crumbled wall. It was barely visible, but the vibrations had gotten stronger, forming a thin film halfway through the thick wall.


    ��They��ve really installed a detection array,�� Ogras frowned.


    ��My mes don��t work if they��re allowed to touch the barrier,�� Iz said.


    ��Alright, let��s pass through using our means and then reignite the me?�� Zac said.


    Iz nodded, and the floating candle swinked out. That exposed the three to the surroundings, but Ogras worked quickly as he took out a small array disk. Two flickering gateways appeared; one right in front of them and the other a hundred meters into the ruins. The three wordlessly passed through, and the array disk disintegrated to ck ash behind them.


    Such a short-range teleportation array wouldn��t work against an actual barrier with spatial istion, but it worked fine againstrge-scale detection arrays. Iz��s candle reignited, and the three set off deeper into the capital. The three continued for another five hours at a rapid pace before slowing down.


    During this time, they encountered two more detection arrays and even a couple of traps, but they passed them without much issue. Still, it was a clear sign the Kan��Tanu expected trouble, and Zac started to fear their chances of detonating the pathway before slipping away unnoticed were pretty slim.


    The three also encountered a couple of Qriz��Ul on their way. To their surprise, not all of them looked like corrupted goblins. They had seen two who looked surprisingly simr to Ogras, while others had taken human form. Still, the vast majority looked like goblins, covered in runes unlike any Zac had ever seen. Iz didn��t recognize them either, and she didn��t even believe they were a derivation of the Apostate of Order��s codification of the Dao.


    By this point, the corruption was so strong it had created a dark haze all around them, and they couldn��t see further than a few hundred meters. Ogras had been forced topletely seal his pores, and he had fastened over twenty Nexus Crystals across his body with his shadows tobat the corruption. Even Zac felt that [Purity of the Void] was reaching its limits, while Iz remained unphased.


    ��We��re close now,�� the demon said as he pointed at an inner wall. ��This was the fifth of sevenyers that sealed the Ra��Lashar Kingdom. The seventhyer was just the central tower, which should still be one big crater. Still, the portal should be over there.��


    ��No wonder those scouts were marked by the taint,�� Zac muttered. ��I can��t believe they dare stay in this kind of environment.��


    ��K��Rav said the whispers of the Lost ne are insidious,�� Ogras shrugged. ��The Ra��Lashar never really realized they were running straight toward their doom. The gifts of the Lost ne were like saltwater; the more they drank, the thirstier they got.��


    ��Well, let��s get on with it,�� Zac said as he readied himself. ��The sooner we can get out of this disgusting ce, the better.��


    ��So you want to destroy the pathway first?�� Iz confirmed.


    ��If possible,�� Zac nodded. ��As long as we destroy that ce, we��ve won. We don��t even need to fight the Kan��Tanu if we don��t have to. This whole region will copse when the Realm Spirit activates the Portable Realm array; there��s no way the infiltrators survive that without some means to escape the Void.��


    The three made their way through yet another detection array, this time by carefully calcting things so that they appeared in one of the few still-standing buildings in thestyer. From there, they crept closer and closer to the heart of the city until they finally discovered what they were dealing with.


    The crater Ogras had described was gone. It had been reced by a purpleke teeming with corruption. And on its shores, a thousand cultivators sat in silent meditation.

 Chapter 921: Going With the Flow

    Chapter 921: Going With the Flow


    The silence around the corruptedke was absolute, with not one of the cultivators moving. But while the scene looked tranquil on the surface, it was anything but. Theke released powerful waves of dirty energy, creating an invisible storm on its surface that spread out along the crater��s slopes. Meanwhile, the auras of the cultivators kept rising and falling in pace with the pulses of theke.


    It was almost like they had fused and be a singr organism that slowly inhaled and exhaled its corruption on its surroundings. The taint buffeted their surroundings, and Zac felt his [Void Heart] finally awaking from its slumber to consume the umted taint in his body.


    A small settlement had been erected at the southern banks to their right. There were roughly 100 structures altogether, and their rustic design as they hugged the slopes of the crater would have made for an almost picturesque scene in another environment. But with the absoluteck of activity and the ck haze that spread among the buildings, it looked like an abandoned ghost town.


    ��Look,�� Ogras whispered and pointed to the left, and Zac��s eyes widened in surprise upon seeing a group of Qriz��Ul standing right next to a squad of Kan��Tanu cultivators.


    ��They��ve allied?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��More like these fools have absorbed so much corruption the Qriz��Ul have mistaken them for their own,�� Ogras snorted. ��What in the Heavens are they doing? Weren��t they supposed to be digging for keys to the courts?��


    Zac nodded in agreement. It really looked odd. There was no excavation being done, and Zac couldn��t sense any hint of Ultom at all.


    ��Do you sense any calling for your seals?�� Zac asked, and both Iz and Ogras shook their heads. ��Alright, I guess we won��t be able to conjure a pir. Unless we blow up theke somehow?��


    ��Not sure how we��d aplish that,�� Ogras muttered. ��More importantly, where is the gateway? Get the hell out here, bastard.��


    ��Ai, what have these bastards done to my home?�� a sad sigh echoed as the spectral goblin appeared next to Ogras, but he quickly turned to Iz.


    ��Young miss, I can see you carry great fate. If you-��K��Rav said, but his words were caught in his throat when a few small embers started to dance around Iz as she trained her eyes at him. ��Ah, never mind, young mistress. I shan��t take up your precious time.��


    ��No, it��s fine,�� Ogras grinned. ��Go ahead, make your pitch.��


    ��What do you want, you imbecile? To show me the aftermath of you blowing up the great Tower of Ra��Lashar?�� K��Rav swore.


    ��That was mostly you, remember?�� Ogras snorted. ��Where is the gateway to the Lost ne?��


    ��It��s at the bottom of theke, obviously,�� K��Rav said with disinterest. ��Can��t you brats tell? Those waters are not from our ne. It must have seeped out from somewhere. These children must really have cracked the whole thing wide open for physical matter to appear like this. Even we knew better than to be that greedy.��


    ��Well, I guess it��s up to you two young masters then, yeah?�� Ogras said. ��Unfortunately, this poor peasant��s foundations are no match to ake with that amount of corruption. I��d probably die before resurfacing.��


    ��I�� Don��t think I can enter theke either,�� Iz said after some hesitation. ��At least not while aplishing the mission. My bloodline will try to set theke on fire if assaulted by that much corruption. I might even be teleported away by fatewarding treasures.��


    ��I guess it��s up to the fearsome Deviant Asura, then,�� Ogras nodded.


    ��Perfect,�� Zac muttered as he hesitantly looked at the bubblingke.


    It should be fine. Right?


    It was hard to tell from the distance, but Zac felt he should be able tost for a short while at least. Even if the tainted waters came from the Lost ne, they didn��t contain energies that far surpassed this Mystic Realm��s. It seemed to be a bit worse than the depths of the Twilight Chasm, but he had [Void Zone] now. As long as it worked against this weird energy, he would have more than enough wiggle room.


    ��Give me some space, please,�� Zac said as he took a couple of steps away from Iz before activating an Illusion Array.


    Zac was somewhat certain that Iz didn��t care about whatever his hidden aces were. She couldn��t care less about him being both Draugr and Human. She only found it an interesting oddity. As for the Remnants, she was even less impressed. She even seemed to believe they were more trouble than they were worth, which definitely was a reasonable assessment.


    But his bloodline was different. The Limitless Emperor was still a sensitive subject billions of yearster. He didn��t know what ramifications it would have if people from the ancient factions found out whose legacy he was carrying. Even if he wasn��t killed outright, it was possible that some would want to use him for the same purpose as Leandra and the Kayar-Elu �C to control the System.


    And just because Iz didn��t care nor mind, there were no guarantees about her elders.


    Ogras and Iz looked over, but the demon shrugged and turned away upon seeing the Illusion array. Iz looked for a moment longer, but she too turned back toward theke a momentter. Zac immediately activated [Void Zone], and the soothing sense of nothingness ensconced him.


    It worked. Just like [Purity of the Void] had no problems purifying the energy of the Lost ne and [Void Heart] had no problems absorbing it, neither did [Void Zone] have any difficulties removing any such energy from his surroundings. That was still no guarantee it would be able topletely block out the energy in theke, but it would at the least severely weaken it.


    ��All good, Mr. Secretive?�� Ogras asked with a raised brow when Zac returned.


    ��All good. I��ll deal wit-,�� Zac nodded, but he suddenly froze as [Void Heart] suddenly spat out a trickle of refined energy.


    Suddenly, Zac understood a passage from the Book of Duality that had stumped him five days ago. A momentter, both the sh of inspiration and the refined energy were gone, but Zac was still frozen solid. It didn��te close to the lights of the seals, but what he��d just felt was definitely in the same category.


    [Void Heart] could refine and distill the insights of the Lost ne.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac��s eyes were veritably burning as he turned back to theke. It no longer looked like a putrid pond of corruption that needed to be incinerated. It looked like a treasure mountain. One round of refinement from [Void Heart] might only have helped him deduce one passage of the Book of Duality, but what if he had a wholeke��s worth of fuel for inspiration?


    Altogether, it might even match up to a full piece of the seal. Just the thought of it made his breath ragged, and he could definitely understand why the Ra��Lashar held onto the Lost ne until their very demise. The possibilities almost felt endless.


    ��Uh, you okay there?�� Ogras coughed. ��You look like Barghest in heat.��


    ��You seem to havee up with a�� creative�� idea,�� Iz added with an excited sparkle in her eyes.


    ��Ah? What? Oh, never mind,�� Zac coughed. ��I said I��ll deal with the gateway. But do you guys have any better ideas than me just making a run for it? There are no guarantees these guys won��t follow me into theke. I��m not sure I can deal with a bunch of corrupted Kan��Tanu and the portal simultaneously.��


    ��We can create a diversion?�� Ogras offered. ��But it��s hard to tell how these guys will react. It almost feels like they have fused with theke. They may ignore us if they feel theke threatened.��


    ��There were vast tunnelworks beneath the Tower of Ra��Lashar,�� K��Rav suddenly said. ��Many should have flooded or copsed, but some might be intact. If you can find one, you can either walk or swim beneath those ssy-eyed fools.��


    ��Can you tell us where they are?�� Zac asked.


    ��Everything��s different by now, hard to tell,�� K��Rav shrugged. ��Besides, why would I help you after you tried to kill me?��


    ��I��ll deal with it,�� Ogras said as he took out the [Shadewar g].


    The next moment, five specters that both looked and felt like the Qriz��Ul creatures appeared within the domain.


    ��These guys should be able to move about undetected, unless the infiltrators really have learned tomunicate with the monsters of the Lost ne,�� Ogras said. ��I can just send them through the ground until I find a path.��


    ��Do it,�� Zac nodded, and the creatures quickly sank into the ground.


    ��Hopefully, I can catch a few new ones while we��re here,�� Ogras muttered. ��Who knows what kind of creatures this thing can ept.��


    ��That g is problematic,�� Iz said. ��It takes without giving back, defying the Law of Bnce. But the universe always exacts its price. You will have to carry the weight of every soul you capture. Eventually, they will drag you under.��


    ��Well, I have this guy to keep my head above water,�� Ogras smiled as he nodded at Zac. ��Besides, this thing is just a stopgap until my strength has improved.��


    ��That��s what we said about the Lost ne,�� K��Rav snickered before he flew back into the g.


    ��He��s right, you know,�� Zac said. ��That thing is trouble.��


    ��I know,�� Ogras said as he fastened a few more homemade talismans on the unorthodox treasure. ��But I��m working on it, with the help of the epiphanies. I think it��s solvable.��


    Zac nodded in understanding before turning back toward the cultivators in the distance. He wasn��t surprised to hear Ogras was focusing on fixing the problems of the g, even if he personally felt it was a waste of an epiphany. At the same time, there were limits to what the lights of Ultom could help with.


    Ogras�� body-tempering manual wasn��t in need to be fixed like his was, and the demon had told him he was nning on discarding his Cultivation Manual altogether at the D-grade. It simply didn��t hold up even at Peak E-grade. And between the manual being iplete and Ogras�� path having shifted, it would be easier to create a new manual from scratch than to improve upon the shaky foundations of the old method.


    Apparently, many elites started to work on that in the D-grades in either case. They either created a Cultivation Manual to perfectly fit their path or adjusted their current one to remove any mismatch.


    The minutes passed as the trio kept watch over the stoic cultivators, but none seemed to notice the search going on underground. Eventually, Ogras perked up and turned to the small settlement at the other shore.


    ��One of the buildings over there has a pool of tainted water. It seems to be connected to theke through one of the tunnels. The other pathways I��ve found are quite far underground, and we��d have to dig through at least fifty meters of stone to reach it.��


    ��The vibrations would carry through the stone and spread outside my domain,�� Iz said. ��We might be discovered.��


    ��Is there anyone inside the buildings?�� Zac asked.


    ��None in the one with the pond, though there are two people standing in the neighboring structure. They are staring at some diagram, but I��m unsure if they��re mentally present.��


    ��What do you guys think?�� Zac asked.


    ��I think it��s our best shot,�� Ogras slowly said. ��We��ll stay at the surface. If we see the cultivators react, we��ll ambush and distract them.��


    ��Does that work with you?�� Zac asked as he looked at Iz.


    Iz didn��t immediately answer, with her gaze instead turning to the enthralled Kan��Tanu. Zac didn��t want to rush her, but he��d be lying to say if he wasn��t a bit worried. From the beginning, Iz had been flighty about what kind of role she envisioned for herself in this uing mission. Whether she was even willing to fight the ck Heart Sect. Then again, her participation wasn��t something they had originally nned for, and she had already helped a lot by providing intelligence and using her domain-creating candle.


    Of course, if she could also test the fate of a couple of infiltrators, that would be even better.


    ��This is war,�� Ogras added. ��Besides, they are unorthodox cultivators shunned by the heavens. Killing them will not bring fell karma.��


    ��But it will bring about Karma,�� Iz said with her brows furrowed. ��It is unclear how our actions will affect the river of fate. These are just some guards, but they are part of arger tapestry rted to Ultom. I don��t know how it will affect my trajectory in life. If the ripples might even affect my family. I don��t-��


    Zac looked at Iz��s troubled face, and he thought he had a pretty good idea of what was troubling her. Iz Tayn was almost his opposite. He was thrown right into the world of cultivationpletely blind, and he was still trying to unravel the mysteries of his origin. Meanwhile, Iz came from an ancient faction, and all of her life had probably been carefully nned out.


    Every decision Zac had made since reuniting with humanity on Earth had real-life implications. People lived and died depending on his choices, and the very fate of his had hung in the bnce more than once. Iz had probably never been ced in such a situation, and she was only now truly realizing how much a decision could weigh on your soul.


    Zac nced at Ogras, who helplessly looked back. ��Try not to get discovered?��


    ��Stealth is my middle name,�� Zac smiled, which elicited a derisive snort from the demon.


    Zac turned to Iz next, who hesitantly looked back. ��You don��t need to make a decision right now. I haven��t been caught yet. I know it can feel tough, and I��m too much of a hillbilly to know what��s the right choice for someone like you. I guess, just act ording to your heart and conscience? That way, you can at least face yourself in the mirror, knowing you did your best even if things went wrong.��


    ���� Thank you,�� Iz nodded.


    ��Alright, no time to waste. The longer we stick around, the more variables we��ll have to deal with,�� Zac said, and the three started to make their way around the crater toward the small settlement.


    The asional Qriz��Ul kept popping up among the ruins, which forced Iz to tighten the fiery domain around them. Even then, they had only narrowly avoided having a few unwee visitors ambling into their isted domain. Twenty minutester, they reached the edge of the temporary settlement.


    It was an odd feeling, walking through a ghost-town while invisible. It was like you were a ghost traveling through the ruins of another fallen civilization. But the feeling didn��tst long as there were only a couple rows of houses, and they soon reached the building they were looking for.


    Through the slit in the neighboring door, Zac saw the two infiltrators Ogras mentioned. Their auras were gentle and refined, meaning they were probably nonbat sses. If Zac had to guess, they were Array Masters, judging by therge tapestry they were nkly staring at.


    Just like Ogras said, it was an incrediblyplex array. It was painted in red and blue, with each color using a different script. The blue runes seemed like a mix of the nine subordinate sigils of the Left Imperial Pce and the unfamiliar marks on the bodies of the Qriz��Ul. Meanwhile, the red ones were the script the Kan��Tanu used, which wasn��t all that different from the System Standard Script.


    Together, the two systems formed aplex swirl that Zac could only guess was rted to the pathway leading to the Lost ne. But the array was obviously iplete, with some sections missing runes while other areas werepletely nk. It made Zac wonder just what had happened here.


    Had an experiment gone awry, or had they been too eager to crack open the pathway to the Lost ne, identally releasing the purpleke? Because what they were seeing here didn��t seem to match the original n the lipless Hegemon had hinted at.


    ��Can you snatch that array when things go down?�� Zac asked, and Ogras nodded as though it was a matter of course.


    From there, they walked over to the neighboring structure, where the five-meter-wide pool was. This close to the water, the ambient corruption was a lot stronger. Zac cursed the fact he didn��t know how to turn off [Purity of the Void], and he could only watch on with helplessness as his purification node destroyed most of the tainted insights.


    It was impossible to make any hard ns when they didn��t know what would happen going forward, but Ogras and Zac spent the next ten minutesing up with some flexible ns depending on how things went. Finally, there was nothing else to do, and Zac stepped into the pond, carefully controlling his movements to avoid creating any ripples.


    ��Alright, have fun out here,�� Zac said as he slowly lowered himself into the waters.


    Zac barely managed to stifle a groan as a steady stream of corruption started to burrow into his body through all of his pores. But it was well within what he could handle, and he nodded in confirmation to the other two as he sunk further down. When the tainted water had reached his shoulders, he turned to Iz Tayn one final time.


    ��Don��t worry too much; just go with the flow,�� Zac smiled as his head started to be submerged. ��Things tend to work out. When they don��t blow up.��

 Chapter 922: Proving Oneself

    Chapter 922: Proving Oneself


    Iz looked on as Mr. Bug, no, Zachary Atwood, dipped beneath the tainted water. Not muchter, she felt him pass through her me domain, exposing him to any discerning eyes. She froze for an instant, but she was immensely relieved to see there was no reaction from the corrupted cultivators sitting by the shoreline. She had a little bit longer.


    She felt suffocated, and indecision gnawed at her. The world had always seemed so simple. ck and white. Fated andcking fate. Even Zachary��s experiences she��d seen through the lens of the Divine Mirror had felt like a series of humorous misadventures. Foolish. This was life and death. There was suffering and uncertainty. There were consequences.


    Her thoughts turned back to those she had incinerated, certain in her righteousness from theirck of providence. Only now, when the ripples of consequence might reach the Tayn n, did she realize her shallow understanding. Even if all those people had no fate with her, did they really not have fate with others? Were her family��s precepts wrong? Or was she missing something?


    She knew she was sheltered from the world, but she still understood the Multiverse was a cruel ce, and the struggles here on the Frontier paled in front of the wars that ravaged the hearnds. Resources were limited, and there were only so many Thrones. So many Eternal Heritages. Was the approach of her family a necessity to survive at the peaks? Perhaps, but that didn��t help with her current dilemma.


    She took a steadying breath, the words of Zachary Atwood mixing with that of her grandpa as he let her into the Zecia sector.


    ��Heart,�� Iz muttered.


    ��Ah?�� the demon said to the side, her words startling him out of his vigil over the shoreline.


    ��Nothing,�� Iz sighed.


    ��Alright,�� the demon nodded. ��Nothing so far.��


    ��They are too connected to theke,�� Iz said with a shake of her head. ��It is only a matter of time.��


    ��That��s great,�� Ogras muttered. ��Left to fight an army.��


    ��I-��


    ��You know?�� the demon said. ��Zac��s home, Earth, was integrated recently.��


    ��I am aware,�� Iz nodded.


    ��I was leading the incursion ced next to him. Through a twist of fate, we became uneasy allies, relying on each other to survive. Eventually, we both proved ourselves to each other,�� Ogras said. ��I lost an arm proving it, though it��s regrown since. Even if it hadn��t, it would have been a worthwhile sacrifice. Realpanions are hard toe by in this world. People you can trust your back to in thick and thin.��


    Iz listened with rapt attention as the information was all new to her. The story almost allowed her to forget her current predicament.


    ��Later came along a wretch called Verana. She threw her lot in with Zac upon witnessing his strength, realizing the potential for profits. Zac epted her, and everything went well for a while. But when things went awry, and the Undead Empire descended on Zac��s home, on his kin, she was nowhere to be found.


    ��She was afraid that her involvement would create ripples, enmities that would cause troubles for her elders back home. After all, the Undead Empire is a powerful force even here on the Frontier.��


    ��What happened next?�� Iz asked.


    ��Zac returned in the nick of time, ughtered the invaders before taking out the incursion of unliving,�� Ogras shrugged. ��The day was saved. But from that moment, Verana��s fate was changed. She could have been someone like me, whose fate has been swept up in his, as you called it. Now, she is just a distant business acquaintance to the Atwood Empire and will never be anything more.


    ��Because she could not be relied on when push came to shove. Because if it happened one time, it could happen again when the stakes became high next time. Fate is a tricky thing. Who knows what��s right and wrong? When you struggle to keep a door open, you often close another one,�� the demon said as he turned to Iz with a smile.


    Iz truly looked at the shade-marked demon for the first time. She had always considered him a passerby, a hanger-on. Those with powerful fates usually had a few such people hovering around them. She had always seen them as parasites, siphoning the fate of their betters. But she finally realized she was wrong on yet another front. There was more to this demon.


    ��So, what are you saying?�� Iz asked.


    ��Perhaps some doors can be held open by a helping hand. How about you and I make a little deal?��


    ��������������-


    Zac slowly made his way through a narrow crack, using only his body to avoid releasing any energy ripples. Of course, he wasn��t too convinced anyone would actually notice it with him being surrounded by the extremely potent water.


    Just a few seconds after submerging himself, [Purity of the Void] waspletely overwhelmed. One pulse after another cleansed his body of the corruption, but even more kept pouring in. But soon enough, it was all swallowed up by a greedy [Void Heart], and the cycle started anew.


    A few momentster, he reached the underground tunnel once built by the Ra��Lashar Goblins, and he could already see the exit in the distance. It was a small dot of shimmering purple, and it looked blissfully unobstructed. Zac kept moving, but a frown soon marred his face as he felt the corruption grow ufortably condensed in his body while [Void Heart] still digested the previous batch.


    Or did it matter? A little bit of suffering in return for rity, for power. Wasn��t that the core t of his path? He could already feel his confusions being swept away, reced with irond certainty and possibility. And with his body having unlimited potential, wasn��t this the path?


    Zac shuddered as the waters around him dimmed, while the sweet whispers in his mind quieted down to a muted white noise. The change came from Zac activating [Void Zone], which removed any spirituality from the surrounding waters while suppressing the taint that had already entered his body.


    It had just been a short test to see how well he could withstand the corruption, but it quickly became a lesson in the importance of a steady heart. He had been awash with endless possibilities, and he had seen glimpses of promising alterations to everything from his skills to his pathways. It was simr to how he felt when using Creation Energy.


    But instead of being consumed and drained by the endless hunger of Creation, he had felt himself gradually being nudged in a certain direction. A little change here, and a small addition there. A suggestion to look at things differently. But out of little acorns grow huge oaks. Those small changes would eventually turn into aplete transformation.


    The corruption of the Lost ne wanted to reform him into an image of itself, both in spirit and flesh. Was that what had happened to the Qriz��Ul? Had they once been living, breathing beings, only to find them gradually twisted until they were no more than umtions of twisted energy? There was no way to tell, but one thing was for certain. Those Cultivators at the surface were in trouble.


    Their paths had probably been subverted already, and Zac doubted they��d even recognize themselves if they found a moment of rity. Still, that was not Zac��s problem. Just like K��Rav said, they were the ones who had cracked open the pathway to the Lost ne, probably without proper preparation or understanding of the situation.


    A thud echoed out from his heart, and he stopped in ce with anticipation as [Void Heart] spat out a burst of energy. A few more passages were quickly deciphered, adding to his already impressive understanding of the nature of Duality. The moment the purified energy was expended, Zac turned off [Void Zone] again, and thousands of tendrils immediately started burrowing into his body.


    The process continued for another minute until [Void Heart] was satiated, and Zac reactivated his nullification domain. In a perfect world, Zac would have secluded himself in this corrupted tunnel, staying years if need be to consume the wholeke. Unfortunately, that wasn��t possible with the copse of the realm looming over their shoulders.


    So Zac gradually made his way toward the exit, careful to even make any move except for the asional push to help him keep floating forward. By this point, he was halfway through the tunnel, and some of the cultists were possibly sitting right above his head. He was no longer protected by Iz��s candle either and was instead relying on the stealth cowl to prevent anyone from detecting him.


    His eyes and senses were peeled for any sign of having been discovered, but there were no spikes of Cosmic Energy being released above his head. Zac felt flush with sess as he reached the mouth of the tunnel, but that sense of victory was doused upon witnessing the scene outside.


    Qriz��Ul. Hundreds of them, some over ten metersrge and emitting powerful fluctuations.


    Zac froze in ce, staring at the scene with wide eyes. It looked like his worst fear hade true. They had discussed this very scenario. After all, where else would the current generation of Qriz��Ul havee from but this tainted soup? Most of them seemed to be in an almostatose state where they had turned into blobs that drifted along the currents.


    However, those around the cave exit had stopped in ce as they started to contract, and Zac could tell they felt something was amiss. Did they sense his [Void Zone]? He couldn��t be sure, but he knew he��d be discovered soon enough unless something changed.


    Zac quickly deactivated his domain, and the waters around him returned to normal. The same thing happened with the corruption that had already umted in his body, which would hopefully mean he��d look like the cultivators above-water to these creatures. And it worked. The Qriz��Ul rxed and returned to their spread-out form before drifting away in the waters. Only a ten-meter Qriz��Ul stayed a bit longer, but it too floated away soon enough.


    Zac returned further into the tunnel before activating [Void Zone] as he considered his options. It really looked like his domain was the issue here. It probably wasn��t the Void Energy that Qriz��Ul reacted to, but rather theck of corruption in a spot. That didn��t help him, though; it put him in quite a bind.


    He needed the [Void Zone] to stay in the waters indefinitely, but using it would get him exposed. And even if he found a way around it, there were no guarantees he��d be safe from the Qriz��Ul when entering theke proper, even if he let the corruption spread through his body. What could he do in this situation? Should he go back and discuss it with the others?


    No, Iz had already said she didn��t have any invisibility treasures apart from the candle, and neither did she have any methods to traverse this kind of taint. She simply hadn��t prepared for this kind of mission. Ogras couldn��t help in this situation either, so he could only rely on himself. Besides, the longer they stayed in this region, the higher the risk of something going wrong.


    Zac waited for another couple minutes until the next burst of inspiration pushed his insights further. Having a newly-cleansed body, Zac immediately started swimming toward the cave mouth once more, and he deactivated the domain the moment he got close.


    There was one Qriz��Ul not too far from Zac, but it didn��t seem to react to his presence, allowing him to creep out from the cave mouth and swim downward. With corruption rapidly pouring into his body, he couldn��t maintain a slow and steady pace out of fear of being discovered by the cultivators above. Besides, with hundreds of Qriz��Ul floating about in theke��s depths, his movements shouldn��t be cause for suspicion.


    He descended over a hundred meters in a few short moments until he found another tunnel. Zac swam inside and activated [Void Zone] before the nefarious whispers returned. None of the Qriz��Ul seemed to react as long as he was hidden in the darkness of the tunnel. In fact, they didn��t bother with the tunnels at all.


    They either seemed content slowly floating in a circle around theke, with the asional creature moving toward the surface. Perhaps that was an opportunity in itself? The energies in theke had to be powerful enough to hide his actions. Zac hesitated a moment before taking out an inscribed canister and pushing it into a crack in the wall.


    By briefly deactivating his Bloodline Talent and infusing a tiny hint of Cosmic Energy, the canister started to drag the tainted waters into its subspace. It created a weak current, but there was no reaction even after a minute, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. Eventually, the bottle was full, and Zac��s body was cleansed from any lingering corruption.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Having aplished his goal, Zac deactivated [Void Zone] and continued on his way, the bottle full ofke water safely stowed away. It was a backup n in case the wholeke was dragged into the Void before he could get any, and one bottle after another joined the first as Zac jumped between tunnels and deep cracks as he made his way toward the bottom.


    And with theke only being so big, he reached his target soon enough, though he found himself surrounded by six huge slumbering Qriz��Ul.


    The gateway �C at least Zac assumed it was the gateway �C reminded Zac a bit of the Spatial Nexus that blew up. It appeared to be a hollow construct roughly 50 meters across, made from beams of crystal or purple ss. Together, they formed something like a dodecahedron that kept shifting in a disorienting way.


    One moment it looked like a cube, the next it had a hundred edges in an incrediblyplex tangle. Vai had long since exined it was a result of two realities with a different number of dimensions sharing the same space. Technically, the pirs didn��t transform or shift about. It was just his vantage that kept changing.


    What stayed constant were the dense scripts that covered the crystal pirs, scripts that followed the unfamiliar ruleset of the Qriz��Ul. Zac couldn��t tell if this thing was something the Ra��Lashar had created or if it had formed naturally. He was pretty certain that it wasn��t the work of Kan��Tanu, though, since the beams felt too old and powerful.


    Zac also couldn��t tell whether the crystal pirs were responsible for sealing the gateway, or if they were there to stabilize and strengthen it. As for the actual pathway to the Lost ne, it hovered in the center of the shifting construct.


    The simrity between the ominous swirl and the array he��d just seen in the infiltrator��sb was palpable. The thing didn��t really look like a Spatial Tear. Instead, it looked like a pitch-ck sphere the size of a beach ball, with two dozen deep purple strings attached. The item slowly rotated in ce, prompting the strings to form a ten-meter-wide spiral that undted with intensely condensed corruption and spatial energy.


    In a perfect world, Zac would have spent a few minutes studying the thing, but there was no way he could do that. The taint was far more concentrated this close to the source, and he wouldn��tst much longer without [Void Zone]. And with the big guys slumbering nearby, activating it would mean immediately getting exposed.


    So Zac steadied his mind as he went through the procedure Leandra had imparted. The moment he made his move, he would probably be exposed. The spatial bomb that the experts of the Void Gate had prepared and then improved with some of Zac��s materials was something that would drive the Ishiate Tinkerers wild.


    It was vtile, unpredictable, and powerful. Just like how they liked their weapons.


    A few secondster, the construct reverted into one of its simpler forms, and Zac shot forward. This time, he even used Cosmic Energy to cover the remaining distance instantly, and he felt multiple powerful auras umte around him. Zac ignored the burgeoning pressure as a radiant cube appeared in his hand.


    High-grade materials and inscriptions reinforced its ss walls, but Zac��s heart still shuddered as he felt the chaotic spatial fluctuations trapped inside. How couldn��t he be nervous? He was essentially holding an artificial miniature ck hole in his hands. The sooner he could get away from it, the better.


    Cosmic Energy surged through his body as Zac activated the main array of the bomb, and he immediately hurled it toward the ck ball in the heart of the structure. The cube started to twist and bend as it entered the odd domain within the pirs, but a pulse from within stabilized it. Cracks rapidly spread across the bomb, and the energy it leaked was enough to eradicate space around it.


    Finally, the bomb reached the core, and reality buckled as a hole of utmost darkness appeared. It wasn��t too big and it didn��t release a speck of energy, but Zac��s Danger Sense told him in no uncertain terms that touching that thing would mean instant death. It was a true ck hole that swallowed space, time, and energy �C the most sure-fire solution to destroy the pathway that Leyara coulde up with.


    Space copsed, and the twisted spiral was rapidly consumed. Zac could even feel how the corruption around was quickly decreasing. But just as Zac thought the mission a sess and nned to deal with the fallout, a powerful consciousness descend on the area. Zac didn��t even have time to react before a huge runic hand emerged from the remaining half of the sphere.


    It grasped the ck hole and squeezed, like the scene where the mysterious being crushed the Heart of Oblivion. Simultaneously, Zac felt a powerful consciousness m into his, and his hair stood on end upon hearing an eldritch voice.


    ��Em��pty�� Empty�� EMPTY!��

 Chapter 923: Empty

    Chapter 923: Empty


    Zac couldn��t tell whether a million voices were moring in his head or one, but the force in voice alone was enough to give Zac��s soul a jolt. He didn��t know what the voice meant by ��empty��, but the real problem was the source. A supersized Qriz��Ul was targeting his spatial bomb, possibly from the other side through the gateway.


    At least Zac assumed it was a Qriz��Ul, even if its hand looked like a purple runic neb rather than a twisted mockery of a Goblin. Meanwhile, the D-grade runic beings around him had almost finished gathering up, and Zac guessed he only had a few seconds before being attacked.


    The Rampant energies of the ck hole rendered the whole area unstable, and the purple crystal pirs shattered one after another. Meanwhile, the hand trying to contain the st released torrential amounts of corruption. The sh drowned the area in the taint of the Lost ne, and Zac was forced to quickly activate [Void Zone] to avoid being overwhelmed as well.


    It soon became impossible to see what was happening inside, but Zac wasn��t about to wait for the result. Scores of vtile items, from [Void Balls] to home-made Attuned Crystal-bombs, were fast joining the chaos. Anything Zac could unleash without wasting too much energy joined in on the chaos, while a fractal de emitting an air of antiquity appeared on the edge of [Verun��s Bite].


    The domains of Arcadia and the Abyss entered the fray, and theke itself was split in two from a huge spatial tear. But the straight line of delineated space started to twist as it was dragged into the confusing mesh, prompting the churning ball of utter mayhem to gain another level of intensity.


    ��Void�� VOID!�� the eldritch voice roared in Zac��s head, and Zac sensed a palpable wave of hunger assailing him.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac prepared to unleash his second finisher as well, but he didn��t get the chance before his mind screamed of danger. A barrier glimmering with mottled gold and empowered by Void Energy enclosed him, just before an enormous shockwave threw him thousands of meters away until he crashed into the side of the crater.


    Qriz��Ul by the dozens were reduced to floating blobs of runic soup from the st, while Zac got away with a few scrapes and some disorientation. [Empyrean Aegis] had dealt with most of the force from his bombs exploding, while [Void Zone] weakened the intense amount of chaotic energies and corruption loaded into the shockwave.


    Concussive explosions illuminated the whole center of theke while a million enraged shrieks escaped from within the gateway. It almost looked like time had frozen, with rampant energies struggling to expand, to consume the surroundings in a fiery congration. But they could not push beyond an invisible event horizon, held back by an unrelenting pull from within.


    Whether it was the ck hole or a spatial tear, Zac couldn��t tell. It had been hard to discern the situation before, but now it was downright impossible. The static explosion was over 200 meters across, and its chaotic nature rendered [Cosmic Gaze] useless. There was no denying his items had gone off like they were supposed to �C the question was whether it was enough.


    The area flux from the unpredictable energy and dozens of Spatial Tears turned space-time into a leaking sieve. Zac grimaced with pain upon seeing vast amounts ofke water disappearing into the Void. But that was nothingpared to the dismay upon suddenly sensing that monstrous aura from within the chaos. The creature seemed severely weakened, but it had survived.


    He had to do something, anything, before the chaos died down, so Zac grit his teeth and shed toward the heart of destruction with his movement skill. Everyone had pooled their resources to maximize the potential of the ck hole, and they didn��t have a lot of options in case it failed. He simply wasn��t powerful enough to destroy a spatial gate with his attacks alone; Zac needed to use the opportunity the ck hole created before it was toote.


    The backup n was simply to pray the ck hole caused enough damage to prevent any significant amounts of energy from passing through when Gemmy activated the array. But Zac wasn��t resigned to such an oue, not while there still was some hope for sess.


    Another beat from [Void Heart] cleansed therge umtion of corruption in his body, allowing Zac to save on some Void Energy as he activated [Arcadia��s Judgement]. He had hoped to reserve that skill for the Kan��Tanu above-ground, but he couldn��t be picky in this situation. An even better solution would be to st the remains of that spatial core with an Annihtion Sphere, but he couldn��t even reach it right now.


    The huge wooden hand emerged through one of the tears in space, and its towering aura pushed the already frothing waters into a fever pitch. Zac was pelted by shrapnel and corruption, but his focus was still on his finisher. With its enormous surface, the hand was tainted by a tremendous amount of corruption in no time, which was then transferred to Zac.


    The nigh-inexhaustible life-force of the wooden hand only helped somewhat against the assault, and Zac felt himself quickly losing control of the skill. Thankfully, [Arcadia��s Judgement] wasn��t a skill that needed to be maintained for long, and its gleaming axehead was already cutting into the seething ball of barely contained destruction.


    It felt like Zac had pushed his hand into a blender as the axe entered the ball of destruction. But he pushed on, desperately controlling the gradually copsing axe with his Branches of War Axe and Kalpataru. Just a little more. He could sense it through his skill �C the cracked gateway was not far.


    Blood ran down Zac��s nose as he pushed his empowered soul beyond its limits, forcibly holding together the skill through sheer stubbornness and determination. It narrowly passed right by the trapped ck hole, but Zac swore when a second runic hand emerged to block [Arcadia��s Judgement].


    Edge and palm collided, and Zac shuddered as the connection to his skill broke. It had failed, but it wasn��t an abject failure. The ball of destruction grew to twice its original size before rapidly shrinking to no more than five meters across. But just as Zac thought it would wink out, a huge shape shattered the lingering mes before pouncing at Zac.


    ��EMPTY!��


    The ghastly Qriz��Ul reached more than fifty meters, though it didn��t seem to have any solid features. The hands that had blocked out Zac��s attempts were gone, reced by what almost looked like aet��s dust tail. But it did have one familiar marker �C its decidedly goblin face. A huge, sharp nose the size of a speedboat pointed right at Zac, and its wide mouth was locked in a perpetual sneer.


    However, there were some differences to this thingpared to the normal goblinoid Qriz��Ul. First, it seemed less corporeal to its smaller brethren, even if its energy surpassed anyone Zac had seen so far. It had also taken on some features you wouldn��t see on the Ra��Lashar Goblins. Its mouth was filled with threeyers of runic teeth, and its chin had been reced by a bony hook that almost touched its snout.


    The creature also had four sets of eyes that red at Zac with hunger, while a ninth andrger eye sat between them on its oversized forehead. The ninth eye contained such powerful corruption that it made Zac��s soul shudder, but that wasn��t the important thing. It was made from the broken-off half of the gateway itself.


    The sphere had seen better days. Less than half its mass remained. It now looked like a jagged crescent half-moon with cracks covering its surface, while only eight purple tendrils remained attached to it. Unfortunately, the broken gateway still seemed to remain somewhat functional. Weak spatial fluctuations wereing from the crystal, which seemed to provide the Qriz��Ul with a steady stream of dirty energy.


    But a weak pulse of spatial energy from within the shuddering ball of destruction in the distance made Zac��s eyes widen inprehension. He had beenpletely wrong. That sphere was this wretched creature rather than the bridge to the Lost ne. It must have nted itself at the mouth of the gateway to enjoy the massive amounts of condensed corruption.


    Or perhaps the two were connected somehow, since the crystal on the creature��s forehead rippled with energy in harmony with the pulse.


    This wasn��t part of the calctions. The gateway refused to break down even after being sted by the ck hole. Was it this creature that allowed it to hang on? Did Zac need to kill the oversized goblin for the gateway to copse altogether? Or was this creature immortal until he managed to close the pathway?


    There was no time to figure out the details. The goblin had almost reached him, and it shuddered with energy far beyond the lipless Hegemon��s. So Zac activated [Ancient Forest] and slipped away, avoiding the approaching horror. His domain skill was rapidly falling apart in this toxic environment, but he only needed one jump.


    Unfortunately, things didn��t always go ording to n, and Zac felt resistance just as he was about to teleport right next to the original spot of the gateway. He could only course-correct and quickly pick another tree before pushing off from its crumbling trunk with [Earthstrider]. His surroundings were fraught with spatial tears and purple crystal debris, but he pushed straight toward the epicenter as Oblivion was extracted from his soul.


    Zac didn��t know the rtion between monster and gateway, but he knew the window of opportunity was fast closing on thetter. Chaotic energies ran rampant in the area, and space itself was exhausted to the limit of copse. But while his surroundings were dangerous, they weren��t impassable any longer. He needed to use this chance to add to the damage. That would hopefully be the straw that broke the camel��s back and closed the thing.


    A pang of danger warned him of iing cmity, but there was no time to respond. The goblin was impossibly fast �C it was like he was fighting theke itself. The moment Zac had entered the tree, the thing had turned into a stream of runes and caught up with him. Zac could only urge on his Annihtion Sphere while he unleashed a storm of Fractal Leaves from [Nature��s Edge].


    The Qriz��Ul was cut through dozens of times over, but Zac knew it was a failure. He had hoped to cause some real damage with his Daos, but he didn��t even manage to dy it. A few dozen runes had been destroyed, but what was that to a giant with tens of thousands of them? He could only make one final gambit, and most of his remaining Cosmic Energy was almost instantly absorbed by a shimmering talisman hidden within his sleeves.


    A wave of starlight shot out from the Early D-grade talisman while a tennis-ball-sized Annihtion Sphere formed between Zac��s hands. It was much smaller than Zac had hoped and not nearly the limits of his stockpiled energy, but he was out of time. Zac felt [Empyrean Aegis] finally copse from the sh between talisman and goblin, but his eyes never left the small flickering disk of a slightly darker purple.


    It was almost invisible and just the size of a te. A small discoloration that could easily be mistaken for a shadow. But his body could feel it. The power that slumbered on the other side. Infinite, iprehensible power. The Lost ne. But power or not, Zac wasn��t moved. It wasn��t true. At least not for him.


    The Annihtion Sphere bit into the window, and a good chunk of it simply disappeared. But Zac saw a shocking sight when he had managed to close just over half of the gate. Somehow, the enormous goblin had appeared beneath him, and it stared at him hatefully with glowing eyes.


    ��NOTHING!�� the voices screamed, and the wholeke exploded.


    Zac groaned from the impact as his surroundings became a blur. He hadn��t been thrown into the wall this time, but he found himself thrown straight into the air, far from the frayed gateway. Things went from bad to worse when Zac sensed dozens of massive energy signatures above, proving the Kan��Tanu were already awake.


    And that was still not the most immediate of his problems. It felt like a volcano had erupted at the bottom of theke, and a terrifying wave of energy was quickly catching up with him. But instead of molten-hot magma, it was a geyser of corruption with the face of a goblin closing in.


    Its advance was a cmity, and the smaller Qriz��Ul were shredded and absorbed by the monstrous force. It almost felt like the wholeke was being pushed to the sky from the goblin��s furious pursuit. And then, the world of purple was showered with a golden radiance as Zac was thrown into the air.


    The world spun too fast to make sense of the situation, but a sudden appearance of a massive maw made Zac scream with surprise. Zac knew he was out of cards �C in this form, that is. He had expended them all on the gateway, yet both the gate and his enemies remained. He would have to take the risk.


    The final charges of [Earthstrider] were rapidly expended to create some distance, at which point his body was flooded with the sweet kiss of Death.


    ����������-


    For minutes, nothing happened, yet every second seemed to stretch longer than the one before it. Theke was only so big. Even if treading carefully, it could only take so long until Zachary reached the bottom, where the gateway was supposed to be.


    Then it came. A weak pulse of spatial Dao made the surface of theke shudder. Just a momentter, it looked like the wholeke had been set to a boil, and even the demon could sense the enormous eruption of power beneath the surface.


    The change had not gone unnoticed to the stoic cultivators sitting at the shores, and it looked like someone had kicked up a ho��s nest as they all sprung to action at once.


    ��Well, I guess that��s me,�� Ogras sighed before shadows consumed him.


    Iz could sense how he was rapidly moving toward two Hegemons whose energy was already churning. But he wouldn��t be enough. There were nearly 30 Hegemons altogether, supported by over a thousand E-grade fodder. Those foot soldiers were inconsequential when it came to individual strength, but they would together be able to forge barriers powerful enough to slow down any opposition.


    Even then, the real problem was the Hegemons. One of them was seemingly at the very peak of what this Mystic Realm could contain. Another eight could be considered elites in the frontier. And that wasn��t even considering the twisted energy creatures, some of which also emitted D-grade energy signatures.


    Not even Iz was certain she��d be able to deal with such an army before reaching her limits and having one of her fatewarding treasures whisk her away. For Ogras Azh��Rezak to contain them all was hopeless. Yet he rushed forward as a storm of shadows swallowed the southern shores. When push came to shove, he showed up, putting his life on the line.


    ��Follow my heart,�� Iz whispered as she looked to the sky.


    She didn��t want to be a betrayer, a person that couldn��t be counted on. She hated the thought of the demon describing her actions in the future like he described those of that Verana woman. Her help was needed, and she would show up. And if someone had a problem with that in the future, she would just test their fate.


    The slumbering ember in her chest erupted into a roaring fire, making Iz look inward with surprise. It raged with greater ferocity than ever before, and she suddenly remembered her grandfather��s words �C that any me needed fuel to burn, no matter if it was the fires of life or the Empyrean mes of her bloodline. A fuel named purpose.


    A smile spread across her face as six false wings sprung from her back. It felt like she had been given the blessing of her ancestors as she rose to the air, and the sky greeted her ascent by gaining a golden hue.


    ��[World��s End], how fitting,�� she smiled as she sacrificed a third of her Cosmic Energy. ��Come.��


    The world cried as a 100-meter orb of purest mes appeared beneath her feet, and her Fatebound guardian appeared behind her back.


    Hundreds of fiery motes broke off from the nine mes hovering in her soul aperture, and streaks of truth were left in their wake. Their dance rapidly formed one sigil after another, until three sets of 243 runes formed her family��s exclusive Dao Array �C [Empyrean me].


    The Branches of Primal Starlight, Scorching Abyss, and Golden Sun were filtered and amplified through its intricatework as her guardian formed multiple sigils with her hands. Her veins were fire, her blood was mes, and she carried the apocalypse in her heart.


    And with a nudge, Iz released the gates.


    Nine streams of realm-breaking heat shot out from the prepared arrays, all fueled by the truths exclusive to the Tayns. The settlement and its lingering upants were erased, their fate unable to withstand the proximity. The streams spread out, each one targeting one of the nine supetive Hegemons before they could unleash their strikes against theke.


    But it failed.


    ��Hm?�� Iz muttered, her mind nking out by the unexpected scene.


    She wasn��t surprised that the leader managed to survive her attack, but five of them? Odd barriers had blocked out her spells, and Iz sensed an anomalous resonancepletely unfamiliar to her.


    ��They��re connected somehow! With each other and theke!�� a pained scream echoed from the shadows, but Iz had no time to react before things changed again.


    A distant wail echoed through the area as a familiar figure was flung into the air like a ragdoll, and Iz couldn��t help herself as she started tough at the scene. That guy really couldn��t stop himself from creating a spectacle.


    Where had Mr. Bug found himself a mountain-sized goblin to fight?

 Chapter 924: Qriz’Ul King

    Chapter 924: Qriz��Ul King


    Life was rapidly being supnted by death as Zac activated his Specialty Core. Still, he was cutting it close. Even outside its natural habitat, the Qriz��Ul King was incredibly quick, and it looked like a floating river as it closed the gap between them. Zac thought the thing would try to swallow him, but it suddenly spat out a purple de while runic tendrils followed in its wake.


    The edge was over ten meters across and emitted a dense amount of corruption. It was the first time Zac saw the ��Nightmare Tears�� as Ogras called them, and he felt an ufortable pressure even at a distance. He could hear the nefarious whispers of the Lost ne from within the tear, but the epiphanies were conspicuously absent.


    Zac felt as though his body was shackled during the transformation, but the constraints soon broke, and a storm of Miasma was unleashed. [Love��s Bond] had already taken its proper form, and [ck Death] reced [Verun��s Bite]. A sinister jagged edge stretching almost four meters appeared in front of the chained axe in his hand, and Zac unleashed a herculean swing at the iing projectile.


    Two edges collided, and if not for Alea��s chains, he would have been thrown away like a ragdoll again. Instead, they hadtched on to the Goblin��s diffuse appendages, and a struggle for poisonous supremacy quickly ensued. The chains were empowered by [Blighted Cut] and the unrelenting death of the Pale Seal, while the appendages were made from the ancient madness of the Lost ne.


    Unfamiliar runes lost their luster and fell apart, but it wasn��t a clean-cut victory. The mere touch of the Qriz��Ul was rapidly eroding the viscous coating of [Blighted Cut], and Zac could sense that not even the reinforced links beneath were immune to the corrupting nature of the Lost ne.


    Zac himself wasn��t much better off. It felt like his right arm would break from holding back the Nightmare Tear, and the ck edge rapidly started to decay, even with the Branches of the Pale Seal and War Axe bolstering it. In contrast, the tear seemed to contain almost limitless force, and Zac knew there was no way he��d whittle that thing down.


    A pull from the chains dragged him upward and closer to the face of the Goblin, and Zac used the final lifespan of [Gorehew] to push the Nightmare Tear downward with everything he had, prompting it to fall toward a group of infiltrators below. A quick nce at the situation below confirmed something he��d sensed while being thrown into the air. Iz had really joined the fray, and she was waging a one-woman war against the cultists.


    The scene was mesmerizing. Iz Tayn looked just like the first time Zac saw her, standing on a burning orb like a goddess of the sun, with a demonic angel raining death and destruction on her enemies. Last time, it had been a scene of mortal danger. This time it was one offort. Without her, Zac wouldn��t know what to do. He and Ogras alone wouldn��t cut it when this big goblin was added to the calction.


    Of course, some things had changed with Iz��s disy. The mes had drastically improved since she was an F-grade cultivator. They were powered by at least two Dao Branches rted to fire, but there was also a sense of antiquity to them, like they were mes that heralded from the birth of the era.


    Antiquity like what his Void Energy emitted. Was this not something unique to him but rather the mark of ancient, powerful bloodlines?


    The rattling sounds of Alea��s chains brought him back to the present, and he conjured another jagged axe as he flew toward the Qriz��Ul King��s head. Its reaction was instantaneous, and its maws opened to swallow Zac whole. However, a light rap on one of his chains made it m into another, prompting a chain reaction where a length of links appeared right in front of his feet.


    Zac used the chain to push off, narrowly allowing him to avoid both the sharp chin and the oversized nose. The de of [Gorehew] was humming will killing intent and twinned daos, and the air itself cried as the edge fell toward the pitch-ck core atop its forehead. But a dark-purple barrier appeared just above its surface, and Zac suddenly felt like he was looking at the gateway to the Lost ne again.


    It was weak and muted, but even a weak mimicry of that aura was terrifying, especially when it was apanied by a deluge of corruption far more condensed than theke water. The de of [Gorehew] instantly disintegrated, and Zac urgentlymanded [Love��s Bond] to drag him out of harm��s way.


    A huge mouth suddenly filled his vision, but a third jagged edge crashed against the sharp chin. Zac used the bony hook tounch him toward the ground, and an enormous cloud was released in his wake like a smoke curtain of pure death. Simultaneously, Zac had all of Alea��s chains detach from the huge creature and return to his side.


    Their first sh ended with the Goblin essentially unscathed, but Zac still considered it a sess. He hadn��t been sure whether he would be able to block these seemingly intangible attacks, but the Nightmare Tear had been stopped in its tracks by Zac��s counter swing. The same was true for his chains, which meant his other skills should also work against this creature.


    Another piece of good news was that its aura had weakened even further since leaving theke. It seemed to have emitted an energy signature at the limits of Hegemony for a moment when it moved to seize the ck hole, but the spatial bomb had crippled it and reduced it to Late D-grade. From there, Zac had added to the chaos with his bombs and attacks. By now, it was somewhere at the edge between Early and Middle D-grade.


    However, its foundations were still those of a peak being, and it was clearly more powerful than a normal Hegemon. Zac wasn��t sure if the Qriz��Ul King was using any Daos, yet the Goblin��s very existence corrupted all of his attacks and even his equipment. And that barrier�� A normal attack wouldn��t get past that thing. Meanwhile, his attacks hadn��t exhausted the Goblin at all by the looks of it.


    Its enormous body was a massive congregation of energy, and its stores would undoubtedly put most Beast Kings to shame. And between an almost grotesque amount of energy and the core that kept feeding it more, Zac knew this guy would be hard to lock down, let alone kill. First thing��s first, though; he needed to fight on the ground.


    His undead form had many advantages, but aerial battles were not one of them.


    Zac��s thoughts whirred, and he was already formting an approach as he fell toward the shores. Ogras said the Qriz��Ul had a core rune that needed to be hit, but in this case, it had to be the stone on its forehead. He needed to create an opportunity and st it with everything he got. It would be even better if he could somehow break its connection to the gateway. That way, its shield might not work at all.


    Shortly after, Zac mmed into the ground, and a secondyer of death descended on the area around him as Zac activated [Deathmark] as well. Unfortunately, the Goblin itself didn��t immediately follow in his wake, making it difficult for Zac to strike back. His only real ranged skill was [Desperation��s End], but it was much to early to use his most powerful strike.


    Besides, the Goblin wasn��t the only thing to worry about right now.


    The shroud of [Fields of Despair] revealed over 100 cultists in his direct vicinity, three of whom were Hegemons. However, something was very off about them. In his current form, he should have seen powerful fluctuations of life from these people, especially from the D-grades with lifespans surpassing ten thousand years.


    Yet they felt like weak candles flickering in the wind, where a simple push would topple them. If they didn��t emit such intense auras, Zac would have thought they were at death��s door. Just as Zac suspected, theke had done something to them, turning them into something neither living nor dead.


    A few silent specters appeared by the cultists, hooded executioners wielding pitch-ck axes. [Deathmark] had seen an upgrade inside the temple as well, where their axes looked even more deadly. Not only that, but their auras had grown indistinct, like they had fused with the darkness of the skill��s domain. It was like they suddenly possessed an item like his energy-hiding bracelet, making them far harder to spot without a honed Danger Sense.


    As expected, less than half of the cultivators noticed the iing swing, but Zac swore with surprise when the situation suddenly changed. Sturdy barriers made from the purpleke water and bolstered with bloody tendrils enclosed all the cultivators at once. It was like when one of them saw the danger, all of them did, and they reacted together. Even those who weren��t targeted by specters were shielded.


    None of them had spoken a word, and the response was instantaneous. They had to be mentally linked for such a coordinated response. Zac grimaced in annoyance, especially after seeing that his skill didn��t work on the water-based shields. The green runes of [Deathmark] briefly appeared on the barriers, but they crumbled long before they could drag any significant amount of Zac��s own corruption into the shields.


    A sudden pang of danger made him look up, just in time to see hundreds of purple scars shooting toward him like a nightmarish meteor shower. Each of the scars had the power to turn an average E-grade cultivator to mush, and a few fused and grew evenrger as they descended.


    ��Holy-!�� Zac yelped as he urgently activated [Abyssal Phase].


    Zac turned into a puff of abyssal dust and flickered away, moving almost a thousand meters in an instant with his movement skill.It was the first time he used the skill since it got upgraded to Peak Mastery. Some skills gained new features, but the boon of [Abyssal Phase] was simple �C speed.


    It allowed Zac to move almost 50% faster than before, and he guessed only speed-focused Hegemons would be able to catch up with him in his current form. It also allowed him to avoid the hailstorm, though the Kan��Tanu cultivators weren��t so lucky. The whole area was ripped apart, and not even the three Hegemons managed to avoid the barrage, especially not after the Qriz��Ul King itself mmed into the ground like aet.


    So much for camaraderie through turpitude.


    The whole area heaved from the collision, and Zac swore when he saw the Qriz��Ul absorb an Olympic Pool��s worth of water. It wasn��t just an issue of the thing stealing his cultivation resources; it used the water to recover therge amount of energy it had just expended with its nightmare rain.


    The Qriz��Ul King seemed startled by Zac��s sudden disappearance, but it soon caught his scent.


    ��Empty�� EMPTY!��theQriz��Ul roared as it lunged for him.


    But a golden rune suddenly appeared above its head, and thousands of burning sigils sealed off the Goblin. The whole region shuddered as the Goblin mmed chin-first into the golden barrier, but it failed to break out in one go. It was obviously the work of Iz Tayn, but not even Iz would be able to keep this thing for long.


    A tenth of the burning runes had winked out from the collision, and the golden film had weakened in turn. But it had given Zac a bit of a breather, so he looked curiously in her direction. Their eyes met, and Zac heard her voice in his mind.


    ��Are you okay? What happened?�� Iz��s smooth voice echoed in his mind, a wee change of pace after the Goblin��s demented roars.


    ��Ah, you can hear me?�� another startled voice echoed out, and Zac��s gaze turned to another section of the battlefield.


    Ogras had already been forced to use his [Shadewar g], and a mix of spectral beings and ghosts that looked a lot like the Qriz��Ul themselves were already battling the armies of mindless cultists. Progress was slow, though. Those water barriers were incredibly durable, even if the Qriz��Ul King had made them look like paper.


    ��Telepathic skill?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��Something like that,�� Iz said. ��Is the gate closed? And what is that thing you��re fighting?��


    ��I didn��t manage to close itpletely,�� Zac grimaced. ��This guy was guarding the pathway and absorbed most of the damage.��


    ��That��s its strength AFTER eating a ck hole?�� the demon eximed. ��Wouldn��t want to see how it was before.��


    ��I think it��s still connected to the gateway,�� Zac added, thinking back to the impregnable barrier shielding its core. ��I think it will keep drawing strength from the Lost ne until the pathway is properly closed; I��m not sure I can kill it like this. And I don��t think I can deal with the gateway while also stalling this thing.��


    ���� Alright, I��ll figure something out with the miss,�� Ogras groaned. ��Just keep the big guy upied for now. If it��s really connected, it might sense us targeting the gateway.��


    ��Do you have any solutions? I threw pretty much all I had at the gate,�� Zac asked. ��There were Qriz��Ul inside theke, but most of them should have died because of this big guy.��


    The air shuddered as another hurricane of corruption erupted within the barrier, and Zac saw how runes rapidly started to wink out.


    ��I am still hesitant about entering the waters. Besides, I need to keep these cultists in check. They are a lot stronger than I anticipated. I do have something that should work, but Mr. Azh��Rezak will have to deliver it. Just ce it next to the gateway and infuse some energy. Just be careful; the item is a bit dangerous.��


    Upon hearing Iz��s words, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Zac didn��t know what had changed since he entered theke, but it looked like Iz had fully joined their cause. Perhaps his speech was a lot more convincing than he��d thought? In either case, an item someone like Iz Tayn called dangerous was bound to be something absolutely terrifying.


    And with just a corner of the gateway remaining, it should be more than enough.


    ��Great, sounds like a marvelous time, but I��m still not confident in reaching the bottom in one piece, creatures or no,�� Ograsined.


    ��Then keep attacking these creatures, but don��t kill all of them. They are powering their shields with theke,�� Iz countered. ��Theke��s depth had already decreased by twenty meters, and the leader swallowed a lot more just now. A minute longer, and you should be able to survive the journey.��


    Zac��s nced past the raging Qriz��Ul King. It was just like Iz said; the shores had grown, and a band of wetness indicated that just over twenty meters ofke water had disappeared. The scene made Zac��s heart clench with pain, and he furiously red at the Goblin still making a ruckus.


    All because of this bastard. If not for him, Zac could have closed the gateway before snatching the wholeke, turning it into a tonic that would help him shore up his foundations. Now, they had to sacrifice it to aplish their goals. Just the thought of it made Zac furious.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Alright, I��ll deal with this guy. But, uh, please try not to destroy too much water,�� Zac urged. ��Turns out it��s pretty useful for my cultivation.��


    ��Of course it is. I wouldn��t want to see the kind of wretched refuse that not even you would use for advancement,�� an annoyed scoff echoed through his mind, and augh from Iz Tayn probably meant she shared the sentiment.


    ��Whatever, just save me some water,�� Zac snorted as the burning cage broke apart.


    The Goblin King seemed hesitant to go for Zac, who stood over a thousand meters from theke, or for Iz probably emitted a far more palpable threat. Soon, it turned toward Iz, and Zac knew he had to do something. Even if he shed over to intercept, the Goblin would still be precariously close to theke.


    Whether it was creating an opportunity for Ogras or preventing it from swallowing any more water, he had to force it over. Suddenly, Zac had an idea, and he released a wave of Void Energy into the air around him. The Qriz��Ul King��s head instantly snapped around, confirming Zac��s guess. There was something about his Void Energy that attracted it.


    The creature had emitted an intense hunger the first time Zac activated his domain skill beneath the depths, and every time he used Void Energy during the fight, the monster entered a frenzied state. The Goblin hesitated a moment, but it still took the bait. It condensed into a stream as it shot toward Zac, and ancient ruins were reduced to rubble by the Goblin��s advance.


    Four chains shot forward, each targeting the cracked sphere on the creature��s forehead from various angles. Meanwhile, Miasma churned throughout Zac��s body as his bones creaked. Zac even used some Void Energy to keep the Qriz��Ul��s attention while speeding up the activation of [Arbiter of the Abyss].


    The Qriz��Ul was incredibly agile for its size, bobbing and weaving to avoid the chains while barely losing speed. But Zac��s web wasn��t spun randomly, and a hidden chain suddenly appeared in the shadows of one that just missed, a chain unlike the others. It didn��t move very quickly, but the Qriz��Ul was out of options. It had unknowingly moved closer and closer to the ground to avoid the chains, and now it couldn��t dip any further.


    A tap on its forehead resulted in a spectral chain being born, and a smile spread across Zac��s face. He didn��t activate the taunting effect and instead released some more Void Energy into the air. The Qriz��Ul King had initially stopped to swipe at the spectral chain, but the Void Energy made it move again.


    And just as it came within 250 meters of Zac, a pir rose from the ground. A monument to despair and inexorability. Ogras would need another minute before he could dip down and close the gate, which hopefully would weaken the creature even further. But seeing the billowing waves of corruption trapped within the ethereal body of the Goblin, Zac couldn��t help but ask.


    Could he even stall this big guy that long?

 Chapter 925: Holding On

    Chapter 925: Holding On


    The Goblin seemed agitated from being locked up far from itske, but not overly worried. Zac wasn��t surprised. This creature was far more powerful than any enemies he��d fought until now, to the point Zac wasn��t confident he��d even be able to trap it for the whole minute required. However, he had no choice but to fight, no choice but to keep this guy here long enough for Iz and Ogras to deal with the gateway.


    So Zac steeled his heart as he kept infusing energy into [Pir of Destion]. Behind his back, the familiar tower rose through a ck pool, like it had been dragged out from the deepest recesses of the Abyss. Its overall appearance was mostly the same since reaching middle mastery, but like all skills, it had received some improvements.


    The statues bound to the pirs were even more lifelike, almost like their twisted faces were moving in agony. It was a surreal experience, and Zac almost felt he could hear distant wails when he nced in the tower��s direction. Besides being crafted with a more skilled hand, the chains draped around its length were thicker and more durable.


    The pir had also gained 20 meters, now reaching 70 meters into the air and allowing it to tower above even the Qriz��Ul King. In addition, the pitch-ck anti-sun hovering at its top had grown a bit while also emitting a more powerful aura. Finally, Zac could feel that its effect on his other skills had also grown a bit stronger.


    The absolute darkness from [Pir of Destion] meshed even better with his other two domains, and Zac could feel how the ethereal chain that connected him and the Goblin��s face grew sturdier. It was just in time as the Goblin suddenly made a break for it, trying to break down the deathly river before it had a chance to stabilize.


    But a tug on the spectral chain made the Goblin make a 180 and instead head straight toward the pir. Surprisingly, the chain of [Arbiter of the Abyss] had turnedpletely invisible with Zac, and not even using his taunt exposed his location. The Goblin tried to break out a few more times, but each time it was redirected toward the center of the cage.


    ��Em�� pty,�� the Goblin growled as its head swung back and forth, seemingly at a loss where Zac had gone or what was happening.


    Zac��s eyes lit up at the scene, and he stopped the statues from throwing out any chains toward his enemy. As far as he was concerned, this guy could just stay like that for a minute while Iz dealt with theke and the Kan��Tanu. He couldn��t see what was going on outside even if the anti-sun didn��t blind him, but he could sense Iz��s monstrous aura and vast swathes of fiery Dao.


    She was no doubtying waste to the shorelines, rapidly vaporizing his precious water.


    But nothing good eversts. After five seconds of fruitless searching, Zac started to sense a tremendous buildup of energy from the 50-meter-tall Goblin. Zac didn��t know exactly what it was nning, but if it was anything like the rain of Nightmare Tears, it couldpletely destroy his deathly river if unlucky. He would have to use himself as bait to keep this thing distracted.


    Miasma flooded into multiple Skill Fractals as Zac rushed forward, all while desperately pulling on the spectral chain to distract the Goblin. Meanwhile, chains finally shot out from the pir behind him. The Goblin ignored the chains, because Zac activating his skills had exposed his location.


    By that point, Zac had already closed most of the distance, and a short burst of Void Energy guaranteed he would have the creature��s undivided attention. Its maw opened impossibly wide, and the churning corruption within felt like a Pandora��s Box that absolutely couldn��t be allowed to open.


    The ball of corruption wasn��t as unfathomable as what was released by its core when threatened, but there was simply too much energy. The short umtion had already gathered more than half of Zac��s total energy reserves. Even more than the cost of [Pir of Destion]. The skill would most likely copse if the Qriz��Ul Kingunched the blob at the river or the pir itself.


    Thankfully, Zac had acted decisively and just in time. Just as the Goblin was about to spit out its ball of madness, three invisible cuts dismantled the Qriz��Ul King��s whole head. Simultaneously, a ck storm swallowed the suddenly exposed corruption ball. Even a Late-Stage [Profane Exponents] was insufficient to move the ball out of harm��s way, but it managed to realign its budding momentum downward.


    Following up, Zac pulled on the ethereal chain to push his taunting domain to the limits, using thest second on the skill to repulse the Goblin��s attack. The three skills used in conjunction were barely enough to seize control from the Qriz��Ul, even if its head was already reforming.


    The ball of corruption fell onto the ground right beneath the Qriz��Ul, like an egg that cracked. Billowing waves of condensed corruption spread throughout the cage with the Goblin as an epicenter, and Zac immediately found himself submerged as well. An exquisite coffin quickly sprung up to protect him, and it was thankfully able to block out the unfocused st of the D-grade creature.


    Like the previous upgrade, the [Profane Exponents] had received a general upgrade from reaching Late Mastery. Their auras had grown deeper while their tools, from coffin tontern, looked more exquisite.


    The wave of corruption passed around him like a river being blocked by a stone. Most of it was blocked by the coursing river, almost like two oils that refused to mix. However, the collision itself left a lot of damage behind, while some of the corruption managed to infiltrate Zac��s skill, starting its unrelenting push toward mutation. The rebuffed energy instead formed ayer of taint covering the ground, and even Zac found himself submerged to his knees after the initial wave passed.


    The corruption clung to him and tried to burrow inside. Circting his Daos helped a bit, but it was ultimately impossible topletely block it without [Void Zone]. But between his previous usage and expending Void Energy to activate a couple of skills, Zac couldn��t use his domain willy-nilly any longer.


    It was easier to let it invade his body while [Void Heart] and [Purity of the Void] still had enough capacity to deal with it. It meant being harassed by intrusive whispers, but it was still within what he could deal with.


    Only the tower itself was unscathed, somehow rejecting the shallow waters of corruption with its oppressive aura. But doing so was not only putting a strain on the skill itself but also a constant drain on his Miasma. Zac inwardly sighed at the scene. Just one failed attack was causing so much trouble due to the sheer volume of energy.


    Meanwhile, the Goblin had already reformed after Zac expending [Blighted Cut], and its energy reserves had only dropped a couple of percents. Even worse, Zac could feel how the missing unit was being recovered. It really looked like the Qriz��Ul King could still draw energy from its connection to the gateway, even when trapped inside [Pir of Destion].


    One thing was certain; Zac couldn��t follow his most basic strategy �C to oust the opposition with his endless energy reserves. This Goblin had shown him what it truly meant to be tireless. Instead, Zac needed to be smarter, more efficient, as he stalled and detained the Qriz��Ul King. Luckily, that was exactly what the Inexorable Stance excelled at, and with histest skills and upgrades, Zac had even more tools avable to him.


    Six intangible arms were already grasping toward him since the Qriz��Ul had reformed, but Zac��s heart was calm as he went to work. He had to maintain constant pressure while preventing any real buildups of energy. Chains rushed toward the sneering visage of the Qriz��Ul King as another jagged edge appeared in front of his axe.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac was currently towering over four meters into the air after having activated [Arbiter of the Abyss], and the huge de of [Gorehew] was no longerically oversized. Instead, it became a serviceable tool to rip apart the Qriz��Ul��s appendages while [Blighted Cut] was on cooldown.


    Suddenly, Zac sensed an umtion of corruption, and he instantly pushed off the ground as the chains of [Love��s Bond] rattled. Two of the chains once more dug at the cracked core on the Goblin��s forehead, while another formed a step for Zac to readjust his trajectory mid-air. In an instant, Zac found himself right in front of the Goblin face, their sizes now roughly the same.


    The air screamed as the jagged de of bloody death clove the air in a huge overhand arc aimed at the Goblin��s mouth. However, the chains meant to force a realignment of the Goblin��s head failed to create the opening Zac had nned. That powerful barrier had appeared again, allowing the Qriz��Ul topletely ignore any strikes targeting its only apparent weak spot.


    The Goblin once more disyed its surprising deftness by parrying Zac��s swing with its chin before lunging to swallow Zac whole. Initially, Zac nned to back away and try anew, but he suddenly had an idea. Jagged teeth closed around him, but just as Zac was about to be bit, he activated [Void Zone].


    Corruption fought with nothingness, and nothingness won out. The second ball of taint dimmed down and copsed before it had a chance to form, while the runes that made up the Goblin��s head started to lose their structural cohesiveness. Zac wanted to use the opportunity to see if he could destroy the core, but his eyes widened in rm when he felt a pull.


    The D-grade monstrosity was actually siphoning his Void Energy, dragging it toward its cracked sphere. It felt like his very essence was being robbed, and a primal fear surged in his heart as he kicked up a storm of carnage with his axe. Runes were disintegrated all around him, but his domain couldn��t prevent the Goblin from recovering.


    Meanwhile, it quickly became apparent that [Void Zone] didn��t work against the barrier around the core. Zac still couldn��t tell exactly what the shield was, but it almost felt like the space within the barrier was in another dimension. Could it actually have phased over its core to the Lost ne for safekeeping?


    And all the while, a deluge of corruption was released from the Qriz��Ul, rapidly draining Zac of energy. A few more strikes confirmed nothing had changed; whether it was chains or axe, he simply couldn��t break through that barrier. Staying inside its incorporeal body like this was futile, so Zac disappeared in a puff of smoke before appearing twenty meters away.


    ��VOID! VOID!��the Goblin roared as it lunged for him, but by that point, the chains of [Pir of Destion] had already caught up.


    The closest one inexorably wound around the supernatural creature and started pulling it toward the pir in the distance. Zac used the opportunity to suddenly activate his taunting domain again, and the Goblin was dragged over 50 meters in an instant, closer to the tower. Closer to Oblivion. But while the creature was twisted beyond recognition by the taint, it wasn��t a mindless creature. It clearly understood the shimmering orb of Destion was dangerous, or perhaps rather the core of Oblivion at its heart.


    It started to push back while freely releasing waves of corruption. Soon enough, the chain of [Pir of Destion] broke apart, its improved durability not sufficient to withstand the corroding effect of the Lost ne. A second chain reced the first while Zac used his taunt to a maximum. But the Qriz��Ul was relentless, and it kept struggling against its chains.


    The chains never stoppeding, be it from Love��s Bond or [Pir of Destion], so the Qriz��Ul soon changed tactic. It started releasing a barrage of Nightmare Tears at the tower, smaller projectiles it needed no time to generate. Even then, each one contained enough force to create actual spatial tears in their wake, and Zac was forced to deal with them one way or another.


    Zac soon found himself in a passive position where he furiously contained the Qriz��Ul��s rampage. Tears were either outright blocked with [Gorehew] and [Profane Exponent]��s barriers, or rerouted with the reversed taunt of [Arbiter of the Abyss]. He moved with purpose, not wasting a second while skillfully managing his array of skills to bring about maximum pressure and efficiency.


    Chains danced, wraiths came and went, leaving rapidly disintegrating corrosive marks in their wake. All while, the [Pir of Destion] pulled and pulled. The rerouted Nightmare Tears crashed into the deathly river, leaving hidden wounds in the cage that wouldn��t recover. Others joined the rising tide of corruption.


    [Fields of Despair] was the first skill to copse from the infiltration of the Lost ne. The loss of nigh-omniscience didn��t matter, but losing the restrictive properties of the domain was a huge blow. After all, the deathly haze had restrained 10% of the Goblin��s attributes, and the creature��s boost pushed Zac even closer to the edge.


    It was not just a matter of pressure either. Zac was already running low on Miasma, to the point he was forced to use Void Energy to maintain some of his skills. Meanwhile, the level of corruption in the cage had already reached the level of theke, and he was forced to continuously maintain [Void Zone] to retain his mental state.


    But the corruption kept increasing.


    It wasn��t enough, no matter how much Zac cut and whittled down. Most of his work was nullified by the mysterious link between the creature and gateway. It was constantly being bolstered by more energy, to the point it still had over 90% of its strength intact. At least time was passing. Each second felt like an hour, but he kept swinging his axe, kept interrupting the creature��s attempts to form more powerful outbursts. Zac was like glue, constantly sticking to his much-bigger foe.


    Eventually, Zac knew he would soon fail, at which point he unleashed [Desperation��s End]. The spatial spheres weren��t enough to seal the Qriz��Ul, but with the additional help from [Pir of Destion] and [Arbiter of the Abyss], it was barely enough. The Qriz��Ul was cleanly cut in two, yet even his ultimate skill failed to damage the core.


    And Zac could only look on with helplessness as the copsed form of the Qriz��Ul started to reform just seconds after it was torn to shreds. At least, it had reset the battle and given Zac enough of a breather to eat a handful of pills to recuperate. But soon enough, the cycle started anew.


    Zac lost any conception of time as he fused with his path. He became death, relentlessly advancing. One wound after another was left on his body as he gave up on dealing with non-lethal strikes. What were some scars to the unrelenting pull of the Abyss? It was just a feeble expression of defiance that all beings exhibited, a dy of the inevitable.


    [Deathmark] copsed next, followed by [Arbiter of the Abyss]. Soon, not even [Gorehew] could be used, and not because of overuse. Not even [Void Zone] couldpletely shut out all corruption any longer, and too much had entered his body. The taint had then followed the strongest surges of Miasma and glommed onto the Skill Fractal. Only [Pir of Destion] held on, desperately defended byyers of his Dao.


    Still, Zac fought, tooth and nail, using everything to dy the inevitable. He still had a few cards left, but the longer he could keep the Goblin contained on his own, the better the chances were he��d seed. But it was too much. Cracks already covered most of the pir behind him, and more and more Nightmare Tears passed his guard now that he��d lost most of his tools.


    The Qriz��Ul was relentless, and it almost felt it gained strength as its surroundings became increasingly corrupted. It was like the unawakened Revenants back on earth �C mobile Unholy Beacons that naturally terraformed their surroundings to one more suited for their existence. The longer you fought, the worse your position would get.


    Just as Zac was about to activate his next line of defense to buy a few more seconds, the Qriz��Ul suddenly froze. The gem on its forehead suddenly radiated a blinding purple light that forced Zac to look away. Just a nce had pushed the voices in his head to a crescendo, and Zac could feel how the distilled corruption around suddenly was joined by actualke water.


    At the same time, a lone voice joined the discordant cacophony in Zac��s mind.


    ��Shit! The gateway just disappeared when I closed in on it!�� a frazzled voice echoed in Zac��s head, startling him to the point that he failed to perfectly angle a swing. ��Ack, thishersted corruption!��


    The nightmare tear cut just under his arm, but ast-minute adjustment allowed him to avoid any grievous harm. Still, the pain helped him clear his muddled mind, and he was horrified by what he saw. The core on the Goblin��s forehead had detached from it, but the creature was still very much alive. It was now hovering right in front of its forehead, releasing a deluge of tainted water.


    Not only was the amount of energy terrifying, but the sheer volume of water was also a huge problem. A liquid armor had already covered the Qriz��Ul King, and the cage would bepletely submerged in seconds if nothing changed. Not that it wouldst that long, considering the pir failed to keep the waters at bay.


    The only good news was that the Goblin��s aura had started to be unstable. Was it damaging itself by summoning the gateway? Did it matter in this situation?


    ��It��s been dragged here. I��ll deal with it,�� Zac said in his mind as the waters passed his shoulders. ��Hold on a little bit in case it returns.��


    The Goblin shrieked with rage and fear upon sensing the coruscating waves of Oblivion coursing through Zac��s body and into his right arm. It redoubled its efforts to break free, desperately pulling in the direction of the realke in the distance. Did it need to return to its original spot to recover its core? Zac wouldn��t let it. The three pygmy skeletons reluctantly copsed, leaving Zac with only a crumbling tower for assistance.


    A tower and a coffin.


    ��Alea, I need your help,�� Zac sighed as he infused some of his waning Miasma into the coffin lid.


    ��I��m here for you,�� Alea��s voice echoed in his mind as the coffin lid creaked open. ��Forever and always.��


    [Death��s Embrace] was gone with Alea��s Evolution, reced by a new skill yet untested. However, [Fate��s Obduracy] remained, reforged and more potent than ever. Hopefully, it would be enough.


    ��Seal this bastard,�� Zac growled as he felt the pitch-ck runes of Oblivion carve awork across his face.

 Chapter 926: Beyond the Concept

    Chapter 926: Beyond the Concept


    Even when finding himself pushed to the limits, Zac had held back hisst and most powerful aces. He had wanted to save them until Ogras finished his side of the mission, to give himself something to fall back on in case the Qriz��Ul King went berserk. Now, he found himself without better options, and Zac could only pray that it was enough to break through that imprable shield.


    The Goblin��s struggles grew more frantic as Zac squeezed out more and more Oblivion from his soul, the energy umtion already passing what he used in the depths. Even more corruption was discarded and disseminated from the creature��sbor, but Zac could barely hear it. The storm of Oblivion passing through his body had quieted the incessant voices of madness, utterly extinguishing their existence.


    The sudden bout of spiritual silence was almost deafening, but things on the material ne were approaching a fever pitch. The chains of [Pir of Destion] had managed to restrain this unrelenting creature for almost a minute, but they could no longer endure under the deluge of tainted water. Thest of the fetters snapped, and the Goblin broke free.


    But it was already toote. The coffin lid on Zac��s back had fully opened by this point, and over twenty chains had already shot toward their target with a palpable hunger. They were pitch ck and emitted a cold and unrelenting aura of death, like they were made from the ice of Cocytus. They were also incredibly quick, moving with more than twice the speed of [Love��s Bond] ��s original links.


    Before the Goblin had a chance to speed away, the chains had already wrapped around it in a deathly embrace. Cascading waves of tainted water inundated the links, but a familiar scene urred. Any time a chain was about to break apart from the corruption, a ck pulse ran through its length and split the chain into two, each one in perfect condition.


    Twenty chains had multiplied to over a hundred in no time, and the Goblin was barely visible between the chains. The thing looked like a grotesque art instation as it struggled in the air. A sudden eruption destroyed two-thirds of the chains, but Zac could sense Alea had more to give. The chains grew back, and one pulse after another started to run through the lengths of the links until they stayed illuminated by death.


    Each chain had wound itself at least three times around the huge Qriz��Ul, forming hundreds of loops that together created a coil. But instead of electricity, death ran through the loops. Even Zac, a Draugr, felt some pressure from the immense amount of death released into the chains, and both Goblin and tainted water froze in ce as they turned solid.


    They hadn��t frozen into ice, though. There was no sense of cold emanating from the construct, except for the chill of death. It was more apt to say the water had died, bereft of its momentum, fate, and energy. All that remained was a useless rock-likepound. The only thing that remained untouched was the warded core floating in front of its forehead, which was still releasing more water.


    Theck of kill energy entering his mind confirmed what Zac had already suspected upon seeing the cracked sphere was intact. Not even this was enough to kill this creature. But Alea had still gone above and beyond aplishing what needed to be done. The Goblin was locked down and trapped in a cycle of death and resurrection. It couldn��t so much as move, let alone form any dangerous outbursts of energy.


    Meanwhile, the Annihtion Sphere between his hands was approaching the limits of what Zac could control, which meant it was time. Zac shot forward, running up along one of the links toward the core hovering in the air. The voices returned with redoubled intensity as he closed in on the cracked sphere. Looking at the vantack orb of destruction between his hands helped a bit, but Zac still felt his mind mired in the Lost ne��s corruptive influence.


    Thousands of ideas, most of them irrelevant or downright crazy, cropped up like weeds, leaving behind blemishes on his heart. Zac knew it would take some time to sort out and cleanse all this madness, but that was a matter forter. Ogras was probably struggling in a simr environment in the depths of theke without Zac��s tools to deal with it.


    It wasn��t only the voices that grew louder. The closer he got, the more did the Goblin��s resistance intensify. It railed against the prison of [Fate��s Obduracy], and Zac could tell Alea was running out of steam. Meanwhile, the sphere released tremendous pressure, making it seem like Zac was pushing against the weight of a whole world.


    The air in the center of the cage twisted and groaned as it was caught in the middle of an unrelenting struggle between death and madness. Searing shes of pain erupted all across Zac��s body as errant Spatial Tears left their marks behind. But he pushed on until he reached the top of the chaindder �C where a world of hyper-condensed tainted water waited for him.


    A ball of water had be the finalyer of defense against Zac��s approach, its corruption so dense that Zac was forced to deactivate [Cosmic Gaze]. Zac knew this would be dangerous, but he could only ward his soul and steel his heart as he crashed into the water, using his now fully-formed Annihtion Sphere as a wallbreaker.


    The water in front simply disappeared, annihted in full by the power of Oblivion. But the water to his side remained unaffected, and it crashed into Zac with the force of a copsing mountain. Zac felt bones crack and madness stir, but he pushed further, deeper, until he encountered resistance.


    A tremendous shockwave shook Zac��s frayed mind awake, and he vaguely saw how his Annihtion Sphere was trying to dig into the purple barrier��trying and failing. The barrier had buckled inward and was shuddering precipitously, but it wasn��t showing any indication that it was about to break apart. The sphere was constantly extracting energy from the Lost ne, recing that which the Annihtion Sphere was destroying.


    Meanwhile, Zac could tell he was gradually losing control of his conception. A second or two more, and the Annihtion Sphere would destabilize, and his mission would be a failure. This was exactly what he��d been worried about when dealing with this creature. The power of the remnants had proven to be a reliable ace until now, but there were limits.


    After all, they were only D-grade items, and the energy he used couldn��t be considered the full expressions of the Daos of Oblivion and Creation. Not only that, but his two attacks were fueled by his own Daos, which were just Early Branches. To deal with a creature that had once been a peak Hegemon at the least, and who had this unique connection to an Eternal Heritage�� It wasn��t enough.


    Then, an idea came to him. An idea born from madness and desperation, but one that might just work.


    The Lost ne��s taint hadpletely spread throughout his body by now, but a pulse of possibility corrupted the corruption. Madness was distorted and reformed in the forge of Creation as Zac roused the slumbering energy throughout his body. It swept through his body, leaving bem in its wake. It was the strategy of sacrificing 800 soldiers to kill 1000 enemies, where unfettered Creation Energy damaged both his body and the umting taint.


    The pain was unimaginable as his body went through a series of chaotic transformations, but the agony actually helped him focus his mind. Focus on maintaining his Annihtion Sphere a bit longer while a set of golden patterns joined the ck ones across his face.


    Two streams of energy entered the already worn pathways on his shoulders before fusing in his chest. The Annihtion Sphere shuddered ominously, but it was kept in check by Zac��s soul working in overdrive. Even then, it was just a matter of time, and Zac knew he wouldn��t be able to create a Origin Mark as powerful as his Annihtion Sphere.


    Then again, more than half of the sphere had been consumed already from disintegrating the churning waters and shing against the purple barrier. A weakened version might work even better. After all, his goal wasn��t to form a separate attack. It was to bnce Creation and Oblivion in one singr strike.


    To form Chaos.


    Zac slowly moved his hands apart, desperately controlling Annihtion with his right as a shimmering rune appeared in his left palm. Reality bent from the appearance of the Origin Mark, and the tainted waters around Zac started frothing from encountering an even more corruptive energy.


    The pain was unbelievable, overwhelming anything else. Zac��s whole being was consumed by what he had wrought, but he still pushed his hands together in a final attempt at victory. ck and gold mixed, and space copsed. A metallic sh illuminated the area, but Zac immediately found himself losing control.


    ��Go,�� Zac groaned in his mind, praying Ogras would be able to hear him.


    A surge of energy was followed by an endless expanse of white. A lingering thought was all that remained before he faded away.


    This wasn��t right.


    ����������


    Abyssal mes burned along the bloody tendrils of the water elemental, but it didn��t seem to care at all. Iz could tell that nothing remained of the cultivators who had been extracted and pulled into this fell construct of tainted water and unorthodox curses. It was just anger and suffering locked in this prison of its own creation.


    She nced down at her arm, where her wound had already been cauterized. To think this thing could not only block out her attacks but even wound her. It had been forced to sacrifice one of its appendages to break through her barrier, but still. Its attacks were proof her mes weren��t infallible, even if this creature was only bordering Middle D-grade by conventional standards.


    The me in her chest had dimmed considerably by this point, exhausted from cleansing the waves of corruption thrown her way. She only had thirty percent of Cosmic Energy remaining, but there was no thought of backing down. The weak demon was still at the bottom of theke, desperately trying to aplish the mission.


    Meanwhile, she could feel that Zachary had gone all-out, unleashing one of the remnants locked in his mind. Her uncle had told her the price of using those things, yet he didn��t even think to back down, to flee. So how could she step down at this juncture? The broach on her dress flickered, and her surrounding started to blur.


    It was trying to take her away, out of the Void Star. Iz wouldn��t let it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    She ripped off the Fatewarding Treasure and threw it away, before she roused the me in her chest for one final attack. Her skin caught on fire, as did her hair. Soon she waspletely engulfed, transformed into an avatar of purest mes. With a shudder, one became three, and the trinity avatars representing the paths of the Empyrean me surrounded the creature, each with a different set of wings.


    It recognized the threat, and space copsed as itunched its core tendrils toward her. Each one was infused with the chimeral madness of theke and the ck Heart Sect, turning into an unpredictable poison that targeted both the body and mind. But it was toote. [Trinity Apocalypse] had already been activated, and Iz released a different creature from each of her avatars.


    The wings of the Abyssal Butterfly fluttered, and the ground erupted, unleashing the fires from the deepest recesses of the underworld. The Vermillion Bird keened, and the mes of the first dawn burned everything in its path. The Golden Crow released the sun it held in its w, and it fell onto the elemental from above.


    Three nes, three paths. A trinity of destruction and new beginnings. The elemental tried to resist, to destroy the origin mes that were fast consuming its body, but it was futile. Three paths merged in the center, and the elemental was no more. The three avatars converged atop [World��s End], and Iz stepped out from the mes.


    She had done it.


    A surge of adrenaline Iz had never felt before coursed through her veins as she looked at the scorched remnants. Her thousands of battles, both in dreamscapes and realities, couldn��t produce this sense of victory. She finally understood what her grandpa and uncle had told her so many times.


    Some things simply couldn��t be imparted from the previous generations, even with arrays and domains that subverted reality itself. Even the ��certain-death-trials�� prepared by her uncle, where she sealed her memories before going in to provide authenticity, hadn��t managed to elicit this kind of response��the burning fires of passion, the fear, the determination.


    Iz had expended some of her Everme Essence, but she believed her grandpa would consider this lesson a worthy trade. It allowed her to retain some of her strength, which might be needed. Something big, dangerous, was happening inside that unstable river of death. However, just as she was about to move over, a voice in her head stopped Iz in her tracks.


    ��Go.�� the familiar yet foreign voice said, and Iz involuntarily shuddered from the pain the single word carried.


    Theke heaved a momentter before a pir of water and mes rose hundreds of meters into the air. The demon had detonated the modified [Star Seed]. If she remembered correctly, it had been gifted by that annoying guy from the Stillsun n a few years ago. The thought of his gift being used as an incendiary instead of nurturing a custom-made Star made a smile tug at Iz��s face, but the scene in the distancemanded most of her attention.


    She could tell the demon was alive, albeit a bit worse for the wear. But the emanations within the river of death made her heart clench. Even with [Sungod��s Eyes], Iz barely managed to make out the scene within. The corruption was just too dense.


    But she didn��t need to wait long before the frayed river of death shattered, destroyed by a tremendous shockwave that elicited a primal fear in Iz��s heart. Ancient ruins were leveled by the thousands as the st consumed the center of the Ra��Lashar Capital, and a tsunami of corruption andke water followed in its wake.


    Everything was swept away, from rubble to corpses and scorched remnants of ck Heart Parasites. Iz suddenly felt extremely exposed without her Fateward Treasure, and she urgently entered the diminished orb of [World��s End]. Her fatebound guardian wrapped the miniature sun in an embrace just as the shockwave reached her.


    Iz��s face paled from the tremendous onught, from the screams that entered her mind. But a roar from her natal me extinguished the voices, and the storm passed soon after. She took a shuddering breath before lunging for the glimmering broach on the ground. She felt her fate realign, like a warm nket keeping her safe.


    Everything in moderation; that was the second lesson of the day. There was a fine but definite line between courage and madness, and she wasn��t willing to cross that to aplish her goals. Her grandparents had sacrificed too much for her to just throw her life away.


    However, not everyone seemed to treasure their lives, and Iz��s gaze once more turned toward Zachary with a mix of anticipation and trepidation.


    There he stood, at the epicenter of the destruction. The heavy shroud that had hung over the ruins had been destroyed, forming a hole in the sky itself. Weak light shone upon him as he stood unmoving in a crater full of viscous water and broken detritus. Surrounding him were tendrils of chaotic energy, destroying anything they touched.


    She could barely recognize him as he nkly looked up at the sky. His skin was covered in runes of forgotten truths and ancient madness, his eyes two metallic orbs with bolts of gold and ck. The air around him strained just from histent pressure, and winds buffeted his tattered robes.


    It felt like Iz was looking at the resurgence of the previous Era, of the unstoppable madmen who lorded over the previous sky. This was what she had wanted to witness. Someone who didn��t helplessly float down the river of fate but paved his own path. Someone who left ripples in his wake, indelible marks on history.


    But why did she feel so sad?


    Beyond the concept was a man. A man covered in ck blood and gristly wounds. Both his hands were missing, and his arms looked like cracked marble that ended just beneath his elbows. If not for the pressure he was emitting or his fiercely burning lifeforce, Iz would have thought him dead. But he looked so tired. So utterly drained, hollowed out by the expectations and responsibilities ced on his shoulders.


    ��What in the,�� a hoarse voice drifted over from a distance, breaking Iz from her trance.


    A wet and scorched demon had crawled up from theke, his body fluctuating ominously like he was on the verge of losing his physical form.


    ��He��s alive,�� Iz sighed as she pointed her finger at Mr. Azh��Rezak, activating [Cleansing Pyre].


    A swirl of golden mes engulfed the demon, incinerating most of the corruption that had tainted his body. Wounds were cauterized and scabs fell off, exposing unblemished skin beneath.


    ��Thank you,�� Mr. Azh��Rezak said with a bow before turning back toward Zachary with a frown. ��His hands�� Do you have-��


    The demon��s words were caught in his mouth as something was created out of nothing as two hands regrew. Iz looked on with worry as Zachary slowly bent toward the ground, his movements jerky and discordant like a construct whose maintenance was long overdue.


    ��What in the-�� Ogras muttered in disbelief.


    ��For every miracle, there is a price,�� Iz sighed. ��Fate�� Too dangerous.��

 Chapter 927: What a Mess

    Chapter 927: What a Mess


    Zac woke up with a start, and the slight movement unleashed a chain reaction of agony that rippled throughout his body. A blurry scene of destruction met his gaze, but there were no threats as far as he could see. It was lucky, as well. Just keeping his eyelids open was a struggle. Another fight was out of the question.


    He didn��t need to look to know that almost all his pathways were shattered, but he still nced inward to assess the damage. As expected, his pathways were in utter disrepair. His head, arms, and torso had taken the worst of it, with the paths beingpletely gone. But the damage wasn��t limited to the sections where he channeled the two attacks created with the remnants. There was visible damage all the way to the soles of his feet.


    There was also damage to his foundation, like he had opened up a dozen nodes without any protection. Recovering from this would take months rather than weeks, and there would still be risks of leaving imperfections behind. Even his [Thousand Lights Avatar] had taken a hit, and reforming the broken sections would also set him back a few months.


    The only thing that wasn��t broken was his physical body, but the sense of hollowness in the essence of his very being exined the reason. He must have used Creation Energy subconsciously since he had lost decades�� worth of lifespan. By the looks of it, his arms had beenpletely disintegrated by his final st, along with a good chunk of his chest.


    Thank God his years of experimenting with his Annihtion Sphere and Origin Mark had taught an important lesson that was now ingrained into his body; always remove your valuables before messing with the remnants. More than one Spatial Ring had cracked or morphed from being too close to the remnant skills, so now he always stashed them in a reinforced pouch behind Vivi��s tube or Alea��s Coffin.


    What a mess.


    Thankfully, there was some good news, though they were insufficient to bnce the bad. First, there were the terrifying amounts of Kill Energy in his body, far surpassing anything he��d ever held before. In other words, the Qriz��Ul King was dead. Furthermore, the energy proved he hadn��t been out of it for very long, even if the tranquility around him indicated the battle was already over. The energy would already have dissipated if he had been unconscious for a couple of hours.


    Secondly, the corruption in his body wasn��t that bad, considering how much had poured into him while he tried to break down that purple barrier. It was still quite a bit, and it didn��t seem to carry the insights of theke, but the voices were just weak whispers at this point. His Bloodline should have dealt with that long before he recovered.


    Zac finally tried to look around for clues on what was going on, but he didn��t even have time to take in his surroundings before he felt his life, or rather death, slipping away. He was utterly drained of Miasma and would soon find himself forcibly swapped over to his human side. However, transforming this crude way would take over a minute, and this was not the time to ck out.


    A soft tendril of Dao and energy entered his transformation skill, activating the process before it was toote. A shudder went through his body as life reced nothingness, but the process was slow and sluggish. Thankfully, the Specialty Core was one of the few sections of his body left untouched, and the process was only slowed down rather than interrupted by damage.


    Gods, what a mess.


    Zac couldn��t believe he had been so foolhardy, though he admittedly still didn��t have any better solutions with the benefit of hindsight. Fusing his Annihtion Sphere and Origin Mark for a supreme st was something Zac had considered before, but never had the guts or time to experiment with. Because any time he��d considered a test run, a sense of foreboding had filled his heart. And since then, everything he learned about his Daos and Duality only strengthened this impression of danger.


    It wasn��t necessarily impossible, but it was just too early. His Annihtion Sphere was a fusion of his Branches of War axe and Pale Seal, which then was powered with the distilled Oblivion Energy extracted from the cage in his mind. To fuse his remnant attacks would mean not onlybining all three of his Daos, but also Oblivion and Creation.


    He still hadn��t figured out how to fuse just his Daos for his Cultivator��s core, so adding Oblivion and Creation to the mix was a recipe for disaster. But at the time, it had felt like a great idea, to push a bit further on the path he was already walking on. It almost felt natural. But without the voices urging him, he understood just how ill-prepared he was to take that step.


    There was no n, no system. Zac had just pped together two highly unstable energies he only tenuously controlled and then hoped for the best. If anything, the oue could be considered pretty lucky, where he only lost a few limbs while the Qriz��Ul King perished. Still, it served as a poignant example of what awaited him if he failed to form a proper core. That time it wouldn��t just be his hands that were blown off; it would be his whole body.


    Thinking of his recently reformed hands, Zac realized he was actually holding onto something; the core of the Qriz��Ul King. That was thest item Zac would have expected to see, considering he had aimed his Chaos Ball right at this thing. If this thing was intact, how had the Goblin died?


    Certainly, the core had seen better days. New cracks had appeared across its surface, and it no longer emitted any of the spatial fluctuations from before. Oddly enough, it was also a bit scorched. Had Iz helped him at the eleventh hour, or was this a result of the Goblin��s odd connection to the Lost ne��s gateway?


    Had the Qriz��Ul transported its core away to avoid getting sted by the unstable Chaos Bomb, only for it to be engulfed by whatever Iz had given Ogras to blow up theke?


    No matter how things worked, it was a wee surprise. The core probably contained incredibly condensed corruption, which might be even more useful than the diluted taint in theke. More importantly, this thing could absorb his Void Energy, which might mean it was useful for his Bloodline down the road. Right now, his body didn��t react to the thing, but his Bloodline was also fully satiated at the moment.


    His connection to the Qriz��Ul was another mystery Zac couldn��t exin. Why had this Qriz��Ul wanted his Void Energy? Come to think of it, all of the Qriz��Ul in theke had reacted to the energy his Bloodline created. At the time, Zac had believed they responded to a spot of water suddenly drained of corruption, but it didn��t seem to be the case.


    Was the Void Emperor-bloodline somehow rted to the Lost ne, or perhaps to the Ultom Courts?


    Zac had mostly been working under the assumption that his visions came from the Left Imperial Pce rather than Ultom, and that idea had only been reinforced after his talk with Leyara. Emperor Limitless had seized at least eight Eternal Heritages and then built immense Array Pces around them to create the System. It wouldn��t be too surprising if he had a karmic connection to these ces.


    But how did the Void, the Lost ne, and the Dao-bereft insights of Ultom fit into the picture? Perhaps, this core could help shed some light on the connection between these things and possibly even his Bloodline. It also seemed like a promising material for his Cultivator��s Core down the road.


    A couple of shuffling steps made Zac look up with rm, but he rxed upon seeing two familiar figures standing at the edge of the crater he found himself in.


    ��Uh, you okay over there?�� Ogras hesitated.


    ��I��ve been better,�� Zac grimaced as he put away the Qriz��Ul Core. ��What about you? Is everything dealt with?��


    ��The gateway is closed,�� Ogras nodded. ��And the infiltrators are all dead. The young miss dealt with them for us.��


    ��All of them?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��They fused into one entity,�� Iz said calmly.


    Zac sighed in relief. He didn��t have another fight in him at the moment.


    ��So you��re going to stay in the puddle, or?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Oh, right,�� Zac said as he started to make his way out of the crater.


    It was slow. Excruciatingly slow. Zac felt weaker than back before the integration, and he nearly stumbled a couple of times on his way to the edge. But finally, he got there, though every step had felt like getting stabbed.


    ��You weren��t kidding,�� Ogras sighed. ��Well, knowing your monstrous constitution, you��ll be up and about in no time. I can��t believe you��re able to regrow limbs at will. To aplish that, I had to find a bunch of treasures and fuse with shadow creatures.��


    ��Borrowed Creation,�� Iz said as she gave Zac a deep look. ��The price is steep.��


    ��I try to avoid using it, but trouble keeps finding me,�� Zac weakly smiled.


    ��The burden of fate,�� Iz nodded as she took out a small vial. ��Use this. It will recover some of what you lost.��


    Zac curiously looked at the shimmering drops inside the vial, and he was shocked at the explosive vitality they contained. Each drop gave off radiant light like a sun, and even through the densely inscribed casing, Zac could tell they contained incredible amounts of lifeforce. These things couldn��t even be put in the same category as the other Longevity Treasures he��d encountered so far.


    Uzu��s Fire-attuned Longevity Pearl, which had since joined Zac��s treasure pile, might as well be trash in front of these drops. But that meant these things were incredibly rare. And rare meant expensive.


    ��I��m not sure if I��m in any condition to get myself sted with a fireball at the moment,�� Zac hesitated.


    ��You can owe me one,�� Iz said with a small smile.


    Zac didn��t know how he felt about mooching off of Iz like this. They had gotten somewhat close over the past days, and she had proven herself a trustworthy ally, but she had been right before about bnce. It wasn��t right for him to just take and take without giving anything back. But at the same time, he really needed this thing.


    ��More importantly, didn��t you want thatke water?�� Ogras interjected when Zac didn��t move for a few seconds.


    ��Ah? What?�� Zac perked up. ��Why? What��s wrong?��


    ��Well, the bottom of theke is full of Spatial Tears since we blew a hole in the Mystic Realm,�� Ogras shrugged. ��It��s leaking.��


    ��What!�� Zac screamed as he started running toward theke.


    Or at least he tried to. The sudden burst of movement set his whole body on fire, and when he tried to correct himself, his legs felt like lead.


    ��You��re in no state to use skills,�� Iz said from the side.


    ��I can��t, I have to- ah, crap,�� Zac groaned before stumbling, facenting straight into the ground.


    But his surroundings were suddenly swallowed by shadows, and he found himself right at the shores, which were growing longer by the second. Seeing the water within arm��s reach, Zac ignored the pain and limped into the muck as he eagerly took out two canteens.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I wonder what your devout followers would say if they saw this sorry sight,�� Ogras sighed. ��So many crushed hearts.��


    ��Just help me collect the water,�� Zac grunted.


    ��Alright, alright,�� Ogras grunted as he appeared next to Zac.


    The next moment, a set of shadows lifted Zac up and returned him to the shore.


    ��I��ll deal with this. Just sit there and recover, alright? You look like you��re about to fall apart into 1000 little pieces,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. ��I need you to be in speaking condition when we get out of here.��


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac nodded before taking out a few more containers. ��Get as much as possible, but don��t risk your life for it.��


    ��Toote for that,�� Ogras snorted as he started to collect the water.


    By this point, Iz had caught up to them, and she held out the small vial in his direction once more. This time, Zac didn��t reject.


    ���� Thank you,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll make it up to you somehow.��


    ��I��m sure,�� Iz said with a small smile. ��The longer you wait, the worse the effect will be. ce a drop on your forehead.��


    Zac nodded before following Iz��s instructions. He wasn��t worried Iz was lying to him at all. For one, he could sense the immense surge of life within the drop. Also, he waspletely vulnerable in his current condition. If she wanted to deal with him, she wouldn��t need to use deception. She could just pick him up and bring him home like a piece of luggage.


    The dropnded against his be, and Zac��s eyes suddenly opened wide. For a moment, it felt like he had opened his mind��s eye where the drop touched his skin, connecting him to the other side of the cosmos. There, Zac saw an enormous tree, far surpassing the Worldtree in his old visions. It stretched far beyond what Zac couldprehend, its sheer mass an assault on his sanity. Each of its leaves was a world unto itself, nurtured by the endless vitality of its creator.


    But just like that, the vision was gone, reced by a warm feeling that had already spread throughout his body. The sense of hollowness was partly alleviated, and Zac could even feel his foundations had recovered a bit. He still wouldn��t be able to use his Cosmic Energy, but he should at least not be as weak as a baby bird.


    Still, the medical efficacy paled to the vision he��d just seen. Was that tree real?


    ��What�� Was that?�� Zac said with shock.


    ��Don��t think about it too much,�� Iz said. ��How do you feel?��


    ��Tired,�� Zac grimaced. ��But a lot better now.��


    ��Do you regret it?�� Iz asked as she looked at him with an ufortably intense stare. ��You have the talisman to escape this realm. You could have given up and either fled through a Spatial Tear or waited for the realm to copse. But you still fought to the point of almost crippling yourself.��


    ��Well, I didn��t really think things through,�� Zac coughed. ��Had a lot of voices screaming in my head at the time. But no, I don��t regret it. How could I back down when people depend on me when I still hadn��t done everything in my power to aplish what I promised?��


    ��But your lifeforce,�� Iz said.


    ��Well, you helped me recover some of it, and I��ll get more of it when I break through,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��It is not that simple,�� Iz said as she looked out across the dwindlingke. ��It is not just a matter of days and years. It is providence. It is potential. The more you hollow yourself out, the harder you will find your climb in the future. You are creating a negative spiral, where you will need to take more and more risks to continue progressing.��


    ��I know,�� Zac sighed. ��Sometimes, you just have to keep going and have faith things will work out.��


    Iz slowly nodded, and the two sat in silence for a few minutes as Ogras filled one canteen after another.


    ��What are you doing after this?�� Iz eventually asked.


    Zac didn��t immediately answer. Not because he felt the need to keep it a secret, but more because he didn��t actually know. The original n was for his visit to the Void Star to be a quick outing where he picked up a Ferric Worldeater. After that, he��d head out to the Million Gates Territory, where he would look for Ogras while racking up some early contributions.


    Now, more than half a year had passed, and things had grown infinitely moreplicated. He had also stumbled onto Ogras and Billy somehow, which had been the main reason for him to enter thewless zone at the edge of the Allbright Empire. Not only that, but he should also have already racked up a massive amount of contribution from his actions here, far more than he could have by hunting down some advance squads.


    Still, he probably had to head to the Million Gates Territory anyways, if only to find the next piece of rubble. The Qriz��Ul Core and Lake Water would probably let him digest the whole Book of Duality in a couple of months, but that didn��t mean he was guaranteed to figure out a working blueprint for his core. If it failed, he might still need another burst of Ultom��s inspiration before heading to the Perennial Vastness.


    ��I-��Zac hesitated, but a deep rumble cut him off.


    The clouds roiled and heaved until an enormous crack split the whole sky in two.


    ��Owie Owie,�� a distant voice echoed out. ��Good job, Smelly Guy! Gemmy is leaving now. Try not to die.��

 Chapter 928: Exit

    Chapter 928: Exit


    Zac was startled at the promation but soon realized he shouldn��t be. They were a bit ahead of schedule thanks to Iz extinguishing the stubborn mes from [shfire Flourish], but only by half a day or so. It was no surprise Gemmy made her move soon after they��d closed the Gateway, especially now that the concentrated taint of theke had all but been removed from the Mystic Realm.


    The people back in Billy��s fort might even have finished things early, considering Iz had been guided to this realm by a group of Void Gate Hegemons.


    Ogras appeared in a puff of smoke a few secondster, carrying a whole bag full of containers. ��Enough in here to go insane a few times over.��


    ��Thank you,�� Zac smiled.


    ��You look better,�� Ograsmented as he looked at the vial still in Zac��s hand.


    ��Had a little help,�� Zac nodded as he handed the vial toward Iz, but she just shook her head.


    ��Keep it, in case fate strikes again,�� Iz smiled. ��My family is friends with the one who makes these drops. We can always get more whenever we need it.��


    ��That��s�� Great. Thank you,�� Zac said, his insides twisting from jealousy while Ogras looked positively disgusted.


    ��It should be another hour or two,�� Ogras said as he looked to the sky.


    Zac nodded in agreement. The world was copsing as Gemmy sacrificed its outer regions to save on energy, but it wouldn��t all disintegrate at once. Billy wasn��t sure, but he said it would take at least an hour to activate the array. Essentially, one region would be refined at a time, with their section being thest to go as a safety measure.


    ��I��ll take another look around,�� the demon added after a moment. ��I never visited any of those tunnelsst time I was here. If a gateway to an Eternal Heritage hid beneath the tower, who knows what else those greedy Goblins stashed away there?��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��I wish I could help, but I��m not really in any state to go spelunking.��


    ��Just focus on recovery,�� Ogras said. ��I doubt being dragged out through multiple spatialyers will be a pleasurable experience.��


    Zac��s face paled at that. He��dpletely forgotten about the Spatial Anchor for a moment. It wasn��t supposed to cause any damage like his [shfire Flourish], but who knew if that held in his current state. He couldn��t even circte his Cosmic Energy to reinforce his body right now.


    ��I hope you can find some more clues about the Lost ne,�� Zac grimaced. ��I��ll focus on not dying.��


    ��Sounds fair enough,�� Ogras grinned. ��I��ll see if I can squeeze something out of that little bastard. He might be more talkative now that his Heritage is about to be swallowed by the Void.��


    A momentter, the demon was gone, but Zac could see ghosts and shadows flit about in the chasm. Iz made no move to join him and instead seemed content to stay by his side.


    The silence stretched on, but Zac eventually couldn��t stop himself from asking. ��You��re not going?��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I��m not interested in this Goblin Kingdom,�� Iz said. ��I am better off incorporating the insights I gained during this battle.��


    ��There might be clues to our inheritance,�� Zac hesitated. ��After all, these Goblins investigated the Lost ne for millennia.��


    ��My fate will not be decided on whether I explore the moldy tunnels of the Ra��Lashar,�� Iz said with a shake of her head.


    ��Alright, I won��t disturb you then,�� Zac nodded and closed his eyes.


    Zac spent the next 20 minutes repairing the Skill Fractal of [Surging Vitality] until it could finally be activated. Its effect on damaged foundations wasn��t worth mentioning, but it was better than nothing with all the Kill Energy coursing through his body. And since he had reached Peak E-grade already, there wasn��t much else he could use it for.


    Some crafting techniques used Kill Energy, where the mostmon was weapon crafting. For example, Zac was pretty sure the Ogre he met in the Big Axe Coliseum had crafted his axe using Kill Energy while instilling it with the Killing Intent nurtured through battle. But that was just one of all the possibilities.


    For example, Beast Tamers could transfer some of their Kill Energy to their beasts, and Heda had mentioned the possibility of doing the same for nts. Unfortunately, Zac neither knew any techniques like that, nor did he have the luxury of giving away his energy to Vivi or Haro.


    The nurturing surge from his recovery skill went round and round throughout his body, and each cirction worked on the foundation built by Iz��s lifegiving drop. It left him a little bit better off, though part of that was simply his powerful constitution naturally recovering.


    All the while, [Void Heart] and [Purity of the Void] kept swallowing or purifying the lingering corruption in his body. As Zac expected, most of the corruption from the Qriz��Ul King hadn��t contained any insights. However, Zac still managed to decipher a couple of paragraphs thanks to the tainted water he��d fought his way through at the end.


    Zac hesitated a bit but eventually took out one of the Void Cores he��d bought in Salosar as well. He started drawing upon its energy to recover his mostly expended Void Energy. His best solution to avoiding chaotic energies at the moment was [Void Zone], but he was running low on his hidden reserve.


    Iz didn��t react to the glimmering core hidden within his sleeves, but Zac didn��t delude himself into thinking she hadn��t noticed it. Especially not after repeatedly being forced to use his Void Energy during the battle. She simply didn��t seem very interested in his hidden cards, or perhaps she was merely following proper cultivator etiquette.


    After all, the kind of elites someone like Iz socialized with back in the Multiverse hearnds were bound to have a handful of secrets. If you started poking your nose in others�� business, you would eventually get in trouble.


    Like this, just over an hour passed until the atmosphere shifted. Space didn��t really copse like in the Twilight Ocean. It more felt like the air had gone out of the whole realm, leaving it empty. All the energy had been taken away, and even the slightest hint of spirituality from the ground had disappeared.


    It meant Gemmy had reached their side of the Mystic Realm, and it was already detached from the core by now. The area mightst an hour or two like this before it crumbled under the pressure of the Void. And as expected, the cracks in the sky were already growing in both number and size. A few secondster, Ogras appeared, looking pretty satisfied with his outing.


    ��Anything good?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Well, not much in the way of treasures, but these Goblins sure were a bunch of burrowers. I found quite a few hiddenpartments, ranging from small cubbies to whole hiddenboratories,�� Ogras smiled.


    ��You found?�� the spectral Goblin at his side snorted. ��All the worthwhile hoards would have passed a fool like you right by if not for my discerning eye. And even if you found them, the traps would��ve killed you ten times over. You��re lucky I felt it a pity for our Heritage to end like this.��


    ��More like you were afraid the g would be lost to the Void,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes before turning back to Zac. ��The pills and materials have long lost their spirituality, but I found quite a few crystals and tomes. I haven��t had time to scan them, but a few looked promising. We should be able to extract a lot of good things if we��re careful.��


    ��Worst case, we might be able to add some good techniques to our repository,�� Zac nodded. ��It��s still kind ofckingpared to a proper faction.��


    ��You two ought to be careful,�� Iz cautioned. ��You saw what happened to this society. One cannot build a stable force on such dubious foundations.��


    ��Of course, of course,�� Ogras agreed, but only the demon knew whether he was sincere or not.


    ��Well, I guess it��s time to leave,�� Zac grunted as he got to his feet.


    The pain was still there, but at least his limbs would follow his instructions by now, as long as he didn��t overdo it. And with a chunk of his Void Energy recovered, Zac felt he should be able to withstand what came next.


    ��Here,�� Zac said as he threw the escape arrays over to Ogras.


    ��You two ready?�� Ogras asked and received affirmative nods in return.


    He activated the first talisman, prompting a shimmeringsso to cut out a hole in space. It was essentially a Spatial Tear, but it was kept stable by a gleaming edge of Spatial Energy. However, the three didn��t immediately step through as nned, but instead looked through the portal hesitantly.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac frowned.


    The other side was supposed to be the Void, possibly with the asional vision of one of the neighboring realms in the Void Star. Instead, they were met with a confusing blur of a million colors constantly shifting. If there were an opposite to the emptiness of the Void, then this would be it.


    ��I-�� Ogras hesitated as he looked down at the talisman with confusion. ��Is it broken?��


    Zac doubted the talisman was a dud, but he didn��t know how to exin the scene either. Eventually, he could only turn to Iz, hoping she had an idea.


    ��It should be the Void,�� Iz slowly said, but her tone didn��t bring a lot of confidence in the assessment.


    ��Really?�� the demon said, clearly not convinced.


    ��The imagery is wrong, but the energy is not. I can feel the hollowness of the Void on the other side and no other energies,�� Iz exined.


    Zac realized Iz was correct. There wasn��t any energy leaking from the stabilized tear.


    ��Maybe it��s just an effect of Billy��s Array?�� Zac ventured. ��Anyway, we can��t just stay here and get crushed.��


    ��Never easy with you, is it?�� Ogras sighed.


    ��Stay close to me just in case,�� Zac said before turning to Iz. ��Can you handle the Void?��


    ��No problem,�� Iz nodded.


    ��Alright, let��s go,�� Zac said, and the three braced themselves as they stepped through the Spatial Tear.


    For a moment, Zac was blinded by a cascade of color, but the chaos ended as abruptly as it began. Their surroundings were still full of color like what they saw through the portal, but the scene had stabilized. Zac could also confirm they really were in the Void as he felt the weird drain on his body.


    At the same time, the effect was muted, a far cry from what he had been forced to endure in his previous encounters with the Void. Zac didn��t even need to activate his [Void Zone] to withstand it.


    ��You two okay?�� Zac asked to make sure, even if they looked pretty unbothered.


    ��I feel surprisingly fine,�� Ogras muttered as he looked around. ��I guess it��s an advantage of having a shadow constitution? After all, the shadows and the Void are both hidden seams of reality.��


    As for Iz, she waspletely unaffected by the hostile environment of the Void, just like she said. A thin film of nearly translucent mes covered her, keeping the surroundings at bay.


    ��So what��s all this?�� Ogras asked with a frown. ��Will it affect the talisman?��


    It was a good question. Now that the confusing mix of color and shape had stabilized, they could see that it was actually an endless number of visions. They saw everything from starry skies to iprehensible worlds. It felt like they stood outside the universe and could pick almost anywhere to re-enter.


    ��I��m not sure,�� Zac hesitated. ��This isn��t what I saw when the Spatial Cortex copsed. Back then, there were only a dozen mystic realms or something. This is�� more. Not even the whole Void Star has this many realms.��


    ��Didn��t you say this ce was connected to the Million Gates Territory?�� Ogras ventured. ��I hear there are an endless number of Mystic Realms and dimensional fragments over there.��


    ��You think this is the Sterdder?�� Zac eximed as he looked at the surroundings with marvel. ��You might be right.��


    ��Maybe we should-�� Ogras ventured, but he stopped in his tracks when Iz suddenly threw out a shimmering ball.


    It soared through the Void until it hit one of the windows. The scene rippled a bit before the ball entered the other dimension, where it kept flying for a few hundred meters beforending on the ground. The world on the other side didn��t seem like anything special. It appeared to be a vast desert with dark-green sand under a purple sky. Zac could vaguely make out some mountains in the distance, but nothing that would warrant special attention from Iz.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac asked with confusion.


    ��I felt a signal from Ultom from that realm. That tracker will allow me to find that location easier,�� Iz said before she curiously looked at Zac. ��You do not feel anything?��


    Zac frowned and tried to sense anything from that particr world. But there was nothing, not even the smallest of ripplesing from that window. A momentter, it was gone, reced by another scene.


    ��Nothing,�� Zac said, and he was actually a bit relieved. And judging by Iz��s expression, she shared the sentiment.


    The fact both he and Iz had the quest to be mebearers was a subject they had generally avoided until now. Still, you could make some assumptions based on how most inheritances worked. It was very rare for a legacy to be equally shared among many when a quest was involved. The System��s creed was ��struggle for supremacy,�� where the winner takes all.


    So even if they were allies right now, Zac knew they were heading toward a collision down the road. But after getting no signal from that window, Zac realized they might not have to fight for the same pieces of rubble.


    ��Predestination,�� Iz hummed. ��The fragments are unique to us, even when ted for the same inheritance? A test of fate, perhaps?��


    ��Perhaps,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Alright, let me borrow some of that disgusting Luck of yours,�� Ogras said as he poked Zac jokingly. ��I still need two of these things.��


    ��I��m not sure that��s how it works, ��Zac grinned, but his smile turned crooked upon seeing the demon suddenly hone in on a window that had just appeared.


    Ogras got one just like that? Had the demon really managed to benefit from his Luck?


    ��Miss Tayn, if you could help me out?�� Ogras entreated, and Zac was surprised to see Iz calmly take out another stone and hand it over.


    Zac had thought her handing out that longevity water without payment was an exception to the rule. But now, she suddenly handed out items left and right just like that? It was obviously a good thing, but it left Zac somewhat at a loss. Iz had barely exchanged a few sentences with Ogras before, and now they were buddies? Had something changed while he fought the Goblin?


    Perhaps he was being paranoid, but he smelled a plot. Of course, asking about it would have to wait untilter.


    ��Infuse your Dao and throw it,�� Iz said. ��You will be able to sense it from quite a distance.��


    Ogras followed her instructions, and his sphere entered the portal a few secondster. The demon looked exceptionally pleased, but he kept looking back and forth as their surroundings cycled through tens of thousands of worlds. Zac was doing the same, but he started to get a sinking feeling when fewer and fewer new realms reced the ones that disappeared.


    Five minutester, a ripple spread through the tapestry of worlds, and the three suddenly found themselves in an endless expanse of darkness. At the same time, the corrosive drain of the Void increased manifold, prompting both Zac and Ogras to grimace with pain.


    ��Well, I guess it��s time to go,�� Ogras said as he gave Zac an odd look. ��I can��t believe you were the only one who left empty-handed for once.��


    ��I��ll figure something out,�� Zac said with a wry smile, though he had to admit he was a bit annoyed. All these Mystic Realms, and not one held either of the two pieces he stillcked?


    ��Well, here��s to hoping those girls weren��t ying us,�� Ogras muttered before he infused the Spatial Anchor with energy.


    A protective bubble five meters across enclosed the three, but it didn��t keep its spherical shape for long. It soon stretched into a jellybean shape, but that was just the start. It kept growing longer and longer. In just a few seconds, it looked like a pir that stretched thousands of miles through the Void.


    And then came the pull.


    Space pulled and twisted, and Zac groaned as he felt himself twist with it. At least he thought he groaned. It was hard to tell when all your senses were in flux. At least the pain wasn��t unbearable. Soon, the vast darkness was reced by a series of rapid shes before the world exploded into a cascade of stars.


    Zac almost felt like he had witnessed the Big Bang, but the illusion shattered as he found himself surrounded by thousands of Cosmic Vessels. The scene almost made Zac��s heart jump out of his mouth, but he barely had the chance to take in the surroundings before space twisted again. Something had grabbed him out of empty space and teleported him away.


    Or someone.

 Chapter 929: Paths Diverged

    Chapter 929: Paths Diverged


    There was no time to reorient himself or prepare. It was all happening too fast. One moment, Zac, Iz, and Ogras had popped out next to one of the gargantuan space stations of the Void Star. The next, Zac found himself sanding arge solemn hall, where his twopanions were nowhere in sight.


    It was not just the architecture that exuded a quiet dignity, but the chamber was filled with an almost deafening silence. It was like the emptiness of space had been condensed into something corporeal. It felt odd, but more than anything, it feltfortable, like he was wrapped in a warm embrace. At the same time, he felt his very existence amplified by contrasting himself to the muted surroundings.


    Zac could tell this was no dream, and neither was it a vision; his senses told him he really was there in person. He hesitated for a moment before making his way through the hallway toward a door at the other side. The only sound was the rhythmic taps of his steps, bare feet against smooth stone. But it was muted like the soundwaves were swallowed as soon as they were created.


    Zac didn��t bother taking out [Verun��s Bite], knowing it was futile even if he were in perfect condition. Someone had whisked him out of thin air and teleported him here in an instant. The power required for something like that wasn��t something he could contend with. Besides, he had a pretty good idea of what was going on and knew he shouldn��t be in trouble.


    The Void Priestess had summoned him.


    Luckily, he had managed to confirm Leyara��s story through Iz Tayn, at the cost of some light burns. There really was a huge mysterious faction named The Vigil. They were supposedly older than even the Limitless Empire, and the Void Gate was a distant branch of them. Unfortunately, Iz didn��t know much about their purpose either. Their goals were not known to the public.


    However, The Vigil had quickly joined hands with the Limitless Empire without a struggle during Emperor Limitless�� expansive wars, and many believed they��d had a role in creating the System. However, they never joined any of the empires�� campaigns. And to this day, they had stillrgely stayed out of the struggles of the peak factions.


    As Zac walked through the hall, his gaze turned to the huge floating rocks that lined the main path. The smallest of them was the size of a ser ball, while thergest was as tall as he was. For most people, they would have probably seemed like mundane rocks kept afloat by some array, but Zac knew the truth.


    They contained Void Energy. It wasn��t as condensed as the Void Cores, but it was pure and calm. Extracting energy from these stones probably wouldn��t require [Void Heart] at all, but rather recover his lost energy directly. Part of him just wanted to snatch every single stone put in his path, but this wasn��t a Video Game. He couldn��t just ransack the house before speaking with the owner like nothing had happened.


    Zac soon reached the exit at the other side of the empty hallway, but he hesitated about whether he should just walk inside.


    ��Enter, child,�� a mesmerizing voice emerged through the door, and Zac simply stepped through.


    Austere. That was the best word to describe what appeared to be the Void Priestess�� cultivation chamber. There was simply nothing there, a far cry from the meticulously arranged mountain of the Life Elemental he visited in the Orom World. Drab walls and two simple prayer mats. The only thing that prevented the room from feeling like a prison cell was that there was no inner wall. Instead, the room transitioned into a vast garden under a starry sky.


    And in the distance, the Void Star. Judging by the size of the Void Star, Zac had to have been transported quite the distance. It was less than a third the sizepared to when he first saw it from Zenith Vigil. Yet oddly enough, Zac couldn��t actually see any of the four stations, or any other activity in the sky for that matter.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Were there two Void Stars? Or was it just an illusion?


    It was a curious mystery, but Zac was more upied by the woman who motionlessly sat on one of the two prayer mats in the center of the room. She was an odd paradox, where her pristine appearance demanded attention, but her aura hadpletely fused with the palpable silence of the surroundings.


    She wore a white nun��s robe that spread out like a flower around her, and her hands were hidden within tworge flowing sleeves. Even her face was covered by an only partly translucent veil attached to a tiara in her long ck hair.


    ��Come, sit,�� she said, slightly nodding at the mat ced a few meters away from her.


    ��Uh, thank you,�� Zac said, his voice startling himself as it seemed toe from everywhere at once.


    There was something odd about this environment, some sort of field he couldn��t make sense of. But it energized him, and it felt like it healed his foundations, even. It made sense. No matter how puritanical a cultivation chamber looked, a figure like the Void Priestess was bound to have some pretty amazing arrays in their rooms.


    ��I am Per Janodrok, though most know me as the Void Priestess.��


    ��I��m Zac,�� Zac simply said as he sat down on the mat. ��Can I ask why you have summoned me here?��


    ��Can��t it just be because I am curious?�� Per said, and Zac thought he could see a vague smile behind the veil. ��About the young man who has turned this sector upside down in ten short years. First the Tower of Eternity, and now my Void Star. I even heard a story from an old friend, about a young troublemaker who unwittingly helped his ascent.��


    ��That��s���� Zac coughed.


    The Void Priestess knew the Eveningtide Asura? Zac had never heard anything about that, though he knew that Alvod never targeted the Void Gate during his rampage. But was Per Janodrok really alive back then? If that was the case, she was much older than everyone thought.


    ��And now, I hear even the Undead Empire is leaving no stone unturned in their search of you,�� the Void Priestess Continued. ��So would it be so odd if I just wanted to see the man behind all the mayhem?��


    ��The Undead Empire?�� Zac said with surprise. ��What do they want with me?��


    ��You��d have to ask them, but I do not think they are hostile. Most likely, they want to make a deal with you, and I think you can understand why,�� Per said. ��Your most recent actions have already created ripples.��


    Zac slowly nodded as he thoughtfully looked at the Void Star in the distance. Had the Undead Empire somehow figured out he was a mebearer, or at least connected to Ultom? If so, it made sense they wanted to get in touch with him, especially if they knew about his connection to Catheya. Who knew, had she perhaps returned to Zecia? They hadn��t nned for something like that, but an event like Ultom could change many things.


    It would be pretty convenient if true. Powerful factions had probably already set their sights on Ultom, and he might be swept up in this mess, whether he wanted to or not. Getting a powerful backer like the Undead Empire was one way to give a lifeline to himself and his people. After all, the Undead Empire was already at war with all living beings, and if they were reaching out like this, they probably didn��t care about offending the other factions.


    Still, was that the right move? To have his fate depend on some ancient unliving monsters he had never even met? It wasn��t long ago he received an all-too-real lesson in the dangers of dealing with the peak factions of the Multiverse. What if the Undead Empire targeted him like the crazy monks did with the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]?


    ��You are wounded,�� the Void Priestess suddenly added, which dragged Zac out of his thoughts. ��It seems breaking off the Ster Ladder and exiling the Kan��Tanu did note without some hardship.��


    ��Uh, that��s-��Zac hesitated.


    Had the Void Priestess seen his actions somehow? Was this why she had brought him here, to thank him? After all, he had not only solved the mess she had created by letting the infiltrators into the Void Star, but he might even have saved the life of her disciple. Looking back at it now, there was simply no way Leyara would have been able to deal with that Qriz��Ul King and close the gateway on her own.


    ��I will still not heal you. This is not a meeting with an elder imparting gifts and valuable lessons.��


    Zac��s mouth opened for a few seconds before closing again, not knowing how to respond. Leyara��s master was a bit of a jerk.


    ��Such are the rules. You have been chosen, and I cannot unduly interfere with your fate. If you get pulled under by the river, that simply means you cannot carry the weight of responsibility of Ultom.��


    ��I understand,�� Zac grunted. ��The others, are they fine?��


    ��Your demon friend and the young miss of the Tayn n are fine. My disciple and the others emerged a few minutes before you, and three Monarchs of the Void Gate are helping stabilize the portable realm. We will soon send in armies to deal with the invaders of both the portable realm and the Void Star.��


    ��Now you��re willing to deal with them?�� Zac said, not without some exasperation.


    ��Fate stirred when you arrived, and thepetition for candidacy began. Until now, there have been open slots, meaning I had to stay my hand. But no more. There was still one hidden in the depths of the realm, but it was thrown back into the Million Gates Territory when you destroyed the Ster Ladder and millennia of work.��


    Zac weakly smiled upon sensing the mild irritation in Per��s voice. She had already said it wasn��t a gift-giving meeting. Had he been dragged here to be chastised?


    ��Altogether, quite a lot of chaos for one E-grade cultivator. Then again, isn��t that your calling card?�� Per said, but there was thankfully some amusement in her voice. ��Mr. Deviant Asura?��


    ��Uh, those rumors are exaggerated,�� Zac coughed.


    ��I still don��t like the idea of my little disciple getting swept up with a troublemaker like you, so keep it in your pants,�� the Void Priestess said, and Zac shuddered upon feeling space around him constrict. ��Even stealing her underwear!��


    ��What! That was a gift,�� Zac croaked as he felt his bones groan. ��No, I mean, I didn��t-��


    Perughed at that, and the pressure thankfully went away. ��In either case. Focus on your cultivation. Now, I��m sure you��re wondering why I actually summoned you here.��


    ��Well, apparently not to heal me,�� Zac inwardlyined, but he only had the guts to nod. Next time, she might try to crush him for real.


    ��Imbnce.��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac said.


    ��Two fates converged, and one could say you were shortchanged,�� the Void Priestess said. ��We were not the cause, and it is not within my power to right the imbnce, but I still wish to see if I can alleviate the deficiency a bit.��


    ��I thought you people wouldn��t get involved?�� Zac said.


    ��Nothing is perfect, and I am just doing what needs to be done,�� Per sighed.


    Zac didn��t understand what prompted this level of candor from the Void Priestess, but it was a huge opportunity. There were so many lingering questions, many of which Iz didn��t even know the answer to. And this time, he didn��t even need to eat an attack to get the answers. So Zac quickly reorganized his thoughts before speaking up.


    ��Two fates converged? Mine?�� Zac asked.


    ��Over the eons, purposes be muddled and paths slowly diverge,�� Per said as she turned her head toward the Void Star. ��The Left Imperial Pce chose you as a candidate, but something stirred the System into action. It forcibly broadened the scope and put its finger on the scale. This is different from what��s expected. Different from the previous ascents.��


    So it was the Left Imperial Pce that was connected to him, after all? Then what about his Void Energy and the Qriz��Ul? Still, there was a more pressing issue.


    ��Previous Ascents?�� Zac probed.


    ��It is not the first pir to emerge,�� Leyara nodded. ��It has happened more than once before. In fact, this is the fifth.��


    ��What happened when the previous ones appeared?�� Zac asked, though he had a sinking feeling he already knew the answer.


    ��War of unprecedented proportions. Wars to decide the direction of our Era.��


    ��Four pirs? The direction of the Era?�� Zac slowly said before his eyes widened. ��The Apostates?��


    As far as Zac knew, there were a total of five Apostates. However, The First Defier was an anomaly that no one seemed able to exin. He had appeared out of nowhere and was gone before anyone had time to react. He was like a rocket that had shot straight through the Heavens, leaving chaos and confusion in his wake.


    Meanwhile, the other four were more simr. They were all peak figures in their own rights, who ultimately left a mark on the System rted to their path. But how does one add something to the System, and why hadn��t anyone else done the same over the billions of years? Was it because only four Pirs had emerged so far?


    However, Zac��s theory was killed as quickly as it was born.


    ��No, that is different,�� Per said with a shake of her head. ��Only one of the pirs was involved in an Apostatic Ascent. The wars involved something else. Nothing good wille from you knowing the details right now. But suffice to say, there are opposing camps to an ancient struggle while the Vigil is a neutral party.��


    ��So you just�� look?�� Zac said.


    ��Not quite. We have one important task; to keep the Heavens out of the equation. Fate must be decided by men, not by the Dao,�� the Void Priestess said. ��Most factions are quite happy to help us out in that regard, as they want to seize the future for themselves.��


    ��If you can��t tell me what this is all about, then what can you tell me?�� Zac asked.


    ��Don��t worry. Those things might matter to you if you ever close in on the peaks. Until then, they are only a distraction,�� Per said. ��What I can tell you would rather help you in the short run.��


    ��Can you help me find the rest of the pieces?�� Zac asked hopefully.


    ��No, I cannot get directly involved like that,�� Per smiled. ��Besides, I have no idea.��


    ��Then what?��


    ��As I said, the System has intervened and enforced some rules,�� Per said. ��Much is still in flux, but I can tell you a few things with certainty. These are things the other participants already know, or will soone to find out, so it can barely be counted as an intervention.


    ��First, you will have to contend with others for your im. You should already know that much. Their ages are limited to 100 years, which puts you at less of a disadvantage. Any older, and they will not be able to find any of the keys.��


    Zac��s brows rose in surprise. It actually looked like the System had done him a solid there. People below 100 years were all part of the young generation, and it beatpeting against old monsters who had lived for millions of years.


    Of course, a century was still a long time, especially for someone like Zac, who had only cultivated for just over a decade. Progress slowed down the further you went, but 100 years should be enough to reach at least Middle D-grade for a young elite. Probably even Late D-grade if you had both the talent and resources.


    ��Secondly, you will not be able toplete your seal through fate and serendipity,�� Per continued. ��The System will not allow it.��


    ��What?!�� Zac eximed.


    Was this why he failed to sense any more pieces while both Ogras and Iz had found theirs? If so, it was a huge blow. Many of his ns hinged on him finding the seals to the Left Imperial Pce, even if he had just gotten his hand on a decent substitute.


    ��It is not just for you. The inheritance of Ultom has been integrated with the uing war, and the right to participate will depend on your contribution,�� Per said. ��I do not know how close you are to gaining ess to the inheritance, but the final piece is already in the System��s hands.��


    ��Integrated with the war? What does that mean?�� Zac frowned. ��I have to buy thest pieces with war credits?��


    ��Something in that regard. Or perhaps the pieces will be moved to key battlefields,�� Per said. ��I am not sure about the exact details. We will find out more once the war officially starts.��


    ��Do you know when the war will officially start?�� Zac asked.


    ��Four years,�� the Void Priestess said. ��It was supposed to take longer, but I fear the fusion of these two events changed the timeline.��


    ��And these outside factions will send their own people to join the war?�� Zac frowned.


    ��It appears that way. Some have already arrived, like the descendant of the Empyrean Throne you seem to know somehow. Luckily for Zecia, there are some safeguards in ce. This is a test of fate, and the System is preventing our little sector from being overrun by outsidebatants,�� Per exined.


    ��But there will be scions of peak factions joining the war, on both sides probably? Bringing their elders and bodyguards?�� Zac frowned.


    ��Most likely,�� Per nodded.


    ��A lot of locals will die if forced to face something like that,�� Zac sighed.


    ��The strong devour the weak, as it has always been,�� Per said with equanimity.


    Zac didn��t immediately answer but instead went over his ns regarding the new information. Four years was a bit shorter than he could have hoped, but it wasn��t a worst-case scenario. The biggest problem was the fourth piece of rubble, where Zac found himself in a Catch-22. He needed those pieces to break through before the war, but he had to wait until the war to get the pieces.


    It put him under a lot more pressure. Not only did he have to find the third piece quickly, but he had to find a solution to his blueprint with that piece alone. There would be no backup unless he was willing to join the war as an E-grade warrior. And he wasn��t, especially not after learning about these outsiders who would participate like it was some sort of limited trial. He refused to see his people be contribution points to some rich asshole from the Multiverse Hearnds.


    Besides, with the System controlling the events, it was extremely likely would be set at a collision course with the other candidates. If he stayed as an E-grade cultivator in the face of such a threat, he��d be ughtered. If he broke through, he��d at least have a fighting chance.


    ��This is what I wanted to tell you,�� Per eventually said. ��Work hard theseing years. The stronger you be, the more you will have to say about Zecia��s fate. Now, I��ll send you back to your people.��


    Zac��s eyes widened in surprise. Already? He had just been here for a few minutes, and there were still a lot of things he needed to find out. But he already felt space twist around him, prompting him to blurt out the first thing that came to mind.


    ��Wait,�� Zac urgently said. ��Can you tell me the real name of Emperor Limitless?


    ��His name?�� Per said with surprise. ��He went by his Dao Name for most of his life, but his true name was Laondio Evrodok.��


    Zac��s heart clenched with shock, but the next moment he was gone, leaving the Void Priestess alone in her chambers. Blood started to run down Per��s nose as cracks spread across her skin, but she didn��t care.


    ��This is all I can do for you, my child,�� she said with a soft gaze as she turned toward the sky. ��This guy is a troublemaker, but he might be the key.��

 Chapter 930: Departure

    Chapter 930: Departure


    Space twisted, but the confusing blur was nothing to the confusion already raging in Zac��s mind. Emperor Limitless�� name was Laondio Evrodok and not Karz? Itpletely threw a lot of Zac��s theories out the window.


    Not only that, but Laondio was even a name he knew. Laondio was the talented alchemist Zac had seen in his bloodline vision. He had been a unique talent of the Blue Spring Sect that Karz had managed to enter in the second vision.


    But the Blue Spring Sect seemed to be the equivalent of a D-grade force at best. Being talented in such a faction ultimately didn��t amount to much. To think a random alchemist managed to go from such a ce to standing at the peak of all existence.


    Or had he?


    This was all ancient history. Between the founding of the Limitless Empire and the birth of the System, hundreds of millions of years had passed. Who knew exactly what happened all those years ago. Perhaps Karz had taken the identity of this alchemist for some reason? Or was Karz the true Emperor Limitless, but had his throne usurped? Why else would Leandra say that he carried the ��Original Sin��?


    It was impossible to tell, but Per��s promation had undeniably left ripples on the calmke of certainty.


    Space soon stabilized, and Zac found himself standing in an enormous chamber made out of stone. Walls were covered with inscriptions, and the air was rife with Spatial Energy. Of course, that might be because of the temr and two nuns standing in the distance, surrounding a familiar gemstone; Gemmy.


    There were some clear differences to the Dimensional Seed, though. For one, the gemstone was just over half the size. Secondly, it had turned squarish with a radiant cut. Around it, a mesh of some sort of Spiritual Silver had been added, making her look like a fancy amulet.


    Tremendous waves of Spatial Energy surrounded gemmy and the three cultivators, who had to be the Monarchs Per mentioned before. They were still hard at work, infusing tremendous amounts of energy into the gemstone.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What happened to you?�� a familiar voice said, and Zac turned over to see Ogras, Iz, Billy, and Leyara standing to his side, looking curiously at him.


    ��I had a talk with the Void Priestess,�� Zac exined.


    ��You talked with master?�� Leyara said with surprise. ��Why?��


    ��She wanted to rify some things,�� Zac said.


    ��Your friend was just telling us how you closed the gate,�� Leyara sighed. ��I��m sorry, I didn��t expect the danger to be that great.��


    ��Well, it worked out in the end,�� Zac said. ��What��s going on here? Did something happen?��


    ��Haha, how can Billy��s n fail?�� Billy said triumphantly.


    ��They are helping stabilize the realm so Billy can provide ess a bit quicker,�� Ogras exined.


    ��We were lucky Miss Tayn and her guides arrived when they did,�� Leyara added. ��The final touches were much more difficult to deal with than we expected. But I��m curious, how do the two of you know each other?��


    ��It��s a bitplicated,�� Zac said with a wry smile.


    ��Fate,�� Iz said, speaking up for the first time since Zac returned.


    Leyara��s brows rose with surprise, but before she could speak, another presence appeared right in front of them. It was a humanoid golem just a bit bigger than Billy. It emitted no aura, but Zac felt a pang of extreme danger as it slowly turned its head toward him.


    ��Enough,�� Iz calmly said.


    ��I am happy to see you are safe, young miss,�� the Golem rumbled. ��I was worried when I felt the connection to my clone disappear. Are you ready to leave?��


    Iz didn��t immediately answer but instead nced at Zac.


    ��I have some lingering matters to attend to. Kvalk, could you iste us for a moment?��


    The Golem was obviously reluctant, but a fiery barrier still erupted around Zac and Iz while leaving the others outside.


    ��Is everything okay?�� Zac asked as he nced at the Golem.


    ��You never answered my question before,�� Iz said.


    ��What?�� Zac said before he remembered their talk before the Mystic Realm started copsing. ��Oh, what I am doing next?��


    ��Fate��s tide is rising,�� Iz calmly nodded.


    ��I know,�� Zac sighed. ��I just heard more powerful factions are on their way. Apparently, the war in this sector will involve the inheritance. It��s a big mess.��


    ��I would give you advice if I could, but I believe your future is best explored by yourself,�� Iz said. ��I am heading into the Million Gates Territory next. I would offer to bring you, but my family will not agree as we are technically in contention for Ultom.��


    ��That��s fine,�� Zac nodded. He hesitated for a moment before he decided to speak up again. ��I might meet you there, though I��m not sure. I n on shoring up my foundations before heading to the Perennial Vastness to form my core. I will probably go within two years.��


    ��Perennial Vastness?�� Iz slowly nodded. ��I��ve heard of it. Its environment is far superior to this region. Both materials and techniques exist in abundance over there. It should help lessen the burden of your path.��


    Zac��s eyes lit up as this was the first concrete description of the mysterious realm that would make even scions of powerful faction desirous. There being a bunch of materials was the most important part. At the very least, he would have to upgrade his Specialty Core along with his grade, and possibly parts of his bloodline.


    And one thing was for sure �C his body was always hungry. The more stuff he could gobble up in the Perennial Vastness, the less his own coffers would suffer.


    Still, that was just the tip of the iceberg of what he needed to know. ��Do�� you have any advice? For core creation?��


    ��I am afraid I��d cloud your path,�� Iz said. ��You are creating your own system. I am not qualified to guide someone like you. But if I could offer one piece of advice, it would be not to limit yourself by conventional wisdom. My grandpa once said that under the Heavens, anything is possible.��


    Zac nodded in thanks, feeling her sentiment echoing Yrial��s. And Zac was of a simr mind himself. If you limited yourself to what everyone said could and couldn��t be done, especially here on the Frontier, you��d never rise above.


    ��I will visit you once more after I��ve found the pieces,�� Iz added after a moment.


    ��What?�� Zac eximed.


    ��Our arrangement still stands,�� Iz smiled as the [Stone of Celestial Void] appeared in her hand.


    Zac looked at the treasure with a mix of desire and reluctance. He really wanted it, but the thought of getting roasted by Iz Tayn��s mes made him shudder, especially in his current condition.


    ��Alright,�� Zac eventually nodded. ��Just so you know, I am staying on a shielded by the System.��


    ��It does not matter as long as you do not form another eruption of Chaos like you did in the Voidcatcher,�� Iz said without care, confirming Zac��s hunch her tracking method worked even through the System��s shroud.


    ��It��s been�� interesting�� traveling with you,�� Iz said as a small smile spread across her face. ��Be careful not to poke the river of fate too much. If you blow up every ce you visit, you��ll end up living in ruins.��


    ��Well, I��m working on it,�� Zac coughed.


    Iz nodded, and the next moment she was gone, engulfed in a puff of mes. The Golem was gone as well, but a rumbling fire suddenly appeared in Zac��s mind, blocking out all else.


    ��Boy, our young miss is magnanimous, but the world is cruel. A storm ising to this corner of space, and you have ced yourself in its center. Talent is useless in the face of raw strength. Ask yourself if it is worth it. Of course, if you assist our young miss in this undertaking, I dare guarantee no force will dare meddle with you or your kin.��


    With that, the two were truly gone, leaving Zac with mixed emotions. As expected, her n didn��t share Iz��s apparent indifference to Ultom and his rtion to it. At least the Golem wanted him to assist Iz in seizing the inheritance rather than outright killing him, which wasn��t too bad.


    Still, there were no guarantees such a treatment wouldst. Like the Golem said �C talent was useless in the face of raw strength. He had nothing to bargain with when dealing with those kinds of factions. The moment he stopped being useful, he would be expendable.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Leyara asked, which dragged Zac out of his thoughts.


    ��Oh, nothing,�� Zac sighed.


    ��Girl troubles?�� Leyara smiled. ��Want me to teach you about the fairer sex?��


    ��Good luck with that,ss,�� Ogras snorted. ��You should know a lost cause when you see one.��


    ��I think I��m doing just fine, thank you very much,�� Zac grunted. ��So, how long until we can extract the others?��


    ��Not long,�� Leyara said.


    Ten minutester, the powerful fluctuations surrounding Gemmy subsided, and Billy scurried over with worry in his eyes.


    ��Is Gemmy okay?�� Billy asked as the others caught up.


    ��The Realm Spirit is alive and well but very tired. It will most likely have to enter a long rest to recover,�� the Monarch said.


    ��Ah, Billy always feels better after sleeping,�� Billy nodded.


    ��As the owner, you should still be able to exert basic control over the world. Are you able to sense those still inside? It might take some time to get used to the different sensa-��


    The Monarch didn��t get any further before almost thirty people appeared on the tform around them.


    ��-tions. Huh.��


    Everyone was there, except for the small settlement of Gnivelings. Vai looked a bit harried, but her eyes lit up upon seeing Zac standing close by.


    ��You did it!�� the researcher said excitedly as she walked over.


    ��Nothing to it,�� Zac smiled, like he hadn��t almost gotten himself killed just a couple of hours ago.


    ��What- What are you doing next?�� Vai asked.


    ��Heading back home soon,�� Zac said. ��How about you join us? The Atwood Empire could use some talented researchers.��


    ��Ah- I-�� Vai stuttered.


    ��Hey, don��t go kidnapping my little aunt,�� Leyara said with a mock scowl. ��How about I-��


    ��No!�� Vai said with determination. ��Focus on cultivation until you��ve grown up.��


    Zac smiled with a shake of his head.


    ��No need to go back right away,�� Ogras suddenly said.


    ��I thought you would be the most eager one to get back home,�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��Fair, but this is a pretty good opportunity, no?�� Ogras said. ��This is a proper C-grade faction, and they should have some good things for sale. I��m sure the young miss of the vaunted Void Gate can help us in this regard?��


    ��I��m just the boss��s disciple; I don��t have any actual authority,�� Leyara said with a roll of her eyes.


    ��You are wee to stay here at Alpha Vigil,�� one of the Monarchs said. ��We must deal with the enemies inside the Mystic Realm in either case.��


    ��Can��t Billy just drag them out too?�� Billy asked. ��Billy can sense them just fine.��


    ��Removing someone unwilling will cause a conflict,�� the Monarch exined. ��With the Realm Spirt so exhausted, it��s unwise to exhaust it unduly.��


    ��Alright, let��s stay until everything is dealt with,�� Zac agreed.


    Zac and the others spent three more days in Alpha Vigil. The remaining Kan��Tanu cultists were quickly captured or killed as the Void Gate sent over 500 Hegemons into the Mystic Realm. The Temr traitor was also caught, thanks to Billy essentially being omniscient when connecting with Gemmy.


    As for the Gnivelings, they chose to join the Void Gate. Honestly, Zac wasn��t too surprised. It beat being stuck in a Pocket Realm, and he had to admit the Void Gate was superior to the Atwood Empire no matter how you looked at it. As such, the Mystic Realm became a wild realm with only beasts remaining.


    Apart from recuperating, Zac spent most of his time perusing Alpha Vigil��s extensive stores and venues. Most stores used the Void Gate��s internal currency, but Leyara helped pull some strings to allow Zac to buy some items for Nexus Coins instead. The first thing he bought was a batch of Void Stones just like the ones he saw in the Void Priestess�� home.


    The stones he managed to buy were unfortunately norger than fists, but they still contained the equivalent amount of Void Energy to a High-Grade Nexus Crystal. The energy was clean and easily absorbed, so even if they didn��t hold as much energy as Void Cores, they allowed him to recover his Void Energy quicker.


    Unfortunately, these types of materials only appeared in the Void. It wasn��t that actual worlds existed in that weird dimension, but rather that things asionally wound up there. A Mystic Realm could copse, and whole mountain ranges could get swallowed by the Void. Usually, those ces gradually eroded into nothingness, but on asion, they mutated into things like these Void Stones.


    Thanks to this, Zac also managed to acquire various void-rted materials, things he��d never even heard of. Zac even suspected that the Void Priestess had personally intervened for these kinds of things to appear in the contribution store.


    With Vai safely returned to the Void Gate, he alsopleted his bodyguard quest. Of course, the rewards didn��t matter much to him, but failing quests was never good. Unfortunately, there was still no word from the others on the squad.


    The good news was that Teo Kaste had a life tablet, and it was actually still intact. It looked like he had managed to survive the Cortex copsing somehow. Hopefully, he had managed to save a few others, though Zac wasn��t too hopeful in that regard. It was an unfortunate reminder that life was all-too-cheap in the Multiverse.


    He also managed to strike some tentative agreements through Pretty. She was shocked to find out Zac owned a production line for top-tier Cosmic Vessels, and she said she could almost guarantee that the Allbright Empire would buy as many vessels as he could deliver. Of course, that was contingent on the quality of the vessels, but Zac was confident anything the Creators crafted was up to snuff.


    Zac wasn��t the only one who benefitted from their stay at the resource depot. Ogras finally got his hands on a Peak-quality E-grade Spirit Tool suited for his style. It was made from a mix of spatial metals and others designed to make it harder to track. It waspletely translucent and almost looked like a 3-meter long icepick, but when infused with the Dao of Shadows, it became dark grey. Thanks to its spatialponents, the spear could even enter Ogras�� shadows without issue.


    But soon enough, it was time to leave, though that came with a sudden revtion.


    ��You��re noting?�� Zac said with shock as they stood at the teleportation station. ��Why not?��


    ��Billy made a promise,�� Billy said with a grimace. ��Billy has to go to Southern Mountain.��


    ��What? Where?�� Zac said with confusion.


    Billy hesitated for a moment before answering. ��Before when Billy fell asleep, a statue taught Billy to get stronger. When Gemmy got sick, Billy made a deal with Statue Man. Billy got the array to save Gemmy, but Billy has to join Southern Mountain.��


    Zac��s eyes widened inprehension, and he remembered how he��d seen Billy cultivate in his sleep. So it turned out he did not only gain levels andprehension in his sleep, he even received guidance from some master. After all, someone who could just hand out a method like the one they used on Gemmy had to be pretty powerful.


    ��Don��t look at me,�� Ogras said when Zac nced in his direction. ��Perhaps some sort of karmic connection? Like that monk?��


    ��Stupid Statue Man always say Billy is a Titan like Statue Man, but Billy is human,�� Billy huffed.


    ��Uh,�� Ogras coughed, and Zac wryly smiled.


    From the sound of it, the Southern Mountain was a Titanic Faction. However, Zac had never heard of such a ce before. He wasn��t even sure it was part of Zecia. Zac doubted it was, considering the method to produce Pocket Realms was beyond even the Void Gate, ording to Vai.


    In other words, this was a pretty amazing opportunity for Billy. Conversely, Earth didn��t have much to offer someone like him, and Zac wasn��t sure a brutal war was the best ce for Billy to grow. Better he left for a powerful Titanic Faction, even if it meant Earth lost another capable fighter.


    ��When are youing back?�� Zac asked, opting not to question Billy��s lineage. That was a headache for the Southern Mountain.


    ��Billy doesn��t know. But maybe a long, long time. Say hello to Thea and Nigel for Billy?�� Billy said with a weak smile.


    ���� I will,�� Zac said after a small pause.


    Zac hadn��t told Billy about Thea while they were stuck in the Mystic Realm. He figured it wouldn��t do anyone any good to drop such a bomb on Billy while things were so chaotic. And now, it didn��t make much sense to tell him either.


    Or was he just being selfish?


    ��The Teleportation Array that Billy needs to create is quiteplex, but my master promised to help as thanks for Billy helping us solve the problem of the infiltrators,�� Leyara added.


    ��Alright,�� Zac said as he looked at the others. ��Thank you for everything, all of you.��


    ��Billy will miss you, Super Brother Man,�� Billy said as he lifted Zac in a big bear hug. ��You, Horny Guy, not as much.��


    ��Well, isn��t that nice,�� Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    ��I��ll miss you too,�� Zac said. ��But I��m sure we��ll see each other again. Until then, work hard to get stronger, alright? There are a lot of bad guys out there.��


    ��Billy will be the strongest,�� Billy nodded as though it was a matter of course.


    ��You��re always wee to visit again,�� Leyara smiled. ��We��ll just have to keep you away from important ces, so you don��t blow them up as well.��


    Zac could onlyugh in response. Being known as a walking cmity was at least better than being known as a world-renowned pervert.


    ��Be careful,�� Vai added.


    ��You too,�� Zac smiled. ��Next time we meet, we might both be Hegemons.��


    ��That��s-�� Vai hesitated. ��I��m����


    ��I believe you can do it,�� Zac said. ��After all, you��re someone who made it to the depths of the Void Star and back.��


    ��I��ll- I��ll do my best,�� Vai said with determination in her eyes.


    The array shed to life a momentter, and the two stepped through. He was finally going back to Earth.

 Chapter 931: Old Friend

    Chapter 931: Old Friend


    The tranquility of the secluded courtyard was broken as Zac and Ogras stepped through the teleportation array, arriving in Zac��s privatepound. Looking down at his hands, Zac still barely felt what he��d been through was real. But the quest remained, proving that the visions, the Left Imperial Pce, and the existence of the Ultom Courts were all real.


    Unfortunately, neither Per Janodrok nor his stay at Alpha Vigil had provided any further clues to what it meant to be named a ��mebearer of Ultom.�� And the talk of the direction of the era and opposing sides to a struggle only muddied the waters further, making it impossible for Zac to know what to expect.


    ��Still overexerting that brain of yours?�� Ogras snorted from the side.


    ��You��re not worried?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Not really,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I��ll snatch the opportunities I can without getting myself killed. As for the bigshotsing here, they��ll hopefully be too busy dealing with each other to bother with some random native. And if worsees to worst, I��ll just go ahead and hide in your shadows.��


    ��Well, isn��t that nice,�� Zac snorted. ��What��s your n now?��


    ��I��m pretty much rested, so I��ll go ahead and tour this empire of yours,�� Ogras grinned. ��Just remember to contact your followers so I��m not mistaken for a shapeshifter, if you would.��


    It was an odd feature Zac learned of when traveling through the Mystic Realm with Ogras and Vai. Ogras�� affiliation hadn��t actually transformed to Atwood Empire when the others�� did. It had stayed as Port Atwood until Zac told him about the situation. Zac had no idea the purpose of something like that, but perhaps it was tobat abuse.


    ��Alright, have fun. I think you��ll find Ilvere��s establishments in Azh��Rodum to your tastes,�� Zac said with a small smile.


    The demon��s eyes lit up, and he stepped back onto the Teleportation Array. ��Good man. I knew I could trust him to fix this boring ce.��


    A momentter, the demon was gone, leaving Zac alone with his thoughts. Before anything, Zac sent out a series of messages that he was back, that the mission was sessful, and that he had even brought back Ogras. It took less than a minute before he sensed two auras bearing down on him, and he turned with a smile to see Vri and Joanna appear in front of him almost simultaneously.


    ��You��re back,�� Joanna smiled.


    ��I��m back,�� Zac nodded. ��It��s nice to see you two. You��ve both gotten stronger.��


    Joanna��s aura had be more condensed, while Vri��s had be more ethereal. If Zac had to guess, Vri had made some improvements to her soul. Perhaps she had practiced [Thousand Lights Avatar] to some degree of sess? After all, he had given her the method after returning to Earth.


    ��I used a few of your Teleportation Tokens while you were gone to hone myself,�� Joanna nodded. ��I��ve filled up my Limited Titles now, and I even managed to finally form my first Dao Branch.��


    ��First?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��With the waring up, I��ve decided to go for broke and work on a second one,�� Joanna said with a determined gleam in her eyes.


    Zac understood what she meant. The war was a risk but also an opportunity. It was possibly Joanna��s best shot to reforge her fate and have a go at something more than bing an early to middle Hegemon. Of course, this would make her path far more difficult as well.


    ��Alright, let me know if you need anything from me,�� Zac nodded. ��I found some good things during this trip; they might be useful.��


    ��I think I just need to pit myself against more powerful enemies,�� Joanna said with a shake of her head. ��Using treasures to bolster my path of war would probably do more harm than good.��


    ��You��re wounded. Badly,�� Vri suddenly interjected with a frown. ��Your energy ispletely turbid.��


    She was absolutely correct. Three days of rest on Alpha Vigil was only enough time to do some more patchwork repairs on his body. He was still far from a fighting condition. In fact, he could barely circte any Cosmic Energy in his human form even if his human pathways weren��t that badly off.


    The real problems were his Draugr side and his foundations. He had been forced to swap over to his human form soon after the battle ended, leaving his undead side in utter disrepair. Since then, he could not swap back because he had activated the array to hide his constitution. So his pathways for Fetters of Destion were still mostly broken.


    Pathways were easily repaired, but the real problem was the damage to his foundation, which affected both sides. Not only could he still feel the nasty cracks left from activating his two Remnant Attacks, but there was still a lot of invisible damage from being engulfed by his own ultimate st.


    ��Things got a bitplicated,�� Zac grimaced. ��I n to seclude myself and focus on recovery. But I��ll be back in business soon enough.��


    ��Is there anything we can do?�� Joanna asked. ��Do you need some sort of materials? Or-��


    ��I��m fine,�� Zac smiled with a wave. ��I just need to rest up in my cave.��


    ��Alright, but don��t hesitate to call if you need us for something, alright?�� Joanna urged before ncing toward the shipyard with some anticipation. ��So you did it? You really got the piece needed to upgrade that ce?��


    ��I got it,�� Zac nodded. ��I��ll upgrade the shipyard soon. Some things have changed though, so I think we need to have a meeting with the core members.��


    ��The demon friend of yours?�� Vri asked.


    ��That��s part of it,�� Zac nodded. ��But also things about the war. Please have people gather at Bra��s in a week.��


    ��Before that, you might want to visit the Sky Gnome,�� Joanna said. ��I talked with him the other day, and he was quite troubled. You had left some instructions for him, to look out for certain coded messages? Apparently, he has been bombarded thest month, to the point he wonders if he should respond.��


    ��Oh?�� Zac said with interest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The only messages he had instructed Calrin to keep watch for were the special channels he had prepared tomunicate with Catheya. After hearing Per��s warning about the Undead Empire, he had already suspected as much, but it looked like the Draugr scion was back in Zecia.


    Either that or she had sent a messenger she trusted. It was still impossible to tell whether it was rted to his entry into the Undead Empire or Ultom. But judging by how incessantly they seemed to be looking for him, Zac guessed it was associated with thetter.


    ��I��ll deal with it tomorrow,�� Zac nodded. ��For now, I have to rest. Is there anything else that��s urgent before I leave?��


    Joanna and Vri nced at each other before Vri spoke up. ��There are a lot of rumors floating about in Port Atwood. Rumors of undead skulking in the shadows, of ndestine experiments performed by you. We��ve done what we can to curtail it, but����


    ��Well, it was inevitable after the Ensolus incursion was closed,�� Zac grunted. ��I guess it��s time to properly integrate the two sides of the Atwood Empire. Keep things stable for now. We��ll discuss the details during the meeting in a week.��


    ��Of course,�� Vri said.


    A few momentster, Zac sat down on his prayer mat in the undead half of his cultivation cave, letting the soothing waves of death wash over his Draugr form. Everything looked mostly the same, except for the energy having be slightly denser and purer. Part of it probably came from Triv��s incremental upgrades to the environment, while part of it came from the still-ongoing maturity process of Earth.


    Gradually, order was imposed on the chaotic mess that was his pathways as Zac redrew one section after another. Between his powerful soul and Peak Mastery [Spiritual Anchor], the process was both quick and almost effortless, allowing him to go over the events.


    Just sitting in his hidden cave provided some bnce and tranquility, and he gradually started to digest and go over what he��d learned over the past months. Unfortunately, so many pieces of information were missing to draw any clear conclusions. Everyone seemed afraid to say too much, lest it somehow affects fate.


    But it felt like the conflict he had been dragged into had multipleyers, where the struggle for an Eternal Heritage was just the surface prize. What were the opposing sides Per mentioned? Who fought for the direction of the era? The Boundless Path and Heaven��s path, perhaps? Did one side want to use the pirs to dismantle the System, while the others wanted to use them to improve it?


    Was that why the pirs were gradually resurfacing? By design, ording to Leyara. Was the Limitless Emperor giving the future generations a choice? Or was it rted so some other far-reaching n of his, one that may or may not have gone awry now that he was long gone? Was that what the Vigil was waiting for?


    And how did it all rte to him and his bloodline?


    There was no way to tell. Yet. Piece by piece, Zac would unearth the truth. And he even had a possible venue to get some more answers, provided his theories were correct �C the Undead Empire.


    Zac spent the next day getting his Draugr Pathways into a barely functioning order. A lot of detail was still missing, but the framework he��d set up would at least allow for his Miasma to naturally flow through his body. It felt like he could suddenly breathe again, but he only got to enjoy the feeling for a short minute before transforming back to his human form.


    A cursory scan of his already umting pile of messages confirmed that Ogras�� reintegration into society had gone well. The demon was living it up in Azh��Rodum, and the festivities would probablyst a few days longer. Zac had received a note of thanks and an invitation from Ilvere to join them, but he, unfortunately, had a bit much to deal with.


    Instead, he teleported over to the Mercantile District to visit Calrin. Zac found the Sky Gnome in his office, as usually apanied by Vikram, Zac��s business liaison.


    ��Ah, Lord Atwood? You��re finally here!�� the Sky Gnome smiled when Zac entered through the gilded doors. ��When I saw the sun part the clouds this morning, I knew this would be a good day.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��Are you looking for handouts again?��


    ��Absolutely not,�� Calrin said with a puffed-out chest. ��Things are looking up since yourst dona- ah, consignment. Some of the bulk materials you had in your Spatial Rings are extremely scarce in the Zecia Sector. We could deal in tons while others dealt in kilos! Thanks to that, I managed to sign a few lucrative agreements.��


    ��You didn��t sell off anything we needed, right?�� Zac asked with a frown.


    ��Most of your materials are only used in specific types of recipes and crafting techniques out of our reach,�� Vikram exined. ��For example, you had over five hundred metric tons of a type of Cinnabar Bark which is a core material for a certain type of ink popr among inscriptionists. That stockpile alone is worth almost two million D-grade Nexus Coins now that demand for talismans has shot through the roof, though it will take some time to unload it all.��


    Zac��s eyes widened in shock, and he remembered how he had almost considered pawning off all that bark in exchange for 100 Contribution Points in the Orom World Merit Store. From what he��d gathered, it wasn��t anything special, but Zac had failed to take into ount that a lot of useful materials were missing in a frontier sector like Zecia.


    ��Better yet, it allowed us to sign a trade agreement with the Kalton n, a variety wholesaler and direct subordinate of Mount Luminous, one of the nine peak ventures in Zecia. With the suppression of the other two bastards, the Kalton n would never dare do so without the go-ahead from Mount Luminous.��


    ��Mount Luminous?�� Zac hesitated, feeling it was vaguely familiar. ��Buddhists?��


    ��Not at all,�� Calrin smiled. ��It��s a joint venture between the Allbright n and a few other major yers in the Allbright Empire. We actually got an offer with another one of the nine peak mercantile factions, but we figured you already had some connections to the Albright Empire����


    ��That��s perfect,�� Zac nodded, not surprised at all the Albright Empire was willing to sh with the other traders for these strategic resources. ��Do they know I��m connected to the Thayer Consortia?��


    ��Unless they��re stupid,�� Calrin nodded. ��The Tsarun somehow managed to find out even if you killed that brat in the Base Town, and the spies of the other factions should have figured it out by now as well. In fact, the Kalton n has sent more than one inquiry, just barely stopping short of actually asking about your situation outright.


    ��Hm,�� Zac slowly nodded.


    ��If Lord Atwood is interested in my opinion, then I would say that your connection to us being made public is a good thing,�� Calrin added.


    ��It is? Like for marketing?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��Well, that too,�� Calrin said. ��But with our recent moves, the mystery surrounding you has grown. With our ess to rare materials, seemingly infinite resources, and your sister��s apparent ability to break any low-grade array, some new rumors have started flourishing. That you are more connected than you let on before. That you possibly have already found a benefactor outside Zecia.��


    Zac couldn��t help butugh at that. Honestly, the rumors felt more believable than the truth, that he picked up most of these things from the ground during a battle between Divine Monarchs and an Autarch. Perhaps the Monarchs of Zecia believed some bigshot from a faction like the Radiant Temple had taken him as a Disciple, which wouldn��t be too surprising considering his feats in the Tower of Eternity.


    ��We kept things vague for now, only hinting but never confirming,�� Calrin added.


    ��That��s good; give me some time to think things over,�� Zac said. ��So, what��s the total value of the items I brought?��


    ��In raw materials alone, you��ve reached a worth of almost 40 C-grade Nexus Coins,�� Vikram said. ��However, we have only sold off a tenth for now, because the prices are still rising. We didn��t want to empty our stores too quickly and only sold what we had to in order to secure the agreements.��


    A smile spread across Zac��s face as the good news just kept getting better. His own estimate had been at only half that, and that was for the whole hoard. The only thing raining on his parade was Iz��s offhandedments that crushed his image of a young scion with deep pockets.


    ��It is harder to estimate the value of the unique treasures, but I��d say the total value is between 4 and 6 C-grade Nexus Coins,�� the Sky Gnome added. ��But it��s a moot point since we��re keeping those in-house.��


    ��Anything I can use?�� Zac asked.


    ��Perhaps,�� Calrin said as he handed over a list. ��Some of these items have no recorded name in Zecia, but through a series of tests, we have pinpointed their use. With a good chunk of the items either having Life- or Death-attunement, there should be some that can help expedite your cultivation. The lesser ones might be good carrots to keep your new subjects motivated.��


    Zac grinned as he took the ledger. He��d been looking forward to this for so long. Years spent in the Orom World, with a treasure trove at his fingertips. Certainly, that was partly his own fault, with his reluctance to take out too many items from his Spatial Rings out of fear they��d be marked by the Orom somehow.


    A cursory scan helped him find more than ten items that would help him shore up his foundations before breaking through. They ranged from Life-attuned materials that would speed up the cultivation of his [Void Vajra Sublimation], to rare Dao Treasures and even items that could help search for Hidden Nodes.


    Zac couldn��t be sure, but he somehow felt he had tapped out his nodes that originated on his human side. The three nodes of the Void Emperor Bloodline formed a coherent system, and he doubted his original form was meant to have anything else. If he understood the ns of the Kayar-Elu properly, his human side was intended to be a nk te that would be bolstered through the [Quantum Gate].


    Things no longer followed the original script with him bing a Draugr instead of whatever the Technocrats nned, but the n was still relevant. So far, he had managed to excavate [Adamance of Eoz], but Zac doubted that was the limits of his Draugr Heritage after seeing how his ancestor was one of the three strongest original Draugr.


    Seeing all the amazing items, Zac just wanted to seclude himself and start working on his cultivation, but that wasn��t why he hade here today.


    ��Great work with all this. You can deal with the rest ording to your n. Only one thing; the uing war will start earlier than most expect, so you might need to adjust for this,�� Zac said.


    ��Oh?�� Calrin said with a frown.


    ��Four years,�� Zac sighed. ��And it will be even bloodier than we feared. Powerful outsider factions are joining in. So, if you see anything up for grabs that can improve our strength and survivability, get it.��


    ��Four years? Outsiders?�� Calrin muttered as he shared a look with Vikram.


    ��We need to make some adjustments,�� the liaison said.


    ��So we do,�� Calrin agreed.


    ��Let me know if you need anything from me,�� Zac said. ��On another note, I heard there had been activity through the line ofmunication I left you?��


    ��Yes,�� Calrin nodded. ��If you want my opinion, they are desperate judging by the frequency.��


    ��Desperate? Have you responded?�� Zac asked.


    ��Not yet,�� Calrin said. ��The trade is still open.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac slowly said before he took out a notepad and scribbled some instructions. ��Here,plete the trade ording to this.��


    The Sky Gnome nodded, and a screen opened up in front of him. Half a minuteter, a box appeared in his hand. Zac opened it up, and amunication crystal waited inside. He scanned the contents, and a wry smile spread across his face.


    It looked like he would get to meet an old friend sooner than expected.

 Chapter 932: Upgrade

    Chapter 932: Upgrade


    ��You jerk, I know you escaped that space fish over a year ago, and you only contact me now? Every week I record these things like a fool. The elders even started thinking I was lying when I said I knew you. In either case, I have good news. Everything worked out even better than I expected. I even got to visit the Abyssal Shores as a reward for introducing you.


    ��You have to see that ce �C it��s amazing. And I don��t think it��s possible to truly unlock our heritage without visiting the Abyssal Lake. It��s paradise, though it can also be dangerous, even for Draugr.


    ��There have also been some new developments, and our representatives really want to discuss some matters with you. It��s not convenient to speak like this, but I think you know what I��m talking about. Couldn��t even wait one year aftering home before you started creating waves, huh?��


    ��I know what you��re thinking, but I hope you believe me when I say we have strict orders from above to be as amodating as possible and not to antagonize you in any way. We are ready to negotiate in good faith, and we are willing to agree with any security measures you feel necessary to meet with us.��


    ��In either case, I look forward to seeing you again. I think you��ll be shocked to see how much I��ve progressed.��


    Zac wordlessly looked at themunication crystal as he went over the message. As expected, the Undead Empire seemed very interested in Ultom. They already had the Heart of the Empire, but why be satisfied with one Eternal Heritage when you could have two? Zac could understand why the Undead Empire was so interested. Judging by the bursts of unattuned knowledge Ultom had provided so far, this one might be one of the few Heritages that suited the Undead Empire apart from one dealing with death.


    The message also contained some valuable hints, probably left intentionally by Catheya. For example, she had said ��the elders�� rather than master or ��my family.�� In other words, it looked like she was apanied by someone other than her Revenant master or some elder from n Sharva��Zi. It served as a small warning, even if she had said the Undead Empire wanted to discuss things in good faith.


    Not only that, but judging by her opening sentence, it sounded like she not only knew about the Orom, but had arrived in Zecia even before he triggered the quest for the Left Imperial Pce. ording to Iz, they had only found out about Ultom because of some sort of gctic ripples that appeared during his first vision. So Ultom wasn��t the only reason they were interested in him.


    It was a smallfort since it meant he possibly had two things the Undead Empire needed. It was an advantage he might be able to use,pared to the other outside factions where his ess to Ultom was his only redeeming factor. It didn��t solve the main issue, though, that there were huge risks associated with bartering with these kinds of factions.


    Still, Zac felt it was worth meeting up with Catheya, and not just because it would be nice to see her after over five years. Risks were unavoidable on the path of cultivation, and he knew trouble woulde looking for him even if he hid away here on Earth. Better to take charge of his own fate, and the Undead Empire seemed one of the best options to ally with.


    Especially considering they probably had brought some nice gifts to bribe him with.


    Opening his remaining Draugr Hidden Nodes was one of his goals before breaking through, and Catheya��s handlers were by far his best options to aplish that. He just needed to devise a n that would allow him to navigate these muddy waters before setting out.


    ��Is everything alright?�� Calrin asked curiously.


    ��It��s good,�� Zac nodded before taking out a nk Communication Crystal.


    He imprinted a short answer that he was back after dealing with some things and needed a couple of months to recover before meeting with Catheya. Zac didn��t offer any details or pinpoint any specific location, though. He would have to discuss the matters with the others to see if they had any ideas.


    Perhaps they could meet near one of the main factions of the Kaldran Strait? Or in the Million Gates Territory, perhaps?


    ��Send this back with the method,�� Zac said after cing themunication crystal into the same box and locking it with his Cosmic Energy.


    Calrin nodded, and the box was gone a few secondster. It looked like the people on the other side were extremely eager for them toplete the trade the instant it appeared. With that, Zac was done with his objectives at the Thayer Consortia. But just as he was about to leave, Zac had another idea and stopped in his tracks.


    ��Is there something else?�� Calrin asked curiously.


    ��See if you can find any information about these sigils,�� Zac said as he took out a slightly bloodied parchment. ��These ones are slightly modified from the original design not to give anything away, so just look for something simr. Be discrete, for your eyes only, and don��t let it trace back to us.��


    It was one of the more detailed drawings he had lifted from the bodies of the Kan��Tanu invaders, depicting the slightly warped versions of the Left Imperial Pce and the nine subsidiary courts. Most things indicated the seals originated from the Million Gates Territory, but Zac figured it wouldn��t hurt casting a wider. After all, he got nothing when Ogras and Iz picked up signals to their respective pieces in Zecia��s patch of the Endless Storm.


    Per had already warned him that the final piece was in the System��s hands and would be used as a carrot during the war. Of course, the fact that the Per Janodrok and the Vigil weren��t hostile didn��t mean she was implicitly telling the truth. But even if what the Void Priestess said was correct, there was still one piece out there that he needed to get his hands on.


    ��Oh, don��t worry, we already are,�� Calrin nodded.


    ��What?�� Zac said,pletely nking out.


    ��These are the runes your followers found in the ruins on the other, no?�� Calrin said with confusion. ��We have been making discrete inquiries about them for quite some time. Many of them seem to differ from what Miss Thompson provided before, though.��


    ��Ah?�� Zac said, barely able to keep his voice stable. ��You��re saying these match the Ensolus Ruins?��


    ��Some of them, yes,�� Calrin nodded. ��We have not found anything that can shed some light on the origins of the Ensolus ruins, though.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac said, his heart beating like a drum. ��Then pause the search for now and seal any knowledge of these things.��


    ��Oh?�� Calrin, confusion evident on his face from the quick turns, but he understood the severity. ��Of course, I will deal with it personally.��


    Zac nodded in thanks, and he was out of the doors a secondter, making a beeline for the closest Teleportation Array. A few minutester, he appeared in a private Teleportation Chamber prepared in the depths of Fort Atwood on Ensolus. When he appeared, he gasped in surprise as a familiar ripple made his mind nk.


    It really was here, the third piece for his quest.


    Zac took a deep breath to stabilize his agitated mind as he looked in the direction of the Ensolus Ruins, barely able to believe his sudden windfall. It felt like he suddenly could see a straight path toward Hegemony, the final roadblocks removed without him lifting so much as a finger. The only thing he needed now was time.


    Ogras joked about treasures falling from the sky around him, but it almost seemed true this time. How was this possible? Fate? Or had the System intentionally put those ruins on this?


    But why hadn��t he noticed anything the first time he appeared on Ensolus? He had even been a lot closer to the Ensolus Ruins back when visiting the mines with Ilvere. Was there something special about the Void Star that had been needed to trigger the quest, or perhaps the connection? Was it because the Void Star held the connection to the Lost ne at the time?


    That weird spatial star was actually linked to the Million Gates Territory and the Endless Storm where the Left Imperial Pce probably resided, while Ensolus was shielded-off by the System for another 100 years. Or perhaps it was the proximity to the Lost ne through the Mystic Realm.


    The ripple was calling him, telling him to rush over and im his prize. But Zac eventually shook his head and teleported back to Earth. The moment he returned, he sent a message to Vri, asking her to stop any expeditions into the ruin and seal it off for now. He wasn��t worried anyone would steal his opportunity, but he feared those disintegration pulses would get people killed.


    Besides, it was possible there were more pieces over there than just his own, considering the ruins were huge. He didn��t know what the criteria for people like Ogras to get the quest were, but it was perhaps possible to stumble onto a remnant through dumb luck. If possible, Zac wanted to reserve those opportunities for his most trusted people rather than random explorers from his army or the two native races.


    As for himself, he wasn��t in any hurry. He still had a lot of room to improve on his own, and he wanted to use the third burst of rity to finally create a perfect blueprint when his foundations were as stable as they could be. In other words, just before heading to the Perennial Vastness. Using it right now would only help him decipher the remaining chapters of the Book of Duality, which would be a huge waste.


    Of course, he would head overter to properly seal off whatever temple that held his piece, just to make sure nothing unexpected happened to it. For now, he had other pressing matters to deal with. Zac took a calming breath to clear his head before returning to hispound, where he set course for the shipyard.


    Zac didn��t even have time to greet Rahm at the reception before he heard the deep thuds of metallic legs approach from the back rooms.


    ��Brat, you got it?�� Karunthel asked with excitement as he entered the reception.


    ��I got it,�� Zac smiled as he handed over the Beast Pouch. ��A spatial affinity Worldeater, like you ordered.��


    ��Not bad, not bad. It will be nice not to be in charge of the crappiest shipyard in the whole Multiverse,�� Karunthel grinned as he looked Zac up and down. ��Seems you had a few gains of yourself, even if you look a bit worse for the wear. Getting ready to evolve?��


    ��I��m ahead of schedule, but there are a few more steps I need toplete,�� Zac said after some thought. ��How long until everything is dealt with?��


    ��It��s a quest reward, so the shipyard will be reced quickly. Ten days at most,�� Karunthel said. ��The ship would have been ready along with the shipyard, but that only holds true for the Early-level hull right now. The upgrades would take two months, depending on which model and what modifications you want. Have you decided what to do for that one?��


    ��I have,�� Zac nodded. ��I want the Yphelion model.��


    ��What, the scout ship?�� Karunthel blurted, looking visibly disappointed. ��I thought better of you, kid. You sure you don��t want me to make you the destroyer instead? I can guarantee your name will spread far and wide after your first engagement.��


    ��That��s exactly what I want to avoid,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��The situation has gotten a bitplicated.��


    It wasn��t an impulse decision to go with the scout vessel, even if it wasn��t what he had originally nned. Initially, the idea was to get the all-rounder ship and modify it a bit to suit the chaotic region of the Million Gates Territory. Compared to most vessels in Zecia, it would have been able to shine no matter if you talked speed or defenses.


    But things had changed when he heard a bunch of powerful factions wasing over. Those people would probably have high-quality vessels, even if the System restrained their grade. The advantage provided by the Creators wouldn��t be as big. Not only that, but Zac felt the risk of identally running into Monarchs was suddenly a lot higher with various factions scouring the Million Gates Territory for clues to Ultom.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For now, it was just his people and the outsiders who knew the truth, but even the native factions were bound to catch on sooner orter. And no matter how impressive the work of the Iliax was, it was simply impossible for a Middle D-grade Cosmic Vessel to deal with even an Early Stage Monarch.


    And while most Monarchs couldn��t match up to Cosmic Vessels in terms of long-haul speed or their ability to pass through dimensionalyers, they could teleport vast distances in quick bursts thanks to movement skills.


    Zac had discussed the situation in the Million Gates Territory with both Pretty and Leyara at length, and he had ultimately concluded that the scouting ship was the best option for him in the short run. The Yphelion��s defensive and offensive capabilities weren��t particrly impressive, but the ship came with various other useful features.


    Most important was its speed �C the Yphelion was far quicker than the other two models. Furthermore, being a scouting ship, it could initiate dimensional jumps more frequently and with shorter dys. That could be the difference between life and death when a Monarch was bearing down on you.


    Its scanners were also top-of-the-line, which would help spot and avoid enemy vessels long before the Yphelion was spotted. And finally, while its defenses wouldn��tst long inrge-scale space battles, they should hold up well enough against random encounters against Kan��Tanu scouts.


    The Yphelion was even a decent option if you looked at it long-term. In the future, the ship would save Zac a lot of time when he needed to travel long distances. His goals would eventually take him out of Zecia, no matter if it was to find Kenzie or to continue his cultivation. In the open world, he didn��t have ess to the whole teleportationwork as he did here, and he would probably have to spend years traveling through space.


    The scouting vessel was almost three times as fast as the generalist vessel, which could shave off years when he needed to visit hard-to-reach-ces. Routes that would take the massive carriers decades would only take a few months in the Yphelion. Of course, going at maximum speed was also pretty expensive, but Zac could easily stomach the cost by now.


    ��Alright then,�� Karunthel sighed. ��I guess the Yphelion models are better suited for those chaotic regions you want to visit. And we could always add proper weaponry if you meet the requirements for further upgrades down the road.��


    ��What kind of requirements is that?�� Zac asked curiously.


    With him having delivered the [Ferric Worldeater], the [Items for Karunthel]-questline was finally dealt with. However, that only upgraded the Shipyard to Early D-grade from what he understood, which was a far cry from the limits of that kind of facility.


    ��Who knows,�� the spider golem shrugged. ��It��s up to the Heavens. Come back when the upgrades are finished, and I��ll see if you��ve met the requirements to get the second quest.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��By the way, can you build multiple Cosmic Vessels simultaneously?��


    ��Of course,�� Karunthel nodded. ��The mass-produced models are much easier to construct. We can build ten or so at a time, and they take between one and three weeks to build. Why, do you want more ships?��


    ��Well, war ising, so I��ve found some potential customers,�� Zac smiled.


    ��Finally, some real work,�� Karunthel grinned. ��But you should know, your Yphelion will take up all our capacity until it��s built.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac slowly nodded. ��I��m thinking we��ll build a round of showcase vessels for our prospective clients first while we finalize the ns for the Yphelion.��


    ��Sounds good,�� Karunthel nodded. ��Now, shoo, I want to begin upgrading this ce. Come back in ten days.��


    ��Alright, have fun,�� Zac smiled as he left for hispound.


    He didn��t even reach the forest before a huge gleaming barrier sprung up around the whole shipyard, and a momentter, it was gone. It had been transported to a barren mountainous ind at the edge of his archipgo that Abby had suggested before he left for the Void Gate. By now, the ind had already been fitted with a teleporter with restricted ess and powerful arrays to keep both beasts and explorers away.


    With that, the most pressing issues had been dealt with. Abby and Adran had both sent him a bunch of messages with various issues of the Atwood Empire, ranging from proposals to expand the academy and found subsidiaries to small problems that had cropped up during the integration of the Mavai Demons and the Raun Spectrals.


    But nothing required his immediate attention, so he returned to his cave to focus on his recovery. And with the third piece of the seal waiting for him on Ensolus, he would have to change his ns. He already had an idea the moment he felt the pulse, and it made more sense the more he thought about it.


    He only wondered what the others would think upon hearing his decision.

 Chapter 933: Change of Plans

    Chapter 933: Change of ns


    Zac opened his eyes as his rm buzzed, and he took a deep breath from the dense lifegiving mist. Six days had passed since he secluded himself, most of which had been spent in the depths of death, where he repaired his broken pathways. He had also bathed in refreshing concoctions designed to heal stubborn wounds daily.


    They were mixed up by Triv, using all kinds of death-attuned materials Zac had picked up over the years. Even Hegemons would probably be shocked at the expenditure, especially if they learned their only purpose was to double the speed his foundations recovered.


    Still, Zac felt it a worthy investment. Four years was not little, but it also wasn��t a lot. He had a lot to do, but his current state prevented him from doing any real form of cultivation. Perhaps he could have cultivated his soul with a different method, but [Nine Reincarnations Manual] empowered his soul through destructive collisions �C the opposite of what he needed right now.


    Zac was most eager about starting up his body tempering, but doing so while there still were a bunch of hidden wounds was bound to leave imperfections. So he could only take it easy and avoid activities that strained the body or mind. So instead, Zac had spent most of his time studying the Book of Duality while bolstering the broken framework of [Thousand Lights Avatar] after repairing his pathways.


    He still hadn��t dared absorb any corruptedke water, but Zac had at least confirmed it retained its magical effects even after being taken from its source. He didn��t think he needed to bepletely recovered to start using the water to speed up his progression, but it still felt a bit premature.


    Altogether, Zac felt a lot better after this first week, but he would have to pause his recovery. The meeting was starting in just minutes, so it was time to go.


    ��My Lord!�� a ghastly voice echoed through the chambers as Triv emerged through the ground. ��Your aura seems to have stabilized even further.��


    ��All thanks to your help,�� Zac smiled. ��Amazing job as always.��


    ��I am the one who should be thanking young master,�� Triv said with a bow, their spectral form humming with excitement. ��I have been making great progress since young master became a Baron and your Empire was officially sanctioned by the Heavens. Not only that, but the Eidolon manuals young master provided havepletely reforged my body. With this sublime environment, I even have a decent chance of forming a Dao Branch.��


    ��Let me know if you need any materials to keep progressing,�� Zac nodded. ��Our factioncks many things, but Death-attuned cultivation resources are not one of them. Are you joining the meeting?��


    ��I am afraid this old ghost is of no help to young master��s ns,�� Triv sighed. ��I am old and inflexible. Lady Vri is much better suited to advise on the fusion of your two settlements. With your permission, I would like to continue my work in Elysium instead.��


    ��That��s fine,�� Zac nodded as he started walking toward the teleportation array.


    Triv, or Old Man Ghost as the undead children called him on the other continent, had worked tirelessly for years to improve this nascent society��s lives. Ultimately, the undead races were supernatural existences, and some things didn��te naturally to them. There was a lot to learn, whether it was the conversion arrays or properly dealing with feral children who hadn��t gained their sapience yet.


    Triv had done his best to impart what he could without going against themandments of the Undead Empire. As such, he had gained the reputation of an esteemed schr among the undead. If not for Zac��s inherent connection to his undead ��descendants��, Triv would probably have enjoyed a higher status on Earth��s second continent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Will young master need anything else?�� Triv asked.


    ��No, I��ll stay in my human form for a week or so,�� Zac said after some thought. ��It feels like my body is recovering better when I alternate races for some reason.��


    ��Your body is reaching satiety from the environment, I would presume, and the effect on your wounds are lessened after a while,�� Triv nodded. ��I will be back in a week and prepare another round of baths.��


    ��Alright, thank you for the help,�� Zac nodded, and the two disappeared in the teleporter a momentter, one heading for Elysium and the other for the Towers of Myriad Dao.


    It wasn��t strictly needed to have the meeting in Bra��s chambers, but it had be the standard for important meetings by now. And you never knew, Bra sometimes let valuable pieces of information slip by ident.


    By the time he arrived, Zac could already hear familiar voices through the opened gates. As he stepped inside, he saw Ilvere talking with Vri and Rhuger while Joanna gazed upon the Titan inheritance with Pika standing next to her. Alyn and Calrin discussed something together, and Julia stood by herself, lost in thought.


    It was a while since Zac saw Julia Lombard, the former World Government official. However, from what he��d read in the reports, she had been a key asset since he left for the Twilight Harbor. She had singlehandedly quashed over a dozen insurrections while most of the elites were stuck on Ensolus. Not only that, but she was the author of the Atwood Codex, the set ofws that fused Old Earth��s justice system with the realities of the Multiverse.


    Unfortunately, her hard work had left her cultivationcking, and from what Zac understood, she was nning on making a simr shift like Vai once had. In contrast, Abby wasn��t present, nor were any of the leaders from the Mavai or Raun. Some topics that would get discussed today were too sensitive, and they couldn��t be allowed to spread from this room. The administrators and new citizens would be brought in for future meetings instead.


    Ogras stood alone to the side, looking at his own statue, or rather that of his backhanded master.


    ��You��re looking rosy,�� Zac smiled as he walked over to the demon.


    ��At least one of us needs to sire some descendants to keep watch of this ce,�� Ogras grinned. ��Such is the burden of responsibility.��


    ��Thank you for your service,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes before nodding at the statue depicting the Umbra. ��Have you decided what to do?��


    Ogras was already Peak E-grade, and his foundations were rock solid after having spent a decade in an environment that was probably unsurpassed in Zecia. Like Zac, he was already preparing to break through to the next realm. In other words, he had to enter the inheritance sooner rather thanter if he wanted to keep it going.


    The problem was that the Umbra was just as mercurial as Yrial but with an addition of sinister curiosity. The Umbra had forcibly sown a Ka��Zur neswalker into Ogras��s very soul during the first round of the inheritance. Things would have ended in disaster if not for a series of lucky coincidences. Who knew what the Umbra would do if Ogras dared return?


    ��I think I have to, even if I can wait a bit�� Ogras grimaced. ��I had the little blue thief look for suitable targets to progress my constitution. There are not many potential targets that look promisingpared to the creatures this guy has sealed away in the inheritance. The few I can get my hands on before evolving would be pretty unimpressive, even with your help. I need stronger bloodlines than that to build a proper foundation.��


    ��Well, I think there are limits to how much damage these remnant souls can do,�� Zac said. ��Are you ready for the meeting?��


    ��Is it true what you said before?�� Ogras said. ��It��s really here, on your other?��


    Zac didn��t answer, but the smile on his face spoke volumes.


    ��Just disgusting,�� Ogras spat. ��I should have guessed as much when you didn��t get a signal before me or your metouched girlfriend. Whatever, let��s get this over with.��


    The others had already sat down around the table upon seeing Zac arrive. This time, Bra didn��t bother joining them in person and had instead opted to loom a dozen meters above them atop a golden cloud. That was fine by Zac since most topics didn��t require the Tool Spirit��s input.


    ��Nothing from Emily?�� Zac frowned when he saw her chair standing empty.


    ��We��ve received no response from the Big Axe Coliseum so far,�� Joanna said with a shake of her head.


    ��I��ll check it outter,�� Zac sighed as he nced at the second empty chair.


    Sap Trang had also declined the invitation, but he wasn��t off-world. Instead, he had chosen to remain at sea, guarding the borders with his pet Kraken. Zac had been meaning to track him down and have a chat, but there were just too many things to do at the moment.


    ��Alright, everyone here is busy training and preparing for the uing war, so I won��t drag this out any longer than it needs to be. By now, you should all have read the missive I sent out three days ago. The short of it is that the war will officiallymence in four years, much earlier than we expected. How are we looking?��


    ��As usual, we have mountains of resources and unusually powerful elites. But we stillck bodies to fill the ranks,�� Ilvere sighed. ��We have elerated our training programs, but four years is simply too little time for any drastic improvements without something like an incursion or Mystic Realm to whip people into shape.��


    ��Too many have slowed down their progress after Earth stabilized,�� Joanna added. ��It might sound odd, but we might have made our cities too safe with powerful arrays and fortifications. Few beast tides can threaten our people, so people aren��t feeling the sense of urgency and pressure from before.��


    ��I think it��s time we talk conscription,�� Ilvere said.


    Zac sighed as he looked at the documents on the table. He had already read most of them while recuperating, and they painted a somber picture. As things stood, the Atwood Empire would be able to field less than half a percent of their poption for the uing war, including support staff. There was still the Zhix Hives, but their numbers were far too small.


    The System was originally a tool of war meant to extract as much military might out of the popce as possible. They didn��t know exactly how many warriors the Atwood Empire would have to supply to meet the criteria. Still, they estimated they needed to supply at least 2-3% even if the System lowered their quota for being a newly integrated world.


    Another problem was that most of their numbers were made up of the Mavai Hordes and the Raun Spectrals. Just over one million out of four were actually Earthlings, even though there were more humans than the other racesbined. Such an armyposition wouldn��t work. The newly integrated races were still cautious about whether they would be used as cannon fodder, which might lead to all kinds of problems during the war.


    ��Do it,�� Zac eventually nodded. ��Our goal should be 25 million E-grade warriors before the war starts. The Zhix, Mavai, and Raun are already providing a high quota, but see if we can nurture even more by throwing money at the problem. Our main target should be humans, though. Too many have taken their ce in the Multiverse for granted. The same goes for the Ishiate. Even if the pacifist faction can��t provide many warriors, they��ll have to supply healers and other support staff.��


    ��How much are you willing to spend on their training?�� Alyn asked. ��There are only so many E-grade warriors out there. Most of them we��ll have to raise from scratch. To nurture ten E-grade warriors, we would have to enlist at least 100 recruits, even if we have stringent selections for potential. But that number can be lowered if we��re willing to force some breakthroughs.��


    ��I will have Calrin transfer 2.5 C-grade Nexus Coins to the Atwood Empire Treasury,�� Zac said, drawing a small gasp from Pika, and Ilvere��s eyes widened in shock. Calrin looked queasy, but he reluctantly nodded in agreement. ��This will be our war coffer. Hopefully, it willst us until the end of this mess.


    ��The Thayer Consortia has also managed to secure a deal with a top mercantile house. We will have no problem getting our hands on the basic herbs and materials needed to expand our army.��


    ��With so many resources, we should have no problem reaching the target, but what about the recruits themselves? There will be a lot of resistance.�� Ilvere said. ��You earthling humans have peace and individualism ingrained in their bones.��


    ��Just beat it out of them,�� Ogras shrugged, and Zac nodded in agreement.


    It was tough, but so was the reality they lived in. He couldn��t shield the people of Earth forever. He had seen what happened tos that didn��t live up to the System��s expectations, and he alone wasn��t enough to protect them from such a fate. Besides, he had already done more than enough for this, including opening up the contribution exchange for everyone. It was time for Earth to give back.


    ��There will be discontent, especially if you n on integrating the unliving simultaneously,�� Julia said. ��Remember, the Undead Empire killed almost two billion people before they were finally routed. Even if the ckwoods here are of a different origin, it won��t matter to the general public.��


    ��There is not much we can do about that,�� Zac sighed. ��The rumors are already running rampant, and I feel I am doing my undead citizens a disservice by hiding them away like they are a secret weapon. We��ll just have to rip off the bandaid and deal with the fallout.��


    ��But how would I do that if most of you are deep in the Million Gates Territory by then?�� Julia asked. ��I am not able to quash uprisings with my aura. There will be a lot of bloodshed.��


    ��We will borrow the strength of the Zhix, and I am nning to summon some of the experienced warriors of both the Mavai and Raun to teach and maintain order,�� Zac said before taking a deep breath. ��However, there is another change of ns regarding this. I will, unfortunately, not be joining the rest of you. I will remain on Earth for at least two years, only leaving for short shopping trips at most.��


    ��What?�� Joanna blurted before looking at Zac with worry. ��Is it your wounds?��


    ��No,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I am getting better by the day. However, I had a few lucky encounters while finishing my quest to upgrade the shipyard. Therefore, I have decided to push for Hegemony before the war starts. I need to seclude myself and focus on my cultivation to aplish that. I cannot run about in space.��


    ��So we��re not going?�� Vri hesitated.


    ��A squad will still set out as we nned, but it will be captained by Ogras instead,�� Zac said.


    A few looked at Ogras with surprise, while the demon took the news in stride. Of course, Ogras already knew all this after a talk he and Zac had yesterday. At first, the demon had been hesitant to enter the Million Gates Territory without his ��lucky ma,�� but greed soon overcame fear as the demon agreed to set out in search of his second piece for the inheritance.


    ��I will ferry you all over in a few months when we have our ships ready, but the details of your excursion will be up to you,�� Zac said. ��You can see this as a test. I cannot always be around, and I fear you all won��t reach your full potential if I loom over you. Fate has to be seized with one��s own hands.��


    The meetingsted another five hours, and detailed ns were drawn up. The militarization of Earth was a huge undertaking on its own. Add the integration of the undead, and you had an administrative and managerial nightmare on your hands. Luckily, a lot of ns for both ventures had already been drawn up, and most of the time was simply spent fusing the two.


    The construction of training camps across the whole would begin immediately, while the integration of the undead would start after Zac had met with Catheya. He was hoping to get some assurances from the Undead Empire first, that they would look the other way like they did with the Twilight Harbor.


    They also discussed the Creator vessels, and there was a general agreement on choosing the Yphelion as the first gship of the Atwood Empire. However, Zac was surprised to hear that both Joanna and Vri didn��t want to use his vessel for their uing visit to the Million Gates Territory. Instead, they insisted on using one of the simpler mass-produced models.


    Ogras was unsurprisingly reluctant, but he eventually eded while muttering something about hersted rivers.��


    ��We��ll have more meetings to iron out all the details before you all set out, but there is one thing I need to bring up before you leave. However, this topic has extreme ramifications, so I will give you all a choice,�� Zac finally said as he solemnly looked around the table. ��If you are willing to risk everything for your cultivation path, to face certain death for a chance of having your fate reforged, stay behind. If not, leave and focus on the tasks at hand.��

 Chapter 934: One By Nine

    Chapter 934: One By Nine


    The meeting had gone on for over five hours, and people had started to get distracted. However, Zac��s somber words and serious face were like a cold shower, waking everyone right up. For over ten seconds, no one said anything until Ilvere suddenly released a pent-up sigh.


    ��Risk everything? Certain death?�� the demon captain said with a wry smile. ��I think that��s it for me then, unless you desperately need my help?��


    ��This is about individual fate,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��Some things are happening here in Zecia, big things with terrifying ramifications. There might be a chance to fish in these troubled waters for opportunities, but one would have to be ready to die at any turn.��


    ��Alright,�� Ilvere smiled as he stood up. ��I��ve seen and heard what you��ve been forced to go through to reach your current level. For you to utter such words, this cannot be simple indeed. I feel it��s not for me. The battlefield, shoulder to shoulder with my fellow soldiers, that��s my home.��


    With that, the demon walked out without looking back, proof of conviction with his path. Julia shook her head while giving Zac a reproachful look, like he was a troublemaker, before following suit. Calrin gazed at Zac with ruminating eyes, clearly putting two and two together after having been shown the sigils. But he didn��tment on the situation and just left with Julia.


    Eventually, only Ogras, Joanna, Vri, and Rhuger remained. Zac was a bit surprised to see Pika bowing out, and perhaps even more shocked to hear she was engaged to one of the budding Liches of Elysium. She wasn��t willing to go beyond themand of her current post, which was fair.


    ��Are the three of you sure?�� Zac said. ��My words weren��t a test; the dangers are very real.��


    ��I know my foundations are shallow, but I am not content just staying a captain,�� Joanna said. ��No matter if it��s to repay you or to open a path for myself, I am willing to take this risk. To see the true face of the Dao.��


    ��The same goes for me,�� Rhuger nodded.


    ��Don��t worry about us,�� Vri smiled. ��We understand the risks of power. We might die, but better die following our path than shying away from our destiny.��


    ��The Great Bra isn��t interested in your mundane opportunities,�� a snort came from above. ��But since you��re the one encroaching on this Sage��s domain, you should be the one who leaves.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac slowly said as he stood up. ��Then follow me.��


    Being thrown out was fine by Zac since he didn��t n on discussing the next part in front of the Tool Spirit. Bra had caused spectacles before to get what he wanted, such as creating enormous ques in the sky. There was no way Zac would take such a risk with this topic. As for what the secret was, it was obviously Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce.


    The three exchanged a curious nce, but they followed Zac toward hispound, where Zac activated the teleporter. Soon enough, the five of them sat on a flying vessel taking them across the alienndscapes of the Ensolus continent.


    ��This direction,�� Joanna eventually said, breaking the pregnant silence.


    ��You��re right,�� Zac nodded. ��We��re heading toward the Ensolus Ruins.��


    ��This is rted to why you had us seal off that area,�� Vri concluded.


    ��You��re right,�� Zac nodded. ��Before I exin, remember the matters I bring up now cannot be shared out of this group. Both for your sake and the sake of the others. This includes when you set out in the Million Gates Territory, even if part of your mission will be rted to this opportunity.��


    ��I understand,�� Vri and the others nodded.


    ��A terrifyingly powerful inheritance is emerging here in Zecia. It��s so valuable that A-grade factions areing over in hopes to seize it,�� Zac said.


    ��And it��s rted to the Ensolus Ruins?�� Rhuger said with skepticism. ��No offense, but I spent a month exploring that ce. It��s odd, but it doesn��t seem like something that would interest bigshots from the outside.��


    ��I��m still not sure how the Ensolus Ruins fit into the picture,�� Zac said. ��But it is rted to something called the Left Imperial Pce. And when I say Imperial, I��m talking about the Limitless Empire.��


    From there, Zac told the others what he knew about the Left Imperial Pce, Ultom, and the nine subsidiary courts. He also shared most of what he��d learned from Iz, Leyara, and Per to give everyone a proper understanding of the situation and how the war tied into the quest for Ultom.


    ��I��m not surprised you��re mixed up in something like this,�� Vri said with a small smile.


    ��Life is odd,�� Joanna said with a helpless shake of her head. ��Ten years ago, I was a part-time yoga instructor. Today, I am sitting on a flying boat talking about magical castles from a billion-year-old civilization. And I am not even on drugs.��


    ��Takes getting some use to,�� Zac said with a wry smile.


    ��What is our role here?�� Rhuger asked curiously.


    ��The Mystic Realm where I found Ogras had four temples, and at least two of them had pieces of seals. I am collecting seals for the Left Imperial Pce itself, while Ogras is collecting for one of the outer courts,�� Zac said. ��As for the Ensolus Ruins, I have already confirmed it holds one piece for me.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��And you��re hoping there are more pieces in the Ensolus Ruins,�� Vri concluded.


    ��Exactly,�� Zac nodded. ��I have no idea how candidates are chosen, but fate shifts just by speaking of this inheritance. I am hoping that me exining the situation, and two candidates traveling with you, will somehow give you a chance at seizing a slot if there is one to seize.��


    ��Are we up to it?�� Joanna hesitated. ��We are pretty strongpared to normal people, but we��re far from someone like you. Compared to the A-grade factions you mention, we probably don��t amount to much. At least not yet.��


    ��I don��t think it��s just about strength,�� Zac slowly said. ��From what we��ve gathered, this inheritance is aimed at the younger generation, with an age ceiling of 100. No matter who the courts choose, they��ll just be kids who have just started on the road of cultivation. Ultimately, I believe it��s more about fate andpatibility.��


    ��Then, that illusionist�� Janos,�� Rhuger asked. ��Do you think he��s-��


    ��I��m hoping to find that out as well,�� Zac nodded. ��If we��re lucky, we can find him, and he might be able to shed some light on the situation with these ruins. But we also have to be realistic�� Neither Ogras nor I were stuck for years when getting our pieces. It might be unrted, and he might even be dead.��


    ��That guy is a bit odd, but he��s very good at surviving,�� Ogras said from the side. ��Remember when he yed dead beneath the ground? He might have done the same if caught in some dangerous ce. Just waiting for us to break him out.��


    ��So, are you here to im your piece?�� Joanna asked curiously. ��It might give us some insights to see it first-hand if that��s okay.��


    ��Not this time,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��Just iming a seal is a huge opportunity. You gain an enormous burst of enlightenment that will allow you to improve almost anything except progress your Daos. I still need to shore up my foundations for a year or two before I take the next piece. This time, we��re just here to seal off my temple so no one gets killed, and see if you feel anything from the temples after learning the truth.��


    ��So, what do we do?�� Joanna asked. ��Just meditate on the inheritance?��


    ��I��ll try something when we arrive at the ruins. For now, start thinking of parts of your cultivation where you feel you have the most room for improvement, just in case the opportunity is suddenly presented to you. For example, Ipletely reformed a top-tier Body Tempering Manual to suit my Bloodline.��


    The three asked some rifying questions for another 20 minutes before they sat down to go over their options. Rhuger was the one that had the easiest of it. He had all of Cervantes�� old manuals, but he still hadn��t had much luck adapting them to his undead form. So, if given the opportunity, he would reform and perhaps even elevate the Lunar heritage that was still out of his reach.


    Three days passed like this, where Zac mostly kept reading the Book of Duality while absorbing Divine Crystals and Nature Crystals to get a small boost to his recovery. asionally, he meditated on the odd energy on the Ensolus continent, hoping to glean some insights for his blueprint.


    Infusing the twined Realm Spirits hadn��t changed Ensolus much, but Zac could tell the energy was stabler than before. ording to the reports, the earthquakes had subsided a few weeks after he imnted the spirits, mostly confirming the transnt was sessful.


    However, the world had still not fully recovered from the cataclysmic upheavals that had struck the world, the Ensolus continent in particr. Huge scars ran for hundreds of kilometers across the ground, and new forests still hadn��t managed to rece those burnt down by the wildfires. Still, there was a sense of vibrancy in the air, and Zac guessed it was just a matter of time.


    Finally, there was a change as Zac felt a ripple from the distance. He looked over, and he could barely spot a small settlement standing at the edge of what looked like a stationary grey sandstorm. It was only a few kilometers across, but Zac knew that small sphere held an area asrge as a huge capital.


    Within, the Ensolus ruins waited for them.


    The settlement outside was a now-evacuated research stationcking a teleportation array, not by choice but necessity. The sandstorm was a Spatial Anomaly simr to the Void Gate encampment he and Vai visited. The strong spatial field around the folded space made it impossible to buy teleportation arrays through the System.


    Perhaps it was possible to build reinforced arrays by themselves, but the Atwood Empire obviouslycked the means to build something like that.


    The group soonnded at the center of the settlement, and two guards walked out from one of the nearby houses. Zac recognized one of them; Cynthia, one of the original Valkyries who had joined him at the very beginning. The other was a Revenant Zac didn��t recognize, but he had to be one of the captains judging by his solid Late E-grade aura.


    ��Anything?�� Joanna asked as the two walked over.


    ��Nothing to report,�� the Valkyrie said with a shake of her head. ��We have sealed off the whole cloud after being given the order. No one has attempted to approach this region since.��


    ��Good,�� Joanna nodded before turning to Zac.


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac said, and the quintet walked straight into the dust cloud.


    Visibility was almost zero, but there was no need to bind people together with Vivi��s vines �C Zac could still sense the others around him with his domain. There were no spatial fluctuations either, and they didn��t have to walk for more than a minute before their surroundings changed. The hazy surroundings were reced by a sprawling city covered in moss and vines.


    Zac��s heart shuddered, and he was filled with a sense of adventure as he looked across the ruins. It almost felt like he had found a hidden city in the depths of the Amazon or even Antis. But the truth was even more invigorating �C Zac recognized the architecture. The buildings didn��t look like the temples from the Lost ne.


    Instead, they reminded Zac of the enormous pce he had seen in his first vision �C The Left Imperial Pce. Certainly, the scale or domineering aura wasn��t there, but the buildings were made from the same type of ck stones. Most civilizations in the Multiverse were like pyramids. If the Left Imperial Pce was the tip of the pyramid, then these buildings represented the base.


    Perhaps a city where servants lived?


    Vaguely familiar scripts covered walls, archways, and statues, most broken far beyond repair. However, not all runes had sumbed to the passage of time. This was both the danger and the opportunity of this ce. Just in the vicinity, Zac could spot three buildings empowered by some sort of array. They were still covered in vines and moss, but their foundations still stood tall.


    And who knew, there might be a trove waiting inside if you managed to force your way through. So far, they hadn��t been able to break through too many of the still-active arrays. They didn��t use much energy, but they were apparently insanely sturdy, and no attempts at array-breaking had shown any hint of working.


    ��Impressive,�� Ogras whistled as he looked at the edge of the storm behind them.


    Zac had to agree. The method these sprawling ruins were crammed together in this small sandstorm was extremely impressive. They hadn��t sensed anything at all as they entered the folded patch of space. Apparently, the scale was almost 50:1 ording to measurements, and the researchers believed the effect was generated by a statue in the heart of the city.


    ��What now?�� Joanna asked, and Zac could see the hunger in her eyes.


    Zac first looked toward the heart of the city, which unsurprisingly was where the calling came from. But he soon looked back at the other three.


    ��Alright, be ready. The name of the inheritance is�� Ultom,�� Zac said, and he felt the ethereal pressure of fate bear down on him.


    ��What was that?�� Joanna said as she vigntly looked around while a frown appeared on Vri��s face.


    ��Felt like a ghost just passed through me,�� Rhuger nodded, but Zac barely listened.


    Instead, Zac��s eyes were trained on the screen that had popped up in front of him.


    One by Nine (Unique, Inheritance): Form a full cycle of Sealbearers. Reward: Entry to the Left Imperial Pce (4/9) [2683 days] [NOTE: Multiple cycles can be formed.]


    Zac read the new quest carefully as it divulged a few key pieces of information. Most importantly, it was a timed quest, giving him just over seven years to ��form a cycle.�� If Zac was a betting man, that meant the first stage of the inheritance would start at that time. In other words, he would most likely have to find all four pieces of his seal within that timeframe as well.


    The quest even hinted at the inheritance��s direction, considering it was telling him to form a posse. After all, a ��full cycle�� no doubt meant one sealholder from each subordinate court, such as Ogras�� Hollow Court. Was personal strength not enough? Did you have to gather powerful followers if you wanted a shot at the inheritance? And the multiple cycles �C would that bring special benefits, or would it just keep thepetition from entering?


    And more to the point, how was the quest halfway finished already?


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ogras asked, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    Zac considered it for a second before deciding to share the screen. ��See for yourself.��


    ��A quest?�� Ogras eximed before his eyes thinned. ��Four? Just like that? Can you really make it happen by willing it into being? Are you the Son of Heaven?��


    ��I- No idea. I didn��t expect things to progress this way,�� Zac said, confusion written all over his face as he turned to the others. ��Did you get any quest or something like that?��


    ��Nothing,�� Vri said with a shake of her head. ��For a moment, I felt something nudge my soul. But it��s gone now.��


    ��Same here,�� Rhuger said, his eyes repeatedly darting toward the ruins. ��Perhaps if we get closer����


    ��Let��s go and take a look,�� Zac nodded. ��It can��t be a random coincidence I suddenly get a half-finished quest to gather followers when I am trying to share this inheritance with you. See if you can spot any of the seals I showed you on the way.��


    With that, the group set out, heading toward the core of the Ensolus Ruins, following an iplete map drawn by the explorers. After all, the Ensolus Ruins might have been long abandoned, but there were still dangers. Some of the arrays inscribed on the broken towers and buildings were Killing Arrays, and there were unstable areas as deadly as any gauntlet.


    Thankfully, there were multiple safe pathways leading to the center of the ruins, which was the only reason Zac dared set out in his current state. He just needed to set down a couple of arrays and see if the others could pick up anything before they headed out. Of course, ignoring all the inviting ruins felt like an itch Zac wasn��t allowed to scratch, but he could always check things out in the future.


    ��Walking into the depths of an ancient ruin with a trouble-ma such as yourself,�� Ogras muttered as he skipped over a vine as thick as a barrel. ��Surely, nothing bad wille of this. I must be mad to have joined you.��

 Chapter 935: Sidelined

    Chapter 935: Sidelined


    Zac wanted to roll his eyes at Ogras and ask him what the worst that could happen was, but he reined himself in. He knew his track record wasn��t the best in this regard, and it felt a bit foolhardy to tempt the Heavens just after drawing the attention of the river of fate. Instead, Zac turned his attention to his surroundings, using his Danger Sense and [Cosmic Gaze] to ensure nothing had changed in the ruinspared to their map.


    ��There aren��t actually that many dangers unless you try to mess with the arrays,�� Joanna said. ��But if you do, it��s a crapshoot. Sometimes, the building is simply fortified beyond what any E-grade can deal with. Other times, you trigger dangerous arrays. We had one explorer caught in an illusion thatsted for thousands of years in their mind. By the time we got them out, their soul was so overdrafted they died just hourster.��


    ��His perception waspletely warped,�� Vri sighed. ��He believed reality a dream by the point we got him out. The poor man kept calling for ��Cassie,�� who I guess was his wife in the vision.��


    ��Poor bastard,�� Ogras muttered as he increased his distance from the closest building.


    Zac shook his head, remembering the simr arrays back during the Hunt. Those things were no joke, but they were probably just a shadowpared to the ancient arrays spread throughout the Ensolus ruins. Thankfully, the still-intact barriers weren��t toomon. They had appeared in a residential district, and few of these structures were probably considered valuable enough to go through that kind of effort.


    Still, that wasn��t enough for Zac to lower his guard, and he vigntly scanned every building they passed.


    ��What��s with all the temples?�� Zac eventually muttered after passing the fourth temple in under ten minutes. ��Were these people so devout they needed one on every block?��


    ��Communal cultivation, I would guess,�� Ogras said. ��Each temple would be equipped with a powerful gathering array and other arrays to help with cultivation, drawing the neighborhood��s energy into it. That way, each person gets ess to a better environment than if they just stayed in their home, and there is nopetition where two neighbors fight for the same energy.��


    ��So it��s just a bunch of empty cultivation chambers with broken arrays inside?�� Zac said with disappointment.


    ��Not necessarily,�� Ogras said, his eyes gleaming with greed as he looked at a shielded temple. ��Depends on how wealthy this civilization was, and how well these arrays have preserved what��s inside. They might have powered the arrays with valuable treasures. Or stocked them with public cultivation manuals surpassing anything we own. Parts of their heritage might be ced in these structures.��


    ��This might have been a faith-based cultivation society as well if these ruins really are rted to the Limitless Empire,�� Vri added. ��In some eyes, Emperor Limitless might have been considered a god of war. I��ve read that many powerful factions draw power through faith, overtly or passively.��


    That statement made Zac give the sealed temples an extra nce. What if there were statues depicting Emperor Limitless inside? Would they look like Laondio? Or Karz? Did it matter?


    Zac shook his head and kept walking toward arge dome in the distance that was their first pitstop, ording to the map. However, they only advanced for two minutes before Zac suddenly stopped as his Danger Sense warned him against proceeding further. Zac didn��t understand what was wrong until a wave of colorful lights suddenly illuminated the path ahead, like a sh of fae fireflies.


    The scene was gone as quickly as it appeared, but it was ample proof something was going on with the street.


    ��This is an array that has started to leak out from a neighboring building,�� Joanna said. ��Go around or push through?��


    ��Let��s just go around it,�� Zac said, not in the mood to tempt fate or risk new wounds when he had just started getting better.


    In this manner, they slowly made their way toward the center of the town, guided by the ripples in Zac��s mind and the map prepared by his explorers. Only five minutes passed until they were forced to reroute again to avoid another array that had crept out across the area, forming a seemingly bottomlesske.


    It was an odd feeling seeing the varied phenomena. The city was dead, yet it kept reinventing itself. Of course, these aberrations would either be reined in as the array self-healed or when the arrays ran out of power. Thankfully, these were the biggest surprises they encountered until they reached their destination; a deste square only decorated with a huge statue.


    A decent number of chunks of the enormous statue were missing, but it looked like it once had depicted a 23yered wave or rainbow, eachyer made from a different type of rock. It was over 100 meters tall and half as wide, and Zac had initially thought it was a building. But at this distance, he saw the structure was only decorative.


    It felt like a brutalist statement in the otherwise sparse environment. Zac didn��t initially understand why he felt this region so dour, but he soon realized what made this ce stand out �C itcked any vegetation that otherwise covered the Ruins. Instead, the square was caked with ayer of dust.


    Even then, it didn��t look like the statue was the origin of the ripples. It rather originated from a majestic temple standing at the edge of the square. Its five-meter gates were wide open, and a path of destruction had been formed from them in the shape of a cone. For some reason, the statue itself was unscathed, while everything else had presumably been turned into ash.


    ��This is it,�� Zac said. ��My piece is inside that building, it looks like. See the dust? That��s what happens with you if you get too close to a piece that��s not fated with you.��


    ��At least it would be painless,�� Rhuger said grimly while taking an extra step back.


    ��So, what��s your n here?�� Ogras asked.


    Zac looked at the eroded temple for a few seconds, feeling the pull from the seal within. Just seeing it with his own eyes was a source of greatfort. He knew himself well enough by now. If he hadn��te here, his mind would keeping back to it, wondering how exposed it was. Now, they just needed to seal this ce up.


    ��We��ll begin with setting up a protective barrier around this square and temple,�� Zac said. ��Later, we��ll station some trusted warriors in some of the ruins here to ensure no one tries to sneak inside.��


    Zac took out the series of prepared array gs, each looking like a one-meter-spike hanging from a tripod. The cobblestones were too durable to break apart, but the relentless river of time had given them an opening through all the vegetation. There were gaps all over, and one spike after another sunk into the ground, forming a perimeter roughly 100 meters away from the temple and the square.


    The work hit some snags because of two still-active arrays in the vicinity, but Zac had more than enough gs prepared. Soon enough, an invisible fence had been erected. It wouldn��t keep out a determined Peak E-grade cultivator forever, but it was more than enough for reinforcements to arrive.


    With that, Zac saw no reason to stay, considering he had done what he could to share the quest. He wasn��t in any state to properly explore these ruins, and he would recover faster back in his cave. However, it looked like only Ogras would follow him back to Earth.


    ��We��re staying here for the time being,�� Vri said after sharing a look with Rhuger and Joanna. ��We��ll explore this ce and search for any clues to the inheritance. We have been here before, but now we know which runes to look out for.��


    ��Don��t worry, we��ll deal with the guards as well,�� Joanna added.


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded. ��But try to return to Port Atwood in three months at thetest. And don��t overdo it; fate can��t be forced. Most of the seals are waiting in the Million Gates Territory, so it��s not the end of the world even if you don��t find anything here. And try to send a message first in case you n on entering any sort of ruins. We don��t want another Janos situation on our hands.��


    Ideally, Zac would have wanted to get some life tablets as well, but tablets strong enough to track E-grade cultivators across any significant distances were pretty difficult to make. Besides, few bothered crafting them, at least in Zecia. After all, E-grade cultivators generally stayed within the confines of their ns or traveled with their elders. What was the point of tracking them with an expensive tablet?


    ��Of course,�� Vri said. ��Don��t worry about us. Focus on your recovery and let the others deal with the day-to-day.��


    ��Good luck,�� Zac smiled, giving the brooding temple onest look before turning away.


    Now, it was up to fate whether the others could find the key to the courts. If not, Zac would have to figure out another way to get a couple of followers from the outside to fill up the numbers. Luckily, he had a pretty good solution for that �C Catheya and the Undead Empire. They would probably be more than happy to send somepetent followers his way in exchange for ess to the Left Imperial Pce.


    ������


    Catheya ran her hand through the dense clouds of death that danced in the fountains, and she took a calming breath as she looked up at the familiar architecture of her kin. She had to admit it was a wee change from the wretched environment she and her guardian had stayed in during the past months.


    Even with beacons holding life at bay on an unawakened, it felt like you were trapped in a small bubble, and the whole universe was bearing down on you. It was an unwee reminder of how limited her sky was, yet Catheya couldn��t help but want to go back.


    ��Is it really alright to leave that man to his own devices?�� Catheya asked with worry as they walked toward the teleportation chamber. ��He might do something foolish.��


    ��Who? The Dreamer or the brat?�� Enis asked.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Well, both, I guess, but I was thinking of the Dreamer,�� Catheya said.


    ��He should understand his ce by now,�� Enis answered without care. ��If that Dreamer tries to break the restriction, only an early awakening awaits him. Besides, he is incredibly meek by nature. I would guess it will take years before he dares so much as nudge that that mark with his Mental Energy.��


    ��But our line ofmunication-��


    ��Can be reinstated through another proxy if need be,�� Enis concluded. ��Now, remember to mind your manners. Your irreverence cannot be allowed to cause any friction or problems. Don��t forget; this mission even has the Heart��s attention.��


    ��I know,�� Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. ��Just doesn��t sit right with me. This was our mission, and suddenly we��re sidelined? And they won��t even tell us any real details.��


    Enis didn��t immediately answer, but Catheya could tell there was a hint of annoyance between her brows. It was no wonder. She was apetent warrior of n Umbri��Zi, but she held no real political sway in her n. This mission, one ordered by the Abyssal Lake and the Umbri��Zi Ancestor herself, was a chance for Enis to rue enough credit to take up a better role and umte more resources.


    Perhaps even gain a spot at the Abyssal Shores, which would drastically improve her chances of confirming her Dao.


    But now, just as they finally had managed to contact that troublemaker, they were sent back home, ordered to assist some neer in an undertaking of great import. One that their own target was apparently part of.


    Catheya felt a wave of reluctance as they entered the enormous hall reserved for exalted visitors, almost regretting she had shared her method of contact with the Undead Empire. Before, it felt like everything had clicked into ce, and she could confidently say she had upheld her promise. She even held onto some sort of farfetched conviction that Zac would manage to break the convention of Edgewalkers, allowing him to stay on as he were.


    Now? Who was to say what would happen?


    But Catheya knew one thing �C when ��matters of great import�� were being discussed, people became expendable in the face of goals and benefits. Especially outsiders without any proper backing. Like Zac. n Umbri��Zi might have imed him as their own to gobble up some of the rewards, but they would just as quickly discard him if the benefits from this undertaking eclipsed those of a Draugr Edgewalker with a possibly lost bloodline.


    The two found Tassar Kavriel and his most-promising descendant already standing at attention in front of the tform when they arrived. The old man turned to them when they arrived, but his eyes kept shifting to the teleportation array, waiting for the new arrivals to appear.


    ��Mistress, young miss,�� Tassar said with a nod.


    ��Lady Umbri��Zi, Lady Sharva��Zi,�� Rezo Kavriel followed up with a much-deeper bow.


    ��Hello,�� Catheya said with a nod. ��Uncle, have you heard anything?��


    Tassar Kavriel had taken care of her since she and her master arrived in Zecia the first time around. And with Va Tapek immediately entering seclusion, or rather leaving to search for some item as Catheya found outter, this old Monarch and his descendants had been the ones to apany her most of the time.


    Tassar��s ancestor was an illegitimate mixed-blood son of one of the supreme elders of the Umbri��Zi. Since his talent was quite good, a pureblooded Draugr had been arranged as a Dao Partner, and they had then been sent off to manage this newly integrated sector. Millions of years had passed since then, and the Kavriel n was almostpletely detached from the Umbri��Zi.


    As far as Catheya could tell, that was fine with Tassar. His position was extremely secure thanks to his heritage, and no factions were powerful enough to shake the Undead Empire in Zecia. No one from above pushed him to expand faster either, so he simply waged the asional war to satisfy themandments.


    Apart from thecking materials, it was really a cushy life. But now, chaos was knocking at his door, and Catheya could see the new lines of worry had appeared on the face of the kindly old man.


    ��Nothing yet,�� Tassar said with a shake of his head. ��But it shouldn��t be long now.��


    No one was in the mood to talk, and they stood in silence for 30 minutes until the array hummed to life. A momentter, eight new people appeared in a sh of spatial death. They all seemed extremely powerful, but two drew more attention than the others for natural reasons. They were Izh��Rak Reavers, each one attended by a Revenant.


    The Reaver standing in the back was most likely a Monarch. They emitted no aura, but a sense of unfathomable momentum was locked within their frame. The other one was a Hegemon, and their monstrously condensed aura was on full disy. Catheya felt her vision swim for a moment as she was drowned in murderous intent, while Rezo gasped and was forced to take a step back.


    ��Sorry, sorry,�� the younger Reaverughed as he stepped off the tform, his attention surprisingly on Rezo. ��Didn��t even puke. Not bad. Join my squadter, yeah?��


    ��I- ah?�� Rezo hesitated, his eyes unsurprisingly darting toward the other half of the group.


    They were two pureblooded Draugr, nked by a Revenant and Corpselord. Just like with the other part of the contingent, it looked like they were two Monarchs apanying two Hegemons. Catheya couldn��t fathom the price paid to force not one but four Monarchs through the seal that surrounded Zecia.


    ��Enough, Kator,�� the other Reaver said. ��The elders have already decided on the rules for the formation of your battalions.��


    Catheya and Enis shared a look. Battalions?


    ��Wee,�� Enis said while Tassar was content to take on a background role in front of these powerful guests. ��I am Enis Umbri��Zi, and my ward here is Catheya Sharva��Zi. I pray your long journey was not too taxing.��


    Enis��s displeasure had only increased after seeing these new arrivals judging by the small frown on her face. After all, these two Draugr were unfamiliar faces, and even Catheya could tell they weren��t part of the Zi bloodline, even if they kept their auras in check.


    ��Thank you,�� the older Draugr, he too a Monarch, said with a curt nod. ��Laz Tem��Zul.��


    Catheya looked at the man curiously. Zul was a branch on the rise, and Tem��Zul was one of the most powerful ns of that surname. They essentially enjoyed a simr position as the Umbri��Zi, which only increased Catheya��s confusion. Why had someone from the Zul been sent to Zecia, when this was technically the domain of the Zi?


    After all, the Umbri��Zi already had Monarchs stuck outside the sector seal. Why forcibly grant these people entry while keeping the Zi out? Were there some conflicts brewing between the factions of the Abyssal Shores? And who was this woman who hadn��t deigned to speak up, even if she was clearly just a Hegemon like the Reaver?


    ��And young miss is��?�� Catheya hesitated after getting a pointed nce from Enis.


    ��Tavza An��Azol,�� the annoyingly beautiful woman said, her face remaining impassive.


    Catheya��s eyes widened in shock, and she hurriedly curtsied. Even Enis was rmed by that surname, and her small frown quickly transformed into a somewhat strained smile. Catheya couldn��t fault her guardian for putting on such a fake fa?ade.


    What else could you do when a direct descendant of an Abyssal Prince stood in front of you?


    However, a thought suddenly struck Catheya, and she nced at the Izh��Rak Reaver. He had already retracted his overwhelming aura, but Catheya still remembered its terror. Considering his almost unfathomable umtions and how he showed no deference to a Descendant of An��Azol, his origin couldn��t be simple either.


    ��Heyss, I��m Kator. That there is Brigadier Toss. We��re from the White Sky Phnx,�� Kator said. ��The other two are Pavina and Umbar.��


    Catheya shuddered as she curtsied again. As expected. These people came from one of the three Royal Phnxes of the Izh��Rak Reavers. This was big. Too big, to the point Catheya almost felt suffocated. The already frayed realm of certainty was fast copsing around her, and the next words out of the Reaver��s skull only made the matter worse.


    ��Now, where is this half-dreaming native who holds the key to the castle?��

 Chapter 936: Gates of Rebirth

    Chapter 936: Gates of Rebirth


    ��How about it? Should we take a look around ourselves?�� Ogras asked as he and Zac made their way toward the edge of the Ensolus Ruins.


    ��My body is still all kinds of messed up,�� Zac said with a helpless shake of his head. ��You can go ahead if you want to, though.��


    ��Without your supercharged fate to keep me safe?�� Ogras scoffed. ��Alright, I guess there��s no real urgency. It��s not like any outsiders can ess this ce in the short run. But we should perform a proper sweep before the war starts. Who knows what kind of good stuff this ce holds? After all, no one did war better than the Limitless Empire.��


    ��Agreed,�� Zac nodded before adding. ��Janos might still be in here, though.��


    ��Honestly, if he��s been trapped in the equivalent of one of those temples we visited in the Void Star, there��s not much we can do about it,�� Ogras said. ��We��d just get disintegrated if we tried barging in. And if his disappearance isn��t rted to the Left Imperial Pce����


    Zac sighed with a nod.


    ��Well, those three will scour this ce with new information over the next months, and they know about Janos. If they find something promising, they��ll let us know,�� Ogras said. ��Of course, if you can investigate with your luck, it would be even better.��


    ��I��ll take a look just in case after I��ve fully healed up,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Perfect, thank you,�� Ogras said. ��You might want to set up your trial while we��re here. Most of them have limits on how many can undergo it a day. With four years remaining, you want to cycle as many people through the gauntlet as possible.��


    ��Oh, right,�� Zac said. ��We��ll ce it close to Zelphi Watch on the way back.��


    The Ensolus Ruins being rted to Ultom had thrown Zac for a loop, but he ultimately felt it didn��t affect his long-term ns for the. It could still serve as a front-facing world to trade with neighboring empires like Salosar or Havenfort World. After all, there were almost 100 years until the Assimtion.


    By then, the first stage of Ultom��s inheritance was bound to be over and the ruins thoroughly searched. If not, they��d have to keep the world closed-off for another generation or two until things cooled down. They could even dismantle the whole Ensolus Ruins to avoid any unwanted attention.


    As for rumors spreading, Zac wasn��t worried. There were millions and millions of ces with old ruins in Zecia. That alone wasn��t enough to cause any waves without knowing its rtion to Ultom. And that was limited to the five people currently in the ruins, and possibly Calrin. And any lingering clue of the connection was already being quietly scrubbed clean by the Valkyries and his core personnel.


    As for Zelphi��s Watch, it was one of the frontier forts on the continent, one that had previously belonged to a pretty weak incursion force. It was far from any critical architecture or resources, and surrounded by inhospitable mountains. Meanwhile, there was still room for an enormous trade city in case their ns worked out, which made it the perfect site for the trial.


    ��By the way, what do you think about the Zhix?�� Zac asked as they walked. ��I��m thinking of giving Rhubat the same opportunity as the other three.��


    It was a while since he��d visited the leader of the Zhix, but he had read in the reports that the Zhix was still struggling with finding a proper path that would take them beyond the initial steps of cultivation. If humanity had been hit by the loss of Origin Dao in the atmosphere, the effect on the Zhix was magnified fivefold.


    Rhubat and the other Anointed had looked for solutions that would allow their conformist society to embark on the road of cultivation, a journey that generally required more personal introspection than the Zhix was interested in. But even after years of searching, they were not much closer than when they started.


    However, getting ess to the epiphanies of the Left Imperial Pce and the Outer Courts might be what would allow Rhubat to perfect the homebrewed cultivation system of the Zhix. Or at least push it to a level that would allow arger number ofmon warriors to form their Dao Seeds and step into the E-grade.


    ��Those guys?�� Ogras said. ��Well, he��s capable enough, but he��s not really part of your faction.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. That was the crux of the matter and why he hadn��t invited Rhubat to the war meeting the other week. It didn��t really matter that the status screens of the Zhix Hives said they belonged to the Atwood Empire. The Zhix were Zhix, beholden only to their own. Even if he had a good rtionship with the insectoids, there was an insurmountable divide between them.


    Even today, ten years after the integration, the Zhix barely interacted with the other races on earth. The asional representative appeared in Port Atwood to deal with various matters, and explorers sometimes ran into Zhix hunting squads in the wild. But that was about it.


    Everything was fine today, but who knew how things would look in 100 years? In ten thousand? Strengthening the Zhix would help in the short run with the war, but it might lead to unexpected consequences. Just give it a few generations, and the leaders of the Zhix might not feel it fair for them to y second fiddle to the Atwood Empire.


    And by that point, he would possibly be long gone, headed for the Six Profundity Empire or other opportunities in the Multiverse.


    ��Well, we still have some time to find a solution,�� Ogras shrugged. ��And I don��t think even you can just point at people and fill their spirits with divine providence. Who knows how the Left Imperial Pce chooses its candidates? We can figure out what to do with those crazy insectoids after these three have been looking around these ruins for a while.��


    Zac nodded in agreement. This endeavor was ultimately just a long shot, even if he had gained a quest from it. Still, Zac hoped that Vri, Rhuger, and Joanna��s fates would align more with the Left Imperial Pce by walking through the Ensolus Ruins for a month or two. That might be what allowed them to sense the seals when heading into the Million Gates Territory.


    ��More importantly, how about we invite those Mavai for the inauguration?�� Ogras said with a familiar gleam in his eyes.


    ��Still?�� Zac snorted.


    ��I��m just curious to see these life-attuned demons,�� Ogras grinned. ��But now that you mention it�� tribal women����


    Zac could only helplessly shake his head. ��We��ll invite representatives from both sides to Zelphi��s Watch.��


    The two passed through the shroud at the edge of the ruins a whileter and immediately set course for the border fort. Thankfully, most of the preparations were alreadyplete, and they could teleport straight there after flying to the closest teleportation array. It didn��t take long for two groups of representatives to arrive, each one led by the actual leaders of the respective factions.


    ��Lord Atwood, I heard you had returned; it is good to see you,�� Ra��Klid, the young Mavai Chieftain, said as he curiously looked at Ogras. ��This is?��


    ��Ogras Azh��Rezak,�� Ogras nodded as he looked curiously at the warriors. ��Very interesting. You��re really a new form of demonkin not registered within the horde.��


    ��So we heard, ��Ra��Klid said with a smile. ��Lord Azh��Rezak, we have heard of your great exploits from your followers and would love to have you visit our tribes at your convenience. The Mavai could gain a lot from your experience.��


    ��Of course,�� Ogras nodded.


    ��Lord Atwood,�� Aouvi, one of the two remaining Ghost Kings of the Raun, nodded as he floated over. ��May I ask why you have called us here?��


    ��Part of it is to update you on some important matters,�� Zac said. ��Secondly, it is time to finally open the Limited Trial I��ve mentioned before.��


    ��The opportunity that will provide Limited Titles?�� Ra��Klid said with excitement. ��Can we undergo the trial? How many slots are there?��


    ��No idea,�� Zac smiled. ��I won��t know much until I receive the reward. I just know it should be a pretty good one.��


    There was not much else to say, so they walked over to the edge of therge basin, far away from the small settlement that acted as a ceholder for the future city that would be built here. At that point, Zac finally epted the quest reward that had been waiting for him for almost a decade.


    The effect was immediate, and the whole valley started to heave. A few secondster, the ground cracked as a massive wall in gold and ck rose from below. Seeing the colors, Zac��s eyes lit up with interest, and his guess was soon confirmed as powerful waves of life and death started to radiate from the wall.


    Soon enough, the shaking stopped, but a structure reaching over five hundred meters into the air had already appeared. It didn��t look like a proper building, though. It more resembled a huge coin that had been pushed halfway into the ground. It was as wide as it was tall but no thicker than ten meters.


    By the looks of it, the wall was constructed with two types of metals that had failed to mix properly. Chaotic and unpredictable patterns of gold and ck covered its surface.


    At its center, two gates stood next to each other, each one roughly ten meters tall. One was golden and radiated powerful waves of life; the other was ck and filled with death. But oddly enough, Zac could sense hints of death from the golden gate and the opposite from the ck one.


    Above the gates, two lines were carved, each stroke instilled with a deep understanding of the two opposing Daos. Zac felt like the words contained the same level ofprehension as the scars on the Big Boss�� Big Wall back at the Big Axe Coliseum. But in contrast, the meaning was somehow sealed into the letters, preventing Zac from actually gaining anything from them. Still, the words gave a clear hint of what was going on.


    ��Gate of Life and Gate of Death, huh?�� Ogras muttered as he nced at the two groups of natives. ��How fitting.��


    Zac didn��t immediately answer as he reviewed a short burst of information he��d just received. The natives looked at the two doors with desire before turning to Zac.


    ��Give me a second,�� Zac said. ��Can you check out the surroundings, meanwhile?��


    The groups nodded and started to look around, except for actually entering the structure, of course.


    ��Behind!�� a startled Ra��Klid soon eximed.


    Zac and Ogras shed over, but they stopped in confusion upon seeing what was hidden behind the huge metallic half-circle. Having just visited the overgrown Ensolus Ruins, Zac was filled with a sense of deja vu. But instead of an ancient city being overtaken by nt life, it was rather a dour graveyard.


    Pitch-ck crypts and coffins covered the area behind the trial. They were covered in vibrant roots, some of them as thick as a full-grown man. However, in contrast to the Ensolus Ruins, the graveyard was in pristine condition. There was not a single blemish on the coffins, and they exuded stable waves of death.


    ��How odd,�� Aouvi muttered.


    ��Alright,�� Zac eventually nodded. ��I don��t know exactly what waits inside, but I have some preliminary information. This trial is called the Gates of Rebirth. Right now, one hundred people can pass through each gate daily, meaning 1,400 warriors can receive a title every week. You can only pass through the gates once. There are six levels to the trial, and passing each level will improve the title you receive.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What about the attunements?�� Ogras frowned. ��Can only the undead enter the door of death?��


    ��It didn��t explicitly say, but it seems that life- and death cultivators have an advantage for this trial,�� Zac nodded. ��You��d have to be pretty damn strong to reach the top floor without cultivating either of those two paths.��


    ��Well, isn��t that great,�� Ogras scowled, looking like he wanted to stab the enormous wall.


    ��Even the fifthyer-reward should be pretty goodpared to most publically avable trials,�� Zac smiled.


    It was true. This was a reward for his S-grading on his Sovereignty quest chain. He figured that the title had to be at leastparable to the top-tier titles like the one he got in the Big Axe Coliseum.


    ��Few opportunitiese without risk. Lord Atwood, can you estimate difficulties and casualty rates?�� one of the shamans of the Mavai asked.


    ��No idea,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��But you can only leave afterpleting each of the sixyers. Using pills like [Coward��s Escape] might send you out, but there are no guarantees. And even if it works, you��d definitely not get a title. So overestimating your strength might cost you your opportunity at best, or even get you killed.��


    ��That is natural,�� the chieftain said, and the spectrals nodded in agreement.


    ��So, does anyone want to give it a go?�� Zac smiled. ��Scouting out the Gates of Rebirth to sound out the challenges and opportunities would provide Contribution Points as well.��


    ��You��re not going first?�� Ra��Klid said with surprise.


    ��All my Limited Title slots are filled already, and I��m in no rush. I��ll see how the rewards look first,�� Zac said.


    Of course, Zac could always reject a Limited Title if it was worse than the ones he already had. The real reason was the state he was in. Going inside now would be a waste of an opportunity, especially considering he hadn��t even forged his life-attuned constitution yet. There was time to revisit this ce after he made some inroads into the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    ��I��ll go!�� the young chieftain immediately said with excitement all over his face.


    ��Wait,�� one of the old advisors said. ��Let one of us old bones step through the gates first to test the waters. We don��t know what to expect, and we can��t have you dying at this critical juncture.��


    ��A chieftain can��t be afraid of death,�� Ra��Klid said with annoyance, but he did relent. ��Alright, which one of you want to go?��


    ��I��ll do it,�� an old axe-wielder Zac recognized from the peace summit said.


    The man was at the peak of the E-grade, and he exuded both the aura of a warrior and of one cultivating the Dao of Life, making him a perfect candidate. Simrly, a spectral warrior stepped forward to enter the Gate of Death.


    The group walked over to the front of the Gates of Rebirth, and the gates soundlessly swung open as they approached. On the other side were just two swirls, but the golden gate actually held a shimmering swirl made from death-attuned energy. The opposite was true for the Gate of Death.


    ��The Gate of Life is made from Miasma?�� Ogras muttered with confusion. ��And a Gate of Death filled with life?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac said as the others looked at him with inquiring nces. ��I have no idea.��


    ��Fighting against death is part of life,�� the seasoned Mavai warrior eventually said. ��I��ll still enter the Gate of Life.��


    ��I shall follow suit and enter the Gate of Death,�� the spectral warrior added.


    ��Even if the element is wrong, you should at least pass the firstyer of the trial,�� Zac slowly said. ��Just go out instead of overdoing it if it��s the wrong path.��


    The two nodded and were swallowed by the swirls a momentter.


    ��How long will this take?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Six hours,�� Zac said. ��The burst of information was very clear on that point, at least.��


    The group soon set up a table to wait for the two to emerge, and Zac took the opportunity to update the Mavai and Raun on the situation with the war. The Raun also hesitantly asked about the problem with them betraying the Undead Empire. Zac answered that Arcaz would meet up with his allies from the Empire soon enough and that he��d have a definite answer in a couple of months.


    The subject of the Kingdom of Raun really was something Zac nned on discussing with Catheya, and he didn��t believe the Undead Empire would cause a stink over a small tribe of ghosts at the edge of the Multiverse. Eventually, the six hours had passed, but Zac frowned when the gates showed no sign of reopening.


    ��I felt a ripple from the graveyard,�� Aouvi suddenly said.


    ��Let��s go,�� Zac nodded and shed away.


    By the time they reached the backside of the trial area, they could immediately spot signs of activity.


    ��What in the���� Ra��Klid muttered as he saw the Mavai warrior push open the lid of a coffin and crawl outside.


    Simrly, a thick bulbous nt was cut apart, allowing the ghost to emerge from within. Zac breathed out with relief upon seeing the two were mostly fine, though the Mavai warrior sported some pretty nasty wounds. Zac had no idea why the trial would send out people like this, but it was fine as long as they were alive.


    ��How was it?�� Zac asked as the group walked over.


    ��It was���� the warrior said before he froze. ��Huh? Why can��t I remember?��

 Chapter 937: Life through Death

    Chapter 937: Life through Death


    ��You can��t remember?�� Ra��Klid frowned. ��This is no time for jokes.��


    ��I�� can��t remember anything either,�� the spectral warrior hesitated as he floated over.


    ��Nothing? Nothing at all?�� Zac said with confusion.


    ��Well, that��s notpletely true,�� the Mavai warrior slowly said. ��First of all, I remember being in a marvelous state afterpleting the challenge. I can��t properly remember it, but I can feel it. It felt like I was in the womb, full of life. I��ve made some progress on my Dao Fragment.��


    ��I was in a simr state,�� the ghost nodded. ��It felt like my soul had been taken through the cycle of reincarnation, visiting the other side. I, too, have made some progress on my Dao.��


    ��A Limited Trial providing insight?�� Ogras muttered. ��Sounds quite rare.��


    ��You still got an insight into life even through the entrance itself reeked of death?�� Zac asked.


    ��That��s right,�� the demon nodded.


    ��Life through death,�� Zac muttered as he looked at the two warriors.


    Small hints of death lingered on the body of the Mavai warrior, and streaks of Life-attuned energies ran through the incorporeal body of the Raun spectral. But was that from their encounters inside or a result of the way the Gates of Rebirth sent them out?


    ��What level did you two reach?�� Zac asked.


    ��That��s the second thing I remember. I reached the Fourth Layer,�� the Mavai elder said as he shared his newly acquired Title.


    [Gate of Life �C Fourth Layer: Reach the Fourth Layer of the Gates of Rebirth. Reward: Strength, Vitality +4%.]


    ��Even you only reached the fourthyer, and barely so by the looks of your wounds?�� Ra��Klid frowned. ��Didn��t your Dao Fragment reach Late Mastery recently thanks to the resources of the Atwood Empire?��


    ��I-�� the Mavai Warrior hesitated, unsure what to say.


    Zac could understand the problem. He was most likely one of the most skilled warriors of the Mavai, yet he barely scraped by to get an above-average result. Even if he wasn��t someone like Zac, he was still a Progenitor who had not only shored up his foundations for over a century before the integration, but also enjoyed a series of opportunities when the System arrived.


    It was worth remembering this wasn��t the Tower of Eternity, which was legendarily difficult to ascend. It was just a local limited trial. Zac still remembered the tens of thousands of memorial tablets and trinkets left behind at the bottom of the Havenfort Chasm. Simrly, seeing someone be a proper Big Axe diator was an exciting event, but it was by no means unheard of. People who passed all five levels of the challenge didn��t necessarily appear yearly, but they were not that rare.


    At the same time, the warrior had a hard time defending himself or exining since he didn��t remember a thing. He could only look at his warchief with resignation and confusion, clearly not too happy with his own performance either.


    ��What about you?�� Zac asked as he turned to the Raun Warrior.


    ��I also reached the fourthyer,�� the ghost nodded, and another screen appeared as the ghost ate a soulmending pill Zac recognized. It was part of the wares he��d brought back from Twilight Harbor.


    [Gate of Death �C Fourth Layer: Reach the Fourth Layer of the Gates of Reincarnation. Reward: Wisdom, Endurance +4%.]


    ��Completely different attributes,�� Zac muttered. ��How are they rted to your builds?��


    ��Strength is my main attribute,�� the warrior said, not to anyone��s surprise considering the man��s arms were even thicker than Zac��s. ��I also have some Vitality due to my Dao, but not from my ss. It is my third highest Attribute.��


    ��I focus on Wisdom and Dexterity,�� the ghost added. ��Endurance is not an attribute I focus on; I just gain some of it from my Dao Fragment.��


    ��Does Endurance even work on ghosts?�� Ogras asked curiously.


    ��It does,�� Aouvi nodded. ��It strengthens our bodies just like it would yours. It helps us resist Dao-infused attacks better, though many of us focus on defenses through other venues than taking direct hits.��


    ��Your soul is wounded?�� Zac asked as he turned away from the Title Screen.


    ��It is,�� the spectral sighed. ��It��s not a grievous wound, though. I will recover in two weeks. I am afraid I can��t remember what hurt me, but the wounds contain a hint of life. That might be a clue?��


    Zac slowly nodded as he went over the information. By the looks of it, the difficulty of the trial was somewhat serious, but it did provide a burst of insight in addition to just a Limited Title. Say that these two warriors managed to pass one additional level thanks to cultivating the right Dao, then most elite warriors of Port Atwood should be able to get a third-level title.


    Three percent in two attributes wasn��t too impressive, but it wasn��t bad for the average warrior, especially considering almost no one on Earth had any Limited Titles. In addition, you got a second opportunity in the form of enlightenment. That might be what allowed some of his followers to break through a bottlenecked Dao Seed or Dao Fragment. Unfortunately, this part of the trial was more useful for the natives of Ensolus than Earth��s citizens.


    Even if Earth��s attunement was bing more apparent by the day, there were still few life- or death cultivators among the ranks of the Earthlings. Most of Port Atwood��s elites had been there for the integration, enjoying the Origin Dao and unique opportunities back then. More and more new cultivators chose paths rted to life and death, so this trial would be increasingly useful as the years passed.


    And Zac, who had visited the Havenfort Chasm with the hidden Equanimity title, couldn��t help but wonder if something special would happen upon passing the final level of the trial. Would you get an even better title? Or would your Dao-rted opportunity be better?


    In either case, the trial seemed to be a top-tiered one, at least for a region like Zecia. The unfortunate part was that the two warriors didn��t remember anything about what they encountered, making it difficult to prepare future trial takers for the dangers within properly.


    ��It��s a decent first set of data, but we need more people to pass through the gates if we need to figure out the hidden rules of this ce,�� Ogras muttered, echoing Zac��s thoughts. ��Even if people get their minds wiped, we can still extrapte important information over time.��


    ��We��ll start bringing more people over,�� Zac agreed as the group walked back toward the settlement.


    However, soon after they passed the wall, Ra��Klid eximed after ncing back. ��Look!��


    ��Adder?�� Zac muttered as his eyes followed where the demon pointed.


    To the left of the Golden gate, a singr name had appeared at the top of an engraved querge enough to contain quite a few names.


    [1. Gorund Shatterstone. 4th level, 4:32:21]


    Simrly, a second que had been engraved to the right of the Gate of Death.


    [1. Souva Telosir. 4th level, 4:18:44]


    ��Just over one hour per level,�� Ra��Klid muttered. ��But why����


    ��Why were they sent out at six hours on the dot?�� Ogras continued with a nod. ��Should be the Dao opportunity?��


    ��So the quicker you pass the trials, the more time you��ll have to enjoy the Dao Enlightenment,�� Zac hummed. ��Alright, we��ll set up a series of experiments.��


    Zac wasn��t in any real hurry to go back, so he stayed on to oversee the groups of elite warriors who were sent through the gates just an hourter. The first batch was made up of an equal split of Mavai, Raun, Einherjar, and Port Atwood Elites. And in their wake were thousands of workers who started expanding the settlement with speed visible to the naked eye.


    Over the next few days, a steady stream of warriors entered the Gates of Rebirth, and every batch brought a new set of findings. They first noticed that no one managed to leave with their memories intact. It was the same for everyone; they remembered which floor they reached, and that was about it.


    Secondly, they found that the bigdders only showed 100 warriors at a time, but you could see more names if you touched them. Since there were only sixyers, the rankings were mostly based on time since all top ten results had only reached the fourthyer. Everyone always emerged after 6 hours at the dot, but some finished their run after just one or two hours.


    By the second day, it was all but confirmed that a quicker run resulted in more time to enjoy the Dao Enlightenment. However, this only applied to those who cultivated life or death. Anyone could enter, but only those with either a Pure or mixed-meaning Dao rted to life or death would gain anyprehension.


    It also seemed that reaching a higher tier resulted in a better burst of Dao, which meant that stopping at a lowyer to spend more time focusing on the Dao wouldn��t work. Just after three days, there had already been a couple of breakthroughs, and all those came from those who had reached the third or fourth level.


    You could also leave whatever name you wanted behind, and a Port Atwood soldier had left behind the name ��Banana Man�� for some reason when asked to see if he could modify the name he left behind. You could also skip leaving behind your name altogether, but it looked like you��d lose ess to the Dao Enlightenment if you did.


    As for benefits, it didn��t look like there were any to leaving your name behind on thedder, except for the bragging rights. But that was more than enough for some of thepetitive cultivators, and each faction of the Atwood Empire tried to keep as many top spots as possible.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They also confirmed that you didn��t need to be undead to enter the Door of Death, and Revenants wouldn��t get killed by trying out the Life-attuned challenge. However, the undead were clearly disadvantaged when entering the Gate of Life. Simrly, the Mavai was punished for entering the Gate of Death, though the effect wasn��t as pronounced. As for unattuned beings like normal humans, it didn��t matter which gate they chose.


    The most sobering realization was that [Coward��s Escape] did not seem to work in this trial. Everyone would be sent out alive with a title or as a corpse. No one ever left the trial early. So the trial was not without risks, even if you could opt out after each stage. Altogether, the death rate was only 5%, but that was still ten of the Atwood Empire��s elites that would die every day as long as they kept filling the slots.


    Furthermore, the people they sent through the gauntlet at this point were all handpicked for both their talent and survivability. Zac wouldn��t be surprised if the mortality rate increased even further as the months passed and the moremon talents had their turn. Still, Zac saw no reason to seal off the opportunity.


    Like the shaman said before, risk and reward came hand in hand. However, he knew he couldn��t make it mandatory for his soldiers with the mortality rate. Instead, they would list it as a limited resource that would normally cost Contribution Points to enjoy but would be free for the uing years. That should make enough people want to pass through the gauntlet.


    Soon a week had passed, and Zac stood at the edge of the graveyard with a few envoys to his side. The next batch of trial takers was about to emerge, and everyone kept their eyes peeled on therge golden flowers and the crypts. Everyone had soon figured out that the better your performance, the nicer item you��d emerge from.


    The first two warriors had emerged from an iid stone coffin and a sturdy root, but not everyone was so lucky. A few had been forced to crawl out from beneath the ground, covered in maggots and smelling like death. Yet no one had emerged from any of the crypts or golden bulbs yet, meaning they were reserved for those who reached the highestyers of the trial.


    Soon enough, dozens of roots started to wiggle while coffins shuddered. But there were no bursts of energy or activity from the top-tiered exits.


    ��Still not enough,�� Ra��Klid sighed. ��Just how difficult is this trial?��


    ��There��s no rush,�� Zac said. ��Sooner orter, someone will pass the fourth level, and we��ll have our answers if anything��s changed.��


    ��You��re still not..?�� the chieftain hesitated.


    ��No,�� Zac said. ��Everything is running smoothly here now. I can��t waste any more time here; I��m going back to cultivate.��


    ��I understand,�� Ra��Klid nodded before nodding to the others to give them some space. ��Before you go. I��ve heard rumors. Rumors of an expedition into the Million Gates Territory.��


    ��You want to go?�� Zac asked with surprise. ��What about the Mavai?��


    ��The council can manage the daily affairs. I need to follow in your footsteps to gain the strength to protect my people. A civilization without an ancestor to keep the ship stable will soon capsize,�� Ra��Klid said.


    ��I��m not involved in this incursion, so I��m not involved in the final decision of personnel,�� Zac slowly said. ��But I��ll mention your request when I go back. They��ll set off in a few months, so prepare yourself.��


    ��Thank you,�� Ra��Klid said with a bow. ��I will.��


    Zac nodded before shing away, heading toward the Teleportation Array. A few jumpster, he was back in his cultivation cave. From here on out, his administrators would figure out a system to extract as much value as possible from the Gates of Rebirth over the next four years. The nitty-gritty was for others to figure out �C Zac was more interested in continuing his recovery and cultivation.


    He was still months from being in perfect condition. Still, he was approaching the point where he could continue with his training regimen, and Zac immediately had Triv prepare another nurturing bath. A weekter, Zac sat alone in the center of his cave, and the energies of life and death shed all around him. However, Zac��s attention was fully on a shimmering crystal in his hand �C a Dao Stone he��d gotten from Ogras.


    There were more of them waiting in his Spatial Ring as well, more than enough for his purposes. It was finally time to upgrade his Branch of the War Axe. Zac first evolved his Fragment of the Axe into the Branch of the War Axe in the hidden valley of the Twilight Chasm, where he witnessed the super-condensed Daos of Life and Death sh.


    All the while, the mysterious egg he got from Va Tapek had purified and released more and more energy, almost pushing him into a state of hysterical madness. He had unknowingly found his answer in that environment, where he rejected Twilight��s unity of Life and Death, and instead confirmed his own Path.


    Many things had happened since then, and his experiences had long since made up for his rushed breakthrough. Most important of which, he had spent years inside the Orom,pletely reforging his understanding ofbat and technique. Then the events in the Void Star followed, where his techniques and strength were tested to their limits.


    He had fought, bled, and struggled to the point that his understanding of conflict was more than enough to upgrade his Dao again. If his constitution had been normal, he would already have taken that step naturally. But now, it was just a matter of ingesting treasures while holding onto his vision.


    Upgrading one��s Dao wasn��t dangerous or taxing, but Zac still surveyed his soul to ensure it was in decent enough shape to avoid any surprises and mishaps. The rotating cores in his Soul Aperture still showed some hairline cracks after his battle with the Qriz��Ul Goblin and being drowned in both Creation and Oblivion, but they had already stabilized.


    The damage was on the mend, and the remnant energies would be fully purged in a month or so. It was good enough. Zac focused on the crystal in his hand and tried to drag out the Origin Dao it contained. These crystals of Pureprehension would be the fuel, allowing him to make a breakthrough without any interference by external inspiration.


    But nothing happened.


    Zac looked down at the crystal with confusion. It wasn��t defective �C he could sense the pure truths trapped within. It was like a diluted version of that white light that had upgraded his Dao thest time �C the Primal Dao. Or perhaps it was more apt to liken it to an untainted version of the energy released by Salvation��s Dao Funnel.


    Yet it refused to listen to hismand, as though the crystal casing was an impassable barrier. It felt a lot like the Cosmic Energy around him, which simply refused to listen to his call when he tried using Cultivation Manuals as a mortal. Zac looked at the stone for a few seconds before sighing in defeat. Some things never changed.


    With ack of better options, Zac put the crystal in his mouth and bit down, prompting a shattering sound to echo through the chamber.

 Chapter 938: Eating Through

    Chapter 938: Eating Through


    A crackling sound of ss shattering echoed in the cultivation chamber as Zac chewed on the Dao Stone and swallowed it with the assistance of some water. Thank god no one else was in his cultivation cave at the moment. Zac could only imagine what someone like Emily or Ogras would say upon seeing him cultivating more like a beast than a cultivator as he took out a second crystal and bit down.


    The shards and dust created from the cracked crystal tasted nd and were incredibly dry. At least his 16,000 Endurance was more than enough to protect the inside of his mouth and stomach from beingcerated by the innumerable sharp edges. More importantly, it worked. Zac could feel streams of pureprehension flowing toward his mind, where he had his Dao Avatar absorb it before [Spiritual Void] could take too much of it for its own.


    The Dao Stones contained Origin Dao just like Ogras said, and not a speck of Origin Dao was wasted with this delivery method. He did have a decent stockpile of the unique resource, thanks to a heated bout of haggling with Ogras. But he absolutely didn��t have enough to wantonly release their precious contents, like he sometimes did with Cosmic Crystals to improve the ambient atmosphere. Still, one crystal after another entered his gullet, and the trickle of Origin Dao soon became a steady river that fed his breakthrough.


    All the while, Zac held onto hisprehension and his path, refusing to let any sudden burst of inspiration warp it.


    The previous insight that had birthed the Branch of the War Axe had been based on the primordial nature of Conflict, showcased by the interrtion between Life and Death. It used war��s inexorable and everchanging nature to connect his understanding of the axe with the Heavens, officially setting out on the Path of Conflict.


    The second step of his Dao Branch wasn��t as grand and far-reaching. It broughtplexity back to simplicity, where Zac returned to the origin �C his Axe. Back when he had stood in that valley of life and death, seeing the birth of true Twilight with the help of Primal Dao, he had chosen Conflict over harmony. But he still didn��t understand how Conflict and the Axe were rted back then.


    The underpinning rules of Conflict and how it pushed the river of fate forward were undoubtedly important truths of tremendous power, but Zac had long realized that he couldn��t only focus on those kinds of concepts. One day, he��d reach those towering peaks where a simple swing of his would contain the primordial principles of Conflict. But for now, he was still cultivating the Branch of the War Axe.


    It had taken years of arduous work and reforging his stances from the ground up to reach this point. Tens of thousands of battles, millions of swings and permutations until both Conflict and his other Daos had properly integrated with the weapon in his hand. Now, his foundations couldn��t be more solid, and his understanding of the rtion between Dao andbat had never been deeper.


    The first time Zac had truly seen this phenomenon, except for his Dao Visions, was when fighting Void��s Disciple the first time. Back then, his movements had felt like magic, where he moved quicker and more unpredictably than his attributes possibly could allow for. Now, Zac understood that Void��s Disciple simply moved in ordance with his Dao.


    And truthfully, the seemingly unfathomable Dominator wasn��t even close to reaching the Integration stage. Void��s Disciple was more like the previous him, grasping after everything before understanding the basics. He had tried integrating his Dao of Space, a notoriously difficult Dao toprehend, into a set ofbat techniques that didn��t have the foundations for it.


    Still, Adcarkas had been the seed that set Zac down this path. Where Axe became the Dao, and Dao then became the Axe. A million swings, a million permutations �C all of them ultimately bing the fundamental truths of the Axe.


    The Dao Avatar in Zac��s Soul Aperture was already moving per his two stances, dancing across the stars that made up his soul. One moment he was Inexorable Death. The next, he was Evolutionary Life. But somehow, as more and more Origin Dao entered his body, it almost felt like the flickering axe in his hands became more�� apparent.


    It was still the same size, and it didn��t start radiating blinding lights like the Towers of Myriad Dao. Yet, it somehowmanded more attention, where the small figure��s movements were just adornments to the centerpiece that was the weapon itself.


    Finally, it all crystallized, and Zac felt like a spiritual link had been established between himself with the vast cosmos. Suddenly, it was all so clear, and any lingering doubts or hesitations were swept away as the movements of the Dao Avatar changed. No longer was the avatar following his two stances. The avatar was no longer evolutionary nor inexorable �C there was no longer room for life and death.


    This was an intentional change by Zac. Even if his Daos were all parts of a bigger whole, he didn��t want the individual Branches to be influenced by outside concepts. The Daos themselves would be pure and unblemished, diving straight at the truth of their intrinsic nature. From there, Zac could freely create anything he wanted by mixing and matching, from Dual-affinity skills to his twobat stances.


    Conversely, if he started mixing too many concepts into his Daos, there was a danger of creating problems withpatibility down the road. It was just like how he had acted with hisbat stances at the beginning. He needed to fullyprehend the basics ofbat before he fused the Dao into his attacks. Simrly, he should first perfect the principles behind his individual Daos before linking them.


    Zac believed that was not only the key to reaching further on the road of cultivation but also to finding the answer to his most pressing predicament; forming his Cultivator��s Core. The better he understood each aspect of his path individually, the more sess he would find at fusing them.


    The avatar had be an extension of the axe rather than the other way around, and the gleaming edge of the incorporeal axe sang as it danced through the sr system that was Zac��s Soul Aperture. Zac almost felt like he could hear the sounds of war as the axe moved; the drums, the roars, metal shing against metal.


    He could feel it, taste it. Sand, salt, and metal. The winds of Conflict swept through his mind, his very being. But at its forefront, the axe advanced, crystallizing thesting impressions into a sharp edge of unmatched destruction. And with that edge came a storm of unfettered power that didn��t stay trapped inside his Soul Aperture. It spread throughout his body, filling every single cell of his with strength and ferocity.


    Eventually, the deadly but exuberant dance of his Dao Avatar gradually abated before he returned to the central core of his soul. The miniature version of himself didn��t look any different from before, but it somehow felt more solid, almost corporeal. It exuded a boundless fighting spirit, an aura with a sharp and heavy edge that seemed capable of cutting through anything. The fundamental nature of the War Axe. With a thought, that feeling exploded outward from his body as an oppressive Dao Field covered the whole cultivation cave.


    Usually, when Zac did this, the constant struggle between life and death in the cultivation chamber would explode when bolstered by his Branch of the War Axe. However, this time it was like a thirdbatant had entered the fray and viciously attacked both nks. Chaos ensued until both life and death were pushed back from the chamber��s core, forming an area of pure weaponized air.


    Anyone who dared enter this field would be attacked by innumerable cuts powerful enough to y unevolved cultivators. Yet, not a single de of grass was harmed by Zac��s churning Dao. This was partly thanks to his powerful soul allowing for greater control over his Dao, but also due to his most recent upgrade to his Dao.


    What kind of master wouldn��t have perfect control over their weapon?


    A momentter, the opposing waves of Life and Death came crashing back with redoubled ferocity, thanks to Zac subtly altering his Domain to wee and fuse with the two elements. For a moment, he felt he could almost grasp something from the chaotic clouds in the air, a clue to the mysteries he was trying to solve.


    But the feeling passed before he even had the chance to take out any treasures to grab hold of the insight. Zac shook his head with helplessness, but he wasn��t too disheartened. He knew his current foundations werecking. In fact, a bout of random inspiration he chanced upon right now might lead him down toward a dead end. He was better off taking things one step at a time over theing years, instead of rushing for perfection right at the beginning of his undertaking.


    Zac nced toward the sky, or rather the cave��s ceiling, for a moment, but the vast pressure of the Heavens showed no indication of descending. This was the expected oue since you wouldn��t get sted by Tribtion Lightning because of a minor breakthrough, but Zac could never bepletely certain which conventional rules applied to him and which didn��t.


    Seeing as he was really safe, Zac soon retracted his newly empowered Dao Field and instead opened his screens to check on the results.


    [Branch of the War Axe (Middle): All attributes +50, Strength +4,750, Dexterity +2,000, Endurance +250, Wisdom +500. Effectiveness of Strength +25%.]


    Name


    Zachary Atwoodn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Level


    150


    ss


    [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race


    [D] Human �C Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment


    [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles


    [��] Grand Fate, Blooddrenched Baron, Connate Conqueror, The Second Step, Singr Specialist


    Limited Titles


    Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star �C 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator


    Dao


    Branch of the War Axe �C Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru �C Early, Branch of the Pale Seal �C Early


    Core


    [E] Duplicity


    Strength


    27,352 [Increase: 143%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Dexterity


    11,800 [Increase: 103%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Endurance


    16,242 [Increase: 134%. Efficiency: 287%]


    Vitality


    14,192 [Increase: 127%. Efficiency: 273%]


    Intelligence


    3,763 [Increase: 97%. Efficiency: 206%]


    Wisdom


    7,603 [Increase: 104%. Efficiency: 216%]


    Luck


    712 [Increase: 121%. Efficiency: 229%]


    Free Points


    Nexus Coins


    [D] 846,027


    The sudden boost in strength was, in a word, terrifying. A single breakthrough had pushed his pool of Attributes by over 12%, most of it into Strength. The breakthrough had provided him with a full 2,500 points in his main attribute. With hisrge number of titles, those points had been turned into a boost of over 6,000.


    Those numbers were almost iprehensible for most E-grade cultivators and a stark reminder that elevated Dao Branches rarely were something you attained before forming your Cultivator��s Core. No wonder someone Dao-blessed like Iz Tayn still felt like an unsurpassable mountain, wielding multiple Daos with these kinds of monstrous base numbers.


    The only small letdown was that the breakthrough didn��t provide any more Efficiency or Luck, keeping them at 25% and +50 , respectively. Then again, it might be for the best. The easier ess others had to those attributes, the smaller his rtive advantage would be. Besides, the importance of 10 additional Luck was nothingpared to the huge direct boost to hisbat effectiveness.


    Zac had heard that Earthly Daos, the step after Dao Branches where you had formed aplete man-made Dao based on your path, didn��t provide as many base attributes for Monarchs. Instead, they would empower their Inner Worlds to a much more noticeable degree. But for now, his three Dao Branches were still Zac��s best bet at vastly increasing his Attribute Pool.


    Even better, the Gates of Rebirth had increased the odds of him pushing all three of his Dao Branches to Middle Mastery before leaving for the Perennial Vastness. Zac had a feeling that having all three of his Dao Branches at the same level would help tremendously with maintaining the delicate bnce needed to form his trinity core.


    Seeing the more tangible gains now only helped increase his motivation to work hard on his cultivation, and he couldn��t wait to seclude himself. Zac stayed in his cultivation cave for another two full days as he got acquainted with his unprecedented boost in power. Bing so much faster and stronger in one go was a bit disorienting even for him, but he soon regained his bnce.


    A positive surprise was that his foundations had actually healed a bit from the infusion of strength. He had by no means fully recovered, but he could tell he had saved a couple of weeks by upgrading his Dao. It didn��t change much for his four-year empowerment n, but every little bit helped.


    For example, he believed he was in good enough shape by now to start using the tainted Lake Water and resume his studies of Duality. The water still held the mysterious insights from the Lost ne, but his treasure might be gradually getting worse for all Zac knew; he had no real way to measure the wisdom hidden within. But before he could dive into his cultivation, there were a few matters he needed to take care of.


    So Zac called over Triv with a mental nudge, and the ghost appeared in just under a minute. The spectral butler had built a manor of their own roughly a thousand meters beneath Zac��s cave, not too far from one of the Miasmic Veins reaching up toward Port Atwood. That way, Triv didn��t only have a great cultivation environment but was also always close by in case their services were needed.


    ��Young Lord, your aura has undergone yet another transformation,�� Triv sighed with amazement. ��I daresay that no E-grade cultivator of the Kavriel Province is your match any longer.��


    ��I��m getting there,�� Zac said with a smile. ��Did anything happen while I secluded myself?��


    ��Another message has been delivered through your Mercantilework,�� Triv said with some expectancy in their voice. ��From the Empire. I took the liberty of epting it.��


    ��Really?�� Zac said with some surprise as he epted a familiar box.


    His message to Catheya had been quite clear: he needed a couple of months more before they met and didn��t want to decide on any details before the day of the meeting approached. For Catheya to send a message this early made Zac wonder if something had changed, so he quickly scanned the contents of themunication crystal.


    ��I am sending you this message under the urgings of Mistress Tavza An��Azol and Lord Kator of the White Sky Phnx. They have just arrived in Zecia and would like to meet you to discuss the great events happening here. The Undead Empire is sincerely looking for mutually beneficial cooperation in this endeavor, and we eagerly await your answer,�� Catheya��s voice echoed in his mind.


    It was a sinct message, but it contained quite a bit of information. Even then, there were no storms raging in Zac��s heart. He had expected more powerful people than Catheya to arrive from the Empire Hearnds after realizing she knew about Ultom. She and her Master would have sent word of Ultom the moment they realized something was up, and they alone weren��t powerful or connected enough to take charge of a matter this important.


    However, the two names listed still surprised him for different reasons. He had neither heard of either Tavza An��Azol or Kator, yet both their origins were familiar to him. Tavza was undoubtedly a descendant of one of the two Draugr apart from Eoz he had seen in his vision. The three of them had been the quickest to emerge from the Abyssal Lake, and it even seemed like Azol was the first.


    That didn��t necessarily mean the Azol bloodline was stronger than his, but it was still probably one of the strongest branches of the Draugr. Certainly, a once-powerful Bloodline could decline. But if that were the case, then Tavza wouldn��t have been the one to receive this opportunity.


    As for this Kator, Zac actually found out about his origin from Pavina. She was a subordinate to an Izh��Rak Reaver, so she unsurprisingly knew quite a bit about their armies. Pavina had mentioned the White Sky Phnx to him once while he visited. It wasn��t even considered breaking themandments since the name was known far and wide. After all, the phnx had destroyed two A-grade forces since its inception; they were known all across the Multiverse.


    The feat didn��t sound like much in contrast to how long the Undead Empire had waged its mad war, but Supremacies were all notoriously difficult to kill. After all, they were all old monsters who had survived to the very peak of cultivation. Not only were they unimaginably powerful, but they all had innumerable hidden cards up their sleeves. And as long as the Supremacy survived, so did their faction.


    The Supremacy could just relocate and raise new generations of cultivators. Even worse, they could be an A-grade Wandering Cultivator bent on revenge. The amount of damage someone like that could cause an established faction was unimaginable. Zac shuddered at the thought of a ruthless person like The Eveningtide Asura, only at the level of an experienced Supremacy.


    It was much easier to wait out A-grade forces. Not even Supremacies were immortal, even if it sometimes felt like it, and most factions couldn��t raise a second one to protect them.


    Zac was a bit surprised that the Reavers showed up here in Zecia. This region was at the edge of the Multiverse, and jurisdiction was blurry, but Zecia was definitely not within the sphere of influence of the Izh��Rak Reavers. This was solidly Draugr-territory as far as the Undead Empire was concerned. Was it connected to him and his rtionship to Kaldor?


    More importantly, how should he deal with this matter? He didn��t have some perfectly crafted scheme just because he knew something like this might happen.


    ��When did this message arrive?�� Zac asked.


    ��Two days ago, my lord,�� Triv said.


    Zac slowly went over his options, and he felt a headacheing on. Was it a good sign that he had received this notice, or was it bad? Did it mean Catheya still had some say in matters, or were these neers so sure they could control him that they didn��t need to bother with any subterfuge?


    Then it struck him.


    Why beat himself up trying to figure out this mess when he had finally had the scheming shadow back at his side? It was time for Ogras to earn his pay.

 Chapter 939: Starflash

    Chapter 939: Starsh


    Remembering he could just pawn off the issue of Ultom on Ogras, it felt like a weight had been lifted off of Zac��s shoulders.


    ��I��ll think on this a bit longer before sending an answer,�� Zac said. ��Is there anything else?��


    ��Nothing of great import,�� Triv answered. ��Therge movements of troops rted to young Lord��s new trial has made the rumors of our existence to intensify somewhat, though.��


    ��I guess that��s to be expected,�� Zac shrugged, neither too surprised nor worried.


    Every soldier who had entered Ensolus had been under strict control to suppress any rumors of the Einherjar and Elysium. Still, no secret shared by so many could stay hidden forever. The chatter was growing in intensity by the day, to the point Zac had told his administrators not to bother him with the inquiries from the subsidiary factions across Pangea anymore.


    But it was about to end, and soon.


    Keeping his people separated like this, while hiding the true natures of Ensolus and Elysium, was a logistical nightmare that hampered their preparations for the uing war. Besides, Zac had already decided to merge his two societies while visiting Twilight Harbor, and nothing had changed since then. Now, the ns to properly integrate the undead citizens into the Atwood Empire were mostlyplete.


    A huge walled district meant for the undead was already being built in Port Atwood. The walls weren��t there to keep the citizens apart but to contain the Miasma they��d draw from the ground. Even the official structures like the government building would be fitted with miasma-infused wings to allow the undead to work together with the living.


    It was a bit of a hassle to create pockets of death everywhere, and it wasn��t really a true fusion of life and death. However, Zac still didn��t feel confident in trying to create an atmosphere like the one that covered Ensolus.


    As a Life-Death Edgewalker, he understood all too well how difficult it was to fuse the two elements, and his instincts told him that the odd energy of Ensolus didn��te without a cost. They just didn��t understand what it was yet. Besides, it wasn��t like Zac could reform the fundamental nature of the energy covering Earth even if he wanted to.


    The Atwood Academy had tried replicating the energy of the Ensolus Continent for years now, but they were no closer today than when they started. Not even a tremendous cash infusion from Zac had made any difference during the time when he visited the Void Gate. For now, pockets of death on Pangea and pockets of life in the cities of Elysium would have to do.


    ��Alright, just maintain the course and continue with the preparations,�� Zac eventually said. ��We��ll wait until Vri and the others are back before announcing things. Vri first advocated for this change, and much of the nning has been overseen by her personally. She should be here for the announcement.��


    ��Of course. Do not worry; we will take care of everything,�� Triv nodded. ��Is there anything else I can do for young master?��


    ��No, that��s it,�� Zac said, his thoughts still mostly on the matter of the Empire elites.


    ��Then I will take my leave,�� the butler said with a bow as they sank through the floor.


    Zac didn��t n on staying around either. He instead sent out a series of instructions and inquiries as he walked over to the Teleportation Array, and he was soon swallowed by a sh of light. A few minutester, Zac enjoyed a cup of tea in his privatepound as the shadows congealed into a person.


    ��Something important must have happened for you to finally emerge from your cave,�� Ogras grinned as he sat down opposite Zac. ��Your bad habits have only gotten worse while I was away. You��re bing more and more of an old hermit. You��re only supposed to reach that state after sowing your oats and breaking some hearts, you know?��


    ��I��m pretty happy with my current situation,�� Zac smiled as he threw over themunication crystal he got from Catheya. ��I wanted your opinion on this.��


    ��I��m guessing these two are bigshots?�� Ogras eventually asked after listening to the recording.


    ��Most likely from the strongest ns of the Draugr and Izh��Rak Reavers,�� Zac nodded. ��I can��t be sure, but I bet they��re of our generation. The Undead Empire should have figured out that much, at least.��


    ��If little princelings have arrived, then so have dangerous Daoguards, like that golem of your fiery girlfriend. You absolutely can��t meet with them,�� Ogras said without hesitation. ��At least not now.��


    ��I��m thinking the Undead Empire might be the most promising backer, though. More and more factions wille, most of which we have no connection to,�� Zac said. ��I already have an in with the Empire and have other things to barter with instead of just the inheritance.��


    ��Do you really think they��d care about your weird constitution in the face of the Left Imperial Pce of the Limitless Empire?�� Ogras countered. ��They might immediately strike you down to secure a spot.��


    ��We still don��t know if it��s even possible for the seals to change hands,�� Zac said.


    ��Certainly, but I believe there is a decent chance for it to work, even if there might be some restrictions,�� Ogras said. ��Your quest told you to gather a full cycle of followers, multiple cycles even. We also know that the Ruthless Heavens have somehow connected this whole inheritance with the uing war.


    ��I think we both know the Ruthless Heavens well enough by now. When has it ever favored peaceful recruitment over ughter? In fact, I believe getting a piece of a seal is just the first checkpoint to be deemed worthy of the inheritance. Keeping your life and defending your slot after the war starts �C that��ll be the real challenge.��


    ��You��ve thought this through thoroughly,�� Zac smiled.


    ��I never ck off when ites to my survival,�� Ogras winked as a bottle appeared in his hand.


    ��So what do you think I should do?��


    ��Keep dealing with your friend instead; use her as a shield to keep the wolves at bay. She shouldn��t mind since it would elevate her position. If possible, don��t even meet Miss Sharva��Zi in person. Only when we��ve entered the inheritance zone can you link up with the undead representatives. They will be forced to y nice with you by that point because of the outside pressure.��


    ��The other trial takers,�� Zac nodded.


    ��Exactly,�� Ogras said. ��Their Daoguards won��t protect them, and the Undead Empire is an isted faction in the Multiverse. They won��t be able to afford to piss off any potential ally. Certainly, they will eventually turn on you even if things work out. Any old faction will always see to their own interests first. But by that point, you should have already figured out an exit strategy.��


    ��Still, it��s easier said than done to string along the Undead Empire for four full years,�� Zac said.


    ��So why not trade some intelligence for benefits? You should know a few things about the trial that the unliving still don��t. That will both help you in the short run and nt a seed of goodwill. Meeting you in person shouldn��t be as important as aplishing their goal, unless their goal is to snatch your opportunity,�� Ogras said. ��Better stay away from the limelight and have the outsiders fight among themselves for slots.��


    ��You know pretty much everything I do,�� Zac said. ��What should we trade, and what should we keep to ourselves?��


    ��Everything? I doubt it,�� Ogras said with his trademark suspicious look. ��Anyway, most of the things we��ve gathered about the pces should be fair game. The powerful factions will figure out the details sooner orter, so we might get some benefits while our knowledge is worth something. But I don��t think you should divulge your new quest under any circumstances. We need to look to our own before feeding our allies.


    ��If anything, we want the others to consider this an individual opportunity. Even better if we could get these two princelings topete with and hamper each other. We don��t have enough resources or talents to send out more than one or two vessels searching for seals. But I wouldn��t be surprised if the Undead Empire were willing to send billions of prospects into the Million Gates Territory to grasp hold of an Eternal Heritage.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Isn��t that what we want, though?��


    ��Honestly? I doubt it would help us all that much,�� Ogras said. ��The Ruthless Heavens is geared for war, and it��s even hiding the Space Gate to ensure it takes ce. Unleashing the Undead Empire would get some Kan��Tanu scouts killed, but I bet even more local warriors would get caught in the crossfire and resurrected. After all, the alliance headed by the Allbright Empire is still scouring the ce in hopes of somehow stopping the invasion. And having the area crawling with Undead deathsworn would definitely make my job of filling your cycle harder.��


    ��We��ll keep the matter of my quest secret,�� Zac nodded. ��But I doubt I��m the only one who will receive it.��


    ��As long as we get a headstart to form a cycle of your own. In fact, the moment your cycle is full, you can share the ��new discovery,''�� Ogras smiled. ��That way, we��ll have more helpers inside the Left Imperial Pce.��


    ��This is all based on one of those two getting a mebearer seal, though,�� Zac said.


    ��Well, the event hasn��t even started in earnest, and we know of two candidates already. With each one of you needing at least one cycle of subordinates, I wouldn��t be surprised if the trial will involve over a thousand people,�� Ogras said. ��And the Undead Empire has most likely sent the best of the best, people at the level of Miss Tayn. If they can��t get a slot in a ce like Zecia, they might as well go be dirt farmers.��


    ��It��s good to have you back,�� Zac smiled. ��All this scheming is exhausting me.��


    ��As long as you know,�� Ogras said with a haughty expression. ��Just don��t go do anything crazy while I��m off getting the second piece of my seal.��


    ��It��s not like I am looking for craziness; it just tends to find me,�� Zac sighed.


    ��Now, isn��t that the truth,�� Ogras snorted before his eyes widened with anticipation. ��How about the ships? Are they done yet?��


    ��Just got a confirmation before you arrived,�� Zac smiled. ��Your ship will be done in an hour or so.��


    Three weeks had passed since Zac handed in his quest for the Creator Shipyard, and the Golems had been hard at workpleting both the ships required for Ogras�� mission to the Million Gates Territory and a few different models meant to be showcased and sold. Now, the first Cosmic Vessel of the Iliex Shipyard was about to roll out, and the rest would be finished within the week.


    ��It��s done? What are you waiting for? Let��s go,�� Ogras said with excitement written all over his face. ��Let��s take the baby for a spin.��


    ��Sure, but let��s iron out the details on how to deal with the Undead Empire first,�� Zacughed.


    Ogras grunted with annoyance, but he still sat back down. And so, the two spent the better part of the hour workshopping various ways to hold the uing meeting safely. It had already been a risky endeavor with just Catheya and her Master on the other side since they didn��t know the fallout from Zac��s actions in Twilight Harbor.


    But now, the stakes were so much higher, and it involved powerful factions to which Zac had no rtion. Without having a good solution to this predicament, Zac was afraid to set foot even on the same as the undead delegates.


    They eventually came up with a partial solution that had a decent chance of working, though it would depend on Calrin��s abilities to procure some specific tools. By that point, over 50 minutes had passed, and the two were far too preupied with the thought of a piping fresh Cosmic Vessel just waiting for them to continue discussing the Undead Empire.


    ��Alright, let��s just go,�� Zac snorted when he saw Ogras nce in the direction of the teleportation array for the 20th time in thest couple of minutes.


    Ogras would probably have left already if not for the fact that only Zac had ess to the shipyard��s ind. Upon hearing it was time to go, Zac only heard the demon��sugh as they were both swallowed by the shadows. The next moment he stood in front of the Teleportation Array, with Ogras looking at him like a puppy dog waiting to be let outside.


    The array shed to life, and the two appeared in a building that looked just like the reception of the old shipyard.


    ��Lord Atwood, wee,�� Rahm said with a small bow before nodding at Ogras. ��Mr. Azh��Rezak.��


    ��Good to see you, Rahm,�� Zac nodded as he looked around. ��I expected you to have changed things up a bit.


    ��Perhaps if you look out the window,�� Rahm said.


    Zac and Ogras shared a nce before walking over to the window.


    ��That��s more like it,�� Zac said with a smile.


    This was the first time Zac had visited since the Creators�� relocation, and he had to admit they really didn��t half-ass things. The ind had beenpletely leveled and reced by a thick metal ne that covered its whole surface. The small mountain and its surrounding forest �C all gone.


    Still, it almost looked like a mechanical mountain had taken its ce. It towered nearly two thousand meters into the air and was covered in the squarish scripts of the Iliex. A big exhaust at the top released plumes of smoke, but some sort of array cleansed the exhaust before they left the ind��s sphere of influence.


    It had to be the foundry where they forged the alloys for the Cosmic Vessels. Zac looked at it with [Cosmic Gaze] to make sure, but the shockingly condensed energies within almost blinded him, forcing him to quickly look away.


    ��Safety goggles are rmended to look at the forging process,�� Rahm kindly reminded from the side.


    ��Thank you,�� Zac said with a crooked smile before turning back to the view.


    The foundry was surrounded by ten huge factories, each significantlyrger than the old warehouse back on his shore. Everything was connected by thick pipes and floating conveyor belts, and Zac could see how blocks of metals and sometimes finished tes were transported from the foundry into the factories.


    There were also a few smaller buildings whose protective scripts were actually denser than the factories themselves. Zac guessed they were the workshops where the master artisans worked on the more delicate parts of the vessels, such as the Ship Cores and Spatial Arrays. Finally, there were five warehouses right next to the reception, and Zac felt his heartbeat speed up when he vaguely saw a huge metallic shape in one of them.


    Their first Cosmic Vessel.


    ��Brat, it��s not often you bring guests,�� a rumbling voice echoed through the room as Karunthel appeared.


    ��Well, you guys are too good at your jobs. Most factions would go mad if they learned the Iliex had a subsidiary in Zecia,�� Zac smiled. ��Just quelling any rumors keeps me up at night. How can I bring guests?��


    ��Haha, I��ll take that as apliment,�� the spidergolem guffawed before turning to Ogras. ��Hey, little demonling, so you��re the one who��s getting the first Starsh?��


    ��That��s me,�� Ogras grinned.


    The upgrade being a System Reward, there were several rules in y. Zac hadn��t gotten ess to the millions of designs in the Creators�� repository, but rather nine distinctive designs picked by the System rather than Karunthel. None of them were as fancy as the three options Zac had to choose from when picking his personal vessel, but that was to be expected.


    You could still tell the System hadn��t picked these ships at random. They all had great synergy and were designed to be parts of a Ster Navy, with a mix of destroyers, personnel carriers, logistical vessels, and even amand ship that could link up with and even control the other vessels in the fleet.


    There were none of those gargantuan motherships, though, simply because there was no point in having an Early D-grade mothership. Besides, Zac wasn��t sure he��d be able to afford one after seeing the prices on the smaller vessels.


    One of these handpicked designs was the ��IL-28 Starsh��, a destroyer-ss ship focused on speed. It was a bulky beast that couldfortably house a standing army of around 2,500 elites, or transport five times that number for shorter stints. It was one of the mid-sized options, yet it cost a whopping 18,000 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Zac didn��t even want to imagine what a Mothership measured in kilometers rather than meters would cost. The IL-28 Starsh had a wide range of use due to its high average performance and agility. For example, it could carry elite squads into hostile territory on critical missions or act as a roving sentry post.


    Its scanning capabilities weren��t nearly as advanced as Zac��s Yphelion, but there was not much to do about that. The scout vessel for sale, the IL-32 Farsight, simply didn��t have the defensive capabilities to roam the Million Gates Territory without a support system for very long. As such, the Farsight would warn them of high-grade cultivators nearby, but they would still be at the mercy of the whimsicalws of physics inside the chaotic zone.


    Seeing as there were no skilled technicians in the Atwood Empire, they would have to pick vessels that could take a beating and survive long enough to limp back home in case disaster struck.


    ��Alright,�� Karunthelughed. ��I guess it��s time for this civilization to join the spacefaring nations. What did you call it? The final frontier?��


    ��The final frontier,�� Zac said with a smile.

 Chapter 940: Maiden Voyage

    Chapter 940: Maiden Voyage


    ��Amazing,�� Ogras whispered.


    Even Zac was moved as they looked up at the huge dark gray Cosmic Vessel floating in front of them. His Cosmic Vessel.


    It was neither as big as some of the ships he��d seen in the Void Gate nor as awe-inspiring as the three models he had to pick from for his quest reward. But it was clearly of far superior makepared to the thing he��d flown in on his way to the Void Star, or even the Technocrat��s Little Bean for that matter.


    ��A decent little skipper,�� Karunthel hummed with a satisfied nod. ��Feels good to build items for adults, finally.��


    The vessel looked far more blocky and utilitarian than the Yphelion��s sleek catamaran design, yet it emitted an undeniable aura of power and vigor. It was of themon squarish oblong shape, which widened slightly at the end to give room for the powerful array thrusters. Its front didn��t end in a cockpit or a viewing deck, but with five nasty spikes arranged in a circle.


    The longest one in the middle was almost fifty meters long, and Zac felt his heart shudder as he looked at the engravings covering it. This was one of the other benefits of upgrading his shipyard �C weaponry. The old vessels Zac had ess to before upgrading the shipyard barely had any weaponry to speak of, but these army vessels packed quite the punch.


    ��This is the main energy battery, with four more deployable across its bodice,�� Karunthel smiled as he followed Zac��s gaze. ��These models of yours are pretty good. We call the main cannon a Wave Signature Tower. On the surface, it looks like amon pure energy weapon that you��d see anywhere. But it has an interesting twist. It isn��t just releasing raw energy at your enemy �C it is encoded with thousands of hidden patterns.��


    ��Patterns?�� Ogras repeated with confusion.


    ��Following certain concepts on how energy works and reacts when under pressure,�� the spider golem exined. ��Simply put, you can consider these patterns as array breakers. The Wave Signature Tower will st an enemy��s shield with a rapid burst of Array Breaking attempts and record the result.


    ��Then, it��ll adjust all your energy weaponry based on the results. At worst, it will find a pattern that will cause more damage and drain the enemy��s energy faster than the others. At best, it will find one that will directly destabilize the enemy��s shielding and st right through.��


    ��That powerful?�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��Well, most decent vessels have protective measures against this kind of brute-forcing attempts. But this is the frontier where Cosmic Vessels are essentially floating trashcans. I doubt too many have countermeasures against this kind of technique here,�� Karunthel grinned.


    ��Is the vessel equipped with single-use weaponry as well?�� Ogras asked expectantly.


    ��s, no,�� Karunthel sighed. ��Restrictions, and whatnot. So, no good old bombs. However-��


    Ten smaller vessels floated out from chutes at the ship��s midsection the next moment.


    ��The Starsh is not like the Wingstorm with its huge array of unmanned drones,�� Karunthel exined. ��But it still carries 100 of these things. They all have simple energy cannons and are quite agile. More importantly, after you buy the ships, you��re free to do any modifications to these little drones you want. Say, if you for some reason filled one of these guys with explosives, strengthened its propulsion, and ordered it to fly right into an enemy vessel����


    ��Not bad,�� Zacughed. ��You could hide a bomb among the other drones until it��s time to strike.��


    ��And of course, we provide full service, including recing broken drones. For a fee, of course,�� Karunthel grinned before throwing over a small sphere to Ogras. ��This is the control node. Bind it, and you will be the captain and gain ess to most features.��


    ��Most?�� Ogras said with confusion.


    ��Some technical features are blocked out,�� Karunthel shrugged. ��You would just get yourself killed if you started to fiddle with the Spatial Arrays, for example. Those features will automatically unlock if you get a D-grade technician or Array Master to join the crew.��


    ��Fair enough,�� Ogras nodded.


    ��Here, take this,�� Karunthel added and threw a golden cube at Zac.


    The moment he grasped it, the thing melted and turned into a small tattoo on his left hand before that thing faded as well. However, Zac wasn��t worried as he got a short burst of information.


    ��What��s that?�� Ogras asked curiously.


    ��Nothing,�� Zac smiled before nodding at Karunthel. ��What else?��


    ��Well, standard operations are fueled by gathering arrays, and there is a small energy surplus that will be stored. That surplus can be used on shields, energy weaponry, or even on dimensional jumps,�� Karunthel exined. ��But it isn��t an endless font of power. If you push its engine for long durations or get caught in pitched battles, you��d have to supply it with High-tiered Nexus Crystals, or preferably Cosmic Crystals.��


    ��Cosmic Crystals?�� Zac grimaced. ��Those cost a fortune.��


    ��This is a machine of war, and to wage war is to burn money,�� Karunthelughed.


    ��Now, the models you have ess to take around two days to power down if you want to put them into your Spatial Rings, and the power-down featurees with spatialpression. If you need to save space, this model can turn into a 20-meter cube instead of its current shape.��


    ��Wait, two days?�� Ogras frowned. ��So, if we want to hide from pursuit, we��d have to create a two-day lead before stowing away the ship? Doesn��t that make it useless?��


    ��Brat, what do you know?�� the golem scoffed. ��Most vessels you see in this Heaven-forsaken corner of the Multiverse can��t even be powered down, and never be put in a spatial ring. Hell, many can��t even survive inside a proper atmosphere. In fact, you shouldn��t even use the power down feature in public since it will expose that this vessel is of umon origin.��


    ��Why can��t people just store their ships?�� Zac said with confusion, but he suddenly remembered how he��d seen thousands of vessels simply docked into Zenith Vigil. He hadn��t reflected on that back then, but why hadn��t the captains just stowed their ships?


    ��For the same reason that Spatial Rings can��t be stowed inside other Spatial Treasures. Their arrays and energy fields will sh. The systems needed to push through the dimensionalyers are incrediblyplex. Usually, they are passively running like Spatial Rings, keeping the vessel in a constant state where it can travel without being ripped apart by the vacuum of space or dimensional skipping. Creating a vessel that can be safely turned on and off at will is far more difficult.��


    ��So, how quickly will I be able to stow away the Yphelion?�� Zac asked.


    ��Six hours, give or take ten minutes,�� Karunthel said.


    Zac nodded thoughtfully before looking at the Creator with curiosity. ��Do any of your top-tiered vessels allow for instantaneous power-down?��


    ��Yes and no,�� Karunthel said after some thought. ��For vessels based on the Dao of Space, no. And believe me, we��ve tried. But there are Cosmic Vessels out there that are based onpletely different principles, like the Dao of Light or the elemental Daos. Their systems do not sh with Spatial Treasures, so they can generally be stowed away at any time.��


    ��So what��s the catch?�� Ogras asked from the side.


    ��Price. You wouldn��t believe how expensive those things are. The Dao of Space is obviously the most convenient Dao for traversing space and jumping between dimensions. To create the same effect with other Daos�� You��d be looking at a price tag at least 100 times higher at even lower performance points. For top-tier vessels, it��s far worse.��


    Zac gulped for air as he nced at the Cosmic Vessel in front of him. This thing had cost him enough money to bankrupt a normal Zecia D-grade n, yet an elemental variant would be over 100 times more expensive? Then what about higher-tiered vessels? Would the cost of a Peak D-grade elemental vessel even be counted in C-grade Nexus Coins?


    ��Well, never mind that,�� Ogras shrugged. ��That sounds like some luxury toys for the rich bastards in the hearnds. Can we take this beauty out for a spin?��


    ��Of course,�� Karunthel nodded. ��Themand sphere should be able to answer any questions you have. Most systems are intuitive enough that even a fool can handle them. Of course, you need a good crew to take charge of the different features to bring the most out of the vessel.��


    ��So, how do we get inside?�� Zac asked.


    ��Just ask it,�� Karunthel said with a wave as he started to walk away. ��Now, I have to finish the rest of the ships. Kid, work hard and get some contracts for us. A lot of the workers have been bored senseless for the past years. In fact, it might be in your interest as well.��


    ��What do you mean?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, the next quest will unlock when you evolve, but you can already work toward its goal,�� the golem said before he just disappeared.


    ��Perhaps you need to build enough ships to upgrade the shipyard? Or perhaps sell enough of them?�� Ogras ventured when Zac shot him a look.


    ��Sounds like it,�� Zac nodded. ��But why would the System hide the exact details?��


    ��If you keep asking why the Ruthless Heavens does the things that it does, you��ll soon drive yourself crazy. Just roll with the punches and make the best of the situation. Now let��s see how-��


    The next moment, the two were covered in a bronze light, and Zac felt a pulling sensation. He didn��t resist it, and the next moment the two found themselves inside the Cosmic Vessel.


    ��Not bad,�� Ogras nodded as he looked around. ��Teleportation, very fancy.��


    ��Maybe too fancy,�� Zac hesitated, remembering Karunthel��s warnings about showcasing the Starsh��s high-tech features.


    ��Well, there is a proper hatch, but what fun is that?�� Ograsughed as he looked around.


    The teleportation array didn��t take them into a cargo hold like the previous ship Zac entered, but rather into arge foyer with some desks, tables, and benches. The Starsh��s interiors were in the same dark grey metallic as the outside of the ship, giving it a somewhat simr feeling to the sterile environments of the Technocrat Memorysteel base.


    ��How dull,�� Ogras muttered before looking down at the sphere in his hand.


    The next moment, the surroundings started to change as the walls became a deep blue with some white details, while the floors changed color into a deep wooden brown. The pre-installed furniture turned white, and the lights shifted to give off a softer glow. Suddenly, the area looked less futuristic and more inviting. It almost felt like Zac was inside a hotel on Earth rather than a spaceship.


    ��That��s better,�� Ogras nodded with satisfaction.


    ��You can even do stuff like that?�� Zac muttered with amazement.


    ��Yep, even the exterior. Can��t reshape the metal, though,�� Ogras said.


    ��Well, that makes sense,�� Zac said as he looked around. ��Still looks a bit austere. I guess we��ll have to bring our own furniture.��


    ��There are some fixed instations like these benches, but just the bare essentials,�� Ogras nodded before turning to a pedestal not far away. ��That thing should be a map.��


    Zac had already suspected as much since the thing was very simr to the mappers he had seen inside the Void Star, and a holographic cutout of the Starsh appeared when he infused some Cosmic Energy into it.


    There were no surprises with the interiors. The biggest of the ship was set aside as living quarters for the crew. They were arranged in sets of ten, which all shared amon area. It wasn��t much room per person, but it was still quite generous for an army vessel. There were also five mess halls, several training rooms, a few lounges, and so on, allowing for afortable long-term stay.


    After these areas came the storage areas, both for the drones and some things that were inconvenient to store inside Spatial Treasures. For example, there wereplex spareponents, and escape pods. There were also three smaller docking vessels, each one able to hold roughly ten people. They didn��t possess any weapons though, so they would be useless in a fight.


    ��The bridge is that way,�� Ogras said as he pointed down a hallway.


    The security doors soundlessly slid open as they approached, and Zac��s heart beat an extra time with excitement when he found himself on a real-life science-fiction bridge. Those Old Earth showrunners had got things mostly right, except that the huge screen showing the exterior was just that �C a screen. The bridge was hidden right at the heart of the vessel, protected by multipleyers of both physical and energy barriers.


    Twelve seats were spread out in a half-circle in front of the screen, with the captain��s chair taking the central spot. Each one had a console, but there were no buttons or levers as far as Zac could tell.


    ��Let��s take her out for a spin,�� Ogras said as he sat down in the captain��s chair.


    The scene on the screen gradually changed as the vessel soundlessly slid out of the warehouse onto the enormous metal square outside.


    ��Do you already know how�� to���� Zac said, his voice dying as the surroundings went from a panoramic vision of the Creator shipyard to deep space in a couple of seconds.


    There had been no sense of eleration or indications of engines humming to life. Yet they had pushed through the stratosphere and entered the vast beyond.


    ��Amazing,�� Ogras gasped. ��That wasn��t even its peak speed.��


    ��I can��t imagine that any but the fastest Hegemons would be able to catch up to this ship,�� Zac nodded with excitement.


    ��Even they wouldn��t be able to keep up for too long,�� Ogras smiled. ��The shields on this girl should be able to take a few hits. By that point, we��d leave them in the dust. Only Monarchs and powerful weaponry should pose a real threat.��


    ��Don��t get cocky,�� Zacughed. ��Besides, the environment in the Million Gates Territory is more dangerous and unpredictable than any D-grade cultivator could hope to be.��


    ��I know,�� Ogras nodded. ��For now, let��s check out the neighborhood. See that seat over there? It is for the navigator.��


    Zac walked over, but he looked back at the demon with confusion. ��What do I do?��


    ��Just sit down in the chair and ce your hand on the console,�� Ogras said, anticipation evident on his face.


    Zac shrugged and followed the instructions. A momentter, it felt like his mind had expanded to the size of the Sr System as a surge of data entered his mind. It wasn��t quite like the burst you got when binding certain treasures. It was more like a steady stream of information fed straight into his mind.


    ��There are actually thirteens in our Sr System?�� Zac muttered. ��Our scanners back home only picked up eight. But what��s that beyond? The scanners just cut straight off even if it isn��t their range limit for a cursory scan.��


    ��Should be the shroud,�� Ogras said. ��We probably don��t want to go through it with the vessel. Might not be able to get back in. Same goes for dimensional jumps, probably.��


    ��I think you��re right,�� Zac agreed. ��Wow, look at this one.��


    The next moment, the holographic map focused on the tenth of the twinned-sun system appeared. It could just barely be considered a by Multiverse standards with its circumference, but that wasn��t what was so interesting about it.


    ��Middle E-grade? Metal-attuned energy?�� Ogras whistled. ��Should be whole mountains of Spiritual Metals to mine. That��s a floating fortune right there.��


    ��It��s a shame the System was so stingy with the type of Vessels I can buy,�� Zac sighed. ��There are no resource extraction vessels.��


    ��Maybe ask the golem if things like that can be added at the next upgrade?�� Ogras said.


    ��I will. That alone might cover all our wartime needs for metal,�� Zac nodded as he kept going over the data of their ster neighborhood. ��Our neighborings both have life signatures as well. Only F-grades, though.��


    ��Probably just beasts,�� Ogras shrugged. ��Out of a 1000s, cultivators only have a im on one or two. Of course, that��s for E-grades.��


    ��You think thes are good for anything?�� Zac asked.


    ��Not sure,�� Ogras said. ��Your isn��t exactlycking space at the moment. For example, I can��t see the use of setting up low-grade farms on those F-grades when you can get twice the harvest for half the effort back home.��


    ��Well, it��s not like I expected any real treasures to pop up in my backyard,�� Zac smiled. ��The metal world alone is a pretty good get.��


    ��So, where do you want to go?�� Ogras asked. ��Too early to sail back home.��


    ��Can��t travel to the others; it would take too much time without dimensional maniption,�� Zac hummed. ��Emerald Eye?��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Emerald Eye,�� Ogras agreed with excitement, and the ship set off.

 Chapter 941: Emerald Eye

    Chapter 941: Emerald Eye


    Emerald Eye was the name given to one of Earth��s four new moons and the one that looked the most like an actual. The name came from the fact thatrge parts of its surface were green, but there was arge dark spot looking almost like an eye on it. After Port Atwood had gotten better scanners and repurposed some of Old Earth��s telescopes, they realized the eye was a huge ind sea.


    Meanwhile, much of the greenery was forests, though there also seemed to be a lot of green minerals making the moon look a bit more verdant than it actually was. Still, the Starsh��s scanners clearly indicated there were lots of life on the moon, which was roughly 50%rger than Old Earth in circumference. As to whether that life was nts, beasts, or even intelligent species, the destroyer couldn��t tell.


    The ship��s scanners weren��t meant for gctic exploration. Thankfully, they were still advanced to the point Zac could confirm that Emerald Eye had a World Core, considering it generated Cosmic Energy. The moon was at the top of Early E-grade, judging by the measurements. However, that was not the whole story when it came to moons.


    Being in such close proximity to Earth, it did benefit from the vastly superior environment nearby.s continuously lost some of their energy to space, and moons havingary Cores naturally attracted a good chunk of it. Thanks to that, the actual Environment on Emerald Eye was much better than if it was just another, though it might be forced into cycles of decay if it had an elliptical trajectory.


    If you were ready to pay the price, you could create a simr effect with moonscking any natural ability to generate or absorb Cosmic Energy. A few powerful Gathering Arrays, some terraforming work, and a deste rock would turn into a private world full of life. Of course, a only had so much energy run-off, and you couldn��t catch it all. Eventually, you��d run out of energy to siphon off.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The ship changed course, and the Cosmic Vessel created a parabolic arc as it started to make its way around the. Huge patches of churning oceans passed by below, with storm formationsrger than whole pre-integration continents raging across the seas. Even from this distance, Zac could vaguely sense the energies of Life and Death hidden in those outbursts.


    It was easy to forget howrge New Earth��s oceans were, with Teleportation Arrays making all his intra travels instantaneous. But their current view was just a huge ball of blue, where they only could see the shores of Elysium and Pangea as borders on the sides. Not even half of the wasnd, just like pre-integration.


    Still, the diverse biotopes of Pangea eventually came to view as the ship moved further away from the.


    ��Is the ship easy to control?�� Zac asked after he��d had his fill of measurements and readouts.


    ��What control?�� Ogras sighed with disappointment. ��This thing doesn��t allow me to steer. It��s more like I tell it where I want to go, and the ship plots a course on its own.��


    ��Can��t you manually override that function?�� Zac asked.


    ��Not with just the two of us. Like that golem said, without a crew, you can��t really get the most out of this girl. We need to start training personnel immediately,�� the demon grunted.


    ��We already have a list of candidates picked out. Now that you have a more practical understanding of this thing, it should be pretty quick to assemble a crew,�� Zac nodded.


    The two spent the next hour trying out the various features of the ship as the green dot of Emerald Eye grew closer in the distance. The biggest takeaway was that they really needed to nurture more people focusing on Intelligence if they wanted to create a proper Space Navy.


    Whether it was the energy weapons, the drones, navigation, or the other subsystems, they all relied on the controller��s simultaneous capacity and ability to make rapid calctions based on a mountain of data. For example, Zac only managed to control nine Drones at a time thanks to his Soul Cultivation, but even their movements were stilted and predictable.


    If not for the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], he probably would only have managed to control one at a time. Ogras did a little better, but even he only managed to control 15 drones before he reached his limits. Zac couldn��t even imagine controlling the storm of drones that another of his models, the Wingstorm, used to fight. That thing held over ten thousand drones of various models and makes.


    The two agreed to immediately allocate more resources to Intelligence-based cultivation in the Atwood Academy.


    Until now, it had been a school that wasn��t very popr in the Atwood Empire, or for the whole of Zecia, for that matter. Taking the path of a Mage was simply harder than a warrior during the earlier stages of cultivation. sting enemies with fireballs from a safe distance sounded good on paper, but neither beasts nor enemy cultivators wereplete dummies that would sit around and eat the attacks.


    Mages generally had weak bodies because of their attribute allocation, and before reaching D-grade, they didn��t have the Cosmic Energy capacity to create powerful and permanent defensiveyers. When starting out on the path of cultivation, most people would get hit because of mistakes orck of experience. That��s where the free points in Endurance warriors got proved to be much more effective for survival.


    That simple fact had created a noticeable skew during the Integration. In reality, many people had picked mage sses early on, just like Zac had been tempted to do. But most of those who went in that direction either got themselves killed or had their progress stalled out because theycked the support system needed to advance. Even his sister had somewhat faced this problem until she joined Port Atwood.


    Zac��s own path had also influenced the direction of his faction. With him being a pure meathead, many cultivators in the Atwood Academy also chose a pure martial path. But with their faction maturing and the types of roles they needed to fill growing more diverse, they had to put more effort into nurturing other kinds of experts.


    That was the only way to evolve as a faction. If they didn��t, the Atwood Empire would stagnate, much like the Azh��Rezak n that could only sell themselves as mercenaries to eke out a living. So by the time they reached Emerald Eye two hourster, the two had drawn up a series of ideas, some of which were already being implemented back on Earth.


    The two could finally get a better look at the moon��s surface in this close proximity. There weren��t any oceans on Emerald Eye, but that didn��t mean there was ack of water. The hugeke was the source of thousands of rivers, some of them almost reaching all the way around the moon. Of course, this also meant that the surface was covered with innumerable much-smallerkes naturally formed along the river paths.


    The Starsh gently sank into the atmosphere of Emerald Eye, and a set of arrays automatically and effortlessly diffused the heat and friction that normally would appear from entering with their great velocity. The only sign they had entered the atmosphere was a deep groan that Zac almost felt made his Soul Cores vibrate in resonance.


    Soon, the vessel drifted at a leisurely pace at an altitude of around a thousand meters above ground, and the two moved over to a viewing deck at the bottom of the ship as the ship itself continued on autopilot. Zac��s strongest impression of Emerald Eye was the humidity. Everything looked wet and sticky, and the forests reminded him of the rainforests on Earth.


    Still, the vegetation didn��t seem simr to either Earth or any of the three others it got fused to. There had been some theories that Emerald Eye was made from the leftovers of thes since none of the species recognized the moon, but it didn��t look like that was the case. These trees simply had a different vor, for theck of a better word.


    As for the green minerals��


    ��It��s moss,�� Ogras yelled as they flew past a mid-sized mountain. ��All the way to the peak. How tenacious.��


    It turned out the stones and minerals weren��t actually green, but rather that they werepletely covered in ayer of lichen. Not only that, but it looked like therge swathes of green haze they had seen from Earth were, in fact, spores released by the moss, though some of it had mixed with the clouds created by the high humidity.


    ��Did you see? Even the trees are covered in it,�� Zac nodded. ��Is it really not toxic?��


    ��ording to the readouts, the moss can barely be considered F-grade,�� Ogras said. ��And that dust is not considered hazardous. I��m telling you, this ce is as safe as can be.��


    ��Famousst words,�� Zac snorted, but he had to admit that the nearby console��s readouts indicated it looked safe below. ��It��s kind of weird that there are no beasts.��


    ��It��s not too umon for worlds to evolve onto a path with only nt life,�� Ogras shrugged. ��There might be some nasty Spiritual nts hiding in the forests, though. Or creatures living in the rivers.��


    ��Alright, let��s just check it out for a bit,�� Zac sighed when he saw Ogras�� expectant look.


    His recent breakthrough had fixed up his foundations even further, and his pathways were long since repaired. With the huge boost of attributes and his elevated Dao, Zac felt he was almost as strong as his previous peak condition. And with Ogras on his side, an Early E-grade moon shouldn��t pose much danger.


    ��Good to see you haven��tpletely lost your sense of adventure,�� the demonughed, and the two flew the Starsh to an empty field not too far from ake.


    ��Here,�� Zac said as he threw over a ne.


    ��What��s this?�� Ogras asked.


    ��Pretty decent environmental protection talisman,�� Zac said as he put on an identical one.


    Environmental protection talismans took on the role of space suits in the Multiverse. Zac hadn��t needed anything like it in the Void Star, but the Void Gate already vetted those realms. There were tons ofs out there with toxic environments or worlds without breathable oxygen. These talismans helped weaker cultivators explore these ces, while stronger warriors could brute force it relying on their constitutions and stores of Cosmic Energy.


    ��Looks like you had nned on some exploration right from the start,�� Ograsughed.


    ��I made sure the army started stocking up on these things as soon as you guys decided to set out into the Million Gates Territory,�� Zac smiled. ��My body can deal with most things, but normal people don��t have that luxury. And even I wouldn��t dare im my body immune to any poison or environment.��


    ��Better safe than sorry,�� Ogras agreed, and the air around him shimmered as the ne activated.


    The same scene took ce around Zac, and Ogras teleported the two down to the ground a momentter. The Starsh stayed fifty meters above ground, and a shield enveloped it in case there were some hidden threats on the.


    Just as they reappeared, Zac heard the deep groan again, the same as when the ship broke through the atmosphere. It pulsated through the whole field, moving through his legs and into his soul. It felt like the world tilted for a moment as an undting whistle followed the groan. But the next moment, it was gone, and only a hum from the ship and the slight crinkling ofpressed lichen under his feet could be heard.


    ��What is that?�� Zac muttered as he looked around.


    ��What��s what?�� Ogras said with confusion. ��The buzz from the ship?��


    ��I-��Zac said with a frown before shaking his head and looking down at the moss. ��Nothing. This thing is deeper than I thought.��


    ��Over two meters,�� Ogras whistled after sending his shadows through the nooks and cracks. ��Imagine if we can find some valuable livestock that can feed on this stuff. We could just drop off a handful of beasts, and they��d keep multiplying with endless food and no predators.��


    ��No predators we can see,�� Zac snorted.


    ��Well, let��s see if there��s anything valuable around,�� Ogras shrugged as dozens of shadows spread in every direction.


    ��The waters arepletely dead,�� Ogras sighed after a moment. ��The moss has even covered thekebed. Let��s check out the forest instead. Might be some valuable herbs hidden among the trees, at least.��


    Zac nodded, and the two soon entered the nearby forest in search of something more exciting than the endless supply of F-grade moss. But even after walking for ten minutes, they hadn��t encountered anything. Zac��s [Hatchetman��s Spirit] might as well have been turned off from how he got no impressions from it.


    Neither his nose for opportunity nor danger was nudging his mind, making their stroll feel somewhat dull. It came to the point it almost felt like theck of excitement was wearing on Zac��s nerves. The muted rustling of the leaves in the tree crowns felt jarring, and even the gentle rays peeking through the foliage seemed ring and amplified.


    Was he that bad? Had the past years made him so tuned for danger and struggle that his mind was going into overdrive when it failed to show up?


    Zac felt he needed to do something, anything, to shake his mind back into a normal state, so he walked over to a nearby tree. Like the others, it was draped in a decimeter-thickyer of lichen that covered every inch of its trunk. An invasive species had essentially drowned it, yet the tree was clearly alive, judging by the verdant leaves swaying in the wind above.


    Zac cut a hole in the moss and put his hand against the trunk, infusing it with his Branch of the Kalpataru.


    ��Hmm, I think I have something,�� Zac eventually muttered, but there was no response.


    Ogras was staring into the depths of the forest with a thoughtful expression, the green sheen of the moss around them giving him almost a sickly appearance.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Zac said, his voice a little louder this time.


    ��Ah?�� Ogras said with a start. ��Nothing, I just felt it odd there is nothing valuable, not even some Spiritual Grass. I thought it��d spontaneously spring up with this much ambient energy.��


    ��That��s what I was about to say,�� Zac said. ��These trees. They��re moss.��


    ��What?�� Ogras said uprehendingly before swiping at a nearby tree, cutting it in half in a perfect vertical line. The two sides fell to the ground, disying the greenish wood inside. ��Doesn��t look like it.��


    ��I mean, these things are still trees, but they are not really alive,�� Zac said. ��They don��t have a unique Life Signature. It��s like the moss has invaded their roots and systems and sucked out all spirituality. But instead of killing the trees, they have integrated them into their mesh. They��ve be one life living in symbiosis.��


    ��So the moss is stealing spirituality? Where does it all go? Might be a treasure somewhere,�� Ogras said with gleaming eyes.


    ��Unless it��s just spread out across the mountains and fields, turning ordinary moss into slightly better moss,�� Zac said with a grimace.


    ��What a nasty thing,�� Ogras muttered and stabbed into the ground.


    ��I��m not sure if-��Zac began, but he suddenly froze into ce.


    The surroundings had changed, with him now standing at a lichen-covered hill, overlooking arge emerald vista. His instincts told him this wasn��t an illusion �C this was real and true. This wasn��t some dreamscape. He had been moved here from the woods without him even noticing anything.


    Zac��s hair stood on end from the sudden transition, and [Verun��s Bite] appeared in his hand as he looked for threats.


    ��Sure if what?�� a familiar voice eventually answered, but the tranquility of Ogras�� voice was extremely jarring. Zac swirled around and spotted the demon leaning against a rock, looking at the sunset.


    ��What just happened?�� Zac frowned. ��Are you okay?��


    Simultaneously, he sprung to action as he threw out a dozen different talismans, from purifiers to defensive barriers that sprung up around them. [Soul Guardian] was already running at maximum capacity, and Zac even activated [Empyrean Aegis] as a precaution.


    ��You know, this moss might have eaten all the good things in this world, but this ce isn��t all bad,�� Ogras muttered, seemingly oblivious to Zac��s actions. ��Nothing to fight for, no one to fight with. It��s all�� nk. No stakes, no threats.��


    ��That��s not what I-�� Zac said, but a piercing cacophony in his mind cut through any conscious thought.


    When he regained his senses, he found himself in the middle of a lichen-covered field, and Ogras was nowhere in sight. Zac knew he was in trouble, and he infused his will into the hidden seal on his body �C the control override mechanism of the Starsh and all future vessels of the Atwood Empire.


    Zac didn��t understand what was happening in this weird ce, and his defenses seemed utterly incapable of stopping it. He could only pray that the Starsh��s barriers would be able to protect him. But before the ship could catch up to him, he was once more overwhelmed by a series of sounds.


    Groans like tectonic tes grinding against each other, piercing screams of dimensions being ripped apart, churning roars of endless storms. It was unending and overwhelming, threatening to drive Zac mad. Then it stopped.


    ��You���� an otherworldly voice echoed in his mind as the deafening chaos subsided.


    It sounded both impossibly distant and ufortably close, and it was decidedly unnatural. It was like millions of small discordant sounds hadbined into words, forcibly instilling them with an excessive amount of meaning. That short ��you�� almost made Zac pass out as he was nketed by a rapid-fire series of impressions.


    He saw endless darkness. He saw stars shing into being. He saw an iprehensible dance of innumerable wavelengths. He saw discordance and repeating patterns. There was bnce in this everchanging conflux, moving toward unity. Then he saw�� himself.


    ��You can�� Hear me..��


    ��Who��s there?!�� Zac growled, not without a small amount of trepidation in his heart.


    ��You�� will fade�� You will fade����

 Chapter 942: Fading Lights

    Chapter 942: Fading Lights


    ��Who are you?!�� Zac growled as he wildly looked around, and [Verun��s Bite] had already appeared in his hand.


    ��Being�� being�� I���� the voice answered, and Zac almost felt like he could sense a hint of confusion.


    But that impression was soon drowned by an ocean of images that rose and sank like a breath. The rustle of the wind in the trees. A tropical storm raging above. An endless cycle, a natural progression. Trillions of lines forming a whole �C a sphere.


    ��You��re this world,�� Zac said with rm. ��Realm Spirit?��


    ��World���� the voice sighed. ��I am �C I am.��


    By the words used, it sounded like the voice confirmed Zac��s guess, yet the meaning crammed into the words rejected them. Or rather, it was like it didn��t fully understand the distinction between self and others. But it was hard to make for certain with the confusing jumble of pictures. Especially when it felt like Zac��s mind would explode from the impression overload.


    Zac could tell that the only reason he could hold onto his thoughts was thanks to the uniqueposition of his soul. The Outer Cores dancing in their trajectories of life and death acted as dampeners, protecting the true core in the middle. They became akin to tuning forks that were forcibly altered to hum at the entity��s frequency, while his final core safeguarded his sanity. Unfortunately, judging by the ckouts, this protection wasn��t perfect.


    Yet what could Zac do but continue talking? Now that he knew that some sort of entity was responsible for the odd urrences on Emerald Eye, he was even hesitant to call over the Starsh. A simple string of words pushed Zac��s Soul Aperture to its limits �C what if it screamed at him in anger? There was nothing in the spec sheet for the Starsh about protections against mental attacks.


    Still, he instructed the Cosmic Vessel to inch closer just in case. In a perfect world, it would have been possible for Zac to instruct it to go pick up Ogras on the way, wherever he was. Unfortunately, this was a Cosmic Vessel, not a Technocrat Spaceship controlled by an AI. The Starsh wasn��t meant to be used by one person; it was already pretty good that he couldmand it like this with his override seal.


    There was a small crinkling sound beneath his feet as Zac repositioned himself as he tried to secretly look around for clues, but that sound made him freeze and look down with shock andprehension.


    ��Stealing spirituality, onergework,�� Zac muttered before he out across the endless green vista. Suddenly he remembered the impressions crammed into the entity��s words. ��You��re�� The moss?��


    The deep groan came back, apanied by a confusing mix of sounds. Zac��s Soul Cores groaned ominously, and he felt his vision swim. He��d have to be a fool not to understand the sound came from the entity by now rather than the Cosmic Vessel. Was it thinking? Was this the result of it trying to process his question?


    In either case, it had to stop. Zac felt his outer cores were unable to fully absorb the resonance, prompting his consciousness to slip again. Who knew how many times he could nk out before until he never woke up again? So, Zac did the only thing he could think of as he visualized his knowledge of moss as best as he could, together with the things he had seen since stepping onto Emerald Eye.


    ��Moss!�� Zac shouted while instilling the pictures the best as he could into his Outer Cores, hoping to use them to broadcast his meaning.


    Thankfully, the deep groan soon subsided, and Zac took a shuddering breath in relief.


    ��Moss�� I am moss���� the voice said after a while, and there almost seemed to be a sense of satisfaction in its voice. ��Moss.��


    The final word came with a string of images, these ones clearer and more cohesive than any before it. A small spiritual flicker in a patch of green undergrowth. On its own, it was nothing, but it managed to use that flicker to grow. Soon, one glimmer became two, and two became four. At this stage, it was still not yet cognizant of itself or anything else. But with every cycle, it became more than it was.


    And so it continued, over mountains, through forests. Into the rivers, across vast ins. Tens of thousands of miles, hundreds of trillions of nts connected into one mesh, both simple and terrifyinglyplex. It might have started as a singr spiritual flicker, but repeated and amplified nigh-endlessly, consciousness had been born.


    Zac nodded, but he could still barely believe his theory was correct. No wonder he was nking out �C he was standing on top of a-sized brain. A brain that grew, that consumed and absorbed anything it came across. He had no idea how powerful something like this was �C it might even be impossible to urately grade this hugework of nt-based synapses.


    Even world-spanning Spiritual nts like Heavenrender Vines had some simrities to cultivators and beasts. They had a core, a centralwork. The vines themselves were just like expendable appendages, while the critical center of their being was norger than a skyscraper. In contrast, this moss entity didn��t seem to have a core, and it really didn��t seem to be any stronger than ��barely F-grade�� from an energy standpoint.


    But one thing was for sure �C the amount of Mental Power this thing wielded possibly exceeded that of any cultivator in Zecia. Judging by the vision, its voice and presence right now was the result of only a slight contraction surrounding Zac, while the rest was still spread across the whole surface of Emerald Eye.


    That was the only reason he was still alive �C the moss didn��t know how to condense its will much further, or saw no need to. Judging by the scenes that had shed past during its attempts tomunicate, it was probably usually in a state where it was essentially dormant, no different from a non-spiritual patch of moss.


    The groan and the pressure most likely came from its attempts to think ormunicate. That by itself raised another question. Had the moss been trying to contact him since the moment they entered the atmosphere? Why?


    ��Why are you doing this? We were just visiting. We meant you no harm,�� Zac said, trying to convey images of harmony and friendship through his Outer Cores.


    While sealing any more destructive schemes deep into his heart, praying the entity couldn��t sense them.


    ��Lights are born. Weak, lonely, short. They fade. Lights join us. Join Moss. Provide, be provided for. Help.��


    An array of memories and concepts apanied the words like before, growing clearer by the moment. That alone was problematic. The moss almost felt like a nk te, but it was adapting shockingly fast during their conversation. Before, its words had contained a jarring juxtaposition of iprehensible waves and fragmented images. Now, Zac found himself looking at a starry sky with billions of shimmering lights.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    At its center, all lights were in harmony, stably shining at a unified frequency. Together, they only made up a small corner of the universe, and even theirbined luster was weaker than some of the other lights. But while some of the lights were blindingly bright, most were so weak and flickering they could barely be seen. Some of them even winked out, unable to sustain their forms.


    Certainly, new ones were born to take their ce, but they weren��t any better than the ones before. It was imperfect. Gradually, the harmonious light spread, adding one star after another into its mesh. Eventually, half of the night sky was one, and the sum was greater than its parts.


    Zac could see that barely any new lights were born where harmony spread its influence. As Zac saw it, the moss entity had spread to the point it had destroyed most of the biodiversity on the, and there was very little remaining room for expansion. But this didn��t matter. The moss didn��t desire expansion or hegemony. It was simply living, following the natural order of things.


    It wasn��t absorbing everything out of greed. It could be considered evolution, where one lifeform��s method of survival and propagation was vastly superior to anything else��s. It didn��t feel threatened even when he and Ogras appeared on the world. It was just two weak and short-lived lights that would eventually join the mesh.


    It was certainly good news that the strange events weren��t a result of them being specifically targeted, though Zac guessed his confused state and ckouts were a result of the moss entity trying to find a way to convey its words. Still, that didn��t mean he or Ogras were out of the woods. After all, Zac doubted this alien creature came calling just because it was bored.


    As expected, the voice soon continued. ��Your light is�� different. Simr. Like Rain�� Like rain����


    Another burst of images, depicting eons of stability and steady growth. Things were hazy, but there was contentment. Then one day, the waves started to grow stronger. It was like a nourishing rain was falling across its body, powerful yet invisible. Thanks to its magical effects, the haziness began to thicken, to focus. A sense of being was born.


    And the rain made the colony propagate with unprecedented speed. Soon, the bnce was broken, and even the powerful lights joined the unity. In the blink of an eye, the whole night sky had be one, and it felt�� perfect. But just as the unity started to get ustomed to this new state of existence, another change urred.


    The invisible rain changed.


    The rain suddenly brought something bad along with the good, and it split into two. One nurtured even more, but to the point it created an imbnce. The harmony was disrupted as sections almost broke free and out of control. Calming the waves was exhausting. The other rain was just as bad. Rise and decay were natural and needed to maintain a healthy form. Yet this rain hastened the decline to an unsustainable level. Offsetting it was just as exhausting.


    So far, the rain was manageable, but the entity was worried. It even wondered if ��waking up�� was a good thing because it had never felt these things before the rain came. And it didn��t know what to do.


    But now, new lights had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, lights unlike any it had seen before. One light even reminded the entity of the rain, even though it was not. It could even sense that the two new lights interfaced with waves while staying separate. So it tried to do the same, to interface while staying separate. For answers.


    Zac sighed as he finally understood what was going on. The moss entity was clearly extremely old, but it wasn��t even a spiritual being before. It was just a huge colony with tendrils of energy running through its endless root systems. But the Integration had flooded Emerald Eye with energy, which shocked the entity awake while allowing it to cover the whole moon.


    However, not muchter, Earth became Life and- Death Attuned. In the beginning, it wouldn��t affect Emerald Eye because it was barely noticeable even on Earth. But every day, the attunement grew more pronounced, to the point that attuned energies were now being released into space.


    But what the hell was Zac supposed to do about that?


    Zac��s thoughts furiously spun as he tried to figure out a way to extricate himself from this mess without getting turned into fertilizer. He was suddenly extremely relieved he hadn��t managed to attempt an escape before figuring out the situation. The moss entity��s consciousness had both sensed him and nudged his mind at the atmosphere��s edge.


    Its reach was clearly not limited to the surface, and who knew what it��d do if it saw the ��light with the answers�� attempt to leave?


    He had to mix truths and lies and pray that it would work.


    ��I know where the raines from. I am from there,�� Zac said as he pushed a picture of Earth, of how it was tens of times bigger than Emerald Eye, with incredibly powerful waves. ��Many lights live on it and grow from the rain. We don��t like the change either, but it��s too powerful. I cannot stop it. No one can.��


    ��You�� Rain���� the entity said, clearly dissatisfied with the answer, and Zac felt like his Soul Aperture had been thrown into a Gravity Array.


    ��I have an idea,�� Zac said hoarsely while nicking himself with [Verun��s Bite] to stay awake. ��A filter to soak up the bad from the rain before it reaches you.��


    He pictured arge cloud covering Emerald Eye, siphoning off the life-attuned energies while leaving the unattuned energies to reach the surface.


    ��How?��


    ��First, you cannot let our lights fade here,�� Zac hurriedly said.


    ��You do not wish to join?�� the voice asked with genuine surprise.


    ��No. My light is weak, but it is mine,�� Zac said. ��This is the only way we can help you. But we are too weak right now. You need to endure the bad a bit longer while we grow under the rain. Then we can make the filter.��


    ��When?��


    ��I-�� Zac hesitated, unsure whether to give a short or long answer.


    Obviously, he had no real intention to improve the habitat of this scary thing. He just wanted to make some empty promises and get the hell out of here. But he was afraid that the wrong answer would result in him being integrated as the entity searched for answers within his body instead.


    ��When? WHEN?�� the voice repeated, and Zac felt a tremendous pressure build up in his mind again.


    ��One decade,�� Zac said with grit teeth as he tried to impart the period from when the rain started to now. ��That��s the absolute quickest, and it shouldn��t be long for someone like you. It��s the best-��


    nkness.


    Zac woke up with a start on a shady patch of moss, and he hurriedly got back to his feet. He had once more moved or been moved, yet this time he recognized where he was. It was the same field where he first set foot on Emerald Eye. And a nce up confirmed the shade wasn��t due to a cloud, but rather the Starsh hovering right above his head.


    Had the moss epted his offer? Just like that? Thank God for guileless cosmic beings.


    Zac wanted to thank his lucky stars and run for his life, but he suddenly saw Ogras lying not far away, nkly staring up at the sky.


    ��Are you okay?�� Zac asked as he ran over.


    ��Why wouldn��t I be?�� Ogras muttered, his eyes unfocused. ��I��m just a bit tired, going to rest here a bit. You keep looking for treasures. With your luck, it shouldn��t be difficult.��


    Zac didn��t bother answering and simply hoisted the demon up on his shoulder. Ogras didn��t resist at all, and he seemed happy to just hang there.


    ��I��m going,�� Zac said, yet there was no answer.


    Zac was frozen with indecision for a few seconds, but he eventually activated the teleportation beam, unwilling to spend a second more on top of this eldritch horror. As soon as he was back on the bridge, Zac instructed the ship to set course for Earth, and the ship started to rise through the air.


    ��Half. Half a decade. Then you remove the bad,�� the voice suddenly echoed in his mind just as he was about to break out of the atmosphere.


    ��What?�� Zac eximed.


    ��I help your light grow,�� the voice said, ignoring his interjection. ��Half a decade. Must return.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac lied. He was already on the ship and heading for Earth. Why not give the guy a better deal?


    But Zac suddenly found his perception rocked.


    ��I help your light. Half a decade.��


    Following that was a final burst of imagery. Of how a couple of small crystals had formed at the very bottom of the hugeke on Emerald Eye. Terrifying pressure and eons of time had instilled them with tremendous amounts of Mental Energy. As the moss grew more intelligent after the Integration, it realized how useful those things were.


    So it slowly started moving them across its body, using the rivers, the rain, and its neverendingwork of nt life. That way, they were spread across the whole and became incredibly powerful synapses and mental amplifiers. These crystals were as much the reason for its burgeoning intelligence as the infusion of Cosmic Energy.


    But now, one such crystal had somehow been ced in Zac��s Soul Aperture, drip-feeding him with raw power for his Soul Cores. Yet that crystal might as well have been an Atomic Bomb going by how much energy it contained. It was orders of magnitude more than his own Soul Cores held. And the imagery indicated in no uncertain terms that tampering with the crystal or not following up on his promise would result in the crystal erupting.


    So much for the thing being guileless.

 Chapter 943: Contingencies

    Chapter 943: Contingencies


    Had the moss entity managed to sense Zac wasn��t sincere, even if he had tried to control his thoughts? And how had it known how to feed Zac a poisonous pill like this? As far as Zac could tell, he was the first sapient being toe in contact with the entity. It really shouldn��t be that clever.


    Zac tried calling the creature with some bogus matters a few times, but it all fell on deaf ears. Neither could Zac sense the pressure from the vast consciousness any longer. As expected, its consciousness didn��t spread that far from the moon, which was at least one piece of good news in this mess. Eventually, ten minutes had passed, at which point Zac finally dared rx his mind and focus on solving the issue.


    Honestly, Zac felt pretty good about things as the Starsh sailed further away from Emerald Eye. At first, he��d believed himself trapped by the scheme of a vastly more powerful being, just like with the Eveningtide Asura. But the more he thought about it, the more Zac realized the situation wasn��t like that. This was actually an opportunity.


    He could already feel how both his Outer Cores and Inner Core were being doused in a gentle shower of pure Mental Energy. It even felt like how the entity had described the Cosmic Energy �C like rain. The energy waspletely unattuned, and that actually helped him with [Spiritual Void]. The Hidden Node wasn��t interested in feeding on this raw force, so it all went into nurturing his soul.


    The fully-formed Outer Cores didn��t want any either, so all of it was shared between the still-growing Life- and Death Cores and his main core. This was a huge timesaver. Zac would have to provide the actual attunement with the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]ter, but that process could be sped up with attuned treasures.


    The goal of the currentyer of his Soul Strengthening Method was to form two sets of nine outer cores, half attuned with life and the other half with death. That would finish the first step of the current reincarnation. When he reached this stage, the soul-strengthening process would run at maximum capacity, rapidly nurturing his main core.


    This crystal would not only allow him to create these auxiliary cores far quicker, but his main core was already benefiting. He had thought it would take decades to upgrade his soul after seeing how much time it took to form each Outer Core. But looking at the gentle haze already suffusing his Soul Aperture, the next breakthrough was suddenly much closer than Zac had thought possible.


    As for the implied threat that came with the opportunity, Zac wasn��t overly worried either. He had to admit he��d been outwitted by the moon moss, which honestly was a bit embarrassing. But the entity ultimatelycked a lot of critical information and understanding of cultivation. It didn��t even seem to possess any Dao.


    Furthermore, Zac had already left its sphere of control. It wasn��t like inside the Twilight Ocean, where he was at Alvod��s mercy. Neither could the crystal bepared to the remnants still locked in their prison. Those things contained shreds of undying will from incredibly powerful beings. Meanwhile, the Moss Crystal, as Zac decided to call it, was almost pure spiritual energy.


    There seemed to be a lingering piece of consciousness locked in its depth to maintain its function. But without ess to the mosswork, its thought processes were most likely limited. Zac didn��t believe for a second he couldn��t figure out a counter-y over the next five years.


    The easiest method was quickening the energy extraction and absorbing it all before the deadline. The bomb couldn��t go off if Zac ate all the fuel. With his manuals and Void Emperor bloodline, Zac believed it was doable. He might even be able to use the thing as a battery during his core formation down the road. And when that time came�� well, he did have some experience in blowing things up. Destroying a moon couldn��t be too hard.


    It might not be fair, and the moss entity wasn��t exactly hostile. But that thing was way too dangerous to have floating right next to Earth unchecked. It had consumed the whole in less than a decade after being infused with Cosmic Energy. How powerful would it get if left unattended for too long? He either needed to destroy it or push the whole moon out of orbit, preferably into a wormhole leading toward the Kan��Tanu armies.


    Havinge to a preliminary decision, Zac turned to hispanion, who was still slumped in the captain��s chair with a vacant expression. Zac frowned at the scene. Ogras was still trapped in this fugue state?


    At least it shouldn��t be a case of possession. That wasn��t how the moss entity��s consciousness worked. It needed the vastwork to form thoughts, and any piece of consciousness cut off from thework should quickly dissipate unless powered by a Moss Crystal. And Zac somewhat doubted Ogras had been imnted with one unless the Moss Creature lied with its final vision.


    Those crystals were extraordinarily rare, and it seemed to only have six or seven of them. Sacrificing one for a chance at dealing with the attunement was already an incredibly high price, and Zac doubted it would be willing to part with two of them.


    Zac guessed Ogras�� state was more a result of having been submerged in a slow-moving ocean of consciousness. Like Zac��s Outer Cores, the demon��s whole consciousness had been gradually forced to harmonize with the moss, which apparently resulted in a semiatose state for sapient beings.


    But sapience was not that easily erased. Since Ogras�� soul was unharmed, one simply needed to shock his consciousness awake.


    ��Hey, wake up,�� Zac said as he started shaking the demon, which only resulted in an annoyed groan.


    ��One more hour,�� Ogras muttered as he nestled deeper into the chair. ��Let me sleep in just one more hour.��


    ��Well, don��t me me,�� Zac sighed as he took out one of his spare body-tempering-vats and a heating array.


    A momentter, the water he��d poured inside had reached a boiling point, at which point Zac emptied a small jar of grey dust into the waters.


    ��In you go,�� Zac said, a smile tugging at his lips as he pushed the demon into the scalding waters.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The demon didn��t resist. In fact, he seemed to enjoy the heated bath, and a content smile spread across his face after the initial reluctance at being dragged out of hisfortable chair. However, a frown soon crept up on his face as the grey dust burrowed into his skin. Then, his eyes snapped open in a horrified expression.


    ��Ah shit!�� a shrill voice screamed as Ogras veritably exploded out from the bubbling water. ��Shit, my bones! What in the- ��


    ��You wouldn��t wake up, so I had you try out some [Bone-forging Dust],�� Zac smiled as Ogras reformed next to him. ��Seemed more effective than coffee.��


    ��This is the stuff you used to temper your body back in the day? Monster. Masochist,�� Ogras grimaced, his whole body still twitching from the body-tempering paste that had entered his body. ��Bastard, don��t fall asleep in front of me in the future.��


    Zac was about to exin himself, but Ogras soon realized something as he looked around with confusion. ��Wait, what in the world is going on? When did we get back onto the ship?��


    ��What do you remember?�� Zac sighed.


    ��We entered the forest to look for treasures,�� Ogras said as his brows scrunched together in a frown. ��Then�� nothing.��


    ��Figures, you looked pretty wonky already by that point,�� Zac muttered as he retold what he had experienced since they set foot on the.


    ��An aberrant lifeform?�� Ogras said as he fearfully looked at the glistening emerald moon on the screen. ��We need to kill that thing right away. Who knows what something like that might turn into.��


    ��About that,�� Zac grimaced as he shared the final gift of the moss entity.


    ��That thing imnted you with a safeguard?�� Ogras frowned and closed his eyes but soon breathed out in relief. ��Nothing. I guess I wasn��t worth ckmailing, thank the Heavens. So, what do you want to do?��


    Zac broadly recounted his ns, assuring the demon it wasn��t a problem.


    ��Of course you��d be able to turn a profit from a cmity like that,�� Ogras muttered as he took a swig of liquor to counteract the body tempering paste. ��Well, if we have to keep the thing around for a few years, we might be able to figure out something better than just killing the thing. Why blow up the moon if we can control it? That way, we can both harvest more of those crystals while having a living weapon to guard the home base.��


    ��Sounds pretty optimistic, but it might be possible,�� Zac nodded. ��Perhaps if weunch arrays that disrupt the thing from gathering its consciousness? If it can��t think, it can��t act against us.��


    ��Well, there��s a n, but we��re better off leaving this to the brainiacs at the academy,�� Ogras shrugged. ��Shame that little nun didn��t want to join us; she would have been quite useful here. Maybe you should contact her when we��ve return- wait, what��s going on?��


    ��What��s that?�� Zac said as he looked around.


    ��How is the ship moving on its own?�� Ogras frowned as themand sphere appeared in his hand. ��What? Override?��


    ��How odd,�� Zac hummed as the Starsh continued flying toward Earth.


    ��You? It��s you?�� Ogras scowled. ��You can just take over control of my girl like that? Wait, that tattoo!��


    ��Of course, I can,�� Zacughed. ��You might be the captain, but I��m the admiral. You��re wee to buy the Starsh from me if you think it��s unfair. For you, only 20,000 D-grade Nexus Coins.��


    ��Bah, no sense of camaraderie,�� Ogras muttered.


    ��Hey, I could have left you on that moon, you know?�� Zac smiled.


    ��Then who would solve all your little headaches?�� Ogras snorted as he sank back into his chair. ��I can��t believe you��ve used that paste for hours. One little dip, and I feel like a twelve-legged Barghest King has been stomping on my spine.��


    ��Well, thankfully, I��ve moved past that stage of my cultivation,�� Zac smiled, though the smile turned crooked upon remembering the painful body tempering sessions that would begin as soon as he was fully healed.


    The two continued for another twenty minutes, during which both Zac and Ogras mostly sat in silent meditation, scanning themselves to make sure there weren��t any other surprises hidden within their bodies. Thankfully, no matter how much they looked, the only souvenir from Emerald Eye was the Moss Crystal floating around in Zac��s Soul Aperture.


    In fact, Zac noticed something odd �C his body was in noticeably better shape now than before visiting the moon. At first, Zac thought the verdant atmosphere on Emerald Eye might have restorative powers, but he soon found the true reason.


    ��Holy crap,�� Zac swore, prompting Ogras to look over with confusion. ��We were on Emerald Eye for ten days. I thought it was no more than a couple of hours.��


    ��A ten-day vacation, yet I feel exhausted,�� Ogras muttered.


    Not muchter, they entered themunication range of Earth, at which point both Zac��s and Ogras��municators started to buzz frenziedly. Obviously, it would create some panic when the two most powerful people on Earth suddenly up and disappeared without warning. The only reason there weren��t ships zipping around looking for them was that the Creator Shipyard was fully sealed off and guarded by barriers.


    Two hourster, Zac thumped down onto the prayer mat with a grunt after cing Yrial��s statue and the [Mind��s Eye Agate] in their slots neighboring his seat. He had just spent thirty minutes being scanned by every conceivable tool and purified by multiple types of Healers. Yet none had found anything, hopefully proving there weren��t any more lingering threats from Emerald Eye.


    Contrary to Zac��s expectation, Ogras�� near-death experience had done nothing to curtail his passion for space exploration. By this point, he was already gathering a preliminary squad to man the Starsh. One moon was kind of a dud, but Zac guessed the demon would spend the next couple of weeks looking for treasure on the neighborings instead.


    Zac wasn��t worried about missing out, nor was he eager to explore another right now. Between Emerald Eye and the Void Star, he had seen enough weird and dangerous ces for a while. Besides, both he and Ogras had already reached a point where they needed very specific types of treasures to make any breakthroughs, so they were rarely inpetition for resources.


    If the demon found something that might help Zac with his cultivation, Ogras would just trade it for something in Zac��s possession. That, in a sense, was the fundamental reason powerful warriors started factions in the first ce. Let others gather resources for you while you focus on your cultivation.


    And like the old masters hidden behind most powerful factions, he needed to cultivate.


    Zac spent the next couple of hours repairing and reinforcing his frayed skeletal framework of [Thousand Lights Avatar]. He still hadn��t given up on cultivating this unique technique, even after much of his preparatory work had been undone by the ravages of Creation and Oblivion. First of all, who wouldn��t want to have a second life in case your soul got destroyed in battle or from some other mishap?


    Secondly, Zac felt like awork of condensed Mental Energy spread through his body could benefit him far beyond the original use of the Eidolon technique. After all, weren��t the Mental Energy pathways of [Thousand Lights Avatar] very simr to the ones he used to form Dao Braids? But what if those temporary channels were not only made permanent, but sturdier and of higher quality?


    It might be the key to taking his Dao Braids to greater heights.


    Unfortunately, his current braids were only at the level of what decently talented F-grade cultivators could form. In the future, they wouldn��t be enough. In the battle for Ultom, he woulde face to face with people like Iz, cultivators with God-given affinities and used extremely powerful Dao Arrays when fighting.


    The same was true during the war. There were no guarantees he��d only face people around his own level, even if it were a System-sanctioned event, and upgrading his Dao Braids was one way for him to better match up to experienced Hegemons.


    Unfortunately, Zac wasn��t confident in reaching the required level of control over his Soul even if he evolved his Soul twice over. Some Dao Arrays were even moreplicated than Skill Fractals, and Zac could barely twine together a couple of simple strings right now. So he needed to find an alternative, at least in the short run.


    The idea with the greatest potential was to form a series of pre-created Dao Arrays in his Soul Aperture. For example, he could have one Evolutionary Array and one Inexorable Array. When he needed to activate them, he would just fill them with his Dao and channel the output into his Skill Fractals.


    Zac first needed to actually form the Actual avatar before he started refitting it into a full-body Dao Funnel. Only when it was fully formed would it be able to survive on its own, and destroying it would be as difficult as destroying his soul. Neither attacks nor rampaging waves of Creation or Oblivion should be enough to destroy it by that point.


    Luckily, it looked like the Moss Crystal could even help in this regard. Directly controlling the energy that was being released by the crystal seemed impossible, but doing it indirectly actually worked. Cultivating the early stages of [Thousand Lights Avatar] was mostly sending waves of Mental Energy through his body over and over, with each wave leaving a little bit behind.


    As long as he made those waves pass right by the Moss Crystal before leaving his Soul Aperture, some of the moss energy would tag along. A preliminary session indicated that his cultivation speed had more than doubled, though the framework only improved when he actively cultivated the method. Conversely, his Soul Cores were being nurtured around the clock in what almost felt like force-feeding.


    Soon enough, Zac opened his eyes with a satisfied expression. Looking back at it, that eldritch horror wasn��t all bad. Maybe he should really figure out a way to keep it around. But for now, he hadke water to absorb. It was finally time to start working toward his Cultivator��s Core in earnest.

 Chapter 944: Refinement

    Chapter 944: Refinement


    ��Heugh,�� Zac retched as he spat theke water onto the ground, and he helplessly watched it seep into the soil.


    After the sess of eating the Dao Crystals, it had seemed like a solid n to simply drink theke water, preventing any of its mysterious insights from slipping away. One mouthful, one insight �C easy enough. But who would have thought his body would reject it so vehemently? He didn��t even get a taste of the truths of the Lost ne before a huge sense of disgust overwhelmed everything.


    Had the water spoiled inside the canisters? No, it didn��t smell any worse than before, and it was still mostly clear. The corruption of the Lost ne didn��t seem to taste anything, either. Was it a mental block, or was his body protecting him from doing something stupid? Either case, it wasn��t the end of the world. The first method had failed, but there were many more.


    Zac took out arge bowl and filled it withke water, and a surprising scene immediately urred. As soon as it left the canister, the water started releasing plumes of vapor even though it was room temperature. In other words, it wouldn��tst long outside its containers. Zac guessed it had something to do with the fact the water was no longer connected to the Lost ne through the spatial tunnel. It had be rootless, like a harvested Spiritual nt.


    There was no time to waste, so Zac quickly dunked his head into the bowl. Almost immediately, he felt the corruption seep into his head. This was just a test where he wanted to check whether he could directly gain insights from the corruption before his Hidden Nodes refined it, leaving more insights for himself and less for [Void Heart].


    Unfortunately, this experiment was a failure as well. The only thing Zac gained were distant voices moring in the back of his mind until the corruption was dragged down to his heart for purification. Not only that, but the small amount of taint absorbed by just dunking his head allowed [Purity of the Void] to destroy a significant portion before it could enter [Void Heart].


    A momentter, the purifiedprehension was released from the Hidden Node in his heart, and Zac was provided a sh of rity. But again, with the amount being so little, he didn��t manage to take even a step forward with hisprehension of Duality before the moment passed. It looked like it was time to get back to basics, so Zac took out arge medicinal bath and filled it withke water.


    With water reaching his chin, Zac was soon filled with corruption, and more kept pouring in. He even started to feel his perception shift, but [Void Heart] was already fast at work refining the water into something usable. Soon, his Soul Aperture was filled with the light of truth, and Zac was methodically deciphering one character after another from the [Book of Duality].


    Ten minutester, the corruption had either been absorbed, purified, or dissipated into the air, leaving onlymon water behind. Zac took a deep breath as he thoroughly scanned his body. Thankfully, no matter how hard he looked, it seemed there weren��t any negative side effects from this type of cultivation.


    The corruption wasn��t a tangible element, so there were no physical impurities that could hamper his cultivation. It was more akin to a Dao-infused wound, but his bloodline was uniquely capable at dealing with things like that. Neither did interacting with the corruption seem to impact his still-damaged foundations. More things might crop up after prolonged use, but it really seemed as though theke water was suitable for long-term cultivation.


    Of course, he hadn��t forgotten the lessons he��d learned while trapped in the poisonous sea. Vai��s research notes had shown how small alterations to his approach could have huge benefits. A few percent improved efficiency here and there would umte just like his Titles, and a perfected cultivation method might be twice as good as simply sitting down in the water.


    Like this, days passed as Zac entered a cycle of cultivation,prehension, and experimentation.


    Zac��s most important goal was to waste as littleke water as possible. He did have a huge amount of it stored in his canteens, but it was still a finite resource. The first step was to find the right quantity of water per session. Zac soon realized that the amount of water used had a noticeable effect on how much corruption he absorbed per second. In other words, it was not just a matter of covering all of his body.


    It was just like when he visited theke itself. Back then, just a few seconds was enough to overload him if he didn��t use [Void Zone] as a buffer. The absorption rate was far lower when using the water in a tub. However, when Zac changed his smaller tub for arger medicinal bath, the rate increased for some reason.


    The key was to find a level of optimal efficiency. Too little water, and [Purity of the Void] would purify and waste arge chunk of it. It was an annoying reminder that his Bloodline Method [Bloodline Resonance] was just utter garbage,pletely incapable of providing Zac with even a semnce of control over most of his bloodline.


    Conversely, if he used toorge a vat and too muchke water, he would instead lose arge amount of it to the atmosphere, and he had found no way to salvage the insights by that point. Eventually, Zac figured out the right bnce by constructing arger bath of two-by-two meters and filling it up to his chest when sitting.


    By that point, Zac started another series of experiments to improve the process even further. Unfortunately, the type of arrays that medicinal baths used to retain medicinal energy werepletely incapable of trapping the corruption. Heating the water was even worse �C it rapidly increased the dissipation rate.


    Conversely, cooling the water had the opposite effect, so Zac had Triv install Ice Arrays that lowered the temperature far beyond what could be found in nature. Allowing the water to turn into ice would ruin the absorption process, but Zac circumvented that by adding powerful Gravity Arrays. Working in conjunction, Zac pushed theke water far into sub-zero degrees, drastically improving the retention.


    The gravity arrays even helped stimte his bloodline a bit, allowing him to absorb the corruption faster. That way, he could add more water per session without any downside, further speeding up his cultivation. The catch was that the sessions grew a lot more grueling. Between the blistering cold and crushing pressure, most F-grade cultivators would instantly die after entering the vat.


    Even then, Zac mostly felt nostalgic as he silently endured the torture. It made him think of his first weeks on Demon Ind, when he was still finding his way in this new reality. A Gravity Array had been one of his first purchases from the town shop, and it had allowed him to refine his body and gain a few attribute points.


    Today, he endured a punishment hundreds of times more severe, but Zac was certain he wouldn��t gain any attributes even if he spent years in these arrays. He had all but exhausted the untapped potential in his body. Common E-grade warriors might be able to gain a few hundred Attribute Points through decades of painstaking work. But elites who had elevated their bodies through Daos, Attribute Fruits, and Titles had very little room for conventional gains.


    Another discovery was that he couldn��t just keep absorbing the water indefinitely. After roughly an hour of cycling water and epiphanies, his mind waspletely shot, like he had been cramming for an exam for 24 hours straight. Even if his [Void Heart] kept extracting the marvelous insights, it barely allowed him to digest any more knowledge.


    Perhaps it was for the best. Forcibly pushing his understanding forward at a breakneck pace might lead to rickety foundations. It was better to take things one step at a time and digest what he��d learned after every session.


    And it wasn��t like Zac didn��t have other things to do. Ten days after secluding himself, he resumed his Soul Cultivation, which took up most of his time. Zac had initially nned on waiting a bit longer, but he had no choice. The Moss Crystal was continuously feeding him, but the energy it released wouldn��t just perfectly meld with his Soul Cores on its own. If he didn��t start refining the energy, he��d end up weakening his cores.


    That could be considered the real downside of the Moss Crystal. Zac estimated he would start running into trouble if he didn��t run his method at least twice a week on average. Any less and his soul would eventually be riddled with imperfections.


    If this had happened while in the Twilight Ascent or the Void Star, such a situation might have spelled trouble; he didn��t have the luxury to set aside whole days for soul cultivation back then. Luckily, he was back on Earth now, and the downside was no downside under these conditions.


    Another piece of good news was that running his [Nine Reincarnations Manual] extracted even more energy from the Moss Crystal, speeding up his cultivation speed even further. At this pace, Zac believed he��d finish forming his next set of outer cores in a few months, saving him potentially years of effort.


    Then finally, the day came. A full three weeks had passed since returning from Emerald Eye, and Zac judged his body was finally in condition to try out the grand prize from his visit to the Void Star �C the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Between the healing baths and top-tier environment, Zac had recovered a bit earlier than expected.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Over the past week, he had gone over his new method numerous times just to ensure there weren��t any mishaps. Though honestly, he wasn��t sure it was needed. The old [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] had somehow been engraved onto his mind by Three Virtues, with every single detail as clear as day. Later, the seal of the Left Imperial Pce had reforged that parcel of imparted memories, which would have allowed him to start cultivating back in the Void Star already.


    The only reason he hadn��t done so was that he had too much on his te, and the lingering worry of there still being traps hidden in the depths of the method. But no matter how he looked, the dangerous elements were solved bypletely swapping out the Heart Cultivation aspect of the Body Tempering Manual. Even the movements and medicinal array patterns had been altered to suit his new direction, leaving none of the three pirs of the method entirely intact.


    Zac wasted no time as he walked over to a grove inside the life-attuned side of his cultivation Cave. In the beginning, the environment had mostly been powered by the [Lotus of Harmony],the [Primordial Breath Amanita], and Divine Crystals. Simrly, the Miasmic side utilized the odd seed the Undead Empire used as an array core to realigns along with Miasma Crystals.


    But the Nexus Veins beneath the ind had gradually transformed as Earth continued its transition into a Life-Death world. Most of the veins were still unattuned, but both Divine Veins and Miasmic Veins had started to crop up here and there. Now, two of the purest veins were the main source of attunement in his cultivation cave, providing the environment with nigh-endless energy of Life and Death.


    Triv had already prepared a spot to practice his Body Tempering Manual, an undertaking that had led to no small amount of suffering for the poor ghost. The spectral butler had looked so wan after spending time inside the Life-attuned Forest that Zac had given him a vacation and a couple of Death-attuned treasures to recuperate.


    Now, the small grove was already instilled with Gathering-, Purifying-, and Gravity arrays to maximize the efficiency of the Body Tempering Manual. He had made some inquiries into getting the Arhat Golden mes mentioned in the manual, but he couldn��t find anything like it in Zecia. Besides, Zac wasn��t even sure the treasures mentioned in the old method would even work after he had reformed the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    This was the first time he cultivated the method, so Zac only activated the Purifying Array as he gotpletely naked. Here beneath the mountains, there was no point in covering himself. He had already burnt off his hair and beard to more easily tack on the medicinal mixture. One line after another of life-attuned paste was added across his body, and he was covered from head to toe in no time.


    The new pattern was simr to the original arrays he had painted on himself while trapped in the Undrusian sea, yet different. It felt inverted somehow, even if the array was clearly a manifestation of Life. It reminded him of the difference between seeing himself in a mirror and a picture.


    Zac couldn��t quite remember or understand the underpinning concepts that led to these changes. Now that the boundlessprehension of Ultom was long gone, he was only left with vague and blurry impressions. He could only remember that the changes were done to allow for a greater harmonization between the materials and a Heart Cultivation centered on the concept of the Void, rather than the Buddhist harmonization with the cosmos.


    All done, Zac started moving with pinpoint precision, following the new sets of movements designed to agitate his cells and allow them to ept the medicinal paste. Just like the array covering his body, the movements were both familiar and foreign. But with the experience he��d umted by this point, he easilypleted the first cycle.


    ��Ka,�� Zac uttered, followed by a sharp inhtion the moment his right foot mmed into the ground.


    It felt like the whole cave �C the whole world �C shuddered from the step, and Zac��s perception immediately shifted.


    When he had tried out the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] in the Void Star, this step of the manual elicited a sense of profound vastness. It had felt like his body was being tuned into the frequency of the cosmos, connecting him with all of creation. That way, he was one with all, and for Life to meld with his body was natural and expected.


    This time, the feeling was diametrically different. Instead of being one with the universe, Zac felt like he had stepped out of the Multiverse. He had be the all-epassing Void, everything and nothing at once��a small ind of nothingness surrounded by a sea of being.


    His step had not opened or tuned his body to the Heavens �C it had breached the impermeableyer between real and unreal. He could even see a hidden seal beneath his foot; an impossibly intricate spiral pattern reminding Zac of a ck hole. It wasn��t really there, yet it was. It was a manifestation of the heart��a heart attuned to the Void of Dao.


    Something that might only be achievable by Zac across the whole Multiverse.


    And through this mysterious breach, Life poured into the Void �C into his body. There was no sh like when Life and Death struggled for supremacy inside his Cultivation Cave. The Void could ept anything, yet only Life poured into his body at the moment. The medicinal array, the steps, the breathing. They were designed to snatch Life while keeping the rest of the cosmos at bay.


    Reality eded to the undeniable truth in Zac��s heart, and his body heated up as the energy was dragged into his body by the pull of the Void. The pain was agonizing, but Zac barely registered it. He had entered an ethereal state where everything was absorbed and consumed. The life-attuned paste and the ambient energy. The pain. Even his thoughts.


    It all entered the ck hole of his existence, bing fuel for his path.


    Another step, another seal, and another breach to wee Life into the Void. Altogether, eighty-one aspects of the Void formed aplete circuit, both with the Dao of Life and within his body. Any more, and extraneous concepts would be allowed to join the perfect system. Any less and the transformation would be imperfect, iplete.


    So Zac preserved through the pain, moving toward the next expression of the Void. But it was at that point his perception was nudged, almost to the point Zac lost his focus. It was [Void Heart] which had finally woken up, and it greedily wanted to consume the foreign energies that had entered his body. It felt like the Void had splintered, with there suddenly being two ck holes��himself and his Hidden node, bothpeting for the same energy.


    Zac knew this woulde, yet he couldn��t help but feel a wave of annoyance upon sensing some of the energies, his energies, drift toward his heart. Going through the eighty-one aspects of the Void andpleting a Body Tempering Session would take over an hour, and who knew how much energy [Void Heart] would manage to steal?


    Even worse, with this kind of energy, it would only return bog-standard Cosmic Energy,pletely wasting Zac��s time. Losing some resources was fine, but losing months of progress was not. Zac kept going through the motions of the [Void Vajra Sublimation], not wanting to stop prematurely and waste a whole session.


    But in his mind, Zac was roaring at [Void Heart] to stop, to give him a break.


    And the node obeyed.

 Chapter 945: Taking Control

    Chapter 945: Taking Control


    Zac couldn��t believe it when [Void Heart] suddenly shuddered and stopped contending for the medicinal paste mid-beat. The surprise was so big that he tripped, instantly failing the stance and losing the ethereal connection to the Void. The Life-Attuned Energy that had entered his cells failed to fuse and instead started seeping through his pores.


    It was an unavoidable result of notpleting the session. Only when fullypleting the [Void Vajra Sublimation] would the Integration be perfect, allowing some of the Life-attuned energies to fuse with his body permanently. Even then, Zac didn��t mind the loss. He sat down on the ground, far more interested in what had just happened. This was just the first session, and discoveries were far more important than the progress itself.


    And this was a big one.


    Ever since breaking open [Void Heart], it had always marched to its own beat. Zac was never able to control it in the slightest. Instead, he had been forced to learn its rules and work within those confines. But this time, he had somehow managed to connect to the Hidden Node and turn it off with a mentalmand.


    But now, the moment had passed. Zac watched on as [Void Heart] resumed thumping, dragging the lingering Life-Attuned Energy into its vortex. He triedmanding and cajoling it like before, but the Hidden Nodepletely ignored him this time. Even then, Zac wasn��t overly concerned. Between the ethereal connection he��d sensed and how different the [Void Heart] had acted, he knew what he��d perceived was real and not some hopeful delusion.


    Zac even had a pretty decent idea of what was going on �C it was all thanks to the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    The whole reason to cultivate a Body Tempering Manual was to gain a specialized Constitution. Like with Soul Strengthening Manuals and Souls, there were both attuned and unattuned Constitutions. An unattuned Constitution might provide general improvements, such as his Draugr durability and poison resistance. Meanwhile, an attuned Constitution could attune your whole body to a specific Dao.


    For example, a Pyromancer who had managed to cultivate a Fire-Attuned Constitution would find their skills were more powerful. Sometimes, they��d even improve their affinity to the Dao of Fire and their cultivation speed. The [Void Vajra Sublimation] was an example of an attuned Body Tempering Manual, where he would gain a Life-Attuned Constitution to bnce out his innate Death-Attuned Draugr Constitution.


    However, there was another aspect thatplicated the situation with Constitutions; Bloodlines.


    There had always been a close connection between Constitutions and Bloodlines. Most bloodlines naturally imbued the cultivator with a constitution, and specialized Bloodline Methods generally doubled as Body Tempering Manuals. The Izh��Rak Reavers were a prime example of this. They all were Body Tempering Cultivators who tempered their bones through their Racial Bloodline Methods.


    In fact, people with bloodlines often had extremely stringent requirements on what Body Tempering Manuals they could use. The slightest mismatch and the unaffiliated manual wouldn��t work. Such a conflict could even damage one��s foundations �C it was akin to a cultivator with a fire-based ss suddenly starting to use a water-based Cultivation Manual.


    This was something that Zac had been worried about ever since getting his hand on the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. He knew next to nothing about his Void Emperor Bloodline, except that it had some sort of rtion to the Limitless Empire and Karz. What if he cultivated a life-attuned constitution, only to encounter a sh between the Body Tempering Manual and an ipatible Bloodline?


    That was a big reason he had wanted to reform the method in the first ce, though it had be a necessity for other reasons after discovering the hidden traps within the [Boundless Varja Sublimation]. If he tuned the method to the Void, the risk of conflict would hopefully decrease. Now, it looked like Zac hadn��t only managed to avoid cmity, but reap some benefits he��d barely dared hope for.


    The [Void Vajra Sublimation] had allowed him to connect with his Void Emperor Bloodline in a way that [Bloodline Resonance] never had. Right now, it had only worked while he was running the method and was attuned to the Void, but that might not be the case forever. Every reincarnation with the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] gave him greater control over his soul. In the same vein, everyyer of [Void Vajra Sublimation] might improve his natural control over his Bloodline.


    Just turning the Hidden Nodes on and off was just the first step. Top-tier Bloodline Methods could even amplify the effect of bloodlines. What if he could suddenly supercharge [Void Zone], allowing it to spread across a whole enemy army? Or if he managed topletely open the floodgates of [Spiritual Void], drastically improving the lethality of a strike?


    There were so many possibilities, but Zac reined in his imagination. There were ultimately no guarantees he��d gain full control over his Void Emperor Bloodline through his Body Tempering Manual, even if things looked promising. He would have to finish the firstyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] to see the results.


    Zac was even more eager to continue his cultivation after encountering such a stroke of good fortune, and he quickly bathed and reapplied a new set of life-attuned paste. Momentster, he was once more one with the Void, moving from one position into another with pinpoint precision.


    His muscles and tendons were shuddering from the surprisingly strenuous stances, and epting the attuned energy into the depths of his cells felt like standing inside a bonfire. Yet he continued, forming one seal after another. Soon enough, the [Void Heart] woke up once more, but a focused thought sessfully quieted it down.


    This time, Zac didn��t lose his focus. He smoothly transitioned toward the next seal in the series, deepening his connection with the Void even further. The minutes passed, and a crackling sound eventually apanied his movements. It wasn��t his bones creaking from the exertion but rather the paste covering his body.


    More than half of its medicinal efficacy had been dragged into his body by this point, prompting some of the paste to dry and fall off. The falling paste disintegrated and created a mysterious haze, unable to settle because of Zac��s constant movements. It looked like he had formed a cloak of mist as he swirled around in the grove, a fog that echoed the secrets of Life. Once in a while, a shadow of inscrutable patterns would flicker in the dust, only to disappear as quickly as they formed.


    As for Zac himself, he felt himself fall deeper into his Void state. Initially, he had thought himself standing outside creation, a small pocket of anti-existence surrounded by the cosmos. Now, he gradually felt himself shift like he was being superimposed on the world. He still was distinctly separate from the cosmos, but he was closer.


    He was like a specter walking through the Dao, grabbing what he wanted while passing through anything he disdained. His Branch of the Kalpataru had already started coursing through his body because of the stances, helping draw more energy into his body while tuning it to his Path. As a result, it seemed like an illusory fractal was being constructed within his body.


    It was an expression of Life, one uniquely tailored to him and his Dao. Each seal hepleted added to the pathways, pushing it closer to perfection. And the closer the pattern got topletion, the more strain Zac was under.


    It felt like he was carrying a mountain on his back as he moved, but Zac knew it was actually the world trying to barge in, to depressurize and drag him out of the Void. Meanwhile, the Life-Attuned Energy had reached the very depths of his cells by this point, amplifying the pain even further.


    Most F-grade Cultivators would be forced to stop at this point and slowly build up experience and resistance. But not Zac. He was already at the peak of E-grade, and neither the pain nor the pressure was ultimately not enough to make him stumble at this critical juncture. He smoothly forged on until he reached a neutral stance where his hands mmed together.


    ��Aum,�� Zac hummed, and his voice melded with the sound of the p from his palm.


    It felt like he had closed a gate to his body,pletely cutting off the temporary connection with the universe after snatching the final expression of Life. As a result, the pressure his body felt disappeared, and the illusory fractal was perfected and melded with every inch of his body. All of the medicinal paste had already fallen off his body, and thest motes of Life-Attuned Energy were swallowed by his cells.


    Zac stood frozen in ce for a few minutes as the swirling haze of dried paste gradually settled on the ground. His consciousness was like a diver slowly rising from the depths of ake until it finally breached the surface. This time around, there was no need to activate [Void Zone] to purge the effect of the Heart Cultivation.


    This wasn��t the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] with its pathbreaking influence of the Buddhist Sangha. The [Void Vajra Sublimation] was uniquely tuned to himself, so there was no need to reset anything. If anything, he wanted to repeat and reinforce the Heart Cultivating aspect of his Body Tempering Manual.


    Ultimately, it wasn��t the Life-Attuned Constitution that would allow him to connect with [Void Heart] and his Bloodline. It was the Heart Cultivating aspect rolled into the method. And that part needed to be gradually built up, brick by brick, just like any other aspect of cultivation.


    Of course, that didn��t mean the impression of being a ck Hole separate from the universe was his true state of being. His self was his self, and his Dao Heart was his Dao Heart. They were connected but separate. It was more correct to say that his Path was being reinforced by these impressions, rather than his personality.


    Cultivating his heart this way would allow it to be sturdier, like intangible walls protecting him from outside influence. Whether it was the Buddhist Sangha, the corrupted water of the Lost ne, or the immortal will of the Remnants, they would find it much harder to influence his mind and his Path. He would be just like the Void �C there yet separate, taking what he needed, and rejecting everything else.


    Zac eventually took a deep breath and opened his eyes. The first thing he noticed was that his skin had taken on an almost copper hue. The redness came from the damage the process had done to his skin, while a slight golden tint came from the Life-attunement. Zac knew this wasn��t a permanent effect. He could already see the color fading thanks to his Bloodline and high Vitality.


    This was exactly what he hoped to see happen. To reach an equilibrium between his two races, justpleting the firstyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] wasn��t enough. He didn��t exactly know how big the gain from eachyer was, but he would at least have toplete the first twoyers for his Human body to match up to thetent potential of his Draugr inheritance.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    There were no hard and fast rules to how much Body Tempering you could practice. It all came down to your body, and how much punishment you could take. Some cultivators could only absorb a small amount of energy before their cells reached their limit, where they would have to take a break to recover and stabilize. And how long that period of recovery was differed from person to person.


    In this regard, Zac believed his potential was outstanding. His Bloodline had made his cells unique, almost turning them into ck holes that could naturally swallow up energies. And between his extraordinarily high Vitality, his Branch of the Kalpataru, and his other unique advantages, his body recovered far quicker than normal.


    Peering into his cells�� depth, Zac could sense the energy he had absorbed. They were like small kes of gold swirling around in the vortices of his cells. Most of them would soon be filtered out, but some would permanently stay on and be part of his body. This was regrettable but ultimately unavoidable.


    More importantly, Zac could tell that one session absolutely wasn��t his limit, at least not while he still practiced the firstyer. As long as he had more paste at hand and could endure the punishment, he could keep going. So he did.


    Zac only needed to wait ten minutes until his body had stabilized, at which point he reapplied the paste across his body. This time, Zac activated all the arrays to improve the effect even further. Roughly an hourter, Zacy sprawled on the ground as steam rose from his body in mighty plumes. asionally, one of his muscles would twitch, prompting a series of painful jerks across his body.


    Normally, Zac would barely notice a gravitational amplification of ten times. But he had almost been pushed to his limits when performing the stances in that kind of environment. It wasn��t the stances themselves that became too strenuous. The difficulty came from how the Gravity Array had somehow magnified the mysterious pressure of the cosmos.


    But it had paid off. Almost twice as many golden kes had been added thanks to the arrays, and Zac believed he��d be able to push the arrays even further as he mastered the process. Not only would his body adapt to the pressure, but the original [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] also mentioned that the stronger one��s Dao Heart grew, the better one could endure the training.


    It should be possible to push the Gravity Arrays all the way to fifty as long as one��s heart grew firm enough. That would, theoretically, increase the cultivation speed a few times over, though you��d have to use higher-grade medicinal paste. The cost per session would shoot through the roof going about things this way, but Zac weed any improvements that could be seized by throwing money at them.


    Altogether, Zac managed to practice the [Void Vajra Sublimation] five times before he felt his body had reached saturation. By that point, he could tell he wouldn��t be able to retain Life-Attuned kes of gold even if he could withstand the pain, and he was better off letting his body settle while practicing his other methods.


    After adding the [Void Vajra Sublimation] to the mix, Zac was finally running toward Hegemony at full steam. But he felt the truth in Pavina��s teachings at this moment. The Revenant Monarch had warned against spreading himself too thin back in the Orom World, where tacking on too many things to your Path would eat up too much time and steal your momentum.


    Twenty-four hours simply wasn��t enough to fit everything he needed to train. But instead of cutting out things from his itinerary, Zac divided his days into 36-hour-cycles. That way, he could fit [Nine Reincarnations Manual], [Void Vajra Sublimation], [Thousand Lights Avatar], and study both Duality and the general theories of Core Blueprints.


    The only windows of rest he gave himself were those small pockets of utmost exhaustion after each Body Tempering session. But after a few days, even those short windows were filled with Triv updating him on the ongoings on the outside. Everything was steadily progressing. The topic of the war had already swept across the, and the recruitment stations across Pangea were almost mobbed with people.


    Zac had been worried they would face staunch resistance from his citizens, to the point they��d be forced to conscript people. But a few rumors had proven more efficient than any stick or carrot Zac could produce. The threat of another System-run worldwide event had made people desperately try to join the Atwood Reserves.


    The horror of the Integration was still fresh in the minds of most people, and many knew they only survived through sheer luck while 80% of the world��s poption had perished. They weren��t confident in surviving another round in case the System dragged the conflict to Earth, so they sought strength and safety from the Atwood Army.


    Others saw the war as an opportunity to catch up after a weak start to their cultivation journey. There were plenty of people who regretted not pushing harder during the Tutorial and the early phases of the Integration. When it was easier to rack up achievements and the air was literally filled with the Dao.


    It was widely believed that Zac��s monstrous strength came from hitting the ground running and closing both the first and most incursions, which was partly true. So many elites thought that if they could rack up some early achievements in the war, they could snowball that into huge gains. Thanks to that, many independent talents had finally taken the step to properly join Zac��s faction over the past weeks.


    Zac himself didn��t bother with the details, though. Ilvere and the other leaders had already set up standardized tests and training programs to turn the recruits into powerful cogs in the Atwood Empire��s war machine. But one day, there was a break in the monotony as Zac received a notice he had been expecting for a while.


    Vri and the others were back.

 Chapter 946: Rendezvous

    Chapter 946: Rendezvous


    Checking the time, Zac realized he had already spent over a month grinding his Body Tempering Manual. Altogether, close to three months had passed since he returned to Earth, and it was about time to deal with the lingering matters standing between him and his prolonged seclusion.


    Just ten minutester, five people had gathered in Zac��spound; Zac and Ogras, along with the three candidates chosen to receive the heritage of Ultom. Ogras had thankfully returned a week ago after having surveyed not only the remaining moons but also the two neighboring worlds containing beasts.


    Zac was curious about the demon��s findings, but the matter of Ultom obviously took precedence.


    ��Anything?�� Zac asked, but he knew he already had his answer upon seeing Joanna��s downcast face.


    ��None of us managed to attain a seal,�� Joanna sighed. ��We did find six structures with fragmented markings rted to one of the nine outer sigils, but we failed to uncover any fragments. Four of the buildings were unsealed and searched already by the scouting parties, while the remaining two were part of sealed blocks. Neither of the two had any dust lining the streets like you described, though.��


    ��We managed to break into one of the two sealed chambers,�� Rhuger added. ��We did make some interesting finds, such as cultivation manuals and a powerful recipe that seemed to be a faith-based berserking pill. But no seal.��


    ��So nothing?�� Ogras muttered before ncing at Zac. ��Then just what��s going on with your quest?��


    ��That��s-��Zac frowned, not sure himself. He opened up his quest screen to make sure, but the result was the same.


    One by Nine (Unique, Inheritance): Form a full cycle of Sealbearers. Reward: Entry to the Left Imperial Pce (4/9) [2604 days] [NOTE: Multiple cycles can be formed.]


    The progress was still the same, with almost half of the slots already filled in somehow. Back then, the progress had made sense if you counted Ogras, Joanna, Rhuger, and Vri. But now, Zac didn��t know what to think.


    ��There was really nothing?�� Zac asked to make sure.


    ��Well,�� Joanna hesitated and nced at Vri, who wordlessly took out a ck crystal ball the size of Zac��s fist.


    It didn��t emit any energy fluctuations, and [Cosmic Gaze] didn��t give Zac any indication something was special about it either. It just looked like a ck decorative ss ball without any special function. But considering how carefully Vri held onto it, there had to be more to it than that.


    ��This was the only thing of interest,�� Vri slowly said. ��We found it in the center of the building we managed to unseal. Neither Rhuger nor Joanna can sense anything from this thing. Truthfully, neither can I, yet I am drawn to it for some reason. I feel there is some secret inside it; I just haven��t figured out how to unlock it. I was wondering if you can sense anything from it?��


    Zac and Ogras looked at the crystal, but neither could glean anything from it.


    ��Nothing,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��But that doesn��t necessarily mean anything.��


    ��That��s right,�� Ogras agreed. ��I��ve visited two sites with seals belonging to Zac right now, and I couldn��t sense the slightest hint of anything magicaling from those ces. I think only those fated will be able to connect with the items rted to the Outer Courts.��


    ��But I cannot get anything from it,�� Vri sighed with helplessness.


    ��Give it time,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I had to kill a Kingdom��s worth of cursed beings to gain ess to my seal. I don��t think everyone will fall ass-backward into an opportunity like our blessed Lord here.��


    ��It doesn��t hurt to keep working at it,�� Zac agreed, ignoring the demon��s jab. ��Since you��re the one who can sense something, it might be rted to the soul. Maybe one of the courts is rted to Mentalists? After all, Ogras got the Hollow Court, which seems suitable to him. Soul-rted things often take a bit longer.��


    ��I��ll keep trying,�� Vri nodded.


    ��Did you find any signs of Janos?�� Ogras asked. ��If I��m one and Vri is the second, then Janos could be counted as the third. That only leaves one mystery person for the quest.��


    ��No,�� Joanna said. ��If his disappearance is rted to all this, then he��s either in the central temple we sealed off or in the building we could not crack open.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac sighed. ��I��ll try to break into that buildingter to ensure he��s not trapped there. Otherwise, I think the results are decent. The Ensolus Ruins weren��t that big; finding a possible clue apart from my own seal is pretty good already.��


    ��I��m sorry we couldn��t help you more,�� Joanna sighed.


    ��Don��t look at it like that,�� Zac said with a shake of his head. ��I was just hoping to provide the same kind of opportunity I��ve enjoyed. I have no expectations of you helping me in the uing inheritance.��


    ��Besides, it��s not over yet,�� Ogras added. ��We��re heading to the Million Gates Territory. A few years there will provide far more opportunities than some old ruins. The Ensolus Ruins were probably just ced there by the Ruthless Heavens for its favorite son to finish up his seal.��


    ��I guess that��s true. It��s still not over,�� Joanna nodded. ��We have the Million Gates Territory.��


    ��And even if that fails, there��s a final chance waiting for you,�� Ogras continued. ��Seizing fate. We already know this mess has been integrated with the uing war. I am certain likes will attract, and we will find ourselves fighting against other seal holders.��


    ��Stealing the opportunities from others?�� Joanna said with a small frown. ��That��s a bit..��


    ��Cultivation has always been a fight for resources,�� Ogras snorted. ��How is this any different? Better we get the slots than some outsider bastards. Or even worse, the invaders.��


    ��We still don��t know if things will work like that,�� Zac said, but there wasn��t a lot of conviction behind his words. He could almost feel it. A storm of fate was brewing, and those with affinity would find themselves on a collision course sooner orter.


    ��We��ll figure out the rules sooner orter,�� Ogras said. ��There are probably a few infiltrators who have stumbled upon opportunities already.��


    ��That��s fine, but I doubt getting the seals that way will provide the same burst of insight,�� Zac said. ��The insights themselves are half the reason to get the seals, considering we have no idea how dangerous the actual inheritance is. We might be forced to bow out immediately when faced with the scions from the outside. So if possible, we want to find the seals rather than snatch them.��


    ��All the more reason to not waste any more time. The ships are ready, and the key personnel has returned. We are just waiting for your go-ahead,�� Ogras said, and Zac could see the other three were of a like mind.


    Zac nodded in agreement. It was time for his subordinates to spread their wings and search for their own opportunities. Emily had already gone ahead in that regard. Zac had already sent a demon to the Bloodwind, to bring her a message he was back. But it turned out Emily had already left for the Million Gates Territory as part of the very same coalition army Zac had seen mentioned when he visited the coliseum all those years ago.


    The thought filled Zac with a mix of pride and worry. Part of him wanted to set out himself and bring her back home. But he had to remember that the better part of a decade had passed since theyst met. She wasn��t the wild teenager robbing adventurers any longer. Like Thea once said, she had to find her path. Zac believed she would return before the war, hopefully strong enough to help keep both herself and Earth safe.


    The same was true for the others. They would never be true elites until they gained some real experience. But he couldn��t ferry them over to the Red Zone of the Allbright Empire just yet.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��I just need your help dealing with a few things before you go,�� Zac said.


    ��The integration?�� Vri said, and a rare hint of anticipation shed across her face.


    ��The integration of the undead,�� Zac nodded. ��Everything is prepared already.��


    ��When will you announce it?�� Vri asked.


    Zac didn��t immediately answer but instead turned to Ogras. ��How did the experiments go?��


    ��It worked just fine,�� Ogras nodded. ��The little blue cheat came through. The n seems feasible, and we can start setting things up anytime.��


    ��And the other thing?�� Zac asked.


    ��Here,�� Ogras said and threw over a box. ��Three uses.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac sighed in relief before turning to Vri. ��I just need to meet with the representatives of the Undead Empire. We will go ahead with the integration no matter what their stance is. But having some assurances would be better, especially for the Raun Spectrals who are in a tough spot right now.��


    ��Of course,�� Vri nodded.


    Zac turned back to Ogras. ��Set everything up, and I��ll send the location to Catheya today. It should take them around a week to reach the we chose.��


    ��Do you want me to apany you to the meeting?�� Vri asked.


    ��No, this time, I have something different in mind,�� Zac said with a shake of his head.


    ��Do you need our help in some other ways?�� Joanna asked.


    ��Just focus on your uing expedition. Ogras and I are enough to deal with the preparations,�� Zac smiled. ��Ten days. Provided the meeting is fruitful, we will have a global announcement in ten days.��


    ��Alright, I guess it��s time to earn my pay,�� Ogras grunted as he got to his feet. ��I��m heading to So��Liv.��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac nodded. ��I guess I��ll go deal with things from my end.��


    It would be a busy week.


    ����������������


    ��Long time no see,�� Zac smiled as his old friend stepped into the little meeting room he had ced in the middle of the forest. ��You look nice.��


    It was true. Zac didn��t know what Catheya had been through since they metst, but it felt like every single aspect of her had undergone a subtle yet very noticeable elevation. Her appearance had moved closer to perfection, in the same sense that Iz��s features were marked by the Dao. She even carried herself with a level of grace that eclipsed her previous manner. Just taking a few steps into the building had almost been enough to steal Zac��s breath away.


    It was not just her appearance either; her aura was incredibly condensed, eclipsing that of elites like Leyara and Ogras. She still wasn��t at the level of Iz, but it was far beyond her previous status as a decently talented Scion of the Empire Hearnds. It looked like Catheya had encountered some lucky opportunities of her own since theyst met, real significant ones at that.


    ��What nice? Bastard, you know what kind of headache you created for me?�� Catheya huffed as she sat down opposite him. ��I��ve had the ancestors breathing down my neck for years because you had to go get swallowed up by a space fish, and now you don��t evene meet me in person? You send this tin can in your stead?��


    ��Well, it was a gift from you, so I figured it was suitable,�� Zac joked.


    This was the solution that he and Ogras hadnded on. As they saw it, there were only two ways to ensure a safe meeting when there were Monarchs in the mix. Either he would have to meet Catheya with some sort of proxy, or he would have to take Catheya to a different world to shake off her handlers.


    Ogras had argued for thetter, saying it would allow them to control the situation better. They would set up a meeting, but only leave Catheya a Teleportation Token. After she��d arrived at some other corner of Zecia, Zac could teleport in, and they could have the meeting in peace. Knowing there was no way for the Monarchs of the Undead Empire to get there in short order.


    Ultimately, Zac had felt this method put Catheya in too much danger and had chosen the proxy method instead. The problem was that no ce on a was safe when C-grade cultivators were involved. As long as they managed to pin down your location, they could be there at a moment��s notice, sealing you before you even had a chance at teleporting back home.


    So he simply didn��t stay on the.


    Zac��s vision was currently split into two. One of them was the puppet��s sight, where he saw Catheya in the secluded meeting ce on So��Liv Six, a central in the Kaldran Strait. It was mostly a deste wastnd because of its location. Thete E-grade was situated at one of the more narrow stretches of the border between the Undead Empire and the surrounding Empires, and it had been swept up in the struggle more than once.


    Currently, it was tentatively under the control of the Empire of Light, but it was pretty much a penal colony and advance scouting station. A few million people had been transferred over to harvest some of the local nts, and the Empire hoped their presence would at least give a small warning in the event of an invasion. It was the perfect ce to hold a ndestine meeting with the Undead Empire. The undead delegates could get there in a week, moving from one of the closest frontiers under their control.


    While the puppet he got in the Twilight Ascent was sent down to the surface, Zac himself was hiding in the vast emptiness of space, remotely controlling it from a safe distance. He wasn��t using one of the standard Creator Vessels either, but something much better; the Yphelion.


    He was currently sitting in arge room, its walls glistening in a beautiful mix of gold and ck. It wasn��t a design choice by Zac, but rather a result of the materials that went into building the huge space catamaran. Zac had provided a lot of Life- and Death-attuned materials for its upgrade, and after being purified and turned into alloys, they had mostly gained these colors naturally. The few with different colors had been altered by the Creators to not sh with the theme.


    The bridge of the Yphelion looked a bit differentpared to the one of the Starsh. For one, it was almost twice as big to amodate arge floating sphere over five meters across. It was the core of the reconnaissance arrays, and ten administrators were sitting around it, continuously sifting through the endless data it spat out.


    After building the first batch of ships, Zac immediately switched production to his own Cosmic Vessel. Thankfully, it had beenpleted with time to spare, which increased the chance of their n to seed drastically. Now, the vessel was hidden in a debris field at the edge of So��Liv Six��s sr system.


    Obviously, the puppet Catheya gave him couldn��t be controlled over such vast distances. It was hastily constructed by an E-grade craftsman inside the Twilight Ascent, limited both by materials and the creator��s skill. But on the outside, they had no such limitations, and much of the internal machinery of the puppet had been reced over the past weeks.


    Even then, sending a signal across a whole sr system was easier said than done, which is why Zac had ced hundreds of repeaters between So��Liv Six and the debris field. This technology was something he��d tasked Ogras with testing out while he surveyed the neighborings around Earth.


    It had worked perfectly, thanks to Calrin��s connections. The only downside was that the signal would be drowned out in regions with too many people and arrays. But there was no interference to speak of in a deste forest of a mostly-deserted. This way, Zac could meet up with Catheya with peace of mind. Even if the Monarchs managed to trace the signal, there was no way for them to get close without the Yphelion��s powerful sensors picking something up.


    In fact, Zac already knew that two Monarchs were hidden in the forest, both exhibiting energies at the Middle C-grade. Not only that, but there was actually one more staying in the Cosmic Vessel that had ferried Catheya to So��Liv Six three hours ago. It was proof of how seriously they were taking this meeting and how he had been right not to trust a powerful faction like the Undead Empire blindly.


    The hidden traps of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] had engraved an important lesson on the dangers of the Multiverse deep into his bones, and it had paid off today.

 Chapter 947: Cat and Mouse

    Chapter 947: Cat and Mouse


    Spotting the three Monarchs was not only a confirmation that Zac was right to be asionally paranoid. It was also proof of just how powerful the sensors of the Yphelion were. There wasn��t any way for him to actually see the Monarchs, but he could pinpoint their location with a hundred-meter precision across half the sr system. And even if they hid their presence, the Yphelion could somewhat estimate their strength by how the Cosmic Energy around them reacted to their presence.


    Zac hoped this would be enough to deal with those sneaky elders. Even if the undead Monarchs managed to break through the protections of the repeaters and trace the signal, they still had to reach the Space Debris. By that point, Zac would be long gone, having jumped to a different dimension. From there, he could make his way to any number ofs at the edge of the Empire of Light.


    Even the Monarchs would have to be careful about following him there. If the Empire of Light were a bunch of weaklings, they��d have been swallowed by the Kavriel Province long ago. They might not have as powerful Monarchs as the ones sent from the Undead Empire, but the Empire of Light possessed some of the most powerful arrays and fortifications in the sector.


    They had reinforced their borders for millions of years, spending mindboggling resources on defensive arrays and other fortifications. And they all were designed to kill or weaken the Undead. Not only that, but most of the top factions of Zecia had pitched in to construct this iron curtain so they wouldn��t have to deal with the Undead Empire.


    ��You came as a puppet out of nostalgia?�� Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. ��I��m sure it has nothing with your paranoia.��


    ��Well, it might have been a factor. You can never be too safe,�� Zacughed, but he chose not to expose that he knew about the Monarchs just yet. ��How did things go on your end? You never provided a clear answer in the messages.��


    ��No small talk as usual?�� Catheya giggled, and Zac couldn��t help but sneak a peek at the impressive cleavage she was showcasing today. ��I had hoped that some time spent apart would have made your insensitive heart grow fonder.��


    ��I��m working on my manners,�� Zac smiled. ��But people are already gunning for me left and right; I need to know if I need to add the Undead Empire to the list.��


    ��I guess that makes sense,�� Catheya nodded before her face turned serious. ��Before anything, there��s something I need to know, and don��t you dare lie.��


    Zac was slightly surprised by the sudden shift in tone. He guessed Catheya��s handlers had left her with some strict instructions. Perhaps she was even fed her lines from the Monarchs hiding in the bushes. The longer the meeting dragged on, the higher the risk was of something going wrong, so if they wanted to jump straight into business, he was amenable to that.


    ��Alright, what is it?�� Zac asked.


    ��Did you really think I look pretty?�� Catheya, her serious face breaking into a radiant smile.


    ��What? That��s what you wanted to know?�� Zac said with exasperation.


    ��Of course. You said I looked nice. It hasn��t been easy draggingpliments out of you, so I just wanted to make sure,�� Catheya grinned, and she even fluttered her eyshes a bit.


    Zac inwardly groaned. How could she act like this with three ancient monsters listening in? Was she trying to get in trouble? Besides, the situation was a bit embarrassing for him as well. It almost felt like having a girlfriend brazenly flirt with him in front of her grandparents. But what could he do but amodate her? He didn��t want to talk to the ancestors just yet.


    ��You really do,�� Zac eventually said. ��It feels like you��ve be more in tune with the Dao. You must have worked hard on your cultivation over the past years.��


    Zac hoped that was enough to get Catheya back on track, but she didn��t look too enthused about his answer. ��Still a block of wood. Would it kill you to throw out some niceties unrted to cultivation?��


    ��That��s���� Zac hesitated, suddenly feeling a bit regretful over his perfunctory answer.


    Even if you disregarded the matter of the Monarchs, Zac knew this wasn��t his forte. He hadn��t been the bestmunicator even before the Integration, and the events since had only made it harder for him to open up. There was even a small voice in the back of his head warning him from allowing himself to be attracted to others. No matter if you looked at Alea, Thea, or Hannah, his romantic interests hadn��t fared so well since the Integration.


    It made him think of Iz��s warning to Ogras, of how his powerful fate would drown the demon if he didn��t manage to elevate himself. No matter how you looked at it, the same could be said about the women around him. The cultists had targeted Hannah because of her rtionship with him. Thea had been killed because of his mother��s ideals.


    Alea was a bit different, but it was still undeniable she had been put in the position where her soul was shattered because of him. Her fate had been swept up by his, and she had been thrust into his conflicts until she eventually paid the price. Even before then, she had almost been killed because of him on multiple asions.


    But at the same time, pretending to be oblivious was both rude and cowardly. Catheya deserved better than that, even if she was partly teasing him right now.


    ��I-�� Zac said, but he really didn��t know what shoulde after that.


    ��Rx,�� Catheyaughed. ��I can hear the gears turning from here. Don��t worry; I know you��ve been forced to fully focus on the Dao just to survive. I still think you��ll improve after you join a proper faction and don��t have to fear every shadow. You can give me a proper answer by then.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac agreed, thankful to have been given an out. ��So what have you been up to since the Twilight Ascent? I was worried there for a bit, even if you had your master with you. I didn��t expect things to get so crazy.��


    ��Apart from the year I��ve spent waiting for you here in Zecia, I��ve been staying at the Abyssal Lake,�� Catheya smiled. ��As I��ve said, that ce is really something. You��ll only be able to unlock the true potential of your heritage if you go there. You can��t imagine what it��s like standing on the shores of the Abyssalke. It��s likeing�� home.��


    ��Maybe one day,�� Zac nodded.


    Zac wasn��t surprised Catheya��s elevation was rted to the Abyssal Lake. After all, it was the holynd of the Draugr, and there had to be all kinds of opportunities waiting there. But at the same time, Zac guessed it wasn��t the whole story. Because if everyone who visited the shores came out as powerful as Catheya, then the Draugr would already have be the leading race of the Undead Empire.


    ��You don��t seem too interested,�� Catheya said with a pout. ��I��m telling you, that ce is amazing.��


    ��I believe you,�� Zacughed. ��More importantly. I��ve been curious for a while. How did you know about the Orom?��


    ��Whatever. One day you��ll realize I was right, and you were just obstinate. I can be magnanimous if need be,�� Catheya smiled. ��Alvod Jondir��s ascent made things a bit chaotic, as you can imagine. Such an important trade hub blew up, and even Divine Monarchs of the Undead Empire were killed and crippled. The Umbri��Zi Matriarch soon showed up to take charge of the situation.��


    ��The top elder?�� Zac eximed with some shock. ��I thought those figures spent all their time in sealed Cultivation Chambers.��


    ��Wouldn��t the ancestors go mad if they had to live like prisoners?�� Catheya countered. ��Either case, your name soon came up. An unknown E-grade Draugr causing so much trouble it beggaredprehension. It was all recorded, you know. What you did inside the City of Ancients?��


    ��Uh,�� Zac coughed, suddenly doubly happy he had chosen not toe in person.


    ��What was it you said to that lunatic as you ruined her ns? ��Since when has Draugr feared a bunch of bloodsuckers?��,�� Catheya grinned. ��I have to admit; you were quite dashing there. It��s a shame the conclusion was lost because of some sort of interference.��


    ��That was not my-�� Zac said.


    ��Rx,�� Catheyaughed. ��Those people only had themselves to me. Who asked them to fish for opportunities in Draugr territories? In either case, between your performance and my introduction, Reyna Umbri��Zi was quite interested in you. But we couldn��t find you. Not even your corpse �C that thing you prepared was pretty good, but it wasn��t enough to fool a motivated Autarch.��


    ��Lady Umbri��Zi figured something was wrong after a lot of bodies had simply disappeared in the aftermath of the Twilight Ascent, and she found out about that Voidcatcher with the help of her skills,�� Catheya sighed. ��Even then, she only managed to track it down because of some powerful energy fluctuations that could be felt far and wide. We ultimately learned about your fate from an Izh��Rak Reaver called Kaldor.��


    ��You met Kaldor?�� Zac eximed. ��Is he okay?��


    ��I only read the reports, but he is fine. Reyna Umbri��Zi sensed there were imperials trapped within that fish��s body, and she had it spit them all out. Along with some monks, apparently, due to an agreement,�� Catheya said.


    Zac sighed in relief upon hearing that both Kaldor and Pavina were fine. Both had taught him a lot during his stay in the Orom World, especially Pavina. But while he had helped Hera escape with the help of the seed, Pavina had been left behind. She had stopped him when he had tried to give her a hint about his imminent escape, but the matter had still weighed on his heart over the past year.


    However, there was one thing that Zac had some difficulty understanding. Kaldor and the Umbri��Zi ancestor had actually saved Three Virtues and his fellow monks? ��Since when were you guys so friendly with the Sangha?��


    It didn��t take a genius to figure out it was Three Virtues and his subordinates who had been released. But why? The Sangha and the Undead Empire as a whole might not be mortal enemies, but they definitely weren��t allies either.


    ��Well, for one, the leader among the Monks actually had a pretty lofty position with the Sea of Tranquility, one of the Four Oceans of the Sangha,�� Catheya said with some fear in her eyes. ��The Oceans are incredibly powerful but even more reclusive than the Mountains and Temples. They have never joined in on the crusade against the Undead Empire, apart from some of their acolytes joining to temper themselves. The elders didn��t want to poke the ho��s nest. Attacking them might have summoned some terrifying Deva.��


    ��The Sangha is that powerful?�� Zac eximed. ��They��ve caused you such a headache even without the top branches of the faction joining in?��


    ��Well, they��re not considered a true peak faction without reason,�� Catheya shrugged. ��But much of their strengthes from their consecrated grounds and seclusion. They wouldn��t be able to exhibit the same level of power when emerging from their Holy Lands.��


    It was hard to imagine that shifty monk Three Virtues as some bigshot, but Zac guessed it made sense. Three Virtues and Lord 84th were only splinters of the Lotus Emperor. And if a single fragment was a powerful Cultivator who could be a Divine Monarch any time, then the Lotus Emperor was most likely ate Autarch.


    His shocking action of splitting his soul into 100,000 splinters and having them enter the cycle of reincarnation might be a bid to grasp the insight needed to be a Supremacy. To kill someone like that could create a huge problem for the Undead Empire.


    ��But that��s actually not all,�� Catheya added as she looked at Zac oddly.


    ��What? Something rted to me?�� Zac asked.


    ��Well, yes and no,�� Catheya slowly said. ��It turned out Commander Kaldor hadn��t been swallowed by the Orom on ident, and neither had that monk. They both had missions to investigate the Orom��s actions. And ording to the monk, Karma had been sown. Harming him would have a negative effect on their goals.��


    ��Goals? The Orom��s actions? What��s going on?�� Zac said with confusion. ��Is it rted to how it swallowed a bunch of cultivators left and right?��


    ��That was just a means to an end,�� Catheya said. ��You should know those kinds of creatures normally don��t appear in the Frontiers. The Cosmic Energy is too sparse to sustain Autarchs, especially suchrge beings.��


    ��I know; that��s why it had to keep feeding,�� Zac nodded.


    ��But do you know why it stayed here, barely surviving at the edges of the universe?�� Catheya said.


    ��I figured it was too weak or cowardly to contend for a domain in the central regions,�� Zac shrugged.


    ��Actually, the Orom was part of a powerful faction, the Starbeast Alliance. That big spacefish would be one of its weaker members,�� Catheya said. ��It was traveling across the frontier on a mission. Had been for millions of years.��


    ��A mission for what?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��That was what the Izh��Rak Reavers wanted to know after finding out about the Orom. Anything that would prompt a Primordial Beast to spend millions of years had to be pretty impressive, right? Something that would make powerful factions like the Starbeast Alliance mad with desire,�� Catheya said as she looked at him with a pointed gaze. ��Can you think of something like that here on the frontier?��


    ��Don��t tell me,�� Zac muttered.


    ��The thing you unearthed,�� Catheya nodded in confirmation. ��The Starbeast Alliance knew about that ce somehow and has been searching for it for so long. Unfortunately for them, they encountered a wandering cmity like you, and their ns were exposed. Now, the Reavers are here for the prize, but we Draugr have also staked a im. Partly because of you, partly because this is Draugr territory.��


    ��So that��s how it was,�� Zac slowly said as a wry smile appeared on his face back on the Yphelion.


    The Orom really was a bit unlucky. It had searched for Ultom for millions of years, only to have its ns exposed because of Iz Tayn��s grudge against him. The hugemotion Catheya mentioned was undoubtedly the mes of Iz��s terrifying Dao Guardian, which had led to the Orom being exposed even with itsprehension of the Dao of Space.


    The Orom��s involvement in all this could also exin why the Reavers were here in Zecia. To think that that brute Kaldor was actually a covert agent looking for clues. No wonder he stayed on, even if he could confirm his Dao anytime he wanted.


    ��I still can��t believe the Orom was looking for the Eternal Heritage,�� Zac muttered. ��Did you guys kill it?��


    ��No,�� Catheya said. ��Reyna Umbri��Zi wanted to, but she was only here in the frontier with a clone. It wasn��t powerful enough, allowing the Primordial Beast to use some sort of forbidden skill and break free of her hold. But it shouldn��t be able to recover in the short run.��


    ��The others inside..?�� Zac asked, but he sighed when Catheya only shook her head.


    He had already known this was the likely oue for most of those trapped by that Primordial Beast, but it was still sad to have it confirmed. Many faces shed past his eyes, people he had met during his years trapped in the Orom. The Multiverse could be a cruel ce. That some of the people, including those closest to him, survived and managed to get out was at least a smallfort.


    ��You know���� Catheya slowly said, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. ��I know you wanted to discuss this with me, but there are real representatives waiting on the ship that took me here. People with actual influence. If you want, I can call them-��


    ��No need,�� Zac cut her off before turning the puppet��s head in a certain direction. ��In fact, if I see one of them make a move, I��ll consider that as the end of this meeting. That includes the two elders hiding in the bushes.��


    ��The what?�� Catheya blurted, genuine confusion written all over her face.


    But a powerful snort echoed through the room a momentter, and a mighty pressure descended before it quickly disappeared. Zac didn��t care �C his real body was far away, after all. He was more interested to see that the two actually backed off and had teleported back into their Cosmic Vessel.


    ��Keep a close watch on that ship. Make sure it��s not up to something,�� Zac said to the administrators on the Yphelion before refocusing on Catheya.


    ��That��s-��Catheya stuttered with a mix of resentment and helplessness on her face. ��I��m sorry, I didn��t know. It��s just that this is such an important matter, and I am only a junior. I am not qualified. But they are back on the vessel now, and we��ll make reparations for this transgression.��


    ��It��s okay,�� Zac nodded.


    He really wasn��t too upset over the two Monarchs hiding. If anything, it allowed him to showcase he wasn��t some fool they could just take advantage of, while also giving him an edge in the uing negotiations.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Besides, the Undead Empire would have to be crazy if they didn��t at least try something. Truthfully, he would have done the same if he were in their shoes. This wasn��t some random trade. It was an Eternal Heritage. If someone with the key to the inheritance had just strolled up to him, then Zac would probably have kidnapped him as well if it was a matter of life and death for Earth.


    Just like Ogras said, cultivation had always been a war for resources. It was simply a part of the struggles of reaching for the peak. Zac held no delusions they would stop after this one attempt either. It was unavoidable when being the weaker party, but he would be able to extract more benefits after every attempt, provided he managed to thwart them.


    This was the dance of cat and mouse Zac would have to endure until he couldy down thew with his axe.

 Chapter 948: Asset or Liability

    Chapter 948: Asset or Liability


    ��We can talk about the heritage and reparationster. Let��s go back to where we left off,�� Zac said. ��So, what��s the verdict? Discounting the thing brewing here in Zecia, does the Abyssal Shores consider me an asset or a liability?��


    There were many things Zac needed to cover with Catheya, but the first thing he needed to do was to sound out his value as an individual to the Undead Empire. Even if he knew he��d never measure up to something like Ultom, he��d be safer the more valuable his identity as an Edgwalker was. It might make the Monarchs of the Empire think twice before trying to sacrifice him and instead lean toward ns that didn��t include him dying.


    ��Asset or liability? Well, you tell me, Mr. Arcaz Umbri��Zi,�� Catheya winked.


    ��What?�� Zac said.


    ��As I said, the Umbri��Zi Matriarch was intrigued by you, and she chose to cover for your actions. They said you were a hidden scion of their n, and you identally went a bit overboard in the Mystic Realm whenpleting some tasks. Officially, you��re currently in secluded cultivation to reflect on your actions. Congrattions, you��ve gone from a frontier hick to one of the most eligible Draugr bachelors in this generation,�� Catheya smiled.


    ��Well, it��s not like the title is real,�� Zac snorted.


    ��No, it��s real,�� Catheya said with a shake of her head. ��I��m quite jealous. You��ll be sent straight to the Abyssal Shores when you return for further training. And here.��


    Next, Catheya ced three items on the table. They all looked extremely impressive, but one drew Zac��s attention more than the others. After all, he had seen that thing before �C it was actually a Perennial Vastness Token.


    ��This is a small greeting gift from the Abyssal Shores and n Umbri��Zi; things prepared before the situation became��plicated,�� Catheya said with a pointed look. ��I know you recognize that token. Lady Reyna took it from the Twilight Lord��s own hands. That��s the benefit of being part of a top-tier faction.��


    ��From Alvod? What happened with that guy?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��He seeded with his ascent, and now he��s a Grand Deacon of the Radiant Temple,�� Catheya shrugged.


    ��You guys didn��t kill him?�� Zac asked with surprise.


    ��Why should we? He has a deep grudge against the Havarok Empire, and he has no scruples. If anything, the Empire would be more inclined to send him longevity treasures so that he can keep causing trouble,�� Catheyaughed.


    ��Alright,�� Zac smiled as he took the Perennial Vastness Token and looked at the intricate seal on its surface.


    Who could have thought he would end up getting the token that Alvod promised him all those years ago? The problem was he already had one.


    ��Are you sure you��re okay with giving this thing away?�� Zac smiled. ��I can tell you��re getting ready to break through as well.��


    ��Who do you take me for?�� Catheya said with an arrogant expression. ��If you can get one, then why can��t I?��


    Zac looked on with surprise as a second token appeared in her hand, this one identical to the one Zac held on to. ��You got one as well? Since when were they somon?��


    ��Finder��s fee,�� Catheya smiled. ��Introducing you came with some benefits. And while these things aren��tmon, they��re not unique wonders of the Multiverse. If the Twilight Harbor can get one, then surely the Abyssal Shores can pick up a few. I was thinking we could go together. I still don��t know exactly how things work in there, but having someone to watch your back can��t hurt.��


    ��Sounds good,�� Zac smiled as he pocketed the token. ��I still need a few years to shore up my foundations, though.��


    It looked like he had some good news for Ogras when he returned. Vri and Joanna were two other candidates, but he knew it was too early for them. Vri wanted to push her soul further before Breaking through, while Joanna sought to gain insights into her Path on the battlefield. That left Ogras, who was almost ready to enter Hegemony just like himself.


    ��That��s fine,�� Catheya nodded. ��I want to improve my foundations a bit before ascending as well. We can figure things out as the date gets closer.��


    ��Sure. What are the other things?�� Zac asked as he looked at the two other items; an engraved box that almost seemed to shift in and out of reality and an opaque vial that exuded a pervasive darkness.


    ��The first one is called the [Essence of the Abyss],�� Catheya said with longing in her eyes as she looked at the vial. ��Just like its name indicates, it contains the essence of the Abyssal Lake. It can��tpletely rece the real thing, but it will partly awaken your Draugr Heritage. Opening at least one Hidden Node is a foregone conclusion.��


    Zac��s brows furrowed a bit aboard the Yphelion as he looked at the vial. ��How long can it be saved? Is it usable in the D-grade?��


    ��What?�� Catheya said with confusion. ��Why would you save it? You know, most Draugr would kill for this thing. Only a limited number of people can receive a true awakening every year, and creating this elixir removes a few of those slots. It doesn��t have any drawbacks; it��s a free elevation.��


    ��My Draugr side is pretty powerful as is,�� Zac sighed. ��Too strong, and there might be trouble when forming my core.��


    Zac obviously wouldn��t mind getting a free power-up, especially with more Hidden Nodes on the line. However, he already had his te full catching up to his Draugr side with the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. The past month had resulted in more progress than he��d expected, but it wasn��t like he would reach a state of Life-Death equilibrium with years to spare.


    If he suddenly awakened his Eoz Bloodline with this treasure, there was simply no way to push his Human side to the same level before the war started. There was still a chance that it wouldn��t matter for forming his Cultivator��s Core, that his Daos being in bnce would be enough. But the deeper his understanding of Duality became, the more he believed Three Virtues had been right in this regard.


    Having an imbnce between the two elements would lead to an imperfect oue, at the least. It might make the Core Formation impossible for someone with a massive foundation like Zac. As a mortal, you had to thread a needle as you forcibly constructed a core powerful enough to carry his cultivation. If he also had to constantly keep watch to prevent the Death-attuned side from overwhelming the Life-attuned side, the difficulty would skyrocket.


    ��I- I��m not sure,�� Catheya eventually said. ��You can still awaken your Bloodline as a Hegemon, but I don��t think you��d be able to open your Hidden Nodes. Hidden Nodes are like small gateways into another dimension. When you attach a Cultivator��s Core to your Pathways, the surge of energy will wipe the te, destroying or burying these entrances. Opening Hidden Nodes is difficult on its own, but doing it as a Hegemon is too, too difficult.��


    Zac slowly nodded thoughtfully, not sure what to do. It would really be too much of a waste not to open the Hidden Nodes while he had the chance. Perhaps if he could find some equally good body-refining treasures with Life Attunement? Maybe he could even have the Undead Empire source some treasures for him.


    That actually didn��t seem like a bad idea. Many of the Empire��s enemies used Life-Attuned treasures to deal with the Miasma of the Undead, and they should have seized mountains of the stuff over the years. Those items were essentially to them. At the same time, they couldn��t just sell them through some back channels since that mighte back and haunt themter.


    ��Well, I don��t have a solution in this regard. But the third gift might be useful if you can find one on your own,�� Catheya added, making Zac curiously look up from the vial.


    ��What��s that?�� Zac asked.


    ��I can��t open it, but it��s a Self-contained Temporal Chamber with three years sealed inside,�� Catheya smiled.


    ��A Temporal Chamber?�� Zac hesitated. ��That sounds a bit-��


    Dangerous. That was the word Zac left out. Temporal Chambers were something that Zac had wanted to get his hands on for a while now. He had heard of how Va Tapek had made Catheya cultivate in a Temporal Chamber for a year, allowing her to gain her levels in time for the Twilight Ascent quickly.


    The downside for her had been the inability to Cultivate the Dao for that duration, but that didn��t matter to Zac. He couldn��t improve his Daos through meditation in either case and rather needed to deal with his Constitution and Soul. For him, a Temporal Chamber sounded like the perfect solution to his current time crunch.


    Unfortunately, reality didn��t always match up to expectations. After discussing the matter with Calrin, he soon found that things weren��t so simple. There were a few solutions where you could lessen the impacts of time, where two years would pass on the outside while you only aged one. You essentially blocked out some of the Dao of Time to aplish this effect.


    These methods were unsurprisingly popr among aging ancestors, who sealed themselves to protect their descendants for a longer time. Or to wait for their descendants to gather resources or source some critical treasure for their breakthrough. But to cheat time in the other direction was even harder.


    You had to harness the Dao of Time to speed up the passage of time in a certain area or subspace. The slightest imbnce could create Temporal Rifts, something just as deadly as Spatial Rifts but even harder to defend against. Constructing something like that was incredibly difficult and not something Zac could buy on the open market.


    And even if Zac managed to get one, would he dare use it? A single fault or imperfection, and he risked getting ripped apart at a moment��s notice. Just starting such an array could kick up a temporal storm, as could shutting it off. Even the natural energy flows of Earth could suddenly create a small but deadly imbnce.


    The only reason Catheya could have enjoyed such an opportunity was by having a Peak C-grade Master. Calrin guessed that Va Tapek had sped up time in a section of his Inner World, a subspace where thews of the universe were more malleable. That way, Va Tapek could personally control the Time Chamber and suppress any errant energy flows for the entire duration. And it wasn��t like Zac had a peak Monarch in his back pocket to help him with this.


    Ultimately, these kinds of cultivation tools weren��t something you��d see on the Frontier, and you��d most likely require an Array Master or Temporal Cultivator to run it. That was why Zac was slightly cautious, even if the sender was the Undead Empire. A portable unmanned Temporal Chamber sounded too dangerous, and no one in Port Atwood would be able to tell whether it was starting to fail.


    ��I know what you��re thinking, but you don��t need to worry,�� Catheya smiled. ��This is not some rinky-dink array you��d find in the Frontier. Reyna Umbri��Zi personally crafted this domain at no small cost. You might not know this, but she is a Late Autarch and a Temporal Cultivator. This thing is even more stable than a.��


    Zac��s brows rose in surprise. He hadn��t expected that the Umbri��Zi ancestor was a Temporal Cultivator. He had to admit, if someone like that had created the Temporal Chamber, it was definitely safe to use. Provided it wasn��t some sort of trap, that is.


    ��What��s the temporal ratio?�� Zac asked.


    ��There is none,�� Catheya said. ��As I said, the item contains three years. After you enter, the timer will start. When you leave three yearster, no time will have passed.��


    ��What?!�� Zac eximed, and he gave the box a second look. This was way beyond what he��d expected.


    It was just like the Spatial Chamber technique Vai had exined to him, and the one Leyara��s Temr squad had utilized to set up hidden camps. Creating something like that in the main dimension was incredibly difficult. But something told Zac it would be even harder to aplish with a Temporal Chamber.


    Zac looked at the box with desire in his eyes. Time in a box, an incredibly valuable for someone short on time but with thousands of years left on his lifespan. ��Can the ancestor make more of these things?��


    ��She probably could, but it��s dangerous to use these kinds of items too much,�� Catheya said.


    ��Because of the Dao?�� Zac asked.


    ��Not only that,�� Catheya said with a shake of her head. ��Unless you��re a Temporal Cultivator, then stepping outside of time will gradually detach you from your timeline. In the early stages of overconsumption, it will feel like your surroundings will randomly speed up or speed down. It can cause quite a headache during critical situations. If you ignore the signs and keep stealing time, your body will eventually be unable to withstand it. You would be unable to reenter the timeline without being ripped apart by temporal storms.


    ��The ancestor estimated three years was the limit for you. Any more might affect your breakthrough to the D-grade, forcing you to take a few years to harmonize with the river of time. This is especially true considering time is apparently dted inside the Perennial Vastness. So the sooner you use this thing, the better.��


    Zac nodded in understanding. He should have guessed nothing came for free on the road of cultivation. It seemed like Temporal Chambers were like the Cosmic Water he had used during the first month of the Integration. A little bit was fine, but overindulging could create immense problems. Even pills were this way with the Pill Toxins and immunity.


    Still, suddenly gaining three full years was huge. It almost doubled the amount of time he had to train and prepare. As long as he could speed up his body tempering a bit, it might just be enough to cultivate the thirdyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. That way, it should be fine using the [Essence of the Abyss].


    It would also give him even more time to study the rules of Duality, a subject that was bing increasingly abstruse, even with the help of theke water. The only problem was the Moss Crystal and the five-year deadline. He didn��t know if there was some hidden timer within the crystal, which would erupt when the time was up. If it were, he��d have to figure out a solution before heading to the Perennial Vastness.


    But as Zac saw it, that was a negligible downside in the face of these potential benefits.


    ��These items are all amazing. Convey my thanks to the Umbri��Zi representative,�� Zac said.


    ��These things are just a small gift from the elders,�� Catheya smiled. ��When you go to the Abyssal Shores, your cultivation requirements will all be taken care of.��


    Zac slowly nodded but couldn��t help but feel suspicious over this treatment. No matter what Catheya said, a Perennial Vastness token had to be pretty rare, even in the Undead Empire. For them to not only give him one meant a Heaven��s Chosen would miss out. They even gave one to Catheya in a not-so-discrete effort to send someone with him.


    The [Essence of the Abyss] and the top-quality Time Chamber were even more valuable. Zac doubted that even the descendants of the Umbri��Zi could freely enjoy such things. On the surface, it sounded like a meat pie had fallen from the sky, an opportunity to further his cultivation. It was obvious these items came with strings attached.


    ��So what��s going on, and don��t tell me it��s your bargaining skills,�� Zac said, drawing an annoyed humph from Catheya. ��Do they value an Edgewalker that highly?��


    ��Well, no,�� Catheya said, and she actually looked a bit conflicted. ��That��s�� Well, the Umbri��Zi and the Abyssal Shores were interested because of something else.��


    ��What then?�� Zac asked with a frown. ��I��m sure the Empire isn��tcking elites, judging by what a pain in the ass Uona was to take down.��


    ��Do you remember what I told you about the history of the Undead Empire?�� Catheya asked. ��About the dark ages?��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded.


    ��The Draugr lost a lot as well during those years. So many sumbed to the environment. Altogether, over a third of our heritage is gone,�� Catheya sighed. ��Did you know? It has been over two hundred million years since we encountered unattached Draugr from the outside. When they were weed back into the fold, one of the Draugr branches gained a previously lost Hidden Node.��


    ��Don��t tell me,�� Zac said with surprise.


    ��The thing that interests the Abyssal Shores is ultimately not your ability to be human. It is the fact that you might carry something we lost all those years ago. You might be able to strengthen our race as a whole,�� Catheya said as she looked at him seriously. ��Do you know which of the Draugr branches you��re part of?��


    Zac didn��t immediately answer and instead countered with a question of his own. ��Which branches does the Draugr currently have? Which ones areplete and which are missing?��


    ��I have been instructed not to divulge that,�� Catheya said with a wry smile.


    ��Figures,�� Zac snorted as he slowly tapped the table.


    He had been going back and forth about whether he should hide his Bloodline or hope to use it as a bargaining chip. Now, it turned out his perceived value as an Edgewalker was considered useless, while everything hinged on which ancestor he had.


    Suppose his heritage was one of those that were partly orpletely missing, then great. His value should suddenly skyrocket in the eyes of the Abyssal Shores. But if the Eoz branch was alive and well back in the Abyssal Lakes, he was suddenly just another junior. He might not only be expendable here but even lose the support of the Umbri��Zi.


    Ultimately, Zac chose to trust his guts and roll the dice. Right now, he didn��t have any true value in the eyes of the Abyssal Shores. In their eyes, he was only a gamble, a small chance to regain a Hidden Node or two. As far as they were concerned, he was far more likely to be one of the weaker orplete bloodlines.


    But if it turned out Eoz branch was missing, or at least iplete, he��d suddenly shoot up in value. After all, Zac was pretty sure Eoz was one of the strongest branches of the Draugr.


    ��My Bloodline is that of Eoz. In my vision, I was the third to emerge from the Abyssal Lake,�� Zac eventually said.


    ��The Vanguard,�� Catheya eximed as her eyes widened in shock, but she barely had time to finish her words before a tremendous pressure descended on the room.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Child, is what you said true?��

 Chapter 949: The Vanguard

    Chapter 949: The Vanguard


    At first, it had seemed as though the voice appeared out of thin air. But mid-sentence, it focused into a singr point as another Draugr appeared in the room��s doorway. His aura was restrained, but Zac felt like he was looking into a churning maw when gazing in his direction. ording to the readouts from the Yphelion, he was one of the two who had stayed in the woods earlier.


    That was actually a surprise to Zac. If Zac had guessed, he would have said this Draugr was a Peak Monarch, not a Middle C-grade cultivator like the Yphelion indicated. Even among Monarchs, this had to be an umonly powerful warrior. Furthermore, it was something different about him.


    The Monarch reminded Zac a bit of the [Essence of the Abyss]. It was like his very presence was swallowing all light around him. Catheya had gained a hint of this sort of aura, but it was just a shadow of what this man exhibited. In other words, he probably had awakened his Bloodline multiple times or stayed for prolonged durations in the Abyssal Lake.


    ��Chil- no, young man, is what you said true?�� the Monarch said. ��Does the bloodline of Eoz flow through your veins?��


    ��Lord Tem��Zul!�� Catheya eximed as she stood up.


    Zac frowned at Catheya��s words. It seemed like she had greeted the Monarch out of respect, but her words also acted as a clue for him. Tem��Zul? So yet another branch had arrived in Zecia, one Zac had never heard of before. Zac had expected the Monarch to be yet another Azol, but this muddied the waters even further.


    Unfortunately, Zac didn��t have the information needed to deduce anything from this man��s name, so he felt it best to distance himself for now.


    ��I thought I made myself clear,�� Zac slowly said while instructing the puppet to stand up and up to leave.


    ��Wait, wait,�� the Catheya urgently said. ��The news you sprung on us is just too big. This is Lord Laz Tem��Zul, the Dao Guardian of Tavza An��Azol and a permanent resident of the Abyssal Shores. He can answer any quest-��


    ��I don��t care,�� Zac interjected as he put the Perennial Vastness Token and [Essence of the Abyss] into therge pockets of the puppet��s robe.


    ��This is my mistake. I had not expected to hear that name today,�� the Draugr warrior sighed as he ced a ck crystal and a Spatial Ring on the table. ��Here, take these things as my apology. Please carry on.��


    A momentter, he was gone, but Zac made no move to sit down.


    ��Don��t be like that,�� Catheya said with a helpless shake of her head. ��The elders just got excited. I think you have figured out that the name Eoz holds significant meaning to us. Please, let��s sit down and discuss this?��


    ��Fine, for you. But this is thest time,�� Zac said as he picked up the ring and the crystal. ��If they keep butting in during our conversation, I will just leave, even if I have to sacrifice this puppet and the treasures.��


    ��Of course,�� Catheya nodded. ��Now, is what you said really true? Is your Bloodline Eoz?��


    ��What��re these things?�� Zac asked, ignoring the questions.


    Catheya didn��t immediately answer, but she soon nodded. ��The Crystal is a database of Draugr genealogy. It has information about all Draugr Branches, including your own. The information can help you better understand your lineage and how to make the most out of it.��


    ��So something that you probably would have given me anyway?�� Zac scoffed.


    ��No,�� Catheya said. ��That��s a primer from the Abyssal Shores. It��s not something we��d normally hand out. We just nned onparing your aura to the database in the crystal. But if you��re an Eoz, it��s moot. Instead, you can read about your branch��s history and your future brothers and sisters. As for the ring, it has various rare treasures useful when forming a core and shoring up one��s foundation afterward. Now, can you tell me what��s going on?��


    ��I��m pretty sure my bloodline is Eoz,�� Zac confirmed. ��That��s what I saw in my vision when I opened a node called [Adamance of Eoz]. You��re free to believe me or not.��


    ��What vision are you talking about?�� Catheya said with confusion.


    ��Didn��t you see one when you opened your nodes?�� Zac asked. ��I remember the depths of the Abyssal Lake, the sense of belonging. And then����


    ��Then what?�� Catheya asked curiously.


    ��Is Eoz a missing bloodline?�� Zac asked instead of answering.


    ��It��s all in the crystal,�� Catheya said with exasperation.


    ��I can��t read it with this puppet, so humor me,�� Zac said.


    ��Alright, fine,�� Catheya sighed. ��Rather than lost or missing, it��s more apt to say they sacrificed themselves to give the Draugr a chance at survival.��


    ��During the Dark Ages?�� Zac asked.


    ��Exactly,�� Catheya nodded. ��As the System was born, the universe was drained of energy, and the Abyssal Lake sealed itself somehow. Our environment was rapidly deteriorating, and we knew we had to move. But where could we go? Until that point, the Draugr had been content staying by theke, and we knew very little about the rest of the universe.


    ��So we set out without any clear goal or destination in sight. We could only tell that some dimensions weren��t as affected as others, and some unique environments could resist the System��s drain.��


    ��Special environments?�� Zac asked.


    ��Things like certain Ancient and Immemorial Realms. There are special ces in the main dimensions as well, unique regions that can be deadly even to Supremacies,�� Catheya said.


    ��Sounds pretty dangerous,�� Zacmented.


    ��It was, but what could the ancestors do but forge ahead? And among the Draugr, none were as resilient as the descendants of Eoz. Your Miasmasted longer, and you could resist all kinds of dangerous environments that would severely weaken or even kill the others. Thus, your branch took on the roles of advance scouts during the dark ages. They became the Vanguard, those who forged ahead into those dangerous zones and realms in search of safe harbor.��


    Zac wasn��t surprised when he heard Catheya��s description. The first part sounded just like the effect of [Adamance of Eoz], and it seemed the other parts of the Bloodline further improved survivability. Truthfully, Zac would have preferred a bloodline that was a bit more rounded or one improving his speed to make up for hiscking focus in Dexterity and mobility.


    But ultimately, survival always came first, so it was by no means bad news to hear he apparently had the Draugr Tank Bloodline.


    ��You can understand how dangerous such an undertaking was,�� Catheya continued. ��None sacrificed more than the children of Eoz during our great migration, even though your branch was the ones best suited for survival. One by one, the Vanguard found temporary harbors that allowed us to survive a bit longer.


    ��But you should know, Death-attuned worlds were barely a thing back then. The Dao wasn��t as essible back then, so most ces we found were things like ancient battlefields or other anomalies. Eventually, those ces ran out of Miasma, and we were forced to keep moving.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��The leaders all knew this, so the Vanguard never stopped searching. They kept going, traveling the Multiverse, searching for a more permanent solution. Unfortunately, they never found it. By the time we joined up with the Founders and discovered the Empire Hearnds, the branch of Eoz had already fallen,�� Catheya sighed.


    ��It is the only branch that��spletely missing right now. Honestly, I still can��t believe this. How can you possibly carry the Bloodline of Eoz? Are there more of you?��


    ��I can��tment on the first question,�� Zac said. ��But you shouldn��t expect anyone else to pop up.��


    He obviously wouldn��t tell them about the Corpselord n that had somehow stumbled onto a perfectly sealed corpse of the Eoz Bloodline. As long as he was unique, he was valuable. Looking back at it now, that poor Draugr Mahl��s brother found had most likely been a descendant of one of those scouts who had set out from the rest of the Draugr.


    ��That��s a shame,�� Catheya sighed, but she didn��t look very disappointed. ��So, then what happened? In your vision?��


    Zac digested the news of his ancestors before continuing. ��As I said, I was deep underwater in the Abyss. No past, no future. Then, I felt the pull from above, and I started to swim toward the surface as new thoughts and impressions filled my mind. It wasn��t easy, like the Abyssal Lake didn��t want to let me go, but I pushed on. By the time I crawled onto the shores, two were already standing there �C Mez and Azol.��


    ��Ancestral Descent? Just how pure is your Bloodline?�� Catheya muttered with disbelief.


    ��So it sounds like my bloodline is a pretty good one,�� Zac smiled.


    ��I was kind of joking before when I said you��d be a top bachelor in the Hearnds. Now, it is probably true,�� Catheya said with a helpless shake of her head. ��You��re a living Bloodline Patriarch, sole inheritor of a whole Bloodline. And by the sound of it, your Bloodline is incredibly pure. Rekindling a bloodline can be incredibly difficult, but it should be possible with your power and your Bloodline��s purity.��


    ��Alright, just remember that for our uing talk,�� Zac smiled. ��Now, what do you want to know about the Eternal Heritage, and what are you guys willing to pay?��


    ��You��re essentially a core member of the Undead Empire already,�� Catheya said with a pout. ��Why the need for secrecy and trade-offs? Why not just work together on making sure we get our hands on the Left Imperial Pce? Thepetition will be incredibly fierce. We��ve already received word that at least one Imperial n is on their way.��


    ��Imperial n?�� Zac asked curiously.


    Zac could tell Catheya wasn��t talking about some random Empire when she said Imperial n. It made him think of Leyara and her mention of Nine Imperial Bloodlines. He��d tried to dig into what she meant by that, but she never really answered him. But with the Left Imperial Pce being in the center of all this, it wasn��t hard to figure out what Empire it all rted to.


    ��Remnants from the Limitless Empire,�� Catheya said, confirming Zac��s hunch. ��The most powerful factions of the Limitless Empire copsed almost immediately when their undertaking was finished. The System��s awakening killed off too many patriarchs and great generals. But out of the ashes, seven phoenixes rose.


    ��A few ns acted more decisively than others, turning on the Empire the moment they saw which way the wind blew. They attacked their masters and piged the treasures of the Limitless Empire. Not muchter, the great beings of the Multiverse realized what Emperor Limitless had done and descended on the Limitless Empire with fury. But by that point, these seven ns were long gone, having stolen the riches and hidden in various corners of the Multiverse.


    ��They only emerged muchter, when the energy had returned to the Multiverse. And they were more powerful than ever. Using their stolen foundation, they are all incredibly powerful factions to this day. Except for one n that was exterminated for some reason.��


    ��Seven ns, with six remaining?�� Zac hummed, thinking back to Leyara��s words. ��Not nine of them?��


    ��Not that I know,�� Catheya said with a shake of her head.


    ��These seven factions, were they top-tier powers within the Limitless Empire?�� Zac asked.


    ��No,�� Catheya said. ��If they were, they would have been present for the System��s awakening and absorbed with the rest of the leaders. These seven ns were either middling factions or upstarts. But make no mistake, that was then. Today, they��re all genuine A-grade factions with unfathomable foundations.��


    Were they perhaps different? It sounded like it. Zac didn��t feel these people were the ones Leyara was talking about. Perhaps the Nine Imperial Bloodlines referred to lineages of those close to Emperor Limitless, lineages that were gone or diluted by this point in time.


    ��Working together is fine, but there are some small things I want from the Undead Empire first,�� Zac eventually said.


    ��I expected as much,�� Catheya smiled.


    ��First of all, I don��t like the idea ofpulsions. I can join the Undead Empire down the road, but I don��t wish to be restrained like that,�� Zac said.


    ��That��s impossible. Those are fundament-��Catheya said, but she froze before looking at Zac in shock. ��I guess I was wrong. They agreed. You are technically already a councilor of the Abyssal Shores, provided your Bloodline is that of Eoz. Of course, that��s just an empty title without the actual power of the position until you be at least ate Autarch. Until then, you can stay on as Arcaz Umbri��Zi but enjoy certain special privileges.��


    ��That way, you would have an official position in the Undead Empire without technically joining it. In return, you��d only have ess to the Draugr domains. If you wished to travel through the other regions, you would have to get permission first. Provided your official allegiance remains to your own faction, you would also be unable to ess certain System-maintained features,�� Catheya continued, looking more and more confused by the words transmitted to her. ��I can��t believe they��re making this kind of amodation.��


    ��So, what��s the catch?�� Zac asked.


    ��Apart from providing us with information, you have to assist our side inside the inheritance when possible,�� Catheya said. ��Also, if you find a trove, our representatives get the first pick. Finally, there is a certain item inside the pce you need to help bring out, if possible, whether you manage to join up with our representatives or not.��


    ��What item?�� Zac asked with genuine confusion.


    The conditions were mostly fine. Giving the Undead Empire the first pick was the only one that might smart a bit, but there was a real chance a situation like that might not even ur. As for forming an alliance and information sharing, that was already something Zac wanted in either case.


    The most interesting thing was the third condition, the unnamed specific item that the Undead Empire wanted. Between the second and the third conditions, it almost seemed like this was their real mission.


    Perhaps they already knew that swallowing the whole Eternal Heritage was too difficult. Thepetition would be incredibly fierce with people like Iz Tayn and these imperials showing up, and that was just the start. The Undead Empire was already an embattled force and trying to monopolize a second Eternal Heritage might be more than some ancient factions could ept.


    If that were the case, it was better to lower your expectations a bit and instead take something that could benefit the Undead Empire, but might not necessarily create too many problems on the outside. The question was what kind of item this was and how the Undead Empire knew about it.


    ��They can��t tell you right now,�� Catheya said, but she quickly continued when Zac grunted with annoyance. ��They don��t know. This is amand from the Hearnds. They haven��t given us the specifics either. Perhaps they��re afraid of the details leaking.��


    Zac thoughtfully went over the information. Honestly, Zac was a bit surprised that they just agreed to his main condition without pushing back at all. It really seemed a bit suspicious. Then again, what were some amodations for a junior in the face of an Eternal Heritage?


    The problem was assurances. They could promise things left or right, but it was ultimately up to them to follow through in the future. It wasn��t like there was aints department he could turn to if they simply threw him to the wayside after this was all said and done. And did these representatives even have the status to promise these things?


    ��It��s easy to promise things, but what guarantees can you provide?��


    ��Before the inheritance, you will have an official writ signed by the Primo himself, witnessed and consecrated by the System. Breaking that would turn the System against us, essentially making it a pledge to the Heavens,�� Catheya said. ��I don��t know about these things, but apparently, you will be able to tell its authenticity upon seeing it.��


    Zac nced over at Ogras, who was sitting right next to him on the Yphelion, but he shook his head after Zac repeated what Catheya said. He had no idea if something like that was real or not. But Zac��s guts told him it was possible.


    Even C-grade Cultivators could somewhat use the System for their benefits, from having it issue quests to stopping it from teleporting people away. It didn��t seem like such a stretch for someone like the Primo to have the System witness an agreement for him. If it was real, then Zac was mostly satisfied.


    Such a writ was like a poison pill �C they could still break the agreement or kill him, but there was no reason to do so unless the benefits outweighed the costs. And killing him after the inheritance would serve no purpose and only rob them of his Bloodline.


    ��That��s fine, but what if your people fail to get a slot?�� Zac said. ��I can��t be responsible for that.��


    ��As long as you do your best in helping us, the offer stands. We can only me our inadequacy for not gaining ess,�� Catheya nodded.


    ��That��s fair,�� Zac nodded. ��My second condition is that-��


    ��There is a second condition?�� Catheya scoffed. ��Be careful not to get overstuffed.��


    ��I still think there��s room for more,�� Zacughed.


    ��Alright,�� Catheya sighed, but a wide smile had spread across her face. ��What is it?��

 Chapter 950: The Road Forward

    Chapter 950: The Road Forward


    Catheya stood just outside the temporary building, looking on as the automaton walked into the woods toward the closest settlement. She was filled with a mix of disappointment and relief that Arcaz hadn��t appeared in person. It would have been nice seeing him again, but these shifty elders were up to no good, no matter what they said to her.


    That by itself was a huge headache. They didn��t trust her and only divulged any details at thest moment. Even now, she didn��t know whether the promises and agreements she had put forth were real. Thankfully, Arcaz seemed to understand that much, and he didn��t seem to hold it against her.


    A momentter, she sensed a shift in the air, and she turned around to see five people suddenly standing behind her.


    ��Good job,�� Enis nodded.


    ��I was just repeating the words said to me,�� Catheya sighed.


    ��You made some alterations,�� Tavza said as she expressionlessly looked at Catheya.


    ��It��s because you don��t understand how things work here,�� Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. ��He��s not a junior from the Hearnds. He��s a progenitor who grew up on a world without cultivators. Hecks the whole cultural heritage of established factions. It would just backfire if you tried to pressure him with seniority or status.��


    ��Now that I can believe,�� Laz Tem��Zul snorted as he nced toward the automaton. ��No reverence at all.��


    ��I still don��t understand that point,�� Kator White Sky, the Izh��Rak Reaver scion, said. ��Wasn��t he connected to your ancestor, the one who refused to leave the Boundless Path? Yet he��s a clueless progenitor? Which is it?��


    Catheya warily looked up at the hulking Reaver, and she couldn��t help but remember his terrifying power. He was eighty years old and approaching Late Hegemony, but the local Peak Hegemons had to put their lives on the line just to spar with him. And since this war-crazed skeleton couldn��t go a single day without fighting, the wounds of the local elites had racked up to the point that Monarchs had been forced to be his sparring partners.


    Even now, it felt like this lunatic was barely reining in his battle lust.


    ��That��s-�� Catheya hesitated.


    ��Be��Zi Sharva��Zi has already been given special dispensation from the Heart, as has Catheya,�� Enis Umbri��Zi said. ��More to the point, we have already confirmed their connectiones through the Dao of Oblivion and happenstance. It is doubtful they have ever met in person. Be��Zi and herpanion should currently be located deep within the Eternal Storm.��


    ��That by itself is a problem. We do not have a proper understanding of his connections, and therefore not his motivations. I read the reports. Someone else has been hiding in his shadows since the beginning. Before he even visited Twilight Harbor. His very existence is proof of this,�� Tavza An��Azol said. ��A pureblood Draugr Edgewalker does not just appear out of thin air. Especially not if he��s carrying the bloodline of the Vanguard.��


    ��So why did you stop the n? We had already locked in on their position,�� Kator snorted. ��You were even the ones to put it forward.��


    ��What?!�� Catheya said with shock, but she was soundly ignored.


    She looked at Enis, but the Umbri��Zi Monarch only shook her head slightly, telling her not to push the matter.


    ��The information put forth changed the stakes,�� Tavza calmly said. ��Besides, the make of that vessel was out of our expectations. That��s not something you��d expect to find on the Frontier. There was a high likelihood its arrays would have noticed Sepravo had he moved any closer.��


    Catheya��s eye widened in surprise. Sepravo A��Tem was here? She had never seen the Revenant Monarch aboard their vessel. Come to think of it, she hadn��t seen him since they appeared in Zecia. Even back then, it was like Catheya had noticed him but soon forgotten about his existence.


    Now, Catheya realized it was most likely part of the Monarch��s skillset, making it clear what kind of profession Sepravo had. An assassin, and an incredibly skilled one at that, considering he had been allowed to take the name of a Bloodline n. Catheya shuddered, realizing just how close to disaster her friend had been.


    ��So, you feeling threatened, girl?�� Kator snickered as he looked down at Tavza. ��Your prince isn��t exactly young, and now the Vanguard is back? I hear those guys were almost as sturdy as us Reavers. I wonder how the branches of Mez and Azol feel about that.��


    ��If the lost bloodline of Eoz can rejoin our ranks, we will all be better for it. Why would An��Azol hamper that?��


    ��You say that, but why don��t I see any sincerity on your face?�� Katorughed.


    ��We are not like the Eternal n, constantly fighting among themselves while striking out at anything around them,�� Tavza calmly said. ��Besides, he is just one junior. Raising a whole branch requires both time and resources.��


    ��Resources you could withhold if they start to grow too much,�� Katorughed.


    ��Enough, Kator,�� Toss White Sky grunted before ncing at Enis. ��That ship is another point of suspicion. Has he already joined up with another faction for the uing trial?��


    ��Not necessarily,�� Enis countered. ��No matter what the truth of his origins are, it has been confirmed he is a genuine progenitor, even if he was somehow ced on a world just before it got integrated. And he is a stand-out progenitor at that. He might have been given the vessel as a reward from the System.��


    ��The matter of his hidden backers can be put aside for now,�� Laz said. ��What��s important is the intelligence he provided. As far as I can tell, it seems genuine.��


    ��He held back,�� Tavza said, ncing at Catheya. ��You could have pushed him further.��


    ��I did what was asked of me. If you think it insufficient, you��re wee to try taking over the future negotiations,�� Catheya snorted. ��I��d like to see how many secrets you can get out of that guy.��


    ��Enough,�� Enis said before looking at Laz and Toss. ��What do you wish to do?��


    ��Isn��t it obvious?�� Toss shrugged. ��We��re sending the kids into the Eternal Storm while we deal with the demands your greedy little adoptee put forth. Do the locals have any nearby seeds?��


    ��There should be a few hidden worlds,�� Enis nodded.


    ��Good, then there��s no point staying here,�� Toss said, and the next moment he and Kator were gone.


    Catheya nced in the direction of the puppet once more, and a sense of helplessness filled her heart. What should she do? Then it struck her, and she turned to Tavza before her guardian whisked her away.


    ��I wish to enter the Million Gates Territory as well,�� Catheya said with determination. ��I wish to contend for one of the lower courts.��


    ��Why should I take you?�� Tavza countered, seemingly not surprised at all. ��You seem to be harboring many ideas of your own. That��s not a trait you look for in a party member. Besides, your role is to be our liaison with that man. That will not be possible from within the Eternal Storm.��


    ��That may be, but this way, I can be your liaison with Arcaz inside the trial. And I can guarantee you will find no more capable followers in Zecia after I��ve formed my core,�� Catheya said. ��Besides, I am sure Arcaz would not begrudge me a chance to join this opportunity.��


    ��You seem to like that man,�� Tavzamented as she looked at Catheya. ��But I wonder if that will be enough. Remember, Arcaz Umbri��Zi, or rather Zachary Atwood, has to choose death. That is even more important if he truly is a descendant of Eoz.��


    ��I know that,�� Catheya huffed, but she inwardly wasn��t convinced.


    She didn��t have any logical reason to refute the words of Reyna or the others, and her research of the topic in the Abyssal Shores had confirmed their words. There hadn��t been any Life-Death Edgewalkers who had sessfully entered Hegemony. Yet, when she remembered that man, how he��d looked when he first transformed in front of her to save her life, she couldn��t shake off her lingering doubt.


    Her father had once said nothing was impossible in the Multiverse. If it seemed like it, it was only because the solution hadn��t been figured out yet. So why couldn��t that be true for him? If not him, who could possibly break the old conventions? So what if it was rted to a broken peak?


    ��Well, if that fails, we will have to make the choice for him,�� Tavza shrugged, which dragged Catheya out of her thoughts. ��I will think on your proposal.��


    ��What are you-�� Catheya frowned, but the An��Azol descendant and her guardian were already gone.


    ��Child, that was a mistake,�� Enis sighed after the two appeared in their quarters aboard the Eclipse a momentter.


    ��I know a lot of powerful warriors will enter this inheritance, but I will have be a Hegemon by the time the inheritance starts,�� Catheya said.


    ��That may be, but for you, surviving until the gates open might be even harder than the inheritance itself,�� Enis said with a shake of her head. ��Those two are allies, yet they are alsopetitors. Each will want to bring as many of their own into the Left Imperial Pce. Should you manage to seize one of the seals, you will be a ticket they might both consider better used on their own people. Don��t delude yourself that your identity as Arcaz Umbri��Zi��spanion will keep you safe from those two.��


    ��Since when were you worried for my safety?�� Catheya smiled.


    ��I am trying to salvage this mess at least somewhat. Our branch can��t walk awaypletely empty-handed,�� Enis sighed. ��It��s a shame that brat didn��t allow you to join him on his.��


    ��That��s for the best,�� Catheya snorted. ��From the sounds of it, those people would have used my presence there to do something backhanded.��


    ��Don��t forget yourself,�� Enis said. ��No matter what you think of their actions, they are ultimately acting for the betterment of the Empire. You cannot let your priorities get mixed up.��


    �����������C


    ��What do you think, uncle?�� Tavza asked as she sat down by the screen transmitting the outside of the Cosmic Vessel.


    ��The council gave you free rein to take charge of this matter. If us old things involve ourselves too much, it might affect the oue negatively,�� Laz smiled. ��Judging from what we��ve learned today, this might be even more true than we previously thought.��


    ��I doubt taking some suggestions from my elders at this juncture would impact my chances at bing a candidate,�� Tavza said with a shake of her head as the grew smaller in the distance.


    ��Well, things have gottenplicated,�� Laz sighed. ��Who would have thought he��d be a descendant of Eoz?��


    ��It��s still not confirmed. He was conveniently absent to confirm anything, and I don��t trust that girl,�� Tavza said. ��She was investigated, but that was in the Abyssal Shores. She might have hatched this n while waiting for us to arrive.��


    ��She is conflicted at the least, but I do not believe she nned this,�� Laz said as he sat down opposite her. ��The Vanguard returning. That little Reaver brat wasn��t lying. This will create significant waves. The other Divine Races might feel threatened, and the current bnce in the Shores will be upended. Perhaps him not returning-��


    ��We can��t,�� Tavza sighed. ��I would have preferred simply killing him and taking his seal. I just feel he carries too many secrets to be allowed back home. That feeling has only increased after getting a first-hand look at his personality. He��s shifty, greedy, and only ountable to himself. But now, we are forced to act as his shield.��


    ��Oh?�� Laz said with surprise.


    ��The Patriarch spoke to me before I left,�� Tavza said after a pause.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What?!�� Laz eximed. ��Prince Aewo has left the depths?!��


    ��No,�� Tavza said. ��Ancestor just sent a whisp of his consciousness to me as a precaution. He said he had felt theke stirring not long ago and had had a premonition. That this Zachary Atwood might be part of the lost branch. And if he was, then he had to be returned to the shores at any cost.��


    ��Is it that important?�� Laz said with a frown. ��Truthfully, I feel that perfecting another one of the established bloodlines would have a greater impact on our Race��s strength in the short run. As you said, it would be a huge undertaking to resurrect the bloodline of Eoz. First of all, he��d need to be an Autarch at the least before he can properly pass on the whole branch.��


    ��I thought so too,�� Tavza nodded. ��But apparently, there��s more to it. The princes have found something, something in the depths of theke. They��ve failed to ess it all this time, but Zachary Atwood might be the key.��


    ��A bloodline lock?�� Laz said with interest.


    ��Azol, Mez, and Eoz. Three upper Bloodlines leading the nine others,�� Tavza said. ��All three would have to be present to ess that ce. For millions of years, the princes have been working on a workaround. They have made no progress, even when consulting the Primo.��


    ��So what is it?�� Laz asked.


    ��Ancestor never told me, except that it��s rted to our very foundation and origin. It��s far more important than a few missing links of the lower bloodlines,�� Tavza exined.


    ��So the brat is the key to this thing?�� Laz grimaced.


    Tavza nodded. ��Do not tell the others. I only told you now to impress you on the importance of his return to the Abyssal Shores, where he can be protected until he fulfills his role. Until then, he might be targeted by Kator��s camp and assassins who sneak into this Sector. The Hiveminds and the Sanguine Pce aren��t above something like that.��


    ��Of course,�� Laz agreed as he took out a Mindseal Talisman and added an extrayer of protection to the memories. ��There is one problem, though.��


    ��What?�� Tavza asked.


    ��How do we protect someone who refuses to even meet with us?��


    �������������������C


    The scenes stopped ying, and the wall turned dark in the meeting room of the Yphelion.


    ��What do you think?�� Zac asked.


    While Ogras had been next to him during the meeting, he hadn��t been able to see or hear what was happening on the other side. But now that the meeting was over, Zac reyed the whole thing.


    ��What do I think? I think your spring is about toe. The moment they get their hands on you, they��ll strap you to a bed and bring in a steady stream of young flowers.�� Ogras red at Zac. ��Just how bright is your star of providence? Where is the justice in the world? How am I supposed to live with you showing me something like this?��


    ��Not that,�� Zacughed. ��Besides, you��re probably overthinking things. They��d probably just need some cell samples or something. I want to hear what you think about the agreement.��


    ��Well, I doubt the gifts are problematic,�� Ogras said. ��I don��t think their excitement over your heritage was fake, though it��s a shame we have no way to confirm things from our side. But I doubt they would send you off with something problematic and risk missing out. If the original gifts were tampered with, they would most likely have swapped them out under the pretense your bloodline deserving a better gift.��


    ��I think so, too,�� Zac nodded. ��What about the heritage?��


    ��They knew even less than we expected,�� Ogras said with some bemusement. ��I didn��t expect them to not even have figured out about the Million Gates Territory already. We might have sold that intelligence cheaply, but it doesn��t matter. We got most of the things we needed out of this meeting. And the ongoing agreement between you and the Empire will prove incredibly lucrative.��


    There had been a few things that Zac had wanted to aplish with this first set of negotiations, and the treasures he��d asked for were just a smaller part of it. The real goal had been to open up a path for Earth and the Atwood Empire while keeping the demands reasonable. Too much, and they might figure out various loopholes.


    Therefore, the demands were carefully chosen and part of a n Zac had mulled over since learning of Ensolus. First of all, he had managed to get an agreement that the Undead Empire would ept their presence and expansion across the Kaldran Strait. Not only that, but they would covertly assist in the Atwood Empire��s development and protection after Earth and Ensolus emerged from the shroud.


    The Atwood Empire would essentially be an allied faction, which meant they would be safe from the biggest faction in that region of space. Truthfully, Catheya even seemed a bit excited at the prospect, which surprised Zac. But it didn��t take long for him and Ogras to figure out what was happening.


    It was not long ago that Twilight Harbor had copsed, and the Umbri��Zi had lost one of the most useful trade hubs where they could purchase the resources of the Frontier without breaking anymandments. Twilight Harbor had also been a significant revenue stream for n Sharva��Zi, with their Dao Repository and other shops. Now, with the Kavriel Province��s tacit approval and even protection, Zac was primed to set up something simr in Zecia.


    An unaffiliated Grey Zone, where both living and undead coulde to trade resources.


    Each side had treasures the other required, and every transaction would mean money entering Zac��s pockets. Zac had already made a fortune through his lucky encounters, but that was nothing in the face of the revenue streams a popr trade hub could generate. Better yet, no one couldpete with him on this matter, thanks to the support of the Undead Empire.


    For the first time in a while, Zac felt the future looked bright for Earth. The assimtion had always been like a cloud looming over him, especially since his faction became part-undead. But now, the clouds had parted, and the road to endless riches had been paved.


    He just needed to survive the schemes of the Undead Empire and the dangers of Ultom to get there.

 Chapter 951: Call to Arms

    Chapter 951: Call to Arms


    Apart from the difficulties of cinching the deal, Zac knew his little kingdom was far from reaching the status of the Twilight Harbor. Even if he now had the fundamental qualifications, hecked the strength to protect something too valuable, even with the Undead Empire on his side. You simply couldn��t build a solid faction on a foundation of borrowed strength.


    So for the first couple of millennia, it would just be a local hub where merchants within Zecia could make some money by getting their hands on rare materials. But it did have the potential to take on an even greater role, where resources would stream into the Atwood Empire even from neighboring Sectors.


    This would be a huge boon for him even if he left Zecia in the future, all thanks to the Merit Exchange. He would be able to ess parts of his treasury and the Atwood Empire��s coffers even when halfway across the Multiverse, as long as he found one of the Furem Harq Golem��s subsidiaries. There were even services where he could transfer funds through ry between different banks.


    Of course, his long-term n was only possible thanks to one simple fact; the Undead Empire would stop its expansion in Zecia. They would defend their domains and do the bare minimum expansion through Incursions that themandments required, but they wouldn��t send out crusades. Instead, the representatives had agreed to mobilize the Kavriel Province for the uing war against the Kan��Tanu.


    Initially, they hadn��t nned on full mobilization. After all, they didn��t care which living factions were in control of Zecia. They were just different Dreamers, targets for conquest in either case. But now, they had agreed to immediately send armies to join the coalition forces while fully activating their reserves for the uing conflict.


    In reality, this couldn��t be considered the Monarchs amodating Zac��s wishes. It was all about Ultom and the fact the System had somehow mixed the war with the trial. The more people the Kavriel Province sent to the battlefields, the higher their chances were of picking up tickets to the Left Imperial Pce.


    The third requirement Zac had put forth was that they would provide materials, untouched corpses, and various resources to help quickly bolster his undead poption and their foundations. This included cultivation manuals, awakening arrays, and entire heritages that suited both the Raun Spectrals and the Revenants of Elysium.


    At first, Zac thought they were just agreeing with things to extract information from him. That they��de back in a few months with some ��bad news.�� But it was hard to argue with the fifty permanent Skill Crystals and dozen Cultivation manuals Catheya suddenly produced.


    The puppet Zac used couldn��t activate Spatial Items, but Catheya had shared the screens of both manuals and Skill Crystals. The items were the real deal; high-quality and practical for raising armies. There wasn��t anything in the way of top-tier techniques meant for elites, but even Zac felt he could use some of the skills.


    The only failure in Zac��s negotiations was that he didn��t manage to squeeze a single Life-Attuned treasure from their hands. They had been adamant in not providing anything of that element, to the point it almost seemed that the negotiations would fall through if he kept pushing. Eventually, Zac settled on some top-tier treasures for his soul, both death-attuned and unattuned. This wasn��t something they had on hand, but they would send it over within a few months.


    He ultimately would have preferred Life-Attuned Body Tempering Treasures, but these things would allow him to get closer to the next Reincarnation. Now, he onlycked some Life-attuned treasures for his Soul and Constitution. These items were still difficult to get his hands on, but he had three years to scour the Auction Houses across Zecia for something useful.


    There were also the uing negotiations with the Allbright Empire that Pretty was hopefully setting up at this very moment. Perhaps he could get his hands on some good things from the Allbright n��s Treasury as part of his sale of Creator Vessels.


    Zac and Ogras went through the meeting a few times over, trying to figure out what traps and schemes the Undead Empire might be nning over theing years. The biggest one was that they might hide some sort of tracking measure with all the materials they��d send over. But they luckily had Ensolus by this point.


    They could simply use all those materials on his other. If the Undead Monarchs somehow managed to pierce through the System��s Shroud, they still wouldn��t get to Zac. And there was no way they��d dare cause havoc on Ensolus in an attempt to flush him out. Doing so would make the negotiationspletely fall apart.


    ��They should have returned by now,�� Ograsmented suddenly.


    Zac nodded. A group of five trusted cultivators had been stationed in the forest, and Zac had set off the moment they had retrieved the puppet. From there, they just needed to travel for a few hours before reaching the closest teleportation array. Zac and Ogras would instead have to travel for two days before reaching another border where they could teleport back home.


    ��Oh, that reminds me,�� Zac said as he took out his Perennial Vastness Token.


    ��What?�� Ogras blurted. ��You had one of those things already? I thought they were rare?��


    ��They are, but I picked up one inside the Orom world,�� Zac smiled as he threw it over. ��Now I have a spare, so you take this one.��


    ��Exactly what is this?�� Ogras asked, and Zac quickly recounted what he��d learned about the Perennial Vastness.


    ��Do you want me to go scout ahead?�� Ogras asked.


    ��No, I was thinking I��ll go in roughly a year before the official start of the war. That way, we will have ample time to break through, especially if the realm has a different temporal ratio.��


    ��You know, thest time the two of us left together for an opportunity, things didn��t turn out so well,�� Ogras said with a raised brow.


    ��This is different. We��ll just keep our head down and get our cores,�� Zac said.


    Ogras only scoffed in response as he exaggeratedly rolled his eyes, but he still epted the token and stowed it away. ��Fine, I��ll join you in whatever madness you will bring upon that poor realm. Thank you for this.��


    ��Don��t sweat it,�� Zac smiled.


    ��So we��ll return from the Million Gates Territory in three years. With the speed of your Creator Vessels, that should be enough to give the ce a decent run. We��ll only be able to cover a small corner of it, but that��s to be expected. We��d need centuries to scour that region properly.��


    ��It��s ultimately about fate,�� Zac agreed.


    ��If I haven��t returned one month after our deadline, go without me. We might be stuck somewhere, and I��ll use this talisman so that we can join up in this Perennial Vastness.��


    ��One month,�� Zac nodded.


    Thankfully, there were no surprises for the rest of the journey, and the crew returned to Earth two dayster without getting into trouble. They could have just waited for the Undead to leave, but Zac feared those shifty Monarchs had left some trap behind.


    By that point, the preparations for the announcement were already well underway, and Zac was handed a list of talking points by Vri the moment he emerged from the teleporter. The whole thing would be transmitted everywhere to be disyed on huge screens, and Zac inwardly shuddered at the prospect of addressing almost two billion beings across twos.


    Zac would much rather fight a Beast King than deal with this, but some things ultimately couldn��t be pawned off to his subordinates. He was the one who had chosen this path, so he would have to be the one to bear the responsibility. It was just a matter of time before his announcement was spread across the sector, and he wanted any eventual crosshairs to be trained solely at himself.


    Most of the world��s leaders had already arrived in Port Atwood, while the representatives of the Mavai and Raun were kept on a separate ind. Officially, the reason for him calling the meeting was to discuss the uing war and for him to share his ns for the Atwood Empire��s future.


    Zac barely had time to gather his thoughts before the night had passed, and the time for the world summit had arrived. Zac donned his presence-hiding equipment as he walked toward the Atwood Hall, the ever-growing central government building at the heart of his capital. He was surprised to see the whole town had been transformed for this day, with thousands of banners of the Atwood Empire��s crest dancing in the wind.


    Countless people were also walking the streets, heading toward the closest screen that floated in the air. Zac flitted through the crowd and entered the Atwood Hall unnoticed, and he found Vri and the others waiting behind the main stage. Everything looked ready, and Joanna smiled as she handed him a tablet.


    It showed a crowded hall with representatives of all the races present. The view panned around, showing the stage he��d take in twenty minutes. Zac��s eyes were immediately drawn to the thing in the center �C it was impossible to miss. They had created a 20-meter tall crest from pure gold and onyx, depicting the seal of the Atwood Empire; the four mountains of his ind, with an axe and shield beneath.


    Right beneath it was the podium he��d speak from, where he��d be lined with more gs of the Atwood Empire.


    ��What��s with this stage?�� Zac grimaced as he looked at the ostentatious backdrop. ��I��ll look like a dictator.��


    ��I mean, you kind of are?�� Joanna countered, and Zac rolled his eyes when he saw the excitement on her face.


    ��Alright, what do I need to do?�� Zac sighed, knowing it was toote to change anything.


    Zac spent the next twenty minutes reviewing everything while independently dealing with a few things. After that, Zac took a steadying breath as he walked out on the stage. It was as though the air went out of the hall as thousands of people turned quiet at once. The only thing that could be heard were bare feet against stone as Zac walked toward the podium with steady steps. A momentter, Joanna, Ilvere, and ten more Atwood Armies captains followed, forming an orderly line behind him.


    If this were before the Integration, Zac would have been shaking like a leaf right now. But he found himself oddly calm as he turned toward the crowd. Not even a ripple appeared in his heart as he looked down at the audience, and Zac��s voice was strong and steady as he began speaking.


    ��Over the past decade, our people have ovee insurmountable odds to eke out a living in this new reality,�� Zac began. ��I am awed at the resilience you have shown, and thankful for all the hard work you��ve put into rebuilding our copsed societies. Humans, Ishiate, Zhix, and Underworld Molekin have set aside their differences in appearance and cultures to rebuild what was taken from us.


    ��But I can never forget the 10 billion lives lost across our species. The tall buildings and other monuments to our triumph over adversity came at a tremendous cost. It is an eternal reminder that there is no such thing as safety in the Multiverse. Under the System, there is a mandate for constant struggle, and our ce under the Heavens will forever be contended. A moment of weakness, and we will be dragged down again.


    ��I am sure that most of you have seen the recruitment stations across Earth by now, and have heard what looms on the horizon. In four years, a war of terrifying proportions is descending on our corner of the Multiverse �C the Zecia Sector. The Integration was nothing in the face of what��s toe; not even Earth is shielded from the madness.


    ��To hide or not fight is not an option, not when the System is involved. Neither will our enemies relent. I can tell you right now that there will be no mercy and no negotiation with those people. The invaders are called the Kan��Tanu, and they are an incredibly dangerous unorthodox faction. Should we lose, then most of us will be sacrificed to fuel their cultivators. The rest will be imnted by terrifying parasites and be warves.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��Since defeat is not an option, we can only struggle and be stronger. That way, we can protect our world and keep casualties at a minimum. Luckily, we are still in a phase of rapid growth, and four years will give us a small window to shore up our foundations. I have invested multiple C-grade Nexus Coins into our armies, and I encourage every able-bodied adult to join. We need not only warriors but all kinds of staff to support our military.


    Zac took a breath as he solemnly looked across the room. ��This time, the actions of a few elites will not be enough to save Earth; I cannot protect you. Only by working together will we survive this storm. So let me be clear. While the Atwood Empire hasrgely allowed all factions across our to do things their way, this is a matter where I won��t ept anypromise.


    ��For now, recruitment is open and voluntary, and those who sign early will enjoy more of the resources I have prepared. But if we see certain factions or cities neglecting their duty, we will move on to conscription. Every race and every force will have to pull their weight one way or another.��


    A subdued murmur spread through the room, but it was quenched by Zac releasing some of his Aura. ��Do not test me on this. I will protect this world even if I have to drag some of you to the battlefields myself.��


    No one dared speak up, but Zac could see there was more than one person with a dissatisfied expression. Zac didn��t care. He was not just speaking empty words. This wasn��t a trial where he and a few of his followers could do all the heavy lifting. Still, the stick was best apanied by a carrot.


    ��Of course, the System follows the Law of Bnce. Where there is risk, there is also reward. Your participation in the war will rue Contribution Points, which can be used to ess a System-run Contribution Store. The greater the feats, the better the reward; some will get their hands on treasures they��d never encounter normally. Between the Atwood Empire��s investment and the Contribution Store, this is your final chance to rekindle your fate before our is fully assimted into the sector.


    ��We still don��t know all the details, but we are constantly getting reports from the frontlines. As soon as we know something, so will you. Over theing years, there will be more summits where details are ironed out. We will also holdrge-scale exercises, some on Earth, others off-world. In short, I will do everything I can to prepare my citizens for this trial.


    ��Our Recruitment Stations are open across the world. If you want to know more about enlisting and what benefits we provide, you are wee to visit them over theing days. For those present here in Port Atwood, we will have representatives avable to answer any questions you may have. But do understand, we don��t have all the answers yet.��


    Zac nced to his left, and a small nod from Joanna indicated that everything was prepared for the next segment of his speech.


    ��Secondly, I will speak on the changes that are taking ce on our and how the Atwood Empire will adapt to them moving forward. First thing��s first. The changes to our world are permanent. Earth is now a Life- and Death-Attuned world, which will continue to generate energy attuned to both these elements.


    ��This will be increasingly noticeable over the next few years. The Miasma will grow more potent in some regions, but Blessed Lands teeming with Life will also appear. However, most of the energy across the will remain unattuned, or at least have so little attunement it will not affect one��s day-to-day.


    ��For those living on Pangea, you do not need to worry overly much. Miasma will not swallow the continent as we feared ten years ago. A bnce between Life and Death has been established another way. For those who are unaware, our has two continents of roughly equal size. The second continent, Elysium, is the opposite of Pangea. Most of it is covered in Miasma today, even if the Undead Empire never set foot there.


    ��This kind of unique world has created a unique set of challenges and realities we have to face,�� Zac said. ��I strongly believe that the reason I��ve found sess so far is that I quickly adapted to what the System threw at me. If we keep holding onto old beliefs and outmoded ideals, it is just a matter of time before we get swept away by the river of time.


    ��I know there have been rumors circting on this subject, and I am setting the record straight today. Half our world is marked by Death, and I knew early on that we needed to embrace it rather than ignore it. So yes, The Atwood Empire has Undead citizens, citizens who have lived in istion on Elysium. Until now.��


    With that, the door to the side opened, and a procession of warriors with powerful auras walked out as Joanna��s group moved to the side. There were Vri, Pika, and Rhuger, followed by the captains of the Einherjar. Only the Raun Spectrals were missing since they were ted to make ater appearance.


    And in the lead, there was a singr Draugr emitting a towering aura �C himself.

 Chapter 952: Cards on the Table

    Chapter 952: Cards on the Table


    It almost felt like looking at a mirror as he saw himself, or rather his design for Arcaz ck, walking onto the stage. No matter how one looked at him, he seemed like a powerful undead cultivator. Only Zac would realize that the aura seemed slightly hollow, but the Branch of the Pale Seal mostly masked it.


    Zac felt Arcaz ck couldn��t be absent for this announcement, so he had looked into temporary solutions. Eventually, Calrin had gotten his hands on three top-tier cloning treasures found in some ancient ruins. They looked like y dolls and would create a clone that wouldst 12 hours. You imprinted it with your Daos and some of your soul, and it would create a perfect copy that, in Zac��s case, had roughly twenty percent of his attributes.


    Its aura was near-identical in strength to his own, making him seempletely real. Even scouting skills would show a normal Draugr warrior rather than a puppet.


    Apart from its limited duration, the downside of this treasure was that it had taken Zac almost two hours to form the clone earlier this morning. It could also only stay a couple of kilometers away from himself before he lost his mental connection with it. In other words, it wasn��t something he could suddenly take out in the middle of a fight to get a helper.


    Still, it was the best Zac could do for now since he wasn��t ready for his identity as an Edgewalker to bemon knowledge in Zecia just yet. He knew the secret would be exposed sooner orter, but he didn��t want to give factions like the Allbright Empire or Calrin��s mercantile associates any reasons not to work with him before the war.


    Getting a real clone would obviously be better, but actual cloning skills were incredibly rare before the D-grade. The few that existed weren��t very good either. These kinds of skills simply required too much Cosmic Energy for the clones to be useful, or at least believable, which was why you needed a Cultivator��s Core.


    Before then, clones rather used concepts such as illusions or arrays to give the impression of creating multiple bodies, but they rarely had any realbat ability.


    Murmurs of unrest spread across the hall as the chill of Death spread out from the scene, and some even stood up to fight or flee. However, it was all quelled as Zac unleashed his aura once more, this time together with his evolved Branch of the War Axe. Those who had stood up to flee were suddenly frozen in ce, no doubt feeling like they suddenly had a thousand des pointed at them.


    Slowly, they inched back into their seats under Zac��s unrelenting stare, and a suffocating silence spread across the room. Only then did Zac continue his speech.


    ��In this new reality, abstract concepts like Death have taken corporeal form, which forces us to reevaluate many things we once knew as truth. In this new reality, a different form of Life can and will spring from the depths of Death. As such, it is a natural consequence for Death-attuned worlds to start producing undead citizens,�� Zac said as he looked across the room.


    ��Rather than fight the natural order of things and wage an endless crusade against the undead, I chose to integrate them into the Atwood Empire. Today, there are multiple settlements of Revenants across Elysium, and they are an integral part of my force.


    ��I understand how this feels for many of you. All of us lost a lot of good men and women to the Incursion of the Undead Empire, especially the Sino-Indo Alliance. However, I want to be clear that Revenants have nothing to do with the Undead Empire. I personally killed the leader of their Incursion, along with all those who didn��t manage to flee back through the Incursion Pir.


    ��These Revenants are natives to Earth just like you all. They have no more rtion to that distant faction than you all have to the old Empires of the Multiverse. They have no agenda against the living and only want to live their lives as the rest of us.��


    ��That may be, but you know the Undead are at war with the living out there,�� a powerful voice said. ��Your actions might implicate this whole.��


    Zac looked in the direction of the voice and inwardly sighed when his eyes fell upon Henry Marshall. This was the first time he saw Henry since returning, even if he��d visited Thea��s grave a few times. The old man didn��t look so old anymore. Just like Sap Trang, he had managed to break through to the E-grade despite his age, and he now appeared to be in his fifties.


    Not only that, but his aura was quite deep, and Zac could tell he had reached Late E-grade already. With Henry losing the pir that was Thea and Zac taking control of the whole, Henry decided to shift his attention to the martial path. Politics were ultimately a game of the old world �C nothing could be aplished without strength. Between his inherent talent and the resources of his n, he was making decent progress, even if he couldn��tpare to the elites of Port Atwood.


    ��There is a risk of that happening, but I have my reasons for choosing this path,�� Zac said. ��First of all, I am just following the path the System hasid out for us. As many of you know, Port Atwood has participated in an Incursion of our own over the past years. The result was that we exterminated all the other invaders on that before integrating a second world into the Atwood Empire.��


    The doors to the scene opened once more, and two rows of people came walking in �C the Mavai Demons and Raun Spectrals.


    ��What you might not know was that the System sent us to yet another Life- and Death-attuned world. A world with natives naturally attuned to the elements of Life and Death. Today, the Mavai Tribes and the Kingdom of Raun have joined the banner of the Atwood Empire, and they will fight alongside us against the Kan��Tanu invaders.��


    No one spoke up, and more than one had ruminating looks as they looked at therge group of people on the scene. Zac let the silence stretch on for a bit longer before he continued.


    ��Do you all know how rare these kinds of worlds are? Twin-affinity worlds naturally producing both Life and Death? They are essentially non-existent across our whole sector. Yet the System has put two of them under my control. I don��t believe for a second this is a coincidence.


    ��It is an instruction, a path forward for the Atwood Empire. I have no interest in going against the wishes of the System or fighting against the Heavens. I will instead use the tools it has given me to elevate our faction to the next level. The Undeadnds and races will provide the Atwood Empire with unique skills, resources, and manpower; things we desperately need right now.��


    This was the official story they had settled on; me it all on the System. In all honestly, Zac knew he was the most likely reason for the changes to Earth and why they were sent to Ensolus of all ces. However, he couldn��t just go out and say that since it would damage the people��s faith in his vision for the Atwood Empire.


    This way, his actions could rather be seen as destiny. The System had chosen this route, and as long as they followed through, they would be rewarded. Of course, Zac would still hold the ultimate responsibility for this direction, but they hoped that framing things this way would quell some of the unrest. The next step was to dangle a carrot in front of the leaders.


    ��Besides, I have some important news on the issue you mentioned,�� Zac said. ��In the face of the uing war, the Undead Empire is calling a semi-permanent cease-fire on the living forces of the Zecia Sector. Instead, they are joining with the other top factions to repel the invaders. As such, the perpetual war between living and undead is ending, and we will not be caught in the crosshairs.


    ��Ultimately, I believe this is an opportunity. During the past years, I��ve traveled across many worlds to temper myself. Out there, the world is not ck and white. I even learned of a ce in a neighboring sector called Twilight Harbor, a so-called grey zone where undead and living lived side by side.


    ��Because of its nature, the harbor has be a natural trading hub between the Undead Empire and the surrounding factions. This trade has made Twilight Harbor one of the most prosperous factions in the area. This is the future I want for the Atwood Empire, and I believe it��s possible thanks to the Undead Empire finally stopping their war against the living factions.


    ��As such, some changes will take ce over theing months. New districts are being built in Port Atwood and many other settlements across Pangea. These districts will be filled with Miasma to give our Undead citizens somewhere to live. Simrly, neighborhoods are being built on Elysium, ces of pure Life where living cultivators can thrive.


    ��Furthermore, we are opening up our second, where vast resources are waiting to be extracted. In other words, millions of job openings will soon appear, opportunities that will allow you to rapidly umte Atwood Empire Contribution Points. It��s also possible for private ventures to open up shop in these new realms to help them grow.


    ��I know it isn��t a small thing I am springing on you all, but I urge you to meet this change with an open mind. Ultimately, the only difference between the living and the undead is that one cultivates with Cosmic Energy and the other with Miasma. Among all the strange and inexplicable things in the Multiverse, this is barely worth mentioning.


    ��Once again, I want to reiterate that these Revenants and Spectrals have no connection to the invaders that attacked us a decade ago. We will not tolerate attacks against our innocent citizens, living or undead. Any such actions will be considered terrorism and an attack against the empire, and the response will be swift. We are all in this together.


    ��Remember, the enemies are the invaders, not your neighbors.��


    With that, Zac covered the subjects that needed to be covered, and a shing light indicated his speech was no longer being recorded and transmitted. What remained now was the actual work.


    ��All the pertinent details will be sent out, and representatives will remain to answer any questions you may have,�� Zac said. ��I look forward to your cooperation.��


    With that, Zac simply turned toward the door and walked away, giving no room for a Q&A. His departure was like the starting signal as a raucous mor spread across the hall, with people shouting over each other for answers. Zac ignored the noise as he left the scene, but he could still see the situation through the eyes of his temporary clone.


    Some were just shouting, whereas the more quick-witted were hurrying toward the neighboring conference area the elites on the scene were already moving toward. They probably realized there would be a reshuffling of resources and power with suchrge changes to the Atwood Empire. Those who adapted quickly could get a bigger piece of the pie.


    Zac didn��t head toward the conference hall, but he didn��t leave the venue either. Instead, he ascended a floor and entered a private meeting room that had been prepared for him already. A few minutester, the doors opened before four figures entered; Ibtep, Rhubat, and two Anointed Zac didn��t recognize.


    They were most likely two of the more powerful Anointed remaining after most of the Anointed Council had sacrificed themselves to kill Void��s Disciple.


    ��Warmaster, it is good to see you,�� Rhubat rumbled as they sat down in one of the prepared jumbo-sized chairs.


    ��Chainbreaker, your aura has grown stronger yet again,�� Zac smiled before turning to the others. ��Wee, sit down. Ibtep, I��ve heard you��ve been busy.��


    ��Sometimes I feel the world grows more interesting by the day. The more I discover, the more I realize I��ve just scratched the surface,�� Ibtep said. ��It��s good to see you��re back. We were worried for a while. I should have known better than to doubt your resilience.��


    ��That was some news you sprung on us just now,�� Rhubat sighed. ��Working with those tainted things? Did you call on us because you wanted to know the stance of the Hives?��


    ��That��s part of it,�� Zac nodded. ��I do not think I have met you two?��


    ��These two are Kezret and Adrotep,�� Rhubat said. ��I brought them today to get acquainted with your domain. They are newmanders of the Zhix armies, and I thought them suitable to be our contacts for the uing struggle.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded. ��Let me know if the Zhix needs anything to prepare. I wasn��t exaggerating how dangerous this conflict will be.��


    ��You say there is war, but you never said why?�� Kezret asked. ��Conflict for conflict��s sake is foolishness.��


    ��If I had a choice, I wouldn��t join this mess either,�� Zac sighed as he exined the situation with the Space Gate, the Kan��Tanu, and their origins.


    ��Unorthodoxy,�� Androtep hummed. ��You mentioned this word before. These Kan��Tanu walk the same path as the Dominators?��


    ��I guess you could say that,�� Zac said. ��The leader of the Dominators and the Kan��Tanu are both unorthodox cultivators. They gain strength through taboo means such as sacrifice instead of cultivating by following the natural order.��


    ��What is our role in this struggle?�� Kezret inquired, prompting Zac to exin more in-depth how sanctioned conflicts worked.


    ��So we are forced into the conflict by the Heavens,�� Androtep said. ��To avoid it means punishment. To embrace it means Death.��


    ��That��s about it,�� Zac nodded. ��I can��t stop it, so I can only work to make my people stronger and minimize losses. That includes integrating the undead into my faction.��n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��My instincts tell me those things are not natural and that I should pierce my spear through their skulls,�� Rhubat slowly said. ��That they represent a path that ought not to be traversed.��


    This was obviously not what Zac had hoped to hear, but he didn��t interrupt the de-facto leader of the Zhix as they mulled over the situation.


    ��However, the Zhix have been forced to adapt to many realities that sh with the precepts over the past years. It��se to the point it is hard to trust our senses,�� Rhubat sighed. ��These unliving, how do you know they can be trusted?��


    ��The Raun Spectrals is a conquered society,�� Zac said. ��Truthfully, I don��t trust them, not fully. But the native undead of this I trust with my Life. They have proven themselves in the conquest of Ensolus, and I have a few other guarantees as well.��


    Rhubat slowly nodded before ncing at the others. ��I need to speak with Warmaster alone.��


    ��These unliving on the other side of our. They did not appear naturally, did they?�� Rhubat asked after the others had left.


    ��I raised them,�� Zac confirmed. ��In a sense, they are my children. That��s how I can guarantee they are loyal.��


    ��I expected as much, though I don��t understand how you split your unliving side from yourself,�� Rhubat nodded.


    ��Just a small trick,�� Zac smiled, not phased by thement. Rhubat was present during the battle with Void��s Disciple, where Zac had been forced to use both his sses. They were one of the few outside Zac��s inner circle that knew about his situation.


    ��Be careful. When you feel powerless, and the world is closing in on you, it is easy to make decisions that cane to haunt you in the future.��


    ��Of course.��


    ��I will talk with the Zhix; we will not be the cause of instability during this critical time,�� Rhubat eventually nodded before changing the subject. ��As for these unliving. They must prove themselves as warriors and trustworthy allies before the Zhix can embrace them. Your word alone is not enough.��


    ��That��s all I ask,�� Zac nodded.


    ��This Contribution Store, do you think it carries knowledge?�� Rhubat suddenly asked, shifting the subject.


    ��Knowledge?�� Zac said before realizing what Rhubat was driving at. ��For your cultivation manual?��


    ��We have gone from a sprint to a crawl,�� Rhubat sighed. ��Before could at least make small amounts of progress, but we have been stuck in our research for over three years now. Our inquiries through your merchant have not yielded any results either. It��s frustrating. I know the Zhix can flourish even in this new environment, but the universe is not giving us enough time to adjust.��


    Zac thought about it for a moment before making a decision. ��I don��t know about the Contribution Store, but I may have another solution for the Zhix if you are willing to take a risk.��


    Ten minutester, Zac and Rhubat left the room, where Rhubat immediately called the other Zhix for a private meeting. A few minutester, a Valkyrie would take them to the Ensolus ruins for a chance at the inheritance. As for Zac, he had one more person he wanted to speak with before he left.


    Henry Marshall.

 Chapter 953: Uprising

    Chapter 953: Uprising


    Zac was nning on heading toward another conference room, but he stopped when he saw a familiar face below. It was Ibtep, looking out at a garden courtyard from arge window.


    ��You��re still here?�� Zac asked as he walked over. ��Rhubat didn��t call you?��


    ��No, I have nomitments apart from my farms nowadays. Did things go well?�� Ibtep asked as they handed Zac a redrva that almost looked like a Jelly.


    ��I think so,�� Zac said, wryly smiling at the little grub struggling in his hand. ��Is this one of your new breeds?��


    ��It is,�� Ibtep seriously nodded. ��I��ve found tremendous joy in breeding new and exciting species on my farms. Unfortunately, my brethren have a narrow pte, and few of mytest inventions have had much sess. So many interesting species and vors have gone underappreciated, so I had an idea. If the Zhix refuse to expand their horizons, why not enter another market?


    ��So, humans?�� Zac grimaced.


    ��Exactly,�� Ibtep eagerly nodded. ��There are so many of you. This is a new breed, designed with you humans in mind. I would love your input.��


    Zac looked down at therva with some resignation before he bit down. However, his eyes immediately opened wide as an explosion of a familiar vor entered his mouth, prompting him to eat the rest of the grub in one bite.


    ��Strawberries?��


    ��Exactly,�� Ibtep nodded eagerly. ��It took some time, but I think I got quite close to the real thing. I would have kept going, but it turns out those berries are quite poisonous for us Zhix. I had to spend a week on thetrines while I taste-tested them.��


    ��Well, the taste is there,�� Zac smiled. ��You might need to�� Repackage these things, though. Humans aren��t used to eatingrvae.��


    ��What about these new races you��ve scrounged up? Do they enjoy tasty treats?�� Ibtep said.


    ��Well, the ghosts definitely don��t,�� Zac said. ��The demons probably will, though.��


    ��What about the corporeal unliving? Do they eat? Do they poop?�� Ibtep asked eagerly.


    ��Only after reachingte E-grade,�� Zac said. ��Undead enjoy scents, though. So if you can breed some fragrant critters, I��m sure they would like it.��


    ��Interesting,�� Ibtep said with gleaming eyes.


    Zac looked at the Zhix, remembering how he had been a fount of inexhaustible curiosity during their first meeting and the following days. Suddenly a thought struck him, and he made an impromptu decision.


    ��Rhubat is leaving Earth in a week or two. Most likely for a few years,�� Zac said.


    ��Oh?�� Ibtep eximed. ��Where to?��


    ��The depths of this sector, a ce called the Million Gates Territory. If you want, you can join him. He��ll be traveling with most of the elites of Port Atwood.��


    ��A reconnaissance mission?�� Ibtep asked.


    ��Among other things,�� Zac nodded. ��They will also explore hidden realms in search of ways to gain strength before the war arrives. I thought your talents might be useful in such a mission.��


    ��I am just a worm farmer nowadays,�� Ibtep hesitated, but Zac could see the Zhix was interested.


    ��Well, think it over and discuss it with Rhubat,�� Zac smiled. ��I have to go. Thank you for the treat.��


    ��Good luck,�� Ibtep bowed.


    Zac nodded before turning toward his second appointment, but he did contact Ogras through hismunicator on the way.


    ��Rhubat is joining you on your mission,�� Zac spoke into hismunicator. ��Maybe Ibtep as well.��


    ��So you decided to clue those people in,�� Ograsmented on the other side. ��But why the insect-peddler?��


    ��I don��t know. Call it a hunch?�� Zac said. ��I felt that it��s not necessarily the strongest who will get the inheritances, but those with affinity to it. Ibtep has a rare mindset and a ss based on discovery. I didn��t tell Ibtep about the heritage, though. I just felt Ibtep can be an asset to you, even if they don��t end up getting a seal.��


    ��Alright, I trust your instincts, and we have more than enough room aboard the vessel,�� Ogras said. ��By the way, did your quest update from sharing the details with the big guy?��


    ��No,�� Zac grunted with annoyance. ��I can��t figure out what��s going on with this thing.��


    ��Well, we��ll see how it goes,�� Ogras said. ��By the way, the Sino-Indian alliance left in a huff with some others soon after you left the stage.��


    ��I saw. We��ll see how it goes,�� Zac sighed as he walked into a meeting room closer to the hall where the ambassadors were getting debriefed on the transition.


    He made another call with hismunicator, and Henry Marshall entered the room a momentter, along with an Atwood Hall employee who brought a tea set and some water.


    ��Your presence is something else these days,�� Henry nodded as he sat down. ��Have you entered D-grade already?��


    ��Not yet,�� Zac said. ��This time, I want to shore up my foundations a bit more. But I��ll break through before the war starts.��


    ��It��s hard to believe your foundations can get any sturdier,�� Henry said with a shake of his head. ��It��s almost like you��re a different species than the rest of us by this point.��


    ��In a way, we��re all a different speciespared to before the integration,�� Zac sighed as he put some rare herbs into the tea kettle. The leaves immediately dissolved, and a fragrant aroma spread through the room. ��How are you?��


    ��I��m getting along,�� Henry smiled. ��The family is doing quite well, thanks to you.��


    ��It��s mostly your own work,�� Zac said as he poured Henry a cup.


    This little ceremony had beenmon while he lived with Thea. Henry had always served tea when Zac visited, and Zac had reciprocated in turn when Henry visited Port Atwood. Henry had stuck to the teas of Old Earth, while Zac usually served interesting Spiritual Leaves he��d found through Calrin.


    In a way, it had reflected their mindsets, where Henry still had a foot in the old world while Zac wholeheartedly embraced the new.


    The old man nodded in thanks, and a small smile spread across Henry��s face as he took a sip. ��So, how was it?��


    ��Perfect,�� Zac nodded as he poured a cup for himself. ��Thank you for agreeing to this.��


    ��Just like in New Washington,�� Henry said. ��I wonder if this is to be my lot, to set up your sales pitches.��


    Zacughed, remembering the humble beginnings of Port Atwood. Back then, they had been forced to set up a stall in a bid to get a few people to move to his ind. But it was only after Henry Marshall confirmed his identity that they got a few people to join. Today, Henry had yed a simr role, though this time, it was at the behest of Zac.


    ��And as I set myself up as an antagonist to this endeavor of yours, I��ll get approached by like-minded people,�� Henry continued.


    ��Perhaps,�� Zac nodded. ��What do you think I should do with these people who pull in a different direction?��


    ��Does it matter what I think?�� Henry said with a smile. ��It took a while, but us old bones have started toe around to this new reality of ours. The one with the biggest fist makes the rules, and the rest have to figure out how to maximize their benefits within that ying field. If possible, we��d like to set up some ventures on both Elysium and your other. They will not sh with your consortium.��


    ��Of course,�� Zac nodded. ��The broad strokes are set in stone, but I am always open to suggestions.��


    Henry nodded as he ced down the cup. ��Well, if you want my advice, it would be not to half-measure this change. I don��t know if you are right in choosing this direction, or if your strength and infamy have nurtured a hubris worthy of the Roman Emperors. What I do know is that there will be discontent, both with the Undead and how you unterally have decided the future of Earth.


    ��I have seen it. Some of us have managed to discard the trappings of old, while others are slipping back into routine thanks to years of safety. They whisper of democracy, of overthrowing tyrants. One whisper will birth three more, and opinion will eventually be fact. Many love to be the underdog, the oppressed. That way, they can rail with righteous indignation at the system holding them back.��


    ��So what do you think I should do?�� Zac asked.


    ��Strangle those whispers in their cradle.��


    The two talked for a while longer, with Zac sharing some of his experiences in the outer world while Henry provided some suggestions based on his experience. The old Marshall Patriarch wasn��t as knowledgeable as himself or Ogras about cultivation, but he did have many insights into human nature thanks to his pre-integration life.


    Eventually, Henry left to take charge of family matters and create a n for their expansion into Ensolus and Elysium. Of course, this would be done in secret. The official reason for their talk, which Henry would also leak, was that the Marshall n had tried to change Zac��s mind in private. Zac wanted to be done with this matter by this point, but the constant barrage of messages in hismunicator told him he couldn��t just up and leave.


    Instead, Zac spent most of the day meeting with one group after another, mostly leaders of various subsidiary factions. The Underworld Council had no strong feelings about the Undead. They were the ones who had been least impacted by the undead incursion, so they didn��t have any objections more than the inherent oddity of the situation.


    In fact, they were interested in hiring arge number of Revenants to work in the Underworld. Even today, quite a few sectors werergely unexplored, and many were filled with Miasma by this point. Having undead explorers andborers who could extract the rich materials down there was a good opportunity to increase profits, which was something everyone wanted with war looming on the horizon.


    The Ishiate Tinkerers didn��t care much, either. They were more interested in exchanging insights with the Einherjar in hopes of weaponizing Miasma for their gadgets. For example, Zac heard one mention the possibility of creating cannons that could shoot out condensed Miasma, instantly turning the enemy ranks into mindless zombies. Zac knew it was possible, considering that exact thing had attacked him in the heart of the Dead Zone.


    The shamans of the naturalist Ishiate were far lessfortable with the undead factions, but Zac didn��t care. They hadn��t aplished much during or after the Integration, and their top cultivator, Starlight, had left Earth behind long ago. Thankfully, it looked like they would be more useful as time passed.


    They had a generally high affinity with the Dao of Life and Nature, and more and more talented healers were appearing in their ranks of Shamans. As long as he provided ess to some of the Blessed Lands and some manuals, he could probably gain apetent medical corps in time for the invasion.


    Simultaneously, Zac held a private meeting between his puppet and the Raun Spectrals. They were relieved to hear that a deal had been struck with the Undead Empire. A few inquired about the possibility of joining the Undead Empire down the road, which Zac was open to. Ultimately, Zac doubted there would be many who showcased enough potential to get recruited, but the possibility might make the Raun military work harder.


    Many more wanted to discuss all manner of topics with Zac, but he didn��t have time to spend whole days in meetings. He didn��t even know any of the details of the Integration, and he had no time to micromanage everything. Instead, Zac retreated to his Cultivation Cave to continue his cultivation, though he had no intentions of using the Temporal Chamber immediately.


    Zac had already decided to use it after getting the first set of treasures from the Undead Empire. He also wanted to finish the firstyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] before sealing himself for three years. Zac had already made several improvements to his methodology over the past months, from adjusting theposition of the paste to theplementary arrays.


    He wanted to go through the same experiments for the nextyer before entering the Chamber. Because ording to Catheya, you couldn��t enter and leave as you pleased. You would be sealed away for three full years when you entered, so Zac needed to prepare everything.


    Most importantly, he needed to let the Chamber absorb Divine Energy from a Nexus Vein for a few months, or he��d have to use Divine Crystals to power everything constantly. Reyna Umbri��Zi had already filled it with both Miasma and Cosmic Energy, so he only needed to ce the box right in one of the Life-Attuned veins to gather the missing element.


    It didn��t take Zac long to put the matters of the outside aside as he entered an empty state where only his path and the Dao existed. Unfortunately, he only got toplete one session of the [Nine Reincarnarnations Manual] before hismunicator buzzed. Zac sighed as he looked at themunication crystal. He had already told the others not to bother him with minor details, so something big must��ve happened.


    ��Three factions are revolting,�� Ogras said on the other side the moment Zac epted the connection. ��What do you want to do?��


    Zac wasn��t the least surprised. The Atwood Empire had not made any big moves on Pangea in years. He had been gone for almost a decade while the strongest elites had been busy dealing with Ensolus. Now, Zac had openly taken on the role of the ruler of Earth. Some people were bound to be angry, and some were dumb enough to do something about it.


    ��Who are they?��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��A faction within the Sino-Indian Alliance led by some Guru Anaad Phakiwar. Apparently, he��s someone who used to be a big shot before you left him in the dust? The other two are the councils of two major cities situated near the Dead Zone,�� Ogras said. ��There��s also a few who put forward ideas like a world council that should decide certain matters through majority votes.��


    ��As we expected, then,�� Zac sighed. ��Only humans, at least. Do you need my help?��


    ��It��s just a bunch of weaklings living in the past. We��ll deal with it,�� Ograsughed. ��It��s better if you don��t appear. It will damage your prestige if people see you running around personally putting out fires.��


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac sighed before putting away themunicator.


    Some things were inevitable, just like Henry said, and it was not just about him controlling Earth. The Undead Empire had caused so much damage to Earth, all but destroying some of the most populous countries on Earth. That was not something you could just forget in a couple of years. Hell, if Zac himself hadn��t gotten to know Catheya, he might have felt the same way, even if he had a Draugr half.


    In a perfect world, Zac could have allowed time to heal the wounds and met their anger withpassion. Unfortunately, Earth wasn��t ready for a gctic war. Too few had the skills to survive in an all-out sh against an experienced cultivator army, even if Zac equipped them with superior gear. So he couldn��t have people casting doubt on his n, slowing down the transition of the poption.


    These early voices of discontent would have to be the sacrifices that kept the others in line.


    Zac resumed his cultivation,pleting another rotation of [Void Vajra Sublimation]. As far as Zac could tell, he was one-third through the firstyer of the method by this point. Quite a few golden kes were dancing in his cells even before he started the method, with more being added every session.


    It even felt like his cultivation speed kept increasing as his body grew increasingly ustomed to Life. Calling it an exponential speed increase would be an overstatement, but he didn��t think it would take much more than another month toplete the firstyer. Continuously reinforcing his Dao Heart also helped. The quicker he entered the right state, and the deeper he delved into the depths of the Void, the greater the effect of the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    By the time Zac had finished, another report had been sent over. Everything was already over. Ogras had led a few Demons and Valkyries to the settlements, and not a single agitator had managed to escape. The rioters hadn��t realized how to usurp a town properly. They hadn��t bothered killing the appointed mayors and snatching the Nexus Nodes, allowing Ogras to pop up right in their midst.


    So just like that, the original second-ce-holder of the Dao Ladder had died, quashed like a bug by Ogras.

 Chapter 954: Three Years

    Chapter 954: Three Years


    In just an hour, three powerful factions on Earth had disappeared without leaving so much as a ripple behind. This would all be kept away from the general poption of Earth, but those who needed to know would learn of it one way or another. Zac shook his head and started up the second rotation of his Body Tempering Method.


    The days passed this way. The world outside was rapidly changing while everything remained the same in Zac��s cultivation cave. Zac got a few more notifications about the integration, from scuffles erupting to another outright mutiny. But Ogras dealt with the dissidents from the shadows while Vri toured Pangea as an ambassador of peace.


    Days turned to weeks, and Zac soon reached the point where his [Thousand Lights Avatar] was fully recovered to the level before it was destroyed. Part of it was thanks to the Moss Crystal, but it was only upon returning to Earth he had seriously cultivated the Eidolon Manual for extended periods. He had asionally practiced it in the Orom World, but he had spent most of his time focusing on his techniques back then.


    At this rate, Zac judged he��d be able to finalize the avatar inside the Time Chamber. Of course, this was just the firstyer where he��d form aplete spiritual body that would be able to emerge from his body for short durations. There were furtheryers in the technique where one would drastically strengthen the avatar, even allow it to survive indefinitely outside his body.


    Zac wasn��t sure if there was any point to that, though, from how he nned to use the [Thousand Lights Avatar]. He��d have to see if the firstyer was enough to use it as a delivery system for his Daos. If not, he��d keep going until it was.


    His soul was getting along as well, with his fifth set of outer Cores already nearingpletion. This was years ahead of schedule, though he hadn��t nned on cultivating the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] this much before breaking through to the D-grade. Until getting the Moss Crystal, he had thought reaching the third reincarnation before heading to the Perennial Vastness was a fool��s hope.


    Now, there was a window of opportunity.


    Zac was even using Soul Crystals during every cultivation session since returning from the Kaldran Strait, something that was only possible thanks to his recent negotiations with the Undead Empire. Soul Crystals were impossible to source in Zecia, but the Undead Empire obviously had its own channels. He had alreadymandeered any Soul Crystals Catheya and the others carried with them, andrger batches would start arriving soon.


    His [Void Vajra Sublimation] was even closer to a breakthrough. In a perfect world, Zac would have wanted to stay inside his cave until he reached the firstyer, but there were a few more things he needed to deal with. First, he needed to send the others to the Million Gates Territory, and he had just gotten a message that they were ready to set off.


    Fifty people stood waiting at the Nexus Hub when Zac arrived. Most of them were the corebatants of his faction. Rhuger and Vri would lead ten more Revenants. And two Raun Spectrals, apparently. Had they heard about Ra��Klid and a Mavai Shaman joining the mission and petitioned for two slots as well? Then again, spectral cultivators had a couple of unique advantages, and they made great scouts.


    Joanna brought eight Valkyries and a couple of human warriors Zac somewhat recognized. For example, there was the archer who had left some impression on Zac in the battle between the Raun spectrals and the Ensolus army. Next to him was a demoness, along with six more Torrid Demons.


    Ten people didn��t emit as bloody an aura. They were the support staff, which included the administrators who had helped steer the Yphelion during the previous mission. Among them, there was a familiar face Zac hadn��t seen for years. He hadn��t expected Sui, the little healer who once saved his life in the depths of the Dead Zone, to join the mission.


    Zac had almost forgotten about her already, but it turned out she had reachedte E-grade already. Judging by her almost holy aura, she had continued down the path of a healer. She would no doubt take up the role of medic on the mission. There was also one Ishiate and one Volor Sturtle among the support staff. They were most likely technicians who would hopefully be able to perform some field repairs on the Starsh in case something went wrong.


    Finally, there were Rhubat, Ibtep, and two more elite Zhix warriors.


    The Starsh could obviously house a lot more people, but Zac could only send one person over at a time. Furthermore, he was under the same restrictions as the Space Gate Guild, which meant he couldn��t just activate the Nexus Hub and transport a whole army to the other side of the sector.


    If he wanted to aplish something like that, he would have to first seize the destination and hold it long enough to lock in the ownership. Or better yet, he could have the Allbright Empire gift him a world, avoiding the headache. Apparently, that was exactly what was happening right now in the Red Zone, where most C-grade factions were givens to allow for mass transportation and Cosmic Vessel production.


    ��Alright, I won��t waste your time with empty speeches. You are all the best of the best ours have to offer. I hope you all find opportunities on the outside. But remember, you only have one life. Coming back in one piece is the most important,�� Zac said before turning to Ogras, who stood at the front. ��Is everything prepared?��


    ��Would have been ready a week ago if not for the bastards who refused to face reality,�� Ogras snorted with annoyance. ��You should��ve just let me put their heads on pikes to wake the others up.��


    ��Well, from what I hear, things have already stabilized,�� Zac said. ��But thank you for your help. All of you.��


    ��It was our pleasure,�� Vri smiled. ��It was nice to finally see the other half of our home world, even if the environment was a bit unpleasant.��


    ��Is everything dealt with in that regard?�� Zac asked.


    ��Both main ship and the backups have been refitted with Holy Beacons and barriers,�� Vri nodded. ��We will most likely need to temporarily disable them when we jump through dimensions, but that shouldn��t be a problem. We have more than enough Miasma Crystals as well. Enough tost us two decades, if need be.��


    ��Good,�� Zac nodded. ��Still, be careful. From what I��ve heard, there are very few Death-Attuned worlds in the Million Gates Territory. Most ces you will traverse will be toxic.��


    ��We will be careful,�� Vri nodded before her mouth turned upward. ��And who knows, some suffering might help me advance my soul faster. I have been much-toofortable as ofte. Oh, by the way, don��t forget about Lily. I will not be able to keep tabs on her after I leave.��


    ��About who?�� Zac said with a nk look.


    ��The pet keeper with a bonded Ayn Hivequeen. Of course, it is more apt to say she��s be the pet while the Hivequeen is holding the leash,�� Vri said.


    ��I thought it was handled?�� Zac frowned.


    ��It is, in a sense. I forced the insect queen to leave Lily��s mind, but the two were bonded in a way I couldn��t deal with. I felt it was fine after I had a talk with the Hivequeen. It will work for you, and the girl will act as your liaison. Of course, you can always kill the queen, but that would damage the girl��s soul,�� Vri said. ��But I think they can be an asset in the war, provided you can speed up the Hive��s growth.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac sighed before turning to Rhubat.


    ��Anything?�� Zac asked.


    ��Not yet, but I will keep searching,�� Rhubat rumbled.


    Zac nodded, not overly surprised. Finding another seal in the Ensolus Ruins felt like a long shot by now. But walking among the ruins of the Limitless Empire might have helped him gain some Karmic Links to the Left Imperial Pce, so Zac didn��t think it aplete waste of time.


    Finally, Zac turned to one more person who stood to the side from the others; Calrin, who was apanied by two peak E-grade warriors with powerful foundations. Of course, Calrin��s safety mostly came from the shocking amount of defensive and offensive treasures he was decked in. Seeing as the little Sky Gnome was a Hegemon himself, he could throw those things out indefinitely and create utter mayhem.


    ��Are you prepared?�� Zac asked.


    ��I have everything I need,�� Calrin nodded.


    ��Perfect, get me a good deal,�� Zac smiled.


    Calrin obviously wouldn��t join the others on their adventure to the Million Gates Territory. A ship belonging to the Peak Family was already waiting for him on the other side, which would take the gnome to the closest War Fortress, where he could showcase and negotiate the wares. Zac ultimately chose to send Calrin for the negotiations rather than dealing with the matter himself.


    With the region being so hectic right now, Zac didn��t feel confident negotiating in person as he did with the Undead Empire. It was better to send a representative instead, someone who had experience in negotiating trade deals. Calrin didn��t mind either since this was a great opportunity to make connections and offload parts of the huge stockpiles of raw materials Zac had brought back from Twilight Harbor.


    ��Alright, let��s get started,�� Zac said as he put his hand against the Nexus Hub.


    Zac spent the next week sending one member after another to the Million Gates Territory. He didn��t head over himself, but simply activated the Hub and let the others enter. He had to wait almost five hours before he could trigger a teleporter to the same world again, so he kept up most of his cultivation in-between, except for the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], which took up too much time.


    The world Zac was sending his squad to was called Crimson Edge. It wasn��t quite as dangerous as it sounded, though it was by no means a safe world. The name simply came from the fact that it was a world at the edge of the Red Sector, bordering the Million Gates Territory. A lot of mercenaries, pirates, and adventurers passed through Crimson Edge on their way to thewlessnds beyond.


    As such, the order had never been particrly good, and battles in the street were amon urrence. The war had changed that, though; tens of millions of soldiers were now stationed on the. They didn��t interfere with the unattached cultivators, but few dared to cause a stir with such a force nearby.


    Calrin had already bought arge plot ofnd through some sort of dummy corporation, giving the Atwood Empire a small base of operations in the region. Zac hadn��t visited himself, but there were already barracks and hangars where they could set up their Cosmic Vessels without anyone spying on them.


    The week passed until Ogras was the only one remaining.


    ��Three years,�� Ogras said.


    ��Don��t get yourself stuck in some Mystic Realm again,�� Zac smiled as he shook the demon��s hand. ��I��m not sure how many times I��ll be able to fish you out.��


    ��My ring is full of escape treasures. I��m not sitting around for another decade,�� Ogras grinned.


    ��Have fun then,�� Zac said as he activated the Nexus Hub one final time. ��And if you get the chance, recruit some capable fellows?��


    ��I��ll mention the boss is filthy rich, trick a few of them,�� Ograsughed. ��Good luck on your end.��


    A momentter, Ogras was gone and the array winked out. Zac sighed as he looked up at the sky. He wouldn��t have minded exploring the vast beyond in the Yphelion, but he had work to do. Zac returned to his cave and resumed his cultivation. Every day, his body was annealed with the inexhaustible me of Life, pushing him closer and closer to a tipping point.


    Zac could feel it build up inside him, even if his body hadn��t yet changed in any noticeable manner. His skin hadn��t taken on a golden or bronze hue, at least not asting one, and he didn��t seem to recover any faster from wounds. He hadn��t gained any attributes either, making it almost seem like the golden kes in the depths of his cells werepletely useless. But he felt full of life and verve even when not cultivating the [Void Vajra Sublimation], to the point he managed to add even more rotations every day.


    Then finally, he reached the tipping point.


    Even from the first stance, Zac could tell this one was different. The moment he stamped down on the ground, the whole underground forest around him shuddered, and a golden glow spread across the area. It looked like radiant pollen had been released from the leaves, but it was the Life-Attuned energies that were being kindled by Zac��s aura.


    Zac wouldn��t lose hisposure at such an important junction, and he smoothly transitioned into the next expression of the Void. However, Zac could actually feel the illusory seal formed by from his first remained even as he moved away. It became a fixture that marked the starting point of the sublimation. And this was just the beginning.


    One mark after another was imprinted in the small clearing as Zac progressed. They hovered in the air like gateways into the Void. They didn��t even contain a smidgeon of Dao or Cosmic Energy, and none but Zac would every their eyes on these runes. Yet they were as real as could be, confirmed with utmost veracity by his heart.


    Thirty, fifty, seventy. The seals grew more numerous, and Zac felt he was closing in on something. On their own, they were just breaches into the Heavens, small pathways where he could siphon Life for his benefit. But as Zac expertly went through the motions, he felt he was actually creating something greater. It was like being shown a constetion after only having focused on individual stars until now.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The rune.


    It was the illusory rune that always formed inside his body, only to disappear the moment the session was over. At the same time, it was different, almost inverted somehow. Zac couldn��t figure out the details in the middle of his breakthrough, so he pushed all errant thoughts aside and became one with the Void.


    One seal after another was added until Zac finally returned to the origin. As he looked through the meadow, the seals seemed chaotic and disorderly. In reality, they were anything but. They were just missing the final piece of the puzzle, the key that would allow it all to click into ce. Zac took the closing controlled breath, and his hands pped together.


    A tremendous shockwave erupted from his body, and the trees around him were pushed back so far that their crowns almost touched the ground. But it was like time was put in reverse as the shockwave was dragged back toward the heart of the de. And in the wake of the implosion, a storm of Life followed. It was like the shore receding from an impending tsunami before it all came crashing back.


    Left behind were the trees that made up the natural formation of life. They were still bent, but now they rather bowed toward him, like subjects showing deference to their sovereign. And from them, even more Divine Energy was released, dragged out from the depths through their roots.


    Zac weed it all with equanimity. He was the Void, there was no limit to how much he could absorb, and the innumerable vortices in his cells had begun a feeding frenzy. For a moment, it almost looked like he would drag up the whole Nexus Vein by its roots, but things soon changed. One by one, the illusory runes started vibrating before they started absorbing the abundant energies as well. Gradually, they lit up with golden splendor, turning into radiantnterns of truth.


    The first seal to light up was the opening step on the ground, and it rose by itself and entered Zac��s body. The pain was unreal, far worse than when the paste burrowed into his body, but Zac knew he couldn��t back down now. He had to withstand the whole process without flinching, or the foundation for his future Body Tempering would be imperfect.


    So Zac stood frozen in ce like a statue, holding on to his Dao Heart to withstand the agony. Meanwhile, the first seal superimposed on therge illusory pattern that always formed when he practiced the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. A corner of the fractal lit up, dragging it to the surface of reality from the illusory world of his Dao Heart.


    One by one, the fractals entered his body as Zac started to radiate a blinding gold. The grass around him began to grow with mad zeal, and the branches of the neighboring trees stretched toward the warmth of his existence. Unfortunately, Zac could barely register the changes around him as he desperately held on to the Void. Eventually, the final seal slipped out from between his palms and entered his chest, forming a perfect whole.


    Life.


    Once more, the pattern receded into the depths of his body, but it was different this time. It wasn��t just a truth made real by his heart. The pattern contained immense amounts of Divine Energy, which endlessly filled every cell in his body. By this point, his body had already swallowed a terrifying amount of Divine Energy, to the point the ck holes were no longer ck. They had be golden vortices filled with evesting Life.


    As the mysterious force from the rune of Void Life joined the vortices, it was like reality shifted. What was temporary was now permanent, on a deep, irrevocable level. A smile spread across Zac��s face as he knew he had passed the first hurdle. He had perfectly passed the firstyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    The agonizing pain was soon swept away, reced by a vibrant warmth as his cells adapted to the new energy at their centers. The process continued for a full day, and Zac felt like he had returned to the womb. There were no thoughts or problems, just warm Life and the protection of the Void.


    Eventually, Zac felt his mind return to normal, and he slowly opened his eyes. This time, he could tell something was different with his body, even if his skin hadn��t changed color. But just as Zac was about to open his Status Screen to check things out, a voice broke the silence of his cultivation cave.


    The voice of a woman, a voice all-too-familiar.


    ��You��ve improved.��

 Chapter 955: Trapped

    Chapter 955: Trapped


    ��The etherstorm is descending,�� Onandar said as she nced at the crimson horizon. ��End them.��


    ��They��re just children,�� Thea entreated as she looked down at the huddled captives, her hand shaking both from the mental strain and the rampaging intent coursing through her veins.


    It was getting harder to control. She had been drinking out of the tainted well of the Blessed Kin for years now, and Thea knew she wouldn��t be able to prevent the madness from seeping into her Dao for much longer. She was so tired, having been forced to stand guard against the liquid every moment. And in this ce, she was constantly tested.


    By this point, Thea only felt a hollow numbness thinking back to horrors she hade across as she��d roved the Stoneshatter Valleys as part of the Hallowed Mother��s scavenger squads. Of course, scavenger was a rtive term when most of their resources were ��scavenged�� by ughtering rival camps, bandits, or other unorthodox factions hiding in the valley.


    Normally, Thea hadn��t minded. The Blessed Kin were evil people ughtering other evil people �C on the Goldde Continent, there were few innocents outside the distant citadels. That was doubly true for fell regions like the Stoneshatter Valleys. Anyone not equipped with ruthlessness and strength would have died before long in this ce.


    If anything, ughtering these monsters helped Thea release some of the budding madness before it infiltrated her intent and twisted it. Still, it umted in her body, like a monster constantly nourished by that alchemic concoction. There was nothing Thea could do about it. She had tried everything to rid herself of the vile mixture without any result.


    And Thea knew there would be no going back if she gave in.


    The vile brew of the Hallowed Mother allowed her and the Blessed Kin to push forward at a mad pace, but it came at a terrible price. It drained you in exchange for pushing past your limits. Drained you of longevity, of thought �C even of your humanity. And as soon as you stopped struggling, you��d be an addict. The moment it infiltrated your soul, you wouldn��t survive without it for long.


    The rest of the scavengers had all given in to the Hallowed Elixir, including Onandar. They were all addicts, madly roving the valleys for loot they could exchange for more elixir. That was how the Hallowed Mother ensured her underlings were loyal and productive. It was a treadmill of suffering and depravity.


    She still didn��t know why the Hallowed Mother, a terrifying Monarch of the Unorthodox Path, had bothered capturing her three years ago.


    Thea had aplished some small feats after being dropped off at a deste corner on this nightmare of a continent. She had quickly realized that her chances of survival in this ce were almost nil, no matter what her status back on Earth was. It was simply too chaotic. Just three days after arriving, she had identally stumbled upon a battle between two Peak Hegemons.


    Tens of kilometers had been devastated by their battle, and Thea had almost sumbed to the poisonous mists one of the two had conjured. By now, that encounter felt like a small greeting by the Goldde Continent. It took her two months to recover and capture someone weaker than her to get ay of thend.


    And from there, a n had formed. She needed to get to the Cloudsoar Terrace, a famed Sword Sect at the Continent��s center. The environment there was apparently beyondprehension, and the Sect��s foundation was immense. From what she��d managed to piece together from various sources, it probably surpassed any of the factions in the Zecia Sector.


    More impressively, this was on a continent without the System. These masters had reached the levels of Peak Monarchs without the aid of the System �C their foundations and insights into the Sword had to be immeasurable to aplish that. If she could enter the tutge of one of the Sword Saints of the Terrace, while still retaining the System��s features, a limitless future would await her.


    But a C-grade Continent is just too vast. For years she had traveled toward her destination, narrowly avoiding death on a daily basis. But her luck finally ran out as she passed by the Shatterstone Valleys. The Hallowed Mother herself had suddenly plucked her from the sky and marked her by a seal that prevented her from escaping.


    The old hag had never exined herself, nor had Thea ever seen her after being abducted. The only hint that her status was special was that she had been given a house of her own and arger share of cultivation resources. But she was forced to drink the Hallowed Elixir all the same, just like the warves andmon members of the Blessed Kin.


    And now, it had finallye to this. She could feel herself right at the precipice. Circumstance and umtion had finally put her at the limit of what she could endure. Thea felt herself losing control over the concoction in her body, and her very sense of self was fraying at the corners. The elixir egged her on and told her to just embrace the realities of the Goldde Continent.


    But she couldn��t.


    This ragged group of children was just between five and twelve years old. They hadn��t even embarked on the road of cultivation yet. From the looks of it, they were the remnants of a copsed n fleeing from whatever took them out. Even the light in their eyes was different from the murky or red-rimmed orbs of the Shatterstone natives. They hadn��t been twisted by life in this ce yet.


    ��Are you questioning the Hallowed Mother?�� Onandar said as her eyes thinned. ��I knew it was a mistake to give all those resources to a half-formed outsider. Cannot be trusted, cannot be depended on. Weak of will and weak of intent. A waste of the precious elixir. Mother dotes on you, so you will get a final chance. Kill them, or I��ll cripple you and bring you back for judgment.��


    The pressure kept building as Thea resisted the murderous intent. Her heart beat so hard it felt like it would break out from her chest, and Thea felt like a volcano about to burst. Her whole body twitched, and veins started to pop out all across her body. She couldn��t move; she could barely think. Thea was like a small raft on a raging sea, just trying to hold on a bit longer.


    ��I have to say, it��s my good luck finding this group of cattle,�� Onandar eventually said with a twisted smile on her face. ��It will make your surrender much more enjoyable.��


    Thea didn��t answer; she wasn��t able to. The sharp intent she had honed for the better part of a decade was being overrun by madness and synthetic killing intent, and the walls of her Soul Aperture were starting to show cracks. So Thea could only settle for giving her captain a murderous re.


    ��That��s right; I knew,�� Onandar sneered. ��You thought yourself better than us, resisting the Hallowed Elixir? Fool. Most of us never even tried to fight it. Why would we? The concoctions of a Nascent World Alchemist are almost impossible to get formoners like us. Where do you think our memberse from? They travel far and wide to join the Hallowed Mother��s protection and receive her blessings. Your little struggle amounts to nothing.


    ��It��s just been a source of entertainment to see how long you would hold on. I have to admit; I��m a bit annoyed. I lost six Bloodeye Rubies betting that you��d onlyst a year. But now, Mother��s patience has run thin. You��lle back as a good daughter, or you��lle back as a cripple.��


    Anger.


    Searing fury cut through the madness of the Hallowed Elixir, threatening to rece it with a different type of insanity. Thea remembered the nights of bitter training, of tempering herself to withstand the burning pain of the elixir. Of breaking down in tears in the corner of her home after having been forced into one bloody struggle after another with the other scavengers. Of the constant emotional and spiritual toll she��d endured over the past years.


    It was all a joke to you? To the god-damn Monarch hiding in the shadows? Then I might as wellsh out and satiate my hatred against one of you. Thea felt that even if the brew consumed her, even if she died, she should at least drag Onandar with her down to hell.


    Purpose gave her a new wave of strength. Her struggle, her conviction, and her path; they all converged as Dao and purpose became one. It cut apart the madness and severed the chains of the Hallowed Elixir. It danced through her body like a cleansing wind.


    But it wasn��t enough.


    ��I-��Thea said hesitantly, but her hands didn��t share the hesitance. They were filled with intent so strong it could pierce the sky.


    Aigale tore through the air, but not toward the children. Years of frustration had crystallized into a sword intent of absolute sharpness, and it headed straight for Onandar. She didn��t need Cosmic Energy or a skill to carry her Branch of the Clouded Sword. They would only slow down her ambush.


    Space tore apart, and Onandar didn��t even have time to circte her Cosmic Energy before the Sword Intent passed through her body and continued into the sky.


    ��Wha-�� Onandar said as a sanguine shield sprung up around her.


    However, the barrier only managed to form for a second before it fizzled out. A sloshing sound followed as Onandar fell apart, cleanly cut in two.


    Thea looked at the corpse on the ground while panting, barely believing her eyes. She had never moved that quickly before, and she had never managed to conjure Sword Intent that pure. Not even the intent Irei had left her couldpare. It felt like she had put everything in that strike, and it had been enough to kill a Middle-stage Hegemon instantly.


    Of course, Onandar would no doubt have won in a real fight, especially considering that Thea wasn��t sure she would be able to conjure that level of Sword Intent again. It had been fueled by years of suffering, and that was not something she could just pull out of a hat. Still, it was a monumental first step.


    She might not be able to freely conjure that kind of intent right now, but she would be able to in the future. Now that she had aplished it once and gotten a feel for it, she would slowly be able to work her way toward it. Not only that, but Thea could feel that the Hallowed Brew barely affected her right now. It was still there like an unwee passenger, but it was almostpletely restrained.


    Now, she only needed to figure out how to get rid of the prisoner seal. But just as Thea dared dream of freedom, a void plunged her right back into the pits of despair.


    ��Good child. You had me worried there for a while, but you really didn��t let me down.��


    The next moment, Hallowed Mother appeared in the sky, looking just like thest time they met; an elegant but severe woman appearing to be in her fifties. Her slightly greying hair was pinned up in a simple bun, and a few crow-lines could be seen when she smiled down at Thea. If not for the fact that her left arm was an oversized monstrous w with six gaping mouths on it, she would have looked like any random middle-ageddy back on Earth.


    ��I��m only on the sixth iteration, but it looks like this mixture can stimte one��s heart and even nurture intent,�� the woman said. ��Of course, there is something off about you. Perhaps I chose a subject with too strong a providence. Before I can draw any definite conclusions, I will have to study your body and the secrets it holds.��


    Thea looked up at the crazy Alchemist with a sense of anger and helplessness. So that��s what it was. For the other scavengers, her struggle was a joke. For the main culprit, she was just an experimental subject to test her drugs. She wanted to scream, she wanted to cry. She was so tired of old monsters appearing in the sky to mess up her life. Most of all, she wanted to send another sword beam into the sky and cut that mad scientist in two.


    But it was hopeless. First of all, the Hallowed Mother was a genuine Early Stage Monarch, or a Nascent World Stage cultivator as it was called on the Goldde continent. Even if her Sword Intent had evolved just now, it wasn��t enough to kill that kind of being. Secondly, she didn��t have it in her to send out another one.


    She still had all of her Cosmic Energy and a decent amount of Mental Energy remaining. The problem was her emotional state. She had infused everything into that swing, leaving her numb. Intent was ultimately a fusion of Dao and Heart, where your convictions took corporeal form. And with her heart exhausted, the power of her intent was drastically diminished.


    ��Pl��ease�� Mother,�� a gurgling voice said on the ground, and Thea was shocked to realize Onandar had actually survived being cut in two. One of the halvesy unmoving, but the other desperately grasped toward the sky.


    This was one of the downsides of cultivating on an unintegrated; Thea might have the System ��installed�� on her body, but others didn��t. The most noticeable consequence for her was that she didn��t get any Cosmic Energy from kills. Because of that, reaching peak E-grade had taken at least two more years than it could have, and theck of kill confirmation could result in surprises like this.


    Not that it mattered now, with the Hallowed Mother appearing in person. Thea knew she was doomed no matter whether Onandar lived or not.


    ��You are just a useless prop, but I suppose you fulfilled your task admirably,�� the Hallowed Mother muttered.


    The next moment, one of the mouths on her arm spat out a green blob thatnded on the dying Hegemon, and Thea��s stepped back with shock-filled disgust as the green goop started to wriggle and writhe. Initially, Thea thought the vile-smelling concoction would fuse the two halves, but that was only partly true.


    The mixture partly dragged the two body halves closer, but it more so seemed to turn into greenish flesh that reced what had been cut off. A new creature resembling a mutated conjoined twin had been formed in just seconds. It was more than twice as wide as the original Onandar, and the mid-section was a green horror show filled with tumors and boils.


    ��A-Ah,�� the left half of Onandar��s face gurgled before her remaining good eye rolled up into her socket. The miscreation crumbled, and Thea was certain she wouldn��t get up again.


    ��Hm, heads are still out of reach,�� the Hallowed Mother muttered before ncing at the children, who looked up at the sky with abject horror.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    ��Wait,�� Thea shouted. ��Spare them, and I will go with you willingly.��


    Thea knew she was done for. There was no escape escaping a Monarch; she might as well try to overturn the heavens. But if she could save these children, then at least something good would havee from her death.


    ��Your willingness does not matter. Sooner orter, all your secrets will beid bare whether you like it or not,�� the Hallowed Mother calmly said. ��And leaving stragglers like this can have unexpected consequences.��


    ��Run!�� Thea screamed as she rushed in front of the group of huddled refugees.


    ��Dying for some random trash,�� the Hallowed Mother smiled with a shake of her head. ��What foolishness.��


    ��Better than be an old monster who has lost everything but her power,�� Thea spat as she gathered everything she had for a final strike of defiance.


    Thea knew her actions were futile, but she wouldn��t just stand by. It was like her heart had been reignited, and an even greater Sword Intent was formed. Thea looked at it with marvel as it flew toward the sky. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever created, and she felt a sense of aplishment even if it was just empty bluster in the face of a Monarch.


    ��Blessings, blessings,�� a sudden sigh echoed through the world.


    Thea didn��t have a chance to react before her sword beam lit up with golden splendor, and it shot forth with impossible speed as it expanded through infinity. For a moment, it looked like the whole sky would be cut in two. But the scene onlysted for a moment before it turned into something even odder.


    The de of Sword Intent was suddenly gone, and in its ce were two enormous hands pressed together in prayer. Thea��s heart shuddered, and her instincts told her to kneel in obeisance to the holy aura it emitted. She felt like she was looking up at the actual hands of God, descended to the mortal realm to shield the innocent.


    ��Benefactor is right,�� the voice continued. ��Life and death are but fleeting moments. Mara is forever. To sully oneself is to sully the Cosmos.��

 Chapter 956: Connected By Fate

    Chapter 956: Connected By Fate


    The golden hands radiated a holy light, and Thea felt she could almost glimpse something inside the radiance; a vast ocean where all the answers to cultivation existed. In front of that ocean, her Sword Intent was nothing, a small parlor trick not worth mentioning.


    No, it wasn��t! Thea shook her head, her awe at the hands reced with fear. It was almost like she had been hypnotized there for a moment, led astray by another��s path. Zac had described something simr that had happened when they reached the Dimensional Seed, but this seemed more targeted, more intentional.


    The next moment the hands disappeared, and Thea��s eyes widened in shock upon seeing the state of the Hallowed Mother. She waspletely drenched in blood, and her demonic arm was simply gone.


    ��Who?!�� the bleeding Monarch screamed, but she didn��t even wait for an answer before she disappeared.


    Thea wasn��t surprised in the slightest. If she had learned one thing over the past eight years, it was that concepts such as victory and defeat were luxuries that only existed in the minds of men. When the thin veneer of civilization had frayed, there was only life and death. Honor and mercy didn��t exist in the wild.


    That was why the Hallowed Mother unhesitantly ran for her life when faced with a mysterious cultivator with the strength to cripple her. The only benefit to staying was to figure out who had attacked her, but what did that matterpared to surviving the ordeal? Running was the best option in this kind of situation.


    Yet it was futile.


    Two monks and a nun had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. One of the monks seemed to be a hairless dwarf or a very fat gnome, while the other two had the same statures as humans. Thea couldn��t see the features of the female, though, as her face was hidden by a veil. None of them said anything. They just looked in the direction of the fleeing Monarch with an eerie calm.


    Thea could no longer see Hallowed Mother; she had turned into a streak of light, escaping thousands of kilometers in no time. However, the nun veiled simply waved her sleeve, and the Hallowed Mother was suddenly right in front of them. At first, there was confusion on her face, but it was soon reced by horror.


    ��Wait!�� she screamed, ��I have-��


    ��Too much sin has umted,�� the tall monk sighed as he lifted the staff in his hand. ��To send you into the wheel of reincarnation like this would be doing you a disservice. You shall be given a chance at redemption.��


    The staff mmed into the ground and the dozen golden loops on top of the staff sang. Thea didn��t know what she expected after the monk��s promation, but it wasn��t a massive explosion of gore. What chance at redemption? The Hallowed Mother had been sttered all over the ground.


    But Thea swore with surprise when she noticed a young woman appear where the Hallowed Mother once stood. She looked a lot like the Hallowed Mother, but there was a sense of hollowness to her that Thea quite couldn��t exin. She almost seemed like a humanoid puppet, albeit an incredibly lifelike one.


    ��What is your name, child?�� the staff-wielding monk asked.


    ��This one does not now,�� the naked woman said with a bow.


    ��You will return with us and recite the Avalokiteshvara Mantra,�� the monk nodded as the nun handed the woman a simple robe. ��When you have found your self, you can begin your journey of redemption.��


    ��This one understands,�� the reformed Hallowed Mother nodded and silently moved to stand behind the nun. There was not a ripple of emotion in her eyes, just a sea of tranquility.


    Thea just stood and looked on with iprehension. What had just happened? Rebirth? Was such a thing even possible? And why had these people appeared here? They were clearly Buddhist monks. Was there such a faction on Goldde Continent? Thea didn��t know what was going on, but her heart shook when the four turned toward her.


    ��Benefactor, the past years have tested you,�� the short monk sighed. ��This poor monk is happy to see benefactor has managed to hold onto their humanity even after bing subject to the sorrows of the world.��


    Thea��s eyes widened in rm upon hearing his words. She could tell. The Monk hadn��t said it outright, but they knew. They knew she wasn��t a native of this ce.


    ��Thank you for saving my life,�� Thea said. ��Can I ask who you are?��


    ��This poor monk is but a passerby, traveling the cosmos in search of enlightenment,�� the small monk smiled. ��Karma pulled us toward each other, benefactor; we are connected. Benefactor, you carry great destiny on your self, and it was too early to enter the samsara. Lending a helping hand was just the will of the cosmos.��


    Thea frowned as she looked back and forth between the monks. The small monk��s words seemed genuine, and he was clearly incredibly powerful. But why did his eyes seem so shifty? Then, she noticed something in the cherubic monk��s hand, and Thea��s eyes widened in shock as she reached for a hidden pocket in her sleeve.


    It was gone.


    The small Spatial Stone she had found during her travels was currently in the small monk��s hand. It contained a few Cultivation Resources and some other things she had managed to embezzle over the past years �C a go-to bag in case she ever managed to escape from the Hallowed Mother��s grasp.


    ��That stone-�� Thea couldn��t help but blurt.


    ��Blessings, blessings,�� the monk smiled. ��A beautiful pebble indeed. This monk will keep it as a memento for our chance encounter.��


    Thea nkly looked at the diminutive monk, her mind trying toprehend what had just happened. Had a powerful Buddhist Monarch really just stolen her backup stockpile and refused to give it back? Its contents couldn��t be worth more than a few hundred E-grade Nexus Coins. Why did he need it?


    ��I- Uh, thank you for saving my life,�� Thea eventually said with a bow as she dropped the matter. Some random cultivation resources were ultimately a cheap price for her life. ��I hope you can care for these children; as you saw, I don��t have the strength to protect them. I will not disturb you any longer.��


    With that, she resolutely started to walk away. Her instincts told her not to get mixed up with these monks. Her track record when running into powerful Monarchs was just horrible, and she knew that the Buddhist Sangha wasn��t just some altruistic do-gooders. She might not have as strong a Danger Sense as Zac, but she had developed a nose for trouble �C and these people were reeking.


    Thea would much rather resume her journey to the Cloadsoar Terrace. Its existence had been a source of inner strength for years now; that one day, she��d escape from the Shatterstone Valleys and continue on her path. And today, that moment had finallye. The seal on her heart had dissipated the moment the Hallowed Mother was gone, and nothing was holding her back anymore.


    And today, the odds of making it to the terrace were a lot higher.


    Even if it was just for an experiment, the years with the Blessed Kin had undeniably made her a lot stronger. It wasn��t a coincidence the Hallowed Mother and many other unorthodox factions had settled in the Shatterstone Valleys. It was one of the most flourishing spots in the region, and there was no local force powerful enough to im it all on its own.


    The environment far eclipsed that of Earth. Between the constant life-and-death battles the scavengers had thrown her into, and the forced progression of the Hallowed Elixir, she had already pushed her Branch of the Clouded Sword to Middle Mastery. Now, she just needed to form a Pure Wind Branch toplement her Pure Sword Branch, and she would essentially be ready to tackle Hegemony.


    After breaking through, with her unique ess to the System��s benefits such as Titles, she should be able to fight even Late-Stage Hegemons here on the Goldde Continent. As such, she would be approaching the top level of the wandering cultivators in this ce. The only problem was that she didn��t know how much of her potential and lifespan the Hallowed Elixir had stolen over the years.


    Thea estimated it was centuries, though, which meant there was no time to lose.


    A subdued whisper dragged Thea out of her thoughts, and she was shocked to realize the group of children was still right next to her. Somehow she had been moving in ce, rather than running away from these Monarchs. She fearfully looked back, only to see the monk smile at her.


    ��Benefactor has a benevolent heart,�� the monk continued, pretending he wasn��t preventing her from leaving. ��Neither fire nor wind, life nor death, can erase one��s good deeds. They can��t be seen, but they will nurture you. This poor monk has already benefited by lending a helping hand. It just so happens, I could use benefactor��s assistance.��


    So there it was. These monks hadn��t just saved her out of the good of their hearts. They knew she was an outsider, so were they after the secrets of her body? A body reforged by the System. Unfortunately, she didn��t have any way to integrate others on this continent �C she had already tried all sorts of things when she arrived.


    ��I��m not even a Core Formation Cultivator; I��m afraid I can��t help vaunted beings such as yourselves,�� Thea said, almost with a pleading look on her face.


    ��Benefactor underestimates herself,�� the small monk smiled. ��It just so happens a few of our young Acolytes are about to leave their monasteries on a pilgrimage, most of them for the first time in their lives. They are unustomed to the dangers of the mortal world and could use a guide. A guide with a benevolent heart, but who still is aware of the Mara in the world.��


    ��You want me to guide your disciples?�� Thea said with confusion. ��You three are so powerful. What need do you have for me?��


    ��It��s not proper for us old monks to look over the shoulders of our disciple-nephews. We would be like the tall oaks, covering the ground in shadows with our canopies,�� the other monk said.


    Thea inwardly groaned as she thoughtfully looked at the three. ��Where are you going? Toward the center of the continent?��


    ��No, Benefactor,�� the smaller monk said. ��They are heading into the stars. Is benefactor ready to leave this world behind?��


    ��Leaving the Goldde Continent?�� Thea said with surprise.


    Perhaps she shouldn��t be that surprised. This ce didn��t have the System��s Teleportation Arrays, but these three seemed to bete Monarchs. Perhaps they had other means of transportation, wich would mean they might have ess to all kinds of ces. Like integrated space, or the distant hearnds of the Goldde Continent where the Terrace still waited.


    ��I could guide your Acolytes,�� Thea slowly said. ��But I get to pick where you drop me off afterward.��


    ��Of course,�� the small monk said as his smile widened. ��This poor monk is called Three Virtues. We will be in your care.��


    ������������


    Zac was in the depths of a mountain, hidden and protected by multipleyers of arrays. More importantly, he was on a shrouded by the System itself. Yet she had popped up out of nowhere when she should be on the other side of the Sector right now.


    ��Iz, what are yo-�� Zac said as he spun around, but his voice rose an octave upon realizing he was still stark naked.


    He dove toward the ground, thanking the gods for the tall grass that just sprouted as he hurriedly put on a robe. Only then did he dare look up again, and he was immensely relieved to see that the fiery golem wasn��t with her. Zac wasn��t sure he��d have survived if that were the case. Still, Zac didn��t feel safe, and he warily looked around.


    ��Kvalk is not in this Sr System,�� Iz calmly said. ��He wasn��t able to force his way inside. The Shroud was surprisingly dense around your. If not for my uncle preparing a backup method, I wouldn��t have been able to make my way inside.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac sighed in relief before looking at her suspiciously. ��How did you manage to find me?��


    ��Every day, the echoes of Chaos around you weaken. The tracking seal on you is working again,�� Iz said as she walked over. ��As for the arrays�� Well, they weren��t very impressive.��


    ��They weren��t made to stop people like you,�� Zac sighed before he looked up at Iz with a weak smile. ��Now that we know each other, how about you remove that mark of yours?��


    ��Removing a mark empowered by a Supremacy is beyond my abilities,�� Iz said, but the smile on her face showed she wasn��t too broken up about it.


    ��Forget it,�� Zac muttered as he took out a canteen of water. ��Well, wee to Earth, I guess.��


    ��Just now, what did you practice?�� Iz asked. ��Those seals����


    ��What?�� Zac blurted as the water went down the wrong pipe. ��Just how long did you look?��


    ��Long enough to see your Body Tempering Method contained some very odd concepts,�� Iz said.


    ��That��s not what I-�� Zac coughed as his eyes darted to the side.


    ��Your nakedness?�� Iz said, her eyes widening a bit in realization. ��Do not worry. You have quite a good muscture. As for the-��


    ��Let��s just drop it,�� Zac groaned.


    ��No, this is my mistake. I admit, my social experience iscking,�� Iz said as she thoughtfully looked at Zac before looking down at herself.


    ��You aren��t-�� Zac said, his heart suddenly beating a lot quicker. Surely, she wasn��t nning on bncing out karma that way?


    However, Zac was soon filled with a mix of disappointment and relief as a small bottle appeared in her hand. For a moment there, he had almost thought this would turn into a si scenario, and he wasn��t sure his fate could withstand something like that.


    ��This is a tonic called [Wreathstar Nectar]. It is normally meant to be used after breaking through to D-grade, but it should be helpful after your current breakthrough as well. It will stabilize your foundations and even set your body in a ��hungry�� state that will allow you to quickly absorb more energy,�� Iz said as the vial floated over.


    Zac��s eyes lit up as he grabbed the bottle. The nectar didn��t sound too impressive from Iz��s description, but every single thing she had produced since they met had been a unique treasure that you��d never get your hands on at the Frontier. There was definitely more to the [Wreathstar Nectar] than she let on. Otherwise, she wouldn��t have been carrying it around.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Showing some skin in exchange for a supreme tonic that would allow him to quickly move on to the nextyer of the [Void Vajra Sutra] felt like a worthy trade, even if it was a disconcerting how she could just find him like this. She had mentioned Chaos, could he perhaps get a jammer that used the energy of the Remnants?


    ��Oh, only drink three drops or you��ll explode,�� Iz added with a small smile just as Zac was about to chug the whole thing.


    Zac barely managed to stop himself from turning into a bomb, and he carefully swallowed three drops of the [Wreathstar Nectar]. Immediately, a powerful gust of wind swept through his body, and Zac shuddered as small pebbles of grey goop were squeezed out from his pores. Meanwhile, Zac felt his body quickly stabilize, like he had broken through months ago rather than just now.


    The processsted only a minute, yet Zac suspected the drops had saved months of cultivation. It wasn��t just the impurities that were removed and the foundation that got stabilized. It felt like the gust of wind had somehow pushed the Life-Attuned Energies deeper into his cells and condensed them. That had left room for more, and he could feel how his body almost screamed for more nourishment.


    He would have to practice the nextyer to be sure, but Zac suspected his cultivation speed would be drastically improved until the condensed cells were filled up with Life again.


    ��You have almost impossibly few toxins in your body for someone on the frontier,�� Izmented with interest. ��I thought you would at least have umted some by that water you collected.��


    ��My body is pretty good at dealing with toxins,�� Zac shrugged. ��And the Tribtion Lightning help as well. Besides, the Lake Water doesn��t seem to leave any impurities.��


    ��You ought to be careful. Impurities can take many forms, including spiritual,�� Iz said after some thought. ��I managed to contact my grandpa before I entered the Eternal Storm. Do you know what that corruption is?��


    ��I just figured it some sort of spiritual rot from the Lost ne,�� Zac said.


    ��You��re right, in a sense. It��s the corpse of a previous Heaven,�� Iz said. ��When an era ends, the Dao copse and is then slowly reformed. But someone seized a corner of the Heavens and put it inside the realm you call the Lost ne. It became cut off from the Dao, separate from the natural rise and fall of the eras.��


    ��The Dao couldn��t escape, so it started to decay?�� Zac frowned.


    ��The Lost ne is incredibly old,�� Iz said. ��It is most likely one of the oldest Eternal Heritages that remain. Its ancient Dao has long lost its source and has mostly dissipated, and what little remains have been twisted in unexinable ways. No one can know what the effect of prolonged use is, so tread carefully.��


    ��I��ll be careful,�� Zac nodded as he looked down at the grime covering his arms. ��I��m sorry, give me a second, will you?��


    ��Of course,�� Iz nodded, and Zac shed away.


    He didn��t go far, but rather entered a secluded side room that was a small living space. There, he took a quick shower to rid himself of the dried Life-Attuned Paste and the expelled impurities. He also scarfed down a bunch of dried Beast King meat, which helped him satiate the sense of hunger that the [Wreathstar Nectar] had elicited.


    He was done just a few minutester, but before returning to Iz, he first opened his Status Screen to look at the result of his breakthrough. There wasn��t any new line on the main screen, and neither did he find one for his Constitution. However, when opening his Bloodline Panel, Zac saw that a new line had been added.


    [Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (First Layer): Base Attributes +5, Vitality +10, Endurance +5. Vitality +5%, Effect of Vitality +5%.

 Chapter 957: What Doesnt Belong

    Chapter 957: What Doesn��t Belong


    The gains weren��t earth-shattering, but Zac was still happy with the result. Getting attributes at all was usually the sign of a high-quality Constitution, and he actually got efficiency from the firstyer. That almost made the entryyer of the method equivalent to a top tier-title, which wasn��t anything to scoff at. The t attributes were useless now, but Zac suspected he��d get a noticeable boost when the method caught up to his cultivation level.


    Besides, the Body Tempering Manual provided other benefits than just raw attributes. It was just that the System didn��t showcase them. Zac could absolutely feel a sense of vibrancy in his body, though his Branch of the Kalpataru didn��t seem to gain anything from it. The Dao felt the same to him, confirming his affinity hadn��t changed.


    With his Bloodline, that was to be expected, and Zac was confident the same thing would happen after using the [Essence of the Abyss]. The vibrancy in his body was rather that of a powerful life force. Zac couldn��t be sure, but he had probably regained a good chunk of the years he had lost to Creation Energy and other encounters.


    Iz had warned him that using life force as a source of energy would hollow one out, robbing you of your fate and potential. Conversely, getting a longevity boost was equivalent to reigniting your momentum and potential. Zac wasn��t sure if the rule fully applied to him with his unique cultivation system, but who would say no to living longer?


    The original method also provided resistance to toxins, certain curses, and a faster recovery speed. Zac guessed these boons were still there, even if he had altered the method. After all, recing ��Boundless�� with the ��Void�� mostly changed the absorption process rather than the end result, with the notable exception being the difference in Heart Cultivation.


    As to why the System had ced the information together with his Bloodline, Zac wasn��t sure. But he guessed it made sense considering the connection to the Void, and his Draugr-node was also there. In a sense, it almost felt like good news since it hopefully meant there weren��t any shes ofpatibility between Bloodline and Body Tempering Method.


    Now, he was just missing the equivalent line on his undead side. In fact, Zac wanted to check whether the attributes transferred to the other side. He couldn��t be certain that [Quantum Gate] would fully transfer these gains. However, with Iz waiting outside, Zac skipped turning into a Draugr for the time being and instead walked back outside.


    Iz wasn��t waiting where he left her, but Zac soon found her standing by his central prayer mat, curiously looking at Yrial��s statue.


    ��My master,�� Zac said with a weak smile when she looked up at Zac. ��He��s also the one who made the escape treasure and penned that poem. He��s a bit�� entric.��


    ��I didn��t know you had a master?�� Iz said with surprise. ��What force is he from?��


    ��None. He��s a soul wisp from a Dao Repository I got from the System,�� Zac exined. ��He��s also an Edgewalker like me, though with Fire and Ice.��


    ��Hm,�� Iz said as she looked up at the shing elements above her. ��A world of Life and Death. It��s odd. Life and Death are part of the natural cycle of a world, yet this seems unnatural.��


    ��I��ve inconvenienced everyone with changing this��s direction,�� Zac sighed.


    ��To progress is to cause ripples. If others can neither rise above the waves nor adapt to them, then they simply aren��t fated,�� Iz shrugged as she looked at Zac curiously. ��But that method of yours, the one from before. It contains something different. It��s a method of the Sangha, yet it is not. Can you tell me what it is?��


    ��It was a Body Tempering Method I got from a Monk belonging to the Sea of Tranquility,�� Zac shrugged. ��It didn��t suit me, though, and contained some hidden traps. So I reformed it using the insights of the seals.��


    ��My uncle says the Sangha is incredibly difficult to deal with,�� Izmented. ��Then again, that goes for all established factions for someone unattached like you.��


    ��I��vee to realize that as well,�� Zac grunted. But Zac suddenly froze before he looked up at Iz spectively. ��Are you able to discern whether items are tampered with?��


    ��I might,�� Iz said after some thought. ��But a price must be paid to maintain bnce.��


    Zac nodded, mentally preparing himself to be scalded again. But things took a different turn.


    ��I don��t need to test your fate; I know you are fated. Instead, I want an answer,�� Iz said. ��I��ve asked twice now, but you skirted the answer I was looking for. Your method contained a concept that felt familiar yet distant to me. It is not often I fail to discern the true nature of things. If you can tell me what that was, I will do my utmost to resolve any hidden traps in your treasures.��


    Zac hesitated for a moment. He obviously knew what she had been digging at before, but this was closing in on some of his secrets, secrets he had no way to gauge the importance of. There was simply no information on the concept of the Void of Dao in a Sector like Zecia. Who knew what people from the Multiverse��s Hearnds thought of it?


    But Zac didn��t immediately refuse upon remembering the trap hidden within the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].


    He had all kinds of justifications for why it should be safe, but it would ultimately be risky to drink the [Essence of the Abyss] or jump into the Temporal Chamber blindly. His instincts told him that the Undead Empire wouldn��t harm him before they could extract all value from him, such as assisting them inside Ultom in seven years. But the [Boundless Varja Sublimation] had shown him that being killed or crippled were not the only things he needed to look out for.


    Now that Iz was right in front of him, he had a rare opportunity that might allow him to forge ahead with peace of mind. And if he had to ask himself whether he felt Iz was more trustworthy than the Undead Empire, his instincts said yes. If anything, she and her family seemed so far above him and his secrets that it didn��t matter if he divulged them.


    ��It��s the Void, and not just the Void of Space,�� Zac eventually said. ��I used the seal to rece the Buddhist Sutras with the pull of the Void, dragging Life into my body. Don��t ask me how, though.��


    ��Interesting,�� Iz said before a smile bloomed on her face. ��I wonder what those old things would think if they knew. A few have tried to grasp the peaks by plunging into the depths, but I don��t think anyone has ever seeded. Just extracting some benefits from the other side of the coin is incredibly difficult, yet a barbarian at the Frontiermunes freely with the Void, upending convention.��


    ��Uh, keep it between us, alright?�� Zac said, deciding to forgo objecting to being called a barbarian. After all, being a barbarian beat out being a bug.


    ��I��m not so lowly to gossip about the matters of my friends,�� Iz said, her eyes shifting away slightly.


    ��Well, thank you,�� Zac said. ��It��s not easy to find trustworthy people in this world.��


    Iz nodded slightly with a smile before looking up at the shing energies.


    ��You are forming a Life Constitution to match your undead half,�� Iz mused. ��Bnce between Pure Life and Death. Forming a core on a path that converges at the peak�� difficult. Are you prepared?��


    Zac sighed as he followed her gaze. Iz had hit the nail on the head with thatment. He had realized this more and more as his understanding of Duality, and the nature of Cultivator Cores, had increased.


    The Elemental Daos had a rtionship of restraining and enkindling one another, but that wasn��t the case with Life and Death. It all led toward Chaos. Chaos was split into two, Creation and Oblivion, which gave birth to the concepts such as Life and Death. By their inherent nature, they were each other��s opposites, only fusing into one when they returned to their Origin.


    To fuse the two concepts into one Core at the D-grade was to put the cart before the horse, a paradox. Still, Zac wouldn��t give up. Henry Marshall might be right, that he had nurtured hubris worthy of the Roman Emperors. But Zac still believed he could aplish it thanks to his unique encounters and Bloodline.


    He just needed to find the key that would make the impossible possible.


    ��Your heart is steady,�� Iz nodded before changing the subject. ��What do you want to inspect?��


    ��Give me a minute,�� Zac said, taking out a table before shing away.


    A whileter, Zac returned with the sealed Temporal Chamber and ced it on the table next to the [Essence of the Abyss]. The chamber had been ced at an off-shoot to the Divine Vein beneath the cave to charge while Zac cultivated. Iz didn��t have any particr reaction to the two items and only nodded before taking out a fiery crystal.


    The gemstone looked simr to a normal Fire Crystal, but Zac felt some palpitations from the aura within. Iz took the crystal, and Zac looked with amazement as a drop of fire formed on her finger. Looking at it felt like seeing the true face of Fire for the first time in his life, and only the light of Primal Dao couldpare.


    However, that Primal Dao had been spread out, diluted by holding so many truths. In contrast, this drop was pure mes, unblemished by anything else. The dropnded on the crystal, and Zac looked on with interest as it cracked. It didn��t shatter and turn into dust, but it looked more like an egg hatching.


    And that turned out to be exactly the case. A small bird made from pure mes emerged from the crystal. It looked a lot like a golden crow, but it had three legs and an additional eye on its forehead. The whole thing emitted an incredibly ancient aura, almost like the aura Zac felt when using Void Energy.


    ��Please find what doesn��t belong,�� Iz said.


    The crow shook its wings before bouncing over to the two items on the table, leaving fiery runes in its wake. First, it jumped a few times around the box before its third eye suddenly opened. Zac��s mind suddenly screamed of danger, forcing him to quickly look away. He had barely seen a glimpse of the golden swirl, but it had almost felt like he had been dragged back to the beginning of time.


    Inside that eye, there seemed to have been a sky set on fire, and Zac knew it wasn��t some illusion. The whole cave shook from the pressure as sweat started pouring down Zac��s face, but the feeling soon passed. Zac carefully nced at the table and was relieved to see the crow had closed its eye.


    ��The Temporal Chamber seems to be unproblematic,�� Iz said as the crow jumped over to the vial and started the same procedure.


    The same ritual repeated itself, and Zac realized the crow wasn��t just bouncing around randomly. The runes its jumps left in its wake actually formed an intricate array around the item, though Zac couldn��t figure out its purpose. The runes were too archaic, reminding Zac more of the markings on the Stele of Conflict than anything created under the System��s purview.


    Once more, the crow opened its eye, prompting Zac to avert his gaze. Something was different this time, though. When Zac looked back at the crow, he found it angrily staring at the [Essence of the Abyss], and Zac��s eyes widened in rm when it stabbed forward with its beak.


    ��Wai-��Zac said, but his words were caught in his throat as he saw the crow��s beak somehow pass straight through the vial before dragging something out in a lightning-quick motion.


    It looked like a ball of ck mud, but Zac only caught a glimpse before the crow gobbled it up.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac said with bewilderment, but Iz didn��t immediately answer.


    The next moment, the crow flew right into Iz��s forehead and disappeared, and she shuddered before slowly opening her eyes.


    ��Something akin to a curse had been added to the mixture,�� Iz said. ��It would seek out Life and convert it to Death. I��m not sure if it would have worked against you, though. After interacting, your situation appears somewhat unique. It��s as though you carry two different bodies in one,pletely separate. Normally, you should have Death hidden deep in your cells right now, but that��s not the case at all with you.��n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Still, better safe than sorry,�� Zac said as he looked at the vial with some trepidation. ��Thank you.��


    So there was a trap, after all. It was not as nefarious as the one Three Virtues had left him, but it was still extremely dangerous. It didn��t take a genius to put two and two together after learning about the curse attached to the [Essence of the Abyss]. As Catheya said, they didn��t care about him being an Edgewalker. They were much more interested in his Bloodline.


    So they wanted to kill his human half.


    Zac had to admit it made sense. He could probably break through to the D-grade in a month if he only had to worry about one of his two halves. His path was infinitely more difficult, and there was a real risk of failure. Better they sweep the problems aside and open the path for him to progress as a normal Draugr.


    Perhaps it was even a precautionary measure. They feared he��d give up on his path and discard his Draugr side. After all, he was ultimately born human.


    ��It was nothing much,�� Iz said. ��I am afraid I have damaged the vial��s seal, though. The actual tonic will slowly lose its efficacy. I rmend you take it within a month.��


    ��Alright,�� Zac nodded, not too bothered since his Body Tempering Progress was better than he��d originally expected.


    However, he soon looked up at Iz suspiciously. ��Wait, if you had that crow, why wouldn��t you be able to remove the mark left by your elder?��


    ��That crow wouldn��t dare peck at something my grandpa created,�� Iz smiled. ��After all, it��s just a sentient wisp of his Dao.��


    ��Oh,�� Zac muttered.


    ��Is that it?�� Iz asked, and Zac absentmindedly nodded in response as he stowed away the two treasures. ��Good, then it��s time to fulfill our agreement.��


    ��Ah, what?�� Zac muttered before he looked up with rm. ��Ah, there��s no need, no need. How about I give you a tour of my instead?��


    But Zac shook his head in resignation when the [Stone of Celestial Void] appeared in Iz��s hand.


    ��Some things are inevitable. As your poem said; Heaven��s Path won��t be denied,�� Iz said as a smile spread across her face. ��Now, do you want to spar here, or shall we relocate?��


    ��Follow me,�� Zac sighed as he led her toward the Teleportation Array, where each step felt like walking toward the gallows.


    ��I thought I��d have another year to prepare,�� Zac added as he helplessly looked at Iz. ��I figured you��d be deep inside the Millions Gate Territory by now.��


    ��I was fortunate. It did not take me a lot of time finding the piece I marked,�� Iz exined. ��I had no reason to stay in that region after that. In fact, it took me more time reaching your than searching for the seal.��


    ��You��re going home after this?�� Zac asked.


    ��I need to work hard on my cultivation for the uing trial,�� Iz nodded. ��My grandfather will guide me over the next years.��


    ��Can I ask? Someone like you, what did you figure out with the insights the seals provided?�� Zac asked. ��It��s okay if you don��t want to answer.��


    ��Someone like me?�� Iz asked with a raised brow.


    ��Rich,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��I feel like I��d need twenty seals to cover everything I��mcking, but that��s because I��m kind of making things up as I go. So I was just curious what someone with a proper background would ask from the Seal of the Left Imperial Pce.��


    ��I focused on my Core. Like you, I have a heavy foundation and many pieces that need to fit together. Without its insights, it would take me years to figure things out.��


    ��Won��t your elders provide you with a working core?��


    ��They could, but it would ultimately harm me,�� Iz said. ��For one, any seemingly perfect solution my grandpa creates might not be the most suitable for me. Some answers need toe from within, and a slightly imperfect start to your journey doesn��t mean it will be shorter. As long as it is truly yours and you fully understand every aspect of it, you can slowly work on the imperfections as you progress.


    ��Conversely, if I rely on my elders too much, I might not even be able to defend my Dao properly. At that time, my grandpa would have to step in, and I��d be stuck as an Earth Immortal.��


    Zac stopped in ce and looked at Iz with confusion.


    A what?

 Chapter 958: Earth Immortals

    Chapter 958: Earth Immortals


    Zac had never heard of the concept of Earth Immortals before, but he felt this was a rare opportunity to learn some new things without getting sted by Iz.


    ��A what?�� Zac said with interest.


    ��If you fail to build adder to Heaven, you still have a chance to conjure the chains to the Earthly nes and be an Earth Immortal, or a Fallen Autarch. You are weaker than true Autarchs, and you will be assaulted by increasingly ferocious Heavenly Tribtions every ten thousand years,�� Iz exined.


    ��So it��s a false realm, in a sense?�� Zac asked. ��Like a Half-step Hegemon.��


    ��Both yes and no,�� Iz said after some thought. ��It can mostly be considered a false stage. But technically, one can sever the chains to progress. If you manage to break all seven Earthly Chains, you should theoretically have a chance at Supremacy. And a Supremacy who rose through this path should be no worse than a true Supremacy who walked Heaven��s Path.��


    Zac slowly nodded, though he didn��t quite get the difference.


    ��But practically, it��s not a feasible path of progression. Severing a chain barely improves your strength; you are still bound to the Earth. But breaking each subsequent chain will be more and more difficult. Even breaking the first is more difficult than stepping into Hegemony with a Half-step core. And all the while, you must deal with the recurring Tribtion Lightning,�� Iz sighed. ��I��ve never heard of an Earth Immortal who managed to break more than three chains before a tribtion annihted them.��


    ��Seems like a broken path,�� Zac muttered.


    ��That��s because it is,�� Iz nodded. ��Heaven��s Path is to form a Ladder toward Heaven where eight is peak and nine is perfection. The system of Earthly Immortals is actually not part of this. It��s the path of a previous Heaven, and the method was discovered in an Eternal Heritage shortly after the System was created. Some hoped to use it as an alternative path to the Peak, so they adjusted it to work with our Dao. But ultimately, it��s not part of this Era.��


    ��So more suffering and less strength,�� Zac said with bemusement. ��Are there any benefits to it?��


    ��Well, it beats dying when you fail to defend your Dao,�� Iz shrugged. ��Today, it��s mostly used as a backup if your Dao Defense fails.��


    ��Then why haven��t I heard of it before?�� Zac said with confusion.


    ��Well, you need a decently powerful Supremacy to guard your ascension and fight back the Heavens when you fail to build the Heavenly Ladder,�� Iz smiled. ��Just suppressing the Heavens for the time it takes to summon the Earthly Chains is quite taxing, even for a Supremacy. It can also be extremely dangerous because of outside intervention. Finding an A-grade Cultivator in such a vulnerable position is not easy. Therefore, Earth Immortals are quite rare even in the central regions of the Multiverse.��


    ��No wonder,�� Zac nodded.


    It made sense. Why would a Supremacy take such a risk in normal situations? To risk their lives for some Monarch who wasn��t powerful enough to be an Autarch on their own, especially when the end result wasn��t that great. Perhaps if it were their child, but they definitely wouldn��t stick their neck out for some random junior of their faction. Better wait a few dozen millennia for another promising Monarch to appear.


    ��Alright, less stalling. Where are we going,�� Iz said, and Zac grimaced when he saw the eager expression on her face.


    It was just like when they traveled through the Dimensional Seed together. She had offhandedly dropped a bombshell piece of information, such as the background of the Kan��Tanu. But any time he��d asked for more details, she had looked at him with that face while talking about testing fates.


    ��Of course,�� Zac said with a crooked smile as he activated the Teleportation Array. ��Alright, let��s get this over with.��


    A few momentster, the two appeared on one of Zac��s private inds. There were a few beasts around even though the ind was a rocky teau without any vegetation, but none would dare get close after sensing the auras of him and Iz. Zac led Iz to a t vista some distance away from his small camp, where they could fight without worrying about damaging the Teleportation Array.


    ��Is this really necessary?�� Zac sighed, trying once more to avoid the inevitable.


    ��I never go back on my words,�� Iz said, while a smile crept up her lips. ��Besides, aren��t you curious? The distance between us,pared to the first time we fought?��


    Zac reluctantly had to nod; he��d be lying if he said no. He felt he had made tremendous progress, and his foundations were far deeper today than when he ascended the Tower of Eternity. If he had climbed an E-grade variant of the tower today, he was almost certain he��d be able to conquer the whole thing.


    At the same time, Zac doubted Iz��s family would have just let herze around all day during her prime cultivation age. It was just hard to know what kind of methods someone like her practiced. Zac had made it this far while cultivating Soul, Technique, and now Constitution. There was no way Iz didn��t have simr aplishments.


    Unfortunately, he had only caught glimpses of her fight inside the Void Star. He had been too busy dealing with the oversized Qriz��Ul goblin to figure out anything new. He knew she was a fire mage, but he suspected the truth was far moreplex.


    ��How about we don��t use any Skills?�� Zac ventured, hoping he could leverage his Integration Stage Techniques to level the ying field.


    ��That would put you at a disadvantage,�� Iz smiled as an array of intensely bright fireballs appeared above her head. ��I do not think you possess the ability to utilize Cosmic Energy without guidance fractals.��


    ��Nevermind,�� Zac grunted. ��Just wanted to make sure I don��t identally-.��


    Zac didn��t get any further as Iz looked at him like he were an idiot. ��Don��t worry about me. I��ll be fine even if you hit me with a st of Hollow Chaos. Let��s go.��


    ��Alright, alright,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes. ��Do you want to fight my undead side or human?��


    ��Up to you,�� Iz shrugged.


    Zac gave it some thought before he ultimately chose to stay human. His Draugr side would be a better match, especially if you included Vivi��s weakness against fire. But this wasn��t a fight to the death, and Zac wanted to push his human constitution to the limits to see if his Void Vajra Constitution improved hisbat strength in any way.


    Any errant thoughts were quickly thrown out the window as an enormous eruption of fiery energies nketed the area. Iz had flown back, creating almost a kilometer��s distance between the two. And she was already preparing her skills. It almost looked like Earth��s core had been dragged to the surface as a small sun rose beneath Iz��s feet, and the six-winged demonic angel soon followed. Zac wasn��t surprised by the scene �C he had seen Iz use thisbo multiple times by now.


    It seemed like the whole ind was being fried by Iz��s domain, but Zac wasn��t ready to be outdone. Thousands of swirls appeared in the air as Zac unleashed a Dao Field powered by the Branch of the Kalpataru and the Branch of the War Axe. An area covering over a thousand meters became a battleground even more ferocious than the environment in his Cultivation Cave.


    Ultimately, Zac found his domain suppressed and contained. But as long as it wasn��t ripped apart, Zac felt he had aplished his goal. A sh of domains wasn��t a matter of pride and vanity; it was a strategic struggle for the upper hand. Whoever managed to take control of the environment would have a home-field advantage. And since Zac could at least prevent his domain from buckling, the environment wouldn��t empower her attacks.


    Of course, Iz wasn��t relying on her apocalyptic Dao Field, even if it exerted constant overbearing pressure on him. The thing that really made Zac��s Danger Sense wake up was the six archaic arrays that appeared around the demon��s head like a nimbus. A stream of pure mes soon shot toward him with the speed of a falling meteor, but Zac wasn��t the helpless person he was back in the Tower of Eternity.


    A huge fractal de shuddering with barely contained Dao appeared on the edge of his axe, and [Verun��s Bite] keened with fighting spirit as he swung the weapon at an upward angle. The de tore into the beam, splitting its front in two. However, a lone leaf was not enough topletely bisect this beam of unfettered fire.


    Of course, the fractal leaves of [Nature��s Edge] rarely traveled alone.


    A storm followed in the first fractal de��s wake, and they ripped the beam apart like a swarm of piranhas. A few leaves even managed to continue toward Iz, who calmly stood atop the sun like a goddess. The huge Demonoid simply swatted them away like annoying flies, allowing Iz to calmly spectate the battle without moving. Even when imbued with Zac��s Branch of the War Axe, the leaves only managed to leave shallow scars on the Demonoid, which soon closed in a sh of mes.


    Zac wasn��t deterred by something like that. He knew that the demon creature was one of Iz��s staple skills, just like his Pir of Destion in his other ss. It wouldn��t fall so easily, especially not from a simple attack like this. The sun-and-demon pair was like a summonable array turret; trying to beat Iz at her own game with [Nature��s Edge] was a fool��s hope.


    The ground cracked beneath Zac��s feet as he shot forward like a rocket, easily avoiding a second beam that followed the first. Zac soon felt like he was caught in the Apocalypse, with fiery rays and molten rock assaulting him from every direction. He was already moving based on the concept of his Evolutionary Stance, each step finding a path of life in a sea of fiery death.


    Still, the pressure mounted as he drew closer. The beams were incredibly fast and seemingly unending, and Zac got less and less time to react to their trajectories. Just dodging wasn��t enough after two hundred meters, and he was forced to fight fire with fire. His right arm turned into a blur, and he keptunching fractal leaves to either destroy Iz��s barrage of strikes or put some pressure on Iz herself.


    Even now, Iz hadn��t moved so much as a muscle, and she seemed content to let her avatar duke it out with him for now. Zac almost felt like he was ying a video game, facing a two-stage boss. He needed to take out the guardian before he could face the real challenge. And Zac had a n to aplish just that.


    The whole battleground was soon destroyed beyond recognition. Some of the fire beams mmed into the ground between them to redraw thendscape, and Zac kept ripping up huge swathes of stone in an effort to obscure his pathing and create an opening. Vivi��s vines were also helping by grabbing massive boulders and hurling them at Iz. Normal stones couldn��t withstand the beams of mes for long, but they could dy them for a fraction of a second, allowing Zac to pass through orunch a fractal de at a tricky angle.


    Zac soon noticed that any time he made the avatar block one of his fractal leaves, there would be a brief pause in the beams. Seeing a path to close the gap, Zac started to focus even more attacks on Iz herself, which allowed him to advance even faster. Finally, Zac judged he was close enough for the n��s next step, and he suddenly pushed from the ground while he activated the torrential storm of leaves from [Nature��s Edge].


    Two beams were already bearing down on him the moment heunched into the air, but a simple step moved him over fifty meters closer. Waiting at his destination was a flying boulder Vivi had hurtled just a moment earlier, and Zac used it to reset [Earthstrider]. At the same time, huge amounts of Cosmic Energy entered his arm.


    A huge wooden hand appeared in a crack of reality, just one hundred meters away from Iz tayn and her demonic avatar. It ruthlessly swung down in a bloodthirsty arc just as Zac forced the avatar to block out a series of attacks on Iz. It prevented the Demonoid from instantly changing targets, but it still managed to fire off three of its arrays at [Arcadia��s Judgment].


    Blinding pain almost made Zac fall back on the ground, but he gritted his teeth as he pushed the skill downward. The hand was burning like a pyre, but space itself broke apart in the face of the immense sharpness contained in the axehead. Iz looked up with a thoughtful nce, and she finally moved for the first time since the battle started.


    A stream of mes rose from the depths of the raging sun, slightly weakening its radiance to form a massive barrier above Iz��s head. A momentter, edge and shield collided. The whole ind shook, and billowing waves of cutting mes pushed away the clouds. Zac furiously tried to push through, but the barrier seemedpletely inexhaustible.


    Not only that, but the defensive shield even scalded the wooden hand even further, rapidly weakening its structural integrity.


    ��Close,�� Izmented just as [Arcadia��s Judgment] was about to copse.


    At this point, Zac floated in the air, assisted by Vivi��s vines. It looked like his all-out assault was about to fail, but he wasn��t worried.


    ��Was it?�� Zac smiled as the ground started to heave even harder.


    ��Wh-�� Iz frowned before looking down with surprise.


    She didn��t get the chance to prepare her next move before the second half of [Arcadia��s Judgement] came crashing from below. This was the beauty of his ultimate skill. The wooden hand and its humongous axe were so dangerous it forced most opponents to activate their strongest defenses or counter with an all-out strike.


    However, that left them vulnerable to the judgment of the earth, and the skill would pincer the enemy like the closing jaw of a primordial beast. Of course, Zac suspected that Iz��s sun would be able to withstand this much, but he had some outside assistance this time around.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��What-��Iz said, but the rest was drowned out by a tremendous explosion that threw Zac hundreds of meters away.


    Zac barely had time tond and steady himself before a wall of superheated mist mmed into him. If he hadn��t been prepared for this, he would possibly have been thrown clean off the ind by the eruption. Thankfully, he had already secured his spot with Vivi. His robes were frayed, and he was drenched in water like a drowning cat, yet a wide smile spread across Zac��s face.


    It wasn��t a coincidence he had chosen this particr ind, this particr spot, out of all the possible locations where they could fight. Visibility was almost zero, but he could vaguely see a geyser of shimmering water break apart a few hundred meters into the air, showering the parched ind in torrential rain.


    This wasn��t some new addition to his skill, but it was only made possible thanks to the powerful eruption of [Arcadia��s Judgment]. The earthquake had created an outlet for a spiritual spring containing huge amounts of Spiritual Water. This water wasn��t like the Cosmic Water back on his ind, but F-grade water imbued with the Dao of Water.


    Life and Death weren��t the only elements on the, even if they became increasingly dominant. There was still the huge Fire Crystal Mine in the Underworld, along with several other attuned resources. This ind and its subterranean spring was one such example, though it hadn��t been excavated.


    There simply wasn��t that much use for Water-attuned water on Earth, at least not water that could only be considered F-grade. It wasn��t even useful to nurture spiritual nts. It was more efficient to infuse clouds with Cosmic Energy and feed the nts with Gathering Arrays instead. So the ind had been sealed off and its resource listed in a ledger until Port Atwood found some use for it.


    And today, the water had finally shown its worth. Its Dao was obviously far inferior to Iz��s sun, but the volumes were tremendous. Between the force of it bursting out from the depths and the slight attunement, it defeated quality with quantity.


    Zac couldn��t even see the hand in front of his face because of the mist, but he still shot forward at full speed. He didn��t need his normal vision to figure out where Iz was; she was like an almost blinding beacon to his [Cosmic Gaze]. Two steps with [Earthstrider] ced him right behind her, and Zac��s axe was already descending toward her shoulder.


    However, a hint of worry filled his heart when he saw Iz fearfully look back with shock, and his hand slowed down a bit from hesitation. Was he going overboard? What if he actually hurt-


    No.


    A teasing smile appeared on Iz��s face, and Zac yelped as a congration swallowed him. It wasn��t an attack, but Iz herself had just up and exploded right in his face. Zac felt a sh of heat leaving him toasty, but the force of the eruption wasn��t enough to actually wound him. But Zac still scrambled out of the way as he warily looked around. If his target was a fake, then where was the real Iz?


    ��You��re pretty shameless,�� augh echoed behind him, and Zac swirled around only to cut apart a plume of scalded water.


    ��Nothing shameless about taking advantage of your surroundings,�� Zac coughed as he tried to find the source of the voice. ��You could consider it as a lesson in practicalbat.��


    ��You sound like my uncle,�� Iz giggled, her voiceing from every direction. ��Well, it��s more fun this way. I guess I can be a bit shameless as well.��


    ��Uh,�� Zac said with a sinking feeling as the ind started to rumble.

 Chapter 959: Wings

    Chapter 959: Wings


    Zac felt a bit helpless as he tried to figure out where Iz was hiding and what she was up to. The huge geyser was supposed to help him suppress Iz a bit, but it had instead filled the battlefield with scalding mist that helped obscure her location. Meanwhile, Zac could feel something was changing in the surroundings as the temperature was rapidly rising.


    It seemed like Iz was unleashing a domain skill, but theck of clear umtions of Cosmic Energy left him uncertain. What Zac did know was that he couldn��t just stand around or swing his axe blindly in the air, so he quickly activated [Ancestral Woods] to get a better understanding of the situation.


    Thousands of ancient trees sprung from the ground, and the haze even lifted a bit as they swallowed the mist around them. Zac��s vision expanded to a radius of over three hundred meters in every direction, and Zac immediately found the source of the changes. Hundreds of small flowers were growing out of the ground.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac couldn��t tell if the red and purple flowers were real or made from mes, but they emitted searing heat and an apocalyptic aura. It almost felt like a little bit of the Dao of Oblivion was mixed in the flowers, giving them a more powerful destructive tendency than normal mes. Of course, Zac could tell the source of the ruinous aura didn��t actuallye from Oblivion.


    This aura had a different vor, where the flowers almost felt like they had a desire to bring about the apocalypse and the end of days. Thankfully, they didn��t seem to cause much trouble yet, except they somehow managed to suppress the geyser that was fast losing steam. But it didn��t matter, as Zac had found his mark.


    Just at the edge of his forest, a two-meter cocoon had appeared. It didn��t emit any energy fluctuations at all, but it looked like a crystallized me from the depths of hell. It had the same colors as the flowers, and Zac could vaguely see a humanoid shape inside. Zac wasted no time as he jumped into the closest tree, appearing just a few meters away from the cocoon.


    This wasn��t some tv-show. Zac wouldn��t wait around for Iz to transform into some Giga-Iz. If he could stop her mid-transition and eke out a quick victory, that would be for the best. Unfortunately, just as Zac made to destroy the cocoon, it erupted in a hailstorm of sharp shards that pushed Zac back. Zac quickly found his footing and pushed through the shrapnel to attack, but he stopped in ce upon seeing his opponent.


    ��A pixie?�� Zac eximed, trying to make sense of her transformation.


    Zac had seen Iz use a set of six wings a few times now, wings of pure golden-orange mes that felt almost holy. Iz emitted an inherent pressure when she wore those wings, like an Empress looking down at her subjects. However, this was something else entirely. Instead of six wings, Iz now only had one set, and they looked nothing like the empyrean pure-me wings.


    Instead, she had two small butterfly wings on her back. They were partly translucent, looking a bit like soap bubbles that shifted in deep red and purple colors. Iz��s skin had a simr effect, though it wasn��t as apparent as her wings. Most notably, Iz held a weapon for the first time. At least Zac guessed it was one.


    It was arge flower of a different species than the smaller things that grew across the forest. It looked a bit like a purple and ck sunflower, with the stalk cut to be around two-thirds of a meter. The flower was almost the size of a te, and its weight made the stem slump slightly. The scene would have both been a bitical and incredibly cute if not for the terrifying aura of infernal destruction the flower emitted.


    It almost felt like she was holding something plucked from the depths of hell, and the air twisted around the flower.


    ��What are yo-�� Zac hesitated, but he got no further before Iz attacked.


    She didn��t conjure any fireballs or other skills like Zac would have expected. Instead, Iz shed forward with incredible speed while swinging the flower like a club at him. It definitely wasn��t what Zac expected, but the experience of a thousand battles quickly kicked in. If Iz wanted to infight with him, that was fine. Great, even.


    Because this was his domain.


    Zac pounced forward like a primordial beast, unwilling to surrender even an inch of territory. This was the principle of the primal wilds, where it was only eat or be eaten. [Verun��s Bite] howled with mad glee as Zac shed up at the iing flower while Vivi��s vines had already begun their suffocating dance.


    However, the expected scene of Zac cutting off the flower halfway up the stem didn��t ur. Zac felt an overbearing pressure on his right arm as edge and branch collided, and he was almost pushed into the ground. Iz was surprisingly strong, and the flower was incredibly sturdy. Verun��s edge didn��t even manage to leave a mark on the stem, but that wasn��t the only problem.


    The collision released some pollen from the flower, which turned into terrifying hellfire threatening to submerge him. Zac was in no mood to get scorched again, but that didn��t mean he would back away. Instead, Zac leveraged the fact his raw Strength slightly edged out Iz��s to tilt her arm to the side while he pushed forward for a frontal collision.


    But Iz nimbly dodged Zac��s rush with a flutter of her wings, while another wave of her flower unleashed a second cascade of mes. It looked like the sunflower doubled as a melee weapon and a wand, with each attack releasing a fiery outburst with powerparable to the fireballs that had almost cooked him alive in the Void Star. Taking too many of those waves would be more than his body could handle, and he didn��t want to go out like that.


    But now that Zac knew how the flower worked, he wasn��t overly bothered. It was just another variable to work around. A sharp cut split the wave apart, allowing Zac only to get slightly burnt as he rushed into melee range once more. Zac furiously tried to break past her defense, while Iz created cascading curtains of mes with her expertly aligned parries.


    Simultaneously, Vivi��s vines slithered around from the back, trying to tie down Iz and prevent her from utilizing her wings again. However, it soon became apparent the odd sheen on Iz��s body was not just there for looks. It was a thin film of incredibly destructive mes, and Vivi couldn��t hold onto her for more than a fraction of a second before a section of her vines was burnt off.


    Zac quickly swapped to standard suppressive use, where the vines aimed at Iz��s vitals like eyes and heart. Zac was like a hurricane of violence, using not only his axe but his free fist and legs to drown Iz in strikes. It was clear, though, that this wasn��t Iz��s first rodeo. Fighting her felt like fighting a dancing me, where he continuously failed tond any real strikes and instead kept getting burnt.


    But it wasn��t all bad. While Iz was a surprisinglypetent fighter, she wasn��t at the Integration Stage, as far as Zac could tell. She was just using a top-quality set of techniques that probably belonged to her family. Neither were Iz��s attributes geared toward infighting like his were, so Zac hadpletely seized the momentum after Iz��s initial ambush. As long as things kept going this way, Zac would be able to force an opening before his burns became too much to handle.


    However, the situation in his forest was deteriorating. The first flowers had fully matured, and a silent me burned from their petals. Dozens of trees had been burned down already, and it was just a matter of time before his domain would copse. If that were the only problem, it would have been manageable; he didn��t really need [Ancestral Woods] right now.


    The real issue was the small butterflies that each flower seemed to birth when they bloomed. They looked a bit drunk just after being born, and Zac had seen one of them identally hit one of the trees. The tree had instantly disappeared in a puff of mes, leaving not even a wisp of his energy behind. If Zac had any hair left, it would have stood on end at the prospect of hundreds of those little firebombs flying over to st him.


    Zac would have to step up the pressure and end things quickly if he wanted to avoid being overrun. Seeing that Iz had time to grow hundreds of little kamikaze pilots while fighting proved she wasn��t at her limits, even if Zac held a small advantage. It meant he could stop holding back.


    Until now, a part of him had been afraid to wound her, leaving his strikes hollow. Unfortunately, that mindset was anathema to the brutal technique of the Evolutionary Stance, which fully focused on killing one��s targets. But Zac finally epted reality, that thinking he could grievously wound Iz Tayn without any of his hidden trump cards was simply overestimating himself.


    A fiery storm soon raged through the forest as Zac and Iz turned into a blur. Zac was pushing harder and harder, his axe and vines working in perfect harmony to suffocate Iz and restrict her movements. She found herself increasingly unable to fight fire with fire, and was forced to continuously use her wings to avoid leaving any openings.


    Unfortunately for her, Zacpletely controlled the trajectories she could back away in, which allowed him to simultaneously dodge the deadly butterflies. He was relentless, refusing to give Iz even the smallest of breathers. Neither did he unleash any skills or massive strikes that would slow down his tempo. He was content to whittle down his opponent, like a pack of hyenas dragging down a wounded lion.


    Still, Zac was amazed at Iz��sbat awareness, even if she found herself on the losing end. To this point, he hadn��t managed tond a real hit yet. A few kicks andshes from Vivi had connected, but they had all been neutralized by Iz deflecting most of the force with her free hand. Most enemies he��d fought would have made a mistake and left some opening by now, but Iz was as steady as a mountain even as she spiraled closer to a loss.


    But suddenly, Zac felt a pang of danger, forcing him to quickly dove to the ground. He barely had time to close his eyes before the whole forest exploded. Zac only got a short vision of hundreds of butterflies exploding simultaneously, creating a wave of mes that scorched his back while tearing [Ancestral Woods] apart.


    Zac swore in annoyance as he scrambled to his feet. He had been so close to victory. In less than ten strikes, he would have been able to break through Iz��s meticulous defense and leverage his edge against her neck. Zac guessed she had also figured that out, forcing her to take drastic measures. Still, that would only dy the inevitable, and Iz was now without her restraining butterflies.


    But as Zac pushed through the curtain of mes to resume his siege, he found his opponent had transformed once more. A second set of wings had joined the first, making Iz look even odder. The second set didn��t look like the pixie wings she still wore, but Zac still recognized them. They were golden wings that looked a lot like the ones on the three-legged crow from before.


    It should have looked odd with two sets of such different wings, but it somehow looked natural. Iz herself had undergone a small change once more. Her opalescent skin was still the same, but it had gained a greater golden hue, while some of her hair had been reced by golden feathers. Simultaneously, she had a new item in her left hand; a small sun that drenched the area in golden luster.


    What were these transformations? Zac didn��t get it. He had barely sensed Iz rotating any Cosmic Energy, yet the effect was almost as pronounced as his Ultimate Skills. Was this her actual appearance, while she usually kept herself sealed? Or was this some form of cultivation that didn��t exist on the Frontier? Zac had no idea, and Iz wouldn��t give him any time to figure things out.


    She was already upon him again, and he wasn��t overly surprised to find her speed and strength having gained a boost after adding another set of wings. Simultaneously, Zac saw nine golden suns gradually phase into reality above his head and immediately felt a vague sense of danger from them. It was almost like a dangerous beast was ring at him from above.


    At the same time, Zac realized new infernal flowers were already recing those that had been incinerated, and he didn��t have [Ancestral Woods] to keep track of the situation any longer. And to make a bad situation worse, Zac soon found the small sun in Iz��s hand was not just an ornamental object.


    The orb kept spewing out arcs of mes so hot they looked like sma. Zac wasn��t even sure if Iz was controlling it, but it both helped her block his strikes while sending out some attacks on its own. Zac suddenly felt like he was fighting two people rather than one, and the pressure tested the limits of his Evolutionary Stance.


    Still, Zac refused to give in, and he managed to at least give as good as he got. He didn��t have an advantage anymore, but neither did Iz manage to suppress him. With his monstrous endurance and energy reserves, he would have a chance to turn things around again as long as he kept fighting.


    But a pang of danger forced Zac to back away just as he was about tounch another attack. His Danger Sense had narrowly allowed him to avoid a golden crow that had dove at him from one of the suns above. It just missed Zac��s face, but it still left a trail of primal mes in its wake that obscured his vision. Zac growled in annoyance as he cut apart the trail, but he was immediately forced to dodge a sr re from Iz��s hand.


    Two sets of mes raged around them as Zac desperately fought, pushing his Evolutionary Stance to the limit. [Verun��s Bite] was a blur as it fought off the flower with its infernal mes and the constant barrage of sr res. It was lucky Verun had swallowed a smallke��s worth of Dragon��s Blood. Without it, the Spirit Tool would probably have been damaged by this point.


    Vivi was much worse off, and her vines were in a constant cycle of destruction and regrowth as they tried to help as best as they could. But Zac could sense exhaustion through his link. These terrifying mes were too draining, and she wouldn��t be able to keep fighting much longer. If he forced it, Zac would be damaging her already waning vitality, and he definitely wouldn��t do something like that for a duel.


    But the pressure kept mounting. One three-legged crow turned to two as another one emerged from a sun in the sky. Zac was forced to fight the critters off with his free arm, relying on his durable body and recovery to constantly recover his burnt skin. Even then, Zac knew the situation wasn��t sustainable.


    He was already drowning under Iz��s assault. And since two of the suns had birthed powerful helpers, Zac guessed it was just a matter of time before there were nine of them harassing him. Zac fought with all the ferocity and tenacity of a primordial beast, but some things couldn��t be defeated with guts and grit alone. Iz Tayn was like a natural cmity that had descended upon his domain. Fighting her was like fighting nature��s wrath.


    Zac would either have to activate [Arcadian Crusade] to bring things back under control, or go for a Hail Mary before more crows and butterflies emerged. Since Vivi was tired and this ultimately was just a sparring session, Zac went with thetter. Using Berserking skills or treasures felt like breaking some unspoken rules, so Zac would rather give it onest hurrah before throwing in the towel.


    The next moment, Zac��sbat style slightly changed. It became more frantic, almost to the point it could be seen as suicidal. Zacpletely ignored a sr re hitting his chest as he violently mmed the infernal flower to the side. From there, Zac once more made to m into Iz in a full frontal collision. Like before, she expertly created enough distance with the help of her wings, but this time Zac didn��t follow in her wake.


    Taking a sr re straight on his chest hurt like hell, but he pushed down the pain as he pushed Cosmic Energy into the skill fractal for [Empyrean Aegis]. He had kept his ultimate defense in his back pocket until now, and it was finally time to use it. Iz��s eyes widened in surprise upon sensing Zac��s energy churn, but she smiled a bit as she followed suit.


    But how could Zac let her do as she pleased?


    He had a head start already, and with a small infusion of Void Energy, he cut the casting time down by another 30%, allowing him to summon the golden pirs before Iz managed to activate her own skill. Zac hadn��t initially nned on using Void Energy in this fight, but he also didn��t want to lose without giving a proper performance.


    A golden radiance swallowed the fiery domain, and Iz shuddered as the suppression of Zac��s defensive skill interrupted her skill activation. Zac was already charging his second skill by this point, and heunched it the moment it was ready. The Abyss and Arcadia sang as the world was split in two, and the delineation between Life and Death headed straight for Iz.


    Vivi had managed to catch Iz��s ankles, thanks to [Empyrean Aegis] temporarily weakening her burning film. She wouldn��t be trapped for long, but Zac didn��t need more than an instant. Zac was ready to forcibly deactivate his skill if Iz threw in the towel, but he knew there would be trouble as she pushed forward her miniature sun with a wide smile on her face.


    Zac urgently activated a barrier to block out the fallout. But as the world turned white and eerily calm, Zac heard the sound of three pirs instantly crumbling before he lost consciousness.

 Chapter 960: The Business of War

    Chapter 960: The Business of War


    ��Not bad,�� Calrin said with a small nod as he worked hard not to seem impressed.


    It wasn��t easy.


    The scene outside was far from anything Calrin had ever witnessed, even if he was toiling under a fate-touched oddity like the little Lord Atwood. That little troublemaker might have visited amazing ces, but Calrin had been stuck in the offices of the Thayer Consortia most of his life. He hadn��t even gotten to travel much since his n had lost most of its businesses by the time he started rising through the ranks.


    The War Fortress was asrge as an E-grade, and the thousands of vessels that flew in and out through its gates looked like bees running errands for the hive. But while impressive, seeing so many Cosmic Vessels in one ce filled Calrin with some worry. The production capacity of Lord Atwood was only a few vessels a week on average.


    Even if the shipyard toiled night and day until the war started, they still wouldn��t be able to construct as many ships as Calrin saw right now. And this was just one of many War Fortresses, along with all the actuals that had been turned into military bases. Would he beughed out of the offices when he presented his demands?


    Worse, would he be made captive to lure out his boss?


    Calrin��s intestines turned with regret as the War Fortress drew closer. He had taken the bait hook, line, and sinker. So what if the Lord had offered him a 10%mission on the difference between the calcted asking price and the actual price? At that moment, Calrin had forgotten one needed to be alive to enjoy his riches. He could only see the tens of thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins that would potentially enter his pockets.


    Besides, through the conversations with the crew aboard this vessel, Calrin knew he might be in for some rough negotiations even if they didn��t scheme against him. Time was running out, and there were a million things that needed to be purchased. The Allbright Empire was already stretching itself thin and had been forced to increase taxation twice over the past three years.


    At the same time, Calrin��s wares were simply problematic when put in context to the Zecia sector. Sure, the vessels he had in his Mercantile Space were much better than the buckets he saw flying outside, but the price was also in a league of its own.


    Here in the Red Sector, you could get an Early D-grade Cosmic Vessel for around 1,500 to 2,500 D-grade Nexus Coins. If you dared to use one of the Salvaged Scrap Vessels from the Million Gates Territory, you could go as low as 500 D-grade Nexus Coins. And these were procurement prices, not production prices, in a time when many forces were building their own.


    Meanwhile, the models of Lord Atwood ranged between 18,000 and 32,000 D-grade Nexus Coins per vessel. It was more than ten times the average purchase price in the region. Add to that sales taxes, System-enforced import tariffs, and a profit margin, and you were looking at twenty times the price. So for every vessel the War Coalition purchased from the Thayer Consortia, they would be giving up on a small fleet.


    Lord Atwood��s goal was to make at least five C-grade Nexus Coins before the war started, which meant each vessel would have to have an average profit of almost 6,000 D-grade Nexus Coins. Certainly, such a margin was, in fact, quite modest considering the production prices, just 25%pared to the average of 50%.


    As far as Calrin could tell, their only chance was that the unique features and technology would be deemed powerful enough to price the vessels as the equivalent of Medium Quality Middle D-grade Cosmic Vessels. Even if the speed and durability of the ships were better than any Early D-grade vessels in Zecia, there ultimately was a small gap from them being true Middle D-grade vessels when it came to fundamental specifications.


    Still, Calrin was ready to fight for his nest egg as the Cosmic Vessel drew into one of the many hangars. Outside, there already were a group of ten people waiting, and Calrin got a sinking feeling when he saw the man in the lead. This man had the aura of a practiced miser, and the air of authority around him indicated he would have a say in the negotiations.


    Like that, the nest egg had sprouted wings and threatened to fly away. No! Calrin wouldn��t give up after havinge so far.


    ��Esteemed friends, heroes of the vanguard, it is my very utmost honor to make your acquaintance,�� Calrin said with a wide smile as he walked over. ��This one is called Calrin, and I represent the Thayer Conso-��


    ��Tsymo Sendroska,�� the haughty man cut Calrin off without so much as looking up from the docket in his hand. ��I am a senior quartermaster of the Sixth Procurement Division, and I will be in charge of measurement and quality control of your wares. Along with the potential brokerage of a trade agreement, should the wares be deemed genuine and of use to the Alliance.��


    ��Master Sendroska, a pleasure,�� Calrin said with a bow. ��Pardon my ignorance; I was under the impression I would be met with a representative of the esteemed Peak Family?��


    ��The Peak n is one of the foremost fighting forces of the Allbright Empire,�� Tsymo scoffed. ��They do not have time to deal with some small trade agreements, so they handed the matter to the Sixth. Now, where are the wares? Looking at the specifications, it will take roughly a week to test the products, so we should start as soon as possible.��


    Calrin felt his smile be increasingly strained, but he couldn��t give in now. This man was trying to bulldoze them. If he just bent over here, they would definitely get a bad quote, if one at all.


    ��The War Coalition should have been sent the specification sheet already,�� Calrin said with as pleasant a voice as he could. ��And as I mentioned, wee rmended by the Peaks themselves. Our specifications may seem like grand exaggerations, but this one can guarantee-��


    ��The fact youe rmended is the only reason we are wasting our time on this at all,�� Tsymo said as he finally looked up from his clipboard, only to give Calrin a withering look. ��And we should just take the word of a small workshop that proims their wares are better than any other shipwrights in the sector? There has been nock of wartime profiteers who have tried to defraud the Alliance, heedless of the fact that every coin misspent will mean lives lost.��


    ��I assure you, there are no problems with our wares,�� Calrin said. ��Master Sendroska, you should be aware of who I am representing. The young Lord is a million-year genius, whiches with certain unique advantages.��


    ��Climbing towers does not make one a shipwright,�� Tsymo snorted. ��Now, take out the vessels for inspection, or is their portability a lie as well?��


    Calrin nkly looked at the presumptuous quartermaster for a moment. Sometimes he wondered if he had strayed down the wrong path. Sometimes, he dreamt he could be like the young Lord, swinging his axe to make all trouble disappear. Was the pursuit of wealth that important? It would feel infinitely more satisfying to throw out a handful of talismans instead. He was even willing to sacrifice a few D-grade Nexus Coins with [Curse of Mammon] if it empowered the talismans enough to blow this bastard to kingdome.


    A gnome could dream.


    ��These vessels contain some proprietary arrays, and I have not been permitted to freely expose these things without a contract in ce,�� Calrin said, but he still conjured two huge cubes that thumped down behind him. ��But out of respect for the Peak family, I will hand over the IL-28 Starburst and the IL-32 Farsight for the Sixth to inspect. With my Lord being a personal friend of Miss Pretty Peak, I trust I can count on your discretion.��


    ��We will take it from here,�� Tsymo said as he took the two control spheres. ��Lead our guests to their quarters.��


    ��You do not want us to oversee what you��re doing to our vessels?�� Calrin frowned, no longer able to pretend to be pleased with the situation. ��It sounds like you are confining us.��


    ��This is a strategic base for the uing war. We cannot have civilians running amok,�� Tsymo said as he nodded at the guards behind him.


    Calrin could sense his two guards tense up, and he could only sigh with resignation. ��Then we��ll be in your care.��


    From there, they were quickly whisked away to a decent group of rooms far from any important people and resources.


    ��What should we do?�� Tina, one of the two humansses Lord Atwood had sent to apany him, asked after they were alone. ��It almost seems like this guy has it out for us, and now we��re essentially on house arrest?��


    ��Most organizations have these little barons who let their authority go to their heads. It��s but a small bump in the negotiations,�� Calrin assured. ��Luckily, our wares speak for themselves. Some little quartermaster isn��t enough to shroud the Heavens.��


    ��Still, it��s odd,�� Tina muttered.


    ��That it is,�� Calrin sighed. ��No force is without its internal strife, and a shared base like this is even worse. I fear this Tsymo might belong to one of the Lord��s enemies. After all, he killed quite a few scions in the Tower of Eternity.��


    ��So what should we do?�� Jennifer interjected.


    ��Worsees to worst, we will have to create a scene that will force some higher-ups toe,�� Calrin said. ��That way, we can plead our case to a new party. And the Lord has prepared a few things for us in case the situation goes south.��


    ��But what if they steal the technology of our vessels?�� Tina asked.


    ��I asked the young Lord about that scenario,�� Calrin said. ��ording to him, they won��t get close to unlocking the secrets of these ships even if they had ten thousand years. I say let them have at it. When they realize it��s futile, we��ll be put in a better position for the negotiations. Don��t worry; ol�� Calrin has the situation under control.��


    But as the days passed, Calrin started to feel less and less confident. They were essentially treated like prisoners on lockdown, except that their items weren��t taken away. Being away from the consortia, Calrin didn��t have ess to the Mercantile System either, making it impossible to contact anyone for help.


    Had their preparations been insufficient? Would he really have to pull that card?


    After one long week, they were finally called to a conference hall. By that point, Calrin��s nerves were already frayed, and he didn��t have the energy to pretend to be satisfied upon seeing that they still had to deal with the insufferable Tsymo Sendroska. At least there was one more person in the room; a stern middle-aged woman with a stack of diagrams and schematics in front of her.


    A technician, perhaps? Or an Array Master?


    ��Sit,�� Tsymo said as the three were led into the room.


    ��Being witness to the hospitality of the War Coalition has been a unique experience,�� Calrinmented. ��I pray my lord and his benefactors will not see it as a slight against their prestige.��


    ��An army has its rules and regtions; no one is above it,�� Tsymo said without a care. ��Now, we��ve tested the vessels. While they barely meet the specifications you listed, there are multiple problems. For one, it is impossible to properly gauge many of the technologies you spout. And even if they work, the cost-to-benefit ratio will be abysmal. As such-��


    ��Excuse me, what do you mean by benefactors?�� the woman interjected, drawing a displeased look from Tsymo. ��The Peaks? No, that can��t be right. They don��t have the skills to manufacture these types of vessels. They are much too advanced.��


    Calrin nced at Tsymo, and he knew he didn��t have an option. Someone bought this bastard off, and this technician was his best chance at getting fair treatment. The other option was to blow up the whole chamber to attract the leaders of this ce. But negotiating from the position of a terrorist was an uphill battle Calrin didn��t feel confident in emerging victorious from.


    ��While my young Lord is on friendly terms with multiple people from the Peaks, they are only the sponsors for this meeting. The Lord��s benefactor is someone else, though you might not have heard of him,�� Calrin said before adding a pause. ��He has gone by many names, but my Lord knows him as Alvod Jondir.��


    ��Jondir?�� the technician slowly said before her eyes widened in shock.


    ��The Eveningtide Asura?�� Tsymo scoffed. ��Are you trying to threaten us with the name of a dead man? As I suspected, you are up to no good. As such, I see no option but-��


    ��I hope I am not interrupting,�� a calm voice suddenly interjected, and Calrin was both shocked and delighted to see a schrly-looking man had appeared out of nowhere. He had no aura yet somehow exuded an innate pressure that almost made Calrin bow in deference.


    A Monarch.


    ��Your Royal Highness!�� the technician and Tsymo eximed when they saw the new arrival, and Calrin was delighted to see Tsymo��s face go deathly pale as he shot to his feet.


    ��My young friend, I am sorry to have left you waiting so long. I wanted to personally wee you after my friends told me you wereing, but I was forced to deal with some matters inside the Million Gates Territory,�� the man said with a warm smile before turning to the quartermaster. ��Tsymo, is it? Why are you just standing there? Why have you not offered our guest some refreshments?��


    ��Of course,�� Tsymo hurriedly said, his haughty demeanor long gone.


    ��After you��re done, you can present yourself to the Wartime Tribunal. Your employers might be an important sponsor for our endeavor, but they are not above thew.��


    Calrin��s face remained impassive as Tsymo served him tea with a constipated look, but his heart wasn��t as calm. This was an even bigger fish than he had expected. Calrin didn��t know if this Allbright princeling was telling the truth or if he had been forced to act because of the threat of the Eveningtide Asura. And Calrin didn��t give a hoot. He only cared about what the shift in reception meant for him and the Thayer Consortia. There were profits to be made here.


    The only question was how far he could push things based on a lie.


    ���������������C


    ��Ow shi-�� Zac swore as he woke up with a start, but he was surprised to find that he didn��t actually hurt at all.


    Zac realized he was lying prone on the ground. He looked around with confusion, trying to remember what had just happened. He remembered Iz pushing her golden sun toward the iing sh of his [Rapturous Divide], followed by an incredibly bright light. It had felt like it had consumed everything andpletely engulfed him, yet both he and his surroundings were fine.


    Or as fine as one could expect after such an intense battle. The whole area was scorched and marred beyond redemption, and echoes of his and Iz��s Daos were engraved into the ground. Cracks also reached deep into the ground, an effect of [Arcadia��s Judgment] and the geyser eruption. If this little ind had been a barren rock before, then it was now a truly deste wastnd.


    ��How are you feeling?�� Iz asked, and Zac turned over to see her sitting a few meters away from him.


    ��Your face!�� Zac eximed with shock as he saw a small cut that barely missed Iz��s eye.


    ��Don��t worry,�� Iz said as the wound started burning. A momentter, it was gone, leaving not even a scar behind. ��I just wanted to show you how far you hade.��


    Zac wryly smiled as he got to his feet. A small nick wasn��t much of anything, but it still felt like an aplishment. So his [Rapturous Divide] hadn��t beenpletely overwhelmed at the end.


    ��What��s going on?�� Zac grunted as he looked around, trying to figure out what kind of attack had knocked him out. ��What happened at the end there? Did you cheat and throw out some treasure?��


    ��That depends on how you define cheating,�� Iz said after some thought. ��I didn��t use any treasures or outside help. I fused two Aspects to allow my Golden Sun to unleash a wave of the Abyssal Star. Its effect is disruption. It breaks apart most skills, and it even disrupted your consciousness for a moment.��


    ��Isn��t that too powerful?�� Zac muttered.


    ��Not really,�� Iz said. ��You wouldn��t have lost your consciousness had you blocked your sight in time. And if you had avoided letting the light of the Abyssal Star enter your eyes, you would have been able to hold onto your skill better. It would still have broken down, but that is because my heritage has an inherent advantage over certain concepts that particr skill is based on.��


    ��Well, I guess it was a valuable lesson,�� Zac smiled. ��There are only so many kinds of heritages that exist here on the Frontier. Getting exposed to some new things will help me shore up my weaknesses. But what did you mean when you said you fused Aspects? Is it Dao, or those forms? Something I can do?��


    Zac wouldn��t mind getting a transformation like that based on his Daos. Just the thought of getting Aspects to match his two stances seemed incredibly powerful.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ��It has some natal prerequisites,�� Iz said with a shake of her head, instantly dashing Zac��s hopes. ��Bloodline, Inheritance, Dao, Energy Control. You could consider it akin to Dao Intent and Atavism, but slightly moreplicated. Truthfully, I don��t think it��s a path suited for you.��


    ��That��s fine,�� Zac smiled. ��I have my hands full anyway. Still, those forms of yours were pretty amazing. Though I have seen more than enough of that terrifying flower.��


    ��It didn��t manage to keep you contained,�� Iz smiled. ��And its mes only left some small blemishes.��


    ��So why am I fine?�� Zac muttered as he looked down at his body. ��Is my new constitution that amazing?��


    ��Of course not,�� Iz giggled. ��You looked a bit pitiful when you were knocked out, so I poured some elixir on you.��


    ��Never mind,�� Zac coughed as he dragged his hand over his once-again bald head.


    Still some ways to go.

 Chapter 961: A Lonely Path

    Chapter 961: A Lonely Path


    Zac had overestimated his new Void Vajra Constitution for a moment there, but it wasn��t all bad. Zac had felt that his constitution wasn��t just for show during the fight, even if it hadn��t given him unique healing capabilities just yet. He had been constantly inside or adjacent to incredibly powerful mes, but his skin had resisted the onught better than expected.


    The vibrant life in his body had sped up the healing process by letting his damaged cells die, and new ones be reborn. That didn��t just allow his body to endure more punishment but even helped expel Iz��s Dao a bit faster. The constitution wasn��t powerful enough to provide a significant advantage in a battle with someone like Iz, but that would eventually change.


    By the time he reached Minor Sublimation at the thirdyer of his technique, he would no doubt be immune to Daos and attacks beneath a certain threshold, where his body automatically healed faster than the environment or enemy could damage him. And this effect would have great synergy with his Eoz durability, where the sum would be greater than its parts.


    ��So, are you satisfied now?�� Zac asked.


    ��Yes, I feel much better,�� Iz seriously nodded as she handed him the [Stone of Celestial Void]. ��Like an annoying sound in the back of my head has been quieted after a decade.��


    ��That��s nice, I guess,�� Zac said with a roll of his eyes before he looked at Iz suspiciously. ��By the way, why the hell are you so strong? I thought you were a mage.��


    ��My transformations convert to and add Strength and Dexterity, based on my Intelligence and Wisdom,�� Iz exined. ��Besides, I never said I was a pure mage. It��s simply more convenient to use my [World��s End] and Dao to deal with annoying matters. Also, using these forms have some implications, so my elders don��t want me to use them on the outside.��


    ��Well, your secret��s safe with me,�� Zac nodded as he took out a piece of Beast King meat.


    [Adamance of Eoz] had been working overtime throughout the fight, reducing the damage he took while buffeted by Iz��s unrelenting mes. Now, it felt like a ck hole had opened in his stomach, and he was only satiated after gobbling down over five kilos of D-grade meat.


    ��By the way, you still have another transformation you could add on, right?�� Zac said. ��For six wings total.��


    Iz nodded slightly, and Zac sighed. ��So, I couldn��t force you to go all out.��


    ��I think you weren��t going all out either. I didn��t add my third Aspect, while you didn��t use your third Dao Branch. And I know your bloodline is incredibly powerful. I can��t sense it anymore, but I could feel it back in the Tower of Eternity,�� Iz said. ��Who knows how far you would have pushed me if you had used all your cards? The distance between us is much shorter today than ten years ago.��


    Zac hummed before looking at Iz with some confusion. ��How is that possible, though? I am by no means an expert, but I can tell you have incredibly high affinities. Not only that, but you��re rich enough to give others Heart Demons. How am I catching up to you? Don��t you enjoy cultivation?��


    Iz seemed to be ruminating over the question for quite a while before she finally answered. ��Do I enjoy it? I don��t know? I think I do, and I want to live up to my family��s expectations. They sacrificed a lot to give me an opportunity. So I have worked hard on my cultivation, even if it might not seem like it from your perspective.


    ��Your ascension would be considered rapid anywhere, and I think you have experienced more than most in our age cohort. But an important reason you are progressing rtively quicklypared to me and others like me is urgency and timeframes.


    ��You have been desperately pushing yourself to protect yourself and others. You have been forced by environment and circumstance to target short-term gains, things that will directly improve yourbat strength. It was only when you were stuck in the Voidcatcher and forced to slow down that you had the chance to focus on a long-term project such as your techniques, no?


    ��People from older factions generally do not have that urgency. We have no deadlines to meet, no looming threats that require us to rise to the asion. Nothing has changed for my family over the past million years. So the way we cultivate is a bit different. I have less reason to focus on quick gains �C I will still be considered a junior even after reaching Monarchy.


    ��Instead, we spend the earlier grades purifying our bodies andmuning with the Heavens, steadily shoring up our foundations. You could say that we are both floating down a stream, but you have been swimming to speed up your progress even further,�� Iz said. ��Meanwhile, people like me have been conserving our strength and gotten to know the river better. In the future, we will be better prepared when the river turns more dangerous and unpredictable.��


    ��So you are improving yourselves in various ways that will help you pass the future bottlenecks?�� Zac asked.


    ��The road of cultivation is long, and you can only direct the river of fate when you reach the peak,�� Iz said. ��And only when we be Autarchs or higher can we be of real assistance to our factions. So that��s what we n for, what we train for. Some things are better aplished early, even if it dys our progress by a decade or two. Because it will create a ripple effect of positive changes for the rest of our journey.��


    ��What about momentum?�� Zac asked.


    ��In the grand scheme of things, a few years, decades, millennia even, doesn��t matter. If you rush headlong toward the future, you might miss some clues along the way,�� Iz answered. ��As long as we progress one way or another and don��t dally too long at every grade, we will retain our momentum.��


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. There was truth to what she said, and he had multiple examples of just that in his own situation. His ascent to E-grade was extremely rushed. He would have been far more powerful if he had just spent a few more years shoring up his foundations. He could have gotten more titles, higher Daos, and figured out his path better before evolving.


    Ultimately, Zac felt no need to worry about it overly much. Everyone had their road to walk. There were no guarantees a slower path like Iz��s would have benefitted him more in the long run. He might have missed out on other opportunities instead, such as Twilight Harbor and the Orom World. Progress was progress, and there were usually ways to shore up one��s weaknesses down the road.


    Life wasn��t a video game; there was no such thing as min-maxing and getting 100%pletion. You could only work your hardest and stay true to your heart.


    ��I��m not saying this to minimize you or your aplishments. The path you��ve taken is incredible,�� Iz added after a short silence. ��I��m saying this because you need to be careful about underestimating yourpetition in the uing trial.��


    ��What about them?�� Zac asked.


    ��There are still some years before thepetition for the Eternal Heritage begins. The candidates of the respective factions have most likely already entered a different phase of their training. One more akin to your progress where they use their steady foundations to climb in strength quickly. That way, they will be able to exhibit far more power during their trial,�� Iz exined. ��It will be the same with me after I return.��


    ��I know; I��ll keep working hard,�� Zac nodded. ��Alright, let��s get out of here. Do you want me to take you to the Nexus Hub?��


    ��I��m not in a hurry. Kvalk will require another two days to reach our assigned meet-up spot,�� Iz said. ��How about you show me around your grand empire?��


    ��Sure,�� Zac grinned. ��But you��ll have to hide your presence. Your looks will create some waves, and your presence here might leak to the outsiders. It��ll be hard to extract resources from the various factions if people think I work for you.��


    ��You��re ying a dangerous game,�� Iz smiled. ��But that��s what I like about you.��


    The two toured Earth and Ensolus over the next two days, visiting the various species and towns under his umbre. Iz mostly asked about his process of conquest and how he had incorporated the various factions rather than the people themselves. It seemed to be a result of her family��s upbringing; other people weren��t fated, so they didn��t matter to her.


    She was much more interested in how the integration and the subsequent years on Earth had influenced him and his path. She hadn��t participated in an Incursion herself, so she was curious about the struggles and how they had helped him grow.


    Instead of an Incursion, Iz had undergone various tests and trials that provided simr titles and boons. Not to mention, she was already a Countess from the System��s perspective, which apparently was the highest rank you could attain in the E-grade while mostly relying on your background. You needed to be an actual Autarch to be a Duke and enjoy the various benefits such a rank provided.


    Not only that, but you also needed to aplish various feats. Unsurprisingly, conquering unintegrated territory seemed to be the most effective way to rise through the ranks, but there were other ways you could prove yourself to the System. Simrly, Iz had needed toplete a series of quests simr to his own Sovereignty-questline to get the rank and titles that her family��s status awarded.


    Ultimately, Iz didn��t say much about life in the Hearnds, and Zac didn��t feelfortable prying too much. It felt like something would change if he did, and not for the better. But it was clear it was a very different environment to the chaotic andwless struggle for power that had allowed Zac to climb thedder of sess.


    The two also discussed various aspects of cultivation, and it was almost like they were in a world of their own. Even when strolling the busy streets of Port Atwood, they were like ghosts. Zac didn��t even need to use his cowl or bracer. Iz had some sort of treasure that had a much greater effect �C it even made people unconsciously move around the two.


    Zac and Iz even sparred a few more times, though they didn��t use skills in the bouts. Instead, they fought using just techniques and Dao while restricting their attributes to be roughly the same. As expected, Zac held a small edge when it came to technique, but Iz was infinitely better at infusing her strikes and movements with her Dao.


    That way, it bnced out. Her application was a bit worse since she couldn��t perfectly fuse her Dao into her movements and attacks. Conversely, the empowerment from her Dao was greater since she always used incredibly powerful Dao Arrays.


    The two days passed in a sh, and they eventually returned to hispound. Iz had asked to visit his favorite spot on the ind, and he had taken her to the perg overlooking the sea after some hesitation. He rarely visited this spot anymore, but Triv always kept it nice and tidy.


    ��Your citizens seem happy,�� Izmented after sitting down.


    ��Well, I try my best,�� Zac said with a smile, though it wasn��t without some mixed emotions as he sat with another woman in this spot.


    ��Don��t you find it a hindrance to your path?�� Iz asked curiously. ��To be fettered by billions of lesser fates?��


    ��I don��t look at it that way,�� Zac shrugged. ��My empire and my followers make me work harder so that I can better protect them. Besides, I��m not some benevolent ruler. I know I��ll continue into the Multiverse one day unless I get myself killed first. At that point, they will have to pave their own path.��


    The two sat and overlooked the ocean for a while longer until Iz eventually spoke up again. ��It is about time I return.��


    ��It��s been nice having you,�� Zac said. ��Apart from the beatdown, I guess.��


    ��I don��t know about that. I��ve seen the happiness in your eyes when we��ve fought; it shone the brightest during our first bout. Your path is best expressed on the battlefield. It��s where you��re closest to the Dao,�� Iz smiled as she stood up. ��I have enjoyed myself as well. It��s like your poem said; the road to power can be a lonely one, even if you are surrounded by people. asionally getting a break is not bad.��


    ��I know what you mean,�� Zac sighed.


    Zac could tell she was in a simr situation as himself back home, where status and potential created a wall around her. If anything, it was most likely much more exaggerated in her case. From what little he could gather, Iz��s family wasn��t one with trillions of descendants like some of the ancient ns.


    It was rather one of the small factions with incredibly powerful individuals. Like the Peak family, only far more exaggerated. Being the little princess of such a faction as an E-grade cultivator was most likely quite lonely. Those around her were either old monsters like her ��uncle,�� or servants.


    It wasn��t quite that bad for Zac just yet. Even then, he could tell how his rtionships had shifted as the gap in power and status increased. Lacking fate, Iz would call it, where most of his followers weren��t destined to walk down the same path as he. Some, like N and Sap Trang, had already indicated they had reached their limit, and they were just the first.


    Iz and her family seemed to deal with it by avoiding Karmic connections and keeping a distance. Zac still tried to hold onto his mortal side, but it was getting harder as he pursued the Dao. Would he one day sever his connection to individual citizens and look at the Atwood Empire as an intricate machine?


    Zac wasn��t ready to face that issue, so he turned his attention to Iz. ��When are youing back to Zecia?��


    ��Just before the trial, I expect,�� Iz said. ��My elders will want me to train for as long as possible if they��re to let me participate. So I will only arrive in time to pick up thest piece before I head into the Left Imperial Pce.��n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Just as expected. Zac hesitated a bit before he made his decision.


    ��There is one more thing,�� Zac slowly said as they walked toward the Teleportation Array. ��I have some information that I think is important for you.��


    ��Oh?�� Iz said curiously.


    Zac waved his hand, and the quest screen for Ultom appeared.


    ��Nine Sealbearers,�� Iz muttered. ��I do not know that many people. This is troubling.��


    ��I figured you should know, considering you��ve been dealing with this alone,�� Zac said. ��Of course, I��m not sure if everyone gets this quest or if the rules differ for different people. I was just afraid that you wouldn��t have time to assemble a cycle if you returned at thest minute.��


    ��This is too much,�� Iz slowly said as she seriously looked at Zac. ��Bnce has been eschewed. What can I give in return?��


    ��It��s fine,�� Zac said with a wave of his hand. ��You��ve already helped me a lot since the Void Star.��


    ��No, my elders will not allow it,�� Iz said. ��This is a gift affecting fate.��


    ��Well,�� Zac said after some thought. ��The Undead Empire is getting me Death-attuned treasures to nurture my Draugr side. I am looking for some Life-attuned items to bnce myself out. Are you able to manufacture a certain array for me?��


    ��Array? For your soul?�� Iz asked.


    ��Exactly,�� Zac said as he imprinted the fourth and fifth schematics onto an information crystal.


    He��d gotten the second and third sets of Array Disks in Twilight Harbor, but they��dcked the raw materials needed to create the fourth. Getting the fourth and fifth death-attuned arrays from the Undead Empire shouldn��t be a big problem, considering their desire to push him toward Death. That left the life-attuned side, where Iz was his best bet for a quick solution.


    ��These things are incredibly simple to manufacture,�� Izmented.


    Zac wryly smiled. ��Well, throw in some Life-attuned treasures for nurturing my Soul and Constitution until you feel fate has been bnced.��


    Iz��s brows scrunched up in thought a moment before her eyes lit up. Then she took out an item, but Zac nkly looked at it with confusion. It was not a vial, pill, or some other sort of treasure. It was a plushie, looking like arge fireball with a wide grin.


    ��This���� Zac hesitated.


    ��This was a present from grandpa when I was young,�� Iz said. ��Grandpa has an identical one back home. In a sense, they are one, even if they are apart. I don��t have any of the items you need on me, but I can ce one in the mouth of Ballie back home, and it should appear in mmie��s mouth instantaneously.��


    ��Something like that��s possible?�� Zac eximed. ��A quantum-entangled plushie?��


    ��That sounds like some Technocrat invention,�� Iz said with a shake of her head. ��In reality, the toys contain a unique stone found inside a Spatial Anomaly. They��re the reason this works. The transfer can only be used a few times more times, though, since Grandpa used to send me candies with it while he was cultivating. A long-distance transfer like this will likely expend thest of their energy, so don��t put anything in mmie��s mouth, or you might break it.��


    ��Alright, thank you,�� Zac said with a smile.


    Iz really came from a prodigal family. Those kinds of spatial stones seemed incredibly valuable, but they were just used to sneak sweets.


    ��It��s just what I should do,�� Iz nodded.


    ��So, how will you deal with the quest?�� Zac asked curiously.


    ��I��m not sure,�� Iz slowly said. ��I do not like the idea of having the fates of nine strangers hang onto mine, even if my uncle sends some subordinates into this Sector. Perhaps I can capture nine people after returning and let them go on their own business after the inheritance has opened.��


    ��That might not work,�� Zac countered. ��What if the whole cycle is needed to progress through the inheritance?��


    ��If I cannot attain the inheritance by following my beliefs, then I am simply not fated,�� Iz said.


    ��I guess that makes sense,�� Zac nodded before he thought of something. ��Those guys who invade us, the Kan��Tanu, seem to be capturing candidates and selling them to you outsiders. You might be able to get ess that way, while freeing some people captured by those lunatics.��


    ��Perhaps,�� Iz nodded, though Zac could tell she didn��t like the idea of trading with the Kan��Tanu.


    ��I��m going,�� Iz said a momentter as the Teleportation Array shed to life.


    ��Alright,�� Zac smiled. ��Work hard on your cultivation. Wouldn��t it be embarrassing if a barbarian on the Frontier caught up with you?��


    ��I don��t think it would be so bad,�� Iz said. ��I��d say ��stay out of trouble,�� but I know you wouldn��t listen. I will see you in a few years.��


    With that, Iz was gone, headed toward a border town of the Zecia sector where Kvalk was waiting. Apparently, it was quicker for Iz to make a few jumps until she reached a special wormhole a few sectors over, which would take her back home instantly.


    The shimmering lights of the Teleportation Array soon dissipated, leaving Zac alone in hispound. It had been a fun diversion to have Iz visit. Like Iz said, even the beatdown had provided him with multiple insights. But now, it was time to continue his cultivation.


    It was time to see what other Hidden Nodes his undead side had.

 Chapter 962: Once More Into the Depths

    Chapter 962: Once More Into the Depths


    Originally, Zac had nned on using the [Essence of the Abyss] muchter, some time after using the Temporal Chamber. Now, he didn��t have that luxury. He wasn��t ready to seal himself off for three years, and the elixir would start losing its efficacy soon. So Zac would have to activate his Draugr heritage immediately, which was why he had asked Iz for Life-Attuned treasures rather than something else.


    Any item Iz would send over would undoubtedly be absurdly powerful, far surpassing what Calrin might get his hands on. And with his cultivation of [Void Vajra Sublimation] being faster than he��d expected, he felt it was safe enough to drink the [Essence of the Abyss] early without risking the bnce between Life and Death.


    When Zac returned to his cave, he transformed into his Draugr form. A smile spread across his face since he still felt the sense of vibrancy in his cells even if there were no golden kes to be seen. In other words, the intangible benefits of his new Constitution were still there. Not only that, but a quick calction confirmed that he retained the bonus attributes, even if the line in the Status screen was gone.


    This was exactly what he��d hoped to see. Until now, Zac had been worried that his mother��s n had nned on using his second half as a ��feeder ss�� that would pour a bunch of benefits into his outwardly normal Human form. Thankfully, it looked like the benefits were bidirectional, creating a huge advantage for both sides.


    Hopefully, this meant he could fully stack the benefits of two Constitutions just like he gained the benefits of his Branch of the Pale Seal in his human form without really using it. And judging by what Catheya told him about Eoz, it seemed like his Bloodline Constitution would match his Dao.


    The only regret was that he was bing more and more lopsided. His survivability was pretty shocking as it were, and it would only get more absurd when tacking on his Constitutions. Meanwhile, Zac felt his speed slowly fall behind, even if he poured all his free attribute points into Dexterity.


    Until now, he had been the bane of speedy cultivators like assassins. But as Iz said, he couldn��t underestimate the elites of the Multiverse. His only way to deal with powerful rogues was to trap them and slowly whittle them down with his domains, but he wasn��t confident he��d be able to hit them with his attacks.


    And if the enemy was fast enough, his Danger Sense wouldn��t be enough to save him from a powerful finisher. His body could only move so fast to avoid those kinds of strikes. Zac thought it over for a few minutes before he chose to send Catheya a message. He wanted to ask a few confirming questions about the Constitution of the Eoz Bloodline and whether one could somehow make it provide Dexterity and speed rather than durability.


    The response came within a few hours. Just as expected, the Bloodline of Eoz focused on Endurance and Survivability, and it couldn��t be just swapped over for something else. Bloodlines were fixed among the Draugr branches. The only difference between the descendants was how pure their bloodlines were and how many pieces of the Bloodline they managed to awaken.


    There were no such things as mixed bloodlines among them either. If two people of different branches married, the children would either have the father��s Bloodline or the mother��s. The difference in bloodline purity and cultivation level could skew the result in either direction, but it was still a bit of a toss-up. Therefore, Draugr generally married within their branch to avoid familialplications.


    However, there was good news as well. Draugr was ultimately a top-tier race, and the benefits would be more and more obvious the further you awakened your Bloodline. Even a defensive bloodline like Eoz would provideprehensive benefits, including strength and speed. Not only that, but Eoz had Hidden Nodes that weren��t just defensive.


    The exact details had been lost with time, or were at least unavable to the people in Zecia. But the Monarchs were certain Eoz possessed the means to be temporarily faster. Ultimately, he would have to use the [Essence of the Abyss] and figure out the details himself ording to them.


    They had already sent a general Bloodline Method, [Abyssal Revolutions], that would help him better control his Draugr Nodes. They had also promised to petition the Abyssal Shores to see if any of the original Eoz manuals remained. Unfortunately, they had already indicated those things might not be possible to send to Zecia in the short run.


    Zac guessed that was just another way for them to bind him to their chariot. Perhaps they��d take them out in a few years in return for him providing some sort of additional help. At least, Zac hoped that was the n. It was hard to figure out all the ways these people could be scheming against him. Zac wryly smiled as he put away themunication crystal with Catheya��s recording. He wondered what she would think if she knew the top-tier treasure she so proudly had disyed for him wasced with a Life-erasing seal.


    Not that it mattered. It was just like Iz said; he wasn��t convinced that something like that curse would work in the face of his Technocrat Duplicity Seal. In a sense, Zac felt his body was a lot like Iz��s toys. It was almost like his Duplicity Core had created two separate bodies superimposed on each other, and these bodies were then connected by [Quantum Gate]. If he swallowed the [Essence of the Abyss] in his Draugr form, there wouldn��t be any Life totch on to unless it somehow managed to pass through the mysterious tunnel in his chest.


    It wasn��t quite how it worked, but Zac knew it wasn��t so simple as his Duplicity Core holding a bunch of Miasma and a spare set of pathways. It wasn��t like his pathways emerged from the core itself when he swapped races. It was more like his human side sunk to the depths while his Draugr side rose to the surface. The bodies were one, yet separate.


    Zac shook his head as he took out the small vial. The mysteries of his body was something he��d have to slowly excavate and investigate over theing years. For now, Zac just wanted to see what his Bloodline had in store for him, so he decisively drank the tar-like concoction in the vial.


    Immediately, any errant thoughts were washed away. Zac felt his vision close in, like a darkness crept closer. It felt like death but also like a warm embrace. Zac didn��t try to fight it, as he recognized the feeling. It was just like what he��d experienced during his first Draugr vision. It was the embrace of the Abyssal Lake.


    Soon, his surroundings were gone, reced by endless darkness.


    ������-


    It was joy and sorrow entwined.


    Returning into the depths was toe home, in a way the buildings above could never match. The buffeting streams of the Abyss were the caress of a parent, weing and familiar. At the same time, it was different. Back then, before time, before thought, they had been one. But since he woke up, there was an unbridgeable gap between them.


    Was that why it had resisted his will all those years ago? Because it knew it was hard to take back an arrow that had left the string?


    Eoz asionally wondered if it had been a mistake for them to wake up. They had been safe, content. And while the boundless sky outside was marvelous beyondpare, it was also dangerous. Mez had seen it in the stars; a great darkness wasing to the cosmos, and they had little time to prepare.


    The others looked to them for leadership, but Eoz didn��t have the answers. He couldn��t see the will of the Heavens like his elder sister, nor could he call on the Abyss like Azol. So he would be a shield for the children of Draug, the Vanguard that would lead them through theing cmity.


    But he wasn��t ready.


    He had seen it with his own eyes; not even his eldest brother had traveled as far as he. If what Mez said was true, that they soon would lose the protection of the Abyss, there were not many ces for them to go. They were created in the image of the Abyss, but most of the cosmos was not. So Eoz hade back, to beseech Abyss for the strength needed to carry out his task.


    Deeper and deeper he went, far past the Pools of Rebirth and the Temples of Eschatology. The blessings inside were not enough. The Thirteen Fates, the Seven Grottos. Even the Sea of Unknowing passed by as Eoz pushed further than the children had ever gone. Toward where the true power of the Abyss hid.


    Part of him wanted to bring with him the sacred spaces of the Abyss, but Eoz knew he could not. They were a gift of the Abyss, or perhaps from those who came before. Before time, before the Heavens. Those who they had only found whispers of in the deepest sanctums, who had pressed against the edges of reality and chosen War. It was not their ce to take them �C the Abyss had made it clear.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eoz still hadn��t reached his destination, yet the weight of the universe was already bearing down on him. Existing was a struggle; moving was a to push the boundaries of what his body could withstand. If not for his body��s endurance, he would have sumbed already, but it was not enough.


    Will became strength, determination became speed. He pushed against fate and his limitations as he followed the path in his memory. He was getting closer to the beckoning call he��d felt upon first awakening. A call simr to the other unexplored mysteries of the depths, but one uniquely tuned to him.


    He could only pray that it would still ept him. Eoz��s muscles tore, and his soul cracked, but he kept going. His faith and his purpose shattered the fetters that chained him down and allowed him to push back against what had given him life. And just barely, it was enough to carry him to the journey��s end.


    The obelisk towered in the dark.


    The Abyss hummed, and a wave of terrifying disassociation hit him. For a moment, he was unsure who he was as he gazed upon the ancient pattern on the pir in front of him. Was this real, or was it a dream? Was that short and confusing life an illusion or a warning? Was he Eoz, or was he Zac?


    ������-


    The world shuddered and twisted, and Eoz shook his head as he looked at the swirling maelstrom in the distance. There had to be a sanctuary within, judging by the streams of Death in the confusing mesh of energies. But the taboo power expelled from its core was strange and terrifying, and he was so tired.


    Twenty thousand years had passed since he��d left thest sanctuary, and he could feel how the weight of the Heavens was wearing him thin. Entering this anomaly to scout and stabilize it would carry a real risk. But what choice did he have? If he was suffering, the fates of the children were far worse, and both Azol and Mez were needed to sustain their people.


    Once more into the depths.


    �������C


    Zac slowly woke up, but he didn��t move an inch. There were a lot of impressions to digest from the vision, but he was reluctant to give up the feeling of warmth and security that the [Essence of the Abyss] provided. More importantly, there was a huge amount of energy from the elixir remaining, and it was all burrowing into a hidden spot by his navel, just over his Specialty Core.


    This sensation wasn��t anything new; a Hidden Node was being cracked open.


    Unfortunately, not even half a day was enough, and the energy from the elixir was finally waning. Meanwhile, the node seemed unwilling to pass the threshold and awaken. Had Iz��s investigation damaged the treasure more than she��d realized? There was no time to cry over spilled milk; Zac had to figure out how to turn the tides.


    A quick test confirmed Miasma Crystals and random Death-attuned treasures didn��t cut it. They entered his body, but they barely seemed to affect the node. There was something about the energy of the [Essence of the Abyss] that made it far more efficient than normal Death-attuned items. It was based on something deeper, more profound, than the items Zac had sourced in the Zervereth sector.


    The situation was worsening by the minute, and Zac could even feel the Hidden Node slowly recede. The window of opportunity was closing, but Zac suddenly had an idea. He swallowed a few normal Node-breaking Pills to buy some time as he shed over to the inner sanctum of his Death-attuned cave. Right in the center, a ck pedestal held a small ck sphere.


    It was the [Seed of Undeath] he��d taken from the Undead Incursion years ago. It was once the heart of the Realignment Array but had since been turned into a battery for his cave. Because of its inherent nature, it had also strengthened the Miasma Veins beneath the mountain, allowing the transition to bepleted far earlier in Port Atwood than elsewhere.


    The egg had used up most of its energy before Zac got its hand on it, and it was almost running on empty by now. However, even if just a small amount of Death remained in the tank, it was pure and concentrated. Zac still didn��t know exactly how these things were made, but he suspected it had something to do with the Heart of the Empire, the Eternal Heritage the Undead Empire had found.


    The Death in these things was so pure and potent without being high-grade, and the only simr thing he��d encountered was Ultom and its light of truth. That would also exin why these things had to be sent over from the Hearnds rather than produced locally by the Kavriel n. But no matter how impressive its origins were, it was mostly useless by now.


    With Earth already bing a real Death-attuned world, there was not much purpose to holding onto this thing. So, Zac took it and cracked the sphere open, prompting a huge cloud of Death to erupt in the cave. If any living being had stood in the chamber at this moment, they would probably have been instantly converted to Revenants.


    The seed didn��t actually contain a deadly gas but a few drops of turquoise liquid that were rapidly vaporizing. Zac hurriedly swallowed the remaining liquid, and a storm of death joined the waning energy of the [Essence of the Abyss]. The energy was extremely chaotic, though, and billowing plumes of Aquamarine clouds poured out of his pores as to join the vapor in the room.


    But as much as he lost, there was even more remaining. Zac forcibly took charge of the rampaging currents and mmed it into the half-opened node before it could recede into the depths of his body. It was like a tsunami crashing into a small floodgate, and the result was instantaneous. The node was sted wide open, along with most of his midsection.


    ck ichor poured down on the ground, but Zac didn��t care. Mending flesh wounds and some broken pathways was easy; getting another Hidden Node was not. The injury was agonizing, yet Zac couldn��t stop himself from eagerly opening his status screen to see what he��d just gained.


    Bloodline


    [E �C Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent


    Force of the Void �C 50%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes


    [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes


    [E] Quantum Gate, [E] Adamance of Eoz, [E] Conviction of Eoz, [E] Immutability of Eoz


    Zac nkly looked at the screen for a moment, wondering if the pain was making him see double.


    There were actually two of them?

 Chapter 963: The First Draft

    Chapter 963: The First Draft


    Zac looked at the screen with surprise. He��d thought the node in his navel was the only Hidden Node he��d get, but it turned out he had already opened one during his vision. It exined the odd shift in vision. One moment, Eoz stared up at a mysterious obelisk in a pre-system timeline. The next, he��d floated in space overlooking a terrifying vortex asrge as a gxy, presumably during the great migration.


    He��d believed the shift resulted from the obelisk rather than his second Hidden Node. That thing was mysterious, terrifyingly powerful, and something at the level of the Stele of Conflict. It felt like time had twisted for a moment, where he and Eoz had been one. In fact, Zac really suspected that was the case. It almost felt like he��d missed out on something because of his second node opening.


    Then again, Zac wasn��t certain he��d be able to see what Eoz did with that obelisk even if [Immutability of Eoz] didn��t appear. He couldn��t remember a single detail of the dense scripts that covered its surface. He only vaguely recalled that the pir contained ancient and tremendous power, eclipsing even Eoz. Of course, the obelisk might have been powered by the Abyssal Lake itself, which would exin the power it emitted.


    The details of the obelisk were vague, but Zac still remembered the other parts of the vision. The Temples, the Fates, the Grottos. The memories were also oddly detailed, even if he hadn��t physically seen the holy sites of the Draugr race during the vision. He actually remembered some hidden paths Eoz had explored in the millennia before the vision.


    It wasn��t the first time this happened. His visions with Karz were the same, where he, for a moment, became his supposed ancestor. What they saw, he saw. What they thought, he thought. With Karz, it didn��t much matter since he was still just an orphan turned outer disciple, with little valuable knowledge to impart.


    With Eoz, it was different since he was a being at the peak. Zac was certain Eoz was a Supremacy, though Zac had no idea how the Draugr progenitor wouldpare to the System-empowered Supremacies of today. Unfortunately, Eoz didn��t think about the Dao during the visions, or perhaps those thoughts were removed, just like the details of the obelisk. What remained was still incredibly valuable.


    If Zac ever managed to get to the Abyssal Lake, and things hadn��t changed too much, he woulde into a windfall. A few distracted thoughts as Eoz headed to the depths had exposed multiple secrets and opportunities that could drastically speed up his cultivation in the D-grade.


    As for the origins of those ancient structures beneath the surface, Zac wasn��t sure. But it didn��t seem they came from this Era unless it was from a civilization much earlier than the Limitless Empire. Did that mean the Abyssal Shores were an Eternal Heritage? Or could natural phenomena be powerful enough to survive the end of an Era?


    Zac was unsure what to make of the situation; he supposed it didn��t matter. At least not for some little brat like himself. But it was hard to forget the sense of awe Eoz had felt when he thought about those people. People who seemingly had reached the very limits of cultivation and ��chosen War.�� War against what? The Heavens?


    Zac shook his head, putting the matter aside. It was yet another mystery one could not so easily unravel. Instead, Zac refocused on the gains. He��d gained two new nodes but no constitution. The former was a wee surprise, while thetter was expected. Catheya had essentially told him as much when she gave him the [Essence of the Abyss]. It was a bit of a letdown not to get a single attribute point, though.


    Still, Zac could feel that his body had drastically improved. He was holding almost 20% more Miasma than before, which would transfer over to his other side, thanks to [Quantum Gate]. His pathways had improved as well. They hadn��t grown any thicker, but it was like the paths had been swapped out with higher-quality wiring, allowing for faster energy transfer.


    Dragging an edge across his skin confirmed it had be noticeably more resistant without losing its sticity. In other words, all the inherent benefits of being a Draugr had been boosted even further. If he were a cultivator, his attunement to Death would most likely have skyrocketed as well, though Zac could tell his Draugr side had the same limitations as his human side. His affinity was still Zero, and he hadn��t even gained any of that Dao-given beauty Iz, and now Catheya, possessed.


    But while his affinity hadn��t changed, Zac felt much closer to the Dao of Death. If his human side had formed whirlpools with golden kes, then each of his Draugr cells now held a bottomless abyss. Peering into the depths of his body felt like looking into theherworld, and there was a strong umtion of pure Death. It was a phenomenon far more palpable than the firstyer [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    Pushing his Branch of the Pale Seal through his limbs was noticeably smoother, almost like it blended with his body. It was almost as fast as letting it pass through the pathways of [Thousand Lights Avatar]. All energy moved smoother in his body since the upgrade, to the point he might be able to match the energy rotation of a mid-tier cultivator.


    The thought made Zac release a huge cloud of Miasma before he took out a Supreme Miasma Crystal. Soon, new Miasma reced the energy he��d just sacrificed. As expected, his recovery rate of Death-attuned energy had almost doubled thanks to his constitution. It wasn��t still at the level of the elites of Port Atwood, let alone the many Heaven��s Chosen of the Multiverse, but it was a start.


    Zac guessed he��d gain something simr from his Life-attuned constitution sooner orter. With two constitutions improving the base functionality of his body, yet another one of his weaknesses would eventually be shored up.


    With the gains of his body covered, Zac turned his attention to his new Hidden Nodes. Zac had a pretty good idea of how [Conviction of Eoz] worked, and it was easy to test. He closed his right hand into a fist and tried to flex his muscles as hard as possible. Normally, one would be able to push their muscles to a certain point based on their attributes, after which one wouldn��t be able to exert more speed or strength.


    This time, it just kept going. Zac felt like someone was inserting needles into his bicep, but he had no problem flexing his muscle noticeably harder. The same thing happened when he tried to leap forward as far as he could.


    [Conviction of Eoz] had essentially upped the limiters on his body at the cost of damaging your limbs. It was like a hidden Berserking Method, but the drawback wasn��t very punishing. It hurt your muscles and could probably damage your bones, but Zac had incredibly high Endurance and Vitality. So, for someone like him, it couldn��t really be called a drawback unless you were forced into an extremely pitched battle.


    Even then, it wasn��t a problem. Zac had pushed his Techniques to the Integration Stage, and he had nigh-perfect control over his body. He had no trouble controlling his movements to avoid overdoing it; he wouldn��t even need to use a Bloodline Method to turn the node off. The real risk was if he was forced to overextend himself against a powerful enemy.


    At that point, he��d risk entering a negative spiral where self-inflicted damage weakened him to the point where he was forced to use the Hidden Node even more to keep up.


    After testing things out for a couple of minutes, Zac felt he could push his speed and strength by roughly 3-4% without any drawback except the prickling sensation. It felt a bit ufortable, but his natural resilience and recovery fixed his muscles faster than they could be damaged. Not only that but the effect could be doubled if he was willing to harm himself.


    Less than ten percent wasn��t special, but Zac could tell this wasn��t the limit of the node. Even when running the node at full st, the damage to his body wasn��t too bad. Ultimately, it came down to the name; conviction.


    He remembered Eoz��s conviction as he pushed toward the depths of the Abyssal Lake. He was fighting against the weight of the universe, ready to risk his life to reach the obelisk. Sitting around in his Cultivation Cave wouldn��t allow Zac to bring out the mental and emotional state needed to fully awaken the node.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The other node, [Immutability of Eoz], was a tougher nut to crack. The second vision showed Eoz floating in space, looking down at a vortex. But since its name indicated it was a defensive node, Zac started to try various things. Two dayster, he had a preliminary answer.


    It quickly became apparent the node didn��t provide any physical resistance like the [Adamance of Eoz] did by strengthening his Miasma. Instead, it was more like [Purity of the Void]. But while his Void Emperor Node cleansed impurities and foreign energies, [Immutability of Eoz] protected against and cleansed intangible things.


    To reach this conclusion, he had been forced to call upon a wide variety of cultivators from the Atwood Army, from normal Elementalists to Poison Masters and Hexers. The node had been useless against the former, but against thetter, the node had finally awakened.


    When the Hexer had tried to inflict him with a curse of weakness, Zac had felt his node automatically heat up. That had prompted the curse to fail, and the Hexer had even been hit with a small bacsh. Part of it was probably because the Hexer was only Early E-grade, but it hopefully meant that it would at least weaken the curses of even powerful adversaries.


    The same thing happened when a ranger had tried cing a tracking mark on him a few momentster. In other words, it looked like the node protected against various detrimental afflictions. This was an amazing node, and Zac liked it even better than [Conviction of Eoz]. The multiverse was filled with dangerous and unpredictable environments, and there was almost no limit to the weird skills that existed.


    A lot of these methods were incredibly difficult to spot as well. The fact that he had been carrying around six tracking marks after his visit to the Tower of Eternity was proof of that. And as his battle with Iz had shown, things could take a drastic turn when theyunched unexpected forms of attacks.


    Unfortunately, there were no Karmic Cultivators on Earth, or at least none that his people knew of. Zac would have liked to test whether [Immutability of Eoz] also helped against Karmic meddling. After all, The Great Redeemer was probably out there still, and Zac had already been targeted by the Buddhist Sangha once. Some extra protections against those kinds of people would be a godsend.


    The easiest solution would probably be to just ask Catheya, but Zac wasn��t sure how to deal with the Undead Empire after finding out they had spiked the [Essence of the Abyss]. He believed he was better off pretending he hadn��t used it yet. That way, they��d think he would lose his human side sooner orter. Otherwise, they might move on to other methods of dealing with him.


    As for the cost of his Hidden Nodes, it was simr to [Adamance of Eoz]. The nodes somehow drained his body, rather than using Miasma or Mental Energy. Forck of a better description, Zac called it Blood Force, like what the Body Tempering Cultivators before the System used. Expending his Blood Force would leave him hungry; overusing it would make him feel hollow and weak, just like Eoz in the second vision.


    The good news was that he��d noticed upgrading either of his two constitutions seemed to improve his stores and the natural recovery rate of Blood Force. Still, Zac feared there was no getting around his needing to eat even more to keep himself in fighting condition. He��d have to rely on Ryan��s chef buddy even more going forward.


    Zac spent another day getting used to his most recent upgrades before returning to his original training regimen. The first threeyers of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] weren��t asplicated as the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. They were fundamentally the same, except the 81 stances had be 108 in the secondyer.


    Each additional stance added a surprising amount of difficulty, leaving Zac sore for over an hour after each session. One wee surprise was that his [Conviction of Eoz] and generally improved constitution from [Essence of the Abyss] noticeably helped him when cultivating [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    It was still more difficult toplete each pass than the firstyer. But without his other gains, Zac suspected it wouldn��t have just needed one hour of rest. Zac even felt lucky he��d been forced to use the elixir early. This way, he��d save a huge amount of time over theing years, time that would otherwise be spent lying sprawled on the ground, too exhausted to even think.


    And Zac already knew what he��d spend his extra time on; drawing blueprints.


    It was something Iz had suggested he add to his daily routine. Zac��s original idea was to work hard on the theoretical aspect of Duality before starting to create blueprints. He wanted to avoid a situation akin to his stances, where he had been forced to throw out much of what he��d learned because of shaky foundations.


    However, Iz said that he should start experimenting immediately and that expressing his understanding would help connect what he learned with his path. It would also concretize the problem, allowing you to look at it from a different light. It was fine going over the options in your mind, but that could lead to missing some critical weaknesses that would beid bare when trying to draw the blueprint.


    Zac ultimately felt it was a good idea, especially after thinking back to the vision Yrial showed him. Zac��s master had conjured that me hundreds of times during his journey, making incremental adjustments to get closer to his truth. With his superhuman attributes and integration-stage technique, drawing up a blueprint or two wouldn��t take much time each day.


    Hopefully, it would also act as a motivator, where he could see his gradual improvement over time.


    There was no better time to begin than now, and Zac took out a stone disk the size of a manhole cover. He didn��t have Yrial��s energy- and Dao control to form something like his mes, so Zac was better off inscribing his ideas onto various materials. Zac took out a small scalpel shaped like an axe he��d prepared for just the asion. It looked a bit odd, but he��d found he was far better at carving intricate details when using an axe than something like a chisel.


    Zac wasted no time as he started engraving the fractals and paths he��d envisioned and iterated upon so many times in his mind. He began at the outer edges, carving runes that held the whispers of true Life and Death. Life to the left, Death to the right, separated by the center of the disk. It was like Yrial��s second trial, where he��d cheated his way through after returning from the Orom.


    Back then, his path had been showcased by three brutal scars instilled with his Dao. That obviously wasn��t anything worthy of being called a blueprint, but it worked as a starting point. Meticulously drawn fractals reced wild energies and destruction, and unfettered Dao was reced by runes instilled with precise meaning.


    At the opposite edges, the two concepts were pure, but they transformed as Zac worked his way toward the middle. Gradually, the Dao of Conflict entered the fray on both sides, seamlessly melding with the two other Daos. The sides moved toward each other like warriors charging their enemy, just like the struggle he saw in the air around him��an Evolutionary force against an Inexorable one.


    But then the problems arrived. He��d thought about how to fuse the two sides at length, and a pattern simr to yin-yang had already appeared on the disk. In the center, the Branch of War Axe dominated, being the inspiration for over 75% of the patterns. Those parts were not difficult to fuse, but the problem came from the other two Daos.


    The shadow of Life could be found in any Evolutionary Pattern, even if it was dominated by Conflict in the center. The same was true for the opposite side. These two Daospletely changed how most of the patterns worked and the bnce of the whole schematic. And they refused to harmonize.


    If Zac were using one of his [Fractal Framework Arrays] to create a skill right now, it would have red with warnings that the energy conduits were unstable. After all, this was not just about fusing Dao. The Cosmic Core was a battery, and he was trying to create something that could hold both Miasma and Cosmic Energy.


    Still, Zac trudged on, using all the insight he had umted to fix the issues best as he could. This was not a final design. It was a test to see how far his current understanding could take him. Twenty minutester, the whole disk was engraved andpletely covered with an intricate array of patterns. Zac wordlessly looked at his first blueprint, the schematic that was supposed to take him into Hegemony.


    Thank God he had years to work out the kinks.

 Chapter 964: Missions

    Chapter 964: Missions


    ��This seems�� ill-advised,�� Ra��Klid hesitated as he looked at the screen, but shook his head in helplessness upon seeing the expressions of those around him.


    Ogras was barely listening as he tried to make sense of the readings his girl was spitting out, but there were others to deal with these kinds of matters.


    ��How so?�� Vri smiled, her gaze making the skittish chiefling swallow nervously.


    ��I mean���� Ra��Klid said as he waved at the weird gash in space and the huge frozen corpses floating around it.


    ��The beasts are quite dead, I assure you,�� Vri said.


    ��That��s not the problem,�� Ra��Klid said with a roll of his eyes. ��Why are they out here, and what��s with the wounds on their bodies? Something made these big bastards run for their lives, to the point they jumped through a spatial scar to escape.��


    ��Those wounds might havee from passing through the hole in space,�� Ibtep shrugged. ��We saw what happened to the moon the other day. To shreds in seconds.��


    ��You are only furthering my point,�� Ra��Klid groaned. ��Why would we enter such a ce?��


    ��In search of opportunities, of course,�� Ogras snorted as he finally looked up from the readouts. ��The space on the other side nurtured at least seven Beast Kings, which means the energy density is good. The atmosphere inside is also decently stable, and the readings indicate it��s not toorge. We can search the ce within a week without splitting up.��


    ��Multiple Beast Kings shared such a small region?�� Rhuger said with surprise as he turned to Tom, one of the nonbat personnel who��d been brought along. ��What��s going on?��


    Ogras looked over as well. Apparently, this human had been a scientist of some renown before Earth had been integrated. Ogras didn��t understand what was so interesting about celestial objects; their heat made it impossible for most types of treasures to survive. And the few that were nurtured on the celestial objects were impossible to bring out even for most Hegemons.


    However, Tom Nowak��s pre-world knowledge had tranted into a star-based ss, and he had even managed to form a Dao Seed rted to space. Armed with the powerful arrays of the Temptress, the gship of their expedition, he��d been able to both prevent some beginner��s mistakes and find small opportunities over the three months since they entered the Million Gates Territory.


    This ce was discovered by Tom as well, further proving these brainiacs were worth their weight in gold. Even better, they were mostly content exploring space and studying various phenomena. Apart from the asional materials they wanted for experiments, they didn��t cost a thing. They were even happy to pilot the ship without any pay.


    ��We��re still running some tests, but I think I understand what��s going on,�� Tom said. ��It seems this gate is just a shard of a muchrger Mystic Realm. The real thing either copsed or had this splinter shaved off for some reason. Either case, this shard was set adrift and eventually closed in on this particr dimension.��


    ��So the beasts might have been wounded during the upheavals,�� Ogras nodded. ��And I��d also want to leave if the sky copsed on my head.��


    ��Is it safe to enter?�� Vri asked.


    ��It��s stable for now, but it��s hard to tell for how long. I doubt a realm of this size can survive for much more than a month or two in this kind of chaotic environment, especially after colliding with a main dimension like this.�� Tom said.


    ��Perfect,�� Ogras grinned.


    What made the Million Gates Territory so dangerous was also what made it so alluring. Its name was truly apt. A million gates invited travelers to the mysterious beyond at any moment, thanks to the spatial storms that had raged for innumerable years. On the other side, anything from ancient troves to deathtraps awaited. And if you were too slow, the storms would swallow or drag away your chance at riches.


    ��Perfect?�� Ra��Klid groaned. ��That thing can copse anytime, and we��d be spat out into the Void.��


    ��Exactly. If this is a time-limited trove, all the more reason to hurry,�� Ogras said.


    ��The captain is correct,�� a rumbling voice echoed as the Zhix party entered the deck. They must have realized the ship had stopped and ended their cultivation session early. ��We joined this expedition in search of opportunities to further ourselves. Those opportunities will not be found in easy-to-find or safe locations.��


    ��No wonder the scions of the Atwood Empire are progressing so quickly,�� Ra��Klid said with resignation. ��You people are lunatics.��


    ��So the Mavai are staying behind?�� Vri asked, a small smile ying on her face.


    ��Of course not,�� Ra��Klid sighed. ��I just felt there should be at least one voice of caution in this group of daredevils. That guy Carl seems to be the only one in this party without a death wish.��


    ��Alright, enough with your whining,�� Ogras said with an annoyed wave as he closed the console. ��Go get your shaman; his spells might be needed inside. That goes for the rest of you too. We��re entering in an hour after we��ve finished scanning the region and erecting the istion arrays. Command group, let��s talk.��


    The people in the deck sprung to action, their previous excursions to various asteroids and deads proving to be useful experience now that the stakes were higher. Everyone knew there were no safetys out in space, no Lord Atwood to deal with the terrors in the dark.


    Ogras entered a sealed chamber with Rhuger, Joanna, Vri, and Rhubat in tow. The five of them were the only ones who knew of the covert mission of their outing, so Ogras had created amand group consisting of the five so that they could discuss the matter without raising suspicion.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ��Is this it?�� Ogras asked Vri after the door closed behind them.


    ��I��m afraid not,�� Vri said with a shake of her head.


    ��You were the one who said you felt a nudge in this direction,�� Ogras reminded. ��From that ball of yours.��


    ��I do, but this tear seems to be unrted. What��s calling me is further beyond,�� the mentalist exined.


    ��Fate cannot be rushed, Shadewar,�� Rhubat said. ��What will be, will be.��


    ��Told you I��m not a fan of that name,�� Ogras muttered, but the Zhix paid him no mind. ��Alright, I guess we��re lucky this isn��t it. That way, we won��t need to go overboard on our first real mission. Let��s use this as a chance to integrate our forces into one unit.��


    The Command Group went over the details for another ten minutes before they went about their preparations. An hourter, a group of 20 had gathered in the Temptress��s hangar. With so few expedition members, each outing was essentially a full mobilization, where only the nonbatants and a skeleton crew were left behind to deal with surprises.


    ��Alright, let��s not waste any time,�� Ogras said as the door to the small shuttle opened. ��We know very little about what��s on the other side. We move together, and remember your roles. Never deactivate the protective talismans, and never stray outside the War Array on your own. We��re in the wild now, and we��re definitely not the apex predators in this ce.��


    The shuttle flew out from the gate in hull a momentter, and Ogras nodded upon seeing the six satellites already surrounding the area. They were part of the kit of the Drone ship in his Spatial Ring rather than the Starsh model, but they could be used in limited numbers with all the Creator Models.


    Their use was simple; to hide the area and make spatial phasing difficult to impossible. If someone were passing by this dimensional region, their arrays would find this particr dimension turbulent, which was incrediblymon in the Million Gates Territory. Unless they actually knew about the gate, they��d move on to calmer waters.


    The shuttle reached the spatial gash in no time. Everyone inside didn��t dare so much as breathe as the ship slowly passed through to the other side, but the craftsmanship of the Creators was something else. Only a small shudder rippled through the vessel before they were through. What came next was much worse.


    ��Brace!�� Joanna screamed as she desperately veered, but the ship was still rocked as blinding red lights passed through the cockpit.


    A cascade of defensive fields from the Valkyries and the Mavai Shaman shed with the raging red, and the foreign energy was quenched before it managed to cause any damage.


    ��What the hell was that?�� Ogras grunted, and he got his answer a momentter when the knocked-out scanning arrays woke up again.


    The world they��d entered was one dominated by giants; giant trees asrge as cities reaching toward the sky, their sprawling branches wide enough to hold whole ecosystems. But it was clearly a kingdom in decline, with mes raging across vast swathes of the Mystic Realm. Other trees had been toppled by other forces, most likely massive earthquakes judging by the deep scars that ran through the ground.


    The scene was impressive, considering each one of the Trees seemed to be D-grade Spiritual nts, with arge number of lesser herbs growing on their massive bodies. But Ogras was more concerned by themotion on the other side of the Mystic Realm, the source of the red energy that had almost shot down their vessel.


    It looked like a hauntingly beautiful yet dangerous flower hundreds of meters tall, with innumerable petals and pistils made from arcs of pure red energy. It swayed back and forth erratically as though buffeted by invisible winds. What had hit them was just the edge of a wayward streak of energy, having crossed almost the whole realm to p them silly.


    Of course, it wasn��t actually a flower. The scene seemed to result from something incredibly energy-rich going haywire on the ground.


    ��What the hell is that?�� Joanna muttered from her pilot��s seat.


    ��No idea, but the energyshes radiate upward, barely damaging the ground. Hide behind one of the big guys for now,�� Ogras said.


    ��One second,�� Joanna said as she rapidly pushed a series of buttons before the shuttle dove for the forest below.


    ��What��s wrong?�� Ogras asked, and the others looked over curiously from the hold.


    ��I thought I saw something; look at this,�� Joanna said, and a magnified image appeared a momentter.


    It was the base of the energy flower. Most of it was covered by the trees, but you could barely make out a broken dome the lights seemed to emerge from.


    ��A structure?�� Ogras whistled, his heart skipping a beat.


    ��Looks like ruins,�� Rhugermented, the excitement in his turquoise eyes mirroring Ogras��s own. ��It might be a treasure��s emanations.��


    ��Or some old failing array going haywire, to the point a Mystic Realm broke apart,�� Joanna said as she turned to Ogras. ��This seems like a pretty big risk. What do you think?��


    ��Taking risks is the only way to rise against the river of fate,�� Ogras said, adding under his breath. ��And I refuse to sink.��


    �����C


    ��It��s even more pitiful than I imagined,�� Yselio Tobrial sighed as they stepped out through the gate. ��It��s like you can barely breathe. To think one of the Pirs is in such a region of space.��


    ��Only worse from here on out, kid,�� Ylvin grunted as he waved over his subordinate, who��d arrived ahead of time. ��This region is still not technically considered the Frontier.��


    ��General,�� the captain said with a bow before turning to Yselio with another bow. ��Lord Vindicator.��


    ��What did you find?�� Ylvin asked as they walked out from the Alliance Teleporter toward the closest square, where a vessel was already waiting.


    Normally, the capitals of empires were no-fly zones. But rules were man-made prisons, and they were never absolute. There were ranges of encroachment that would go unpunished, and even greater transgressions would often lead to bigger gains than losses. In this case, the issue was simply solved by having the right surname.


    ��There are no direct routes, but arrangements have been made,�� the soldier said and handed over two crystals. ��We didn��t dare choose the destination, so we��ve made preparations for both. We await your decision.��


    Ylvin and Yselio took one crystal each, scanning its contents.


    ��Six months?�� Yselio frowned. ��We��re falling behind thepetition.��


    ��Those Stillsun bastards ying favorites,�� Ylvin snorted.


    ��It might also be the fact that my Royal Father and Uncles threw them out of the Heavenly Realm,�� Yselio said with a wry smile.


    ��The Emperors were absolutely justified. If that Povan Stillsun was allowed to stay any longer, then an Eighth Heaven would emerge within a million years or so. That man is just too scary,�� Ylvin shuddered. ��With the Third already creating problems from the shadows and the Neural Network trying to sneak its way inside, we cannot abide another.��


    ��You��re right, of course, but it does put us in a bit of a bind,�� Yselio said as he thoughtfully looked down at the two crystals. ��Two routes, two very different paths.��


    ��The Edge of the Seventh Heaven picked you. You will have to choose the path,�� Ylvin said.


    ��The Kan��Tanu,�� Yselio said after some thought. ��But send Captain Soha and five Adjudicators to Zecia. It might prove useful.��


    ��Right away, Lord,�� the captain bowed.


    ��You��re curious,�� Yselio smiled when he saw Ylvin��s look. ��Why I picked the ck Heart offshoot, even though the trial seems to originate in Zecia.��


    ��I wouldn��t say I��m curious. I��m just here to make sure you don��t get yourself killed early. But if you��re willing to exin your thought process, I am willing to listen,�� Ylvin shrugged.


    ��It��s amazing you��ve reached such a rank within the courts with your curt demeanor,�� Yselioughed as the two boarded the Cosmic Vessel, ignoring the local Monarchs who hade over to greet their arrival.


    ��Strong fist and strong backing,�� Ylvin said.


    The two walked in silence through the B-grade vessel, and neither spoke up until the ship rose from the square and silently moved into space.


    ��Well?�� Ylvin eventually asked, prompting a smile from Yselio.


    ��I picked it because my gut told me it would be better.��


    ��Your gut? That��s it?�� Ylvin said with a mix of disbelief and disgust. ��This is a serious matter with wide ramifications. Only the First Heaven has managed to im a Pir so far.��


    ��I know that,�� Yselio shrugged. ��That��s exactly why I went with my instinct.��


    Ylvin pretended to look disinterested, but a smile tugged at Yselio��s mouth. The adopted grandson of his uncle wore his emotions on his sleeve, and Yselio could tell his Monarch guardian was about to get annoyed. And as both he and his siblings had been made aware over the years, Ylvin did not care whether the target of his ire was a royal prince when he was in the mood to beat someone up.


    ��I��m strong, but Yrin is stronger. I��m smart, but Yzum is smarter. And that��s not even counting the scions of the Fourth and Sixth, who were both qualified to contend for the pir. Yet the Heavens chose me. What does ite down to? Fate. For some reason, my fate with the Left Imperial Pce is the strongest, so I will listen to the whispers of fate for direction.��


    ��And it told you to choose Kan��Tanu,�� Ylvin said with a thoughtful look.


    ��Now I just need to figure out why.��


    The two watched the ship enter the Void, piercing toward the utmost edges of the incorporated universe. There was not much point using the wretched teleportation systems in this region. A proper vessel would move with roughly the same speed. There were no doubt some local vaults that could have sped up their journey, but they neither had the paths nor the keys.


    ��What you said is true, but you forgot to mention one thing,�� Ylvin grunted after a minute of silence. ��You��re far more devious and scheming than either of those little straight shooters. Don��t think the elders didn��t notice what you did to the other candidates.��


    ��There must be a misunderstanding,�� Yselio smiled.


    ��Bah, what misunderstanding? You��re clever, but those old guys are fused with the realm itself. How can you hide from their gaze? But it��s fine, you kept it within their tolerance levels. Besides, we are heading into a chaotic struggle with unknown requirements and participants. We don��t need a hero. We need a devil.��


    Yselio didn��t answer, but his smile grew wider. A devil, huh?


    ���������������C


    How did ite to this?


    Emily nkly looked out through the window of her small pod, the pain and sedatives preventing her from even moving as the healing arrays slowly mended broken bones andcerated flesh. There was nothing but darkness on the horizon. Yet Emily knew the horrors that hid in that endless ck.


    So many dead.


    She didn��t even know if Warsong had made it out alive, though she suspected he had. It seemed he and the other leaders had run for their lives before the ship was hit by that storm, only sparing her a single transmission before he was gone.


    Then again, she couldn��tin. Not even Monarchs were safe in this ce, and Warsong had no obligation to risk his life for her. His early warning had allowed her to jump into her personal life pod in time, while tens of thousands most likely died when the Cosmic Vessel was ripped apart.


    They had set out with such vigor, but the Million Gates Territory quickly beat the sense of invincibility out of their bones. It was hard to pretend you were a master of the universe when you were just a speck in an angry and unforgiving sea. The advance army hadn��t managed to find a single invader before a random spatial fluctuation put their grand ambitions to an abrupt end.


    Sometimes she wondered if those who fell immediately were the lucky ones. Fifty days had passed since her pod was flung god-knows-where in the storm. Most systems were damaged, turning the pod into a coffin sailing through space. She was alone, helpless��a prisoner with only her thoughts forpany.


    She missed home.

 Chapter 965: Walk out of the Dream

    Chapter 965: Walk out of the Dream


    ��How is it?�� Um��ha smiled. ��You have been frowning at that ball the whole day. For weeks, really.��


    The intricate machine of interlocking parts sat in the cavity on the worktable, both table and contraption created with such detail that the mechanical orb could freely be rolled in ce without the slightest resistance. Thousands of parts and years of work to create something never-before-seen in this world. Yet Anson wasn��t happy.


    ��Taking a walk helps clear the head;e keep mepany.��


    Anson didn��t move for a few seconds, but he eventually roused himself and looked up at his partner with a smile. ��A walk sounds lovely.��


    ��Good,�� Um��ha said. ��You know, sometimes it feels like you are cheating on me with this thing, spending your days locked away in here. I��ve even considered smashing it to have you all for myself.��


    ��But you didn��t,�� Anson smiled as the two left the small workshop, arm in arm.


    ��I wouldn��t destroy something you worked so hard on,�� Um��ha said. ��Besides, it��s quite beautiful in all its intricacy. Even if it doesn��t work in the end, we can always put it in the front yard as a centerpiece.��


    ��Perhaps,�� Anson nodded.


    They exited their manor at the edge of the town, walking with no particr direction or purpose in mind.


    ��You know, I still don��t understand what it��s supposed to do,�� Um��ha said as she waved at a neighbor hanging herundry. ��Qi��schzto is getting along. The child shoulde within a month.��


    ��I hear Haldo has his hands full feeding all seven,�� Anson said as he nodded at the highly pregnant demoness.


    ��The water array you installed on themunity field has lessened the pressure on him. On all of us,�� Um��Ha said before poking Anson with her elbow. ��The ball?��


    Anson looked up at the beautiful red sky stretching across the horizon, the puffs of clouds that couldn��t have been painted better by a master artist. Perfection under the Heavens.


    ��It will change the world.��


    ��Change the world?�� Um��Ha muttered. ��I think it��s pretty good, though?��


    ��That it is,�� Anson sighed.


    ��There is no need to put this kind of pressure on yourself,�� Um��Ha said, patting Anson��s hand. ��Just trust in yourself and walk forward.��


    ��Thank you,�� Anson nodded as the two continued the walk.


    They passed the smithy where Un��do was hard at work repairing the metallic sheets that would be put up before squall season, to protect the harvest from the overpowering raining down from the mountains. They saw the Mayor, trying to once more wrangle the twins into gainful employment, when all they wanted was to randomly swing their ironwood swords and talk of adventure.


    They passed through the town gate and themunal fields, where the Lonton stalks were already reaching Anson��s chest, and the bushels of Prokko seemed to be ready for harvest within days. Um��Ha exchanged a few friendly words with most of the townspeople who passed them by, while they treated Anson with a respectful distance.


    After all, Thaumaturges were rare in the countryside, even this close to the capital.


    Their life was different from how they��d lived when under the court��s employ as a botanist and Grand Schr. Simpler, closer to nature, to the point Anson could feel the breath of the world. At least he thought so, though it should be impossible.


    Only three hourster did they return to their home. Where it waited. Anson felt queasy as they passed the picket fence to their garden, but he couldn��t dy any longer. Time was running out.


    ��The Realmkeeper Orb isplete. It has been for some time now,�� Anson said as he grasped Um��Ha��s hand.


    It was slightly calloused after years of fieldwork. There were also the small scars and burns she��d gained after various experiments meant to improve the yearly harvest. More than anything, it was warm, and Anson could feel her pulse that slowly beat with the frequency of the Heavens.


    ��Does that mean you��ve made your decision?�� Um��ha said as she grasped his hand tighter.


    ��You knew?�� Anson said with shock.


    ��Not all of it. But you have been�� bleeding�� into the surroundings the past month,�� Um��ha said as she led him into the workshop. ��I��vee to understand some things. We��re dying, aren��t we?��


    ��I��m sorry,�� Anson said, his vision blurring as he looked at his wife of fifteen years. ��I can��t hold on any longer.��


    ��Will I see you again?�� Um��ha asked as she touched his cheek.


    ��One day, I��ll be powerful enough to let you walk out of the dream,�� Anson said, tears flowing down his eyes as he ced his hand on the Realmkeeper Orb. ��Until then, you will live on in my memory.��


    Janos opened his eyes, a sense of profound loss filling his heart as he looked at the foreign sky above him. The world was so bleak, a shadow of the imaginary realm he��d lived inside for the past years. No, it wasn��t illusory. It was a mirage created through unfathomable means. He could have lived his whole life there if not for the fact that the world was decaying.


    But it could be made anew.


    Janos�� eyes turned to the shimmering globe in his hand. The Realmkeeper Orb was now norger than a fist, flickering in and out of reality. It held the key, the key to get her back. He slowly pushed it against his navel, toward where his core would be in the future��an illusory core leading to a mirage world. And one day, a false heaven would be made real.


    The orb settled and a screen appeared, confirming what Janos already knew.


    [Seal of the Mercurial Court (Unique, Inheritance): Form a seal of the Mercurial Court. Reward: Be a Realmsinger of Ultom. (1/3)]


    ����������������


    ��Work, you bastard,�� Emily growled as she kicked the panel, but she immediately regretted it. ��Sorry, darling. I was just too eager.��


    The only response was a groaning hum as themp flickered.


    ��Why? Why won��t you do me this one solid?�� Emily swore as she threw the chisel at the ground. ��I��ve treated you like a tender lover for over a year. I��ve repaired you, sourced materials from my own stuff, mind you. I had to melt down a tank in outer space just to make you the antenna. Do you know how much it hurts to spacewalk without a proper suit? Of course you don��t; you��re a broken beacon.��


    ��What? I just did it for the shiny new wings? I did it for all of us. So we can go home. And you can��t even send out one little signal to do your part?��


    Chris didn��t answer, as he was wont to do, and the hum died down a momentter. The silence onlysted a few seconds before Harry started singing.


    ��Well, shit,�� Emily swore as she started to furiously crank the winch that realigned the propulsion array on the outside of the SS Trashheap, and it sputtered to life a momentter. Soon, the directional scanning array pointed to the source of the ominous song.


    She took out her tablet, and a series of calctions allowed her to breathe out in relief. The storm didn��t move in her direction. She would be fine if it didn��t change trajectory over the next hour. Emily looked at the housing holding the scanning array and caressed it lovingly. ��You��re the good one in the family, Harry.��


    The signs were good, but that was no guarantee in this ce. If anything, it was a miracle she was still alive after being stuck so long in the broken-down hub. Thank god for Spatial Rings, and thank god for a paranoid teacher who had drilled in the necessity of bringing years�� worth of provisions everywhere.


    Emily looked out through the screen at the spatial storm in the distance. What was he doing right now? He should be back on Earth by now, right? Or was he perhaps here, looking for her? The thought wasforting, like he could appear at moment��s notice on the horizon.


    Then again, she wasn��t sure he even knew about her situation. The advance army was ted to head deep into the Million Gates Territory to rack up enough Contribution Points to get a headstart in the uing war. They weren��t supposed to return for another year at the earliest, and the home base knew it was impossible to send messages back.


    Would Warsong and the others even say anything if they managed to return? It would be a huge hit to morale if people found out they��d lost everyone so soon after arriving. And it would be a hit to the prestige of the leaders if they returned alone, having failed to save anyone of their subordinates. Something like that would make it impossible to participate in the uing war in any organized fashion.


    Her scattered thoughts put aside, Emily instead focused on what was important; to take from the storm as it had taken from her. It was time to practice. She crawled out from the pod and into the living room, where therger screen was already running. Emily looked at the phenomenon far in the distance where a region asrge as dozens ofs strung together was being twisted on its head.


    Reality was forced into an unpredictable dance where distance and proportions were in constant flux. Spatial tears thousands of kilometers long,shing out with wild abandon. And as the universe danced, so did the axes that had appeared in her hands.


    By the time Emily had healed up, or more like when the pod��s anesthesia ran out, seventy days had already passed. The nasty wounds from the spatial flux had been mostly healed by that point, and she had already expelled the wild Dao of Space in her body. Seventy days was more than enough to confirm no one wasing for her, but she wasn��t willing to just wait for death.


    So she had hatched a n. If no one woulde save her, she would simply have to save herself. Her main project was Chris, the rescue beacon that sent a deep pulse into space that would reach incredibly far. But she had also improved the pod in general, and the main cockpit was now a separatepartment built and soldered onto the pod by herself.


    It was lucky she had a Fire-based Dao, which allowed her to repurpose the various items in her Spatial Ring. Today, her cramped little pod held oceans of space; a cube over three meters across. The original pod, with its wiring and other systems, had been ced beneath the living quarters like an engine.


    Wings had been soldered onto the sides, and she had even managed to repurpose a few weapons she��d gotten from the crazy Ishiate into rudimentary propulsion engines. They couldn��t do much, but they could at least change the direction she was floating in, which had saved her from flying straight into a sun months ago.


    With space being in such flux, the ship could be standing still at one moment, only to be hurtling through space with such speed the surroundings were a blur the next. Honestly, it was a miracle the ship remained intact after all this time. It was the benefit of having been deposited in an extraordinarily empty stretch of space.


    A humming song apanied Emily��s dance as a dozen flying axes started dancing in the smallpartment around her, shing back and forth seemingly erratically and at random. The same was true for herself as she swung her two tomahawks like a conductor of chaos. But within the chaos was order.


    There wasn��t much else to do on the SS Trashheap except work on the broken arrays and cultivate. Since there was only so much she could glean by angrily ring at inscrutable arrays, she had spent most of her time on thetter. And while it was a wretched existence, the constant threat of death had kept her motivated enough to make a lot of progress, allowing her to digest most of Warsong��s lessons in record speed.


    Her axe array [Dance of the Five Seasons] was essentially mastered by this point, thanks to strengthening her soul with the method she got from the Big Axe Commander. But she was still trying to incorporate it into a holistic and dynamic approach. That was where the Spatial Storms came in. They could appear like a summer��s squall out of nowhere, and their twisting arcs of destruction contained endless mysteries.


    She wanted to take the mysteries of the storms and be the tempest herself. She��d be the heart in the dance of axes, striking when her array had paved the way. She didn��t cultivate the Dao of Space, but it was all rted. The cycles of Nature were not made up of arbitrary rules. They were the result of the stars, of gravity, of the kind of rotational force she saw all around her.


    Seeing another Spatial Storm up close was a rare opportunity to refine her idea, but her session was abruptly cut short by a new appearance on the screen.


    A ship.


    It had been spit out from the storm just like she once was. They did seem better off from the experience than her, even if therge Cosmic Vessel was missing some sections. A steady pulse of energy was still being released from the engines at the back, and it was flying away from the storm. This was her only chance.


    She��d survived seventeen nearby storms, but Emily knew her luck would eventually run out. Just being swept up in the edge of a storm would disintegrate the SS Trashheap and her with it.


    ��I��m sorry, darling,�� Emily sighed as she opened the panel and inserted an inscribed Nexus Crystal. ��I��d hoped it wouldn��te to this.��


    Two wires of E-grade Starsilver were added next, forming a crude route bypassing most of the array. It was time to go all out.


    The array hummed to life, and Emily screamed with excitement as a deep pulse passed out from the makeshift antenna on the top of her vessel. A snap quickly brought her back to reality. The array disk had snapped from being overloaded with energy, a reminder this was ast-ditch measure. If these people didn��te for her, she would be in an even worse spot than before.


    Emily became a flurry of activity, activating all her prepared measures. A series of incredibly bright lights, both technological and magical, lit up on the hull, turning the SS Trashheap into a blinding beacon that should be impossible to miss in this deste corner of space. The minutes passed, and nothing changed. The ship was getting further and further away.


    ��Please, please,�� Emily whispered as she looked at the Cosmic Vessel far in the distance.


    Then, it turned.


    A wave of relief so powerful it almost made Emily delirious swept through her, but she pushed it down as she readied herself. This wasn��t the old Earth, where a castaway being rescued by a ship would turn into a global feelgood story. This was the Million Gates Territory, where the darkness of man was on full disy. Few good ones were traveling these waters, and those who did were unlikely to operate such run-down vessels like the one that was inching toward her.


    Still, being captured by pirates beat slowly dying in the emptiness of space. She��d heard that was how a lot of groups expanded their crews. They captured smaller crews and press ganged those who weren��t too stubborn. Some would be meat shields, while others could slowly integrate into true members.


    Her features shifted thanks to [Million Faces], turning her into a young man half a head taller than herself. She slung a mage��s staff across her back, while the tomahawks returned to sheathes hidden within the sleeves of her arms. The minutes passed, yet they felt too short as Emily tried to prepare for any eventuality of what awaited her on the ship.


    The SS Trashheap shuddered as a gravitational array pulled it in, and the ship thumped down on metal inside the hangar a minuteter. A group of ten soldiers was already waiting outside, but she was relieved upon seeing not one of them was a Hegemon. If she were lucky, they��d all been killed when the ship lost its tower and a wing.


    ��Thank you, thank you,�� Emily said with a bow as she stepped out of her vessel. ��Thought I��d end up as stardust.��


    ��Lad, how did you end up in that thing?�� the man asked as he looked at the odd-looking escape pod with a frown. ��Where are you from? What quadrant is this?��


    So that��s how it was. They were lost after the storm, possibly with navigational arrays damaged. They only picked her up to get their bearings.


    ��My ship was blown up in a Spatial Storm not long ago,�� Emily said as she warily looked around. ��I don��t know which quadrant this is, but I am willing to work for passage.��


    ��That��s a shame, but we could always use some helping hands,�� the leader slowly said.


    They didn��t seem like pirates, but Emily couldn��t be sure. These people seemed too organized, but some of the most dangerous pirate crews were as organized as any militia. She surreptitiously activated [Daybreak Revolutions], giving her eyes a second sight that showcased energy flows. Only a nce was needed to shock her to the point the skill copsed.


    These people had monsters hiding in their bodies.


    Emily��s reaction was instantaneous, and a zing arc of me punched a hole through the leading man��s chest, even if he��d had his guard up. It instantly killed him and the parasitic creature that had made his chest its home.


    ��Attack!�� another man screamed, but he didn��t have a chance tounch a single strike before a five-meter smander wrought from mes swallowed him in one bite.


    Emily was right on the heels of her familiar, a storm of axes already raging around her. It looked like she had finally encountered the infiltrators, which meant she��d either have tomandeer the vessel or be infested with those cursed things.


    It was time to put her newly devised [Tempest Bop] to the test.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 966: Shadewar

    Chapter 966: Shadewar


    ��Brats, you think you can keep us out forever?!�� the six-meter golem roared as he swung his hammer in their direction.


    With the swing, dozens of earthen spears tore out of the ground and shot toward them, but earth rose to meet earth as a supercondensed stone exploded forth with far greater ferocity. It shattered the spears without losing momentum before mming into the Dao-infused hammer. Both hammer and golem were thrown over fifty meters away, and it was hard to tell whether he was still alive.


    It was Rhubat who hadunched yet another ruthless strike, and his even stare cowed any further attempts at breaking through their perimeter. By the boundless killing intent radiating from his body, the Anointed might very well be ready to wage a solitary war against the hundreds of pirates who had gathered up and sealed off their escape.


    For now, Rhubat held themself in check, and thank god for that. Carl could tell these people weren��t any sort of top-tier individuals, but they were ruthless, crazy, and most had weird items that bordered or downright embraced the unorthodox. Even if their squad could win the battle, the risk of casualties was high.


    And who were the most likely candidates to be a sacrifice to this madness? The top-tier elites of the Atwood Empire with stockpiles of marvelous treasures provided by their mad Emperor, or the grunts filling up the numbers? Considering his wife was also here, Carl said a silent prayer for peace. But in his heart of hearts, he knew it was just a matter of time.


    The apple didn��t fall far from the tree, and the fruits grown from Lord Atwood��s nurturing were all rotten.


    ��More iing! Hegemons!�� Carl transmitted to the others from his lookout atop the pir.


    They were just dots on the horizon, but Carl inwardly swore when he saw the radiating waves of energy around them. They came from five directions, most likely the other entrances of the realm. It looked like the realm seal had finally weakened to the point the bigshots could make their way inside. With everyone having gathered at this spot after weeks of looting, they didn��t even bother with the other treasure mountains.


    Carl nced back at the odd rotund structure behind them. It was hard to believe this thing was just the base of an array tower rather than some ancient fort. It was over ten thousand meters across,rge enough to hold a whole city. Now, it just stood one hundred meters tall, a far cry from when it pierced the sky.


    Even more terrifying was the ancient sword aura that lingered at the edge where the whole thing had been cut off, the tower itself copsed and turned into a mountain range. That sword aura was beyond anything Carl had ever seen, and it didn��t feel like something that should exist on the Frontier. Only a shadow of the original intent lingered, yet it bent reality itself, conjuring those sword servants across the whole Mystic Realm.


    And the worst of it was no doubt inside that confusing maze of oversized circuitry. Carl couldn��t fathom how that scatterbrained Zhix would survive in that ce. Vri, he could understand. That girl was a menace, scattering sword servants left and right with a re. But what was Ibtep to do? Treat the illusory swords to those, admittedly delicious, critters of his?


    And why the hell did the rest of them have to stay outside while those two went inside to search for god knows what? Why did they need to defend the entrance with their lives?


    This was different from the various excursions over the past months. It felt shady, troublesome. And not only because this was one of the few outings where multiple forces had appeared to contend for the riches. The ancient array tower, the sword aura, the sneaky nces between the members of themand group. Carl knew a conspiracy when he saw one.


    He simultaneously wanted to know the truth and stay clear. It smelled of trouble. It smelled of the crazy Lord Atwood and his machinations.


    Luckily, these pirates treasured their lives and had no trust in each other. Annihting the few who stepped out first had been enough to cow the rest into a passive state, but that would only work until the Hegemons appeared.


    ��The vice-captains areing,�� another golem snickered, seemingly uncaring his buddy had been thrown away like a piece of trash. ��We��ll have fun with you bastards then. Your fancy ship can��t save you in here.��


    Like on a hidden signal, the dozen-odd crews moved further back, giving the Atwood crew and the sole entrance to the broken Array Tower a wide berth. Left were the 25 warriors who guarded the gates, led by their increasingly reckless demon captain.


    Unfortunately, few others seemed to share his concern over the suspicious behavior of Captain Azh��Rezak. Even his formerrade-in-arms Ra��Klid had lost his way and was now looking at the surrounding army with anticipation as he gripped his axe and shield. Gone were the words of caution, reced by an insatiable desire for trouble. And he wasn��t the only one.


    ��We should attack, weaken their strength before the leaders arrive,�� Rhubat rumbled while the other two Zhix looked ready to throw away their lives. ��We cannot let anyone disturb the two.��


    Ogras didn��t immediately answer, instead opting to turn toward Carl. ��How many?��


    ��Eight that I saw,�� Carl said as he jumped down. ��But more might being.��


    ��Anyone from the direction of our gate?��


    ��None,�� Carl said.


    ��Well, that��s good,�� Joanna said. ��Those drones are worth every penny.��


    ��They can��t fight an armada alone, though,�� Carl hesitated.


    ��It��s fine,�� Ogras said. ��Those two have already been inside for a day. It shouldn��t be much longer. Let��s wait for our guests to arrive. That way, we can deal with them all at once.��


    ��Do you have a n, Shadewar?�� Rhubat asked, looking down at the much-smaller demon.


    ��I figured it was time I tried out the thing I��ve been working on,�� Ogras shrugged. ��I��ll see if I can deal with all the Hegemons. They shouldn��t be too powerful going by their underlings. You just follow behind me and fill up the gaps.��


    ��What gaps?�� Joanna said with confusion.


    ��You��ll see,�� Ogras smiled. ��For now, defend and prepare for an attack. Remember, our main goal isn��t to eradicate these people but to ensure Vri and Ibtep aren��t interrupted before they return. Anyone that so much as looks at the entrance, kill them.��


    Another twenty minutes passed until the eight powerful auras appeared above the pirate army almost simultaneously. Carl inwardly scoffed at the sight. They had obviously timed their arrivals, none wanting to arrive first and be the focus of attention.


    The eight seemed to know each other, which wasn��t a surprise. Few low-tier pirate crews dared steer their run-down vessels through therger gates that could move you across vast distances in the Million Gates Territory. They kept to their quadrant, waiting for opportunities to arrive, be it easy-to-grab resources or unlucky passers-by. Even better, none seemed able to cow the other seven with their reputation alone, which meant none of the local tyrants had arrived.


    Eventually, one of the eight floated forward, looking down at them with a neutral expression. ��A small party with surprising wealth and strength, but you are all young and untested by the dangers of the Million Gates Territory. I am guessing you are outsiders?��


    ��Outsiders? Like the invaders?��


    ��The forces of Zecia are outsiders here just as much as these invaders are,�� the man said.


    ��You are neers, so making mistakes is normal. But you should understand there are rules,�� the grey-skinned humanoid continued. ��Rules to keep the harmony.��


    ��Rules? Harmony?�� Ogras guffawed. ��Are you really pirates?��


    ��We��re just people making a living in a rough and unforgiving world,�� the humanoid countered. ��It��s hard to survive out in the wild, so it��s better to make friends than enemies. We don��t ask for much. Fifty percent of what you looted from the surrounding mountains and free ess to investigate this mysterious structure. In return, you will be free to leave, and we will not harm the two who have already entered.��


    Oh no.


    They asked for the captain��s loot. If there were any chances of reconciliation before, they were gone now. Carl almost wondered if theck of resources had be a heart demon for their leader, pushing him ever harder in their outings. Or was it the result of being under a man whose talent to attract wealth was only second to his talent to attract trouble? Was greed contagious?


    ��Only fifty percent, huh?�� Ogras said with an all-too-calm smile as his body started to grow. ��Counter-offer. You fuck off right now, or I kill you all and take one hundred percent of your loot.��


    Both sides were already primed for battle, and the demon��s words became the signal for hundreds of skills to beunched toward them. Carl inwardly cried as his arrow array appeared behind his back, before dozens of shimmering bolts shot toward the core of the iing attacks. Meanwhile, heavy shields mmed into the ground as the Valkyries activated the arrays, and a thick barrier sprung up in front of them.


    The whole area shook as frenzied waves of energy mmed into the shield, but it blocked out the pirates�� initial salvo. Some of the attacks went wide and hit the array tower instead, but nothing could leave so much as a scratch on that impossibly sturdy metal. Carl��s heart beat like a drum as he returned fire, his arrows targeting those on the ground who had exhibited a greater penchant for ranged warfare.


    The others simrly unleashed attacks from within their barrier, but there were just too few of them. These pirates were disorganized and weak, but there were hundreds of them and they were supported by eight Hegemons. Only a few attacks passed through the discordant shields they had erected, taking out a few of the most unlucky attackers.


    Carl��s eyes turned to their captain, waiting to see his response. But he wasn��t there. Carl swore upon seeing that the lunatic had actually jumped out from the shield. Did he think he was the Lord? And what kind of skill was that? The demon was a demon no more �C he had be a true devil.


    Reaching almost ten meters, he had be a shadow creature brought out from one��s deepest nightmares. Dozens of attacks had hit him the moment he stepped out, but even the Hegemons�� attacks passed right through his intangible body. How was that possible? Even spectral cultivators would be affected when struck by a Dao, but Ogras seemedpletely unruffled as he took in the battlefield.


    In one hand, Ogras held a ck spear seemingly wrought from the night sky. In the other, a thin g that made Carl��s hair stand on end. The banner itself didn��t seem to be made out of fabric, but rather hundreds of anguished faces that moved in a repellent way, creating a band of suffering stretching down to the ground.


    Carl vaguely heard Ogras mutter something, like he was talking with the g, which made Carl��s heart drop even further. Was the demon really losing his mind? This was no time for a psychological evaluation, though. They needed to be ready to support whatever move their captain was about to unleash.


    Ogras swung the spear, and it was almost like their surroundings had be a punctured balloon as all light was drained. But even if their captain had somehow drenched the world in dour anthracite, Carl could still see their enemies just fine. The pirates didn��t seem to have the same luxury, looking back and forth with fear on their faces. A few were running already, heedless of their bosses being right there.


    Most took up defensive positions, fearing an attack wasing their way. And they were absolutely right.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A terrifying cackle echoed through the battlefield as Ogras swung the g. Over a hundred spectral creatures appeared in the darkness. Most were indistinct ghost types, but Carl swore when he actually recognized a few of the forms. Two were the assassins who had tried to sneak aboard their ship and steal it a few months back. The bastards who killed John. A few others were opponents felled by the demon in the battle inside the treasure moon.


    Now, they looked like mindless spectral cultivators as they rushed for the unwitting pirates like a tide rising from theherworld. Ogras joined in as his form expanded even further, turning into a huge maw that seemed ready to swallow the Hegemons whole. It turned into a bloodbath almost instantly, with Ogras and his minions being both quick and seemingly impossible to retaliate against.


    Four Hegemons were ripped apart in an instant before the others managed to break apart the darkness, and the other four were wrapped up in a losing battle against the storm of shadows.


    ��Shadewar indeed,�� Rhubat sighed before rushing forward, wading straight into the mayhem to fill the gaps like ordered.


    The others followed suit, dealing withmon soldiers.


    ��Don��t get distracted,�� Lissa said from a few meters over, and Carl once more thanked the gods she��d been assigned to guard those who maintained the barrier to the entrance. ��You��re our sniper.��


    ��So the young lord has turned into a shadow monster,�� Carl said as he shot out a perfunctory arrow that pierced the skull of a pirate who had taken out what looked like a rocketuncher.


    ��It would appear that way,�� Lissa nodded.


    ��And he��s waving around an obviously cursed soul-trapping item like a madman.��


    ��Seems to work for him.��


    ��Promise me,�� Carl said as he looked at his smiling wife. ��After this, no more.��


    ��Well, maybe if I had a child to care for, I��d be less likely to take theserge risks,�� Lissa said, eliciting a fewughs from the nearby Valkyries.


    ��I��ll speak with the alchemists,�� Carl said, ignoring the teasing looks as he started shooting arrows with newfound vigor. ��That��s an assignment I��ll finish even if I die trying.��


    ��Well, first, we have to survive the next 20 months in this ce,�� Lissaughed as she disappeared. She��d skewered an invisible pirate who��d tried fleeing into the base a momentter.


    ��Twenty months,�� Carl muttered, knowing their budding reputation in this quadrant would get even more outrageous after this. ��God help us.��


    ��������������


    The walls hummed, and Gu threw out a Six Directions Talisman that formed a cross in the air in front of him, creating a protective bubble around the group. Powerful undtions of runaway force scattered his thoughts once more. A momentter, he woke up on the ground with a painful burn on his leg from where the manacle held him in ce.


    Still not enough. The pulse could scramble their minds even when inside the protective sphere.


    Gu grimaced as he bent down to unlock the constraints, but the vibration remained in his body. His fingers felt like a stranger��s, and it took him almost a minute to free himself. By that point, the others had started to wake up, and Gu sighed when he saw the new set of cracks that had appeared on Kaso, Bubbur, and the others.


    ��Don��t look at us like that, shartermaster,�� Bubbur said with a weak grin. ��It��s a miracle we��ve survived until now. I would have joined the others already if not for your talismans.��


    ��Still not enough,�� Gu muttered as he started recording. ��Something off about the fourth trigram����


    ��Sure, sure,�� Bubbur grimaced as he took out a canteen. ��You��d have to be a real bastard to build a pulverization tower. Leave your enemies a body to bury, at least. And if you have to build them, make sure you shield the damn things, so you don��t hit your own.��


    The others swore in agreement, some angrily ring at the tower vaguely visible through the window. That particr one was not the weapon that had gone off just now, but Gu suspected it was one just like it that keptunching its deadly salvos from further inside the base.


    Eventually, ten minutes had passed, and Gu was forced to put away his notebook. There were so many things to go over and too little time. Nullifying the coteral damage from the vibrational attacks was important, but so was breaking through the next door. The castle showed no indication of slowing down its frenzied war against an empty sky.


    Sections asrge as whole towns had copsed already from the forced activation of the weapon batteries. Sooner orter, these sections would copse as well. Before then, they needed to find the escape array that a base like this should possess. If that failed, at least turn off the weapons before they destroyed everything.


    Since the pulverization tower had gone off just now, their window of opportunity had arrived. If the patterns held, they had an hour before the ring of fire would incinerate the sky. That one was easier to deal with, but they would still have to retreat to the underground to survive the heat. Before that, Gu wanted to crack open the next door.


    Gu shook off the lingering effects of the attack as he walked over to the gate, and the soldiers expertly helped him dismantle the outer panels to disy the array within. Everyone breathed out in relief; the recently added array spindles had survived the previous round of barrage. Yet Gu didn��t immediately add the final piece to the puzzle.


    ��I might be wrong. These security measures are far more stringent than the outer doors,�� Gu muttered. ��Maybe I should just head back to the other sealed chamber.��


    ��No,�� Bubbur said. ��Trust your instincts. If you go and get yourself dusted, we��ll all die.��


    ��That��s right, that��s right,�� Kaso added. ��Besides, how can such a good thing fall into one��sp twice? You��re already a Threadwinder of that Ultom thing. You said the other room felt different; I bet it��s meant for someone else. Maybe someone with a handsome face.��


    ��Well, that would exin why none of you got it,�� Gu muttered.


    ��That it would,�� Bubburughed. ��It��s better we stay the course and keep looking for the others. That explosion two months ago was definitely our munitions rather than the weaponry of this base. I bet they have the same idea as we do, but only you have managed to figure out a real n.��


    Gu nodded, and he installed thest spindle. This one had six strings of revolving talismans, and it should short-circuit the door and its defenses if he understood the theories in the Scripture Hall right. If only it hadn��t copsed back then.


    But it worked, and the door soundlessly slid open before its lights went out.


    ��Alright, who��ll it be?�� Bubbur said. ��Draw lots?��


    ��Don��t bother,�� Asho grunted as he stepped forward, his shield already fastened to the stump of his left arm. ��I��ll take this one.��


    ��This���� Gu hesitated.


    ��Don��t say anything,�� Bubbur said as they watched Asho warily enter the path. ��Remember, we can die, but you cannot. This castle, those schematics that now only live on inside your head. Even that opportunity of yours. I have a feeling they might be the key to winning the war.��

 Chapter 967 - Forced Decision

    Sweat ran down Jaol''s face, but he froze his nerves to keep his hands steady through the pain. The slightest mistake would cause the makeshift Disruptor to blow up in his face. So he put his troubles aside as he engraved the detection array his vision ovey indicated. Even then, it wasn''t easy. The further he was forced to progress under the Cursed Heavens, the worse hisponents worked. It wasn''t long until he''d have to make a decision.


    Either head back home or rece the rest of hisponents for flesh. Both paths felt insurmountable. He still didn''t know why the bounty on his head was so grotesque. He only had a small part in the destruction of Little Bean, and that was under duress. Yet the government was willing to pay one hundred times its value for his capture.


    Why?


    It had to be that chimeral lunatic. That bastard who had set his fate off-kilter. It was rather him they wanted, and Jaol had be a clue. However, there was no point in exining that to the higher-ups. The AI Lawkeepers didn''t make mistakes, they said. And since they said he was a terrorist, he obviously was one.


    That left a biological respec, but where would he find a Grafter in these parts? There were more outcasts like him, but his status was just too low to get in contact with anyone who had the skills required for such a surgery. Besides, those who had fled to these parts all had troublesome backgrounds. He''d probably end up an experiment even if he somehow managed to scrounge up the Credits or Nexus Coins for the surgery.


    Thirty secondster, Jaol was done, and it wasn''t a moment too soon. He could hear his pursuers close in through the bugs he''d nted. They still seemed to know his location, though only the general direction. Less than ten seconds. Jaol groaned as he got to his feet, and he hid the Disruptor behind some of the refuse lining the walls of this god-forsaken excuse of a space station. Simultaneously, he linked it up with his other devices, finishing the chain.


    A secondter he was gone, running toward the Primarch Harbor. The Thearch Harbor was controlled by his old crew and the Pirate alliance; there was no way he''d be able to get close enough to sneak aboard a vessel without being spotted. Eden Harbor would be better, but Jaol doubted he''d make it past the controlled sections of the city. Captain Redvine had too many contacts in this ce.


    Luckily, the streets were mostly empty these days, with the faraway sun being blocked by the broken world for the next few days. As such, the arrays covering New Eden had been turned off. There was no way the Mayor would open his pockets to fuel the arrays when the star did not. Here in the slum, that included the arrays meant to keep order.


    The endless corridors turned to a blur as Jaol ran for his life. An explosion behind him confirmed his trap had been sprung, but an enraged roar indicated it hadn''t been enough. He could only urge his legs on and pray that the wound that had almost bisected him didn''t rip open any further inside the makeshift tourniquet.


    Raucousughs and hollering taunts echoed through the streets from the temporary residences to his sides. Jaol didn''t know whether they wereughing at his or his pursuers'' misfortune. More importantly, were any of them willing to fish in muddy waters? Someone being pursued often meant there was money to be made, and the bigger fist made the rules in the slums of New Eden.


    As expected, a few people appeared ahead, but activating [ming Geas] made them scurry out of the way. Few ss-3 cultivators made the slums their home, so the outburst of a peak ss-2 was enough to scare away random opportunists. As for the underworld leaders, they hopefully wouldn''t insert themselves into this mess. Sometimes, it was better to stay out of trouble. You never knew what kind of deadly attention your actions could attract.


    For example, how could Jaol have expected that a supposedly simple mission would end with him being hunted by Redvine, a terrifying Late ss-3 Captain who had terrorized the surrounding regions for over ten thousand years? It was not like Jaol had even wanted that thing, nor had he nned for the rest of the crew to turn to dust.


    But he''d be reasonably safe if he could travel a few quadrants. People like Redvine hadn''tsted so long by taking overdue risks. They stuck to theirne, seldom sailing into regions controlled by other Monarchs than their benefactors.


    A sharp pull made Jaol fall over, and he groaned in agony as he mmed into the ground. His vision was going haywire from the synaptic overload, but he could vaguely see an energy leash locked around his ankle. And on the other end was Kalso, his face a furious mask of scorched skin.


    "Bastard," Kalso swore as he stabbed his arm with a syringe full of healing serum. "You''re lucky the captain wants you alive. You better pray you have something she needs, or I''ll ask her to hand you back to me. I''ll see how you do with one of those grenades shoved up your ass."


    "I''ve told you I didn''t steal any treasure," Jaol said as he scrambled to his feet. "You searched me over and over."


    "There are all kinds of treasures," Kalso said. "Including ones in your head. We heard an interesting rumortely. Of impressive bounties."


    Jaol shuddered as he''d heard the very same rumor. Some neers to these quadrants paid huge premiums for the capture and delivery of individuals who had encountered a specific opportunity. Neers who had rejected the Law of Bnce, the kind of people who had given Technocrats such a bad reputation across the Cosmos. There was no way you''d have a good ending if handed over to the Kan''Tanu.


    And the Redvine Pirates had figured it out.


    It was over. Even if he had ten lives, he wouldn''t be able to defeat Kalso, and he''d brought twenty helpers that had already caught up. Even if Jaol had been forced to partly embark on the martial path because of circumstance, he was ultimately a navigator. How was he supposed to defeat a Hegemon? Neither did he have the money to bribe them; Jaol was almost broke.


    There was only one thing he had left to barter with, which was clearly valuable beyond the knowledge it imparted. Anything was better than the Unorthodox Path, so he could only take a shot in the dark.


    "I AM A PLAINSWALKER OF ULTOM, HELP ME, AND I''LL JOIN YOUR CREW!" Jaol screamed at the top of his lungs, his voice echoing through the streets.


    "What in the nine hells are you talking about? Ultom? Never heard of them, can''t be anyone too impressive," Kalsoughed. "Should have figured someone like you were a spy. Too bad, this is Redvine''s domain. Scream all you want; no one ising to help you."


    "I wouldn''t know about that," a snicker came from the distance.


    Next, three hooded beings appeared as though out of nowhere, cing themselves between Jaol and Kalso.


    "This will impact our ns," the smaller hooded onemented, her voice so soothing Jaol almost forgot his situation.


    "We''re just starting a bit early; it should be fine. No need to be too discerning on the way out. We can''t just look the other way when a spare part appears in ourp, can we?" the owner of the original voice said before turning toward Jaol. "How about it, inswalker? Ready to join a new crew?"


    "Yes, yes!" Jaol eagerly nodded, though thement about spare parts was decidedly unsettling.


    Whatever. Join today, and run away tomorrow. He''d done it many times before over the past decade.


    "I''m a skilled navigator, and I can-"


    Jaol was interrupted by azy wave from the hooded man.


    "Do you know who I am?" Kalso growled as a bloody aura started to spread through the whole neighborhood, to the point the nearby houses werepletely drowned.


    "Redvines, right?" the leaderughed as a ripple burst out from the lithe woman who''d spoken before.


    Jaol looked on with iprehension as the whole crew behind Kalso simply copsed, their spiritualitypletely erased. They didn''t even have a chance to pass on to the afterlife, either. A dozen wraiths were dragged out of their bodies before they flooded into the leader''s sleeve. Jaol shuddered at the scene. These people were even scarier than the Redvine Pirates.


    "You! Shadewar Armada!" Kalso said with a sharp breath before his body shattered.


    A pained wail reached them not muchter as the Hegemon reappeared a few hundred meters away, dragged down by four wraiths even more powerful than the ones that appeared before. His escape measure failed, Kalso desperately tried to fight them off, but his struggles met an abrupt end as thergest of the hooded ones threw out a spear that pierced his head.


    "Wha-" Jaol said, but a series of enormous explosions interrupted his line of thought. From the direction of Thearch Harbor.


    "So, navigator, time to prove your worth," the necromancerughed. "We''ll be robbing some people today, and you''ll be leading the way."


    Jaol nkly looked at the four lunatics who dared rob a Space Station owned by a Monarch before a wave of d��j�� vu hit him. Wasn''t this just like that time aboard the Little Bean? Jaol inwardly cried, wondering if another decade of suffering had arrived.


    -----------


    It was now or never.


    Tavza was terrifyingly efficient. She wouldn''t spend more than a few hours inside the Mystic Realm unless something unexpected cropped up, and it had already been 100 minutes. The moment she could confirm nothing was calling to her, Tavza would move on, no matter how valuable the realm appeared. No sense of adventure, that one. All eyes on the mission. This wasn''t what cultivation should be like.


    How was it even possible to make exploring a mysterious ce like the Million Gates Territory boring?


    More importantly, it was that utilitarian mindset that was pushing Catheya toward her inevitable doom. She couldn''t be certain, but she''d felt a growing sense of wrongness over the past year. She''d always been the outsider in this group, but it was starting to feel like she was prey. And the reason was painfully obvious.


    She''d be a sealbearer while only Tavza and two of her followers had gained simr ess. It was a far cry from Tavza''s envisioned army that would steamroll all resistance inside Ultom. She hadn''t even managed to secure entry for her core squad of six followers, the elites who were meant to pave the path for her inside the inheritance.


    Meanwhile, a ticket was just sitting there. On an outsider who hadn''t even reached Hegemony, at that. That had been a tenuous, but manageable, situation at the beginning. Her value as liaison to Arcaz ck still held some sway. But it all changed yesterday when they seized the Kan''Tanu vessel. They''d found a captured sealbearer in the brig, and Tavza had finally managed to confirm her theory.


    Killing a sealbearer would transfer the seal, though without that marvelous burst of inspiration that came with it. No longer was she a risky venture; one sh across her throat, and Tavza''s next-in-line was guaranteed to be a Threadwinder.


    Catheya had no faith in themandments at a time like this. Nothing was absolute. Catheya wasn''t even sure themandments would protect her, considering Tavza had been given a mission of utmost importance to the Empire. What did it matter if the vaunted An''Azol killed a few juniors if it improved the Empire''s chances of aplishing their goals inside the Left Imperial Pce?


    Neither was her rtion to Arcaz much use here in the Million Gates Territory. Anything could happen in thiswless ce. How would Arcaz know whether she was sacrificed or died looking for opportunities? At best, she''d be a warning to take precautions against betrayal, but what good was that to her when she''d passed on to the great beyond?


    She didn''t have a Danger Sense powerful enough to warn when fate was moving against her, but she did have a nose for trouble. If not for the fact that a batch of Kan''Tanu elites had entered the small realm ahead of Tavza, Catheya might already have found herself at the sharp end of her sword. So she needed to be gone before it was time''s up.


    As long as she managed to activate the token, all would be fine. She would be whisked away to the Perennial Vastness, where Tavza couldn''t reach her. She could tell Arcaz about her situation, and he would put pressure on Tavza''s elders. Having Arcaz and his sealbearers as enemies should outweigh the benefits of having another minor sealbearer on their side. At least she hoped that was how it''d y out.


    Going this route would further damage her standing within the Empire, but it was better than being a sacrificialmb. Besides, she still had the Umbri''Zi. It was thanks to Enis''s surreptitious warning that Catheya managed to hide away the token before Tavza arrived back then. When they confiscated her Spatial Tools under the guise of their mission being Top Secret. Saying that her items might be bugged or marked, and that nothing could go wrong.


    But who would have thought the Heavenblighted token didn''t work inside the Million Gates Territory?


    Twice she''d tried activating it now, but it had just hummed a bit before dying down. The most likely reason was that space was too unstable here in the Million Gates Territory. Such was life on the Frontier; nothing worked as it should. It was nothing short of a miracle that someone like Zachary Atwood had appeared in a ce like this.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The solution was both simple and difficult. She needed to leave the Million Gates Territory, or at least reach its edges where space was more stable. Luckily, they weren''t that far by this point, thanks to the agreement with Arcaz. Besides, Tavza''s brutal pace had cost them two vessels and most of their personnel, and she had to return and resupply in either case.


    Crossing just the final stretch alone would still be difficult, but Catheya had no choice. Shey unmoving in the infirmary''s healing vat, her eyes never leaving the information array that tracked the surrounding spatial phenomena. Ten minutester, it happened. It was time.


    Catheya rose from the tank, the physician-turned-warden immobilized by a gust of utter cold before they had a chance to react. The frozen Draugr soon took Catheya''s ce, getting a nice bath. She would probably thaw out in an hour, and the tank would prevent anysting damage. Catheya quickly donned the physician''s clothes before leaving the infirmary.


    Unfortunately, she''d lost her mask, but a smallyer of ice adjusted her features enough to pass a cursory nce. Especially when her hair mostly hid her features as she looked down at a random report she''d lifted from a table.


    She slightly nodded at the guard outside, rxing upon seeing him barely sparing her a nce. He was in the middle of his cultivation cycle, a dereliction of duty you''d only see when Tavza wasn''t aboard. Catheya didn''t immediately head for the Kan''Tanu vessel docked to their own. First, she entered a series of rooms andpartments, embedding Miasma Crystals while freezing certain sections solid.


    It only took ten minutes, yet it felt like an eternity. Every small shudder to the vessel made her think of the gates to the hangar opening, but she stillpleted the preparations she''d nned over the past year. A single spot missing, and her n would fail. Catheya considered visiting Tavza''spartments as well to hopefully find her Spatial Ring. Ultimately, she decided against it.


    It was too big a risk, and Catheya didn''t even know if her things were there. Instead, she walked over to the upper deck, her steps excruciatingly slow so as not to draw any unwarranted attention. Luckily, only two wholly unimpressive Hegemons stood guard. Thank the Heavens for the theory that bringing too powerful followers would weaken any chances of finding seals.


    "Doctor Ynsa? Wait, no, what''s go-" the guard said, but he didn''t get any further before a wave of frigid cold swept forward, locking the two early Hegemons in ce.


    With their energy reserves, they would manage to free themselves in less than a minute. A minute was all Catheya needed as she shed through the temporary corridor that connected the two vessels. Utmost cold followed in her wake, and the whole pathway shattered before the guards could thaw.


    Time was of the essence, and she became a streak of ice that zig-zagged through the corridors until she reached the bridge. The two guards standing outside were frozen before they could react, and Catheya crashed through the door a momentter. Inside were three badly startled researchers who seemed to be reviewing various readouts.


    "Hurry! Activate the propulsion. They''re getting away!" Catheya screamed as she entered like a hurricane.


    "Wha? Who-" a shocked Revenant blurted and was promptly awarded a p.


    "NOW!" Catheya roared, and the three veritably threw themselves at the controls.


    Just a secondter, the familiar hum of a Cosmic Engine roaring to life was followed by the shudder of the anchors breaking off. In just a second, the ship had moved hundreds of meters and was already outside reach for the skeleton crew that remained on the Empire ship. That didn''t mean she was safe just yet.


    "South-southwest, the spatial window!" Catheya urged and saw the one she pped dutifully input the coordinates.


    However, Catheya frowned at the other two, who shared a nce as their fingers moved toward an unfamiliar console. The next moment, they were frozen solid as well, leaving a lone researcher looking at Catheya with horror in his eyes.


    "I''m sorry, my friend, but it looks like we are going on a journey together," Catheya smiled.


    A sudden shockwave threw the man to the ground, but Catheya grinned as she tapped a few buttons, prompting a screen to appear. The Imperial Venator was slowly spinning as it moved away from the Spatial Gate, shrapnel from its broken engine forming a shimmering trail.


    That''s what you get for shutting me out from all the meetings and training sessions, Catheya inwardly scoffed.


    It had given her ample time to wander about and figure out the faultlines of the ships. The ship was doomed the moment the crew activated the engines to move in pursuit. Her preparations had created a few energy blockages, and the release valves were frozen. Had they just waited another ten minutes, they would have been fine. Now they''d need at least a week for repairs.


    By then, Catheya would be long gone.

 Chapter 968 - 3,412

    "Is everything alright?" Ilvere asked as he cautiously looked around.


    "Looks like it," Zac nodded, not without some surprise.


    The two previous times he''d absorbed a part of the seal, he ended up ripping a hole in the fabric of space. This time, nothing of the sort happened after the initial shockwave. It was possible the previous outbursts were because he had picked up the pieces inside the Void Star, where space was far more fragile.


    "So, how did it go?" Ilvere asked curiously. "Did you aplish whatever you set out for in there?"


    "Something like that," Zac nodded, hiding theplex feelings in his heart.


    Difficult. Too, too difficult.


    Over six years of relentless work. Theke water had beenpletely used up two years ago, but his studies hadn''t stopped there. On the contrary, they had taken up more and more of his time. The Book of Duality was not onlypletely deciphered but also expanded upon with an eighth and ninth chapter. Tens of thousands of models, Hundreds of thousands of patterns simted.


    Only to learn the path he''d originally envisioned was a dead end. Zac shook his head, looking out across the odd army. There were two hundred warriors, each sitting atop a mantis-like Ayn ant. In addition, there were another hundred brutish-looking Ayn meat shields ready to take on the role of vanguard.


    "How did these guys do?" Zac asked.


    "Well, they can stand around, at least, I can tell you that," Ilvere said with some bemusement. "Sometimes I almost forgot they were real ants and not statues."


    "They have no desires," Lily said as she caressed her Ayn mount. "These are pure warriors who takemands from the queen. Or, well, me. You can pretty much consider them machines."


    "Still might be a good idea to bloody them," Ilvere muttered. "We use Barghest for a simr purpose back home, but some of the bloodlines are simply no good. They''d go out of control when the blood and killing intent in the air reached a certain point, especially those without direct contracts. They''d turn around and attack their controllers. Beasts usually have an inborn ferocity, after all."


    "These guys won''t do that," Lily assured.


    "I believe you,ss," Ilvere said. "But it''s still worth testing out."


    "Can you take them for some actual battle after this?" Zac asked.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Of course."


    Zac nodded before turning to Janos. "Did you feel anything?"


    "No," Janos curtly said before turning his almost vacant gaze toward the ruins around them.


    "Don''t mind him," Ilvere said with a grin. "He''s just trying to figure out something in the world of his. And don''t worry. We''ll stay here for a while and check things out in case there''s a dyed reaction. The eruption after you entered might have disrupted some of the remaining seals, so this could be an opportunity. We''ll test these ants afterward."


    "That''s fine," Zac said as he gave the illusionist a helpless look.


    Zac could barely believe his ears upon hearing that Janos hade walking out of the Ensolus Ruins a year ago. Zac had even cracked open thest ruin with the markings of the Left Imperial Pce to make sure the illusionist wasn''t trapped, but he wasn''t there.


    Even today, Zac didn''t quite understand where Janos had gone, partly because he''d be even moreconic during his opportunity. From the sounds of it, he''d physically entered a crumbling, ancient illusion created by the Limitless Empire. It had taken him over two years just to realize he was trapped and another five to get out. However, those years weren''t spent in vain.


    Janos'' illusions were terrifying by this point, and even Zac had trouble escaping them in short order. He had also learned an incredibly odd technique, where he had created an imaginary world in his mind. Janos could bring out things from that illusion, and they fought as though they were real. The downside to the technique was that it seemed to require huge amounts of his mind power, leaving him with one foot in reality and one foot in his own world.


    More importantly, Janos was now a Realmsinger of Ultom.


    Most likely, Janos had been counted as part of his posse since Zac first got his hand on the quest. Just like Ogras got a quest in the Ra''Lashar Ruins, Janos got a quest the moment he realized he was trapped in an illusion. That quest ultimately allowed him to find a piece of the Mercurial Court.


    Janos was one of the first to be part of his cycle, but he wasn''t the only one. Zac hadn''t heard back from Catheya or Ogras since they ventured into the depths of the Million Gates Territory, but he had at least a way to keep track of Ogras. Just over a year after they set out, Zac''s quest updated to 6/9 in one go.


    Since then, it had been updated twice until it reached 8/9 three months ago. However, Zac suspected this was it since their deadline to return was just two months away. It would have been great if his quest had filled up before leaving for the Perennial Vastness, but the progress was ultimately better than Zac had expected.


    They made such progress by just sailing through the Million Gates Territory. With the war starting in 15 months, Zac suspected they''d have ample opportunities toplete the cycle, perhaps even finish a second one.


    "Alright, let me know if you find something interesting. I''m heading back," Zac said before heading toward the settlement outside.


    Two hourster, he was back on Earth, and Zac sighed as he stepped into his cultivation cave. Thank God his time in this ce wasing to an end. He still felt it rewarding to practice the various aspects of his cultivation, but he could really use a change of pace. Ultimately, he was a cultivator walking the path of conflict. Caves and seclusion weren''t the optimal way for him to progress.


    Of course, some things couldn''t be skipped just because he wanted to go out on capers like Ogras and the others. Like Iz had said, the foundation was the most important. Certain improvements in the E-grade could create a ripple effect of positive ouessting all the way to the peak.


    So he had ignored the call for adventure and studiously continued tempering himself and shoring up his foundations. His years in the Time Chamber weren''t any different. The treasure had essentially created a bubble roughly fifty meters across, where the world outside was frozen in ce.


    By the time the Time Chamber ran out of juice, Zac knew the trees in his Cultivation Cave so well that he knew how many leaves they had. Of course, he had emerged a new person, having pushed his Soul and Constitution to new heights. Now, there was just one step that remained.


    Zac reached his prayer mat, but he kept going until reaching the opposite edge of the cave, where he entered the most recent addition to his subterraneanplex. The gate slid open, and Zac was greeted by the scene that had be incredibly familiar over the past years.


    Thousands of paintings, schematics, statues, and contraptions filled a vast hall. Some were over five meters tall. Others were norger than eggs and ced on pedestals to not disappear. The first item that greeted him upon entering was the crude diagram he made based on his insights inside Yrial''s trial.


    Coming back from the enlightenment of Ultom, it was almost like he was seeing the schematic for the first time, and Zac stopped for a moment to inspect it. Zac shook his head with a slight smile. It wasn''t even worthy of forming a basic skill, so riddled with issues and misunderstandings. But it didn''t matter. Albeit a stumbling one, it was the first step that had started his journey of discovery.


    Zac passed the blueprint and continued further into the cave. When he first opened this inner sanctum, there had only been a straight corridor that got increasingly longer. But after emerging from the Time Chamber, he had been forced to redesign the room. Now, the path was a huge spiral, and Zac was slowly making his way toward the center.


    The first 100 blueprints were both simr in shape and nature. They were all drawn on circr disks, mirroring the concept of the first one. Life to the left, Death to the right, transforming as they moved toward the center. Yin and Yang, light and dark. Each blueprint was far more refinedpared to the one before it.


    Progress had been easy in the beginning, when he was still on the fifth chapter of the [Book of Duality], and he was just scratching the surface. Even then, some things can not be bridged with hard work. This type of straightforward core was most likely impossible. Even today, Zac had no solution. Its fundamental concept was wed, or it required a Dao that far surpassed what was possible in the D-grade.


    As such, the blueprints started to change after Zac had walked a third through the outermost spiral. He had added another source of inspiration; his Duplicity Core.


    The more Zac learned about Duality and the underpinning rules of Cosmic Energy and Attunement, the more Zac realized how magical the Duplicity Core his Mother''s n had created was. He had be half-Draugr by ident, yet it had amodated this change without issue. It seemingly could epass all Daos.


    However, Zac eventually realized that he couldn''t base his Cosmic Core on the ideas of his Duplicity Core either. It ultimately didn''t contain the concept of Duality, even if it looked like it. The Specialty Core was a container, an unfathomable solution to split a single person into two. Its underpinning rule was that the two were keptpletely separate while one nurtured the other, most likely because the Kayar-Elu had nned for his other half to be mechanized.


    And that was not Duality. It had taken some time for Zac to reach this conclusion, with each following iteration of the blueprints tarrying the echoes of his Duplicity Core. It would be a few hundred meters before that changed. Each step felt like retracing his cultivation journey until now. What once felt like strokes of genius was now riddled with errors.


    Yet, they were the foundation of where he was today. Even reaching a dead end was an important lesson, leaving you better off as you righted the ship. As Zac continued down the path, the patterns grew increasinglyplex.


    There was a clear demarcation where he''d mastered the sixth chapter of the [Book of Duality]. The patterns grew denser, and new sections were added, all in an attempt to cross that seemingly unbridgeable gap between Life and Death. It hadn''t worked, even when the patterns reached a point where they were tens of times moreplex than conventional Cultivator''s Cores.


    The ample reserves ofke water had given him a deeper foundation in the subject than almost any centennial in the Multiverse, yet he hadn''t managed to find the solution. By the time he''d mastered the final chapter, Zac had realized he had been walking in circles. It wouldn''t help, no matter how many sections, arrays, and frameworks were added to the blueprint.


    From there, he''d continued into uncharted territory, focusing on the specific interactions between Life and Death and their vor of Duality. Luckily, he still retained a third of his Lake Water by that point, allowing him to walk a bit further. And halfway into the spiral, there was a change.


    Fromplexity came simplicity, where more was expressed with less. The change was small and subtle, but it was there. Gradually, the patterns became more refined while also better representing his trinity path. Conflict was still the glue that would bind together and contain Life and Death, but he''d realized it wasn''t enough.


    Zac shook his head, a smile tugging at his mouth. In a way, he''d been walking in a circle, both metaphorically and literally. He was now over two-thirds into the spiral, yet he hade to the very same conclusion as the day he learned of blueprints. No matter how you looked at it, there simply wasn''t a theoretical foundation to create somethingsting and stable with these three Daos, at least not while retaining his path.


    Life was Life; Death was Death. Forever separate. That was the conclusion he''d arrived at inside the Twilight Ocean.


    Back inside the Inheritance Trial, he''d realized his crude creation might allow him to create a powerful skill that would unleash unmatched destruction. But to build a core would end up with him exploding. And after five years of effort, he arrived at the same roadblock. Of course, this time, it was with a schr''s understanding of why it didn''t work.


    It was like the difference between knowing the sun would rise the next day and knowing how and why it would do so. And it was at this point he ran out ofke water. No more were there any easily-essible insights. Every step of progress had been fought for with blood, sweat, and tears. Thankfully, his foundations and theoretical knowledge were terrifyingly stable by that point, so he had the tools to continue down the path on his own.


    Zac had set out to solve the equation by adding something without damaging or altering his path. For a while, he had experimented with centrifugal force. Zac had suspected he couldn''t rely on the static Cosmic Core most used. Because conflict wasn''t a glue. It was a matchbook and gasoline. There was no such thing as an eternal and unchanging war. Even his Inexorable Path continuously adapted to seal and suffocate the enemy.


    So Zac figured he needed a core that automatically and perpetually rotated the energy. This was nothing unusual on its own; it was an established high-tier concept for Cosmic Cores. Their storage capacity was worse than equally high-tier static models, but they were good for energy transmission. The experimentsted for over two hundred blueprints before it was discarded for being too unstable.


    Between the inward pressure from the vortex and the agitation of conflict, he couldn''t create a safe system that would work for energy storage. It was like his Soul Strengthening Methods. The ferocious storms were fine for short durations where he could temper his cores, but it wasn''t a sustainable state to maintain indefinitely.


    Just creating two sealed-off chambers of Life and Death with his Branch of the War Axe in the middle wouldn''t work. Not only would it halve his energy capacity, but it would be just as unstable as the vortex core. The moment he''d try to extract any significant amount of either Divine Energy or Miasma, a resonance would naturally form, and bnce would be disrupted.


    One idea after another was discarded in this way. This was where Zac had started to worry for real that he had taken on a project beyond his abilities. Perhaps beyond the realms of possibility. The only solution he could think of was to create two separate cores, even if all missives said it was impossible. One Evolutionary Core that would be connected to his human pathways and one Inexorable Core that fueled the other.


    Unfortunately, the book [Book of Duality] said this was a fundamental impossibility, and not forck of people trying. Who wouldn''t want an extra Cosmic Core to double their energy reserves? But no matter if it was creating two identical core orplimentary ones, it simply didn''t seem to be something you could do.


    Ultimately, Zac had been forced to reach out for rification to the only one he knew who might know the truth; Iz. The two plushies had almost copsed by the transference of the promised Life-attuned array disks, but they still had some lingering power left. Zac had sent a message asking if his idea was even possible, along with his thoughts and theories so far. He had received a one-sentence answer in return.


    Outside the scope of this Heaven.


    Iz hadn''t said it was impossible, but her answer wasn''t much better. No cores or multiple cores were not possibilities within the system of cultivation that existed in the Era of Order. Even if you somehow seeded and broke past the boundaries of the Era, you''d be disconnected from the natural path of progression. It was just like the Earth Immortals Iz mentioned.


    Zac didn''t have any Supremacy to push away reality while he embarked on a path of a previous Heaven, and neither did he have the fundamental qualifications to forge apletely new approach to cultivation. Forming a Life-Death core was incredibly difficult, but creating two cores seemed even more far-fetched.


    Dark clouds were gathering, yet Zac hadn''t stopped or let the task shake his conviction. Luckily, he was far ahead of schedule on both soul and constitution, allowing him to focus fully on his blueprint alone. He tried everything he coulde up with, to the point he spent every waking moment theorizing, simting, and engraving.


    Yet the patterns grew increasingly simr as Zac walked the final stretch of the spiral, even if the expressions became more diverse. Ultimately, he had exhausted everything he could think of. There was simply no path forward. He had only managed toe up with a few wild ideas that may or may not work, crazyst-ditch efforts that were far more likely to end in disaster. And then, the blueprints ended as Zac reached the center.


    Six years of constant work had gone into this room. And these were just his finest creations, the ones that Zac felt worthy of entering his museum of failure. Because that was what this ce was. In total, there were 3,412 attempts at creating a Life-Death Core lining the path to the center. In total, there were 3,412 failures.


    Every day, he''d made multiple attempts at drawing, carving, sculpting, or chiseling an array. Every single day, he ended up with a defective product. Since he was well and truly stuck, having the theoretical knowledge butcking the inspiration, Zac ultimately turned to the one chance he had remaining.


    Ultom. It was a few months earlier than nned, but what could you do? Zac had exhausted all his venues. Unfortunately, the moment the light of rity entered his body, he was instantly met with an inescapable truth. Cores with both Pure Life and Pure Death were simply impossible to form without also controlling Chaos. It was no wonder the Undead Empire wanted to erase his human side.


    Conflict couldn''t solve that insolvable equation; it could only make the fallout more vtile. Zac had almost given in to despair then and there, but the next moment, Ultom shone a light in the darkness. A weak, flickering light, but it was there. A possibility that perfectly toed the line between genius and madness.


    A path only open to a Void Emperor.

 Chapter 969 - Neither and Both

    The impartment of Ultom was unequivocal in its message. He couldn''t fuse Life and Death in one core, and he couldn''t use Two cores. So he would do neither, and he would do both.


    The end of the spiral led to a small empty square, no more than ten meters across. It symbolized the destination of the journey he''d taken over the past years. It was here he would ce his final blueprint, the one that epassed his path without being a paradox. And it was finally time to create it.


    Zac stood in the middle of his museum for over an hour, stabilizing his mind while recollecting the solution he''d seen in the light of Ultom. When Zac''s soul waspletely calm, and his heart was steady, he took out a table, a chair, and a piece of white marble asrge as his torso. Next to it, he took out a stack of papers with hastily scribbled notes.


    Some of the concepts that went into his idea were tooplex, and Zac had been afraid he''d forget them over time as he had after some of his other epiphanies. Everything from feelings to step-by-step construction had been written down, but Zac didn''t feel they were necessary. The core was so tangible and detailed in his mind that it might as well be real.


    Zac began his work, this time opting to use a sculpture to represent his path. A simple disk wouldn''t be enough; he would have to work with all three dimensions to get an even slightly urate representation of his n.


    One of his artisan axes chiseled away most of the marble until what remained was an almost perfect sphere. With a Dao-empowered swing, the ball was perfectly cut into two, and Zac put one of the halves aside before turning his attention to the other. He swapped out his axe for a finer one and began engraving a series of patterns on the sphere.


    The outermostyer of patterns was no more than a finger deep, and individual patterns were so small they were a tenth the width and height. A normal human could barely make out the runes, yet each represented whole sets of fractals. Sometimes hundreds of them. The edge of the small axe moved with extreme precision, guided by experience and the Dao.


    It had been years since hepleted the firstyer of the [Thousand Lights Avatar], which allowed him to freely and naturally instill his body with the Dao. Just as he and Pavina theorized all those years ago, it had provided noticeable benefits to his technique. Not only that, it had proven useful in all kinds of scenarios, even carving blueprints.


    Since [Thousand Lights Avatar] had proven practical beyond expectation, from channeling Daos into skills to improving his connection to his techniques, he''d kept cultivating it whenever he had time. And with the Moss Crystal''s incredibly pure source of spirituality, he had alreadypleted the secondyer.


    Today, his whole body was covered by a secondary soul instead of just having a skeleton framework. It was still mostly hollow, though. Even with the second Moss Crystal he''d arduously bartered from Mossy, in exchange for enormous attunement traps in space and mountains of Nexus Crystals, it would take years to flesh out the budding avatar fully.


    For better or worse, Mossy had realized its crystals were incredibly useful to things outside their one-ness, and they had actively started working on creating more. With Zac''s attunement traps siphoning off all attuned energy to create Divine and Miasma Crystals, Mossy had more energy left over for that. The only problem was that the moss entity became noticeably smarter every time they conversed, but Zac had ultimately decided to take the risk.


    Mossy''s Crystals were simply too magical, no matter if it were for himself or other Mentalists like Vri. Soul Cultivation was an incredibly powerful path, and most Cultivators'' defenses were on the weaker side against mental attacks. But Mentalists just took too much time to nurture. With Mossy providing crystals to the elites of the Atwood Empire, that weakness would be shored up.


    The effects of the soul avatar were palpable, even if it wasn''t fully fleshed out yet. It was like the Heavens themselves were guiding Zac''s hand as one pattern after another appeared with zing speed. Not even theser cutters of Old Earth would be able topare to the precision or pace Zac added engravings to the half-sphere.


    In just a few minutes, the whole outer core was covered in dense scripts that emitted the familiar aura of the Evolutionary Cores he''d created over the past years. However, there were some differences here and there, so subtle that Zac doubted any outsiders would spot them. They didn''t change much by themselves, but that was just the start.


    Zac carefully flipped over the half-sphere and continued engraving. He began at the middle, released a small engraved nucleus from the center, and put it aside. From there, Zac removed ayer of marble before carving a set of runes, both familiar and foreign. More than the runes on the outside, they reminded Zac of the seals in his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    The whole inner pattern was carved, and Zac actually cut it out of the sphere, hollowing it out even further. It was ced to the side with the nucleus, and three moreyers eventually joined it. By that time, only the outer shell of the half-sphere remained, and Zac carefully put back the fiveyers he''d carved.


    Each piece perfectly fit into the whole, creating an almost dizzying array of patterns. Zac looked at the result with satisfaction. It was one of the most intricate designs he''d ever brought from his mind to reality, and it had pushed his skills artisanal skills to the limits.


    Zac spent the next thirty minutes studying the runes, but they really were a perfect representation of the core in his mind. As far as he could tell, the runes were all as they should be. Truthfully, he mostly relied on Ultom for a good chunk of the patterns inside the sphere. After all, half of the patterns were a fusion of Conflict and the Void of Life rather than the Dao of Life, and that was mostly uncharted territory for him.


    Since nothing was wrong, Zac ced a talisman on the half-sphere. With a small shudder, the sixyers fused back together without needing glue or anything else. With that, the first piece wasplete, and Zac continued with the same process on the other half before pushing the two back together.


    Another talisman was ced on the cut, and the two pieces fused like they had never been apart. Left was a single sphere with sixyers of runes, including a nucleus, intricately connected in a way that created echoes of his path.


    It was already lightyears ahead of his other designs, yet it felt iplete. Hollow. Moreover, it lookedpletely erratic from most vantages, to the point it didn''t even look like a real blueprint. But that didn''t mean he''d failed. It simply meant he hadn''t finished the core yet.


    Zac ced the white sphere to the side before sending a nudge into his Specialty core, letting Miasma spread through his body. The second part would be best carved in his Draugr form. After four hours, a second core joined the first. This one was made from ck marble instead of white, and its patterns were unsurprisingly those of Death and Conflict. And like with the first core, it both feltplete and defective.


    Only from one direction could Zac see the inexorability of his path. The other sides were bem, chaos that made no sense. This core was even more alien than the first. Half of its patterns were created with the Void of Death and fused with his Dao of Conflict in ways that would be foreign to anyone whose understanding was limited to the Apostate of Order''s fractal framework.


    Zac already had some understanding of the Void of Life and how it affected his Dao after years of practicing his [Void Vajra Sublimation], but he didn''t have the same experience with the Void of Death. Zac suspected that would have to change going forward. Thankfully, Zac could extrapte the connections through his understanding of life, for now, so he somewhat understood the goal of the patterns.


    The two orbs were ced on separate pedestals right in the middle of the spiral, with only a hand''s gap between them. They looked like two broken moons next to each other, hinting at something greater that seemed irrevocably lost. It even looked like he had added unnecessary strokes and filler paths that served no real purpose.


    But it was all a matter of vantage.


    Zac slowly walked around the instation until death waspletely hidden by life. There, the view waspletely different. It was like everything had clicked into ce. The previously iplete or unnecessary additions to the core suddenly looked perfect, thanks to the juxtaposition of the core behind.


    The Void of Death nurtured andpleted the Evolutionary Core from within, just like the threat of death was the driving force for struggle in the wild. Simrly, the Void of Lifepleted the Inexorable Core on the other side. Without life, there could be no death. It was an Evolutionary Core. It was an Inexorable Core. It was neither, and it was both.


    A Quantum Core to contain his Trinity Path, made possible by Void and grasping for Chaos.


    In truth, the core was not two separate things, not really. It was impossible to engrave the concepts onto stone properly, so he was forced to take a shortcut. When it came to the real thing, it would be a single core with two states of existence.


    When he was in his Human form, the core would look like it did from the vantage of the white marble sphere: Life, Conflict, Void of Death. Life and Void of Death didn''t actually sh in this case. The Void of Dao acted as a hidden booster, enkindling his path and stabilizing it. Life from the absence of Death, one could say.


    When Draugr, the Cosmic Core would rather be in its other state, where Death and Conflict were supported by Void of Life.


    It looked simple when he just walked back and forth between the two sides. In reality, it was incrediblyplex, deviating from anything Zac had seen. Even if he had 100 years, he would probably never have figured out these patterns. They relied on the concept of Void, which was mostly unexplored, and for a good reason.


    To have an affinity to a Dao meant not having affinity to the Void of that Dao. No cultivator of life would ever touch upon the Void of Life. He, as the Void Emperor, was possible the sole exception in the multiverse, which had opened a door that was closed for everyone else.


    And that still wasn''t enough to make this impossible core possible. The Kayar-Elu had created something equally impossible when creating his core and the [Quantum Gate]. His body was in two states simultaneously, like two sides of a coin. As Zac was right now, he wouldn''t have been able to stably create this Trinity Core without the assistance of these impartments. His Technocrat inheritance was the key that would trigger its two states.


    Zac couldn''t be sure, but he guessed this was the first and thest core of this type that would ever exist under the Heavens. Not because it was the mostplex one ever created but because of its impossible requirements. A paradoxical core for a paradoxical person.


    Looking at it filled Zac with a sense of release. Years of toiling had led to this, and the result was exactly what he''d hoped for. Even after looking over the schematic, he couldn''t find a single mistake. As long as Zac managed to create this thing, it should at least be a Middle-quality Cosmic Core.


    It didn''t sound like much, especially in the face of the ims that the Perennial Vastness could help cultivators form Peak-quality cores that would remove most of the bottlenecks of Hegemony. Ultimately, that was only true for normal elites with simple and unimpressive paths.


    The heavier one''s foundations, the more difficult it was to form a High-quality core. The same was true for theplexity of your path. Even Iz was only aiming for a High-quality Cosmic Core with her backing. For Zac to expect a Peak-quality core right out of the gate was a fool''s hope. Still, as long as he managed to form a Middle-quality core, Zac''s short-term goals would be met.


    Hegemony was simr to the E-grade in that it was divided into Early, Middle, Late, and Peak. But while the E-grade had 75 minor bottlenecks, D-grade had three major ones. After breaking through, you''d have an Early-stage Cosmic Core, which wouldst you until the first bottleneck at level 175. At that point, you would have to upgrade your core, which was risky and difficult.


    A failed attempt would damage and lower the quality of your core, which could waste centuries of cultivation. If you really messed up, you could destroy your core altogether and cripple your cultivation. But if you seeded, you would break through to Middle D-grade.


    Upgrading your core from Early to Middle-stage came with all kinds of benefits. First of all, your level limit would increase by another 25 levels, where each level provided more attributes than the Early stage. With a Middle-stage core, you''d also be able to store and transmit far more Cosmic Energy, giving a huge advantage inbat since it could both power stronger War Regalia and skills.


    But for many, the true prize of breaking through was something else; Longevity. Your lifespan was more rted to your core than your Race in the D-grade. There were no pills for a quick breakthrough. Your Race would reach C-grade upon passing the final bottleneck, upgrading a Late-Stage Cosmic Core to Peak.


    Each breakthrough before then would also add roughly ten thousand years of lifespan, far more than any longevity treasures could provide. Even those who had no hopes of Monarchy or eventer stages of D-grade desperately wanted to upgrade their cores at least one stage for this reason. But it was easier said than done.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The fundamental requirement to pass each bottleneck was the quality of your core. If you managed to form a Middle-quality Cosmic Core from the get-go, you had the qualifications to assault the first bottleneck the moment you were level-capped. If not, you would have to slowly work on the quality of your Cosmic Core until you were ready.


    Cultivators could use their manuals to aplish this. A Middle-quality D-grade Cultivation Manual could gradually refinepatible cores to Middle-quality without any risk, though it took centuries to millennia of cultivation. Mortals such as himself didn''t have that luxury. They needed to use treasures or risk everything by simultaneously upgrading the stage and quality.


    Zac wasn''t confident about reaching Late Hegemony before Ultom, even with the opportunities provided by the sanctioned war. Breaking through didn''t only require your core to have reached the minimum quality. You also needed foundations and umtions. For someone like him, he''d most likely need to upgrade his branches to Earthly Daos to act as the foundations for a Late-stage Cosmic Core. To reach that point in 3 years was simply too difficult.


    But Zac felt the peak of Middle Hegemony doable, even if it would be incredibly difficult. The levels would be easy; between pills and endless enemies during the war, he was confident in quickly gaining levels. There was no real bottleneck between levels either.


    Normal Hegemons who entered D-grade with imperfect cores, either from relying on treasures orcking understanding of their Daos, would find themselves unable to gain any levels before fixing the mistakes. But with a Cosmic Core perfectly aligned with his path and vetted by the wisdom of Ultom, Zac expected he''d be able to rush through the levels without any issues.


    Of course, reaching that level didn''t mean he would be invincible. Having spoken with Iz and Catheya, Zac was certain the top geniuses would be Late D-grade with at least one Earthly Dao. However, with his unique situation and various advantages, he wouldn''t be like a fish on the chopping block.


    Even if winning was hard to impossible, he should be able to make himself unptable enough to target that it wasn''t worth the effort messing with him.


    Zac shook his head, his abyssal gaze turning back to the two spheres. These matters were all problems for the future. The first step was to actually create this impossible core. In reality, the process would be far harder than chiseling two marble blocks. The real thing was just one core, meaning he had to craft both sides simultaneously.


    In other words, he would have to keep swapping back and forth between each side while forming the core. Because if he added too much in one of the two states without the other side to bnce it out, the core would copse. He would walk the tightrope for who knew how long if he wanted to create something like this.


    Zac wouldn''t be surprised even if the process took years toplete. Years where a single slip of concentration would spell his doom. But if that was what it took, so be it. Zac was ready to meet the challenge to prove his path. A token with the rune for "Vast" appeared in his hand, and a smile spread across his face.


    Not much longer now.

 Chapter 970 - Return

    Zac spent another hour looking at the cores before stowing them away in two boxes. Even if the center of the museum were where they belonged, he didn''t want to risk them being damaged or destroyed. So he''d carry them with him, at least until he had created the real thing. He left the inner sanctum and found Triv waiting just outside.


    The ghost looked almost exactly like a posh Revenant butler by this point, though he was still translucent. His soul had benefited immensely over the past years thanks to the Eidolon Cultivation Manuals. As such, he had gained better control over his previously slightly ill-defined form and had chosen an appearance more in line with Zac and the rest of the undead poption.


    "I''m sorry to interrupt your cultivation, Lord," Triv said with a bow. "But I believe you would want to hear this."


    "They''re back?" Zac asked with excitement.


    "s, Lady Vri and the others have not yet returned, but another one has," Triv said. "Your little disciple."


    "Emily?" Zac eximed, the matter of his core almostpletely forgotten already. "Where is she?"


    "She just arrived in yourpound."


    "Thank you, Triv," Zac nodded before disappearing.


    A momentter, Zac stepped out from the teleporter to a both familiar and foreign scene. As his cultivation sessions intensified, he''d spent less and less time here. The few times he''d taken a break to clear his head, he had mostly traveled off-world to satiate his boredom and somewhat quench his growing desire for adventure. But for a moment, Zac felt he was back to the first year of the integration as he found Emily standing there, waiting for him.


    It had been so long. For him, it was over 15 years since he saw his disciple, and it had almost been as long for her. Zac had worried for her a lot over the past years since there was no news forting from the Big Axe Coliseum. He''d even asked his new allies from the Allbright n to keep a lookout in the Million Gates Territory and put some pressure on the leaders of the coliseum to find out what was going on.


    She was so young when she left, and almost half of her life had been spent off-world honing herself. Unsurprisingly, Emily had changed a lot since Zac saw herst. She no longer looked like a feral child decked in warpaint and animal furs. Instead, she had grown into a young woman just a head shorter than him. Her build had filled out a bit, even if she could be considered skinnypared to someone like Zac or Qirai.


    But there was no sense of frailty to that thin frame. A palpable feeling of danger emanated from her, like there was a storm trapped within her body. Her gear looked quite odd, like a patchwork of strips of bright leather armor. She was a ssh of color to hispound''s tranquil but slightly dull environment. Her hair was cut quite short in a practical pixie cut, and she was decked in all kinds of weird contraptions apart from her two tomahawks.


    Emily grinned at Zac when he appeared, but her smile quickly turned crooked as tears pooled in her eyes. Zac didn''t say anything as he walked over and enclosed her in a hug.


    "You''re finally home," Zac said as he lifted her from the ground. "I''m d you''re okay."


    "You too," Emily said, not moving for over a minute.


    "Is your mission to the Million Gates Territory over?" Zac eventually asked as he put her down.


    "What mission?" Emily huffed. "We didn''t even manage to find a single infiltrator before our ship was ripped apart."


    "What?" Zac yelled, a pang of worry filling him as he thought to Ogras and the others.


    No, they should be fine. Otherwise, the progression of his quest would have stalled out. Zac shook his head and led Emily over to her home. The old camper that nowadays hung twenty meters in the air from a carefully pruned tree, with arge sundeck around it.


    "It''s still here," Emily smiled as they jumped up and sat on a lounge sofa on the deck.


    "Of course, always," Zac nodded. "What happened in the Million Gates Territory? Pirates?"


    "No, a spatial storm suddenly swallowed the whole gship. I managed to survive inside an escape pod. Floated around for over a year, cultivating and trying to rebuild it so I could get out."


    "Holy crap," Zac muttered.


    "That''s nothing," Emily grinned. "When I finally was rescued, it turned out the ship belonged to a bunch of Kan''Tanu."


    "What?" Zac frowned before he leaned over, grasping Emily''s hand before she had a chance to react.


    He infused coruscating waves of Life-Attuned Dao through her body while scanning every inch with Mental Energy. But there was nothing, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief as he stepped back.


    "As I said," Emily said as she lightly pped Zac''s hand with a roll of her eyes. "I had to take them all out before I snatched their vessel. You know, I''m pretty powerful nowadays. There were even five Hegemons among them. One of them was a bit too strong, so I had to use most of your talismans to blow up a section of the ship and fly away when he wasunched into space."


    "That''s fine; I have more," Zac smiled. "Then what happened?"


    "I sailed around for a few more months, but their ship wasn''t much better than my old escape pod. It broke down after just three jumps, but I managed to reach a more popted region of space. I traded the vessel for passage with a pirate crew, and they took me to a Space Station. From there, I joined a mercenary crew, and they ultimately flew me out of the Million Gates Territory so I could teleport home."


    Zac looked at Emily with shock, and it almost felt like he saw her for the first time. The story was short and sinct, but he could tell a lot of hard work and hardships hidden within those details. For example, trading a stalled Cosmic Vessel for passage? Most pirates would simply kill the lone survivor and take the ship. For her to walk out of it unscathed, she must have both used brains and brawn.


    The same was true for the Mercenaries, who seldom were much better than the pirates they usually hunted.


    "The Mercenaries sent you back, just like that?" Zac said with surprise.


    "I was lucky to find one of the good crews. The captain was a former soldier of the Allbright Army. They mostly make a living hunting bounties and exploring the gates, but they have also startedpleting missions for the War Coalitiontely. Besides, I presented them with a pretty good deal. You need to help me pick up a couple of people."


    "Pick up?" Zac asked. "Who?"


    "I poached a few of those guys," Emily grinned. "The captain was fine with it. He realized I had a decent background because of my items and talent. So, he sent me a few of the good ones, including his son. All are either talented Peak E-grade or Half-step veterans. They''re pretty good and have a lot of experience in the Million Gates Territory if you ever go there. The captain has trained them in warfare as well."


    "Alright, no problem," Zac readily agreed. "We have already started recruiting some outsiders for the uing war. We already have over 100 Half-step Hegemons and four actual Hegemons in the Atwood Army, but we could definitely use more of them."


    The two spent the next couple of hours catching up, with Zac telling Emily of his experiences in the Twilight Ascent, Orom World, and Void Gate. She looked almost green with envy at the "fun" he''d had, even if she had been through quite the ordeals herself. Hearing that Zac had started on the path of techniques, her eyes lit up, and she dragged him to a nearby clearing.


    "You''re just back, and you want to fight?" Zac said with some helplessness.


    "Show me that Evolutionary Stance of yours," Emily urged. "And I''ll show you my Tempest Bop."


    "Tempest Bop?" Zac smiled with a shake of his head as [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his hand. "Fine, show me what the Ogres back in the coliseum have taught you."


    "Don''t get too shocked," Emily grinned as over thirty small axes flew out from a small bag on her belt.


    "An axe array?" Zac whistled, watching the array start a deadly dance around her while she gripped her two tomahawks.


    "Vines?" Emily countered with surprise upon seeing Vivi make an appearance.


    "I guess we''re pretty simr, after all," Zac smiled, realizing Emily had moved in a simr path as himself. The only difference was that she chose a weapon array rather than an armament to supplement herbat style.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac wasted no time as he stepped right into the whirlwind of axes, using Vivi and [Verun''s Bite] to gently push the flying axes out of control. He was immediately impressed by the speed andplexity of the array. Axes kepting at him from every direction, like a swarm of wasps trying to sting him to death.


    Emily proved herself quitepetent at controlling the axes as well. Zac was continuously hitting the axes in a way that was meant to disrupt the tempo of the axe storm, but she quickly adapted and righted the ship every time. Suddenly, arger, gleaming edge appeared among the blur; a tomahawk aiming for his throat.


    It flew right past him, a small step enough to avoid the hit. A second strike followed the first, but a vine suddenly shot up from the ground, aiming for Emily''s chin. She was forced to alter her swing, cutting off the vine. Doing so stole her momentum, though, and the axe array was not enough to slow down Zac as heunched a counter-offensive.


    Emily wasn''t so easily caught, even if she had momentarily lost the advantage. A storm of des forced Zac to slow down and parry while Emily distanced herself again. She was as elusive as the wind, flitting back and forth in the clearing. She worked in harmony with her array, only appearing when an opening presented itself, her strikes tempestuous and forceful.


    Zac had his hands mostly full just dealing with the swirling axes, but he gradually started to regain control, forcing Emily to choose between a passive state or striking even when there were no openings. She chose thetter, trying to leverage her own attacks to regain control of the surroundings. But it was a losing battle.


    Ultimately, Zac saw there was order to the chaos of the axes around him. The array was based on a set of cyclic patterns, something Zac was familiar with, thanks to his master. Their tempo rose and fell like the seasons. It still provided a surprising variance, like how no two summers were alike. But it wasn''t perfect.


    Zac could tell Emily hadn''t reached the Integration Stage yet, and her cooperation with her array started to suffer when he pushed her. That created new openings, which eventually ended with Emily being dragged to the ground by Vivi, [Verun''s Bite] levied against her throat.


    "What the hell, you only used 60% of my attributes," Emily panted, looking at Zac like he were a monster.


    "Don''t feel bad," Zac smiled, helping her up. "I started this path over a decade ago. The fact you''ve reached this far in just two years, especially while stuck in an escape pod, is amazing. With some proper training, you''ll plug most of your weaknesses. It''s just..."


    "What?"


    "Are you the axe, or are you the storm?" Zac asked.


    "I am both."


    "Then you need to work more on your actual axework," Zac said. "I felt like I was inside a storm when you fought me, and I felt the tempo of your Seasonal Dao. But I didn''t really sense the deadly intent of the axe, the ferocity and indomitability. Let me guess; you haven''t fullyprehended [Axe Mastery] yet?"


    "I was busy working on other things," Emily coughed.


    "You really are my disciple," Zacughed.


    "So you''re saying my Tempest Bop was a mistake?" Emily said, looking a bit crestfallen.


    "Not at all," Zac said with a shake of his head. "I did the same thing. A Monarch in the Orom World helped me fix my training method. But looking back at it, I don''t feel like I wasted time with my first iteration of my Evolutionary Stance. I found something I liked, something that resonated with my path. Thanks to that, I had a goal to work toward as I shored up my foundations. It''ll be the same for you."


    "Shore up foundations," Emily muttered, her eyes lighting up. "Right, and you''ll help me spar. I haven''t had any good sparring partners for years."


    "Sure," Zac nodded. "I''m pretty free over the next month or two."


    Zac wasn''t exaggerating. It wasn''t that he didn''t need to cultivate, but rather that he couldn''t. His [Void Vajra Constitution] was already at the very limit of the thirdyer. A single rotation and he would break through and reach Minor Vajra Sublimation. But why would he? He had only managed to form the first threeyers of the technique with the light of Ultom, and he still hadn''t finished creating the fourth.


    He''d hoped to use some leftover light from Ultom to finalize it, but his Void Core had taken up all of his epiphany. Since he temporarily couldn''t continue with his Body Tempering after breaking through, he would rather wait to break through inside the Perennial Vastness. Doing so might give him a leg up during his stay there, like during his previous experiences.


    The Twilight Ascent and the Orom World had awarded you for progressing, though the reasoning differed. Zac leaned toward the Perennial Vastness being more like the Orom World. The owner of the Immemorial Realm had to have some reason to invite innumerable cultivators to their domain, teleporting them halfway across the Multiverse.


    They probably got something from observing the process of cultivators forming their cores, possibly observing elites from across the Multiverse in general. So it wouldn''t be surprising if there were some contribution system inside that awarded points for progress.


    It was the same with his soul. Between the Moss Crystals and the attuned treasures from Iz and the elders of the Undead Empire, Zac had finished his thirdyer a century ahead of schedule. In fact, by the time he''d formed the nine sets of outer attuned cores, the inner core was halfway refined already.


    Since the fourthyer most likely was an undertaking measured in decades, even with a steady source of Moss Crystals, Zac opted not to break through a year ago and instead focused on his blueprint. As for his [Thousand Lights Avatar], it was gradually filling up on its own just by cycling the run-off energy of the Moss Crystal with the help of his Mental Energy. Cultivating the method would speed up the process, but it wasn''t something pressing.


    Obviously, there were always things to work on when it came to cultivation, but Zac felt he''d be better off just rxing and clearing his mind now that he had a n for his core. The rest could be dealt with inside the time-dted environment of the Perennial Vastness.


    "Can''t believe you''re heading off to that Perennial Vastness just as I returned," Emily sighed. "Am I just supposed to sit around here after that?"


    "You can help train the recruits," Zac said. "You should also start considering your role in the war. With your skill set, you would do well both as leader of a strike team or as a general of arge army."


    "You''re letting me go to the frontlines? Just like that?" Emily said, looking both pleased and surprised.


    "You''re not a kid anymore," Zac nodded. "Between yourbat strength and support abilities, you are one of the most powerful people on Earth. I hope you can be someone our people can depend on."


    "O-Of course," Emily quickly nodded. "I swear, I''ll take this seriously. I''m done messing around like back then."


    Zac slowly nodded as he thoughtfully looked at Emily. She was right. She was already an adult and an aplished cultivator in her own right. Even if he didn''t like the idea of Emily risking her life even further, he''d be doing her a disservice if he didn''t give her the same option as Vri and the others.


    "There is actually something else going on. Something beyond the war. It might present an enormous opportunity, but it might also spell death. There is even a chance that just knowing about it will impact your fate, so you will have to think long and hard before deciding if this is something for you."


    "No need. I can take it," Emily said. "I don''t want to stay on the sidelines anymore. This is what I''ve trained for."


    Zac took a deep breath before telling Emily of Ultom, of the Left Imperial Pce and its subsidiary courts, and the uing trial. Emily first looked at Zac like he was crazy, but her brows slowly furrowed thoughtfully as he reached the part of forming a cycle.


    "Sealbearers?" Emily slowly said. "So what are they supposed to do?"


    "I''m not sure yet," Zac said, not without some helplessness.


    He had visited and exchanged letters with Vai and Leyara over the past years. With Vai, he mostly discussed research, where she''d helped him approach some problems from a new direction. As for Leyara, he tried to get her and her master to give up some more information about Ultom. But even after years of trying, he hadn''t managed to gain much.


    "I only know the inheritance will start in just over three years. Since I have a quest to gather people from the nine outer courts, I think there will be a teamworkponent, but I can''t be sure. Either case, it will be incredibly dangerous with the powerful outsidersing here."


    "An ancient castle and Eternal Heritages," Emily said, a smile tugging at her mouth. "These sealbearers, they''d have to be pretty impressive to get chosen by such a ce, huh?"


    "I guess," Zac said, his eyes suddenly thinning. "Don''t tell me?"


    "Don''t you know who you''re talking to?" Emilyughed as a quest screen appeared. "I''m more than halfway there already."

 Chapter 971 - Recruitment

    Zac looked with nk iprehension at the quest telling him Emily had two pieces of the seal of the Radiant Court.


    "I found the first piece while I still was part of the Big Axe Coliseum. I found the second one by chance soon aftermandeering the Kan''Tanu ship. I was never able to find a third piece, though," Emily huffed.


    "The System is keeping the final pieces as rewards during the war," Zac distractedly looked at his prot��g��. "So you''re one of the four?"


    "What?" Emily said with confusion.


    "Nevermind," Zac said. "Can you tell me what you used the epiphanies for?"


    "The first one was to create a skill and kind of understand my path in general. It helped me create my Axe Arrayter," Emily said. "The second one was to recreate a Cultivation Manual I got from my teacher at the coliseum and form a blueprint for my Cosmic Core. I was afraid I''d end up stuck in space, so I was nning on breaking through in case my ship blew up or something. That way, I wouldn''t die fromck of oxygen, at least. I could just keep flying for a hundred years until I ran into someone."


    "You''re resilient, I''ll give you that," Zacughed. "You''re getting ready to break through?"


    "I think so," Emily said. "I''m not in as big a hurry now that I''m back on Earth, though. I''ll probably spend a couple of months figuring things out first, but I''ll make the attempt before the war starts."


    "Don''t feel you need to rush it," Zac urged.


    "No, it''s fine," Emily said. "I feel it''s better even. This way, there''ll be a purpose to my breakthrough. I can protect the people around me. There''s no point to cultivation if I hide in some cave for a hundred years before emerging as a slightly stronger Hegemon."


    "I guess you''re right," Zac smiled. "Who knows, you might break through before me."


    "And the student bes the master," Emily grinned before her eyes suddenly widened. "Oh crap, my underlings."


    "The mercenaries?" Zac asked.


    "It''s been longer than I nned. The idea was toe fetch you right away," Emily exined. "Can we go now?"


    "Sure," Zac nodded. "I could use stretching my legs a bit."


    The capital of Lua-lor wasn''t much different from the other cities you''d find on low D-grades of the Allbright Empire. There were the Halls of Light in its heart, the administrative building with its appointed Mayor, which doubled as an academy for cultivators. Academia and governance were tightly rted in the whole Empire, which had proven an effective method to retain talents within the Imperial Faction.


    Many who graduated switched to employment within the Halls of Light, never giving the ns, Sects, and Businesses a chance to headhunt promising elites. Here, right at the edge of the Empire, the Hall of Light wouldn''t normally have as much prestige as in the central regions. In these chaotic parts, things were more fluid, and the power dynamics moreplex.


    With the war, the muddy waters had been cleared. Those who needed to be reminded which Empire they were part of had been reminded, and purges of problematic factions had taken ce across the border. Zac didn''t care about any of that, though, as he and Emily walked the streets, taking in the surroundings.


    The architecture was more simplisticpared to the inner regions of the Allbright Empire, even if they still leaned toward structures made withrge walls of spiritual ss and white stone. But here, the rounded and artistic styles had given way to squarish practicality, and the protective arrays were often engraved right on the outside of the buildings.


    Doing so was far cheaper than embedding it into the wall, but it allowed anyone to observe the patterns for weaknesses. Zac, who had enjoyed hundreds of bouts of synthetic enlightenment over the past years, could easily spot numerous weaknesses in most of the arrays. A simple punch would easily topple many of these buildings, even if they were supposed to withstand much more.


    His vast knowledge of patterns was something Zac hoped to utilize more in the future, though he hadn''t decided how. He only knew it would be a waste not to benefit from all that knowledge after having finalized his blueprint. He even had a set of 72 artisan axes in his Spatial Ring that had proven useful on most materials.


    He justcked a crafting method that could allow someone with low Dao Control to seed. As it were like now, he could easily create F-grade or Early E-grade array disks simply thanks to his muscle control and skill with axes.


    But more powerful Arrays required you also imprint the array with continuous streams of patterns with Mental Energy and Dao, which was still beyond him. Zac had considered the possibility of creating Array Molds somehow. He''d carve out a perfect mold, fill it with his Dao, and then imprint it on a y disk or something simr. It was a bit like his method of forming Dao Braids.


    Unfortunately, his few attempts at the idea had proven unsessful, and the Volor Craftsmen weren''t optimistic that the method was workable. They said crafting was an art where you put your heart and soul into the item you created. Literally. Using molds was more like mass production without heart.


    Even if you managed to create workable molds, they probably wouldn''t have the spirituality necessary for high-grade crafts. Zac had even considered visiting the more brutish races of the sector to see how they crafted, in case they had some ideas he could use. But when would he get the time for something like that? When he was dead, probably.


    "So, where are your guys?" Zac asked as he looked around.


    "I left them at a bar," Emily said. "They''re either still drinking or sleeping it off in some alley outside. Although, with the current atmosphere, they might be in a drunk tank."


    Zac nodded, ncing at a squad of disciplined soldiers patrolling the street. "I didn''t expect the Dravorak Empire to have such a presence here."


    "They apparently have one of their main bases in this neighborhood," Emily exined. "This has be an exchange spot for Dravorak and Allbright."


    "Alright," Zac nodded.


    Luckily, the two found the newest members where Emily had left them. Thebination of adventurer poverty and Peak E-grade constitutions made it impossible to get overly drunk. There was almost an oppressive atmosphere at the table, but a few of them perked up upon seeing Emily walk over.


    "Little Chief!" one of them eximed before looking at Zac, who had donned a new identity with [Million Faces], curiously.


    "Only six of you? Where''s Monkey and Elenka?" Emily frowned as she looked around.


    "They�� left," another grimaced. "Didn''t think you were returning."


    "I''ll find them," Emily swore.


    "Don''t bother," Zac shrugged before paying for a VIP room in the establishment. "They''ve made their choice. Let''s go somewhere more private."


    Inside, he threw out a set of arrays, sealing them from the outside. The six cultivators looked warily at Zac with a mix of confusion and spection.


    "I want to begin by thanking you all for looking after Emily this past year," Zac said as six Cosmos Sacks appeared on the table. "A small token of appreciation from her teacher."


    "What looking after," Emily muttered from the side. "I saved their hides more than once."


    A few of the mercenaries picked up the sacks, and they immediately froze after scanning the contents.


    "Holy crap," one of them muttered, looking up at Zac with awe.


    For Zac, it was just a couple of Crystals and natural treasures. Thebined value of each sack was barely 1 D-grade Nexus Coin; nothing for him, but a significant windfall for mercenaries eking out a living in this kind of environment.


    "Now, you have the same choice as your other twopanions. You can either go on and pave your own path or join us. I will be clear, though. If you join us, it will be as part of our armies, and your freedoms will be restricted. The only reason we are recruiting people from the outside is for the uing war."


    "What would our role be?" one of the men hesitantly asked.


    "Pilots, warriors, technicians, navigators; wherever your talents lie. We don''t need meat shields, we needpetent veterans who can help nurture and lead therge number of recruits we''ve added to our ranks upon learning of the war. You have lived in the Million Gates Territories for decades, which means you know how to survive. That''s one of the most important skills of a soldier. Resources will be far richer than almost any faction in Zecia, but we are nning to hit the ground running with the uing war. There will be deaths, but I hope you can help us keep them to a minimum."


    "Can you tell us which faction you belong to?" another man, who Zac suspected was the informal leader, asked. "Little Chie- ah, Miss Emily, never told us."


    "No," Zac said as he took out a token. "It''splicated. But I can tell you that our leader is a close ally with both the Allbright Dynasty, The Peak Family, and Zecian top factions like the Void Gate."


    The token had the seal of the Allbright Empire and emitted a unique aura that was incredibly hard to fake. The token essentially gave Zac the same status as a nobleman within the Allbright Empire, which came with all kinds of benefits. It was also a clear indicator of status, and the eyes of the six mercenaries widened in shock.


    The token and the Cosmos Sacks were more than enough to convince all but one to join immediately. The leader did not move to ept the sack or join the Atwood Empire.


    "Little Bolt!" Emily red as a tomahawk appeared in her hand. "Your dad told me to beat some sense into you if you started making trouble."


    "No, that''s not it," Little Bolt quickly said before turning to Zac. "Do you need more? People like us."


    "We might," Zac said. "But we don''t need scum or unorthodox cultivators. Even if they have somebat strength, they''ll cause more trouble than it''s worth."


    "I have some contacts, but not here," Little Bolt said. "Mercenaries, adventurers. Various types of people who make a living at the edges of the Million Gates Territory. Some of them are pretty decent, and I think many want to join something bigger now that things are going south. Better lose some of your freedoms than being caught between murderous invaders and those war fortresses."


    Zac thoughtfully looked at ''Little Bolt'' for a few seconds before nodding. He engraved a list ofs in the region he had ess to, handing it over.


    "Any of theses work?"


    "Kulga Soro," Little Bolt said without hesitation. "We''ve traded there before, and none of therge empires have a strong presence there yet. I can move unhindered there."


    "We''ll set up a base for you there and provide a continuous source of resources," Zac said. "Each useful man you recruit will provide contribution points you can exchange for resources. But beware, this region is about to be vtile. Kulga Soro is close to the border. It might get caught up in the war before you have a chance to escape."


    "I''m aware."


    Ultimately, two mercenaries decided to follow Little Bolt to set up a recruitment station, and Zac sent them through the teleporter. He''d also send a squad of elites to help them get things started. Who knew, he might find some diamonds in the rough among the vagrants of the imperial border.


    After that, Zac brought the remaining three back to Earth with Emily. Thankfully, sending people back home to his own didn''t have as stringent restrictions, and all five returned in a sh. The problem was sending people to ces he didn''t control. Zac had already started nurturing a group of porters to lessen the pressure on him, but it wasn''t easy for his followers to gain ess to new Teleportation Arrays.


    The quintet appeared in the fort which had been built around the Nexus Hub to protect against any surprises now that there was more traffic. The crystal itself had already been hidden withinyers andyers of arrays, while they emerged on one of six connected Teleportation Arrays.


    One manned by two Revenants and a Raun Spectral, while the room was flooded with Miasma.


    "Y-You!" one of the mercenaries stuttered as he took three steps back. If not for Zac stealthily deactivating the array, he might have teleported back home. "What''s going on?!"


    "Don''t mind them," Zac said, his face turned back to normal because he didn''t bother resisting the restrictive arrays. "They''re just guarding the teleporter."


    "Oh, that''s fine then," a Peak E-grade cultivator called Shifty Ziv said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.


    "My energy," Needle, a prospective pilot of the Atwood Navy, eximed.


    "Sorry about that," Zac said as the guards walked over with three bracelets. "We have been forced to take a few precautionary measures with new arrivals."


    The next moment, the three Revenants, their Miasmapletely fine under the restrictive array, ced the bracers on the mercenaries.


    "You-" the sole Half-step Hegemon, Usko, said, his eyes thinning as he looked at Zac. "Why are you familiar?"


    "Let me re-introduce myself," Zac said. "I am Zachary Atwood, the leader of the Atwood Empire, which you now are part of."


    "You might know him as the Deviant Asura," Emily grinned from the side.


    "What! That lunatic!" Shifty Ziv swore, backing away to the edge of the room. "You''re wanted all across Zecia. Send me back right now!"


    "No turning back now," Zac smiled. "You should know those bracelets are designed to disintegrate you if you try to escape off-world through the teleporter."


    "Like the Revenants?" Usko sighed, turning to Emily. "Ai, girl, what have you gotten us mixed up in?"


    "Well, the Revenants are part of the plicated'' part I mentioned," Zac smiled. "This is Earth, a Life-Death Attuned. As such, we have both Revenant and spectral citizens in this faction. You''ll be working with both in the armies, so I hope you''ll put aside any preconceived notions you may have."


    "All those rumors about Zac are exaggerated," Emily added with a roll of her eyes. "The bounties don''t matter either; only the Tsarun n dare hunt my teacher. And if not even the big empires care about the Revenants here, why should you?"


    "The Allbright know about the undead?" Usko said suspiciously.


    "The news may not have reached you guys inside the Million Gates Territory yet, but the Undead Empire have stopped their war. They are now working with the ancient empires to fight the invaders," Zac exined. "Although, the undead here aren''t part of the Undead Empire. They''re citizens of the Atwood Empire."


    "Teacher was the one who helped broker the peace," Emily added. "That''s why he''s got such a high standing everywhere."


    "I can''t believe this," Shifty Ziv muttered. "I can''t believe I''m a prisoner of the Deviant Asura."


    "I- I''ll work hard," Needle stuttered as his hands moved toward his crotch. "I''ll teach you all I know about flying Cosmic Vessels. Just don''t-"


    "Just stop," Zac groaned. "Like Emily said, the rumors are false. And even if I were a deviant, why would I go for three wretched-looking mercenaries?"


    "Now that I can believe," Uskoughed.


    Zac snorted before turning back to Shifty Ziv. "And you''re not prisoners. Everything I said before was true. I''ll send you over to some Wandering Cultivators who''ll catch you up to speed. I think you''ll soon find you made the right choice, even if it wasn''t what you expected. If you still want to leave afterward, you''ll be free to do so. But until I can trust you, the bracelets stay on for the safety of my citizens."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Emily stayed with the unwitting conscripts to mollify their shock while Zac sent out a few orders to amodate the trio. He wasn''t a fan of the prison bracelets he''d had all the outsiders wear after arriving at Earth, but it was hard to enforce System-generated contracts with people of equal or higher levels.


    After bing a proper Hegemon, his faction would automatically upgrade, and he''d be able to hire them all as outer elders with iron-d contracts. Until then, he''d have to be a bit heavy-handed. It wasn''t even that he was afraid people would find out about his undead followers. The news had already started to spread through certain circles.


    It was more about resources. Two thefts had already urred, leading to one enterprising Half-Step Hegemon escaping Earth with a battalion''s worth of cultivation resources. The second one who tried the same thing was killed during the pursuit. After that, Zac put the hammer down, forcing all recruits to wear the bracer for the time being.


    In the following days, Zac spent most of his time either tutoring Emily or catching up on the various matters of Earth. He had all but sealed himself in his cultivation cave during the final years of his retreat, where he fully focused on his core. Thankfully, he had always been mostly a hands-off boss, and his people had long since learned to manage themselves.


    Emily was making incredible progress now that she had some proper guidance in technique. She reached the final level of her E-grade [Axe Mastery] in just two weeks, and Zac could feel her daily progress. She probably wouldn''t reach the Integration Stage in the short run, but Zac felt she definitely had a talent for techniques. It was just a matter of time and experience; she would get thetter in spades during the war.


    Eventually, Zac received the update he''d be waiting for. The squad who set out into space three years ago were back in the Red Sector. Ogras had already returned and waited for him in hispound. Zac immediately canceled his inspection of a military drill and made his way back to Port Atwood. He found Ogras lounging in his courtyard with a ss in hand like he''d never left.


    The demon looked the same as before, though Zac could feel an increased pressureing from his body. Zac guessed he''d either evolved a Dao or, more likely, broken through with his odd Body Tempering Method. However, Zac frowned when he saw the cursed g fastened to his belt. It emitted a far-stronger aura than before, to the point Zac''s hair stood on end.


    Zac felt he could hear distant wails when looking at the rolled-up g. His [Immutability of Eoz] actually heated up a bit as well, nullifying some sort of weak curse-like effect it passively emitted. Zac ultimately put the matter aside, happier to see the demon alive than worried about him dabbling with the unorthodox.


    "You''re back," Zac smiled as he sat down. "Nice to see you."


    "Nice to be back," Ogras grinned as he looked around. "You know, this ce is really starting to feel like home, even if you''ve drowned half the city in death. Even the blue sky is starting to feel normal."


    "Don''t get too attached; we''re leaving soon," Zac said, taking out a vat of wine himself.

 Chapter 972 - Challenge

    "Thought you''d want to stay to the very end, looting and piging," Zacmented.


    "Things grew too dangerous. Had to sacrifice my sweet Temptress to get away," Ogras grunted as he threw over a docket. "That ce is rough, and it seems like it will only get worse. By the end, even the pirates were running from the deeper regions. There are a lot of invaders in our waters already. Since we found more seals than expected, I decided to leave while we were ahead. Even then, we lost seven of our people."


    Zac sighed as he read the report. This was the price of progress. Each step was paved with blood, and not just of your enemies. Two Revenants, one Valkyrie, one demon, a Zhix, the Mavai Shaman, and a nonbat pilot had lost their lives in this outing. Each one of them the best of the best among the Atwood Empire''s elites.


    "I''ll make sure their dependents are provided for," Zac said.


    The losses hurt, but the gains were astronomical. Zac knew they''d found a lot of seals because of his quest, but he hadn''t expected there to be multiple sets of a few. If things continued like this, he might even be able to form two cycles. Or perhaps lend one to Iz if the price was right and she agreed to keep his followers safe. Then suddenly, a familiar name appeared on the docket.


    "Wait, Jaol?" Zac blurted, barely able to believe his eyes. "Is that real? A technocrat navigator named Jaol?��


    "It''s all too real," Ogras said, his mouth widening into a smile. "He''s kept at thepound back on Crimson Edge. Didn''t dare bring a Technocrat here, even if he''s an exile. I have no idea if it''d create problems for you, or the faction in general, for that matter."


    "I can''t believe it," Zac whispered. "It''s really him."


    "I knew it!" Ograsughed as he pped the table. "When I heard his story of a shapeshifting lunatic who appeared out of nowhere and blew up his ship, I knew it had to be you. How in the nine hells did that happen?"


    "It was the second-tost level in the Tower of Eternity," Zac said with a wry smile. "The System sent me out of the tower and onto a Technocrat ship that was leaving integrated space. I only realized midway it was real and not another trial."


    "Sounds like the Ruthless Heavens, alright," Ogras snickered. "It really doesn''t seem to like your ancestors."


    "Looks that way," Zac said with a helpless shake of his head. "I can''t believe that scaredy-cat became a sealbearer. Some of the other names are pretty surprising as well. Carl Elrod, that''s the archer, right?"


    "That''s him, alright," Ogras snickered. "Comined his way right into the Radiant Court. Either those things are much moremon than we thought, or your fate is even more useful. It almost felt like every person you''ve shaken hands with ends up with a piece or two."


    "Wait, this doesn''t make sense," Zac suddenly said as he read the report. "My quest is onlycking one seal."


    "What?" Ogras said with confusion. "Some of our people were doubles. Shouldn''t you becking three?"


    "Janos is back. He has the seal of the Mercurial Court, making it seven. Emily also returned with a seal, but it was the Radiant Court like Carl. I have no idea who the final person is, though."


    "So there''s another one?" Ogras mused. "Your undead girl?"


    "I think she''d automatically be part of the Undead Empire''s team because of themandments," Zac said, though he wasn''t sure.


    "Shouldn''t be random assignments, either," Ogras said. "We''ve heard some rumors. People are starting to realize something is going on because of the Kan''Tanu. They''re offering exorbitant bounties for sealbearers, except they don''t call them that outright. I heard the pirates have already turned a few in. So if everyone who got a seal automatically got assigned to a mebearer, you''d probably havepleted your cycle already."


    "Then who would I know on the outside that might have a seal?" Zac muttered.


    "Someone in the Void Gate?" Ogras offered. "Some of them might have picked up seals, even if they''re saying they''ll stay out of it."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Maybe," Zac said. "Probably best we''d try to get a spare, just in case."


    "We still have some time," Ogras said before his smile widened. "So, Janos is alive, after all? That guy has nine lives. He keeps returning from the dead."


    "You should swap pointers with him before we leave," Zac said. "He''s lived inside an illusion for the past years. His skills have be quite terrifying. It might be useful with the direction your path has taken."


    "I''ll visit himter," Ogras nodded. "Are we still leaving in a month? I''m as ready as can be."


    "You have a blueprint ready?" Zac asked.


    "Most of us sealbearers do," Ogras said. "We knew the war and uing trial would be real ughter-fests. We need to break through sooner rather thanter, so we used some of the inspiration from the seals to pave the way."


    Zac wasn''t surprised. He had done the same, as had Emily. For the people on Port Atwood, figuring out a top-quality design for a core blueprint was probably the best choice for the Ultom-provided epiphany. It wasn''t as exciting as unique cultivation methods like the [Void Vajra Sublimation], but it was practical for both their long- and short-term prospects.


    The core was the focus of the D-grade, and a proper blueprint and a viable long-term n was the difference between being stuck right at the start of Hegemony and having a shot at Monarchy.


    "I''m pretty much done from my side as well. The only thing left is to check out the Limited Trial to see if I can gain any final burst of inspiration," Zac said. "I haven''t heard back from Catheya, though. She might still be inside the Million Gates Territory."


    "That''s fine," Ogras nodded. "I''ll visit the crazy Tool Spirit and get the second piece of my inheritance. I''ve improved my Body Tempering Method, and I need more creatures. And if that bastard of a soul-whisp tries something this time, I''ll add him to my g."


    "Just be careful with that thing," Zac said.


    "Don''t worry, I''ve finally found a path," Ogras smiled. "Fake is real, and real is fake. Unorthodoxy is Orthodoxy. I''ll reform it before Ultom, though I''ll need to head deeper into the night before I can wee the daybreak."


    "Alright, I trust you know what you''re doing," Zac shrugged. "I guess I''ll go deal with the Technocrat."


    "I think you should check up on the spearss first," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "She''s not doing well."


    "Joanna?" Zac said with a frown. "What''s going on?"


    ---------------


    The spear cut through the air in an indomitable arc, soon turning into a mirage as one stab turned into one hundred. Activating [Glorious Advance] moved her over two hundred meters in an instant. Her spear mmed down into the hill, and it was like a bomb had erupted from its heart. A shockwave spread over a hundred meters in each direction as a cascade of weapons stormed out.


    Left were broken trees and fragmented stone�� a scene of utter destruction. Yet it didn''t help. Joanna still felt suffocated. Drowning. But she didn''t know what else to do, so she continued swinging her spear, waging war onnd to drown out the war raging in her head. Suddenly, an axe met her spear, locking it in ce.


    The collision pushed away the clouds of dust she had kicked up in her desperate dance, showing Zachary Atwood standing opposite her. She couldn''t believe she''d missed his advance, so enraptured with her own problems. The two stood in ce for a moment, neither saying anything.


    "I failed," Joanna eventually said, trying but failing to keep her voice stable.


    Shame, despair, and irreconciliation filled her heart as she looked at the man in front of her. He had grown calmer, to the point he seemed like a nonbat ss cultivator. Yet there was an unfathomable depth to him that Joanna had never been able to sense before. It was almost like she was being sucked in, her very existence swallowed by his mere presence.


    Once more, he''d elevated himself, climbing further up thedder of cultivation. More and more, he was bing the towering tree that protected the whole world. Joanna was happy for him. She knew he wasn''t a genius when it came to cultivation, and neither did he have a backing like the scions of the more flourishing regions of the Multiverse.


    Each step he''d taken, every morsel of strength seized, had been fought for. He''d walked down one perilous road after another, his life hanging by a thread. And it wasn''t even for himself, but for those around him. For Earth. For her and the other Valkyries so that fewer would die under hismand. She was happy for him. She really was.


    Yet her stomach felt like a pit.


    This should have been her chance. If not to catch up to him, at least be able to see the same sky he did. To help him in the uing trial while reforging her fate like the others on the trip had. But three yearster, she returned the same Joanna Thompson as before. A bit stronger, sure, but she certainly hadn''t spread her wings to fly.


    "Continue," was all Zac said, and Joanna was happy to oblige.


    There was one thing she''d realized over her journey over the past years. Zachary Atwood was fate incarnate. So fighting him almost felt like fighting against the Heavens, which was exactly what Joanna needed right now. The sky filled with spears falling like rain while Joannaunched a ruthless offensive using everything she''d learned.


    Zac was far calmer, each movement a work of art as he almost danced through the battlefield, bending it to his will. She couldn''t touch the hem of his robes, even when she used skills while he didn''t. Soon enough, the ugly feeling she''d felt over the past year rose to the surface, and she couldn''t hold herself back anymore.


    "Vri got one," Joanna said as she furiously tried to at leastnd a hollow hit on her Lord. "That''s no wonder. She''s the most talented one around. Rhubat, too, I can understand. But Rhuger? I''m just as talented as him, and his body is hundreds of years old, even if he is not."


    Zac didn''t answer. He only kept swinging his axe, his simple swings putting her under more pressure than the various deathmatches she''d survived in the Million Gates Territory. The whole area shuddered under a tremendous aura of war spread from his body, increasing the burden even further.


    "Ibtep got one. The worm-merchant," Joanna continued with grit teeth. "Even a stinking Technocrat pirate we randomly ran into is a freaking sealbearer. And I failed."


    She wanted to shut up. She hated that she felt so jealous and cynical, but the words that had stayed pent up in her body just kept pouring out now that she had started. No longer bothering with finesse or skills, she furiously beat at the iron wall of her opponent.


    "Since the day you saved me, I''ve struggled without a break. I''ve fought, I''ve bled. I''ve pushed myself beyond anyone else, both during the second incursion and the Mission to the Million Gates Territory. Yet I''m the only one toe back empty-handed."


    More strength, more speed, more precision. Just once. She wanted to hit him just once. But why was it so hard?


    "Is this it? Is this my fate? Was I deluding myself, thinking I could be something beyond a somewhat talented captain of a local faction? That I could soar into the sky with the rest of you?"


    Her vision clouded, but her arms kept moving as she advanced with everything she had. If she could, she''d even burn her life force to give her a chance at this small, pitiful goal of hers. Because this was unbearable.


    "Why? WHY?!" Joanna screamed, tears pouring down her eyes. "What am I missing?!"


    Then it coalesced, and Joanna found her spear sneak beneath the axe, piercing right through a vine before punching a hole in his robes. It wasn''t a real hit, but it was a hit. Joanna felt her strength suddenly leave her body, making her stumble. Shey on the ground panting, too emotionally and physically spent to move.


    She saw Zac sigh and sit beside her, looking up at the sky.


    "Vri gained the seal of the Anima Court, which makes sense considering her terrifying talent for soul cultivation," Zac said. "Rhubat became the sealholder of the Tethered court. He''s the Chainbreaker, the one who ended thousands of years of suffering. He''s also consumed with breaking the chains of the Zhix to pave a path for them in this new reality.


    "Ibtep and Jaol both are sealholders of the Farsee Court. Both have inherent natures leaning toward exploration. Ibtepes from an incredibly rigid race, yet he has the most insatiable curiosity of anyone I''ve met. Jaol has more to him than meets the eye as well.


    "Did you know that he somehow managed to flee the equivalent distance of a whole sector through the Endless Storm, until he reached the Million Gates Territory? All while having actual Monarchs looking for him? You''ve seen what that ce is like. To survive that journey as an E-grade cultivator, the Farsee Court sounds fitting.


    "Rhuger''s body is old, but Cervantes was possibly the most talented Cultivator to ever have appeared inside the Mystic Realm. A ce where the Tsarun n brought the greatest talents they could find to refine their bloodlines further. Cervantes cultivated the Dao of Lunar Light, while Rhuger cultivates Darkness; a perfect match to the Starfall Court that chose him."


    "To me, it doesn''t seem that the courts choose people based onbat strength butpatibility," Zac concluded. "Fate, I guess."


    "So I''m not fated, after all," Joanna sighed, nkly staring at the sky. "So much for hard work."


    Zac looked down at Joanna, slightly smiling. "I have talked with some people who deeply understand the inheritance. I still don''t know much, but I know the name of the two final Courts that none of my people have. The first is the Daedalian Court. I don''t think it''s for you. You''re more like me, except you''ve focused even further on the path of War. That leaves one court."


    Joanna''s gaze shifted, seeing Zac take out a wooden seal, expertly carved and radiating a fierce aura. "This one, I think, might be more suited to you. Here."


    "If things were this easy," Joannamented, but she still epted the carving.


    The rune was one she had seen before. It was one of the nine that had haunted her dreams since the Ensolus Ruins. Yet, for some reason, it looked different this time. Was it because Zac had infused his Dao into it, somehow giving it new meaning? It felt incredibly imposing, like a sea of soldiers bearing down on her.


    "What''s�� this one called?" Joanna asked.


    "The Indomitable Court," Zac said as he stood up. "I refuse to believe you''re not fated for more. I''ve seen you walk down your path with conviction and determination that would shame most scions of the Multiverse. I rather want to believe your stage has not yet been set. Seeing that seal, where do you think you''ll find it?"


    "The battlefield��" Joanna instinctively muttered as she looked at the oppressive rune.


    "The battlefield," Zac nodded, looking down at her. "Not some old ruins in the middle of nowhere. On the battlefield, where you are the closest to your path. So don''t lose hope, and don''t give in. Don''t bother with the path of others. We all have periods of rapid growth and periods where we slow down to digest what we''ve umted."


    "Believe in yourself, that your time is still toe."


    ----------


    Zac''s heart was heavy as he left Joanna to her thoughts. He had sounded confident speaking to her, but he really didn''t know if he was just making things up about the Indomitable Court. There was a real risk of her not being fated with the inheritance of the Left Imperial Pce. As to whether it was because ofcking affinity orcking talent, it was hard to say.


    This was the reality of cultivation. The Multiverse wasn''tcking for hard-working and dedicated cultivators. Yet few even reached Hegemony, let alone the higher grades. It was hard to say why some managed to continue climbing while others found themselves stuck, even though they outwardly seemed of simr backgrounds. Talent, dedication, opportunities, luck. Not a single piece could be missing, or you''d get dragged under by the river of fate.


    Cultivation was ultimately to go against the natural order, to steal from the Heavens. How could it be easy?


    Zac could only hope that Joanna would keep going and not give up on herself and her path. Her situation was a tribtion of a sort, one of the heart. Either she would emerge stronger or lose her direction, most likely killing her momentum. It was not something his wealth or treasures could solve, and he wasn''t qualified to do more than give some words of encouragement.


    He was supposed to teleport back to the border of the Million Gates Territory by this point, to deal with Jaol and the other recruits Ogras had picked up for his ''Shadewar Armada.'' But he felt suffocated after seeing Joanna, like he was drowning. He felt a desperate need to push back against fate, so he set course for Ensolus.


    To this day, not a single person had passed the final level of the Gates of Rebirth, no matter if it was through the Gate of Life or the Gate of Death. Even the fifthyer seemed out of reach, with less than five entries on eachdder. The finalyer was regarded as an impossibility, a hoax to punish hubris.


    That would change today.

 Chapter 973 - Gate of Life

    Soon enough, Zac appeared in Rebirth City. Today, it was a sprawling settlement only dwarfed by Port Atwood and a few other cities on Earth. It was the de-facto capital of Ensolus even if Sandy, the second Stargazer recruited to administrate, and the Nexus Hub were still located over at Fort Atwood.


    It was a natural consequence of its proximity to the Gates of Rebirth and the result of a strategic decision to keep Fort Atwood separate from the trial andmercial ventures. Even Hegemons would require days to reach Fort Atwood from Rebirth City, giving his people ample time to prepare in case someone wanted to try something.


    Not that some random Hegemon could take over Fort Atwood. Not even a Late Hegemon could break inside in short order with the immense resources put into its defenses. By the time the assimtion came around, Zac wanted to have protective measures prepared even for Monarchs.


    The streets were quite empty for what one could expect from a city of this size. There was certainly foot traffic, but few of the pedestrians had a powerful aura. It was mostly F-grade civilians heading to work or getting some tasks done, with E-grade auras being incredibly rare. It wasn''t a unique scene for the City of Rebirth. The same thing could be observed all across Ensolus and Earth.


    The clock was ticking, and the Atwood Empire War Machine was running on all cylinders. Dozens of war games and exercises were happening all across the twos. In forests, in cities, in the ocean, in the underworld. The Floti of Atwood Empire ships had grown to over 100 vessels, an absolutely shocking number for what essentially was an Early D-grade force.


    The bombardment of the Creator Vessels alone could blow up a or dismantle a Middle D-grade force in a matter of minutes. Even a Late Hegemon would be turned into mincemeat if he let himself get caught in the crossfire.


    By now, those willing to fight for the empire had already joined the army, either as temporary or permanent fighters. Those who had the means butcked the will weren''t allowed to slink away from the uing threat. After a year of waiting, they''d been conscripted whether they liked it or not, losing out on the best resources avable at the training camps.


    The forceful approach had created some uproars, especially among the Humans on Earth, but they had been forcefully quashed. Zac knew some considered him a tyrant by this point, but he didn''t care. His people needed to be whipped into shape. Still, it had created an oppressive atmosphere in his empire, which only exacerbated his mood as he walked toward the huge half-circle in the distance.


    "Lord Atwood," the guards outside the trial said with a bow.


    "Are there any slots remaining?" Zac asked.


    "Following procedure, there are ten remaining of today''s allotment," the guard replied, clearly looking expectant.


    "Alright, I''m going in. Keep one open on the other side as well, just in case," Zac said.


    "Of course," the guard nodded, and Zac stepped into the Gate of Life.


    Zac didn''t know what he''d expected when entering the Gates of Rebirth, but it wasn''t the dark and blisteringly cold tundra that stretched out in every direction. The ground was covered in a sheet of ck ice, and Zac felt tendrils of death trying to burrow into his bare feet and steal his strength. This was just the firstyer, though, and Zac''s Void Vajra Constitution was more than enough to rebuff the effect.


    The cold tendrils couldn''t withstand the raging vortex of life that always lived inside his cells, and Zac started to walk down the sole path in the whole realm. He didn''t know how he knew, but there was a gate at the end of the road. Passing through meant passing the firstyer of the trial. Each step infused his feet with another burst of cold, but Zac kept speeding up.


    He only had six hours for the whole trial, and Zac had no idea whether time worked differently inside. Besides, the quicker he passed the whole thing, the more time he would have in that state of epiphany the previous trial-takers mentioned.


    It soon became clear there was some dtion at y as there was no end in sight, even after rushing for over two hours while using [Earthstrider]. The endless tundra looked the same, and there were no real markers that could confirm he was moving at all. The only thing that changed during the journey was that the cold grew more intense and deadlier.


    Still, it was far from enough to hamper Zac''s progress, and he made an impressive time by relying on Supreme Nexus Crystals to activate his movement skill continuously. Experiments had long since confirmed that people could use items inside, and Zac''s Spatial Rings were stocked with enough supplies to keep fighting for decades if need be.


    Eventually, there was a change as Zac started spotting figures in the distance. There were humans, beastkin, and all kinds of races, slowly shuffling about. They were all stark naked, their bodies covered in cold sores and frozen blood. They seemed to be mindlessly stumbling in the same direction as Zac. But when approached, they turned their heads toward him, their arms reaching out to grab him.


    Zac hesitated only for a moment before taking out a club. He had already realized where this ce was; it was Naraka, one of the Hell Realms depicted in Buddhist mythology. It was essentially purgatory and the lowest of the six paths of reincarnation. Zac didn''t know if the trial was actually Buddhist or if its challenges were just modeled after their beliefs.


    Perhaps it was unavoidable for a trial of this nature. ording to his conversations with the Undead Empire, the Dao of Samsara was one of the main branches of the Sangha. It was their method to harness the Daos of Life and Death, bringing them away from the Dao of Chaos and toward the Dao of Order. Imposing a cycle of reincarnation, making random chance predictable.


    In fact, that was one of the reasons the Undead Empire chose to side with the Blood n all those years ago. The Primo already had reasons to target the Sangha because of their im on the Dao of Death. Something was going on at the peak, where the cultivators asserted some control over the Grand Dao itself.


    For example, if the Eveningtide Asura ever reached the very limits of cultivation, like the Apostates, he might actually impact Zac''s Daos. ording to Alvod, Life was not life, and Death was not death. How could that mesh with Zac''s path of purity? And with Alvod reaching the limits of cultivation, the Dao would slightly shift in his image.


    That was what had happened with the Elemental Daos and the Apostate of Mercy, and it was a source of constant conflict among the factions at the top.


    In either case, the fact the firstyer of the Gates of Rebirth was modeled after Naraka provided Zac with some clues about the trial. First, it meant these people were tormented sinners who were slowly walking toward a chance at rebirth. They would have to suffer for a nigh-eternity before expunging karma and moving on to the upper realms.


    Cutting them apart with [Verun''s Bite] felt too ruthless, especially since they were pretty weak. Any Peak E-grade cultivator could easily force his way through the gauntlet of icebitten damned. A light tap with a club was enough to throw them away. And Zac was moving far quicker than these people were, making it impossible for them to catch up.


    The hours passed until there finally was a change in the scenery. Zac could vaguely make out that the darkness deepened in the distance. Ten minutester, he realized it was a towering mountain of ck ice. By the time he reached it, roughly seven hours had passed, and Zac suspected it wouldn''t be much longer.


    The whole mountain was covered in damned souls, their bodiespletely disfigured from the cold. All of them were climbing toward the peak, a scene reminding Zac of his [Pir of Destion]. Zac followed suit, each jump taking him tens of meters further up. Eventually, he passed through a thick cloud of extreme cold, which ced him on the peak.


    A swirling gate filled with the warmth of life waited for him there, and Zac passed through it after taking a final look at the world around him. Entering didn''t immediately move him to the next trial. Instead, Zac found himself in aforting world of gold. Hundreds of life-giving streams gently caressed him, and he was filled with a sense of warmth and tranquility.


    It was the sensation most trial-takers described after emerging. It was impossible to tell whether he was floating inside an ocean or in space. All was Life. Zac didn''t get a chance to enjoy the environment for long before a screen appeared in front of him.


    [Gate of Hell passed. 5:38 remaining. Continue?]


    Just over eight hours had passed in the first trial, yet only 22 minutes had passed in real-time. Zac guessed that each hour outside meant one day inside the trial, though there were no guarantees the subsequent trials would be the same. Not wanting to waste a second, Zac chose to continue.


    If he''d chosen no, he would most likely have gotten to spend the rest of the time inside this golden womb. It wasn''t bad, but the intensity of the environment simply wasn''t at the level where it could allow him to make any significant gains to his Branch of the Kalpataru. Zac felt it more at the level of the threshold between a Dao Seed and a Dao Fragment.


    It may have sounded extremely weak, but it was worth remembering that most cultivators entered the E-grade with an Early Dao Seed rather than an Early Dao Fragment. By the time these cultivators reached Peak E-grade, if they ever did, this firstyer may have been useful to push their Daos further.


    The moment Zac made the decision, he felt a powerful tug and was dragged into a ck vortex. The surroundings shifted, and Zac found himself standing on another road. Looking around, Zac saw he''d arrived in some sort of ancient ruins, with most buildings being so run-down that only the foundation remained.


    A haze covered the surroundings, making it impossible to see further than a hundred meters. Likest time, Zac instinctively knew where he needed to go. He started running down the sole path toward the next gate. Another road, another journey toward rebirth.


    The hazy mist contained a bit of deathly drain, but Zac was surprised to find it wasn''t even at the level of the ice of the previous realm. It didn''t take much longer before Zac was met with the real challenge of the trial. A prickling pain red up on his left arm, and a noticeable drain of energy followed.


    Looking down at the spot, Zac couldn''t see a thing, yet he knew something hadtched onto him like a leech. His club would do him no good here, but circting his Branch of the Kalpataru had an immediate effect. Zac vaguely heard a pained wail, and the drain disappeared. As expected, a hungry ghost of the second realm of reincarnation.


    Only a minute passed before Zac felt another tug. This time, Zac used his Branch of the Pale Seal instead. The result was simr, but it took a bit more Dao to rebuff the invisible ghost. His Branch of the War Axe was just as effective as his Branch of the Kalpataru, but that was probably because it was a stage higher.


    The hours passed as Zac ran through the ruins, where an increasing number of ghosts assaulted him. Eventually, he had to circte his Dao Branch continuously, but it barely cost him any Mental Energy thanks to the [Thousand Lights Avatar]. Zac estimated most people would be fine in this kind of environment as long as they had a somewhat tempered mind and a Dao Fragment or two. Those who just had Dao seeds would likely find themselves under strain, and reaching the end would be challenging.


    There was a second challenge to the trial as well. The second path of the cycle of reincarnation was the Preta, and it was filled with people who had given in to desires. asionally, Zac would get a whiff of something alluring in the distance, like powerful natural treasures. It seemed as though he could get all kinds of benefits if he just took a small detour.


    It wasn''t enough to move Zac''s heart, and he refused to step off the path. He had a strong feeling that while leaving the path was easy, stepping back onto it would be far more difficult. Even if he found the treasures, he would have wasted a bunch of time. And most likely, the treasures weren''t even real.


    The secondyer took almost exactly as much time as the first. It was even a few minutes faster since it was easier to walk on gravel than the ice of the firstyer. Zac wasn''t exhausted, either. He had used a good chunk of Mental Energy because he opted to simply rotate his Dao continuously rather than only when bitten. It was a bit wasteful, but he had mountains of Soul Crystals.


    Thanks to that, he was fully topped off when passing through the gate. Zac found himself in the golden ocean of life once more. It had grown slightly more condensed, but it wasn''t enough for his purposes, so he continued on.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The thirdyer ced him in a sweltering jungle, and he was beset by an almost deafening mor of millions of different beasts. After the previous realms, Zac didn''t expect such a lush environment, but he soon got an answer as a tiger came lumbering over. It seemed like a living creature but emitted a palpable aura of sinister rot. Getting hit by that thing would be noticeably worsepared to the draining ghosts.


    With a thunderous roar, it lunged for Zac, its ws veritably oozing killing intent as though it were poison. A deep thud was followed by a pained yowl, and the beast was flung into the bushes by azy punch. Zac frowned as he looked at his hand, seeing a dark haze swirl around it. So even hitting these guys left some sinister energy on your body.


    Like before, Zac was easily overqualified for the level, and a bit of Dao was enough to cleanse his hand. The trusty club made its second appearance, and Zac set out, leaving a path of clobbered beasts in his wake. The tiger was just the first of many, and Zac made a few discoveries along the way.


    The more you wounded the beasts, the more of their fell aura you had to deal with. But if you tapped them too lightly, they''d be back for more in no time. They weren''t cowed by killing intent and a domineering aura either; they were as aggressive and stupid as beasts came.


    Ultimately, it took Zac just over 9 hours to reach the end, the few scrapes and bruises he''d umted mostly healed already. That was the benefit of having a Life-attuned constitution at the peak of the secondyer.


    The breakthrough had only increased the base attributes by a factor of ten, which meant 50 Base Attributes, 100 points in Vitality, and 50 points in Endurance. That was barely noticeable for Zac, whose defensive attributes far eclipsed 10,000 already. But the recovery factor was a separate impressive boost.


    The whirlpools in his cells were more than two-thirds gold by this point, and the kes helped his body naturally heal almost thirty percent faster than before. He saw simr results when Healers of the Atwood Army used Life-Attuned blessings or healing skills on him. They simply worked better on his constitution.


    Zac really looked forward to reaching the Minor Sublimation of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. He suspected it would give an even greater boost to these features since his body would officially be Life-Attuned.


    Having passed through the realm of animals, and thus all of the three lower realms of the sixth paths, the golden world had grown noticeably stronger. Yet it wasn''t enough. Zac wasn''t just aiming for the upper realm. Joanna''s plight still echoed in his heart, and the first threeyers had been far from enough to alleviate the stuffy feeling in his heart.


    Be it the challenge of Humans, Asuras, or Devas�� they wouldn''t be enough. Even the Devas were ultimately chained down by the bhavacakra. Only by snapping the chains of fate and leaving the cycle would he get rid of this feeling.


    He needed to break into Nirvana.

 Chapter 974 - Breaking the Wheel

    Zac continued through the Gate of Life like a bulldozer. As expected, the fourth trial was the realm of man. He was met with innumerable familiar faces on his road toward the next gate. Friends who tried to slow him down, enemies who tried to impede his path. A million voices mored for his attention, each trying to siphon some of his speed and Life.


    It was like an illusion andbat trial mixed into one, but Zac crushed anything in his path. His heart had been tempered by the remnants andter his [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Even when he found himself standing in front of Thea and Kenzie by the end, he passed them by without a ripple in his heart.


    The fifthyer, theyer of the furious Asuras, was more straightforward. Each step had to be taken over a corpse. The club was no longer enough, and Zac was forced to take out [Verun''s Bite]. The axe keened with excitement upon finally tasting flesh, and the roars of supremacy echoed through the endless battlefield of the fifthyer.


    It was also a good opportunity for Zac to shake off some of his rust. The fifthyer was the final challenge of most elites of his faction, where they were forced to go all out to reach the end. For Zac, it wasn''t that desperate, but he found himself forced to fight seriously.


    The six-armed Asuras fought with both ferocity and skill, using all kinds of techniques aimed at killing or at least maiming. Zac, in turn, opted to counter with his Evolutionary Stance. It was good practice, and Zac quickly realized hisbat style, which was partly based on the Dao of Life, was quite effective at dealing with these demonic beings. He became one with his path; each swing was a birth that ended in the death of an opponent. He was unmatched, creating a path of carnage that echoed with Life and Conflict.


    Zac hadn''t specifically trained in techniques that much since secluding himself six years ago, but that didn''t mean he hadn''t improved. Simply filling his body with his soul had made it easier to enter that illusory state of one-ness that he first encountered when being pushed by Kaldor inside the Orom World. Now, he didn''t even need to be in a desperate fight to be one with his path.


    It came naturally as his Daos were allowed to circte through his spiritual body. His study of patterns had also elevated his skill and refined his technique. Everything was connected. The patterns he''d drawn when trying to figure out his Cosmic Core were echoes of his path, just like his Evolutionary Stance.


    As his patterns grew more exquisite while removing imperfections, it didn''t only mean he was getting closer to a working blueprint. It meant gaining a deeper understanding of himself, of his Dao, and how it all fit together. Vivi''s vines were a web of carnage, seemingly everywhere at once while [Verun''s Bite] delivered death.


    Zac could actually see it, the shadows of his core manifest in his attacks. He had somewhat sensed it while sparring with Emily and Joanna, but it wasn''t as palpable as it was right now. Some things could only be figured out on an actual battlefield, and Zac was awash with inspiration as he progressed.


    His speed of advancement gradually slowed down, but Zac didn''t care. There was a risk of him not remembering this when emerging, but he didn''t care about that either. He was consumed by the feeling of rebirth through struggle, and his Evolutionary Stance shifted by the second, moving closer to the truth.


    Even Vivi seemed to feel something change, and Zac sensed how she started to absorb more and more energy from the World Ring she and Haro resided in. Zac was shocked but delighted at the scene. The matter of Vivi''s waning lifeforce was always a matter of regret in the back of his head. If possible, he really wanted to aplish what Heda had thought impossible; to allow Vivi to break through.


    At least once more would be enough. It would allow Vivi to live for tens of thousands of years longer. Allow her to see Haro, who had essentially be Vivi''s daughter after years of nurturing, grow from a small sapling into a great nt King. To that end, Zac had tried all kinds of things, from providing longevity treasures to burying energy-dense Beast Cores and Natural Treasures in the ground around her.


    But nothing had worked�� until now.


    For some reason, Vivi was gaining inspiration as he were, from her vines following the true and perfected paths of Life and Conflict. He was like a guiding hand, leading Vivi toward the Grand Dao. And since she finally showed an appetite after a decade of barely eating, Zac was happy to oblige. The huge energy catchers around the moon provided him with an almost endless source of Divine Crystals, and mountains of them entered his World Ring while he continued with his carnage.


    The hours passed as Zac''s technique shed its weakness and was reborn stronger. Zac barely registered his surroundings, only vaguely ensuring he didn''t step off the path as he advanced. But eventually, Zac realized there were no more enemies to fight. He already stood in front of the gate with an endless trail of corpses strewn in his wake.


    Zac didn''t immediately pass through, instead content to slowly absorb what he''d experienced. Only a few hourster did he open his eyes. By that point, Vivi had stopped absorbing energy. Zac could tell she was still unable to evolve into Hegemony, but she felt more vibrant than even when he got her from Heda.


    As for himself, Zac knew he''d passed a threshold sometime during the journey. He''d entered the Middle Mastery of the Integration stage, mostly thanks to Ultom''s impartment. It had perfected the patterns on his blueprints, which in turn had elevated his technique. And it wasn''t a case of barely breaking through either.


    Zac could tell his foundations were still incredibly solid. He onlycked the fundamental understanding of his Daos required to push his Techniques further. As long as he upgraded his Branch of the Kalpataru and continued gaining experience, he had a decent chance of evolving his technique again before the trial for Ultom began.


    That might also be the key to evolving Vivi, which would be a huge victory. Haro was still far from strong enough to be used as a weapon. Meanwhile, Vivi was a top-quality Spiritual nt. If she evolved into D-grade, she should be able to match up to War Regalias in might.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Since the breakthrough was done with, Zac stepped through the gate for the fifth time.


    [Gate of Asura passed: 3:32 remaining. Continue?]


    The Path of Asura had taken over an hour of real-time, almost as much as the previous four trialsbined. Still, Zac felt the reward was worth it. You could never be sure inspiration would strike so clearly again if he suppressed the feeling until he was outside the trial. And there was only a single trial remaining. As long as he could rush through it, he��d have over three hours of inspiration.


    Zac entered the next trial, finding himself in a celestial realm of purple clouds, with the asional mountain peak breaking through the rippling curtain. It was the highest realm of the six paths, the final obstacle of Nirvana. There was a golden road leading through the realm. Zac set out, [Verun''s Bite] already in his hand.


    It didn''t take long for him to encounter his first enemy. It was a humanoid decked in jewelry who floated over, a halo behind its elephantine head radiating a strong aura of providence. In its hands, it held a partisan spear, and it stabbed it against Zac the moment it was close enough.


    Zac dodged the somewhat simple strike effortlessly, but he was surprised to find himself nicked at his shoulders. The strike should have missed, yet something went wrong. Stepping aside to reorient himself, Zac almost stepped out off the edge of the road.


    He almost felt drunk even if he had full rity, but Zac knew it was something more tricky. It was Karma. It wasn''t as palpable as the Karmic cultivator Zac fought inside the Tower of Eternity, but it was there. It was almost like the humanoid Deva radiated an aura of luck, or misfortune, depending on whose perspective you looked at it from.


    Zac had no way to rouse or target his own Luck, but just understanding the situation seemed to help. A vicious strike and the Deva fell into the clouds, never to be seen again. But new figures were already floating toward him, their auras seemingly superimposing to create an even stronger effect.


    The Devas were the beings closest to attaining Nirvana, each carrying immense Karma. Zac guessed their will impacted the river of fate, bending it to their advantage. Unfortunately for them, Zac was like an unmovable rock thanks to his huge amount of Luck. Their providence failed to contain him and keep them safe from his counter-attacks.


    This effect seemed to be further augmented by his Branch of the Kalpataru since it siphoned some of the good fortunes of the realm for Zac''s use. Zac sped up, a Life-attuned Dao Field covering his surroundings while heunched fractal leaves at any Deva who dared get close.


    Zac felt the resistance of fate all the time, but it only managed to deviate his des slightly. Ultimately, it didn''t matter if a 3-meter fractal leaf was pushed a few hands to the side. The various demi-gods who got close got cut down all the same. For Zac, the sixth realm was actually easier than the fifth, where you could only fight fire with fire. And together with the fact he used his skills this time, Zac veritably flew through the paradisial world made from clouds.


    Twelve hours was all it took until Zac stood at the final checkpoint of the Gate of Life. Zac wasn��t surprised none had reach this point until now, even if they��d dared attempt it after the gauntlet of Asuras. Fighting against the Devas was almost like fighting against fate. If you didn��t have a huge amount of Luck like he, you��d instead have to absolutely overpower the Devas to the point their luck couldn��t save them.


    The number of deities he''d left in his wake was shocking. If this were the real world, he would probably have umted enough fell Karma for ten lifetimes for killing so many creatures with such positive Karma. Luckily, this was just a trial ground, and there was no way these creatures were real.


    Either case, it was over with, and Zac was ready to collect his reward. He passed through the gate, entering a supercharged swirl of pure Life. By this point, even Zac could feel there were noticeable benefits from staying inside the swirls of Life. It was akin to an impartment, much like the Life-Death Pearls of the Twilight Ocean. Using this kind of energy would allow Zac to quickly work toward the next stage of his Dao Branch.


    Zac didn��t even get the chance to enter a state of revtion before something changed.


    [Gate of Deva passed: 3:01 remaining. Continue?]


    Continue? Zac nkly looked at the line, wondering what was going on. The System had clearly told him the Gates of Rebirth had sixyers when he received it as a reward, and they perfectly matched the six realms of rebirth. Yet there was another one? Was it actually Nirvana? Or a hidden level? Something awarded because he��d passed the trial with more than half of the time remaining?


    The reasons didn��t matter. What mattered was whether he should ept or not. Looking around at the vibrant swirls of life, Zac made his decision.


    It wasn''t enough. Zac could tell that while he''d make improvements in the current environment, it wasn''t enough to crystallize the insights he wascking to form a Middle-stage Dao Branch of the Kalpataru. But the fact that the energy was already useful made Zac hopeful for the next stage, and he chose to continue into the hidden trial.


    This time, the environment was different. There was no world stretching to the horizons. It rather looked like he stood at the edge of the universe, gazing upon golden gates hundreds of meters tall. To its sides, a wall stretched toward infinity in each direction. Had he really been taken to Paradise? Were these the pearly gates leading into Heaven?


    There was nowhere to go but through the doorway, and staying wasn''t an option either. The universe was draining him, stealing his Vigor faster than any of his Hidden Nodes did. After he ran out of that, he''d probably start losing Life Force. Zac ran toward the huge gates, but he stopped in ce with shock just a momentter. The moment he''d started circting his Branch of the Kalpataru as usual, the drain had more than doubled.


    Zac urgently changed Dao and was both relieved and confused to find that his Branch of the Pale Seal noticeably stemmed the loss. Meanwhile, the Branch of the War Axe neither helped nor hampered him. Why was it the opposite?


    For each of the previous tiers, Life had helped resist the challenges of the gates in various ways. But here, it became a liability while Death saved his bacon. Zac only hesitated a moment before swapping over to his Draugr form, and he breathed in relief upon feeling the loss lessening even further. Between his Death-attuned branch and his Death-attuned body, the drain was negligible.


    As long as he kept eating to replenish his Vigor, he''d be able tost a good while in this environment before running into trouble. Of course, that was only so long as the drain didn''t get too bad deeper into the trial.


    Surviving to the end probably meant you''d get sent out with a title of the previous tier but no epiphany, but Zac couldn''t be sure. Besides, his goal in this ce was less about the Limited Title and more about the insight waiting at the end. There was no point loitering at the entrance after having solved the danger. Zac rushed into the enormousplex, and it almost felt like passing through the gates of heaven.


    The feeling didn''tst long. There was no paradise on the other side. Instead, it was a long golden hallway with paths veering both to the left and right. Some pathways even started a couple of meters into the air, proving the structure had at least twoyers. The scene reminded Zac a bit of the research base Mystic Realm, though there was no ceiling.


    A maze?


    Just standing at the entrance left Zac a bit light-headed, and not just because of the dozen paths he had already spotted. Every inch of the golden walls was covered in ck scripts, forming a dizzying array of patterns stretching as far as Zac could see. Having worked on a blueprint for years, Zac immediately recognized many of the overarching themes.


    These were patterns rted to the Dao of Death, there was no doubt about it. However, Zac only recognized snippets, where most patterns were mostly foreign to him. Zac could only tell they had the same ''vor'' as his own Dao, meaning they were probably different aspects of the Dao of Death. Just observing them filled him with some inspiration.


    Zac took a few hesitant steps forward while chewing on a strip of dried meat of an undead Beast King, but he soon stopped again. Just how should he deal with this ce? If this was a maze, there had to be some sort of clue on how to pass it. He''d seen just how massive this ce was from the outside. He could run around this ce for months without finding the exit if he didn''t have a n.


    Zac took a calming breath, not letting the unexpected scene impact his heart as he looked around for solutions. It was a trial, not a trap. First things first. Zac turned into an abyssal wraith, shooting toward the sky a few hundred meters above. However, no matter how many thousands of meters he moved, the edge of the maze grew no closer.


    There was an array that prevented cheating. Zac had expected as much, but he had to make sure. Hended back on the ground, instead turning to the walls and paths around him. The key had to be the scripts and the Dao of Death. First, Zac tried to figure out if some paths were false or imperfect, but it didn''t look like it.


    All sixteen paths he could pick from the initial entrance seemed equally perfect. None had any obvious ws Zac could discern. But his eyes gradually turned to the third path. There were hints of his Branch of the Pale Seal in all of the paths except five, but runes that resonated with his path were denser in the third.


    Was that it? Pick the one that fit you the best? Zac had no better option, so he entered the path. It continued for almost a kilometer, with a few paths veering to the sides. But all of them had a smaller concentration of his Dao, so he ignored them. Eventually, he found a path that looked a bit better and entered it.


    Having to constantly observe and analyze the endless runes around him was taxing, but also illuminating. Most of the patterns weren''t directly rted to him, but they were rted to the Dao he practiced. There were all kinds of connections and rtionships he''d never seen before. And while he couldn''t utilize any of it right now, he felt they mighte in handy in the future.


    Zac even suspected this wasn''t the originally intended way to pass the trial. The runes emitted a very weak energy, and Zac suspected a normal cultivator would be able to resonate with the runes that matched their affinity. Zac was essentially brute-forcing it with his brain filled with patterns thanks to Ultom and his inordinately powerful soul.


    Thank the Heavens he hadn''t given in to his curiosity back then and entered the Gates of Rebirth early, instead opting to save the opportunity for when he''d umted insights after his years of cultivation. Without a proper theoretical foundation, he wouldn''t have been able to move nearly as fast as he was.


    Zac continued this way, running through the winding maze, constantly feasting on meat to keep his Vigor topped up. The hours passed this way, and Zac started to realize it wasn''t just the inscriptions on the walls that formedplex patterns. The paths themselves formed enormous runes, creating a shockingly vast array.


    He was running inside the Tapestry of Death.

 Chapter 975 - Death from Life

    Zac remembered some of his breakthroughs, where he''d seen the endless tapestries of the Grand Dao and tried to grasp some corners that resonated with him. This was essentially the same, with the only difference being he''d been physically ced in the middle of the vast emblem. The realization didn''t change much, but it filled Zac with greater confidence he was on the right path, even if the drain on him kept increasing.


    At first, he could only see a few percent of his path being reflected on the walls. After an hour, more than 10% contained pieces of his Dao. By the time Zac had run five hours, more than half of the patterns reflected his own. It felt a lot like when he walked through the spiral after returning from absorbing Ultom''s light. The only difference was that he was now retracing the steps of Daoprehension instead.


    But the drain was bing a problem. He was quickly losing energy, and no amount of food was enough to stem the loss. Zac suspected he had at most four hours before running out of Vigor entirely. Yet he continued without looking back. As the drain grew more palpable, so did the aura of Death from the runes around him.


    He felt he had entered a semi-enlightened state where the repeating patterns engraved themselves in his heart.


    Eventually, his constitution failed him. He felt like a hollow husk, with not an ounce of life left in it. He only wanted to lie down and sleep, to shut out the unbearable hunger that threatened to consume him. But he couldn''t stop now. The walls were 90% filled in with his path, and he was so close he could taste it.


    Zac continued with pure willpower, forcing his legs to keep moving and the turbid ichor in his veins to keep flowing. He felt his life slipping out from his body, but a Longevity Treasure allowed him to mostly spend an external source. But the drain grew stronger, and external treasures soon weren''t enough to stem the loss.


    Days lost turned to weeks and soon months. But Zac didn''t care. He was walking in a perfect representation of his Branch of the Pale Seal. Until he suddenly wasn''t. The pathway he''d stumbled through suddenly ended in a small room norger than ten meters across. There was a simple well in the middle, and Zac heard the sloshing of water from within.


    But it couldn''t be normal water. A golden radiance spread out from the reservoir, drowning out the intense darkness of the runes. Zac walked inside with wonder, barely noticing the drain had reached a fever pitch. In the heart of Death, there was Life. Zac''s mind was fuzzy, but he knew what he needed to do.


    He stumbled over to the well and simply tipped over. Staying any longer in the maze environment would be his end, and he felt a powerful calling from the depths. The well was surprisingly deep, but it gave time to send an exhausted nudge into his Specialty Core, prompting it to transform him back into his human form.


    Death receded, both within his body and in his surroundings. A storm of life jolted Zac''s drained mind wide awake a few secondster, and he felt how torrential amounts of energy were entering his body while the truths of Life wereid bare all around him. No matter if it was the density or depth, it was on a whole other levelpared to the sixth checkpoint.


    His utterly drained Vigor was rapidly being replenished, the bone-piercing exhaustion reced with exuberance. The Dao of Life around him was so clear and intimate, like a long-lost friend caressing you in an embrace. Was it because he''d walked down the corridors of Death for half a day, like how you were blinded by even the weakest of lights after having stayed in darkness for a while?


    This was it. This was the one. Death from Life, and Life from Death.


    No screen was forting this time, though Zac wasn''t sure he''d notice it even if one appeared. He was fully consumed by the Branch of the Kalpataru, swept away by his path. It had been years since he had felt his Dao so close and palpable. Ultimately, theke water of the Lost ne, or even the divine light of Ultom, was bereft of Dao.


    Their inspiration could break anything apart and show you the mechanical underpinnings of the Dao and its absence, but it could not elevate Zac''s understanding of Life. But now, practical understanding and spiritualprehension became entwined as Zac gazed at the fundamental nature of Life.


    There was nothing that Zac needed to change with his understanding of the Kalpataru. He just needed to continue down the path, just like he had through the tapestry of Death. Life was the motor of change, the breaker of fate. It was progress manifest through the evolutionary dance of his Technique.


    The truths he''d grasped onto while inside the Orom World grew more condensed and robust, and Zac lost any sense of anything but the warmth of Life. But suddenly, Zac felt something amiss, and his eyes shot open as he warily looked around. It took him a moment to realize what was happening, and he scoffed before closing his eyes again.


    There were no threats, at least not in the corporeal sense. The trouble Zac sensed was a few insights that tried to sneak into his Dao, hinting at the fusion between Life and Death by adding a set of concepts to create a working microcosm. The first steps toward Samsara. As expected from a Trial of a Buddhist nature.


    Luckily, Zac had tempered his heart in the Void for years already, and he effortlessly rejected those thoughts while greedily taking what he needed from the storm around him. But since Zac rejected a chunk of the truths around him, the energy entering his body also decreased. That could barely be considered a problem. A white box appeared in his hand, and Zac swallowed the golden peach before stowing away the container.


    It was a top-tier Life Attuned Dao Treasure that helped Zac make up the loss and speed up his breakthrough. It joined the external streams of truth, flowing into the floating tree in his Soul Aperture. The Kalpataru didn''t grow anyrger, but the branches grasping for the heavens did. The golden leaves also grew more radiant, while the movements of the dancing vines became more capricious.


    The tree shone like a small sun inside his aperture, annealing the golden Outer Cores with Life of a higher order. And just like that, it was done. Another Dao Branch pushed to Middle Mastery. Zac warily opened his eyes and peered around, both relieved and disappointed no angry clouds were gathering above him.


    Ultimately, the Old Heavens didn''t care about minor breakthroughs like evolving Dao Branches, and it wouldn''te down at him with Tribtion Lightning until he formed an Earthly Dao. However, from that point, each step would draw a tribtion as long as he stayed on the Boundless Path. That was a worry forter, and Zac opened his Dao Screen to see the results.


    [Branch of the Kalpataru (Middle): All attributes +50, Dexterity +750, Endurance +1500, Vitality +4750, Intelligence +50, Wisdom +450, Effectiveness of Vitality +25%]


    Having aplished what he set out for, Zac blocked out the golden light around him. He had taken what he needed. Any more, and he might find his path deviate. This ce really was a Buddhist heritage, trying to sneak in some insights moving his Dao toward Samsara. Looking back, it seemed like a deliberate action with the maze of Death leading to a well of Life.


    Instead, Zac turned his attention to his upgraded Dao branch. He hadn''t been certain he''d be able to upgrade the Dao with the help of this trial, even if he had made huge strides since the Orom World, both in the Void Gate and during his years of study of the Dao of Life. And his worry had been warranted. If not for the secret seventhyer, he wouldn''t have reached all the way.


    A Middle Stage Dao Branch wasn''t required for him to form his Cosmic Core��it would only be a prerequisite for upgrading his Cosmic Core to Middle Stage. But even if it weren''t a must-have for the Perennial Vastness, it would certainly help. The better the bnce between Conflict and Life, the easier it would be to forcibly form and contain the sections of his core.


    Besides, the upgrade had provided him with over 8,500 attribute points��more than a 10% boost to his attribute pool. If he could do the same with his Branch of the Pale Seal, he''d be far better prepared for any conflict inside the Perennial Vastness. Because one thing was for sure, no matter where you went in the Multiverse, there''d be a struggle for resources and to get ahead.


    As for the attributes, there weren''t any real surprises. Zac was happy to see that Dexterity had gone from +300 to +750, an increase of 150% rather than a simple doubling. That came at the cost of no extra Intelligence and reduced gain in Wisdom and Endurance. As far as Zac was concerned, it was a worthy trade.


    His Wisdom was starting to fall behind a bit, though, so he might have to put some points into it after reaching Hegemony. His soul was incredibly powerful, but it could not be fully utilized without the Wisdom to run it.


    Zac closed down the screen, looking around. There was no timer, but he could somewhat sense time was almost up. The golden streams around him had grown dim, having been robbed of a good chunk of their truths. Actually, the theft was still happening, and Zac was happy to see a steady stream enter his World Ring. He''d been too swept up in his own breakthrough to notice before.


    Being a product of Heda, Vivi was obviously Life Attuned. Haro was not. However, between Zac''s nurturing and Haro''s closeness to Vivi, Haro had started to absorb more and more Life-attuned energy. Zac hoped he could have it diverge from the norm and be a Life-attuned Heavenrender Vine, just like Ogras had identally diverged into a Shadow-aspected Demon.


    The minutes passed as Zac waited for the trial to conclude and to see what kind of title the seventhyer of the Gate of Life awarded. The normal trials provided 1% of your main attribute and either Vitality or Endurance, depending on which trial you chose, peryer. Would the seventhyer push the attributes to 7%, or would the title change as it did with the Havenfort Chasm?


    Finally, the trial ended, but Zac felt no pull or any sensation that he was about to be ced inside one of those flowers outside. Instead, another prompt appeared.


    [Trial Ended. Continue into the Gate of Death?]


    Zac didn''t give it a second thought as he epted. This was exactly what he''d hoped for; the chance to enjoy the other half of his trial. Hopefully, there would be a second hidden level waiting for him on the other side, giving him the inspiration needed to evolve his final Dao Branch.


    But as Zac epted, he felt an ufortable pull. Like part of him was being held back in this sea of life. He tried to hold on as best as he could, but it still slipped between his fingers. It was his memories being purged of his experiences in this ce. Zac had held onto a small hope he''d be able to retain his memories, either through his powerful soul or because he conquered the whole thing.


    It looked like he was wrong, but that didn''t mean Zac was willing to give up without a fight. Ultimately, Zac only managed to hold onto a few key pieces by furiously rotating his Soul Cores. The maze, the timer, and his Technique. A familiar gate appeared beneath him, and Zac had a final thought before it was whisked away.


    What happened with the title?N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A momentter, Zac found himself standing on a path of molten ground, filled with a conflicting sense of loss and gain. He looked around, trying to make sense of a confusing hole in his mind. He had been purged just like the others, but he remembered what he was doing here. He had fully passed the Gate of Life and evolved his Dao Branch, and it was time to climb the second half.


    The hellscape of fiery life around him filled Zac with an odd sense of d��j�� vu. He guessed the previous trial was the same, except there had been Death within the mes rather than life. The same odd burning sensation came up through his soles, but he soon realized the Branch of the Pale Seal was effective at stemming the invasion.


    As expected. Going by his current form, Zac had clearlypleted the previous trial as a human, and this one was best dealt with in his Draugr form. Between the hazy memories and instinctual knowledge of what he needed to do, the level waspleted in less than six hours thanks to [Abyssal Phase]. He passed through the gate and found himself in a sea of endless ck.


    If not for the visions of the Abyssal Lake, Zac would have thought this was how a realke of Death felt like. Now, it seemed like a cheap mimicry of the real thing, almost like the Towers of Myriad Dao in the face of the Tower of Eternity. Of course, this was still just the first level. As the days passed and Zac knocked out oneyer after another, the sea got increasingly filled with meaning.


    Each level he passed also unlocked a bit more of his memory. He felt himself walking in his own footsteps, his experiences mirroring each other. By the time he reached the fourthyer, he could almost see himself running in step. Zac sensed it wasn''t a case of finding meaning where there was none. This felt intentional, like the trial showed him two sides of the same coin.


    Unfortunately for the creator of this ce, it wasn''t for Zac. This kind of fusion the Gates of Rebirth was trying to nudge him toward was probably an expression of the Dao of Samsara. He had his own path to tread, and his heart was stable enough to ignore the pull. He would take what he needed from this ce and discard the rest.


    Soon enough, Zac reached the fifthyer, and a smile spread across his face as [ck Death] appeared in his hand.


    ''It''s been a while,'' a content hum echoed in his mind. ''Are we going out again?''


    "We''re heading to the Perennial Vastness soon," Zac smiled. "Hopefully, we can find a way to upgrade you there. For now, I''m going to evolve my Technique. See if you can feel anything from my control."


    ''I''ll follow your lead,'' Alea answered before her consciousness receded into the depths of the coffin.


    It was a shame that short conversations were all Alea could manage, even after being fully healed and stabilized from her series of breakthroughs. It took a lot of effort to condense her consciousness to the point it worked like a person''s. Its natural form was more of a passive state spread through the coffin, much like Mossy''s normal conscious state.


    Alea didn''t have the monstrous reserves of Mental Energy that Mossy did, either. So while the moon could speak how much it wanted, Alea could not. Zac hoped that would change by the time she became a D-grade Spirit tool, and her soul evolved along with it. And perhaps, this would be the first step in that regard.


    Death and Conflict filled Zac''s body, propelling him down the road of carnage. The Asuras were teeming with seemingly unquenchable life, each of their attacks trying to leave part of it in Zac''s body behind. But it was more urate to call it a virus the way it acted. If Zac had been in his living form, it would have sought out his life and poisoned it.


    But the effect was stifled by his Draugr heritage and his Dao, allowing Zac to fully focus on his Technique. Zac felt the echoes of himself even more poignantly as he advanced, his chains and his axe weaving an inescapable of Death. The hours turned to a blur until he found himself standing in front of the swirling gate leading toward the sixth and final realm.


    Or wait, was it really the final level? Something felt off.


    Half a dayter, Zac stood in front of a ck gate with a tremendous wall stretching toward infinity. It looked like the entrance to the underworld, yet a smile spread across Zac''s face as he swapped over to his human form. It had finallye back to him, all the memories of his previous trial.


    One final journey into the Tapestry of Life to find the answers to Death.

 Chapter 976 - Full Cycle

    "Why are we going here?" Carl asked, warily looking at Ogras.


    "You''re the one who said you had to speak with the Lord immediately," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. "That your happiness depended on it. And this is where he went, apparently, leaving the boring stuff to me."


    "But this ce is trouble," Carl muttered. "I can sense it."


    "What trouble," Ogras scoffed. "The Ruthless Heavens shrouds us, and we''re stronger than any warriors on this."


    "But how will that protect us against the boss?" Carl countered.


    Ogras looked at the cowardly archer for a moment, a smile spreading across his face. "I guess you have a point there."


    "See, over there," Carl sighed. "I told you. Trouble."


    Ogras nced over, frowning upon seeing hundreds of people gathered in front of the trial.


    "What''s going on?" Ogras asked after shing over.


    "You are��?" the guard asked with some confusion before spotting Carl next to him. "Ah! Captain Elrod! Thank god you''re here."


    "At least one of us feels that way," Carl muttered. "What''s happening?"


    "It''s Lord Atwood�� He��" the guard hesitated, ncing at the huge half-disk behind him.


    Ogras ignored Carl''s pointed look, snapping his finger to regain the guard''s attention. "The Lord what?"


    "He entered eleven hours ago and still hasn''te out. We even tried cutting open a bunch of flowers in case he was trapped, but we couldn''t find him. Ultimately, the vines started releasing dangerous energies, forcing us out of the graveyard."


    "So he''s eleven hours in," Ogras muttered. "Well, let''s just wait for another hour. He probably passed the first one and somehow entered the next."


    "You know what, my matter is silly," Carl said. "It can wait."


    "You sure?" Ogras grinned. "It''s hard to know with you. You were so adamant about not joining our mission just an hour ago."


    "That''s because you told Lissa," Carl said with grit teeth. "Forcing me to choose between hell with the boss or hell in my home."


    "That''s my mistake," Ogras sighed. "I simply felt I hadn''t talked with my former subordinates enough, and it somehow slipped out when she was listening."


    "I''m sure," Carl spat.


    "Now, don''t be like that," Ograsughed. "Whether you like it or not, you have one of the most powerful fates of any Earthlings. Excluding that guy, of course. Are you going to keep resisting it, or will you seize the opportunity? Aren''t you a man? Shouldn''t you have the power to protect Lissa?"


    The man''s face scrunched up to look like a dried Palo Fruit, but he still sat down when Ogras took out a table and some chairs. The minutes passed until people eventually started to stir, their gazes turned toward the huge disk.


    "It''s about time," Ogras muttered, a sense of anticipation filling him.


    Who knew? There might be some benefits to be had if that guy really caused a scene. The ground started to shake, and Ogras looked on with shock as the whole half-disk started to spin. Was the thing really a coin? The somewhat simple half-moon with thedders and the two entrances entered the ground as apletely different scene emerged.


    Paradise.


    An exquisite diptych engraving in ck and gold was hidden on the other half of the Gates of Rebirth, depicting with excruciating detail a Buddhist paradise. Arhats were guarding the mountains, and Buddhas spread their boundless love from the peaks. Enlightened beasts, celestial lotus flowers, bodhi trees, and temples.


    A huge silhouette of a Buddha appeared in the sky, its two hands sped in a Dhyani mudra. Inside its palm, a wheel of gold and ck turned, and Ogras felt his soul shudder as he looked at it. It almost felt like he was looking at both his future and his past.


    "What in the��" Ogras muttered, but the avatar was gone the next moment.


    Suddenly, two doors opened in the middle of the scene, and a familiar figure stepped out. Ogras hadn''t even spotted the gate; they perfectly blended into the mural. Zac took a few steps before turning back, looking at the huge coin as it gradually spun back to its original position. Ogras nced at thedder, not too surprised to see no name had been added to the tally.


    That bastard had obviously enjoyed some sort of special opportunity.


    "That''s the boss, alright," Carl sighed as he got to his feet.


    --------


    Zac turned away from the Gates of Rebirth and immediately spotted Ogras and Carl walking over. Ogras wasn''t too unexpected, considering he''d been stuck in this ce for twelve hours. But why was Carl here?


    "Hey," Zac nodded. "Sorry, I got a bit derailed."


    "That''s fine," Ogras said. "Some scene. At least nothing exploded this time."


    "I know, right?" Zacughed before turning to Carl. "Wee back to Earth. Good job out there."


    "Thank you, Lord," Carl said with a small bow, slightly ncing at Ogras, who shrugged and summoned a swirl of shadows around them.


    "As you''ve heard. I have attained the first piece of a Seal of the Radiant Court. I was hoping you''d allow me to join the Command Group and the excursion in the future. As such, I''d appreciate any clues as to where I can get the missing pieces of my seal."


    "Uh, of course," Zac slowly nodded. "I don''t have any solution right now, but you might want to check the Ensolus Ruins, just in case. The seals are connected to the war. We''ll all have to fill out our seals there."


    "I understand," Carl nodded." Then I shall start preparing. Have a good day."


    With that, he turned around and walked toward the teleporter with a straight back, slightly nodding at a few soldiers who came up to greet him.


    "I thought I''d have to bribe that guy to join in," Zac muttered. "Guess he grew a lot during your outing."


    "Something like that," Ograsughed.


    "I''m sorry about themotion," Zac said to the guards waiting in the distance.


    He was about to head back to Earth but suddenly turned back toward the public.


    "Add a new warning to the trial. No one should attempt the Sixth Layer without having 500 Effective Luck. Less than five people in the Atwood Empire have the strength to break through without providence on their side, and they should know who they are."


    "We will immediately add it to the missives," the guard assured.


    Zac nodded, and he and Ogras walked away.


    "You remember the situation inside?" Ogras said curiously.


    "I do," Zac said. "For a moment, I thought I''d lose it, but after passing both trials, I got it back."


    "So? What''s with the Luck?" Ogras asked.


    Zac thought about it for a while before simply exining the situation. He hadn''t decided whether to also divulge the details yet to the wider poption. Zac wasn''t sure if doing so would do more harm than good. Some people would overestimate themselves after reading about the challenges, pushing further than they should.


    At the same time, the first fiveyers didn''t have any special traps or pathbreaking elements. They provided aprehensive challenge, testing everything from your Dao to intangible things like determination and Dao Heart. Furthermore, all of the trials could be ovee with raw strength if need be.


    "Providence, huh? Well, like you say. Should be possible to force it," Ogras muttered before looking at Zac suspiciously. "That''s not the whole story, though, is it? Don''t tell me you just passed the normal way."


    "Well, turned out there''s a secret seventhyer," Zac smiled as Ogras groaned with disgust. "But that one has extremely specific requirements to survive. They require the Daos of Life and Death, but they''re actually inverted from the rest of the trials."


    "Inverted?" Ogras frowned. "So, you''d need a Dao of Death in the Gate of Life?"


    "Exactly," Zac nodded.


    "Sounds like a Death Trap. Any Revenant who even had a shadow of a chance of reaching thestyers would obviously pick the Gate of Death because it seems much more suitable from all the experiments," Ogras said before looking at Zac with a scrunched-up face.


    "What?" Zac said.


    "I just felt it''s nice to see some things stay the same with all the crazy things going on," Ogras said with a shake of his head. "It sounds like the Ruthless Heaven created that trial just for you, huh?"


    "I don''t know about that," Zac said. "As you saw, I think the trial was made to train Monks. An extremely powerful cultivator might also pass it, provided they have the right Daos."


    "What about me?" Ogras asked. "You think I could brute-force the hiddenyer?"


    "Impossible," Zac said without hesitation. "It''s a trial requiring Life or Death. Anything else is useless."


    "That''s just great," Ogras muttered. "Well, I guess the Sixthyer title is better than nothing."


    "Better than nothing?" Zac scoffed. "Six percent to two attributes for a total of 12% boost is right up there with any of the top titles avable in Zecia."


    "So what did you get?" Ogras asked curiously, but his face copsed upon seeing a smile appear on Zac''s face. "No, never mind. Don''t tell me."


    "You sure? It''s a good one," Zacughed.


    "Spare me, great lord," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    "Alright," Zac smiled, but he still opened his status screen to marvel at histest gains.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 150


    ss [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles [...] Blooddrenched Baron, Connate Conqueror, The Second Step, Singr Specialist, Apex Attainment


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru - Middle, Branch of the Pale Seal - Middle


    Core [E] Duplicity


    Strength 29272 [Increase: 149%. Efficiency: 319%]


    Dexterity 13005 [Increase: 106%. Efficiency: 222%]


    Endurance 24578 [Increase: 140%. Efficiency: 319%]


    Vitality 22853 [Increase: 138%. Efficiency: 319%]


    Intelligence 3920 [Increase: 100%. Efficiency: 222%]


    Wisdom 8646 [Increase: 107%. Efficiency: 234%]


    Luck 721 [Increase: 124%. Efficiency: 248%]


    Free Points 0


    Nexus Coins [D] 9 491 406


    For so long, his attributes had barely moved, except for the small amount of t attributes his Body Tempering provided. But the years of umtion had set the foundation for a massive leap forward. As expected, a well of death awaited him in the heart of the maze engraved with the truths of life, which led to a chain reaction of benefits.


    [Branch of the Pale Seal (Middle): All attributes +50, Strength +750, Endurance +4750, Vitality +1500, Intelligence +50, Wisdom +450. Effectiveness of Endurance +25%.]


    The attributes of his Branch of the Pale Seal perfectly matched those of Kalpataru, just like when the Dao Branches were at Early Mastery. Together, the two had provided another huge boost to his survivability. Of course, that wasn''t the end of it. It was, after all, a trial.


    [Gates of Rebirth: Conquer the Gates of Rebirth. Reward: All Attributes +3%, Strength, Vitality, Endurance +7%. Effect of Strength, Vitality, Endurance +3%.]


    Passing both sides of the Gates of Rebirth resulted in a simr situation to his experience in the Havenfort Chasm. But since the difficulty and requirements were far greater in the Gates of Rebirth, the gains were noticeably better. First, the two titles had been fused into one, giving +7% to three attributes instead of two. On top of that, it had both added a boost to all attributes and a small push to Attribute Effectiveness.


    The title was more than twice as strong as his other ''normal'' Limited titles, such as Heart of Fire and Big Axe diator. Unfortunately, the challenge wasn''t enough for the System to provide him with Title Permanence, which forced him to give up his Heart of Fire title.


    Having to give up a title to retain the new one had made the boost a bit smaller than a real title. However, it had still pushed him just past 100,000 Attribute Points without relying on [Forester''s Constitution], which gave him a title he''dcked before.


    [Apex Attainment: Reach 100,000 Attribute Points before reaching D-grade. Reward: Effect of Attributes +8%]


    It was the third Apex title he''d received, after Apex Hunter and Apex Progenitor. Unfortunately, the title only provided 8% instead of 10% like the others, most likely because he didn''t get the equivalent title while still in the F-grade. Zac could probably get a redo token and fix the title in the future, but it wasn''t a high-priority matter.


    Looking at his attributes, Zac couldn''t help but marvel at his progress. Half a day and his attribute pool had increased by almost 25% while his effectivebat strength had improved even further. If he met Uona today, he was confident he''d be able to defeat her without relying on the Remnants or his bloodline.


    The attribute limits of having a D-grade race were between 40,000 and 50,000, depending on your body''s potential. When Zac broke through to E-grade, he''d thought it crazy high and unattainable. Clearly, he had underestimated thepounding gains of elite E-grade cultivators. Had he followed a simpler path with three Strength-based Dao Branches, he''d probably have hit the limit already.


    Zac closed the screen, turning to Ogras. "Talked with Vikram yet?"


    "I could kiss that man," Ograsughed, his scrunched-up face blooming into a radiant smile. "I''m richer than the whole Azh''Rezak n."


    Everything was either on or ahead of schedule, mostly thanks to the shocking amount of wealth his Shipwright business brought in. Between his trade agreements and Calrin gradually selling off the excess resources he gathered before returning to Earth, Zac''s private fortune had already ballooned to almost 10 C-grade Nexus Coins.


    If you included his remaining resources, treasures, Cosmic Vessels, his actual worth was almost triple that number. And he was still making money hand and foot, even if he spent exorbitantly to shore up the foundations of his soldiers. Every week, thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins poured into his coffer thanks to Calrin''s agreement with the Allbright Dynasty.


    "Speaking of, you''re still not heading home?" Zac asked. "Even if you''ve lost your teleportation ess, I can still teleport you to the border towns. Shouldn''t be difficult for you to find a porter to send you over."


    "No. Not yet, at least," Ogras said after some thought. "Still don''t know whether I want to kill or help my cousins."


    "Alright," Zac nodded. "But it''s fine if you want to bring your grandpa over."


    "The only way I''d get the old coot toe here would be if I stuffed him in a bup sack," Ogras guffawed. "But I still want to see the old man. Hopefully, he didn''t get too much k for the failed Incursion. After all, we were pitted against the crazy Deviant Asura."


    "I was no asura back then," Zac snorted. "You guys were just pretty disorganized."


    "I had to keep up pretenses, you know," Ogras winked. "So, Million Gates Territory?"


    "Not sure what I should do about Jaol," Zac sighed. "He''s seen both my identities. I never expected to see him again, even after realizing the trial was happening in the real world. Even if I go with a disguise, he''ll eventually find out about me one way or another as long as we bring him back."


    "How about this?" Ogras said. "The guy is actually not even Peak E-grade yet. There''s some sort of issue with his metallic body parts. You can still sign a contract with him and keep him contained on Ensolus. In return, you''ll figure out how to fix his issue."


    "Easier said than done," Zac muttered. "Not like my ancestry gives me any inborn knowledge of Technocrat parts."


    "Seemed to have for your sister," Ogras said pointedly but lifted his hands in surrender upon receiving a re. "Whatever, guess she got the smarts in the family. But you don''t need the know-how to help him. You just need wealth."


    "How so?"


    "The more levels he gains, the worse hisponents work. ording to him, he either needs to upgrade hisponents or swap back to a fleshy body. The former is definitely impossible now that he''s been hauled deep into Zecia, but thetter should work. Either find a Transcender heritage for him or cut out the metal parts and provide some body-restoring treasures and skilled healers."


    "That could work," Zac nodded.


    If that was all, Zac only needed to knock the guy out and infuse him with some Creation Energy. It was faster than any Healing Treasure, and he still had enough Longevity Treasures on hand to not waste any more lifespan than the spark needed to start the process. Someone like Jaol shouldn''t require too much energy, either.


    Someone like him, with a physical ss, high attributes, and now an attunement, would require far more to recover his organs. ording to the small experiments he''d performed over the past years when forced to exhaust some of his pent-up energy, it would take about three times as much energy todaypared to when he was stuck at the bottom of the Twilight Chasm.


    "Alright, let''s go get the guy."


    "Go get him yourself. Since I''m here, I''ll snatch a title myself before dealing with the inheritance," Ogras said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Alright, have fun," Zac waved. "Remember, don''t enter the seventh even if the trial presents you with the opportunity. It''ll get you killed."


    "I know, I know," Ogras muttered, and the two split up.


    An hourter, Zac stepped into the guardedpound on Crimson Edge, immediately spotting a few familiar faces. He smiled and waved, though he had to admit his mind was elsewhere. Everything was finally dealt with. The blueprint, his Daos, his foundations. His followers knew what they were doing, and the war preparations were all-butplete. Nothing was holding him back.


    The moment he got word from Catheya, he''d activate the token and leave for the Perennial Vastness.

 Chapter 977 - Reunions and Departures

    A spiritual nudge dragged Zac out of his thoughts, and he looked up to see Vri walk over.


    "It''s nice to see you again," Zac said, and he felt an odd yetforting sensation as a consciousness wrapped itself around him in a spiritual embrace.


    "Likewise," Vri smiled, stopping in front of him. "I''ve missed home."


    "Things have changed a lot since you left," Zac said. "The undead poption has quintupled. Pika and her husband are working in the Atwood Academy, overseeing the undead students."


    "It''s really happening," Vri hummed, looking up at Zac. "Thank you."


    "Of course," Zac said. "You had the right idea from the beginning."


    Vri nodded before looking Zac up and down. "Your current aura is shocking."


    "It''s just a bit unstable after a couple of breakthroughs," Zac exined before looking into Vri''s eyes. "I had nned on bragging about my Soul Improvements when you returned. But it looks like you''ve made even greater improvements somehow."


    "I''ve encountered a few opportunities of my own," Vri said.


    "I heard you found both pieces?"


    "I was lucky," Vri said, her smile widening. "It allowed me to finally resolve the matter of my Bloodline. My cultivation speed will drastically increase going forward."


    "That''s amazing," Zac whistled.


    Vri''s Bloodline was one of the most powerful he''d seen, but the previous owner of her body likely came from the central regions of the Multiverse. Like his own Bloodline, it had proven incredibly hard to rekindle no matter which method they''d procured over the years. That, in turn, led to Vri being unable to awaken and utilize her soul-based Bloodline.


    No wonder her soul felt so powerful. If he could just get another Moss Crystal from Mossy, Vri would be ready to evolve into Hegemony sooner. Zac almost shuddered at the thought of an elite Mentalist with an incredibly refined soul and a Soul-rted Bloodline in a ce like Zecia. She''d be a one-woman army.


    "Let''s catch up moreter," Zac said. "For now, let''s deal with the Technocrat."


    "Of course, this way."


    Zac stepped into a guarded building, and a wry smile spread across his face as he saw the familiar figure toiling over a workbench. It didn''t look like a blueprint or a schematic for some machine but rather a genealogical study. Jaol looked up when Zac entered, their eyes locking.


    "Long time no see," Zac said, not finding any better words after meeting the person whose fate he''d so utterly derailed.


    "Wh-"Jaol said before freezing, his mechanical eyes slowly widening in rm and rage. "YOU! BASTARD!"


    Zac didn''t have a chance to say anything else before the navigator flung himself at him, seemingly trying to w his eyes out. Of course, it was fool''s hope, and Vivi had bound him before he even got close.


    "I heard you''ve had a bit of a rough go at it the past years," Zac sighed. "I''m sorry about that."


    "A bit of a rough go?!" Jaol screamed while desperately trying to break free from Vivi''s vines. "You blew up my ce of work, which was also my home! You then framed me and pushed some of the me on me, even though I was a hostage. I''ve been hounded and hunted for over a decade! The moment I go back, I''ll get executed!"


    "That framing bit was to get you off the ship," Zac said as he sat down. "If I didn''t, you''d be dead now."


    "I would have flown right back into the explosion if I knew I''d end up in your hands after all these years of suffering."


    "Don''t say that. We worked quite well together thest time," Zac said. "Either case, things have reached this point. You have to admit, the odds of us running into each other again are essentially zero. Fate''s at y here. So let''s talk about your future in Zecia and the Left Imperial Pce."


    Zac stepped out of thepound an hourter, a hooded Jaol by his side. A contract had been signed, and he''d gained another follower for his journey into Ultom. Jaol was surprisingly agreeable upon hearing that more than ten people of his faction would go. Then again, it made sense. Jaol wasn''t even a Hegemon and had a nonbat profession at that.


    Even if he wanted the opportunities inside, he neither had the means to get the other pieces of the seal nor the confidence to enter that ce alone. He was probably nning on using Zac and his people as meat shields while looking for treasure or more bursts of insight. For now, Zac could live with that kind of attitude. He did ultimately owe Jaol one.


    Perhaps even more important than getting a second inswalker of Ultom, Zac gained a navigator who knew more about the Endless Storm than anyone in Zecia �C something that might prove vital for his distant goal of reaching the Six Profundity Empire. The most promising method was finding a gateway, possibly the same as the one Leandra used, that would take him to that section of the Multiverse. Going blindly would be incredibly dangerous and akin to finding a needle in a haystack.


    Of course, Zac would wait a bit before informing Jaol they would be setting out on that kind of adventure in the future.


    Jaol wasn''t surprised by Zac''s ability to use Creation when he exined his offer. In contrast, Jaol was quite pleased, though he didn''t want to be reformed just yet. It turned out the navigator already was working on a Transcender path on his own, researching various eyes and bloodlines to incorporate into his body.


    Since Zac couldn''t create something he couldn''t understand or imagine, Jaol first wanted to gather some samples for Zac to analyze. That was fine by Zac, though it meant that Jaol would have to wait until he returned from Perennial Vastness to get his new body parts. That was a good safety measure since Jaol was now bound by the System''s contract.


    Zac wasn''t worried about Jaol causing any troubles with the Neural Network either. Because of Kenzie, he''d already invested heavily in blocking out any Technocrat Signals. It was more than enough to deal with a low-grade navigator from a weak corporation like the Little Bean''s owners. More to the point, Jaol had a terrifying bounty on his head because of him.


    It was no doubt the result of him shing Leandra''smand token. The exact details of his and Jeeves'' birth were a bit blurry, but it seemed like many powerful Technocrat factions had betrayed the Kayar-Elu after the System had already weakened them. Now, they were looking for Jeeves, hoping to use it to create the Machine God.


    Of course, Jaol didn''t know all that. He''d just thought some bigshot had sent Zac onboard Little Bean, and the Technocrats wanted to find this person. In a sense, it was half-correct, except Leandra had nothing to do with his heist of the Shard of Creation.


    After learning it was part of a mission of the Tower of Eternity rather than some conspiracy, Jaol''s anger had somewhat mollified. The Technocrat''s inborn disdain for the System had allowed Zac to ce all the me on it, hopefully making their cooperation easier going forward.


    Zac shuttled Jaol back to Earth while the rest of the elites of Ogras'' mission resumed their roles in the Atwood Empire. There was still a year left before the war officially started, ording to the Void Priestess. But there were no guarantees. The main thing that held the Kan''Tanu back was that the Space Gate wasn''t stable enough to shuttle through Monarchs.


    But the moment they could send a real Vanguard, they''d likely start trying to conquers to create beachheads. By that point, the System might just go ahead and erect the War tforms across the two sectors.


    With all the elites returned and the situation clearer, Zac spent the next two weeks in a series of meetings to make final decisions. Some meetings were with the core members of his faction, while others wererge war councils joined by both the experts he''d hired and visiting consultants of the Allbright Empire.


    The consensus was unanimous; the amount of resources spent on low-grade warriors was far beyond what any D-grade force in Zecia could stomach. Unfortunately, there were limits to how far Nexus Coins could take a faction. Money didn''t breed elites, and killing random beasts on hiss or their moons wasn''t enough of a challenge to temper an army.


    True warriors could only be forged on the battlefield. Zac could only pray his preparations would keep the initial losses at a minimum.


    Ogras didn''t participate in the meetings, instead opting to enter the heritage of the Umbra, riding on the sess of bing the first official name on the Sixth Layer of the Gates of Rebirth. The demon emerged five dayster, some nasty wounds filled with the Dao of Shadows covering his body. However, by the happy look on his face, he had aplished what he set out for.


    Zac also spent some time every morning teaching Emily. He mainly focused on helping her find a direction and stabilize the fundamentals of her technique. That way, she could continue progressing after he left for the Perennial Vastness.


    After a few days, Joanna also joined. Zac was relieved to see that some time to stabilize her heart had borne fruit. The frantess was gone, reced by a steady calm. Her aura made Zac think of a veteran army��steadfast and precise like a well-oiled machine. It was very different from Zac''s chaotic path for the Dao of Conflict, and most likely better suited to lead armies. Hopefully, that temperance would be the key to cinching a seal of her own.


    Two more weeks passed like this until the day Zac had waited for arrived. A report from Vikram confirmed amunication crystal and a Spatial Ring had been sent over from the Undead Empire, and Zac soon had the delivery on his table. Zac called over Ogras before sinking his consciousness into the crystal.


    He''d hoped for a confirmation from Catheya that it was time to go. Instead, he heard the voice of Laz Tem''Zul. And the more he heard, the deeper his brows furrowed. The shadows congealed a few minutester, and a grinning Ogras appeared in front of him.


    "It''s finally time?"


    Zac only shook his head with exhaustion.


    "What is it?" Ogras asked. "What happened?"


    "Listen to this," Zac muttered as he activated the Communication Crystal again.


    "Young master Umbri''Zi, we hope this message finds you well. With the date of your ascensioning close, we wanted to send a short message of well wishes and a few items that may prove useful inside the Perennial Vastness," Laz began.


    What followed was a long-detailed list of the ways their agreements and preparations had progressed, proving the Undead Empire had gone above and beyond keeping their end of the bargain. It almost sounded like the Draugr Monarch was gearing up toin about something, but the topic changed in another direction.


    "As you head into the Perennial Vastness, I hope you will remember that there are as many truths as there are viewpoints. Nothing is white and ck or necessarily what it seems, and you''ll see more if keeping an open mind. The Undead Empire is sincere in their desire for cooperation and wees you with the highest honors to the Abyssal Shores in the future."


    A few more cryptic lines about misunderstandings and friendship followed, along with the customary invitation to meet in person to discuss further.


    "Well, that''s not great," Ogras grunted.


    "What do you think?"


    "Something must have gone wrong," the demon said.


    "But why would they frame it like I shouldn''t believe any rumors thate my way? What should I keep an open mind over?" Zac muttered.


    "Still haven''t heard from Catheya?" Ogras asked.


    "You think it''s about her as well, huh?" Zac frowned. "You don''t think she''s...?"


    "Unlikely," Ogras said after some thought. "I feel it''s more likely she''ll be the source of whatever new information they don''t want you to listen to. This reek of internal politics."


    "You''d think they''d put such things aside when ites to a matter as important as the pir," Zac muttered.


    "It''s during these kinds of times, in particr, they can''t give up on the internal struggle. Something like a Pir of the System willpletely upend the power dynamic of whatever faction ends up with the prize. If the ns don''t position themselves properly ahead of time, they might find their achievements and struggle resulted in their doom."


    "So, what should I do?" Zac frowned. "This is outside my wheelhouse."


    "Depends on what your goal is," Ogras said.


    "Well, first of all, I want to ensure Catheya''s safety. And unless necessary, I don''t want to rock the boat with our agreements," Zac said. "The Undead Empire is the guarantor for the long-term ns of the Atwood Empire. Without their support, we might not have even managed to sell our Cosmic Vessels."


    It wasn''t an exaggeration. Calrin had almost been thrown into the brig because of some scheming from certain Mercantile ns. At first, Zac had nned to use Alvod Jondir''s name to p away any such conspiracies. The Allbright Empire was an external subsidiary force of the Radiant Temple, so Zac figured they''d know a bit about the situation and back down.


    At the same time, Alvod would likely stay in seclusion for centuries, perhaps millennia. He had barely managed to break through while simultaneously fighting multiple factions, including an actual Autarch. It was a miracle he managed to survive, let alone break through. By the time he emerged, the matter would be long forgotten, and it wasn''t like a subsidiary force like the Radiant Temple would dare inquire with him even if they remembered.


    But it turned out his gambit was unnecessary. The Undead Empire had already made some moves on his behalf. Casses Allbright, the third Prince of the Empire, had been sent into the Million Gates Territory to investigate a huge and sudden presence of undead cultivators. It was there he''d met, or rather had been captured by, the Imperial Monarchs.


    But rather than a forceful conversion, it had turned into the first diplomatic meeting between the Zecian forces and the Undead Empire. And Casses had flown right back from that meeting to quickly ept a most generous agreement with the Thayer Consortia.


    In fact, Zac could have increased his earnings tenfold if not for the production limit. After getting a chance to prove their wares, the Creator series had be quite popr on their own merit, and each war fortress wanted at least a few hundred. The ship''s unique technology was an incredibly useful tool that could turn the tide of war. What were some C-grade Nexus Coins in the face of that?


    The factions on the Frontier obviously couldn''tpare to the real behemoths of the Multiverse Hearnds, but they were still established dynasties with millions of years of history, powerful backing, and trillions of citizens. Even the innumerable F-grade cultivators could help fill the war coffers by killing beasts, getting money from the System, and selling anything worth Nexus Coins at the System-run stores.


    "If you want to retain the status quo, send an equally vague letter back," Ogras said. "Something along that you''re happy with how things progressed through Catheya''s hard efforts. That you''re looking forward to seeing her in the Perennial Vastness or something."


    Zac agreed, and the two spent the next hour crafting an ambiguous message to send back to the Undead Empire. As for the items in the spatial ring, they were some top-quality core formation treasures. Zac wasn''t sure if he''d dare use them after how they tampered with the [Essence of the Abyss], but he could perhaps sell them to some cultivator in the Perennial Vastness.


    "So what do you want to do?" Ogras asked after things were dealt with. "If you ask me, I think the Draugrss has already entered. That''s why they were forced to send that message rather than just catch her."


    "I think so, too," Zac said. "Which means she might already have been inside for weeks, with the time dtion. Are you ready to go?"


    "Been ready for a while now," Ogras grinned.


    "Alright, give me one hour," Zac said before sending out a series of messages through hismunication device.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The core of his faction already knew he was leaving to form his core, so a flood of well-wishes entered his Communication Crystal over the next hour. Joanna, Vri, and Emily visited as well.


    "Good luck," Emily said. "Come back sooner, this time, alright?"


    "I''ll try," Zac smiled before turning to Joanna and Vri. "In case the war starts without me..."


    "We''ll hold the fort," Joanna nodded. "Don''t worry about Earth and its people. You have done more than enough already. It''s time for us to prove ourselves worthy of your nurturing."


    "Alright," Zac nodded. "But remember, survivales first. I don''t need some small-scale victories if it means mountains of dead."


    Finally, he turned to Ogras, both of them holding their tokens. "You ready?"


    "Time for the Deviant Asura to create another scene," the demon grinned. "May the Heavens have mercy on the Perennial Vastness."

 Chapter 978 - Null

    The moment Zac infused his energy into the token, a deep hum like the moving of tectonic tes filled his ears as a series of runes sprouted around him. A storm of Cosmic Energy gathered above, almost covering the wholepound. It raged and roiled, and it only got worse when Ogras activated his token. It was almost like the sky was trying to eat itself.


    Zac hadn''t expected such a scene from activating the token, and he shared a look with Ogras.


    "See you on the other side." the demon said before disappearing.


    Zac nodded at the trio before rushing in the opposite direction. He only stopped at the edge of hispound and nodded in satisfaction upon seeing that the storm had stabilized and split into two. It was just a precautionary measure to ensure there wasn''t any interference or issues with the teleportation.


    The runes being conjured by the token grew more numerous by the second. They soon began attaching themselves to his body, forming a cocoon before a slit in space appeared below him. It wasn''t some random spatial tear, though. It was lined with incrediblyplex golden runes, far surpassing the patterns on any Teleportation Array he''d seen. Zac didn''t get the chance to make any sense of them before being dropped inside, and he soon found himselfunched through the Void of Space.


    The experience waspletely different from using the Teleportation Arrays. There was a palpable sense of speed even in the Void, and Zac suspected he was traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of times faster than when he was teleported with the standard arrays provided by the System in the Zecia sector.


    It was a relief, though Zac was a bit confused. He''d expected that the System would perform one of its instant teleportations to send him to the Perennial Vastness, like when he visited the Hunt or the Tower of Eternity. Instead, he found himself shuttled at a speed beyond light for roughly thirty minutes until he saw light in the endless darkness.


    A magic circle?


    Was it something the token had conjured for him? No, if it had, why wait for half an hour? Besides, it was simply huge, at least the size of a, and it radiated such incredibly dense Spatial Fluctuations that the Void was pushed back. Something like that couldn''t possibly be contained in his little token.


    The runes on his body flickered, and Zac looked on with interest as a wheel turned in the middle of the circle. It almost looked like the gear on a bank vault, but the whole circle didn''t open like a huge door. Instead, a small vortex, not muchrger than Zac''s cocoon, appeared right in front of him, and he shot through.


    Zac didn''t know exactly what just happened, but he believed it was one of those shortcuts Iz had mentioned. Looking back, he saw either the same or another magic circle shrink in the distance as Zac continued on his way. A simr scene happened twice more over the next two hours, until Zac saw an identical golden ring light up at his feet.


    The next moment, the frantic movement was gone, and Zac found himself floating in endless darkness. It wasn''t the Void, but rather a proper dimension that didn''t try to rip him apart. He wasn''t sure what was going on, but the token he''d held onto lit up, and a simple screen appeared in front of him.


    [Please Wait]


    So Zac waited for another ten minutes until he suddenly felt a vast presence descend upon him. It almost felt like receiving the attention of the System or the old Heavens, yet there wasn''t the cold indifference of the former or the wrath of thetter. Instead, it felt like a calm ocean, almost soothing and weing.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac felt the consciousness spread through him, and he didn''t try to fight it. For one, he knew there was no way he could, even if he wanted. Not even Mossy couldpare to this presence. Secondly, he knew most of his secrets would be exposed whening here one way or another. After all, he would potentially have to spend years forming his core, continuously swapping between his races.


    What did it matter if his secrets were exposed now orter?


    There was no other way. His chances at reaching Hegemony weren''t great, even with the Light of Ultom creating an amazing Core Blueprint. Actually building it was simply tooplicated, and he was just a Mortal. Even if he somehow seeded in breaking through back home, he''d probably waste years in the process and end up with a Low-quality core at best.


    By that point, the struggle inside Ultom might already have started, and he would havepletely missed any chance at catching up with the elites who would enter.


    The Perennial Vastness was his only shot at breaking through properly, forming a powerful enough foundation he''d be able to burst forth to the Peak Middle D-grade. At that point, he believed he''d be able to deal with almost any Frontier Hegemon, which would be an important lifeline for Earth.


    So he watched on, fighting his instincts as he let himself get scanned, including his Specialty Core. Leandra''s Array was active, but the presence saw right through it. Leandra had said it would work against most Autarchs, proving just how powerful this presence was.


    The scan didn''t linger too long on his Duplicity Core, though. It moved on after just a few seconds, leaving Zac with mixed emotions. Part of him just wanted to scream, ''Take a good look at the core! Isn''t it amazing?'' now that someone finally could see it. It was so powerful it was almost a cheat, and Zac had almost expected the owners of the Perennial Vastness to appear in front of him.


    Yet, the presence seemed to deem it not very interesting. It actually spent twice the time looking at the constetion of Soul Cores dancing around in his Soul Aperture. Ten secondster, both tendril and presence were gone, leaving Zac alone in the emptiness of space. The screen telling him to please wait appeared once more until the darkness suddenly cracked.


    "Wee!" a bubbly voice said as the world was filled with color. "Wee to the Perennial Vastness!"


    "Uh, thanks," Zac said as he looked around with confusion. "What''s going on?"


    Zac didn''t know what he''d expected of the Perennial Vastness, but it wasn''t this. The name conjured images of endless ins or oceans stretching toward the horizons. Neither of them matched reality. Instead, he found himself in the middle of a swarm of cosmic fireflies, thousands of them all around him. Everything was hazy, making it impossible to know whether the lights were the size of a person or if they were suns far away in the distance.


    "Some things are being prepared for your arrival, so you will have to wait a bit," the voice answered. "You can consider this the orientation."


    "Alright," Zac hesitated as he looked around. "And who are you?"


    "Isn''t it polite to introduce yourself first?"


    The voice was a bit childish and mischievous, making Zac think of Emily when she was still a teenager.


    "I''m Zac," Zac said, not bothering toe up with another pseudonym.


    From what Zac had gathered, thepulsions that guarded the secrets of this ce were extremely thorough. The whole visit was subject to a confidentiality use enforced by the System and empowered by whoever ran this ce. Zac wouldn''t even be able to discuss things with Ogras afterward, apart from the cultivation aspects and his gains in this ce.


    Not even the Undead Empire elites knew what was happening inside. Any attempts at breaking the restriction ended with the whole visit to the Perennial Vastness being wiped out��including your memories of your core formation and other gains. An A-grade Eidolon had tried to uncover the secrets without sess, proving just how exquisite the seal was.


    The Monarchs of the Undead Empire might have been holding back on him, but Zac doubted it. This ce had been around for hundreds of millions of years, yet not a single piece of tangible information had spread out. It was safe to say that most things that happened here wouldn''t leave the trial. As such, he''d decided not to be overly secretive, especially considering he''d be forced to showcase his two forms in either case.


    Just as importantly, Zac was tired of running around taking on fake identities, hiding who he was while fearfully looking over his shoulder. That kind of behaviorpletely shed with his path. In a sense, the Perennial Vastness was the perfect ce to gauge the reactions from people all across the Multiverse as he showed more of his true self.


    Of course, only an idiot would unt all their secrets for anyone who could see, but there had to be a middle-ground between paranoia and carelessness. While Zac wouldn''t share his full name, he could at least go by Zac. He''d also modified his appearance so that no one could easily connect his identity to Zachary Atwood of the Zecia Sector.


    "Zac, huh? You''re kind of a weirdo, Zac of the Frontier," the voice giggled. "Then again, I shouldn''tin. I wouldn''t have been born if you hadn''t been a weirdo. Hum, since you''re so weird, what should I call myself? Alright, you can call me Null."


    "Null," Zac asked with confusion. "What does that have to do with me?"


    "Look around you," Null said. "See all those lights?"


    "Of course."


    "Some of those are guests like you waiting to be sent down, others are beings entering the Perennial Vastness for other reasons. The lights are guides such as myself. Normally, we''re sent to guide guests with matching affinities."


    "Oh," Zac said with a wry smile upon realizing there was no light around him.


    "Exactly," Nullughed. "The boss had to specially create me since you''re a weirdo with no affinities. Don''t worry, though. I have been imparted with all the knowledge I need. I won''t be any worse than the others. Perhaps even better since I was handcrafted."


    "Can I ask who the boss is?" Zac asked.


    "Huh? It''s the Perennial Vastness, of course."


    "I know, but who owns it?"


    "No one. The Perennial Vastness is the Perennial Vastness."


    "The world itself is sapient?" Zac said with surprise.


    "Something like that. It''s beyond me, but the lines get blurred at the top. Either case, it''s the Perennial Vastness that''s reached an agreement with the System, and it''s the one who sends tokens into the universe."


    "Can I ask why?"


    "Isn''t it a bitte for that after alreadying all this way?" Null snickered.


    "Humor me," Zac smiled, feeling no animosity from the odd guide.


    "Simply put, your cultivation system is imperfect because the Dao is yet imperfect. But with every generation, the Heavens mend and evolve, and the paths of cultivation evolve with it. Furthermore, this recovery process can be sped up, and the boss is one of the System''s helpers. And you, in turn, are helping the boss with his task. In a sense."


    Zac exhaled, finally putting two and two together. If what Null said was true, it was no wonder no faction had imed this ce, even if it was a top-tier Immemorial Realm��something that would attract even A-grade factions. Trying to snatch this ce was to steal from the System, and few were foolish enough to do something like that.


    And even if they dared, did they have the strength to do so? The System alone was enough of a deterrent, but the World Core was most likely monstrously powerful on its own. If the World Core had evolved to the point it could freely control the energy of its realm like a cultivator, it could absolutely steamroll any cultivator.


    "So it was like that," Zac muttered, feeling more confident about his ns for this ce. "Are you here to help me during this trial? Like a Tutorial pixie?"


    "Yeah, that''s a good analogy��a Tutorial Pixie, like on the outside. I''ll be your guide and administrator until you leave. If you do good, my life will get upgraded. If not, I''ll die."


    "What?" Zac blurted. "What''s up with those rules?"


    "I don''t know, I was just born," Null said. "My memories tell me that some of us prefer to hide it and then tell itter after we''ve bonded to get a better effect. But why not tell you from the start? In either case, let''s work hard at creating your core. I''ll do my best to guide you in the Perennial Vastness. You just focus on cultivation."


    "Just to be clear, will anyone find out about my actions in here?" Zac asked.


    "You''re nning on creating trouble?" Null giggled. "That''s fine. The Perennial Vastness is neutral, and we will help sever any Karma and remove any tracking marks before you leave. Of course, even if the other guests can''t talk about you, they''ll certainly remember certain aspects of you. So you''ll have to figure out a way to kill them before they leave or bear their grudge.


    "I''m going a bit ahead of schedule here, but I can add that the boss has covered the whole ce in a couple of special arrays. People will not be able to remember your face or name on the outside. So even if you pass each other on the street, you''ll not notice each other. But if you two sh and expose your auras, you''ll be able to tell."


    "I understand," Zac said. "Killing is allowed?"


    "There are some rules and restrictions in ce, but essentially yes. Struggle is Heaven''s Law," Null said.


    As expected, it seemed like you couldn''t just seclude yourself for a couple of years and form your core without a care in the world. Even then, Zac wasn''t nning on staying low-key. Trying to stay unnoticed might just end with him not getting the resources he needed to form his incrediblyplicated Cosmic Core.


    Furthermore, this trial wasn''t like the Twilight Ocean. There weren''t any old monsters around who could turn him into ash with a look. Secondly, he wasn''t the same person as he was back then. He''d entered the Twilight Ascent as a Middle E-grade cultivator with mostly F-grade skills, imperfect techniques, and Dao Fragments rather than Dao Branches.


    By this point, almost all of his skills were already pushed to E-grade Peak Mastery, he had three Middle Stage Dao Branches, and his Combat Technique was already at Middle Integration. Even if he couldn''t guarantee he was the strongest participant in this ce, he was definitely up there. This was doubly true when you considered that many peak factions, like Iz''s family, had their own unique methods of forming Cosmic Cores. Iz could obviously get her hands on a Perennial Vastness token if she wanted it, but she had no interest or need to go to a ce like this.


    He was at the top, and most of his actions here would be sealed away. So why shy away from taking what he needed to seed in his breakthrough? Even if he had created a blueprint after years of work, only half the battle was won. And nothing came for free in the Multiverse. Why would the Perennial Vastness be any different?


    He would have to be both ruthless and shameless to snatch as many benefits as possible.


    "You have the aura of a bloody conqueror," Null said, but there was no reproach in her voice. "That''s good. I think I''ll be one of the survivors. But don''t get ahead of yourself. The ce is notpletelywless. Are you ready for the tour?"


    "Absolutely," Zac said, inwardly relieved that his unique constitution seemingly hadn''t elicited much of a reaction except getting a tailor-made guide.


    Zac hadn''t gained much from the Undead Empire regarding the Perennial Vastness over the past years. If there were any factions with an inside scoop, the Undead Empire wasn''t part of them. Instead, they had been forced to infer what little they knew about this ce. For example, people knew it was a time-dted trial by measuring the temporal energy inside the bodies of those who had returned.


    ording to the delegates from the Undead Empire, the average cultivator seemed to have spent 17 years in this ce, at a temporal ratio of 1:10. Oddly enough, there didn''t seem to be a strong corrtion between how good a core the people got and how long they stayed in this ce.


    In fact, those who stayed the full 50 years generally emerged with suboptimal results. Conversely, there had been many examples of people emerging after just a few years with great cores. That was exactly Zac''s goal so that he could return before the war started in earnest.


    "Just one question, though. I want to join up with two other guests. Is that possible?"


    "Of course. Some choose to go at it alone, while others team up. Both are viable options as you fight for Mana."


    "Mana?"


    "That''s right," Null said as a gate opened in front of Zac. "The next few years of your life will be spent obsessing over Mana. Of how to get it and how to protect what you have. Only with enough Mana can we both reforge our fates. Now, let''s go."


    Roiling clouds shrouded the situation on the other side of the gate, but Zac almost nked out from the incredibly dense energy that wafted over him.


    So far, the Perennial Vastness lived up to its name.

 Chapter 979 - A Dangerous Game

    The message stopped ying, leaving a pregnant pause in the room.


    "What a fine mess," Laz Tem''Zul eventually sighed, his eyes turning to Tavza.


    He wasn''t the only one. Everyone''s eyes were on her, expressions ranging from annoyance to bemusement. Furthermore, she''d bet her cultivation that Kator would be grinning ear to ear if the Reavers had expressions to gauge. Tavza took the looks in stride, knowing this day wasing since that little troublemaker had absconded.


    "I admit, I did not expect Catheya Sharva''Zi to do something like this," Tavza said. "Being themanding officer on the excursion, I take responsibility for this situation. However, I cannot help but wonder what would bring the child of Zi to do something like this. She had to know this would damage our undertaking."


    Laz nodded in agreement. "It''s ultimately the fault of that willfulss we are in this situation. She knew the stakes yet chose to throw a wrench into the machinery."


    "She is willful but loyal to the Empire," Enis Umbri''Zi frowned. "Without her, we would not be as well positioned as we are, no matter if it''s for the uing war or the struggle for the Eternal Heritage. More importantly, she''s not so bored she would run for her life, hijacking a vessel. The surveince arrays can only give one side of the full picture. She clearly feared for her life."


    "Why would I kill her for a seal? The benefit would be zero," Tavza rejected. "If anything, it would be a guaranteed loss. Someone chosen naturally will most likely be more useful inside than someone who had to steal a ticket. And that''s not even including the damage to our cooperation agreement. I was rather thinking of putting her under house arrest for the way she pushed beyond her capabilities, almost getting herself killed in search of personal strength."


    "Three years you''ve kept us frommunicating with that brat, and this is the fallout," Toss grunted. "We brought his teacher just to pull him over to our side, yet you wasted our window of opportunity with your nonsense."


    "He wouldn''t appear in person for his close friend; what makes you think he''d show up for Pavina Sorgo?" Laz scoffed.


    "Either case, we are sending a petition to the Heart. Your handling of this matter has been crude at best," Toss said. "The Izh''Rak Reavers will be taking charge of this matter. Tavza is powerful, but she doesn''t have leadership experience like Kator. She''s been locked away in her castle all her life, never having been forced toe into contact with the ugliness of the world."


    "Leading a bunch of brutes in head-on battles against the Primal Council might not be more useful than my knowledge of ancient arrays. And I have the Abyss on my side," Tavza calmly said. "And he is falling behind."


    "I may have one fewer sealbearer, but that was before you lost one," Katorughed. "Also, war is our specialty. There''s no way we won''t find more seals than you over theing years. Besides, my taking charge will alleviate some of the tension with that ally of ours."


    "Leadership is up to the Eternal 108 to decide," Laz calmly said.


    It looked like Toss was about to continue arguing, but a gentle knock on the door drew everyone''s attention.


    "Come," Toss said, and the door opened.


    "I am sorry to interrupt," Tassar said, repeatedly bowing at the trio of Monarchs. "I have the report the Lords asked for."


    "Anything?" Tavza asked, keeping her face impassive.


    "Ah, that''s��" Tassar hesitated.


    "Just say your piece," Laz Tem''Zul sighed. "Let the truth speak on its own."


    The Kavriel Patriarch nodded, clearly not relishing being forced into the middle of the internal strife that had been escting over the past years.


    "We found traces of [Kazh Strangleroot] in the vat Miss Sharva''Zi used to recover her wound. Actually, we were lucky the vat was slightly damaged. Thepound had already been reced by untampered medicine, but a small amount of the liquid had leaked inside a gathering tray below."


    "Strangleroot?" Tavza said. "Someone ced a hallucinogen inside the tank? Why?"


    "Well," Tassar coughed. "It wouldn''t be a hallucinogen at the levels we measured. But if exposed continuously, it would elicit feelings of paranoia, of being watched. Since we found the Strangleroot, we knew what to look for. We also found weak traces of it in a duct leading to Miss Sharva''Zi''s room."


    "Someone was dosing that girl?" Tavza frowned.


    "You''ve been had, child," Laz sighed, turning an even look at the Reavers.


    "What? Do the vaunted delegates of the Abyssal Shores have something to say?" Katorughed.


    "You?" Tavza frowned. "Guess you''re not just an empty set of bones."


    "I don''t like what you''re insinuating," Kator shrugged. "How is it my fault you have no control over the personnel or your vessel? But this just proves what Brigadier Toss said. You don''t know the cruelties of war, thinking this is an outing with your servants."


    "Your stunt may have cost us a potentially useful helper mission," Tavza said. "Neither of us managed to be a mebearer, but he is one. If he won''t help us-"


    "Where did you get that?" Kator asked, scratching his skull. "Didn''t you hear the guy say how much he enjoyed the cooperation? Might be a bit wary of you guys, though. But that sounds like a Draugr problem rather than an Imperial problem."


    "This may push him into choosing his dreamer form in the uing trial," Tavza said with a scowl.


    "What does that have to do with the mission?" Kator countered. "We can just work with him in his dreamer form, no? He still needs our help for his undead subordinates and backing inside that ce. Again, not a problem."


    "These actions go beyond the scope of the mission. This is harming the foundations of the Abyssal Shores," Laz frowned, killing intent leaking out of his body to the point the whole castle shuddered.


    However, an opposing aura of boundless bloodthirst rose to match it from Toss, causing tears in space to crop up. Tavza sighed as four runes appeared around her, preventing the ruthless auras from reaching her. Kator simply withstood it with his bones, clearly relishing the conflict.


    "Please, lords," Tassar Kavriel entreated. "There are hundreds of thousands of dutiful workers of the Empire caught in your auras."


    Laz snorted, but his aura vanished a momentter.


    "If the Abyssal Shores have aint and the proof to back it up, they are wee to bring it up through the normal channels," Toss said when the shakings had abated. "Just like how I will put forth that Kator being made the mission leader."


    "This isn''t over," Laz said. "If this costs the Abyssal Shores the Bloodline of Eoz, there will be consequences."


    "You can rail against the injustice, but I would be careful pushing too hard," Toss shrugged. "After all, it''s not only the Izh''Rak Reavers who are content maintaining the equilibrium."


    "Let''s go," Laz said, walking out of the meeting with Tavza and Enis in tow.


    "I know Catheya has caused some problems this time, but she''s not a fool. I''m sure she''ll be able to figure out something was amiss with her situation after getting the medicine out of her system and thinking things over."


    "The Strangleroot wouldn''t create new enemies in her mind," Laz pointedly said. "It would only amplify those that were already there."


    "Still," Enis said. "The Umbri''Zi is fullymitted to helping out in this endeavor, including bringing Arcaz back to the Hearnds."


    "If there''s even an Arcaz left by the time he emerges," Tavza sighed.


    "That''s..." Enis said before sighing and shaking her head. "Let me know if you need my assistance."


    Enis returned to her quarters while Tavza and Laz walked back in oppressive silence to their wing of the castle. A few minutester, they reached a sealed chamber, where Laz released a series of Runeseeker Eyes to look for hidden arrays or spies. He nodded at Tavza, who smiled slightly.


    "Did you get it?" Tavza asked as she sat down.


    "Thankfully, Lord Tem''Zul''s outburst allowed me to condense the conversation without being noticed," Sepravo A''Tem nodded as he appeared out of nowhere and handed her a crystal. "I could not get the final exchange, though. Toss would have sensed me dragging the conversation from the past without the interference."


    "That''s fine," Tavza nodded. "What you got is enough for our purpose. Can you bring the two of them out?"


    "Of course, miss," Sepravo said before a Revenant and a Dour-looking Human appeared in the room.


    "Greetings, mistress," both said with a bow.


    "Your mission is to find Arcaz Umbri''Zi or Catheya Sharva''Zi inside the Perennial Vastness. Give them this recording. Keep a respectful distance, but try not to interfere with their business. Keep watch of agents of the other Divine Races; I fear they might be nning something simr."


    "We will aplish the mission without fail," the Revenant said.


    "Good," Tavza said before turning to Sepravo. "I''m sorry, but we will have to activate the tokens inside your Inner World to hide the ripples. The wound will heal slowly in this environment."


    "It''s a small matter," Sepravo said. "I will prepare a hole in my aperture to minimize the loss."


    "Go, then," Tavza said. "We don''t know how things work inside. The closer they enter together, the greater their odds of running into each other."


    "Then I shall take my leave," Sepravo bowed before disappearing.


    "You''re ying a dangerous game," Lazmented after the Revenant Monarch had left. "If you fail, the consequences are huge. Appearing ipetent will be the least of your worries."


    "I was left with no options. The status quo couldn''t go on. If not for those spies, I would have been forced to do something on my own and hope to frame Kator," Tavza said. "Only by breaking down the current structures can we begin to rebuild. As for looking ipetent, who cares? What does my reputation matter in the face of furthering our goals?


    "If Acraz Umbri''Zi sees he''s being plotted against by the other factions of the Undead Empire, he''ll be faced with two choices. Either move toward the Abyssal Shores or try to elude the empire altogether. Kator was right about one thing. Arcaz still needs us for his undead followers and to act as a guarantor. He has clearly not severed his emotions to the point he can sacrifice his home world and hide away."


    "Why not nip the problem in the bud when you noticed it?" Laz asked.


    Tavza knew Laz was aware of the situation and didn''t need her to exin it. He was rather trying to gauge her understanding before reporting back to the Shores. It was true. This was a huge gamble, one that the elders back home most likely would have vetoed if they had the chance. But everything she''d learned and seen of this wretched region, everything she''d gathered about Arcaz Umbri''Zi, told her this was the only path.


    He was Chaos incarnate.


    Perhaps it was by design, perhaps he was a pawn of the Heavens. It didn''t matter. Staying the course and relying on the experience and lessons gained over eons would fail in both unexpected and extravagant ways. Fate twisted around that man in terrifying ways, leaving utter bem in his wake.


    She had to push their rtionship closer, or the storm would ruin her ns. For years, they''d prodded and tried everything with this outsider, but he was more slippery than an Abyssal Eel. In a way, it had been illuminating. She''d thought any cultivator living on the Frontier would jump at the opportunity to be part of an empire like theirs. How wrong she''d been.


    "Arcaz does not trust us in the slightest. Three years and we haven''t even managed to get a blood sample from him to confirm his bloodline. If not for the details he''s shared with us and Prince Mez''s divination, I would have thought he was lying. He is just too paranoid. So even if I dealt with the spies, he might as well consider it a ploy to build trust. If the news even reached him.


    "This way, we can at least make ourselves look marginally better by dragging the Reavers through the mud. It may be the first step toward building a real rapport."


    "But what if he chooses his human side?"


    "Kator has a point. We don''t need a Draugr for the inheritance. But Arcaz knows there is a time after that, and the agreement is with Acraz Umbri''Zi, not Zachary Atwood," Tavza said, though she felt some exhaustion over the matter. "Ultimately, it''s out of our hands. We can only put our faith in the divination of Prince Mez. The heavens indicate we will get what we look for."


    "But what about Kator?" Laz asked. "We will be hard-pressed to contend for leadership as things stand."


    "The situation is fluid," Tavza said. "Today, the winds are blowing east. Who''s to say which direction it''ll blow tomorrow? A lot can happen in four years."


    --------------


    Zac''s heart beat with anticipation as Null somehow moved him into the hole. Incredible energies teeming with meaning celebrated his arrival. For the first time in years, hemented he wasn''t a Cultivator who could take advantage of this environment. Zac soon remembered the truth, though, which quickly settled his heart. He couldn''t make use of the dense Dao in this realm, but neither could the cultivators.


    The world was in a Temporal Chamber, and anyone who dared ponder on the Dao in this environment would find it twisted and out of tune with the Heavens. Still, it was most likely an incredibly useful building block for cultivators to speed up the formation of their cores. Most sects and ns had simr gathering arrays, as did the Atwood Academy nowadays. The ces in the Orom World he visited were the same.


    Even then, those ces couldn''tpare. This whole world was filled with the Dao, and it wasn''t limited to one specific element either. It was almost like a corner of the Heavens had been stuffed into a Mystic Realm. Was this how the environment was in the more flourishing regions of the Multiverse? No wonder his mother wanted to take Kenzie to the Six Profundity Empire.


    One''s body would most likely gradually limatize to this kind of cultivation environment, but cultivation and meditation would yield far greater results. The environment was even better than in his cultivation cave, and this was when just floating around in the air. If he added gathering arrays on top of this��


    Zac was dragged out of his daydreams by a weak mental nudge. Zac could have easily extinguished it with his soul, but he let the tendril into his aperture. Simultaneously, a small band appeared on his left wrist, seemingly made of ss that absorbed light rather than reflected it. He wouldn''t have known it was there if not for the mental connection that had just formed.


    "Null, is that you?" Zac asked.


    "It''s me," the guiding spirit confirmed, and Zac wasn''t sure if he heard the voice in his mind or reality. "I''ll usually be taking this form during your stay."


    "So you''ll be watching my every move?" Zac asked.


    "Kind of," Null said. "But you know, even if I didn''t, the boss would. He''s everywhere at once, so there are no keeping secrets in this ce. You either have to live with that fact or leave."


    "I know, I know," Zac nodded. "Where is this? I can''t see anything."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "The space before was sort of a gateway. Starting now, you''ve entered the real Perennial Vastness, and time moves at ten times the outside speed. This is the energy nimbus surrounding the whole domain. If you want, you can hire a vessel to fly around in it in the future. There are some interesting ces hiding inside, but finding them is a matter of fate and chance.


    Zac tried sensing anything in the surroundings, but there was just an ocean of energy, no matter how far his consciousness spread. "So what''s next?"


    "I''m taking you to get your starting kit," Null said. "Then, we''ll find a ce for you to settle down."


    "What about my friends?"


    "Space is rtive in this ce. As soon as you pick a spot, you''ll be able to find the others. You will understand soon," Null answered as another gate appeared before them.


    The next moment, Zac found himself floating in the center of a huge circr square. It was made from a singr piece of smooth rock and lined with seventeen pirs. Not two pirs looked alike, yet they all emitted unfathomable power. Zac''s eyes first turned to a pir made from twisted steel, looking almost like a thin hurricane covered in runes.


    Chaos.


    Another was made from innumerable weapons, most of which Zac didn''t even recognize. Just looking at it filled Zac with such pressure he was forced to look away lest his soul becerated. Others were also easy to understand; the pir of the Elements or Nature was easy to spot. Others were more mysterious, though Zac had a decent idea of what most represented.


    "What''s this?" Zac still asked as he looked around.


    "This is the mostmonly epted model of the Heavens. Seventeen Peaks of the Grand Dao. The Nine Seals and Eight Thrones," Null said.


    "Nine by eight. One destiny," Zac muttered but immediately regretted it.


    Two simple sentences and the whole world started heaving.

 Chapter 980 - Nine By Eight

    The whole square shuddered at his words, and Zac looked around with rm as he felt Fate gather around him like when he uttered the word ''Ultom.'' It wasn''t just the world, either. Each one of the pirs had hummed into life, and Zac found himself awash with terrifying truths far beyond what he could handle.


    Seventeen distinct Daos flooded the square, and Zac found himself an unwilling witness to a tremendous sh urged on by a torrent of Fate. Zac didn''t know if the energies were trying to destroy the world or recreate the Heavens on Earth. Either way, the energies were reaching dangerous levels, and Zac started looking for an escape path.


    But before Zac could start running for his life, a heavy pressure descended and quelled the unrest, scattering the winds of Fate and dragging apart the currents of Dao. It wasn''t the System but the entity that scanned him upon his arrival. The Perennial Vastness itself had made a move.


    "Ah," Null eximed. "The boss is telling you to cut it out. Don''t bring up that ancient conflict. You''ll cause trouble."


    "Ancient Conflict?" Zac frowned. "What do you mean?"


    "Shouldn''t I be the one asking that?" Nullzily said. "I was born less than an hour ago. What do I know about these matters? Even if I did, I couldn''t tell you. If the boss doesn''t want to get involved, then I''m definitely going to stay clear as well. We only get one life, and I''m not going to throw mine away on stuff I don''t understand."


    "That''s-"Zac began, but he stopped mid-sentence as he felt a prickling killing intent right behind him, almost like a needle sticking into the back of his head.


    There was no dy or hesitation. [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his hand, and three runes had already lit up as Zac unleashed a herculean swing at whatever was behind him. Axe hit flesh, but Zac felt like the bones in his arm would snap when the feeling of his edge forcing its way through the enemy waspletely missing. Instead, there was a tremendous rebound, and Zac knew he was dealing with something extremely dangerous. His fears were realized just a momentter when he''d managed to take in what he''d just attacked.


    A face.


    The face was asrge as Zac was tall and belonged to a creature with more girth than height. Its greenish face was covered in such a dense beard and bushy eyebrows that Zac suspected it had some beastkin blood in its ancestry. In reality, it was closer to some sort of demonic troll. Its huge nose was wider than Zac''s face, and it had four glistening horns covered in archaic runes.


    Its eyes were even bigger, each one asrge as a manhole cover, and Zac felt extremely exposed as they stared at him at point-nk range. Especially considering his axe was stuck trying to prate its left eye without much luck. No barriers or cosmic energy kept the sanguine edge of [Verun''s Bite] at bay.


    Zac could tell his axe was actually hitting the pupil of the monster, yet it was his axe that suffered damage. Cracks covered the edge of Verun, and Zac felt a mix of pain and fear in his mind from the Tool Spirit. Zac urgently jumped back a few meters, activating the seldom-used third rune on his axe, prompting the axe to start molting and regenerating.


    Thankfully, the troll creature made no move to follow, and the sense of impending doom waspletely gone. It just stood there, with two stubby legs, each as thick as a tree, with a three-meter staff in its hand. It wore a set of earth-tone robes over its body, which looked incredibly odd on such a misproportioned creature.


    "As expected, you chose violence," the trollughed as it tapped its staff onto the ground, prompting odd ripples to spread through the square. "Conflict, indeed. Pretty sharp senses, too, though it took you a few seconds to notice me."


    Zac nkly looked at the huge creature. Had this thing stood right behind him for seconds without him noticing?


    "Lord Engo!" Null eximed.


    "What? Who?" Zac whispered.


    "Lord Engo is one of the boss''s oldest disciples. He''s at the threshold of Supremacy."


    Zac looked up at the odd humanoid with surprise. He''d known it was powerful, but a Peak Autarch? Those beings weren''t quite as rare as Supremacies, but it wasn''t that far-off either. It also proved just how powerful the Perennial Vastness was if he had such powerful disciples.


    "An Immemorial Realm has disciples?" Zac muttered with surprise.


    "We''re all equal in the face of the Dao," Engo smiled. At least Zac thought he did. It was hard to tell, with the troll''s maw being a two-meter-wide vortex of teeth and horror. "Origins mean nothing at the peak. Only your path and your purpose do."


    Zac nodded after some thought. What the troll said was true. There were people like Ubo in the Orom World. He was originally just a normal rock that happened to be in a particrly Dao-dense environment, which had identally created a spark of sapience. Zac himself had a soul sliver of a likely dead cultivator for a master. It wasn''t that weird for a powerful realm to take in disciples of its own.


    "Don''t be so nervous," Engo guffawed. "I was nearby and sensed fate gathering, so I came over to see what was going on. It''s not often you see such winds of Fate from people who haven''t yet shed the chains of mortality."


    "I''m sorry about that," Zac coughed.


    "Do you want to know?" Engo grinned. "About what you asked."


    Zac was about to say yes, but he didn''t immediately answer. He''d be lying if he said he wasn''t curious, but this felt like a matter far beyond someone like him. Just knowing about it might entangle him in unexpected ways, like how the Remnants seemingly influenced his path in their desire to fuse with their brethren.


    Still, he''d heard the term Nine Seals, Eight Pirs, and One Destiny during his first vision of Ultom. Not knowing what they were dealing with might put him and his followers in danger after they entered the inheritance.


    "The broad strokes, if it''s convenient for you," Zac eventually said.


    "Broad strokes," Engo hummed. "Well, show me something interesting, and you''ll know."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    ''What does that mean?'' Zac inwardly asked, hoping Null could hear him.


    "See that pedestal in the middle?" Null answered. "You need to show your nned core. Not for Lord Engo, but as part of orientation. Depending on how good it is, you will get a set amount starting Mana."


    Zac was curious about this Mana, but one thing at a time.


    "How do I show my blueprint?" Zac asked.


    "However you want. ce a blueprint on it. Infuse it with your mind. We''ve seen it all."


    "Alright," Zac said, ncing at the Autarch before walking over to the pedestal.


    Zac ced his hand on the white stone and infused some Cosmic Energy. He then imprinted his blueprint, just like he''d record information on an Information Crystal. He could have ced the two carvings on the plinth, but he was afraid doing so would lead to the array misunderstanding his n. Better to showcase the exact idea that existed in his mind.


    The process only took a few seconds, after which he looked back at Engo, only to find the creature standing right next to him. Zac''s heart almost jumped out of his mouth, but he didn''t swing at Engo this time. What was it with this big bastard and moving so stealthily? Did he enjoy startling people?


    Engo turned back to the pedestal, and a light tap prompted it to light up and disy a mesmerizing orb made up of innumerable lines in steely grey, gold, and ck. The discerning eye would also notice invisible lines made by negative space��the Void.


    Even the array couldn''t perfectly replicate the core, though. The projection shifted back and forth between two states, just like how it looked when Zac looked at his carvings from the right angle. As the blueprint spun above the recording pir, two of the pirs hummed at the edge of the square.


    The pirs of Chaos and Conflict.


    "Life and Death connected through the Void and enkindled by Conflict," Engo muttered, slightly nodding his head a few times as the core spun.


    Zac inwardly grumbled at the reaction. It was just like the consciousness before, when it barely spared his Duplicity Core a second nce. Would it kill them to be a bit impressed? This was a core never-before-seen in the Multiverse. Why did Engo have to talk about it like it was yesterday''s weather?


    A surge of energy distracted Zac''s thought, and he saw two streams of energy enter Null on his wrist, eaching from the two pirs that hade alive again. A set of patterns lit up on the band before sinking into its depths. Zac looked on with wonder, feeling that Null was changing on a fundamental level to amodate his path. A few secondster, the process was over, and the radiant blueprint hovering in the air disappeared.


    If only the Core Formation process would be that simple as well.


    "How interesting. No wonder the System is keeping such a close watch on you. But I see that your understanding of the Void is not your own. It carries the shadow of the Left Imperial Pce and the inheritance it governs."


    "That''s��"


    "Don''t worry. The Perennial Vastness has no intentions to involve itself with the ascent of the fifth Pir, nor the conflict it represents. We neither have the qualifications nor the desire to decide the direction of the Era," the troll grinned. "We all have our own pursuits."


    "Then, the answer?" Zac ventured. "What''s the ancient conflict? How does it rte to Ul... that ce?"


    "Why does an Era end?" Engo countered.


    "That''s-"Zac hesitated, stumped by the sudden shift in subject.


    The question itself was interesting. The Dao was eternal, and the Heavens released and took back energy in an endless cycle. Why couldn''t it keep going forever? Was the universe leaking energy or something? Zac eventually shook his head, indicating he didn''t know.


    "Suffice to say, the Heavens are eternal, but they aren''t static. Those at the peak can influence the Dao, and the Heavens also change on their own. An Era has a period of rapid growth as it recovers from the death of the previous one. Then follows a much-longer era of stability as the Heavens move toward their peak. We''re in that stage now.


    "Far in the future, the universe will reach its Zenith. But the Heavens will not stop changing at that point, nor will cultivators stop imposing their wills onto the fabric of reality. This will lead to the Heavens drifting apart and the Dao growing more discordant. Eventually, the Multiverse cannot function and gets ripped apart as the Dao copses.


    "Some believe this natural cycle of growth and decay is yet another limit meant to be broken. Cultivation is to go against fate so why not break open the Heavens and see what''s beyond? Only that way can our potential be truly unlocked. Only that way can the path of cultivation move toward true Eternity. The Heavens is the final gatekeeper to that ancient goal. The thrones represent the will of the greatest Emperors, those who have levied their swords at the Terminus."


    Zac shuddered, remembering the boundless anger of the Statuette in the temple of Ultom. Or Eoz memories of the forebearers who had left their gifts in the Abyss. Were they part of this group? Holding the belief that the Heavens was a prison, wanting to break the limits of what was possible. Was that the sorrow of reaching the peak? Did they still feel iplete, that their path had yet not ended, but the Heavens were blocking the way?


    "Others believe that doing something like that will destroy the road of cultivation. If there is an Eternity, it can only be found by perfecting the Heavens and fusing with them rather than destroying the Dao. The Zenith of an Era is the key. If they can seal the Heavens at that moment by taking control of it, they have a chance at Eternity."


    "Boundless Path and Heaven''s Path," Zac muttered.


    "You could look at it that way, but things are seldom so ck and white," Engoughed. "This is a gross simplification of the conflict. In reality, there are as many beliefs and paths as there are cultivators. A Throne may not necessarily want to destroy the Heavens, and a Seal may not necessarily aim to perfect the Heavens. Most simply desire the power those titles represent or see them as the key to reaching the next stage of existence."


    "Don''t bother asking me about who these people are," Engo quickly added, shutting down Zac''s next line of question. "You''ve seen how a few words can have enormous effects."


    "Why Nine Seals and Eight Thrones?"


    "That, I don''t know," Engo shrugged. "For some reason, that''s how the Heavens are arranged. Eight Pirs lift the Heavens, and Nine Seals keep it all in check. If not for those at the top of the food chain having seized corners of the Dao, then each Peak Dao would have represented either a Seal or a Throne. This is how it''s been for some Eras. Perhaps the inherent nature of Heaven leans toward preservation rather than destruction?"


    Zac frowned as he looked at the pirs around him, remembering the conflict Per Janodrok mentioned. The conflict over the direction of the Era. It was definitely rted to this struggle. Some factions wanted to seize Ultom and use it to break open the Heavens, while others wanted to try to be the Heavens and seal the Dao to prevent it from drifting apart.


    And how was this rted to the System and Heaven''s path? Was there more to the System than the official story, that it was a training device for the war of the Limitless Empire? Was this why the System so desperately wanted his Motes of Chaos? Was its goal to perfect its understanding of the Dao before the Heavens reached the Zenith?


    "No need to look so troubled," Engo said. "This matter is ultimately something for those at the top. Just know that the ascent of the next Pir will attract people from both sides of the conflict, along with neutral parties just looking for power. And with these kinds of stakes, the battle will be beyond brutal."


    "Which parties are on which sides?" Zac asked.


    "That, you''ll have to figure out on your own," Engo snorted as he looked to the sky. "Master seems to feel I''ve been talking too much already. Well, this was an interesting encounter, so I''ll bend the rules a little more. You should check out the Quarry before you start working on your core."


    There were more things Zac wanted to ask, such as the details about Ultom. But Zac knew this was it, so he bowed in thanks.


    "Thank you for your guidance."


    The troll nodded and was gone a momentter, like it had never been there.


    "Lucky guy," Null said. "But I guess it makes sense. Your core is super weird. It would be odd if neither the boss nor his disciples showed any interest in your idea."


    "So they were just acting cool and collected?" Zac smiled.


    "I mean, it''s still just a Cosmic Core," Null giggled. "Lord Engo is millions of years old and only cares aboutpleting his Pir and ascending. Would he lose hisposure over the clever idea of a brat? Perhaps he pitied you because you also walk a pure path toward a broken peak?"


    "Whatever," Zac snorted. "What''s the Quarry?"


    "Remember what I said about Mana and the many realms?" Null said. "Well, the Quarry is one of them. It''s actually one of the lower-tier zones, though, and all guests can visit for free for a week. After that, it''s 10 Mana a day."


    "And that is little?" Zac asked. "How much do I to start off with?"


    "Look at your Status Screen."


    Zac opened it, and everything looked the same except for one part. A new line had been added below his Nexus Coins.


    [Mana: 2,500]


    "Just so you know, the starting Mana ranges between 500 and 2,500 depending on your core," Null added. "So full marks for you. Of course, that doesn''t mean your core is perfect or anything. It just means it reaches the level for the highest payout. Roughly five percent of all guests do."


    Zac nodded in satisfaction, though he wasn''t too surprised. If he couldn''t reach the top 5% of the guests after hundreds ofke-empowered epiphanies and using the full opportunity of a Seal of the Left Imperial Pce, he might as well give up on cultivation.


    "So what''s with this Mana?" Zac asked. "I can''t sense it at all."


    "It''s the fundamental currency in the Perennial Vastness. There are many subordinate treasure realms you can visit to prepare the materials for your breakthroughs or search for enlightenment. Visiting those ces costs Mana."


    "So, kind of like contribution points?" Zac nodded.


    It sounded a lot like his time in the Orom World, where he umted contribution points by improving his cultivation. The points, in turn, could be used to get more resources, keeping the process going.


    "It''s simr, but Mana is more than that. Mana is akin to providence in the Perennial Vastness. The more Mana you wield, the greater your impact on your surroundings will be. The world will be molded in your image."


    "My image?" Zac said, but he immediately understood what Null meant, and his gaze turned to the pedestal.


    "Exactly. As you gather Mana, the environment will get more and more suited for your breakthrough. Eventually, the world itself will assist you in the process. You might be a mortal with no Affinities, but you can still rouse the Heavens to assist you here. It''s part of what makes the Perennial Vastness unique."


    A smile spread across Zac''s face. The difficulty of forming his core had weighed on his shoulders over the past years. Even if he had figured out the blueprint, it was so incrediblyplex that he hadn''t been certain it was possible to form as a Mortal. But if the world itself could help him out, the pressure suddenly decreased a lot.


    Mana was the key, and anyone who got in his way would have to watch their back.

 Chapter 981 - Home Base

    Null''s exnation was music to Zac''s ears. This was exactly what he''d hoped for. The opportunities and various treasure realms would certainly be useful, but Zac was more interested in the aspect of providence. Being able to use the energy of the world to contain and nurture his core while it was being built was a huge advantage for someone like him.


    A cultivator would gradually form their core naturally by rotating their manual and making small adjustments. It was almost like a fetus that grew gradually and naturally in harmony with the Heavens. Meanwhile, a mortal''s process was more like building a bomb inside your body by cramming more and more energy inside, all while trying to impose your blueprint on it.


    "So Mana helps me form a core, but visiting the realms costs Mana?" Zac confirmed. "Won''t that slow me down?"


    "To use the Mana is to take a risk," Null agreed. "It might be a waste of time and a loss of resources, but you may also find unique treasures that will drastically help you with your Cosmic Core. You can rely on things you''ve brought or bought from others, but you know how it is with the best treasures.


    Zac slowly nodded. Ultimately, many of the best treasures out there couldn''t be preserved after being harvested. They relied on a unique environment to be born in the first ce. The moment you took it away, the treasure would lose some of its spirituality. The Primal Dao he ate at the Twilight Chasm was a prime example of that. It wouldn''tst a second after being freed from the purification array.


    It was the same with many of the treasures he''d brought out from the Twilight Ocean. Some had lost most of their efficacy upon leaving the unique environment of the Twilight Ocean. Others had turned intoplete trash. That was why Peak Quality items weren''t the best things around per grade. They were just the best among what could be safely stored.


    This was a big reason why even wealthy elites visited ces like wild Realms and other unique ces untouched by cultivators. It was the only way to ess some of the best stuff. As for the supreme items, they were either top-tier resources that had retained an unusual amount of their efficacy after being removed or items forcibly sealed by high-grade cultivators. But they could never reliably be grown and harvested, at least not in the Frontier.


    "Besides, this is the Perennial Vastness, not some random Mystic Realm," Null continued. "The System and boss have worked together to create a few opportunities and types of treasures you simply won''t find on the outside. Even those with powerful backing usually end up spending quite a bit of Mana on excursions."


    "Does the Quarry have things like that?" Zac asked.


    "Yep!" Null said. "You can excavate something called Fate Kernels there. They''re a unique resource of the Perennial Vastness. If you find a suitable one, it''ll help with your core formation. It''s pretty popr among less-talented cultivators since the stones can harmonize with Mana and your home base in a way that outside items can''t."


    It made sense Engo told him to go there. But Zac wondered if there was more to his hint since Zac would definitely visit a ce like that after learning of it anyway. Were there perhaps some secrets beyond what you could see on the surface?


    "Any idea why Lord Engo asked me to go there?" Zac ventured.


    "Who knows?" Null giggled. "He maybe took pity on you because of yourcking affinities? You''ll just have to check things out for yourself."


    Zac snorted, knowing he wouldn''t get anything more useful out of the guide.


    "Whatever," Zac muttered. "So, how do I get more points?"


    "Well, first of all, you will get 500 Mana every month in the beginning, though that''s only until you reach 10,000. After that, you will instead be charged 100 Mana a month. At 20,000, we charge 200, and so on."


    "What? Why?" Zac said.


    "It''s not cheap to maintain the benefits provided by Mana. The more you umte, the greater the benefits, but the higher the fee. Some use these rules to their advantage and keep themselves at lower tiers for years. But if you ask me, that''s a loser''s path."


    Zac nodded. It made sense staying at the lower tier, getting 500 free Mana a month and use that to umte resources. But from how Null exined things, he could umte Mana and treasures simultaneously, which would save a lot of time.


    "How much do the top people normally have at their peak?" Zac asked.


    "The greatest elites usually umte over 100,000 Mana by the time they start forming their Cosmic Cores in earnest."


    Zac quickly contrasted that information with what he knew before entering this ce. He had fifty years to umte Mana at a maximum, but most elites left within a decade. In other words, they umted at least 10,000 points a year, most likely while using this ce''s various facilities and opportunities. Then, there as the fee to take into ount, which meant it would get harder and harder to umte Mana.


    He should probably be aiming at least double the number, especially considering he might need more than the 100,000 umted Mana talented cultivators used. Zac set a preliminary goal of gaining 2,500 Mana a month. That way, he should be able to push past 100,000 Mana within a decade while not denying himself the various opportunities in this ce.


    "I''m guessing there are multiple ways to umte Mana?" Zacmented.


    "Of course, we''ve got it all!" Null said. "But you can boil it down to missions and robbery."


    Zac smiled. Things were looking better by the second. The situation made him remember the Sovereignty-quest he undertook after dealing with the Mystic Realm. He''d been like a wolf let loose amongst a bunch of sheep when pitted against the other progenitors of the sector.


    "Can I buy Mana with treasures or Nexus Coins?" Zac asked.


    "No," Null giggled. "And you should be thankful for that. Some very rich people asionally find themselves in these parts. They''d be able to bully everyone with their wealth."


    "What does someone buying Mana have to do with me?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "I told you. Mana is everything in this ce," Null said. "Watch."


    Zac first didn''t understand what Null meant, but a gold, steel, and ck barrier sprung up around him the next moment. Zac looked at it with marvel, feeling a sense of connection. It was his Cosmic Core. Or rather, the barrier was based on the concepts of his core. It gradually rotated around him, shielding him from the surroundings.


    The barrier remained for another five seconds before disappearing, and Zac breathed out in relief upon confirming his Mana was still 2,500.


    "What was that?" Zac asked.


    "The more Mana you have, the greater protection of the world you''ll enjoy. That also means those with higher Mana have an inherent advantage in this ce. So, work hard and quickly gather Mana, or someone with more Mana than you might be able to bully you when you''re out looking for treasure."


    So it turned out the Perennial Vastness wouldn''t be aplete free-for-all where he could wantonly rob Mana to ascend quickly. There were checks and bnces in ce that allowed conflict but kept it within bounds. Before starting a robbing spree, he''d have to figure out how much Mana helped in battle.


    "Are there people here who have stayed decades already?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Of course," Null said. "We call this event a Cosmic Gallery. Itsts for around 250 years on the outside, or 2,500 years in here. The current gallery hassted for 67 years on the outside, so it''s been running for centuries already. At any given time, there are around 100,000 cultivators in here."


    "What happens after the Cosmic Gallery ends?" Zac asked.


    "We close the Perennial Vastness until the next gallery a few thousand yearster."


    "Alright, so I need to gather more Mana quickly to remove my neer''s disadvantage," Zac nodded. "What about breakthroughs? I cultivate both my Soul and a Constitution. Do they provide Mana?"


    "Not really. But also, yes?" Null said. "This ce isn''t a sect. You don''t get contribution points for getting stronger. But there are missions rted to creation. If you can create things like new Cultivation Manuals, Skills, or other auxiliary methods, you might be able to im Mana Bounties."


    Zac sighed with disappointment. It sounded like neither of his uing breakthroughs would do him any good in this ce. Luckily, he wasn''t all out of options. There was one more thing he''d held onto until now, even though he''d been ready for a while now.


    He could create new skills from scratch.


    The main goal was to shore up some weaknesses in his two kits and get the apanying title, but getting some Mana would be a wee bonus. Of course, there were no guarantees the skills he had in mind would result in any bounties. Ultimately, his two sides on their own weren''t that unique��there were trillions of undead cultivators who had fused Death and Conflict in their cultivation.


    The odds of him creating a never-before-seen skill were not great, though he did have the benefit of pursuing Pure Daos. Furthermore, two "identical" skills could have some unique aspects. Even skills provided by the System could have slightly different features, depending on the cultivator''s ss, Daos, and pathways. Such a difference would only be greater with self-created skills.


    Apart from creating skills, there was also his [Void Vajra Sublimation]. He had made decent headway in recreating the fourthyer of the method already. Perhaps he could finish the job here. That method was definitely unique in the Multiverse, and researching it now would leave more of his final Ultom insight in the future to something else.


    Ultimately, it depended on how much spare time he would have and how much Mana it''d be worth.


    "So what now?" Zac asked.


    "You have left your mark, so now it''s time to build your base," Null exined. "Follow me."


    Zac was about to ask what Null meant, but a shimmering line suddenly appeared on the ground. It led out of the square and into an adjoining building. It reminded Zac of the guidance trajectories that his [Axe Mastery] created.


    "Can others see and hear you?" Zac asked as he followed the tracking mark.


    "No," Null said. "Guides are individual. My words and these guidance markers are formed through our mental connection. You don''t need to speak out loud to talk with me; you can mentallymunicate with the wristband."


    "Can you help lead me to treasures as well?" Zac asked.


    "You wish," Null giggled. "I can lead you to various regions where you can find treasures, though. Like right now."


    The room he''d entered was almost like a smaller version of the circr square, except this room had a plinth at the edge. The pirs didn''t seem to contain such powerful Daos as the ones outside. Instead, they had shimmering gates in front of them, though it didn''t seem they were leading anywhere.


    "First of all, take the guidebook," Null said, and Zac picked up a thick tome lying on the pedestal. "This thing lists all the realms you can visit, the prices, and so on."


    Zac nodded and stowed it away. He could look through the index of interesting cester. For now, he wanted to get set up so he could meet up with the others.


    "So we''re teleporting again?" Zac asked.


    "The Perennial Vastness is big. Like really big," Null exined. "Even if you started running from one side, you wouldn''t even be close to halfway across after fifty years had passed. The ce is too big for low-grade cultivators. So the boss has chosen to remove the restrictions of space. You can pick a region that feels suited to you, and your manor will be built there.


    "This room is connected with all the avable regions where you can build your manor. If you infuse your will into the array, you''ll be able to browse their information and open gates to get a hint of the energy within."


    "And if I want to build a base close to my friends?" Zac asked.


    "You shouldn''t think like that," Null said. "Everyone has their own path, and you should pick a ce suitable for your core formation. The manor will be connected to several hubs, and using most portals will cost you some mana."


    "So I can just teleport over to them," Zac hummed.


    "Exactly. There is Vastness City. The path to your manor will turn up like a storefront there, and the same is true for your friends. Shouldn''t be too hard to find them there, especially if they''re looking for you as well," Null said.


    Zac put his hand on the pedestal, and he almost groaned from the deluge of information that flooded his mind. Null wasn''t joking around when saying this ce was big. The Orom World was just a backyardpared to this ce that seemingly had endless environments. A casual nce indicated over five hundred different environments rted to the Dao of Fire.


    Altogether, there were tens of thousands of options, each apanied by a string of information. Zac even spotted the ruins of a technocrat capital, where crazy robots still walked the streets. Of course, there were also environments rted to his three Daos. Hundreds of them, to the point the options made Zac dizzy.


    "You''ve seen my core," Zac eventually said. "Do you have any suggestions?"


    "Smart. Always listen to Null," the guideughed as the seventeen empty gates were reced by four real ones.


    Each one radiated incredibly dense energies, and while none of the four was anything like the others, they all contained something that attracted Zac.


    "Your situation is difficult since you incorporate opposing elements and two different peaks. But you have options. The first is the Nimbus you just visited. The Nimbus is a nk te; you can form it however you like," Null began. "Settling on one of its floating inds is a decent option for people withplicated cores."


    "The second is the Sezho Battlefield. This should be the best suited out of the dozens of ancient battlefields sealed in the Perennial Vastness. The Sezho were a civilization that fought the Limitless Empire before the System. Boss got his hands on a realm where one of the most heated battles was held. Even today, an extremely powerful aura of conflict lingers, and war is always a struggle of life versus death. The Sezho were even brutes, and the axe was one of their main weapons.


    "It has extremely dense energies and should provide a good start. But the anger and defiance of the Sezho still linger. If you''re weak-willed, you''ll turn into a madman. Even those with stronger convictions will have a hard time focusing on their core formation."


    Zac nodded thoughtfully. If you considered your choice of manor a starting zone, then the Nimbus was a neutral start. No negatives, but it would require more terraforming to suit his needs. The battlefield already had ample reserves of the Dao of Conflict, but Zac could feel the incredibly dense bloodlust and fell Karma through the gate.


    It wasn''t at the level of what he''d sensed upon seeing the wartorn Left Imperial Pce in his Vision back when entering the Void Gate, but it surpassed the Bloodwind''s environment.


    "What about the others?" Zac asked.


    "Mount Illumination," Null said, and Zac turned to the gate that almost seemed to release Buddhist chants. "A consecrated mountain formerly belonging to the Sangha. The temples are gone, but a nimbus with the providence of Samsara remains. There''s both Life and Death. You just have to infuse your conflict into the harmony to forge your path. As for the downside��"


    "Pathbreaking," Zac nodded.


    "Some havee as fierce warriors and left as baldies," Null giggled. "Well, they still made their cores, though."


    "What''s the final option?" Zac asked, looking at the final gate, a pitch-ck vortex releasing an incredibly ominous feeling.


    "The Storm," Null said. "A remnant piece holding a whisp of the Primordial Chaos of the previous Era. You''re walking the path of purity, and there are hints of its terminus in there. However, that ce is scary. The peak is still broken, and Chaos cannot exist in a stable state, creating an incredibly vtile atmosphere. Settling there will cost you 25 Mana a day, while other ces are free."


    "All the ces kind of have downsides?" Zacmented.


    "Well, yes," Null said. "The top-quality environments generally do. If your path was something simple like "fire," you could just have built your base inside a volcano. But you had to make itplicated."


    "I guess that''s on me," Zac smiled.


    "Do you see one you like, or do you want to keep looking around?" Null asked.


    "I think I know what I want, but let me double-check," Zac said, and he spent the next ten minutes opening over one hundred different gates to inspect the energy they emitted.


    Zac could soon confirm Null''s picks were right on the money. While many of the ces he''d investigated seemed good, none were as good as the four she chose. There were a few without any downsides, but the Dao and energy emitted from those ces were far worse than the four top options.


    The gates closed and were reced by a singr one. "Alright, let''s go with this one."

 Chapter 982 - Pure Land

    A towering mountain d in a shroud of green, with a golden cloud circting its peak. Mount Illumination.


    As far as Zac could tell, it was simply the best option avable, with the battlefield being the second option. The Storm sounded interesting, but he wasn''t creating a Chaos Core. He had already given up on forming a Cosmic Core based on the concepts of Chaos in favor of his Trinity Core held together by the Void, and he wasn''t about to give up on the solution he''d found.


    The raging energies inside the Storm would definitely be useful. But with a price tag of 750 Mana a month, it would hamper his umtion too much. Perhaps he could still visit that ce over the next years to gain inspiration. For now, he was still not at the level where he could actually fuse Life and Death.


    Conversely, the Nimbus was too far from his path, and he didn''t want to spend that much time reforging his manor in his image. He wanted to start working on his core as quickly as possible, and oveing the negatives of the other two ces seemed faster. The two environments could even temper his willpower over time, which was free training.


    Between ancient bloodlust and the Buddhist pathbreaking, Zac felt thetter would be easier to deal with. He was afraid that a pervasive killing intent from ancient Autarchs and possibly Supremacies would constantly try to kindle the conflict of his core, forcing him to ce far more time and effort into keeping the core stable. As a Mortal with a deep foundation, he already had enough problems in that regard.


    The Pathbreaking didn''t worry him as much thanks to his [Void Vajra Sublimation] and the concept of the Void it had imprinted on his heart. He wasn''t foolish enough to think Mount Illumination was just at the level of Mount Evesting Peace back on Earth, but it should still be at the level of what elite E-grade cultivators could deal with.


    His heart was far more tempered than most, and the biggest contributor wasn''t even the [Void Vajra Sublimation] or the Splinters of Oblivion and their whispers of destruction. It was the natural refinement he''d undergone through innumerable life-and-death encounters. Each hard-earned victory steadied one''s heart and reinforced one''s belief in their path. Iz had told him those who climbed mostly on their own efforts generally were better off at the higher stages of cultivation, and this was an important reason.


    Besides, Mount Illumination already contained two of his three Daos, just like the Storm. Finally, Zac had to admit the idea of using Mana and his Dao to break the path of Samsara on the mountain was pretty enticing after what they tried to pull with the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].


    "Alright, but prepare yourself," Null said as energy umted in the room. "This isn''t the Frontier."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac took a steadying breath as the final gate somehow shifted from being a window into an actual portal. A powerful gust of energy filled the room, so powerful that Zac''s mind almost nked out. The feeling was far more powerful than when he first sensed the Energy Nimbus. Not only that, but there was a clear vor to the energy that filled the room.


    There were hints of Life and Death, but it wasn''t like the Twilight Energy, where Life and Death made up all the energy. Life and Death were only responsible for half of the insights pouring out of the gate, and they had been moved away from the Peak of Chaos to be subordinate concepts of something else.


    Still, this kind of environment was great. The energy density was just shocking, and this was while he still stood outside looking in. The density would be far greater when he found a good spot to set up a gathering array. Even if he just epted the one half that resonated with him and rejected the rest, he would have more than enough energy for his needs.


    Zac stepped through the gate and found himself at the foot of the verdant mountain. However, the scene looked drastically different in person. A Buddha, tens of thousands of meters tall sat behind the mountain. It looked like a whole pantheon crammed into one multidimensional body, a scene somehow both horrifying andforting.


    Its thousands of heads were seemingly staring right at him. Eyes met, and the world disappeared.


    ---------------


    Nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine gilded statues sat on the petals of the sky-blue lotus, each one consecrated in the name of T��r��. To take in the heavenly scent was to be annealed in thepassion of Buddha and saved from the suffering of Samsara. Above, an endless world blotted out the firmament, its divinity trickling down like rain toward the lotus.


    Akani??ha, the Pure Land.


    He was at the threshold, arrived at the doors of paradise, yet still burdened by the sufferings of mortality. But the soothing hymns of the loving mother were slowly recing suffering with contentedness. His whole soul was being illuminated, its shadows vanquished. His gaze turned to the heart of the lotus, the focus of the guardian devas.


    A bracelet of simple wooden beads. Nine were natural brown, with the other eight painted ck. At its center was an eighteenth bead painted red, seemingly containing the providence of the universe. Just looking at it made him want to sit down, mirror the pose of the guardians, and ept ordination.


    Zac''s heart roared in defiance, and the world twisted. The lotus, the statues, and the paradise above disappeared. Recing them was the lonely mountain, guarded by the enormous Buddha. Mount Illumination waspletely different from when he first saw it. Thousands of red temples lined the slopes all the way to the peak, forming an intricate pattern.


    The scene onlysted for a moment before his vision returned to normalcy, and the mountain was just a mountain once more. The vision had onlysted a moment, but Zac''s back was slick with sweat, his heart wildly hammering as he desperately stabilized his mind. That had been too close. He hadn''t underestimated the power of the Sangha, yet it had almost dragged him under for a moment.


    "You''re back? Are you Zac, or do you have a new name?" Null''s voice echoed in his mind.


    "Why would I have a new name?" Zac asked with a frown as he shook his head to clear his thoughts.


    "That''s what happens when the old baldies get you. You''d discard your old identity and take on a Buddhist name. Almost looked like you were ready to discard your robes and don the kasaya."


    "And you didn''t try to poke me awake?" Zac snorted.


    "That''s not my job," Null giggled. "I''m just a guide. I''m here to answer questions and help facilitate your stay, no matter if you''re an eminent monk or a brute from the Frontier. Saving your butt is not part of the assignment. In fact, getting involved is strictly forbidden."


    "Well, you''re still stuck with me for the time being," Zac grunted as he looked around. "There are no temples to settle inside?"


    "All the temples were removed, but their foundations remain. You can either build your manor on those foundations or pick any random spot on the mountain," Null exined.


    Zac slowly nodded, feeling Null''s answer was a hint, even if an unintentional one. He didn''t think the vision just now was some random scenes his brain conjured from being invaded by thetent will of the Sangha. It was a remnant of the original face of the mountain. Nine thousand nine hundred and ny-nine temples, forming an array generating providence.


    Could he make use of that fact?


    "And I guess the best environment is at the top?" Zac ventured.


    "Yep! It''s really dangerous up there, though. Much worse than here," Null confirmed.


    "Well, let''s see how far I can make it," Zac muttered as he passed through the gate and started ascending the slopes.


    It was just a theory, but Zac followed his memory of the mountain, heading toward the closest temple he''d seen upon waking up. There were no paths or steps, but the cliffside wasn''t very hard to traverse. The forested slopes almost felt pruned, forming natural paths winding up the mountain, paths that further strengthened Zac''s guess that the mountain was covered in formations.


    It almost felt like he was walking inside the corridors of the Gates of Rebirth again, where the whole forest formed an enormous natural array far surpassing anything Triv had managed to build in his cave. Yet, there was a good chance this formation was a natural result of the powerful truths that the mountain still contained rather than something intentionally built to further its effect.


    Zac could feel his Daos in the soil beneath his feet, but he kept his heart closed off from any further input. The trees, their branches swaying in harmony, the leaves rustling like Buddhist chimes. It was reduced to a beautiful tapestry in Zac''s eyes. Something that could be appreciated, certainly, but not something that would change the course of his life.


    Mount Illumination was almost as tall as the pre-integration Tibetan peaks, but Zac was no pre-integration mountain climber. He was a Peak E-grade Defier who could maintain a leisurely walking pace that would look like a blur to a normal Mortal. It wouldn''t take him too long to reach the peak if he pushed himself.


    Even when keeping a steady pace to avoid any surprises, it only took Zac a few minutes to reach the location of the closest temple. As expected, he found a foundation hidden among the trees; a simple square of fine white sand on a raised tform ofrge stone blocks. It wasn''t big, only twenty by twenty meters, but it would be more than enough to set up a temporary manor.


    The energy was also denser around the tform than in the forest, and it almost sounded like the rustling leaves were the muted chants of scripture. Zac didn''t want to risk losing hisposure again, so he took a steadying breath and closed his eyes. A few secondster, he had be the Void, his heart ensconced in nothingness.


    Years of practicing his [Void Vajra Sublimation] had long since allowed him to enter the ethereal state even when not practicing the stances. It had be a good and effective way to clear his mind after absorbing the Lake Water, and Zac also found it useful in this kind of environment. His aplishments still weren''t as good as an actual Heart Cultivator''s, but he could always add [Void Zone] to amplify the effect.


    He could only maintain the state while emptying his thoughts and closing off his surroundings. There was no way for him to retain the meditative state while walking around, especially not when fighting. Zac didn''t even know if something like that was needed since he didn''t want to be the Void during battle. It was the opposite, in fact, where he wanted to fuse with his Daos, not theck of Dao.


    After recalibrating his state of mind, Zac slowly opened his eyes. However, he almost lost hisposure upon seeing a red temple proudly standing before him. He saw the wooden beams holding up a ted tile roof and the well-polished floor of the inner hall. He even saw a shrine inside, but he couldn''t determine what kind of deva was consecrated within before the temple disappeared.


    Zac didn''t move for a moment, thoughtfully looking at the once-again empty tform. Was it more than an illusion? True and false weren''t ck and white in the Multiverse. There were various states of existence, and an illusion didn''t necessarily need to be a figment of one''s imagination. Janos had physically lived inside an illusion for years before finding his way back to reality.


    So why couldn''t a temple exist when looked through a different lens of reality? It was possible that while the physical temples were gone, some sort of spiritual manifestations lingered. Then again, even if his theory was correct, did it matter?


    "Do you like this ce?" Null asked, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. "If you pick the tform, I can conjure a suitable manor in ten minutes. It''d take a bit longer if you picked a spot full of trees."


    "Can I move my base in the future?" Zac asked.


    "Not really," Null said. "There are Relocation Tokens, but finding them is a matter of luck. You can''t even buy them with Mana. So you should get it right from the start."


    "Why not just let us move as we please?" Zac asked.


    "Something about fate," Null said with disinterest. "Plus, it costs money to keep building new ones. The manors aren''t just houses. They''re incrediblyplex arrays that can help form Cosmic Cores. We have a budget to follow, you know."


    Zac smiled, feeling like Null sounded like a penny-pinching bureaucrat. "Then can I wait with choosing a manor?"


    "Nope, you have one day. Besides, don''t you want to meet your friends? You can only find them after picking a cultivation spot and getting ess to the teleportation system."


    Zac slowly nodded in understanding. He wasn''t really nning on settling this close to the base of the mountain. He could withstand much more powerful energies than this. However, he wasn''t sure he could withstand the influence at the peak. Especially not if there were almost ten thousand ghost temples on the mountain channeling providence to the main temple at the top. At the same time, Zac was unwilling to settle for a less-than-optimal cultivation location.


    "Do I have to spend much time in my Manor, or can I travel about?"


    "That''s up to you," Null said. "Traveling usually costs Mana, but you have ess to some freebies. And even if your trials run out, you got a good amount of starting Mana. For example, you could stay at the Quarry for almost a year if you wanted to. There are many free ces to visit, but they don''t have as much good stuff as the premium environments."


    Zac''s eyes turned toward the lofty peak, the focal point of the whole mountain. Even at this distance, he could feel how much fate was gathered. The golden cloud was not just a cloud��it was distilled providence. The environment was definitely far better than at the foot of the mountain, but also far more dangerous. That wasn''t just random fate. It was marked by the Dao of Samsara and the Buddhist faith.


    But perhaps it was possible if he used his hidden weapon against the influence of Mount Illumination. If Zac could break through with the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] and the [Void Vajra Sublimation], he would improve his resistance against outside influence. However, those two breakthroughs couldn''t just be performed without some preparation.


    One day wasn''t enough. Besides, he had things to settle before that, including finding Catheya and Ogras. But if he could just withstand the pressure temporarily, to the point he could settle his home base, he could leave this ce and only return after breaking through.


    Having formted a n, Zac resumed his climb after giving the tform a final look. He''d see how things looked closer to the peak. If he really couldn''t withstand the peak even for a moment, he''d just have topromise and settle at the upper reaches of the mountains and start looking for a Relocation Token.


    The minutes passed as Zac climbed higher and higher, passing one empty tform after another. Null stopped speaking up, perhaps to avoid distracting Zac during his ascent. Zac didn''t pepper the guide with questions, instead focusing on the matter at hand. Null was joking around about bing a baldy, but Zac could tell it was a real risk of that happening in this ce.


    As far as Zac was concerned, his theory was essentially confirmed after having seen over ten ghost temples. Each one was only visible for a moment before Zac lost his ethereal state, but it was long enough to see the temples act like array gs. Together, they formed a mountain-spanning formation that funneled energy toward the peak.


    The mountain didn''t have any restrictions or pressure in the normal sense. The threat came from the Dao itself. The further up he went, the greater the impartment was, both on Zac and the surroundings. He could shield himself, but just looking at a stone would fill him with errant thoughts of the cycle of creation if he wasn''t careful.


    By the time he passed the halfway mark, he asionally stopped to meditate to regain his bnce. Zac didn''t feel like his mind would be swept away again, but the environment made him remember the visions of the Remnants. How the carriers had gradually found themselves twisted by the whispers of the splinters, their personalities being reced without them noticing.


    The dangers of the Sangha were in the same vein. Their attacks were much harder to notice than getting stabbed or sted by a fireball. At the same time, Zac could tell that just staying at the mountain would be extremely useful for tempering his heart. As long as he didn''t lose himself to the ghost temples of Mount Illumination, he''d emerge much stronger. Zac could understand why people kept flocking to the Sangha, even after knowing of the dangers.


    By the time Zac reached the upper reaches of the mountains, he didn''t dare let his mind freely wander. Every stone, every leaf, was an expression of Buddha''s love. If he didn''t focus on his path, he''d risk having his personality subverted. Yet, Zac staunchly kept walking, heading toward the peak. As long as he could set up shop up there, everything would be fine.


    He could stay at the slopes until his heart met the requirements, only heading up when he needed to form his core in a few years.


    Eventually, he reached the very edge of the golden cloud. Zac could tell that continuing forward meant entering the focal point of the mountain-spanning array. The energy was so dense in front of him that he could almost grasp it with his hands, and the truths were more thanprehensive enough to keep up.


    Seeing it up close only reinforced Zac''s desire to im the peak. If he could control the area with his umted Mana, he''d have unlimited Dao and energy at his disposal. The environment was in a league of its own, evenpared to the uppermost tforms he''d passed. The peak reminded him of the hidden valley in the Twilight Chasm��a ce where the building blocks of the Dao were a tier higher than any ce he''d visited on the Frontier.


    "Are you sure about this?" Null asked. "I know you''re powerful, but that won''t help you here. Remember, this is supposed to be your home. Climbing the mountain is not some trial to conquer."


    "You said Mana helps one form their core," Zac said. "Do different environments have any impact on that effect?"


    "The greater the environment, the greater effect of Mana," Null confirmed. "As long as you can enforce your path on the peak, you will get at least twice the help from the cosmospared to where we stand right now. But you need to be alive to enjoy the benefits."


    "Then I''ll have to give it a try," Zac smiled as a tremendous Dao Field of Conflict crashed out from his body, imposing its harsh truths on Mount Illumination. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained."

 Chapter 983 - A Bet on Oneself

    The air rippled as opposing concepts shed. The golden cloud originally moved in azy rotation around the peak of Mount Illumination, like the wheel of Samsara slowly being turned by the river of fate.


    Zac''s Branch of the War Axe acted like an elerant, kicking up unstable gusts around him. Simultaneously, the Dharmic pressure lessened on him as the call of the Sangha grew more chaotic through the filter of Conflict. However, Zac frowned upon seeing the effect was limited. The environment was pushing back.


    He ultimately couldn''tpete with a whole mountain, at least not with a Dao Field alone. The energy stabilized, somehow epting the ferocity of his Dao without being affected by it. It almost felt like he was screaming at the clouds like a lunatic.


    This wasn''t enough for him to give up. Two more Dao Fields followed the first, and Zac''s eyes lit up upon feeling the energy around him destabilize. Motes of Life, Death, Karma, Order, and a little bit of Time were shaken loose from the energy around him. But not even three superimposed Dao Fields were enough to permanently dismantle the ambient energy, let alone the dense cloud of providence above him.


    Perhaps it''d be different if he''d managed to fuse his Dao fields into an empowered field representing hisplete path. For now, the energy around him was locked in a perpetual cycle of breakdown and recovery. It even felt like the process represented the cyclic nature of Samsara. Zac looked at the surroundings with annoyance.


    If he were a cultivator, he could have absorbed the life-attuned pieces, taking out one of the ingredients. Now, he could only watch on as the Samsara Energy broke apart and reformed.


    "Can I stay here while you ce down the base at the peak?" Zac asked.


    "No way," Null snorted. "That would be cheating. You need to prove yourself strong enough to im the best region. You need toe with, and you need to stay on the peak during the whole process. But I can tell you that the manores with a set of protections. And after it''s built, it''ll immediately start enforcing your path on the surroundings, though you''d need a lot more Mana to reform this cepletely."


    "Alright," Zac nodded, not surprised by Null shutting him down.


    Nothing good came for free.


    The question was whether his Dao Fields were enough for him to withstand the environment inside the golden cloud. It was hard to tell without stepping in. But he didn''t dare just enter without enough preparations. He had the [Void Zone] as a final lifeline, but it wasn''t a solution. If he couldn''t even withstand the peak temporarily without cheating, he''d never be able to live here long enough to form a Cosmic Core, even with his nned breakthroughs.


    Was there anything he could add to improve his situation?


    "Can you eat the Divine Energy?" Zac asked as he had Vivi extend her vines out from the protection of the World Ring.


    But he shook his head and retracted Vivi as soon as she appeared. He sensed Vivi was actually getting confused by the Dharmic truths. It looked like even nts could be converted and consecrated in this ce. He''d have to rely on himself for this one.


    Zac spent the next ten minutes centering himself through meditation before decisively stepping into the golden nimbus. He immediately felt a tug on his consciousness as the truths around him skyrocketed, but Zac was prepared.


    "Ka!" Zac rumbled as he stomped down on the ground, and a shockwave pushed away clouds and Dao alike.


    It was the opening step of his [Void Vajra Sublimation], and it allowed him to rebuff the Dharma before it could infect him. But like an inevitable tide, the golden clouds came crashing back. But by that point, Zac had already started adapting to the incredible environment, and he was able to resist the pull this time.


    Zac inwardly breathed out in relief. It felt like an immense weight was bearing down on his heart, but he could withstand it. Right now, Zac wouldn''t dare stay in this environment beyond a day or two, but that was within his levels of eptance. Between his breakthroughs, further tempering, and the protection of Mana, he felt confident he could live in this ce in the future.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At the same time, it would be a potent protection against any other guest who he might cross over the next couple of years.


    Zac resumed his climb, relieved to find the environment didn''t get any worse. Just twenty meters after entering the nimbus, he passed the golden curtain and reached the actual peak. The cloud actually formed a band, and it felt like he was standing in the eye of a storm, giving him full vantage of the huge tform on the mostly ttened peak.


    The area wasrge enough to amodate over a thousand normal tforms, indicating the peak hadn''t housed just another small temple. A majorplex had once stood here, even if he hadn''t managed to see anything when he stood at the base of the mountain. Now, the whole ce was covered in windswept grains of white sand.


    No, not windswept. Dao-touched.


    Zac''s mind shuddered as his eyes traced the vast array of seemingly random dunes and valleys covering the peak. They formed an incredible pattern whoseplexity far surpassed that of his Dao or blueprint. It felt like he was looking at the actual wheel of reincarnation. Just grasping at the corners of understanding filled Zac with horror and impending doom, and he urgently closed his eyes as he activated [Void Zone].


    The feeling disappeared, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. That had been too close just now. It almost felt like the enormous pattern had tried imprinting itself on his Soul or even drag it into the cycle of reincarnation. Now, he mostly felt the ancient energy of the Void.


    That didn''t mean the danger had passed. The dunes and their pattern were waiting for him after he opened his eyes, and he wasn''t sure the rebuffing effect of his nullification zone would work against the mysterious effect he''d just sensed.


    A spare axe appeared in his hand, and he sacrificed a small amount of Void Energy to randomly unleash a barrage of fractal leaves in every direction. Only then did he dare open his eyes again, and he was shocked to find a full monastery in front of him. He was currently standing at the edge of arge courtyard that took up half the peak while the courtyards formed a U-shape around him.


    The main temple was on the opposite side, while the side buildings were shrines, zen houses, prayer tforms, and scripture halls. They were all exquisitely crafted butcked any markers indicating arrays or formations. The temple could just as well have been something you''d see in East Asia pre-integration.


    Even then, theplex had a tremendous presence, as though a Bodhisattva resided in the temple before him. In fact, it felt like the monastery was full of monks, even if he couldn''t see anyone. Chants wereing from one side, and he could vaguely sense the smell of burning sandalwood. Altogether, it formed a harmonic atmosphere that fused with the surroundings and the nimbus cloud.


    Like the peak had be one with the cosmos.


    Thankfully, Zac didn''t feel his perception being influenced, no doubt thanks to his bloodline talent. He was more curious about why he saw the temple and why it remained in front of him. Was it because of [Void Zone]? The bloodline talent did help him quell any outside interference while calming his heart, but he wasn''t in an ethereal state like before.


    Zac confirmed his random attacks had rearranged the sands, and he deactivated his nullification zone a momentter. Immediately, the pressure of the Dharma returned. But without the pattern in the sands to amplify the effect, Zac could handle it by just maintaining his three Dao Fields.


    The temples soon disappeared, proving their appearance really was connected to his bloodline talent.


    "That was weird," Nullmented. "What did you do? It felt like I just lost half a minute."


    "A defensive measure," Zac muttered, a bit surprised Null had seemingly been deactivated by his [Void Zone].


    Thankfully, it didn''t look like the big guy upstairs was interested in the matter, so Zac refocused on the task. With the sand rearranged, he thoughtfully looked across the peak. He felt it viable to ce his manor on the peak now that he''d ruined the pattern that had formed in the sand. But where?


    Should he superimpose his manor on the main temple? That should be the end-point of all the energy gathered by the ten thousand ghost temples on the slopes. Or would that create problems without any benefits? Was there a better spot to pick?


    Zac slowly walked across the peak, passing through the center, the side temples, and eventually, the main temple. As he walked, he tried to understand the energy flows without letting himself be influenced by the whispers of Samsara. There was certainly something going on here, even if he didn''t sense any threat from the spots taken up by the ghost temples.


    Something was wrong. It was iplete. Eventually, Zac ended up where he started, having made a circle across the peak.


    "So, are you happy with this spot, or do you want to keep looking?" Null asked.


    "One second," Zac muttered, frowning as he looked across the sands.


    He was at the cusp of understanding, but he wasn''t quite there. He even conjured the monastery several times with [Void Zone] to see if he had missed anything. Then it hit him. Zac''s eyes turned to the left, to the building most likely to be a Library and a Dharmic Repository.


    "Truth," Zac muttered, his eyes turning to the zen temple on the other side. "Bnce."


    The Buddhist Sangha was made up of Nine Mountains, representing the seals on the Heavens. Eight Temples, each representing a peak elevating the Dao. Four Oceans for the Eternal Laws. And finally, one paradise, the heart of their belief��the ultimate destiny. Zac''s eyes turned to the main shrine, his instincts telling him it represented the Law of Cosmos. That left one side and onew; Impermanence.


    A suitable ce for a guest on the mountain.


    Zac''s eventually walked to a spot he''d noticed before, opposite the temple. It wasn''t in the middle nor at the edge. It was one-third to the center from the side where he started. A spot with a slight depression in both energy and truth. He deactivated [Void Zone], letting the temples fade to nothingness.


    "Let this spot be the core of my manor."


    "This��" Null hesitated. "Are you sure? It seems like you are standing on a fault line."


    "I''m sure," Zac nodded.


    "Okay," Null said. "But don''t use your weird skill to knock me out. It''ll make the impartment fail."


    "Alright," Zac nodded, and he saw a familiarwork of lines spread out from his feet in every direction.


    From the ground, a fourth temple rose. A temple wrought from stone, steel, and the colors of his Dao, rather than the red wood of the ghost temples on Mount Illumination. Zac felt like he was raising a banner of defiance in enemy territory, proiming his arrival. The response was immediate.


    The whole mountain shook while the energies kept rising to unprecedented levels. In just seconds, Zac''s surroundings reached levels of truth he''d only encountered on extremely rare asions. Such as when he pushed Void''s Disciple out of the heart of the Dimensional Seed or when the valley of the Twilight Chasm went crazy.


    And it kept climbing.


    Zac gasped upon seeing both the temples and the immense Buddha appear in the sky, and he groaned upon feeling the radiant sun in its eyes trained on him. He wanted to run away, to activate [Void Zone], but he roused his faltering determination to push back. Instead of depending on his Bloodline, he reinforced his heart.


    "Ka!" Zac roared again as he started the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. This time, he didn''t stop with the first cycle but kept going toward the next, while desperately holding onto his path.


    He visualized himself being the Void, only taking what he needed from the Heavens while keeping the rest out. But the Dharma was relentless, recing the whole cosmos. Zac fought tooth and nail as he went from one stance into another, but his bubble of security kept getting smaller while his heart grew exhausted.


    Zac took out one Cosmic Crystal after another, and the equivalent energy of a Hegemon''s Cosmic Core was released as Zac crushed them in his hands. Anything to create imperfections in the terrifying pressure that was bearing down on him. But his feeble attempts at disruption only became kindling to the Buddhist storm that had been conjured.


    The calm nimbus had turned into a hurricane, dragging more and more energy out of the mountain. The Dao was so condensed it started to affect reality. Millions of golden marks appeared in the air, naturally forming Dharmic Scripture, while various phenomena danced over the monastery. And bad became worse as Zac sensed something else.


    A presence unlike the others was starting to form within the main temple in the distance. It felt like a heavenly descent, like a Dharmic Guardian was gradually taking form because of the storm. The apparitions covering the peaks were just there to herald its arrival. Zac felt despair upon being exposed to the perfection it was.


    It was game over if that thing was allowed to emerge from the temple.


    "It''s done!" Null''s voice suddenly echoed in his mind, and Zac almost cried in relief.


    Any more, and he would have to run for his life, even if it meant giving up on his base. He wasn''t confident that even [Void Zone] could withstand what wasing.


    "Exit?" Zac gasped, and a red gate lit up.


    Zac didn''t know where it led, and he didn''t care. He jumped through the gate, running for his life.


    The deafening hum of the Buddhist Sangha waspletely cut off the moment he was teleported. Zac took a shuddering breath as he got to his feet, feeling like he''d just escaped divine judgment. That had been way too close. He had realized that the formation on the peak was iplete, missing a g in one of the four cardinal directions. The golden nimbus rotating around the peak was most likely leakage from the imperfection.


    Zac had figured it was a trial of sorts. To unlock the true potential of Mount Illumination, he would have toplete the mountain-spanning array with his manor. He had been correct, but he hadn''t expected the activation would lead to such a huge reaction. Hopefully, it was just a temporary outburst as the array was realigned, and by the time he returned, the mountain would have calmed down.


    For now, Zac was alive and well. If anything, he was even more optimistic about the Perennial Vastness after his brush with death or ordination. Zac couldn''t be certain, but his treasure sense told him there was an opportunity hiding on Mount Illumination. Something was generating all that providence on the Mountain. Perhaps a treasure?


    Even better, if he could encounter something so shocking at a starting location, what about the high-grade environments you had to pay to visit?


    He looked around, realizing he was standing in a doorway leading to an eclectic city where each building had its own unique and distinct features. On the opposite side of a twenty-meter-wide road, a cavelike building stood. It didn''t have any windows like most of the buildings on the street, but it had open sits between sets of stgmite pirs, allowing him to look inside.


    Right above the entrance, aplex mesh of red lines formed a raging me; a fire-attuned blueprint for a Cosmic Core. Had someone ced their blueprint for the world to see?


    "This is...?" Zac asked with a hoarse voice.


    "This is Vastness City," Null said, sounding slightly worried. "Are you okay?"


    "I''m good," Zac smiled. "Was a close one, though."


    "But what about the future?" Null asked. "You''ll have to live there."


    "Don''t worry, that should''ve just been a temporary storm," Zac said.


    "Still."


    "This is a bet on myself," Zac exined. "If I give up in the face of adversity like that, how can I aim for the peak of cultivation?"


    "I know," Null muttered. "But try not to go too crazy. The Perennial Vastness is full of dangerous ces. One mistake, and it''s game over. For both of us."


    "Hey, I''d love to stay out of trouble," Zac wryly smiled. "Unfortunately, trouble has a way of finding me. Besides, that''s the only way to get powerful."


    "Maybe it''s not toote to put in for a transfer..."

 Chapter 984 - Chickens and Monkeys

    Zac didn''t immediately head out to explore Vastness City. He first spent a few minutes just standing in ce, letting his heart return to the Void to avoid any lingering or hidden effects from the overpowering Dharmic pressure. He also activated [Void Zone], resetting his state even further.


    "What now? How can I find the others?" Zac asked after having grounded himself.


    "Two ways," Null said. "If your friends arrived at the same time as you, they''ll appear here sooner orter if they haven''t already. The city isn''t that big, so go around and look for them. If that fails, you can check the buildings. You should understand the cultivation of your friends, right?"


    "Sure," Zac nodded. "To an extent, at least."


    "Well, look behind you."


    Zac turned around, and he whistled at the domineering building behind him. It wasn''t big, but a lot of detail had gone into the building, which almost looked like the temple of a war god. There were steel details, while the building was mainly made out of small golden and ck bricks��clearly set in a pattern that reflected his path.


    There was no time to get a good look at his manor back on Mount Illumination, but Zac guessed this house reflected its design. The building gave off an impressive aura, but it was clearly not a defensive structure as there were tworge windows, one on each side of the entrance. They showed a small space within, roughly five by five meters.


    The interiors had no furniture or items; the only feature was a single door Zac guessed led back to his manor. Null had mentioned he''d get a storefront in Vastness City. It looked like she wasn''t kidding around.


    In the middle of each window, an incrediblyplex seal was engraved. And while it looked pretty odd, Zac could tell it was a representation of his blueprint. The scene made him frown and look over his shoulders for people spying on him. Thankfully, there was very little foot traffic in his neighborhood, and he only saw a few people walking in the distance.


    "Your blueprint is akin to your stamp or calling card in here. You can modify the design if you don''t want to show it," Null exined. "But you''ll soon find out most people are open with their blueprint."


    Having seen the nearby buildings, Zac knew Null wasn''t making things up. Zac still felt a bit vulnerable, putting his Cosmic Core on open disy like that. For now, he infused the building with a mentalmand. A secondter, the two halves of his cores were split into separate engravings. The left window got an Evolutionary Core, and the right an Inexorable Core.


    It looked a bit better than the confusing mesh where the Perennial Vastness had tried to distill his blueprint onto a two-dimensional surface, and it didn''t give off any potential secrets of his. Having done so, he turned back to the street.


    "Do all these buildings belong to other cultivators?" Zac asked, looking at the fiery-red building opposite his.


    "Most of them," Null confirmed. "If you find one that matches your friends, you can infuse your will into its inner door, and the owner will be notified."


    "Can you take me to any Shadow or Ice- and Death-attuned storefronts?" Zac asked, eyes scanning the street for anything reminding him of Ogras or Catheya.


    "I don''t have any features like that," Null said. "You''ll just have to walk around. But since you came together, you should appear in the same section of the city. If you really can''t find them, there are usually people who keep track of storefronts, including new arrivals."


    "What''s up with the storef-" Zac said, but he lost his train of thought upon seeing two cultivators walk past him.


    It wasn''t the fact they were some humanoid species he''d never seen before, but rather their discussion that drew Zac''s attention.


    "The Grand Firmament Coalition is harassing that ck-eyed yin creature again," one of the two said. "This is the second month."


    "She''s unlucky to run into them right at the start," the other shrugged. "An undead should have known better than causing a scene."


    Zac frowned and walked over to the two, leaking some of his aura so they''d take him seriously. "Excuse me, where can I find this undead?"


    "A Neer? Perhaps an acquaintance of the young lord?" one of the two said with a respectful nod. "They''re not far from here, close to the sixty-eighth."


    "Thank you," Zac nodded and walked away.


    "I''m on it," Null said before Zac needed to ask, and a guidance beam appeared in Zac''s field of vision.


    "What''s the Grand Firmament Coalition?" Zac asked as he sped down the roads, the buildings around him turning to a blur as he only focused on the guiding line.


    "No idea," Null said. "Probably some temporary alliance of guests. As I said, some people go at it alone while others team up. Some do it because they''re weak and can''t deal with the environments of the Perennial Vastness. But it''s alsomon for top-tier guests to form factions that can help themplete harder but more lucrative missions."


    Zac sighed. The Grand Firmament Coalition was probably the second type of group, going by that humanoid''sment about a ''young lord.'' It looked like Catheya had found herself in a troublesome situation the moment she arrived. Was it because of her situation with the Undead Empire, or was she just unlucky?


    Hopefully, he wouldn''t bete to help hispanion this time. Zac pushed some Cosmic Energy into his legs, but he almost stumbled upon feeling an intense resistance that prevented him from activating [Earthstrider].


    "What''s going on?!" Zac swore. "I''m restricted."


    "Rotating Cosmic Energy is blocked in Vastness City to keep the order," Null exined. "There are exceptions, though. Look to the left."


    Zac nced over and spotted a number of people standing at one of the major crossings. There seemed to be a huge circle lined by a protective array. Inside, two warriors furiously were trying to break open each other''s barriers, blood covering the ground around them. The scene proved that the blueprint-based barriers Null showed him earlier weren''t infallible, and his worry for Catheya only increased.


    Thankfully, Null was right. When rushing, it took Zac less than a minute to reach the street the guiding light indicated. Unfortunately, there was a small crowd ahead, proving something was happening. Zac couldn''t see exactly what was going on, but after leaping into the air, he caught a glimpse of a scene that ignited a fire in his chest.


    A scene of Catheya being surrounded by a dozen people, her aura erratic with ichor trailing down her ear and mouth. A few of her enemies were already seemed out for the count, barely standing with ice covering their bodies. But there were still six people with their weapons drawn at her. Just as Zac had lept into the air, he''d seen her trying to veer away but was prevented from escaping by a human blockade.


    She wasn''t standing inside one of those battle circles but rather on a wide street, which meant she couldn''t use any escape skills to get away. And being a mage, she was clearly at a disadvantage fighting using just her body and Daos. All the while, over a hundred people egged the attackers on, seemingly considering her situation a game.


    For six years, Zac had restrained himself, hiding away in his cave as he worked on his foundations. Now, it felt like a seal had snapped, and cascading waves of killing intent roiled from his body as Miasma reced Cosmic Energy. Even the Splinters locked in the depths of his mind hummed to life, singing with joy as Zac''s murderous intent became so condensed it almost took on a physical appearance.


    It didn''t matter who these Grand Firmament Coalition were or what factions out in the Multiverse backed the ''young lord.'' The scene in front of him dragged out too many bad memories, and this time he was neither toote nor too weak to make a difference. He hadn''t nned on staying low in either case, and these people could serve as a warning to the rest of the Perennial Vastness.


    A warning that blood would flow when hispanions were targeted.


    With each step, it felt like he wasing alive after years of slumber, the ichor in his body pumping with vigor. This was it, the true self that the Integration of Earth had awakened. His path was not one of secluding himself in cultivation chambers or staying hidden to avoid trouble. Conflict was at the heart of the road he''d chosen, and he let his Dao course freely through his body, bing one with his purpose.


    The air around him groaned, strained from his burgeoning momentum as he stepped forward. [Love''s Bond] appeared on his back, and the metallic tter of the fetters echoed through the streets. The links were forged with pure Death, which made their collisions sound like the death knells of a funeral procession.


    "What the��" one of the onlookers muttered as he turned around, but his eyes widened in rm as he saw Zac''s approach.


    He stumbled out of the way just as Zac''s billowing killing intent crashed into the crowd like a tsunami. The shouts and jeers died out, reced by an oppressive silence as the crowd parted like a sea. The scene came into full view once more. Catheya controlling six floating ice shards, facing off against a swordsman while the rest blocked any path of escape.


    His anger reached another level upon seeing they were essentially toying with her, and he immediately shot forward.


    "Ah! Wait!" Null''s voice echoed in his mind, but Zac could barely hear the guide over the roaring buzz of his killing intent.


    His whole being screamed for blood, and he wouldn''t be denied.


    "Who are you?! "the apparent leader shouted upon noticing Zac''s entrance, but the only answer forting was a gleaming axe crashing down toward his head.


    Four chains simultaneously targeted the others still in fighting condition, each link targeting a vital spot. Eruptions of Dao rippled around him as six barriers sprung up to protect the defenders, and Zac frowned in annoyance upon feeling over 80% of his strength being sapped away as he tried to split his target''s head in two.


    The light emitted from the barrier was almost blinding, its squirming patterns drenching him in a yellowish gleam. The resistance was tremendous, but just 20% of his strength was enough to kill most Peak E-grade Cultivators. Unfortunately, the resistance slowed his opening move down too much, narrowly providing his target with enough time to react. He desperately backpedaled, his eyes wide with shock as [ck Death] cut down just half a hand from his nose.


    "Stop!" the leader screamed as he backed away.


    Unfortunately for him, they weren''t standing inside one of the dueling circles. He couldn''t use movement skills, and his attributes were nowhere near Zac''s. If not for the protection of his blueprint shield, the first swing would have already killed him. Zac easily kept pace, his anger only growing after failing to kill a single one of his targets.


    The chains had also been rebuffed, and he could only use them to restrict while he dealt with the leader. At first, Zac nned to keep pushing toward the inexorable end where his axe found flesh, but he suddenly saw something just as he was about to strike. Wasn''t that wrong?


    Zac didn''t know why, but he felt something was off about a few of the runes among the hundreds of thousands that made up the yellow barrier around the leader of the Grand Firmament Coalition. As luck would have it, one was right at level with his throat.


    "Stop! We surr��" the man screamed, but his sentence died out as his head flew into the air.


    The silence was deafening as Zac stood over the headless corpse, blood slowly trickling down the edge of his axe to join the pool spreading around him. The spectators looked at him like he was a madman, everyone seemingly afraid to speak up lest they''d be targeted next. A few were already distancing themselves, while others were afraid to even move. Zac had seen simr expressions countless times, and he didn''t bother with them after confirming no one was nning to step in and block him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His heart did not so much as ripple as he turned to the remaining cultivators. He''d kept up the pressure with [Loves Bond] while dealing with the leader, but the chains weren''t powerful enough to kill enemies through the pathbound barriers. The shields just sapped out too much strength.


    Even if the piercing strikes of his armament had the strength to pierce the barrier, the remaining force was so weak that even a Middle E-grade Cultivator could rebuff it. And the people who had arrived in the Perennial Vastness weren''t some useless people. Even the weakest peopleing to this ce were renowned talents or at least scions with impressive backgrounds who could source the coveted Perennial Vastness Tokens.


    After all, the Perennial Vastness and the System only sent a few million tokens out every Cosmic Gallery, to be shared amongst innumerable peak E-grade cultivators. Zac still felt dealing with these five shouldn''t prove too difficult after this initial kill unless they all fled in a different direction, but a sudden searing heat on his wrist made him stop in ce.


    ''What is it?'' Zac asked in his mind while maintaining his abyssal re.


    "Don''t attack them! You can''t just kill people in Vastness City!" Null cried. "Right now, you broke the rules, resulting in mutual destruction. Look at your Status Screen."


    Zac opened his status screen and almost swore upon seeing his Mana.


    [Mana: 1,978]


    In one go, he''d lost over 500 mana, more than 20% of his total. The scene almost made him queasy, and he realized he couldn''t continue. There were still five people remaining, not counting those Catheya had already dealt with. If he killed all of them, wouldn''t he run out of all his Mana? If that happened, then what? Would he be kicked out of the Perennial Vastness?


    Even then, Zac didn��t regret it at all. These people needed a reminder they could not just act as they wanted, hiding behind the rules while harassing others.


    "You lost ten percent of both your and your opponent''s total mana for illegally attacking and killing that guy," Null groaned. "What kind of lunatic starts killing people the moment they arrive? This is a Green Zone. There are rules. This wasn''t a death match. It was a duel for resources!"


    ''Undead will die if they run out of Miasma, even if the enemies don''tnd a killing blow,'' Zac grunted, still angry upon seeing Catheya''s pitiful expression.


    "That''s..." Null hesitated. "Well, that''s true. No rules are perfect. But you still can''t just kill these people. That won''t save your friend."


    Zac frowned. He had too little information. While climbing Mount Illumination, he''d been fully focused on solving the mystery of the ghost temples while protecting his Dao Heart. And the moment he arrived in Vastness City, he was distracted by the news of Catheya. Now, he was facing down a whole group of cultivators, unsure of his options.


    The situation wouldn''t wait for him to get a full run-down from Null, leaving Zac at an impasse. Thankfully, Catheya was quick on the uptake.


    "You losers want to keep ying?" Catheyaughed as she walked up to Zac. "My husband will ept any of your challenges. I''d like to see how you deal with him. In fact, you can bring the whole coalition if you dare. We could use a couple of Revenant servants for our stay."


    "He''s a neer; he doesn''t have unlimited Mana," one of them stuttered, but he shuddered when another wave of killing intent drowned him and hispanions.


    "Maybe not, but isn''t the Grand Firmament Coalition nning a final excursion to the Hyr''Zen Tundra? No penalties there, and lots of ces to hide," Catheya smiled." Or do you want to stay and fight?"


    The group had already lost their fighting spirit long before, and Catheya''s nudge was all they needed to turn tail and run, even carrying their semi-frozenpanions so they could move faster. After a pointed re, the crowd dispersed, leaving just Zac and Catheya in front of a building clearly belonging to her.


    Ice and ck metal formed a beautiful storefront in gothic design, with a pitch-ck ice blueprint hovering over the door frame.


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked, his attention back to his oldpanion.


    Catheya surreptitiously looked around as she dragged him into her storefront, which was already decorated with ck ice furniture. A wave of her hand made the windows tint, and her aura suddenly stabilized.


    "How can I be okay?" Catheya huffed as she lightly pped his chest. "You scared away the little fishies."


    Zac looked on with iprehension as she wiped the ichor from her cheek. A few secondster, one wouldn''t have been able to tell she''d just been in a fight.


    "It was fake?" he blurted.


    "Did you think those guys could do me in? I was just after their Mana," Catheya red, but her scowl soon turned into a radiant smile. "Still, your disy was worth it. Who doesn''t like the dashing princeing to the rescue?"


    "I-"Zac said, but he lost his train of thought as two arms snaked around him.


    "I''ve missed you," a content hum reached him from below as Catheya nestled herself into his chest.


    "I missed you too," Zac sighed as his arms enclosed her. "I''ve been worried about you over the past years."


    Neither moved for a few seconds until a disgusted snort echoed through the room.


    "Is this my lot for the next couple of years? Watching the springtime of others?" Ogras swore from within Zac''s shadows, startling both Zac and Catheya. "Shameless couple."

 Chapter 985 - The Rulebook

    "You were here already?" Zac eximed while Catheya looked around warily.


    "Who?"


    "You know my friend from the Tower of Eternity," Zac exined.


    "He''s got a token as well? How?" Catheya muttered as she looked around. "And why are you skulking around in the shadows?"


    "I figured it would be useful if at least one of us didn''t create arge number of enmities the moment we arrived," Ogras said, still not emerging from wherever he hid. "Seeing as I could sneak inside by leaving a mark on your husband, I think it''s best I remain hidden."


    A few ck veins spread across Catheya''s face in what Zac had learned was akin to blushing as she took a step back. "What a pervert, spying on others."


    "Hey, I have no choice. I promised his other wife to keep an eye out," Ogras snickered. "I don''t want to get incinerated."


    "What?!" Catheya eximed, looking at Zac with shock. "Who?"


    "Ignore him; he''s just messing around. He''s talking about another friend of mine," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "Who''s this woman?" Catheya asked,pletely ignoring Zac.


    "Fire and ice. How poetic," Ogras only answered with augh, but he stopped upon feeling Zac''s killing intent spread through the small storefront. "Alright, alright. Jeeze."


    "You''ve been busy over these past years," Catheyamented with a raised brow.


    "I have literally been sitting alone in a cave over the past years working on my breakthrough," Zac grunted.


    "I''m just kidding," Catheyaughed. "Don''t you think I know what kind of cultivation blockhead you are by now?"


    "Whatever," Zac said with some helplessness. "Is this ce safe to talk?"


    "These storefronts have no protections, except for the gateway to our manors. So anyone could eavesdrop on these ces unless you watch out," Chatheya exined. "I''m surprised your friend managed to elude my defenses. Maybe they''re not as thorough as I thought."


    "Can we sit down and talk somewhere? I still don''t understand all the rules and just lost over five hundred Mana. If possible, I''d prefer to avoid doing that again," Zac said. "Can we visit your base? Shouldn''t be anyone to eavesdrop there."


    "That might not be a great idea now that you''ve brought your friend. My ce is a bit dangerous for non-Draugr," Catheya said.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Are all ces like that?" Zac asked curiously. "I almost got myself killed setting up my base."


    "It''s usually like that if you get more than 2,000 starting Mana," Catheya nodded while taking out a healing pill. "Turns out those who perform well from the start have a perk; better starting options, though those ces are all pretty dangerous. My environment is doubly so for your friend. Let''s go to the incensary instead. It''s on our way, in either case."


    She followed up by eating the pill and crushing another one to let its medicinal aroma douse her, making it seem she had just used some powerful healing treasure to recover from her supposed internal wounds quickly.


    "On our way where?" Zac asked as they emerged from her empty store.


    "The mission hall," Catheya smiled. "You have good timing. New quests will be released in a few hours. We can catch up and get you oriented before then."


    "Sounds good," Zac nodded, but he stopped upon seeing the headless corpse lying not far ahead.


    No one had dared im the body or its treasures, and Zac wordlessly walked over and put both head and body into his Corpse Sack��the first addition in years.


    "Some improvement, at least," Catheya smiled. "Reattaching a head so cleanly cut isn''t that hard for a talented Lich. The problemes when you destroy their brains like you did in the Twilight Ocean. No rot, either. Please make sure you remember that during our stay here. Every single guest in the Perennial Vastness has the makings of a top-tier Revenant."


    "Still as practical as ever," Zac smiled before looking around. "This incensary. Is it an actual shop or some other person''s storefront?"


    "A small number of the buildings in Vastness City are empty, much like in the Tower of Eternity. However, you have to pay Mana to rent ces, so most don''t bother. The Undead Empire has one such shop because we need a ce to gather and organize, considering we''re a small and exposed minority in this ce," Catheya exined as she led them through the streets.


    "I can''t believe we got a shop as part of the guest package. People here are so free they''re setting up stores?" Ogras asked from the shadows, clearly following them somehow.


    "Somee with instructions from their elders to trade, so they have to even if they want to focus on their Breakthrough," Catheya smiled. "Others offer various services as a way to earn some Mana. Most simply use their storefront to showcase their Blueprints in hopes of getting a challenge."


    "What''s that?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "Didn''t you go over the rules before visiting the city?" Catheya asked.


    "As I said, I built my base in kind of a dangerous ce," Zac coughed. "I jumped through the teleporter the moment it was erected, and then I heard about your situation from some passersby before I could learn about all the rules."


    "Looks like you haven''t changed at all," Catheyaughed. "It also exins why you tried to kill those people without challenging them. Still, it had a decent effect. It should make our life easier when contending for better missions. Besides, I doubt I would be able to milk those guys for much longer in either case."


    "So what are the rules?" Zac asked.


    "One moment," Catheya said as she stopped. "We''re almost there."


    They reached their destination a minuteter. It was a small tavern, but two small Unholy Beacons stood at its entrance, clearly indicating it was for the undead. They created a haze around the door, and Zac could tell the whole building was filled with Miasma rather than Cosmic Energy. He''d already seen that the Perennial Vastness didn''t bother specifically amodating the undead in the Vastness City, so leaving the Cosmic Energy of the outside environment felt like getting out of the rain.


    Catheya nodded slightly at two Revenants sitting in a corner before heading deeper into the building. Zac''s brows rose upon seeing the sigil of the Abyssal Shores on the door Catheya opened. Inside, a private dining room waited. Both Catheya and Zac installed a set of istion arrays, followed by a shroud of shadows covering the walls.


    "This ce is safe. Rtively speaking," Catheya said.


    "This environment," a disgusted voice echoed out as Ogras appeared from the corner of the room.


    "I thought this would be our honeymoon, yet you''ve brought a chaperone?" Catheya pouted at Zac.


    "With a bunch of Undead Monarchs scheming behind my back, I have to bring my resident schemer around as well," Zac smiled.


    "I didn''t expect the elders to be such troublemakers," Catheya sighed. "For what it''s worth, I do think that the Umbri''Zi were sincere in their desire to bring you into the fold until things gotplicated. As for theter arrivals, I don''t know."


    "It''s fine," Zac said. "I''m not delusional. I know I''m not as important to them as an Eternal Heritage. I''ll be careful. Hopefully, we''ll emerge stronger on the other end. Maybe we can go back to the original agreement with the Umbri''Zi after the Azol and Reavers have left with whatever they came for.


    "More importantly, are you okay? We got an odd message from the Undead Empire just before entering and were worried something had happened to you."


    "Well, I think I was yed for a fool," Catheya wryly smiled. "But for a moment there, I thought they''d kill me over my Seal."


    Zac listened with a frown as Catheya shared her experiences, from exploring the Million Gates Territory under Tavza An''Azol. An image of apetent but cold leader soon emerged in Zac''s mind, someone who always chose the option that would have the greatest odds ofpleting the mission, even if it meant losses in her ranks.


    She had cut through arge section of the Million Gates Territory with the precision of a surgeon, leaving not a stone unturned in her hunt for remnants of the Limitless Empire. Eventually, Catheya reached the end, where she had been filled with a sense of impending doom and opted to flee on a stolen vessel while Tavza was upied inside a fractured realm.


    "No wonder they sent that message," Zac grimaced.


    "I''m so sorry about creating such a mess," Catheya said. "I felt like a trapped animal; I had to get out."


    "That''s okay. Better safe than sorry," Zac nodded.


    "I don''t understand," Ograsmented from the side. "If it''s as you said, it doesn''t make much sense for her to kill you. Our side, or rather Zac, has been abundantly clear about how important you are to the cooperation. The value of moving a lower seal to a subordinate can''tpare to the alliance with Zac. Are you sure a few years aboard the Cosmic Vessel didn''t just drive you a bit stir-crazy?"


    Zac frowned at the demon, who shrugged back.


    "That''s�� something I''ve been wondering myself," Catheya sighed. "It was so clear back then. I saw one hint after another and pieced them together into a conspiracy about to do me in. But just days after I stole the ship, I felt the memories were a bit odd. But since I''d already pulled the trigger, I still fled here the moment I could activate the token."


    "What do you think now?" Zac asked.


    "After two months here�� I think I was yed, for some reason," Catheya sighed. "A curse, an illusion, or something simr. I''m not sure if my actions were what they were hoping for or if they were aiming for something else. Perhaps they wanted me to attack Tavza instead of fleeing, but capturing that Kan''Tanu vessel threw a wrench in the works? Or maybe they just wanted to instill me with suspicions toward Tavza, which I would transmit to you? I''m not sure."


    "What a mess," Zac sighed. "Well, what do you think? Can the cooperation continue?"


    "I think so," Catheya said. "They have strict orders from the Primo himself. Any schemes between and within the Divine Races must be within bounds, not threatening the mission. And with you and your followers drastically increasing the odds of sess, they can''t harm you. I know the promised edict is real, though it doesn''t guarantee your safety. The Primo is rarely a hands-on leader. His existence is more of a guarantee against outside pressure.


    "As for who you''re better off aligning with, I don''t know. Tavza is Draugr, but I saw her sacrifice thousands of subordinates to scour as many pocket realms as quickly as possible, without even blinking. If she believed sacrificing you would secure the mission, she''d probably do it. Kator seems open and forthright, making friends among the locals and lower races. But I can smell trouble from him."


    "If you were yed, he''s a top suspect, proving he can be scheming," Ogras added.


    "We knew they consider us as tools to help further their goals inside the inheritance," Zac shrugged. "We simply have to get much stronger quickly, so we get too troublesome to doublecross."


    "You might need Tavza if you want to find the best treasures inside the inheritance," Catheya said after some thought. "She''s an expert on the Limitless Empire. I hear she owns whole heritages dating back to that era. If someone can unearth any secrets in there, it''s her."


    "She''s an expert on the Limitless Empire?" Zac surprised. "Why? The Undead Empire shouldn''t have much to do with them, right?"


    "No," Catheya said. "Only the Founders among the Five Races had any contact with the Limitless Empire before the System was born. It was just a private interest of hers, where she studied ancient arrays and fused them with the heritage of the Abyssal Shores. I think that''s partly why she was picked as one of the candidates."


    "What about the undead in here?" Ogras asked. "Are they involved in this?"


    "Well, not those who have been here more than a decade," Catheya said. "For the rest, I can''t tell. The undead here have an organization of their own, but I''ve stayed clear for now. Either case, I''m strong enough to earn a decent amount of Mana without teaming up. I''m not forced to join like those people you saw earlier."


    "Anyway, what''s going on with those humans, and why couldn''t I kill that guy?" Zac asked.


    "There are restrictions in ce," Catheya said. "In Vastness City, you either have to challenge or be challenged to fight a proper battle. Just going around attacking people will cost Mana."


    "There''s more freedom in the various realms, though," Ogras added, snorting when he saw Zac''s surprised look. "What? I''m not like you. I read the rulebook beforeing out the gate swinging."


    "Well," Zac coughed.


    "Simply put, all guests have an echelon here, depending on their Mana levels," Catheya smiled. "Every 10,000 Mana increases your echelon by one. So we''re all First Echelon cultivators, even if I have 4,600 Mana."


    "What does Echelons matter?" Zac asked.


    "Some of the best realms are restricted to certain echelons," Catheya said. "It''s also important for duels. If you challenge another first-echelon cultivator, they can''t decline. If they do, they''ll be hit with a penalty of ten percent of their Mana."


    "Conversely, higher-echelon cultivators can just ignore your challenges," Ogras added. "So we can''t just find a bunch of the top people and steal their Mana."


    "Actually, you can''t even challenge people more than one echelon above you. You sort of have to prove yourself," Catheya exined.


    "But I''ll get Mana if I win a duel?" Zac asked.


    "Sure, one hundred Mana per victory," Catheya nodded. "Taken out of the pocket of the loser."


    "Only one hundred?" Zac grimaced.


    "Also, you can only issue ten binding challenges a month," Catheya said. "After that, your target can just say no without sacrificing Mana. You can still be challenged and ept as many challenges as you want. The guides are keeping watch, though; any Manaundering schemes will result in steep penalties."


    "That''s��" Zac frowned.


    With such rules in ce, there was simply no way he''d be able to snatch a bunch of Mana quickly and start working on his core.


    "There are bounties, though," Catheya added. "I didn''t think you''d be able to get any based on your skill set. But I may have been wrong after seeing you thrash that guy."


    "What?" Zac asked, and Ogras looked over curiously as well.


    "Do you remember what happened back there? Your first swing met powerful resistance, but your second one moved much quicker and went straight for his throat. Why?"


    Zac thought back to the feeling back then. "The resistance from that barrier was pretty strong. But I felt some of the patterns were weak, like a loophole in an array. After I targeted that weakness, the resistance was a lot lower."


    "That''s a bounty and why people showcase their cores on their storefronts. We''re just E-grade cultivators, and our understanding of the Dao and energy is ultimately wed. Even if our elders give us a blueprint, we still need to modify them to fit our pathways and Dao. So most people arrive in this ce with minor imperfections. Some even have failed blueprints with ring problems."


    "Imperfections that others can point out and get awarded?" Ogras surmised.


    "Exactly," Catheya nodded. "If you hadn''t broken the rules, your strike would have given you a bonus of between 10 and 100 Mana for finding the weakness. The guy you hit would get the weakness marked on his Dao Tapestry in his manor, allowing him to start fixing it. This way, people will emerge with much-better cores than if they just worked on it alone."


    "Why don''t people fix their weaknesses before?" Zac asked. "Like asking their elders."


    "Most don''t have elders to fix the mistakes," Ogras shrugged. "No D-grade force would have a heritage that can lead you to a perfect core. I doubt even most C-grade forces on the Frontier would. Seems most of our Monarchs manage to take that final step thanks to lucky encounters rather than a strong foundation."


    "Others have elders who don''t have the understanding required to perfect the blueprints. Even small differences in paths can result in wildly different Cosmic Cores. What is perfect in the eyes of the elder may be riddled with problems for the descendants," Catheya added. "It''s also quite umon for elders to get so involved with their disciples. It harms them in the long run.


    "If they don''t find the answers to their path themselves, they have no chance of reaching Monarchy. That''s how established factions work. They raise one generation after another, hoping someone will stumble onto some opportunities and inspirations that will let them climb to a stage where they can contribute to the n or sect."


    The sentiment echoed what Iz told Zac before, though Iz''s vantage was quite a bit higher, even mentioning things like Earth Immortals.


    "This is also what makes the Perennial Vastness so Unique," Catheya continued. "Any imperfections you find will slowly be improved by the Mana you umte. You can even spend some of it to visit ces that speed up that process, so you don''t have to wait decades."


    "So almost like the energy from that ce," Ogras whistled before his face scrunched together. "Damn, did that mean we wasted our epiphanies on something we could have gotten here?"


    "I don''t think it was a waste," Zac said. "I would never have spotted that weakness if not for the epiphanies or all that Lake Water."


    "The what?" Catheya said with a nk stare, and Zac exined the situation about the Lost ne and his encounter inside the Void Star.


    "That''s just like you," Catheya scoffed. "And I don''t suppose you saved any for your beautiful friends?"


    "Girl, don''t even think about that," Ogras snorted. "I took a dip in that water myself, and I almost had my mind twisted and Dao deviated. I don''t understand how this monster could bathe in it like it was some sort of elixir."


    "He''s pretty annoying that way," Catheya agreed.


    "Finally, someone who understands my plight," Ogras said with a long-suffering look.


    "Whatever," Zac groaned. "So what''s the n if I can''t just go around and rob people of their Mana?"


    "You can," Ogras grinned. "You just have to head to the Red Zones."

 Chapter 986 - Missions

    Null had called Vastness City a Green Zone, which meant the Red Zone Ogras mentioned probably was a region with farxer rules. As expected, Catheya immediately confirmed his guess.


    "Green zones, like this city, disallow killing even during duels. There are a bunch of other restrictions as well, which is why I had to trick those fools earlier into challenging me one after another. For someone like you, you can just pick ten unlucky people and beat them up every month. But after that, your opponents can say no.


    "In Orange zones, you don''t need to bother with duels. If you see someone in your or an adjacent echelon, you''re free to attack them. If you win, you get Mana like normal, including points for bounties. But if you kill them, you get nothing and instantly get thrown out of the zone. So deaths are pretty rare unless there''s a grudge."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "And red are no rules?" Zac asked.


    "Pretty much," Catheya nodded. "Anyone you see, you can attack, no matter what echelon they have. That goes the other way, though; people with huge repositories of Mana can bully neers there. Apparently, the effect is not limited to a simple shield when you''ve gathered enough Mana. You release something akin to a Dao Field, restricting your opponents while empowering yourself. Furthermore, you can fight to the death in Red Zones and get full payment for a win, so it''s quite dangerous."


    "Then why would anyone go to those kinds of ces?" Zac asked.


    "Why does anyone ever take risks?" Catheya smiled. "All the best stuff is in the Red Zones, be it opportunities for the core formation or missions."


    "I read the booklet while you were scamming those guys earlier. My idea was to beat up ten weaklings in the city before heading to an Orange Zone to continue hunting until I gained enough Mana to move to the Red Zones," Ogras interjected. "Or is that inefficient?"


    "Orange Zones are usually middle-tier zones and up. Meaning you need to pay between 25 and 100 Mana a day to stay there," Catheya said. "And with the size of this ce in contrast to the number of participants��"


    "Might be hard just to break even," Ogras frowned.


    "Especially if you consider the fact that not everyone you encounter will be someone you can fight. Those who dare visit Orange Zones alone are usually pretty confident in their strength. Even worse, all battles have a winner and a loser. The defender will be crowned the winner if neither side can eke out a clear advantage. That''s how I kept stealing Mana against those people before," Catheya smiled.


    "How is advantage measured?" Zac asked.


    "The guides are judges," Catheya shrugged.


    "So hunting people for Mana is easier said than done," Zac muttered.


    "The majority get most of their Mana frompleting missions," Catheya said. "But there are asionally opportunities to go all-out. For example, if you keep track of therger coalitions, you might figure out which zones they n on exploring. That way, you can hunt them from the shadows. There are also the events."


    "Events?" Ogras asked with a frown as the orientation book suddenly appeared in his hands. "Didn''t read anything about that."


    "It''s officially considered another form of mission, but timed public ones," Catheya exined.


    "So what is it?"


    "With so many environments, there is often something happening. Treasures being born, cmities, beast tides, and so on. These automatically generate time-sensitive missions; everyone gets a notification through their guides. I''ve been here two months, and I''ve already gotten three, though that''s a bit higher than normal."


    "Are these quests lucrative?" Ogras asked with gleaming eyes.


    "Not all of them," Catheya smiled. "But some events are amazing treasures being born. You get to keep the item while earning Mana for snatching it and winning the event."


    "And there''ll be a bunch of little bounties running around looking for the item," Ogras said, his smile widening.


    "Exactly," Catheya nodded. "Two of the limited missions I''ve seen were in green zones, but one was in an Orange Zone. I heard over three thousand people participated."


    "Was that how you got in trouble with those Grand Firmament Guys?" Zac asked curiously. "Did you beat them up during the event?"


    "I wish," Catheyaughed. "I didn''t even dare go to that trial. It was just a few days after I arrived, and I didn''t know enough to gauge the danger. But I still got in trouble with those Dreamers a few dayster.


    "It all started because of the Mission Hall. Only one person or group can take on a specific mission at a time. I found a very lucrative one perfect for my Daos. It paid well and was rted to Death and Ice. Turned out it was a repeating mission a few leaders in the Firmament Alliance had imed as their own. When confronted, I told them to eat rocks and went and took on the quest anyway."


    "And they started to harass you as a result," Zac said.


    "Two months now," Catheya nodded. "But I made almost a thousand Mana from it since I made sure to struggle just enough for them to keeping back. Their meddling led to me missing out on the first pick of the quests released once a month, but I think it was a pretty good trade."


    "So you must head into town monthly if you want to ept missions?" Zac asked.


    "You''ll also be able to get missions from your manor, but they appear three hourster," Catheya exined. "The best missions are usually snatched by that point unless they have some huge risks or requirements."


    "So the owner of this ce forces people out of their burrows if they want the best missions," Ogras snickered, ncing at Zac. "nning on getting the duels out of the way? Should be a lot of targets on the streets soon."


    "Might as well, right?" Zac agreed. "But how do I know which people are in the same echelon as me?"


    "I can help," Null''s voice appeared in his mind while Catheya said something of the same effect. "If you focus on someone, I can tell you their echelon. Only in Green and Orange zones, though."


    "So what kind of stuff do we need to do on the missions?" Zac asked.


    "Some are simple things like outer sect members would have to do. Harvest crops, maintain arrays, inspect various facilities," Catheya said. "Those have little dangers and low rewards. Most quests are more like what the two of us did in Twilight Ocean."


    "What?" Zac asked. "Blow things up?"


    "In a sense," Catheyaughed. "A Revenant who''s been here for three decades exined it for me. The whole Perennial Vastness could be considered aboratory where thousands of experiments are running simultaneously. The Perennial Vastness is testing various theories by reforging whole worlds based on certain concepts.


    "We''re just sent inside to ensure nature sticks to the n. For example, the mission that caused my enmity with the Grand Firmament Coalition was a mission inside a cier that had been infested by weird Death-attuned critters. Their bodies stained the ice, and they dug paths that impacted energy flow. The mission was to find and eradicate the creatures, while any tunnel I sealed provided bonus Mana."


    "And that was better than most quests?" Zac asked with confusion.


    "The critters had spread across a huge mountain range," Catheyaughed. "I only rooted up a couple of outer burrows and avoided the main hive, and I still earned just over 3,000 Mana in 18 days. Even if 100 people worked together, they''d have their hands full. It was a perfect quest forrger groups. I just didn''t understand I was taking the food out of the mouth of others."


    "What! Three thousand Mana in under three weeks?! So we can earn over 70,000 Mana a year with these kinds of quests?" Ogras eximed, his eyes veritably burning.


    "You''re forgetting the cost of staying in the special environment," Catheya smiled. "That cier was a Red Zone costing over 100 Mana a day, so I was left with less than 1,000 Mana in profits. But that''s still very good. Some barely break even, while a few unlucky ones take a loss by epting a quest they couldn''tplete."


    "Even one thousand is good if you add on the duels and bounties," Ogras agreed. "So, should we head out? We can''t miss out on the good stuff if we want to finish everything in a decade."


    "We''ll figure out the rest on the go," Zac said. "Let''s try to pick a quest together the first time and then take things as theye?"


    "Calm down," Catheyaughed. "The mission hall is only five minutes from here, and we''re still a few hours off. No one will go over there for a while longer. Let''s just rx and n our next steps. Why don''t you tell me about your experiences since we parted in the Twilight Ocean? I''ve only gotten small scraps of information, and I''ve been dying to know."


    Zac was a bit antsy, but he sat back down and retold his experiences, from entering the void and getting trapped by a Voidcatcher to eventually staying on Earth for a few years. They also nned a few tactics for getting as much Mana as possible, from targeting alliances like the Grand Firmament Coalition to setting up alliances of their own.


    Eventually, two hours passed, and Catheya scoffed upon seeing both Zac''s and Ogras'' eyes continuously dart to the door.


    "Alright, you two. Let''s just go. People should start appearing around now because of the grace period."


    The grace period was another restriction inside the Green Zones. You could reject challenges for one hour after being defeated in a duel. If you won, however, you could still be challenged again. It was a small protection for the weaker guests, so they didn''t lose all their umted Mana every time they visited the city. As long as they aplished their tasks within the hour, they''d lose 100 Mana plus a small blueprint bounty at most.


    Ogras returned to the shadows while Zac and Catheya leisurely walked out of the incensary together, making sure to be spotted by at least a few of the undead Patrons. Zac wanted his appearance to be spread to any potential spies as soon as possible so that they''d know he''d already met with Catheya. Hopefully, that would lessen the risk of any further attempts on her.


    Catheya led him toward the center of the city. The streets were by no means heavily trafficked by this point, but there were far more pedestrianspared to the asional passers-by of before. Zac asionally had Null divulge people''s echelons, and the vast majority of those he saw either belonged to the first or second echelon.


    "So I won''t cause panic if I challenge someone, right?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "As long as you don''t overdo it," Catheya smiled. "Just break through their defenses, hitting weaknesses if possible. You can lightly maim, but what''s the point if it''s just strangers and for Mana?"


    Zac nodded in agreement before shing over to a human wearing a dress sparkling like diamonds. She wasn''t hiding her aura and was clearly a notch stronger than the average first-echelon cultivator. Of course, that didn''t matter to someone like Zac, especially after hearing that the Barriers weren''t as strong when you fought through the proper channels. Instead of 80%, you''d only see a 50% reduction.


    "You," Zac said, calmly looking at the youthful woman. "I challenge you."


    The woman glowered at Zac, her expression indicating she had neither been through ten duels this month nor one recently.


    "I ept. But I pick with skills."


    Zac nced at Catheya, who helplessly smiled. "The defender can pick either a real duel with skills or a martial duel like I did. Most want to fight with their energy unlocked because they find it easier to defend against a challenge with ess to their skills."


    "Alright," Zac nodded, and the two walked over to the closest dueling circle.


    "Listen to your wife. This time, don''t kill," Null entreated. "I don''t want you getting kicked out on the first day."


    "She''s not actually my wife," Zac said. "So, I can just start?"


    "In a bit," Null answered. "You''ll see when."


    At first, Zac didn''t understand what Null was talking about, but his eyes widened slightly as his vision shifted. The surroundings were muted, including onlookers and storefronts. Only the duel circle was fully lit, creating an illusion there were only the two of them in the area. A ss-like barrier split the arena in two to divide them, and a star-shaped pattern appeared above his opponent''s head.


    It was definitely a blueprint, and Zac saw his own float above his head when looking up. It was clear what the Perennial Vastness was looking for in these bouts. It didn''t care about exchanging pointers or settling grudges. The Perennial Vastness wanted to pinpoint and remove imperfections from Cosmic Core Blueprints.


    Many, including Zac himself, found enlightenment during battle, even more so than when visiting special cultivation grounds. That was probably why the Perennial Vastness had arranged this kind of ruleset. A sh might shake loose some ideas and epiphanies, leading to better Cosmic Cores.


    Why the Perennial Vastness cared about some D-grade blueprints, Zac had no idea. He guessed it was part of arger effort to unravel the secrets of the Grand Daos, simr to what the System arranged during the Twilight Ascent. The quest back then was to "Perfect the Tapestry of Twilight," with various actions furthering that goal.


    In a way, you could look at the Perennial Vastness and the Twilight Oceans as experiments by the System. Only one focused on a specific path, while the Perennial Vastness seemed to look at the Dao as a whole. Perhaps that was the case with most trials controlled by the System.


    Zac shook his head, focusing on the battle at hand. There was a short grace period where he could observe his opponent''s core without any distractions. His opponent''s expression was pretty weird as her face alternated between tion and suspicion. Zac inwardlyughed, realizing she was trying to make heads or tails of his unique blueprint.


    The grace periodsted ten more seconds before the transparent wall between them disappeared. The duel had begun. Zac''s opponent hadn''t figured out the meaning of his blueprint or his path, but she still rushed forward as a shroud of stars covered her. She had opted to go on the offensive from the get-go.


    Zac didn''t have the same problem as his opponent. There were no mysteries to the two Daos making up the woman''s path or blueprint. She cultivated two Daos, with the Dao of Stars taking the lead. It belonged to the Ster Peak, also called the Unattuned Peak, because it governed most of the basic Daos of energy. The Ster Peak didn''t specifically refer to stars, but stars were included in the list of Ster Objects that generated the Cosmic Energyster absorbed.


    But the peak also included all kinds of mysterious things, such as the odd rivers through space he''d seen in his Bloodline Vision. There were even whole feeder dimensions that fed the main dimensions terrifying amounts of Cosmic and Attuned Energies through the void. Still, normal stars were the mostmon Ster Objects, and also what his opponent''s Dao was fashioned after.


    However, her Dao was nothing like the path of Ventus, the Radiant Temple elite he met in the Twilight Ocean. The calctive elf hadbined Star Patterns with the Dao of Numerology into some sort of Astrology that actually worked. In contrast, the Ster Mage in front of him had fused her Dao of Stars with a Dao from the Peak of Impetus��the peak governing emotions and desires.


    The Dao of Wrath.


    Zac had never seen a fusion like this before since she was abatant rather than something like a Hexer or Mentalist. It was extremely rare to see Daos belonging to the Peak of Impetus in the Frontier. The only one he knew with such a Dao was Vri, who had been influenced by the Crown of Despair inheritance.


    There were no weaker or stronger Daos, but it was harder to get direct results on some paths than on others. It was like how most of thebatants on Earth leaned toward warrior sses like himself. Intelligence-based mages weren''t asmon since they only hit their stride in the D-grade.


    That was fine for a high-grade established force, but not for weaker ces on the Frontier where Hegemons was a rarity. The same was most likely true with Daos. Some, like the Peak of Conflict, helped you increase your lethality from day one. But the Dao of Order or Impetus? The Dao Seeds and Fragments that made up such paths might not be very useful in early-gradebat.


    Abat-oriented Cultivator might not dare delve into a Dao, even if they knew they had a high affinity for it. Neither would many forces want to incorporate them into their heritages since they wanted immediate results for their armies.


    Clearly, the woman in front of him hadn''t let herself be limited like that. Her Starry Dao was a Middle Dao Branch, supported by an Early Branch of Wrath. Together, they formed a shimmering shroud that continued to spread through the arena. It almost seemed like she had be the Old Heavens, bing a force of nature with an inherent desire to destroy everything.


    Her eyes glowed with manic light as her hands became beacons of destruction. Even the sky above darkened as an overbearing domain spread from her body.


    Zac wasn''t worried as he walked forward��he was ted. His duel with Iz had showcased one of his most critical weaknesses; hiscking experience against the unconventional paths and means Multiverse Hearnd elites may have. Even the cultivators inside the Orom were almost exclusively from Frontier Sectors or adjacent factions.


    Conversely, the guests in the Perennial Vastness were talents from every corner of the Multiverse, including the huge ancient factions at its core. Catheya had estimated that no more than 10% of the guests came from the Frontier in this ce. Now, his very first real opponent showcased a skillset and pathpletely new to him.


    This was not just a ce to form his core. It was a perfect training ground where he could broaden his horizons.

 Chapter 987 - That He May Grow Arrogant

    Zac''s bones groaned under the burgeoning pressure as the ster wrath of his opponent consumed the whole arena. Her radiant shroud had already spread to the very edges of the arena, and the blue sky had been turned into a star-spangled ck. But it in no way resembled a calm summer''s night. Instead, the lights felt like barely contained congrations holding the wrath of the Heavens.


    The chains of [Love''s Bond] were already dancing around him, but their dance of Inexorable Death wasn''t enough to push back the environment his opponent had created. This wasn''t the result of a skill, or Mana, for that matter. This was a true Domain, a path simr to Dao Intent where one elevated their natural Dao Field through various means.


    With a powerful Domain, you''d have a home-field advantage in any environment. And Zac could tell his Dao Fields would be torn apart if he tried to fight fire with fire. Zac didn''t know the exact numbers, but he suspected the Domain strengthened his opponent''s skills by at least 20% as a Cultivation Manual would. Simultaneously, he felt his energy a bit turbid, though he could overpower it with his superior Daos and Attributes.


    Soon, stars conjured by a skill joined the glimmering firmament, and they fell at him like a meteor shower. The scene was just as impressive as some of the Hegemons he''d fought, and Zac immediately discarded a fleeting idea to win without using any skills. His defenses had gained a huge boost after upgrading his two Dao Branchesst month, but that didn''t mean he could just take a falling star to the face.


    Four small skeletons appeared behind Zac''s back as aplex sigil appeared beneath his feet. It looked like a five-meter-wide summoning circle leading to the deepest recesses of theherworld, and dense plumes of death rose around him. Simultaneously, an oppressively dark coffin appeared above his head, and the arena shook when the first stars mmed into them.


    By this point, Zac was already running, the rune beneath him seemingly tethered to his body. The Ster Mage mage was slightly disadvantaged by the limited size of the arena. She seemed more suited forrge-scale destruction, much like Zac''s human side. Still, it was like Zac tried to force his way through a Heavenly Tribtion as stars exploded all around him.


    It took just a second for Zac to reach his target. But by that point, she disappeared in a sh of light, leaving a copsing star in her ce. It imploded almost instantly, but a swirl of darkness swallowed it and deposited it right where he felt a hint of life in the madness. A pained and enraged scream echoed from the other side, and Zac was upon her a momentter, his chains forming an inescapable.


    The Ster Mage didn''t try to back away again, instead wing straight at him with her glowing hands. It looked like she was about to rip apart the fabric of reality, and the light was blinding. Yet Zac wasn''t phased in the slightest as Death and Conflict fused into his axe, cutting straight at the w.


    A sudden beam shot out from the mage''s other hand, giving Zac no chance to dodge. However, the moment it pierced into his barrier, it lost some of its radiance and speed. Za narrowly had time to channel some Dao into his free hand and crush the light in his palm. Simultaneously, his axe mmed into her attack, and her fiery eyes widened in rm at his monstrous Strength.


    Her momentum was instantly crushed by superior force, and her defenses were broken wide open. Zac was already following up on the strike, his free hand piercing forward like a scythe, cutting upward from her waist toward her neck. Her instincts were solid, and she was already moving to divert his attack.


    However, the pathbound barrier failed the Ster Magepletely, and Zac''s hand was barely impeded on its approach. A momentter, his fingers stopped right at her throat, barely piercing her skin. Zac prepared to stop any follow-up attack, but a powerful force pushed him back as his vision shifted, once more returning to normal, where the surroundings were in in view.


    The duel was over.


    Zac had won after taking advantage of what had felt like a huge loophole. Having driven himself almost mad trying to fuse Life and Death, Zac had ample experience trying to fuse two different concepts. And with the fundamental understanding of patterns imparted by Ultom, Zac could tell the Ster Mage''s fusion of concepts was wed in a few spots, even if they looked okay on the surface.


    If she formed a core following that pattern without fixing those issues first, she would lose almost 20% of her maximum energy capacity, and issues would crop up when drawingrge amounts of energy. Actually, the loophole this Ster Mage had was far worse than the weakness of the man Zac executed earlier.


    With the fight over, all the skills had been forcibly canceled by the arena, and any hints of their battle were already gone. Zac didn''t care, more focused on his Status Screen.


    [Mana: 2,146]


    Zac had 1,978 Mana after his earlier transgression, which meant he''d gained 100 Mana from winning, and another 68 Mana for pointing out the critical weakness in her blueprint. It was an unusually high bounty, ording to Catheya, who mentioned that most bounties were below 20 points. Zac wasn''t surprised, considering how much it''d affect her future core.


    Upon closing his Status Screen, Zac noticed the girl was looking at him oddly, or rather ring at him with a fiery look.


    "What? Not convinced?" Zac said.


    "I don''t understand. Your core was riddled with weaknesses. I was sure I hit a weak spot on your pattern before you defeated me. Yet I didn''t get a single point of Mana in return. What in the Heavens is going on?!"


    A small smile spread across Zac''s face upon seeing the Ster Mage''s perplexed and frustrated expression. Just as expected, his blueprint looked weird to an outsider. Lord Engo immediately understood what was going on, recognizing that his Daos were held together by the concepts of the Void and simultaneously existed in two states.


    But what about a normal E-grade cultivator, especially one unfamiliar with his path? His blueprint must look like the crude scribblings of a fool, full of weaknesses. It was a far cry from reality, where the esoteric concepts of his core were validated by an Eternal Heritage.


    Truthfully, his Void Core Blueprint could probably be somewhat improved now that he had advanced two of his Dao Branches. But that was just some small adjustments to incorporate the most recent gain, nothing like the loopholes he''d sensed in the fusion between Wrath and Stars.


    "You might have just missed them," Zac smiled.


    The girl clearly didn''t buy the excuse, and it looked like she would explode for a moment. Zac briefly wondered if cultivating an emotion like wrath was like having a Splinter of Oblivion. But she took a steadying breath, and profound tranquility returned to her eyes as she bowed at him.


    "Well, thank you for your leniency and for pointing out such a critical weakness. I''ve been here three years, yet this is the first time someone''s noticed anything amiss with my solution."


    Zac felt a bit odd being thanked for snatching her Mana, but he guessed it made sense. What was a few hundred Mana in the face of the chance to improve their Cosmic Core? It was just another Mission or a few months of umting the beginner''s monthly stipend.


    "Mh," Zac nodded and walked back toward Catheya, who was waiting outside the barrier.


    "I was hoping I''d get to see some of your real strength this time," Catheya said with some helplessness. "I thought I''d made a lot of improvements over the years, but I can''t even tell what level you''ve reached. I can''t believe that girl only managed to force a single defensive skill out of you."


    "Just lucky I found a pretty big weakness," Zac smiled, turning to Ogras, or rather Catheya''s shadows. "Why not challenge that girl as well? Her path is quite interesting. And since she cultivates wrath, she might say yes out of anger."


    "It''s tempting, but she seems to have calmed down already," Ogras answered. "Besides, she seems like a troublesome opponent for me. It''s hard to hide in shadows when stars illuminate the whole arena. Let''s split up for now so we can cover more ground. I need to target the easier prey before their duels are imed."


    "Not everyone can be so carefree," Catheya agreed, ncing at Zac. "You should probably not be so overbearing, easily overpowering the enemy in a few seconds. Sometimes, onlookers might feel they can beat you and challenge you right after winning. But that won''t happen with a performance like that."


    "Hm," Zac muttered, having alreadye to a decision. "Can I disy my blueprint without entering a duel? Like an invitation for people to challenge me?"


    "Sure, just ask your guide," Catheya nodded, and Zac''s Trinity Core appeared in the air a momentter.


    "What the hell is that?" Ogras blurted, while Catheya''s mouth opened as she nkly stared at his blueprint.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Their reactions were just like the Ster Mage''s, and Zac immediately felt his idea would work.


    "Draugr! I challenge you!" a shout reached them before Zac could say another word.


    Zac turned around and found a green-scaled humanoid running over, looking at him like he''d won the lottery. He''d clearly missed the fight just now, thinking Zac was a weakling judging by the core.


    "Alright," Zac nodded solemnly, though he was inwardlyughing. "Here is fine."


    This was exactly why he''d wanted to showcase his blueprint. What could be better bait to get some challenges than a core full of apparent weaknesses? This way, he might be able to pass the limit of the ten monthly challenges. Catheya had already confirmed that if you were the one getting challenged, you''d still get the full amount of Mana from winning, no matter how many battles you fought.


    That was the reason why she pretended to be weak earlier; she''d already made sure to fill up her monthly quota of duels and then used the Grand Firmament Coalition to make some extra money. He had to admit, it was a great scheme, and he even felt a bit bad ruining it for her.


    "A martial duel? Great, great!" the bulky warrior grinned as two cudgels appeared in his hands.


    Zac smiled as the warrior''s core lit up above his head while the surroundings faded once more, this time in a much smaller area. Unfortunately, this time Zac didn''t see any weakness as critical as the one in the Ster Mage''s schematic. Some sections felt slightly weird, though Zac couldn''t pinpoint why.


    That was fine, though. Not everyone would have easily exploitable weaknesses, and it was good to see what kind of bounty, if any, this kind of imperfection held. The wall parted a few secondster, and the melee cultivator rushed forward, his two cudgels radiating an immense light. It seemed as though he had attached two neutron stars to their heads.


    Zac immediately guessed he cultivated toward the Peak of Taiji, which governed Light, Darkness, and Gravity. It wasn''t as rare a path as the Peak of Impetus in the Frontier. For example, Ilvere''s Fragment of Momentum belonged to this peak, as did Ogras''s shadowy Dao. However, this was the first time Zac saw abination of Light and Gravity in what seemed to be another Dual Branch-setup.


    Light shed with the ck of death as Zac activated his Inexorable Stance, his two Daos already coursing through the framework of [Thousand Lights Avatar]. He became one with his path, his strikes filled with suffocating pressure. However, he didn''t go all out, only barely fighting at the skill level of the Early Integration Technique.


    Since he was holding back, Zac only managed to seize the advantage after a minute of furious shes. The radiant force of the cudgels had be restrained at every side. The warrior desperately tried to break out, but chains were everywhere. Death was everywhere. Even pure light could die and be winked out, just like stars eventually running out of fuel.


    It might have looked like an even match, but the warrior kept falling just short of striking Zac''s barrier. This, too, was by design. Truthfully, it was even harder to control the fight to this degree than iming a clean victory. Eventually, Zac felt enough time had passed and "seized an opening" to end the fight. He was pushed back by the invisible force, confirming the duel was over.


    "What the��" the warrior swore, looking like a windfall had slipped right through his fingers. "Do you dare fight me again, but with skills?!"


    "I dare not," Zac smiled, ignoring the challenge since you couldn''t farm Mana from the same person repeatedly.


    He''d already gotten 100 Mana for his win and another 12 for piercing a small weakness. This man wasn''t as thankful as the Ster Mage, though. He probably thought he''d get a huge bounty by pointing out several ring weaknesses in his blueprint, but he didn''t even get the chance to strike at them.


    "You better hope I don''t run into you in the wild," the warrior growled before stomping away.


    "Sorry about that," Zac smiled as he walked back to Catheya, who still looked at his core with shock in her eyes.


    "You really did it��?" Catheya whispered before she looked at Zac hesitantly. "But it looks so��"


    "Ugly," Ogras added from the shadows.


    "It''s not as bad as it looks," Zacughed. "It incorporates some pretty umon theories that make it look weird. You can challenge me if you want to test it out."


    "How would I beat you? I''d just be giving up my Mana like that guy just now," Catheya snorted before looking at Zac. "Does it really work? Have you fused Life and Death in one core?"


    "You knew?" Zac smiled. "That forming a Life-Death core technically is impossible?"


    "I-"Catheya hesitated.


    "It''s fine," Zac shrugged. "I''ve known for a while those elders have tried to steer me toward Death, thinking I can''t get both. Luckily, the inspiration of that ce showed me a path."


    "Heaven''s favored son," Ogras swore. "You reach a bottleneck, and an ancient inheritance pops up from the depths of the void."


    "Something like that," Zac smiled, but his grin died down upon seeing Catheya''s crestfallen look. "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m sorry. I was forbidden from mentioning it, but I always hoped you could prove convention wrong," she whispered. "I keep failing you."


    "What are you talking about?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "Few have helped me and my cultivation as much as you have, to the point you could be considered half a teacher. You have no reason to feel bad."


    Catheya smiled, but her brows soon furrowed again. "But what if it��"


    "Then I''ll deal with it as ites," Zac shrugged. "I''m not nning for failure at this point."


    "So it''s an impossible core," Ogras muttered. "No wonder you had to spend ake''s worth of water and a full epiphany on that thing. I don''t understand it at all, but I can tell it''s incrediblyplicated."


    "It should work," Zac nodded. "It''ll just be a pain in the ass to create. I''ll probably have to get a lot of Mana to��"


    "Excuse me, Sir, I would request to exchange pointers," a voice suddenly interjected.


    "Alright," Zac smiled, turning around to see a cultivator wearing flowing robes and holding a stone urn.


    "Disgusting," Ogras swore. "People stick to him like flies to dung because of that messed-up core. I''ll catch up with you twoter. Some of us have to work for a living."


    "Thank god I''vepleted my duels already," Catheya agreed. "I''ll just watch to see how this pans out."


    Forty minutester, Zac had regained all his lost Mana and more. Attracted by his ugly blueprint, 21 warriors had challenged him as he and Catheya leisurely walked from street to street. Zac handled them all the same; a duel without skills where he narrowly won, and the opponent just barely failed to hit his supposed weaknesses.


    Catheya looked like a proud parent upon seeing Zac use her scheme to scam people out of their Mana. Unfortunately, Zac knew he couldn''t pull something like this forever. Sooner orter, rumors would spread about his weird core and the fact no one managed to even hit him, let alone defeat him.


    He still worked quite hard to make sure as few as possible realized there weren''t any real weaknesses to his core. After all, some might think the bounties still were there, but his in-fighting technique was too good. That way, people mighte for him in the Orange and Red Zones in the future, hoping to rely on their skills or perhaps numbers to defeat him and recoup their losses.


    For now, Zac wanted to keep getting challenged until word got out, making use of the steadily increasing foot traffic toward the mission center. But just as a 22nd target was about to take the bait, the people on the street suddenly stopped in their tracks and looked around. Zac was the same, as he''d just heard a bell go off in his mind.


    "A global message," Null said. "Want me to y it?"


    "y it," Zac said.


    ''Beware, fellow guests of the Perennial Vastness! There is a devious neer in our midst. The name of this undead Draugr is unknown. But in the few hours since arriving, he has callously murdered another guest on the streets of Vastness City. He has also created an intentionally crude blueprint and is using it to trick people into duels.''


    ''Do not fall for it! His attributes are extremely high, and he''s estimated to have entered the Integration Stage of techniques. Few first-echelon cultivators are his match in a pure martial sh.''


    And just like that, Zac saw his money-making scheme reach a premature end.

 Chapter 988 - Sinners Lament

    "What the hell!" Zac swore, feeling he''d just lost his winning ticket as he red at Null on his arm. "Did you guys do this?!"


    "It wasn''t us," Null said. "High-echelon cultivators can send global messages for 3,000 Mana. Looks like you really annoyed someone."


    "Someone wasted 3,000 Mana just to ruin my n?" Zac eximed. "Was it those Grand Firmament guys?"


    "Sender is anonymous, and the voice you heard is randomized," Null giggled. "If you want to know, you just have to be a fifth-echelon guest and pay 3,000 Mana for the information."


    Zac couldn''t help butugh at the shamelessness of the guides and the Perennial Vastness. They were really willing to mize everything. Still, considering the message listed his killing of that guy earlier, the odds of it being the Grand Firmament Coalition. Unfortunately, he couldn''t do much now that the secret had been spilled, but he didn''t deactivate his blueprint projection.


    Not everyone bothered with the message, and there was nock of obstinate people believing themselves infallible among cultivators. Unfortunately, the elemental who had just approached him was not one of these people. Itughed a bit and left after bowing in Zac''s direction.


    "Just my luck," Zac muttered as he walked over to Catheya, who had followed him the whole way.


    "Not satisfied?" Catheya asked with a scrunched-up face as Zac stopped projecting his core. "You''ve probably earned more Mana over the past hour than I have since arriving. I just want to lie down and nurse my wounded pride."


    "You look a lot like Ogras right now," Zacughed.


    "His heart must be as tempered as those baldies by this point, having to travel next to you all the time," Catheya said with a helpless shake of her head. "So, how much did you earn in your little caper?"


    Zac opened his status screen, and a smile spread across his face upon seeing his updated value.


    [Mana: 4,621]


    It wasn''t quite what he''d expected after hatching his scheme, but it was far more than the 1,000 he had been hoping to get before fetching a mission. The problem was that he only managed to find weaknesses in two-thirds of the people he fought. And some had such small issues that he didn''t get a bounty for exposing them, though he might have sometimes found problems where there were none.


    Conversely, some of the issues were incredibly problematic to his eyes, yet the opponents always seemed gobsmacked at being charged over 50 Mana for a blueprint bounty. In fact, almost half of his 263 points in Bounties came from just three challenges. The truth of Ultom had clearly ingrained him with a unique understanding slightly different than the theories based on the Apostate of Order.


    It allowed him to see things others couldn''t, though he usually operated on instincts. It was rare he had a clear understanding of someone''s issues like he had with the Ster Mage. Mostly it was just a vague notion something would go wrong if forming a core that way.


    More interestingly, it wasn''t always he managed to see a weakness right away. As warriors channeled their Daos or rotated their Cosmic Energy through their bodies, the patterns subtly changed on their barriers. It was like a sort of stress test of their blueprint, and Zac suspected even more loopholes would appear when fighting proper battles with skills.


    "Not much, I earned just under 2,400 Mana," Zac said with a studious nonchnce, though he couldn''t stop his smile from widening upon seeing Catheya''s face almost copse.


    "Let''s just go to find your shadow," Catheya sighed. "You''ve had your fun, and the missions will be released in less than twenty minutes. At least you can distract the others while the other one and I snatch a good task."


    "Sounds good," Zac smiled.


    The two continued toward therge building Zac had already spotted long ago. It was far bigger than the quaint storefronts around them, looking like arge blue cylinder without windows. Inside was the mission center, though it sounded much more chaotic than the Void Gate''s base, where he first signed up for the Void Star mission.


    The two didn''t particrly try to look for Ogras��two Draugr reeking of death in a town full of the living stood out. It had been an eye-opening experience walking under the guise of an Undead Empire imperial in this ce. At least one-third showed open hostility upon seeing him and Catheya. They would probably have been ganged up on if not for the rules in ce.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Catheya had also received a couple of challenges, mostly based on her origin. Catheya epted three, winning two and losing one, providing her with a small source of revenue. Their affiliation was quite convenient in that way for the two of them, though Zac suspected things weren''t as fun for the weaker Revenants.


    He hadn''t seen a single one on the streets so far, though he''d seen three members of the Eternal n in the distance. Apparently, they arrived together twelve years ago and showed no inclination to mix with the other undead races. That was fine with Zac, though he made a mental note to watch out, just in case.


    Ultimately, his sh with Uona was barely a blip on the radar for a massive force like the Eternal n. It was probably written off as a failed investment for Noz''Vdir before they moved on with their lives.


    "Looks like you''ve had a lot of fun," Ogras'' voice suddenly echoed out of nowhere. "A bit too fun, apparently."


    "Well, what can you do?" Zac smiled. "How did it go on your end?"


    "I ran around like a madman, scanning the crowd for people to challenge. Managed to get six wins and four losses," Ogras said. "Shame my guide won''t allow me to use the g."


    Zac was a bit surprised. Ogras hade a long way from the unimpressive scion he met during the integration, but the people here were no pushovers. Zac had won over twenty matches in a row, but he was almost cheating thanks to his Middle Integration Stage Technique and monstrous raw attributes. The only ones who could put up a fight were those who had techniques of their own or simr advantages like Dao Intent.


    As far as Zac knew, Ogras hadn''t developed anything special except for his Body Tempering. So to eke out six victories out of ten as a neer, and without his Taboo Weapon, was an incredible result, even if it only provided a benefit of around 200 Mana.


    "Good job. You didn''t happen to hear anything about who might have sent out the message?" Zac asked.


    "Nothing definitive. But the leader of the Grand Firmament Coalition, Nerven Serku, is the most likely suspect. Maybe it''s about saving face in front of his subordinates. The organization is bound to copse if you just let your people get killed while looking the other way."��


    "Sorry, I might have created a grudge against you right out the gates," Catheya sighed.


    "That''s fine. They''re the ones who messed with us first. Besides, it might be for the best. If I can get the whole coalition to hunt me down, I''ll make a lot of Mana."


    "I guess that''s true," Catheyaughed. "But remember, no fighting inside the Mission Hall, or you''ll be ejected. Some people will be there just to annoy and distract people. Don''t bite. Eyes on the prize."


    "I got it," Zac nodded, and the two entered the building from one of the many entrances.


    There were no receptions, mission boards, or information crystals inside. There wasn''t much of anything. The cylinder-shaped building was almostpletely hollow, a room with a diameter of 50 meters running all the way to the ceiling. Across its inner walls, there were dozens of levels of walkways, with hundreds of small balconies jutting out a meter or two.


    There were thousands of small glowing bubbles floating in the air in the center. They were the left-over quests that hadn''t been taken since the previous release. Most of them shone with an orange light, while there was an even mix between red and green. There were far more green quests than red, but less than half of the monthly red quests were imed. They were simply too dangerous.


    Curious about the missions, Zac focused on a random green bubble.


    [Green Mission: Weeding out the Gerorin Forest. Daily Sry: 22 Mana. Remove a minimum of 150 Materia-attuned weeds a day to receive a sry.]


    ''What does staying in Gerorin Forest cost?'' Zac inwardly asked.


    "12 Mana a day, but you can visit that ce ten days for free," Null answered. "You also get to keep the herbs, but the chance of finding something worthwhile is pretty low."


    In other words, the quest provided 10 Mana of profits daily, provided you managed to reach the quota every day. Even if you seeded, it was a far cry from Catheya''s 1000 Mana profits in 18 days. Still, it could provide 300 Mana a month. If youpleted these kinds of quests for three decades, you would have umted over 100,000 Mana.


    "Disy the quest," Zac said, prompting Catheya to look over curiously.


    "How hard is it to reach a quota like this?" Zac asked.


    "It''s harder than it sounds," Catheya said. "If you don''t have some advantage that can help, from herbal knowledge to an elemental-based Dao, you might not make any Mana. And it''s not just finding the herbs. Most likely, they''ll be guarded by Beast Kings of varying strengths. If you get wounded, you might fail to meet the quota for days while having to pay the entrance fee."


    Zac nodded in understanding as he released the quest. Nothing came for free in the Perennial Vastness, and even the weakest cultivators in this ce were powerful elites. Green quests didn''t mean easy, just easier than the others. Catheya hadn''t made a big deal about the quest she mentioned, but those cier critters had most likely been extremely deadly. Just withstanding the environment would be a struggle for someone without an Ice-attuned Dao.


    He hadn''t realized it before. But if the quest was so profitable, why wouldn''t Catheya have stayed for the full month instead of leaving after just 18 days? She had most likely been pushed to her limits or wounded and forced to leave the dangerous environment.


    "Let''s find a spot," Catheya said, leading Zac up a set of stairs until they were roughly midway up the walls.


    More than two-thirds of the balconies were already imed, while some people were content staying at the railing of the walkways. The balconies provided nominally better positions, but many felt it was not worth getting into a dispute over. There was ultimately a strong element of chance for the mission release.


    Catheya and Zac imed one of the balconies while he spotted Ogras appear on the opposite side of the building. They were still connected through a string of shadows, allowing them to converse freely. It was a benefit brought by his weird constitution, where the shadows could be considered part of his body.


    "If you see something interesting, immediately reserve it," Catheya reminded. "You have thirty seconds to decide whether to take it or not. If not, just give it up before the 30 seconds are up. You can only have one mission active at a time."


    "Got it," Zac said.


    There was no way to prepare for the mission release. Everyone just stood waiting, looking out across therge empty room. The conversations eventually died down as the lingering quests fromst month faded away. Another minute passed, and Zac looked on with anticipation as the ambient energy grew.


    Suddenly, a bolt of golden lightning, followed by utter chaos.


    A typhoon of innumerable glowing balls had appeared out of nowhere like a storm trapped in a bottle. They swirled around in the central region of the mission hall, their rapid movements so erratic it was often hard to even make out the color of individual tasks. The only clue was the weak hint of various Daos you could feel when focusing on certain regions. No wonder Catheya managed to snatch a valuable quest before a whole coalition. In the face of such chaos, there were no guarantees, even if you knew about the quest.


    Zac felt like he was inside one of those cash games where people tried to grab onto as many bills as they could in a limited timeframe. His gaze flitted back and forth, trying to find an orange light that resonated with his Daos. He was somewhat confident inpleting suitable Red Missions from the get-go. But those required either perfect alignment, a lot of helpers, or massive stores of Mana.


    If you had none of those, you''d be courting death in such a ce. Even if you didn''t get yourself killed or wounded, you''d still have an extremely hard timepleting the quest, meaning you''d probably lose thousands of Mana.


    The three of them nned on taking on a quest together to work on their cooperation and get the hang of things. A Red Mission was out of the question because they all had different paths. It would be better if they waited until they reached the middle echelons before taking such risks together.


    Zac finally sensed something promising in the storm. Something emitted hints of ice and some illusory Dao. Such a quest would mesh with Catheya and Ogras while letting him get a taste of the dangers in an unfriendly Orange Zone. But before localizing the specific quest bubble, Zac suddenly heard an incredibly loud bang behind him, followed by a blinding sh that inundated him in the Dao of Light.


    It was just for a moment, yet he lost track of the wisp of Dao in the chaotic storm. Zac swore with annoyance, ncing back at two men who had positioned themselves right behind their balcony. One held a cymbal in his hand, while the other held amp that was the source of the strobe-like light drowning their balcony.


    They clearly weren''t there to get a mission but to ruin the hunt of others. And they weren''t alone. The Mission Hall had be a madhouse where all senses were assaulted. Some factions even had guards that physically blocked their surroundings to lessen themotion for those looking for suitable missions.


    "I''ll remember your faces," Zac snorted.


    "Too bad they''re fake ones, you rotting bastard," the man snickered, once more mming the cymbal.


    "Ignore them," Catheya said.


    ''I have something,'' Ogras suddenly said from within the shadows. ''Orange bounty eradication quest. Some ancient burial site called Sinner''s Lament. Lightning and Darkness, with Death creeping up from the ground. Decent rewards from what I can tell.''


    Zac felt it sounded even better than the one he had just lost out on, but he first nced at Catheya, who nodded. "Sounds good. No orange quests have bad rewards, and bounty eradication quests are quite popr since they mostly rely on martial strength. It should be a suitable first mission."


    "Take it," Zac said.


    Two secondster, Null spoke up as a mission prompt appeared in front of him. "You have a mission invitation from guest Ogras."


    [Orange Mission: Destroy the Cursed Mounds of Sinner''s Lament. Bounty: 300 Mana per destroyed Mound. Mounds are considered destroyed when the Sinner''s Nucleus is crushed. Maximum Participants: 10.]


    "ept," Zac said, and he was surprised to sense the mission''s Dao aura from his bracelet.


    "It''s to breed some conflict. If people sense the auras, they might figure out where we''re going," Catheya exined upon seeing Zac''s reaction. "Alright, let''s get out of here. Our two friends here are giving me a headache."


    Zac wanted to do something against the two agitators, but he didn''t dare create another mess. However, he felt a frigid cold emanate from Catheya as she passed the two disruptors.


    "The years are long, and the two of you are at the bottom of the totem pole," Catheya smiled. "Watch your backs."


    With that, they left the mission hall, and Zac saw a stream of people leaving. Many likely rushed toward the teleporters to get out of the city before their grace period ended. Others wanted to be gone before too many people recorded the aura lingering on their wrists.


    Zac didn''t much care. He weed low-echelon cultivators hunting him down in the Sinner''s Lament. Time was limited, and the more free Mana he could get, the better.


    "Before we head out, I need to deal with something," Ogras''s voice suddenly appeared.


    "What?" Zac said with confusion.


    ''I didn''t break through my Body Tempering Method when I got the creature from that Umbra bastard. It''s sealed, but I can''t keep it for much longer now that it has been taken out of suspended animation," Ogras exined. ''I need three days.''


    Zac nodded, realizing Ogras had the same ns as he; to umte breakthroughs for free contribution points.


    "Let''s meet up in three days, then," Zac said, drawing a surprised look from Catheya. "If you need me, I''ll stick around in Vastness City a while longer."


    "You''re nning on scamming some more people?" Ograsughed. "In a ce like this, there''s bound to be people taking that message as a challenge. Have fun, I''ll use a few of my trial visits to get a feel of the dangers while dealing with my matter."


    Ogras was right on the money. The notice had harmed his business, but the days around the mission release were the liveliest. It would be a shame to just give up on all that free Mana.


    "What about you?" Zac asked, ncing at Catheya.


    "I''ve already expended all my trial visits," Catheya slowly said. "If it''s just three days, I''ll apany you. Maybe you can take a look at my core as well? I formed my blueprint bybining my n''s heritage with the truths of that ce, but I may have missed something."


    "Of course," Zac agreed. "But I''m just going by instinct when I find weaknesses. I doubt I could exin even if I found something."


    "Just knowing there''s a problem is enough," Catheya said, locking her arm in Zac''s. "Why don''t we take a stroll through the market district? It''s one of the livelier ces this time of the month. You can''t duel there, but there are arenas right outside. If you showcase your blueprint, you can lure a few people out of the safe zone."


    "I''ll go stab something in the wilderness," Ogras muttered. "I''m afraid I''ll go crazy over the unjust treatment of the Heavens otherwise."


    "Alright," Zac smiled. "To the Market."

 Chapter 989 - Small Actions

    Zac didn''t know whether he should be happy or disappointed after having toured Vastness City for three days. Altogether, he''d managed to attract 38 challenges, just 17 more than he received in an hour before the warning went out. And only 4 of those were on the third day.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Certainly, the global message warned of a Draugr, meaning he could always turn into his human form and continue. But Zac wasn''t in a hurry. Vastness City had quickly been vacated in the first hours after the missions dropped. A few cultivators had arrived an hour or two after the initial mission release, aiming to get a second pick before the missions were released to the manors across the whole realm.


    But they weren''t enough to waste such a good opportunity on. People who didn''t even darepete for the missions weren''t too likely to challenge strangers out of the blue. Better save that scheme until the next mission release, when the streets were full of people again. He''d probably be a second-echelon cultivator by then, but he could always spend some Mana to get sent back to the first.


    One interesting thing about the past three days was that only two of his challengers hadn''t read the notice. The rest of the challenges came from cultivators confident in their strength, who didn''t care about 100 Mana. For them, the announcement was marketing rather than a warning. They appeared more interested in the fact he hadn''t lost a single martial duel than they were in iming bounties.


    Everyone wanted to be the first to defeat Zac''s Inexorable Stance or at leastnd a solid blow. Half of the challengers actually got close, and Zac didn''t have to pretend to be weak. Ten of the challengers had entered the Integration Stage themselves, though only one had reached Middle Proficiency. Most of the remaining challengers had other advantages, ranging from intent and domains to powerful constitutions.


    However, not one could match up to him in raw attributes, giving Zac an edge in most fights. This wasn''t the Orom World, where people''s attributes were equalized.


    A few cultivators moonlighting as information merchants had long since started following him, recording the fights to be soldter. As such, people got a better understanding of where his ceilingsy, and the challengers grew more powerful. And after three days, Zac had finally encountered someone capable of pushing him to his limits.


    Zac wasn''t sure if the woman in front of him was a golem or a humanoid with stone-like skin. She almost looked like a marble statue, with mysterious grey patterns covering her muscr, exposed arms. Of course, Zac had no time to figure out any hidden meaning within, considering he was busy just withstanding her unrelenting barrage.


    The woman was a spear wielder, and Zac felt like he was trapped in the middle of a hurricane as he furiously rebuffed swipes, stabs, and ms. Not even the chains of [Love''s Bond] were enough to seize the momentum, forcing Zac to y by his opponent''s rules until he found an opportunity to turn the tides.


    Even if their Daos, paths, and weapons differed, Zac felt connected to his opponent. They both were infighters focusing on Strength. Both had three daos, of which conflict was one. Both had reached Middle Proficiency in their Integration Stage Technique. Zac even suspected she cultivated a constitution to match his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    There was one difference, though. While Zac had an attribute advantage, his opponent had one more card up her sleeve. Intent. She had actually mastered both a pathbound technique and Dao Intent, which proved to be an incredibly difficultbo to deal with.


    Something like that was normally impossible. Both were expressions of Dao, based on how you looked at the truths of the universe and rted them to yourself. Some internalized the Dao, bing one with it. These people embarked on paths such as Techniques and Harmonization. Others saw it as something external to be controlled, leading to Dao Intent or Domains.


    Neither path was better or worse than the other. It was more a matter of affinity and personality. But to have both was almost a paradox akin to his being both living and undead.


    Each attack of hers contained overpowering intent, and Zac couldn''t find any weaknesses to exploit. The only reason he hadn''t been overpowered even after 9 minutes was because her intent wasn''t as developed as her technique. He could barely maintain equilibrium thanks to his superior attribute pool, though his opponent had already pierced his supposed weaknesses a few times.


    Since his supposed loopholes were actually solid, her attacks had all been weakened to the point Zac could turn the situation around. But the statue woman was like an iron dome, her blueprintpletely solid. Zac had tried striking a few odd spots, but they were just concepts foreign to him.


    Zac was wracking his brain to figure out a way to break the stalemate, but the only thing he could think of was to use his [Void Zone] to snuff out his opponent''s intent and destabilize her. But Zac obviously wouldn''t use any hidden aces on a random duel, which led to an impassesting until Zac suddenly found the familiar force pull him back.


    Neither side had a clear enough advantage to be considered a winner, which meant Zac was awarded the 100 Mana as a defender after ten minutes. The victory didn''t bring Zac much joy, though. At least, it served as an important reminder that he wasn''t infallible in this ce. He''d mostly fought neers and weaker guests over the past days. There were definitely powerful people among those in the higher echelons, and he couldn''t lower his guard.


    Just like Zac wasn''t happy with his win, his opponent didn''t seem to care much about her loss.


    "So that''s how it was," she said, arge pearly-white smile spreading across her face as she looked at Zac appreciatively. "I don''t understand what you''ve done, but I can tell it''s extraordinary. I''ve never heard of anything like it. It''s a shame you''re undead. Otherwise, I''d invite you to join my sect."


    "I didn''t expect there were low-echelon cultivators with such strength," Zacmented. "I guess you just arrived as well?"


    "Ten days ago," the spear wielder nodded before turning away. "I lost this one, but we have many years ahead of us. We''ll see who leaves their name behind in this ce in the end."


    With that, she left, heading in the direction of the Market.


    "You done?" Catheya asked as she walked over, her odd Natural Treasure already in hand.


    It was inconvenient to walk around with arrays to block out their conversations from the observers, so Catheya had bought an odd natural treasure that had a simr function. It created a sphere of three meters where sound was isted. In return, they couldn''t hear anything outside, making it a double-edged sword.


    "I doubt anyone will dare duel me after this fight," Zac shrugged. "Did you recognize her?"


    "No, but someone like that won''t stay unknown for long," Catheya said, looking at Zac suspiciously. "What, you have the guts to look at other girls while having beauty apany you? Is Lord Emperor already thinking about his royal harem?"


    "How could shepare to you?" Zac smiled.


    "That''s better," Catheya winked. "You''ve really improved since Twilight Harbor, and not just your cultivation. So, what''s your n now? It''s over an hour until we meet up with your friend."


    "I don''t have any ns," Zac said after some thought. "I''ll check out my storefront to see if anyone has messed with it and rest a bit."


    "You''re still not ready to visit your manor?"


    "I''ll let things calm down a while longer," Zac wryly smiled.


    "I can''t believe you put your manor atop a Buddhist mountain," Catheyaughed. "You''re asking for trouble. And how am I supposed to visit when it''s like that? I don''t think I can deal with the pressure you described."


    "Sooner orter, I''ll have terraformed the peak," Zac said. "You can visit then."


    "It''s a date. I''ll go freshen up and observe my blueprint a bit. We''ll meet at the teleporter in an hour," Catheya waved before sauntering off.


    Zac smiled as he watched Catheya''s receding back. Cultivating in seclusion was fine in shorter stretches, but it ultimately couldn''tpete with exploring the universe with friends. He''d had more fun in the past couple of days just catching up with Catheya while exploring Vastness city than he''d had over the past years.


    And it wasn''t like one had to choose between friends and cultivation. He had learned a lot fighting against all kinds of experts over the past few days. His recent breakthroughs into his techniques had beenpletely stabilized, and he''d learned all the basic knowledge of the various realms of the Perennial Vastness.


    And it was finally time to check out one of the realms for himself. Zac returned to his storefront but froze upon seeing its interiors had beenpletely rearranged. His little shop had gained an exquisite set of furniture, and even the walls were decorated with artwork that meshed well with his path.


    At first, Zac had thought it was something Null or the undead coalition had arranged, but he realized he was wrong upon seeing a familiar face sitting at a table inside.


    "The ce looked a bit downtrodden, so I spruced it up. I hope you don''t mind."


    "You?" Zac said as he stepped into his storefront, a small frown appearing on his face. "I thought I told you to be careful when meddling with fate."


    Sitting at a small Parisian table by one of the windows was Ventus Kvan, the elf he''d met in the Twilight Ocean. Thest time Zac saw him was after he''d killed Uona. Ventus had been a captive of the Havarok Imperials by that point, but Zac had freed him because of the help and clues Ventus had provided.


    Since then, Zac had barely thought of the elf, though he kept the invitation token to the Radiant Temple. It had even be one of his more important escape treasures in case Zac was forced to leave Zecia altogether because of the mess with Ultom.


    "Well, turns out your warning came toote. I dipped my feet in the well of Chaos, and my fate was indelibly altered," Ventus sighed with some helplessness as he pointed at the free chair. "Can we talk?"


    ''What echelon is the man in front of me?'' Zac asked in his mind.


    ''Wow, eighth echelon! This guy''s not bad,'' Null answered.


    Zac was surprised at Null''s exmation. Ventus cultivated a powerful path and was quite talented, having two Dao Branches while still in the Twilight Ocean. That was over a decade ago, and Zac could tell Ventus hadn''t beenzing around since then. His aura was more condensed and mysterious, though Zac didn''t believe Ventus was stronger than the woman he''d just fought.


    Ventus Kvan was a genius, but he was ultimately just a member of a weaker B-grade force near the Frontier. And he wasn''t even the strongest one in his generation of the Radiant Temple, from what he''d gathered. How had someone like him encroached the levels of Mana that only the most powerful guests reached?


    Was it thanks to his insights into Numerology?


    "Can we even talk here?" Zac said as he looked around. "I''m sure you''ve followed my actions. I bet some people have bugged my storefront."


    "Being an eighth-echelon guest has its benefits. I can pay 10 Mana a minute topletely seal my surroundings," Ventus smiled as a shimmering wall enclosed the storefront.


    "There. Now, no one but the big guy upstairs can hear us."


    ''Is what he says real?'' Zac asked in his mind.


    "It''s real," Null said. "But you can actually do it from the sixth echelon onward. I think he''s just bragging about his rank."


    "Alright, so what''s all this?" Zac said, waving his hands at the interiors.


    "These items were all made using native materials from Red Zones. They''ll elevate your storefront. Don''t worry. No one can steal them," Ventus said. "I felt it a shame they''d go to waste since this is thest time I visit Vastness City."


    "Last time?" Zac said. "You''re about to seclude yourself?"


    "Just so," Ventus nodded. "I have been here 23 years. umting. Calcting. And waiting for you."


    "Waiting for me?" Zac said with suspicion. "What scheme are you cooking up this time?"


    "No scheme, just an exchange born out of desperation," Ventus sighed. "Because I don''t want to die."


    "Die?" Zac frowned. "What''s going on?"


    "In three real years, I will be entering the Left Imperial Pce as a sealbearer," Ventus said.


    Zac''s heart thudded, but he kept his face impassive. "Am I supposed to know what that means?"


    "You don''t need to bother," Ventus smiled. "After we parted, I had years to pull various threads of fate together. Layers andyers, making up the grand calction of the Heavens. And you should have heard that Alvod Jondir is now part of the Radiant Temple. That allowed me to glean a few critical variables connecting the past with the future.


    "And to be clear. I wasn''t nning on investigating you. It was just that my calctions all led back to you. To the Draugr Arcaz Umbri''Zi. And to the Human Zachary Atwood."


    Zac tensed up, hesitating as he looked at the elf.


    "It''s too expensive," Ventus smiled. "You should be around 300 Mana short. Killing me will get you kicked out."


    "You?" Zac growled. "Was it you who sent out that missive to prevent me from earning Mana?"


    "No, that was Holy Son Serku," Ventusughed. "He''s still only at the sixth echelon, but his goals are lofty. He''s very sensitive to slights to his prestige because neither his strength nor backing is at the top of this ce. So the coalition he''s created isn''t as stable as some others. I just benefitted from the side.


    "I wouldn''t ruin your good things like that. After all, I''m hoping to cooperate with you down the road. The stronger you are, the better."


    Zac wordlessly looked at the numerologist, unsure what was true and what were lies that helped push the conversation in the direction Ventus wanted. People meddling with fate were the most annoying people to deal with.


    "I should add that only I know about your odd situation. And possibly Alvod Jondir, though I don''t have enough information to make a definitive statement," Ventus continued. "In fact, the events of Twilight Ocean have been sealed in the Radiant temple, precluding anyone from discussing them. After all, what our new Grand Deacon did came ufortably close to unorthodoxy. The identity of Arcaz Umbri''Zi is known among the elders, but there is nothing about your human half."


    "And why should I believe you haven''t sold me out for some contribution points?" Zac asked.


    "Why would I do that?" Ventus said with a helpless face. "Maybe if it would have gotten me out of this mess. But since the Radiant Temple treats my generation as fodder, I''ll just keep this to myself. If anything, you''re wee to bring some Chaos down on the heads of those bastards. Let them feel what it''s like to be thrown into a hurricane of fell fate."


    ''Now that we''re both guests, will the information seals of the Perennial Vastness stop this guy from spreading information about me?" Zac inwardly asked.


    "Maybe. Our seal only blocks things gleaned here. So, if he figured out your real identity while in here, he would not be able to share it. However, whatever he deduced before entering will not be covered," Null exined.


    "Alright, so you''re a sealbearer," Zac grunted. "How the hell did that happen?"


    "You probably know your Sector is sealed," Ventus said. "However, the seal doesn''t treat everyone the same. It''s not as powerful for locals, by which I mean those from neighboring sectors. A certain faction ordered the Radiant Temple to send some youths into the Million Gates Territory to test their fate. I was among them and got a seal in just three months. After that, I was immediately sent here to break through."


    "What faction?" Zac frowned.


    "I can''t say," Ventus said with a shake of his head. "Suffice to say, I wouldn''t have gotten mixed up in this mess if I hadn''t been forced. There can only be one role for subordinate factions in an event this important, especially when it''s just a bunch of junior-generation cultivators."


    "Sacrifices," Zac sighed.


    "Exactly. The Radiant Temple won''t be damaged in the slightest, even if we all die inside. My elders have probably already collected a valuable reward for providing their superiors with a sealbearer. If I actually survive the event, it''s just a bonus."


    "So, what kind of deal do you have in mind?" Zac asked. "It''s not like I can take your seal off your hands without killing you."


    "For two decades, I have run simtions and calctions for my future," Ventus said. "Almost all of the divinations end in the same result; death. The odds of me surviving the inheritance are essentially zero. But to cultivate is to go against the Heavens��I''m not willing to surrender to fate.


    "When west parted, you told me that small actions can turn into a storm that swallows all in its path. Now, that''s exactly what I hope for."

 Chapter 990 - Perennial Transformations

    A storm raged in Zac''s heart upon hearing Ventus'' grim promation of his demise. Even if Zac wasn''t particrly close to Ventus, he didn''t wish death upon him. But the fact that the elf, who was more powerful than virtually all of his followers, believed himself to be facing death was horrifying.


    Where did that leave the rest? Was he sending Emily, Joanna, and the others to their deaths?


    "How could you even calcte something like that?" Zac asked. "That ce shouldn''t be so easily divined."


    "That''s true, but that''s also a problem for someone like me. Half my power will be nullified in a realm containing such powerfultent wills and truths. But while the details of the inheritance are unknowable, I can tell the odds of my survival are growing worse by the day. It''s like my river of fate is turning into a trickle, leaving a parched hollow through time."


    "So, what do you want me to do?" Zac asked suspiciously. "I can''t just conjure storms and overturn the Heavens."


    "Looked that way in the Twilight Ocean," Ventus smiled. "But all I ask is that you try to save me if we encounter each other inside the Million Gates Territory and let me follow you around."


    "Why me?" Zac frowned. "You know I''m still just an E-grade cultivator. I n to keep my head down and harvest some benefits before getting out in one piece. I''ve no interest in the main inheritance."


    "Because you are Chaos incarnate. Staying next to you will sweep my fate up in yours, possibly opening a path to survival," Ventus said. "And the fact you''re not interested in the main inheritance only increases my chances of survival."


    "So you want to ride the coattails of my fate," Zac surmised. "And what are you ready to pay in return?"


    "Two payments," Ventus said as a thick book appeared on the table. "The first is the fruit of two decades ofbor. Today, I have 89,000 Mana, and I will enter the ninth echelon after finishing my final quest. That''s not because I am the strongest person in this ce but because I have discovered a few hidden rules.


    "Such as?"


    "You must have heard about events spawning, providing handsome rewards. But did you know that a global event would turn into a private opportunity if you stayed in the area where the triggering event urred? And what if you could figure out which realms would release such an opportunity ahead of time?"


    "You''re saying," Zac said, looking at the book with interest.


    "With my book of [Perennial Transformations], you will reach your destination quicker than working on your own. Your chances of finding some rare opportunities in this world will also increase," Ventus said as he took out a golden abacus. "You need to understand the Dao of Numerology to make full use of this book, but I have prepared a simplified method anyone can use."


    Zac was tempted. If what Ventus said was true, then the book was a treasure. Zac had learned a few secrets of the Perennial Vastness over the past days, which had exined why most elites only stayed a decade or two. It wasn''t that people didn''t want to stay longer, but rather that they couldn''t.


    He''d figured it was just a mix of wanting to retain momentum and not wanting to linger too long inside a Temporal Chamber, but there was one more reason. There was something guests called Mana Sickness.


    The more Mana you collected, the greater effect you''d have on your surroundings. For the cultivator, that was perfect since it allowed you to form your Cosmic Core more efficiently. However, you were essentially bending the fundamentalws of the Perennial Vastness, and the world started rejecting you.


    The more Mana you earned, the greater the effect. Every piece increased this rejection and spending the Mana only partly helped. Some could withstand the sickness slightly better than others, but you were essentially fighting against time at the higher echelons. If you lingered too long, either by earning and spending too long or by hoping to reach echelons beyond your capabilities, you might actually lower your chances of forming a good core.


    Though that was rare, you might even find yourself prematurely ejected from the Perennial Vastness. After all, someone feeling themselves struggling with Mana Sickness could spend a few echelons'' worth of Mana to partly alleviate the pressure before quickly forming their cores.


    Zac wasn''t sure if this was rted to the world''sws or intentional design by the Perennial Vastness. But the result was that the top-tier elites had to keep pushing themselves and rapidly umte Mana before the Mana Sickness reached dangerous levels.


    Meanwhile, weaker cultivators at the lower echelons weren''t as affected and could steadily work on the Perennial Vastness experiments to build up their Mana over a longer stay. However, having carried around Mana for decades, they umted more of the sickness, and their ceilings were much lower.


    Ultimately, the speed with which you could umte Mana was the key to how high your Mana Ceiling was. The situation was a bit different for Zac since he needed to return within a decade in either case, but this [Perennial Transformations] was still immensely useful if it could improve his Mana Gathering rate.


    So the book was tempting, yet Zac didn''t immediately ept.


    "You said there were two payments. What''s the other?" Zac asked.


    "I don''t know," Ventus said.


    "What?"


    "Your fate is always in flux, and I believe it will continue to change during your stay here. So I will sacrifice a millennium of my Longevity to make a deduction just before entering the Left Imperial Pce, figuring out what you need. If you still don''t think it''s enough when we meet inside the inheritance, that''ll be my bad luck."


    Zac thought it over for a while before slowly nodding. "I can''t guarantee anything since I have no idea how things will y out inside. But if a situation appears where I can ept you without giving up one of my people, I''ll do so. However, I won''t fight to the death trying to free you from whoever is coercing the Radiant Temple. You''ll have to figure out a way to get away yourself."


    "That''s fair," Ventus grinned as he stood up. "And thus, our fates align."


    "It should go without saying, but if this book turns out to be a scam, the deal is moot," Zac added.


    "You should find it useful, as will your two friends," Ventus smiled.


    Zac didn''t bother asking how Ventus knew about Ogras. His ability to blend into shadows was pretty hard to spot, but it wasn''t some invincible ability.


    "By the way, which seal do you have?" Zac asked.


    "I''m a Threadwinder of Ultom, a sealholder of the Daedalian Court," Ventus said.


    "Figures," Zac snorted. "I guess I''ll see you in a couple of years."


    "Work hard like your life depend on it," Ventus smiled. "Because it does."


    The elf left after that, heading toward the mission teleporters. The shimmering runes covering the storefront dissipated a minuteter, returning it to its original state. Zac had already stowed away the book and abacus by that point. He briefly looked at the door leading back to the mountain but ultimately shook his head.


    There was nothing he urgently needed to check out back in his manor. If everything went ording to n, he''d reach the second echelon from the mission in Sinner''s Lament. And if he left a week early, he had time to break through his Soul and Constitution before the next batch of missions were released.


    By that point, the storm of fate atop Mount Illumination would hopefully have calmed down, allowing him to check things out. So instead of risking his life, Zac sat in meditation for the better part of the hour, going over his numerous battles and the inspiration they brought.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eventually, Zac left the storefront and noticed a few people observing him from a distance. Zac didn''t care and instead headed toward the teleportation array. This was the price of earning thousands of Mana in a few days.


    By the time Zac got close to the teleportation square, he saw the shadows flicker.


    "Did it work?" Zac asked with a low voice.


    "I''ve broken through," Ogras confirmed. "My attacks should be harder to deal with now that I''ve inherited the features of another shadow creature, and I gained some attributes as well. Hopefully, I''ll be able to find the third spirit in this ce and infuse it in a couple of years. It is the first true threshold of the method."


    Zac nodded in understanding. Ogras had exined his [Spiritlock Technique] before, and it sounded a lot like his own [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Afterpleting eachyer, Ogras could break through by sealing another spirit into his body. Having already sealed two, the demon was now working on the thirdyer of the method. Another breakthrough was the equivalent of Zac''s Minor Sublimation.


    "It''s your best bet," Zac agreed. "The creatures we''ll run into here don''t exist on the frontier. You might even want to get a second beast if you can figure out a way to store it."


    "I''m thinking the same," Ogras answered. "Oh, your little girlfriend is on her way. What''s going on there, anyway?"


    "I''m not sure," Zac said.


    Catheya had always been flirtatious, but the situation was obviously different nowpared to when they first met in Twilight Harbor. She had clearly indicated a real interest over the past days, and Zac''s arguments against new romantic entanglements grew more tenuous by the day.


    "She might have orders from above, you know," Ograsmented. "To seduce you."


    "I know her," Zac said. "If that were the case, she would have made a perfunctory show of it to warn me."


    "Well, so why not give it a go?" Ogras asked. "We''re going to be staying here for years. You can have a short vacation fling. The girl has the looks, provided you can deal with those eyes and her being dead."


    "For one, this isn''t a vacation," Zac said with a pointed look. "Secondly, there is a life after the Perennial Vastness where things are moreplicated."


    "For aherbeast like yourself, this ce almost seems like a vacation. And why do you need to approach everything like they''re permanentmitments?" Ogras countered. "Cultivators live for eons. How many can actually say they''ve found a soulmate that can follow in step on their journey? It''s too, too rare. Why not just have fun for a while like the rest of us? If your pathster diverge, so what? It''s not a failure. It''s just life."


    "We''ll see how things pan out," Zac sighed. "Let''s focus on blowing up some cursed mounds or whatever."


    "Can''t cut your way out of this problem," Ogras snickered, but he dropped the topic before Catheya walked into earshot.


    "You''re back," Zac smiled. "How was it?"


    "Not too bad," Catheya said. "I have an idea of how to fix the problems you pointed out already. I''ll just have to think about it a bit longer. Are you ready to go?"


    "Sure," Zac said. "I''ve been hearing about these environments for days now. It''s about time I get to see one."


    "Your friend is..?"


    "I''m here."


    "It''s weird how good you are at hiding," Catheya muttered. "You have absolutely no scent when you''ve entered someone''s shadow. Well, I guess that''s a useful skill set for an assassin or scout. Let''s go."


    Zac nodded and walked over to the teleportation pirs. Over a hundred of them were ced on a square, looking almost like an art instation. Zac picked one at random and ced his hand on it.


    "Do you want to open a gate to Sinner''s Lament?" Null asked.


    It was an automatic feature since he had an active quest, though he could also tell Null to open a gate to any environment he wanted.


    "Yes," Zac said, and the pir split in the middle to create a doorway.


    Zac wordlessly walked inside, with Catheya in tow and Ogras in his shadows. There was an identical pir on the other side, and it closed after they''d entered. For the next ten minutes, it would be impossible to teleport to Sinner''s Lament for anyone else, providing a headstart for those who wanted to avoid trouble.


    Their party wasn''t in any hurry, though. Zac stepped down from the tform, his arrival greeted by a deep rumble from above. The sky was almost ck, with dense rolling clouds stretching as far as he could see. There was a suffocating atmosphere, and not just because it somehow felt like the Heavens were bearing down on him. Something was rising from the ground.


    Something sinister.


    It felt like death profaned by madness and fell karma. It was like a mix of the influence from the Splinter of Oblivion and the cursed energy of the Lost ne rolled into one. Of course, the aura wasn''t a perfect match. It seemed more like the environment had been soiled by some sort of unorthodox cultivation path.


    Judging by the name of the environment, some evil cultivator or cult might have been killed or buried in this ce, and their cursed cultivation had bled into the ground. It wasn''t too bad, though. The energy burrowed into Zac''s body like Twilight Energy, but his Hidden Nodes easily dealt with it.


    He did, however, note that [Immutability of Eoz] had woken up, and it radiated soothing darkness through his body. It was the first time Zac had seen the Hidden Node wake up outside various experiments, proving the environment didn''t just have a problematic form of energy. The whole area was cursed, literally.


    "I took ap," Ogras suddenly said as he appeared in a puff of shadows. "I can''t find anyone lying in wait."


    He wore a ck hood obscuring his features, and a swirling haze of darkness around him made it impossible to even make out he was a demon. Just standing next to two Draugr, most would most likely take him as another undead cultivator since his path or clothing did nothing to say anything to the contrary.


    "It''s not worth targeting us in an Orange Zone," Catheya shrugged. "If I were them, I''dy low a few months before striking when we entered a Red Zone."


    "Makes sense," Ogras said, his voice almost drowned by a deafening p of thunder as hundreds of lightning bolts rained down on the ground in the distance. "Some ce I picked. That kind of lightning shower can turn most E-grade cultivators into ash."


    "We''ll have to keep watch on the skies," Zac agreed. "Are the two of you alright in this environment?"


    "For now," Catheya frowned. "But I doubt I can stay the whole month unless something changes, considering this is just the edge of the Zone. It''s usually worse further in."


    "What about you?" Zac asked, ncing at Ogras.


    "I''m fine," Ograsughed. "Actually, this environment is quite useful for my weapon. It absorbs the bad stuff, leaving the rest for me."


    The demon''s handling of the [Shadewar g] was a source of worry, but Zac wasn''t about to interfere. He''d be a hypocrite if he tried to enforce orthodoxy on the demon after having turned his follower into a Tool Spirit.


    Besides, it wasn''t like Ogras was sacrificing innocent mortals. The demon was just making use of the sinister atmosphere, like Zac did with Lake Water or other weird treasures he picked up.


    "I''m guessing you''re fine?" Ogras asked.


    "Yes, no problem," Zac nodded. "Be careful, though. I have a Hidden Node protecting against things like curses, and it''s active right now."


    "My Tool Spirit said as much," Ogras smiled. "That long-nosed bastard even said I can use it to upgrade some of my spectral followers into Sinner Wraiths. I have no idea what that is, but it sounds interesting."


    "...What?" Zac said upon seeing Catheya''s look.


    "[Immutability of Eoz]," she sighed. "I can''t believe you''re really a descendant of the Vanguard. How can one person have so much luck it spills over on their surroundings?"


    "Whyin?" Ogras shrugged. "Just grab onto the coattails and start picking stuff up."


    Zacughed as he surveyed the seemingly endless wastnds. Neither [Cosmic Gaze] nor his normal vision could provide clues about where the nearest Sinner Mound was. The only hint was that the storm seemed to weaken on the horizon in one direction.


    "So what now?" Zac said, pointing in the direction where the storm was more furious. "Just head in that direction?"


    "Most teleporters take you roughly 10 to 20% into the environment," Catheya said. "Those who want it safe can stay in the outer band, but the mounds are bound to be sparser there."


    "Into the storm, it is," Ogras grinned as he turned into a streak of shadows.


    Zac smiled as he started running as well. They were paying 65 Mana a day to stay here, so there was no time to waste. They''d have to figure things out on the go. The ominous environment couldn''t quell the excitement in Zac''s chest. This was what he''d been yearning for while stuck in his cave.


    The sky rumbled, the ground bled, and adventure was calling.

 Chapter 991 - Blood and Thunder

    Zac almost felt like the wet ck soil beneath his feet tried to drag him under, trapping him in an early grave. But he plugged forward into the unknown, his eyes sweeping back and forth in search of Sinner Mounds.


    It was both annoying and liberating that they hadn''t managed to find any information crystals on Sinner''s Lament over the past years. That wasn''t to say no one had visited the area, just that none of those selling information packages had one for sale when they passed. It was also possible they''d picked a seasonal environment that hadn''t been open for a few decades, and any information had been lost already.


    Either case, they were going in blind with only their instincts and smarts to rely on.


    Visibility was extremely bad. The pervasive darkness that held Sinner''s Lament in a death grip was not a simpleck of sunlight breaking through the curtain of clouds. The energy released from the ground contained chaotic but powerful truths, bolstering the gloom with Dao and sin.


    "Look," Ogras suddenly said, and the three stopped in front of a stone monolith a minuteter.


    It was difficult to tell whether the fifty-meter-tall rock pir was a natural formation or something man-made. Any potential markings had been scorched clean by repeated strikes from lightning. Yet, it emitted an incredibly foul aura, and none of them wanted to get too close.


    "Doesn''t look like a mound," Catheya said. "But it clearly has an aura of sin. Let''s break it open and see what''s inside?"


    Zac felt it as good a n as any, and not even the paranoid demon had any objections. A twenty-meter icicle of ck ice appeared above Catheya''s head a momentter, and Zac looked appreciatively at the deathly engravings covering it. He''d already seen hints of it before, but Catheya had clearly revamped her ice-focused heritage over the past year. Now, there was a strong aura of death inside, and Zac almost felt like she had conjured the deathly water of the Abyssal Shores and frozen it.


    The icicle shot forward, but the expected scene of rock bearing sted apart by a branch-infused attack didn''t take ce. A powerful repelling force emerged from the pir in a shockwave, pushing the icicle back. Zac''s eyes widened, and an enormous coffin appeared to protect the three just before a wave of destruction flung them away. Instead, the shockwave passed them and continued for hundreds of meters before petering out.


    "Nasty stuff," Ograsmented, ncing at catheya. "Need help?"


    Catheya scoffed, seemingly taking the pir''s rejection as a personal insult. Two more icicles joined the first, and the trio generated a powerful resonance as they assaulted the pir once more. The whole region shuddered as Catheya fought thend itself, and Zac frowned upon sensing that the energy in the area was umting.


    The shakes and shockwaves seemed to have pushed more liquid to the surface, turning the ck soil into mud. The foul liquid contained a decent amount of the native taint, but it was far from creating a problem for Zac.


    The only one who had a problem was Catheya, but she''d already created something looking like snowboots out of ice. The temporary shoes kept the dirt and corruption at bay, and she only needed to asionally reforge them before too much chaotic energy forced its way inside.


    Cathey''s attacks grew increasingly ferocious, especially after Ogras coughed and started toying with his spear. And after repeatedly attacking the pir for a minute, it finally gave out. A colossal eruption of sin swallowed everything in its wake, and Zac was rmed to find the energy contained a simr force as the blue mes of his pygmy skeleton.


    It acted like an array breaker, dismantling the fractal connections that made up his skill. Thankfully, the eruption onlysted a second, and the situation stabilized before [Profane Exponents] copsed. After things calmed down, only a pile of shimmering rubble remained.


    "Anything?" Ogras said, looking around.


    "Our guides would notify us if we cashed in a bounty," Catheya said, shaking her head.


    "Well, something with that much energy might still be valuable," Ogras said, rolling his eyes at Zac upon seeing his look. "What? Not all of us have wealth raining down from the Heavens."


    "Hey, I''m with you on that one," Zac smiled. "Let''s check it out."


    "I''ll wait here," Catheya said. "The energy in that rubble makes my hair stand on end. So much for a suitable environment."


    Zac and Ogras walked over, their steps creating sloshing sounds as they sunk to their ankles. The taint in the atmosphere skyrocketed as they stepped onto the rubble, prompting them both to look around with vignce. [Void Heart] had finally woken up and started to swallow energy that [Purity of the Void] couldn''t deal with.


    Meanwhile, Zac felt a pang of hunger from [Immutability of Eoz] kicking up in gear. On the demon''s side, Zac could see the stream of corruption entering one of his sleeves grow so dense that it looked like a vapor.


    "Look at this," Ogras muttered as he picked up what looked like arge raw ruby radiating waves of ominous light. "What nasty energy. Almost looks like crystallized blood."


    "Blood of an unorthodox cultivator, if so," Zac said. "Sinner Crystals?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "As good a name as any," Ogras said, picking up a few more. "Might be useful for nurturing my g. What about you?"


    Zac picked up a crystal and tried absorbing some energy. It was chaotic and chimeral, just like what rose from the ground. His nodes could deal with it even in these quantities, even if the crystals were quite energy-dense. Zac even judged them to be somewhere between Peak-Quality Nexus Crystals and the Cosmic Crystals he couldn''t use yet.


    "A lot of energy in these guys," Zacmented. "Just need to spend some effort to purify the gunk."


    Unfortunately, it''d be faster to absorb Nexus Crystals if he wanted to recover energy, and he could just use Beast Cores if he neededrge quantities of energy to push his levels. Ultimately, they weren''t much use to him.


    "You can even use these things?" Ogras said with some shock. "Wouldn''t want to see the kind of blighted item not even your weird body can''t handle."


    "Me neither," Zacughed. "I''ll take a few for emergencies and to study. You can take the rest unless Catheya wants some."


    "That''s fine by me," Ogras grinned as hundreds of tendrils spread from his body, extracting the Sinner Crystals from the rubble.


    "Enemies," Catheya suddenly shouted.


    Zac and Ogras looked up just in time to see Catheya rip apart a spectral creature with a couple of smaller icicles.


    "Wraiths?" Zac said with surprise, but he wasn''t sure if he was correct.


    One monster after another rose from the ground, sharing both the dark sanguine hue and chaotic aura of the Sinner Crystals. They were translucent, vaguely holding the shape of grotesquely misshapen humanoids.


    The creatures that had appeared out of nowhere were spectral in nature, but the deathly energies in their bodies were just a small minority in the face of the overwhelming sense of sin. From an energy perspective, they reminded Zac more of the Qriz''Ul from the Lost ne than any spectral.


    "Guess it was too optimistic we''d get these good things for free. Are they here for my crystals?" Ogras muttered. "Well, we can''t have that."


    His words were followed by a sea of shadows, swallowing all the ghouls around them. Dark spears full of his Dao skewered the creatures a momentter, ripping them into shreds before they even had a chance to emerge.


    "Something''s wrong," Ogras frowned. "They''re not actually dying."


    Zac took out a small throwing axe and infused it with his Branch of the Kalpataru. He threw it into the chest of a phantom, prompting it to explode. However, Zac gained no kill energy either. When following the energy swirls with [Cosmic Gaze], he could also tell the creature was slowly trying to reform.


    "Not even the Dao of Life can kill these bastards? What in the nine hells are these things?" Ogras swore as the sea of shadows surged. "They''re not ghosts."


    "I don''t believe they''re actual creatures," Catheya shouted, her hands already full dealing with an ever-increasing number of wraiths. "I think they''re resentment taken form. They''re essentially part of the environment. As long as the earth is cursed and there''s enough energy, these things will keep appearing."


    " So what, we need to blow up the earth to deal with them?" Ogras said, pointedly looking at Zac." Well, that''s your cue. You''re the blow-things-up guy."


    " Can''t you capture them with your g?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    " These things have no soul," Ogras said." Won''t work."


    A piercing shriek from a phantom who had survived their onught interrupted their discussion. It wed at Zac and Ogras from over 30 meters away, and deep bleeding groves were dug into the ground as des of condensed resentment ripped toward them. A spear appeared in Ogras''s hand, and heunched a salvo of illusory stabs that stopped the iing wave of destruction.


    "They might not be real, but their ws definitely are," Ogras frowned.


    "And they just keeping," Catheya added.


    She wasn''t joking around. At first, there had only been a handful of them. In just half a minute, that number had passed one hundred. And it kept increasing. Meanwhile, the wraiths they destroyed just reformed, adding to the tally.


    "Gather the crystals as quickly as you can," Zac said as therge jagged edge of [Gorehew] appeared around his axe. "If they''re formed or attracted by the Sinner Crystals, the wraiths might dissipate when they''re stashed away."


    "I''ll take the left," Catheyamented as hundreds of crystalline flowers appeared around her.


    It looked like they gently floated on the wind in a beautiful disy. But to [Cosmic Gaze], they all looked like miniature bombs filled with ice and death. They flew into the field of wraiths and began a deadly dance that ground all wraiths to dust over and over in an endless cycle.


    Zac took on the other side, releasing [Deathmark] while personally wading into the army of phantoms. The corrosion of his domain skill had reached another level upon elevating the skill to Peak Mastery. The bloody ground frothed and bubbled, and plumes of smoke rose from the ghouls as the skill broke them apart.


    The corrosive domain dealt with the resentment wraiths as they came, but their demise was hastened as one axe wraith after another joined the fray. They looked like death incarnate by this point, valiant executioners conjured from the underworld.


    A war erupted by two very different sets of wraiths, where ws meet axes. The wraiths summoned by [Deathmark] were far superior, but the resentment was endless. Zac and his summoned helpers killed everything as fast as they appeared, but the situation worsened. Two were destroyed, but three reemerged, and Zac could tell they were surrounded by thousands already.


    "That''s all of them! There are no more crystals left!" Ogras shouted from his spot at the rubble. "Holy hells, what''s going on?! It''s an ocean! We''re surrounded!"


    Zac frowned, and the world froze a momentter as he became a stream of death. He flew straight into the sky, reaching hundreds of meters in no time. He immediately understood what Ogras meant. It really looked like the area around the broken pir had be a lone ind in a sea of blood. The waves looked frozen now that his perception of time had been shifted, but the bloody ocean stretched as far as Zac could see even when this far into the air.


    Worse yet, he could see how innumerable wraiths were rising from the waters. He couldn''t even begin to calcte the numbers, but he suspected there would be millions in a matter of minutes. Just how much blood and resentment had been trapped in the ground, and why was it alling back up now?


    "It''s bad," Zac said afternding on the ground. "There''s no way we can deal with what''sing."


    "Well, the crystals are gone, and they''re stilling," Ogras said. "So let''s run?"


    Ogras appeared next to Zac the next moment, Catheya already brought over in his shadows. The surroundings twisted a few times over as Ogras teleported them away through the Grey World, but the demon soon stopped.


    "Uh," Ogras muttered. "I think we might be in trouble."


    "What''s wrong?" Zac said as he fought off the wraiths that were already bearing down on them.


    "We''re trapped," Catheya sighed as she pointed to the left. "We moved in a circle. Look."


    Zac nced over and saw the broken pile of debris just fifty meters away. It had already been imed by a storm of wraiths that now ambled toward them. Zac knew how quickly Ogras could move with his movement skill, so something was obviously wrong.


    "I think the ocean is forming a natural trapping formation. How is this an Orange Zone?!" Ogras spat.


    "Fight and move," Zac said. "It might be just movement skills that are blocked."


    The trio immediately set out, with Zac in the front and the other two dealing with the wraiths to the sides. The chains of [Love''s Bond] were already empowered by [Blighted Cut] and dripping with corrosion, and they moved like deadly snakes piercing one wraith after another. A swing of [Gorehew] summarily destroyed the few that made it through the web of destruction.


    The wraiths returned fire in kind. w raked through the air, and balls of condensed resentment were spat. Even the rising tide of bloody water formed spikes and constraints, trying to hamper their escape. Yet Zac was like a steamroller, destroying everything that impeded their path with a storm of violence.


    The familiar sea of shadows had swallowed the sea of blood to their left. Innumerable spears wrought havoc, while Ograsplemented it with a graceful dance with his spear. Zac could tell the demon had made many improvements in hisbat technique. He''d seen just how big a boost Zac''s stances were when they reunited in the Void Star, and it looked like the demon had worked hard on that aspect during his years in the Million Gates Territory.


    Still, Zac could tell Ogras wasn''t actually embarking on the path of techniques like himself. It seemed more like the demon had developed abat style that meshed better with his Daos than the crude techniques he''d learned back in n Azh''Rezak. Ultimately, Zac felt intent would suit the demon''s battle style better.


    Catheya froze the whole ocean on her side, which seemed to slow down the formation of wraiths. Those that made it through the sheet of ice were then summarily destroyed by her flowers. The trio''s strength was more than enough to deal with the onught, yet Zac didn''t feel optimistic about the situation.


    He wasn''t wasting much of his Miasma to deal with the wraiths, but Ogras and Catheya should already have used up more than 20% of their stores. And if anything, the situation only seemed to be getting worse. They had been running for ten minutes already, but the only change was that the ocean had gone from reaching their ankles to their knees.


    "We''ll run out of energy if nothing changes," Catheya said, echoing Zac''s thoughts.


    "The sky!" Ogras suddenly said.


    Zac looked up, and he almost groaned. A huge swirl was forming above their heads, gathering tremendous energy. The cloud almost looked like a strobe; they''d probably have been blinded if not for the Dao-empowered darkness.


    And then the darkness was dispersed.


    The world was drowned in a cleansing white as a waterfall of punishing lightning rained down from the sky. The whole sanguine ocean was pushed to a boiling point, and each bolt annihted thousands of wraiths. That didn''t mean Zac and the others were safe. The lightning was indiscriminately trying to destroy everything on the ground, them included.


    Ogras had blocked the first bolts with a wave of shadows, but his skillset wasn''t optimal at defending. Still, the quick response gave Zac time to activate [Profane Exponents] again. A huge five-meter coffin formed an umbre of protection while Catheya froze and shattered the bloody sludge around them to prevent lightning from spreading to their legs.


    Ogras even fished out a set of metal spears and drove them into the ground in a circle around them, using them as lightning rods that would lead any stray arcs into the ground. It felt like they were witnessing the end of days as thousands of bolts rained down from the sky.


    "Not good," Zac swore as he felt one impact after another on his shield.


    The lighting wasn''t just pure destructive energy. It contained aplex set of patterns that were even more effective at destabilizing his skill than the shockwave from before. Each bolt destroyed some of the fractals, leaving the whole barrier weaker. Zac could feel how the skill grew more unstable by the second, and nothing he did managed to turn the tides.


    Meanwhile, the resentment of Sinner''s Lament was trying to fight back. The millions of destroyed wraiths had turned into a shroud of darkness that tried to block out the lightning. But it was futile. Zac would have thought the Old Heavens themselves had descended if not for theck of that ancient fury. The shroud of sin was purged, and the bloody ocean vaporized or pushed back into the ground.


    Zac desperately held on, channeling huge amounts of Mental Energy into the skill to forcibly keep it together. Eventually, it looked like both the Heavens and the Earth had been exhausted, which allowed the three to breathe out in relief.


    The skies didn''t clear up, but they at least returned to their normal level of gloom. The sea of blood was gone, and so were the wraiths. [Profane Exponents] immediately copsed after Zac stopped infusing the skill with mental energy.


    "Whew," Ogras said as he dragged out one of his spears from the ground.


    It had melted and turned into a twisted ornament, though Zac noted the material had transformed somewhat. The metal now contained a hint of that purifying lightning. If reforged, could it perhaps be turned into something that destroyed the wraiths more permanently if they returned?


    "Three hours in and we almost get ourselves killed. This ce is far more dangerous than the trial zone I visited."


    "Wee to the Perennial Vastness," Catheyaughed. "Where every zone is a deathtrap."

 Chapter 992 - Sinner Mounds

    The trio slowly moved away from the scorched battleground, unwilling to stay and afraid to run too quickly and trigger another event. Yet even after ten minutes, the surroundings showed no inclination of going out of control again, which allowed them to breathe out in relief.


    "The lightning really saved our bacon there," Ogras frowned. "Were we just lucky, or was that by design?"


    "It should be by design, right?" Zac said. "Otherwise, this ce would be a deathtrap rather than a ce for guests to refine themselves. It''s not even considered a Red Zone."


    "I think so as well," Catheya agreed. "I guess the lightning will be conjured when the corruption reaches a certain point. As long as we endure until then, we''ll be safe."


    "I guess we''ll just have to keep going to find out," Ogras nodded. "Might also be because we destroyed that pir. If we avoid those things and just look for the mounds, we might not attract such a cmity."


    "Give me a few of those crystals you looted," Catheya said.


    "What? Why?" Ogras said, his eyes narrowing.


    "Has poverty driven you mad?" Catheya giggled. "I want to see if I can use them to create some sort ofpass. Our current situation isn''t too good, no matter if the ocean rises again."


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked.


    "We need to start looking for clues," Catheya exined. "With 300 Mana per mound, we need to destroy two every three days to break even. Even more, if you''re deemed to have provided more to their destruction than us because of your strength."


    "You''re saying that with such a low daily quota, the Mounds are likely quite far apart," Ogras frowned.


    "That''d be my guess," Catheya nodded. "If you''re alone, you only need to find one every five days. If you find two, you''re making a windfall. In other words, if we just run around randomly and have an unlucky streak, we might not see a single mound for a week. Especially if we get stalled by waves of phantoms."


    "And if we fineb each region, we''ll waste too much time," Zac sighed.


    "Exactly," Catheya said. "Don''t get fooled by all the Mana you''ve earned over the past days. Normally, Mana doesn''te so easily. Withstanding the eruption of resentment can be considered a basic test of strength, but we also have to use our heads."


    "Can you experiment while moving?" Zac asked, his chains forming a chair. "Might as well continue further toward the center of the realm while we figure out a n. I can carry you while you focus on the Sinner Crystals."


    "Perfect," Catheya smiled as she sat down.


    A momentter, a floating worktable of ice appeared in front of her, and one tool after another appeared from her Spatial Ring.


    "Keep going. I''ll scout the surroundings for clues," Ogras said before disappearing in a puff of shadows.


    "It''s hard to believe how much that guy has improved since I saw him in the Tower of Eternity," Catheyamented while she began shaving off the rough edges of one of the Sinner Crystals. "I mean, I improved because I got invited to the Abyssal Shores. But he''s been in the Frontier the entire time?"


    "Well, he did get sucked into a newly-born Dimensional Seed shortly after we parted the first time," Zac chuckled. "The birth of a new realm drowned him in Origin Energy, to the point his whole body got refined and improved. And that''s just one of his lucky encounters."


    "A gathering of fate," Catheya hummed.


    Zac kept running toward the heart of the realm for the next hour, stopping at anything that looked out of ce in the dour world. They could soon confirm that the bleak wastnds hadn''t always been a deste wilderness. They did find hints thatrge cities had once stood here. However, that was eons ago. Now, only hints of foundations remained.


    Digging up the foundations of some of the ruins didn''t provide any clues beyond the fact that the resentment in the ground was noticeably worse within any city limits. It gave credence to the theory arge-scale sacrifice might be the source of all the fell energy. Zac even found some Sinner Crystals sitting right in the soil within city limits.


    Catheya ventured they''d be able to find Sinner Mounds if they foundrge enough cities. The resentment would be the densest there, possibly giving birth to whatever a Sinner Mound was. Unfortunately, they didn''t have any better idea on how to find cities than mounds. Perhaps if they found a map of the fallen kingdom, but they didn''t uncover so much as a scrap.


    While Zac alternated between walking toward the inner regions and digging through the mud, Catheya was fast at work with her experiments. She had already refined dozens of raw Sinner Crystals, which now had the same shape as any Nexus Crystal.


    From there, she''d begun carving intricate patterns on their surfaces, reminding Zac of the elevated Crystals he''d found in the treasury of the City of Ancients. However, these patterns weren''t designed to make energy extraction easier, though Zac couldn''t tell what she was up to.


    "I''ve broadened my study of formations from just focusing on raising bodies," Catheyamented when Zac looked over curiously. "After visiting the Abyssal Shores, I realized I couldn''t just focus on my cultivation if I wanted to be a real Heaven''s Chosen. All the bigshots have some unique advantages. Formations will help me both inbat and while adventuring. After learning about the Left Imperial Pce, I''ve redoubled my efforts."


    Zac nodded in understanding. He was the same, though almost to the point of overdoing it between his various side-projects like Soul Cultivation and his techniques.


    "Well, let me know if you need more crystals," Zac said. "Seems there are umtions everywhere."


    "Let''s not tempt fate just yet," Catheya smiled.


    Unfortunately, trouble came knocking even if they weren''t looking for it. Zac noted that the ground started to get wetter again, and it felt like he was walking through moss after rain. The ambient energy was also stirring, and Zac could tell where it was headed.


    Five minutester, he saw the first resentment wraith rise through the ground. Zac was about to strike it down, but an illusory spear ripped it apart as Ogras appeared.


    "Anything good?" Zac asked.


    "Nothing," Ogras sighed. "Just a bunch of deposits. I did find a few tombstones, but there was nothing inside."


    "You dug up the graves?" Zacughed as he destroyed another wraith. "Asking for trouble."


    "Nothing happened," Ogras shrugged. "I destroyed a smaller pir on the way back as well. The umtion had already begun, but releasing a bunch of crystals seemed to have hastened the process. Also, we''re clearly being targeted. It''s like the bloody ground is conscious. When I moved quickly, I reached drynd. But when I stopped, the blood caught up. Even returning to my previous locations showed it had dried up after I left."


    "So running away probably won''t work, even if we leave before the ocean emerges," Catheyamented. "In return, we can hasten the tribtions by splitting up and destroying pirs."


    "You don''t feel we have enough excitement already?" Ograsughed.


    "Well, it might be important," Catheya smiled. "There has to be a connection between these surges and the Mounds. And the more eruptions we withstand, the better our understanding will be.


    "Well, let''s take care of this before we figure out our next step," Zac said, his chains already weaving a of destruction around them.


    "You two deal with this round," Catheya said. "I want to keep working on these crystals and see if I can figure something out while the resentment is surging."


    "Sure," Zac agreed.


    He''d have to cover a wider area, but it didn''t much matter. Now that they knew they just needed to stall, they didn''t have to fight as hard. The wraiths weren''t too smart, and even simple tricks would slow them down.


    "Good luck, my handsome guardians," Catheya winked as a small icehouse rose around her. "I''ll be in myb."


    "Pretty convenient, that," Ogras muttered. "I guess it''s time to get our hands dirty again. I guess it''s time to see how my little helpers deal with this ce."


    A momentter, a stream of spectral creatures streamed out of the demon''s sleeve.


    "You''ve given them Sinner Cores?" Zac asked curiously.


    "It''s an experiment," Ogras nodded. "We''ll see if that little bastard knows what he''s doing."


    "Bah! How could such a simple experiment stump me?" a derisive snort countered as the goblin warlock emerged. "It''s just some condensed resentment marked by ritual magic. It might have proven a bit troublesome if the essence remained, but this is clearly but a shadow of the original resentment. A tenth of a percent, at most."


    The goblin punctuated his words by gathering the resentment and throwing it into a pack of ghouls. For some reason, the creatures went insane and started fighting each other instead of advancing.


    "See? Simple enough."


    "There''s the trademark Ra''Lashar overconfidence," Ograsughed.


    "You two are friends again?" Zac asked curiously.


    "Hardly. But we''ve reached an ord," K''Rav said.


    "As in, he gave up," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes.


    "What do you know? I''ve gotten the chance to see the true nature of the wider universe finally. With this ''System'' in ce, I am better off helping with the realignment process of the [Shadewar g]. That way, I can be grandfathered into the Heavenly Path and given a chance at rebirth."


    "So now I have a halfpetent helper," Ogras grinned.


    "Bah! You might have found some clues while sipping on the truths of the Lost ne. But so what? Every Ra''Lashar Warlock has done the same, and see where that got us. Besides, a fool like you wouldn''t be able to realize those goals in tens of thousands of years if not for my expertise."


    "Alright, I''ll leave the two of you to it," Zac said with a helpless shake of his head as he covered the other side of the iceb.


    Ten minutester, they found themselves in a sea of thousands of shrieking wraiths that tried to rip them apart. Thankfully, they could quickly confirm by the increased intensity of thunderps that another lightning punishment was already umting.


    Eventually, the sky lit up, and a purifying rain showered the surroundings. Zac had already set up his shield canopy but thoughtfully looked at the sky.


    "Hold the fort, will you?" Zac said as he started walking.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Ah?" Ogras said with surprise, rolling his eyes upon seeing Zac walk out of cover. "Lunatic."


    "I''m just going to��" Zac said, but his exnation was interrupted by a sh of white.


    Zac felt like his whole body was set on fire, and every muscle twitched from the voltage coursing through his limbs. Even his Miasma was electrified, though the effect was highly unstable. It was lucky [ck Death] was attached to a chain, or he''d most likely have dropped it. Since there was no time to lose, Zac forced his arms to listen. He threw his axe at one of the few nearby wraiths still standing, his eyes observing all changes.


    It worked. He had infused his edge with his electrified Miasma, and the wraith had beenpletely destroyed. He still didn''t get any Kill Energy from destroying the creature. Still, he could see that the umtion of resentment had been destroyed and purified rather than ripped apart only to reformter.


    After seeing Ogras'' spears during thest tribtion, he''d had the idea. Zac figured it might be the key to dealing with the Sinner Mounds.


    ''That hurt, you know,'' a voice suddenly appeared in his mind as one of the chains flicked his head.


    ''Sorry about that,'' Zac wryly smiled as he retreated beneath the shield canopy again.


    A whileter, the chaos subsided. Overall, the surge hadn''t been quite as bad as the previous one, which possibly was linked to destroying the huge pir before.


    "The sky really holds a sealing formation designed to keep the resentment in check," Catheya nodded as she stepped out of her hut. "A lightning cultivator would likely be able to speed that process up by infusing their Dao into the clouds. Or even borrow its strength."


    "Did you figure anything out with the crystals?" Zac asked.


    "The Sinner Crystals did resonate with the environment when the resentment surged, especially after I engraved some amplifying patterns on them. I can create an array that can tap into that force. But I don''t know how to tune mypass to a Sinner Mound without seeing one," Catheya sighed. "We might have to find one by chance and study it before I have any solution."


    "Split up and search?" Ogras offered. "We should all be able to deal with at least one or two surges without too much trouble, especially if they get weakened when split up."


    "Seems like our best bet," Zac nodded.


    "Wait," Catheya said as she took out three crystals. "I figured we''d need a way tomunicate, so I got these. Some outsidemunicators encounter issues inside the Perennial Vastness, but these are made by native materials."


    "Don''t stray too far," Zac said as he epted a crystal.


    The three split up, with Zac running straight ahead while Ogras and Catheya veered slightly to the left and right, respectively. A few minutester, they were out of sight, swallowed by the darkness.


    The sky rumbled as Zac ran. asionally, he flew into the skies with [Abyssal Phase], but it didn''t much improve his vantage. The pervasive darkness swallowed the horizon, leaving him with a meager field of vision. Like this, minutes turned into hours.


    "The wraiths have started gathering here," Ogras'' voice suddenly echoed through his crystal.


    "Nothing here yet-" Zac said, but he was soon proven wrong. "No, never mind. They''re here."


    "And here," Catheya soon added, and the screeching wails of her enemies joined the cacophony around Zac. "A clue, perhaps?"


    It did seem like Ogras'' tide had appeared slightly before Zac''s, while Catheya''s camest. It might mean the corruption was stronger in the demon''s direction, which could indicate a mound. Then again, it might be the opposite, with a mound on Catheya''s side gobbling up the surrounding resentment.


    "Well, it''s worth following up on," Zac agreed. "Let''s see how the surges look when split into three."


    In the end, the eruption came and went. Splitting up had weakened the onught somewhat, but it turned out that wasn''t an advantage. In return, it had taken longer for the lightning punishment to condense, forcing them to waste more energy to stall the wraiths.


    They gathered up for the next couple of surges to defend together before splitting up again. Eventually, ten surges and the better part of a day had passed, and Zac started to wonder if they''d missed something. But finally, there was a change.


    "I think I have something," Catheya''s voice suddenly echoed through themunicator. "Come over to me."


    Zac changed course, veering straight left, following the tracking feature in Catheya''smunicator. Half an hourter, he''d caught up with Catheya, and the demon arrived soon after.


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked.


    "Over there," Catheya said, pointing toward the horizon. "I''ve seen lightning strike at the same spot three times now. It happens every 20 minutes or so. Furthermore, the resentment in the ground is being dragged over there."


    "Finally," Ogras grinned, ncing at Zac. "I was starting to worry your luck was on the fritz."


    "Let''s just go," Zac smiled, and the three rushed toward the spot Catheya indicated.


    Soon, they found it. In fact, it was hard to miss after getting close. Everyrge naturalndmark in Sinner''s Lament had probably been sted by the lightning, so seeing arge hill really stood out.


    Calling it a mound was an understatement. It was over 200 meters tall and twice as wide. Most of it was covered in the dense clouds of resentment, but Zac could see lingering bolts of lightning crackle within the sanguine mist before dying out.


    It was undoubtedly a lingering effect of the previous punishment from above, but it was far from enough to extinguish the extreme amounts of sin that had umted. The mound oozed resentment, both literally and figuratively.


    The mission had mentioned they needed to destroy a Sinner Core to im the bounty. Zac had no idea what the core looked like, but it didn''t much matter at this point. If he blew up the whole hill, the core should also get destroyed. If not, he''d keep digging.


    "Alright, you guys ready?" Zac said. "I''ll st it apart in one go."


    "Go for it," Ogras grinned. "It''s finally time to earn some Mana. And I bet there are thousands of Sinner Crystals in this thing."


    "Wait, you lunatics!" Catheyaughed, lightly pping Zac''s arm. "Give me a second to take some measurements. Besides, we should wait to see what happens when the next lightning bolt strikes."


    "Alright," Zac sighed, but he still sent a mentalmand to his Duplicity Core.


    Miasma was reced by Cosmic Energy, and [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his right hand. The moment Catheya was done, the Sinner Mound would be met with judgment.

 Chapter 993 - Resentment and Punishment

    The lightning struck the mound every twenty minutes, so it wouldn''t be long. However, Zac and the others were forced to continuously back further and further away. The mound''s aura was continuously rising, creating a domain that even Zac had trouble dealing with. No wonder lightning had to strike so often. If it didn''t, this ce would unleash surges twice an hour. Or possibly generate something even worse.


    Zac wasn''t even sure what would happen if he struck the mound while it contained such vast amounts of resentment. It could lead to an explosion that swallowed them all. Catheya was right; better let the formation in the sky pave the way before making a move.


    Ogras and Catheya weren''t idle while Zac prepared to strike. Ogras kept watch of the surroundings while sending shadows and captured souls to investigate the mound and what was going on underground. He didn''t find out much, except that the mound was just as dangerous as it looked. Any shadow that tried to dig into the hill had to be sacrificed before Sinner''s Lament''s extremely evil taint rushed into the demon''s body. And any spirit that entered the ground was profaned to the point the [Shadewar g] soon lost control.


    Catheya performed her own experiments, mostly recording the energy signature of the mound while trying various means to lock onto it. Eventually, Zac saw an array of engraved Sinner Crystals light up, their tips pointing toward the Sinner Mound.


    "Yes!" Catheya eximed.


    "Just in time," Zac smiled as he nced at the rumbling sky. "You''re done with this one?"


    "I''ve found the signature," Catheya nodded. "I can''t guarantee my solution is perfect, but it should work. I can keep refining it over the next days from here on out."


    "Perfect," Zac said, cracking his neck. "We can''t stand around this thing much longer anyway."


    Zac hadn''t reached his limits yet, but he could tell Catheya and Ogras were struggling with the umted resentment. Its concentration was just terrifying next to the mound, evenpared to the surges they''d endured. It was like something prevented the resentment from turning into wraiths here, instead remaining a blighted miasma.


    Ogras''s eyes were already tinted with red, and Zac could tell he was struggling with containing murderous impulses. They had to constantly rotate their Dao to remove the filth of the environment, but who knew what kind of sequ this kind of thing left behind?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "We should create a sealed chamber after this to cleanse the filth," Catheya sighed. "Might even need a visit to the Eastern Qi Pools after this task."


    "A spa day doesn''t sound too bad right about now," Zacughed.


    The sludge pouring out from the mound had already reached their ankles, and it was pitch-ck in contrast to the dark red of the previous surges. It almost felt like something was nibbling at his feet, but Zac didn''t avert his eye from the storm in the sky. A minute at most.


    Finally, a lightning bolt as thick as an ancient oak came crashing down. The mound wasn''t to be outdone, and a pir of resentment rose to block. Ultimately, Sinner Mound couldn''t match the wrath of the skies, and the pir was ripped apart after exhausting less than a third of the lightning. The bolt continued down, drowning the whole area in blinding light.


    A tsunami of crackling gunk was thrown off from the mound, but a wall of ice rose to prevent it from swallowing them. The light was already fading a secondter, and Zac knew this was his chance.


    Cosmic Energy surged in his body, and a gate appeared in the sky. It waspletely different from the crude scar in space that appeared with the weaker versions of [Arcadia''s Judgment]. It didn''t even close after the huge wooden hand emerged. Instead, it grew over ten times in size as it teleported over to hover right above the Sinner Mound.


    A dense set of patterns formed at the portal''s edge, and the whole mound groaned as it was drowned in golden-green light. The scene was reminiscent of his old skill that went into the fusion of [Arcadia''s Judgment], [Nature''s Punishment]. However, this time, no mountain or tree came crashing down. Instead, it almost looked like the essence of Arcadia shone down at the world from within the spatial gate.


    Zac knew just what kind of terrifying pressure that light emitted. He''d turned a hill evenrger than the Sinner Mound into a crater with the light alone after he''d finally evolved [Arcadia''s Judgement] to Peak Mastery. But the Sinner Mound actually resisted the tremendous pressure, even if the topyers of soil and stone were crushed and pushed away.


    "That''s a Sinner Mound, alright," Ogras muttered, and Zac''s eyes widened in shock.


    A gargantuan stake piercing through a huge pile of corpses.


    That was what hid beneath the soil and oil-like emanations from the mound. The bodies radiated an intensely strong aura of sin, and pitch-ck liquid continuously poured out of their mouths and hollow eye sockets. With tens of thousands of bodies, they produced a swimming pool''s worth of gunk every second, which should be impossible considering how dried and withered they looked.


    As for the enormous spike, it was clearly not part of the mound itself. It was created with a deep blue metal and contained a powerful aura of lightning. It was covered inplex runes that made Zac''s soul shudder.


    A stake imbued with the wrath of the heavens, piercing straight at the heart of sin.


    The runes seemed to be powered by the lightning bolts to dig deeper into the mound. But the sinister sludge covered the spike, filling the runes with corruption. The Sinner Mound was pushing back, probably trying to remove the spike altogether.


    "An array g, perhaps?" Ogras ventured.


    "Seems that way," Catheya agreed.


    Zac hesitated for a moment, but he knew he had to make a decision. The skill had already been activated, and he couldn''t dy for too long before he needed to follow through. After all, the glowing gate to Arcadia wasn''t the true face of [Arcadia''s Judgment]. It was still the axe strike.


    The wooden hand was evenrger than before, and the runes covering its hands were no longer indistinct. They glowed with mesmerizing light, holding the truths of Life and Conflict. At Peak Mastery, the skill had truly be an avatar of his Daos. The twenty-meter axe was perfection, seemingly a treasure born from nature and the Heavens themselves.


    It exuded tremendous power, including a punishing aura that seemed to resonate with the spike. The skill had been activated to judgment was to be meted out. The Axe descended, but it didn''t aim for the pile of leaking corpses. Instead, it crashed down toward the head of the spike.


    Thousands of runes fell through the gate of Arcadia, and they all poured into the stone axe as it fell. The emerald runes covering the handle and head lit up with unquestionable might, suddenly holding a wrathful aura like it contained the will of the ancient heavens.


    It crashed down with world-ending force, hitting the spike with enough impact to cleave mountains. For a fraction of a second, it was as though the world had frozen before time resumed. A huge scar cut the Sinner Mound in two, hundreds of meters across and just as deep. It formed a canyon over twenty meters across, and the desated corpses were simply erased from existence.


    But the spike held against Zac''s most powerful attack, as did a glowing red orb that had previously been hidden in the heart of the mound. Looking at the nefarious light made Zac''s heart thump, and he felt a wave of killing intent almost consume him. But the feeling disappeared as quickly as it came, the madness quelled by the Void in his heart.


    The Sinner Core held, but not for long. Even if [Arcadia''s Judgment] had failed to cleave it in two, it had acted as a hammer. The thunder spike had been forced more than halfway into the sphere, and Zac could see how incredibly pure arcs of lightning had been injected into the core.


    A piercing wail rippled through Sinner''s Lament as the Sinner Core shattered into hundreds of splinters, and Zac felt his vision double as he almost keeled over. Ogras groaned while a shroud of shadows sealed him inside, while a talisman floating behind Catheya snapped.


    "Bounty imed. Share: 120 Mana," Null''s said, but Zac had no time to celebrate his idea being correct.


    The split-apart mound was twisting and frothing, and Zac found himself thrown hundreds of meters away by an enormous eruption of resentment that instantly crushed Catheya''s ice wall.


    "A surge! We''re trapped!" Catheya shouted as she crawled to her feet,pletely covered in grime afternding in a knee-deep pond of blood.


    Zac nced up at the sky and sighed. The clouds were exhausted after unleashing that bolt of lightning. No help was forting from above. Besides, this surge was different from the ones before. There were still no wraiths at all. Instead, the resentment poured into the mound that had already fused back together.


    A lot of corpses had been destroyed, but even more crawled up from the depths, their resentment joining to form something terrifying. Zac knew they couldn''t let the scene continue. Thankfully, his skill was still not over, and he''d held the finalponent in reserve as long as possible just for something like this.


    The ground shook and heaved until a primal fury from the depths of the earth erupted. The ground split apart, and thousands of rune-covered spikes emerged. The reformed mound immediately copsed again when faced with the wrath of thend it had soiled. A storm of destruction swept through the rocky formation, ripping apart corpses by the thousands.


    Yet it wasn''t enough. Zac looked on with helplessness as a stream of new corpses crawled out from the depths. Zac rushed forward, but another wail from the mound conjured a storm of resentment so powerful he couldn''t get closer. He tried to cut it open with a series of fractal leaves, but they were just swallowed and consumed.


    A pang of danger forced him to sh out of the way, allowing him to narrowly avoid a putrid de made by the corpses'' ck liquid. Zac hesitated whether he should force his way inside, but the storm suddenly abated.


    "Of course," Ogras, who had already caught up, groaned.


    The mound was gone, reced by a macabre construct of innumerable desated corpses. It had no set shape, but it looked more like an enormous isopod with dozens of legs than a humanoid. The corpses seemingly turned into formable y upon bing part of the creature, some being twisted beyond what should be possible to make up a piece of a leg or a w.


    The corpses kept spewing out the ck tainted liquid as well. Some of it formed the des of resentment it kept shooting at them, where even the des that missed formed putrid pools that made Zac''s hair stand on end. But most liquid stayed on the construct and hardened into a protective shell.


    A sudden pang of danger made Zac sh away just as Ogras shouted, "Below!"


    The ground hade alive, and an oily fanged maw dripping with resentment had formed right where Zac stood. The sudden attack was like a starting call, and madness gripped the area. Faces, hands, spikes, and pitfalls appeared all around them. Every area within ten meters of where a resentment dended had been possessed.


    Powerful des were raining from above, and insidious dangers were striking from below. The area had be a true zone of death. The barrage was endless. Even worse, it prevented Zac from focusing on the huge creature that was the source of it all. Zac felt a vague sense of danger from the thing, and he knew he couldn''t let it umte forever.


    A wave of frigid cold suddenly passed him, instantly freezing the ground where he stood. The ten-fingered w that had just tried to grip him was trapped in ce, leaving Zacpletely unencumbered for a moment. He nced back and saw that a ck crown of ice appeared on Catheya''s head as she rose into the air.


    Five teardrops with ancient engravings of ice appeared behind her head, and a frigid cold swept out in every direction. In no time, an area of hundreds of meters had been turned into a world of ice. The roiling waves of thends were frozen solid, the spikes and pitfalls cracking into chunks of dirty ice.


    "Deal with the big guy. I''ll try to stop it from gathering more bodies!" Ogras shouted as six wings grew from his back.


    The ghastly g had been fully unfurled, forming a band of anguished faces three meters long. Just looking at the tapestry of suffering made Zac''s soul shudder. A storm of spears came crashing down from the flying demon, destroying everything locked within the ice. In an instant, a huge crater over 30 meters deep had been formed, exposing a terrifying truth.


    The whole bedrock was suddenly filled with corpses, almost an endless number crawling toward the surface. A stream of Ogras''s captured wraiths was already pouring into the hole, dragging bodies out and ripping them apart by the hundreds.


    Catheya''s world of ice had already spread into the hole, locking the seeping resentment in ce and protecting the wraiths from being assimted by Sinner''s Lament. The corpses lost some of their unnatural flexibility from the cold, while Ogras''s wraiths remained unaffected.


    Zac wasted no time as he shed through the air, using the floating steps of [Earthstrider] to appear right beneath the creature. A storm of fractal leaves erupted from his body, each one two meters long and imbued with both War Axe and Kalpataru.


    The corpse construct emitted an unstable aura approaching Middle D-grade, but the shell of corruption it had created couldn''t defend against the unstoppable force trapped inside the fractal leaves. Huge chunks of ck oil and dry flesh were instantly carved out of the creature, falling like rain all around him.


    A huge twisted face formed on the creature''s stomach, and dozens of sinner des shot at Zac. Unfortunately for the enormous creature, Zac was far too agile in his human form. Another patch of grass appeared beneath his foot as he took another step in the air. The next moment, he appeared over a hundred meters away, right behind the creature.


    The monster was already forming anotheryer of corruption around its wounds, but Zac didn''t care. The outburst from [Nature''s Edge] had destroyed hundreds of corpses, shrinking the construct by almost 10%. And he wasn''t finished there. Four powerful vines stabbed into the ground, giving Zac some upward momentum to keep him in the air a bit longer. Simultaneously, a huge hundred-meter leaf appeared in front of [Verun''s Bite].


    The de was almost as tall as the creature and contained the truths of the Abyss and Arcadia. The de fell, and the world was delineated. A spatial divide cut the huge creature in two, creating a ten-meter-wide corridor of nothingness. The de lingered for a few seconds, disintegrating any corpses that tried to move toward the other side of the unbridgeable chasm of [Rapturous Divide].


    But the skill couldn''tst forever. Zac looked up at the creature as hended on a tform of ice formed by Catheya, but he had to immediately sh away to avoid dozens of sinner des. The two halves were already fusing together into a whole, though they had shrunk once more. Zac grunted with annoyance as he looked up.


    If the construct refused to die, he''d just have to keep swinging until there was nothing left to reform.


    Ten minutester, Zac stood panting atop a frozen pile of broken flesh, almost half of his Cosmic Energy consumed. Ultimately, he hadn''t found any better method than methodically cutting down the creature until no corpses were left. There were no weaknesses to the construct, and none of the three had managed to find anything like a core of its energy.


    The punishing thunder ultimately hadn''te to their rescue, though the corpses were thankfully possible to permanently destroy, unlike the resentment wraiths.


    "Nothing," Ogras swore as he appeared next to Zac. "I was almost sure the shards of the Sinner Core fueled it."


    "Maybe it was, but the pieces dissolved before we could find them," Catheya guessed. "After all, we dealt with this thing the crudest way possible."


    "Now that we know what to expect, we might be able to snatch the pieces before they disappear. That might prevent the construct from forming altogether," Zac said.


    "How did you know to hit the spike before?" Catheya asked curiously.


    "So far, we haven''t managed to destroy any wraiths, except when using items empowered by thunder," Zac shrugged. "I was worried the Sinner Core would share the same properties and reform even if I cut it. It seemed more prudent to target the spike that was full of the aura of lightning."


    "So what now?" Ogras asked as he turned to Catheya. "Can we just use that array of yours?"


    The array of Sinner Crystals soon appeared, but she shook her head soon after.


    "Not from here, at least," Catheya said. "We''re most likely too far away. The energy in the crystals can''t reach too far. Thepass should be able to reach further during a surge, but I''m not sure the ambient energy is enough. We may need a powerful sacrifice of resentment to work."


    "A sacrifice?" Zac said. "So, more crystals, or what?"


    "Exactly. The more crystals we sacrifice, the greater the range."


    "So we need to gather crystals to find mounds, but the more crystals we gather, the more waves of wraiths we''ll have to endure."


    "Just so," Catheya nodded.


    "Well, seems straightforward enough. The harder we work, the more mounds we''ll find," Ogras shrugged. "I guess we can rest when this is all over."

 Chapter 994 - Keys of Ascension

    Zac released a long pent-up sigh of relief as he stumbled out of the teleportation array, appearing in Vastness City. The gate closed behind him, and Zac was finally free from that wretched ce. Only then did he truly realize just how grimy he was. He was covered almost from head to toe in blood and corruption and literally oozed sinister energies into his surroundings. The angry scars on his body almost glowed as well.


    A few people curiously looked over as Zac appeared, but seeing a wretched-looking human was all toomon in this ce. Too, too many looked like they''d been hit by a truck whening back from their missions. Besides, it was close to the end of the month. Those who wanted to duel would have finished their fights already, so no one tried to urge him to leave the protected Teleportation Square.


    Ogras and Catheya had teleported straight home to their manors. The twenty-one days in Sinner''s Lament hadpletely wrung them dry, to the point Zac had been forced to carry them to the exit.


    For three weeks, the assaults had never relented. It didn''t matter if they didn''t harvest so much as a single Sinner Crystal. Within two hours, they would be attacked all the same. And they''d soon found out that without farming a decent chunk of crystals, they''d soon fall behind on rent. Stress kept building as corruption umted, and there was never any time to recover. At least not if they wanted to make Mana.


    Even with Catheya''s method to localize the Sinner Mounds, they barely managed to find and destroy one Mound a day. The rest was spent gathering Sinner Crystals, withstanding surges, and trying to take some fitful bouts of rest. At least the rewards were pretty good.


    Twenty-two Sinner Mounds meant a total bounty of 6,600 Mana. After deducting 21 days'' worth of fees, they were left with a profit of 2,505 Mana. Of that, Zac had earned just over 1,000, while Catheya and Ogras shared around 750 each. Unfortunately, that meant Zac had stalled out at 9,803 Mana, just shy of reaching the second echelon.


    Zac had gained the biggest share simply because he''d been responsible for dealing with most of the mounds and withstanding arger andrger part of the surges. However, his share was only so much bigger than the others because Ogras and Catheya were needed to profit. Catheya had figured out the method of finding the Mounds, and her Dao of Ice was integral to quickly dealing with the mounds.


    Meanwhile, Ogras had proven incredibly efficient at gathering Sinner Crystals, especially after sessfully raising the first Resentment Wraiths. He used his shadows and the [Shadewar g] to carefully extract crystals from the ground and various structures. His method didn''t release nearly as much resentment into the ground, which allowed them to avoid a few surges a day while collecting crystals to localize mounds.


    Apart from the Mana, only Ogras managed to find some benefits. Sinner Crystals, shards of Sinner Cores, and incredibly foul nts that had taken root in the center of the zone all went to the demon for experimentation with his g. Zac and Catheya couldn''t find anything useful, though they harvested some lightning-attributed metals to trade or sell.


    It was an important reminder that even Catheya was a neer in this ce and didn''t have all the answers. The mission had sounded suitable from the description, but it had proven to be quite a chore with no benefits for their core formations. Sinner''s Lament was more suited for Hexers, Summoners, and Lightning Cultivators than their trio.


    Altogether, Zac felt the experience reminiscent of the higher levels in the Tower of Eternity. Completing the tasks required certain skills and understanding, and Zac, back then, had been forced to brute force every level. Here, that method was impossible. Even if Zac had some strength to spare, so what? It wouldn''t help destroy any more Sinner Mounds.


    In fact, Zac wasn''t confident he''d have broken even on the mission if he went at it alone, relying on his Luck and Endurance to scour Sinner''s Lament in search of bounties. Even after weeks of digging through the ruins, Zac had only managed to form a vague idea that the position of the cities and mounds wasn''tpletely random. There was a pattern, though Zac was still far from extrapting any useful information from his hunch.


    Zac now better understood why so many top-tier characters in the Perennial Vastness chose to set up coalitions. One person couldn''t know everything, so joining up with people withplementary skillsets would increase their Mana gain even if they worked with weakerpanions.


    It was a shame that Ventus was about to leave. A numerologist was probably a huge asset in a ce like this. At least they had the [Perennial Transformations], which was already in Catheya''s hands. Zac had been too busy dealing with the wave of wraiths while Catheya and Ogras recovered to bother with the book, but Catheya had spent the better part of the month reading.


    She had hoped to use the secrets within to improve their results for the quest, but the theories had proved tooplex to learn in a day or two. But judging by her engrossed face as she poured over the endless numbers and patterns on the pages, the book was the real deal.


    Zac didn''t return to his storefront. Instead, he entered a rest area by the teleporter, where he borrowed an empty room. A full hourter, Zac emerged looking clean and mostly refreshed, and he walked straight back toward the teleportation square.


    ''Keys of Ascension,'' Zac said in his mind as he touched a pir, and a path opened straight away.


    Zac passed through the gate, and a cloud of incredibly dense energy greeted him. It waspletely different from the disgusting gunk he''d suffered in Sinner''s Lament. In fact, it was almost the opposite. His exhausted mind felt invigorated and clear. The small amounts of lingering resentment from Sinner''s Lament were soon stripped away.��


    The Keys of Ascension was a special Green Zone included in the free trials and one of the ces Ogras visited before the mission. Zac found himself at a tform floating in a sea of clouds, with an ancient stone bridge right ahead. Two people were crossing the bridge, but they ignored Zac as they stepped up to another teleportation pir next to his.


    A momentter, they were gone, leaving Zac alone to marvel at the impossiblyrge structure ahead. Zac felt he was looking at an Escher paintinge to life, stretching thousands of meters into the sky. He couldn''t even tell what shape it had. One moment it seemed like a cube, but it was a sphere after Zac blinked. It contained tens of thousands of rooms, buildings, statues, and all kinds of random features, each moving about in defiance of any logic based on three-dimensional thinking.


    Zac wasn''t sure if the Perennial Vastness had built this thing or if it had picked it up like so many other of its opportunities. It didn''t matter to Zac as he started walking toward the construct. What mattered was that the Keys of Ascension had the best cultivation chambers in the whole Perennial Vastness.


    Zac had been given twelve hours in this ce. After that, it would cost a whopping 500 Mana an hour, proving just how valuable this zone was. It could be considered the most valuable of all the free trials, and guests generally thought it a small amodation because almost everyone who arrived had the same idea as Zac and Ogras. People were hoarding breakthroughs. With the Keys of Ascension, people could get that part out of the way and instead focus on gathering Mana and improving their blueprints.


    The enormous structure didn''t get any easier to understand even as Zac approached, but Ogras had already shared the experience of his visit. So the moment Zac reached the edge of the bridge, he released his Branch of the Kalpataru while starting to recite his Void Sutras. Zac felt a pull, and he curiously followed the calling as he walked toward the keys.


    Rooms kept appearing and disappearing, whole castles came and went in the blink of an eye. But the confusing blur started to stabilize around him until Zac found a set of golden stairs waiting for him. Zac didn''t hesitate as he stepped onto it, and his surroundings shifted. The bridge leading to the teleporters was gone, and he found himself in the middle of the confusing mesh.


    Statues, arches, towers, and all kinds of buildings danced around him, each holding incredibly pure and powerful truths. It all meshed together into a tapestry akin to the Heavens themselves, but Zac didn''t let himself be distracted. He never stopped channeling his Dao, and he kept most of his attention on the stairs. This ce wasn''t dangerous, but it wouldn''t hold your hand.


    If you stepped off the path or got confused by the powerful Daos, you might find yourself lost among the Keys of Ascension. Let alone wasting your twelve hours of subsidized experience, you might even end up deep in debt before you managed to find your way out.


    His ears roared with foreign yet enticing Daos, but Zac staunchly kept walking up the stairs as it was created in front of him. Sometimes it felt like he was walking upside down. Other times he felt inverted. Yet he ignored his senses and kept walking until he finally reached a small golden pagoda. It was simple and unadorned, except for two statues depicting tranquil mes to the side of the entrance.


    Zac breathed out in relief, and the chaos outside died down upon ascending its seven steps. The temple looked quite small on the outside, yet it was over one hundred meters across within. The floor was neither tiled nor made from wood. It was rather made up of a sea of gold nuggets ranging from the size of pebbles to fists.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Floating above were innumerable motes of golden life. The scene almost made Zac feel like he was walking into a grill or a cauldron, and that feeling was only reinforced upon passing the gates. An incredible wave of heat hit him when he stepped inside, a heat far beyond most of the volcanoes he''d visited.


    Yet, it didn''t feel ufortable at all. The heat was filled to the brim with the Dao of Life, and his partially Life-attuned constitution was enkindled rather than damaged. To his normal vision, there was no heat source in the temple, but the situation was very different upon activating [Cosmic Gaze].


    In the middle of the temple, there was an empty circle. With his Dao-attuned gaze, he could see a raging golden fire within��a true spiritual me of Life,pletely unblemished and untainted by the Peak of the Grand Materia. The walls were covered in runes resonating with his path, but their function was clearly just to contain the incredible power hidden within that central me.


    Thankfully, there was not a hint of the Sangha in the chamber. The original method of [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] strongly rmended cultivating inside powerful Dharmic mes, such as the Samadhi True mes. Therefore, Zac knew the Keys of Ascension would produce a cultivation chamber with mes because of his chants, and he''d been worried he''d be forced to deal with pathbreaking Dharma while breaking through.


    As luck would have it, the Keys of Ascension produced a chamber with an invisible me of pure Life, almost reminiscent of the Void.


    None among the guests knew whether the rooms were created in one''s image to so perfectly match their cultivation methods or if the confusing mesh of chambers held far more rooms than one could imagine. Remembering the incredible scenes outside, Zac wasn''t any closer to the answer either. But Zac soon cast away any doubts and confusions, instead focusing on what was important.


    It was time to break through with the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    In a perfect world, he would also have broken through in this ce with his [Nine Reincarnations Manual], but the breakthroughs of his soul took quite a while. Just the first step required him to channel the full cycle, and most breakthroughs had taken a couple of days. There was no way he''d manage to break through in 12 hours, and he didn''t have the luxury of spending all his Mana on this ce. Thankfully, he already had a n for his soul, so it wasn''t like he was out of options.


    Zac let his mind fuse with the surroundings as he walked toward the central circle. He was fast bing Life in its purest form. The dancing motes around him, the nuggets beneath his feet. It all filled him with inspiration. Every breath took him further away from the harsh environment of Sinner''s Lament and gave him the gift of Life. Even if Zac somehow failed with his breakthrough in this ce, he would most likely leave with a hundred years of recovered longevity.


    One piece of clothing after another was stripped and put away, which let Zac get even closer to the Dao. His movements were slow and deliberate, yet they were filled with meaning. It was like the Dao of Life guided his hands. His mind soon emptied of everything except the Dao of Life and the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    Everything else faded away. His struggles, his worries, his past, and his future. Inparison, Zac felt the [Void Vajra Sublimation] had never been as clear in his mind, not even when he created it with the truths of Ultom. The environment in the Keys of Ascension obviously couldn''tpare to an Eternal Heritage, but the light of Ultom was bereft of Dao.


    Here, the Dao of Life was infused into his understanding, like color suddenly added to a ck-and-white image.


    Zac painted one rune after another onto his body, each imbued and perfected by the golden motes fusing into them. Soon, he was covered from head to toe, glowing like a golden Buddha. He took a deep breath and finally stepped into the central circle. The scorching heat of the invisible mes licked his skin, but the mes that would instantly have incinerated most E-grade Cultivators only helped activate the medicinal paste on his skin.


    The chants of Void echoed in his mind. Zac didn''t know if a minute or an hour had passed, but he suddenly felt the world align. Zac''s eyes shot open, and he took his first step toward Minor Sublimation.


    The whole room shook as he stomped down on the ground, and thezy motes of golden light in the temple suddenly kicked into a frenzy. Life surged to unprecedented heights around him, creating a powerful restrictive force. Yet years of arduous practice had made heart and body as stable as mountains, and he smoothly finished the first stance.


    Like the two previous times he broke through, a rune holding an aspect of Life was left behind. But this time, it didn''t feel like a feature made real by his heart alone. It shone in gold, seemingly instilled with the very essence of the Heavens. There was nothing intangible about the rune��it was so real it almost made the rest of the temple feelcking in corporeity.


    An unending stream of Life poured into the rune, and Zac was inwardly relieved he''d chosen to wait rather than breaking through back on Earth. The quantity and quality of truths the rune absorbed from the temple far surpassed what he''d be able to produce back home, no matter how many Divine Crystals or natural treasures he took out.


    Even if he''d managed to break through, it wouldn''t be as perfect as it would in this ce, just like he''d barely squeaked by in some of his breakthroughs of the soul. The cost of 500 Mana an hour was steep, but Zac felt it was definitely worth it as one golden rune after another appeared inside the Spiritual mes.


    Two hourster, Zac''s hands sped together, forming the 189th and final Sutra of the thirdyer. Each one contained enough energy to turn a Hegemon into ash. Together, they formed a cocoon of life, the key to his transformation into a Life-attuned Constitution.


    This time, the runes didn''t fuse into the body themselves. Zac could feel how they resisted the pull, almost like the Heavens was trying to prevent its secrets from being stolen. Zac already knew this would happen, and not a ripple could be seen on his face as he started to pull.


    Havingpleted a full cycle of Minor Sublimation, Zac had fully entered the ethereal state of the Void. His will was unbendable, and the runes were dragged closer and closer while a storm of Life raged through the temple.


    Finally, the runes touched his body, branding themselves on his skin and forming another set of mysterious pathways. For a moment, Zac felt like he''d formed a bridge between the Heavens and himself, and he felt a sense of awe as he peered at the very heart of the Dao of Life.


    But marvel soon turned into pain. Unbelievable pain and a sense of impending disaster.

 Chapter 995 - Misgivings

    Suffering was a constantpanion on the journey of Body Refinement. The agony Zac had to endure to forcibly push through threeyers of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] in a couple of years would''ve been enough to break the spirits of most cultivators. Yet that was nothingpared to the pain that now wracked his body.


    Millions of tendrils burrowed into him like flesh-eating maggots, each one a stab at body, mind, and heart. The jabs chipped away at Zac''s conviction and sanity as he passed new thresholds of pain. The currents of divinity were uncaring about his suffering, spreading like wildfire through his body now that they''d been forcibly dragged down from the Heavens.


    It seemed like the energies were more interested in destroying than reforming, and they were like a match to gasoline upon encountering the powerful golden swirls in the depths of his cells. Before, there had been order to the tremendous power hiding those miniature storms. Now, chaos was unleashed as his body tried not just to paint the cells golden but to turn them into actual gold.


    Was this punishment for going against the natural order, trying to steal Life from the Cosmos? The bridge to Heaven copsed, its foundations cracked and in disorder. Zac was left standing at the other shores, seeing what he''d built over the past years be consumed by the raging fire of the glowing runes.


    Had he been wrong? He''d been so sure that the method he''d created with the truth of Ultom would work with his constitution, and nothing he''d experienced during his years of diligent practice had given him cause to think otherwise. Now, Zac found himself dealing with what seemed to be a state of mutual rejection between method and body.


    Should he give up?


    The thought was small and fleeting, yet it created huge waves in his mind. Zac''s heart shuddered, and the golden runes flickered for a moment before he could rein it in. Even then, his ethereal state was damaged, and new suspicions and worries reced the ones he''d pushed down. Zac did what he could to regain his meditative state, but he knew he was in trouble. The [Void Vajra Sublimation] was based on the heart, so when the heart wavered, so did the method. This couldn''t go on.


    Zac gritted his teeth, and the world dimmed for just a moment. He''d activated [Void Zone] in the middle of his breakthrough, in an effort to forcibly recalibrate his state of mind. Thankfully, the method was fused with the Void. The runes across his body only lost a little bit of energy after being drenched in Void Energy for a brief moment, and the invisible mes readily replenished what he lost.


    Most importantly, the sudden wave of nothingness calmed his frayed heart, allowing him to analyze the problem calmly. The method clearly indicated a tipping point where resistance became eptance. Heavens and Earth would be one, and external would be internal. He just needed to maintain his Heart of Void, continuing to pilfer from the Heavens until he reached that point.


    And while the method was more dangerous and agonizing than he''d expected, he could tell he was getting closer. He no longer wielded Life. He was fast bing Life. Even with eyes closed, Zac could feel his body shine with divine light, like a golden statue.


    If it was just pain, he could endure it. This kind of violent reaction wasn''t mentioned in the method, but it could have exnations other than a failed breakthrough. His attributes and Vigor were far beyond the norm because of his Draugr half and various experiences, just as his cells could contain far more energy than normal because of his Bloodline. It was also possible his body had a harder time than normal epting an Attunement because hecked the affinities to pave the way.


    But how could that stop him? He was the inheritor of a bloodline so powerful the System itself targeted it. He wouldn''t let a minor bottleneck on a Body Tempering Method impede him. Even if convention and logic told him no, so what? As long as he held on to his path, he''d make the impossible possible. This was just like when using [Bloodline Resonance] to get control over his Bloodline Talents. Sometimes, you just have to keep going.


    Yet, the poisonous thoughts crept back as Life continued to pour into his body. Words of caution, of not giving in to sunk-cost facy as he ran toward a dead end. That there was just too much energy inside the 189 golden runes that still glowed with inexhaustible divinity.


    Not even his cells could amodate this much force, and the temple was inexhaustible in its amodation. Zac was just reforging his body, not forming a Cosmic Core. Even his danger sense started to indicate imminent doom as his cells began to show cracks from the overload.


    It was like a volcano had been trapped inside his body as Zac furiously condensed, purified, and suppressed with his Dao and his determination. Yet, he found it harder and harder to hold on. The agony consumed all thought, and he could tell the runes were only halfway consumed even when he teetered on the brink of copse.


    He had no option but to activate [Void Zone] again. Not to recover his state of mind but to let his cells rest and stabilize for a few seconds. When he deactivated the talent, the Dao of Life had been pushed deeper and integrated further with the core of his being. This cycle continued for a while, with Zac forced to make up things as things came, using everything from his Bloodline and his Dao to forcibly quell some spillover with Spiritual Ice.


    But then, his closed eyes snapped open in horror.


    "No!" Zac roared as he tried activating [Void Zone] in a panic.


    But it was toote. The threshold had been reached, but not in the way it was supposed to. The volcano brewing in his body erupted, its fury and ferocity so intense that Zac lost the connection to his Bloodline. He was unable to even move as he found himself trapped by the glowing runes. The cocoon of his transformation had turned into his prison.


    Blinding cracks spread across his fingers, then his arms, releasing plumes of bloody mist that were instantly burned by the invisible mes. The cracks covered his whole body in an instant, a situation far beyond anything even the splinters had created. The cracks reached the very depth of his body��trillions of cells, trillions of fractures.


    And then it all copsed.


    Zac screamed with horror, yet not a sound came out as his body exploded into a mottled dust cloud that was pushed to the corners of the sealed temple. As Zac''s body was destroyed, so were his thoughts. There was no past, no future��only the glowing warmth of life. The feeling was like a nket on his soul, but aforting rather than suffocating one.


    If he epted this new phase of existence, he would be one with the cosmos and the Heavenly Dao. Yet a powerful wave of repulsion made the dust shudder. Zac wasn''t ready to give in. His determination acted like a beacon, gathering his scattered thoughts. Zac''s soul was already spread through the cloud, and he started to pull. And as Zac pulled, he held onto his Dao Heart.


    His perception shifted, and the Cosmos was suddenly held at bay. Between the unceasing fount of divinity and himself was an impassable wall of demarcation. He was once more the Void, looking in at Life from the outside. And he started taking what he needed. Zac refused to consider defeat or surrender, even for a moment.


    So he''d exploded. It wasn''t good, but he was still alive. And the dust was somehow connected to him, allowing him to impose his will on it. He would survive this tribtion, even if he had to create a body akin to Ubu''s, the Life Elemental he met inside the Orom World.


    From there, he could figure out how to return to a fleshy state. He was already nning on doing the same for Alea, so what was one more body? He might even be able to create it right away with Creation Energy after the situation stabilized. One thing was for sure, though. No matter what, he wouldn''t give up.


    Zac had too many people relying on him, too many goals left unfinished. So what if he became a walking cloud of Life only held together by sheer force of will? It wouldn''t impede his path. As though agitated by his thoughts, the dust churned and roiled as it started being dragged back toward the circle of invisible mes. Like a pilgrimage, where the pieces of his broken self returned to their origin.


    And on the way, the mottled dust took in the ambient Life of the temple. And just as Zac took what he wanted with his Heart of Void, so did he repel what he didn''t need. As a result, the dust started shedding, their mottled exteriors reced by gold far more radiant than the motes of life dancing around.


    Eventually, the first swirls of dust hesitantly entered the invisible mes. The mottled cloud shuddered even more and smoke of various colors separated from the dust. ck, grey, green. Small oily drops were also formed, falling like a profane rain toward the golden nuggets below. But no matter whether it was mist or oil, ck, red, or green, it was all instantly incinerated by the invisible me of life.


    Zac vaguely sensed the transformations taking ce and furiously held onto his conviction. To reform what was broken. To continue down his path. And in response, a shape started to form in the center of the circle. It wasn''t a hand or a head, but rather the first rune of the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    This time, it wasn''t made from medicinal paste or his Heart. It was made from the broken-down and purified rubble of Zac''s body. It waspletely without blemish, a perfected expression of Life. One after another, more golden runes bloomed under the nourishment of his heart. And with every rune forming, Zac felt his scattered thoughts congeal. It was like an imaginary wall made from his Dao Heart kept his soul in ce, gently guiding it back together.


    Eventually, 189 runes of purest life had formed an outline of a being. One grand cycle for the Heavens and one for the Earth. Joined together by the nine minor wheels of Life, one body of divinity perfected. It was still just a hollow pattern, but only half of the dust had entered the Spiritual me circle by this point. More refined dust was being pulled in by the second. As long as Zac kept going, something akin to a body would form.


    The moment the final rune was perfected, Zac heard a bell in the depths of his mind. Unprecedented rity was followed by a stream of new information. It wasn''t an epiphany that came from his reinforcing his path. It was like the cultivation method in his mind had suddenly unfurled like a flower bud, disying previously hidden pieces. A grand voice echoed through his mind, filled with power andpassion.


    ''Only by surrendering the self can the one be the Boundless Cosmos. Only through a Heart of Dao can the Boundless Cosmos be the one. Sublimation through rebirth. Reality subject to an eternal will. The path of the immutable Varja.''


    ''Sublimation through rebirth,'' Zac thought, the hidden despair in the depths of his heart swept away, reced by anticipation.


    With the hidden chapter of the method unfurled, Zac finally understood what was happening. There was actually a hidden tribtion at the threshold of the Minor Sublimation��a tribtion of the Heart. The breakthrough would only continue if your Heart was firm enough, even in the face of disaster.


    If it failed, your soul would gradually disperse in the clouds. If inside a Buddhist domain, your essence could be reformed into a Dharmic Will, which could be infused into a statue or a Dharmic Treasure. For someone like Zac, it simply meant death.


    Zac had no idea why the hidden danger hadn''t shown itself even when he reforged the method with the truth of Ultom, but he wasn''t too disappointed. He could feel how his Dao Heart had made a breakthrough even before his body, reaching a state akin to the Integration Stage of technique. Like a metal, a Dao Heart could only be tempered when put into the fire, whether it was life-and-death encounters or significant setbacks to their cultivation.


    If Zac had known he was supposed to disintegrate, he would just have focused on the next step, and his heart wouldn''t have aligned as well with his path. And from the information, Zac could tell that the heart was the key to passing the Minor Sublimation. Only when one''s will was powerful enough to alter reality and control the dust could you reforge your body.


    This wasn''t a hidden trap of the Sangha but rather a way to increase the rate of sess of their practitioners at the expense of the onescking fate. The unexpected pain, the growing sense of unease, and finally, the copse. It was all there to trigger and temper the practitioner''s Heart. If their Dao Hearts couldn''t withstand the despair of having their body copse, they wouldn''t be able to finish the second half of the breakthrough in either case.


    Heart was the key. What he believed real, was real. What his heart deemed false, was false. Everything was in ce. Of course, he still needed toplete this breakthrough before celebrating. Just understanding the situation didn''t mean he could rx. The avatar made from runes was still hollow, and the burst of information had created waves in his heart.


    Some of the runes had already destabilized, while the remaining dust had started scattering. Zac quickly reaffirmed his heart, spreading his will through the temple. The process resumed and sped up until nine separate swirls entered the invisible mes simultaneously. Seven entered gates that had appeared on his body from the top of his head down to his groin. The final two entered through the hands of the runes, which formed the closing mudra of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]


    As the purified dust entered his body, it was dust no longer. Under the transformations of his heart, veins and bones were forged. Then came organs, each one glistening with life like a Natural Treasure. Eventually, a golden statue sat within the invisible mes, perfect and fully formed. The dust was expended, the impurities banished.


    He was whole.


    Zac stood up and walked out of the me, but he didn''t get dressed. Instead, he touched his spatial ring, and a small vial appeared in his hand. It was the drops Iz had gifted him after his first breakthrough of the Body Tempering Method. Zac carefully swallowed a single drop before hurrying back to the central ring, afraid to lose his current state of mind.


    One drop wasn''t his limit, but there were only six drops remaining in the small vial. He needed to save some for his other projects, and he had the time to stabilize his breakthrough inside the Perennial Vastness.


    He let himself continue to be annealed in the mes of life for a while longer while studying the updated [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Between the incredible temple that had facilitated such a perfect breakthrough and his elevated state of mind, Zac was in a state of utmost rity and certainty.


    Previously unclear parts of the fourthyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation] were unraveled and fixed, getting closer and closer to a workable method. Only when he heard a soft ding did he slowly open his eyes.


    "Thirty minutes, like you asked," Null reminded.


    "Thank you," Zac smiled as he stood up.


    He was still some ways from finalizing the fourthyer of the method, but the Keys of Ascension wasn''t the ce to finish that work. It was far too expensive, and using it for anything but breaking through was a waste of Mana.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac looked down at his body. He was still golden and glowing with the golden lines of Life, but the radiance receded into the depths of his cells with a thought. Normal flesh had reced the golden metallic hue. That didn''t mean his body had lost anything, neither did it mean his Void Vajra Constitution had entered a dormant state.


    In a sense, his body couldn''t be fully considered one of flesh anymore. He was moving closer to a Dao Body, something cultivators normally only gained after stepping into Monarchy. By that point, their true being was the world they nurtured inside their body, while their outer body could be considered just a projection of themselves.


    Still, his body was not not flesh either. With a thought, a series of runes appeared across his arms as his skin turned golden. A momentter, the markings were gone. Zac nodded in satisfaction. His heart dictated what was real and what wasn''t. If his heart said his body was flesh and looked human, it would.


    Zac felt like his body had be a treasure trove of hidden benefits, but he began unearthing them as he always did��by opening his Status Screen.


    [Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (Third Layer): Base Attributes +50. Vitality +500. Endurance +250. Base Attributes +5% Vitality +5%. Effect of Vitality +10%.

 Chapter 996 - Coming Home

    The boost to Zac''s attributes was mostly expected, though the new improvement to Base Attributes was a wee surprise. The increases didn''t change much for Zac by this point, but you obviously wouldn''t say no to free power. Unfortunately, awakening a constitution didn''t provide a Title, just like his Soul Cultivation and Technique hadn''t.


    Some gains were benefits on their own. Besides, Zac guessed these specialized forms of cultivation weren''t really part of the System''s training regimen. The System was there to mass-produce warriors through levels and grades. Ultimately, it was still more efficient to push more cultivators with weaker foundations to higher grades on a macro scale. Raising peak existences that could push toward the limits of cultivation was ultimately a matter of chance.


    Elites would always strive to go beyond the bare minimum in either case and didn''t need the System''s handholding every step of the way. If anything, that could probably backfire, like how Iz couldn''t let her extremely powerful elders exin every step of cultivation for her. Some things needed to be discovered by yourself.


    Zac''s attributes had taken a decent leap forward, but that was far from the only gain of his breakthrough. His body felt incredibly light, and his Cosmic Energy flowed without impediments. His whole body was in nigh-perfect condition,pletely unsullied by the taint of the Earth. He remembered how much putrid oil and multi-colored clouds had been released and incinerated as he reformed.


    No wonder the method strongly rmended breaking through within a Spirit me, especially a life-attuned one. The clouds and drops were impurities lodged in the very depths of his cells. Pill Toxins, dregs from Natural Treasures, sequ from wounds. Even just the ambient impurities of being a cultivator of the Frontier.


    It was all removed at a level rivaling his baptisms by Tribtion lightning. And there was a lot of it. Zac hadn''t held back on using treasures to speed up his body- and soul constitution since secluding himself. His soul, especially, was built on a mountain of Life- and Death-attuned treasures that allowed him to keep pace with the unimaginably powerful Moss Crystals.


    Normally, a cultivator progressing like that was akin to sacrificing their future. Still, Zac dared do so because [Purity of the Void] and the uing Tribtion Lightning from entering Hegemony on the Boundless Path. Now, he was given a baptism ahead of time, a small bonus that would hopefully make his other breakthroughs smoother.


    His Cosmic Energy stores had increased by at least 20%, which meant his Void Energy had also increased by 20%. His pathways had be sturdier, and Zac felt each cell was a small sun. Even his stores of Vigor and its natural recovery had improved, a wee fuel that''d allow him to use his Draugr Hidden nodes to much greater effect.


    It wasn''t just his Vigor recovery that had improved, either. Zac was teeming with life, which would help with his body''s natural healing rate. It would also improve his resistance to almost any form of attack, from poisons to foreign Daos. He obviously wasn''t at the level of the ancient Body Cultivators who could reform their bodies from a single drop of blood, but he suspected that even lost limbs would regrow given enough time.


    Most interesting was perhaps the new realm his Dao Heart had reached. The hidden burst of information had, for the first time, exined the three realms of the Heart the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation] nurtured. The first realm, and the one he''d reached upon passing the first major threshold, was called Boundless Self.


    The stage of Boundless Self allowed his Dao Heart to impose its will upon his body. A poignant example of this was how the broken pieces had recovered and be healthy flesh through a magical transformation Zac didn''t understand. Of course, this didn''t mean he''d gained the ability to take any form he wanted.


    Boundless Self made what was true real, but not everything was true. For example, he couldn''t suddenly turn himself into an elephant or a thousand-meter Beast King. Neither could he suddenly will himself into Hegemony. No matter how much he wanted to sweep through the grades quickly, he knew he was currently in the E-grade.


    Being a Hegemon wasn''t true. Therefore, it couldn''t be made real. But his being human was true in his heart of hearts. As such, his body was human, which was further proved by the fact that his Status Screen hadn''t changed.


    This kind of transcendent state woulde with other benefits as well. The original version allowed your heart to ept outside Daos and influences without letting the self go astray. In Zac''s case, he rather nurtured a state of Void Self than a Boundless Self. He would have to try it out, but he believed his natural resistance to the path of powerful cultivators or environments would increase.


    This probably increased his resistance against the pathbreaking Dharma of the Buddhist Sangha, which was extremely convenient with his manor being in the middle of a Dharmic storm.


    The second realm of the Heart would arrive at the Major Sublimation and was called Boundless Domain. At that level, your heart didn''t just see through truths and falsehoods of the self but everything youid your eyes upon. Illusions would be nigh-useless when faced with someone who had reached Boundless Domain.


    Finally, upon cultivating the method to the end of the ninthyer, you''d give birth to the True Boundless Heart. Nothing was actually mentioned about that stage, but it was obviously incredibly powerful. Of course, passing the finalyer of the method was almost impossible. Justpleting the firstyer put you in the top percentile of all who cultivated the method.


    Topletely master it? There were probably just a handful of those people in the whole Sangha.


    The one thing that hadn''t improved was his affinity. Even now, Zac didn''t feel any closer to the Dao. Trying to absorb some of the ambient energy also failed, proving he stillcked that mysterious connection with the surroundings that allowed cultivators to drag energy out of the air.


    Zac was simultaneously relieved and disappointed things had stayed the same on that front. He still held on to some small desire to be a "true" cultivator, but he knew that woulde with some huge drawbacks. The most notable of which was that his core no longer would work since it depended on hisck of affinities to incorporate the Void.


    In that regard, Zac felt he''d made the right decision in breaking through. Before, the inherent Death Attunement of his Draugr heritage was much stronger than his Life Attunement. It looked like his human side had passed his yet-unawakened Draugr Bloodline. Still, the difference was not as big as it was before.


    If his Draugr side had been inherently 30% more impressive since drinking the [Essence of the Abyss]pared to his Secondyer Void Vajra Constitution, then his human side was now roughly 15% stronger. And with his human side now better suited to restrain the Inexorable Core and to form the Evolutionary Core, he was in a much better position for his future undertaking.


    With everything dealt with, it was time to go. Null''s earlier warning meant his free trial of the Keys of Ascension was about to run out. And like any self-respecting money-grubbing enterprise, the Perennial Vastness charged for the whole hour at the start of the hour. Zac left the inner circle, only then realizing he''d barely felt the heat of the invisible me since breaking through.


    Zac''s robes, rings, and other items were lying in a neat pile by the exit, and he quickly dressed before leaving. The confusing blur of paths and Daos greeted him as he emerged, but Zac''s heart was as steady as bedrock as he descended the golden stairs forming in front of him. The surrounding structures and their disorienting movements were no longer enough to confuse him. He even took the opportunity to look around as he descended the stairs, taking in the beauty of the possibilities presented by the Daos around him.


    Fifteen minutester, Zac emerged from the keys and stepped onto the bridge after giving the marvelous structure a final look.


    "I guess it''s time to see how my home base turned out," Zac smiled upon reaching the exit.


    "You sure?" Null giggled. "Getting pretty confident after one breakthrough."


    Initially, Zac had nned on only returning after breaking through both his Soul and Constitution. Now, Zac felt it wasn''t needed. The protection against the Sangha''s Dharma he''d gained from reaching Boundless Self, or rather Void Self, was much greater protection than what he''d gain from breaking through the nextyer of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual].


    After all, the pathbreaking aspect of the Buddhist Sangha wasn''t some mind poison that harmed the soul. Its danger came from the beauty of a vast path approaching perfection, epassing all Daos and beings. It was so easy to get swept up in the truths of the Pure Lands and their limitless power.


    Of course, Null had a point. It wouldn''t do to jump in blindly. And he had technically exploded just hours ago. Something like that was enough to create a Heart Demon, even if it was an opportunity disguised as a cmity. So Zac spent thest ten minutes of his free trial on stabilizing his mind, including using [Void Zone] a few times while no one was around.


    "Alright, take me to my manor," Zac said after the ten minutes were up, cing his hand on the teleportation pir.


    The pir split in two, but there was no hint of what was going on the other side this time. There was only a glimmering swirl in gold, steel, and ck. That didn''t mean something was wrong, but that portals leading to manors had a privacy filter. Zac stepped through and found himself in arge living room with a simr design to his storefront.


    If not for the incredibly dense energies, he''d have thought he''d been returned to Vastness City. The Samsara Energy was so dense that small golden numinous clouds floated in the corners and rafters of the room likerge mothballs. Looking at them filled him with wonder, even causing his elevated Dao Heart to ripple.


    Zac was still delighted to find the truths inside the ambient atmosphere slightly muted, even without him running his Dao Fields. Part of it was undoubtedly thanks to his approaching the second echelon already. He could tell there was a weak hint of discordance emitted from the manor itself, destabilizing the Buddhist Path on the mountain.


    His gaze turned to the six pirs that held up the ten-meter ceiling. They were identical to each other, covered in dense engravings. The pirs reminded Zac a bit about the seventeen pirs lining the square when he arrived, though the engravings echoed his Daos rather than the seventeen peaks of cultivation.


    These pirs seemed to be the source of the disturbance, and Zac could sense over twenty simr sources spread through the manor. Their aura was still far from reforging Mount Illumination in his image, but it was an important first step. It injected a sense of imperfection and doubt into the Dharmic Perfection, allowing Zac to withstand the pressure more easily.


    The problem, if one could call it that, was that the energy density and Dao Attunement had noticeably increased since he left. The energy density was over ten times what he enjoyed in his Cultivation Cave back on Earth, and it felt like someone was constantly crushing Nexus Crystals to push the environment to this level.


    More importantly, the Dao was much clearer here than back home. It was akin to the difference between a normal Attuned Crystal and a Top-tier attuned treasure. Even if only a third of it rted to his Daos, it was almost beyond what he could deal with. Zac wryly smiled, almost happy he was an affinityless Mortal. It must be torture for cultivators to live in this kind of magical environment only to be unable to meditate on their Daos because of the Time Dtion.


    The environment had transformed just like he''d hoped when he ced his manor at the only loophole on the mountain peak. Unfortunately, it meant Mount Illumination was still not suitable for permanent habitation. Even with his Void Self, Zac was forced to release his Daos soon enough.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Thankfully, it wouldn''t be much longer. Perhaps by the third or fourth echelon, Zac could stay as long as he wanted without having to use [Void Zone] or his Dao Fields to actively resist the environment. For now, Zac let his Dao suffuse the whole mansion as he carefully walked toward the closest window.


    Zac breathed out in relief upon confirming neither ghost temples nor towering thousand-eyed Buddha had been permanently summoned to the peak. Neither could he feel the presence of the entity that seemed to have been forming inside the monastery''s main temple. It was all gone, leaving an empty peak covered in pebbles.


    In fact, Zac didn''t see the golden nimbus that covered the peak earlier, either. Instead, he had a free view of a sprawling mountain range, a scene reminding him of the Eastern Trigram Sect he visited during the Hunt. Plugging up the leak in the array must have meant the energy the nimbus received was reduced to the point it dissipated.


    "Hey, Null, are those mountains part of Mount Illumination?" Zac asked.


    "Yes, but this peak should be the best one of the low-grade peaks the boss got his hands on."


    "And I can explore them for free?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "Sure. If you travel somewhere without using our teleportation system, you will not be charged. Technically, you can even find a few top-tier Red Zones and stay free of charge. But I should warn you, the Perennial Vastness isn''t just a simple continent. It exists simultaneously in multiple states and dimensions, and many of the best realms are in their specific subdimension."


    "I won''t waste time like that," Zac smiled. "I just figured it might help solidify my Heart Cultivation if I ascended different Buddhist Peaks."


    "Sure, you can do that."


    Exploring the sprawling mountain range wasn''t something he needed to do right away. But he did want to at least figure out the situation with his own peak before leaving. Hispound waspletely square when including arge walled courtyard in front of his manor. The building looked like a fortified temple, and the entrance and outer gate were perfectly aligned with the main ghost temple on the opposite side of the peak.


    Zac walked out on a pebble path of his courtyard, noting that the native pebbles of the peak had been reced within his courtyard. Instead of marble white, the stones were all ck, gold, and steely grey. They formed a mottled Zen Garden, where the seemingly random cements of pebbles held some truths about his path.


    A few minutes passed as Zac wordlessly looked at the ground before suddenly taking out a spear he had lying around in his Spatial Ring. He drew a few runes in the sand, his eyes gleaming as he saw the transformation of colors and their distribution. Zac eventually shook his head and continued to the exit.


    The outer gate looked like arger version of the door leading into his storefront, with his blueprint emzoned on both sides. There was no door or gate, but Zac saw how the air almost vibrated in the doorway. The Dao of Mount Illumination fought with the Dao powered by his Mana. For now, it was just a feeble struggle, but Zac smiled as he imagined how his path would one day swallow the whole peak.


    His gaze moved from the air to the opposite side, and he took a steadying breath as he calmed his mind and conjured the Void. He didn''t need to close his eyes or activate his [Void Zone] to be one with the Void any longer. He was the Void, and the Void was he. And as though summoned by his will, the scene on the mountain peak drastically changed.


    The enormous Buddha was gone, but the ghost monastery remained. The main temple had, however, gained a halo since he saw itst. It emitted an immense aura of providence, like it carried the fate of the cosmos. The scene made Zac''s eyes widen, and not just because of the incredibly powerful Dharmic pathbreaking truths it exuded. It was because he''d briefly sensed this same aura before, only thousands of times stronger.


    The band of beads in his vision.


    When he first stepped foot on Mount Illumination, he was shown a brief glimpse of a mysterious Lotus and a band of prayer beads. Back then, he''d felt there was more to the vision than it being some random hallucination. What if the beads were real? That had to be a true Fate-augmenting treasure, one of the rarest kinds of items in existence. Something that magnified one''s Luck.


    If it were real, he had to find a way to snatch it.

 Chapter 997 - Struggle Among the Heavens

    Zac looked at the distant ghost temple with desire burning in his heart. He could feel how fate was gathering within, and the special sense he''d gained from his huge umtion of Luck indicated a powerful treasure was waiting within.


    But how do you take something out from a temple that only existed in your heart? He''d tried entering the subsidiary temples multiple times on the way up. But any time he came in contact while running [Void Zone], the temple disappeared. Entering a meditative state from within the temple grounds hadn''t worked either. It simply didn''t appear around him.


    Or had those rules perhaps changed?


    Zac thought it over and released his Void State before making his way toward the temple on the other side. He stopped roughly at the midway point and entered his ethereal state again. However, the scene was so surprising he immediately lost it. It was gone.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The cloud of providence surrounding the temple, the swirls of fate. They were both gone, leaving the temple looking just like before Zac summoned his manor. Zac tried activating his [Void Zone] instead, but the result was the same. Worried he''d missed out on a huge opportunity, Zac ran back toward his manor before calming his heart. Zac breathed out in relief. It was back.


    A few minutes and experimentster, Zac had managed to confirm a few things. The halo of providence only existed when he entered a Void State from within his mansion. At any other time, the sense of mystery and surging fate simply wasn''t there. But the cloud would remain as long as he walked out of his manor while maintaining his state.


    However, the whole peak transformed when approaching the temple this way. The Samsara Energy surged, and new additions appeared around him. A drum on a tform to the left, a bell tower with a golden bell to the right. Statues of Bodhisattvas and Devas guarding the entrances to the side temples. Anything he approached was elevated.


    Furthermore, with every step he took toward the treasure on the other side, the more powerful the Dharmic pressure grew. It almost felt like the simple ghost temple contained a portal to the mysterious lotus flower he''d seen in the vision, and Zac was exposed to higher and higher Dharmic truths as he got closer.


    By the time he reached the halfway point across the peak, Zac couldn''t maintain his [Void Zone]. It was like the monastery understood he was "cheating" when using his Bloodline Talent and multiplied the pressure in response. His Void Energy was rapidly drained, and he felt his consciousness pulled into the Boundless Dharma.


    His vision swam, and Zac could barely hear himself think over the roar of the Dao of Samsara. He felt that if he took another step, he''d enter the cycle of reincarnation. Zachary Atwood would cease to exist, even if his body remained. His survival instincts trumped his greed, forcing him to back down even if his mind was hazy.


    Using his Void State went better. Since evolving his heart, it wasn''t hard for Zac to maintain a Void State while walking around, so he didn''t actually need to use [Void Zone] to move. Unfortunately, Zac still didn''t get much further than the halfway point before he was unable to continue. The barrier between the self and the Cosmos was fraying at that point.


    Zac reluctantly looked at the inviting temple door just a few hundred meters away. His instincts told him that he could take the treasure out as long as he could walk across the peak without sumbing. This was just like the Sangha. They didn''t need to coerce or trick anyone into joining. They openly invited everyone to visit their holy sites, and people would sumb to their desires and grasp for too much.


    He was greedy, but he did not need to go all out for that thing right away. He''d just broken through to Void Self, and Zac could somewhat sense that it was possible to improve the stability of the self even further. There were also protective treasures and talismans that were worth looking into. Anything that could give him an edge and allow him to walk a bit further.


    Since taking out the treasure immediately was impossible, Zac returned to his manor and started exploring other parts of his home. There was a small scripture hall where thousands of scrolls were ced into cubbies. They didn''t contain any cultivation methods, but Zac still found them interesting.


    The scrolls mostly held historical ounts, describing the origin and history of the many zones in the Perennial Vastness. More than half of the environments in this Immemorial Realm had been absorbed from the outside, while the others had been born through various events. The information could shed some light on the various dangers of these ces, but that wasn''t why Zac spent almost an hour reading a random scroll.


    There was a sense of mystery within the descriptions. They contained a unique charm that hinted at something grand. But unlike with the [Book of Duality], Zac couldn''t figure out what. For now. He could sense there was something hidden within the flowing prose, and he had a lot of experience deciphering this type of text by now. Zac didn''t know if it was rted to Dao or something else, but he really wanted to get to the bottom of it before he left this ce.


    Zac continued into the main meditation chamber and was met by his blueprint floating in the middle of his room. However, this projection was far more detailed than the ones that appeared on top of his head when looking for fights. There were depictions of energy flows, Dao interactions, and even individual patterns.


    He''d heard some of it from Catheya over the past days, and he pointed at a certain section as he walked over. Theplete blueprint was suddenly reced with a small piece, and Zac got a far-better look at that part. He yed around with the array a bit more and found it far more incisive than he''d expected. Zac even found some spots that were candidates for improvement, using his most recent insights into Kalpataru and Pale Seal.


    That wasn''t the only thing the array could do. Zac activated another feature of the projection, and raging waves of mes suddenly assaulted the pathways. Being under assault by the Dao of Fire put the blueprint under pressure, and the energy cirction sped up. Zac looked on with interest asrge amounts of energy were dragged out into the output channels, clearly simting skills being activated.


    This feature was one of the biggest expenditures for most guests. The Perennial Vastness was an ancient Immemorial Realm with a direct connection to the System. There was almost no Dao or path it couldn''t simte, allowing cultivators to test their path and blueprint against any challenge.


    Few could say they had a path that no Dao could restrain or was without ring weaknesses in certain situations. In that sense, perfection could be considered an illusion, where you did what you could to improve your foundations. With the array running simtions days out and days in for years, you were bound to eventually stumble upon some improvements while deepening the understanding of your path.


    Of course, duels were far cheaper inparison. But it was a matter of luck and chance to stumble upon someone who not only had a set of Daos that could provoke a weakness in your path but also had the skill and discernment to spot it.


    Zac chose to activate the premium simtion at 25 mana a day. He''d let it run for the next month as an experiment. Having visited the Keys of Ascension, Zac no longer felt the truth of Ultom omnipotent. It imparted theories far beyond the level of the E-grade with unmatched rity, but it waspletely separated from the Dao.


    Who knew? Some of his so-called fake weaknesses might be real loopholes created by his imperfect understanding of Duality and his Daos. To spend 750 Mana over the next month, letting the array try out tens of thousands of scenarios was a small price to pay. Suppose the blueprint proved as impervious as he believed it to be, then great. He had paid a small fee to put aside his final worries. If not, Zac would know he''d have to adjust his ns.


    After an hour of looking through everything, Zac was ready to leave. He hesitated but eventually teleported to one of the cheaper Green Zones. An hourter, after having rested and performing a few experiments with his improved Heart Cultivation, Zac teleported to Vastness City.


    It was a small trick that allowed him to emerge in Vastness City as a human without going through his storefront. The feature was useless for most people, but it did allow Zac to keep the secret of his two races hidden for a while longer.


    There was no way he''d avoid getting exposed sooner orter because of his blueprint, but he wanted to trick some more people into duels before that happened. The only downside was that it cost one day''s worth of entry to the Green Zones he picked, but there were many which cost less than 30 Mana a day.


    Zac emerged at the Teleportation Square, but he immediately turned back toward the pir after it had closed behind him.


    ''The Cmity,'' Zac said in his mind.


    A terrifying golden hurricane appeared on the other side of the gate. A momentter, Zac was gone, off to deal with the next thing on his list.


    ---------


    Scar nced down with surprise at the ball in his hand, but he forcibly kept his face impassive. He wasn''t the only one sitting in the recovery area, and he couldn''t ruin the princess'' ns by giving something away. One line. This was the marking he''d been told to always keep a lookout for over the past five years, the opportunity his mistress had been waiting for.


    This was his chance as well. He''d emerged an elite recruit of the Empire after almost a century of hellish training, narrowly surviving where tens of millions had fallen to raise new generations of the Imperial Guard. Serving the Heavens was a great honor and a chance for his descendants to contribute to the Imperial Fate, but he also knew one''s future was limited in this path.


    He''d get to enjoy the greatest resources and training, gaining power most could only dream of. However, if Scar was assigned to one of the old imperials in seclusion, he might not leave the pce for the rest of his life. Dozens of generations coulde and go before one of the ancient masters either emerged or passed on.


    Right ce at the right time. Scar was just in the upper segment rather than the peak of the guard, but the Princess needed followers who had yet to enter the Halls of Glory to form an Imperial Core. And Scar just so happened to have a useful bloodline, the one thing he was thankful to his traitorous ancestor for. If he managed to help the young Princess in this matter while seizing a seal for himself, he had a small chance of being promoted to a Sword of the Empire.


    Leading the armies into the unknown ancient realms, looting the treasuries of the Empire''s enemies. Not having to seal his emotions and desires inside the Halls of Glory. Gaining the right to take a wife and form a lineage. The right to choose a true name of his own, not just a nickname temporarily given by the Princess because she felt the number 8376-56 was too much of a mouthful.


    This was his chance to generate enough Imperial Merit to expunge his ancestor''s sin in one go.


    The minutes passed as Scar continued to scan anyers and goers while pretending to recover from his wounds. Not sending out a message, nothing. Luckily, he didn''t have to wait long, as his recement arrived one hourter through the gate. He was covered in blood and familiar wounds. Scar briefly wondered why 8379-35 did that to himself when the Princess permitted them to gain their wounds by hunting for treasures.


    Scar guessed it was because 8379-35 was afraid he''d get himself killed, which would mean he failed the mission. Better maim himself than risk letting that happen. Scar inwardly shook his head as he stood up to leave, not even exchanging a nce with the man as he left. After all, they were only strangers who needed to rest after training, not people who shared amon mission.


    "You are pushing the limits, keeping watch of the Teleportation Arrays for 48% of each day," Oldro said in Scar''s mind.


    ''We are only following the restrictions you levied on us,'' Scar answered the guide.


    "Why''d I have to get stuck with a Deathsworn," Oldro sighed. "You should be working hard at your core, not wasting your time spying on others. At this rate, you''ll get me killed."


    ''Your fate is not my responsibility. If you want to me something, me your bad luck that you were born a creature without control of your life and death.''


    "Like you''re any different," the guide scoffed before going silent.


    Scar calmly walked toward the street where he and the Princess had been ced. The thought of getting simr treatment as an imperial was extremely unsettling, doubly so after their first encounter. She''d decided their proximity meant they were fated and temporarily elevated his status to a Royal Advisor.


    A role he was woefully ill-equipped for. What did he know about strategy, schemes, and the great undertakings of the ancient masters? He had been ted to remove all thoughts in a few years,pleting his transition into an eternal guard. He only knew how to fight and how to protect.


    Still, he could only do his best to follow orders, and he sent a weak tendril of energy into a talisman upon entering his storefront. A few minutester, a warrior emerged from a nearby structure, walking over to Scar.


    "The Princess requests your presence," the guard said, and Scar bowed and wordlessly crossed the street.


    A momentter, Scar appeared inside the living room that had be familiar by this point, where he spotted his master sitting at her usual spot at the workbench she''d brought over.


    "How ostentatious, always asking you to waste Mana by visiting her manor. She is a Seventh Echelon guest. She could havee to your ce for free," Oldro scoffed.


    Scar ignored the guide''s grating voice. He''d long known what it was trying to do. It wanted to drive a wedge between himself and Princess Valsa nur, to enkindle a desire for personal progress. Only through gathering enough Mana would Oldro survive, and it didn''t care about what happened to Scar after he left the Perennial Vastness.


    "I greet the Princess," Scar said, kneeling five meters away.


    "Come, sit," Valsazily waved.


    Scar inwardly groaned. Sitting down at the table with an imperial was punishable by death for someone of his standing. But so was refusing orders. So Scar could onlyply and pray Valsa wouldn''t mention her way of management upon returning to the First Heaven.


    "What happened?"


    "By Princess'' grace, I found another one," Scar said, trying not to color the report with excitement. "Furthermore, the resonator showed one line."


    "What?" Valsa said, herzy demeanor gone as she looked up from the schematics in front of her. Anotherponent for her Regalia, it looked like. "One line? Are you certain?"


    "I am certain, Princess," Scar confirmed.


    "A mebearer. It looks like fate is conspiring against my scheming cousin," Valsa said, her mouth curving upward. "When did this happen?"


    "One hour ago. I am sorry for bying the report. Other people were recuperating at the square, including individuals suspected to be informants. I dared not do anything that might expose the identity of the mebearer."


    "You did the right thing." Valsa nodded. "This is why I wanted to bring people who had yet to sever their past. Continue."


    "It was a Human male of interminable origin. He wore no markings of any known force," Scar said. "He entered The Cmity. Does Princess wish to activate the coalition?"


    "No," Valsa said without hesitation. "Those chosen by the Left Imperial Pce are all bound to be tricky people to deal with. We cannot act hastily. We might only get one chance to strike, so we have to make it count. What do you know about this person?"


    "Reporting to Princess, I have never seen him before. Furthermore, he is a first-echelon guest. He should be a new arrival," Scar said. "I failed to confirm his Daos, but I am guessing he has one rted to Life. He does not have the dourness of a living practicing the Dao of Death generally carries. And I felt an odd sense of stability from him."


    "Stability?" Valsa repeated with a raised brow.


    "As though I was looking at a calmke," Scar said before bowing. "I beg your forgiveness. It is just foolish ramblings of this servant."


    "No, you have the [nar Pulse]. Thanks to your Bloodline, your instincts should rarely be wrong," Valsa waved. "There are various things that can give you such an impression. The fact that he can block out your senses and Hidden Nodes is a clue. All the more reason to be careful on how we handle this."


    Scar nodded, inwardly hesitant whether he should be giving suggestions at this point as the appointed Royal Advisor or wait for orders as he was trained to do. Was he failing the Princess? Thankfully, he didn''t have to wait for long.


    "Over the next three months, start investigating the target. But don''t forget about the others. I don''t think it''s a coincidence at least five sealholders have appeared over the past year. We might have an advantage with our history and connection to the Pirs, but others also have the means to expose these people."


    "Princess wishes to change her target from the one who appeared two months ago?" Scar asked.


    "Of course!" Valsa grinned. "I can''t believe a mebearer showed up! So what if the Emperors picked my cousin? So what if he carries more fate with the Fifth Pir? Fate can be seized. If the Heavens want to keep me away, I''ll just break down the gates and force myself inside."


    "Of course," Scar nodded, hesitating a bit.


    "What?" Valsa frowned. "Spit it out. Remember, you''re an advisor now. Advise."


    "It''s just��" Scar hesitated. "35 brought an update from Imperial Prince Yzum Tobrial upon his arrival. Prince Yselio of Seventh Heaven has already seeded in bing a mebearer. Taking a seal is Princess''s right, but bing a mebearer may create problems for the First Emperor and tension with the Seventh Heaven."


    "Oh, that," Valsaughed. "Well, don''t worry about my Imperial Father. Who do you think gave me all these tokens and told me to go seize fate?"


    "Forgive my foolishness," Scar quickly bowed while inwardly crying.


    He had just heard something he absolutely wasn''t supposed to. And if it was one thing that could drag you and your whole Bloodline into an early grave, it was knowing the secrets of a Supremacy.

 Chapter 998 - The Calamity

    The Cmity was the same ce where Zac had an opportunity to build his manor. But ''The Storm'' he''d seen the first time was a special zone at the outer edges of the ancient chaotic anomaly, and it only cost 25 Mana a day to keep your manor there.


    Meanwhile, the Cmity was a Red Zone, where the teleporter took you further inside. It cost a whopping 250 Mana a day to visit, making it one of the most expensive regr zones in the whole Perennial Vastness. Even then, it was still at the very utmost perimeter of the storm, which was almost unfathomably big. Some estimates even put it at a sizeparable to a smaller C-grade continent.


    The inner regions weren''t avable to the guests of the Perennial Vastness, though. That ce could most likely threaten even Monarchs, and it was sealed off by the Perennial Vastness. Perhaps it was running some more high-tiered experiments there, or it could even be a cultivation zone for one of its disciples like Lord Engo. With such a huge realm, there could be whole civilizations living inside the Perennial Vastness without the guests knowing.


    Zac wasn''t going to the Cmity to sightsee but to continue his cultivation. Having gained a surprising breakthrough in his heart, providing him ess to his manor, Zac was faced with a choice. Breaking through his soul was no longer as critical as before. He could spend the next few days touring the trial zones to get better acquainted with them, such as visiting the Quarry as Lord Engo suggested.


    However, Zac ultimately chose to continue with his pre-arranged n. Three weeks in Sinner''s Lament had proven just how dangerous the Perennial Vastness could be. This was no ce to save breakthroughs forter. Better be safe rather than sorry. And that was what led him to The Cmity.


    There were more ces like the Keys of Ascension in the Perennial Vastness, but none perfectly suited his unusual requirements of needing pure life and Death. As he''d realized during his years of bitter cultivation, it was a paradoxical path that was a dead end for anyone with actual affinities. As such, there were not many environments that were suited for his breakthrough.


    Keys of Ascension and a few simr ces would do the trick, but it would cost most of his Mana. He had already made almost 10,000 in one month, but he knew the lion''s share of that windfall came from a situation he couldn''t easily replicate. Seeing how hard he''d been forced to work for a profit of one thousand from hunting Sinner Mounds, Zac knew he had to be careful with his spending.


    Most of the remaining options were zones like Mount Illumination. Life and Death might be present, but it was in a different state than what he needed. Using a mixed-meaning region didn''t seem like an optimal idea. His breakthroughs always drew huge amounts of energy from his surroundings, and he didn''t want foreign Daos messing anything up.


    The easiest solution was waiting until he had enough Mana that his manor''s environment mirrored his path. But since that could take over a year, he was left with The Cmity, which had exactly the environment he required and more than enough energy.


    Unfortunately, Zac didn''t even get the chance to get his bearings upon stepping through. A pang of danger was all the warning he got before he was whisked away, dragging him far from the teleportation pir. A deafening roar sounding like millions of firecrackers filled his head, and his surroundings became a confusing blur.


    Incredible amounts of Life-attuned energies raged around him, almost reaching the central circle of the temple where he broke through just hours ago. However, this ce was no cultivation haven. It was a warzone, where the energies were incredibly agitated, partly because Zac could actually sense a hint of Creation in its depths.


    Simrly, some Death was thrown into the mix, which was probably the cause of the agitation. Furthermore, the interaction between Life and Death was far more visceral than Zac was used to. It almost felt like the Dao had gone insane. For some reason, the vastly more abundant Divine Energy was willing to destroy itself as long as it annihted those snippets of Death in its midst.


    Congrations of life erupted all around him, swirling whirls of madness creating small hurricanes in their wake. And Zac was caught and helplessly flying around in the middle of it all, utterly incapable of getting control over his body.


    If nothing changed, who knew where he''d end up?


    Cursing at his bad luck, Zac knew he couldn''t hold back at this moment, and he activated [Void Zone] to quell the hurricane of Life-attuned energies that had kidnapped him. But the moment he did, it was like he''d be enemy number one to the storm. Instead of targeting the snippets of Death, the abundant Divine Energy stormed into his nullification Zone, overwhelming its defenses.


    Dozens of muted explosions erupted around him, and Zac felt his Void Energy being expended at an rming rate. It looked like the bloodline talent had made things worse rather than better, and Zac urgently canceled the domain. With Void Zone gone, he had to endure the crazed energies with his body. But the Dao stopped targeting him, at least.


    Until he tried using his Dao Fields.


    The environment in the Cmity was dead-set on creating trouble. His Branch of the Kalpataru acted as fuel for the eruptions around him, while Pale Seal made him an even more obvious target than [Void Zone]. And unsurprisingly, his Branch of the War Axe stirred the mes of conflict around him, making his situation worse.


    Zac waspletely lost by this point. The low gravity of the Cmity prevented him from falling back to the ground. And activating [Earthstrider] only made things worse. The chaotic energies were messing with the skill, and he sensed he hadn''t moved in the direction he intended. With his movement skill on the fritz, Zac could only move to another backup n, having Vivi''s sturdy vines shot out in every direction like feelers.


    He wanted to find something to grab onto, but Vivi''s vines were all destroyed long before they found solid ground.


    The situation was bad, and the energy only kept rising, breaking apart and reforming in a deadly cycle that would instantly rip any F-grade cultivators to shreds. Even Zac''s Life-attuned constitution only provided a limited reprieve from the chaos around him. Worse, it felt like the storm was building toward something. Something terrifying.


    Zac suddenly felt a pang of danger, but he had no chance to react before a small swirl ripped a chunk of his leg. Golden blood and flesh were dragged into the haze, but Zac''s eyes gleamed with interest as he stuffed a couple of healing pills into his mouth. In contrast to [Void Zone] or his Dao Fields, his blood was actually having a cooling effect on the storm.


    Thanks to the calming effect of the bloody mist, Zac could see further than a few arm''s lengths. The frantess died down around him, and the haze cleared up. But Zac almost wished it hadn''t. The Dao itself wasn''t the only danger in these parts.


    An undting shriek pierced through the storm''s roar as a twenty-meter-long creature flew right toward him. It looked a lot like a golden manta, its body covered in what looked like naturally-formed runes. Its body was not only able to withstand the storm but even harness its force to some extent.


    A Divine Stormglider.


    If not for the chaotic situation, Zac would have been happy. The hides of Stormgliders were quite valuable because their hides made great armor. An undead cultivator incorporating those hides into their regalia would drastically improve their defenses, particrly against life. Zac already learned the Undead Coalition had a standing order on those things.


    It was one of the native creatures of the Cmity, having found an amazing cultivation environment where most only saw danger.


    The Stormglider seemed attracted by his Life-attuned blood, its shrieks sounding incredibly excited as it somehow pulled a drop into its mouth. Zac wasn''t surprised at the reaction. Thanks to his Dao and pure constitution, his body had be something like a natural treasure to beasts. He was more worried about the fact Stormgliders seldom traveled alone.


    A storm of fractal leaves shot forth, aiming to kill the Stormglider in two before it could call over the rest of its squadron. But the runes on the early Beast King lit up, and Zac swore with surprise when the storm increased in ferocity. A gust pushed through the temporarily calm surroundings and ripped apart the des while creating a curtain between Zac and the beast.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The division didn''tst long. A beam of pure light pierced through, aimed straight at Zac. Around it, streamers containing the condensed essence of the chaotic environment tagged along, creating a deadlybination attack. But Zac hadn''t just been sitting around since his opening salvo. Two shrouds pushed forward, forming an invisible divide.


    The divinity beam was utterly incapable of contending against [Rapturous Divide] and was swiftly cut apart. The Stormglider had the home-field advantage, but Zac had the advantage in absolute strength.


    The boundary between life and Death was under attack by the environment, but its intangible de still cut everything for over two hundred meters before the skill copsed. The skill broke apart quickly, but it contained a huge amount of Cosmic Energy and force, allowing a temporary corridor of absolute calm to form.


    Zac activated [Earthstrider] to appear right next to the bisected Beast King, and he stowed away the huge meter corpse before shing away again. It had only been for a fraction of a second, but [Rapturous Divide] had not only helped Zac kill his target. It had given a glimpse ofnd not that far away.


    He needed to act quickly. First and foremost, the small Beast King he''d killed was probably just one of the outer scouts of its squadron. He could already hear dozens of piercing shrieks through the storm, probably answering their fallenpanion''s earlier call. Dealing with one or two was easy, but Zac didn''t want to tangle with the whole pack.


    There was nock of Middle Stage Beast Kings in most Red Zones, and reports mentioned there could even be Late Stage Beast Kings lurking in the shadows. Zac wasn''t even confident in dealing with the former. The Beast Kings you encountered in the Perennial Vastness had far purer bloodlines than the ones you encountered on the Frontier, and creatures that could thrive in the Cmity were doubly fearsome.


    And against Late Stage Beast Kings? His only chance at survival was to escape and hope the beasts didn''t notice him. It was possible the stronger coalitions in Perennial Vastness could hunt Late Stage Beast Kings. But that was provided they gathered enough people and made thorough preparations.


    Furthermore, Zac didn''t have much time. Even if the storm around him had momentarily calmed down, it was only in a rtive sense. The Dao was weakened thanks to his blood, but the wind was still very much there. He''d soon be swept away if he didn''t quickly reachnd. Zac could also sense a growing sense of unease.


    Something was happening in the heart of the storm, not too far off in the distance. He couldn''t see anything because of the golden haze, but just sensing it was enough to make his hair stand on end. It seemed like the mother of all explosions was gathering momentum, and Zac wanted to take cover before it erupted.


    Vivi could not reach the distant patch ofnd without being ripped apart, but Zac had an idea. He let the vines pass by the still-bleeding wound in his leg as he activated [Earthstrider] again. His surroundings shifted and he was instantly disoriented, but five vines shot out in different directions, each glinting with a hint of gold.


    The storm weakened all around him, and Zac once more spottednd, this time much closer. Another jump and Zac found himself just fifty meters away. It was enough. Vivi was prepared, and two of her vines managed totch onto a few rocks on the ground before the wind dragged Zac away. The storm raged even harder on the surface, but Zac staunchly withstood it as he pulled himself down.


    Just as Zac thought himself safe, Zac felt a pang of danger as an incredible tremor rippled through the ground. If not for Vivi, he''d instantly have beenunched into the air again, but he still got some scrapes and bruises from mming right into the sharp ground. Zac was about to crawl up, but he realized his point of gravity was rapidly being shifted. The patch ofnd had started shifting, and Zac soon found himself hanging onto the ground rather than lying on it.


    Zac was about to stand up to get his bearing, but a scream of danger made him throw himself on the ground as quickly as he humanly could. A stone shard asrge as a head whizzed past right above, effortlessly breaking through the shields of two defensive treasures before ripping up a wound across Zac''s back. It would have punched a hole right through his body if he hadn''t pushed back against the ground quickly enough.


    A momentter, the stone was gone, flying with almost impossible speed. Hundreds of simr stones followed in its wake, though most were dozens of meters in the air. The fact that the floating ind was suddenly spinning saved his bacon, as it spun away from the trajectory of the meteor shower that hurtled by.


    Just as Zac thought he was safe, the sound reached him. The explosion was so loud Zac was knocked out for a moment, and his vision was swimming even after waking up. Zac was scared, bleeding, and disoriented, but he couldn''t stop now. He needed to get out of the wind.


    Zac channeled the Kill Energy from the Stormglider into [Surging Vitality] while [Verun''s Bite] reappeared in his hand. His blood did sort of act like a shield against the environment, but he didn''t want to attract any more Stormgliders while looking for shelter. The gleaming edge of Verun crashed into the ground, but a painful rebound in his wrist was the only result.


    He''d used quite a bit of force, but the only proof of his attack was a shallow line on the rocky surface. As expected��anything that could survive inside the Cmity was incredibly sturdy. But that also proved just how powerful the previous eruption was. That distant explosion had contained enough force to rip up the ground andunch shrapnel in every direction. It''d be game over if he took one of those to the face.


    There was no way he could carve out a cave in this kind of bedrock, and Zac could only start moving in search of a natural shelter. One moment he was climbing. The next, he was running, all while the ind kept spinning. Soon, Zac felt like he''d hit the jackpot as he saw a mouth of a cave not far off. He jumped inside, ready to fight any beast that tried to push him out.


    There was none.


    Zac breathed in relief, both from the cave being over fifty meters deep and that it wasn''t upied by any beast. He quickly set up a series of arrays to hide his presence from the Stormgliders and any other beasts before moving into the depths of the cave. Zac figured he''d be mostly safe even from such powerful eruptions this far into the incredibly hard rock, and he couldn''t feel another one of those sts building up.


    Those kinds of explosions couldn''t be toomon even in the Cmity, or it would have been to dangerous even for a Red Zone. Zac grunted as he sat down on the ground but soon found the cave started to spin. With an annoyed sigh, Zac opted to suspend himself in the air with Vivi''s help, where he found himself rotating along with the ind.


    And outside, the storm kept raging. Distant calls of Stormgliders and other beasts could barely be heard through the incessant roar of the unrelenting storm. Even after the shocking discharge before, the Cmity had plenty of energy to spare. Going back out now would be asking for trouble, Void Vajra Constitution or not.


    Zac wryly smiled as he remembered his thoughts upon reading the reports on the Cmity. He''d thought he''d be like a lost scion finding his way back home, where his unique duality provided him benefits akin to the Twilight Ocean.


    Reality was often a harsh mistress.

 Chapter 999 - Nomad

    Zac felt a palpable sense of d��j�� vu as he looked at the golden storm outside. At least his situation wasn''t quite as bad as when he fell into the Twilight Chasm. For one, he still had all his limbs. Secondly, the environment was actually quite nice now that he''d gotten out of the wind. It really looked like the storm was self-perpetuating. The wind agitated the Dao, which resulted in deadly eruptions that generated more wind.


    The moment he found shelter, the Dao calmed, though still far more agitated than normal. That was not all bad when kept within reason. Zac felt a dense stream of pure Life enter his wounds, assisting in his recovery. This phenomenon was why the zone was considered worth 250 Mana a day.


    It wouldn''t be wrong to call the Cmity a deathtrap, but the few safe spots that appeared were havens even top-tier cultivation chambers had difficulty matching up to. It was a great environment for cultivators to gather the energy needed to form a life-or-death-attuned core, and unique treasures were continuously born.


    The storm kept raging outside, but Zac didn''t mind after confirming the rest of the Stormgliders were gone. He guessed the huge explosion before might have scared them away. Zac''s constitution was fast at work mending his wounds, and the rich environment even put him in a semi-enlightened state where he figured out some improvements to a schematic he''d worked on.


    A schematic for a healing skill.


    [Surging Vitality] had served him well since unlocking the second floor of the Dao Repository years ago, and it had already patched up the wound on his back. However, it ultimately wasn''t a very strong skill. It was a Middle Quality skill without any attunement. The only reason it had worked so well on Zac''s body was because of his high Vitality and his body''s inherent ability to recover. Any skill would have worked great on him.


    But [Surging Vitality] had too many limitations. For one, it was incredibly inefficient, requiring way more energypared to most skills. That was probably why it had been designed to run on Kill Energy rather than normal energy reserves from the start. Secondly, infusing the skill with his Branch of Kalpataru only slightly improved the effect. Finally, it only had a 70% match with his pathways, lowering the efficiency even further.


    For years, Zac had nned on swapping the skill out with a proper self-made one that meshed better with his ss and Daos. He had mostly figured out what he wanted, and his study of blueprints gave him the skill to create it from scratch. But he''d still held off, waiting for some more pieces to fall into ce.


    Now, with his constitution evolved and his Dao Branch already at Middle Stage, he had everything he needed to finish the preparatory work. And as long as he didn''t wait too long to form the skill, he''d probably be able to push it to Peak Mastery before even leaving the Perennial Vastness.


    The storm''s ferocity rendered the outside impassable even after an hour, but Zac didn''t care. The ind had already stopped spinning after the previous st, and the danger seemed to be waning. Zac already understood he''d been caught in a squall the moment he entered the Cmity. Thankfully this level of danger wasn''t a permanent state, at least not everywhere at once. There were ebbs just like the flow he''d just seen.


    Eventually, the roar of the wind calmed down into a constant groan, and Zac hesitantly peeked out from his cave. The wind was still extremely strong, forcing Zac to hold onto the wall, but the air above was no longer an overwhelming golden haze. Now, smaller clouds flitted about in a vast backdrop of a chaotic dance between Life and Death. It looked like he''d been transported to a world of a thousand drifting suns, where roughly half shone in gold and the other half in ck.


    Between these ster objects, incredibly ferocious storms raged, just like the one that had almost dragged him away. At any given time, there were eruptions powerful enough to wound even him grievously. And in the middle of all this chaos, tforms and inds floated about like boats on a raging sea.


    Some were only a few thousand meters across, while others were sorge that it''d take Zac hours to cross them. What kept them afloat, Zac had no idea. There was a slight upward draft in the whole Cmity, but he doubted that was enough to keep whole inds bobbing about. His gaze turned upward, and he saw the same scene continuing deep into the sky until his vision was blocked by an incredibly chaotic storm that seemed an even mix of gold and ck.


    Being a mostly vertical realm, it would only take Zac a few days to cross the whole thing. The goal was to climb higher, where the energy was richer, and the treasures were better. Certainly, the beasts would also be stronger. Getting to the top was easier said than done. There were only a few safe routes through the huge storm in the sky, so you couldn''t just fly straight up.


    Things were calmer around Zac nowpared to what he saw in the distance. The storm of Life had swept up a lot of the energy in the surroundings, leaving the region rtively calm. Zac stepped out, knowing he had to make his move before it was toote.


    Gazing around, Zac shuddered, realizing he was less than one hundred meters from a sharp edge. And he knew where that led��nowhere. Being a literal hurricane, there was a down just like there was an up. Falling meant trouble if you weren''t careful andcked the means to right the ship.


    Far in the distance, Zac saw the pir from where he''d arrived, proving he was still on the starting disk. Normally, it wouldn''t have been so easy to spot, but the Perennial Vastness helped out a bit in this confusing ce. A huge sigil was hovering above the pir, making it easier to spot even from other inds. Of course, the guides could always point you in the direction of the pir in case you were lost.


    Zac''s eyes turned back toward the edge and then further away, to the storm of Life that had assaulted him for the past hour. Within, Zac could vaguely make out another floating ind currently under assault. A deadly hail of rocks raked its surface, each projectile containing the strength of a Hegemon''s all-out attack.


    The squall of Life had picked up in force while moving between inds, and Zac watched as a chunk over a hundred meters tall was snapped off the ind. It was dragged across the surface, leaving a nasty gash in its wake before being flung out of sight.


    In the face of something like that, there was only one reprieve; to run for your life. Or better yet, figure out the weather patterns to avoid facing such a squall head-on. If you failed, you''d instantly get turned into meat paste if unlucky. And just getting swept off wasn''t much better.


    Apparently, the Perennial Vastness had cordoned off the Red Zone as a safety precaution, and the Chaos-attuned storm had formed a self-contained subsystem. There was no risk of being dragged into the more dangerous regions of the Chaos Storm, but the Cmity alone was lethal enough to grind down even Hegemons to dust.


    Not even Zac was confident in enduring the unpredictable energy eruptions until he was dragged close enough to another floating ind totch on. And Null was no help in this ce; apart from the barrier at the edge of the Red Zone, there were no safetys. He couldn''t just tap out and be brought back to Vastness City if he couldn''t hack it.


    Zac had already scanned the skyline for his target, but it wasn''t there. He''d have to keep moving for a while. Already prepared for this, he took out what looked like a hang glider with five-meter-wide wings. It could be considered a Flying Treasure, yet not. Flying treasures were banned in almost all the zones of the Perennial Vastness, with a few notable exceptions like the Nimbus. But there were some allowed half-measures, such as the item in his hands.


    It was made from local materials and didn''t have any flight or propulsion arrays. Instead, it only contained a simple wind-controlling array that would allow him to gather and, to a certain degree, redirect the momentum of the winds in the Cmity.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    As long as you were careful, it could take you shorter distances between the floating inds and meteors, using the low gravity and upward draft. You risked getting snatched up by powerful winds, but with some movement skills and other treasures, you could often stop yourself from getting swapped away.


    Of course, being a zone with a hint of Primordial Chaos, there was always a risk that a storm would erupt out of nowhere.


    Zac observed the surroundings for another minute but knew he couldn''t dally. The information on the Cmity wasn''t endless, but quite a few had visited because the inds ultimately held treasures of Life and Death. Some lucky cultivators even found items containing echoes of Creation and Oblivion. Even if not directly useful for their cultivation, such items were incredibly valuable on the outside.


    A series of roars echoed out in his surroundings, and Zac looked on with interest as a swarm of beasts leaped out from the very same tform as the one he stood on. His eyes lit up, knowing this was a good sign. Zac started running, steeling his heart as he jumped off the edge of the floating ind,nding atop the glider while holding onto a set of reins to control the wings.


    A powerful katabatic wind tried to drag him down, but the arrays activated on the wings. Zac redirected the force and felt himself pull out from the downdraft, soaring toward the ind the storm had just assaulted.


    The most important lesson in the missive was that while storms and eruptions could happen at any time, the safest ce was generally to follow in the wake of arger squall. Furthermore, the beasts living on the various inds had just withstood a powerful storm, often many weakened and unwilling to emerge from their burrows.


    That way, you could ind hop with rtive safety, looking for treasure or beasts to hunt. Or, in Zac''s case, find a suitable cultivation ground. The migration of the beasts proved the timing was good as well.


    After his experience in the Twilight Chasm, flying between inds like this was a bit nerve-wracking. It felt like a current could appear and suck him into the depths at any moment. But it was rtively calm, as far as traveling inside hurricanes went. Even the beasts yed nice. Those who needed to move inds wouldn''t fight with each other over the chasm. They''d need to reserve their strength.


    Zac nced to his sides, marveling at the scene of dozens of Beast Kings and their E-grade underlings who had appeared out of nowhere. He felt like the vanguard of a mottled army as they all flew toward the closest ind. The mix was almost even between undead and living creatures, and most seemed to have adapted to a life without solid ground beneath their feet.


    More than half were birds or various forms of gliders like the mantas he''d encountered. One undead creature looked a lot like a twenty-meter puffer fish. It was like a spiked zeppelin gliding through the air. Simrly, there was a den of golden snakes where even the E-grade snakes effortlessly floated in the air, seemingly thanks to a high buoyancy. Only a few seemed a bit out of their element, like a huge toad and a rock-like creature.


    Each group had at least one Beast King leading, yet none targeted Zac. They only gave him wary looks before refocusing on the ind ahead. They even kept their more feral descendants in line, preventing them from targeting Zac or the other groups.


    The creatures of the Cmity could be divided into three groups, and he''d already met the first; the skyborne. The Stormgliders were part of this group of beasts that never touchednd. They could live within the energy-dense storms, getting all the nourishment they needed from the environment and the attuned stars. Corporeal skyborne were rtively rare, with most being energy creatures.


    The second group was the nomads, also called the storm chasers. The beasts currently surrounding Zac belonged to this group. They were predators moving from ind to ind in search of Natural Treasures and prey to devour. They rarely stayed too long in one ce, only moving on when the resources were expended. Some had real dens somewhere in the Cmity they eventually returned to, while others were true nomads. Some were beasts who had been pushed away from their previous homes and forced to look for a new ce to live.


    No matter their origin, these beasts had long learned to stay out of the way of other nomads and visiting cultivators, who could be considered part of the same group. They already had their hands full dealing with the other two groups, and they couldn''t fall to in-fighting. If too few nomads gathered, moving between inds would be too dangerous. After all, there was safety in numbers.


    The crossing only took fifteen minutes, though that didn''t mean the distance was short. The raging storm had already passed, but its movement had created a powerful pull in its wake. Zac''s flying treasures wouldn''t have been able to keep up with his current pace, even if the glider didn''t have any means of propulsion.


    Suddenly, a twelve-winged winged centipede screeched as dense streams of noxious plumes of miasma started to leak from its maw. Zac frowned as he looked over, his eyes widening when a deep gash suddenly appeared on its body. But the hidden de had beenunched from too far away, and ck ichor quickly mended the wound before the centipede unleased a wave of putrefaction toward the shores.


    Where a weing party had already gathered.


    Apart from the skyborne and the nomads, there were also the territorial beasts��those who had found a ce to call home in this chaotic environment. They differed greatly in origin and strength, but they had one thing inmon; they fiercely guarded their homes against the other two groups.


    Both sides were already unleashing an unrelenting salvo of attacks at each other the moment they came within range. Zac knew he couldn''t just sit back��doing so would show weakness to the other nomads, and he''d risk getting ganged upon even if they breached the ind. A surge of Cosmic Energy entered his arm, and the gate of [Arcadia''s Judgment] appeared.


    A huge death spike impaled the wooden hand the moment it emerged, and Zac felt a stabbing pain in his own hand. But the hand of Arcadia contained boundless Life, and the spike crumbled under its force. The gates flew over to the shores, absorbing the Life-attuned attacks while rebuffing those of death.


    The whole edge of the ind groaned upon being put under such pressure just after enduring the storm, and the already exhausted beasts weren''t that much better off. The nomads weren''t stupid��they knew this was their chance. They went all-out,unching all kinds of bloodline talents at the shore, and one beast after another was either killed or forced to retreat.


    And then came the judgment. The axe mmed down, utterly destroying three Beast Kings in one go. Their bloodline skills were utterly incapable of rebuffing a dual-branch-empowered finisher. The spikes were even more dangerous, being formed of the incredibly sturdy rocks the ind was made of. Another five Beast Kings fell, and hundreds of their underlings were ripped to shreds by the ferocious resonance between the spikes.


    Even more beasts remained standing, but they had clearly lost their desire to fight. They turned tail and fled deeper into the ind, and a few even jumped down and flew toward the inds below. One attack had instantly ended the war, and even the nomads looked at Zac warily as hended at the shore.


    Usually, these encounters meant a tough fight with casualties on both sides. This time, the nomads came out of it unscathed. Zac ignored the looks as he quickly looted the corpses. The Beast Kings right at the entrance of the Red Zone wasn''t too impressive, but they still had pretty good bloodlines.


    And Beast Cores with pure Life- or Death attunement were pretty useful. Zac nced at the nomad Beast Kings, who all shuddered and took a step back.


    "I guess I shouldn''t attack my teammates," Zac smiled. "See you guys around."


    With that, he turned and shed away, heading for the other side of the ind. He couldn''t waste time hunting weak beasts if he wanted to find one of the drifting Cmity Mountains.

 Chapter 1000 - Joint Venture

    Zac wasted no time as he rushed across the ind. If he pushed himself and used the glider when possible, he believed he''d be able to cross the whole disk in two hours. There were only six days until the next mission release, and he wanted to use two for his breakthrough. So if he couldn''t find what he was looking for in the first two days, he''d either have to return or pick one of the left-over missions.


    Thetter wasn''t the end of the world, though, and the others were already prepared he might not show up. For someone like him, there were always left-over tasks he could pick up and earn a decent chunk of Mana. And even if he somehow ended up empty-handed, he had other things to work on. Few guests had the energy and time to take on missions every month.


    He wouldn''t be surprised if he were the only mortal in this ce, which had one small benefit. He didn''t have to spend any time cultivating to form and upgrade the nucleus of his core. Instead, Zac could put that time toward collecting Mana or working on his other endeavors.


    A sudden hint of dense Death made him stop in his tracks, and Zac curiously looked at a deep fissure. Most likely, it was a scar opened by therge peak that the storm had dragged off, and its passage had exposed something interesting. Zac peered down, and his eyes lit up at the exposed cavern.


    Inside, five pitch-ck rose-like flowers grew, each one emitting an incredibly dense aura of Pure Death. His Life-attuned cells screamed at him to destroy those things, which probably meant they were something good for his other half. Zac jumped down, a sniff enough to confirm the roses weren''t poisonous. He carefully cut them off with a small axe imbued with the Dao of Pale Seal before storing them all in a treasure box.


    There was nothing else inside the cave system, so Zac continued on his way, making a few more pit stops to pick items up from the dredged depths of the ind. Most of the hidden caves were unguarded, but he had to take out a pack of peak E-grade insects guarding a stone that had formed natural runes of Life. It didn''t waste much time, and Zac reached the ind''s edge on schedule with a few new interesting items in his bag. This was just the entryyer of the Cmity, so they weren''t supreme treasures. But they were all rare Peak Quality Materials that might prove useful in the future.


    To Zac''s surprise, he wasn''t actually the first arrival. A familiar face already waited at the edge, anxiously looking at the next ind in the distance. It was one of the Beast Kings who had crossed the chasm with him before, one of the weirder ones. For one, it moved solo, but it also looked a bit out of ce. It was essentially a seven-meter-tall death-attuned toad. It had no wings on its back and no other means of flight. Instead, its back sported a set of translucent pustules, where some ck liquid sloshed inside.


    The toad really was an odd one out. Without any means of flight, it would bendlocked on an ind for centuries until it finally became a Beast King. Species that didn''t even have the option to jump ship if a particrly nasty storm hit their ind were bound to be disadvantaged in this environment.


    But it was not a weakling. Zac had run as fast as he could, yet this Early D-grade beast had arrived ahead of him. Furthermore, it didn''t look winded at all.


    "You''re pretty quick," Zac said with surprise as he walked over, and heughed upon getting a disdainful scoff in return.


    This Beast King was clearly a bit smarter than the average species. And upon thinking back, Zac realized it hadn''t joined the fight. It somehow disappeared when the nomads and territorial beasts started exchanging attacks. It must have used some moment skill to start crossing the ind while the other nomads kept the rabble busy.


    It looked like the toad had nned to keep going, but its n had hit a snag. There was another ind not too far in the distance, but there was also a group of roving birds guarding the chasm. Seeing the situation, Zac had an idea.


    "Want to make another jump before the storm gets too far away?"


    The toad looked suspiciously at Zac before slowly nodding.


    "How about this," Zac said, pointing toward the next ind. "You saw my strength earlier. I''ll deal with those flying things and any other beasts we can''t avoid. In return, you carry me across the continent. I want to keep going until I find a drifting mountain."


    The toad mutely looked at Zac, clearly with some disgust in its eyes. Zac gave it a thought before releasing his Branch of the Pale Seal to show was not just a being of life. His Death-Attuned Dao wasn''t weakened when using his Life-Attuned Body, but it didn''t have the sense of smoothness as when using the Branch of the Kalpataru.


    The eruption of a powerful Dao Field made the toad shriek in rm, and Zac looked on with interest as a ck gust swallowed it, moving it hundreds of meters in an instant. It almost looked like Ogras and how he moved through shadows, though the method clearly was based around Death. And possibly Time, though Zac couldn''t understand exactly how.


    "I''m just showing we''re on the same side!" Zac shouted, which made the toad hesitantly jump back after a minute.


    It released an enormous ck tongue over ten meters long, seemingly trying to taste Zac''s Dao before looking down at Zac with confusion. Zac smiled as Death spread through his body, his eyes bing pitch-ck orbs of the abyss.


    "See? Same side," Zac said.


    After showing his Draugr form, there were no more objections. Zac had found himself a capable mount, and the two jumped off the ledge toward the next ind, not bothering to wait for any more nomads. The flock of birds shrieked with delight upon seeing two lone targets, but tion turned into horror as the corrosive links of [Love''s Bond] snatched up one bird after another.


    Meanwhile, Zac utilized the free movement of [Abyssal Phase] to catch up with two Beast Kings and destroy them quickly before moving toward the next target. The toad wasn''tpletely helpless, either. Its tongue suddenly became thirty meters long and snatched up a few peak E-grade birds. The birds were almost asrge as the toad, but it somehow managed to squeeze them into its belly. The predators became dinner, and the two continued on their way.


    This time, only a small group of beasts emerged when they were about tond on the other shore, and Zac made short work out of them without having to rely on any of his finishers.


    "Alright, your turn," Zac said upon stowing away the corpses, and he was surprised to see a hole open up on its belly.


    The toad actually had a pouch simr to a kangaroo, along with the ability to perfectly seal it. Or was it just a second mouth leading into its stomach? The toad stamped impatiently on the ground as it pointed at its belly.


    "You want me to get into the pouch?" Zac frowned, looking up at the face of the huge toad. "You''re not trying something here, right? You should know I''ll st a hole in you if you try to eat me or something."


    The toad rolled its eyes in an incredibly human manner, once more pointing at the pouch before making a rapid series of signs with its hands that Zac couldn''t understand at all.


    "Alright, alright," Zac grunted as he walked over.


    The situation was pretty weird, but Zac just resigned himself to fate as he crawled inside. The vision of him heroically standing atop the head of a Beast King as they crossed thends was fast crumbling in his mind. At least the pouch was a lotfier than expected. The walls were soft, and there was even an ambient atmosphere of Death that resembled a gathering array.


    But then, something wet touched him. Zac shrieked at the sudden feeling, but he quickly calmed down upon realizing it was only a 2-meter baby toad who had buffed him with its tongue. The thing looked quite imposing, but it was only in Peak F-grade, probably unable to leave the pouch because of the environment.


    Zac curiously looked at the toad, wondering why the Beast King had allowed him to enter a spot normally reserved for its offspring. Most beasts would guard their young with their lives and hide their presence as much as possible. Was it a sign of trust? Zac couldn''t figure it out, and a sudden buff from the outside derailed his thoughts.


    "What?" Zac said with annoyance as he peeked outside, only to find the mama toad expectantly looking down at him.


    Then, a wave of Deathly Dao spread through the pouch, though it was only at thete Fragment stage.


    "You want me to release my Dao for your child?" Zac said with a raised brow, getting a gentler buff in answer.


    So the toad just wanted a Dao battery for its young. Zac wryly smiled as he released some of his Branch of the Pale Seal, letting it spread through the pouch. The baby toad released some excited chattering sounds as it nudged closer. A momentter, the surroundings turned to a blur as the toad sped across the continent with speed twice what Zac could muster.


    The toad had sealed most of the opening to its pouch, but it had left enough space for Zac to peek outside, allowing him to confirm the beast was moving in the right direction. Though Zac could barely keep up with where they were going with how quickly they were moving. The surroundings kept shifting weirdly, making the view disorienting.


    Rather than a skill, it seemed to be an inherited bloodline talent. Zac had already realized the ck clouds it formed were made from blood, or rather the liquid it produced in its pustules. Zac also felt a bizarre pulse of Temporal Energy every time the surroundings shifted, confirming the toad was manipting time to move faster.


    ''Hey Null, how is this affecting my time inside the Cmity?''


    ''This... creature isn''t changing the passage of time, so it''s like normal.''


    Zac nodded in understanding, guessing the toad used time to speed itself up rather than create some Temporal Chamber.


    The second continent was even bigger than the first, and the mountainous topography created incredibly ferocious gusts that coulde out of nowhere. Yet it only took the toad an hour to pass the whole thing, at which point Zac got out to prepare for another fight. The two kept chasing across the Cmity like this, passing seven inds in quick session.


    The odds of running into another cultivator at this point were pretty low, and it was even less likely for someone to catch up to him if they followed him into the Cmity. Zac had a hard time imagining even a Dexterity-based E-grade cultivator keeping up with this pace for hours.


    However, the speed didn''te without a price. The toad looked exhausted when Zac emerged from the pouch for the seventh time. The odd vats at on back retained less than one-third of its liquid, exposing a set of mysterious temporal stones sloshing about within. Moving at such speeds must have significantly drained its energy stores, and Zac nced at the other shore.


    Toad had actually managed to keep pace with the raging storm until now. Half the ind was shrouded in a vast curtain of gold that prevented them from seeing anything of whaty beyond.


    "We can take a break if you want," Zac offered, but the beast stubbornly shook its head and drew three lines in the ground before making another set of iprehensible signs.


    "What?" Zac said, trying to understand its gestures.


    It soon dawned on Zac that they were on the left line, and the toad''s destination was just two inds over. Zac could only let the toad keep rushing, and they soon reached the edge of the next ind. This time, the scene on the other side was starkly different, and Zac gazed at the next ind with marvel.


    So the toad was looking for the same ce as he was.


    The mountain towered into the sky, hundreds of thousands of meters tall, withrge swathes hidden by dense shrouds of both Life- and Death Attuned clouds. It didn''t quite have the traditional pyramidal shape with a t base, but it looked like a briolette with a rounded bottom. Its massive size beggaredprehension, and it wasn''t the only thing that made it stand out. It had two of the miniature stars rotating around its base.


    Not even the terrifying storms of the Cmity could dislodge the hegemony of this natural fortress, and Zac looked on with marvel as the storm they''d followed was forced to split apart to pass by. Between its massive size and its guardian stars, it drifted about in the Cmity like a lone titan.


    This wasn''t the only Cmity Mountain drifting about, but they were quite rare. Finding one was a matter of luck, and it was exactly what Zac had been hoping for. Only these mountains, with their mile-long tunnel systems and hidden pathways, could provide both enough energy and a safe enough environment to break through with his soul.


    It was a stroke of luck he''d encountered the toad, and he finally understood why it was so stressed. The mountain was moving quite fast, and it might have drifted out of sight if they''d been even half an hourte. The toad must have somehow known the Cmity Mountain''s route and rushed to reach it in time.


    Zac was about to climb out to prepare for another crossing, but the toad pushed him back into the pouch.


    "Stay inside?" Zac said, and the toad nodded.


    The toad could fly much faster than his glider, so Zac was happy to oblige. It wasn''t mentioned in the information missives, but the mountains were bound to be the main targets for most cultivators. They were massive and had a stable enough environment to rebuff most of the storms. Even forests could survive on its slopes, meaning the odds of treasures surviving were much higher.


    And with this mountain being only half a day''s travel away from the gate, there was a decent chance other guests would have ended up here. Zac would normally not be worried about being targeted. In fact, he would wee it. However, he aimed to make a breakthrough, not fight and look for treasures this time. And by staying inside the pouch, he''d be able to sneak onto the mountain without being spotted.


    The toad set off across the chasm, only stopping for a moment to let the side with the death-attuned star turn toward them. There were no beasts guarding against their arrival, and theynded in a deathly forest without issue. The toad was still wary, ncing to its left and right as it kept running for a few more minutes. Only then did Zac emerge, looking around with interest.


    "Here," Zac said, throwing out a Death-Attuned Cosmic Crystal. "A small payment. You worked a lot harder than me in the end."


    The toad eagerly snatched it and stuffed it into its mouth, letting out a satisfied croak. In return, it formed a rapid-fire series of signs again, pointing toward the top of the mountain.


    "You''re telling me something dangerous is living on the peak?" Zac asked, getting an affirmative nod and a series of following signs. "And to not make a lot of noise on the slopes?"


    A minuteter, the toad ambled away, much more rxed now that it had reached the drifting mountain before it moved out of reach. Zac thoughtfully watched it disappear among the trees before he swapped to his human form and shed away in the opposite direction.


    There was something off about that beast. Not that it tried to harm him, but rather the opposite. It was a bit stand-offish, but itcked the thinly veiled brutality he saw in the eyes of the other nomads. It was just too intelligent and didn''t even seem native to the Cmity. Zac had no proof for this, but his instincts told him it wasn''t actually a wild Beast King but a domesticated one.


    But whose pet it was and why it had appeared here, Zac had no idea.


    Zac was curious, but he had bigger fish to fry. He ran through the windswept forest before he found what he was looking for, a tunnel without any end. It wasn''t luck to stumble onto one so quickly��these entrances were all over the ce. The drifting mountains of the Cmity were essentially beehives with innumerable tunnels crisscrossing the whole thing. It was more hollow than solid.


    Perhaps that was the only way for such a huge mountain to float about freely without getting too heavy. No matter the reason, the thousands of tunnels created a unique situation thanks to the constantly rotating mountain. Powerful gusts full of energy entered the tunnels, constantly dragging more and more into its depths.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Meanwhile, the innards werepletely protected from vicious storms, creating an incredible environment. In other words, the real dangers and opportunities waited within. And it was here Zac nned on seizing a Cultivation Cave to undergo his fourth reincarnation.

 Chapter 1001 - Three Fates

    Thest rat fought against the suffocating chains, but a ruthless swing ended the struggle. Zac panted as he ripped [ck Death] out of the Beast King''s head, adding its corpse to the growing pile of carcasses in his Spatial Ring. Zac grimaced as he pushed back his leaking entrails into his gut, applying a paste while expending two healing brands to patch up the wound.


    While pondering on the Dao in his cave back home, he''d always longed for adventure among the stars. But you always forget these small details. Adventures were pretty grimy, and you often ended up leaking stuff that shouldn''t leave the confines of your body.


    Over the past day, Zac had either ambushed or been ambushed over thirty times, and he was starting to get worn down. The beasts and packs which could make the Cmity Mountain''s prime real estate their homes weren''t messing around. It was no wonder no one guarded the slopes against interlopers. Why bother? The outsiders would die the moment they dared enter the tunnels.


    At least he''d made good headway. When Zac entered the mountain, he''d continued straight toward its heart. The two attuned stars were in a locked orbit with the mountain, which meant one side of the mountain was teeming with Death while the tunnels on the other side were filled with Life. He needed a little bit of both for his method, so he had to reach the center where the energies converged.


    The fact that the pack of rats he''d stumbled onto were life-attuned proved he was getting close. The pungent smell of blood lingered in the den even after storing away all the corpses. Predators hoping to find a wounded victor would soon arrive. However, Zac didn''t immediately leave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Instead, he followed the urgings of Verun in his mind until he reached a pile of what he hoped was mud. After pushing it away with the huge edge of [Gorehew], a radiant glimmer lit up the whole area. Zac looked at the thing curiously. It wasn''t a crystal, neither was it some stone or metal. It rather looked like a piece of dried bark containing just incredible amounts of Divine Energy.


    A small dried piece from a C-grade tree, perhaps? Even if it was only a small piece and quite aged, it had once held incredibly lofty Daos of Life. It was definitely a D-grade Natural Treasure, perhaps even a Middle-stage one. The energy it released was to the point the whole cave started to vibrate.


    It was the adjacent passage, a wind tunnel full of turbulent Death, that was being instigated by its natural enemy being so close by. Zac urgently stowed away the treasure before running away, his hands burning upon touching the bark like a hot coal. Avaricious roars were already echoing through the tunnels, but they sounded quite distant.


    Zac just grinned as he turned into an abyssal wraith, squeezing through a small crack to join the corridor of miasmic winds. The rats had clearly understood that treasure was beyond what they could hold onto with their strength, so they had isted its powerful energy emanations with the mud.


    But their aggression was their folly. They''d attacked Zac just for passing by outside their den, even if he had no intention of messing with them. By the time he fought his way inside, Verun had woken up from within his Spatial Ring, roaring with hunger. It had indicated in no uncertain terms there was something it wanted to eat here.


    Since [Verun''s Bite] had reached Peak E-grade, it rarely showed any interest in materials. Verun doing so this time strongly indicated the piece of bark would be able to assist its breakthrough into a D-grade Spirit Tool. The only other thing he''d gotten his hands on so far was the mysterious drops Iz had given him after breaking through the firstyer of his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    The Tool Spirit wanted to drink those drops, and Zac guessed it could act as a catalyst for elevating its spirit. But it was just a few drops, far from the pile of expensive materials Zac expected he''d need to gather to upgrade his weapon. Finally, he was making some progress, and the fact he could find useful high-grade materials in this ce was a promising sign.


    Because if there were good things down here, then the upperyers of the Cmity were bound to have amazing treasures for both Alea and Verun. Now, he only needed a mission, preferably a long-term one, taking him back here. That way, he could earn Mana while treasure hunting rather than forking out 250 Mana a day.


    In a second, Zac had moved hundreds of meters back and forth through theplicatedwork of stormy and calm tunnels. Finally, he found another slim crack and squeezed through, arriving in a separate set of tunnels. [Abyssal Phase] had been his go-to method to avoid dangerous situations and take shortcuts toward the center.


    Zac continued for another hour until he finally found what he''d been looking for; a storm chamber. He''d arrived through a tunnel carrying Death-attuned winds. On the other side, another pathway poured out simr amounts of Life. Unsurprisingly, the chamber where the two energies met was a madhouse with ceaseless explosions like those that had assaulted him on his arrival to the Red Zone.


    It was essentially a storm in a bottle, pushing up toward some unseen exhaust. From there, the chaotic storm would be the clouds that covered a good chunk of the Cmity Mountain.


    Even Zac didn''t dare enter the storm chamber, let alone cultivate inside it. He wasn''t after the chamber itself but rather the streams. He looked around the area for a while but sighed, failing to find what he was looking for. But there were quite a few such chambers in the heart of the mountain, and Zac eventually struck gold.


    The constant explosions led to cracks forming in the surrounding walls, and Zac found a small fissure leading to a sealed chamber just a few meters below another storm chamber. The whole cave constantly shuddered from the barrage, but it looked stable enough otherwise. More importantly, the isting rocks that made up the Cmity Mountain couldn''t perfectly seal off the incredible amounts of energy and Dao trapped in the storm chamber.


    The stone acted like a filter as the Daos of Life and Death squeezed through, providing a steady stream of calmed-down energies. However, being constantly infiltrated by opposing Daos was bound to weaken its integrity over time. Looking at the ceiling, Zac guessed it would break in a couple of years, increasing the size of the storm chamber. But for now, it held, creating a perfect cultivation chamber for his needs.


    The energy density was far beyond the normal tunnels, but there was one problem. Due to the cracks leading into the cave from the Death-attuned side, the Daos weren''t in bnce. Some Life emerged from the ceiling, but it wasn''t enough for his needs. Zac walked over to the opposite side of the cave, looking at the small cracks in the wall.


    Nothing but a few trickles of Life came out; it was clear the fissures weren''t as wide on this side. However, the rocks were weakened already, and Zac started to chip away with his Dao-empowered and [Blighted Cut]. The Dao of Life that had been ingrained into the stone for years shed with the Dao in Zac''s attacks, and chips of rocks started to gather at his feet.


    One hourter, his mad frenzy had damaged the wall enough to release roughly the same amount of energy from both sides. Adding more Life-attuned energies improved the density of energy and Dao even further, and a miniature storm was already brewing in his cave. Zac took a deep breath as he felt the agitated Daos dance around him.


    This was perfect.


    Zac spent the next hour installing one array after another. First, he set up two gathering arrays, one on each side of the cave. It helped keep the energies slightly separated, preventing them from exhausting themselves before bing fuel for his cultivation. Next came Istion, trapping, and killing arrays, turning his makeshift cave into a proper cultivation chamber. After some hesitation, Zac even installed a wall-breaking array on the ceiling.


    If someone snuck into the cave to attack him, he could bring the storm down on their head.


    Even then, Zac didn''t start his cultivation session. He silently sat in the middle of the brewing storm, hidden by an invisibility array. Deliberating. Waiting. Part of it was because he wanted to see if someone had followed him or been attracted by the sound of his remodeling. Some assassin could be lying in wait until Zac lowered his guard. But the bigger reason was that this was his final chance to turn back.


    The idea had been born during his years of secluded cultivation, and it had only grown stronger as time passed. The third reincarnation was simr to his Minor Sublimation in that it was a major threshold. The method called the result a Three Fates Soul, representing his three rebirths. More importantly, it could be considered a crossroad where you had to make a decision��a decision of what direction you wanted to take.


    ''Enlightened by the heavenly revolutions of Life and Death, the Soul embraces the Samsara. One begets nine, and nine begets the one. Bnce is at the heart of Heavenly Law. For one to rise, another must fall. One to lead, nine to follow. Reincarnate to align with your path, be one with the Cosmos.


    Nineyers of the Abyss carry the Heaven. Nine Heavens seal the Abyss. Relinquish the nine, the boundless Dharma, abject of self.


    Nine returns to the one.


    Such was the description of the third reincarnation. The manual was as vague as ever, but Zac wasn''t the same person as the one who almost got himself killed when undergoing the first breakthrough. Thanks to years of studying Life, Death, and their intrinsic nature, he was no longer a clueless Progenitor. And aided by innumerable mini-epiphanies, he''d already allowed him to unlock the secrets of the third and fourth reincarnations.


    The meaning was simple; pick a side. Between Life and Death, one needed to be a leader while the other followed. Zac still wasn''t certain if the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] was really Buddhist, but he actually doubted it. Something about it seemed different. It was more Daoist in nature than Buddhist, though it borrowed some theories from the Sangha.


    It was even possible the original version hade from the previous era and then been refitted better to suit the cultivation system of the Era of Order. It was impossible to tell with only the first fiveyers, unaware of where it was leading.


    What Zac could deduce was that the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] was not meant for true Edgewalkers such as himself. Even Vri, with her nighplete absence of affinity with the Dao of Life, could cultivate the firstyer. If you had an umonly high affinity with both Life and Death, you had a chance at reaching the third reincarnation.


    But Chaos Cultivators was a thing from the previous era. Those constitutions couldn''t really form under a Heaven where the Dao of Chaos was still broken. No matter the original intent and method of the manual, you now had to pick either Life and Death to be the leader. In other words, you''d form an attuned core.


    The attuned sides would no longer use the concept of shing Daos to continue progress. The nine following the one would strictly be a cultivation resource��Life supporting Death, or vice versa.


    Apart from picking a side, you could also keep your Soul unattuned. It was what the ''Boundless Dharma, abject of self'' meant. However, Zac had a feeling that relinquishing the nine wasn''t optimal. Nine was the utmost. To relinquish the nine most likely meant the ceiling of your Soul would be lower when continuing through the reincarnations.


    Very few methods were so flexible that they could be branched this way, yet Zac wasn''t satisfied. Why pick when you could have it all?


    Zac wanted his Soul to be attuned to Life, and he wanted it to be attuned to Death. Just like his body. Just like his path. But to aplish that, he''d have to step off the beaten path and rewrite the method to better suit his needs.


    That by itself wasn''t anything special. Most elites had already started doing so with their manuals by the time they approached Hegemony. You used the foundations the predecessors hadid to build something new and unique. If you blindly followed the Heritages of others, you''d only ever be a follower and never a leader.


    In reality, most such creations were destined to fall into obscurity, often disappearing when their inventors sumbed on the road of cultivation. A few progenitors found great sess, and their ideas would form the foundations for the following generations.


    However, it was more than a small overhaul in Zac''s case. He wanted to model his Soul Core after his Blueprint. On the one hand, Zac felt it made sense. His Cosmic Core was a mirror of his Daos, so why shouldn''t his Soul be one as well? On the other, it was too difficult. Tranting the concepts of energy to the intangible mystery of the Soul was easier said than done.


    Ultimately, Zac knew doing it all at once was too much. Like Lord Engo said before, his core was based on partly borrowed knowledge. So he came up with a n that he felt would take a step in the right direction.


    The [Nine Reincarnations Manual] seemingly followed the cycle of one to nine and nine to one to reform and refine. During this reincarnation, he could throw either set of outer cores into his central core, creating a truly attuned core. But what if he picked both? Instead of returning to one, he''d create an Inexorable Soul Core and an Evolutionary Soul Core.


    The concept wasn''t as advanced as his Cosmic Core, but it was the first step toward true unity. From there, he could keep working at it until he fused the two halves back together at a future reincarnation. After all, with his Void Emperor Bloodline, he was bound to delve into the truths of the Void sooner orter. For now, he was benefitting from the Void without understanding, like a child. But that would have to change sooner orter.


    By the time he understood the Void, his path would grow wider, allowing him to take it in more directions. The trinity could be a duality, possibly even a singrity of unmatched prowess. Or he could keep things as is while properly using all three of his Daos inbat rather than two.


    All that was an incredibly distant goal, though. Zac didn''t even know how to begin to study the Void of Dao. His only clue was Ultom, which might contain some information missives. For now, Zac only needed to create a Soul Core representing each of his sides.


    Such a change to the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] was much more straightforward. The manual and array were already designed to either form a core of Life or Death. He "only" needed to do both at once, with some small alterations, while providing extra energy to form two central cores instead of one. Of course, Zac had long since plotted out the critical changes to the method, using some of the extra Lake Water to ensure he wasn''t overestimating himself.


    Everything was in ce, yet he hesitated.


    Zac knew there were some real risks with this n, and not only because he was nning on breaking through in a ce like the Cmity. He could keep his Soul unattuned and worry about this issue in the future. Harmonizing his cultivation to align with his path was obviously better than not doing so, but he was still considered the younger generation. There was still time to deal with these things in the future.


    The hours passed, and Zac eventually made his choice. He''d not gotten this far by ying it safe, and his instincts told him to go big. He needed to keep grasping for power if he wanted to have a chance at catching up with his mother. Of even surviving the deadly gauntlet of Ultom. The moment he started to back down when faced with danger or a challenge, his path would grow narrower.


    Filled with conviction, Zac''s eyes snapped open. It was time to start. Like the previous breakthroughs, it all began with a final cycle of Mental Energy through the array disks to power the process. But even before he began, there was a change of pace. Today, nine cycles wouldn''t be followed by nine more.


    This time, he took out both Array Disks at once.

 Chapter 1002 - Nine to Lead, One to Follow

    Zac couldn''t help but give the two Soul Strengthening Arrays in his hands a second look. Years of having Zac''s Daos channel through their pathways and absorbing the ambient energy hadpletely transformed them. The previously matte disks now glowed in a deep hue of gold and ck, giving off powerful emanations of Life and Death.


    Even if he knew what he needed to do, Zac still was a bit worried as he looked down at the arrays. He''d never attempted cycling both halves at once, but he didn''t have much choice. Nine to lead, one to follow. The first cycle he began would set the schedule for the third reincarnation, preventing the other side from taking charge. It would only be able to chase the one who came before, fueling its ascension.


    Zac took a steadying breath, making sure he didn''t have any lingering issues after having fought his way through the mountain. Only upon confirming everything was in order did he begin. Zac''s eyes gleamed with madness and determination as he split his focus. Storms of Dao-empowered Mental Energy entered the disks while Zac focused on the outer cores in his mind.


    As his central core was drained, the outer cores elerated, quickening their dance of Life and Death. Minutes passed, and the arrays began glowing as they transformed his energy streams. For a moment, Zac had a strange vision. He had be the Cmity Mountain, holding its satellite stars in his hands. The tunnels were his pathways, and the storm chambers his Soul.


    He didn''t know if he imagined things, but it almost seemed like the mountain resonated with his thoughts. The Daos stirred, and the vibrations from above increased in frequency. But the feeling onlysted a moment before it was gone, and Zac refocused on his cultivation. He had his hands full just dealing with the cycles.


    Channeling both array disks at once wasn''t just an issue of multi-tasking. It was a linear leap in difficulty simply because of the energy required to fuel the process. He needed two sets of Mental Energy and two sets of Dao each time. His central core was rapidly being drained to fuel the process. Thankfully, Zac had enough to spare.


    He had already absorbed one and a half Moss Crystal, each containing almost unfathomable amounts of Mental Energy. His central core had already passed the limits of the thirdyer of his method years ago, which was the only reason he dared attempt something like this.


    The remaining Moss Crystal in his mind even helped, lessening his burden by providing a third of the energy that went into the refinement circuits. One Soul Crystal after another also appeared in his hands, right atop the two array disks. The powerful pull from the arrays siphoned some of the densely packed energy from within the crystals, lessening his burden further.


    Zac spared no expense this time, knowing he was pushing it by channeling both arrays at once. The moment the Soul Crystals atop the disks had been drained of their most easily-essible energy, he dropped them on the ground and crushed them with the back of his hands. A spiritual cloud was released around him, entering his pores. And from there, it went to his aperture, while two new crystals appeared on the disks.


    An hourter, the currents of empowered Mental Energy came crashing back through his hands. Normally, it would appear like a healing rain. The cores that needed to be built had long since been built, and his central core was already at capacity. The only ce the empowered Mental Energy could go was into the Outer Cores, filling them with powerful but unstable force.


    Today, the effect was a bit different. One side didn''t take charge, gaining power while suppressing the other. Instead, an arms race began Soul Aperture. The outer cores madly dashed to absorb the iing energy, seemingly trying to get one over on their opponent. The life-attuned cores were especially aggressive, perhaps encouraged by the Pure Life naturally coursing through his body.


    The golden spheres even tried to destroy some of their opponent''s energy, but Zac fiercely suppressed those actions. Ideally, he''d spend half the time of each cycle in each form to bnce the two sides, but the Duplicity Core didn''t work like that. Ultimately, he''d settled on performing the whole thing in his human form.


    It wasn''t a matter of his sides being weaker or stronger. The reason was simply that Miasma didn''t have as profound an effect on his human form as Divine Energy had on his Draugr self. Zac knew he''d have to rely on Natural Treasures of both attunements to pass through the gauntlet, which was best done in his human form.


    Sometimes, it felt like the cores in his aperture were separate entities to him, flying about of their own volition as theymuned with the Dao. Ultimately, they were part of him, and Zac wouldn''t let them act as they wanted today. With destruction being banned in his aperture, Life and Death could onlypete by gathering energy.


    And since each side was provided an equal amount of energy, the two armies were locked in an even struggle. Even his Dao Avatar of Branch of the War Axe joined in on the fun. It started flitting about through his aperture, sometimes swinging a ck axe ording to the Inexorable Stance. Other times it floated on a golden core, his axe teeming with life and boundless possibility.


    It was Zac''s way of ensuring the two sides were kept equal while simultaneously steering the process toward his intended cores. If one side seemed to get the advantage and rock the fragile bnce in his Soul Aperture, then Conflict would help push them back down.


    One circuit after another waspleted this way, each one boosted by his Middle Stage Dao Branches. By the fifth revolution, Zac started to feel the strain. Even with Soul- and Moss Crystal helping out, he faced an uphill battle. He needed bigger guns. An iridescent pearl appeared on his hand, and Zac''s mouth shot forward to gobble it up.


    It was a Natural Treasure, normally meant to hold as you cultivated the Soul. Today, it became fodder as Zac staunchly crushed the pearl into dust before swallowing it. It had been a gift from the Undead Empire, a rare item from some hidden realm of the Eidolon. Getting one''s hand on such an item wasn''t even possible on the frontier, yet this cultivation treasure was reduced to fodder for his breakthrough.


    Zac''s body was immediately agitated, and it started to absorb the Mental Energy from the surroundings and the Moss Crystal much faster. A refreshing wave entered his central core, allowing him to keep going.


    The outer spheres in his Soul Aperture soon turned into small suns, mirroring those floating about in the Cmity. The previous sensation that he''d be one with the mountain returned far stronger, and Zac could tell it wasn''t just an illusion. Had the mountain formed a spirit that resonated with his breakthrough? Zac had no idea whether that was good or bad, but he couldn''t do much about it.


    He had already jumped onto the tiger''s back and needed to ride this storm to the end.


    Another cycle waspleted with the aid of the pearl and dozens of Soul Crystals. Zac was buried to his knees in Soul Crystal shards, but he didn''t care. They still released some lingering Mental Energy, and Zac took any help he could get.


    The outer cores started vibrating ominously after the energy of the sixth cycle returned. They moved far faster than normal, waging an invisible war by following their heavenly trajectories. The patterns released an invisible pressure, making his whole Soul Aperture groan. Six revolutions were usually the point Zac where stopped channeling his Dao when practicing the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. But not today.


    Zac initiated the seventh cycle, at which point the array disks actually broke free from his grasp and started rotating around his torso. Their movements mirrored the outer cores in his mind, following the heavenly trajectories of Life and Death. They generated a mysterious resonance in the cave that took control over the ambient Dao.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The previously wild energies in the cave were attracted, and Zac was happy to see some of the attuned clouds enter the hovering disks. Unfortunately, it wasn''t enough. Zac could tell he wouldn''t be able to finish the hour-long circuit without further assistance. The Kalpataru Tree in his aperture had started withering. Simrly, the oppressive aura of the Pale Seal was weakening, the whole thing fading into a turbid grey.


    His Soul was drained beyond what it could sustain, and the truths of his path were drying up. All the while, the outer cores grew increasingly difficult to control. Zac''s body was in perfect condition, yet he felt like a dried-out corpse. Despite that, Zac felt incredibly alive. There was a sense of victory and aplishment from simply walking down a path you created of your own volition.


    He was no longer dancing to the tune of others. He was creating a new future with his own hands. Of course, that feeling of freedom did little to help with hiscking resources. Around the halfway mark of the seventh cycle, Zac reached his limit. He''d hoped to finish the whole circuit before reaching this point, but simultaneously using both arrays had been more draining than he''d expected.


    At least his performance was up to par with his previous breakthroughs, even when the difficulty was more than twice as great when doing both cycles at once. Besides, the pearl was not the only thing he''d prepared. A torrent of pure, unblemished Dao poured out from the central core as the floodgates of [Spiritual Void] opened wide. The currents passed by the waning Dao Apparitions, nourishing their source before entering the Array Disk.


    Zac had already confirmed that his Void Self of the heart had allowed him to control the Hidden Nodes in his body freely. Finally. He could turn them on and off at will, preventing them frompeting for resources. Of course, there were few situations where he didn''t want his three Void Nodes to passively keep running, but his elevated state also helped with his control.


    For example, he could tell the [Void Heart] which energies to eat and which to leave behind, including energies that weren''t even harmful to him. Simrly, he could tell [Purity of the Void] what to focus its purification on, another ability that would have saved him a lot of headaches over the past years.


    And he could sense how much Dao the perpetually hungry node in his mind could hold. It was no longer just a voracious enigma but three separate containers��one for each of his Daos. There wasn''t actually more than 10% of his total stores for each of his Daos, but it was incredibly dense and pure. Ultimately, the true use of [Spiritual Void] was to temporarily bolster his Daos by almost a full stage rather than acting as a Dao Battery.


    The Hidden Node gave Zac a much-needed break to recover some of what he''d lost. When the refined energy returned half an hourter, he could better guide them into the rampaging outer cores. The whole aperture was shuddering by this point, but Zac just started the next cycle.


    Halfway through the eighth, the stores of [Spiritual Void] started to run out, and Zac had no choice but to continue onto treasures. One item after another was either ced against his forehead or chewed and swallowed, each something that would create waves in the Zecia sector. Not even his body could properly utilize all the amazing items when wasted this way, but he didn''t have much of an option. He needed a lot of energy and quick.


    The discordant pile of treasures left him with a new set of toxins just days after purifying all the filth from his body, but they allowed him to narrowly squeak by the eighth cycle. At that moment, the outer cores essentially broke free from his control, aggravating their struggle even further. His aperture was filled with almost unbelievable levels of energy, to the point even the sealed remnants stirred.


    Meanwhile, the cave was drowning in light by the two array disks, and energy was dragged from the tunnels above into the cave, forming radiant and nebulous clouds around him. Zac could tell the arrays were barely holding on. Still, the disks were made by one of the most talented Array Masters in Twilight Harbor, using the sturdiest materials avable.


    Hopefully, they''d survive the final push.


    The ninth cycle was the final and the utmost, returning toward the one. It was thest opportunity to infuse the much-needed extra boost to make the impossible possible, and Zac began rousing the two slumbering energies within his body.


    Zac had made sure to retain ample reserves of Creation Energy in his body and Oblivion Energy in his Soul upon entering the Perennial Vastness. You never knew when you needed an ace, whether it was to protect your life or break through. Luckily, nothing too dangerous had happened since arriving, which allowed him to use the energy for their intended purpose.


    Meanwhile, Zac took out a small vial, the very one he''d gotten from Iz, containing the [Wreathstar Nectar]. Five drops remained after taking one after breaking through the [Void Varja Sublimation]. This time, Zac swallowed the drop before the real hurdle had even arrived.


    It wasn''t that he was so certain he''d seed that he took the drop in advance. Rather, he needed to rely on its mysterious properties to tide him over for the whole cycle. A fresh wind swept through his body, and dozens of streams of energy seemingly sprouted out of nowhere before they came crashing toward Zac''s Soul Aperture.


    The streams entered almostpletely dimmed central core and the withered Soul Apertures who had been drafted beyond their limits. The center of his Soul flickered to life, and his exhaustion was temporarily swept aside. The withered tree bloomed, once again spreading its divinity across his aperture. Simrly, the Iron Maiden released a deep hum, seeminglying from the depths of the underworld.


    It wasn''t the nectar that powered his Soul. It was thetent energy from all the treasures he''d just swallowed. He had only managed to use a small amount of their energy before, while the rest started to dissipate. The true purpose of the [Wreathstar Nectar] was to put your body in a hungry state after a breakthrough, letting you absorb huge amounts of energy to stabilize your foundations.


    In Zac''s case, he used the nectar to let his exhausted Soul pull onest batch of energy from the treasures before it was toote. Even the swirling clouds of Life and Death around him were dragged into his pores and channeled into his Soul Aperture. There, they were reforged through the filter of his Soul Apertures before being pushed toward the array disks that were now moving so fast around him they''d formed two bands.


    Zac also infused his Creation and Oblivion Energy into these streams, elevating it even further. It entered the Array Disk, which immediately started to crackle ominously. Just as he was approaching the zenith of his method, so were the disks reaching the limits of their endurance. Furthermore, infusing Creation and Oblivion had a mysterious effect on their trajectories, and in turn, the whole cave.


    Initially, the odd ripple effect only really affected Zac''s sealed cave. But as the ninth cycle approached its end, the ripples spread outward, seeminglypletely unbothered by the isting rocks. It was hard to tell where he ended, and the mountain began, and he felt like his tendrils stretched for tens of thousands of meters in every direction. His path was madew in the area, and he was bing the heart of the mountain.


    And when the heart beat to another tune than the rest of the body, some odd changes were bound to ur. If he looked outside the Cmity Mountain right now, would the locked rotations of the attuned stars have changed their trajectories?


    All stray thoughts were pushed aside as the final cycle came crashing back. As with previous breakthroughs, the beleaguered Array Disks exploded when they finished their task. Two huge swirls appeared to his sides, one golden and one ck. The ambient energies were finally starting to be dragged into the vortices in earnest, but Zac barely noticed it. His mind was fully turned inward already.


    Normally, Zac would have almost lost his mind by the billowing wave of Divinity and Death that raged through his Soul Aperture. Yet, thanks to his elevated Heart, he felt his mind as clear as ever. His Void Self even helped him momentarily keep the rampaging energies in check, allowing him to proceed with the n.


    The original method called for using the incredible force and umted pressure built up over two cycles to finally shatter the central core. From there, you''d shatter one outer core after another of the attunement you picked, infusing its essence into the cloud. Finally, you''d detonate the nine leftover cores simultaneously. That would unleash a tremendous shockwave that forced the mixed dust together and left you with an attuned core and a neb of its opposing element spiraling around it.


    The Soul would essentially be a gctic core, and you built a gxy of small attuned systems. The number of stars needed for the fourth reincarnation wasn''t set. It depended on your Dao and your path. The loftier your goals and the greater yourprehension, the more stars you could birth in your gxy.


    The problem was, Zac hadpletely turned the method on its head. The first cycle was supposed to set the stage. The empowered side would imprint its Dao onto the central core, creating the fault lines that would prompt it to crackter. But the outer cores had been busy fighting each other during his dual cycle.


    Meanwhile, his central core was far sturdier than normal thanks to the Moss Crystal''s continuous impartment. As things stood, his Soul Aperture was liable to crack before the central core would. He had to bring in a hammer to smash the thing himself.


    Time was of the essence. Cracks were already appearing in the far edges of his aperture, proving it was not just one endless space. This was one of the riskier parts of the n, but Zac hadn''t found any better options. His Void Self found it harder and harder to maintain clear thoughts, but he forcibly gathered his will and snatched up arge amount of energy from both elements.


    Zac pushed the opposing sides together before infusing a hefty amount of conflict to act as an elerant. He had essentially built a makeshift bomb in his head, capable of an eruption like the ones outside in the Cmity. However, the bomb didn''t fly toward the central core. It swerved, passing through a hidden gate, appearing in the secret sub-dimension where the remnants rested.


    The bomb went off, a rune shattered, and madness poured forth.

 Chapter 1003 - Resonance

    Unbridled destructive urges and mad exuberance fought for dominion as a set of remnants squeezed out from the crack in their prison. Apanying them was a storm of umted energies that had yet been filtered by the profound patterns crafted by Be''Zi and the System.


    Yet, when the second set of remnants attempted to follow in their wake, a nineyered gate appeared to seal them inside. Conflict, Life, and Death, three by three by three, bolstered by an unyielding heart and an immense amount of Mental Energy. The still-trapped remnants raged and railed against the barrier that suddenly barred their path to freedom, but they found themselves unable to break through.


    The first set stopped for a moment, but their desire to unleash their madness upon the world quickly won over their desire to free theirpatriots. They surged forward, crashing through the hidden gate leading to Zac''s true Soul Aperture. Zac didn''t try to stop them. He bolstered their momentum with his Dao while gently guiding them forward.


    Right at the Moss Crystal.


    The undying wills inside the remnant needed very little prodding to target the incredibly energy-dense gemstone that just so happened to float very close to the exit of the prison. Both Oblivion and Creation were processes that needed energy, and the remnants were always kept in a drained state inside the prison. Right now, they only had around 15% of the energypared to when Zac found them, and the Moss Crystal was a way for them to fuel up.


    But a vast alien consciousness spread through Zac''s aperture just as the two scrambling remnants were about to reach the emerald crystal. It didn''t possess the splinters'' destion or the shards'' exuberance. Instead, it was filled with eptance. And the hunger to grow. Zac inwardly smiled. It looked like Mossy couldn''t sit still with those little cmities making their way over.


    The Moss Crystal released an enormous amount of Mental energy, forming an emerald shroud that tried to swallow and suffocate the two remnants as they approached. But clearly, the discarnate consciousness of Mossy had underestimated what it was dealing with. The remnants weren''t some easy prey, and they teamed up when targeted by an outsider.


    They released powerful waves of energy that either destroyed or subverted Mossy''s spiritual quagmire as they inched closer. All while giving out their insidious promises to Mossy. Even Zac could hear the whispers of destruction and possibility targeted at the crystal, but he did nothing to stop their corruption.


    He let the two tie each other up while he dealt with the vtile situation in his Soul Aperture. The shroud of Creation and Destruction released by the prison had agitated the energies even further, to the pointrge scars appeared at the edge of space. If those two Daos were left unchecked, they''d turn his whole breakthrough on his head.


    Zac spent the next couple of seconds trapping the two clouds before they mixed with the ambient clouds of Life and Death. Some of it slipped through the cracks, but there wasn''t much Zac could do about it. The escaped Creation and Oblivion would likely slip into his reformed soul, but he had the experience and skills to deal with that in the future.


    It looked like the battle between Mossy and the remnants wouldn''t take long, which was an immense relief. Incredible amounts of Divinity and Death had already been dragged into his Soul Aperture by the vortices formed from the Array Disks. The Outer Cores had absorbed more than they could withstand, making them ticking time bombs.


    Luckily, it was just as Zac expected. Mossy, especially not the fragmented consciousness hidden within its crystal, had no Dao Heart to speak of. It had never encountered real trouble as it grew to cover Emerald Eye. As such, it was incredibly ill-equipped to deal with the urgings of the two ancient wills inside the Splinter of Oblivion and Shard of Creation.


    The previously radiant green had be mottled, and the crystal groaned ominously. This was it. Zac finally entered the fray in the most direct way possibleunching his central core right at the battling sides. The central core was over five times asrge as the emerald crystal, and it looked like a meteor about to shatter the core to pieces.


    ''The weak light hurts. Betrays,'' a sigh echoed through Zac''s mind as his core drew closer. ''So be it. We both fade. But Moss remains.''


    Zac braced himself but did nothing to prevent the incredible implosion that swallowed both his central core and the remnants. Zac''s core was instantly ground to dust, but he ignored the soul-rending pain as he erected a few barriers around the lingering remnants of Mossy''s fading consciousness.


    Having trapped the final vestiges of Mossy''s trap, Zac breathed in relief. His breakthrough still was in an incredibly precarious situation, but this was one major hurdle dealt with. For years, he''d known a piece of Mossy hidden in the depths of the Moss Crystals. It had hidden itself well and never done anything except silently observing.


    But not even a mighty dragon can subdue the local snake. The moment Zac had realized what was going on, he''d started scheming for Mossy''s demise. Having another consciousness inside your soul when you reforged it was incredibly dangerous, especially if the soul was hostile.


    It was easy for impressions and characteristics to slip inside at a moment of such weakness. And if Mossy wanted, it would have been able tounch an attempt to take over his body. One reason he''d targeted the Moss Crystal was that he needed its massive stores of Mental Energy to fuel two cores instead of one. However, getting rid of Mossy to continue the process was just as important.


    The remnants were much-sturdier than Zac''s central core, but even they could note out of that sudden implosion unscathed. The lights surrounding them had mostly faded as they emerged from the st zone, their surfaces covered in cracks and scars that leaked tremendous amounts of energy.


    Zac found it increasingly difficult to rouse his soul after it had turned into a cloud of swirling dust, but he readied himself for another battle. However, he watched with surprise as the two remnants voluntarily fled back toward their brethren, entering the prison of their own ord. They didn''t even look at the great cloud of vaguely emerald green that had mixed with the dust from Zac''s soul.


    All that Mental Energy left on the table. Zac had thought he''d have to wrangle them and throw them back, but it looked like they''d had enough of the outside. Or perhaps they knew the prison wasn''t long for the world. The cage for the Remnants had never been a permanent solution, and he''d known since first getting the runes installed that they''d sooner orter fail.


    The prison hadn''t been maintained since he fled Orom because the mysterious sigils rebuffed his attempts to repair or bolster them. Two runes had already broken apart during his secluded cultivation. The one he''d destroyed would shatter in a year or so, so Zac only hastened the schedule a bit.


    With each rune crumbling, the next one wouldst even less time. If nothing changed, Zac guessed the prison would be gone before he even entered Ultom. Of course, that was a worry forter. Now, he had to stop his Soul Aperture from exploding from the rampant energies.


    The new batch of escaped Creation and Oblivion had created another round of mayhem by the time Zac managed to trap it, to the point there was now a replica of the Cmity inside his Soul Aperture. The whole miniature cosmos was a constant battlefield full of eruptions. Each collision put Zac''s Outer Cores under further duress, not to mention the aperture itself.


    Zac took a deep breath as he imposed his will on the chaos, beginning with the spreading dust cloud that was a mix of his central core and the ownerless energy from the Moss Crystal. Two small swirls appeared a momentter. One spun clockwise, while the other one counter-clockwise. In all other regards, they were the same.


    For now.


    The swirls started gathering up Zac''s soul before it drifted away, allowing him to turn his attention to the rest. The other parties, his Outer Cores and the native energy of the Cmity, weren''t as easily controlled. But Zac was unrelenting. True, on the outside, he was just a small E-grade cultivator��an antpared to the true masters of the Multiverse. But inside his aperture, he might as well be the Heavens themselves. His will was akin to a divine decree, and he refused to let anything revolt.


    From Primordial Chaos, Yin and Yang were born��the delimited Dao. In the same fashion, Zac''s aperture was soon delimited between Life and Death. In the middle were two vaguely green spirals turning in opposite directions. Right behind them, the Dao Apparitions of Kalpataru and Pale Seal hovered. It felt like they towered toward the heavens, reaching thousands of kilometers in height, each a monolith floating in space.


    The soul shroud rotated in a ne spiral around them like petals. And behind, nine cores floated in an orderly line, each ominously vibrating with barely contained energy. Surrounding the Divine Cores were opalescent streaks of creation, which attracted all the Life-attuned energies in the aperture to its side. A simr scene took ce on the other side, and it only took five minutes for Zac topletely separate the two sides.


    It really looked like he had created two cosmic flowers, where the stamen and core were attuned while the petals were yet unblemished. But that was about to change. The innermost attuned cores floated into the center of the swirling gxies, dragging with it a huge amount of ambient attunement. The cores and their tails passed right through the respective Dao Apparitions and were given a final anointment in Zac''s Dao.


    Zac infused his will, and the two cores shattered simultaneously, unleashing years of condensed and refined Dao. Most of it drifted into the swirling clouds, the small motes fusing with soul dust and painting them with their path. Some were thrown over to the opposing spiral, but it was rebuffed and relegated to the outer reaches of the spiral.


    One explosion after another followed as Zac detonated the outer cores. The glittering dust of his refined inner core gained an increasingly majestic aura. Gone were the matte pastel green left-over from the Moss Core. One spiral now shone with an oppressive ck, and it felt like just looking at it would suck your soul inside. Opposing it was a divine spiral of utmost Life, illuminating half of his Soul Aperture in magical light.


    As the dust grew denser from the constant infusions of energy and Dao, it started to condense toward its center. It almost looked like the two cosmic flowers furled their flowers back into a bulb by the time the sixth set of outer cores had erupted. Surrounding the flower bulbs were now thin bands of opposing elements, like the rings of Saturn.


    Each half of his budding soul seemed to follow the n of the third reincarnation, yet Zac frowned. The clouds of Miasma and Divine Energy had grown dim to the point they would barelyst through the process of exploding three final sets of outer cores. New energy kept pouring in from the radiant vortices around him, but the ambient energy in the cave was dwindling.


    This ce wasn''t like the mysterious temple of the Keys of Ascension, where the ambient energy was kept steady no matter how much he absorbed. He had misjudged how much energy could be dragged through the cracks and the stone itself when he broke through. He''d expected the energy vacuum to create a natural pull, but it appeared he was wrong. Either that or the storm chamber above exerted a far greater pull than he.


    Either case, the situation had now be a bottleneck that couldn''t be fixed by just Nexus Crystals. Even worse, integrating the outer cores into the dust cloud was just the first step. After, Zac needed far more energy to create a conflict powerful enough to refine andpress his creations. As things were, the Evolutionary and Inexorable Cores were more than one hundred times the size of the previous Central Core in his Soul Aperture.


    This wasn''t a good thing. Part of the increase in size was all the added energy from the Moss Crystal, Outer Cores, and the ambient energy that had been dragged into the soul spirals. But most of it came from the two nascent cores being so porous they could barely be considered solids. The original final step of the method called for detonating the remaining nine outer cores, but Zac couldn''t do that. He''d already given them to his second core.


    The only fuel remaining were two huge clouds of Creation and Oblivion that Zac had sealed with barriers of Mental Energy��the spillover from the remnants he didn''t dare infuse into his new cores. But did he dare collide those two forces into each other? Obviously not. Even if he didn''t kill himself, he might end up spawning Chaos in his soul, something he wasn''t prepared to handle.


    Zac scrambled for solutions, throwing all kinds of attuned treasures into the two vortices as the seventh set of outer cores were infused into soul dust. Eventually, his gaze turned to the ceiling. There was one ce where all the energy he needed was readily avable.


    The problem was, if he broke apart the ceiling, his arrays would be torn apart. His breakthrough would be on full disy, and with these amounts of Dao- and energy fluctuations, it''d seem as though a heavenly treasure had been born in the heart of the mountain. It wouldn''t be long before beasts and possibly cultivators would arrive.


    By the time the eighth set of outer cores was assimted, the ambient energy in his cave had essentially been reduced to zero, and he barely managed to supply the needed amount of energy to rpense. If things progressed this way, he''d end up with two mottled Soul Cores in such a bad state he might even emerge weaker than before the breakthrough. It''d take centuries to fix this issue after the soul dust hardened and lost its malleability.


    He couldn''t wait any longer.


    Zac gritted his teeth as he grabbed the activation token. A deep thud echoed through the hidden cave as the wallbreaker array startled to life. For a moment, nothing changed, except for five trickles of sand raining from above. Then, all hell broke loose as the ceilingpletely copsed, raining huge blocks of stones all around Zac.


    A barrier had already sprung up to push away the falling boulders to the sides of the cave, but what came in their wake was far more deadly. Zac found himself looking up at a five-hundred-meter tall chute, chock full of ferocious winds of Life and Death. Winds that were now cascading toward him thanks to the sudden downdraft.


    Zac immediately knew there was trouble, and not just because of the wounds that kept appearing across his body. The two vortices had a seemingly endless capacity to swallow energy, but only of their attunement. Meanwhile, the storm crashing down was a confusing jumble of energies that moved at incredible speeds. The vortices couldn''t extract what they needed from that confusing mess.


    He needed to help them out.


    Thankfully, he had just the thing, and two alien energies were forced out of his Soul Aperture. Two streams, this time unblemished by Conflict, passed through the pathways on his shoulders and into his arms. Creation in his left, Oblivion in his right. He didn''t keep them condensed this time, instead opting to release the energies as small clouds of energy that swirled around their respective vortices.


    The higher Daos acted as beacons, dragging their subordinate paths toward them and into the vortices. Yet it wasn''t enough. The energies were too unruly, to the point it was impossible to make much use of them. Zac barely scratched the surface of the vast energies coursing through the chute.


    Releasing the energies did have one more effect, though. The odd sensation of being one with the mountain returned, this time more palpable than ever. A deep groan rippled through the cave, and the fierce winds inside the storm chamber simply froze. Zac looked up with shock, only for his vision to shift.


    Suddenly, he saw the vast skyscapes of the Cmity, not a hint ofnd across the horizon. A sense of boundless freedom filled him as he became one with the sky. Then, Zac pushed through the clouds at the edge of the storm, at which point Zac found himself sitting inside the cave again as the chaos resumed.


    In his mind, a strong desire lingered, one not of his own making.


    "You want this energy? That''s why you''ve resonated with me?" Zac roared over the raging storm. "Then you need to help me out as well!"


    The response was immediate. A deafening crack echoed through the cave as enormous fissures appeared throughout the storm chamber. Then, rivers of energy came cascading down, drowning the storm before crashing down toward Zac. His eyes widened in a mix of anticipation and rm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It looked like he''d gotten more than what he''d bargained for.

 Chapter 1004 - Reincarnations and Rebirths

    Rivers of energy poured down the walls of the Storm Chamber, their density far beyond anything Zac had seen since entering the Cmity. Yet, an almost deafening silence had reced the roar of the storm. Zac could tell some mysterious concepts were influencing the rivers of attuned energies, preventing them from actually touching.


    The hundreds of fissures and their streams joined and separated, following a set of unique truths. Together, the streams formed a simultaneously simple andplex Dao Braid, allowing incredible amounts of energy to pass through the narrow space of the Storm Chamber.


    The braid itself was almost the opposite of Zac''s path and not of much use conceptually, but it made his life a lot easier. The explosions of these energy levels would have been deadly, and he would have been forced to split his attention between the war in his mind and the war on the outside.


    Zac felt the ground beneath shudder as two small cracks appeared almost right beneath the two vortices that had already begun feasting on the more malleable attuned energies. But in contrast to the fissures above, these small slits exerted a weak pull. Zac understood what was going on, and he redirected the Creation- and Oblivion energy into the cracks��payment for the fuel coursing into him.


    This was a trade Zac was more than willing to take. The energies trapped in his aperture came straight from the remnants and were tainted by their undying will. Giving it up could be considered helping him rather than being an actual payment. The only problem was that using the energies came at a cost, even when just releasing it from his Soul Aperture.


    Thankfully, there was no rule saying he had to be the one paying the price.


    An impossibly vibrant branch with four leaves rippling with Time and Life appeared in his hand, and the first leaf started to wilt as Zac extracted the longevity locked within. Simrly, Oblivion exacted a price of emotions and memories, yet Zac had prepared a spare for that.


    However, this wasn''t a Longevity Treasure like the one his subordinates had found at an auction. It was the lingering pieces of Mossy''s consciousness he''d trapped and sealed. Thest emerald motes winked out one after another as Oblivion imed them for fuel.


    Seeing that the process went smoothly, Zac could finally turn to the most important matter. The almost exhausted ambient energy in his Soul Aperture was already halfway replenished, and dense clouds of Life and Death battled for dominion over his soul.


    The small nebulous swirls surrounding the two oversized Soul Cores had grown tens of times in size, each shuddering with power as they exerted pressure on the cores. Meanwhile, innumerable explosions went off every second in his mind, each exhausting some of the build-up while pressuring the Soul Cores.


    Even without Zac controlling things, the cores had already shrunk 30% in size since the vortices had begun swallowing the liquified energy. Yet it wasn''t enough. Zac could tell his cores had started to harden. He had a few minutes at most, and the cores still needed to be concentrated to a tenth of their current size. Right now, they were far too porous and brittle.


    If things just progressed as they were, Zac would get nowhere near that point. Determination gleamed in Zac''s eyes as he took charge of his Evolutionary and Inexorable Cores. His path had always been a straightforward one, and his solution this time wasn''t any different. The cores hummed as they began to move with increasing velocity.


    Right toward each other.


    In their wake, two enormous shrouds of Life and Death followed, making up the bulk of the army. Meanwhile, the cores were the vanguard, each containing an insatiable desire for the extermination of the other side. Zac did nothing to quell these impulses��he did the opposite. The Dao Apparition of the Branch of the War Axe released torrential amounts of Dao into the approaching cores and their shrouds while the final stockpile of truth started pouring out from [Spiritual Void].


    Life and Death, kindled by Conflict; a war as old as time itself. An earth-shattering shockwave erupted in Zac''s Soul aperture as two cores collided. A second, just as powerful, explosion followed just a momentter as the two spiral clouds of opposing elements were forced together. Zac felt his vision swim, like his soul had been ripped in two as the two cores were flung back to the opposite edges of his aperture.


    Blood poured down Zac''s nose and ears, and cracks covered the surface of the two cores. But it worked. The sh of the cores and the huge shockwave from the shrouds exploding condensed the two cores by almost 50%. Just as importantly, Conflict had been squeezed into the two cores, moving them closer to his path.


    The pain in Zac''s mind was almost enough to make him keel over, but he ignored the agony as he swallowed a handful of soul-mending pills. The exhausted spiral shrouds had been replenished just secondster by the nigh-inexhaustible energies from above. Zac was full of reluctance, but he knew he had no choice.


    The two cores began moving again, their advance collecting all the energies in the aperture. Another set of shockwaves erupted as the cores shed. This time, Zac felt his consciousness slip, but he stabbed himself in the leg to regain rity. The cores groaned in agony, but they had shrunk another 20%.


    One time after another, Life and Death rallied and fought for supremacy, with Zac''s mind as a battleground. The cores were no longer pure expressions of Life and Death. Now, they teemed with ferocity as Conflict integrated into their depths. Furthermore, their size was just 15% of before. The pressure had elevated them from rough coal into diamonds, their power far beyond his previous stage.


    But the improvements came at a cost. Cracks covered every inch of their surfaces, deep scars that threatened to leavesting damage. The same was true for his Soul Aperture, which was damaged to the point of leaking Mental Energy. He''d also run out of Creation- and Oblivion Energy already, and he could tell something was happening to the Cmity Mountain.


    The mountain had been shaking over the past three minutes, the tremors growing deeper and more ominous by the second. The mysterious presence had also grown more distant, to the point Zac felt himself about to lose the connection altogether. He could tell the energies he''d provided had already been used up. For what, Zac had no idea. But he knew he was running out of time.


    "One more," Zac growled with a hoarse voice, his vision red while his mouth tasted like metal.


    He''d endured eight collisions, each putting him closer to his goal. Nine was thest and the ultimate��the final battle.


    The two cores were forced into battle, bing missiles on a collision course. They collided, and Zac desperately formed a huge of Mental Energy around his aperture to minimize the damage. The cores were pushed back, but this time was different from the previous shes. Glittering dust was left in their wake, making them look likeets drifting through space.


    The tail was made from pieces of Zac''s soul, but there were also emerald splinters from the Moss Crystal and pieces infected with the lingering will of the remnants. The cores had been condensed to such a point that some of the impurities had been forced out, such as the pieces of Mossy that he''d failed to integrate into the cores.


    His soul was rapidly filled with energy from the vortices, but Zac eventually reached out and crushed the gates leading to his mind. Two new spiral clouds soon formed, but Zac no longer needed to push the two sides together. Instead, the two coresmandeered one half each of his Soul Aperture, forming two vertical swirls.


    The Evolutionary Core was surrounded by a deathly cloud, while the Inexorable Core was ensconced in life. In the center of his aperture, his Dao Avatar sat in meditation, continuously releasing its Dao of Conflict into the clouds. Eventually, the deathly cloud would turn into an inexorable cloud, and so on.


    The clouds slowly spun around the newly formed cores, constantly putting them under a small amount of pressure. These clouds would be the key to continuing through the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. For now, they worked as protection. The pressure the clouds released wasn''t strong enough to damage the cores, but it helped keep them pressed together.


    Zac swallowed a series of treasures meant for nurturing and healing souls, and a fresh wind swept through his soul. It was like outside and within had swapped positions. The Storm Chamber had been deathly silent since the streams of energy were released, theplete opposite of the raging war in his mind.


    Now, thews keeping the falling energies at bay were wearing thin, and explosions had resumed further up the chute. Conversely, a fresh wind from the healing treasures swept through his mind, helping seal the tears in his aperture and on his cores. His soul finally found peace.


    He''d done it. His soul aperture was a wreck, and the cores looked like they had been through years of fierce battles. But that was fine. The two cores were incredibly condensed, creating a powerful foundation to continue his cultivation. And while his soul was damaged, it wasn''t to the point he couldn''t use it at all. He should be fine if he didn''t draw more than 30% of their power. Using 30% of his Mental Energy with his two cores was far beyond what he could release during his previous reincarnation.


    The explosions drew closer as the tremors grew more powerful. It almost felt like the whole mountain was about to copse. Yet Zac sat in ce, almost forgetting his fleshy body altogether. He was one with his powerful soul and felt it spread like a domain for hundreds of meters in every direction.


    Boulders that should have smashed into him were nudged away,nding on the ground around him. Even the awakening storm avoided him, allowing him to gradually get used to his newfound power.


    A pang of incredible danger suddenly pierced through the roar of the mountain. It interrupted his rebirth in the eye of the storm, like a discordant note in a beautiful orchestra. Zac still sat rooted in ce, eyes closed, but he could sense a cultivator effortlessly pierce through the storm on his way to Zac''s exposed cave. The barriers had long since shattered, and the enemy was already upon him. But Zac only felt tranquility as he opened his eyes.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A pulse of pent-up pressure from his Soul Aperture was released through Zac''s be, and the hooded cultivator who''d targeted him lost all control over his body as an earring and a brand on his forehead snapped. His eyes zed over like his soul had just left him. In a way, it had. It had been pushed out of ce by the tremendous force Zac''s breakthrough had generated.


    "Bad luck," Zac muttered as [Verun''s Bite] shed, cutting off the reptilian''s head in one swift motion.


    A surge of Kill Energy entered his body, confirming it wasn''t a puppet or something else that had been destroyed. Zac shook his head as he swiftly looted rings and everything else of interest on the man''s body before he stowed it away in his Corpse Sack. A second piece of high-potential material had delivered itself��doubly so since the assassin seemed to cultivate a Dao of Death without being undead. He would most likely make an amazing Revenant.


    Zac had actually already sensed someone was targeting him a while ago. Fate had been gathering toward him since he broke open the walls to release the floodgates. And when his soul spread through the area, he''d spotted the reptilian. Zac had expected it to be a powerful Beast King, though, rather than another guest.


    What he hadn''t expected was how powerful the idental pulse he released was. He''d nned on stopping the man in ce with mental pressure, immediately seizing the momentum. But his soul had fractured, much like when Zac met the original owner of Vri''s body. It was a shame such a powerful bust was a one-off thing and not something he could charge up.


    But it gave him the idea to look for mentalist skills, something for in-fighters in the vein of [True Strike] he''d owned for a while. It was a bit of a shame to cultivate such a powerful soul and not properly leverage it in battle. He even had two empty slots for skill fractals in his head, a result of both his sides being such one-track martial sses.


    A huge rock tumbling down forced Zac to put nning aside. The stone itself wasn''t a big problem, even if it was too heavy for his newfound telekinesis. Rather, it felt like a harbinger of what was toe. Zac could tell the shakes were not just the result of new pathways being carved through the mountain.


    It almost seemed as though the mountain was dying. Had he identally killed it? He''d infused quite a bit of Creation and Oblivion, but he didn''t believe that was enough to take out the spirit that hadmunicated with him. Especially not considering how much it had desired those energies.


    Then again, it was hard to argue with facts as Zac could sense the mountain was no longer climbing in altitude while the cracks in the Storm Chamber grew more serious. But suddenly, a weak message appeared in Zac''s mind before his connection to the mountain was thoroughly cut. A thank-you and a goodbye.


    Zac didn''t know exactly what was happening, but his eyes gleamed with greed as they turned to the top of the Storm Chamber. A momentter, a spiraled crystal reminiscent of the twinned World Core fell through the ceiling. It didn''t fall with the rest of the rubble but rather floated, showering the whole chamber in powerful truths of Life and Death.


    This was a Supreme Treasure, nurtured for eons in the heart of the mountain. A gift from the spirit as it was reborn.


    Its emergence was like the lifeline of the mountain being cut, and Zac felt the spirituality of the mountain rapidly drain. Zac couldn''t be sure, but he doubted the mountain would still be flying in a week or two.


    An unbelievably enraged roar suddenly rocked the mountain before a powerful presence swept the area. The mountain''s owner had woken up, and it wasn''t happy. Worse, it was clearly a Late Stage Beast King, only one level beneath the terrifying snake he''d met in the Twilight Chasm. It wasn''t something he could contend with.


    Zac''s hair stood on end upon feeling the aura of the powerful Beast King, but he ignored warning bells going off in his mind as he started climbing toward the treasure. He''d already been discovered, so he may as well get the prize before running for his life.


    -------------------


    A croaking snicker echoed through the storm as the two looked down at the drifting mountain.


    "Poor man," Lovaughed. "Targeting a person with such powerful fate is bound to result in a cosmic hup if your own providence isn''t up to snuff."


    It was as though their gaze could pierce straight through the mountain, observing the young man within. His aura was unsteady after his brutish breakthrough, yet his eyes had unyielding determination as he braved the storms of energy, climbing toward the Mountain Heart floating above.


    "What do you think, Esmeralda?" Lova smiled as she looked down at the small toad in her hand. "He''s a pretty interesting one. No wonder Engo has been muttering to himself for over a month."


    The toad formed a few signs, its tongue flicking about.


    "He''s a good person because his Dao tasted nice?" Lovaughed. "Well, his unique vor did help your 403rd reincarnation save a bit of time from reaching maturity."


    Another enraged roar echoed through the area. The Dreambeast atop the mountain had awoken from its self-inflicted nightmare, and it was beyond infuriated to find the source of its dreams withered. It had already sent its tendrils through the mountain, and it was about to teleport to the heart of the mountain.


    Esmeralda grunted unhappily, and a wave of ancient aura shot toward the mountain peak. The Dreambeast froze in ce, shuddering at the sudden presence that filled its domain. A momentter, it turned into a river of vibrant dreams, fleeing toward the upperyers of the Cmity. It even left the wilting [Soulhaze Lily] in its cave, afraid that bringing it away would anger this terrifying intruder.


    "This one is fine, but no more," Lova said. "Master does not like us meddling with the children''s fate."


    Esmeralda rolled her eyes, making a few signs while pointing toward the sky.


    "You''d seal master if he''d get in the way?" Lova said with a helpless shake of her head. "Maybe if you were in your original form. But even then, you''d only manage to keep him contained for a few millennia. And what do a few years matter to someone like master?"


    The toad snorted, pointedly looking away.


    "Don''t be like that," Lova said. "Who told you to go and eat that scary thing from the Time Nexus? Don''t forget; it''s only thanks to master and his old friend that you and your reincarnations haven''t been washed away by the Obverse River."


    The toad responded with a blithering stare before turning her gaze back to the mountain below. Cracks had spread across its whole surface by now, and huge chunks were already breaking off, falling into the void. A day at most.


    "Well, it''s true that your unique situation has been helpful for our undertaking. Either case, some things can''t be avoided," Lova smiled as she nced at a screen that had appeared in front of her. "A global event. You can consider this an opportunity for your little friend to temper himself. I am curious to see how this will y out. There are an unusual number of decent seedlings in this batch. I guess we have the ascending Pir to thank for that."


    "You''re right," Lova nodded, agreeing with the sign-speaking toad. "It might be the other way around. The Pir is ascending because of the gathering fate. The Heavens are rising. It won''t be long until another throne can be imed."


    A tongue ripped through the air in a snatching motion, releasing a powerful aura that contained the echoes of the very beginning of the era.


    "You?" Lova smiled. "You''ll first have to escape your curse of reincarnation. But I guess you have a n, considering you''ve been sneaking about the past decades."


    Esmeralda pointed at the mountain, croaking in its ancientnguage.


    "Use one Eternal Heritage to fight another?" Lova nodded. "I guessed as much. In your current state, you''re not strong enough to sneak inside. So you have to borrow the fate of these children. Well, there are a few to pick from right now."


    Esmeralda snickered with excitement as she looked at the chaos erupting throughout the mountain. Half of the beasts ran toward the exits, their survival instincts oveing their greed for the Mountain Heart. Others had abandoned all reason as they rushed toward the heart, where the young human was still braving the increasing waves toward the treasure.


    Lova looked at the proceedings, but a weak fluctuation made her look over curiously. The spirit was weak and small and full of unstable energies. But it freely existed in a permanent form, even when cut from its source.


    "A Mountain Spirit who dreams of the sky," Lova smiled as she gently pointed at the spirit. "It goes against the natural order. Then again, so does all cultivation."


    A small azure rune appeared on her finger, which erged as it flew toward the spirit. It had formed a gate in no time, leading to a vast azure expanse.


    "Us meeting today can be considered fate. This ce isn''t suitable for the next step of your journey. The endless skies on the other side of the portal are just as dangerous as this ce, but they hold the key to your desire."


    The small floating mountain flickered, turning into a faceless humanoid looking like the young man who had given it the energy needed for its transformation. It bowed before flying through the gate, not sparing its former body a single nce.


    And as one gate closed, another opened.


    "It looks like the children are already arriving," Lova said, looking at the starter ind far below. "This will be a bloody affair."

 Chapter 1005 - Calamity Core

    It seemed like the weight of the whole Cmity Mountain bore down on Zac''s shoulders as he continued his climb. His arms strained from the pressure, and he would already have been thrown back to the bottom of the chute if not for the help of both Vivi and Alea.


    He wasn''t sure if it was the treasure itself or the crack it fell out of that generated the overwhelming gravity domain, but nothing seemed to work against it. Even [Void Zone] only weakened it a bit, at the cost of excessive amounts of Void Energy. Thankfully, he was almost there, and not a moment too soon.


    Zac could sense a powerful presence just through the wall with his spiritual domain. It was clearly here for the prize, but it couldn''t find a way through. Judging by the shudders, it had opted for the most straightforward solution��trying to force its way through, taking advantage of therge cracks that seemingly spread through the mountain.


    And it wasn''t the only one. He could hear roars from almost every pathway leading into the Storm Chamber.


    Muscles bunched together as Zac climbed thest stretch. His body was screaming with hunger when faced with the incredible truths locked within the twinned crystal. The closer he got, the more obvious it was that this thing was far greater than some Attuned Crystals. It didn''t seem to contain much energy, but it more than made up for it in Dao.


    Even inside the time-dted environment of the Perennial Vastness, Zac could feel the winds of inspiration buffet him as he looked at the flickering lights within. This crystal held the condensed truths of Pure Life and Death, refined over eons in the Cmity. Its Daos weren''t at the level of the mote of Primal Dao he''d encountered inside the Twilight Chasm, but it was perhaps even more enticing.


    Because this thing was almost perfectly aligned with his path. Not only that, but it seemed to still absorb the truths of the surroundings, showing no indication of losing its efficacy. It was a stark contrast to the white light that couldn''t survive in the exposed environment, where Zac only managed to grasp onto a corner of its gift before it was gone.


    The cracks spread on the wall as the shudders grew more frenzied, but Zac was already upon the treasure. He was showered the truth by the Cmity, and pure Dao burrowed into his body. Zac felt his mind ze over, but he snapped back to reality. Arge jade box appeared in his hand, and he threw in a couple of Cosmic Crystals with Life- and Death attunement for good measure.


    The treasure was safely tucked away in his Spatial Ring a momentter. But Zac didn''t run away, and instead gathered the lingering truths on a fractal leaf. The wall just beneath crumbled, and a golden insect with glistening mandibles crashed through it. Its eyes immediately focused on Zac, and the Storm Chamber filled with greed and killing intent.


    Thousands of small scales stood up on its back before they shot toward Zac like a golden hailstorm. However, they were swallowed by two clouds, one containing the domineering radiance of Arcadia and the other the oppressive darkness of the Abyss. It was [Rapturous Divide], empowered by the incredible amounts of attuned energies in the Storm Chamber.


    A golden viscous liquid poured through small holes in the thick chitinous shell of the ten-meter-ant. It formed a secondyer of defense for the Beast King, but it was utterly incapable of dealing with Zac''s strike. A surge of energy filled Zac''s body as the Ant''s head fell toward the bottom of the chute. Hundreds of more ants were in the tunnel, but they all fled upon seeing their queen die.


    Zac channeled the Kill Energy into [Surging Vitality] while opening his status screen, sighing resignedly upon seeing the quest still there.


    Mountain Heart (Global Event): Seize the [Cmity Core] formed in the heart of the Cmity Mountain. Reward: 5,000 Mana. (NOTE: Mission Consideredplete upon leaving the Cmity.) (1/1)


    He''d expected as much upon getting the mission, but it was still a headache. Zac had read about this very situation in Ventus'' book, [Perennial Transformations]. The strategy proposed by Ventus was to, through visiting various realms and gathering data, use Numerology to estimate which realms would birth rare treasures and when.


    That way, you would get a leg up on thepetition, gaining riches and Mana in one swoop. If lucky, you could even get a quest before it became a global event. However, Ventus also mentioned one situation to look out for. When the treasure was too valuable, it''d immediately create a global event, with no chance of sneaking it out of the zone unnoticed.


    And for the greatest treasures that were only asionally formed in the Red Zones, the mission wouldn''t end even when he got his hands on the item.


    It was a small difference, but one that drastically changed the fallout. For one, a persistent event meant the item was incredibly valuable. Secondly, the huge Mana bounty was still up for grabs. Five thousand Mana was half an echelon. Such a windfall was especially precious to the elites running against the clock.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It could give them the breathing room needed to form their core in peace or push them into a higher echelon that would allow them to activate the higher-tiered features a year early. Conversely, if the mission had ended, then most people would bow out, as the benefits didn''t match the risks.


    Now, the exit was probably already guarded by powerful guests. Clearly, the System''s philosophy weighed heavier in the Red Zones, where struggle was just as important as exploring the Dao and forming new cores.


    "You guys really are jerks," Zac muttered as he dropped back down toward the tunnel he entered through.


    ''Well, this is a Red Zone,'' Null giggled. ''If the task ended the moment you got the treasure, who''d bothering here to fight you for it? If you don''t want the hassle, you can just throw the mountain heart away.''


    Zac shrugged, but he knew there was no way he''d discard the [Cmity Core], even if it meant shing with high-echelon guests. He''d known it the moment he held the treasure. This thing easily surpassed any of his prepared items for his uing core formation.


    Forming a Cosmic Core as a mortal heavily relied on treasures, but not any old item would do. Some attuned treasures weren''t suitable for core formation, while others had shing spirituality or unsuitable insights. He had mountains of attuned items in his Spatial Ring, but most had some defects that would impact his breakthrough if not refined. But refinement also meant the item lost some of its efficacy.


    The [Cmity Core] was different. It contained incredibly pure Daos of Life and Death,pletely unblemished by any outside influences. Furthermore, the core waspletely unsullied by any lingering spirituality. Zac didn''t know what happened to the Mountain Spirit, but it had fully severed its connection to the mountain and its core. It wouldn''t need any refinement and could be directly absorbed.


    And as such, the mountain heart had be the perfect item to set up the foundation for his incrediblyplex core. It was even a twin-attunement treasure. The fewer treasures he used to create the nucleus of his Cosmic Core, the greater the cohesion would be. With the [Cmity Core], he only needed to add a supreme treasure with Pure Conflict, and he''d have all the pieces he needed.


    This would drastically increase his chances of sess and even improve his chances of forming a higher-quality Cosmic Core. A top-tier foundation would act as a stabilizer as he extracted the energies of lesser treasures and added them to his core. With the incredible difficulties he faced with his Void Core, he couldn''t give up on something like that. The treasure even came with a massive Mana Bonus, so there was no way he''d throw it away.


    Zac reached the tunnel, and he wasn''t very surprised that no powerful current of Death poured through the pathway anymore. The shakes were persistent and increased with ferocity. Innumerable cracks already covered the walls. The outside energies were siphoned off long before reaching the heart of the mountain, if they were dragged into the mountain at all.


    The tunnel turned to a blur as Zac rushed toward the surface with utmost urgency, leaving a cloud of dust in his wake. It was a mix of karma- smell- and energy-purifying dust that would hopefully throw the beasts off his trail. But the raging beasts were the least of his worries, unless the source of that terrifying roar before returned.


    The Cmity Mountain was a sinking ship with the spirit gone and the core extracted. He needed to get out before it leaked too much energy, or it''d be his tomb as it plunged into the depths. A high-pitched screech echoed out ahead, but the Pseudo Beast King didn''t get a chance to react before its head was split in two by a Dao-empowered swing of [Verun''s Bite].


    Upgrading his soul had once more improved his control over Mental Energy, and forming his crude Dao Braids was effortless and instantaneous. Not only that, but the currentyout of his soul allowed for faster extraction. In his current human form, he could easily draw exactly the energies he needed from his Evolutionary Soul Core.


    It didn''t directly improve hisbat strength, but that was mostly because he hadn''t yet investigated the limits of his spiritual control. He should be able to create better Dao Braids after forming a Three Fates Soul, perhaps even forming a simple Dao Array. The spiritual domain that he could naturally form was also a huge help.


    It stretched hundreds of meters around him, even passing through the mountain walls with their strong energy-isting properties. Better yet, it barely required any energy to run. It provided an additional sense that helped him scout the path ahead for dangers. And being a passive domain, Zac suspected that only Mentalists would notice it, in contrast to Domain Skills that would give off clues from how it used Cosmic Energy.


    Zac continued with breakneck speed, each step with [Earthstrider] moving him hundreds of meters through the tunnels. But soon, he opted to swap back to his undead form, using [Abyssal Phase] to squeeze through the cracks that had appeared all over. It saved him hours, but Zac was still worried. The situation grew increasingly dire, with whole tunnels copsing.


    More than one path had copsed, to the point not even his wraith form could squeeze through. And he could tell that the mountain had slowly started to sink, though it still was a gentle descent. And there were still miles and miles of tunnels he needed to push through before he reached the surface.


    But eventually, a talisman hummed to life after the fiftieth attempt. Zac breathed out in relief and infused Miasma without hesitation. He was swallowed by aquamarine light a secondter, disced by the top-quality escape talisman. The dour tunnel was reced by the glowing radiance of the thousand suns of the Cmity as he appeared a few thousand meters away from the crumbling mountain.


    The two attuned suns had started to drift away, and boulders fell like rain from below. Zac couldn''t pinpoint the reason, but it looked like the mountain had died, if such a thing was possible. A hint of decay and mourning gripped the whole thing, and huge clouds of stockpiled energies leaked out from the thousands of tunnels.


    A huge maw suddenly appeared right in front of him, but the jagged edge of [Gorehew] rebuffed the beast long enough for five putrefying chains to dig into the body of the winged smander. The beast shrieked with pain as flesh started to slough off from its body, and it fell into the abyss a momentter.


    The danger was averted, but the smander was just one of innumerable beasts all around him. The sky was filled with animals fleeing the mountain, forming a deadly beast tide. There were hundreds of Beast Kings and thousand times that number of E-grade beasts who possessed the ability to fly. Many had already trained their gazes at Zac, but they quickly looked away as Zac released his murderous aura and Daos.


    Zac had already confirmed there was no Middle-stage Beast Kings in the tide. There was no sign of the leader of the mountain either. Its aura had suddenly disappeared just before he seized the [Cmity Core]. Zac almost wondered if it was connected to the mountain somehow, and died when the mountain did. Of course, it was also possible it left for the higher reaches of the Cmity after its home was destroyed.


    That wasn''t an option for most of the remaining beasts, and Zac knew huge upheavals would rock the loweryers of the storm for theing months, possibly years.


    As for Zac, he had no interest in staying on to see the fallout. The Beast Kings had better things to worry about than Zac, and he was in no mood to waste energy fighting a mountain''s worth of beasts. The glider had already appeared beneath his feet, and he had it fly away from the tide, heading for the vast emptiness beneath.


    As luck would have it, the starting ind was actually not that far away. He and the toad had essentially moved in a huge circle while moving toward the mountain, climbing a bit higher with every jump. Now, the exit was just two inds over oneyer down, so there was no need to go back the same way he came.


    Thousands of beasts followed in his wake. Not to hunt him down, but rather to reach the inds below. But most seemed somewhat lost, just hovering around the crumbling mountain, perhaps hoping it would stabilize again��a futile hope.


    The air screamed around him as Zac followed Null''s guidance beam. asionally some agitated beast would sumb to its instincts and try to attack him, but they were swiftly turned into bloody warnings for the others to stay clear. The real danger was the environment itself. Jumping down wasn''t as dangerous as climbing higher, but the attuned winds grew stronger by the minute.


    He was forced to put the glider away a few times and brave the winds with his body until he fell through a rough patch. Zac''s heart was beating like a hammer all the while. He was essentially parachuting without a parachute inside a raging storm. But one hourter, Zac finally saw the edge of an ind below. It wasn''t the starting continent, but it had to be a neighboring one.


    Zded on the ind''s edge, partly hidden among a vanguard of fleeing beasts. Deafening roars greeted him, and the bloody air was proof the great reshuffling of the Cmity had already begun. Each ind could only support so much life, far less than the massive mountain had housed. Zac didn''t join the mayhem, instead keeping a low profile as he ran toward the other side.


    After some deliberation, Zac opted to stay in his Draugr form. There was a high risk of a rough battle waiting for him up ahead, and he didn''t want to expose his human side if not needed. In contrast, his Draugr persona already had a reputation as a top-tier expert thanks to the global message, which might make some people back down. After all, this was a Red Zone without any safetys.


    Even then, it only took half an hour before Zac felt a weak pang of danger as a bolt of nothingness shot toward him with incredible speed. It wasunched from a dead angle, not creating so much as a ripple of energy. Zac could still sense it with his newfound domain, allowing him to adapt even faster than just relying on his Danger Sense.


    Zac dodged asyers of death spread from his body, kicking up a storm in the environment that swallowed the forest around him. His spiritual domain was strong, but it didn''t have the reach of his Peak-Mastery [Fields of Despair], which exposed two warriors��one hiding in the distance whereas the other was almost upon him, moving at breakneck speed.


    The projectile passed him by with incredible momentum, punching a fist-sized hole straight through a nearby boulder. It had to have contained incredible force to destroy the hard rocks of the floating inds so effortlessly. Even Zac wouldn''t have had an easy time absorbing such a blow. But there was no time to worry about the hidden archer.


    Four chains dripping with corrosion shot forward, forming a deadly prison as the jagged edge of [Gorehew] appeared. The skill hadn''t changed much since reaching peak mastery. It only built upon what it already had. The jagged edge was sharper, heavier, and could absorb blood far more efficiently in a protracted war.


    Instilled with the branches of Pale Seal and War Axe, it carried terrifying weight as it cut toward the iing warrior. However, Zac suddenly swirled around, cutting empty air as a chain impaled the hooded attacker. His swirl repositioned the chains, allowing them to slightly divert three more projectilesunched from the shadows. Zac growled with annoyance upon seeing cracks appear on the chains of [Love''s Bond].


    The iing warrior shattered like a broken mirror when [Love''s Bond] pierced him, and the real warrior appeared where Zac swung his axe. The jagged edge crashed into a refractive barrier. The shield waspletely incapable of stopping Zac''s momentum, but the warrior was already gone by the time he''d cut it through.


    A scream in the back of his mind warned of danger, but there was no time. A huge congration swallowed Zac, but its force wasn''t enough to leave more than shallow wounds on his frame. The mes were cut apart with a swing of [Gorehew], and a stomp quenched them altogether. After looking around, Zac snorted and continued walking.


    The two attackers were already gone after their ambush failed. He''d sensed the melee fighter teleporting to the edge of [Fields of Despair] when his defensive skill failed. Then he was gone before Zac could catch up, and the ranged fighter simrly chose to back away. Without using [Pir of Destion] or [Arbiter of the Abyss], there was no way to make the two assassins stay.


    The two clearly hadn''t gone all out, only testing the waters to see if it was a worthwhile fight. Witnessing Zac''s strength, they instantly chose to back down. Unfortunately, it was a very real chance the two were only scouts, and the real fighting force was somewhere close by. Zac was confident in his strength, but he didn''t like the idea of fighting a whole faction so soon after breaking through, with his soul still in a fragile state.


    He was about to sh away with [Abyssal Phase], but a rumble made him pause and look up. A smile spread across Zac''s face as the sky darkened. He might be alone, but at least he had the environment on his side.

 Chapter 1006 - Calamity

    A huge gust passed by overhead, leaving behind a curtain of explosions. A boulder the size of a skyscraper fell in the distance, piercing through the budding storm and enraging it even further. A momentter, the winds had reached Zac, who pushed the chains of [Love''s Bond] into the ground to avoid getting swept away.


    A deadly storm was descending on the region, this one an even mix of life and death. Explosions of both elements lit up the sky, and visibility worsened by the second. Last time, it had turned into a painful lesson about the dangers of the Red Zones, but Zac didn''t start looking for a cave to weather the storm.


    Instead, he chose to keep moving. But just as Zac was about to resume his sprint toward the other shore, Zac felt a surge in his body. The source wasn''t the gathering energies around him that had burrowed into his body. Rather, it was [Immutability of Eoz] that had woken up.


    Its cleansing waves of darkness swept through his body, forcing an illusory mark to the surface. It contained a weak hint of fire, and Zac''s eyes widened in surprise. He really couldn''t look down on the guests in this ce. The ranged assassin had been powerful enough to damage Alea''s chains, and the melee fighter managed to leave a dyed tracking mark in the congration.


    Zac hadn''t noticed a thing. He would have been in big trouble if not for his Hidden Node. Zac ran a thorough scan of himself and the chains, but it looked like that was it. Still, the experience filled him with greater urgency, and he risked his safety by activating [Abyssal Phase] despite the explosions around him.


    Why leave a tracking mark if you weren''t nning toe back, most likely with backup? The theory the two before were scouts of arger party had grown more likely, and Zac needed to get away. The surroundings turned to a blur as Zac turned into a stream shooting across the ind''s surface. The agitated energies felt like knives cutting through his incorporeal form, and he soon couldn''t maintain the skill anymore.


    He appeared in a secluded vale in a puff of Miasma, his body covered in shallow wounds. Zac didn''t do anything to deal with thecerations. For one, they''d close soon enough thanks to his improved constitution. Secondly, his ichor worked just as well as his blood to quell the growing storm around him.


    His movement skill was quick, but it couldn''t match up to the ferocity of the Cmity. Half a minuteter, the storm had caught up, reducing visibility to almost zero. Screaming gales and constant eruptions drowned out all other sounds. At least it would be incredibly difficult for his pursuers to find him like this.


    Even the constant roars of beasts fighting were gone. They knew well enough not to stay on the surface when faced with the wrath of the environment. Explosions in the atmosphere grew more frantic, and just moving became a chore. But as bad as Zac had it, the other guests probably had it worse.


    The coalitions might have been able to prepare some measures against the environment if they had more time, but this was a time-sensitive event. There was only so much you could do in a few minutes. And this was his chance. The further he could progress while the others were locked down, the fewer enemies he''d have to fight.


    If lucky, a lot of people might leave the Cmity altogether upon seeing a Life-Death storm bear down on them.


    A scream of danger made Zac look up, and he swore with rm as he lept out of the way, using the chains to ensure he wasn''t dragged away. A powerful gust ripped Zac''s anchor out of the ground and flung him into the sky, forcing him to take his wraith form again. Cascading waves of Life and Death ravaged his body, but Zac held on long enough to move a few hundred meters away.


    His body was covered in far nastier wounds when he reformed, but he wasted no time as he activated [Profane Exponents] just in time to partly block out a tremendous shockwave. The coffin-wielding skeleton bore the brunt of the force, only surviving thanks to thetest addition to the skill.


    Upon reaching Peak Mastery, a fourth Skeleton was added, looking like a hooded mage holding an ancient tome. It emitted dense plumes of death and was the source of therge sigil beneath his feet. On its own, the sigil formed a secondyer of defense, weakening any force entering it. However, the mage skeleton actually had a second feature��empowerment.


    Every time the skill was activated, Zac could have the mage strengthen one of the other three pygmy skeletons and their abilities. This time, the empowerment went into the coffin-wielding defender, which increased the durability of its barrier by over 30%. A second barrier also sprung up around the sigil, a lesser mimicry of the coffin blocking out the shockwave.


    The skill ultimately cracked, but only after exhausting most of the furious waves of Life and Death that had covered the area like a tsunami. Even the deadly haze was momentarily swept away, allowing Zac to see what had almost just killed him.


    A boulder hundreds of meters across had almostnded on his head just now, clearly a broken-off piece of the copsing Cmity Mountain. Huge cracks spread across the ground, and an endless series of shudders indicated this deadly projectile wasn''t the only one.��


    Suddenly, neither guests nor storms were the most pressing threat. Something must have changed with the Cmity Mountain for pieces this big to fall with such frequency. Each one was like a small extinction event. Even if he could avoid getting crushed by one, how long could the ind survive?


    A chain shot forward,tching onto a cliff jutting out from the ground while Vivi''s vines did the same. But rather than carefully dragging himself forward, Zac used them as safety lines as he ran for his life. The winds tried to rip him away, but a thick block suddenly appeared in his arms.


    It was a piece of D-grade metal called [Nightblight Alloy], which he''d gotten from the Undead Empire. After Alea swallowed the incredibly heavy alloy he looted from the Twilight Ocean Realm Spirit''s treasury, Zac continued looking for suitable materials for her evolution to D-grade. This alloy weighed as much as a small mountain, preventing Zac from easily getting dragged away by the Dao-empowered winds.


    It even served as a shield, as a small piece of rock suddenly appeared through the storm, flying toward him with such speed Zac didn''t even get the chance to react. A loud ng boomed out as Zac was flung ten meters back, feeling like someone had punched him in the gut. At least it beat getting eviscerated, and Zac looked down at the depression on the metal block with trepidation.


    Still, errant shrapnel wasn''t enough for Zac to back down. He got back on his feet and kept running. The sky soon darkened further ahead, forcing Zac to hunker down and activate his defensive skill again.


    Zac''s senses were strained to the limits as he was forced to look for threats in every direction. asionally he stumbled into fearful beasts desperately searching for safe harbor. They weren''t in the mood to fight with random passers-by, except for a tiger who thought Zac blocked a nearby cave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Suddenly, Zac sensed something different in the cloud��two cultivators. They were humans, one who almost had Billy''s heft, while the other had a thin sword slung across her back. They''d created some sort of wind tunnel, moving with impressive speed. Shimmering Mana Barriers also surrounded both, proof they''d reached the fourth echelon. Only those who had at least 30,000 Mana could turn on and off their Mana Barriers at will inside Red Zones.


    Still, many opted not to use them, including the man he slew inside the Cmity Mountain and the scouts from before. It wasn''t overconfidence, though. Because of their choice, Zac''s own Mana Barrier wouldn''t activate when they tried tounch a sneak attack. This was a small advantage higher-echelon guests had over new arrivals, and an important reason most people avoided Red Zone the first years.


    Veterans could fight you while blocking the protection provided by the Perennial Vastness. And they could turn on their shield the moment they started to get disadvantaged. Of course, the barriers were weaker in this cepared to Vastness City, but it could still be the difference between life and death.


    As for the two cultivators, they used their barriers to slightly weaken the storm in their immediate vicinity. Still, its efficacy was limited, far worse than Zac''s ichor. Instead, they were forced to use treasures to stave off the winds, yet both were covered in bloody gashes.


    The two suddenly disappeared just seconds after Zac sensed them with his spiritual domain. Zac felt a pang of danger, and a coffin appeared behind his back. The whole coffin was swallowed by a huge burning dragon that had emerged from the fist of the bulky man, but Zac sted it apart with a swing of his axe.


    The trusty coffin of [Profane Exponents] appeared to block a sword strike from the opposite direction, but Zac was shocked to find the thin rapier create a small hole in the skill and pierce through. Pain bloomed in his side as Zac narrowly managed to avoid having his heart pierced, and the swordmistress was forced back by a set of corrosive chains closing in.


    The strike hurt like hell, but Zac ignored her as he advanced on the pugilist, his muscles straining as he swung [ck Death] with all force he could muster. The man''s fist lit up like a sun as he opted to fight fire with fire and strike right at the iing axe. Unfortunately for him, he had severely underestimated his opponent''s strength.


    Deathly axe met burning brass knuckles, and the burning congration was immediately cut apart as Zac''s edge dug into his fist. Two Dao Branches empowered the man''s strikes, but only one seemed to be at Middle Stage. Conversely, Zac worked with two Middle Dao Branches bolstered by [Spiritual Void] and had clear attribute superiority.


    The pugilist activated his Mana Barrier upon seeing himself lose, and Zac actually found his arm pushed back. But he reacted instantaneously and bore a second stab from the swordmistress as he unleashed a ruthless kick right at what he prayed was a weak spot in the barrier. The pugilist effortlessly blocked even if he''d just lost two fingers, but a kick by Zac wasn''t so easily neutralized.


    Muscles snapped, and bones groaned in Zac''s legs as he pushed [Conviction of Eoz] far beyond the safe levels, boosting his strength by over 20%. The monstrous force sted the pugilist away like he wasunched from a cannon.


    Normally, that wouldn''t have been a big deal, but they were currently in the middle of a storm. Zac sensed the man get swept away by a wind soon after being thrown away, and he was dragged out of Zac''s domain a momentter.


    "Pato!" the woman screamed, disappearing in a sh after leveling a deadly stare at Zac.


    Zac snorted and continued on his way after picking up one of the severed fingers��the one with a Spatial Ring still attached. The two thought him an easy mark to make some money in the middle of the storm; there was no pity in Zac''s heart for people like them. He would have killed them both if not for wanting to save his aces for the real opponents lurking in the area.


    He hadn''t gained any Kill Energy from the sh, but Zac knew the man was in trouble. Even if he managed to retain his consciousness, he had been flung right into the storm. Zac had been in that exact situation right upon entering the Cmity three days ago and knew just how deadly that situation was. Zac had even infused the man with a good chunk of his Dao of Conflict to turn him into a lightning rod for the environment.


    The pugilist would be lucky if he survived long enough to findnd through the chaos, and that was not counting the numerous boulders and smaller shrapnel-like rubble mixed into the storm.


    Thirty minutes passed, and the chaos just grew worse. Zac didn''t need to bleed himself to create a field of protection. If anything, he was forced to keep up field repairs of his battered body to avoid bleeding out. There''d been a dozen near-death encounters, mostly from shrapnel falling from the sky with nigh-undodgeable speed. He would have been grievously wounded if not for his Void Energy and [Abyssal Phase].


    And he wasn''t the only one in trouble. Finally, the ind couldn''t take it anymore. A deep groan reached the very core of Zac''s body before a huge crack appeared just one hundred meters away from him. The whole ind had been split apart, and Zac desperately leaped to the other side upon realizing his half had started falling toward the abyss.


    Zac was exhausted by this point, but there wasn''t much to do but swallow a Soldier Pill and forge ahead. At least it shouldn''t be that long before he reached the end of the ind. Even inside the storm, he''d kept a decent pace, and the guidance beam indicated he was getting close to the teleporter.


    Suddenly, another peak came crashing from the sky, forcing Zac to call upon his skeletal guardians again. The shockwave passed, but Zac looked up with shock as he saw his hands turn into corkscrews. In a simrly surreal fashion, a nearby boulder sprouted wings and flew away, singing a song of liberation.


    Zac shook his head, and both hands and boulder returned to normal. He looked at the fallen peak with surprise. It hadn''t been Creation Energy that twisted its surroundings. There had rather been a powerful spiritual fluctuation baked into the shockwave just now. It had even managed to overwhelm his incredible mental protection for a moment, putting him in a dreamlike state.


    Even now, a powerful spiritual fluctuation emanated from the peak, and the source wasn''t a skill. Rather, it seemed like there was an incredible Soul-attuned treasure in that piece of debris, which was further proven by the gathering of fate around it. Zac only hesitated a moment before running toward the miniature mountain.


    The situation was dire, but his soul suddenly felt like an arid desert. And whatever hid within that mountain was the rain needed to make him whole. Its fluctuations weren''t quite at the level of the [Cmity Core], but it had to be one of the best natural treasures on the mountain.


    A few jumpster, Zac stood inside a huge cave, and his heart shuddered at the lingering aura. It was incredibly condensed, still releasing mental ripples throughout the cave that almost scattered Zac''s thoughts. More importantly, it was an aura Zac recognized. It was the Late-Stage Beast King that had scanned him after breaking through.


    This had to be its den, which meant the small flower in the shimmering pond was one of its cultivation treasures. It looked a bit worse from the wear after having been thrown down from the sky, and most of its pond was gone. But it still exuded incredible waves of Spiritual Energy, and Zac had to activate both a soul-warding talisman and [Indomitable] to withstand its aura.


    Still, Zac didn''t think it was a hallucinogenic nt. It was most likely a side-effect of the powerful spiritual fluctuations it emitted. Going by the hunger in Zac''s body, it was most likely an incredible tonic for his soul, something he could use after his recent breakthrough. Half a day had passed since he broke through, but he had only managed to repair some of the damage caused by his brutish breakthrough.


    He could only eat so many soul-mending pills before they lost their efficacy, but this could be the key to quickly recovering to an optimal state. Zac braved the mental fluctuations and harvested the flower. He put it inside a jade box and added a number of Soul Crystals along with some pond water upon seeing the flower lose its spirituality. Even then, Zac judged it wouldn''t retain its effects for more than an hour or two before it was relegated to a normal Peak-Quality item.


    Zac was about to put the box away, but a deep voice suddenly boomed through the chamber.


    "So, someone beat us to the punch."


    Zac swirled around and almost felt his vision had been inverted for a moment. He was standing inside a small mountain looking upon a sturdy man, yet it felt like the man was the mountain while Zac stood on the ground. He had an immense aura, towering yet calm like an ancient peak. Even the storm was pushed away from the cave mouth by his presence, though Zac guessed that was a result of his huge umtion of Mana.


    After all, Null had just confirmed this cultivator was a proper eighth-echelon guest.


    Even the threepanions to his sides were no slouches. Each emitted an aura rivaling those of the strongest warriors he''d dueled in Vastness City. Zac inwardly sighed and cursed his greed. He had wanted to avoid trouble, but a moment of weakness had led him straight into a viper''s nest.


    It only took one look to know there was no talking his way out of this one.

 Chapter 1007 - Greed

    The group of four made no move to attack, and the two sides wordlessly looked at each other for a few seconds until the leader of the new arrivals spoke up.


    "You are the Draugr who has been making waves over the past month," the man smiled, his eyes turning to the box in Zac''s hand. "That thing��"


    "Is mine," Zac cut him off.


    "Ownership is dependent on strength," one of the mountain man''spanions said, and Zac''s eyes narrowed upon sensing the powerful spiritual fluctuations emanating from him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A Mentalist. No wonder the group had hurried over.


    "The [Soulhaze Lily] is of great use to my friend here, as you''ve no doubt guessed already," the mountain man said. "How about this? Two factions guard the trial''s exit, along with the solo adventurers who have formed a temporary coalition. A lone cultivator returning, such as yourself, is bound to be robbed of their Spatial Rings upon returning. If you donate the lily and allow me to scan your Spatial Tools for the [Cmity Core], I will personally lead you out of this ce. I swear on my Dao; I will not take anything else."


    "Or maybe I just join the solo adventurers," Zac shrugged.


    "Don''t try to y us for a fool," the lone woman in the group, a warrior wielding two identical shortswords,ughed. "Every arrival since the global event began has been logged. We know you''re not one of them. What group would let you join without checking you for the core?"


    "And therefore, I must have the item?" Zac countered. "It''s might still out there, probably in one of these falling mountains."


    He wasn''t really hoping to sway the group with his words, but these people were giving out critical information left and right. So why stop talking before he absolutely had to? He''d guessed these four were slightly sheltered elites of some powerful faction in the multiverse from their appearance, and their demeanor andnguage only reinforced that theory.


    Of course, that didn''t mean these people were weak. They might becking in life-and-death experiencespared to someone like himself, but the same could be said to be true for Iz Tayn.


    "That might be the case, and you''re surely not the only one who was tempering themselves in this realm when the mission was released," the leader said, a small frown forming when faced with Zac''s stubbornness. "You may be an innocent bystander in all this. But the Heavens were never fair. The others will not be as generous as I am. I''m certain that the coffin on your back is your main weapon. Why risk losing yourpanion for a treasure that doesn''t seem aligned with your path?"


    Zac hadn''t been too bothered by the situation before. These people were powerful, but he was confident in forcing his way out. But the not-so-subtle threat to Alea ignited a fire in his chest, and his ns started to shift. These people were asking for a beating, high-echelon or not.


    "The young lord is giving you an opportunity here," the Mentalist added, adding gas to the fire. "Don''t lose everything because of your greed."


    "You talk about greed while eyeing my stuff? While you threaten my coffin?" Zac said with a steely voice as roiling waves of killing intent poured out of his body.


    The lingering mental imprint in the walls was doused and overwhelmed by Zac''s murderous air, and the whole mountain started shaking as Zac no longer restrained his aura. It rose and rose, a storm to match the one raging outside. Even the Mana-empowered domain exuded by the leader was pushed back, and his smiling visage finally changed to one of concentration.


    "What gives you the confidence?" Zac growled as the rattling of chains started reverberating through the cave. "Your backing? Your Mana? This is what I think of your offer."


    Zac didn''t move to attack. Instead, the box in his hands floated into the air, allowing Zac to open it while still holding his axe. Powerful waves of spirituality blended with his killing intent, but Zac pushed down the scenes of carnage that had appeared as he grabbed the lily.


    "What are you- STOP!" the leader roared, but Zac ignored the man.


    The Mentalist had even fewer misgivings,unching an invisible arrow of empowered Mental Energy at Zac. It moved with incredible speed, but Zac didn''t even spare it a nce as he stuffed the flower into his mouth and swallowed. The arrow moved fast, but the chains had formed a nigh-imprable web around him. Two Dao-empowered chainsshed the mental attack, each drastically weakening it before it entered his Soul Aperture.


    Zac didn''t even need to rely on [Indomitable] for protection. The two huge Soul Spirals were like millstones, pulverizing the attack long before it could cause any damage. Zac barely registered the attack, too swept up in his own world. It was like the time had ground to a halt, simr to when he absorbed a new Remnant.


    The real reason was that his mind had kicked into overdrive, with hundreds of thoughts firing off in a fraction of a second. Inparison, reality felt extremely slow. The source was the mysterious lily and the almost unfathomable amount of energy it had unloaded onto his mind.


    No longer was his Soul Aperture the vast space with two opposing gxies slowly spinning. His Soul Cores were still there, but they were drowned by millions of different images��nightmares moring for attention and Mental Energy. Zac could understand the shock on the Earth Cultivator''s face seeing the chaos he''d invited to his mind. Almost any cultivator would quickly lose their mind from the onught, unless their souls were overloaded and copsed from all the energy first.


    However, Zac was no ordinary cultivator. Even in an unstable post-breakthrough state, his soul could match that of elite Peak E-grade Mentalists. Add to that his Heart Cultivation and experience with the remnants, and he could hold onto his sanity without much effort, even if he temporarily couldn''t stop the odd distortions of reality around him.


    His three Dao Apparitions lit up, and the gxies in his mind spun faster. The dreams that got too close were swallowed up and refined into a soothing mist that nurtured his harried cores and aperture. Scars were closing rapidly while the exhausted [Spiritual Void] was replenished. Even his vision started to return to normal.


    But the [Soulhaze Lily] was nomon object. It was clearly a D-grade treasure, even if it had lost a good chunk of its spirituality when it came crashing down from the Cmity Mountain. Not even Zac''s appetite was a match to what was offered. [Spiritual Void] absorbed all it could, and [Void Heart] soon joined in on the feast.


    Even then, Zac was forced to continuously release more than 80% of the lily''s stockpiled energies through his pores, creating a shimmering shroud around him. Only then did his overdrawn mind settle down somewhat. Zac felt like someone had pressed y on reality again as his perception of time returned to normal.


    "Seize him! He might really have the core, but he''s out of his mind! He can''t be allowed to destroy that thing as well!" the leader swore, and four powerful auras spread out.


    Zac only snorted as one domain after another was activated. The shimmering haze of mind-bending madness was joined by the Miasmic mist of [Fields of Despair] and the corrosive darkness of [Deathmark]. And even that wasn''t the end. The whole cave shook as a deathly river lined its walls and transformed their surroundings, as though they''d been dragged into the underworld.


    A pir radiating despair and finality rose from the ground, and thousands of anguished faces voicelessly screamed with destion. Space itself bent and expanded to amodate the hundred-meter-tall pir. Zac felt a wave of hollowness in his mind as thest embers of Oblivion Energy were used for kindling the beacon of Oblivion atop [Pir of Destion].


    It didn''t matter. After using almost all of it in his breakthrough, he had far too little remaining to create an Annihtion Sphere. Using what was left to activate his most powerful skill was a worthy investment. The orb of ultimate darkness ignited. Its size hadn''t increased since Zac had managed to push the skill to Late Mastery, but it had gained a halo of despair.


    The halo spread like millions of invisible tendrils through the cage, annihting all shing energies it encountered. Zac himself faded out, his presence erased within the cloak of destruction rippling out from the tower. And as soon as the pir had formed, one chain after another shot out while expressions of hunger appeared on the pir''s statues.


    A battle was inevitable, and Zac had opted for shock and awe. However, these people weren''t some random grunts. Not one showed any fear on their faces, though theirzy and confident expressions were long since wiped away. One by one, their auras erupted, creating a counterweight to Zac''s inteced domains.


    Interestingly, each aura had an earthy tone that matched the leader''s. Even the Mentalist had an Earth-based Dao Branch. Zac had expected to seeplementing elements from the Peak of Grand Materia, but they were a specialized squad. It became increasingly apparent why these people wanted the mountain heart, even if it was attuned to Life and Death.


    The leader of the four had the greatest aura, and Zac wasn''t surprised to sense it was a match to Uona''s in raw force. Bolstered by his eighth-echelon Mana, a zone bereft of Life and Death had formed within ten meters. Zac could tell the fundamentalws had subtly shifted in his vicinity. Only the Daos sanctioned by his path would function properly; everything else would be suppressed.


    It was like a weaker version of his [Void Zone], but that wasn''t enough to make Zac back down. So what if the enemies had some advantages in that regard? He wasn''t the same person who fought Uona all those years ago, and the vast amounts of pure Death in the Cmity gave him a home-field advantage.


    Even now, he could feelrge amounts of Death-attuned Energy entering the cave to join [Pir of Destion]''s deathly river. Some Life entered as well, but the cave acted as a filter.


    "Azra formation!" the leader shouted as four axe-wielding wraiths were crushed by his aura alone.


    A huge mountain appeared above his head, its height a match to [Pir of Destion]. It fused with the Mana Domain, creating a safe haven from Zac''s ovepping skills. Simultaneously, he felt an incredible pressure on his cage. The floating mountain had created a resonance with the mountain they stood inside, and the cave suddenly felt like a maw that tried to close and crush his skill.


    Thankfully, the effect wasn''t strong enough to overpower his skill. It had contained powerful creatures like the Qriz''Ul Goblin King, and Zac had elevated the skill to Late proficiency since. It would take well over a minute before the pressure exhausted and destabilized [Pir of Destion], and he could afford the energy expenditure.


    That wasn''t the extent of the mountain''s effect, though. The four chains aimed to bind and drag Zac''s enemies into Oblivion were stopped by an ancient aura of permanence. Out of better options, they mmed into the mountain itself like poisonous needles delivering a deadly payload of nothingness. The old chains of [Profane Seal] could drain victims of their energy, and the chains of [Pir of Destion] had inherited that feature. With the skill reaching Late Proficiency, it simultaneously destroyed the energy it couldn''t siphon off, using the halo of Oblivion.


    Apart from profaning the mountain avatar with its aura of Oblivion, the statues started to pull. Zac felt an incredible resistance, but the huge mountain shuddered and was actually dragged a few meters closer. Nothing could resist the pull of Death��it was akin to fighting fate. But the scene onlysted for a second.


    The Mentalist sat down next to the leader and formed a mudra with his hands. A pir of deep brown energy rose from him and poured into the mountain peak. He had be a conduit and amplifier. Suddenly, the mountain was not just an avatar but a representation of the will of the whole ind they stood on. It felt like a primordial consciousness was slowly awakened in the mountain''s center. Like that, the destroyed energy of the mountain was rapidly being replenished, undoing the work of [Pir of Destion].


    Zac could tell that dealing with the mountain was key to winning the battle. The leader seemed to be pouring all he had into it, and the others seemed to support him in hastening its awakening. It couldn''tpare to the supreme power of [Pir of Destion], but its aura rapidly rose.


    He needed to make his move, but a pang of danger forced him to phase to move out of the way. A storm of stone shards had appeared where he stood and ripped space apart. Zac didn''t even have time to readjust before he felt his mind slow down, this time not because of the [Soulhaze Lily].


    It was as though a mountain weighed down on his soul, slowing his thoughts to a crawl. The sensation onlysted a fraction of a second before it was ripped apart by [Indomitable] and his spinning Soul Cores, and Zac heard a groan from the Mentalist. But Zac didn''t get the chance to capitalize on the bacsh as his Danger Sense warned him of imminent peril.


    The sword-wielder appeared right next to him, her aurapletely obscured. Zac had no time to worry about how they could spot him through the obscuration of [Pir of Destion], and he frankly didn''t care. One of his enemies had dared leave the protective umbre of the floating mountain, making this an excellent opportunity.


    A small copy of the spirit mountain floated above her head, and Zac saw how energy streams entered her swords as she swung them in a cruel cross aimed at Zac''s head. He could tell this strike was not something that could be blocked with his chains, so Zac swung [ck Death] to intercept. Meanwhile, the rattling chains of [Love''s Bond] began their constrictive dance.


    A tremendous shockwave erupted as weapons shed. The warrior was forced back almost ten meters, while the now-exposed form of Zac only took one step back. The warrior looked at Zac with shock, seemingly unable topute that she''d lost in a sh of pure strength. Zac''s face was impassive as he advanced, but there was some surprise in his heart.


    The biggest surprise was that Zac had only narrowly overpowered the enemy in a direct collision, even when using [Conviction of Eoz]. Judging by the woman''s aura, it wasn''t because of her own aplishments but rather the small mountain above her head. It could be considered a War Array that allowed her to borrow the strength of a mountain and the leader.


    But the real surprise was something else. Zac had actually failed to catch the swordmaster with his chains, even when using the Inexorable Stance. Alea''s chains had aimed to seal her movements, while [Pir of Destion] had sent out another chain. However, they''d all flown toward the huge mountain. It was simr to his old taunting ability, yet slightly different.


    Zac''s senses told him that the sword mistress was the mountain and that attacking her and the mountain was the same thing. The culprit was most likely the miniature mountain hovering above her head, but knowing that didn''t provide any immediate solution. It was like reality had been subverted.


    A thunderous crash followed in the wake of the opening exchange, and Zac nched when he felt his connection with [Pir of Destion] shudder. Dozens of earth spears had split off from the mountain and mmed into the underworld river just as Zac was attacked. The leader had made his move, aimed at the cage rather than Zac or the pir.


    Huge cracks spread through the river of the underworld, where one salvo had damaged the seal of his Supreme Pathbound skill by over 15%. The damage would soon be dispersed through the whole river, but it was proof he couldn''t underestimate the geniuses of the Perennial Vastness. Sensing the damage and the still-building energy in the mountain proved the fight wouldn''tst long.


    A swirling halo of darkness appeared behind Zac''s back as he grew three meters in a burst. The thick chain of [Arbiter of the Abyss] barely had time to wound itself around Zac''s left arm before he reached out and clenched his hand. A tremendous pull kicked the whole area into a frenzy, and even the huge mountain still resisting his pir was wrenched over a dozen meters closer.


    It was like Zac had be a ck hole for a moment, and the sword mistress was absolutely incapable of resisting the pull. She disappeared in a burst of instantaneous movement, but the Peak Mastery taunting skill wasn''t so easily avoided. In fact, the sword mistress was ying right into Zac''s hands.


    She appeared just four meters away with a bewildered expression. A veteran warrior, she gained her bearings quickly and started channeling a skill as her swords pointed toward Zac''s heart. But before she couldunch her attack, the surroundings dimmed. Confusion and fear were written all over her face, and fear turned into horror a momentter.


    Zac had already made his move, and the arbiter''s chain shot forth like a snake striking its victim.


    "Galvo!" the leader roared from beneath the mountain, and the mountain slightly dimmed as a huge earthen de sprung up between Zac and the sword mistress.


    The de contained incredible force. Zac had already deactivated [Void Zone], but he suspected it would still have managed to force its way through. The de severed one chain of [Love''s Bond] and the conjured fetter of [Arbiter of the Abyss], forming an impregnable wall separating Zac and his target. If Zac hadn''t retracted his arm in time, he would probably have also lost it.


    The quick reaction allowed the warrior to scramble out of the way, but it was already toote. [Void Zone] had interrupted the miniature mountain and its redirection ability. She had then been tapped by the arbiter''s chain, which meant her fate was Zac''s to judge. Five whistling sounds cut through the roar of the deathly river.


    "No!" the Mentalist screamed, but it was toote.


    The sword mistress had managed to block four out of five executions of [Blighted Cut] with her swords and defensive talismans, but the final one had struck true. Zac emerged around the earthen divider just in time to see the woman''s corpse fall apart from left shoulder to right hip. Zac only spared her a nce before Zac''s abyssal eyes turned to the remaining cultivators.


    The fear and confusion on the sword mistress''s face during her final moments were now mirrored on the others. They clearly didn''t understand what had just happened, why their Mountain War Array had suddenly failed. Furthermore, less than five seconds had passed since the fight started, yet one of theirpanions had already fallen.


    They''d considered Zac a powerful opponent from the moment he unleashed his [Pir of Destion], but the severity of the situation had only dawned on them at this moment. They had wanted to sound Zac out while they dealt with his cage, but that wishy-washy strategy hadpletely backfired on them.


    This wasn''t a family trial where their background meant something. This was thewless wild, and they had targeted someone they shouldn''t have.


    "One down, three to go."

 Chapter 1008 - Light of Azra

    ''What do we do? WHAT DO WE DO?'' Kalva''s frantic voice rattled in Uthar''s mind. ''This guy is too dangerous.''


    Uthar''s face was calm, but his heart drummed as he looked on as the severed link of the insane Draugr''s coffin floated into the man''s hand. Uthar realized he knew far too little about these undead creatures and their means. He only knew the Draugr was one of the leaders of the distant Undead Empire. But so what? They were the scions of an equally powerful faction, with both numbers and Mana on their side.


    To think they''d sent an Eonic Seed to the Perennial Vastness. Didn''t they have any core inheritances of their own?


    Was there a way out of this mess? Losing Galvo was a hit to his prestige, but it didn''t matter much. Uthar was already approaching his limits before the Mana Poison got too much, so his retainers weren''t of much use anymore. This was supposed to be a final outing. If he managed to seize the [Cmity Core], he''d enter the ninth echelon and could turn his attention to Core Formation. So there was no irredeemable grudge between the two.


    Uthar tried to glean anything from the man, but he got a sinking feeling as he saw the Draugr''s attention shift from the severed chain in his hand to their location. His face was hidden within the hood since he transformed into that ominous form, yet Uthar could feel them. Those two abyssal orbs were trained at them, filled with monstrous killing intent.


    What was with this lunatic? His demeanor hadpletely shifted when his coffin was mentioned, and now it looked like he was ready to fight to the death. Was that guy actually carrying around a beloved corpse inside or something? In either case, diplomacy was out the window. Some treasures to smooth things over wouldn''t work.


    ''I''ve tried; I can''t do anything to him,'' Pa''sur sighed. ''His soul might even be more powerful than mine. No wonder he could withstand the [Soulhaze Lily]''s dreams.��


    ''Don''t waste your energy on him, then. Focus on awakening Azra''s spirit while providing support. It''s already reached a point where we can''t back down even if we want to. We''re trapped, so we''ll have to fight our way out,'' Uthrar intoned through [Stonewhisper] as he destroyed the wave of wraiths that had appeared again.


    Even then, two more marks had been added to the mountain, and the corrosive blight spread deeper into the veins. He''d have to waste even more energy to push it out, or the avatar would copse. These things were a constant bother, preventing him from properly dealing with the river of death.


    How was this just one man with one set of skills? It felt like they were fighting an army.


    Uthar didn''t have a lot of options, and he knew he couldn''t y it safe. Just breaking the river wasn''t enough, even if he found the opportunity while calling down Azra''s spirit to this ne. A deadly storm raged outside, one too powerful to ovee with Mana and far more in tune with their opponent than them.


    The Draugr had clearly been able to traverse the ind alone without ruing any damage, while they had been forced to hide beneath the ground while waiting for targets and treasures. Here, they were at least inside a mountain, evening the ying field. And if they fled, they''d have to give up on their half-summoned Diety, putting them in an even more dangerous situation.


    This man was lethal to the extreme, and any half-measures would only end with more of his followers down for the count. Or even worse, he could get crippled to the point his breakthrough failed. Uthar gritted his teeth and took out the [Dawn Sierra], waves of hatred burning in his heart as he looked at the dense engravings covering the stone chest.


    He''d saved it to purify his Mountain Core after passing the first threshold, but their strength wasn''t enough. He needed assistance. Kalva breathed in relief upon seeing the legacy treasure they''d brought with them from back home. A true splinter of Azra imbued with its ancient will. Kalva clearly didn''t care that this meant his Mountain Core would reach Middle Quality at most.


    Then again, neither did Uthar at this moment.


    ''We need to dy him for 20 seconds. That''s it. After that, we''ll show him the might of Azra,'' Uthar growled. ''Ridgebane Seeds!''


    The two nodded, and thousands of pebbles spilled out of Kalva''s sleeves. As they flew toward the malignant star, they started to grow under the light of Azra. Uthar felt the drain of Faith Power from the avatar, but it rapidly recovered and was even bolstered as he pushed the [Dawn Sierra] into the mountain.


    Powerful mental fluctuations were simultaneously released by Pa''Sur, indicating he was imparting the stone soldiers with temporary life. Thousands of golems filled the cave in no time, empowered by Azra and their Dao. Kalva''s eyes were closed in concentration��controlling this many elite stonemen was taxing, even when imbued with Divine Will and a spark of sapience from the mentalist.


    One spectral wraith after another appeared to meet the challenge, and a vast web of chains shot out from that ghastly pir. That was exactly what Uthar wanted to see. That monstrous Draugr was ultimately just one man, and he had already used up a huge amount of Miasma to maintain his advantage.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It also gave Uthar a breather, allowing him to redirect some of Azra''s force. Huge spears filled with force assaulted the raging river, purifying it with the breath of the earth. But Uthar was eventually forced to stop and refocus on Azra. A few of his projectiles had managed to pierce the river, but it healed itself far too quickly for Uthar to dare attempt an escape. Just how durable was this cursed thing?


    ''They''re ready,'' Kalva intoned as two shimmering stones appeared from his sleeves.


    Uthar bit his finger and left three drops of blood on each stone before they flew out, Anointing them with the lineage of the Sentinel Dawn. The stones grew into two ten-meter constructs, each radiating force equivalent to Early Hegemony.


    By that point, the Draugr was already on the move. He''d finished mending the broken link, which had retreated into the coffin on his back. Now, he''d turned into a storm of carnage, unleashing his anger on the Ridgebane soldiers. A huge jagged edge swept through the constructs as he paved a path toward their position. He was no longer waiting around for them to emerge from their protective umbre.


    Stone shavings were flowing everywhere as hundreds of sacrificial soldiers copsed, but that was part of the n. The broken stonemen turned into a swirling storm, trapping the Draugr and forming the Ridgebane Array. The two anointed stonemen stepped inside, acting as foundations for the trapping formation. The sounds of metal cutting stone abated, and Uthar breathed in relief and turned to the mountain.


    The rued faith from months of prayer poured into the divine avatar, bringing their summoning closer to fruition. But only five seconds passed before a huge form shot out of the formation and crashed into the mountain with enough force to create cracks across its surface. The whole Ridgebane Array exploded the next second, and Uthar nched upon seeing the Draugr holding the head of the second anointed construct.


    The head was crushed, and the construct copsed. Theuded Ridgbane Array hadn''t even managed to buy them ten seconds.


    Worse, a storm of Death was dragged toward the Draugr as thousands of pitch-ck tendrils stretched for twenty meters from his back like skeletal wings. The tendrils hummed with a soul-wrenching buzz, agitating the Death-attuned energies in the area. It came storming into the Draugr''s body, ripping apart the lingering effect of the Ridgebane Array.


    With his five-meter frame shrouded in darkness and swirling halo, the Draugr looked like a fallen God. His ominous aura towered as the wings swallowed a seemingly inexhaustible amount of energy until two crackling orbs formed at the wingtips. Uthar felt a palpable sense of imminent doom as he gazed upon a swirling grey haze rapidly forming around the axe.


    The haze swallowed the two crackling orbs of destruction, and Uthar knew he couldn''t wait any longer.


    "Gaia!" he roared, sacrificing all his remaining Faith Energy to summon a dome of impregnable stone.


    Kalva had already summoned his eight guardians, forming an inner barrier pointed at the cardinal directions. Pa''Sur activated his defensive domain, which would weaken any foreign Dao. But even with theiryers of defense and Azra''s protective umbre, Uthar didn''t feel safe. What was that man doing?


    "Futile." A grating voice echoed from outside.


    The world froze for a moment before reality came crashing down upon them. The impregnable wall of [Gaia''s Sanctuary] shattered, split in two by an unstoppable edge. The cardinal statues crumbled the next moment, and Pa''Sur''s domain was ripped to shreds. A groan escaped from the Mentalist''s mouth, but Uthar had no time to worry about that useless bastard.


    He pushed his Mana Domain to its limits as he tilted the divine avatar. The deadly de ground against his path, but Azra''s protection allowed him to finally exhaust the attack. Just as he thought himself safe, his danger sense warned of mortal peril. The protective domain of Azra had be frayed when blocking the ultimate strike, and a chain reeking of destruction had slipped inside their sanctuary.


    And it wasing for him.


    Ruthlessness shone in Uthar''s eyes. A mentalmand activated themand token hidden beneath his robes. Pa''Sur''s eyes zed over just as he recovered from the spiritual bacsh, long enough for Uthar to push the Mentalist in front of him. The chaintched onto the man, and he''d been yanked out of the protective dome by the time he woke up.


    Uthar took a shuddering breath, knowing he''d just escaped a terrible fate. He''d seen what happened to Galvo after getting touched by one of that madman''s chains. He refused to have his body bisected in this forgotten corner of space, and the Mentalist had proven useless against the Draugr''s mental defenses.


    Besides, it was mostly his fault they found themselves in this desperate situation. Offering himself as a substitute sacrifice was the least he could do. As the Mentalist was ripped out to meet his fate, [Gaia''s Sanctuary] mended and sealed them inside. He felt the connection to [Stonewhisper] vanish, and it didn''t even take a second before their sanctuary began shaking from an unrelenting onught.


    One corrosive mark after another was added to the domain, and the Draugr himself had to be hammering the barrier. It was only a matter of time. However, the lunatic was finally out of lethal attacks, it seemed, which meant they''d earned enough time.


    "It''s payback time," Uthar growled a few secondster, ignoring the unspoken reproach in Kalva''s eyes.


    The two floated into the mountain above. A soothing warmth spread through Uthar''s body as Azra''s spirit embraced him, and the stress and fear umted from this ill-fated encounter melted away. He''d be the Apostle of the Dawn Mountain, and he''d stand tall long after this Draugr and his descendants turned to dust. He ordered [Gaia''s Sanctuary] to self-destruct as they emerged like a butterfly from its cocoon.


    Only to be met by an orb of utter nothingness.


    -----------------


    The enormous stone face managed to resist only for a moment before the Oblivion Beacon disintegrated its defenses and pushed into the eye on its forehead.


    ''SACRILEGE!'' a grand voice boomed in Zac''s mind, and a terrifying pressure bore down on both his body and soul.


    Zac felt like an angry god had turned its attention to him, in a far more palpable sense than when he conjured Heaven''s wrath. Faith Energy. These two had summoned a wisp of a god and hid inside its avatar. Thank god he''d acted quickly, opting to use the same strategy as when he fought the Eidolon inside the Twilight Ascent.


    Encountering a Mountain God was unexpected, but it wasn''t a surprise they were cooking up something dangerous. Why else would they sit around while the aura of the floating mountain kept rising? [Pir of Destion] was about to copse in either case. Truthfully he''d been lucky they''d given up when they had. A few more good hits and the rivers would have copsed, destabilizing the whole skill.


    He''d hoped that the Peak-Quality [Desperation''s End] would be enough to split the mountain in two before they reached this point, but the defenses of Earth Cultivators were just too sturdy. At least it had provided the opportunity to take out the Mentalist.


    Zac had been prepared and timed everything perfectly with the pir, yet it felt like he was about to be crushed under the unrelenting pressure. New tears appeared to rece those which the [Soulhaze Lily] had just mended, and muscles tore under the unbearable physical pressure. The presence demanded him to give in and kneel in obeisance, but that triggered an unprecedented ferocity from his body.


    His three Draugr Nodes rippled with power. They filled his body with the gift of the Abyss, muting the roar of the false god. Adamance, Conviction, and Immutability. How could a descendant of Eoz bow to some crappy mountain? His aura surged, and he drew upon all his Strength to push the [Pir of Destion] further into the crumbling head.


    The Mana Domain had already crumbled, forcibly ripped apart by Oblivion. Between that and the god''s defenses, the beacon had shrunk by two-thirds already, with only the kernel of annihtion remaining. But that was enough. It came into contact with something ancient, unyielding, something that not even Oblivion could erase. The feeling onlysted a moment before it was gone, forced out of this realm by Zac''s advance.


    Left was a broken face bereft of any divinity. What was left of the Oblivion Beacon erupted and blew it apart. A bloody shape fell out from the crumbling form, and his heart was pierced before he could recover from the bacsh. More Kill Energy poured into Zac''s body, but he didn''t spare the fallen mage a second nce. He scoured the copsing face for clues until he spotted a second body tumbling toward the ground.


    His Miasma was running low, but he had ample stores of Void Energy. He disappeared in a puff before appearing right next to the leader. [ck Death] was already falling toward his head, its gleaming edge filled with Death and Conflict. Like deadly spears, the remaining chains of [Love''s Bond] converged on the leader, and Zac could feel Alea''s killing intent as she was out for vengeance.


    Axe and chains hit true, but Zac swore when the corpse crumbled into stone. A burst of energy erupted from within an inconspicuous stone just as Zac struck. Zac looked over with surprise. He''d scanned that stone with his soul, Draugr vision, and [Cosmic Gaze]. All three had said it was nothing there, yet there clearly was. Unfortunately, nothing remained by the time Zac reached the source except some glimmering sand.


    The leader had gotten away.


    "Was that you guys?" Zac asked, ncing down at the translucent bracelet on his wrist.


    ''Nope, that was all him. Pretty impressive escape method, for it to work inside a Cmity Storm,'' Nullmented. ''I can''t imagine he''s in good shape, though. Such a forceful method always has drawbacks, like damaged foundations. He might have lost his opportunity to break through in this ce.''


    "So one slipped through the cracks, after all," Zac sighed.


    ''Well, him running for his life toward the exit should help with the next part,'' Nullmented.


    "Not as much as his corpse would have," Zac countered, turning to the unmoving bodies of the three fallen warriors.


    Normally, the Mentalist wouldn''t have left a corpse after being captured by [Pir of Destion]. However, Zac had opted to decapitate him before he was turned into another statue, leaving him with a body almost a match to Vri''s. Perhaps this one could be a disciple of hers after being awakened.


    The trio joined the crowing collection in his Corpse Sack while their rings entered one of his pockets. There was no time to go through his windfall right now. Anyone within miles would have been able to sense their battle, and Zac didn''t want to stick around in case a third party arrived to fish in muddy waters.


    He briefly scanned his body as he ate a Pseudo D-grade Soldier Pill. He was actually in a pretty good state. His opponents this time were simply too unlucky. Their turtle strategy might have worked against most. Zac guessed less than 50 people in the Perennial Vastness would be able to break open that formation before they could finish their preparations.


    But when faced with someone like Zac, they had be sitting ducks locked in on a path toward their doom. His body only had some fractures from fighting against the false god''s pressure. His soul was actually even better off now than when the fight began, as the [Soulhaze Lily]''s energies still hadn''t been exhausted.


    Zac gave the cave a quick look before shing away, appearing at the exit. The storm still raged outside, which wasn''t a surprise considering less than three minutes had passed since he entered the cave. After scanning the surroundings with his soul and other senses, he stepped into the madness, continuing his journey toward the ind''s edge.


    He''d fought off the first wave of profiteers, but Zac knew this tribtion was far from over. Even discounting the parties waiting on the other shores, there was one more enemy he had to deal with.


    The Cmity itself and the vast chasm between himself and the exit.

 Chapter 1009 - Final Gauntlet

    The air screamed, and a series of explosions ripped open a set of new wounds before Zac''s blood calmed the storm in his immediate vicinity. He was almost dragged to the sky, but he quickly took out his bar of [Nightlbight Alloy] to anchor himself to the ground. The huge block was twisted and bent, with most of its spirituality gone. The environment and collisions had already damaged it to the point that it had depreciated half a grade.


    It shouldst him until he left this ce, though. And if not, he had more heavy materials prepared in his Spatial Ring.


    As Zac expected, he didn''t need to travel far before reaching the ind''s edge. Visibility was so bad he couldn''t see even a few meters ahead. He would probably have run right off the edge if not for his spiritual domain. The storm was even more ferocious at the shores, where the downdraft agitated the immense amounts of energy around him. Unsurprisingly, neither beasts nor cultivators were waiting for him, like when he first jumped inds.


    Just scanning the immediate vicinity was difficult, so spotting the starter ind far in the distance was downright impossible. The chaotic storm drowned out all sounds and energy. There could be an all-out war raging on the other shores for all he knew.


    Zac found a crevasse partly protected from the storm, and his ichor helped it be a temporary harbor against the madness. The idea was to use the shrouding effect of the storm to his advantage as he made his way to the teleporter. He was confident in being able to elude most people in this environment. And even if he were spotted, he could probably outrun them when utilizing the calming effect of his blood.


    It was disallowed to stay in the immediate vicinity of the teleportation pir for more than ten minutes. So long as he made it within a few hundred meters, he''d be safe. As far as he was concerned, the biggest hurdle was the vast gulf between himself and the next ind. The problem was essentially the same as what he''d encountered in the Twilight Chasm.


    Jumping between the mountains had been a dangerous venture, where he risked being dragged into the depths by the powerful and erratic currents. Here, he faced a simr issue, and he didn''t have a bunch of throwaway flying treasures that could take the brunt of the impact. He had three gliders��the main one and two spares��but he didn''t expect them tost more than a few seconds before being ripped apart by the winds.


    That didn''t mean the crossing was impossible. He''d considered this problem since the storm descended. This time, he hadn''t been suddenly dragged into the air like when he entered the Cataclysm, and he had alreadye up with multiple solutions. Still, Zac didn''t move, instead opting to observe the storm for a bit longer.


    The more Zac looked, the more he felt there was an order to the madness of the Cmity. Perhaps order was the wrong term, but there were rules to theck of rules in the endless war between Life and Death. Zac couldn''t pinpoint any patterns at all; it was more of an instinctual thing. He didn''t know if it was intuition awarded by his path or lingeringprehension from the times he''d held true Chaos in his body. Either case, he felt a weak connection to the everchanging vista in front of him, a connection which grew stronger as time passed.


    Nothing special happened for the next ten minutes. Zac saw no one cross the chasm, and no cultivators had passed by his hideout. Neither was there any news forting from the earth cultivator who managed to escape. If he hadn''t gotten any Kill Energy by this point, he had most likely survived. He hadn''t opted to send out a message like the leader of that other coalition he''d butted heads with. It was a shame. Zac was actually disappointed. A global message saying a lone Draugr was carrying the [Cmity Core] would have been a good misdirect.


    Suddenly, Zac''s eyes widened as he shot forward, the Void Energy in his body instantly transforming him into an abyssal wraith. It was intangible and the reasons were unclear, but this was his window of opportunity. Even the fierce winds slowed down as the Cmity was reduced to a dour monochrome hue. His intangible form moved with speed and precision, weaving an intricate web between the greater umtions of energy as he followed the guiding beacon of the teleportation pir.


    One thing was different since he''d taken the leaps of faith between the mountains of the Twilight Chasm, apart from his strength being far greater. He''d since gained his Draugr Hidden Nodes, of which [Adamance of Eoz] was incredibly useful in this situation. The gales and unstable energies tried to destabilize his skill and rip him apart, but he refused to give in.


    The Hidden Node made him an immovable stone in a surging river. The effect had even grown more pronounced after he''d improved his Heart Cultivation. Zac had long since realized that the Draugr nodes resonated with emotion. The more purpose that pushed you forward, the more the abyss would provide.


    It allowed Zac to resist having his vulnerable spectral form destroyed as he moved across the gulf. Even then, he had to endure an agonizing baptism for every meter he advanced. Eventually, he couldn''t hold on any longer, even if he hadn''t moved more than half the distance. At that very moment, the surroundings darkened, and a bloodied Zac appeared in the air, grinning upon seeing a huge piece of rock falling toward his location.


    The boulder was hundreds of meters across, its sheer mass subduing the storm around it as it fell toward him. Whatever kept the mountains and inds afloat was still acting upon the massive boulder, and it descended with less than half the expected speed. This was exactly what he thought he''d sensed in the storm and why he immediately shot out from his hiding ce. His instincts had proved him right, even if his position was slightly off.


    He gritted his teeth and repositioned himself with another burst of spectral movement. Suddenly, he was right out of the falling mountain''s way, and amand to his Specialty Core prompted a surge of vibrant life spread through his body. The ichor painting his body ck was suddenly joined by a coating of red. Zac had started falling already, but a patch of grass appeared beneath his feet. He stood upon the boulder a momentter and began running across its surface.


    Five golden pirs were erected in his wake, right in the middle of the rock, while a golden wreath appeared on Zac''s head. The five pirs werepletely straight, with ancient steles fastened to them. Yet they seemed like the fingers of an empyrean God digging out from the ground to protect him. The golden radiance of [Empyrean Aegis] joined the gold and ck of the surroundings, but the life-attuned half of the storm was curtailed just like the death was.


    Order and tranquility were imposed on the area, forming a sanctuary in a world gone mad. Zac didn''t stay on the falling boulder after confirming the situation. He jumped off the edge, each step taking him hundreds of meters with [Earthstrider]. The environment severely suppressed his movement skill thest time he was caught in the madness. But with the help of the defensive domain awarded by [Empyrean Aegis], he could move almost half the distance of the skill''s original capability.


    The boulder and the pirs grew increasingly distant as they continued their descent into the depths, but it didn''t matter. Reaching Peak Mastery of the defensive skill had fundamentally changed how it worked. It was no longer a defensive domain centered around the area close to the pirs. It was now two domains connected through some unknowable means. Theurel on Zac''s head transmitted the energy of the pirs to his direct surroundings, and any damage was diverted and transmitted back to the pirs.


    If he had stayed close to the pirs, the two domains would have superimposed, increasing the suppression and defense by almost half. The skill would also have worked even without the mountain piece acting as a foundation. However, the falling boulder created a small wind tunnel in its wake, protecting the pirs from taking too much damage from the ambient atmosphere. Thus, they could tank more damage for Zac.


    The distance the skill worked was incredible. During his experiments back on Earth, Zac managed to keep the skill active with the pirs on one side of his ind while he stood on the other. With the speed the boulder fell, he would long since havended on the other shores before the pirs were dragged out of reach. Of course, he couldn''t expect the skill to work as well in this chaotic environment.


    Each step took him closer to the other shores, but Zac soon closed in on the limit of air steps permissible by [Earthstrider]. By that point, two pirs had already crumbled from forcing his way through the storm. Yet three remained, so Zac took out his glider, using the lull the empyrean domain had awarded him. Zac used every method in the book to force his way through the storm. Two broken pirs turned to four, and crackling sounds echoed out from his golden crown as the storm furiously tried to rip apart the empyrean domain.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eventually, the final pir crumbled, which unleashed a massive golden wave. The storm was pushed back for over a hundred meters, and Zac used the breather to take out a patch of soil to reset [Earthstrider]. Still, nond was in sight, though Zac knew he''d almost made it across. He steeled his heart as he plunged into the madness, using only his body to brave the explosions. [Ancestral Woods] would have managed to move him a good distance, but it was andlocked skill.


    The shallow cuts across his body were soon reced with massive tears that released copious amounts of blood into the surroundings. Without his powerful constitution, he would have quickly been rendered unconscious from such a loss. Instead, it turned into a weapon that allowed him to fly a little bit further. But the wounds umted too fast, and Zac couldn''t keep up any longer. He could only pray he''d made it far enough as he took out another heavy metal blook and fell toward the ground.


    Zac''s prayers were soon answered as solid rock rapidly came up on him. A groan escaped his lips as he mmed onto the ground, his wounds worsening even further. The crossing had been deadlier than the fight with the earth cultivators, and he knew he had to change his ns a bit. The teleportation array was still over an hour''s travel away��a journey well beyond what he could endure in his current condition.


    His body groaned in protest, but he scrambled to his feet and started running. He moved while scanning the surroundings, continuously using the trapped Kill Energy to run [Surging Vitality]. He needed to be a bit bloodied to stave off the storm, but thest stretch had pushed him far beyond what was needed or safe. After five minutes, Zac sensed a small crack in the mountain, leading to a hidden cave ten meters deeper in the foundations.


    Death made a reluctant return and snuck inside using [Abyssal Phase]. Zac spent the better part of the next hour recuperating and recovering his Miasma. The moment he felt strong enough to continue, he moved out again, opting to stay undead. All skills but [Pir of Destion] could be used again, meaning he wasn''t a sitting duck. Besides, his human form had probably been spotted entering the Cmity days ago, which meant people might be looking for him.


    Zac flew out of the hidden cave, continuing his journey. His senses were stretched to their limits while he hid his presence with every tool he possessed. He sensed a few discordant auras in the distance, most likely arrays erected to brave the storm. Zac gave them a wide berth as he advanced, but a frown appeared on his face after half an hour. The storm was abating.


    His protective cover was about to disappear, and his senses could already reach twice as far as before. It helped him navigate the dangerous terrain, but the risk of discovery increased by the second. Zac shredded all pretenses as he started running as fast as his legs could carry him, opting for speed over stealth. But he got an increasingly bad feeling as the minutes passed until he sensed a minute ripple.


    A tracking array. Zac stopped in his tracks, and three corpses appeared on the ground. Each was pierced by a chain, soon forming a macabre entourage floating behind Zac''s back as he closed in on the teleporter. He only managed to proceed another five hundred meters before the expected blockade appeared.


    "That''s far enough, Draugr," a boomingugh echoed as a glittering barrier sprung up around him.


    It shuddered when faced with the abating gales but held in the face of the storm. Zac frowned as he looked at the approaching figures. Six beastmen, led by a white-and-gold furred lionman. Arge sapphire was fastened on his forehead, and hundreds of smaller gemstones were connected by intricate golden links in his mane. He exuded a powerful aura that partly harmonized with the environment: Life and Nature.


    "I thought my eyes were ying tricks on me when I saw the son of Azra desperately flee toward the teleporter, looking like he''d been chewed and spit out by a Hellmaw," the lionughed. "I guess it was true. It looks like you''re even more dangerous than we thought. But you''ve already fought one battle, and you''re all alone. Hand over the [Cmity Core], and you can be on your way."


    Zac inwardly swore. He''d hoped his gruesome disy would have at least given anyone second thoughts about targeting him. Unfortunately, it wasn''t enough to subdue this beastkin, and Zac wasn''t surprised. Zac felt the lion give off an even greater pressure than the earth cultivators, even if he was only a sixth-echelon guest. Either a new arrival or someone who intentionally kept his Mana low to enjoy the opportunities of the Perennial Vastness a bit longer.


    It looked like another battle couldn''t be avoided. This time, Zac wasn''t confident in finishing the job with his undead form alone. He would probably have to find a chance to swap races and fight on as a human. It would expose his second identity ahead of schedule, but getting out of the Cmity with the [Cmity Core] was more important than scamming some people like he did before the previous mission release.


    But the barrier exploded just as Zac prepared to activate his skills.


    "Who said he''s alone?" a stern voice cut through the winds as the area was filled with a storm of blood.


    Death was no longer Death, and Life was no longer Life. It was fused into Blood, the grand heritage of the Eternal n. In the heart of the storm, the two vampires walked, apanied by three Revenants, two Corpselords, and what appeared to be a Death-cultivating human. The two Vampires were the very same ones he''d seen at a distance in Vastness City, who heter learned were called Ysaya and Solomis Noz''Serasta. It was Solomis who had spoken just now, and his face was a cold mask of murderous intent.


    He''d also seen a Zoris Noz''Visku in the Vastness City, but he wasn''t present today. It didn''t matter. Ysaya and Solomis were the two stronger of the three, each having an aura that matched the lion''s. Furthermore, they were barely restrained by the unstable environment, just like how Uona had thrived in the Twilight Ocean. The individual auras of their followers weren''t at the level of the beastkin, but by adding Zac, undead outnumbered beastkin nine to six.


    "Your dream must have muddied your senses," Ysaya added with a smile, though killing intent veritably poured out of her body.


    One by one, an array of sanguine icicles formed around her. Each one contained enough energy to annihte most Peak E-grade cultivators, yet the vampire seemed to have no problem forming over thirty.


    "Maybe it''s time for you all to wake up."


    The lionman frowned at the not-so-veiled threat, hesitantly looking at Zac, who mutely stared back. His eyes briefly shifted to the three bodies hanging from the chains before he shook his head with a sigh.


    "Whatever. Guess luck''s on your side," the lionman said as he motioned the others to back down.


    "Who''s to say who the lucky one is today?" Zac countered as he walked over to the two vampires, stowing away the corpses before the environment damaged them too much.


    The woman looked at Zac curiously before shrugging, and the group turned back toward the teleporter. Zac was technically among kin, but his vignce only increased as the minutes passed.


    "So, are you here to search me as well?" Zac eventually asked after they were well out of earshot. "I doubt you came running out of the goodness of your hearts."


    It was certainly true that while the Undead Empire had internal friction, they stood united against outside pressure. However, his experiences in the Twilight Ocean had already proved unity copsed in the face of opportunity. That was doubly true in secluded ces like Mystic Realms, and the Eternal n was the most mercurial of the Divine Races. For them to stick out their necks for him was highly unlikely, even if they wouldn''t necessarily go out of their way to rob him.


    Something was wrong with the situation. Two sets of sanguine eyes turned toward Zac, giving him an appalling sense of D��j�� vu of his desperate battle with Uona.


    "True," Ysaya grinned. "You''ve given us some prestige in the short window since you arrived, but that''s not enough for us toe running to your aid. We do have ulterior motives."

 Chapter 1010 - A Favor Owed

    Zac calmly looked at the smiling vampire, but his Dao was already coursing through his [Thousand Lights Avatar]. He''d unleash [Void Zone] at the slightest energy fluctuations and kill as many as he could before they had the chance to react to having their energy and Dao nullified.


    "Rx," Ysaya said with a helpless shake of her head. "Why does it feel like I just had a brush with the eternal slumber? We''re not here to take what you''ve found, even if we''re curious about it. We''re here because of them."


    Ysaya pointed at the followers standing to the side, and Zac nced over with a raised brow.


    "Them?"


    It was only one word, but it conveyed his skepticism. Since when could some Revenants or Corpselords move two Eternal n members? Especially when the two vampires were the more powerful party. There were a few Revenant and Corpselord factions with great power and influence in the Undead Empire, but not even the scions of those ns and sects would be able to dictate the actions of Ysaya and Solomis.


    "Mistress An''Azol sends her regards, master Umbri''Zi," the sole living cultivator said with a bow.


    "Tavza sent you?" Zac said, his eyes immediately thinning.


    "The Mistress regrets the misunderstanding that transpired on the outside and had use here to rify some points," a Revenant exined as he handed over a box. "She also asked us to assist you in any way we could. Upon seeing the global task and making some inquiries, we realized it was most likely you who had triggered it. Thus, we approached the young masters of the Noz''Serasta to render assistance."


    "Assistance in exchange for a favor owed," Solomis said.


    No wonder. A favor from one of the two leading ns of the Draugr race was incredibly useful. Their family would richly reward these two aftering home with such a boon. Even better, it didn''t cost Zac a dime.


    "Well, convey my thanks to Tavza if you get the chance," Zac nodded at the Revenant.


    "I''ve always heard the Azol princess is beyond haughty, not even sparing her fellow Draugr a nce," Ysaya smiled as she leaned closer. "Yet she''s showing you such deference. Makes one wonder what''s so special about you."


    "Nothing really, we''re just good friends," Zac said.


    "Uh, huh," Ysaya said, clearly not buying it.


    "I heard of an Umbri''Zi scion a few years ago," Solomis interjected. "An Arcaz Umbri''Zi."


    "That''s me," Zac sighed, not bothering to hide it.


    He wore his standard Arcaz face and was already called Master Umbri''Zi. There was not much point hiding it��it seemed more pertinent to prepare for the fallout.


    "As I thought," Solomis nodded, and Zac was surprised to see his cold visage warm up a bit.


    "What''s that? What''s going on?" Ysaya said curiously.


    "Noz''Vdir," Solomis reminded.


    "Ah! That was you?!" Ysaya eximed, her four pupils fusing to one as she stopped and looked straight at Zac.


    A tense silence stretched out, and the other undead warriors either moved away or reluctantly prepared for battle.


    "Good job!"


    "Ah?" Zac blurted.


    "Why look so surprised?" Ysaya grinned. "Not like she was part of our branch. Those upstarts have acted all high and mightytely because of some good luck. They even pressured our n for a few of our ancestral ponds. Who knows what would have happened if they got a third Autarch in such short order? Their disastrous excursion to the frontier knocked them down a notch, though. And there''s suddenly a slot to visit the Eternal Halls ripe for the taking."


    "Uh, well. d I could be of service," Zac coughed.


    "You''re cultivating Pure Death," Solomismented as his sanguine eyes looked Zac over. "No wonder you''re already running around after breaking themandments in such an overt way."


    "Yeah, well," Zac shrugged, not wanting to stay on that subject for too long. "You didn''t bring Catheya?"


    "That Draugr girl? She wanted toe, but the Grand Firmament Coalition got in the way," Ysaya exined. "She''d only draw attention if she entered the Cmity, so she''s acting as a decoy in Vastness City instead. Thanks to her, only nine entered the Cmity instead of the nned thirteen."


    "Those people again?" Zac frowned. "And they''ve entered the Cmity?"


    "Good, we didn''te in vain."


    Zac gave Ysaya a questioning look.


    "The favor was good, but there''s no reason to return so soon. We''ve already paid the entrance fee, right? More importantly. This is a rare opportunity to collect some high-quality blood and bodies. But the moment you step through the teleporter, the bait is gone," Ysaya said, the bloodthirsty look in her eyes returning.


    "Only question is, can you still fight after dealing with those people you had dangling from your chains?"


    "Just lead the way," Zac snorted.


    An hourter, an exhausted Zac stood in front of the teleportation pir, still in his undead form. He and the Noz''Serasta scions hade to an agreement where they''d targeted the Grand Firmament Coalition in an ambush. After a furious battle, two of theirs had fallen while one of their lieutenants had almost been crippled. Whether he''d be able to recover or not wasn''t sure, but they''d failed to prevent him from fleeing back to his mansion.


    The vampires had siphoned off some blood of another four, which was the same as stealing a part of their foundations. In exchange, two of their undead followers had racked up some nasty wounds, but they''d recover in a month or two. The sh wasn''t that deadly, but that was the norm. There was no point in fighting to the death for the weaker party, and they''d fled the moment they realized they were outmatched.


    Besides, the Grand Firmament Coalition leader, Nerven Serku, wasn''t even there. He had arrived in the Cmity but opted to take a strike team and head further into the Cmity in hopes of finding the core. Those who remained were just a backup squad responsible for gathering intelligence and ambushing solo travelers.


    The two vampires had wanted to target some more people after witnessing Zac''s might, such as the loose coalition of solo adventurers. After some deliberation, Zac passed on joining. Ultimately, he didn''t want to kill random people to advance his goal. If the aim had only been some light robbery and snatching Mana, then fine, but the vampires wanted blood and bodies. Even if he hadn''t personally killed anyone in such a scenario, he would still have tipped the battle in their favor.


    The spatial gate opened as he touched the baster pir, and he stepped through after ncing up at the sky. They were waiting for him up there. There was no way he could have missed that familiar sensation. A set of Remnants, just like he''d expected.


    He''d known it since upgrading his soul. Cracking open his cage had created a brief resonance, confirming their existence and rough location. They were somewhere in the upperyers of the Cmity. He''d considered going to fetch them instead of returning but quickly rejected the idea. Ultimately, he couldn''t rely on the Remnants to get him out of every jam.


    Returning to Vastness City without their aid could be seen as a test. Besides, he had just broken through with body and soul. His soul, especially, was in a fragile state��it wasn''t the time to mess with those things. He could always fetch the remnants before forming his core, adding a fourth set to his tally. From there, he only needed one more for ''Atavism,'' whatever that meant.


    The moment Zac had fully stepped through the spatial gate, he felt a mysterious swirl gather around him. He suddenly felt more attuned to the world. Or perhaps it was more apt to say the world was more in tune with him. The change no doubt came from a sudden influx of Mana frompleting the quest, and he curiously opened his screen.


    [Mana: 14,703]


    He''d gained 4,900 Mana since emerging from Sinner''s Lament. In reality, he''d earned another 1,000 from five kills inside a Red Zone��the base 100 per kill plus an automatic 100 bounty, whether you discovered a blueprint weakness or not. That had all gone into paying for his 4-day stay inside the Cmity, though. That environment was just too expensive. He would have to find a quest to cover the cost the next time he visited. Another 100 Mana had gone into running the Simtion Array back in his mansion.


    "So that undead neer got it," one of the onlookers muttered upon seeing the air swirl around Zac.


    Zac nced at the gathered crowd, but it was clear no one had any ns to target him. The mission was over, and the rules of Vastness City were in ce. There wasn''t much point in attacking now, especially not since it wasmon knowledge he''d won all those duels, with most not even being able tond a single blow. Zac walked away, moving through a series of random streets and alleys until he was mostly certain no one was following.


    No one except a presence in the shadows.


    "''We''ll keep our heads down and just get our cores.'' That was you, you know. Some sales pitch," a voice dripping with sarcasm appeared in his ear, prompting a wry smile to spread across Zac''s face.


    "Yeah, well," Zacughed as a hooded Ogras stepped out from the shadows. "Things happen. And it''s not like you believed me anyway."


    "I guess that''s true," Ogras sighed. "You got the thing?"


    "I got it," Zac nodded.


    "Was it because of that book of yours or your aggravatingly high Luck?"


    "Thetter," Zac said, a smile ying on his lips. "The treasure kind of appeared right on top of my head after I broke through."


    "Of course it did," the demon groaned.


    "Is Catheya alright? I hear she had another run-in with the Grand Firmament Coalition," Zac asked.


    "She''s fine. I opted to stay close to her just in case rather than join the fun. That ce seemed like a bad fit for me in either case," Ogras sighed. "Those people backed down after she retreated into that tavern. It''s one thing to harass an individual. But targeting that establishment is to anger every single undead in the Perennial Vastness."


    "She''s still there?" Zac asked.


    "Should be. What''s your next move?"


    "n B," Zac said after some thought. "In one day or so."


    "Wantpany?"


    "Sure," Zac readily agreed. "I''m probably skipping the mission release, though."


    "That''s fine; I want to research that book in either case. I think it''s my best bet to reach the higher echelons in time. I might pick up some quick missions in a few Green Zones while studying the patterns," Ogras said.


    "You understand them?" Zac said with surprise.


    "Well, not really. But I have a decently capable helper."


    The demon was obviously referring to K''Rav, the goblin warlock, and Zac felt Ogras was probably on the right track. His strength was in the middle of the pack among the guests, which meant the most lucrative Red Zones were incredibly dangerous unless he found one perfectly suited to his path and skillset. He could still join Zac on missions, but the more taxing the task, the bigger the Contribution skew would get. At some point, he''d be taking greater risks for lesser rewards.


    Using Ventus''s strategy to supplement his Mana seemed like the best n. After all, Ventus wasn''t all that powerful, yet he''d reached the ninth echelon. Certainly, he''d been in the Perennial Vastness for over two decades, but a big part of that had been spent studying the patterns to set up his strategy.


    The only other alternative for Ogras was to rely heavily on his [Shadewar g] to force his way through Red Zones. However, that thing was a lot like his Remnants. It contained grade-breaking power, but it wasn''t Ogras''s. Furthermore, Zac could tell there were some costs to using it, even if Ogras had never exined exactly what they were. Using it a bit was fine, but it couldn''t be fully relied on.


    "I''ll head to Catheya before going back to rest," Zac said. "I''m heading straight to that ce in 22 hours."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "See you there," Ogras said, and he was gone the next moment.


    Zac headed straight to the tavern after getting an update, and a Revenant inside nodded toward one of the private rooms as he walked inside. Zac nodded in thanks and opened the door.


    "Imagine my surprise. I had barely recovered from your mad crusade against the mounds when my vacation gets interrupted. Of all ces, a supreme treasure has appeared in the Cmity, no doubt turning that chaotic ce into a veritable powder keg. And who do I know that was nning on heading to that very ce."


    "Well, that would be me," Zac smiled as he closed the door behind him and sat down in front of Catheya.


    "So I rush out of the East Qi Springs, with barely enough time to dress myself��"


    "Now that''s a scene."


    Catheya only rolled her eyes in response. "Ie here, only to run into those firmament bastards. Like glue, those people. So I essentially find myself under house arrest, acting as bait until you''re done wreaking havoc."


    "I''m sorry you got implicated," Zac said as he took out a purple Death-attuned flower he''d found on his way to the Storm Chamber. "A souvenir from the Cmity Mountain that fell from the sky."


    "Well, I''ll forgive you this time," Catheya said as she epted the flower with a small smile. "But, just bring me along next time if you n on doing something exciting."


    "I only nned on evolving my soul before returning. Trouble just keeps finding me," Zac said helplessly.


    "Well, I''m d you''re fine," Catheya said as she enclosed the flower in a case of clear ice.


    "How are you feeling?" Zac asked. "You''re looking better than when Ist saw you, at least."


    "Well, that''s a pretty low bar," Catheyaughed. "I''ve never been so tired in my life. It''s terrifying trying to keep up with you. I slept a day straight before heading to the East Qi Springs."


    "I can''t believe you spent Mana on a spa," Zac said with a shake of his head.


    "It''s not just a spa," Catheya said with a roll of her eyes. "It''s aprehensive treatment with acupuncture, medications concocted based on your Daos, healing and recuperating arrays. One day in there was like resting for two weeks outside. Without it, I''d carry exhaustion and seque for the next mission. It just so happens to be a very nice Spa as well. Why�� don''t you join me for a day trip next month?"


    "Actually, that sounds pretty nice."


    "Really?" Catheya said, looking up from the flower with delight.


    "Sure," Zac nodded. "My next destination shouldn''t be too dangerous. But knowing my luck, some lost continent or ancient beast will probably fall out of the sky.


    "Now that''s the truth," Catheya smiled as she took out a bottle of wine.


    "I could probably use a break afterward," Zac nodded. "By the way, I met two followers of Tavza."


    "Yeah, they spoke with me as well," Catheya sighed. "It looks like I was led by the nose back then."


    "Well, it doesn''t mean Tavza can be trusted. It just means there was another culprit this time," Zac shrugged. "Maybe your escape will help keep them on their toes."


    Zac spent another hour catching up with Catheya while letting the tavern''s gathering arrays recover his depleted Miasma. Catheya had gained some insights during her stay in Sinner''s Lament, and she needed to seclude herself for a few weeks to ascertain whether it was something she should integrate into her core. Thus, she would also miss the mission release in the next few days. That meant the next outing would only be him and Ogras.


    A few people were loitering the streets when Zac exited, but he paid them no mind as he returned to his storefront. Giving it some thought, Zac infused his will into the shop. A fist-sized crystal appeared right next to the entrance. Anyone who infused their will into it would see a set of materials for sale. They were all things he''d picked inside the Cmity. Some of the materials seemed useful for his core formation, but others were not useful to him.


    Raw materials generally had very little value to his people back home. Even if the things he found were good, he had no people to extract their true value. Meanwhile, some guests here had incredibly deep pockets, and it was better to trade for Nexus Coins or crystals than bring them back to Zecia. The rates for materials were even higher here than in Twilight Harbor, though there was almost only demand for rare treasures found inside the Perennial Vastness or items that could help guests hunt for treasures.


    Zac appeared in his mountaintop mansion, and coruscating waves of Buddha''s love greeted him. It wasn''t too bad. The pressure wasn''t as intrusive between his evolved soul and reaching the second echelon. The Core Array was still trying to brute-force his blueprint by any means necessary, but Zac smiled upon seeing it hadn''t produced any real results after almost a week of running.


    It had generated some scenarios where the core would turn a bit turbid or weakened, but that was to be expected. Nothing was impervious to all Daos and elements. Seeing as the array at least produced some interesting data, Zac let it keep running as he began meditating.


    A dayter, Zac was almost in a perfect state. Eating the [Soulhaze Lily] saved him a month of recovery while strengthening his soul by around five percent. Only a few lingering cracks from channeling so much Remnant energies remained, though Zac noted his body healed that kind of damage significantly faster thanks to his Body Tempering breakthrough. It was a shame he hadn''t managed to retain more than 15% of the lily''s energy, but Zac wasn''t too broken up about it.


    The lily had still provided a lot of benefits, and there were no guarantees he would have been able to harness that much more of its efficacy if he brought it back. Besides, the Perennial Vastness was full of good things like the lily.


    ''Where to?'' Null asked as Zac walked over to the teleporter.


    "The Quarry," Zac said, and a gate opened up.


    It was time to find out what kind of opportunity Lord Engo believed waited for him there.

 Chapter 1011 - The Quarry

    Zac checked everything was in order before stepping through the teleporter. He had returned to his human appearance for this excursion. He wasn''t worried about being attacked��the Quarry was a green zone, after all. But Arcaz Umbri''Zi had created too many enmities in the short run since he''d arrived.


    If someone spotted him walking around in the Quarry, there was a real risk of peopleing over to annoy and distract him while looking for treasure. And he didn''t want any strangers around if he found whatever item that made even an Autarch take note. It wasn''t without some excitement Zac stepped through, and the soothing sound of a babbling brook and wind rustling in trees reced the hymns of the Akani??ha.


    Zac had once visited a quarry on a field trip when he was young. It was that kind of environment he''d envisioned; arge hole dug out of the bedrock, perhaps with tunnels deeper into the ground. The picturesque image of a stream cutting through a hilly forest under a warm sunset was a bit jarring, even if he''d already read the reports. Of course, the information he''d gathered on the Quarry was more on function than form.


    The Quarry was, just like the Keys of Ascension, a special Green Zone and one of the unique resources of the Perennial Vastness. It wasn''t spiritual stones or metals you excavated from this ce, but rather something called Fate Kernels. Fate Kernels were a special Natural Treasure useful for core formation and nothing else. They essentially acted as an amplifier of natural affinities, improving your connection to the Dao while speeding up the formation of your core. A Low-quality Kernel improved the formation rate by roughly five percent, with each additional grade adding another five.


    Saving a bit of time usually wasn''t that big of a deal for cultivators who counted their lifespan in millennia, but it was different when it came to breakthroughs. Even a talented cultivator would need months to form a core. Every single mistake during that process would lower the result. A big mishap would ruin the whole process and likely kill you. The Fate Kernels would lower the odds of this happening.


    There were a few caveats, though. The most important was that they didn''tst long. They''d dissipate a few minutes after being excavated unless you absorbed or returned them to the ground. Therefore, you had to find your kernel yourself��there would never be any Fate Kernels appearing in the Vastness City. There had been a few asions where cultivators had managed to sell suitable kernels to other nearby guests, but the odds of that happening were incredibly low.


    Secondly, you''d have to find a Fate Kernel matching your path. If the kernel''s affinities were even partly off, they''d do more harm than good. Third, there was no way to easily find them. At least there were no publicly known methods. They were hidden by natural formations, and stumbling upon them was a matter of luck and fate��hence the name. They even moved around, so encountering a good but unusable kernel was useless. You couldn''t sell the location to a suitable cultivator. Most cultivators would spend a couple weeks in the Quarry to try their luck. If they hadn''t found anything by that point, they simply weren''t fated.


    As for Zac, he likely wouldn''t have bothered with more than using the free week in the Quarry if not for Engo''sment. Learning about the function of the Fate Kernels had only increased Zac''s confusion rather than exined Autarch''s suggestion. After all, Fate Kernels wouldn''t work on him.


    The kernels improved your Core Formation process by amplifying your affinities, but what good did that do him? It was useless even if he lucked out and somehow found a Life-Death-Conflict Peak-Quality Fate Kernel. A 20% boost on 0 was still 0, something which Null had confirmed. A normal mortal might have had some use of the kernels, though cultivators with high affinities had the most to gain from them.


    There were no other treasures in the Quarry except the Fate Kernels either. The environment was essentially F-grade, with just enough spirituality to not cause difort. It was a far cry from The Cmity, which was so overloaded by energies and Dao that it was almost hard to breathe. Even then, Zac was full of anticipation as he set out. Perhaps there were secrets to this ce beyond the publicly known information in Vastness City. Lord Engo shouldn''t be so bored as to throw out red herrings to random low-grade cultivators.


    Zac looked around the forest and eventually spotted a small marking on a tree. He began walking in the opposite direction, following a series of guiding markers until he arrived at a stout tree almost twice as big as the others.


    "You''re here," Ogras grinned as he stepped out from its shadows. "How''s the missus?"


    "She''s fine," Zac said as he looked around. "Odd that items useful for core formations would appear in this kind of world."


    "Definitely," Ogras agreed. "This ce reminds me of some of the rootless worlds I visited in the Million Gates Territory. It''s almost unnerving there''s not even beasts to keep you on your toes."


    "So, we should just pick some random direction and start looking?" Zac asked.


    "We might want to head to the riverbeds," Ogras said as he took out arge map depicting the region. "From the looks of it, the riverbeds have been producing a good number of Medium-quality Fate Kernels. A few have even walked away with High-quality kernels from there."


    "What''s special about that ce?" Zac asked curiously.


    "Not sure," Ogras said. "Might be energy patterns or something. One theory is that the ''best'' region changes over time, or perhaps between Cosmic Galleries. My map has six other observed hotspots, but the riverbeds are the closest. Of course, with your Luck, we can probably go anywhere as long as we avoid the starting region or the dried-up veins."


    "Well, this ce isn''t that big," Zac said. "The riverbeds are just over one day''s travel away. We can check it out first. We can try another hotspot before returning if we don''t find anything within a few days."


    "Sure," Ogras nodded, stowing away the maps as they started running. "Let''s rush straight for the hotspot. I hear it''s almost impossible to find anything this close to the��"


    "There''s one," Zac interjected.


    The two stopped, and Ogras followed Zac''s eyes to a nondescript stone a few meters away.


    "What? That thing?" Ogras said skeptically. "How could you possibly know that? I hear you need to release your Daos in waves to create resonance. And if that fails, break open things to see if anything''s inside. Are you making things up, hoping to prove me wrong?"


    "Just a hunch," Zac smiled as he walked over. "Proving you wrong would just be a fun bonus."


    "Whatever," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. "No one will be happier than me if you can actually sniff out Fate Kernels like a bloodhound. We might not be allowed to bring those things out of this ce, but we could make some Mana selling your talents."


    "Guess we''ll find out," Zacughed.


    He touched the stone and felt a cool sensation, and his heartbeat sped up as his hand entered the surface as though it was liquid. He reached around a second before dragging out what looked like a metal walnut. A smile spread across his face as he felt the weak fluctuations from within. The kernel was clearly low-quality, and it contained a Dao Zac didn''t quite recognize. He guessed it was something rted to the peak of Impetus, but its aura was too weak to confirm.


    "What the��" Ogras muttered as he walked over. "It doesn''t even seem slightly rted to you. There''s no way you''d resonate with this thing. What did you do?"


    "Honestly? Not sure," Zac said, a small frown on his face as he tried to gain some sense of the small ball. "I just felt it somehow."


    Zac wasn''t making things up. How did he know it was there? Even now, Zac wasn''t quite sure. As Ogras said, the Fate Kernel didn''t resonate with his Daos or path. Neither was it his newfound spiritual domain, which apparently was called Soul Sense, ording to Catheya. It had told him it was just any normal rock. Yet he''d felt a minute pull from the stone.


    The situation was a bit reminiscent of the trial Three Virtues had set up for him inside the Orom Word, where he had to use his heart to discern true from false. Yet, Zac could tell it wasn''t his heart either. If that were the case, the knowledge would have spread far and wide. After all, while Heart Cultivation was quite rare, it wasn''t unheard of. There were even cultivators having the heart at the center of their path, and there were others who had incredibly tempered hearts due to various reasons.


    "Perhaps my Luck?" Zac ventured, even if it didn''t feel like it.


    "Well, whatever it is, keep it up," Ogras grinned. "Find me a good one, yeah? Shadows and Illusions. I''m not greedy, needing a Peak or Supreme-quality stone. Even a High-grade will do."


    "Is that all?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes as he threw away the kernel. "First of all, let''s see if it was a lucky hunch or not."


    The guides wouldn''t confirm or deny the matter, but there were some rumors that it was best to return any kernel you found. If you let them dissipate, you''d weaken your fate with the Quarry, lessening the odds of finding something useful. The grass rippled like water as the stone sunk into the ground. A momentter, it was gone, likely relocated to some other corner of the Quarry. During the process, Zac didn''t sense anything, and he had no better answer as to why he''d known the kernel was there.


    The two kept moving until Zac stopped again. This time he wasn''t looking at a rock but rather up at a small bird''s nest in a tree. He climbed up and observed the nest with all his senses. Eventually, he took out one of the eggs. He cracked the egg, and instead of yolk, a small amber broach depicting a beetle appeared. Before that point, it had looked and felt exactly like the other eggs.


    "Theye in all shapes and sizes, huh," Ogras muttered after Zac jumped down.


    Zac curiously looked at the broach. "Earth and sun? Interestingbination."


    "More importantly, it really looks like your treasure sense is tuned to these things," Ogras said, his eyes gleaming.


    Zac nodded, frowning as he looked down at the pieces of broken shell in his hand. It was just like with the previous kernel. The moment the broach was extracted, he''d lost any connection to either egg or broach. Was it the formation he felt connected to rather than the kernels? Or was it something else? In either case, Zac felt it was rted to why Lord Engo had sent him here.


    The two continued toward the riverbeds, spending the better part of the day trying to understand Zac''s ability. After 10 hours and over fifty kernels, they''d unearthed most rules of Zac''s uncanny ability. By the looks of it, he could sense any Broach within 20 meters. However, the faster they moved, the smaller that sphere would get. If they ran at top speed, he would almost have to step right on the kernel to notice it.


    The range wasn''t too impressive, but it was still an amazing ability. Most cultivators would be lucky if they found one or two kernels a day in the starting region when turning over every stone and inspecting every tree. One thing they hadn''t managed to confirm was whether he could tell the kernels'' grades before they were extracted from their formations. Every single one they''d found was low-quality. Part of it was because they were so close to the teleportation array, but it hinted at how rare the higher-quality kernels were.


    No wonder most people wouldn''t spend too much time in the Quarry. The odds of finding a suitable kernel were quite low, and it would most likely only provide a 5% boost. At some point, it became more efficient to just farm Mana and improve your core formation process that way instead.


    A sudden energy surge made Zac and Ogras stop and look over. It wasn''t some beast or another kernel, but three cultivators who appeared between the forests. They''d moved quickly using movement skills but had stopped upon noticing Zac and Ogras. The three were of the same race, an alien-looking four-armed biped that could only narrowly be considered humanoid.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There was no hint of aggression or killing intent on them, so Zac and Ogras just walked over to chat. There were usually a few dozen people in the Quarry, though the numbers would most likely thin out as the mission release approached.


    "Any luck?" Ogras grinned.


    "Got one," one of the three nodded. "You heading to the riverbeds?"


    "Why, something wrong?" Ogras asked.


    "A few really loud people there right now, " the alien shrugged. "Might want to check out another hotspot if you''re nning to form resonance."


    "Loud?" Zac asked.


    "Some gravity cultivator is creating earthquakes, makes it hard to sense anything," one of the others exined. "Another one is using sound waves to pulverize the rocks on the riverbeds. It''s quite loud."


    If calmly meditating and sending out your Dao into the area in hopes of resonance was one method, then destruction was the other. If you blew up everything around you, you had a chance to unearth kernels. It wasn''t a surefire method, though. Most pointed toward the kernels being able to flee when attacked that way, which could empty a whole region. Neither option had proven better than the other in finding suitable kernels. One was simply a targeted search, while the other cast a wider in hopes of striking it rich. It ultimately depended on where your talentsy.


    "We''re already halfway there. It would be a shame not to check it out. Besides, those kinds of people can''t go on forever," Zac smiled.


    "You three look a bit annoyed. Are you here to exchange pointers to release some stress?" Ogras grinned.


    "No, thank you," the alienughed, confirming he''d already maxed out his duels for the month. "Rather, we''d want to exchange some information."


    "Oh?" Zac asked curiously.


    "An eighth hotspot has been discovered. It''ll probably be general knowledge in a few weeks, but who knows? Going before the others might improve your odds of finding something good."


    "What do you want in return?" Ogras asked.


    "Nothing important. We just want some details on what happened with the global mission. We were camped out here when the mission appeared."


    "Oh, sure," Ogras said, his smile widening. "You met the right people. We didn''t enter ourselves, but we were outside the teleporter that day. That crazy Draugr got his hands on it."


    "The one from the message?" the first alien eximed.


    "That''s right," Ogras nodded. "Real lunatic, that one. Came stumbling out of the teleportation gate covered in blood. Heard he created a mess inside. Broke a Cmity Mountain and then killed his way back. Stay clear; that guy is nothing but trouble."


    Zac inwardly rolled his eyes but kept his face impassive.


    "Did he announce if he''s nning on selling the item?" the third humanoid asked, speaking up for the first time.


    The third was clearly stronger than the two others and most likely the leader. Zac had already realized it cultivated a mixed-meaning Dao where one half was Life. Zac guessed it hoped the [Cmity Core] was a life-attuned item and thus useless for a Draugr.


    "No idea," Ogras shrugged after seeing Zac wasn''t about to speak up.


    "Thank you," the leader said, handing over an information crystal. "Best of luck on your hunt."


    "Have a good one," Ogras waved, and both groups went their way.


    The two didn''t meet any more cultivators and didn''t bother looking for more Kernels. Between Ogras using his teleportations and Zac using [Earthstrider], the two reached the riverbeds in half a day. They stopped at a crest, looking down at a vast expanse of dry soil. The riverbeds lived up to its name. There had to be thousands of them, stretching as far as the eye could see. A few were only a dozen meters across, while others were so wide they might as well have been greatkes.


    There was almost no water running. The smaller rivers werepletely dried out, while therger ones had a few trickles that any F-grade cultivator could jump across. Thend between the rivers had some trees and shrubbery, but the nts all looked withered and on theirst legs.


    "It''s time for us to work," Ogras said as he jumped into the dried-out river. "And by us, I mean you."


    Zac snorted and jumped down from the ledge. He was just about to respond, but the moment his feet touched the riverbed, he felt his consciousness being wrenched away. Zac thought some Mentalist had ambushed him, but furiously struggling was to no avail. The world darkened, and Ogras'' voice grew distant.


    Then, there was only the constetion.

 Chapter 1012 - A Mark on the Tapestry

    Innumerable broken fragments floated in the air, locked in orbit by the immense energy fluctuations and inherent gravity of the vast ancestral tform. Below, the fractures of broken space swirled, forming a vortex as vast as reality itself. The two were locked in an ancient struggle akin to a predator and its faltering prey. By this point, the tform was like a dying man with one foot through the door to the beyond, desperately resisting fate.


    A whole civilization sat atop the ancient stones. Or rather the remnants of one. Hundreds of millions of bodies, the smallest reaching thousands of meters into the air. Yet there was no movement, no sound. They had all given everything in hopes some would see the sun on the other side. They were failing.


    The Aether no longer answered their calls, their continents had been reimed to be reforged. The testaments to their spirit and ingenuity were gone, their creations swallowed and consumed. All that remained was the tform.


    The poison spread.


    The innermost circle of the marooned was made up of six giants, each one the size of a continent. The grand ancestors who had held up the vault of the heavens were broken and bent, shrunken from having their Aether siphoned to nurture the tform. And to protect their heritage.


    The six ancestors were holding up a sphere shimmering with still-pristine Aether. Inside, a solitary building floated. In front of the ancestors, it was no more than a mustard seed. Yet it held their everything. Their history, their hopes, and their conviction.


    Standing on the steps of the library, the caretaker stood, looking up at the enormous and distant faces. There was no anger, regret, or reluctance on their faces��only sorrow and release. Tens of thousands of years had passed since thest of the ancestors had fallen after enduring an eternity of loneliness. Now, only their lingering will maintained the tform and their heritage.


    It was this umted will that had given birth to him, the corpse of the First People. Not living, not dead. He was locked in his prison of knowledge with no power to subvert the river of fate. A shudder rippled through the tform, and another set of cracks appeared.


    "We''re toote," the corpse sighed, its hollow eyes peering beyond theyers of the storm. Beyond reality itself. "Or rather, too early. No fate, no fate."


    Only silence answered. To be the first was both a blessing and a curse. Now, they were out of phase. He could tell. It wouldn''t have helped even if the ancestral will had managed to hold on beyond the curtain call. The poison was anathema to their being, yet the cosmos was to be remade in its image.


    "If that is our fate, so be it," the corpse eventually sighed, turning to the library behind him. "But we shall leave our mark on the tapestry."


    A light lit up within the innermost sanctum of the Kaltorum Halls, and the whole tform started to rumble. The outer bodies, now no more than withered husks void of Aether, copsed into stardust. They formed the firstyer of the storm that consumed oneyer after another.


    Outer Supplicants, Explorers, Startreaders, Cosmic Pathfinders. One by one, they joined the storm. Even the tform shrunk. The energy that was once used to resist the vortex now went into empowering the stardust. Of empowering the final ritual of their kin. Soon, even gargantuan ancestors crumbled, the Aether locked in their bodies igniting the stardust with their spirit. Endless energy poured out of the library, joining the storm outside the protective sphere.


    The ancestral tform was gone, turned into a zing gxy that shielded the sphere as it fell toward the vortex. Even the poison was forced away, unable to eradicate the final ritual. The library shook, cracks spreading across the pirs that had stood for countless years. The corpse looked at the familiar halls onest time before he closed his eyes and joined the others.


    The library exploded, erasing thest vestige of their civilization. But from within the destruction, 229 lights emerged. Each dragged enormous amounts of stardust to their side until all of it was consumed. Together, they formed aplex constetion that forced its truth on reality itself.


    The constetion wasn''t static. Each of the lights held a supreme truth, and they took turns bing the eye of the constetion. As such, one constetion was 229. Even its revolutions contained a supreme truth, one that barely managed to stave off the maelstrom''s hunger until the constetion flickered and disappeared. Left was a vortex no longer locked down and impeded, which rapidly consumed what little remained.


    "Inheritor, we are the First People," a booming voice echoed through the cosmos. "Born from the Aether, returned to the Aether. For so long, we searched for answers, for others. We found none. We ask nothing in return for this gift. We only ask to be remembered."


    The scene shattered and was reced by a dried-out trough under an amber sky. Gone were the immense ripples of mysterious power. Instead, there was only poison.


    "Aether�� Void��" Zac muttered, his mind still awash with the scenes he''d just witnessed.


    "I knew it."


    Zac''s zed-over eyes focused, and he turned around. Ogras was standing just next to him with a victorious smile on his face. Zac''s thoughts were still a jumble. He slowly looked around, trying topute what had just happened. Just what was that vision?


    It took a few minutes before Zac felt himself back to normal, able to process the vision. In a sense, it felt a lot like when he first came in contact with Ultom. That time, the vision had been triggered by the Cosmic Vessel passing through the inner barrier of the Void Star. This time, it seemed to have been triggered by him stepping onto the soil of the riverbeds.


    Both had spoken of conviction and defeat. One had shown the broken-down castle wall of what Zac assumed was the Left Imperial Pce. The other vision depicted an ancient civilization''s ark supposed to give them a chance at survival. Yet there were also some differences to the visions.


    Zac still shuddered upon remembering the vision of Ultom. The power engraved into the castle walls. The small courtyard which seemed to supersede the Dao itself. Just grazing the concepts of Ultom had almost killed him.


    Conversely, he was absolutely fine right now. The scene of those towering beings in this new vision looked incredibly imposing. The Orom would have been able to fit between the teeth of those six ancestors. And even if dead, they exuded nigh-iprehensible power. At the least, they had to have been the equivalent of Late-Stage Autarchs, but Zac suspected they were even Supremacies.


    Yet, neither they nor the ancient library gave off that unfathomable meaning. The whole vision felt more distant, like he had been watching something on television rather than experiencing it. Of course, that didn''t mean these First People were weak. As far as Zac could tell, they were an incredibly powerful faction, but one that didn''t quite have the strength to leave an Eternal Heritage.


    But when did this happen? Zac doubted they were from the previous era. Then they wouldn''t have called themselves first. Did their civilization actually spring up sometime during the Cataclysm, when the Dao was ripped apart and the Heavens gone? It would exin how they could cultivate the Void, or Aether as they called it. And the poison they mentioned was just the Dao.


    Zac had never considered it before, but it was possible that the Cataclysm and the Heavens'' reformation took billions of years. If Zac had to guess, there had been a lull sometime at the tail-end of the Cataclysm, one long enough for a Void-attuned species to appear. Then the final process kicked in as the Heavens began reforming, and these ''First People'' died out.


    The ancestral tform was supposed to have shielded the best and brightest until the Cataclysm finished, but they had underestimated the process. Instead, the corpse had split their inheritance into 229 parcels and forced it through the vortex. It was like a faux Eternal Heritage, one that only had to survive the formation of a Heaven, not the destruction of one.


    Faux or not, Zac''s heart beat with excitement. There was something amazing waiting for him here. Now, he just had to unravel the clues and unearth the truth.


    "Hello?"


    "Ah? What?" Zac said as he turned back to the demon. "Knew what?"


    "That you were up to something," Ogras said. "What is it? An inheritance? A lingering will of a supreme cultivator? A corner of the Heavens whispering your name?"


    "I saw a vision. I haven''t confirmed it, but I think there''s an inheritance here," Zac whispered. "A big one."


    "Old-monsters-popping-out-of-the-woodworks-big?" Ogras said.


    "Kind of," Zac said, warily looking at the sky.


    ''Do you take us for bandits?'' Null scoffed. ''The boss has collected innumerable inheritances over the years. If it''s been ced here, then it''s up for grabs for whoever''s fated.''N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "My guide says it''s fine," Ogras said.


    "Mine as well."


    "Your girl doesn''t know you well enough yet. She should have known better than to go into secluded cultivation with you on the move." Ogras grinned. "Well, then, what are we waiting for? What now? Where to?"


    Zac looked across the huge dried riverbed before looking down at the ground beneath his feet. Nothing here seemed connected to that ancient tform or the First People. Did the riverbed perhaps make up a formation mirroring one of those constetions? It was too early to tell.


    "It was all pretty cryptic. Let''s just look around for now," Zac said after some thought. "Can you fly up in the air and get a better look at the patterns of the rivers? I saw a bunch of constetions in the vision."


    "Of course. But remember, the soldiers get soup while the generals eat meat," Ogras said before turning into a stream of shadows that shot straight into the air.


    The demon never asked for details, and Zac wasn''t sure if he should tell. The Void and his bloodline were essentially hisst secrets, and this inheritance was clearly rted to his hidden affinity. It wasn''t that Zac didn''t trust Ogras, but he had a weird feeling that if people knew about it, they''d be worse off. Swept up and harmed by his fate. It was one thing for Iz to find out. She had Supremacies in her family who could protect her fate from being harmed.


    But there were some things he could do. Zac took out sets of wooden ques and began to carve the constetions one after another in case the vision faded. By the time the demon returned, he''d carved all 229 of them. Thankfully, they weren''t veryplicated. With his experience in engraving, each only took a few seconds.


    "Looks familiar?" Ogras asked as he threw over a recording crystal.


    Zac looked at the lines formed by the rivers, trying to match them up with the many transformations of the constetion. Nothing. He''d hoped for something to jump out at him, a clear direction, but thend barely managed to spark something vague.


    "I don''t think so," Zac eventually said with a shake of his head. "Do you see anything?"


    The demon looked at the engraved ques, a frown appearing on his face.


    "Odd. These patterns don''t seem like anything special?" he eventually said.


    "It''s hard to exin or draw out like this," Zac said. "These are all one while being distinct."


    "Well, should we keep walking toward the center of the riverbeds? There''s a small dried-outke there. There might be something at the bottom. Should we rush it?"


    "We''re not in that much of a hurry," Zac said. "And there are no guarantees the answer is at theke. I think the inheritance is rted to the kernels somehow, so let''s keep a pace where I can sense them. I need to digest the vision anyway."


    The two continued, and it didn''t take more than a few minutes before they stumbled upon the first kernel. After seeing��or rather sensing��the natural formation, Zac''s suspicions grew stronger. He''d already had a strong suspicion the reason for his connection to the kernels was his bloodline. The kernels contained Dao but were surrounded by Void, whichpletely canceled their energy fluctuations.


    There were still some pieces missing, though. For instance, he couldn''t sense anything akin to his Void Energy from the kernels or formations. That ancient aura waspletely missing, though that specific feeling might be rted to his bloodline rather than the Void itself. Knowing the Fate Kernels were rted to the Void didn''t help him much. It didn''t provide him any method to scanrger regions using his Void Energy or any clues to the location of the inheritance.


    The two continued on their way, and it soon became apparent why the riverbeds were called a hotspot. The two couldn''t walk more than a few minutes before Zac sensed a kernel nearby. Not muchter, Zac could confirm he could tell the difference between low-quality and better kernels. The two walked over to an inconspicuous patch of dried y, and Zac extracted a silver hairpin shuddering with power.


    "Damn, close," Ogras muttered as he looked at the kernel with interest. "Middle-quality Dao of the Spear. Let me have a look at it."


    Zac threw the hairpin over to Ogras, who yed with the kernel while the two continued. Just 200 meters away, Zac found another low-quality kernel, but he didn''t even bother extracting it. It was proof of how many kernels were hidden in the river and how bad the efficiency of the conventional methods was. Most cultivators could spend a day turning a whole riverbed upside down only to find a dozen kernels.


    Interestingly enough, they''d found that Ogras could not extract most of the Fate Kernels Zac found. The moment the demon touched the hidden formation, it disappeared. He had managed to take out three kernels, though, so it was not an absolute rule. They tried figuring out if it had any bearing on the vision of the First People and their heritage but came up empty-handed.


    Suddenly, the surroundings exploded with color, and a frantic series of images passed Zac''s eyes. The images were abstract and incrediblyplex, and Zac almost felt his head swell from having them crammed into his head. A momentter, they were gone, just leaving a headache behind.


    Zac grunted and shook his head. "Ow."


    "You okay?" Ogras asked.


    "Saw something," Zac muttered before trying to exin what he''d seen.


    "Weird," Ogras said as he looked around. "Might be a clue?"


    "Let''s look around," Zac agreed.


    But after three hours of scouring the area, the two were forced to give up and keep going. There was nothing special about that region except for an elevated concentration of Fate Kernels. The two even mapped out where they found the kernels, hoping they were part of a bigger whole, but that didn''t lead anywhere either. Then came another sh of images.


    A whole day passed this way, with the two searching for clues while Zac was beset by increasingly powerful bursts of visions. Zac''s head was a throbbing mess already. It felt like his thoughts were overwhelmed by a lingering white noise as images of the constetions forced their way back to the surface. It got so bad Zac was forced to speak, or better yet scribble down, his thoughts not to lose them.


    But then, it clicked.


    "Two sides of a mirror. Dao and Void," Zac muttered, his eyes gleaming as he spread out his stack of ques on the ground in front of him. "Counterbnce��"


    Ogras stood to the side with a frown, his eyes turning between the ques and Zac.


    "What do you want to do?" the demon eventually asked. "Theke is just an hour away. Better yet, why don''t we head back to Vastness City for a break? You''re looking a bit... unraveled."


    "No need," Zac said as he gathered his notes. "I have it."


    "Consumed by the search for truth. I know the feeling," a snicker echoed out as K''Rav appeared from Ogras'' sleeve.


    The goblin curiously looked at the constetions before turning to Zac.


    "You remind me of myself when I found the direction for my research. Ah, those were the days."


    "Like you? Well, that''s not good," Ogras scoffed. "Help me talk some sense into him."


    "Why would I?" the goblinughed. "Follow the madness, kid. Sometimes you need to plunge into the depths to see the light."

 Chapter 1013 - Inversion

    "You hear that? This lunatic is cheering you on," Ogras sighed, referring to the Goblin Tool Spirit. "You have to understand that''s not a good sign."


    "As I''ve said, I''m not going crazy. It''s just those visions overloading my brain," Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "Let''s go. I want to deal with this before my head explodes. Of course, if you feel this is a waste of time, you can always head back."


    Truthfully, Zac wasn''t sure Ogras had much to gain from a Void-rted Inheritance. Of course, there was a chance there was more to the gift of the First People. Perhaps there were other treasures apart from Void items and skills. Or techniques that could work with Cosmic Energy. After all, the corpse seemed to have realized which direction the universe was heading. Would they have bothered if he thought the inheritance was useless for such a world?


    There was also the matter of the kernels. A huge Void Formation spread across the riverbeds, possibly the whole Quarry. Most likely, it was rted to their formation as well. Where would the best kernels be if not by the inheritance?


    "Maybe it''s me who''s going mad," Ogras muttered, but he still followed Zac as he sped away.


    Zac didn''t run toward theke that was the source of all the rivers��it wasn''t the true core. He had finally realized what was going on. The rivers didn''t look like a pattern at first nce, but that was because it wasn''t the whole picture. The riverbeds were the Dao, and the Void of Dao hid beneath, like the two sides of a coin.


    Superimpose the environment with the right constetion, and they formed a whole. The theory was shockingly simr to his blueprint with his Cosmic Core, to the point Zac almost felt a bit annoyed. Would he have saved himself all that effort in secluded cultivation if he''de here a few years earlier?


    No, it wasn''t as simple as that. Seeing something and understanding something was different. If he just came here and stumbled upon these arrays, he''d just be copying someone else''s homework. His path had cost him a few years, but he far better understood his path as a result. Besides, there were no guarantees he''d ever realize what was going on if not for his research.


    Zac had no idea what the enormous pattern meant, but he could tell where the centery. Theke was one of two main eyes. The second eye hid on the other side of the riverbeds. Right between the two was the widest river, and Zac knew the answer was there.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It only took two hours to reach their destination since the two no longer looked for answers or kernels. They encountered two groups of cultivators on their way, including the cultivator searching with earthquakes. They only exchanged some information before moving on, continuing until they reached their destination.


    Zac walked around, trying to feel something, anything, from the river. Ogras closed his eyes and kept them that way for over a minute until he opened them again.


    "Nothing underground, even a hundred meters down," the demon said. "Almost pure bedrock. You sure this is the ce?"


    Zac barely heard him over the white noise filling his mind, but he nodded affirmatively. "This is it. It''s the heart of one of the revolutions. I can feel it."


    "Whatever you say," Ogras nodded, though Zac noted the demon''s skepticism and concern even in his muddled state.


    Zac didn''t bother. The best way to prove he wasn''t going mad and getting the demon back on board was to find the inheritance.


    "There," Zac eventually said and turned to an empty spot that hid a natural formation.


    It was the same as the others, yet it wasn''t. It was the opposite. The Fate Kernels were Dao hidden by Void. This isted spot was rather Void hidden by Dao. It didn''t sound like a big deal, but Zac knew it was. This was Void brought to the Main Dimension, kept stable in defiance of the Heavens. It should have been consumed and nullified by the ambient Dao and Cosmic Energy, yet it somehow formed a perfect camouge.


    Perfect against anyone not attuned to the Void.


    He stretched out his hand, but it passed right through. Zac frowned for a second before releasing some Void Energy around his hand and trying again. This time it worked, and space rippled simrly to when he picked Fate Kernels.


    "What is it? A clue? A pathway?" Ogras eagerly asked as he walked over. "Is it��wait, is that what I think it is?"


    Zac had already found what he was looking for and pulled out his hand. It was a small glowing orb looking like stardust. It emitted a weak fluctuation of the Dao of Stars. And nothing else.


    "A low-quality kernel?" Ogras frowned, his eyes slowly turning to Zac. "Dao of Stars? That''s it?"


    Zac didn''t immediately answer. His eyes were glued to the Fate Kernel, or rather what masqueraded as one. It emitted the same energy as a normal kernel, but it was just an outeryer hiding the truth. Its core was made up of Aether, or rather Void Energy. An ancient seed full of possibility.


    But it was too small and too weak. It wasn''t enough to carry the weight of that constetion or the gift of the First People. There had to be more. Zac muttered to himself for a minute, ignoring Ogras'' looks as he tried to understand what he needed to do.


    Only after a while did he realize that the pressure in his head was gone, and he could hear himself think. With his faculties finally returned to him, Zac soon realized something. Why the Dao of stars? Why this specific hotspot? If there was a Void Kernel here, why not in the others?


    "Those dry veins, how many are there?" Zac asked.


    "Ah? The dry veins?" Ogras said, his brows furrowing. "There''s seven marked on the map I bought, but there may be more. Why?"


    "Thrones and Seals, bnce and counterbnce," Zac muttered.


    "Buddy, you need to calm down and get some perspective. Your eyes have been looking a bit like the fifth elder back home. He had a deviation and suddenly became obsessed with a mountain on our, a mountain on apeting n''snds. He believed his Dao hid inside. One day, he snuck out and murdered a whole vige on the mountain slopes, convinced they hid the key to his breakthrough.


    "Of course, there was no key, and his antics created a huge incident until he was eventually killed."


    "I''m fine. The disturbances stopped the moment I extracted this thing," Zac said, his eyes not leaving the Void Kernel. "I now know what keeps these things hidden and why I can sense them. I also know this one is different, masquerading as something it''s not. It''s a key, a part of the puzzle."


    Time was running out. The outeryer of Dao wouldn''t be able to protect the inneryer for much longer. It would crack, and the Void would be washed away by the Dao in the environment. At the same time, it was just one of many. There had to be more nuclei waiting for him in the other hotspots and dried veins. It was the only thing that made sense.


    There was only one thing he could do.


    "Just wait!" Ogras urged as Zac moved the shimmering ball toward his chest, looking at the kernel like it was poison. "Think this through!"


    "I have," Zac said. "This is it. This is the solution."


    "If the answer is to imbue that shitty kernel, then the question is wrong!" Ogras shouted. "That thing will absolutely obstruct your core formation."


    "You might be right, but it''s the only way," Zac said as he pushed the orb into his body, where it would find sanctuary.


    The Dao of Stars immediately melted away when it entered his body, leaving a small illusory rune. It flickered precariously, but it stabilized when Zac extracted some Void Energy from his cells. The rune immediately became a glutton, forcibly extracting over 10% of Zac''s Void Energy stores. And as it consumed, so did it grow. It unfurled like a flower, disying thousands of unfamiliar patterns that together formed aplex seal norger than a button.


    Zac expectantly looked on, waiting for some sort of impartment to take ce. A burst of information, new visions, or perhaps even the appearance of a teleportation device. But his excited smile turned crooked as the rune made a quick circuit through his pathways before settling in his left leg. It shuddered, and Zac suddenly found his soul suppressed and his Cosmic Energy sluggish. Altogether, his strength had been restrained by almost ten percent.


    "Uh..."


    "Ai," Ogras said, clearly sensing the changes to Zac''s aura. "You''re in it now."


    Zac waited for the rune to settle, trying to understand its meaning. But it was like an eldritch onion,yers andyers of iprehensible patterns. His [Primal Polyglot] was utterly incapable of making heads or tails of the unfamiliar scripts or the proto-fractals that made up its inner workings. His work on his blueprint didn''t help him any, either. The script only sparked a vague recollection connecting it with the vision, but that was it.


    "Let''s continue," Zac nodded.


    "Continue what? Crippling yourself?" Ogras muttered.


    "Nine by eight," Zac said. "Seventeen keys will open the inheritance."


    "You''re going to absorb seventeen garbage kernels?" Ogras said, looking at Zac like he was a lunatic. "Let alone seventeen, just two is dangerous. Haven''t you heard what happens when you absorb two Fate Kernels? They''ll sh, ruining both while damaging your foundations."


    "It was not a Fate Kernel," Zac said.


    "Sure looked like one," Ogras countered, prompting Zac to give the demon an even stare. "Alright, alright. You''re not deranged��you just act like you were. I guess it''s fine. With your weird body, so what if you eat a couple of kernels? I bet you''ll digest them and walk away with a Dao Epiphany."


    "That''s the spirit," Zac smiled as he took a deep breath. "Let''s finish this off quickly; it''s not a great feeling carrying this thing in my body."


    "Who could have known?"


    It didn''t take long to plot a path between the hotspots and dry veins. There didn''t seem to be a particr order that needed to be followed, so they''d move in arge circle around the teleportation pir. And with eight hotspots and seven dry veins already marked on the map, it wasn''t too difficult to infer the final spots with the help of the constetions. Altogether, it would take around ten days to visit the sixteen locations, depending on how difficult it was to figure out the locations of the Void Kernels.


    The two left the riverbeds, heading west toward a sweltering swamp. It wasn''t a hotspot but rather one of the dry veins. Zac was greeted by a series of confusing shes when he set foot on the region. The pain returned, but Zac was invigorated by it. The vision confirmed his theory was likely correct, and the two spent a few hours mapping out the region. Zac soon found which constetion the patches ofnd of the swamp matched.


    Two hourster, he emerged from the murky waters, covered in grime but with a smile on his face. In his hand, there was held a small pebble. It was another Void Kernel masquerading as a normal one, this one covered in a sheen of Dao of Water. The noise in his mind had grown deafening once more, so he wasted no time as he absorbed the kernel into his body.


    The process repeated itself, and a second seal soon stabilized in his left arm. The two seals formed a mysterious resonance that Zac couldn''t quite understand. It was like they were strengthening each other. In addition, his strength had been further sealed. By this point, he probably wouldn''t have won the battle against the earth cultivators without risking everything.


    "You''re alive?" Ogras said after Zac opened his eyes.


    "Why do you look so surprised?" Zac snorted.


    "Well, you can''t me me. You''ve been ying it fast and loose."


    "So you''ll stop your bellyaching and just help now?"


    "Sure," the demon grinned. "If the only price I have to pay for ess to an inheritance is you getting weaker, then I''m game."


    Zac scoffed, and the two set out again, heading toward the next hotspot. The days passed, and the two picked up one Void Kernel after another. In return, Zac''s aura weakened as the seals amassed in his body. By the time Zac had absorbed five, his aura was on the weaker side of the guests. By the time they''d gathered ten, Zac looked like someone that had just recently entered the E-grade. His movement speed was so slow that Ogras had to carry him around, and the two started to keep watch for guests.


    His energy-hiding bracelet and robe hid his weakened state, but no disguise was perfect, and they didn''t need the hassle. This was a Green Zone, and Zac could sacrifice some mana to surrender, but it was better if they dealt with this inheritance before that. Luckily, they didn''t spot too many people, partly because of the mission release and partly because they spent half their time in dry veins.


    Eventually, they approached the final piece of the puzzle. Zac''s energy was all-but-gone, and he felt almost as weak as after winning that lucky roll all those years ago. However, his body was still that of a powerful Peak E-grade cultivator. His cells screamed for sustenance, but the Void Kernels had everything on lockdown. Unless something changed, he''d likely die from energy starvation in a few weeks.


    Ogras realized the issue and kept a frantic pace toward the final ce. Ogras was already familiar with the process, and Zac had a detailed sketch of the area and energy flows before he''d even taken out all the ques. And then they found it. Thest region was a dry vein somewhat close to the exit, where aplex series of mountains and crags made up the formation. The final Void Sphere hid within a withered tree in a secluded valley just ahead, but Zac didn''t immediately get it.


    "Wait, go get Catheya," Zac said in a weak voice.


    "Are you crazy? A gust will knock you over," Ogras said. "It''d take me almost two days to head to vastness city and return with her."


    "Still," Zac said. "If this is the final key to an ancient inheritance, then she should be here."


    "Fine! Fine, damnit," Ogras swore. "But if you start seeing a white light at the end of the tunnel, ignore us and get that final piece."


    "Sure," Zac smiled.


    Ogras dug out a hidden cave, grumbling while setting up a series of defensive and illusion arrays before bolstering them with his Daos.


    "Dou have something that can kill an interloper?" Ogras asked.


    "I got Vivi, Alea, and a whole pile of bombs," Zac nodded.


    In addition, he had his Void Energy. Most of it was siphoned off by the seals, but he had enough tounch a few furious attacks that should be able to kill most people in the Perennial Vastness.


    "Try to sit tight," Ogras said. "Though knowing you, I''m fully expecting a cmity when I return."


    "Go, go," Zac waved before closing his eyes.


    The demon disappeared in a puff of shadows, allowing Zac to focus on withstanding the seals. It was hard to find center when his whole body was constantly screaming for sustenance, when his soul was pressured to the point the two spirals had essentially been forced to a halt. There was nothing to do but wait. He''d tried everything over the past week, but nothing worked. The only thing that helped was absorbing Void Cores and Void Stones, which replenished the small but constant drain on his Void Energy.


    He tried to make time pass faster by studying the sixteen seals andmitting them to memory. He wasn''t making any headway at all, but that was fine. Eventually, the memories might jog something loose and spark an epiphany. But eventually, exhaustion overcame him to the point his concentration failed him. His empowered soul and solidified heart were utterly unable to deal with the mysterious resonance of the seals, and Zac was essentially reduced to just trying to stay awake.


    "Zac? A- Are you okay?" a worried shout suddenly dragged Zac''s thoughts to the surface, and he opened two tired eyes to see Catheya standing in front of him.


    "You made it," Zac smiled, his voice but a weak whisper.


    "You!" Catheya red at Ogras. "You said some of his strength was restrained! How did you let him get like this? What''s wrong with you?"


    "You try to stop him when he gets an idea in his head," Ogras said with a helpless wave.


    "Useless!" Catheya spat before turning back to Zac. "What do we do? His aura is almostpletely��"


    "I''m fine," Zac said, surprised to find he barely managed to stand up.


    The two days had passed in a sh, but the passage of time had weakened him even further. A pang of hesitation filled his heart, but he pushed it away. There was no turning back now. He was right at the finish line.


    "Sorry about interrupting your cultivation. I asked Ogras to call you here in case an opportunity appeared."


    "Opportunity? You look like you''re about to embrace the eternal slumber. We need you to get back to one of the healing environments."


    "No point; he''s already swallowed sixteen kernels," Ogras interjected, getting another nasty look.


    "He''s right," Zac said as he took a couple of stumbling steps toward the exit. "More importantly, get ready."


    "Ready for what?" Catheya asked.


    "Not sure, but I think I will either summon something or open a path when I take on the seventeenth piece," Zac said before hesitating. "Be careful. Whatever happens, it might be teeming with dangerous energies. Just stay back if you don''t feel confident."


    "Now you know how to be careful?" Catheya sighed as she led Zac out of the hidden cave. "Fine. We''ll do what we can to assist you."


    They approached the withered tree, and Zac extracted the final Void Kernel. It was a pitch-ck gemstone filled with the power of gravity, representing the final Dao Peak. Zac took a steadying breath as he pushed the gem into his body, beginning the process one final time. Zac''s vision swam from having the final vestiges of his strength siphoned from his body, and he felt his consciousness slipping.


    A thunderous crash shocked Zac wide awake, and his gaze turned to the sky with shock. The warm glow of the Quarry''s perpetual sunset was ripped apart, reced by a swirling darkness that stretched beyond the horizon. Zac felt like he was looking at an ancient sky. A sky from before Earth, even before the System. Before the Dao. The vortex drowned out everything, its movement releasing a deep hum that Zac could feel to the depths of his soul.


    One by one, thin pirs of light shot up toward the sky. At first, there were just a few, but in seconds there were millions. They rose from every corner of the Quarry, seemingly supporting the Heavens. All the while, the resonance within Zac''s body surged toward a crescendo Zac both anticipated and feared.


    Ogras looked at the spectacle with a crooked smile. "That''s the Deviant Asura for you."

 Chapter 1014 - The Gift of the First People

    "You''re ying a dangerous game," Lovamented as they looked down at the children.


    He''d just absorbed thest of the keys, which would trigger the summoning. A powerful force was building within his body, but it wasn''t enough to obscure the raging storm of fate around the child. It was shielded using some unconventional means, but the obfuscation wouldn''t work properly, what with their master being the Heavens in this realm.


    "So what?" Engo grinned, his gaze turning to the sky. "Inserting myself into the tapestry didn''t harm the child. He''ll still get his opportunity. Isn''t this why we''ve stayed in this world for so long, overseeing generation after generation? To find inspiration in the paths of the little animals, to benefit from their winds of fate?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Those winds might be a storm powerful enough to swallow you whole."


    "That''s fine. I''ve lived long enough," Engoughed. "We both know I won''t go any further unless something changes, and I''m tired of searching one god-forsaken corner of the Multiverse after another. I''m just trying a few things out. Besides, aren''t you the same? I''m guessing you''re here because of that old thief."


    "Esmeralda is interested," Lova admitted. "I wasn''t sure whether he was suitable for this inheritance, so I thought I''de and make sure he didn''t get himself killed. Since he survived the inverse keys, I''ll be on my way."


    "Aren''t you curious?"


    "Of the First People?" Lova smiled. "Not particrly. I''ve already read their primer."


    "Don''t you want to know what this trove''s holding? Not even master knows which tier this parcel is."


    "Even if it''s one of the Ancestral Precepts, so what? Their path is not something we can emte. Or, well, not you and I, at least. As for him, who knows? Theirs was a path of purity, while he chose to embrace the Dao."


    "You''re too pessimistic. Great things have emerged from the most unexpected ces through the ages. Who''s to say what can and can''t crystallize from the teachings of the First People? If we can make the heritages of the previous Heavens work in our favor, why not a heritage of the Void Heaven? For all we know, some might already have seeded."


    "Even then," Lova smiled as a gate appeared next to her. "That''s a path for someone else to trod."


    "Boring," Engo scoffed as he pushed down his cane.


    A ripple spread beneath his feet like they were standing upon ake rather than far up in the sky. A second avatar of the old Kan''Zek Troll rose from within, and it didn''t emit a speck of energy. Instead, it waspletely detached from the environment, as though its body lived in its own dimension.


    "A nk Phase Avatar? You''vee prepared," Lova said.


    "I''ll follow these threads of karma to see what''s what," Engo smiled as he wove a weave of arrays around the avatar. "Don''t worry; I won''t disturb your little candidate."


    "Well, have fun," Lova said as she stepped through the gate. "Though I must say, those threads look an awful lot like a noose."


    ----------------------------


    The mountains rumbled and the ground shook as the ancient sky grew more potent. Seeing the innumerable pirs light up the Quarry, Zac suspected it came at the cost of most, if not all, the Fate Kernels. The First People were calling all the Aether back home, which would break the containment.


    Zac had no time to worry about him ruining yet another environment because of the transformation taking ce in his own body. Torrential amounts of Void Energy were dragged out of the depths of his cells, fueling the seventeen seals. They were finally satiated when only 10% of his store remained. Together, they formed a full circuit, creating a simplified copy of something he''d seen in his vision.


    It was the 15th constetion he''d seen, or rather the 15th iteration of the lone constetion. Zac didn''t know if that was good, bad, or if it mattered at all. All the stars had looked the same in the vision, none clearly better or worse than the others. He was more curious about what the seals would do than what the constetion meant.


    He didn''t have to wait long for answers. The seventeen seals hummed with increasing vigor, releasing an ancient aura that spread through every corner of his body. Then they simply disappeared in a sh, and Zac gasped in relief as he felt his strengthe surging back. His parched cells were finally flushed with Vigor after two weeks of steadily withering. Part of him wanted to destroy a mountain with [Arcadia''s Judgment] just topletely rid himself of the ufortable feeling of vulnerability since he started collecting the Void Kernels, but he pushed down the sentiment.


    The seals didn''tpletely disappear after leaving his body. They had appeared right above his head in the form of stars, miniature versions of the ones he''d seen in the vision. They pulsated following a mysterious pattern, and a rain of light answered the call. The light pirs across the horizon had already winked out, drained by the vortex above. Now it all came back, pouring into the seals.


    Zac''s vision flickered, and he realized there were no longer seventeen stars illuminating the valley. There were 24, then 33, and new ones kept appearing out of nowhere. In seconds, the valley was covered by a true replica of the fifteenth constetion, a full 229 stars. The constetion hung hundreds of meters in the air, but Zac felt far closer to it than when he''d carried the seals around.


    The powerful resonance lingered in his body, forming a mysterious connection with the stars. And the stars, in turn, linked him with the Heavens themselves. An instinctual understanding filled his mind as his vantage expanded to the size of a world. A smile spread across his lips.


    "How long do you think this�� thing willst?" Ogras whispered. "People are undoubtedly already running here as fast as their legs can carry them."


    He was right; Zac could see it. There were twenty-two other cultivators spread throughout the Quarry. Two were trying to gain some benefits from the scene in the sky or investigate the spots where the pirs appeared. The others were all running toward their location using every means in their repertoire, including teleportation talismans, treasures, and all kinds of movement skills.


    "They won''t get here in time," Zac smiled. "And it won''t matter."


    "More importantly, are you okay?" Catheya asked. "It almost felt like you died there for a moment."


    "I''m fine now," Zac nodded and released his aura to show he was no longer toiling under the restraints of the seventeen seals.


    "So what do we do?" Ogras asked. "Where''s this inheritance?"


    "It''s wherever I want it to be," Zac said and pointed ahead.


    The constetion answered his call, and its light rapidly increased with intensity. For a moment, he felt like a powerful Autarch, wielding the power of the cosmos. The sky roiled, and a rumble originating from the beginnings of the era shook the world. And then it appeared��a finger whose size was beyondprehension.


    It barely fit through the vortex, covering the wholend beneath.


    "Holy��" Ogras whispered as he hunched down, unable to fully withstand the mental pressure of seeing something that big descend toward him.


    Zac also gazed at the unfathomable finger but didn''t feel the pressure. He felt a longing calling from the depths of the river of time��the call of the First People, searching for something beyond themselves.


    "I''m here," Zac whispered, stretching his hands to wee the probing search.


    A blinding sh of starlight answered him, drowning the whole world in unbearable light. Even Zac was forced close his eyes and to block his sight with energy. He felt a light touch on his forehead that subtly changed the resonance from the seals. The light soon receded, and the finger was gone when Zac opened his eyes.


    In its ce was a pir of starlight falling toward them. It looked minusculepared to the finger, but it was over 500 meters across. It had emerged from the vortex''s center and passed through the constetion still glimmering above. With a sh, the mountain lining the valley was gone.


    In its ce stood an ancient stone building. It shared a lot of features with the ancient library he''d seen in his vision, but its design waspletely different. It was circr, almost resembling a cauldron, lined by hundreds of engraved pirs. Between each pir was a burning brazier, except the fires looked like thousands of blue fireflies dancing around.


    There was one entrance pointed right at them, but Zac couldn''t see anything through the open gates. The only clue of what went on inside was a huge star floating in the middle of the building, with roughly a third of it peeking above the outer wall. The star wasn''t a ball of fire but looked like a condensed ball of the mysterious light in the braziers.


    There were two more items of note, each ced in front of the entrance. To the left of the gate was arger version of the braziers. To the right was a stone tablet reaching over ten meters. Both were covered in the script of the First People. Even if Zac couldn''t understand them, he felt his mind shudder as he looked at the pattern. Dao or not, those things contained incredible truths.


    A shimmering bubble surrounded the whole structure, and Zac could tell it was a lot like the arrays surrounding the Fate Kernels. Only infinitely more powerful.


    "What was that?" Catheya asked as she fearfully looked around. "What''s going on?"


    Zac wasn''t surprised by their hesitant reaction. He could tell that the bubble was not just a shield to protect the building from the Dao and energy outside. It was more urate to say that it had created apletely separate dimension superimposed on the mountain range. Catheya was looking upon the same mountains as before rather than the inheritance building.


    "Here, let me show you," Zac said as he ced his hand on Ogras and Catheya''s shoulders.


    The mysterious vibrations in his body spread over into the two, and they gasped simultaneously.


    "What the��!" Ogras eximed. "Is it an illusion?"


    "No," Zac said with a shake of his head. "It''s not quite in phase with our reality, and the seventeen seals created a resonance that has temporarily attuned me to the library. I''m sorry, but I don''t think I''ll be able to take you inside. The energy will annihte you."


    "Figures," Ogras muttered, but he didn''t look overly surprised. But the demon''s eyes suddenly widened as he looked at therge brazier by the entrance. "Wait, is that��?"


    Zac followed Ogras'' gaze, and he realized there was something different about therge brazier. In its center were a dozen shimmering spheres, each the size of an ostrich egg.


    "They resemble Fate Kernels, but at the same time, they don''t," Ogras hesitated. "I can''t sense any Dao from within them. Are they broken?"


    "I think they''re just empty," Zac said, his eyes lighting up. It looked like hispanions wouldn''t walk awaypletely empty-handed. "Stay here. I don''t think you can survive passing through that barrier."


    "Be careful!" Catheya urged as Zac moved forward.


    Zac nodded, but he wasn''t too worried. He already felt connected to the building, and each step he took imparted new information. Zac passed through the barrier without issue and found himself standing on the temple''s steps. Everything felt normal. The stones were stones, and the air was air. He couldn''t feel the Dao at all, but that didn''t mean there weren''t truths swirling across the temple.


    The star radiated... Something. Something incredible, something alien. Was it a Void of Dao, such as the Void of Stars? Zac wasn''t certain. Zac shook his head and turned to the brazier. There''d be time to figure out the mysteries within soon enough. Zac wanted to fish out two Fate Kernels for the others, but a burst of information filled his head when he touched the brazier.


    A wry smile spread across Zac''s face as he hefted two handles. "Oh well."


    The First People were more generous than Zac, and a message had asked him to take the brazier and pir for all fated to enjoy. Zac would personally have opted to keep them for himself or ransom them out to anyone who arrived, but he chose to follow the message. It wasn''t amand, but who knew if some lingering spirit was watching his actions.


    Zac first carried the brazier out from the barrier and then the tablet. Both were covered in shimmering light, though Zac could tell they''d onlyst a day before disintegrating.


    "You took them out?" Ogras said with surprise as he walked over.


    "I got a message asking me to," Zac shrugged as he stuck his hand into the fire and fished out two eggs. "Here. Don''t touch the pir, or you''ll lose a hand, but you could try getting something from it. This fire is also pretty dangerous for normal people, so don''t y around with it."


    "What should we do with these?" Catheya asked.


    "Infuse them with all your Daos ording to your path."


    The two nodded and quickly got to work. The spheres rapidly transformed under the influence of the Dao. Catheya''s egg turned into a crystalline ne, while Ogras'' turned into a weird three-eyed puppet the size of a fist. Each emitted an aurapletely in sync with the two, and the energy they contained was just amazing.


    "Peak? No, this is even��" Ogras breathed.


    Zac could tell these Fate Kernels weren''t so simple as to be Peak or even Supreme quality. They were something unique, and their effect might not be as simple as just boosting the efficacy by a certain percentage.


    "These are amazing," Catheya whispered. "What about you?"


    "I''m taking one just in case," Zac said, though he wasn''t sure if even these things were useful to him.


    "What about the others? Should we try to sell them?" Ogras asked.


    "The one who left the inheritance asked these to be provided to whoever was fated. And they won''tst long outside the protective fire," Zac said, not without reluctance. "Uh, but they didn''t say anything about selling information."


    "Got it," Ogras grinned. "I''ll deal with it."


    "What about you?" Catheya asked.


    "I''m heading inside," Zac said. "These things will disappear in a day or so. No need to wait for me if I''m not out by then. I have no idea how long this will take."


    "We''ll stay in the area in case you need our helpter," Catheya said before grabbing Zac''s hand. "Thank you, and be careful."


    "Don''t listen to her. Take some risks and find something good for me inside," Ogras added, narrowly avoiding an icicle shooting in his direction. "What? Just look at him. The worst that can happen to that guy is him tripping and falling into a hidden treasure room."


    Zacughed as he walked back toward the temple. "Remember, if some lunatic arrives, call for me, and I''ll try toe."


    A momentter, he was back on the steps and eagerly entered the gates. Zac''s vision shuddered as he passed the threshold, and the floating star was suddenly in full view. It hovered just five meters above the ground. Surrounding it were seventeen floating disks, each with a distinct rune pointing toward the sun''s center. They looked different, but they reminded Zac of the Dao Spikes he''d seen in the center of the Technocrat Research Base.


    As far as Zac could tell, they were there to empower rather than restrain the sun, which seemed to be wholly self-contained. Apart from the sun, there was not much else inside the massive structure. There was a second set of pirs and braziers mirroring those outside. Apart from that, only a simple table was standing right beneath the sun.


    Zac hesitated a bit before approaching. The sun drew closer, but no heat wasing from it. Zac breathed in relief, realizing he wouldn''t have to withstand the searing heat of an ancient sun. However, something about it still drew its attention. It looked like it was made up of billions of fireflies flying about and crashing into each other. It looked chaotic, but it seemed like there was order to the madness.


    There was a mystery within, but Zac''s eyes soon turned to the table. Only three things were lying atop it; a crystal, a tome, and in the middle, a tool with a small hammerhead on one side and a pick on the other. Curious, Zac walked over, his eyes turning to the hammer. He''d encountered all kinds of tomes and crystals over the years, but this was the first time he''d seen a simple tool given such a prominent cement.


    Zac reached out and touched the pick, and the whole sun shuddered as an immense presence descended. Zac heard a distant scream, but it was immediately drowned out by a booming voice reverberating through his body. Each word was like a p of heavenly thunder, containing immense will. Each syble was a hammer hitting an anvil, steady and powerful.


    "Master the myriad transformations! Subdue the elements and bend them to your will! Make the Cosmos your forge!"

 Chapter 1015 - Cosmic Forge

    The firefly sun had turned into a storm that engulfed the whole building, even dragging the mes out of the braziers by the walls. Zac stood in its center, pick hammer in his hand as he looked around with wonder. The billions of fireflies created dazzling patterns that kept changing in incrediblyplex ways. Just like he''d sensed before, there were truths hidden in their movements.


    An impartment.


    As the fireflies danced, a seal started to appear inside his soul aperture. It formed a hidden chamber much like the remnant prison, likely invisible to any outsider. And as the seal appeared, Zac felt his vision split in two. He was looking at the dance around him, yet he was also witnessing apletely different scene��a different life, even.


    He stood in an unfamiliar yet familiar room with piles of materials on the floor. Zac took up a piece of glowing rock, and a swirl of fireflies began dancing around his hand. One by one, small seals appeared on the stone, written in the script of the First People. Suddenly, the stone cracked, and he sighed in despondency. But a warm consciousness buffeted him, and the crude scripts detached themselves from the rock before flowing into the air.


    They formed a simple dance above Zac''s hand in the alternate reality, mirroring the vastly moreplex patterns around him. They showed him the true path and the mistakes he''d made, and Zac eventually retrieved a second stone and began anew.


    One scene after another appeared in Zac''s mind''s eye. Years of practice crystallizing into an experienced hand''s intuition. It truly felt like it was him experiencing all these experiments. His attempts were based on his understanding and his failures because of his shorings. So every time that gentle consciousness showed the way, he gained true skill andprehension.


    Zac had lost all concept of time already. He was fullymitted and entranced by the magical technique. All the while, the firefly sun shrunk, and the seal grew. The motes of light weren''t expended, though, but rather absorbed by the small stone pick.


    Eventually, only a few thousand motes remained, at which point Zac had lived through decades of apprenticeship under a master artisan. Thousands of trials and errors had given him an instinctive understanding of materials and energy. It was a form of information impartment he hadn''t encountered before, akin to flowers naturally blooming rather than having things forcibly crammed into his brain. Of course, it couldn''tpare to real hands-on experience. However, he had likely saved years on his journey, and the vision had ensured he wouldn''t set off on the wrong path.


    The remaining starlight formed a small swirl in front of him that turned into a bust of a face of a member of the First People. They looked like a mix of a herbivore dinosaur and a humanoid, with tworge ck eyes but no nose or ears. Instead of hair, they had back-facing horn-like formations that almost looked like flower petals. Over twenty of them formed a flower at the back of his head.


    The bust looked decidedly alien, but Zac got a warm feeling. Zac had never seen this man in the visions, but he could tell it was this man who had guided him through his spiritual apprenticeship.


    "I am Dasorm, a Cosmic Pathfinder of the First People," the bust said. "Fate brought you to my forge, and I gift you my creation with no expectation beyond remembering my name. I was not the most powerful of my kin nor the brightest. Neither did I ever cross that final threshold and join the six ancestors."


    Zac''s heart shuddered when he heard the voice. It was the same as the booming voice that spoke up when he touched the stone pick, but it was gentler this time. It felt like the voice of a patient teacher who had guided him for arge part of his life. His emotions swelled, but he focused to avoid missing anything the long-gone craftsman had to say. Zac could tell this was a recording rather than a lingering spiritual will, and this was likely the first andst time Zac would see his benefactor.


    There were a few things he could deduce from that short introduction. First, this wasn''t one of the peak inheritances left by one of the six gargantuan beings Zac suspected were Supremacies. However, it was still not far off. Dasorm was just one step below those six, which meant he had to have been one of the top beings in the innermost circles.


    Then again, that was probably the case with all the 229 inheritances. There had been millions and millions of cultivators on that tform, but only a few of their creations could be a star heritage.


    Dasorm continued. "I was, however, the only Cosmic Pioneer to ever forge an Ancestral Instrument."


    As expected. Zac was amazed but not surprised. Even if Zac had only experienced the basic techniques of this master artisan, he could tell Dasorm''s methods were unique. Almost heaven-defying. Since the highest-grade cultivators were called ancestors, it was a safe bet that an Ancestral Instrument was something at a simr level.


    He took a ragged breath in anticipation, his heart rapidly beating. Zac had been so swept up in that vision that he hadn''t fully grasped what he''d been given. A Void-based crafting method, possibly the greatest one of the First People.


    Wasn''t this perfect? If it had been a cultivation-based heritage, it would probably have been useless except as a reference source. Even if it turned out he could cultivate the Void, he still had his own path to follow. But this? This was amazing. As for the fact it was created in a time without the Dao, Zac wasn''t worried. Most people would probably have to refit the technique, but Zac strongly suspected he was an exception.


    He''d long since realized there was something special with his rtionship to the Void, and the vision of the First People had essentially confirmed it. They had called the Dao poison, and just touching it was like matter and anti-matter colliding. But that wasn''t Zac''s experience at all. He found no issues activating skills with Void Energy, even if they were based on the Dao.


    Zac could even imbue the skills with his Dao Branches, which should be downright impossible. But his bloodline had made the impossible possible, acting as a bridge between the Void and Dao. This was the true marvel of his bloodline, rather than instant skill activation or having an extra energy reserve.


    "My creation is called [Cosmic Forge]. No matter your path, no matter the material. Everything can be refined by the Cosmos! At the highest level, the Cosmos itself can be refined! I wish you luck, inheritor!"


    With those parting words, the final motes of light entered the pick. Looking around, Zac realized the floating seals had disappeared at some time and had turned into small sigils that lined the handle.


    Zac felt a tremendous pull of Void Energy when the final mote of starlight was gone. Luckily, he had been fully replenished by the unique environment while undergoing the impartment, and he let the pick eat its fill. But the pick was like a ck hole, and Zac was eventually forced to stop it when he only had 20% of his Void Energy remaining.


    At least it was enough to form a preliminary connection to the tool. Zac wasn''t sure if the hammer could be considered a Spirit Tool. He could tell it followed apletely different path, but Zac could still sense a connection to the tool like he did with Verun and Alea. Zac wryly smiled, realizing it had only absorbed less than a tenth of a percent of what it required.


    Holding the hammer in his hand, he knew what to do. The hammer had to first be filled with Void Energy to recover. The whole inheritance had almost been drained for eons, and it would have been unable to withstand the Heavens for much longer. After the hammer had been replenished, Zac would have to infuse Daos from all seventeen peaks into the tool. By that point, it would be fully stabilized.


    Until then, it would be damaged when exposed to the environment. It would be a lot of work, but Zac was confident he''d be able to repair the hammer before leaving the Perennial Vastness. He could even do it while earning Mana in the various Red Zones. Seventeen Missions, seventeen months. That would take him through environments based on all the Dao Peaks. It would provide him the treasures he needed and valuable experience dealing with Daos umon in Zecia.


    The impartment building felt hollow and empty with the sun gone and the braziers extinguished. Zac sent amand, and the hammer turned into light that entered his Soul Aperture and then the new hiddenpartment that had opened up. There, it reformed into a miniature version of the firefly sun and began orbiting the new brand that had appeared.


    Zac spent the next thirty minutes scanning the seal, even if the vast majority of the technique was still sealed. The section he could ess by infusing his will only covered the concepts disyed in the visions. It was the first chapter, which Dasorm Called [Cosmic Infusion]. It wasn''t a method to craft gear, though.


    [Cosmic Infusion] contained two techniques. The first was to extract ''Truth and Aether'' from a base material. The second technique was to infuse the unique energy into a piece of gear.


    For example, he could take a Life-Attuned Natural Treasure and extract its essence before infusing it into a normal dagger. With enough essence, the dagger would turn into a life-attuned weapon. Not only that, but by epting more energy, its quality would slightly improve.


    ording to the method, there didn''t seem to be a limit to how much essence you could infuse into an item. Of course, the worse the base item, the more demanding the process. Stacking infusions also increased the difficulty. Still, this seemingly simple solution would probably drive most cksmiths mad with envy.


    Even an apprentice cksmith could craft a decent weapon if they only focused on tempering and shaping. The real difficulty came when you wanted to infuse Dao into the weapon. Even unattuned weapons relied on the Dao, from the cksmith''sprehension to his technique. These things would impact the product. It was doubly true for attuned weapons, which were far more popr. And attunement was something you had to infuse during the forging process. If you wanted to add an affinityter, your options were limited, and none were optimal.


    The first alternative was to reforge the item to add attuned materials. This was actually more difficult than just crafting a new one. You didn''t only have to retain the old weapon''s spirituality, arrays, and pathways, but also infuse new ones that wouldn''t sh with the old. There was a high risk of damaging the internal wiring, so to speak. Even if you seeded, there was a high risk of degrading its quality and potential for growth.


    The other alternative was only possible with Spirit Tools, and it was to feed the weapons attuned materials as they grew. This was the path Zac had taken with his Spirit Tools, albeit mostly by ident and necessity. However, there were detriments to this path. Every new item swallowed made the internal workings moreplex. The risk of mismatch increased, and gear suffered from impurities just like cultivators.


    [Love''s Bond] was still fine thanks to the System overseeing the evolutions through the [Divine Investiture Array], though evolving to D-grade would finally exhaust the array he got from the Tower of Eternity. [Verun''s Bite] was a lot worse off in that regard. It had swallowed all kinds of weird things over the years. Bones, vampires, dragon blood, and pure Dao of Life. Zac knew he would sooner orter have to slow down its progress and focus on harmonizing and purifying the weapon.


    With [Cosmic Infusion], you sidestepped most of the downsides of both these methods. You only extracted the essence of the raw materials, so there were no impurities to speak of. And the infusion process could almost be likened to a rebirth of the material. As long as you seeded with the infusion, whether it was the first or the fiftieth, it would result in a homogenous item with little to no internal conflicts. In other words, a Spirit Tool as perfect as one created by the System itself.


    The biggest downside was that [Cosmic Infusion] could only create single-affinity items on its own. Luckily, the inheritance provided a few hints that wouldn''t always be the case. The first chapter waspletely unlocked, but it also provided a preview of the next one. It was apanion technique to the first called [Cosmic Extraction].


    The details were vague, but it sounded like Zac would be able to extract shing or unsuitable elements from equipment. For example, if Ogras found an amazing spear attuned with Shadows and Death, then Zac could remove the Dao of Death while keeping the rest intact. Beyond that, Zac had no idea what kind of techniques [Cosmic Forge] held. However, things like fusion and alteration were likely candidates.


    Interestingly, there was not a single mention of actually forging equipment in the avable information. It all referred to improving existing items. In a sense, it was more urate to call it a refinement technique than a crafting technique. Of course, judging by Dasorm''s introduction, actual crafting techniques would no doubt appear in theter chapters.


    It was probably a matter of learning to walk before you could run, where the first chapters set up a solid foundation. It reminded Zac of a documentary he''d seen, exining how it could take years for a sushi chef apprentice before they were allowed to even touch a sushi knife. First, master how to manipte "Aether and Truth." Then you could use that knowledge to forge new creations.


    Gaining ess to theter chapters wasn''t gated by his cultivation level or finding more inheritances. It was rather dependent on his progress with the method itself. To unlock [Cosmic Extraction], he needed to imbue a piece of equipment with two Cosmic Cycles. Zac had a decent idea of what that meant going by context clues, and the sudden appearance of a blue screen confirmed his suspicion.


    Cosmic Forge (Unique, Inheritance): Infuse a non-mortal item with two Cosmic Cycles. Reward: [Cosmic Extraction]. (0/34)


    Zac looked at the quest with annoyance. It really wasn''tfortable having the System all up in his business this way. Still, there was not much to do about it, and he could only focus on the quest. As expected, one Cosmic Cycle was seventeen infusions, one for each Dao Peak.


    Neither his visions nor the inheritance fully exined what level an item would reach by being infused seventeen times. But it seemed as though each Cosmic Cycle would upgrade an item by one quality tier. In other words, two cycles would upgrade a Low-quality item to a High-quality one while simultaneously adding an attunement.


    That was almost Heaven Defying. [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his hand, and he thought back to all the encounters and opportunities that had fed his axe to this point. All that, and the axe still hadn''t quite reached Peak quality. It wasn''t easy to make an exact estimate, but it was most likely in the upper tiers of a High-Quality Tool Spirit. And that was for now.


    There were no guarantees it''d retain its quality after evolving to D-grade. If anything, it was expected for a Tool Spirit to be downgraded a level or two when breaking through to a new grade. Like cultivators, Tool Spirits had limits to their potential, and breaking past those barriers required fortuitous encounters. Sometimes, it simply wasn''t possible.


    Or so Zac had thought.


    Apparently, [Cosmic Forge] could subvert fate and continuously upgrade equipment. Certainly, it required skill, Raw Materials, and there was an element of risk to the process, but there were no such things as an item''s bottleneck. As long as he reached a certain level of proficiency, he would be able to turn almost any item into a Peak-quality treasure. Perhaps he would be able to push them to even greater heights.


    Zac could see a new path open up before him as he looked down at hispanion. Infuse his Daos to elevate the axe to Peak Quality. Extract the shing elements from all the random things he''d fed Verun. Fuse the essence of his path into the axe, recing what was removed. Help Verun shatter the chains of its unimpressive origins. Who knew, [Cosmic Forge] might even be the key to helping Alea resurrect.


    He took a calming breath, steadying his mental state heart before his thoughts ran amok. The ability was amazing, but he had to remember it was something created in an era before the Dao by a species that considered Dao poison. There were no guarantees it would work as advertised, even with his unique bloodline.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    He definitely wouldn''t dare use the techniques on [Verun''s Bite] or [Love''s Bond] until he had ample experience under his belt. He would prefer to unlock a few more chapters of [Cosmic Forge] to see his options. Still, the gift was almost iprehensible, and the inheritance was just one of three items left on the table.


    There were still two more to go.

 Chapter 1016 - Being Remembered

    Zac''s heart beat with anticipation as he picked up the iid tome. Unsurprisingly, its pages were filled with the unfamiliar scripts of the First People. Of course, they were no longer unfamiliar, thanks to the seal in his mind.


    ''Solevur opened her eyes and gazed upon an endless void. She was the first of the first, the originator of all.''


    Zac read the first couple of pages and soon realized its contents had nothing to do with Dasorm or his creation. Neither was it a skill or technique. The book was a primer on the First People. Their biology, culture, history, and way of life. Their origin, their feats, and most likely their fall. Zac felt a pang of sorrow and futility upon holding the book. Such a powerful civilization, all but erased by the river of time.


    He could feel the pain of seeing millions of years of progress get wiped out in the tome. The desperate desire to leave at least a small mark on the cosmos. How many others like them were there? How many cataclysms had there been that erased all but the inheritance of rarified few who had managed to reach beyond the Dao and brush Eternity?


    Zac sighed and put the tome away. He''d read it at ater time. Mostly because he was truly interested after seeing the vision and encountering this great fortune, but also because it might provide some contextual information to his newfound wealth of knowledge. Finally, Zac turned to the crystal. It was a bit of a letdown that the tome didn''t contain anything rted to cultivation or the Void, but he could tell the crystal wasn''t simple.


    Picking it up, Zac felt dozens of tendrils burrow into his hand. It was Void Energy, steadily replenishing what he''d just lost to nurture the pick hammer. It wasn''t a huge amount though, not even at the level of using a Void Beast core. However, Zac noted with interest the energy within the crystal didn''t decrease at all.


    Zac tried to scan it a few times but couldn''t understand the incrediblyplex crystal patterns within. He couldn''t even determine whether it was a Natural Treasure or something crafted. However, he did figure out that it really wasn''t losing energy to provide him with a steady stream of the Void. It was just like the Remnants.


    The crystal was either generating Void Energy out of nowhere or absorbing it from another dimension. Zac thoughtfully looked at the thing for a few seconds before releasing some of his Branch of the Kalpataru. The air crackled a bit from exposure to the ''poison'' of the new era, but the crystal had a far more interesting reaction.


    It shimmered and gained a golden hue that formed a small bubble around it, and the tendrils of Void Energy suddenly gained a different vor. They had be attuned, but not with Dao. Zac couldn''t be certain, but after practicing the [Void Vajra Sublimation] for years, he was quite confident the Void Energy was imbued with the Void of Life.


    Releasing the Branch of the Pale Seal produced a simr effect. The crystal acted like a Mirror, taking in and inverting the Dao Zac showed. The outside environment wouldn''t even harm it since it continuously exuded Void Energy and Void of Dao that nullified anything that touched it. As such, there was no need to use it right now, so Zac ced it in a sealing box and stowed it away in a Spatial Ring.


    Was the thing perhaps a contingency by the First People? They knew the poison would soon cover the cosmos, so they invented a way for the inheritors to connect to the Void. Thanks to his bloodline, Zac didn''t need it for [Cosmic Forge], but it was still an amazing find. Instead, he could use it to drastically strengthen the Void of Life and Death in his Cosmic Core. With this as a foundational item, he would increase the speed with which he''d form the core and improve the result. It might even allow his Cosmic Core to generate Void Energy naturally.


    Initially, Zac had nned on using a mix of the [Stone of Celestial Void] and various Void-rted items as a base for his core, but this crystal was far superior. It was like a generator that produced both Void and Void of Dao. Conversely, the [Stone of Celestial Void] ''only'' contained terrifying amounts of Void Energy and Vigor, making it much more suitable for bloodline improvements.


    There was no description or name for the crystal, so Zac named it the [Void Engine]. Zac spent the next couple of minutes trying out various things. The Dao inversion was magical, but it made Zac think of something. He thoughtfully took out the spherical egg he''d picked up from the brazier outside. The egg-like item hummed ominously as he put it closer to the [Void Engine]. Zac had expected as much and quickly moved it away.


    The Fate Kernels were created using some simplified theories of the [Void Engine], and it looked like using the two together would unravel the kernel. In other words, he wouldn''t be able to use the empty Fate Kernel for himself. Still, Zac fully believed what he''d gained instead was far superior, especially considering there were no guarantees these improved empty kernels would work with his constitution.


    [Cosmic Forge] was an amazing gift that would solve many of his problems while increasing his self-sufficiency. However, it would take a long time before its true value showed itself in a way that could either bring in money or improve hisbat strength. Conversely, the [Void Engine] would provide almost immediate benefits for his Core Formation.


    He was getting close. The [Hollow Core] from the Orom World to hold the nascent nucleus of the Cosmic Core. The [Cmity Core] to instill it with the first breath of Pure Life and Death. And now, he had the [Void Engine] to provide Void Energy and the Void of Dao. The only thing missing was a foundational treasure for Conflict and a boatload of Mana before he was all set.


    Zac looked around the empty courtyard, but there was nothing else. The base materials in the structure were actually incredibly mundane now that the star was gone and not worth bothering over. Zac even suspected the building itself wasn''t something left behind by the First People. Rather, it had been formed from the energy in the sun, using any random nearby material. It would have been another matter if it had been some sort of interesting Void Material.


    Then again, could those materials even be stored in a conventional Spatial Ring?


    Since Zac was done with everything, he turned toward the exit and walked out the gates. Not that he had much of a choice. The inheritance space had steadily deteriorated since the firefly sun disappeared. It probably wouldn''tst more than another ten minutes, and Zac didn''t want to stay behind when it popped. The dark swirl in the sky was long gone, and the warm sunset drenched the mountain valley in amber luster. The world had returned to normal, but it was still a very different scene that met himpared to when he entered the inheritance.


    There were over 50 people in the valley. Zac had expected a few to have arrived by the point he left, using various teleportation treasures. But not this many. There had only been 22 outsiders in the realm when he entered, and some were days away from this location. Otherscked the means to cover vast distances quickly and were forced to use their legs to approach Zac''s location.


    Furthermore, Zac only recognized six of these people��the others hadn''t been here when he activated the inheritance. It was only then he realized the impartment had taken just over three days. More than enough time for the news to spread to a select few and for these people to rush over. Now, most of them were using various means to scan the surroundings or form a resonance, unwilling to give up in case there was more to the huge events that had rocked the Quarry.


    Catheya wasn''t present, but he could spot a hooded man standing in a corner with shadows flickering around him. A smile spread across Zac''s face upon seeing Ogras. No doubt the demon had already made some money on this crowd. Now, it was time to bring it home.


    Zac took out a transparent ss container and put the empty Fate Kernel inside. From there, he took out one of his artisanal axes and carved a set of scripts on the ss. It wasn''t an array but rather a copy of the runes of the First People that had covered therge brazier that had disappeared a few days ago. Finally, he filled the container with Void Energy before attaching an istion array.


    It wasn''t a perfect solution, but the kernel would hold for at least an hour as long as he kept the container close to his body. After the bait waspleted, Zac turned into his Draugr form. There was no need to burn his Human identity right now, and what was some additional notoriety to Arcaz Umbri''Zi? With all preparationsplete, Zac donned a bashful smile as he emerged from the shielding bubble with the transparent ss canister floating next to him through telekinesis.


    A person appearing out of nowhere at an inheritance site obviously drew attention, and Zac instantly had fifty sets of eyes trained on him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It''s him! The Draugr from the Cmity!" a shocked exmation echoed out, and Zac realized he recognized the man.


    It was the very same person who''d seen him emerge from the Cmity. Had he been hanging by the teleporters all this time, waiting for an opportunity to present itself?


    Zac slowly swept his gaze across the crowd as though it was the first time he saw them. When he reached Ogras, the demon made a small sign indicating everything was okay. Zac inwardly breathed out in relief. Since Catheya was fine, he had no more misgivings about carrying out his n.


    "I see a lot of people came to congratte me on my fortuitous encounter," Zac smiled. "Thank you, everyone, thank you!"


    "Who''s here to congratte you?!" a buff human with at least some orc heritage swore. "What kind of disgusting luck do you have? First the Cmity, and now this?"


    "Is that a Fate Kernel?" another person asked before Zac could answer, pointing at the ss case floating to Zac''s side.


    "It looks just like the ones in the recording," a golemoid confirmed.


    "Good observation!" Zac nodded. "As you probably know, there were ten of these, but I can see they''re all gone now. Luckily, I just so happened to find two inside the true inheritance. I''ve used one already, so now I have a spare."


    "Name your price," a cold-looking woman wearing an emerald crown said, clearly confident in her wealth.


    "Where''s the fun in that?" Zac smiled. "The Perennial Vastness is a rare opportunity to meet other talents from across the Multiverse and broaden our horizons. How about this? Challenge me if you weren''t lucky enough to take one out of the brazier. I''ll give it to anyone who can defeat me."


    "Like we didn''t know about your winning streakst month," the golemoid scoffed, and a few others nodded in agreement.


    "Then how about this. If no one has defeated me by the time I''ve dueled you all, I''ll sell the thing to the highest bidder," Zac countered. "I can tell you right now; the inheritance is picked clean and gone. This is thest piece up for grabs."


    Ten people sighed and left, most of them through the mountains where Zac came from. Ten more, including Ogras, were neither confident in defeating him nor winning the auction, but they stepped to the side to spectate. That still left 30 candidates who were ready to offer up some Mana.


    Zac didn''t think he was invincible, but he had already scanned everyone in the crowd. There were four at the level of the lionman or the earth cultivator he encountered in the Cmity. Another ten or so weren''t quite at that level but still impressive, while the rest were no threat at all. Since this was a Green Zone and Zac could pick martial duels, he had some confidence in taking them all out. At worst, he''d lose one or two battles and have to give away the kernel for free.


    "Greedy bastard," the buff man from beforeughed as he stepped forward. "I like it! Skills or martial?"


    "Martial," Zac said as [Love''s Bond] appeared on his back. One of the chains snapped up the floating ss case and wound itself around it until it had formed a ball of fetters. "Oh, if anyone tries to steal the Fate Kernel, I''ll destroy it. I''ll also hunt you down, so you better not appear in orange or red zones in the future."


    "We''ll make sure your�� rules�� are followed," the cold woman said.


    "Well, then, let''s do it," Zac grinned.


    Thirty minutester, Zac stood by himself, panting and covered in surface wounds.


    "Whew, alright. Who''s next?" Zac said, trying to look exhausted and vulnerable.


    He''d like to call it an act, but he really was tired. Some of these people were surprisingly powerful, and they were incredibly motivated. Defeating them all before the Fate Kernel expired took its toll. That cold woman, in particr, had almost won a martial duel, even if she was a mage. Still, Zac had already gained 2,806 Mana in half an hour, and all of the powerhouses of the crowd were dealt with. It should have been more, but one after another had given up as the minutes passed. Two had left while the rest joined the spectators.


    "Well?" Zac said after no one had stepped forward after half a minute.


    "It seems you are out of challengers," the barbarian grinned as he looked at the chain ball hungrily. "Time to honor your agreement."


    "Not yet," Zac said with a shake of his head.


    "You''re going back on your promise?" the cold woman frowned. "You said you''d sell it after you had run out of challenges."


    "That''s not what I said," Zac grunted as he stood up, his abyssal gaze turning to the spectators. "I said I''ll put it to auction after I''ve dueled everyone present. There are still 15 people present who I haven''t dueled. So how can I start the auction now?"


    "Are you serious?" the woman frowned.


    "Like a heart attack," Zac nodded. "And do remember, there is not a single Fate Kernel left in the Quarry. This is thest chance."


    "We''ll be on our way, then," one of the weaker spectators muttered as he backed away, but a hulking figure soundlessly appeared right behind him.


    "You wanted to watch us get our ass beat and then slink away?" the barbarian grinned as he grabbed the man''s shoulder.


    "This is a Green Zone!" the man frowned.


    "That''s true, but we can keep you here until youe to your senses. Nothing illegal about that."


    Zac inwardly smiled. What the barbarian said was absolutely true, and it was a reason few solo cultivators wanted to mess with coalitions. They could cause trouble even in Green Zones, though they weren''t allowed to kill or rob. They could keep people locked down for months by rotating wardens if motivated. And Zac just so happened to have 22 highly motivated wardens who had already made their move.


    An immense emerald array had already sealed off the whole valley. It was the mage who had almost defeated him. She had activated a powerful array that actually utilized Cosmic Crystals. A proper D-grade array. The mage had to be incredibly powerful and talented to use something like that freely. If not, it would destabilize and blow up in her face. It was almost as difficult and draining as using War Regalia in the E-grade.


    "No more nonsense," the woman said as the others formed a perimeter around the spectators. "You came here knowing the risks. You had many chances to leave, but you did not. Now, pay the price of Mana or pay a greater one."


    "I''ll remember anyone who drags their feet," the barbarian added with a growl.


    Zac wasn''t surprised by their impatience. Three days had already passed, and Zac guessed there would soon be far more peopleing this way. These people didn''t know Zac could only maintain the Fate Kernel for one hour, so they feared he would drag things out until they''d have to contend with hundreds of people. Honestly, Zac would have preferred to do things that way. It was a shame the inheritance space had started to destabilize.


    "Wait!" one of the spectators said, ignoring the ring looks as he turned to Zac. "You only told those who haven''t gotten a Fate Kernel to challenge you. This guy and I already got them."


    The man the ratkin pointed to was unsurprisingly Ogras.


    Zac looked at the two, seemingly in thought. "Can you prove this?"


    "I can!" the man said as a projection appeared. "Everyone knows this shadow guy; he''s been selling the information packets and recordings. He also recorded me absorbing my Fate Kernel."


    A smile tugged at Zac''s lips as he looked back and forth between Ogras and the ratman. Should he extort some Mana from the demon? No, he''d never hear the end of it.


    "Fine. My word is my bond," Zac agreed. "But the rest of you better step right up."


    And with that, the second harvest began.

 Chapter 1017 - A Rising Tide

    [Mana: 18,953]


    Zac looked at the line appreciatively. Less than two months had passed since arriving, yet he was already approaching the third echelon. He was more than a year ahead of schedule, giving him much more leeway. Better yet, the Mana was only a cherry on top of his real gain��[Cosmic Forge]. And now, a final windfall waited for him.


    "Alright, buddy, you''ve squeezed Mana out of all of us. Time to get this show on the road," the barbarian hollered, not even trying to hide his jealousy over Zac''s good fortune.


    "Why look so glum?" Zac smiled. "Didn''t most of you discover new directions to improve your blueprints?"


    "Sublime energyprehension," the cold-eyed mage said while looking at Zac spectively. "I am quite curious how you''ve reached that point as an E-grade cultivator. Especially when you do not follow a path utilizing that knowledge."


    "If you want, we can postpone the auction while I regale you about my experiences?" Zac smiled, but he didn''t get so much as a scoff in response.


    "Guess not. Well, ce your bids. Coins are fine, but I am also looking for Supreme Perennial Treasures."


    Perennial Treasures weren''t a true categorization but a local name for treasures found in the Perennial Vastness and useful in Core Formation. He was hoping to find something either for himself or hispanions. If that failed, he''d take cash since he suspected he could get a tidy sum for the kernel. A few of the people in the crowd looked quite wealthy.


    "100 D-grade Nexus Coins," a beastkin offered, but he didn''t even have time to finish the sentence before being outbid.


    "300."


    "450."


    A series of rapid-fire offers pushed the price tag upward, but Zac wasn''t overly enthused. The item had crossed 1,000 D-grade nexus coins in seconds. It was a fair offer for what was essentially a Pseudo D-grade treasure, but not what Zac hoped to hear when faced with a bunch of scions from the inner regions of the Multiverse.


    "I have a set of [Sundew Drops] found in the Red Zone Umber Steppes."


    "I have an unnamed fruit I found in the ckstar Ruins. It holds immense resentment."


    "Pah, what good are those things? Neither are supreme treasures. Fifty thousand," the barbarian grinned, which made Zac look over in surprise.


    It wasn''t just that he had added a zero to the price in one go. Zac was surprised the man had so much money to throw around. He''d guessed the barbarian was a bit like himself regarding his background. The warrior''s raw power was quite impressive, but hisbat style had some ring ws. Furthermore, his blueprint had been so rough that Zac gained 40 Mana from the bounty.


    In other words, the barbarian seemed like a talented warrior who had gotten his hands on the Perennial Vastness Token through a fortuitous encounter rather than their family. Roughly a third of the guests had arrived that way, and they generally had weaker backgrounds and smaller purses.


    Then again, while many of the scions had arrived in the Perennial Vastness with massive fortunes, that money wasn''t for them. It was rather provided by their families to purchase various materials they werecking or things that could be traded for profit. If they burned that capital on cultivation resources for themselves, they''d get punished upon returning.


    50,000 D-grade Nexus Coins was a massive price tag for a single item, eclipsing most of his Cosmic Vessels. But it wasn''t enough to make more than half of the guests back down. The price continued to climb toward 100,000 until an impatient snort echoed through the valley.


    "1 C-grade Nexus Coin," the emerald mage said with not so much as a ripple in her eyes.


    A silence spread across the crowd, and all eyes were suddenly trained on the human mage. A few looked at her like she was a fool, while most had ruminating or downright jealous expressions.


    "One point five," the barbarian said with grit teeth. "Come on, darling? I''ll owe you one."


    "Five," the mage countered without missing a beat,pletely ignoring the barbarian. "But on one condition."


    Zac didn''t immediately answer. Instead, he turned to the others, but everyone indicated they were out. Zac was disappointed, but he understood their thoughts. Fate Kernels ultimately had limited usefulness. Those who had the qualifications to arrive here were either extremely talented or connected. Forming a Cosmic Core was almost a given. A Fate Kernel could slightly improve the result, but the Perennial Vastness was already doing most of the heavy lifting with its Mana.


    The kernel would save a few decades of cultivation in the D-grade at most. Paying multiple C-grade Nexus Coins for that simply wasn''t worth it for most. Furthermore, few scions would carry that wealth for their cultivation. For example, Catheya only had a few hundred D-grade Nexus Coins until her experiences in the Twilight Ascent elevated her status. This young woman was no doubt a real big shot.


    Five C-grade Nexus Coins was a massive windfall even for Zac with all his ventures. He''d hoped for 1 C-grade Nexus Coin if a heated bidding war erupted, but this woman threw out money like it was worth nothing. A smile tugged at Zac''s lips upon seeing Ogras turn a shade greener on the sidelines. Perhaps he was even regretting absorbing his kernel instead of pawning it off.


    "What condition?" Zac asked when it was clear no one nned to outbid her.


    "I want to know the origin and nature of the opportunity you encountered," the mage said.


    "I can divulge the origins but not what I got my hands on," Zac said after some thought.


    "That''s fine," the mage said as she walked over.


    Meanwhile, the emerald barrier around the valley dissipated, and Zac was surprised to see eight people standing outside. The barrier had looked transparent, but it had been manipted not to show Zac that more people had arrived. He wryly smiled, not too broken up about it. The sudden windfall was already better than he''d expected from his impromptu scheme.


    "Should''ve asked grandma for more money," the barbarian muttered as he strolled away. "Hey, dead guy. If you''re nning to head to one of the war zones, bring me along, yeah? I could use your luck."


    "Sure," Zac smiled. "But we''d be in contention for the treasures."


    "You bring the chaos, and I''ll fish in the muddy waters," the barbarianughed before he jumped away.


    One by one, the rest left as well. The opportunities were gone, but everyone knew this ce would get more vtile as time passed. They had already been scammed out of some Mana and weren''t interested in bringing more trouble down on their shoulders. A handful stayed on, refusing to give up based on just Zac''s words.


    The mage erected a barrier around the two, which far surpassed any of the istion arrays Zac possessed. He couldn''t sense a thing from the outside, like the array had formed a separate dimension.


    "I''m Arcaz Umbri''Zi, by the way."


    "I''ve heard of you," the mage nodded. "Asta Ar."


    "Do you sell these arrays?" Zac asked curiously.


    "This one has proprietary solutions, but I sell slightly depreciated versions. They onlyck 8% strength andck the defense against a few types of advanced spying methods," the mage said. "However, they do not run on Miasma."


    "That''s fine," Zac shrugged as the canister floated over. "Give me a couple and deduct the price from your purchase."


    "I studied the pir for two hours before it dissipated," Astamented. "This ss case is fake."


    "Sure, but the kernel is real," Zac said, not too surprised an array master could figure out his scheme.


    "How did you prevent it from dissipating?"


    "Just filled the canister with the weird energy inside the inheritance. I figured I''d notice if it started to break apart."


    "I see," Asta said, clearly not buying Zac''s exnation. "And the origins?"


    "The First People," Zac said and recorded a tranted version of the primer''s first chapter.


    "The First People, how extraordinary," the woman sighed, her face softening quite a bit. For a moment, she reminded Zac of Vai, brimming with academic curiosity. "Where did you get this text from?"


    "I found a book with historical ounts rather than skills or cultivation manuals."


    "It''s really one of the 229," Asta muttered, prompting Zac''s eyes to widen.


    "You knew of this ce?"


    "I didn''t know it was a precept of the First People, but I have read about their heritages. A few of their remnants have appeared over the years, including one in a neighboring empire. It had copsed, and the inheritance was lost, but the explorers found a book. Eventually, some of the contents were leaked and spread. Are you amenable to selling the book or making a copy?"


    "You cane and get a tranted version after I''ve read the book in full," Zac said after some thought. "I want to ensure there are no hidden impartments within before letting it spread."


    The First People''s greatest desire was to be remembered, so Zac felt he could just as well spread the primer. It was just a small act of reciprocity in the face of the massive gift they''d given him. But he''d keep the original for himself, just in case.


    "That''s eptable," Asta said. "I''m a member of the Tranquil Moon Pavilion. Please let me know if you find any other items or writings of historical significance during your stay. We are always searching for lost and ancient knowledge."


    "Sure," Zac waved.


    He had no idea what the Tranquil Moon Pavilion was, but he guessed it was a powerful sect from the hearnds. It wasn''t often Zac met sect disciples. Most regions were dominated by ns rather than sects, which wasn''t surprising. A family had an easier time maintaining cohesion against outside threats, and they had a cultivation advantage regarding bloodlines. Besides, the Limitless Empire was governed this way, which created echoes across the Multiverse through the system.


    Still, many regions were fully controlled by sects, who maintained their dominion by ensuring no families grew too powerful. They held rigorous testing across theirnds, making sure to bring talented children into the fold long before they could grow up and be pirs of a family.


    Asta left, and Zac followed suit after confirming Ogras was already gone. He ran through winding paths for a few minutes before activating [Abyssal Phase]. The mountain range turned to a blur as Zac pushed the skill to its limits, crossing vast swathes in minutes. When he couldn''t maintain the skill any longer, he reformed and kept running for another twenty minutes.


    Zac eventually stopped before a seemingly normal wall, but he passed right through it after scanning the region as best as he could. A series of tunnels would lead to the other side of the mountain, but Zac simply took out a chair and sat down. It was a meet-up location he and Ogras had prepared before heading toward the final seal.


    Twenty minutester, Ogras stepped through the illusion array, grinning as he saw Zac sitting in meditation. "Everything went well?"


    "Noints."


    "Noints," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. "Heaven-touched bastard. I thought I made off like a bandit, selling information packages and recordings for 18,000 D-grade Nexus Coins. Clearly, my ambitions are too low."


    "Well, that''s not too bad a haul for some information," Zac said. "Where''s Catheya?"


    "She''s not too far from here," Ogras said. "She opted to move closer to the teleportation pir after the first group of people arrived. She could send a warning in case there were some big movements that way, and I guess being a solo undead in this kind of situation is a bit precarious."


    Zac nodded, and the two set out through the mountain, soon emerging on the other side. Ogras appearance had returned to how he''d looked while the two toured the Quarry, while Zac was in his human form. They suddenly looked like the two random cultivators who had entered the Quarry in search of Fate Kernels 11 days ago.


    "So, what did you get in there?" the demon eventually asked.


    "I''m surprised yousted a whole 20 minutes before asking," Zacughed.


    "Well?" Ogras said, not looking even slightly shamefaced.


    "Well, nothing that would help either you or me in the short run," Zac said. "Bute see me when you get a piece of War Regalia on your hands."


    "What''s going on?" Ogras asked with interest.


    "I got a pretty interesting craftsman inheritance," Zac said. "Only part of it is unlocked, but I think it has amazing potential."


    "Of course you did," Ogras sighed. "Now you''re justcking your sister''s unnaturally precise Dao Control. Then, you can finally make everyone burn with envy."


    "Don''t be like that," Zacughed. "A rising tide raises all ships."


    Luckily Ogras didn''t know about Jeeves and how Zac was meant to have exactly the ability he described. He''d never stopining.


    "I guess that''s true," Ogras nodded. "So, what now? I need to know which realm you''ll turn on its head if I want to visit it beforehand."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "I need to go over my ns before making a decision. This encounter changed some things. It looks like I have to enter the Red Zones of all the Dao Peaks to advance my craft," Zac said.


    "Might want to reach the fourth echelon first," Ogras offered. "That way, you''ll at least have a weak Mana domain to help you withstand the environments. Some of those ces are no joke, even for someone like you."


    "We''ll see how it goes," Zac nodded.


    "Not even two months, and you''ve already caused so much chaos," Ogras sighed as he looked up at the sky. "I wonder, can the Perennial Vastness even survive ten years of your presence?"


    One hourter, the two stopped and turned to look up at a mountain peak. Catheya stood there, lit up by the evening sun. Zac forgot to breathe for a second but was woken up by a snicker to the side.


    "You''re okay. I started to get worried. More and more people areing," Catheya''s voice echoed out, and Zac spotted an ice crystal floating nearby.


    "Thank you for keeping watch," Zac nodded.


    "How can thatpare to your gift?" Catheya''s voice echoed through the crystal. "Why not visit my ce tomorrow? I didn''t get a chance to thank you before properly, so let me act as host."


    Zac looked up at the Draugr, a smile spreading on his face. "I''ll see you there."


    Catheya winked and was gone the next second, leaving a shimmering cloud of ice in her wake.


    "A proper ''thank you,'' huh? Lucky duck," Ogras grinned. "Don''te expecting that kind of gratitude from me, buddy. My spear doesn''t stab that way."


    "Thank the gods for that," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "I guess I should follow your lead," the demon muttered, scratching his chin. "There are quite a few women here who''d cause mayhem if they walked down the streets back home. Nobledies finally out of the overbearing watch of their ancestors."


    "Have fun. Just don''t get yourself killed," Zac snorted. "I''ll be going on ahead."


    "Go, go. Get your reward. I''ll see if I can sell my information packets to a few more people," Ogras waved. "And Zac? Thank you."


    "You''re wee," Zac smiled as he disappeared.


    A dayter, Zac stood in his manor, infusing his will into the teleportation array.


    "Catheya Sharvai''Zi," Zac said.


    Twenty seconds passed where nothing happened until a teleportation gate finally opened. A cold wave sted him the moment he stepped through, though there was a current of warmth burrowing into his pores. Death. Even then, it wasn''t enough to sustain his Draugr form, and he had to constantly circte his Miasma and Dao to stave off the creeping frost of Catheya''s mansion.


    The building itself was a series of quaint connected pagodas made of ice and ck stone that stood on a hill overlooking a vastndscape that was essentially t. It was a blistering tundra under a cold-blue moon, where swirls of ice gave the environment a mysterious sheen. The ground was pocked with pitch-ck circles, and Zac soon realized they were ponds with deathly waters.


    Just looking at them made Zac''s mind shudder. For most, they were likely a death trap, but Zac suspected their depths were cultivation havens. That was doubly so for the small pond right before the pagodas. It didn''t look much different from the other ck spots on the horizon, but it emitted an intense chill. Furthermore, small ripples appeared on its surface, even with no wind. It was Dao.


    "You''re here," Catheya waved as she walked over.


    She was not bothered by the cold, wearing a beautiful blue dress Zac hadn''t seen before. With the ethereal backdrop, she looked like an ice goddess who''d walked out of a painting.


    "You look nice," Zac croaked after realizing he had been staring a bit too long.


    A smile yed on Catheya''s lips as she grabbed his hand. "Come. Let me show you my ce."

 Chapter 1018 - Tears of Belsim

    The cold no longer felt as invasive as Catheya led Zac toward one of the outermost pagodas.


    "This region is called Tears of Belsim," Catheya said. "ording to legend��"


    "What legend?" Zac said with confusion. "Was this a part of the empire before?"


    "How could it be? You know, there is a lot of information in the libraries. Maybe if you stopped swinging your axe for a moment..." Catheya smiled.


    "I''ve been nning to get around to those scrolls," Zac coughed.


    "Anyway. ording to legend, Belsim was a spirit born from a supreme natural treasure. The day it awoke, the whole world froze over. The civilizations which lived on the were extinguished, and not even the ancestors could avoid their demise.


    "Belsim didn''t know any of this. It was innocent to the ways of the world. It didn''t understand its birth hade at the cost of billions of lives. But as it grew older, the spirit started to wish for more. It left its birthce, traveling across the world of ice and death. Wherever it went, it felt echoes of itself.


    "First, Belsim didn''t think there was anything odd with it. It was one with thend, so it was natural for it to sense its Dao in the ground and air. But then, it found the civilizations. Whole cities of small beings frozen in ce, their citizens filled with death and resentment. ces that weren''t meant to have Belsim''s mark.


    "Eventually, Belsim figured out what had happened. The price of its bing. It tried to fix what it had done, absorbing the energy it had imposed on the small creatures. It wasn''t enough. Then, it swallowed the death of a world and was indelibly transformed. But that only meant the small creatures had be hollow husks without energy. Those people were gone forever. These ponds are the tears Belsim shed as they realized there was nothing they could do."


    "That''s��" Zac hesitated.


    "I''m sorry, the story is a bit heavy," Catheya coughed as she led him into the leftmost pagoda. "Come, let me show you something else."


    A familiar wall filled with scrolls lined the inner wall, while the rest of the interiors looked like a living room. The interiors didn''t mirror the cold and blue of the outside world and were instead filled with warmth and color. A series of intricately woven rugs covered the ground, hiding the cold hard stone beneath. They reminded Zac of a Bedouin tent, though the room had ssical furniture.


    There were reading nooks and sofas, all of them in warm colors. The scene was quite different from what he''d expected as Zac remembered how Catheya usually formed ice furniture for herself and a stark juxtaposition to the cold palette outside. The walls were no exception to the decoration. Over a dozen paintings covered the walls, all painted with stark colors and bold strokes.


    They initially seemed like abstract sshes of color, but Zac soon stopped and looked to the side. It was a painting dominated by splotches of angry red, with apanying details of deep blue, gold, and purple. Something about it was drawing him in, and a few seconds passed until he realized there was order to the madness.


    After a few more seconds, he felt the scene shift. The red splotches were no longer dots of paint but rustling leaves of tree crowns. Gold rivers ran between the trees, all under a purple sky dominated by blue flying creatures.


    "This is?" Zac asked curiously as he walked over.


    "A small hobby of mine," Catheya smiled as she walked up next to Zac. "This is an unstable realm I visited inside the Million Gates Territory. The moment I stepped through the spatial rift, I knew it would make a great painting."


    "You painted all of these?" Zac said with surprise.


    "Of course," Catheya said. "I''m not sure how you''re able to keep constantly pushing forward. Most of us need outlets to dpress. This is something I learned from my mother."


    "Your mother? I think that''s the first time you mention her?"


    "She''s from a distant subsidiary branch of Sharva''Zi. She and my father had a short romance when he emerged from secluded cultivation. They met when he saw her paint a mountain range. When I was born, I was lucky enough to have a strong mark of Zi even though my mother''s weak heritage. So I became an official daughter of the main n."


    "If you hadn''t had the bloodline?"


    "Then I would have lived with my mother''s branch, though my father''s identity would likely have resulted in me getting adopted by the n leader," Catheya shrugged. "I still visit when I get the chance."


    Zac hummed and looked around. Draugr society was mostly simr to what he was used to, but there were some distinct differences. Marriages were umon and almost only took ce between Dao Partners. Perhaps it made more sense. Until death do us part had apletely different meaning when some lived for millions of years.


    It was moremon to have shorter trysts between cultivation sessions or missions, and those affairs asionally resulted in children being born. Of course, this was mainly for Hegemons and higher. Those stuck in the lower grades had more traditional family structures.


    Catheya''s situation was pretty normal, though the difference in status between her parents seemed unusuallyrge. Bloodline decided which n the offspring would be part of, though there were rare exceptions. For example, if Catheya''s father had wanted to adopt his daughter even if she was born with the lower bloodline, he probably could''ve.


    By the sound of it, her parents were no longer together, which meant Catheya''s mother would have returned to her n. Perhaps the two split when Catheya was young, which would exin why Catheya still had a connection with her even though their bloodlines didn''t match. Many parents severed their connection shortly after birth if their bloodlines didn''t match.


    Ultimately, the n was considered the true family unit, and being a father or mother was not seen as very important. It all felt a bit foreign to Zac, but it was quite normalpared to some societies he''d read about over the past years.


    "What about you?"


    "Me?" Zac said, hesitating a bit. "My dad died during the first month of the Integration. He was a mortal like me, but we were split up. He was killed when the batch of cultivators returned from the tutorial. My mother died when I was young. My sister... died a few years after the Integration. Only me left now."


    "I''m sorry..." Catheya sighed as she ced her hand on his arm.


    Zac gave her a weak smile before turning to another painting. It almost looked like a starry sky partly shrouded by an ethereal haze. It was beautiful but gave off a sense of danger. Zac immediately recognized the scene. "The Vigorbloom Lcs."


    "That''s where I got to know you. Well, some of your secrets, at least."


    "It''s beautiful," Zac smiled. "You''re really good."


    "You can''t have it," Catheya grinned.


    "I wasn''t fishing or anything," Zac assured, though he muttered under his breath. "Stingy."


    "I''ll paint you something else," Catheyaughed. "Come."


    The two toured one building after another, where Catheya excitedly showed off interesting nts she''d trapped in ice or paintings of her visits. Eventually, they reached a padded bench overlooking the mysterious pond at the foot of the hill, where a bottle and two sses already stood waiting on a table. The two sat down next to each other, and Zac''s mind shuddered as he felt a brief bout of deja vu.


    The view waspletely different to back home, but the situation was still reminiscent of those mornings he''d shared with Thea in his perg. He didn''t push the thoughts aside but let them pass on their own. More than a decade had passed since then, and Zac knew he had to let go and move on. Doing so didn''t mean he''d forgiven his mother or forgotten his goals. It meant he would look ahead instead of being trapped in the past.


    "By the way, how''s the kernel?" Zac asked. "No problems, right?"


    "It''s the opposite, really," Catheya said as she poured Zac a ss. "It''s amazing. It almost feels like I have another Hidden Node. Energy flows smoother, and the Dao feels clearer. It''s a shame it''ll be gone after I form my Cosmic Core."


    "Who knows, it might havesting effects," Zac mused.


    "Really?"


    "Well, they felt a lot more powerful than normal kernels. They might permanently improve your affinity."


    "Then it''d be the second time you got me something that raises my talent," Catheya said as she looked deeply into Zac''s eyes. "My fate really has been sent off-kilter by you."


    Zac''s mouth opened, but his mind went nk.


    "It''s quite the view. This ce really is perfect for you," Zac coughed after a few seconds of awkward silence. "You were a lot smarter than me when picking your home base."


    Zac had expected Catheya to use the prompt to exin the mysterious pond beyond its mythological origin. Still, he was surprised to find her smile turn crooked as some sorrow appeared in Catheya''s eyes.


    "Perfect for me," Catheya sighed.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Catheya didn''t move for a few seconds before answering.


    "I was born with a great affinity to Ice and Death, so my father entrusted me to his friend who walked a simr path. I''ve lived and cultivated within environments such as this all my life. It''s, as you say, perfect for me. But it sometimes feels like a prison.


    "The Perennial Vastness is a gateway to all kinds of wonders. There are thousands of worlds holding environments I didn''t even know existed. Yet I''ll have to keep going back to the worlds of Ice and Death. The rest are hostile to me, in a way I don''t think you living understand." Catheya said, shaking her head when Zac was about to interject. "I can tell you don''t really feel the suppression like I do. Some ces are so damaging I can feel my body dying unless I actively resist with beacons or Miasma Crystals. I''m relegated to a corner of the Heavens.


    "Maybe that''s why that story with the Belsim resonated with me."


    "I''m sorry, I��" Zac said, but Catheya shook her head as she ced her hand on his.


    "No, I''m sorry. I shouldn''tin. I know I''m far better off than most. Staying in the Perennial Vastness is just a constant reminder of how we are outsiders."


    "Well, how about this?" Zac said after some thought. "I''ll sneak into the Heart of the Empire when I visit. That ce probably has all kinds of good things. Finding something that will allow you to travel the Multiverse shouldn''t be too hard."


    "You''ll fight the Primo and steal his stuff for me?" Catheya grinned.


    "He can try to stop me, but I''ve gotten pretty good at blowing up stuff and creating a mess," Zac winked.


    Catheyaughed before leaning her head against his shoulder. "Then I''ll be waiting."


    The two were content sitting like that for a minute until Catheya spoke up again. "What will you do next?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I got a treasure in the inheritance that needs to be fed with treasures from all Dao Peaks, so I''ll be visiting one Red Zone after another," Zac sighed. "It''s weird. I was ahead of schedule, but now I feel I''m somehow behind again."


    "When are you setting out?"


    "I..." Zac said as he looked down at Catheya. "Uh... Maybe tomorrow?"


    A mischievous smile appeared on her face as she stood up. "Come, there''s one more thing I want to show you."


    --------------------------


    Zac grunted as he slowly heaved himself up the ledge, his muscles shuddering from the exertion. His fingers were slick with sweat, but the rough rocks were thankfully providing enough purchase to avoid falling. Just two hours, and he felt as though he''d been fighting for his life ten days and ten nights straight. Yet when looking down, he saw he''d only managed to ascend a few thousand meters. Barely enough to make a dent.


    By this point, the sun was high in the sky, drowning the sharp peak in light. When he arrived, the sun had just appeared on the horizon. There was no warmth to the light like a normal sun, but neither was there anything else. It was just pure light containing an invasive and unyielding force. Zac tried to resist it the best he could, but not even [Void Zone] worked against the rays. It was like the light had a physical characteristic, glomming onto him and weighing him down.


    As if the intense gravity of the mountain needed any help making his life miserable. And it would only get worse from here. Soon, the light would be reced by darkness. Active darkness, and not just the absence of the sun. It would pour onto him just like the light now was, putting even greater restrictions on his body. This was the true danger of the Imperial Spire. The longer you stayed, the more cycles of light and darkness you''d experience. Each cycle would tack on the weight you experienced, and there was no way to cleanse it except to leave the region.


    If you were too slow, the weight would overwhelm you before you reached the upper reaches where the treasures waited. And if you weren''t careful, you could find yourself stuck. Gravity increased the further you climbed, and the cycles of light and darkness would continuously worsen the situation. It was easy to reach a point where you didn''t have the strength to descend the mountain safely. Just breaking a few bones was the least of your worries. There was a real risk of being turned into meat paste on the mountain slopes.


    Zac looked up at the almost vertical peak, sweat pouring down his face. Still a long, long way to go before he reached his target.


    [Red Mission: Extract Revolution Orbs from the Imperial Spire. Bounty: 200 Mana per extracted Revolution Orb. Orbs must be fully removed from the Imperial Spire to be considered extracted. Maximum Participants: 1. NOTE: Multiple guests can ept this mission.]


    The [Revolution Orbs] didn''t have anything to do with overthrowing the unnamed emperor after which this mountain was named. They were Natural Treasures formed by the revolution of light and darkness that kept him and all other guests on their toes. Just as the revolutions left some mysterious energy on his body, so did they leave behind energies on the mountain itself.


    Sometimes, these energies turned into [Revolution Orbs]��treasures epassing all three major directions of the Peak of Taiji. And the target for Zac, who hoped to kill two birds with one stone. Earn some Mana and feed his Omnitool, which apparently was the real name of the hammer pick floating around in his mind.


    This was the first Peak he targeted, even before going after the supreme treasures of his path. It would have been easier to target those two, but it wasn''t convenient right now. For chaos, there was the Cmity, but that region was still in flux. And since Zac needed to returnter to pick up the Remnants anyway, there was no point in heading to a simr zone.


    As for the Peak of Conflict, he didn''t have ess. There were two good options, both of which were ancient battlefields. However, they contained such dangerous lingering resentment that one required the fourth echelon to ess and the other the eighth. There were less dangerous ces as well, but visiting those felt like a waste of time. He had reached the third echelon just this month, though, so he was still some ways off.


    That left him with the Imperial Spire. It was by no means the easiest or safest of the Red Zones, but he had an inherent advantage. Apparently, most living races had an advantage when climbing under the light, while they faced incredible suppression in darkness. Conversely, undead, most golemoids, and some other species could make swift progress in the dark, rtively speaking, while they suffered under the light.


    So someone like him could keep going without suffering the full weight of the zone.


    Zac kept going, climbing higher and higher. Neither Vivi nor Alea was much help. They barely managed to raise their tendrils against the gravity, and the extra weight of the two made climbing even harder. So Alea returned to her ne form while Vivi retracted all but a bulbous flower that soaked in the light.


    Skills were no good either. For one, the gravity was so overbearing even his Cosmic Energy was suppressed. He had narrowly managed to activate his skills, but [Ancestral Forest] instantly failed, and [Earthstrider] only moved him a few meters at the cost of almost killing him. He didn''t even dare try [Abyssal Phase] under this suppression.


    Thankfully, [Void Zone] was able to give Zac the asional breather. And with his enormous pool of Strength, he covered more ground in a single light cycle than most did in five. Soon, night arrived, and Zac wordlessly swapped over to his Draugr form on a ledge and kept going. Four days passed this way until Zac finally saw a st of light from a ledge above. The scene filled Zac''s exhausted body with newfound strength, and he swiftly crossed the final stretch.


    It was lying there right in the open��a grey pearl containing an immense sense of weight. It asionally emitted bursts of intense darkness or light, which was what he''d seen before. Zac walked over and almost stumbled upon feeling the intense gravity zone the orb had created.


    "Holy crap," Zac grunted, feeling like he would slip a disk when lifting the fist-sized orb.


    It dislodged the natural formation that kept all [Revolution Orbs] spatially locked, but it didn''t do much to help with the weight. He knew he couldn''t put it down. ording to Null, it would fuse with the mountain if he did, so he desperately held on with his right hand as the Omnitool appeared in his left.


    Zac lightly tapped the hammer against the orb ording to a set pattern. There was no response. Zac tried a few more times, but the orb was about to slip out of his grasp. He recalled the tool with a sigh before stowing away the [Revolution Orb] in a spare high-quality spatial ring. Those things were so heavy they could damage the subspace of the Spatial Tools they were in. His main ring was probably sturdy enough, but why take the risk?


    He had reached the altitude where the [Revolution Orbs] started to appear. The conventional method to finish his quest would be climbing sideways in search of more orbs. When you could no longer endure theyers of light and dark, you''d descend with your haul. But Zac''s gaze turned upward. The Omnitool didn''t want [Revolution Orbs], but nothing said the orbs were the only things that could appear on the mountain.


    The best things were no doubt at the peak.

 Chapter 1019 - Ahead of Schedule

    All sound and light were muted in the depths of the pond. It was almost like time stood still, frozen by the intense cold from the depths. Catheya continuously dragged energy into her body from the frigid waters as she circted [Frigid Doctrine of Zi]. Her ichor coursed through her veins, harmonizing and assimting the pond''s energies while the essence of the energies was dragged into the seed in her lower abdomen.


    She had finally managed to reach the 100-meter ledge. Catheya still couldn''t see the bottom of the Belsim pond, but she guessed she''d reached the halfway point. She''d be ready to start her core formation when she could reach that spot and stay there without being overwhelmed by the death and cold.


    Of course, that final stretch was no joke. Catheya shuddered as another cial tendril from below caressed her leg, leaving her calf frozen solid. But she wouldn''t give in. She could tell there was something special about the depths. Perhaps an array or a natural formation? Either case, the depths felt like a bonfire of Dao when she circted her manual. Not even the shallows of the Abyssal Lake emitted such intense power, though the Tears of Belsim didn''t nurture her bloodline.


    "You have an entry request."


    ''He''s here?'' Catheya asked as she slowly opened her eyes.


    "An Ogras Azh''Rezak requests an audience," Winter answered.


    A surge of annoyance red in Catheya''s chest, but she still started ascending the pond. Zac was already three dayste to their date, and now his shadow came knocking instead? She knew they were all busy, but it still hurt.


    She''d heard of how women back home ignored their partners as punishment for their transgressions. But how was that a punishment to Zac? He''d get engrossed by one of his projects in no time and soon forget he was being ignored. Infuriating. Besides, his drive and dedication were attributes she loved, so the situation was doubly frustrating.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A wave of frigid air greeted Catheya as she emerged from the pond, but the iceswept winds almost felt sweltering after spending the past five days in the depths. She channeled her Miasma to dry her clothes and hair as she epted the request through her guide.


    "What is it?" Catheya grunted as the demon stepped through the gate.


    "What''s with the long face?" the demon grinned before shuddering. "This ce is the worst."


    "Well, it wasn''t made for you," Catheya said. "Where is he?"


    "I found some clues to an item he needed for that hammer of his the other day," Ogras exined.


    That cursed hammer. This wasn''t the first date it had ruined over the past year.


    "You or your goblin?" Catheya said with a roll of her eyes.


    "What''s the difference? We''re both benefitting, aren''t we?" Ogras snorted. "Or do you want to change our agreement?"


    "Nevermind, I''m just a bit annoyed," Catheya sighed. "So you found some clues."


    "The numbers indicated a Green Zone, so we feared it''d start a global quest if we waited. We''ve been narrowing it down for the past week," Ogras exined as he took out a bottle that seemed to contain liquid fire. He took a deep swig, and Catheya could see how the demon''s life force almost seemed to have ignited. "That''s better."


    "So?"


    "He needs your help. Can we go before my little spear turns into an icicle?"


    "He clearly preferred your help," Catheya said, unable to fully keep out the resentment of his voice. "Why bothering to me and ruin your good time?"


    "Is that what you want me to convey?" Ogras countered with a raised brow.


    "��No," Catheya sighed. "Where to?"


    "Well�� It''s the Heavenly Cauldrons."


    Catheya nched before looking at the demon suspiciously. "Are you trying to get me killed?"


    "If a Green Zone can kill you, you''re probably not ready for Hegemony."


    "You know what I mean," Catheya glowered. "That ce is my nemesis."


    "That''s why he needs your help. Opposites and all that," Ogras grinned.


    "Fine," Catheya sighed as she mentally prepared herself for an absolutely dreadful day.


    "What a devoted wife," the demon grinned as the teleportation array activated. "Entering the gates of hell for her beloved. Makes my heart swell."


    Catheya would normally have started shooting icicles after the demon at this point, but she was busy cing talismans on her body to deal with the heat that radiated out of the gate. The two stepped through, and Catheya had to forcibly resist jumping back in. Waves of Fire and Life assaulted her and tried to burrow into her body. They stood atop scorched steppes covered with angrily shining moss.


    Within that moss, small beetles scuttled about, making Catheya''s skin crawl.


    "Yeah, not great," Ograsmented as he followed Catheya''s gaze. "They''re only by the teleporter, though. I think they like the spatial energy."


    "Where to?" Catheya said, already feeling her skin heat up.


    The talismans lit up one after another and started releasing the stockpiled Miasma, and a ring on her finger began releasing an icy mist. Unfortunately, her preparations could only do so much when faced with a fully attuned environment. She was only one person, and it was impossible to push away the pervasive Dao around herpletely. It was like trying to hide a stench with perfume. It just resulted in a different type of stinky scent.


    "This way, young miss," the insufferable demon said with a bow. How did he manage to make a bow sarcastic?


    The two didn''t exchange many words as they set out across the steppes, passing a series of golden rivers and pools of magma. Thankfully, Zac was inside arge volcano she could see far in the distance. It wouldn''t take more than an hour or two to get there.


    "Any news from your goblin friend?" Catheya eventually asked.


    "He says a surge is forming," Ogras grinned. "Right now, the energy levels across most realms are decreasing slightly, but that''s because it''s umting."


    "When?" Catheya asked.


    "Two years, maybe. It''ll depend on the realms. Some might only need a final push to produce a material."


    "Will you two be able to figure it out in time?" Catheya asked curiously.


    This was their shot. Zac was just too much of a machine, and they couldn''t keep up unless he visited realms suited for their strength. Neither did either feelfortable relying too heavily on him for Mana. So the two had decided to team up, using [Perennial Transformations] as a foundation. They had already managed to trigger and finish two local quests, though they''d only gained 1,000 Mana each this way.


    However, it was rtively risk-free and only took them a couple of days. The problem was it was quite difficult to meet the requirements of that Numerologist Zac knew. His scheme was essentially to abuse hidden rules of the Perennial Vastness and create artificial fate through proximity and timing. Arrive early or toote, and you wouldn''t trigger a personal quest. Either no quest would trigger or a global one if the treasure was valuable enough.


    It was quite ingenious but also very difficult to perfect. Luckily, Ogras had that mysterious spectral goblin for help. In return, she provided manpower through the Undead Empire. She was also more powerful than the demon, so they had agreed to split the bounties 50-50. Still, it was shocking how much the man had grown since they met in the Tower of Eternity. She wouldn''t have had a leg to stand on if she hadn''t been sent to the Abyssal Shores.


    Especially when you considered that g... Catheya shuddered at the memory. She knew a thing or two about souls and reanimation, and that thing wasn''t natural.


    The two kept a steady pace, though Catheya felt her focus start to waver at the constant onught of hostile Dao and energy. Thankfully, they''d reached the volcano, and Catheya gritted her teeth upon seeing a familiar figure step out from a hidden tunnel.


    "You!" Catheya growled as she stomped over. "Two dayste, and then you drag me to this purgatory? What did I do to deserve this?


    "I''m sorry. Look, I''m suffering with you!" Zac said as he quickly transformed into his Draugr form. Immediately, his face copsed into a pained visage, and he hunched over while grasping his chest. "Ow ow, the heat!"


    A smile crept up Catheya''s face, but she pushed it down and roused her annoyance as she poked him in his side. "Jerk, like I don''t know your body tempering method trantes into resistance to this exact environment."


    "I''m sorry, really," Zac smiled. "You look very pretty today."


    "I''m a sweaty mess," Catheya huffed, partly mollified. "Well, what do you need me to freeze here? The sooner we can leave, the better."


    "Come," Zac said, grasping her hand as he led her inside.


    "How did your cultivation session go?"


    "Not bad," Catheya said as she released a content sigh. For some reason, the heat was lower inside the volcano than outside. "I think my seed will be finished in four years."


    "That''s great," Zac smiled. "Guess we''re both ahead of schedule."


    "This is the fourth, right?" Catheya asked.


    "Well, we''ll see," Zac smiled.


    The two continued further into the mountain, and the tunnel grew darker as the heat grew more sparse. Catheya soon realized it wasn''t the mountain. Zac had installed cooling arrays in the tunnel, and she felt some sweetness in her chest. He''d probably known she would be hot and miserable by the time she arrived and made some preparations. Twenty minutester, there was finally a change in the path. A weak golden light lit up the tunnel in the distance, and Catheya inwardly braced herself. They were about to reach the molten core.


    Then, there was nothing: no life, no fire, no heat. But neither was there any death or cold. There was just nothing, like she had stepped out of Heaven''s purview. It was both disconcerting and liberating, and it almost felt like she couldn''t tell where she ended and the air began.


    Catheya looked at Zac with confusion, but he only smiled as he led her toward the light. They turned around a bend and found themselves in a room filled with a soft glow. A thick rug covered the ground, a low table where a bottle of chilled wine stood waiting, and lots of pillows. There were no lights or candles, but then none were needed.


    The cave simply ended at the opposite side, exposing the room to a breathtaking vista. It was a vast sea of fire releasing innumerable bubbles of life-giving light. The lights slowly rose toward the sky but copsed just before they reached the volcano''s mouth. It created a beautiful and ever-changing ambiance that filled the area.


    "What�� How?" Catheya whispered as she looked around with confusion. There were no holy beacons, no arrays. She couldn''t sense any energy fluctuations at all. Or rather, she could, but they disappeared right outside the cave. It was like she was standing inside a raging fire, yet the mes somehow missed her. Was it a separate dimension? But there should still be hints of Dao if so.


    "I''ve been thinking about what you said that day. How you felt like an outsider," Zac exined. "So I built this. A way to enjoy the view without relying on flooding the environment with Miasma."


    Catheya wordlessly looked at him, her vision swimming.


    Zac awkwardly scratched his chin, like he so often did. "I know it''s just a small room and not really what you meant. I just thought you''d like��"


    His words grew indistinct and were then stopped as she pressed her lips against his. She soon felt those strong arms enclose her and was filled with contentment.


    "I love it," Catheya whispered. "I can''t believe you sealed the Heavens for me."


    -------------


    Til''Siri''s hearts rattled as she stood at attention by the teleportation array. She felt like she was part of history, about to catch a glimpse of the birth of the Era.


    "Be careful what you say," Til''Siri once more reminded her irasciblepanion. "The Primordial was born in a more brutal era."


    "I know, I know," Emberstorm shrugged. "Though if you ask me, it''s a waste of time. This old thing is as ancient as the Era itself. I bet she won''t even get epted by Ultom, no matter how loved by the Heavens she is."


    "Even if it turns out she can''t enter, she''ll still be the leader of our operations here," Til''Siri countered, hiding the smile that tugged at her lips. "Besides, the ancestors wouldn''t have awoken one of the four remaining Primordials if they weren''t confident she''d be able to participate."


    "Whatever," Emberstorm muttered. "Bunch of dusty things that don''t understand this Era, if you ask me. They were strong, alright, but they were just supersized barbarians without skills or technique."


    "Well, no one asked," Til''Siri spat. "Now be quiet, or you''ll get us both killed."


    An hour passed until the array finally lit up. Til''Siri smoothed her dress, prompting a derisive snort from the insectoid.


    Then, she stepped through, and Til''Siri could barely prevent her ardent expression from copsing. The Primordial was short and round to the point she was almost a circle. However, she was all muscle and asymmetrical bones, giving off an intensely deadly aura. Her face was t and unexpressive,pletelycking the graceful featuresmonly associated with a perfect Atavism. Simply put, she was ugly, incredibly so, with the exception of her eyes. They glowed with purple splendor, and Til''Siri felt like she was looking at the Dao itself.


    "We greet the esteemed Primordial!" Til''Siri said with a deep bow, and she inwardly sneered upon seeing that Emberstorm didn''t follow suit.


    It looked like her goading had worked.


    "So you''re the one they dug out of that deep abyss? The one who''s supposed to lead us without having merit or qualifications?" Emberstorm said. "If you want to lead me, you''ll have to endure my attack."


    The stout creature wordlessly looked at Emberstorm for a second before slowly reaching out her hand. Emberstorm snorted as mes lit up across his body, and a deafening drone made the air crackle. But a frown appeared on his face as the hand kept getting closer. Til''Siri shook her head, feeling her senses were being messed with. It didn''t seem the Primordial''s hand was growing, but rather that the universe shrunk to amodate her will.


    Emberstorm tried to create some distance, but the hand was intractable. A storm of scorching mes erupted on Emberstorm''s body, but they were snuffed like a weak candle as the hand closed around him. The Primordial hadn''t even given him a chance tounch an attack before attacking herself.


    "Wait��" Emberstorm screamed, his anger finally turning into fear. But it was toote.


    The arm pulled back, and the Primordial put her whole hand into her oversized mouth. Til''Siri shook as she stood rooted in ce, sweat pouring down her back as she found the horrifying creature locking eyes with hers as she slowly started to chew. A few ghastly crunches were followed by a gulp. Like that, one of the rising stars of the Starbeast Swarm had been turned into a snack.


    "He dared challenge the natural order without understanding his or my strength," the creature said. "That is uneptable."


    Til''Siri could only nod, afraid she''d be targeted next.


    "This System has made you all weak and irresolute," the Primordial continued. "It gives a veneer of order when the only truth is power. I will not kill you today. But you will rece the schemes in your heart with strength if you wish to follow me."


    "Y-yes," Til''Siri shuddered, knowing her plot had been seen through.


    Til''Siri knew there was no scheming against this ancestor. Looking into her eyes put Til''Siri under even greater pressure than meeting her ancestor. Til''Siri should have known better after learning of her origins. About a unique creature who had reached the limits of the broken Heaven of that primordial Era. Someone who had ughtered Supremacies and bathed in their blood.


    Someone with the strength and determination to give up her spot at the peak and seal her reincarnation in the river of time, all for a chance to push beyond the limits of the Dao when the Heavens had recovered.


    "What about the matter?"


    "The local faction is called the Kan''Tanu. They do not have the means to stabilize the Space Gate forcibly, and they are still organizing their armies," Til''Siri hurriedly said, feeling she''d been given a new lease on life. "On yourmand, I''ve petitioned the elders to help. Array Masters will arrive in two months with the required materials. Their preliminary report is that it will take another two months at most to finish the process."


    "Good. Today''s universe is too wretched, and the Heavens are spread too thin. I will have to rekindle my memories with blood instead of Dao. Constantly relying on my bloodline is too tiring."


    "What does Mistress want to do until then?"


    "We continue into the Million Gates," the Primordial said. "The cosmos is pointing me toward the first key."


    Til''Siri nodded, trying to quell her jealousy. Born from the Dao in the chaotic cauldron of a nascent Era, blessed by the cosmos in a way you''d never see today. Having the Heavens whisper its secrets into your ear, pointing you down the correct path.


    How were others topete with a lifeform like this?

 Chapter 1020 - Cosmic Infusion

    "This is the one," Zac muttered, pushing away the sense of doom as he picked up the withered branch with his free hand.


    The Omnitool in his other transformed from its standard rock pick into a scalpel axe. He stillcked six of the seventeen peaks, but he''d found that the tool could already be used for half an hour before it needed to be returned. It was enough for his practice. He could have used the artisanal axes as well, but why bother?


    The Omnitool wasn''t just a gadget that could change shape. It was instilled with the essence of [Cosmic Forge] and naturally helped control the extraction process when Zac channeled his Void Energy through it. Without it, you''d have to work twice as hard for half the result.


    One could argue that it would be better practice not to use the assisting tool, but the Omnitool was an integral part of the crafting process. Not using it would be like a cksmith not using a furnace or an alchemist not using a cauldron. What was the point?


    Zac carefully cut the stem open, making sure to infuse the scar with the illusory engravings of [Cosmic Infusion]. One by one, esoteric runes spread across the branch in the wake of the incision. They almost looked like natural markings left by nature itself, but they were rather the result of an intricate web of Void Energy.


    The once clumsy attempts had be far more precise, mostly thanks to the synthetic experience awarded through the visions. Practicing extraction and infusing over the past two years had felt like picking up an old hobby you''d put aside for years. He wasn''t learning; he was re-learning.


    With precision came speed, which was just as important for the sess of the extraction. Every second that passed after Zac began the process was a second of entropy where the essence of the branch melted away. The quicker the extraction, the moreplete the essence you could use for an infusion. If you took too long, the Dao would be wed, which was like drinking from a poisoned well.


    Soon, Zac had cut a scar along the length of the branch. At that point, it floated into the air, hovering vertically over the workbench. Zac''s left hand formed a w beneath, while the right continuously moved around. One mote of starlight, or rather deathlight, after another appeared on his fingertips and entered the branch.


    It had taken months of trial and error to get the ball rolling, but Zac had long since explored the ways [Cosmic Infusion] worked and didn''t work in the current Era. Unsurprisingly, it didn''t work with either Cosmic Energy or Miasma. He had to solely use his Void Energy to engrave and infuse the innumerable seals that made up the first chapter of [Cosmic Forge].


    However, the method did work with his Dao. The method would function without any ''Cosmic Truths'' as the First People called it, but Dao did elevate the technique just like how it worked with skills. The extraction became more efficient, as was the infusion. Zac even suspected he could add some of his ownprehension to the process, though he hadn''t reached that point yet. Unfortunately, using Dao only worked when Zac worked with materials of matching attunements. In other words, items crafted for himself would be better than items he crafted for people with different paths.


    It was not much of a loss, considering he didn''t have any ns to craft on arge scale. He was content as long as he could improve his gear and create useful tools. It was just a wee bonus if he also could improve the gear of those close to him.


    Twenty minutes passed as one mote after another entered the branch. Finally, a glistening grey liquid appeared on the bottom of the branch. It wasn''t actually a liquid, though. It was intangible essence taking the shape of sap. With other items, the essence would appear in other forms. One drop after another fell and was caught in the air by Zac''s prepared w.


    The technique of [Cosmic Forge] was simply magical. It was based on an unfathomably deep understanding of the interaction between essence and materia. Truthfully, Zac had some trouble understanding exactly what essence was. But essentially, it was the ''magic'' inside Natural Treasures. Whatever allowed them to help cultivators gain attributes, open nodes, or even improve their affinities. [Cosmic Forge] took this magic and crammed it into a weapon.


    You could liken the essence locked inside a Natural Treasure to a ship moored on a dock with thousands of ropes. [Cosmic Infusion] severed those ropes one by one, without damaging or changing the ship, until it waspletely detached. At that point, the ship would naturally sail away. In the second step, Zac could steer the ship into the recipient item. There, the opposite process would happen: he would create thousands of new ropes and moor the vessel at the new docks.


    Of course, the analogy wasn''t 100% exact. The structural integrity and properties of a Natural Treasure were almostpletely dependent on the energy and Dao inside. So when disconnecting the essence from the Natural Treasure, you also had to keep the material stable until you had extracted what you needed. The shallow scars covering his hands were a painful reminder of what would happen if you lost control.


    The extraction was difficult on its own, but the actual infusion was another beast altogether. Zac had thought it''d be like building a tower, cing another floor atop the foundation he''d just built. Part of it was true, but there was also another dimension to it. Infusing multipleyers of essence into a weapon also felt like packing a suitcase.


    The first couple ofyers weren''t too taxing. There was a lot of room avable in the suitcase. Even if you made mistakes, you couldfortably ce the items inside. But the more mistakes, the quicker the suitcase would fill up. By the point you reached theter stages of the Cosmic Cycle, the suitcase was already filled to the brim. Unfortunately, you couldn''t just take things out and repack the suitcase. At least not until he mastered [Cosmic Extraction], though Zac wasn''t sure that was how the method worked.


    Luckily, there were many things that Zac could do to make the process more efficient. The most obvious was to improve his skill in using [Cosmic Forge]. The higher his skill, the more efficient the infusion. But that was just part of the equation. Improving your technique was the first of the three pirs you needed to maximize the result of [Cosmic Infusion]. Or maximizing the result of most crafting methods, really.


    The second pir was aprehensive understanding of materials. The better Zac understood the materials, both the treasure to extract and the tool you wanted to infuse, the better the result. Each material was unique and required him to adjust the extraction process slightly. Like how he needed to cut a precise incision in this branch and extract the essence from within. There were few shortcuts in umting this sort ofprehension. It required endless trial and error. He could somewhat sidestep that requirement for items resonating with his Dao, but practice makes perfect.


    The final pir of crafting was the recipe. Some pills required dozens, even thousands of herbs. But would you throw them all into the cauldron blindly? Of course not. Concocting a pill required exact order and timing to produce the optimal result. Any small changes and the pill might be reduced to toxic gunk.


    It was the same for [Cosmic Infusion]. The results would be vastly superior if he followed a ''recipe.'' For example, the Life-attuned [Sundew Stalks] followed by the Beast Core of a Transcendence Larva could set a stable foundation to add more infusions. Reverse the order, and you''d have a mess on your hands. The interlocked essence would grow so unstable he could only add one or two infusions from that point.


    [Cosmic Forge] didn''t contain any finished recipes for creating multi-cycle infusions. Instead, it containedprehensive sets of rules and concepts that would allow you to build a sturdy theoretical foundation. From there, Zac could either work on instinct or create recipes that would allow him to craft high-quality items repeatedly. Zac was far from mastering these theories, but he had already started to get an intuitive sense of what materials were needed for proper progression. Of course, that was only for his own Daos so far.


    In addition, he''d discovered a few tricks that helped. The most basic rule of [Cosmic Infusion] was that the first cycle only required low-quality items. That alone was quite impressive��the ability to create a Middle-quality item with only low-quality materials. And that was nothingpared to the fourth cycle; the ability to reliably create supreme-quality tools with only peak-quality materials.


    It wasn''t unheard of for a skilled craftsman, but you almost needed the stars to align to aplish something like that. They''d have to enter a temporary state of enlightenment like when he created [Pir of Destion]. And even then, it required a hefty amount of luck. Of course, the skill and nning required to aplish something like that were undoubtedly staggering even for a top-tier method like [Cosmic Forge]. Even the quest for [Cosmic Extraction] only asked him to infuse two cycles and create a High-quality item.


    Interestingly, Zac had long found that Low-quality materials were not just the minimum for the first cycle; they were the optimal choice. Zac had mountains of high-grade materials to practice with, but he quickly realized they contained too much essence and energies that were tooplex. Using those kinds of materials right off the bat increased theplexity and difficulty without improving the result.


    It was better to start right at the bottom of the pole. Dirt-cheap attuned materials you''d only buy in bulk seemed to be the optimal choice for the first couple of cycles. From there, you''d use better and better low-quality materials until you used something right at the threshold of medium quality for the final infusion of the cycle.


    Small streams floated from the essence blob in Zac''s hand toward the axe waiting on the workstation. They formed one mysterious pattern after another until the whole weapon was covered. At that point, the axe floated into the air and turned over, allowing Zac to coat the back. Sweat poured down Zac''s forehead as he strained his soul to maintain control.


    [Cosmic Forge] had confirmed his energy control with Void Energy was extremely high in contrast to his control over Cosmic Energy and Miasma. But using his Dao toplement the process put pressure on even his Three Fates Soul. To perfectly utilize his Dao, he had to infuse every single rune with a separate stream of mental energy. His current limits were 54 streams, or rather 27 streams from each of his two souls. Any more than that, and he''d get so slow and clumsy that it would do more harm than good. Still, it was a great step forward, and the practice even helped him with his Dao Braids.


    Of course, he''d already found an alternative route in that regard.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A full hour passed as the branch grew increasingly withered while the axe started radiating an oppressive aura. Suddenly, the weapon released a weak shockwave that turned the branch into ash. A smile spread across Zac''s face as he grasped the axe out of the air.


    A full Cosmic Cycle. The unadorned practice axe emitted an ominous aura of Death, and it was clearly sturdier and sharper than before. Scanning it with his senses found no major imperfections. The intecedyers of [Cosmic Forge] were mostly harmonious, though too many mistakes had been made for it to reach a second Cosmic Cycle. It was only halfway to finishing the quest, but he still felt it was great progress. He had spent two full years reaching this point, but most of that time had been spent looking for items to feed his Omnitool.


    Swinging it a few times, he felt far more in tune with the weapon than before.


    "What about now?" Zac asked into the air.


    ''I told you. No bounty,'' an exasperated Null answered. ''None of your Void methods, no matter if we''re discussing your Body Tempering Manual or the Craftsman heritage, are worth any Mana. And no, I don''t know why. I applied and got denied. Try inventing normal things instead if you want that kind of bounty.''


    "Well, worth a shot," Zac grunted.


    Having finally reached this point, Zac felt it was time to finally focus on that ominous feeling. He had felt like a de was trained at his neck for weeks, but he couldn''t pinpoint the source. At first, he''d thought he was being paranoid since things had run so smoothlytely. But the feeling wouldn''t go away, and he could tell something was afoot.


    He walked out of his workshop at the bottom of Mount Illumination and began his ascent. As he walked, he opened his Status Screen to make sure he hadn''t gained any mana for creating an attuned axe. No changes.


    [Mana: 41,023]


    Two years had passed since he got his hands on [Cosmic Forge], and he''d barely averaged 1,000 Mana a month since then. And that was after running himself ragged. It wasn''t bad by any means, but it was quite a pathetic haulpared to getting almost 20,000 Mana in less than two months. Certainly, part of the reason was he spent a decent chunk of Mana on the simtion array and Enlightenment Chambers to speed up hisprehension of [Cosmic Infusion].


    However, the biggest exnation was that some of the zones had been beyond his skill to deal with reliably. Red Zones were no joke, even for him. Finally getting a Mana domain had helped a bit. Still, it wasn''t like a low-level domain was enough to keep a Red Zone''s incredibly powerful and unpredictable environments at bay. Besides, he had only visited Zones that weren''t aligned with his path.


    The worst of the bunch was the Chrono Well, where he''d lost over a month''s worth of entrance fees without finishing the quest or finding an item for his Omnitool. He''d lost almost 5,000 mana that month alone, and it wasn''t the only month where he''d tallied a loss.


    Furthermore, the Mana fee was starting to get noticeable now that he''d entered the fifth echelon. It currently cost him 400 Mana a month just to retain his Mana Domain. It was no wonder so few managed to go beyond 100,000 Mana. You had to push yourself quite hard to just break even at that point, especially considering it got harder and harder to earn Mana from duels at the higher echelons. One mistake that left you bedridden could cost you half an echelon''s worth of Mana.


    Still, the fifth echelon in just over two years was well ahead of schedule. Catheya and Ogras were only on the third, even if they''d worked hard on both missions and bounties. However, they were both still making improvements thanks to the various opportunities in the Perennial Vastness, and they were getting better at using [Perennial Transformations] by the day.


    Zac spent the next hour climbing back toward the peak, inwardly grumbling at Null''s refusal to let him set up teleportation arrays at the foot or on the other mountains.


    "You have a message from Kruta the Second," Null suddenly said just as Zac reached the crest.


    "Really?" Zac said with surprise.


    Zac had kept in contact with the barbarian after they met in the Quarry. Kruta hade for a duel and to gawk when the rumors of his ability to swap between two races had started to spread. Zac had nned to keep it a secret as a hidden ace after getting so much Mana right out the gates, but he realized it was impossible after a few people had managed to see his blueprint in his human form. It was just too eye-catching, so he had opted to give up on subterfuge and scam some Mana before it was toote.


    Kruta had also joined him for two outings into the Orange Zone battlefields. The barbarian almost exclusively stayed in those regions because of his path, and it turned out he had a very useful ability. He was a faith cultivator calling upon the spirits of his tribe''s ancestors. A soul whisp of some old warlord lived in his body, resulting in him being adopted by a warchief from the main tribe.


    It was an interesting cultivation path, but that wasn''t why Kruta was such an asset on the ancient battlefields. The barbarian could actuallymune with the lingering wills to some degree. asionally, the fallen soldiers took a liking to him and shared some secrets. Their two missions hadn''t resulted in any supreme treasure, but both had walked away with massive rewards from the quest.


    Had Kruta found a new opportunity? Was this why he''d been so unsettled over the past days?


    "Buddy, I have big news," the message began. "Something is happening in the Stand of Saeward. The spirits are stirring like they''re about to rise from the grave, and weird tremors are releasing scary energies. I think something big is about to happen within a week at most. I don''t dare go alone, but maybe if I had a helping hand... You up for an adventure?"


    Zac thoughtfully looked at themunication crystal for a few minutes. This seemed like a perfect opportunity, but his Danger Sense was tingling. He could almost feel fate gathering in the Stand of Saeward even if he''d never been to the restricted battlefield. Danger and opportunity appearing hand in hand. He''d never had this feeling when visiting the other Red Zones, even if a few of them had almost cost him his life.


    There was something special about this one. Zac hesitated for over twenty minutes before finally recording a response. Conflict was the final key of the puzzle, and items that could match the [Cmity Core] and the [Void Engine] didn''t appear every day. Not a single item he''d fed his Omnitool over the past two years was a match to those two treasures. He couldn''t back down now that an opportunity had presented itself.


    Thankfully, he had some time. He''d trust his guts. This excursion would be exceedingly dangerous for whatever reason, so Zac needed to ensure he was prepared. His gaze slowly turned toward the empty patch ofnd on the opposite side of the peak. A great treasure right within reach.


    It was time.

 Chapter 1021 - Transience

    Zac''s first entry into the hostile Red Zones was the Imperial Spire. The incredibly high mountain had seemed like a perfect ce to start his collection of items. Even then, he had found himself at an impasse after pushing himself close to the peak. The final 2,500 meters were impossible to climb, at least for Zac, whocked a Dao of Gravity.


    So he started looking for a treasure at the maximum altitude he could stomach. But even after 16 days, he hade up empty-handed except for a few more orbs. That was when he''d been given a poignant reminder of the importance of Luck.


    He''d just changed form and applied a new set of talcum on his hands as day turned to night. The dust from the chalk had made him sneeze, prompting him to turn to the side. At that exact moment, he''d seen an odd flicker in the mountain wall a few hundred meters down. It looked like a shadow appearing out of nowhere. But the shadow was gone a secondter, and the spot looked the same as the rest of the mountain.


    Zac trusted his eyes and his gut and spent the next 6 hours reaching the spot, but he couldn''t find anything. Then, a few hourster, night turned to day, and Zac was surprised to see the wall suddenly disappear. The shift between night and day had deactivated a natural formation that exposed a hidden alcove. Inside, a small flower swayed. A flower even heavier than the Revolution Orbs that became the first fodder for the Omnitool.


    ruing Low to High-quality material was just a matter of havingnd, time, and resources. Peak materials were mostly things you had to take some risks to farm. However, materials considered beyond the "peak" could only be found by chance. And chance was governed by Luck and Providence.


    Until that point, Zac hadn''t felt the need to rush himself when it came to Mount Illumination. It seemed pretty dangerous, and he already had a lot on his te. He''d pick up the Dharmic Treasure before leaving. But things changed after inheriting [Cosmic Forge]. Zac suddenly needed to brave at least 17 dangerous Red Zones, each with environments he''d normally have avoided in favor of realms better suited to his path.


    The difference between being lucky and unlucky in a Red Zone wasn''t just a matter of Thousands of Mana and finding valuable treasures or not. It could be the difference between life and death. Zac obviously wouldn''t trust his life to something as key as Luck, but it was better to have it than not. He definitely could have used some extra Luck inside the mind-bending maze of the Chrono Well.


    Since then, Zac had started to prepare an assault on the hidden temple. He''d researched Mount Illumination and Heart Cultivation to understand the threat better. He''d climbed dozens of neighboring mountains to temper himself against different expressions of the Dharma. He''d been further tempered by near-death experiences, solidifying and improving his stability beyond what he gained from the Void Varja breakthrough.


    Even his long crafting sessions seemed to have helped solidify his heart. Maintaining a Void State helped him control the Void Energy more fluently, and it removed any errant thoughts. The whole universe was pushed away except for the self and the materials. There was not much point in waiting to gather more Mana, either. The protective environment of his manor didn''t stretch beyond the outer gates, and the trial itself seemed designed to circumvent the Mana Domain''s protection.


    He still would have preferred to wait a bit longer, but it looked like it was time to collect.


    Zac made sure all his preparations were in ce as he walked to the mansion gate leading onto the peak. He smiled a bit as he crossed the pebbled courtyard. The patterns almost looked like skill fractals by this point, or a Dao tapestry representing his path. The Sangha''s love and the Dao of Samsara were greatly muted already. He''d say his courtyard was already halfway attuned to him. Even Catheya and Ogras could make short visits, though they couldn''t leave his manor without risking damage to their Dao Hearts.


    He reached the gate, and it only took a steadying breath for his view to change. The ghost temple looked the same as usual. To this day, the immense Buddha and its terrifying aura hadn''t returned to the temple. But would things stay that way? Doubtful. Zac began his approach, relying only on his conviction to withstand the coruscating waves of Dharma and Samsara.


    The peak was rapidlying alive, with new features appearing with every step he took. It felt like Paradise was descending to the mundane ne, but Zac was unmoved by the call of the cosmos. He was like the solitary rock in a river, letting the waters flow by him.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Soon, Zac reached the midway point. The spiritual pressure was intense, as was the crushing weight of the Dao itself. But Zac maintained his speed as he continued. He''d already been able to reach this point during his first attempt. And while he hadn''t made any huge breakthroughs since then, he had made many small improvements that had umted into something substantial.


    Zac continued toward the small temple that felt impossibly vast from the immense Dharmic aura it exuded. Dozens of Bodhisattvas and Devas already lined the side temples, and the chants of thousands of monks reverberated across the peak. Zac couldn''t make out any words, but their words rose and fell, forming a grand cycle that wanted to drag Zac''s soul out of his body. If he let them, he''d enter the cycle of Samsara.


    The main temple was lined by eight towering figures, four to each side of the stairs leading into the shrine. Oddly enough, Zac couldn''t make out what they depicted. It was like his brain couldn''t take in their forms. Besides, he didn''t dare look at them long. Each emitted an intense aura of holiness like they were the embodiment of truth and virtue.


    When they first appeared, they felt like the final guardians of this trial. But as Zac continued his approach, he started doubting whether that was the truth. Were they the guardians, or were they the goal? The distance between Zac and the eight was filled with the unavoidable sea of Samsara, and the chains of Karma Zac had umted acted as sinking weights. To reach the statues and step onto the right path, you''d have to sever the past.


    No! Zac shook his head with horror from having his perception twisted even when he held on to the Void of his self. For a moment, he felt the statues emit an aura of pure devilishness rather than holiness. Yet he kept trudging on. Each step felt like a rebirth, where the Dao of Samsara tried to wash away his past and have him embrace the new. But Zac refused to let go.


    "Kayar Elu. Root Compact. Six Profundity Empire," Zac muttered as he slowly walked forward, his monotone voice almost like a chant.


    One word after another emerged from his mouth. ces, people, and concepts which held a special ce in his heart. His wordscked the rhythmic cadence of Buddhist Scripture, but they created a counterweight against the immense pressure on his path and self. They became the anchors that prevented him from being swept away, from giving up his self in exchange for liberation.


    Each step felt like an eternity, but he''d eventually crossed three-quarters of the distance. The peak was gone already, reced by an endless square. The gargantuan avatar still hadn''t appeared, but Zac could feel a vast presence form in the sky. But it wasn''t the Buddha. The groan of ancient wood joined the chants, and Zac''s mind shuddered as he saw a huge wheel appear behind the temple, stretching hundreds of meters into the sky.


    The wheel of Samsara.


    The moment it appeared, Zac knew he couldn''t hold back any longer. The wheel radiated ultimate truth and finality, and the whole Buddhistplex came alive. The Dao Surge, the Dharma roared, and the Void of Zac''s self teetered on the brink of copse. Six array disks appeared, forming a protective circle around Zac just before a storm of Dao came crashing down from the wheel. They shuddered but held on, supplied and nourished by Zac''s Dao.


    Meanwhile, Zac took out the [Mind''s Eye Agate] and urgently fastened it to his back. The crystal was already covered with a golden web of fine chains, and over 50 small array disks were fastened at its intersections. The crystal groaned ominously, and a few cracks appeared but managed to soothe Zac''s heart and soul. The storm stabilized a momentter, but the danger of the peak had increased by 50% since the wheel''s appearance.


    Zac felt his perception bend. His mind told him the eight statues were the wheel, and the wheel was the statues. They upied different spaces, yet they were one. The wheel slowly turned, and Zac could feel his heart shudder. He didn''t have much time. But he didn''t back down. The arrays had given him a window of opportunity, and the temple was only fifty meters away. He took a few hurried steps but felt his vision lurch at the 10-meter line.


    The statues towered over him to his left and right. They were only three meters tall, yet they felt like mountains looming over and pressuring him. Zac hesitated a moment before gritting his teeth, and a small crystal appeared in his hand. The pressure drastically decreased, but Zac looked down at the [Void Engine] with worry. It could subvert the Dao and Energy, but he''d long since learned it wasn''t without limit. It would slowly weaken if left unattended in too rich an environment.


    And when pressured by the Buddhist Sangha? It would onlyst seconds. Time was of the essence, so Zac hurried up the steps. The aura of providence felt like a beacon in the raging ocean of Samsara. It was less than ten meters away from him. Unfortunately, Zac found another problem just as he reached the top of the stairs.


    He could finally see the interiors of the temple. Until this point, they had been obscured like the statues he''d just passed. Now, it was on wide disy, but that didn''t help Zac much. The temple was only thirty meters wide, but its interiors were the size of a city. It was a temple huge beyondpare, with hundreds of enormous shrines and statues erected.


    Far in the distance on the opposite side, Zac could vaguely make out the enormous Buddha he''d seen in the sky. It was sitting at the main position of the temple, mostly obscured by a thick haze of incense smoke. Zac couldn''t even see its face as it was so far up in the sky, but he felt a huge presence staring down at him. In an instant, dozens of cracks appeared across the [Mind''s Eye Agate], and the [Void Engine] flickered ominously.


    Luckily, the feeling onlysted a moment, and Zac breathed out as he took a step forward, still silently mumbling his anchoring words. But just as he was about to step into the gate, he found himself unable to so much as move a finger. Two huge Ni�� had appeared to the sides of the entrance, each looking down at him with scornful eyes. And then they spoke.


    "IS THE COSMOS ETERNAL?"


    "IS THE COSMOS TRANSIENT?"


    The words rumbled like an angry sea or ps of thunder. The words were the Dao itself, and Zac groaned as he felt a deluge of impressions sweep through him. A universe moving toward infinity, slowly growing with each beat. A universe slowly crumbling, each beat a little weaker than thest.


    The two questions reverberated through Zac''s mind, the words only growing in ferocity and power. There were more questions somehow superimposed on those two, moring for dominion over Zac''s soul. The words felt like grindstones intent on grinding his self to dust, sending a pure stream of consciousness into the wheel of Samsara.


    Zac was about to go mad. His consciousness couldn''t withstand the timeframes and concepts conveyed. His Daos were shuddering, his path bending under the strain. The talismans were even less capable of withstanding the onught, all turning to dust without dampening the roar. Orange splinters fell like rain from his back, and golden links failed. Only the [Void Engine] was unscathed, but it was essentially drained, so he quickly put it away before it was damaged.


    Without his treasures, he was as exposed as a candle in the wind and felt the Dharma breach the Void in his heart. But a primal fury took hold in Zac''s heart and pushed it back. He could tell those were questions without answers, traps meant to destroy his path. But he wouldn''t give in. He wouldn''t be broken by something like this.


    "I don''t care!" Zac roared as he unleashed his bloodline and opened the floodgates to his Void Energy.


    Zac couldn''t tell whether it was the determination in his words or the outburst of energy that created a massive shockwave. It was both tangible and intangible, spreading out with him as an epicenter. Large cracks appeared on the Ni��, and Zac could suddenly move. He was about to flee before he was caught again, but a flicker ahead threw those ns in disarray.


    The insides of the ghost temple had be unstable, flickering back and forth between two vastly different scenes. One contained the endless halls and the enormous Buddha, while the other was much simpler. It showed a normal temple that consecrated a chest without any engravings. No deity was disyed, but Zac sensed a hair-raising aura from the box.


    In front of the shrine were three unadorned wooden cups, each holding a different fruit. Zac didn''t know why, but it was as though a world hid in each of those fruits, and Zac''s body screamed with both hunger and fear upon smelling their aroma. Finally, there was a small tray on the ground in front of the three bowls, upon which a string of Buddhist beadsy. It didn''t look exactly like the prayer beads he''d seen in the vision upon first arriving at Mount Illumination, but it wasn''t far off.


    Zac knew the temple represented a power far beyond what he could deal with, but he could not back down when his target was just five meters away. He gritted his teeth and shot forward when the gateway led to the simpler temple. He could feel the temple trying to resist his entry, but he activated [Void Zone] to force a path.


    The whole temple shook, and the constant hymns gained an aura of reproach that bore down on him like a mountain. It was just like when he first tried to cheat with his Bloodline Talent to cross the peak, and Zac realized his Void Energy wouldn''tst more than a second under this kind of suppression. But the restrictions no longer held him, and a lot could be done in a second.


    Zac lept forward and snatched the string of beads from its te. The temple shook as reproach turned into righteous wrath, and Zac groaned as bloody tears appeared across his body. The temple was trying to switch back to those vast halls consecrated by Buddhas and Bodhisattvas, but the presence of [Void Zone] acted like a lynchpin keeping the reality in ce. Somehow, the damage was transferred through the bloodline talent to Zac himself.


    The fruits and the chest still stood there, but Zac sighed as he jumped out of the temple gates. They looked like great treasures, but Zac could tell they were traps. Dealing with the Sangha was to dance on a tightrope. You had to know when to back down, or you''d eventually get consumed. The world shuddered, and Zac found himself standing at the gates of his manor, looking at the ghost temple across the peak.


    The familiar view made Zac''s mind short-circuit for a moment. There were no statues, no wheels in the sky. All was calm and tranquil, with not so much as a ripple in the atmosphere. He''d been prepared to fight his way back across the peak, but it suddenly felt like he hadn''t even set out.


    Had it all been a dream?


    The odd disconnect onlysted a moment before the smarting tears across his body confirmed his experience had been all-too-real. It was further confirmed by the sound of ss shattering as the agate on his back shattered, turning into a fine dust that spread around his feet. Zac sighed as he looked down at the sand. The [Mind Eye''s Agate] had been a silentpanion for over a decade, always guarding his back when he cultivated his soul. Today, it had made the ultimate sacrifice to keep him sane.


    Zac''s eyes turned to the string of beads in his right hand with mixed emotions. Hopefully, it''d be worth it.

 Chapter 1022 - Lucky Beads

    Zac was curious about his haul, but one thing took precedence. He closed his eyes and started scanning his body for any wrongness. asionally, Zac activated [Void Zone] for a minute before turning it off. He''d even start the first stance of the thirdyer of [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    He''d seen just how deadly the secrets kept within the ghost temples were, and Zac knew he''d cheated by the end. With how abruptly everything ended, Zac wondered if he''d been caught in a trap the moment he left the small temple. And even if he hadn''t, he had to stabilize his soul and mental state. Only an hourter did Zac feel fully confident he was really back in his manor and not caught in a Heart Illusion. Neither were his Hidden Nodes acting up, which hopefully meant he hadn''t been marked or cursed.


    "Null, did you see how I returned to the gates?" Zac asked.


    "No idea. I was suppressed the moment you began crossing the peak."


    Zac slowly nodded, ncing at the distant temple that still stood there like nothing had happened. Was that perhaps the point? Sending him back here was a way to sow a seed of doubt in his heart, where he''d feel uncertain about what was real and what was a dream. Something like that could gnaw at one''s psyche for years, eventually turning into a Heart Demon that''d leave him exposed to future attacks.


    The energies on the peak had returned to normal, but Zac still felt that terrifying Buddha staring at him from within the ghost temple. Standing in the gateway left him exposed, so he hurried back into his manor before his gaze turned to the beads in his right hand. The prayer band he''d seen in his vision only had eighteen beads, but his one had exactly fifty-four. It was much too long to make a bracelet and instead looked like something you''d wear around your neck.


    Most of the beads looked the same as the ones in the vision, made out of wood and alternating between natural dark brown and painted ck. The original bracelet also had one red bead, whereas this one had three silver ones interspaced between every 17-bead cycle. Most importantly, the beads emitted a mysterious aura of providence.


    It was not the Dao of Karma or Samsara, but more like the intangible feeling of fathering fate Zac had sometimes sensed since his effective Luck surpassed 1,000. Thankfully, it didn''t contain a sense of danger like the ominous feeling he''d carried the past two weeks. Instead, the beads just produced calm ripples that could only be sensed with one''s heart. Zac had never seen a fate-augmenting treasure before, but the prayer beads looked just like he''d expected. He only hesitated a few seconds before he put them around his neck.


    He''d risked his life to get his hands on this thing, so not using it was not an option. Especially since it didn''t emit the slightest hint of any Dharma. The beads gave off a soothing rattle as they settled, and Zac felt a mysterious ripple enter his body. The mountain''s incessant drone disappeared for a moment, but Zac could tell that wasn''t the main use of the beads. The sense of danger had grown much clearer. If it had felt like an indistinct looming cloud before, it was now a sword squarely pointed at his back.


    Zac opened his Status Screen to make sure, but the row detailing his Luck hadn''t hanged. Zac wasn''t surprised. It wasn''t like his other tools altered his Status Screen in any way. The exact effect of the beads was difficult to quantify, but Zac didn''t believe they acted like an increase to his effective Luck, at least not in the way he expected. He had gained significant boosts to his attributes before, and the experience wasn''t like this.


    It felt more like the beads acted like a trantor and amplifier of the intangible feeling his Luck generated. For some reason, he was almost certain another guest was targeting him now. Before, he hadn''t been sure and had felt it could have been rted to some danger hiding in the Stand of Saeward. Unfortunately, the improvement wasn''t enough to give him a suspect.


    Was it Kruta? Was he trying to lead him into an ambush with his message? Or had he be an unwitting pawn? After all, it was no secret that Zac had a Branch of the War Axe, and a big event on a conflict-based battlefield had a high chance of drawing him out. Zac shook his head, putting the matter aside. Perhaps the sensation would grow stronger after he left his secluded mansions.


    Getting a better understanding of the [Lucky Beads], as he''d named the prayer band long ago, Zac absolutely felt the trade-off was worth it. The [Mind''s Eye Agate] had been a huge help for his Soul Cultivation, but its usefulness was, unfortunately, reaching its end. Its calming and stabilizing effect wasn''t needed since he''d begun cultivating his heart��he had no problem entering a powerful meditative state with a single breath.


    The same was true for the Mental Energy it emitted. It wasn''t enough for the fourthyer of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. Zac had everything needed to practice the next reincarnation, but it required way too much energy. It was essentially useless practicing the method until he got a Cosmic Core, and by that point, the agate would be too low-graded to help.


    Zac still hurried back to the manor gate, and a small wind kicked up as Zac dragged the dust from the [Mind''s Eye Agate] into a container. It had lost much of its spirituality, but perhaps he''d find some use for it in the future. He was about to return to his study, but he suddenly noticed the prayer beads were gone.


    "What the hell?" Zac swore.


    He quickly entered a Void State and breathed out in relief upon seeing the beads were back. However, Zac almost swore again upon realizing he couldn''t actually touch them. The beads were as intangible as the ghost temples, refusing to blend with the real world. Did that mean he wouldn''t be able to take them off in the future?


    "The Sangha''s gifts aren''t always easy to decline, huh?" Null giggled.


    "You knew this would happen?" Zac frowned.


    "Nope," the guide said. "But I did know treasures dealing with fate are generally a bit odd. Most have restrictions and unusual, or even dangerous, side effects."


    "You''re saying this might be a cursed item?" Zac asked.


    "No, it should be something good. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have been ced as a hidden prize at a top-tier starting location. Not all of theme with drawbacks."


    Zac thoughtfully nodded, but he suddenly had an idea. He activated [Void Zone], prompting the beads to reappear. At the same time, Zac felt their effect drastically weaken. He tried taking them off and it worked without issue. Only then did he equip them again and let them return to their illusory state.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Having dealt with everything, Zac spent the next couple of hours further stabilizing his mind and going over his next step. Knowing he was being targeted didn''t change Zac''s opinion about heading to the Stand of Saeward. On the contrary, it only increased his desire to go. If someone was nning on killing him, what better ce to deal with the threat than a battlefield rife with the Dao of Conflict? He''d essentially have a home-field advantage.


    Still, Zac knew he wouldn''t have felt such a palpable sense of danger if the plot didn''t have a real chance of doing him in. Gaining the beads hadn''t changed that fact, so Zac knew he needed to prepare something else. It was a bit early, but he saw no better opinion. Whoever targeted him had probably investigated him thoroughly. He had hidden some of his cards well, like the remnants, but he still felt exposed. Zac was in the light while they hid in the dark, and some of these guests had incredible means.


    It was better to add some new tools to his belt, so Zac walked over to the teleportation array. This time, Zac turned into a wiry human he''d killedst year in a Red Zone, and he even wore the assassin''s items before activating the teleporter. A familiar bridge appeared on the other side of the gate, and Zac entered the Keys of Ascension. Zac inwardly grimaced at the thought of spending 500 Mana an hour, but he expressionlessly crossed the bridge.


    The price was steep, but how could some Manapare to his life?


    He soon reached the odd construct and infused the Daos of Conflict and Life. Meanwhile, he imprinted the purpose of his visit and held onto it as he entered the confusing maze of twisted dimensions. This time, he wasn''t led to a fiery temple. Instead, he found himself in an abandoned square under a tumultuous sky. Judging by the deep scars on the walls, it had either been a battlefield or a sparring area. Perhaps a dueling spot where warriors fought to the death.


    Even if the warriors were gone, there was an intense lingering aura of Conflict. It far eclipsed the Bloodwind''s atmosphere, though itcked the corrosive bloodthirst you encountered on most battlefields. The truths were pure, aiming right at the heart of Conflict, and Zac felt a primal urge to start swinging his axe as he looked at the scars.


    Conflict was not the only truth that held sway in the small square. It waspletely overgrown, with hundreds of vines covering the walls and ground. Not two vines looked the same, but they all shared one feature. They radiated a terrifying amount of life force.


    Usually, his Draugr vision carrying over to his human form was a boon, but today it was a detriment. The vines were almost blinding, like their insides were filled with liquid Life. The nts slithered and danced like snakes. It mostly seemed random, but they asionally formedplex patterns that triggered something in Zac''s mind. They mimicked the truths of Conflict in the scars, asionally creating echoes of Zac''s path.


    Only a small circle in the middle was cleared-out from the vines. It was the same size as the invisible fire from his previous visit. This time, there was nothing of the sort. Instead, there was just a densely engraved gemstone floating in the center, an emerald that seemingly had absorbed the environmental Daos for millions of years.


    Zac had always been curious whether the Keys of Ascension had all these rooms ready to go or if it generated them with his Daos as a blueprint. Seeing the cultivation chamber, Zac leaned toward thetter. It just felt too attuned to his purposes for it to be happenstance.


    He took a step forward, and a raging storm of impressions filled Zac''s mind. Each scar was a well of endless truth, and every vine suddenly told him a story. Some spoke of valor, of victory. Others of brutality and bloodshed. Some even spoke of defeat but contained an iron will to rise again. Zac wasn''t sure if he was hallucinating, but it looked like the dancing vines recreated battles between those who had left the marks.


    His mind was filled with the Dao, and the atmosphere urged him on. Every step filled him with the inspiration of a hundred battles, and every breath filled him with a cleansing wave that swept away all his confusion and hesitation. Soon, he reached the central circle and spread his Soul Sense through the whole square. It almost felt like the vines were putting on a show, leading him toward the answer he''d been looking for.


    Zac had been hesitant until now, wondering if he was acting too soon. But he wasn''t. This little square was the final key to the puzzle. It was time for him to create a skill from scratch. And it would be for his human side.


    To this day, there was undeniably something missing in the skillset of Edge of Arcadia: itpletelycked any integration with Vivi. In contrast, he''d just gotten [Love''s Bond] when evolving to E-grade, and it had been a major inspiration to Fetters of Destion. His first skill, [Blighted Cut], even required him to use chains.


    His twobat styles had been harmonized after figuring out his path in the Orom World, but the result meshed better with his Draugr ss. Since day one, Alea and her chains had been an integral part of his Draugr toolkit. Meanwhile, Vivi was a muchter addition.


    He''d barely stepped into the path of Pure Life when he evolved, and it''d be years before he crystallized his Evolutionary path. In other words, Zac wanted to add a skill that incorporated the thoughts and concepts of how his Evolutionary Stance used armaments. Doing so would have multiple benefits. First of all, it would better tune his skillset, and thus ss Options, to his path. Secondly, it would allow him to create something he had felt missing in his ss.


    A persistent skill.


    Edge of Arcadia was currently carried by a couple of incredibly destructive skills with long cooldowns. Hit fast, hit hard, and leave nothing behind. But when he''d expended [Arcadia''s Judgment], [Rapturous Divide], and [Arcadian Crusade], he didn''t have much to rely on except [Nature''s Edge] and his high mobility with [Earthstrider] and [Ancestral Woods]. A persistent skill would broaden his toolkit significantly.


    He wasn''t nning on shifting the focus of the ss, though. Zac still liked Edge of Arcadia''s explosive nature and felt it suited his personality. He rather wanted to form a persistent skill that filled the same function as Vivi. To restrict and force openings. After all, his opponents were only growing more powerful, and it was bing harder and harder tond his finishing blows. Life and Conflict. Suffocation and destruction. Zac didn''t want a cage like [Profane Seal]. He wanted a tidal wave of violence that cut off all escape.


    Zac had tinkered with a skill fractal for almost a decade since he started working on his blueprint. Some of the Lost neke water had gone into setting a foundation, and he''d filled in the gaps over the years since. Now that he sat surrounded by the warrior vines, he felt something crystallize. It wasn''t exactly what he''d nned for, but it was close. And better. Zac didn''t hesitate at all in following the surge of inspiration. This was why he was ready to pay so much, to the point he risked being pushed down an echelon. This was a chance to push his skill to be something uniquely terrifying and deadly.


    In fact, he wanted to go even further.


    Two iid boxes appeared in Zac''sp. Inside one was a slightly dried mushroom he''d found in the caves at the bottom of the Twilight Chasm. It looked like it was dying, but it exuded a vast aura of Life. Not only that, but it voraciously swallowed the ambient energy in the square to regenerate rapidly.


    The other box held a single stalk of grass. It was almost half a meter long and looked more like a sword than a herb. Zac felt like he would be split apart just from looking at it, and the vines near the circle shied away. At the same time, his blood and adrenaline surged like he had swallowed a berserking treasure. Every cell in his body urged him to action, to grab the stalk and split the Heavens themselves.


    The stalk was one of the best Natural Treasures Kruta had found during his travels on the battlefields. Kruta had been worried about his insufficient funds after missing out on the Fate Kernel, so Zac had taken the opportunity to buy the stalk and some other conflict-attuned materials. It helped improve his stockpiles of Conflict-attuned materials, which were vastly inferior to his umtions for Life and Death. Zac had initially nned on keeping the stalk as a main material for his core formation, but he quickly realized the stalk had another use; to force inspiration.


    Two minutes passed, and the mushroom had finally recovered to its original state after having been stowed away for the better part of two decades. It was an inferior alternative to the bulbous treasure he''d used to create [Pirs of Destion]. However, between his far stronger foundations, the environment, and his improved Daos, Zac hoped to recreate the miracle of that day.


    He''d umted for decades, all to get his hands on a second Supreme Pathbound Skill.

 Chapter 1023 - Recreating a Miracle

    It was a shame [Cosmic Infusion] didn''t work when you wanted to extract the essence of Natural Treasures for his personal use. Instead, Zac opted to rely on his tried and true method of cramming things down his gullet. It hadn''t failed him yet.


    Zac wound the stalk around the mushroom before cramming it into his mouth. An explosion of three distinct vors greeted him; an earthy yet delicious vor from the mushroom, a minty taste from the stalk, and iron from his mouth filling with blood. The stalk was incredibly sharp and had opened dozens of wounds, but Zac ignored the sting as he chewed and swallowed.


    The effect was immediate, and Zac''s mind expanded to the size of a gxy. It felt like the Heavens descended to greet him, and he raised his hand to touch the Dao. Of course, the Heavens weren''t actually there, but moving his fingers through the energy-dense environment was enough to fill him with inspiration and new ideas.


    The Evolutionary Soul in Zac''s aperture lit up like a Christmas tree and began to spin furiously like a motor pushed into overdrive. The Inexorable Core couldn''t withstand the pressure and was pushed to the side, hiding away while its sibling went crazy. Zac did nothing to stop the madness. He was fully upied with running his ns and ideas through the filter of his temporary enlightenment.


    But the momentum of decades of preparationbined with a raging sea of synthetic insight urged him on. Zac felt like he securely held a corner of the Dao in his hand, with utmost rity that shed its light on all points of hesitation. He couldn''t wait any longer. He needed to create, to usher an expression of his vision into the world.


    Dozens of mental streams entered therge emerald, and Zac soon located the mysterious space within. Zac had no idea whether the emerald was a Natural Treasure or an array, but it was far beyond his [Fractal Framework Arrays].


    The gemstone empowered and improved every stream of consciousness, and Zac had never felt so in control of his mind. Each string became a master artisan''s brush, and an intricate tapestry of patterns started to appear within the arranged space. The emerald was incredible, a tool truly worthy of his undertaking. It didn''t only hold the patterns in ce while Zac added to the fractal. It nourished and perfected them.


    Zac was filled with visions of destruction as he engraved the first sections. Golden roots of endless potential breaking out of the ground, the seas, and the sky. They were everywhere where life existed. They weren''t guardians or adjudicators. They were an expression of the primal truths of evolution; rebirth through destruction and survival of the fittest. They cut down all opposition with ruthlessness and efficiency worthy of a hardened veteran.


    Cutting, stabbing, binding, consuming. Anything that entered his domain was prey, nourishment to his path. More patterns joined the first, like petals unfurling on a flower. He needed speed. He needed regeneration. He needed unyielding persistence. The more you gave, the more you''d get back. Right now, it was almost impossible to exhaust his Cosmic Energy in his human form. This skill would change that.


    In seconds, whole sections of the skill fractal were finished, thanks to his sudden ability to multitask. Furthermore, Zac constantly received detailed feedback telling him of imbnces and imperfections. One man and a gemstone formed a perfect partnership as increasinglyplex patterns appeared on the fractal.


    It just took fifteen minutes for the skill fractal to gain as many patterns as some of his simpler skills, yet he hadn''t evenpleted a fifth of its final form. In fact, he didn''t know exactly how the final fractal would look��some sections his inspiration had him add werepletely new. Zac kept going with increasingly manic fervor, uncaring that small cracks had begun to form on the emerald''s surface.


    He soon felt drained. Creation did note without a price; the shards in his mind had driven that point home. However, the cosmos yielded to his desire, and a storm of energy was dragged into his body to fuel the process. One vine after another withered and copsed, and the scars lost some of their radiance. But with their sacrifice came further inspiration. They were like soldiersying down their lives for a greater cause.


    The influx prompted Zac to make a few changes, improving the previously prepared sections. The huge spiral in his mind groaned from exertion, but a beam of pure Mental Energy erupted from the Inexorable Core and nourished its sibling. Another hour passed, and the skill fractal approached its mature form. A form that was very different from the prototype blueprints he''d prepared back on Earth.


    However, this time Zac wasn''t possessed by the almost delirious state when he created [Pir of Destion] and added patterns far beyond his understanding. Everything had a purpose, working together to drag his vision out of his mind into reality. Finally, only the impartment remained.


    Zac''s heart rippled from nervousness, but he still went ahead with his n. If he stopped right now, he''d walk away with a powerful Peak-quality skill. However, it wouldn''t reach the level of [Pir of Destion]. For that skill to exhibit such monstrous power, it required one special ingredient; Oblivion. Back then, the idea to incorporate it hade naturally. This time, he''d have to take a controlled risk.


    He extracted a wisp of Creation Energy from his body, and the withered vines in the square suddenly thrashed with hunger. Thankfully, something kept them from entering the meditation circle, allowing Zac to channel the capricious energy through the pathway on his shoulders and then into the emerald.


    New cracks and odd distortions appeared across the gemstone, but it managed to curtail the untamable energy as it was dragged toward the skill fractal. Zac didn''t try to use the energy like a brush to add specific patterns. He only led it toward a section meant to house whatever it created while maintaining a steady vision of his goal. The wisp crossed the fractal like a small rock dropped into a pond, leaving ripples in its wake.


    Small transformations took ce wherever it passed, but Zac could tell it wasn''tpletely random and unhinged. The whole emerald was shaking ominously, but it forced the Creation Energy to create following the rules of the skill fractal. The cracks grew deeper, but Zac forcibly prevented the emerald from cracking by holding it together with his Mental Energy.


    A set of runespletely foreign to Zac appeared and seamlessly fused with the rest of the Skill Fractal. Zac spent the next minute analyzing the patterns and estimating whether the new addition had created any imbnces. But no matter how he looked, it seemed perfect. The skill was fully formed.


    It appeared the emerald agreed, or perhaps it was simply that it couldn''t withstand the process any further. Therge gemstone shattered, releasing a mysterious ripple of elevated Daos. At the epicenter, the skill fractal hovered, still protected by the special space. Zac quickly surrounded the fractal with a blob of Mental Energy before dragging it into his body.


    Meanwhile, he cut off a section of his pathways on the low of his back, opening up the skill slot just behind where his Cosmic Core would be. The skill fractal was slotted in ce, and Zac spent ten minutes connecting his pathways with the skill. Slotting apletely new skill without the System''s help was quite painful, but it was nothingpared to some other things Zac had endured over the years.


    The final connector was fused, and Zac exhaled with relief upon feeling his Cosmic Energy smoothly pass through the skill fractal. At the same time, a refreshing surge of energy filled cells, filling him with power. He felt as though he''d gained a new limb and knew the formation was a sess. The skill worked and could be activated without any trouble.


    Now, the question was just how good a skill he''d created. Zac eagerly opened his Skill Screen and found the new entry.


    [E] Primal Edict - Proficiency: Middle. The fate of the world is dictated by the deadliest predator. Upgradeable.


    Zac nodded with satisfaction. He''d already suspected as much during the formation process, but confirming that the skill had reached Middle Proficiency from the get-go was still nice. He''d actually been able to stop much earlier in the process. But he, the square, and the emerald had more to give. Since he would have to use the skill with his life on the line very soon, Zac had opted to push himself further.


    It was impossible to say exactly how [Primal Edict] would work without using it first, but it should be an explosion of vines appearing to rip everything apart. Not only that, but he had added multiple sections at his height of inspiration that should create synergy with many of his other skills. The naming sense also hinted it was a creation more in line with Evolutionary Stance than drawing upon the mythos of Arcadia.


    The big question was what kind of changes the infusion of Creation had lent to the skill. Another uncertainty was whether the skill could be considered at the same grade as [Pirs of Destion]. The Skill Screen, unfortunately, didn''t provide any hints in that regard, but the surge of power he''d felt before indicated there was another ce he could check. So Zac opened his Status Screen, where more answers waited.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 150


    ss [E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquestn/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Titles [...] The Second Step, Singr Specialist, Apex Attainment, Runic Progenitor, Grand Achievement


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru - Middle, Branch of the Pale Seal - Middle


    Core [E] Duplicity


    Strength 31300 [Increase: 164%. Efficiency: 372%]


    Dexterity 14173 [Increase: 121%. Efficiency: 259%]


    Endurance 26880 [Increase: 155%. Efficiency: 372%]


    Vitality 25558 [Increase: 153%. Efficiency: 389%]


    Intelligence 4429 [Increase: 115%. Efficiency: 259%]


    Wisdom 9495 [Increase: 122%. Efficiency: 272%]


    Luck 777 [Increase: 134%. Efficiency: 289%]


    Free Points 0


    Nexus Coins [D] 13 253 160


    Mana 41 023


    Just as expected. The surge of power before wasn''t just the result of restoring the energy circuit in his body. It came from an influx of Attributes Points awarded by the System.


    Adding another skill to improve his lethality was the biggest reason he''d created a new skill, but it wasn''t the only one. He''d been waiting to im the [Runemaker]-title since he first upgraded his first set of skills back in the Twilight Ocean. It was the reward for creating a Peak Quality Skill from scratch and the final readily avable title he could gain before breaking through.


    That specific title hadn''t appeared on his Status Screen, but Zac knew that was good news as he focused on the title.


    [Runic Progenitor: Create a path-bound supreme-quality skill while still in E-grade. Reward: Base Attributes +100, Luck +10, All attributes +10%, Effect of Attributes +10%.]


    The difference in phrasing was only a single word. [Runic Erudition] had said "form" a skill, while [Runic Progenitor] said create. It didn''t seem like a big difference, but Zac knew how much greater the difficulty had been. Forming [Pir of Destion] was a great achievement, but it ultimately built upon the signature skill of an Epic ss; [Profane Seal].


    The foundations required to create something from scratch were far greater, which was also shown by the fact the new title was far better than [Runic Erudition]. Zac hadn''t risked his life as he had for some of his other top-tier titles, but getting it was only possible through a series of lucky encounters.


    Truthfully, Zac knew he was a bit lucky. He had originally nned on visiting Red Zones from all 17 Dao Peaks before creating his skill. Being inundated in those environments had broadened his understanding of the Dao itself, and he had hoped to use that understanding to control the Creation Energy at the final step. Now, he had been forced to create the skill early, which partly left things to chance.


    That wasn''t the only thing. Without theke water, he would never have reached his current attainments in fractals. Without ess to a region like the Keys of Ascension, he wouldn''t have managed to push the skill from a Peak Quality to supreme skill. Luck and hard work hade together to create another miracle.


    Getting a second supreme pathbound skill was exactly what Zac had hoped for. Of course, Zac didn''t quite know how to feel about the fact that neither of the two supreme skills used his axe as a base. Instead, they were supplementary skills designed to fill simr purposes. Still, Zac couldn''tin. This was exactly what he''d aimed for.


    Better yet, the good news didn''t end with a supreme skill and a top-tier title. [Runic Progenitor] had even brought a friend.


    [Grand Achievement: Gain 50 Titles while in E-Grade. Reward: Effect of Attributes +6%.]


    [Runic Progenitor] was his 50th title when you included Limited Titles, the [Pathstrider]-title which marked him for ''further training,'' and the weird hidden title for the Terminus. Reaching the milestone awarded him apanion title to [Achievement Hunter]. It worked and was named simrly to his stacking Luck-based titles, where he got a second title instead of recing his old one with a slightly better variant.


    The gain was significant, especially thanks to the double injection of efficiency. Gaining 10% and 6% respectively meant his effective attribute pool had been boosted by almost 17%. It was a huge improvement, especially considering how overbearing his raw attributes already were. Add to that both an increase and t attributes, and hisbat strength should have increased by roughly 20% in just under two hours.


    With such an improvement, his skills would be even harder for his enemies to deal with. His defenses would be unbreakable, his attacks unstoppable. A smile tugged at Zac''s lips upon seeing the 777 Luck on his Status Screen. If such an auspicious number couldn''t help him get thest pieces needed for his Core Formation and Omnitool, then nothing would.


    Zac was just about to close the status screen when he noticed a final change. Or ratherck of change. His Mana was the same as before he entered the Keys of Ascension.


    "I got a bounty?" Zac whistled.


    "Yup! Not bad," Null confirmed. "The peak reward for new skills is 2,500 Mana. Getting 1,000 is quite rare."


    "Such a good skill only awarded 1,000?" Zac grimaced.


    "Well, these bounties are different from your blueprint evaluation," Null said. "It''s based on novelty and a new application of Dao. But the System and boss are both so ancient. What''s really new under the sky? The Dao evolves and changes a bit, and the young thousands of generations help fill the gaps. Getting 1,000 is already quite generous, and I think it''spletely thanks to your Dao of Life. You know, less than 5% of guests manage to get this kind of bounty during their visit."


    "Well, it''s better than nothing," Zac agreed.


    Zac''s head felt like both mush and a squeezed-out rag after pushing beyond his limits for over an hour. He just wanted to lie down and sleep, but he took a Soldier Pill and got up on unsteady legs. In 20 minutes, he''d be charged for a third hour, and Zac wanted to be gone before then.


    Even then, Zac couldn''t resist trying to snatch a few of those mysterious vines. They''d withered during his skill formation, but they were already starting to radiate powerful waves of Pure Life again. They''d make great materials. Unfortunately, when Zac cut one off, it turned to ash while all its brethren hid underground.


    Thank God he hadn''t tried that before beginning the skill creation.


    Zas shook his head and began his descent toward the exit. The return was much more difficult to endure. His mind was exhausted, lowering his defenses against the constant impressions around him. He almost stepped off the path a few times but eventually left in one piece. Zac hurried back over the bridge and returned to his mansion, where he fell into a deep slumber.


    He only woke up a full twelve hourster, feeling mostly refreshed. Two new messages were waiting for him, both from Catheya and Kruta. Zac sent a message to Kruta before activating the teleportation array. It opened, but he didn''t step through. Instead, Catheya walked over, radiating a mist of chilled Miasma to shield her from the Pure Life on the peak.


    "Hello, beautiful," Zac smiled.


    "I knew it. You have the face of a child who''s up to no good. Vastness City is abuzz, and people are rushing toward the battlefield you''ve talked about," Catheya said, a helpless smile tugging at her lips. "What have you done this time?"

 Chapter 1024 - The Stand of Saeward

    Zac was about to share his prepared excuse, but he sighed and shook his head before leading Catheya into his study.


    "It''s nothing much. My senses are just telling me someone is targeting me. I just got the Fate-augmenting prayer beads, and they only made me more certain."


    "Target you? Who?" Catheya frowned. "Nerven Serku? Didn''t he enter seclusionst year?"


    "It could be him, but I don''t think so. He never really cared about his followers and only made some trouble to save face. I have a hard time imagining him going after me personally over some minor grudge. He''s much too careful for that."


    "Can your feeling just be from the fact something is happening in the stand?" Catheya asked.


    "Only in the sense that I think someone is preparing to ambush me there,"


    "Well, both your personas have made some waves, but I can''t see someone specifically targeting yo��" Catheya said, suddenly freezing and looking up. "Ultom."


    "You think?" Zac said, his eyes narrowing in thought.


    "shes are rarely premeditated here. A situation like the Cmity is one thing, but this sounds different. But if people know you''re a sealholder, it''s apletely different matter."


    "My blueprint contains many theories based on that ce," Zac slowly nodded.


    "More than that. We''re talking about an Eternal Heritage, a matter important enough to make Supremacies emerge from their sealed realms. If they''re willing to pay the price, they can probably find some clues one way or another."


    Zac grimaced and slowly nodded. The array his mother had left him did have some special means to obscure his fate, but she''d warned him it would only work on Autarchs. It had seemed more than enough back then, but that was before he became embroiled with the Left Imperial Pce.


    "It''s just a theory, though," Catheya quickly added.


    "As far as motives go, it''s a good one," Zac agreed. "But it doesn''t help me solve the situation."


    "So what will you do?"


    "I''m heading in with Kruta in half a day to start looking around," Zac said.


    "You''re still going even when you think someone is plotting to kill you?" Catheya groaned. "I knew it."


    "You know I have to," Zac smiled. "It might be my only chance to get the kind of item I need. Besides, it seems a good ce to deal with this threat."


    "I hate that I can''t join you," Catheya sighed as she leaned her head on his shoulder. "I''m just 4,000 Mana short."


    In contrast to Catheya, Zac was quite happy with how things had yed out. She was powerful enough that she wouldn''t be a liability, but he''d still rather deal with this alone.


    "We still have the Everfrost Isles to look forward to. I''ll be relying on you then," Zac smiled before turning serious again. "Can you do me a favor? Stay inside your manor while I''m out this time. They might target you and Ogras to get to me. This is doubly true if this matter is rted to the heritage."


    "Fine," Catheya said. "But I''ll get the annoying shadow and do some research first. We''ll see if we can find anything out of ce. Do you want me to ask for reinforcements?"


    "No," Zac said. "For all we know��"


    "I get it," Catheya sighed. "Be careful, alright?"


    Catheya left a whileter while Zac scoured over all the reports again. Normally, he''d travel the markets before heading into a Red Zone, but he was unwilling to expose himself and his recent gains in case someone was keeping watch. He was using his aura-hiding bracelets and the aura modtor, but you never knew.


    Unfortunately, Catheya and Ogras came up empty-handed after half a day''s investigation. People were stirring, and the gate to the Stand of Saeward had been opened dozens of times already. It wasn''t hard to figure out this would be a bloody affair, even if you ignored the threat hiding in the shadows.


    It was troubling not even to be able to narrow things down, but Zac couldn''t just sit around. The longer he waited, the more thorough his enemy''s preparations would be. He needed to move swiftly and drag his enemies out of the shadows. If nothing else, Kruta had already sent him three messages, proving the barbarian was getting impatient.


    "Since when were you so slow-footed?" Kruta said with a roll of his eyes when a hooded Zac finally appeared in his storefront.


    "Sorry, I had some things to deal with before we headed out," Zac smiled. "Besides, no one forced you to sit around."


    "I''d rather bete than miss out on your uncanny luck," Kruta said as the gate appeared. "Well, let''s do this."


    Zac nodded, and the two appeared in front of a simple hut standing atop a gargantuan skull. The skull had likely once belonged to a bloodthirsty Beast Emperor, and it still emitted fierce waves of carnage. It drenched the hut in a bloody aura, though Zac could tell it had been changed somewhat. It felt protective rather than threatening after being altered by the Mana Domain. Not protective of Zac, though, but of Kruta.


    It felt like a huge beast was eying him, ready to strike in case their ward was attacked.


    Zac ignored the feeling and turned to his travelpanion. "Is everything prepared?"


    "Don''t know how necessary all this is," Kruta muttered as he took out two small bones.


    "Just humor me," Zac shrugged as he curiously looked at what the man was doing.


    One of the bones looked like a fang, while the other was a densely inscribed te. Kruta ced the fang on the te, and it looked like the primal scribbles crawled onto the tooth. In just seconds, it waspletely covered with a set of engravings.


    "You know," Kruta said, grimacing as he pushed the tooth into his neck like a syringe. "Scurrying around like a rat might end with you getting targeted by the cats."


    Zac only smiled as green scales appeared across Kruta''s face while he transformed into a lizardman. The bone disk seemed to be an interesting transformation treasure that allowed the barbarian to take on features of beasts he''d felled. The tooth was imbued with a temporary array, and the array was then injected into Kruta himself. It allowed for a transformation beyond even what [Million Faces] could aplish.


    "There," Kruta muttered as he looked down at his hands with disgust. "Shouldst two weeks."


    "Sorry, this is not my style either. I''ve just created too many enmities over the past years," Zac sighed.


    "That you have," the barbarian guffawed.


    "It''s only temporary, I promise."


    "So, do I pass inspection? Can we go?" the barbarian huffed.


    "In one hour," Zac said.


    "It''s so weird," Kruta snorted as he thumped down on arge shinbone. "Your path is straight, but you''re so crooked and paranoid. Is that why you grew a second shape?"


    "Maybe," Zacughed as he sat down as well. "I just want to make it harder for our steps to be followed. If the two of us emerge in disguises right after I enter your mansion, you could put two and two together."


    "Whatever," Kruta grunted. "So you know about the Stand?"


    "Well, only what the reports are saying," Zac nodded. "The three dangers and all that."


    "Right," Kruta said. "Things are changing, though. Normally, I''d be confident talking down the Hero Souls, but I can''t make any guarantees any longer. I traveled the outer fieldsst week. The spirits are angry, almost descending into madness. It''s probably even worse in the depths."


    "Did any of them hint at what''s going on?"


    "Well," Kruta shuddered. "Few canmunicate, especially now. But the few that do all say the same thing. ''He''sing.'' Over and over."


    "He''sing?" Zac muttered. "Who? Saeward?"


    "Maybe, or whoever forced him to make his stand," Kruta said. "Judging by the anger in the Hero Souls, I''m leaning toward thetter."


    Zac slowly nodded. The Hero Souls were the lingering spirits of Saeward''s armies. Millions had died during that ancient battle. And while the bodies had turned to dust, their will remained. It mixed with the environment, forming transient spirits called Hero Souls. Hero Souls often minded their own business, patrolling thends as though they were still alive.


    However, some had been formed with quite a bit of resentment and acted like resentful ghosts. Others were mostly sane but still confused the guests with their enemies and still attacked. Eventually, they''d destabilize and disappear. They weren''t true spirits like Spectral Cultivators. It was more urate to call them physical memories that had asionally been twisted over the eons.


    The Hero Souls were generally the least perilous of the three dangers, especially if you avoided emitting any killing intent around them. Someone like Kruta could even get help from their kind. Unfortunately, it looked like that old knowledge no longer held sway. The Hero Souls were the most numerous inhabitants of the Stand. If they were turning feral, they''d pose a huge threat.


    "What about the other two?"


    "I didn''t run into any of the puppets. But the energy of thend is rising. They''ll be able to absorb more power, unleashing deadlier force. Some buried under the earth might even wake up. I think the same will be true for the fortifications."


    "That''s just great," Zac sighed.


    The puppets once belonged to the mysterious force that had attacked and eventually defeated Saeward and his army. They were pure killing machines, some equivalent to Late Hegemons in strength. The more intact ones even had lethal skills they could unleash.


    There was only one puppet for every 30 hero souls at most, but you were probably better off meeting a group of hostile spirits. The puppets were apparently incredibly hard to deal with. They werepletely made from D-grade materials and thus extremely difficult to damage. Worse, they were seemingly immortal. Even if you managed to grind one to dust, it''d reform not muchter. They required incredible Dao attacks to destroy an intangible repair array.


    The final threat was the War Fortifications. All kinds of array towers and contraptions were strewn across the battlefield that was the size of a country. None of them were fully functional, but that only made them more unpredictable. A seemingly inert stone pir could suddenly unleash a sea of fire that swallowed everything for thousands of meters.


    Destroying them was even harder than the puppets and liable to bring disaster upon your head. Since they didn''t hold any valuables, most opted to simply skirt around anything that looked suspicious.


    "Do you have any ideas for an attack n?" Zac asked.


    "Well��" Kruta slowly said.


    "What?"


    "I''ve just seen how sneaky you can be," the barbarian shrugged. "I''m afraid you''ll take my ideas and run."


    "Don''t worry, I''ll only ditch you when you can''t keep up any longer," Zac winked, but the barbarian was clearly not joking around. "I''m kidding. What do you propose?"


    "First, let''s discuss the spoils," Kruta said. "I get the Mana Bounty, provided we manage to seize whatever item''s waiting at the end through cooperation."


    "Just like that?" Zac said with a raised brow. "Do you want to duel again?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I know you''re a bit stronger than me, but strength is not the only factor. I canmune with the Hero Souls, which will increase our sess rate more than a strong arm. More importantly, I have the key to solving the Stand."


    Zac didn''t immediately answer. Not getting the bounty wasn''t a big deal, but giving up on the item itself was a problem. He needed an item to match the [Cmity Core] in quality, which would definitely be a defining treasure of the battlefield.


    "To be clear, I just want the Mana. I have everything I need for my breakthrough, and I know you are looking for attuned treasures. We split the other spoils six parts to me, four to you. If both want a specific item, we can barter for it," the barbarian added. "And I promise. You won''t leave disappointed if you follow me, and we survive."


    "What if we get split up or are ced in a situation where we have to contend against each other?" Zac asked.


    "Then I still get 10% of your spoils," the barbarian grinned. "Finder''s fee."


    "You can have the Mana, but I want it if the bounty treasure has an attunement of Pure Conflict. I''ll pay 1 C-grade Nexus coin for it," Zac slowly said. "As for the sixty-forty split and a finder''s fee, your ghost-talking isn''t enough. You''ll have to prove this key of yours is worth the extra loot."


    "Ghost-talking? My grandma would whoop you until you sang like a canary if she heard you speak like that," Krutaughed. "I guess your terms are fine. Well, what do you know about Saeward?"


    "Except that he died, nothing," Zac said. "The scrolls don''t mention it."


    "Not died," the barbarian whispered as he leaned closer. "Disappeared."


    "What?" Zac said.


    "There are no mentions of Saeward dying anywhere," Kruta exined. "In fact, Saeward''s army had the upper hand. Then, their War Array suddenly crumbled, and Saeward was gone. A few of the Hero Souls remembered the confusion, the betrayal. Even with Saeward controlling the war effort, they were barely winning. With him gone, things quickly deteriorated."


    "He fled?"


    "Maybe," Kruta said. "But I personally don''t think so. I think he either was ambushed or had to act quickly to stop a looming threat."


    "So..?" Zac hesitated.


    "Well, I haven''t figured out the details yet," Kruta shrugged. "But I think the key to solving this riddle is discovering what happened to Saeward."


    "That''s not much of a key," Zacmented.


    "Well, this is," Kruta said as he took out a thick hide.


    It was painted with ck ink, depicting two raging armies locked in battle. Zac frowned as it wasn''t some ancient artifact from the battlefield. It was newly drawn, probably by Kruta himself. But suddenly, Zac felt himself get sucked into the drawing and saw how the armies and fortifications stretched out in front of him. The artistic depiction suddenly transitioned into a vast strategic overview of the whole battlefield. Additionally, the armies were moving, following patterns and strategies Zac couldn''t decipher.


    "I''ve studied the Stand for years: the armies, their movements. The world itself has be an echo of their paths and history. This understanding will help keep us safe in a world that''s about to go mad," Kruta exined. "Well, safer, anyway."


    "You''ve drawn a map of the whole thing?"


    "No," Kruta said with a shake of his head. "But enough to have figured out a path to where we need to go; themand center."


    "From where Saeward presumably disappeared?"


    "Exactly. If we''re lucky, we might not just walk away with some naturally born treasure. We might walk away with the wealth of a high-grade ancient cultivator."


    "What?" Zac asked.


    "Think about it. Saeward suddenly disappeared, and his army was ughtered. But why are the puppets still walking around aimlessly? Why didn''t the victors collect them? Why can you find broken spatial rings and Spirit Tools all over the battlefield? Saeward might have been ambushed, or he might have ambushed whoever is now returning ording to the Hero Souls. It doesn''t matter.


    "I think both fell into some hidden spot or pocket space. Perhaps Saeward even managed to drag his enemy into his inner world. In that case, we''re dealing with two ancient masters, their heritage and wealth untouched for eons. Since the Ruthless Heavens govern these worlds, they''ll surely have formed troves."


    "What does this have to do with the surging energy in the zone?"


    "I can''t say for sure," Kruta said. "But I know this. Until now, it has been impossible to reach themand centers. The Hero Souls guarding that region are extremely aggressive, and the fortifications form a death trap for E-grade cultivators. If there''s a trove, then it''s still intact. But with the surge of energy, the battlelines are being redrawn. The puppets are mounting a new attack, which might create an opening. It is the key to sneaking inside."


    Zac slowly nodded. He had to admit, he could feel the call of adventure. Unsolved mysteries, ancient troves? Not to mention, it would be hard to sessfullyunch an ambush on him in the depths of the Stand. With the powerful Hero Souls and puppets crawling across the ce, you were liable to attract more attention than you could handle.


    Or was that what the enemy was nning to use against him?


    Zac shook his head. It was no way to know how things would y out. He could only remain vignt and try to stay based on the changes on the battlefield.


    "How do we know your theory is correct?"


    "Well, there are no guarantees. But I''ve been thinking about that message ''He''sing.'' I think it means the hidden realm is returning to the surface. Or perhaps some seal hiding the location of Saeward''s battle is failing. It''s the trapped energy from Saeward''s fall that''s being released, causing the battlefield''s awakening."


    "Well, there''s a lot of guesswork, but I think you''re onto something," Zac nodded.


    "And no more than five people have spent as much time as me in the Stand. Of them, only I have gotten the clues from the Hero Souls," Kruta proudly said. "And that''s why Kruta gets 60%."

 Chapter 1025 - Hero Souls

    "Fine," Zac smiled. "You get 60% if we both reach the trove."


    "Don''t forget the finder''s fee," Kruta grinned.


    "Are you trying to lead me into the lion''s den before scurrying back to safety?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    "No, but I know my limits. I''ll do what I can, but this isn''t a war for the survival of my tribe," Kruta said, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Zac. "But you, you have that madness in your eyes. The madness that will lead you to greatness or ruin. I''m betting on the former. That way, I''ll walk away with some goodies."


    "I don''t know if I agree, but fine," Zac snorted before looking at hispanion thoughtfully.


    There were no guarantees, but Zac''s instincts told him Kruta wasn''t part of the plot against him. The sense of doom hadn''t changed at all when Zac entered Kruta''s manor. If anything, it had weakened slightly after they''d reached an ord. As such, Zac felt bad about potentially dragging this man into a conspiracy.


    "Remember your words. You''re not here to risk your life. So if you see things going out of control, don''t worry about me and just flee."


    "What trouble are you cooking up, shapeshifter?" Kruta said suspiciously.


    "Hopefully, nothing. But some enmities from the outside can reach even these realms," Zac said. "It''s not worth dying over someone else''s grudge. Now, how will we reach themand center without getting ourselves killed or in trouble with the others?"


    Kruta didn''t look surprised or shocked. Instead, he just nodded like it was a matter of course. "The Dao of Conflict is Heaven''s path. More so than the other peaks, perhaps. Don''t worry about me. Worsees to worst, and I''ll drag all the Hero Souls in the region down on my enemies'' heads. And don''t worry about reaching themand center, either. Kruta''s got it all nned out!"


    The two spent the next hour going over routes, hiding spots to regroup, and tactics. Kruta had a wealth of experience collected during his nine years in the Perennial Vastness, much of which had been spent in the Stand and simr battlefields. Knowledge you wouldn''t find in any publicly avable information package or the manor scrolls.


    From there, Kruta activated his teleportation array, leading to one of the cheaper Green Zones. The moment they stepped through, Zac activated the pir again, leading them to the teleportation square in Vastness City. It was a small trick not to emerge from their storefront, and it allowed them to enter the Stand of Saeward after just spending seconds in the city.


    It was Zac''s first visit, and the missives weren''t enough to prepare him for the incredible resentment in the air. Or resentment wasn''t the right word. This wasn''t the unadulterated anger, bloodlust, and irreconciliation that had poisoned the Bloodwind. Those feelings were all there, but they were subordinate to the zing sun of an endless fighting spirit.


    Zac felt like he was standing among millions of soldiers roaring in defiance, the ground trembling from their auras. War was brewing. A war for survival, a war for supremacy. It was the fundamentalw of progress, and you found it manifest everywhere, from nature''s cycles to conflict between men. Kruta was right. Conflict was Heaven''s Path.


    His whole Soul Aperture trembled, and the Dao Avatar for his Branch of the War Axe danced in the empty space of his mind, right between the two huge soul spirals. The avatar and [Spiritual Void] were greedily feasting on the rich truths around him, but the absorption affected his mental state.


    Still, it wasn''t enough to affect Zac''s senses. He took a calming breath and found his center, holding onto the Void in his heart. He couldn''t let himself be controlled by his Dao or swept up by the storm around him. He always had to be the driving motivation behind the conflict. Otherwise, it''d just devolve into violence and madness.


    After stabilizing his mind, Zac made another discovery. The threat of death had grown more palpable. He still couldn''t pinpoint the source or time, but it was clearly rted to this realm. His enemies were already here, which could be considered a good thing. Catheya hadpiled a partial list of those who''d entered, and he could treat every person he met as a potential enemy.


    Zac looked around and found Kruta looking at him oddly.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Ah?" Kruta coughed. "It was weird. I felt you be a Hero Soul for a moment there. I guess your path resonated with the lingering will of the fallen."


    "Something like that."


    "That''s good," Kruta nodded. "The better you harmonize with the battlefield, the less trouble wille your way. Either case, looks like you can keep your wits about you. I guess I won''t have to worry about you losing your sense of self."


    "Worried I''ll be the fourth danger?" Zac smiled.


    "Other guests losing their minds," Kruta said with a wry shake of his head. "I''ve not heard of it happening over the past decades, but who knows now that things are like this? I already feel the amount of resentment is growing."


    Zac nodded. Kruta might really be onto something with his theories. The Hero Souls were the only ones who could generate resentment in the Stand, and it made sense if their anger came from the resurgence of their enemy.


    "The environment wasn''t that corrosive before?" Zac asked.


    "It''s only a bit worse here at the entrance," Kruta exined. "It''s much more noticeable further in. So don''t let down your guard, or the war madness might take you."


    Zac nodded and looked around. The zone was quite beautiful for an ancient warzone. The Stand of Saeward seemed to have urred on a meteor soaring through space. It was shrouded by a perpetual night sky, though it wasn''t actually that dark. Nebs and radiant stars drenched the world in ethereal light, creating an ambiance that belied the dangers of this zone.


    Oddly enough, the stars moved unpredictably in the sky. It was one thing if their position moved as a result of the world turning, but this was different. It felt like the stars were soldiers forming small armies. These armies moved in different directions, shing with other groups. It was a ster war, and Zac felt his mind tremble upon looking at the scene. There were truths hidden in the movements. Or was it just a result of the Dao being rampant?


    "Best I can guess is that the sky is made up of at least five Heavenly Layers," Krutamented. "They are like painted ss panes ced on top of each other, each showing a different set of stars. It looks like they are crashing toward each other, but I''ve never actually seen them collide. It''s like they pass right through each other."


    Zac slowly nodded, memorizing the piece of intelligence. You never knew what information would prove useful in these hostile worlds. What was for sure, though, was that it would be impossible to map a path using the stars. Ventus might have been able to do it, but the numerologist''s storefront disappeared five months after they met. Proof he had either seeded in breaking through or died��the Perennial Vastness never told which it was.


    Thend wasn''t the sparse rock you''d expect from a world hurtling through space. Neither was it quite what you''d expect from a still semi-active battlefield. Blue knee-high grass covered the ground, and bushes and small trees weren''t an umon sight. There were some bare sections far in the distance, no doubt a result of one of the three dangers. But with the extreme energy density and ample Dao, the nts would quickly regrow.


    No guests were loitering by the entrance, but they only managed to run five minutes before three warriors appeared to block their path. Zac looked at them one by one, his features hidden beneath his hood. He''d once more taken on the visage of one of the people who nowy in his Corpse Sack. The three strangers were all powerful, though that was to be expected in a ce so dangerous it had an echelon requirement. Looking at them, even Zac felt a small pang of danger.


    However, this danger was fully disconnected from the hidden sword trained at his back. In other words, they didn''t have good intentions but weren''t connected to the conspiracy. His [Lucky Beads] were already proving their worth. He wouldn''t fully trust its signals since some treasures and skills could counter them, but having them sharpening his sixth sense was incredibly useful.


    "Three strangers appearing out of nowhere," Kruta grinned as a baleful aura started leaking from his body. The grass rustled, and it almost sounded like swords colliding as a bloody haze was released from the grass. "The grass has grown parched and hungry over the eons."


    Zac said nothing, but a nasty two-handed sword appeared in his hand as his killing intent joined Kruta''s. He didn''t want to fight so soon and this close to the teleportation gate, but it was like the whole world urged him on. Not fighting felt like holding his breath. It was fine for a bit, but it wasn''t a natural state in the Stand. Even Zac felt a desire for battle, and veins had started appearing on the neers'' foreheads. None of them seemed to have a matching Dao with the realm, and they had much-worse resistance to the whispers of war.


    Yet, they didn''t attack.


    "No need to draw your weapons!" a man in the middle said, his voice hoarse. "It''s the realm that''s ying tricks on us! We are just looking for people who wish to form an alliance. Small groups stand no chance against the established coalitions. If we join forces, we''ll��"


    "Thanks, but we''re still going to explore it on our own," Krutazily interjected.


    The warrior hesitated a second, but a cold gust swept through the grass before he could act.


    Eight ancient warriors had appeared out of nowhere. They were not fully tangible humanoids, and some of their body parts shifted in and out of reality. Armor covered every inch of their bodies, so it was impossible to tell whether they were actual humans or some simr species. Zac''s eyes widened a bit as he quickly retracted his aura. He hadn''t expected to see Hero Souls this close to the teleporter.


    All eight wielded identical gear and weapons, but they were definitely not some cannon fodder troops. Each had a towering aura matching that of Peak Hegemons with mountains of corpses under their belts. Swirls of resentment and ferocity surrounded their bodies, and Zac could sense how the realm protected and nurtured them.


    However, something was off about their strength. Most likely, they had been Peak Hegemons before falling, while they only had the energy equivalent of Early Hegemons right now. They were ultimately just memories, unable to bring forth the full strength of their true selves.


    Still, seasoned veterans who were once a full grade higher were not easy to deal with, especially when reinforcement could appear out of nowhere when it came to these Hero Souls. Kruta had already restrained his bloodlust as well, but the Hero Souls still stopped right between the two groups. Their stares were quite unnerving, not giving off the slightest hint of whether they were friendly or about to attack.


    "Cycle your Dao," Kruta whispered, and Zac immediately let his Branch of the War Axe course through his body.


    The effect was immediate. All of the Hero Souls suddenly ignored him and Kruta and instead turned toward the trio, who were incapable of harmonizing with the conflict in the region. The guests hesitated for a moment before backing away, not daring to speak out of fear they''d be attacked. These hero souls were rtively weak, but there were eight of them, along with two hostile guests. Fighting would be quite dangerous.


    A momentter, the trio was gone, followed by four of the Hero Souls.


    "Boring," Kruta muttered. "They had two more hiding in the distance. They probably wanted to lead us into an ambush, but they''re gone now."


    "That doesn''t mean they''ve given up," Zacmented.


    "True. Preying on solitary warriors is the only thing those kinds of people can aplish in this kind of event," Kruta snorted before looking at Zac with annoyance. "Of course, this could have been easily solved while also awarding us some Mana."


    "Two hours. Then we let loose," Zac smiled.


    That was the best Zac coulde up with on such short notice; he''d expose himself after they''d left the starting reaches of the Stand. The further they headed, the harder it would be to set up aplex ambush��the Stand was too dynamic a region for preparing a bunch of arrays. You couldn''t even lie in ambush for too long. The puppets could sense static energy umtions and head in your direction.


    Conversely, the worst-case scenario was if the enemy stayed by the entrance. They could masquerade as any random coalition if they did, and it was much easier to set up a lethal trap that would be difficult to avoid. He needed to drag the enemy into the depths, where chaos reigned supreme��his home turf.


    "Fine," Kruta scoffed before turning to the lingering spiritual warriors.


    The barbarian bowed with a reverent expression, something Zac felt wasn''t faked. "Esteemed warriors, Kruta the Second greets you. Are you willing to answer a few questions of mine?"


    The Hero Souls looked at Kruta for a few seconds before turning away, heading back toward the depths of the battlefield.


    "Well, didn''t attack us, at least," Kruta shrugged. "Pretty good oue as things go nowadays. Let''s go."


    Zac nodded, and the two sped off, making use of starting region''s rtive safety to use movement skills. Soon after setting out, the two heard a scream and an eruption of energy. The Hero Souls had attacked the trio.


    An odd storm was brewing above their heads. It looked like dozens of spatial tears had opened up, dragging energy and Dao into the Void. However, there were no actual tears. The energy was rather imploding onto itself, creating a shockwave that further stirred up the area. The phenomenon looked a bit like beating hearts of pure conflict, and the hearts were beating faster and faster.


    "See those clouds?" Krutaughed. "They''re why you have to finish battles quickly and move on. Conflict breeds conflict. It''s an insatiable fire. New souls will be born as long as there''s conflict and energy, and I''ve never seen this ce run out of either. They''re like catnip for the puppets too. We should get out of here. I didn''t expect such a big cloud to appear right at the entrance."


    Zac nodded, and the two ran deeper into the Stand. Powerful ripples erupted behind them, and Zac shook his head. The ambushers had been forced to release skills, but it hadn''t been enough, judging by the continuous eruptions. Releasing so much Cosmic Energy was like pouring gasoline on the fire. It was one thing to use a movement skill to crossrge distances asionally. If you started peppering offensive skills with lethal intent, you''d feed into the conflict of the realm itself.


    Such was the danger of the Stand of Saeward. It was easy to get into a fight but hard to extricate yourself. There was a reason this ce was not only a Red Zone but one with minimum requirements to enter.


    "Danger, right!" Zac suddenly warned as his mind screamed of peril.


    He stepped left with [Earthstrider], but it was toote. Zac''s vision turned white, and his muscles stopped listening to hismands as a sea of lightning bolts swept through him and continued for another five-hundred meters. The agony continued for a whole minute before relenting, at which point Zac was left panting as he angrily red at an inconspicuous mound in the distance.


    "Not a fan of that one," Zac grunted.


    "Really? I feel all loosened up," Kruta grinned, cracking his neck. "Wait ''til you see some of the things waiting for us further in. Good thing both of us are meaty, ''cause we''ll lose a fewyers of skin before we''re through."


    "That''s just great," Zac wryly smiled, but he swirled around upon sensing a powerful energy fluctuation shooting toward them.


    "Bad things rarelye alone here," Kruta grunted as he took out his twin swords. "What''s a Red Cap doing this close to the entrance? This ce is really going out of control."

 Chapter 1026 - Red Caps

    Zac looked at the creature rushing at them at a speed Zac couldn''t match without using [Earthstrider]. It appeared eerily simr to the Hero Souls, except this puppet was clearly fully corporeal. The full-body armor was simr in design, except it seemed to be made out of a light ck ceramic alloy with a red helmet.


    Red Caps were the weakest puppets, named after their blood-red heads. They were the equivalent of Early Hegemons, though their durability was one grade higher. Above them were the Blue Cloaks, and then came the White Sigils. White Sigils were solidly in Middle D-grade and almost impossible to destroy.


    Finally, there were the very rare Golden Champions. If you saw one of those puppets, you were better off running for your life than fighting it. Even a coalition would have trouble taking down one of those things. By the descriptions, Zac wasn''t the least confident in his ability to tangle with those things, even if he went all-out.


    "Let me deal with this one. I''ll show you how it''s done," Kruta said with excitement written all over his face.


    The two swords in Kruta''s hands hummed with the Dao of Conflict, and they started to absorb the ambient Dao in the air. The weapons looked like a mix of messer swords and butcher''s cleavers. They were barely a meter long and had a width of around two hands. They were single-edged, and a thick line of runes ran along the back of the de.


    As ambient Dao pored into the swords, the first rune by the handle lit up, prompting the swords'' auras to rise marginally. Kruta had some orcish heritage, but his gear was far more exquisite than what he saw from his brethren in the Big Axe Coliseum. The swords were a rare dual Spirit Tool of extreme quality, and Zac suspected they had an equivalent or even greater spirituality than [Verun''s Bite].


    A spectral projection appeared behind Kruta''s back as he readied himself for battle. It was only a bitrger than Kruta himself and even looked simr except for a noticeably stronger orcish blood. It was the ancestral soul whisp Kruta the Second had been born with��the original Kruta. He emitted a heart-palpitating aura that reminded Zac of the Hero Souls. Zac felt like he looked upon an old monster like Be''Zi, but the projection''s actual aura was only at Kruta''s level.


    The barbarian shot forward, forgoing finesse as he crashed into the puppet. A shockwave turned the already scorched grass in the surrounding area to shreds. The ripple was immediately followed by dangerous waves that would rip apart any F-grade cultivator. Even Zac was forced to take a few steps back to avoid getting cut. Kruta had be a violent hurricane as heunched an unceasing barrage of strikes on the Red Cap.


    As he moved, so did the avatar on his back. It almost looked like Kruta had grown a second set of arms, and two translucent fists grabbed at the weapons in Kruta''s hands. The sword shuddered as two spectral projections appeared, turning two swords into four. Zac wryly smiled, remembering thinking the barbarian''s style was full of odd holes when they first met.


    Much of that could be exined by the fact that Kruta couldn''t rely on his signature technique in a martial duel. In the real world, Kruta never fought alone. He had his ancestor, Kruta the Great, to aid him. They were two halves of a whole; one couldn''t exhibit his true strength without the other. It was like fighting with one arm behind his back for the barbarian.


    The imperfections in Kruta''s blueprint were the real deal, though, an unavoidable side effect of the man being a bit of a fighting idiot. Then again, Zac''s aplishments in that arena would have been even worse if he hadn''t stumbled onto ake''s worth of liquifiedprehension. However, those gaps were mostly fixed by now,rgely thanks to almost monthly duels with Zac.


    Cracks started to appear on the puppet''s ceramic armor from Kruta''s no-holds offensive, but it was no slouch. It seemed to possess almost a bestial instinct, and its sword was a blur as it fended off the constant swirl of attacks. It couldn''t be considered fighting at the level of the Integration stage, but its movements were based on a powerful set technique without any clear weaknesses.


    There were probably no more than ten people back home who could deal with the Red Cap in a martial duel, even if the puppet''s attributes were restricted to its opponent''s level. It was only at the peak of the Formation Stage, but it made no mistakes as far as Zac could see. Every attack, evasion, block, and dodge was incredibly efficient. Meanwhile, its incredible durability allowed it to fight aggressively, trading blows for blows anding out on top.


    Zac was perhaps even more impressed by this than Kruta''s dominant disy. Just how skilled had the puppeteer been to create something like this? To create tens of thousands of them, even?


    If Kruta had only fought with two arms, the two would likely have been locked in a stalemate. However, cracks appeared one after another across the puppet after just seconds of fighting. Meanwhile, Zac noticed matching runes had started lighting up on the spectral warrior and Kruta. They matched those on the swords and seemed to imbue him with further strength, and his swings grew increasingly ferocious.


    The skills, the Dao, thebat style, and the weapons. They were all connected and in perfect harmony. The weapons were likely forged for Kruta specifically, taking into ount his path and talents. That was one aspect where Zac couldn''tpare to established factions. Hopefully, he''d get there by the end of Hegemony.


    A pang of danger warned Zac the Red Cap wouldn''t give up without a fight, and a huge st of cutting des erupted before Zac could warn hispanion. The storm was simr to his [Nature''s Edge] though far more condensed. Most Peak E-grade cultivators would be ripped to shreds if caught in such a domain, but Kruta only roared.


    The scream was empowered by Cosmic Energy and Dao, but Zac wasn''t sure it was a skill. A pure wall of power crushed the cutting des and allowed him to continue dismantling the puppet. However, a third party joined the fray just as Kruta cut off one of the Red Cap''s arms��four Hero Souls who had already drawn their weapons.


    "They''re feral!" Kruta swore, but Zac didn''t need the warning.


    These new arrivals were different than the ones they''d encountered before. They carried intense amounts of resentment, making their armors look mottled with blood. Rather than heroic warriors, they felt like vengeful ghosts.


    "You deal with the puppet," Zac said as [Verun''s Bite] appeared in his hand. "I wanted to test these guys in either case."


    "Let''spete who''s finished first," Kruta grinned.


    "How is that fair?" Zacughed as he moved between Kruta and the Hero Souls. "Your guy is halfway done already."


    The lingering effect of the lightning field was gone, and his muscles had long since stopped spasming. Four vines shot out from his back, forming wide arcs that targeted the Hero Souls from the side. He essentially created a funnel herding them toward himself, making sure none of them targeted Kruta.


    "Remember to use our Dao of Conflict," Kruta reminded from behind, just as the puppet began gathering energy again. "Ah, this bastard has another domain?"


    The Hero Souls were only fifty meters away by that point, their swords turning into bloody arcs as they ripped apart Vivi''s vines without stopping. New vines grew to rece what was lost with the help of the Branch of the Kalpataru, each ferociously digging at the vengeful memories. A few vines soon managed to sneak past the ghosts'' defenses, but Zac noted the effect was only decent. Imbuing your attacks with Dao was usually enough to deal with intangible beings like elementals and ghosts, but the Hero Souls were a bit special.


    A few of Vivi''sshes mmed into the Hero Souls with full power, and they reacted as a normal cultivator would. They either blocked or had to bear the brunt of the attack using their armor. Other attacks passed right through their bodies like the warriors were nothing but projections. It even looked like the Hero Souls knew, or perhaps even controlled, when they were corporeal and when they were just memories.


    Imbuing the vines with his Dao of Life only had minimal impact, just like the missives exined. You couldn''t damage them when intangible, but you disturbed whatever held the memories together. It would quicken their disintegration if you just kept at it. A few Daos were more effective than others, such as the Daos of Time and Emotions, but the most effective was the Dao of Conflict. The Dao of Conflict didn''t disrupt the Hero Souls; it locked them in and forced them to stay corporeal.


    Zac stepped forward, his perception shifting as he quickly became one with his path. The ancient battlefield was no longer just the ruins of an ancient struggle. It had be a lesson in the fundamentalws of the universe.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Hero Souls were filled with resentment, but they moved like veteran soldiers rather than beings who had lost their rationality to bloodlust. They tried to nk Zac and surround him, but Zac was an army of one. [Verun''s Bite] sang, empowered by thew of evolutionary progress and the soothing breath of the world. Attacks were averted, and defenses were breached.


    The Hero Souls were like hyenas trying to nip at the heels of a far greater predator. Zac worked methodically to disrupt their cooperation and damage their forms. Zac felt like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders as he moved and attacked in ordance with his Evolutionary Stance.


    The past years had been spent under the yoke of hostile and opposing Daos. His technique and convictions had been under constant attack by truths that were often far more refined than his own. Now that the encouraging winds of Conflict had reced the suppression, he felt like he''d been reborn.


    There was a fluidity to his motions he hadn''t felt before, a deeper connection to his technique. The years of suffering had brought a reward beyond treasures and Mana. Being exposed to so many concepts had refined him. A rough gemstone had been polished, just like how endless tribtions had refined his blueprint in the simtion array.


    Swirling winds of war formed a small arena around Zac and the Hero Souls as he tried to break through the iron wall of swords and shields. It was slightly disruptive, fighting with beings that weren''t fully tangible. A scream of danger apanied a failed block, where the Hero Soul''s sword passed right through [Verun''s Bite] to strike at Zac''s neck.


    Simultaneously, another warrior stabbed at him from the left, blocking off his path of escape. Zac didn''t mind. Instead of dodging or backing down, he pushed forward. A hand imbued with the Branch of the War Axe ripped out a chunk of mottled armor while Zac cut off the attacker''s hand. Meanwhile, Vivi formed a web of death, stabbing at the slits in the Hero Souls'' helmets and forcing them to back down.


    It didn''t change the situation much. The severed hand regrew, only costing the Hero Soul some of its umted energy. And they had a lot of energy��it would take over a minute to exhaust the Hero Souls in this manner. Of course, this was while Zac only fought ording to his Dao without using it. Zac would have liked to experiment with his techniques and Daos some more, but he knew he couldn''t mess around in the Stand.


    The group from before was a poignant reminder of that.


    The axe-wielding Dao Apparition was already teeming with vigor because of the environment, and it released a dense stream of Dao that coursed into [Verun''s Bite]. Meanwhile, a dense Dao Field empowered by [Spiritual Void] covered thebatants, making the Hero Souls suddenly look like mortal men. The memories could no longer phase through his attacks, and each collision destroyed significant amounts of energy.


    The previously ferocious spirits flickered precariously in just ten seconds, and the battle was over in another five. These Hero Souls were ultimately not a match to Zac''s technique, even when he restrained himself to hide his most recent gains. Of course, just like the Red Cap, these were just the lowest forms of souls wandering the Stand.


    "Impressive," Kruta nodded, a pile of scrap already lying by his feet. "Your axe is doing almost as much work as my four swords. I''ll have to ask my elders if they can help me reach that state when I return."


    "And you''re sure we can''t collect the puppets?" Zac asked.


    "They''re only alive thanks to the unique environment," Kruta said with a shake of his head. "Their arrays fail, and the armor turns more brittle than mortal material after you bring them out."


    "Then let''s go before that scrap heap reforms," Zac sighed.


    Kruta nodded, and the two set off again. It was just in time. The battle hadsted less than a minute, yet Zac could feel how the Dao of Conflict had grown agitated in the area, concentrating on their location. If they stayed, problems would soon follow.


    The sky rumbled as they ran, and a gout ofva erupted in the distance. It felt like disaster could wait around any corner, and there was a palpable sense of things bubbling under the surface. It was not just because of the increasingly thick Dao of Conflict, either. Fate was gathering at the heart of the realm. In a ce like that, gathering fate meant danger. But it also meant opportunity, and Zac felt a smile creep up his lips.


    "Like I said, you have the madness," Krutaughed as he looked over. "But don''t get cocky; these guys were just the weakest of the bunch. Soon, we''ll have to use our skills to deal with our enemies, creating a far nastier response. I''ve almost been sent off to my ancestors a few times in here already."


    "I know," Zac nodded. "It just feels nice to be in a ce resonating with you."


    "So why do you keep taking those suicidal missions in ces that don''t wee you?"


    "We all have our methods to progress," Zac shrugged.


    The two continued for another two hours without encountering anyrge issues. Kruta spotted a cultivator far in the distance, but he was moving toward the entrance. He shed away when he was spotted, and the two ignored him. Zac got better and better at fusing his Dao field with the environment, but they were still attacked by puppets, towers, and Hero Souls every ten minutes or so. Kruta already had a constipated look on his face after having one attempt atmunication after another rebuffed by the Hero Souls.


    Eventually, they reached the edge of the grassy ins, where a xeric tundra reced it. The region looked far less hospitable than the ethereal grass, but it provided much more coverage in the form of hills, escarpments, and tor formations asrge as skyscrapers. Of course, there was a good chance that many of those boulders hid lethal formations, but they made it a lot harder to get spotted from a distance.


    "This is the entrance to the real battlefield," Krutamented as he pointed at a 20-man Hero Soul squad flying in the distance.


    In its lead rode a warrior atop something like a twin-tailed tiger. The captain was clearly much stronger than their subjects, and Zac guessed it was the equivalent of a Blue Cloak Puppet.


    "From here on out, we might meet stronger enemies, and the fortifications can actually hurt us. You, anyway."


    "You do have pretty thick skin," Zac nodded. "Didn''t even flinch when you ambushed the Hero Souls while talking about how you admired them."


    "Bah, those things were all long gone. My ancestor hasn''t been able to connect to a single one," Kruta said with a roll of his eyes before looking at Zac expectantly. "So, are we finally done skulking around? I bet we''ll encounter more people now that we''ve left the starting zone."


    "Fine, let''s swap," Zac agreed after some final deliberations.


    Soon, Zac stood in his original form without trying to hide it. Kruta followed suit, somehow extracting all the scales across his body with the same bone as before.


    "And if we meet any people?" the barbarian asked.


    "Rob or kill, depending on their actions," Zac confirmed.


    "Good!"


    The two entered the tundra following Kruta''s map, doing their best to avoid therger squads. It was still impossible to avoid the random stragglers, and it always felt like they were one step away from disaster. They''d barely managed to avoid an even squad of Hero Souls than the one they saw before while dismantling a trio of Red Caps.


    But the scene was nothingpared to what they stumbled onto after traveling for two hours. Puppets, hundreds of them, pouring out from two spatial gates. Most were the Red Caps, but they also spotted almost a dozen Blue Cloaks. There was even a White Sigil leading them, and Zac shuddered at the baleful aura it emitted. They formed orderly squads as they marched toward the depths of the Stand.


    Against this army, there was only escape. Even if they managed to destroy all these things, it would be after exhausting all their skills and attracting half the Stand to their location.


    "Wow," Zac whispered from within the emergency istion array Kruta had prepared as they slowly backed away to hide behind a rock formation.


    "Well, I haven''t seen that before," Kruta agreed. "I wonder where they areing from."


    "So what should we��" Zac said, but he stopped upon feeling a weak ripple.


    It was so minute it could just have been a small fluctuation brought by the disturbance massive army, but Zac''s guts told him otherwise. More importantly, the sense of danger that had haunted him for weeks had red up.


    This was no coincidence. His enemies had found him.

 Chapter 1027 - Hunter and Prey

    The ripple was gone as quickly as it came, giving no hint of where it came from. Judging by Kruta''s expression, he hadn''t noticed it at all.


    "What is it?" the barbarian said with a raised brow. "Surely, some parading puppets isn''t enough for you to lose yourposure?"


    "It''s not that," Zac grimaced as he tried to pinpoint the source of the ripple. "Remember what I said before?"


    "Your enemies?" Kruta said with a low voice, his eyes darting back and forth.


    "I''m afraid so. This might be the time we split up."


    "And let you hog all the fun?" Kruta scoffed. "I don''t know you well, but I can feel you''ll be the key to this event. I''m not letting you sneak off alone now."


    "You mighte to regret it."


    "What regret? Getting a few more people to fight? More fun for Kruta," the barbarian guffawed. "Besides, if things get out of hand, I''ll just flee. I won''t say I''m invincible, but pinning me down in this ce is almost impossible."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac looked at Kruta for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "Thank you. I''ll do what I can to take on the heat, but don''t overdo it."


    "No need for all that mushiness. What do you want to do? I guess you have a n in ce."


    "Well, not really," Zac said, scratching his chin.


    "What?"


    "I mean, a wise man once told me, ''What''s the use of calcting and thinking when you''re an idiot?''" Zac coughed. "So, I just figured I''d drag them into the heart of the zone and deal with it there. The more chaotic, the better. That way, it''ll be a brawl, and I''m pretty good at those."


    Kruta nkly looked at Zac for a second before he startedughing. "Good advice! I like it!"


    Zac nodded before thoughtfully looking in the direction of the puppet army. "What about those guys? Will they create a problem?"


    "Our old path isn''t reliable if those soulless things can suddenly pop out of nowhere," Kruta hummed as he took out the map and made some adjustments. "Well, we could take a bit of a detour. Should be some empty pockets now that they are gathering. "


    Zac nodded. "How much time would that add?"


    "The Stand is not that big, as far as zones go. We''ll reach the center in two days, provided we don''t get caught up in this mess. Detours shouldn''t add more than half a day. Or��"


    "Or what?" Zac asked.


    "Or we stalk the puppets from a distance," Kruta shrugged. "White Sigils have very strong perception. If we get attacked by your enemies, they''ll probably get pulled over. If not, we can drag the fight to the puppets. The puppets should also act as a ma for the Hero Souls, and they''re heading right where we need to go."


    Zac nodded in agreement. "Sounds good. How do we avoid getting discovered by the puppets, though? Can''t they sense our energy?"


    "Uh," Kruta said, nkly looking ahead. "Well, we''ll just be careful and work hard on harmonizing with the environment?"


    "Alright, whatever," Zac shrugged. "We''ll just have to run if they start swarming us."


    The two opted to keep a ten-minute distance from the puppet army as they ran along a ridge. The puppets followed a straight path, which was quite easy to follow. After a few hours, Zac and Kruta even opted to run ahead to avoid any nasty surprises. asionally, the White Sigil sent out scouts in their direction, but Kruta was quite sensitive to the changes on the battlefield. Every time danger approached, they got out of the way in time.


    Others weren''t as lucky. A sudden eruption of energy made the two stop and nudged closer to the Puppet Army, where they spotted a trio surrounded by frenzied puppets. Over a dozen broken puppetsy on the ground, but the cultivators were still in desperate straits. They tried to break out, but the Blue Cloak puppets had created a barrier. On top of that, dozens of Red Caps were in the way.


    Suddenly, a shroud of mist was released from the White Sigil''s helmet, and space veritably exploded as it shed forward. The cultivator tried to move out of the way, but the puppet was too quick. Themander pierced straight through the guest''s hastily erected defense before goring her with itsnce.


    A spectral hand appeared beneath one of the two remaining cultivators, dragging him into a mysterious portal that looked like a small pond. The final man tried something simr, but the White Sigil was already upon him. A Dao-empowered stab forcibly interrupted the escape treasure, and the poor man died a momentter. Had this been a Green Zone, he could have called on his guide to send him out of the Perennial Vastness.


    But this was a Red Zone, following thew of the jungle you''d see in the wild. There were no safetys; you''d have to get out on your own.


    "Let''s go," Kruta sighed as the two inched back to avoid being dragged into the misfortune of others.


    A storm of Hero Souls had already hit the nk of the puppet army, though Zac could tell the puppets were far superior. Luckily, the White Sigil hadn''t noticed them. Or at least it hadn''t bothered pursuing. It focused on the iing Hero Souls, and the army began moving ten minutester. By that point, the broken puppets had already mended enough for them to walk on their own.


    The two avoided getting hounded by the puppets, but their journey wasn''t without headaches. The puppet army was like a beacon for the Hero Souls, just like Kruta suspected. Some ran straight to their deaths, but other squads changed course upon discovering Zac and Kruta. The two were constantly forced into fights, turning them into unwilling meat shields for the puppet army.


    Zac was constantly on edge, feeling targeted from every direction. After the first ripple, he hadn''t seen a hint of the enemies hiding in the shadows. That didn''t mean there wasn''t anyone looking or following him. An assassin or scout who could reach the Perennial Vastness wouldn''t have much difficulty avoiding Zac''s scans. Even the steady Dao Heart he''d tempered through endless struggle started to get frayed from the uncertainty.


    Knowing he''d been exposed put him under a lot of pressure, and he was afraid to disy the limits of his attributes or his technique. The few times he was forced to use skills, he even opted to dy the activation or integrate the skills with his infighting in a sub-optimal way. It left him with a few wounds, but it was worth it if his floundering could create some openings down the road.


    Kruta didn''t share Zac''s misgivings. The barbarian had a grand time fighting and constantly chattered about the treasures waiting for him at the end of the rainbow. By the time a few hours had passed, Zac had heard over thirty theories. Some were quite normal, like them finding the corpse of Saeward along with his spatial rings. Others were more out there, such as Kruta''s suggestion the whole event was a coronation trial. Whoever reached Saeward''s resting ce would be the king of the empire Saeward once ruled, gaining endless riches and vast armies.


    Another one who enjoyed herself was Vivi. The increasingly powerful Hero Souls had already cut off or shredded miles'' worth of vines, but she wasn''t deterred. She even seemed to enjoy the challenge, though she was a bit miffed the Hero Souls had no bodies to consume. It was almost as though she''d returned to her youth since absorbing the energies inside the Gate of Life. She hit harder and faster, and her vines regrew quicker.


    It was like the vines had gone through a full Cosmic Cycle and improved a stage, yet Zac found it hard to be enthused by the transformation. Her powerup wasn''t the result of a real breakthrough. It was more like all the nutrients he''d provided allowed her to return to her former glory. But that came at the cost of her lifespan. Vivi was essentially pushing herself beyond her limits, hastening her demise.


    When Zac got her, Heda said she''d live for another century, two if lucky. But her life force was like a flickering me, and Zac doubted Vivi had more than a few decades remaining. It filled him with a sense of powerlessness, as there was nothing he could do. He had hoped to prove Heda wrong through his Luck and fortuitous encounters. To change Vivi''s destiny as he had Verun''s. It had proven futile. The treasures he''d provided only gave temporary reprieve and the strength to keep going at her current pace.


    Not only that, but Vivi transmitted most of the nutrients to Haro.


    The Heavenrender Seed, in contrast, was a seed no longer. Haro had finally transformed him into a dual-affinity sapling after absorbing Zac''s Daos of Life and Conflict for over a decade, along with enough treasures to bankrupt a D-grade n. It only reached his knees inside the Worldring and couldn''t yet utilize the vast amounts of energy stored in its body. Still, it emitted an incredibly fierce aura. Even now, it happily gobbled the Dao in the environment, showing no signs of being satiated.


    A full day passed in this manner, and things reached a point where Zac wished someone would just attack him and get it over with. Had he overestimated his attractiveness as bait? Were they really nning to target him on his return, only sending some scouts to track his movements and report back?


    An hourter, there were finally some developments, but not how he''d hoped. First, they found a second puppet army to their left, sandwiching them between two squads. When they decided to break away from the puppets that had trailed them for the past day, they realized these two armies weren''t the only ones. There were over five armies in front of them, one of which was over three times the size of the other ones they''d spotted so far.


    "And there''s another one," Kruta whistled twenty minutester as they observed an eighth puppet army walking through a canyon in the distance. "We might be able to pass them by, but we''re in trouble if we get discovered. The squads are too bunched-up. I fear they might be able tomunicate."


    "Even if we pass this squad, there''s probably another one waiting beyond," Zac sighed. "Probably not worth it."


    "I wonder how many squads there are," Kruta muttered. "If the whole Stand is spawning them like this, we''re talking about an army in the tens of thousands."


    "More importantly, we''re getting boxed in," Zacmented. "We need to make a decision, or we might end up in the middle of a hostile legion."


    Kruta nodded and took out his map. "If we head to the right of the original group, we''ll enter the minefields after two hours. I doubt there''ll be puppet armies in there. Their energies would trigger one pir after another. We should avoid that if possible. However, going left would put us closer to the Edge. We wouldn''t be boxed in by puppets there, but we''d end up with our backs against the wall."


    The Edge wasn''t an actual cliff but a vast river that could be considered one end of the Stand. The river itself was made from liquid metal and contained shocking amounts of deadly eruptions of the Dao of Conflict. There were even dangerous beasts hiding in the depths. As far as E-grade cultivators were concerned, it might as well be the underworld river since crossing it meant death.


    The only reason the Edge wasn''t considered the fourth danger was that it was static, and cultivators could just avoid it. There hadn''t been any reports of surges or creatures emerging from the waters, so you could walk along its shores without issue. It was simply the edge of the Stand, hence its name.


    Most Red Zones had these limiters, and the general consensus was that they were intended to keep the guest out of the far more dangerous sections of the Perennial Vastness. For example, the true dangers of the Cmity were far beyond what even Hegemons could withstand.


    "I have fished for treasures in the calm banks. Let me tell you, that water is no joke. In the inner regions, we won''tst more than a few seconds if we''re forced inside."


    "The Minefield isn''t much better," Zac muttered. "Especially now that the region is waking up."


    "I think our safest bet is to slow down for an hour or two and let all these squads merge," Kruta offered. "Then we can follow their tail."


    Zac grunted as he looked at the empty horizon behind them. They were roughly one hour ahead of the first Puppet Army, using them to shore up their rear. To stop and let them pass�� was perhaps the most dangerous option of all. He could feel it. The main fate of the region was gathering ahead, but a dangerous wind of uncertainty wasing at him from behind.


    "Stopping is not an option, and the minefield is too unpredictable," Zac said. "We''ll move toward the edge."


    "If you say so," Kruta nodded.


    They traveled diagonally toward the river for the next four hours, narrowly dodging one squad after another. There really were thousands on the move, all of them heading toward the heart of the zone. One wrong step would result in a cascade of deadly disasters. The two had tried to get a glimpse of what they were walking toward, but turbulent winds shrouded the central Stand.


    Oddly enough, they met fewer and fewer Hero Souls as they progressed. Their best guess was that all the memories in the region had been dragged toward the center, possibly to stave off the puppet attack. Zac could only imagine what kind of war raged beyond the horizon. It felt as though they were walking through a memory where the ancient battle was being re-enacted.


    Knowing the Edge was nearby filled Zac with a small sense of safety, and they sped up on their way to the center. Eventually, they reached the obscuring shroud, and the two looked at each other hesitantly.


    "That''s it?" Zac asked. "Didn''t you say it was almost impossible to reach the inner reaches of the Stand? We just strolled here."


    "I... I don''t know," Kruta said. "I expected things to get worse, not better. Something in the center must be siphoning all the energy. I bet things are very different on the other side."


    "Can you deal with it?" Zac asked.


    "Look who you''re talking to!" Kruta scoffed. "I am a future warchief. How could I lose my mind on the battlefield?"


    "Fine, should we check things out?"


    "What about your enemies?"


    "Looks like they''re noting," Zac hesitated as he looked back.


    Still nothing.


    "Then let''s fish in the muddy waters and deal with the restter," Kruta nodded eagerly.


    The storm wasn''t deadly like what Zac had encountered in the Cmity, but it was still extremely unsettling. Vision was only a hundred meters, and energy signals werepletely muted. It felt like they could run into a troupe of puppets at any moment. The barbarian eventually slowed down and looked around hesitantly.


    "This is Warhaze Array," Kruta frowned as he took out a bone. "Stay close or we''ll get split up."


    The two continued for another hour, at which point the ground started rumbling. The vibrations were slight and erratic, and Zac could picture the source; powerful attacks colliding, making the whole world tremble.


    "War," Kruta muttered, a mix of excitement and trepidation on his face.


    After another ten minutes, the haze started to give way. A sudden pang of danger made Zac drag Kruta out of the way, just in time to avoid a massive pir of mes. It was over ten meters across and contained enough force to incinerate a Hegemon. The two shared a look before continuing.


    The energy was like a punch to the face, and Zac was forced to stop and enter a Void State. The killing intent alone was enough to drive one mad, yet it paled by the storm of Conflict that filled the air. A few stepster, the world came into focus, and even Kruta couldn''t help but gasp.


    The world had gone mad, with hundreds of massive eruptions going off every second. There were tens of thousands of puppets storming a farrger army of Hero Souls, and the battleline stretched further than Zac could see. Both sides were empowered by the environment, constantly unleashing powerful attacks that could pass as skills. Floating above the sea of puppets were hundreds of White Sigils, and Zac''s heart lurched upon spotting no less than ten Golden Champions.


    Even then, the Hero Souls weren''t overwhelmed. The puppets had their champions, but so did the ghosts. Their battles shook the skies, and Zac realized the fallout from one of those duels had almost incinerated them just now. And the Hero Souls were constantly getting reinforcements from an enormous moated castle behind their lines.


    There was no doubt about it; that was themand center. A cloud of conflict so pure Zac couldn''t even look at it hovered above its towers. The energy in the castle was so dense it looked like a solid pir. But how did that help them? Zac sighed and looked at the imprable wall of destruction between them and their goal. There was no muddy water to fish in here. There was only death.


    Battlements roared and space itself cried, unable to withstand the unending fury. It felt like the dimension itself was barely hanging on.


    Was this how a war between Hegemons looked?


    "What should we do?" Kruta whispered as they backed away. "That''s not a conflict we can get involved with."


    The Warhaze Array muted the deafening mor, and the previously ominous shroud now provided a sense of safety. However, that onlysted a second before Zac''s eyes widened in rm. If they couldn''t sense such a massive war through the haze, then didn''t that mean...


    "Wait," Zac whispered. "We''re��"


    The world shuddered as a huge pir of light mmed down, sealing the two into a cage 200 meters across.


    "Trapped," Zac sighed.

 Chapter 1028 - Candor

    Zac swore as one rune after another sprung up around the shield, and he immediately shot toward the closest wall. A herculean swing mmed into the wall of light, but Zac felt like he was fighting the whole world. His attack only left a discoloration that was soon washed away. Breaking through this thing would require far more energy. A momentter, the pir had closed, forming a solid dome.


    He should have expected as much��these people were obviously prepared. They must have scouted ahead to know there''d be such a good location tounch an ambush. Between the haze and the barrier, who''d notice even if they unleashed their skills to the fullest?


    Zac''s eyes lit up at the thought. That''s right. They were only a hundred meters from the shroud''s edge. They''d been even further in when they almost got sted by the pir of fire. It was only a matter of time before another attack from one of the Golden Champions or White Sigils reached this section, and the barrier was a huge target.


    But just as the hope was born, it was murdered. The dome was actually moving, dragging the two away from the edge of the haze. Zac felt like a fish being reeled in, and pushing against the wall did nothing.


    "This is new," Kruta curiously muttered as he was forced to jog along. "Movable and sturdy. Should we break out?"


    Zac hesitated. The question was what they had his enemies had nned. It would be troublesome if his captor nned to drag him over to the region through which the puppet reinforcements would arrive.


    "Can you tell what direction it''s moving?" Zac asked


    Kruta fiddled with a few bones for a couple of seconds before nodding. "Out and toward the Edge."


    "So away from the puppets," Zac sighed with relief. "For now, let''s see what they have nned. But if they move too far��"


    "Then they''re dragging us into a trap," Kruta said beforeughing. "Well, another one, I guess?"


    "You two are quiteid-back," an unfamiliar voice drifted from the haze.


    The next moment, a party of fifteen people appeared through the shroud, and Zac noted with interest that the dome opened a hole to let them inside. So it separated bidirectionally, meaning wandering puppets would have to fight their way through. The pir stopped and sealed the area as soon as the new group had entered, and Zac curiously looked at the neers.


    The one who had spoken before was a beautiful woman in the front. She was a human, and Zac was surprised to see herplexion slightly remind him of Karz. She had olive skin, golden eyes, and a mane of blonde hair. She was decked in gear resembling white temr armor, where only her head was exposed.


    Her breastte was made out of solid white metal, while the other parts were protected by chainmail. Golden scripts covered every inch of her armor, all radiating a pure light that could only belong to the Peak of Taiji. A golden crown iid with seven jewels was atop her head, each emitting a frightful aura.


    Her gear gave off a familiar feeling��it was simr to the ck armor Uona wore during their final battle. It had proven incredibly difficult to break through, to the point Zac had been forced to kill her with the Remnants. And this armor gave off an even greater pressure. Was it a War Regalia? It was the first time Zac had seen an E-grade cultivator able to power such a thing. Even he couldn''t, at least not anything he could get his hands on.


    With therge cape behind her back, she reminded Zac of his [Arbiter of the Abyss]-transformation. However, this woman gave off a very different aura. She emitted the pressure and air of an empress, and Zac was almost filled with a desire to kneel. The Conflict in the air was curtailed and turned into a sword against her enemies. She was a beacon of light in this world of falsehood, her mere presence showing the path.


    Such a powerful Mana Domain. She had to be a tenth-echelon guest, at least.


    Behind her were fourteen people, ten of which wore identical equipment. They looked every bit the part of soldiers in an army as the Hero Souls, and the runes on their equipment indicated they came from the same faction as the young woman. All of them had a glowing rune behind their back, and Zac could see the streams of power entering the leader.


    A War Array, and a very potent one at that. When fueled by ten powerhouses at the same level, the effect likely eclipsed most berserking methods. It was also the answer to how she could use War Regalia without sacrificing much of her own energy capacity. The warriors were not just batteries, though. They all had auras that would ce them in the upper tiers of all guests. One by one, they weren''t a threat to Zac. Together, they''d be a headache.


    Finally, there were four mages or clerics hiding behind the meat wall. Their features were covered in hoods, but their hands were held in different mudras. Zac couldn''t be certain, but he believed they were chanting something under their breath. Most likely, they were responsible for maintaining the barrier, while possibly assisting with the War Array. After all, four runes floated behind their backs, matching the four runes that covered the cardinal directions of the dome.


    Zac could also see a string of energy connecting them to a fifth rune ced just beneath the tip of the dome. An identical, or rather inverted, version hovered outside the shield like a mirror image. Both emitted a powerful Dao of Conflict. Zac nced at the runes suspiciously. Something about them was odd��it didn''t seem like the Dao of the guests. It was rather the path of the Stand. Had they stolen a corner of this realm''s Dao and used it to harmonize the domain with the environment?


    Or did it even allow them to use the ambient energy to power the barrier? If so, then it would be extremely difficult to crack it open.


    He''d known his enemies would be dangerous��why else would he have felt this looming threat for weeks? Even then, he knew the situation was far more troublesome than his projections. Being confronted by fifteen people normally wasn''t a big deal for him, but it was different in the Perennial Vastness. The leader alone gave off a pressure that told him he''d have to go all out. Worse, all her followers had dense auras of elite warriors tempered by blood. They weren''t the kind of sshouse elites he''d asionally run into here.


    That wasn''t the only issue. Zac was drawing aplete nk. He was certain he''d never seen her before, and her appearance didn''t match the description of any famous high-echelon guests who ran the more powerful coalitions. Who was she, and why was she targeting him? Was it really rted to Ultom?


    However, the drastic change in Kruta''s demeanor told Zac everything he needed to know.


    "That''s Valsa nur," Kruta said with undisguised fear on his face. "Of all the guests, why her? We''re in trouble. I��"


    "Don''t worry," Zac said, ncing at the light dome. "I''ll get you out of here."


    "I''m sorry, her origins are too scary," Kruta sighed. "Contending with her has ramifications beyond this realm."


    "I understand," Zac nodded. "I''ll��"


    The roaring sound of a forest sprouting from the ground drowned out Zac''s words. He was gone the next moment, entering the closest tree of [Ancestral Woods] before it was fully grown. As he stepped into one sprout, he simultaneously emerged right behind a clump of three guards. Their swords were already ripping toward Zac''s throat when he emerged, but a golden domain strained their movements.


    A set of pirs had appeared from where Zac once stood as though they''d appeared out of nowhere. Its appearance and position were made possible by starting the activation with Cosmic Energy, then instantly finishing the process with Void Energy at the exact moment suppression would have the greatest effect.


    Four vines slightly dyed the iing attacks, and two small dys were all Zac needed. A condensed scar four meters long ripped right through the warriors before they had a chance to react. From there, it didn''t continue toward the other guards or even Valsa herself. Instead, it shot toward the solitary rune of Conflict floating in the middle of the dome. A shockwave of Void and Dao-empowered leaves created utter chaos that prevented any interruption.


    Zac knew he was working against the clock. He could feel the storms of Cosmic Energy surging in the surrounding enemies, like ancient beasts awakening from their slumber. A sh forward and the activation of [Void Zone] strangled the Dao and the energy of the mages, who found themselves at his mercy.


    Two enemies fell in the blink of an eye, but a scream of deadly danger warned him time was up. Zac tried to move out of the way, but a glowing sword pierced right through the protective barrier of [Empyrean Aegis] and tore up a huge wound in his side. Eight attacks were right on the heels of Vansa''s strike, and Zac was forced to eat two as he desperately held Valsa back.


    It felt like he was caught inside a beast''s maw, with the remaining enemies copsing upon him. Valsa''s attacks were fast and ruthless, and he was rmed to realize he couldn''t match her in either speed or strength. Zac had a hard time imagining her raw attributes were as high as his, but she did wear a War Regalia that likely provided both offense and defense. Just dealing with her pushed Zac and his technique to the limit, but there were also seven warriors tacking on the pressure.


    Avoiding everything was impossible. He blocked what he could while Vivi worked overtime, but it wasn''t enough. He could only prioritize the strikes, making sure lethal attacks were demoted to grievous wounds and that crippling wounds didn''t hurt anything that would directly weaken hisbat potential. Organs and innards could be regrown, but he couldn''t lose a leg or his axe arm. That would be the nail in the coffin.


    Zac''s body screamed in agony, but a bloody smile spread across his face. This was the kind of situation where fate and paths were tested. It was at the edge of life and death where your convictions crystallized into something greater, where you could glimpse what waited beyond. Zac wanted to test out the properties of the armor, but he had a hard time staying alive, even with less than a second passing.


    Still, he gritted his teeth, and waves of murderous intent flooded the surroundings as he stepped forward to fight fire with fire. But suddenly, he was yanked back, dragged away from a surprised-looking Valsa. It was Vivi who had wound herself around a nearby tree, and Zac entered its trunk after shooting out a burst of Void-generated fractal leaves. Simultaneously, [Rapturous Divide] reached the rune in the sky.


    Zac appeared right next to a surprised-looking Kruta, inwardly shocked at the wretched state of his body. He had known these people would be strong, but he hadn''t expected to almost get himself killed by an opening exchange.


    A loud rumble shook the whole domain as the spatial de of [Rapturous Divide] ripped into therge golden rune. With two of the mages executed and the remaining duo forced to create shields to block [Nature''s Edge], the rune flickered ominously. Large scars appeared on the dome, but Zac inwardly swore upon realizing the damage was only temporary. Still, it was enough as Kruta turned into a streak of light that shot right through one of the exits, fleeing west.


    ''Hold out! I''ll bring reinforcements.''


    Zac made no sign he''d heard Kruta''s voice, but he still felt some warmth as he turned back toward the armored woman. There were no guarantees Kruta was telling the truth, but he believed they were. Kruta would try to drag a puppet army to their side. Of course, he wouldn''t bet his life on Kruta seeding. This was his mess, and he had to rely on himself to clean it up.


    His opening gambit was a sess. Zac had two goals with his ambush; thin out the number of supporting warriors and provide Kruta with a way to escape. He''d considered going for a Void-summoned [Arcadia''s Judgment] right out the gate, but his instincts told him it would backfire.


    That strategy had served him well before, but these people were too powerful. He''d already been given a taste of the leader''s power. She would have been able to mitigate much of the skill''s damage by herself, and the rest were strong enough to survive the aftershock. Ultimately, [Arcadia''s Judgment] was a bit too slow even when activated with Void Energy, and it was better to keep his finisher in the pocket for a time when it simply couldn''t be stopped. By using [Rapturous Divide] instead, he dealt a significant blow without expending too much force.


    Surprisingly, the enemies weren''t following up on the initial exchange. They stood like statues, except for one of the mages who sent healing waves to those cut by [Nature''s Edge]. Taking a breather was fine with Zac. He was covered in wounds, and the one in his side was especially sinister. This Valsa had at least one Late Dao Branch that was currently wreaking havoc on his organs.


    Luckily, his body was incredibly good at dealing with these matters, and the Kill Energy of five dead elites was already pouring into [Surging Vitality]. Seeing how desperate the situation was, Zac also fixed some of the more problematic wounds with small amounts of Creation Energy. For a few seconds, no one said anything, until the armored woman spoke up.


    "I wonder how you aplished that just now. You carry surprising secrets," Valsa said, ncing in the direction Kruta fled. "You might have been able to escape if you joined your friend."


    "Why would I escape?" Zac said as he cracked his neck. "You''ve been targeting me for a while now, and I finally have you in front of me."


    "Oh? You knew?" the woman said, a small smile spreading on her lips. "How embarrassing."


    "As far as I know, we have no enmity toward each other," Zac continued. "Want to exin why you''re here?"


    Zac was curious about the answer and had everything to benefit by stalling. Apart from his rapidly healing body, there was Kruta, who was hopefully bringing some chaos to the battle. He also needed to find the weaknesses in the dome. Those runes had so perfectly fused it with the realm that Zac wasn''t sure the puppets would attack it. He was also no closer to figuring out what powered it or how it could move.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Without dealing with that, he was trapped. Reactivating [Ancestral Woods] with Void Energy was useless if Valsa could just move the domain to his location.


    At least their operations had to be costly. Whether it was the array or the War Regalia, they had to drainrge amounts of energy every second. The more time they wasted, the better his position would be.


    "I think you know," she said. "The Left Imperial Pce is emerging. Some are fated. Others have to seize fate."


    "So you''re just a greedy thief," Zac sighed.


    "A Thief?" a pealingugh echoed through the square, but Zac was surprised by the shocking killing intent the followers suddenly emitted.


    They hadn''t so much as frowned when he killed five of theirpanions. Now, they looked ready to eat his flesh and drink his blood? These people were extremely loyal. Making them scatter after killing a few more was not an option.


    "Perhaps in your eyes. But the Pirs were made by the Empire. They belong with us. Your individual fate cannot match the Imperial Destiny."


    "So you''re from one of the traitor ns," Zac sighed, finally putting two and two together. "That exins some things."


    "We did what we had to survive. How does that make us traitors?" a hint of sharpness suddenly in her voice. It looked like she was about to continue, but she suddenly looked at the sky. "Ah, here we are."


    At first, Zac didn''t understand what she was talking about. Then, the haze above the dome was dispersed by a radiant glow. It was like a morning sun had risen to drive away the gloom, even if the view was still the familiar night sky of the Stand of Saeward. The stars moved about, and no attacks were raining down from above.


    Then, he saw it.


    Zac''s eyes widened in shock as the stars rearranged themselves, forming an enormous rune in the sky. It wasn''t an array; it felt more like a fundamental Law of the universe taken form. This was far beyond the scope of an E-grade cultivator could aplish, yet Zac''s instincts told him this wasn''t an illusion. That thought alone was incredibly terrifying. Was one of the old monsters in the Perennial Vastness working with his enemy?


    Candor.


    That was what the rune meant. Not in the standard Multiverse alphabet but rather in the script of the Limitless Empire.


    "Under the Imperial Edict of Candor, justice will prevail," Valsa smiled. "There can be no duplicity."

 Chapter 1029 - Edict

    Duplicity? Zac frowned as he had a worrying premonition, and he knew the situation had gone from bad to worse the moment [Immutability of Eoz] woke up. It was trying to purge something from his body. Judging by its persistence, it wasn''t going well. Zac quickly sent a tendril toward the Specialty Core at his center, where his fears were confirmed.


    Sealed.


    An intangible barrier surrounded the Duplicity Core, utterly sealing its activation. Zac couldn''t tell how the barrier worked or even which Dao it belonged to. Like the enormous rune in the sky, it felt likew rather than Dao.


    "It took us some time, but we eventually deduced the trick to your transformation," Valsa smiled. "You''re truly a marvel. The Undead Empire really went all out for this pir''s ascent, modifying a Duplicity Core to such an extent. Even your path is harmonized with the Ultom Courts. Creating a being such as yourself must have been quite an undertaking.


    "Still, a modified Duplicity Core is still a Duplicity Core. Nothing is without weaknesses. Thank you for staying put while the edict found its way here."


    So that''s how it was. He''d wanted to waste time to exhaust their energy, but she was also stalling. The good news was that she seemed to have misunderstood his origin, though that could be a ploy on her part. He''d half-expected her to divulge some pieces of information after disying a few facets of his bloodline during the initial sh.


    [Immutability of Eoz] was still trying to burn through the seal of his Duplicity Core, but it showed no progress, even with Zac using his Dao as a wallbreaker during the conversation. It looked like he''d be stuck with only one ss for this battle, which definitely wasn''t within his original n. He''d nned to go all-out until his Cosmic Energy and skills were exhausted, at which point he''d swap and finish off the beleaguered enemies.


    Was his current strength enough? It had to be enough. This imperial wasn''t backing down now that she''d made her move. Inparison to Ultom, what did the Perennial Vastness matter?


    Zac''s heart thumped with realization. Valsa shouldn''t even be here. She came from one of the peak factions in the multiverse. She had no reason toe here, yet she''d scrounged up enough tokens for a small army of deathsworn. It had always been about Ultom for her; she only came to fish for entrance tickets. It was possible she wouldn''t even bother breaking through in this ce. He, Ogras, and Catheya would be under constant threat as long as she was alive.


    She couldn''t be allowed to leave this realm.


    There was no room to hold back, no room for mercy. With the seal in the sky, he would have to put all cards on the table. A storm of Cosmic Energy entered the newly minted fractal on his back, prompting the whole cage to rumble. Meanwhile, a ripple spread through Zac''s Soul Aperture as his Evolutionary Core began spinning.


    A construct emerged from the heart of the core, like a submerged statue being dragged out of ake. Zac''s eyes met Valsa''s, and he could tell she had the same feeling. Both believed themselves the predator with prey right in front of them. One way or another, one of them would be proven right today.


    "An Imperial Edict?" Zac said with a steely smile as his restrained aura exploded outward. "That''s funny. I have an edict of my own."


    The air twisted under the immense pressure of Zac''s fully unleashed aura. Meanwhile, his Evolutionary Core was rousing from its leisurely swirl. It released massive amounts of Attuned Mental Energy, and it all went into the thing that had emerged from within the core.


    The construct looked like a confusing gordian knot made out of dozens of Mental Energy tubes. The moment it appeared, it began extractingrge amounts of Mental Energy and Dao from the Evolutionary Core.


    There were over fifteen entrances to the maze-like mold but only one exit. From it, aplex stream of intermingled Dao emerged and entered the pathways of [Thousand Lights Avatar]. The Dao passed through Zac''s body with zing speed before entering the skill fractal on his back, [Primal Edict].


    It had proven fruitless to cultivate the [Nine Reincarnation Manual] and [Void Vajra Sublimation] during his downtime while traveling or resting. After passing the first major threshold, the energy demands were too high, so Zac had focused some of his free time on other projects. One of them was the [Thousand Lights Avatar], which greatly benefited from Zac''s evolved soul.


    Cultivating the supportive technique had been effortless since forming the dual soul spirals. He just needed to urge the spirals to speed up, and they''d releaserge amounts of pure Mental Energy that could bolster his spiritual body. It still hadn''t reached the point he could perform spectral walks, but it was far more corporeal than when he entered the Perennial Vastness.


    More importantly, he''d confirmed that his idea of making pre-arranged braids worked. It began by growing two permanent braids of Mental Energy out of the framework, each one using nine strings. When they were finished, he detached them and moved them to his Soul Aperture. From there, Zac added more and more, making the braid increasinglyplex.


    Unfortunately, it had proven easier said than done, forming a working mold for a Dao Array, even if he had a working blueprint for his Cosmic Core. And with his odd constitution, he had found himselfughably bad at intuiting the correct path. Luckily, Zac had found a solution that saved a lot of time. His two Soul Cores were now attuned, and they could actually nurture the molds on their own by leaving them inside the core.


    It was a slow process, and he had to take them out and run some Dao through them asionally. Otherwise, the molds would be reabsorbed into the cores. In return, the Evolutionary Core had run its Dao through the knot tens of thousands of times, allowing it to grow increasinglyplex over the past year.


    The current iteration had gone beyond the ssification of a Dao Braid, but Zac wasn''t sure it could be considered a Dao Array. For now, Zac called them his Dao Molds, and they provided roughly 15% greater power outputpared to his old Dao Braids. Even better, they were very convenient to use, making it far easier for Zac to instill his attacks with his optimal strength.


    The only downside was that the molds only had one setting right now; full st, meaning an expenditure of quite a bit of Mental Energy and Dao. Thankfully, it wasn''t a problem right now. Full st was exactly what he needed.


    A vibrant green haze poured out from Zac''s body as [Primal Edict] activated, empowered by the Dao Mold. In return, the remaining ten enemies made their move. The soldiers steadily advanced, clearing the nearby trees without wasting much energy. However, none of them made any moves to target Zac.


    He wasn''t surprised. Their energy wasn''t theirs to use. It belonged to their master. Besides, they clearly didn''t want to stray too far from Valsa. Both sides knew she was the key to the battle. As long as they didn''t spread out, they could copse on him again. And with the trees being dismantled, it would be harder to force another ambush. Unfortunately for them, [Ancestral Woods] had long since reached Peak Mastery.


    The skill had been his next upgrade after [Pir of Destion], and he''d tried to aplish the same thing inside the Orom World. He''de up woefully short that time, but he had still managed to push a High-quality F-grade skill into a Peak-Quality E-grade skill. Now that it also had reached Peak Mastery, it wasn''t so easy to get rid of, and new trees were constantly sprouting. The resilience of the woods had grown far greater. Technically, Zac could keep regrowing the forest as long as at least 20% of the trees remained standing.


    The only downside was that each tree he had to regrow cost a little more Cosmic Energy than the one before. The cost would be prohibitive if the warriors were allowed to act as lumberjacks for too long.


    The remaining mages remained still like two statues, seemingly content to control what Zac assumed was the barrier. Of course, there was also the possibility of them preparing another nasty surprise like the one in the sky, so they were his main target.


    Finally, there was Valsa. She radiated a blinding light like a celestial, and seven rivers of light emerged behind her. They ran through the sky above Zac''s head until they reached the other side of the dome, and Zac immediately felt a pang of danger.


    They fell like raindrops��thousand upon thousands of daggers of light, stabbing toward the ground. No wonder Valsa had waited to attack him until they reached this ce. She had a Dao of Conflict to match her Dao of Light. Together, they formed intangible des with incredible destructive capabilities.


    In just a second, she had destroyed more ancestral trees than all of her followersbined. Zac wasn''t much better off as a hail of projectiles constantly harried him. No matter where he dodged, they followed. It looked like she could at least partly control the things that fell. Meanwhile, two baster wings covered Valsa and her followers, creating a dome within a dome.


    Zac felt his domain crumbling and desperately tried to maintain enough trees remaining��just a bit more. The emerald smoke released from his body had already permeated the whole dome, forming a beautiful moss that seemed able to live on just about anything. The ground was covered, as were the trees of [Ancestral Woods]. Even sections of the energy dome made out of pure light gained a greenish tint as moss started growing on it.


    Perhaps he shouldn''t consider it odd. Light was amon source of nourishment for Life.


    The moss didn''t even need something to attach to. Floating clouds of green drifted about, or did for a second before getting ripped apart by the dagger rain. Even then, the surviving shreds just formed the cores of new clouds and began growing. Everything was consumed; everything became nourishment. The only thing still pure were the rivers in the sky, as the falling daggers shredded any Dao or energy that tried to get close.


    In a sense, the true alpha predators of nature weren''t thergest beasts that roamed thends. The true terrors were the smallest members of flora and fauna. Mossy was a prime example of that, and the unique creature had been part of the inspiration for [Primal Edict].


    Of course, creating a drainingyer of moss was only the beginning.


    Creaking sounds formed an ominous rattle before the world exploded with an exuberant hunger. Innumerable vines grew out from the moss,shing out at anything that came close. They grew as quickly as Vivi''s vines, covering the whole battleground in an instant. The seven warriors suddenly found themselves under assault by a tide of vines, and their progress was greatly hindered.


    The vines didn''t look quite like Vivi. For one, they were filled with as much Dao of Conflict as Dao of Life. As such, they weren''t fully smooth. Instead, they had three protruding equidistant ridges, each forming a natural edge with powerful cutting capability. They weren''t as strong as the des of [Nature''s Edge], but the dome was already crawling with them.


    The tip of the vines was extremely sharp, and they had three barbs with far greater hardness than the rest of the vines. If they managed to pierce someone, it''d cost a chunk of flesh to rip them loose.


    The vines which sprouted close to [Ancestral Woods] wound themselves around the trees, forming secondary armor before they shot toward the sky. Each Vine was like the spear of an E-grade warrior, and Zac smiled upon seeing they were individually more powerful than the daggers. Between [Adamance of Eoz] and his high Endurance and Vitality, they were extremely difficult to stop.


    The vines shattered the raining daggers one by one until they were ripped apart, at which point they regrew. However, this came at a huge cost of Cosmic Energy and Vigor. The skill was already scaled to the point it could be mistaken for a D-grade skill, as were the seven rivers of light above. Zac wouldn''t stand there and watch. He was normally confident when it came to wars of attrition, but not when faced with an elite with a squad of walking batteries by her side.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Besides, Zac doubted his enemy would be content watching things y out like that. He was immediately proven right as a cascading wave of light ripped through the domain. Unfortunately, the wave didn''t head toward him, but rather the four remaining pirs of [Empyrean Aegis]. Zac sighed as he stepped into a tree, but he didn''t move over to protect the core of his defensive skill.


    Instead, he appeared at a tree close to his enemies, where eight shes of light greeted him. Zac growled as his arm turned to a blur, and Vivi aided as best as she could as he pushed toward the closest soldier. The golden world of [Empyrean Aegis] trembled as he stepped within the winged domain and felt a noticeable weight on his shoulders. The moment his defensive skill failed, it would get far worse.


    Still releasing emerald mist, more and more vines grew around him, making him seem like an avatar of nature. The additional vines drastically lessened the pressure from the onught of attacks, but Zac saw how the falling daggers were already moving toward his new location. A huge rumble erupted behind, and Zac realized he had lost another two pirs of [Empyrean Aegis] from Valsa''s earlier attack. He didn''t have a lot of time.


    Zac had felt just how powerful Valsa was. Truth be told, he had no confidence in dealing with her while she was powered with the array. He could gain another boost if he activated [Arcadian Crusade], but how could an imperial princess not have simr methods? He didn''t want to put her under too much pressure and instead deal with herpanions while barely hanging on. That way, he could burst out with full power and all his cards just as Valsa was at her lowest.


    But Killing all seven with their leader breathing down his neck was tough. Breaking the cage and moving the battle seemed a good first step. There were no guarantees the seal on his Specialty Core would work within this specific domain, and he''d have more options if he could use the haze to hide and ambush.


    Unfortunately, his enemies had already cut him off from his targets. Furthermore, he could tell space was manipted within the wings. He wasn''t confident [Earthstrider] would take him where he wanted to go. And when would he have time to move toward them, with Valsa swinging her sword right at him?


    Verun yowled with pain and anger when the weapons shed, and Zac once more found himself at the losing end of the collision. A deathsworn took the opportunity to skewer him through his ribs, barely missing and puncturing his lung. He was quickly forced back by an angry swarm of vines, but others reced him as they nibbed at his heels without giving Zac a chance to finish them off.


    The pressure from Valsa herself was also mounting. Zac barely managed to keep up enough pressure to prevent her from activating more skills, but she had more cards up her sleeve. It turned out he wasn''t the only one who used armaments to fight. Furthermore, hers was a much moreplicated style than what Zac used. Forty-nine flying swords emerged from the back of Valsa''s Armor, forming a deadly Sword Array that bore down on him from every direction.


    The celestial daggers raining from the sky joined them, but Zac was relieved to find out Valsa wasn''t controlling them any longer. Vivi furiously fought them back, aided by the new roots constantly sprouting around them. One by one, the swords were pped away, but they were unsurprisingly made out of top-tier materials. Zac suspected they weren''t spirit tools but rather Supreme Quality Pseudo D-grade Weapons controlled by an Armament Tool Spirit.


    Zac felt himself suffocating under the pressure, but making himself a target had finally borne fruit. A small tree had grown right behind his enemies as they were busy attacking him, meaning it was time. Zac dipped into his Void Energy stores and unleashed a storm of fractal des, swallowing Valsa and her weapons in a hurricane of violence. At such close proximity, even she had to focus on defense for a second.


    Simultaneously, more than fifty vines suddenly burst out of the small tree, like deadly parasites emerging from their hosts. Their de-like tips pierced toward the same target, and there was a palpable hunger for destruction in the air. The magical trunks of [Ancestral Woods] were no longer limited to transporting just Zac. During his epiphany, he''d figured out a way to harmonize his two skills, allowing the vines to do the same.


    The synergy benefitted both skills greatly. [Ancestral Woods] was no longer just a domain and teleportation devise. Each tree was suddenly a deathtrap that could spring on anyone that got too close. He could just keep growing vines and trees on the other side of the battlefield. Any time a new tree sprouted on the frontlines, his enemies would find themselves overwhelmed by another wave of destruction.


    Zac was still beleaguered from every side, but it was time he started turning things around on these imperials.

 Chapter 1030 - Sacrifice

    Just as the vine swarm was about to reach its target, a shimmer emerged from Zac''s axe. It pounced at the beleaguered warrior with perfect timing, roaring with excitement. The pressure became too much, and the deathsworn wouldn''t survive without using a skill. A twenty-meter scythe formed a band of death around the warrior, destroying vines and Verun alike.


    Of course, Verun was an intangible Tool Spirit, and the vines wouldn''t give up now that they were closing in on their target. But they didn''t just keep growing. Instead, dozens of regions in the dome grew dull as moss died and vines withered. They''d been robbed of all their energy and Longevity. In return, broken tips exploded with renewed vigor as new vines emerged from within, gleaming with a golden luster. It almost looked like a snake shedding its old shell, but what came out was not the same.


    Rebirth through Creation.


    Some vines looked illusory, as though they were made of light. Others seemed more metal than vine. A few had odd growths humming with unstable power, while some had actually grown axe-like protuberances.


    Zac vividly remembered his first weeks in the Orom World, where he traveled through a forest filled with the Dao of Nature before passing into one governed by Life. They were nothing alike; one was bnced and harmonious, while the other was a mad scramble for space and power. Seeing that ce had really helped him better understand the Dao of Pure Life.


    His attack ultimately wasn''t a punishment from nature. That wasn''t his path, and neither wasn''t his Evolutionary Stance. His was a path of death and rebirth, constantly remolding yourself into something better, something deadlier. How could his vines be any different? There was even a bit of Creation Energy required to run the skill, which allowed the vines to ept anything and make it their own.


    As the Heart of Creation said, Creation was never over. So long as he had Cosmic Energy to spare, the vines would keeping and only get deadlier. Zac could even sacrifice some of his vines to speed up the process. His control over these empowered vines was pretty bad, but that was fine. If Zac didn''t know how they would attack his enemies, how would they? And if they failed, something better would grow out of the ashes.


    The man tried to destroy everything with anotherrge-scale attack, but these weren''t so easily dealt with. He was drowning in waves of unpredictable violence, with a dragon hyena waiting to seal the deal. The other warriors moved to help, but that meant a second tree got a chance to sprout. Another swarm of vines joined the madness.


    Zac didn''t bother with them. He used the chaos to get to the two mages, hoping to deal with them first. The two still hadn''t moved a step, which on its own was incredibly suspicious. The vines that got too close were destroyed by shes of light, though, proving they had some sort of protective domain.


    An eruption of light almost threw Zac off his feet, and he inwardly swore as he felt a scream of danger. Valsa had shredded his outburst of fractal leaves, and she wasing at him fast. Then, the swarm of swords was upon him, and Zac found his progress halted as new wounds were carved into his body. In fact, he was even pushed back as the Sword Array forced him to surrender ground to avoid grievous wounds.


    Meanwhile, Zac finally sensed a skill activation from the two mages. Were they preparing to flee? If things continued this way, there was no way he''d catch them. He needed to do something about the monster nipping at his heels. Zac had hoped to save this for a bitter, but it looked like he was out of options.


    The familiar coffin appeared on his back, the rattling sound of chains joining the creaking of growing vines. A pitch-ck swirl appeared above Zac''s head, and a viper-quick pitch-ck chain shot out. Simultaneously, a second Dao Mold emerged from his Inexorable Core, and a stream of empowered Dao entered [Love''s Bond].


    He had already called upon one of his Tool Spirits, so why not the second? Valsa was right in melee range, swinging that radiant sword to cut apart empowered vines like they were made out of paper. But the powerful chain of [Fate''s Obduracy] was unrelenting in a way that eclipsed even [Primal Edict]. As she cut one, two attacked. When she cut those, she found herself attacked by four.


    Not attacking wasn''t an option either. The chains were filled with death and corrosion, and even Valsa would be in trouble if she let herself get trapped. Between her 49 flying swords and the one in her hand, the initial lone link had turned into hundreds in no time. They were an unrelenting tide that tried to swallow her whole.


    Zac used the opening to run toward the mages, but they had already realized they were in trouble. They weren''t about to sit and wait for death like their twopanions. The mages started to grow translucent, and the augmented vision from [Ancestral Woods] showed how orbs of light lit up across the arena.


    Teleportation points.


    Zac frowned, but he was inwardly delighted. The two mages had simr paths, but their Dao fluctuations were a bit different. It wasn''t hard to tell which of the orbs belonged to which mage. There was no way he''d reach them in time, so Zac hurled [ck Death] at the closest mage. Meanwhile, he sent a series ofmands to the seething mass of vines that covered the dome by this point.


    Valsa hadn''t given up on her rivers of light, nor had he on his evolving swarm of vines. They couldn''t. The moment one side gave in, it would be game over. Nothing would be stopping the knives anymore, and Zac would drown under a hail of projectiles. Simrly, the vines had reached a deadly mass, even to Valsa''s deathsworn. The vines would overwhelm her helpers if they no longer needed to counter the de rivers.


    At themand of Zac, some of the vines redirected to stab into the empty spheres of light. Meanwhile, Vivi and Alea slithered through the chaos, positioning themselves near the teleportation points inside the winged domain. The axe ripped forward like a cannon, leaving tears in the air.


    It was toote. The mage turned illusory just as the axe was about to carve a hole through her chest, and he felt a weak fluctuation to his side. Zac wasn''t deterred and lightly pped the chain as he pursued. The axe turned under the maniption of the links, making a beeline toward a nearby sphere whose energy was rising.


    His armaments and [Primal Edict] followed suit, and one point after another was destroyed. The moment the mage appeared, she was forced to disappear again. Two of the warriors tried to stop Zac as he barreled forward. But without Valsa, how could they bar his path? They narrowly avoided getting eviscerated as Zac followed the scent, and the mage was forced to make two more desperate jumps.


    She disappeared again, at which point Zac turned and rushed toward the next mage. He had finally forced the first mage out of the winged domain and into one of the spheres of the jungle. His jungle.


    A scream echoed and was followed by a crunching sound as hundreds of vines from a dozen nearby trees ripped the mage apart when she appeared. The n had worked perfectly; destroy some of the teleportation points and turn the others into traps. Eventually, she would have no choice but to meet him head-on or walk into a trap.


    Three down, one to go.


    The second mage hadn''t moved far and was currently hiding behind the twenty-meter wall ball of chains formed from [Fate''s Obduracy]. Just as Zac began his hunt, he felt a second wave of Kill Energy enter his body. A victorious roar echoed through the cave, and Zac saw Verun holding the head of a warrior with a long scar running down his face.


    Its form was already flickering, and Zac could feel deep exhaustion from the spirit. It had hidden behind the vines, waiting for a chance to pounce, but the enemies all had Dao Branches. Their strikes were very harmful to the spirit projection, and it dissipated just after finishing its hunt. Truthfully, Zac was surprised it managed to kill one of the warriors at all��his goal had been to wound and stall.


    The remaining warriors were in various states of disarray, where half fought the vines while the others moved to protect the final conjurer. None dared get close to Zac with their leader temporarily restrained, but a scream of danger indicated his window of opportunity was fast closing.


    Zac looked over and saw a seething ball of thousands of chains strain against their captive. [Fate''s Obduracy] had held Valsa for almost two seconds. It was an incredible aplishment, proving just how powerful Alea had be. Then again, Alea had always been far stronger as a Tool Spirit than when she was alive. For instance, she''d fared well in the Twilight Ocean while still an F-grade Spirit Tool.


    Since then, Alea had eaten a plethora of treasures and evolved a full grade, leaving her right at the threshold of D-grade. However, two seconds was already pushing it. Thousands of radiant streaks pierced through the gaps between the links, and it looked like a sun was being born inside. Zac urgently ran past it, his eyes screaming murder as he stared down his next target. Their eyes met, and Zac saw primal fear in the mage''s eyes as his body grew intangible.


    A scream of danger wasn''t enough of an early warning as the world turned white. Intense pain wracked his body as invisible des carved deep cuts into his body. A searing Dao tried to consume him from within as he was flung toward the barrier. A fourth pir crumbled while cracks appeared on the fifth, meaning [Empyrean Aegis] was about to copse. Thankfully, it had protected him from what would''ve been grievous damage.


    However, Zac knew the winged domain would soon exert far greater pressure on him, and he could feel a beast within the blinding light shooting toward him��an enraged Valsa. He only had one shot.


    The world was still a sea of white, but thebination of his Draugr vision, [Cosmic Gaze], and [Ancestral Woods] at least provided him with the outlines of his enemies and vague hints of concentrations of Dao. Valsa had alreadyunched another strike toward him while he was in mid-air. Zac gritted his teeth as he threw [ck Death].


    Not toward Valsa but toward the spot where the mage had reappeared.


    Valsa didn''t bother with the mage as he was already phasing away again. Instead, she flew toward Zac, who was blinded and with his back against his wall. Zac crashed into the barrier, and Valsa''s follow-up strike ripped apart the final protection of [Empyrean Aegis] before carving a deep wound across his chest. He didn''t care. Zac''s eyes were trained on the mage and his axe that was still shooting toward him.


    Just as the mage was about to teleport away, a shadowy figure appeared behind him as though out of nowhere. It was Alea, or at least a projection of her. She gently embraced the mage, and he froze in ce. Literally. His teleportation was interrupted as his energy stopped moving. Within their embrace, there was nothingness.


    No past, no future. Fate was sealed, and the river of time ground to a standstill.


    The effect onlysted a fraction of a second, but it was enough. [ck Death] punched through the mage''s head. None of his protective measures had been activated. Alea''s avatar disappeared, looking like she''d shattered like broken ss. The mage crumbled, and a surge of Kill Energy confirmed the death of the final sorcerer. Yet Zac wasn''t happy.


    "I''m sorry," Zac whispered.


    ''Don''t be like that,'' Alea admonished, her words growing fainter and fainter. ''Getting hurt in battle is normal. I love that I can still protect you�� But now�� you''re on your own��''


    Zac sighed as the coffin returned to its ne form on its own, and [ck Death] changed into a streak of haze that returned to his side. As far as Zac was concerned, [Fate''s Predestination] was a defective skill, even if its effect was incredible. Topletely seal every aspect of a person briefly was heaven-defying. A skill like that could reverse any battle��it almost went against thew of bnce.


    However, it came at a horrible cost. It harmed Alea''s soul rather than draining her energy. Even worse, the stronger the opponent whose fate you wanted to seal, the greater the damage. This mage was at his level and would be considered an elite anywhere, but he was by no means a peak talent with supetive protections. Still, it would likely take Alea a couple of years to recover. Use it too many times, and Zac suspected her spirit would crumble altogether.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    For weak enemies, there was no need to use it since he could defeat them on his own. For enemies that pushed him to his breaking point, he risked shattering Alea''s soul. Zac hadn''t even been able to activate the skill for a long time, as her soul hadn''t reached the minimum threshold of soul strength. But even after she reached that point, Zac had been unwilling to use the skill.


    Now, he didn''t have a lot of options. Zac had nothing else to trap Valsa with, so catching the wizard again would have been incredibly difficult if he had been allowed to teleport away. Now, it was time to make the most of the opportunity Alea had awarded him. The mages were cleared out, and Zac was relieved to see the barrier start to flicker ominously. It didn''t disperse outright, but it didn''t look like it would be much longer.


    The world of white faded, exposing a furious Valsa already upon him. Meanwhile, Zac had less than a third of his Cosmic Energy remaining because of [Ancestral Woods] and [Primal Edict], and he was covered in wounds.


    Yet, he weed her arrival. With the mages gone, it was time to wrap things up. Valsa was about to deliver a ruthless strike but skidded to a halt when a huge hand appeared out of nowhere. Not above her, but her remaining followers who were still besieged by a swarm of vines. Zac was running low on Cosmic Energy but retained two-thirds of his Void Energy. Of course, this was still a pretty big gamble, as [Arcadia''s Judgment] would eat up a good chunk of that. This was the perfect opportunity.


    Valsa was about to sh back and block the strike, but how could Zac let here and go as she pleased?


    "Not so fast," Zac said with a bloody grin as he swung [Verun''s Bite] with enough force to cleave mountains.


    A dense set of fractals had already appeared across his skin, and his body was surging with power. The pain from the wounds was washed away, and the invading Dao snuffed out. He had entered the crusade, and his enemy stood before him. The runes on the handle of [Verun''s Bite] glimmered with sanguine desire, and the air screamed with primal roars of the wild.


    "Impudent," Valsa frowned as the crown on her head released a brutal pressure.


    Zac''s bones groaned, but he was filled with unstoppable momentum. Meanwhile, Zac pushed [Conviction of Eoz] to new heights. He had long since realized this was the true power of the Hidden Nodebining it with berserking methods. He was already pushing his body beyond its original levels with [Arcadian Crusade], so extracting more force from the Hidden Node came at no cost other than his, admittedly waning, Vigor.


    It became a multiplier on any Berserking Skill, and Zac was almost half as strong as his original form. Valsa was forced back by the strike, pushed further away from her helpers. She tried to activate a skill, but another swing interrupted her. Zac''s current attributes pushed the boundary of what was possible in the E-grade, and not even Valsa could withstand his onught.


    Another sh almost wrenched Valsa''s sword out of her hands while her flying swords cracked and were flung into the distance. He was about to level a finishing blow to her head, but a shield of light appeared as the gemstones on her crown lit up again. The whole world shook, but not because of Zac''s strike. Not that one, at least.


    Judgment had been meted out, and a huge cleft created a line of demarcation that cut through the whole dome. The controller-less barrier could not withstand the force of a crusade-augmented [Arcadia''s Judgment], and it crumbled as six streams of kill energy entered Zac''s body. Only two had survived the initial st, but a vine finished one off while thest was done in by the aftershock.


    Only one enemy remaining. Zac was running low on energy, but that didn''t matter. He thrummed with power, and his opponent was in melee range. It was just a matter of time before he broke through her defenses and finished her off. There was no way her War Regalia could save her now that her batteries were gone.


    Yet, Valsa didn''t look rmed. Rather, she looked pleased. Zac didn''t stop his barrage, hoping to break through the light barrier quickly, but he knew something was wrong upon seeing fourteen motes of light rise from the corpses of the fallen deathsworn.


    "What? You thought this was over?" Valsaughed, and Zac felt a sense of crisis as her aura rose rapidly. "That was thest one, right? Of your skills?"


    What was going on? Why did killing her followers make her stronger? Zac''s eyes widened inprehension. Sacrifice. The War Array had a sacrificial feature, where the death of the deathsworn provided a huge surge in power.


    "Pretty ruthless," Zac swore.


    "Your aura is surrounded by a sea of blood; who are you to talk?" Valsa smiled, her eyes almost burning with hunger. "Every path requires sacrifice. For my ascension, no price is too great!"

 Chapter 1031 - Pressure

    Zac was already high-strung from being targeted for weeks and forced to fight for his life. But for some reason, he was even more enraged over Valsa''s attempt to equate her callous sacrifice of her followers to the struggles he''d been forced to endure over the past years. It was not only an insult to him but to his path.


    He was also all too clear there was no turning back from the grudge that had been formed. This woman thought herself justice, and thus all her actions were just. Someone like this wouldn''t shy away from any methods to get what she wanted. She''d definitely target Earth if she managed to figure out his background.


    The sudden rise in strength from her sacrificial array was an unwee surprise, but that didn''t mean he''d lost. Zac was still filled with unending power and was in good enough condition to bring it all to bear. He''d never been as strong right now, and some spoiled false imperial wouldn''t be the end of his journey.


    Zac shot forward, drawing a ruthless arc aimed at cutting off Valsa''s head. He could tell Verun was exhausted, but the Tool Spirit roared in encouragement as the edge drew closer. Valsa snorted as she moved her sword to parry, her aura stabilized at a level that was just above Zac''s. Fourteen soulmps floated behind her, pouring light into the War Regalia.


    Weapons shed, and the haze outside the broken barrier was pushed hundreds of meters away. It sounded like a bomb had gone off, but it was just the opening salvo which was immediately followed by a frenzy of attacks. The fused and refined Dao of his Dao Mold coursed through [Thousand Lights Avatar], illuminating the path of death and rebirth.


    Zac and Vivi worked in perfect harmony, turning into violent blurs that tried everything to break through his enemies'' defense. Valsa fought valiantly, but Zac sneered after a few seconds. As expected, her style was refined, but her strength was hollow. He could tell there wasn''t much life-and-death experience behind her strength.


    The difference in their attributes was smaller now that they both used Berserking Methods, and she couldn''t overpower him in raw attributes like before. Without that, she wasing up short when faced with Zac''s experience and skill. Her greedy expression slowly shifted into one of fury and fear as Zac methodically started dismantling her Sword Array and technique.


    She repeatedly tried to activate her skills, trying to leverage the fact she had far more Cosmic Energy remaining. Zac wouldn''t allow it, even if he had to take a small hit to disrupt her energy cirction. Finally, Zac broke through, and [Verun''s Bite] bit into her side. The scene of blood and viscera raining onto the ground failed to appear. The War Regalia gained a nasty crack, but it actually withstood a full-powered attack.


    Of course, the attack wasn''t useless, even if Valsa avoided getting bisected. The princess groaned in pain and wasunched further out from the cage''s edge and the winged domain. He''d already realized her dagger rivers were mobile while the winged domain was not. The further away from it he fought, the better.


    He also hoped that moving away from the corpses would break the connection, but no luck so far. However, one of the fourteen soulmps had winked out, and another one was already waning. It almost felt like a counter until she ran out of steam, though Zac hoped that wasn''t the case. After all, his [Arcadian Crusade] would expire before themps did unless something changed.


    The situation had be a race, where one side needed to end things quickly and the other needed to dy. Of course, that was unless Zac managed to change form. Zac briefly activated [Void Zone] as he caught up to his prey, but it didn''t help. The odd seal held fast even after the light dome was gone and he''d left its area. It showed no hint of weakening, and flooding it with his nullification zone did nothing.


    Just how advanced was this method? There was no way she could do something like this herself. He once more looked up at the star with suspicion. Was there really an insider working with Valsa? After all, there was no way Engo was the only powerhouse hiding in the Perennial Vastness. And it wouldn''t be surprising if a faction like the ancient imperials had some connections on the inside.


    ''Hey, she''s cheating! There''s no way she conjured that star seal!'' Zac swore in his mind. ''Is your boss just going to look the other way?!''


    "I don''t�� I''ll send a petition," Null answered, but Zac could tell the guide wasn''t optimistic.


    It was annoying, but he knew he couldn''t rely on some ancient entity toe to his aid. The Multiverse had never been fair, and the ancient factions had always possessed this kind of advantage. Why else would Valsa strut around like she was the arbiter of justice?


    Since the Fetters of Destion was off the table, he would just have to finish the job in his current form. Zac was already upon Valsa thanks to [Earthstrider], and the princess didn''t even get a chance to catch her breath before the storm of evolution tried to engulf her once more. Their eyes suddenly met, and Zac''s disdain was met with towering fury.


    "Trash!" Valsa spat as one of the gems on her crown cracked, releasing a st of light.


    Zac''s mind screamed of danger, but he didn''t dare back away. Instead, he pushed forward and activated another hurricane of Fractal des with his faltering stores of Void Energy. Hundreds of des dug into four forms, but only one was left bleeding; the original Valsa. She hadn''t managed to block out the point-nk burstpletely.


    Unfortunately, the protection of the War Regalia came more from its protective array than the armor itself. A shimmering barrier absorbed most of the damage, letting only a fraction pass through. It wasn''t enough for a lethal blow, but a bloody gas ran down Valsa''s face. Her left eye waspletely ruined, while the other radiated a wave of almost unhinged anger.


    "Die!" she shrieked, and Zac finally knew why she''d been distracted.


    Three clones had appeared, wrought from the light released by the broken gemstone. Each one had an impressive aura, reaching at least 70% of Valsa''s. Zac had no idea if this was a Tool Spirit skill or some other method avable to the imperials, but it spelled trouble. He had already seen how his fractal des had passed right through the clones as they formed without leaving anysting damage.


    Suddenly, four des were trained at him instead of one, and the Sword Array tried to find an opening from above. Zac''s pushed his techniques to the limits, his attacks growing increasingly ruthless and designed to counter his opponent''s Swordsmanship. But two hands couldn''t fight eight, especially when the clones weren''t fully corporeal.


    Using the same trick as on the Hero Souls to stabilize them didn''t work, and Zac was soon covered in wounds. If not for his upgraded constitution, he probably would''ve bled out already. The only good sign was that Valsa had an incredibly ugly expression as she almost maniacally tried to take him down. Conjuring these things had probablye at a significant cost.


    For the first time since entering the crusade, Zac felt some hesitation. Should he back down? He couldn''t even defend himself against this murderous quartet, let alone go on the offensive. But if he retreated, he''d waste the remaining time on his Berserking skill. He still had his weakened phase to worry about, and he risked being left at the mercy of Valsa.


    Not to mention [Primal Edict], which he still needed to use to counter the rivers that had followed Valsa as they shifted the battle. He was running low on Cosmic Energy while the soulmps fed Valsa. He really wanted to st Valsa with an Annihtion Sphere, but he had no way to restrain her long enough to form one. Should he make one final attempt before risking activating [shfire Flourish] to regroup?


    The Edict of Candor couldn''tst forever. He was reluctant to leave this looming threat alive, but he didn''t have a lot of options. However, Zac sensed something with his Soul Sense just as he was about to create an opportunity to escape.


    "Sorry I''mte!" a familiar voice shouted as Kruta came into view, and Zac almost lost hisposure upon seeing the wretched state hispanion was in.


    His right leg was simply gone beneath his knee. In ce of a foot was a crudely attached inscribed bone that clearly was not Kruta''s. Blood flowed from a deep cut on his left thigh, indicating he''d almost lost both legs from a single attack. Kruta''s upper body wasn''t much better off, with wounds covering him from head to toe.


    "Wh-" Zac said, but the voice died in his throat as a goldennce pierced through the haze, narrowly missing the barbarian.


    Kruta looked like a drowning man seeing a boat up upon spotting Zac, and he used a movement skill to appear behind him.


    ''I screwed up,'' Kruta groaned in Zac''s mind. ''Why did the reinforcements I stumbled onto have to be led by a champion? There are even three White Sigils in the mix! We need to run!''


    ''Soon,'' Zac answered, his eyes gleaming with determination and madness.


    Hadn''t he just found himself at an impasse, unable to advance but unwilling to back down? It''d felt like he was caught in a game of deadly chess, knowing he''d be checkmated in twenty moves no matter what he did. Thank God for Kruta and his wretched luck! He''d arrived just in the nick of time, flipping the whole board over.


    One form after another was already emerging from the haze, and even Valsa lost herposure. She tried to run away, but Zac endured a strike that ground against his ribcage, all to force her back toward the iing puppets.


    ''A-Are you crazy!'' Kruta stuttered as he continued to inch away. ''This is a main army! There are hundreds of normal puppets as well! I barely survived running form. A�� wait, what''s going on? Where are the others?''


    ''Dead,'' Zac answered as he went on a furious assault while releasing waves of murderous intent in the Golden Champion''s direction. ''Almost there.''


    "You lunatic!" Valsa shrieked as she tried to disentangle herself, but Zac onlyughed as blood poured out his mouth.


    "Come on, princess!" Zac goaded. "Where are your elders now? So much for your imperial bloodline."


    The champion had already turned its attention to them. It shot forward, itsnce creating a trail of spatial tears as it made a beeline for Valsa. The princess gritted her teeth and had her clones target Zac as she prepared to deal with the iing champion. Just as the Golden Champion was about to reach them, an ancient aura spread through the surroundings. Not Zac''s, but Valsa''s.


    A shroud of stars formed out of light appeared, moving to form some sort of sigil. It was simr to the stars in the sky, though at an infinitely smaller scale. Did these imperials have a bloodline rted to the stars? Or did it create a gxy under thews of Taiji? It didn''t matter. This was his opportunity.


    Zac forced his way through the barrier of clones, furiously blocking their strikes as Vivi dealt with the Sword Array. A flying sword dug into his shoulder, but he ignored the pain as he pushed on. Valsa had clearly expected Zac''s strike, but her eyes widened in shock when the Dao was suddenly removed from her surroundings.


    The conjured stars dimmed, and the runes on the War Regalia lost their luster. Even the clones turned sluggish, though they didn''t wink out when exposed to [Void Zone] as Zac had hoped. This was what he''d aimed for since the beginning. He had used [Void Zone] a few times already, but never next to Valsa herself.


    The two mages who''d been exposed to the odd domain had immediately died, bringing the secret of the nullification zone to their grave. It was all to catch Valsa unaware, and the appearance of the Golden Champion had provided the perfect opportunity. He''d even goaded her into using her bloodline to deal with the puppets.


    Zac still didn''t know what was going on with his ancestry. Was Laondio the true Limitless Emperor, or was Karz? Either case, the Void Emperor had to be a heritage that could suppress the bloodline of these false imperials. After all, they were only middling up-anders back then, ns that weren''t qualified to participate in the construction of the System.


    "No!" Valsa cried but was interrupted by ance digging into her back.


    She had put everything on the line to deal with Zac''s swing aimed at her head, but [Void Zone] had rendered her bloodline talent useless. Blood poured down Valsa''s mouth, and her aura flickered erratically. But she wasn''t dead. Zac tried to finish her off, but he swore as another gemstone on Valsa''s crown cracked.


    A barrier appeared, pushing Zac back even with [Void Zone] active. The Golden Champion was also thrown off, and itsnce was destroyed. It left a huge bleeding hole in her stomach, but it actually started to close as a third gemstone cracked. Zac inwardly sighed as he saw the four still-intact gems on Valsa''s head.


    One had created the three clones that still were taking up most of Zac''s attention. A second had created a barrier that could keep even him at bay. The third contained a powerful healing ability. Zac guessed that at least one provided soul protection, and therge gem in the middle reminded him of his [Lucky Beads].


    But what about the other two? Another offensive and one for escape?


    This was the headache of fighting with these elites. They were like cats with nine lives. He was one of the top five powerhouses of the Perennial Vastness, but he''d failed to kill over a dozen guests over the past year. They all had weird skills and treasures that got them out of death''s grasp. Three had even managed to escape [Pir of Destion] somehow.


    Zac wracked his brain, trying to figure out a way to seal the deal before Valsa could escape, but a scream of danger told him in no uncertain terms his window of opportunity was fast closing. The White Sigils had caught up with their leader, and Zac suddenly found himself sieged by two elite puppets and two light clones.


    So it didn''t work. He had underestimated these puppets, or perhaps overestimated them. [Void Zone]pletely erased his presence, which he''d hoped would make the puppets ignore him. It had worked against that snake in the bottom of the Twilight Chasm, but it didn''t seem to have any effect on these things. Were they going by vision rather than aura?


    Valsa also got her share of suffering from the Golden Champion and the final White Sigil. Both were trying to break through her barrier, but they were temporarily unable to handle it. Meanwhile, Valsa''s wounds rapidly healed, and Cosmic Energy Surged through her body. Zac grimaced, knowing he wouldn''t be able to interrupt her skill this time.


    A celestial emperor appeared above Valsa''s protective bubble, its eyes already trained right at Zac. He felt an immense pressure bear down on him, which lead to a series of wounds across his body. Of course, that wasn''t the extent of the emperor''s power, and he trained a sword in his direction. One circle of light after another appeared around the edge, and Zac felt a mounting sense of danger.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He had to waste what little Void Energy he had left to leave this ce. But a drastic change urred just as Zac activated [Void Zone] to stall puppets and clones. A twenty-meter Orc had appeared out of nowhere, and plumes of bloodlust poured out of his cells. He had a huge machete in his right hand and swung it at the sword with a roar that shook the whole region.


    Machete and sword shed, and the machete immediately crumbled. It couldn''t withstand the pressure of a super-charged Valsa''s blow. It did, however, forcibly push the sword to a side, and sweat poured down Zac''s back as a pir of pure light ripped apart a White Sigil right next to him. He''d barely avoided being turned into toast, though he felt the skin on his left side crackle and tear as it was exposed to the immense energies in the strike.


    The pressure from the emperor decreased after the strike, but Orc Warchief didn''t give up either. He actually jumped right at the opposing avatar with a madugh. The orc radiated immense battle lust. For a moment, Zac was filled with visions of ancient battlefields. Of endless rows of well-decked soldiers encroaching thends of the tribes. Greedy city-dwellers who hade to the wilderness because of their insatiable greed.


    They hadn''t expected the ferocity of the tribes or their willingness to bleed to protect theirnds.


    The emperor exhausted some more energy to destroy the warchief, but a storm of intangible des ripped him apart the next second. It was the golden puppet who had paused its assault on Valsa to destroy the skill, properly fulfilling its role as backup.


    Unfortunately, Kruta''s stance wasn''t enough to turn the tides of war, though it had protected Zac long enough for Valsa''s barrier to copse under the puppet''s assault. She was once more locked in a deadly melee, unable to send any more skills his way.


    "You!" Valsa screamed with anger as she desperately fended off the puppets, ring daggers at Kruta, who tried to look inconspicuous to the side. "You think I don''t know who you are, Kruta?!"


    "I��" Kruta hesitated, but their conversation was interrupted by a swarm of Blue Capes who appeared through the haze.


    Zac sighed as he saw the iing squad. Over twenty Blue Caps with their weapons already drawn. He was full of reluctance, but there was nothing he could do.


    It was time to leave.

 Chapter 1032 - Plunge

    The White Sigils were true killing machines, but even the high-quality versions were ultimately not his match, at least not when empowered by [Arcadian Crusade]. He''d already crippled one of the two through sheer attribute advantage and skill, but dozens of Blue Cloaks were ready to take his ce.


    Arrows so fast they were invisible forced Zac to constantly bob and weave, yet he already had two sticking out of his body. Even [Arcadian Crusade] couldn''t hide the fact he was pushing the boundaries of what his constitution could bear, and he felt himself slowly drowning under the onught. The ground shook, and Zac inwardly groaned upon sensing the army rushing closer. Just like Kruta warned, there were hundreds of Red Caps.


    Fifteen seconds left on [Arcadian Crusade].


    Zac hatefully looked at Valsa. They were only separated by thirty meters��a single leap for an E-grade cultivator��yet there might as well be an unbridgeable chasm between them. He was filled with reluctance, but he released a burst of [Nature''s Edge] to create a small window to sh over to Kruta''s side.


    "Let''s go," Zac whispered, feeling like he''d been fed garbage.


    Still, Zac was full of gratitude as he looked at his half-orcpanion. He knew it wasn''t easy for Kruta to go out of his way to antagonize an imperial. It was one thing for Zac, who lived in a remote corner of the universe on a protected by the System. Besides, he was already fated to butt heads with people like the imperials over Ultom, but Kruta wasn''t.


    Kruta eagerly nodded, and he grabbed Zac''s shoulder while snapping a bone with the other. The surroundings shifted, and Zac swore as he found himself right in front of a Red Cap. Behind it were dozens more, including two Blue Cloaks.


    "What!" Kruta eximed as he kicked the puppet away from them. "Why from this direction?! This region should be safe!"


    "To the river!" Zac urged as he ate a handful of Soldier- and Satiety Pills for his almost depleted Vigor.


    Kruta nodded, and the world shifted again. The two found themselves at the edge of the haze, with an endless river filling up their vision. It was too wide to spot the other side. Zac would even have guessed it an ocean if not for the powerful current that created frothing waves.


    "Damn, what a mess. The path we took here is blocked," Kruta sighed after confirming there were no puppets on their tail. "Is it the Golden Champion? Maybe they can summon puppets from far away."


    "Maybe," Zac nodded. "For now, let''s��"


    Zac said, but a pang of danger made him drag Kruta dozens of meters away with [Earthstrider]. It barely allowed him to avoid a torrent of light that pierced a hole into the Edge. From the haze, Valsa appeared, her armor a mess, but her wounds fully mended. Valsa retained four Soul Lamps and had lost yet another gem on her crown. Was it to throw off the Golden Champion?


    Seeing her appear made Zac''s battle lust surge, but he only had five seconds remaining on [Arcadian Crusade]. Worse, Valsa was still channeling those rivers of light, and they were getting closer. He didn''t have the energy to counter it with [Primal Edict].


    There was just no way.


    "Do you trust me?" Zac whispered while he took out a Void Core.


    "No!" Kruta groaned.


    "Well, too bad!" Zac said as he grabbed Kruta and jumped. "Hold onto me and I''ll get us through this!"


    "No! We''ll��" Kruta screamed, but his words were swallowed as they plunged into the frothing waters.


    Of course, it wasn''t water, but rather what looked like liquid mercury that was so full of energy it veritably vibrated. Zac groaned as thousands of invisible des dug into his back. It felt like burning maggots were trying to burrow into the wounds, and the agony was enough to drive one mad. Then, the pain disappeared as Zac activated [Void Zone]. The waters around them stilled, but Zac felt his Void Energy get drained at a worrying pace.


    Zac sighed before cramming the Void Core into his mouth, chewing at the rock-like resource to shave off energy-rich fments to swallow. A storm of unstable energy soon coursed through his body, turning his insides into yet another battlefield. Most of it was unusable before [Void Heart]''s purification, but some could be immediately extracted and used for himself.


    It wasn''t enough to recover his stores, but it slowed down the loss considerably. A weak warning of danger made Zac look up just in time to see the surface getting pelted by thousands of projectiles. Unfortunately for Valsa, the daggers were almost instantly ripped apart by the dense energies in the river. The few that barely reached Zac were nullified and erased. The powerful current had soon dragged Zac hundreds of meters, and no more attacks came from Valsa''s side.


    Zac prayed it was because the Golden Champion had tracked her down.


    Kruta didn''t dare so much as blink out of fear he''d break whatever Zac was doing, so Zac had Vivi fasten the orc to his back while he scanned the river''s edge with his Soul Sense. It only took a few seconds before spotting what he was looking for; a small outlet that veered right. Zac urged his harried body to drag them into the channel, after which he let the current do its thing.


    Their journey met an abrupt end ten secondster as the two mmed into a stone wall. Zac knew that was their cue, and he carefully dragged himself and Kruta to the surface. They were in luck. He had expected the channel to lead them to the moat he''d spotted outside Saeward''s Castle, but they''d been ferried into the castle proper. By the looks of it, they''d been deposited at the bottom of a well.


    "What? Wh��" Kruta blubbered as he looked around with wide eyes. "What?"


    "Want me to p you to wake you up?" Zac offered as he nced at well''s mouth. "Well, shit."


    Zac couldn''t see what was happening within the castle, but the open well provided a perfect vantage of the night sky.


    The huge Edict of Candor was still floating in the air. Just how long would that thingst? Would he have to leave the Stand of Saeward to free himself of its effect? He tried breaking the seal again but was rebuffed like his previous attempts. Not a great situation when you''d identally infiltrated a haunted castle full of Hero Souls.


    Zac was absolutely wrung dry, and his ultimate skills would be on cooldown for a few more hours. He hadn''t noticed, but even his pathways had been damaged. Part of it was probably courtesy of the river and eating a Void Core, while the rest was because of the Dao infused into Valsa''s attacks.


    Even worse, he never got a surge of Kill Energy after they jumped into the river. Hernterns should have run out already, yet Valsa had survived. That had to mean therge puppet army hadn''t managed to catch up to her. Was she returning to the Teleportation Array, or was she still lurking in the region?


    Perhaps she even had a backup squad ready to go.


    For now, he could only deal with things as they came. Zac indicated Kruta to be silent before having Vivi inch her way to the mouth. There was no response after a minute, so Zac had the Spirit nt slowly drag himself and Kruta upward. They couldn''t stay much longer this close to the lethal waters. He was plumb out of Void Energy, and even hovering above the calm waters of the well felt like a steel bath.


    He tried to sense any activity through his various senses, but he could find nothing except an incredibly energy-rich environment. Kruta shook his head slightly, confirming he couldn''t sense anything either. The two peered over the edge and discovered the well was situated in a remote corner of a flourishing garden.


    There was a garden in the middle of an ancient battlefield?


    It clearly wasn''t some wild nts having found a footing thanks to the energy-rich environment. The flowers and shrubbery, all of which emitted strong auras of Conflict, seemed to be carefully nted to create a good ambiance. The scenery made Zac''s depleted cells loudlyin with hunger, but he stilled himself as he looked for threats.


    As far as he could tell, there were none. There were no puppets, Hero Souls, or any other people for that matter. Neither could they spot any suspicious energy patterns indicating a hidden array. The only arrays they could find were a set of arrays that covered the flowerbeds, which helped gather energy and infuse it into the nts.


    Zac shrugged at Kruta''s inquiring look, and the two crawled out of the well and moved into a hidden corner where they erected a set of arrays. Only after ten minutes did they breathe out in relief and move about. It really looked like they''d managed to break into the castle unseen. Had all the Hero Souls inside already been forced onto the battlefield? It was impossible to tell; the garden had to be covered in an istion array since they couldn''t hear a peep.


    With no outside threats around, Zac turned his sight inward. [Purity of the Void] and [Void Heart] were already fast at work expelling the foreign Daos of Valsa and the puppets. [Immutability of Eoz] was still trying to expel the shield, but Zac managed to redirect its attention after a few tries. Thankfully, it looked like no curses or marks were left on him during the battle.


    His body was still teeming with the Kill Energy from the deathsworn, and he activated [Surging vitality] while cramming food, real food, down his gullet. Satiety Pills were a lot like Soldier Pills. Those pills only provided a hollow energy boost; it couldn''t bepared to normal recovery and a good meal.


    "You''re pretty rxed after almost getting yourself killed," Krutamented, but he still followed suit as he took out arge box filled with grilled meat.


    "I''m pretty used to it," Zac sighed before looking at Kruta''s stump. "Your leg��"


    "Ah?" Kruta said, ncing down. "Oh, don''t worry about it. This bone''s a specialty of my tribe''s shamans. It''ll help me grow a new foot in a week. In a month, it''ll be back to my old strength."


    "Impressive," Zac nodded.


    "Can''t have our warriors get crippled after every little dismemberment," Krutaughed, but his grin slowly turned into a grimace.


    Suddenly, he stood up and bowed deeply. "I''m sorry! I talked so big about helping fight off your enemies, but I ran at first sight of trouble! I failed you!"


    "You didn''t fail me," Zac assured as he tore into another strip of dried Beast King. "You brought the puppets and protected me at a critical moment. That''s more than I could ever ask for. I didn''t expect my enemies to have such a troublesome background."


    "But you almost did them all in yourself. If I helped from the beginning, you wouldn''t be as cut up as a practice dummy," Kruta said with a shamefaced expression. "It''s just�� That was Valsa nur from the first of the Seven Heavens. Our people''s tribes rely on the Fourth Heaven. I froze."


    "Fourth Heaven? What''s that?" Zac asked curiously. "Another Immemorial Realm?"


    Zac had already heard some mentions of the Seven Heavens of the Ancient Imperials, but he''d never gotten the details. Few were willing to gossip about the top factions, and none would be so bold as to sell information packets on peak factions in Vastness City.


    "What? You don''t know about the imperials?" Kruta said. "Then why was she so mad at you?"


    "It''splicated," Zac shrugged. "I''ve told you before; I''m from the Frontier."


    "Right," Kruta slowly nodded. "Do you know about the Imperials?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Well, the short of it," Zac nodded. "Pretty powerful people. But I''m not sure why you''d be reliant on them? Is your tribe a subsidiary force?"


    "No, not really. Each Imperial n formed a powerful Empire, and we live closest to the Han''Bazor Empire. We are not a subsidiary to them, but we still can''t defy them because they control the Fourth Heaven."


    "So what''s a Heaven?"


    "It''s a special universe," Kruta sighed. "You could consider it something beyond the ssifications of Mystic Realms. They are frankly amazing. You can ''ascend'' from almost anywhere if you have ess, even outside the Han''Bazor Empire. You''ll pop up out of nowhere inside the Heaven. Higher-grade permits can even allow you just to send in your consciousness or part of it.


    "Imagine the ramifications; people across dozens of regions able to suddenly appear right next to each other after paying the entrance fee. Thanks to the Heavens, they''ve be extremely important for trade, alliances�� And breakthroughs.


    "Breakthroughs?" Zac said with raised brows.


    "The Dao is clearer in the Heavens, denser. It almost feels like you''ve been transported to the beginning of the era when the Dao was wild and abundant. Thanks to that, it''s one of the best ces to Defend your Dao, and the Imperials are selling slots in return for contribution," Kruta grimaced. "But if we go against them��"


    "You''ll lose the opportunity to nurture Autarchs," Zac sighed. "I get it."


    "That''s an important reason why the Imperials are standing strong to this day. Theirworks are so vast because of the opportunities they can provide. And, of course, they have an excessive number of Autarchs and Monarchs among their ranks.


    "They don''t even need to lift a finger. They can just remove your ess to the Heavens, and you''ll slowly see your faction die out while your enemies get your opportunities. People have tried to figure out what the Heavens are or if there''s more of them, but none have solved the mystery."


    "Even a rich environment can''t have endless energy, right?" Zac frowned, remembering how even Draugr ns had to carefully n who to give a shot at Autarchy and when. The costs involved were simply so huge. "How can they afford to let outsiders defend their Dao in their backyard?"


    "That''s��" Kruta said, looking at Zac askance. "They borrow it from other ces��"


    Zac''s eyes widened inprehension. He''d heard of this before; ancient factions draining the Frontier to improve their environments. These imperials were real thieves, one and all.


    "Well, that''s how things stand," Kruta shrugged. "Now, can you exin where we are and why we''re alive?"


    "The first question is simple," Zac said. "We''re inside Saeward''s Castle."


    "WH��" Kruta roared, but he quickly stopped and changed his voice to a whisper. "What?!"


    "I noticed that the castle''s moat was made up of the weird liquid of the Edge, and the river was running in this direction. I figured they were connected," Zac exined. "So I jumped in, and here we are."


    "That''s�� That''s�� So stupid," Kruta said, his eyes as wide as saucers. "What if only a small offshoot led to the moat while the rest led us to some deadly region beyond what we''re supposed to explore? What if the path here was protected by a grate?"


    "I mean, staying behind would have been a death sentence, so I figured we''d take a chance," Zac smiled. "And now, we get to look for treasure."


    "Madness�� Madness," Kruta said as he nkly looked to the sky. "Making enemies of the First Heaven and still finding time to sneak into the heart of the zone. I''m not sure I can bear your fate."


    "Now, don''t be like that. Though I guess I should tell you now that things havee to this. I''m technically an enemy with all the Heavens, not just the first," Zac coughed, which made Kruta''s face crumble.


    "Fine, whatever!" Kruta grunted as he ripped into his dinner. "The rice is already cooked, and that little witch will do whatever her kin will do. I guess I''ll just have to follow you to the end of this fever dream. I can''t die more than once."


    "That''s the spirit," Zac nodded.


    "By the way, I marked her with some bone dust when I brought the puppets. She won''t be able to ambush us again when we return," Kruta grinned. "Well, unless she cleans her shoes, I guess."


    "That''s good," Zac nodded.


    "Anyway, you want to exin why we''re alive or why I felt my connection to the Dao suddenly getting cut off?" Krutamented with a raised brow.


    "That one''s a bit moreplicated," Zac said. "I''d appreciate it if you forgot about it, honestly."


    "Forget I asked," Kruta nodded. "You know what? If I get out of this alive, I''m heading right into seclusion. I''ve had enough excitement and war for a while. I miss my tribe. I miss the song of the grass."


    "We''ll see," Zacughed. "I think you''lle back for more adventures soon enough."


    Kruta just snorted and continued to eat. Both spent the next three hours doing field repairs on their bodies and recovering energy. It wasn''t nearly enough time to return to peak fighting condition, but it was enough to deal with some Hero Souls if they ran into them. Hopefully, enough to leave this ce in one piece. The two nned on staying another hour, but Kruta''s eyes suddenly snapped open as he turned toward the castle wall.


    "I can sense her! She''sing!" Kruta said with shock. "How is she moving through the army?"


    Zac was just as surprised at Kruta. Valsa obviously knew they were alive from theck of Kill Energy, but she actually dared to follow them into the castle? That was almost as surprising as her being able to do it. He''d seen that battlefield himself. Unless something had drastically changed, there was no way to pass through that chaos unscathed.


    Then again, did the why and how matter? She wasn''t the only one unwilling to let bygones be bygones, and Zac refused to believe she had recovered to a perfect state after that battle. ns were already brewing in Zac''s mind as he got to his feet, and Kruta nched when their eyes met.


    "You''re not��"


    "Of course I am. Let''s get ready to wee her."

 Chapter 1033 - Disappearing Act

    Valsa ground her teeth as she slowly inched backward. Another attempt foiled by the shift in the battlefield. Two Blue Cloaks struck at her, but she deftly blocked them while infusing amand into the Master Medallion. Ten Hero Souls immediately rushed over, heedlessly attacking the surrounding puppets to give Valsa a chance to disentangle herself.


    It wouldn''t have been hard to destroy those two pieces of junk, and she was more than willing to after the previous encounter. But she couldn''t. If she made any big moves, her n would fail. She didn''t dare activate any skills or even rotate her energy, what with the dozen Golden Champions hovering above.


    The surroundings soon stabilized, and the usually mindless Hero Souls formed a small ind halfway through the battlefield. Unfortunately, there were not enough nearby captains to call over, so she could only wait. These miscreations were just too stupid. They would long since have routed the puppets had they retained some of their brains after their deaths.


    The protective circle wasn''t absolute. One errant attack after another crashed into her armor, eliciting another wave of fury as she was forced to mutely take it. She''d known someone picked by Ultom would be a tough opponent, but she still couldn''t believe things had gone so awry. They''d nned and surveyed for over a year, yet it all copsed within minutes.


    And that barbarian. She wouldn''t have been in this mess if he hadn''t meddled in her business and brought that golden puppet. She prayed she''d retain enough memories to track him and his faction down. She intoned the names and backgrounds of the two responsible parties every time a mark was left on her armor. Perhaps the royal uncles could fish the words out of her consciousness upon her return.


    Anything to strike at those bastards.


    Valsa grimaced as she felt the dense waves of energy coursing through her body��leakage from the damaged Core Nucleus. The [nur Core] by her spine picked it up and converted it to enough raw power to destroy mountains, but she could only release it while stuck in the middle of the battlefield. The boost eclipsed even that of her War Array, but at what cost? Years of preparations were being undone in front of her eyes.


    The Golden Champion must have intentionally chosen to target her that way. A strike meant to cripple, to create desperation and struggle. To set a deadline before your cultivation copsed. Only then would the most impetus be extracted to fuel the undertaking. Valsa only had six hours before the nucleus would break altogether; her remedies hadn''t been enough to deal with such damage.


    Saeward, ruthless indeed.


    Furthermore, four of her Natal Fategems were sacrificed for some short-term gains. It would take a Fourth-step Autarch to remold them and relink them to her cosmic pulse. Who among her ancestral uncles and aunts would bother if she returned in her current state? Defeated, humiliated, and crippled, shaming the First Heaven and their name. Valsa felt like the floor had been ripped out from under her feet.


    Thank the Gods that bastard was still alive.


    Valsa stroked the Spatial Ring on her finger, where the [Transnted Fate Array] waited. It solidly entered the unorthodox, but so what? Her ancestral father had already shielded the Heavens; it would block out the bacsh. And it wasn''t like her family hadn''t done the same before.


    Initially, the thought of stealing someone''s foundations to power her path felt disgusting��it would sully her pristine heritage. But she was left with no choice. The Core Nucleus would already have copsed by the time she reached the exit of this experiment realm. It would take at least three years to regain her current umtions, considering she''d used up most of her Contribution for this n.


    By then, it would be toote. The struggle for the Left Imperial Pce would be over, and she would have lost the window of opportunity to catch up. Even if the First Heaven somehow managed to get a foot through the door, it wouldn''t be her who''d lead the way. She''d be sent off to be a cauldron for another family''s heir or even gifted to an ally. All while her oldpetitorsughed at her fate.


    But now, she felt empowered, and she could see the silver lining to her failure. That man''s bloodline was simply too overbearing, forcing the stars of nur into submission. It hadpletely upended her n, but it was only a dy of the inevitable. She''d seen his state, and she knew what it meant to enter the River of Steel. The bloodline might have allowed him to enter Saeward''s altar somehow, but he should be at death''s door. Exhausted, wounded, and still sealed by the stars.


    If she seeded, she''d aplish all her goals in one fell swoop. Use his foundations to repair and elevate her Core Nucleus. Seize his fate and gain a ticket to the Left Imperial Pce. And if she managed to transnt that man''s Bloodline Talent into her own? Between being a mebearer and that, she was sure to be the Holy Daughter of the First Heaven.


    The battlefield shifted again, and Valsa''s eyes lit up. She ordered a charge, and a riding captain came to their aid. Another fifty meters progressed while her private army had grown even greater. Not much longer now.


    -----------


    Knowing Valsa was making her way over left both Zac and Kruta restless. Neither was in any mood to continue recovering and got to their feet.


    "Can you tell you when she''ll get here?"


    "It''s not that precise," Kruta said with a shake of his head. "I didn''t dare leave any obvious mark. I can only sense she''s entered my range. I''m not exactly sure where we are in the castle, but that should mean she''s entered therge-scale battlefield. I should sense it better if she gets within a few hundred meters."


    Zac nodded as he surveyed the garden. The dust wasn''t perfect, but it was much better than no warning.


    "What do you think? That one?" Zac said, pointing to a smaller door that seemed to be leading toward the innards of the castle.


    "Looks like a servant''s passage," Kruta said. "That big gate feels like trouble."


    "Agreed," Zac said and the two set out, working hard to harmonize with the surroundings.


    Zac only stopped when they reached a flowerbed filled with D-grade flowers infused with Pure Conflict. They were quite good specimens��


    "Don''t even think about it," Kruta growled from behind, clearly understanding what Zac was thinking.


    "Maybe on the way back," Zac sheepishly smiled.


    The barbarian was right. The arrays under the flowerbeds looked benign, but Zac couldn''t tell if the nts were monitored. Their best guess since finding themselves in the garden was that a particrly powerful Hero Soul maintained this ce. Perhaps Saeward himself or his right-hand man. Such a powerful memory fragment might contain enough memories and personality to maintain their hobbies.


    It would be a disaster if they identally called them over because of some decent Natural Treasures.


    The two crept over to the side entrance, which thankfully opened without ring any rms triggering traps. As expected, they found themselves in a servant''s passage. Investigating the nearby rooms didn''t attract any Hero Souls. The castle felt very incongruent that way. It was flooded with so much Dao and Energy that even Zac had some trouble coping, yet no Hero Soul seemed to form within the walls.


    The wing consisted of simple sleeping quarters, arge kitchen, an indoor greenhouse, and two offices. There were some ledgers in therger office, but Zac frowned as he picked one up. It was filled to the brim with notes, but Zac couldn''t make heads or tails of it. It either was written in code, or someone had just written random words for thousands and thousands of pages.


    Had the office owner be a Hero Soul and continued writing reports without understanding what he was doing?


    "Look at this," Kruta said, and Zac walked over.


    The tome Kruta held looked much older and wasn''t filled with random gibberish like the others. Instead, it contained detailed reports of operation. Most of it wasn''t useful, such as detailing the expenditure to procure foodstuffs, cleaning schedules, and notes on the garden and greenhouse.


    "This Saeward lived pretty good for someone staying in a battlefield fortress," Krutamented as he flipped through the pages.


    "Looks that way," Zac nodded. "Doesn''t really mesh with someone having a desperate final stand."


    "All kinds of weirdoes out there," Kruta shrugged. "There''s a Warchief of a rival tribe back home who always brings his wives to fight alongside him, even those multiple grades lower than him. He''s already had over a thousand marriages to rece those he lost. We''ve epted hundreds of beautiful refugees��young flowers afraid they''ll get selected next."


    "Pretty messed up, but it doesn''t look like you''reining," Zac said, noticing the grin tugging at Kruta''s lips. "Did some of those beauties find the great Kruta a better match?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Who wouldn''t?!" Krutaughed. "I''ve already have six fianc��s, though they have to be Late Hegemons before marrying me, and I a Monarch."


    Zac smiled as he kept turning pages of the tally. Suddenly, he found something odd.


    "Hey, so how''s things going with that ck-eyedss of yours?" Kruta grinned. "Not my style, but I can see the�� what?"


    "Look at this," Zac said, and Kruta leaned over. "It mentions Saeward''s disappearance. Not even the staff knows what happened. ''Master has disappeared at stretches before, but never at a time like this. I fear��''"


    "Last entry two weekster," Kruta muttered. "The steward tried using his procurement channel to source medicines and supplies. They must have sumbed soon after?"


    "Or perhaps abandoned this fortress," Zac offered. "This castle doesn''t look like it''s withstood a siege."


    "It''s odd," Kruta agreed. "Hey, look at this."


    Zac looked at a procurement tally from one week before Saeward''s disappearance. At a cursory nce, it didn''t feel special��just six lines with simple annotations of quality. But looking closer, it was very different from the previous entries, both the products and the quantities.


    "What the hell," Zac muttered. "What''s this? Do you recognize any of these materials?"


    "Two," Kruta nodded. "Tasstir Lichen. We call it Ancestral Moss, and our Shamans use it for spirit journeys. The other I know is the Damchi ss. It''s a type of ss made from Damchi Sand... Odd."


    "What?" Zac asked.


    "Damchi ss has many uses, but seeing the Ancestral Moss�� The ss can be used to create various soul-stabilizing items. Such as a Soul Mirror."


    "A what?" Zac asked.


    "Possessing a body is full of risks. One of them is remnant soul rejection. Shards of the previous owner''s soul can be trapped in the body, and it''ll make the body reject its new owner. A Soul Mirror can help fuse the two and minimize the side effects."


    "You said your shamans use that moss to take a spirit walk. Do you think it can be used to drive a soul, or pieces of one, out of the body?"


    "That''s what I''m thinking," Kruta nodded.


    "Someone possessed Saeward and had his people procure the materials to stabilize the takeover. When he''d stabilized, he left, leaving Saeward''s army to fend for itself?" Zac muttered. "Ruthless��"


    "Let''s hope that''s not the case," Kruta sighed.


    "Why?"


    "Because then, ''Saeward'' is long gone, and there''s no trove to retrieve."


    "Oh," Zac grimaced.


    "It wouldn''t exin why the energy is rising, though. It also wouldn''t exin the war outside," Kruta countered. "Let''s keep investigating. Thatss is still some ways off."


    "Sure," Zac agreed. "But let''s look for good spots for an ambush."


    Kruta nodded, and the two left the servant''s quarters. The rest of the castle was quite sparse. There were just endless corridors and stairs, with walls covered in lines and patterns. It wasn''t hard to figure out what was going on.


    "This is an array," Zac said.


    "Sure," Kruta agreed. "Battlefield fortresses usually are. Communication, protection, offensive. They can have all sorts of functions. From what I gathered, Saeward controlled a War Array to empower his soldiers from here."


    "Hmm," Zac hummed as he looked around.


    "What?" Kruta asked.


    "Don''t these patterns feel odd to you?" Zac said.


    "No. Then again, I have no talent for stuff like this," Kruta shrugged. "What are you thinking?"


    "I don''t know yet��" Zac muttered. "Let''s keep going."


    The two skulked through the castle for another ten minutes, at which point they''d almost made a full circle around the whole thing. Still, not a Hero Soul in sight. Or a treasury, for that matter. The castle was essentially mirrored, with two gardens and quarters to the sides. However, while one wing was meant for the servants, stewards, and chefs, the other was reserved for officers.


    They found a set of reports in their rooms, but they didn''t add much they didn''t already know. The generals were shocked at theirmander''s disappearance and the loss of the War Array''s boost. They desperately tried to keep morale up and turn the tides, but the reports grew increasingly bleak.


    ''The soldiers are tired, exhausted. Our blood has turned the earth red. Yet they stand. Yet they fight. Honorable men and women, not breaking under the impossible pressure. A general couldn''t ask for better fighters. Better brothers and sisters.


    WHERE IS HE?''


    It was the final notation in the report, written two days before the steward''sst entry. The papers bled fury and despair, and it permeated the whole room. The two soon left, afraid the intense resentment would conjure the fallen general. Someone like that would have to be the equivalent of a Golden Champion; definitely not something they wanted to deal with when an unhinged princess was on her way.


    The rest of the outer section was essentially bare. They''d tried to locate Saeward''s living quarters or cultivation chambers, but they''de up with nothing. As far as they could tell, the castle was a four-storied circrplex almost entirelyprised of these array corridors.


    One side had the servant''s quarters, another the officer''s lounge. A third held a courtyard leading into a main hallway. Thick array lines covered the tiled pathway, leading from the castle''s sealed-off innards to the courtyard and beyond. The two hadn''t dared enter that particr hallway. For one, it contained dense enough energies that the floor was mostly covered by a haze that felt even scarier than the metallic water.


    Secondly, they''d finally spotted some Hero Souls within the castle. The courtyard outside seemed to be a spawning point, and an almost constant stream of warriors was conjured there. They only waited until a fullpany had been formed, after which they set out through the outer gates. Endlessly.


    It was possibly a good location to ambush Valsa, but he and Kruta had misgivings. Valsa still hadn''t reached them, but she seemed to be somewhere in the middle of the battlefield. As far as they could figure, that only had two exnations. Either she was invisible or had something which allowed her to control the Hero Souls.


    The puppets clearly didn''t care about Valsa''s pedigree, but the stronger Hero Souls could be reasoned with or tricked. If she could utilize the soldiers on the squads, their previous tactic of using the Stand of Saeward''s locals to their advantage might backfire. So they slunk back, going back the way they came.


    They''d expected to find Saward''s quarters in the final quadrant, opposite the entrance. Unfortunately, all they found were more corridors. However, it wasn''t hard to tell there were rooms they couldn''t ess. After going up and down the confusing maze of paths for a few minutes, they could vaguely map out a hidden section that was even bigger than the servant''s quarters.


    Breaking in proved futile. The castle was made out of incredibly tough stones and then further augmented by eons of channeling huge amounts of Dao and energy. They barely managed to leave a scar on the walls. They might be able to open a path if they went all-out and used skills, but they feared creating a ruckus like that would backfire spectacrly.


    The only other thing that set the fourth section apart was arge gate that should lead to the inner section. Perhaps a back door for the servants. Neither the officer''s lounge nor the servant''s quarters had something like this. Having explored the rest of the castle, the two stopped before the entrance.


    Zac had almost mapped out the whole array in his mind, and he''d dealt enough with patterns based on Conflict to find a few clues. One thing was for sure; things weren''t as they seemed. Something odd was mixed in, and the engravings didn''t match the use cases Kruta described.


    First of all, the patterns felt more like a Gathering Array than something for defenses or a War Array. It would exin the cloud above the castle''s center and the extremely dense Dao that permeated the walls. But that wasn''t also quite right. It felt more like an exchange. Much of the energy gathered by the castle went into forming new Hero Souls. But something was also taken back from the memories.


    Zac frowned, slowly starting to form a hypothesis. However, there was no way for them to confirm while skirting the edges of the castle. If they wanted answers, they''d have to enter the heart. That''s where they felt the energy churn, and that''s where the Stand of Saeward''s upheavals originated.


    "You ready?" Zac said, and Kruta tersely nodded.


    They carefully pushed open the gates, immensely thankful it didn''t creak. However, both froze when faced with the scene inside therge hall on the other side.


    A puppet?

 Chapter 1034 - Puppet

    It turned out that the central section of the warfront castle was arge atrium with a diameter of over three hundred meters. The whole square was covered in dense scripts, and intense fluctuations of Conflict were released from the glowing lines. At first, Zac thought the whole array was illuminated and running, but he soon noticed that wasn''t the case.


    There was a small section, norger than a bedroom, which was still inactive. It was yet dim, but Zac could feel how powerful pulses of energy continuously pushed against the edges, leaving small motes of energy behind. It shouldn''t be more than an hour before the array was filled in.


    There were also at least one hundred rune-covered pirs the height of a man with floating orbs hovering above. They were clearly man-made, a mix between orange ss and purple steel. Inside, Zac could vaguely see small fires burning. Looking at the setup, the pirs were no doubt the inner array gs to the formation that spanned the whole castle.


    And in the heart of the array was arge dais, reminiscent of the altar Zac had seen in the Twilight Chasm. Atop it sat a five-meter puppet.


    It actually looked like the thing was meditating. Theplex array provided dense streams of Cosmic Energy and Dao, and a terrifying cloud of resentment swirled around it. Even Zac wouldn''t dare enter that cloud out of fear of losing his mind, yet the puppet somehow felt tranquil. Untouched.


    The puppet waspletely different than the ones fighting outside. First of all, it was farrger than any of its brethren. Even the Golden Champions were no more than half a meter taller than Zac, but this one would tower over him even when he used [Arbiter of the Abyss].


    Its quality was also on apletely different level. The puppet was made from the same purple metal as the floating orbs, and it was so vividly detailed that it looked more like a statue than a puppet. Its back was faced toward them, but Zac could confirm it had human features. It even had a set of hair made of ck wires, neatly held in a bun. Clothes fashioned from alloy were draped across its body, with both ''skin'' and garments covered in runes that made Zac''s mind tremble.


    It didn''t emit a speck of energy, yet Zac''s mind warned of certain death if they attracted the ire of this goliath.


    Kruta nudged him, and the two slowly inched back from the doorway, careful not to make a peep. They closed the door, yet they didn''t feel safe even after moving to another section of the castle. It felt like they were trapped in a cell with a monster.


    "What''s going on?" Kruta eventually whispered. "I don''t know much, but I know that wasn''t a War Array. It gave me an extremely creepy feeling. And that puppet��"


    "That orange ss, was that Damchi ss? And the fires inside..." Zac asked.


    "Aye, that was Damchi ss and the mes of Ancestral Moss," Kruta confirmed, his eyes thinning. "You''ve been studying these patterns since we entered the castle. You know what''s going on."


    "I can''t be certain, but I think that was Saeward," Zac sighed.


    "The puppet?"


    Zac nodded. "The materials were meant to deal with possession, but not in the way we guessed. I think Saeward was trying to transfer his soul and Inner World into the puppet. Or perhaps, he still is."


    "What?" Kruta said, his eyes widening in realization. "Then the puppets outside��"


    "I don''t think there were two sides to this st stand.'' I think it was all Saeward."


    "Why would Saeward send puppets to ughter his own��" Kruta said, but he quickly caught on. "Conflict breeds Conflict."


    "Exactly. This whole castle is gathering�� I don''t know exactly what, but something like the essence of war. There are hints of the Dao of Impetus hidden within as well. I think he used the resentment and desperation of his men to elevate his Dao and fuel a breakthrough."


    "Sacrificial cultivation," Kruta spat. "So he''s probably the one who arranged the Hero Souls to reappear after the war was lost. What a bastard! Using the deaths of his subordinates over and over to further himself."


    Zac sighed as he nced in the direction of the puppet. Yet another reminder of the length some people went to in the pursuit of power. Be it Valsa or this Saeward. They didn''t even consider their subordinates as faceless cogs of their faction. They were reduced to cultivation resources, probably to pass some bottleneck that had kept Saeward trapped for a while.


    The revtion brought back memories of The Great Redeemer, a threat that loomed over him to this day. There was still no news of Voridis A''Heliophos'' capture or death, even with the Allbright Empire and the Kavriel Province looking for him high and low. Zac didn''t even know if his mad n to enter Monarchy had seeded. He''d simply disappeared from the face of the earth after the events in the Mystic Realm.


    "He probably got stuck one way or another," Zac grunted. "Perhaps his original body had limited potential, and the solution he came up with was to transfer his cultivation into a supreme-quality puppet. I have no idea how this is rted to the array or the sacrifices, though."


    "If what you said is true, then Saeward has sumbed to the unorthodox path. Even transferring your true self into a puppet is skirting Heaven''s path."


    Zac nodded in agreement.


    "What a mess," Kruta grimaced. "There''s no way a bastard like this would leave an inheritance for future generations. And a natural trove formed from the inner world of such a twisted mind? Way too dangerous."


    Zac was of the same mind but suddenly had a tempting thought. "The puppet!"


    "What?"


    "Saeward had to be a Monarch. So the puppet should be made from extremely valuable materials."


    "You want to dismantle that guy?!" Kruta shivered. "We don''t even know if his spirit lingers inside."


    "Do we even have a choice?" Zac countered. "The energies are rising, and did you see the array within the room? Only a small corner within the room isn''t lit up yet. I think all hell will break loose when the array has finished umting, and we''re trapped within this building. What are we supposed to do? Hide within the well?"


    Kruta looked conflicted, his eyes turning to his left arm where his guide bangle was. "That little jerk on my arm only tells me to do my best. I guess this still is considered part of the Red Zone. There should be a way to deal with this mess. The Ruthless Heavens wouldn''t permit a situation of certain death in its trials."


    Zac nodded, and the two quickly brainstormed a n. They were running out of time, no matter if it was the array or Valsa''s imminent arrival. Furthermore, Zac suspected the war outside would end when Saeward awoke or copsed. Both puppets and Hero Souls had umtedrge amounts of resentment and Dao of Conflict. If he were Saeward, he would have prepared a method to collect all that energy at a critical time.


    If Valsa didn''t have a way to enter before, she would have at that time.


    The two came to a decision. They began running through the corridors, leaving explosive arrays at certain junctures. Zac didn''t expect the array lines to blow up altogether, considering how sturdy the rocks were. It was more about disrupting the energy flow.


    Soon they reached the main hallway, where the intense storm of Conflict still raged.


    "See that spot where six lines intersect?" Zac whispered.


    "Got it," Kruta said, and the two swords appeared in his hands.


    Zac nodded and entered the grand hallway, pushing against the wall as he made his way closer to the closed atrium gates. He felt a raking pain as the clouds brushed against his legs, but he silently endured. Hopefully, it wouldn''t be long.


    Right before the door was a second intersection of array lines, controlling a second set of runes. The array was way tooplicated, and time was much too short for Zac to figure out a sure-fire array-breaking method. They were only left with the n to hit the pressure points fast and hard and pray that something broke.


    A fractal de appeared before [Verun''s Bite], and he looked over at the barbarian. Kruta was ready, the two swords already humming with destruction, so Zac began a countdown with his fingers.


    Three, two, one.


    The fractal leaf released two gusts of Life and Death as it crashed toward the intersection. Simultaneously, Zac infused his will into a small Array Disk, and the whole castle shuddered as over twenty explosions rocked its very foundations. The light radiating from the array lines flickered, and Zac could tell the array had grown unstable.


    It worked.


    The delimitation between the Abyss and Arcadia dug into the ground, carving a scar over two meters deep. It was even better than he''d hoped, and the attack had utterly destroyed the runic lines he''d targeted and a few more. A grin spread across lips, but it quickly turned crocked as a storm of wild energies empowered by Conflict flooded out of the gash.


    Zac was thrown into the wall, and newcerations joined the angry marks from his barely healed wounds. It was a small price to pay to aplish his goal. Kruta had also been sessful, and arge cross had been carved into the ground. The first step wasplete, but Zac didn''t feel this was enough.


    The main array inside was still intact, and Zac could feel how Dao and Energy were still dragged over in huge quantities. If anything, the energies inside the atrium were rapidly rising. If they wanted to really throw a wrench into Saeward''s ns, they needed to do the same inside.


    The wild fluctuations within the atrium made the closed gates creak, and Zac pushed himself to his feet. A scream of danger made Zac throw out a set of defensive talismans, but their hastily erected barriers all crumbled by a pulse released from within. Before Zac could even take one step toward the atrium, he was thrown out of the castle.


    Zac felt like his bones had been rearranged as he mmed into the courtyard stones, and a vitriolic curse confirmed Kruta had been deposited not far away. A second warning of danger made Zac jump back to his feet, barely in time to avoid a spectral arrow aimed at his head. There were dozens of Hero Souls in the courtyard, and there was no hesitation as the unwitting cultivation cauldrons rushed toward them.


    The ancestral avatar had already appeared behind Kruta''s back, and Zac released a stream of fractal leaves, each digging into the iing soldiers. But he almost lost hisposure as he felt an iprehensiblyrge surge of energy outside the outer walls. Resentment and pent-up Conflict rose like a tide, creating a wave hundreds of meters high. It almost blocked out the sky, and Zac''s hair stood on end as he felt the pull from behind.


    He''d been right. Saeward was calling his soldiers home. If this immense wave of energy was allowed to reach the puppet��


    Zac nced at the castle, hesitant about what to do. The Hero Souls were almost upon them, and new ones kept spawning.


    "I''ll deal with this! Go!" Kruta urged as he took a defensive position in front of the entrance.


    Zac nodded and activated [Earthstrider] to sh back toward the atrium. Kruta didn''t have the ability to detect weak spots in the huge tapestry of the central array. Meanwhile, Zac would hopefully be able to figure something out, as he had with so many blueprints.


    Another surge was followed by a pang of danger, but Zac was prepared this time. He rushed toward a pir, but he didn''t hide behind it. Instead, he put it behind his back while Vivi wound herself around it. The pulse pushed through the corridor the next moment. Zac groaned as rampant Conflict dug into his body, but he didn''t get thrown out of the castle this time.


    The pulse had passed, and Zac used the rtive calm in its wake to kick open the door. The cyclone of resentment that greeted him almost drove him mad, but the opening step of the [Void Varja Sublimation] allowed Zac to center his mind long enough to activate [Void Zone]. But ultimately, the Bloodline Talent was just an E-grade skill, and the storm easily eclipsed what it could nullify.


    One good piece of news was that the puppet remained unmoving atop the dais, and Zac still couldn''t feel any energy within. It had either not yet awakened, or it was unable to move in the middle of the ritual. That meant the n was still on, and Zac wildly looked across the atrium. Their previous actions had clearly agitated the central array. And while it still ran, the energy wasn''t flowing nearly as smoothly.


    The situation was surprisingly reminiscent of the simtion array back in his manor. The array blueprint on the floor was being tested by an outside pressure, which exposed some things you''d normally not notice. Zac''s eyes soon stopped at a certain spot, and a small fractal leaf formed on his axe.


    It wasn''t muchrger than Verun''s axehead, but it was immensely condensed and filled with the Evolutionary Dao of his Dao Mold. Zac released the de, and it shot forward like a bullet. The raging resentment tried to corrupt the de, but it was like a zing beacon in the darkness. Tore through the chaos and carved a line into the imperfection. Damaging one section exposed new weaknesses, and Zac''s arm was like a cannon as he shot out one fractal leaf after another.


    Zac had soon damaged over a dozen loopholes and destroyed four array pirs, but he was increasingly filled with misgivings. Why didn''t it work? The energy was still building, and the nk spot was being filled in with speed visible to the naked eye. His eyes turned to the puppet, or rather the elevated stage it sat upon.


    It had to be the dais. It somehow maintained operations like a backup generator. The first streams of the energy tsunami outside had already started to pour into it, and Zac was no longer sure it would help even if he ripped apart the whole array. Were they toote? Had the inner array already beenpleted to such an extent it could perform whatever it needed to do?


    Zac wracked his brain for solutions, but the dais felt like an impregnable fortress. Its energy emanations were stable like a mountain; there were no weaknesses. Not to mention the terrifying puppet that sat atop it like a silent guardian. What if it woke up when someone invaded its personal space?


    Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Zac gritted his teeth as he shot forward. If there were no weaknesses, he''d just have to create one.


    [Verun''s Bite] was deposited into Zac''s spatial ring as two energy streams entered his shoulders. Meanwhile, small motes of unfettered potential were extracted from Zac''s cells, joining the two streams that continued from his shoulders into his arms. A glistening light of possibilities appeared between his hands. Destroying the array hadn''t worked as he''d hoped, so Zac switched up his tactics.


    If he couldn''t stop the process, he''d corrupt it.


    The [Origin Mark] greedily swallowed the immense energies in the surroundings, quickly growing to the size of a cantaloupe. Zac felt himself rapidly losing control, but that was fine. With a few steps, he appeared in front of the dais, the opalescent blob between his hands having paved a path through the storm. There was no time to look for an optimal spot, so Zac urgently pushed the [Origin Mark] into a random rune in front of him.


    And he was immediately filled with a sense of doom as the sky darkened above him. Zac''s heart hammered as he nced up, horrified to see a huge metallic face expressionlessly gaze down upon him. Zac tried to sh away with [Earthstrider], but it was like time had stopped. The puppet didn''t seem to move quickly, but Zac had no time to react before hit suddenly pointed at him.


    A scream of mortal peril forced Zac''s body to move on its own, and he furiously leaned to the side. Blinding agony followed, and Zac howled with pain as his left arm and shoulder were shredded.


    The puppet had just tapped the air lightly, but the force was enough tounch Zac like a cannon. He mmed into the atrium walls and felt his vision close in. Then, there was just darkness.


    An itching fire forced the darkness away, and Zac''s eyes shot wide open. Zac''s mind was mush, and he looked around with confusion. Kruta was there. The barbarian held a small vial containing some extremely pungent liquid under his nose, which had probably forced him awake.


    "Wh��" Zac groaned.


    "The spirits outside disintegrated and were dragged here," Kruta whispered, but he didn''t look the least relieved. "Did it work?"


    Zac blearily turned toward the dais while trying to sense the mark he''d left.


    "I don''t��" Zac stammered but was interrupted by the whole tform exploding. "Uh��"


    Kruta and Zac nkly looked on as the puppet copsed on the ground. Meanwhile, energy flooded out of the ground and shot toward the sky as though a pressure valve had broken. Zac could barely believe it had worked, but joy turned to horror as the puppet slowly stood up despite the array''s apparent copse.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Run!" Zac screamed, but it was toote.


    Not because Saeward''sing alive but because a new yer had entered the fray. The sky rumbled, and the world seemed to have ground to a halt. An ancient and boundless wrath suppressed the air of resentment and bloodlust. The Dao shied away, leaving an exposed puppet staring at the sky.


    The Heavens had descended, and it was out for blood.

 Chapter 1035 - Imperfections and Tribulations

    The sky roiled, and the world was filled with an intense purple light that almost veered into a bloody red. The tribtion lightning was reflected in the puppet''s eyes, and Zac sensed something stirring awake inside.


    The intensity of the tribtion was far beyond what Zac had felt during his own, and his hair stood on end upon sensing the boundless energy inside arcs of lightning that gathered above his head. Even an errant streak would maim and possibly kill him, and he was way too close to the puppet forfort.


    Luckily, the puppet, or Saeward, was too busy preparing for his tribtion to bother with the two intruders at the atrium''s edge. It was calling all the Red Zone''s energy home, and the cyclone of resentment formed a dense barrier around it. A barrier full of imperfections.


    Zac finally understood what their previous sabotage had aplished. There were over a dozen small holes in the barrier, matching the number and locations Zac had attacked before. Furthermore, there was arger gap in the shield, likely because the tribtion was summoned before the array could finish forming.


    A barrier was only as strong as its weakest spots. Even if the loopholes were filled in by the nigh-endless amounts of energy in the atrium, so what? Those sections would still crumble under the tribtion lightning. Zac guessed he''d identally made Saeward''s breakthrough far more dangerous. What if he found out?


    Zac tried to move, but the pressure was overwhelming. [Void Zone] was no good either. The nullification zone was ripped apart, and some of that boundless wrath targeted him momentarily before returning to the puppet. Zac felt like he''d just had a brush with death. Did the Heavens take offense to him trying to rid a region of all Dao?


    "What do we do?" Zac said through grit teeth, arduously turning to Kruta, who also found himself stuck against the wall.


    The barbarian actually didn''t look too worried, which alleviated some of Zac''s own misgivings.


    "It''s wrong," Kruta said with a hoarse voice. "The tribtion is far from what it should be."


    Zac understood what the Kruta meant. The crackling lightning was terrifying, but he was just an E-grade cultivator. He''d seen a few examples of a Monarch''s might, and this light was far from reaching that level. Was the Perennial Vastness blocking out the ancient Heavens? Or had it somehow modified the tribtion to create a scenario more suited for guests?


    "We should be fine as long as we don''t do anything stupid," Kruta added, giving Zac a pointed look. "Don''t try to mess with the tribtion. The tribtion will only target the puppet. Saeward isn''t defending his Dao, so it should be a Two-cycle tribtion that targets his inner world. The fallout shouldn''t affect us. However, if we interfere, we''ll be dragged into the tribtion."


    "What if the puppet targets us?" Zac countered. "It sted off my arm with a simple gesture."


    "Well��" Kruta coughed before smiling helplessly. "Everyone''s journey has to end one way or another."


    "That''s just��" Zac said, but his words were interrupted by a deafening rumble as the world turned purple.


    A scream of danger warned him, in no uncertain terms, that they weren''t quite as safe as Kruta indicated, and he urgently activated [Empyrean Aegis]. A golden shimmer enclosed him and Kruta, and Zac was relieved to sense that the five pirs had been conjured outside the atrium. Kruta added anotheryer of defense by summoning a bone bulwark, and it rose before them just in time to block out a tremendous shockwave chock-full of conflict and resentment.


    The bone wall was quickly shredded, but it had absorbed most of the initial st. Zac and Kruta only suffered somecerations from the condensed Dao, but Zac barely noticed it as he looked at the scene ahead. A solid pir of lightning seemed frozen in the air, cutting his vision in two. It contained boundless energy and that ancient punishing will.


    The lightning pir didn''t quite reach all the way to the ground. Rather, it stopped just above Saeward''s head, where a steely portal swirled. Looking at it filled Zac with immense pressure, and it felt as though the overflowing energy in the atrium was just a small candle to the raging sun hiding within.


    "That gate leads to Saeward''s inner world," Kruta whispered. "The aura is wrong, just like the tribtion, but he should already have entered the middle stage going by the clues."


    "Then why the tribtion?" Zac whispered.


    "Probably because of how he tries to break through," Krutamented. "He''s not doing so well. He didn''t actually manage to prevent the first bolt from breaking in. Is he so confident in the stability of his foundations that he wants to refine his world?"


    Zac wasn''t so sure. He''d heard a few things of tribtions among Monarchs. It wasn''t much different from previous ones, except that it was the Inner World that was mainly targeted. Like with other tribtions, one could hide from or defy the Heavens. By fully taking on the tribtion lightning, you could temper and expand your Inner World. Of course, that was incredibly dangerous.


    Only the most daring and powerful scions would dare do something like that. Someone who had chosen such a cruel and desperate method to progress was unlikely to have great foundations. Zac''s gaze shifted between the destroyed barrier and the broken shards of the crumbled dais, his eyes filled with suspicion.


    The Tribtion Lightning had descended the second the dais crumbled. He''d already guessed he ruined Saeward''s outer defense against the tribtion lightning. Had he also destroyed Saeward''s method to dy and weaken his punishment? It was no wonder he was in a bad way.


    The first bolt dissipated, yet it remained burned into Zac''s vision. Smoke rose from the puppet, and the engraved garments were covered in tatters. Whatever was going on inside Saeward''s inner world had to be even crazier. Zac could tell the lightning within was weakening, and the barrier quickly reformed.


    But the Heavens had already regrouped.


    A second st followed the first, this one carrying even greater force. A loud crash erupted next to Zac, and he shuddered upon seeing a piece of rubble from the dais had just barely missed him. Kruta was right; the lightning didn''t reach them. Of course, the force involved in the strikes was problem enough. But looking at Saeward, Zac guessed they wouldn''t have to endure much longer.


    The protective garment had been reduced to ash, and crackling fissures covered the puppet beneath. One of its arms was gone, and the spirituality it contained seemed to be on the verge of copse. It had been pushed to the ground by the second st, looking ready to throw in the towel. Yet it got back onto its feet, preparing to meet the next tribtion. It didn''t have to wait long.


    The world shook as a bolt twice the size of the previous ones swallowed Saeward whole. Zac couldn''t see anything but felt a powerful impression of unwillingness from within. Saeward wasn''t able to hold on, but he was also unable to let go. Of course, the Heavens didn''t care about the will and opinions of cultivators, and a deep rumble reached the depths of Zac''s soul. The light faded soon after, disying a fully scorched puppet lying prone on the ground.


    The ck hair was gone, and the purple alloy was now a mottled ck that still released smoke. There was not a speck of spirituality left within the puppet or even the ground around it��it almost felt like the Heavens had created a persistent [Void Zone]. Only a few lingering arcs of lightning remained, and the clouds started to disperse.


    Zac sighed as he looked at the deste scene. He felt no pity for Saward. If anything, he was happy he''d yed an important role in his fall. But his demise was a stark reminder of the stakes involved when defying the Heavens. That was doubly true for someone like him, who''d have to withstand tribtion lightning every step of the way.


    "Whew," Kruta exhaled as he ate a healing pill. "Three out of six. Thank the ancestors, he didn''t manage to enter the second cycle. Those sts would have been tough to deal with."


    "Uh huh," Zac hummed as he looked at the fading arcs of lightning.


    "What are you looking at?" Kruta asked, but Zac didn''t answer.


    Instead, he shot forward, stopping within a few meters of the fallen puppet. There were no signs of life even at this distance, yet Zac didn''t dare stay long. He grabbed a couple of arcs with his remaining arm before shing back. The Tribtion Lightning didn''t seem to mind��it was happy to continue its mission of extinction. Unfortunately, it had encountered its match in [Void Heart].


    Had it been the main lightning bolts, Zac wouldn''t have dared. But some lingering sparks now that the Heavens had left? He''d have to be crazy not to let his Hidden Node swallow some of that.


    "You''re stealing Tribtion Lightning?" Kruta said with wide eyes.


    "They''re pretty good for tempering yourself," Zac nodded.


    Kruta was about to answer, but his and Zac''s eyes suddenly shot toward the hallway.


    "She''s here."


    "Damn, she tricked me," Kruta swore. "She erased the tracking mark at thest second."


    Zac''s heart thumped, and he urged the Creation Energy in his body to conjure another arm. It cost a chunk of lifespan, but he couldn''t hold back at this junction. What was with her aura? If there was one thing Zac was confident in, then it was his recovery ability. Yet Valsa somehow seemed stronger than when they fought.


    Truthfully, Zac had expected that Valsa''s source of confidence hade from being able to control Hero Souls. It would have exined why she could pass through the battlefield, and why she dared attack without her underlings. But Kruta had a trick that would have immobilized the Hero Souls for a second��enough to turn the tables on Valsa and end things in one go.


    Zac had felt even more confident after seeing Saeward extract all that energy from the battlefield. With Valsa''s War Array gone and Kruta fighting for real, he''d felt confident they''d be able to finish the job. It turned out they''d made a massive miscalction. Valsa''s confidence didn''te from outside aid but from her own power.


    The princess stormed the castle with the force and momentum of a primordial beast. It''d be lucky enough if they withstood her opening salvo. Had she cracked another one of the gemstones on her crown? Or had she activated another Berserking treasure? If so, she was really risking everything. Even Zac had a hard time using two such items in a row, and his constitution was beyond sturdy.


    There was no time, so Zac gritted his teeth and activated his avable skills; [Ancestral Woods] and [Primal Edict]. Unfortunately, both [Arcadian Crusade] and [Arcadia''s Judgment] were still on cooldown, and Zac knew they were in trouble. He hadn''t expected to be caught in a tribtion and wasn''t ready to meet her head-on.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Can you buy me a few seconds?" Zac frowned.


    Kruta had a serious expression as he nodded and rushed to the hallway''s entrance. The gate had already been sted off its hinges, and the array on the ground had grown dim. Valsa had just passed through the outer gates, and her aura felt like a beacon to Zac''s senses. Thankfully, she was alone, but there were no Hero Souls to impede her path.


    Kruta wasted no time as he stabbed his two swords into the ground. The castle shook as a storm of des emerged from the rocks, turning the long hallway into a deadly gauntlet. It looked like the maw of a primordial beast, filled with rows and rows of teeth. Together, they formed a powerful domain; even Zac would have to be careful to enter that ce.


    A few Ancestral Trees prevented Valsa from simply jumping through, and the sword array was joined by the ferocious vines of [Primal Edict]. Few guests could get through the hallway in one piece, but Zac knew it wasn''t enough to keep Valsa at bay. He only needed a little bit of time.


    Zac threw out an istion and illusion array by the exit before enacting part two of his n. Streaks of nothingness began pouring out from his Dao Spirals; the purified Oblivion Energy extracted from the remnant prison. Even then, Zac didn''t feel too confident. He''d nned on using his final ace to deal with Valsa since the beginning, but he hadn''t expected such a stark difference in power.


    He would have to y it by ear.


    Zac didn''t even get the chance to begin before a st of light poured out of the gateway. It was like a solid block of destruction that carved a straight line through the atrium, even engulfing the puppet before it was finally stopped at the opposite wall hundreds of meters away. The overbearing power in the pir almost destabilized Zac''s skills, but he barely managed to retain their effect.


    A deep roar erupted from within the beam, and a bloodied Kruta crawled out under the protection of his ancestor. He only managed to give Zac an apologetic look before falling unconscious in a pool of his blood. His idea was a wash. Zac hadn''t even managed to begin conjuring an [Annihtion Sphere], and he could already hear Valsa''s running steps in the hallway. She wasn''t nning to give him any more time to prepare.


    Out of options, Zac took out arge seed and crammed it in his mouth. It was a [Rageroot Oak Seed] that he''d harvested shortly before leaving for the Perennial Vastness. The Rageroot Oak had, like most local overlords on Earth, already entered the D-grade. It hadn''t been quite ready to bear new seeds just yet, but an array had allowed him to extract a half-ready seed��a powerful Pseudo D-grade Berserking Treasure.


    Unfortunately, it was not nearly as good as [Arcadian Crusade], and the effect was limited since his body was so overdrawn already. It would have to do. Zac was immediately filled with delirious urges for blood and glory, but his Void Heart allowed him to stay clear-headed. However, a sudden spark of inspiration was born from reaching the heights of hubris, and he was unable to let it go.


    The primordial roars of [Verun''s Bite] were reced by the abyssal rattle of [ck Death]. A fractal leaf appeared in front of the axe de, and Zac swung it toward Valsa in an overhead attack the moment she appeared around the corner.


    Valsa sneered, and her armor zed with imperial might as her sword rose to meet the attack. Simultaneously, her free hand pointed toward Zac''s chest, and Zac could tell she was channeling enough energy to blow a hole through the sky. Zac didn''t care, and his eyes gleamed with madness as he redirected the Streams of Dao and Oblivion energy into his Dao Mold.


    All or nothing.


    -----------


    The winds of victory pushed her forward as she ran through the ruined hallway, and Valsa could almost feel how her river of fate grew wider as the gate drew closer. Her gambit was sessful, and it was time to collect. She pushed more energy into [Lance of Judgment] as she nced at the energy signature to the left of the entrance but was careful not to overdo it. The [Transpanted Fate Array] would work on a corpse, but the effect would be limited.


    Crippled but alive was the way to go.


    No one could say she didn''t give him a chance. This bastard could have tried to escape upon sensing Valsa''s approach. There was no way the Undead Empire hadn''t provided him with some form of escape measure. Those things carried risks, but it would have been better than staying in this cage and waiting for death. If he''d seeded, then Valsa would have truly lost.


    Perhaps she would have been able to find something inside the castle that could mend her Core Nucleus, but that was a long shot. Saeward''s futile attempt at reincarnation was highly unlikely to have used resources that''d mesh with her path. There was also no way she''d be able to steal the foundation of a Monarch, even if it only remained as a discarnate soul.


    Valsa knew Arcaz Umbri''Zi had likely reached the same conclusion as she. He''d felt she would be helpless without the War Array��that he and his wretchedpanion could overturn the Heavens. But he failed to realize the critical difference between the two. She had spent years investigating and preparing. Six potential battlegrounds had been arranged, and every possible variable analyzed.


    She had admittedly underestimated her opponent''s strength to some degree, and the powerful domain skill was a surprise. However, she knew the cooldown of his berserking skill down to the minutes, and their previous battle had already filled in the missing links in her understanding. He should have understood she wouldn''t have forced her way through the puppet army unless she was confident in victory.


    She could clearly see it through that low-tier array. His recovery was almost miraculous, but it wasn''t enough. Whatever Berserking Treasure he''d swallow only provided half the strengthpared to his skill, while she was more powerful than ever.


    It was game over. Valsa rounded the corner, her sword rising to block the ambush while she made sure her War Regalia was primed to block out his leaf explosions. The fractal leaf descended, but it couldn''t even shake the might of her crumbling Core Nucleus.


    His bloodline talent wouldn''t be able to change anything. Its ability to quench Dao and suppress energy was shocking, but it was still within the bounds of the Law of Bnce. It hadn''t been able to disintegrate her Fateward Clones, and it wouldn''t be able to fully suppress the amount of energy she currently carried.


    He didn''t actually use it. Valsa effortlessly eviscerated the overhead strike, but the slippery bastard narrowly avoided thence. She''d still managed to carve arge gash in his side, and his aura fluctuated precariously. Yet he came back for more with madness burning in his eyes.


    It was odd. Why was he so confident that he dared fight her in a melee? Valsa knew he wasn''t a fool. Was it because of some misguided attempt to protect hispanion, or did he actually think he could defeat her? Valsa was aware shecked in true life- and death experiencepared to her enemy, but she wouldn''t allow the billowing waves of murderous aura to nt a seed of doubt in her heart.


    Another sh resulted in another grievous wound, but the annoying chains of his weapon prevented her fromnding a crippling blow. Blood poured out of a new gash on his throat, but there was no pause as he moved for a third attack, this one too aimed at Valsa''s head in a seeming attempt at mutual destruction.


    Then, she realized the problem. It had barely been visible before, but something was off with the small golden cracks on his face. She''d assumed it was the result of being trapped within Saeward''s tribtion or a side-effect of his berserking treasure. But there was a weak hint of an unfamiliar energy that reeked of danger. And why was he using that axe?


    Something was wrong.


    Only with her enemy dead could she be sure there weren''t any more unwee surprises. However,ck of information had almost cost her life before. She needed to disengage. She needed to��


    Thoughts and ns withered and died as the fractal leaf copsed unto itself. Recing it was a de of utter nothingness, of extermination. Mortal peril screamed at her to run, to dodge. To do anything that would take her away from that executioner''s edge. Yet it felt like time had ground to a halt as it drew closer.


    A primordial sense of preservation cracked the Fategem of Peril, and a flood of relief filled Valsa as she felt herself be summoned away. But relief turned to horror as the light was extinguished, her very being erased. She only needed to endure a little more, just a little��


    Then there was only darkness.

 Chapter 1036 - Fallout

    Zac panted as he looked down at Valsa''s corpse, or rather the gathering of light that had started to dissipate. His hands were shaking with strain as he forcibly quelled the errant tendrils of Oblivion in his body, his pathways frayed and teetering on the brink of copse. Yet, he felt thrilled, to the point that he didn''t care about the possible ramifications of killing a princess from the old imperial ns.


    It actually worked. Zac remembered the first time he envisioned what he''d just pulled off, way back when he still was experimenting with the ''brown shes.'' To channel the taboo powers of the Remnants into his skills, turning them into delivery systems of that ancient madness and destruction.


    His [Origin Mark] and [Annihtion Sphere] were ultimately the crudest form of energy control. They were just raw blobs of unstable energy that he had to push into his enemy at melee range. They took time to charge, and it was getting harder and harder to actuallynd a blow. The Dao Mold had proven to be the key.


    Instead of channeling his Dao and the Oblivion Energy into his shoulders, he''d crammed it into his Inexorable Mold. Through itsplex pathways, Oblivion and Conflict had fused into something that had been just stable enough to briefly infuse into [Nature''s Edge]. The result had been shocking, far beyond the level of what an E-grade Cultivator should be able to wield.


    The de of Annihtion had destroyed all the defenses the princess put up. Her supreme-quality sword was cut apart, barriers broke the moment they touched. Her, admittedly damaged, War Regalia had proven utterly incapable of stopping the descent. Zac had even seen the nk look in her eyes, confirming the skill had managed to erase her thoughts mid-fight.


    That alone was a terrifying ability that could turn the tides of almost any battle. You couldn''t afford any distractions when you walked the tightrope of a life-and-death battle. She had quickly managed to rally and crack a fifth jewel on her crown, but her response had been dyed. The gemstone had transformed her into a streak of light to drag her away, but the edge of Annihtion had carved a hole of nothingness right through her.


    It had been enough to finish the fight��the enormous surge of Kill Energy and influx of Mana had proven that. She should be truly dead unless the Supremacies of the nur Dynasty chose to drag her soul back from the cycle of reincarnation. If that was even possible, considering where she died.


    Zac had long since learned of the possibility of reverting time and dragging cultivators back from beyond the grave. It was amon reason for Cultivators to push toward the peak. However, it went against the natural order, and even Supremacies would have to pay the price. Furthermore, there were many limitations. Where and how the cultivator died yed an important role. Using Oblivion to kill Valsa would probably make it harder, and it happening deep inside the Perennial Vastness was likely toplicate things further.


    The battle hadsted less than a second, but it came at an even steeper cost than their previous fight. The effects of the [Rageroot Oak Seed] had been mostly erased by channeling Oblivion, but that wasn''t the real problem. Zac sighed as he looked at the cracks that covered his Dao Mold. It would likely take over a year to repair the damage; it simply wasn''t sturdy enough to withstand Oblivion Energy.


    He never intended to channel Oblivion through his two Dao Molds. At least not until a theoretical future where he had naturally evolved his Daos from Pure Life and Death to Creation and Oblivion. He had considered manually adding new Mental Energy pathways to the two energy highways formed from the remnants of [Cyclic Strike], using the Dao Molds as inspiration. Installing something like that would hopefully allow him to fully control at least the refined Creation- and Oblivion Energy.


    That was a project he hadn''t even begun, though. And this preliminary test indicated that pathways created with his Mental Energy still weren''t sturdy enough to channel the Remnants without damage.


    The good news was that the Dao Mold hadn''tpletely crumbled. It was even possible he could implement something that could withstand the Remnants sooner rather thanter. Perhaps he could find some treasures or tools that reinforced the molds, allowing them to hold on a few seconds longer. And even if not, he at least had a new ace in case his life was on the line. Damaging his molds was far preferable to being cut down.


    Zac''s heart thumped at the possibilitiesid out from the experiment, but he forced himself to focus. His new set of wounds wasn''t a big deal, but Kruta still hadn''t woken up and was still bleeding all over. They were also still in the middle of a Red Zone, and Zac had no idea what would happen now that Saeward''s ascension had failed. He wouldn''t be surprised if there were dozens of people rushing toward their location now that the puppets and Hero Souls were gone.


    But those considerations were suddenly drowned out by a startling realization; the looming sense of danger still hadn''t disappeared. If anything, the feeling rapidly worsened, as though Damocles'' Sword was finally descending. A rumble in the sky made Zac''s heart drop, and Valsa''s treasures flew into his hands as he rushed toward Kruta.


    Zac nced at the sky as he ran and couldn''t help but swear. The stars were finally moving again, but it didn''t take a genius to realize that wasn''t a good thing. They were no longer forming the Edict of Candor. Instead, the stars had formed an enormous face. It stared down at the Stand of Saeward; neither Zac nor the realm could withstand the attention.


    The situation was rapidly going out of control��Zac felt like thews of the universe were unraveling. The world shook, and Zac''s mind nked out from his Danger Sense overloading his mental faculties. It wasn''t telling him to run or hide. It essentially told him it was over and tried to desensitize his frayed mind from his impending doom.


    The pressure mounted, and Zac could not so much as blink as the castle disintegrated. Then the ground beneath his feet. Zac trembled as he saw a whole world wink out of existence. This wasn''t Annihtion or Oblivion. It felt like a rejection. The face in the sky didn''t condone the world, so the world simply wouldn''t be.


    He and Kruta were only alive because of a translucent barrier that had sprung up around them. Soon, there was just nothingness. It couldn''t even be considered the Void; it felt more like Zac had been pushed out of the bounds of reality. His mind had ground to a crawl, unable to conjure any escape paths. He just nkly observed the terminus of his path as the translucent barrier started to fray.


    Was this how Valsa had felt as she gazed upon the falling edge of Annihtion?


    A sigh rippled through the boundless nothingness, and time moved in reverse. The disintegratednds reformed, and the castle rose to enclose him. Even Saeward''s puppet and array were restored to a pristine state, as though he''d never endured the Heavenly Tribtion just moments ago.


    The only proof the events of the past minutes were real was that he still held onto Valsa''s broken crown and Spatial Rings. The Kill Energy also remained in his body, though it was suppressed just as he was. There was also the enormous face in the sky, whose brows had scrunched together into a frown.


    A world-ending force blotted out the heavens, but Zac felt nothing this time. In fact, the pressure on him hadpletely disappeared, thanks to the shield enclosing him growing much sturdier. Zac had an inkling of what was going on, and it was soon confirmed as a powerful voice cut through the rumbling sky.


    "I looked the other way when you sanctioned a mark to be summoned inside my domain. But this cannot stand."


    The voice was calm, like the mounting pressure, and its aura of rejection couldn''t even be considered a minor inconvenience. More surprisingly, it came from just next to him. Zac looked over and found a man standing just a few meters away. There had been no hint of his appearance. He just was.


    The man didn''t look much older than Zac, but there was a palpable sense of antiquity to him��one that even surpassed the feeling of his bloodline. There was an unmatched transcendence to his bearing and aura, as though he had fully severed any connection to the emotions and desires of mortals. He was beyond the vicissitudes of time, radiating unquenchable stability. Of all the people Zac had ever encountered, none had so perfectly encapsted the air of an immortal Cultivator.


    His appearance was more elven than human, but his skin veered toward a pale blue. He was decked in a simple white robe with wide sleeves, itsck of details and runes made it seem even more exquisite. His eyes looked like a vast starry sky, and Zac couldn''t look at them for long without feeling his soul being sucked in.


    Zac quickly turned his gaze toward a set of antlers on his head, but the thrums of power they released almost broke his mind. He barely managed to observe that one of the antlers had nine tines while the other had eight before he was forced to avert his gaze. Each had naturally formed patterns that struck at the heart of the Dao. It was like the man wore a crown of the Heavens themselves.


    It was too much. The Daos sealing the Dimensional Seed in the heart of the Research Base had been bad, but this was infinitely more overbearing. The screams of danger were immediately overwhelmed by the crashing waves of the Dao. Looking away or holding onto his Void Self wasn''t enough, and Zac felt his path being overwhelmed and eroded by a far greater truth.


    But just like the erased world reformed, so did Zac''s mind. Suddenly, the man next to him didn''t seem so bad. He didn''t emit a speck of Dao or aura, and it almost seemed like the overwhelming sensations just now had been an illusion. But was it? Zac''s heart shuddered, and his mind spun. Had he just died and been reformed? Zac had no way to tell, and there was no time toe to terms with the situation as the face in the sky spoke.


    The elven man''s voice had been calm and steady, but the constetion''s voice sounded like stars colliding and worlds being ground to dust. They were a force of nature rather than speech, yet somehow formed words. Zac could tell that the world would have copsed again if not for the neer''s protection. Worse, what the face said was even more terrifying than how it said it.


    "Someone killed my daughter."


    Zac had been working under the assumption that someone like Lord Engo had been helping the nur Dynasty aplish its goals inside the Perennial Vastness. But the conversation had indicated that to be wrong, or at least not the whole truth. The face, just like the Edict, belonged to an outsider rather than a disciple of the Perennial Vastness.


    There was no way some Autarch would be able to, or even dare, force his way into the Perennial Vastness. He was dealing with a Supremacy from the First Heaven.


    "So they did," the man next to Zac said without so much as a ripple on his face when the heavenly pressure mounted.


    "The threads are obscured and the timeline is sealed," the sky rumbled. "You''re preventing me from seeing the truth. Daoist Sendor, are you breaking the pact of non-interference?"


    "I am precisely protecting the neutrality of my realm," the man next to Zac countered, the answer confirming his identity.


    The face had called him Sendor, but it was the Perennial Vastness in the flesh. Zac had suspected as much since his sudden appearance and the ability to reverse the destruction of a whole world, but it was possible he''d sent one of his disciples.


    "You and your daughter brought the conflict of the Fifth Pir to my doorstep. I eded, as it''s inevitable that outside struggles will reach the Cosmic Galleries. But you went so far as to supnt the Heavens inside my domain!" Sendor continued, a hint of steel appearing in his voice. "Your offspring made her y, going so far as to summon your Edict to achieve her goals. It failed, resulting in her demise."


    "Impossible!" the sky roared, and the world flickered like a candle in the wind.


    "Greed has always been the downfall of your kin," Sendor sighed as he stabilized the Stand of Saeward.


    There was a sense of helplessness in his voice, like an elder witnessing the mistakes of the younger generations yet unable to make them listen to reason.


    "Your great grandfather''s generation ignored my warnings when they discovered the Sealed Mausoleum, and the fallout cost you six Supremacies. The Seventh Heaven already has a mebearer. To hunger for a second was to tempt fate."


    A snort rumbled through the world, but the face made no attempt to refute the im. Zac mutely listened in on the conversation, memorizing every word. It even felt like the Perennial Vastness intentionally provided him with valuable information. Zac had never heard of the Sealed Mausoleum but inwardly vowed never to go there.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac wasn''t too surprised the imperial families had managed to seize a seal, even a slot for a mebearer. They likely had a lot of inside information, and their resources were staggering. The fact it was the Seventh Heaven was news, though. The problem was, would he even remember that fact upon leaving the Perennial Vastness, or would it be sealed along with his memories of Valsa?


    "The conflict for the Pir cannot be allowed to taint the gallery any further," Sendor continued. "I will not discipline the young or bar them from entering future galleries. They are mere tools for therger struggle. I will, however, seal the ripples of the Left Imperial Pce within my domain. You will have to continue this conflict on the outside."


    "Fine," the sky eded after a short pause. "Let me extract my daughter, and we''ll forget this matter."


    Zac''s heart dropped upon hearing the demand. The nur Supremacy wanted Valsa''s soul. Zac had been pretty confident his secrets were safe just moments ago. However, between the disy just now and his lingering sense of danger, he wasn''t so sure. Would the imperials be able to piece together Zac''s identity if Valsa was returned?


    Worse, Sendor didn''t immediately reject. Instead, he slowly nodded as a mysterious ripple spread through the realm. Zac tried to plead for the Perennial Vastness to change his mind, but something prevented him from speaking or sending mental messages. Then, the sky shook, and boundless wrath rained down from above.


    "You!" a raging roar echoed through the universe, but Sendor shattered the sky with a wave of his sleeve.


    "Bastard, that''ll teach you to y around inside my body," Sendor snorted, his disposition suddenlypletely different.


    The face in the sky dispersed, and Zac was finally rid of the looming sense of danger that had followed him for weeks. He thoughtfully looked up at the stars rearranging themselves to their normal state. Was that the key? A Supremacy had been involved in the scheme against his life. Such beings created powerful ripples on the river of fate, which could exin why his Danger Sense had been triggered weeks in advance.


    Zac''s eyes soon turned back to the avatar of the realm he stood inside, and Zac''s heart thumped upon realizing the man was looking back at him.


    "Thank you," Zac said after realizing his mouth was no longer sealed. "Uh, what��"


    "Vastermal nur wanted to resurrect his daughter. Except, he didn''t care about her life. He only extracted her memories, sacrificing her soul and body to circumvent my rules. I guess he wanted the identity of you and the other sealbearers she had exposed," Sendor exined as a mischievous grin spread across his face.


    "Unfortunately for the arrogant little brat, I manipted the flow of time, tricking him into extracting the memories from six years ago. Long before you even entered my trial. Now, he got nothing useful but still has to deal with the Cosmic bacsh. Do these grasshoppers think they can pull one over on me? I was already ancient when their ns were nothing but insignificant households."


    Zac could barely believe what he was hearing. For one, it sounded like the Perennial Vastness was even older than the Limitless Empire and the System itself. Zac couldn''t even begin toprehend how long Sendor had existed. It far surpassed the nigh-inexhaustible longevity of even Supremacies.


    But why did he look like a kid who had just pulled off a prank? It waspletely different from the previously transcendent aura he exuded. The more old monsters he ran into, the more it felt like they all had a couple of screws loose. Still, it was undeniable that Sendor had not only saved his life but angered a powerful Supremacy to protect his identity.


    However, the question remained why the avatar looked at him with such an unsettling gaze.

 Chapter 1037 - Sendor

    Zac felt Sendor''s starry eyes bore into him, and the pressure made it difficult to gather his thoughts. He felt like an ant put under the magnifying ss, his fate to be decided by the whims of the giant wielding the ss. Zac had been annoyed by theck of interest in his Specialty Core and Bloodline when he first entered the Perennial Vastness, but he now desperately longed for that kind of disregard.


    At the same time, Zac was excited. The man said it himself; Sendor was ancient when the Limitless Empire came around and most likely already a powerful entity. Did he know the secrets of his bloodline? Had he met Emperor Limitless? Did he know the truth about Laondio and Karz?


    The scrutinizing gaze eventually relented, and Zac released a breath he didn''t know he''d held until now.


    "You''re a pretty interesting brat," Sendor grinned as he gave Zac a thumbs-up, the image once more shing with the transcendent master who''d just stared down the Heavens. "Not bad, killing one of those little imperials. Always walking around in my domain like they own the ce."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No thanks to you," Zac muttered but immediately regretted it.


    Sendor''scking energy andid-back demeanor made Zac momentarily forget that he wasn''t just some cantankerous old man. He was an entity at the level of Supremacies who''d lived far longer than mosts. Thankfully, it didn''t look like the Perennial Vastness minded Zac''scking manners.


    "I guess that''s my bad," the avatarughed. "I was curious what would happen with the seal in the air. The storms the pirs generate can lead to surprising oues. I didn''t get anything useful, but you still performed valiantly, even if your final blow was a shortcut. How about this? I''ll make it up to you. What do you want?"


    Zac inwardlyined, even if he didn''t dare show anything but deference after his previous faux pas. Was he a ma for weird and shameless old monsters? Or were they all like that? Reaching the limits of cultivation wasn''t aplished by measured and reasonable people.


    "One second," Zac said.


    He desperately wanted answers, but there were more pressing matters, so he hurried over to Kruta''s side. The barbarian was growing increasingly pallid from the blood loss, and he seemed unable to expel the force of Valsa''s light when unconscious. However, just as Zac was about to take out his healing pills, he heard an impatient grunt.


    With that, the wounds were just gone. Even the bone stump had been reced by a proper leg. Not only that, but Zac felt his own body heal in a process that was even more effective than when he used Creation Energy. Even the Dao Mold in his mind was repaired, and the motes of Oblivion stuck in its cracks were ejected into his Soul Aperture.


    The only thing that wasn''t restored to its original state was the energy he''d spent, both his own and the remnants''. His longevity hadn''t recovered from reforging his arm either. Still, his Dao Mold getting repaired had saved him over a year and would allow him to head out again immediately without worry about not being in peak condition.


    Zac hadn''t sensed any energy, just like when his Duplicity Core was sealed. It was like reality had just changed per Sendor''s will. Or had he rewound time, returning their bodies to a previous state? Either case, it was an incredible ability, especially since it seemingly worked on anything, from wounds to recreating a whole world. Zac''s eyes turned to the unmoving puppet atop the dais.


    It didn''t emit any energy, but it hadn''t been the first time Zac saw it either. Was Saeward back? If so, would it remember him interrupting his breakthrough?


    "He won''t jump at you again," Sendor said, grinning at Zac''s hesitance. "Don''t feel bad, brat. He would have failed whether you came crashing into his array or not. Like he''s done a thousand times. He''s never gotten past the fifth bolt, even when aided by one of you brats."


    "What?"


    Sendor didn''t immediately answer. Instead, Zac suddenly felt like time was going out of control. He took a few shaky steps to distance himself from the puppet, but the whole atrium was going out of control. In seconds, Zac had seen the puppet stand up on the dais and face heavenly tribtion dozens of times. The details differed slightly each time, but the end was the same; a scorched, broken puppet unmoving on the ground.


    "Saeward hoped to trick the Heavens and reincarnate using the captive souls of his followers in a loop of war and despair," Sendor smiled. "This scenario was actually his eighth ''final stand,'' and the one where he''d finally umted enough impetus to make his attempt. s, he fell one step short of sess, and the Heavens disintegrated his soul."


    "Then this world��" Zac said.


    "Saeward''s choices, this thread of fate�� It has potential. Perhaps not with the Heavens in its current state. Perhaps not with the variables you little brats introduced this time. But it has the potential to show me something interesting. So I disentangled the scenario from the river of time. I freed the suffering souls and reced them with my own creations. Every Cosmic Gallery, the scenario starts anew."


    Sendor looked back at the puppet, and Zac shuddered as he saw the look in the man''s eyes. He still had a yful expression as he looked at Saeward dying repeatedly, but there was a terrifying coldness within his gaze. Not the coldness of hatred or animosity. It was the chill ofplete and utter indifference to life and death.


    It was beyond the morbid detachment cultivators gained as they walked over the corpses of their enemies on the path of cultivation. It was akin to the unfeeling callousness of the System, where right and wrong didn''t matter. Saeward''s soul being locked into that puppet in an eternal cycle of suffering wasn''t even a punishment. It was just an experiment that may or may not produce results.


    "Saeward''s soul will continue to toil until he provides me with an answer. A solution that moves the tapestry closer topletion."


    Zac slowly nodded, putting two and two together. He finally understood the origin of the various zones and the role he and the other guests yed. The realms of the Perennial Vastness were seeds of potential collected by Sendor. The guests of the Cosmic Galleries would enter the realms, introducing variables of randomness to the experiments. And because the Heavens were still healing and moving toward perfection, the experiments had to be continuously performed.


    "What happens when you get the answer?" Zac asked.


    "The Stand of Saeward will be retired, reced by another scenario."


    "Then, the Quarry?" Zac ventured.


    "It''s functionally the same," Sendor nodded. "You closed the loop by epting the inheritance and desire of Solevur. The Quarry will no longer appear in future Cosmic Galleries as it has no more potential to extract."


    Saeward eventually stopped moving in the distressing cycle of despair as the castle returned to the state where he''d just failed his tribtion but before Valsa arrived. The rubble from the broken dais reappeared, and Zac could even feel his Dao inside the marks on the ground. From within Saeward''s broken frame, two lights suddenly flew up. One moved to Zac, while the other stopped over the still-unconscious Kruta.


    "Your prize for reaching the end of the scenario," Sendor exined.


    "What''s this?"


    "It''s the remains of a Natural Treasure. Saeward called it the Embryo of the Wargod, which is both inurate and a bit boastful," Sendorughed. "I call it a [Warstone]. Saeward stumbling onto this thing is how he cooked up this scheme. If you use this shard as a basis for your core, it will naturally generate a bit of energy as you fight. A pretty useful feature for someone walking a path full of Conflict."


    Zac curiously looked at the small stone in his hand and felt the waves of Pure Conflict from within. Just holding it almost made Zac feel like he''d eaten another [Rageroot Oak Seed], even if his mind remainedpletely clear. Still, his Dao Avatar stirred, and it began its dance between his two cores, swinging its axes in deadly arcs.


    The truths of his Branch of the War Axe soon coursed through his veins, which made the stone release even more energy. It was like the resonance between two tuning forks, where two frequencies empowered each other. Thankfully, it only took a thought for the Dao Avatar to stop and sit down, and the [Warstone] calmed down soon after.


    "Conflict breeds conflict," Zac muttered, cing the stone into a box and stowing it away.


    "Exactly," Sendor said as the stone hovering above Kruta''s body shot into the Spatial Ring on his hand.


    Unfortunately, no quest had been triggered, but Zac believed the barbarian would still be happy with the sudden windfall. Mortals were the only ones who required precious treasures to form their cores, but that didn''t mean Cultivators couldn''t benefit from them. The [Warstone] perfectlyplemented Kruta''s path, and infusing its essence would elevate the resulting core.


    Getting the [Warstone] and securing the final item he needed for his Core Formation was exactly what he''d hoped for when setting the course for the Stand of Saeward. Still, it wasn''t enough to forget the real opportunity that had presented itself. So Zac quickly turned to Sendor before he could change his mind or sh away.


    "You said you''d make it up to me just now. I''d like some answers," Zac said, the words spilling out his mouth. "You''ve seen my bloodline when you inspected me. Can you tell me more about it? How is it rted to the Limitless Empire? Is it the bloodline of the Limitless Emperor or someone else?"


    "As expected," Sendor nodded. "Honestly, I couldn''t believe my eyes when I sensed the aura of the Void Emperor on you. Of course, it''s oddly inverted, but the truth couldn''t hide from me. What do you��"


    Sendor''s words were interrupted by another rumble in the sky. It wasn''t the imperial who had returned, but the new arrival was still someone familiar. The gathering clouds crackled with power, and Zac felt a vast presence lock onto the area. It felt like time had frozen, yet it wasn''t really the case. Zac couldn''t move, but he saw Sendor scratch the base of his antlers as he looked up.


    "You don''t want me to speak?" Sendor said as a mischievous smile spread across his lips. "What are you scheming, you troublemaker? Still, I''ve never been one to��"


    A loud rumble far surpassing the roars of the nur Supremacy shook the Stand of Saeward, perhaps all of the Pennial Vastness. Or, for all Zac knew, it could be across all creation, judging by the unfettered force gathering in the clouds above. The stars shattered, unable to withstand the presence of the descent.


    Zac had never seen the System gather so much energy, not even close. Even Alvod Jondir''s ascent to autarchy didn''t create such a scene. And this was just the start. An enormous swirl appeared above their heads, but it didn''t unleash a torrent of heavenly punishment upon thends. Instead, a seemingly innocuous item descended from its center.


    It was a blue silk scarf, two hands wide, no longer than two meters end to end. There were no runes or engravings on it, but a spatter of dark spots covered one of the sides. It didn''t look like anything special, but that only meant Zac was too ignorant to understand what was going on. Odd fluctuations rippled around it, creating scars that made Zac''s hair stand on end.


    It wasn''t space that was being frayed, creating Spatial Tears. Reality itself couldn''t withstand the piece of cloth and crumbled in front of Zac''s eyes. Zac could tell even the Dao was twisting and turning as Eternal truths wereing undone. Meanwhile, cracks spread across the ground, and it looked like the Stand of Saeward would face a second cmity.


    "Fine, fine!" Sendor screamed with rm as a hairline crack appeared on one of his antlers. "Take that thing away. Are you trying to kill your dear friend?!"


    Zac still wanted answers. But as things stood, he far more desired for the System to take that thing away. The scarf was far scarier than any tribtion lightning. It wasn''t a trial to be ovee��that seemingly unassuming scarf held the Armageddon within its threads.


    Thankfully, the System didn''t seem intent on going to war with the Perennial Vastness, and the scarf was dragged back into the swirling vortex. The unfathomable aura of catastrophe lingered for a few seconds like an unspoken warning before it and the clouds dispersed.


    "Damn, so touchy," Sendor swore as he looked up at the sky, once more donning the expression of a disappointed elder. "Too few of us old hands left for you to go around waving those things around. And you know the others all have a few screws loose. Who are you going to reminisce with if I''m not around?"


    "That''s..." Zac said, finding his voice no more than a whisper. "What was that?"


    "Oh, just some old thing the System keeps around. One of its safeguards to make sure people y by its rules," Sendor said with an annoyed wave, looking at Zac with mixed emotions. "Sorry, kiddo, looks like I can''t put my hand into this matter. The Terminus Council is mostly forgotten, but their will and Karma still spread through all creation like a web. That scenario is far from over."


    "Terminus Council," Zac muttered.


    The words were almost like a spell, and Zac felt a storm of fate crashing down at him. However, the feeling was stopped by the receding clouds gathering for one final bout of fury. Karma was erased and fate subverted, and the clouds drifted apart. The System was leaving, but it imparted Zac with a final message before it was gone.


    [Beware the Terminus.]


    Zac didn''t dare speak the words again, his heart still hammering from the series of events. Just what was going on? Why didn''t the System want him to know the truth? Was it an enemy or a friend? Truthfully, it felt like the System had protected him this time around.


    It seemed too early to dig into the truth of his origin, but Zac still felt he was a few steps closer. For one, Sendor had confirmed the existence of the Void Emperor without Zac mentioning it. The revtion further indicated that his original theory was off; Karz wasn''t the Limitless Emperor. Still, Zac''s instincts told him the two were connected somehow.


    Was the Limitless Empire perhaps run by two people, where one stood in the light while the other moved in the shadows? It seemed entirely possible when remembering Karz''s temperament in his Bloodline Visions. Or was Karz a member of this ''Terminus Council''? But if that was the case, why did Zac need to be wary of it? Were they the reason history seemed to have mostly forgotten about a cultivator who could infinitely improve his affinities?


    "What a mess," Sendor muttered as he drew a finger across his antler, which dragged Zac out of his thoughts. "That''s all the information you''ll get for now. Sometimes, scary thingse crawling out when you turn over old stones. Ask for something else instead."


    Zac nodded in agreement, noticing that the antler was already whole. Zac didn''t know why, but it felt like Sendor was partly pretending when looking so frazzled at the scarf''s appearance. Still, there was a nugget of truth to the fear in his eyes, but Zac decided to put the matter aside. He could slowly pull on these threadster. There were still benefits to be had.


    His gaze immediately turned to Valsa''s Spatial Ring in his hand. A princess sent on an important mission by a Supremacy surely had to be drowning in wealth. However, his experience with Uona''s Spatial Ring made him afraid to infuse even a sliver of Mental Energy into the Spatial Tool. What if Vastermal nur had marked it? He didn''t even trust K''Rav to deal with this thing.


    But if anyone could remove its hidden traps, it would be the man in front of him.


    "The Imperial ns have targeted me, and I think the key to figuring out their plots is within this ring," Zac coughed. "With your unfathomable means, perhaps you could help me unlock it?"


    "Nice try," Sendor said with a roll of his eyes. "Do I look like a graverobber to you?"


    He''d been rejected outright, but Zac wasn''t about to give up. "The events just now were outside the bounds of Lord Sendor''s trial and affected my ability to gather Mana. How about some��"


    "I would, but the System won''t allow me to give out things left and right. You saw how stingy it is. I have to follow the framework," the avatar interjected with a clearly disingenuous smile.


    "Then�� There are two remnants in��"


    "Go find them yourself; you have the strength," Sendorzily said, his enthusiasm clearly waning. "I can give you a small hint rted to them, though. Combine their energies, and you''ll be awarded 25,000 Mana."


    Zac inwardly grumbled at how stingy this guy was, but he refused to give in. "You saw how the imperials acted because of my seal. They''ll probably keep cheating on the outside. If you can''t help me with the ring, then could you leave me with my memories of their identities intact? Or perhaps teach me a way to hide the aura of my seal?"


    "I guess I could edit your seal only to guard the secrets of my realm," Sendor shrugged. "I don''t really care if you start messing with the other guests after you''re gone. However, a little brat like you can''t hide the winds of fate the Seals of the Left Imperial Pce radiate. That array inside your body will trick even Autarchs, though. Of course, it''ll only work if you keep it running."


    "Kruta''s seal too," Zac quickly added. "He also suffered from this injustice and deserves to understand the threat upon leaving."


    "Fine, but that''s it, brat."


    Zac quickly nodded in thanks. It didn''tpletely solve the issue, but it was a start. Zecia was already sealed, so Leandra''s array would be enough during the war. He had only been discovered inside the Perennial Vastness since he didn''t even know it was possible to expose sealholders. He''d never bothered keeping Leandra''s Array active inside the Perennial Vastness either since he constantly shifted between his forms.


    On the outside, he always ensured it was active when going off-world, so he didn''t need to change anything. And with Sendor allowing him to remember all the names and faces of the other guests, he would be far better off than before. Still, Zac felt it insufficient. This shameless old man had let a Supremacy plot against him just because he was curious about what would happen. The name of a council he had no way to investigate, and a small adjustment to his seal didn''t feel like enough of a restitution.


    Unfortunately, Sendor saw through Zac''s thoughts and waved his sleeve at Zac with annoyance. "Brat, didn''t you hear me when I talked with Vastermal? You can''t get too greedy. Ai, I need to go into seclusion. What was the System thinking, bringing that inauspicious thing into my body?"


    Sendor was gone before he finished his sentence, preventing Zac from asking for anything else. However, his voice returned a secondter. "Oh, if you want to pick that thing up, you''d better hurry. The other brats will soon sense it."


    Zac was about to ask what Sendor was talking about, but he felt his vision shift. It stretched out from the castle gates and across the now-deste battlefield and into the isting shroud where he fought Valsa the first time. There, he spotted a dozen corpses lying among dried weeds. There was also the deep crack from [Arcadia''s Judgment], from which a floating sigil had emerged, releasing increasingly powerful ripples of truth.


    An outer court seal.

 Chapter 1038 - One by Nine

    Zac only caught a glimpse of the seal before he was back in his own body, where he was greeted by a groan as Kruta finally stirred. Then, the barbarian shot to his feet, eyes wide as he looked for threats. None remained, and Valsa''s body had fully dissipated already, so Kruta turned to Zac with a confused look stered on his face.


    "You''re up," Zac smiled.


    "Uh," Kruta said as he looked around. "Did I beat that wench?"


    "Something like that," Zacughed, but his thoughts were still on that seal.


    Who would have thought that one of Valsa''s followers held an outer court seal? Had they ambushed another guest in the same manner as him? Perhaps a trial run using one of her followers before getting the real thing? The seal''s appearance made him worry for Catheya and Ogras for a second, but the unimed seal thankfully belonged neither to the Hollow nor Daedalian Courts.


    It belonged to the final court yet not within his cycle; the Indomitable Court.


    "Wait, when did I get healed?" Kruta suddenly said as he looked down at his fully-restored body. "What''s going on?"


    Zac briefly recounted what had just happened, though he skipped the System''s entry or the matters regarding his bloodline.


    "Those imperials have always been shameless," Kruta sighed. "But to think she actually summoned Vastermal the Benevolent."


    "Didn''t seem that benevolent to me," Zac muttered.


    "The era of the previous Emperor was very turbulent. The nur Dynasty waged a series of ruthless wars, both as aggressor and defender. It reached a point where Vul''Zerdo nur was called the Blood Emperor," Kruta shrugged. "When Emperor Vastermal took the throne, he donned the epithet of benevolence to indicate the empire''s future direction. And things have been rtively stable under his rule."


    Zac nodded, though he knew managing the nur Dynasty had nothing to do with Vastermal. That job was left to the younger generations. The Supremacies only bothered with the titles because they brought tangible benefits; faith. Ancient factions'' A-grade Emperors and Sect Leaders were essentially gods lording over their domains. That gathered Faith Energy, which was apparently quite useful even to the top dogs of the Multiverse.


    "Still, can''t believe the big boss himself came down to heal me," Kruta grinned. "I guess Kruta the Great is too handsome to stay down for long. I must be fated for greatness."


    "Fated��" Zac muttered as he thoughtfully looked at hispanion.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Kruta shuddered. "Giving me the creeps."


    "You have a decision to make," Zac slowly said. "A decision that will have a great impact on your future."


    "What?" Kruta said, his expression sobering upon hearing Zac''s words. "Is it rted to the imperials?"


    "Both yes and no," Zac said, collecting his thoughts. "Something big is happening on the outside, something that has made many of the peak factions stir. A small part of that struggle has been turned into a trial for the younger generation. It starts in three years, where the cut-off point is 100 years of age. Valsa targeted me because I have one of the tickets to that trial."


    "Why did you suddenly decide to tell me this?" Kruta asked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Because it turns out one of her followers carried a ticket as well. It''s currently left where we first fought Valsa. No one has found it yet, but it''s just a matter of time," Zac said. "You have to decide whether you want to seize the opportunity."


    "A trial important enough to have an imperial emperor barge into this ce," Kruta mused. "What can you tell me?"


    "I''m not sure if I should divulge the event''s origin, but it has made the ancient factions go mad. The Seventh Heaven is already involved, and the First Heaven tried to sneak in by killing other guests and me. More peak factions beyond the Imperials are also involved, but I don''t know who. One thing''s for sure; the dangers will be far beyond the Red Zones, and it''ll be crawling with people like Valsa. Powerful factions will send their most talented people."


    Kruta''s eyes glimmered with desire and battle lust, but he quickly reined himself in. "Will that mean I''dpete with you for the inheritance? What kind of trial is it?"


    "No one knows what will happen inside, but there are indications that teams will be formed. I''m not aiming for the main prize. Some real monsters will join the contest; I''ll let the peak factions fight it out over the inheritance. I n to grab some random goodies before escaping with my life."


    Kruta''s eyes lit up at that. "Good! I knew I made the right decision grabbing onto your thigh!"


    "So you''re in?" Zac smiled.


    "When has Kruta the Great ever shied from some danger?!" Kruta said, grandly pping his chest. "What are we waiting for?! Let''s go!"


    Zac nodded, and the two stood before the seal five minutester. It looked exactly the same as in the vision. It was a replica of the seal of the Indomitable Court made out of pure energy. Zac guessed only the unused fragments would be found in things like rocks or statuettes, while those seized through battle would be more obvious.


    The ripples it released were filled with the truth of the Lost ne, or rather of Ultom. It didn''t hold as much energy as the unused seals, but it was much more than Zac expected. It was almost certain to provide Kruta with an epiphany.


    "This��" Kruta said hesitantly as he looked at the floating seal. "I''ve never seen energy like this before. It''s not Dao; it''s�� I don''t know what."


    "It''s unique," Zac nodded. "Just joining the trial is an opportunity in itself. It''ll give you a powerful epiphany. It can''t help with your Dao, but it''ll provide a moment of utmost rity andprehension. It can be used for all kinds of things, from upgrading your Blueprint to techniques and manuals. The sky''s the limit."


    "Anything?" Kruta said.


    "It''s how I came up with my trickster core, as you call it," Zac smiled.


    "Well, I don''t know if I want such a weird Cosmic Core, but there are a few things I''ve been wracking my brain over," Kruta muttered. "Alright, here I go."


    Zac stepped back as Kruta walked over to the seal. He touched it, and it was gone in a sh of light. Kruta''s eyes closed, and he stood immovable for over ten minutes. Zac looked on, feeling a pang of desire as he felt Ultom''s aura drain from the area. That blissful state of totalprehension was almost like a drug. Even a weakened seal would have to be far beyond what the tainted Lake Water provided.


    What would happen if he imed outer court seals during the war? Could he im the insights but discard the ticket?


    Eventually, Kruta''s eyes opened, and he looked at Zac in shock.


    "This�� this��" Kruta said. "Not even the greatest tribes can provide inspiration at this level. I doubt even the Imperials can."


    "Yeah, it''s something else," Zac agreed.


    "Indomitable Court," Kruta said, his eyes veritably burning. "You''re really my good brother!"


    Zac was happy he could provide Kruta with the opportunity, and not just because the Indomitable Court was the only missing piece to his quest. Findingpanions you could trust with your life was difficult, but Kruta had proven his mettle inside the Stand of Saeward.


    "Can you tell me what''s going on now that I''m tied to your chariot?" Kruta grinned.


    The phrasing piqued Zac''s curiosity, and he opened his Quest Screen.


    One by Nine (Unique, Inheritance): Form a full cycle of Sealbearers. Reward: Entry to the Left Imperial Pce (9/9) [1343 days] (COMPLETE)


    [NOTE: Multiple cycles can be formed.]


    Zac nodded with satisfaction as he closed the status screen. With Kruta and the Indomitable Court, he had a full set with some spares. When he first saw the requirements, he wondered how he''d everplete the quest. Now, it didn''t seem impossible to form a second cycle through the war.


    With that out of the way, Zac exined the broad strokes to Kruta as he had to his followers and the theories he and Ogras hade up with so far.


    "You weren''t kidding," Kruta eventually exhaled. "Left Imperial Pce of the Limitless Empire? An Eternal Heritage that''s also a pir of the Ruthless Heavens?"


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked.


    "If I''m okay?" Kruta said, an almost deranged grin spreading across his face. "This is the kind of opportunity that all Cultivators dream of. The kind of opportunity that canpletely reforge one''s fate and leave a mark on history."


    "It''ll be extremely dangerous," Zacmented.


    "So what?!" Kruta roared as his aura exploded toward the sky. "I''d rather die aiming for greatness than live a safe but ignoble life! Besides, let the others fight for the Eternal Heritage! I just want the soup!"


    Zac nodded in agreement. You''d never reach the peak without putting it all on the line. That was a fundamental truth of the Multiverse, to the point it was hard-wired into the System itself. And even if he wanted his friends and followers to stay safe, they had the right to take a chance on themselves in their pursuit of the Dao.


    "What now?" Kruta said, his surging momentum causing the haze around them to stir. "How do I find the other pieces?"


    "Ah," Zac said, his eyes zing over.


    Only then did Zac realize the logistical issue of adding a follower from the other side of the Multiverse. Kruta belonged to the Redleaf Tribe of the Everwind Steppes, which was actually a vast region on a B-grade continent. Apparently, the steppes were the size of arge C-grade continent, farrger than any frontier continent, which was almost impossible for Zac toprehend.


    Crossing the steppes from one side to the other would take a Hegemon centuries, if they even survived the journey. The region was filled with dangerous beasts; even Beast Emperors couldn''t be considered too rare. There were also tens of thousands of danger zones, odd anomalies created by the tremendous energies and Daos released by a B-grade world.


    More importantly, the Everwind Steppes'' continent was extremely far from Zecia.


    Directions were iffy with the confusing dimensionalposition of the Multiverse, but the steppes and the Seven Empires could be considered on the "other side." The distance between Zecia and the Undead Empire was actually much shorter between the Everwind Steppes and the Undead Empire.


    Kruta getting to Zecia was incredibly difficult, and even his Autarch elders would be hard-pressed to aplish that feat. The cost alone would be staggering. And it wasn''t even a matter of resources and willingness. You needed connections to cross such vast swathes of space. Zac doubted that a B-grade tribe could cross multiple Multiversal quadrants and Empires, at least not in a few years.


    "What''s going on?" Kruta said, noticing Zac''s silence.


    "Honestly, I''m not sure you need them to enter the inheritance," Zac said. "Though getting the full seal is obviously much better."


    Zac wasn''t just making things up. His followers getting just one piece of the seals was enough for his quest to progress. With Kruta, he''d already formed a cycle, even if no one had a full seal. He and Ogras believed a fragment would be enough to enter, but a full seal would be required to enter the main parts and trials.


    "But I won''t find them here," Kruta surmised, his eyes glimmering with understanding. "You said you''re from the Frontier."


    "The exact location of the inheritance is still unknown, but it''s probably at the edge of my home Sector and the Endless Storm," Zac said. "The whole Sector is sealed, and only Monarchs and lower can enter. Representatives from the Multiverse Hearnds are currently turning the ce upside-down in search of seal fragments."


    "I can''t believe the kind of luck you have," Kruta said, looking at Zac with wonderment. "One of the greatest inheritances of the Limitless Empire popped up in your backyard?"


    Zac wryly smiled. He wondered what Kruta would think if he heard it wasn''t a coincidence. ording to the Void Priestess, Ultom had picked him as an inheritor. Without the System''s interference, there wouldn''t have been a contest for seals or any trials.


    That alone filled Zac with mixed emotions. It felt a bit like he''d been robbed of his good fortune, while at the same time feeling he was benefitting from someone else''s hard work. He ultimately hadn''t done anything to deserve the attention of the Left Imperial Pce. His mother''s n had somehow found and stolen the bloodline of the Void Emperor for their experiments.


    Zac wasn''t a true descendant, and he sometimes felt like a thief and an impostor. It was another example of his fate being decided by things outside his control. Ultimately, he''d reached the same conclusion as he had with the Remnants and the System''s interference. He wasn''t in a position to say no to opportunities and power just because he didn''t like how he got them.


    "Still, that''s a problem," Kruta frowned. "Just leaving the Raulfi Continent without going through the Heavens is almost impossible. Me reaching the Frontier? I can''t see a way. Even if my elders tried to plot a path with the help of porters, I fear the Imperial Families would catch wind of it. If they''re even sending people into ces like the Perennial Vastness in search of tickets, they''re looking high and low."


    Zac slowly nodded, sighing with regret. But then it hit him. Didn''t he know someone who might be able to help?


    "Have you heard of the Tayn Family or Dynasty?" Zac said. "They should be pretty famous."


    He initially hadn''t thought of this option because of the rules governing the Perennial Vastness, but that hadpletely changed now that he and Kruta''s confidentiality seals only affected the details of the realm itself.


    "Pretty famous? That''s the understatement of the century," Kruta guffawed. "Those lunat��"


    "Stop," Zac said with a wave of his hand. "I don''t want to know."


    "Ah?" Kruta said, looking at Zac with confusion. "Then why did you bring it up?"


    Zac sighed. He knew he wasn''t being rational, but he really didn''t want to know the details of Iz''s background. Zac knew she came from a terrifying background; her unfathomable strength alone was proof of that. Still, he felt something would change with their rtionship when he learned the details of her family. He wanted to hold onto the simple friendship he''d formed with Iz as long as possible, even if he was sticking his head in the sand.


    "It''splicated," Zac said. "Suffice to say, I''m friends with Iz Tayn. She''s part of the younger generation of that faction."


    Kruta''s expression told him that the rification was entirely superfluous and that he absolutely knew who Iz was, but Zac powered on.


    "If you can contact Iz and mention my name, they might help ferry you over to the Frontier. They might not, though, or demand something in return. I don''t know. I don''t think Iz would mind, but I haven''t really dealt with anyone else in her family."


    "You''re friends with Iz Tayn?" Kruta said, looking at Zac like he''d suddenly grown three heads and six arms. "And you''re not messing with me? Is this some test to have those lun�� ahem. To have the esteemed Tayns test my fate?"


    "Do I look that bored?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "Didn''t you just say you''d die a thousand deaths in pursuit of greatness?"


    "Not much greatness in getting your whole tribe turned into ash," Kruta muttered, but he took a steadying breath. "Fine! I''ll have my elder convey the message when I return. I''ll mention your name front, back, and center. If it fails, I''ll just see you inside the trial."


    "Sure," Zac smiled.


    "So I guess we''re done here?" Kruta said. "I can''t believe that bastard extracted all the spirituality from the puppets. Not even the champions are worth their weight as scrap now."


    "I know," Zac said, feeling his intestines twist at the loss. Then he remembered Sendor''s words and looked at Kruta hopefully. "Do you know how to open Valsa''s spatial ring without triggering any seals or traps?"


    Kruta answered with a resoundingugh, dashing that idea.


    "Never mind," Zac sighed. "Well, there''s at least some good stuff in the castle."


    Kruta nodded, but Zac had one more thing to do before returning. He swept through the battlefield, looting the fallen warriors. He didn''t expect a bunch of Deathsworn to carry any wealth worth mentioning; he was more interested in their bodies. Six of the bodies were damaged to the point he couldn''t motivate the expenditure of Creation Energy, but the others would be the next generation of Einherjar''s elites.


    There was a whisper of caution in the back of his head, of the danger of using bodies with such a troublesome providence. But he had already made the decision. He needed citizens and believed in Sendor''s ability to thoroughly erase any karmic threads upon exiting the Cosmic Gallery. If anything, his confidence had only increased after seeing Sendor toy with the nur Supremacy.


    "What?" Zac said when seeing Kruta''s odd look.


    "It''s easy to forget you''re also a Draugr when you walk around in your human form," Kruta said as Zac stowed the final body into his Corpse Sack. "Doesn''t it feel weird, raising your enemies to fight for you?"


    "Not really," Zac said after some thought. "I guess it would have been awkward if they retained their memories. The Revenants who awaken don''t mind either. After all, my conflict with these people allowed them to be born. Besides, aren''t you kind of the same, summoning the ghost of your ancestor to help you out?"


    "That''s different!" Kruta rejected, but his brows slowly scrunched together in thought. "That''s�� Huh�� Am I actually a Necromancer?"


    "I have some Lich techniques if you want them," Zacughed, and they set course for Saeward''s Castle. "Let''s see if there are any goodies left."

 Chapter 1039 - Partnership

    Zac and Kruta were exhausted even if Sendor had healed their wounds, but the thought of loot brought a spring in their step. The two spent the next thirty minutes breaking the arrays before carefully harvesting the Conflict-Attuned flowers and herbs in the garden, and they didn''t even spare the Spiritual Soil. It wasn''t every day you found D-grade War Attuned soil, at least not soil that wasn''t sullied by resentment and blood.


    Next, they turned to Saeward himself. They hadn''t dared pilfer through his remains right after returning, afraid some lingering Tribtion Lightning or remnants of Saeward''s consciousness hid within the puppet. Unfortunately, they didn''t find much of value. The metals that were once supposed to hold the consciousness of a Monarch had been reduced to nothing but scorched refuse that crumbled from the slightest amount of exerted pressure.


    Zac even doubted the material had ever been as good as whatever Saeward used in his original attempt. Seeing as Sendor had somehow meddled with the power of the Tribtion Lightning, he''d most likely brought the puppet itself down to a reasonable level for the scenario. Still, they eventually managed to gather three fist-sized clumps of mostly unscathed metal Zac estimated to be at early D-grade, bordering Supreme Quality.


    It had looked as fragile as paper when faced with Heaven''s wrath, but Zac wasn''t able to twist it at all when straining. Better yet, it contained a strong attunement to the Dao of Conflict, and there was even a hint of the punishing aura of the Tribtion Lightning locked within.


    ''I want this,'' Alea''s voice echoed in his mind.


    ''Alright,'' Zac agreed. ''Some of those array orbs are still mostly intact. I thought their materials might suit you.''


    ''You know how to treat ady,'' Aleaughed as her consciousness receded into the ne.


    "Do you want this?" Zac asked.


    "No good," Kruta rejected while furiously searching for a spatial ring within the rubble. "The material has gained a hint of tribtion. It would be harmful to my ancestor; you keep it."


    Zac nodded in thanks and had soon swept the whole area for anything in decent shape. Unfortunately, they didn''t find any Spatial Treasures hidden within the rubble. Their original goal had been to find Saeward''s inheritance, but it looked like Saeward took his hoard to the grave when the Tribtion Lightning ripped apart his Inner World. There were still some weak spatial fluctuations around the puppet, but neither Zac nor Kruta had the skills or tools to open a pathway to its crumbling fragments.


    And even if they did, would they dare enter? The fragments of Saeward''s world were likely extremely dangerous and unstable.


    With the atrium and outer sections picked clean, the two tried to break into the hiddenpartments of the castle. But no matter what they did, they couldn''t find a way inside. It wasn''t just an issue of the stones being incredibly durable. A new array had awakened, which rendered their attacks useless. The two kept trying for over an hour, with Zac even swapping to his Draugr form and using everything but [Pir of Destion].


    They had managed to carve some decent scars into the stone, but it had healed up in seconds. Worse, they had been able to spot another defensive array within. They never found any weaknesses Zac could exploit either. The array hid within the sealed wing, empowering the stones.


    "Damn, the chambers were probably set up to seal shut when the arrays lost their mental connection to Saeward," Kruta said, ring at the puppet. "A thoroughbred bastard to the end."


    "There''s nothing we can do?" Zac asked.


    "I doubt it," Kruta grunted as he swung his de at the wall once more. "These types of arrays are a pain in the ass. We''d have to besiege it, exhausting more energy than it can absorb from the environment."


    "And that''s easier said than done," Zac said, looking across the atrium with a grimace. "The energy density is almost unbearable with Saeward''s array gone."


    "That''s not the only problem. Someone like Saeward would have installed fallbacks. Breaking the array might release a deadly attack or destroy everything inside. Perhaps both."


    "And an unorthodox cultivator like Saeward probably would keep anything of value on himself," Zac agreed. "You never know when you''d have to run."


    The two deliberated for a bit longer but eventually decided to be happy with what they had. Neither wanted to wait for the rest of the guests to arrive and besiege the inner chamber, which could take months. Zac had already aplished his goal by getting the [Warstone] and dealing with the hidden threat. As a bonus, he even gained some important information and good materials for Alea.


    That fact alone indicated there probably wasn''t anything worthwhile inside the inner chambers. Sendor had already provided the scenario with enough benefits through the [Warstone], herbs, and incredible energy density of the castle. So Zac was in high spirits as they left the castle, where they performed a cursory sweep of the battlefield before heading toward the exit.


    Kruta''s mood was even better, especially after stumbling onto the [Warstone] inside his Spatial Ring while they tried to break into the inner chambers. Zac hadpletely forgotten to mention the treasure because of the seal appearing, but Kruta hadughed so loud the castle walls shook upon finding it. That jubtion only grew upon learning that Zac already had his own piece. Between the Seal of the Indomitable Court and the [Warstone], Kruta really came out ahead.


    "Haha, a good day to be Kruta!" the barbarian said as they emerged from the other side of the haze.


    "There''s still Valsa''s treasure as well," Zac added. "If we figure out a way to open that thing."


    "Keep it," Kruta said with a generous wave. "How could some E-grade cultivator''s resourcespare to the gift of the Indomitable Court? You know what? Here."


    Zac looked over curiously and gasped upon seeing the barbarian produce three pieces of bone. Each one was a different color, but they all emitted incredibly ferocious auras and thrummed with bloodline power. Zac felt like he was staring at three primordial beasts rather than bones. At first, it looked like they were engraved, but Zac soon realized they were naturally formed patterns.


    "Emperor Bones?" Zac whistled.


    "Refined fragments of them," Kruta nodded. "I saw you didn''t find anything for your beautiful Beastcrafted axe. C-grade bones would destroy your axe, but my tribe has extracted most of its energy. What remains is far purer than what you''d find from some Beast Kings. They should be the perfect nourishment for yourpanion''s next step."


    Verun''s desirous roars in Zac''s mind confirmed Kruta''s words. The Spirit Tool vibrated inside his Spatial Ring, and it almost felt like it would try to break out. Of course, he couldn''t let Verun consume something like that in the middle of a Red Zone, so Zac appeased the spirit before turning to Kruta.


    "Are you sure?" Zac said.


    "What are a few bones between friends?" Kruta grinned.


    Zac nodded in thanks and epted the bones before the two continued. The Stand of Saeward felt quite deste now that the native inhabitants were all gone, even if thends were still teeming with energy. With the hidden threat dealt with, they made much better time on their return trip. The only interruptions were a few encounters with other guests, which provided some loot and Mana.


    It turned out that none of the other cultivators had experienced the destruction and subsequent reformation of the realm, and neither had they seen the face in the sky or the System''s arrival. They had only felt a series of powerful surges of energying from the heart of the zone, after which they''d realized all Hero Souls and puppets were gone.


    As expected, many were moving toward Saeward''s castle in search of answers, but theck of a quest meant most guests remained cautious. Most believed that the energy surges were just the kick-off to the event, and Zac heard many of Kruta''s old theories as they interrogated people. A few coalitions were still trying to guard the exit, but making a bloody example out of a group quickly opened a path.


    "I''m going into seclusion for a bit," Kruta said as they appeared in Vastness City. "I need to digest all this stuff."


    "We''ll talkter," Zac nodded.


    Kruta waved, and the two returned to their respective storefronts. Zac sighed in relief as he appeared in his mansion. The familiar fluctuations from within the walls provided a sense of security, and he realized he had held onto a ball of stress all this time. It was no wonder. He had mostly be ustomed to life and death on the battlefield, but it was something else entirely to be targeted by a Supremacy.


    There was just nothing that could be done when faced with that kind of threat��he wasn''t even an ant to beings like that. Valsa had only summoned a whisp of her ancestor''s true power, but that sliver had been enough to disintegrate a whole world.


    Suddenly, Zac felt very alone, and he sent out a message. It didn''t even take ten seconds before the Teleportation Array activated and Catheya emerged. She breathed out in relief upon seeing Zac was okay before hugging him tightly.


    "Thank the Heavens!" Catheya sighed. "I''ve had a bad feeling for days, but we couldn''t find anything. What happened?"


    "It''s a long story," Zac said as he led her into his living room. "I��"


    Zac''s words were caught in his throat as arge shape suddenly blocked his vision. A toad.


    "What the hell?" Zac eximed, his mind trying but failing to figure out how this odd toad had managed to track him down all the way from the Cmity.


    Catheya yelled in rm, and a wall of frigid ice appeared to shield them. However, as a gentle voice spoke, the ice melted like snow in spring.


    "Her name is Esmeralda."


    The voice had appeared out of nowhere, and Zac had to make a double-take as he saw a woman sitting by the window reading a book. She was human, wearing a simple white linen dress. Her strawberry yellow hair was fastened in a practical bun, and she didn''t wear any tools of jewelry��not even a Spatial Ring.


    Her unadorned appearance and utterck of aura could make one mistake her for a vige girl, but that obviously wasn''t the case. The Dharma was partly muted thanks to his Mana, but it was still enough to drive any F-grade cultivator mad. Of course, there was also the fact that not even a guest would be able to find this ce, yet she''d somehow made it her home. And with Esmeralda''scking strength, she had to be the one who brought the toad here.


    This stranger was undoubtedly another old monster, even if she didn''t look as intimidating as Lord Engo or his master. The pressing question was where her allegiancey. Was she another disciple of the Perennial Vastness? Or was she rted to Valsa? Was it both?


    "Dear, would you let us borrow your friend for a few minutes?" she smiled.


    "A- alright," Catheya said after giving Zac a look. "I''ll go take a walk in the garden."


    Zac nodded, and there were only two people and a toad remaining. Esmeralda seemed content to sit and look haughty while the youthful woman looked at Zac with a mysterious smile. The silence stretched until Zac couldn''t take it, even if there weren''t any pressure like when Sendor observed him with his creepy gaze.


    "Uh, I''m Zac."


    "I''m aware. It''s nice to meet you. You can call me Lova," the woman smiled as she put down the book. "Don''t mind me. I''m just here to facilitate your meeting and trante."


    "Trante�� for the toad?" Zac said, ncing at his old travelingpanion.


    The toad, or Esmeralda, seemed annoyed at Zac''s demeanor, and it began croaking while forming a series of signs that Zac, for some reason, felt were insults.


    "Esmeralda has been very impressed with your performance over the past years and wishes to extend an offer."


    "She said that?" Zac said, looking suspiciously at Esmeralda, who in turn red at the woman.


    "Well, in so many words."


    "What kind of offer?"


    "A partnership."


    "To do what?" Zac asked before realizing what the mysterious woman had said before. "Wait, you''ve been spying on me?"


    "On asion," Lova nodded. "We''ve also followed a few more candidates. But Esmeralda picked you since you killed Valsa nur and cemented your status as a mebearer. Personally, I think it''s for the best. Valsa nur''s fate was limited. The current generation of the First Heaven is much too disappointing. To think that girl was a direct descendant to Vurkos nur, who seized the second pir in such a domineering fashion."


    Zac nced at Esmeralda, who looked at him with a smile that said he had just won the lottery by being graced by her attention. The toad had been a bit lofty even back in the Cmity, but it was nothingpared to now. Was it because she''d brought a powerful backer?


    "Were you there in the Stand of Saeward?" Zac asked, unable to prevent the hint of steel from appearing in his voice.


    "No. It would be troublesome if Emperor Vastermal discovered us. We did observe her extensively the past days, though," Lova said, not the least shamefaced by their actions.


    "And you did nothing to stop her?"


    "Why? She did nothing wrong by trying to seize your opportunity, just as you did nothing wrong by killing her in response," Lova said, giving him an innocent look. "The struggle for resources and opportunities lies at the very heart of cultivation. I''m not brave enough to fight against the fundamentalws of Heaven."


    Zac took a steadying breath to control the anger bubbling beneath the surface. He''d drive himself into an early grave if he blew a gasket whenever he was used or manipted by these selfish old cultivators.


    "A partnership for what?" Zac asked again, but he had a feeling he knew the answer.


    "Esmeralda needs to enter the Left Imperial Pce, so I''m hoping you could take her."


    "You''re a sealbearer?" Zac said, indignity partly reced by surprise, but the toad rolled her eyes and shook her head.


    "Only cultivators and beasts who have reached Atavism can be sealholders. But that''s fine. There are other paths to entry," Lova said as she took out an ancient-looking parchment. "The Enshrinement of Kanba. It''s from an interesting society deep in the Eternal Storm. They consecrate beasts in a faith-based cultivation system. This binding will make you the speaker for the Beast Deity."


    "Uh, what?" Zac frowned, decidedly unenthused by the idea of bing the priest of a Toad God.


    "Well, that''s just in their society," Lovaughed. "In practice, it means Esmeralda could temporarily create a shrine, or a subspace, in your body and join the Left Imperial Pce that way. It will also create a mental link to allow you tomunicate better. It will even temporarily allow you to use part of Esmeralda''s skills and abilities."


    "No offense, but why use some weird method from the Endless Storm?" Zac said with suspicion. "There are many ways to contract beasts."


    "It''s for your benefit," Lova exined. "For one, Esmeralda is more unique than you can imagine. No Hegemon can bear a conventional binding with her. Secondly, the enshrinement will not leave a mark on your path. It''s more of a temporary housing agreement and will not affect your pathways,bat effectiveness, or System evaluation. The only detriment is that you must expend some Cosmic Energy to maintain the shrine. Not much is needed, though, and it will not impact you after forming a core."


    Esmeralda eagerly nodded, and her tongueshed out to grab the parchment. She moved it over to Zac, but he did not ept it.


    "No offense, but I''ve seen you in action," Zac said as he took a step back. "You''re pretty fast, but I''ll be even faster by the time the trial starts. And your aura is even weaker now than when west met for some reason. What can you bring to the table?"


    Esmeralda looked incredibly affronted, and she made a series of angry croaks. Of course, with her tongue still stretched toward Zac, they came out distorted.


    "Esmeralda isn''t a beast bred for battle like those Beast Tamers contract," Lovaughed. "Her expertise lies elsewhere. And don''t worry. She''s in a phase of rapid growth. She''ll be much faster by the time you enter the Left Imperial Pce."


    Zac slowly nodded, but his inner thoughts were clearly exposed as Esmeralda angrily croaked while Lova smiled and shook her head.


    "Truthfully, the Esmeralda you see in front of you now is not her true form. She''s not even an undead creature," Lova exined. "Eons ago, she had the reputation of being one of the best�� infiltrators�� of the Multiverse."


    "Infiltrator?" Zac said. "A thief?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Esmeralda didn''t reject the notion. Rather, she excitedly nodded her head.


    "Wait, best in the Multiverse?" Zac said. "Does that mean��?"


    "She could be considered a Supremacy," Lova confirmed, making Zac look at the unassuming toad suspiciously.


    "Are you two messing with me?" Zac couldn''t help but ask.


    No matter how you looked at it, there was just no way that the supersized toad in front of him matched the aura or power of the two Supremacies he''d just encountered in the Stand of Saeward. Esmeralda croaked with exasperation and looked around. Then her eyes widened, and she suddenly disappeared in a puff. She returned just five secondster, the parchment in her tongue reced by another item; a box.


    "What?" Zac gasped as he looked at the item. "Isn''t that��"


    There was no doubt about it. It was the main item consecrated in the hidden temple on the other side. Zac had almost gotten himself killed getting his hands on the [Lucky Beads], and they weren''t even part of the temple arrangements. It had just been lying on a pillow in front of the shrine. Meanwhile, Esmeralda had just taken a few seconds to abscond with what probably was the best thing, barely breaking a sweat? Would she be able to do the same inside the Left Imperial Pce?


    It took all Zac''s willpower not to wee Esmeralda to his team then and there.

 Chapter 1040 - Esmeralda

    Esmeralda thumped her chest as she wagged the box in front of Zac. He still couldn''t believe it was real, so he slowly walked to a nearby window. Catheya was sitting at a bench in the pebble garden, asionally ncing in his direction. She lit up upon seeing Zac, who waved at her assuredly before walking back into the room.


    Catheya hadn''t noticed Esmeraldaing and going, by the looks of it, and neither was there any response from the ghost temple on the other side of the peak. He wouldn''t have been surprised even if that huge avatar emerged to take back the box, but there was not even a karmic ripple indicating they had been robbed.


    It was just too odd, making Zac wonder if Esmeralda even left his mansion. The box was definitely real; it emitted the same hair-raising aura as when he first saw it. But the way Esmeralda got her hands on it wasn''t necessarily as advertised. He couldn''t help but look at Lova sitting by the neighboring window. It had been a deadly tribtion to enter the ghost temple for him, but for this mysterious woman?


    "I assure you, I had nothing to do with that box," Lova smiled. "She really entered the temple just now. Esmeralda''s unique bloodline allows her to resist or even ignore many forms of restrictions. That includes the Karmic suppression of the Sangha. Avoiding troublesome Karmic entanglements is a key skill for any good thief."


    Zac slowly nodded, though he wasn''t sure what to believe. He had no way to confirm what was true and false, though his instincts told him Lova wasn''t making things up.


    "Besides, I killed too many monks in my heyday," Lova added, looking a bit helpless. "I''ve spent four hundred thousand years reining in my killing intent and performing merit to whittle away the karmic debt levied on my path. Esmeralda is a dear friend, but I wouldn''t undo my hard work by helping her rob one of their Lotus Pavilions."


    "I''ve seen the things inside that temple. Will those thingse causing trouble because of this?" Zac frowned.


    "What you see is not necessarily real," Lova said with a slight smile. "Though with the Dharma, the bounds between reality and fantasy are often muddled."


    "I''m sorry?"


    "Suffice it to say, powerful belief can turn the unreal real, but it is a rootless existence. Without sustained piety, creation will return to the bounds of illusion," Lova exined, ncing at the other side of the peak. "This Lotus Pavilion was created from the belief of a powerful Arhat, but he is long gone.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "The temples you see are echoes of memories that retain some of the original''s strength through the Karmic Link to the Sangha. The items within are in a state of perpetual uncertainty. They are real, yet they are not. By taking the items, you shifted the needle toward certainty, but it was only possible by Akani??ha sanctioning it. As to why the Sanga allows this, you should well understand."


    Zac slowly nodded. The backhanded nature of the Sangha''s gifts was nothing new to him. Every gift was a karmic debt, every encounter a karmic link that would bind you closer to the Dharma. They were like a casino. Some would win whening through the Sangha''s doors and walk away with riches, but the house always won in the end.


    And everyone believed themselves to be destined for victory.


    Was he any different? His eyes gleamed as he looked at the toad, or rather the box she had her tongue wrapped around. "And you''re just giving this to me?"


    Esmeralda shrugged and threw out the box, and Zac''s heart lurched as he urgently grabbed it.


    "Esmeralda more enjoys the hunt than the prize itself nowadays. Outsmarting the defenses, breaking the restrictions, and seizing the item is an affirmation of her path," Lovamented. "Oh, you probably shouldn''t open that thing. At least not unless you want to blow up this whole mountain."


    "What?!" Zac wheezed, his hand freezing just as he was about to open the lid.


    "The Sangha''s Lotus Pavilions are Dharmic cleansing arrays. The treasures consecrated within are usually cmitous items with immense fell Karma. Even if this is just an echo made real, it''s bound to be extremely dangerous."


    "Why would the Buddhists consecrate something like that?" Zac asked, suddenly stuck between wanting to throw the box far away and not daring to let go.


    "The light shines the brightest after the darkness of the night," Lova hummed, and Zac felt like she was talking about herself just as much as the box. "Eventually, the sin will be purified by the Buddhist Hymns and the soothing waves of the Brahma, and the cmitous item will be a Dharmic Instrument of great power."


    "But until then��" Zac said.


    "Well��" Lova smiled. "The night is the night until daybreak arrives. Right now, you could consider it a bomb. If everything else fails, open the lid and run for your life."


    Zac warily looked at the box. When he first saw it, he''d thought it an incredible treasure considering its ce of honor. But it turned out those crazy monks had actually put a doomsday device in their temple. Still, Zac didn''t throw the thing away. How many times had he survived by the skin of his teeth by blowing something up? You never knew when you needed a big bomb to get out of a jam.


    "Of course, it would be even better if you could continue the cleansing yourself," Lova added. "The Lotus Pavilion has already done most of the heavy lifting, but I can tell the item within is not yet irrevocably bound to the Sangha. You might get a surprising prize if you continue to erode the fell Karma and resentment with your Dao."


    That got Zac''s attention. Someone Lova called powerful had tried to refine a cursed treasure by using some sort of Dharmic array. Even an echo, which Zac assumed was the same as a replica, of such an item had to be extremely powerful for someone at his level.


    "How long would I need to refine it?" Zac asked.


    "Not long," Lova said, looking at the box. "A few centuries at most with providence as powerful as yours."


    "Oh," Zac grunted and stowed the box away, though only after winding a rope around it a few times just in case.


    A few centuries certainly wasn''t long to someone like Lova, but it certainly was to him. There was no way he''d refine it in time for the war unless he found some way to supercharge the process. Perhaps Ogras had some idea? After all, the process sounded very simr to whatever he had nned for his banner.


    "So Esmeralda is clearly an amazing thief," Zac said, getting an approving nod from the toad. "But she''s definitely no Supremacy. And if she were, how would she even enter the trial? The age limit is 100 years. What''s going on?"


    "Esmeralda was growing old," Lova said. "We all struggle with the concept of death. Truthfully, many grow more fearful the older they get. When you''ve lived for an eternity, it can be hard to face the fact the end is drawing close. They be increasingly desperate to break through and steal more longevity from the Heavens. Others try to supplement their waning lifeforce through other means."


    Lova looked at Esmeralda, who proudly looked back. "I''m sure you can appreciate how rare such treasures are, items that can provide a meaningful amount of longevity to those at the peak. Even if you get your hands on something, it usually only replenishes a few percent. Esmeralda managed to steal an item that functionally made her immortal."


    "What!" Zac said with shock. "Immortality is real?"


    "True Immortality?" Lova said. "Probably not? At least not yet. But a few aberrations have managed to mimic the effect to varying degrees of sess. Esmeralda is one such example. The Primo of your Undead Empire is another, as are a few entities hidden in the depths of the Buddhist Sangha. Unfortunately, even false immortality alwayses with a price."


    "The item Esmeralda stole provides her with an unceasing font of longevity, but she has been forcibly reincarnated hundreds of times. She loses a sliver of herself each time, and the reincarnations areing in more frequently. She needs to enter the Left Imperial Pce to find an item that can suppress the effect of the temporal treasure."


    "Forced reincarnations? Like a curse? How would that affect me if she sets up shop inside my body?" Zac frowned.


    "It''s not a curse," Lova said with a shake. "And the treasure has already be part of her body; it can''t affect others. Believe me; people have tried. Many have wanted to extract some of Esmeralda''s endless longevity and take it for themselves. Part of the reason she''s currently staying in the Perennial Vastness is to hide from being captured again."


    "You''re pretty crazy, eating something like that," Zac said as he looked at the toad, who responded with a smug look that said, ''Worked out in the end, didn''t it?''


    Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t tempted. Even if she''d lost most of her memories and skills, she had a wealth of experience to draw on. The skills of a world-renowned thief would be incredible when looking for treasures and avoiding dangers.


    "Will she even be able to enter if she''s so ancient?" Zac asked.


    A smile spread across Lova''s lips upon hearing Zac''s question. After all, it was a partial agreement. "She should. This Esmeralda is only three years old. And don''t worry. As I said, she''ll rapidly grow over the next few years. She should be at Middle Hegemony by the time the inheritance starts. She still won''t be able to fight the other contestants, but she will not drag you down."


    Three years? Zac gave Esmeralda a second look and realized there were some small differences in the patterns on her skin. Esmeralda looked back and suddenly released a puff of familiar Dao; his own.


    "The kid?" Zac blurted, and Esmeralda nodded with a grin.


    "The pir''s sudden ascent came as a surprise to us as well," Lova sighed. "Esmeralda''s reincarnation cycle was at an unfortunate state, so she sacrificed her cultivation to birth a second incantation early. This way, she''ll be ten when she enters the Left Imperial Pce. It''s not optimal, but someone like Esmeralda will have to be careful about the restrictions. Better safe than sorry."


    "Do you think others will do the same?" Zac suddenly said. "Bringing reincarnators or something simr?"


    "Of course," Lovaughed. "This is one of the biggest events in recent memory. I don''t know about reincarnators, but everyone involved is currently wracking their brains to figure out ways to gain an edge over thepetition."


    Zac''s expression fell upon hearing that. It was bad enough being pitted against centennials from the peak factions of the multiverse. If they also brought a bunch of cheats, how would he and his followers survive?


    "The Multiverse was never fair," Lova smiled. "But you shouldn''t worry overly much about that aspect. The System is giving this matter an almost shocking level of attention, and it''s already indicated it won''t ept any foul y. You won''t encounter things like what happened inside the Stand of Saeward. The rule on age includes a series of hidden restrictions that even the strongest will have to work within.


    "To break those rules would be to dere war against the Heavens," Lova added. "And I don''t think we''ve reached that point yet."


    Zac shuddered at that thought, remembering the words of Sendor and Engo. The Thrones, the Seals, the Terminus Council, and the war for the direction of the era. It almost felt like the hidden masters of the Perennial Vastness were holding their breath, just waiting for all hell to break loose. Sendor had assured Vastermal of his neutrality, but that could also mean he had his own ns and ideas.


    Silence stretched, and Even Esmeralda seemed subdued by the heavy topic. But eventually, Lova sighed and shook her head before taking out an information crystal.


    "I''m sorry. These are not matters you need to worry about. Just focus on yourself and your goals while following your heart. I''ve outlined the proposed terms of cooperation here. It would be a binding contract enforced by teacher and the System itself, should you ept. Neither you nor Esmeralda can renege after it''s signed."


    A quick scan confirmed it was a contract enforced under the ruleset of the Apostate of Order, and it was actually quite generous. Zac''s only obligation was to provide passage into the trial. Meanwhile, Esmeralda had to do her best to help Zac aplish his goals inside the Left Imperial Pce, even after she attained her goals.


    There was one problem, though. Esmeralda''s goals were identical to the Undead Empire''s. She didn''t want the inheritance but a certain item within. Was there a conflict there?


    "Esmeralda needs a specific treasure from within?" Zac frowned. "That might be a problem. I already have a simr agreement in ce. If there''s only one��"


    "Nine," Lova said. "There should be nine utmost treasures beyond the true inheritance. Like the Heavens, the Pirs were constructed following the rule of eight by nine. Eight pirs, where nine outer courts stabilized the fifth. The one is the Eternal Heritages at their core, and the nine bound it to the Limitless Empire''s purpose."


    "Still, Esmeralda is cultivating Death, and��" Zac hesitated.


    Lova looked at Zac for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "You can see this as a small payment from me for helping my old friend. I can somewhat guess what''s going on. The agreement you have is no doubt with the Undead Empire. It makes sense they wouldn''t dare aim for the grand prize. Their aim, if I had to guess, is the core of the Hollow Court. Esmeralda doesn''t want that item, so there''s no conflict."


    "How do you know that?" Zac asked.


    "Not many would have the answer, but the followers of the Perennial Vastness are awarded some unique insight," Lova smiled. "Teacher has been around for a long, long time. He was even consulted on the grand undertaking back then and recorded some of the details."


    Zac raptly listened, afraid to miss a single word or inflection in case it was an important detail.


    "The reason I can say with good authority that the Undead Empire is targeting the Hollow Court is that they were the ones who helped build it."


    "What? How''s that possible?" Zac said. "They didn''t even exist back then."


    "The ancient era was a different time," Lova said. "The star of the Limitless Empire was almost blinding. It was like an insatiable beast, consuming everything in its path. They had umted strength far beyond what you can imagine. Even today, nothinges close. The Emperor and his trusted generals traveled the dimensions, seizing one powerful treasure after another and ying everything that had staked a im on the Dao.


    "Some were powerful enough to resist their conquest for a while. But the Empire''s expansion could only be dyed, never halted. Even the greatest beings were forced topromise. The Primo was one of them. He was forced to pay a painful price in return for the Emperor turning his de in another direction."


    Zac could barely believe what he was hearing. The very same Primo that ruled today lived before the System? No wonder he''d never heard any murmurs of the four divine races trying to seize control over the Founders. Messing with that kind of old monster was to ask for trouble. Yet he pushed down the shock and confusion and tried to extract more information.


    "Looking the other way?" Zac frowned. "What does that mean?"


    "The Dao is Eternal, but the Heavens are neither inexhaustible nor incorruptible. Simply existing for someone at that level is bound to be a hindrance to the aspirations of others."


    Zac nodded in understanding. He''d already learned that peak beings impacted the Dao and what it meant. The struggle between the Buddhist Sangha and the Apostate of Mercy exemplified that. Zac didn''t know what made Laondio change from the idealistic alchemist in his Bloodline Vision to the ruthless conqueror he was known as today, but Zac could imagine his thoughts.


    The Primo was undoubtedly the most powerful cultivator on the Path of Death, possibly the most powerful cultivator of the Peak of Chaos. If Laondio killed him, a good chunk of the Heavens would be freed up.


    "I don''t know exactly what the Primo was forced to leave behind in exchange for peace, but it was extremely important to him. The events now are a chance for him to take it back, to be whole."


    Zac''s heart shuddered, and he felt like he''d learned something he wasn''t supposed to. Who knew? It was possible that not even Tavza or Kator knew the truth of their mission. Zacpared it to what he already knew, and he could quickly make a few assumptions.


    Making the Primo whole, what did that mean? A raw powerup, or could it be rted to his work with the Heart of the Empire? From what he''d gathered, the Undead Empire still didn''t have full control of that thing, even after all these years. Could the item in the Hollow Court be the key for the Primo furthering his control over the heart?


    A personal powerup of their strongestbatant, and possibly being able to extract more benefits out of an Eternal Heritage based on the Dao of Death. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say that not even Ultom itself couldpare to that kind of benefit, and it didn''t evene with the risk of seizing a second Eternal Heritage. No wonder the Primo was willing to pay almost any price to enlist his help, going so far as to draft an unprecedented mandate to enlist Zac.


    Still, that knowledge made the pressure on him mount. Until now, he''d just nned to give his mission with the Undead Empire a halfhearted try before packing it in. But with such a personal stake for the Primo, would Zac dare ck off?

 Chapter 1041 - Loose Strings

    Lova seemed content to let Zac mull over the implications of the Primo and his connection to the Hollow Court, but Zac soon opted to forge on. Lova seemed to know more about the uing event than anyone he''d met before, possibly excepting Per Janodrok. However, the Void Priestess had her own considerations and couldn''t divulge too much.


    "Is there anything else you can tell me?"


    "I''ve already bent the rules of what''s permissible by sharing this," Lova rejected, instantly dashing Zac''s hopes for further rity. "And I have no answers to give except old anecdotes found in the corners of our library. Besides, knowing too much is not necessarily a good thing. It might fill your mind with unnecessary thoughts when you''ve entered the trial. Suffice it to say, Esmeralda is looking for something else, and you''re not even required to help her seize it."


    What Lova said was true. The agreement was incredibly lopsided, and in his favor. For example, half of anything Esmeralda snatched on her own would go to him, while he didn''t have to share anything he helped extract. She wasn''t obligated to fight by his side, but that was fine, considering she wasn''t abat beast.


    Still, Zac didn''t just sign the thing and carefully read every sentence repeatedly to ensure there weren''t any hidden pitfalls.


    "I''ve said what needs to be said," Lova said as a portal sprung up beside her. "Feel free to talk things over among yourselves. If you want my opinion, you should ept. However, please don''t feel any obligation on my or Esmeralda''s ounts. This is an offer of cooperation, not an order. We''ll look for someone else if you''re unwilling to bring Esmeralda."


    "Wait!" Zac said as Lova made to leave.


    "Hm?" she said curiously.


    Zac her gaze was gentle, but Zac''s heart still beat with trepidation as he remembered her offhanded mention of ughtering a bunch of monks. Still, this was a rare opportunity, and he had a pressing issue he couldn''t solve on his own.


    "You have spied on me for a while now, and now you want me to help your friend sneak into an Eternal Heritage. I''m grateful for the information about the Undead Empire, but one could argue you told me that to make sure I agreed," Zac said, ignoring the chill that appeared in Lova''s eyes. "You''ve been spying on Valsa as well, right? You knew she would summon the emperor, yet looked the other way. It doesn''t seem right. It''s not bnced."


    "And what would you say is needed to bnce the scales?" Lova asked. The warmth in her voice was still there, but her smile still gave Zac the chills.


    "Valsa might have had aplices, other people in here who know the identities and details of my friends and me," Zac said. "Seeing how motivated the Imperials are, I''m afraid they''ll stop at nothing in an attempt to extract that information. If my cooperation with Esmeralda is to seed, I need some assurances��"


    "You should know that extracting anything tangible is nigh-impossible even for a Supremacy. This is not just empty faith in my teacher; the System itself is a guarantor for the rules put in ce for the Cosmic Gallery. Vastermal''s attempt was an act of desperation, and you shouldn''t worry too much about such an eventuality."


    "Still," Zac said, unable to trust this stranger''s words for such an important matter.


    Even if she was gentle and courteous despite their vastly different strengths, she clearly had an agenda. And it wasn''t necessarily true that securing Esmeralda''s ticket to the Left Imperial Pce was her only goal in this meeting.


    Lova wordlessly looked at Zac for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "The invasion of such a powerful consciousness can easily create dangerous turbulence in the realms used for the Cosmic Gallery. To ensure no one is hurt, we''ll disable the ability to leave the Perennial Vastness for two weeks. Everyone will have to visit Vastness City to reset their bracelets at a Temporal Obelisk by the Teleportation square.


    "As for who knows your identity�� Your newpanion knows that better than me."


    Zac breathed out in relief upon hearing the decree. Lova was probably right in her assertation, but this was still a hidden danger that needed to be dealt with before Zac could truly feel safe. Vastermal''s descent had been something of a wake-up call.


    He''d always known the powerful factions from the Hearnds were aiming for the Left Imperial Pce, but it had somehow felt distant. Like the struggles between the Supremacies were kept apart frompetition between the younger generation. That feeling had been reinforced by the System sealing Zecia, but he should have realized that didn''t mean squat when it came to such important matters.


    Lova stepped through the portal the next moment, and Zac thoughtfully looked on as the gate closed. He wasn''t so na?ve to believe that her only goal in this meeting was to act as an interpreter for Esmeralda. When those kinds of people made a move, it generally involved their benefits or cultivation. The level of obsession that pushed you to Autarchy and beyond wasn''t something you just turned off.


    Did she want to drive a wedge between himself and the Undead Empire by divulging dangerous secrets? Or was she actually helping the Primo for some reason? After all, Zac suddenly felt a far greater pressure to make sure the mission seeded. She seemed to have a conflict with the Sangha. Was this an ''the enemy of my enemy''-type of thing? It would exin why she used such a ky excuse not to share anything beyond the details of the Hollow Court.


    Zac eventually shook his head and turned back toward the toad. He ultimately had no way to tell what was going on. However, Lova had one thing right: he could only follow his instincts as he worked toward his goals. Everything else was out of his hands.


    "Do you really know who''s exposed my connection to the pir?" Zac asked.


    Esmeralda eagerly nodded and made a series of signs.


    "Not a single one escaped your notice?" Zac said. "Who are they?"


    Esmeralda snickered, pointedly looking at the contract crystal in Zac''s hand. Zac wordlessly red at the toad, but the toad eventually won the staring contest. Filled with helplessness, he resumed his inspection of the old parchment and the agreement. He had tried to extract some extra value from Lova since they needed his help, but she was even more ruthless.


    She''d said he shouldn''t feel pressured and that they could always find someone else. But that on its own was a threat. After all, Esmeralda knew his identity, and Zac sincerely doubted Lova or this toad were bound by the same restrictions as normal guests. Now, they even held the identities of potential informants hostage while adding a deadline.


    It made him even warier about the whole thing, even if the underhanded method didn''t necessarily mean their offer wasn''t genuine. The minutes passed, and Esmeralda croaked with annoyance at the dy. She even produced an Information Crystal and waved it tantalizingly in front of his face.


    "Hey, don''t look at me like that. I still have two weeks," Zac snorted. "Didn''t you spy on me for years before you decided to approach me? Why can''t I take my time?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Esmeralda stomped her foot and made some signs.


    "Not the same?" Zac said with a raised brow. "I know. I''m doing things above-board while you snuck around in the shadows."


    Esmeralda responded by mimicking his words and expressions with a series of clearly sarcastic croaks. Zac knew this creature was possibly the second oldest being he''d ever met after Sendor himself, but it was still difficult to treat this oddball with that kind of deference. Whether it was her actions or weirdly human expressions, she felt more like a mischievous kid than anything else.


    Of course, it might all be a guise to make him lower his guard. However, no matter how hard Zac looked, he couldn''t find anything amiss. The contract seemed quite generous, no matter how you looked at it. And while he couldn''t pierce the workings of the mysterious parchment of the Kanba, he felt what Lova said was mostly true.


    The inherent instincts provided by years of bathing in the waters of the Lost ne indicated it really was a very weak contract along with a spatial technique. He couldn''t sense anything like the hidden traps he''d run into before, like with the [Essence of the Abyss] or the array for the Twinned World Cores.


    There was even a section in the contract listed and guaranteed the effects of the Enshrinement of Kanba. Lova had personally guaranteed the effects to the System. If something went wrong, she''d be severely punished. Still, getting a second pair of eyes on the contracts wouldn''t hurt, so Zac walked over to the window.


    "Is everything okay?" Catheya asked as she stepped inside, looking at Esmeralda with surprise. "This to�� ahem, Esmeralda is still here?"


    Esmeralda grinned and greeted Catheya with a wave. Catheya returned the greeting before turning to Zac, her face full of questions.


    "What''s going on?"


    "A lot of things have happened," Zac exhaled. "The threat in the Stand of Saeward was rted to that ce. And the same goes for Esmeralda here. I could really use some advice."


    "Let''s call over your shadow, then," Catheya said. "He''s a bit annoying, but his scheming mind is quite useful."


    Zac agreed, and Ogras stepped through the teleportation portal a few minutester.


    "This ce might be even worse than that frigid hellscape," Ogras spat as he entered the manor. "What''s going on? People are saying the treasure is about to be born in the Stand of Saeward, but you''re already back? And what''s with the toad?"


    Zac took a breath and began recounting everything from entering the Stand of Saeward. Just like with Kruta, he skipped some details of his discussion with Sendor. He also didn''t mention the matter of the Primo and the Hollow Court, and only said their goals wouldn''t sh.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust his girlfriend. The two had reached a tacit agreement that Zac didn''t talk about any schemes or ns that might go against the interests of the Undead Empire. That way, Catheya wouldn''t be put in an awkward position where she was stuck between him and her obligations to her n and the empire. Zac was also afraid he might trigger some secret safeguards in the imperialmandments if he divulged the Primo''s secrets.


    Ogras took the news of his battle with Valsa in stride, and Catheya only shook her head with helplessness. They had long since grown ustomed to his uncanny ability to attract trouble. The two also read the agreement and investigated the parchment, but neither could find any pitfalls within. Even K''rav made an appearance, but he wasn''t very helpful.


    He seemed more interested in the technique for research purposes. He immediately brought up the prospect of fusing the enshrinement with Ogras''s Body Tempering Method. You''d turn the shrines into cages so that you could set up a whole prison in your body. Each cage would be filled with a beast, where you extracted some benefits from hundreds of prisoners. Each captive beast would only provide a fraction of the benefitpared to the creatures Ogras sealed the normal way, but this method would rece quality with quantity.


    Esmeralda soon couldn''t listen anymore andshed out with her tongue at the goblin. Zac gave the demon a pointed look, and Ogras immediately sprung to action.


    "Bastard, thinking of such nefarious things! Senior Esmeralda has brought us such a marvelous n, and you want to tarnish it with your wicked and unorthodox ideas?!" Ogras swore, his face a mask of righteousness. "Back with you, right now! Don''t let me see your face for the next week!"


    Esmeralda was startled by the outburst, but she quickly nodded in agreement, looking quite pleased. K''Rav only snickered as he flew back into the demon''s sleeve. Esmeralda might have bought the act, but Zac and K''Rav recognized the greedy gleam in Ogras''s eyes as he nced at the old parchment.


    "So, what do you think?" Zac asked after having gone through everything.


    He would have preferred to talk out of earshot, but Esmeralda clearly had no intention of giving them privacy. And Zac had no confidence in keeping secrets from the old thief if she really wanted to listen in. He doubted even Asta''s top-quality istion arrays could give Esmeralda much trouble.


    "You''ve been busy," Ogras wryly said with a shake of his head. "I guess it was about time you created a mess; you''ve been too quiet for the past two years. At least it''s mostly good news this time."


    "I can''t believe a Supremacy acted so desperately to tip the scales in their favor," Catheya muttered. "Makes me wonder if the Undead Empire has more ns beyond what we''ve already seen."


    Esmeraldaughed, clearly indicating her thoughts on the matter. Zac had to agree after learning the true nature of the Primo''s goals. It was not a matter of if but a matter of what. Zac wouldn''t even be surprised if his involvement and the mission given to Tavza and Kator were just backup ns. The Primo was getting that treasure one way or another, even if he had to turn the whole Frontier upside down.


    "Let''s put the matters of those imperials aside for now," Ogras said, and Zac groaned when he saw the gleam in the demon''s eyes.


    Ogras was looking at Esmeralda like she was an unparalleled beauty, or perhaps a mountain of treasures. He had already walked over to the toad, looking like an official standing by their emperor''s side. Judging by his ingratiating smile, he was only one step away from taking out a fan and tray of fruits.


    "An expert explorer wants to join our camp, and we don''t even need to provide a seal? So, what''s the problem? Don''t keep senior Esmeralda waiting. Hurry up and sign it."


    Esmeralda grinned widely at Ogras'' stamp of approval and even patted his shoulder while giving him a croak full of assurance.


    "Then I''ll be under your care, senior Esmeralda," Ogras said with a smile. "With you at the helm, we can rest easy. How can a trial for some juniors stump an erudite master such as yourself?"


    Esmeralda eagerly nodded, looking more and more pleased by the second.


    "Should have known," Catheya snorted, but she didn''t dissent. "I think it''s for the best. We undeniablyck experience, and the terms are quite good. I don''t think the Undead Empire would have any objections."


    "I guess that''s it, then," Zac said, looking at the toad. "Wee aboard."


    Esmeralda rolled her eyes, like it was about time he came to his senses. Both signed the agreement, and Esmeralda finally handed over the information crystal. Zac briefly scanned its contents before throwing the crystal over to Ogras, who immediately started reviewing the data.


    Zac was about to infuse his energy into the Enshrinement of Kanba, but Esmeralda suddenly stopped him.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Esmeralda made a series of signs, and Zac soon snorted in exasperation.


    "There''s no point in creating the shrine right now? You''lle find me in Zecia before the event starts?" Zac said. "So, you were just trying to trick me before?"


    Esmeralda looked back at him innocently, and he decided not to push the matter. "Whatever, suit yourself."


    He also preferred not to use the method right away, even if Lova said it wouldn''t affect him. It would give him more time to make sure it was safe. The best thing would be getting Iz to take a look at it, though he didn''t want to alwayse running to her with problems. Besides, he didn''t want another subspace inside his body, furtherplicating things when forming his Cosmic Core.


    "Wait!" Zac said just as Esmeralda was about to leave, making the toad look over curiously.


    "Can you help me with this?" Zac asked as he took out Valsa''s ring.


    Esmeralda''s eyes sharpened as she looked at the ring, and the odd vats on her back started churning. A hint of antiquity spread through the room, but the feeling disappeared after a few seconds. The toad slowly nodded but made a few signs.


    "Three years?" Zac asked, hesitating a bit before agreeing.


    Esmeralda''s tongue shed, and the ring disappeared from his hand. Zac looked on with confusion as Esmeralda actually swallowed it. He was about to ask what the hell she was doing, but he suddenly spotted a glimmer on her back. The Spatial Ring had been moved to one of her vats, andplex runes slowly appeared on the translucent membrane. Was it a natural array breaker?


    Zac nced at Catheya and Ogras, who just shook their heads, indicating they also had no idea what was happening.


    "Remember, I got this thing on my own," Zac added. "The items inside are mine. You can consider it a test for our uing partnership."


    Esmeralda rolled her eyes and made a sign that said she had no interest in some treasures of an E-grade brat. The toad was gone the next second, her movement technique not even leaving a ripple in her wake.


    "You keep collecting weird things," Ograsmented as he took out a bottle of wine.


    "Like you''re one to talk," Catheyaughed. "If it''s not weird ghosts, then it''s shadow creatures."


    "Well, we don''t all have powerful empires to help us out. Wemoners have to get our hands dirty if we want a shot at the good life," Ogras shrugged.


    "Yeah, poor you," Catheya said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Show me the Imperial in our generation who wouldn''t get green with envy upon hearing all the lucky encounters you''ve stumbled onto since meeting Zac."


    "Alright, you two," Zac groaned. "You two keep bickering like an old married couple, I''m starting to get jealous."


    "Like he''d ever survive being married with that mouth," Catheya muttered before changing the subject. "We have time to discuss all these issues, but I think we need to figure out what to do with Valsa''s subjects."


    "Isn''t it obvious?" Ogras said. "They need to die. I admit I don''t know the next thing about Supremacies, but I don''t feelfortable just trusting that the seals of the Perennial Vastness will keep us safe."


    "Honestly, I think the risk of someone like Lova exposing your identities is far greater than Supremacies breaking through the System''s seals to extract the information," Catheya sighed.


    "Agreed, but we can''t do anything to them," Ogras shrugged. "The deathsworn is a nuisance we can deal with. If nothing else, it''ll help us in the short run. We''re lucky no new batch of guests has arrived over the past week. But I wouldn''t be surprised if the Seven Heavens sent another princeling into the Perennial Vastness to recoup their losses. After all, they know now there''s a mebearer in here."


    Zac sighed upon hearing the demon echo his thoughts. That was exactly his worry and why he''d asked Lova for assistance. Sendor had already said he wouldn''t bar the young generation from entering the Perennial Vastness. How would they be able to focus on their Core Formation if a constant stream of imperials cropped out of the woodwork?


    "Killing the deathsworn won''t change that fact, but it will make their work harder. They''ve failed once and know we''re on guard; they''d have to make the second attempt count. I would be hesitant tounch an all-out strike unless I knew with certainty who to target and how Valsa failed the first time," Catheya nodded in agreement.


    "And if we kill all the helpers and destroy all evidence, they''d have to start from scratch," Ogras added. "Not just the investigations, but echelons, non-public intelligence of zones. You name it. We could just stay in high-echelon zones for the rest of the gallery, and they wouldn''t be able to touch us."


    "Alright," Catheya said as she took the information crystal from Ogras. "You two stay here; I''ll deal with it. It''s time those ''helpers'' of ours put some work in."

 Chapter 1042 - Getting Stronger

    Neither Zac nor Ogras was surprised Catheya chose to take on this bloody mission. She was simply the best suited for it.


    "There are nine names, and there''s even Fifth Echelon cultivators among them," Ograsmented. "Dealing with them will be�� Expensive."


    Zac grimaced at the thought. He remembered his encounter just after entering the Perennial Vastness. Back then, he and the target had only been First Echelon guests, but he still lost over 500 Mana. Wiping out the whole group inside Vastness City would levy extraordinary fines on the killers. But it was easier said than done to lure them into a Red Zone.


    "Valsa struck me as someone who''d rather sacrifice all her deathsworn to empower herself than leave safeguards for others. I can''t believe so many people remain," Zac said.


    "She probably would have if their echelons were up to snuff," Ogras agreed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It doesn''t matter," Catheya said. "It''s exactly for this type of thing they sent reinforcements."


    In this case, ''they'' referred to the Undead Empire. The Eternal n siblings he met back then had already left the Perennial Vastness, but over a dozen new undead had cropped up over the past years. Two had just stumbled upon tokens, but the rest had been sent with the explicit mission to shore up their position inside the trial.


    Oddly enough, not one of those entering was a member of the Divine Races. They were all Revenants, Spectrals, and Corpselords, seemingly frompletely different parts of the Undead Empire. What they had inmon was incredible strength, easily surpassing the average guest. Zac had found them highly suspicious, even suspecting the hidden threat came from this group.


    Now, the threat was gone, and the reinforcements came in handy.


    "Make sure there''s no trail leading back to you," Zac said. "People will be talking about this for a while."


    "Don''t worry," Catheya smiled. "You two just don''t go creating any more problems before I''ve cleaned up this mess, right?"


    Catheya left, and Ogras turned to Zac. "So, you got another sealbearer. You think he can be trusted?"


    "I think so," Zac nodded.


    "Still, having his seal wakened was a big mistake. He''s a far bigger threat than those people on the toad''s list. What if he gets greedy upon his return? The knowledge he holds is worth a lot of money, and he doesn''t need you anymore."


    "Kruta would never do that willingly," Zac said. "If anything, he''ll keep our secrets out of self-preservation. He knows how these imperial ns act. If word gets out of his seal, his whole tribe will get implicated. They''d extract all knowledge before killing him to move the seal onto one of their own."


    "Fine," Ogras sighed. "It doesn''t matter much now. I doubt you''re willing to kill him even if we found the opportunity."


    "Of course not," Zac red.


    "Well, alright then. We''ll just have to see where the pieces fall," Ogras said. "At least you''vepleted your cycle now. That''s one problem out of the way. By the way, did the brute really gain an epiphany? Your girl said that wasn''t the case."


    "The seal was thrumming with that weird energy," Zac confirmed. "Maybe it''s because it was from the Indomitable Court?"


    "Either that or it''s fate," Ogras said. "You have to admit, that particr court is perfect for him. He''s also connected to you, the walking seal ma. He has far more affinity to the Left Imperial Pce than some random guy who''s killed a sealbearer."


    "Affinity," Zac muttered, slowly nodding. "That might be it."


    It made sense if you looked at it from a suitability perspective. Kruta was a perfect match to the Indomitable court, but what if the deathsworn had held a seal of the Daedalian Court like Ventus? Such a pairing definitely wasn''t suitable. Perhaps the seal wouldn''t have emitted such powerful energy fluctuations if that were the case.


    "Guess we''ll find out during the war," Ogras said. "It''s good news for us, at least. Means we might be able to gain epiphanies even if we find our final pieces inside the bodies of the Kan''Tanu."


    "That is good news," Zac nodded. "Unfortunately, I have some bad news as well."


    Zac then exined the connection between the Primo and the Hollow Court. The demon didn''t have Catheya''s conflict of interest and needed to know. They didn''t know what would happen during the trial. What if Ogras appeared inside the Hollow Court and consumed whatever treasure was within?


    "Nine treasures, and my court''s ultimate prize just had to belong to an old monster who''s still around? What kind of greedy bastard sticks around that long? Just pack it in and let us youngsters live our lives," Ogras swore, his face scrunching up. "Did you siphon off all my luck? Is that what this is?"


    "Hey, you''re not under any contract," Zac smiled. "Feel free to go for it."


    "And have some undying monstrosity breathe down my neck for the rest of my days?" Ogras spat. "I''d rather marry a Barghest. Still, it might be an opportunity. If those undead imperial hotshots get turned around, and we get the thing on our own��"


    "We''d have an undying monstrosity owing us a huge karmic debt," Zac concluded.


    Ogras nodded but then shrugged and leaned back into the sofa. "Well, this is all premature. There are a lot of roadblocks before we need to barter with the Primo, these deathsworn being the most immediate issue. Are the undead up to the task?"


    "It shouldn''t be a problem," Zac said. "Our forces are greater, and we have the element of surprise on our side."


    Zac was soon proven right. Just twenty minutester, news of a shocking event spread through Vastness City. The Undead Empire had gone mad and attacked a smithy, killing everyone within. Eight people had died, two of them from the Undead Empire. Another Revenant had been expelled from the Perennial Vastness afternding three of the killing blows and running out of Mana.


    The news barely had time tond before a second piece of explosive news dropped, this time in the form of a global message. It wasn''t from a high-echelon guest but from the Perennial Vastness itself. Lova had held up her part of the bargain. The Perennial Vastness was sealed for two weeks, and arge obelisk humming with Temporal Energy had appeared next to Teleportation Square.


    The timing was perfect, to the point Zac guessed it was intentional. If Lova had sent out the message right after leaving, the six deathsworn would''ve likely left the smithy or gone underground. Now, they caught most of their targets in one go.


    One dayter, two more warriors were executed by undead death squads when they emerged from a storefront. Even then, they weren''t finished. On the thirteenth day, a hooded man was killed as he appeared on the teleportation square. His death allowed Zac and the others to breathe out in relief, as he was thest name on the hit list.


    Say what you want about Esmeralda; she was thorough. The toad arrived a few dayster and spat out a Spatial Ring. Zac first thought she''d unlocked Valsa''s ring way ahead of time, but he soon realized it wasn''t the same one. Instead, the toad had uprooted hidden depositories left behind by Valsa and her followers. The ring contained both coded and uncoded information crystals. Some were unsurprisingly about himself, but his heart shuddered upon finding detailed ounts of both Catheya and Ogras.


    Apart from that, there was also quite a bit of secret information about various Red Zones, insider info only therger Coalitions would hold. A surprising amount of the intelligence covered zones Zac recognized, zones well suited to his Daos. Valsa had probably felt it too risky to follow him into one of the random environments while he hunted for treasures of the 17 Dao Peaks, and instead opted to research regions he''d eventually visit.


    It was just a coincidence that the showdown took ce in the Stand of Saeward. Simrly, there were reports for zones suitable for Ogras and Catheya, though those missives were far less detailed. The meticulous ns and data left Zac''s back slick with sweat. Thank the Heavens he had his early warning system. He might have been in trouble if things had yed out just slightly differently.


    Now, the wealth of information had instead turned into a useful tool. He still had some treasures to pick up for his Omnitool, but the next step was to grind Mana as quickly and efficiently as possible. These reports would help out a lot. After all, raw strength often wasn''t enough to aplish the missions in the Red Zones. You also needed to figure out some tricks or hidden rules to reap the maximum rewards.


    With that, all the safehouses were plundered, and those with damaging intelligence were in. If the empire sent new people to investigate, the clues would point to the Undead Empire rather than him personally. He knew it wasn''t the best of disguises since his Draugr persona was quite well known, but it was better than doing nothing.


    "So what now?" Catheya asked as the trio reconvened.


    Five days had passed since thest name on the hitlist had been struck, and things were already calming down. An unusuallyrge batch of arrivals had appeared two days ago. It turned out these neers had been stuck in the waiting room where Zac first met Null until the lockdown ended. So far, none of the neers were suspicious, but the job of dealing with agents of the First Heaven had been pushed onto the Undead Empire.


    "The same thing we''ve been doing for the past years, I guess," Zac said. "Gather Mana and opportunities so we can break through."


    "Good," Ogras said, springing to his feet. "Feels like I''ve been stuck in house arrest for the past weeks. We''re heading out."


    "We?" Zac asked.


    "Not you," Ogras said before turning to Catheya. "The goblin has calcted another event. It should be a good one, and a lot of people are still busy trying to break into the empty vaults in the Stand of Saeward."


    Zac looked over with interest but was immediately met with two tepid stares.


    "Don''t even think about it," Ogras spat. "Who knows what kind of catastrophe you''ll attract? Let us make some money in peace. Go y somewhere else."


    "You better stay out of our way," Catheyaughed before kissing his cheek. "See you in a bit."


    The two were gone the next second, leaving Zac alone in his mansion.


    "Whatever," Zac muttered as he walked into his study. "I guess I can sit one out."


    Truth be told, he didn''t mind. He had a lot on his te, and his short stint in the Stand of Saeward had actually added a significant boost of Mana. He''d killed fifteen people in his battle with Valsa, adding 3,000 mana in a few hours. He''d also killed one and defeated three on the way out. He''d already earned more than most months, even without a quest to supplement his ie.


    Zac spent the next hour standing in front of the huge simtion array, his mind churning as he looked at the intricate paths of his blueprint. Eventually, he walked over to a nearby desk and took out a stack of notes along with the [Warstone]. The papers were covered with various thoughts, ideas, and ns he''de up with since he started studying his blueprint in earnest.


    Hours turned to days as Zac studied every aspect of the [Warstone], using everything he''d learned during his blueprint studies and the insights awarded from [Cosmic Forge]. Its energy signature was analyzed, as were the truths locked within. New pages were added to the stack one after another as Zac forgot about the outside world.


    Eventually, other treasures joined the [Warstone]; the [Void Engine], the [Cmity Core], and even the [Hollow Core]. Zac studied what happened when their auras interacted, and he breathed in relief after a while. The items couldn''t be considered perfectlypatible, but they had no irreconcble shes.


    In other words, he finally had all the materials he needed. His blueprint was ready, having even received some upgrades over the past years. Almost nothing was left on his checklist, and Zac could feel how his breakthrough drew closer. He could even feel his momentum slowly stirring, pushing him forward.


    Zac wasn''t quite there yet, though. For one, he still had some things to aplish inside the Perennial Vastness. There was also the process itself to worry about. He''d alreadye up with a general idea on how to form his Cosmic Core when inventing his blueprint, but even Ultom hadn''t been able to provide him with an exact solution.


    After all, he hadn''t known what materials would be used for the nucleus back then. Zac knew he couldn''t just cram these items together inside the [Hollow Core] and hope for the best. He needed to consider their specific properties and figure out the best way to extract, refine, and fuse them. That was the only way he''d create anything better than a Low-Quality core. It was the only way he''d form a core at all, really.


    Finding [Cosmic Forge] had also opened his eyes to all kinds of new possibilities, and he would be a fool not to take those into ount. He wasn''t nning on using the technique on his Cosmic Core, but how it fused the essence of different materials was absolutely ingenious.


    The biggest problem for mortals, when it came to Core Formation, was the need to use arge number of treasures and materials as a foundation. It made the cores heterogenous and poisoned them with external Daos. Just like infusing Cosmic Cycles into equipment with [Cosmic Forge], you had to ensure the fodder fit. Picking the wrong essences or fusing them in the wrong order would prevent you from adding more than a couple ofyers to a piece of equipment.


    That was well and fine when practicing on a training axe. But he couldn''t be so flippant when it came to his core. The cost of failure there was either death or a broken core. With a foundation as heavy as his own, Zac feared it''d be the former. The amount of energy in the treasures he''d use was enough to blow him up ten times over. And even if he survived, there was no way he''d be able to make another attempt in time for Ultom.


    There were various techniques to alleviate the issue of ipatibility and heterogeneity. Still, it was generally a huge problem for mortals to progress through the ranks in the D-grade with their mottled cores. Galvarion, the mortal Monarch, had tackled the issue by only focusing on the Dao of Water and being as weak as possible for his grade. The smaller and more condensed the foundation, the fewer treasures Galvarion had needed to use. That allowed him to slowly and arduously make his way through Hegemony and eventually form an inner world.


    That obviously wasn''t an option for Zac, but he had figured out various methods to solve the problem. Even then, the results weren''t optimal, and the core formation process was fraught with danger and risk. Luckily, the theories within [Cosmic Forge] allowed him to improve various aspects of the process, removing some dangers while creating a better product.


    With his materials secured, an actual n was finally starting to form. It was a marvelous feeling. Perhaps it was the Mana-powered domain, perhaps it was thanks to being finally able to visualize the end of this long project. A decade of hard work was fast crystallizing into a personalized primer for Core Formation, and soon time lost all meaning.


    Until a specific message finally dragged him out of his reverie. Zac blinked and looked around, seeing the thousands of pages strewn about. Three full months had passed, where Zac hadn''t left his mansion once, even to look for some free Mana through duels. But the message he''d just received wasn''t one he could ignore, so Zac freshened up before activating the teleporter.


    "You''re leaving already?" Zac asked as he emerged atop the huge skull.


    "No point in sticking around any longer," Kruta grinned. "Kruta''s foundations are as stable as mother Earth. The Eighth Echelon is enough for me. The Stand of Saeward was already meant to be myst mission, and I walked away with more than I could ever dream of. The epiphany even allowed me to fix some issues with my ancestral link."


    "Still, one year in here is just one month on the outside," Zac said.


    "I''ve exhausted my potential in the E-grade," Kruta shrugged. "One extra month on the outside as a Hegemon will be more useful than one year in my current state in this ce. Besides, I might enter another Time Chamber to gain the levels Ick for the uing trial. The less time I spend in here, the better. I need to get a whole lot stronger and quickly."


    "I know the feeling," Zac sighed. "I know it all too well."

 Chapter 1043 - Fantasy

    Kruta''s decision made sense. There was no point in sticking around when the opportunities had dried up. Even breaking through early made sense in some cases, where you traded perfection for momentum.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''ll do my best toe over," Kruta said, his eyes gleaming with ferocity. "I''ll show those heart curse cultivators what''s what."


    "I''m looking forward to it," Zacughed.


    The two set up a line ofmunication in case Kruta managed to reach Zecia, simr to his ry with Catheya. Kruta also provided Zac with a teleportation token that would take him to his tribe, though it would only work while on the Ralphi Continent. He''d also gathered all the intelligence he could remember of the Seven Heavens onto an information crystal.


    Unfortunately, besides general knowledge, Kruta didn''t have much intelligence about the other Heavens. He knew a bit more about the Fourth, which the Luaris Dynasty controlled. However, the barbarian did share some pieces of intelligence and rumors that people generally didn''t dare speak about loudly.


    For one, Zac had long known that one of the Imperial Dynasties had already fallen; the Dianthis Dynasty that once controlled the Third Heaven. It happened soon after the Imperial ns reemerged after the System awoke. ording to Kruta, there were many indications that the Third Heaven had actually been invaded by all the other families.


    Too much time had passed, and outsiders had no way of knowing the details, but the general belief was that it was rted to the Limitless Empire. The seven ns had looted the inheritance of their masters in the chaotic aftermath of the System''s birth, before hiding in secluded corners of the Multiverse during the Dark Ages.


    When they emerged, they created the Seven Heavens and set themselves up as the Imperial Dynasties that stood to this day. But perhaps, the Dianthis n had managed to get something too tantalizing from the vaults of the Limitless Empire. Some even believed that it was the Dianthis n who seized the method to create the Heavens.


    If that were the case, the betrayal made some sense. The Heavens were the foundation of the imperial ns'' influence and might. If one of the seven held the key to creating more Heavens or even destroying those of the others, the imperial ns would always have a threat looming over their heads.


    So the Dianthis Dynasty was strangled in its infancy, and there simply was no Third Heaven. The Seventh, Tobrial Dynasty''s Heaven and his foremostpetition in the uing trial, could also be considered the sixth. Kruta had no idea why they retained their current numbering, though.


    The fate of the Third Heaven was just an interesting tidbit. More useful was the information about the dynamics of the remaining six. On the outside, they seemed like a powerful and solid alliance, where the imperials stood as one against outside pressures. Eons of intermarriage between the dynasties had kept their families close.


    In reality, there were turbulent currents hiding under the calm surface. ording to Kruta, the First Heaven had essentially be the informal leader of the six after they gained a sudden burst of power in the distant past. He and Kruta now realized it was likely rted to the First Heaven seizing the Second Pir when it emerged.


    Since then, there had been a hidden struggle for dominance. The Second Heaven was reportedly under the nur Dynasty''s thumb, and the goal of the First was to improve their position even further. Perhaps to even turn the other five into outright subjects. Of course, the other Heavens wanted wasn''t just going to let that happen. An outright war would weaken both sides too much, but hidden struggles for resources and power were a constant.


    The Fifth Pir was a chance for the other Heavens to gain an Eternal Heritage of their own. Zac could only imagine what would happen if a faction got its hands on Ultom and managed to extract that amazing energy from within. No wonder the First Heaven tried everything to get Ultom for themselves, with Vastermal going so far as to break into the Perennial Vastness.


    Perhaps they could use that information to their advantage in the future.


    Zac stayed for another two hours, not to n or scheme but to have a feast.


    "My friend, meeting you here was my greatest fortune," Kruta said as he shook Zac''s hand in goodbye. "We''ll see each other soon."


    "Likewise. Take care," Zac nodded. "Don''t force it if you can''t reach the Frontier. Don''t let the imperials find you."


    Zac emerged from Kruta''s storefront, sending out a message as he set course for the Teleportation Square. Since he''d emerged from seclusion, he might as well knock another goal off his list. Zac stopped in a secluded street not far from the square, and he only needed to wait ten minutes before the shadows stirred.


    "The brute is gone?" Ogras said as he stepped out of the darkness.


    "Well, secluded anyway," Zac said. "Don''t know why you were so against meeting with him. It would have been good for our cooperation to go through a mission together."


    "There''ll be time for that if he manages to reach Zecia," Ogras said. "Until then, I felt it best if some of us kept a distance. With his mouth unsealed, there''s just no way of telling what''ll happen."


    "I know, I know, I''m a big-mouthed fool," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "And we all suffer for it," Ogras said with a melodramatic expression, though his face soon lit up. "So, you ready to put in some work?"


    "Let''s go," Zacughed. "I''m curious to see what kind of nightmare you n to cram into your body."


    ----------------------------


    "You know what? I''m actually not that curious," Zac muttered as his axe tore through a bend in reality.


    A powerful wave of Dao shredded the anomaly, and an eerieugh echoed through the region before reality stabilized. Gone was the twisted face spewing out nightmares, reced with some shrubbery. Of course, the action would only dy the inevitable. The world was stirring, and the ambient energies were rising fast. They only had an hour at best before a great reset swept through the area.


    "Eight hours, and you already want to pack it in?" Ogras grinned, but he knew he was just trying to hide his own unease.


    Even as someone who treads the line between real and imaginary, he felt this realm decidedly unsettling. It wasn''t natural, walking inside the dream of an unknown creature. A creature that possibly wasn''t even alive, going by how warped and unstable the dream had be. It felt like they could get twisted and bent from a moment''s carelessness. Or worse, what if the creature woke up?


    Would it turn its dream, and them with it, into a figment of its imagination? But what other choice did they have? The Shifting Dreamgeist was the most suitable beast he could find after scouring hundreds of scrolls and intelligence reports. Meanwhile, Zac needed something from the Peak of Fantasy for his weird hammer. Win-win, provided you survive.


    "You sure about this?" Zac asked as he kept enforcing his Dao to quell the surging surroundings.


    "The missives were clear on this," Ogras grunted as he extended his shadowwork through the ground. "If we don''t anchor ourselves for the dream shifts, then we''ll get dragged Heavens knows where. Could be the beginning, could be one of the unstable regions. But this shouldn''t be too bad. You should be able to tide things over with your Mana and Dao alone this far from the center."


    "That doesn''t mean you can ck off," Zacmented.


    "I know that," Ogras said with a roll of his eyes. "Just you watch as I bend this world to my will."


    Time was running out, so Ogras stopped his shadow Tendrils when they''d stretched three hundred meters in every direction. It was for the best; he already felt himself growing hollow. It was sometimes easy to forget that the shadows weren''t a Bloodline Ability or something that could be fueled with Cosmic Energy.


    The shadows were his actual body, thanks to getting Asshole fused with his body and then practicing the [Spiritlock Physique]. He only had so many shadows to go around, and he couldn''t umte more beyond a certain point. Still, three hundred meters should be more than enough to create a safe harbor in the uing storm.


    His Branch of the False Truth spread through his tendrils, anchoring the world to his vision. Ogras shut out all distractions as he pictured the scene, and he felt his Dao slowly form a resonance with the surroundings. Minutes passed, then it came like a tidal wave.


    Ogras felt his mind being assaulted by hundreds of foreign impressions, and the mental world he''d crafted distorted from the influence. But it wasn''t to a point where he couldn''t fight back. Ogras furiously quenched the unfamiliar images and stole their essence to stabilize his illusion. Every impression he subverted stabilized his own, and the resonance between Dao and world converged until they were one.


    A minute passed and the dream shift was gone. Ogras could tell it was a sess. The shift hadn''t managed to fuse their auras with the dreamworld, making it impossible to teleport them away. Ogras had even managed to influence the dream and remold it to his liking, and he opened his eyes with anticipation. But the grin turned crooked as he saw his creation.


    What he imagined was mostly there, but the details were wrong. Decidedly wrong. It felt like he had stepped into his own nightmare as he narrowly dodged a toxic spittle from a scantily d devil with a snake''s head.


    "What the hell?" Zac swore as he suddenly found himself grappling with a courtesan''s empty silk dress.


    Meanwhile, six dancing bottles released a toxic plume that rapidly filled the small chamber that had sprung up around them.


    "Don''t breathe the perfume! Let''s go!" Ogras urged, and the two crashed through a door.


    On the other side, a mad feast was taking ce with hundreds of guests. Nightmarish courtesans, faceless patrons, and animated tools of the four arts created a surreal atmosphere full of debauchery, joy, and horror. Ogras could feel the wordless reproach in hispanion''s eyes, and he coughed as he started clearing a path toward what he hoped was the exit.


    "Well, the information packages said that the better you could envision the harbor, the stronger it would resist the dream shift," Ogras exined. "And I spent a lot of time in the Fragrant Orchid Teahouse in my youth."


    "And how much time did you spend memorizing the interiors?" Zac countered as he peppered the aggressive patrons with a storm of fractal leaves. "Why does it seem like you wanted to see if you could dream up a harem?"


    "Yeah, well. Now we know that doesn''t work," Ogras said, unable to hide his disappointment. "Unless your tastes veer into the bizarre."


    "Things didn''t work out with that Hissa girl?" Zacmented.


    "Thess from the Primal Council?" Ogras said. "They worked fine, but those brutes are so territorial. Some meatheads started grumbling, and she wanted me to fight them. Stake my im, prove myself, you know? Too much of a headache."


    "So now you''re resorting to creating a literal dreamgirl? Using a brothel as a model?" Zac sighed.


    "Genius, right?" Ograsughed as he shredded the final nightmare courtesan blocking their path.


    "Whatever, let''s go."


    Unfortunately, more chambers and distorted guests waited on the other side of the screen door. It took them ten minutes to fight their way out of the bizarro teahouse, and the two mutely looked on as it dissipated soon after they emerged. The dream would always revert to its natural state without outside influence powering and reinforcing the change.


    "No more teahouses," Zac muttered as he turned toward the dream''s center.


    "Fine," Ogras shrugged. "Though I doubt my other harbors will be much better."


    Four days passed, and the dream and its denizens grew increasingly intense. Ogras even began pitying the creature whose mind they''d entered. What kind of life had it led to be haunted by so many nightmares in its sleep? He''d lost count of the number of odd creatures they''d fought, how many insidious death zones they''d dismantled or avoided.


    Ogras hated that almost nothing was real. He''d never realized what a great source offort the gift of the Ruthless Heaven was, the surge of energy that confirmed your enemy was well and truly dead. Certainly, there were many ways to enact revenge upon your killer from beyond the grave��life-linked arrays, karmic trails that would allow your n to find the perpetrator, and so on.


    But that was far preferable to not knowing whether you destroyed a dream denizen. Their bizarre appearances and abilities didn''t help either, and many could reform. Ogras''s nerves were constantly frayed, never knowing what was dangerous or safe.


    The few dream residents who had formed a true soul were a great sce. Feeling that Kill Energy''s surety when your spear pierced their heads didn''t just confirm they were real. They reminded Ogras himself that he was as well. It came to the point he actively sought out anything possessing spirituality, turning into a reaper who destroyed the native motes of reality to fuel his own.


    Still, the pressure mounted. Ogras eventually couldn''t take it and red at hispanion as he methodically destroyed a flock of teethy balls of fur.


    "How are you so damn calm?"


    "Huh?" Zac said, looking over with that dull look of his.


    "This ce," Ogras waved with exasperation. "How is it not stressing you out? My nerves are on fire and I''m losing my mind."


    "Really?" Zac said. "This ce isn''t too badpared to some of the other zones I''ve visited over the past years. These dream beasts are on the weaker side, and I have you to deal with the shifts. We''ve eradicated the imperials, and the others are afraid to mess with us after the rampage inside Vastness City. I think things are pretty good right now."


    "Why does it feel like you''re cursing us when you say things like that?" Ogras muttered. "Asking for trouble."


    Hisposure was aggravating, but Ogras had to admit the man had a point. The Undead Empire had be scapegoat and shield, and guests took a wide berth around Zac and his girl when they appeared. No one wanted to be the next one to appear on the Undead Empire''s hit list. Even the powerful coalitions had opted to look the other way after the Undead Empire confirmed it was a matter between two warring factions.


    Why get involved in that kind of mess?


    Ogras continued, but he noticed Zac had stopped. Did he have something more to say? Or was it��? Ogras shuddered and prepared for the worst. Had this fate-touched bastard really brought down a cmity on their heads with his words? He should have known better than to taunt the Heavens by this point.


    But no sudden dream shift swept through the region, and no horror popped out to make their life miserable. Zac was simply staring into the distance with a small frown. Ogras nced in the same direction, but there was nothing there. Apart from the rippling opalescent clouds that made up the ground and sky, there was just a small pond and a couple of trees.


    As far as the Shifting Dream went, it was quite calm. Too calm, perhaps?


    "What are you looking at?" Ogras asked with confusion.


    "I�� think we should go in that direction," Zac said, distractedly fiddling with his invisible beads.


    Ograsboriously held back a sourment, opting for magnanimity over jealousy, even if that uncanny Luck was enough to ruin one''s day. He had to focus on the positive. They were in his world now, and there was a good chance anything the Heavens threw Zac''s way would end up in his pocket.


    The two veered off their original course, just going by instinct. Both used every tool in their arsenal to find anything of interest. It took ten minutes, but then it finally paid off.


    "Hmm," Ogras said, vaguely sensing some odd ripples far in the distance.


    It was minute, to the point he wouldn''t have given it a second look if not for his buddy''s uncanny nose for treasure. But as things stood, it was worth investigating.


    "Do you see something?" Zac asked.


    "Might be nothing," Ogras said, hating the sense of defeat that had snuck into his voice.


    "Let''s go," Zac grinned.


    Two hourster, Ogras nkly looked on as his buddy gleefully infused a shimmering wooden figurine into his hammer. He''d had been the one who had been almost driven mad unraveling the illusoryyers protecting the thing, yet there wasn''t even a stalk of grass he could use inside. He should have known that the Heavens wouldn''t steer its chosen one off-course for the sake of someone else.


    "Don''t look at me like that," Zac said with that infuriating smile. "All the Fossilized Dreams for the quest will go to you. And isn''t there that creature as well?"


    Ogras slowly exhaled, steadying his mental state. "You''re right. You''re right. There''s still the Dreamgeist."


    The two continued into the realm, soon reaching depths neither would have reached alone. Zac would never have managed to stop the shifts, and he would never have been able to withstand the nightmarish onught that followed. Every figment was at the D-grade; the two had even sensed a Late D-grade aura far in the distance.


    They soon managed to unearth one quest target after another. They were odd anomalies, dreams that had failed to form spirituality yet had be more than an illusion. Instead, they''d turned into rocklike formations that contained dense deposits of the Dao of Dreams. They couldn''t quite be considered Natural Treasures, but they held far greater truths than Dream Crystals. And there were quite a few of them.


    The two spent two full weeks in the heart of the dream, fighting dozens of waves of beings brought from the depths of Ogras''s mind and then twisted by the dream. Then, they finally found what they were looking for. What he was looking for, anyway. The two hid far in the distance to ensure they weren''t discovered. Ogras felt his cheeks burn as Zac slowly turned toward him. He studiously avoided meeting Zac''s gaze, but he could guess the kind of thoughts they held.


    "That''s... That''s the thing you want to fuse with?"

 Chapter 1044 - Karmic Debt

    "Well��" Ogras said, his voice trailing off as his perfect n suddenly felt in need of revision.


    Zac''s voice had an unmistakable mix of disbelief and mirth, and Ogras couldn''t me him. The description of the Shifting Dreamgeist hadn''t painted a vivid picture, but it paled to the real thing.


    The Dreamgeist was only one meter tall, looking like an incredibly fat floating baby. A baby born from the unholy union of an ogre and a de-feathered rooster, having three tentacles instead of stubby little legs. The thing had thin purple eyes whose pupils moved independently of each other as it took in the surroundings and a wide, t beak that seemed perpetually locked in a brainless smile.


    It had no feathers or scales. It rather seemed to be born from the clouds that made up most of the Dream Shift. But the clouds were more condensed, like they had been crammed into a container too small a size. Its whole body shuddered and rippled like it would erupt at any moment. Altogether, it looked one part ugly and two parts stupid��a far cry from the intimidating creatures Ogras had first considered for the nextyer of the [Spiritlock Physique].


    "Won''t you turn into that thing if you fight?" Zac said, looking at him askance.


    "Not necessarily," Ogras coughed. "I can choose which aspects I use when activating the lock. Besides, I don''t want this thing for its appearance. I want it for its affinities and Bloodline Talent. I walk the path of the Illusory Shade, but my affinity to the Peak of Fantasy will hold me back unless something changes.


    "The two beasts provided by master drastically improved my affinity to Shadows, and the Dreamgeist''s bloodline is far greater than both of them. Its Bloodline Talent is also a perfect match to my g. Who cares what it looks like?"


    Ogras normally wasn''t one to share the details of his path, but what could he do? This odd bastard would ruin his good name if he didn''t rify things. A little bit of pillow talk and that obsidian-eyed vixen would have ammunition for the next couple of years.


    "If you say so," Zac said, clearly holding back augh.


    "Whatever," Ogras spat. "Just help me deal with its minions, and I''ll do the rest. Be careful not to harm it."


    That bastard Rez obviously had a n with his soul-grafting experiment, even if his execution had beenughably crude. The Umbra had been an assassin, and he''d picked creatures useful for his own craft. The neswalker was a shadow elemental who excelled at moving unseen. Its enemies were dead before they had a chance to realize someone was targeting them from the shadows.


    The Umbric Recluse was a silent hunter, using shadows to bind and weaken their enemies. The moment its prey stepped out of the sun''s protective rays, they were already doomed. Its unique shadow maniption would allow an assassin to force an opening without so much as a Cosmic Energy ripple that could be exposed.


    Both were useful, and things had worked out well in the end. Of course, that was no thanks to his dear master, who had never intended to leave a true inheritance. To do so would potentially have exposed his techniques, and a paid dagger couldn''t have that. So, the Towers of Myriad Dao was just filled with random things he''d picked up, along with a few mad ideas he had never dared try on himself.


    But Ogras had no ns toe knocking at that bastard''s door again. Rez had nothing of use, and Ogras wasn''t interested in his teachings. If Ogras ever stepped into the Umbra''s domain, it would be to snuff out the soul remnant for the same reason there was no true inheritance. Couldn''t have some unreliable soul remnant know his secrets.


    Either way, it was time for him to pave his own path.


    He''d already acquired a new Cultivation Manual to rece the [Grey World Mudra] in exchange for 2 C-grade Nexus Coins and a supreme material he got with the numerology book. It could take him much further, and it better amodated his new broader path. There were only two problems with it, apart from not having been fully tuned to his path just yet.


    The first was its exceedingly high requirements when it came to affinity. He had passed the mark when it came to the Dao of Shadows, but his illusory affinity was not yet up to par. This Dreamgeist should solve that problem in one fell swoop.


    The other problem was trickier; altering the method to suit his unique constitution. But he had already made good headway in that department. The manual should already be workable, providing greater cultivation speeds, multipliers, and energy cirction than [Grey World Mudra]. Any kinks he failed to work out could just be fixed with the final piece of his seal. Ogras could see his path widening, and the Shifting Dreamgeist was the key.


    Suddenly, it didn''t seem so ugly. It was almost a bit cute.


    "Come here, you little rascal," Ogras grinned as a pulse shook the proverbial spirit lock hidden in his chest.


    Pain wracked Ogras''s body as it was remolded into an avatar based on his Ka''Zur neswalker and the Umbric Recluse. He hated this part, but it was hard to say no to the extra attributes that the transformation provided.


    The Dreamgeist shrieked upon spotting the intruders, and a powerful purple glow radiated from its previously unfocused eyes. Its body faded, but the world suddenly turned ck. A deathly swirl closed off the region while a pir that elicited a primal dread rose from the ground. It was a good reminder. Most of the time, Zac seemed like an above-board and straightforward guy. Then he went and created something twisted like this. The guy had range.


    The cage slowed down the Dreamgeist''s shift but failed to cancel it. It was enough time for two shadowy tendrils to p it away, leaving binding marks on its body. That was enough to tether the beast to the region, and the Dreamgeist seemed to have realized that fact. The whole cage flickered as hundreds of beasts appeared, each with a Hegemon''s strength.


    Ogras didn''t bother with those things. The pir behind him was already sending out a of chains. The captured minions could shift in and out of reality after having been reforged by the Dreamgeist, but it was enough to keep them busy. Zac was already in the thick of it, chains and des dancing around him as he contained the beast tide.


    Leaving the Dreamgeist exposed. Its ability to capture beasts and turn them into illusory dreams under its control was terrifying, but its ownbat ability wasn''t anything special. With his buddy paving the path, the beast was ripe for the plucking.


    "You can only me yourself for being too talented. Who asked you to toy with a whole coalition on your own?"


    ------------------


    "I give," Thea panted, her heart full of reluctance.


    "Don''t look so glum. You''re making great strides on your technique," Amanthi said as he removed his staff from her shoulder.


    "Not enough to even leave a cut on your kasaya," Thea muttered as the two flew down to the ground.


    "You''re just a kid, and it takes time to build a temple that can withstand the test of the ages," Amanthi smiled. "Besides, your variegated background left you with some gaps that needed to be mended. You will improve even quicker now that you''ve found a more cohesive n and some proper techniques."


    Thea nodded. She had to admit the Sangha was treating her exceedingly well in her position as a ''guide.'' The amount of resources provided for her cultivation was nothing short of shocking, and she was allowed to peruse the enormous repository in the spacefaring pagoda freely. Body Tempering, Soul Strengthening, Intent Molding, all kinds of magical methods and skills she didn''t know existed.


    All hers for the taking, should she desire them.


    It had felt generous to the point it was beyond suspicious, and she hadn''t dared touch anything for over a month. Thea still felt the whole situation surreal, but she had long since caved when it came to helping herself to the various amenities. There was obviously something weird going on, but she was just Thea Marshall, a random Early Hegemon with decent talent.


    If the Buddhist Sangha wanted to deal with her, they easily could have. She''d seen them turn an unrepentant Monarch into a devout nun. What resistance could she possibly put up? And there wasn''t much else to do on the ship than cultivate. Her ''job'' barely took up any of her time, and if she had to listen to another debate on the Dharma between those insufferable monks, she''d go mad.


    She couldn''t believe these people could spend weeks discussing things like the Karmic rtionship between a stalk of grass and a raindrop. Amanthi was one of the few people not driving her up the walls. As a Dharmic Guardian, his role seemed more like that of an elite soldier than a spiritual cultivator.


    A bell suddenly tolled, and Thea looked up with a frown. So it was time.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Just get it over with," Amanthi said.


    "Why not just tell me what that thing is?" Thea frowned.


    "It''s out of my hands," Amanthi said. "I''m just here to swing my staff around. You''ll have to convince the little arhats."


    Thea grumbled as the two walked to the top level of the multistoried pagoda. It was fifty meters across, and the myriad stars of the cosmos were on full disy above. Sixteen young monks and nuns were already sitting around the golden array in the middle. A few looked over with kind smiles, but most ignored her existence. They seemed fully consumed by intoning one scripture or another, having closed off their surroundings.


    "Benefactor, we hope you can light up the path once more," a nun said as Thea walked over.


    Thea looked at the golden array that hummed with vigor. It exuded mysterious ripples, like it held the universe within. Thea couldn''t stop a pang of desire as she looked at the intricate patterns. That feeling of stepping onto the array was indescribable. Of suddenly feeling connected to all creation, being one with the cosmos. But it was a false sensation, and she was filled with greater reluctance every time she was brought back to reality.


    She didn''t know why, but today was the day. Years had passed, and she''d finally reached her limit.


    "No," Thea slowly said.


    Her volume was low, but it felt like her rejection shook the whole hall. The silent chanting stopped, and sixteen pairs of eyes locked onto her.


    "No?" the nun repeated, looking up at her with confusion.


    "No, I won''t," Thea said, taking a step back. "I''m not stepping into that thing again until you tell me what''s going on. This weird cult shit has gone on long enough."


    "I assure you the array is perfectly safe," Amanthi said from the side with a troubled look.


    "I don''t care. You people are way too suspicious. Why me? I know I''m not anyone special. I''m weaker than everyone here," Thea said, ring at her sparring partner. "The only thing I cane up with is my background. My home, my��"


    Thea stopped in her tracks. She couldn''t call him her partner anymore. Over a decade had passed, and he thought she was dead.


    "My loved ones," Thea continued. "I''m not stepping onto this goddamned thing again until I get some answers!"


    "Benefactor''s train of thought has merit," an unfamiliar voice echoed through the halls. "But it is but a part of the tapestry."


    "You!" Thea said, her eyes wide with shock as she saw the new arrival.


    "This poor monk didn''t expect fate to bring him back to this region so soon," Abbot Evesting Peace smiled.


    "Well, it''s safe to return now that Zac ran himself ragged to deal with the mess you left behind," Thea red.


    The abbot gave no rebuttal and only turned to the youthful monk sitting at the central position. His name was Crystallized Enlightenment, and the de-facto leader of his group as far as Thea could tell. She didn''t know much about him, though. He never joined the debates or made any move to converse with her. But his aura felt as vast as an ocean, bottomless and unfathomable. Just the thought of fighting him filled Thea with despair.


    "This is not what we agreed upon," Crystallized Enlightenment said, his voice seeminglying from both the future and the past.


    A small frown of displeasure had appeared on his usually impassive face, and she felt a weak pull like reality was being twisted. The feeling filled her with dread, but a calming wind swept away the sensation of doom. It had onlysted a moment, but Thea''s back was already slick with sweat.


    "You said you wouldn''t impede the search."


    "This poor monk believes he is aiding it. Forcing fate will only steer us toward a sea of regret," Evesting Peace said.


    "Your attachment to your past life is an anchor," Crystallized Enlightenment muttered. "Karma binds you, clouds your judgment. The Dharma will forever elude you unless you free yourself."


    "If this poor monk had severed Karma, he wouldn''t be standing here," Evesting Peace smiled. "That is not my path. Whatever Karma I create, be it good or evil, I shall bear to the end."


    "Eh, why not just tell her?" Amanthi added from behind, his calm voice cutting through the tension. "Might even improve the oue."


    Crystallized Enlightenment said nothing. He only looked at Thea for a few seconds before closing his eyes. But Thea''s heart beat in excitement. It felt like acquiescence.


    "Benefactor, follow me," Evesting Peace smiled.


    "What''s going on?" Thea asked after they entered a side chamber. "You''re back? Why?"


    "This poor monk was truly supposed to cut ties with Zecia. But great events are taking ce, and fate brought me back," Abbot Evesting Peace said. "Our mission is one piece of the puzzle."


    "That doesn''t exin anything."


    The monk smiled and formed a mudra. A golden sigil appeared before him, and Thea gasped as hundreds of threads sprung from her body. Some were thick, others were so thin they were barely visible. A few filled her with dread and hatred, others warmth and longing. Thetter mostly pointed in the same direction, stretching impossibly far.


    It didn''t take long to figure out they were her karmic threads, the intangible links to those who''d crossed her path over the years.


    "Just as benefactor guessed, this all rtes to that young man," Abbot Evesting Peace nodded. "The Super Brother Man. Zachary Atwood, the ruler of the Atwood Empire."


    "Atwood Empire?" Thea muttered with disbelief, a small smile spreading across her lips.


    She could almost picture Zac''s reluctant and anxious expression as he was pushed higher and higher on the Multiversal hierarchy. Was he still grumbling about all the missives that kept appearing on his doorsteps? Did he still sneak into the wilderness just to swing his axe around for a few days?


    "How is he doing?" Thea asked. "Is he okay?"


    "That man is a shining beacon of providence," Abbott Evesting Peace said. "He has advanced by leaps and bounds, surviving great tribtions. He''s ushered in an era of prosperity for Earth while steadily advancing on his path."


    Thea took a steadying breath. So he was okay. Her thoughts were a confused mess. Earth had seemed so distant since she stepped foot on the Goldde Continent. Now, it all came crashing back, and she suddenly found herself overwhelmed by longing.


    "That young man triggered the whole chain of events that brought us together," Abbott Evesting Peace continued, shaking his head like he still couldn''t believe it. "That''s what brought us to you."


    Just like she thought.


    "So those monks appearing before me on the Goldde Continent wasn''t a coincidence, huh?" Thea said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.


    "Few things are coincidence. Fate and Karma binds us all," Evesting Peace smiled. "In fact, my master had met benefactor Atwood shortly before meeting yourself."


    "Your master?" Thea said, remembering Zac''s description of Lord 84th. "I don''t think I''ve met him?"


    "This poor Monk is referring to His Eminence Three Virtues," the monk exined.


    Thea''s heart shuddered at the name. The scene of that chubby little monk dominating the Hallowed Mother still lived on in her mind. He could have squashed her like a bug if he''d wanted to. Yet, her most vivid memory was Three Virtues'' shifty expression as he stole her treasures, all while talking about fate bringing them together. So that weirdo was Evesting Peace''s new master.


    "Benefactor Atwood is like a stone dropped in a tranquil pond," the abbot continued. "His actions have created ripples of fate. For most, they are just that. Ripples. But with the right tools, with the right people, they can be a map."


    "A map to what?" Thea asked.


    "It is a long story."


    "I have nothing but time."


    The abbot smiled and slowly began unraveling the truth of the meandering journey she''d been on for years. She knew these monks weren''t so free as to simply gallivant around in space for fun, but the truth far exceeded even her wildest dreams. Eight pirs of the System and Eternal Heritages from previous realities.


    The Left Imperial Pce, nine outer courts. A trial for the younger generation, where the winner would be able to help their faction seize the main prize.


    "And Zac triggered all that?" Thea asked with disbelief.


    "His fate is like a mighty river," Abbot Evesting Peace nodded.


    "And how do I fit into all that?"


    "You have an immensely powerful Karmic Link to him," Evesting Peace said. "And there''s Karmic Debt."


    "He doesn''t owe me anything," Thea frowned. "What happened between us was out of his hands."


    "He doesn''t feel that way," the abbot said. "Karma is a tricky thing. Perception can greatly affect its nature. He believes he is responsible for your fate, and thus Karma is sown."


    Thea sighed. She could guess the thoughts running through his mind. Seeing his mother do something like that�� It had to mess with your head. To carry that on your shoulders for years�� she still couldn''t believe Leandra Atwood could be so callous. Poor Kenzie, being stuck with that lunatic.


    "The Boundless Sea Array allows you to use that link to harmonize with his fate. Benefactor Atwood is the originator of the event. Thus, he has some fate with every seal released into the Cosmos. We use that fact to pick up some pieces before they''re dragged toward Zecia."


    "So you''re using my Karmic Link to steal Zac''s opportunities?" Thea frowned.


    "Not at all," Abbot Evesting Peace rejected. "Hundreds of seals have been released, and our young friend is only fated for a fraction. Any more would do more harm than good. How many from our old home can withstand an event like this?"


    That was obviously not the full truth. The monks weren''t doing this out of benevolence. They wanted the Eternal Heritage, so they were doing everything possible to snatch as many tickets as possible. But she had to admit the monk was right. What could some earthlings aplish if ancient factions were entering the fray, sending their most powerful centennials?


    Even if Zac managed to provide the best opportunities and resources, so what? How could the Frontierpare to the Hearnds? She''d seen how vastly superior the Goldde Continent was, and that was just a C-grade continent outside the System''s purview.


    The people of Earth hadn''t even cultivated for two decades and were supposed topete with people who had cultivated for over eighty? Going against people like Crystallized Insight? Even Zac would be in trouble, let alone everyone else. The thought alone made her sick with worry, and her thoughts rapidly spun.


    "You''re talking like you''re trying to help, but you''re just trying to sneak in the backdoor. Using me as the key," Thea concluded, looking at the abbot with an even stare. "Looks like nothing has changed. You guys really are a shameless bunch."


    "We assure you, we have no designs on Benefactor Atwood. If anything, we have a good rtionship. Furthermore, using the Boundless Fate Array leaves us with great Karmic debt to benefactor Atwood. To even out Karma, the Sanga will do its utmost in protecting him and his people inside," Evesting Peace said. "The more people miss can guide into the trial, the better his position will be."


    Thea tried to discern what was true and false on the abbot''s face, but it was just as inscrutable as with all the other monks. Minutes passed, and Thea slowly reached a conclusion.


    "I can continue to help you. But I will not step into that array until you agree with two of my conditions," Thea said. "One, every single one of you will swear a Dharmic oath in front of me that you will not target Zac or his followers."


    "It will be done," Evesting Peace said, and Thea felt he even looked quite happy with the promation.


    "Secondly, I am getting one of those seals."

 Chapter 1045 - Glorious Return

    A small needlepoint of green lit up in the distance, and Kruta sighed in relief upon realizing the journey was finallying to an end. Traveling inside the Perennial Vastness token''s ustrophobic bubble hadn''t been any better this time around. It felt like a coffin, and the oppressive darkness of the Void didn''t make things any better.


    So Kruta''s heart sang as he saw the emerald vortex growrger, and he could almost smell the rustling grass of home. He was finally back, and a grin spread across his face from the anticipation. He could picture his grandma''s shocked look when he told her about the Left Imperial Pce and how he''d heroically seized a slot, bringing honor and glory to the ancestors.


    Even the old shamans hidden in the depths of the Ancestral Valley would probably emerge when they heard the news. Being invited to the elder''s council was almost a foregone conclusion.


    "Wait��" Kruta muttered, his eyes gleaming.


    What if something happened to him? He was such fine stock, yet he would soon enter an incredibly dangerous threat without an heir carrying his blood. Perhaps he should petition the elders to move up some of his marriages�� It was only right.


    Kruta shot through the gate, and he groaned with contentment as he felt the soil''s pulse beneath his feet. He was finally whole again and smiled upon feeling the spirit thread''s gentle caress. Kruta pitied those who couldn''t hear the voice of the world. The people he''d met in the Perennial Vastness would never understand the beauty of the steppes, where the ground itself was filled with the forefathers'' love.


    The token had dropped him off right where he set off, in front of his grandmother''s tent. He stood unmoving for a minute, taking in the sounds, smells, and sights of the tribe. It had been so long. Before spending nine years in the Perennial Vastness, he''d never left the steppes for more than a few weeks at a time.


    Part of Kruta wanted to make the rounds and visit all the people he hadn''t seen for almost a decade. But it would have to wait. The news he brought home was too explosive; they couldn''t wait. Kruta stepped into the tent but was surprised to find a barrier blocking his entry. Since when did his grandmother keep her door closed?


    Kruta hesitated a few seconds before walking up to the small drum beside the entrance. He infused his full cultivation base into his fist and mmed it with all the force he could muster. The hide didn''t release so much as a whimper, but a gong would alert his grandma of an urgent issue.


    Even then, nothing happened after minutes of waiting. Kruta''s brows scrunched together. There was no way she hadn''t noticed his return. He was bringing back earthshattering information, yet Balka Greenleaf couldn''t be bothered to see him? A few more minutes passed, and the veins on Kruta''s forehead twisted as the grand tale he''d woven of his exploits were stuck in his throat.


    It was unbearable, and one punch after crashed into the drum, the attacks fueled by fate and frustration.


    "What''s the ruckus?!" an infuriated roar shook the sky.


    Kruta''s expression fell at the outburst. Was Grandma in a foul mood? Was the Dancing de Tribe causing trouble again? Shouldn''t be. It had only been eleven months on the outside since he left. It was also impossible she''d entered seclusion; Balka would have removed the drum if that were the case. Kruta was no longer in any mood to enter, and the open ps to the tents suddenly seemed like a ferocious beast.


    He didn''t get the chance to retreat before someone emerged, and Kruta frowned at seeing the stranger. The dense swirl of ancestral will around him proved he was of the tribe, but Kruta had never seen him before in his life. Of course, that wasn''t anything odd considering the vast domain they controlled, but he hade out of Balka''s private tent.


    "Oh, it''s you?" the buff man grunted as he emerged. "You''re back already?"


    "Who''re you?" Kruta grunted.


    "Fiesty brat," the man grinned. "I''m Udro, but you can call me grandpa."


    "You''re one of grandma''s husbands?" Kruta ventured, getting an affirmative nod.


    "Been guarding the Mystra Desttes the past couple of centuries. Just got backst week," Udro grunted. "Heard the missus adopted a kid while I was gone. Well, she heard you loud and clear. Go on in."


    "Wait," Kruta said, his eyes widening inprehension as he saw the bleeding scratches on Udro''s chest and the mix of annoyance and relief in his eyes. "I''ll juste backter. Uh, have fun."


    "You little shit, you''re trying to ruin your gammy''s good time and then just run off?" a rough voice echoed from within the tent. "Come, let me take a look at you."


    "Good luck," Udro grinned as he took out a gon of spirits.


    Kruta inwardly cried, but he didn''t dare ignore the order. Thest time he''d interrupted his adoptive grandmother''s time with one of her husbands, he''d been sent to oversee the mating season of their Warthog hordes. Kruta shuddered at the memory��the squeals still haunted his dreams. Then again, trying to hide from Balka another time had led to him being sent into the Kussak Dreadmines for a month.


    So Kruta took a deep breath and stepped inside. The surroundings blurred, and he found himself inside the huge trophy valley of Balka Redleaf''s world tent. Everything looked the same. The towering peaks of the surrounding mountain range greeted his arrival. Of course, they were the remains of the Primordial Beast Balka slew to im her seat as one of the seven Grand Elders at the Tribal Council.


    Thetent pressure of the sacrificial bones crashed into him, and he groaned as his vision started swimming. Vast amounts of energy poured into his body, but he was relieved to feel his channels easily withstand the pressure. The first time he had almost gotten killed; now, it was just a bit painful. Kruta felt his grandmother pull him over, cing him in front of a roaring bonfire.


    Not far away sat Balka, looking the same as always; a heroic warrior in the prime of her life, with her huge broadsword lying to the side. If not for the monstrous killing intent roiling off her body, you could have thought she was one of the young de masters of Kruta''s generation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Not bad," Balka nodded after a while. "In fact, pretty good. I can feel how your connection with my great-grandfather has grown much deeper. You are nurturing each other in a way I haven''t seen before. There''s no way you''d manage to figure that out on your own; I guess that ce deserves its reputation."


    "It''s all thanks to Grandmother giving me the token," Kruta quickly nodded, remembering the steel in her voice before.


    It didn''t help.


    "Still, that''s no reason to bang on the gong so loudly," Balka red. "I haven''t seen my Udro for almost a century. Ruining our sweet reunion deserves some innovative punish��"


    "News!" Kruta shouted, the squeals of rutting hogs burned into his mind urging him on. "I have super important news, earthshattering news! I couldn''t wait."


    "Oh?" Balka said with a raised brow. "Then let''s hear it."


    Kruta took a deep breath and recounted his experiences inside the Perennial Vastness. Seeing her impatient look, Kruta, unfortunately, had to skip the prepared parts detailing his aplishments before meeting Zac. He''d save those tales for his little wives.


    "You fool! You killed an imperial?!" Balka wheezed when Kruta reached the point with Valsa. "Do you want to bring a cmity onto our heads? How can you betray the ancestors like this?!"


    "Well, it was kind of my buddy who finished the job," Kruta coughed. "I got knocked out within seconds. I just put my finger on the scales a bit."


    The excuse didn''t help him much. Waves of power crashed into him from Balka''s re, and Kruta felt like his body was about to disintegrate. What did the improved constitution of a Hegemon matter when faced with an Autarch''s wrath?


    "Vastermal was rebuffed by the Perennial Vastness, and the confidentiality of the realm will keep my identity safe," Kruta croaked. "That guy I mentioned even went and had all imperials killed. No one even knows I was involved."


    "What do you know? Nothing is absolute in this world. There is no such thing as a perfect seal and no secrets that can''t be excavated. Not even the Heavens are infallible." Balka snorted, but she soon relented. "Well, it does seem like there''s nothing wrong with you, and I can''t find anything inside your body. But remember, don''t mention this to a single soul. You never know who''ll use that information for their own gain."


    Kruta quickly nodded.


    "What audacity," Balka sighed. "No wonder you wanted to see me immediately. We''ll have to keep our eyes out, but I think we are safe."


    "No, that wasn''t the important part," Kruta said, his heart shuddering when the bonfire was almost extinguished from a burst of his grandmother''s killing intent.


    "You better have some honey with that spice," Balka said with a murderous smile. "I don''t think my heart can handle much more bad news."


    Kruta jumped into the next part of the story, adding some embellishments to protect his hide. No, to paint a clearer picture for his dear grandmother! Who''s to say there won''t be treasures that could be the tribe''s hidden reserves inside the Left Imperial Pce?


    "Good, good, good!" Balka soonughed, her demeanorpletely different from before. "Bold and ambitious! That''s how my grandchild should act. Go, go! Get gammy something nice."


    "About the princess��" Kruta ventured.


    "Who cares? It doesn''t matter! What, some junior got herself killed inside a trial? Things like that happen every day," Balka said with azy wave. "That old goat Vastermal has working hips and over fifty wives. He''ll make new ones. So, what happened next?"


    Seeing how well things were going, Kruta decided to add some more honey. It wasn''t about avoiding punishment, it was about having a positive outlook. And it wasn''t really a lie to say that friendship could blossom between him and the Tayn sessor thanks to Zac. After all, Kruta was handsome and greatpany.


    Why wouldn''t Iz Tayn want to be his friend?


    "Friendship with the young princess of the Tayns?" Balka said, her smile growing even wider. "If you can pull that off, forget about the inheritance. Who''d dare mess with us when people learn we have such a backer? Even the Luaris Dynasty would have to treat us with respect. I knew I was right in adopting you. I really have an eye for things."


    Unfortunately, Balka barely had time to finish her sentence before a deep rumble shook the whole world tent. It felt like a Primordial God was using the steppes themselves as a drum, and Kruta''s eyes widened with horror. This wasn''t the sound of the audience drum he''d hit before. This was the Ancestral Wardrum crafted by the founding chieftain himself. A drum Kruta hoped he''d never have to hear in his lifetime.


    "A Tribal Cmity?" Balka wheezed, angrily pointing at Kruta with fires burning in her eyes. "You troublemaker!"


    "I�� You said," Kruta stuttered, but he got no further before he found his mouth sealed.


    "I said nothing!" Balka red as the two disappeared.


    The next moment, the two floated far above the tribe. Kruta could see the citadel stretch out across the horizon, where one powerful aura after another rose to the sky. But what did it matter? Kruta could see the fear in his grandmother''s eyes as she looked up at the intruder. The steppes shivered at their mere presence, and the ancestral threads had dug deep into the ground.


    The whole sky had been reced by fire, stretching as far as Kruta could see. Their citadel held the families of over 20 million elite warriors, but it felt like a speck in front of this burning curtain. Inside the inferno were thousands of anguished faces, each the size of a city. They were indistinct and made from fire as well, but a darker, almost purple fire filled with resentment and despair. It looked like they were trying to break out of the mes but were soon pushed back in.


    A sh of light made Kruta look to his side, where he found two neers. One was the warchief of the whole tribe. The second was another of the Grand Elders and the chief earthly shaman, Prata Redleaf. The warchief looked up at the burning sky, his back giving off a deste aura. There was no fight in his eyes, only defeat and sorrow.


    "Is this the end of our tribe?" he sighed. "I have failed the ancestors."


    "Don''t worry, I have a solution!" Balka said, looking up at the hellscape with a heroic expression as her hair danced in the wind.


    "You absolutely cannot attack!" the ancient shaman screamed in horror, going so far as to summon four ancestors to hold Balka back. "You fool, look at those mes! They are ratified by the Empyrean Throne! That''s the Thousandme Galley. We might be able to save some of our tribe through diplomacy, but not if we anger the esteemed one inside."


    "Don''t you think I know that?" Balka huffed, pushing the ancestral guardians toward the ground.


    "I�� Uh," Kruta stuttered, his mind muddled with confusion.


    How did they know? He''d just returned, and they hadn''t even sent out the message, yet one of Kolsara Tayn''s disciples stood knocking at the door. Had Zac somehow sent words back? No, that was impossible. He was still inside the Perennial Vastness. The Tayns must have figured things out some other way. Was it because of the seal he''d picked up?


    Either case, it saved a lot of time and lessened the odds of his tribe''s involvement in this matter being exposed. At most, it would seem like he stumbled into a lucky opportunity but was captured before the tribe could report it to the Heavens. Not even the Imperial Dynasty could fault them for that, and the horrible reputation of the Tayns should keep the tribe safe.


    Who''d dare target the family of someone the Tayns had "recruited"? There was no way the Heavens wanted that mess on their hands, especially not when an Eternal Heritage was up for grabs. They had enough enemies without adding that band of lunatics to the mix.


    But why did it have to be her?


    Only three direct disciples of the Empyrean Throne remained since she hadn''t taken any new pupils since the Extinction. All three were Supremacies and absolutely insane. Even Mohzius'' unhinged followers seemed measured inparison.


    The Thousandme entric had hunted her master''s enemies for over a million years after the Extinction. Anything Thousandme Tayn felt responsible for her master''s predicament was targeted with utmost prejudice. ns were eradicated down to the chickens and dogs, and their allies were decimated. Thends they had once ruled were incinerated. Even today, whole sectors remained impassable deathtraps because of her Empyrean Sinmes.


    Not even those with terrifying backers were spared. Anyone shielding her targets became targets themselves, and even Supremacies had sacrificed whole branches of their line to keep the cmity at bay. Everyone who fought back was killed and stuffed into the terrifying warship above.


    The rumors said that a thousand Autarchs had been killed to create the hull of the Thousandme Galley. That was likely an exaggeration, but at least a few hundred had been thrown into the inferno. More terrifying were the Heavenly Territories of three Supremacies that had be the core of this warship.


    The Multiverse had collectively breathed out in relief when the three scourges of the Empyrean Throne finally ran out of targets to kill. Since then, they hadn''t been seen very often, presumably having returned to the Empyrean Quadrant to cultivate or whatever old monsters did with their free time. Yet they still lived on in the collective psyche of the cosmos, an unseen threat hiding in the dark. And now one of them was here.


    Kruta shook like a leaf after looking up at the sky. It felt like the thousands of faces were looking straight at him, boring into his soul. Why had he listened to that troublemaker? He should have rejected him outright! He should have said, ''No, thank you! I don''t need a ride; I will see you inside the inheritance!''.


    Now it was toote.


    Kruta looked at his grandmother with imploring eyes and found that she looked back at him with an extremely suspicious smile.


    "My sweet Kruta, I''ve been thinking. Staying inside the safety of the tribe will harm your future. A true chieftain isn''t raised inside a tent; he is forged under the harsh sun of struggle! It''s time for you to make a name for yourself, just like I did in my youth," she said as she put her hand on his shoulder.


    Kruta was about to plead for mercy, but he found himself unable to speak or move as Balka covered him in ayer of imprable energy. She leaned over, a tearful look in her eyes looked into his.


    "Remember, if anyone asks, You''re Kruta the Great from the Dancing de Tribe, alright?"


    Kruta wailed as he shot toward the sky like an arrow released from a bow. From the ground, he heard the final parting words of his grandmother.


    "All yours, great mistress!" followed by a much lower. "Hurry, you old toad, activate the barriers!"


    "You old crone," Kruta swore upon realizing he''d be a sacrificial offering. "I''ll remember this when I rule the steppes! Permanent hog duty! No, I''ll�� AAAI!"


    Kruta''sints turned into a high-pitch shriek as one of the faces descended with impossible speed to gobble him up.

 Chapter 1046 - Drifting Snow

    The inds looked like glimmering jewels, slowly bobbing about on the horizon. With the perpetual snowfall, they created an ethereal scenery. Of course, these small isles were actually the backs of huge beasts, transformed into death traps meant to capture and harvest the snow spirits. The Everfrost Titans were a type of ice-attuned tortoise, but they shared quite a few simrities to some insectoid species.


    Atop their shells were the inds while a huge hive hid inside, which was where its descendants lived. The titans even birthed different types of creatures, only a scant few of which were true Everfrost Titans. Most were different types of helpers who took care of the Titans every need, allowing them to stay in a torpid state where theymuned with the Dao.


    Between each titan was a sea of ck pebbles, each emitting an intense chill. It was a shame almost all of these things were useless for cultivation. It was the environment that was magical, not the stones. Only a few pebbles had managed to turn the icy Dao of this world into something permanent, but finding them was like looking for a needle in a haystack.


    Catheya sat unmoving, releasing her Dao while Miasma cycled through her body. Her thoughts were empty as she turned herself into a beacon of ice. The falling snow was changed as it entered her proximity, transformed into sharp ice holding the chill of death.


    It was odd. Not the transformation of the Dao around her but how the world reacted. It didn''t try to rebuff her; it felt like it wanted tomune. It was a fleeting sensation,ing and going. One moment, she was Catheya, and her Dao was the Dao. The next, she felt like the vast ocean, stretching toward infinity. Ancient, powerful, vast.


    Eruptions asionally rocked the ind, but Catheya barely noticed it. She was trying to make sense of the feeling. Initially, she feared she''d been led astray by the powerful Dao inside the Red Zone, prompting her to push toward the next stage of her Dao. But that wasn''t the case. She had long since sealed her mind from the distorted truths of the Temporal Chamber. This was something else, an opportunity.


    She just needed to figure out the root of the feeling.


    The ind tilted as an incredible shockwave almost threw Catheya into the ocean. The outburst had scared away whatever truth hid inside the area, and Catheya looked toward the inner regions of the ind with helplessness. A minuteter, Zac emerged, having transformed back to his Draugr form.


    "That''s all of them," Zac said as he stepped through the arrays. "What''s wrong? Are you okay?"


    Catheya realized her expression was a bit off and donned a smile. "More than okay. I think I just figured something out."


    "As long as you''re alright," Zac nodded while handing over a sack. "Only two of them this time."


    "Thank you," Catheya said and stowed away the quest item. "It''ll be a bit before the next one gets close enough. It must have fed recently. It hasn''t responded to my signal at all."


    These lumbering hives usually only drifted about on the pebble sea. If you waited around for two to get close enough on their own, you risked being stuck on the same ind for days. The best way to speed up the process was to turn yourself into bait��broadcasting your Dao to make yourself look like a particrly tasty morsel.


    If everything worked, it would make the Everfrost Titans curious and instinctively swim closer to investigate. Of course, the practice had borne a different kind of fruit today.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Guess we''re taking a break, then," Zac said as he took out a set of furniture, adding an environmental array to the dampening array.


    The very breath of the Titans created a deep hum that had a hypnotic effect. It made the snow spirits lethargic as they dropped down on the ind, and it had a simr effect on cultivators. Even powerful warriors risked falling asleep without dampening arrays to counteract the hum. And that was a nap you likely wouldn''t awake from.


    "This one was pretty stingy, so I had to use a lot of force. It shouldn''t be able to send out any more workers for a couple of days."


    "I heard," Catheyaughed. "I thought you would finally sink one of these guys."


    "I can''t believe how deep their sleep is," Zac wryly smiled. "I cut into its back with [Arcadia''s Judgment], and it only stirred for a few seconds."


    "It seems almost impossible to wake them up as long as you stay out of the tunnels," Catheya agreed. "I guess this zone would be too dangerous if it were any different."


    The two talked for a while but eventually turned to their own matters. Zac continued going over his Core Formation Method while she tried to clear her head and recapture that feeling. But her thoughts weren''t as calm as her face let on, making it hard to even enter a meditative state. The notes in Zac''s hands were a constant reminder of the inescapable reality they faced.


    "How many left now?" Catheya eventually asked, breaking the silence of the past half hour.


    "Of what?" Zac said with confusion. "Mutated Chillhearts? As many as we can find."


    "No," Catheya said, shaking her head as she gazed at the sunset. "Things for your tool."


    "Oh," Zac said. "Just two. This one and one from the Peak of Chaos."


    "Which you can get any time you want," Catheya sighed, feeling a bit lost.


    "Hey, what''s wrong?"


    "You know�� We''ve never talked about what we''ll doter. On the outside. We just keep skirting the subject. Now, three years have passed, and you''re getting ready to rush for the finish line."


    Zac froze for a second. Catheya could tell he was about to y stupid again, but he shook his head.


    "Then let''s talk about it," Zac said.


    "Are we kidding ourselves, ying house inside a Time Chamber?" Catheya said, and it felt like the chill of the world crept into her heart. "Does our rtionship have an expiration date?"


    "I don''t��"


    "How would it even work?" Catheya pressed on, the words she''d held back over the past year spilling out of her like a broken dam. "You can''t even visit the Kavriel Province because someone might target you. And I''m constantly afraid I''ll be forced to act against you or hide things. I''m just a pawn.


    "And even if everything works out, would it change anything? I can''t keep up. I''ve tried. I''ve tried so hard, but it feels like you''re getting further and further away. I''ve crushed both my and my family''s expectations of me, but so what? Most of my aplishments are thanks to my leaning on you. The Abyssal Shores. The Left Imperial Pce. The Perennial Vastness. All of it."


    Catheya felt drained after unloading the misgivings in her heart.


    "I don''t want to be a blip on your journey before you move on to bigger and better things," she whispered. "But I can''t see this ending any other way."


    Zac said nothing for a few seconds, and Catheya didn''t dare to look him in the eyes. It felt like an eternity passed. Then, she felt a thick arm wrap around her and drag her closer.


    "I keep worrying about the future as well," Zac sighed. "I''ve been wracking my brains, but I don''t have any answers or solutions."


    "I''m sorry," Catheya whispered as she leaned against Zac''s shoulder. "I wasn''t nning to��"


    "I only know one thing; I''m not satisfied," Zac interjected, and the determination in his words made Catheya shudder. "A few years with you isn''t enough. I want more. Centuries, millennia. I''ll do anything in my power to make that happen."


    Chill turned to warmth, and Catheya found herself unable to say anything for a few seconds. She just wanted to sit like this forever.


    "I''m not satisfied either," Catheya eventually said. "So what do we do?"


    "Well. We just need to get through the trial in three years," Zac said. "After the Undead Empire has what it wants and some ancient faction has imed the Eternal Heritage, my identity as a mebearer will be useless. It''ll give us the breathing room to figure these things out. Perhaps we can go to the Abyssal Shores?"


    "It doesn''t change the fact that you''re progressing with terrifying speed," Catheya said. "And I feel that the gap between us will only increase inside the Left Imperial Pce."


    "So continue to lean on me," Zac said. "My aplishments are not because I''m especially hard-working or talented. Part of it is dumb luck, and another is because people have helped me out or paved the way for me. You said many of your aplishments are because of me. So what? That''s how it''s supposed to work."


    "Still, our fates��"


    "The universe has its ns, but we make our own fate," Zac said. "Only we can decide what this is and how it''ll end. Even if I would progress faster than you, who cares? It would allow me to protect you. And there''s no way the only sessful couples out there are those whose Cultivation Level is at the same stage. What, it''s impossible for a Late-Stage Hegemon to love a Monarch?"


    Catheya took a steadying breath, her messy thought slowly calming down. That''s right. So what if he grew stronger than her? What was wrong with having a powerful partner to lean on? Couldn''t she live with his avatar inside his Inner World if his cultivation left hers behind? There were plenty of couples living that kind of lifestyle. With his dual races and mysterious ability to shield the heavens, he could even bring her to the kind of regions she''d always dreamed of seeing.


    "Besides, it''s not because of your strength I love you," Zac added, a mischievous smile spreading across his face. "It''s because of your big��Ow!"


    "Pervert," Catheya huffed as she retracted the icicle from his side, but a small smile spread across her face as she straightened her back.


    It felt like a knot in her heart had been undone, a weight on her shoulders lifted. He wasn''t satisfied. It wasn''t just a fling. She had just been influenced by his almost insane drive as he conquered one Red Zone after another, making her focus on their cultivation rather than their rtionship.


    Of course, that didn''t mean everything was solved. If nothing else, there was the issue of them being apart for years. They say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, but it also brings danger. Aplished men nevercked women trying to sneak into their hearts and into their bedchambers. She trusted Zac, but she didn''t trust all the little skirts around him.


    The biggest threat was obviously Iz Tayn. She had a terrifying background, and the bits and pieces she''d managed to extract from the demon indicated she was beautiful beyondpare. Her sheltered upbringing seemed to have left Iz na?ve to the matters between men and women, but it was just a matter of time. What if that seed of friendship bloomed into something else?


    Catheya would have to sear her image into her man''s mind, so all the temptations on the outside would only make him think of her, of their time together in this ce.


    She eventually resumed her cultivation, releasing her Dao into the surroundings. It didn''t take long for that feeling to return. Catheya didn''t know what had changed, but it felt even closer. Clearer. And she didn''t reject it. Catheya opened her heart and let the world connect.


    Vastness, power, and stability filled Catheya as she felt her Dao resonate with the world. The falling snowkes slowly started to rotate, and their gentle swirl soon turned into a massive vortex that spread further and further. Soon, it covered the whole ind, yet it hadn''t reached its limits. It felt like she could sweep through the whole world for a moment, but a painful sense of exhaustion prompted her to drag back her consciousness.


    The connection was cut, yet Catheya felt she could reinstate it whenever she wanted. She looked up at the dissipating winds with interest, not caring that she''d just lost more than half her Miasma.


    "What was that?" Zac said with shock. "Was that you?"


    "Harmonization," Catheya muttered to herself before turning to Zac with a grin. "You''re really my lucky charm. I really should repay you."


    Zac looked confused, but a smile spread across his face as he nced at the titan far in the distance. "You said he''d just fed?"


    "We have some time."


    --------------


    Zac stepped through the gate, appearing on the teleportation square in his Draugr form. He couldn''t even remember the chill of the Everfrost Isles, only the heat. Catheya had always been passionate, but she had really gone all out the past month. They had spent two extra weeks inside the Red Zone, but he hadn''t even noticed.


    "I need to enter seclusion," Catheya hummed to the side.


    "Ah?" Zac said, dragged out of his dreamlike state.


    "Will you be okay on your own?" Catheya asked with a smile that spoke volumes.


    "Maybe one more mission?" Zac ventured, his blood stirring at the thought.


    Catheya yfully fiddled with his fingers as she leaned closer, but Zac froze when he only got a small peck. "Next time."


    Zac inwardly grumbled, but he knew she had to do this. Catheya had grasped a great opportunity and needed to figure out how to make the most of it. To think she''d suddenly learn the elusive ability of Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization. It was much rarer than intent or technique and generally considered impossible to train. Attaining harmonization was considered a matter of talent and fate, like stumbling onto a lucky opportunity.


    The ability was quite impressive. It had felt like Catheya had be one with the world when she entered that state. More importantly, it allowed her to draw upon a small part of the environment''s power, augmenting her strength while saving on energy consumption. Even when just having grasped the new ability, Catheya''s skills had gotten around ten percent stronger. Given enough time, that number was sure to increase.


    It was a free boost akin to having a second Cultivation Manual, but it wasn''t without limitations. The biggest problem with Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization was that it wasn''t always useful. In Catheya''s case, she could only really draw upon the skill when the Heavens and Earth were aligned to her path. In other words, icy and deathly environment. The better the match, the more power she could extract from her surroundings. In contrast, the effect was almost negligible in environments not aligned with her Dao.


    But what if you could turn the world around you into an image of your Dao?


    That was the best solution they hade up with while traversing the Everfrost Isles. To form a bridge between the environment and yourself, allowing you to draw on its power even when you didn''t have a natural affinity. This wasn''t something new or groundbreaking. Catheya wasn''t an expert on the subject, but she''d heard it was a popr method, and she had two ways to aplish this.


    The first was through using items, such as formations. She already had some experience in that regard, engraving simple arrays onto icicles she formed. Of course, it was only a small interest on her part and mostly geared toward Lich Arts. But she had talent in the subject and could quickly pick up the required techniques. The Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization could even alleviate one of the biggest drawbacks of Formation Masters; therge energy expenditure.


    The second option was to work towards forming a Domain. Catheya had always had one of the greatest Dao Affinities of her generation in n Sharva''Zi, and her various encounters and opportunities had pushed those even further. Yet, she hadn''t formed intent, a Domain, or something like his Techniques.


    This was an intentional choice on her part. Her cultivation path had been in flux since the Twilight Ocean, where various opportunities had opened new doors for her. She was also unsure what role she saw herself taking��being more of a supportive caster and group leader or being an outright magebatant. As such, she had been reluctant to transform her understanding of Dao since it was hard to undo something like that.


    However, now that she''d attained Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization, it was time for her to pick a direction. Forming a Dao Domain now seemed superior to intent or technique. It was also a much simpler solution than working with Formations since it didn''t force you to rely on equipment.


    The problem was that this solution was extremely difficult. Harmonization internalizes outside Dao to elevate your own, while Domains externalize one''s Dao to enforce it onto the world around you. They were essentially opposing theories; practicing both could be considered a paradox. Yet it was possible, and Catheya believed she had already taken the first steps in this direction.


    Both Domain and Formations were great options that would not just create synergy with the Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization, but also directly improve her strength. She could even pick both to create an incredibly powerful cultivation system where all fed into each other. However, it was probably better to focus on one or the other before Ultom. It was better to master one aspect than have middling aplishments in two.


    Either way, she had finally found her path forward, and Zac''s heart sang from seeing the unadulterated joy in Catheya''s eyes. But even then, their discussion weighed heavily in the back of his mind. He''d so grandly proimed they''d make their own fate, but you needed power for that. Power that they didn''t have, even if everything went perfectly in the Perennial Vastness and beyond.


    Thankfully, he''d already found a solution; the Hollow Court. The problems that had kept them both up at night could be solved with one word from the Primo. Not even the Supremacies of the Undead Empire would dare have any differing opinion if he sat his foot down.


    It was an easy trade; a treasure for freedom. He just needed to survive snatching it.

 Chapter 1047 - Union

    "Remember, if you want me to lean on you, you better be strong enough."


    With that, Catheya sashayed away, her swaying hips creating a hypnotizing dance that brought back some soul-stirring memories from the past month. Zac only snapped out of the trance as Catheya turned a corner after throwing him a final wink.


    "Vixen," Zac muttered with a smile as he turned toward his own storefront.


    Zac had some ideas about why Catheya acted the way she did, apart from being in a good mood after breaking through. But he''d have to be a fool to stop her. Their time inside the Perennial Vastness was limited, so why not enjoy it? They could be dead tomorrow, and there was no point in leaving behind any regrets. And they hadn''t only fooled around. They took some extra time, sure, but both aplished their goals.


    There was only one missing piece to the Omnitool now, but there was no immediate urgency for him to fetch it. The hammer could withstand the Dao-filled environment for over three hours already, which was more than enough to continue working on adding a second Cosmic Cycle to an F-grade tool.


    The past year had proven that Cosmic Forge was not only the key to creating a working Core Formation Method. It was the key to passing through Hegemony.


    The prospect of forming a High-Quality Cosmic Core right out the gate felt increasingly distant the more details were added to his n. The glossed-over sections from when he first put together the step-by-step method hid hard-to-solve issues when put under a magnifying ss. At the same time, he didn''t have any Cultivation Manual that would slowly refine his core, leaving him with no choice but to add more treasures in the future to push it from Middle to Peak Quality.


    His Cosmic Core needed to be ready for that.


    Today, he could add twenty-eightyers to his practice axes, just six short of a second Cosmic Cycle. But those axes had maxed out their potential. There was no way they''d ever manage to withstandpleting the cycle. As for adding a third and a fourth? Forget about it.


    The same thing could be said for his Cosmic Core. It wasn''t enough for him to form a Middle-quality Cosmic Core. He needed to do it in a way where he ended up with a stable product whose potential wasn''t exhausted. If not, he would be in serious trouble. Hegemony wasn''t like the E-grade. The stage couldn''t be brute forced, even if you had pills and treasures at your beck and call.


    Some unique items could help mitigate the problems with a messy core. However, there was a reason most Hegemons, including Cultivators, were stuck right at the threshold of the grade. They had formed subpar cores with troublesome or even irreparable issues, which meant they had reached the end of their cultivation journey. The few that managed to push a bit further were generally stuck at Middle Hegemony.


    There were only four bottlenecks in the D-grade, but each was like an insurmountable mountain if you didn''te prepared. [Cosmic Forge] was the key to avoiding such a fate. The better he understood the techniques, and the more memories of the inheritance he unlocked, the more time and effort he''d save down the road.


    Zac spent another two months working on his crafting techniques and formation n until he finally found a suitable mission. It would take him into the depths of a Life-attuned Red Zone, one he had detailed information on, courtesy of Valsa��a perfect opportunity to finish his hammer.


    The Red Zone was called Endless Cerulean, but it wasn''t an aquatic world. It was a jungle, where the vast majority of the foliage was in different hues of blue. The world had five suns, all radiating powerful fluctuations of Life. There were always at least two in the sky, creating an environment of growth without rest.


    There were two dangers in Endless Cerulean, one of which was naturally the denizens of the jungle. The rife amounts of Divine Energy put both nts and beasts in a state of forced progress, which often led to unpredictable mutations and unstable mental states. Just as important, most beasts were starved.


    The unique environment forced advancement, but ambient energy alone wasn''t enough to fuel the process when you reached a certain point. Endless Cerulean was a vast forest full of life, yet starvation was one of the mostmon reasons for flora and fauna dying. Of course, they were soon turned to fertilizer, and something new sprung up to take their ce.


    If you wanted to live, you had to eat. And to eat, you had to fight. One day in, Zac had already been forced to kill dozens of desperate beasts. Using his aura to scare away attackers waspletely useless. Hunger and pain had driven most animals mad, and the only thing he did by showing off his strength was to attract more predators.


    The second danger of Endless Cerulean was rted to the first. It came from the suns in the sky, the source of the energy and starvation. Each sun was like a gathering array, releasing vast amounts of Divine Energy. And while there were generally only two or three in the sky, the five suns didn''t have the same orbits.


    asionally, four or even five suns would be up simultaneously, at which point the environment would grow unbearable. Those already struggling wouldn''t be able to take the incredible influx of energy, prompting mutations at the cost of longevity. Others simply died from Life Poisoning. Those who could endure would still have the effect of forced growth multiplied, resulting in a mad struggle for sustenance.


    So every time five suns shone in the sky, roughly once every ten days, a huge purge would ur in Endless Cerulean. The weak would be culled while the strong feasted. During those times, cultivators had to be extremely careful of the beasts and the overflowing energy. If not careful, you''d also get hit by Life Poisoning, resulting in mutations or deviations. Obviously, Life Cultivators were better at withstanding the effects.


    Zac only feltfort as he stood atop a branch, looking at the four suns drowning the sky with golden radiance. His Cosmic Energy was full, yetrge amounts of Divine Energy burrowed into his body. For most, this would be an impossible-to-block attack. For Zac, it was just nourishment. The golden vortices in his cells greedily swallowed whatever they got while [Purity of the Void] removed any impurities.


    Cultivating his Body Tempering Method in this kind of environment would be significantly more effective than in his cave back home. Of course, that wasn''t why he''de here today. Zac hid his presence and aura as he continued deeper into the jungle. Even then, he was constantly attacked, and he left a trail of shredded nts and emaciated carcasses in his wake.


    The zone''s mission was to find Five-Life Fruits, a local specialty that could only appear when all five suns stood high in the sky. Being showered by the Life from the quintuple suns could force certain trees down a road of no return. They couldn''t withstand the energy storm, so they focused on the next generation.


    The trees used the surge and their spirituality to form a single fruit, dying in the process. The great umtion of Life and a hint of death resulted in a Peak-quality Longevity Treasure. Every single one awarded 950 Mana, one of the highest rewards Zac had seen for individual items. When the fifth sun finally joined the others, Zac soon understood why.


    There was only a short window of opportunity every ten days, and few trees actually managed to form a Five-Life Fruit. Even with [Forester''s Constitution] and his [Lucky Beads], Zac barely found one just before one of the suns dipped beneath the horizon. He found it just as a huge snake gobbled it down after ughtering dozens of enemies for the prize.


    Two clouds of Life and Death shrouded the wounded beast just as it was about to slither away, and it didn''t even get to release a hiss before its huge head flew into the sky. Zac shed over and extracted the fruit after some gory digging. It was covered in blood and bile, but it counted ording to Null. It was a nice little bonus that would pay for the outing, but Zac was more interested in the real prize. He already knew what he was looking for, thanks to Valsa, and it wasn''t far away.


    Two dayster, Zac stood panting in the middle of an enormous clearing, his body seemingly as small as an ant before the severed tree. Its size was an aberration in this huge jungle of death and rebirth, clearly indicating it had some secret. It had been Zac''s target since day one, and it hadn''t been difficult to track down. The only reason it was allowed to remain standing was that it exuded an incredibly deadly aura.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The tree stockpiled vast amounts of Life every surge and then transformed into a protective domain that kept even Late-stage Beast Kings at Bay. Even Zac''s Void Vajra Constitution wasn''t enough to withstand that much weaponized Life, and he had been forced to activate [Void Zone] to get close. Valsa had guessed the tree contained a Supreme Life treasure and had even nned to leak its details to Zac to lure him over. The events in the Stand of Saeward had preempted those ns, and they had turned into an opportunity for him instead.


    A throng of corpses was strewn around him, most of them impaled by still-slithering roots. Activating [Primal Edict] in a Life-attuned region had worked wonders, and the skill had even killed the Middle-Stage leader while Zac dealt with the others. The killed beasts had six legs with skin ps between, looking a bit like supersized flying squirrels.


    The squirrels were the only ones who could withstand the old tree''s aura, having formed a symbiotic rtionship. Yet even they were covered in soul-chilling growths and tumors, unable to fully endure the tree''s natural aura. Yet they had desperately tried to defend their home when the domain failed to keep Zac at bay. He was essentially a homewrecker, but he didn''t feel bad. These little bastards had been harassing him for days,unching deadly sneak attacks before disappearing into the dense tree crowns above.


    Zac jumped onto the trunk, and splinters flew in every direction as he dug toward its center. The tree contained immense life force even after being felled. He could see the broken wood mending before his very eyes, and the tree branches were digging into the ground to create a new root system. The reason the tree had such a stubborn life force was soon made apparent.


    In its center was a single strand of hair, shimmering with monstrous amounts of Life. It was almost as thick as Zac''s pinky finger but no more than half a meter long. Zac didn''t know what kind of beast it once belonged to, but something had transformed it into a Supreme Treasure of Pure Life. It was even covered in dense markings that made Zac think of the Stele of Conflict.


    The huge tree had probably absorbed the strand while still a sapling, which allowed it to grow to its current overbearing size. Now, it would be the final ingredient for the Omnitool. Zac wasted no time taking out the little hammer and cing it against the strand. You''d have to be blind to miss this big guy toppling over, and it was just a matter of time before hunger drove one of the local tyrants into investigating.


    The exposed strand of hair emitted an immense aura, but it was nothing in front of the First People''s methods. A powerful force dismantled the thread and sucked it into the Omnitool, and the tree beneath Zac''s feet shriveled the moment it lost the source of its power. Zac observed with rapt attention as the final rune lit up, but a sense of foreboding made him look up.


    Just in time to see the golden suns obscured by a rapidly expanding cloud.


    A p of furious thunder shook the jungle, and a familiar pressure pushed down at Zac. Yet he could tell he wasn''t the target of Heaven''s wrath this time. That was all reserved for the Omnitool. Zac had heard of Treasure Tribtions before but didn''t expect to see one right now. For one, the hammer had been crafted an eternity ago, while tribtions were supposed to appear right when the treasure was born.


    Secondly, Zac didn''t feel the Omnitool was an unorthodox item or something solidly on the Boundless Path. It incorporated all Daos, so it should be considered a mixed-meaning treasure within the System''s purview. Of course, it was hard to argue with the crackling lightning above.


    The lightning quickly gathered, and Zac had no option but to throw the Omnitool far into the sky. Intervening with a tribtion would only make things worse for himself and the Omnitool. Ultimately, he had faith in Dasorm, the First People craftsman. Even if he lived in a time before the Dao, he would surely have crafted something that could withstand a bit of lightning.


    The world turned white, then purple, as the first bolt crashed into the hammer. The Omnitool began vibrating as seventeen runes lit up around it. Then, Zac saw something that made his eyes widen with shock. The Omnitool didn''t just withstand the lightning; it actually used the still-lingering bolt to extract tremendous amounts of energy from the clouds above.


    It even prevented the bolt from dissipating somehow, and the crackling clouds were shrinking at speed visible to Zac''s eyes. The Heavens roared with fury, and a second bolt fell to mete judgment. It didn''t help. The Omnitool greedily epted the punishment and used it to form a second connection to the sky.


    A third bolt never descended. The Omnitool had stolen the essence of the Heavens before it got the chance to umte one. Zac looked on with awe as the Omnitool floated down into his hand, only a bit warm from the tribtion.


    "I can''t believe you''re so overbearing," Zac muttered with a smile. "I have a thing or two to learn from you."


    The hammer''s appearance hadn''t changed since the tribtion, but it felt far more tangible in his hands. It also emitted a vast aura, like it contained a replica of the Heavens themselves. All Dao was represented inside, and Zac couldn''t wait to use it to add some Cosmic Cycles.


    A powerful roar in the distance shut down that idea before it could form. One of the rulers of the jungle had been awoken by themotion, and a vast Late D-grade aura spread through the area. Zac had already activated [Void Zone] to hide his presence, and he made a beeline toward the exit.


    Zac appeared in his mansion a few dayster and immediately descended to his workshop at the base. Finally having stabilized the hammer was a big weight off his shoulders. He no longer needed to visit unfamiliar and confusing Red Zones. He''d be able to save weeks every month and put the saved time into furthering his studies into [Cosmic Forge].


    Eight months passed, where Zac spent more than three-quarters of his time inside his mansion. He never left for more than ten days, only heading into a Red Zone based on Life, Death, or Conflict to make some quick Mana. Yet he made even more Mana than when visiting zones based on foreign peaks.


    If exploring the Red Zones based on the other Dao Peaks was like swimming against the current, then visiting battlefields and worlds of Life or Death was like taking a stroll in his backyard. Very few missions managed to stump him, and some resulted in shocking payouts.


    Catheya was also quite happy to have him around more, and he was making great progress on his projects. The pile of discarded practice axes gradually turned into a small hill, but his limits kept being pushed. Finally, he reached the point he''d been waiting for. The axe in his hand had already withstood thirty-three enhancements.


    Zac had reached this point dozens of times already, but none of the others had been as steady as this one. Zac was nervous, but his hands were steady as he extracted the essence from a piece of rusty metal. It had once been a part of an E-grade war axe, but lying on an energy-dense battlefield for eons had transformed the shard into what could pass as a Peak Quality F-grade Natural Treasure containing the Dao of Axe. It was the perfect material for the final step of the second Cosmic Cycle.


    The essence was moved to the practice axe, and Zac didn''t blink for almost thirty minutes as he connected one thread after another. Finally, the essence was fully integrated, but Zac didn''t rx just yet. The axe was trembling precipitously until it eventually stabilized. A fierce aura burst out of the axe as the edge grew a shade darker.


    Sess.


    Only then did Zac breathe out in relief, but he didn''t even get a chance to celebrate before a surge of memories sprouted in his mind. It almost felt like they''d always been there, but he''d just forgotten about them for some reason. Now, the details of [Cosmic Extraction] were finallyid bare, along with the inherited experience where he somehow remembered practicing the technique for decades.


    There weren''t any surprises to the technique. It was almost a reversion of [Cosmic Infusion], where you extracted the equivalent of a single essence from a weapon. The process could be repeated, but each modification would make the extraction more difficult. Of course, if you messed up, there was also the risk of destroying the weapon altogether.


    Zac couldn''t wait to keep practicing, but he first inspected the other burst of information provided bypleting the quest. Likest time, he got a preview of the nextyer, probably to give him something to work toward.


    The thirdyer of [Cosmic Forge] was called [Essence Union]. It still wasn''t a proper crafting technique, but it was getting closer. Zac was only privy to a short introduction to the technique, but that small piece was enough to fill him with excitement and anticipation. The first twoyers were pretty straightforward; to add or remove essence to a piece of equipment.


    [Essence Union] was a technique that would make the process more refined. It was very rare to find an essence that perfectly matched your path. But what if you could take the useful parts of two different Natural Treasures and add some of your Dao as glue? Creating tailor-made essences would allow you to craft a piece of equipment much more suited to your path.


    Zac almost drooled imagining using [Essence Union] to transform all the treasures he''d collected for his Core Formation into perfectly suited materials. Unfortunately, unlocking the next chapter was easier said than done.


    Cosmic Forge (Unique, Inheritance): Extract two Cosmic Cycles from a three-cycle refined item. Reward: [Essence Union]. (0/34)

 Chapter 1048 - Approaching the Limits

    The quest asked Zac to remove two Cosmic Cycles from a ''three-cycle item'' and a refined item at that. In other words, he needed to extract the spirituality of a piece of High-quality E-grade equipment essence by essence until it was reduced to Low Quality. Not only that, but the product needed to be in harmony and not teetering on the brink of copse.


    The task seemed daunting, but Zac was full of vigor as he immediately set out to aplish the task. Cosmic Extraction didn''t provide much use for his Core Formation, but [Essence Union] definitely held a lot of potential. It might allow him topletely reinvent the Core Formation process and side-step the biggest pitfall of being a Mortal Hegemon.


    Unfortunately, will and desire weren''t always enough to move mountains.


    Two months had passed, and Zac nkly looked at the shattered remains of the axe in front of him. He couldn''t believe how much more difficult extraction was than infusion. He was making progress, but he hadn''t managed to extract a single essence so far. Every piece of spirituality in equipment, even those ill-fitting with the rest, was an integral part of their makeup.


    To extract it was to leave a gaping hole in the tool''s inner structure, akin to removing an array g from a formation. You needed speed and a great understanding of energy and materials to quickly rearrange the remaining spirituality before the thing destabilized and exploded. And this was just the firstyer. The difficulty would exponentially increase as you removed more and more pieces from the item.


    Technically, it was within the realm of possibility to finish the quest before he broke through. He had plenty of gear in his Spatial Rings, and there were always some guests selling equipment stockpiles to make a quick buck. But the task itself was just so incrediblyplicated, and the inherited memories were far from enough.


    Zac was confident he''d get there eventually, but not within the time limit he''d set for himself. If he wanted to use [Essence Union] for his core formation, he''d probably have to stay inside the Perennial Vastness for another decade or two. Forck of better options, Zac eventually returned to basics.


    The problem with [Cosmic Extraction] was that his theoretical foundations were severelycking. It was just like when he tried to create his two stances. He was putting the cart before the horse, trying to leapfrog the equivalent of the Formation Stage and directly work on the Integration Stage. Practicing extraction like this was simply inefficient.


    So Zac decided to start from the beginning. He needed to learn to infuse three cycles into an E-grade axe before he could start dismantling it. Building the weapon himself would help him understand how the essences and spiritual threads held an item together. This kind of practice would also help with his core formation ns.


    Their lives had entered a stable routine by that point. Ogras and Catheya often teamed up for missions while snatching the asional bounty through [Perennial Transformations]. Zac joined now and then, but it wasn''t really necessary. Both had managed to push their strength even further with theirtest breakthroughs, so Zac didn''t feel he had to worry about their safety anymore.


    The Seven Heavens failed to ever make aeback in the Perennial Vastness. As expected, another prince came, but he didn''t aplish much. The Undead Empire attacked with wild abandon, crippling his operations before he could set them up.


    The prince ultimately left after just one year, having found himself stuck at an impasse. His movements were constantly tracked, and the previous bloody ughters had made others leery of lending a helping hand. He couldn''t even gather Mana in peace without Revenants tracking his every move.


    None ever attacked him, though. The Revenants obviously weren''t his match. They just lingered at a safe distance, forming the same intangible threat Zac had endured before Valsa struck. The prince eventually stopped visiting even Green Zones, fearful he''d meet the same fate as his sister. Then one day, his storefront was gone.


    As such, there was nothing to hamper Zac''s progress, and the Mana was veritably flowing into his ounts. It allowed him to spend extravagantly in the Keys of Ascension and simr unique zones to speed up his progress with Cosmic Forge and his Core Formation n. Since he had such an abundance of Mana, he even tried other ways to improve.


    Unfortunately, he was fast reaching the same conclusion as Kruta. He had exhausted his potential in the E-grade. His Soul and Constitution required far-too-much energy to progress. His technique had reached a bottleneck as well. It wasn''t that his stances were refined to perfection but that he had no further insights to infuse. The two techniques were based on his Daos and were just Middle Dao Branches. That level of understanding wasn''t enough to reach the higher stages of techniques.


    There was only one holdout where he felt there was still room for improvement; Hidden Nodes. He already had an incredible number of nodes, and all of them were the kind that could evolve. Most would be over the moon with such a result, yet Zac would be lying if he said he was satisfied. Was six really the limit?


    Certainly, there was also [Quantum Gate], but he didn''t count that as a natural Hidden Node. It felt more like the backdoor his Technocrat mother had wanted to use to sneak the Dao of Technology into a cultivator.


    Zac was unsure whether there were any more Void Emperor Nodes hiding in some corner of his body. His instincts said no; it felt like the three formed a single system. But there certainly should be more Draugr nodes. There was just no way three was the limit for a bloodline like Eoz. Even Catheya had opened her fifth Hidden Nodes inside the Perennial Vastness, four of which were bloodline nodes.


    Yet Zac came up empty-handed even after spending 20,000 Mana and multiple C-grade Nexus Coins on treasures and opportunities meant to localize Hidden Nodes. Catheya had tried to help as best as she could, but nothing worked. Eventually, Zac came up with two possible answers.


    One, his odd constitution had made him lose some of his Draugr nodes. Perhaps the Void Emperor-nodes had blocked their appearance. Second, there might be a problem with how he became a descendant of Eoz. Perhaps he didn''t carry the full bloodline.


    After all, the bloodline had been inherited from some samples found in a spatial crack on the frontier. That Draugr corpse definitely wasn''t Eoz himself, but rather some descendant. Even if his Duplicity Core had somehow purified the bloodline to the point he had triggered an ''Ancestral Descent,'' it might be iplete.


    Perhaps that issue would be fixed by visiting the Abyssal Shore and reconnecting with the Abyssal Lake. But for now, the situation looked bleak. Eventually, Zac stopped wasting resources on a fool''s errand. He even gave Ogras [Hanamon''s Awakening], the node-opening treasure he got from Yrial.


    It was extremely precious but worthless to Zac since it only worked when you had already localized a node. The demon had long since done just that and was slowly working on breaking it open. The treasure allowed him to finish the job in one go and spend his extra Mana on other things.


    Having nothing else to work on, Zac focused all his attention on Cosmic Forge. It took him one year of painstaking effort to reach two Cosmic Cycles with an E-grade item. The technique was the same, but the far more powerful insights and energies made the process much more vtile. And while he''d nurtured an almost instinctual understanding of [Cosmic Forge]''s concepts, progress only grew more difficult.


    A highly anticipated guest eventually provided a break from his practice. Zac had just destroyed another practice axe when a snicker almost made Zac''s heart jump out of his mouth. Zac swirled around, finding Esmeralda standing inside his workshop.


    The toad hadn''t appeared once since dropping off the missives, and Zac was shocked at her progress over the past three years. She was over two meters taller and possessed a significantly more powerful aura. It wasn''t enough to pressure Zac, but there was a mysterious depth to her that made him think of his Void Emperor bloodline.


    Esmeralda had probably managed to awaken another part of her heritage, which was one of the most important aspects of a beast''s cultivation. She was progressing quickly, which was undoubtedly a benefit of her unique situation. Of course, Zac was certain Esmeralda was working hard on her cultivation, just like him. The Left Imperial Pce was the key to breaking her curse and returning to her former glory.


    "You scared me," Zac sighed as he looked at the toad anxiously. "It''s done?"


    Esmeralda grinned, making a few signs that said something along the lines of it being child''s y.


    "And everything''s there?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    Esmeralda scoffed and made a series of croaks and exnations. The tirade was both longer and moreplex than he was used to, and it took Zac over ten minutes to figure out what the toad was trying to convey. She didn''t want to stay long, saying she had to leave to get something important. The next time they met, it would be in Zecia before the trial started.


    "My home world is newly integrated and protected by the System," Zac said. "How will you find me?"


    Esmeralda grandly pped her chest, indicating it wouldn''t be a problem. The next moment, she spat out an opalescent pearl still covered in gastric juice. Zac looked at the thing with a grimace but still epted the thing. A few signs indicated that Esmeralda could find that sphere, so he just needed to ce it on a Gathering Array on his.


    "In case your method doesn''t pan out, you can send me a message through the mercantile system," Zac said, handing her an information crystal.


    Esmeralda huffed with annoyance over Zac''sck of faith but still took the crystal. After that, she left, leaving Zac to his own devices. Zac didn''t mind, and he eagerly rushed down to the mountain''s base, where he infused a bit of energy into the ring before throwing it out. Even then, Zac was forced to activate [Earthstrider] to get out of the way as a mountain of treasure rapidly formed.


    The old thief had already exined the situation. Esmeralda had broken all seals and triggers, even those ced on any items inside. However, doing so had destabilized the ring, much like his experiments with [Cosmic Extraction]. She had applied a technique that would keep it temporarily stable, but the moment it was activated, it would spit out everything before copsing.


    Zac''s breaths turned heavy as he gazed upon the mountain of wealth. He almost gave in to the adolescent dream of swimming in a sea of treasure, but he reined himself in. Instead, he called over Catheya and Ogras to help sort through the pile.


    "I''ve been saying you should invite me more often," Ogras said, his eyes veritably burning as dozens of shadowy tendrils dug into the mountain.


    He even conjured eight Shadow Servants, all looking like beautiful Torrid Demons, to help out. They were part of the prize for incorporating that odd little thing inside the Shifting Dream into his Spiritlock Physique. Of course, the appearance of the Shadow Servants was all Ogras. When these things had made their first appearance, Catheya had almost blown a gasket. Zac had been forced to seclude himself to avoid listening to her and Ogras''ints.


    However, something had changed after two months, and Catheya no longer seemed to mind the demon''s antics. She had even figured out a way to give the Shadow Servants dazzling dresses made of ice and mist. Around the same time, Zac started to receive positivements about Catheya from the demon, and he recounted stories where having a stable Dao Companion had gotten one demon or another out of a jam.


    Zac could smell the conspiracy but was happy to y along since it kept the peace. It took over three days to go through it all, even when working together. The number of arrays, talismans, and raw resources was simply shocking. The First Heaven had probably wanted to prepare for any eventuality inside the Perennial Vastness and just sent Valsa inside with a huge care package.


    It made Zacment that all Nexus Coins on Valsa''s person had been returned to the System. He wouldn''t be surprised if her wallet held his whole worth many times over. Still, the prize was nothing to scoff at. A tentative calction put the normal materials at over 15 C-grade Nexus Coins. And with the Zecia war approaching and resources growing scarce, that number could be significantly higher.


    The cash infusion was his biggest one since returning from the Orom World, but it wasn''t quite as exciting now that he had a lucrative Cosmic Vessel production line. Zac was more interested in the unique treasures and cultivation manuals. He found items for both [Love''s Bond] and [Verun''s Bite], and even Haro got some rare resources that would help speed up his growth.


    There were six cultivation manuals in Valsa''s Possession, though none seemed to be the one she practiced. They were rather those of her followers, and Zac guessed she had them to better understand the capabilities of her deathsworn. Most importantly, the manuals were all Peak D-grade, which essentially was the limits of conventional cultivation manuals.


    After that, you''d have to create something individualized whether you wanted to or not. If you aimed for Monarchy, you were probably better off modifying the manual earlier. Still, any of these manuals was enough to be the foundation of a peak force in Zecia, and Zac suddenly had six of them. It wouldn''t help them in the short run but drastically improve Earth''s long-term potential.


    There were also over twenty Inheritance Skill Crystals, all of them of incredible quality. Just like when he got his hands on [Abyssal Phase], they''d let you inherit not just the skill itself but many memories associated with them. While all the skills were good, Zac didn''t find anything he wanted to add to his repertoire.


    Every extra skill you added to your pathways would have to be ounted for when forming your core. Creating a skill perfectly suited to your path was one thing; it didn''t require a lot of work to incorporate. But a semi-suitable skill not of his own creation? It would create an energy imbnce that could cause problems even for cultivators. Zac already had enough baggage not to want to deal with that headache. He had even forgone his ns to create or swap out any more skills before reaching Hegemony.


    Catheya was the same. Most of the skills wouldn''t even work with Miasma, and the others weren''t suitable for her. She was more interested in some generalpendiums and War Arrays they''d found, which would help her broaden her understanding of formations. Catheya ultimately chose to focus on Domains, even with the challenge it presented. But as Zac had suspected, she also wanted to add formations to her path when she had the time.


    Ogras took one of the crystals, a scouting skill called [Wordly Cognizance]. The skill was a lot like the mysterious bowl Vai used to help navigate the dangers of the Void Star, and Zac felt it might be extremely useful inside the Left Imperial Pce. It would provide the demon with a second sense where he''d be able to sense any energy disturbances for kilometers in every direction.


    Even people trying to hide their aura usually left some clues to their presence in the way the energy flowed around them. Only the most talented scouts and assassins managed topletely erase any trace of their presence. The demon hoped to incorporate hiswork of shadows with the skill to amplify the effect even further, but he wouldn''t use the skill crystal until after breaking through. Just like Zac, Ogras didn''t want any extra baggage at this point.


    The rest of the skills and resources would return with him to Port Atwood and be another infusion into the budding empire''s foundations.


    Esmeralda''s visit was only a short break before things returned to normal. Months turned into a blur until Zac finally aplished his goal, where he managed to infuse three full cycles into an E-grade axe. He hadn''t even touched [Cosmic Extraction] all that time, only focusing on shoring up his foundations. Unfortunately, there was no time to delve into the method now.


    It took another two months to incorporate what he''d learned into his Core Formation Method, and almost seven years had passed since entering the Perennial Vastness by that point. It felt like the years had passed in a shpared to his seclusion back on Earth. But Zac could feel it in his bones; it was time to finally move on.


    Zac opened his status screen, looking at the final line briefly.


    [Mana: 109,534]


    He was at the limits of the Eleventh Echelon, where he''d stayed for the past three months. He hadn''t yet felt any hint of the Mana Poisoning as most described it. However, there was a sense of rejection, like the Perennial Vastness was trying to push him out. It was still manageable, but there wasn''t much point in stubbornly resisting.


    Climbing any further wasn''t really an option either. The tenth echelon wasn''t a hard limit on Mana, but hidden safeguards were implemented. Reaching the eleventh had added a whopping 1,000 Mana in a monthly fee,pared to the 100 Mana per echelon in the first ten. He''d still be able to slowly increase his Mana if he applied himself. But with over 3,000 Mana a month in fees, Zac wasn''t sure he''d be able to cross the next echelon.


    Not only that, but Null had already confirmed that the pressure on him would drastically increase if he kept ruing Mana. He was already pushing it by crossing 100,000. Zac doubted he''d even reach the twelfth echelon before the sense of rejection would mess with his Core Formation. The flip side was that each additional echelon beyond the tenth provided significant benefits.


    Reaching the twelfth would improve the environment during your breakthrough by 30%. Better yet, you''d no longer have to pay rent the second you entered seclusion for Core Formation. The Mana you''d gathered would stay with you until the end. And there just so happened to be one final payout waiting for him, one that would let him soar to the 14th echelon in one go.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was finally time to fetch the remnants.

 Chapter 1049 - Back at the Scene

    Zac was reluctant but still sent the message he''d been dreading for so long. Catheya soon arrived, and Zac saw his emotions mirrored on her face.


    "It''s time?" Catheya sighed.


    "It''s time."


    "We only got seven years," Catheya muttered, leaning her head against his chest.


    Zac''s heart bled, but he pressed on. "I can''t stay much longer. I''m going straight into seclusion after getting the remnants. I don''t think I''ll be able to do much beyond sending a message that I''m back."


    "Do you really have to do something so dangerous? Can''t you form your core the normal way?"


    "I could, but it would be just as risky, only in a different way," Zac said. "If my idea works, I''ll be able to skip right past the most dangerous part."


    "I''d ask you to be careful, but when has that ever worked?" Catheya wryly smiled. "When are you leaving?"


    "We still have some time."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac spent the following days not sparing a thought about cultivation, the future, or the many things that usually demanded his attention. He spent all his time with Catheya, trying to squeeze a lifetime into two weeks. Ogras also popped in a few times for a drink and to reminisce. It was blissful, but reality soon caught up.


    "I''m going to miss you," Catheya said as the teleportation gate sprung up behind him. "I''m jealous. It''ll only be a few months for you on the outside. Meanwhile, I''ll stay here for at least another three years."


    Zac weakly smiled as he held her in his arms.


    "Alright, go," Catheya smiled as she took a step back. "It''s time for you to show everyone they were wrong. That you can fuse Life and Death. I can''t wait to see their faces."


    "I''ll miss you," Zac said. "Be careful until we see each other again."


    With that, Zac stepped through the teleporter, jumping through a Green Zone to step onto the teleportation square. Zac''s heart was a mess as he put his hand against the teleportation pir, opening up a path to the Cmity. He stepped inside and was immediately forced to fasten himself to the ground with Vivi''s vines as a roaring wind tried to sweep him off his feet. But not even the raging squalls could drown out the storm in his mind.


    One ind after another shed by as Zac woodenly began the ascent toward the Cmity''s upperyers, but Zac barely registered it. He exuded such a deste aura the native beasts didn''t dare approach, but he almost wished they had. They had tried to keep a positive outlook for the future, but the reality of the situation they found themselves in was impossible topletely ignore.


    The situation was so messy, and there were no guarantees things would work out how they''d hoped. It had almost felt like a breakup, a goodbye. But Zac soon shook himself out of his state. Their problems wouldn''t be solved by him moping around. The sooner he broke through, the more time he would have to work toward their goals on the outside.


    It was an odd feeling, traversing the Cmity again. Seven years had passed since hisst visit. In that time, he hadn''t gotten much stronger, really. His only real gain was his evolved constitution, but his attributes were almost the same. Even then, it waspletely different being back.


    It was so easy.


    Part of it was certainly his eleventh-echelon Mana Domain. The unstable deposits of Life and Death were bent to his will within ten meters. It essentially removed the danger from sudden and deadly explosions biting into his flesh. The other part was experience. Having visited so many dangerous regions had given him an instinctual understanding of Dao-filled environments'' shifting and unpredictable nature.


    The first step was understanding they weren''t unpredictable at all. The seemingly random storm around him followed thews of Dao, just like everything else. The better you understood the Dao, the better you would be prepared for whatever the universe threw at you. When paired with his Danger Sense and connection to the Daos around him, Zac didn''t even get close to encountering anything considered dangerous over the next two days.


    Admittedly, he had luck on his side. The loweryer of the Cmity was somewhat calm, without any squalls that forced him to take cover. He kept a steady pace climbing higher and higher, eventually reaching an ind just below a dense cloud curtain crackling with unstable energy.


    It was the great divider separating the lower and upper regions of the Cmity. You could consider it the test you needed to pass to ess the richer environments above. All beasts living on the lower inds dreamed of making it through the barrier, but most Early Beast Kings would have to put their lives on the line to pass through.


    Zac didn''t believe he''d be quite that pressed, but he still made ample preparations as he waited for an opportunity to arrive. The hours passed until Zac finally sensed the eruption of energy below he''d been waiting for. There was no ind inside the storm curtain you could use to advance. Instead, you had to catch a ride.


    Small vibrations shook the ind, indicating it was time to go. A goldenurel appeared on Zac''s head while the pirs of [Empyrean Aegis] rose behind him. With his defenses in ce, Zac disappeared from the shore, using [Earthstrider] to appear over a hundred meters into the air. The jump allowed him to get a better look at the situation below, and he took two rapid steps to get into position.


    Normally, he''d already be falling toward the depths below, but Zac activated a Wind Talisman to temporarily render him weightless. Then, a specialized glider looking like a huge frisbee appeared beneath his feet, just in time for a powerful pir of wind to m into it from below. Thebination of his weightlessness and the glider''srge surface area resulted in a tremendous amount of lift, and Zac shot upward like a cannon.


    The glider broke apart from the energy-dense updraft, but it had already served its purpose. Zac deactivated the wind talisman just as he was about to enter the clouds, returning his weight. Even then, he found himself tossed around like a ragdoll by the raging storm within. Not even his Mana Domain was enough to quell the unbridled energy around him, and Zac found himself in the same situation as when he first entered the Cmity all those years ago.


    He was like a leaf in the middle of a hurricane, and a constant barrage of chaotic explosions tried to break through the golden barrier enclosing him. Zac could feel the first and second pirs crumbling down below, and bleeding gashes started appearing on his body.


    The calming effect of his blood worked wonders, and the storm weakened a bit. Zac helped the process by opening a series of wounds across his body, which helped spread out the effect. Still, the onught was relentless. The third pir soon crumbled, and the fourth was teetering on copse.


    Luckily, the curtain wasn''t all that thick, and the umted momentum had given him more than enough speed. Zac shot out of the clouds just as the fourth pir copsed. He took out a second glider and used the remaining updraft to steer the vessel toward a nearby ind.


    He was in luck. Sometimes, you found yourself in the middle of a no man''snd after passing through. At that point, you could only fall back into the curtain to make a second attemptter, unless you had some special means of flight. With the curtain ovee and an ind just ten minutes away, Zac knew he''d passed the first hurdle of his mission.


    Zac took out a healing pill as he took in the surroundings. It was a familiar yet foreign scene. The upperyer of the Cmity was mostly more of the same, but everything was magnified. The innumerable suns wererger and more radiant, resulting in greater ambient energies. That, in turn, generated more ferocious storms.


    In such an environment, the smaller inds of the lower region wouldn''t survive for long. As such, the upper inds were fewer but muchrger, and Zac could already spot three hulking Cmity Mountains floating in the distance. More importantly, he could vaguely feel a hint of his targeting from somewhere above. The fluctuations were weak and distant, but it was unmistakably Creation and Oblivion.


    It could have been just a natural urrence of the Daos. The environment was certainly energy-dense enough to form at least some hints of the upper Daos of the Peak of Chaos. The remnants were stirring in his mind, though, confirming that it wasn''t some random treasure that had been born.


    Zac soon reached the ind, where he was greeted by two powerful presences locking onto him. He hesitated a moment before releasing his aura. He only did so momentarily before restraining it as he ran, keeping to the shores. The pressure receded soon after, and the owners never made an appearance.


    The auras had likely belonged to Middle Stage Beast Kings, but they hadn''t bothered with him after confirming he was just crossing the area. The aura he''d released was also enough to give them pause, and these beasts were smart enough to realize he wasn''t looking to take anyone''sir like the vagabonds.


    Not all beasts were so pragmatic, and Zac was forced into one pitched battle after another as he continued his ascent. Some beasts were simply stupid and aggressive; others wanted to gobble him up to improve their cultivation. After all, he was essentially a Supreme Natural Treasure with his attuned constitutions to the beasts of the Cmity. The constant harassment was annoying, but it wasn''t even at the level of Endless Cerulean.


    And the call urged him on.


    It hadn''t taken long for the intangible feeling of the remnants had turned into something clear. He could sense both splinter and shard above, and they seemed to be quite close to each other. A day passed as he got closer and closer until he finally spotted the source. He had just crossed a huge ind that looked like a t hill, possibly the broken-off base of a Cmity Mountain, and his destination was finally in full view.


    It wasn''t a Cmity Mountain as he''d expected, but rather two suns seemingly locked in orbit with each other. They were slowly rotating just outside each other''s reach, like duelists circling their opponent in search of an opening. You didn''t need to have your head crammed full of ancient horrors to realize there was something different about these two sunspared to the others. The darkness of the ''death''-attuned star was much deeper, like the orb atop his [Pir of Destion].


    Just looking at it left Zac''s eyes stinging, and he felt his mind turn sluggish as the Dao within tried to erase his thoughts, even his soul. At this distance and with his defenses, it was only a small difort. The golden sun was filled with vigor, pulsating like it was about to go supernova. It constantly released erratic sr res that contained opalescent mes that filled Zac''s mind with ideas.


    It was clear, however, that these suns weren''t purely made from Oblivion and Creation. The vast majority was still Life and Death, just like the rest of the suns in the Red Zone. Zac remembered the visions of the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation. How they''d roved the universe, consuming and destroying to fuel their path. Most likely, the remnants had entered two normal suns, attaching themselves like parasites to siphon off their energy.


    There was also a smattering of small moons floating around the two suns, forming a confusing pattern where they rotated around their respective element. Zac wasn''t in any hurry to fly over since the ind he was on was slowly drifting closer, so he hid and observed the situation. The small moons looked inert, but they gave Zac a dangerous feeling.


    As expected, something changed after two hours as a fifty-meter-long bird with beautiful golden feathers emerged from one of the satellites. It released a preening cry filled with the Dao of Life and hunger before jumping off. Zac frowned as the bird shot straight for the unstable sun. He wanted to intervene, but the bird was an Early Hegemon that excelled at speed.


    It had essentially turned into a golden streak of light as it shot into the outer corona. A deste cry echoed through the region before the quiet resumed. A minuteter, a scorched and mutated miscreation dropped out of the mes, falling toward the storm curtain far below. Zac sighed as he looked at the burning carcass. The remnant''s call of unfettered possibility had probably corroded its mind.


    There were no doubt far more creatures hiding within those satellites, resisting the temptations while using the remnant''s unique Dao to cultivate. Yet none had moved to intervene, which made Zac believe it wasn''t the first time a beast lost control and got itself killed. That was definitely good news. Pushing through those suns to reach the remnants would be difficult enough. It might be too much to handle if he also had to deal with a bunch of Beast Kings.


    The ind eventually reached its closest point to the twin suns, and Zac jumped off just as it drifted away. This time, he was in his Draugr form, and he released a bloody but not too overbearing aura of the Dao of Death. It was just a bit stronger than what the bird just now had emitted.


    It was the best solution he coulde up with after some deliberation; show the hidden inhabitants he was strong enough to qualify for a spot on the satellites but not strong enough to threaten the natural order of things. Even then, Zac''s heart thumped as two immense auras swept over him, each belonging to Late Stage Beast Kings. They were even more overbearing than the mysterious beast in the Cmity Mountain that had just disappeared when the whole thing copsed.


    The pressure almost made him turn the glider around, but he gritted his teeth and stayed the course. His gambit proved sessful. The death-attuned aura lingered a bit longer than the other, but it eventually retreated. Zac had been prepared for a bloody struggle, but skipping that step was obviously preferable.


    There was no way he''d be able to take out a Late-stage Beast King without going all out. Even then, he''d likely be left with grievous wounds, if he seeded at all. Either case, it would mess with the next step of his n, so he thanked his lucky stars as he gingerlynded on one of the smaller moons. The Dao of Oblivion was much clearer this close to the remnant, but Zac made no move toward the sun.


    Instead, Zac dug a simple cave and settled in, ignoring the increasing sense of urgency from the remnants trapped inside the prison. The splinters were especially agitated from being so close to one of their brethren, but the shards were not much better. The second sun was not far away, releasing its beckoning call. Zac let the remnants groan andin inside their cage. Everything was under control as long as they didn''t fully wake up and started to fight.


    Zac spent the next five days in ''meditation,'' where he only emerged once a day to stand at the moon''s surface. It was to get a full view of the sun as it rose from below like a sunrise. In reality, Zac didn''t spend a second in meditation. What would be the point? For one, he simply couldn''t meditate on the Daos like cultivators or the hidden Beast Kings around him. And even if he could, he was still inside a Time Chamber.


    In reality, Zac kept a constant watch of energy fluctuations and auras, gauging the reactions of his neighbors. On the first day, more than ten perceptions locked onto him when he emerged from the cave. After six days, none bothered with him anymore. The auras had stabilized, indicating the beasts had slowly returned to a meditative state. The locals would wake up when Zac made his move, but exchanging a few thousand Mana for a couple of seconds of extra time might be the difference between sess and failure.


    The rest of the time was spent really observing the sun, formting a strategy to snatch the remnant within. Luckily, Zac had experience with simr missions and some unique advantages that would put him in a far better position than the unfortunate bird from the other day.


    On the seventh day, Zac''s eyes opened thirty minutes before his daily outing to witness the sunrise. Everything was the same, but Zac felt the intangible winds of destiny urge him forward. The slumbering momentum in his body had started stirring years ago when he added thest piece to the Omnitool, but it had been too early. Zac had kept things in check since then, but it was no point in holding back any longer. His heart beat with excitement, but he was careful to keep his aurapletely steady as he took out the [Hollow Core].


    If everything went ording to n, he''d start his Core Formation within the hour.

 Chapter 1050 - Like the Moth

    "Mad�� you''re mad," Null cried in Zac''s mind as he opened his robes to expose his stomach. "You''re already at the eleventh echelon, and the boss confirmed you''d reach the fourteenth by snatching these things.


    "Do you know what the fourteenth echelon means? I don''t even know when someone reached that levelst time. It''ll be like having the boss himself aiding you in your Core Formation. Even the top-tier guests go into seclusion after hitting the eleventh. A rare few narrowly squeeze into the twelfth."


    Zac ignored Null''s prattling. It had been a daily nuisance since the guide realized what he was nning to do, or at least part of it.


    "You have everything you need to aplish your goal already. There''s no need to go to these lengths, risking both our lives! People normally go into seclusion for months to stabilize their Dao and minds before they break through, not doing foolish things like this!"


    "This is happening, whether you like it or not," Zac answered with a thought. "You''re better off cheering me on than trying to sow seeds of doubt in my mind. Or keep watch of the big guy hiding in that moon over there."


    "Bah, fine!" Null said with exasperation. "For seven years, you''ve tortured me with your antics. Worsees to worst; I''ll just die. At least my torment will be over."


    "That''s the spirit," Zac smiled as he infused some Mental Energy filled with all three of his Daos into the [Hollow Core].


    The Natural Treasure looked like a somewhat dull crystal orb, but it lit up when his Daos entered its empty innards. It drew some energy from the environment, prompting a set of previously invisible markings to appear on its surface. Most of them were natural markings, but there were also a few exquisite runes engraved.


    The runes were undoubtedly carved by the artisan who had realized the use of the [Hollow Core]. They had nothing to do with the Core Formation itself but rather helped with absorbing the treasure. The runes detached the moment they had absorbed enough ambient energy and formed a circle around his exposed belly button.


    Zac felt a foreign energy enter his body and ordered his Hidden Nodes not to interfere. The energy soon congealed into a small sphere, which Zac dragged toward his Duplicity Core. He had long since realized that the Core Formation would have to ur within the Specialty Core, which meant the first step was to put the [Hollow Core] inside.


    That way, it would act like an instingyer, protecting the Duplicity Core from being damaged while he worked with the dangerous energies of the Core Formation process. The [Hollow Core] would eventually liquefy into pure energy that nourished and stabilized the finished core, at which point Zac would connect the Cosmic Core with his Specialty Core.


    Much of the Duplicity Core''s makeup was still outside his understanding. Not even Ultom could unravel the secrets behind his family''s ultimate experiment. Partly because it almost felt like the runes across its surface were encrypted, but most of the reason was that he couldn''t pierce the outeryers to inspect what hid within. Not even Ultom could provide answers out of nowhere.


    That fact was problematic, but the bouts of Lake-fueled inspiration had allowed him to intuit a few conclusions. First, Zac strongly believed the Duplicity Core would automatically evolve when connected with a finished Cosmic Core. It was possible he''d have to fuel the process with a bunch of treasures, but he was already prepared for that eventuality.


    Secondly, there was actually a hidden "hatch" on the Duplicity Core. He had never managed to open it before, but Zac was certain it was meant for the Core Formation process. So Zac led the small orb toward the hatch, preparing to force it open by force. However, the hatch opened on its own when the orb drew close.


    It was as though the Duplicity Core knew what he was up to, and the thought made a grim frown appear on Zac''s face. Truthfully, he would have preferred using his, admittedly crude, solutions to having the Duplicity Core act independently. For one, he didn''t want any help from his mother''s faction, even indirect help.


    It also added unpredictability to the ns he had painstakingly put together. However, he couldn''t stop now, like one couldn''t take back a loosened arrow. The hatch opening wasn''t the only change to the Duplicity Core. It was dragging energy into the space within. It was fine for now since he could use his energy and Dao to amodate the pull.


    Since it was his energy, it obviously wouldn''t add heterogeneity to his Core Formation. It would, however, affect some of his ns. Furthermore, the amount of energy dragged into the core was more than Zac could sustain. He estimated he''dst a day before running out of energy. Zac would be left with no choice but to start using treasures at that point, no matter whether he was ready to form his core or not.


    Interestingly enough, Miasma wasn''t the only energy entering the Duplicity Core. Normal Cosmic Energy seeped out of the walls, providing no clue where it was stored. Not only that, but it was in an incredibly mysterious state Zac couldn''t exin. It both existed and didn''t in a weird quantum state of uncertainty.


    It felt illusory, yet the energy was certainly there based on how it interacted with the Miasma. Zac couldn''t feel any connection to it either, unlike the Miasma and Dao being dragged inside. There was, however, a weak hint of the Void hidden in the Cosmic Energy. It wasn''t like the Void Energy he used to power skills or his bloodline talents, but more like the theories of the Void had inverted the Cosmic Energy from its natural state.


    Zac already suspected his bloodline was the key to making his Duplicity Core work, and this was further evidence supporting that theory. For all the grief Leandra had caused him, he had to give the Kayar-Elu some credit. They really knew what they were doing when forming this mysterious core.


    The Technocrats had probably added the automated energy pull to make the Core Formation process easier, but it had turned into a ticking time bomb for him. Zac inwardly cursed his mother for only dropping a few vague hints before leaving, but there was nothing to do about it. He knew his n had many uncertainties, and he was already prepared to make some adjustments on the go. This was just another bump in the road.


    The small glowing orb entered the hatch without a hitch, and it transformed in a sh of light. The next second, Zac felt a weak but stable connection to the crystal sphere from within his Duplicity Core. The treasure had returned to its physical form. It was easy to forget, but a Cosmic Core was not a spiritual phenomenon like a Soul Aperture or Skill Fractals. When cultivators formed a Cosmic Core, they essentially grew a new organ. Mortals such as himself had to build it instead.


    A mentalmand expanded the crystal sphere until he felt an intractable resistance from the outside. Zac performed some calctions, nodding his head with satisfaction. The less space he had for the core formation, the more difficult the process would be. He''d even prepared three scenarios depending on the situation.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The hidden space within the Duplicity Core wasn''t quite as big as Zac''s most optimal scenario, but it was still quite generous. He''d be able to follow his main scenario and even have some extra breathing room in case of mishaps or unexpected turn of events.


    He''d already isted his cave, but the [Hollow Core]''s fluctuations had stirred some nearby auras. The beasts'' meditative slumber had been disturbed, but they soon stilled. Zac was relieved but not surprised. If you woke up from every minor fluctuation inside the Cmity, you''d never get a wink of sleep. The process had taken quite some time, almost making himte. Zac took a breath before leaving the cave, just like he had the past six days.


    The moon''s surface was currently drowned in the light of Life and Creation from the distant star. But that soon changed as darkness rose from below, supnting Life with Death. It was time.


    Miasma surged, and the world was reduced to a dull monochrome as time seemingly ground to a halt. Zac flew off the edge, down toward the Oblivion Sun, before any beasts could react. He extracted tremendous speed from his Peak-mastery [Abyssal Phase], but it wasn''t enough to elude the locals. One consciousness after anothertched onto him as he pierced into the deathly corona.


    Zac didn''t feel any killing intent from the observers��they likely thought him yet another fool consumed by greed after just a few days in the splinter''s presence. Having his movement skill forcibly dispelled by the rampant energies on the sun''s surface probably reinforced this impression. The Beast Kings wouldn''tugh for long.


    Death flooded his body as he fell through the sun''s outeryer, and the echoes of Oblivion created zones of extreme danger he had to desperately avoid. Their concentration was manageable this far out, but it was enough to awaken the remnants. They had been stirring inside their cage for a week, and their energies were fast rising in response to the environment.


    Zac tried to endure the corona''s fiery onught as long as possible but was soon forced to activate [Profane Exponents]. The floating skeletons climbed onto his back, and a protective shield formed around him. This was the main reason he targeted the splinter first. The absolute defenses of [Empyrean Aegis] were slightly higher, but it would have forced him to leave the pirs back on the moon. A single thought of the Late-Stage Beast Kings would tear apart his protection.


    The outer coronaprised roughly half the sun''s diameter and was made out of Death-attuned Energy packed so tightly it mimicked mes. Beneath was a semi-solidyer simr tova or a viscous ichor. Not even a Draugr was spared from the crazy amounts of Death that tried to tear him apart, but it was still manageable.


    More troubling was the Dao of Oblivion. It was far more pronounced this far in, enough for the mesh of remnants inside the cage to finally separate. Splinters and shards entered a familiar war, where one side tried to break out while the other wanted to contain them. Three sets of remnants fighting pushed the limits of what the cage could withstand, and Zac was rmed to see bursts of energy leak into his Soul Aperture.


    A hint of killing intent finally appeared in the auras when Zac pushed into the molten core. Zac couldn''t sense the situation outside, but he wouldn''t be surprised if the beasts had already crawled out of their caves by this point. It wouldn''t be long before the leaders werepelled to take action, and Zac knew exactly what would set them off.


    Cracks appeared across the small pygmy skeletons as they did their best to block and divert the unrelenting inferno around him, but a scream of danger warned Zac that the true peril of the sun was about to strike. A pulse of pure Oblivion was bearing down on him. There was no time to worry about the fallout as Zac channeled Oblivion into his shoulders.


    Conflict and Oblivion fused and formed a sphere of nothingness between his hands. It consumed any Death that came close and then merged with the approaching pulse. There was no way for Oblivion to destroy Oblivion, but they weren''t exactly the same. One was unbridled destruction, while the [Annihtion Sphere] was infused with Zac''s will.


    The difference allowed Zac to extract enough Oblivion to create a safe passage through the pulse. Doing so tripled the size of the [Annihtion Sphere], and it was rapidly going out of control. Zac was ready for that and threw it out in front of him with all force he could muster. The sphere created a tunnel of nothingness before copsing in a huge implosion that pulled Zac closer.


    The miniature ck hole was gone as quickly as it appeared, and Zac had managed to use it to speed up a bit. The experience was just like when he got the Shard of Creation inside the Twilight Ocean. It had been in the heart of a volcano, releasing deadly pulses that he''d been forced to fight through.


    Since then, Zac had grown a lot stronger, both his constitution and soul. It allowed him to control the uncooperative energies better, and the collision only cost him two of his fingertips. He could even have gone further and infused [Profane Exponents] with Oblivion topletely block the pulse.


    Of course, doing so would do more harm than good. With his tight schedule, there simply hadn''t been time to do anything with the energy highways on his shoulders. He''d only had time to reinforce his [Thousand Lights Avatar] to the point it would hopefully withstand what was about to happen. As such, he was still forced to rely on the Dao Molds if he wanted to channel Creation or Oblivion into his skills.


    And while the molds had improved since his sessful attempt in his fight with Valsa, they still weren''t able to properly carry that kind of force. Zac continued toward the star''s core, hoping to reach his target before it released another pulse. Things had worked out just like Zac had hoped, but not everyone rejoiced about his sess.


    A furious roar shook the star, and Zac''s bones groaned when a tremendous aura crashed into him from outside. It clearly belonged to the ruler of the Oblivion Star, but Zac wasn''t phased in the slightest. He even used the pressure to speed up as he dug toward the core with wild abandon.


    He''d known that using Oblivion Energy would warn the kings outside that things were different this time. That he wasn''t just a greedy fool overestimating his capabilities. Zac wryly smiled, realizing that thetter might depend on who you asked. But the fact remained that someone who could wield Oblivion held the key to stealing the remnant.


    Zac could feel a huge presence draw closer with speed that outssed his own, but it was within his calctions. The sun wasn''t that big, and he could already feel the remnant ahead. As long as he absorbed the splinter before the Beast King caught up, then everything would be fine. In fact, he dared that guy to target him when he had a splinter-worth of Oblivion coursing through his body.


    Soon, Zac felt the splinter was just 100 meters away. The energy was just unbearable by that point, and [Profane Exponents] couldn''t withstand the assault any longer. The skeletons crumbled, and the star''s energy dug into his body. Even his undead constitution started dying from the immense and uncontroble aggression. Skin and limbs withered as aforting yet terrifying cold gripped his soul.


    Yet Zac pushed on, using his Dao and Hidden Nodes to fight back. He was almost there. The resistance was far greater this far into the star, and the tar-like ichor had almost turned into a solid. Zac was forced to dig his way forward, all while the sense of doom drew closer. Then, a scream of danger forced Zac to take drastic measures.


    A huge jagged de giving off a profoundly ancient aura dug into the solidified energy in front of him, and the Branch of the War Axe allowed him to carve a scar over forty meters deep. Zac didn''t even have time to finish the swing before he''d turned into an abyssal wraith that squeezed into the crack. He even left the practice axe behind, not daring to waste even a fraction of a second.


    It was lucky as well, as a huge taloned w tore into the star right where he just stood. A whole section of the Oblivion Sun was ripped out, finally exposing the local tyrant. It was a skeletal monstrosity over one hundred meters long, its bones covered in ck mes that resembled fur. It reminded Zac of the Gwyllgi back home, except for its size and two wings made of burning bones that didn''t seem attached to its main body.


    Zac didn''t know if it had been raised from the bones of a fallen beast or if it was something that had naturally been born that way. Either case, the Beast King emitted a murderous aura, and it wasn''t sparing any effort to deal with him. It was willing to carve off a good chunk of the star as long as it killed Zac.


    Thankfully, it wasn''t quick enough, and Zac appeared at the edge of the scar just as the w passed. Deep wounds covered his whole body after forcibly using his movement skill in such an unstable environment, but some surface wounds beat being swiped by a Late-stage Beast King.


    A deadly me grew in the Gwyllgi''s maw, but Zac didn''t bother activating any defensiveyers. Only [Pir of Destion] had a chance at withstanding the thing, and that skill couldn''t be activated in this environment. Instead, Zac desperately dug on as more Oblivion was extracted from his mind.


    A second [Annihtion Sphere] tore through the inner core while swallowing the ambient Oblivion. Zac was fast losing control, but he furiously held onto his will. He could feel the splinter right ahead, and Zac grinned upon sensing that it had actually detached itself from the sun''s core. Did it sense its siblings, perhaps, and wanted to swim over?


    Zac was soon forced to throw away the [Annihtion Sphere], and it erased a huge swathe of the magma barring his path. His mind was already screaming of danger, and not because of the sun rapidly destabilizing from the punishment it had been forced to endure. The Gwyllgi''s all-out attack was fast drawing closer. Zac knew he wouldn''t make it in time, so he forcibly activated [Abyssal Phase] again, even if he knew it would damage the fractal.


    It was narrowly enough to cross the void created by his outburst of Oblivion. On the other side, was a smooth sphere of solid ck. Zac didn''t know exactly what it was, but he suspected it was a special shell protecting the sun''s core��a shell that was now cracked, leaking vast amounts of energy. Zac could feel it just on the other side, and his arm squeezed into the crack. The world slowed down as extinction poured into his arm, and a smile spread across Zac''s lips.


    So far, so good.

 Chapter 1051 - All for Ones Dream

    The usually crowded Road of Repentance was abandoned. The hawkers had left their stalls where they stood, and the enshrined patrons were without reverend attendants. A suffocating silence held the road in its grip, and his approach only amplified it. The sounds of his boots stepping on the zed tiles were annihted, creating the illusion of illusion.


    The same was true for the birdcage hanging from a chain wrapped around his left arm. Oblivion swept away the anguished screams of the men and women trapped inside. They only got to live on in his mind for a brief instant before being forever erased from the river of time. Some thought him a ghost, and while his corporeity was still there, they were not exactly wrong. Since he epted this path, he''d be the ghost of future''s sin.


    It all had to be torn down before it was toote.


    The walls of Emyr''s Sanctuary rose toward the sky, a bastion of salvation that had served as a both administrative and spiritual capital for eons. False salvation, certainly, but he still felt a muted pang of sorrow that his path had led him back here. The fact that he felt anything at all proved that the centuries spent inside these vermillion walls weren''t so easily erased.


    Atop the ramparts stood the Celestial Guard, thousands of them decked in glistening armor. He could feel the fear, the hatred, the despair. The four outer sanctuaries had already fallen at his hands, where utter nothingness was left in his wake. Yet they stood tall, remembering their training and their oaths.


    Above the central gate floated a vaguely familiar face, her expression marred by sorrow rather than the mixed bag of the soldiers below her. He tried to remember who this priestess was, but he couldn''t match it with those he knew during his years in Emyr''s Sanctuary. Then again, it was all so blurry. She clearly recognized him yet dared to fly out of the protective barrier to speak with him.


    "Lord Norosa, you have to stop!"


    "Norosa�� A name I haven''t heard in a long time," he spoke, his voice gravelly from disuse.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "It''s not toote to turn back. You are inviting a cmity. On yourself, on the citizens of the Holy Empire!" the priestess entreated, hesitating a second before continuing. "You said the core t of the clergy was to serve. Is this how you serve?"


    So it was her.


    To think that little nun be an lesiastic Tributary in a short 800 years. Sina, was it? He remembered the young acolyte who had been so full of righteousness, openly catechizing her local bishop over his excess. How she''d approached his fellow inquisitors to mete out justice against a fellow member of the cloth.


    Come to think of it, it was around that time his faith had started to waver, when he''d begun noticing the cracks beneath the vermillion veneer. She hadn''t changed much except for a few marks left by the passing of time and the burden of office. He was surprised someone like this had risen so far through the ranks in a few centuries.


    "Turn back?" he said, a dark smile spreading. "I severed my name along with my past. I sacrificed it all to build the bridge toward the future. To cleanse these rottennds, I will be an avatar of extermination, even if I have to sacrifice my immortal soul. Only through destruction can rebirth take ce. That is how I serve."


    Confusion, anger, and revulsion when she looked at the cage. He wondered if she recognized the men and women who had be fuel for the undertaking. If she did, she didn''t seem to care about their fate. Was this young woman truly an enemy or someone who had been pushed to the forefront because of their tenuous connection?


    Sina opened her mouth as struggle appeared on her face.


    "I''ve recently learned what happened, what the church tried to cover up. But you should better understand the truth than anyone! It''s all because of those things," she said. "It twists minds, turns devout servants into madmen. Keeping the five sins of extermination sealed is the burden our church has borne for millennia, all to keep the citizens safe!"


    He only shook his head in response. So the little nun thought it was revenge.


    "Our training and piety don''t make us immutable," Sina pressed on, her pure eyes pleading. "The sin of extermination never lets up, and our mortal minds can''t fully block its immortal will. Mistakes were made, and tragedy struck, but the events at Polsara are not indicative of the church as a whole! If you fulfill the prophecy, everything we''ve worked toward will be undone. Emyr''s sacrifice will be undone."


    It looked like she still didn''t understand the truth. Mortals weren''t the only ones who could be corrupted by the immortal will of extermination. Emyr''s sacrifice had long since been undone by the twisted will of Emyr himself.


    "That''s exactly what has to happen," he said, pointing [Edge of Oblivion] against the city. "Right or wrong, the chains have to be broken. I have set out on this path, and I will see it to the end. For our history, I hope you will give way. The citizens will need guidance after the copse."


    "You know I cannot do that," Sina said, tears running down her eyes as five halos sprung up behind her back.


    The halos grew to cover the whole gate, each stretching hundreds of meters into the air. Sky shook, and one red pir of light after another descended as the Celestial Array answered her call. He looked upon the scene with equanimity. The situation wasmentable, but it wasn''t enough to create a ripple in his heart.


    Four roars of extermination entered his sword, and a wave of Oblivion rippled forward. The young nun channeled the whole sanctuary''s umted faith in a desperate attempt to block, and the warriors atop the walls formed an interlocking wall of shields. It wasn''t enough.


    Sina, along with his memories of her, were consumed, and the outer wall of Emyr''s Sanctuary was no more. Four emaciated sinners finally had nothing more to give, and their final wails of pain and release echoed in his mind as ash drifted out of the birdcage. He barely noticed it. The wall''s copse had finally let him sense it.


    The fifth artifact of extermination. The key to stopping the resurrection of the mad god.


    ----------


    The fourth Splinter of Oblivion didn''t assault Zac with a confusing and endless series of miserable fates. It only showed him three, each far more detailed than those before it. The Grand Inquisitor Nosora who sacrificed everything to save his country. To destroy the nightmare created from a god''s soul utterly tainted by the Splinters of Oblivion.


    The Seven Destes Emperor, who turned his small duchy into a powerful empire through a ruthless campaign spanning millennia. The Oblivion Dragon who hunted down splinters to enhance its bloodline.


    The goals of these three werepletely different, as were their temperaments. The one thing inmon was that all four held four Splinters of Oblivion in their souls. Furthermore, while they all struggled against the madness, they still held onto their purpose. Mostly. Whether it was Nosora, the emperor, or the dragon, they had lost most of their emotions.


    But in their case, it wasn''t without their awareness. It was the price they willingly paid for their Dao, for their goals. They had severed pieces of their soul to feed the remnants, much like some Cultivators severed their seven emotions and six desires.


    Was that what the Heart of Oblivion wanted to show him? That it was fine if he wanted to borrow their power, but a price had to be paid. That was simply the Law of Bnce. It was a stark difference from the visions he had endured inside the Orom World. Those scenes had been filled with despair and defeat, like the splinters were trying to drown him in despair and doubt. His Dao Heart had almost crumbled then, and the experience was the main reason he''d been so eager to practice his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    Now, it almost felt like all that hard work was for nothing.


    Had the remnants realized his Dao Heart had grown far stronger since and instead opted for negotiation? Or was it another trap, an attempt to steer him down a path of no return? Ultimately, it didn''t matter much, and this wasn''t the time to figure things out. The splinter had already entered his body, and Zac ushered it toward his Soul Aperture before it could unleash too much destruction on his body.


    Meanwhile, he furiously rebuffed any Oblivion Energy that got close to his Duplicity Core. He even sacrificed some of his hold on the splinter to create a durable barrier of Mental Energy aimed at protecting the hatch.


    The world sped up again, where an urgent warning of danger and shrieking fury greeted him. The undead Gwyllgi understood what had happened, and its murderous intent was powerful enough to make the whole star quake. Not that it needed any help in that department. The splinter had infiltrated the Ster Core for who knows how long, and Zac could sense how its vast energies were fast going out of control.


    The situation inside his soul mirrored the chaos outside, with the splinter releasing torrential amounts of Oblivion while trying to break into the prison. Luckily, Zac had both experience and the strength of a Three Fates Soul this time around and managed to simultaneously reinforce the prison and rebuff the new splinter.


    However, a sudden chorus of madness and destruction threatened to overwhelm even his reinforced Dao Heart. The four splinters formed a powerful resonance, resulting in a far greater impact on his mind. And the more the splinter''s Oblivion tainted his soul, the harder it became to resist the corruption.


    The screams of danger grew more urgent as a ck sphere shot out of the Gwyllgi''s mouth and entered the ball of destructive mes already bearing down on him. The sphere made the fireball condense until it was no more than five meters across, just a small ember in front of the deathly sun. However, the aura it suddenly radiated filled Zac with terror, and it made him realize he had underestimated just how angry he''d made the Late-Stage Beast King.


    The crazed beast had actually spat out its Beast Core to reinforce the attack.


    Doing so was an act of all-out aggression. The attack would contain the full force of the Beast King''s cultivation base, but it was extremely dangerous. Damage to the Beast Core could mean millennia of weakness until the damage was repaired. If it broke, the Beast King was crippled. In other words, the Gwyllgi was putting everything on the line to kill him.


    Seeing the situation, Zac opted to go for broke. Madness and determination gleamed in his abyssal eyes as he dragged the umting storm of Oblivion out of his soul, steering it into his hand. Pain wracked him as small cracks covered his skin, but there was nothing else to do. A beam of pure nothingness shot out of his hand, but not toward the iing st of deathly mes.


    Instead, it carved a tunnel straight through the Ster Core, and Zac rushed inside. The sudden attack was the straw that broke the camel''s back, and the sun went supernova. The core exploded, unleashing a shockwave that tore apart space like it was made out of paper. Zac was right at the epicenter, but pulses of Oblivion consumed most of the force crashing into him.


    The same was true for the iing attack. The Gwyllgi''s desperate attack tore through the sun''s outeryers like it was nothing, but the following shockwave was another thing entirely. It was filled with the energy of a sun corrupted by Oblivion for who knows how long and then augmented even further by Zac''s outburst.


    The two forces collided, forming spatial tears that stretched for kilometers. A scream of pain and anger pierced Zac''s already beleaguered soul, leaving a set of surface cracks across both Soul Cores. The sense of danger had mostly abated, proving his n had worked.


    Zac was killing two birds with one stone. He needed to vent the unbearable amounts of Oblivion before his Soul Aperture was overwhelmed, and he needed to deal with the iing threats. Or perhaps you could say three birds with one stone, even if thest benefit levied a painful price across his body.


    Skin tore and bones snapped as deadly force pushed him forward, out of the inner mantle and out of the copsing star. A second shockwave followed the first as the ck sun expanded. The explosion elerated Zac even further, turning him into a streak of ck.


    A streak that moved right toward the golden sun in the distance.


    Zac breathed out in relief upon seeing his guess had been true. Only one consciousness with a strong mark of Life had inspected him as he approached the deathly star. Simrly, none of the life-attuned beasts had targeted him with killing intent as he moved on the splinter. Why would they? Life and Death didn''t mix, and having two opposing suns locked in orbit made cultivation much harder. The Life-attuned Beasts would probably have destroyed the deathly sun themselves if they had the strength.


    Then, a creature finally emerged, and Zac''s heart shuddered as he prepared for the worst. The thing that had emerged was an enormous elemental, slightly resembling a jellyfish. Dozens of intensely golden lights shimmered in its "head," and its long tendrils crackled with powerful bursts of life. Its aura was a match to the Gwyllgi''s, and Zac could feel he was in the center of its attention.


    Zac gritted his teeth, preparing to use another salvo of Oblivion to meet the Beast King. But the thing actually passed him by, only spitting one of the golden lights in his direction before moving on. Zac was confused at first but soon realized its goal. The jellyfish was targeting the Gwyllgi''s Beast Core, which had been thrown far away by the supernova explosion.


    The Late-Stage Beast Core had emerged almost unscathed from the sh. Only a few small marks could be seen on the core''s surface, though it had lost much of its umted energy. Zac had hoped the explosion would disintegrate the core and cripple the beast, but this situation wasn''t too bad.


    A Late-Stage Beast Core of such a powerful beast was undoubtedly an amazing cultivation resource for the jellyfish. It could probably use its opposing element to hone its core, just like how Zac cultivated using his [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. Better yet, it belonged to its biggest rival, making it too tempting to ignore.


    Zac could probably destroy the iing attack with another burst of Oblivion. But he wanted to use as little Oblivion Energy as possible since paying the splinter''s price with outside resources wasn''t easy. He had no birdcage with souls to drain to fuel the destruction. Instead, he threw out arge boulder filled with Explosive Talismans and Miasma Crystals before turning into an Abyssal Wraith with Void Energy.


    Using his Void Energy prevented most Oblivion Energy from sneaking into the Skill Fractal, but he still felt himself leave a trail of annihtion in his wake. A huge explosion erupted behind him as light and boulder collided, and Zac sighed as he saw the small sphere emerge untouched from the sh. It veered toward him like a bloodhound.


    He kept going, crashing into the life-attuned mes. Searing pain filled him as Life poured into his body. Some aspects of his Void Vajra Constitution carried over through [Quantum Gate], but an undead being''s inherent revulsion toward Life trumped the effect of his Body Tempering Manual. He might be the Draugr who could best resist the poisonous rays of Life, but being in the middle of a Life-attuned Sun was to ask for trouble.


    Yet Zac pushed on, using [Void Zone] to give himself some breathing room as he dug deeper. The light was almost upon him, but Zac was ready. A huge eruption of Oblivion consumed the light, creating a 100-meter energy vacuum as everything was annihted. The shockwave pushed Zac further toward the core, and he rxed when his Specialty Core activated without giving him any trouble.


    Life reced Death as Draugr became Human, and the burning mes closing in on him no longer felt very threatening. The true threat came from the jellyfish far in the distance, who had finally realized Zac wasn''t satisfied with wrecking just one of the suns.


    Unfortunately, it had already made its move against the Gwyllgi. The jellyfish had tried to hit its old nemesis while it was down and was now getting its just desserts. The Gwyllgi obviously understood what was going on, and Zacughed when he saw it opt to block the jellyfish rather than target him again.


    He pierced into the star using Oblivion, making much greater progress thanks to the overwhelming amount of energy in his body. The shard sensed the intrusion of its fated nemesis, and powerful waves of Creation pushed toward him as the remnant fought back. Zac could tell it had detached already, shooting toward him like an arrow.


    Zac''s whole Soul Aperture shook as the splinter tried to break free, either to attack the nearby shard or to break out itspanions. The trapped remnants were also going insane, and the runes keeping them trapped were flickering precariously. A mentalmand opened the gates before it was toote, and six streaks of light raced into his Soul Aperture.


    However, before the four splinters could unite against their mortal enemy, time slowed down once more as Zac grasped an opalescent mark.

 Chapter 1052 - Karma Concluded

    Three more lives passed before Zac''s eyes. The minstrel who sought to lift an ancient curse through Creation, the flickering me who wished to be a sun, and the warrior who wanted dominion over Life and Creation to resurrect his daughter. Beings of great determination who had turned the shards into engines for their desire.


    The trio knew they were trading the vast longevity of a cultivator for a short moment of glory. They felt it a worthy sacrifice if they could turn their desires into reality. Like before, they were at the precipice of Atavism, believing that step to be the key to achieving their goal. The message of the visions was identical to the splinter''s, yet Zac''s heart wasn''t moved.


    Zac was too upied with his immediate concerns to worry about the future, and he used the first outburst of Creation to forge a powerful shell that blocked out the copse of the golden sun. He could feel the Beast Kings draw closer with murderous intents, but his attention was fully on the situation in his Soul Aperture.


    The shard had made a beeline for his mind after entering his body, sensing the dangerous situation of its brethren. It crashed into the fully-charged splinter like a meteor, and the collision unleashed a flood of energy into his aperture. The two enormous Soul Spirals were spinning to the point of almost going out of control, but they couldn''t absorb the efflux quickly enough to prevent damaging his cores.


    The remnants remained indifferent to the coteral damage they caused and were already rearing for a second exchange. Zac furiously held back the remnants with everything he got while pulling two threads of Oblivion and Creation into his shoulders. The energy highways happily epted the overflow and subtly transformed the energies before releasing them into his chest.


    The process had started, and a deep rumble in the sky prated the roar of two copsing stars. Zac was filled with a sense of d��j�� vu upon seeing the remnants fearfully starting to struggle. It was no wonder the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation failed to be the equivalent of Supremacies, even if they were unique entities singrly tuned to their respective Daos.


    Their obsessions had made them stupid, forck of a better word. They didn''t learn, they didn''t change. The first set of remnants he seized had been tricked the same way three times by now, yet they eagerly jumped into the trap all the same. The birth of Chaos had begun, and there was no escape. Torrential amounts of energy were forcibly dragged out from the remnants, and the churning ball in his chest was fast reaching its tipping point.


    The world outside mirrored the chaos within. Worldending shes of Life and Death shook the Cmity as two broken stars collided. Zac could feel the unique energy signature of Creation encountering Oblivion all around him, and he almost felt like he and the stars were one. Was this how Catheya felt upon harmonizing with the world?


    Possibly, though Zac knew it wasn''t the same. Harmonization was likely impossible for him to begin with. How would you possibly connect with the Heavens without any affinities? His perception was from having his soul overloaded by Oblivion and Creation, just like the two stars had been for centuries.


    Thousands of eruptions added to the turmoil around him every second, each powerful enough to rip Beast Kings to shreds. The orbiting moons had already copsed, and Zac could guess the fates of their inhabitants. Only the two leaders remained, but not even they were able to easily endure the explosions. Yet they pressed toward him, their killing intent dense enough to twist the air around them.


    With the shard snatched just like the splinter, the Gwyllygi no longer had any reason to impede its nemesis. Instead, they found themselves in the same boat and had teamed up to deal with him. Zac guessed they wanted to make him spit out the remnants before moving them to a new set of suns. Or perhaps finally consume the items themselves.


    They were much toote for that.


    The storm raged, the sky rumbled, but Zac was removed from it all. He was a storm unto his own, where histent energy emanations kept the muchrger tempest at bay. At first, it had been an unstable mix of Oblivion and Creation, but that suddenly changed as two opposing forces were reluctantly fused into one. A broken peak was temporarily made whole as Chaos graced the Cmity with its presence.


    The world suddenly stilled, and even the Late-Stage Beast Kings halted their advance. It was like an ancestor had descended upon the realm, and the Cmity''s Dao offered obeisance. It didn''t dare create a scene when faced with the true terminus of its existence. Zac''s body no longer mirrored the world outside. One was calm; the other was in absolute disorder.


    The vast amounts of energy had formed a fourth Glimpse of Chaos, and all his breakthroughs since the Orom World had done little to withstand its effect. He could only hold on to it for a short window, and he needed to make it count. Thousands of possibilities and urges filled his mind, but he held onto a seed of rity as he corralled the drained remnants back into their prison.


    He could tell this was thest time. The cage was teetering on the brink of copse, with the runes barely having withstood six remnants fighting for a minute. Four sets would be able to break out anytime they wanted after they''d recovered from the extraction. Hopefully, they wouldn''t figure that out before Zac had found the fifth pair and was ready for Atavism.


    Zac could tell that whatever happened at that point would break the status quo of the past two decades. One is an eternal curse, two is a cmity. Five is Atavism, where five lingering resentments form a Consciousness. He didn''t know why he knew, but that would be a tipping point. He would either take control of the remnants or be consumed by their immortal will. No matter the oue, there would be no need for a prison.


    The people in the visions had known the same thing and felt it was an unavoidable tribtion to aplish their goals. Was that the trap within those visions? Were the remnants trying to give him a false sense of security as they led you to your doom? Zac shook his head. He''d still keep going even if it were a trap. He believed Be''Zi wasn''t trying to harm him when she gave him that mission.


    More importantly, he believed in himself and his ability to turn a disaster into an opportunity. In either case, it was a worry forter. He had decades to shore up his heart and soul before the deadline. The ethereal tranquility of the Cmity onlysted a moment before a boundless presence forced its way into the scene. Gold and ck mes were pushed away as clouds painted in blue and the imperial gold of the System descended.


    The System''s presence subdued the Dao itself, and the Cmity fully ground to a halt. The remnant energies of the broken stars had turned into two dense clouds about to form a hurricane. Zac could picture the kind of mayhem such a development would bring to the Cmity. Between such vast amounts of amassed energy and the infusion of Creation and Oblivion, it wouldn''t be too surprising if another source of Chaos was born.


    Of course, Zac could tell it wasn''t fated to be.


    Chaos raged through his body, his efforts at containing it in his chest almost useless. It left immense damage in its wake, but the torture brought a temporary state of rity. The remnants had slowly transformed the stars, but they were still over ny percent Life and Death. And the Oblivion and Creation it held was fractured, iplete. It wouldn''t be enough to converge into one.


    The hurricane was destined to copse before it formed, unleashing an unprecedented storm. The insight filled Zac withmentation. The situation was an expression of the difficulty of his chosen path, a reminder of the dangers he''d face even if he''d finally reached this step. But the scene held the seed of possibility, a small ray of hope.


    Zac''s gaze turned to the distance, seemingly peering through endlessyers of restrictions and energy. Far in the distance, a much-greater storm raged. A storm that would make even Autarch tread with care, where Oblivion and Creation were moremon than Life and Death��the true face of the Cmity.


    The Dao of Chaos allowed him to see the whole picture. Of course, he wasn''t the System''s only source of Chaos. The whole Cmity was a huge Chaos Generator that asionally exposed a piece of the tapestry before destabilizing. Zac''s attention shifted to the two tyrants who floated a few hundred meters away.


    Their bodies trembled under his gaze, but they could not leave when held in ce by the System.


    "I''m sorry. You are innocent bystanders in this," Zac slowly said. "I ruined your home and cut off your cultivation. But in a way, I saved you from a tragedy down the road. As such, our Karma has concluded."


    A rumble in the sky expressed the System''s impatience, and Zac looked up with a smile as the Glimpse of Chaos emerged from his chest. "You know the rules. This time, I''m not asking for much."


    He extracted a mote from the churning ball of Chaos, infusing it with his desire as he let it drift out from him. A gate appeared, and Zac wordlessly stepped through, leaving the Cmity behind. He suddenly found himself standing on the peak of Mount Illumination. The sky was already overcast and full of lightning, as though the System had anticipated his move.


    Zac wasn''t sure if the gate was possible through the Dao of Chaos or the System''s approval. The true nature of Chaos was ultimately too difficult to grasp. He was only awarded some glimpses of the truth, but he also knew that the truth wasn''t what it seemed when it came to this particr peak. All was flux.


    That was fine. He hadn''t been sure if his idea would work, but he''d figured if Chaos could take him from the Orom to Zecia, then surely a short skip back to his mansion would be easy. If it had failed, he would simply have jumped down toward the exit, though that would have dyed him by at least an hour. And there was no telling how the two tyrants would act after the System got what it wanted and left.


    That wasn''t a headache he needed while performing the next step.


    Being temporarily connected to the Dao of Chaos confirmed the validity of his idea, but he didn''t have much time. Zac extracted a second Chaos mote from the ball and gently dragged it back into his body, toward his Duplicity Core.


    Chaos was the key to forming his core, but that didn''t mean he''d suddenly decided to form a Chaos Core. His blueprint was still the same Trinity Core, Quantum Core, or Void Core, depending on which aspect you wanted to focus on. And before the Chaos Mote could be added to that n, it needed to be transformed.


    The inherent unpredictability in the Chaos Mote struggled against being controlled, but a flood of the Branches of Pale Seal and Kalpataru rapidly bound it to Zac''s chariot. To ensure nothing went wrong, he also activated his bloodline to form a protectiveyer of Void Energy around the mote.


    The Chaos Mote furiously resisted the foreign insights, but its energy was limited while Zac''s soul was still overloaded with borrowed force. Eventually, it shuddered and split apart, like a cell undergoing mitosis. The two forces radiated the unmistakable aura of Oblivion and Creation for a moment, but the attunement soon shifted again. Left were the Daos of Life and Death.


    You could argue that he''d ruined the magical nature of the Chaos Mote. After all, it was easy to split a Grand Dao into its lowerponents but almost impossible to take it the other way. That was doubly true for a broken peak like Chaos. The motes were just like the Primal Dao back in the Twilight Ocean, which likely was why the System was so impatient to get the glimpses. Wait too long, and the ambient Dao would sully their truths.


    Still, the two little swirls of incredibly condensed truths contained something crucial, something that put it at the same level as the supreme treasures he''d prepared for today��potential. It was an energy that had once existed as the terminus of two of his Daos. That meant something, even when devolved into Life and Death.


    You could see it from the simple fact that the two clouds of energy didn''t act like what you''d normally see when bringing the Daos of Life and Death together. They calmly floated into the Duplicity Core''s hatch. A small storm already raged inside from his opposing Daos. Life shed with Death, urged on by the Branch of the War Axe.


    That all stopped when the refined Chaos Mote entered the [Hollow Core]. The energies mixed, and the violent eruptions were quelled. Not even the Dao of Conflict could trigger the two Daos that suddenly snuggled together in a mottled mix of energy.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The world lit up as a bolt of lightning struck the ground right in front of Zac, but he ignored it. The System could wait a bit longer. Zac kept the Glimpse of Chaos close to his chest as he extracted a third mote. It was refined and pushed into his hatch, further stabilizing the situation.


    A fourth mote soon followed, but Zac knew the fifth would have to be thest. It was a matter of bnce. Just forming the glimpse had left him in a bad way. Every mote extracted was like a hurricane unleashed in his body,pounding the damage. A little bit of muttion was fine in the pursuit of benefits, but he had to be in a condition to follow up with the next step.


    "Thank you," Zac said, finally releasing the Glimpse of Chaos.


    It floated away from him, showering the whole peak in the supetive truths of Chaos as Zac no longer kept them contained. The mountain rumbled, and the Dao of Samsara groaned as it unraveled. Samsara was a System of Order, creating an ecosystem of Life and Death governed by thews of Karma and Order. Chaos was its antithesis, and its influence was like a rapidly spreading poison.


    The whole sky shuddered as the ghost temples fought back. Dharmic hymns tried to impose their will on the peak, but all were forced into stillness as a golden pir of lightning mmed into the glimpse. The System didn''t care about the struggle for the meaning of Life and Death. It only cared about the insights within the glimpse. Zac looked on, trying to memorize some aspects for himself.


    But hisprehension grew blurry and distant as the System absorbed the glimpse. Zac had known this would happen, so he wasn''t disappointed. Who knew? Theprehension might have left a mark on his mind even if it wasn''t clear right now. Just like the two motes inside the [Hollow Core].


    The process onlysted a few seconds before the glimpse was gone. Clouds dispersed soon after, with the System uninterested in staying behind to observe what came next. Without the pressure, the tremors returned, and Zac snorted as one ghost temple after another around him crumbled. The Dao of Chaos had flooded the peak before being refined by the System''s cleansing lightning.


    The Sangha''s connection to this abandoned peak deep in the Perennial Vastness had already been tenuous, and this was enough to forcibly sever Karma. The Dao Samsara copsed and split into its baseponents. The transformation wasn''t an integral part of Zac''s ns, only a small bonus. It was a small safeguard to ensure no Dharmic loopholes snuck into his Cosmic Core, and it would hopefully let his mansion extract a bit more energy.


    A small shockwave from within made Zac groan and turn to the situation within the Duplicity Core. The energies were still ying nice, but he had ultimately pushed a whole lot of energy into a cramped space. Even if the mutual hostility between Life and Death had been temporarily resolved, somemotion was still to be expected.


    Furthermore, this fragile harmony was just a temporary truce. The transformed motes were unstable and couldn''t remain in their current state for long. It was just a matter of time before they decayed even further, until they were no different from his own Daos. Before that happened, he needed to have set his foundation.


    The whole reason he took the risk of incorporating the remnants in his Core Formation was to create this window of opportunity. He''d tried perfecting the n for years, but there was a huge problem that couldn''t be solved without taking some risks. The very first step of his Core Formation, where he''d fuse the Supreme Treasures into a nucleus, was filled with risk and uncertainty.


    However, as long as he could get past that first hurdle, he''d have a stable foundation to build upon. From there, it''d be fine if the core was temporarily unbnced as he added oneyer of energy after another. The nucleus would keep the ship afloat until he remedied the issues and stabilized the core.


    That''s where the Chaos Mote came in. Utilizing the Dao of Chaos this way wasn''t enough to permanently fuse Life and Death. Someone would already have formed a Life-death Core if that were the case��for example, the Undead Empire. There was no way they couldn''t source a little bit of Chaos if they put their mind to it.


    The Peak of Chaos was still broken, and a core like that would fall apart before it was created. But the refined motes were enough to temporarily calm down the Daos of Life and Death until he could permanently solve their ipatibility with the Void.


    Zac turned toward his manor just ahead, which was already drawing torrential amounts of energy into its domain. The energy was so dense that the air twisted, and its attunement felt so familiar that it could just as well have been his own. The power of the fourteenth echelon was already proving its worth. The scene was set, and everything was in ce.


    Now, it was time to see if he could pull off a miracle.

 Chapter 1053 - Fated

    Kruta ripped his sword out of the hunter''s chest, the jerking motion making him grunt with pain. The man''s eyes were still filled with fire and desperation as his corpse joined the others on the ground. Two of them were already burning from the heat rising from below. Kruta shook his head, briefly wondering if these souls would enter thends like his ancestors did. For their sake, he hoped not.


    Embers and ash filled the sky, casting the world in darkness. A few streaks of light falling from above were the only source of light; deadly meteors that would incinerate everything where theynded. A few shouts in the distance indicated the others weren''t far away. He needed to get going.


    The festering wounds had reopened from the struggle, and he was running dangerously low on Cosmic Energy. Flying would have been impossible even if the ability hadn''t been sealed, and urging his harried legs into a run felt like trying to get an elderly Greenox to move. But a wall of deeper ck rose toward the sky, and the nds had given way to a steep incline. He was almost there.


    So Kruta stuffed more of the acrid roots that''d kept him alive and tormented for so long into his mouth. He extracted what little spirituality they had left as he willed his feet to keep moving. His vision was distorted from the toxins within, but his extended abuse had at least given him partial immunity. The dead attackers were soon left behind and forgotten, reced by the constant worry that had filled him since being spat out in this hellscape.


    Things hadn''t yed out at all as he''d imagined. The young princess of the Tayns was nowhere to be found inside the Thousandme Galley, or any other Tayn representative for that matter. Kruta didn''t even know if he was inside the warship, or if he''d been transported somewhere else during his two weeks in burning limbo.


    This broken world was some sort of prison colony, where descendants of those who had angered Thousandmes entric toiled away in ashen suffering. He still didn''t know how the Tayns had exposed their ns, but it was clear they didn''t approve. Every day, Kruta prayed he was the only one from the tribe who had been punished for their arrogance, and the fact that he still hadn''t ran into any of his tribesmen was his greatest source offort.


    As for the treacherous whispers in the back of his mind that the tribe had been incinerated instead of captured? Kruta refused to listen. He held onto his faith, and the carrot dangled before him.


    Kruta hadn''t encountered much trouble the first day, even if his mind had been a confused mess. He had been trying to make sense of the situation, and the fact that his Spatial Treasures were sealed didn''t help. It was in that state a trio of foragers had stumbled upon him. They had been wary of this stranger but eventually took pity on him and shared some of their knowledge.


    The three eked out a living by digging through the ashes for spiritual roots. The ambient energy was abundant but filled with fire that would consume you from within if you imbibed too much. Besides, it was impossible for most topletely forgo normal sustenance. But in this kind of broken world, food was extremely scarce. Kruta had followed the three for five days, and everything had been fine until something suddenly changed.


    All three had tried to murder him in his sleep, going so far as to sacrifice limbs and longevity to aplish their goal. Kruta had already been prepared for a possible attack, and his superior training allowed him to pull through even without his weapons. At first, he''d thought they simply attacked him to rob his corpse, but questioning them had exposed the truth.


    The foragers had heard a voice just before attacking, and it had a simple message for the whole realm��freedom for death. Kill Kruta the Great before he crosses the Worldfall Ridge, and the sins of your ancestors will be forgiven. The foragers hadn''t hesitated to risk it all for a chance to escape their burning prison.


    Since then, Kruta had be an enemy of the world, where every single native did everything in their power to kill him. Those who could survive this purgatory weren''t weak, and there were even Peak Hegemons in this world. Their training was subpar, and their equipment was garbage, but their numerical advantage wasn''t something you could just ovee with grit and skill.


    But he had survived. Days had turned to months, and months had turned to years as Kruta advanced toward the Worldfall Ridge. He had lost count of the times he''d narrowly escaped death, either by avoiding traps or narrowly eking out a victory against powerful and desperate foes. His only shot at survival was to win the cruel game set up by the Thousandme entric.


    Yet Kruta didn''t mind. He cherished the opportunity, which had turned into his mental support. The Tayns loved to test fates. It still wasn''t certain his suffering was solely meant as a punishment. He''d never received any message, but it was possible he would be let go if he survived. He had already missed the opportunity to join his buddy in the Left Imperial Pce, but he didn''t care so long as his people weren''t hurt.


    And he was almost there. He could hear the voices draw closer and summoned strength he didn''t know he had as he kept climbing. His body was drained beyond a breaking point, his pathways looking like charred strings. His ancestor had nothing more to give, and Kruta had been forced to seal the spirit inside his mind to prevent it from copsing. Yet his legs kept moving, fueled by desire and iron will. He resisted the suppression, and the peak was soon in view.


    Then there was nothing more to ascend. The winding path turned into sheer wall, a ck rock so hot that smoke created a curtain that hid his presence. His feet felt like lead, and they wouldn''t move again now that they had stopped. So he threw away hismandeered balsawood swords and grabbed the wall.


    Sizzling sounds and searing pain tried to make him give in, but Kruta wouldn''t break. He sacrificed ayer of skin for each step as he continued his journey. Did seconds pass, or did hours? Was he alive, or was he dead? Kruta didn''t know.


    Then, darkness turned to light as he pushed through the smoke and dust. Seeing a blue sky was almost enough to make him pass out, but he summoned a final burst of energy to drag himself up from the edge and crawl onto a t surface. A smile of contentment spread across his face as the flickering me of his being finally winked out.


    He had done it. He''d beaten the game, and his tribe would be safe.


    -----------


    Burning mes shattered the darkness, and Kruta released a pent-up roar of fury. He was already dead, so why couldn''t they leave him be? He had done what was asked of him! This treatment was excessive. He didn''t care. He''d give these bastards a good punch even if his ancestral soul were incinerated.


    Wait, why did he have hands?


    "Ah? What''s going on?" Kruta muttered, nkly looking down at his very much corporeal hands.


    Only then did he realize he was no longer atop the Worldend Ridge. The pain and sickness that had followed him for years was gone, and his pathways had changed from burnt-out twigs to threads of steel. The ancestor had stabilized, and his aura was incredibly vigorous, though he still slept inside Kruta''s Soul Aperture.


    The situation inside his body looked good, but the scenery around him quashed Kruta''s excitement. He''d been ced in the middle of what looked like a coliseum, and he could sense brutal auras from behind the steel gates. His heart shuddered, and his will almost copsed from a terrifying premonition. Had the Thousandme entric brought him back to life only to have him y another game?


    Kruta roused his spirit as he turned toward the closest gate. He wouldn''t give in. He would fight to the bitter end.


    "Fiesty. Not bad."


    The voice came from every direction, and it felt like the roar of a thousand suns.


    "G-greetings, great mistress," Kruta stuttered, his budding momentum instantly gone.


    It was one thing to fight to the death with beasts or prisoners, but there was only one thing to do when facing one of the Three Scourges. Even Supremacies were wary of these lunatics, so a bit of groveling wouldn''t shame the ancestors. Kruta wasn''t afraid; he was just being smart.


    "I- ah. I''m very sorry if we''ve offended you and the esteemed Tayns."


    "Esteemed Tayns, huh? That wasn''t what you said back then?" the entricughed as a screen appeared in the middle of the arena.


    Kruta felt his vision close in as he saw himself appear, surrounded by withered roots and corpses of the First Heaven. He heard himself talk with Zac, discussing their options.


    ''Don''t say it, you bastard!'' Kruta inwardly cried, wanting nothing more than to go back in time and punch himself in his big mouth.


    "Pretty famous? That''s the understatement of the century," his projection guffawed. "Those lunat��"


    The scene didn''t continue from there, and Kruta found himself alone in the arena again. A storm raged in Kruta''s mind, where part of him was cursing that ky Realm Spirit. It acted so high and mighty, saying his seals were impregnable. But what did that matter if he gave in when faced with true monsters? Kruta couldn''t believe that the old bastard had spied on the chat of two juniors and then shared it with the Tayns.


    Another part of his mind was trying to devise a road to survival, but he could only see one path forward.


    "It was my mistake! I am willing to bear all punishment for my actions, so I beg your eminence to spare the Greenleaf Tribe," Kruta shouted as he mmed to his knees.


    "Your tribe? They are fine. We left the Ralphi continent right after you came aboard," the voice scoffed. "You think I''m so bored I''d go around bullying a bunch of juniors? I can''t believe this. I''m gone for a few hundred thousand years, and the family''s reputation is in the gutter when I return. Those brats back home really need a talking to."


    Kruta almost cried in relief upon hearing the tribe was fine, but joy was followed by sorrow when realizing he wasn''t out of the woods. This unreasonable elder was one of the main reasons for the Tayns'' wretched reputation, yet she wanted to me it on the younger generations? His mouth opened and closed a few times, but no words came out.


    He was afraid to say the wrong thing, something that would trigger this lunatic. What if she turned the ship around or sent him back to that purgatory for a second round of torture?


    "You stumbled onto an opportunity and created a string of fate that shouldn''t exist," Mistress Thousandme said. "You should know, our family''s learned to be quite attentive to fate. So I asked that old goat Sendor why a Karmic Thread had emerged from his realm andtched onto my little niece. What if one of our old enemies had returned? I figured I would deal with this mess on my way back."


    Sweat poured down Kruta''s back from the realization that he had really been targeted by the Thousandme entric, almost resulting in him being made another example. The fact that he and his n hadn''t been turned to fertilizer for the Thousandme Galley should be proof she''d learned he didn''t have any evil designs on Iz Tayn. But it couldn''t hurt to make sure.


    "Kruta bears no ill will! I was told the young princess might be willing to help, and I agreed to contact her. That''s it, I promise!"


    "Rx, will you?" the voice said with exasperation. "The way you''re acting makes me feel like I''m some old evildoer. I told you I''m not burning you or your little tribe."


    The Thousandme entric was deeply in denial, but Kruta would die before he pointed that out. Instead, he went with the flow, standing up as he tried to look grateful and impressed. Kruta felt those who said orcs were inflexible and crude would have to swallow their words after seeing his performance.


    "Who would have thought such exciting events would take ce just as I returned to the Integrated Territories?" the entric sighed. "My little niece is clearly meant for greatness. The boy you met inside that delusional old spirit''s realm isn''t half-bad, either. As for you�� Eh. You''re okay, I guess?"


    Veins bulged on Kruta''s forehead, but he narrowly held back a spicy response. He even managed to look thankful for the backhandedment, though it felt more taxing than climbing that scalding wall.


    "So you want our help to reach the Frontier," the Thousandme entric continued. "That way, you can continue to hang onto this thread of borrowed fate. A bit shameless, wouldn''t you say?"


    The rational part of his mind urged caution. He was almost there. But years of torment refused to be pushed down any longer. He would be shaming the ancestors if he kept his back bowed any further. Besides, no one liked a coward. Kruta sensed it was time to risk it all for a chance at glory.


    "Kruta borrowed nothing! I earned this opportunity by risking my life, standing by my friends, and even going against the Seven Heavens!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    His voice echoed across the arena, possibly representing his final burst of defiance before his life winked out. Kruta steeled his heart for no matter what came next. Life or death, he''d stand tall. However, no me descended to consume him.


    "So you finally found your courage," Thousandmesughed. "Good! I was starting to wonder if the primal me in your soul had been extinguished."


    Kruta knew his guess had been right. The Tayns were battle maniacs, and being too obsequious could result in having your fate tested. Kruta wracked his brain to figure out what to do next, but his thoughts scattered when the most beautiful orc he''d ever seen appeared before him.


    Her muscles were refined beyond perfection, her bushy eyebrows capturing the deadly beauty of a raging fire across grassy seas. Fiery runes covered her sanguine skin, containing the deepest truths of the true fire of the universe. Her eyes were striking green, reminding Kruta of home, the ins, and of war.


    She held no weapons in her hands, but why should she need any? She was already a weapon refined beyond perfection. The faces of his fiancees rapidly faded as Kruta took in the true expression of deadly grace. Kruta couldn''t think of what to say, so he simply gaped at her appearance.


    Come to think of it, he''d never heard what kind of background the Three Scourges had. He''d assumed they were some unique mythological beings born from the cosmos, like their master, or part of the Tayn bloodline.


    "Surprised?" the orcughed. "You shouldn''t be. Would I have treated you so gently if not for our shared ancestry? It''s not so easy to grab onto the coattails of the Empyrean Throne without getting burnt."


    Kruta''s expression copsed. Years of suffering, desperate battles, and breathing ash and smoke was considered gentle treatment?


    "Why look so glum?" the fiery orc snickered. "I never said I wouldn''t help."


    "Kruta appreciates the offer, but the event has already passed," Kruta sighed, unwilling to spend even one more second with this lunatic. Beauty or not, Kruta knew he couldn''t withstand much more of her attention. "If the ancestor can drop me off somewhere convenient, I would be most grateful."


    "What are you talking about? It''s over three years before the event for the juniors begin."


    "Ah?" Kruta said, his eyes nk before he understood. "Time Dtion?"


    Then why hadn''t he noticed? The Heavens were almostpletely drowned out by the endless mes, but he was certain the Dao hadn''t been twisted by temporal distortion. He was even close to evolving his Branch of the Layered de tote mastery. How had Mistress Thousandmes aplished something like that? Was this the benefit of holding a Throne?


    "No. I''m saying you''ve been on board my ship for a couple of months. Since when did it be years?"


    "Huh?"


    "Seems you got turned around by eating all those roots. I thought you realized they were poisonous when you spent two full days emptying your bowls in the bushes, but I guess you''re a bit of an idiot," the orc sighed. "Well, that''s fine. It''s not the smartest guys who walk out of a battlefield in one piece. It''s the strongest one."


    Kruta was flushed with joy. He hadn''t missed it. He''d thought the old entric had prevented him from being sent to the Left Imperial Pce when three years had passed in his mind. So it turned out he was out of his mind. Thank the ancestors! However, the frowning expression on Thousandmes'' face made Kruta rein in his jubtion, and he looked at her attentively.


    "But what''s the deal with your aura? Your fire''s soft and gentle like a courtesan''s, even after tempering yourself a bit in the penal colonies. What good are you to my niece in your current state?"


    "Uh," Kruta hesitated, not sure what she was talking about. "I don''t know. I''ll work on it?"


    "Fine," Thousandmes relented, her eyes suddenly lighting up with excitement. "You''re too soft, but you''re still a kid. How about this? My little niece is undergoing some training herself. She should emerge in two years or so. Until then, I''ll toughen you up a bit. Whether I bring you or not depends on your performance."


    The thought of being tormented for two years was too much to bear. Not even the Left Imperial Pce was worth that. He''d just be happy with his part-finished seal and see if it was enough to bring him over in three years. But how did you turn down the discipleship of a crazy Supremacy without getting toasted?


    "Well?" Thousandmes said, her voice feeling like a thousand roaring mes again.


    You didn''t. Kruta was trapped; he could see it in her eyes. There was no room for rejection.


    "Disciple greets master," Kruta said, feeling something wet pour down his cheeks.


    Sweat from the heat, no doubt. He surely wasn''t crying.


    "Disciple��" Thousandmes said, a radiant smile spreading across her face. "Would you believe that I''ve never actually had a disciple?"


    Kruta''s mind was a mess after being repeatedly dragged between joy and despair. But Kruta roused himself. Maybe it wasn''t so bad? Maybe things were finally lining up for ol'' Kruta. Even being an in-name disciple of a Supremacy came with benefits most could only dream of. Being the sole disciple of one?


    An opportunity like that was almost at the same level as the trial in the Left Imperial Pce. However, his new master''s next words threw him right back into the pit of despair.


    "Well, never one that was fated, anyway."

 Chapter 1054 - Nucleus

    Zac shed forward, appearing by the gates of his mansion. The powerful waves of energy greeted him by burrowing into his body, but it didn''t feel like a hostile infiltration. It was akin to a gentle caress, like a missing part of himselfing home. There was no mismatch, and it barely took him any effort to make the energy his.


    Was this how it felt to be a cultivator? Zac shook his head and continued toward a cultivation chamber he rarely entered. It used to be a conventional chamber with custom arrays based on your blueprint. The arrays helped cultivators speed up the formation of their Core Nuclei, but those things didn''t work on him.


    As such, the room had mostly gathered dust in his mansion, except when he asionally secluded himself to ponder some aspects of his core formation or [Cosmic Forge]. He could feel that the energies were gathering there, meaning it had already been rearranged for the next step. Zac was eager, but he didn''t immediately open the gates. He first sent out a short message to Catheya and Ogras, confirming he''d seeded and that he was entering seclusion.


    "I''m secluding myself," Zac said out loud after receiving two answers of well-wishing.


    "Affirmative," Null said. "Your final tally is 130,784 Mana, granting you a fourteenth-echelon breakthrough environment. Your special requirements have been epted. All other features of the Cosmic Gallery have been deactivated."


    Null was clearly following protocol, but Zac could hear her voice trembling with a mix of fear and anticipation. Null had a lot riding on this, just like him. If he failed his breakthrough, Null would be no more, no matter how splendidly he''d performed over these past seven years. Seed, and Null would be awarded a true soul, bing a permanent resident of the Perennial Vastness.


    And being the guide to a fourteenth-echelon cultivator with such a unique blueprint probably came with additional perks.


    "Thank you for all your help these past years," Zac smiled. "I won''t let you down."


    "Thank you for working so hard," Null answered. "Good luck."


    The next moment, the connection between him and the bracelet was cut, and it disappeared soon after. He could no longer sense the guide''s presence, and she didn''t answer his calls. Zac tried sending Catheya another prompt to confirm the situation. As expected, nothing happened. The outside had been sealed off.


    Core Formation was the ultimate goal for those visiting the Perennial Vastness and the guests'' final opportunity to provide Sendor with something he could use for his undertaking. There could be no distractions at this juncture. The gates of the cultivation chamber swung open as Zac approached, but he was surprised to see it led to a teleportation gate.


    This wasn''t what he''d heard from Null before when putting forth his requirements for his Core Formation. Normally, the Perennial Vastness would add the Core Formation arrays to the chamber, which your mansion''s Mana Domain then empowered. There was no one to ask about the situation, so Zac simply stepped through.


    The surroundings shifted, and Zac suddenly found himself standing on a disk far up in the air. However, the scenery was still very familiar. Looking down, he saw his manor, and the range of sanctified mountains stretched across the horizon. He''d been ced on a floating tform five hundred meters above Mount Illumination.


    For a moment, Zac felt like he''d reced the gargantuan Buddha he''d seen when first stepping onto Mount Illumination. He looked down at thends and somehow felt connected to it. He could also see that the mountains formed a vast natural formation, generating unfathomable amounts of energy.


    Energy which was slowly flowing toward Mount Illumination.


    The gateway disappeared behind him as he walked onto the tform, and incrediblyplex runes lit up beneath his feet. The whole ten-meter disk was an array, and its activation was the beginning of a huge transformation of the surroundings. First, five smaller array disks flew out from beneath the tform, each emitting different aura fluctuations.


    Zac recognized them as being part of his special requests, but he didn''t get the chance to properly inspect them before the whole universe shook. One moment, the expansive vista was the same one he''d gazed at for years. The next, the air was filled with multiple sets of threads that hummed with power.


    The threads formed a huge tapestry that stretched further than Zac could see, filling the world with gold, ck, and steely grey. Some tapped into the mountains, siphoning and transforming their vast energy reserves. Others dug into the ground or even reached deep into space. Many connected with Mount Illumination below, which eagerly supplied its already transformed energy.


    The scene reminded Zac of when Yrial imparted him with a piece of his Dao, where threads had descended from distant stars. The threads pulsated like a heartbeat, dragging vast amounts of energy toward the tform. Or rather, toward the anciry arrays, who further refined the payload before depositing it on the tform.


    The tapestries'' attunements were almost an exact match to his Daos, and the energy density atop the tform quickly approached a level where they could be considered liquified Natural Treasures. A mortal with a shallow foundation could almost form a Cosmic Core using the ambient energy alone.


    This kind of benefit undoubtedly came courtesy of reaching the fourteenth echelon. He didn''t just get to usurp the energy of Mount Illumination; the whole Mountain Range became fuel for his breakthrough. Such treatment was one of the keys to forming his core without too many impurities. The Dao Threads were far from enough to fully satiate the demands of someone like him, but they would lessen the number of treasures he''d have to throw into his Duplicity Core by a third.


    There was a fourth tapestry, which was quite different from the other three. The tapestries of Life, Death, and Conflict were connected to two outer arrays each. Conflict had two to itself, while the other Daos got one tform to themselves while they were forced to share the fifth. The Fourth tapestry was connected to all five anciry arrays.


    However, it didn''t extract any energy from the surrounding mountains. It simply apanied the other three sets of thread like a shadow. The tapestry still emitted weak fluctuations of force, but the phenomenon was almostpletely obscured by the powerful waves dragged toward him. The tapestry also didn''t channel any energy into the outer arrays, making it even harder to spot.


    It would have taken Zac a while to notice the fourth tapestry if not for his intimate familiarity with what the environment represented. The threads portrayed his path, or perhaps it would be more urate to say they pictured his blueprint. The fourth tapestry was the Void. And while it wasn''t nearly as stable or energy-dense as the other elements, Zac was actually quite surprised the Perennial Vastness managed to form something so closely resembling the real thing.


    It was almost like Zac had been shrunken down to a mote of dust and ced inside the Simtion Array back in his mansion. The circr array he stood on was ced right where the Cosmic Core''s nucleus would be, and he couldn''t even see the edge where his core ended. It was quite the ce the Perennial Vastness had prepared for his Core Formation.


    The ample energy being funneled toward him was not just there to provide raw energy for his breakthrough. There was a reason they were connected to the outer arrays rather than the main one. This whole setup was a unique feature for mortals, while most cultivators only used a main array.


    Three outer arrays were refinement tforms for the treasures going into his core. As such, they were based on Zac''s respective Daos; War Axe, Kalpataru, and Pale Seal. The Perennial Vastness had provided the arrays in exchange for 5,000 Mana. They and the main array reced the need for any Core Formation Methods aimed at mortals. The mysterious threads were a wee bonus that would increase his efficiency.


    This level of customization was generally not provided but rather a benefit of having umted so much Mana. Cultivators would undoubtedly get simr benefits if they reached the fourteenth echelon. Perhaps the Perennial Vastness would even adjust the Time Dtion, allowing them to form their cores under the true sky.


    The final two anciry arrays had a slightly different purpose than the first three. Their function wasn''t to refine Void Treasures but rather to take him through the first hurdle of his Core Formation; setting up a stable nucleus. Thanks to this setup, Zac only needed to focus on adding treasures correctly and fusing the essences provided by the refinement arrays.


    Zac had even modified the arrays using his umted knowledge from [Cosmic Forge]. They were still mostly the Perennial Vastness'' design, but the energy they produced would now be a bit more familiar to him. Obviously, adding the theories of [Essence Union] into the arrays would have been even better, but Zac felt the current setup good enough to aplish his goals.


    The two swirls of Life and Death inside his Duplicity Core wouldn''tst forever, so Zac sat down on a shimmering prayer mat. The movement made Zac grimace with pain. He''d kept a frantic pace since making his move on the splinter, and it was only now that he''d stopped that he fully realized the state he was in.


    Since hest seized a set of remnants, he''d evolved his Draugr heritage and cultivated the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. His soul was stronger too, having crossed a whole stage thanks to the Moss Crystals, something that would normally have taken a century. All that work, yet it wasn''t enough to fully nullify the damage the remnants wrought on one''s body.


    As usual, Zac''s body and Soul Aperture were filled with hairline cracks in gold and grey, especially between his head and shoulders. This aspect wasn''t that bad, though. The remnants had been given little time to leave a mark on his body. The cracks wouldn''t affect his core formation and should disappear in a week or two.


    The bigger problem was therge amounts of Creation and Oblivion inside his Soul Spirals. They had frantically swallowed energy to protect the cores, and they hadn''t spat much of it back out when Zac formed the Glimpse of Chaos. Now, it remained like a double-edged sword. The energy woulde in handy one way or another. Even if he didn''t need to use it, it would still speed up his Soul Cultivation.


    However, this wasn''t purified energy like what was released from the prison seals. The energy had been separated from its source but still contained the remnants'' immortal will. He''d have to keep his guard up and not let it influence him. Apart from that, his Soul Cores were slightly damaged, but he could still extract 60-70% of their power.


    The real damage had been wrought by the Glimpse of Chaos. He''d intentionally only used five Chaos Motes this time, just one more than when he broke out of the Orom World. It certainly wasn''t his limit, but it had still left his body in a state of disarray. His pathways were damaged, as were his cells and the [Thousand Lights Avatar].


    None of it was lethal or something that would causesting damage. The problem came from the fact it created a general imbnce in his body. Energy was more difficult to control, and multiple leaks affected itsposition. The turbulent energy was like a stormy sea, and sending tendrils of Mental Energy to his Duplicity Core left them weakened and less agile.


    Most wouldn''t even consider starting their Core Formation unless they were in perfect condition, both body and mind. Zac would obviously have preferred being fully healed before starting, but it wasn''t meant to be. His road had never been a straight one where everything went exactly ording to n. Why start now?


    He was a scrapper. Forcibly pulling through with his body a mess was where he excelled. Zac swallowed a mix of healing pills as he got to work. Three boxes appeared before him, each sealed by denseyers of arrays. They contained the materials that would form his nucleus, and sessfully dealing with theplex energies they contained was the next hurdle that needed to be crossed. And that needed finesse.


    As much as Zac wanted, he couldn''t just chew the treasures and swallow them. He first needed to refine the materials into something that could be used as the nucleus of a core.


    Zac''s hands moved in perfect harmony with the endless number of simtions he''d performed over the past years. First, he took out the [Warstone], and his heart surged with vigor from being buffeted by the crystallized essence of Conflict in his hand.


    Conflict was the underpinning concept of his path and the first Dao he encountered. It was also the universal truth that had shaped his understanding of the Multiverse. His unusual introduction to the System had pitted him against the Gwyllgi Alpha in a roll for survival, but that was just the beginning. Fighting the Barghest outside his camper had been the start of his bloody road toward supremacy.


    He''d been fighting since day one, even seizing the titles for being the first to y a beast in the new order forced upon Earth. Conflict had been a constantpanion, molding him and pushing him forward. Now, it would be the first piece of his core.


    Zac took out the Omnitool and began carving a series of lines across the stone. Each added line released immensely refined truths of War into the surroundings. A lot of ambient energy had already umted, and the [Warstone] turned the environment into a replica of his cave back home. Of course, be it energy or insights, the quality here far exceeded the setup on Earth.


    Conflict, Life, and Death fought and raged, but Zac only feltfort from the disturbance. You could call the mor the natural expression of his Daos, something he didn''t get to see in his mansion here in the Perennial Vastness. It felt likeing home and only helped him enter an optimal state of mind.


    The rays of War emitted a mottled mix of truths, some echoing his Branch of the War Axe while others didn''t. As Zac added more engravings to the stone, the leaking aura started to shift.


    Away from his path.


    The main reason the treasure needed to be engraved was to prepare it for processing and refinement, but it wasn''t Zac''s only goal. He had spent the better part of a decade working on his Omnitool and [Cosmic Forge], all so that he could create a better core more attuned to his Dao. Part of his effort could be seen in the mysterious patterns added to the [Warstone].


    It was impossible to remold the Supreme Treasure into something fully harmonized with his Branch of the War Axe. He wasn''t confident even [Essence Union] would allow such a great transformation without destroying what made the [Warstone] unique. However, his proficiency in [Cosmic Forge] allowed him to nudge things slightly in this favor.


    Zac intentionally targeted the pieces unsuitable for his core, detaching their spiritual threads from the rest of the treasure. It was these pieces of spirituality that had begun leaking from the treasure. Such a crude approach would irrevocably destabilize the Supreme Treasure since he neither had the time nor skill to use [Cosmic Extraction] the intended way. In this case, it didn''t matter.


    The [Warstone] needed to be dismantled and reforged, so there was no point in keeping it stable in its current form. Of course, Zac couldn''t go too far. If the treasure''s unique spirituality copsed, the [Warstone] would be no better for his core than some random raw attuned energies.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It was a delicate bncing act where you removed as many unneeded aspects as possible without getting too greedy. Zac finished up the pattern, which meant the timer had begun. It was impossible to say for certain, but Zac estimated he had around a minute before the [Warstone] would detonate like a bomb. The refinement pattern would have destabilized the treasure on its own, but it would havested thrice as long if not for Zac''s meddling.


    He gingerly ced the treasure on the Nucleus Array powered by Conflict, and an immense pressure contained the energy within. Seeing it stabilizing under pressure, Zac infused his will into a control rune. A deluge of Dao and Energy, refined by Mount Illumination and the Dao thread, poured into the small stone. It started vibrating, but it had no problem taking on the umted energy in the tapestry.


    Of course, it would also push it toward destabilizing, so Zac had to work quickly. The Dao of Conflict was rapidly being drained from the surroundings, and the imbnce only increased when Zac opened the second box and released a gust of Life and Death. They joined the waiting energies, forming a miniature version of the Cmity above his head. Small explosions created a smattering backdrop, but Zac barely registered it after confirming arrays and Dao threads had no problems withstanding themotion.


    His full focus was on the twinned crystals of the [Cmity Core], Life and Death trapped in an embrace��the remaining two-thirds of his Dao.

 Chapter 1055 - The Road Toward Hegemony

    The road that''d led Zac to the Daos of Life and Death was more circuitous than his connection to the Axe, marked by coincidence and outside factors. It was his battle with Mhal, the Corpselord General, that had identally steered Zac down the path of Death. It was only a short conflict at the beginning of his journey, yet the Corpselord became one of the biggest influences on his path and achievements.


    His Seed of Trees waster pushed toward the Dao of Life because of the need to create a counterforce to the wound Mhal left on him. Even then, it had taken years of twists and turns until he reached his current direction. But the fact that coincidence and necessity had so greatly influenced his history with these two Daos didn''t make them any less his.


    Cultivation was discovery. It was to explore the universe and its secrets, and there was no telling what you''d find. Dao was as much chance as fate, where your experiences and encounters influenced your understanding of the Heavens.


    Zac carved a second set of lines across the spiral. The pattern looked like a snake, winding back and forth between the two spiraled crystals, gradually making its way up as the Omnitool danced in Zac''s hand. The mountain heart held a fragile bnce, requiring far less prodding than the [Warstone] to destabilize.


    Thick tendrils of Life broke out of the golden spiral, trying to burrow into its other half. Death fought back, and small cracks appeared across the treasure. Sweat formed on Zac''s forehead furiously added one line after another while removing the energy spill. The seconds passed, and the situation was rapidly deteriorating.


    Worse, the [Warstone] was already showing signs of early copse. The collisions in the air had triggered its inherent nature. Zac''s heart thumped, but his hands remained steady as he continued. Then, it was finished. The winding pattern covered the spiral side from side, and Zac urgently added it onto the second Nucleus Array and mmed his hand at a seal.


    Both arrays hummed to life, and spatial fluctuations appeared as the treasures sank into the shimmering pattern. Zac exhaled as the two items were fully consumed, and he sat down on the prayer mat in the middle of the main array. Forty minutes passed, and Zac''s heart hammered with worry.


    Every second felt like an eternity, and working hard to maintain the status quo inside the Duplicity Core wasn''t helping much. At least it allowed the Healing Pills to mend his body a bit, and every explosion he prevented inside the [Hollow Core] would prolong the harmonizing effect. Of course, one more material needed to be added to the nucleus to make the harmony permanent.


    The Void.


    Zac''s eyes kept shifting to the third and final box on the tform, but he staunchly held onto the schedule he''d set. He meticulously watched the refinement process as he counted the minutes until it was finally time to move. The third box opened, and the [Void Engine] floated into his hand.


    Dealing with the Void was both the simplest and trickiest of the bunch. It was simple in that he didn''t know what kind of patterns he''d have to draw on the surface to refine it, so he wouldn''t add any. It was tricky because the Void technically wasn''t part of his cultivation system, and hecked the deep understanding that would normally go into a Cosmic Core.


    The concept of the Void was nearly as much of a mystery today as it was when he first encountered it in the Towers of Myriad Dao. Being tempered in theva had exposed the Void Emperor bloodline, and he had slowly worked toward unraveling its mysteries since. Today, he was far closer to the truth, but the answers he''d found were more rted to the nature and origin of his bloodline than the Void itself.


    The Void itself was still an enigma. His Body Tempering Manual had allowed him to get closer to the Void of Life, and the insights had allowed him to incorporate the Void of Dao into his Cosmic Core Blueprint. But the method was ultimately a concept borrowed from Ultom, as Engo said seven years ago. The role of the Void was simr to that of an outside consultant to his core and a way to connect it with his bloodline.


    The Void could be described as the absence of Dao, but what did that mean? Zac still didn''t know. Not even [Cosmic Forge] had allowed Zac to better understand its nature, even if its creator was a being who cultivated before there was a Heaven. Dasorm had altered his crafting method for his inheritor, and the imparted memories were designed to suit the future where the inheritance would be discovered. He''d even created the Omnitool, which was an incredible aplishment when you thought about it.


    The Dao had spread through his universe like a gue, tearing apart the reality the First People relied on. Dasorm had taken on the poison, the raw Primal Dao of the era''s birth, and used it to create a seed of hope in the shape of a hammer. Not hope for himself, but that his craft would survive the upheavals.


    The existence of the First People had confirmed a few things, though. The Void had existed even when the Heavens did not, and it had been possible to use it to reach levels equivalent to today''s Supremacies. Perhaps the Void was a constant while the Dao rose and fell with erasing and going.


    But how did his bloodline harness it? How did it enable his talents or even activate skills? How did you cultivate it? Could it even be cultivated now that the Heavens had reformed? Zac was only scratching the surface and could not understand the theories that had gone into the [Void Engine]. As such, there was no way for him to refine it the way he had the other two treasures.


    Neither was the Perennial Vastness able to help him in this regard. Cultivating the Void was seen as a dead end, and it wasn''t within the purview of the 17 Dao Peaks Sendor sought to perfect. You could see this reflected in the Dao Tapestry of the Void around him. It didn''t channel anything into the Core Formation Arrays, and Zac could tell what it held wasn''t true Void Energy.


    As such, there was no Nucleus Array for the [Void Engine]. Neither was there any normal refinement tform, even if he''d prepared some Void Cores and other treasures good for extracting Void Energy. And even if Sendor had provided an array, Zac probably wouldn''t have used it. After all, it wasn''t exactly Void Energy he needed toplete his core, at least not normal Void Energy.


    What good would it do him to infuse normal Void Energy into his core and blend it with his Daos? If that were possible for normal people, the First People wouldn''t have gone extinct. The Void and Dao were akin to matter and anti-matter. They would extinguish each other until both sides were exhausted. It was exactly through this concept he''d used the [Void Engine] to create safe harbors when taking Catheya on dates.


    The key was his bloodline��it was the only reason his impossible core would work. The Void of Dao couldn''t mix with Dao, but the Void Emperor''s unique ability broke that rule. He knew that power was enough to give even Supremacies a shock. Furthermore, Zac deduced it was one of the main reasons his Duplicity Core functioned as it did. Long ago, Zac thought that the Kayar-Elu n picked Karz''s bloodline because of his ability to infinitely raise his affinities.


    Today, Zac wasn''t so sure. He had even started to suspect the ''corruption'' was not a heavenly punishment but rather an intentional modification.


    And as luck would have it, Zac already came installed with a refinery for this unique type of Void Energy. Zac pushed the [Void Engine] against his chest, which prompted a powerful thud of ancient hunger from [Void Heart]. He''d kept the Hidden Node restrained until now to avoid having it swallow Oblivion, Creation, or Chaos. Zac didn''t want it distracted from its most important task. Now, there was no longer any need to hold back, and Zac released his hold.


    Each beat was filled with greater urgency, and Zac did everything he could to empower the node. Then, a vortex appeared on his chest, and the treasure was sucked inside. Thank God. Zac''s bloodline and Hidden Nodes had created those vortices on their own on a few asions, but this was only the third time he''d managed to trigger one intentionally across hundreds of attempts. The key was to offer a tantalizing enough prize, and it looked like the [Void Engine] qualified.


    If that failed, he would have been forced to cut open his chest and cram the [Void Engine] inside, something Zac definitely had wanted to avoid. The Hidden Node calmed down the next second, and Zac could tell it had already begun refining the treasure. With that, all threeponents of his nucleus were being prepared.


    The issue of incorporating the [Void Engine] was the one that had stumped him the longest, and it had turned into a migraine-inducing catch-22. Life, Death, Conflict, and Void were all needed to form the nucleus. If even one were missing, the whole thing would copse. The refined [Cmity Core] was highly unstable, so it made sense to refine the [Void Engine] and the [Warstone] first.


    That only worked in theory, though.


    His body was a safe harbor for Void Energy, but it was also incredibly voracious. Any time his [Void Heart] spat something out, it would quickly be consumed by the vortices in his cells. Zac estimated he had five minutes at most before the refined [Void Engine] was squandered, based on how much control he could exert on his bloodline through Heart Cultivation.


    So, what were you supposed to do when you had no idea how long his [Void Heart] would take to refine the [Void Engine]? Some energies had taken days before being released, while others were a matter of minutes. It wasn''t like the Hidden Node gave you an estimate either��it was radio silence until it suddenly spat everything right out.


    Zac had performed various experiments, using everything from Void Cores and other Void Treasures to Supreme Treasures he''d found in the depths of Red Zones. But nothing couldpare to the [Void Engine]; it was unique. Zac estimated the process would take roughly fifty minutes to an hour, based on the energy involved and how much quicker his [Void Heart] refined Void-based itemspared to normal treasures.


    The original n was to put his faith in these estimates. He''d refine all three treasures simultaneously, two through the Nucleus Arrays and one inside his [Void Heart]. If everything worked out, the refinements would finish in step, and he''d go on to form his nucleus before the materials destabilized.


    But what if his estimates were wrong? Refining the [Void Engine] could take twice as long because of howplex its inner structure was. If that happened, he would have already lost the [Cmity Core], and the [Warstone] would have also been wasted.


    Zac could also see it swinging the other way. Such a pure Void Treasure might barely need refinement and get spat back out in less than a minute. Then the [Void Engine] would be long gone by the time the Nucleus Array released the refined essences. He only had a few minutes of leeway in each direction.


    He did have all kinds of backup treasures in case n A didn''t pan out, but that would have huge ramifications. He couldn''t just throw a bunch of unrefined Void Treasures into the [Hollow Core] in case the [Void Engine] was released toote. Even if it somehow worked out through dumb luck, the resulting nucleus would be extremely rough. Forming even a Low-quality core was a long shot in such a scenario.


    More likely, he''d end up with an iplete core that couldn''t withstand more than a handful of levels. Then, it would all be for nothing. Fixing such a mess would take centuries if it were even possible. He could forget about Ultom, and his value to the Undead Empire would drastically decrease. His goals of catching up with Leandra and saving Kenzie would grow far more distant.


    So the timing was a huge risk, and it wasn''t even the only one. With the original n, he''d suddenly have two unstable energies on his hands. He would have to perfectlybine them at a breakneck pace before they destabilized, where a single mistake would lead to disaster.


    Zac was unwilling to take that risk, so he opted for his untested solution using Chaos. If it seeded, he would have a far easier time with this first step. If he failed, he would have to go with one of his backup ns, but now with the damage from dealing with the remnants. So far, his choice had proven the right one.


    A section of the main array lit up a few minutes after Zac dealt with the [Void Engine], and two bright blobs appeared. Forty-six minutes on the dot, just like Null said. Seeing their state finally let Zac rx. The guide had assured him the Perennial Vastness knew what it was doing��how could it fail in refining the items found within its domain? But it was impossible not to worry when so much was at stake.


    Sendor had thankfullye through. Zac didn''t know how, but the arrays prepared by the Perennial Vastness had melted down the treasures without damaging their essence. The Nucleus Arrays were custom designed for these two treasures and the patterns he''d added. He essentially had a Supremacy personally overseeing the process, ensuring this first step would work without a hitch.


    No energy was leaking from the two materials, and they weren''t fluctuating dangerously, either. The arrays he''d engraved had fused with the material itself, creating a stable structure that could be molded. The glowing blob from the [Warstone] looked much like heated steel, and it emitted an aura somewhere between his Branch of the War Axe own and its original Dao of War.


    The [Cmity Core] looked like a sphere of heated ss. Life and Death almost formed a Yin-Yang symbol, except for the missing dots. The two sides were in perfect bnce in energy, aura, and Dao, which was why he picked the [Cmity Core] over two separate Supreme Treasures.


    Of course, the bnce didn''t mean the two elements had already fused, and stability was only a rtive concept regarding Life and Death. The Nucleus Array had melted and forced the two together, but it was an unstable union without the Void to keep the peace. Zac could feel the mutual rejection within the treasure, but it was within his expectations.


    Zac dragged the two materials over with telekinesis as he disrobed to leave his chest bare. The tattoo on his belly was still there, ready to receive more materials. The main array had a simr function, but the tattoo was better while it remained as it was slightly faster. His skin rippled as the [Cmity Core] entered his body. The [Warstone] would soon follow, but he needed toplete the next step separately. Zac dragged the molten ss into his core, where the perfected Life and Death waited.


    The [Cmity Core] was transformed just like the energy entering his core. The Life-attuned half remained the same, while the Death-attuned side turned into a mirage. The quantum state didn''t alleviate the instability within the sphere in the slightest. Zac had already expected as much after observing the situation since opening the hatch.


    The molten treasure was like a voracious ck hole when it came in contact with the energies sealed inside the [Hollow Core]. Vast amounts of Life entered the golden half of the glowing sphere, while the Quantum Death entered the ck one. The effect was immediate. The sense of rejection was rapidly weakening as more and more energy entered.


    "That''s it!" Zac shouted.


    This was exactly what he wanted to see. He had been somewhat confident in his n after seeing the Chaos Motes sessfully split, but it was still a huge load off his shoulders to see the [Cmity Core] stabilize. The twinned crystal was as stable as the [Warstone] when two-thirds of the umted Dao had been absorbed.


    Still, Zac crammed another two Chaos Motes'' worth of perfected truth into the Supreme Treasure, ensuring it would stay stable even longer. The energy inside the [Hollow Core] was fully drained by that point, except for some lingering pieces of Conflict he hadn''t managed to prevent the Duplicity Core from absorbing.


    The [Warstone] entered the [Hollow Core] the second the process was done. Simultaneously, Zac released the floodgates in his mind, letting a storm of Dao emerge from his [Spiritual Void] while the axe-wielding Dao Avatar was squeezed for over three-quarters of its umted truth.


    The War-attuned treasure already contained significantly more energy than the [Cmity Core] thanks to being left on the array until it couldn''t withstand it any longer. Still, it wasn''t a match to the [Cmity Core] after it swallowed the four Chaos Motes. This was a second infusion to reach equilibrium between the three forces.


    The [Warstone] joined the [Cmity Core], and Zac shifted his attention to the tform beneath him. A nudge activated its main feature, and the whole thing came alive. The array started to absorb the vast amounts of energy provided by the Dao Tapestries, using it as fuel. Zac felt an ufortable pressure build in his body, but he ignored the difort as he ensured none of his Hidden Nodes triggered.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    A gleaming three-colored sphere surrounded the Duplicity Core, releasing immense gravitation waves into the core. Seeing the Duplicity Core was fine, Zac sent out over twenty strings of Mental Energy. They entered the sphere, where they were transformed in an interesting way. They were still spiritual, but the array somehow gave them physical characteristics, like letting them interact with the materials.


    Their function was simr to the robotic surgical instruments sometimes used before the Integration, meant to help him work on his core. It was night and daypared to the basic methods he''d found in Zecia. Those techniques pretty much took the base materials and put them under great pressure, trying to squeeze them into a shape resembling a blueprint.


    It took little time to get used to the transformation since it was ultimately his Mental Energy. The only problem was that his control was a bit clumsy due to the damage across his body. A few tests indicated it should only slow him down, not ruin the process altogether.


    The [Void Engine] was still being cooked inside his Hidden Node, but that didn''t mean Zac could sit around. From the second he began the process, there would be no rest. Right now, his core was just the two treasures pushed against each other, gradually being distorted by the immense pressure released by the Core Formation Array.


    The next step was to mix and shape the temporarily malleable materials into a proper nucleus, adding the critical pathways and connections that would make up the inner circuitry of his Cosmic Core. Zac was full of anticipation as he got to work, sending the mental tendrils forward like a swarm of snakes. Everything until now was just the warm up. The next step was what he''d actually practiced for.


    The actual Core Formation was finally starting.

 Chapter 1056 - Uncertainty into Truth

    The pressure the Core Formation Array levied on the treasures was immense, and they sporadically released bursts of energy that shook the [Hollow Core]. It almost looked like they were venting to sustain thepression. But there was no venting to be had. The energy was forced right back into the materials after wreaking havoc, leading to a vtile cycle. The Core Formation Array also squeezed the two blobs together, and Zac needed to get to work before they were fused in a way that would affect his ns.


    Zac controlled the Mental Energy tools to begin molding the blobs of Conflict and Life, relieved to find the surgical tools mostly unaffected by the gravitational force. The refined [Cmity Core] and [Warstone] were very responsive, like putty. There was one problem, however; he had no way to interact with the deathly half of the [Cmity Core] in his human form.


    His Life- and Conflict-attuned core formation tools were blocked when trying to pass through the Death-attuned half of the [Cmity Core], but they couldn''t mold or move it at all. It lived its own life, changing shape based on pressure and the movements of the other two materials.


    Simrly, he''d lost his connection with the tools filled with his Branch of the Pale Seal the moment they entered the Duplicity Core. They were also transformed by the mysterious quantum state that influenced all Death in the core. But that was fine. He would start the process in his human form and then swap over to his Draugr side.


    The pressure was too great to form his core next to the two spheres, greatly increasing the difficulty. However, it was the pressure that kept the energies contained and the materials malleable. If he turned off the Main Array, the materials would rapidly cool and harden. Since that wasn''t an option, Zac used the tendrils to force the two materials to spin while pressing against each other.


    From there, he extracted a piece of material from each blob, like string pulled from spools. He quickly pushed them together, forming a simple braid before it was crushed between the rolling spheres. The braid emerged significantly morepressed on the other side and stuck to the [Warstone]''s surface while the blobs kept spinning.


    Zac worked in tandem, adding a few more sections of Conflict to the braid while preparing half a braid on the other sphere. When the two sides drew close, he fused them just before they were crushed again. He was using gravitational force and the spinning treasures to create a makeshift roll press, a technique only possible when having surgical tools to assist the formation.


    The more condensed the nucleus was, the stabler it would be. Each cycle would fuse the materials and arrange the preliminary connections in the Cosmic Core''s center. A surge of energy warned that the materials wouldn''te together without a fight, and Zac was forced to give up a cycle as the braid released a tremendous shockwave of intermixed energy.


    Arge section of his budding creation was damaged, undoing most of his work in one go. Zac knew this was the uphill battle any mortal would face, especially one wanting to create such aplex core. He salvaged what could be saved and let the rest rejoin the spinning blobs as he extracted new strings of matter.


    Thirty minutes passed as the super-condensed nugget grew bigger and bigger, where everyyer was earned after multiple setbacks. The Death-attuned energies were unsurprisingly the source of the biggest headache. The growing ball of yarn was filled with uneven spots of Death that had been dragged inside by the process, only some of it intentionally. The nucleus was roughly 60% in line with his blueprint, and every eruption came with the risk of pushing that number even lower.


    Not being in control of one-third of the matter going into the nucleus created a lot of difficulties. Zac did what he could to indirectly influence the uncontroble half of the [Cmity Core]. He intentionally created empty pockets between Life and Conflict where Death squeezed inside. He also created temporary blockades when too much death was about to be pulled into the roll press.


    It was these unbnced pieces that were the cause of most of the energy eruptions. Not much time had passed, yet he''d already lost count of the number of explosions the [Hollow Core] had been forced to absorb. Zac managed to avoid some of the disasters, but most didn''t even give him a chance to react. His Mental Tendrils were repeatedly shredded, forcing Zac to expend energy reforming them.


    During this time, there were no signs of [Void Heart] releasing the missing piece of the puzzle.


    It was for the best. While getting his hand on the refined Void Energy would be one less worry, it was liable toplicate the process. He had no idea how much control he''d be able to exert over the Void Energy, especially with the Core Formation Array unable to help.


    If he could build an operational base on the other three materials first, he would simply need to push the Void into the "empty space," simr to how he used his Dao Molds. Of course, the space wasn''t actually empty. While the models of his blueprint looked porous, that was just because it was impossible to properly express the Quantum States of his core in three-dimensional space.


    In reality, he needed to infuse the Void Energy into the untouchable Quantum Death in his human form, then repeat the process with Life as a Draugr. And since he had no idea what that infusion would lead to, he felt it a good idea to finish as much work as possible beforehand. Another thirty minutes passed, which meant he''d crossed his estimate on the [Void Heart].


    Still nothing.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac frowned, but he kept his mind and hands busy. First, he slowed down the rotation of the growing nucleus as much as he could while taking out three new treasure boxes. They were all top-tier materials of Life, Death, and Conflict, all sourced inside the Perennial Vastness. Zac added a set of engravings before cing them on their respective refinement array.


    Just as Zac finished his work on the third treasure, a huge energy fluctuation shook his core. Zac urgently turned his focus back to the [Hollow Core], but it was toote. A whole section had destabilized, and Zac was forced to cut it off. He threw the piece into one corner while moving the nucleus to another, shielding it with Mental Energy.


    A secondter, the alloy shattered, and an unprecedented explosion raged through the [Hollow Core]. The immense pressure soon forced the energies back into the nucleus just like the energy from outside, but that wasn''t the case for the physical material. Until now, the eruptions had only been energy, but this time material itself had exploded.


    Zac could feel the section had lost its spirituality and could only extract the fragments from the [Hollow Core] with his mental tendrils. That section was gone, and he suddenly had less material to work with. Worse, they lost some of their spirituality in the explosion. Zac sighed, but he could only extract new material to patch up the damage.


    Meanwhile, the three new treasures began absorbing the ambient Dao from the Dao Tapestries on the Dao tform. Zac kept the absorption speed to a minimum as he continued his work on the nucleus, adding more and more with every revolution of the roll press. When finished, the nucleus would form a working miniature model of his core, so it would hopefully stabilize the energy flow somewhat.


    The treasures sank into the refinement array fifteen minutester, just before they risked destabilizing. With his full focus back on the core, Zac didn''t lose any more material. The explosions continued, though, like incessant sr res that refused to relent. But the nucleus also grew morepact, to the point the innermost regions were forcibly stabilized.


    It took a full 95 minutes, but Zac eventually managed to fuse all the matter from the [Warstone] and [Cmity Core] into an almost perfectly spherical blob of alloy. Zac''s soul trembled from the effort, having been forced to constantly split his consciousness into 20 threads to maximize efficiency.


    Constantly reforming the surgical tendrils also came at a cost, and Zac said a silent prayer of good health for Mossy. If not for the living''s Moss Crystals, he''d never have managed to evolve his soul by this point. And without a Three Fates soul, he wasn''t even sure if he would have endured the process. A mortal forming a core thisplex was possibly unprecedented.


    Unfortunately, the nucleus still only looked like 60% of what it should have. If Zac began channeling energy through this thing, it''d quickly go from a Cosmic Core into a nuclear warhead. Still, Zac was happy with his efforts and moved on to stage two. Mental Threads entered the pathways of Life and Conflict and began exerting pressure to expand some sections and move others.


    Manipting the inner structure of the nucleus like this made its energy even more vtile, and he was forced to reform the Mental Tendrils twice as often from the constant explosions. At least the blob gradually moved closer to what it should look like. Zac was beginning to run low on Mental Energy even when liberally using Soul Crystals, so he was eventually forced to supplement with Soul Recovery Pills.


    Each subsequent pill would provide less than the one before, but what could he do? He''d known this part would be rough, even if he admittedly hadn''t expected the eruptions to be this frequent after being calmed by the Chaos Motes. Zac guessed it was unavoidable when working with immense energy and great pressure. As for the [Void Heart] taking its sweet time? Zac couldn''t do anything about it, so he kept working on what he could actually affect.


    It took him a full hour to improve the nucleus to 75% simrity with the blueprint, at which point progress drastically slowed down. There was only so much you could do to fix the problems caused by Death without actually touching it, so Zac infused some energy into the Duplicity Core itself.


    Life and Death inverted, and the dormant tendrils filled with his Branch of the Pale Seal woke up. The previously inessible ck crystal of the [Cmity Core] became fully malleable, allowing Zac to continue his work. Finally having ess to the Death-attuned side drastically sped up progress, but it still took another hour until he reached 90% precision.


    Shifting back to human let him add some finishing touches, pushing that number to an impressive 95%. Thest 5% was just impossible to solve without being able to manipte all three elements simultaneously. Besides, his soul was utterly drained by that point. He wouldn''t have the strength to deal with the energy bursts if he kept pushing it.


    There were no critical errors in its appearance, just minor inefficiencies, and that problem should solve itself. Dao had a natural state of bnce, which could be glimpsed from the patterns often appearing on high-grade materials. As such, the Core Formation Array''s constant pressure would make the materials move toward equilibrium as they condensed.


    There was not much left for Zac to do at this point but keep watch and recover. The nucleus made Zac think of his earliest blueprints, and it looked as stable as could be. Few low-grade cultivators would be able to spot anything wrong with the nucleus, but it was built on a lie. Anyone with the slightest insights into the paradoxical nature of the Peak of Chaos would know that Zac''s solution shouldn''t work.


    And it didn''t.


    Zac had kept his mind upied over the past hours, but it was time to face facts. His estimates on the [Void Heart] were off, and not by a small degree. Meanwhile, the lingering unity of Chaos was starting to dissipate. The imperfection of his low attainment in the Dao tainted the perfected version of Life and Death, and seeds of discord disrupted the bnce inside the [Hollow Core].


    It wasn''t enough to destabilize the nucleus, but it was just a matter of time.


    The radiant light from the agitated materials had also started to wane. The nucleus was losing energy. If anything, it was the opposite. New energy entered the [Hollow Core] every second whether he liked it or not, and everything squeezed into the small sphere in its center. Adding new energy was also what kept the nucleus moldable, like stoking a fire.


    Even then, too much time had passed, and the materials were hardening. Certainly, the Supreme Treasures had been indelibly transformed by the process, but they couldn''t remain in this state. It was the same as with crafting or working on skill fractals. You could only modify a fractal for so long until it solidified.


    Core Formation wasn''t a process where you could start and stop at will, especially not mortals. He eventually needed to start adding the next set of materials. Wait too long, and the secondyer wouldn''t properly connect with the nucleus. It would create a hidden weakness, where the Cosmic Core suddenly cracked when too much energy coursed through its pathways.


    That''s why he''d already thrown the next set of Materials onto the refinement arrays. The general refinement arrays took longer than the specialized arrays Zac used before, and he needed to have the materials on hand before the nucleus solidified. Of course, that depended on Zac making it that far; the nucleus was living on borrowed time.


    [Void Heart] was almost three hourste in providing the final piece of the puzzle, and Zac''s worry only grew as another hour passed. Zac had initially considered just using one Chaos Mote to avoid damaging his pathways too much, but he was infinitely thankful he had been a bit greedy. If anything, he felt a pang of regret he hadn''t opted for a few more. Of course, that might have resulted in his soul not enduring the unexpectedly rough process.


    He''d passed the time using his [Undying Mark] and healing pills to fix some of the damage to his body and Soul Aperture, and he''d performed maintenance on his damaged pathways and [Thousand Lights Avatar]. Later, he swapped back to his human form to use [Surging Vitality] and a second batch of pills.


    Eventually, Zac reached the point he hoped he''d never have to see. The Mental Threas moved like surgical knives and cut off a small section. He tried to expel it from his body, but neither hatch nor [Hollow Core] allowed the release of such energy-rich material. Instead, he could only repeat his previous maneuver. A huge explosion rocked the hidden space within the Duplicity core, and Zac dragged out the broken pieces soon after with a sense of defeat.


    Losing a couple of pieces of the nucleus wasn''t the end of the world. The damage could be repaired, and it only meant a little bit more work when he needed to upgrade the core in the future. But the fact he couldn''t maintain stability even with a fully formed nucleus meant he was out of time. Every subsequent explosion would destabilize the nucleus further, creating a negative spiral that would quickly go out of control.


    Zac fought exhaustion while infusing his full will into [Hollow Core], but it felt like he was trying to right a sinking ship by throwing water overboard with a bucket. One explosion after another rocked the [Hollow Core], and it felt like a countdown toward Zac''s demise. Indecision gnawed at him as he desperately tried to maintain the status quo, his eyes constantly darting to the ring holding his Void Treasures.


    Then, a deep thump shook the whole tform, and Zac almost cried with relief. [Void Heart] had given him a scare, but it was finally done. A stream of mysterious Void Energy shot out of the Hidden Node, looking like a thundercloud of alien runes. The patterns didn''t resemble anything from Ultom and seemedpletely separate from the systems used in this era. Zac wasn''t even certain whether it was physical or spiritual as it moved through his body.


    Deciphering those formations might be key to finding clues to the Void, but this wasn''t the time or ce. His cells were already trying to drag runes out of the clouds, and the nucleus was teetering on the brink of copse. Zac captured the cloud with a of Mental Energy and dragged it toward his Duplicity Core with all speed he could muster.


    Meanwhile, he opened his cells wide and suppliedrge amounts of Void Energy. The energy entered the storm, slightly diluting its immense energy to exchange quality for quantity. The cloud was too intense, overpowering the auras from the other three elements. If he added Void of Death more powerful than the Dao of Life, he''d fail to reach a state of equilibrium.


    Zac stopped the churning cloud right outside the hatch, where he split it in half after a short deliberation. He considered adding Branches of the Pale Seal and Kalpataru into the halves but eventually decided against it. He shouldn''t need to add any more Dao into the Void. The Quantum Death fused with modified Void should result in Void of Death. Adding actual Dao would likely ruin the process.


    It was impossible to say whether he was making the right call or whether his idea would even work. He could only put his faith in Ultom''s impartments and years of effort as he made the plunge. Zac could already sense that another piece of the nucleus was about to destabilize, so he pushed one of the clouds through the hatch. Mental tendrils turned into a blur as they split the cloud into two dozen streams that entered the nucleus from every direction.


    Zac didn''t have to wait long to see the result. His triumphant roar echoed through the mountain range as the Void Energy effortlessly entered the Quantum Death, and the cloud was rapidly consumed. It worked! Void really was the key. However, the Void Energy was certainly not the calming balm he''d expected. Anywhere it entered, the surroundings would quake as the Void disrupted the lingering peace brought by Chaos.


    For a moment, it really looked like Zac had built a bomb rather than a core, but that didn''t mean he stopped infusing the nucleus. There was no going back now. Either he finished the job, or he''d blow himself and the surrounding mountains to kingdome. It only took a few seconds, but it felt like an eternity as he desperately tried to apply the Void to every nook and cranny.


    Then, the shaking stopped, and the energies turned docile after hours of madness. Zac looked on with bated breath until it seemed like his vantage shifted. Zac felt like he was looking at one of those images that changed motif depending on the angle from which you looked. A moment ago, the nucleus had felt like a fake core, like someone had pped a new coat of paint on a rotting house.


    Now, it looked perfect��an Evolutionary Core holding the shadow of Inexorability.


    Well, almost perfect. Seven imperfections marred theplex structure after he''d been forced to excise the unstable sections, creating some disturbances in the energy flow. However, that level of damage was no worse than him getting a couple of cuts. He''d still be able to fight in that state, and his Cosmic Core would still work with issues this small.


    Part of Zac just wanted to look at his creation and marvel, but he had to keep going. He swapped to his Draugr form and began the process anew with the other half of the Void Cloud. Inverting the core had destabilized it again, but it havingpleted one half made it much sturdier. Even then, Zac filled the sections with extreme meticulousness until aplete Inexorable Core was born. Zac just sat there looking at his creation for a few minutes with an immense sense of satisfaction.


    Fifteen years it''d taken him to reach this point. Fifteen years of struggle, wracking his brain for a solution. A solution that would prove to the world they were wrong. That it was possible to form a core with Life and Death. Yet, even after all his preparations and guidance, Zac still wasn''t sure whether he was chasing a wild fantasy or if he was really onto something.


    Today, uncertainty finally turned into truth.

 Chapter 1057 - Toll of Hegemony

    ?Chapter 1,057 - Toll of Hegemony


    Zac released a breath he hadn''t realized he held. Forming a nucleus obviously wasn''t the same as forming a core, but it was the step that had worried him the most. If any of his theories or deductions were incorrect, the whole project would be doomed to fail. And there was so much that could have gone wrong, from how the Duplicity Core''s Quantum States worked to how his Void Energy would interact with the materials.


    Conversely, forming a stable nucleus proved that his Blueprint worked in practice. The subsequent steps would build upon the foundation he''d erected, following the same logic and methodology. That didn''t mean the process would be easy or that he could rx, but he had undeniably passed the first major hurdle.


    Zac grabbed one of the Void Cores to extract its energy as he turned to the materials on the refinement arrays. A storm of chaotic energy entered his body, but it was all dragged into his heart before it could cause damage or create a mess. Infusing the cloud had drained him of most of his Void Energy, and he needed to recover some while he worked on the refinement arrays.


    Looking at the three items on their respective glowing array, Zac guessed they''d be ready in around an hour. Zac observed the golden metallic root atop the life-attuned tform for a few seconds before shaking his head. He grabbed the half-refined treasure and crushed it, swallowing some while letting the released toxic waves of Life enter through his pores and irradiate his body.


    It was a Life-attuned treasure at the top of Peak Quality, but the timing meant it couldn''t be used for his core. Rather than wasting energy refining it into something unusable, he might as well use the treasure. Waves of nausea hit him, but the feeling lessened as Zac dragged the immense energies into his soul and the cracks left by the splinter.


    He still had aplicated rtionship with Life in his Draugr form, but it wasn''t quite considered poisonous any longer. The infusion of Life ground against the stubborn slivers of oblivion hidden in the scars, exhausting and erasing them piece by piece. A simr scene yed out inside his Soul Aperture, where the energies nurtured and healed the Life-attuned Soul Core.


    Twenty minutes passed until the energy was expended, at which point Zac repeated the process with the Death-attuned treasure on the refinement array. The remaining active array didn''t need much input from him, so he figured he might as well eat some treasures to fix his body. Doing so would leave behind some impurities, but so what? A tribtion was just around the corner.


    After removing the old one, Zac engraved another Death-attuned treasure with a refinement pattern. The one he just used up would be refined too early. Besides, all the Life-Death treasures he''d prepared were matched up in pairs to ensure everyyer would be bnced. Since the Life-attuned treasure had been discarded, the Death-attuned needed to go too. The choice of treasures holding the Dao of Conflict wasn''t as stringent, so the remaining metal would be the first piece of the core''s nextyer.


    Most cultivators would probably curse Zac for using such precious treasures like they were simple Healing Pills, but he had gathered way more than he needed during his years of collecting Mana. Losing a couple of sets wasn''t a big deal, and he felt a lot better by the time the Death-attuned treasure had been absorbed. Part of it was thanks to his soul being in a better state, and one part was simply rxing from the pent-up stress. The refinement of the war-attuned treasure was about to finish, so Zac prepared himself.


    The refinement arrays followed the same principles as the Nucleus Arrays. But while thetter were customized one-time arrays, the former was a generalized repeatable variant. In return, it took the arrays much longer to finish the process. That wasn''t much of a problem as long as you understood the refinement process well.


    Another twenty minutester, a spiritual nudge confirmed the piece was done. It didn''t pass through some mysterious spatial dimension, so Zac pulled it over with telekinesis. The array on his stomach had already copsed, So Zac ced the refined metal onto a sub-array next to him.


    The material flickered and suddenly felt illusory. That meant it was ready, and Zac pushed it into his side, avoiding the broken tattoo just in case. The piece of metal slowly passed through his body like a ghost until it reached the outer shell formed by the main Core Formation Array. At that time, it turned corporeal again, and it entered.


    The new piece of Conflict was like a small moon pulled over by the gravity of a far greater. In fact, the nucleus'' pull was so strong that the new treasure would''ve crashed into its surface like a meteor if not for Zac restraining it with everything he got. Even then, Zac barely managed to hold the material back while spinning the nucleus to the correct location, at which point he let the blob of Conflict-attuned steelnd.


    The pressure would slowly merge the materials even if Zac did nothing at that point. Of course, such a creation would only barely follow the patterns of his Blueprint thanks to the ambient energies. To avoid such a crude result, Zac went to work like before, using the mental tendrils to reforge and reform the piece of Conflict. Two hours passed until something simr to a silvery spiderweb had been evenly applied to the nucleus.


    The process had been quite smoothpared to forming the nucleus, apart from a few eruptions and the general drain of Mental Energy. Only adding one material at a time increased the duration of the process and the overall strain on his mind. In return, the risk of mistakes urring was far lower, and Zac felt that was more important than saving time.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Looking at the ck piece of rock atop the refinement array, Zac added the matching Life-attuned treasure. Not muchter, the Death-attuned treasure was about to finish its refinement. Seeing it was time, Zac took out a vial and swallowed a shimmering pill that contained immense waves of unattuned energy and heat. It almost looked like a white sun had erupted in his chest, and he dragged the ball of energy into the hatch.


    The pill needed no guidance from that point, and it smoothly entered the core. In return, the waning lights of the nucleus rekindled, regaining some of the luster it lost while waiting for [Void Heart] to finish. The pill was called [Rising Sun Return], a hotmodity inside Vastness City. The Perennial Vastness didn''t provide it, but a powerful alchemy n in the Multiverse Hearnds.


    Its effect was simple: returning some of its malleability to a budding core. Sometimes, dys or mistakes make you fall behind schedule, which could quickly lead to a negative spiral of umting mistakes. The [Rising Sun Return] was like a second lifeline, where you''d get the opportunity to fix the problem or catch up. One could only eat three such pills during Core Formation, and its effect would be halved after every use. Yet Zac felt it warranted after the earlier dy.


    With his nucleus once more resembling a magmatic ball, Zac dragged over the next treasure for refinement. Soon, another item entered the nucleus, adding the nextyer. Zac could feel the addition of more Death-attuned material affected the stability of the core, but the thin outeryer wasn''t enough to push the nucleus off-bnce. It just resulted in a few more discharges of energy.


    After Death had joined War, Zac swapped to his human form to add the matching Life. With all three materials in bnce, the core quickly calmed down. Even better, just as Zac was about to infuse Void into the Quantum Death, he realized he didn''t need to. The dense amounts of Void had already spread into the newly added section. He would eventually have to add more to avoid the Void getting diluted, but Zac continued with the nextyer for now.


    With the initial hump passed, Zac entered the longest stage of the core formation. He formed a stable cycle, adding one element after another while swapping between Draugr and Human. Layers of Conflict, Death, and Life were tacked onto the nucleus, which slowly grew into a proper core. All the while, Zac supplied Void Energy through his [Void Heart] to fill the gaps with Void of Dao. Interestingly, the vast Dao Tapestry was absorbed into his core with everyyer added, providing extra strength and stability. With everyyer added within, the spiderweb shrunk a bit.


    Zac almost felt like he was gestating life inside the [Hollow Core], and he was filled with anticipation as the weeks turned to months. During that time, he encountered only a few snags. A few materials destabilized before they could be used, and others didn''t react as he''d expected when forming his n. These things weren''t a big deal, but the constant explosions were a real headache.


    His Quantum Core would hold more than ten times the energypared to most cultivators while being a mortal. The energy and treasures required to build such a thing was enough to blow Mount Illumination to kingdome. Zac knew that when the 1-month mark had passed, there was no chance he''d survive the core copsing. He would never be a Half-step Cultivator��it was sess or death.


    The threat of death wasn''t enough to make Zac hesitate or back down, but the eruptions only worsened. The Core Refinement array could only take you so far when trying to contain such vast amounts of energy. Even his [Hollow Core] was starting to show cracks. Zac doubted its creator could ever have dreamed his invention would get beat up so badly.


    The Core Formation barrier could be moved inside the Duplicity Core if the protective shell cracked, but it wouldn''t block out the damage nearly as well. In other words, the energies would crash into the Duplicity Core, and Zac had no idea if it was designed to withstand these kinds of eruptions. After all, his Core Formation process was undoubtedly designed to be controlled by Jeeves, who''d manage the process with inhuman precision.


    Two months in, Zac was forced to swallow his second [Rising Sun Return]. It wasn''t to catch up but rather to turn the inner regions of the core malleable again. Two months of explosions had damaged the internal wiring to the point that it couldn''t be ignored anymore. At the same time, Zac had no choice but to start relying on outside help.


    One pill, talisman, and consumable treasure after another was used over the following days, each a powerful but costly method to absorb damage or calm down the core. Therge amount of toxins was manageable, but each lifeline added some extra heterogeneity to his core. Even then, the [Hollow Core] finally cracked around the three-month mark from an earthshattering explosion that almost knocked Zac unconscious.


    Zac held on to his fraying consciousness, clumsily trying to contain the damage while swallowing the third and final [Rising Sun Return] to repair a huge crack that had reached all the way to the nucleus. Months had passed with no rest, and he''d been constantly forced to maintain full focus. His soul was like a parched desert, but his red eyes gleamed with madness and excitement as a rumble shook the sky. The [Hollow Core] hadsted much longer than Zac expected, and the Dao Tapestry was almost fully absorbed.


    A few dark clouds had appeared in the sky over the past days, and a weak aura of punishment filled the mountain range. The Heavens hadn''t descended in earnest just yet, but Zac''s Cosmic Core was already nearingpletion. Things had more or less gone ording to n, except the process had been much rougher than he''d expected.


    Yet the result was good. A fewyers were still missing, but Zac could barely believe how close to his goals the core hade. Certainly, therge number of explosions had left enough imperfections to make a High-quality Cosmic Core an impossibility, but it was certainly enough for Middle-quality. It wasn''t even a matter of barely pushing past the goalpost; he was well within the eptable range.


    Another three days passed, and Zac''s hands shook as he moved the refined piece of Life-attuned Natural Treasure onto the main array. His soul was already too tired for telekinesis, but he roused himself as he added tacked on theyer that perfectly entered the groves on the core''s surface. The region was drenched in darkness already, apart from the flickering purple of the barely contained bolts of lightning above. The sky roared, yet Zac didn''t even dare look up, afraid that giving the boundless fury attention would unleash the storm.


    There was something odd about the tribtion lightning this time. Technically, the tribtion for forming a boundless Cosmic Core was the same as forming Dao Branches. Cultivation was stealing providence from the Heavens, and the severity of these two crimes was considered at the same level. However, the amassed energy far surpassed what he''d endured inside the Orom World. Something about his core had angered the Heavens even more than normal.


    At the same time, it didn''t seem very focused. The lightning was spread out across the horizon rather than gathered above him. It almost seemed like the Heavens had trouble pinpointing his exact location, making it even angrier. Zac presumed it was a feature of the Duplicity Core rather than the Perennial Vastness, adding the Technocrat''s trademark ability to hide from the Heavens.


    This time, Zac didn''t mind his mother''s meddling. He''d nned to slow down his progress when he reached this point, to recover before facing the tribtion. But with the process being so vtile, Zac had been forced to keep a breakneck pace to the end. Even now, there was no chance to rest.


    One side of the core wasplete, while the other was not. Zac could already sense the incredibly dense energy streams form a perfect circuit in his Evolutionary Core, which put immense pressure on the other side. Zac shifted to his Draugr form onest time, where he branded the recently added pathways with the Void.


    Bnce was restored within his trinity path, and Zac felt something click. A second circuit waspleted, and two streams became one. One half felt real and palpable, while the other remained in a quantum state, like a shadow hiding from the light. The flowing rivers of energy added stability, further fusing the materials.


    It was done.


    Zac couldn''t actually use it yet, but he had a fully working core. A powerful pulse of primal force shook the Hidden Space within the Duplicity Core. The wave passed through the Specialty Core''s walls, where it seemed to be amplified rather than absorbed. It spread through his body, invigorating him and filling his cells with boundless power before continuing outward.


    It was an unstoppable expression of Zac''s Dao and his path, a heralding cry of his ascent. It made the ambient energy in the whole region stir, forming one apparition after another around him. They didn''t look like the Kalpataru tree nor the iron maiden of his Pale Seal. The apparitions weren''t even fashioned after the shifting Dao Avatar wielding his two axes.


    Instead, two powerful armies materialized, forming a protective circle like an imperial guard. However, while both sides were part of his force, there was an unmistakable animosity between the camps.


    One army looked like a horde of barbarian ravagers. No two were identical in shape or equipment, except they all wielded axes. They emitted a primal aura of dominance, seemingly more beast than man. The barbarians emitted an unquenchable and unbreakable will, like their weapons could sever Dao, Fate, and the Heavens themselves.


    The other half was a dour army of hooded executioners, slightly resembling Zac''s form when using [Arbiter of the Abyss]. All held a ck axe, and chains were wound around their ck robes. Their auras truly resembled that of a judge. The weapons in their hands held the inexorable certainty of death. Dao, Fate, and the Heavens only became subordinate truths of their will.


    Nine hundred ny-nine warriors were conjured in each camp before the phenomenon stopped expanding. However, the pulse continued even when the armies did not. It spread to envelop the whole mountain and beyond, repainting the valleys in the color of Zac''s Dao. The tform beneath his feet crumbled from its pressure, but Zac floated in ce. He was like a radiant sun, showering the world with his glory.


    It was the Toll of Hegemony.


    The toll was like the first cry of a newborn, announcing its existence to the world. But instead of a baby, it was a path that had been born, manifest into physical form through his Cosmic Core. Some considered Hegemony the true start of cultivation, and Zac could understand the feeling as his Daos and Energy kept him aloft, surrounded by a sea of his power.


    This kind of phenomenon marked every ascent, though apparitions only appeared when Dao Branches fueled the ascent. But even Zac was shocked as the wave just kept going.


    The size and expression of the toll depended on various factors, such as quality, energy density, and the stability of one''s path. Zac had heard that forming a one-mile shockwave was the hallmark of a cultivator who had the qualifications to continue beyond the entrance of Hegemony. Five meant the core could climb through the ranks of the grade, while twenty indicated a seed of potential for an Inner World.


    So why did Zac''s pulse just keep going?


    At first, Zac considered it a wee recognition of his potential when five miles turned into ten. But the ripple just kept swallowing mountains, setting their energy astir. Twenty, thirty, and soon fifty miles. It was unstoppable, and Zac''s excitement was soon reced by worry. Because for every mile the pulse expanded, the Heavens grew more agitated while it forcibly honed in on his location.


    The light of his Dao projections was eventually overwhelmed by the purple gathering above. Zac had to fight his instincts to burrow into the ground, to use theyers of soil to hide from the punishment that was gathering above his head. For one, it would be to shame his path, but Zac also knew it was fruitless. There was no escape from what came next.


    The shockwave only stopped after forming a domain of over 99 miles, an aplishment Zac had never heard of before. By this point, the heavenly clouds were fully purple, and Zac could even spot mysterious runes inside the formations. They were like angry spots of red, filled with the desire for destruction.


    Zac quelled the turmoil in his heart, and his eyes steeled as he looked up at the sky. Even if the bolts were superpowered, he only needed to withstand three. He refused to believe it was enough to do him in.


    The Dao Apparitions shifted, and the whole mountain range stirred. One second ago, it had seemed as though a supreme Dao treasure had been born, creating a glorious spectacle. Now, that feeling was reced by ruthlessness and fighting spirit. And the sense of internal disharmony between the armies was gone; their aggression fully turned to the outside threat.


    Together, they formed an axe pointed at the sky.

 Chapter 1058 - An Axe against the Heavens

    Over the past three months, Zac had spent a fortune on talismans, pills, and treasures to pave the path through his Core Formation Process. The total cost was undoubtedly counted in tens of C-grade Nexus Coins if you included the outside value of all the unique treasures he''d picked up inside the Perennial Vastness.


    Yet now, Zac didn''t take out a single item as he looked up at the sky. It wasn''t that he''d run out of money but that some things had to be aplished on your own. Heavenly Tribtion was the Law of Bnce manifest. He''d taken something from the Heavens, breaking his mortal shackles to steal power and longevity far beyond what any human should hold. As such, he needed to pay the price.


    Some methods and treasures could help you out, but they generally came with a cost Zac was unwilling to pay. The most ring one was that withstanding the tribtion was necessary to temper and transform the Cosmic Core one final time. It was punishment but also a path forward. If you weakened the lightning out of fear of getting hurt, you''d lower the potential of your Cosmic Core.


    Some sinister methods subverted bnce through things like sacrifice, where you used other cultivators as cauldrons to refine the Tribtion Lightning before letting it enter your body. That way, you''d get the benefits while someone else paid the price. Zac guessed Saeward''s array was exactly this kind of method. He''d trapped the souls of his soldiers in a cycle of suffering to turn them into something that could help him pass his tribtion.


    In a spat of cosmic justice, Saeward failed and was turned into an experiment by Sendor. However, even if he''d seeded, it wouldn''t have been without issues. Such a method was bound to stain your karma, affecting your providence and Luck. It wasn''t just a form of punishment meted out by the System; it was Heavenly Law.


    Zac would never use that kind of method, not just because he found it revolting and an insult to his Dao. His huge Luck was one of his greatest advantages, allowing him to get this far. Without his Luck, how would he have encountered all the opportunities that made up the cornerstones of his Cultivation System? Without his Luck, he would have died and been forgotten long ago.


    Sacrificing all that to enter Hegemony safely? Forget about it.


    No, this was a test that needed to be ovee, though that didn''t mean he should stand there and eat the lightning bolts. Zac was intimately connected to the domain around him. It was generated by his Dao and energy from his core, so he roused the domain to meet the gathering bolt. The sky had turned into a huge vortex, and the purple lightning in its center was so condensed it had almost turned red.


    Bing a Hegemon didn''t mean he''d suddenly gained a connection to the Daos like a Cultivator. However, Zac could still use the same types of tricks as he did when forming Dao Braids. The Dao Apparitions turned into streaks of light, forming nine rivers that wound into a simple but tremendously powerful spiral. In reality, it looked more like a hurricane than a braid, spinning in the opposite direction of the clouds.


    A rumbling roar shook all creation as the first bolt descended. It painted the mountain range red as it pierced the storm''s eye toward Zac. However, every step was a hard-fought battle where Zac fought back with everything he got. The bolt grew thinner and weaker the closer it got until it was fully consumed. The first bolt hadn''t even managed to touch Zac''s robes, a testament to his ungodly foundations.


    The bolt''s descent had been cut short but still brought benefits. The domain was part of him, and he felt his Dao had been greatly consolidated by pitting itself against the Tribtion Lightning. It didn''t provide any breakthroughs, but Zac felt like a hidden blockage had been shaken loose in his mind. His path ahead suddenly felt wider, and his Daos full of potential.


    The first tribtion had been handled quickly, but it hadn''te without a cost. The seemingly boundless domain had been almost fully drained in one go, leaving him without outer protection for the second bolt. Zac tried to rouse his will to reform some of it, but his speed was nothing when faced with an angry sky. The lightning was ramping up at shocking speed, reaching and passing energy levels Zac had only expected for the third bolt.


    It felt like the whole universe teetered at the brink of copse as small red strings appeared all around him. They felt like the fault lines of reality, forced to the dimensional forefront from the umting energies above. The threat of annihtion surrounded him, and Zac felt extremely exposed without the domain to keep him safe.


    Was it because of his Technocrat heritage, or was it for cultivating not one but two boundless Daos? Or was it because of his bloodline and its connection to the Void? In either case, the situation far exceeded Zac''s wildest expectations. However, he wasn''t given any time to adapt or prepare. The sky was so energetic that the second bolt was spat out on the heels of the first.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac''s mind screamed of danger as the remnant energies of the Dao Braid were ripped to shreds without putting up much of a fight. Zac''s acted on instinct as he activated [Void Zone] just before the pir of red hit him. A zone separated from the Heavens was erected, and the blinding light dimmed as it entered.


    But not even the Void Emperor''s abilities could deal with the second bolt of Tribtion Lightning. It forced its way through the Void, and the meter-wide pir condensed to the width of a finger that hit Zac square on his forehead.


    The pain was instantaneous and ubiquitous. His Soul Aperture was crackling, his pathways had been turned into conducive copper wiring, and the vortices in his cells and nodes were fluctuating precariously from being overwhelmed by the sudden influx of energy. The only thing unscathed was the Duplicity Core.


    The lightning ignored it for some reason, though that didn''t apply to the Cosmic Core within. If anything, it was the tribtion lightning''s main target, and it flooded the core through the still-open hatch. The core that had just stabilized after months of eruptions ran amok as the punishing lightning squeezed into every nook and cranny.


    The whole thing shuddered as it was forced into a brutal struggle for survival of fighting fire with fire, and a pain Zac had never felt before made him keel over and lose control of his flight. He crashed into the t peak of Mount Illumination, but the collision was nothingpared to the punishment his body endured from within.


    Everything was set ame, and everything was breaking apart. His Cosmic Core was not the only thing barely holding on. Every part of his body was about to be destroyed, and the Tribtion Lightning felt like a bottomless ocean. Zac tried to withstand the onught using the Void and his Daos, but it wasn''t enough.


    Zac knew he was inviting disaster but saw no option but to release his [Void Heart]. It was the only part of his body that seemed excited by the sudden presence of such unique energy, and it pounced on the Tribtion Lightning the second it was released. A deep thud cut the lightning''s momentum in half, and a second ground it to a halt.


    A third dragged arge chunk of red lightning over, and Zac witnessed a familiar scene. It was like the lightning had met its nemesis and suddenly wanted to escape rather than advance. However, this time, there was a startling difference. Some Tribtion Lightning entered the Hidden Node, but Zac was shocked to see mysterious patterns light up the Duplicity Core as it swallowed even more.


    Between the two, not a spark managed to escape Zac''s body before the Tribtion Lightning was consumed. Only the Cosmic Core''s lightning was left alone, and it soon exhausted the invading force after it became rootless. Zac could feel something had shifted within the core from the experience, but he had no chance to investigate what because a lot of things suddenly happened at once.


    For one, stabbing pain in his chest confirmed his fear and the reason he had wanted to hold off on using his [Void Heart]. The Hidden Node had bested the second bolt, but it waspletely stuffed. The tribtion held far more destructive force than the previous ones, and a few sparks leaked out of the vortex before it barely stabilized. There was no way it could help him with the final and most dangerous attack.


    The Duplicity Core didn''t seem to have the same trouble, but it acted out in a different way. It released foreign ripples that bounced around inside its hollow center, and the runes across its surface writhed like they hade alive. Zac was worried for a second that the Specialty Core was going out of control after finding Zac''s blueprint hadn''t followed Kayar-Elu''s original n for their experiment.


    However, Zac soon realized what was happening and breathed out in relief. The Technocrat housing scanned the newly formed core and was now rearranging itself to fit the creation, using the tribtion as fuel for the process. Zac was happy to see it work as he''d hoped, but why now? Couldn''t it have waited a bit longer?


    The Heavens hadn''t expected its second attack to be dealt with so swiftly, but it was already gearing up for its final punishment. Furthermore, there was no doubt the Heavens had taken offense to having its punishment be fodder. Unfathomable pressure built above Zac''s head, looking like a red sun of utter destruction that tried to break through the clouds. It formed a convex bulge of pure lightning, pushing down toward Mount Illumination.


    The Duplicity Core had bought some time, but that didn''t solve his issue. Zac''s trump card against the final bolt was gone, leaving him utterly exposed. Surviving the force umting above his head with grit and willpower was impossible. Zac scrambled for a solution, eventually turning to the two spirals in his Soul Aperture.


    The aperture had been annealed by a round of lightning just like the rest of his body, but that wasn''t what Zac was interested in. He was rather thinking about the hidden reserves of Creation- and Oblivion Energy locked inside the nebulous spirals around his Soul Cores. Some had been refined and turned into nourishment for his soul and body over the past three months, but most of it remained.


    Zac knew that forcibly using all that energy woulde at a high cost, and he had no idea if it would even be effective against the Tribtion Lightning. But what else could he do? Zac mentally prepared himself to unleash the same thing he''d once used to deal with the Qriz''Ul King��fusing Oblivion and Creation into an unstable bomb of false Chaos.


    The force of such a thing would far surpass his previous experiment, considering it would be powered by all the excess energy from the remnants. If there was anything in his repertoire that could rebuff the ultimate judgment of the Heavens, it was that. Of course, he didn''t have much more confidence he''d survive his own attack than the tribtion.


    However, just as Zac was about to drag the energy out of the spirals, another shift transpired in his body. The Duplicity Core had stopped rearranging itself and released a powerful force containing hints of the Tribtion Lightning itself. This pulse wasn''t like the earlier toll and stopped just five meters away from Zac''s body, forming a solid barrier that looked like a perfect replica of the Duplicity Core itself.


    Zac looked up at the barrier with shock, recognizing its origin. Some of it came from the energy within the Duplicity Core, but it was actually the array his mother had gifted him to hide his situation. It had always rested by his Duplicity Core, invisible even to him, to the point he mostly forgot it was there. Today, it had created ast bastion of protection against the Heavens.


    Looking at the barrier filled Zac with a confusing mix of emotions. Its appearance dragged out thoughts he''d sealed away until he had the power to look for Kenzie and Leandra in earnest. Was Leandra protecting him, her son, or was it a safeguard to protect her investment?


    A p of furious thunder pushed those thoughts back to the recesses of Zac''s mind, and innumerable wounds opened across his body. However, the sense of being targeted was rapidly weakening, and the ball of condensed lightning deted. It was simr to before he finished his core, like the Heavens suddenly had trouble locating him.


    So the Kayar-Elu had made some preparations, at least. The increased severity of the tribtion was likely due to their experiments, but the Technocrats were ultimately masters at hiding from the Heavens. For once, Zac didn''t mind the hidden hand manipting him from the shadows. Better that than dying.


    Zac hesitated a moment before forgoing his n of using the remnant energy. More than 80% of the ball''s energy had spread through the endless clouds. What remained should be possible to endure without taking such a crazy risk.


    Thousand upon thousands of red bolts rained upon the ground,shing out at everything. It looked like the end��the end of the world, the Dao, and the Era itself. A true apocalypse was unfolding around him, and Zac was in the eye of the storm. A scream of agony was drowned out by the crackling roar of the lightning sea that had appeared between the mountain peaks. Leandra''s array had hidden his presence, but it had done nothing to block the lightning itself.


    A painful stab made Zac keel over, but the source wasn''t the lightning rampaging through his body. The Duplicity Core had somehow tapped into his body, forcibly extracting all his Void Energy just as he was about to use it to fight off the tribtion. Zac was left without his main defenses against the lightning as multiple vortices opened up around him. Simultaneously, Zac could feel an odd connection with pockets of space across the whole domain.


    And then came the energy. Life and Death, agitated by the aggressive force of the scattered Tribtion Lightning, poured over in droves, the quantities far surpassing what had been supplied by the Dao Threads. A different form of rumbles created reverberations that shook Zac''s bones as the closest mountain crumbled, its spirituality fully drained.


    Zac was still grappling with the streaks of crackling red ravaging his body and could only look on with horror as it all poured into the Duplicity Core. At first, Zac feared the core wanted to forcibly elevate his Quantum Core, something he wasn''t sure he could withstand. Thankfully, only a trickle reached the core, while most were consumed and disappeared.


    It was like the Duplicity Core had been topped up with fuel after running empty, and the wriggling transformation across its surface resumed. It was happily continuing its evolution, uncaring about the fact Zac was still fighting for his life. A minute passed until Zac slumped onto the ground, his skin scorched and smoke releasing from his pores.


    He took out an axe and drew a deep cut across his arm, releasing arge stream of ichor that crackled with red lightning. Zac felt like he''d been through hell and back, yet he smiled while looking up at the sky. The clouds were filled with reluctance, but they were slowly dispersing after finishing their "Minor" Tribtion. It had already pushed the envelope to unleash such force against a D-grade cultivator and had nothing left to throw at him.


    The ichor he''d excised contained thest of the lightning, given up because he didn''t have anywhere to use it. His soul couldn''t take any more tempering, and his cells were on the brink of copse. Instead of trying to endure another round of refinement, he was better off just giving it up.


    The tribtion was over, and he was mostly in one piece, yet the Duplicity Core hadn''t finished its work. A second mountain copsed, and then a third, the scene reminiscent of his bloodline breakthroughs. In this case, he wasn''t the beneficiary, though. At least not directly. His bloodline wasn''t making any headway, and any attempt at siphoning some of the bountiful energy was rebuffed.


    So Zac could only watch on as the Duplicity Core continued its business. Truthfully, he was thankful for the respite. It wasn''t just the near-death experience just now, but thest months in general. Constantly being alert and at attention wore down even cultivators, and he had to fight the urge to enter a restorative hibernation.


    He couldn''t let himself sleep at this juncture. He needed to observe what the Duplicity Core did with his Cosmic Core. What if he missed something important that would cause trouble when upgrading his core in the future? So Zac took out some healing tonics and rxed while the neighborhood was turned into a wastnd.


    Eventually, the process stopped, leaving Zac frowning. For one, it didn''t feel like the Duplicity Core and Cosmic Core had connected yet. And since the cores weren''t connected, neither was Cosmic Core linked to his pathways. Yet, the vortices remained as the Duplicity Core swallowed unfathomable amounts of energy. A few more seconds passed until Zac realized what was going on.


    It was waiting for him.


    How could it possibly finish the process when his core wasn''t finished? His Cosmic Core had undergone a powerful refinement and was far more condensed than before. However, there was one final step needed to make things official. There was only one issue. How was he supposed toplete that step here?


    Zac hesitantly looked around the ruins. His mansion was gone, disintegrated by the unfocused attack of the Heavens. Null didn''t answer his call either. Eventually, Zac just opted to speak with the sky. Seeing how chaotic his ascent had been and the damage he was still causing, someone was undoubtedly keeping watch.


    "I want to pick a ss," Zac said.


    His request was immediately granted through a sh of light that made Zac close his eyes. When they opened, a Nexus Node waited right in front of him. Zac''s looked at the glimmering crystal with anticipation. The final piece of the puzzle was simple enough, yet the one Zac had looked forward to the most.


    Pick a ss, and let the System engrave its runes onto your core.

 Chapter 1059 - The Path Forward

    Zac''s body was absolutely wrung dry after enduring the tribtion, yet he felt like a million bucks as he dragged himself toward the Nexus Node. He only briefly stopped, looking hesitantly at his core. It had shrunk to two-thirds of its original size, emitting a condensed aura of power. However, it was also covered in small cracks, and it still released the asional burst of unstable energy.


    The insides of the Duplicity Core were the only spot that hadn''t been drained by his Hidden Node and the Duplicity Core, and his core had just finished rooting it all out. Zac knew picking a ss with a damaged core wasn''t an issue, but should he wait a bit longer? It would give him some time to recover.


    No, that wasn''t an option. A deep rumble shifted his insides as yet another mountain crumbled in the distance. The Duplicity Core was insatiable, but Zac wasn''t sure how much it could take. It had stopped its transformation while waiting for him to pick a ss, but what if he dyed too long? The Technocrat invention had already provided enough surprises. He didn''t want to wait to find out if some fail-safes were installed to avoid overloading the Duplicity Core with energy.


    Better he pick now before his mother somehow picked for him.


    The Nexus Node was different from the one he had back home. For one, it was only the size of a football, making it feel like a portable version. The dense golden scripts across its surface proved it was anything but simple, though. Between the runes and the stable aura it emitted, Zac even suspected it was far superior to the normal ones he''d encountered thus far.


    This was the moment he''d been eagerly expecting, and his heart beat with anticipation as he ced his hand on the smooth surface. This was thest step. Having already endured the tribtion of the Boundless Heaven, the System wouldn''t target him with another trial of its own. Only cultivators within Heaven''s Path would have to deal with the tests he''d endured when entering E-grade.


    Zac had originally been disappointed by that fact. Entering Hegemony would simultaneously attack you with all three types of tribtions, but so what? All aspects of his cultivation were beyond ordinary, be it his body, soul, or heart. Conversely, the experience had uncovered some sealed memories of his past. This time, he wouldn''t get such an opportunity. Now, Zac was only relieved. The process and tribtion had left him in a far worse state than he''d expected. He just wanted to get things over with now so that he could rest.


    There was actually a small risk you wouldn''t have any options waiting for you if the System didn''t deem you worthy. But that was quite rare and generally reserved for those who had cheated their way into Hegemony,pletely relying on pills or treasures. If you managed to form a core based on your Daos, you''d generally have at least one ss waiting for you.


    Zac felt a pulse enter his body, and it was suddenly like the Duplicity Core had entered a Quantum State as it hid from the presence. Zac could feel the Nexus Node investigate his pathways and core, and a screen soon appeared.


    Core Formation Sessful


    Design: 87% unique.


    Imperfections: Low (10-100).


    Evaluation: Middle Quality, S-grade Energy Capacity, S-grade Potential, S-grade level of Innovation.


    Zac hadn''t expected to get a report card, but he was flush with pride at the evaluation. Besides the middle quality, which Zac had already known about, every evaluation was top-notch. Capacity and potential were the most important ones. The former meant he''d be able to draw far more power from his core than normal Hegemons, and thetter undoubtedly meant potential for upgrades.


    These two being valued at S-level meant there were absolutely no problems taking his core all the way to Monarchy. Zac was the least surprised over the S-grade Innovation evaluation. His core was unique across the Multiverse. If his core didn''t warrant S-grade, none did. However, Zac felt that particr evaluation was more for the System than himself.


    The line reminded Zac of his time in the Technocrat Research Base, where getting the Pathstrider-title marked him for further training. S-grade Innovation felt like being branded an excellent experimental subject, which probably meant the System would throw more trouble your way to nurture you. Then again, that wasn''t anything new, so Zac didn''t mind too much.


    The System seemed to be tabting the results before showing his ss options. Each second felt like an eternity, but Zac breathed in relief when the screen finally updated. It was official; he wasn''t one of the unlucky few. Zac hadn''t been worried his Daos or aplishments would be insufficient, but rather that his odd core would make it difficult for the System to generate suitable sses.


    He''d been tormenting himself for nothing. There was not one, but three choices avable to him.


    ---------------


    Base Attributes Per Level:n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Epic: 100 / 150 / 200.


    Arcane: 115 / 170 / 225.


    [Option 1]


    Name: [D-Epic] Arcadia''s Champion.


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +300 / 450 / 600, Vitality: +150 / 225 / 300.


    Free Attributes: +100 / 150 / 200.


    Even Paradise needs a champion, an unrelenting storm of violence.


    Name: [D-Epic] Destion''s Warden.


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +250 / 375 / 500, Endurance +150 / 225 / 300, Wisdom +75 / 100 / 150.


    Free Attributes: +75 / 125 / 150.


    Bind them to your cmity. Pave your path with blood and bones. Emerge stronger.


    [Option 2]


    Name: [D-Epic] Primeval Edge.


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +250 / 375 / 500, Dexterity +75 / 100 / 150, Vitality +200 / 300 / 400.


    Free Attributes: +50 / 75 / 100.


    As Life was born, so was struggle. Be the primeval de, reborn through battle.


    Name: [D-Epic] Predestination''s Judge.


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +275 / 400 / 550, Dexterity +50 / 75 / 100, Endurance +200 / 300 / 400.


    Free Attributes: +50 / 75 / 100.


    As Death was born, so was struggle. Be the judge''s de, the cessation of all.


    [Option 3]


    Name: [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +300 / 450 / 600, Dexterity +100 / 150 / 200, Vitality +150 / 225 / 300


    Free Attributes: +100 / 150 / 200


    Progress through struggle, future seized, not given.


    Name: [D-Arcane] Inexorable Apostle


    Fixed Attributes: Strength +325 / 475 / 650, Dexterity +75 / 125 / 150, Endurance +150 / 225 / 300.


    Free Attributes: 100 / 150 / 200


    Explosive stillness, fate be nourishment to your ascent.


    ---------------------------


    The vortices around him were a reminder his time was limited, but Zac still went over his options word by word. There were not many surprises after having spent years inside the Perennial Vastness��the gaps in his knowledge that came with being a frontier cultivator had been filled long ago. The only point of interest in the basic information was how the data was presented.


    Like with the nodes, his Base Attribute gain had been separated from the ss options. Normally, the text wasn''t presented this way, and Zac guessed it resulted from the System adjusting to his unique situation. The biggest takeaway was that he''d unlikely get two sets of base attributes, just like how he only got attributes for opening nodes once.


    Neither was Zac sure how it''d work in practice. There was no clear event per level, like when nodes were opened. His core would stay the same until it was time to upgrade it to the Middle stage. Each level would just let him tap into a bit more of its power. Cultivators would slowly refine their cores when practicing their manuals, but that only affected their quality.


    Would the Base Attributes be awarded when one of his sides gained a level, or did both sides need to reach that step? Or was it perhaps impossible for him to level only one side at a time, considering his Quantum Core relied on a state of bnce? Zac guessed he''d find out soon enough after gaining his first levels. Gaining levels with pills was far more inefficient in the D-grade, but he should be able to get a couple after his core stabilized.


    Not getting two sets of Base Attributes was a disappointment, but in no way a surprise. After all, he only had the one core, even if it was unique. He''d held onto a lingering hope his Quantum Core''s dual states would provide dual bonuses, but it looked like it wasn''t meant to be. Zac didn''t feel he was losing out. If anything, his situation could be considered better in the D-grade.


    A normal Epic E-grade cultivator gained 25 base attributes, 10 free points, and around 70 ss attributes per level at thete stage, for a grand total of 230 raw attributes per level. Looking at the numbers, an early Hegemon gained almost five times that. From there, every stage would increase the gain by 50%, meaning a Late Hegemon gained double the attributes an early Hegemon did.


    In other words, a Hegemon''s attribute advantage against E-grade cultivators wasn''t as pronounced as an E-grade cultivator''s advantage over an F-grade cultivator. Neither did attributes scale as well through Hegemony, only doublingpared to the E-grade''s tripling. It was the same with Earthly Daos, meaning the attribute difference wasn''t as noticeable between the ranks.


    In this case, Zac''s advantage came from the distribution of attributes. Going through the E-grade was to prepare your body for cultivation and reform it with Cosmic Energy. As such, it providedrgeprehensive improvement to every aspect of your body with every node opened. In practice, this tranted to two-thirds of the attributes being allocated when opening a node.


    Only 33% of your attributes came from leveling your sses in the E-grade. This changed as you became a Hegemon. By this point, you''d stepped onto your path, or at least found a style suited to you. Hegemony leaned into your specialization, where you focused more on useful attributes while giving up on those who brought fewer benefits.


    It was like Zac with his Intelligence and, to a lesser degree, Wisdom. He had over 4,000 Intelligence already, far more than even the greatest F-grade mages. But that barely helped him at all; it was essentially a dead attribute for him. The same was bing increasingly true for his Wisdom. The strength of his soul and defenses against mental attacks mostly came from his [Nine Reincarnations Manual] rather than his attribute amplification.


    The same held true for all cultivators. By the time you reached Hegemony, you were expected to shore up your weaknesses by relying on your strengths. Like Billy, who gained a skill to transform his Strength into explosive speed, making up for hiscking Dexterity. Simrly, you could use your Cosmic Core to power defensive treasures to protect your body and soul.


    Focusing your attention on where it could be leveraged the most was more efficient. As such, half of your attributes woulde from your ss choice. For Zac, with his two sses, it meant a greater attribute superiority. Part of the advantage would be countered by D-grade Cultivation Manuals providing significantly stronger amplification, but it would still be noticeable.


    Did that mean his advantage against thepetition would only grow as he passed through the ranks? Both yes and no.


    By raw numbers, Zac would beparatively stronger the further he stepped through Hegemony. However, attributes weren''t the only thing that mattered, and not just because of advantages like his techniques. There were only three true bottlenecks in the D-grade, but each transformed your Cosmic Core. A Middle-stage core would hold roughly five times the energy of an Early-stage one, and the same was true further down the road.


    In other words, a Peak Hegemon wielded over 100 times the Cosmic Energy as an Early Hegemon. If you had no way to leverage this and turn your vast sea of energy into strength, then your advantage wouldn''t be that big. But through Skills, War Regalia, and various unique means, you could absolutely dominate the lower-stage Hegemons even if your attributes weren''t that much higher.


    That was an important distinction between Hegemony and the lower grades. Skills and equipment were linked to your core. You normally needed a Middle-stage Cosmic Core to power a Middle-proficiency skill, and the same was true for War Regalia. In return, these skills and tools would channel far more energy, which meant greater offensive and defensive power.


    Against Hegemons in Zecia, where most didn''t have regalia or the ability to upgrade their skills, Zac was confident in dealing with almost anyone by the time he entered Middle Hegemony. Against well-trained and well-equipped Hegemons from the Multiverse Hearnds? That was another story altogether. The Multiverse was divided between the haves and have-nots, and Hegemony was no different.


    Since the attribute distribution provided little new information, Zac focused more on his ss choices. Only being presented with three options was a step down from his previous breakthrough when he got the full set of five. Of course, it made sense.


    Back in the F-grade, he''d still been finding his way. His power came from a mottled assortment of opportunities that had yet to crystallize into a cohesive system, let alone a path. Today, his understanding of cultivation was leagues ahead, and he had already picked the direction he wanted to take. There was no confusion, no hesitation��only faith and determination.


    What would be the point of the System offering a bunch of sses that would diverge from his path? In reality, the screen presented Zac with a different choice; did he want to confirm his path, or did he want to keep his options open?


    Confirming his path meant getting the Arcane sses, which came with higher attributes and more advanced forms of nurturing. But it also meant his future would grow narrow. It would be almost impossible for him to change course like he had multiple times in the E-grade. He would instead enter the refinement stage of his cultivation, where he slowly removed imperfections while moving toward the peak of his path.


    The Arcane sses, Evolutionary Precursor and Inexorable Apostle, were clearly modeled after his stances, which were the truest expression of his path. The vor text reflected his understanding of Life and Death, where Life represented possibility and Death represented dominion. One broke the chains of fate, while the other seized control over fate.


    The Epic sses represented freedom. Who knew what the future held? Perhaps there would be something inside Ultom thatpletely threw his path on its head, making him strive for something even greater. It would mean a smaller boost of attributes, but that wasn''t that big of a deal. He was already getting far more attributes than anyone else by having two sses.


    The two sets of Epic options were quite straightforward. The first duo, Arcadia''s Champion and Destion''s Warden, seemed to be straight upgrades of his current sses. They would add more of the same, their attribute distribution almost identical to Edge of Arcadia and Fetters of Destion. Picking this choice would likely provide the smoothest transition, and he would be able to hit the ground running.


    Primeval Edge and Predestination''s Judge moved his sses toward his path without fully stepping onto it. Its attribute distribution better aligned with his Daos and the set of Arcane sses. It was the best of both worlds, adapted to his style without locking him in like an Arcane ss.


    Three options, all with their own advantages, and none with any direct ws like many of his optionsst time. No matter what he picked, he would be well equipped for the uing war and the trial inside the Left Imperial Pce. Yet for Zac, it wasn''t a difficult choice��he''d decided the second he saw the sses.


    He was going with the Arcane sses.


    His path had be an indelible part of his very being. Zac would see this road to the end, and he felt the safety of an Epic ss would distract rather than help him. So Zac only took 20 seconds to enter his Void Self-state, ensuring he wasn''t acting hastily or out of greed. No, picking Evolutionary Precursor and Inexorable Apostle was the right path forward.


    Whether it was long-term potential or ess to the quick powerups needed for Ultom, Arcane was simply the best option. After all, Arcane wasn''t the end of the road; it was just the starting point of the next one. There were even higher-ss rarities above, but those required you to confirm your path first.


    Thetest you could do so was when you confirmed your Dao and became a Divine Monarch, but there were disadvantages to waiting that long. The longer you dyed the switch, the longer you would be stuck in the lower tier of ss rarities. Picking Arcane now meant he could upgrade the rarity when forming his inner world and once more when bing a Divine Monarch.


    Doing so was exceedingly difficult, and Arcane sses were by far the mostmon rarity, even among Autarchs. But so what? Reaching the goal might be impossibly difficult, but since when had cultivation been easy? You had to dare grasp for the stars if you wanted a chance at rising above.


    A surge of energy filled Zac''s body as he provided the Nexus Node with his answer, this one provided by the cosmos itself rather than through the forceful extraction of the surrounding spirituality. He saw mysterious runes sink into the channels he''d arduously crafted while waves of change rippled through his pathways. Fractals expanded and grew more exquisite, where ten patterns became one hundred to amodate greater energies and deeper Daos.


    The transformation of his core and pathways were soon mirrored on the Duplicity Core, confirming Zac''s suspicion it was waiting for his ss choice to finish the transformation. It formed a mysterious resonance with the evolving core, and Zac gasped as he finally sensed a weak connection to his Cosmic Core. It felt like a bottomless ocean of pure power, right there for the taking.


    However, two discordant pulses threw Zac out of his marvelous state, and unbelievable pain suddenly wracked his body.


    A storm of foreign energy had appeared in his chest, and Zac felt like he could hear the whirring tter of millions of gears turning as his whole body seemed to phase in and out of reality. The System was still imprinting his core at full steam, but Zac barely noticed it as he desperately tried to understand what was happening. It wasn''t difficult to find the culprit.


    The Kayar-Elu was not yet done meddling with his breakthrough.

 Chapter 1060 - Fate Divided

    Lova looked at the departing clouds with marvel through the dimensional chute. She could still feel the tapestry of red on her retinas whileparing the spectacle with her own breakthrough all those years ago. Her blood-steeped path had resulted in a furious tribtion, but it was nothingpared to this. That final bolt, especially�� Would she have survived if it were her?


    No.


    There were no ifs and buts. The Carnage World, the Heart of Madness, or the ancient curse wouldn''t have been enough to protect her against that power. Just how had he aplished such a thing? Just scattering the wrath used techniques she''d never heard of, but it was nothingpared to his uncanny ability to consume the lightning. Where did all the energy go? She couldn''t sense a speck of it on his body.


    Was it the Void? Did it truly have such a powerful ability? It shouldn''t be possible. The Void was impossible to grasp for most, but it followed the Law of Bnce. Whatever field or defense he managed erect shouldn''t be able to stand up to that amount of energy. Nothing in the E-grade should, really.


    The curiosity that had called her over in the first ce burned hotly, but she calmed the waves before she lost control. She had her own path to tread. Bersides, harming the boy would be akin to dropping a stone on her foot. Only Esmeralda could help her get that item, but the old thief needed to regain her strength before they could set out.


    Unfortunately, it didn''t look like everyone had the same considerations.


    "Why are you hiding like that?" Lova said as she pointed at the side, prompting an annoyed grunt as the Arcane Ogre was exposed.


    "You little maniac, are you trying to bring a cmity down on my head?" Engo frowned. "With this level of attention from the Boundless Heavens, us old hands might get implicated if spotted."


    "The cosmos will eventuallye to collect. That is the price of our actions," Lova smiled, though there was a chill in her eyes. "Besides, if not for the baleful impulses in your heart, I wouldn''t have found you."


    "Baleful impulses?" Engo snorted. "You reveled in blood and fell karma for too long, to the point you''re seeing ghosts of your sins in the shadows."


    "Perhaps," Lova said as she turned back toward the spatial opening. "Fate is gathering, and this boy is an important piece. The Dao ising alive from the pir''s ascent. Some might see this as their final opportunity to erect their Heavenly Territory."


    "You''re talking like I''m out to harm the kid," Engo scoffed. "So what if I''m benefiting slightly from his providence? He''s not hurting from it, and I''ve paid the price. His sess is only possible because of my help in the first ce."


    "Providence is a mysterious concept," Lova countered, not bothering to argue about the ''price''.


    Like this boy wouldn''t stumble onto the inheritance of the First People on his own, with his fate and affinity to the Void? The old ogre had essentially stolen an opportunity and given it back, wanting to use it to force a Karmic debt. People really grew more shameless the older they got.


    "Who knows how a small nudge will affect the future?"


    "Are you any different? You were here long before me, and I can sense the strings you''ve tied to the brat," Engo countered. "You should be able to tell something is wrong, even with Master obscuring the details. He''s like a bundle of paradoxes, bound to get himself killed sooner orter by tempting the Heavens like this. Before that, why don''t we��"


    "How disappointing," Lova sighed, ncing at the ogre. "To think that a Trinity Tome of the Smerian Archives has reached this point. So much for the untainted pursuit of knowledge."


    "My purpose remains the same. Unearthing the mysteries of his body can have untold benefits for everyone," Engo said. "Besides, you do not have the ability to stop me unless you unseal your murderous heart. I think you forget I too had some renown on the outsi��"


    The Ogre''s words were cut short as both he and Lova turned toward Mount Illumination. Something had changed within the boy''s body, but their vantage disappeared as the spatial opening was forcibly sealed shut. Lova sighed with disappointment. Something interesting was just about to happen, but it was cut short before she had the chance to investigate.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Damnit! A dimensional blockade!" Engo growled, his iid staff appearing in his hand.


    "I thought I made my wishes clear just now."


    "Lord Sendor," Engo gasped as the Realm Spirit formed an avatar in front of them. "I was just��"


    "I know what you were thinking," Sendor said with azy wave of his hand. "I''ve looked the other way as you kids borrowed the fate of the guests or investigated their opportunities. It was a small matterpared to the value you bring to my undertaking. But this one you cannot interfere with."


    A ripple shook the whole sky as the crystal on Engo''s staff shattered. Lova shook her head upon seeing the madness in his eyes as a storm of runes spilled out of the broken container. Each pattern was a world unto its own, holding enough power to either create a reality or seal one. Each rune held a corner of the Heavens. To form even one was no doubt centuries of work. The old Ogre was going all out.


    A seal on the Dao itself was enforced on the dimensional pocket. Lova opted not to fight back as the schr''s aura rose to shake the sky. So much for keeping a low profile. A false territory and an A-grade array cut off the whole sector of the Immemorial Realm, turning it into a kingdom ruled by Engo alone.


    Sendor frowned as a dark pattern appeared on his avatar''s right shoulder, and his antlers dimmed from having a part of his body usurped. Of course, Sendor wasn''t in any real danger��Lova wasn''t sure if it was even possible to kill the old Realm Spirit at this point.


    He had worked so long on his expansion, all to aplish his dream of bing a true universe with himself as its Heaven. Meanwhile, his core was gone, turned into a Heavenly Territory that suffused his whole body. With his boundless energy and with hisck of weak spots, he was an imprable fortress.


    But with a body the size of a Multiversal Quadrant, it wasn''t easy to focus his power on a small location. It wasn''t a natural state for him, after all. A genius like Engo was able to create a short window of opportunity by exploiting that weakness. He only had a short window before he had to flee, but the Ogre was clearly prepared for this moment.


    It would only take a moment to capture the child and teleport away. Lova hesitated whether she should unseal herself after all, but a golden rune flickered on Sendor''s shoulder, and the Heavenly Pattern shattered like the runes were made of ss rather than the Grand Dao itself.


    "How disappointing," Sendor said as he wiped away the lingering traces of his bindings.


    Lova''s heart shuddered upon seeing how effortlessly he''d unsealed himself. How was this possible? Sendor was a creature of antiquity who reached his peak in the earliest days of the System. Since then, he''d been stuck at an impasse, and his abilities had long since been spread. Had he finally made a breakthrough? Or had he been fooling the world all this time?


    This control, this focus�� It shouldn''t be possible�� Unless his avatars weren''t actually avatars?


    "You��" Engo said, perhaps even more shocked.


    The Ogre''s eyes were opened wide as he looked at his ''master'' in disbelief. Lova could understand his confusion. Engo had spent over a million years inside the Perennial Vastness, and the schr likely thought he knew every secret of its lord. Now, his gambit had failed and he didn''t even get to plead for mercy before he was swallowed by a vortex.


    "I let that brat be a follower thanks to his profound theoretical knowledge. Not many have had the chance to study the heritages of three different Eras. To think he''d waste it all on a foolish n like this. He should have understood the fate of that child is not something that can be used by an outsider."


    "Simr things have been done before," Lovamented after gathering her bearings. "Like the Dragon Emperor and Lord River."


    "I guess you kids would look at it that way," Sendor said. "But those events were different. They didn''t borrow fate, they received it. You should put the matter aside. Introducing the two troublemakers to each other should be the limit to your interference. Any more and you might bring cmity to yourself."


    "What��"


    "Don''t ask," Sendor said, shaking his head. "Suffice it to say, Engo will continue his work in another form. Work hard on your rebirth. Things are moving much faster than any of us expected. You''ll have to speed up if you want a chance to fish in these waters."


    "Is he going to be okay?" Lova asked.


    "Who knows?" Sendor said, a smile spreading across his face. "He never seems to do things the way he''s supposed to. I guess that''s what makes him so interesting."


    --------------


    Zac screamed as he fell onto the ground, his vision swimming from pain that almost drove him mad. The energy draw and the barrier weren''t the only surprises his mother''s n had left him. The pulses and tearing pain came from two sources; the Duplicity Core and the [Quantum Gate]. The mysterious Hidden Node was releasing one shockwave after another, which then harmonized with the Duplicity Core to form extraordinarily dangerous currents.


    Not a single corner of his body was spared from the horrifying agony. Even his Soul Aperture was invaded, and new cracks appeared on both cores and aperture walls. Trying to seal the [Quantum Gate] did nothing. Any Dao, Mental Energy, or Miasma he tried to summon to his aid was affected by the pulse and ripped out of his control.


    His horror only mounted when even his bloodline failed him. In fact, it felt like he''d suddenly lost connection to it altogether. Had some safety protocol been triggered, where the [Quantum Gate] tried to neutralize him after noticing something like an unauthorized breakthrough? The possibility was all-too-real, but Zac refused to entertain the thought since he was unable to stop it.


    Instead, Zac furiously wracked his brain, trying to maintain a semnce of rity as he analyzed what was happening. If it wasn''t a kill switch, then the [Quantum Gate] was trying to do something else. Something he hadn''t prepared for with his Core Formation n. Something that didn''t take into ount his havingpletely diverged from Kayar-Elu''s original script.


    But no matter how Zac looked, it seemed as though the [Quantum Gate] tried to disintegrate him with energy-dense vibrations. His cells were tenuously holding on, resisting the assault with the help of two constitutions and his Eoz Hidden Nodes. Yet, it was a losing battle. Damage spread into the depths of his cells, like cracks left behind by the remnants.


    The same was true for his soul, and even his newly formed Cosmic Core seemed to be going out of control. Then, he finally grasped a clue. A puff of Life appeared as a few of his cells finally copsed close to the pathways on his shoulders. He also saw something familiar just before the cells crumbled. For a moment, they had turned intangible.


    Zac''s eyes widened as a shocking possibility struck him. If he was wrong, he''d die without a doubt. But that could be said to be true in his current state too, and there was no time to observe any further. He could tell he was approaching a point beyond salvation, and he furiously put thoughts into action.


    Dense opalescent clouds were dragged out of the Evolutionary Soul Swirl, and a bump began growing on his forehead. At first, it was norger than a raisin, but it twisted and creaked as a storm of Creation entered it. In seconds, it was the size of a watermelon, and that was just the beginning. The tumor grew arms and legs while its upper part separated into a head and torso. Centuries'' worth of Longevity was lost as Zac created a perfect copy of himself, attached to his forehead. Abyssal eyes full of pain stared into a set of simrly ck orbs.


    The powerful pulses from the [Quantum Gate] had already spread into the avatar, and Zac did nothing to stop it. Instead, Zac took a fearful breath as he forcibly quelled his bloodlines and Hidden Nodes. Without his body fighting back, he felt the situation rapidly deteriorate. However, the surrender no longer suppressed and distorted the Technocrat pulses, letting the waves between real body and clone harmonize.


    At that moment, Zac made his move. The spiritual framework he''d worked on for over a decade stirred as he activated the ultimate survival method of [Thousand Lights Avatar]. The technique wasn''t really ready for this kind of use, and Zac felt a powerful resistance. It was like the avatar was fastened to his body by thousands of small chains.


    Pain and madness urged Zac on, and a dense cloud of extermination was squeezed out of his Inexorable Soul Swirl. It spread throughout the [Thousand Lights Avatar], strengthening it while Oblivion severed the chains that held it in ce. Zac felt his vision double, but he could tell his desperate gambit worked as the soul avatar separated from his spiritual body.


    The ripples reached a crescendo, and Zac felt his whole body begin to copse as Life and Death suddenly tried to share the same space. Zac refused to go out in a gory detonation, to have his path cut short in such an ignoble way. He roused his soul''s full power, his will, and his desire to live just as he was about to explode.


    And he pushed.


    An unstoppable force separated Life and Death, or rather two sides of the coin that was his being. The Thousand Lights Avatar became the carrier of his Inexorable Path as it fell into the Creation-wrought clone. Pathways, bloodline, nodes. Everything that made him Arcaz was forcibly attached to the spiritual framework. Meanwhile, his body returned to its original human state, where Life filled the gaps left by Death''s exodus.


    No longer were his cells being pushed to ept both his forms at the same time. The pain temporarily abated, but Zac swore when [Quantum Gate] seemed to get a second wind. The painful waves reached a crescendo as the Hidden Node detached from its spot and crashed into his Soul Aperture, leaving mysterious patterns across its edges. They seemingly held no energy, but Zac screamed with horror as they lit up with ominous light. He desperately tried to move his consciousness to his new body, but it was toote. Out of better options, he roused his final stockpile of Oblivion to cut the connection between his original and new body. Hopefully, at least one would survive.


    Two muffled explosions were followed by utter darkness.


    ----------------------


    Zac took a gasping breath as he shot to his feet, but he immediately fell back onto the ground as a confusing burst of impressions left himpletely disoriented. For a moment, he couldn''t tell what was up and down as incongruous realities fought for dominion in his mind. At least one thing was for sure.


    He was alive.


    No vibrations tried to tear him apart, and no energies inside his body were threatening to turn him into a bomb. He would even say he felt fine, except for a slight headache and a general ache across his body. The confusing and conflicting impressions didn''t go away, but his mind slowly learned to sort through them.


    Zac slowly crawled to his feet trying to make sense of the situation. His internal clock indicated a whole month had passed. During that time, his surroundings had only grown direr. He was still on the broken peak of Mount Illumination, and destion spread across the horizon. Only now, there weren''t just a handful of broken mountains around him. The mountain range was no more, reced with what looked like a spiritually dead quarry.


    It even felt like the Dao was shattered, like his breakthrough had destroyed the environment on such a fundamental level it had be a cursednd. Zac felt a pang of worry for a second but soon discarded it. Sendor had the ability to reform a world broken by a Supremacy, surely he wouldn''t cause a stink over him destroying a couple of mountains?


    Zac shook his head in an attempt to get rid of the confusing double-vision and yelped in surprise upon finding himself staring into a set of familiar eyes. A pair of Abyssal Orbs seemingly leading to the depths of the underworld. A pair of brown irises that had shifted toward gold since cultivating the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    Two visions, two conflicting scenes, both equally real. He was looking at himself, from both vantages. Zac slowly tilted his head, and it felt like he was looking into an odd mirror as he saw both forms move in sync. For a few minutes, Zac didn''t move, his mind trying and failing topute exactly what had happened and how it was possible. Eventually, two sighs echoed across the deste peak.


    "Well, I didn''t expect that."

 Chapter 1061 - One or Two

    Zac looked at his other self, or himself, with mixed emotions. The words had been born from one thought, yet they emerged from two mouths. He still couldn''t believe decades of nning had been thrown overboard just like that. His soul and body had mostly recovered during his month of unconsciousness, yet his mind felt sluggish as he tried toe to terms with the situation.


    Forming a second body may have been the goal of his desperate gambit, but the one who forced him down this road was someone else. It all traced back to Leandra Atwood, or rather Leandra Kayar-Elu, and her n''s goal for the Zero Affinity Container. Zac sighed and closed both sets of eyes, turning his gaze inward.


    Having his eyes shut helped with the disorientation from a doubled vision, letting Zac unravel the details of his situation. First things first, Zac saw that the Duplicity Cores in his bodies didn''t look the same. One was iid with gold and silver, while the other was silver and ck��Life and Conflict versus Death and Conflict. Any trace of Death was missing in his human body; the opposite could be said for his Draugr form.


    The situation within the Specialty Core was even more confusing. Inside was the very same core he''d spent the past months forming, except the System had processed the somewhat crude pathways. Now, they were covered with extraordinarilyplex patterns that made up the basis of his sses.


    That wasn''t the source of Zac''s confusion��getting patterns and a first set of upgrades for your pathways after picking a ss was supposed to happen. The confusion came from his consciousness entering the same space from separate Duplicity Cores in separate bodies. You could say he had two Cosmic Cores, yet one. Separated by a physical distance, yet taking up the same space.


    The phenomenon reminded Zac of the toys Iz had used to ferry items across an unfathomable distance. However, while those natural treasures were consumable items that could only be used for short durations, this was a steady entanglement that was constantly active. At least Zac hoped it was steady.


    The two Duplicity Cores were continuously drawing energy from his Cosmic Core, probably to make the situation possible. It was a noticeable amount, though not to the point he''d have to keep using Crystals to keep up. The natural recovery of his Cosmic Core was greater than the expenditure, partly thanks to the Supreme Treasures that made up its nucleus.


    However, it could potentially cause some problems down the road. For one, he could only extract so much energy every second. With the Duplicity Core taking up a fifth, it would take longer to activate his Skills and equipment. He already had a slight disadvantage in this department due to not being a cultivator, and this would exacerbate the situation. It would also slow down his energy recovery by a noticeable degree.


    The weirdest of all was that Zac simply couldn''t tell where the core was actually located. Was it in his Draugr body or his Human? Was it neither, or was it both? It felt like none and all answers were correct, giving Zac a headache. Suffice it to say, the space within the Duplicity Core didn''t seem to follow the conventional rules of space.


    Zac''s instincts told him the Duplicity Core was using the Void in his bloodline to create a hidden pocket through the Void of Space. When the Dao of Space was missing, truly missing, there was no such thing as distances. It didn''t matter whether it was a meter or gxies away; it might as well be the same.


    The location wasn''t the only thing odd with his Cosmic Core. The core seemingly existed in both its quantum states simultaneously. Life was both Life and Void of Life; Death also held the Void of Death. The scene was different from his expectation. The third element was supposed to be hidden when taking his opposing form. However, Zac didn''t feel the situation to be a problem. If anything, it was even better.


    The core seemed to work perfectly even though it was in its chimeral state. A weak pull extracted some Miasma into his Draugr form while Cosmic Energy entered the other. The energy entered his pathways like a raging river, its source like a boundless sea. The feeling was intoxicating, but Zac stopped the intake. Another pull produced Divine Energy, confirming his theory that the core could supply Life-attuned energy too.


    A third pull confirmed that he''d suspected when seeing the change. A stream of Miasma entered his Human form, though Zac quickly expelled it. It wasn''t the first time he''d ever had Miasma coursing through his body as a human, but it was the first time his own body produced it. He could actually use all three energy sources for both his bodies.


    The same was true for his undead form, which likely made him the first Draugr to use Cosmic Energy. The Divine Energy was like pure poison, though, and he wasn''t sure if he''d be able to leverage that ability into something useful. Perhaps to take out other undead in a surprise attack of mutual destruction?


    Suddenly having ess to three energy forms in both bodies opened all kinds of avenues, but having a working core was the most important thing. It meant the sudden twist hadn''t left him crippled and that his goals were still achievable. Everything else could be figured out one step at a time. Zac opened his Status Screen, or rather his Status Screens.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 155


    ss [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles [...] Runic Progenitor, Grand Achievement, Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru - Middle, Branch of the Pale Seal - Middle


    Core [D] Evolutionary Core


    Strength 56,098 [Increase: 189%. Efficiency: 409%]


    Dexterity 23,045 [Increase: 146%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Endurance 34,638 [Increase: 165%. Efficiency: 409%]


    Vitality 33,854 [Increase: 168%. Efficiency: 428%]


    Intelligence 6,503 [Increase: 125%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Wisdom 11,479 [Increase: 127%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Luck 881 [Increase: 154%. Efficiency: 349%]


    Free Points 500n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Nexus Coins [D] 7 645 946


    A screen appeared in front of each body, and Zac released a collective sigh of relief as he saw everything was in order. If anything, they were better than okay. Zac had to make a double-take when he saw the almost grotesque numbers. Some quick math confirmed he''d gained a whopping 47% increase in his attribute pool. It was his biggest gain in a long while, and most of it was allocated to his main attributes.


    His Strength, especially, had taken a monstrous leap forward, increasing by almost 80%. No wonder he''d felt like he could crush mountains. He''d thought it was the result of having such vast quantities of energy continuously course through his body, but the real cause was theprehensive boost to his attributes.


    Zac took a calming breath, fighting the impulse to start swinging his axes around. The boost was far beyond what he''d expected, but he had more pressing things to deal with. He needed to figure out the ins and outs of his current situation.


    The screens looked identical except for a few lines. Like before, his sses and Races were individual, but Zac immediately honed in on the change to the line with his Specialty Core. It no longer said Duplicity Core like before. Instead, they had been renamed, with his Draugr persona having an [Inexorable Core] while his human form had a [Evolutionary Core]. Seeing the name was a load off Zac''s shoulders. For all the things that had gone wrong with the breakthrough, the Duplicity Core had at least adapted to his path.


    The change to his Specialty Core reminded Zac of the other culprit that had almost gotten him killed, and he opened his Bloodline Screen next.


    Bloodline: [E - Corrupted] Void Emperor


    Talent: Force of the Void - 6%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes: [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes: [E] Adamance of Eoz, [E] Conviction of Eoz, [E] Immutability of Eoz, [D] Alpha Link, [D] Omega Link


    Constitution: [Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (Third Layer): Base Attributes +50. Vitality +500. Endurance +250. Base Attributes +5% Vitality +5%. Effect of Vitality +10%.


    Zac nched upon seeing the changes to the screen. Before Zac even had the chance to investigate, he spotted the drastic change to [Force of the Void]. The Bloodline Talent had been capped at 50%, yet it was now reduced to a measly 6%. In raw numbers, it still meant he had much more Void Energy than before, considering his Cosmic Core had drastically increased his energy stockpiles.


    However, he would have to start improving his bloodline as soon as possible if he wanted to use his Void Energy to power his future D-grade Skills and War Regalia. And how would you even go about doing so when he suddenly had two bodies to worry about? Zac shook his head and moved on to the part he sought.


    The Duplicity Core had adapted to his sses, but it didn''t look like his troublemaker of a Hidden Node followed suit. [Quantum Gate] was gone, reced by two new entries of decidedly Technocrat origin. He was now saddled with something called [Alpha Link] and [Omega Link], possibly one for each of his bodies, though both were listed in both personas.


    Shifting his attention to his chest didn''t turn up anything. [Quantum Gate] had moved to his soul just before he was rendered unconscious, but Zac couldn''t find anything there either. The runes he''d seen for a moment were gone, and everything looked normal. However, another important change had urred inside his mind; his Soul Aperture had been transformed to work exactly like his Specialty Cores.


    Zac had been prepared for his soul and consciousness getting split in two when he sacrificed his [Thousand Lights Avatar] to move part of himself over to the newly-created body. He''d figured living like two separate entities was better than dying as one.


    The Draugr body he formed wouldn''t have a core, being semi-crippled and likely stuck at the E-grade. It would have been like the oue everyone expected for a Life-Death Edgewalker, where only one of his side could enter Hegemony. [Quantum Gate] had provided a much-better solution, letting him retain one identity and one soul.


    With both Soul and Cosmic Core being shared, he was, for all intents and purposes, one person with two bodies. The newly created body couldn''t even be considered a clone. He had used his Soul Avatar to carry every aspect of his Draugr persona into it, making it indistinguishable from his old Arcaz form.


    The double set of impressions had been extremely disorienting for a while, but Zac was quickly getting used to the experience. A simple test confirmed he could infuse any Dao into either body. It was nice, even if he didn''t use his opposing Daos very much. The notable exception was [Rapturous Divide], and this confirmed he''d still be able to use it without issues.


    Everything was in order, so Zac turned back to his Status Screen.


    Zac had no idea why he''d gained five levels while unconscious, but he guessed it was rted to the destion around him. The Duplicity Core had used up the vast majority of what the vortices absorbed, but some of it entered his Cosmic Core. Even some of the spillover from such powerful currents would give him a couple of levels.


    It might also be rted to [Void Heart]. It had already finished refining the Tribtion Lightning while he was knocked out, and some of the energy might have gone into adding new levels. Unfortunately, Zac noticed there were a bit more toxins spread through his original body than he''d hoped. He only got part of the benefits when he wasn''t there to control the cleanse.


    Of course, only part of the significant gains could be traced back to his sses. Danger and opportunity oftene hand in hand, and this encounter was no exception. Zac opened his title screen, where he first located his old title for gaining a Duplicity Core.


    [Evolutionary Inexorability: Sessfully form a unique customized Specialty Core. Reward: All attributes +5%.]


    The old title was gone, reced with a decidedly stronger variant. The old title had only provided 5% to Strength and Endurance, the respective main attributes in his F-grade sses. Now, it boosted all attributes, including Luck. Better yet, that wasn''t the only new title from his breakthrough. His ascent had awarded not one, but three.


    [Arcane Ascension: Gain an Arcane D-grade ss. Reward: Base Attributes +250, All attributes +5%, Effect of Attributes +5%.]


    [Pathbound Core: Form a Supreme Pathbound Core. Reward: Effect of Attributes +10%.]


    [Peakmender: Assist in the reformation of a broken Peak. Reward: Luck +10, Luck +10%, Effect of Luck +10%.]


    Zac had already known he''d gain a new title for picking an Arcane ss. His version was quite good, though not quite as good as if he''d gotten it in the E-grade. That version provided 10% rather than his 5%. Zac hadn''t heard of the other titles, though the first of the two looked quite familiar.


    Supreme Pathbound was the same terminology used with the Runic Erudition and Runic Progenitor titles he gained for creating [Pir of Destion] and [Primal Edict]. The title had to be based on potential rather than quality, considering his Cosmic Core was still only Middle-quality. The confusing events had solidified and repaired his core, but it was otherwise the same as before he was knocked unconscious.


    Peakmender was clearly rted to the Peak of Chaos, and Zac supposed forming a Life-Death Cosmic Core, possibly the first one, counted as helping reform it. It was no news that the System really wanted the peaks mended. He''d felt the palpable greed multiple times when conjuring the Glimpses of Chaos, and the System had an immortal being like Sendor on retainer to advance the Grand Dao.


    Zac briefly wondered why this counted while providing progress while the Glimpses of Chaos didn''t. Was it because the core was truly a new creation while the glimpses were just Creation and Oblivion pushed together? In either case, a top-tier Luck-improving title was far better than either of the other two in Zac''s book.


    The other two were still quite good and added a noticeable boost to hisbat power. Zac closed the title screen and continued his inspection. Gaining three titles and five levels had added the lion''s share of his impressive influx of attributes, but there was one final source waiting for him in his ss Screens.


    ss: [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor.


    Attributes: Strength +1,750, +15%. Dexterity +750, 10%. Vitality +1,000, 10%.


    Level: Strength +300 / 450 / 600. Dexterity +100 / 150 / 200. Vitality +150 / 225 / 300. Free +100 / 150 / 200.


    ss: [D-Arcane] Inexorable Apostle.


    Attributes: Strength +2,000, +20%. Dexterity +500, 5%. Endurance +1,000, 10%.


    Level: Strength +325 / 475 / 650. Dexterity +75 / 125 / 150. Endurance +150 / 225 / 300. Free +100 / 150 / 200.


    Like when breaking through to E-grade, the old base ss attributes had been removed, reced with a far more generous allotment. He''d gained 7,000 raw attributes between his two sses, almost the equivalent of a Middle Dao Branch.


    The best part was that both sses now helped with his Dexterity. Keeping up with his snowballing Strength had forced him to pool all his points into Dexterity, and even then, he''d barely been able to maintain a minimum requirement. This would reduce his pressure significantly, making him more flexible with his Free Attributes.


    No line listed any locked skills this time, though that was expected. He had officially confirmed his path, which meant the training wheels were off. The System wouldn''t create any more skills for him; he was expected to handle that himself. There should still be a quest waiting for him at level 175, though that would award him another opportunity to fuse or evolve an E-grade skill rather than a brand-new one.


    Zac continued through his various screens, but nothing else had changed. A mental tally confirmed what he suspected; he only got one set of Base Attributes, but suddenly being split in two didn''t stop him from getting the full benefit of having two sses. There were currently 500 Free Attributes for each body, but Zac left them unallocated until he''d have time to sort through this mess.


    Going through the status screen greatly helped Zac calm down. It felt like his whole world had been turned on his head just moments ago, but he had started to see the undeniable upsides to his situation. He remembered his Strength was just over 31,000 before breaking through. With his current attribute pool, he''d probably be able to fight ten copies of his former self. And if he added a second body with identical attributes? He''d be unstoppable.


    Wait, identical?


    Zacpared his two status screens for a few seconds, his eyes almost burning upon confirming his notion. For the first time ever, [Forester''s Constitution] improved the attributes of his Draugr body. Was it because both sses were active simultaneously for the first time? All kinds of opportunities and possibilities cropped up in Zac''s mind, further helping him limate to his new reality.


    All his old benefits remained, except for the undeniably powerful ability to swap form. It had provided an incredibly powerful element of surprise, letting him turn things around more than once. However, was his current situation any worse?


    Having simultaneous ess to both his sses had always been a dream of his, even if this wasn''t how he''d pictured it. But it wasn''t all bad. Who was a greater ally than yourself? Having both his bodies fight side by side would push his lethality to new heights. The only cost was the admittedly annoying energy drain. However, that might be fixed by the time he upgraded his core.


    It also opened all kinds of possibilities and schemes, depending on how far the two bodies could move from each other.


    Of course, Zac didn''t want to stay this way forever, even if he saw much potential in the situation. His long-term goal had been to fuse his stances into one holistic path, but how would he do that with two bodies?


    Trying to interface with the new Specialty Cores didn''t do anything, and nothing happened when he tried to push his bodies together. For now, it looked like he was stuck in two forms. However, Zac believed it was a problem that could be fixed given enough time.


    He could somewhat intuit what the Kayar-Elu n had nned for his ascent into Hegemony; fusion. [Quantum Gate] and the Duplicity Core had tried bringing both sses to the surface as they were engraved on his core, making them upy the same space. That way, he could simultaneously use two sses, though Zac believed that wasn''t the Technocrats'' main goal.


    He''d already suspected his mother''s n had wanted to sneak the Dao of Technology into a cultivator. Instead of Draugr, it was entirely possible his second body was meant to be entirely mechanical. When fused, he would be human yet machine. Zac and Jeevesbined. But Zac wasn''t prepared for such a transition.


    Even his core was designed to only retain one of its states at a time, using the Void as a bridge. His body was even less prepared to hold both his Draugr and Human persona. If anything, he''d made the situation way worse by bing an Edgewalker. The two were like oil and water; they simply didn''t mix.


    Perhaps the unexpected fusion would have worked if he had two unattuned sides, though even that seemed like a stretch. Superimposing two bodies like that must require very specific properties and a lot of preparation to work. Even Ogras Body Tempering Manual only stole the essence of the creatures he absorbed, and just that was bordering on the unorthodox.


    Having excavated all information he could from his screen, Zac shifted his attention. The actions of his bodies had almost been perfectly mirrored until now, but they slowly diverged as Zac split his attention. It was a bit tricky, like trying to write different things with his two hands, but he was quickly getting the hang of things.


    Zac didn''t get the chance to fully limatize before the world stirred, and the broken Dao somehow reformed. He''d expected as much and calmly turned around to find the Realm Spirit of the Perennial Vastness observing him with an inscrutable expression. His eyes felt like the Heavens themselves, and Zac''s chaotic thoughts ground to a halt as strong fluctuations filled both his bodies.


    Sendor was scanning him, using a far more thorough method than when Zac first entered the Perennial Vastness. Zac wasn''t happy with the invasion but was powerless to resist. The process onlysted a few seconds, at which point the old Realm Spirit''s monstrous aura disappeared.


    "Uh��" Zac said, unsure what to say at this point. "Sorry about the mountains."


    Sendor nkly looked at Zac for a few moments before a smile spread across his face. "Don''t mind that. I''ve seen the way you deal with things. Losing a couple of mountains can be considered me getting off easy. Now, if you could answer two questions of mine?"


    "What?"


    "Are you one? Are you two? And why isn''t there even a shred of Karma between your bodies?"

 Chapter 1062 - Equal Exchange

    ''There''s no Karmic link between my bodies?'' Zac thought with surprise.


    "How marvelous. I sensed something hidden within your body, but I didn''t expect something like this," Sendor continued, seemingly talking to himself. "How did such a method elude my gaze? Why can''t I figure it out even now?"


    "Even you can''t tell?" Zac said, the wordsing out of his other self.


    "I can tell neither is a clone. Both are real," Sendor said. "But there is not a shred of Karma connecting you. That should be impossible. New threads should form even if the process somehow severed your fate and split you in two. Both halves are indelible parts of yourself and your path, yet you might as well be strangers.


    "That is doubly true if you''re one entity sharing two bodies. Those at the peak might be able to hide the connection between their avatars through force. However, you''re just a Hegemon, and you''re inside my domain. It shouldn''t be possible for you to hide any connection between your selves. So are you one or two?"


    Zac didn''t immediately answer. Instead, a scowl appeared on his face as he parsed what the Realm Spirit had just said. "Something inside my body? Did you know this would happen? Was my fate another interesting thing you wanted to observe?"


    "Of course," Sendor said, clearly unfazed by the usatory tone. "That is the trade. You get to enjoy the resources within my worlds and get assistance with your core formation. In return, I get to observe the process in search of answers."


    Zac wanted to retort, but he knew the Realm Spirit had a point. The amount of resources he''d extracted from the Perennial Vastness over the years was shocking, and that didn''t ount for the unique opportunities like the Keys of Ascension and his Core Formation Setup. Looking back at the process, there was no way he would have seeded with his core formation if he had tried it back in Zecia.


    He even got his hands on an invaluable inheritance of the First People, and Sendor showed no indication of wanting it back. Of course, all that didn''t mean the situation wouldn''t leave a bad taste in his mouth.


    "Still, you could have warned me," Zac muttered.


    "And what would you have done?" Sendor smiled. "If I couldn''t figure it out, how would you? My warning would just be an anchor holding you back. All things considered, things worked out quite nicely. "


    Zac gave up and instead considered Sendor''s other words. If Sendor truly wanted to get to the bottom of Zac''s body, he would, one way or another. The System interfered during their previous encounter, but that was because Sendor was about to divulge some taboo secrets. The old Realm Spirit might even be able to help him figure out some aspects of his situation.


    This might even be an opportunity to make some money.


    "The answer to those questions doesn''t seem to fall under the trade you mentioned," Zac eventually said. "I could tell you, but you''d need to provide something of sufficient value in return."


    "Fine, brat. What do you want?" Sendor said with exasperation.


    "Valsa brought a piece of her ancestor into this ce��" Zac said. "And I''m soon heading into an even more dangerous ce, where people like Valsa will be a dime a dozen. I want an edict to protect myself."


    "No way," Sendor said. "Even if I wanted to, I couldn''t. The System''s full attention is on this trial. There''ll be no bending rules or sneaking things inside."


    Zac was more relieved than disappointed by the rejection. Getting an edict would have been nice, but it wasn''t crucial as long as the others couldn''t bring one inside.


    "Still, those from the hearnds are bound to have powerful lifesaving means," Zac said.


    "One mark," Sendor said. "A piece of my spirituality at the limits of what the System will allow. I warn you, though, it will have a consciousness of its own. I will not attack one of the connected brats and break my promise of neutrality. At most, I''ll block their attacks or trap them while you run away."


    "Fine, but one piece for each body. And one to Catheya and Ogras."


    Sendor''s face turned ugly, but he slowly rxed his face. "Fine! Both your bodies, but not those two. It would go too far. Ask for something else."


    Zac had expected as much and countered with his real desire. "Provide the two with some other opportunity, then. Something suitable for them. And after they''ve broken through, not before. Send them back a year before the inheritance."


    Sendor looked like he was about to reject, but a smile suddenly spread across his face.


    "You''re asking me to remold their fate," Sendor said. "You should know, such a thing is not as simple as me throwing a couple of inheritances their way. I''ll warn you because I like you; if you ask this of me, you''ll sow Karma, and sating my curiosity isn''t enough to resolve it. Forming Karma with someone at my level can have unexpected consequences."


    "Like what?"


    "Who knows? I''m quite powerful, and my fate is like a bottomless ocean," Sendor grinned. "I''m like the Sangha; people just end up inside me and be my helpers. You''ve met a few of my disciples and refugees already. Seeing your penchant for trouble, I''d guess you''d end up in the second group."


    Zac looked at the horned avatar for a few seconds. "I''ll take my chances. Can you do it?"


    "It''s a small matter. I''ll call in a few favors."


    Zac nodded in thanks. This was the thing he was most worried about. In a perfect world, he would provide all the people back home with opportunities, but time was running out. The others were just too far behind to contend for the prizes of the Left Imperial Pce. They would, at most, be able to stumble onto some minor opportunities while staying out of harm''s way.


    Only Catheya and Ogras had the potential to apany him into the inner parts of the trial, where he expected to encounter the real elites from the Multiverse Hearnds. If he could use this opportunity to help his girlfriend and best friend, why not? He could hold the fort back home while they advanced their cultivation.


    There was certainly a self-servingponent to this idea. He was outmatched and alone when it came to the trial. The Undead Empire had its own designs and couldn''t be trusted, while Iz had responsibilities to her family. She would likely have helped him if it were some frontier trial, but this was an Eternal Heritage. He couldn''t ask Iz to give up on that to help him hunt side treasures.


    Left alone, Zked the qualifications to fight for the best opportunities within the Left Imperial Pce. However, meeting Kruta and Esmeralda had already set a foundation for something promising. With two avatars and two more capable helpers on his side, he suddenly had a proper squad. They wouldn''t be the strongest group around, but they had a shot at making a killing inside.


    And the odds would only get better the more benefits Zac extracted from the Realm Spirit.


    "Since it was a small matter, let''s call it a freebie. Next, I want to bring the Core Formation setup back home. Also, a couple of Middle-stage D-grade Supr��" Zac said but was interrupted by a wave of Sendor''s arm.


    "I''ll stop you right there," Sendor said. "I can''t mess around with your fate too much. You are marked, and the System has its own thoughts. I can tell it''s a bad idea to meddle with your cultivation, but I have a feeling a path will show itself to you soon enough."


    Zac grimaced. The Realm Spirit might have been making excuses not to avoid spending money, but Zac felt he was telling the truth. If the Pathstrider title wasn''t enough, he''d just gotten another title that felt like a target on his back. Meanwhile, war was brewing in Zecia. Zac wouldn''t be surprised the System was prepared to send trouble his way, trouble with rewards so tantalizing he couldn''t say no.


    "Something else, then," Zac said, ignoring Sendor''s raised brow. "I want an answer. About my ancestor."


    "I really can''t talk about that, for both our sakes. Didn''t you see the System''s reaction thest time? The Void Emperor and the Limitless Emperor set the stage for this era. It''s dangerous to delve into those secrets with the era''s ultimate direction still up in the air," Sendor muttered. "Besides, I''ve already helped you out plenty."


    "Wh��" Zac said, but his eyes widened as a burst of images appeared in his mind.


    Of the Ogre Autarch hiding in a dimensional pocket, looking at his breakthrough with greed in his eyes. Of Sendor capturing him and sending him into some vortex. He also noted that Lova was there, disapproving of Engo''s ns but making no moves to stop him.


    The scene filled him with a sense of defeat. It was a cruel world where everyone was looking out for themselves.


    "Thank you," Zac said, his back slick with sweat from having been targeted by a Peak Autarch. "Still, keeping your people in line shouldn''t be considered doing me a favor. I doubt the System would let your followers wantonly attack youngsters in a trial like this."


    "Greedy brat," Sendor muttered before a mischievous smile spread across his face. "Fine, I''ll disregard Engo''s transgression. That doesn''t change the fact my options are limited. Luckily, I came prepared with something else that might interest you."


    "What''s that?"


    "I can tell you about the Kayar-Elu."


    -------------------


    Kenzie sat in silence, surrounded by eight gleaming runes. The arrays looked simple, but they were just the tip of an iceberg of vastworks the size of small countries. Every hour, they used enough resources to bankrupt Earth. Each rune flickered with lights and impressions with such speed Kenzie couldn''t keep up, but she wasn''t meant to.


    Jeeves was fast at work, using the distilled truths of the purification arrays to further modify her four Dao Branches. Kenzie only needed to incorporate the changes into her understanding. She still felt some reluctance and alienation when sensing the refined Dao fluctuations from four of the arrays, but she knew that she didn''t have much choice.


    A low rumble, audible only to herself and Jeeves, indicated the seclusion was nearing an end. Three months wasn''t long, but it was a distinct improvementpared to when three of her Dao Branches were still purely within the Peak of the Grand Element. Back then, she could only cultivate for a couple of weeks before the System caught her scent.


    Kenzie hadn''t expected that cultivating a peak fully integrated into the System by one of the Apostates would have such a troublesome consequence. It acted like a homing signal for the System, a signal that had only grown more powerful as her Daos and Jeeves evolved. Jeeves could still avoid the System gaze, but it would just be a matter of time before they were caught.


    Even Leandra seemed surprised by the situation, even if she hadn''t let anything on. Like Kenzie, Leandra had likely thought the System would look the other way after the initial punishment that eradicated their n. However, the System grew less willing to ept her existence for every step she took. Reaching Hegemony had been the tipping point, where it actively started to hunt her down.


    As such, a n was set in motion. If the Elemental Daos were the reason she was being exposed, then the Elemental Daos needed to change. And with Kenzie''s idental inclusion of wind as an element, Leandra came up with a solution that wouldn''t require her to reset her cultivation. Such an undertaking would be incredibly difficult, even with Jeeves aiding her. Kenzie even feared Leandra would cut her losses and extract Jeeves if things reached that point.


    The solution could be found in the sibling Peaks of Heaven and Earth. The almost forgotten Earthly Peak was one of the rarest cultivation directions, not just because it had yet to fully reform. It was difficult to understand, and its strengths were not readily apparent. It was sometimes called the Inverse Peak due to its ability to transform other Daos, and it was a dominant force in the lower nes.


    Many believed that the iplete dimensions of the lower nes were required to prop up the prime realities, but they didn''t see much other use for the Earthly Peak. Even the summoners and mages using the hidden nes to power their skills or call upon familiars generally cultivated the matching Dao of the ne they connected with. In contrast, the Heavenly Peak had quite a few followers, thanks to it epassing the Daos of Wind and Lightning.


    The System didn''t share the cultivation world''s indifference to the Earthly Peak. The Heavenly Peak represented the System more than any other, evidenced by its purpose and the Tribtion Lightning. Even the Apostate of Order only helped streamline its methods. Since the Peaks of the Heavens and Earth could be considered part of the same coin, the Heavens couldn''t reach perfection before the Earth was restored.


    As such, it was another broken peak, one that the System was most interested in mending. Innumerable years of effort had yielded results, and the peaks were nearingpletion well ahead of schedule. But it still wasn''t quite there. By incorporating these two peaks into her cultivation, Kenzie would weaken the link from the Elemental Peak and make the System think twice about striking her down.


    After all, she had a small chance to seed where the Apostate of Mercy failed.


    Gust, already being part of the Heavenly Peak, would borrow from the Earthly Peak. Today, her wind-attuned Dao Branch had be the Branch of the Inverse Wind��Heavens taking on the aspects of the Earth. To bnce it out, her Earth-based Dao had been pushed from an Elemental Peak to enter the Earthly Peak while taking on an aspect of the Heavens, bing the Branch of the Seal Mountain.


    The next step was to connect the two remaining Elemental Daos. The Branch of the Inferno was now the Branch of the Reformatory River, abination of Fire and Earth. Finally, she''d infused the truths of Lightning into her water-attuned Dao, forming the Branch of the Tribtory Sea.


    It would have been downright impossible for anyone else to make such a drastic shift after already having entered Hegemony. It wasn''t just a matter of affinities; every aspect of her cultivation was being rewritten in a way that shouldn''t be possible. Skills, sses, Constitution, Soul, Cosmic Core; everything needed to be updated to amodate her new direction.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Only Jeeves was able to aplish something like that. And even he needed a lot of help.


    Kenzie still didn''t know how Leandra had managed to convince the Heavenly Pce of the Six Profundity Empire to gift them such arge section of the Immemorial Realm. Her identity as a Core Disciple of the Hidden Sect was certainly not enough for such treatment, and neither was Leandra''s status as a Formation Guest Lecturer. The generosity felt like a dagger against her back more than anything else.


    What could she do but ept? She wasn''t willing to be struck down by the Heavens. Today, the whole region had been turned into her private cultivation environment, a luxury that only the Sage and a few of the Pce''s Autarchs could enjoy. Kenzie could only hold on and desperately study to ensure she understood the details of her transformation and her new Daos. She hadn''t left her seclusion for a decade, not even when Jeeves was forced to power down.


    Part of the reason was that the price of ignorance had been engraved into her bones. She wouldn''t forget the painful lesson from when she was brought away from Earth. The other reason was fear. Fear that she would one day be considered redundant, that Jeeves alone was enough for Leandra to aplish her goals. If that day ever came, she needed to be ready. She needed full control over every aspect of her cultivation, if only to ensure she could hold it hostage.


    Days passed as one tendril of unblemished Dao after another was extracted from the arrays. They were then split up, often into elements so small Kenzie could barely sense them, before they were imnted with expert precision by the AI. Some entered her core, others her cells, pathways, or even her soul. The pattern appeared without rhyme or reason, but Kenzie knew Jeeves followed a meticulouslyid-out n.


    A sudden rumble forced the process to a halt, and Kenzie opened her eyes with a sigh of relief. She didn''t bother trying to contact Jeeves��it would take a few days before the AI activated again after the warning. A moment of respite where she could try to catch up to her untiringpanion.


    "Three months�� Still eptable," a quiet voice echoed through the chamber, giving Kenzie a start. It had been quite a while since Leandra spoke to her in person.


    It had only taken six months for the harmonious fa?ade to show cracks. Kenzie simply wasn''t able to keep up the charade. Zac''s despairing face popped up in her mind every time she smiled at Leandra, and Kenzie died a little inside every time. Furthermore, she suspected that Leandra actually knew that Jeeves had shared the events yet seemed unbothered by that fact.


    Leandra still assisted her cultivation with wholehearted dedication, but their rtionship had cooled beyond that. Their dynamic was more like that of a teacher and disciple than of mother and daughter, and neither tried to change that. If anything, it felt like too much. Kenzie hated the fact that she was still fully reliant on Leandra.


    After reforming her constitution and resuming her cultivation, she''d hoped she would have found an opportunity to break free. But as the years passed, Leandra only became more integral to her progress. Without Leandra''sputers, Jeeves wouldn''t be able to calcte the path forward. Without Leandra''s connections, the transformation would have forever remained a theory.


    Even more, Kenzie hated that she still didn''t dare voice her misgivings. She''d written hundreds of speeches in her mind, scathing denouncements, yet they remained unspoken. Every time she looked into Leandra''s eerily calm eyes, the words died in her throat. Because within those eyes was the unshakable conviction of a fanatic who''d do anything to achieve her goals.


    Kenzie hesitated a moment before stepping out of her chamber, finding Leandra sitting at a table in the garden.


    "The first branch will soon return to Late Mastery," Leandramented, getting a terse nod in return.


    "It works, but the effect is limited," Kenzie said. "Sooner orter, the interference of the Broken Peaks won''t be enough. You might have to seal me."


    "You''re correct, but we have yet to reach that point. You should be able to form Earthly Daos and reach the peak of D-grade with the current measures," Leandra said, her eyes shifting to the shimmering sky. "And as luck would have it, I''ve found a permanent solution."


    Kenzie slowly nodded, feeling confused rather than relieved. Not being under constant threat of annihtion would be nice, but what was that flicker of emotion in Leandra''s eyes just now?

 Chapter 1063 - Bonded

    Zac''s heart furiously beat as he looked into the smiling Realm Spirit''s eyes. So Sendor knew. Had he known all this time? Had he investigated him, or had his breakthrough exposed something? Did he have information about Kenzie? His mind was thrown into chaos by the name he had only heard from his mother''s lips.


    "How?" Zac eventually said.


    "How I knew?" Sendor grinned. "Well, I didn''t. Until now, that is."


    Zac red at the unreliable Supremacy. There was no way his guess was a shot in the dark.


    "Fine, it made sense, so I made some discrete inquiries. Adding that with my unique rtionship with the System, I managed to piece together the clues."


    "Made sense how?" Zac pressed.


    "So, do we have a deal?" Sendor countered.


    Zac took a steadying breath before slowly nodding. He knew he was on the hook the moment he heard the name of his mother''s n. Besides, with Sendor having deduced as much already, his secrets weren''t as valuable anymore.


    "As long you don''t tell me somemonly known scraps before saying that you can''t share anymore for one reason or another."


    "I''m sure you''ll be satisfied," Sendorughed. "You first, then."


    "Why?" Zac said with exasperation.


    "Seniority."


    "Fine," Zac sighed. "I honestly don''t really know what''s going on��this wasn''t part of the n. But we are one. I control both, and both are me."


    "I knew it," Sendor said with excitement, his eyes suddenly emitting that immense pressure again.


    Zac held his breath and held onto his Dao until the feeling passed. He really couldn''t wait to get out of this ce.


    "There was something odd in your chest before. Now it''s gone. It''s what made this possible?"


    Zac didn''t immediately answer. He''d agreed to exin his situation, but there was nothing said that he had to go out of his way to share his secrets. Like the fact the node was called a [Quantum Gate], which had then been converted to the links. So Zac simply nodded in response, confirming the Hidden Node was part of the reason.


    "I knew it. Hey, try extracting Miasma from your human form again."


    Zac was annoyed at being treated as an experimental subject, but he followed the instructions. Figuring out the details of his constitution was part of why he wanted this trade in either case. Once more, chilling waves of death spread through his pathways before being expunged by his body''s natural defenses.


    "Your path is interesting but quite unfortunate when you consider these changes," Sendor snickered. "Well, it''s not too bad. You should be able to freely use the Miasma in your human form by the time you form an Earthly Dao of Death. It still won''t feel very nice, and you''ll get that ugly pallidplexion if you overdo it, but you won''t get sick. Let''s keep going."


    Sendor had himplete a few more experiments, including some Zac hadn''t thought of. He could freely draw any energy from either body, but he ultimately only had one pool. If human Zac used up all the Miasma, then Draugr Zac would be in a bad state. Still, he had essentially doubled his energy reserves; he only needed to get a bit stronger before he could make use of that fact.


    He could also extract energy from "both" cores to one body. It doubled his output, but it put his pathways under immense strain. It wasn''t very useful for now, but Zac could already picture some possibilities. For example, what if he created a War Regalia based on his Inexorable Core for his human side?


    He would essentially be able to run a second set of equipment for free, provided his Draugr side didn''t require energy at the same time.


    "Next up," Sendor said. "This one might hurt."


    "Wait, wha��"


    Zac wanted to have Sendor rify, but he suddenly found himself pushed through a vortex. His words turned into a horrified scream as the gate closed behind him, and he pictured the link between his bodies being forcibly cut. However, no pain arrived, and Zac curiously looked around.


    His human form found himself standing atop a tower, looking out across an impossibly vast city. He saw hundreds of pces the size of capitals, and he almost keeled over from the terrifying auras that were suddenly released from every direction. It was blinding, and Zac knew he wouldn''t have survived if not for the protective barrier around the tower.


    "I guess it''s quite resistant."


    Only then did Zace to, realizing he''d heard the words from his Draugr body. The link was still there, and his vision was split between the city and Mount Illumination. After the shock abated, Zac made a few interesting discoveries. For one, it was much easier to control his bodies when they were separated, with no ovepping sensations to cause confusion.


    Secondly, the energy draw from his new Specialty Cores had slowed to a trickle. Zac had expected the cost to maintain the connection would increase the further apart his bodies were, but the opposite seemed to be true.


    "What''s going on? Where am I?" Zac asked.


    "In one of the more flourishing cities of my domain," Sendor said. "It''s on the opposite side of my body."


    "How far apart are my bodies right now?"


    "Further than the span of an established empire," Sendor smiled.


    Zac''s eyes widened in shock. When someone like Sendor talked about empires, it was definitely the monolithic forces of the Multiverse Hearnds. The Zecia sector could barely be considered a small province in such a ce. To think he could freely use his bodies at such a distance without any downsides. If anything, he felt better than ever.


    Also, just how big was Sendor''s realm? Can a pocket dimension really be called that when it is this big?


    "Now, let''s try this," Sendor said, and Zac''s human form found himself dragged off the tower and into another vortex.


    At first, Zac didn''t mind, but he yelped with shock upon losing half his impressions. It was like he''d been blinded in one eye, but the loss was far moreprehensive. The link to his Draugr body had been cut. Zac felt his body rapidly grow weaker, like he''d been branded with something like the Orom''s Prison Seal.


    Were his energy circuits not working properly now that he couldn''t sense his half? Zac could picture his core being ripped in two and leaking all his umted strength. Zac only calmed down after a minute when he''d confirmed nothing else changed after the downgrade of his power. He looked around and saw he was floating inside a bubble bobbing on a sea that teemed with Temporal Energy.


    Being separated from his other half just as he was getting used to it was extremely jarring, resulting in it taking a few tries before he managed to enter his Void Self State.


    Only then could Zac vaguely feel the connection to his other body, though only to the point he could tell it was still there. He had no way to interact with it, and the shared consciousness was no more. And that was just the beginning. For one, Zac felt like his soul had been cut in half, where only his Evolutionary Core remained.


    The same was true for his Cosmic Core, which no longer could provide him with Miasma. And the source of the weakness quickly became apparent when Zac opened his Status Screen.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 155


    ss [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles [...] Runic Progenitor, Grand Achievement, Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru - Middle, Branch of the Pale Seal - Middle


    Core [D] Evolutionary Core


    Strength 38,026 [Increase: 169%. Efficiency: 409%]


    Dexterity 20,468 [Increase: 141%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Endurance 25,044 [Increase: 155%. Efficiency: 409%]


    Vitality 33,586 [Increase: 168%. Efficiency: 428%]


    Intelligence 6,503 [Increase: 125%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Wisdom 9,777 [Increase: 127%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Luck 881 [Increase: 154%. Efficiency: 349%]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Free Points 500


    Nexus Coins [D] 7 645 946


    His attributes had been cut by 20%, where most of it came out of his Strength and Endurance. In terms ofbat effectiveness, he''d say he''d lost closer to a third. A quick calction confirmed what had changed. He had retained the full benefit of his titles, base attributes from levels, nodes, and even free points. And while one of his Soul Spirals was suddenly missing from his mind, Zac still got the attribute boost from all three Daos.


    However, he''d lost all the benefits of having two sses. All the attributes he''d gotten from his Undying Bulwark, Fetters of Destion, and Inexorable Apostle sses were gone. Everything else was the same, including the list of Hidden Nodes in his bloodline screen. Zac looked across the boundless sea, trying to figure out why this ce was different.


    Was it the Temporal Energy? Zac couldn''t be sure, but he wouldn''t be surprised if this ocean had apletely different spacetimepared to the part of the Perennial Vastness which contained the Cosmic Gallery. Was that enough to make the connection unstable? Was it the only one, or were there other types of domains that would cause this issue?


    At least there wasn''t a bacsh, and his weakened state wasn''t too taxing. His attribute superiority mostly came from his titles, which were still in full effect. His situation was like any elite''s right now, though his power and experiences had allowed him to rack up far more titles than normal people. Zac could still take on almost any Heaven''s Chosen at his level, though he definitely wouldn''t be able to handle freaks of nature like Iz Tayn in this state.


    A few more minutes passed where nothing happened. Depending on what speed time moved in here, it might be a while before Sendor extracted him, which let him ponder the ramifications of the recent discoveries. Essentially, he could split his situation into three scenarios, each with its own circumstances.


    He was technically in his ''ultimate'' form when the bodies were next to each other. Fighting side by side, using two sets of skills and techniques, would turn him into a two-person army, far eclipsing his previous peak condition. However, the Specialty Cores consumed a lot of energy in close proximity for some reason, making his energy control sluggish. It was also difficult to sort out the mirrored impressions, which was a huge disadvantage in a pitched battle.


    When separated, he had almost returned to his previous state. The cores didn''t steal his energy, and he felt more in tune with the individual bodies. However, he wouldn''t be able to swap sses, nor would he be able to fight as a team.


    Now, he was suddenly left with half a soul, core, and reduced attributes. It was the worst scenario, one with no upsides but significant risks. For example, what if only one of his bodies were sent into Ultom, and he had his connection cut? There were only three years left until the trial, and the biggest boost to his raw power woulde from leveraging his Middle-quality Cosmic Core to rapidly gain levels during the war.


    Right now, the downside "only" meant a loss of 20% of his total Attribute points. But by the time he reached level 200, that number would be even higher. He also wouldn''t be able to implement his idea of using Death-attuned equipment in his human form.


    Ten more minutes passed and Zac started to grow bored, but a mysterious ripple suddenly spread through his protective bubble. Then, a voice followed by a burst of impressions threw his mind into disarray. Meanwhile, his body filled with power like he''d eaten a berserking treasure. The connection had been restored in full, along with all its benefits.


    As for the voice, it was Sendor, who''d asked, ''What about now?''


    Zac sorted through the memories and immediately understood what had just happened. His Draugr form had lost the connection the moment Zac entered the temporal sea, just like his human form. Sendor immediately started another round of experiments, and the findings were transferred over to "him" the second the connection was restored.


    There were a few takeaways. First, the other body operated like normal when the connection was blocked. In other words, it wasn''t like his consciousness was linked to either body. It was in both, and his Draugr side had felt like the "true" Zac while the connection was blocked. Secondly, his Draugr half was even worse off since his undead body had also lost the benefits of the Void Vajra Constitution.


    That disadvantage would likely even out after the Eoz bloodline was fully awakened, but it was worth noting that bloodline benefits didn''t carry over. It wasn''t just the attributes either; his Draugr form had returned to its previous state where Life was poison. Just as Zac had gone over the burst of memories, he heard Sendor speak.


    "Interesting, let''s try this."


    The connection was suddenly cut again, and he was stuck atop the ocean for another ten minutes before being dragged back to Mount Illumination.


    "What cut the connection the second time?" Zac asked.


    "My Dao," Sendor said. "I surrounded each body with it. It looks like isting either will be enough to create interference."


    "Can I do anything to prevent my connection from being cut?" Zac asked.


    "Little brat, you''re a million years early if you want to break through a Heavenly Territory," Sendor guffawed.


    "Still, the stronger the connection, the better my chances at survival," Zac ventured.


    "True enough. Right now, I''d say a middle Autarch or equivalent domains can interfere with your connection," Sendor said.


    So Iz''s golem guardian could separate his bodies with its Dao, but not the Eveningtide Asura. Of course, that was contingent on an Autarch bothering to create an isted bubble of Dao around his body. It also meant nothing in Zecia should be able to cut the connection. Not even the Million Gates Territory reached those energy levels, and he had already traveled a distance hundreds of times greater than Zecia inside the Perennial Vastness.


    "Your best bet to strengthen the bond is likely to improve twoponents that enable your split state; the Void and your n''s inheritance," the Realm Spirit continued.


    What Sendor said made sense. Pushing his Bloodline to D-grade might alleviate some of his drawbacks. Doing so before Ultom should be possible, considering his Void Emperor Bloodline should already be at the precipice of a breakthrough. He just needed to find some impetus to push through that final barrier and then use the [Stone of Celestial Void] to trigger the process.


    As for improving "his n''s inheritance," Zac had no solutions. However, Sendor might provide a path forward.


    "Is that everything?" Zac asked, eager to learn more about the Kayar-Elu.


    "Onest test. p yourself with this thing," Sendor said as he handed Zac a piece of leather that emitted an incredibly foul aura.


    "What?"


    "Just do it," Sendor urged, looking like he was observing a fun spectacle.


    Zac was full of misgivings, but he walked over to himself. It was odd seeing himself looking back into his eyes with helplessness as he swung the piece of leather. A loud p echoed, and Zac felt his Specialty Cores heat up as they extracted a huge amount of energy. Thankfully, they soon calmed down, and both Zacs turned to Sendor.


    "Happy?"


    "Very. Now give me that thing," Sendor said before sending another ripple through his bodies.


    "What''s going on?"


    "That piece of hide belonged to quite a nasty one who caused problems in my body long ago. The amount of sin shemitted��" Sendor said, looking part disgusted and part impressed. "Her very body had be permeated by foul Karma. But look at you��"


    "What?"


    "pping someone with that thing should create a Karmic Grudge, almost like a curse. Just grabbing onto it would leave a mark. But in your case? Nothing. There''s still not a shred of Karma connecting your two bodies. Your human body remained untainted even after holding onto that thing. Your old connections are there, but it might be impossible for you to form new Karmic Links. Quite useful. Not even your toad friend''s ability is quite this impressive."


    No Karmic Links at all? Zac had to agree; such an ability was extremely useful. Karmic Links had caused him quite a few headaches over the years, from The Great Redeemer to the Buddhist Sangha. It was a constant threat where he felt the risk of being exposed or tracked down.


    "So my condition is impossible to expose?"


    "I wouldn''t go that far," Sendor said. "For one, I can vaguely sense a resonance from your cores when you extractrge amounts of energy, though that might be fixed when your bloodline catches up. More importantly, there are a lot of scary people out there. I can think of a few who should be able to figure something out if they put their mind to it."


    Zac nodded. As far as he was concerned, that meant his secret was safe. The kind of people Sendor would consider scary didn''t exactly grow on trees. Being split into two had essentially removed the most ring danger to himself��his unique ability to change between two different races and sses.


    Now, anyone would just see a powerful human or a powerful Draugr. His value as a research subject was essentially gone, provided no one realized there was a connection between his two bodies. Of course, that would only work as long as the truth of his breakthrough didn''t spread.


    "About my situation," Zac hesitated.


    "Don''t worry about that," Sendor grinned. "I''m going to keep this juicy nugget for myself. You never know if it might be important in the future. "


    Zac inwardly groaned, but what could he do? At least it was andlocked Realm Spirit who worked for the System that found out. That was way better than some other Supremacy.


    "You thought I had be two people for a moment there. Is that a real possibility?" Zac asked.


    "Looking for a cover?" Sendor said. "It''s possible, but it''s generally from deviations. Something happens with your path, and two opposing concepts split you in two. Others intentionally split their soul, discarding a part of themselves. With your contradictory path, it''s a very usible excuse. You couldn''t reconcile Life and Death, your human and undead sides, leading to a deviation."


    It looked like Zac had a road forward. The fact he was two beings would be hidden from everyone, even the people in Port Atwood. The official story for those who knew of his old ability would be that he was split in two. Perhaps he should even send his Draugr self to the Kavriel Province and let the Monarchs scan him. It was risky, but it might lead to avoiding some hidden dangers.


    One thing was for sure, though. While the situation seemed stable enough, Zac definitely needed to unearth the secrets hidden within his body before forming his Inner World. Preferably, Zac would have answers before the first bottleneck of the D-grade, but he knew the chances of that happening were slim. It had been seven and a half years since he entered the Perennial Vastness, which meant nine months had passed on the outside.


    War was right around the corner, and then came Ultom. Unless he could figure out what else hid in his Specialty Cores with the final piece of his Left Imperial Seal, he''d have to save that untilter. He''d settle for upgrading his bloodline and hopefully remove some of the downsides to his situation.


    Of course, one more reward was waiting right in front of him, one that might provide the answers he needed.

 Chapter 1064 - Origins

    "How did you know about the Kayar-Elu?" Zac asked, finally expressing the question that had been burning in the back of his mind for the past hour.


    "It just made sense," the Realm Spirit shrugged. "When you''ve lived as long as me, you start to see some patterns in the river of time."


    "Made sense, how?" Zac pressed.


    "What do you know about the Technocrats?"


    "The usual stuff. Dao of Technology, Technomancers, Transcenders, Machine God Faction," Zac said impatiently.


    "Sure," Sendor said. "And do you know why the System hates them?"


    "Because the Dao of Technology isn''t within the purview of the Seventeen Peaks? Because they''re functionally Unorthodox Cultivators?"


    "Bah," Sendor scoffed. "The Dao is the Dao. Why can''t it be applied the way those people want to? They''re not breaking the fourws. Usually not, anyway. But who doesn''t cheat now and then? It''s not like this is the first Era these ideas have appeared. Much of their aplishments are built on their predecessors. Such is the nature of technological advancement, no?"


    Zac nodded hesitantly.


    "The reason''s simple. War!" Sendorughed. "The faction you know as the Technocrats today was originally founded by an empire called the Selvari. They weren''t anything special, just a slightly powerful force in that ancient epoch when the Dao still was rough and tumble. But they stumbled upon something. Or rather, it stumbled onto them."


    "An Eternal Heritage," Zac surmised.


    It seemed odd that the technological foundation of the Technocrats woulde from something as ancient and mysterious as an Eternal Heritage. He had a hard time picturing something like Ultom containing a bunch of schematics. But having an Eternal Heritage as backing would exin how they could stay strong with the whole Multiverse standing against them.


    "Just so," Sendor said. "Well, sort off. The Selvari controlled the better part of a gxy when it happened. This was before dimensional travel wasmonce, mind you. One day, a huge energy field appeared, consuming almost a fifth of the gxy. It was a disastrous loss for the Selvari, but they forgot about all that when they found the Technocrat Codex.


    "Most Eternal Heritages were created through untold sacrifice and an Era''s worth of umtion. The Technocrat Codex was a bit different. I don''t know how, but someone threw a bunch of ideas into the future, avoiding the Dao''s copse."


    "Ideas?" Zac asked.


    "The people from the Primordial Era probably didn''t have the strength to transport matter through such a vast stretch of time, bypassing the Cataclysm. Instead, they sent ideas. Theories, inventions, schools of thought. They suddenly popped up in the minds of the Selvari across the gxy. The impartment also expanded the minds of these lucky few, letting them stand far above the rest. Using the gift, they became the leaders of the Selvari and founded the Technocracy.


    "The Technocrats became a ruling caste far above the rest, especially after it became clear even their descendants enjoyed the cerebral enhancement from the Technocrat Codex. However, while the Technocrats quickly usurped the old structures and took full control, they also elevated the Selvari to new heights.


    "Soon, they built wondrous machines that allowed them to visit other gxies. Other dimensions. They saw themselves as the masters of the universe, delving into its secrets with wild abandon. But then, a small empire rose in a neighboring gxy. An empire which woulde to change everything."


    "The Limitless Empire? Two such powerful factions appeared in the same dimension?" Zac asked. "What are the odds?"


    "Greater than you might think," Sendor smiled. "Mystic Realms are not born equal, and neither are dimensions. The Selvari and the Limitless Empire were founded in one of the most flourishing dimensions closest to the Heavens. The Dao was clear, and the road toward the peak was wide. Of course, there''s another reason. The original inhabitants of the Limitless Empire were Selvari."


    "What?" Zac said with confusion.


    "Far from all Selvari were satisfied with the changes brought from the Technocrat Codex. The Technocrat Inheritance was simply too alienpared to the natural path of cultivation. Many renounced the Technocracy, especially those belonging to orthodox sects and ns. They fled their homnd and migrated to remote gxies in a bid to return to traditional cultivation.


    Zac''s mind was abuzz with the new information. The origin of the System and its hatred of the Dao of Technology suddenly felt much clearer. Not only was the Technocracy an enemy of the Limitless Empire, but the citizens of the Limitless Empire were also formerly under the thumb of the Selvari.


    "I think you can understand why the conflict arose," Sendor continued. "The Selvari originally considered the region thatter became the Limitless Empire an unofficial colony filled with technologically inferior citizens. The first true war of the Limitless Empire was not only one of expansion but one of liberation."


    "And I''m guessing the empire won?"


    "The Technocrats found themselves outmatched even before the System''s appearance," Sendor nodded. "Emperor Laondio was like a radiant beacon, a savior to free the citizens from the tyranny of technology. He and his powerful subordinates were like a testament to the Heavenly Path, proving the Technocrat Codex was nothing but false truths."


    It wasn''t hard for Zac putting two and two together after knowing that.


    "What does this have to do with the Kayar-Elu?" Zac asked.


    "The Kayar-Elu was one of the founding ns of the Technocracy, direct inheritors of the Technocrat Codex."


    "So I''m not human?" Zac asked. "I''m Selvari?"


    "Honestly, I don''t know what you are," Sendorughed. "You should be human, but so were the Selvari. In fact, they are the origin of your race and the reason your kin are all over the ce."


    "It was humans who founded the Technocrats?" Zac eximed.


    "Well, the Selvari were originally humans. However, their empire had grown diverse after eons of expansion through their gxy."


    "So how did Humans be one of the most populous species of the Multiverse if the Selvari were the System''s enemy?" Zac asked curiously.


    "For one, there were just as many humans in the Limitless Empire, so targeting your race specifically would make no sense. The war was over ideology. And resources, of course. Be it the Limitless Empire or the Selvari, both needed vast amounts of resources. Saying that The Limitless Empire targeted the Selvari solely for freedom would be a revision of history. They especially needed a specific ability of the Selvari, which incidentally is the reason you can find humans in every corner of the Multiverse.


    "The Selvari knew they wouldn''tst for long. The Limitless Empire''s War Machine was terrifying in a way you can''t imagine, and their forces grew daily. But the Selvari had something the Limitless Empire didn''t��the ability to travel through dimensions en masse.


    "Back then, the realities weren''t as inteced as today. Forcing your way through the dimensional barriers and the chasm between was something only the greatest of Emperor Laondio''s generals could aplish. But the Selvari built enormous Arks and sent trillions of their citizenry, mostly humans, into every corner of the Multiverse. It was a lifeline and a counterattack; forming millions of safe enves through all realities. Growing in secret to one day strike back at their hated enemy.


    "The System made all that irrelevant, though," Sendor snickered. "The Dark Ages arrived, and most societies copsed. A million years is an unbelievably long time without Cosmic Energy. Almost all the colonies were erased by the river of time, and the few surviving descendants had forgotten their origin and mission long before the System awoke. Later they were integrated, having no recollection of their old enemy.


    Zac saw the holes in his understanding of the universe rapidly fill in. The origin of the Limitless Empire and the purpose of the System. He even had an answer to why the System had rearranged the Multiverse into such a confusing mesh of dimensions. Zac could almost picture it. The Limitless Emperor''s main adversary had suddenly sent their people to innumerable dimensions just as he was about to win the war.


    So he built the System, a War Machine that would span all realities by fusing with the Heavens, possibly integrating the Selvari''s dimensional understanding. That way, he''d be able to hunt down the scattered Selvari while exploring the other dimensions for opportunities.


    "Oh, don''t go spreading these things," Sendor added. "It can be a touchy subject."


    "Of course," Zac said. "You still haven''t answered my questions, though. About the Kayar-Elu."


    "I was providing context," Sendor snorted. "You youngsters are always so impatient."


    "I''m not immortal like you," Zac sighed.


    "I guess that''s true," Sendor nodded. "Around four thousand years ago, my connection with the System received such a powerful shock that it was almost severed. It had entered an almost manic state as it forced its way into the Eternal Storm. The Heavens only returned to normalcy after two months, but I could tell the System had entered a weakened state. Later, I heard that one of the ancient Technocracy ns had fallen, smote by endless Tribtion Lightning.


    "I am guessing the event involved your birth."


    "What? four thousand?" Zac said. "That can''t be right. I''m only 52, including time distortions."


    "You were likely ced inside a seal. To hide you from the Heavens, the System, and even the Technocracy Alliance. " Sendor said, thoughtfully looking at Zac. "Possibly also to shield you from the Dao. Too much of that before you started cultivating, and it might have damaged your bloodline."


    Hearing he might be thousands of years old was a bit of a shock, but Zac had always suspected he was older than he seemed. Leandra had apparently been at death''s door after her family''s fall, and recovering for millennia was nothing for people at that level. At least he was still considered a youngster by the System since it had given him the quest for Ultom.


    "You said it made sense I was rted to those people," Zac said. "Why?"


    "I''m closing in on some dangerous topics. Suffice it to say, just like the Limitless Empire had aplicated rtionship with the Technocracy, so did the Void Emperor. Few things are ck and white, especially at the peak," Sendor said, looking at Zac with aplex gaze. "I wonder what is chance and what is predestination. I wonder if he��


    "Nevermind," the Realm Spirit said with a shake of his head.


    The Realm Spirit had stopped short of giving clear answers about Karz, but Zac could infer a few more details to add to the growing web of his origin. It sounded like the Void Emperor had some connection to either the Kayar-Elu or the Technocracy as a whole. Had Karz betrayed Laondio to ally with the Technocrats? No, that didn''t seem right. If that were the case, would his mother really say he carried the Original Sin?


    Was it the opposite? Had Karz infiltrated the Technocracy, befriending them before taking them out on the emperor''s orders?


    "As far as I know, the Kayar-Elu received two main inheritances from the Technocrat Codex," Sendor continued. "One was rted to shielding and aura maniption. They were a major yer in setting up Sanctuary, the Holy Land in the depths of the Eternal Storm. I''m no expert in those matters, but I felt your protective array held some simrities to their heritage, and the same is true for your newfound resistance to Karmic Links.


    "And you''ve just experienced their second inheritance," the Realm Spirit smiled. "They hold the secret of twinned existence, something beyond cloning or puppets. Two bodies, each as strong as the other. Of course, one of those bodies was supposed to be mechanical, not whatever they aplished with your weird Void Duality.


    "I can''t imagine the work that went into transforming a peak Technocrat invention into something that would work within the purview of Heaven''s Path. It''s like forcing a previous Era''s cultivation System into this one. And that''s not even taking into ount merging the technique with your bloodline."


    Zac slowly nodded, remembering how he''d seen Leandra seamlessly shift between a gargantuan metallic body and her normal human form. He''d already drawn the parallels to his situation. However, that didn''t ount for Jeeves'' existence��a living AI that seemed to be integrated into the Heavenly Path.


    That technology seemed even more groundbreaking than his duality, especially considering what he''d just learned about the Selvari. Did that mean the Kayar-Elu actually had three heritages, with Jeeves being a hidden technology of theirs? Or did the AIe from somewhere else, like another ancient Technocrat n? Thetter would exin why Firmament''s Edge knew to look for Leandra and the Digital Nexus.


    "Here, read the rest yourself," Sendor said, throwing over an Information Crystal.


    Zac infused his will into the crystal and was greeted by a wealth of information. Dozens of books worth, including everything from the ancient era before the System to current events. It even detailed methods to enter the Digital World without imnting yourself with Technocrat machinery. However, a brief scan left Zac frowning, and he looked up at the Realm Spirit.


    "This is just general information," Zac said.


    "General information that''s very hard to get in integrated space," Sendor countered. "Information I believe you will need soon. And it''s not all general information. The locations where the System struck the Kayar-Elu and some of their hidden domains. Some of their connections within Integrated Space. Spatial Gates deep inside the Eternal Storm. These things are worth a fortune among the established factions."


    It was true. While there were no deeper exnations for his Duplicity Core, there were some very pertinent pieces of information in the crystal. It actually mentioned the Six Profundity Empire and even listed three factions suspected to be founded by the Kayar-Elu��the Pravosti n, the Heavenly Pce, and the Huarki Consortia. There was a good chance Leandra hid in one of those three factions.


    Of course, these factions might have opted to erase any traces of their origin after the Kayar-Elu''s copse. Luckily, Sendor had listed another fourteen factions across six empires, giving him a direction to keep looking in case he came up emptyhanded in the Six Profundity Empire.


    The suspected locations of some of their hidden realms might be the key to fusing his body. He needed to figure out what other secrets hid inside his core, and visiting Kayar-Elu''s hiddenbs was a promising solution. However, the marked ces were all inside the Eternal Storm, far beyond his reach.


    "Still," Zac said. "Nothing here will let me fuse my bodies or take control over the cores. Nothing that can help me in the short run. Compared to what I��"


    "This is all I know; it''s not like I''m some Technocrat information merchant. And don''t you try squeezing more benefits out of me," Sendor snorted. "This is more than fair."


    "Fine. Nothing on their recent movements?" Zac ventured.


    Zac didn''t know if it was good or bad news, but the information crystalcked information about Leandra and Kenzie.


    "Honestly, I thought them eradicated until you appeared on my doorstep. That''s the consensus among the few who actually know who the Kayar-Elu are," Sendor said. "Those who survived must have concealed themselves quite well. If you don''t know, then I have no idea how to help you."


    "That''s fair," Zac said, stowing away the crystal. "Just one more thing, then."


    "I''m telling you, I''m not giving you any more resources," Sendor said with exasperation. "With your disgusting Luck and the System''s attention, just go find them yourself. Things given for free are rarely appreciated."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No, not that," Zac said, though he wouldn''t have said no to some more benefits. "Can you send my bodies back separately? One three hours before the other."


    "You want to test the limits of your mysterious connection," Sendor, his eyes lighting up with interest. "That''s fine."


    "Can I say goodbye to Null first?" Zac asked.


    "Null begun the process of rebirth while you were unconscious," Sendor rejected. "Her existence is based on your path. It will take her centuries to form a true soul with such heavy baggage."


    Zac was disappointed, but what could you do? He took in the surroundings of the mountaintop one final time. Its destruction had actually made it easier to leave, in a sense. It was like his presence had been erased from the region, his Karma with Mount Illumination severed.


    "What about the brands?" Zac asked.


    "I''ve already ced them on both your bodies," Sendor said, rolling his eyes when Zac''s eyes thinned with suspicion. "Here, see?"


    Zac first didn''t understand what Sendor meant, but he soon felt a mysterious ripple within the chests of both his bodies. Zac''s heart was gripped with fear as it felt like Sendor had hidden a whole universe within a bead norger than a grain of rice. The next moment, the marks were gone, letting Zac breathe out in relief.


    "They''ll activate on your will but not on their own," Sendor said. "So don''t let yourself get knocked out before you can infuse a wisp into your chest."


    "Thank you," Zac said. "I''m ready, then."


    "Then off you go," Sendor said as a cocoon of runes grew around Zac''s human form.


    "Please have my other body catch up if something odd happens," Zac added, suddenly realizing the experiment might be a bit dangerous.


    "No problem," Sendor said before throwing over a token. "Come visit if you ever find yourself in my neighborhood. The Cosmic Gallery only holds some low-grade baubles, but I have other regions that would astound you."


    "And I just need to share some of my secrets to ess them?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "Such is the Law of Bnce," Sendorughed. "I have lots of treasures, so make sure to think of ways to entertain me. Now go. Have fun in the Left Imperial Pce. Some of the answers you''re looking for might be found there."


    A small gate appeared beneath Zac''s feet, and he lost the connection as he began the return journey through the Void. His mind slowly grew quiet, matching the empty surroundings. Seven years had passed, but he was finally going home. He had been full of expectations for his visit to the Perennial Vastness, yet the experience had exceeded anything he could have imagined.


    Most importantly, he had aplished his goal of reaching Hegemony, even if things had taken a sudden turn. It had thrown many of his old ns out the window but also provided him with some new options.


    With the biggest roadblock out of the way, it was time to n for the future.

 Chapter 1065 - Contingencies

    "It''s time," a voice echoed through the peak. "You''ve arrived."


    "Thank you for your help," Arcaz said as he stood up.


    Sendor had left soon after the first body was sent away, but he was clearly still keeping watch. A second cocoon enclosed his body, and he was soon shuttling through the Void. Three hours'' worth of memories were exchanged as the connection was restored. The merge kept his mind upied for almost two minutes, which was an important lesson on its own.


    Arcaz began his return journey while Zac checked on hispound. It looked exactly as he''d left it, which produced an unsettling sense of disconnect rather thanfort. He''d spent over seven years inside the Perennial Vastness, yet only a few months had passed on the outside. It almost made his experience seem like a dream.


    Not only that, but he finally felt the ramifications of spending such a long time in Temporal Dtion. First, three years inside an absolute Temporal Chamber while time outside stood still, then another seven inside the Perennial Vastness. Cheating the river of time came at a price, where Zac''s body was assaulted by Temporal Energy that seemingly appeared out of nowhere.


    It felt like his surroundings were in flux, with leaves swaying so quickly they turned to a blur for a fraction of a second, only for them to freeze the next. Channeling his Daos helped a bit, but Zac knew it would be a while before the feeling gave inpletely. At least it didn''t affect his spirit or his Dao, which meant he was better off than most cultivators.


    The temporal invasion left cultivators in an annoying state of imbnce where the Dao was not quite as distorted as when Temporally Dted, but fluctuating in a way that made cultivation and meditation dangerous. Zac didn''t feel any of that, and he soon found a way to enjoy himself andbat the bacsh.


    A powerful current of Cosmic Energy coursed through his body, and Zac''s feet lifted from the ground. Then, he was floating a few meters into the air, unfettered by gravity''s constraints. Well, mostly unfettered. Flying was akin to turning yourself into a Cosmic Energy ma, generating a repulsing force to the ambient energy.


    In reality, it was slightly moreplicated, where you used your Dao to connect with the environment and weaken your earthly shackles. But it was fundamentally impossible without a core and the ability to channel those levels of energy.


    It was simr to the method most low-grade vessels used to fly and only really worked in environments with enough ambient energy. Of course, Hegemons had enough raw firepower to switch from being mas to rockets, expellingrge quantities of energy to fly even in energy-starved regions.


    Zac was curious about the situation back home, but he didn''t make his return known yet. There would have been messages waiting for him if the situation was dire and required his immediate attention. Instead, Zac waited, observing his other body close in on his location. There was no sense of distance conveyed through his link, and he couldn''t sense it actually getting closer.


    The experience got boring after a while, and Zac began swinging his axe to get used to his influx of attributes. The transition wouldn''t be difficult. His Strength had taken a massive leap forward, but so had his Dexterity. Bnce was maintained, letting him quickly adapt to the change and enter his Evolutionary Stance.


    The roars of [Verun''s Bite] sang in the courtyard, where Zac was a blur moving back and forth. One moment, he stood on the ground. The other, he floated ten meters in the air. The technique would need to be expanded now that he could fly, but it was still in working order. Arcaz appeared next to him three hourster, and the energy drain resumed.


    Having thought things over, Zac strongly suspected the drain resulted from forcibly disentangling Karma between his bodies rather than maintaining the link. It was easy to avoid Karmic entanglement with people on the other side of the Multiverse, but another matter entirely when you stood next to each other. It also exined why the cores extracted such a huge amount of energy when Sendor had him use that cursed piece of hide.


    Sendor had thought him immune to Karma, but Zac knew that was only part of the picture. It was more correct to say that the Specialty Cores provided shielding, but doing so cost energy. Judging by the drain from pping himself with a tainted object, he still needed to be careful when dealing with people above his grade. What if some old Arhat forcibly tried to link up their fate? Would his cores be drained until his Draugr body died from energy starvation?


    Still, retaining some secrets when faced with the inquisitive Realm Spiritit filled Zac with a small sense of victory. However, the feeling quickly passed and was reced with a torrent of confusing emotions as he sensed familiar ripples from within his bedroom. He shed over and found the source in a hiddenpartment.


    Within was a Spatial Ring holding a solitary object; the Technocrat insignia.


    Zac hadn''t dared to bring such an item into the Perennial Vastness, so he left it back on Earth. Now that he''d returned, it immediately started acting out��it definitely wasn''t a coincidence. Zac would probably have ignored the call if his breakthrough had gone ording to n. Now, Zac slowly reached toward the ring, even if he were filled with reluctance.


    He''d thought his connection to his mother severed when she left with Kenzie, but there was no way he could ignore his Technocrat origin with his body being installed with hidden features. His Draugr body hid inside one of his isted cultivation chambers before Zac took out the insignia.


    Zac infused a wisp of energy, and the familiar form of his mother appeared in front of him. Seeing her stoked the mes simmering in the depths of his heart, where the most recent setback only added more fuel to the fire. Leandra, in turn, looked neither like the vengeful maniac in his Heart Tribtion nor like the doting mother she''d presented herself as in her previous recording.


    This time, she appeared just as when they met in person; cold, callous, and infuriatingly calm when faced with Zac''s wrath.


    "You survived," Leandra said, her cadence like that of someonementing on a new haircut. "I wasn''t sure whether you''d find a path through the synchronization with your ill-fated choice of secondary body. Our inheritance has served you well."


    "Not like I asked for any of this," Zac said, unable and unwilling to hide the anger and disgust from his voice.


    "Railing against reality will change nothing," Leandra said. "For better or worse, our gift is a central part of your identity."


    "What do you want?" Zac growled. "Why did you make contact now? What about severing fate?"


    "I believe I made the right choice back then, especially after seeing your progress. Severing Karma and letting you walk your own path let you reach a point I didn''t expect you would. Some things can only be nurtured in the wild," Leandra said, ignoring Zac''s eyes veritably spitting fire at the remark. "And now, an opportunity to repay your family has arrived."


    "Repay you? Repay you?!" Zac almost screamed. "Why would I ever help you? I hope your ns fail and the Kayar-Elu are finally removed from the universe."


    "Then, what of your sister?" Leandra countered. "She is not yet strong enough to survive on her own. Without my protection, she''ll eventually be discovered and killed. Besides, taking on this particr task is in your best interest."


    Zac didn''t answer, but his expression spoke volumes.


    "You are suspicious. That is fine," Leandra nodded, her gaze shifting toward the chamber where his Draugr body hid.


    Zac grimaced; she knew.


    "You should be filled with questions, confusion. What else is hidden in your body? What were our goals, and how does it pertain to you? I''m sure you can appreciate that ss-3 isn''t the end of the road we prepared for you. You can choose to maintain your ignorance and pray you will somehow survive the next transition. Or you can take charge of your fate."


    Zac held onto a belly full of anger, but he knew she''d pinpointed his weakness. He really was afraid of his Specialty Core holding more secrets that would mess with his path.


    "Only by taking control over your body will you be able to avoid disaster. Only that way do you have a chance to be something more than a tool," Leandra said. "You may despise the Kayar-Elu, but you''re still nothing but a failed experiment in your current state."


    Zac took a calming breath as he stared at the projection. A normal patent would readily provide the information he needed to avoid getting himself killed, but he knew he wouldn''t be so lucky. Leandra was a full-fledged zealot hoping to overturn the Heavens to avenge her family. As she said before, she wasn''t contacting him to help; she was using his situation as bait for him to further her goals.


    "What do you want?" Zac squeezed out.


    "It''s simple. Our family prepared for our grand undertaking for eons, which included setting up several contingencies. I need you to activate one of them for me."


    "Contingencies?" Zac frowned.


    If Leandra was telling the truth about wanting to keep him at a distance and avoid Karma, then the contingency wasn''t for him. That meant it was for the other half of their experiment.


    "What have you done to Kenzie?"


    "Your sister is doing fine for now, butcking the unique features of your bloodline has proven problematic," Leandra said. "Unless you help activate a safeguard we created, the Digital Nexus will eventually be discovered by the Cursed Heavens. Your sister will attract a second cmity like the one that brought our demise. Your time is limited."


    Zac''s heart shuddered at the thought of Kenzie being forced to deal with a tribtion powerful enough to eradicate a n like the Kayar-Elu. However, he quickly calmed down and looked at the projection suspiciously. That ''contingency'' might be what brought Kenzie''s demise rather than what saved her. It might even allow Leandra to take over Kenzie''s body.


    "You''re lying."


    "I find the truth a powerful enough motivator in this situation," Leandra calmly said. "And even if you have doubts of the veracity of my ims, are you willing to bet Kenzie''s life on it?"


    "If it''s so important to you and your schemes, why don''t you activate it yourself?"


    "It cannot be essed remotely, and I cannot tread where it''s hidden," Leandra said.


    "Let me guess. It''s back where you lunatics got sted by the System?"


    "No," Leandra said. "It''s inside Sanctuary, the Holynd of the Technocracy. In a sense, it''s Sanctuary itself."


    "What!"


    "What ce is better to hide a secret repository of our family from the Heavens?" Leandra said. "What thing is better suited to hide the miracle inside your sister''s body than Sanctuary''s protective shroud?"


    "If it''s there, then it''s probably been discovered by your enemies already," Zac said.


    "Impossible."


    There was utmost certainty in Leandra''s words, which made Zac recall a piece of Sendor''s earlier exnation. The Kayar-Elu was one of the factions that participated in building the Technocrat''s Holy Land. They must have installed some backdoors and secret features during that time. It might really be safe if that were the case.


    Zac felt defeated as he looked into his mother''s eyes. She had nned everything to a tee, preparing both carrot and stick to force him into action.


    "Why me?" Zac sighed. "Why couldn''t you just leave me alone?"


    "My options are limited. Only a n member can enter that ce without triggering certain safeguards," Leandra said. "I''ve been marked, so I cannot go, and bringing the Digital Nexus there is not safe. That leaves you, who are fully free from anything marked by the Dao of Technology. You have the bloodline to enter, and your unique body will make you invisible to the eyes of my pursuers."


    Zac knew what she was getting at. If upgrading his Duplicity Core had made him resistant to Karma, he likely enjoyed simr protections against various other methods, just like what the Concealment Array provided. It was possible he was uniquely suited to avoid the gaze of the Living AIs and ancient Technocrats inside Sanctuary.


    "This is an opportunity for you," Leandra continued. "The safeguard is ced inside a hiddenboratory managed by my father, the leader of our family. There, you can find the answers to the questions burning in your heart. You can also confirm the truth of my im before activating the safeguard.


    "A simple task with a straightforward reward. As such, bnce is maintained. The details have been added to the token."


    "Wait!" Zac before Leandra''s projection dissipated. "How long do I have?"


    "We still have time before your sister is exposed, but that''s contingent on nothing changing," Leandra said. "The sooner you finish your task, we can all return to our destinies."


    Zac gritted his teeth as Leandra was about to disappear. "You say our Karma is severed, but that''s not up to you. Sooner orter, I''ll track you down. You''ll pay for what you did back then."


    Leandra only smiled at the threat.


    "If you can aplish such a thing, I will be content. That would mean the Zero Affinity Container would already be well on the way toward the Terminus. You would be an element of uncertainty that would break the status quo. That''s all I can hope for, considering our recent setbacks."


    "I won''t go along with your twisted ns," Zac growled.


    "Some things cannot be avoided whether we like it or not. The course was set long before either of us was born."


    The projection disappeared, leaving Zac alone in his room. Only after a few minutes did he infuse a wisp of his will into the token to receive a brief information packet, if you could call it that. ording to the insignia, there were two steps to the n. First, he needed to pick up a key inside a hiddenboratory and activate some sort of protocol.


    Both these things were required to ess the hidden domain inside Sanctuary. The externalb was not among the hidden strongholds Sendor listed, but it was somewhat close to one of the Spatial Tunnels he knew of. And that was lucky as well, considering Leandra hadn''t bothered providing him a route to Sanctuary. The missive said that the Eternal Storm was everchanging and that the roads she knew were likelypromised.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Sendor''s Information Crystal had suddenly shot up in value, saving him the headache of infiltrating some Technocrat force to get his hands on a route. Still, that didn''t mean the task was easy should he decide to follow Leandra''s instructions. The first step of the n needed to be finished within three centuries, at which point he had another two to reach Sanctuary and activate the safeguard. Five Centuries was an incredibly long time considering his age, but it didn''t feel that way afterparing notes.


    He wouldn''t make it in time, even if he set out today. How the hell did his mother expect him to aplish such a mission?


    Zac put away the token as he tried to quell the storm raging in his heart, where anger, worry, and helplessness fought for dominion. There was no point in heading for the Sanctuary right now, even if he could technically send one of his bodies while the other stayed in Zecia. The Yphelion simply wasn''t equipped for that kind of journey, no matter if you looked at its max speed or defensive capabilities.


    The Yphelion was meant to be his ace while traversing the Million Gates Territory, though he ended up not going before Hegemony. However, no matter how dangerous the chaotic region at Zecia''s edge was, it paledpared to the unintegrated regions he''d have to cross to reach the hidden base, let alone Sanctuary.


    He''d either have to upgrade his ship by multiple stages or get a better one before setting off. Worse, ording to the information packet, the safeguard only needed to be activated and not be taken to wherever Kenzie and Leandra were. As such, the path to the Six Profundity Empire wasn''t marked.


    The feasibility of the mission was one thing. The task itself was also an issue. He had already considered heading into the Eternal Storm to investigate his Specialty Cores. This mission would let him aplish that goal, and he would even be able to visit a few of the other hidden strongholds on Sendor''s map on the way. However, he''d have to be crazy if he took Leandra at her words.


    It was not just possible, but likely there were some key aspects she wasn''t sharing about the mission. It could very well be a trap. Zac thoughtfully looked down at the emblem, a n slowly forming in his mind. Could he do it?


    Could he achieve his goals, save Kenzie, and foil Leandra''s schemes, all in one go?

 Chapter 1066 - News from the Front

    Zac sighed as he sat down to face himself. He''d check in with the creators for a shipyard-upgrading questter, but he had too much on his te to worry about that matter right now. He''d have to survive the war and Ultom before worrying about heading into the Endless Storm. Perhaps he could trade the Primo''s item inside the Hollow Court for a vastly superior ship. Perhaps Ultom would provide him with another solution. Worrying about it now wouldn''t do him much good.


    The real question was, what should he do going forward? Too much had happened too quickly, and he hadn''t had the chance to sort everything out.


    "I guess you''ll be Arcaz for now," Zac said, and his Draugr self wryly smiled as he transformed into the usual appearance of his alias.


    There was no point in telling even his closest confidants the truth of his shared existence. What they didn''t know couldn''t hurt them. The official story would be that he was really split apart during his breakthrough. Both were him since they came from the same soul, but they were their own people who would gradually diverge in the future.


    It had been a relief to rid himself of the constant worry of his duality being exposed and bing a test subject of some desperate Monarch. Unfortunately, it looked like one secret had been reced with another. Some would likely think he was lying, but if Sendor couldn''t figure things out, how could some Monarchs in the frontier? That uncertainty might actually provide some protection. Would the Undead Empire dare target him, unsure if his Draugr self even had Ultom''s seal?


    Zac stood up and started swinging his axe, but he frowned as he felt the moves sluggish and crude. Part of the reason was that he no longer had his [Thousand Lights Avatar] to channel his Daos through his bodies. That problem was easily solved, but it wasn''t the main issue. The real interference came from the shared consciousness.


    He''d already guessed as much, but it became increasingly apparent when trying to use his Evolutionary Stance while Arcaz looked on. He tried repeatedly, but Zac failed to enter that ethereal state when both bodies were next to each other. They were hearing the same things, seeing the same things, though from slightly different vantages.


    The difficulty of keeping the impressions separate created a dy which made it impossible to be one with your weapon and Dao. Only when Arcaz closed his eyes and entered a Void State to block out the surroundings did Zac manage to use his technique to its fullest. Both bodies simultaneously activating skills was easier, but Zac believed he was better off keeping his personas split up for the time being.


    He could send one body to the battlefields while the other worked on upgrading skills or cultivation, or perhaps send both to different battlefields on different worlds. That would at least let him rack up wartime merit at twice the speed while improving his cover.


    However, his top priority was reaching a point where he could freely control his bodies, whether they were on different worlds or fighting side by side. It was the key to pushing his strength to the next level before Ultom, and it might even help him with one of his long-term goals; fusing his stances into one system utilizing all three Daos.


    In fact, reaching that step didn''t necessarily require him first putting his bodies together. He had ess to all Daos in both bodies and could freely use all three energies his Cosmic Core produced. Of course, he''d have to learn how to walk before he could run. How would he fuse his techniques when he couldn''t even use them simultaneously?


    Zac believed he would eventually grow more ustomed to his new form of existence, but there should be some ways to speed up the process. He didn''t want to waste his free points on Intelligence, but there were undoubtedly some training methods for cultivators using beasts, puppets, or clones. They all required splitting one''s attention, sometimes into thousands of avatars. He just needed to figure out how to do so with two.


    How hard could it be?


    Zac shook his head and sat back down, where he began dividing his items between bodies. Each side would have to keep some opposing materials on hand for Soul Cultivation, but it''d otherwise be easy enough to split the assets. Thest item he took out was Alea''s ne, which he''d stowed away in a reinforced spatial ring to protect her from the Tribtion Lightning.


    He''d already noticed his Spirit Tools were linked to both bodies, but Zac still handed [Love''s Bond] over to his Draugr side. A surge of spiritual energy poured out of the ne the moment she was out of the ring, and Alea''s avatar appeared between his two forms with a huge smile on her face.


    "You did it! I knew- Wait, what''s going on?" Alea said as she curiously looked back and forth. "There''s two of you now? Why do I feel connected to both?"


    Zac wryly smiled and exined the situation through their mental connection. Alea was one of the few he could let in on his secret. He doubted he could keep it from her even if he wanted to.


    "That''s great!" Aleaughed as she hugged Arcaz from behind. "I was getting annoyed by having to share you with that mutt, and then you even got a copycat nt. Now I get one of you all by myself."


    "I''m still going to fuse back together eventually," Arcazmented as he equipped the ne, bemused she was more annoyed with Verun and Vivi rather than Catheya. "How are things on your end?"


    "I can break through any time as long as you provide the materials," Alea smiled.


    "And you really don''t need any arrays or other preparations? The [Divine Investiture Array]''s enough?"


    "It''ll help me through one final time. Oops, I have to go now," Alea said before she turned into a streak of energy that returned to the ne.


    Zac looked at the ne for a few seconds before sending a message through Communication Crystal. It only took a few seconds to get a response, and its content made him frown. He shed away, leaving his Draugr body to prepare for Alea''s breakthrough. It wasn''t the only thing that needed to be dealt with now that he was finally a Hegemon.


    He also needed to expand and refine his pathways. The System only provided the initial expansion, and he would have to fix the rest himself. He''d begin with his Draugr form while his human side went and got to the bottom of things. Vri''s message couldn''t wait.


    Port Atwood was mostly the same, though Zac didn''t check things thoroughly as he made a beeline for the enormous administrative building. He flew the first stretch but soon switched to [Earthstrider] upon realizing the Peak Quality E-grade skill was still faster than his rough application of flight.


    Vri was already waiting for him in the lobby along with Joanna and Ilvere, and Zac breathed in relief upon seeing that all of them were fine. Joanna sported some new scars, but her aura had grown significantly stronger since they sparredst.


    "Congrattions on your sessful breakthrough," Vri smiled. "I hope everything went well?"


    "Well, things took a weird turn, but I''m fine," Zac grinned. "I''ll tell you about itter. What''s this about the war starting early?


    "There was a sector-wide announcement around three months ago," Vri said. "We were fighting our first battle within three hours."


    "So it really happened," Zac sighed, incredibly relieved he didn''t waste an extra decade mastering [Essence Union] for his core. "How are things?"


    "For the Atwood Empire? Mostly fine," Joanna said. "We''re still in the war''s early phase, and things are kept on a smaller scale. Our losses in the first couple of battles were on the higher side, but that''s to be expected when so many of our warriors were untested recruits. Those veterans and wandering cultivators you managed to scrounge together were a huge asset, but with those nasty Heart Curses in the mix..."


    Ilvere spat in disgust when Joanna mentioned the curses, and Zac understood the sentiment. Even he had found the things difficult to deal with back in the Void Star, and he was immune to their influence. They had to be a huge threat to normal cultivators.


    "Luckily, our enemies thus far have been quite weak. Most seem to be captured warves, ill-organized and equipped," Ilvere said. "Our resources have allowed us topensate for our shorings in experience."


    "So things are fine," Zac breathed in relief.


    "The Atwood Empire is winning, but Zecia is not," Vri sighed. "Many established factions have suffered significant losses in these few months. The Kan''Tanu have already formed multiple beachheads in our sector. A few factions have copsed already, their members turned into more warves."


    "So fast?" Zac eximed. "How''s that possible?"


    "Follow us," Vri said, leading Zac to a congress hall that had been transformed into amand center.


    There were over fifty people inside fast at work, sending messages or analyzing the data appearing on a mix ofrge screens and arrays. There was also a huge star chart projected in the center of the room, which Zac assumed showed the current state of the war.


    "This thing was delivered when the war officially started. It currently shows a three-dimensional map of Zecia," Joanna exined. "We''re the blue dot, and the red spots are lost territory."


    The map was an almost iprehensible cloud of white. Zac could only recognize a few pieces, mostly therge empires. For example, it wasn''t difficult to find the band of lights representing the Undead Empire since they emitted a weak hint of Death. However, one thing was quite clear and very troubling.


    "There are red dots all over the ce," Zac frowned. "How''s this possible in just three months?"


    The scene made him think of the Void Gate and the Kan''Tanu scheme to infiltrate the Zecia Sector through the Void Star. They''d pop out from Mystic Realms all over, wreaking havoc on regions that were supposed to be safe. But hadn''t they ruined that scheme when they blew up the Ster Ladder?


    It hadn''t been his main objective back then. He had simply wanted to destroy the connection to the Lost ne before Gemmy, Billy''s pet Realm Spirit, died and took them all with her. Blowing up the Kan''Tanu''s backdoor entrance to the sector was just a wee bonus. But looking at the map, it felt like his actions weren''t as permanent as he''d thought. Had the Kan''Tanu managed to restore thedder?


    "The inter-sector war has innumerable war fronts," Vri sighed. "We have thirteen arrays across our twos, eight of them on Earth. Each will activate independently, though we cannot figure out any pattern. At that time, ourmand center receives an order of minimum deployment."


    "We can''t send less than the minimum, but we can send more," Joanna added. "We''ve done that so far to make sure we won''t get overrun, but it''s not a sustainable method. It increases our total loss rather than reduces it."


    "We can also activate the arrays on our own," Ilvere said. "We haven''t done that so far."


    "Have any enemies ever stepped onto our soil?" Zac asked, having a pretty good idea of how there was so much lost territory.


    It looked like the System was the cause of the chaos rather than some Kan''Tanu scheme.


    "No," Joanna said, looking a bit disgusted. "It''s part of the rules of this ''game.'' Each array is considered a battlefront, so we have thirteen. The first battles all took ce on neutral territories. Probably dead worlds the System has sourced from somewhere. We get extra merit and advance if we win a decisive victory."


    "Into the Kan''Tanu Sector," Zac surmised.


    "Exactly," Ilvere added. "At first, it''s at remote unimportant worlds. But if we keep winning, we''ll get sent to more powerfuls where the resistance is fiercer. Of course, each seeding victory also snowballs our battle merit, and we get the chance to loot more flourishing worlds."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "So when you said whole forces have copsed already, it means they suffered a series of disastrous losses until their main worlds were conquered?"


    "Exactly," Ilvere said, looking at the shimmering lights with a frown. "We can only see our side of the map, but our intelligence channels indicated there''s a lot more red in our sector than theirs. The Kan''Tanu are fewer in number, but their warriors are all incredibly fierce. No matter if it''s attacking or defending, they fight to the end."


    "Not like they have a choice with those disgusting things inside their bodies," Joanna spat.


    "Can we reim thoses?" Zac asked.


    "We can," Vri nodded. "You can spend merit to shift a certain array''s battlefront. It''s very cheap if you''ve got the advantage but very expensive if your enemies are bearing down on you. Sometimes, you''ll shift to a local battlefront where the goal is to rebuff the invaders. Those give bonus merit and are quite lucrative. Of course, the opposition is quite stiff."


    "What if we just fly over?" Zac asked.


    "It''s possible, and it apparently gives huge bonuses. But it is very dangerous," Joanna said.


    "Dangerous, how?"


    "For one, it splits our forces. Any soldier we put on a fleet of Cosmic Vessels is one we can''t send through the teleporters. It could lock up our resources for years, considering the level of our vessels and the distances involved," Joanna said. "It might be different now that you''re back, though. You could teleport a strike squad to a nearby and fly over."


    "It''s still fraught with danger," Ilvere interjected. "These dots are updated with at least a few weeks'' dy��the invaders will have dug in by the time you''d arrive. And while the arrays send us toward forces of matching strength, anyone could be waiting on the other side in this kind of mission. For example, we can teleport to a few worlds in the Kan''Tanu Sector at a very favorable price. What if we run into a Monarch? We''d be sending our warriors to their deaths."


    Zac slowly nodded. You could likely control the risk by picking the right worlds to target. For example, a Low D-grade world would have been ruled by a Middle Hegemon at most, so the attackers were unlikely to be stronger than that. Monarchs were strategic resources, and the Kan''Tanu wouldn''t send one to guard some random.


    "There''s more. I hear an enormous army is making its way through the Million Gates Territory, which will only increase the pressure. The chaotic region acts as a natural defense, but it will only dy the inevitable. The peak factions are already asking for reinforcements, even talking about forced drafts to shore up the physical battlefront. We''ll be at an even greater disadvantage then."


    "The war''s barely started, and things are already so grim," Zac grimaced.


    "It''s bad, but not quite as bad as it looks," Ilvere said. "They have the advantage of unity and being more ustomed to bloodshed. Meanwhile, Zecia has quite a few declining factions who''s maintained their status by bluster and hollow strength. These factions snapped like dried wood when the Kan''Tanu descended on us, but the rate of losses is already slowing down."


    "Zecia has a huge advantage in terms of poption," Joanna added. "The Kan''Tanu''s cultivation method has an extremely lethality rate. Some estimates put their poption at less than a third of ours, even if their sector is reported to berger. And while Zecia has suffered huge defeats early on, we''ve also been tempered by the bloodshed."


    "So time is the key," Zac muttered. "The Kan''Tanu wants a quick victory while we need to slow things down. We can use the war to transform our poption into a superior army if we endure long enough."


    "That seems to be the case," Ilvere nodded. "But it''s easier said than done. Those Heart Curses are as troublesome as the Undead Empire. Zecia''s growing stronger, but the Kan''Tanu are constantly adding new warves to their ranks, recing their losses. And even if the n is a sess, it will have been paid for with rivers of blood."


    "There have already been reports of factions surrendering," Vri sighed. "Whole factions defecting and imnting themselves with Heart Curses to avoid battle. Luckily, the System heavily punishes those traitors, making it a rtively rare urrence for now."


    "Punished how?" Zac asked.


    "I hear they stop getting wartime merit, though I''m unsure if it''s a permanent punishment. They also have to keep stepping onto battlefronts, where they are given more dangerous enemies. Some n in the Dravorak Dynasty defected and was matched against an elite regiment of the Dravorak Imperial Army the next week. There are recordings of them being cut down to thest man, butchered like pigs."


    "Intentionally spread to quell those kinds of thoughts, I guess?" Zac asked, getting an affirmative nod.


    "There''s more," Vri added, surreptitiously looking around. "Should we adjourn to a meeting room?"


    "I''ll check thetest reports," Ilvere muttered and lumbered off.


    "Is it about the inheritance?" Zac asked after he, Vri, and Joanna were alone. "Have you figured out how the System will award the final pieces?"


    "In a way," Vri said as she shared a screen.


    [Call of the Soultaker (Campaign, Inheritance (1/?)): Rise two ranks through War Merit. (0/2)]


    "A multi-step quest," Zac muttered. "With seal pieces hopefully waiting at the end."


    There was no other way to read the quest, considering Vri was a Soultaker of the Anima Court. Zac had no idea how hard it was to rack up enough merit to rise two ranks, but it couldn''t be too hard for a talent like Vri. The real problem was that the quest didn''t say how many steps it had, making it difficult to estimate how quickly these tasks needed to be finished.


    "That''s the assumption," Vri nodded. "Every sealbearer has been awarded a quest, though our tasks are individualized."


    "I haven''t gotten one," Zac frowned.


    "You should get it as soon as you register," Vri said, and there was a flicker of anticipation in her eyes.


    She wasn''t alone. Joanna looked at him with expectation.


    "Register? For the war?" Zac asked.


    "Exactly. Before that, you can''t even enter the battlefields or check out the Merit Exchange. You won''t believe the things the System has put up for sale," Joanna said with a wide smile. "I can''t wait to see what rating and designation you''ll end up with."

 Chapter 1067 - Rules of Engagement

    "Rating and designation?" Zac asked. "What''s going on?"


    "There are several facilities near every Battlefield Array," Vri exined. "One of them is a recruitment center. You must first register to ess the Teleportation Array, War Merit Exchange, and various other features. At that time, you''ll get an evaluation and a designation. For example, I''m a Fourth-Degree Captain, the lowest Captain rank."


    "I''m a Strike Leader," Joanna added.


    "What''s the significance of the designations?"


    "All designationse with varying levels of authority, and some provide ess to additional features. My designation is equivalent to the authority of an Early Hegemon, which is enough to let us ignore any outside orders on most Early D-grade battlefields," Vri said.


    "So there''s really a problem with outsiders?" Zac sighed.


    This was something they''d feared since the beginning and one of the reasons he''d wanted to break through to Hegemony before the war. Factions without any elites were generally ced under themand of greater forces during sanctioned wars, and it looked like this inter-section war wasn''t any different.


    "There have been some problems, but we''ve been safe for now," Vri said. "As Ilvere said, the war is only in the early stages. Our battlefields only have up to three factions working together, and all are roughly the same strength. However, we assume the battles will expand in scope in the future, perhaps through merging battlefields. The chain ofmand will be a bigger issue at that point."


    "Your quest said to upgrade your rank with merit," Zacmented, seeing one route to avoid that headache.


    "They can automatically be upgraded from ruing enough merit. I am close to reaching my first promotion," Vri confirmed. "However, only War Merit gained through your designation counts. In other words, I can gain ranks from leading armies, but not through assassinating enemy leaders or crafting wartime resources."


    "Breaking through is another solution," Joanna added. "Might makes right, and your ranking will get upgraded when stepping through minor thresholds. Thanks to your disciple, we also have a Third-Degree Captain, which lets us act unhindered on one of our two Middle D-grade battlegrounds."


    "My disciple? Emily?" Zac asked with surprise. "Did she manage to hire a talented veteran?"


    "No," Joannaughed. "She broke through one month into the war, bing our first native Hegemon."


    "No wonder I didn''t get any title this time around," Zac whistled. "I can''t believe she broke through so quickly."


    "Since then, four more have followed in her wake," Vri said. "All of them are sealbearers. Of course, I expect that number will soon rise drastically. The Merit Exchange is almostpletely geared toward gaining strength, and it''s quite generous."


    Zac turned to Joanna. "What about you? What''s a Strike Leader?"


    "It''s great," Joanna smiled. "It lets me lead a small autonomous strike squad on the battlefield, and we get increased bounties for all leaders we take out."


    "That sounds perfect," Zac said.


    If possible, he''d definitely want such a role. Not having to bother with all the nitty-gritty or tactics, where he only needed to swing his axe and take out the leaders of the invading army.


    "But it sounds like the System created a mess through our ranks, rearranging our personnel like that?"


    "It was a bit chaotic at the start, but things quickly clicked into ce," Vri said. "The System has a very discerning eye. We''ve discovered quite a few talents hidden among our ranks."


    "I guess that makes sense," Zac said. "This is what the System was designed for."


    "Most roles are quite simple, too. Foot soldier, support, defender. Things like that," Joanna added. "You can also ignore your designation and stay in whatever position your faction awarded you. That''s generally a bad idea since working ording to your designation will reward more merit. We listened to the System''s rmendations and rearranged things ordingly where possible."


    "What about the evaluation you mentioned?" Zac asked.


    "We think it''s there for the designations, but it might have other uses. Like those who get higher evaluations might get more opportunities down the road," Vri said. "There''s no telling what other things the System might throw our way as things progress. It might also be rted to the quests."


    "So you registered, got a good evaluation, and became a Captain, which might have resulted in a quest for another piece of your seal," Zac summarized. "And you need to either break through or rue merit through your designation to progress it."


    "That''s the gist of it," Vri smiled.


    "How long do you think until you can break through?"


    "I could technically begin the process within three months, but my Soul isn''t quite at the level I''d like," the Revenant said. "And unless my stepping into Hegemony is required, I''d prefer to find the second piece of my seal before evolving. I used the first to form a Bloodline Cultivation Method, and I wish to use the second to fuse my heritage with the Crown of Despair to create a path uniquely suited for me."


    "That''s fine," Zac said, remembering his n to get his hands on another Moss Crystal for Vri. "Follow your instincts. I''ll do what I can to help."


    "Vri should be able to speed up her Merit now that you''re back," Joanna said. "She''s been forced to be on standby in case someone dangerous appears on the battlefields. Now, she can properly lead a few offenses."


    "Yeah, I should be able to deal with anything that crops up. What about you? Have you found any clues to the Indomitable Court?"


    A smile spread across Joanna''s face as a simr quest screen appeared before her.


    [Indomitable Spirit (Campaign (1/?)): Personally execute hostile leaders worth 25,000 Merit. (18,321/25,000)]


    It was simr, but there were some notable differences to Vri''s quest. For one, Joanna''s only said it was a campaign quest, while Vri''s was tagged as both Campaign and Inheritance. However, the name was promising. Not only that, but Joanna was well on her way to finishing the first step. It really looked like she''d grabbed onto the opportunity.


    No wonder she was covered in a new set of scars.


    "Between our twos, another two have been awarded simr quests so far," Joanna said as the screen disappeared. "I''m hoping it''ll be my way into the inheritance, even if it''s as a second-string participant."


    "Don''t be so sure about that," Zac said. "I don''t know if he told you this, but Ogras had toplete a difficult quest to get his seal. And he was the first sealbearer apart from myself in our group. Actually, there''s more."


    Zac shared how Kruta had gained an epiphany even when taking a seal from the body of another. Before that, the assumption was the seals would only provide an epiphany once. Recalling the event was extremely odd. He hadn''t noticed before, but the information seal was already active. Thanks to his first round of negotiations with Sendor, he could remember all his encounters on top of his cultivation.


    However, he couldn''t remember where he and Kruta fought Valsa. He could vaguely recall they had entered some sort of dangerous cultivation zone, where Valsa ambushed them. But the details eluded him. The same was true for all his memories. Apart from remembering the Cmity and Mount Illumination, all his other adventures had grown blurry, like they had happened eons ago.


    It was diforting having his experiences altered like this, but Zac knew that would happen going in. Besides, just remembering those two ces let him intuit many things about his experience. The reason he could recall his home base and the Red Zone was no doubt rted to the remnants and the Peak of Chaos, and Zac smiled at the thought of holding onto yet another of Sendor''s secrets.


    "Really? I actually get insights this way?" Joanna eximed, flush with excitement.


    "Our working theory is that it''s based on affinity. Anyone can get a seal, but only those with affinity to the courts would receive their insights," Zac said. "And I''d venture affinity won''t be a problem considering you got the quest."


    Joanna nodded eagerly, and it almost felt like her momentum was burning. It probably wouldn''t be long before she also stepped into Hegemony.


    "By the way, who are the other people?" Zac asked.


    "They''re��" Vri began, but a ring rm cut off the Mentalist.


    "Now?" Joanna swore, and Zac could feel themand centere abuzz through his Soul Sense.


    The three ran back into themon room, where Ilvere was already barking orders.


    "It''s an early invasion!" Joanna eximed as a bloody aura leaked from her body. "Someone is making a move on one of our war fronts."


    "What''s going on? How can I help?" Zac said.


    "You''ve just returned; you don''t need to worry about this," Vri said. "We can handle it. Why not focus on getting ustomed to your evolution?"


    "You''ve fought for months while I was off-world. This is the least I can do," Zac said. "Besides, what better ce to get used to my breakthrough than on a battlefield?"


    Vri and Joanna shared a look.


    "Do you wish to lead the army?" Vri hesitated.


    "No, I''ll just join as a fighter," Zac said, almostughing upon seeing the relief in their eyes. "You know I''m no good at that micromanagement stuff. Unless the System forces me into some other role, I''ll be the vanguard."


    "Then follow me," Joanna said. "The battlefront is on Ensolus, so we need to teleport there first."


    "Be careful," Vri added, clearly opting to stay behind to manage things.


    "We''ll catch up properly after we''ve dealt with this mess," Zac said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    ''Remember to listen to your subordinates before storming the enemy lines,'' Vri urged through a mental message. ''Fighting on these battlefields differs from the inheritances, and the Kan''Tanu have some dangerous methods. Even you can fall if not careful.''


    Zac nodded in understanding before he and Joanna rushed out of themand center.


    "Do our warriors always go to the same warfront, or do we switch it up?" Zac asked as they ran toward the Nexus Hub.


    "Usually the same unless one front needs reinforcements or finds themselves needing specific talents," Joanna said. "We do have some reserve units who can help shore up our ranks. Themand center will no doubt some this time around. We are spread a bit thin, though. We''ve managed to recruit a lot of new recruitstely, but they''re not ready to join the battlefield yet. "


    "So, what''s an early invasion?" Zac asked.


    "We mentioned that we have the option to activate our Battlefront Arrays early," Joanna said. "Some Kan''Tanu regiment must have done just that. The eighth army fought just three days ago, and it shouldn''t have activated this early otherwise. As far as we can tell, each battlefront is only called upon once every two weeks at most, though there are always smaller skirmishes in between.


    Joanna''s face was somber as they rushed toward the battlefront. Zac also had a bad feeling. He''d just returned, and some details were still hazy, but it wasn''t difficult to understand the implications of an early attack. No one could fight continuously. The casualties would be staggering if a faction pushed its soldiers too far, and a war at this scale couldst centuries unless one side managed to overwhelm the other.


    Normally, both sides would use the downtime to regroup and recover. An attack just three days after the first meant the Kan''Tanu must have received reinforcements and nned to take out their enemies in one go while they were at their weakest. Furthermore, the fact they dared attack an overgeared army like his must mean they''d brought a whole lot of firepower.


    A few more jumps took them to a huge war camp on the Mavai Steppes, its scale making it evenrger than Port Atwood. It wasn''t just the soldiers of the eighth army but also their families and a huge support system. Of course, the inner sections would only be essible to the enlisted.


    It was only the third time Zac visited the life-attuned continent, having been busy with his cultivation over the past years. Still, Zac could sense that the environment had improved slightly since he was herest time. Releasing the twinned Realm Spirits into the''s center had done wonders.


    The chimeral energy on the Ensolus Continent was kept stable enough not to descend into a situation like the Cmity, and the energy on the two single-attuned continents had improved in quality. It couldn''tpensate for the loss of Origin Dao, but the environment would slowly improve as the Realm Spirits grew up.


    The camp was already full of bustle, with a constant stream of warriors pouring toward what looked like an Incursion Pir in the distance. Many of the soldiers were Mavai, with this being their continent, but Zac saw there were soldiers of all living races represented. Of course, most of his armies were mixed, but they couldn''t have Raun Spectrals and Revenants stationed on a Life-attuned continent.


    A small party was already waiting for him as they stepped off a private Teleportation Array, including the Mavai Warchief and two of his adult children.


    "Wee, Emperor Atwood!" Ra''Klid greeted with a small bow, which was mirrored by the others. "We just got word of your return. Congrattions on your breakthrough."


    "Thank you," Zac smiled. Zac didn''t know if he''d ever get used to being called Emperor, but he didn''t bother trying to correct people any longer. "How''s the situation?"


    "Fighting has already begun, but we are not yet sure of the extent of the attack," Ra''Klid said, pointing at the pir. "We''re entering with full force just in case, and the Lord''s reinforcements will soon arrive."


    "How''s the reaction to our integrated armies been?" Zac asked as they hurried toward the pir.


    "Not great," Joanna grimaced. "The Undead Empire has been a huge asset for Zecia, having a massive army and winning almost every battle they''ve joined. It has drastically improved their reputation, but three months isn''t enough to erase eons of bad blood. And that hatred has spilled over on us. We''ve had to rearrange two battlefronts to avoid infighting with the other participants."


    "People actually cause us problems while we have the invaders to deal with?" Zac frowned. "Who are these people?"


    "Just some backwater D-grade factions," Joanna said. "Most of them are essentially dead weight."


    "Worse than dead weight," Ra''Klid added. "Nothing is more dangerous to a tribe than an ipetent Warchief. Second is ipetent allies."


    "Can''t we just get rid of them?" Zac asked.


    "Attacking them counts as a betrayal. Even ignoring their orders can cause issues if we don''t have high-enough officers among our ranks. That''s partly why we''re pushing ourselves to break through and rack up merit."


    "This battlefront isn''t too bad. Our allies aren''t the strongest, but they''re taking the matter seriously and are fighting hard," Ra''Klid said. "As for the others��"


    Zac grimaced. It wasn''t hard to figure out the rest, thinking back to the desperate situation disyed on the War Map. Zecia had a lot of useless factions, but even useless factions could nurture a couple of Hegemons if their foundations were strong enough. And the Atwood Empire was the perfect meat shield��strong, well-equipped, andcking seniors that could suppress their allies and take charge.


    "Hopefully, Emperor Atwood''s return will help with this matter. As the ruler of the faction, your status will impact all battlefronts," the demon added, looking at arge structure ced just outside the inner walls of the militarypound.


    It was no doubt the Recruitment Station, yet the scene in front of it made Zac''s brows rise. A swarm of agitated demons currently blocked its entrance, all of them old, maimed, or both. A few even hadpletely white hair, while the gold in their skin had long faded. Their auras weren''t anything to call home about, but Zac could feel their steely determination as they red at a couple of clerks standing by the entrance.


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked.


    "Volunteers," Ra''Klid sighed. "Old veterans whose bodies didn''t properly adapt to the integration. Warriors who have been deemed too wounded to participate effectively on the battlefield. Many have tried to join for months, and they rushed here when the warning red."


    "Why not let them register if we''re already spread thin?" Zac asked.


    "Teleportation is only free up to the minimum personnel listed by the System," Joanna exined. "The rules are simr to the Incursions, with one important difference. We also lose Faction Merit when sending warriors beyond a certain point, which is our most critical resource. If we let anyone join, we won''t be able to spend merit on fortifications or other upgrades the Atwood Empire desperately needs. We need warriors, but they need a minimum strength to warrant sending them to the battlefronts."


    "Some of these old goats are trying to join for selfish reasons," Ra''Klid added. "They''re not the ones who have to pay for mobilization, and they don''t care if they''ll be weak links in our ranks. Their eyes are on the Merit Exchange, thinking it''s the key to return to their former glory. For example, a pill to restore an E-grade cultivator''s limb only costs 2,500 merit. There are also Dao Fruits and other good stuff.


    "We chose to restrict the recruitment centers when people began causing problems, like trying to sneak onto the battlefields in search of merit. One lunatic even tried setting fire to the barracks to create a diversion. Now, there''s a pre-screening process."


    "The seniors who came here today just want to help," Ra''Klid''s daughter quickly added, clearly not agreeing with her father''s opinion on the crowd ahead. "Every time the tribes enter the pir, many will be forever left behind on some distant world. Even more wille back inside Spatial Rings. The seniors are willing to take the most dangerous roles, all to protect the future generations."


    "The young have yet to experience the darkness in the hearts of men," Ra''Klid smiled, ignoring his daughter''s blithering stare. "If they had such desire to serve, where were they when we called for army reserves in the past years? Why didn''t they apply for nonbat roles to help our efforts through the proper channels? They can earn merit that way too. They''re hoping to stay at the backlines and reap the far more generous wartime rewards when we conquer a world."


    "That''s��" Wrok''Sa said, but Ra''Klid waved at her to stop as he turned back to Zac.


    "Either case, we can''t let them onto the battlefield, especially not now," Ra''Klid said. "Do you want me to disperse them?"


    "I think it''s good if you solve this," Joanna said to Zac. "Times are tough, and people need a beacon of hope. Or at least a beacon of power."


    "Hope and power," Zac said, slowly nodding. "I''ll deal with it."

 Chapter 1068 - Rank and Designation

    Zac didn''t know which of the two demons was right. Both, most likely. Some of these volunteers might be wartime opportunists. But it wouldn''t be odd for many of these old warriors to stir after witnessing the brutality of the struggle.


    He remembered the problems they''d had with their recruitment drives in the beginning. Many didn''t even believe them when they said a war wasing. And even if it did, so what? The integration had been dealt with without many of them ever lifting a finger. Why would this be any different?


    Now, war was here, and people were forced to face reality. Months had passed since the battles started, which was ample time for the situation to be spread back to the civilians. These old fighters might really have chosen to sacrifice themselves for their tribes now that the Kan''Tanu and their Heart Curses were at their gates.


    "Then we''ll go ahead," Ra''Klid said, not without some reluctance. The demon was clearly curious about what rank and designation Zac would be getting. "I need to see what we''re dealing with."


    "I''ll catch up soon," Zac nodded as he turned toward the recruitment center.


    Zac''s arrival initially came unnoticed. The crowd was busy shouting at the workers barring the entrance behind an array. A few nced over when Zac came close, but they didn''t recognize him. Joanna helplessly shrugged at the scene, indicating for him to speak up. Zac chose an even more direct solution; he rose into the air and floated above the crowd.


    "Emperor Atwood!" a human clerk eximed upon seeing Zac fly toward them, prompting the grizzled old warriors to look up with shock.


    Zac saw the mixed emotions in their eyes; hope, suspicion, curiosity. He knew what kind of impression his demon citizens had of him. The events in the Tower of Eternity, or when he quelled the Raun uprising, had long since spread throughout the Mavai poption, intentionally so by Ra''Klid and his council. Adding his reclusive nature, Zac had almost taken on mythical status.


    He could tell that some of the old warriors had almost expected him to have three heads and six arms, and they looked a bit disappointed upon realizing he just looked like a normal human, even if it was a flying one. Zac hesitated a moment before releasing some of the restraints on his aura, letting roiling waves of Killing Intent, Divine Energy, and the Daos of his Evolutionary Path spread through the crowd and beyond.


    The barrier surrounding the recruitment center groaned, and the line of reinforcements froze momentarily on its way to the inner regions and the Battlefront Array. The Mavai veterans took the brunt of his aura, but they were only briefly shocked before a fervent gleam appeared in their eyes. Zac obviously restrained his power to a level where it wouldn''t hurt these people, and he knew the allure of his path to these old Mavai Demons.


    If he''d been Mavai himself, he would have been considered a forefather already. Of course, it looked like his reputation had taken a hit as there were not a few unfriendly looks trained at him. Zac had an inkling why and ignored it. He''d turn these people around through action.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m gratified to witness the Mavai''s bravery and the steel in your veins," Zac said, his Dao-empowered voice echoing through the square as he stopped before the entrance. "I know you are worried for your sons and daughters, but rest assured. The Mavai Tribes are part of the Atwood Empire, and you have our full support. We will crush this assault, as we will any faction who tries to harm our people."


    "Warc- Ah, mister Emperor," a wizened Mavai warrior missing an arm said. "Are you joining the war?"


    "I am sorry to have kept you all waiting these past months," Zac said. "I had just broken through to Hegemony when I learned of this early attack. I''m stepping onto the frontlines as soon as I''ve registered. Our forces are more than capable of handling this assault, and there is no need to send nobatants to their deaths. If you still wish to serve, please talk with our recruiters. There are many ways to help keep our soldiers safe."


    No order was issued, but the protective barrier deactivated, letting Zac inside. There were a dozen clerks and warriors who looked ready for a siege, but Zac only nodded in their direction before continuing to one of the fifty glimmering crystals floating at the back of the hall. Zac ced his hand on the crystal, and a familiar pulse spread through his body.


    [Use Alias?]


    "No," Zac said after some thought, not feeling the need to hide his identity any longer. If anything, it could help his faction if he gained some renown and appeared on leaderboards.


    Perhaps the System already had him on file because the evaluation was far quicker than when it scanned his Cosmic Core. A set of screens popped up almost immediately.


    [Evaluation: Early D-grade. S-grade Attributes. B-grade Dao. S-grade Achievements. S-grade potential. Rank: Baron of Conquest]


    [Comprehensive evaluation: S-grade. Marked for unique scenario, special designation awarded.]


    [Designation: Fated mebearer]


    [mebearer of Zecia (Campaign, Inheritance (1/?)): Lead your faction to conquer 9 Early D-grade worlds in the Zurbor Sector. Kill or capture one Sealbearer. Reward: Court Cycle Token. (0/10)]


    [Calcting Pre-enlistment Merit. Merit cap Reached.]


    There wasn''t anything surprising in the evaluation. It was a bit annoying not being awarded S-grade across the board, not even getting an A-grade rating for his Dao. But he had to admit that three Middle-stage Dao Branches wasn''t that impressive for an Early Hegemon. For example, Iz had three Late-Stage Dao Branches while still in the E-grade, and there were likely Early Hegemons who had formed Earthly Daos.


    Of course, the difference between him and them was that he''d just entered Hegemony while they''d likely spent centuries there, possibly millennia. At least theprehensive Evaluation was put at S-grade, though the text after left Zac with mixed emotions.


    Being marked by the System for ''special training'' had controlled most of his actions during the event in the Research Base at the threat of having Skills and levels removed if he didn''tply. And he still remembered the stifling feeling of being congratted for being awarded a unique scenario when left alone on Demon Ind. Now, he found himself marked yet again.


    He loathed the feeling of having the System trying to rein him in and control him, but the situation was thankfully quite different this time around. Terminology aside, his new quest looked just like the one Vri had, with no stick to go with the carrot. Of course, there was one interesting difference. Vri''s quest had no reward listed, while he would receive a ''Court Cycle Token'' frompleting the very first step.


    There was no description of what the thing did, but it had to be rted to the Left Imperial Pce, and likely his other inheritance quest that had himplete cycles of sealbearers. Getting the token was easier said than done, though. Conquering nine worlds was one thing; he could force a few quick victories with money before retreating if need be.


    But where would he find a hostile Sealbearer? It wasn''t like they announced their presence. He had long since figured out the method Valsa used to expose him, but those tracking arrays could only scan the surrounding hundred meters. He''d keep it on him while fighting, but it was still akin to looking for a needle in a haystack.


    The added merit was tacked onto the bottom of his Status Screen, and the pre-enlistment War Merit cap was apparently 125,000. The reward was no doubt the result of his activities inside the Void Star. He didn''t have much to go by, but Zac suspected it was significantly more than any of his followers had earned so far.


    Joanna''s quest had said she''d gained roughly 18,000 merit from taking out enemy leaders, and that was with a rank that provided bonuses for doing just that. Zac estimated Joanna had around 30,000 total when adding her other merit sources. Truthfully, Zac felt the reward on the lower end, considering the effect his contribution had on the whole sector.


    He''d been one of the main reasons the Kan''Tanu infiltration n had failed, and he''d killed multiple hostile Hegemons. The only reason Zac coulde up with was that the System didn''t want to award too much merit before the actual war. It wanted him and others to temper themselves on the battlefield. The bonus should at least set him up with some nice things that''d let him quickly advance through the initial stages of Hegemony.


    Opening his status screen led to another startling discovery; his Draugr self hadn''t received any merit. Both bodies had gained the inheritance quest, but only his human Status Screen had a line with merit. Zac had wondered whether his bodies would be counted as two individuals or one. The result wasn''t definitive, but Zac leaned toward him being counted as two for the war but one for the Left Imperial Pce.


    That was actually the optimal scenario as far as Zac was concerned. It would be difficult maintaining his cover if his Arcaz persona didn''t appear on any leaderboards. Of course, he''d have to visit another Recruitment Center with his Draugr bodyter to confirm his findings. Now, Zac had more pressing matters to deal with.


    He turned toward the exit after he was done, but he was surprised to find Joanna quickly trying to hide the disappointment on her face as she stowed a Communication Crystal.


    "What''s wrong?" Zac asked.


    His mission was tricky, but Zac was overall happy with the results.


    "When Emily broke through and was promoted, the Command Center got a notification saying our army ranking had been upgraded. I just confirmed that we didn''t gain a rank this time. I guess we all kind of thought��" Joanna said, her voice trailing off.


    "Oh," Zac said. "Sorry, I''ve received a specialized role."


    "Is it rted to��" Joanna asked, getting an affirmative nod in return.


    "Let''s go," Zac said.


    However, Zac didn''t even reach the exit before amotion erupted outside.


    "The Merit Board!" dozens of demons shouted as one blue screen after another popped up among the crowd.


    The demons that had seemed indignant suddenly looked at Zac with reverence, and he could guess what they were thinking. People had thought he''d been in seclusion while his armies bled, but the rued merit told another story. The Atwood Emperor must have fought tirelessly in the shadows, perhaps on the front lines in the Million Gates Territory.


    Of course, their previous assumption had been much closer to the truth. He really had been in seclusion since the war started. Zac nced at Joanna, who shared a screen identical to the others.


    1st �C 125,000. Zachary Atwood.


    2nd �C 41,327. Rhubat.


    3rd �C 37,173. Emily Larkin.


    4th �C 27,911. Joanna Thompson.


    5th �C 24,474. Vri ckwood.


    6th �C 24,238. Ra''Klid Erosa.


    7th �C 23,471. Janos Azh''Rodum.


    8th �C 21,788. Ilvere Azh''Rodum.


    9th �C 21,629. Aouvi Sealmyre.


    10th �C 20,138. Carl Elrod


    [��]


    100th �C 15,362. Torat.


    Zac quickly skimmed the list of names and realized it was a localdder of the Atwood Empire with only a few dozen names he didn''t recognize. The entries themselves didn''t provide any big surprises. The top ten were mostly made up of people chosen for the uing trial, excepting Ilvere and one of the two Raun leaders at the 9th spot. The other one was at the 12th.


    He hadn''t expected Rhubat to hold the second ce, and with such a margin over people like Vri and Joanna. Zac guessed it made sense, considering he was the leader of the warlike Zhix, but he had to be one of the sealbearers who had evolved. Zac also hadn''t expected to see Thomas Marshall at the 14th spot, nor Verana Tir''Emarel, the Tal-dar Beastmaster, at the 15th.


    "Amazing," Joanna said.


    "It''s not bad," Zac nodded.


    "Not bad," Joanna repeated with a wry shake of her head. "Rhubat, Emily, and I had the most rued merit when registering, yet none of us crossed 10,000. I had 8,000."


    It had taken three months for Joanna to earn another 19,000, meaning that roughly 5,000 merit a month was the target for a Peak E-grade elite, which tracked with the barrier of entry to the top 100. Meanwhile, Emily''s and Rhubats tallies indicated Hegemons could earn just under double that. If a powerhouse like Zac could earn double what an elite like Emily did, he''d earned around half a year''s merit in one go.


    Zac was very curious about what kind of rewards you could exchange for such a chunk of merit, but the still-progressing stream of soldiers was a stark reminder that this wasn''t the time to investigate the ins and outs of the War System. Joanna joined him as he shed out of the building, soon arriving atop the Battlefield Array. Altogether, they stayed less than two minutes on the Mavai continent.


    The transportation was instant. One moment Zac was embraced by the vibrant aura of the Mavai Continent. The next, he almost felt suffocated fromcking truths and energy, while a loud rumble made it difficult to even think. This warfront had to be located on a Middle E-grade at most, judging by the energy density. Then again, Zac guessed that the huge fortress around him would further drain the region.


    The environment was almost unbearable after having spent years in the sublime realms of the Perennial Vastness, but he pushed down the difort as he inspected the screen that had appeared before him.


    [Eighth Battlefront of the Atwood Empire. Assigned Leader: Ra''Klid Erosa.]


    [De-facto leader of Atwood Empire detected, designation qualified for leadership. Assign yourself leader?]


    "No," Zac said without hesitation.


    [General assignment: Defend the fortress. Merit awarded after siege is over, depending on individual contribution.]


    [Fated mebearer: Break the siege. Destroyed battlements 1.5x merit. Killed or captured enemies above 1st Grade Sergeant, 1,5x merit. Conquer enemy base 1-2x merit depending on performance. NOTE: This world is insufficient to advance campaign quest.]


    Zac scanned through the temporary assignments and breathed in relief upon seeing the nature of those provided by his designation. The bounties were clearly urging him to go on the offensive rather than hunker down inside somemand tent. Even better, the System still didn''t force him into anything like the quest chain he''dpleted inside the Mystic Realm. It more resembled Joanna''s tasks.


    After closing the screens with a thought, Zac took in the scene. It quickly became apparent that the rumbles didn''te from thunder but from enormous explosions that shook a wall far in the distance. Between the teleportation tform and the frontline, there was another line of defense, together forming a diamond-shaped fortress the size of a city.


    They had appeared right at its center, and Zac noted their pir was one of two, with the other only a few hundred meters away. From it came a stream of minotaurs, the smallest of them three meters tall. They weren''t quite the height of the Zhix''s Anointed but were decidedly bulkier. However, while their expressions were fierce, their auras and equipment left some to be desired.


    Of course, it wasn''t fair topare the beastkin with the overgeared armies of the Atwood Empire, but they seemed a bit shoddy even for an established Zecian D-grade force. They reminded Zac of when he fought n Azh''Rezak. As Ra''Klid guessed, these minotaurs likely came from a newly formed force or one with limited resources.


    Both minotaurs and his own soldiers streamed toward arge square beneath the tforms, where they were arranged intorger units before immediately being sent to the frontlines. The attack came from two directions, with the battle to the north being much fiercer. Arge section of the wall was actually missing, and there were well over a hundred unmoving bodies around the breach.


    A shimmering barrier covered the broken patch, but Zac wasn''t sure how dependable it was, considering his soldiers were constantly passing through it to meet the attackers head-on. He could vaguely spot a river of Kan''Tanu attackers stream toward the breach under cover of an enormous tangle that pulsated with cursed power. Meanwhile, the Array Towers atop the wall unleashed unfettered destruction on something hidden behind the fortifications.


    "What should we do?" Zac asked, filled with urgency upon taking in the scene.


    They''d known about the war for years, and the briefing had given him a decent understanding of the recent developments. However, the stakes hadn''t felt quite real, especially with the System almost making a game of it. It was all too real now. The soldiers in the distance were only specks from their vantage, but each was a warrior under hismand who could join the unmoving corpses on the ground at any moment.


    Yet they staunchly streamed toward the breach, which felt increasingly like a bloody grindstone where every minute was bought with rivers of blood.


    "I can''t believe they broke through so quickly. They''ve always had problems dealing with our arrays," Joanna swore, her shocked expression not making Zac feel any better. "It looks like we have the situation under control, but something''s wrong. Look."


    Zac followed where Joanna pointed and saw an army tens of thousands strong having gathered behind the wall at the other frontline. Meanwhile, hundreds of array masters were fast at work, setting up doorways that rippled with spatial energy.


    "They''re striking out," Zac said, recognizing the arrays.


    They were War Arrays that would create short-distance gates leading to the other side of the fortifications. If timed correctly, they would allow his army to strike the enemy front lines much quicker while avoiding the killing fields between the wall and the invaders. In return, it cost a small fortune to power those things, not to mention the cost of the doorways themselves, so few D-grade factions would use them.


    The Atwood Empire was essentially leveraging their massive wealth to minimize casualties, but Zac knew that the vanguard of those arrays would take heavy losses to form a beachhead. He remembered doing the same thing back in the Mystic Realm when the Church of Evesting Dao tried to disconnect their tform from the Memorysteel Mountain.


    But instead of a few hundred cultists, these warriors would have to face a sea of Kan''Tanu and their war machines.


    "The Kan''Tanu must have forced our hand. We would have stayed within the walls normally, using our Array Towers to weaken the attack before striking out," Joanna said. "Must be rted to that big hole. Ra''Klid wants to destroy whatever created it before we''re left with a second entrance."


    Zac looked back and forth, gritting his teeth with frustration. It felt like whichever side he chose, the other would suffer heavy casualties. He even regretted not bringing his other body, even if he knew he wasn''t ready to fight a pitched battle under those conditions. Ultimately, he could only follow his gut and do his best.


    "I''ll deal with the breach," Zac said, not waiting for Joanna to answer before shooting forward like a rocket. There were Kan''Tanu to kill.

 Chapter 1069 - Death

    The surroundings were reduced to a blur as Zac made a beeline toward the frontline. Zac''s instincts urged him to emerge through the breach and unleash a massacre, but he remembered Vri''s warning. Rushing headlong into the heat of it might lead him right into a trap, one that might implicate his soldiers too. Besides, there were likely better ways to use his strength than to cull the Kan''Tanu''s vanguard.


    He could already spot Ra''Klid atop the wall, directing the efforts to shore up the broken section, so Zac changed direction and flew atop the wall walk. Multiple auras exploded when Zac appeared out of nowhere, two of them in the D-grade, but the demons rxed upon seeing who it was.


    "What happened?" Zac asked as hended next to the Mavai Warchief.


    "They struck like lightning," Ra''Klid spat. "It''s because of those things."


    Zac followed the demon general''s gaze and was shocked to see how small the battlefront was. The Kan''Tanu fortress was actually visible in the distance; it wouldn''t even take him less than ten minutes to reach it if he ran. Between was simply an empty field, which was currently crawling with enemybatants. Zac felt like he was looking out at a sea of agitated ants creeping toward their wall, where only some patches were covered by the bloody tangles.


    A bloody melee had already erupted below, but Zac could tell that the Kan''Tanu Vanguard didn''t have many powerful warriors. The Atwood Army and minotaurs were already pushing them back, and new warriors joined every second. Zac was relieved to see his men fight as a unit, keeping losses at a minimum. Casualties were far higher on the Kan''Tanu''s side, though they didn''t seem to mind in the slightest.


    The source of the constant rumble was the hundreds of pyramids that floated just above the ground,unching one attack after another on their protective barrier. The pyramids were mobile array towers that released dark-red beams that exploded when they hit the barrier. Zac frowned upon realizing the assault was almost one-sided, but it wasn''t because the Atwood Army didn''t have array towers of their own.


    They had bigger fish to fry. Literally.


    Nine enormous spheres were rolling forward at a steady pace, each over 200 meters tall and covered in ck runes. Three of them had been destroyed by a barrage of attacks, reducing them to building-sized rubble on their way to the wall. The other six were still intact, their runes forming a sturdy barrier as they advanced.


    Zac guessed a tenth was the source of the huge crater nearby. His first thought them some sort of Array Wallbreakers, but his eyes widened upon realizing the spheres writhed and wiggled. The things were alive. Unfettered attacks rained down on the creatures from the remaining Array Towers, but the effect was limited. The st had clearly damaged the defensive arrangements, and taking out the first three had drained the intact Array Towers.


    "What the hell are those things?" Zac swore.


    "Living bombs, by the looks of it," Ra''Klid grimaced.


    "How did they manage to close in on us?" Zac frowned. "They should have been spotted the second they emerged from the other fort."


    "That''s the thing; they didn''t. Four of them just appeared out of nowhere, which was the source of the rm. The next moment, their army emerged from a sudden sandstorm halfway across the no man''snd."


    "These creatures are incredibly tough," a shaman next to Ra''Klid sighed. "Our guardians immediately targeted them, but you can see the effect. We only managed to destroy three before thest one reached the wall."


    "The thing somehow tapped into the energy powering our arrays just as I arrived," Ra''Klid continued. "You can see the result yourself. Now there''s six of them here and another four on the other front. And now their armies are protecting their advance. We can''t let them get any closer even if we have to fight outside the walls."


    Zac nodded. The outermost wall was clearly the strongest, while the inner one seemed designed to withstand just enough punishment for the army to evacuate. Losing the outer wall meant losing the battle. The generals had to choose between fighting outside the walls or retreating and had picked thetter.


    "Now that you''re here, we can divide and conquer," Ra''Klid said. "With your permission, I drafted a loose n. Using our elites, we willunch a raid at the three on the left. I was hoping you could blend with the army below and strike at the nearest one while we draw their attention. They don''t know of your existence, so we should use it to our advantage."


    "I''ll see what I can��" Zac said, but his mind ground to a halt as he honed in on a particr warrior below.


    It was a young human fighting alongside Mavai, Zhix, and other humans as they struggled to push back the flood of Kan''Tanu warves pouring toward the breach. He was only in the early stages of the E-grade but showcasedmendable skill. But skill alone wasn''t enough to survive on a battlefield like this. A sudden surge from the Kan''Tanu had cut him off from his squad, and he found himself isted and surrounded.


    The scene was not unique. If anything, it wasmonce. The Atwood Army tried to keep order, but it was impossible with Heart Curses erupting everywhere. The squadmates tried to rescue theirpanions, but they didn''t have the strength to force an opening. Neither was there anything special about the boy. He was just amon footsoldier doing what he could to stay alive until rescue arrived. Yet he was different.


    Because Zac recognized that sword.


    He had just returned from Ensolus, having dealt with the natives and stabilized the world, when he passed by the Thayer Consortia. Back then, he''d seen a group of teenagers who had yet begun cultivating swing around some swords. Zac had felt something in the youth''s re and gifted him a Spirit Tool Sword he''d picked up during his travels��the very same sword the young man now desperately swung to stave off his attackers.


    It was just a short encounter, one that Zac had almost forgotten after almost fifteen years of cultivation. Of course, for this young man, just under five had passed. The teenager had made his way through the F-grade, sessfully breaking through. Only to be thrown onto the battlefield. And now his journey was about to end.


    Zac was already moving before he knew it, Ra''Klid''s warning shouts growing distant as he descended on the frontlines like a bloodthirsty specter. A sanguine beam shot right at him when he lept down from the wall, but an offhanded swing cut the Array Tower''s attack in two. All the while, Zac''s eyes never left the young man.


    He fought with the same determination Zac saw back them, striking down one of the Kan''Tanu. He even managed to destroy the Heart Curse, but doing so opened him up to a deadly strike from another enemy. A stab of a spear radiating a weak Dao of piercing punched a hole through the Atwood soldier''s already damaged armor and continued into his chest.


    Zac burned with fury as he crashed into the ground like a meteor, eviscerating dozens of Kan''Tanu before they could react. A storm of fractal leaves ripped apart the second wave of invaders, along with dozens of Heart Curses, before Zac knelt next to the boy.


    "It''s�� you," the young man coughed, his voice barely a whisper as his blood joined that of the others in the ground. "Thank�� you�� for the..."


    "Focus on recovery," Zac said as he flooded the wound with his Branch of the Kalpataru while feeding him a top-quality Healing Pill.


    It was toote.


    The pill went to work, but the soldier''s heart had been pierced, and an infusion of hostile Dao had destroyed most of his lungs. He didn''t have the Vitality or a constitution strong enough to tide him over until the pill could mend the damage. He exhaled one final time, his hand still gripping the shortsword as the inexorable end of all living arrived. True Death trumped Zac''s Dao of Life, and the young man''s soul entered the cycle of reincarnation.


    Zac might have been able to save the boy if the problem was being imnted by a Heart Curse. He could probably overwhelm these low-grade curses with Void Energy or his Dao Branches, but he couldn''t deal with a destroyed heart. At least not while his Creation Energy waspletely drained after his breakthrough. What little he''d extracted since then was barely enough to reform a finger, but a heart was asking too much.


    It was just one death among hundreds, and the war continued all around him. But it was like Zac had been separated from the world around him as he looked down at the fallen warrior, where his erratic aura ensured neither enemies nor allies darede close. A small whisper in the back of his mind tried to rationalize the scene. This was the reality of war; hundreds had already suffered the same fate since the early attack began.


    Furthermore, this boy wasn''t someone close to him��Zac didn''t even know his name. Yet something about his death filled Zac with such a suffocating feeling that it almost drove him mad. He''d wrung himself dry working on his breakthrough, making the impossible possible by forming an unprecedented core. He''d stepped into Hegemony in defiance of his fate and conventional wisdom.


    But what did it really change? It didn''t stop the suffering around him. People, his citizens, were still dying.


    A raging storm built in his chest, and his aura formed a deadly domain that made his surroundings impassable for most E-grade cultivators. However, his aura slowly condensed as Zac forcibly restored his mental state. Entering Hegemony might not be enough to save everyone, but it had undeniably made him stronger.


    There wasn''t anything he could do about the war, but he could swing his axe until there were no enemies left. He could make himself into a bull''s eye, where every attacking his way would be one fewer levied at his people.


    "Stop! They have whole squads of assassins targeting leaders!" Ra''Klid shouted, having finally caught up along with six bodyguards.


    "I''m going in," Zac calmly said, his momentum surging.


    The demon''s face copsed at the response. "They have Heart Curse traps too, where you''re doomed even if you survive! You need to be care��"


    Ra''Klid swore upon seeing their leader carve a bloody path right toward the closest Living Bomb. The warves might as well have been made from straw when faced with the Emperor''s axe. It wasn''t just the warriors, either. A storm of fractal leaves destroyed one of the thorn shields, and Ra''Klid grimaced when the gory scene below was exposed.


    "That maniac!" Ra''Klid swore. "Hurry, protect the Emp��!"


    The demon didn''t have time to finish his words before two Array Towers were split apart, their explosions creating a ripple of unfettered destruction that consumed over a hundred Kan''Tanu.


    "Find him!" Ra''Klid shouted as he rushed forward.


    The group set out again, but they only managed to move fifty meters before a line of pure destruction split Ra''Klid''s vision in two. He almost felt like his soul would be sucked out of his body from the calls of two churning clouds that stretched toward the sky. One contained salvation and the origin of the Mavai, a golden portal leading to paradise. The other was a cold pit of despair far more wretched than the aura of the Raun.


    The huge siege creature didn''t even have time to fall apart before an eruption of vines ripped apart a squad of assassins along with one hundred warves even further away. It looked like Emperor Atwood was heading toward the next sphere, not bothering to hide his goal. It almost felt like he was intentionally announcing his advance, daring the Kan''Tanu to stop him.


    Ra''Klid almost wanted the invaders to take him up on the offer, if only out of morbid curiosity. Was it even possible to stop that man?


    "Uh�� how do we protect someone like that?" the de master next to Ra''Klid said, scratching his head in a mix of bemusement and awe.


    "That''s�� Nevermind," Ra''Klid sighed. "Back to the original n. Call the attack on the remaining Spheres. We can''t let the Emperor do all the work."


    Zac was a bloody reaper as he roved through the battlefield, leaving whole fields void of any life in his wake as he closed in on the second bomb. Even then, he felt suffocated as he unleashed the area attack of [Nature''s Edge] again. He knew his outburst wasn''t really changing anything in the grand scheme of things. This was just one battle. There were simr scenes on twelve other worlds, even if not as gruesome as this one. Still, it beat doing nothing, and it helped Zac process the turmoil within.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Unfortunately, tuning things out while dealing with the threat proved difficult, and not just because of the emotional toll. This was the first time he fought since breaking through, and the experience left him stifled more than anything. His Cosmic Core was ready for war, but his body was not, leaving him with an ocean of energy but nowhere to use it.


    His partially-upgraded pathways could channel more than ten times the energypared to before, but to what end? His skills were still E-grade. Zac realized he could push a bit more energy into the skills, making them sturdier and harder to whittle down. But they were ultimately not designed to utilize a Cosmic Core.


    It felt like he''d installed a jet engine in an old rickety car. Even puttering at the lowest gear pushed his Skill Fractals to the limit. It was no wonder most D-grade cultivators stayed in seclusion for months after breaking through, fixing their pathways, and upgrading at least one skill.


    Another step with [Earthstrider] put him closer to the next bomb, but he found his path barred by a group of six Hegemons. Meanwhile, a bloody dome made out of thousands of pulsating tendrils sprung up around him, quickly forming an impassable cage. Zac could tell that it would take some effort to break out of this thing, even for a Hegemon, and there were already dozens of bloody thorns moving toward him in an attempt to infect his core. Yet Zac only scoffed, ncing in the direction of his army.


    It should be far enough.


    Not having any skills to leverage his Cosmic Core was a pain in the ass, but Zac differed from most frontier Hegemons in one critical aspect apart from his strength; he was also filthy rich, at least by Zecia standards. A golden talisman appeared in his hand, and a torrent of energy followed.


    A burning sun rose above Zac''s head, filled with Divine Energy and Zac''s Dao. The approaching thorns were all incinerated long before they could reach Zac. The Kan''Tanu Hegemons knew it meant trouble and unleashed a series of powerful attacks while another round of thorns dug into the creation in an attempt at mutual destruction.


    The onught instantly destabilized the Offensive Talisman, but the sun was never meant to stay for long. It exploded, releasing a wave of golden mes that consumed everything with Zac at the epicenter. The cage didn''t evenst a second before it was consumed. The mes continued outward, creating an inferno that consumed everything within a mile''s radius. Some managed to get out of the way, but even more were swallowed by the congration.


    Zac had used a Peak-quality Early D-grade Talisman bought from Asta back in the Perennial Vastness. Its destructive might matched that of a Peak-quality Early D-grade finisher, further bolstered by Zac''s Dao. The E-grade cultivators that made up the bulk of the army had no way to individually resist these levels of power, and it had arrived too suddenly to form a united front. Nine mobile pyramids were hit, and while none copsed, only two managed to continue their barrage.


    That single attack was expensive enough to bankrupt more than a dozen Wandering Cultivators in the D-grade, but Zac had a whole stack of them in his Spatial Ring. Of course, that one st had cost him a third of his Divine Energy and put a strain on his pathways.


    Zac was the first to be consumed by the sun but barely felt it. A world of golden mes surrounded him, but a swing of his axe created a wind tunnel. He emerged from the inferno unscathed, his body now covered in a te armor made from bone. The armor was covered in dense golden runes, generating a stable, protective domain that kept the fire at bay as Zac closed in on the Hegemons.


    Two had died from the talisman, but the other four had banded together to withstand its assault. Still, these people were even weaker than the Kan''Tanu Hegemons who had been sent into the Void Star. Just withstanding the talisman was testing their limits. Zac descended on the quartet like a fox in the henhouse, [Verun''s Bite] roaring with triumphant glee as they fell one after another in quick session.


    The mes abated soon after, exposing Zac standing alone in a field of ckened corpses. Even the closest bomb had been hit by the talisman, and its aura fluctuated precariously after many of its arrays had been singed off. There was only finality and hunger for more as Zac moved to finish the job.


    The day was young, and he was far from satisfied.

 Chapter 1070 - As the Emperor Commands

    Spirit Tool War Regalia were extremely expensive, high-quality ones even surpassing the price of Cosmic Vessels. It was also an issue of supply and demand. You wouldn''t necessarily be able to get your hands on one even if you had the money to spare, even in the Multiverse Hearnds. Artisans who could create something like that didn''t exactly grow on trees, and it could take years to make one.


    Not even Zac had managed to get his hands on any, and not forck of trying. There had been a few for sale in Vastness City, but none suited Zac''s Daos. Few living practiced the Dao of Death, and the fusion of Life and Conflict was quite umon too. The Undead Empire had promised to provide him with something for his Draugr half, but they''d held back on delivery before he broke through.


    As such, Zac stillcked any real War Regalia. However, getting your hands on regr D-grade equipment that could mimic their effect wasn''t too difficult, especially not in the Perennial Vastness. The [Ossuary Bulwark] was a good early D-grade armor setprising six linked pieces. It was a beastcraft too, making it a suitable partner to [Verun''s Bite], providing a protective domain and a very sturdy protective exterior.


    It obviously wasn''t at the level of Izh''Rak Reaver Warbones, but then few things were. At least it let him ignore the mes, and these E-grade Kan''Tanu warves without Dao Branches or high attribute pools could attack him until they ran out of energy without leaving a mark on Zac''s body.


    The downside of the armor, except for costing thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins inside the isted economy of the Perennial Vastness, was theck of spirituality. In other words, Zac had to manually control the arrays powering the thing. It alsocked the natural ability to absorb energy from the surroundings like a Tool Spirit, making the cost of running it noticeably steeper.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Keeping its arrays active reserved a good deal of Zac''s energy capacity. Common Hegemons with unimpressive or imperfect cores would find it difficult to keep the thing running, even with their pathways fully upgraded. In Zac''s case, the cost didn''t really matter, considering he had few avenues to use it anyway.


    Zac initially hadn''t nned on taking out his [Ossuary Bulwark] during his first engagements. He didn''t think himself so powerful that he was unkible in these small-scale engagements. Vri was absolutely right with her warning; this early battlefield could pose a threat to him if he grew careless. Things had been smooth sailing so far, but the [Celestial Sun Talisman] had ensured that every single Kan''Tanu knew of his presence. They were already adapting, forming a defensive perimeter in the distance between himself and the third living bomb.


    The real reason he''d wanted to avoid using his armor was that these things had very limited self-repair capabilities. High-quality D-grade Equipment was tooplex for the holistic repair arrays you saw on most E-grade equipment. Or rather, those arrays were so expensive that it didn''t make sense to add them to anything but Spirit Tools in the D-grade. Buying a couple of spare sets was cheaper than engraving repair arrays.


    The [Ossuary Bulwark] would naturally recover from minor damage, partly thanks to its inherent nature as a beastcraft. Anything more would require the attention of a D-grade cksmith skilled in beastcrafting, something the Atwood Empirecked. One day, Zac might be able to deal with these kinds of issues himself, but the unlocked sections of [Cosmic Forge] didn''t cover equipment repair.


    Not a single Kan''Tanu stepped onto the burned fields around him, but Zac knew it wasn''t just out of fear of him. Rather, he could sense the familiar ripples of an imminent self-destruct from the scorched living bomb. Zac still wasn''t sure if these things were actually sapient or just flesh controlled by the arrays, but he supposed it didn''t matter.


    Zac didn''t back down from the increasingly erratic energy fluctuations ahead. Instead, he shot forward, a set of golden runes appearing across his face as an enormous fractal leaf teaming with Life and Conflict formed in front of his axe. The air around Zac groaned from his mere presence, and Zac felt a surge of golden fury course through his body.


    His berserking skill was one of hisst to reach Peak Mastery, mostly because it had proven difficult to evolve while in secluded cultivation. It needed the fury and purpose to unleash a crusade to improve, something that was impossible to emte while sitting in his cultivation cave back home.


    He had eventually aplished it a few years into the Perennial Vastness, and the effect was quite useful now that he''d entered Hegemony. Even at peak mastery, the skill only provided a 35% attribute increase. However, Zac felt the skill fast at work as he approached the self-destructing bomb��the skill actually provided cooldown recovery at Peak Mastery, apart from further lessening the bacsh to the point it was almost negligible for Zac.


    True to its name, [Arcadian Crusade] allowed you to keep fighting longer and harder, provided your energy stores could keep up. Normally, Zac would require around three minutes before he could use [Rapturous Divide] again, but the golden energy from the berserking skill was already pouring into the divided skill fractal.


    It would be a minute at most before he could use it again. Unfortunately, [Arcadian Crusade] could only cut down on the cooldown of [Judgment of Arcadia] by a few hours, which meant it was still a once-per-fight type of skill. For now, he''d keep at hand.


    One minute was not long, but the sphere before him wouldn''t give him the time to recharge [Rapturous Divide]. That was why he''d gone back to using [Nature''s Edge]. The gleaming leaf reached one hundred meters in no time, yet it kept growing with extreme speed as Zac poured more and more energy into the skill. Soon, it dwarfed even the enormous sphere, and a piercing scream echoed through the battlefield as it descended in a murderous vertical arc.


    A shimmering barrier appeared around the bomb, but over a dozen beams ripped through the sky and pierced into the shielding just before Zac''s attacknded. They hade from the wall in the distance, where the Atwood Empire''s siege engineers tried to pave a path for Zac.


    It worked.


    Between the already damaged patterns across the sphere''s surface and its rapidly destabilizing energy, the Array Towers managed to shatter the barrier. Zac''s attack continued unimpeded, digging deep into rocklike flesh. The result wasn''t quite at the level of his previous use of [Rapturous Divide], even if his attributes had been empowered by [Arcadian Crusade].


    Still, it carved a fifty-meter-deep gash, which was all he needed. Zac stepped forward with [Earstrider], arriving inside the enormous body. Wild torrents of unstable energy tried to rip Zac apart, but [Ossuary Bulwark] kept the chaos at bay as Zac flooded [Nature''s Edge] with energy. An eruption of hundreds of leaves shot out from his body, digging into flesh around him.


    Normally, the activation of the skill would end there, and Zac would have to wait a few seconds before he could activate the leafstorm again. This time, it was different. The leaves never stopped forming when empowered by [Arcadian Crusade]. Hundreds of des grew to thousands, turning Zac into a walking cmity.


    Each individual de only held a fraction of Zac''s strength, but they were still equivalent to a Late Stage E-grade cultivator''s attack. Together with the empowerment of two Dao Branches, they rapidly carved out a gory chasm within the sphere. Soon, a five-meter pitch-ck orb was exposed, and Zac bisected it with a direct strike.


    An incredible surge of Kill Energy confirmed the creature had died, yet Zac inwardly grimaced when the energy poured into what felt like a bottomless chasm. In the E-grade, Kill Energy directly entered the nodes, either to force them open or fill them with energy after they''d been unlocked. It was simr in Hegemony, except it all went into the Cosmic Core.


    The flood of energy poured into the surface pathways he''d arduously crafted just a month ago, and it almost felt like the section ''came alive.'' Zac had no better way to describe the feeling. Every corner of the core was filled with vast amounts of energy, but it almost felt mechanical rather than spiritual.


    Progressing through Hegemony was to unlock the true potential of your core until it was perfected and could be transformed into an Inner World. However, it felt like the core''s insides were already the size of a. These miscreations were somewhere in the middle of Early D-grade, yet all that Kill Energy only filled up a corner of a single surface pathway.


    He still wasn''t quite able to make a perfect estimate of how close he was to his next level, but he guessed he''d have to kill hundreds of these things. The amount of energy he''d have to umte to reach the limits of Middle D-grade was staggering. Time was limited and every kill counted, even if Zac knew he was better off targeting Middle- and Late Hegemons or Beast Kings for their exponentiallyrger reward.


    But there were none of those on this battlefield by the looks of it. He hadn''t lost his mind, even if fiery anger still smoldered in his chest. But no matter where he looked, he couldn''t spot any real elite. And since Zac had already lost out on a huge amount of Kill Energy by using a talisman, he opted to deal with the bomb rather than simply moving out of the way.


    With the energy secured, Zac shed away just before its broken body exploded, further ravaging the region. As he moved toward the third siege weapon, a golden haze spread around his body, attaching to every surface, even forming floating pockets of life in the air.


    It wasn''t another talisman''s work, but his Peak Mastery [Primal Edict]. Since what little Creation Energy he had couldn''t be used to save that child, it would instead be used to reap the lives of his enemies. Zac had pushed his Supreme Pathbound E-grade skills to their peak years ago while collecting materials for his Omnitool, knowing it would be a while before he managed to upgrade these incrediblyplex fractals.


    The energy across the battlefield stirred as innumerable deadly roots sprung up wherever Zac passed. [Primal Edict] contained the essence of his Evolutionary Path, and it fed on the aura of struggle that permeated the whole region. It became fodder for the cycle of destruction and rebirth, letting the roots grow at an elerated pace as they joined Zac in his advance toward the defensive line.


    The whole sky lit up as thousands of Kan''Tanu fearfully unleashed whatever skills they possessed, sacrificing coordination in favor of speed and widespread destruction. The scene reminded Zac of his exit from the Tower of Eternity, though there were some critical differences. For one, he was in perfect condition. Secondly, he had gone from a crude strongman relying on a superior attribute pool to a true powerhouse.


    Not to mention the fact he had a grade advantage against his attackers. Zac moved like the wind, forming the vanguard of a tsunami of bloodthirsty vines. The battlefield looked like a war of man against nature, and man initially seemed to be winning. Innumerable attacks ripped into the advancing tangle, destroying roots and vines by the thousands.


    Only Zac was unscathed, dodging or ripping apart any skill that came close. He didn''t need to activate [Empyrean Aegis], and neither did he need to rely on his [Ossuary Bulwark] to survive this particr gauntlet. Soon, he''d pushed through the first barrage, and the roots around him had turned into a chimeral mesh containing hundreds of different Daos. They had died and been reborn, incorporating the truths that felled them.


    They crashed into the protective barrier, which almost broke from the first strike. A storm of bloody thorns and attack tried to push back [Primal Edict], but a gleaming axe hidden within the chaos crashed into the barrier with devastating force. A breach had been formed, and vines flooded the opening like a pack of bloodthirsty beasts. Meanwhile, a grand forest sprung from the ground, half of it right in the middle of the Kan''Tanu''s ranks.


    The warves knew the trees spelled danger when they saw it, but they didn''t even have time to channel new skills before vines spewed out from the trees. The disy resembled the end of every fallen Kan''Tanu, but these vines were far more potent and deadly than anymon Heart Curse. Fearful screams echoed through the region, and Zac was filled with a steady stream of Kill Energy as his deadly tangle autonomously spread through the battlefield like a bloodthirsty infestation.


    Many were cut as the Kan''Tanu fought back, and others were infected by the Heart Curses of the fallen. In seconds, the defensive line had copsed. A few voices cut through the mayhem, trying to restore order through the ranks, but Zac appeared without a sound through the nearest tree. In no time, another four Hegemons had died, and a hidden assassin squad had been ripped asunder before they could even reach Zac as he teleported back and forth.


    However, the number of warriors on the battlefield was just too many, and Zac was right in the middle. The dominion of [Primal Edict] was gradually pushed back by over a thousand invaders fighting together. Still, it was enough. One skill had reaped hundreds of lives and created chaos in the Kan''Tanu ranks. It should have lessened the pressure on the breach far in the distance, and it had let Zac close in on the third bomb. He even saw that his people had managed to destroy a fourth sphere while he ran amok, with a regiment of elites making their way toward a fifth.


    Maybe his antics had worked too well. Over a dozen Hegemons had appeared between him and his target, and six huge runes had appeared in the sky. The patterns seemed to fuse with the living bomb, prompting Zac''s Danger Sense to give a weak warning��nothing that would make him back down. [Rapturous Divide] was finally off its cooldown, and Zac rushed forward while an enormous fractal leaf grew in front of his axe.


    The ughtersted another twenty minutes before things finally calmed down. Zac panted as the final sphere copsed, his pathways throbbing from overuse. Activating multiple talismans with half-finished pathways had taken its toll, yet Zac felt he had more to give. But looking around, there was nothing left to target. The Kan''Tanu had all fallen or retreated by now, and the ground was littered with corpses and dried-out Heart Curses.


    Instead of enemies, he saw Ra''Klid rush over with a squad of powerful tribesmen radiating a bloody aura. The Warchief and his men had left for the other frontline while Zac singlehandedly dealt with things here. A third volley of spheres had eventually arrived, but the tides had already turned by that point. Zac only needed to deal with two, while his soldiers and array towers dealt with the other three.


    Ra''Klid and the others had clearly seen a pitched battle on the other side, with all of them covered in wounds and grime. However, their bedraggled state couldn''t douse the mes in their eyes as they looked at Zac with veneration.


    "How''s the situation?" Zac said as he took out a canteen of water, the skull-like helmet opening up and shrinking into the breastte.


    "They called for retreat after their third summon failed to change the situation," Ra''Klid said, having the same look in his eyes as his men. "I don''t know what to say. I''ve never seen anything like your offense. One man singlehandedly overwhelming an army��you''ll be a legend after today."


    "As long as our people are safe," Zac sighed. "What happens now?"


    "The quest will automatically finish as soon as things have calmed down. We''d rest, repair our defenses, and collect our fallen," Ra''Klid said before sharing a look with his bodyguards. "There is one more option, though. We can strike back."


    Zac frowned at the idea, and not because he was feeling tired. His other half back on Earth was already fast at work absorbing energy from a Cosmic Crystal to restore his energy reserves, and he only sported some surface wounds. However, the thought of dragging an exhausted and wounded army into another engagement made him hesitate.


    "Emperor, a Warchief cannot put all the tribes'' burdens on his shoulders," a shaman next to Ra''Klid said, clearly understanding the thoughts in Zac''s mind. "Wars wille, and people will die. Such is life."


    "Striking our enemies while they''re at their weakest will keep casualties at a minimum," Ra''Klid added. "If we seize their teleporters, we''ll have conquered this. It will take at least two weeks before the Ruthless Heavens opens a new path leading here. If we wait, who knows what the Kan''Tanu wille up with next?"


    Zac looked to the dark sky and slowly exhaled. He''d just enlisted, yet he already felt spiritually exhausted. It was one thing to walk the path of War and Conflict while traveling alone and another entirely when so many fates depended on your choices. But the demons were right. His gaze slowly turned to the fortress in the distance. The enemy fortress stood waiting in the distance, and a trickle of escaping Kan''Tanu poured through its gates.


    "Oh, they''re here," Ra''Klid muttered, and Zac turned over to see four D-grade Minotaurs hurrying over. "What do you wish to do?"


    "Do we have the tools to break through their barriers?"


    "We can crack them open like an egg," Ra''Klid said, a ruthless smile spreading across his face.


    "Then we attack," Zac growled. "Mobilize our men immediately. Don''t let the Kan''Tanu recover."


    "As the Emperor Commands," the demon bowed, and a screen appeared before every able-bodied soldier. "It is good to have you back."

 Chapter 1071 - Burden of Rule

    Zac shook his head before tuning out the ruins around his human half, his Abyssal Orbs refocusing on the notes around him. Progress was slow, even if there weren''t any particr issues stumping his progress. He''d entered a Void State with his human body to focus on recovery, but it was hard to shut out the scenes of thest couple of hours. He''d just returned, yet he''d already been forced to see thousands of subordinates fall. And these numbers were on the lower end when considering the scope of the attack.


    At least they had conquered the world through their counter-offensive, giving the Eighth Army a much-needed rest. When the Atwood Army''s siege machines began their assault, the Kan''Tanu had soon opted for a retreat rather than bringing in another round of reinforcements. The invaders left only a regiment of sacrificial warriors to buy some time.


    He could have sneaked through the barrier and forced it open using [Ancestral Woods] along with Void Energy, saving them half an hour of unrelenting bombardment. He could even have sent the roots of [Primal Edict] into the fortress, but it was much too early to disy such an earthshattering ability. Besides, whittling down the defenses had provided Zac and his warriors some much-needed rest in case of a counter-attack.


    Thankfully, things progressed smoothly, apart from the fact the fortress had been boobytrapped with Heart Curses. It wasn''t the first time the Atwood Army had encountered such tactics, though, and the losses were minimal. Securing the Kan''Tanu base had let them take control over the teleporters. They could have continued through the array and into the next world, but they had opted to seal the passage instead.


    The victory felt hollow after witnessing the cost it came at, but Zac knew he couldn''t keep wallowing in misery over the reality they found themselves in. It was better to channel his energy into something useful. The faster he could finish the transition into true Hegemony, the more people he''d be able to protect. He had begun reinforcing his pathways when his human half left, but he''d stopped soon after arriving at the warfront.


    Part of the reason was out of fear his work would distract him, though he had confirmed modifying his pathways on one side didn''t affect the energy cirction on the other. The biggest reason was that the death of that poor young man had triggered his Branch of the Pale Seal.


    That helplessness he''d experienced as he saw the boy''s life slip through his fingers mirrored the inexorable dominion Death held over all. This control over fate was a core aspect of his Dao, and it had felt like he were on its receiving end for once. His Daos had been sealed for almost a decade inside the Perennial Vastness, and the experience was enough to set the rekindled momentum from his breakthrough aze.


    It felt macabre to turn the boy''s untimely demise into nourishment for his Dao, but the day had only driven home the need for strength. Getting ready for the Left Imperial Pce didn''t even feel like his main priority any longer. He needed to get stronger for his people''s sake. Zac believed he had enough high-quality Dao Treasures to force a breakthrough, but the epiphany wasn''t enough to crystallize the insights he wanted to package into it.


    It had provided a sense of direction, though, and Zac suspected he''d find more answers as long as he kept returning to the battlefield. For now, there wasn''t anything left to absorb, so he returned to work on his pathways. One section after another was crushed before far moreplex runes rose from the ashes. It felt like he was carving the fractals into his body with a rusty nail, but Zac didn''t have the luxury of naturally reforming the pathways with a Cultivation Manual.


    For a moment, he''d thought his Draugr half might be a cultivator now that the bodies were split, but the inheritance of the Void Emperor was just as dominant on both sides. It was a bit of a letdown, but Zac also knew that his connection to the Void was the only reason his desperate gambit to split bodies worked in the first ce.


    A whole hour passed as Zac meticulously redrew the pathways, starting from his [Inexorable Core] and moving toward the [Deathmark]''s skill fractal behind his left bicep. Seven years inside the Perennial Vastness had been more than enough time to create a few preliminary schematics to evolve many of his skills, and he''d chosen his corrosive Domain Skill to be the first for his Inexorable Apostle ss.


    For one, it wasn''t thatplex a Skill Fractalpared to the likes of [Pir of Destion] or [Arbiter of the Abyss]. Secondly, he was already quite happy with the skill and saw no reason to make any changes apart from bncing the Daos of Conflict and Death a bit better. Mostly, he just needed to upgrade it to the point where it could amodate the energy levels a Cosmic Core could provide.


    Finally, Zac felt it was the most useful one for the time being. Upgrading his most powerful finishers before the Left Imperial Pce was imperative, but he needed the ability to unleashrge-scale destruction right now. He could imagine the effect of unleashing [Deathmark] in the middle of the Kan''Tanu''s ranks, where the Dao-empowered corrosion alone would be enough to take out E-grade cultivators. The skill would probably be even more effective than [Primal Edict] after it evolved.


    A straightforward upgrade sounded easy on the surface, but it was a step that stumped frontier Hegemons for decades, sometimes forever. Many of the Wandering Cultivators he''d encountered in the Void Star only had a few D-grade skills, some only one.


    It wasn''t just a matter of widening and reinforcing the channels of the skill. You needed to elevate the truths that went into fractals, preferably adjusting them to suit your own Daos. Only that way would you be able to control and transform the vast amounts of energy the Cosmic Core released. Upgrading High-quality skills and above was impossible without a Dao Branch, and you needed the theoretical foundations to trante yourprehension into fractals.


    Luckily, this wasn''t something that would confound Zac any longer. His theoretical foundations would be considered impressive even in the Hearnds, at least when it came to his three Daos. To boot, his Dao Branches were already Middle Stage, more than enough to create an Early Proficiency D-grade Skill. For him, it was just a matter of making some final alterations to make his envisioned Skill Fractal fit with the pathways of his ss.


    Zac had nned to finish the section of his pathway in one go before upgrading the skill, but he was interrupted mid-way as he felt someone stepping into his Soul Sense. It was Triv, who shuddered and looked around with confusion. The Ghost Butler had actually noticed the spiritual domain, an ability that was quite rare even inside the Perennial Vastness. Zac guessed it was a benefit of being a spectral cultivator or cultivating the Eidolon Techniques.


    Triv had initially encountered some problems when trying to swap to Aia Ouro''s methods, but he''d managed to make the transition after a year, partly thanks to Vri and Zac. Vri had helped decipher a few sections rted to the Soul, which was a significant portion of the method, while Zac had used the natural understanding awarded by the Lake Water to clear out some of the roadblocks.


    When Zac left for the Perennial Vastness, the butler looked mostly the same. Now, Zac could sense some ethereal ripples from his body, which seemed to have turned even more intangible. It looked like things were going quite well.


    "Come in," Zac said.


    "Young master!" Triv eximed. "Wee back, and congrattions! Young master has just broken through, yet your aura is so dense."


    "Thank you," Zac smiled.


    "I heard young master had joined the war effort, but I sensed that someone was drawing energy from the manor''s gathering array, so I figured you had returned. Young master, I have urgent��"


    "There''s no hurry," Zac waved, feeling too exhausted to deal with another issue. If it were something war-rted, he would have been contacted through themunication crystals rather than the old butlering over. "How are things? I can tell your aura has improved."


    Triv reluctantly dropped the subject. "I''m ashamed; I amgging behind. I will endeavor to enter Hegemony so that I can better assist young masters day to day."


    "Don''t overdo it," Zac said. "And let me know if you need something for your breakthrough."


    "No need to worry about this old ghost. Young master has already provided a path toward the next step," Triv said with a bow. "I trust the situation with the Eighth Army was swiftly handled now that the young master led the armies."


    "We won and seized the," Zac said, but he felt no joy. "But we still lost a lot of people."


    "Few battles are this hectic," Triv offered. "And if it is any constion, many of your warriors will find new life on Elysium."


    "What?" Zac said, his brows furrowing. "We''re taking the bodies?"


    "Not at all!" Triv hurriedly assured. "Every soldier of the Atwood Army signs an insurance policy so that a stipend can be paid out to their families or friends in the event of death. There''s an option in that policy where the soldiers can donate their bodies to the cause, so to speak. In return, the stipend will be doubled, and it will be paid out no matter whether the body can be used for an awakening or not. The leaders initially considered increasing the base sry too, but they felt that would pressure people desperate for improvements to sign on."


    Zac slowly nodded, not entirely sure how he felt about the matter.


    "For what it''s worth, I think it''s a marvelous idea," Triv said. "Young master''s faction is unique in that it incorporates life and death. I think this system could be the first step to connecting the sides. The families of the fallen heroes will see their loved ones live on in another form. And the revenants will have an understanding of their origin, something only the naturally born enjoy in the empire.


    "I hear that there have already been quite a few requests from the bereaved to meet the newly born Revenants, though it will be a while before the first of the fallen can awaken. Should both sides be willing, we might even see a new form of family units crossing the bridge of life and death. I think this idea could even be expanded to the whole poption."


    Zac had to admit that it wasn''t a bad idea after oveing his initial reluctance. So long as there was nopulsion, it sounded like a natural oue for his empire. He doubted things would work as smoothly as Triv made it sound, but people were adaptable. What sounded macabre right now could bepletely natural in a few generations.


    "I trust Vri and the others have thought everything through," Zac said when he sensed the worry from the ghost. "Could you catch me up on what else has happened since I left? I barely got the chance tond before the early attack arrived."


    While Zac had Triv fill in the gaps, his human body opened his eyes and called over an attendant. Shortly after, Ra''Klid arrived.


    "Is there something?"


    "The boy who died," Zac said.


    "His body has been secured and will be sent back to the homnds," Ra''Klid said, some nervousness evident in his eyes. "May I ask��"


    "A short encounter years ago," Zac sighed, understanding what the Mavai Warchief was thinking. "I saw him practicing and gifted him that sword on an impulse. I didn''t expect to see him like that the next time met."


    Ra''Klid undoubtedly feared he''d inadvertently sent one of Zac''s close ones to the frontlines and to push back the initial onught at that. Even if he technically did nothing wrong with his orders, something like that could have repercussions depending on the mood of the Emperor. Of course, Zac wouldn''t fault Ra''Klid for something like this, but things could change when it came to matters of life and death.


    It wasn''t odd to worry, especially when few knew much about his personality beyond the rumors.


    "Do you know if he chose to donate his body?"


    "I looked into his situation before. He did sign up for that program, but with his heart destroyed��" Ra''Klid said with a shake of his head.


    Zac understood what the demon meant. Revenants may not have a beating heart before fully awakening their bodies, but it is still a criticalponent of a body. With it missing, the body wouldn''t be able to gain spirituality. A talented Lich could rece the heart without turning the body into a Corpselord, but that was beyond the capabilities of Port Atwood Liches.


    "Make special arrangements for the boy. Set his body and his belongings aside. Vri will deal with it," Zac said.


    "Of course," Ra''Klid agreed.


    "Thank you," Zac said and closed his eyes, but he opened them upon realizing the demon hadn''t left. "Is there something else?"


    "While we''re on this topic," Ra''Klid coughed. "With our inborn nature, awakening as undead is apparently impossible. It''s not that the Mavaick the willingness to serve, though some certainly prefer the traditional rites over�� transformation. But it means the bereaved among the tribes receive a smaller rewardpared to the humans."


    "It''s not just a problem for the Mavai," Ra''Klid quickly continued upon seeing a frown appear on Zac''s face. "The Raun and lord''s Revenant armies face a simr issue, what with their bodies already being dead. "


    "I understand where you''reing from, but contribution lies at the core of the Atwood Empire. Some can contribute more than others; that''s just a fact of life," Zac said. "What would you have me do in a situation like this?"


    "I agree with you," Ra''Klid hurriedly nodded. "Contribution is the key. The empire provides remuneration for gaining another citizen who can contribute after growing up. After all, boths are sorelycking people after the integration. So why not reward all additions to the poption, not just those through raising the undead?"


    "You want the same contribution to be paid out upon giving birth?" Zac said.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Both provide a citizen," Ra''Klid.


    "You know I''m not really hands-on with these matters," Zac slowly said. "I will discuss it with the others."


    "That''s all I ask," Ra''Klid said with a bow. "Then I won''t disturb you any longer."


    Zac looked at the departing demon for a while before closing his eyes again. Ra''Klid''s proposal might be logically sound, but the two concepts still felt different to him. And since the demon hade to him for this matter, Zac suspected his council had already shut it down. Still, he would talk it over with the otherster to hear their opinion. For now, Zac had to see what the butler wanted before he exploded from anxiety.


    "So, was there something requiring my attention?"


    "Ah, yes! There is an urgent message from the Kavriel Province," the butler said and handed over two boxes.


    As expected, the matter was rted to the Undead Empire. It was quite the coincidence for them to contact him just as he returned, disying his human form on the battlefront. Zac wryly smiled as he inspected the contents. One came from Kator, who officially represented the Undead Empire by the looks of things. The other came from Tavza, who had seemingly feltpelled to send a separate message.


    There were no gifts of congrattion inside the boxes, only Communication Crystals and Teleportation Tokens. He guessed the Undead Empire was quite frazzled, especially the Draugr faction. They must have realized their scheme with the [Essence of the Abyss] had failed and that he''d sacrificed his Draugr side to force his way into Hegemony.


    The messages were quite simr. They congratted him on his breakthrough and wished to meet at his earliest convenience to discuss the war efforts and their uing mission. However, there was an interesting addition to Tavza''s message.


    ''The foundation of your bloodline was set in the E-grade. With your ascent into Hegemony, it is time to harvest. Abyssal Shore has granted a unique exception and is setting up the first Abyssal Pond in the Frontier. Submerging yourself should unlock the true potential of the bloodline of Eoz. If you need anything else to hasten your limatization to your newfound rank, do not hesitate to contact me.''


    Zac smiled, sensing the anxiety almost seeping out of the words. It was quite the tantalizing bait they''d thrown out to confirm they hadn''t just let one of the lost bloodlines slip through their fingers.


    If his breakthrough had gone ording to n, there was no way he''d dare step foot in the Kavriel Province. But now? Zac thought it over briefly before his gaze shifted to the Teleportation Token.


    "I guess it''s about time I visited Kavista."

 Chapter 1072 - Mercantile Empire

    "What? Young master is really visiting the capital?"


    "As soon as I''ve dealt with a few things," Zac nodded.


    "What about young master''s condition?"


    "Things have changed," Zac said, sharing his prepared excuse.


    "Life and Death�� Difficult indeed," Triv sighed before perking up. "Perhaps this is for the best? Now young master can visit the Hearnds without worries. Will young master require my��"


    "I''m sorry, another time," Zac said, noting that Triv didn''t look very disappointed. "I only have so many tokens."


    Going to Kavista came with significant risks, even if his identities had been separated. He didn''t want to risk Triv''s safety just to make his stay slightly more convenient. As for himself, he had some ns to increase his odds of sess. If that failed, he had the escape bracelet, though it currently was on his human body. It had long since recovered, and both features were avable in case he needed to get out.


    While there were risks, Zac felt the benefits were worth it. It wasn''t just the Abyssal Pond that attracted him. He finished his breakthrough three months early, and Zac had hoped to use that time to upgrade some of his skills and perhaps gain a couple of levels before the war began. Now, he was thrown into the meatgrinder the second he returned, and every dy meant more deaths.


    Zac would be lying if there wasn''t a selfish aspect too. While the System was the source of all this suffering, it also provided enormous benefits to those who excelled. The Merit Exchange was just one part of it. There might be titles and unique opportunities waiting for those pushing to the top of theirdders.


    The elites from the outside, such as Tavza and Kator, were no doubt already fighting furiously to rack up the merit needed to empower themselves and to better their chances inside the Left Imperial Pce. He needed to catch up, and quickly. Visiting the Kavriel Province was a chance to speed up his transition.


    Apart from the Abyssal Pond, they would have top-quality cultivation chambers and skill upgrade arrays. He had already made some arrangements, but his preparations were much better for his human side. Those arrays had been easy enough to buy inside the Perennial Vastness, but his Array Master acquaintance Astacked the skills to make death-attuned versions.


    Catheya had sourced some from the Undead Alliance, but it wasn''t like the undead guests had brought many D-grade cultivation arrays. What was the point��they couldn''t use them, and who''d they sell them to?


    Of course, Zac wouldn''t immediately rush over after being called upon. Zac inscribed a message and sealed it inside Kator''s box.


    "Please send this back."


    "Of course," the ghost agreed. "Is there anything else young master requires?"


    "Not right now," Zac said. "I just need to digest everything that has happened while I was gone."


    "If young master wants my opinion, I think your citizens are finallying to realize how lucky they are," Triv said. "News of defeats, ughter, and suffering reach our world daily. Other factions have used civilians as fodder to protect themselves, leading to disastrous losses. Meanwhile, our people haven''t suffered at all under the young master''s rule."


    "I heard recruitment has sped uptely," Zacmented.


    "I''m not too updated on those matters, but I would assume they are rted. There will always be heroes who step up to protect their homnd when it''s threatened," Triv said. "Of course, I''d venture the Merit Exchange has also changed some minds. I hope young master doesn''t mind, but I have been helping the Raun Spectrals."


    "You enlisted?" Zac said with surprise, getting a nod in return.


    "Only for a nonbat role," Triv exined. "The undead battlefront on the Raun Continent iscking in experience, even more so than the others."


    Zac grimaced, knowing Triv was referring to. The oldest of his undead warriors were only a decade old. His other races weren''t much better off in cultivation, but they had some experience to draw upon, especially the Zhix. Meanwhile, the Raun spectrals weren''t much better. They had been a tight-knitmunity without war after they shed their mortal coils. All their focus was on survival. They''d been forced to adapt just like Earth did, but even the Humans had ample experience in killing before the integration.


    "I have been rying what little I learned from following Adriel and helping them set up defensive arrays," the ghost continued.


    "How are they doing?"


    "Surprisingly good, actually," Triv said. "It turns out spectral cultivators are immune to the Heart Curses, themon curses at least. Those nasty things have be a threat to the Kan''Tanu rather than their enemy when fighting the spectrals. Revenants aren''t immune, but the curses don''t work quite right when they feed on Miasma. The Undead Empire has already figured out a counter and has graciously provided us with the solution. Of course, the invaders may devise a counter as the war progresses."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Still, that''s not bad," Zac whistled.


    It didn''t matter much to him personally, already being immune to the Heart Curses. He''d already confirmed his Hidden Nodes existed in both his bodies, and cutting the connection wouldn''t impact that. Zac didn''t know why things worked that way, but he guessed they were more categorized as a node than a bloodline benefit, letting both bodies enjoy them under any condition.


    "Then I shall take my leave," the butler said.


    "Actually, there''s one thing," Zac said. "My Tool Spirit will break through soon."


    "The coffin?" Triv said, looking at the ne expectantly.


    "The coffin," Zac nodded.


    "How marvelous."


    "It will be met with a tribtion," Zac continued. "Is there any way to hide it?"


    "Hiding the Heavens," Triv said. "It is possible to seal off a region to not impact your surroundings, but I am afraid I''m not up to such a task. I think young master would be better off moving to one of your private inds or Elysium."


    "Do you know any suitable spots with pure Dao of Death?" Zac asked.


    "Certainly," Triv said. "There is a small ind with extremely dense energy. It''s currently empty but has long since been equipped with a set of arrays and a Teleportation Array. Young master''s followers figured you might need it for growing crops or some other activity requiring pure energy."


    "Can you prepare anything that might be missing in the environment for a Tool Spirit''s breakthrough?" Zac asked. "I''ll deal with the preparations for the breakthroughs itself."


    "I will arrange things right away. It should take no more than a day unless lord has any special requirements," the butler agreed. "Young master''s guardian golems are still at the shipyard for upgrades, though."


    "A general setup is fine," Zac said.


    The ghost left to prepare things while Zac spent another two hours finishing his work on the section of his pathway leading to [Deathmark]. Ultimately, he chose not to immediately evolve his skill. Instead, he checked the time. After confirming he had a few hours, he stepped onto the teleporter, soon arriving on another sealed-off ind.


    It wasn''t the site for the breakthrough but rather his shipyard. There were a few things he needed to figure out before facing the scrutiny of multiple Monarchs. The first stop was to see if he qualified for the next quest in the chain and what requirements the quest had.


    "Wee, Lord Atwood," Rahm said as Zac entered the office,pletely unfazed at Zac visiting in his Draugr form for the first time.


    He''d actually never mentioned his unique situation to the Creators, but there was no way they didn''t know. Karunthel, especially, seemed to know of everything that happened on Earth, and they''d stayed inside hispound for over a decade before he upgraded the shipyard. They would have to be blind to not realize.


    "Hello, it''s been a while," Zac nodded. "How are things?"


    "All operations are normal," Rahm said. "Our order book is filled for the next twelve years."


    "That good?" Zac said with surprise, remembering business was good but not great before.


    "I guess people even in these backwater parts know good stuff when they see it," a boomingugh echoed through the room as Karunthel entered. "Your mercantile venture is forwarding new orders at a rate we cannot match, even after increasing prices."


    "Nice to see you," Zac nodded.


    "Same, kiddo. So what happened? Got split in two?" Karunthelughed.


    "How''d you know?"


    "It gets boring overseeing the production of these simple models, so I stay updated with the local events. Especially so now that so many interesting things are happening in your Sector," Karunthel said. "Besides, Rahm and I had a bet going on how you''d deal with Hegemony. I guess none of us won, even if I was closer. That guy had no faith, thinking you''d fail."


    "I believed you''d choose one race and discard the other but keep its nature as a subsidiary path," Rahm borated when Zac looked over with a raised brow. "It was the scenario with the most likely oue based on avable data."


    "I knew you''d do something unexpected," Karunthel grinned. "I just picked the wrong one."


    "I''m happy my struggles can provide some amusement to pass the time," Zac wryly said.


    "Well, I''m sure you''ll figure things out. So, what brings you here?" the foreman grinned. "Ships? Upgrades? Those golems?"


    "A little bit of everything," Zac smiled. "Have I qualified for a shipyard upgrade quest yet?"


    "You have," Karunthel said. "I''ll see if I can get you an easy one. Things are finally getting interesting, and the Iliex can''t miss out on all the excitement."


    Zac waited for Karunthel to interface with the Shop System, and a screen soon appeared before him.


    Mercantile Empire (Unique, Limited.): Sell 2,000 D-grade Cosmic Vessels. Have your products destroy 4,000 vessels. Turn the Atwood Empire into a Middle D-grade force. Reward: Upgrade Iliex Shipyard to Middle D-grade. 1 Custom-designed Vessel upgrade. (1392/2000) ( 133/4,000 ) (0/1).


    Zac scanned the task, nodding in satisfaction. As far as he was concerned, this one was much easier to deal with than the previous one, to the point it almost felt too easy. Sure, the upgrade was only for a minor stage rather than improving a full grade, and it would have been almost impossible without the ongoing war.


    However, it was essentially a quest that would finish itself. The first part could bepleted in roughly a year if he had the shipyard focus on only building the simplest models rather than the drone hangars ormand ships. And Atwood Empire was a Middle D-grade force in all but name considering its strength and resources. Theckingponent was likely theck of either a Middle D-grade region or a Middle Stage Hegemon.The former was hard to deal with on short notice, but thetter should be resolved even before Ultom. In fact, Zac''s goal was to only spend eighteen months in Early D-grade, forcing his way to the limit of the stage through carnage and burning money.


    This was only possible thanks to the 15 years he''d spent working on his blueprint and collecting resources, erecting a foundation that would let him sprint through the first stage of Hegemony. Most mortals wouldn''t be able to gain levels at all after breaking through. They''d first have to spend centuries, millennia even, refining their crude cores into something that could be taken further.


    Zac had bypassed all that with his almost perfect creation, putting him at an advantage over even most cultivators. The only downside was the vast amounts of energy his Cosmic Core required for every level, but that was the smallest of all the problems a Hegemon faced when progressing through the ranks.


    The second task was the trickiest requirement for the shipyard quest, which had barely progressed over the past years. Luckily, it said nothing about who had to destroy the vessels. He only needed to keep selling his wares to the Allbright Empire, and progress would quickly ramp up when the Kan''Tanu reached the frontlines with their physical army.


    "Is that really it? That''s all I need to get a Middle D-grade shipyard?" Zac asked to make sure.


    "That''s it," the spidergolem confirmed, though Zac saw the golem looked quite surprised too. "I guess I underestimated my pull with the System?"


    "I would assume it''s due to the Kan''Tanu invaders," Rahm interjected.


    "How so?"


    "I think that''s it. The System is bound by the Law of Bnce when managing this war, but the opposing force is an unorthodox cult with immense fell Karma," Karunthel grunted. "You should know how that affects things."


    Zac''s eyes lit up upon realizing what was going on. Just like his massive providence helped him in all kinds of ways, so did fell Karma hamper the path of cultivators. It was for this reason most High-grade cultivators avoided killing mortals or low-grade cultivators en masse. In this case, the System appeared to indirectly help the Kan''Tanu''s enemies by providing easier tasks.


    "Can I use the upgrade on any vessel?" Zac asked.


    "Only vessels created by this shipyard," Rahm calmly rejected.


    "Including the Yphelion?"


    Rahm didn''t answer, instead turning to the foreman, who froze for a few seconds.


    "Even the Yphelion," Karunthel confirmed. "However, its grade exceeds the shipyard''s because of our previous deal, so you would have to provide certain key materials and money if you want it to reach Late D-grade. Otherwise, it''ll just get a bit stronger while staying in Middle-D grade."


    "That''s not a problem," Zac agreed.


    "You should understand this is a huge opportunity," Karunthel added. "I''ve heard of simr-level tasks that took millennia to finish and others so difficult they remained unresolved until the license was revoked. Try toplete this one without dy. We might be able to ride this wave of providence even further."


    Karunthel was absolutely right, and Zac got increasingly excited the more he thought about it. If the next mission was as easy as the first, it might even be possible to upgrade the shipyard a second time within a decade. A Late D-grade Iliex Shipyard wasn''t just an insanely lucrative moneymaker; it was a strategic resource that could impact the whole war.


    The kind of ships such a shipyard could produce would be close to the absolute limit of what you saw in a frontier sector like Zecia. There were undoubtedly a few C-grade Cosmic Vessels among the ancient forces like the Dravorak Dynasty, but even most Monarchs would have a Peak D-grade vessel at most. If Zac could flood the market with ships at that level, he would drastically strengthen Zecia as a whole.


    Not only that, but it was the key to another troubling matter; the task Leandra had levied on him. If he could upgrade the Yphelion to Peak D-grade, and then possibly use [Cosmic Forge] to make some improvements of his own, he might actually be able to set into the Endless Storm in search of answers to his Specialty Cores a lot earlier than he''d previously thought.


    He definitely needed to make this mission a priority.


    "I''ll see what I can do to speed up the progress," Zac assured. "How''s the situation with the Golems?"


    "Those soulless things," Karunthel sighed. "Well, puppets aren''t our specialty, but it won''t take more than a week before we finish the upgrades."


    "Perfect, thank you," Zac said. "I''d love to stay a bit longer, but the situation outside��"


    "Go, deal with your matters," Karunthel waved. "But be careful out there. I don''t know if you''ve heard, but those people you''re fighting�� They''re an off-shoot of a very scary faction. Don''t think of them as some weaklings from the frontier. Stronger people will soon appear on the battlefields."


    "Thank you," Zac nodded. "I''ll be careful."


    Zac had already learned of the ck Heart Cult from Iz and the Undead Empire but still appreciated the warning. With the Left Imperial Pce at stake, there were likely true disciples from the main branch looking for seals. These people would soon appear on the battlefronts if they hadn''t already, and their underlings would be far more skilled than the warves they''d fought so far.


    Zac sent out a message before stepping onto the Teleportation Array. A minuteter, Zac was greeted by a refreshing gust of death as he appeared inside a private chamber on Elysium. The floor was spotless thanks to the cleaning arrays, but he knew this particr teleporter hadn''t seen any use in years. Even then, it activated just secondster.


    Vri smiled upon seeing Zac, but her brows soon furrowed with confusion. "What''s going on? Triv said you were back, but reports from the eighth army... I figured it was a clone, but your soul isplete."


    "I��" Zac said, but the words caught in his throat upon seeing the worry and confusion in Vri''s eyes.


    He couldn''t.


    It had already killed him hiding or lying about so many aspects of his life with Catheya, even if both agreed that was for the best. The subterfuge reminded him of Thea, where his secrets had yed a major role in her death. Keeping his twinned existence hidden from outsiders was required to protect himself, especially so after learning it was a known inheritance of the Kayar-Elu. But did he really need to keep the truth from everyone?


    Vri wasn''t saddled with thepulsions of the Undead Empire, and the thought of lying to someone who could be considered his daughter didn''t sit right with him.


    "Let''s talk," Zac sighed, and the two sealed off the room.


    A few minutester, Vri looked at Zac with marvel.


    "To think such a thing was possible," Vri said. "I understand why you want to keep it secret. If nothing else, it''ll give you an incredible advantage inside the inheritance. If you can sneak your human body inside while using this one to work with the Undead Empire��"


    "I could get away with all kinds of benefits while none being the wiser," Zac smiled.


    "Thank you for trusting me," Vri said, and a binding contract soon appeared in front of Zac.


    "There''s no need��"


    "It''s for both of us. I don''t wish to be the reason something happens to you," Vri interjected. "An added protection in case I''m captured or something simr. Now that you''re a Hegemon, it''ll be difficult to break these against my will."


    "Fine," Zac agreed, epting the contract before reactivating the teleporter. "Let''s go. We''ll stay undercover for now."


    Zac donned his cloak while Vri shrouded the two with a spiritual domain as they emerged near Elysium''s sole battlefront, though there was one in the Underworld too. Between Port Atwood''s strength and Pangea''s poption, the rest could be found on the life-attuned sections of Earth.


    They were functionally invisible in their current state, and the few who could notice Vri''s domain would quickly avert their gaze upon realizing who they were spying on. A word from the Mentalist was enough to empty the recruitment center, not that it was crowded like on the Mavai Continent. Zac entered and ced his hand on the crystal, and the familiar process began anew.


    [Use Alias?]


    "Arcaz Umbri''Zi," Zac said, a wide smile appearing on his face.


    A row of screens popped up the next second, all identical to his first enlistment. His designation was the same, but no second quest had been added to his Status Screen. He opened the localdder with a thought, confirming there was no need to hide his identity anymore. If anything, he wanted as many people as possible to see him now.


    1st �C 125,585. Zachary Atwood.


    2nd �C 125,000 Arcaz Umbri''Zi.


    It worked.


    His cover story had suddenly gotten incredibly difficult to refute. After all, was there a stronger alibi than one from the System itself?

 Chapter 1073 - Exchange

    Chapter 1073 - Exchange


    Zac looked at his second tally with a smile. Getting 125,000 merit hadn''t felt too impressive when he saw it the first time, but he was far more appreciative after joining his first campaign. He''d repelled half an army almost on his own and then conquered the world, yet it only rewarded him 600 merit, including the bonuses he got from his designation.


    Certainly, that was a decent amount for one hour of work, considering Emily and Rhubat only earned around 10,000 a month. But it wasn''t like he could get this amount every hour as long as he kept fighting. He could feel it''d take a day to stabilize his overused pathways and recover his energy. And even if he were ready, where would he go? If he forced early assaults on the other warfronts, casualties would quickly balloon.


    The real problem was the battlefield and its low grade. The static rewards forrge-scale tasks such as conquering the enemy fortress were very low, and his merit was drastically penalized since he out-leveled the warfront. Zac guessed it was fair; the System wanted people to push themselves and break through their limits at the edge of life and death. It would be a problem if people like him were allowed to farm low-grade battlefields for infinite merit without taking any real risks.


    He would have to take real risks and enter higher-grade battlefields to earn more merit, but that was easier said than done. He first wanted to finish his upgrades since you could run into elites and higher-stage Hegemons on those warfronts. But there was also a problem with his faction. Theirck of Hegemons could partly be made up for with his elites'' equipment and individual strength. But their wartime supplies werecking.


    The Atwood Army had limited stockpiles of good siege machines and Array Towers since they could only produce High E-grade weaponry, with the asional product reaching the threshold of Peak E-grade. With every faction across Zecia screaming for these strategic resources, they were only left with scraps, if anything, when trying to purchase items from the outside. As such, the number of high-grade engagements they could enter was limited.


    But there was a possible solution to the problem.


    "What now?" Vri asked.


    "Let''s check out the Merit Exchange," Zac said, and the Mentalist led him to a nearby structure.


    Triv had already covered the general rules of the Merit Exchange. Simply put, there were three of them; General Exchange, Limited Exchange, and Faction Exchange. The listed products were individualized based on your grade, designation, and evaluation. Defenders would see more treasures leaning toward survivability, whilemanders had ess to War Arrays,munication methods, and protections against assassination.


    The exchange was guarded by three Revenants and a Raun spectral, who quickly bowed upon seeing who was approaching. The two entered, and Zac found the Merit Exchange looked almost identical to the Recruitment Center. Dozens of floating crystals were lined up, though someone had added small booths with obfuscation arrays for privacy.


    There were only a few Revenants inside, and Zac curiously looked on as one after another emerged from respective booths. The two entered one of the free exchange booths, and the surroundings blurred. Zac put his hand on the waiting crystal, and a screen resembling his Town Shop appeared.


    For a moment, Zac felt himself back in the Orom World, looking at the vast number of items that could be exchanged. There were all kinds of wares, from raw materials to pills, weaponry, and anciry items like talismans or arrays. The items were mostly in Peak E-grade or Pseudo D-grade, with only a few being Early D-grade��in other words, things that would be used by an Early Hegemon on the frontier.


    Some wares, especially the E-grade items, were marked as grade-exclusive. That meant they''d be removed when he broke through to Middle D-grade and hopefully reced with better stuff. Then again, high-grade items were much rarer, to the point Late Hegemons almost had nothing to buy in the general store, with all their resources being limited.


    As expected, nothing piqued Zac''s interest in the General Exchange. You could even get better stuff in his empire''s Contribution Store, not to mention his private stockpiles. The only benefit was that you could buy as many as you wanted of every item, and the prices were very fair. Zac only skimmed through the contents to get a general sense of what the System offered before swapping to the Limited Exchange.


    Things quickly got more interesting. For one, there were no E-grade items, with all wares being Pseudo D-grade or higher. Just the opening screen showcased all kinds of useful items. There were unsurprisingly Core-Strengthening Pills from High to Peak-quality, including attuned ones that could more efficiently nurture his core. You could also buy powerful-looking arrays to improve your cultivation speed, defensive treasures, and various Natural Treasures.


    There was also a generous assortment of skills, manuals, and techniques. The System had even put up unique potions or treasures that could award special constitutions, though those were both extremely expensive and few in number. Not even Zac could afford them, with the cheapest being listed at 750,000 merit for a simple attuned constitution. The top one was so expensive it filled Zac with helplessness.


    [Celestial Aperture Constetion: 12,500,000. Grade limited. (1)]


    Certainly, the item was amazing, essentially reforging your body to form a secondary circuit through your body. It increased cultivation speeds, affinities, and provided significant attribute boosts. It even added natural abilities like a bloodline would. But over ten million as an Early D-grade cultivator�� That was decades of hard work, even for Zac��literally thousands of heated engagements like the one he''d just experienced.


    There were a few dozen more items like it, each reminding Zac of the things he''d seen at thest levels of the Tower of Eternity. They were clearly the long-term prizes for the sector''s top talents, ensuring they kept pushing themselves. However, Zac doubted most of these things would ever be cashed out.


    umting the necessary merit was easier said than done. The cheaper items could provide strength or survivability right now, which could mean the difference between life and death on the battlefield. If you didn''t spend anything, you risked being overtaken or killed by those who used the merit exchange to snowball their strength.


    For Zac, getting any of the top-tier grade restricted items was impossible, considering he wasn''t nning on sticking around in Early Hegemony for long. Besides, Zac believed he had better opportunities waiting for him in the Left Imperial Pce, so he instead focused on the mid-range wares.


    In contrast to the best stuff, these things were surprisingly affordable. The General Exchange had given him a decent idea of how the System valued merit in terms of Nexus Coins, and some mid-tier items, such as Attribute Fruits or skills, were listed at a fraction of their real value.


    "It even has absolute temporal chambers?" Zac eximed as he read through the list. "So cheap!"


    The things seemed identical to the treasure the Umbri''Zi Matriarch gave him, and Zac could finally piece two and two together. "Emily and Rhubat bought one of these?"


    A cultivator could technically force a breakthrough and form a core without a nucleus, but it was extremely foolhardy. For one, it drastically increased the difficulty, putting the process closer to that of a mortal. And even should you seed, the result would likely be much worse than if you just took your time. In other words, it wasted time rather than save it.


    The theory was the same as with his own breakthrough. The sturdier the nucleus you formed, the better the core you could build around it. If you rushed things, you were liable to create imperfections that would lead to a lower-quality core. Saving a couple of years in the E-grade only to waste centuries in Hegemony wasn''t a worthwhile trade.


    That issue could be solved with a Temporal Chamber. Emily could easily have jumped into the temporal pocket to finish her nucleus before breaking through. Of course, the best Temporal Chambers in her price range would only provide a year, far less than what most cultivators spent on their nucleus. For example, Catheya had already worked on her nucleus before entering the Perennial Vastness. Even inside, she opted to spend the better part of a decade to improve it further.


    But it was good enough. You didn''t need to aim for perfection for every little thing. He''d rushed his breakthrough in the F-grade, and things worked out fine anyway. Between a year or two on the outside and another within, his follower''s nuclei would likely be good enough not to create any issues, at least in the early stages of Hegemony.


    "Most of the sealbearers who had umted merit in the Million Gates Territory bought one right away. I also have a chamber ready to use as soon as I''ve figured out the details of the core I wish to form," Vri confirmed. "They are one of the hottestmodities, and the Temporal Chambers were even cheaper before. Everyone wants to buy time to break through or upgrade their skills."


    "Good," Zac nodded. "Wait, the prices aren''t static?"


    "The popr wares rise in price as the supply dwindles," Vri said with some helplessness. "The System doesn''t want us to ease our way into things. The moment we rx, we''ll find ourselves further away from the items we need. Even worse, we believe the Limited Exchange is shared with the Kan''Tanu. The projections from the peak factions indicate items are disappearing faster than they should."


    "So any treasure we''re too slow to get falls into the hands of our enemies," Zac sighed. "Ruthless Heavens indeed."


    It wasn''t hard to figure out what the System was thinking. As usual, it provided both carrot and stick. Those who pushed themselves the hardest would gain ess to great benefits, some of them at the level of what he''d received from his various quests. Andpeting with your enemy for strategic resources meant neither side could rx.


    "You''ve looked at the list of items more than me. Have you found anything you think might suit me?"


    His 125,000 merit per body was far from enough to buy the multi-million merit items at the top, but he could sweep up a couple of mid-tier items per ss before they increased in price.


    "You ultimately know your situation best," Vri smiled. "Skills or Skill Upgrade Arrays should provide a direct powerup, as would the Attribute Fruits."


    "I''m not sure those arrays will work on an Arcane ss," Zac muttered.


    Arcane sses provided more power and were better in tune with your Daos, but the drawback was how specialized they were. His pathways had be far more particr since breaking through. A semi-suitable skill might lose 30% of its strength with an Epic ss, but it would lose more than half on an Arcane. Or, just as likely, it wouldn''t work at all.


    Zac could feel that his connection with [Abyssal Phase] had worsened by quite a bit since it wasn''t really aligned with his path. He could still activate it, but there was palpable resistance. He could still get around the issue by using Void Energy, but he would have to make some alterations when upgrading or fusing it.


    The Attribute Fruits were a good option, though the Peak Quality ones cost 25,000 a piece. Even then, it was a bargain, considering it was just two or three months of work for your average Early Hegemon. Zac guessed those would soon increase in price with how rare such high-grade attribute fruits were on the frontier.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    There was another interesting option that attracted Zac''s attention.


    [Early D-grade Tool Embryo Array: 150,000. Grade Limited (1,000)]


    Focusing on the line provided additional information.


    [Gives a twenty percent chance to awaken a piece of equipment with a Tool Spirit. An awakening is guaranteed to add at least one skill. A failed awakening will destroy the equipment.]


    It was a huge gamble, but the payout was massive. Twenty percent wasn''t great, but it wasn''t a long shot like winning the lottery. And Zac believed it was possible he could nudge those odds in his favor with his Luck and [Lucky Beads]. He might even be able to assist the process with [Cosmic Forge]''s [Cosmic Infusion].


    The item was quite rare, limited to just 1,000 copies. It might seem like a lot, but it was simply nothingpared to the incredible poption of Zecia. Hegemons were quite rare even on C-grade continents, but there were millions and millions of them across the whole sector. Add to that the Kan''Tanu fighting for the same treasures.


    These Tool Embryos would all be gone within a year.


    The same was true with more than half of the items in the Limited Store because of their heavily rebated price. Those who didn''t get what they wanted would snatch something of simr value before it was toote. Getting the limited resources would be a race where most only managed to get one or two before all the low-hanging fruit was bought out.


    Zac guessed that only the top 5% of Hegemons would be able to get something before it was toote. Between the quality and surprisingly generous prices, Zac doubted the System would dole out treasure-providing quests for the war. It was all handled through the Merit Store instead.


    Even then, Zac didn''t buy anything. He had a huge lead on thepetition thanks to his early contribution, and he wanted to first figure out what he could get his hands on or aplish without spending merit. Why buy something for merit that he might be able to extract from the Undead Empire?


    "Do you wish to see the Faction Store?" Vri asked when Zac stepped away from the crystal, getting an affirmative nod.


    The Mentalist led Zac into a side room that only had one crystal. Zac ced his hand against it, and a new list of options appeared. The cheapest section was full of war tools, from array towers to siege weaponry. Even Cosmic Vessels were avable, but Zac quickly realized they were worse than the ones he produced in-house.


    Zac wasn''t too interested in the details of all the individual battlements. His generals had no doubt already analyzed which ones were suitable for his faction. He was more interested in their price range, and seeing the numbers almost made him recoil. The Merit Exchange was definitely ast-ditch solution.


    So much for using the Merit Exchange to speed up the campaigns now that he was back. His faction would lose merit with every victory by paying these kinds of usurious fees. Zac was annoyed, but he continued to the section listing wartime features rather than items. Many of them he''d heard mentioned already, such as resetting battlefronts.


    The reason the eighth army couldn''t back down in the previous battle was precisely because of this feature. They had recently finished a forty-day campaign that had led them into Kan''Tanu territory. Since they didn''t have the confidence to hold onto a hostile world, they opted to reset the battlefield and restart from scratch.


    Doing so after a sessful operation only cost a symbolic fee, and it let the eighth army start another campaign to rack up merit. But they had been unlucky, being reassigned to meet a simrly sessful army who''d already won a series of battles. The next battle would ur on the Mavai Continent if the fortress was sacrificed. Essentially, the Atwood Empire had almost been forced to pay the price for someone else''s failures.


    There were also options to close or open new battlefronts, the former costing one hundred times as much as thetter. You could also merge battlefronts, though that option was greyed out for some reason. Zac guessed it was still deactivated in this introductory stage of the war. The price tag of adding extra personnel beyond the free limit was also listed. For example, one thousand Late E-grade cultivators only cost 50 Faction Merit.


    However, adding a single Middle Hegemon to a Peak E-grade Battlefield would cost a whopping 2,500 Faction Merit. It was even more expensive than the luxury battlements in the earlier sections. Zac shook his head, thanking his lucky stars that the System went by grades rather than attributes or strength. Still, he realized he had cost the Atwood Empire 100 Faction Merit to enter the Eighth Battlefrontte to the game.


    Zac continued through the list, and his heart beat with desire as the costs exploded.


    [Upgrade world to Middle D-grade Mass: 250,000-1,000,000.]


    [Upgrade world to Middle D-grade Energy: 2,000,000 �C 10,000,000.]


    [Relocate conquered Early D-grade world: 50,000-500,000.]


    [Relocate conquered Middle D-grade world: 500,000-5,000,000]


    There were roughly thirty options that touched upon the very foundations of your faction, and each was incredibly tempting. Apart from the straight upgrades of worlds, there were things such as Limited Trials, Holy Lands, Mystic Realms, andary Arrays. Zac focused on one of the most expensive options, to upgrade a world''s base energy, and a new screen appeared.


    [Earth: 4,350,000]


    [Ensolus: 6,575,000]


    "So expensive," Zac grimaced, seeing the [31,384/37,479] at the top of the screen.


    In other words, the Atwood Empire had earned just over 37,000 Faction Merit in three months, of which 6,000 had been spent already. Meanwhile, his worlds were surprisingly expensive to upgrade, even with their small sizes, no doubt because of their Life-Death attunement. Zac guessed Earth was a bit cheaper because of its size and because its energy density was already superior to Ensolus.


    "We''ve tried to keep our expenditures at a minimum, but it''s difficult when we could spend some Merit to lower casualties," Vrimented when she felt Zac''s mental state fluctuate.


    Zac shook his head, filled with a mix of desire and helplessness. Many of these options couldpletely elevate your faction, especially upgrading a world''s energy density. Upgrading Earth''s energy would take over three decades at their current umtion rate, provided they didn''t spend a single Faction Merit point during those years.


    It felt stingy, but Zac knew it was actually extremely generous. Upgrading a''s energy density was almost unheard of on the frontier, to begin with. A few decades of war for such an opportunity was nothing to established factions. You couldpare it to n Azh''Rezak, who had sold themselves as mercenaries for over 20,000 years with almost nothing to show for it.


    Of course, sending some squads to fight the Tal-dar couldn''t bepared to the life-or-death struggle against the Kan''Tanu. Just like the peak treasures in the Limited Exchange, Zac believed few of these opportunities would get exchanged. It wasn''t even a matter of your own performance. It didn''t matter if the Atwood Empire won every battle if the Kan''Tanu won the war.


    Still, Zac wasn''t deterred. If you didn''t dare aim for the top rewards, then there was no way you''d get them. The shipyard quest wasn''t the only opportunity for himself and his budding empire. The Intersector War was a perfect fusion of risk and reward; those who could thread the needle woulde out the other end reborn.

 Chapter 1074 - Stars of Zecia

    Chapter 1074 - Stars of Zecia


    May 11


    "What''s the greatest source of Faction Merit?" Zac asked.


    "Conquering worlds deep in the Kan''Tanu Territory," Vri said without hesitation. "The neutral battlefronts span three to five worlds. One is in the middle, while the others likely are deads in either sector. You generally start in the middle world, and conquering the neutral battlefront is a sessful campaign. Stopping at that point has no real downside, but the merit rued is very limited."


    "And continuing beyond that point is where the real merit is."


    "Exactly," Vri nodded. "If you step through the Battlefront Array at the final world, you''ll find yourself on an inhabited in the Kan''Tanu Sector. It''s no longer a manicured battlefield but rather a world-spanning war. We''ve entered fifteen such battlefronts and seeded in seven conquests. For the others, the victory condition given was generally deemed too expensive or time-consuming. Three times we were forced to run for our lives. More than half of our merites from those seven victories, even if five campaigns were on Peak E-grade worlds."


    "The retreats were all on D-grade worlds?"


    "One was actually on an E-grade world," Vri said with a shake of her head. "It was a training world swarming with new recruits, and there were hundreds of Hegemons overseeing things. The difference in strength between the worlds is significant. Some had enormous poptions and powerful leaders. Others were almost free for the taking. We didn''t dare continue from our first victory since the risks were too great. We simply harvested what resources we could for a week before resetting the battlefronts."


    "How are they? The civilizations under the Kan''Tanu?" Zac asked.


    "It''s not abject misery all around, but conditions are deplorablepared to here," Vri said. "It seems every citizen is tested for cultivation talent when young unless the is extremely remote. Those with high affinities are imnted with Heart Curses and begin their cruel training. Those with unimpressive affinity be skilled workers or the warves we''ve generally run into, depending on how unlucky or connected they are.


    "What about mortals?"


    "Generally indentured workers to their regional lord. They have no rights and work whatever task they''re assigned until they die. It can be anything from manning the fields and tending beasts, to low-skilled work on production worlds. Not that many are imnted with heart curses. I don''t think Mortals can motivate the cost of creating them. We have brought a few hundred of them back to better understand our enemy. You can talk to them if you wish."


    "Perhaps another time," Zac muttered as he considered his options.


    While it didn''t sound like the Kan''Tanu civilians led a great life, it wasn''t actually that different from the feeder worlds in the Zecia sector. He guessed not even an unorthodox cultivator would bother being cruel for cruelty''s sake unless they''d sumbed to their Heart Demons, and the Kan''Tanu needed everything from cultivation resources to normal food just like everyone else.


    "Are the citizens loyal?"


    "I wouldn''t say that the general poption holds any great love for the Kan''Tanu, though they don''t know any other life," Vri said. "You''re thinking of relocatings?"


    "It''s way cheaper than upgrading," Zac said. "Wouldn''t hurt to get a couple of extra worlds. We might even pick up a Middle D-grade world down the road."


    Between the expenditures involved in upgrading Earth and the benefit of suddenly gaining a whole new, it might be better to aim at relocating a couple of promising worlds. With its Earth''s small size, it would eventually require some subsidiary worlds that could provide the base resources that you wouldn''t want to grow on such valuablend like Earth.


    More importantly, it would provide a big poption infusion, which was exactly something the Atwood Empire needed. It wasn''t just to rece the warriors who fell on the battlefronts. Earth and Ensolus had lost arge chunk of their citizens to the Integration, and not even Earth could have been considered highly popted by Multiverse standards before.


    For example, the capital of Salosar Seven covered a third of its. Certainly, some manors were the size of countries because high-grade cultivators needed more space for their gathering arrays and ns. However, there were still well over 30 billion people living on that permanently, which didn''t count all the temporary residents. Meanwhile, Earth still hadn''t recovered to the point there were one billion between the Underworld, Elysium, and Pangea.


    "Relocating worlds is a double-edged sword," Vri warned. "The top empires have arranged for a few E-grade factions to purchase worlds already as an experiment. It turns out new battlefronts open up as a result. With a Middle D-grade world with a high poption, we might double our number of Battlefront Arrays. We''d either have to spread our forces further or somehow train the new poption in record speed."


    "A poption where all the talents have already been turned into Heart Curse cultivators," Zac grimaced.


    "Maybe if the war takes decades," Vri said. "Raising a new batch of E-grade soldiers would take five years, three if we spend generously. Of course, we''d first have to wait a few years for the children to grow up, during which we''d have to cover their battlefronts. But the would catch up within a decade, and we''d suddenly have three worlds gathering merit."


    Zac grimaced at Vri''s idea even though he knew it had merit. It just felt morbid, raising generations of soldiers like they were cattle. The picture of the young swordsman shed before his eyes, and he felt his heart tremble. Then again, was it better to leave the worlds in the Kan''Tanu Sector?


    "Let''s put that matter aside for now. Maybe there are other ways to speed up our merit."


    "Higher-grade worlds award drastically higher merit, especially if you kill their World Leaders," Vri offered. "Now that you''re back, we might be able to take down a few of those. There''s also your fleet of Cosmic Vessels. They can let you earn a fortune, which is why we are drowning in new orders even after increasing our prices twice."


    Zac had already realized their value after seeing the map in themand center. Most Cosmic Vessels in the Zecia Sector could not be stored in a spatial ring because their central arrays couldn''t enter a subspace. Meanwhile, the Creator vessels could be turned intorge cubes before being stowed. They took some time to unpack, but it also meant you could bring the ships anywhere.


    For example, tos neighboring conquered worlds. Others didn''t have his unlimited ess, but the Porter Guild and teleportation tokens still existed. Hismercial Cosmic Vessels were only Early D-grade and unsuitable for long-range missions, but they were quick enough to move betweens in a local cluster. It would only take a few days to a month to strike at a neighboring, reaping a good chunk of merit.


    "Our buyers right now don''t care what model they get," Vri said, confirming Zac''s thoughts. " They''re mostly after the portability after realizing the opportunity that presents. Whether it''s reiming words on Zecia or striking at neighboring worlds in a Tan''Kanu cluster, there are massive profits to be had. It''s probably the best way to transform Nexus Coins into merit."


    Zac slowly nodded before looking at the time again. They still had over two hours.


    "Call Emily and Joanna to meet us in mypound," Zac said. "I want to go over a few things."


    Sharing his secret with Vri had been a spur-of-the-moment thing, but he felt he could also tell those two. As for others, he would have to think it over first.


    "Emily is currently in the Kan''Tanu sector," Vri said. "We''ve sent word that you''ve returned, but I''m afraid calling her back��"


    "Should I send over my other body?" Zac asked.


    "It''s incredibly expensive sending cultivators to active battlefronts in the Kan''Tanu Sector, especially high-grade ones. Those conquests are like trials. It''s cheaper to give up on the battlefront and start fresh than sending reinforcement," Vri said. "Also, Emily would get angry. She''d think you didn''t trust her to do her job. You need trust in the abilities of the people you''ve nurtured."


    The thought of Emily fighting on a distant filled Zac with anxiety, but he knew Vri was right. Emily wasn''t the unruly child he picked up decades ago. She was now one of the topmanders under his rule, and he had to believe in her ability to get things done. If nothing else, she had the wits and resources to retreat if things took a bad turn.


    "Just Joanna then," Zac said. "I can catch up with Emilyter. Right now, I need to go over a few things because I am heading to Kavista in two hours."


    As he said that, his human body opened his eyes and moved toward the Battlefront Array leading back to Ensolus. Time was limited, and he had to ensure everything was in order.


    "The Kavriel province?" Vri said with shock, but her mouth soon cured upward. "In two hours? I see you already have a n."


    "Half of one, anyway," Zacughed. "I just need you two to help me perfect it."


    ------------------------------------


    "Damnit, what''s going on?!" Reoluv Dravorak swore, and his bloodshot eyes opened inside the Healing Ward.


    His whole body hurt and his pathways were so strained that it felt like they could copse at any time. But he''d done it. Three sessful conquests in two days, all to gather the necessary merit for his quest. It was supposed to only be two campaigns, but a nagging feeling had urged him on, forcing him to continue. He had even kept his personnel and resources to a minimum, ensuring he''d gain the maximum merit.


    Yet he received no notification of his quest beingplete when thedder updated, and he urgently opened it to see what was going on.


    [Stars of Zecia: Early D-grade]


    1st �C Kelvinios


    2nd �C Sacred Insight


    3rd �C Kerokas, Kavriel Province


    4th �C Ynar Solefair


    5th �C Zachary Atwood, Atwood Empire


    6th �C Arcaz Umbri''Zi, Atwood Empire


    7th �C Helian Ailo, Allbright Empire


    8th �C Fateblight, Hanor n


    9th �C Sossor


    10th �C Ardos Havarok, Dravorak Dynasty


    [��]


    100th �C Uroso Kavriel, Undead Empire


    Reoluv''s mind ground to a halt as he saw the familiar name that had appeared out of nowhere and imed the fifth spot. That guy was really an unlucky jinx. Reoluv was supposed to have taken the first step toward domination by leaving his mark on the Tower of Eternity. Yet, a short moment of carelessness had messed up his climb, only for his aplishment to immediately be overshadowed by Zachary Atwood.


    He did pass the seventh floor on his second attempt, but who cared about that when the Deviant Asura conquered the eighth the year before? Yet Reoluv hadn''t let that cast a shadow on his heart. He''d worked tirelessly for decades while the Deviant Asura disappeared from the limelight. He''d even been given the opportunity to train in the Havarok Dynasty, further setting himself apart from the other Zecia chosen.


    When senior Ykrodas told him great opportunities were waiting back in Zecia, Reoluv had first believed it a thoughtful way to send him back home. But it was all real, to the point even the Havarok Dynasty had been ordered to enter the fray by some mysterious faraway faction. Reoluv still didn''t understand the details, but he knew the Havarok Dynasty had been enlisted because of their connection to his Dravorak n.


    That connection acted as a ticket into their sealed sector, allowing them to squeeze some people through the barrier while the rest had to pass some sort of trial. Reoluv had initially feared his role would be nothing but a porter as he failed to get one of those seals Ykrodas talked about, even after searching the Million Gates Territory for over a year. Then came the quest.


    Reoluv knew this was a life-altering opportunity for him, so he''d thrown himself into the gauntlet against the Kan''Tanu elites. Just remembering the blood-drenched aura of the madman he met on thest conquest was enough to leave his back slick with sweat. Reincarnators, they called themselves. Murderous experts who''d survived two baptisms of ughter to be reborn. He knew he''d have fallen today if not for the one thousand elite guardsying down their lives to provide him an opening. He hadn''t managed to kill his enemy, but at least wound him enough to back down.


    Now, it felt like their valiant sacrifice was for nothing. The daily update had added two new names sectordder, but neither of them was his. Instead, he found himself in the eleventh spot, just one step shy of his goal.


    The quest that Senior Ykrodrodas believed was his ticket to the real opportunity needed him to reach the tenth, and he had hoped that the past three months would have let him climb the final step of thedder. If only he had returned upon reading the reports of conflicts in the Million Gates Territory rather than wait for Ykrodas and his elder brother to take him there.


    Reoluv''s choice to strengthen himself as much as possible before the war began hadpletely backfired, leaving him with too little pre-war merit to make much of a difference.


    "Don''t beat yourself up," an ancient voice echoed through the chamber. "You should recognize those names."


    Reoluv took a steadying breath before nodding. "I should have guessed the Deviant Asura would create a ssh when he finally reemerged. I''m less clear how the Umbri''Zi scion managed to shoot to the top in one go or why he''s listed as a member of the ''Atwood Empire.''"


    "Perhaps he''s the same as the alias Fateblight, using a random small faction to ess Faction Merit. More likely, he''s after those marvelous Cosmic Vessels," Hastos Dravorak said. "Either case, it is inevitable that more and more people will join the conflict. I spoke with Refus Havarok. It appears someone manages to gain the eptance of the Zecia Seal daily."


    "That''s why I pushed myself half to death these past months," Reoluv sighed. "I know my limits; I won''t be able to stay in the top ten with more and more outsiders joining the war. Their strength and resources will make it impossible to keep pace. Sooner orter, Mistress Tayn will return and likely bring terrifying allies. I just needed to finish the quest before thepetition heats up."


    "��I will see what I can do," the voice said after a brief pause.


    "I can''t ask ancestor to attack those scions!" Reoluv said with rm. "I''d rather give up on the trial than bring harm on the Dynasty."


    "Who said I''d attack them? I''m old, but I''m not suicidal," Hastosughed. "Asking the young masters of the main branch to rest for a few days shouldn''t be too much to ask, and I think I can call in a few favors to stall some of the people on your heels. After all, most of these outsiders are ultimately relying on natives to rack up their merit. You will still have to push yourself a bit longer."


    Reoluv steeled his heart, knowing what he had to do. With so much at stake, it was obviously not a matter of just calling in a few favors. His ancestor would have to pay a huge prize to help him squeeze into the top ten. He needed to risk it all, ensuring his master''s sacrifice wasn''t for naught.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    --------


    "What in the Abyss," Laz Tem''Zul eximed, the shock and exaltation in his voice dragging Tavza out of her nk te.


    "What is it?" Tavza asked, though her idle curiosity was far from expelling the gloom in her heart.


    She still found it hard to ept how spectacrly she''d failed her ancestor''s task, failed her whole race. Bringing a lost bloodline back into the fold to im his birthright sounded so simple. What Draugr would say no toing home, to reconnect with the origin of their very being? Yet she''d spent the past years floundering about, utterly incapable of making Zachary Atwood take even one step toward his rightful destiny.


    Enis still held onto a desperate hope that her ward had aplished her task inside the Perennial Vastness. That Zachary Atwood had somehow defied all expectations and retained his impossible duality even in Hegemony. Tavza couldn''t bring herself to believe in that false hope. She just needed to look inward at the monstrous power of the upper bloodlines to know the truth.


    There was no fusing Life with their heritage.


    "He''s on the globaldder!" Laz said.


    "We knew that would happen," Tavza said. "Kerokas should have roughly 135,000 merit right now, which ced him at the third spot. 125,000 should put Zachary Atwood in the top 5, or at least the top 10."


    "No, he''s on thedder," Laz said with a shaky voice. "Arcaz Umbri''zi. Right next to Zachary Atwood."


    "What?!" Tavza blurted. "How is that possible?"


    "I��" Laz said, but his words caught in his throat as their heads suddenly turned in the same direction, toward one of the four long-distance hubs of the capital.


    Valsa took a shuddering breath; the confusion swept away. She suddenly felt whole, even if she hadn''t known something was missing. Laz Tem''Zul didn''t seem to sense the same thing, but he was still visibly moved upon sensing the aura. From the depths of despair, salvation had emerged.


    The Bloodline of Eoz had finallye home.

 Chapter 1075 - Coming Home

    Chapter 1075 - Coming Home


    A weing wave of Death filled every pore of Zac''s body, and he took a deep breath of contentment. Only now did Zac realize he had actually never really felt the Dao of Death in this calm and natural state. Twilight Harbor and its trial Realm, Earth, and Ensolus all had Life mixed in with death. Even the Death-attuned world disks in Twilight Harbor or the Deatly region in the Orom World had felt like pockets of sanctuary assaulted from every direction.


    That wasn''t the case here. It was as though thews of the universe had been inverted, where Death was the natural order. There wasn''t a hint of conflict or instability in the air. The Miasma was tranquil as it permeated everything. Zac felt like he''de home, but hispanion didn''t seem to share the sentiment.


    "Heugh��"


    Zac wryly smiled as he took out a couple of Divine Talismans and put them on the little Sky Gnome who had appeared on the teleporter next to him. They formed a protective bubble, rebuffing the surrounding death, and Zac ced a Divine Crystal in Calrin''s hand to bolster the effect. Normally, the Sky Gnome could care for himself, but the shock had paralyzed him.


    "Wha��Liar! Where have you taken me?" Calrin wheezed when he finally came to.


    "Wee to Kavista," Zac said as he moved the merchant away from the teleporter.


    Calrin looked like he was about to have an aneurysm, and Zac couldn''t me him. Zac had to admit it was a bit of a low blow bringing the merchant to the Kavriel Province, but he was the best suited for the job. First, he enjoyed some special protections through the Mercantile System, though his status had be a bit muddied since Zac became the majority shareholder of the Thayer Consortia.


    Also, the Sky Gnome had, by far, the best understanding of the Atwood Empire''s coffers and Zecia''s market. Calrin knew what Port Atwood needed and what everything should cost. The only alternative was Vikram, but Zac wasn''t sure he''d be able to withstand the environment. He also wasn''t nearly as shameless.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    So he''d visited Calrin on his way back from the Eighth Battlefield, saying that a huge opportunity had presented itself. Only at thest second had he swapped out his living body with his Draugr one, and the two had been teleported away before Calrin had the chance to realize he''d been misled.


    "I never lied. I did take you to a C-grade continent to see if you could secure some resources and sell some of our stockpiles," Zac coughed, quietly adding when he sensed four people closing in. "Hold that thought."


    Zac turned to the Revenant guards, all of them Hegemons, who appeared unsure how to act. One of the arrivals was a Dreamer, someone who absolutely shouldn''t appear in Kavista, of all ces. Normally, they''d just kill or capture him, but hispanion was an esteemed Pureblood Draugr radiating an aura far surpassing theirs.


    Ultimately, they opted to bow and wait for further instructions.


    "I am Arcaz Umbri''Zi," Zac said. "I am here to see Tavza An''Azol and Kator White Sky. I am expected."


    "U-Umbri''Zi?" the leader stuttered before bowing again, this time even deeper.


    "Lunacy�� This is lunacy," Calrin cried to the side.


    "Don''t be like that," Zac said. "See this as the opportunity it is. The Kavriel Province is slowly moving away from its istionist policy with this war, yet they stillck real connections with the upper factions. Meanwhile, I hear that the Mercantile System has mostly been sealed off like everything else, cutting the Kavriel Province off from the empire hearnds.


    "Our goal has always been to turn the Atwood Empire into a major trading hub and the link between the Living and Dead of Zecia. This is our chance to take the first step in that direction while getting our hands on things we desperately need. Just imagine the profits if our consortia can pull this off. Even the earnings from my Cosmic Vessels will pale inparison."


    "That''s�� Huh," Calrin said, his saucer-wide eyes gaining a calctive and greedy gleam. "Maybe��"


    The Sky Gnome got no chance to finish his thoughts before a series of immense auras descended, drowning the whole region. Zac snorted upon noting the Teleportation Array had dimmed down. He moved closer to Calrin, who was suddenly wrapped in dozens of protective spheres. The two stepped out of the small chamber, finding themselves in a secluded square surrounded by towering ck walls.


    Zac had hoped to get a glimpse of what the capital of a C-grade continent looked like, but the sprawling city that no doubt surrounded him waspletely cut off by the fortifications. They reached over one hundred meters in the air, and huge turquoise sigils hung above. The sigils only held the seal of the Kavriel n, but just ncing at glowing runes filled Zac with rm. They looked ornamental, but the things clearly contained deadly force.


    Above the walls was only an open sky. The Kavriel Province was covered in the same aquamarine sky that Earth almost had ended up with, though it was much deeper. No vessels were flying about, which made sense considering this likely was a highly restricted area. There were, however, a few floating constructs in the sky, and they messed with Zac''s perspective.


    Zac could tell at least of them was a-sized War Fortress simr to the ones built in the Allbright Empire. Yet it was only the size of a small dot while still inside the atmosphere. The sky had to be hundreds of times higher here than back on Earth for something like that to be possible. Then again, what else could you expect from a proper continent whose size was so great Zac could barelypute it?


    There was no more time to inspect the surroundings before a familiar figure stepped out of the air, prompting the guards to fall to their knees inside the teleportation room.


    "Son of E��ahem, young man, wee home," Laz Tem''Zul said, his face rife with emotion. He almost looked at Zac like he were a long-lost son. "We have eagerly anticipated your return."


    Zac bowed at the Draugr guardian he met during his negotiations with Catheya. The puppet he used back then had conveyed the immense power of the Monarch, but it was nothingpared to feeling it in person. His aura was refined to perfection yet perfectly contained. Not only that, but Zac could feel a sense of belonging in Laz''s abyssal eyes, something he hadn''t felt even when looking into Catheya''s.


    It was as though Zac had been transported back to his bloodline visions where Eoz swam in the depths of the Abyssal Lake. Laz Tem''Zul might not be of the three upper branches, but his bloodline was undoubtedly incredibly pure. More than that, it had undoubtedly been awakened to a very high degree using the Abyssal Lake.


    "Greetings, senior," Zac said. "It feels good stepping onto actual death-attuned soil, but my friend here has some problems adjusting. I''d appreciate it If you could assist with this matter."


    Laz nced at Calrin with passing interest, and a protective sphere appeared around the merchant. Zac could tell it protected him from the Monarch''s inherent domain and Kavista''s environment in general.


    "Thank you, great lord," Calrin sighed.


    "For now, let''s��" Lez began, but the Monarch shook his head when two people stepped out of thin air.


    The most attention-grabbing was the towering Izh''Rak Reaver in the front, whose aura felt like a storm of blood and deathpared to the sheathed de that was Laz Tem''Zul. Zac could tell the Monarch had to be one of the uing elites of the White Sky Phnx and possibly one of the three strongest beings currently in the Zecia sector. It was Brigadier Toss, the Dao Guardian to the Reaver next to him.


    When they left for the Perennial Vastness, there had only been four Izh''Rak Reavers in the Zecia Sector, though the Undead Empire was trying various methods to increase that number. Yet there was no mistaking the reaver next to Brigadier Toss for anyone but Kator White Sky, the Warchild of the White Sky Phnx.


    Izh''Rak Reavers were one of the most warlike species in the multiverse, evidenced by their whole society being organized through a military hierarchy. And it was clear this chosen hadn''t grown up inside some protective environment. The whole square dimmed as immense pressure weighed down on Zac''s shoulder. However, Zac noted it wasn''t a skill or a Dao, at least not in the conventional sense.


    It was Killing Intent, refined and transformed into something resembling a mix of an Illusion and Restrictive Array. It was just like the techniques Commander Kaldor had used during their duel in the Orom World, though not quite as refined. Of course, while Kator didn''t have the skill of the Divine Monarch, he wasn''t restricted by anything. Zac could feel how the madness of war tried to drag him into a delirious state, and it was lucky that Calrin was shielded from the onught.


    The crushing pressure wasn''t passively released by the reaver; this was intentional. A test, and a challenge. Showing who''s boss right out the gate.


    Zac wasn''t sure why the reaver had adopted such a strong stance, but he knew it wasn''t just thebative nature of the reavers that made Kator act out. Catheya hadn''t been able to share much about the chosen, but Zac had managed to piece together a few things. He carried himself forthright and openly, but a ruthless warrior andmander hid behind that facade.


    It was worth remembering that Kator was different from Tavza. She had been born into her role, carrying the bloodline of Azol. And while Kator was a direct descendant of one of the top generals of the White Sky Phnx, he still had fought with the elites of multiple generations for his current role. Nepotism was considered a weakness; only individual power and contribution mattered in their society. And it was generally those with both brains and brawn who managed to fight their way to the top.


    Unfortunately for Kator, he had picked the wrong method to push Zac down a peg. His Void Self kept him ensconced in a world of nothingness, distanced from the madness around him. And while the pressure was enough to force the guards behind him to a prone position as they gasped for air, it wasn''t enough to make Zac bend. If anything, it had triggered the bloodlines in his body, where the Adamance and Conviction of Eoz not only resisted but rebuffed the pressure.


    "Is that it?" Zac asked, his voice cutting through the madness as he released restraints on his brutal nature.


    The ground shook as a torrent of murderous intent roiled out of his body like dense waves of bloody mist. It was nowhere near as controlled or refined as Kator''s, but it was boundless and unstoppable, like a storm rolling down a mountain slope. The crude disy was fueled by decades of ughter and living on the edge of life and death. The true edge, where youcked any support system as you repeatedly put your life on the line. Where you never knew if you''d see tomorrow''s sunrise.


    It was clear that Kator had ample experience in war and killing, but his Killing Intentcked that vicious ruthlessness that Zac''s experiences had forced upon him. As such, the murderous waves of Zac''s domain ripped into the Intent Array, slowly consuming it.


    "Not bad!" Katorughed, seemingly exhrated rather than embarrassed by the disy. "I was starting to wonder if your kincked any true warriors. You might be worth dueling, after all."


    Zac was about to answer, but a sigh echoed through the square as Zac found his Killing Intent dispersed.


    "Is this the best use of our time?"


    The calm voice was followed by two more figures appearing on the square. The first of the two was another Draugr who also had the aura of a tempered warrior. She felt vaguely familiar, even if they''d never met. She reminded him of Catheya, even if their appearances werepletely different. Zac had a decent idea who this was; Enis Umbri''Zi, the Monarch who had originally been tasked with bringing him into the fold before the Left Imperial Pce derailed everything.


    "Mistress Umbri''Zi," Zac said with another bow. "I''m sorry for that embarrassing disy."


    "You had us worried for a while," Enismented with a neutral voice, though Zac noted her mouth curving slightly upward in satisfaction. "Little Catheya has told me so much about you it almost feels like we know each other. I pray she''s helpful during your time off-world."


    "Yes, she''s been a huge asset. It was thanks to her I��" Zac began, but his voice trailed off as he nced at the other neer. "Pavina?"


    The half-orc Revenant''s aura waspletely different now that the Orom''s Prison seal no longer bound her, but she looked the same. Zac had long since learned how the Umbri''Zi Matriarch had freed the captive undead, but he still hadn''t expected to see his old mentor here on the frontier.


    Of course, seeing how she had ced herself behind Toss, Zac had a decent idea of what was going on.


    "Long time no see, kid," the Revenant Monarch smiled. "You''re looking good. Your strength has increased by leaps and bounds since west met."


    "Pavina joined our mission because of her fate with you," the leading reaver rumbled, his voice feeling like bones grinding against steel. "I apologize for Kator''s disy. But judging by your aura, I suspect you fully understand the fundamentalw of the universe. That strength is the greatest truth. That it is order and providence."


    "Of course," Zac said, keeping his thoughts to himself.


    "It is good that you are here; we have some matters to discuss," Toss continued.


    "That''s why I came over," Zac nodded.


    The air twisted as the reaver pointed at Zac, but Laz was even faster. The Draugr appeared next to Zac, cing a hand on his shoulder.


    "The meeting room is quite far. Let me escort you," Laz said, and the surroundings distorted before Zac had a chance to respond.


    The next moment, Zac found himself standing inside an opulent room. However, it didn''t look like a ce where you''d hold a meeting, even if it could certainly house over a hundred people. Instead, it was a sprawling living room overlooking a private garden filled with D-grade flowers. In front of him was a simple table with two chairs, one of which was upied by a young Draugr woman.


    Tavza An''Azol.


    Zac wasn''t too surprised he''d been taken to Tavza before the meeting, and he curiously looked at the leader of the Draugr delegation. As expected, she was a stunning beauty, her features elevated by extreme affinity to the Dao. However, she perfectly matched Catheya''s descriptions; rather than cold, her face felt distant and unfeeling as she inspected Zac. If there had been challenge in Kator''s demeanor, there was simply nothing to be gleaned from Tavza.


    Even then, Zac felt more connected to the woman before him than he did Laz''Tem Zul. He could feel the echo of Azol, the originator of her branch, in her aura. The sense of familiarity momentarily dragged Zac back to the time when the children of the Abyssal Lake first stepped onto those ancient shores. Realities converged, and the line between Zac and Eoz blurred. He was looking into Tavza''s eyes, but at the same time looking up at that primordial sky, with Mez and Azol standing by his side. Imparting his mark on the great tapestry.


    The feeling passed as quickly as it came, but it left Zac off-bnce. Actually, it looked like he wasn''t the only one, as Tavza''s face had shifted subtly as she blinked a few times. The situation led to an awkward silence, but the Dao Guardian quickly came to the rescue.


    "My apologies; I thought it proper the two of you met while the others convened," Laz Tem''Zul smiled. "You handled yourself well. The Reavers wouldn''t have epted you if you backed down."


    "Mypanion?" Zac asked, shaking his head to clear the lingering impression.


    "I''ve instructed a follower to prepare a room and an istion array where he can rest while we sort out some things," the Monarch said.


    Zac nodded in thanks before turning back to Tavza. The woman''s unerring stare left Zac unsettled, and he soon found himself forced to break the silence.


    "Well?"


    "How is Catheya Sharva''Zi?" Tavza asked.


    "She... She''s good. Won''t be returning for a while, though," Zac said, surprised that was her first question.


    Tavza nodded, giving no indication of what she thought of the news.


    "I thought it unlikely you''d ept our invitation, especially so quickly," Tavza said. "It seems quite out of character for you."


    "Well, things change," Zac said. "Is the Abyssal Pond real? Or was it bait?"


    "Both," Tavza said. "A pond has been conjured and connected. However, we didn''t expect to activate it so soon. It will take a week for it to fully awaken. I suggest you should finish your transition before submerging yourself. We will provide the materials to expedite the process."


    "Thank you," Zac slowly said, looking on with confusion as Tavza turned her gaze to the private garden.


    He didn''t know what to make of Tavza''s demeanor. He''d spent thest couple of hours perfecting his excuses while Vri and Joanna helped formte a n. He had teleported the moment the globaldder finished its daily reset, partly to use it as cover and partly to set things in motion before the delegates from the Undead Empire could adapt to the revtions.


    He''d expected to immediately be hounded for answers, but Tavza barely seemed to care. He honestly preferred Kator''s overbearing greeting to this inscrutable reception. There was some good news, at least. The Abyssal Pond was real, and he hadn''t been cut down or thrown into a cell. Of course, Zac knew that didn''t matter much, with multiple Monarchs tracking his every move.


    Whether he walked out of this in one piece would depend on the next hour.

 Chapter 1076 - Suspicions and Excuses

    Tavza kept her face impassive, but masking the waves in her heart wasn''t easy. She knew this meeting was an opportunity Laz Tem''Zul presented, a way to tie a first string of fate between herself and this walking cmity. She had spent years trying to nudge him closer to their camp by hook or crook, even letting the Zi girl get targeted by the Reavers to shake things up and sow the first seeds of partnership.


    Now was the time to harvest, yet her mind wasn''t on the present. She was trying to hold onto that blurry sky, whose primordial Dao was just out of reach. The same was true from the lingering touch of the progenitor, crossing the vast river of time. If she could just get another chance, another glimpse�� She might find some of the answers she sought.


    She still couldn''t understand what just happened. The scene had been brief and obfuscated, but she could tell it was just as the earliest annals described. There had been a few asions where extraordinarily talented Draugr had triggered that Ancestral Descent, eternalizing their aplishments by adding them to the Stargazing Tablets.


    However, while her bloodline was the strongest of the past 100 generations, she was not one of those chosen. Yet looking into Arcaz''s eyes had given her a glimpse of her origin, like a scene observed through a dirty window. That on its own was shocking enough, but it had actually purified her bloodline by a bit. Tavza wasn''t certain, but she believed she could seed in a partial awakening.


    Tavza had never heard of anything like this, and the answer could only be found within the man before her. She had already considered him an avatar of Chaos, inadvertently creating unpredictable waves in the River of Fate. But to think the effect was this direct, this brazen. What secrets did Arcaz Umbri''Zi hide for him to trigger her bloodline in a way not even the two ancestors had?


    The incredible opportunity hadpletely thrown her off-bnce, and she nced at Laz for him to take charge while she tried to sort out her thoughts.


    "Not preparing the Abyssal Pond in time is a miscalction on our part. We were happy to hear of your sessful return and sent out our invitation before arranging things properly," Laz said.


    "You learned I had returned from the Perennial Vastness as a human and were afraid your scheme with the [Essence of the Abyss] had failed," Arcaz said with a meaningful smile.


    The usation dragged Tavza back to the present, and she quickly sent a message through her mental link.


    ''The essence was tampered with?''


    ''That''s����


    "It was my order to tamper with the essence," Tavza said, knowing the truth from her guardian''s tone.


    She didn''t know whether she should be angry or not. The Abyssal Council scheming behind her back had made her mission far harder, if not impossible. No wonder all her attempts at meeting in person had been ignored, all her attempts atmunication been met with distrust. Then again, Tavza sincerely doubted she would have managed to convince this man to pick death, especially after meeting him in person.


    An unbendable stubbornness was engraved into his bones��ironically, a possible side-effect of his bloodline. Kator''s probe had been met by a powerful rejection, allowing the reaver to make all sorts of deductions. Even now, faced with Monarchs in what he possibly considered hostile territory, Arcaz looked unwilling to back down even one step. Tavza briefly wondered if she would have been able to do the same.


    "Of course, we would," she continued. "You know the value your bloodline holds to our race��you''ve used that fact to extort us for years. Too much is at stake to let the cards fall where they may. Thankfully, the bloodline of Eoz is alive and well."


    ''There''s no need for you to take the me for this,'' Laz''s voice echoed in her mind.


    ''I ultimately bear responsibility for this mission, including our failures. And it''s better he trains his ire toward me than the Abyssal Shores if we want him to join us when we return.''


    "Being straightforward about it doesn''t make it better," Arcaz snorted.


    "We will provide a satisfyingpensation for this�� misstep," Laz said. "I hope you can believe us when we say there was no malice behind our actions, even if we had a self-serving interest. We were certain it was one or the other, and your future prospects as the Bloodline Ancestor of Eoz would be immeasurably broader."


    "Now that you''ve be a true Draugr, our goal has been met. I''d venture our goals are more aligned than you might think going forward," Tavza said.


    "And if not, you''ll make sure to guide me down the correct path?" Zac asked, his voice rife with sarcasm.


    "If that''s what''s required."


    "Tavza is direct, but she only has your best interests at heart," Laz coughed before Arcaz could speak again. "In a way, you can even be considered siblings. The three upper branches were always the closest. I''m sure they''re looking forward to your return. On that note, I was hoping you could shed some light on the situation. You are one, right? A true Draugr?"


    "I think this matter should be discussed with the others, no?" Arcaz smiled.


    Rebellious to the end. Tavza didn''t care since she already had the answer. If Arcaz Umbri''Zi wasn''t Draugr, at least where it mattered, then no one was. Laz nced in her direction to gauge her reaction. It was exhausting, but the Heart had decreed that the young generation would lead this expedition. It seemed foolish, but Princess Ur''Mez had already warned that fate was the most important part of her mission, but it was currently in an incredibly fragile state.


    Bending to outside interference or letting others direct your path could weaken your fate with the Fifth Pir. The changepared to her life back home was refreshing, but that liberty currently felt suffocating. How should she deal with this troublemaker? How was she supposed to tie a malignant star like this to her chariot?


    ''His bloodline is real��he must be protected. Have Sepravo follow him at all times.''


    "Of course, we''ve kept the others waiting," Laz said. "We simply hoped to meet you before the others to confirm the veracity of your bloodline and give a warning now that we''ve confirmed it''s real."


    "A warning against what?"


    "Anyrge empire has dangerous undercurrents, and the Undead Empire is no different. The uing trial has priority, but you must be careful, even among your allies. The appearance of Eoz''s bloodline has already spread in certain circles, and not everyone is happy with the changes that might usher in. Not even Draugr."


    "And the only ones I can trust are the two of you?" Arcazmented.


    "We are just reminding you to never let your guard down, even if your circumstances clearly have changed," Tavza said. "In fact, some things might be better left unsaid. I have received four messages from Kator already. Let''s go."


    "Just one question," Arcaz said. "If you had to pick between the mission and saving the bloodline of Eoz, which would you choose?"


    Tavza looked at Arcaz a moment. "That is an impossible choice, and I will work hard to avoid being put in that position. Ultimately, you are responsible for your fate, and you cannot rely on anyone else to save you. Just as I don''t expect you to save me or my subordinates at the expense of the bigger picture."


    "Fair enough."


    ------------


    Zac rxed, having crossed the first hurdle. He had been worried that his Draugr persona wouldn''t be seen as the real deal, which would drastically have lessened his value to the Abyssal Shores. Luckily, Tavza had clearly felt the same resonance as him, confirming his heritage.


    Even then, she had said that she couldn''t protect him if he got between the Undead Empire and the mission in the Left Imperial Pce, but that was to be expected. At least it meant he should be somewhat safe inside Kavista. After all, this was Draugr territory, with the other factions only having a handful of representatives present.


    Laz''Tem Zul transported the three the next moment, and the four from before were already waiting when they arrived.


    "I''m sorry," Laz smiled as they appeared. "I got excited and forgot myself."


    "I''m sure," Toss scoffed. "So? Is he real?"


    "He''s Draugr," Tavza calmly confirmed. "There is no doubt about it."


    "We''re all busy, so let''s not waste any time," Toss said. "One moment, we get reports you chose life, even after we were assured that was impossible. You being a Dreamer or undead doesn''t matter for the mission��that''s more of an issue for the Abyssal Shores. However, the situation raises an important question. Before we can untangle the recent events, I need some assurances.


    "You might look right and act right, but there''s something off about you," the reaver continued. "We still have no idea where you came from, and your means are far beyond what you''d see from some frontier cultivator who got lucky. Meanwhile, you adamantly refuse to join the Empire. Makes me wonder if you can''t rather than won''t, due to previous obligations. How can we know you''re not working for someone else?"


    So it came, after all, before they''d even touched upon his dual bodies. Zac had to admit they had good reason to be suspicious.


    "Well, the part about me avoiding your trap is easy enough to answer," Zac said. "I became acquainted with Iz Tayn of the Tayn Family a while back. She used one of her family''s special methods to scan the gifts you provided. She found a brand that would somehow tamper with any life in my body and helped me remove it."


    There was no point hiding his link to Iz from the Undead Empire. He was almost certain they already knew about it, considering Iz hadn''t exactly been circumspect in her visit to Zecia. Adding that to their appearance by the Orom, and it would be impossible not to make the connection.


    "So you''re really part of the Tayn n," Tossmented, and Zac could feel the displeasure even if he had no expression to read.


    "I didn''t say that," Zac said. "We met inside the Tower of Eternity. I kind of pissed her off before running away, so she hunted me down to the frontier. Luckily, it helped me escape the Orom, and we''ve worked things out since then."


    "So they were really there for you," Pavinaughed. "Their rampage helped many of us to let go of the grievances we had held onto."


    "How absurd," Enis sighed. "A small grudge between juniors led the Tayn to the fifth pir by ident, while the Starbeast Alliance had to toil for eons."


    "You really are a troublemaker," Kator guffawed, and even Tavza''s inexpressive mask had a hint of helplessness as she wordlessly looked at Zac. "I''ve read the reports. Why do things go out of control wherever you appear? Should we be worried?"


    "Just coincidences," Zac muttered, unable to bring much gusto to his voice. His track record wasn''t exactly ster.


    "Never mind that. Will the Tayn n be a hindrance?" Tavza asked.


    "The opposite, really," Zac said. "She has her own goals, so she won''t help me. But she won''t make trouble for me or my friends either. Better to have a neutral party enter the Left Imperial Pce than a hostile one, right? She''s only interested in the main inheritance while we''re supposed to be looking for something else."


    Zac didn''t mention he knew about the Hollow Court, at least not yet. You never knew when that knowledge coulde in handy.


    "We can''t do much about the Tayns," Laz''Tem Zul agreed. "Trying to bar them from the inheritance will create more trouble than it''s worth, and targeting their princess would lead to a cmity for the Empire��it''s better just to stay out of their way."


    Zac inwardly sighed, unable to fully suppress the pang of jealousy in his heart. Iz was really living life on easy mode, with her family being so terrifying that even the Undead Empire didn''t dare target her. Meanwhile, he was forced to n ten steps ahead every time he left Earth. To that point, he still wasn''t out of the woods as Toss wordlessly looked at him, clearly not satisfied with his answers thus far.


    "I know what you''re looking for, but I don''t have any answers to give you. I don''t know how I came to be," Zac said. "I''m sure you''ve investigated my background already. I''m a native of Earth."


    "A human," Tossmented.


    "Well, truth be told, I actually died once during the integration," Zac said. "At least I thought I did. A few secondster, I woke up in my Draugr form. It took months before I even heard of Draugr. I''ve been searching for answers to my situation since. My best guess is that I''m like many other natives of Earth��a descendant of that bloodline research base that had everyone in a tizzy."


    "The heretic base, which just so happened to blow up after you entered its depths," Katormented. "Destroying any chances of verifying your ims."


    "Yeah, well. It would blow up whether I got involved or not because of that spatial treasure," Zac shrugged. "You could always look for simr bases if you want more answers. I''d be curious to see what you''d find as well. As for my means, that''s just what happens when you survive against all odds, and your advantages begin to snowball."


    He conjured a screen, and a few sharp intakes echoed across the room as they read its contents.


    [Grand Achievement: Gain 50 Titles while in E-Grade. Reward: Effect of Attributes +6%.]


    "Fifty?" Pavina muttered in disbelief while Enis and Laz looked at him with burning eyes.


    Zac smiled as he closed the screen. This was the best he coulde up with. Pleading ignorance wouldn''t satisfy these reavers, so he''d prepared a usible excuse that was impossible to verify. Triv had already mentioned sending back word of the unusual amounts of varied bloodlines on Earth, and he was using that fact to cover up his own circumstances.


    "You should worry about our real enemies rather than some imaginary hand in the shadows. Catheya and I were targeted by the First Heaven inside the Perennial Vastness," Zac added, eager to change the subject. "They even sent a Supremacy into the Immemorial Realm to take me out."


    "What?"


    "What happened?"


    Zac ignored the suspicious looks and recounted the situation mostly truthfully, only leaving Kruta out of the equation.


    "How could you possibly remember all this?" Laz''Tem Zul asked, and he was not the only one doubting Zac''s words.


    "I made a deal with the Realm Spirit Sendor," Zac said. "I retain all memories of people and events inside the Perennial Vastness but nothing about the realm itself. I also had Lord Sendor arrange a special opportunity for Catheya, so she''ll only return one year before the inheritance trial. I figured you wouldn''t take me at my word, so I brought you some things."


    Zac presented a series of reports, information crystals, and Cultivation Manuals taken from Valsa''s spatial ring and the various safe houses. He even presented one of his seal-finding treasures, though he kept the rest back on Earth. Zac felt a series of domineering souls scan the contents on the table, and the room was silent for over ten seconds.


    "As expected, the harmony between the coalitions is cracking now that another pir is up for grabs," Kator said, his thoughts mirroring Kruta''s. "That''s pretty good. I''ve always wanted to lead a crusade against those haughty bastards, but they''re too troublesome when sticking together. "


    "It''s no surprise the imperials are getting mixed up in this��it would be weird if they didn''t. Even the undying Realm Spirit of the Perennial Vastness is trying to influence events from the shadows," Toss grunted, turning to Zac. "I''ll ept your exnation for now. But I will keep a watch on you. I will strike you down if you give me a reason to think you''re working against the Empire''s interests. I don''t care how valuable your bloodline is to the Abyssal Shores."


    "And I''ll work hard to be a thorn in the side for you and the whole White Sky Phnx if I find you people scheming against me," Zac countered.


    "You against the whole Phnx?" Katorughed, but there was an unmistakable sharpness to his tone. "Such huge appetite from a barely ascended Hegemon. Then again, you need the backbone of a reaver if you want to aplish anything great in this world. I heard you fought my uncle to a standstill inside that big fish. Impressive, even if you cheated."


    "I cheated?" Zac swore, the memory of that duel igniting a wave of anger. "That shameless guy cheated long before I bent the rules a bit."


    "Is that so?" Kator said. "Well, makes me even more interested in fighting you. I want to see if you have what it takes to threaten my home."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What''s the point?" Zac snorted. "As you said, I just ascended. Besides, we both have better things to do."


    "What better way to get to know each other than through a simple spar?" Kator said. "I''ll restrict my level to yours."


    "See, your uncle said the same thing until he started losing," Zac shrugged. "Not interested."


    "Ah, I remember a prize was on the line for that duel. Then how about I put up something good I found the other day?" Kator said. "If you win, I will provide you with a sealholder."


    "What, you''ll lend me one of your men?" Zac said. "Why would I want that?"


    "Oh, not one of mine," Kator snickered. "It''s a Dreamer I brought back from mytest campaign. A Zecia native, at that. Maybe even someone you know."

 Chapter 1077 - Duel

    "You''ve captured a Zecia sealbearer?" Zac asked with a frown.


    Zac knew the reaver was just taunting him, but he was still worried. On paper, it should be almost impossible for him to know whoever Kator had captured, but things weren''t that simple. For one, the circles were much smaller when looking at the elites at the top. Even if he didn''t personally know them, there was a decent chance he knew of them.


    Secondly, he''d already seen how one acquaintance after another got their hands on seals, possibly piggybacking on his connection to Ultom or the Left Imperial Pce.


    "I didn''t, the cultists did," Kator said while scratching the bone ting on his chest. "The Kan''Tanu takes a lot of prisoners, and we often get missions to liberate them. A world I conquered had a prison full of captured elites waiting to be imnted with Heart Curses, and the sealbearer hid among them. I sent the others back home for a small fee but kept the real prize for myself. Who knew it woulde in handy so soon?"


    "Who is it?"


    "Does that mean you ept?"


    Zac didn''t immediately say yes. "What if I lose?"


    "Then you rein in your attitude and follow orders properly inside the Left Imperial Pce."


    The fact that Kator was so eager to spar with him, to the point he was even offering up a sealbearer, was suspicious. What the reaver asked in return was essentially something Zac would have to do in either case, considering his contractual obligations. It felt like a trap, but he didn''t know what it could be.


    Did he want to use the opportunity to strike at him? Zac doubted it. Even if the reaver wanted to kill him, a spar in the middle of Kavista wasn''t the ce. Multiple Draugr Monarchs were observing, and there was simply no way Kator could take him out before they intervened. And Kator was definitely smart enough to realize that.


    Or did Kator want to leave a shadow in his heart, utterly crushing him to the point Zac began to doubt his path? Unfortunately for him, Zac''s heart wasn''t so fragile he couldn''t take a loss by someone almost twice his age. Yet Zac hesitated, unsure whether the gamble was worth it. But could he just leave someone here in Kator''s grasp?


    "Even spars can lead to injury," a calm voice interjected, and Zac looked over at Tavza. "The Abyssal Pond is opening in one week. He cannot be wounded for that opportunity."


    "Then let''s wait a month," Kator said. "I want to spar with him when he''s in his best state anyhow."


    "Fine, I agree," Zac grunted. "But you keep the sealbearer alive and in good condition until then."


    "Of course. I''ll ensure the Istion Array keeps running for a month," Kator grinned. "After that��"


    "No need to y those games," Zac snorted. "I said I''ll fight you, so I will. Now, can you tell me who it is?"


    "Enough bickering," Toss said. "We''ll keep the Dreamer alive. This is good; you should exchange pointers anyhow. Both of you have entered the Integration Stage, and fighting opponents with simr aplishments in technique will help you push toward the next level. As for the sealbearer''s identity, it''s a Dreamer called Boje Zethaya. You should know him. For now, let''s get back on track."


    So it was that guy. Boje was the Zethaya n Alchemist he''d almost killed while visiting the Tower of Eternity decades ago. To think he''d also gotten his hands on a seal. Zac knew he''d have to win the duel in a month and free the man, to give him a thrashing, if nothing else. After all, it was after Ibtep visited Boje''s subordinates that his reputation took a drastic nosedive, and his nickname was born.


    Of course, Boje was also incredibly valuable beyond his status as a sealbearer. It wasn''t a secret that Boje had be a disciple of their Matriarch over a decade ago. Even Zac, or rather Joanna in his name, had sent a letter of congrattions when the news became public. Saving Boje could help the Atwood Empire get their hands on Zethaya''s best wares, the stuff that the alchemists currently only provided the top factions as part of their wartime contribution.


    "Agreed, let''s move on," Laz Tem''Zul said. "The information you brought on the Seven Heavens will be useful. Knowing that the Tobrial Dynasty of the Seventh Heaven is in charge of the events will let us prepare some counters. However, be careful when striking deals with entities such as Sendor the Unbounded. You never know how it''ll affect the course of events. The Realm Spirit might have just been bored, but it likely had ulterior motives for assisting you."


    "I wasn''t really in a position to refuse, so I figured I might as well extract some benefits," Zac shrugged.


    "Greedy, just like in the Orom World. Be careful not to overstuff yourself," Pavina smiled before her brows furrowed. "Since no one else is asking, I will. One moment we thought you''d sacrificed your Draugr half, then two names appear on the Zecia Ladder. What''s going on? Are you okay?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The time hade for the main course. Zac put the matter of Boje aside and gathered his thoughts by ensconcing himself in the Void within. The next couple of minutes would decide whether his gambit was sessful or not, and there couldn''t be any mistakes.


    "I guess I overestimated myself, thinking I would be the first to seed where all others had failed," Zac began, trying to look like someone embarrassed but trying to hide it. "Simply put, things went wrong during the Core Formation almost immediately, and I was forced to split my soul.


    "You should already know from the Twilight Ocean I''ve absorbed the two forms of Remnants. They were a big reason I chose to cultivate Pure Life and Death rather than stepping onto the Heavenly Path. Ultimately, it didn''t work out. I was forced to use Creation to form a second body and then Oblivion to sever the two."


    "You''re saying your state is the result of a controlled deviation?" Tavza asked.


    "I''m not sure if you can call it that," Zac said. "It isn''t my path that''s broken or imperfect, but the Dao. The result is mostly the same, though."


    Zac spent the next half-hour going over his situation and answering questions, mixing truths and falsehoods to paint the picture he wanted to show to the outside world.


    "Forming a new body with Creation and transnting the Essence of Draug," Toss muttered, turning to the other Monarchs. "Is something like this possible?"


    "That''s��" Laz hesitated while Enis looked simrly troubled.


    "I stand by my earlier statement," Tavza said. "He is Eoz."


    "We will have to run some tests to make sure nothing is wrong with you," Toss said, getting approving nods from the other Monarchs. "If what you say is true, it''s a miracle just being alive. Odds are you have lingering problems, problems that should be remedied sooner rather thanter. You still are in a formative state after your breakthrough. Waiting too long will leave you with a cracked foundation."


    "Of course," Zac agreed, having expected them to put forth such a demand.


    They obviously wanted to use the examination to dig for his secrets, but so what? Even Sendor had been forced to provide benefits to get to the bottom of things, so how could a couple of Monarchs trapped on the frontier figure out the truth? Between conventional wisdom and the simple fact that even the System considered him two people, his lie was almost foolproof.


    "This is good and all, but you still haven''t shed light on the most critical issue," Kator said. "You''re saying this body was created inside the Perennial Vastness. Are you, the Draugr you, even a sealbearer any longer?"


    "That''s where things get tricky," Zac said as he shared all three of his quests rted to Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce to prove he still had ess to the inheritance.


    "mebearer��" Tavza sighed, and Zac could feel a palpable desire from Kator on the other side of the table.


    "The thing is, both I and my alter ego received this quest," Zac said. "I actually don''t know who''s the real sealbearer. Maybe whoever gets the final piece? Maybe we can choose which of us should enter? I guess I''ll know more when I start progressing the quest."


    "Maybe we should just cut you open and see if there''s a seal inside," Katormented.


    "You could try," Zac said, not fazed in the slightest by the undisguised threat. "If you think one of your subordinates would be a better mebearer candidate than me. Of course, if I don''t send back the right message at regr intervals, my other half will know you''ve broken your side of the agreement.


    "Then we''ll see how things will y out inside the Left Imperial Pce, especially after Zac joins up with the Tayns or some other faction. No point for him to hold onto death when you''ve severed the link, right? And I guess you''ll just have to pray that the Court Cycle Token isn''t necessary for your mission."


    "No one is killing anyone," Laz Tem''Zul said. "The Empire honors its agreements."


    "Kator''s crude jokes aside, you should understand we have no reason to target you," Pavina said, giving the young reaver an annoyed look. "You might not know this, but seals taken from others generally don''t award a quest. Meanwhile, you have three, more than we''ve seen on anyone else. And considering how you were the first to get a seal, we have all the reason to believe you''ll be a key yer in the uing mission."


    "How do you know that?" Zac said with surprise.


    "The whole Multiverse knew," Toss scoffed. "You picking up the first seal was like throwing a mountain into a calmke. Everyone tuned into these matters felt the ripples on the River of Fate. And while you have extraordinary protections against investigative measures, they''re not foolproof. Our Divine Strategists and the Abyssal Eye of the Mez Family all found clues to your identity."


    Zac kept his face impassive, but he was rmed. This was the first time he had heard of such a thing. It was one thing to be one among many sealbearers, slipping back into obscurity after the inheritance while the Undead Empire took the heat of any potential fallout. But it was another thing altogether if the ancient factions knew it was he who kicked off everything.


    "Your identity should be mostly safe," Tavza said. "The divinations only returned diffuse hints of Chaos, Death, and the Buddhist Sangha. We could connect those impressions with you because of the informationpiled from Twilight Harbor and your encounter with the Voidcatcher. Only the Sangha has a simr understanding. The Starbeast Alliance shouldn''t be aware of your real identity."


    That was a relief, though only a small one.


    "While on the subject, can you exin your connection to the monks?" Enis asked. "I find it highly troubling that you''re so entangled with them. Of all the factions in the Multiverse, they''re one of the most troublesome to get mixed up with. Even the Absolute Seal came out on the losing end when she invaded the Sea of Tranquility. And I hear she''s been gued by misfortune since, barely holding onto her title."


    Zac was still reeling over his identity as the first sealbearer being exposed, but he gathered his thoughts and shared what he knew. This time, he saw no reason to hide any details. One of the reasons he''d joined up with the Undead Empire was to gain some protection against the Sangha. So Zac shared everything from Mount Evesting Peace until what happened with the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation].


    "That little bastard," Pavina swore. "I''ll deal with him if I ever see him again."


    "You''ve done well, but you should have told us about this part earlier. We have some methods to weaken their hold on you," Toss added. "Few are as versed in dealing with the Sangha as us."


    "The trap in the Body Tempering Manual. You realized the danger from one of the seals you picked up inside the Void Star?" Tavza interjected, and Zac nodded after giving it some thought.


    "Fate��" Tavza sighed, putting two and two together.


    The Draugr Scion was right on the money. If not for the situation with the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation], he might not have thought to ask Iz to investigate the [Essence of the Abyss]. Even if suspicious, he would probably have sumbed to the drive to get stronger and drank it before Iz showed up. Certainly, his odd bloodline and the Technocrat Core may have protected him from the trap, but he''d have to be a fool to underestimate the means and methods of any ancient faction.


    "It sounds like a ssic move by those baldies," Pavina sighed. "They likely knew you''de to us after observing you inside the Orom. This way, you''d either be an unfeeling arhat or develop a distrust for us. Those people are something else, causing trouble from the other side of the Multiverse."


    Zac wryly smiled. He sometimes wondered the same thing, whether Three Virtues really meant to harm him or not.


    "The content of your quest, is that''s why you''ve brought a Dreamer merchant to the empire?" Tavza asked, getting the discussion back on track.


    "Exactly," Zac said. "You guys have helped me a lot over the years, but I need to be shameless and ask for more assistance. My faction is ultimately young andcking foundations. We don''t have the resources to fight this kind ofrge-scale war."


    "That''s not what our reports indicate," Toss snorted.


    Even Pavina, who had only spoken in his favor during the meeting, raised a brow at the shameless disy.


    "You''re simply filthy rich for your grade, even before you started selling those Cosmic Vessels," the reaver continued. "You shouldn''t have any problempleting the Campaign Quest by throwing some money around. You might even be able to finish a solo campaign on an Early D-grade world, judging by your aura."


    "This is only the first quest in the line," Zac countered. "None of us know how many hoops the System will throw at me before giving me the final piece. The quicker I can finish this one, the better, right? Especially considering I only need some siege��"


    "We''ll assist you, but we need to be careful," Laz Tem''Zul interjected. "There is a reason us old things are standing on the sidelines. The war is connected to the inheritance and the System observing our every move. We''re afraid helping too much would count as cheating, negatively affecting you in the trial, or making subsequent quests far more difficult. Tavza and Kator only have slightly better resources allocatedpared to our other battlefronts for the same reason."


    "You''ve given us a lot to unpack," Toss said. "Someone will take you to get checked while we discuss. Frankly, we need answers from the Liches before we can formte a n."


    "I''m sure you''re curious about life here in the Empire," Laz Tem''Zul added. "Why not familiarize yourself with your new home and stabilize your state before dealing with these matters?"


    "There''ll be time for sightseeingter," Zac said while putting the next part of his n in motion back on Earth. "Right now, I need to focus on getting stronger. And let me be clear, I may have been split in half, but I am still the same person. My home is the Atwood Empire. I do not wish to change anything in my previous agreements just because I''m now more of a normal Draugr."


    "Then we''ll have someone lead you to a suitable Cultivation Chamber afterward," Laz sighed, opting not to press the issue.


    "Thank you," Zac nodded. "I look forward to working with you all."


    He walked toward the exit, and the door opened on its own, revealing a beautiful young Draugr woman. Her eyes practically sparkled as she looked up at Zac, and she curtsied in a way that showcased an astounding amount of cleavage.


    "Lord Umbri''Zi, I am Kasina Kavriel. I''ve been tasked with guiding you and fulfilling any of your other requirements during your stay," she said, her inflection leaving no doubt about how far she was willing to take her hospitality. "If you please."


    "Then I''ll rely on you," Zac coughed as they left the meeting room.


    He tried to keep up some polite conversation with the girl as she led him toward the ward, but his thoughts were elsewhere. Just like the Monarchs no doubt was analyzing everything he''d said, so was he going over the meeting. As far as he could tell, everything had gone ording to n, except for Kator making the situation murkier than it needed to be.


    The Monarchs had stopped short of promising anything tangible, but things were moving in the direction. Passing the check-up was the final step before he could begin harvest, and he''d prepared a few tricks to stack the deck in his favor. His human body had already appeared on Pangea, stepping into another War Camp without hiding his tracks.


    Zac wasn''t nning on conquering a second world in one day. This would be a short visit where he killed multiple birds with one stone.

 Chapter 1078 - Upgrades

    Zac sighed as the gates closed, his exhtion creating swirls in the medicinal mists around him. The ambient energy of the Cultivation Chamber, which actually was inside the trunk of an enormous tree, was even greater than the caves he''d used in the Orom World''s ckink Mountain. But while the energy density had almost been lethal back then, it was a wee luxury to his D-grade body.


    The quantities were amazing, and there was a quality to match. Zac had felt there was something different about the energy since arriving in Kavista. It felt moreplete than almost any ce he''d visited before, likely one of the benefits of C-grade continents. Something like that wouldn''t create miracles, but it should make progress through the ranks smoother, and those born in these environments would have greater chances of being blessed with high affinities.


    That gift that had been amplified inside the sacred tree through aprehensive set of arrays, and the dense mists of Medicinal smoke improved the environment even further. It felt like healing rain falling on the parched desert that was his soul, and even his other body benefitted from it as he sat in his cave back on Earth.


    Zac''s body was already greedily absorbing what the cultivation chamber generously provided, and he even felt some of it entering his Cosmic Core to help push him toward the next level. All his Hidden Nodes were blissfully quiet, indicating there should be no poisons or other dangers hidden inside the medicinal fumes.


    The environment left nothing to be desired, but Zac was even more appreciative of the silence. Only the soft, calming crackle of three burning braziers and apanying incense was a wee change after six hours of tests and constant questions from both the Kavriel n''s Healers and experts brought from the Undead Empire.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They had worked hard to ensure he was okay, searching high and low for any damage. Unsurprisingly, they hadn''t found much. He had endured all kinds of punishment inside the Perennial Vastness, but the marks from those experiences were mostly on his other body. Of course, the most troubling wounds left by Chaos and Tribtion Lightning had been transnted along with his Draugr foundation.


    But four months had passed since forming the Glimpse of Chaos, and his rapid natural recovery had already dealt with the fallout. The Tribtion Lightning was more recent, and the unfettered assault had caused far more damage than the Chaos Motes. Most of the medicine currently entering his pores was a custom mix meant to deal with the small cracks left by the Heavenly Wrath. Thepound was even a custom mix based on his constitution, a luxury only those with private Alchemists and Doctors could enjoy.


    Of course, looking for damage to his foundations was not the true purpose of the check-up. Their check-up was mostly an excuse to excavate his secrets, and the experience had allowed him to confirm a few things. His Specialty Cores had the same feature as his old Concealment Array, which led to people not finding anything out of the norm.


    They didn''t seem to realize he had a Specialty Core at all, instead seeing a Cosmic Core based on his Inexorable Path. Sendor had been able to see the truth, though it had looked like two separate cores to him. So his Kayar-Elu Core did most of the heavy lifting, but the doctors had peppered him with such a number of questions that he''d barely managed to keep his facts straight.


    Emerging from the Healing Ward had felt like leaving the courthouse after having been cross-examined for days, narrowly avoiding a death sentence. Even then, it was an even greater relief to finally get rid of the Kavriel girl. She had only gotten more aggressive as time passed until she finally shed all pretenses. Having to physically ward off half-naked beauties wasn''t part of the scenarios he, Vri, and Joanna had drawn up before visiting.


    Though,e to think of it, it was something Catheya often warned him off.


    Zac hadn''t been called back to the meeting room after everything was said and done, which Zac felt was a positive sign. Maybe his performance back on Earth might have helped sell his ims. Forcibly activating [Arcadia''s Judgment] just five hours after the battle with the Eighth Army had damaged his human pathways, but it was the most effective way to show that the Zac back on Earth was real rather than a weak clone. Seeing how quickly they''d gotten word of his return the first time, they''d likely managed to enlist quite a few spies among the natives of Earth.


    As nned, his outing to Pangea had been short but eye-catching. He''d sacrificed a bit more Faction Merit to step onto the 11th battlefront controlled by Rhuger, who currently held the 19th cement on the localdder. It was one of the most integrated armies, with representatives from all races. Zac figured that was the easiest way to ensure word reached Kavista one way or another.


    While there, he''d adopted the same crude but effective tactics as during his first battle. He shot out from the fortifications like a meteor, crashing into the much-smaller Kan''Tanu Army. Less than two minutester, he''d returned to the wall walk, having taken out the leader of the enemy army and at least fifty bodyguards in one fell swoop.


    Now that everything was dealt with, Zac sat down on the central array. A mysterious sensation filled him, like he''d been connected with the tree itself. Its roots were his roots, continuously drawing pure Miasma from the depths of the world. Its branches were his branches, transmitting the voice of the cosmos to his ear, showering him in the Dao.


    Zac spent the next hour resting his mind and absorbing the rejuvenating mist while his human body repaired the cracked pathways around [Arcadia''s Judgment]. After that, Zac went to work, both bodies working in tandem as they made their way through one section of his body after another. Zac was tireless thanks to enjoying the benefits of two high-quality environments, and his speed only increased as he formed an instinctual understanding of how his sses were codified into fractals and runes.


    He did nothing but upgrade pathways over the next two days, and thebination of hisprehension and supremely durable body let him reforge more than half his pathways��something that''d take normal Mortals with Rare sses months, sometimes years, if their constitutions were on the weaker side.


    No one disturbed his Draugr body during this time, but messages were constantly delivered to his Cultivation Cave back on Earth. Emily had seeded in her conquest and would return the next day for the monthly War Council. Zac looked forward to seeing her again, along with many of his old friends who had supported the empire in his absence. It also meant he needed to get a move on. He wanted answers from the Undead Empire before convening.


    He still had some time, though, and leaving now felt like a waste. Zac had spent the past days gaining a much-better understanding of his sses, and there was no telling he''d have a moment of tranquility like this next time. He wanted to capitalize on his mental state being this good, which meant it was high time to upgrade [Deathmark].


    He didn''t immediately walk over to the high-quality Skill Upgrade array installed next to where he was sitting. Instead, he cleared his thoughts and ate a Natural Treasure that helped elevate his mental state. It was in the same vein as the bulbous treasure he''d used to create [Pir of Destion], though nowhere near the same quality.


    Zac didn''t need the treasure for inspiration. He already knew the general direction he wanted to take and how such a fractal should look. However, this was the first D-grade skill he''d create, and he wanted it to be perfectly in tune with his Inexorable Path. Inexorability was control over fate, the relentless advance that overcame any resistance. Resisting inexorability was not a victory��it was a stay of execution.


    In that vein, the corrosive domain was very much in line with his path, putting his opponents under constant pressure until they could no longer resist. The problem was the wraiths, the half representing the Dao of Conflict. Their ability to constantly reform after being destroyed was in the right direction, but Zac had long felt they missed something.


    Too many of his stronger opponents had been able to simply shrug off their advance like they were nothing but annoying flies. They were likemon soldiers trying to take down an Eonic Seed. Zac had ample first-hand experience of the fate awaiting the poor soldiers tasked with such a mission. For those men, he was essentially the grim reaper.


    Simrly, his wraiths failed to leave a single mark on Zac''s most troublesome enemies. Certainly, they''d managed to kill several powerful adversaries over the years, but that was because Zac had forced an opening with his technique and other skills. That wasn''t a testament to [Deathmark]''s power��any skill would have been able to finish the job at that point.


    The problem was the reset.


    Every time a wraith was destroyed, the skill was pushed back to square one. Only if they managed tond a hit would they leave thesting mark that gave the skill its name. This didn''t mesh with Zac''s vision of his path, one that constantly advanced and suffocated the enemy with intractable power. He had to increase the Dao of Conflict to bnce the skill, but he didn''t want to just make the wraiths stronger.


    Rather, he wanted to emte the winds of war, where the pressure mounted until something gave way. Doing so would impose a time limit on the ability, but Zac was fine with that. A few minutes of downtime between uses, like [Rapturous Divide], was eptable if it improved the usefulness on more powerful enemies while retaining itsrge-scale impact on weaker enemies.


    The synthetic epiphany helped Zac iron out a few small details he''d intentionally left open until he finished the surrounding pathways over the next few hours. When everything was finished, he stepped onto the tform holding the Skill Upgrade Array.


    The setup looked very different from the [Fractal Framework Array] he''d used in the E-grade. Arge bowl holding inky-ck water was ced atop the tform. It was almost as wide as a manhole cover, and its waters rippled mysteriously despite no wind. Just looking at the small waves filled Zac with impressions of the Daos of Death and Conflict.


    Zac wasn''t sure how it was powered, but it was clear the Kavriel n had infused the tform with Daos simr to his own. Neither Dao held quite the concepts that made up his Branches of the Pale Seal and War Axe, but it was very impressive for a borrowed environment. There were two interlocked magical circles, one surrounding the bowl and the other where Zac sat down.


    A small burst of information entered Zac''s mind as he infused some Mental Energy into the array beneath him, and he immediately understood how the array worked. While it looked quite different from his arrays, it was functionally the same. Zac began the process by infusing his Daos into the array, and the ripples in the waters subtly changed as Zac branded it with his path.


    The process took an hour and cost a surprising amount of Mental Energy. A purely martial cultivator would already have been mentally exhausted, but the expenditure was negligible for Zac. When done, the array began drawingrge amounts of Miasma, forming a natural circuit that passed through the two circles before returning it to his body.


    The upside of this setup quickly became apparent. It was almost like the inky water had be a part of him, and the Skill Fractal for [Deathmark] barely rippled when it entered the bowl. The waters kept the fractal stable as it entered its malleable state, and Zac could tell the fixed array would give him twice as much time as the portable arrays he used in the Twilight Ocean.


    That didn''t mean he would waste any time, and he immediately began his work on the patterns. The waters rippled and churned as Zac refined one section after another, sending back incredibly detailed feedback. Every movement on the water''s surface resulted from the Skill Fractal within, and the connection with his Dao let him perfectly understand what they meant with greater precision than the warning signals youmonly saw.


    Still, the waters were generally quite calm as the hours passed, only predictably crashing against the bowl''s edge when Zac performed the necessary realignments to bnce Conflict and Death. Sixteen hourster, a shimmering rune pulsating with his Inexorable Path rose from the waters and entered his body. Zac observed the intricate fractal as he fused it with his pathways, almost feeling robbed of his aplishment.


    Zac knew he shouldn''tin that the upgrade had progressed without a hitch, but such an easy process almost made him feel like he''d taken a shortcut or aimed too low. No, things had simply followed the script for once. Between the environment, his Daos, and his theoretical foundations, there really shouldn''t be any issues when upgrading his basic skills.


    This might be a step that eluded many Wandering Cultivators on the frontier, but Zac was ultimately more simr to hearnd elites already. Still, he had carried the nagging feeling that some crisis would strike at a critical juncture, just like when he upgraded his core. Heughed quietly as he shook his head, briefly wondering if all his struggles and setbacks had made him addicted to suffering.


    Curiosity soon won over his suspicions, and he excitedly opened the Skill Panel.


    [D] Deathmark - Proficiency: Early. Join your foes in an Inexorable dance of Death. Upgradeable.


    The vor text, like the Skill Fractal itself, was mostly the same. The few adjustments he''d made hadn''t changed the fundamental nature of the skill. The simplest change was to leverage his Cosmic Core to increase the skill''s reach by almost ten times. Since he''d chosen to make it a time-limited skill, he wanted it to consume a huge region before he activated it again in another section of the enemy lines.


    It was that first burst of corrosion that would have the greatest effect in either case. After that point, the enemy would adapt and stay clear of the zone of death. He''d already seen a simr response after he activated the [Setting Sun Talisman] in the middle of the Kan''Tanu army. So Zac didn''t consider the limited usage much of a downside.


    However, bolstering Conflict and making adjustments had undoubtedly reduced the strength of the corrosive domain somewhat. Zac believed that was a worthy trade-off. The domain itself wouldn''t be as lethal, but it should still be deadly to E-grade cultivators when powered by his Daos. And the reimagined wraiths should be better at dealing with the stronger enemies caught in his domain.


    Zac felt a bit drained, even with everything going ording to n, but not to the point he had to rest. He needed to enquire about the situation outside, so his human body resumed upgrading pathways while his Draugr self stood up and left the Cultivation Chamber back in Kavista.


    The exit led to a luxurious living room built atop a branch, where Zac found a graceful silhouette waiting. Thankfully, it was Tavza rather than Kasina Kavriel having returned for another round. A slight frown appeared on his face when he saw a projection of his newly formed Skill Fractal float atop the table before her, but his brows smoothed out as he walked over.


    Going in, he''d already figured his every move would be monitored even if his n worked.


    "I didn''t expect you to be so free to spy on me forming a skill," Zacmented. "I bet Kator is already out there racking up merit."


    "Constantly staying on the battlefronts is an inefficient use of time," Tavza calmly said as Zac sat down. "Ny percent of a battlefront''s merit can be seized in a very short timeframe. The battle you joined on your return is a good example of that. The rest of my time is better spent focusing on more important matters than micromanaging my army. My generals will inform me when a window of opportunity appears."


    Zac hadn''t expected Tavza to provide such a detailed answer to his jab, but her words weren''t without merit. It would be one thing if he had been able to teleport to one lucrative battlefront after another, but doing so would slowly drain the Atwood Empire of its Faction Merit. So he would either have to elerate his own campaigns through burning money and sacrificing manpower, or he''d have to ept there would be downtimes where his presence didn''t add much.


    If anything, his roving the battlefront could lead to the enemy turtling up and increasing their defensive measures. During those periods, he might be better off hunting Beast Kings or focusing on his cultivation.


    "Your control iscking, but you more than make up for it with an uncanny instinct when ites to the Heavenly Patterns. Your theoretical foundations are exceptionally stable for someone with your background. If I didn''t know any better, I would have thought you hid a fourth Dao Branch from the Peak of the Grand Tapestry," Tavzamented. "This, together with your apparent inability to exin your origin, has filled certain people with misgivings."


    "Are those misgivings enough to attempt snatching my seal or trap me here?" Zac asked.


    "No. It would appear that targeting you is much more likely to harm our ns than assist them. But then, you knew that already, which is why you dared ept our invitation."


    A smile spread across Zac''s face. The harvest was in, and it was time to inspect the crop.

 Chapter 1079 - Returning to the Fold

    Zac nodded at Tavza to continue, the promise of treasure making his heart beat faster. Not even upgrading his skill couldpare to the prospect of getting ess to the Undead Empire''s stockpiles. Perhaps if he''d gotten another title out of it, but the System wouldn''t award bonuses from something so basic in the D-grade.


    "I''ve been instructed to ask you about the incongruity between the talent you showcased when forming your skill and what we found during the inspection before we go into detail," Tavza said. "If we don''t get to the bottom of things, we must first reconvene."


    Zac snorted, knowing the Monarchs were likely spying on the conversation. He couldn''t me them for their demand. He was the same, grabbing for benefits every opening he saw. And them confirming he really was a Draugr Mortal had created massive waves, where the Draugr doctors had looked at him like he was an alien. Zac thought it over for a few seconds before nodding.


    He''d have to give up a smaller secret to protect a bigger one.


    "I guess I can tell you. It''s unrted to the Peak of the Grand Tapestry," Zac said.


    The Peak of the Grand Tapestry, or the Artisanal Peak as many called it, was the peak that held most of the Daos craftsmen used. Smiths, Alchemists, Formation Masters, and inscribers generally walked this path, though most used Mixed-meaning Daos. For example, a cksmith would likely fuse the Daos of Fire and Smithing to focus on fire-attuned tools.


    You could obviously do without it, just as Zac could swing his weapons without his Branch of the War Axe. Of course, that would make things a lot harder for him. He was lucky, in a sense, that [Cosmic Forge] was a technique invented before the Heavens reformed. Otherwise, he would have been unlikely to be able to reach the upperyers of the method unless he got an Artisinal Dao.


    The Peak of the Grand Tapestry was not solely something for craftsmen, though. It governed the concepts of patterns, which could have various applications. Most notably, it was the secondary Dao of the Apostate of Order and part of his addition to the System. Order brought rules and predictability, setting up the variousws governing everything from System-enforced contracts to the Unifying Era''s cultivation system.


    Meanwhile, the Grand Tapestry yed an important role in turning the Apostate''s codified vision into something that could be used even by low-grade cultivators. As such, it would be an incredibly helpful tool when creating skills, as its shadow could be found in every Skill Fractal. There were even cultivators who solely focused on inventing or improving skills for Dao Repositories, using the Peak of the Grand Tapestry as a basis. Of course, that had nothing to do with his current aplishments.


    "It''s rted to the uing mission."


    "The inspiration awarded by the seals is marvelous, but they''re not enough to gain such aprehensive understanding as what you''ve disyed."


    "Well, not the seals, no," Zac said. "But that''s not the only thing I''ve found rted to the inheritance. You should know that the Left Imperial Pce is just a shell surrounding the real prize."


    "Ultom Courts," Tavza nodded. "The sole heritage of the Lost Era."


    "Well, I got my hands on something else from that ce," Zac said, taking out a small vial.


    Tavza frowned as she picked up the ss container. She took out the stopper, and Zac saw her impassive expression crack as a gust of madness escaped from the lid.


    "What''s this?" Tavza gasped as she closed the vial.


    "Iz Tayn called it Dead Dao," Zac shrugged. "It''s nasty, but the waters hold a weakened version of the truths from that ce. I found a wholeke of this stuff inside the Void Star and used it to shore up my foundations."


    Theke water was mostly gone, and the small samples he had left weren''t enough to provide any insights. He''d still kept them around in case they became useful down the road. For example, he''d considered whether he could use them as an ingredient in apass for the Left Imperial Pce. Something that could harmonize with the aura of Ultom and lead him to simr treasures.


    "This is quite literally drinking from a tainted well."


    "Well, as luck would have it, the Bloodline of Eoz is surprisingly effective at dealing with that stuff as long as I don''t overindulge. Others couldn''t make use of the insights locked within."


    "Do you have more of this?"


    "All gone," Zac smiled as he took back the vial. "Ran out a year before I headed to the Perennial Vastness. "


    Tavza looked at the vial for a few seconds before slowly nodding. "I would urge caution, but that ship has sailed. Besides, I doubt you would have listened to me."


    "So, the agreements?" Zac said, eager to change the subject before they began prodding into hiscking affinities again.


    "The Abyssal Shores would have preferred you returning to the Empire''s embrace now that you''ve separated from your human half, but the nature of your quest makes that impossible for now," Tavza sighed. "So we ept your proposal. Completing your quest takes precedence, and we''ll continue to support your cultivation."


    "When you say your��"


    "That of Arcaz Umbri''Zi," Tavza borated. "If things are as you said, we believe it''s in our best interest to push your aplishments and strength beyond that of Zachary Atwood. Since we can''t confirm how your change has affected the mission, it''s best to make one of the two bodies a better candidate in the System''s eyes."


    "I guess Zac will have to start looking out for daggers in the dark," Zac muttered.


    "I can''tment on that. I only speak for myself and what''s said in the open," Tavza said. "I believe that targeting Zac the human is an unnecessary risk. However, I suggest you tell your other half not to push things too far. We want Arcaz, not Zac, to enter the Left Imperial Pce."


    "I''ll try, but I can''t guarantee anything," Zac said.


    "We''re aware of that," Tavza said. "Perhaps it''s a moot point, and both of you are sent inside. That would obviously be the optimal scenario."


    "I guess," Zac shrugged, though he was inwardly grimacing.


    He had tried to avoid broaching that possibility, but these people weren''t fools. If possible, he wanted his other body to enter unnoticed while this one became his alibi.


    "We will also establish a mercantile link with the Sky Gnome you brought, connecting you with an Early D-grade Smithy on the outskirts of Kavista. Their products are of mediocre quality, and they won''t provide any discounts. In fact, they think they''ve been punished by the reassignment as they were exclusively working for our imperial armies before.


    "This much shouldn''t be considered intervening with your fate. As for your personal benefits, you will be given the equivalent of what the Abyssal Shores would provide any promising Early D-grade cultivator," Tavza said. "However, we will not forcibly raise your strength by pouring you full of resources. We fear it will damage your connection to the Left Imperial Pce."


    Zac''s face scrunched up more and more as Tavza continued. A backwater Early D-grade smithy? That''s it? That was like being thrown some trash they''d found in some dusty corner of a warehouse. Unfortunately, it was hard to poke holes in their excuse.


    It really looked like the System wanted to limit outside interference for this trial, with the outsiders only being able to bring a few Dao Guardians and followers. With the Undead Empire''s agreement being based around the trial rather than the Atwood Empire, they were well within their right to withhold resources out of fear it''d harm their mission.


    "I should tell you, Kator or I did not receive much better terms than this, and we don''t enjoy the freedom you do. The second Pir''s ascent was a harsh lesson for those who tried to meddle with a trial targeted at the younger generation," Tavza added, clearly understanding his misgivings.


    "I guess it makes sense," Zac sighed.


    It was less than he hoped for, but much better than nothing. He had mountains of cash but nowhere to spend it, and even an average D-grade smithy in Kavista should be quite good by frontier standards.


    "Does the resources include��"


    "You pick yourself," Tavza said as she handed him a sigil made from obsidian. "We have added a suitable amount of Imperial Credits to this identity token. You can exchange them for items at the Kavriel n''s private repository. You can earn more contribution the conventional ways, should you find items you want outside your budget."


    "And this is not a sneaky way to trick me into bing a citizen?" Zac smiled, remembering how he used this exact method on the Mavai and Raun.


    Of course, he still epted the token. Getting his hands on the promised batch of resources was half the reason he came here. Zac looked at the An''Azol scion expectantly, hoping there was more good news. However, she calmly looked back at Zac, leading to another drawn-out staring contest. This time greed won.


    "So is there anything��"


    "Can I ask why you so staunchly resist?" Tavza interjected.


    "What, you think I should just roll over and ept whatever you say?" Zac frowned.


    "I am referring to our standing invitation for you to join the Undead Empire. Especially now that you''re apparently a pure Draugr," Tavza borated. "You are essentially a Bloodline Ancestor of the Draugr Race. The Abyssal Shores would sweep away all your troubles to restore the Eoz branch. You would have ess to nigh-limitless resources and Dao Partners if you so desired. You could use your authority to take control of the whole Kavriel Province, providing a safe harbor for your home world."


    "Getting ess to all that wealth and power is a double-edged sword from what I''ve seen," Zac shrugged. "I''m not convinced it wouldn''t harm rather than help me attain my goals, judging by the various Heaven''s Chosen I''ve run into over the years."


    "You think the younger generations spoiled, untested," Tavza nodded. "That is a fair assumption. We only have an iplete ount of your experiences, but those feats alone are quite shocking. You have experienced more great events than many Monarchs, and the Killing Intent you unleashed tells a tale of repeatedly putting your life on the line.


    "Compared to such a background, most so-called chosen indeed cannot measure up. They''ve chosen the safe route, raising themselves as far as their talent and connections can take them. Instead of tribtions and opportunities, they progress using their family''s resources and taking controlled risks. These individuals are predominant in most factions and cannot possibly measure up to you."


    Zac nodded, but a hair-raising feeling suddenly gripped Zac''s heart, prompting him to take out a spare axe.


    "However, you shouldn''t underestimate the ancient factions throughout the Multiverse."


    The whole room disappeared the next moment, reced by utter darkness. Zac felt like he''d been dropped into the depths of the Abyssal Lake, but the experience differedpletely from his Bloodline Visions. There was no sense of weing, ofing home. There was only hostility and a pervasive sense of finality, to the point Zac felt the Death-attuned energy coursing through his body be subverted.


    Zac tried to push back using his Daos and Killing Intent, but it was like throwing a rock down a bottomless chasm. His rational mind told him that there was no way Tavza would try to harm him at this juncture, but a budding panic built from having all his senses sealed. He almost instinctively activated [Void Zone] as a safeguard but quickly calmed down before exposing his secret.


    A few secondster, the domain dispersed, and Zac found himself back in the chair.


    "The true core of any established faction is forged through blood and tribtion. They make up the protective umbre the vast majority rely on," Tavza continued like she hadn''t just attacked Zac. "Those who take the safe route are ultimately servitors providing for our paths, trading longevity and safety for a lifetime of service. They run our businesses, collect resources, and man our armies. Meanwhile, those chosen for nurturing lead a life solely focused on reaching the Terminus.


    "The two families of Azol have nurtured forty-eight Supremacies since the Dark Ages and the Empire''s founding. There have only been three limited periods where our branchcked a Supremacy at its helm. That''s not possible just by wantonly showering the younger generations in wealth and hoping for the best."


    Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t impressed. Just under fifty Supremacies might not sound like a lotpared to the endless years the System had been running. However, Catheya had once mentioned that there had only been around 150 Abyssal Princes since the System''s birth, with a few more suspected Supremacies who never made their status public. In other words, the two families of the Azol branch were responsible for roughly a third of all Draugr Supremacies.


    "I get it; I''ll be careful not to underestimate anyone," Zac sighed.


    Tavza was obviously not just disying her power to push him down a peg or showcase her family''s eminence. It was a warning not to underestimate anyone just because he''de out ahead so far. The people Tavza talked about weren''t the Heaven''s Chosen who made up the top of every generation. It was the Eonic Seeds who had shown the potential to be the future leaders of their faction.


    "That domain, was it your bloodline?"


    "While Eoz acted as the Vanguard, Azol provided Sanctuary. The Abyssal Lake is wherever I am, which is why I was chosen over any talent from the Ur''Mez n. Part of my job is to provide safe harbor during our mission, as the Left Imperial Pce is unlikely to hold any Miasma," Tavza calmly exined. "I simply marked you as a hostile outsider to theke."


    Zac shuddered upon thinking back to that utter darkness. He could only imagine how the real thing would be if an outsider tried to dive into theke''s depths. No wonder even Supremacies had to tread carefully when visiting the Abyssal Lake.


    "Well, I won''t say never when ites to joining the Empire. But I still think things are fine the way they are for now," Zac said. "It''s not just about resources; it''s about freedom. What you offeres with strings attached. Every gift would be another chain anchoring me to the Abyssal Shores. It might not seem like a big deal to you, but I was born here in the wilderness. The thought of getting caught up in the annoying schemes and plots of you people is exhausting."


    Tavza looked at Zac for a few more seconds before nodding. "I won''t waste our time pressing the matter any further. Perhaps the Abyssal Pond with show you that being bound to the Abyssal Lake is not the punishment you think. It''s a gift."


    "How are the preparations?"


    "As promised, the pond will awaken in five days. You will not be the only one entering, though you will be given an advantage. A few locals have received quests that might lead to seals, and we have decided to give them a chance at elevating their unremarkable bloodlines."


    "What advantage?" Zac said, pinpointing the critical aspect. "I thought you just dipped into the water and reaped the benefits?"


    "This is just an anciry pond. The amount of benefits is limited. Simply put, the Abyssal Pond can stay activated for three days at most, and you will be able to enter a day before the others. What you can aplish in that time is up to you. I suggest you work hard until then, finishing up your pathways so that nothing holds you back. You can only attempt an awakening so often. This is your sole opportunity before our mission begins," Tavza said as she stood up.


    "Ultimately, this is only a way to patch up a missing part of your heritage. If you want to fully delve into the gift your ancestor left you, you have to return to the origin. Even we have only unearthed some of the marvels of the Abyssal Lake after all these years. With your bloodline, you might be able to find something uniquely suited to you."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac''s eyes followed Tavza as she left the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts.


    He didn''t know about all the other parts, but he agreed with what Tavza said about preparing for the Abyssal Pond. He couldn''t risk his pathways bing a bottleneck, preventing him from taking full advantage of the opportunity. There was just one thing he had to do before secluding himself again. He left the room shortly after Tavza and inwardly groaned when two new Kavriel attendants waited outside, each a beauty even among the fine-chiseled Draugr.


    Thankfully, they seemed to have learned their lesson from Kasina, and they only made some discrete offers of visiting incensaries or scenic spots before leading him to the Kavriel n''s repository. Zac kept his face impassive as he fought the desire in his heart while scanning the almost endless list of items. He''d thought his Contribution Stores were well stocked, but that felt like a joke now.


    This was what real foundations looked like, and this fortune was only the local stock of a frontier province. It was nothingpared to what waited in the Abyssal Shores. The best schemes were those where your target knew they were being manipted but could do nothing but jump into the trap. Zac did what he could to rein in his greed as he scanned the list for what he needed.


    Soon, four boxes had been delivered to Zac.


    "I need these sent back to my homeworld," Zac said. "It''s about time I send another message anyway. Can you take me to the closest teleporter?"


    "That''s��" The two Kavriel daughters hesitated as they looked at each other, but they clearly received instructions as their smiles soon returned. "Of course, this way."


    Zac was taken to a teleporter but made no attempt to escape back home. Instead, he ced the boxes onto the array one by one, along with an Information Crystal containing a short message and his pretend codeword. He also had one of the two girls deliver a message to Calrin before returning to his Cultivation Chamber, which had been cleaned and had its incense reced in his absence.


    Having dealt with everything he needed, Zac returned to the cultivation tree inside the Kavriel n''s private forest. Five days should be more than enough to finish up his pathways and prepare himself for the pond.


    Back on Earth, Zac grunted as he got on his feet and walked out of his cave in the depths of the mountain. He looked down at the ne around his neck, gently smiling as he ran his thumb across its surface.


    "It''s time."

 Chapter 1080 - Metamorphosis

    Zac had made great progress on his Evolutionary Precursor pathways, even if his private cultivation grounds weren''t at the level of what his other body enjoyed over in Kavista. Thankfully, the biggest factors in redrawing pathways were mental persistence, a strong constitution, and pain tolerance, something he had in spades.


    The monthly meeting was right around the corner, and there were a lot of things Zac wanted to have sorted out before. He emerged from the cave in the depths of Demon Ind, but the Teleportation Array actually didn''t show hispound as a possible destination. Zac had guessed that might happen, so he instead used a backup teleporter in a hidden corner of his private forest.


    Soon, he was back in hispound, where a chaotic scene awaited him.


    "Young master! Be careful; the house just copsed," Triv said, fussing back and forth in front of the ruins that were once his teleportation hub.


    "Nothing to worry about," Zac smiled as he began clearing the rubble.


    It only took a minute to find three of the boxes. Thest one was embedded deep in the ground, having pushed through the teleportation tform and the building''s foundations due to its immense weight. He stowed them away in a spare Spatial Ring before turning to the ghost.


    "I''m heading to the ind," Zac said. "Make sure no one interrupts me."


    "Ah, of course. The puppets who have finished their upgrades have already been sent over to clear out the waters," Triv said. "This matter was an oversight of mine. I will upgrade all facilities to match your grade posthaste."


    Zac nodded before shing away, soon appearing on a small t ind in the middle of nowhere where waves crashing against rook greeted his arrival. The ind almost looked like the obsidian finger of an enormous entity jutting out of the ocean. A dense haze of aquamarine mist covered the whole ind, a result of the surrounding waters being a sea of death.


    He could vaguely sense a few powerful auras deep in the waters. Some were his puppets forming a defensive perimeter, while others were undead aquatic Beast Kings. Zac could see a few carcasses floating on the waters, yet the beasts were clearly unwilling to move too far away from the ind.


    It wasn''t hard to understand why��the ce teemed with the Dao of Death, possibly only surpassed by his Cultivation Cave and a few select regions on Elysium��a perfect ce for Alea to take her next step.


    Zac felt nauseated just staying in this ce, and his Void Varja Constitution furiously rebuffed the Death trying to creep into his body. Of course, his human body could withstand much harsher environments than this with its multipleyers of defense. And it was a small price to pay to help Alea break through.


    The ind wasn''t veryrge, so it only took him a few minutes to reach Triv''s arrangements in the middle of the ind, where the energy was at its densest.


    ''I thought you''d leave me with your undead body,'' Alea''s voice echoed in his mind as Zac transformed [Love''s Bond] into its coffin form.


    "It''s off-world dealing with some matters. I didn''t want to keep you waiting," Zac exined as piles of Death- and Conflict-attuned materials appeared around the central gathering array.


    Finally, he took out the four inscribed boxes and ced them in front of the coffin, along with a different box from his own stockpiles. "Will these work?"


    Exquisite auras spread through the region when he opened their lids one by one. Two of them barely had any aura of Death or Conflict, rather emanating powerful Spiritual Fluctuations. They were rare Natural Treasures that could raise the spiritual strength of a Tool Spirit, though they could also be used on contracted beasts to slowly improve their souls.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The third box contained three crystals that emitted an intensely powerful Dao of Death, and Zac''s hand withered from just opening its lid. They weren''t something that had been born in the depths of a Miasma Crystal mine, but rather something that had been sent over from the Abyssal Shores. They were actual treasures harvested from the Abyssal Shores called [ckwater Gems]. The crystals were normally used by Draugr to refine their bloodlines and likely sent to the Kavriel n to serve as a motivational tool for their young.


    The fourth box held the broken fragment of a shield, and it was this item that had caused his teleportation house to copse. It had once been a part of a Peak D-grade defensive Spirit Tool, but breaking had damaged its spirituality. A talented cksmith had managed to salvage this piece, turning it into a top-tier material that could technically be considered Early D-grade.


    It was essentially the equivalent of the refined bones Kruta had given him as thanks for the Indomitable seal. It was actually for this reason Zac had picked up the item in the Kavriel n rather than any other spiritual Metals of simr quality.


    The more he worked on his pathways, the better he understood just how interlinked his two new sses were. An outsider was unlikely to spot any connection between the two sets of pathways, but Zac could see the echoes of his unique Cosmic Core everywhere. One side was almost the inversion of the other, having far more inmon than one might think.


    That realization had filled him with hope, and it seemed like the key to fusing his bodies back to one in the future. It also made him put even more weight on the aspect of bnce between his two sides, which included his Spirit Tools. Their upgrades had been quite random thus far, eating whatever Zac stumbled onto. That had been fine for now, but Zac knew he needed a n if he wanted to bring them with him to the peak.


    Alea was better off, while Verun had very unimpressive origins. But even Alea had been crafted with a mishmash of items he had poured out of his Spatial Ring, mostly things he wouldn''t give a second look today. He needed to treat their evolutions as an opportunity to fix these imperfections. It was also an opportunity to tune the weapons with his path and with each other, which should raise their potential and make future upgrades easier.


    The fifth box was an item Zac had picked up inside the Perennial Vastness, looking like the figurine of a metal heart. And while it didn''t move, it released powerful waves of Conflict like a heartbeat. Zac had already gathered most of what he needed for Alea and Verun''s breakthroughs, but he had wanted to add at least a few more precious items. Luckily, he''d found more than he needed in the Kavriel Repository, saving him from having to buy anything from the Limited Merit Exchange.


    Just like the [Warstone] became the Nucleus of his Cosmic Core, so would the metal heart be the core of [Love''s Bond]. The other half would be the [ckwater Gems], bncing Death and Conflict.


    "These are perfect," Alea said as her projection emerged from the coffin. "I have more than what I need now."


    "Then I''ll leave you to it. I''ll make sure nothing interrupts you. Don''t go crazy this time," Zac grinned, but he felt his smile strained.


    "Don''t worry. I''m ready. You''ll be surprised," Alea gently smiled as she touched his cheek. "I will follow you to the end."


    "Don''t waste your energy on me," Zac urged. "Focus on your breakthrough."


    Zac retreated to a safe distance, and it didn''t take long before the process started. He soon felt fate gathering while the sky darkened above. Yet nothing happened for the next hour, at least nothing Zac could see. Alea was unmoving in the middle of the treasure trove while the sky asionally rumbled with forbidding power.


    Yet Zac knew that Alea was doing something inside, using the final vestiges of the [Divine Investiture Array] to facilitate her entry into the D-grade. Finally, the next step began as dense runes suddenly appeared all over the coffin. They weren''t the System''s gold but the familiar grey and ck matching his Inexorable Daos.


    The coffin lid swung wide open, and it was like the Spirit Tool had be a ck hole as everything around her was sucked in at once. The rumble above immediately ramped up to a crashing fury, and crackling thunder spread far and wide. Zac looked up at the churning sky, and a small seed of fear flickered in the depths of his heart.


    Thankfully, the Heavens weren''t here for him today, even if he wouldn''t have minded taking a st or two if it could lessen Alea''s pressure. She had looked calm and confident, but they both knew her breakthrough wouldn''t be a walk in the park.


    Having made some discrete inquiries with the people in Perennial Vastness, Zac already knew the reason for [Love''s Bond]''s powerful tribtion during herst breakthrough. The culprit was Alea herself rather than the Daos or materials that went into it. A living being''s soul bing a Tool Spirit could be seen as cheating death, a shortcut to gaining immortality.


    After all, Tool Spirits didn''t grow old as they technically weren''t alive. Certainly, most Tool Spirits grew insane over the endless years, but even beasts were considered short-livedpared to them. Lova had said that even false immortality came at a steep price, and these tribtions were one aspect of that.


    It was yet another reason to quickly figure out how to bring Alea back to life, but Zac still hadn''t found any solutions to that problem. The only method he kept hearing about was the conventional one, where the Tool Spirit gained such a powerful spirituality it became indistinguishable from a cultivator. A bit like Bra, only not crazy.


    That wasn''t a real solution. In such a scenario, Alea would still be an unorthodox Tool Spirit, subject to Heaven''s ire. He had to keep looking. For now, Zac could only help her through the ranks, strengthening her soul as much as possible along the way.


    The coffin rose into the air as three golden runes appeared around it, and Zac recognized some pattern from the [Divine Investiture Array]. They wereplex beyondpare, but seeing them gave Zac some assurance against the force gathering above. The first bolt soon descended, a two-meter-wide purple pir of unfettered fury.


    Zac breathed in relief, sensing that the punishment was far less intense than his own. Hopefully, that meant that terrifying red lightning wouldn''t make an appearance this time around. Dense shrouds of darkness poured out of the coffin, forming a protective cocoon likest time. The first lightning bolt struck, and Zac found his vision reced by a blinding light.


    Zac rapidly blinked and found [Love''s Bond] still floating in the air, albeit scorched and slightly crooked. A sphere of crackling lightning surrounded the coffin, having reced the protective domain. Zac frowned at the scene, sensing that the Tribtion Lightning had dug deep into the materials, and he felt pain being transmitted to him. However, Zac could also sense the lightning being consumed, turned into the catalyst for Alea''s breakthrough.


    She really had picked up some of his bad habits.


    It wasn''t solely her own aplishment, though. One of the three golden runes was gone, and Zac guessed the System had transformed some of the tribtion lightning into useful energy. A p of thunder shook the whole ind, and the obsidian ground was showered in purple as the second bolt formed.


    A second cocoon formed around the coffin, this one even denser than the previous one. Zac could even sense the energy signatures from some of the materials that had been swallowed, though none matched the five supreme items. Perhaps Alea saved those for the final bolt?


    The protective shell was apanied by her chains this time. They rose toward the sky, forming aplex seal Zac didn''t recognize. One of the golden runes superimposed on the chains just as the second bolt struck, and a shockwave forced Zac a step back. The tribtion passed, yet Zac''s worry only grew deeper. The beautiful coffin had been significantly disfigured, looking like something partially melted in a fire.


    The scene was definitely not what he''d expected after the previous breakthrough. She had passed that one with flying colors, only getting slightly toasted by the experience. Zac only found sce in the fact Alea''s spirit was still in decent shape despite the torrential amounts of lightning raging within her. But the real danger had yet arrived.


    Tremendous pressure from above shook the whole ind as the final bolt gathered. Streaks of red had appeared, after all, gathering in the heart of the purple. The final punishment would be on a different level altogether, yet Alea didn''t form a third barrier. Zac looked on with horror and anticipation as the twisted coffin lid shattered, bing dense clouds of abyssal Death. From within, a familiar yet foreign figure emerged.


    Alea''s projection looked like a dark goddess of war, decked in exquisite armor as she turned her deathly eyes to the sky. Her beautiful horns felt like ck spears, sharpened to the point they could puncture the sky.


    Zac could tell her appearance was different from Bra''s. The Tool Spirit of his Dao Repository often wore armor, but it was all a hollow disy of grandeur. Meanwhile, there was an incredible force contained within Alea''s form��a hero''s aura further augmented by the top-tier treasures that had gone into her breakthrough.


    Her aura waspletely different from the one she had while alive. There were still hints of the poisonous path she''d tread, but it had been rolled into the superseding concept of Death, just like his Seed of Rot had eventually be the Branch of the Pale Seal. And in the heart of it all was a seed of utter darkness��Oblivion painted in the hue of the Abyss.


    Zac wouldn''t have been too surprised if that was all there was to it. Hispanion wasn''t just exuding an aura of Death, but also one of intractable ruthlessness you could only nurture from the Peak of Conflict. Sure, the n had always been to infuse more Conflict-based materials for her breakthrough, but he hadn''t expected Alea to gain such an aura on her own.


    Normally, the Tool Spirit''s nature followed the material that made up the Spirit Tool, just like how Verun''s appearance had changed a few times over the years. So changing the spirit''s alignment was possible, but you had to be careful not to overdo it. You couldn''t just force-feed the Tool Spirit with the Daos you wanted it to have. You needed to slowly move it in the direction you wanted while using materials that wouldn''t sh with the current make-up of the equipment.


    However, Alea hadn''t yet fused the materials for her breakthrough. They had only been transformed into an intangible state ready for absorption, which meant Alea had nurtured this aura of war on her own. Had she managed to cultivate a Dao of Conflict without telling him? Was such a thing even possible in her current state?


    The Heavens wouldn''t wait for Zac to digest the situation. A huge swirl had already formed in the sky, its center an angry ball of red. It looked like an eye wrought from the cosmos, ring down at Alea''s defiant form. The bolt was already descending, yet Alea wasn''t done.


    The molten remains of the coffin shattered, turning into a cloud of darkness so dense it felt like a ck hole. Most of it gathered in Alea''s hand, taking a form closely resembling [ck Death]. The rest created a series of chains, each seemingly filled with enough power to seal the Heavens themselves.


    Alea pointed her axe at the iing pir of destruction while the chains formed a defensive, perfectly mirroring Zac''s understanding of his Inexorable Stance. It was almost like looking at his mirror, and Zac''s heart clenched at the scene. She must have been observing all those years he''d explored his path, toiling away in secret to walk in step. Giving up her path to follow his.


    The memories he''d been shown when Alea transformed into [Love''s Bond] came crashing back, and the words she''d said just before starting her breakthrough took on a new meaning. The truth he had shut his eyes to for so long couldn''t be ignored any longer. While he looked for ways to turn Alea back into her original form, she sought ways to be a true Tool Spirit uniquely suited for him.


    If he found a way to turn her back, would she even take it?

 Chapter 1081 - Renegotiating Terms

    A finger of pure lightning pushed out of the dark clouds, intent to squash the bug intent on defying the natural order. Meanwhile, Alea radiated an aura of conviction, the swirling energies around her so familiar they might as well have been Zac''s own. She was like a celestial general, and the world answered her call.


    Alea had been drawingrge amounts of energy from the Gathering Arrays since the process started, but it was nothingpared to the torrential current that rushed out of the ground to bolster her domain. The Heavens descended while the Earth rose to meet it. Zac found himself pushed over a hundred meters back as a pir of purple light purified the whole region of Death.


    The third bolt''s momentum felt unstoppable, pushing through theyers of Death like they were made out of paper. Alea didn''t back down. The chains stabbed into the pir as it closed in, each siphoning some of its force before disintegrating. However, the umted lightning was simply too much. It continued down, barely weakened.


    Then, everything stopped as Zac felt the familiar seal on reality in a small pocket around the demoness.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Wh��" Zac exhaled with shock, in disbelief that Alea dared to activate [Fate''s Predestination] on the Tribtion Lightning.


    Zac felt a tearing pain through his link, but her face was a stony mask of determination. The axe containing her body''s core and the new materials'' essence turned into a blur, the sole source of movement in a frozen reality. It ripped into the Tribtion Lightning just before it broke free.


    Arge scar had been carved into the purple pir, and the angry red in its center was gone. However, the bulk of the tribtion remained, submerging Alea in a sea of lightning. Thest thing Zac saw before she was swallowed whole was [ck Death] melting while Alea curled into a fetal position. Then, the connection was gone, leaving Zac caught between despair and hope.


    Zac felt his nails dig into his palms while deliberating whether he should force his way inside or trust Alea''s capabilities. The Heavens didn''t make things easy for him. It was like a purple sun had been born, a sun made from lightning and fury. Its boundless energy overwhelmed Zac''s attempts to see or sense what was happening inside.


    He ultimately chose to stay put, even though each second felt like an eternity. Thankfully, the lightning sphere eventually began shrinking. Part of it dispersed as the clouds above parted, but some of the lightning was clearly consumed by something within. Eventually, the situation inside was exposed, and Zac breathed out in relief.


    Alea was gone, and there was no sign of the coffin reforming. Instead, there was a two-meter-tall crystal covered in the same runes that he had briefly spotted across the coffin''s surface before. Alea had taken a simr form thest time she broke through, meaning she had begun the next step of the process. Lingering arcs of lightning sizzled across the cocoon as it descended, and it released unstable fluctuations surpassing those of the E-grade.


    Zac didn''t care so much about the strength of the aura as the fact there were spiritual fluctuations at all. It meant Alea was alive, even if Zac temporarily couldn''t sense her presence in his mind. Anything else was secondary. Zac took a moment to calm down while waiting for Alea to settle and the tribtion clouds to fully disperse.


    There was no Toll of Hegemony apanying [Love''s Bond]''s evolution. The only proof Alea was no longer in the E-grade was the aura she exuded. Then again, she wasn''t quite in the D-grade either. Not yet, anyway. Alea''s breakthrough would eventually create a simr effect, but the order of things was a bit different with Spirit Tools.


    Alea had absorbed the necessary materials, and the Tribtion Lightning acted the part of a furnace. Right now, Alea should be fast at work integrating the new materials into her body. Normally, a cksmith would manage this process, but the [Divine Investiture Array] made that unnecessary. A skilled craftsman could still speed up the upgrade, but Zac wasn''tfortable handing Alea to some Kavista artisan.


    Of course, evolutions normally didn''t take things as far as Alea had,pletely disintegrating their old form to rebuild everything from the ground up. Zac had experienced the same thing when evolving his [Void Vajra Sublimation], and he knew just how dangerous it was. The slightest hesitation or weakness and your soul would scatter before it could drag your body back together.


    Zac waited another hour for the lingering lightning to disperse and Alea''s fluctuating aura to stabilize before walking over. He ced his hand on the smooth surface, trying to reconnect with hispanion. Eventually, he found a weak consciousness brush against his.


    "Are you okay?" Zac quickly asked. "That appearance��"


    ''I told you, it''s a surprise. Two years,'' Alea whispered before Zac felt her consciousness retreat into the crystal''s depths.


    Zac sighed and picked up the cocoon, carefully carrying it to the teleportation array. He wasn''t about to leave Alea here, even with the puppets standing guard. There wasn''t much point either, considering the ambient energy was greatly weakened. Instead, he transported the crystal to his Cultivation Cave, where he ced Alea in the heart of the Death-attuned side.


    He''d hoped to ask her about her transformation and the fact she''d hidden so much from him, but it would have to wait. Two years was longer than he''d expected, likely a consequence of her taking things so far. Then again, it wasn''t a big deal. He already had a solution that wouldn''t leave him unarmed until the final stretch of the war; the Temporal Chambers in the Merit Exchange. However, putting only Alea inside one of those chambers wasn''t cost-effective.


    As long as he provided enough resources, he could also fit [Verun''s Bite]. Letting them evolve next to each other mighte with some unexpected benefits, such as harmonizing better with their new affinities. Verun would be enlightened to the Evolutionary Path by contrasting it to the Inexorable nature of [Love''s Bond], and vice versa. Such a n would need someone to feed them and push them out of the temporal field when they were about to finish their breakthrough.


    In a perfect world, Zac would have done it himself. He wouldn''t have minded a few years to work on his skills and shore up his foundations. However, he could still feel the lingering mark of cheating the River of Time so much over the past decades. Right now, it was manageable, but entering another temporal space again so soon woulde with severe repercussions. Instead, he''d let one of his followers use the opportunity in return for managing his weapons.


    Getting the chamber and a volunteer was easy, but [Verun''s Bite] stillcked a few key materials. There hadn''t been anything suitable inside the Kavriel repository. Even if the Undead Empire had life-attuned treasures, they definitely wouldn''t give any to Zac with the current circumstances. Even the Spiritual Treasures had contained at least some hints of Death, making them unsuitable for the primal axe.


    Zac knew he could always get the stuff he needed from the Merit Exchange along with the Temporal Chamber, but he''d already calcted the items he wanted would cost him 70,350 Merit. If possible, Zac wanted to avoid spending what little merit he had, letting him use it on things he couldn''t get any other way. And as luck would have it, he had a good idea of how to get the other things he needed.


    The Allbright Empire and other peak factions had initially only treated him cordially because of his connection with the Undead Empire and the potential he represented. However, that had all changed after the war broke out. The whole sector was screaming for his Cosmic Vessels, making him a key yer in the war. In other words, it was time to renegotiate the old contracts, reaping some benefits along the way.


    "How are things?" Zac asked as he stepped into Calrin''s offices on the top floor of the Thayer Consortia.


    The little Sky Gnome was still trapped in Kavista with his Draugr body, but the chairman''s position couldn''t be left empty at such a critical time.


    "I''m trying to keep things under control, but Calrin''s expertise and personal connections are arge part of what keeps operations running smoothly," Vikram sighed.


    Zac inwardlyughed as he sat down on a sofa. His human liaison and Calrin constantly bickered like an old couple when working together, but they clearly missed each other. Calrin had simrly fussed about Vikram during their short exchanges in the Kavriel province.


    "I''m sure you''re doing fine," Zac smiled. "Don''t worry. He''ll be back in a week or two."


    "We should manage until then," Vikram nodded. "How may I help you?"


    "I need a better understanding of the ship sales," Zac said. "Or rather, the orders and where theye from."


    "Most major coalitions have standing orders where they''ll take anything they can get their hands on," Vikram said. "These orders offer sixty to seventy percent more than our original pricing. We also have hundreds of individual orders from various factions, some of them for over five times the price."


    Zac had expected as much and nodded for Vikram to continue.


    "We have already switched our sales to consist almost solely of the Sunstreak, with a few Starsh and Farsight. Production of all other models have essentially halted," Vikram exined.


    The Starsh was the mid-range destroyer Ogras had, while the Farsight was the speedy scouting vessel. Both were good options if your goal was to send a small squad of elites to a neighboring and conquer two for the price of one. But as expected, the Sunstreak was the most popr version, simply because it was both the cheapest and quickest to manufacture.


    It was a smaller raider vessel that could house roughly 800 men. It didn''t have the sustainable flight speeds of the other two ships, but it had a burst function that would provide a momentary eruption of velocity. It also had a few powerful weapons that could hit hard and fast before running away��perfect for striking a Town Protection Array whenunching a blitz attack.


    "What''s the situation with our agreement with the Allbright Empire?" Zac asked.


    "They have benefitted greatly by signing such arge deal right out the gate," Vikram said.


    Zac wryly smiled. The Allbright Empire had essentially signed that agreement under coercion rather than from actual need, allowing Zac to secure a steady stream of money over the past years. Now, that agreement had turned into a goldmine for them. That was about to change.


    "It''s still running out in two months?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "Yes," Vikram said. "They have contacted us repeatedly since the war began to negotiate a new contract, but we felt it better to wait for your instructions before making any decisions. After all, this is not only a matter of revenue."


    Vikram was right. If Zac only wanted to maximize profits, he''d just sell a bunch of Sunstreaks to whoever paid the highest. However, he already had more money than he could spend, while the ships could bring other benefits such as connections and rare materials. Selling the ships for a lower price to the established factions was preferable if it meant getting Zac could get his hands on strategic resources.


    There were also the matters of putting the ships where they best could help Zecia and his quest to upgrade his shipyard.


    "Perfect," Zac said. "Send a message to the Allbright Empire. Tell them a representative is visiting in an hour."


    Not muchter, a familiar face stepped into the office. It was Zakarith Azh''Rodum, and seeing the little demoness filled Zac with nostalgia. She was one of the first demons he spoke with. They''d met just after the chaotic events surrounding the [Fruit of Ascension] and n Azh''Rezak''s subsequent withdrawal. He''d temporarily kidnapped Zakarith and her father to get some answers.


    Since then, she''d risen through the ranks, and she was today one of the top officials in charge of procurement and equipment for the Atwood Army. It turned out her doe-eyed look and diminutive frame hid a skilled and unyielding negotiator, and Vikram believed she was the best person to send on this mission.


    "Emperor Atwood," Zakarith eximed when she spotted Zac. "I didn''t expect to see you here."


    Zac nodded in satisfaction upon sensing her stable aura and demeanor. He''d been worried she''d lose herposure if sent out alone, but she had matured over the past years just like everyone else.


    "Good to see you," Zac said, jumping into the matter without preamble. "I have a mission for you, if you''re up to it."


    "Whatever I can do to help," Zakarith said.


    An hourter, the demoness stepped onto the teleporter, beginning her journey toward the Red Sector. Zac would have liked toe along but knew it was too risky after seeing the names on thedder. The Allbright Empire held three positions in the top 100 on the Early D-gradedder, with Pretty Peak appearing in the 73rd spot.


    Three names wasn''t anything special for such a powerful faction, but the problem was that one of the three was Ventus Kvan appearing on the 29th. In other words, the Radiant Temple group Ventus mentioned was staying with the Allbright Empire, adding an unpredictable variable that made him leery of visiting in person.


    He even suspected Helian Ailo, the current 7th rank holder on the globaldder, belonged to the Radiant Temple. After all, if there were such a powerful local, Zac should have heard of him already. A simr situation could be seen with the Dravorak Dynasty housing individuals from the Havarok Empire, including the all-too-familiar name of Ykrodas Havarok.


    Zac smiled, wondering what expression the princeling had after seeing the name Arcaz Umbri''Zi appearing on thedder. Their encounter should have left quite the impression on Ykrodas, with Zac being filled with the power of Chaos as he executed Uona Noz''Vdir right in front of him and his men.


    He had no idea how the Havarok Dynasty had caught onto the scent of the Left Imperial Pce, but he was almost certain that was why they''d showed up. The presence of these peopleplicated things, and Zac would be like a pig presenting himself for the ughter if he joined Zakarith on her journey to the Red Zone. The Havarok, especially, had ample reasons to hate him based on his surname alone. The war between the Umbri''Zi n and the Havarok Empire still raged as far as Zac knew.


    Just sending Zakarith was risky, but she hadn''t even blinked when he exined the dangers. She had said that the soldiers put their lives on the line every day, so how could she back down from something like this?


    Zac spent another hour with Vikram until a notification told him it was time to go. A few minutester, he stepped into arge office in a secured wing of the government building. The office was actually his own, but he had barely spent any time there. It was perpetually empty, yet a figure was standing by the windows this time.


    "You''re back!" Emily eximed, turning into a blur that crashed into his chest.


    "I''ve missed you," Zac said with a smile as he embraced his disciple. "I hear you''ve be a pir for Earth while I was gone. I''m so proud of you."


    A slight blush appeared on Emily''s face as she dug deeper into his chest.


    "And yet you blew my score out of the water the second you returned. Twice," she murmured before looking up at Zac. "What''s going on? Is that why you wanted to see me privately before the meeting?"


    "Let''s sit," Zac sighed, and he spent the next minutes going over the situation.


    "So half of you is over in the Undead Empire scamming those rich kids?" Emily giggled.


    "Something like that," Zacughed. "I have to be a bit shameless to get my hands on materials. It''s rough out there. Even my little disciple beat me to Hegemony."


    "How could something like a Cosmic Core hold me back?" Emily grinned. "Besides, my path is much more straightforward than yours."


    "Is there anything you need?" Zac asked.


    "I''m fine," Emily said. "I have everything I need between your Contribution Exchange and the Merit Store. I don''t want to keep relying on your help to progress. True strength needs to be earned; I''ve learned that the hard way."


    "You''ve really grown up. I feel like a parent sending off their kid to college," Zac said with a shake of his head. "But don''t try to carry everything on your shoulders. Everyone needs help now and then."


    "I know," Emily grinned. "I could say the same to you."


    The two spent the next hour catching up. Zac shared some of the stories he could still remember from the Perennial Vastness, while Emily detailed her war exploits.


    "So you''ve taken down two D-grade worlds now," Zac said. "That''s great."


    "Honestly, I could have doubled that number, but the harder we push, the more people will die," Emily said. "It seems impossible to strike the right bnce. Each victory is paid for in blood, but it leaves the survivors stronger. The Daoes alive in our camps after every time we''ve finished a campaign. People are evolving their Seeds and Fragments left and right, while others use merit or conquered resources to progress."


    Zac agreed. You both wanted to push to strengthen your force and hold back to keep your subordinates safe. It turned out that Rhubat''s lead wasn''t due to personal strength but rather a difference in mentality between Zhix and Humans. None had fought harder than Rhubat''s Second Battalion, and none had seen as heavy losses. Rhubat was pushing the Zhix hard, hoping it''d let them better adapt to their new reality. As for those who died, it was simply weakness leaving the hives.


    He still wasn''t sure how he should go aboutpleting his Campaign Mission or how he should act in the long term. He wanted to conquer as manys as possible to maximize Personal- and Faction Merit, but was that something he could ask of his army? He''d have to be blind not to realize that his poption couldn''t keep up with his pace, but he also didn''t want to adopt Tavza''s approach, where he spent most of his time back on Earth.


    Luckily, it looked like Emily had an idea.

 Chapter 1082 - Reorganisation

    "I had an idea I wanted to run by you before the meeting," Emily said as the silence grew heavy. "I''ve been talking to my subordinates, and more than a few wish we''d transition from our slow-paced and defensive tactics to more aggressive ones. They feel this war is their chance to rise and are willing to put their lives on the line for the sake of Earth or their cultivation."


    "What do you propose, then?" Zac asked.


    "I want to separate our operations into defensive and offensive battalions. Those who wish to push into Kan''Tanu territory and rue merit can sign up for the elite offensive squads. Of course, we''d only take the strongest ones. The others will remain in the regr armies, mostly focusing on defense. The System won''t allow you to stall for more than two weeks, but the defensive can progress through the worlds as slowly as they''re allowed, keeping casualties at a minimum."


    "What you propose is aplete reorganization of the army," Zacmented.


    "Our soldiers have all fought multiple engagements now. Our methods and equipment are mostly the same across battalions, and our cooperation has matured. If we''re careful, we should be able to rearrange our army without creating too much confusion. The safety will be higher in the defensive battalions, especially if we can upgrade our arrays and siege weapons. We can lower our standards a bit and ept some of the volunteers early to fill up our ranks."


    Zac felt the proposal was promising, but many questions remained unanswered. "Would we even be able to gather enough people to man those kinds of elite squads?"


    "You''d be surprised," Emily said. "If you manage to get your hands on the supplies we need, we''ll be able to open up at least two new battlefronts and convert two of our old ones into offensive armies."


    "That many?" Zac said with shock.


    "Well, at least a third of them would be Zhix," Emily said with a wry smile. "But people are finally waking up to the realities of our world. Wealth, status, longevity, freedom; you need strength if you want any of them. And with every battle, our warriors'' Dao Hearts grow stronger. Death no longer scares them, but living like a coward and giving up their path does."


    Zac sighed, suddenly remembering his talk with Catheya years ago, just before he entered the City of Ancients. He had hesitated about letting his subordinates start an Incursion, but Catheya had convinced him to agree. Cultivation was an individual journey where you searched for the truth of the cosmos, the meaning of life, and their purpose in this vast universe. No matter what drove people to ascend through the ranks, it wasn''t Zac''s ce to say they couldn''t go after their dreams.


    At least not until their pursuit shed with Zac''s, at which point one would walk away stronger while the other would be fertilizer for another''s path.


    Zac nodded, his heart steady, even though his decision likely meant over a million additional deaths over theing years. "I''ll support your proposal. I want to see a proposal for the reorganization as soon as possible."


    By then, the meeting was just around the corner, and they made their way to the hall. Outside, many familiar faces were already waiting, ranging from the demons who first joined his factions to the inhabitants of the research base. There were also some Zac didn''t recognize, including an Ishiate tinkerer, rugged veterans who must have joined through the recruitment station in the Red Sector, and a slew of humans who likely represented thetest generation of elites.


    People stood clumped together, discussing various matters with low voices, but the lobby quieted down when Zac approached. A few seemingly wanted to approach him but held themselves back as Zac entered the hall. The meeting hall had clearly taken a lot of inspiration from the House Chamber of the old United States, where the Speaker''s chair had been reced by something more resembling a throne.


    Behind his seat was an enormous insignia of the Atwood Empire, expertly crafted with high-grade materials. It even exuded a powerful aura, filling the room with a warlike atmosphere. It was slightly ostentatious, but Zac didn''t mind. It matched the times they lived in, and the setup was nothingpared to some of the throne rooms out there.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Half the seats were already upied, and Zac estimated around two hundred representatives would be present. All the races under his rule were represented, even the werewolf tribe, and Zac spotted a few figures he hadn''t seen since the Integration. For example, there was Willow, the ishiate shaman he''d met during the New World Government''s auction. The Marshall n also had two representatives present, Henry and Mark, a general who had advised Thea during her campaign against the undead empire.


    The room rapidly filled after Zac''s arrival, and Zac began the meeting without any preamble.


    "It''s good to see so many familiar faces," Zac smiled as he looked around the room from his seat. "I know everyone is anxious to return to their duties, so I will make things as brief as possible.


    "First thing''s first, the elephant in the room; the two new additions to the contributiondder. Some here knew the truth, while others might have had some suspicions. Now that things have reached this point, there''s no point in keeping things under wraps. Until recently, Arcaz and I were the same person, and my ability to swap between forms was my hidden ace."


    Most of the founding members of his faction took the news in stride, having known about it for decades. Others had suspected as much, considering a trail of clues led to that conclusion. Only a few were shocked by the revtion, especially the natives of Ensolus. They hadn''t been there for Earth''s Integration, when Zac and "Mr. ck" took out one incursion after another, but never at the same time. So they hadn''t seen anything wrong with both names appearing on thedder.


    "However, my cover story has be the truth," Zac continued. "I encountered a problem when breaking through to Hegemony. My Cosmic Core couldn''t hold both Life and Death. I always knew that might happen, so I prepared a few backup ns. I ended up splitting my body and soul in two. The result was two versions of me being born. Neither is the real me; both are. I guess you could consider us twins or brothers.


    "Nothing will change from this, except that the Atwood Empire now has two rulers. For convenience''s sake, my Draugr twin has chosen to adopt his cover name as his real one, and he''s now in the Kavriel Province negotiating a deal for resources. We''ve already gotten word the negotiations were a sess, and we now have direct ess to a smithy specialized in siege weaponry. He''ll return in a week or two."


    "Ah, Emperor Atwood, is he�� Are we��" Carva, one of the Raun spectrals, spoke up, breaking the silence gripping the room.


    "No." Zac said decisively. "Even if he''s Draugr, he still shares all my memories. He''s a native of this and has no n to give up on it for the Undead Empire. We will continue down the path we''ve set down��a neutral force at the crossroads between Life and Death. Any questions on this?"


    As expected, no one spoke up for half a minute. Zac was sure many were curious about the details, but who''d dare to dig into his secrets? Neither would anyone go against his decisions. Zac rarely got involved in managing his empire, but he was still its unteral ruler. The room''s design might have given the meeting a veneer of democracy, but the Atwood Empire ultimately wasn''t one.


    "ess to more weaponry is huge," IIlvere eventually said. "Our stockpiles have been holding us back for long, and the recent attack proved our products aren''t infallible. I just worry whether we''ll be able to use them effectively. We don''t have many undead Siege Engineers."


    "The items are only usable with Miasma, so we''ll have to elerate our training," Zac said. "However, the idea is not to rely solely on this source. Hours ago, I sent Zakarith Azh''Rhodum to the Allbright Empire to renegotiate our agreements regarding my Cosmic Vessels. Part of my request is for the Allbright Dynasty to provide a simr connection. We''ll hopefully have an answer soon."


    The news was clearly wee, and Zac felt the atmosphere shift in the room where many eyes had gained a calctive gleam. Better equipment meant fewer losses and more merit. Especially so when the resources were provided to the armies free of charge to a certain degree.


    The Atwood Army had already set up a contribution-style model for the battalions. Most of the resources harvested after a victory would enter Zac''s coffers to fuel the war efforts and pay pensions to the families of the fallen, but 20% would stay within the battalion. Some would be individual bonuses, while the rest would enter the battalion''s private funds to purchase whatever they needed.


    Zac saw that the atmosphere was just right, so he struck while the iron was hot.


    "On that note, I have some other news. Emily."


    Emily nodded and began exining her vision for the Atwood Army''s reorganization. It was clear she had already run the idea by some of the other battalion leaders, who joined the discussion that quickly sprouted.


    "What you say makes sense. Elites aren''t born in the training fields," Ra''Klid agreed. "However, this strategy carries the risk of hollowing out the strength of the regr armies. Without elites to shore up the ranks, any surprise might lead to a quick defeat and disastrous losses."


    "Part of that problem will be resolved through upgrading our defensive equipment," Emily said. "With stronger fortifications, ourmon armies can hold on longer until backup arrives. Secondly, we will ensure each standard army has a core of elites. We will rotate these guardians if too few talents wish to take on these assignments on a permanent basis.


    "The same is true for the leaders," Joanna added. "Each of us will have to hold down the fort for some periods. We can use that time to consolidate any gains or inspirations we''ve had."


    "Forcing such aprehensive overhaul in a short duration is bound to create disorder," Henry Marshall offered, and the general to his side nodded in agreement.


    "Disorder means death on the battlefield," Mark said. "A shake-up of this magnitude would be implemented over years in the olden days. We''d n and analyze for years, arrange war games and training to perfect our cooperation and refine the strategy."


    "I am aware this kind of reorganization will create chaos within the ranks," Zac said. "However, it still needs to be done in the quickest timeframe possible. This first year is critical, whether it''s for the faction as a whole or for our elites hoping to seize opportunities in the Limited Exchange. The Kan''Tanu is pushing hard, and we need to hone ourselves into a force having what it takes to reach the other side of this struggle."


    "We have reason to believe the war will have multiple stages," Vri added. "It''s a reasonable assumption that the better we perform in the first stretch, the better we''ll be treated as the war heats up."


    Zac nodded in agreement. The reason for the war was the same as why Earth was integrated; to raise more warriors. Those who performed would be rewarded, while those who yed it safe were discarded forcking potential and drive.


    "I want to see at least one elite army within ten days and for the whole army to be reorganized within the month. Start nning your campaigns ordingly."


    A few grimaced at the tight schedule, but no one offered rebuttals. However, one camp that had sat silently until now finally stirred.


    "Warchief, when you say that you want one army ready in advance, does that mean you''re taking over a battalion?" Rhubat asked.


    "No. I am opening a new battlefield. I haven''t decided whether Arcaz or I will lead it yet, but it will be our first spear stabbing into the depths of the Zurbor Sector. It will aim to conquer one neutral world a day, and at most, five for the outer worlds in the other sector," Zac said as an aura of blood and conquest leaked from his body.


    "I''m aware opening new battlefields will increase casualties and stretch our remaining battalions. But this is war, and the kid gloves muste off. To counter the price of our offense, I want to elerate recruitment by at least 50%. No faction or region will be allowed to sit on the sidelines while the rest of us bleed. Those who shirk their duty will be conscripted. Deserters will be punished."


    "Good!" Rhubat rumbled, pping their massive hand onto the table as a bloodthirsty aura to match Zac''s radiated from its hulking body. "This is the way! These unclean ones are the instigators of this conflict, and backing down or hiding will not solve anything. There is no war without sacrifice, no important cause without a price. Yet we must fight. The Zhix Hives stands behind this proposal. We shall embark on our second crusade!"


    A storm of dense killing intent immediately exploded from the Zhix sitting around Rhubat, and Zac''s brows rose slightly as he felt fate shift around the insectoids. Be it the Anointed or the normal-sized citizens, they seemed incredibly excited about Rhubat''s deration. In their first crusade, they had fought for millennia to rid themselves of the Dominators, but their victory had left them without purpose.


    Not everyone shared the Zhix''s enthusiasm, but quite a few weed the change. The Emperor had made his will clear, so the discussion soon shifted to implementation. Zac didn''t participate much, instead opting to listen in to get a deeper understanding of the Atwood Army''s operations and the general state of things.


    Normally, the meetings onlysted an hour before people rushed back to their respective battlefronts, but people only emerged after four hours this time. A few lingered, wanting to catch up with Zac or propose various ideas. They saw the meeting as a rare opportunity, considering Zac was almost always either in seclusion or off-world.


    Zac was anxious to get back to his cultivation, but he knew he couldn''t just dump all responsibilities on his subordinates. Besides, his Draugr body was still fast at work, redrawing pathways and preparing to upgrade the next skill.


    One of those approaching Zac was Little Bolt, one of the first mercenaries who enlisted with the help of Emily. The Recruitment Station he helped run had expanded a lot since Zac left, and the number of applicants was increasing every day. There were over a hundred people over there, responsible for investigating and testing. Little Bolt himself hadter moved on to a leadership role and liaison between Wandering Cultivators and the Atwood Empire back on Earth.


    "You want to be an official citizen?" Zac said thoughtfully.


    "Many of us do," Little Bolt said. "It''s not just about the safety and wealth the Atwood Empire provides while the rest of Zecia is burning. You''d have to be blind not to see the potential of Lord''s faction. Our futures would be far brighter staying on permanently rather than as temporary mercenaries."


    "We understand nothinges for free, but we are hoping a route to citizenship could be implemented," the unfamiliar woman next to him added. "To give us something to work toward."


    Practically, nothing was stopping Zac from setting something up. As a Baron of a D-grade force, he had multiple ways to deal with that matter. For one, he could simply award ten people citizenship every year without any prerequisites, and he could hire a few external elders using the System''s contracts. He could also give out Decree quests or appoint someone else to do so.


    However, awarding citizenship came with certain risks. For one, most Wandering Cultivators no longer wore the prison bracers that prevented them from teleporting off-world. Anyone cleared for duty had the bracer taken off since they''d have exploded the moment they stepped onto the battlefronts otherwise.


    There had been a few deserters already, people who teleported home instead of to Ensolus when they used the Nexus Hub. Of course, it was a very rare thing, and not just because the fee was more than the umted wealth of most of these people. Little Bolt wasn''t exaggerating; the conditions in the Atwood Empire were far better than most ces, especially the dangerous Red Zone.


    That wasn''t a big problem since his undead forces weren''t a big secret anymore, but it could be one if the deserters were citizens. They''d be able to go back and forth from Earth, and quite a few forces would be eager to enlist someone with that kind of ess. They wouldn''t be able to bring anyone with them to Earth, but they could be spies or wreak havoc in other ways.


    Then again, it might be fine with proper safeguards on resources and checkpoints at the Nexus Hubs.


    "You should know I''m not much of a hands-on leader," Zac said. "I will discuss the matter with the others. It''s not impossible to tie citizenship to wartime merit, though it remains to be seen what levels are suitable."


    "Of course," Little Bolt quickly nodded. "I know I''m not the most objective speaker in these matters, but I believe the people we''ve recruited over the past year are reliable. Many dreamt of a ce to call home long before the war, but such opportunities aren''t easilye by within the ancient empires��every inch is already imed by one n or another. If we get the opportunity, we and our descendants will work hard for the Atwood Empire."


    Zac nodded, and the two left with a bow. They were soon reced by the Raun Spectrals, who discretely revisited the topic of the Undead Empire and Arcaz Umbri''Zi. Eventually, everyone had gotten their chance to speak, at which point Zac moved to a smaller meeting room.


    There were a few people he needed to speak with in private, and the first was Rhubat.

 Chapter 1083 - Weariness

    It had been years since Zac met Rhubat in person. Decades, if Zac included his time in the Temporal Chambers. Zac had been busy with his cultivation, while Rhubat had immediately rushed back to the hives after returning with Ogras. They''d been so eager to discuss their recent findings with the other Anointed that Zac only managed to exchange brief messages before he set off to the Perennial Vastness. A meeting was long overdue.


    "Warmaster, you asked for me?" Rhubat said.


    "I did," Zac said as he sat down. "It looks like the Zhix weed my shake-up."


    "I''m sorry to have used you for my purposes," Rhubat said with a small bow. "The Dominators had a greater impact on our society than we realized. Ten years of peace among all hives is unprecedented, and many have felt lost without something to train our spears at. I once hoped Zhix would never have to enter another crusade, yet it became our path to salvation."


    "It''s fine," Zac said. "If anything, I''m hoping your mentality will influence the rest of my people. Unfortunately, that''s difficult when the Zhix warriors are almost solely concentrated to the second and seventh battalions."


    "That''s why you wanted to see me," Rhubat slowly said. "You wish to split up our forces."


    "It''s part of it," Zac said. "The Zhix are performing beyond reproach, but I''ll be blunt. Your people forming an autonomous enve within my empire is a problem waiting to happen. We won''t always be around, and I fear leaving things unsettled will lead to a conflict that neither side wants. What if the third crusade is the one against the Atwood Empire?"


    War was a time when heroes rose to prominence, and Zac''s instincts told him to nip this problem in the bud. Rhubat was like a shining sun to the hives. The Anointed before him might be the unwilling figurehead of an uprising if the Hives decided they shouldn''t have to take orders from Port Atwood any longer.


    That was doubly true considering what he''d brought back from the Perennial Vastness.


    "I understand," Rhubat sighed. "Yet another reminder we''re holding onto a life from a bygone era."


    "I know the Zhix have a troublesome past with the Dominators, but you should also understand I''m not some tyrant interested in forcing my beliefs onto your race or interfering with your lives. I''m not asking the Zhix to relinquish their connection to their hives. I just want them to recognize they''re part of a bigger picture, and I hope you''ll use this reorganization to better integrate your people. The hives will follow as long as the Anointed and respected warriors lead the way."


    Rhubat peered into Zac''s eyes for a few seconds. "I thought I''d get closer to you after breaking through, but I feel there''s a towering mountain before me. Strength is truth, and I will work harder on integrating our kin. However, the Zhix are no one''s ves. We follow you, but as you say, we will not always be around. Whoever picks up your mantle must prove their capability and sincerity to the hives."


    Zac thought it over for a few seconds before nodding in agreement. "I agree. Sincerity is a two-way street. On that note, I have something for you. It might help you deal with some of your kin''s issues."


    The five insectoid species he''d approached inside the Perennial Vastness had outright refused to shed any light on their cultivation system. And it was clear insectoids generally shared the Zhix''s xenophobia, to the point they shunned the Primal Council and any other group of beastkin. However, it wasn''t difficult to gather some general information on insectoid societies and various species of insect beasts.


    Two of the insectoids had also decided to target him after his inquiries, which left Zac with a fewmunal cultivation manuals and unique resources. The insectoids hadn''t even cared about sealing their techniques since they were custom-made for their species. Still, they should be useful as a reference for the Zhix. It was clear that cultivation was very possible even for societies such as the Zhix. There were a few terrifying forces out there, and the A-grade insectoid empires were some of the most feared factions in the Multiverse.


    For one, their members were fiercely loyal, with the whole poption willing to fight to the death for the hive. Secondly, at least half of all insectoid species had unique Kings or Queens at the top, or a ruling caste like the Anointed. The solitary leaders, especially, were powerful even among Supremacies, bolstered by unprecedented amounts of faith energy.


    This was what Zac feared the Zhix would adopt, considering such a cultivation system was bound to cause trouble for Earth. How could the object of the Zhix''s faith be subordinate to the Atwood Empire?


    "Faith," Rhubat muttered after scanning the information for a few minutes. "I see now."


    "It seems to be the mostmon path," Zac said. "With themunal nature of insectoid species, the standard path of cultivation doesn''t really work. Only those born with an individualistic mindset, like Ibtep, follow the conventional route. The rest cultivate through faith."


    "And the stronger the source of faith, the stronger the poption," Rhubat concluded, but there was a frown on their face. "I see why you''re worried, Warchief, but you need not be. This is the path of the Dominators. I cannot ept the Zhix consecrating me or any other leader as a god. I would only rece the chains of old with new ones."


    "The Dao of Faith is one of the Seventeen Dao Peaks, and it''s not limited to the consecration of a leader. It''s just that this method has proven most effective for many simr species," Zac offered. "You can have faith in things, concepts, or even your ancestors. Of course, these routes have different challenges that need to be ovee. And not all insectoids rely on faith; there''s more on that topic in the missives."


    Rhubat took a breath before standing up, bowing deeply at Zac. "Warchief, thank you for this. I cannot speak for the future, but the Zhix will not betray your trust while I am around. You have given me much to think about."


    "Just one more thing," Zac said. "Do you or Ibtep need any assistance with your Campaign mission?"


    "Mine will be finished soon enough. I simply need to kill five more D-grade battalionmanders in singr battle," Rhubat said before their face turned odd. "As for Ibtep�� They might need some assistance."


    The Anointed left a few minutester, at which point Zac''s face matched Rhubat''s. He''d already heard Ibtep was the second Zhix to reach Hegemony, but Zac hadn''t known the ss they''d picked was called Grub Knight. It was a weird half-martial pet ss that differed from Verana''s Beast Tamer archetype.


    Instead of having multiple pets fighting for you, Ibtep formed temporary connections with their grubs, connections which were only active when he rode them. In return, mount and knight would strengthen each other, forming a stronger whole. The problem was that Ibtep''s interest leaned toward raising tasty treats or worms that could be used as workers. Until now, he hadn''t raised a single beast bred for war.


    That on its own wasn''t a problem, but Ibtep''s quest needed their mounts to rue abined 15,000 merit, a difficult task for worms whose only strong feature was their taste. Rhubat had encouraged Ibtep to raise deadlier critters, but the result wasn''t great.


    Ibtep tried their best, even enlisting the Tal-dar''s help, but the years of selective breeding the Zhix had done so far were useless. Ibtep had intentionally bred out any aggression and other features that were a hindrance for workers but useful for fighters. With time and resources limited, Rhubat feared Ibtep wouldn''t figure out a solution to their mission in time.


    Zac could hopefully expedite things by providing resources and acquiring powerful worms off-world. At the same time, Zac wasn''t sure it was the right move. The inheritance was based on fate, and Ibtep had never been a fighter. Pushing him down the martial path might not be the correct solution to dealing with this matter. He''d have to have a talk with the worm rancher to figure out a n when he had time.


    He spent another hour catching up with the core members of his faction, handing out unique treasures he''d picked up along the way while exploring the Perennial Vastness. It quickly became apparent that Vri was right. There were only a few local Hegemons for now, but more than ten people were approaching the point where they could attempt their breakthrough.


    However, one person hadn''t seen as much improvement as the others. Zac inwardly sighed as he saw Sap Trang step into the room, his eyes darting around like a child called into the principal''s office. If Zac had felt the winds of fate pushing the Zhix forward, it was almost the opposite with the old fisherman in front of him.


    Zac couldn''t feel a hint of fate on Sap and felt the odds of the man reaching Peak E-grade slim even if provided the necessary resources. Sap also hadn''t been present at the meeting, even if he was qualified, no matter if you considered his status as a founding member of the empire or an Admiral of the Atwood Navy.


    "I''m sorry," Sap eventually said as he sat down. "I abused my status��"


    "It''s fine," Zac said. "You could say you were my first human follower, and you were instrumental in the formation of the Atwood Empire. I won''t pressure you if you don''t wish to register for the war. Besides, your job has never been more important, and no one is better suited."


    "It''s mostly Little Bau," Sap said with a crooked smile.


    "Still," Zac said. "The number of Aquatic Beast Kings far surpasses those onnd, and we must maintain order while so many of our warriors are off-world."


    Most worlds had vast swathes imed by Beasts, turning into Danger Zones for cultivators. Earth wasn''t any different. One of the reasons was that it was too costly and dangerous to clear them out. Cleansing the oceans was almost impossible, whether you considered its size or the fact that the beasts outnumbered humans by hundreds to one.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Keeping wild regions was also intentional. It gave the factions somewhere to temper their warriors without waging wars against their neighbors. The best resources also only grew in the wild, often with beast guardians creating a symbiotic rtionship with the treasures. So you settled by creating a perimeter, and the Beast Kings were usually smart enough to honor the borders in times of peace.


    But if they stepped out of line, people like Sap Trang and his Kraken needed to be there to push them back before they invaded cities or underwater resources. If not for the hard work of the Atwood Navy, the archipgo would have already be an unlivable Danger Zone considering how energy-dense the region was.


    "Well, I''ll do my best as long as possible."


    "What''s going on?" Zac asked with a frown as he sensed the hidden meaning in Sap''s words. "Are you okay?"


    "It''s hard to exin," Sap Trang sighed. "I might be a child in the eyes of the powerful beings out there, but I''m old. My joints don''t ache like they used to, but there is a weariness I didn''t feel during those first months of the Integration. Perhaps it''s because I rxed after finding my grandson safe and sound. Perhaps it''s because I received the gift of Cosmic Energy toote in life. Either case, the feeling only grew stronger after I avoided the Incursion. Now, I can tell I''ve reached the end."


    "You''re not��"


    "I''m not ready to enter the cycle of reincarnation just yet," Sap Trang smiled. "But I fear I won''t be able to keep up with Little Bau much longer, and I don''t want to be an anchor holding him back. I''m thinking about passing on the link to my great-grandson in the future. Liem''s only eight, but his affinity with water is far greater than mine or his father''s. And Bau already sees him as family."


    "I understand," Zac sighed. "Let me know if there''s anything you need."


    The old fisherman left soon after to resume his vigil. Meeting Sap dampened Zac''s mood, and he didn''t stay much longer. The news of the army shake-up had already spread by the time he emerged from the government building, and Zac heard quite a few pedestrians discuss the matter as he walked to the closest teleporter.


    Emily''s analysis was already proving urate; the response was quite positive. He even heard a few cultivators mentioning they would apply for a transfer, though their auras clearly indicated there was no way they''d get epted. Of course, this was the capital, which was mostly popted by the strong. The sentiment was likely different on the maind.


    Zac soon returned to his cave, where he spent the next day in seclusion, working tirelessly to prepare for the Abyssal Pond and the war. The only times he moved from his prayer mat was to asionally check in on Alea, even though her situation seemed to havepletely stabilized. Therge crystal still looked like it wanted to swallow all light as it siphoned off the Death in the cave.


    Finally, Zac got the message he''d been waiting for; Zakarith had finished the first round of negotiations. She had aplished her job splendidly and sent back a list of preliminary terms for Zac''s approval. The exact details would take longer to iron out, but the abridged terms indicated things would go the way he''d hoped.


    The Albright Empire was clearly worried about him turning to the highest bidder now that the old agreement was reaching term. It wasn''t just about the portability either. It was their most valuable feature, but they also added a lot of value on the frontlines. The Creators'' advanced weapon systems had proven surprisingly effective, considering they had already destroyed hundreds of enemy vessels before the real war even started.


    As such, the Allbright Empire was desperate to expand its fleet before the Kan''Tanu''s main army reached its defensive perimeter. They had been more than willing to ept Zac''s terms, though that was partly because he''d held back quite a bit. Apart from increasing the purchase price by 60%, the agreement mostly mirrored the benefits he''d gotten from the Undead Empire.


    The first was exclusive ess to three ventures; a smithy, a Formation Guild specializing in wartime arrays, and an alchemist n. These three covered all the needs of his armies. If heter managed to free Boje, he could use that connection to get special items for his elite battalions. However, he truthfully wasn''t confident he''d win in his duel with Kator. He''d heard some shocking rumors from his attendants in Kavista, and they hadn''t decided on what kind of handicap he''d get.


    Since he couldn''t rely on connecting with the Zethaya n, Zac had opted to add an alchemist to his demands. He could probably have pushed for even more, but the thought of extorting the faction standing at the forefront of this conflict left a bad taste in Zac''s mouth. There was also some truth to what Toss and the others said about fate. Even if you ignored the Left Imperial Pce, there were direct implications for his faction.


    What if he went too far with his spending, and the System upgraded its rating of his forces? It might mean his E-grade battlefronts suddenly found themselves pitted against armies of Hegemons. There was no way good equipment was enough to make up for a difference in grade when it came tomon soldiers, and the losses would be catastrophic.


    Besides, he needed the Allbright Empire just like they needed him, even if they didn''t know it. Selling ships to the Allbright Dynasty was the best way to ensure his ships sawbat, letting him progress his shipyard quest quicker.


    Still, Zac had used the situation to get a few benefits for himself. He reviewed the attached list of rare materials and sent a response, and he didn''t need to wait more than an hour before two Valkyries dropped off a couple of boxes in hispound. A hungry roar echoed in Zac''s mind when he picked them up, confirming his choice was correct. Verun absolutely wanted the items sealed inside.


    Not all of them contained treasures, though. One held a rare formation simr to a Core Formation Array but aimed at beastcrafted Spirit Tools. Better yet, its patterns indicated it came from the System itself, perhaps from a quest reward like how Zac got the [Divine Investiture Array]. The original owner had probably opted to sell or trade the thing to the Allbright Dynasty rather than using it themselves.


    Zac hadn''t expected the Allbright n to have such a good thing, or that they had voluntarily offered it as a greeting gift before the negotiations even started. It saved Zac a trip to the Big Axe Coliseum, which had simr facilities and skilled cksmiths.


    "Are you ready, buddy?" Zac smiled as his oldpanion appeared in his hand, and an exhrated howl answered when he dragged his finger across the mottled surface of its edge.


    Zac was full of excitement as he walked toward the teleporter. In less than a day, he would get to see the evolved form of his twopanions.

 Chapter 1084 - Widening the Path

    Simr preparations like those for Alea were quickly arranged, and Zac stepped onto another private ind at the archipgo''s edge. It was one of the few pure Life-attuned hotspots that had yet been turned into spiritual farms, reserved for his private use. Zac installed the [Primordial Awakening Array] inside the valley at the ind''s heart before taking out the mounds of treasure he''d prepared.


    The refined bones he''d gotten from Kruta were one of the core items, and they even held the Dao of Conflict already to match his path. Joining them were the two Life-attuned treasures he''d gotten from the Allbright Empire, of which one would elevate Verun''s spirit while the other was an extremely durable stone.


    Thest box wasn''t a material for the upgrade itself, but rather for a step that came before. It was a peak-quality [Primal Series Harmonization Array] and looked like a small stone altar. It wasn''t another special array from the System but a verymon array sold by multiple local Formation ns. Zac already had a few before entering the Perennial Vastness, but this one was of better quality.


    The Primal Series was one of the moremon types of rewarded equipment, at least in the Zecia sector. And while Verun could barely bepared to themon goods you''d see all over, it still carried some of the same issues. This array was designed to alleviate some of the problems before evolving it.


    Verun''s main source of nourishment had always been blood from the beasts he''d in over the years. Each infusion left a small mark on the Tool Spirit, refining its bestial spirituality further. This diet allowed for quick and cheap growth through the first grades, which was perfect for the average frontier cultivator. After all, you only needed to hunt random beasts or buy blood at a discount, and your weapon would slowly grow stronger.


    However, the potential of this path was very limited. Zac understood the concept very well, thanks to his study of [Cosmic Forge]. Too many shing bloodlines had entered his axe, taking up space while providing little of use. The [Primal Series Harmonization Array] was essentially a press, condensing all the energies the weapon had absorbed over the years. The good ones even managed to fuse some of them, like turning coal into diamonds.


    And the more space was left, the more room there was to grow.


    Zac deftly set up everything in no time. Peak Quality Beast Crystals had already been slotted into the array to power the process, and Zac ced hispanion onto its surface after taking a calming breath. He had gone over the next step for years to ensure nothing went wrong.


    After all, there was no way he''d be satisfied with the improvement from this array alone. It was one thing if the System had crafted it��those products came with a quality guarantee��but this was an array crafted by one of the resident Formation Masters of the Allbright Empire. More importantly, the array only condensed and fused the essences. It didn''t improve them or remove the unsuitable pieces.


    Luckily, Zac had just the thing to vastly improve the result; [Cosmic Extraction]. Zac couldn''t do what the array did, but he couldplement the process by removing the most troublesome bits during the fusion. He''d already perfected the method on spare axes while practicing crafting.


    The altar hummed to life, and the inscribed runes released a bloody glimmer. After ten minutes, the runes on [Verun''s Bite]''s handle also lit up, and it looked like the veinlike golden streaks across the weapon pulsated from a heartbeat. Zac felt Verun''s pain as the array set its spirituality aze, but the Tool Spirit didn''t resist at all.


    It took an hour for the altar to fully agitate and untangle the bloodlines inside the weapon, and the axe was veritably vibrating atop the array by that point. Zac knew that was his cue, so he engraved a small seal with his Omnitool at a certain spot of the axehead. Hiding in that location was a blob of energy thatpletely shed with the weapon''s nature��it reeked of death and decay, a remnant from one of the bloodlines Zac let it absorb before deciding it should be a true Life-attuned weapon.


    It couldn''t be called a whole essence like those he infused with [Cosmic Infusion]. It was barely a fragment of one, a small snippet of discord. It was lucky since he couldn''t use the standard extraction method while the [Primal Series Harmonization Array] was running. Instead, he''d created a small peephole with the seal, letting him drag out the piece like pulling out a splinter.


    An unstable vacuum was left in its wake, and a streak of blood actually shot out of the axe. But the situation didn''t get a chance to worsen before a tremendous pulse pushed down on the bloodlines. Zac erased the seal and moved on after confirming the extraction was sessful, this time targeting a piece clearlying from the adolescent dragon in the Tower of Eternity.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The dragon''s blood was responsible for a significant portion of Verun''s nature, and its extremely high-end bloodline was an important reason [Verun''s Bite]''s potential had skyrocketed upon entering E-grade. However, that didn''t mean every aspect of the dragon''s bloodline was suitable going forward. The bloodline purity and bestial ferocity that could be considered part of the Peak of Conflict were perfect, but there were also snippets holding the Dao of Fire. Those pieces had be a disturbance to the fusion of Conflict and Life, and simr whispers of unsuitable Daos could be seen everywhere.


    The situation wasn''t all that bad, though. The precious treasures he''d fed Verun over the years had flushed out much of the shing attunements, and [Cosmic Forge] allowed him to remove even more. Besides, this was just the beginning. Zac would definitely retune [Verun''s Bite] properly when his aplishments in [Essence Fusion] were deep enough. This was just a way to ensure his axe could keep up until then.


    Zac spent the next twenty minutes removing as many unsuitable essences and bloodlines as he could while the altar condensed the remainders. The forceful extraction led to the umted bloodlines inside the weapon decreasing, evidenced by the pools of acrid blood covering Zac and the surroundings. Of course, Zac wouldn''t let Verun face its tribtion with an iplete bloodline. He had prepared suitable recements.


    The first of which was his own blood.


    Zac dragged his thumb against Verun''s edge, and drops of golden blood were sucked into the weapon. He had focused the vitality of his Void Vajra Constituion into four droplets and infused them with his Daos, creating an incredibly nourishing recement for his weapon. His bloodlines and Constitutions were still considered E-grade, but they were at the very limit of the grade. The infusion left him woozy, but it was nothing some rest and a pile of Beast King meat couldn''t fix.


    Next, a coffin emanating temporal ripples appeared next to him, and Zac calmly turned to the person inside. Uona Noz''Vdir had acted high and mighty when alive, treating him and the other trial takers as ythings. Today, she had been reduced to nothing but a material for Verun''s growth. The blood still flowing through her body had always attracted the Tool Spirit, and it would get to eat its fill today.


    Actually, Uona''s fate wasn''t unique among Eternal n members. The haughty vampires looked down on all other species, considering them as food for their Blood Path. However, it turned out that their blood was considered an extremely valuable resource, especially their so-called Heart Blood, which contained the essence of their path. It was useful in various ways, from alchemy and smithing to nourishing beasts.


    It was the true reason many joined the Buddhist Sangha in their crusade against the Eternal n. Vampires with pure bloodlines and high talent, such as Uona, were extremely valuable, and that wasn''t even considering the startling changes her corpse had seen over the years. A series of unlikely coincidences had created something unique, which was exactly how many treasures were born.


    Uona had been marked by Chaos and struck by Heavenly Lightning, all while carrying a powerful source of high-quality blood. Zac was responsible for the first two and guessed the blood came from the Eternal n Monarch who Alvod Jondir killed. Today, half of Uona''s body waspletely withered, emitting an air of Death and even Oblivion.


    The other half possessed a vibrancy that no undead being should have, making her look more alive than when she actually lived. Even her skin had gained a golden hue. Uona had essentially undergone a simr transformation as the Chaos Motes in his body, where Chaos had fused with her Eternal n heritage and then split into Life and Death.


    Zac had already fed Verun a few drops of the life-attuned half, and it had elicited such a strong reaction he''d decided to seal the corpse inside a temporal coffin until today. Unfortunately, Alea had no interest in the other half, though it would likely see use in other ways. Its energy was simply too attuned to him not to take advantage.


    Verun howled with glee, hunger oveing pain as it greedily drank the refined blood, absorbing everything in no time. The quality of his and Uona''s blood far surpassed the random bloodlines Verun had absorbed over the years, and the lesser essences were forced to give way to the neers. Zac had never felt more in tune with the weapon than now, and he could feel the excitement mirrored in Verun.


    The runes atop the altar died down after another ten minutes when they failed to condense the bloodlines further. Zac moved [Verun''s Bite] to the [Primordial Awakening Array], and the upgrade process began soon after. The differences to Alea''s turbulent ascension quickly became apparent.


    The piles of materials didn''t get sucked into [Verun''s Bite] at once. Instead, Zac fed the array one item after another, based on which item Verun desired the most. The bones entered first, followed by the other top-tier materials from the Allbright Empire and Perennial Vastness. With every material that entered the array, a new set of golden runes appeared on the axe.


    The axe waspletely covered when just twenty percent of the materials had been absorbed, but Zac sensed Verun wasn''t satiated. So he kept pushing items into the array, looking on with interest as newyers of golden runes gradually formed a cocoon around the axe. Eventually, Zac felt fullness from his mental link just as he was about to take out some of his spare materials.


    The upgrade array cracked as the shimmering ball released a powerful pulse, and Zac backed away while [Verun''s Bite] rose into the air. He could tell that his part in the process was over. No ominous clouds were forming above his head, but Zac could still feel fate gathering around his weapon. Then, a sh of gold appeared out of nowhere, striking [Verun''s Bite].


    The golden bolt shared almost no simrities with the Tribtion Lightning of the Old Heavens, except that they were made of lightning. Zac couldn''t sense any anger or aura of extermination. There was only indifference, like a god looking down at the world. The System wasn''t out to harm, but it also wouldn''t care if [Verun''s Bite] failed its test.


    This was the first time Zac saw a trial of the Heavenly Path since breaking through to E-grade. [Verun''s Bite] differed from [Love''s Bond] in that it was an Orthodox Spirit Tool in every sense of the word. The weapon was provided by the System, and they''d followed the conventional evolution path. The only difference between [Verun''s Bite] and normal primal series axes was the shocking number of opportunities it had encountered thanks to being bound to Zac.


    It wasn''t even on the Boundless Path like Zac. His Daos were kept separate so he could walk the path of Pure Life, but Verun was the sum of the materials that had gone into its creation. It was a Life-Conflict dual-affinity Spirit Tool, simr to a Mixed-meaning Dao.


    Tribtions within the Heavenly Path were generally considered easier, but that didn''t mean the System would just hand out things for free. You needed to prove yourself worthy, just like how Zac had endured two Tribtions when entering E-grade. Simrly, the bolt contained incredible force, and a storm was kicked up inside the valley. Zac could senseplex fluctuations inside the lightning, which triggered both his Soul and Dao Heart.


    The trial of Hegemony was essentially all three tribtions of the E-grade baked into one and cranked to eleven. Every aspect needed to be up to par, and the demands on Tool Spirits weren''t any different. The weapon had to be nurtured with good enough materials to withstand the energies of a Cosmic Core. Its spirituality also had to be strong enough not to break when faced with the Daos of their wielders or enemies.


    Finally, their Heart had to be strong enough if they wanted to follow theirpanion on their journey toward the peak. The former aspects mostly depended on treasures and opportunities, while thetter was nurtured through the bond between wielder and tool.


    A defiant roar reverberated through the valley, drowning out all other sounds. The runes across the axe''s surface burned with unfettered power, and one after another sank into the axe. Not a wisp of the golden lightning was released into the wild. Having passed the first bolt, it became perfected energy. The second bolt arrived without warning, its intensity more than double the previous one. Thousands of runes appeared around the axe upon collision and were dragged into [Verun''s Bite].


    Zac felt Verun''s struggle, and his mind was full of defiant roars. He could feel the two bolts locked within the axe, turning its own body into a furnace. The pain didn''t subside, but the energy eventually stabilized. Zac could sense fate gathering for one final salvo. This time, Verun emerged in person, standing guard over its corporeal form while roaring at the sky. Its mane almost appeared to be on fire as it danced in the wind, the fur releasing intense red- and golden lights.


    The final bolt emerged from the void, and Zac smiled upon seeing Verun swallowing it whole before retreating into its axe. The process had felt calm and controlled from beginning to end. Compared to Alea''s breakthrough, it had been. Still, the overbearing disy at the end could only fool a bystander. Zac could feel just how much pain Verun was in as it struggled to refine the tribtion.


    Ultimately, Verun more than possessed the qualifications to take the next step, whether you looked at quality, spirituality, or Dao Heart. The remaining golden runes across the axe didn''t sink into the axe but released a stronger radiance. Soon, the light congealed into a huge pasite made from steel and gold. Just like Alea, Verun had passed the tribtion and was now incorporating the new materials.


    In contrast to Alea''s breakthrough, Zac still felt his connection to Verun. The Tool Spirit was exhausted but in high spirits. Zac still retracted his presence, letting hispanion focus on breaking through.


    There was no need to wait for Verun to stabilize, so he moved the pasite to his Cultivation Cave. Zac spent the next day cultivating, making sure no surprises popped up with either of his Tool Spirits. Thankfully, everything was in order, and both were steadily absorbing the ambient energies to fuel the fusion. Zac nodded and left his cave but didn''t take the teleporter. Instead, he passed a series of barriers, emerging in theplex tunnel system of his mountain.


    It only took a few minutes to reach the secluded valley hidden between the mountains. A confusing mix of Life and Death danced around him, partly due to his Cultivation Chamber right below. He''d once considered developing this region into a premium cultivation space, but the chaotic atmosphere had made that almost impossible.


    Of course, a few mansions were hanging from the slopes of the four mountains around him, though they all faced outward. This region had been turned into yet another private domain of his, though it hadn''t seen much use.


    Zac walked through the valley until he reached the withered Tree of Ascension. It had long since lost all its leaves, and it was difficult to tell whether it was still alive.


    "It might still make it. There''s a stubborn seed of spirituality that refuses to let go."


    Zac looked over, nodding at Vri as she appeared from the mists.


    "Perhaps. It''s been through a lot��being poisoned, ripped apart to provide materials, and now this environment. It''s really unlucky," Zac said with a shake of his head. "Are you ready?"


    "I''ve memorized your notes and the missives," Vri nodded. "There shouldn''t be any issues."


    "Good," Zac said and took out a small box. "I''ll be relying on you then."

 Chapter 1085 - Deaths Duality

    The box in Zac''s hands held a golden array g rippling with Temporal Energy. Just holding it exacerbated his disconnect with the River of Time, and he quickly backed away after cing it some distance away. A powerful suction soon dragged vast amounts of ambient energy toward the Array g, and a shimmering sphere five meters wide soon became visible.


    It was a Temporal Chamber he''d just bought from the closest Limited Exchange, this one a two-year version costing 35,000 Merit. Since it hadn''t been filled with energy like the one Zac got from Reyna, it would need to absorb the ambient energy for half a day before it could be used. Even then, one would have to bring a lot of crystals to ensure you didn''t run out of energy and waste your time inside the temporal bubble.


    "Are you staying?" Vri asked after a few minutes had passed.


    "I''ll be back before it''s finished charging," Zac said. "I won''t be muchpany after you enter, but I''ll be by your side."


    "It will be afort just having you here," Vri smiled.


    It hadn''t taken much deliberation before Zac picked Vri to look after his Spirit Tools. He could trust her with his life, and her powerful soul would let her better sense the situation within the two cocoons. Furthermore, she was not yet ready to enter Hegemony, which was actually a good thing. Zac couldn''t ask someone busy with their core formation to ensure the cocoons had enough energy. Breaking through was difficult enough without having to focus on side tasks.


    Vri could still benefit a lot from the Time Chamber, considering her focus on Soul Cultivation. Not even her extraordinary bloodline could let her keep the same pace as conventional cultivators. However, two extra years should trante into significant progress with her Soul Cultivation. That way, she''d be able to quickly break through as soon as she found the next piece of the Anima Court Seal.


    Zac left the valley, spending the next ten hours making preparations. Eventually, Zac returned to Vri, using Vivi to carry the two cocoons. He gingerly put them down before taking out yet another box and handing it to Vri.


    "Here."


    Vri curiously opened its lid, and an eruption of immense Mental Energy poured out while the whole valley was lit up with emerald splendor. Vri''s eyes widened in surprise before she looked up at Zac.


    "A Moss Crystal? I thought the moon refused to give up more of these?"


    "I flew over and made an offer Mossy couldn''t refuse," Zac grinned.


    Actually, the trade went surprisingly well. Mossy had initially been angry by the ''betrayal'' upon realizing Zac had fully absorbed his Moss Crystals without being impacted by the hidden soul sliver within. But Zac had pointed out there shouldn''t have been a trap inside anyway. From there, it turned into a straightforward transaction of benefits.


    "Be careful, though. I wouldn''t be surprised if there''s another seed of sentience hidden in this thing," Zac reminded. "And seeing how smart Mossy is getting, it might be trickier to deal with than what I encountered."


    "We''re lucky Emerald Eye remains in E-grade," Vrimented. "Such arge soul might be able to reach Earth if it reached the limits of Hegemony."


    Zac nodded in agreement. He knew he was making a deal with the devil by providing Mossy with treasures, but he needed the Moss Crystals if he wanted his soul to keep up with his other cultivation. There was also the matter of rebuilding his Thousand Lights Avatar, which required vast amounts of Mental Energy. He had actually gotten another one for himself during his quick trip to the moss-covered moon, though it seemed Mossy wouldn''t be able to form any more in the short run.


    The two talked a few more minutes before Vri walked into the bubble, the two cocoons floating behind her. The dense haze of energy filling the Temporal Chamber turned their forms into a blur, and Zac''s heart thumped as he felt the Temporal Energies rise over the next minutes. Still, Zac tried to look encouraging rather than worried, remembering Vri would look at the same expression for two years.


    Eventually, a powerful pulse was followed by a rapid-fire series of events. The dense haze inside the Temporal Chamber instantly disappeared as Verun''s Pasite soared toward one side of the valley. The crystal was covered in cracks and releasing extremely powerful fluctuations, and all the Life-attuned energy in the valley was dragged toward it like aet''s tail.


    Zac didn''t even have time to blink before the obsidian crystal flew in the opposite direction. It was only a fraction of a secondter, but Zac guessed that close to a year had passed between Verun and Alea finishing their fusions and being sent out by Vri. The Mentalist also emerged, but Zac refocused on his Spirit Tools after confirming she was fine.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The Pasite was the first to shatter, and an earth-shattering roar was followed by a pulse of utter ferocity. Zac felt it cover the whole valley range and continue surrounding the mountain range. Hismunication crystal was already vibrating, which was no surprise. There was no way this phenomenon couldn''t be sensed from Azh''Rodum. Judging by the intensity, they might even feel it back in Port Atwood.


    He ignored the messages, looking at the sky with a smile. The toll was not asrge as his own, but it did stretch almost 40 kilometers in each direction. As far as Spirit Tools went, that should be considered passing with flying colors. In the heart of it all, Verun floated, its length more than two hundred meters.


    The Tool Spirit had undergone yet another transformation inside the Pasite. In the beginning, Verun had been brown, followed by ck with red streaks after absorbing the dragon''s blood. Later, it also gained golden patterns after increasing its affinity to Life. Today, Verun''s fur was a light steely grey. The red-and-gold patterns remained and had grown even denser than before. Its mane, especially, was filled with thick golden bristles with roots of sanguine red.


    Otherwise, it looked simr to before, a primordial hyena with an oversized maw. Each tooth was now the size of a building, yet sharp enough to make space groan in protest. One interesting addition was that Verun actually had a rune on its forehead, aplex pattern of steel and gold. It resembled some of the evolutionary blueprints he''d created while searching for answers, but it held more meaning than that. Zac couldn''t be certain, but it seemed to generate some sort of domain.


    A second apparition followed on the heels of Verun''s appearance, this one even more familiar. It was Alea, looking almost exactly like she did when resisting her tribtion. Her aura was significantly more condensed, though, even with her size almost a match to Verun''s.


    A second toll spread far and wide, but it didn''t sh with the other one. They superimposed as they covered almost the same area, and the storms inside the valley calmed down rather than grew agitated. Zac savored the atmosphere, his smile growing wider as he saw his twopanions showing off. The two Tool Spirits looked back at him, and he could feel their spiritual links grow stronger.


    It felt like pure water finally returning to dried-out riverbeds, and he was whole once more.


    The apparitions only stayed for a while longer before they shrunk into two lights, one gold and one ck. The lights shot toward him, and Zac soon held a ne in one hand and an axe in the other. Zac could tell both Verun and Alea were in good form, and he turned his head down at the axe.


    [Verun''s Bite] hadn''t changed as much as the apparition. It still had a wooden handle, though its weathered brown color had shifted toward a golden-red hue. The axehead was still made from bone, and the teeth for counterbnce remained. As expected, the golden patterns had grown more exquisite, and Zac felt like he was looking at small divine rivers running toward the gleaming edge.


    Surprisingly, the five sanguine runes on the handle were all gone, reced by two golden runes, one of which was the original one that let Verun fight by his side. Going from five to two runes gave Zac pause, and he briefly wondered if his pre-evolution adjustments had damaged its core. However, he understood he was worrying for nothing after wordlesslymunicating with Verun.


    The old abilities, if you could call them that, had simply been integrated to be standard features of the Spirit Tool. Instead, the weapon had gained a true skill, something closer to the earth-shattering abilities [Love''s Bond] had possessed since he first got it.


    This, unfortunately, wasn''t the time or ce to try it out. Zac turned to the ne, a sense of premonition filling him upon seeing that the miniature coffin was reced by a round pendant. Its motif was a mix of Alea and her flowing hair and an axe. He gingerly put it on, ignoring the cold Death radiating from its ck metal. Zac was about to try to question Alea about her choices, but he sighed and shook his head when he felt her consciousness brush against his.


    ''I''m d you''re okay.''


    ''I didn''t expect the Heavens to get quite that angry, but it worked out nicely," Alea giggled. ''Come on, activate me.''


    Zac wryly smiled and infused some energy into the pendant, which turned into a wave of darkness that ran down his right arm. Zac''s mind was filled with the roar of thousands of chains rattling, like a convoy of bound dead ambling forward in the underworld. The impression onlysted a moment before Zac felt solid metal and afortable weight in his hand.


    [ck Death] had retained most of its appearance, just like [Verun''s Bite], except for a few small details. It had been utterly ck before but was now a charcoal grey with pitch-ck markings to mirror verun''s gold. A singr rune was also at the top of the handle, clearly a skill like those on [Verun''s Bite].


    ''Can''t call me [ck Death] anymore. How about [Alea''s Kiss]?'' Alea suggested.


    ''No way,'' Zac rejected without hesitation.


    ''No, I guess that''s no good. It would make me seem like a frivolous woman if I went around kissing everything that came your way. [Death''s Duality]?''


    ''Fine,'' Zac absentmindedly agreed, but his attention was mostly on the other changes to [Love''s Bond].


    Upon seeing the ne''s new appearance, he''d already suspected Alea would surprise him. And as it indicated, the Coffin form of [Love''s Bond] was gone entirely. Like that, both of the Spirit Tool''s original configurations were gone.


    Recing the coffin was a te armor made from the same material as the axe. The same pitch-ck markings holding the Death and even a hint of Oblivion formed a mysterious pattern moving toward runes of distilled truth. The only part that was different was a ck engraving of Alea that covered his heart. It looked just like her, but it was clearly not just decorative. Zac could tell it was a skill like the rune on the handle.


    The armor only covered part of his body. A sturdy breastte protected his heart and lungs, and the armor continued down his right arm. Zac''s midsection, left shoulder, and neck were left fully exposed, but not even a de of grass could get through the covered sections. Thankfully, Zac didn''t even notice the armor, and he felt no resistance or restriction when twisting his torso or swinging his arm around. The tes were perfectly adapted to his physique, and there had to be some magic at y since Zac couldn''t even hear a creak when moving around.


    The coffin was gone, but Alea had saved the chains. They now emerged from six vortices on his backte, three running down his shoulders along his spine. A seventh chain emerged just below his elbow, forming an additionalyer of protection for his right arm before attaching to the bottom of [Death''s Duality].


    Zac held one of the chains, a small frown marring his face. The new form was powerful and full of potential, yet it left Zac with a sour feeling. Carrying the coffin on his back had been a reminder and a promise. And with the coffin gone, it felt like he''d broken the oath he''d sworn at this exact location years ago.


    ''I never liked having you carry around that coffin,'' Alea muttered as the chains wound around him in an embrace. ''It made you sad, and it served no purpose anyway. My old body was gone by the time I became [Love''s Bond], so it became nothing but a container of guilt. I like this form much better. This way, no one will be closer to your heart than me.''


    ''Why didn''t you tell me?'' Zac sighed. ''I could��''


    "You could have what?" Alea snorted as her projection emerged from the engraving on his breastte.


    "Talked me out of it? Tried to prepare a body in secret when I don''t want one? No, you''re too stubborn, so I took matters into my own hands. If you want to help me, help me finish my transition. That way, I won''t have to suffer such painful tribtions while following you."


    "...Fine," Zac sighed. "But if you ever change your mind, just tell me."


    "I know, and I love you for that," Alea winked before turning to Vri. "Thank you for your help in there. Those Spiritual Fluctuations were actually very useful for us."


    "You''re wee," Vri smiled.


    "You know, you''re not bad," Alea thoughtfully said. "Good looks, good talent, good temperament. You''d make a virtuous wife. How about snatching this guy up before it''s toote?"


    Vri''s eyes widened in shock, her trademark calm cracking. "I��"


    "She''s just messing around," Zac sighed.


    "Am I?" Alea said with a raised brow. "Catheya''s not bad, but she''s all caught up in the politics. How can she manage your house like that?"


    "I don''t need you to act matchmaker," Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "Believe it or not, I''m doing quite well on my own. Since you have so much energy, exin your new form. Are you able to stay like this longer now?"


    "I guess, but there''s not much point," Alea hummed as she floated around. "It''s still a drain on my spirit, and I don''t have anybat ability like Verun. Besides, this is not really my true form any longer. It''s like if you turned into a cloud of dust. It might work, but it''s not natural. As for my new form, isn''t it self-exnatory? You could barely consider me a War Regalia right now, even if I''m still missing most of the features. But try it out��infuse some energy into me."


    Zac followed Alea''s instructions, and the ck patterns immediately released a dark gas that trickled down over his body like a slow-moving waterfall. The smoke was decently corrosive, but more importantly, it seemed to have a defensive effect. He curiously picked up a nearby stone with telekinesis and hurled it toward himself.


    With the stone''s speed, it would punch right through a Middle E-grade cultivator, yet Zac didn''t feel a thing when it met the dark shroud. The mist temporarily hardened at the collision spot, turning into an impassable wall. The stone shattered, and the mist returned to its original form, only slightly weakened.


    Zac whistled as he looked down at the shroud. The feature was surprisingly durable, and it barely cost him any Miasma. Its shifting nature even acted as a form of distraction. Veteran warriors could use the slightest movement or shift in weight to predict their opponent''s next move. The haze around his right arm, in particr, would make those predictions much harder.


    The feature wasn''t without its problems, though. The shroud was densest over his armored parts and the sections right below. However, his legs were only partially covered, while his head and left arm remained fully exposed. Compared to the [Ossuary Bulkwark], the barrier wasn''t asprehensive or reliable.


    "Each upgrade should cover a bit more and hopefully add new features. By the time I reach Late D-grade, I''ll be wrapped all around you," Alea said with a mischievous grin.


    "And at peak?" Zac curiously asked.


    "I''m not sure," Alea said. "I guess we''ll find out together. Well, that''s it for me."


    "Your soul''s wounded?" Zac frowned. "Do you need to enter seclusion?"


    "Stopping that bolt did a number on me," Alea wryly smiled. "But no, I''m mostly fine. Though I wouldn''t say no if you fed me some tasty spiritual materials."


    "Actually, I have something right now," Zac said, taking out a small vial.


    It was the [Wreathstar Nectar] Iz gave him. He had initially nned on using the remaining drops after entering Hegemony, but he''d realized he didn''t need them. Zac didn''t know if it was his month of unconsciousness, the effect of the Perennial Vastness, or something rted to his Technocrat Origin. Either way, he felt his body and foundations as stable as bedrock upon waking up. It was even part of the reason he could make such rapid progress on his pathways.


    Zac released one drop on [ck Death] and another on [Verun''s Bite]. The mysterious liquid entered the weapons without issue, and even Zac could feel the mysterious energies wash over Alea and Verun. Alea returned to her ne form, but when Zac tried to stow [Verun''s Bite], it actually resisted. Instead, it turned into a simple bone ring on his right thumb.


    "You wanted to hang around like Alea?" Zac asked andughed upon hearing an affirmative roar in his mind. "That''s fine."


    Zac then turned to Vri. "Thank you for your help. How did things go on your end?"


    "I''m the one who should thank you," Vri smiled, having already ovee the embarrassment from before. "I saved decades of work on my soul, and two years of seclusion gave me the time to explore some ideas I''ve had for skills and my blueprint. I''ll be ready to evolve as soon as I get the next piece."


    "Good," Zac said. "I''ll talk to youter."


    Zac returned to his Cultivation Cave after sending Alea to Kavista. The environment there was much better for stabilizing her foundation, and he wanted to bring her to the Abyssal Pond. Who knew? It might provide her with an opportunity as well. Having dealt with all short-term matters, Zac shut out the outside world.


    The next time he emerged from seclusion, it would finally be time to stare into the Abyss.

 Chapter 1086 - Origins

    A gentle chime indicated it was about time, and Zac slowly opened his eyes. The medicinal haze around him was incredibly dense, having found nothing to fix since yesterday and left umting inside the sacred tree.


    He was ready.


    The work on his Pathways finished two days ago. The general circuit was fully upgraded already, both as Human and Draugr. Most cultivators wouldn''t believe their ears upon hearing a Mortal finishing everything in under a week. Then again, Zac wasn''t a Mortal in the conventional sense.


    The only parts that didn''t quite match his sses were a few small sections surrounding some of his skills and empty skill slots. He hadn''t figured out all the details yet on how he wanted to move forward with his skills, so he had left those snippets in an open-ended state to easier adaptter on. Those small sections wouldn''t affect his fighting ability, at least not while the skills remained E-grade.


    Zac had rued dozens of skills between his sses, and not all were as straightforward to deal with as [Deathmark]. First, there were his anciry skills, such as [Cosmic Gaze] and [Spiritual Anchor]. Both were useful, but neither was tuned to his path. After matching his pathways to his sses, they barely worked anymore. He had simr issues with some of his active skills, such as [Innate Ward], [Undying Mark], and [Abyssal Phase].


    Then, there were the ones he no longer used. For example, there were [Conformation of Supremacy] and [Gorehew]. Over the years, he''d picked up many of these skills to shore up his weaknesses, but it was high time he did something about it.


    Having outdated and unsuitable skills wasn''t a huge problem in the lower grades since the energy levels or Daos involved weren''t enough to cause a disturbance. But the problem would be increasingly noticeable as time passed.


    A chain was only as strong as its weakest link, and these unsuitable Skill Fractals were currently weaknesses in his pathways. They were like cholesterol clogging up his spiritual arteries, lowering his already unimpressive energy transmission. It slowed down activation times and weakened persistent skills such as [Primal Edict] since the fractal didn''t get as much energy as it should.


    The Skill Fractals even created disharmony within your body, like a few instruments ying out of tune in an orchestra. For cultivators, it was like having a fly buzzing in their ears while trying to meditate on their Daos. That wasn''t really a problem for Zac, who didn''t meditate, but that didn''t mean he could ignore the skills.


    The whole point of a ss was that it attuned your body to your path��the System handing out Skills was just an added bonus. The real magic was the pathways themselves and how they transformed normal energy into something uniquely suited to activating your skills. Before the System, cultivators had to manually refine their energy beforeunching spells, which was obviously way harder.


    Unrted skills were based on concepts that had nothing to do with your path, yet they were connected to your pathways. In other words, they distorted the signal, which became increasingly noticeable as you progressed through the grades. The added detail to fractals at each grade was a consequence of higher-grade skills requiring more specific energy, and having an Arcane ss magnified that.


    That was why cultivators generally avoided filling their skill slots with random abilities even after reaching a bottleneck��some even closed their empty skill slots permanently to improve their energy flow. Zac had always followed this way of doing things, though he only found out whyter.


    Right now, the downside wasn''t too bad. The power he''d gained from entering Hegemony more than made up for the reduced efficiency, and the disharmony they created wasn''t to the point they''d make skills randomly fail. Still, it was a problem that needed to be solved, and the sooner, the better. Some skills would be upgraded and altered to suit his path, while others would be reced or discarded entirely.


    Luckily, not all his skills were this troublesome to deal with. For example, he still didn''t know how to evolve [Pir of Destion], but the skill was perfectly attuned to him. The only downside of letting it stay in E-grade was that his ultimate skill wouldn''t be strong enough to deal with troublesome enemies. With other skills, he had alreadye up with a solution, and he''d taken the opportunity to upgrade a few more while waiting for the Abyssal Pond to be readied.


    [D] Evolutionary Edge - Proficiency: Early. The struggle of the wild hones the sharpest edge. Upgradeable.


    [D] Indomitable - Proficiency: Early. The will of the underworld is intractable, undeterred by the screams of the bound. Upgradeable.


    The Soul Defense skill on his Undead side barely required any adjustment. He''d simply made some alterations that would let him bolster its effect with both Daos of his Inexorable Path. Before, it only gained durability from his Branch of the Pale Seal. Now, it would also push back with the help of the Branch of the War Axe, which would strengthen the defenses further while having the chance of eliciting a bacsh on spiritual attacks.


    [Nature''s Edge] had seen arger overhaul, even more so than [Deathmark]. Over the past years, Zac had thought long and hard about what role his old staple skill should have. [Chop] had added lethality, reach, and durability during a time when his equipment was low-quality, and he dealt with enemies a few at a time. Today, he barely used [Nature''s Edge] to empower his weapon, mostly because of the huge strides he''d made with his technique.


    There was no point in forming a fractal de when infighting any longer. If anything, a meter-long de ced in front of your weapon made infighting more cumbersome. Not only that, but [Verun''s Bite] was already so sharp and durable it was better to let the axe itself strike the enemies than to use an intangible de. That was doubly true now that Verun had be a D-grade Spirit Tool.


    Meanwhile, releasing fractal des at ranged targets was only somewhat effective. It was easier for Zac to just sh into melee range and unleash [Nature''s Edge]''s area st instead. As a result, his staple skill had been reduced to an omnidirectional burst attack he used to deal with weaker targets, while asionally bing the activation vehicle for [Rapturous Divide].


    Zac had cross-referenced his old skills, multiple skill crystals, and books on patterns to find a solution. He wanted the skill to regain its usefulness as a repeatable attack he could use to empower hisbat style. Hopefully, the alterations had let him aplish just that.


    There were a few more skills that Zac was ready to fix right away, but there was no way he''d split his attention when entering the Abyssal Pond. He even let his human side enter a Void State as his Draugr half exited the Cultivation Chamber. A graceful woman already waited outside, and Zac was surprised to see she was a Late-stage Hegemon.


    "Young master, I''m Selesa Kavriel. I''m here to lead you to the Abyssal Pond," Selesa said with a graceful curtsy. "If you please."


    "Thank you," Zac said, and the two made their way to the closest teleporter.


    Zac had expected the Abyssal Pond to be nearby, but Selesa led him through a ry of almost a dozen arrays before they reached their destination. Judging by the closed-off chambers and the mounting pressure, Zac guessed they were moving underground. Far underground, toward the source of the immense energies that fueled Kavista and the Kavriel n''s ancestral home. Even he found it slightly difficult to bear the pressure, and he realized why they hadn''t sent someone from the younger generation to guide him this time.


    The depth of C-grade continents was innumerable times greater thans, but that didn''t necessarily mean they held sprawling underworlds like the one on Earth. Certainly, there were undoubtedly subterranean biotopes the size of whole worlds and cave systems you could spend decades traversing. However, the deeper regions of continents were rarely visited because of how dangerous it was in the depths.


    For one, the pressure would mount until even Monarchs found it difficult to endure. But long before that, there were incredibly dangerous energy pulses that could rip cultivators to shreds. These currents moved too fast to dodge, and they contained such vast amounts of energy that it was impossible to set up man-made protections. They were the source of the rich environment above, but also what kept cultivators from searching the rich depths.


    Certainly, there would always be people willing to take the risk when there were benefits involved. There was a type of daring explorer who made a living striking at the deeper regions, hoping to find pockets where the pulses never passed for one reason or another. Those spots had a chance of hidden Holy Lands and could hold Natural Treasures that had been growing in secret for millennia.


    Zac once asked why people simply didn''t dig into the continents from below since that''s where the treasures hid, only to find out it was impossible. True continents weren''t like the world disks of the Twilight Ocean, where you could see both the surface and underside. In reality, C-grade continents and above didn''t actually have an underbelly, which was something Zac still had a hard time wrapping his head around.


    "This way, my lord," Selesa said when they''d finished their jumps.


    The previous rooms had been without exits, but this one held a singr door guarded by two peak Hegemons. They slightly bowed at Zac and opened the door as he approached. Behind was a short corridor leading into a surprisingly luxurious lounge area. Zac felt like he''d arrived at a five-star spa, a feeling that was only reinforced as he walked up to arge window close by. There was a shimmeringke just below, along with an actual beach.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Had the Kavriel n built a resort in the depths of the continent?


    "Is this it?" Zac hesitated, looking at the shimmering waters with suspicion.


    Theke was clearly special, but it resembled a watered-down version of Be''Zi''s cultivation ground more than the Abyssal Lake of his vision. The waters were a radiant Aquamarine rather than the oppressive ck that swallowed all light. Besides, theke was immense, to the point Zac couldn''t see its end. There was simply no way this was the Abyssal Pond.


    "No," Selesa smiled. "This is the Deepmist Lake, a private cultivation ground of the Kavriel n. The Abyssal Pond is further down, but I do not have the qualifications to go there. I''ve been told Mistress An''Azol will lead the rest of the way."


    "Even further down?" Zac muttered. "Aren''t you worried the pond will get dragged into a��"


    Zac''s words got caught in his throat, his eyes widening with realization. Energy pulses, beasts, and unbearable pressure were not the only dangers of delving into the depths of the continents. The further you went, the greater the pressure, until not even space could endure. After reaching a certain point, the underground would make the spatial turbulence inside the Research Base seem mild.


    Most of the fractures were just that��spatial rifts that were only good for ripping you apart. However, a few led to Mystic Realms attracted by the immense gravitational forces of the C-grade Continent. Those pathways were highly sought-after resources that factions like the Kavriel n could spend a fortune stabilizing and moving to a safer location.


    Supposedly, a few tears could even lead to the mysterious lower nes, though those were supposed to be incredibly rare and very unstable.


    Was that how Tavza and Laz Tem''Zul had connected this remote corner of the Multiverse with the Abyssal Lake? If so, what exactly was the Abyssal Lake? Could the Abyss be a lower ne in the depths of reality, while the shores were simply a gateway to the prime realities? Almost like how a crack had led the Ra''Lashar Goblins to the ''Lost ne,'' which was actually the inner dimension of an Eternal Heritage?


    Selesa didn''t answer his question, but her smile indicated he was on the right track. The attendant led him to the shores, where they waited silently for a few minutes until the waters rippled.


    "You''re here," Tavza said as she emerged from the waters. "Your energy is flowing naturally. Are you ready?"


    "As ready as I can be," Zac nodded.


    "Follow me, then."


    Tavza turned back into the waters, and Zac followed. The Deepmist Lake was cool to the touch and filled with immense umtions of Death. Zac wasn''t even sure it was made from water. It seemed more like the liquified energy of the Twilight Ocean, though this one wasn''t sullied by Life.


    Zac had no trouble piercing through the waters with his power of flight, but his speed was clearly not up to Tavza''s standard. She waved her hand, and Zac was pulled over before a pitch-ck creature surrounded them. Zac couldn''t exactly tell what it looked like from within, but it seemed to be either an eel or an aquatic dragon. Either case, it was incredibly fast, transporting them dozens of times faster than Zac''s peak swimming speed.


    "Most who live by the Abyssal Lake have simr abilities," Tavza exined when Zac looked at her curiously. "It wouldn''t be inurate to call us an aquatic race, and high affinity to Ice and Water is quitemon among our kin."


    "I guess," Zac said as he looked around. "I didn''t expect the pond to be down here. Can you exin what''s going on?"


    "I overheard your exchange," Tavza said. "It''s as you believe. The Abyssal Lake is more than a special region. It''s most likely a unique ne."


    "Most likely?" Zac said, looking at Tavza with confusion. "You don''t know?"


    "Reality sometimes resists the clear-cut definitions we create to rationalize our understanding of the cosmos," Tavza said. "The Abyssal Lake shares some characteristics with the lower nes but also differs in a few critical aspects.


    "For example, we can temporarily connect with the Abyssal Lake by seizing and retuning a spatial bridge. This indicates the trueke is located somewhere down there. However, neither Draugr nor anyone else has ever found it when scouring the nes. The only way to get there is the Abyssal Lakes, or these pathways opened by using a beacon connected to theke.


    "The Abyssal Lake seems tock any connection to the Earthly Peak, and neither does our race show any particr talent for this Dao. It''s also impossible to form contracts of summoning or exchange with the creatures living in theke, like how summoners and warlocks connect with other nes. So your guess is as good as mine."


    Zac thoughtfully nodded as he looked at the increasingly dark depths of theke. He should have expected theke wasn''t as simple as a physical object. But to think it was hidden so well that not even the Supremacies had figured out where it was.


    "You''re happy?" Tavza suddenly said with a raised brow.


    "Ah?" Zac said, only then realizing he had a smile on his face. "Well, it''s kind of interesting, isn''t it? The Multiverse is so old, and there are beings who have been around for billions of years. You''d expect every nook and cranny to have been explored by now, yet the cosmos is still filled with mysteries we can''t make heads or tails of. Who knows how many more ces like the Abyssal Lake there are?"


    "It''s true," Tavza said. "Most of our reality remains uncharted, and word of new discoveries in the Eternal Storm reach our ears every year. There are even things within integrated space that have baffled people for eons. Take the Omnilord''s Trial, for example."


    "The what?"


    "Throughout recorded history, since before the System even, there have been sightings of an ancient castle appearing out of nowhere. Sometimes it''s in the middle of the Multiverse Hearnds. Sometimes it''s in the depths of the Eternal Storm. There are even records of it appearing in the Lower nes.


    "It appears for exactly 37 days before disappearing. During that time, its gates are open for anyone below the C-grade. However, not even Supremacies can force their way inside. Once, a Throne tried and was rebuffed."


    "So it''s an Eternal Heritage," Zac surmised.


    "No," Tavza said with a shake of her head. "It''s Dao is odd, but it should be something of this Era. The problem is, no one knows who this Omnilord is. We only know what the que outside tells us. The Omnilord has left ''The Key to the Future'' for his fated inheritor, and it''s waiting in the heart of the castle."


    "What''s the key to the future?"


    "Who knows?" Tavza shrugged. "And that''s my point; there is usually a reason why mysteries remain a mystery to this day. Out of the billions of geniuses who have entered the Omnilord''s trial, not one was ever seen again."


    "What a party pooper," Zac muttered, but his spirits soon lifted as he saw a barrier ahead.


    Tavza''s creature flew through the barrier, and Zac felt a powerful spatial ripple pass through his body before his senses were overwhelmed. Death, darkness, stillness. Home.


    "We''re here," Tavza said as they stepped out of a spatial portal, her words entirely superfluous.


    Zac could feel it with every fiber of his being, and his eyes instinctively honed in on the source of the feeling; the gateway to the Abyss.

 Chapter 1087 - Abyssal Pond

    The call of the Abyss overwhelmed all thoughts and impressions for a moment, and Zac''s eyes were glued to the distant ck spot in the ground. It took him a couple of seconds to recover, at which point he finally took in the rest of the scene.


    The subterranean cave the portal at the bottom of the Deepmist Lake led them to was just under a mile across, yet the pond in the distance was no more than a few dozen meters wide. The rest was upied by a massive array surrounding the abyssal waters. The pond resembled a small pupil in a gargantuan eye, and looking into it filled Zac with a sense of belonging.


    The pitch-ck water was absolutely still, making it look more like an opaque pane of ss than liquid. However, the fluctuations of Death it released rose and fell, resembling waves reachingnd. The pond was hundreds of meters away and contained by barriers to not lose its efficacy, yet Zac''s body was screaming at him to enter. If the energy leak filled him with such desire, what about the real thing?


    The Abyssal Energy''s attraction to his bloodline was almost unbearable, but it was not the only thing that drew Zac in. The truths themselves were incredibly fascinating. He''d always sensed the Abyssal Energy in his bloodline visions, but only seeing the Abyssal Pond in person let him understand its Dao better. Zac was certain the aura of the Abyss was an expression of Pure Death, yet it was quite different from his own.


    It felt endless, like Death had be the heavens and absorbed all other Dao. With every fluctuation, Zac felt like he''d sensed a new Dao hidden beneath the surface, only to find it yet another expression of Death. His own Dao suddenly felt small and fragile, like something that could only grow in a sterile environment. Zac shook his head and stabilized his heart. There was no point inparing himself and his Dao Branches to a mysterious region that not even Supremacies could unravel.


    He turned to the surrounding array, but a brief inspection left him with vertigo rather than answers. The array''splexity was far beyond what he could possibly hope to decipher with his innateprehension or [Primal Polyglot]. It must have been erected by the Draugr Monarchs and was possibly the first C-grade Array he''d ever seen in person.


    The array formed a star-shaped pattern around the pond, and 108 densely engraved stone pirs were ced inside. Curiously, the pirs were hollow, and Zac saw they contained streams of Aquamarine water. Judging by the energy fluctuations, theke above was continuously feeding the array vast amounts of water and energy.


    No wonder theke hadn''t seemed very impressive for its location or status as a hidden resource. Zac almost felt a bit bad for the Kavriel n. Tavza had essentially turned one of their major cultivation grounds into a battery for the Abyssal Pond. Judging by the energy involved, it would likely be a long time before this ce fully recovered. At least they''d get to enjoy some of the benefits.


    Outside the array, there were already a few hundred people waiting. All of them were Draugr, with most of them being of the young generation by the looks of it. There were even two Peak E-grade cultivators who could only stay in this environment through the protection of their elders.


    "So many?" Zacmented. "Going to get cramped in that little pond."


    "Only five will actually enter," Tavza exined as she led him over. "The rest will only meditate in the array eyes. It''s not a recement for the real thing, but it''s still a valuable opportunity for someone on the frontier. These are all talented seeds from across the continent. For some, this might be the first step in a series of encounters that will remold their fate."


    Zac nodded. Getting the ball rolling was often the most difficult step when you wanted to rise beyond the norm. You needed a catalyst that gave you the strength to keep pushing, just like Zac''s early windfall of Titles had let him eventually steamroll the incursions.


    At the front of the group stood five Draugr Monarchs, three of which seemed to be members of the Kavriel n. The other two were, unsurprisingly, Enis and Laz.


    "What do young master think of our youngsters?" one of the Kavriel Monarchs said with a smile, giving Zac the impression of a kindly grandpa.


    Of course, he was anything but. The old man was Tassar Kavriel, a High Monarch and one of Zecia''s true overlords.


    "It''s not without reason the Kavriel n has stood strong in Zecia for so long. You have so many talents," Zac said politely.


    Zac was just ying nice, but hispliment was by no means an exaggeration. Every single cultivator around him had incredibly solid auras, and they''d easily be one of the central figures if ced in the Atwood Army.


    Just as Zac looked at them, so did the elites of the Kavriel Province look back at him curiously. Some were curious, while others looked at him with gratitude. His presence was an important reason this ce had been set up. Of course, a few looked at him with jealousy and challenge in their eyes. Clearly, they felt they deserved better treatment based on their talents and contributions but were forced to sit by the sidelines while some stranger hogged the whole thing for himself.


    Still, no one spoke up��who''d dare cause a scene with Tavza and the Monarchs present?


    "They''re decent enough," Tassar smiled. "Of course, they can''tpare to Lord Umbri''Zi. This old man was shocked upon learning of some of your deeds. You''re a true paragon of your generation. I hope you can look after these children in the future."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Uh, sure," Zac slowly nodded before turning to Laz Tem''Zul.


    "What do you think?" Laz said. "You can feel it, no?"


    "It''s amazing," Zac nodded. "My cells are screaming for me to jump into the pond."


    "I can imagine," Laz smiled. "Your bloodline is right at the threshold of awakening after consuming the [Essence of the Abyss]. Don''t worry, everything is in order, and the connection will fully stabilize in two hours."


    "So, what am I supposed to do?" Zac said, looking at Tavza with a raised brow. "The [Abyssal Revolutions] method you gave me only lets me control my Bloodline Nodes. It doesn''t do anything for awakenings or bloodline refinement."


    Zac had gotten the general Bloodline Method even before entering the Perennial Vastness, but its limited use meant he never bothered to practice it. [Bloodline Resonance] had already let him connect with his Draugr Nodes just fine, and his Heart Cultivation had improved his control even further. Besides, he was extra skeptical about practicing any technique provided by Tavza after his experience with [Essence of the Abyss].


    "You don''t need any method at this stage," Tavza said. "You areing home, just connect with your origin and ept as much of the Abyss as possible. After you''ve awakened, we can provide the method to solidify your bloodline and push it toward the next awakening."


    "As much as possible? Can an awakening be good or bad?"


    "The first step is the awakening, but it''s just the beginning. Those with great talent and fate can skip some steps.


    "Generally, our bloodlines can be awakened up to five times," Laz rified. "We call the stages Return, Strand, Shallows, Midnight, and Depths. Each stage has the conventional Early to Peak stages. Most will awaken to Early Return, but skipping one or two of the minor thresholds is possible. It''s very rare, though."


    "I see," Zac nodded. "What do you mean by ''generally five awakenings''? Are there more?"


    "There is a sixth and final stage called True Abyss," Tavza said. "It''s only been reached by our Abyssal Princes on a few asions. Four times, to be exact, where each one was a member of the upper bloodlines. Those awakenings ushered in an age of prosperity for our kin."


    "Is the current��"


    "No," Tavza said with a shake of her head. "Thest True Abyssal Prince emerged sixteen generations ago."


    Zac nodded in understanding. Six stages, where one was considered a longshot even for Supremacies, might seem worse than the nineyers of the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. However, more levels didn''t necessarily trante into higher potential. Zac had seen some extremely unimpressive methods with over fiftyyers, where the nigh-impossible finalyer barely provided the benefits of a minor breakthrough of a good method.


    "Unfortunately, many of our bloodlines are iplete or impure. Reaching the upperyers was already difficult in the olden days, and it''s only gotten harder," Laz sighed. "Most elites sent to the Abyssal Shores find themselves stuck in the Return Stage. Undergoing a second awakening will give you a decent chance at permanent residence. Entering the Shallows in one''s lifetime will make you a core member of our race."


    Zac asked a few more practical questions, but it was quite straightforward. It seemed like he only needed to submerge himself and dive until the pressure and energy became too much. Spatial fluctuations meant the opportunity was over, and he needed to get out unless he wanted to get dragged into the lower ne. It turned out the pond itself was separated from the realke, and he should under no circumstance enter the real thing. The depths of this pond didn''t lead to the shore but rather some random uncharted spot of the Abyss.


    "I think I got it," Zac said. "Jump inside, harmonize, and swallow as much energy as possible. Sounds easy enough."


    "Be careful not to overdo it," Laz said, urging caution for the third time over the past few minutes. "If you take on too much, you will no longer harmonize with the Abyssal Lake. You will be theke. Every day, the Abyssal Lake ims some of its sons and daughters this way. Never forget your sense of self. You are of the Abyss, but you are not the Abyss."


    The next two hours felt like an eternity, and the call of the Abyssal Pond only grew more alluring over time. Even then, Zac could tell with certainty when the connection wasplete. He shot to his feet, his eyes already on the array''s center. The pond looked the same, but it suddenly felt bottomless, far eclipsing the Twilight Chasm or the feeling he got when peering into a Draugr''s eyes.


    "Go ahead," Laz smiled when Zac looked over for confirmation. "Remember, the Abyss is endless, but we are not. You need to be alive to enjoy the benefits it provides."


    Zac nodded in thanks before setting out. He followed the pre-arranged path through theplex array, studiously avoiding the immense energies that raged on both sides of the path. Even he would find it difficult to survive inside the sea of Miasma that kept the pond stable.


    It only took a few breaths to pass the barriers and reach the pond, at which point the beckoning call was almost unbearable. The ichor in his veins felt like fire as it coursed through his body while his cells greedily swallowed the mysterious energy wafting from the still waters. It effortlessly melded with his cells, like it had always been part of him.


    It took all of Zac''s self-control not to jump straight in then and there. Instead, he first dipped his finger, confirming nothing was wrong. In fact, it felt wonderful. His presence naturally spread through the waters, and the Abyss weed his arrival. He felt boundless power waiting below, like a corner of the Heavens hid from the universe that could only be unearthed by the children of Draug.


    Zac took a shuddering breath as he removed his ne, carefully submerging a corner into the waters.


    ''It''s fine. Great, even,'' a content hum echoed in his mind. ''And I can fly away if it bes too much, so don''t worry about me.''


    Zac smiled and transformed the Spirit Tool into its armor form. Normal treasures would easily get corroded by the Abyssal Lake, so he''d already reced his Spatial Ring with one made from proper materials. However, he couldn''t do the same with [Love''s Bond], and there was no way she''d survive the environment in the depths.


    Luckily, it looked like the surface was fine, and Zacughed when he saw Alea''s six chains emerge from the breastte and dip into the waters. The scene made him picture Alea dipping her feet in a hot spring, enjoying the warmth. Seeing everything was fine, Zac finally gave in to his craving.


    He flew to the center of the pool and submerged himself, his descent only creating the smallest ripple. Soon, the Aquamarine light of the ambient Miasma was gone, reced by utter darkness. Yet it wasn''t the hostile gloom of Tavza''s domain nor the restrictive darkness Eoz had broken through in his visions. It was warm, weing. It was home. Zac almost groaned in pleasure as he felt the Abyss spread through his body, but a discordant change ruined the experience.


    The annoyance onlysted a moment before Zac resumed his descent. The wave of weakness that suddenly spread through his body wasn''t a trap, but rather him losing his connection with his other body. He''d already suspected that might happen after learning how mysterious the Abyssal Lake really was. Zac even felt it might be for the best. This way, there would be no outside distractions. Besides, if his connection couldn''t be maintained, then it was highly unlikely the Monarchs outside would be able to spy on his actions.


    Deeper and deeper he went, into the heart of darkness. Boundless warmth poured into his body, gently burrowing into his cells to bestow the gift of the dark waters. And something from the depths of his being stirred, rising to meet the call of the Abyss. Tavza had told him to harmonize with theke, but was there even any need? There was no sense of separation, onlymunion, as it became unclear where his body ended and the Abyss began.


    Zac let his consciousness spread into the darkness like a rootwork moving through the soil in search of sustenance. The further he expanded, the greater the amount of Abyssal Energy poured into his body, and the faster he would move toward a higher state of existence. Of course, Zac remembered Laz''s warning and never let that final wall of separation between the self and the Abyss get infringed upon.


    However, his strong Dao Heart and experience with the [Void Vajra Sublimation] quickly proved to be a huge asset. He was like a small ind in an endless sea. The crashing waves of the Abyss tried to drag him under, but he resisted the pull as his im on the surroundings expanded. He''d only been inside the waters for a few moments, but Zac could already sense an intangible shackle within his body.


    The moment it shattered, the true power of his Draugr heritage would be his.


    It quickly became clear that some parts of the Abyss felt more intimate than others. Perhaps Eoz had been born from one aspect of the Abyss, while the other branches had their own regions. Or perhaps it was simply that some regions of the Abyssal Lake were a better match to his Branch of the Pale Seal and his Inexorable Path, just like the maze in the Gates of Reincarnation.


    Either case, Zac followed the sense of belonging as he swam toward the energy-riches depths. The pressure was enough to crush an E-grade cultivator, but it was nothing to him. Even if his Eoz Bloodline had yet to fully awaken, it provided a natural resistance to the detriments of the Abyssal Lake. He could tell that his Human body would already have been forced to turn back, but he hadn''t even begun to utilize his Hidden Nodes to endure.


    The surroundings grew increasinglypatible, and vast amounts of seemingly tailormade Abyssal Energy entered his body. The feeling was intoxicating, but Zac eventually stopped his descent. It wasn''t just that he was approaching the limits of what his body and Dao Heart could withstand. He could sense an intangible film not that far below his current location.


    It was no doubt the gate to the true Abyssal Lake, the ce Laz warned him off. If he crossed that line, there was noing back. He''d suddenly find himself in some unknown corner of the Abyssal Lake without telling where the exit was. Draugr or not, that wasn''t something an Early D-grade cultivator could survive, considering even Eoz had been forced to struggle a bit to escape the depths.


    Still, this was good enough. He''d managed to get further than Laz had expected, reaching the very edge of the Abyssal Pond. The Abyssal Energies were more than five times denser than at the surface, and the truths they held felt moreplete. It should only be a matter of time before he absorbed enough to awaken.


    However, a troubled frown appeared on Zac''s face as the hours passed. It was as though the vortices in his cells werepletely insatiable. No matter how much of the Abyss he swallowed, he didn''t seem able to gather enough momentum to break the chain sealing his bloodline. It almost felt like he was leaking, where a good chunk of what he epted into his body was stolen before it could integrate with his bloodline of Eoz. Of course, his body hadn''t sprung an actual leak, though Zac would have preferred such a simple problem.


    A leak could be plugged, but what was Zac supposed to do when the culprit was his Void Emperor Bloodline?

 Chapter 1088 - Selfishness and Hope

    Zac guessed he shouldn''t have been surprised that the truths of the Abyssal Lake could be nourishment for his original bloodline, even if his cells rarelypeted for the energy entering his body. The Abyssal Lake held a unique approach to the Dao of Death that seemed to go beyond his understanding of Dao. Zac wouldn''t even be surprised if the Void of Death could be found in theke''s depth, where its Dao of Death reached the extremity.


    So what should he do? Let alone awakening multiple stages like Tavza mentioned; Zac wasn''t sure he''d even be able to break the first shackle as things stood. And going by the absorption rate, Zac suspected that his Void Emperor Bloodline wouldn''t be satiated even after drinking its fill for the whole three days.


    After all, he''d absorbed half a mountain when awakening the Void Emperor bloodline to the F-grade. The amount of energy required at his current level was no doubt monstrous. Besides, did he even dare push for a breakthrough for his Void Emperor Bloodline in here? There was no way the people above wouldn''t realize there was something wrong if he unleashed the true vortices of his bloodline.


    No, it was too early, and the timing wasn''t right. Zac dispelled the worry and impatience before the feelings became a crack in his heart that the Abyss could exploit. Instead, he focused on increasing his rate of absorption. It would increase the risk of taking on more than his body and mind could handle, but it might let him keep more for himself.


    New spiritual tendrils full of hunger spread through the waters, some of them inching ever closer to the pond''s edge. As the roots crept closer to the barrier, the quantity and quality exponentially improved. Even the insatiable vortices in his cells found it difficult to keep up, and a primal force started to build within his body.


    It worked. Just a few more hours and the umtion would be enough to break the shackle holding him back. However, the influx of pure Abyssal Energy didn''te without a price. The call of the Abyss was deafening, threatening to overwhelm his spiritual and psychological defenses. He tried to hold onto his Void Self, but he could tell the pure energies right by the spatial film were more than he could sustainably handle.


    Zac was unsure what to do. If he backed down, his cells would quickly siphon off what he''d managed to umte. But there would be repercussions from staying on, and not only the risk of being absorbed by the Abyssal Lake. The truths entering his body were too lofty, tooplete. He''d encountered this situation a few times before, like in the hidden valley of the Twilight Chasm.


    However, how could that setuppare to the truths hidden in the Abyss? If not for his Void Heart, his path would already have broken.


    Zac chose to retreat and find another solution, but something other than Abyssal Energy was suddenly transmitted through the spiritual tendrils closest to the edge. It felt more like a spiritual thread that tried to connect with him from the other side of the film. The tendril gave Zac the same odd sensation as when he first met with Tavza, where the line between him and his bloodline blurred. Zac felt like he was looking down at a mirror, but the one looking back at him was Eoz.


    It was as though his adoptive ancestor had left his essence in the Abyss, but it was unable to cross the threshold and enter the Abyssal Pond. It frustrated Zac, like he was receiving an incredibly important message but couldn''t make out the words. The connection might even be the key to his current predicament. What were the diluted truths of the Abyssal Pond in the face of Eoz?


    Zac still held himself back, his desire for power and answers fighting with the rational voice urging caution. He could just let it go. He''d only entered the Abyssal Pond three hours ago and hadn''t exhausted all his options yet. The energies by the film were dense enough for him to awaken. He just needed to strike the right bnce to not get overwhelmed.


    The whisper might be a trap of the Abyssal Lake, an attempt to recover one of its lost children just as they were about to back away. And even if the call was real, that there really was a piece of Eoz left in the Abyssal Lake, was there any need to take the risk right now? It wasn''t toote to search for the message when visiting the Abyssal Shores.


    Despite the risks and rational objections, more roots inched closer to the intangible divider between pond andke. If there was one thing that Zac knew with utmost certainty, it was that there was no such thing as certainty. When had things ever gone ording to n for him? What guarantee was there that he''d ever get to visit the Abyssal Shores? Depending on how things panned out inside the Left Imperial Pce, he might even be a fugitive of the Undead Empire.


    Zac knew he was about to do something most would consider monumentally stupid, but that was cultivation. Those who reached the top had all made simr choices during their ascent. Only those taking risks others wouldn''t were qualified to aim for the peak. Besides, Laz only warned him against swimming into the Abyssal Lake. He never said anything about sending in a single tendril.


    A probing string of Zac''s spirit inched through the divide, and time shattered like a mirror.


    --------


    "Go on," Eoz smiled as he added the finishing touches to the guiding pattern. "Follow what the elders taught you. im your birthright, but do not ask for more. The Abyss is already kind enough to return some of what we left behind. Remember that we came from darkness, but our eyes are illuminated by the stars."


    Fear and uncertainty were written on the young boy''s face, but his lips thinned with determination as he nodded in understanding. He added the closing dot of the final rune himself on his forehead before turning toward theke. The boy bowed, but only silence answered. Eoz looked at the unmoving waters with sorrow, the crashing waves now only a distant memory.


    "Grandpa, why do Elosis and the others have to awaken their bloodline so early?" a young woman whispered as she watched her brother disappear into theke. "It''s so dangerous. Why can''t they wait like I did?"


    "The stars are shifting," Eoz murmured, as much to himself as to his distant descendant.


    Even he could feel it by now, the boundless darkness Mez had warned of for so long. It would consume the stars, leaving destion in its wake. They''d sought answers in the depths, a path for their kin. But even the Abyss would have to retreat when faced with that Heavenrending cmity.


    It was not yet time. Fate was still gathering in the depths, and that thing was not ready to emerge. You only had one chance when striking at the Terminus, so you had to pick the right moment. Eoz could sense that he would have long since returned to the darkness by the time the stars aligned, but he didn''t much care.


    The will buried in the inky waters ultimately wasn''t his. He was more concerned about the children surviving the cmity. His gaze turned to the boy who had stopped a few meters down, already struggling to take in the gift of the Abyss under the guidance of the runes��a pity. The price of their choice became more apparent every generation.


    Suddenly, Eoz''s eyes widened as realities converged. It was back, that feeling. The calm waters rippled before him, but it was clear the others couldn''t hear the whisper of providence. It was hidden even from the stars as it stretched from beyond the Abyss.


    "Grandpa, what''s wrong?!" the young woman eximed when Eoz stood up.


    "Your brother''s fine," Eoz said, but his eyes weren''t on his little descendant.


    Or perhaps they were.


    "I guess I''ll be a bit selfish this time," Eoz muttered before shifting.


    Purpose roared and stars flickered as Eoz walked toward the center of theke, each step adding to his momentum. By the time he reached his destination, only ruins were left in his wake, a scar on the Heavens themselves. Thews pushed back against his desire, but he wouldn''t relent. Not today. Cracks appeared on his hand as he pushed it down on the rippling waters, ignoring the churning clouds gathering above.


    "Hope."


    ------n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    A small tremor in his territory shattered the tranquility, prompting Aewo An''Azol to open his eyes. He stepped through space, appearing atop the Starfall Spire. Theke stretched in front of him, endless and bottomless. How many times had he looked down upon the gentle waves by now? He could barely remember the way his heart had stirred in the earlier years. The memories had almost been fully consumed by helplessness and stagnation.


    For so long, he''d been determined to leave a mark behind, to raise the prestige of their race and widen the future of the next generations. However, he knew his contribution could be considered middling at best. At least his kin hadn''t declined under his watch, but he''d resigned himself to never surpass the role of a guardian bound to pass on the torch rather than ignite a bonfire.


    Yet, in the blink of an eye, a series of events had turned everything on its head.


    The stars had grown unpredictable, and not even his pupil could predict how the wind would blow. Aewo could almost feel the sense of mystery and wonder that filled his heart in his younger days. The stars were shifting, with every day holding the possibility of change. It was that very feeling that had awoken him. However, no matter how he looked, he couldn''t find the source of the change.


    Was he fooling himself? Had he be so desperate in his autumn days that he made up patterns in the stars? Was it perhaps time for him to seal himself? The Shores couldn''t be led by someone with an unstable territory in these critical times.


    His gaze shifted from the endless ck to the sprawling city on its shores. Both, yet neither, were home. Not even a faction such as the Abyssal Shores was immune to the test of time. The outer city had undergone multiple cycles of growth and decay during his life, and it was barely recognizable to him any longer. Those ancient memories felt like figments of his imagination upon observing the foreign streets filled with unfamiliar faces.


    Not even the structures by the shore were quite as he remembered them from his younger days. More importantly, the proud sons and daughters who''d held court in those mansions, leading their race toward glory and defeat, were gone. They had been reduced to names in dusty tomes, if even that. A few only lived on in his memory, soon to be fully erased. Others were still remembered and missed, but it was only a matter of time.


    Asira Cer''Zal had been a shining beacon, the first Abyssal Lord from the Lower Bloodlines for five generations. She had raised the whole race''s prestige while reigniting the ns'' drive. Today, her ancestral mansion showed the mark of time. Thousands of generations had tried to recreate Asira''s miracle, yet they only had three Autarchs to their name.


    Aewo peered through theyers of restrictions to gaze upon the consecrated statue in Cer''Zal''s inner sanctum. Asira had already sealed herself when he built hisdder to Heaven, but he still remembered the immortal will she released when she left on her final journey. It was only six million yearster he was shown her obelisk in the depths, having joined the others around the seal.


    He turned to the distant pce where his kin lived, but the familiar bloodline fluctuations failed to extricate him from his sense of disconnect. He couldn''t even remember thest time he visited the graves of his three daughters. Through the endless eons, even the bond of fatherhood faded. Thousands of generations hade and gone since heid Ilisia to rest, with his attendants changing between every seclusion.


    What was he holding on to?


    A ripple thankfully dragged him out of his thoughts, and he turned to the person who had appeared atop the peak. His dour mood was washed away upon seeing her arrival, and not only because she was an anchor in this unfamiliar era. Ysil only left her observatory at critical times, which meant��


    "Teacher," Ysil Ur''Mez greeted before turning toward theke.


    "You too?"


    "Time diverted, ancient will," Ysil muttered as one star after another descended from the sky, each one dwarfing the city below.


    The Abyssal Shores began to decay as it was drowned in Abyssal Fate, but Aewo shielded and restored the Celestial teau with a wave of his sleeve.


    "Can you bring it forth?"


    "I need teacher''s help."


    Aewo nodded, and a shroud of darkness spread from the tower, forming a seal the size of the Abyssal Lake. The Abyssal Lake rippled when the brand touched its surface, and a slow swirl emerged in theke''s center. Endless starlight fell on the whirlpool, and both looked on with rapt attention as a breach was forced in the River of Time.


    Ysil gasped as infinite power spread through the Abyssal Shores, and even the stars paled when faced with its splendor.


    "It''s him," Aewo said with a ragged breath, a storm of emotions filling his heart. "Even now��"


    "Hope," Ur''Mez whispered before turning toward him. "Teacher, what do you think?"


    "How can we look the other way when the Vanguard has made his will clear?" Aewo sighed.


    "It''ll be difficult reaching the boy. Even if we help, the effect won''t be very good. And we don''t even know if he can bear it. It might ruin our undertaking."


    "Trust the ancestor," Aewo said. "If it fails, we will simply have to find another path. And if not us, then our descendants."


    "You''re right."


    The world-spanning seal shuddered before a duplicate made from abyssal water rose from theke, making it look like a tidal wave was about to consume the whole teau. Meanwhile, the suns turned into billions of streams, forming a band of Fate around the two seals. Innumerable Draugr had already emerged from the waters and buildings, fearfully looking at the disy. No one dared to so much as breathe out of fear of disrupting whatever was happening.


    For a brief moment, an impossiblyrge hand appeared between the seals, stabilized by the band of starlight. It was gone the next, and both Aewo''s and Ysil''s arrays soon sank into the rippling waters to begin their journey. Soon, it was as though nothing had happened, yet millions of gazes were trained at the shores. Aewo could understand why.


    Even if only he and Ysil had seen the hand, it was impossible for them topletely mask its aura. For a moment, the mark of a True Abyssal Lord had leaked onto the shores. No, something beyond that. Something that might have been lost forever, never to return. The aura of one of the Three Guardian Ancestors.


    "This��" Ysil gasped as she looked at the children below.


    Aewo didn''t need the bloodline of Mez to understand what she meant. Those who lived at the shores were all blessed with great fate, but he''d never seen a storm like the one sweeping through the districts. Even those who had exhausted their potential suddenly burned with purpose as they fervently looked toward theke. Lord Eoz forcing his way to this timeline had overturned the natural order, and there was no telling what woulde of it.


    A smile appeared on Aewo''s face as he stepped through space and returned to his chambers. Perhaps he had some more to give.


    ---------------


    "What do you think?" Laz asked as they looked at the distant pond.


    "Awakening should be a foregone conclusion," Tavza said. "I''m more worried about what kind of storm he''ll call forth."


    "He''s a troublemaker, but this is the Abyssal Lake," Laz said. "He''s just a drop in an endless ocean; what waves can he��"


    Laz didn''t get any further as a deep rumble rocked the cave.


    "Activate the bedrock stabilizers!" Tassar Kavriel shouted. "How can there be an earthquake? What the hell are our scouts doing?!"


    "It''s not a tremor or tide," Tavza sighed as she suddenly felt a familiar presence��that of her ancestor. "Chaos has arrived."


    Meanwhile, the still surface of theke rippled as it rose. Fate was unraveling, time was twisting, and the Abyss wasing alive. A sense of loss filled Tavza''s heart as the cave filled with Abyssal Energy. She''d somewhat looked forward to seeing Arcaz Umbri''Zi in action, but now she almost wished she hadn''t. As the crashing waves of the Abyss rushed closer, she couldn''t help but look back at her life.


    What was she doing?

 Chapter 1089 - Crossed Fates

    Zac gasped as he found himself back in his body, his mind a confused mess. Witnessing the monstrous power contained within Eoz''s body was almost enough to destroy his mind. The Draugr Progenitor''s hand, especially, beggaredprehension. It was like a corner of the Heavens taken physical form, holding the limits of Dao. Its splendor had pushed everything aside, subverting reality and bending it to his will.


    The scene itself wasn''t the only thing that left him reeling. It had felt too real. Was it really a Bloodline Vision?


    For a moment, it almost felt like he''d been connected with Eoz the same way he was with his human half, though the other side was so powerful it had overwhelmed Zac''s sense of self. Still, it hadn''t felt like he''d been shown a vision of Eoz by the shores. He had lived it, and the powerful eruption of Temporal chaos just before his mind was overwhelmed strongly indicated this idea was more than a wild theory.


    But was something like this even possible? Could he really connect with Eoz when separated by billions of years? Or was it just his mind making sense of the impartment?


    Eoz had been aware his race was about to face an extinction event, though only Zac knew the System''s birth was the cause. A million years was normally not a very long time for a Supremacy, but it was essentially a death sentence when you removed all energy and Dao. Doubly so for the Undead, who relied on Miasma to survive. Zecia couldn''t even sustain a thousand Monarchs, or a single Autarch for that matter. Zac could only imagine how much energy a Supremacy used daily to power their territories.


    It wouldn''t be weird if Eoz had opted to leave behind something in the Abyssal Lake, intended for whatever descendant that would one day return. This inheritance was then triggered when he finally touched the true Abyssal Lake with his mental thread, and the powerful intent left behind had been enough to distort Zac''s mind.


    It was the most rational exnation, but Zac wasn''t convinced. His guts told him he''d be part of a temporal paradox made possible by Eoz''s unfathomable power.


    He''d taken advantage of his identity as a descendant of the lost branch of Eoz for years, but actually being connected to the founding progenitor left Zac reeling. What if he disapproved of Zac''s way of going about things? Would he reach into the future once more and p him to death?


    There was no time to untangle this mess. He''d already realized the film betweenke and pond had been breached, and torrential amounts of pristine Abyssal Energy surged from the depths. It was far beyond what he could possibly endure, so Zac decisively chose to cut his losses and run for his life.


    It was toote.


    The Abyss exerted an inescapable pull, and Zac found himself dragged toward the divider. Zac panicked, feeling the bottomless chasm waiting below. If he let himself get pulled down, it was game over. The only sce was that the rapidly umting Abyssal Energies would erase his mind long before he was crushed.


    Zac didn''t care if the Monarchs above somehow spied on him. He still activated [Void Zone] to give himself a fighting chance against the grip of the Abyss. However, how could an E-grade Bloodline Talent match up to the Abyssal Lake? The nullification zone didn''t even get the chance to deploy before it was destroyed. Yet Zac lost a third of his umted Void Energy in that fraction of a second.


    Not even his hidden ace could get him out of this mess, and Zac despaired upon finding his skills unusable because of the immense energies storming his body. Yet Zac didn''t give up, and he furiously swam against the current, his Hidden Nodes burning with purpose to give him power. In his desperation, it almost felt like [Adamance of Eoz] held an inexhaustible font of strength.


    His bloodline burned as he fought back, and Zac was ted to find that his desperation seemed to increase his resistance against the surrounding Abyssal Energy. Sadly, it was only a smallfort considering he was still being flooded by unbearable amounts of Abyssal Energy. His cells and [Void Heart] were already overrun, and he found it increasingly difficult to hold onto his self while inching away from the divider.


    The tug of war onlysted a few seconds before Zac sensed another terrifying surge below. It wasn''t that the Abyssal Lake hade charging with redoubled efforts��not only, anyway. He could sense that the iing blob of Abyssal Energy was of unbelievable purity, but there was something else mixed within. Three presences, two of which were familiar to him.


    Eoz and Azol.


    The third presence held the echoes of fate and the stars, which undoubtedly meant the third upper bloodline was represented too. Zac didn''t get to inspect the iing thing more closely before something burrowed into his body, pushing all the Abyssal Energy away. Zac shuddered in relief, knowing just how close he''d been to getting overwhelmed.


    Zac soon felt the presence of Eoz burning in his chest, spreading through every part of his body. He couldn''t see a thing in the inky-ck waters, but he could feel lines of power being drawn on his skin. They were very simr to the patterns he drew on himself when practicing [Void Vajra Sublimation], but their appearance made Zac think of the young boy he''d seen in the vision.


    He could tell the pattern covering his body was far moreplex than the young boy''s, and its effect was immediate. The pull from the Abyss was gone, and it almost felt like the surging currents had split to form a sealed pocket. A pocket that was continuously dragging Abyssal Energy perfectly in tune with his body.


    It didn''t take long to figure out the source was the mysterious patterns. It had adopted a far more direct approach than Zac''s from before. He''d slowly searched for the optimal section of the Abyssal Pond to better harmonize, but the pattern directly drew over what he needed and pushed away anything else. The energy density had already increased manifold after he breached the film, but now it was at least only energy perfect for the bloodline of Eoz.


    That didn''t mean he was safe.


    The overwhelming amounts of Abyssal Energy being dragged into his body by the runes had be a tribtion no less deadly than the one that had almost done him in during his ascent to Hegemony. The vortices in his cells were soon overrun, drenched in a darkness deeper than ck. Every part of him was broken down and reformed. Not even his soul was spared when the Abyss flooded his deathly Soul Spiral with monstrous amounts of energy and truth.


    The pain was so bad Zac''s mind tried to shut down as a protective measure, but he staunchly held on. Because his instincts told him this was an opportunity he just needed to survive to receive a gift from Eoz. He wasn''t exactly sure why the actual inheritance had taken a while to appear after the Bloodline Vision, but the current situation was clearly rted.


    He didn''t believe Eoz was out to hurt him. The impartment might have been miscalibrated after being sent through time or left dormant in the Abyssal Lake for so long. But with every second he endured, he felt himself moving closer to a mysterious rebirth. The vortices in his cells gradually became solid, looking like miniature copies of the Abyssal Pond.


    They still retained the voracious pull of his Void Emperor bloodline, but they also emitted the bottomless darkness of the Abyssal Lake. It was like two pictures were ovepping, moving closer and closer to perfection. Then, just like when the Abyssal Pond fully awakened, the ponds in his cells suddenly gave off a far more tangible aura.


    The intangible chain snapped, and the whole pond shook as his body exerted a tremendous pull that almost overwhelmed the runes on his body. An oppressive darkness within his body was rapidly growing, exuding the suffocating intractability of death. However, Zac didn''t get the chance to celebrate his breakthrough or register the changes happening to his body because it had triggered something else.


    Flowers of truth sprouted in the fertile soil of his awakened bloodline. For a moment, Zac found it difficult to make sense of the fragmented storm of impressions squeezing into his mind. He saw arge number of scenes shrouded in darkness, from enormous castles to broken weapons of war that shocked Zac to his very core. He saw the mysterious obelisk from the previous bloodline vision and felt a harrowing call from within.


    Zac even saw a few fragmented scenes from above the surface. Two godlike Draugr standing atop a spire almost as tall as the Tower of Eternity, one wielding Fate and the other the Underworld. Around them was an almost endless city weighed down by eons of stagnation. Other fragments weren''t scenes or memories at all. They were insights into the Abyss, pieces of a puzzle leading to something extraordinary. It all gelled into a singr whole when his body had drunk its fill, and it all surged into his Soul Aperture.


    It was suddenly like the truth of the Abyss had beenid bare, filling Zac with boundlessprehension and understanding. Zac vaguely realized that Eoz had given him a simr opportunity as Yrial, a Dao impartment. However, Eoz''s gift wasn''t forceful. It wasn''t trying to lead Zac down someone else''s path, but freely let him look at the whole tapestry of Abyss without being overwhelmed. It had let him enter a mysterious state of absolute rity and stability.


    Zac was overwhelmed by the generosity. Yrial had already exined the price of these kinds of impartments, and this was aplete, perfected Dao. Something like this could have harmed the Eoz''s foundations, especially if he forced it through the River of Time. Zac definitely wouldn''t let such a gift go to waste, and he searched for the parts of the tapestry that rang true with his path.


    Even a small corner of Eoz''s Grand Dao could illuminate his own path, saving him decades of hard work. Zac even felt that the more of the tapestry heprehended, the better his body harmonized with his bloodline. His physical body felt incredibly distant when faced with the immensity of Eoz''s Dao, but he could vaguely sense that his body had begun a second round of absorption. It was now rapidly advancing toward the next stage.


    Time lost all meaning, but a spatial shake eventually startled him awake. Zac was filled with a sense of loss when the Grand Dao dispersed and became one with the Abyssal Lake. Just as Zac was about to lose the connection, a powerful voice echoed in his mind.


    ''Child, I don''t know how you came to be or how our fates crossed. Some of the mysteries of the Abyss elude us to this day.


    I can tell my branch is not represented among the stars in your era, but that''s the natural order. Impermanence isw for all subjugated by the Terminus Seals.


    Your Heaven is foreign to me, and much of what I know is no longer relevant. But sensing my kin from within the Abyssal Lake was a precious gift in troubling times, so I tried to return the favor.


    There is no need to look to the past for direction. Perhaps it''s for the best if our names are forgotten. We never wanted our identities to be shackles for our descendants or for theke to be their prison. We rose from the depths in search of something more. Our origin can give context, but it cannot lead the way.


    Remember, the essence of my bloodline is purpose. I originally thought my calling could be found beyond the stars at the limits of power, but I only ever found true purpose in our descendants. The answers that had eluded me until then suddenly became clear. Power for power''s sake is hollow. Only when fighting for something greater than yourself can you excavate the true power hidden within your personal Abyss.''


    It was Eoz, and each word of his was infused with endless meaning, somehow surpassing the tapestry Zac had been observing for the past days. When Eoz was finished, his presence was gone, and the rity was gone with him. Zac''s memory of the tapestry immediately grew blurry, but he was surprised to find Eoz''s parting words condense into a sealed impartment much like his [Cosmic Forge].


    Unfortunately, it seemedpletely inert, not providing Zac with any clues to its contents. Zac shook his head, knowing he couldn''t be greedy. He was still in a muddled state, and the huge amounts of energy around him made it difficult to sense the situation within his body. But Zac knew he''d made off like a bandit. Even if the seed turned out to be nothing, he''d gained far more than he could possibly have expected.


    But you had to be alive to enjoy the results of your harvest. Zac''s danger sense indicated in no uncertain terms that he didn''t have much time. The spatial fluctuations grew more chaotic by the second, and he was lucky if he had one minute before the inky waters were dragged back into the Abyss. He wouldn''t be surprised if his meddling with the barrier made the pond''s closing far more unpredictable.


    Zac burned with urgency as he began swimming toward the surface, only now realizing he could actually see. The oppressive darkness was still there, but his Draugr vision had somehow shifted, providing him a unique advantage in these inky waters. His sight was still nowhere near as clear as in his Bloodline Visions, but it let him maneuver much easier. Perhaps it got better with every stage you awakened.


    The Abyssal Lake was unwilling to let him go now that Eoz''s protection was gone. Zac felt a sense of d��j�� vu as he forced his way upward. The experience was just like his first bloodline vision when Eoz emerged from the depths. Determination and conviction burned in Zac''s chest, filling him with limitless power and intractability.


    Those carrying Eoz''s bloodline couldn''t be bound or stopped. Like Zac, Eoz was always forging ahead, breaking through any resistance. The ichor in Zac''s veins burned, allowing him to drastically increase his speed. Zac could tell the pull on him was even greater than before the impartment, but it only felt like a small inconvenience right now.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The chaos around him only grew worse, and Zac said a silent prayer for the other Draugr inside the waters. He tried scanning the surroundings in case he could help someone out, but he couldn''t see a single one. Perhaps his actions had made the others leery of stepping inside.


    Zac''s all-out effort soon let him shoot out of the waters like a rocket, where a confusing storm of impressions greeted him. It wasn''t just the link to his human body being restored. Even more so, it was his own experience. He''d sensed he''d undergone a dramatic transformation inside the water, but he only started to realize the extent now.


    He first put aside the memories from his human half to focus on the most pressing matters. The situation inside his body wasn''t the only one that had drastically changed. A chaotic scene greeted his return, with the whole cave on the brink of copse. The huge array around the pond had been flooded, and the mark of the Abyss had reced everything else. Even now, he found himself standing to his knees in Abyssal Water.


    The ck waters were quickly receding at least, and Zac felt the connection with the Abyssal Lake break a momentter. The Abyssal Pond was still there, but it had be rootless. Zac guessed it would retain its efficacy for a few days, though the Abyssal Energy wouldn''t be replenished. Zac didn''t care about that. He was more worried about something else, and he wildly looked around.


    Zac only breathed out in relief upon seeing his axe embedded in the ceiling, with six chains dangling toward the pond. Alea would definitely have been in the ssh zone if the Abyssal Pond erupted, but it looked like she''d retreated in time.


    ''Are you okay?'' Zac asked as he flew up and extracted [Love''s Bond]. ''I''m sorry, I didn''t expect things to go out of control.''


    Zac shuddered at the thought of Alea being suddenly submerged by the Abyssal Waters. He knew all too well how dangerous that was. Even worse, she could have been dragged into the depths, and Zac knew there was no way he''d been able to find her if that happened.


    ''Well, I did. Isn''t that always the case with you? I knew you were up to no good the second I felt the ripples on the surface,'' Aleaughed. ''I''m fine, but I''ll have to focus on digesting all these energies and impressions for a while. The pond spat out quite a bit of it.''


    Alea then cut the connection and returned to her ne form. Zac could tell she hadn''t entered a slumber as she did between their talks in the E-grade. It was more like she''d secluded herself to focus on her cultivation. Zac could still call on her, but that would be like someone barging into his Cultivation Cave while he was in the middle of a cultivation session.


    Besides, Alea wasn''t the only one in urgent need of digesting their insights. Zac didn''t bother with the group of Draugr approaching as he flew down to one of the dry spots, where he threw out an istion array. He''d been given a small window of opportunity, and fate was urging him on.


    Everything was in ce for him to take the next step. It was time to form his first Late-stage Dao Branch.

 Chapter 1090 - Awakening

    Zac''s previous breakthrough took ce shortly before entering the Perennial Vastness. He''d found the answers to Death after walking through the maze of Life inside the hidden level of the Gates of Reincarnation. At that time, he''d based the insights on bnce, which helped him harmonize his Life- and Death-attuned branches.


    Of course, the breakthrough direction wasn''t because of the Limited Trial. It was the natural conclusion to years of studying bnce and duality for his blueprint. Since then, he''d spent the better part of a decade fighting and exploring inside the Perennial Vastness. And while normal cultivators couldn''t connect with the Dao inside a temporal chamber, that had never been Zac''s method ofmuning with the Heavens.


    He''d slowly umted, shoring up his understanding of his Daos through battle, where his technique paved the path and his experiences provided context. He''d only missed a spark to turn his years of struggle into truth, and he got it right after returning to Earth. His short encounter with the ill-fated swordsman had shaken his mind awake.


    His death had given Zac a deeper understanding of inexorability, and by extension, his Branches of the War Axe and Pale Seal. Zac thought he''d have to continue his search for answers on the battlefield for a while longer, but Eoz had provided what he needed and more.


    The aspect of Death Zac was about to incorporate slightly deviated from the original script, but such was cultivation. There was no need to close himself off to the universe just because he''d gained Arcane sses and formted a path. He was still young, still learning, and you had to adapt upon realizing his understanding was wed or at least iplete. That was the only way you''d reach the peak.


    Zac''s eyes had been opened to a new facet of inexorability upon feeling Eoz''s will and conviction while submerged in the pure Abyssal Energy. One that didn''t just resonate with his path, but one that helped him better fuse it with his Draugr bloodline. Adamance, Conviction, and Immutability��weren''t these all expressions of his Inexorable Path?


    Fearlessly advancing, rendering any resistance moot. Take in the Heavens and make them your own, and let your enemies'' Fate be nourishment for yours. Death could be either finality or progress, and he was the judge of who would be sent to the Abyss and who''d continue their journey.


    Zac only needed a single Dao Treasure to trigger the breakthrough. His Soul Aperture was still overflowing with energy from the pond, to the point the breakthrough would help alleviate the pressure on his Soul Spiral. A river of truth andprehension poured into his mind, and Zac froze the spiral as he ushered the energy into the Dao Apparition in its center.


    It didn''t take long before Zac felt a soft pop in his mind like he''d pierced an invisible membrane blocking his connection to the Heavens. A surge of power followed in its wake, and Zac smiled upon realizing how smoothly the waves of Death coursed through his body. The past week had only let him make some preliminary arrangements for restoring his [Thousand Lights Avatar], yet his Dao moved almost as unhindered as when he''d had a fully-formed spiritual body.


    It was a long time since he''d been asfortable as he currently felt, and Zac couldn''t help but stretch and move around inside his istion array. The feeling reminded him of his breakthroughs inside the Orom World, where the Tribtion Lightning had cleansed his body of the immense amounts of toxins he''d umted with the [Celestial y].


    It was at that point he realized something surprising. [Million Faces] had been deactivated by the storm of Abyssal Energy, yet his hair remained the same steely grey he used to hide his human ancestry. His face had reverted from his Arcaz persona, but it didn''t quite look like Zachary Atwood either. His basic features were still there, but he''d taken on some of Eoz''s appearance upon his bloodline awakening. Altogether, he looked quite a bit better, though he stillcked that touch of Dao that imparted an otherworldly beauty.


    Having his appearance improved was nice, but it didn''t matter much. There were still far more interesting things brewing inside his body, not to mention his bloodline. But just as Zac was about to open his status screen and inspect his gains, a slight cough made him look over. The whole Draugr retinue was waiting for him outside, and the Monarchs could obviously see through his low-grade istion array.


    Zac felt a pang of worry upon seeing their scrunched-up expressions and the scattered lines on everyone''s exposed skin. The runes were clearly the same thing he''d been covered in, but some only had one or two sigils that weren''t even connected. It was like they''d been hit by nomological spill-over.


    Tavza''s pattern was far more exquisite than the others, covering most of her face like a tribal tattoo. However, even if Zac couldn''t make heads or tails of the pattern, he could tell it wasn''t quiteplete.


    Zac nced at the mayhem around him. The Abyssal Water had fully retreated by now, but water from the Deepmist Lake was pouring down from cracks in the ceiling. The cave would probably copse soon enough unless it was reinforced. Zac took a stabilizing breath before stepping outside, knowing he''d have to be a bit shameless once more.


    "Sorry, I felt inspirationing on," Zac said. "I didn''t expect the trial to wrap up in such a destructive way. Thank the Heavens everyone got out in one piece."


    He''d hoped to diffuse the palpable tension, but he inwardly groaned when he saw his words had the opposite effect. The young elites suddenly looked like they wanted to eat him alive, while the Monarchs hadplex expressions on their faces. Only then did Zac notice a critical detail from the fusion of his two sets of memories.


    He had been fully upied with the impartment while in the Lake, and he''d opted to immediately break through upon exiting. Now that Zac could go through his human body''s experiences, he realized that not even a day had passed since he entered the Abyssal Pond. It wasn''t that the others had escaped in time, but that they didn''t even get the chance to enter before the connection broke��or rather, when he broke it.


    Of course, he wasn''t about to admit that.


    "I guess forcing a connection on the Frontier was harder than we thought," Zac coughed, but it was clear no one bought his excuse.


    "Son of Chaos," Tavza muttered while Laz helplessly shook his head.


    The next second, a screen appeared in front of him. Zac mutely watched the recording, seeing how the Abyssal Pond exploded, destroying most of the Array Pirs in one go. It was almost like the Abyss had opened its maw, trying to consume everything. Worse, Zac could clearly feel the mark of Eoz within the raging tsunami. There was no way the Monarchs hadn''t realized the source of themotion.


    Just when it looked like the Draugr group would be swallowed, two magic circles suddenly appeared above the pond. They stabilized the surging waters, resulting in a smallke that covered most of the broken array. The ambient energy seemed shocking even at its shores, eclipsing what Zac encountered in the shallows of the pond. The problem was that more than ny percent of it was tuned to the Branch of Eoz, making it unsuitable for these Zi Branch members.


    They must have waited for the pond to return to normal, only to see it lose the connection two days early.


    "Hey, you can''t me that one on me," Zac said, staunchly sticking to his guns. "I''ve never seen those magic circles before."


    That was only a half-truth. Zac might never have seen those particr arrays before, but he recognized the aura they exuded. They came from Azol and Mez, just like the auras he''d sensed in the depths.


    Just like the things still waiting in his body, currently surrounding [Gorehew] and [Abyssal Phase]


    The line of deathly starlight surrounding [Gorehew] had an ethereal aura of Fate and Death, marking it as the work of Ur''Mez. The other was almost indistinguishable from the Abyssal Lake, simr to Tavza''s bloodline ability. Zac had noticed the odd arrays and the pure Abyssal Energy they kept sealed the moment he emerged from the pond, but he didn''t dare act hastily.


    After all, these were things likely left by Supremacies. He didn''t want to narrowly survive the Abyssal Pond only to blow himself up an hourter.


    "I get the feeling you often find yourself in this position," Tavza sighed, ncing at Laz.


    "Don''t worry. I can tell your awakening was a rousing sess. So what if it caused some waves?" Laz smiled, not caring in the slightest about the state of the cave or the Kavriel youngsters. "Master Kavriel, let''s talk."


    "Let''s go," Tavza said, ncing at the young warriors. "The rest of you, stay here. It''s not what we hoped for, but the lingering energy in the pond is still quite beneficial for the unawakened. Focus on the patterns. They''ll help you find the way."


    "I feel bad," Zac muttered as Tavza led him out of the Deepmist Lake.


    "I thought it had nothing to do with you?" Tavza said with a raised brow.


    Zac could onlyugh in response. They both knew the truth.


    "You don''t need to worry," Tavza continued. "Those half-blood children severely overestimated the benefits they could draw from the Abyssal Pond. There''s a reason we only invite the elites of our race to the Abyssal Lake. Being marked by the Ancestral Runes will let them purify their mottled bloodlines more than the original arrangement. It might even provide unexpected long-term benefits."


    "Why didn''t you mention these things?" Zac asked as he looked down at his hands. "Like you said, they helped quite a bit."


    The patterns on his body were still visible, but they were slowly fading. Zac wasn''t too worried, though. He''d already memorized every detail of it and could easily redraw them like he did when practicing the [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    "I didn''t mention it because there was no point. Only someone who''s reached the True Abyss Realm can extrapte a whole circuit. Our most talented warriors can asionally figure out small sections, but most never have the chance," Tavza said, her pitch-ck eyes speaking volumes as she looked at him. "The circuit on your body should be the firstplete set of Ancestral Runes since Ter''Ael Zan''Azol was alive."


    "Oh," Zac weakly muttered, studiously looking away.


    The two traveled in silence as they made their way toward the teleporter, each upied with their own thoughts. Zac''s mind was still a mess. There was so much to untangle, and he began by checking out his Status Screen.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 155


    ss [D-Arcane] Inexorable Apostle


    Race [D] Draugr - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles [...] Runic Progenitor, Grand Achievement, Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Middle, Branch of the Kalpataru - Middle, Branch of the Pale Seal - Late


    Core [D] Inexorable Core


    Strength 68129 [Increase: 204%. Efficiency: 429%]


    Dexterity 25902 [Increase: 156%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Endurance 56490 [Increase: 185%. Efficiency: 450%]


    Vitality 39287 [Increase: 178%. Efficiency: 428%]


    Intelligence 7262 [Increase: 135%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Wisdom 14237 [Increase: 137%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Luck 982 [Increase: 164%. Efficiency: 349%]


    Free Points 0


    Nexus Coins [D] 7 645 946


    Zac looked at the numbers with awe. He''d already made a huge leap in power upon reaching Hegemony, and now his attributes had increased another 25% in one swoop. It was significantly more than he''d expected, especially after confirming he hadn''t gained any new titles. Zac began by focusing on the line listing his Daos, and the details of his upgraded Dao Branch came into view.


    [Branch of the Pale Seal (Late): All attributes +50, Strength +1750, Endurance +9000, Vitality +2750, Wisdom +1150. Effectiveness of Endurance +25%]


    There weren''t any real surprises to the evolved branch. The only thing of note was that his Strength and Wisdom had slightly more than doubled at the cost of Endurance and Vitality. The +50 to Intelligence had also been removed, leaving him a bit stronger but also dumber. Just like how he liked it.


    Altogether, the branch provided 15,000 Raw Attributes, a significant amount in the Early D-grade. Still, Zac only stayed on the Dao Screen for a second as he was much more eager to see the more exciting change.


    Bloodline [E - Corrupted] Void Emperor, [D] Children of Draug - Eoz


    Talent Force of the Void - 19%, Void Zone


    Bloodline Nodes [E]Void Heart, [E] Spiritual Void, [E] Purity of the Void


    Nodes [D] Adamance of Eoz, [D] Conviction of Eoz, [D] Immutability of Eoz, [D] Alpha Link, [D] Omega Link


    Constitution [Death] Branch of Eoz (Early Shallows): Base Attributes +250, Strength +1250, Endurance +2,250, Luck +25, All Attributes +10%, Strength +5%, Endurance +10%. Effect of Strength +5%, Effect of Endurance +10%.


    Zac looked nkly at the screen for a few seconds, repeatedly reading the long string of boosts to ensure he didn''t see things wrong. He''d already been able to tell he should have passed the Return stage entirely, but he was shocked to find he''d also skipped the Shore. Early Shallows was the first step of the third awakening, and enough to make you a core member of the Draugr race, ording to Laz.


    The benefits didn''t disappoint either. Zac thought forming a Late Branch would be the biggest attribute boost, but it paledpared to his Draugr bloodline boost. Having an Early Shallows Bloodline provided more t attributes than a Middle Dao Branch. It even provided 25 Luck and 10% to all attributes, making it one of hisrgest individual sources of Luck.


    Not to mention, this wasn''t even the real benefit of awakening your bloodline. Each stage you unlocked would normally increase your Dao Affinities, with the major threshold providing a significant boost. The reason any Draugr reaching Shallows became a core member wasn''t because of a few extra Attribute Points. It was because their inborn advantage gave them a decent chance of reaching Monarchy and possibly beyond.


    All from staying in someke water for a day��a poignant reminder that not all races were born equal in the Multiverse.


    It was only a few secondster that Zac realized the huge attribute bomb wasn''t the only thing new on his Bloodline Screen. His awakened bloodline wasn''t visible on the main Status Screen, but it had been added next to this Void Emperor Bloodline here. It was an interesting tidbit, but the big news was that all three of his Draugr Hidden Nodes had been upgraded to D-grade in one swoop. Even his Force of the Void had recovered to 19%.


    Zac was slightly surprised he hadn''t gained a single level after being drowned in such immense amounts of energy, but he soon found the reason why. The pathways in his Cosmic Core had suddenly be quite lopsided. The paths holding Death and Void of Death had been greatly filled in, and those made for Conflict had seen a noticeable improvement.


    However, the parts with Life hadn''t gained an inch, which wasn''t surprising considering the energy source. No wonder he''d felt so lopsided when upgrading his Dao. Zac felt he could have evolved his Branch of the Pale Seal once more if he wanted, but he''d held himself back.


    For one, he needed to digest and stabilize his foundations before breaking through again. Secondly, he''d felt a sense of imbnce between his two halves. It wasn''t just his Daos and core, either. It was like every aspect of Death suddenly eclipsed his attainments into Life. Zac could tell it would be a problem if he exacerbated this disparity, especially his core, which depended on bnce.


    His human body was already cramming Life Attuned Core-awakening Pills into his mouth to remedy the situation. Zac estimated he''d be able to gain at least 6 or 7 levels by the time he''d returned to equilibrium. Not even the top-tier pills he''d prepared would be able to take him that far, but he could umte the rest on the battlefield.


    Soon, Tavza had escorted him through the gauntlet of rys and returned to his Cultivation Tree. She didn''t say anything, but Zac knew what Tavza was waiting for. He only hesitated a moment before he chose toe clean.


    "I felt him," Zac said. "I felt Eoz in the Abyss. It was almost like he reached through the River of Time to help me. I think your ancestor helped out somehow. Do you think��"


    "I don''t have the answers you''re looking for," Tavza sighed. "The Abyss sometimes shows us things when we delve too far, but what you said might have happened. I sensed the mark of Eoz within the pond, far beyond what you''d expect in this era. This all is far beyond what I expected.


    "However, I do know this. Not even our Supremacies can freely stretch through the Abyss like we saw today. You should fully understand our rtionship with the Abyss by now, and the incredible dangers that lurk in its depths. Be it Lord Eoz himself or our guardians; they''ve all paid a heavy price to assist you today. I hope you won''t do anything to betray that trust."

 Chapter 1091 - Sincerity and Reciprocity

    Zac knew Tavza wasn''t lying when saying that today''s assistance hadn''te without a price. Zac still wasn''t sure if Eoz really had reached through the river of time to impart his knowledge, simr to the Technocrat Codex. But Zac had felt the fury of the Heavens in the vision and how the universe itself was trying to resist Eoz''s actions.


    The two Supremacies of the Draugr race must have sensed Eoz''s actions and realized the connection would have difficulty reaching Zac on its own. Maybe it was because moving something through time was difficult enough. Maybe it was because theke had been moved, and Zac was located at the frontier. Either case, the Abyss was a ce not even Progenitors like Eoz could walk unhindered.


    Zac wasn''t sure how to feel about the situation. Two generations of Draugr Supremacies had assisted him, and the benefits he''d reaped were simply obscene. Bloodline, Dao, and possibly Skill. There was also the mysterious seed in his Soul Aperture which might bring even more benefits down the road.


    Sure, the assistance from the current generation of Abyssal Princes might have been provided with certain considerations. They knew he''d never felt any real belonging to his kin and might have used this opportunity to pull him closer. Of course, there was no proof beyond the fact that Supremacies rarely made a move unless absolutely necessary.


    It wasn''tziness but that their very existence was a constant struggle against the Heavens. The higher you climbed, the greater the suppression you''d face. It wasn''t just a matter of Tribtions. Monarchs had to absorb vast amounts of energy just to maintain their inner world. On the frontier, that tranted into a constant need for treasures.


    Meanwhile, Autarchs wouldn''t willingly stay in these god-forsaken regions, as the sparse Energy and Dao were directly harmful. Zac had heard that the Autarchs of smaller factions, like the Radiant Temple, generally stayed in special dimensions or Ancient Realms to lessen the burden on themselves and their factions.


    Zac could only imagine the cost of a Supremacy going all out. The current-day Abyssal Lords clearly had great hopes for him, to the point Zac suspected it wasn''t as simple as just restoring a lost branch. Perhaps the three ancestors had left behind certain treasures or techniques that required all three upper bloodlines to work.


    In contrast, Zac felt true sincerity from Eoz. The Draugr Progenitor had even indicated he didn''t want Zac to carry the burden of his ancestry, that Zac didn''t owe anything to his Bloodline. Eoz also seemed to have a different attitude to Abyssal Lake than the Draugr of the current era. He''d left its embrace to search for something more, only to find his descendants were born iplete without returning to the origin.


    So what should he do?


    Zac''s body might have be immune to Karmic Entanglement after breaking through, but he wasn''t an ingrate. Just turning his back on Eoz would leave a blemish on his Dao Heart, even if the impartment was freely given. He''d been given so much by now that Zac didn''t know if he wanted to extricate himself from the debt even if he could.


    It wouldn''t hurt to treat the Abyssal Shores with greater sincerity, and help out if he could.


    "I''m aware the gift I''ve received today is significant," Zac said. "I''ll try to reciprocate, but I''m ultimately just a D-grade cultivator. We both know that people like us are just pawns at best, and I refuse to be a cog in someone else''s struggle."


    "If you know that much, you should understand that it''s rarely up to us whether we participate," Tavza countered. "The actions today have surely been noticed, and it won''t be long before my ancestor''s sacrifice is connected to you. I suggest you return to your home world sooner rather thanter. The stakes have increased, leaving everything in flux."


    "Will you even let me?"


    "We might be able to contain the rumors for a few days, but no longer. Tassar Kavriel should be loyal to the shores, but some of the younger might have their own ideas. With fate gathering here in Zecia, they might see this as an opportunity to rise."


    So that was why Tavza wanted the young to stay and practice by the Abyssal Pond. It was essentially a way for her to enforce an information lockdown. The lush environment of Kavista suddenly felt oppressive, with dangers hiding in every corner. He''d thought he''d managed to navigate a solution with the Undead Empire, but it was clear the events had broader implications than he''d realized.


    "I''ve applied for your return already, but I alone cannot give the go-ahead. Hopefully, Kator won''t have any objections," Tavza continued as she took out a Spatial Ring. "The promised method and some cultivation resources. However, you won''t be able to make much headway on your Bloodline with these things.


    "I can tell you''ve entered the Shallows, and it''s almost impossible to progress outside theke at that stage. Using our Bloodline Methods simply isn''t time effective outside theke itself."


    Zac nodded as he epted the ring. Such was the Law of Bnce. Pure-blooded Draugr living in the Abyssal Shores were guaranteed at least one bloodline awakening through ess to theke, and real talents managed to awaken multiple times. However, without that resource, it was incredibly difficult to progress.


    Death-attuned materials could barely help, and even treasures from the Abyss like the [Darkwater Gemstones] weren''t a recement for the real thing. That was why [Essence of the Abyss] was such a valuable treasure. Few other things could mimic direct contact with the Abyssal Lake.


    "Thank you," Zac said. "You''ve been a huge help during my stay."


    "Please remember that the next time you''re about to wreak havoc," Tavza said, showcasing a rare smile. "I wouldn''t mind a heads-up."


    The Azol sessor left the next moment, leaving Zac alone with his thoughts. He nced at the ring and found it contained one hundred [Darkwater Gemstones] and a few nts from the Abyssal Lake. There was also a set of Information Crystals, but Zac only briefly scanned the methods before putting the matter aside.


    Something was brewing in his body that couldn''t be put off any longer. The Skill Fractals had already started to twist and untangle under the influence of the foreign energies. The good news was that it didn''t seem to be a bad thing. The skills were actually evolving on their own, following the concepts they were being showered in.


    However, he couldn''t just sit by when his skills were being reforged, even if the result would be good. He needed to provide input, aligning them with his path and ensuring they would mesh well with hisbat style.


    Zac retreated into his cultivation chamber, where a new type of incense was already burning. Zac could feel it had a simr effect as the drops he got from Iz, though not nearly at the same level. Zac let the medicinal smoke nourish his body while focusing on the mutating skills. And the longer Zac observed, the more he realized things weren''t quite as they seemed.


    The mysterious bands wrapped around his Skill Fractals looked like they had been formed by Mez and Azol, but Zac realized there was a shadow of Eoz within. It was transforming their truths somehow, harmonizing them with his body and Daos. It was almost like Eoz had sensed the two present-day Supremacies and repurposed some of their energy. There was a lesson in there.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac soon understood what he needed to do, and his Inexorable Dao Mold emerged from within the Soul Spiral. It had long reached a soft limit based on his Daos and soul strength and had barely progressed over the past year. Being showered in Abyssal Energy seemed to have strengthened it even further. Zac infused Mental Energy and Dao into the mold, ensuring his newly upgraded Branch of the Pale Seal didn''t overwhelm his Branch of the War Axe.


    Thankfully, Zac had ample experience with one of his Daos being stronger than the others, though it was usually his Dao of Conflict that evolved first.


    Aplex braid of truth soon emerged from the mold. Zac didn''t directly send it toward the Skill Fractals but channeled his Dao through his Pathways. The braid subtly changed under the influence of his ss Pathways before passing through each band of foreign energy. Each circuit swallowed a good chunk of his Mental Energy, but Zac readily provided more from his mold.


    It didn''t take long before he saw results. Until now, the mutation of his skills had been passive due to the incredibly high-tier truths surrounding them. But the formations hummed to life now that they were powered with his Dao, and the process drastically sped up.


    The two skills were being reborn with speed and precision far eclipsing what Zac could aplish on his own, even when using the assisting arrays. It was a joint effort. Zac set the course, Azol and Mez provided the unique energies of their branches, while Eoz became a bridge that made outside influences part of Zac''s path. In fact, Zac found both Ur''Mez''s and An''Azol''sprehensionplementary to his own as marks of their branches appeared on the fractals.


    Mez''s talents were rted to divination and fate, just like how his Inexorable Path held his desire to control his destiny. This aspect was being added to [Gorehew], and Zac couldn''t wait to see the result. Simrly, the unfathomable depths of the Abyss were infused into [Abyssal Phase], moving it toward something that could be mistaken for a bloodline talent. His movement skill''s name and vor text had almost felt like a mockery since learning of the true Abyss, but it would soon live up to the real thing.


    The process was extremely smooth. It was as though the arrays were sentient, understanding his will perfectly. It only took six hours for his skills to be reformed and another 30 minutes to redraw the connection between pathways and Skill Fractals. For better or worse, the foreign energies werepletely gone when Zac was finished, leaving only the dormant seed behind. The new Skill Fractals were pitch-ck, almost resembling scars on his pathways.


    However, he could feel theirplex patterns and exquisite bnce, knowing his two bought skills had gone from something he''d picked up in a Frontier Repository to proper Peak-quality D-grade skills. Zac eagerly opened his Skill Screen to check out the result.


    [D] Fatehew - Proficiency: Early. The butcher''s de of the inky depths, sealing providence and reaping lives. Upgradeable.


    [D] Abyssal Drive - Proficiency: Early. Be the Abyss. Bring them into your embrace. Upgradeable.


    So [Gorehew] had be [Fatehew]. Zac didn''t recognize half the patterns on the skill fractal, but the vor text and the parts he did understand indicated it would have roughly the same role as before. Interestingly, the vor text of [Abyssal Phase] hadn''t changed when upgraded, even if more than 60% of its fractals had been reced.


    Looking at the two skills filled him with far greater confidence for the uing battles. He''d already upgraded his mental defenses and [Deathmark]. By adding a movement skill and a general offensive skill, he had a basic kit of everything he needed. The only thing he wouldn''t mind adding to his repertoire was a powerful finisher, but his stacks of talismans could temporarily take on that role.


    Better yet, the reformation of [Gorehew] and [Abyssal Phase] had given him something beyond the skills themselves. Just as he''d expected, a lesson was hidden within the opportunity. Zac had already touched on the matter when upgrading his Dao Branch, but seeing the upgraded Skill Fractals drove home the point.


    His view on cultivation had be too narrow.


    He''d spent decades building his path, shoring up his theoretical foundations, understanding of the Dao, and inventing a suitable blueprint. The hard work had been rewarded with two matching Arcane sses and foundations as stable as bedrock. But he had narrowed his scope too much, afraid to paint even an inch outside his self-imposed lines.


    This hyper-focused approach had made him forget an important aspect. The Dao wasn''t static packages of truth that had to be categorized one way or another. You needed to be the conductor, not a vessel for the Dao. If he just walked straight ahead in the direction his Daos were currently pointing, ignoring everything around him, was it even cultivation?


    Take the Seals and the Thrones, for example. The Peaks was whatever they said it was, and massive wars had been waged over the direction of Dao.


    Zac was obviously not there yet, but there was no reason for him topletely shield himself from any outside influence. The key was making the influence your own, something subordinate to your path. For example, his understanding of fate was nothing when faced with the Ur''Mez n, but he had benefitted greatly from incorporating some of their heritage into [Fatehew].


    The same was true for how his Dao had incorporated some aspects of his Bloodline. It didn''t mean the scope of his Branch of the Pale Seal had grown more scattered. It had meant he''d made the truths of the Abyss a supportive aspect of the Pale Seal. Theoretically, he could push this theory to the very limits, where all Daos under the Heavens became an aspect of Death. Zac even suspected that was how the Abyss operated.


    Of course, Zac''s revtion didn''t mean his previous method was a mistake. He wouldn''t have managed to enter Hegemony if he hadn''t taken full control over his path and its interlocking parts. You could even say his shift in perspective was part of the natural cycle. A cultivator would undergo periods of integration where they epted new concepts and impressions. Then, they would condense these things into something uniquely suited to them while discarding what was useless.


    An endless cycle of expansion and reduction, each moving your path closer to perfection.


    Focusing on his skills had been a wee distraction, but now that it was dealt with, there was not much else to do but wait. He hadn''t heard back from Tavza during the whole skill reformation process, and Zac started to worry after another hour had passed. What if they really didn''t let him go because of what happened in the Abyssal Pond?


    Zac felt it unlikely, but it was impossible to tell what conflicting interests shed in the shadows with a faction like the Undead Empire. Then, he finally felt a presence in his lobby, and he quickly walked outside.


    "We feared something had gone wrong upon hearing you left the pond after a day. I guess I was worried for nothing."


    "I have too much on my te to swim around for days on end," Zac said with a smile upon seeing who had arrived.


    "You know, it''s not easy to get to see you," Pavina said with a shake of her head. "Still the same, so consumed with cultivation. Don''t forget to slow down now and then."


    "I wouldn''t mind a vacation, but who will tell the System?" Zac grunted. "What brings you��"


    Zac didn''t get any further before he was filled with a sense of deadly crisis. His body moved on instinct, [Death''s Duality] already swinging toward Pavina before he''d digested what was happening. The silver edge rebuffed a small sword, but it was already moving toward his throat with redoubled speed.


    The overbearing pressure brought Zac back to the duels in the Orom World, and he could feel Pavina''s attacks were influenced by far deeper truths this time. It was as though every strike of hers was imbued with Death incarnate, and anything they targeted was doomed to be consumed. It waspletely different from the surface technique she used years ago.


    Zac hadn''t fought in his Draugr form for months, but his Inexorable Stance came as naturally as breathing. Not only that, but his awakened Bloodline had turned him into a perfect vessel for his path, where Death and even Conflict felt like the natural state of his body.


    The lobby echoed with the ttering of chains as they formed a web of mayhem. They moved with far greater speed and agility than before, to the point Zac couldn''t control them at their max pace without losing control. Soon, Pavina was surrounded by chains while Zac fought to lock her down from the front.


    The contained battlefield hadn''t be a hindrance to Zac''s technique. On the contrary, the ceilings and walls let the chains change their trajectory faster and in unpredictable ways while restricting Pavina''s options. However, the Monarch was like a fickle wind, impossible to contain.


    She avoided his attempts at containment with ease, seemingly everywhere in the room at once. Her de went for his eyes one moment, only to be striking at his spine the next. There was real lethal intent between every strike, and the pressure only mounted as the seconds passed. Zac didn''t mind��he even weed the challenge. It was only possible to find your limits when fighting powerful opponents.


    And there was so much power waiting to be unearthed.

 Chapter 1092 - The Power of a World

    The feeling of pushing beyond one''s previous limits was addictive. ounting for his increased attributes was one thing, but he could tell just how much his body had improved from his bloodline awakening. His energy stores hadn''t increased much like from his previous improvements since he had a Cosmic Core for that now, but the other benefits of a Draugr constitution had seen marked improvements.


    Durability and energy flow had drastically improved. It even felt like his body had added a hidden multiplier on his Attribute Pool. His arms swung harder than they should have, and his feet moved quicker than should be possible. Even his mind seemed to have be sturdier. Zac could really understand why the Abyssal Shores valued those who''d entered the Shallows so much.


    Their bodies had be almost perfect for cultivation, especially if you included the significant improvements to affinities.


    All other worries disappeared as Zac readily followed Pavina toward the end of the road. The lobby was soon unable to bear the pressure and shattered, but the two didn''t pause for a second. The battle continued midair, where his chains formed a spherical domain of utter destruction.


    Zac''s intractable army of Death forged ahead, but Pavina met Zac''s advance with furious destruction. Her Death was one of force and violence rather than Zac''s suffocating grip. She kept adding new techniques to her style she''d never used before, but Zac smoothly adapted. He had added decades of experience to his Techniques since theyst met, fighting in every conceivable environment.


    The fundamental concept behind his Inexorable Stance was containment, where he''d dismantle the enemy''s attacks and limit their options. The chains would almost be puppet strings, leading his opponent toward their inevitable doom. However, if the enemy managed to break his pattern and disrupt the rhythm, he''d be back at square one.


    Thankfully, visiting environments based on all seventeen peaks had shown the path forward. The more he experienced, the more adaptable he''d be. By the time Zac could smoothly counter whatever his opponent threw his way, no matter their path or what Daos they practiced, his technique would be perfected. Zac understood he wouldn''t reach that point by Late-stage Integration or even the Peak. It would take millennia, perhaps even longer, to reach that point.


    Fighting Pavina was at least a step in the right direction and an opportunity on its own. How many got the chance to test their understanding against the de of a Monarch?


    A second spike-like sword appeared in Pavina''s off-hand when Zac got close to finding an opening, and her fighting style became even more aggressive. Zac still didn''t lose hisposure. Pavina could resist, but it was like fighting against the ocean''s waves. Even if she resisted or pushed them back, they would always return. Erosion was Death, and Death was inexorable.


    The whirling chains slowly shrank their domain while Zac''s swings grew more sublime. Pavina fought like she had three heads and six arms, and each sh left shockwaves instilled with enough force and Dao to leave scars on the ancient trees around them. Soon, they reached an impasse where neither could retreat or advance.


    "Not bad," Pavinaughed. "But this alone isn''t enough to deal with Kator. Let''s kick it up a notch."


    Suddenly, Zac felt as though he''d been thrown into a gravity well. Pavina looked the same, and she hadn''t unlocked more of her Daos or attributes. Yet, Zac suddenly felt like he was looking up at a towering god. There was an intangible pressure where Zac''s very essence was suppressed by a higher state of existence, something that a sturdy body and high Strength could shake off.


    It wasn''t just him being affected, either. Reluctant groans and creaks echoed through the forest as the stout trunks bent like they were enduring immense pressure. Zac was left reeling by the sudden suppression and barely managed to block her next strike. He managed to move his axe just in time, but it felt like he''d been struck by a copsing star.


    Zac''s bones groaned from the collision before he crashed into the ground, but he shot back into the sky with an explosion. Zac finally realized what she''d done, and excitement gleamed in his eyes.


    Pavina had added the power of her Inner World to her technique. It was undoubtedly just a sliver, yet the difference in pressure was more tangible than when Zac fought an opponent with a Dao Branch the first time. It was no wonder that Monarchy was considered one of the great watersheds within cultivation, where it was almost impossible for D-grade Cultivators to put up a fight.


    The leap of strength between E-grade and Hegemony wasn''t nearly as pronounced, and you had to get your hands on things like War Regalia and D-grade skills if you wanted to bully people with your levels. That wasn''t the case at C-grade, where every strike and every skill was imbued with the power of a world. How could a lower-grade cultivatorpete against that?


    Their sparring session had been mostly even until now, where both used their own means to fight for an advantage. On asion, Zac would be in the lead, only to have it wrenched back by Pavina in unexpected ways. Now, that was out the window, where Zac felt he was about to be swallowed by an avnche.


    But something within his body roared with defiance, and boundless force pushed back. It wasn''t his Void Emperor bloodline or its Hidden Nodes. [Void Heart] was still in aatose state after overindulging on Abyssal Energy, and [Purity of the Void] couldn''t help with this kind of problem.


    The Ichor and Miasma in his body had almost ground to a halt, but it suddenly roared back to life as [Adamance of Eoz] spread a shroud of darkness through his body. The effect was immediate and overwhelming. It barely felt like it was Miasma coursing through his Pathways any longer. It more resembled Abyssal Energy, and itpletely ignored the outside pressure.


    Pavina''s Inner World tried to hamper its progress, but it was useless. Zac''s personal Abyss weed and consumed any force exerted upon him, like a stone dropped into a bottomlesske. He''d only been able to fight at 70% after Pavina''s C-grade abilities were unleashed, not counting his turbid energy flow, which would have made Skill Activation nigh-impossible. Now, he was back at 95%.


    Neither used any skills, but Zac could tell the strengthening effect of his Miasma had at least doubled. Zac wasn''t even sure he''d need defensive skills against most E-grade cultivators beyond this point. Between his body''sprehensive upgrades from the bloodline awakening and [Adamance of Eoz], his skin would be impregnable armor as long as he channeled his energy.


    shing with pure technique didn''t give him a chance to observe the changes to his evolved [Immutability of Eoz], but Zac was disappointed to find that [Conviction of Eoz] hadn''t seen much improvement. The effect was still there, allowing him to push beyond his body''s natural limits. Actually, he could take it even further with his upgraded constitution, but that was more a benefit of his awakened Bloodline than the node itself. Zac could extract a bit more potential for the same amount of strain, but the improvement was only by a few percent��nowhere near the significant change to [Adamance of Eoz].


    Was it rted to purpose? Simply sparring with Pavina wasn''t enough to bring out most of the node. It might also be a matter of scaling. His F-grade boosting skills had started to lose efficiency by the time he reached Middle E-grade, as they could not multiply such a massive attribute pool. Perhaps the upgrade to [Conviction of Eoz] simply let him continue to use its effect into the D-grade while only slightly improving its effect.


    Zac guessed he shouldn''tin either way. After reaching Early Shallows, Zac could boost hisbat power by over 20% without any downside. That was like having a Berserking Treasure permanently active, and it could be pushed even further when he had his back against the wall. And while the cost of Vigor was greater, his body''s stores seemed to have more than tripled. He''d have to eat a small mountain of food after a fight to replenish, but he should be able to use his Hidden Nodes much longer without worrying about starvation.


    His Bloodline let him resist the pressure of Pavina''s Inner World, but it wasn''t enough to seize an advantage. And even if he did, Pavina would increase her strength some more. Zac felt this was a good stopping point. He hadn''t quite reached his limits, but he didn''t want to show all his cards to Kator, who would undoubtedly get his hands on a recording of this sparring session. However, Zac suddenly had an idea.


    "Mind if I try something?"


    "Go ahead," Pavina grinned. "Show me what you got."


    Zac nodded, and streams of Miasma entered his newly formed skill. However, the response, orck thereof, almost made him lose focus. [Fatehew] didn''t activate, seemingly only half-filled even if it didn''t ept any more Death-attuned Energy. Zac was confused for a few seconds before realizing what was missing.


    A stream of dense Mental Energy emerged from his Soul Aperture, filling the missing sections of the fractal. Swirls of Darkness immediately surrounded [Death''s Duality] and his chains, looking like small streams of pure Abyssal Waters. It suddenly felt like the whole forest had grown dimmer, the sounds of their ongoing exchange muted.


    Pavina''s eyes widened slightly in surprise, but Zac wouldn''t give her the time to analyze the skill. He unleashed a forceful swing aimed at her neck, giving her no choice but to parry with one of her swords. She clearly used more strength than before, and her weapon wasn''t even pushed back when [Death''s Duality] mmed into it with enough force to make the nearby trees quiver.


    The Monarch nned on transitioning the parry into a ruthless jab. However, she was forced to give up on that an intangible de passed right through her sword, continuing unimpeded toward her neck.


    A soft sheen covered her neck at thest moment, and Zac felt himself lose some Mental Energy. [Fatehew] wasn''t a continuous skill, but only one of the swirls surrounding the axe had been lost. Zac summoned a new one easily enough, but its appearance made him frown. Going by his impression of the skill, it should have grown a bit darker, yet it looked exactly the same.


    The two exchanged a few more attacks beforeing to a stop. It was like the surrounding trees released a collective sigh of relief as their shaking crowns calmed down.


    "A very interesting skill," Pavina nodded. "A Weapon Imbuement Skill requiring mental defenses to block a physical attack. And it even targets your Dao Heart."


    The most noticeable change of [Fatehow] was how it no longer produced arge jagged de. The old skill had suffered from the same downsides as [Nature''s Edge]��there wasn''t much point in forming a three-meter de in front of his axe. It would be in the way during a melee like when he fought Pavina just now, and he had skills like [Deathmark] forrge-scale destruction.


    The solution he''d picked for [Nature''s Edge] was to transform it into a skill that directly imbued the weapon itself rather than form a de. His melee strikes would gain additional effects that would synergize with his technique. He already had [Blighted Cut] on his undead side for a simr purpose, though its effect wasn''t quite up to par.


    Zac''s original n had been to adjust [Blighted Cut] to better suit hisbat style, but something about Mez''s Bloodline had made him feel [Gorehew] could take on that role even better. He didn''t quite know what to do with his old skill after the sudden change of ns, but he figured he could turn it into a chain-exclusive skill that focused more on restriction than the corrosive effect.


    "I''m sure it''s nothingpared to the great things you''ve created over the years," Zac smiled, remembering Pavina''s fondness for some tant ttery. "How was the effect?"


    As expected, a gratified smile spread across Pavina''s face as theynded on the ground.


    "It''s nothing much," Pavina said with fake modesty. "I could tell something was different about the Weapon Imbuement the moment you activated it, but the effect only became clear after our weapons collided. It suddenly felt like I had no hope of victory, and that feeling was only magnified when the spiritual de passed through my weapon."


    "The pressure on my Dao Heart won''t make much difference in a sparring session, but it should be very useful in real life-and-death situations. Even veterans will have some doubts and fears, and this skill can amplify those thoughts. The more pressure you apply, the stronger the influence will be.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "As for the soul aspect, I doubt it''s enough to cause grievous wounds. But it''s still very suited to you. After all, I''ve still not met any other infighter foolish enough to cultivate their soul."


    Zac grinned, not minding the backhandedpliment. Pavina had always been conflicted over his focus on his soul. He had his reasons persist on this path, but he had long felt his powerful soul was underutilized. As luck would have it, upgrading [Gorehew] had finally given him the opportunity to make use of his powerful soul and vast Mental Energy reserves.


    As Pavina said, the intangible de made from Mental Energy wouldn''t be able to kill a Hegemon. At best, it''d deal surface wounds that would slowly umte into something incapacitating during a prolonged battle. However, the soul de would exhaust some of his enemy''s Mental Energy. At least, it should have.


    "Did the de siphon some of your Mental Energy?" Zac asked.


    "Well, no," Pavina smiled. "But that''s because my Inner World''s pull is greater than yours. I doubt too many Hegemons can take those hits without sacrificing a chunk."


    Zac nodded in relief. He''d been worried his skill was faulty for a minute. [Fatehew] was supposed to grow slightly stronger each time he sessfully destroyed some of his opponent''s Mental Energy��an inheritance from the skill''s predecessor. In return, the skill would cost more and more to activate.


    That was a trade-off Zac was more than willing to take. Even if he spent more than twice what he exhausted, he''d stille out way ahead against everyone except Mentalists. An exhausted mind would make mistakes, and mistakes lead to Death.


    "It''s amazing how much you''ve improved since we metst time," Pavina said as she stowed away her weapons. "You need to get used to fighting in the air, though. High-grade battlefields are generally divided intoyers, with D-grade cultivators battling above. That way, you can prevent your soldiers from being caught in the crossfire. And if you manage to push back the enemy Hegemons, you can unleash devastation on their backlines."


    "I''m working on updating my technique. Flying takes some time getting used to, though," Zac smiled.


    "It''s fine. You just broke through," Pavina shrugged. "Besides, most of the Kan''Tanu are pretty trashy from what I''ve heard, and most Heart Curses should only be a mild inconvenience to you now that you''ve awakened. You''ll be able to figure things out on the battlefields."


    "I''m guessing you didn''t juste over to ambush me?" Zac said, seeing the opportunity to broach the most pressing matter.


    "I was sent here to test you out and take you to the teleporter," Pavina smiled.


    "I can leave?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "Of course. We need you to start working on that quest of yours. Who knows how many hoops the System will have you jump through to optimize your chances inside the inheritance."


    Zac inwardly breathed out in relief, and the two immediately set course for the Nexus Hub he first arrived in. Pavina didn''t teleport him over, allowing the two to catch up. He was surprised to find that Commander Kaldor had actually entered the Orom willingly to investigate its suspicious actions.


    To think the huge fish had used its captives to fuel some Fate-based array searching for the Left Imperial Pce. The thought almost made Zacugh, seeing how he and Iz ruined eons of work. It didn''t particrly help him in any way, but it still felt good to hear the Voidcatcher''s scheme had been ruined. Zac couldn''t even imagine how many people on the frontier had died because of its search for the Left Imperial Pce.


    "So what do you think?" Zac said. "About my duel in four weeks?"


    "Uh, work hard on your cultivation, alright?"


    Zac grimaced upon seeing Pavina''s weak smile and darting eyes. That bad, huh?

 Chapter 1093 - Bred for War

    "Kator is incredibly powerful," Pavina sighed upon seeing Zac''s look. "I wouldn''tst ten seconds if we were the same grade. A few lucky Reavers are born with special bones that provide unique and incredible abilities. They call them Miracle Bones because that''s what they enable. Only one out of a hundred thousand purebloods gets one. Getting two is a blessing from the Heavens. Kator has four that I know of."


    Zac grunted nomittally, taking the news in stride. It wasn''t that he underestimated those Miracle Bones��he wouldn''t be surprised if they were even stronger than Hidden Nodes or Specialty cores. Four of them might double Kator''sbat strength or more. This was simply how things worked. Anyone who could dominate a whole generation, especially of a powerful faction like the Izh''Rak Reavers, was bound to have something to fall back on.


    It could be inborn advantages, advantages gained through unique opportunities, or more likely both.


    "Do you know the rules?" Zac asked. "Not much point if we use skills and our full strength. He''s right at the threshold of entering Late Hegemony."


    "We have training arrays simr to the dueling tforms back in the Orom World. Kator''s effective attributes will be reduced to roughly your level, and his Daos will see simr restrictions. You''ll duel as we did now, using only your inborn advantages and technique to decide a victor."


    "Really?" Zac said with a raised brow. "That seems surprisingly generousing from that guy."


    "He''s pretty arrogant and wants to seed where Commander Kaldor failed," Pavinaughed. "But if you fight like you did today, my money''s on my little boss. He''s also been debriefed on your battle with the Commander, so he''ll be ready for that weird trick you used. You might want to think of other roads to victory."


    The weird trick she mentioned was no doubt [Void Zone], which he''d been forced to briefly use when Kaldor began cheating. He''d said it was a Draugr bloodline talent, but Kaldor was no fool. Even if Zac belonged to one of the lost branches, you''d have to be blind to mistake his Void abilities for something linked to the Abyss.


    The two soon appeared at the inner square, where a familiar figure awaited him. Calrin''s aura was stable, but he looked haggard, like he''d endured seven taxing years since theyst met. However, his visage lit up upon seeing Zac, though the cherubic little face soon scrunched up in a scowl.


    "How did things go?" Zac smiled as they walked over.


    "You wretch!" Calrin wheezed with a low volume. "How could you just leave me here for a week? Throwing me to the wolves."


    "You sometimes have to take risks for profits," Zac coughed. "Is everything in order with the manufacturer?"


    "It should have been," Calrin said with annoyance. "Our contract with Brightive Munitions was finalized two days ago, but they won''t release the wares."


    "What''s going on?" Zac said, turning to Pavina.


    "No idea," Pavina frowned. "Ah, here theye."


    One by one, the representatives from the two camps appeared out of thin air. Zac wasn''t surprised everyone was seeing him off, but he got a bad feeling upon seeing the slight frown on Tavza''s face.


    "Running back home so soon? You''re not reneging on our deal, are you?" Katorughed.


    "Aren''t those my words?" Zac countered. "I hear our wares are being held in limbo?"


    "So they are," Kator nodded before turning to a gate in the distance, and Zac''s eyes thinned upon seeing two Revenants step through. "You have been running wild on the Empire''s dime for a while now, and we don''t have anything to show for it beyond non-binding promises and second-grade information. It''s about time we implemented some oversight to our investment."


    "You want me to bring spies with me back home?" Zac said with a displeased frown, though he was inwardly relieved.


    He was already acting under the assumption that the Undead Empire was observing his every move, so having two shadows following him around wouldn''t change much. It would have been much trickier to deal with excuses to keep him in Kavista.


    "Rebellious as ever," Kator snickered. "I simply want to ensure that the resources we provide are used efficiently and for their intended purpose. Remember, our support is contingent on you progressing your quest as Arcaz Umbri''Zi."


    ''There are indeed uses in our contract that can halt delivery of products,'' Calrin''s voice echoed in Zac''s mind. ''I tried to get rid of it, but they didn''t budge on that one. An imperialmand can divert all resources meant for us to their own war machine.''


    "I want you to have finished the conquest part of your quest within two months," Kator continued. "As for the sealbearer, we''ll provide one if fate fails you."


    "And if I can''t conquer nine worlds within the timeframe?"


    "Then you''re simply too ipetent, and sending War Machines to you is a waste of resources," Kator shrugged.


    Zac snorted, but he wasn''t worried. Nine Worlds in two months was roughly one sessful conquest a week. It was a tough schedule, but he had multiple ways to lessen the burden, from his Cosmic Vessels to his other body working in tandem.


    "The liaisons are not just there to keep an eye on things," Laz interjected upon seeing the atmosphere grow tense. "We handpicked Serzo and Petrus because of their experience and expertise. Your faction is young andcking in some aspects. You could benefit from some outside feedback."


    "Serzo is a follower I brought. He''s a veteran who umted great merit in our war with the Havarok Empire," Enis Umbri''Zi borated. "He was tasked with getting newly awakened worlds up and running, and he should have insights that can benefit your budding society."


    Zac nodded in thanks, knowing Enis was telling him this to make clear his allegiance.


    "Petrus was raised in the White Sky Phnx, giving him ample insights into how to run a well-oiled war machine," Toss said. "Efficiency is critical when you can''t steamroll your enemy. A few adjustments here and there can lower expenditures and casualties by a surprising degree. Stretched across the duration of the war, it might be the difference between victory and defeat."


    "You''re right. Thank you all for your help until now. I''ll keep working hard on my end," Zac said with a bow.


    "Be careful. Fate is stirring," Tavza said.


    "I will. The same goes for you," Zac nodded before ncing at the two Early D-grade Revenants. "Let''s go."


    "Remember, your life is most important," Laz fussed. "Don''t overextend yourself in search of quick progress. These Kan''Tanu have some troublesome elites, and there are outsiders searching for seals on their side as well."


    Zac, Calrin, and his two new ''advisors'' soon stepped out from a Teleportation Array by the Nexus Hub of Port Atwood. The Sky Gnome didn''t even say goodbye before sprinting toward the safety of his office, his stubby legs showcasing amazing speed. Zac smiled as he heard Calrin grumble under his breath until he exited the range of his Soul Sense.


    He turned to the two liaisons, who curiously looked around. "Wee to the Atwood Empire. I''ll do my best to amodate your needs during your stay. However, if I find you''re snooping around where you shouldn''t or harm my citizens, there''ll be consequences."


    "Master Umbri''Zi, you don''t need to worry," Serzo smiled. "While we are here to ensure the resources provided are used properly, we''ve no interest in causing trouble. I hope you can see us as assets. As the lords said, we both have some experience that could prove useful."


    "I''m not foolish enough to jump into the matters between you young masters," Petrus added. "I''m here to do my job and keep my head down. I''ve already familiarized myself with the first batch of equipment that''ll be sent over momentarily. If you want further advice, I will do my best to provide it. If not, I''ll stay out of the way."


    Zac nodded and led the two out after setting them up with guest tokens. They didn''t have any bombs, but they would let Zac''s people track their movements. In return, they worked as credentials, providing ess to teleporters and various regions depending on their grade.


    "Let''s go; we''re expected," Zac said after sending a couple of messages through hismunicator.


    "Where to?" Serzo asked.


    "We''ve been setting up an elite army to quickly rack up merit and conquests," Zac exined. "I''m hoping it''ll be up and running within a few days. Any input you can provide to make that happen is appreciated."


    He''d been impatient since returning from his first visit to the battlefronts, be it from reading the daily reports or seeing his position on the Ranking board being overtaken. His two spots had already been pushed down a peg by Helian Ailo. The fact that the globaldders didn''t list people''s actual merit meant it was impossible to tell whether he was about to lose another position. It constantly felt like he had people breathing down his neck.


    The three made their way toward the government building, their appearance barely making any waves among Port Atwood''s pedestrians.


    "It''s quite novel," Serzo said as he nced at a Revenant and Ishiate walking side by side. "I hear your became this way after the realignment failed midway?"


    "That''s part of it," Zac nodded. "I''m guessing it was also a gift by the System because of my condition."


    "I would have expected greater resistance to our kin," Petrusmented. "I''ve participated in two Incursions myself. We''re always sent to the thick of it, leading to massive casualties among the natives."


    "There''s been some problems, but we''re working on it," Zac said, ncing at the two advisors. "You should probably refrain from advertising that you''re from the Empire, though. People might not be as epting of imperial undead as my own people."


    They soon reached their destination, where Zac''s other body and a few of his generals waited. The two Revenants surreptitiously inspected Zac''s human form, but Zac knew these two wouldn''t find anything amiss. The group moved to a private meeting room by the Command Center, immediately getting into it.


    "These two gentlemen are Petrus and Serzo, the representatives I mentioned in the message," Draugr Zac said.


    Human Zac slowly nodded. "Wee. I''m sure Arcaz has told you all you need to know. Let''s get started. I''ve mostly been in seclusion, so Ilvere will catch you all up to speed."


    "Ahem," Ilvere said. "We''re slightly ahead of schedule but need two more days before everything is arranged. We''re still vetting members and adapting our setup based on the new zing Comet equipment."


    "What''s that?" Petrus asked. "What about the Brightive Munitions?"


    "I negotiated another deal while Arcaz met with you guys," human Zac exined. "zing Comet is a weapon series provided by the Allbright Empire. It''s roughly equivalent to your Moonive series."


    "Lord Atwood''s social circle is indeed wide," Serzo smiled.


    "Well, it was mostly a matter of having a decent production line of Cosmic Vessels," Zac shrugged. "Now we have two sources of equipment, one for each half of the Empire. This way, we won''t be as restricted when configuring our armies."


    "The matter of your integrated armies is one of the things we were instructed to broach," Petrus said. "We rmend separating your armies into Life and Death. It''s simply more practical."


    "We understand that you wish to integrate your people, but you should be aware ites with certain practical challenges," Serzo added. "When the Undead Empire enters a neutral battleground, there''s a thirty percent chance it''ll be Death-attuned. It''s an amodation by the System to slightly level the ying field.


    "With an integrated army, I assume these odds will get lowered, and your undead warriors will generally find themselves at a disadvantage."


    "It''s not just about the battleground itself," Petrus said. "You all fought the Kavriel Province during your integration, so you should understand our fundamental strategy. We have the means to convert any battleground to suit our needs. The terraforming will act as a weapon while allowing our soldiers to fight at full strength. But such a strategy doesn''t work if half your army is made up of Dreamers."


    "You''re right; the need for different environments is a thorny issue," Ilvere nodded. "However, our undead poption is far smaller than our living one. We simply can''t field proper undead armies as things currently stand. Instead, we have developed methods to create mobile and contained pockets of Miasma on any battlefield."


    "It''s also a matter of the Empire''s path," Draugr Zac added. "We''re ultimately a Life-Death faction, and I think blindly copying the Undead Empire''s methods will harm us in the long run. I''d rather work toward a method uniquely designed for us that''ll turn what you call a disadvantage into a weapon our enemies will have difficulties adapting to."


    "True, strategies using both Miasma and Cosmic Energy have unique advantages," Petrus nodded. "War Arrays can be strong against one but weak against the other. The White Sky Phnx has experimented with adding Dreamer units before. We ultimately found it more convenient and efficient to focus on what we''re good at, but you have more to gain from developing this path."


    "We''ve had preliminary sess with some strategies, but if we can''t make it work inrger engagements, we''ll revisit the topic," Draugr Zac said before turning to Ilvere. "So, who''sing with me?"


    With the demands from the Undead Empire, it had be clear that his Draugr half had to take charge of the first battalion. Besides, his Draugr half was simply stronger after the recent gains. It wouldn''t hurt having that extra assurance on the frontlines while they were still figuring things out. Meanwhile, his Human side could keep working on his cultivation.


    "We''ve decided to use the Second Battlefront for the new unit and split its current soldiers among the other twelve," Ilvere said. "Rhubat will stay, but step down and be your second-inmand."


    Ultimately, they''d decided against opening a fourteenth Battlefront. It would add undue pressure during the restructuring. Zac would instead wait until the second elite battalion was set up in a few weeks before taking that step. This solution also solved the issue he''d broached with Rhubat, spreading the Zhix squads among the other battlefronts in hopes it''d help with their integration.


    "We''ve also transferred Carva, Janos, Mondrik Ashtos, and Ciru Volor. Joanna Thompson and Carl Elrod will lead independent bounty-hunting units. Mark Marshall and Jarmon will oversee the Navy. The othermanders will stay on their current assignment, integrating the next wave of recruits."


    Zac nodded. It turned out that the challenge wasn''t getting enough people to sign up but that almost every elite andmander wanted to join the new elite squad. He couldn''t put all his Sealbearers and core personnel in the same squad, leaving the other fronts exposed, so Ilvere had picked a few from each race. The others would get a chanceter through rotations or by joining human Zac''s army.


    The meeting continued for another few hours, and Zac was happy that the neers didn''t cause any trouble. Both provided valuable insights, especially with Petrus, who better understood Brightive Munitions'' equipment. There was a difference between making ns based on spec sheets and practical knowledge.


    The promised equipment had arrived by the time the meeting adjourned, and Zac joined the elite army for a series of war games to get used to the new arrays while sorting out the kinks in their cooperation. Zac only oversaw the training with his Draugr body. His human half had already returned to his Cultivation Cave to absorb Life-attuned energy and ponder on his Evolutionary Path.


    The benefit of having harmonized his two sses and Daos was already bing apparent. It allowed him to retool some of the ideas and concepts he''d encountered in the Abyssal Pond for his other side. It couldn''t fully rece the need for inspiration into the concept of Evolution or Life, but it helped shore up his foundations and figure out a direction of study.


    Three days passed, and everything was finally in ce. The battalion was still rough around the edges, but it was ready to be fielded. Zac unhesitantly called for departure, and it only took an hour before the whole army stood in front of the second battlefront array.


    Rhubat and Carva were off dealing with the reset and reactivation of the Battlefront Array, leaving Zac standing atop a stage with his othermanders behind him. Zac felt a pang of guilt as he looked out across the sea of faces looking up at him, but he quelled the feeling.


    These people had all volunteered, and their bloody auras left no room for interpretation. They walked the martial path just like himself, all with blood and grime under their nails. They were the best fighters his Empire could field, and they were just as eager as he. Zac slowly floated into the air, his growing killing intent enough to silence whispers in the huge crowd.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m sure you''ve heard the rumors already. I am Zachary Atwood, or Arcaz Umbri''Zi, depending on how you look at it," Zac said, his voice carrying far and wide. "I won''t waste your time with empty speeches or talks about righteousness or glory. This is war. Right and wrong don''t matter. The invaders want what''s ours, and it''s kill or be killed.


    "I am not satisfied with passively defending. I will strike back with everything I got and turn their aggression into fodder for my path. Since you volunteered to join, I assume you feel the same way. Our goal is simple; we''ll strike fast, and we''ll strike hard��one conquest per week, where we take everything they have before we disappear.


    "During my travels off-world, I encountered an ancient storm where Life and Death coexisted. The two elements working had formed something far deadlier than either could on their own. The locals simply called the region ''the Cmity''.


    "That''s the kind of power and ferocity we need to survive these desperate times. We need to be a force of nature, unpredictable and unstoppable," Zac said, his Killing Intent spreading further and further out. "We''ll secure Life through Death and destruction, seize our future with our own hands. And should we fall, it''ll only be after we''ve made these Kan''Tanu invaders pay a price they''ll never forget."


    The huge pir behind him lit up to punctuate his words, radiating a sinister light. It didn''t feel like a gateway leading to glory, but rather a portal to hell. Yet none of the soldiers wavered, and while none uttered a word, Zac could feel their auras surging. Soon, hundreds of thousands of streaks of Killing Intent rose to join Zac''s own, forming a huge storm of violence. Zac nodded in satisfaction at the scene.


    "Wee to the Cmity Company."

 Chapter 1094 - Entering the Fray

    Acrid smoke and an overcast sky greeted Zac as he stepped out from the battlefront teleporter, surrounded by his generals andmanders. The view was unfamiliar, but the blue prompt appearing before him was not.


    [Second Battlefront of the Atwood Empire. No assigned leader.]


    [De-facto leader of Atwood Empire detected, designation qualified for leadership. Assign yourself leader?]


    Rhubat had wrapped up their previous campaign two days ago before resetting it, allowing Zac to enter without spending any more Faction Merit.


    "Yes," Zac said.


    [Leadership assumed. Due to individual Evaluation and Contribution, awarded role as Battlefront Commander.]


    [General assignment: Conquer neutral battlefront. Merit awarded after sessful conquest, depending on individual contribution. NOTE: Capturing resource points does not increase contribution.]


    [Fated mebearer: Destroyed battlements 1.5x merit. Killed or captured enemies above 1st Grade Sergeant, 1,5x merit. Conquer enemy base 1-2x merit depending on individual performance or leadership. NOTE: This world is insufficient to advance campaign quest.]


    Zac skimmed the prompts, seeing they were mostly the same as the two previous times he''d stepped onto the battlefield. The most important distinction was that he''d been designated leader, and not just for the Cmity Company. Being assignedmander let Zac breathe out in relief. It meant he could enact the optimal strategy for the uing campaign.


    Petrus and Serzo had provided a lot of practical information over the past three days, one of which was how the System arranged the war and leadership role. The Kavriel Province had an almost uncountable number of battlefronts, and they''d already figured out all the ins and outs of the System''s rules. For example, only battlefields with standout leaders had Battlefront Commanders.


    The previous battlefronts in the Atwood Empire didn''t have any. The assigned leaders were just captains who wouldn''t have the authority to order the other factions around. Meanwhile, a Battlefront Commander had authority over anyone stepping onto the battlefield, be it your faction or the others. It was definitely a role you wanted for yourself and dreaded an outsider would get, but Zac hadn''t been certain whether he could get it because of his unique designation.


    Being a Battlefront Commander didn''t mean you had to stay in themander''s tent. Zac opened a special war interface, arranging official positions for Rhubat and the others. He left some slots open in case any of his temporary allies showed promise.


    There were still only his own people stepping onto the alien world, but the nearby tforms indicated this campaign would consist of three parties. It usually wouldn''t take more than a couple of minutes before the System found some people to matchmake you with. There was no telling who''d step through those teleporters, but the fact that he''d already been awarded Battlefield Commander rank indicated they wouldn''t be too strong.


    Zac ultimately didn''t care what kind of people showed up; the Cmity Company was never meant to depend on any allies. His people had the strength and resources to deal with the enemy alone. If they got some assistance, then great. Zac didn''t mind sharing some of the spoils as long as the outsiders pulled their weight. And if troublemakers or people shirking their duty appeared�� His newfound role had various ways to deal with that.


    Rhubat, Carva, and Janos smoothly took over the administrative duties while Zac turned to inspect the battlefield. The world they''d been sent to was Early D-grade, though the energy wasn''t nearly as dense as back on Earth. It even felt hollow, like the was leaking spirituality. It wasn''t hard to guess why. This time, they''d appeared in the middle of an endless wartorn city, with the Battlefront Arrays ced on a huge square.


    Everything around them was in ruins. Whole city blocks had been leveled by supersized towers falling on them, and scars hundreds of meters deep leaked chaotic energies. Only a few structures remained standing, their burned-out husks reaching hundreds of meters into the air like jagged teeth. Zac even spotted two mountain-like castles in the distance, though they seemed to have been hit the hardest.


    Whatever happened on this didn''t take ce long ago. Buildings around them were still burning, which was the source of the thick haze that irritated Zac''s eyes. Zac could even sense resentment and Death from every direction, even if he couldn''t see any bodies or signs of life. Neither could Zac tell where the enemy camp was located. The scouting units led by Carva were already pouring into the various pathways, using various means to conceal their presence.


    Simple battlements were blocking some of the nearby streets, but it was a far cry from the sturdy walls he''d seen on the two previous battlefields. Of course, Zac''s engineers carried whole fortresses in their spatial rings, which they could set up in short order. He wasn''t worried about safety but rather the confusing environment. And he wasn''t the only one.


    "Urban warfare," Mark Marshall grunted as he approached Zac. "It''s a bit better now that people can fly and zip about like superheroes, but it''s still a pain in the ass."


    Zac nodded at hismander. He hadn''t had much contact with Mark, but he was a former fighter pilot and high-ranking general of the old world. He was fifty-five by the time the integration arrived, but he didn''t look much older than Zac after reaching Peak E-grade. He was one of the most important talents of the Marshall n in the post-Thea age, though his skillset wasn''t purely martial.


    He was among the first to enter Zac''s Navy, and he''d been training with Cosmic Vessels for years already. He wasn''t at the level of some of the pilots they''d recruited from the Million Gates Territory, but he made for a perfect admiral when considering his allegiances and military experience.


    "This should be a conquered that''s been repurposed into a neutral battleground," Petrus said as he walked over.


    The Revenant had been attached to the Cmity Company, while Serzo had chosen to tour Elysium. Spy or not, he had over two hundred years of experience as a member of one of the Multiverse''s greatest armies.


    "The Kan''Tanu likely destroyed whatever faction the belonged to and harvested the people and resources before leaving. We already know thatrge-scale human sacrifices are needed to breed their curses."


    "How do you know it''s not just a random battlefront the System has conjured or moved over?" Mark asked curiously.


    The Revenant looked around for a moment before taking out something that looked like a telescope. He didn''t point it toward the sky but rather in a certain direction of dense smoke. Zac was curious about what the thing did, but his brows scrunched together upon sensing a familiar aura��the aura of the Kan''Tanu Heart Curses.


    "This aura is just a few kilometers away," Petrus exined as he realigned the telescope. "There''s another spot there. The source should be Cursed Grounds, semi-sentient spots of the Kan''Tanu corruption. They aren''t as dangerous as the real curses, but they canst for weeks outside any hosts, longer if they get something to feed on."


    The Revenant shook his head and stowed away the gadget. "If Death-attuned worlds are the Empire''s home ground, then this can be considered the cultists''."


    "I bet it''s cheaper for the System to parcel such a world into a few dozen battlefronts than transporting worlds from other dimensions," Zac muttered as he looked around.


    Both the Atwood Army and the Undead Empire had thoroughly explored these neutral battlegrounds, and none were propers. They were by no means small, but you''d eventually reach a spatial barrier if you traveled far enough. You also couldn''t enter space from these things since the void waited outside.


    "These battlefronts are quite rare, but they should be moremon as the war progress," Petrus said. "I think the System only repurposes these fallen worlds when deemed unsalvageable."


    "Is it possible we can find locals among the ruins?"


    "It''s possible," Petrus nodded. "They are not considered allies, though. We have awakened quite a few survivors without any issues."


    Zac understood what Petrus meant. You normally couldn''t just kill fellow Zecians on the battlefield. At the least, it woulde with penalties to your merit. You could also be branded a wartime traitor by the System, which put a huge bounty on your head. However, it looked like the citizen of fallen worlds didn''t enjoy those protections.


    "What do you two suggest?" Zac asked.


    "Shock and awe," Mark said. "The less time we give the enemy to entrench themselves, the better. This environment heavily favors the Kan''Tanu. If we wait too long, the ruins will be covered in Heart Curse booby traps."


    "The Human is right," Petrus said. "Fighting in this environment puts more focus on individual strength and squad cooperation than raw numbers, which is advantageous to your elite army. However, it''s also moreplicated than normal battles where you can advance in one big group. It''s good practice for cleaning out real capitals, but your army needs more basic experience before taking on theseplicated tasks. I suggest you storm their location and use your new toys to create a standard battlefield."


    "How about I zip over and deal with the enemy leaders while the soldiers catch up?" Zac ventured.


    "Lord Kator has tried that before to save time," Petrus said with a shake of his head. "An impregnable barrier will appear if you try to attack the enemy base too early."


    "He''s right, Warmaster," Rhubat rumbled. "I once tried the same thing. The Heavens call for outright war and prevent any shortcuts."


    "I guess it wouldn''t be much of a war if you could send powerful assassins to take out generals the moment you arrived," Zac shrugged. "How long is the grace period?"


    "One moment," Petrus said as he took out another item.


    This one was more familiar to Zac. It was a long-range scanner, a simpler variant of what was installed in all Cosmic Vessels.


    "This battlefront is quiterge," Petrus muttered as he fiddled with the item. "The higher the grade and therger the area, the longer the grace period. I''d guess six hours for this one."


    "Then we''ll do as you suggest," Zac nodded. "I want to move as soon as our scouts find the enemy. I''ll go check out the others."


    The first of the two teleporters was already gathering power, which meant their first ally was about to emerge. Zac walked over, apanied by Joanna. Zac felt like his silent prayers for useful allies were answered a momentter as a stream of Corpselords emerged.


    They were all over four meters tall, crafted by heavily relying on some sort of bear-like beastkin by the looks of it. Zac guessed some Lich n or Coalition had gotten their hands on arge enough batch to create a cohesive Corpselord n. It was far better than putting bodies together at random. For one, it saved a lot of time, but it also helped the Corpselords reproduce independently. The more simr the genealogical makeup of two Corpselords, the better the odds of conceiving. If they were too different, it was simply impossible.


    The leader in the front, a towering beast over six meters tall and at the peak of Early D-grade, looked relieved upon seeing Zac. However, his head turned in confusion as he took in the diverse army gathering across the square.


    "Uh, my lord," the Corpselord bowed. "I am Hor Husko of the Husko n, a subsidiary of the Santomar Crypts."


    Zac didn''t recognize the names at all. He guessed it was some random faction in the Kavriel Province. After all, the province was far more than just the two C-grade continents they controlled. In fact, the Kavriel Province was thergest faction in the sector, only trumped in size and poption by two semi-cohesive alliances.


    "I''m Arcaz Umbri''Zi," Zac said and shed a token he''d been given during his stay in Kavista. "It''s good to have you here. I''m taking charge of this battlefront. I hope you don''t mind."


    "Lord Umbri''Zi?!" Hor blurted before bowing again, this time far deeper. "Of course, my lord. Anything you require. Just treat our army as your own."


    The Corpselord''s expression was calm and respectful, but Zac''s far more powerful soul let him sense the unstable fluctuations in Hor''s mind. Zac couldn''t decipher what emotions the fluctuations represented like Vri, but it wasn''t difficult to guess what was running through his head. He was excited since meeting someone as connected as Zac was a huge opportunity. However, he was probably worried for his men, considering their huge gap in status.


    "Ready yourselves," Zac said. "We n on forcing our way through this battlefront as quickly as possible. Our goal is to finish this conquest within a week. But don''t worry. I''m not looking to use you or the other allies as sacrificial pawns. We have the resources to deal with this alone if need be."


    "Don''t worry, my lord. The Husko n will not let you down. We don''t have much, but we''re strong and sturdy," Hor said. "If it''s alright with the lord, I''ll immediately coordinate our forces."


    Zac waved over Rhubat as he added Hor as an officialmander. "Make an inventory and find a slot for our friends here."


    "Of course, Warmaster," Rhubat nodded as the Anointed and Corpselord shared a measuring look.


    Hor was confused why a pureblood Draugr was working with various races of Dreamers, but he knew better than to question the situation. Zac nodded at the Corpselord before turning to the third and final teleporter.


    Things didn''t go as smoothly this time around. A wholly unimpressive human faction appeared, clearly shocked to run into such a wide array of undead. Their leader was an aged Hegemon whose strength was already in decline, and the old man seemed more concerned about not getting killed or turned than coordinating the war effort. He was more than happy to stay behind to "guard the base." Zac left them to their own devices and had a few people stay behind to ensure they didn''t cause any trouble.


    Forty minutester, they got word back from the scouts. They had spotted movement in the distance. Twenty minutester, they had a good enough idea of what direction the Kan''Tanu base was located to make a decision.


    "We''re setting out," Zac simply said, and four streams of warriors poured through all major pathways leading west.


    Thergest stream was shrouded in smoke even denser than from the burning wreckage. It was produced by heavily armoredbat liches carryingrge braziers hanging from chains in one hand and scepters in the other. They looked like unholy Pdins and made up every twentieth row in the stream.


    They were the battlefield support providing protection and Miasma, and every undead squad would have at least one of these clerics. The braziers were a form of Miasma generators, whose small size would normally make them less effective than normal Unholy Beacons. However, between the Liches'' empowerment and the high-quality incense burning within, they actually released far more Miasma into the surroundings than the standard beacons he''d encountered during the Incursion.


    Within the train of deathly smoke, Zac felt the diverse auras of the soldiers harmonize into ten thousand units. Simr scenes urred across the other divisions, with innumerable War Arrays activated simultaneously. For a moment, Zac almost saw four deadly spears pointed in the direction of the Kan''Tanu camp, and he got goosebumps from the power they exuded.


    Their whole army hadn''t even passed through the teleporter yet, but six hundred thousand warriors would be more than enough unless their enemy proved unusually powerful. If you looked at individual skills, these people were the best of the best. The same could be said of their equipment, and Zac doubted there''d be more than 50 Early D-grade armies that were outfitted so extravagantly.


    Hundreds of army engineers ran ahead to remove any rubble or other roadblocks, while the rest stayed by the lumbering line of huge contraptions by the tail-end of his army. It was the War Machines being pushed forward, gliding just over the ground by using the same form of arrays as E-grade Flying Treasures.


    These restricted battlegrounds didn''t have the type of environment that supported that form of flight, but the siege equipment came installed with backup systems that enabled flight at the cost of more energy. It would have been more convenient to carry the things in Spatial Rings, but the D-grade War Machines had simr issues as Cosmic Vessels.


    It wasn''t as bad as standard vessels that couldn''t be put inside a Spatial Treasure, except for a few models. However, the stowable equipment they''d gotten their hands on required Array Masters to dismantle certain sections and then put them back together during deployment. A veteran Array Master would only need thirty minutes, but only a handful of Zac''s people were at this level.


    It had taken roughly two hours to activate the line-up rolling behind him during their exercises, which was way too slowly when they didn''t know what to expect. It was much more convenient to spend some extra money and roll the things along. Doing so exposed the expensive equipment to ambushes, but they had multiple measures in ce. They even had half a million Corpselords to help, and their hulking frames formed a natural wall around the equipment.


    The environment was tricky, but the Cmity Company intractably moved forward. The chaotic scars covering the city were suppressed, and bridges were ced over them. Even the patches of Cursed Ground were dealt with through furious bursts of violent purification.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    After an hour, Zac finally got the call he''d been waiting for. Carva had located the enemy base and sent back a rough path. He couldn''t wait any longer, and he turned to Joanna who eagerly looked back. It was time tounch some special operations.


    "Let''s go."

 Chapter 1095 - Tools of the Trade

    "Disy intent," Janos muttered just as Zac was about to call out his order.


    "The Kan''Tanu are not fools," Rhubat said. "The unholy ones will sense our approach soon enough. An army this size cannot go unnoticed, even in this chaotic environment. Our lines stretch for miles. Warmaster''s n to push them back early might make them expend more resources on defenses, but it should reduce the surprises."


    Zac agreed. He wasn''t worried about any walls or defensive barriers the Kan''Tanu could erect in a couple of hours. He was more worried about the Kan''Tanu setting up kill zones with Heart Curses, and it seemed preferable to drive the enemy back to their base before they could booby-trap the whole city. The order was given, and twenty thousand of their fastest warriors split off from the seemingly endless line of warriors.


    They separated into groups of six to ten before spreading out, forming an impassable in front of the army. Only the asional scout would be able to pass through their perimeter unnoticed, and the squads moved close enough to easily reinforce each other in case ofrger fights. If the Kan''Tanu wanted to sneak around and hit their base or siege machines from behind, they''d have to take a huge detour.


    Zac joined Joanna''s special unit, which solely consisted of Valkyries. They rushed through the crumbling city with speed far exceeding what the main army could sustain, their eyes peeled for points of interest and enemies.


    Moving through a region of Cosmic Energy as Draugr did nothing to slow Zac down. Having awakened his bloodline to Early Shallows had drastically improved his resistance to the ambient energy, and the effect was further bolstered by his upgraded [Adamance of Eoz]. His Void Emperor Bloodline and Void Vajra Constitution had already made him extremely resilient, and this pushed it a step further.


    Even the chaotic and unstable energies seeping from theary wounds were rebuffed before prating his skin. As things stood, Zac believed he could even temporarily withstand the Remnant''s pulses of Creation and Oblivion without nullifying them with the opposing Dao.


    Their group saw nothing but destion for ten minutes until Zac spotted a weak hint of life hiding far up in a ruin with his Draugr vision. It wasn''t one of their own, which meant it was either a civilian or Kan''Tanu scout. Considering the utterck of survivors until now, Zac leaned toward thetter.


    His guess was quickly proven right. The scout had somehow realized he''d been exposed even though a thick wall of smoke separated their groups. He turned tail by jumping toward a neighboring building, heading toward the Kan''Tanu camp. The movement caused some ripples, but his aura almost disappeared the next moment. Of course, that was not enough to elude the eyes of Zac or his followers.


    "Enemy," a Valkyrie alerted, and Joanna and three more spear maidens turned into blurs as they activated their Movement Skills.


    Zac was even faster. A shroud of utter darkness swallowed the world as time seemingly ground to a halt. Even the Dexterity-focused Valkyries appeared like mortals when Zac passed them by, turning into a streak of darkness shooting straight for the fleeing scout. Zac felt like he''de home as he whizzed between crumbling buildings toward his target.


    The change of perception was one of his favorite aspects of the new-and-improved [Abyssal Drive]. Before, the movement skill had reduced the world into a monochrome of life and death. Now, the skill better lived up to its name, as it almost felt like he''d summoned the Abyssal Lake.


    The change wasn''t just cosmetic, either. One of the biggest weaknesses of the old skill, beyond the long activation time, was its inability to pass through turbulent energy. That downside had almost gotten him killed in the Twilight Chasm, and it wasn''t the only time he''d been forced to deactivate the skill before he was ripped to shreds. As Zac continued to progress, the environments he operated inside would only grow more dangerous.


    This shoring was one of the main issues he''d wanted to fix while workshopping upgrades, and the Abyssal Pond had provided the perfect opportunity. The movement skillbined the resilience of Eoz with Azol''s connection to the Abyss. The Abyss followed him wherever he went in his current state, turning hostile environments into his home field.


    Some experimentation had confirmed that the movement skill didn''t actually suppress the surrounding energies. It was more like he had one foot in reality and one foot inside his personal Abyss, reducing the effect of chaotic energies and even attacks. It was slightly reminiscent of the [Stone of Hope] he''d used to alleviate the damage when opening nodes in the E-grade.


    Such a useful addition was probably enough to elevate his movement skill to Peak quality, but it wasn''t the limit of what it brought to the table. There was one aspect that Zac liked even better.


    The scout was quite agile, but he was ultimately only a Late E-grade cultivator. Zac rapidly closed in until he finally sensed the scout was within reach. The scout froze momentarily, enough to miss his step and crash into a wall. That dy was all that Zac needed. He appeared by the scout the next moment, grabbing him by the neck.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A weak pang of danger made Zac cut the man in two, destroying the Heart Curse just as it was about to explode. Zac had hoped to interrogate the man to see if any elites were among their ranks, but he guessed the curse had realized its host was doomed. Joanna and the others caught up a secondter, looking at the gory disy with a mix of awe and disappointment.


    It was a shame with the scout, but the skill''s efficacy still left Zac satisfied. Anyone entering the range of [Abyssal Drive] could be dragged into the Abyss, though the effect was nowhere near the level of Tavza''s domain. It onlysted a moment, and only much weaker cultivators would have their sensespletely sealed for the duration. The elites he''d tried it on could still function to varying degrees.


    Vri wasn''t impacted at all, but most would have their perception and reaction reduced. It didn''t sound like much, but it could mean the difference between life and death when every advantage counted. It wasn''t just useful for attacking, either. His pursuer would momentarily have their vision obscured when he was forced to run for his life.


    "His equipment is old, and he''s wearing self-bought parts. He shouldn''t be from one of the Kan''Tanu''s regr armies but rather a local militia. I guess that''s fair, considering they got such a suitable environment," Joannamented before looking at Zac with a raised brow. "You promised."


    "I know, I know," Zac said with an embarrassed smile. "Just got caught up in it. I won''t meddle unless necessary."


    One of the requests put forth by hismanders was that he keep his head down during the neutral battlefields. Part of it was not to clue the enemy in on a powerful ranker leading the enemy faction, which might lead to reinforcements or outsiders waiting beyond the neutral zones.


    Most importantly, his people needed practical experience to improve their teamwork. A few days of practice was nowhere near enough to perfect the Cmity Company''s operations. The best solution was to practice on these contained battlefields where he could step in if necessary.


    Taking out the scout didn''t slow their group down, and they weren''t the only ones that had found prey. The unstable energies acted like a natural dampener, but Zac could still sense contained eruptions of Dao and Energy to both his sides. Their group spotted a small Kan''Tanu squad a momentter, and they were dealt with almost as quickly as the scout, even if he stayed back this time.


    Joanna descended on them like a crashing meteor using an offensive movement skill. Three of the warves were dead before they realized what''d hit them, each having a hole punctured through head and stomach. The others tried to flee, but the Valkyries had been through this dance before. The soldiers only managed to get a dozen steps before being struck down one way or another.


    The Kan''Tanu seemed to have realized their enemies were running down their base, but that didn''t mean their soldiers were called back. Showcasing their signature ruthlessness, the Kan''Tanu sent out more people inrger suicide squads. Their job was not to stop the advance but to sacrifice themselves to slow down the Cmity Company while taking out a few soldiers in bursts of mutual destruction.


    It didn''t change anything. The advance squads fused intorger groups to deal with the human traps, and the small shes of energy were reced by loud eruptions of outright battle. Half an hour passed this way, and Zac estimated they''d already killed well over 100,000 Kan''Tanu defenders. The thought almost left Zac breathless.


    One hundred thousand casualties weren''t muchpared to some historic wars back home, but this was just a minor sh on a preliminary battlefield. When you considered these numbers in the scope of the whole sector, the daily loss of life was almost iprehensible. Thankfully, they had only lost a few hundred soldiers, most of them to Heart Curses and Cursed Ground rather than the sacrificial warves themselves.


    The environment grew increasingly rough, and soon they found hints of the Kan''Tanu taint on almost every building. It almost looked like a sinister sibling to Mossy had taken hold over the city district, with ck pulsating tendrils covering walls and ceilings. Most of them were inert, but every so often, a spike would detach from the walls to strike at a nearby target. No wonder Petrus had called this a Kan''Tanu home-field advantage.


    Suddenly, a spiritual fluctuation was followed by Carva rising from the ground.


    "My Lord, it''s just up ahead," she said.


    "Good job," Zac said as they moved to a greater vantage.


    They were still a dozen miles from their destination, but a noticeableck of smoke gave him a clear view of the enemy''s Battlefront Arrays. The Kan''Tanu''s starting location looked simr to theirs, a huge square over a mile wide. However, in their case, they hadpletely transformed the region already. The surrounding buildings had been leveled to make way for arge, sturdy wall, but Zac noted they only had cleared out the surrounding kilometer.


    That was the killing field, and beyond was a solid band of intensely tainted buildings. A denseyer of throbbing sin had suffocated all mes, creating a natural disaster zone separating them and their target. Zac had never seen such a huge swathe of cursed energy before, and the scene left him hesitant.


    "What do you think?"


    "It''s odd," Joanna muttered. "Their soldier doesn''t seem well trained or well equipped, but they have far more of these tendrils than we usually encounter. There''s no way this is just something that had been left on the battlefront. The barrier is still actively growing."


    "That stuff has to be grown somewhere," Tamiramented. "Maybe these guys are from a curse production world, so they have a lot of this stuff lying around?"


    "Either that, or they''re hiding their strength," Joanna nodded.


    Zac''s gaze swept across the region, but he couldn''t find any hints of danger or fate gathering. It might be a trap, but Zac had never felt as confident in his instincts. After all, he''d made some improvements in this regard over the past few days. He even had a new title to show for it.


    [Destined: Reach 1,000 Luck while in D-grade Reward: Effect of Luck +7%.]


    The above-expected results in the Abyssal Pond had given him 99 luck, putting him right at the threshold of breaking one thousand. The surprise boon had prompted him to spend 50,000 of his starting Merit on a D-grade Luck Attribute fruit, pushing him past the 1,000-mark threshold.


    The fruit cost twice as much as the normal ones, but it was still a huge bargain. Normally, Luck-attributed fruits could run you up hundreds of times more. Even then, Zac had noted that they didn''t sell as well as he''d expected. Then again, most would choose tangible powerups rather than something as elusive as Luck when your life was on the line every day. And only Zac had the massive multipliers that drastically increased the effect of each Luck Fruit.


    Hopefully, it''d make his campaigns more fortuitous, letting them avoid the deadlier targets for the time being. He''d also moved the [Lucky Beads] to his Draugr form, which left him with an extreme sensitivity to danger. Zac believed he''d be able to sense it if there was any hidden elite with a strong fate among the Kan''Tanu in the distance.


    Seeing the Kan''Tanu furiously work on shoring up their defenses filled Zac with impatience, but there was no point in attacking just yet. The grace period wouldst another three hours, and they''d just be wasting their energy on nothing. At least their fast sortie had aplished its goal. The Kan''Tanu didn''t dare send out more troops from their protective bubble, turning them into sitting ducks as the advance squads formed a perimeter around the square.


    Zac almost felt bad for the cultists, knowing the Battlefront Teleporters were sealed during the grace period. They could send more people through, but none could leave. Then again, it was for the best. They''d have to fight these Kan''Tanu sooner orter. The bigger bite they could take out of the enemy lines on each neutral battlefield, the fewer defenders would remain when they reached the real world.


    The bulk of the army caught up an hourter. Multiple city blocks were quickly leveled, letting the army gather. The scene was simr to the sea of faces Zac faced before, but the atmosphere was different. It was somber, subdued, like the calm before the storm.


    Zac sighed before turning to Ciru Volor and nodding. The stone turtle scurried away, and three hundred War Machines were slowly rolled to the front lines, forming a mile-wide line parallel to the distant square.


    The machines, if you could call them that, looked like ten-meter-tall ss spheres covered in a mesh of white metal, each holding a miniature star. Zac could sense the oppressive heat from within, even with the powerful istion of the white runes. They came from the zing Comet Constetions and were one of the models that couldn''t be stored at all.


    Zac was ready to intercept an attack from a distance, even if he doubted the Kan''Tanu''s machines could reach that far. If anything, they wanted the Kan''Tanu to emerge from their turtle shell and target the dangerous-looking contraptions. Of course, the Kan''Tanu knew better than that. Almost two hours passed in oppressive silence, at which point he finally got a nod from Rhubat. It was time.


    "Launch."


    The runes atop the hundreds of spheres lit up in nigh-perfect sync, and even Zac felt his heart palpitate upon seeing the tide of Ster mes that rolled forward. The scene slightly resembled the talisman he''d used during his first battle, but how could a single talismanpare to thebined might of one hundred D-grade War Machines? The fury unleashed was blinding and all-consuming, filling Zac''s whole field of vision.


    The whole realm shook from the onught, and burning scars in space formed a trail behind the advancing apocalypse. The buildings caught in the congration simply disintegrated as the wave advanced, leaving a burning ss-like surface in its wake. Leveling ruins barely weakened the opening salvo, and it continued right into the band of condensed Cursed Ground. A piercing screech echoed through the district as a massive tangle erupted to meet the iing wave.


    Almost a third of Zac''s soldiers paled by the spiritual shockwave. Thankfully, it wasn''t strong enough to cause any real harm at this distance, but it proved that the suspicious moat wasn''t ordinary. If they''d tried to enter and cleanse that wall the normal way, they''d definitely have taken a hit. It was an important reminder that quantity could make up for quality. Even Zac would find himself in deep trouble if hit by the wall of fire he''d unleashed, and most of his elites would have had a hard time surviving inside that massive tangle.


    Ster wrath shed with millions of profane tendrils, and the stars emerged victorious. Some elements were better than others at dealing with Heart Curses and Cursed Grounds, and both Lightning and mes had proven effective at dealing with the sinister energy.


    A deafening sound resembling the wail of millions of anguished souls was released from the towering wall of smoldering tangles, but deep, rhythmic thumps fromrge drums the Corpselords had brought dispelled some of the effects. It even made Zac''s heartbeat speed up, and he felt himself itching for battle.


    "Advance!" Rhubat roared, their voice amplified by the ground to sound like the call of a Mountain God.


    The roar of war soon drowned out the roaring mes. A sea of warriors stepped onto the still-smoldering pane of ss, their rising Killing Intent holding the promise of a storm��a storm of violence about toe down on the Kan''Tanu.

 Chapter 1096 - Wealth Advantage

    Zac gazed down at the backs of the advancing soldiers, their silhouettes illuminated by the still-smoldering mes ahead. In an odd way, the endless lines of cultivators stretching across the horizon made him calmer rather than more anxious. The suffering and death of war were turned into something abstract when individuals became cogs in such a vast machine.


    The stars inside the spherical War Machines had greatly dimmed after unleashing their power, and the contraptions were rolled back to give way for other tools. One model looked like a statue of a masked goddess holding arge ive in her hand. It radiated powerful waves of death, and a thousand-meter-long turquoise half-moon appeared in front of the statue like a ghastly rainbow that seemed to be constantly copsing into itself in a cyclic swirl of monstrous energies.


    The hundreds of gargantuan ives acted like a protective cover for the advancing army below and quickly showed their value. Tens of thousands of pitch-ck spears, each over twenty meters across, pierced through the smoke curtain and continued toward the advancing soldiers of the Cmity Company. The whole horizon was blotted out in no time, and even Zac felt some pressure upon feeling the innumerable spears flying in his direction.


    It was a purely physical attack and a cheaper alternative to using proper War Machines. Most likely, these things had all been manually hurled by the stronger Warves to thin out the approaching army. The spears lit up with simple runes to add weight and piercing ability, but they were somehow dragged to the deathly rainbows like moths to the me. And like the moths, they were incinerated upon touch.


    The enormous ives contained an intractable pull simr to Zac''s skillset, dragging everything into the cyclic swirl of destruction. Left was only an ashy snowfall falling toward the ground, joining the soot and smoke of the battlefield.


    The Volor stone turtle gave the call, and a third set of War Machines appeared out of nowhere. The contraptions looked like traditional cannons, though their barrels were wider and shorter than what you''d expect. It was roughly as tall as a man but only five meters long, and the payload took up almost half the barrel.


    The cannons looked barbaric and crude, but they worked. Thousands of thunderous explosions erupted as the runes across the barrels shed with burning light. Cannonballs the size of wrecking balls soared through the air above their army, each shuddering with barely contained energy. The bombs continued into the haze, and it felt like the world held its breath in anticipation.


    Then, a deafening explosion overwhelmed all other sounds, its intensity so great Zac felt he''d been punched in the ears. The ground heaved, and a massive shockwave swept the dense smoke and lingering mes away. The Kan''Tanu fortress was once more exposed, and it already looked like its hastily erected defenses were teetering on the brink of copse.


    Its protective cover of cursed thorns had already been shorn off by the unrelenting mes of the Cmity Company''s opening salvo, and the concussive explosion following in its wake had reached the very foundations of the array-reinforced walls. The array still worked, but the deep fissures across its foundations indicated that most of the embedded Array gs must have been damaged.


    Zac nodded in appreciation in the direction of Ciru, who returned a slightly manic grin. The [Godyer Cannons] were actually homemade wares of the Atwood Empire, a joint effort between the Ishiate and n Volor, and the former''s mad penchant for destruction had stirred the berserker hearts hiding in the depths of the usually taciturn gemlings. The cannons didn''t quite live up to their name as Late to Peak E-grade War Machines, but their destructive capabilities were nothing to scoff at when you had the money to craft high-quality bombs.


    Ciru gave the call, and half of the deathly statues raised their weapons in an act of undisguised aggression. Their summoned ives shot forward as they rose into the air, the whistling air sounding like the wails of lost souls. The conjured des seemingly moved slowly because of their size, but they approached the Kan''Tanupound with shocking speed.


    The cultists desperately fired more spears and a blinding number of skills to prevent another strike at their barrier, but it was all sucked into the voracious swirl within the ives. Most were eventually overwhelmed and destabilized, but a few endured. They looked like ghastly spires reaching for the sky at their final approach, before they fell onto the barrier with the force of a falling meteor.


    The shield released a blinding light as the Kan''Tanu Array Masters saw no recourse but to activate some fallback measure. It proved futile.


    The shield crumbled when the eleventh ive struck, and piercing screams echoed across the battlefield as tens of thousands of Kan''Tanu warves died from the fallout. The Kan''Tanu didn''t even have time to react before a fourth set of machines lit up behind Zac. They were thirty meters tall and looked more like traditional Array Towers. They had been transported in a lying position but had already been erected some time ago.


    Zac only had ten of these beasts, but each created a huge shimmering array far above the Kan''Tanu''s base. It almost looked like they were portals from another world, and hundreds of burning meteors were soon unleashed on the ground. The scene reminded Zac of the special event he encountered with Vai on the Ramsi Wall, where a huge vortex had spat out stones filled with truth.


    The magmatic boulders kepting, and the Kan''Tanu base soon turned into armageddon with their main barrier down. A storm of counter-attacks flew up from the ground, but the arrays were simply too far into the air. Only other War Machines or Hegemons could deal with them, and it didn''t look like these Kan''Tanu had any to spare.


    The meteor shower couldst over an hour as long as Zac supplied the towers with enough Cosmic Crystals, and they put immense pressure on the soldiers below. The Kan''Tanu couldn''t escape and they couldn''t stay, so they chose the only option remaining. They advanced.


    A swarm of desperate soldiers poured through the broken battlement, madly rushing toward the Cmity Company''s frontlines. A second round fired from the [Godyer Cannons] caused untold destruction, but there were millions of warves. The distance was huge, but the cultists were all E-grade and desperate. Soon, the unstable swarm of Kan''Tanu mmed into the Cmity Company''s far more ordered frontlines, making the cannons useless.


    "That''s my cue," Joanna said before she set off with a squad of thirty headhunters.


    The air rippled around them, and Zac noted they had seemingly be almost invisible to the warriors as they crossed the chaotic battlefield. The Valkyries used a War Array that hid their presence. Their method probably wouldn''t work against an alert scout in normal circumstances, but the battlefield had be a perfect cover.


    Smoke, mes, radiant skills, and chaotic energies rendered the valkyries practically invisible, letting them move toward the Kan''Tanu backlines in search of leaders. The warves had lost any semnce of order in their desperation to get out of meteor showers and cannon fire, and they couldn''t let the Kan''Tanu leaders get their men in line: the more unorganized the enemy, the fewer casualties on their side.


    Zac gave it some thought before he shed forward, leaving his dias and following in Joanna''s wake. He had already donned his cowl and bracer to hide his presence, allowing Zac to move through the Kan''Tanu soldiers like a specter. asionally, he''d swing his axe, and a body would crumble. Zac was gone before the body hit the ground, letting his actions gorgely unnoticed.


    The battlefield seemedpletely out of control, but it had a unique tempo. Zac could feel the chaotic mix of energies and Daos congeal into something unifying as he progressed. An aspect of Conflict, born from the mes of war. It was nowhere near the pristine tapestry of Grand Dao he''d witnessed inside the Abyssal Pond, but rather something coarse, rugged, and unstable.


    Then again, perhaps that was the nature of Conflict. It was embodied by the sooty soldiers desperately unleashing everything in their arsenal for a chance at survival. Or at least to cause as much death as possible before they met their demise, a final act of defiance. It waspletely different from the tidiness of a duel or the war games they''d practiced.


    Zac soon caught up with Joanna''s group, who had found a group ofmanders hiding behind a piece of rubble. The cultists had been trying to set up amand array but were forced to jump out of harm''s way when the Valkyries descended like a pack of hungry wolves. Joanna''s ferocity was shocking, and she seemingly didn''t care that the group had two Hegemons.


    Then again, she didn''t need to. She was nowhere near Zac''s level when he was at her stage, but these Hegemons were nothing special. Joanna managed to hold down both on her own while the Valkyries tore through the weaker cultists. However, a golden streak pierced through the clouds just as they were about to copse on the two desperate captains.


    It was like a goldenser that had somehow found a narrow gap through the confusing battlefield, and it pierced one of the Hegemons'' heads before he had a chance to react. The other cultist was shocked by the sudden turnaround, but the Valkyries seemed to have anticipated it. Three spears destroyed the fallen D-grade cultivator''s torso before his Heart Curse could erupt, while Joanna finished off the survivor with a storm of jabs.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That jerk is stealing merit," Joanna said with exasperation when Zac walked over.


    Zac smiled as he nced in the direction of a distant skyscraper. Zac couldn''t even spot the attacker at this distance, but it wasn''t difficult to tell the arrow came from Carl Elrod. He was already famous for using his bow like a sniper rifle to pick out elites hidden among the crowd. The archer was the fourth native to be a Hegemon, and his Sealbearer-quest and designation were simr to Joanna''s.


    The more Zac learned about Carl, the more impressed he became. They hadn''t exchanged more than a few dozen words, and he seemed to always be off somewhere when Zac appeared. Still, he''d performed his due diligence after Carl became a sealbearer. Surprisingly, the archer was actually among the earliest humans to join Port Atwood, but it wasn''t from one of the standard recruitment drives.


    He''d operated independently close to one of the first Incursions Zac closed, using sneak attacks and ambushes to take out invaders and free enved humans. After the incursion was closed, Carl chose to join his army, where he''d performed valiantly in every engagement they''d encountered. His ascent had been slow and steady, going from a decent talent who couldn''t quite make Earth''sdder into a top powerhouse of his empire.


    Bing a Sealbearer was like adding rocket fuel to the unassuming archer''s path, and he''d quickly advanced into Hegemony. With the energy of a Cosmic Core to power his skills and bow, his range and lethality had be simply terrifying. He was like a humanoid War Machine, one who could freely move about while avoiding detection.


    "We have to move," Joanna said, and they blended into the chaotic battle before they could be swarmed.


    Zac followed the Valkyries for the next thirty minutes like an intern shadowing their instructor. His hands itched for action, but the war was over almost as soon as it began. It only took fifteen minutes for the Cmity Company topletely overwhelm the uncoordinated assault of the fleeing Kan''Tanu. Morale was already low, and orderpletely crumbled with all the leaders being hunted down by Joanna and other elites.


    Many tried to flee into the ruins, but the engineers hadn''t been idle either. Massive energy walls cut off most escape paths, and soldiers were already waiting in the gaps. Zac stood atop the crumbling wall, shaking his head at the scene. The situation was lopsided from the start and had now turned into a downright ughter.


    The warriors of the Atwood Empire kept order, slowly shrinking the circle. The battle was all but over, but every single warve carried a bomb in their chest. A single stab was all that was needed for a promising elite of his faction to get infected. The curse was a death sentence for the living, and having a cure didn''t mean it was safe for his undead soldiers. The cursed tangles could still cause a whole lot of damage even if the host could resist its possession.


    Zac saw no reason to observe the grisly clean-up, so he turned away and walked toward the three Battlefront Arrays. Ten minutester, Zac received a notification the campaign was over. The ughter was still going on outside, but Zac guessed the situation had reached a point where the System didn''t deem it an active battlefield anymore.


    As expected, Zac only received a pittance for his temporary mission, not even fifty merit. The Atwood Empire fared slightly better, but even they only got 107 Faction Merit for the decisive victory. As expected, not even the D-grade Neutral Battlefronts were worth much.


    Zac sensed powerful auras approaching and looked over to see Rhubat and Joanna walk over. Both radiated a bloody aura, but they only had some surface wounds amon healing pill would deal with.


    "Good job. How''s the situation?"


    "No surprises, except for a few managing to flee into the ruins," Rhubat said. "We have sent hunting squads to deal with them."


    It was ruthless, not even sparing the deserters, but they couldn''t have Kan''Tanu running around in this ce. It was almost a day until they could advance, and having desperate cultists hiding in the shadows was an unnecessary variable.


    The thought of being forced to wait so long until they could advance filled Zac with impatience, and he began fiddling with the new features that had been unlocked after being dered the victor.


    "So expensive," Zac swore as he looked at the prompt provided by the conquered Battlefront Array, prompting the Anointed to look down in confusion.


    "There''s little point in unsealing the teleporter early," Rhubat agreed after Zac shared the screen. "At least not for a standard engagement like this."


    "We could use the downtime anyway," Joanna added. "We need to go over the result and make adjustments. Besides, we must have spent thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins in this blitz. This ce looks run-down, but there should be some resources hiding somewhere. I''ve never heard of a battlefront beingpletely barren. We might be able to recoup some of our expenses."


    Zac nodded in agreement. Their War Machines might have allowed them to overwhelm the enemy, but using hundreds of D-grade Siege Arrays cost a fortune. Not even the Cmity Company wasn''t meant to act this exorbitantly. Most Early D-grade armies only had a few as a hidden reserve, but few actually used them in a normal engagement. Many, like the Kan''Tanu divisions they''d fought, had none.


    But what could they do? They needed to get used to the equipment, even if it burned money.


    "Carva, can youe over?" Zac said into amunication crystal, and the spectral appeared within a minute.


    "I''m here, my lord."


    "If the Kan''Tanu missed something when they sacked this city, it''s most likely hiding underground," Zac said as he took out an [Automatic Map] and marked a few spots. "Beyond the castles, check these locations. I felt something different over there. Coordinate with the hunting groups in case you run into the stragglers."


    "If there are underground vaults, we''ll find them," Carva assured before leading tens of thousands of spectrals into the ruins.


    "I guess I''ll join in," Joanna said. "I think we got all the Hegemons, but you never know."


    Zac considered going out himself, seeing if his massive pile of Luck could lead him to some treasure. However, a deep thump threw those ns out the window, and Zac''s eyes widened in realization. He turned to the Anointed next to him, whose energy antennae had clearly picked up something was happening within Zac''s body.


    "Could you make sure no one disturbs me for the next couple of hours?"


    "Of course, Warmaster."


    "Thank you," Zac said, shing over to a secluded corner of the former Kan''Tanu fortress.


    He threw out a block that quickly expanded into a small square house. It was a tent of sorts, or rather a mobile Cultivation Chamber. This particr model was quite expensive,ing installed with both istion and defensive capabilities. Zac didn''t particrly expect a surprise attack, but he didn''t wish to be interrupted. Zac entered and nodded in satisfaction when a thick stone dome enclosed the building. Finally, Rhubat sat down atop the newly-formed mound like a stalwart guardian.


    Zac retracted his Soul Sense and turned his vision inward. The source of the disturbance was unsurprisingly [Void Heart]. The Hidden Node had been unresponsive since his dip in the Abyssal Pond, but it had finally woken up. Each beat grew deeper than thest, and Zac''s eyes glimmered as he felt a shadow of the Abyss spread through the body. Most things entering the Void were returned as normal energy, but there were also special circumstances like the Heavenly Lightning.


    He couldn''t wait to see what woulde from swallowing the purest waters of the Abyss.

 Chapter 1097 - Unequal Exchange

    Zac didn''t have to wait long before the Hidden Node in his chest began dumping vast amounts of energy into his body. [Void Heart] had returned something that was both familiar and foreign. The aura of the Abyss was somehow still there, yet it wasn''t holding the Dao of Death. It had all been stripped away, turned into amorphous energy that was neither attuned nor unattuned.


    One moment, Zac was looking at something very simr to the universal Kill Energy that the system used. The next, he felt like he was looking at inverted Abyssal Energy holding Void of Death instead of Dao of Death. It refused to be categorized, but Zac could tell it was incredibly dense. Just the first thump released enough energy to overload your average Peak E-grade cultivator, yet Zac could sense vast quantities were still stored within [Void Heart]. It would take half an hour for the Hidden Node to release it all.


    Interestingly, Zac found that the Hidden Node released equal amounts of energy to both his bodies in an impressive quantum feat Zac couldn''t begin toprehend. Manually taking control of [Void Heart] with his Heart Cultivation let him shift the distribution until one body got nine parts to the other''s one. Being unable topletely plug the Hidden Node in either wasn''t a problem right now, but it was worth remembering when around the prying eyes of the Undead Monarchs.


    Despite the energy''s impressive density, Zac was slightly disappointed after seeing it. He''d hoped a special source like the Abyssal Lake would produce something equally unique. There was no point in crying over spilled milk, though. And if he didn''t do something soon, the energy would start leaking from his bodies.


    The refined energy should improve his cultivation more than the Life-attuned D-grade Core Nurturing Pills he''d used over the past days, and it came without pill toxicity or risk of forming a resistance. Zac corralled into his Specialty Cores from both bodies, the infusion resulting in an uncanny split-vision. The refined Abyssal Energy entered the Specialty Core''s quantum aperture in two states, just like how the pathways in his Cosmic Core simultaneously existed as Dao and Void of Dao.


    The energy smoothly reinforced the pathways, and Zac was happy to see the refined energy even work on the parts of Life and Void of Life despite its clear Abyssal aura. It really was like Kill Energy in that regard. The effect was quite pronounced, too. He''d already reached level 156 by relying on the pills, but that was because he was somewhat close to the threshold from the beginning. The refined Abyssal Energy could potentially take him all the way to level 157, a cultivation speed that could only be called monstrous in the D-grade.


    However, Zac urgently stopped the infusion upon seeing that his Draugr heritage finally stirred. The swirls in his cells came alive, and it felt like an intangible darkness spread through his body. He was bing a humanoidke of darkwater, though Zac quickly realized something was wrong. The deepening darkness didn''t lead to the Abyss.


    Instead, Zac could sense the hints of the ancient aura of his Void Emperor Bloodline in the depths of the pond-like swirls in his cells.


    Zac still wasn''t sure how his situation worked. Truthfully, he hadn''t expected a second Bloodline to appear on his Status Screen after his dip in the Abyssal Pond. Having multiple Bloodlines really shouldn''t be a thing. You either inherited a bloodline or formed one through special encounters or reaching a high enough grade. If you had multiple Bloodlinespeting within your body, they''d either fuse into something new, or one would push out the others.


    Therefore, Zac had always assumed it''d look like his human side after awakening his Draugr heritage; he''d get a Branch of Eoz "Constitution" while his Void Emperor inheritance remained predominant. The fact that his Children of Draug-bloodline didn''t appear by his Race on his main Status Screen didn''t help, either.


    He was entering uncharted territory, and there was only one way to figure out how things worked. Strictly speaking, if the option were between feeding his insatiable Void Emperor Bloodline or progressing his Cosmic Core, he''d pick his core. The energy demands for upgrading his mysterious Bloodline weren''t of this world, and his E-grade [Void Heart] didn''t have the capacity to even move the needle.


    Zac still diverted as much of the refined energy as he could into his Draugr form, feeding it into everything from bones to surface skin to gauge the reaction. The value of the information he could glean from the situation easily surpassed that of gaining a level, especially considering that the golden swirls in his human form werepletely uninterested in the energy.


    Innumerable streaks were absorbed, and the feedback was one he''d seen many times before. The energy dragged into the vortices was sent to the inessible Void where he''d never see it again. Yet Zac persisted. He hoped for a simr situation as the one in the Abyssal Pond, where he could progress his Eoz bloodline as long as he first stuffed his primary one.


    After five minutes, the response he''d prayed for finally arrived, though not in the way he''d expected. The vortices continued to swallow everything Zac imparted, but it was no longer a one-way street. Ancient force appeared out of nowhere, reeking of Death and power. It definitely wasn''t Abyssal Energy, yet it naturally blended with the Abyssal darkness in his cells.


    His Children of Draug-bloodline was progressing, and not by a small amount.


    Zac''s real hearts were beating in pace with [Void Heart] as he excitedly watched the deathly vortices expand and grow darker. He knew how difficult it was to improve one''s Draugr bloodline outside the Abyssal Lake, so this was a rare opportunity. It seemed unlikely, but he might actually break through again just days after reaching Early Shallows.


    The prospect of breaking through wasn''t the source of his excitement, though. The twice-refined energy that was seamlessly fusing with every part of his body didn''t even have a hint of the Abyss remaining. It instead exuded the primordial aura he could sense upon activating skills with Void Energy, though marked by an unmistakable hint of Death. It felt like the refined energy had been exchanged for the Vigor of a long-dead powerful beast, yet it improved his Eoz bloodline.


    Did that mean other energies refined by [Void Heart] and his cells could do the same?


    The implications were staggering. The universe was full of treasures Cultivators disregarded because of their unstable energies, which were perfect fuel for his Void Emperor Node. For example, he''d bought Beast Cores for a pittance and used them to speed up his leveling. That method had somewhat taken a backseat as the energy demands per level increased, but what if he could use the same method to advance his Bloodline?


    If his assumption was right, it meant he''d found a unique way to progress without locking himself to the Abyssal Shores, which seemed to be a dream of his adopted ancestor. Like Karz in his visions, he''d be turning trash into treasure.


    His Hidden Node released energy for another twenty minutes, and his body didn''t let a single sliver of it go. The Void continued to return that ancient force for a while longer. There wasn''t much for Zac to do at that point, so he tried to better understand the process within his body. However, he absolutely couldn''t find the source of the energy or the process of how it was converted.


    The depths of his cells felt like an endless expanse. His Mental Energy threads were lost inside long before they could find anything. Zac shifted his attention, trying to better understand the process itself. He''d missed what happened to his body during his day in the Abyssal Pond because of the epiphany and was only left with the result.


    Zac didn''t glean anything special except for his cells slightly expanding without taking up more physical space. He did, however, sense something else��a mysterious resonance was slowly forming now that his body was in an agitated state. Zac didn''t know why, but the intangible sensation made him think of something like a Skill Fractal, but it was blurry and indistinct.


    The hidden font of Vigor eventually ran dry, and the feeling of progress instantly stopped. As expected, the energy wasn''t enough to let him break through again. Each stage of Shallows required significant refinement of your body, and Zac suspected his unique constitution had increased the energy requirements involved.


    As for the intangible sensation, Zac believed it was more than just a representation of the mysterious power fusing with his body. Was it perhaps a Bloodline Talent? Each awakening was supposed to have a high chance of unlocking a Bloodline Talent, especially if you had a pure Bloodline. Zac''s Bloodline was supposedly as pure as they came, yet he hadn''t seen a hint of any Eoz Bloodline Talent.


    He''d figured it was linked to his inability to find any more Eoz Hidden Nodes beyond the first three, that his other Bloodline had blocked them somehow. But perhaps there was yet a chance to awaken a talent at least. In other good news, Zac could also confirm that his Bloodline hadn''t reached its limits after its third awakening, though that wasn''t much of a surprise considering his connection to Eoz himself.


    What stymied the elites by the Abyssal Shores wasn''t ess to theke or Abyssal Energy. If you lived in the Draugr Holy Land, you could go for a dip whenever you wanted. The problem was that everyone had ceilings on how much their bodies could take in. The cap could be slowly raised by practicing Bloodline Methods, but inborn talent was the biggest indicator of how far you could go.


    Zac had found nothing holding him back in this regard, and he even felt a slight hunger from his body after the feast. Zac was happy to oblige, and a Death-Attuned Beast Core appeared in his hand. A raging storm of untamable energy poured into his body, and the previously wan [Void Heart] perked up with newfound enthusiasm.


    The node spat out a few bursts of refined energy a couple of minutester, and Zac almost screamed with excitement upon seeing the familiar process start anew. The refined core only produced a few strings of meager Vigor, but it proved his idea feasible. Zac burned with anticipation as he took out another item, this one a Death-attuned Natural Treasure holding far more exquisite truths than the Beast Core.


    Two hours of experimentation gave Zac a much better grasp of his options. For one, the source material had to hold the Dao of Death to benefit his Bloodline, even if [Void Heart] seemingly removed it. The closer its energy signature was to Abyssal Energy, the better it would work. Furthermore, its grade had to reach a certain stage.


    E-grade materials were useless, and even Early D-grade Beast Cores barely made a difference. He''d probably have to chow down on cores for centuries just to improve his Bloodline a minor stage. Of course, not even the Natural Treasures he''d absorbed came close to the Abyssal Water.


    Zac, unfortunately, failed to recreate the effect in his human body. Only his Draugr side could improve his Draugr Bloodline, even if its benefits were fully transferred over. Neither could his Void Vajra Constitution take advantage of Life-attuned items simrly. He did find that his efficacy improved slightly if feeding [Void Heart] Life-attuned Beast Cores just before practicing the fourthyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation], but the effect was very limited for the costs involved.


    It was a disappointment, but Zac knew that his Void Vajra Constitutiongged behind by quite a bit. His Minor Sublimation could, at best, bepared to Middle or Late Strand, a whole awakening below his Draugr half. Perhaps he could add this type of feature to the Fifth Layer of his Body Tempering Manual, using the phenomenon on his Draugr half as a temte.


    However, that was a matter for the future. Zac barely managed to rework the fourthyer inside the Perennial Vastness, using arge amount of Mana to force a series of epiphanies. However, he hadn''t even begun his work on the fifth. The original version was simply too esoteric, and Zac suspected he''d need an Earthly Dao of Life before even properly understanding it, let alone rewriting it.


    Zac stopped taking out treasures after getting a basic understanding. There was a time and ce for anything. If anything, his Draugr Bloodline was already too overpowering. Right now, Zac needed to use every tool avable to catch up on his Life-attuned side, so [Void Heart] was better used to supplement Life. That didn''t mean his Draugr half had nothing to spend time on. There were still 16 hours until they could open a portal to the next battleground, and Zac nned on using that time to upgrade a skill.


    Dealing with something as fragile as Skill Fractals in the middle of a battlefield was foolhardy at best, but over two hours had passed since they routed the Kan''Tanu. His headhunters would have dealt with the deserters by this point, and he was surrounded by over a million soldiers. So he felt confident as he took out arge bowl��the very same one he''d used in Kavista. It might have been part of the Sacred Tree''s cave, but Zac hadn''t felt too bad lifting it on the way out.


    The apanying tform thumped onto the ground, and a Skill Fractal soon sank into the bowl''s shimmering waters. There were multiple skills that could be upgraded for a quick boost to hisbat strength, but there was one skill that took precedence��[Armament Mastery]. D-grade was the final level of the guiding skill and key to improving his odds against Kator in a month.


    He wanted to upgrade his two mastery skills as soon as possible and use the battlefield to integrate their teachings before the duel. The Mastery Skill Fractals were among the simpler ones between his two sses, and the upgrade smoothly proceeded. The only issue came from his Arcane Pathways, which wasn''t too happy about the unattuned skills.


    It was only a small issue since all mastery skills were quite flexible, but he was probably better off removing the fractals after reaching Peak D-grade and incorporating all their teachings. Technically, he could have infused the skill with the Branches of Pale Seal and War Axe to push them closer to his Inexorable path, but Zac had opted to keep the skills unattuned.


    He didn''t want to use the Mastery Skills as a shortcut, but rather to take their basic teachings and integrate the pertinent parts with his Technique. His goal wasn''t just to master the Integration Stage but to push his Technique far beyond that level. To aplish that, he needed to be in control of the direction his stances should take.


    With everything dealt with, Zac stowed his mobile camp and cut a path through the dome. Rhubat was still sitting atop it in silent meditation, and clumps of Zhix warriors were resting in the area. They all stirred when Zac emerged but soon calmed down upon realizing it wasn''t an enemy.


    "Anything?"


    "Everything is in order," Rhubat said after jumping down from the earthen dome.


    "Alright, let''s gather the captains."


    A small war council was held where they went over the battle. They all agreed the result was very good for their first battle. They''d taken out an army of millions, yet they''d only suffered 20,000 casualties, of which a fifth were deaths. Even Petrus had difficulties pinpointing ring mistakes, partly because they had crushed the enemy with money.


    If there was one thing toin about, it was the efficiency of their expenditures. With the amount of money they''d spent, one could argue that they should have been able to bury the enemies in the rubble before the battle turned into a melee.


    Only four thousand deaths to the Kan''Tanu''s millions didn''t sound like much, but the whole Cmity Company would be dead and buried in a year if they sustained such losses in every offense. The whole reason he''d rerouted almost all of his Cosmic Vessel Earnings into the War Arrays was to avoid that exact scenario.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The battlefield cleanup finished during their meeting, and a soldier delivered the tally. Zac read the report, feeling a bit helpless upon seeing that the battlefield liches had only managed to scrounge together 13,000 Kan''Tanu bodies that could be Revenants. It was roughly half a percent conversion rate. And considering the source, definitely not enough to rece the talented elites they''d lost.


    So much for increasing their manpower as the war progressed.

 Chapter 1098 - Kerkos VI

    It took a moment for Zac toe to grips with the numbers. The War Machines hadn''t left a single body intact, but the biggest culprit, by far, was the Heart Curses. The only way you could get an intact body from the Kan''Tanu was if you destroyed the Heart Curse before or simultaneously as the opponent, while neither damaging the heart nor head. Such a feat was easier said than done when only a fraction of his soldiers walked the popr body-preserving paths of the Undead Empire.


    Certainly, they got a huge influx of body parts for raising Corpselords, but theck of torsos and heads was also a problem. They couldn''t exactly raise undead tangles of legs and arms in a morbid replication of the Void Beast called the Collector. Besides, his faction''s foundation in Corpse-stitching was still quite shallow. Sewing together leftover parts of these unremarkable Kan''Tanu Warves was barely worth the effort.


    Whatever they raised this way was extremely unlikely to be a Cultivator, and even reaching E-grade was an almost insurmountable task. Still, Elysium needed normal nonbat citizens, and they would at least be able to raise some decent Corpselords and Revenants.


    The vast majority of the Kan''Tanu would be buried, though it wasn''t exactly an act of benevolence. It was because of a suggestion from Serzo. He''d provided a specific array that would slowly remove the resentment from the corpses and urged Zac to create massive burial grounds at specific spots on Elysium. Corpses were natural generators of Death, and the burial grounds would slowly refine the Dao of Death that covered the continent.


    Serzo had always done the same on newly realigned worlds. At the very least, it created pockets of elevated energy. And if his people kept racking up bodies at this pace, they could birth new Nexus Veins or possibly even create Holy Lands for cultivation. The Kan''Tanu would literally be fertilizer for Elysium''s cultivation. It was macabre, but Zac felt it among the nicer things he''d done with the corpses of his enemies since stepping onto this path.


    The scouts and treasure hunters returned an hour before the teleporter activated.


    "Anything?" Zac asked when Joanna and Carva came walking over.


    "Not much," Joanna sighed. "We did discover a few hidden vaults of the previous inhabitants, but nothing too impressive. Our returns barely reach 200 D-grade Nexus Coins and another 50 for the harvested gear. It''s almost impossible to unload low-quality equipment nowadays, though. The whole sector''s flooded with the stuff."


    Zac grunted in understanding. 250 D-grade Nexus Coins was nothing to him, and it didn''t even cover the opening salvo of his assault. However, it would be quite the haul for normal Early D-grade forces for a few days'' work. If an army only used Late and Peak E-grade siege weaponry, they could likely finish a battle of this type for less than 100 D-grade Nexus Coins.


    Certainly, such a battle could take weeks, depending on the enemy''s resilience, and the loss in manpower would be far greater than what the Cmity Company suffered. Still, weaker D-grade forces could steadily extract wealth from the neutral battlefronts and make much more money than relying on their traditional channels. And there was always the small chance of stumbling onto a real treasure trove.


    For example, Zac had heard that the Azh''Rezak n had been doing quite well for themselves since the war began. Ogras'' old family didn''t have a very impressive heritage and were dirt-poor, but their strength wasn''t hollow. The n had eked out a living selling themselves as mercenaries since their founding, and their elders and regr armies were battle-hardened veterans, one and all.


    He still kept constant watch on the small faction in case a bout of bad luck ced them against a dangerous enemy. If things went awry, he''d quickly zip over and at least save Ogras'' grandfather.


    Minutes passed, and thest warriors emerged from seclusion, some with excited expressions. Zac could tell there hadn''t been that many breakthroughs this time, but it was no wonder considering how they utterly steamrolled the enemy. Zac eventually walked over to the Battlefront Array with the others.


    "Everything is ready, Warmaster."


    "I rmend bringing both the outsiders," Petrus said. "The Dreamers are fearful of death, but that''s a strength on its own. Their soldiers had already built four walls around our base before they were called over."


    "Better that than dismissing them and being stuck with some nuisance," Zac agreed. "So, what are our options?"


    "Left for an easy conquest, center for potential merit," Petrus said. "As we suspected, the Central Array leads toward a world with sacrificial farms. The farms are considered strategic resources, and destroying them provides significant Faction Merit in addition to damaging an important facility. But those worlds are always heavily guarded. The other two lead to random worlds at the edge of their sector."


    Zac hesitated a moment before shaking his head. "There''ll be time to strike at such targetster. Besides, picking that direction on the first victory gives them too much time to prepare."


    "Indeed," Petrus said. "There''ll be time to harvest meritter. For now, focus on working out all kinks."


    After winning a Neutral Battlefront, Zac could activate any of the three Kan''Tanu Battlefront Arrays. You could even split your army and activate multiple Battlefronts if you were confident in yourself and your allies, though that meant fighting at a numerical disadvantage. Whichever you picked would lead you toward the faction that emerged through the teleporter.


    The targeted faction would remain, but the other two groups of cultists would likely be swapped out for other worlds. This way, you could pick the Kan''Tanu world you wanted to conquer.


    There was, however, a chance that the System would throw a wrench in your ns, teleporting you toward another world than the one you picked. It was a safeguard against people always ying it safe, and it seemed to trigger more often the more you stalled and avoided dangers.


    The Kan''Tanu could also reset their battlefront using Faction Merit to avoid further battles. When faced with a powerful army like the Cmity Company, they would definitely do so if they had any merit remaining. Some would wait until thest minute in hopes their enemy would be sent somewhere else, while others immediately forfeited to save on Faction Merit.


    In those cases, you''d also be sent somewhere else at random. If lucky, you could skip neutral battlefronts. The only safeguard for defenders was that foreign armies never could show up on your world out of nowhere. You had to lose at least one battle before facing an actual invasion.


    That didn''t mean you''d always be matched against a weakling when appearing on a random Kan''Tanu world. It wasn''t that umon a strategy to intentionally back down so that you could deal with your enemy on your home turf. Ultimately, only the most powerful factions had the strength and resources to conquer a whole world with a size-restricted army. Most gave up after reaping some harvest on the neutral fronts or performed a quick raid in the Kan''Tanu sector before returning home.


    The various options and strategies avable created a dynamic scenario where the System kept you on your toes. Zac could only y the odds and avoid some dangers, such as picking another battlefront array than the one leading toward the curse farms.


    Zac looked back at the square of people, including the two outsider factions who filled up the nks. The soldiers looked more motivated this time than before their first engagement, especially the outsider forces. Even if the Corpselords had lost morebatants than the Cmity Company, their casualties were likely lower than normal.


    And with such monstrous momentum, it was almost a given that the campaign would end with a decisive victory even in the hostile sector. And even if they only got a small chunk of the awarded merit, it was likely more than they''d make in a month or two by resetting neutral battlefronts over and over.


    It was worth remembering that Faction Merit meant different things for different factions. For the Atwood Empire, it was a way to improve its long-term potential. For weaker forces, it was a crucial lifeline that would let them prevent having their overrun at least once.


    "Let''s go," Zac said, and the array lit up. "Same strategy asst time."


    The next three conquests went the same way as the first, even with Zac scaling back on their use of D-grade War Machines after every engagement. By the third fight, their casualties decreased at half the expenditure. Still, Zac was bleeding money at a shocking rate. A normal D-grade faction would go bankrupt within the week, though his shipyard was still generating revenue more than three times the expenditures.


    Thank the Heavens for the renegotiated contract. Without the bump in price, he''d be losing money by the time he''d set up the second elite army if you included the cost of the other twelve battlefronts.


    As promised, Zac mostly stayed his hand, only slightly putting his thumb on the scale while moving through the battlefields. Seeing deaths all around him hurt, but he could only harden his heart. He channeled hisplex emotions into purpose, and he was almost ready to explode by the time they found themselves in front of the final array that''d finally lead them to a proper Kan''Tanu world.


    "The training wheels are off now that we''re stepping onto their soil," Joanna reminded. "The System will only offer protection for an hour, and anything can wait on the other side. It will be booby-trapped if nothing else."


    "I understand," Zac said as he cracked his neck. "I''ll make my move if it looks bad. It''s about time I earned my keep."


    "We should be able to handle it, so try to hide until we''ve found the World Lord. With how we''ve bulldozed through the neutral zones, there''s a high chance our target has forfeited. The only way they stay on is if they don''t have enough Faction Merit to avoid us."


    Zac nodded. This was the upside of possibly being sent to a random world. You didn''t know what you were dealing with, but neither did your enemy. The Kan''Tanu wouldn''t have any idea their enemy came with an almost iprehensible number of arrays and siege machines. And since the World Lord always had a decent bounty on his head, you didn''t want to give him any reason to run off-world before you could scramble space and seal the.


    The Teleporter activated, but Zac didn''t take the lead this time. Instead, a mixed group of Bearkin Corpselords, advance guards, and engineers made up the vanguard. Zac only snuck inside after ten minutes, hidden among a squad of Revenants and using every tool in his repertoire to hide his strength. As usual, he was greeted by a prompt upon stepping onto the new world.


    [General assignment: Conquer Kerkos VI. Merit awarded after sessful conquest, depending on individual contribution. NOTE: Capturing capitals, resource points, strategic resources and structures increases awarded Faction Merit. Killing or capturing World Lord increases awarded Faction Merit.]


    [Fated mebearer: Kill or capture World Lord, 2,5x merit. Conquer World Capital, 2,5x merit. Kill or capture Outer Court Sealbearers, 25,000 merit (repeatable). Kill or capture Left Imperial Pce mebearer, 250,000 merit (repeatable).]


    Both general and designation quests looked quite different this time. The general assignment was far more generous, awarding Faction Merit for all kinds of things. But the thoughts of Faction Merit were quickly thrown out the window upon seeing his mebearer quest. Kill Outer Court Sealbearers? Left Imperial Pce mebearers? And they were repeatable?


    Zac quickly calmed down. For a moment, he''d almost thought he''d fill out his seal early, but there was simply no way there were multiple sealbearers on this world. It was most likely a special bounty he''d get on every Kan''Tanu world as part of his identity as Zecia''s mebearer. Nothing else was a surprise, so he closed the prompt to inspect where they''d ended up.


    The skies were a shimmering orange and pink, like a summer sunset on old Earth. Large birds leisurely glided about far up in the sky, and Zac even spotted floating inds in the distance. You generally didn''t see such things on D-grade worlds, but Zac could tell the had a decently strong affinity to metal. Was the whole world perhaps arge ma, holding the inds aloft?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The scene was beautiful, and it was hard to reconcile the skyline with a world controlled by an unorthodox cult using human sacrifice and Heart Curses. Of course, the gauntlet waiting for them outside the protective bubble was a poignant reminder this wasn''t some vacation. A towering wall was rising with speed visible to the naked eye, but Zac could still see the sea of cultists waiting for them.


    A killing field of Cursed Ground acted like a moat, pushing right up against the golden barrier. Beyond was an enormous sea of Kan''Tanu soldiers at least five times the size of hisbined army. They didn''te empty-handed, either. There Zac spotted three types of War Machines surrounding their location, one model radiating energy that clearly was in the D-grade. They were even erecting a huge metal cage to seal the whole battlefront.


    As Joanna expected, these people weren''t the same as they''d fought until now. The Kan''Tanu sector was mostly Human, but there were distinct differences between regions. These defenders had a grey, almost steely, skin hue, and many had purple irises. They were also better equipped than the world they''d targeted, though Zac noted they didn''t wear the special liveries of the seven Kan''Tanu Chapters.


    The Kan''Tanu Sector was ruled by one sect, but it was separated into units for logistics. Each chapter was a branch of the cult and the equivalent of a Zecian top-tier Empire. The whole sector was cleanly split between these even chapters, but mosts had no real connection to their overlords beyond providing bodies and resources.


    Zac guessed this was a world with decent mineral deposits thanks to its affinity, which generated some wealth and warranted slightly stronger defensive measures than normal worlds. However, the Ambient Energy was noticeably lower than in both his worlds. The couldn''t be too valuable, mostly holdingrge quantities of low-grade metals.


    Judging by the line-up, these invaders must have opted for a decisive attack while they had their enemy gathered in one ce. Their retreat was possibly even intentional to set up this kind of siege. However, the appearance of undead and other unfamiliar races had clearly caused a stir. Zac could see hesitant and fearful looks among the frontline soldiers.


    The minutes passed, and the hastily-erected fort rapidly filled with veteran soldiers. Meanwhile, new warriors were constantly joining the already massive Kan''Tanu ranks from two directions, likely the closest teleportation arrays. More War Arrays were erected, and Zac frowned upon seeing their opposition grow fiercer.


    Neither side called for an attack. There was no way the Kan''Tanu could break through the System''s protections, and Zac had no reason to call for an early strike. They had essentially entered an arms race, a fight the Cmity Company would win any day of the week. Meanwhile, if they started shooting at the Kan''Tanu from within the golden barrier, the System would see it as the Atwood Empire forfeiting the protections.


    Zac silently observed the enemy ranks from a slightly obscured spot next to a [Godyer Cannon], trying to gauge the winds of fate to pinpoint elites and potential dangers. When ten minutes remained on the grace period, he suddenly spotted something by one of therger constructs behind the Kan''Tanu''s rearguard��a neer.


    He didn''t look special, and it was impossible to gauge his strength at this distance. Neither did he have any particr swirl of fate around him which would denote a powerful elite. However, it almost looked like he was glowing to Zac''s vision, a metallic sheen that Zac instinctively knew wasn''t something the warrior was doing himself.


    Could it be?


    ''How do you normally find the enemy World Lord?'' Zac asked through a Command Array.


    ''They''re generally the strongest person. You can also ask any random civilian on the street. Mostmoners don''t have any Heart Curses, so they spill everything the moment they''re faced with a whole army,'' Joanna answered. ''We''ve always had a name and description by the time we reached the World Capital.''


    Zac inquired with a few more, and even Rhubat, who had killed two World Lords, said the same thing. Neither had any special means to track down the leaders, but Zac was certain. That glowing man, it was him��the World Lord of Kerkos VI. He must have joined the ambush upon learning that the enemy weren''t the ones they''d been expecting. If things went well, they''d stay and reap some merit. If the enemy proved to tough a nut to crack, he''d sneak back to the World Capital or perhaps even off-world.


    But how could Zac let him go now that he''d served himself up on a silver tter? Four days he''d held himself back. Four days, he''d watched some of his Empire''s most promising warriors fall so that the army could find its way.


    No longer.

 Chapter 1099 - One-man Calamity

    "Are you certain, Warmaster?" Rhubat asked.


    "I trust my instincts."


    "Do you require assistance?"


    "No," Zac smiled. "Just don''t shoot me with your cannons after opening the path."


    "The death of a World Lord triggers a global prompt," Joanna reminded. "It always weakens their resolve. Triggering it within a minute might break the army entirely. Many will run to the hills or hide deep in the forests while we sack the, rather than throwing their life away for a fallen leader."


    "I''ll try to get it done quickly," Zac agreed.


    "Then let''s get the show started," Joanna said while Rhubat sent out a series ofmands.


    There were still a few minutes remaining on the grace period, but they didn''t want to give the World Lord a chance to return home after assessing the situation. As one, the spherical War Machines atop their podiums unleashed a pulse of fire that rippled toward the surrounding army. The [Godyer Cannons] erupted soon after, their deadly payload entering using the inferno as a cover.


    The soldiers of Kerkos VI weren''t slow on the uptake. Their defensive barrier was already active, and there was almost no dy when they returned fire. Twelve high-intensity beams tore through the curtain of mes with speed far surpassing their cannons, hitting the Cmity Company''s defensive barrier from every direction. The barrier buckled, and Zac''s eyes widened upon seeing that it almost copsed.


    Thankfully, thebined effort of thousands of Array Masters and a secondary array let them endure the attack. Thesers lingered for a few seconds before winking out, but their blinding power had undoubtedly seared itself on more than a few retinas. It wasn''t easy to condense so much energy into a beam no wider than a head, but it was much more effective at dealing with powerful enemies and protective arrays.


    The source was the tall D-grade Array Towers in the distance, and Zac could tell they were of even higher quality than his own War Machines. The World Lord must have leveraged the umted riches of his attuned to procure these things as a hidden ace. No wonder they''d chosen this kind of strategy��most factions would have had their barriers shredded by that kind of attack.


    As expected, a conventional salvo simr to the Cmity Company''s cannons followed in the wake of thesers, their attacks reaching the barrier in front of Zac just as the Ishiate-made bombs crashed into the metallic cage in the distance. Utter mayhem followed, and it looked like thousands of suns had ignited around them. Zac felt the heat and pressure from within the rippling barrier, and his soldiers atop his wall-walk were forced to hunker down behind the crention.


    The Kan''Tanu were throwing everything but the kitchen sink at them, desperate to force their way through the harried barrier. Metallic spikes hundreds of meters long shot toward them, and some Cursed Tangles had even managed to survive the ming inferno. It glommed onto the wall, siphoning the energy that kept it running. Warriors and purifiers were already on the move, creating an apocalyptic scene beneath the wall with skills and state-provided talismans.


    Meanwhile, the engineers were fighting fire with fire, and a second bomb had already been pushed into the red-hot barrels of the [Godyer Cannons]. The battle had only progressed for a few seconds, yet the unleashed firepower was far beyond what they''d seen on the Neutral Battlefronts. The three-mile-wide no man''snd had turned into something more vtile and unpredictable than the Cmity, and Zac began doubting his n of forcing his way through.


    No, wasn''t it for this exact kind of scenario he''d upgraded [Abyssal Drive]?


    Zac waited, observing the heated exchange with rapt attention. Thankfully, the terrifying beams couldn''t fire again in short order, much like his ster methrowers. And while those towers trumped the Cmity Company''s peak offensive strength, Zac''s other War Machines were clearly much stronger than the Kan''Tanu''s. The [Godyer Cannons]''s bombs were mming into the steel cage repeatedly, the explosions holding all kinds of Daos.


    The Ishiate had invented over twenty different explosives for their favorite weapon of mass destruction, and they were trying to figure out which worked best against the incredibly stable barrier of the Kan''Tanu. The more attacks it endured, the more it seemed like a proper Town Defense array that drew upon the strength of the world itself.


    "Prototype 4!" Ciru roared in the distance, and the engineers swarmed over the steaming cannons to make adjustments.


    Hundreds of sturtles even ensconced the War Machines in something that looked like blobs of mercury. Judging by the billowing clouds of steam they released, it was a way to expel the umted heat and energies within. It only took a few seconds to make the necessary adjustments, and fifty cannons fired simultaneously.


    Zac sensed the energy within, realizing it was simr to the [Void Bombs] he''d asionally relied on during the integration. Zac knew how expensive spatial materials were, which meant his lead engineer was determined to open up a path for him. Zac readied himself as Miasma entered his movement skill.


    Then, the bombs struck the barrier. Their explosions contributed nothing to the cacophony of the battlefield, but their visual disy overwhelmed everything else. Fifty cracks in space formed a vertical line on the Kan''Tanu''s grey barrier. The scene onlysted a moment before space buckled, and a spatial tear hundreds of meters across dragged a huge chunk of the Kan''Tanu''s wall and thousands of their men into the Void.


    The cultist desperately fired back, suppressing the dimensional wound with raw firepower. The whole region heaved, yet Zac knew this was his chance. Finally, the chaotic energies and blinding lights subsided to the point he could vaguely see the opposing side.


    The spatial tear had been forcibly crushed, but that section of the wall was gone entirely. Kan''Tanu Array Masters rushed to plug the gap with a new barrier but met resistance when trying to form across the unstable patch of space. It was covered in cracks and fissures from the get-go, a remnant of the spatial scar.


    The Array Masters were already mending the damage, but a small breach was all Zac needed. The world turned dark, and hundreds of thousands of attacks froze in ce like he''d stepped out of time. Zac pierced through the incinerated Cursed Ground, narrowly avoiding surviving tangles, errant attacks, and regions holding deadly energy umtions.


    The dimensional film was incredibly fragile after the previous chaos, and Zac could tell it was teetering on the brink of copse again. But the darkness of the Abyss temporarily provided Zac passage through the aftershocks. Not safe passage, certainly, but stable enough that his upgraded movement skill wasn''t forcibly deactivated. Zac shot through one of the barrier gaps like a streak of darkness, moving with such speed that the few on the frontlines who noticed him had no chance to intercept.


    Suddenly, he was flying right above the heads of the bulk of the cultist army, and he saw how the endless numbers of E-grade cultivators realize what was happening. It felt like a million eyes were suddenly on him, and the warriors lit up within the Abyss as they began rotating Cosmic Energy. Zac activated the blinding feature of his skill for a moment, ignoring the significant drain of impacting so many cultivators.


    He found a group of warriors that looked like a subsidiarymand unit and deactivated [Abyssal Drive] right in the thick of it. A gleaming edge shimmering with death tore through the captains, the force of Zac''s swing and Daos so overwhelming they generated devastating wind des that killed even more. Zac barely had time to emerge from the puff of darkness before another wave of gloom exploded from his body.


    The cultists weren''t fools, and the backlines were already spreading out after witnessing the Cmity Company''s firepower. This way, they''d avoid whole clumps of warriors being taken out before they could do anything. Unfortunately for them, scale was the main goal when Zac upgraded his corrosive Domain Skill.


    The ominous clouds covered a mile in every direction with terrifying speed, like an ancient gue descended on the unorthodox sinners. It swallowed a huge swathe of the Kan''Tanu army before they even had a chance to figure out where their target disappeared to. A storm of Kill Energy flooded his body when the weaker warriors were almost instantly killed by the corrosion.


    Even if E-grade cultivators barely provided any Kill Energy, the sheer quantity of deaths let Zac steadily reinforce his Cosmic Core with freakish speed. If he could keep up this rate of carnage, he''d probably reach the limits of Early D-grade within a few months. Something like this was only possible for overwhelmingly powerful Hegemons, though. Even Middle Hegemons would normally be risking their lives when cing themselves in the middle of millions of enemies, and those who could rarely be bothered.


    Risking your life for months on end to save a couple of decades of meditation wasn''t worth it for most Hegemons, and there was the issue of fell Karma and resentment to consider. Wanton ughter of people in the lower grades was like overindulging on leveling pills. But instead of Pill Toxins, you were left with Heart Demons and resentment hiding within your body, which was even harder to eliminate.


    Large-scale massacres of significantly weaker cultivators also turned the System against you, like with the Great Redeemer. Thankfully, the war greatly reduced the effect of these downsides. After all, the System couldn''t punish you for participating in a conflict it arranged. It was fine for now, but Zac would have to be careful about targeting E-grade cultivators by the time he reached Middle Hegemony.


    The continuous influx of Kill Energy was a wee bonus, but Zac didn''t forget his main goal. His body melded with the shroud around him as he reactivated his movement skill. Zac still couldn''t activate other skills while running [Abyssal Drive], but most active skills wouldn''t deactivate after he entered his spectral state. [Deathmark] was no different, and it even provided cover as Zac resumed his mad dash toward his target.


    Order hadpletely crumbled within his deadly domain. Zac saw hundreds of Kan''Tanu dying from friendly fire when theirpanions desperately released their skills to force back the corrosive mist. But it was like the haze was attracted to its targets, especially those who fought back the hardest. The veterans caught within the attack fared better, grouping up to create safe pockets void of corrosion.


    Unfortunately for them, that meant they became the unwitting targets for the true terror of [Deathmark].


    They emerged from the shadows without making a sound, and even some of the veterans didn''t notice anything amiss before it was toote. Themotion of the still-ongoing exchange of firepower behind him was deafening, so Zac sensed rather than heard a thousand soft rustles from his surroundings. The next second, a new surge of Kill Energy entered Zac''s body. And it only kept going.


    The Specters looked very simr to before; part-skeleton, part-ghost, wielding brutal axes wrought from the dense shrouds from which they came. The only noticeable difference was that they each contained more than ten times the energy, making them stronger and sturdier than their E-grade counterparts. Their auras were also far more attuned to the mist, making them even harder to notice.


    Most spectral warriors had killed their targets with their attack, with a few being rebuffed after leaving a corrosive mark. With their first targets down, they emotionlessly continued toward their next victim, showing surprising battle instinct. When possible, they retreated into the corrosive mist to deliver surprise strikes. Only when faced with groups of warriors did they fiercely fight back,pletely uncaring about their safety. If anything, they weed oues of mutual destruction.


    Less than 100 of his temporary subordinates were destroyed by the E-grade cultists before they could aplish their goal. Zac was eager to see their performance after reforming, but he had already reached the edge of the corrosive haze. Zac felt the connection with his skill cut off as he shot out from the churning cloud with the speed of a bullet, at which point he''d crossed most of the army.


    That didn''t mean the skill dissipated. Zac had infused a good chunk of his Miasma into the cloud, and it would keep running until its energy was expended. The nightmare for those caught within had only begun, especially considering that every soldier who managed to escape meant more wraiths and corrosion for those who remained.


    The World Lord had realized he''d been exposed, unsurprising considering Zac was making a beeline toward him. Thankfully, the disy of [Deathmark] wasn''t enough to make him back away. Instead, one hundred exquisitely equipped warriors had appeared out of nowhere, forming an empowering War Array as they prepared for battle.


    Their auras harmonized, and the World Lord pointed a deep-purple sword toward Zac. At this point, Zac realized his target was a Middle Hegemon, and not one at the beginning of the stage. Zac should have expected as much, considering Kerkos VI was an Attuned Early D-grade world. Yet Zac wasn''t worried��he weed the challenge.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Powerful Middle Hegemons had been his limit before evolving, with Late-stage Hegemons or Beast Kings being simply too powerful. After all, anyone who''d reached that far into Hegemony had very solid foundationspared to the Early stage D-grade cultivators who''d barely squeezed into the grade.


    A powerful maic storm formed a barrier between himself and Zac and the World Lord, its size even eclipsing Zac''s [Deathmark]. The domain swallowed thousands of Kan''Tanu reservists, but the World Lord didn''t seem to care. Space filled with an endless number of miniature metallic shards, each releasing sharp pulses into their surroundings.


    The effect formed a domain that not even [Abyssal Drive] could nullify, and Zac felt painful pricks all across his body as he pushed inside. Even his speed was drastically reduced, and the dense Dao of Metal surrounding him made it seem as though he was digging through a solid sheet of steel. It felt like the whole was trying to seal his movements with an incredible maic pull. Zac had hoped to force his way through the domain, but the dy made him return to his normal form.


    A scream of danger greeted his return to the corporeal. Zac felt like he was staring down the barrel of a gun. By this point, he knew to trust his gut and activated multiple skills at once. His stature doubled as a dark chain wound around his exposed left arm in a mimicry of the upgraded [Love''s Bond]. Meanwhile, Alea''s backte was covered by the judge''s mantle from [Arbiter of the Abyss].


    Four small skeletons also appeared behind his back, along with the protective rune beneath his feet. Zac followed his instincts and had [Profane Exponent]''s new mage skeleton empower itspanion with redirecting powers, prompting a dark swirl above Zac''s head.


    Only then did Zac feel somewhat safe as he forged ahead. He didn''t have to wait long to encounter the source of his unease. A streak of sinister red shot right at him, but not from the direction of his target. It rather came from the side, and it contained a familiar monstrous force as it tore right toward him.


    Zac had witnessed the strength of the D-grade Array Towers firsthand and knew he wasn''t sturdy enough to take such a condensed attack head-on. But there was no reason to. Repulsion and redirection worked together from his two defensive skills, and the beam reluctantly had its trajectory altered. Zac had wanted to turn it right toward the World Lord, but he only managed to nudge it in the general direction of another Array Tower.


    A streak of searing red passed right in front of him, but Zac didn''t even have the chance to breathe out in relief when a huge sword pushed through the storm.


    Zac was just an ant when faced with the de, but he saw no reason to back down from a physical attack, even if the maic field empowered it. Dark swirls appeared on [Death''s Duality] as Zac defied the gravitational pull and flew into the sky, the muscles in his arm bunching up as he unleashed a barbarous swing at the iing de.


    The collision of des was like a nuclear warhead going off, releasing erratic torrents of opposing Daos. Zac was punched back on the ground, hisnding creating a huge crater even in the incredibly dense metallic soil. Bones creaked, but Zac knew he''de out the victor of that exchange. Zac hadn''t been able to absorb the rebound, but he remained mostly unscathed.


    In contrast, huge cracks covered the sword, while the metallic domain had destabilized. The maic pull on him had drastically lessened, and he spotted his target only a few hundred meters away. The source of the attack was a six-armed metallic giant conjured by the World Lord and his elite guard, but one of its arms had shattered after the exchange. It still released a fierce aura, and the weapons in its remaining hands were ready for war.


    But so was Zac.

 Chapter 1100 - A Pink Sky

    Their eyes met, and Zac''s murderous intent was reflected in the World Lord''s. Zac rushed out of the crater, making no attempt to hide his goals as death rose from the ground. He had activated [Fields of Despair] to improve his sight and levy its debuff on his targets. Zac doubted an E-grade skill could retain its full efficacy on Middle Hegemons wielding Dao Branches, but he''d already confirmed it could remove the full 10%, up to 2,500, on Early Hegemons.


    Death fought with Metal as the maic domain recovered, and Metal came out ahead. It wasn''t enough to forcibly deactivate his skill, and the protective rune of [Profane Exponents], along with his Eoz Nodes, let him shrug off much of the remaining suppression. Still, it reminded him he needed to upgrade [Fields of Despair] sooner rather thanter. Its use had lessened slightly since he gained his Soul Sense, but it was still a fundamental skill that allowed him to nudge any battle in his favor.


    The ground shook, but not from Zac''s approach. Instead, thousands of projectiles shot out from the ground, all aimed at Zac. Some were rune-covered stctites of steel-infused stone; others were fully-formed weapons part-energy and part-metal. The most numerous were the raw metal shards dragged from the ground, most norger than bullets, that shot toward him with incredible speed.


    It was like the maw of a subterranean beast had broken through the ground to gobble him up. Two more huge swords were also descending from above, sealing the route in the air. The metallic giant also stabbed an unbelievablyrge pike right toward him, and its sharp edge filled most of Zac''s vision in no time. The situation only grew more hectic when a sanguineser pierced his domain from the side. The beam actually moved like a supersized de, searing the air in an arc toward him while cutting off his escape.


    The trap had been sprung, and Zac was under fire from every direction. But there wasn''t even a ripple in Zac''s heart as he forged ahead. The core t of the Inexorable Stance was a relentless advance, where everything put in your way was nothing but a feeble attempt to dy the inevitable.


    The Miasma in his body churned while the chains of [Love''s Bond] formed an imprable web around him. The varied attacksing from the ground were clearly conjured by the elite guard, and the chains were more than enough to deal with them. Zac almost felt as though the chains had a mind of their own as they destroyed or rebuffed anything within twenty meters.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    In a sense, they did.


    The advantage of [Love''s Bond]''s evolution went beyond a new form and increased durability. The materials making up the Spirit Tool were finally in tune with his technique. More importantly, Alea had joined him on his Inexorable Path. Zac barely had to divert any attention for the six chains to form theplex patterns that let them rebuff hundreds of projectiles. Only the small shards managed to pass through the curtain, but they couldn''t even break through the repulsion domain of [Arbiter of the Abyss].


    The chains didn''t possess the raw strength to rebuff the enormous des descending from above, but they didn''t need to. Five orbs of utter darkness appeared behind Zac, forcing the Pygmy Skeletons to move to the ground. The wails of the underworld pierced joined the mor, the source of the anguished screams a dense haze dripping from [Death''s Duality].


    It almost looked like you could glimpse a dark purgatory through the swirling mist, but looking at the scene too long would leavecerations on your soul. Zac swung his axe, and the mist thickened into the skull of [Desperation''s End]. The skill had changed quite a bit while Zac improved the skill to peak proficiency, much like how the wooden hand of [Arcadia''s Judgment] grew more impressive.


    By now, the skull was twice the size of Early Proficiency and covered in dense scars like it''d seen a thousand wars. They formed aplex pattern reminiscent of the primordial runes on the Stele of Conflict. The only exception was a deep crack right in the skull''s be. It looked like something left by a sword having pierced its forehead, exposing an oppressive darkness within. The scar resembled a devilish third eye, staring right at the iing spear.


    The skull moved with blinding speed, and three of the meter-wide spheres teleported to its side to take up the role of stalwart guardians. Each skill upgrade had added another restrictive orb, and reaching Peak Mastery had done away with the framework wings entirely. Zac believed they had been necessary to refine and control the orbs in the lower stages, but his strength and Dao were enough to skip the training wheels by the time he mastered the skill.


    Runes radiating Death and Conflict appeared on the orbs, and the Maic Domain was utterly incapable of withstanding their pressure. Any projectiles around the skull froze in ce, and the skill''stent cutting force shredded the ones conjured by E-grade cultivators.


    Thest two orbs moved from their position behind Zac''s back, but they didn''t join the rest of the skill. Instead, they flickered and appeared by the descending swords. Not even the enormous des could break free from [Desperation''s End]''s seal, but Zac could sense that the orbs could only contain the attacks for a short moment. That was more than enough.


    The scarred skull had destroyed everything it passed by, forming a safe passage void of even the Maic Domain. It let him increase his pace, avoiding the iingser. There was no need to expend energy to divert it again. The beam was already destabilizing, and the Array Tower would have to stop the attack pretty soon. If not, it would explode, likely taking arge number of Kan''Tanu with it.


    That left only the spear, but it wasn''t long for the world. The scarred skull opened its maw and released its deadly contents. The de shot forward, leaving spatial fractures in its wake. The wails from the underworld reached a crescendo, and Zac saw through [Fields of Despair] that even some of the elite guards lost theirposure and recoiled.


    Spear and edge met, but there was no struggle for supremacy. The spear was cut clean through despite its imbuement of an Early Dao Branch and a War Array. It only found sess in the sense that it had exhausted a good chunk of the energy within [Destion''s End]. After all, it was only an E-grade skill contending with a proper D-grade skill.


    If it was before, the edge would have reached a point of destabilization after ripping apart the sky-scraper-sized spear. However, thebination of his upgraded [Adamance of Eoz] and Cosmic Core had made his skill roughly twice as durable. Of course, the fact that his Daos decidedly trumped the World Lord''s yed arge role. The attack still had enough in the tank to forge ahead, and it actually grew in size.


    A sound resembling a screech yed in reverse indicated the orbs holding back the descending swords had reached their limits. The skill''s exhaustion was enough to let the des break through, and they crashed down toward Zac. However, Zac had already closed half the distance between himself and his target by that point, arriving within the range of the supersized swords.


    The des dug into the ground, creating an enormous chasm at Zac''s previous location. Zac was only hit by the resulting shockwave. It felt like he''d been punched in the back of his head, but Zac used the force to increase his speed and keep up with his still-advancing attack.


    The elite guard tried to stop the final approach of [Desperation''s End], but the ck orbs paved a path. Ten guards were shredded, but the World Lord broke apart the edge with a swing of his sword. Half of it shattered, letting the leader avoid damage, while the other half mmed into the metal giant. It wasn''t enough to destroy the skill, but the attack pushed it back and interrupted a follow-up strike.


    The War Array was temporarily destabilized after having a dozen of its controllers killed, and there was nothing between Zac and his target. The steel giant was still looming above, but its size had be a weakness at melee range. It was time to finish things. However, Zac only had time to take a few steps before the ground exploded.


    Zac initially thought it was just more of the metallic projectiles, but his eyes widened when a curtain of writhing red filled his vision. It was a Heart Curse trap that moved like lightning to contain him. Zac was certain it hadn''t been nted after he''d activated [Fields of Despair], which meant the World Lord had already made some preparations in the short window Zac was dealing with the firstser and falling sword.


    In contrast to most Heart Curses, this one was a bright red, and color wasn''t the only thing it had inmon with blood. The tangles were more liquid than solid, and a dispersive swing of Zac''s axe had no effect. The shockwave only created a thin gash in the wall, but it was like the bisected tangle had a mind of its own. It actively fused back together, somehow absorbing the force.


    Bloody tendrils pierced toward him, but Zac didn''t jump back or try to go around. The copsingser beam had almost caught up, and it had expanded to the width of a mighty redwood tree as the Array Tower failed to contain the energy. Stopping to avoid the bloody curse meant stepping into the beam, and Zac wasn''t certain he''d be able to block even this unfocusedser.


    Of course, there was no reason to stop.


    Zac kept running, unleashing a herculean punch at the bloody wall with his left hand. A hole was forced into the sanguine Heart Curse, and Zac rushed right through. Much of the cursed liquid spattered across his body, but he didn''t care. What should have been a cmity didn''t even slow him down, with [Void Heart], [Immutability of Eoz], and [Purity of the Void] fighting to be first in line to rip apart cursed intent the moment it entered his body.


    The bloody mesh was followed by a more standard tangle of heart curses unleashed by the whole guard, though it was imbued with the Dao of Metal. It looked like a maelstrom leading to hell, full of sinewy spikes and sharp edges that radiated murder. But Zac was like an enraged bull, and his axe carved a path. Another set of cursed tendrils managed to find their way into his body, but they fared no better than the ones before.


    The two sets of superimposed curses would have been a death sentence for most. Even Draugr, such as the Kavriel Descendants, would have had trouble dealing with the situation. The weaker ones would have died, but even the elites would be severely weakened by the deadly parasites rampaging through their body.


    Zac suspected the Kan''Tanu had arranged everything with the Heart Curses in mind. The giant, the storm of attacks, and theser from behind. They were all designed to waste the tricks up Zac''s sleeve and expose him to the curses. After that, they''d only need to finish the job while their target was attacked from within.


    Unfortunately for the World Lord, he wasn''t dealing with a normal Draugr. His gambit had zero effect, and it let Zac get even closer without so much as a flesh wound. If the ruler of Kerkos VI wanted to use his Array Towers again, he''d also be targeting himself. More importantly, the Kan''Tanu group was about to enter [Arbiter of the Abyss]''s sphere of influence.


    It was just in time, as Zac could finally see the familiar hesitation creep into the World Lord''s eyes��the growing realization that he''d kicked an iron te this time. Zac only needed him to hesitate a bit longer, so he let his aura fluctuate erratically while trying to look like he was enduring soul-rending agony.


    He even strained his body to make pitch-ck tendrils cover his pallid face. It was just his ichor moving through his veins while pushing [Conviction of Eoz], but it was easy to mistake the scene for the Heart Curse trying to wrest control over his body in the heat of the moment.


    The World Lord gritted his teeth and channeled his vast stores of Cosmic Energy. Meanwhile, the auras of the guards exploded with brutality as their sizes doubled. They had entered a berserking state, with chaotic auras and thick ck veins pulsating across their engorged bodies. It was almost like they were trying to show him what the real deal looked like.


    The guards had gained a temporary boost close to a small realm. The six Early Hegemons approached middle Hegemony, and the Peak E-grade guards suddenly felt like powerful Half-step cultivators. Altogether, it seemed like their strength had increased by around 50%. It was significantly more than his [Arcadian Crusade], and Zac sincerely doubted this was a peak-quality method. The repercussions would undoubtedly be dire for using their Heart Curses like this.


    Zac was ready to enter a fierce melee, and the swirls of intractable darkness from [Fatehew] had already appeared on his axe. But Zac suddenly swore in realization and urgently upped his pace. It had looked like the World Lord was preparing for a life-and-death brawl just now. However, while his deathsworn took a step forward, he took a step back. Zac''s feigned weakness had been met with feigned determination.


    A storm of attacks blocked his vision, and blood rained as the agitated Heart Curses broke through the cultists'' bodies to join the assault. Zac felt some anxiety upon sensing the World Lord''s escape just as he was about to enter the reach of his taunting ability, but he quickly calmed down. The sudden shift was not enough to change anything.


    He''d mostly relied on brute force on his crusade through the Kan''Tanu army until he reached his target. His movements subtly shifted while the swirling chains resumed theirplex dance. He had fully entered his Inexorable Stance. Iing attacks were snuffed out like flickering candles in the wind, and the rattling links went from defense to offense as they pounced on the cultist blockade.


    The ck chains were everywhere at once, targeting vitals and sealing movements. The Kan''Tanu had lost much of their rationality from triggering their Heart Curses, but an almost bestial instinct allowed them to dodge and counter with great responsiveness. To an outsider, it might have looked like they countered Zac''s technique, but it was the opposite.


    Their instinctual movements made his technique even more effective, and it felt like his chains had be puppet strings attached to the cultists as he manipted them to open a path. The squad leaders desperately tried to use their bodies and curses to block the way, but they suddenly froze and let Zac sh through. The reality became apparent a momentter as four of the Kan''Tanu Hegemons copsed into chunks of flesh and viscera, having been cut apart by lightning-quick swings while his chains diverted their attention.


    D-grade Cultivators who had forcibly raised their grade through pills or sacrifice weren''t much different than E-grade cultivators to the current Zac. They didn''t have the foundations to leverage their grade and only became slightly stronger elites.


    Breaking through the empowered defensive line had been effortless, but it had dyed Zac a moment. Long enough for the World Lord to create more distance. Zac knew his fears hade true upon seeing that the World Lord''s body was rapidly turning into streaks of light as he held a runic feather in his hand��an escape treasure.


    The leader was incredibly decisive, immediately using a rare lifesaving treasure rather than a movement skill to create more distance. Judging by the intensity of the fluctuations of space and wind, it wouldn''t just move him to another part of Kerkos VI. It was like his [shfire Flourish], having the ability to pierce at least one dimensionalyer.


    Zac felt like time moved in slow motion as he urgently tried to close the gap. More and more of the World Lord''s body was transformed into an intangible streak, and Zac could feel how a vortex was opening behind him. Zac''s target would be dragged inside in a moment, and Zac wasn''t like Iz. He didn''t have some unfathomable method to piggyback on someone else''s treasure. At best, he might be able to enter the vortex with [Abyssal Drive], but who knew where that''d leave him?


    A surefire way to counter his escape was to activate [Pir of Destion] with Void Energy. The deathly river could seal space, and only the best escape treasures would be able to elude it. The wealth of this random World Lord had surprised Zac already, but he doubted he had such a good thing on hand. Zac didn''t want to expose an ace like that on his very first battle.


    Instead, he chose to trust in his other skills.


    Zac precisely calcted the distance and threw forward his left arm the moment he was within range. The World Lord was mostly through the vortex by that point, but the sound of the punctured air was followed by a chain shooting into the vortex with such speed that it left small cracks in space. Zac tugged, and a ghastly smile spread across his face as a resonance was followed by a horrified shriek. A disoriented and forcibly materialized Hegemon was yanked out of the dimensional tunnel.


    Thest thing he ever saw was a pink sky and a ck edge.

 Chapter 1101 - Clean Sweep

    [World Lord of Kerkos VI killed. Kerkos VI considered neutral for two weeks.]


    Zac breathed out in relief upon seeing the prompt, its message further confirmed by the huge surge of Kill Energy entering his body. He was confident in his skills, but there were all kinds of odd techniques and counters out there. The World Lord might have had a cloning method that let him swap out targets at thest second or possess a means of survival even with an axe through his head. Thankfully, it really was his target lying on the ground before him, his body ravaged by forcibly materializing and being dragged back through the one-way vortex.


    The World Lord escaping their during the invasion would make things harder for the defenders, but the Cmity Company wouldn''t benefit nearly as much as if they managed to kill him. The System mostly considered it a tactical retreat rather than a surrender or defeat. For one, there wouldn''t be any prompts, and some of the more critical features of the War System wouldn''t immediately trigger.


    The Kan''Tanu obviously didn''t want their leaders to run, but they weren''t madmen who required all their men to fight to the death��such treatment was reserved for the lower castes and the warves. In contrast, the cultists valued their elites and leaders quite a bit. Depending on how connected this Hegemon was, he might just face some light punishment by his superiors before being reassigned.


    He even had a chance of getting his world back, considering most invaders retreated after sacking the world. Only therger factions dared hold ontos in the foreign sector, having their own powerhouses to shore up the defenses in case a Kan''Tanu elite was sent to reim it.


    The pull had shattered the spectral chain of his skill, but [Arbiter of the Abyss] was still running. This wasn''t anything new��like [Vanguard of Undeath], it could be maintained indefinitely as long as he had the energy to spare.


    However, there was one interesting aspect that differed from when he first got the skill. The chain around his left arm was currently unresponsive to calls, but Zac could feel it slowly filling with energy. He''d be able to trap another elite with a spectral link in thirty seconds or so.


    [Arbiter of the Abyss] was thest skill to be upgraded to E-grade. Theplexity of [Vanguard of Undeath] and his hesitance of direction had dyed him for years. He''d only taken the step inside the mysterious temple where he got the second piece of his seal. By the time he entered the Perennial Vastness, he had barely used it in an actual fight. But like his other skills, it had been elevated to Peak Mastery long ago.


    The first two upgrades hadn''t changed anything. It simply made the directional domain stronger while allowing the chain to move significantly faster. The chain itself was key to making the most of the skill, but it had been a bit slow before. He had essentially been forced to use trickery and misdirection to mark his targets and summon the spectral chain that multiplied the taunting effect.


    The taunt itself hadn''t gotten any stronger at Peak Mastery, but it was already very impressive, like the battle just now had shown. Instead, it had pushed the chain''s speed to its peak and could now move far quicker than even Alea''s upgraded chains. Most importantly, the upgrade made the spectral chain rechargeable. The spectral chain could still onlyst for ten seconds after deployment, but it would now charge up another chain after a minute.


    It was perfect for a protracted battle where Zac roved through the army in search of leaders. He''d take out one, and the charge would be ready by the time he reached his next target. He could even alternate between targeting the armies and leaders by using [Deathmark] or [Arbiter of the Abyss] while the other was on cooldown.


    This time, Zac doubted he''d get the chance, though. He could feel how the air went out of the sprawling Kan''Tanu army after the promation spread through the ranks. It was like the whole battlefield had frozen, where most cultists tried topute how their leader had fallen just a couple of minutes after the fight started. The only ones who didn''t seem to care were the death guard behind him.


    Their Heart Curses were going out of control, and they had lost thest of their rationality upon seeing their leader fall. They ignored the prompt as they pounced on Zac. He doubted they were even able to read the prompt in their current state, and not just because the writhing tendrils had emerged from many of their eye sockets.


    The steel giant had already disappeared after its summoner died, and the berserker, with their feral instincts and ineffective curses, had no chance to withstand Zac''s refined technique. The guard was cut down in seconds, leaving Zac alone in a field of Death. The next group of cultists was miles away. Everyone closer had either been killed by the metallic storm or thesers. He could see more than a few cultists nce in his direction, but none attempted to rouse a response.


    The world bing neutral was a huge blow to any attempts at turning things around. For one, it was almost impossible to get any more reinforcements even if the World Lord had recalled the warriors from Kerkos VI''s other battlefronts. It wasn''t that the''s Teleporters had been blocked, but the features most factions relied on in the System Era required the to actually be assigned to someone.


    For instance, Zac''s administrators had adjusted the Teleportation Arrays in his Empire to work dependent on an individual''s rank and role. His soldiers could teleport to war bases they were assigned to, but civilians could not. Without these settings, people could only ess arrays in their private list of teleporters. For most people, this was only their hometown and a few neighboring cities.


    The world bing neutral removed that option. Any reinforcements would have to travel the conventional ways or rely on others with teleportation ess, just like Zac had used the Marshall n to clean out the incursions. But it was easier said than done to ferry a whole army that way.


    The same was true for any off-world Kan''Tanu. They couldn''t use their sect''s credentials to teleport over. Only those with Kerkos VI on their list coulde over, though Zac nned on jamming the Nexus Hubs before word spread.


    There were various problems facing the locals beyond the matter of the teleporters. Whoever took over the role as leader of the''s capital would be able to use the defenses already there, but they wouldn''t have ess to the town shop. Who''d even want to take on such a hopeless role, and who''d be foolish enough to follow them?


    The Kan''Tanu were reeling from the prompt, but the Cmity Company had been waiting for this moment. The statues hidden behind the walls were activated, and twenty Miasmic ives rose toward the sky. The Kan''Tanu''s iron cage had been battered well beyond the initial breach while Zac dealt with the leader, and seeing the terrifying ives was the straw that broke the camel''s back.


    The army began to unravel like Joanna had guessed, beginning with the vast number of reservists in the back lines. They ran for their lives, leaving the front lines to fend for themselves. The elites and leaders weren''t much better off. With every additional deserter, it became harder to maintain control. The frontlines, who saw the miasmic des fly toward them, were desperate to escape, even if it meant cutting a path through theirpatriots.


    Zac shook his head at seeing how quickly things fell apart. It really drove home that this wasn''t some hidden base of Kan''Tanu elites. It was simply slightly richer than the average Early D-grade world at the edge of the Zurbor Sector. The World Lord should have kept his head down and leveraged his resources for steady victories in the Neutral Battlefronts, but getting his hands on the powerful Array Towers had made him greedy.


    Speaking of, it would be a shame to leave such good things for the Kan''Tanu.


    Three hourster, the situation had stabilized. The battle took longer than necessary since they''d opted to turtle up behind their protective barrier as long as possible. There was no point in sending your soldiers into the meatgrinder when you could pepper the Kan''Tanu with your cannons from a safe vantage. They even had cheaper munitions for this very purpose.


    Only when they''d taken out all the frontline arrays and broken the defensive line did the soldiers of the Cmity Company flood out from their fortified position, and even the staunch of heart cultists panicked by that point. Millions of Kan''Tanu had fallen, but even more had run for the hills. Hunting down the escaping wasn''t worth the time or effort, and they had instead chosen to stabilize their position.


    Their losses were minimal, but it had proven harder than expected to capture the valuable Array Towers. It turned out they had self-destruction switches held by their controllers, and seven of the twelve towers had been blown up before they could be secured. Zac had managed to kill the Array Masters in one, Carl sniped another, while they were simply lucky with thest three. Their controllers had opted to flee without blowing up the towers.


    The towers had since been defused, and Zac hoped for good news.


    "Moving these towerses with some risk," Ciru said. "They need to be dismantled, and the wrong method will lead to a critical failure."


    As Zac had expected, the D-grade Array Towers weren''t actually mobile. They had been set up over a month ago, ording to their investigations, and their purpose was solely to trap unwitting enemies. This was the third time the World Lord of Kerkos VI had tried this scheme. He''d mostly sent reservists and dissidents into the Neutral Battlefronts, sacrificing them while lowering the guards of his enemies.


    Zac almost felt like the System had taken offense to the shameless tactic and sent the Atwood Empire his way.


    "Is there anything we can do to decrease the risk?"


    "Well, getting the schematics would help," Ciru said. "We can also figure out some things by studying the rubble of the broken ones."


    "I''ll see what I can do," Zac said, though he wasn''t hopeful.


    It was highly unlikely a native had created these towers. Most likely, they''d been bought and shipped over by a local Array Master division. And while everyone technically was part of the same faction in the Zurbor Sector, there was no way the sellers would supply the schematics of their wares. Even unified regions generally had standard economies for most of the poption.


    Zac returned to themand within the temporary fort. It looked like a simplified version of therge battleroom back in Port Atwood, with screens and arrays disying all kinds of data. Instead of therge map disying the war progress across the Zecia sector, there was a holographic depiction of Kerkos VI in the middle.


    Just like the map on Earth, it was something provided by the System. This one wasn''t free, though. The map was generated by one of the cheaper purchases in the Merit Exchange, the Early D-grade [Elite War Mapper]. It was a one-time purchase of 10,000 Faction Merit and something Zac had chosen to splurge on for his Elite Divisions.


    There was also a standard War Mapper for sale for only a tenth of the price, but itcked the critical feature that had made Zac spring for the upgraded version. This map came with over two-dozen markings, all shining with different intensities. Each was a location that would award Faction Merit, and the intensity indicated the amount.


    They would have discovered many of these locations by simply asking any random prisoner, but many of the best resources were often hidden and hoarded by a local faction or the World Lord themselves. But nothing could escape the System''s gaze, and Zac expected the mapper to have paid for itself within two months.


    The most radiant light was unsurprisingly the''s capital, situated on the opposite side of the world. It would take over a month to travel there by foot and nine days using flying treasures. Zac obviously wouldn''t wait that long, which was why there were twenty enormous metal cubes unfurling into Cosmic Vessels outside.


    Zac had set a goal of one week for every campaign during the council, and that number wasn''t picked at random. The Neutral Battlefronts would take two to four days, depending on your luck. Adding two days to unfurl their Cosmic Vessels and another two to package them, and you had a week.


    You''d also need a day or two to extract all the''s value and merit, but you weren''t always this unlucky with spawning locations. The World Lord of Kerkos VI had picked the battlefront furthest from the capital for his ambushes, which meant most invading forces would be pressed to reach the capital and return within the two-week span of rtive safety.


    Other times, you''d find the capital within walking distance. After all, the capitals usually held the densest umtion of citizens, which meant a few of the''s Battlefront Arrays would be ced nearby. Those times, you could skip the Cosmic Vessels and finish the campaign a few days early. Few worlds were like Earth, where Port Atwood had a much smaller poption than many of the cities on Pangea. His archipgo only had one on an ind neighboring Port Atwood, which had be Battlefront One.


    Skipping the Cosmic Vessels meant fewer resources would be harvested, but they were after merit rather than materials. And that was mostly rued through the capital and the rare strategic locations such as curse farms. Everything else was just a bonus.


    "Have you found any targets for those guys?" Zac asked as he walked over to Joanna.


    "There are two promising mining towns within three day''s journey," Joanna said. "Both are within the top twenty richest deposits, and there are several well-off families there. Even with the best stuff smuggled or hidden away, they should be able to extract a few hundred D-grade Nexus Coins from them."


    "Alright, give them the coordinates," Zac nodded. "Remind them of our rules about our rules for sacking cities and have some observers join them."


    "Of course," Joanna said.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Found anything else?" Zac asked.


    "I think we''ve figured out how that guy could afford such good toys," Petrus snorted. "That guy you split apart has extracted the cores in half of the mines."


    "What?" Zac said with surprise. "He''s cutting off his revenue stream for some quick merit?"


    Spiritual Mines weren''t like those of old Earth. In a sense, mining was closer to farming than the simple extraction of resources. As long as there was a core, more spiritual metals would grow over time, just like how new crystals slowly sprouted in his mines on Demon Ind.


    Any spiritual mine would have a Nexus Vein beneath, but that wasn''t considered the core. It was rather the Natural Treasures that had been born in their depths. The vein provided the energy and unique treasures that elevated the environment to birth better materials. Zac still remembered how the cave surrounding the [Mind''s Eye Agate] was crammed full of Supreme-quality Twilight Crystals.


    If you removed the Treasures, the mine would degrade into something that only produced low-quality materials��essentially killing the goose thatid the eggs. If you were adventuring like Zac was in the Twilight Chasm, you wouldn''t care, but any proper leader would leave the Natural Treasures inside their mines. You''d do anything in your power to nurture them and bolster their effect on the surroundings.


    To think that the World Lord had extracted the lifeblood of his world. Zac could have understood it if he was facing destruction, but the was seemingly doing fine even before.


    "The lord wasn''t a local," Petrus exined. "He was sent over at the start of the war, ording to our investigations. I guess he had connections with an Array n and hatched a scheme to rack up some merit. He likely didn''t care about harming the resources at all. He''d be long gone before it became a problem. And in chaotic times like these, who''s keeping track? He could point his fingers at us if it ever became a problem."


    "Can''t believe he''s pawned off our reward," Zac snorted. "Well, there should still be a lot of good stuff remaining."


    "What''s your next move?" Petrus asked.


    "Thirty hours after the ships are up and running. I want everything the World Lord hadn''t gotten his hands on yet. Make it apetition. Those who extract the most wealth and merit will get a bonus," Zac said. "I''m joining the group heading to the capital."


    "And then?"


    "And then we go again. The next campaign starts in six days," Zac said as he turned toward the exit. "Wee to our new normal."

 Chapter 1102 - A Chance to Rise

    The attendants had long since been sent out, leaving only Pavina and Kator within the necropolis. Their unmoving postures were a stark contrast to the chaotic scene ying in front of them. The Abyssal Pond had just exploded, threatening to drown the whole cave. The events moved at an elerated pace, but not a single detail escaped visual bones.


    "No wonder they fought so hard to keep this information contained," Kator muttered as the recording neared its end. "I can''t believe he blew up the Abyssal Pond. His reputation as a troublemaker isn''t for nothing. Yet he actually had to use one of those lowly treasures to evolve his Dao Branch. I guess he really is a mortal��I was sure he was messing with the measurements somehow."


    "He''s a weird one all around," Pavina agreed, a thoughtful frown on her face. "Why would his Bloodline awakening create such a stir? He seemed fine when we sparred."


    "Who knows?" Kator shrugged, but he suddenly felt a slight vibration in his bones. "Oh, I think we''re about to find out."


    Kator stopped the recording and turned toward the center of the room. Toss stepped through a slit in space, a starry sky barely visible behind him.


    "Commander," Pavina said with a bow.


    "Wee back. Any luck?" Kator asked.


    "I managed to reach them," Toss nodded. "Rey that for me."


    Kator felt his sinews tighten with annoyance, but heplied after rolling his shoulder to indicate his displeasure at having the order subverted. Toss was in his right to be curious, but the chain ofmand couldn''t be forgotten. Especially considering the extent to which his mission had been micromanaged from themand crypts in the depths of the White Sky Gorge. Rank trumps fate, they said. The irony was palpable, considering his mission.


    A deep rumble from within themander indicated his answer depended on the recorded scene, and Kator chose to drop the matter. It ultimately wasn''t a worthwhile battle, and Kator was too curious about the findings to dy the meeting further. He was tired of hearing the same excuses from that decrepit half-blood Draugr, that outside influence had damaged or blocked the connection to the Hearnds.


    Since when was it so easy to damage the imperial channels? Not even the Heavenly Seal on the sector had put any restrictions beyond limiting the transportation of people and equipment.


    Finally, the captured scenes had yed a second time, at which point Kator nodded for his guardian to share his findings.


    "Our suspicions were correct. The events in the pond and themunication blockade were rted. But the implications are even greater than we thought," Toss said.


    Kator''s frontalis muscles shuddered with annoyance. This old bastard savored every moment he was inmand, like the attention was the marrow broth of a True Dragon. He couldn''t be more clear he felt his babysitting task beneath him. If not for his mission, he''d likely have run headlong into the Million Gates Territory to wreak havoc and be a zing star of the war. Kator controlled his body to not give any hints of his inner thoughts. He was getting ample practice in that regardtely.


    "Almost a week ago, a phenomenon covering the whole Abyssal Lake appeared," Toss continued after the pregnant pause. "The Abyssal Shores immediately sealed itself off to contain the rumors, but how can something like that go unnoticed?"


    "A phenomenon?" Pavina eximed. "Arcaz managed to make the Lake stir all the way from the Frontier?"


    "Perhaps," Toss grunted. "But it''s not as simple as that. The phenomenon wasn''t something naturally generated by the Lake. Both the Abyssal Lords sacrificed some of their territories to aid the brat''s awakening. The Azol guardian, in particr, unleashed immense power."


    "What?!" Kator eximed. "The Azol can draw longevity from the Lake, so he should be able to live for a few million more years. But aren''t our strategists saying his Dao Heart is on the verge of copse? He''s lived too long and has lost his purpose. If he damages an already unstable territory��"


    "On the surface, it looks like the shores sacrificed millions of years of protection to save a D-grade cultivator a few years of progress," Toss nodded. "If there wasn''t something else at y, who''d make such a gamble? Even if the boy returns, it''s a long shot he''ll be able to restore the line of Eoz. The other two branches have always teetered on the brink of extinction, but they at least have a few thousand members."


    "So there''s something else at y," Kator muttered, his gaze shifting to the frozen image of Arcaz Umbri''Zi. "What other secrets are you hiding?"


    "He might not be aware of the situation," Pavina offered.


    "It''s possible only the Abyssal Lords know the true value of this boy," Toss agreed. "They''ve always been guarding the secrets of the depths with their lives. I doubt even the Primo knows the full story of what''s hiding down there. Rather than restoring a branch, the child''s blood might be the key to restoring something they''ve lost."


    "So, what instructions do the generals have?" Kator said, his head tilting. "What about our approach?"


    Toss didn''t immediately answer but first turned to Pavina. The Revenant hesitated before shaking her head. "I guess I should check the status on the battlefronts."


    "She likes the kid, but she''s a soldier," Katormented after Pavina had left. "She won''t jeopardize her mission over personal sentiments."


    "True, but what I''m about to say is too sensitive. It cannot be allowed to reach any ears," Toss said, using the ancestralnguage of bones and sinew instead of his conventional voice.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "For now, the orders are to maintain the course," Toss said. "But the leaders are worried. This is an unwee variable in an already chaotic time. An informal meeting has been called between the Phnxes, the Hiveminds, and the Eternal Court."


    "So my acting might be reality after all?" Katorughed, but fury burned in his heart.


    "It''s possible," Kator eded. "The Karma might need to be harvested early."


    Years of observation and data collection had led to a simple conclusion, one that kept being reinforced as time progressed��Zachary Atwood, or Arcaz Umbri''Zi, was the fulcrum of providence for the uing trial. Piggybacking on his fate was bound to be one of the most effective methods to achieve something within the Left Imperial Pce.


    Another inevitable conclusion was that forming such a bridge of fate the conventional way was doomed to fail. Whether it was analyzing Arcaz''s personality and actions or the Karmic between him and Commander Kaldor, the conclusions were the same. While Arcaz remembered favors, it wasn''t enough to form strong Karmic bonds.


    There were multipleyers of istion between him and his surroundings, both brought by his paranoia and yet unidentified means. Arcaz was undoubtedly holding onto so many secrets that he''d never be able to form a true bond of brotherhood, at least not with an outsider like him. Arcaz''s connection with the Undead Empire was strictly utilitarian, and not even the Draugr could get more than a foot through the door. And what was that kind of shallow fate worth in the grand scheme of things?


    That was fine with Kator��he had no interest in bonding with the brat. He didn''t actually mind the boy''s greedy nature and unfettered ambition. If anything, it was almost like looking in a mirror, except Arcaz wasn''t fettered by the chains ofmand. But that realization only reinforced the futility of camaraderie. The same mountain couldn''t contain two tigers.


    So Kator hadn''t minded overly much when the strategists had devised another method to forcibly form a bridge of fate. If building a bridge of friendship was out of the question, why not animosity? Destiny would draw them together for a sh at the finish line. It forced him to act like a two-bit viin, but it was clearly effective.


    Kator almostughed upon remembering those ring eyes, and his bones itched for the uing match. The duel wasn''t something nned by the strategists. Smacking the kid around would be a fun bonus for all his hard work. His motto had always been that if you couldn''t find a way to enjoy the orders you''ve been given, you might as well go off on your own.


    Who knew? If Kator knocked the little Draugr ancestor around enough, he might spit out some good luck.


    Yet Kator knew the situation wasn''t good. The Phnx had their thoughts and schemes; he was just a tool to further their positions. Heaven''s providence wasn''t so easily seized. Setting himself up as a foil to that walking cmity was bound to lead to cosmic retribution. But what did the generals care if he was sacrificed so long as the Phnx aplished their goal?


    Wasn''t that why they''d sent over that Revenant woman and why Toss spoke softly like a courtesan when that Draugr was around? They were focusing all the resentment on him, turning him into a sacrificial pawn. There was even a scenario in ce where he''d kill the brat to seize his providence. The bacsh would drown him in the river of fate, but the faction would benefit from the fallout.


    Too bad for them, he was an excellent swimmer, and he was determined toe out ahead.


    The Phnx, the brat, the Heavens themselves��they could all burn so long as he could reach the peak. Ultom''s glory would wash away any foul Karma left from this affair. But for now, he needed to y the role of the good soldier. No point in jumping ship before you had somewhere tond.


    "The leaders better forge a Writ of Exemption if they want me to dip my hands in this mess," Kator said. "I''m not taking on thebined wrath of the Abyssal Shores and the Primo alone. And I''m still needed inside the trial."


    "I have already put forth your demand. But the Emperor might have his hands too full to bother with you," Toss responded, his hunched shoulders ripe with meaning.


    "Are they finally really pulling the trigger?" Kator said, his surprise not feigned. "I can''t believe it. Did that brat actually trigger a civil war?"


    So it turned out the meeting between the three factions wasn''t just about the fifth pir and the rise of the Draugr. It was about the very direction of the Empire.


    Most thought the Imperial Commandments and the Eternal Crusade a safeguard to avoid repeating the tragedy of the Dark Ages. However, the upper echelons all knew the truth. The Primo had gathered the undead races and led them to the Heart of the Empire, promising salvation and fertile cultivation grounds. However, the blessed environment from the Eternal Heritage came at a price.


    The Primo had clearly known about the heritage before the Dark Ages, but why hadn''t he taken it for himself in that ancient era? Because it fed on Death. And without helpers to fight and bleed in every direction, stacking up casualties among their ranks and enemies, the Heart of the Darkness would have fed on the Death of the Primo''s own territory.


    They called themselves the Divine Races but were essentially forcedbor for the Cultivation Paradise of the Eternal 108. In return, the Primo returned some of the Death they umted, creating the Empire Hearnds. But the moment a race dared ck off, they''d find their quadrant gradually declining.


    Only the Draugr were different, having the Abyssal Lake to drastically lessen the quota. The Lake and Heart had formed a symbiotic rtionship, each providing for the other. It was no wonder the two Progenitors of their race decided to sacrifice themselves to forcibly push the primordial gateway through all of reality, causing such widespread damage the Heavens almost went insane.


    "Fate is gathering, and the Heavens are rising," Toss said. "The Pir''s ascent is flipping over the carefully arranged board. All the lofty existences are eyeing the Grand Dao, hoping to use the chaos to im a piece of the Heavens. Ambitions that have been brewing in the shadows for eons are forced into the light. Not even the factions outside the struggle for the pir will be able to avoid the winds."


    "I thought the remation was only a fanciful dream the leaders told themselves to stabilize their Dao Hearts," Kator snickered, his fingers indicating his thoughts on the status quo.


    "What do you know?" Toss scoffed. "You better be damn well prepared when you target the Emperor. The Primo has been looking the other way for so long, and we still don''t know whether it''s a sign of weakness or a trap. We don''t even know whether the Prime Eternal is in a weakened state or not."


    "But if our guesses are true about the item in the Left Imperial Pce��" Katormented.


    "We''d be forcing his hand," Toss nodded. "Before, that was fine. The Draugr race would either help us or take a neutral stance. But the appearance of this child has muddied the waters. We don''t know what they''re up to now that the Abyssal Lords are going to such lengths. If the boy dies and the Shores go mad, they might align with the Eternal 108. Azol might even sacrifice his territory to ruin our ns."


    "A troublesome variable," Kator nodded, but he was inwardly delighted.


    Bring it on, you crazy brat! The more chaos Arcaz stirred up, the more opportunities he''d have to break free and seize the opportunities for himself.


    "It''s good that you understand," Toss nodded. "For now, act as if nothing has changed. The negotiations back home won''t be finalized in a month or two. But prepare yourselves. We''ll have to go all out when we make our move."


    "I understand."


    "This is your chance to rise," Tossmented. "If all goes well, you''ll be remembered as the liberator of the Izh''Rak Reavers."


    Kator pushed out his chest to feign excitement, but he inwardly sneered. Liberator? More like martyr. He had no interest in being the banner child of the insurrection if it meant he''d be dead. There was only one role he was interested in: Grand Marshal of the Izh''Rak.


    Thankfully he had some time. Depending on how the winds blew, it might be for the best to have the fulcrum fall during the war. He didn''t even have to make a move himself; a few people even he was wary of were starting to appear on the battlefronts. There were even rumors of Technocrat Transcenders hiding among the Kan''Tanu.


    If nothing else, the Seventh Heaven would surely be interested in the information they''d learned in the meeting.


    "By the way, Schr Semmel gained eptance by the seal just as I was about to leave," Toss added after a moment.


    "Oh?" Kator said. "Is she ready?"


    "She''s been preparing since she got your message," Toss said. "She''s quite excited by the experiment and should have everything ready within the day."


    "Interesting, interesting," Kator snickered. "I wonder how that brat will react."

 Chapter 1103 - Finding a Purpose

    Yselio hummed a nursery rhyme as he read through the reports, asionally making a calction with his fingers. Things were progressing as expected, and he was beginning to unravel the patterns behind the deployments. The universe might seem random and fickle, but that was only because you couldn''t see the Order hiding within. And so long as you understood the rules, you could nudge them in your favor.


    It took a few hours to cote the necessary adjustments, but Yselio believed they should let him move his battlefronts closer to the so-called Allbright Empire. The little frontier faction was a sheep ripe for the plucking now that they were forced to transfer more and more soldiers to the Eternal Storm. Yet, they dared host outsider sealbearers within their domains. Ending their future would broaden his own, increasing his fate with the Left Imperial Pce.


    And the price was more than eptable. He only needed to sacrifice twelve out of the sixty-four worlds he''d taken control of. Two of them had decent strategic value, but what did he care about some merit in the grand scheme of things? The only headache was the Central Chapter of the Kan''Tanu. Yselio sighed and looked out the window, but the fires obscured his view.


    Suddenly, a knock on the door and Ylvin stepped through shortly after. Speak of the devil.


    "Wee back," Yselio said with a smile. "How are things at the capitol?"


    "That Sect Master is slippery like an eel," Ylvin snorted before ncing at the fence in the corner of the room. "What''s this ugly thing, then?"


    Yselioughed as he looked at the creature trapped within its pen. It was in good vigor even after three days and furiously mmed against the barrier upon sensing the neer''s aura. The interesting markings had only grown denser after the forced impartment of Deste Energy. Yselio wouldn''t be surprised if this little Early D-grade critter could ughter most Middle Stage Hegemons by this point.


    Frontier Hegemons, anyway.


    "I''ve been perusing the archives of the Broken God Chaptertely," Yselio said. "This deste region is really quite interesting. There are remnants of the old empire everywhere, and these pitiful savages don''t understand what they''re sitting on. I picked this little guy up in a dimensional fragment. The remnant seems to have passed through an uncharted ne, and the inhabitants have picked up some rare characteristics."


    "Still working on your perfect killer? Do you have that much free time?" Ylvin said with a pointed look. "I''m assuming you''ve gone off to y only after finishing your assigned tasks?"


    "Something like that," the princeughed, lifting his hands in surrender upon seeing his uncle''s brows furrow. "Truly! I''m working hard on our mission."


    "Then why are you still barely in the Top 100?" Ylvin spat. "The top position might be difficult, but you''re embarrassing the Heavens by this point."


    "What does Father and my Imperial Uncles care about some small-scale scuffle on the frontier?" Yselio said with a shake of his head. "I''m keeping my eyes on the real prize."


    "So long as you remember," Ylvin relented before ncing at the critter again. "I still remember the aftermath of when you tried to mutate that Siren within your pce. Did any of your staff survive its song?"


    "Only the stronger spies and assassins who''d infiltrated my staff," Yselio grinned.


    "Hm. By the way, you were right. Those siblings from the de Sea were epted," Yrvin said as he took out a gourd.


    "Oh? Where are they now?"


    "They''re still at the edge of the sector, but they should be here in a week."


    "Good, they can take charge of the sixth field army upon their return," Yselio muttered. "Kervin iscking fate. Maybe he can find it in the Million Gates Territory with the vanguard."


    "While we''re on the topic of spies?" Yrvinughed. "Dealing with the children of the other Heavens is fine; they''re the ones who snuck in here. But the elders back home will take it as an insult if you make it too obvious."


    "Kervin is one of my dear cousins?" Yselio said with feigned surprise,ughing when Yrvin rolled his eyes. "Did you see the report on Zecia''sdders?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I did. Two new names, bothte registries appearing on the Early D-gradedder."


    "What do you think?"


    "Both received exactly 125,000 the moment they registered," Yrvin said. "They must be rted to the events in the Ster Ladder. No other event has given such sizable pre-enlistment rewards. They''re likely even the main perpetrators, judging by the fact that the Vigil''s Holy Maiden was only awarded 75,000 Merit."


    "Zachary Atwood," Yselio hummed. "It was about time he appeared. He''s bound to hold the most fate of his sector."


    "He''s all but guaranteed to be a sealbearer," Yrvin agreed. "If you ask me, one of the most promising targets for finding the next piece of your own."


    "If it''s fated," Yselio smiled, his finger slowly tapping on the table. "Two neers, likely newly ascended. Just months after my poor cousin died and Emperor Vastermal met his unfortunate setback."


    "You think they''re responsible?" Yrvin said with interest.


    "Who knows? Does it matter?" Yselio smiled.


    "Do you wish to send word back home?"


    "And give the First Heaven an excuse to send cousins here in the open rather than in the dark? " Yselioughed. "Not a chance. Perhaps if we need a borrowed hand in the future. Until then, obfuscate any details. Let Zachary Atwood drown in a sea of minutia within the reports."


    "Alright, it''s your call," Yrvin shrugged.


    "The question is, just how are those two connected?" Yselio continued. "Zachary Atwood met with Catheya Sharva''Zi inside the Tower of Eternity. Was that their first meeting, or is there something more to it? Did Zachary Atwood know Arcaz Umbri''Zi even before that? And why is a Draugr part of a faction that hasn''t even been assimted? My instincts tell me that unraveling this mystery will move me closer to my goal."


    "Do you want me to investigate?" Yrvin asked.


    "It''s not urgent; let one of the others take care of it," Yselio said. "I''d appreciate it if you kept investigating the thing from before."


    "Still the Central Chapter?" Yrvin said with a raised brow. "Just what are you worried about? They seem to be following the agreement to a tee."


    "Isn''t that suspicious on its own? An unorthodox cult ying by the rules?" Yselio said before his brows furrowed. "No, something is hiding beneath the surface, and it''s making me ufortable."


    ------------


    Carl nced out the vessel''s window and felt the familiar queasiness upon spotting the in the distance. It was less than a day since hest found himself flying in the air, desperately avoiding the furious attacks of the defending cultists while assassinating Array Controllers and leaders.


    Their pace was already frantic enough to wear him down to the bones, but the boss wasn''t satisfied. The boss''s appearance might have changed, but his penchant for destruction remained the same. If anything, it might have gotten stronger. Carl almostughed at himself upon remembering the relief he''d felt when the scanners said the closest D-grade world was out of range. He should have known better.


    Of course the boss would have a sleek personal vessel with more than ten times the speed of their normal ships,rge enough to hold an elite strike squad��a squad he''d regrettably been selected for.


    Sometimes, Carl struggled to understand how things reached this point. The first time Carl spotted him in the distance, he''d seen the madness in the boss''s eyes. Carl still remembered his emotionless visage as he cleaned up the stragglers of the incursion by old Toronto. Just a few months into the integration and he was harvesting lives like they were crops.


    Yet he found himself pulled ever closer to the malignant star that was Zachary Atwood. Some joked that it was Lissa who had tricked him into greatness, but Carl knew it was deeper than that. He could almost feel like his road into the future had been tied to the chariot of the Deviant Asura. And try as he might, he wasn''t able to extricate himself.


    Certainly, being bound to someone like Zachary Atwood had its upsides. He''d be lying if he said he didn''t enjoy the pursuit of the Dao and his improved longevity. If not for his still-iprehensible choice to approach one of the Valkyries all those years ago, he would probably be puttering around in Early E-grade by this point��and he''d seen how those people fared on the battlefronts.


    He''d never have encountered the boundless magnificence of the Radiant Court, getting the chance to touch upon the very essence of the cosmos. It had let him cross the threshold of Hegemony in just over a decade, something which trillions of people could only dream of.


    But why did strength have to be seized through so much bloodshed? Was ughter really Heaven''s Path and the true expression of the Dao? Carl shook his head as he finished up the engravings on his arrows. Like it or not, it was the reality they found themselves in. Not muchter, his door beeped and slid open.


    "We''re ten minutes out. We''reing down on the capital the moment we arrive," Joanna said.


    "What about the Town Protection array?" Carl asked hesitantly. "This thing doesn''t seem like a destroyer."


    "I''m not sure. The Lord said he would deal with it."


    "Who could''ve guessed," Carl muttered as he got to his feet, grabbing his Spirit Tool Cloak from the chair.


    The bright yellow runes across its green fabric shimmered, and Carl felt some of his anxiety give in as his presence was muted by its illusory effect. The weaker his aura, the harder it would be for trouble to find him.


    They walked to therge hull where the bulk of their group was already waiting, armed to the teeth and ready. The air was heavy, and not only because of the bloody auras the elite soldiers exuded.


    There was always that hint of uncertainty with these uncharted worlds. They hadn''t been filtered by the System, so they could hold anything, really. A secret base with thousands of Late Hegemons? Perhaps. A Monarch ancestor visiting his hometown? Why not?


    Carl''s nerves were taut, but he put on a steadfast expression as he returned the greetings of the soldiers. One way or another, he''d be one of the pirs of the Cmity Company. He needed to project calm and confidence, like it wasn''t crazy for a group of five thousand to invade a world that dwarfed Jupiter in size.


    The boss stood by therge hatch, giving no indications of his thoughts. In his hand was an unfamiliar crystal, but it seemed to be a remote controller to the ship judging by its design.


    "Are you ready?" Arcaz asked without opening his eyes.


    "Ready," Carl said.


    "We''ll follow behind you," Joanna continued, and Carl inwardly groaned upon feeling the bloodthirsty aura awaken next to him. No one had drank from the tainted well of the boss''s mind as much as this girl.


    Only he and the boss had the power of flight, but no one had prepared parachutes or ships. What was the point? They''d only slow you down and turn you into a target. You might just as well jump down while firing back at whatever tried to take you out. Most had some way to temporarily maneuver in the air anyway.


    "I''ll break open the barrier," Arzas said, turning his terrifying eyes to Carl. "I''ll be relying on you."


    "I��Yes," Carl croaked, hurriedly looking away.


    "Good. It''s time."


    There was no warning, no shake from entering the atmosphere. The hatch just opened, and Arzac Umbri''Zi jumped out.


    "Huh," Joanna said after a moment of silence. "He said he''d deal with the barrier, but I didn''t expect he nned to blow it up himself."


    "Then you haven''t been paying attention," Carl muttered as he flew out of the ship, his bow drawn and ready.


    Far below, a citadel stretched across an expansive mountain range, with the central pce right below them. It was on the smaller side as far as D-grade capitals went, but its poption should still be over five million. And yet, there was nothing to shoot.


    Carl''s augmented vision spotted more than one hundred potential targets scrambling to man their stations or floating into the air. However, almost all of them were within the pce, whose protective array was already activated. A few strong people stayed in the hanging mansions just beneath the peak, but the main array protected them.


    Only themon neighborhoods and slums in the valleys were without protection, but the strongest signals from down there were Middle only E-grade. Not enough for him to waste his special arrows and potentially expose himself.


    Carl''s heart hammered upon seeing the main peak''s array towers light up, and he checked and double-checked to ensure that both his cloak and obscuring skill were running. He should only look like a streak of sunlight at most, but Carl still felt incredibly exposed. Not as exposed as the boss, though.


    Arcaz had turned into a ck streak, moving with speed approaching Carl''s arrows. There was no finesse, no subterfuge, to his approach. If anything, he was impossible to miss. He was flying right toward the barrier''s center, radiating the aura of a vengeful god. He must seem like a heavenly cmity for those poor mortals looking up at the sky right now.


    The defenders unleashed a storm of skills toward the approaching streak, but Carl shook his head. Such a weak response couldn''t possibly curtail the Deviant Asura. They should have fired their Array Towers at him instead of waiting for them to fully charge. As expected, a monstrous burst of Miasma and the skills shattered.


    Still, Carl wasn''t sure how the boss nned on breaking through. Over the past months, he''d seen just how durable Town Protection Arrays were. Even the weaker ones could usually endure a good beating from their Cosmic Vessels and War Machines. The boss was strong, but a single Hegemon shouldn''t be enough.


    Then, a primordial roar shook the mountain range, and Carl could barely believe his eyes when the boss turned into a ck dragon hundreds of meters long. It released a shroud of death and destruction, barreling right for the barrier.


    The scene was so shocking it made Carl''s mind shut down momentarily. But it was forcibly rebooted when five terrifying beams shot down at the barrier. They came from the vessel, and each targeted a different section of the shield. An earthshattering explosion reverberated through the mountain range as the undead dragon crashed into the shield, and Carl could barely believe his eyes when it popped like a soap bubble.


    Was the shield just for show? Or was the boss just that strong?


    Carl guessed it didn''t matter. He''d go crazy if he kept trying to look at things withmon sense. The big guy had already emerged from the dragon''s mouth, shooting toward the strongest cultivator. Meanwhile, that corrosive domain of his spread through the courtyards, filling every nook and cranny. A pang of warning reminded Carl of his job. He quickly nocked an arrow as the Branches of Inferno and Apostle''s Arrow entered the bow, prompting the patterns he''d just engraved to light up.


    [Apollo''s End] activated, and an explosion almost rivaling the boss''s followed a searing streak of mes. He couldn''t take all the credit��most of the force came from the Array Tower he''d just blown up. It was just about to fire at the Yphelion, but how could Carl let that happen? Instead, mes and unstable energies consumed a whole section of the pce, throwing theary defenses in disarray.


    A second streak of mes joined the first, forming a second radiant pir as another Array Tower blew up. Two balls of crackling destruction tore apart the sky where he fired the shot, but Carl had moved far away already. His back was slick with sweat, but he still added the unnecessary ir that made the trajectories linger in the sky. After all, any shot aimed at him wouldn''t target his men.


    The frontrunners had almost reached the ground already, with people like Joanna using energy to speed up their descent. They looked like a human waterfall forming a trail from the Yphelion to the below. Carl shook his head, maintaining his altitude while nocking another arrow. He''d stay up here, thank-you-very-much.


    He''d already decided on his path. With an emperor and generals who were all maniacs, the Atwood Empire needed some levelheaded people to keep the ship afloat. Some Yin to all that Yang. For instance, guardians who could stand firmly at the vanguard, protecting themon soldiers and civilians from the Deviant Asura''s monstrous fate.


    That wasn''t him. Neither was he a scary assassin skulking in the dark, taking on tasks that couldn''t be made known to the public. That was Ogras'' job. Carl would settle for something simple. He''d help clean up the messes and keep things nice and tidy while staying out of the boss''s way. Then he''d take his paycheck and go home to his wife and daughter.


    He''d be the Atwood Empire''s janitor.

 Chapter 1104 - Standing on the Outside

    The ship shook violently, once more reminding Til''Siri about the inferiority of the humanoid form. The Heavenly Dao might favor the small bipedal races, but this was no way to travel. It felt like the frail tin can housing them could fail at any moment, dragging them into a chaotic spacetime to never be seen again. How could itpare to the Spacebeasts?


    Her mother could have crossed this small stretch of the Eternal Storm in a few days, crushing the spatial storms with her body. Yet they had been locked in this steel cage for months, narrowly escaping death a few times over.


    All the while, the war outside progressed while young talents rose to prominence in the System''s eyes. Til''Siri''s guts turned at the thought. They''d spent so much money and effort to elerate the war, only for this fool to throw it all away. Yet she hid those thoughts in the depths of her heart as she knocked on the door.


    It slid open a few momentster, and Til''Siri almost recoiled from the stench.


    "Your eminence, you called?" the young roc said as she gingerly stepped into the mess-hall-turnedir.


    "The fulcrum has returned," the Primordial said from her throne of carcasses and assorted spoils amassed during their journey through the Million Gates Territory.


    "I��Yes," Til''Siri nodded. "The one who escaped Lord Orom, who we fear alerted the Tayns and the Undead Empire to our goals, recently appeared on the global rankings in the other sector. He''s reached Early D-Grade."


    "Early Core Formation," the Primordial muttered. "Free fate for the taking. Find them."


    "I fear that will prove difficult," Til''Siri hesitated. "It takes some time for reports to reach us here, but it seems he has entered the arranged battlefield of the Intersector war. The System won''t make it easy to��"


    "This System again," the Primordial spat. "So many rules, so many limitations. How will anyone reach the Terminus when coddled like this?"


    Til''Siri didn''t dare say anything to this stubborn old creature and her mounting annoyance with the drastically different world she''d woken up to. Any exnations had fallen on deaf ears, and she had been unwilling to y by the System''s rules since the get-go. Til''Siri guessed she knew the reason. The Primordial was born from the Dao, a true daughter of the Heavens. Now, the System had appeared, cing itself between this creature and her origin.


    Til''Siri would never say it out loud, but she increasingly felt that picking this relic of a bygone age to lead this mission was a mistake. Her strength defied all convention, but she was too set in her old ways. And with the road to the Ultom Courts being barred by the System''s trial, you needed to y by its rules.


    What good was strength when the Primordial refused to even register for the war or enter the pre-arranged battlefronts? Bing a pawn of the false Heaven, she called it. So what? Better than wasting away in these flying coffins. The others were smart enough to just send manpower while staying behind and reaping merit. With the force amassed in this vast armada, they''d seize a foothold in no time. It wasn''t toote to teleport over by that point.


    Sure, they''d picked up four more seals for the youths sent over by the alliance, but those opportunities were on the battlefield as well.


    "Fine. The Heavens will bring us together sooner orter. It''s just a matter of time," the Primordial eventually relented. "How long until we arrive?"


    "Two more months."


    "Good," the Primordial said, throwing out apass.


    "What''s this?" Til''Siri said as she looked at it with confusion.


    "I sensed that something an old acquaintance left behind is nearby," the creature said. "We need to pick it up on our way. It should help us with our goal."


    -----------------------


    Red vines and leaves were everywhere, and their thirst for blood was boundless. The demonic World Tree seemed able to ceaselessly produce new ones, and not even setting the thing ame had curtailed its automated defenses. Yet the Cmity Company ughtered their way from the outer branches toward the isted domains within the foliage''s depths.


    The main branches were shaped like teaus and almost a mile wide, forming a long city district with a wide central street. In the middle was a turbid river of blood-like sap that released energy into the surroundings. There were multiple rows of buildings to both sides, from which frightened faces asionally peered. From others, bands of warvesunched ambushes, taking advantage of the protection from their guardian tree.


    Joanna''s blood surged as the shes and explosions around her formed a song of violence. The deepest shudders came from the tree crown''s heart, where Zac was undoubtedly already unleashing a storm of violence upon the World Lord.


    Splinters flew as a sword pieced the thick wooden wall to her side, and a streak of sinister light shot out from its tip. Joanna felt her perception expand as she split in two, where one avatar stabbed an assassin who had snuck up on her from behind. The other leaned forward, countering the sword strike with a stab of her spear.


    Not so much as a splinter flew out as her condensed Dao and precise technique pierced through the mahogany wall. Her force was perfectly contained to the tip of her weapon until it went from wood to flesh. She released the force before retracting her weapon, and multiple infusions of Kill Energy confirmed [Warwhirl] had taken out the assassin and twopanions hiding within the building.


    Her two aspects fused back into one and [Battlefield Asura] reset, and she continued down the road without missing a step. Her lieutenants paved the path to her side, and not even those eluding detection could escape when the Raun Spectrals passed through walls in search of soldiers blending with civilians. You couldn''t leave that kind of danger on their escape route.


    The tearing sound was so overwhelming it felt as though the whole world was being ripped apart. In reality, it was just a single branch of the world tree being sacrificed to deal with their ships. Joanna shook her head at the futility. The tools used by the Atwood Empire wouldn''t fall to something like this.


    As expected, the six Cosmic Vessels smoothly moved out of the way, letting the branch and the city district upon it plummet toward the sea dozens of miles below. Joanna could hear the horrified screams from the Kan''Tanu citizens, but there was no time to feel sorry for those poor souls. She had her own to worry about.


    "BRACE!" Joanna roared as she stabbed her spear into the ground.


    The next moment, hundreds of the outer branches grazed the one they upied. Her heart lurched as she felt a surge of momentum as the branch bent over fifty meters instantly, only to shoot right back up after withstanding the collision. The wind swept through the district the next moment, its force just as devastating as a hurricane.


    Whole mansions were ripped into the sky, taking its hiding cultists with it. Gravel turned into deadly projectiles, but the shields formed with [Wargod''s Favor] absorbed most of their force. Joanna felt like organs were forcibly rearranged, but her feet were steadily nted to the ground. A few bloody streaks appeared on her body, but the rubble was the least of her worries.


    It was impossible to get a good look at their situation, but she knew hundreds of her men had been thrown off. She had no way to get them back at this moment, and she could only put her faith in their training. The soldiers sent to deal with the capitals were the best of the bunch, and everyone had various means of survival.


    The citybranch calmed down, and Joanna exhaled in relief upon seeing soldiers appear one after another, often using movement skills or lunging attacks. The few whocked such means used one of the [Roc Step Talismans] they''d been provided, creating small wings on their feet that let them step through the air and return. As for the others, it wasn''t over yet. The ocean below wasn''t safe, but falling into it was by no means a death sentence for a Late E-grade cultivator.


    "Send a rescue team to the trunk," Joanna said.


    "We still haven''t secured the docks," Tamira answered.


    "Deal with the leaders, then seal it," Joanna said, ncing toward the tree crown.


    A dark mist had already covered an area the size of a small town, but it couldn''t iste the sounds of fighting within. They actually sounded further away, which likely meant Zac and Rhubat had broken through the outer perimeter and were now fighting the World Lords. She desperately wanted to join him, to stand by his side and sweep his enemies aside.


    But she couldn''t.


    It was like the whole empire was like a beaste alive when its emperor returned. The Cmity Company had earned more Faction Merit in two weeks than any of their battlefronts earned in a month and a half. They were like an unstoppable juggernaut that gained more momentum with every victory.


    However, being faced with Zac''s monstrous power had turned into another tribtion for her Dao Heart. She''d always known he''d been desperately fighting and steadily progressing all this time, but the forces of the Atwood Empire hadn''t really seen him in action since the integration. At most, there had been a few short bursts of dominance, like when he quashed the Raun plot.


    Now, his presence increased on every battlefield, and it sometimes felt like there were no limits to the power contained within his body. She knew there was no pointparing herself to others, especially aberrations like her lord. She was on the right track as long as she was stronger than yesterday''s self.


    But it wasn''t easy. It felt like she was standing on the outside, looking at the chosen ones within. Like she wasn''t deemed worthy, disdained by the Heavens.


    "It shouldn''t be long before the prompt," Joanna sighed and put away themunicator.


    She pushed any errant thoughts aside, holding onto Zac''s words. There was always a chance so long as she held onto an indomitable heart. And the real opportunity was right around the corner. The Teleportation Hub was right ahead, and Joanna could feel the ripples of space from within. Every second, groups of Kan''Tanu flew out from therge structure atop oversized leaves, heading toward one of the dozen battlefronts spread across the ind-sized tree.


    She was just 100 merit short of finishing her quest, and someone with a bounty on their head was bound to guard that ce. She sent out a fewmands, and the wide line of soldiers began to gather as they closed in on the building. As expected, a regiment of over ten thousand elites was stationed outside, ready to defend their source of reinforcements with their lives.


    A woman over three meters tall stood at the front, arge red halberd in her hand. She radiated a dense aura of Hegemony, and there were already three red rivers and a swirl of leaves floating around her. It almost looked like she was an avatar of the demonic tree, but Joanna could feel the familiar aura of the curse from her.


    A perfect target to hone her skills.


    "I''ll deal with that one."


    After today, she''d find out if it was possible to seize fate.


    -------------n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I''ve just received an answer from Lord Kaldor," Petrus said. "He epts your proposal. Your duel has been postponed one day so that you can help conquer the satellite world."


    "Good," Zac said before turning to Joanna. "We set off the moment the ships are unfurled."


    "Of course," Joanna agreed. "I''ll arrange everything."


    "Thank you," Zac said. "I need to rest for a while. See if you can get a report on the situation with the Acheron Company before we set out."


    Joanna nodded, though they both knew it was just for Petrus'' benefit. Zac knew exactly the situation with the second Elite Army. They were waiting for the timer to run out before stepping onto their first hostile world, with his human half at the helm.


    Petrus left soon after, leaving Zac alone in a tower the previous World Lord had used as a cultivation chamber. It was a shame he managed to teleport off-world before they''d even broken through the final neutral battleground, but you couldn''t me the guy for seeing which way the wind blew. The Kan''Tanu leader must have been quite connected to get recalled instead of fighting to his death like most lords he''d encountered.


    Zac looked out at the sprawling city. The situation had already stabilized even if they hadn''t unfurled the Cosmic Vessels yet. Having a dozen of those things floating above a capital was a powerful deterrent to ensure no one had any ideas. The streets were empty of locals after they''d dered martialw, but his soldiers were searching every nook and cranny with practiced ease.


    Four weeks of non-stop campaigning had given his people ample experience dealing with the fallout of a sessful conquest. The elites had be collection agents, targeting the affluent neighborhoods with pinpoint precision. Each squad was allowed to keep some of their harvests before turning the rest over to the quartermasters. There would undoubtedly have been all-out brawls if not for strict orders and fear of being kicked off collection duty or the Cmity Company entirely.


    Zac had chosen the most pragmatic approach. As leader, he had ess to all kinds of features on the battlefronts, including tallies of individual and squad merit. Using the avable data, squads were assigned better looting locales the more they''d contributed to the campaign. It was another element ofpetition that spurred his soldiers to fight harder and push themselves even further.


    On one of thergest squares, a recruitment center was being set up, and his collection agents and peacekeepers were already spreading the word. When martialw was lifted, the natives of the capital could apply for citizenship. The bulk of the army would leave for the next campaign soon enough, but some would stay behind to collect the loot for another week.


    Over the past month, they had found a surprising number of talents without any Heart Curses in the world capitals. The prospects all had one thing inmon; they were connected one way or another, allowing them to get civilian assignments rather than bing warves. However, with their conquered and their backing killed, they feared what would happen when the foreign soldiers left and their old masters returned. The Kan''Tanu wasn''t especially known for their leniency toward failure.


    The Atwood Empire had already provided refuge to over a million who''d chosen to take a bet on a new life. There had been so many willing applicants, especially on the more mismanageds, that they could set up strict requirements on practical skills or affinity. They could have taken ten times more if they wanted, but they had to be pragmatic and only take on those who could be used in the war efforts.


    Zac turned back from the window, knowing his people could deal with the cleanup without him keeping watch. Instead, he sat down and went over the next couple of days. Almost four weeks had passed since the Cmity Company was formed, and this was their fourth sessful campaign.


    Most opposition had been crushed without breaking a sweat. Only the third one had put up some resistance. A Middle D-grade Remoulded had controlled the, and the general level of fortifications and soldiers was significantly higher. They still hadn''t encountered any of the Kan''Tanu''s true elites, though��the Reincarnators who had undergone two baptisms.


    The Remoulded had put up quite the fight, but he couldn''t ovee Zac''s overwhelm. Ultimately, he''d opted for mutual destruction by detonating his Heart Curse. Too bad for him that even the evolved curses failed to get a footing within Zac''s body. He''d looked at Zac with a mix of confusion and outrage just as the light left his eyes.


    It was also that conquest that had thrown Zac''s ns for a loop. Zac shook his head as he opened his status screen.


    [mebearer of Zecia (Campaign, Inheritance (1/?)): Lead your faction to conquer 9 Early D-grade worlds in the Zurbor Sector. Kill or capture one Sealbearer. Reward: Court Cycle Token. (8/9) (1/1)]


    Who could have expected that the Remoulded kept a sealbearer captive?

 Chapter 1105 - Keeping up Appearances

    No one among the Kan''Tanu seemed to have realized there was a sealbearer locked away on the, even if everyone with the rank of captain and above had standing orders to keep a lookout for the sigils in case they appeared on fallen elites. The World Lord was aware, though, and had kept her in a separate dungeon. As far as Zac could tell after going through his Spatial Rings, the Remoulded had kept her hidden in hopes of negotiating a private deal with some outsider faction.


    Zac only learned that factter, after she''d been freed and loudly announced her status out of fear of being left behind on the Kan''Tanu world. The Sealbearer was originally from the Zurbor Sector, though not part of the Kan''Tanu sect. There were still some unattached cultivators around, though mostly in remote and unimpressive regions, just like how most F-grade worlds weren''t even considered part of the factions they were ced within.


    Stormstar, as the sealbearer called herself, didn''te from one of these remote regions. Zurbor bordered the Eternal Storm just like Zecia, and the situation inside was not much different from the Million Gates Territory. If anything, it was more popted and chaotic since so many had chosen to flee the Kan''Tanu and their Heart Curses since the sect arrived in the sector six million years ago.


    The former pirate''s seal was the Hollow Court, and Zac still hadn''t decided what to do with her. Killing her to extract her seal was too ruthless, especially since she wasn''t part of the Kan''Tanu sect. But she wasn''t some saint, either. She''d taken advantage of the chaos brought by the intersector war to take her crew out of the Eternal Storm. She was an Early Hegemon, and her strength had let her ravage multiple E-grade worlds before being caught. For now, she was locked in a dungeon back on Earth, her Cosmic Energy and movements sealed.


    Having the trickiest part of the quest finished early was a relief, but it put him in a difficult spot. While this was only the fourth sessful campaign, it was the eighth D-grade world the Cmity Company had conquered. Three came from conquering neighborings, while one came from advancing a secondyer during their second campaign.


    They''d chosen to advance one moreyer after learning of a demonic tree that was considered a strategic resource. Zac normally wouldn''t have taken such a risk, but they''d gathered some intelligence indicating it wasn''t that heavily guarded. The''s poption was so small they only had one battlefront, and they mostly relied on the huge tree for protection. With therge amount of additional merit such a conquest could bring home, Zac had chosen to pull the trigger.


    And now, the Cmity Company wasn''t the only one out there fighting. He was originally due to head to Kavista in six hours, but the Acheron Company would take out a ninth world in twelve. If he had followed that n, he would''ve likelypleted his quest off-world, and there was no way Kator would let him return to Port Atwood without first turning in the quest.


    Zac was already cautious about returning to Kavista after the events in the Abyssal Pond, and producing the Court Cycle Token right in front of those people was a recipe for disaster. He had already confirmed that the quest progress was shared between his bodies, but he didn''t want to give any clear answer to how it worked to Kator. The less certain they were, the harder it would be to scheme against him.


    At the same time, not going likely meant losing ess to the Brightive Munitions and their main source of Death-attuned Cultivation Materials his undead soldiers relied on. After all, the resources he''d looted in the Twilight Harbor weren''t endless, and years had passed already. The War Machines, especially, were a huge factor in the elite armies'' lightning-quick campaigns, and they all used expendable capsules to fire. Capsules you had to purchase from the foundry.


    Thetter wasn''t a plot of the Undead Empire to keep him reliant on them. It was easier to build a D-grade War Machine that used a separate payload to fire, be it miasmic ives or fallingets. Putting everything inside the Array Tower would make it moreplex and often add longer charging times. Separating the functions also meant the foundry would get a repeat customer so long as their products were used, and many establishments made their real money through their after-service. His situation was the same with the zing Comet equipment they used, except for the suns.


    Luckily, he''d been given an out upon arriving on this world. There was a second D-grade just eight hours'' travel away. Zac had already indicated that the Acheron Company''s campaign was about to wrap up. So if they wanted to steer all the fate toward Arcaz, why not let him conquer a neighboring world before fate could be shared? The Undead Monarchs were obviously eager to see the next part of his mebearer quest, and no one was willing to take unnecessary risks with something as fickle as fate. Even Kator had given in, giving him an extra day.


    This way, Zac could turn in the quest on Earth and leave the token on his other body for safekeeping.


    Zac''smunication crystal eventually buzzed. He nced out the window and saw a fleet of sleek Cosmic Vessels closing in with extreme speed. Meanwhile, elite squads had already gathered outside the walls, ready to be beamed up. Zac grunted as he got to his feet and jumped out the window. One more world to conquer.


    Sixteen hourster, Zac stepped out from the battlefront array, worn but in otherwise good shape. The satellite world was weaker than the one they targeted, and Zac returned on a shuttle just two hours after the battle began. Petrus apanied him while most other elites were still wrapping things up on the Kan''Tanus.


    He''d arrived at the war camp formerly belonging to the Second Battalion. It had long since been redecorated, including newly made banners disying a unique weapon for the Cmity Company. A stream of messages weed his arrival, and he briefly scanned them as he made his way toward the Merit Exchange. The wartime quests needed to be handed in at the exchanges, and Petrus was there as a witness.


    Arge crowd of soldiers was gathered outside, but they opened a path upon seeing their arrival. They were all warriors of the Cmity Company, grizzled and covered in barely healed wounds. A few had returned just before Zac to get a day or two off, while others had been sent back during earlier battles to heal. They generally kept 20% of the Company on standby in case they needed reinforcements and to let people rest or break through.


    The soldiers, both living and undead, enthusiastically greeted Zac as he passed by. Most of his fights had been highly visible, and he''d taken on an almost legendary status among his soldiers after a few of his exploits. Apparently, there was even a lot of debate among his people about which of the two emperors was the strongest. Camps had been formed, especially between the Cmity- and Acheron Companies.


    Of course, only Zac knew the answer.


    His undead side was still stronger than his human one, even after he''d spent three weeks in seclusion with his human body to catch up. Most of that time had been spent absorbing Life-attuned energy to alleviate the imbnce. He''d already gained three levels by funneling everything into his Cosmic Core''s Life-attuned circuits, most of it from digesting Core-nourishing pills and using [Void Heart]. There was still a surplus of Death in his Cosmic Core and soul, but he needed to stop since the second elite army had been assembled.


    Zac only had time to finally deal with [Surging Vitality] before setting off. He''d originally nned on doing so while still in the Perennial Vastness, but he''d opted to wait until Hegemony. It was difficult to say whether he upgraded the skill or created a new one��he''d essentially scrapped the whole thing, with the new Skill Fractal only keeping a few core aspects. The new skill was called [Surging Rebirth] and was far stronger than its predecessor.


    The skill retained the ability to use Kill Energy for a powerful surge of recovery. It still used a whole lot of energy, but his branches of Life and Conflict could now boost the effect. More importantly, the skill could be activated while fighting without impacting hisbat ability. Essentially, it would sacrifice his progress with levels for increased survivability on the battlefield.


    He''d chosen this direction because of his [Undying Seal], the yet-upgraded healing skill of his Draugr form. Those seals had proven useful more than once in pitched battles, and the effect of [Surging Rebirth] should definitely be even better, considering it was more tuned to his Daos and a Peak-quality skill.


    The new recovery skill even had a more normal healing feature now. It wasn''t very impressive, but it was very energy-efficient and ran on either Cosmic or Divine Energy. It was the ability he''d use after a battle, letting him recover while using the umted Kill Energy on his Cosmic Core instead.


    "Let''s do this in the Faction Merit room," Zac said with a low voice, and the two headed into the room to the side.


    Inside, Petrus began setting up a series of recording arrays and what looked like a treasure that could analyze energy auras.


    "Just following orders," Petrus said with a helpless shrug upon seeing Zac look at him with a raised brow.


    "Well, get my good side," Zac muttered. "Ready?"


    Petrus nodded, and Zac ced his hand on the Exchange Crystal to infuse his will. There were no spatial ripples, but an oddly-shaped box covered in familiar runes appeared by his hand. The box was made fromcquered wood and shaped like a crystal, having a total of ten sides.


    Each side had a singr rune, one for each of the lower courts, while the seal for the Left Imperial Pce was situated above the sp. Zac briefly showcased the box for the recorder before opening it and found a small nine-sided token within. In contrast to the box, this one was made of an unknown lc metal and waspletely nk.


    "No energy fluctuations and no impartments," Zac narrated as he turned the token over, not bothering to hide the disappointment. "It resists Mental Energy and Miasma. It seems to have no apparent use at this junction."


    "May I?" Petrus asked, and Zac handed it over.


    "How odd," Petrus said after a while. "The box appears more valuable than its content."


    "Its use might not be apparent untilter," Zac shrugged and stowed the token.


    "This thing," Petrus hesitated.


    "Will be with me for safekeeping," Zac expressionlessly said. "Don''t want to mess with fate by sending it somewhere it doesn''t belong."


    Petrus slowly nodded, not pushing the matter further. Zac was inwardly relieved since there was no way he was handing it over. If the overseer had taken a hard stance, Zac would have been forced to take some unfortunate steps. With that part of the way, Zac continued to the next step.


    "I have already received a second quest."


    [mebearer of Zecia (Campaign, Inheritance (2/?)): umte 500,000 Merit through Fated mebearer Campaign Missions within your faction. Conquer one Middle D-grade end node. Reward: Lesser Enlightenment. (0/500,000)(0/1)]


    "The reward is simr to other sealbearers this time around," Zacmented.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    He''d made rapid progress on his quest, but his followers had three months headstart. More than half his Sealbearers had already finished their first quest, and while their second tasks were different, the reward was the same. They all stood to gain an additional burst of epiphanies, though Zac doubted it meant they''d get a piece of the seal.


    Considering it said "Lesser Enlightenment," it seemed more likely that the System had extracted some of Ultom''s truths and awarded diluted versions. Zac guessed it''d be somewhere between hiske water and the real deal.


    A few non-seal bearers had also finished their tasks, but their reward for the second one was quite different��ess to a personalized trial. Zac couldn''t be certain, but he believed there was a small chance of obtaining the first piece of an outer court seal in those trials. There was no way it could be a guarantee unless millions of outer court seals were in cirction. At least, Zac hoped that was the case since the alternative would be extremely high mortality rates. Joanna was already firing at all cylinders, desperately working to gain ess and seize the opportunity that awaited her.


    500,000 individual Merit was a lot, but Zac felt it wasn''t that big a deal even if his previously rued merit wasn''t counted. He''d started out with 125,000 in both bodies, which wasn''t even enough to put him at the top of the local list. In other words, the strongest Early D-grade cultivators had generated over 40,000 Merit a month since the war started.


    It was more than the 26,000 Merit Zac had earned as Arcaz Umbri''Zi over the past month, but Zac knew that tally wasn''t his limit. He could have gotten even more if he''d removed all the leaders himself, but Joanna and his other elites needed those fights for their quests and the experience. Both he and his soldiers were getting stronger, and they would gradually target tougher enemies who were worth more merit.


    So long as the merit from both his bodies counted, he should be able to finish the task within half a year. It was a very tough deadline, but there was always the chance of running into more sealbearers. Capturing the pirate captain had added another 25,000 to his tally, almost doubling his monthly ie. A single mebearer would cover half the quest, though Zac highly doubted he''d stumble onto one.


    The second side mission wasn''t too bad either. Campaigns couldn''t be continued continuously. They would eventually end after a couple of battles in the Kan''Tanu sector. In Zecia, it usually meant reaching the main world of a multi-world faction. In cases of smaller factions like Zac''s, his enemy would be sent somewhere stronger at random after taking down Earth.


    With the Kan''Tanu, it normally meant reaching the main world of whatever branch of the organization you found yourself with. Taking out a weaker Middle D-grade world was by no means impossible, but Zac didn''t feel the Cmity Company was ready. Even a weaker Middle D-grade faction was bound to have dozens of Hegemons, even multiple Middle D-grade Hegemons if unlucky. It simply was too muchpared to the Cmity Company''s 4 Hegemons.


    Add to that stronger barriers and the higher average strength of their soldiers, and Zac would have to take significant losses to brute force a victory. However, the Cmity Company was in a period of rapid growth, and the number of Hegemons among his ranks would only increase. Quite a few people were right at the threshold, only needing that final push to begin forming their cores.


    "What do you think?" Petrus said as he turned off the


    "Well, I won''t have to change anything up to progress the quest,"


    "Your faction isn''t ready to conquer a Middle D-grade," Petrus said, echoing Zac''s thoughts. "I rmend petitioning for a group of Outer Elders to share the weight."


    "There''s no rush," Zac said. "We''re a young faction. Who knows how strong we''ll be in a year?"


    "I guess that''s true," Petrus nodded. "Are you heading to Kavista right now?"


    "I still have some time, so I''ll consolidate before going," Zac rejected. "Maybe I can squeeze out somest-minute insights."


    "Of course," Petrus said as he left. He stopped at the doorway, looking back with a rare smile. "Good luck with your duel. If you win, you''ll be a legend in the White Sky Phnx."


    "I''ll do my best," Zac waved.


    Zac left the exchange shortly after, teleporting to his cultivation cave. He spent the next hour stabilizing his mind before taking out a box. Simultaneously, on a distant in a different sector, Zac took out an identical one. Pavina''s warning had lingered in the back of his mind since returning, and he had wracked his brains on how to gain an edge on the overbearing Izh''Rak Reaver.


    It wasn''t like the duel with Kator was a battle to the death, and encountering someone who could push you to your limits and beyond was a rare opportunity. The sh might even let him refine his techniques, and the longer they fought, the greater the chance was that Zac would discover something.


    But the lower stakes didn''t mean he was ready to lose. He wanted to win, both for himself and for Boje. Thest-minute shopping spree at the Limited Exchange would hopefully create the opportunity he needed.

 Chapter 1106 - Purgatory

    Zac had scoured the endless list of treasures in the Limited Exchange every time he returned from a campaign. There were thousands of items that could improve his strength, but he needed something that could improve his odds of victory within the restrictions of the duel. That cut down his options drastically.


    For example, the Attribute Fruits would give him a cost-effective boost, but Kator''s attributes would match his. So while he''d need to buy the fruits sooner orter, they currently served no purpose. The same was true for the [Early D-grade Tool Embryo Array] he''d spotted before. The battle wouldn''t depend on equipment quality, and he wouldn''t even use his [Ossuary Bulwark] when fighting the reaver.


    He also didn''t want to waste his merit on something he could aplish on his own before entering the Left Imperial Pce. For example, there were soul-strengthening treasures that would speed up the reformation of his [Thousand Lights Avatars], but he already had a Moss Crystal for that. And seeing how expensive soul-strengthening treasures were, the cost return wasn''t too good.


    Ultimately, Zac hadnded on the item within the boxes before him, and he''d even sprung for two of them. It was called [Wargod''s Sagacity] and was a form of epiphany treasure targeted atbat. It didn''t improve Daos, but using it was supposedly akin to fighting a thousand battles in an enlightened state, which was exactly what Zac needed right now. Better yet, the more life-and-death experience you had, the more effective the treasure would be. And few people Zac''s age trumped his experience in that regard.


    Upgrading his two mastery skills had been easy, but incorporating their teachings was another matter. There was no end to the variations hidden within the D-grade trajectories, and he''d only reached initial sess after a month of effort. The realization was initially exciting since it meant there was still a lot of room for improvement to his techniques that didn''t rely on upgrading his Daos. However, time was a resource he desperatelycked.


    The E-grade skills had taken him a couple of months to push to Peak Mastery and incorporate into his technique, but Zac felt the D-grade versions would take at least ten times that long. As things stood, he''d have to spend a couple of years on [Axe Mastery] and [Armament Mastery] before the fundamental teachings could be considered fully infused into his two stances.


    A few years was nothing for a Hegemon who counted their lifespan in millennia, but he had the trial right around the corner. The goal was still to enter Middle Hegemony in a year or so, at which point he should be focusing on the Middle D-grade teachings of the Mastery Skills already. He''d have to rely on some outside assistance if he wanted his techniques to reach their limits before entering the Left Imperial Pce.


    Zac also hoped that [Wargod''s Sagacity] would let him find other ways to refine his techniques. He''d worked hard for decades, methodically building and rebuilding his stances from the ground up. But his stances were ultimately created by an E-grade cultivator with a limited understanding of the Dao andbat. Small weaknesses were bound to be hidden within what felt perfect to him.


    It was also a while since he''d had a real spark of inspiration regarding his techniques. Thest time was inside the Gates of Reincarnation, but that experience was built on the foundations of his arduous work. His techniques had never benefitted from the rare enlightened state that birthed his [Void Vajra Sublimation] or [Pir of Destion]. Zac wasn''t sure if these treasures were enough to bring such benefits, but they cost 65,000 merit, and he''d gotten two. Even if they didn''t revolutionize his technique, they should save him years of effort.


    He moved to the death-attuned half of his cave while his human half sealed himself in a cultivation chamber at the heart of the recently conquered Kan''Tanu world. There was still a bloody atmosphere in the capital after the fierce battle, and it was as though the whole region had temporarily be attuned to the Dao of Conflict��perfect for pondering on his techniques.


    When everything was in ce, both bodies opened their boxes, exposing the treasure within. Zac wasn''t sure whether [Wargod''s Sagacity] was a Natural Treasure or something manufactured. It wasn''t a physical object but a shimmering rune held in ce by a small array within the box. A Natural Treasure seemed more likely since it didn''t look like a fractal based on the Apostate of Order. It was more closely rted to the preceding primordial patterns he''d seen on the Stele of Conflict.


    Opening the box was enough to make the surroundings stir, and Zac''s hearts hammered like he was desperately fighting in the middle of a battlefield. The mysterious rune couldn''t stay exposed for too long, so Zac grabbed them with Mental Energy and pushed them against his foreheads.


    The effect was instantaneous.


    Zac felt as though he''d eaten multiple Berserking Treasures as the fires of war coursed through his veins. However, while normal treasures had asionally sent him into a state of grandiose delusions or bloodthirsty hunger, [Wargod''s Sagacity] brought unprecedented rity. The uncountable battles he''d fought through the years yed through his mind, and new clues and lessons were extracted from the memories.


    The runes soon reached his Soul Aperture, stopping right between the two Soul Spirals. They were like radiant suns, showering his mind with the secrets of battle. Another one who got a front-row seat was the Apparition for his Branch of the War Axe. It was like treasures and miniature Zac formed a feedback loop, and the avatar began swinging his shifting axe.


    Zac couldn''t sit still either, and axes appeared in his hands as he began his destructive dance. The Miasmic mists swirled in the Death-attuned half of his Cultivation cave as Zac activated [Armament Mastery]. The trajectories and impartments merged with the endless stream of memories before being woven into the Inexorable Stance.


    Chains, feet, and axe moved perfectly in sync with the almost dizzying number of lines that showcased the thousands of options a warrior had at every moment. Tempo, angle, strength, and speed. sh, grab, kick, or reposition�� everything could be adjusted to birth endless permutations. Adding the truths of the Cosmos into your swings would let you resonate with the Heavens and borrow some of its power.


    But fusing theoretical knowledge and the Dao into a technique wasn''t as simple as infusing a skill with the Dao. It required a far deeper understanding of how your Dao affected the universe and yourself. The Dao wasn''t something as tangible as the Attuned Mental Energy or even the Avatars floating in his mind. The Avatars were just hisprehension expressed in a way that made sense to his brain, thought made real.


    The Daos were the truths that made up the fabric of reality. You could see hints of it in everything, even the mundane. Even the "unattuned" theories of the Mastery Skills were based on a wide array of Daos��under the Heavens, there wasn''t really anything that could be seen as truly unattuned. Except for himself, perhaps.


    Integration meant stripping the mottled truths of basic existence and recing them with your own Daos. You became an expression of your path, focused and free from distracting Daos that restricted your movements. When every action fully resonated with your Daos, you would have reached the peak of the Integration Stage. Of course, a Dao Branch wasn''t profound enough to fully carry aprehensive technique.


    His Draugr form smoothly entered a Void State, turning him into a dry sponge soaking up the truthsid bare before him. His human side faced some resistance, but he pushed down the difort and let Death spread through his body. Meanwhile, the rattling of chains echoed through the sealed chamber in the Kan''Tanu world. It wasn''t Alea, but rather [Chainbox Two], a spare armament he''d picked up years ago.


    It wasn''t often that Zac released Death in his human form, considering it didn''t bring anything to the table for his ss or the Evolutionary Stance. But there wasn''t anything physically stopping him, especially now that his awakened Draugr Bloodline had drastically improved his resistance to any opposing Daos.


    Still, there was a slight discrepancy between his two bodies for the first couple of minutes, like two instruments lightly out of tune. But their movements converged until their movementsmunicated the same thoughts and concepts. Surrounding his human form was a second set of trajectories generated with [Axe Mastery], doubling the number of lessons he incorporated into his Inexorable Stance.


    Zac fought through his experiences, bloody struggles against everything from hordes of beasts to powerful adversaries who pushed him beyond his limits. Every swing was slightly more refined than the one before it, and the mountains of information he''d tried to digest over the past month no longer felt so overwhelming. But a frown appeared on his faces as the endless battles reyed in his mind.


    Each fight had been an important lesson that made him stronger, but having thousands of them superimpose into a broader picture gave him an upsetting sense of premonition. Something was missing.


    The more he filled in the nks using experience and the light of [Wargod''s Sagacity], the more he felt his techniques weren''t at the standard they could be. It wasn''t like they had huge defects for their grade, but that they were akin to something like a Middle- to High Quality Technique rather than something at the limits of what was possible. Zac briefly hesitated before rattling chains were reced by creaking vines in the Kan''Tanu chamber.


    After reaching perfect sync, Zac''s bodies diverged, with human Zac moving from Death to Life. Meanwhile, Draugr Zac mirrored the journey, fighting his way from the deathly forest in his cave toward the threshold of Life and Death. It was an intentionally slow and measured transition to let him feel the shift it brought. After a few minutes, he''d fully entered the Evolutionary Stance with his human body.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Using both stances to their fullest simultaneously was normally very difficult, even when his bodies were separated, but the still-glowing runes let him aplish it without a hitch. His bodies were moving independently, each following its own concepts and Daos. But as time passed and his understanding broadened, Zac felt his swings sync up again.


    Their movements weren''t identical this time, but it was more like they were partners locked in an intense battle between Life and Death. Or perhaps it was more urate to say they had formed a symbiotic connection where their actions depended on the other.


    When one advanced, the other stepped back. When one moved left, the other moved right. One''s actionsplementing the other, forming one half of the whole. They pushed and elevated one another, and Zac felt how the speed at which he incorporated the lessons of his mastery skills more than doubled.


    However, no matter how hard he tried, Zac couldn''t perfectly line up his two stances. There was an unbridgeable gap between his techniques, and he was once more filled with that ufortable feeling of deficiency. This time, it wasn''t only the Inexorable Stance that created the feeling; it was both of them. And he could tell that it wasn''t a problem that could be fixed by fully integrating his two mastery skills.


    It wasn''t hard to understand what was missing. A technique only using two Daos of his trinity path could never be considered whole.


    Zac had been aware of this issue for years, but he figured it was something he could fix further down the road, when the two sides of his path became one. However, Zac vaguely sensed that wasn''t an option, or at least not an optimal one. He hadn''t evene close to hitting the ceiling of his current stances, but he felt they risked bing wed the longer he waited. He didn''t want to rebuild from the ground up, like when he was forced to spend years reworking his stances in the Orom World.


    Fixing the issue was easier said than done��no one knew better than him just how difficult it was to fuse Life and Death into a working whole. Chaos was the gatekeeper that barred progression on this broken peak, a paradox that required the Grand Dao beforeprehending its subsidiaryponents. However, Zac had already found a workaround.


    He believed the solution hid within the light of [Wargod''s Sagacity]. Vague connections formed between his technique and other parts of his cultivation system, but the radiance was already fading. The impression grew blurry and distant, but Zac barely grasped a few clues just as the flickering runes in his Soul Aperture winked out.


    The answer was within the Void.


    Zac didn''t move for a while, slowly digesting the experience as his mind returned to normal. He could tell that he''d mostly incorporated the insights of the mastery skills. He''d need a month or two to fully consolidate everything on the battlefield, but it wouldn''t take up much of his time. It was hard to tell with techniques, but Zac believed his stances had be roughly fifteen percent stronger and more flexible.


    Such a boost would be a huge help in the uing duel, yet it didn''t feel like the biggest gain of the day. The insight at the end was the real prize, even if it had yet to be concrete. Sometimes, you needed a spark of inspiration to broaden your vision and begin the process of growth. It turned an abstract dream or aspiration into a goal that could be pursued.


    Zac took a steadying breath as he slowly opened his eyes. It felt like he''d been in an enlightened state for months, but a mental check indicated he''d only been swinging his axe for five hours. That meant there was still some time before he needed to leave for Kavista. He let his Draugr half continue digesting the inspiration while his human side emerged from the former World Lord''s cultivation chambers.


    He found Vri waiting outside, having taken up a position as Dao Guardian.


    "How''s the situation?" Zac asked.


    "Still stable," Vri said. "One of the Kan''Tanu armies returned from their battlefront, but they''re on the other side of the. They dispersed upon returning, so we didn''t bother with them. We''re not heading that far for resources anyhow."


    Zac nodded. Usually, the armies of conquereds hid within the neutral battlefronts as long as possible. Who''d want to return only to be ughtered? The neutral ground at least provided a chance of survival since the conquerors couldn''t enter the other battlefronts. The conquerors could settle in, continue to the next world, or return home. In other words, two out of three options would let the hiding armies return home after a few weeks.


    "Are you okay? Your soul seems agitated," Vri asked with worry after seeing Zac''s distracted state.


    "It''s nothing," Zac smiled. "I just ate a treasure of enlightenment."


    "Are you confident?"


    Vri was one of his closest confidantes, so she already knew everything about the situation with the Undead Empire and the uing duel.


    "I made some progress, but I don''t know if it''s enough," Zac sighed. "I''ve only managed to gather rumors rather than hard intelligence. But there''s a reason Kator''s holding the top spot on the Middle D-gradedder. He''s a tough opponent."


    "Be careful," Vri said. "Winning or losing ultimately doesn''t matter. It''s just a small stop on your path. The real danger is the hidden threats of the Undead Empire. Commandments or not, there are bound to be conflicting goals and deep undercurrents."


    "I know. I''ll be careful," Zac smiled. "I need to head back for a bit. Can you deal with everything here?"


    "Of course. Do we need to dy the next campaign?"


    "No," Zac rejected. "I''ll only be a couple of hours. I probably won''t fight in the neutral battlefronts, though. I need to put all my attention on my other body."


    "Focus on your matters, and don''t worry about us," Vri said. "We''ve worked hard so that you don''t have to carry the whole burden alone."


    Zac said his goodbyes before shing away, using [Earthstrider] to head to the Battlefront Array. It had taken his army an hour to cross the distance, but it only took Zac ten minutes before he appeared back on Earth. Soon after, he stood before his Draugr half, who handed over the box with the Court Cycle Token without opening his eyes.


    Zac took it and left the cave, teleporting to a deste ind. In contrast to many of the inds in his archipgo, this one had extremely sparse energy. It was right on a fault line between two Nexus Veins, which meant all the energy was directed to neighboring inds. Yet, the ind wasn''t empty. A huge, forbidding structure took up most of its surface.


    The Imperial Prison.


    His unannounced visit caused a small stir, and hurried steps echoed on the stone floor before Zac spotted a familiar face. It was Julia Lombard, the former member of the New World Government and current Minister of Justice of the Atwood Empire.


    "Emperor Atwood, we didn''t expect to see you today," Julia said with a small bow.


    "You''re here?" Zac said with surprise.


    "It''s an important facility of the Ministry of Justice. I work from here one to two days a week," Julia exined. "Either case, wee to Purgatory."


    "Purgatory?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    "That''s what the prisoners call it," Julia said. "We just keep digging deeper as the need for more and stronger cells is endless. They say we''re halfway to hell by now."


    "Hopefully, we''ll be able to close down some of those floors one day," Zac sighed. "How''s the situation?"


    "It''s stable. The prisoners are too drained to do much of anything," Julia said. "Are you here for an inspection?"


    "No," Zac said with a shake of his head. "I''m here to see the special prisoner. Stormstar."

 Chapter 1107 - Chosen

    Suddenly, there was a break in the monotony, and Stormstar opened her eyes upon hearing a nk in the distance. Did they think a short stint of solitude would make her dance to their tune? These filthy-rich strangers were really newly integrated rubes. She was born from the stars, ustomed to the vast silence. Let alone sitting around for a couple of days. She could do a year standing on her head if need be.


    Of course, she would have preferred a better environment than a prison made from Sinkstone. The ceilings, the walls��everything acted like a natural sponge, stealing any energy before it reached her. Well, almost all energy. The Sinkstones and Prison Arrays might work on these inexperienced natives, but how could the settlers of the Ragged Expanse not have some tricks up their sleeves?


    Every day came with the threat of running into anything from Kan''Tanu vers topeting vessels, and you better be ready for a desperate attempt at escape before they brought you to their bases. Her former crew could testify to that. The memory filled her heart with annoyance. It had taken her four decades to assemble her crew after assassinating her old captain andmandeering her ship. All that hard work down the drain.


    Not that it mattered now. She had been chosen for greatness, bing a Skybreaker of Ultom and shedding her old life. Who cared about being locked in a dungeon? If anything, they were wee to leave her down here. The mortal food they provided to rece Cosmic Energy was decent enough, and they seemed to be far from any of the crazy cultists that had hounded her nightmares since she was old enough to have them. She would be more than happy to wait out the timer and let the inheritance whisk her away.


    But how could these people leave her to her own devices? They probably had no idea what the inheritance was, but a week should have been enough to make some inquiries. That prospect was cause for constant worry. Considering the gear these people were sporting, they probably had some good channels. Good enough for their inquiries to reach the mighty figures hiding in the shadows.


    Stormstar didn''t know whether she wanted to be discovered or not. It would be nice to grab onto a nice juicy thigh and enjoy the benefits being ackey brought, but she knew she wasn''t even dirt in the eyes of those lords. Who knew, there might even be ways for them to snatch her opportunity, then where would she be? No, better stick to what she knew; stake it out on her own, and fish in the muddy waters.


    So she needed to make her move before these people tried to copy the idea of her previous captor.


    Stormstar kept her face impassive, but she was ready to strike the moment the door opened. It had taken over a month of effort, but she had finally managed to umte enough energy for, well, something. The Kan''Tanu lord was too worried about his scheme being exposed that he couldn''t properly contain her in their real dungeons, and these guys seemed to think sealing a Hegemon''s Cosmic Core was enough. Had they forgotten they''d all stored energy through their bodies until reaching the D-grade? Only fools wouldn''t have backup reservoirs hidden somewhere in their bodies.


    The steps drew closer, and she slowly ced her wrist against the small spike she''d managed to form. Shattering the bracelet would probably cost her a hand, but the [Stormfiend Codex] would let her regrow it in a year or so. The reinforced door opened, and a stranger walked inside.


    The stranger was a man of great contrasts. He had one of the most impressive physiques she''d ever seen, with well-defined muscles that gave off a refreshing aura. He should be a Body Cultivator just like herself. Too bad his appearance was average at best. Even worse was the tell-taleck of spirituality in his eyes and features. Even if he exuded a decently strong aura, his future was bound to be limited.


    What a waste. Even with a slightly Dao-touched face, he''d be able to make a name for himself as a kept consort of the Pirate Empress or on one of the pleasure ships of the Seven Secrets Carnival.


    Stormstar tried to look confused and scared, but she inwardly sneered when this neer failed to close the door behind him��big mistake.


    "Stormstar, I presume?" the man said as he took out a chair and sat down. Strike two.


    "Who''re you? The custodian?"


    "I guess you could say I''m the big boss," he said. "You can call me Zac."


    "Big boss?" Stormstarughed. "Don''t let that scary ck-eyed zombie hear that."


    The man only smiled at the taunt. "I hear you''ve been chosen for an opportunity.


    "That''s true, that''s true," Stormstar eagerly nodded. "A sage came to me in my dreams and said we have great fate. He imparted me with an ancient seal, exining it was the key to a great opportunity. I''m sure you''ve heard of the powerful outsiders by now. They''re here for the opportunity my senior is guarding."


    "Someone visited your dreams?" the man said with a raised brow.


    "I know it sounds corny, but it''s true," Stormstar lied. "He said he''d return soon again. I can request an additional slot in exchange for freedom and some resources. Hell, I''ll even ask to bring your friend over there if it gets me out of this ce."


    "Who are you��" the man said and turned around.


    Strike three.


    Stormstar exploded into action, lunging for her target while unleashing everything she''d stockpiled. There was no thought of conserving energy. This bastard had multiple Spatial Rings on his hands; there were bound to be crystals and pills to replenish her stockpiles.


    A gory explosion shook the cell when she ripped off her sealed hand. It didn''t even slow her down. She had be the storm, and the winds that had been sealed in her blood flooded her remaining hand. It all gathered into a lethal de aimed at her target''s neck.


    The world shifted, and Stormstar almost felt like her soul had been knocked out of her body when her face crashed into the ground with enough force to crack her jaw and knock out a few teeth. She couldn''t understand what had just happened. One moment, he''d been turned away. The next, her head was in his hand, crashing toward the ground.


    However, the pain was nothing when faced with the horror of the aura suddenly filled the room. She''d thought the Remoulded was scary, but it was simply a joke in the face of the roaring killing intent released from the stranger''s body. It felt like she was staring up at an actual Primordial Fiendgod, the mythological creature that was the source of inspiration for her Body Tempering Manual.


    The whole prison seemed to quake when faced with the brutality of his aura. How could this level of oppressione from amoner like this? Stormstar doubted that even the feared Reincarnators could reach this level.


    She couldn''t move; she couldn''t breathe. She''d named herself after the mysterious wind-attuned star where she''d chanced upon the Seal of the Hollow Court. Now, he was the storm while she was the candle at the precipice of being snuffed out.


    "Decent try. I was wondering if you''d dare make a move."


    "Mercy! I submit," she croaked, looking as pitiful as possible as she peered up from the ground. "I''ll do anything! Please, spare me!"


    There wasn''t even a trickle of blood. It was a relief now that things hade to this, but it still filled her with irreconciliation.


    The pressure subsided, but Stormstar didn''t dare move so much as a finger. First and foremost, she was a survivor. She was only 90 years old, but she knew when to advance and when to back down. It was the whole reason she''d managed to be a captain at such young age.


    "Enough nonsense with the sages and dreams. You should recognize this rune, right?" the man said, and Stormstar''s heart sank even further upon seeing the box in his hand.


    It was there, the mysterious rune that had given her a new lease of life. However, it was only one of many; hers wasn''t even in the prime position. It proved she might not be as fated as she''d thought, or that the opportunity was as simple as she initially believed.


    Stormstar inwardly grumbled. Why did this in-looking bastard have to pretend to be the sheep? She had bet the ship that he was a rube, only to find out he knew even more than her.


    The box opened, disying a nk piece of metal within. It didn''t look like much, not nearly as attention-grabbing as the brutal axe that appeared in the man''s hand. The killing intent leaking from its gleaming edge made Stormstar''s hair stand on end. She couldn''t imagine the number of lives it had reaped to gain such a brutal aura. At least she''d have somepany in the afterlife.


    No! She was chosen, picked by the ancient inheritance that had driven everyone crazy. She wasn''t fated to die in some cage. She wracked her brain to remember that feeling from before, to disy some knowledge and showcase her value. But she wasing up woefully short. What in the stars was she supposed to do with a nk piece of metal?


    "Use your connection to the Hollow Court to activate this thing. If you fail, we''ll have a different sort of conversation."


    ------------------


    The oppressive atmosphere of the Imperial Prison lingered in Zac''s heart as he teleported back to Port Atwood. It was his first visit, and seeing just how many high-risk prisoners they''d umted over the years was sobering. Especially so considering how cheap life was in the Multiverse, where many who would be imprisoned before were simply killed on the spot or executedter.


    The fall of civilization during the Integration had led to a drastic loss of order, where scum like Roger saw their chance to live out their twisted ambitions. The situation had gradually improved since, but the war had set them back by a depressing degree. The main cities were all quite safe, but the same couldn''t be said for smaller and remote settlements. Those strong enough to be peacekeeping guards in this era had been sent to the frontlines, exposing the home front to society''s dark underbelly.


    There were even problems within his army. Infighting and killing for resources were all-toomon, and some soldiers had acted like beasts on the conquered worlds.


    Unfortunately, his meeting with Stormstar hadn''t given him anything to improve his mood. They''d known from the beginning that she had an emergency stockpile, and he''d wanted to see what she would do with it. Unfortunately, she chose to ambush him the second he showed a small opening, dispelling any thoughts of recruiting her to his faction.


    His experiment didn''t fare any better. Zac sighed as he gazed down at the Court Cycle Token in his hand, properly inspecting it again. No matter how he looked at the quest reward, it was the same as before. Zac would have mistaken it for something crafted with mortal materials if not for the fact the small token weighed as much as a boulder and was utterly impossible to bend or scratch.


    He''d hoped the token would react upon encountering a sealbearer, but there hadn''t been any response. The pirate had been so desperate to follow his request she''d actually tried to force it into her forehead when all else failed, creating a crack in her skull before Zac could stop her. Yet nothing she''d done had elicited any response. Zac still had no idea what the token''s purpose was. They''d already confirmed with the arrays that Stormstar really was a sealbearer, so that wasn''t the issue either.


    Zac had eventually been forced to give up. Of course, he hadn''t killed her and only told her toe up with the solution before the next time he visited��a small payback for trying to lob off his head. In reality, he wasn''t sure what to do about the pirate-turned-raider.


    Stormstar had spouted nonsense since he entered the cell and pounced when she saw an opening��not exactly someone you could trust your back to inside the trial. Perhaps it was better to move the iplete seal to one of his own. Ogras stillcked one piece toplete his, but perhaps it was better for sealbearers to follow the quest chain. If nothing else, it came with additional bursts of enlightenment. He also needed a second Skybreaker if he nned to form two cycles before the inheritance began.


    Then again, Stormstar had been chosen by the seal, meaning she had some sort of affinity with the outer court. Zac strongly suspected that the natural sealbearers would have an advantage over those who stole the opportunities from the hands of others. There was also the option of selling her to the Undead Empire. A sealbearer of the Hollow Court was an extremely valuable asset to the mission, and he''d be able to trade a whole lot of resources for her seal.


    In either case, Zac wasn''t in a hurry to decide. More than a dozenyers of protection were hidden across the ind. There was even a huge array installed underwater, which could seal off the whole region. Even a Late Hegemon would have a hard time breaking in or out of Purgatory before reinforcements arrived. Stormstar wasn''t going anywhere, even if her gambit had worked.


    Zac was more concerned about the Court Cycle Token and felt it too early to throw it into some corner of his Spatial Ring until the trial started. It was possible the captive wasn''t considered part of his cycle, which could have prevented the token from doing something. And as luck would have it, he had a backup guinea pig to test this theory on.


    It was time to visit Jaol, his resident Technocrat navigator.


    Jaol had stayed on Earth since he and Zac came to an agreement where he''d help rece Jaol''s bionic body parts with ones of flesh. He was even part of the army, though he had not officially registered for the war. With multiple technocratponents installed throughout his body, Zac and the officials aware of Jaol''s situation hesitated to integrate him into a battalion.


    It was no secret what the System thought of the Technocrats, or rather the Selvari Empire. Zac wouldn''t be surprised if the System arranged deadlier opponents if it found Technocrats hiding within an army. Besides, it wasn''t like the navigator would be much use on the battlefield.


    Jaol had been attached to the Atwood Army Research Department, located in a newly built annex of his academy. The Research Department had already surpassed the academy in size and continuously expanded along the ind''s eastern shores. Most of his talented academics and craftsmen had been transferred over, ranging from the old schrs of the Technocrat Research Base to the Ishiate Tinkerers.


    The department also consumed more money and resources than even his elite armies. It was a necessary expenditure. The Research Department worked on hundreds of projects to strengthen his armies and decrease his dependence on outside resources. The sooner his Empire could produce D-grade equipment, pills, and War Machines in-house, the better.


    Jaol fit much better in that environment and was currently helping with projects for the Atwood Navy. Most of his knowledge of navigation and spaceflight couldn''t be directly tranted into something suitable for a faction reliant on orthodox cultivation, but some things could. He''d already created a few gadgets that were installed on the Atwood Empire''s Creator Vessels, adding handy features.


    He''d also made a few improvements to the adapters that let old earth technology and Arraysmunicate, continuing the work Kenzie had begun. It was only a limited research direction, set up for convenience''s sake. For example, letting citizens usemon old-world home appliances and having Gathering Arrays convert excess energy into electricity.


    It wasn''t like the Multiversecked the type ofmodities that Old Earth possessed. They generally ran on ambient Cosmic Energy, which meant limitless clean energy. However, a young faction like the Atwood Empirecked the infrastructure, be it factories or inscribers, to produce all these daily necessities. It was easier to repurpose the old manufacturing during a transitionary period, and it wouldn''t attract the System''s ire so long as the technologycked any form of spirituality.


    Zac found the navigator in a restricted workshop in front of multiplerge monitors that presented rows of data with dizzying speed.


    "Did you bring the��" Jaol mumbled as the door slid open, but the words caught in his throat upon realizing it wasn''t some assistant that had returned. "What are you doing here?"


    "Just passing by," Zac said, throwing over the metal token. "Hey, have you seen something like this before? Is it something of your kin?"


    "Hmm, it resembles an alloy, but it''s not. If anything, it feels ancient," Jaol muttered as his bionic eyes whirred. "Wait, wha��!"


    A streak of light had been dragged out of Jaol''s body and entered the token. The shocked navigator threw away the token as though it was scalding, but Zac was ready to catch it. Finally, there was a change. A small rune of the Farsee Court had appeared on one of the sides, seemingly engraved. Better yet, it released a weak aura. It was just a whisper, but Zac would be able to recognize it anywhere.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The aura of Ultom.

 Chapter 1108 - Restoration

    As Zac expected, he needed to have his sealbearers infuse the token to officially form a cycle. It also confirmed that you needed to have a real link to the sealbearer since the process was automatic for Jaol and impossible for Stormstar. In other words, Zac couldn''t go around pping random sealbearers with the token to fill up on cycles.


    The situation also gave some possible answers to his other Ultom-rted quest, One By Nine.


    [One by Nine (Unique, Inheritance): Form a full cycle of Sealbearers. Reward: Entry to the Left Imperial Pce (9/9) COMPLETE. [1148 days] [NOTE: Multiple cycles can be formed.]


    The quest had been listed asplete for a while, yet it was impossible to turn in. Perhaps that would change when he filled in the whole token, at which point it would be a key. Who knew? There might even be follow-up quests waiting for him.


    Confirming if that were true was easier said than done. His progress might say 9/9, but he currentlycked ess to three of the outer courts. Ogras would be gone for a while, and there was no telling when or if Kruta would arrive. Finally, there was the issue of the Daedalian Court, where Zac still wasn''t sure who counted as part of his cycle. It should be either Ventus or Catheya, neither of whom was close at hand.


    Most interesting was the weak aura of Ultom the token exuded. It wasn''t close to the levels of the epiphany and even far inferior to theke water. However, it didn''t dissipate or weaken. The rune of the Farsee Court released a steady stream of crystallizedprehension. He might be able to use the token as a cultivation-assisting treasure, simr to Yrial''s Statue or the [Mind''s Eye Agate] he lost a while back.


    It wasn''t enough to do much of anything right now, but what if he filled up the cycle? Or even multiple cycles?


    "How do you feel?" Zac asked as he carefully stowed the token.


    "How do I feel?" Jaol swore, his face a mask of fear and suspicion. "Bastard, what did you do? What was that thing?"


    "What''s with that look? I just officially added you to my group for the uing inheritance. How could that hurt you?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "Then why did you pretend like it was a technocrat disk?" Jaol countered.


    "Did anything change for you?" Zac asked, studiously ignoring Jaol''s question. "Any prompts, new quests? Any energy entering your body?"


    Truth be told, Zac had no idea what the token would do. Even now, he just had working theories that could easily be proven incorrect. His biggest fear was that the token would extract the seals altogether. That was why he''d started with Stormstar and continued to Jaol. Better their seals disappear than someone like Vri. Ultimately, Jaol wasn''t one of his people but more like a reluctant ally.


    The Technocrat was contributing to his faction right now, but Jaol would undoubtedly sell Zac down the river if it meant getting back in the good graces of the Living AIs. Besides, while his fate had been thrown off-kilter after the events in Little Bean, it was undeniable that Jaol hade out ahead. Zac had already given him a fortune to get his new life started, and he was almost certain Jaol''s Karmic connection to him was the only reason he could be a sealbearer in the first ce.


    "Whatever," Jaol muttered as he deted under Zac''s even stare. "No, nothing. I didn''t feel anything from that mysterious light, and my quest still says I need two more pieces to finish my seal."


    "Alright," Zac nodded after confirming the situation by having Jaol share the quest. "I guess that''s it then. Let me know if anything changes."


    "I will, but don''t me me if your subordinates don''t forward my messages," Jaol asked, his eyes darting toward a metal door to the other side of the room. "Uh, is that the only reason you came here?"


    "I had some time, so I figured I''d check in," Zac shrugged as he nodded at the screen. "What''s that?"


    "This? I''m still working on modules that can better interpret the data your vessels provide," Jaol said. "The scanners of your ss��ehm��D-grade Vessels are surprisingly good, but most information is tooplex. Your navigators can''t make sense of it, so the ships limit what they share. Furthermore, your vessels are all military make, so they prioritize battle-rted readings."


    Zac was aware of the problem. Karunthel had warned him when the shipyard was upgraded. Some features ran in a simplified mode because theycked specialists like Jaol to take charge. Like with everything else, they were working around the clock to catch up, but they needed some stop-gap measures until then.


    "The things I''m working on are designed to sift through the discarded data and lessen the workload for your crews."


    "Lessen the workload in what way?"


    "Right now, I''m working on something that''d quickly let you determine the source of distant energy signatures. Right now, your ships only provide some low-priority general information unless the source is something like a Cosmic Vessel or array. But you use the Destroyers for resource extraction as much as their original purpose. This module will help your crew determine whether whatever your scanners pick upes from Natural Treasures,rge quantities of low-quality materials, or something else. At ater stage, it''ll be able to tell exactly what treasure it is and how much."


    "Without any AI or technology, right?" Zac asked while looking at the data with interest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The setup made Zac think of the tablets the ''Datamancers'' used back in the Mystic Realm, and he worried Jaol would try to sneak Selvari tech into his ships for one reason or another. Then again, Zac could vaguely tell something was different about the text on the screen. It almost felt like he was looking at an array, where his Ultom-awarded insight picked up on some patterns.


    "Of course," Jaol said. "I''m only using a screen since I''m more used to reading data this way. It''s a headache doing all this work without the assistance of the Digital World or a specialized Ai, though. You''re all living like barbarians."


    "You people wouldn''t be cowering in a remote corner of the Multiverse if the Technocrat way was so superior. There are arrays and spirits out there just asplex and powerful as your AIs. It''s just that your foundations are shallow in this regard," Zac countered. "But this is an interesting project. Let me know if you need anything to speed up the process."


    The Creator ships were top-of-the-line, but as Jaol said, they were specialist vessels. Adding extra features was a godsend since Zac doubted his upgrade quest would broaden his ship catalog that much. Until now, the Creators had only sold warships, likely by design from the quest that awarded the shipyard.


    The modules would help him chart his ster neighborhood, but they sounded especially useful for the war effort. The [Elite War Mapper] only showed where merit could be found, but it wasn''t always easy to tell which markings would lead to riches and which ones represented hidden experts or strategic resources of no value to the Atwood Empire. And the more efficiently they could extract any value from the enemys, the quicker they could move on to the next campaign.


    "I could use a couple of helpers. It doesn''t need to be skilledbor like the so-called Datamancers you sent over," Jaol said. "The prototype is working, but we need to build a database for the array topare energy signatures. The more data we''ve collected, the more precise the array''s estimates will be."


    A smile tugged at Zac''s lips at the thought of how technology and magic were ultimately the same. For so long, he''d thought there was something about the Dao of Technology that shed with the Heavens, but it was just an ancient grudge that scarcely anyone remembered the reason for any longer. The Supremacies of the Technocrat alliance must feel incredibly frustrated about the situation.


    "I''ll arrange something with our treasury. We have quite a bit of stuff lying around. You could try building something portable. Something the quartermasters of our armies could use while going through our loot."


    "That''s a good idea," Jaol eagerly nodded, his eyes darting to the door.


    "Alright, what''s on your mind?" Zac smiled. "What''s behind the door?


    "Ah, well," Jaol coughed. "Do you remember ourst discussion?"


    "I haven''t forgotten," Zac said. "Do you have everything ready?"


    "I do," Jaol said, eagerly walking to the door.


    It slid open, leading into arge warehouse lined with dozens of vats and special containers. It looked like a mad scientist''sboratory, and Zac looked at Jaol with a raised brow.


    "You''ve been busy."


    "I, ah, might have exaggerated your involvement in a ndestine project to get help with my search after I didn''t hear from you for a while," Jaol said, studiously looking away.


    "Fine, but no more," Zac snorted as he stepped inside. "You need this much?"


    "No, but you never know what turns out to be useful. I''ve collected all kinds of promising samples, and the war veritably flooded the markets. I''ve drawn out a series of branching schematics, depending on how well you think you can replicate these things."


    "You do realize I have my hands full? It''s all hands on deck, and I can''t spend my days analyzing all these bloodlines. You need to��" Zac said as he looked across the room full of samples, but he froze upon seeing a body floating in the inner corner. He shed over, his eyes wide with shock. "Where did you get this?"


    "What''s the matter?" Jaol asked after teaching up. "An old acquaintance?"


    "Something like that," Zac sighed. "An old enemy."


    It was actually Uvek Cartava, the leader of one of the four factions of the Research Base. The Cartava n had targeted his faction in a desperate attempt to escape the base, nearly resulting in disaster. Luckily, Zac had returned in time, foiling their attempt. Uvek was almost killed, but his followers had managed to fake the old man''s death at thest moment, narrowly escaping with a small group of civilians.


    The survivors of the Cartava n had escaped toward another fragment of the Research Base when things came crashing down, and that was thest he saw of them. He''d assumed they all died since they failed to show up on Memorysteel Mountain, either killed by Void Beasts, the Lunar n, or the realm''s copse. So it definitely wasn''t a face he''d expected to see today.


    "I''m not surprised," Jaol nodded. "I found this guy floating outside one of the locals with over a hundred nsmen around him. He''s from the Technocrat Research Base, right?"


    "What''s going on?"


    "Well, my search for strong bloodlines quickly led me to the survivors of the Subspace Station I heard was connected to this. When I learned that many research subjects tried to escape their prison by jumping through spatial anomalies, I tuned my scanning modules to look for corpses floating around space. Their weak signals are normally something your vessels will disregard unless the bodies are Hegemons or above. Only those people might have stuff worth looting.


    "When I made it look for E-grade bodies, quite a few popped up nearby. Mostly people who tried to escape at thest moment or were spat out when the realm exploded. I only found two bodies from before your world''s integration into the System."


    Zac was surprised to learn that people had been thrown out in his cosmic backyard. Everyone had waited for the Great Redeemer to descend, and his failure to do so was taken as proof that the path between Earth and Mystic Realm waspletely cut. Perhaps these people had been spat out before things reached that point, or perhaps the battle between the titans had forced Voridis A''Heliophos to flee, costing him his chance to find Earth before the Assimtion.


    "Do you know if they were alive when they appeared in the main dimension? Could there be survivors?" Zac asked.


    "Possible, but unlikely," Jaol said. "The spatial tears or the Void destroyed most bodies. Only the strongest would survive moving through dimensions. Even then, they''d have to appear on a or close enough to reach the atmosphere before dying of asphyxiation."


    Zac shook his head as he turned away from Uvek''s body. The Cartava n was truly pitiful. They''d been captured by the Tsarun n because of their eyes, and one suffering had reced another. Yet they''d held on for a chance at freedom. Yet now they were gone, and Uvek had once more be a research specimen.


    It made him wonder if it was rted to the Taboo Power held within their eyes. Levi tampered with the river of time twice. Could the cosmic bacsh be powerful enough to curse her whole n?


    "Do you want me to��" Jaol hesitated.


    "It doesn''t matter," Zac said with a shake of his head. "But I won''t be able to recreate the Temporal Bloodline in his eyes��I''ve already tried that for our Revenants. And like I said, I can''t spend too much time studying all these bloodlines."


    "Of course. I''ve thought of an alternative method that might be easier for you," Jaol said as he walked over to a table. "The problem is recreating the bloodlines themselves, right? What if, instead of creating new body parts from scratch, you create my genealogical makeup inside an existing organ? I''m a normal human, apart from my imnts, so it should be much easier. I''ve already extracted the essence of my blood."


    "So, an organ transnt without any rejection," Zac thoughtfully muttered. "Maybe. It would require very delicate control, and Creation Energy is notoriously hard to keep in line."


    "Any more delicate than recreating a foreign bloodline?"


    He had to admit; it was an interesting prospect, and not just for his deal with Jaol. If his idea worked, it might let Zac manufacture Corpselords without any downsides of rejection between body parts. Sure, using Creation Energy and Longevity absolutely wasn''t worth it formon Corpselords or even elites. But what about the Heaven''s Chosen he encountered?


    Zac could imagine the kind of powerful followers he''d be able to raise if he fused the strongest aspects of his strongest enemies into one body. He even had a lot of candidates in his Corpse Sack, considering how often he was forced to target the heads of his enemies to take them out in one go.


    The concept might even have uses beyond creating bodies and body parts. It could bebined with the techniques of [Cosmic Forge] to create perfect materials for his Spirit Tools. Verun, especially, could benefit from adding a Cosmic Cycle or two, but Zac needed to get everything just right to not damage its growth potential.


    Zac shelved the idea as he collected the data and samples Jaol had collected. He had way too much on his hands right now to add his crafting technique to the list. His weapons had already reached a state where they wouldn''t hold him back in the war or the Left Imperial Pce, which was good enough for now.


    "I''ll give it a try. Give me two months to look over the materials," Zac said.


    "No problem, take your time," Jaol quickly nodded. "A few months here or there won''t make any difference."


    "I''ll talk to youter," Zac said as he left the research center.


    Zac nced in the direction of hispound but shook his head and teleported to Pangea, where he briefly met with Rhuger. A second sigil was added to the token, and the aura it released grew stronger. Oddly enough, Rhuger didn''t seem to notice it, and neither did Janos or the others he visited one after the other.


    An hourter, Zac ran out of sealbearers on Earth. He found himself standing by the shores within hispound, looking out at the boundless sea. A storm rumbled in the distance, its dark clouds slowly creeping closer. The scene perfectly mirrored Zac''s thoughts. As the duel drew closer, his sense of apprehension became stronger.


    It wasn''t his Danger Sense warning him of a plot like in the Perennial Vastness, but rather an uncertainty from the depths of his heart. It wasn''t just the quest that had made him ask for an extension, but that nagging feeling. It wasn''t a fear of Kator but rather a worry over his mental state. Eight years of running rampant in the Perennial Vastness seemed to have created a w in his mentality, and he felt his very identity under threat.


    When the Incursion struck, he was a nobody, a lost boy in the woods struggling to survive. He''d always held onto that feeling of helplessness, even when his identity began to shift. Conquering the Azh''Rezak n, bing the strongest on Earth. Having his name spread far and wide across the sector and beyond. Mortal or not, he''d be a true Heaven''s Chosen and only advanced from there.


    It had be harder and harder to convince himself that he had to be careful, that the waters of the Multiverse were deeper than he could imagine, and Zac realized he''d been nurturing the arrogance of an elite. He''d heard the warnings, seen the signs. Kator was an absolute monster. Yet, in Zac''s heart of hearts, there had been a sense of superiority and conviction he''d pull ahead. Kator was ultimately only 90 years old, which wasn''t that different from himself. When restricted to the same level, how could he possibly lose?


    Now, he had started worrying about what would happen if he came up short. Would it damage his path, his convictions? The impervious mentality that had let him forge ahead despite all odds? Was his Dao Heart perhaps not as stable as he''de to believe?


    Zac shook his head and turned away from the advancing clouds. Investigating the token had been a wee distraction, but he couldn''t stall any longer. Only by facing the doubts in his heart could he quash them before they turned into Heart Demons corroding his Dao.


    He had done what he could, and it was time to test his axe against Kator''s mace.

 Chapter 1109 - Duel

    The soothing caress of Death was the same when Zac stepped onto Kavista''s soil. The war seemed so distant within the tranquil courtyard. His appearance was expected this time, and Zac didn''t even have time to address the guards before his surroundings twisted. When his vision stabilized, Zac found himself standing in the familiar meeting room, surrounded by the usual suspects.


    "Hello again," Zac nodded calmly, but he felt slightly nervous upon being stared down by the Monarchs this time. It felt as though there was a vague threat lingering in the air. Perhaps the feeling was triggered by paranoia after Tavza''s warningst time. Perhaps it was triggered by the unease that had gued him the past days.


    Of course, there was a chance his high Luck let him pick up on a real plot against his life. But if that were the case, it was much weaker than when he''d been targeted by Valsa of the First Heaven. Hopefully, that meant no one hadmitted to targeting him in the next couple of days.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I was wondering whether you''d dare show up," Katorughed.


    "I said I''d be here, so I''m here," Zac shrugged. "Let''s make this quick, though. I need to get back on the battlefield."


    "Haste makes waste, young friend," Laz said. "We''ve read the reports. You haven''t stopped for a moment since returning. It''s not a sustainable pace in a conflict of this scale."


    "Even if you can keep going, it''s a good idea to let your men rest asionally," Pavina added. "Tired soldiers make mistakes, and mistakes lead to deaths."


    "I''ll be careful," Zac nodded.


    "You''re speaking like he has a choice," Kator said. "His subordinates are just trash covered in treasures, and the Kan''Tanu will reach the Allbright Empire in a couple of months. I bet the System will set uprge-scale battlefields at that point. They won''t have a chanceter if they don''t push themselves now."


    Zac tried to ignore Kator''sment about his men, but a me of anger ignited upon remembering how valiantly they''d fought under him over the past month.


    "What? You thought you''d formed an iron-veined army in this short duration?" Kator scoffed upon seeing Zac''s re. "Your so-called Cmity Company would get ripped apart by any neophyte squad from back home. Haven''t you realized? Your enemies are all trash as well. The System is going easy on newly integrated worlds. You''re just smashing some border settlements with your wealth."


    He wanted to refute the reaver, but Zac knew there was some truth to his words. Even after consecutive victories, they hadn''t encountered any really powerful or connected worlds. They hadn''t encountered any official soldiers from the seven chapters and only one Remoulded. Their opponents seemed to be getting stronger, but they still had an easier time than the D-grade worlds under the powerful empires.


    There was no point in getting bogged down in a shouting match with Kator about it, though, so he focused on what he said about the frontlines instead. As expected, the war would enter the next stage soon enough. Zac turned to the Draugr for answers.


    "Will the Million Gates Territory''s defensive line be able to hold?"


    "That''s��" Laz said. "It''ll be a tough battle."


    Zac''s heart sank upon seeing his expression. He didn''t look confident at all.


    "Is it because of the outsiders?"


    "They have moved up the conflict, but they only have a supportive role like ourselves. Most of us will relocate soon. We''ll be acting as deterrence for the outsiders on the other side," Laz said. "The problem is the Kan''Tanu themselves."


    "You won''t help us fight against them?" Zac frowned, understanding the implication within Laz''s exnation. So long as the Monarchs on the other side didn''t make a move, neither would they.


    "This is not our fight. We''re only here for the inheritance, and there''s a tacit agreement between the external factions. We won''t interfere with the war, at least not in the open," Toss said upon seeing Zac''s displeasure. " If anything, you don''t want us to make a move. It''ll escte the conflict, and you locals will suffer."


    "Of course, the empire isn''t just looking the other way. The Kavriel Province has helped reinforced the defensive lines for years, and we''ve transferred a third of our forces to the alliance," Laz said.


    "Kid, if you want my advice, ignore that battle and focus on the battlefronts," Toss said. "The System won''t arrange things neatly for you youngsters if you head over there to help. The established factions will go all out, using hidden cards and their Dao Reserves. What good is your Early D-grade cultivation if one of the Kan''Tanu Monarchs turns your Cosmic Vessel into ash?"


    "So what should we do?"


    "The harder you fight on the graded battlefronts, the fewer soldiers the Kan''Tanu will be able to send to the frontlines," Pavina said. "Their approach has taken so long because they have created a safe path through the Million Gates Territory. Their first goal will be to create a beachhead outside the Eternal Storm and set uprge-scale teleporters to transport soldiers."


    "They''ve stabilized the Million Gates Territory?" Zac eximed. "Is that even possible?"


    "It''s possible, especially with the Starbeast Alliance helping out," Laz said.


    "They''ve got special techniques to traverse the Endless Storm?"


    "Techniques? If you can call having a big body a technique," Kator scoffed. "Their ancestors are the size of continents in their true forms. Even Starbeast Monarchs can crush most spatial turbulence with their bodies alone. How hard could it be to force their way through the calm edges of the Eternal Storm?"


    Zac felt helpless over the situation. The Kan''Tanu was enough of a headache, and these outsiders only made it worse. They didn''t want to dirty their hands, but they sure seemed more than willing to fan the mes. They didn''t care if trillions of people died on the frontier so long as it created a situation where they could fish for more seals.


    "It''s only a temporary solution," Tavza added, and Laz nodded in agreement.


    "The Eternal Storm has its name for a reason. Untamed dimensions pushing against integrated space will constantly give rise to new turbulence. The invaders will have to maintain the road if they want to keep using it for passage and create backups in case it fails. Of course, our side wants to destroy their route to our sector. There''s already a hidden war being waged within the Eternal Storm, with thousands of elite units participating."


    The struggle within the storm before was news to Zac, but he wasn''t surprised. His shipyard quest advanced daily thanks to more enemy vessels being struck down. Ten days ago, progress had moved from 228 to 241 in the span of four hours. Arge-scale battle must have erupted somewhere within the Million Gates Territory.


    Zac still wasn''t convinced about their motives. There was no reason for the outside influences controlling the Allbright Empire, the Havarok Dynasty, or the other top-tier Zecia factions, to slow down the war. His people had already found clues indicating the outsiders wanted to maintain a bnce where neither side gained or lost too much. At least until the time of the trial.


    Then again, the status quo favored Zecia, so Zac guessed he shouldn''tin.


    "For now, I have no intention to send my people to the physical frontlines. The Atwood Empire is already providing high-quality Cosmic Vessels; it''s more than enough for an Early D-grade Force. But like Kator says, it might not be up to me," Zac said before turning to the reaver. "Are you ready? Or are you going to keep annoying me in hopes it''ll make me slip upter?"


    "What do I need to ready myself for?" Kator snickered. "And don''t you worry, it''ll be over quickly. You''ll be back home before you know it."


    "Boys," Pavina said with a helpless shake of her head.


    "Remember, it''s just a friendly spar, not a battle with your futures on the line," Toss grunted. "There are a few more topics to cover. We saw the recording of the token. Are there any findings since?"


    Zac thought it over briefly before sharing what he''d discovered since parting with Petrus and what he believed it signified. He didn''t share the aura the token had begun to release, though. That was a secret cultivation resource best kept close to the vest.


    "Your theory seems usible, but let''s hope it has more uses than unlocking the gates to the Left Imperial Pce," Tavza said.


    "Where''s the token now?" Kator asked. "Let''s test it on me."


    "If you were me, would you bring it here?" Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "I''ll just go ahead and hold onto it until the mission starts."


    "How about a trade? A peak D-grade Wild Mystic Realm and 1,000 C-grade Nexus Coins for the token," Kator said. "It''s a great deal if what you say is true. What''s the use of a key to the main court when our mission will take us elsewhere? Meanwhile, a powerful unpopted realm and a capital infusion would be a huge boost for your little kingdom."


    Zac almost blurted an agreement upon hearing the offer. A Peak D-grade Mystic Realm should be right at the threshold of bing an Ancient Realm. It could be a hidden Holy Land like the ones most established factions used, or a road to survival in case they lost the war. Zac could move his people into the realm and destroy the exit, letting his people hide within the Void until the storm passed. Meanwhile, the token would only slightly assist his cultivation in the short run, and possibly help him out inside the trial.


    Yet, Zac''s instincts told him he would regret it if he agreed.


    "That''s okay; we''re doing fine as we are."


    "Well, I''m here if you change your mind," the reaver snickered. "But don''t think I''ll buy that thing after the mission ends and the elite forces leave this wretched corner of space. You might regret not taking the deal when those cultistse knocking on your door."


    "I''ll take my chances," Zac said, inwardly sneering.


    He doubted the reaver would be so s�� over the token if he knew it released a continuous stream of inspiration.


    "What is your n for the captive sealbearer?" Toss asked.


    "No n yet."


    "We''d be willing to trade her for resources if you can''t find a use for her seal."


    "Perhaps in the future," Zac rejected. "I want to keep her around for a while. Maybe I can turn her around to get her brand on the token."


    "It''s not a pressing matter," the reaver said, dropping the subject.


    The meeting went on for another thirty minutes, even if there wasn''t much else to discuss. Kator''s scathing remarks aside, the Cmity Company had performed beyond their expectations, and his next quest only needed him to keep fighting. He received some suggestions based on the reports sent back from Serzo and Petrus, there were noints or demands. Unfortunately, that didn''t mean Zac''s request for ess to more resources was granted, either to buy or be provided for free.


    The Monarchs used their usual excuse that meddling excessively with the younger generation could have unintended consequences. However, they indicated they would trade any captured sealbearer he encountered, even if he managed to engrave them on his token first. Zac wasn''t so sure about that kind of trade. The token was a litmus test of sorts. If a sealbearer managed to leave a rune behind, they genuinely wanted to follow him. How could he send someone like that to the Undead Empire to be killed or awakened?


    The atmosphere grew more oppressive as the minutes passed, but Laz seemed unwilling to let the meeting end. The topics he broached became more tangential and theoretical, much to the displeasure of the reavers.


    "Any other matters can be dealt with as they arrive," Toss eventually said. "There''s no point in wasting time dredging these old topics again."


    "Let''s get this over with, then," Laz sighed, and the surroundings shifted.


    The Monarchs had transported them to a huge arena over a mile wide to amodate the powers of Hegemons. Of course, a fight using only techniques was unlikely to require that much space. After all, Zac could tell from the brutal aura radiating from Kaldor that he wasn''t a cultivator whose technique relied on dodging and harassment. Just like himself, he was a head-on fighter.


    Zac couldn''t even estimate how many spectators could fit in the galleries. Today, they were empty, with no oneing to join them. It gave the coliseum a deste aura, but Zac preferred this over his fight being turned into sport for some Kavriel scions. A ripple spread through the area, and Zac could feel Tavza''s and Kator''s attributes being suppressed. He couldn''t sense any change in the Monarchs and guessed they were too strong to be affected.


    "Three clean hits at vitals means victory. After each hit, you create distance," Toss said. "You''re both in the integration stage, so control your force at the point of impact. There''s no point in taking any risks, even if both of you haverge stores of Endurance and Vitality."


    "Don''t mind him," Katorughed as his aura grew increasingly oppressive. "Hit as hard as you can. If a brat like you can break through my Warbones, I might as well die."


    Zac ignored the taunt, focusing on the uing battle. A shroud of darkness spread across his chest as Alea entered her true form. The abyssal chains emerged from the gateways on his back, and an otherworldly rattle filled the quiet arena. The familiar grip of [Death''s Duality] appeared in his hand, and Zac felt all extraneous emotions washing away as he turned toward his opponent.


    Kator followed suit, throwing off the loose robe he usually wore to expose the glistening skeleton ting beneath. Commander Kaldor never used his Warbones back in the Orom World. There was no need, considering his bones were the equivalent to Peak C-grade metals, even in their passive state. So it was the first time Zac saw the transformation of an Izh''Rak Reaver. The bones grew thicker, darker, and their edges sharpened. Every te was bing a weapon on its own.


    White markings spread across Kator''s body, and he began his transformation. Meanwhile, a nged mace grew out of his right hand, its head the size of two fists and lined with sharpened bones reminiscent of [Verun''s Bite]. The palm of his left hand expanded, forming a serrated round shield. It was only the width of Kator''s forearm, and it looked as much a weapon as a defensive tool.


    The self-made tools weren''t fused with Kator''s body like the soldier ants of his Ayn Hive. They detached after emerging from within Kator''s body, though Zac noted a string of sinew still connected the shield to Kator''s palm. By the appearance, Zac suspected it could be used as a throwing shield.


    The transformation only took a few seconds, but it was enough topletely reform his appearance. Zac obviously wouldn''t mistake him for anything but an Izh''Rak Reaver, but it now looked like Kator was wearing full-body armor. It was covered in dense white runes, and Zac noted they formed a full pathway with two focal points. One was a pristine ck bone the shape of a seven-pointed star embedded above his heart. It covered most of his chest, like Alea''s image on s own body, and it seemed to release a mysterious force through Kator''s body.


    One of the Miracle Bones? Perhaps it was the same with the ridge of horn-like spike that had appeared right atop Kator''s head. Zac first felt it a weakness to have such critical bones exposed like that, but he realized they seemed even sturdier than the rest of Kator''s ting. It was doubtful they were good targets in a real battle��if he had the strength to shatter those things, he might as well lob their heads off instead.


    The skeletal race was normallynky and had at least a meter on the average human. However, the transformation reduced Kator''s height by more than a head. He was also bulkier,ing closer to Zac''s physique. It wasn''t just his bones that had transformed, but also the incredibly dense muscles hiding beneath.


    The onlookers had already moved away, hiding their presence to avoid distraction. It was like only Zac and Kator remained in the world.


    There was no signal, no further words about code of conduct. What needed to be said had been said. Anything else would bemunicated with their weapons.


    Zac released the pent-up aggression that had been building in his chest, shooting forward with such force a deep explosion reverberated through the empty arena. A boisterousugh greeted his approach as Kator mmed his shield with his mace, the collision sounding like a p of furious thunder. Zac''s aura and Killing Intent roiled forward like a tidal wave, but an overbearing force with equal ruthlessness pushed it back.


    Lightning-quick chains made up the vanguard, surrounding Kator in a web of Death while [Death''s duality] drew a ruthless arc aimed at Kator''s neck. The strike looked simple on the outside, but it contained the Inexorability of Death. The opening strike had innumerable opponents who thought they could block or dodge, only to find all their options sealed and their path cut short.


    But Kator was like an immovable mountain, meeting offense with overwhelming aggression. Instead of blocking the strike with his shield, he instead used its serrated edge to hook one of Zac''s chains, forcibly altering its trajectory to disrupt Zac''s trap. Meanwhile, the mace descended toward Zac''s head with simr brutality, moving with beguiling speed.


    Zac began his swing first, but he could tell the mace would reach its target before his axe. He had no choice but to redirect his strike and intercept, even using [Conviction of Eoz] to reposition in time. A tearing screech filled Zac''s ears when weapons collided, but Zac barely noticed it over the hidden battle between their Daos.


    They said that you could only truly know someone after brawling with them. Zac wasn''t sure that was true, but the opening exchange let him know one thing for certain. Kator''s technique was not inferior to his. He''d already expected as much. Kator was an eonic seed in the Integration Stage. What Zac hadn''t expected was the number of Daos that had gone into the reaver''s path.


    Just how many concepts did this maniac wield?

 Chapter 1110 - Overbearing

    Zac was confused by the mottled mixture of truths he sensed within Kator''s attack. They had been fused so tightly into a singr force that Zac couldn''t even make out theirponents, but the situation didn''t allow for a deeper analysis. He felt a prickling pain in his right arm, and he realized he''d have to push [Conviction of Eoz] into a self-harming state if he wanted to fully block the strike.


    Kator''s attack was not only faster than his but heavier too? Zac''s instincts told him it was too early to unleash his upgraded node and transitioned into a deflecting blow instead ofpeting in power. His free arm redirected the chains to target Kator''s limbs, ying the fetters like an instrument. The chains could move independently, but manipting them with his hand made their turns sharper and more unpredictable.


    The six chains had already formed a domain around his target, striking from every angle. They were fast, strong, and naturally moved in adherence with his Inexorable Stance, where Dao elevated them beyond their normal state. Kator didn''t back down. He forged ahead, somehow unleashing haymaker after haymaker without exposing any openings. Zac gave as good as he got, and ominous shrieks joined the rattle of chains as [Death''s Duality] tore at the impervious reaver.


    Soon, two battles raged in the vast coliseum. One was in the physical realm, where axe shed against mace while shield and chains worked to shift the duel in their favor. The opening exchange proved that both approached conflict the same way��where offense was the best defense and retreat was surrender. It was forceful, overbearing, and suffocating, leaving the opponent in despair.


    The second war was hidden from the naked eye but just as intense. It was a sh of the spirit where Dao was pitted against Dao as two opposing paths collided. Zac had be a representation of the inexorability of Death and cultivation''s end. He was judge and executioner, shaping fate through the swings of his axe.


    Yet Kator refused to be contained, denied Zac the authority of adjudication. He broke through real and metaphorical chains, subverting Zac''s truth to impose his own. Even the Remoulded World Lord had been forced into a passive state by the armament''s relentless pressure, letting Zac direct the fight like a puppet master while advancing for a final strike. Yet the reaver wasn''t ruffled at all, countering many of Zac''s techniques without missing a step.


    Against most enemies, Zac could target their eyes or throat, forcing them to avoid or respond. Something like this was simply impossible with an Izh''Rak Reaver who didn''t have organs or even a brain. Of course, Izh''Rak Reavers were difficult to deal with, but they weren''t invulnerable. For one, using one''s Warbones was apparently extremely taxing, more than most War Regalia. It also drained their Vigor, which was an important reason all reavers were Body Refiners.


    Secondly, their consciousness was spread through their skeletons, which meant any damage to their bones could damage their souls. Even a strong enough hit to their extremities could shock their mind and briefly scatter their thoughts. And while their consciousness was spread through their skeleton, much was still gathered in their head. Destroying it wouldn''t outright kill them, but they''d be half-dead and easy to finish off.


    His chains didn''t have that kind of raw power even after their upgrade. Kator ultimately was an elite at the precipice of Late Hegemony, and his Warbones were extremely strong even when his Attributes were restricted. Zac could probably p the chains against Kator''s skeletal ting all day without it changing much of anything.


    That didn''t mean the chains were useless. Targeting obvious weaknesses was only one of the strategies the Inexorable Stance could deploy��it wasn''t even central to the way Zac used his armament. It was simply a method to speed up his fights against weaker or unskilled opponents, but he''d never nned on fully relying on those tactics when facing real elites.


    Cultivators who had ring weak spots didn''t get far on the road of cultivation, and the further Zac progressed, the more fallbacks his enemies would have. Some could even survive having their head split open. Others were like Kator, using thick hide or War Regalia to block everything but the strongest strikes.


    The Inexorable Stance was a technique of restriction and suffocation, and the fundamental way to use his chains was to literally bind his target. And as a fallback, he could position his chains so that some movements would capture the opponent''s limbs or weapons, forcing them to approach another way.


    If Alea had still been E-grade, it would have been impossible. Now, the links had enough power to restrict even Kator for short windows. They''d eventually snap, but Alea had already assured him it didn''t matter. There were miles of chains hidden within the subspace of [Love''s Bond], and Alea could always produce more by feeding her materials or recovering the broken links.


    Chains snaked toward limbs and torso like nimble Boa constrictors, aiming to seal Kator in a tomb of death and metal. Yet it felt as though Zac was punching the air. Kator was slippery like an eel, weaving through the seemingly impassable web to continue his furious attacks. Zac found himself narrowly avoiding a crushing blow to his chest when Kator''s arm should have been restrained.


    The reaver''s stylecked the flexibility of armament, but his technique had its own method of controlling the battlefield. It wasn''t that the White Sky Phnx scion used brute force or speed to open a path��it would be a fatal mistake to interpret Kator''s deceptively wild swings as the signs of a barbaric fighter. Exquisite control hid within the wide movements, and Zac wasn''t even close to exploiting those gaps.


    His attacks were too fast, too forceful, and Zac had no choice but to continuously reposition while looking for an opening. One moment they were exchanging strikes on the ground, the next in the air. The constant shifts had a mysterious cadence that disturbed Zac''s rhythm and broke his containment. Chains that should have caught a leg only found air; others seemingly veered right into Kator''s shield when they aimed for his arm.


    And there was a constant sense of discrepancy between reality and Zac''s ingrained muscle memory. The feeling was simr to trying to run in your nightmares, where you moved in slow motion or were locked in ce. Zac felt like he''d entered an invisible quagmire formed by Kator''s technique. And the more he struggled, the more the swamp pulled him in.


    Zac relied on his wealth of experience to wrest back the initiative, yet the sense of suffocation only grew. No clear winner had emerged after a minute of battle and hundreds of exchanges, but the reaver held an undeniable advantage. He flipped the script every time Zac created a small chance, almost turning opportunity into cmity. If not for his fine-tuned instincts and heavily augmented Danger Sense, Zac would have taken a hit already.


    The reaver''s mace was everywhere, each swing containing a force that couldn''t be shrugged off. Forget seizing the momentum; Zac rather felt himself slowly being herded toward a cliff. And try as he might, he couldn''t find a road to salvation. Unless something changed, Kator would take the first point within the next five minutes.


    The difference couldn''t be exined by the level of their techniques. Kator had stronger Daos, but he was only at Middle Integration, just like himself. He couldn''t infuse much more of hisprehension into his technique than Zac, and the array nullified most of the other advantages of stronger Daos.


    Neither was it attributes��Zac had to admit he had been given an advantage there. Thebat array had reduced Kator''s Attribute Pool to Zac''s level but didn''t fully ount for Zac''s higher Attribute Efficiency. His effective Strength, in particr, was above Kator''s, yet he failed to leverage it into anything substantial.


    One of the issues was inherent advantages. While Zac enjoyed higher raw power, Kator had other advantages the rules of the duel didn''t prohibit. Few couldpete with Zac regarding the number of Hidden Nodes, and he had two bloodlines and an external constitution that boosted the fundamental quality of his body.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    However, all these unique strengths meant very little under the current restrictions. Zac had no Cultivation Manual, his Specialty Core added nothing to hisbat ability, and his Bloodline Talents didn''t empower his technique. Out of eight Hidden Nodes, only [Conviction of Eoz] and [Adamance of Eoz] helped.


    The former let Zac push his body beyond the bounds of his attributes, while thetter let him fight at full strength. Kator''s aura was growing stronger by the second, and it had already reached a level of oppression where it formed an attack or restrictive domain. It exerted a tangible pressure on Zac''s body, like when Pavina unleashed the weight of her Inner World.


    Zac''s aura or Killing Intent could not do anything to the effect��it felt more like an attack on his Dao Heart. There was no way Kator was cheating with four Monarchs observing, which meant the effect was caused by the reaver''s own Bloodline, Hidden Nodes, or Miracle Bones. And that was likely just the tip of the iceberg.


    For Kator to emerge at the top of the generation within a warlike race like the Izh''Rak Reavers had to mean his hidden advantages were geared towardbat. It might be seen as unfair within the scope of the match, but it was impossible to create apletely fair duel. No matter what you restricted or allowed, one party woulde out slightly ahead.


    Zac could essentially ignore the oppressive domain thanks to his Eoz Bloodline, but he was still filled with misgivings as he held on. Zac''s instincts told him that Kator was still holding onto even stronger methods, waiting for a moment of weakness to strike. Meanwhile, he hadn''t even figured out what Daos Kator cultivated.


    Only a fool would openly show their hand, but Zac had never encountered a situation like this before. A couple of shes would always leak some clues. For example, there was no way Kator didn''t understand his Inexorable Stance was based on the Daos of Death and Conflict by this point. Yet Kator was like a ck hole, where an event horizon obscured the inner workings of his technique.


    How was Zac supposed to anticipate Kator''s moves when he couldn''t tell which Daos they were based on? Fundamental mastery and Dao were the baseponents of technique, but experience was needed to make the most of it. A decade of struggle inside the Perennial Vastness had vastly improved Zac''s adaptability, but the umted experience provedrgely unusable.


    Rather, it became a weapon pointed back at him when instincts and memories shed. The discrepancy constantly caught him off guard and made it nigh impossible to take charge of the battle. Every second was spent at the precipice of disaster, where one small miscalction would spell disaster.


    Zac still hadn''t released all his power, even if it was only a matter of time before his defenses were broken through. They were still sounding each other out, but it felt like he was exposed in the open while Kator hid in the dark. He needed to pry open the ck box of Kator''s technique if he wanted to find the route to victory.


    Dealing with the unknown was a skill on its own, and Zac had found multiple ways to aplish the goal. Zac knew he''d have to pay the price for knowledge with a powerful enemy like Kator, no matter the approach, but he still shifted his goal fromnding a hit to forcing him to expose more aspects of his technique.


    The battle grew increasingly frantic as Zac fought seemingly at random. His swings followed no rhyme or reason except for his desire to introduce disruptions to the battle and let chaos take hold. Doing so took him in and out of his Inexorable Stance, but it also pushed Kator off-bnce. And whenever he regained his bnce, Zac would extract a nugget of truth from behind the curtain.


    The manic approach left Zac covered in shallow cuts after just thirty seconds, but he had managed to avoid anything beyond grazing strikes. Kator wasn''t interested in bending the rules to im victory after some surface wounds. He understood what Zac was doing and clearly wanted to crush him fair and square. Zac knew he couldn''t skirt death forever, but he was close to an answer.


    The feeling of walking a tightrope turned into acute impending doom as Zac used his smaller frame to squeeze beneath Kator''s mace in the wake of his herculean swing. Zac was seemingly risking it all to strike at the reaver''s chest, but the lethal shield was already moving toward his temple. A chain pulled him aside, but strands of severed silver hair dancing in the air showed how close he''d just been. But he''d managed to confirm his hunch from the way the shield moved to intercept.


    It was hidden behindyers of misdirects and supporting Daos, but Kator was a Temporal Cultivator.


    The Dao of Time was even rarer than the Dao of Space, and there weren''t many cultivators he''d fought walking this path. Zac''s obfuscated memories from the Perennial Vastness left him with some experience dealing with the Dao, but it was mostly how to force his way through temporal anomalies rather than fighting Temporal Cultivators.


    The most memorable experience dealing with the Dao of Time was the betrayal of Levi Cartava back in the Research Base. However, she wasn''t actually a Temporal Cultivator. Her mysterious eyes let her forcibly swim against the river of time at a tremendous cost, but she didn''t seem to have grasped the Dao for herself.


    Kator obviously wouldn''t use his Dao in a way that broke the taboo of altering the past��Zac doubted he was even able to. He''d instead infused hisprehension of Time into his technique, reminiscent of how Void''s Disciple had fought using hisprehension of space. However, Adcarkas was only an E-grade talent moving toward Integration. Kator''s application was light-years ahead.


    It wasn''t that Kator was faster or stronger than him or even that he was using a limit-increasing method simr to [Conviction of Eoz]. His attacks messed with temporal flow and perception so subtly that it took Zac three minutes to figure it out. What looked like a hasty jab was a full-powered swing, and his openings felt like traps because they were. There were two parallel timelines running, one real and another that Kator showed him.


    Even after realizing the truth, Zac had difficulty figuring out which opportunities were real and which had already passed.


    The situation was well outside Zac''s expectations, but his heart beat with excitement. The misgivings that had gued him for days were giving way to the addictive sense of discovery. Every response was a clue, every movement a revtion. Getting a hold of the Dao of Time was like finding a loose thread in a piece of fabric. He''d eventually unravel the whole thing as long as he kept pulling.


    Exposing Kator''s secret was the first step to his counter-attack. It didn''t weaken Kator''s technique, but it let Zac more naturally adapt to the disjointed time flow of the reaver''s attacks. He was still on the losing end, but it wasn''t quite as desperate as before. [Death''s Duality] struck high and low, and the chains moved as though they had a mind of their own.


    The rhythms were constantly broken and reborn over the next minute, as though Zac had forced his opponent into an endless cycle of reincarnation. Every exchange was a Death, leaving his path slightly wider as he continued deciphering the mystery of Kator''s Daos.


    "Since you''re so curious, have a taste!" Kator suddenly roared as primordial runes appeared on the ridge atop his head.


    Zac knew there was trouble when an opalescent shimmer spread across the Reaver''s Warbones, and he was immediately proven right as the shield swiped at him with redoubled speed. Zac urgently leaned away, but the temporal quagmire he''d been struggling against the whole fight hade at him with redoubled force. In a split second, Zac entered thousands of timelines, all leading to suffering.


    A roar from the depths of his heart broke him free from the mysterious state, and he ignored the false future and followed his instincts. Chains stormed forward to form a sacrificial wall, narrowly saving Zac from having his throat slit. But the brutal mace was already rising to meet him. Zac furiously fought back, but knowing about the Dao of Time was useless when it flooded the surroundings.


    It was like Kator had be an avatar of the Peak of Continuum, meting out judgment at the mortals who tried to steal its secrets. It was as though his role as judge over death had been usurped. Zac knew he had to disengage and regroup but found no way out of the swamp. He helplessly found himself being submerged. The only path out was to shut down the Dao, but could he really use [Void Zone] like this?


    A kicknded square in his chest before he could decide. [Love''s Bond]''s protective haze couldn''t absorb the force. Zac felt like his heart had been crushed, and he wasunched into the air like a ragdoll. His mind was a mess, and he failed to gain control over his flight until he was caught by the protective barrier at the arena''s edge. Zac barely managed tond on his feet, his whole body shivering as it worked to dispel the furious mix of Dao that had been shoved into his chest.


    Kator remained floating at the arena''s center, looking down at him like a god of war.


    "That''s one, Draugr."

 Chapter 1111 - Behind the Curtains

    Three minutes in, Zac was already down one point. It wasn''t what he''d hoped for, and certainly not a good sign. Landing a clean hit was easier said than done when two opponents were of roughly equal strength, and neither could use treasures or skills to quickly force an opening. He''d heard that sparring sessions between high-grade cultivators couldst months when neither could find a weakness to exploit.


    Zac had no ns of stalling or tiring Kator out, but he''d hoped to deduce the reaver''s Daos before his luck ran out. He hadn''t expected Kator to freely provide the answer in such a straightforward way.


    As expected, Kator had mixed truths and falsehoods, creating an impossible scenario for his opponents. It had felt as though there were dozens of Daos hidden within his technique, but only three distinct Daos were rampaging through Zac''s body. However, Zac was shocked to find that Kator actually cultivated truths from six different peaks.


    His Dao of Time wasn''t pure but a mixed-meaning creation borrowing from the Dao of Death. Death only held a supporting role, perhaps connecting the reaver''s constitution with the Peak of Continuum. The Dao was the source of Zac''s feeling like he''d been trapped in a swamp. It held the truths of temporal decay, dragging one toward theher realm.


    The crushing pressure that targeted Zac''s Dao Heart wasn''t solely created by a Hidden Node. Kator also cultivated an emotional Dao from the Peak of Impetus. It was mixed with the Peak of Conflict, creating a branch that gave Zac the impression of an unstoppable general. It rampaged through his body like it was bent on destroying him. If not for Zac''s near-immunity to foreign Daos, it would have caused a lot of damage.


    Thebination wasn''t as unusual as Kator''s other Daos. The Daos of the seven emotions and six desires could greatly empower a cultivator if their mental state matched their Dao. The more Kator''s emotions urged him on, the stronger he would be. Zac even suspected his [Conviction of Eoz] was based on this peak. Yet there was a reason many cultivators severed their seven sensations to attain the Dao.


    Impetus was a double-edged sword. When your emotions were in sync with your Dao, it held unmatched power. But the moment your heart failed you, so would your Dao. If fear took hold in the heart of a warrior cultivating Daos like Fortitude or Valor, it could break their path altogether.


    The third Dao was the reason why Zac had such a hard time figuring out Kator''s Secrets. Thest two peaks that made up Kator''s sextet of concepts were the Earthly Peak and the Peak of Taiji. The Earthly Daos could manipte other Daos. Beyond that, Zac didn''t fully understand how the Mixed-meaning Dao fit into Kator''s cultivation system or technique.


    The half belonging to Taiji was based on gravity, but Zac hadn''t sensed that kind of weight in his strikes. The same was true for the Dao of Death. As a pureblood Draugr who had incorporated the very same Dao into his technique, he should have been able to notice it before the Dao of Time. Not even the Earthly Peak would be able to obscure his vision.


    Had Kator only infused parts of his Daos into his technique like himself? Or was the reaver still hiding some of his power? Zac hoped it was the former but knew he couldn''t rely on blind hope.


    Kator was just as powerful as Pavina had said, yet there was no fear or hesitation as Zac walked back toward the middle of the ring. If anything, his heart beat with excitement. It wasn''t often you ran into opponents like this, be it in talent or uniqueness of path. And after this big bastard had annoyed him for over a month, Zac desperately wanted tond a solid hit square on his face.


    "Is this it? Was I expecting too much?" Kator scoffed. "Where''s the ability you used on my uncle? You said it was a Draugr Bloodline ability back then, so go ahead."


    "We''ll see," Zac said, not minding some banter while his Hidden Nodes cleaned up the invading Dao.


    Zac wasn''t the only one benefiting from the brief impasse. The runes across Kator''s horn-like bones still shone, but the shimmer across his ting was just a shadow of before. The ridge extending down his neck seemed to be a tuning fork of sorts. It let Kator perfectly harmonize with his Daos, strengthening him and deepening his Integration. It was like he''d momentarily entered Late Integration, which upended the fragile bnce Zac had maintained.


    Kator''s aura was already back to normal, seeming slightly sluggish and out of harmony. He was dealing with a small bacsh by the looks of it. But could that really be the limit of a top-tier advantage like a Miracle Bone? And if so, why were the runes still shining?


    "I didn''t expect your path to be soplex after getting to know you," Zac continued while observing the Miracle Bone. "It caught me by surprise, but I''m up to speed now."


    "Are you calling me an idiot?" Katorughed. "What does that make you if I can use you as a punching bag?"


    Zac only smiled as he shot forward. Thest of the invading Dao had been swallowed by [Void Heart], yet Kator was still dealing with the ridge''s after-effects. Zac had already paid with a direct hit for its activation. It would be foolish to let the reaver recover before resuming the battle. He stillcked some answers, but he was more confident this time.


    Kator didn''t mind Zac''s unannounced attack, boisterouslyughing as he threw his shield at him. Zac narrowly dodged without losing speed while two chains wound themselves around the string of sinew connecting the shield with the reaver''s palm. Both sides tugged, but Kator''s positioning was better, being able to use his full weight behind the pull.


    The chains suddenly detached from the string to target Kator''s arm. Meanwhile, Zac had caught up, unleashing a ruthless sh aimed at the reaver''s extended arm. The withering Dao tried to drag his perception under, but Zac was ready for it now.


    There was no easy way to get around the temporal uncertainty, where a minute discrepancy could mean the difference betweennding a strike and walking into a trap. However, Zac was in the Middle Integration realm himself, and he roughly knew its limits.


    He needed to create a situation where it didn''t matter if his timing was slightly off. It meant forcing arger opening, but Zac already felt the battle lean in his favor. Something was indeed wrong with Kator''s state. He narrowly moved his hand out of the way, but a leg was caught by a chain.


    The air screamed as the mace fell with the force of a mountain, but Zac didn''t leave the melee range. He moved under the shield arm, using the remaining momentum of his first attack to swing up at Kator''s ribs. The reaver had anticipated his move and was already moving out of reach, but Zac stuck to him like glue.


    Zac was a storm of intractable violence, his unceasing strikes generating a constant rumble resembling the sounds of an army marching to battle. Kator continuously created false timelines, but they shattered under the inexorable advance of Death.


    Kator was barely able to hold on, his counters seemingly more aimed to create wiggle-room than take him down. The situation waspletely opposite from before, but Zac soon realized something was wrong. He''d gained control over the tempo, but his path to victory gradually grew narrower.


    Infighting at this level was like a bloody form of chess, where both sides saw hundreds of steps ahead. Judging by the flow, his advantage should be snowballing, yet Zac didn''t feel much closer tonding a solid hit. Kator''s stance had shifted into a fully defensive one, trying to drag out the fight as long as possible by relying on the Dao of Time.


    The reaver wasn''t faking his disadvantage��he wouldn''t have adopted such a passive approach if he didn''t have to. But it confirmed his weakened state only really was temporary. Zac knew he was fighting against the clock, and he immediately made his decision. The power of the Abyss poured into muscles and bones as he extracted even more power from [Conviction of Eoz].


    Zac''s prickling pain spread through his limbs as his strength and speed soared another 5%. It wasn''t the limit of the node, but if he went too far, he''d destroy himself before Kator got the chance. And five percent was enough to drastically shift the bnce. Darkness roiled across his body, making him seem like a ghost from hell.


    A herculean swing pushed away Kator''s shield, exposing his chest. The mace descended toward him, but Zac mmed it away with the reinforced ting on his right arm. He''d nned on using the rebound to shift his block into his strike, but he felt a heavy pressure on his arm, ruining his trajectory and making him fail a lethal blow.


    As expected, Kator hadn''t disyed the full extent of his stance. He no longer held back on using the Dao of Gravity, making it even harder to break through his defenses. Zac wasn''t deterred. Every time he forced out a new method, it only meant he was one step closer to victory. Every failure fueled Zac''s next strike, his desire for victory urging him on. [Conviction of Eoz] responded in kind, and the damage to his body lessened while its effect remained the same.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Eoz had said that he found his greatest strength when protecting his descendants. Zac had felt that effect on the battlefields over the past month but also realized it wasn''t the only way to use his inheritance. It wasn''t a desire to protect his kin that let Eoz escape the shackles of the Abyssal Lake when he first woke up. It was simply desire.


    The end of the road drew closer as the Inexorable Stance finished its cycle. Two chains bound Kator''s left arm, and he''d just forced away his mace. His axe was already descending toward his chest when his skeleton suddenly shone with opalescent light again. His restrictions failed, and Kator''s shield tore toward Zac''s head with speed imbued by time and gravity.


    Zac growled with annoyance, but he had no choice but to disengage. As expected, a single burst wasn''t the limit of the Miracle Bones. It was like the tides, rising and falling, this time returning at the worst possible time. Was it bad luck, or was it calcted? Zac sensed it was thetter. So long as Kator could stall and y defensive for a minute, he''d be able to turn things around again.


    It even seemed like Kator had umted force by restraining himself, and he was like a released spring now that he was no longer in a weakened state. He''d gone from turtling up to disying aggression surpassing any earlier point in the fight. Yet Kator didn''t manage to eke out a clear advantage.


    Last time, the surge hade too suddenly, but Zac knew what he was dealing with now. Kator had held back, enduring until the situation shifted in his favor. Two could y that game. Death was a patient hunter, and Zac''s body wouldst almost an hour at the pace he was using his Hidden Nodes��more than enough time to force Kator into a weakened state multiple times.


    But Kator wasn''t nning to y along.


    "Not bad. I guess you have some grit. But can you keep going? What''s next, son of Eoz?" Katorughed.


    Zac urgently tried to shut down whatever the reaver had in store, but he was already at a slight disadvantage. And there was no way to stop Kator''s next move. Creaking sounds of bone breaking echoed from Kator''s back, and Zac swore in surprise upon seeing his broken spine rise into the air. It had separated into three pieces, forming a gruesome halo above Kator''s head.


    The whole arena shuddered as the Heavens were supnted. The air was no longer just filled with simple Miasma; it had be an expression of Kator''s Dao. The transformation wasn''t a surface change like [Fields of Despair]. The halo had generated a true Dao Domain at the level of Early Integration.


    Domains and techniques were almost impossible to cultivate simultaneously, at least at their level. One required you to externalize Dao, the other as something internal. It posed the same difficulty as Catheya pursuing Dao Domains and Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization, but it went even further. Those two concepts were at least of the same type, while domains and techniques werepletely different approaches to how you viewed the Dao.


    But it looked like Kator had broken that fundamental rule with the help of another Miracle Bone. The domain wouldn''t be able to exhibit its full power in a battle of technique, but Zac still found himself under assault by the world. Turbid temporal flow tried to restrict his movements, and the weight of Kator''s Dao put his already strained body under further pressure.


    Zac''s Hidden Nodes fought back, but the domain was an external pressure that limited their effect. Meanwhile, Kator was like a dragon returning to the sea. His hits grew even more ferocious, and Zac was drowning in wild attacks. He had no choice but to push his [Conviction of Eoz] harder to hold on, but he knew he couldn''t stay this way for long.


    The chains attacked the halo with suicidal fervor,shing at them from every direction. The bones were repeatedly knocked away, but Zac was dismayed to find it didn''t have much of an effect on the domain. The Miracle Bones seemed to work so long as they were within twenty meters of Kator.


    Alea could drag them further than that, but that was easier said than done. The reaver hadpletely seized the momentum, and he had no problem targeting any chain that tried to drag a bone away. Even if he seeded, Zac would be upying half his chains, and they were the only thing preventing him from beingpletely overwhelmed.


    New cuts joined the previous ones as Zac was pushed toward his demise. The situation was impossible. His body was breaking down to withstand the offensive, but its only effect was prolonging his suffering. This was his limit.


    Was he really going to lose like this?


    Zac inwardly roared with unwillingness, but he only had one thing left to fall back on. His eyes shone with madness as he made his choice. Screw it! A Divine Monarch had felt his Bloodline Talent first-hand, and everyone seemed to know about it already. He might as well take the opportunity to gauge their response to his showcasing some of its abilities. What good was his Void Emperor Bloodline if he never dared use it?


    Time was erased and gravity overthrown as the Void reced the Dao. Kator''s advantage was fully canceled when faced with [Void Zone], and Zac pounced with fury. Kator had egged him on, wanting him to show the ability, but he was clearly flustered upon having his Daos nullified. Not even the Miasma within his body was spared.


    Unfortunately, unleashing his Nullification Zone also meant Zac lost some of his edge. The Void didn''t just cover his immediate surroundings but also his own body. The Branches of Pale Seal and War Axe had coursed through his body until now, carried by his awakened bloodline to let him extract everything from his technique. The effect was gone when another truth pushed the others away.


    But what if they were one, working together instead of pulling in different directions?


    Zac hadn''t forgotten the clues he''d grasped in the throes of the epiphany brought from [Wargod''s Sagacity]. The answer was in the Void, but Zac he didn''t have the luxury to go looking in this fight. Now, those ideas came crashing back, and it was like a haze covering his eyes had been forcibly shattered.


    Heart, Dao, and Void became one, and the triumvirate truth opened a path. [Void Zone] began shrinking, initially to Kator''s delight. He switched to his aggressive stance but was suddenly forced to throw himself onto the ground. A soundless axe shed right where his head had once been, leaving not so much as a ripple behind.


    Kator growled as he attacked with redoubled fury, a palpable Killing Intent leaking from his body. His anger didn''t change the situation. It was suddenly like Zac was the one controlling time, with the reaver''s powerful swings striking empty air. Zac didn''t immediately aim for another hit. [Void Zone] was still shrinking, extending only two hands from his body.


    The Void within his body was growing increasingly profound, but the bloodline of Eoz wouldn''t be denied any longer. Adamance strong enough to reject the Heavens fought back against the nothingness. Neither side was giving in, turning Zac''s body into a battlefield. Yet Zac encouraged the struggle, condensing his Nullification Zone even further. Finally, he reached sublimation, and two became one. Zac finally saw the road clearly and knew it was time.


    His strike was simple yet sublime, severing Time and falsehoods as it moved toward Kator''s chest. It was one with the Heavens yet separate, a paradox manifest within Zac''s axe. Kator discarded technique and burgeoning momentum in a desperate attempt to avoid, but the edge still drew closer.


    Zac barely remembered why he fought or the goal to seize points. The beauty of the swing consumed all else. Zac''s whole being was infused into the gleaming edge, and space tore as it advanced. The scar was clean like a surgical cut, resembling the curtains of reality itself. The Void of Space didn''t wait on the other side.


    It was something else entirely, and it wanted tomunicate.


    The beckoning call from within soonmanded more attention than the winning strike. Zac realized something was wrong, but it was toote. The curtain parted, and Zac was consumed.


    -------------


    There was an infinity of nothingness. True nothingness beyond the Dao or Void. A nk existence beyond Zac''s realm ofprehension. It transcended even the fundamentalws of existence. There could be no Life, no Death, no Conflict. To enter was to reject the self, forever embracing true emptiness.


    The infinity didn''t deter nor beckon��it wasn''t the source of the call. It held no promises or threats. Yet it filled Zac with a primal dread that he''d never felt before, his soul crying with despair as he faced the transience of being. Seeing it exposed you to erosion of all thought, but Zac strenuously turned away. There could be nothing in the infinity, yet the beckon remained.


    Zac lifted his gaze, finding himself staring at an inverted mountain hanging down from a swirling cloud of darkness. Was it made from ancient stone, or was it ice? Densely packed light? Three thousandpeting answers appeared in Zac''s mind. All were correct, yet none were. Zac didn''t know why he knew it to be true, nor why he felt a vague connection.


    The mountain was silent, enduring. And massive��its size beggaredprehension. The Zecia sector wouldn''t be more than a pebble on its slopes. The mountain released no aura, but the sheer weight of its existence threatened to shatter Zac''s mind. He could see the whole thing from his vantage, yet he could only take in a corner of a corner. Even that was asking too much of a mortal mind.


    A single mountain, upholding seventeen peaks and all creation.


    Zac felt a pull, and the mountain was swallowed by the darkness. Thest thing he felt was eight ancient wills, their conviction piercing the infinity.


    [Beware the Terminus.]

 Chapter 1112 - Potential

    A small ripple can change the world.


    Blessed Fate opened his eyes, and his heart moved for the first time in eons. Few things could make the Lord stir in his slumber. Blessed Fate pinched his fingers and turned his gaze to the vast beyond, soon finding the answer. Or half of one. Someone had been touched by the Cosmos, bing a candidate for investiture.


    It was rare, but the asion shouldn''t be enough to cause a reaction from the Lord. Thousands of chosen would emerge every minor cycle. But how many could reach the end, severing mortal Karma and moving the Kalpa forward? Candidacy was just that; potential.


    What was different this time? Blessed Fate felt the Heart of all Creation, searching for answers within. But a shroud of darkness obscured filled the firmament.


    "I can''t deduce it?" Blessed Fate muttered.


    Let alone individual, even the contested precept was hidden from his eyes. His gaze turned toward Akani??ha, but the Supreme Seal was unmoved. That didn''t mean there was no threat to the Sangha.


    Blessed Fate looked at the rippling waters in thought. Normally, he would ignore such an event, even if their own Seal was targeted. If the Supreme Seal could lose their position, it wasn''t fated to begin with. The Kalpa would turn in ordance with thews, and what would be would be.


    Besides, most candidates already had links to the Sangha. Whoever had touched upon the Terminus through fate or fortitude would eventually cross paths with one of their Dao Seekers. There was nock of ordained umting merit across the myriad worlds.


    But the Lord''s warning could not be ignored, and the timing was suspect. Was it one of the ancient existences hiding in the corners of reality? The change in destiny brought forth by the Fifth Pir was bound to make a few anxious enough to make their move. And the feeling he got was eerily simr to the methods of the people who should be sealed in the past.


    The Terminus Council.


    Blessed Fate put his hands together, and a world grew around him. Future and past unfurled as the chants of ten million monks filled the air. The temple had stood forever in silent obeisance of the Heavenly Trajectories, and it would forever remain. The depth increased until fate could bear the existence of those he sought.


    An Arhat stepped out of the dream, his third eye open and his body annealed by the Dharma. For the monks in the temple, Blessed Fate was but a lifeless diety, but the Dharmic defender could sense his presence. He solemnly walked over, the world already filling him with purpose.


    "Your Eminence," the Arhat bowed.


    "You are True Destiny. There has been a change in the river of fate that cannot be pierced by conventional means," Blessed Fate said as six identical Dharmic Defenders were born. "Take your brothers and investigate the anomaly."


    "What should we do upon finding it?"


    Blessed Fate thought for a moment. "The stability of the Dharma is paramount to all beings of the Cosmos. The anomaly presents a threat to the natural order. If their Dao is confirmed and their role is set, then this poor monk can only bear the Mara to uphold the path to salvation. Let them rejoin the Cycle of Reincarnation."


    "As Your Eminencemands," the Arhat nodded. "If their heart can still ept Buddha''s Love?"


    "Bring them to the Fourth Mountain."


    The Arhat nodded, and the group wordlessly left the temple through a golden portal, leaving the Ocean for the mundane world. Blessed Fate closed his eyes, and the world was no more. The waters were back, but the world had not regained its calm. A seed of fear caused ripples across billions of miles before Blessed Fate sealed his self with a sutra.


    "Laondio..." Blessed Fate muttered. "After all these years, I still cannot erase you."


    -----------------


    Light reced darkness as the vision shattered, but the mountain refused to give way. Zac''s mind was still processing its immensity, unable to take in anything else. A sharp stab of pain briefly pierced the haze, and Zac distractedly noticed something white had mmed into his left arm. Bones cracked and ichor spattered as Zac was thrown away.


    Zac crashed into the ground, yet it took a few seconds for his mind to catch up to the present. He''d heard the System''s voice at the end, yet again warning him of the Terminus. The next moment, he''d been back in his body, his axe still moving toward Kator''s chest. The vision must have urred outside of time, and he wasn''t sure if Kator had noticed anything.


    What was real? What was fake? No one hade to call off the duel, so Zac suspected no one had sensed what he''d seen. They would have investigated if they did, no matter if they detected the infinite nkness, the mountain, or the ancient wills.


    The spatial cut was missing upon his return, and Zac doubted he''d actually entered through the curtains. At least not physically. But real or not, the vision had a very tangible effect on him. The feeling of convergence was gone, scattered by the vision. Zac desperately wanted to recapture that moment of rity where he''d seamlessly fused the Void into his strike, but his mind was still jumbled after being forced to witness something so far beyond his realm andprehension.


    The vision had onlysted for a few seconds, but it felt like he''d lived an eternity. And the encounter wasn''t truly behind him��the mountain had barged into his mind, taking up a corner of his psyche. The mountain pierced through a curtain of the unknown, pointing down at his soul like a sword of Damocles. It didn''t seem to be actually there, but the phenomenon far surpassed a memory. The situation more resembled the impartments that were locked in his mind.


    The profoundly terrifying mountain was far more overbearing, though, exerting immense pressure even in this ethereal state. Just focusing on it made Zac''s mind reel, and shifting his focus did not let him ignore its existence. He could tell his soul would have been damaged, possibly crushed, if not for his choice to cultivate the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. The mountain was overbearing in a way Kator couldn''t hope to match, but Zac''s instincts told him he''d somehow stumbled onto a huge opportunity.


    Of course, the benefits of this kind of encounter couldn''t be unearthed in a day or two. In the short run, the vision had utterly derailed his duel.


    Zac had been at the cusp of sess. Everything had converged in that final strike��his Daos, the Void, and decades of experience. Now the feeling was gone, and he couldn''t remember some of the details. He''d also been about to equalize the points only to be derailed by the vision. Kator had pounced the second Zac''s strike fizzled out, leaving him with a cracked humerus.


    It left him just one point from a clean sweep, wounded and unsure where to go from here. Worse, he realized he only had 10% of his Void Energy left. He vaguely remembered that his way of using [Void Zone] had cost far more than normal, but it was nowhere near this point. Zac believed that forming the illusory scar had utterly drained him, leaving him with almost nothing for the rest of the fight.


    Zac pushed away the defeat and confusion, slowly getting back on his feet. He was exhausted, but he still had some left in his tank. And while his bone was damaged, it wasn''t that big of a deal. It would still move as he willed it through channeling energy, and he didn''t need its full strength to manipte his chains. The situation wasn''t good, but Zac knew he needed to keep going. Both for his path and because his memory of that perfect strike would grow more blurry as time passed. This might be his only chance at recapturing it.


    Kator didn''t seem as boisterous as before when Zac approached. He didn''t speak, and Zac felt his posture had lost some of its domineering air. There was hesitation, confusion, as the reaver gazed in his direction. That alone let Zac regain some of his lost confidence, and he took a steadying breath as he prepared himself to give it his all to the end.


    With every step, he reyed the earlier exchanges, trying to understand without being swept away. This time, he needed to hold onto his rationality. Epiphanies could save years of arduous grinding, but they left holes in one''sprehension that needed to be filled in. Besides, Zac didn''t want to get sucked into that realm again. Instead, he calmly analyzed the simrities and differences between n and execution.


    The idea born during his use of [Wargod''s Sagacity] was to use the Void of Life for his Inexorable Stance, just like his Inexorable Core. It wasn''t the first time he''d considered it, but he''d always put it aside since he had absolutely no idea how to aplish something like that. Zac was still unclear of Void''s real nature. He''d simply poured the refined Void Energy from the Void Engine into his core during its formation, but he couldn''t exactly do the same thing with a technique.


    But the condensed experience let him glimpse a solution based on the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. He could somewhat emte the truths within, even if he still didn''t fully understand them. Combine that with what he''d learned from his blueprints, Core Formation, and Bloodline, and he had a chance of infusing a shadow of the Void into his stances.


    The sudden inspiration just now had introduced a new road to explore. Harmonization to the Void through [Void Zone]. If he became the Void, he would naturally move ording to its truths. Zac knew that his swing wasn''t technically part of his Inexorable Stance.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    If anything, it had given a sneak peek of a level far beyond his current level. That attack had contained the full Void of his imperial bloodline, but he only needed the Void of Life at this stage. Still, Zac was anxious to find his way back to that state. As long as he could replicate it, he would be able to move toward true integration.


    Kator made no move to attack as Zac came within 50 meters, but his gaze was full of unspoken questions.


    "You��"


    "It was my carelessness," Zac calmly said. "Let''s continue."


    There was nothing else to say. Kator had questions, but why should he answer? Zac shot forward while [Void Zone] ensconced him in nothingness. He had limited time left, and Zac wanted to make the most of it.


    The hunger for the truth had be overwhelming, to the point the duel became subordinate to his search for the Void. And Kator was the perfect opponent. Where else could he find someone so utterly matched to his stances, forcing him to push beyond his limits?


    The reaver was full of misgivings, but he grunted as he swung his shield to throw away three chains before they couldtch on. The coliseum became the battleground where Death''s inexorable grip fought against the suffocating swamp of temporal decay. The sound of weapons shing echoed through the stands. Yet both were careful, prodding, trying to understand what had just happened.


    The Nullification Zone was initially reluctant to be condensed again, but the pressure helped Zac fully contain it in his body. Where the Abyss waited. Zac was adamant while the two forces were exhausted, yet they refused to merge into one. The Abyss furiously fought back, and it felt like the Void was oil poured into water. A rapidly dwindling source of oil.


    Zac wasn''t deterred. He kept channeling the Void, observing its battle while Zac fought his own. Every swing, every movement, every breath was made with the Void in mind. He tried recalling the pieces he''d gleaned of the Void of Live over the years, trying to connect them with the unity of before. It didn''t spark any further inspiration. But something else did.


    The mountain in the back of Zac''s mind slowly came alive as it came in contact with [Void Zone]. It was as though it could understand Zac''s intent and released a mysterious resonance with his Void Energy. Zac was initially afraid it would do something crazy, but he soon realized it was a good thing. It suddenly felt like the Void in his body had be like the mountain, paradoxically made from everything and nothing at once.


    And one of the myriad manifestations was the Void of Life.


    Zac tried to grasp hold of the truths when they appeared, but they were fickle and elusive. They appeared without rhyme or reason, a flicker of existence before being consumed by the Abyss or transforming into something else. Eventually, Zac caught onto something and integrated it into his swing. At least Zac thought he did, even if the attack seemed like a normal strike based on the Inexorable Stance. The Void was too obscure, hiding in the shadows of the Dao.


    There was nothing special about the attack, but Kator was slightlyte in reacting��a noticeable step away from his previous pin-point precision. Zac was flush with sess, but he failed to replicate the effect. Meanwhile, the mountain was calming down. Zac refused to let go and pushed more Void Energy into his Soul Aperture. The fading vision stirred again, releasing even stronger pulses.


    The Void of Life became even more visible, and the fight rapidly shifted in Zac''s favor. Kator sensed the change andunched a furious counterattack. It was as though he wanted to prove himself against this unknown phenomenon. Yet his situation only grew increasingly desperate. At first, Zac only managed to capture the essence of a wisp every couple of seconds. Soon, it was double that, and each time created an opportunity.


    The chains were neither quicker nor slower as they moved to restrict Kator''s movements, and Zac''s swings didn''t gain any noticeable power-up. The only change seemed to be that they were bing harder to predict. A lightning-quick sh narrowly missed Kator''s chest, but Zac was already gone before finishing the movement, another hit targeting the reaver''s right side. Kator had anticipated himing from the left, forcing the reaver to block with his mace at an awkward angle, pushing him off-bnce.


    What was it about the Void that made Kator suddenly misread his moves on such a fundamental level?


    Then it struck him. The Integration Stage was the integration of Dao into your movements. It elevated techniques beyond the mundane, but it also restricted them. The whole reason he''d worked so hard to unravel Kator''s Daos was to better understand the underpinning rules of his technique and predict his movements.


    But how could a normal cultivator predict the alien truths of the Void? The uncertainty it introduced went far beyond the Earthen Peak Kator used to transform his Daos. The attacks Zac managed to infuse with some of the Void simply didn''t follow Heaven''s Path, turning truths into lies and creating opportunities that shouldn''t exist��Kator''s extremely high reflexes and affinities had be a weapon used against him.


    It had to be said that Kator was a genius. The reaver''s instincts must be going haywire, but he was adapting. Unfortunately for him, their starting points were too different. Zac had observed the Void for decades, and he wouldn''t give Kator a chance to catch up.


    A huge bang echoed through the coliseum as [Death''s Duality] crashed into the reaver''s chest. Zac looked like a scrawny adolescent in front of Kator''s hulking frame, but his smaller body contained the power to destroy mountains. He''d sealed some of his Strength at thest moment, but it still sounded like a bomb had gone off when Kator wasunched across the arena. His flight only stopped after being caught by the arena''s protective array, mirroring Zac''s flight before.


    Kator slumped to the ground, and Zac looked down at the axe in his hand with marvel. His insights were borrowed, and it couldn''t be considered true integration, but it proved his n was feasible. And powerful. If he could figure out to use this ability for real, it would be the perfect counter against all these Heaven''s Chosen who were one with the Dao.


    A pang of visceral danger made Zac look up, and he felt a predatory gaze from Kator in the distance. The reaver wasn''t even moving, but Zac''s senses screamed at him to get away.


    "Good�� Good!" Kator roared as red runes appeared all across his Warbones. "How long has it been?!"


    Kator''s murderous intent soared, and it looked like he''d set half the arena aze as a primordial force was awakened within. His power and momentum were growing with every step he took, and it was only further augmented by the halo above his head. The space in the arena was twisting under his pressure like it couldn''t withstand what was hiding within that skeletal frame.


    "I guess you leave me no choice," Zac sighed as he calmly looked at the approaching juggernaut.


    "What, you still have some��"


    "I forfeit."

 Chapter 1113 - Void Mountain

    Zac felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders when he threw in the towel. He''d been worried stepping down would affect his mental state, but there wasn''t even a ripple in his heart. If anything, it had solidified, and Zac even sensed he might have been worse off if he won. Coming up short was frustrating, but it let him nip the growing arrogance in the bud.


    It was an important lesson and an opportunity to refocus on what mattered. Why should he care about wins and losses, or whether he was unbeatable at his level? Why should he make that part of his identity, his ambitions? It was just empty des in the face of his goals and pursuit of the Dao. He should wee a thousand losses like this if it meant he could refine his path.


    Zac also knew his loss was deserved. He wouldn''t have seized even one point on Kator if not for his lucky mid-battle epiphany. And truthfully, he only got his sole point because Kator wanted to counter the Void through technique. Kator''s current state was absolutely terrifying, and Zac knew his newfound ability wasn''t enough to deal with it. The usefulness of the Void didn''te from unmatched power. It came from the fact that it was alien and unpredictable. But Zac had repeatedly proven that tricks were useless in the face of overwhelming power.


    He couldn''t continue fighting even if he wanted to. Kator might not have known it, but he would have managed to turn the situation around even if he didn''t activate his final Miracle Bone. He was almostpletely out of Void Energy, making it impossible to maintain his [Void Zone] much longer. His body wasn''t in any better shape. He''d been forced to extract a huge amount of power from [Conviction of Eoz] since Kator conjured his Domain, and Zac was nearing a threshold where the damage wouldn''t mend in a day or two.


    Even the illusory mountain in his mind felt faded, and Zac was afraid it''d break if he kept going. It would be a huge loss if he wasted his opportunity on something like a duel.


    The only thing that called for a continued battle was Boje Zethaya''s plight. But as much as he wished, Zac ultimately couldn''t save everyone. He''d see if he could trade Boje for Starstorm or a future sealbearer. They''d likely ept the offer if they knew they were targeting the Hollow Court.


    Zac''s tranquility wasn''t mirrored in his opponent. If anything, his aura grew, and Zac frowned upon feeling the pressure mount.


    "Forfeit?" Kator sneered as mysterious light poured down his nged mace. "You think you can just hit and run?"


    The reaver''s Daos formed a gravity well beneath the head, filled with Death and Time. It almost looked like a gateway to a lower ne had been forced open, and Zac suspected it wasn''t far from the truth. He sensed a familiar pressure behind Kator''s bearing, the pressure of a world. That was obviously impossible for a Middle Hegemon. Had Kator used the Earthly Peak to connect with a hidden dimension, borrowing its strength to empower himself?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac couldn''t take one of those hits head-on, yet he wasn''t worried even when the reaver shot forward like a runaway train.


    As expected, three figures stepped out of thin air between him and Kator. Enis and Laz had appeared by Zac''s side in case the reavers wanted to try something. Luckily, it didn''t prove necessary, as Kator was suddenly gone. Toss had effortlessly flung his ward into a spatial crack, probably depositing him back in his quarters.


    Monarchs were simply at another level��even someone like Kator was helpless in front of them.


    "You made the right choice," Enis said as she looked at Zac with an approving gaze. "Don''t feel discouraged about your loss. Even I can''t see the limits of your future."


    "I apologize about Kator. Unlocking the ultimate strength of his bodyes with some mental side effects," Toss said as he walked over.


    "That''s okay," Zac smiled, nodding at Tavza and Pavina as they appeared on Toss''s tail. "I''ve been there before."


    "Mh," Toss slowly nodded.


    No one said anything for a few seconds. Zac didn''t feel anyone scanning his body, but it still felt like all five were trying to see through his secrets. There was a palpable tension in the air, where the slightest movement contained the possibility of a drastic shift. Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t nervous, and he was ready to use [shfire Flourish] at a moment''s notice.


    His escape treasure wasn''t strong enough to elude a Monarch without a Chaos Mote fueling it, but Zac was certain the Draugr would cover his escape if it came to that. The Abyssal Lords had paid arge price to assist his awakening. Laz and Eniz wouldn''t let that sacrifice go to waste because of his Void Emperor Bloodline. Thankfully, it didn''te to that. Toss shook his head, and it was like the tension dissipated from the arena.


    "I was skeptical after hearing my cousin''s description," Toss rumbled. "Your ability to seal the Dao has incredible potential, especially if you manage to fuse it into your technique. Work hard; the Abyssal Shores are blessed to see the Bloodline of Eoz return."


    Zac nodded in thanks, but he could hear the unspoken implication in Toss''s words. He was clearly suspicious about the origin of Zac''s ability. And while there was no change in expression on the three Draugr, Zac knew they probably were the most confused. Eoz''s Bloodline might have been lost since the Dark Ages, but there was no way they didn''t have records of things like Bloodline Talents or Hidden Nodes.


    But as luck would have it, [Void Zone] was actually very in tune with Eoz''s Bloodline if you looked at it at a surface level. Their inner workings were based onpletely different concepts, as his difficulty in mixing the Void and the Abyss showed. Still, the talent was almost like a mix of [Adamance of Eoz] and [Immutability of Eoz]. Zac could argue it was a hidden variation or mutation of the long-lost branch.


    "I''m still some ways off. I should thank your young master," Zac said with a bow. "I wouldn''t have been able to grab onto the solution if he hadn''t shown my understanding of technique was too narrow."


    The words came from his heart. Zac felt he owed his opponent a debt of gratitude for opening his eyes, even if the guy was pretty damn annoying. Kator''s technique was simply better than his. Perhaps not in grade orplexity, but definitely in the way he''d adapted it to his unique circumstances.


    Every aspect of the reaver was infused into his technique, from hisplexbination of Daos to the unique advantages of his body and race. Everything created a holistic system where weaknesses were covered and strengths were amplified. Zac was far inferior in that regard, even if his Stances were very well attuned to his Daos. He''d essentially fused his Daos and personality with the Mastery Skills and called it a day. He wouldn''t have thought to use his Bloodline Talent the way he did if not for Kator showcasing how he dealt with the cyclic nature of his Miracle Bone.


    Zac knew Kator was almost twice his age, but the stark discrepancy was still humbling. He''d somewhat felt unmatched at his level, whereas Iz Tayn was the exception that proved the rule. But the Multiverse was vast and ancient, and every moment allowed another earth-shattering genius to appear.


    Kator might not be at Iz''s level, but his aplishments were far beyond Zac''s in multiple areas. Zac wasn''t even convinced he''d have won in a scenario where they were the same level and age.


    "You have reached very far on your own, but having insightful mentors and talented peers can let you go further than when traveling alone," the reaver said. "Feel free toe back any time. Even if Kator is busy with the war, other talented fighters in Kavista can help you refine your technique."


    "Thank you," Zac said. "I have to go over the duel while the impressions are fresh."


    "Go ahead," Laz said before a swirl of darkness surrounded him, perfectly isting all sound and energy.


    Zac didn''t sit down to meditate. He ignored theints of his wrung-out body as he began to reenact the battle without the Dao or Energy. The only difference was that [Death''s Duality] had been reced by a roasted hind leg of a Middle Beast King while his free hand shoved pills and tonics down his gullet between bites.


    His moves were slow and measured, like when he practiced [Void Vajra Sublimation]. However, he wasn''t trying toprehend the fusion of Death and Void, or even the essence of his attacks. He was simply trying to get closer to the Void of Life by copying his own movements.


    There was no way around it, he needed to start from the ground up. His foundations weren''t just shaky regarding the Void��they were practically nonexistent.


    His first brush with the Void was one of chance. He was essentially like Levi, born with an ability he didn''t fullyprehend. Even then, the Void has gradually infiltrated every aspect of his cultivation, from Body Tempering to Cosmic Core. Now, it hade knocking at the door of his techniques. Lord Engo had warned him that hisprehension was borrowed from Ultom.


    That needed to change, and quickly.


    And finally, Zac saw a path forward; through the illusory mountain. Zac still didn''t know why he''d been dragged into the vision mid-battle or why the System felt the need to reiterate its warning of the Terminus while it dragged him back. But he knew what the mountain represented. It was the Void taken form, the hidden bedrock of the Multiverse.


    Zac doubted the mountain was an actual ce. It was pure truth, orck thereof, beyond the limits of hisprehension. The mountain was simply his mind trying to trante its existence into something it could take in, simr to his Dao Avatars. Besides, why would the First People have gone extinct if the mountain was real? Zac would have to be crazy if he believed himself capable of reaching a ce Void-cultivating Supremacies could not.


    No matter the truth of the matter, the mountain was real in the sense that it existed in his mind. It still felt weakened and hollow, but it had stabilized now that Zac no longer triggered it with [Void Zone]. Judging by how it slowly siphoned unattuned Mental Energy and his remaining Void Energy, it would recover with time. He might even nurture it by feeding it refined Void Energy or treasures in the future.


    The Void Mountain might be the key to deciphering the true nature of the Void in a way that his Bloodline couldn''t. The Void Energy released from the depths of his cells was too profound. Studying it was like trying to grasp the Dao of Chaos from the get-go. In contrast, the mountain somehow destabilized his Void Energy and separated it into all kinds of expressions.


    It let him observe the Void from different angles, including those pertinent to his path. That was his best shot at understanding their nature in the same way he''d grasped his Daos.


    As for the ancient wills he sensed just before the vision shattered, Zac wasn''t sure what they represented. Zac didn''t even know if the Void Mountain or one of the hidden wills had beckoned him. The expressions of unbreakable resolve and utmost power were missing from the miniature mountain in his mind, and he hadn''t gotten a good sense of their nature before the vision ended.


    He''d only felt their existence within the darkness, but Zac knew they weren''t simple. Were they perhaps the eight pirs of the System? Each was founded on an Eternal Heritage worthy of emitting that kind of eternal determination. If so, he''d probably been pulled into the vision by Ultom itself. But shouldn''t he have recognized the signal if that were the case?


    Did he even want to know the truth? Zac sighed with helplessness as he finally sat down to let his body rest. What was supposed to be a simple duel had led him down a rabbit hole that equally reeked of danger and possibility. The Multiverse was too deep and mysterious. Whenever he got closer to an answer, more things popped up to upend his worldview.


    The Heavens and the Void. The Terminus and those who wanted to guard or destroy it. The hidden fight for the direction of the Era, schemes billions of years in the making. The more Zac got embroiled in these matters, the harder it would be to extricate himself. He couldn''t let himself get distracted at this juncture. He wasn''t strong enough for his opinions to matter, nor was he a historian or a schr. He was a fighter, and he had people depending on him.


    Zac put the matter aside. He was better off focusing on the path forward. Using the mountain to infuse wisps of Void of Life into the Inexorable Stance was only a stopgap, a shallow mimicry. The real long-term solution was the one he stumbled onto before the vision. Mind-bending epiphany aside, Zac understood that state wasn''t anything new. It was just like when he fused his Daos into his Thousand Lights Avatar, letting soul and Dao harmonize with his technique. Except, he''d used [Void Zone] and his Bloodline to aplish something simr.


    Did that mean reforming his spiritual avatar was a waste of time and energy? His awakened Bloodline was already an amazing conductor, and his Void Vajra Constitution would eventually catch up. No! Zac suddenly had a new idea, one that refused to let go the second it took hold. Wasn''t his broken avatar an opportunity for him to rebuild something better? Something better suited than the original Eidolon technique.


    His Children of Draug-bloodline could easily carry his Branch of the War Axe, but it was ultimately a body of Death marked by the Abyss. Simrly, his other body was purely Life-attuned, even if it was cultivated by borrowing concepts of the Void. And he had his Void Emperor Bloodline and the mountain to cover the Void. That left the third, and possibly most important, pir of his techniques��Conflict.


    What if, instead of a Thousand Lights Avatar, he formed an Axe Avatar? Or an Avatar of Conflict?


    Instead of fusing Void and the Abyss as he''d tried during the duel, he''d create a spiritual state where everything perfectly came together. That would turn his body into the ultimate vessel for his stances while fully utilizing bloodlines and constitutions to empower his technique. That would be a true integration, like how Kator used his Miracle Bones and Hidden Nodes.


    The idea had immense promise, and Zac was certain something amazing woulde out of it. Zac urgently wanted to reform his spiritual body to confirm, but he suspected he''d need the help of Ultom to reforge [Thousand Lights Avatar] into something that could stand toe-to-toe with the overwhelming power of his bloodlines.


    Zac spent the next three hours making preliminary deductions and reshuffling his training priorities while mending the microscopic wounds left by [Conviction of Eoz]. Ultimately, Zac knew he had to go. Every extra second he spent in Kavista came with the risk of things turning south.


    He emerged from the swirl and found that only Laz Tem''Zul remained.


    "Everything sorted out?" the Monarch smiled.


    "For now," Zac said. "Thank you."


    "You''re wee. I''m d to see you could turn the situation into something positive. Only those with indomitable hearts have the qualifications to strive for the peak."


    Zac nodded in thanks. "I''ll keep working on it. It''s about time I returned. Could I trouble you to send me back to the teleporter?"


    "In a moment," Laz said.


    Zac still frowned in displeasure, even if he wasn''t surprised. He''d somewhat expected there was some hurdle remaining before he could leave.


    "Don''t worry; it''s nothing big. We are just as eager for you to continue your work on the missions. Kator wished to exchange a few words before you left."


    "So he wants to gloat now that he''s calmed down?" Zac sighed. "Well, let''s get it over with."


    Laz gave him a helpless smile before transporting them to arge dojo. Kator was already sitting on a mat, surrounded by the haze of two high-quality incense sticks.


    "You''re finally out!"


    "Had to give you time to calm down," Zacmented.


    "Sorry, sorry," Katorughed. "You surprised me, and I wasn''t ready to have the fun end."


    "It''s fine. Was there anything you wanted to��"


    "Still, I feel bad," Kator interjected. "It''s not like me to lose control like that. Besides, I can''t call it a victory after I had to go all out. If my buddies back home heard I acted all high and mighty after being pushed so far by a newly hatched Hegemon, I''d never hear the end of it."


    "You called me here for a rematch?" Zac frowned.


    "Afraid not. Neither of us has the time. This little diversion has already cost me thousands of merit and the chance of finding more sealbearers," Kator said as hezily scratched his head. "Did you forget about the poor guy I''ve been keeping around? Why don''t you just take him as a form of apology?"


    Kator turned toward a nearby door. "Buddy,e on in!"


    Zac was shocked and quickly turned toward the doors as they creaked open. Was Kator for real? And indeed, a familiar figure soon stepped into the room. Zac was initially relieved, but his heart sank upon realizing the wrongness of it all.


    "You�� what have you done?!" Zac wheezed, his eyes wide with anger.


    His Draugr vision wouldn''t lie. Boje Zethaya was indeed unharmed, but there wasn''t a speck of Life in his body.

 Chapter 1114 - Living Dead

    For a second, Zac had thought Kator wanted to extend an olive branch after their initial friction. It turned out the gesture was just another way to mess with him. The tranquility he''d seized was almost blown away, but Zac pushed down the anger as he wordlessly stared at Kator.


    "Don''t give me that look. Want another beatdown?" Katorughed.


    "There is no way he''d be up and walking if he was just turned," Zac squeezed through grit teeth. "You promised you wouldn''t touch him until our duel. Is your word only worth this much?"


    "I promised he''d be alive and well. I never promised I''d keep him a Dreamer," Kator said, scratching a small scar on the chest where Zac struck him before.


    "Killing Boje and awakening a Revenant can''t possibly be considered alive and well!"


    "Oh, but I didn''t awaken him," Kator said before turning to the Alchemist, who had hesitantly stopped at the doorway. "Buddy, introduce yourself."


    The man looked back and forth between Zac and Kator for a moment, fear and helplessness evident on his face. Eventually, he released a helpless sigh. "�� I''m Boje Zethaya,"


    Zac''s eyes thinned. There was something about his face and voice that was so familiar, and not in the eerie way he''d seen with his enemies-turned-followers. The neer didn''t seem to be lying. Revenant was really Boje Zethaya unless they had managed to steal his memories before raising a Revenant spy.


    "You��" Zac slowly said, realization finally parting the clouds of anger that had built in his mind.


    He''d heard it was technically possible to turn cultivators into Revenants while retaining their memories, but it was exceedingly difficult and expensive. Only the most talented Liches could aplish such a feat, and it required exceedingly rare materials. Zac even doubted there was anyone in Zecia who had the skills necessary. Even then, there was a decent risk either soul or body would sumb from the transition, to the point that even living Death Cultivators were leery about taking that step.


    Why would Kator do something like this? Was it really just to mess with him?


    "You don''t think I understand how your greedy little mind works?" Kator snickered upon seeing the confusion on Zac''s face. "You wanted a chit for the Zethaya Pill House, which you could use to further the cultivation of Zachary Atwood and the Dreamers of your faction. Something we explicitly said might work against our goals."


    Zac didn''t bother denying it. After all, it was true that Boje''s ess to the top-tier Pill House was an important reason he''d shown up today. And even if it wasn''t the only reason, so what? Should he try to exin himself like a defendant on trial? That would only make him look like a hypocrite.


    "Besides, you really thought I''d just let a Sealbearer go?" the reaver continued. "You''d send him back, but do you think those weak Alchemists would dare hang onto him? The brat would be sold off to one of the outsider factions before he could bring down a cmity on their heads. Then we''d be left with nothing while our enemies grow stronger."


    "This kills two birds with one stone. Young Boje here is now one of us,mandments and all. There''s no way for him to be part of someone else''s cycle. Realignment should be the optimal choice, superior to awakening or digging the seal out of his chest. After all, the seal chose this guy for one reason or another. This way, we keep the original, but in a more suitable form."


    "Three stones, maybe," Kator added after some thought. "Seeing your constipated face is quite a delicious bonus."


    Zac inwardly fumed but knew he had no leg to stand on. Kator had obviously twisted the meaning of his promise, but that didn''t much matter at this point. He could have raised a stink if he''d won, but he couldn''tin about Boje''s fate.


    "Enough," Toss said as he stepped through a crack in space. "Our mission takes precedence over everything else. This is already a good oue for the child."


    "Kator managed to bring a highly skilled Lich for this very purpose," Laz added. "Native sealbearers are expected to be more useful inside the trial zone, so we''ve spared no expense to ensure there are as few lingering drawbacks as possible on our new members."


    "I know today didn''t go as you hoped, but don''t let it sow seeds of doubt in your heart," Pavina said.


    "Thank you," Zac said. "Don''t worry about me. My cultivation path has been nothing but hups and roadblocks since day one. This is just another Tuesday."


    "If there''s nothing else, we''ll take our leave," Laz Tem''Zul said, ushering Zac and Boje from the dojo.


    An unexpected scene waited on the other side. It was a huge training square where thousands of warriors fought. Only a few were Draugr, with Revenants and Corpselords having a roughly equal distribution. A bloody air covered the arena, except for a solitary spot of darkness where he found Tavza waiting. She briefly nced at Boje before leveling an even stare at Zac.


    "You knew about this?" Zac asked.


    "Some battles have to be ceded for the greater picture."


    Zac snorted with displeasure, but he followed when Tavza turned around and walked toward a gate on the opposite side of the room. It was like an invisible hand pushed thebatants aside, creating a path for their small group. No one said anything for a minute until Tavza finally spoke again.


    "For a moment, I thought you''d subvert all expectations again."


    "Wasn''t enough this time," Zac shrugged. "I''d probably be dead if it were a real battle, with escape the only other option. And there might be hundreds of people like him in the trial."


    "Hundreds? Unlikely. The deeper your foundations, the harder it is to push for Late Hegemony within a century. Besides, there''s a reason there''s only Kator and I at this level from the Empire," Tavza said. "All factions are fearful of diluting their fate by being greedy. While our estimates indicate there''ll be hundreds of sealbearers, the vast majority will be Early or Middle D-grade. There shouldn''t be more than twenty people at Kator''s level."


    Zac nodded, but her phrasing made Zac look over with curiosity. "Between you and Kator, who''d win in a spar?"


    "In a spar? Kator," Tavza said with equanimity. "Those practicing technique will always benefit in situations limiting one''s other powers. In a life-and-death battle? Impossible to say."


    Zac was slightly surprised that Tavza felt confident standing toe-to-toe with Kator in a death match. A young princess of the AzoL bloodline obviously wouldn''t be weak, but Tavza''s role in the mission seemed more like support. She had her Domain-like Bloodline that could provide Miasma and a deep understanding of Arrays and ancient history. Meanwhile, Kator was a purebatant.


    The conversation stalled again, and Zac eventually turned to Boje, who had nervously followed a few paces behind.


    "How are you feeling?"


    "I am fine, thank you," the Alchemist quickly said. "I�� May I ask for young master''s name?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You don''t know?" Zac said with confusion.


    "Boje Zethaya entered Middle D-grade just before Kator found him," Tavzamented. "He wouldn''t know."


    No wonder Boje had looked like a question mark since the beginning. Zac''s Draugr appearance was only vaguely familiar to his original features after awakening, and it was almost impossible to draw the connection unless you knew they were the same person. However, he''d figured Boje would''ve figured it out through the two aliases on thedder.


    Turned out Boje didn''t even have ess to it. Less surprising was that Kator hadn''t bothered filling the poor Alchemist in on the situation.


    "You''re already Middle D-grade?" Zac said with surprise. "Your cultivation is even faster than Reoluv Dravorak''s?"


    "My, ah, previous status came with some advantages," Boje said wryly. "The Zethaya n is one of the wealthiest factions in the sector, and war wasing. The Matriarch chose to pour vast amounts of resources into our people. That way, we''d be better prepared while reducing our attraction as a target for ransacking. Then�� I��"


    Boje''s already pallid face grew even paler as he lost his words.


    "The Kan''Tanu forcibly raised his cultivation with taboo methods after he was captured," Laz said.


    "Then��" Zac hesitated as he nced at Boje''s chest.


    "No, they don''t imnt sealbearers with Heart Curses," Tavza said upon seeing Zac looking at Boje''s stomach. "We believe they are selling sealbearers to outside factions and don''t want to spoil the goods. After all, those things feed on fate, in a sense."


    "His cultivation was already resource-heavy, and the ritual damaged his foundations even further," Laz said before turning to Boje. "Don''t consume more treasures or gain any levels over the next three years. Focus on purification and learning what we imparted."


    "I��I understand," Boje stuttered, clearly unnerved by the gaze of the Draugr Monarch.


    Zac was about to exin the situation, but they had reached the teleportation square��or rather, one looking mostly like it, except for a few minor differences. Zac guessed there were dozens of them in the sprawling mansion of the Kavriel n.


    Boje was surprised to hear they were leaving the Kavriel n''s ancestral manor, but he weed the news. It almost looked like he didn''t care where they were going, so long as it was away from all the scary overlords of the Undead Empire.


    Zac exchanged a few words with Laz before activating the teleporter, indicating Boje to get inside. Just as they were about to leave, Zac heard Tavza''s emotionless voice in his mind.


    ''Don''t return to Kavista before the mission. The situation has gone out of control.''


    The teleporter swallowed him and Boje before Zac had the chance to react to Tavza''s message, and they soon appeared by his Nexus Hub. Boje curiously looked around, his brows slowly scrunching together as he sensed the environment outside.


    "What''s this?" Boje muttered. "I sense something sinister�� No, wait�� is that��"


    "It''s the Dao of Life," Zac sighed. "You''ll get used to the change in perspective. Trust me, I know."


    "You��"


    "I know you have questions. I''ll exin everything, but let''s relocate before anything else," Zac said with a shake of his head.


    The two teleported once more, appearing in Zac''s Compound. All the while, Boje only got increasingly confused as he observed the surroundings. Finally, they settled in his Death-attunedpound, where Triv served refreshments before retreating.


    "We''re not on Kavista anymore, are we?"


    "No. Not in the Kavriel Province at all, in fact," Zac exined. "I guess I should introduce myself. I''m Arcaz Umbri''Zi, but you know me better as one of my aliases��Zac Piker."


    "Ah, of course, I��WHAT!" Boje blurted a storm of emotions fluctuating across his face. It took him over a minute to recollect himself, at which point he looked at Zac with aplicated expression. "They got you too? No wonder we haven''t heard from youtely."


    "No," Zac said with a wry smile. "Well, not in the same sense. My situation is moreplicated. I was already Half-Draugr when we met the first time. I had something simr to a deviation when entering hegemony and was split in two. The half you''re more familiar with should currently be leading another campaign for the Atwood Empire."


    "So that''s where we are," Boje said, his eyes widening inprehension. "I recall reading a missive mentioning your world had pockets of Death after the Undead Incursion. To think it was to this extent."


    "The System turned it into a Dual-attuned world after we passed the integration," Zac said. "Now, we''re the only life-death faction in Zecia."


    Zac spent the next ten minutes broadly exining the situation and catching Boje up to speed.


    "I understand," Boje said, nkly looking up at the blue sky and the warm suns above. He said nothing more, seemingly lost in his thoughts.


    "Are you okay?" Zac eventually asked after the silence had dragged on for a minute.


    The Alchemist was dragged out of his stupor and looked over.


    "The past couple of months have been��" Boje said, slowly shaking his head. "It''s ironic."


    "What?"


    "I met the Matriarch a few years ago. She told me I wasn''t suited for the path of Death and should focus on Life instead. I wonder what she would think if she saw me now."


    There was a smile on Boje''s face, but even Zac could see the mania hiding beneath the surface. He said nothing, letting Boje continue.


    "I followed her suggestion. After our meeting, I shifted my direction toward healing while continuing my studies of Alchemy. I normally stayed far from the fighting, healing our soldiers from within our battlements. But the quest required me to follow the army into the Kan''Tanu Sector, and I got greedy."


    Zac could guess the rest. They met a strong opponent, and Boje''s army was killed or captured. "Did you get the seal during the war?"


    "No, shortly before," Boje said. "The Zethaya have some ndestine�� ventures... inside the Million Gates Territory. That chaotic space has a lot of resources you can''t find elsewhere. I was sent there after we started hearing the rumors of war and opportunities."


    "Should you be spilling the beans on those kinds of secrets?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    "It doesn''t matter now," Boje sighed. "Those channels are all liquidated. Besides, I''m not even part of my family anymore."


    "Those orders��"


    "It''s not just that," Boje said, looking up at Zac. "I can''t return anymore. That skeleton jerk was right in one thing. My family can''t withstand holding onto someone rted to the Left Imperial Pce. I kept my situation hidden out of fear of bing a bargaining chip. Now, my situation is even worse. Besides�� I can''t face my family like this��"


    Zac understood what he meant. Boje was caught in a nightmarish situation where he currently didn''t quite belong to either side. The Zethaya n might not even believe he was who he said he was. His first thought was also that Boje was a spy. Hearing the motivations and seeing Tavza and Laz''s reactions wasn''t enough to fully dispel the thought. Realignment was simply too rare, to the point that it never happened on the frontier.


    "Well, I shouldn''tin," Boje eventually said. "So many people have died in this war, including people I''ve known my whole life. My situation is much better than that, especially now that I''m out of the eyes of that Izh''Rak Reaver.


    "I''d like to send a message back home, with your permission. Just exin the situation to my parents. I won''t mention the matter of the Left Imperial Pce, of course. I''ll say something like they recognized my potential was too good to awaken conventionally and chose realignment instead."


    "Sure," Zac nodded. "How''s your situation in that regard? Can you still practice alchemy?"


    "Well, I have some relearning to do. Thankfully, I don''t cultivate the Dao of Life like some healers," Boje said. "I''m cultivating the Daos of Fire, Herbalism, and Alchemy. The Empire also provided resources and manuals to allow me to continue my cultivation with Miasma instead of Cosmic Energy."


    "Let me know if you need anything else," Zac said. "My Atwood Empire can''tpare to the Zethaya in terms of riches, but you might be surprised by the stuff we have in our stores. Much of ites from outside Zecia."


    The two talked for another hour, catching up and nning for the future. Zac had to admit, Kator had set everything up quite nicely for the Alchemist. Apart from Cultivation Manuals and Alchemy techniques, Boje had even been provided with arge batch of practice resources and information missives rted to his path of study. The Undead Empire unsurprisingly had ample experience taking Alchemic Recipies from the outside and reworking them to suit their races.


    It was almost impossible for an Undead to create pills that could be used for the living. After all, the foundation of their pills would be made with Miasma rather than Cosmic Energy, which would leave an indelible core of Death within. For the undead, that energy would simply bolster the effect of the pills. For the living, taking the pill would be akin to inviting Death. A few might be fine, but any more, and they''d face the same situation as the cultivators who had stayed within the Dead Zone too long.


    Boje was quite eager to start working on the proprietary Zethaya recipes. In his words, he wouldn''t be breaking any of his old family rules if he reworked them into undead pills. They could technically be considered entirely new pills.


    Zac could still sense the panic beneath the excitement, but there wasn''t much Zac could do about it. The trauma he''d been through wouldn''t magically heal after a short conversation with an old acquaintance. Hopefully, staying in the Atwood Empire would let him process what he''d been through. Seeing the undead and living working together might make it easier to deal with his situation.


    "Excuse me, young master. You have guests," a voice said from outside, and Zac mentally opened the gates to let Triv inside.


    Apanying him was Joanna and a couple of Revenants who would take Boje to get settled. Soon only Zac and Joanna remained, and he shared the events of his visit.


    "That reaver was so strong that not even you could defeat him?" Joanna frowned. "I knew the trial would be deadly, but this..."


    "We still have some time to catch up."


    "What''s next?"


    "More of the same," Zac said. "These are going to be a bloody few years."

 Chapter 1115 - Providence of a Sovereign

    The heavenly pressure was finally giving in, but it was toote. Golden lightning crackled across Ogras''s unmoving body while a spiritual pressure made the whole square groan. The cracks grew deeper until his head snapped and fell to the ground. The tribtion didn''t care and continued its assault for another minute before dissipating.


    Ogras slowly rose from the shadows of his shattered self, exhaling as his dummy dissipated with the wind.


    "Out with the old," Ogras grinned.


    A manageable amount of lightning crackled through his body, tempering his flesh and soul. It would probably linger a while longer, so Ogras looked around. Theforting shade had returned, recing the overbearing presence of the Ruthless Heavens. His shadowy servants were also gone, bing the first casualties in his fight against fate.


    Most importantly, his g, while scorched, remained in one piece. It was still crackling with lightning more ferocious than himself, which elicited a snicker. He almost wanted to activate the thing to hear the little bastard''s screams. No, there was no point in tempting fate like that. The Ruthless Heaven was undoubtedly still close by.


    Seeing that the situation was stable, Ogras turned his sight inward. There it waited, a shimmering orb of untold possibility. The next moment, it was gone, but Ogras didn''t panic. A wide smile spread across his face as he saw his Shadowmirage Core reappear. It worked. He''d been worried his n was a fool''s hope, especially when his corecked its current properties during the formation.


    He''d carried that hesitance for years, wondering if he was deluding himself. Could something created during his bouts of amnesia really be trusted? But he''d decided to bet on himself, or rather his other self. If Zac dared to aim for such a paradoxical core while being a mortal, how could he back down from creating a core that was both fake and real?


    But even if it was real, could he trust its source?


    He''d long been worried it was K''Rav that whispered in his ears during the nk periods he''d endured since visiting that cier. But he''d realized the truth by this point. The illusory treasure had created a schism in the depths of his mind, and the creatures trapped within his body had eventually figured out how to use it tomunicate. Or perhaps merge, since his own psyche seemed to be one of the voices.


    He''d been able to suppress the bouts when he only had Asshole in his body, but he was outnumbered by this point. He could only dy it for a couple of days now. It was enough to find a safe spot, but Ogras worried about its implications for the future. Would he be the illusion and the fused spirits be real if he kept going down this path?


    It was even weirder that the spirits seemed to be helping him. He''d been sure their almost iprehensible scribbles were a trap. Ogras certainly would have done everything in his power to escape if he ever found himself in the same situation as the three creatures sealed by the [Spiritlock Physique]. And if that failed, make both sides go out in a ze of glory.


    Rasata''s notes weren''t any help either��there were no mentions ofmunication with your Spiritlock Avatars. However, the suggestions didn''t sh with the original ideas born from Ultom''s insight. If anything, they brought out the true value of the mysterious light. Adding the Dreamgeist, especially, drastically improved the proposals. But the biggest contributor was still himself.


    Ogras almost hated his shadowy half for the inspired ideas he jotted down in those short moments. Why couldn''t he just get them in his normal state? Did that guy steal all hisprehension? Ogras shrugged. Whatever. He might not have a full handle on the situation, but he understood enough to make some decisions. If you assumed everyone was scheming against you, you''d be ready for anything. Their goal might be to possess his body, but he was making ns on his own. Until then, he''d ept their gifts, turning them into one of his secret sources of strength.


    And the result was definitely good. The Heavenly Lightning had been the catalyst needed to kickstart his creation. A core at the threshold of reality was undeniably the best fit with his unique constitution. Any enemy who thought they''d pierced his core and crippled his cultivation would be in for a rude surprise when they realized it had no effect.


    There was a shift in his surroundings, and Ogras''s spear appeared in his hand as he swirled around. He soon rxed, realizing it was just a shimmering crystal that had already appeared without warning. Ogras''s eyes gleamed with anticipation as he walked over. It was time to see if his hard work was enough to reach the destination.


    Core Formation Sessful


    Design: 11% unique.


    Imperfections: wless (3-9).


    Evaluation: High Quality, B-grade Energy Capacity, A-grade Potential, A-grade level of Innovation.


    Ogras had expected to see a list of sses and was surprised he got a report card instead. Only 11% uniqueness even after he created the thing from scratch, using the truths of Ultom as the foundation? Ogras shrugged after some thought, not bothered by the low number. He knew that the fusion of Shadows and Illusions wasn''t anything unique. You could randomly throw a rock into a gaggle of assassins and hit someone with a simr path.


    But so what? Unique didn''t mean strong, andmon didn''t mean weak. Furthermore, the Cosmic Core was only one part of your path. And it couldn''t be too bad if the Ruthless Heaven felt it warranted an A-grade level of innovation. But he did briefly wonder what was needed for A-grade. 5%? 10%? Either case, Zac must have gotten S-grade with his weird creation.


    He was much more interested in the other aspects. His core looked incredible, but seeing that he''d reached High Quality in one go was a huge relief. Ogras was just one step short of the Peak, paving the path for Monarchy. He''d definitely made the right decision staying an additional two years, even if he felt mostly ready to advance for a while. Without the added Mana and nning, he probably would only have reached Middle Quality.


    The energy capacity wasn''t ster, but Ogras had already been aware of that when creating his blueprint. But his path wasn''t one of endurance. What was the point of arge pool when you either finished the job in one strike or ran for your life? The extremely rapid energy transmission it was capable of was far more useful. If anything, B-grade was better than expected.


    Ogras snickered upon thinking of the elders back home. The main branch had celebrated for six straight months when the Fourth Elder broke through, inviting the whole capital to a feast. Such amotion over a lump of garbage that left the old goat stuck at level 153. What would those scheming halfwits think if they saw him now? With a swing of his spear, the whole council would be punched full of holes.


    He shook his head, dispelling his fantasy of a glorious return. One day, he would p all those deceitful faces before taking his grandpa away, but his fate with Azh''Rezak and the Horde had already been severed. He couldn''t forget that his circumstances had changed. What was an earth-shattering aplishment back home wasn''t worth mentioning in the circles he rantely. Whatever core the ck-eyedss created two months ago was bound to be equally impressive.


    She''d been making improvements until the end, just like he. Ogras might have one more seal piece under his belt and enjoyed the benefits of buddying up with a walking treasure ma for longer, but Catheya was a little princess. Her dad was a Late-Stage Monarch and her Master was even stronger��their starting position wasn''t the same.


    Today, Ogras felt he''d closed the gap to all the heaven-kissed brats who thought themselves better because they won the cosmic birthright lottery. His anticipation grew as he waited for the real prize. Then, it was there.


    [Option 1]


    Name: [D-Epic] Rehiphem''s Vengeance.


    Fixed Attributes: Dexterity +300 / 450 / 600, Wisdom: +150 / 225 / 300.


    Free Attributes: +100 / 150 / 200.


    Forgotten, hidden. Returned with a vengeance.


    [Option 2]


    Name: [D-Epic] Nightmare''s Requiem


    Fixed Attributes: Dexterity +150 / 225 / 300, Intelligence +100 / 150 / 200, Wisdom +250 / 375 / 500.


    Free Attributes: +50 / 75 / 100.


    A beguiling song, a beautiful dream. All a lie.


    [Option 3]N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Name: [D-Arcane] Shadewar Sovereign


    Fixed Attributes: Dexterity +250 / 375 / 500, Intelligence +100 / 150 / 200, Wisdom +250 / 375 / 500.


    Free Attributes: +50 / 75 / 100.


    Ruler of none, master of all.


    Ogras''s hands shook as he reached the final line, a storm sweeping away everything else. Who cared about the old tale of Rehiphem, the advisor of the ancient Gods? Who cared about nightmares? He''d done it. He''d actually done it. Ogras''s eyes couldn''t help but mist over as his mind drifted back to his journey over the years.


    It had all started that day. He''d held his hand against a Nexus Node very much like right now, trying to take control over the small ind kingdom after taking out all thepetition. Back then, he''d been shut out, deemed unworthy, and he''d been swept up in Zac''s path just minutester.


    Today, it felt like the gates to the Heavens themselves had opened wide to let him in as a testament to his struggle. He was not just a hanger-on anymore. He was lowly born but had seized the providence of a sovereign.


    A movement shattered his beautiful dream, but a confident smile appeared on the demon''s face as he calmed his raging emotions.


    "Ai, it''s finally over," a wretched voice emerged from the scorched pit. "The Ruthless Heavens, indeed. I can''t believe some lunatic created that thing. Makes our experiments seem tame inparison."


    "You would have gotten there eventually if you didn''t destroy yourself first," Ograsmented, his voice slightly hoarse. "Did it work?"


    "Yes," K''Rav grunted as he appeared.


    Golden lightning crackled across the goblin''s spiritual body, and his aura was erratic. But the goblin had passed his tribtion just as Ogras had.


    "Hurt like one of the Four Fell Brews of Potioneer He''Zar, but the path has been created."


    "So now we just need to fill you up before subverting darkness and light."


    "When are things ever so simple?" K''Rav snickered. "Fooling the Heavens isn''t so easy, and I doubt this new-fangled overlord is a fool. You want to turn the fell Karma of the [Shadewar g] into an illusion, but the souls will resist bing subordinate Tool Spirits. It''s against nature."


    "That''s why I have you, isn''t it?" Ograszily said. "Work hard on motivating the recruits. The better they align with our n, the easier it should be."


    "You want me to reason with a bunch of mindless vengeful spirits?" K''Rav scoffed.


    "Whatever," Ogras shrugged. "If things go south, I''ll just throw you into a spatial tear and wash my hands of the whole situation."


    "Little bastard, some things are not so easily erased," K''Rav snickered. "You''ve got the mark of the Ra''Lashar all over you. Our fates are inextricably linked."


    Ogras didn''t bother arguing. He and the goblin had their ns and fallbacks. Only time could tell who would walk away in the end. For now, their purposes were aligned, at least at a surface level.


    He turned back to the Nexus Node, having already made his choice. What was there even to think about? If the Heavens gave you a treasure, you wouldn''t look for baubles on the ground. Streaks of power entered his body, setting the foundation for his pathways.


    "What an innovative way of cultivation. sses, ranks. All neat and tidy, controlled by an eternal overlord," K''Rav sighed, studying the Nexus Node with interest before observing the changes within Ogras''s body. "I''m not sure I like it, though. It all feels very restrictive."


    "Yeah, well. You, if anyone, should know that unfettered freedom has a price," Ogras countered. "And it creates opportunities. Without the Ruthless Heavens, I would never have left my home world. I would either have wasted my life at the threshold of cultivation or gotten killed by one of my cousins."


    "Yeah, I guess a little ingrate like you came out ahead," K''Rav shrugged. "So we done here?"


    "We''re done here," Ogras agreed as he stowed the [Shadewar g] in his sleeve. "The war has already started. We can''t let the others have all the fun."


    "War," K''Rav grinned. "It''s been a while."


    It was as though Ogras''s promation had triggered a hidden array as the familiar bubble sprung up around him. He was filled with anticipation for his return as he streaked through the endless cosmos. Was this finally his chance to make that monster look at him with shock and some jealousy?


    Suddenly, Ogras felt a powerful pull, and he groaned with pain when his pod was forcibly dragged into a pitch-ck hole. His eyes were wide with panic, but there was no time to think. A gleaming dagger was piercing right at his forehead, and his body moved on instinct. Fake became real, and shadows became true as Ogras avoided the ambush while unleashing an attack on his own.


    Ogras didn''t care who this shadow was or how they''d ended up in this dark basement��protecting his little life took priority. But the enemy''s dagger almost felt alive, continuing toward his forehead with unerring precision. Ogras was aghast to find that no matter how many times he subverted his position or how manyyers of feints he used, the dagger only drew closer.


    How was this possible?! The shrouded assassin was clearly only at Late E-grade. Ogras decisively shifted his main body into one of the shadows he''d already sent in every direction, escaping through a crack in the wall. Why should he risk his life fighting that guy? There were far too many suspicious points about the situation for him to stick around.


    Shadows passed through the cracks in the ground, moving thousands of meters in no time. But an isting force exhausted his shadows, making it harder and harder to move. Finally, Ogras had no choice but to go up, but his heart lurched upon realizing he was somehow back in that same room. The shadowy assassin only looked at him, his aura still at the Late E-grade. Even then, Ogras was filled with a fatal danger.


    "Not too bad, I gue��Alright, enough."


    Ogras found his true form dragged out of the shadows after a second failed escape, and his whole body was suddenly locked in ce by a monstrous killing intent. He knew that any tricks or movements meant utter death. This was not something an E-grade cultivator could emit. Or a Monarch, for that matter. Ogras knew there was trouble when his return journey was interrupted, but he''d hoped it was a cosmic hup rather than the machinations of an old monster.


    Where was Zac''s Luck when you needed it? Or was this what his life was like?


    "Little eel, try to escape again, and I''ll sever your shadows."


    "I''m sorry senior," Ogras said with an ingratiating smile. "I was just shocked by the sudden changes. I did not realize such an esteemed figure had called upon me. What can this lowly one do for sir?"


    "Glib," the assassin scoffed. "As I said. Not bad, but you''recking in skill and experience. More importantly, youck ruthlessness. Against your enemy but especially against yourself. Fearing for your life is natural, but it''s poison to your momentum. Only by bing death can you deliver death."


    "Of course, of course," Ogras eagerly nodded while trying to understand what in the nine hells was going on.


    "I''m not sure what dogshit luck you have, but the Lord of the Perennial Vastness sent you to me for training," the shadow continued. "Seeing as he didn''t make things difficult for me after I failed to kill him all those years ago, I guess I owe him one."


    Ogras was initially confused, but he quickly understood what was going on. Even if his core was good, it wasn''t good enough for an ancient existence like the Lord of the Perennial Vastness to make any special arrangements. He''d been curious and expectant after hearing Zac share his experience in�� Where was it? Why couldn''t he remember? Ogras shook his head, realizing his memories had already been sealed. But he knew one thing.


    It was him, again.


    Ogras sighed, knowing his Karmic Debt had only grownrger. He didn''t know what Zac had done to send him here, but he knew it was an unimaginable opportunity if he managed to grab onto it. Someone with the guts to target the Perennial Vastness had to be unimaginably strong. Or unimaginably stupid, but those people rarely lived for too long.


    "Senior, I am in your care," Ogras quickly said.


    "Promise or not, you''re too weak," the shadow offhandedly said.


    "Ah?"


    "I expected that undying thing to send over some unique little monster, but you don''t have the qualifications to withstand my teachings. Your mind would break, and your body would tear if you tried to forcibly learn my abilities," the shadow said. "But I''ll give you a chance to shore up yourcking foundation. It might not be enough to let you contend with the strongest of your generation, but it''ll be a step in the right direction.


    "However, it''ll be dangerous. Say the word, and I''ll send you on back home instead, and I''ll consider my debt paid."


    A sh of fear gripped Ogras''s heart. If this scary guy said it would be dangerous, then it meant he wanted to send him through the gates of hell. What good was the promise of power if you were dead? No, he couldn''t always back down on this one.


    Being meticulous and careful was virtuous, but being too afraid to bet on your future was not. If he backed down today, there would be a simr situation tomorrow. At most, he''d just die. It was bound to happen sooner orter when following that walking cmity.


    "I''m willing."


    "Good. Long ago, I founded a little group of brothers called the Red Hand Society. I don''t really bother with the organization anymore, but they''lle in handy this time. I left them a unique realm that''s used to train their more promising candidates nowadays. I''ll give you an identity as a Faceless Shadow and send you inside. I''ll pluck you out after a year. You should be strong enough to learn a few of my moves if you''re still alive by that point."


    "Oh, I went ahead and sealed that thing in your sleeve. It''s pretty interesting, but I feel it would get in the way of your training."


    The sudden shifts and turns only let Ogras nod in agreement before he found himself pulled into another vortex. Just as the gate to the nondescript cer was about to close, Ogras heard the parting words of the mysterious assassin.


    "Of course, if you''re strong enough to not just survive but to conquer, then there''s no better ce to find an army for your g."

 Chapter 1116 - Born from Dirt

    "Why did I enlist those years ago?" Tonmented for the fifth time today.


    Fandar smiled helplessly as he nced at his pilot. "Wee from dirt. We''d be here one way or another. Better inside one of these nice little skippers than among the conscripts on the war teaus or frontiers."


    Ton rolled her eyes. "Maybe I could have married up. I hear traders and skilled craftsmen can avoid the draft to some degree."


    "Why in the stars would a wealthy merchant go for you?" Fandar guffawed, dodging the wrench thrown his way. "And where would you even meet one in Green Streak? The closest we saw to a titan of industry was Big Bucket in the scrap yard."


    "Never seen a man that fat. I wonder if he ate all the spare parts he couldn''t sell," Ton giggled before her face became downcast again. "This is going to be bad, isn''t it?"


    The question made the others in the cockpit look over, their hollow eyes proof of weeks of sleepless nights. They were hoping for something, anything, that could relieve the tension that had been building aboard the Perky Princess. Fandar wanted to give it to them, but he wasn''t in any better state himself. If not for his Cosmic Core, he would have keeled over already.


    Fandar hesitated before nodding slightly.


    "It''s going to be bad. But I''ll do everything in my power to see us through to the other side. After all, every one of you owes me money."


    Small chuckles echoed through the cockpit. "We''ll do our best too."


    "Like you said, it could be worse," Enok offered. "We''re stationed close to the Everfast Star. Among the Starlords, Lord Everfast is among the stronger."


    "That''s right," Ton nodded. "I hear he''s a grand-uncle of the current Emperor of the Dravorak Empire, or something like that. He definitely has some good stuff prepared in case they hit this side hard. The sixteenth star grouping will face the real pressure."


    "If you ask me, the sixteenth is a trap. Why else would it be manned by rogue and wandering Monarchs? The weakness is too ring," Enok countered. "I bet one of the heavyweights is waiting there to take out a couple of Monarchs after they overextend."


    "I hear the Lords have had many problems calling over the hidden masters," Mina said. "Maybe they simply don''t have enough strong Monarchs to create a strong line."


    "There''s no point specting," Fandar interjected. "The ns of the Lords are beyond us. We only need to use this little beauty to take out anything at our level and sweep away Lord Everfast''s obstructions. In that regard, we''re in a pretty good situation. Remember, the Kan''Tanu have passed through the whole Million Gates Territory to get here. Their gships are probably fine, but the swarm of smaller vessels should be facing all kinds of problems already."


    "There''s no way those lunatics are willing to stop and repair the ships of their grunts," Enok agreed.


    Of course, there was the thing none said out loud. The danger didn''te from the D-grade Cosmic Vessels they were ordered to take out. It came from whatever the Kan''Tanu had prepared to break through the defensive line. Whatever could destroy the powerful Spatial Seals that had turned the exit of the Million Gates Territory into a thin corridor could take out their little vessel as an afterthought.


    Hours passed of their vigil. They couldn''t sleep on duty, so they passed the time alternating between meditation and idle conversation. The topics had been rehashed endless times over the past decades, but the familiarity was afort.


    Suddenly, the silence of the endless expanse broke as a storm of messages flooded Fandar''s mind.


    Enok was only a breath slower, his face pallid as he saw the readings of their scanners. "Spatial activity! Terrifying numbers!"


    "They''re here," Fandar growled.


    "Shouldn''t they be days away, dealing with our traps? Where''s the early warning? What the hell are our scouts doing?!" Ton swore.


    The crew was shocked, but their training had already kicked in. A series of procedures readied the ship forbat. It was like a beaste out of hibernation, and its ferocity was matched by the elite soldiers on board. The whole defensive line wasing alive, and space itself groaned from the gathering force.


    "All hands on deck!" Fandar said, his voice spreading through every inch of the vessel.


    At the same time, flickers of light spread across the horizon��small motes of sanguine radiance growing into cracks to another dimension. On the other side, an endless armada was waiting. A direct shift had been blocked by the powerful jammers of their War Fortresses, but the Kan''Tanu was rapidly forcing a path.


    "Fire!" Fandar roared. "Take them out while they break through!"


    A ruthless sheen appeared in Mina''s eyes, and her usual circumspect aura was reced by a murderous air. Ominous hums and vibrations spread through the Perky Princess, promising death and destruction. The Atwood Ships were really worthy of their renown. It barely took any time for a thick pir of opalescent light to shoot forward, crashing into the nose of a ship just as it peeked through the gate.


    A powerful barrier blocked the beam, but the gateway fluctuated erratically from the powerful energy of the sustained beam. Suddenly, the gate copsed, cleanly cutting the Kan''Tanu Vessel in two.


    Simr scenes were taking ce all across the horizon, but Fandar felt a sense of defeat upon seeing more and more ships emerge unscathed. Ultimately, it was a long shot dealing with their enemies like this, especially when they suddenly appeared out of nowhere. There was no escaping the bloody battle that woulde.


    Suddenly, two radiant half-moons were unleashed by the Everfast Star, each innumerable times stronger than their own energy attack. They left a trail of spatial chaos in their wake, and the Kan''Tanu vessels unlucky enough to be in their way were reduced to ash. The attacks disappeared, having pierced through the dimensional curtain to target the real threats beyond.


    Fandar''s heart hammered, but he kept giving out orders while analyzing the mountains of reports and data transmitted between the Everfast Star and the armada. A shockwave sted a hole in space, creating a gateway the size of a. Fandar spotted three gargantuan vessels on the other side, one of them left with a noticeable scar.


    However, his vision was blocked by two hulking entities before he could discern if the Kan''Tanu mothership was really damaged.


    "What the hell is that?!"


    Two impossiblyrge forms stepped out of the gateway, their size making the D-grade vessels surrounding them look like flies. They weren''t constructs but humanoids, decked in nothing but a fur loincloth and sinister-looking stone helmets. Their roars shook space, and Fandar swore upon seeing something in their hands.


    "Iing!" Fandar urged as the giants hurled their payload.


    The things had looked like small pebbles in their hands, but they were actuallyrge stars wrought from ck metal. They were over a hundred meters across, their spikes emitting chilling force. The things had to weigh as much as a mountain, yet they tore through space with incredible speed. Ton cursed her heart out as she pushed their ship to dodge. A projectile whizzed past them with almost blinding speed.


    One of its spikes dragged against their shield, but the fully charged barrier narrowly held against the grazing attack. Fandar breathed in relief, but he knew things would just get worse from here on out.


    "Titans!" Ton whispered with horror. "The Kan''Tanu have Titans?!"


    "That''s impossible," Mina whispered. "I read at the Academy that the true Titans were exterminated eons ago. They went against the new order, and the System rallied the masters of the Multiverse against them. A mighty being approaching the levels of the Apostates purged their whole race from the river of destiny. Besides, these things aren''t nearly big enough. They seem to be humanoid beasts."


    "Not big enough?" Ton swore, her face slick with sweat after narrowly avoiding death. "Those bastards are almost as big as the Everfast Star."


    Fandar only grunted, more upied with reading the reports than exining the difference. The two giants were massive, but they were only specks of dust whenpared to the true Titans. Only the mythical Starbeast in the Multiverse Hearnds couldpare with those things.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Besides, that was not the only thing off with the things.


    "Something is wrong," Enok muttered, his warning echoing Fandar''s thoughts. "Their readings�� They''re Corpses?!"


    "Almost. They''re containers. Containers for madness," Fandar spat. "Change targets. Suppressive fire!"


    Thousands of attacks tore toward the giants while the subsidiary towers of the Everfast Star suppressed the still-emerging Kan''Tanu fleet. Unfortunately, the dark-grey skin of the oversized creatures was stronger than any spiritual metal. Only the attacks of the Everfast Star managed to pierce their hides, but Fandar almost wished they hadn''t when a wriggling mess within was exposed. It was countless insectoids, each the size of a small Cosmic Vessel.


    Their carapaces were covered in the familiar tendrils of the Kan''Tanu Heart Curses, pulsating with sinister power. Being exposed to the environment of outer space made the abominations stir, and they swarmed out of the wounds. A few creatures waking up triggered a chain reaction, and gory explosions erupted all over the giant''s bodies as a whole swarm emerged.


    Soon, Fandar had no time to worry about giants and whether they had any more spikes to throw out. The parasites formed a devastatingly durable vanguard that shot toward the defensive line with speed only space-born creatures could disy. The Kan''Tanu vessels followed in their wake, madly firing. They were writhing tsunami drawing closer by the second. Their armada was firing at will, and thousands of insects were turned into gory pulps of writhing curses, but the giants were seemingly bottomless repositories of parasites.


    Soon, the Kan''Tanu were everywhere, and the whole Everfast Armada was caught in a chaotic melee. Silent explosions lit up the darkness as vessels on both sides met fiery ends. The Perky Princess shuddered from the shockwaves, but nothing had managed to break through yet.


    Fandar gave the asional order but trusted his crew to handle themselves. His mind entered the ship, spreading into the dozens of drones it could control. They emerged from the four hatches on the ship''s belly, forming a defensive perimeter around them. One of the four-winged insects was streaking right toward them with suicidal fervor, though focused attack of their energy cannon and the smaller drones turned its head into a gory mess.


    A bloody tongue of sin pierced the broken skull andshed at their ship with incredible force. The gargantuan Heart Curse had emerged, clearly not sharing the fleeting lifespan of its smaller brethren. The thorn stretched for over a mile, and the readings indicated its force was well within Middle D-grade��more than what Fandar dared to take on with their shield.


    "Dodge!" Fandar growled, but Ton was already pushing the ship''s engines beyond their safe limits to veer out of the way.


    Fandar felt his insides shift, but they narrowly avoided the sanguine spear. Yet the curse actually followed in pursuit, somehow dragging the huge corpse along. A Kan''Tanu Cosmic Vessel moved to intercept, forming a deadly pincer. The whole ship shook from the onught, but the shielding held long enough for the drones to catch up. Flickering light drowned the enemy until one of the drones found the weakness.


    Mina had been waiting for an opportunity, and a dense pir of destruction bore right through the ship. A huge explosion illuminated the surroundings, and their scanners were momentarily overloaded as the Perky Princess pierced through. The trailing Heart Curse was pushed away by the shockwave, and it gave up its pursuit. However, it was still alive, roving back and forth, seemingly searching for slower targets.


    Two enemies down, but new enemies had already reced the ones they fought. They were everywhere, and one desperate struggle reced the other. The insects were thankfully not too dangerous. They were fast, but they couldn''t withstand the weaponry of the Everfast Armada. However, theypletely disregarded their safety as they targeted any ship that came close, and new ones reced the ones that were killed. In just twenty minutes, the whole field was littered with the things.


    "Why isn''t the Lord doing anything?!" Ton spat through grit teeth, though they all knew the answer.


    For one, the battlefront had be extremely chaotic, making it difficult to target the enemies with conventional means. More importantly, the three motherships had yet to emerge from the huge gateway, still hiding behind the two giants. The Starlord was undoubtedly wary of showing his hand before knowing who hid within those three leviathans and what other means the Kan''Tanu had prepared. He hoped their ships could break through the predicament and force the enemy out of hiding.


    However, the onught was too intense. One Alliance vessel after another crumbled under the assault, forcing the Lord Everfast to make his move. Hundreds of jade swords poured out of the War Fortress, and thousands more emerged from hidden pockets throughout the battlefront. The vast sword array lit up, shrouding thousands of miles in an emerald haze. All through the battlefield, ships and creatures were cut apart. Not even the carcasses were spared, with thousands minced and pushed away.


    Fandar could tell the invisible des released by the swords were gathering to an attack of utmost power and destruction. Everything that came close was shredded as the attack tore toward the giants. But just as they were about to be consumed by the de domain, a snicker echoed through the battlefront.


    The hoarse voice felt like theugh of an evil god, peering at them from the depths of hell. Meanwhile, the head of a huge bird covered in parasites appeared before the giants, blocking the iing attack. Fandar was overwhelmed by despair upon seeing the attack fail. How could they fight against this? Why should he let his crew suffer? Why not just��


    A searing heat made Fandar yelp with pain, and the sizzling sound of burning flesh and the acrid smell of the rity Seals woke him up. Fandar took a shuddering breath, and his crew was no better off. Their eyes were bloodshot, and their hands were shaking from having almost lost their minds just now. The fact that a simpleugh had created such havoc could only mean one thing.


    A Kan''Tanu Monarch had made their move.


    Fandar had heard the rumors of the terrifying lords of the Kan''Tanu. Almost all were former Reincarnators, having reached the top by ughtering their brothers and sisters. Their inner worlds werepletely filled with monstrous Heart Curses whose power was beyond one''sprehension. When you fought against one Kan''Tanu Monarch, you fought against two.


    "I''ve been waiting for you, wretched thing," a booming voice emerged from the depths of the star. "Why hide behind these fell constructs?"


    The voice was like a bell dispersing the lingering effect of theugh. The emerald haze had seeminglye alive, forming a protective curtain around the surviving vessels.


    "Why so impatient? The stage has barely been set, and you wish to skip to the main course?" the hoarse voice from before answered from the other side of the enormous gateway.


    "Last time, you left your arm behind. There are no spatial gates for you to flee into this time," themanding voice from within the War Fortress said.


    "Fate is everchanging. Let''s see if I can take something from you this time."


    This time, the crew didn''t lose their mental faculties from the sinister voice, but Fandar still felt a sense of defeat. It wasn''t that he believed in the words of the hidden enemy more than the Everfast Monarch. But Fandar knew that their fate was out of their hands now that the topbatants had stepped onto the field.


    If the Everfast Monarch won, they''d soon exterminate the enemies. If he lost, then none of them would be spared when the Kan''Tanu Monarch was no longer restrained. Their only hope in that situation was escape, praying that the enemy wouldn''t lock space quickly enough.


    "Why would I give you the opportunity?" Everfast said before his booming voice shook the cosmos. "MERGE!"


    The crew groaned from pain and disorientation as a powerful spatial pulse passed right through the Atwood Ship.


    "Brace yourselves!" Fandar grunted, shaking his head to clear his vision. "Something is changing!"


    Yet, there was nothing that they could do but ride out the storm of whatever their Starlord had nned. Space bent, causing unbelievable pain across Fandar''s body. Then, it thankfully went away as reality snapped into ce. Or realities. Fandar''s eyes were wide with shock from the sudden surge of information entering his mind.


    Who were all these people?


    Less than 300 vessels had remained after the furious struggle against the cursed insects, yet there were suddenly 800 nodes in thework. They had appeared out of nowhere, already unleashing hell on the other side. Fandar gasped upon realizing what had just happened. It was a dimensional convergence.


    It was unbelievable that the Starlord had managed to hide such a powerful force in a neighboring dimension without anyone noticing, but there was ample proof all around them. Fandar realized the Sword Array had paved the way, creating safe pockets to merge into. However, many swords had failed, which led to dozens of vessels superimposing on debris or insect carapaces.


    The shielding of the neers had mostly kept them safe, but a few weren''t so lucky. Their shields hadn''t managed to rebuff the materia, leading to a forced fusion of two dimensions. One ship hadpletely merged with an insect carapace. There was no way the crew had survived the spatial chaos generated by such an ident.


    Thankfully, the losses were nothingpared to the devastation on the Kan''Tanu''s side. A whole asteroid belt had suddenly superimposed on their positions. It had to be nned, and there was clearly something special about those boulders. Otherwise, how could over a hundred vessels fail to rebuff the spatial convergence?


    A band of earthshaking explosions spread through their armada, the shockwaves creating a second round of destruction as the remaining asteroids exploded. Hundreds of thousands of soldiers were deposited into space, most of them unmoving. Even the leviathan motherships had been dragged out of hiding, and two had suffered damage.


    Shockingly, the ships and asteroid belt weren''t even the true ace up the Dravorak Imperial''s sleeve. In the center of the second fleet was a huge construct already humming with deadly force.


    "A second mouse," the hoarse voice snickered, seeminglypletely unfazed that they had just lost half their fleet. "I SEE YOU!"


    Thousands of insect carapaces exploded, and the crew swore upon seeing a hundred-meter-wide blood-eye appear just a few miles away from their position. It exuded a deep hum that left Fandar with a splitting headache, and his fear mounted as the eye focused on their ship.


    "What the what in the nine hells is that?!" Fandar croaked. "Ton, get us out of��hey!"


    Blood poured out of T''s seven orifices, her whole body twitching terrifyingly. Mina was already dead, and Enkoy unmoving on the ground. Pain and despair filled Fandar''s heart as his childhood friend took herst breath.


    "I''m sorry."


    Fandar desperately held on, containing his crumbling soul and Cosmic Core with sheer will as he set the course for the Perky Princess''s final journey. The engine was rapidly overloading, and deadly currents tore through the ship''s hallways. He prayed it was enough.


    He was born from dirt, but he would be the sand that blinded the enemy.

 Chapter 1117 - Drafted

    Zac stepped into the meeting room with Vri and Emily in tow. His alter ego and the leaders of the Cmity Company were already seated, along with Ilvere and the Undead Empire''s liaisons. His Draugr persona sat with his eyes closed in meditation, shutting out the surroundings.


    It was a small trick Zac had adopted over the past months after having grown tired of talking with himself in these meetings. He let the mounting pressures and his already irond reputation as a cultivation maniac work in his favor.


    "Wee back," Joanna said, frowning upon seeing Zac''s expression. "What''s wrong? Did something happen at the battlefront?"


    "No," Zac said with a helpless shake of his head. "No surprises this time. I just spent all my money again. Hate the feeling."


    "Don''t let the cycle of consumption drive you off the cliff," Ilvere guffawed. "My grandma met her end that way. Found a good hunting spot, but the riches it brought only increased her expenses. She had to take greater and greater risks as the easiest targets were gone. One day, she simply didn''t return."


    "Maybe she was tired of providing for her money-burning descendants and ran away," Emily said with a wink.


    "Aye, that might be the case. She could be off living the good life somewhere right now," Ilvereughed, but his face soon grew somber. "Then again, none of us are having a good timetely."


    "No changes in the prompt, right?" Zac ventured as he sat down.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Nothing," Ilvere grunted, ncing up at therge map floating in the middle of therge conference table. It was a smaller replica of the one in the middle of themand center, showcasing the current situation in Zecia. "Conquests don''t seem to prolong the deadline. At least not the ones we''re doing."


    Zac sighed as he looked up at the map. By now, the Red Zone of the Allbright Empire was red in reality, with thousands of worlds conquered or contested. Worse, the defeats indicated on the gctic map were weeks old, and the situation hadn''t improved since. If anything, the defensive line had been pushed back even further after the Kan''Tanu erected a beachhead.


    "Any big changes?"


    "Much of the information is restricted, but rumors are that another War Fortress fell two days ago," Ilvere sighed. "Everyone is sending reinforcements and supplies, but the Kan''Tanu is doing the same. I hear new Kan''Tanu vessels are appearing all over the ce."


    "They have portable vessels?" Emily eximed. "Have they stolen our technology?"


    "They don''t," Petrus rejected. "But that doesn''t mean they can''t teleport Cosmic Vessels over. They just need to send them over in pieces and assemble them at location. Then, their Array Masters only need to put the finishing touches on the Spatial Arrays."


    "That''s right," Ilvere nodded. "I talked with our contact in the Allbright Army. The Kan''Tanu have set up factories on hundreds of worlds. Our side is trying to take them out, but we have trouble just holding onto thend we have."


    "We''re really losing?" Emily frowned.


    "The first sh proved that the enemy has deeper foundations and more dangerous means," Serzo said. "Monarchs are incredibly difficult to kill, yet Zecia lost more than a dozen in the first day of battle, one of them our own. Sure, we''ve killed a couple ourselves, but we''ve undeniablye out on the losing end. However, that doesn''t mean the war is over. The defeat has stirred some reclusive Monarchs into action, and the frontlines actually have more C-grade cultivators than before now."


    "So what are they doing?" the young shaman glowered. "Are those old things waiting for millions of us low-grade cultivators to sacrifice ourselves before they strike back?"


    "In a sense, yes," Petrus calmly said, lifting his hand when Emily was about to continue. "This is the reality of war. Victory or defeat will ultimately be decided by those at the top, but that doesn''t mean the battles between the lower-grade cultivators are without purpose."


    "We are chess pieces," Zac said.


    "Exactly," Serzo nodded. "The Monarchs don''t want to die any more than the rest of us, but that''s not what''s holding them back. War is a game of chess. If the queen rushes into the enemy lines, they''ll be taken out without a doubt. If too many fall, the bnce will break, and the Kan''Tanu will flood the sector unhindered."


    "That''s where youe in," Petrus continued. "The System is aiding both sides by allowing teleportation to the frontlines through the Battlefront Arrays. Each world we recapture will weaken the Kan''Tanu''s hold on our sector, especially if we manage to take out their Curse Farms or factories. Of course, the more important a location we''re targeting, the higher the risk of being targeted by peak D-grade elites. It''s even possible to run into a true Monarch if unlucky."


    "Which is exactly what our side''s Monarchs are hoping for," Zac sighed.


    The Monarchs weren''t hoping for their subordinates to die but to force the Kan''Tanu''s hands as the armies targeted the strategic positions of the beachhead. It gave the Monarchs hiding in the shadows an opportunity to strike, dealing a huge blow to the cultists. Sacrificing a whole army to take out a single Monarch was a worthwhile trade from a strategic standpoint.


    "And you shouldn''t underestimate yourselves," Serzo said. "Monarchs aren''t infallible, especially not here on the Frontiers. It''s not impossible for D-grade armies to kill them, and they aren''t immune to the concentrated attacks of a fleet of Cosmic Vessels. Themon Early Monarchs, anyway."


    "Still, that''s a rough deal," Emily said. "Our equipment won''t save us from the attack of an angry Monarch. I hear casualty rates in some engagements exceeded 90% in some cases. Even if we manage to drag one down with the help of our allies, it''ll be after taking disastrous losses."


    "Like it or not, we have to go," Joanna calmly said. "When life gives you lemons��"


    "System''s lemonade, bitter indeed," Carl muttered, and Zac could only agree.


    The System was clearly in favor of the development on the front. It had given everyone the option to join, and Zac had opted out. The situation was even more chaotic in the first weeks of the sh, and blood had flowed like rivers. If Zac needed any further proof of how crazy the situation had be, he just needed to check his Quest Screen.


    One of his shipyard quest''s subgoals was for the sold Creator Vessels to destroy enough enemy vessels. It wasn''t even halfway finished before, but it had finished four days after the Kan''Tanu reached the Red Zone. Calrin was being overwhelmed by requests for more vessels and spare parts, but there wasn''t much they could do. The Creator''s quotas were set by the System.


    Zac definitely wouldn''t send his people to that ce if he had the choice. As he''d said to Kator, his little faction had already contributed more than their fair share. Besides, his elites were steadily growing stronger and umting merit by taking out one Kan''Tanu world after another through the Battlefront Arrays.


    Unfortunately, the System had run out of patience, and the Atwood Empire''s participation was no longer voluntary. They had been given a quota; six battlefronts needed to be fused into two, where each would be sent to the frontlines. Zac had tried to stall as long as possible until the situation stabilized, but the System had added a deadline. He needed to make the adjustments within two weeks, or the System would make them for him.


    All D-grade factions across Zecia were in the same situation, though their quotas and grace periods differed depending on the System''s evaluation. The Atwood Empire were among thest to be forcibly merged, all thanks to their ster performance and non-stop campaigns. The first factions were forcibly merged and sent to the frontlines over a month ago, just hours after the initial sh.


    "Well, at least the returns are good," Joanna offered. "Those who survive are rolling in it. Pretty much everything has strategic value and bonus merit."


    "A faction like ours would be attached to a Middle- or Late D-grade army," Ilvere nodded. "It''s dangerous, but the potential gains are indeed far greater. One day of fighting can surpass the reward of a week''s campaign."


    "That''s right," Emily said, shooting Zac a mischievous grin. "Just look at Zac and Arcaz. They''ve already been pushed down to the 9th and 10th positions."


    Zac answered with a roll of his eyes, once more feeling the pain of his empty pockets. But she was right. Over the past month, his monthly gains surpassed 40,000 for both his identities, a huge improvementpared to when the twopanies were first set up. However, it actually wasn''t enough to maintain his position, let alone climb any higher on thedder.


    "Fate is gathering," Vri added, her tranquil voice like a calmke that spread through the room. "The frontline is the true stage for the seals."


    A few in the meeting weren''t sealbearers, but everyone had already been appraised of the situation. They would have found out sooner orter, even if Zac hadn''t told them. As Vri said, one sealbearer after another popped up on the front. The situation had already reached the point where rumors spread among the elites of Zecia like wildfire.


    Few knew the truth about Ultom or the Left Imperial Pce, but it wasmon knowledge that somebatants were carrying mysterious seals. Finding one on the battlefield meant getting your hands on an unimaginable opportunity. Some were initially skeptical, but that all changed when all the established factions put out monstrous bounties on the seals. Even information of sightings was worth a fortune, and it had attracted numerous elites who would normally have stayed far away from the frontlines.


    The Atwood Empire remained unmoved, even if it had be clear that stumbling onto Starstorm had been a lucky break. After four months of constant fighting since the duel, Zac had only encountered two more. The first was a Soultaker of Ultom. It would have been nice to get a second member of the Anima Court, but the sealbearer had been personally discovered and killed by Vri. She had offered to give up the seal, but Zac wouldn''t snatch Vri''s opportunity like that.


    This way, she''d gained her second seal early, and she was ready to break through at any time. Zac was extremely worried because of her heavy foundation and mysterious bloodline, but there was nothing he could do to help except provide some rare materials he''d found in the Perennial Vastness.


    The second seal was a piece of the Farsee Court. The sealbearer was a Kan''Tanu this time, and he was currently sealed on the bottom floor of Purgatory with Starstorm. Zac wasn''t sure what to do with that one. He already had Ibtep and Jaol for his cycles, and he frankly felt it a waste to give them a second piece of the seal.


    Jaol wasn''t trustworthy enough, and Zac worried it might harm rather than help Ibtep. The Grub Knight might be a Hegemon, but he wasn''t a purebat ss. He didn''t have the strength to be even a minor yer inside the Left Imperial Pce, so reinforcing his connection with Ultom could very well result in the Zhix never returning.


    "You have to make a choice."


    It was Petrus who had spoken, steadily looking at Zac. The choice was simple; should he enter the fray in earnest, or should he sacrifice six of the weaker armies to protect his elites and his core strength? Many had done just that, judging by the reports.


    But that wasn''t Zac''s path, and it wasn''t the culture he wanted to foster in his empire. Strength was a gift but also a responsibility.


    "I''ve already discussed this with Arcaz. The System has made its will known, and we have to listen. We''re joining the battle in earnest," Zac said.


    His Draugr half opened his eyes and spoke up for the first time in the meeting. "Cmity and Acheron can''t continue as they are. Our string of victories has been too eye-catching in either case. We barely avoided that headhunting squad thest time, thanks to Vri''s early warning. The System is also sending us to increasingly dangerous ces. It''s only a matter of time before disaster strikes, so we might as well take our chances."


    "It''s true," Petrus nodded. "Someone has managed to grab onto the patterns, and your faction is like a shining beacon. If I were the Kan''tanu, I''d station a Half-step Monarch in the region we were active in. A good way to snatch a whole faction of sealbearers."


    Zac nodded in agreement. "Give out the order. The Fourth and Sixth will merge with the Cmity Company in ten days. The Eighth and Twelfth will join the Acheron Company."


    "If there''s resistance?" Ilvere asked.


    The situation on the battlefront was public knowledge, so the soldiers of the other battalions knew what getting picked meant. They were mostly manned by normal warriors, many of which weren''t even Late E-grade. Each battalion had a core of elites, though many had intentionally avoided the two elitepanies until now. They definitely wouldn''t be happy about being sent to the Red Zone.


    Even victories woulde with heavy casualties among thesemon troops; the superior equipment of the Atwood Army couldn''t change that. Zac was helpless to do anything, but months of warfare had numbed him to the cost of war. You could only keep trudging on, praying that the light at the end of the tunnel was hard-won peace rather than death.


    "This is not an open forum. They''re soldiers; they don''t get to pick where they''re sent," Zac said. "Quash any resistance. Deal with deserters the usual way. No transfers will be approved beyond the scheduled cycling."


    "We''ll deal with everything, " Ilvere agreed.


    "Are we finishing another campaign before setting off?" Joanna asked.


    "No," Zac said. "I''m giving bothpanies the full grace period to recover and consolidate. We could all use the break."


    "Good," Petrus nodded. "I''m certain the break will pave the way for thousands of breakthroughs. It''s not easy to connect with the Dao when you''re always on the move and fearing for your life."


    "That''s what I''m betting on," Zac said. "I hear many have scrounged up enough merit for Temporal Chambers. I hope we''ll see some more Hegemons that can help shore up our lines."


    "Don''t get your hopes up too much," Ilvere said. "I know those seals have let a few smoothly pass through, but Hegemony is a massive watershed. I know the Atwood Empire has far surpassed the Azh''Rezak n already, but it wasn''t like the n was solely made up of wastrels. Even then, the n only had six Hegemons, most barely worth the name."


    "I know," Zac said.


    Admittedly, Zac didn''t have huge expectations for the second generation of Hegemons. The first batch were all his closest confidants, elites who had relied on the insights of Ultom to create unique, top-quality Cosmic Cores. The next batch would likely be the exact opposite.


    Those who entered the E-grade first on Earth weren''t the elites who had dominated the variousdders. It was those with shallow foundations who had chosen Common E-grade sses. In contrast, many of the talents from the first year were still stuck in F-grade even a decadeter. They had picked powerful sses and dominated the early months but hadn''t umted the Dao and achievements necessary to get a matching E-grade ss.


    Simrly, those who would form their Cosmic Cores were likely those who followed one of the Atwood Empire''s basic Heritages. Elite soldiers who were strong, but not too strong. They''d use simple Cosmic Cores, barely making any alterations. It was far easier than creating something suited for your path, but these cultivators were unlikely to even reach the peak of Early D-Grade.


    Not only that, but most would fail. They didn''t enter seclusion equipped with the sublime understanding awarded by the seals. Most barely understood how the Cosmic Cores functioned and simply followed their Heritage like it was a cookbook. But that was how things worked in established factions. If anything, the Atwood Empire was extremely unconventional in how many unique paths their leaders had. It was something you almost only saw on newly integrated worlds.


    The meeting ended two hourster, but Joanna stopped Zac just as he was about to leave for the teleporter. Zac saw the determination in her eyes and knew she''d made her decision.


    "You''re going?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "I wanted to say goodbye," Joanna said. "And thank you for everything."


    "Don''t talk like you''re noting back," Zac frowned.


    "Still."


    "I''m the one who should thank you," Zac said, feeling extremely helpless. "You read the reports from the Undead Empire and the Alliance. The trials are all different, but the lethality rates��"


    "That''s all the more reason for me to go," Joanna said. "If it were easy, the reward wouldn''t be worth it."


    "If it''s just a seal, we''ll find more," Zac couldn''t help but say. "Especially when we head to the frontlines."


    "No, it''s not about the seal," Joanna said. "Not really, anyway. I feel I need to do this, for myself, for my path. I have to prove to myself that I have the qualifications to strive for the Dao. That I''m more than the scared girl you picked up in Greenworth all those years ago."


    "You''ve already proven that a thousand times over."


    Joanna just looked at him with fierce determination.


    "Alright, go," Zac sighed, pushing down his anxiety to smile at his captain. "Show them the mettle of the Atwood Valkyries. I''ll be waiting for you to lead us to the front lines."


    "I''ll be back."


    Zac wordlessly looked at Joanna''s departing back as she headed for her home at the academy. They''d have the answer in ten days. If sessful, Joanna would return at that point, stronger than ever. If not, she wouldn''t return at all.

 Chapter 1118 - Thirteen Days

    "Sometimes you have to step into the belly of the beast if only to see if you can fight your way back out. Fate given can neverpare to fate seized."


    Zac nced over to see Vri had appeared by his side. "You''re right, but it doesn''t make me any less nervous."


    "It shouldn''t," Vri said. "Your feelings are proof the sorrows of the world haven''t suffocated your mortal heart. It''s a gift."


    "Teachings from your master?"


    "Something like that," Vri smiled. "I''m secluding myself too."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Is there anything I can do? Do you want to use my cave?"


    "There is no need," Vri said. "I n to activate the Temporal Chamber on Remembrance za if that''s okay with you."


    Zac grimaced but nodded in agreement after some thought. "Just try not to disturb the visitors."


    The za was located in New Washington but was something added after Zac took over. It was a huge squarememorating those who''d fallen during the integration. There were thousands of pirs covered with the names of those who died without a grave, and anyone could add the names of their loved ones.


    Since the war, it had also been expanded to add huge mausoleums and a section dedicated to the soldiers of the Atwood Army. There were usually thousands of citizens visiting the square, putting flowers and candles by the pirs or steles. It had already be one of the most popr spots for pilgrimage among Earth''s citizens. After all, who hadn''t lost someone close during the integration?


    Its special status and the constant stream of visitors had already left its mark on the square. It exuded a supernatural solemnity rife with something simr to Faith Power. It was like the mourning pilgrims had left a part of their suffering behind in the pirs before leaving. It was undoubtedly a very suitable spot for someone like Vri to cultivate.


    "Of course. They won''t notice I''m there," Vri assured.


    "Then, good luck. I''m looking forward to seeing what you''ll be able to aplish as a Hegemon."


    The Mentalist left soon after while Zac made his way toward the teleporter. His followers were forging ahead, and he needed to do the same. Thirteen days was nothing for a Hegemon, whose seclusions were often counted in decades. But it was a rare break after having pushed himself for months.


    Zac''s original n had been to send one of his bodies to war while the other stayed behind and cultivated, working on the various aspects of his path. Reality had proven that was just a naive fantasy. He wouldn''t have had any free time even if he had four bodies rather than two. His only windows of cultivation were the cooldown before the Battlefront Array opened up, and those were often upied by meetings or enemy holdouts.


    Swirling mists of densely packed energy greeted Zac as he entered his cultivation cave. His undead half was already waiting inside, surrounded by miasmic trees and teeming Death. The death-attuned forest of his Cultivation Cave had seen a noticeable upgrade after Zac swapped out the withered trees forcibly converted inside the Dead Zone to native death-attuned trees from Kavista.


    Each added to Triv''s natural formation, and they even helped purify the energy. As a bonus, they were easier on the eyes with their vibrant indigo trunks and white spotted leaves.


    Zac had already nned out his schedule, so he walked directly to the life-attuned half of his cave. A prayer mat was ced in its center with the Statue of Yrial standing behind. There was much that needed to be done, and his soul was first on the docket.


    Both bodies took out their respective Array Disks, and the first cycle of reincarnation began. The two spirals in his Soul Aperture hummed to life as dense streams of Mental Energy and Dao were dragged out of his cores. The Mental Energy was further bolstered by his Moss Gem and Dao Branches. Triv had also helped install Soul Nurturing Arrays to infuse his body with even more fuel for the process.


    The arrays could transform some of the''s inherent spirituality into something useful for one''s Soul Cultivation, but they mostly relied on Soul Crystals. He''d nted some Natural Treasures to improve the surroundings, but he hadn''t gotten his hands on any real top-tier materials for that purpose yet. Zac was even using his Cosmic Core to provide the Array Disks of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] with huge amounts of attuned energy.


    It wasn''t just Zac wanting to speed up the process. He had crossed the first watershed for his Soul Cultivation, attaining Minor Sublimation. The demands on energy and environment drastically increased. Zac knew that his efficiency wasn''t even half what it would be if he weren''t limited by circumstance. And that was considered pretty good��the [Void Vajra Sublimation] was even worse off.


    That was simply how things were on the frontier. Just reaching Hegemony was a fight against fate, considering thecking resources and hollow Dao. Anything above was a struggle where you had to rece quality with quantity.


    Zac sat unmoving in his cave, but the disks in his hands gained an increasingly oppressive aura. He was essentially holding two bombs in his hands, but the top-quality craftsmanship and materials let the Array Disk refine the raw energies into something greater. The process took two hours, at which point the crashing rivers came crashing back.


    His Evolutionary Soul Core had generated a stream of immense Life, but it didn''t all return to where it came from. Instead, Zac steered half into the golden shroud surrounding his Inexorable Core. Simrly, the Death-attuned Spiral surrounding his Evolutionary Core gained an infusion of Death, its gentle rotation turning into a forceful spin. Lastly, a small amount was dragged to the top, where the Void Mountain waited.


    It wasn''t like a thief siphoning some of the benefits, but rather an emperor demanding its due. However, the Void Mountain only fed on Void and Mental Energy. It filtered out some Mental Energy before rebuffing the Dao, letting it fall back into his Soul Aperture like a Dao-instilled rain.


    His two cores were assailed by a sudden jump in pressure from the spinning shrouds, not only from their own spirals but from force radiated from the opposing side. The pressure let a sliver of external Mental Energy be added to the sun-like core in the middle. Even his Dao Molds benefitted, their channels being reinforced and expanded. The improvement wasn''t big, but the session had just begun.


    A second round of extraction began the moment the situation stabilized, with even more energy being added from outside sources. The hours passed as one cycle after another waspleted, and the spirals released increasingly powerful radiance. The pressure was rapidly building, far beyond what the method originally called for��an unavoidable side effect of his choice to form two Soul Cores instead of one.


    Thankfully, Zac''s Soul Aperture was already incredibly resilient. The powerful Tribtion Lightning had swept through every inch of his body during his breakthrough. It almost killed him, but surviving meant the cmity had be an opportunity. The lightning had greatly reinforced his soul, just like his Cosmic Core.


    His split existence came with benefits he only noticed after his soul hade under threat during one of the campaigns. His Technocrat Hidden Nodes had turned his Soul Aperture into a quantum space, which made it harder to target. A Soul-damaging curse had stopped with confusion the moment it entered the space, letting his Daos and [Immutability of Eoz] rip the curse apart before it could do anything.


    The quantum space also made the aperture more durable. It was likely a natural consequence of the Technocrat Gates. They needed to create a sturdy barrier to iste the quantum space with the normal dimensions bound by the Dao, just like his Specialty Core did. This also resulted in his aperture withstanding more abuse when practicing his [Nine Reincarnations Manual].


    Even then, Zac only dared infuse his Dao into the first three cycles. Any more, and he''d damage his soul. The attuned dust looked like real gxies by that stage, with millions of brightly shining stars holdingrge deposits of Life or Death. The train was running itself at that point, allowing Zac to focus on other matters.


    At the fifth cycle, Zac made a small change. Motes of utter darkness were forced out of hiding and dragged into one of the Array Disks. Simrly, vibrant light of opalescent splendor appeared from the cells of his human body and entered the other. It was the refined energy from his Remnants, adding Creation and Oblivion to the process.


    During the previous reincarnations, Zac had only turned to the Remnants when making the final breakthrough. A big reason for that was the limitations of the Array Disks��they couldn''t withstand it without being damaged or twisted. However, the disks crafted for the fourthyer were different.


    The materials were all D-grade and extremely precious, allowing them to take on small amounts of Creation- and Oblivion Energy without any major side effects. Zac only dared to use the energy for the second half of the method to avoid overdoing it, but it brought significant benefits to his soul. Not only that, but Zac had found the addition had another use.


    Zac stabilized his thoughts before taking out a small metal token inscribed with seven intricate runes. It released a weak light containing the fundamentalws of the universe. The faint glimmer generated by seven seals was still not a match to the insights stored within the Lake Water of the Lost ne, but it elevated Zac''s mental state by almost 20%. More importantly, it opened Zac''s mind to possibilities and ideas he was unlikely to reach on his own.


    He turned his sights to a nearby easel. His hands were already full with the disk and token, but a brush rose through telekinesis, adding a few strokes to the intricate patchwork on the canvas. There was a simr easel by his undead side, but he only had the mental agility to work on one at a time. Even then, he only made a few additions before stopping, thoughtfully looking at the design for over twenty minutes without finding the answers he sought.


    The blueprint resembled a mighty tree, with arge trunk taking up the painting''s center. It was almost the only nk patch on the paper, with hundreds of patterned strings stretching out from its sides, forming a confusing web of branch-like fractals. It wasn''t a schematic for his looming Cosmic Core upgrade��that thing was already finished inside the Perennial Vastness as part of the original schematics. It was a prototype for the broken energy highways on his shoulders.


    Eventually, the refined energy from the Array Disk came crashing back, bringing with it the hints of Creation and Oblivion meshed with his own Daos. The energy entered his Soul Spirals, letting them go from drained to supercharged. Zac felt like he''d eaten stimnts and decisively added a few more strokes to the blueprint. The sixth cycle began after a minute, and his Mental Energy was siphoned off for another round of refinement. His inspiration went with it, and he found himself unable to progress any further.


    The hours passed as Zac refined the fractal one burst at a time, relying on the ideas he''d had during the previous campaign, the [Court Cycle Token], and temporary brushes with Creation and Oblivion. Yet each cycle added less than the one before, and his progress slowed to a crawl by the eighth cycle.


    Zac eventually shook his head and ced down the brush. He could tell that he wasn''t getting any closer. Histest changes were just small improvements to efficiency without adding anything new. He was close to a solution, but an uncrossable barrier kept him from perfection.


    Part of it was hiscking understanding of Creation and Oblivion. Much of his Daos of Life and Death was represented in the Remnant''s refined energy, but an important distinction separated Life from Creation and Death from Oblivion. He could somewhat intuit the difference, but Zac wasn''t confident fully grasping it when his Daos were at their current level.


    Another reason he couldn''t finish the blueprints wascking inspiration. The token''s weak light ofprehension indicated that an important piece was missing. However, Zac sensed it would take many sessions of trial and error or a stroke of inspiration to find it. For now, there wasn''t much else to do. The Soul Strengthening Method was about to wrap up, and the energies involved required his full attention.


    The nine-refined energy came roaring back, and even Zac''s improved aperture shook from the immense force that had been gathered. It looked like the spiritual space had been cleanly delineated in two by the blinding light released by the soul spirals. One side was drowned in gold slightly flickering with the opalescent grandeur of Creation. It was like the corner of a vast, life-giving sun had squeezed into his mind.


    The other side was gripped in utmost darkness, where the gloom of Death felt like a frozen tundra resisting the golden sun. Within its depths were spots of terrifying nothingness that could only be sensed but not seen.


    The only exceptions were two inds of unyielding opposition��the Soul Cores ensconced in their opposing Daos. They were under intense duress and filled to the brim with refined energy.


    The pressure let more and more energy and truth merge with the Cores, and their resistance tempered the spirals in turn. However, it wasn''t enough. Zac had taken the risk to form two Soul Cores, and it would be a waste to not take advantage. The cores were almost out of his control, but Zac held onto his tenuous grasp, using it to drive the cores toward one another.


    The scene was just like when he first created them back in the Perennial Vastness. Life and Death were the basis of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual], but Conflict was the catalyst for rebirth. The whole cultivation cave shook from an invisible force as Soul Cores collided, and two waves of violent Dao fought in the cave''s center.


    The cave had be a representation of his aperture, where the physical world followed the spirit. Zac''s visions swam from the impact, but he roused his cores for a second sh. Erratic streaks of Life and Death burst from his head like sparks released when a hammer struck the anvil. The process repeated once, twice, three times. The shockwaves ovepped, creating a mysterious resonance that spread through his body and beyond. It was as though the Daos of Life and Death had been dragged down from the Heavens and disyed in their most primal form.


    Zac couldn''t contain the huge amounts of energy the collisions discharged, and his aperture couldn''t withstand the upheavals. With every sh,rge amounts of refined energy seeped out of his body, but they also forced the cores to condense and incorporate some more. The same was true for the spirals, whose innumerable miniature stars had grown slightly stronger. More collisions would have further improved the effect, but Zac knew his Soul Cores couldn''t take it.


    Hairline cracks already covered their surface. Any more, and the damage would go from growing pains to crippling wounds. Still, Zac was happy with the result. The crude sh wasn''t even a step in the original method but something Zac had added because of his special situation. Yet it had added a whopping 30% to his gains from every cultivation session. By the time his Soul Cores could endure a full nine collisions, the efficiency should be double that of the original method.


    Not only that, but he finished the whole cycle in half the time the method called for, thanks to channeling both Array Disks simultaneously. It shortened the time his cores were tempered every session, but the gains far outweighed the downsides.


    His Soul Aperture gradually calmed down since enough energy had been expelled. The empty expanse of spiritual space temporarily took the form of two energy oceans, reminiscent of how it looked after his first reincarnation. Of course, the amount of energy and Dao locked within the seas was far beyond back then. Still, it wasn''t a natural state, but it would solve itself soon enough.


    Some would naturally seep out of his body or return to his Cosmic Core, while some were dragged toward the top of his mind. Where the Void Mountain waited. The hidden construct had grown increasingly agitated by the surging waves of energy over the past hours, especially considering it couldn''t absorb most of it. Dao and Void didn''t mix, leaving the illusory mountain in a wanting state.


    But no rules were absolute, and the seas stirred as another gate opened in Zac''s mind. It was time to make another trade.

 Chapter 1119 - Stagnation and Dissolution

    The Void Mountain felt far more tangible than when Zac first got it, though that was partly a temporary effect of practicing the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. However, Zac had spared no expense in collecting Void Treasures to facilitate its recovery. He''d spent tens of thousands of D-grade Nexus Coins over the past months, but Zac knew the mountain was worth every penny.


    Void Energy was already seeping out of Zac''s cells, rushing toward the mountain like Dao Seekers approaching Kunlun. The mountain reciprocated, turning the surrounding Void into a myriad expressions of the Void. Zac spotted hints of the Voids of Life, Death, and Conflict among them, but they were fickle and soon reced by another absence of truth.


    Their appearances were too short to grasp anything tangible, even when using the [Court Cycle Token]. Luckily, Zac had already found the solution after months of trial and error. A fount of condensed Dao burst forth from [Spiritual Void] in the center of his Soul Aperture. His mind had just calmed down after the earth-shattering shes, but the lingering energy was swept up in the tsunami released by his Hidden Node.


    It formed a pir of Life and Death, seemingly rising toward the Heavens. In reality, it flooded the Void Mountain''s hidden space, and the mountain epted it all. The Mountain rebuffed any attuned Mental Energy or Dao. But any Dao stored in the [Spiritual Void] was an exception. The mountain would even ept the leftovers from the [Nine Reincarnations Manual] so long as it was mixed with at least 50% Void-refined Dao.


    The mountain''s influence on the ambient Void Energy soon shifted. Until now, no aspect of the Void was more dominant than any other, but noticeable pockets of Life and Death gradually appeared. They alsosted longer before being forced into another form, giving Zac a longer window of discovery.


    His E-grade Hidden Node only managed to turn a few percent of the Void Energy into a matching element with the help of the umted energy, but that was enough for Zac. The frontlines and the uing campaigns were pushed aside, reced by the hidden truths of the Voids of his path.


    Unfortunately, the mountain was immeasurable and insatiable, and [Spiritual Void] couldn''t keep up for long. The Mountain could release pulses a while longer before it would fade, but Zac immediately retracted his Void Energy. The longer he used this cultivation method, the longer the mountain would have to recover. Even this short stint meant he''d have to feed it for a week before trying again.


    The remaining energy in his Soul Aperture was immediately dragged into [Spiritual Void] to replenish its lost stock. Zac let the Hidden Node do its thing while he digested the results of histest session. It had taken months, but Zac was finally starting to grasp hold of something tangible.


    First of all, he''d confirmed that while the Void was the absence of Dao, it was also truth on its own. However, it seemed as though it couldn''t exist independently. The Void relied on the Dao like a shadow needing a source. If the Dao shifted as the Era progressed and Supremacies vied for their corners of the Heavens, so would the Void change its meaning.


    But how did that fit with the First People? What happened to the Void when the Dao shattered? Zac felt there was a missing piece of the puzzle. One possibility he''d considered was that the connection he''d felt was a result of his Bloodline rather than a fundamental truth. The Void Emperor was a bridge between the two, which made the impossible possible.


    The truth was elusive, but the connection had helped him with his research. It let him observe the Void of Life and Death through his Daos,prehending by observing contrasts. He''d already reached a basic understanding, and the Void had gone from a mysterious enigma to something that could be chipped away piece by piece.


    Zac had named the Void of Life Stagnation and the Void of Death Dissolution.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Void Of Death didn''t represent immortality. At least, that was not what Zac saw when he observed the flickering motes in his mind. For him, it felt more like the terrifying nkness beyond the Void Mountain.


    Death was the ultimate end of all journeys, but it was also a major driving force for all beings in creation. Fear of death, desire for longevity. Purpose, struggle��they all faded when the fundamental truth of Death was removed. It was a form of existential apathy. Without Death creating stakes, nothing mattered.


    It was ominous, but Zac believed it would naturally fit with his Evolutionary Stance. The technique represented the unquenchable spirit of Life and the unending struggle to shatter the chains of fate. Dissolution was the other side of the coin. It gave Evolution context in a way that another Dao could not.


    In practice, Zac believed infusing the Void of Death into the Evolutionary Stance would make his attacks harder to counter. Just like how Kator''s Technique messed with Zac''s sense of time flow, so would Dissolution make his opponents less attentive. Adding the unpredictable nature of the Void and his attacks would be much harder to counter.


    Of course, Zac was far from reaching the point of replicating the phenomenon predictably and without relying on the Void Mountain. He hadn''t made any significant breakthrough, but he loved the feeling of making gradual progress. In every session, he managed to extract a few grains of understanding. They were not worth mentioning on their own, but they would eventually umte into a mountain.


    He''d asked Vri, and the sensation was simr to how meditating on the Dao felt for high-affinity cultivators. He''d always suspected his odd constitution came with inverted affinities, and the Void Mountain had all but confirmed that fact.


    There were some important differences betweenprehending the Void and the Dao. Zac was certain he had already reached a level ofprehension that could match a Dao Seed, but he didn''t have anything tangible to show for it. There were no prompts from the System, no Dao Apparitions or Fractals, nothing.


    Zac couldn''t generate or move the truths of the Void with his Soul. As such, it was impossible to infuse his skills with something like Void Seeds of Stagnation and Dissolution. He still had to rely on his Bloodline and the mountain to conjure the Voids of Life and Death, but he couldn''t control the Void Energy after the mountain separated it.


    Yet Zac was certain his work would eventually bear fruit. He knew he hadn''t discovered the true purpose of the Void Mountain or what secrets it held. Zac sometimes felt like he was collecting the cobwebs and dust from an ancient treasure chest, ignoring the true prize within. But the more he interacted with it, the closer he was to getting some real answers.


    If nothing else, Zac could already see some benefits through his cultivation of the [Void Vajra Sublimation]. The better he understood the Void of Life, the more Life he could steal from the Cosmos to further his constitution. A couple of months of practice had already increased his cultivation speed by 20%��a much-needed boost. There were no Abyssal Ponds for his human side, and therge gap between his constitutions couldn''t be bridged in a month or two.


    Zac''s Draugr half left the cave to deal with the various matters that had cropped up. Zac also stood up, but he didn''t leave his cave. He crossed the vibrant forest and stepped into the side chamber that was the source of the Life-attuned energy. It was the original cave he''d discovered after snatching the [Fruit of Ascension]. He''d jumped into the pool of Nexus Water to escape the sea of poison that Ogras tricked him into releasing.


    The cave looked vastly different today. In fact, it was barely recognizable from just a couple of months ago. For one, its size had grown more than five times to amodate its new upants. Every inch was covered with dense vines, forming a lush cocoon that had suffocated all other life despite the transcendent environment. All other life except the gargantuan bulb in the cave''s center.


    Zac''s Worldring was still more thanrge enough to amodate the adolescent Worldrender Vine, but the synthetic environment of the Spatial Tool couldn''t match up to the environment of his cave. There was something missing, no matter how many treasures he threw inside. The energy and Dao were rootless, making them hollowpared to the real thing.


    Even the Inner Worlds of Monarchs faced the same problem, though their Daos nurtured their worlds in a way that Worldrings couldn''t match. But they were still iplete, and staying inside such a world for too long was harmful to one''s cultivation. Only the Inner Worlds of Autarchs held the true Dao thanks to connecting adder to the Heavens.


    The difference didn''t matter for Vivi, who had reached her limits. It was different for Haro, who was in a stage of explosive growth, where his demands on quantity and quality were constantly increasing. Zac would have left Haro in here permanently if the battlefronts hadn''t been so beneficial to his growth. It was almost like the bloody atmosphere was fertilizer, allowing Haro to strengthen its connection to the Dao of Conflict.


    "How are you guys?" Zac smiled as he walked inside.


    Haro couldn''t answer, and Zac doubted he''d bother even if he could. Haro could barely be considered aware by this point, but he already disyed the signature arrogance and aggression of a Heavenrender Vine.


    Vivi was happier to see him, and he felt the connection to hispanion restore as she sent a few Vines over to greet him. Zac threw out a couple of recently killed Beast Kings, but she only took some blood for herself before giving Haro the carcasses. The beasts were quickly dragged into the bulb, and Zac heard crunching sounds for a few seconds before things calmed down.


    Zac felt a pang of sorrow as he observed Vivi''scking appetite. Vivi''s vines didn''t look as wan and withered as when he got her, and most of her brown leaves had turned golden. It was no surprise. Heda had been a prisoner of the Orom World like everyone else, and she barely had enough resources to avoid relegation. She simply didn''t have the resources to provide an old experiment like Vivi with top-quality nourishment.


    However, Vivi''s lifeforce was still only growing weaker. All the treasures in the world couldn''t subvert the river of time and the limits of fate��at least not any Zac had found. They had made Vivi a bit stronger, though. She was now a strong Peak E-Grade Spirit nt, rather than Late E-grade like when he got her, and she could enter something simr to Half-Step Hegemony for short bursts. However, months of fighting with the evolved forms of [Verun''s Bite] and [Love''s Bond] clearly showcased the undeniable gap between Vivi and his otherpanions.


    She couldn''t keep up.


    Dealing with normal soldiers was no problem, but Vivi couldn''t threaten or contain most Middle Hegemons, making it hard to fully utilize his Evolutionary Stance. Zac often used [Primal Edict] toplement her pressure, but it wasn''t the same. Those vines were hard to control by their very nature. They represented the wild cycle of death and rebirth, and they didn''t have the same connection as he had with Vivi or Alea.


    And since Vivi couldn''t break through, Haro needed to wake up sooner rather thanter. That way, she wouldn''t need to drain herself to keep up with his constant fighting.


    The timeline hadn''t seemed like a problem when Zac first got the Heavenrender Seed. Haro would be grown up in time for the Assimtion, at which point Zac had expected to be a middle Hegemon at best. After all, he''d known just how difficult progress through Hegemony was for Mortals. Then came Ultom, paving a path to power while bringing terrifying enemies to his doorstep.


    Luckily, Zac hadn''t held back on providing for Haro. His aura already surpassed Vivi''s, even if he was only a big bulb with some feeding tubes.


    Haro''s shocking progress left Zac with mixed emotions. It was yet another reminder that the Multiverse wasn''t fair or equal. Passing the F-grade wasn''t a given for Humans, and bing a Hegemon made you a talent even in the Multiverse Hearnds. The vast majority simply didn''t have the fundamental qualifications to take that step. Even those with talent had to work hard and risk their lives to break through.


    Meanwhile, Haro wasn''t even slowing down as he tackled that threshold. No, it couldn''t even be considered a bottleneck for Haro��Hegemony for a Heavenrender Vine was nothing more than entering puberty. There would be no tribtion, no lightning, and Haro wouldn''t encounter any roadblocks on his way to Monarchy. His only bottlenecks were his natural absorption speed and the depths of Zac''s pockets.


    A powerful presence pushed against Zac''s mind as he walked over to the building-sized bulb. It almost felt like he was being stared down by a monstrous beast reeking of blood and destruction. The hazy consciousness wasn''tpletely hostile, but it was still full of warning. Zac almost wanted to p some sense into the huge bulb. He''d spent a fortune on Haro''s growth, yet it barely tolerated his existence.


    The problem would only growrger from here on out. Not even a nt Master like Heda could subdue a grown Heavenrender Vine, let alone Zac. And Haro was not a normal Heavenrender Vine, thanks to its extravagant diet. He needed to form a binding connection before it was toote. It was essentially taking advantage of the naivety of a child, but it was his only chance.


    Today was a chance to kill two birds with one stone. If everything went ording to n, both he and Haro would benefit tremendously. It all depended on whether his purchase lived up to its description.


    Zac took out the box that had set him back to a measly 2,328 merit after having umted over 200,000. It had cost him everything he''d earned over four months of campaigning, along with most of his remaining starting bonus. Zac opened the lid, finding three items inside.


    One was a vial filled with a viscous golden liquid. Not even the dense isting inscriptions could block out the immense amount of lifeforce sealed within. Zac could feel a palpable desire as Haro sensed its contents, and dozens of feeding vines slithered toward him.


    "Now you''re suddenly friendly?" Zac snorted while casually pping the vines away, but his eyes never left the vial.


    The liquid within shimmered like it was mixed with miniature diamonds. Opalescent runes flickered around the vial, forming a halo of truth. Even the glimmers within the sealed container seemed to hold the primordial truths of Life. However, Zac could tell the runes weren''t just random expressions of Dao caused by the liquid''s intense energies. There were patterns within the chaos,bining into a natural formation of incredibleplexity.


    Zac turned to the item next to the vial, which was a single leaf lying on a bed of shimmering sand. It looked more like a delicate sculpture than something naturally formed, and it actually made Zac think of Iz Tayn. Like her features, the leaf waspletely elevated from the mundane, proof of its intense affinity.


    But while Iz was a personification of the myriad Daos of Fire, the leaf embodied the essence of Life. Its mere appearance set the Divine Energy in the cave astir, like subjects greeting its king. However, it was clear the grand appearance wasn''t the leaf''s original state. Like the vial, it was ingrained with microscopic dots of life.


    They were likely the source of the patterns covering its surface. Who knew? The leaf might have beenpletely ordinary before it encountered the opportunity that made it uniquely linked to the golden liquid.


    Thest item in the box didn''t exude any spirituality. It was a normal Information Crystal, and Zac closed the lid after taking it out, much to Haro''s dismay. Zac scanned its contents for twenty minutes before taking out a wooden block and one of his artisanal axes.


    Lines appeared at a rapid pace, and a fractal resembling the leaf had soon been etched into the block. Zac looked at it thoughtfully for a few minutes before making some minor alterations. It shouldn''t pose any problems.


    "Alright, alright," Zac smiled as he extricated himself from the web of Haro''s feelers.


    Almost everything was in ce. Zac was only missing some fuel for his n to work, and two new boxes thumped onto the ground. Neither had the signature array of the System''s wares. They were normal treasure chests Zac had bought in the Perennial Vastness. Inside were piles of Dao Treasures reeking of both Life and Conflict.


    Cultivation was to take measured steps on a neverending road. But sometimes, you had to take a leap.

 Chapter 1120 - Symbiosis

    Zac knew he was taking a big risk but felt the cosmos urging him forward. Fate was gathering as a rising tide. Some would be swallowed by the churning waters, but others would ride the wave to greater heights. Zac believed he was among thetter, but you couldn''t stand on the shores if you wanted to find out.


    He opened the iid box and took out the vial again, and Haromunicated a palpable hunger. Vivi wasn''t as enthused, even shielding therge flower bud in vines as Zac walked toward her child. She was older and better understood the ingrained rtionship between risk and opportunity. Zac looked up at therge flower on the ceiling that could be considered Vivi''s head.


    "I have to do this, for both our sakes. Haro can''t grow to his full potential without facing the wind."


    Vivi didn''t answer, but her vines eventually retreated. Zac nodded and jumped onto the bulb, seeing the death chamber within. Haro''s main body was arge flower with petals and vinesyered into an inescapable web that seemed to form a natural restriction. Its center was filled with huge thorns that looked like teeth, and a twist of its vines would rotate them like a grinder. Only scraps remained of the beast kings that had been dragged inside, with the rest absorbed by the nt.


    "I don''t know if you can understand me. This will hurt, but you need to hold on. Don''t resist, or it''ll worsen the result for both of us."


    Zac opened the stopper, and an immense burst of energy almost threw him off Haro''s back. The cave was filled with a pir of Life, and Zac felt his cells being nourished by its aura. It was minute, but even some of his lost Longevity was restored. It didn''t make much of a difference for Zac, but it proved just how much energy the liquid contained for its emanations to have such an effect.


    Haro almost went mad with hunger, and hundreds of feeding vines emerged from the bud. Zac didn''t keep the Heavenrender Vine waiting any longer and poured the vial right into its heart. Vines shot toward the falling drops, but Haro failed to seize anything as the liquid dispersed into a shimmering haze.


    It looked like it was Haro being consumed rather than the other way around as the shroud grew, soon covering the whole nt. Shimmering runes danced within the mist, forming an ever-changing pattern. They sank into Haro''s flesh one after another, bringing with them immense amounts of energy.


    The whole mountain shook, and shocking amounts of Divine Energy were forcibly dragged from the depths. Zac had already jumped down from Haro''s back and sat down right in front of it, taking out the second half of the entwined treasure. The leaf had alreadye alive on its own, generating mysterious ripples that covered the cave.


    Zac knew every second it spent outside his body was energy lost, so he grabbed it in an attempt put it into his mouth. However, the leaf turned into a streak of gold that entered his hand, quickly appearing in his torso just above his Cosmic Core. The leaf shuddered, and Zac felt thousands of runes appear throughout his body, his situation mirroring Haro''s.


    Painful waves of boundless Life dug into flesh and bone, but Zac''s face didn''t so much as ripple. The pain wasn''t even at the level of his Body Tempering Method and not enough to distract him. Instead, he focused on the leaf itself. Zac channeled his mental energy into his Evolutionary Dao Mold and sent the braid into the leaf.


    His Daos were the missing piece of the puzzle, the key that made the formation whole. The shimmering runes across the leaf shifted, and it was a leaf no longer. Instead, it was a gate to the boundless universe. Zac didn''t hesitate as he sent a wisp of his soul inside. His vision split, with a verdant scene upying most of his mind.


    Life was everywhere. It was everything in the realm beyond the gate.


    Zac had be a will-o''-the-wisp gently floating on the branch of a cosmic tree. Just the branch seemed boundless, transcending physical space to bew. As for the tree itself, it might cover all reality where life existed. Its roots dug deep into the lower nes, and its canopy reached for the stars. Zac had been somewhat prepared after reading the instruction, but he was still shocked at the immensity of the scene.


    Of course, Zac knew it wasn''t a real tree. It was more urate to say it was a manifestation of the Dao of Life''s tapestry. The leaf''s formation had let him temporarily touch upon it with his mind, providing a direct connection that only top-quality Dao Treasures could match. He looked around, realizing that each leaf was a life, and the boundless tree held so many it almost broke Zac''s mind.


    None looked the same. They had all grown from different soils of fate and circumstance, bing the infinite expressions of Life. Most were weak and unimpressive, but even they had something that made them unique. A few radiated such incredible power Zac didn''t dare observe for long. Unfortunately, none of the leaves was the one Zac sought.


    Physical proximity seemed to have little bearing on the vision or arrangement of the leaves. Out of the thousands in his immediate surroundings, Zac couldn''t recognize the aura of a single one. Zac spread his consciousness further, but he still didn''t find Haro after reaching as far as his spirit could go. Zac had expected as much and infused even more of his Dao into treasure.


    The runes through his body lit up even further, and a sharp stab of pain in his real body preceded an invisible pulse being released within the mysterious realm. Still nothing. Zac wasn''t deterred and urged the wisp to move to a new section. Another pulse, yet only the gentle rustle of Life answered his call. There was finally a response by the fourth attempt, but Zac frowned upon seeing arge leaf float over. Or rather, a creature masquerading as a leaf.


    It wasn''t Haro, but something reeking of rot and decay. Zac could have retreated, but a burst of ferocious sharpness shredded the thing��a burst of cleansing Conflict in the sea of verdure. Zac continued on his way, feeding the treasure leaf with more and more Mental Energy. A few more weird parasitical creatures appeared, but none could withstand a single burst of the Branch of Kalpataru.


    Distances were hard to grasp inside the Tree of Life. Zac felt like he''d undertaken an epic journey, but it also felt like he''d only stayed in a small corner of a single branch. He started to worry if he''d been unlucky and ced too far away. The treasure said there was a chance of that happening, but it was supposed to be low.


    Finally, there was an answer to his call, a ripple matching his own. He''d found it. Zac eagerly followed the signal, rushing through the endless canopy with redoubled vigor. Soon, Zac spotted a thorned golden leaf on a distant branch. Haro. Zac hadn''t expected finding him would be so difficult, but it didn''t matter now that he was here.


    The treasure he''d bought from the Limited Exchange was a unique bonded treasure called [Bond of the Divine]. The liquid and leaf didn''t have a shared origin, but they had encountered something that linked them together. It wasn''t a normal link either, but one that connected the two items through the Tapestry of Life.


    The diamondlike glimmer had generated a natural formation based on the connection, turning the items into something that could be used as apanion contract. It could be used on any living creature, not only nts like Haro. Pet contracting methods weren''t especially rare��the Orom World had three suitable skills and dozens more of varying elements. Of course, this wasn''t a normalpanion contract��if it were, it wouldn''t have cost more than 80% of the items in the Limited Exchange.


    Even now, Haro was angry, struggling against cryptic patterns that danced across its body like parasitic insects. Meanwhile, cracks asionally appeared, releasing bursts of golden light before the wound closed. Zac could sense Haro''s pain, fear, and boundless anger as he instinctively fought against the transformation imposed on its body.


    Zac wasn''t surprised. He''d felt just how much energy that golden liquid held. Even a top-tier nt with one foot into Hegemony would have trouble digesting all that, and the natural formation was also drawing immense amounts of Divine Energy from the ground. What Haro thought was a delectable treat was an agonizing round of tempering. But Zac had been in simr situations more than a few times, and he estimated that Haro would be able to ovee the danger.


    Haro''s leaf suddenly froze as Zac floated closer. He had detected Zac''s approach and grown wary. Zac didn''t make any attempt at hiding. Instead, he flew over and tried to link up with Haro through the treasure. He was blocked by the opalescent runes covering the leaf, but that wasn''t a problem after Zac infused his Daos into the patterns.


    Like before, the formation shifted, and Zac felt the two halves of the formation join up as they were transformed by his Evolutionary Daos. They were far beyond Haro''s grasp on Life and Conflict, and Zac could feel his hunger and desire. The adolescent nt should instinctively understand that the Daos could help him digest the vast amounts of energy inside his body, let him soar to the sky in one leap.


    And they were there for the taking.


    Zac acted the fisherman but swore when he felt an angry push against his mind. The little fish hadn''t taken the bait. Haro was stubborn like a bull and agitated, striking at anything that came close. Zac tried to calm him down, tomunicate what he should do. However, Haro refused, adamant about dealing with the array and energy on his own.


    "Picky eater?" Zac snorted as he opened the boxes before him. "We''ll see how long you stick to your principles."


    Two collections of Dao Fruits waited within, and Zac ate one of each type. A surge of truth stormed into his mind, entering the two Dao Apparitions. The influx shattered the chains that had held his Dao Branches back for so long. The Divine Tree grew taller, its energetic aura deepening as new aspects of Life were tacked on. The miniature axman danced his dance of destruction, his swings growing fiercer and more unpredictable.


    It didn''t take long for the stream of truths entering his Dao Mold to grow deeper and moreplex, and Zac sped up the process further by eating another set of Dao Fruits. Truth was transferred from aperture to leaf and from leaf to Haro, showering the Tree of Life with Zac''s path.


    Zac inwardly snickered when he felt the desperate desire through the link, but he didn''t say or do anything. This step would have to be taken by Haro himself. The young vine resisted for a minute, but he was young, and his will wasn''t tempered. Haro soon sumbed to the desire for power and stopped resisting Zac''s presence and the array.


    Instantly, everything clicked into ce, and Zac felt boundless force enter his body as the Tree of Life disappeared. In return, Zac felt a heavy drain on his mind. It was a give and take, forming a cycle of discovery and refinement. Zac shut out his surroundings, fully focusing on his Daos and the transformation of his body. His cells rapidly absorbed more life, saving him months of work on his [Void Vajra Sublimation].


    Zac didn''t know how much time passed or how many cycles of exchange had taken ce between himself and Haro. Eventually, the feeling of growth diminished, leaving only a link as stable as the Dao itself. Zac opened his eyes, and a mental check left him stumped. Eight days had passed just like that?


    The experience had filled up his consciousness, leaving both bodies stuck in a meditative trance. Thank God he''d been ready for something like that to happen, so his Draugr half had retreated to hispound just before starting the process. Zac looked over at Haro, surprised to see that he had shrunk in size by half.


    However, his aura was incredibly condensed and felt far more lethal than before. Haro undoubtedly had benefitted immensely over the past eight days. Zac was curious to investigate exactly how much, but Haro had entered a deep slumber to digest the energy and insights. The cave waspletely drained of Divine Energy, so he sent Haro and Vivi into his Worldring with some treasures.


    Zac''smunication crystals were full of unanswered messages, but he first opened his Status Screen.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 164


    ss [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    Titles [...] Runic Progenitor, Grand Achievement, Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Late, Branch of the Kalpataru - Late, Branch of the Pale Seal - Late


    Core [D] Evolutionary Core


    Strength 102816 [Increase: 204%. Efficiency: 429%]


    Dexterity 47432 [Increase: 156%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Endurance 66137 [Increase: 185%. Efficiency: 450%]


    Vitality 57732 [Increase: 178%. Efficiency: 428%]


    Intelligence 9576 [Increase: 135%. Efficiency: 285%]


    Wisdom 17519 [Increase: 137%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Luck 1003 [Increase: 164%. Efficiency: 374%]


    Free Points 0


    Nexus Coins [D] 8 412 249


    Another step closer to the next stage of Hegemony. The gains were extremely impressive, but that was always the case when improving his Daos. And this time, he hadn''t just evolved one but two.


    [Branch of the War Axe (Late): All attributes +50, Strength +9500, Dexterity +5000, Wisdom +150. Effectiveness of Strength +25%]


    [Branch of the Kalpataru (Late): All attributes +50, Dexterity +1750, Endurance +2750, Vitality +9000, Wisdom +1150. Effectiveness of Vitality +25%]


    Zac smiled helplessly upon seeing that he''d lost hisst piece of Intelligence from his Daos. The Branch of the War Axe was also growing more condensed. The small boost to Endurance was gone, and the imparted Wisdom had decreased by two-thirds. For a while, he''d broadened his path, but Zac felt like he was returning to the path of the brute.


    Thetest boost had increased his attribute pool by another fifteen percent, and where his Strength had finally passed 100,000. Unfortunately, it hadn''t awarded him any more specialist titles. Perhaps if he reached 250,000 before Monarchy? Zac was doubtful, and it ultimately didn''t matter much. The real benefit came from having three Late Dao Branches to empower his skills and Technique.


    Most would consider evolving two branches foolish and greedy. Even if you seeded against all odds, it''d likely leave you with shaky foundations. Zac didn''t feel that way at all. If anything, the breakthroughs were long overdue.


    Zac had already been right at the threshold when first stepping onto the battlefield, thanks to a decade of umtion inside the Perennial Vastness. His battle with Kator and months of experience had been more than enough to clear up any lingering confusion. Even studying the Voids of his path had given him a better understanding of his Daos. After all, they were linked, and by understanding one, you would understand the other.


    The only reason he''d held off breaking through until now was the new insights he gained during his dip in the Abyssal Pond. After seeing how grand andprehensive the Dao of Death could be, Zac slowed down and reevaluated his understanding of Dao. Mez had made Fate part of Death without turning it into a Mixed-meaning Dao, and the Abyss almost seemed to hold all the Daos under the Heavens.


    Zac wouldn''t have minded holding out even longer while searching for answers, but time waited for no man. There was no telling what he''d encounter on the frontlines, and he couldn''t hold back such a critical boost to his power. Perfection was an illusion in D-grade, anyway, and he''d fill in the nks as he progressed.


    There was nothing else of note on his Status Screen, so he opened his Skill Screen next. By the end, the new addition waited for him.


    [D] Adaptive Symbiosis - Proficiency: Early. Bond through Life, rise through struggle. Upgradeable.


    Zac smiled and turned his gaze inward. It felt like a small sun had been born atop the Specialty Core, radiating warmth throughout his body. Its shape made Zac think of a seed rather than a leaf, and the pathways connecting it with his Cosmic Core looked like roots absorbing nutrients. It wasn''t far from the truth. The skill was constantly running, siphoning a small amount of Divine and Cosmic Energy.


    The cost was nothingpared to the benefits. As its name indicated, [Adaptive Symbiosis] was more than just a Companion-binding skill. The initial exchange where Zac''s body gained more Life and Haro gained Dao wasn''t the end of the shared benefits. The bond would provide the pet with constant nourishment. And since it came directly from Zac''s Cosmic Core, it would further harmonize Haro''s Daos with his own.


    The skill could also be activated. Zac infused some energy, and hispanion shuddered within the Worldring. Haro didn''t wake up, but his aura grew by a noticeable margin. Zac looked on with interest, but his attention was soon diverted by the vast amount of Vigor pouring into his body. His muscles sang, and Zac felt he could fight for ten days and nights without stopping.


    Zac nodded in satisfaction and deactivated [Adaptive Symbiosis] before Haro woke up. The skill had provided Haro with part of Zac''s attributes. Judging by Haro''s aura, its attribute pool had risen by roughly 10%. It wasn''t much, but Zac suspected Haro''s grade limited the effect.


    The encounter had improved Haro''s cultivation significantly, but he hadn''t entered D-grade quite yet. He was right at the threshold, but his foundations were noticeably sturdier than before. Haro would hopefully have be a nt King by the time he woke up. By that point, he should benefit even more from the skill.


    Zac didn''t gain any attributes but didn''te out wanting from the trade. Cultivators were far inferior to beasts regarding lifeforce and Vigor, but nts towered above them both. In return, Spiritual nts were rooted in ce, and their consciousness was usually locked in an eternal slumber. Atavism was also all but impossible for most species.


    Most importantly, their cultivation speed was incredibly slow. That was exactly why Haro couldn''t resist copying some of Zac''s Daos and what made the [Bond of the Divine] so precious. Few things could impart Daos to nts, who slowlymuned with the Heavens as the seasons came and went. Who knew how long it would take the vine to reach that level ofprehension on his own? Centuries, most likely, and that was only thanks to all the treasures he''d been fed.


    In other words, both came out ahead. Being able to tap into just a part of a Heavenrender Vine''s Vigor solved the troubling issue with his Eoz Bloodline. His fight with Katorsted less than 20 minutes, yet he''d beenpletely drained by the time it was over. And he couldn''t exactly take out a huge b of meat and scarf it down mid-battle. With [Adaptive Symbiosis], he could convert energy into Vigor.


    Zac spent another day stabilizing his state and getting familiar with his Daos. There were still a few days before they had to go to the front, but Zac grunted and got to his feet. Joanna''s trial was about to end, and he wanted to be there to wee her back. There was also Vri and the fact that none of the waiting messages were from her.


    He wasn''t too worried about Vri. She was an absolute genius, and her path was solidified by two seals of the Anima Court. She knew what she was doing.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The one that was cause for concern was Joanna. Zac knew that more than a few promising elites across Zecia had entered the trial and never returned. Some of them were stronger than Joanna. No, he couldn''t think like that. No one pushed themselves harder than Joanna, and she was perfect for the Indomitable Court.


    There was no way the System would let such an amazing soldier fall early.

 Chapter 1121 - The Emperors Spear

    The whole tform buckled under the force of the golden-robed warrior''s attack. No skills or Cosmic Energy were involved, yet the spear conjured a glistening dragon over twenty meters long as it pierced toward Joanna''s forehead. Only scraps remained of her armor, and she was drenched in blood from head to toe. Her aura was like a flickering candle, but the grip on her spear was firm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Ruthlessness shone in her eyes as she shattered the apparition with a lightning-quick swipe. The true strike within wasn''t so easily rebuffed, and a streak of golden death prated the chaos and raced toward her heart. Death was looming, telling her it was time to put down her weapon. It was long overdue.


    Joanna ignored the stifling feeling, crushed the despair. She didn''t retreat from the deadly strike; she weed it. Bones broke, flesh tore, and pain raged like a fiery inferno. She was stabbed clean through, her left lung destroyed by the ravening force in the spearman''s strike. Even her heart wascerated, but the mes of war forced it to keep beating.


    A flood of destructive Dao poured into the shaft and surged toward her chest, but a bloody hand grabbed on. Joanna dragged herself closer while a storm of her own entered the enemy''s weapon. She knew her Dao couldn''tpete with the opponent''s, but she didn''t care. Conviction and desire urged her on, suffocating any thoughts of defeat or surrender.


    And like a squad of soldiers erupting with impossible strength as they faced down a farrger army, the enemy''s Dao was stalled. It was only dying the inevitable, but the winds of war could change at a moment''s notice. Herpanion was seemingly made out of water as it bent at an impossible angle, piercing toward her target''s head.


    The spearman tried to rid Joanna and parry, but her muscles bulged as she stood rooted to the ground like bedrock. There was still not a flicker of emotions emotion in his eyes as the spear drew closer. Joanna had seen a thousand expressions as her opponents grappled with the realization of their end, but the nk eptance was not one she''d encountered before. The spear hit true, ending the duel in a sh.


    Joanna looked down at the fallen warrior for a minute, each heaving pant feeling like she''d been stabbed all over again. She weed the pain. It was a lesson and proof of her path. Finally, she bowed slightly at her opponent before turning toward the gate waiting for her at the arena''s edge. Each step was slow and painful, but her heart beat with anticipation as she stepped through.


    Not enough.


    Despair filled her heart as she found herself at the familiar teau among the clouds. Like after the previous battle, there were still two staircases on the other side. One led to the next challenge, while the other led back to Earth. Eight victories had been necessary to count as passing, earning her an award and the option to return.


    However, the existence of the stairs had urged Joanna on, despite the desperate fight in the eighth challenge. Nine was the utmost and the number of outer courts. She had thought the optional battle against the golden spearman had been the final challenge to im the real prize��the seal of the Indomitable Court. She walked over to make sure, but the prompts quickly dashed her lingering hopes.


    [Continue]


    [Return to Earth. Reward: [Kalyndor''s Glory]]


    A burst of information indicated the reward was a high-quality War Regalia perfectly suited for those walking the path of war. It came with a matching D-grade spear skill and emitted a natural halo that empowered herself and her subordinates. An item of this quality couldn''t be bought with money in Zecia, and it would cost far more merit than what she had rued over the past six months.


    But it wasn''t what she''de for.


    The storm in Joanna''s heart gradually calmed down as she turned toward the glistening stairs that led into the haze. She could vaguely tell a deadly threat was hiding within, like a primordial beast waiting for its prey. Perhaps it was the final guardian before Indomitable Seal. Perhaps it wasn''t. There was no way to tell. Joanna was, however, painfully aware of her chances of victory should she ascend those stairs.


    There were none.


    There was a significant gap in strength between every opponent. She''d swept through the first three within thirty minutes, but the eighth battle had forced her to use every tool in her arsenal. The ninth was even worse. She had been suppressed throughout the battle against the golden spearman. He was just a Peak E-grade Cultivator like herself, but it had almost felt like she''d fought someone like Zac. Each strike of his contained the ferocity and force of a dragon, leaving Joanna unable to mount a counter until the very end.


    Yet she didn''t immediately take her winnings and leave. Joanna sat down and ate a Healing Pill, calmly dragging pieces of shattered armor from her wounds. She had six hours before she had to make her choice, so there was no point in deciding while the desperate plight of the previous battle still upied her mind.


    The hours passed, and the wounds across her body slowly closed thanks to her top-quality pills and the restorative effect of [Steelspirit Cascade]. Her lung wouldn''t fully recover in time because of the powerful intent of her opponent''s attack, but the stabbing pain had been downgraded to a dull ache. Eventually, only five minutes remained, and Joanna stood up to face the two roads.


    One road led to death and the other defeat. The choice was simple.


    The steps of her steel boots broke the silence like funeral tolls as she proceeded toward the next level. Her mood wasplex as her thoughts turned to Earth, her subordinates, and her friends. To her Lord. Her choice could be considered a betrayal. She had people depending on her, yet she was about to throw her life away.


    Despite all logic and reason, Joanna''s heart was calm as she walked toward her end. The very essence of her being called for her to continue, that the answers waiting within the clouds were more important than living or dying. She had to keep going, even if there was no chance of victory. If she backed down, she would forever be locked outside, seeing the chosen ones drift further and further away.


    She would be selfish this one time.


    The clouds eventually parted, and Joanna found herself standing atop a tower surrounded by the ashy smoke of war. It was impossible to glean anything from the surroundings, but Joanna could somehow sense that the conflict hidden beyond the veil would make the Intersector war look like a kid''s brawl. The air reeked of antiquity and doom.


    There was nothing on the stone tower except for her new opponent, whose appearance caught Joanna off-guard. The previous fighters had differed in strength, but they had all been exceptional in some way. Her fifth opponent wielded the power of a thunderstorm, his strikes as swift and fierce as bolts of lightning.


    The seventh was steady as a mountain, its spear seemingly able to hold a whole army at bay. Each had their own style and their ownprehension of the spear, and it was proudly on disy as an expression of their very existence. This woman was different.


    She was a pure human, by the looks of it. She stood silently at attention, the spear in her hand slightly leaning forward. Her weapon and gear appeared very basic, looking even worse than the standard armaments of the Atwood Army. There was no aura of brilliance, no apparitions generated by her Dao. But when their eyes met, Joanna saw seas of blood and mountains of corpses.


    It wasn''t a trick or even an expression of her Dao. It was the experience of a warrior of a million battles, someone who had peered into the very essence of war. Zac''s almost inhuman aura of bloodshed was nothing in front of the blood on this woman''s hands, yet there was eerie tranquility to her gaze. The corpses were the proof of her path, the blood the price of her choices.


    She held the answers Joanna sought.


    "I am Joanna Thompson," Joanna said as she stepped forward. "I''m searching for Indomitability."


    "Indomitability," the woman slowly answered. "It''s a narrow path that ends in tragedy."


    Joanna paused for a moment, surprised that her opponent actually answered. Her previous opponents had almost felt like puppets. They didn''t speak, and there wasn''t any expression or emotions when they fought. They were just the backdrop to the spears in their hands and the style they exhibited. This woman was different, in more ways than one.


    "Even so."


    "Then show me."


    There was nothing else to be said. Cosmic Energy surged through Joanna''s body as she unleashed her [Armament Zone], and one spear became a hundred as steel birthed war. She soared across the tower, forming the vanguard of a river of destruction. Joanna knew there was no holding back. If she did, she''d die before even having a chance to put her path on disy.


    Destructive weapons imbued with the Branch of the Victorious Spear fell like rain, but there wasn''t so much as a ripple in her opponent''s eyes. She calmly took a few steps forward, effortlessly avoiding Joanna''s deadly gauntlet without using any skills. The scene was shocking, but Joanna knew such a crude attack wouldn''t do much. So long as it could give her some clues about her opponent''s fighting style, it was fine.


    Unfortunately, the spear maiden wasn''t giving Joanna anything, forcing her to strike blind. The spear in Joanna''s hand glimmered with murderous portent as she stabbed down with enough force to reduce the whole tower into rubble. Her opponent returned a strike that almost lookedughably simple, but Joanna''s instincts screamed of mortal danger. Was that enough to make her back down? Of course not.


    Joanna split in two, her straightforward strike turning into a pincer. Her opponent didn''t react to the sudden change and continued to strike right between Joanna''s two halves. Yet Joanna''s dread only increased, and she desperately forced herself to move even further apart to create a wider berth.


    Her shoulder was still ripped open, creating a painful gash that opened up old wounds. Still, Joanna knew she''d barely survived having her throat pierced. Her own strike fared no better. It was like an invisible force field held her attack at bay. What had just happened? Her opponent had clearly attacked empty air, yet Joanna was bleeding like a sieve. Conversely, the aim of her spears was urate, but they didn''t even reach the opponent.


    There was no time to analyze as one deadly cmity reced the previous. Joanna''s heart hammered at how close to death she''de at the first exchange, and her instincts screamed at her to run for her life. But she transformed the fear into fuel and her spear into a blur as sheunched an all-out assault. The dance of death had begun, and there was no stopping until one of them fell.


    Joanna fought like an asura, extracting every scrap of power andprehension she''d arduously umted over the past years. The unrelenting pressure let her reach new levels of mastery, like coal turning into diamonds. But what did it matter? Her opponent seemed to be just casually swinging her spear in the basic movements they taught at the Atwood Academy, but every strike was more terrifying than any finishing blow.


    They were unstoppable, undodgeable. Each attack was a brush with death. Joanna couldn''t understand how she was doing it. She couldn''t feel any Dao, and the opponent didn''t seem to be using any technique. It was like her opponent''s will was bending reality itself, and anything Joanna did could, at best, slightly alter the chosen oue.


    One wound after another was added upon the ones before, and the fight only grew more lopsided as the opponent''s aura grew. Bones shattered and muscles tore, and the ancient tiles drank their fill of Joanna''s blood. Joanna''s mind grew hazy from pain and blood loss, but her strikes only grew fiercer. She knew she''d failed, but she wanted to leave at least one mark on her opponent before it was over. One mark that could act as proof of her existence, of her path.


    Nothing else mattered. Nothing else existed. There was only her spear and her unbreakable desire to embed her spear in her enemy. She stumbled after a hole was punched through her thigh, but she turned her fall into a lunging strike that continued the war. Her heart was running out of blood to pump, but its beats only grew louder, like a war drum rousing the exhausted soldiers.


    She stabbed, she swiped, she parried. When a sh severed her forearm and she lost her weapon, she switched to punches and kicks. She didn''t relent even when muscles were severed and sinew snapped, and her limbs failed her. Joanna''s vision was red and blurry, but she gathered herst vestiges of energy for a desperate leap fueled by sheer force of will; her teeth bared in defiance as she aimed for her opponent''s throat.


    Even now, there was no emotion in her opponent''s eyes. No pity, no contempt. There was only fire and blood as her spear stabbed forward, its gleaming tip containing a will capable of crushing mountains and moving seas. Joanna sighed, knowing that was it, the disappointment far greater than the fear of death.


    ''Couldn''t even touch her clothes.''


    The spear pierced her forehead, but a shattering sound like breaking ss echoed through the tower. It wasn''t her skull that had fractured, but her opponent''s spear. Joanna knew she was thickheaded, but her bones weren''t strong enough to break her opponent''s weapon. Something else was going on, but her brain failed to grasp it. She''d already stepped through the gates of hell, and the matters of the living world felt distant and confusing.


    The destruction continued from the broken spear into the woman''s arm, and she broke apart piece by piece. She wasn''t angry or scared. She smiled, like her death was nothing. The unbreakable conviction was still present in her eyes, to the point Joanna expected her will alone would subvert her body''s copse.


    However, the reversal didn''t happen. The spear maiden was soon reduced to nothing but a swirl of white dust while her own body mended with impossible speed. Joanna''s mind was a mess, nkly looking at the spectacle until a blue screen blocked her vision.


    [Time: 5 minutes 12 seconds. Passed.]


    It took Joanna over a minute to drag herself back from the other side and digest what the prompt said. Time? Passed? She was never meant to defeat her opponent? She was just meant to hold on long enough? The miracle she''d silently prayed for had arrived.


    Also, was that really just five minutes?


    The prompt faded, but Joanna realized no new gateway had appeared. Instead, the swirling dust was rapidly gathering into another shape. It was a broken spearhead. It looked almost identical to the one her opponent had used. However, it was covered in cracks, scars, and dark spots that emitted such terrifying auras that it almost knocked her out. Joanna was forced to take a stumbling step back before stabilizing her mind and turning toward the spearhead.


    It had to be blood. Ancient blood, from the looks of it. The spearhead emitted such an archaic aura that there was no doubt in Joanna''s mind of its origins. Zac had told her about his vision of the Left Imperial Pce, the damaged walls that had withstood an unimaginable assault. This spear emitted that kind of monstrous will. And only the blood of the ones who could threaten the Left Imperial Pce could create such an impact.


    Just what kind of enemies had the woman fought that the power of their blood remained to this day?


    "I was called Indra Eyler, but the world knew me as the Emperor''s Spear. Right or wrong, I followed my beliefs to the end."


    It was her opponent''s voice, but it grew with force and grandeur with every word. After the first sentence, Joanna could no longer stay upright even if her flesh and bones had been restored. The conviction in Indra''s voice was so overwhelming it could crush stars.


    "Indomitable will, unbreakable spirit! Sweep the Six Directions and suppress the Eight Hells! Subdue the Dao and pierce the Terminus!"


    Each word was like a bomb going off in Joanna''s head, filled with such resolve that reality didn''t seem its match. Each syble held a mountain of meaning and experience, like the condensed essence of millions of battles. Each sentence waspounded and superimposed until something was born in the depths of Joanna''s mind.


    An impartment?


    Joanna''s heart trembled as she was filled with a burst of information. At first, it was just short snippets of memories. Memories of struggle, of starting as a lowly soldier that no one would remember. Of fighting against one''s unimpressive talent on the road of cultivation. Of never giving in, of never using theircking providence as an excuse to stop or settle. Of looking death in the eye and not backing down.


    The timer might have been the System''s test, but Joanna''s response had been the mysterious spear maiden''s. If Joanna had given up, fled, or stalled, she wouldn''t have gained Indra''s recognition. Now, she''d left something behind, a piece of her legacy for someone walking the same path.


    Unfortunately, Joanna didn''t have time to investigate the gift sent across time as three white lights had appeared in her soul. Utmost truth and certainty filled every corner of Joanna''s being. She had worked herself to the bone for so long, pushing herself to the breaking point and beyond. It was time to harvest. Joanna looked at the glowing lights, understanding her path better than ever.


    "The Emperor''s spear��"

 Chapter 1122 - Frontlines

    An intense aura of steel and blood greeted Zac as he stepped through the Teleportation Array, apanied by Vri and Rhuger. They stopped at the elevated podium to get a better look while a river of battle-hardened warriors poured past them to make room for the rest of the fused army.


    A brutal city of wide streets, sharp angles, and rough materials stretched across the horizon. Apart from a fewrger structures, the buildings were mostly identical, resembling hastily erected warehouses. The city didn''t look too impressive at a first nce, but Zac soon realized the view was messing with his sense of scale.


    The distant streets that looked no wider than a normal twone road were at least a few hundred meters across, surpassing most squares back home. The buildings, too, were extraordinarily oversized, each a city unto its own. Zac felt like he''d returned to the Mystic Realm on Earth, which had been spatially expanded by the Dimensional Seed. The city couldn''tpare to the continent-sized world disks of Twilight Harbor, but it had to be a huge undertaking to build something like this.


    Scale aside, it wasn''t the capital of some barren world. It was one of the temporary camps of the Zecia Alliance, erected upon a huge tform floating through space. The stars in the sky slowly drifted, indicating that the tform was actually moving, and with great speed at that.


    The city was apanied by dozens of Cosmic Vessels silently flying above, and Zac immediately spotted a few of his own products. They were all covered in scars, and some missed whole sections. However, that only added to their fierce impression, making them seem like lions in a flock of hyenas.


    Not only that, but there were six more city tforms within his line of sight, and Zac wouldn''t be surprised if there were even more nearby. Zac estimated this grouping alone could house well over a hundred million soldiers. It was a shocking number that would be able to steamroll most factions on Earth, yet it was only a fraction of the total number ofbatants in the region.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The war on the frontlines was different than the neatly arranged battlefronts. The Battlefront Arrays didn''t send your armies directly to a battleground, but rather to these war camps controlled by the Zecia Alliance. From there, they''d either take Cosmic Vessels or use the Alliance Teleporters to reach the frontlines. The war camps themselves were constantly on the move, partly to avoid attacks and partly to reach contested regions.


    The Zecia Alliance also had Spatial Gates that could open portals to enemy worlds. Such arrays were normally beyond the means of the factions on the frontier, but the uniqueness of the location worked in their favor. They were at the edge of the Eternal Storm, and the dimensional barriers were thin and unstable. The war had further pushed them to the brink of copse, making it significantly easier to poke a hole or connect two locations.


    Their range was still very limited, and the windows of opportunity were small, but it was enough to quickly send your army to a nearby battle. The gates were prohibitively expensive to open, though, so they were only used for important missions where speed was critical. It was also difficult to locate the correct coordinates because of the spatial turbulence, but the Zecia forces had a home-field advantage.


    "Let''s go introduce ourselves."


    Vri smilingly nodded, and they descended the Battlefront tform toward a huge square below. It was more thanrge enough to amodate hisbined armies, and there was already a group of soldiers waiting for them. A fierce-looking middle-aged captain was already waiting by his men, his baleful aura strong enough for Zac to sense it hundreds of meters away.


    He was a demi-human with yellow eyes and mottled green spots on his face and hand. He was just standing there, yet a red haze of intense Killing Intent was forming around him. Zac could tell it wasn''t directed at his people; it was simply an air he exuded after centuries, perhaps millennia, of bloodshed. However, the captain had seen better days. He was missing an arm, and there was something wrong with his energy flow��the sign of a damaged Cosmic Core.


    "You''re not registered at all? How''s that possible?" the soldier swore at Ra''Klid, his voice like steel grinding against bone. "Idiots, did you spend all your Faction Merit to avoid contributing? Ah? Where did that leave you now? Broke and still here. Or did you bribe someone? Don''t think I can''t see the fancy gear you''re all wearing under your cloaks. That won''t fly here!"


    "I assure you, we''ve done no such thing," Ra''Klid said. "We arrivedter because the Ruthless Heavens called upon uster."


    "Uh huh," the warrior scoffed, suspicion written all over his face. "Well, whatever. You''re here now, which means you''re bound by the Alliance Laws. So, stop acting mysterious and tell me who��"


    The old captain seemed ready to continue his tirade but stopped upon seeing Zac''s approach.


    "This rain of sunshine is Captain Tussar," Ra''Klid said. "He''s been assigned to get us settled."


    "Zachary Atwood of the Atwood Empire," Zac calmly said.


    He wasn''t about to apologize for arrivingte��they''d earned that right through hard work and sacrifice. But he also didn''t get angry at the fierce attitude. Zac could understand where the gruff veteran wasing from. The frontline in the Red Zone was thest line of defense safeguarding Zecia, yet too many people were only putting in the minimum effort.


    Between the battlefronts preventing the Kan''Tanu from appearing on your doorstep and the distant frontlines at the sector''s edge, most prioritized the former. Meanwhile, Captain Tussar was clearly from the Allbright Empire, judging by an insignia on hispel, which meant he and his people had been desperately fighting to protect their homnd since day one.


    "Zachary Atwood? Atwood Empire?" he said, his eyes widening with realization. "The Atwood ships? That''s you?"


    "That''s me."


    Zac wasn''t too surprised his mixed-race army hadn''t immediately tipped off the man. The Atwood Empire''s uniqueposition was no longer a secret, but it was mostly the leaders who knew of the situation. Some could figure it out through his two entries on the Early D-gradedder, but it wasn''t like many people in Zecia knew who the Umbri''Zi were. In fact, very few people in the Allbright Empire had even heard of the Radiant Temple, their own overlord.


    "I��Uh," the soldier grunted, looking like he''d swallowed a fly. But he soon found his bearing and bowed slightly, an action that seemed incredibly ill-practiced. The shock on Tussar''s followers was proof it was a drastic departure from a usually fierce bearing. "I apologize. I know your faction''s contribution is greater than almost anyone''s."


    "Don''t mind it," Zac waved.


    "Those ships," the grizzled warrior ventured, his eyes ncing at a Starsh above them. "You�� uh�� got any more?"


    "I''m sending everything over the moment they leave the production line," Zac said with a shake of his head. "I would have expanded production, but it''s a System-limited resource."


    "Shame," the general sighed. "Anyway, wee to the Allbright Empire and the Zecia Alliance. I''m Tussar Arondo, and I''ll do my best to get you up to speed."


    "I didn''t expect a Late-stage Hegemon to act as a greeter," Zacmented.


    "Bah, couldn''t just sit around in the sick tent and wait for my core to heal," Tussar spat. "And I''m no good with tactics or nning, so I''m helping with a little bit of everything until I can return to my men. Usually, I''m beating some se��ah, I''m training the neers. Thest batches have essentially been penal colonies of worthless dregs. Not even good enough to be fodder."


    "No wonder you''re in a mood," Ra''Klid grinned but backed down after Zac nced in his direction.


    "Nice to meet you, captain," Zac said. "Which section is this?"


    "You''re now part of the third barracks of the Twenty-Second Field Army," Tussar said, not without some pride.


    "The Everfast Monarch?" Zac eximed.


    Zac could understand the pride in Tussar''s eyes. Zecia had undeniablye out on the losing end during the initial sh, but a few heroes emerged and became legends. The Everfast Monarch had been mostly unknown beyond his identity as part of the Dravorak Imperial n. However, he was one of the few who managed to y a Kan''Tanu Monarch during the first battle.


    Not only that, but he destroyed a powerful killing array that would have been a huge threat to the region. The battle had cost him a War Fortress and damaged another, but the victory was only possible because the Everfast Monarch had hidden the fact he''d managed to step into Middle Monarchy just before the Kan''Tanu arrived. He''d burst forth with power at a critical time, and his decisive victory had stabilized a huge swathe of the Red Zone.


    "That''s the one," Tussar said. "You''re pretty lucky. The fighting''s tough everywhere, but our situation is better than most."


    "Actually, we have already been assigned to the forty-seventh," Zac said, handing over a crystal exuding the unique marking aura of the Allbright Empire.


    The crystal was a relocation order signed by an actual Monarch of the Allbright Dynasty, which had binding power anywhere within the Alliance Army. The System hadn''t given them any options but to join the madness, and Zac wasn''t about to cower behind his men. However, that didn''t mean he was above pulling some strings to improve their situation.


    As Tussar said, the twenty-second was probably one of the best field armies to join, but it was ultimately under the control of a Monarch from the Dravorak Dynasty. Zac had a small grudge with the ancient Zecia faction after killing the Dravorak Princeling in the Tower of Eternity. It had mostly been smoothed already, mostly thanks to his Cosmic Vessels, and he already had an official status equivalent to a middling nobleman within the Dravorak Empire.


    Zac was more worried about the people standing behind them.


    Arcaz Umbri''Zi had been singled out as one of the main reasons for the elerated copse of the Twilight Ocean and the disastrous fallout for the Havarok Empire. Their general had no choice but to force his way through the mysterious teleportation gate because Alvod''s ascent started early. As a result, the Umbri''Zi gained the opportunity tounch arge-scale war against the Havarok''s feeder sectors.


    The Havarok imperials hadn''t attempted to contact or target him since appearing in Zecia, but that didn''t mean they''d forgiven him. They would definitely deal with him if given the chance, and that didn''t even take into ount their hunt for seals. Worse, the Havarok probably didn''t care about his Creator Vessels or his agreements with the Zecia Alliance.


    Neither did Zac dare move to the sections manned by the Undead Empire. Their cooperation was still working without issue, but Tavza''s final warning lingered in the back of Zac''s mind. The System had measures against outright conflict between allies, but rules were dead and people were alive. War was chaotic, and "idents" happened all the time.


    Ultimately, Zac chose to stay with the Allbright Empire since he had a decent rtionship with the Allbright Dynasty, Peaks, and Radiant Temple. Furthermore, they were the ones who would suffer the most if his supply of Cosmic Vessels was cut short, so the Allbright Dynasty was more likely to prevent any schemes on his life.


    His first choice was actually the Void Temple, but they''d rejected his request for assistance. They''d been very helpful before he left for the Perennial Vastness but drew a clear line after the war started. Zac suspected the rules of the Vigil were holding Per back. The fact that they helped defend the frontlines at all was probably bending their rules of non-interference.


    "The forty-seventh? Ah! Damn, it''s actually stamped by Lord Endemire," Tussar blurted. "I thought you belonged to the deadies. Uh, no offense."


    "Can''t have too many friends," Zac smiled. "If you could make the arrangements."


    "Of course," Tussar quickly nodded, pointing at a huge building nearby. "Quickest way to move over to the forty-seventh is to teleport to��"


    The grizzled Hegemon didn''t get any further before a ring siren shook the city awake.


    "What''s going on?"


    "It''s a general assembly. All hands on deck," Tussar frowned. "Something big must have happened on the front."


    "Is it good or bad?"


    "Could be good, could be bad," Tussar muttered, hesitating before adding another sentence. "For the soldiers, it''s always bad. The call means a huge battle is about to break out, and many will have toy down their lives."


    Zac exchanged a pointed look with Vri. Wasn''t the timing too coincidental?


    Tussar took out a token and infused his will. His scowl only deepened, and it almost looked like he was about to throw the token on the ground. "Information blockade? Bastards! Sending us into the unknown again!"


    "It might not be too bad," the captain added when he saw Zac''s stormy expression. "The bigshots might have created an opening, or a sudden weakness in the dimensional barriers has given us a unique opportunity. The blockade makes it harder for our enemy to anticipate our ns. Either case, we''re moving fast. They''re opening a gate and sending everyone through."


    "What about us?"


    "That''s, uh," Tussar grimaced. "An order at this level is considered critical for the war effort. It takes precedence over other missions or assignments. Everyone nearby would have to join, and failure toply is considered treason. Not even Lord Endemire''s stamp can overrule that."


    "So we''re stuck?" Zac frowned, his bad feeling only growing worse.


    Had his circumstances leaked, and the Havarok were prepared for his arrival? Was someone else making a move? Or was he just being paranoid? Thank God they only sent one of their two armies to test the waters.


    "I can''t send you off even if I wanted to," Tussar sighed, nodding at the teleportation building. "See the barrier? The Alliance Network has already been sealed to prevent leaks, and any vessel veering off on its own will be shot down. Only the Battlefront Arrays work since they''re controlled by the System rather than us."


    Zac sighed as he looked up at the shimmering stars. It looked like they were being thrown into the grinder sooner rather thanter. He could only pray that his preparations over thest few days were enough.


    --------------------


    "Go ahead, take your ces."


    The voice was gentle, tranquil, like its owner hadn''t just massacred a roomful of famous captains he''d fought alongside for months. Or perhaps it couldn''t be considered a massacre, considering his energy kept their hearts beating, and a wisp of their souls remained. The masked group flowed into the secret chamber, each targeting a specific dignitary.


    Sealing talismans were ced over the eight chakras, sealing life and soul within their leaking containers. Next, they took out identical masks looking like crystalline pieces of art and ced them over the victim''s faces.


    "Remember, every word and every action carries a risk of being exposed. Your predecessors have already set the events in motion. You only need to gently guide them in the right direction."


    There was no answer, only the silent shuffle of blood being swept and Karma cleansed. The masks were soon finished imprinting, and the nk tes ced the masks onto their faces. A wave of his sleeve isted the crackling sounds of bones being crushed and remolded. Ten secondster, the transformation wasplete.


    The group carefully stowed the bodies in their respective Mourning Vats, retaining the link and fate. Finally, they shed their Emptiness Shrouds, disying the dazzling clothing beneath��clothing identical to the fallen captains whose ces they''d taken. Qul''Uster looked across the room, nodding in satisfaction when not even his augmented sight could spot any imperfections. Only the most discerning ss-3 Cultivator would be able to see through the ruse.


    "Our partner will contact you within the hour. There is no telling how things will shake out, but I trust you can arrange things to everyone''s satisfaction. Remember our purpose."


    The group sat down at the overseer''s table, cing their hands on the Command Crystals. The shrunken-down urns hummed, and dense rows of data appeared. There was nothing else to say. The nk tes would finish their task to perfection. They''d be discovered eventually, but that was their fate. They only existed when taking the role of others. Being exposed was simply returning to nothingness.


    "Are you really nning on being a hired hand for that twisted bastard?"


    The voice was tinged with anger and disgust. Qul''Uster looked over as he stepped out of the sealed chamber, finding Nuztu standing in the shadows. Her mask hid any expression, but the anger veritably oozed from its slits.


    "Working with those wretched people is as close to treason as you cane. And you know they''re bound to betray us. They hate us almost as much as we hate them."


    "Such is the way of things," Qul''Uster said with equanimity. "Our interests are aligned for the moment, and we want to push events in the same direction. Who''ll seize the opportunities and aplish their goals will ultimately depend on fate and strength. Who knows? We might all end up walking away empty-handed."


    "You think those barbarians can ovee our arrangements? How''s that possible?" Nutzu scoffed, crackling light appearing around her hand. "They''re walking testaments to the folly of Heaven''s Path, unrefined and inefficient. I''m more interested in testing the strength of these so-called imperials or that ancient monster roaming the battlefront."


    "Don''t underestimate the natives," Qul''Uster said, recalling the ancient, scattered notes he''d found in the abandoned archives. "Nothing is what it seems, and everything is at stake. The war for the Fifth Pir of Sin has already moved those at the peak, and fate is bound to shift in unpredictable ways."


    "Whatever, I''m just here to kill whoever gets in the way," Nutzu said as they emerged from the hidden base.


    The city was alreadying alive, and the winds of war were stirring.


    "Do you think it''s actually possible? Can the Supreme Ancestor''s remnant be found in this deste ce after being missing for so long?"


    "That''s what we need to find out. But the events undeniably line up. Thest clues to the Kayar-Elu''s whereabouts lead to this quadrant, and now the Fifth Pir appears out of nowhere in this nascent sector," Qul''Uster said, his gaze growing distant. "What else can drag it from the depths but the call of the Void Emperor?"

 Chapter 1123 - Armageddon

    Zac nced at Vri and felt the spiritual nudge that confirmed she''d set up a mentalwork for their group. Petrus'' voice immediately appeared in his head.


    ''The Havarok Empire only has one Monarch in Zecia as far as we know, and he should be stationed with the second field army. I doubt this is a premeditated ploy. We could have been sent anywhere. The Havarok shouldn''t have enough pull to set up such an borate plot.''


    ''Not premeditated,'' Zac emphasized.


    ''You always have to be careful. Just your fancy equipment might give birth to greed in somemander''s heart.''


    ''We knew that going to the frontline as sealbearerses with unavoidable risks. This shouldn''t be any different,'' Vri added.


    Zac knew Vri was right. People would be eyeing him and his people no matter which battlefront they visited. Not even the threat of invasion could curtail the greed in some people''s hearts.


    At least there hadn''t been any rumors of Monarchs targeting the young, snatching their seals. The System''s unspoken rules and the risk of ending your faction''s fate with the Left Imperial Pce acted as safeguard. There were even stern warnings for such actions in the public bounties. That didn''t guarantee anyone''s safety, but Zac felt they had enough measures in ce to deal with any insider threat.


    Zac wasn''t worried about any Hegemons. His armies were strong enough to tear even Peak Hegemons apart if they spared no expense. Just his Hegemons throwing out a bunch of D-grade Talismans would probably do the trick as long as it wasn''t a top-tier Heaven''s Chosen. As for Monarchs�� Well, he did have two lifesaving graces from Sendor hidden within his bodies.


    "Ah damnit," Tussar swore. "I can''t help you transfer, but I''ll tag along and make sure you don''t get the short end of the stick. I can''t let you newbies run onto the battlefield blind."


    "So what do we do?"


    "For now, nothing," Tussar said. "Your people are still being sent through the battlefront array. We can use that as an excuse to let others take the lead."


    "When does the operation start?"


    "Any second now," Tussar said.


    The city had alreadye alive. An endless stream of warriors emerged from the huge barracks and rushed toward a gathering spot on the tform''s opposite side. They stayed put while Tussar gave a crash course of fighting on the front and the situation in the Sixteenth Field Army.


    Reading a bunch of redacted reports back on Earth couldn''tpare to the practical experience of a seasoned veteran, and Zac learned a lot. Even Petrus looked at the old warrior with respect after a few minutes. Most important were the unspoken rules and hidden hierarchies within the Field Army.


    The Havarok Dynasty had the official responsibility for this region, but it turned out that less than a fourth of the Everfast Army came from the Havarok Empire. It used to be higher, but so much new blood had joined over the past month. The Havarok were still influential, with most generals present at the highest levels, but they couldn''t act as they wanted.


    For instance, activating the Space Gate required the go-ahead from multiple parties, including the Alliance Headquarters. Tussar even said it was entirely possible that another C-grade Cultivator than the Everfast Monarch would oversee the mission.


    Some Monarchs were constantly on the move, looking for openings on the other battlefronts or even in the depths of the Million Gates Territory. Even those who were officially stationed in a region might be elsewhere. Their names alone were a deterrent, making the Kan''Tanu leery about going all-in. The Everfast Monarch might be gone, but he might also be waiting for the cultists to reach too far and overexpose themselves. They were like Shroedinger''s nuclear warheads.


    The old Hegemon only had time to go over some surface information before there was a change. The streets of the continental teau lit up with blue light, forming a shockinglyrge array. Simr scenes could be spotted on the neighboring barges.


    A monstrously condensed beam shot out from each vessel, converging on a singr spot in space. It was hundreds of miles away, yet Zac''s hair stood on end upon feeling the shocking amounts of energy that had been gathered. Unsurprisingly, space quickly buckled. It clearly wasn''t a simple attack, though, as a huge portal appeared instead of a spatial tear.


    The azure beams lost some of their intensity, but they didn''t dissipate. They resembled tunnels of light leading into the gate, and it didn''t take more than a few seconds before the first group of warriors were sent through. Dozens of ships turned into streaks of light and entered as well. The operation had begun.


    Another rm red through the city, and Tussar grunted. "That''s it, can''t stall any longer. Follow me."


    The expanded Acheron Company had already passed through the Battlefront Array. Zac gave the call, and his enormous army set out. The city turned into a blur as they stepped onto the glowing streets, and Zac realized it was outfitted with a space-contracting array like Twilight Harbor. Their army was moving at over fifty times their original speed, reaching the tform''s other side in no time.


    There were hundreds of races gathered at the tform''s far end, a sea of people waiting with somber faces. Every few seconds, one of six city-sized tforms lit up, sending the army atop it through the pir of light. A group of administrators adjusted aplex array tower between each batch before reactivation.


    "What''s that?" Zac asked with a low voice.


    "Calibration Array. Can''t send everyone to the same ce, or they''d have to stack you until you formed a mountain of flesh," Tussar exined. "It''s a big battle. It''ll cover dozens ofs, at least. One or two should be the main targets, while the other battles are distractions or preventing reinforcements from arriving. We''re locking down a whole region."


    Zac nodded, silently observing the proceedings as they quickly moved closer to one of the tforms.


    "Do you have some greeting gifts?" Tussar suddenly asked with a hushed voice.


    "Ah?"


    ''Bribes,'' Tussar exined with a mental message. ''I''ll try to have the controllers send us to one of the less dangerous spots. Or at least not mess with you because of the deadies in your ranks.''


    Zac inwardly sighed but handed over a Spatial Ring with some D-grade Natural Treasures.


    "Damn," Tussar swore, his eyes wide upon scanning the contents. "Should''ve be a shipwright."


    "Didn''t save me from being sent here," Zac smiled, realizing he might have overdone it.


    Their turn wasing up, and Tussar approached the somber-looking man overseeing the randomizer. He looked at Tussar with a frown, but both smiled like they were old friends after exchanging a few words. Zac couldn''t hear them, but his scouts transmitted their words.


    Tussar simply mentioned that he was caring for neers, and it would be a shame if they ruined an important mission by creating disorder on the important battlefields. The overseer hesitated but happily agreed after scanning the spatial ring. Zac shook his head at the scene. It was simply impossible to curb human nature.


    ''No mentalmunication,'' Vri confirmed as Tussar walked back.


    Zac only had the chance to bark a few quick orders before the Acheron Company was ushered onto the stage and whisked away.


    The transfer was nigh-instantaneous, and their appearance resulted in a spatial explosion that leveled a whole forest. [Verun''s Bite] was already in Zac''s hand as he soared into the air, but the familiar grip of his oldpanion wasn''t enough to sweep away the fear in his heart as he looked at the scene around him. Only one word could convey the vast, earth-shattering battle already raging in every direction.


    Armageddon.


    shing lights illuminated a twilight continent filled with vaguely tainted energy. The sky rumbled like a thunderstorm, yet there was not a single cloud above. The source was an intense battle in the sky. Zac didn''t have any skills that would let him see the details, but he knew each sh of light represented an attack at Early D-grade or higher. And the spatial ripples indicated new Cosmic Vessels joined the fray every second.


    The sky was full of smaller eruptions of power where Alliance Hegemons shed with either cultists or manmade cmities made from enormous Heart Curses. Most chaotic was the war raging on the surface. There were everything from shes between armies dwarfing the Acheron Company to smaller engagements taking ce all around them. Their side had the advantage in some regions but barely held on in others.


    The chaos was unrelenting, and it was getting worse by the second. How could he possibly lead his people through this meatgrinder? Unfortunately, Zac barely had time to take in the deadly tapestry before his mind screamed of danger.


    "Defend!" Zac roared, his voice empowered by urgency and Cosmic Energy.


    A talisman had already appeared in his hand, and torrential amounts of Divine Energy poured into it. A golden bridge appeared before him, blotting out a huge swathe of his army. It barely formed in time to intercept a purple pir of destruction that descended from above. Spatial tears spread in every direction as the D-grade talisman blocked the unrelenting force of the ambush, and the region shook from the collision.


    It wasn''t enough.


    The bridge shattered before Zac could activate another, having only partly exhausted the attack. Dozens of purple splinters pierced toward the ground, each filled with the force of a D-grade attack. There wasn''t nearly enough time to erect the War Machines. Still, an early warning and great discipline allowed the defenders of the Acheronpany to erect a series of barriers and blockades.


    Even then, the rampant energy reaped thousands of lives before it was exhausted. Zac was furious, but there was nothing he could do to exact vengeance because the attack came from outer space. Zac''s enhanced vision could barely make out a small dot, which could either be an orbiting Array Tower or a Cosmic Vessel. It had targeted them the moment they appeared through the group teleportation.


    They weren''t the only ones hit. Zac had noticed a dozen streaks crashing onto the ground. Each was like the descent of a sun, destroying everything in a huge region. Whatever had attacked them was not the strongest defense prepared by the Kan''Tanu, and not even Zac felt confident of his survival chances against some of the sts he saw.


    As expected, the result was devastating. The weaker armies had lostrge chunks of their men, and Kan''Tanu was already swarming toward them to take advantage of the chaos. Thankfully, no second salvo followed the first. Such powerful attacks should need charging time, and their side''s Cosmic Vessels were alreadyunching a counter-attack. But they couldn''t just sit around and hope for the best.


    "Spread out and activate the formations!" Zac roared, and he sensed hundreds ofmands rippling through his army through a mentalwork.


    "Iing!" another voice boomed through the region, and Zac turned to Rhuger far in the distance.


    A sea of building-sized tendrils had burst through the ground and rippled toward them like a tsunami of twisted flesh and sin. It resembled a Kan''Tanu War Array, but Zac could tell it was part of something far bigger. The whole world they stood on was inflicted with a curse, drawing energy from the World Core itself. No matter which direction he looked, Zac saw various facets of the Heart Curse.


    World''s Blight.


    Zac had read about the method in reports but never encountered it while fighting in the graded battlefields. On the surface, it resembled the Realignment Arrays of the Undead Empire, but it shared more simrities with the low-grade Heart Curses of the Kan''Tanu war ves.


    World''s Blight was a parasite, and this would rapidly be drained to fuel its growth. The world might be Early D-grade now, but it would likely be F-grade within a few decades. The Kan''Tanu would never do something so destructive to their homeworlds, but what did they care about the frontiers in the Zecia sector? This way, the Alliance Army wasn''t just facing the Kan''Tanu defenders but the world itself.


    The bloody tsunami teemed with spatial energy, and an army matching theirs in size poured out of nowhere. They moved toward the Acheron Company with great momentum, but Zac still felt them the lesser of the dangers they faced. The army was decently equipped, but Zac didn''t sense any deadly threats from within.


    Zac was more worried about the threat above, but he breathed in relief upon seeing a blinding sh in the sky. It looked like a purple star igniting, but it was actually their attacker exploding after being hit by a very familiar beam��the main cannon of a Starsh Cosmic Vessel.


    The immediate and overwhelming chaos had far surpassed Zac''s expectations, but there was no time to worry about anything but the most immediate threat. The tide of Kan''Tanu was already about to ram into the defensive line formed by his soldiers. The vast gore cascade had visibly withered after summoning such a huge army, but it acted as a wallbreaker against the Acheron Company''s protective barriers.


    Screams and explosions filled the air as the Atwood Empire joined the mayhem. The familiarity of life-and-death struggle helped settle the soldiers after being thrown into the thick of it, and Zac was the same. Over twenty Hegemons had emerged from the Kan''Tanu party, making a beeline for his warriors while burgeoning with power.


    Zac shot forth to deal with the leader and his assistants while familiar faces emerged from his ranks. Soon, their situation mirrored those around them, where desperation and killing intent formed a tangible storm.


    The Kan''Tanu leader conjured dozens of bloated heads staring down at his army, their eyes radiating malevolent light. The skill resembled therge avatar of the lipless Aural Cultivator Zac fought in the Void Star, though Zac could sense the Daos of Water and Poison within. Poison Masters, especially, were a huge threat to lower-rank cultivators, so Zac immediately activated his skills.


    A vast forest of twisting trees appeared before the cultist could unleash his strike. Not two trees were exactly alike, but most were over ten meters tall and hadrge crowns with either silver or golden leaves. Together, they formed a dense canopy that blotted out the ster battle above. The trees grew out of thin air, their roots disappearing into golden scars, creating a magical, floating forest.


    The scene could have been mistaken for a vision of paradise at first nce, but it was clear the forest was not a blessednd. A sharp and ruthless aura radiated from the nt life, like each tree was a general of a hundred battles. Their fierce emanations were so strong that one''s perception could easily shift, making one think you were looking upon huge axes with gleaming des.


    Some Kan''Tanu had managed to move out of the way, but the leader and four more Hegemons were trapped within. The demonic faces opened their mouths just as the forest had been conjured, spewing a torrential downpour of sin. The other Hegemons simrly unleashed attacks, though only two used D-grade skills.


    Judging by their mottled auras, Zac guessed at least half the Hegemons of the opposing army had forced their way into the D-grade through taboo means. In other words, they weren''t part of the Kan''Tanu elite chapters. The realization allowed Zac to rx and fully focus on his targets, knowing his subordinates could handle the rest.


    Poisoned water, infernal mes, and a river of conjured weaponry swept through Zac''s forest. Some of their power was aimed at Zac, while most targeted the ground. It was an attempt to create some havoc and nudge the war in their favor before dealing with Zac. However, it was as though the trees had eyes and a desire for battle as they moved to intercept the attacks.


    They moved ording to a mysterious pattern that would seem random to most outsiders, but Zac felt the echo of the trajectories he''d observed in his Soul Core. Echoes of the Dao of Life, based on the trajectories his Life-attuned Outer Cores had before he reached Minor Sublimation. However, there was also a warlike purpose in their movements, where Conflict joined Life to form something greater.


    The whole forest moved in ordance with the Evolutionary Stance.


    The trees blocked everything, even absorbing the poisoned liquid without letting a single drop escape. A few dozen trees copsed, but most survived the onught with just scarred trunks or withered canopies. Meanwhile, dangerous auras seeped out from the trees hit by the Kan''Tanu''s attacks.


    Streaks of light shot out from their tree crowns, moving toward the floating heads and the Hegemons themselves. One moment, the streaks looked like all kinds of primordial beasts, their fangs and ws bared at their targets. The next, they were deadly arcs of axe light, not two identical.


    A few demonic heads were instantly ripped apart, spewing a seemingly impossible amount of tainted blood into the surrounding trees. mes were suppressed, the sword river dimmed, and the E-grade skills crumbled, exposing the attackers to the onught. The situation rapidly descended into a state of madness where the jungle grew increasingly hostile to everything within.


    The Kan''Tanu were quickly forced into a passive state thanks to Zac''s Daos and attributes clearly surpassing his foes. The weakest Hegemon already sported a grievous wound across his chest after an unpredictable strike snuck past his defenses. And their situation would only grow worse from here on out.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    They had entered the [Apex Jungle], where even the strongest predator would be prey.

 Chapter 1124 - Apex Jungle

    Zac had made significant adjustments to his Domain Skill when upgrading it, essentially giving up on most of its defensive properties. Before, he could transfer damage from himself to the trees, but what was the point? His attributes and dual constitutions already made him unbelievably durable, and he had [Empyrean Aegis] and [Ossuary Bulwark] to boot. Anything thoseyers couldn''t handle would force him to dodge anyway.


    Instead, Zac shifted toward a forest that resonated with his path. It wouldn''t protect him, but it would create a kill zone to trap and target his prey. The beasts were real axe attacks, and any outer stimuli elerated their growth. So long as the trees survived an attack, they would respond in kind based on the concepts inside his Evolutionary Stance.


    Hiding wouldn''t work either��so long as the trees could sense an enemy''s aura, they would charge up and target them like predators pouncing on someone encroaching their territory. Zac could also control the process, manually generating stronger attacks by infusing more of his will and Dao. Against these kinds of enemies, letting the skill run autonomously was enough.


    The trapped Hegemons had already realized they''d encountered a dangerous enemy and decisively chose to retreat. Unfortunately for them, leaving the jungle was easier said than done. The tree''s movements were one with the Dao, forming a natural formation at the level of his Late-stage Dao Branches.


    You''d have to be incredibly fast or possess some top-tier Array Breaking means to sneak out. Everyone else would have to destroy all the trees blocking their way. Otherwise, they would find themselves moving in circles, prey until they proved themselves predators. The seal wasn''t as absolute as [Pir of Destion], but that didn''t matter in most fights.


    A ruthless gleam shone from Zac''s eyes as a golden haze of spores spread through the primordial jungle. Slithering vines emitting a brutal bloodthirst appeared on a trunk just as Zac sunk into it, soundlessly teleporting toward the Hegemon closest to the edge.


    The rustling canopies had blocked the sky, and his worries were swept away along with the view. They''d been thrown into an incredibly dangerous environment without fully understanding the situation, but that didn''t matter at the moment. Ultimately, there was one simple truth that could shine the path forward. The more Kan''Tanu Zac killed, the more of his men would survive.


    [Primal Edict] had already spread throughout the jungle, using the connection of all life to propagate far faster than it could outside. Soon, the keening cries of the axe-beasts were joined by the creaking groans of countless vines joining the assault. Some sprouted from thin air, others emerged from within trees, creating an unpredictable and unrelenting barrage from nature itself.


    The Kan''Tanu weapon master had created a fifty-meter-wide domain of destruction around him by ferociously rotating his spear, each swing conjuring a river of des. If ced on the battlefield below, he would have quickly created rivers of blood to join those of his des, and not even the trees of [Apex Jungle] could stand long under their assault.


    But the forces of nature couldn''t be defeated. New life would sprout from fallen trunks, and new beasts would rece those that couldn''t endure evolution''s eternal war. And like a silent specter, Zac emerged from a nearby tree, one step taking him past the rivers and right next to his target.


    Zac''s aura would normally shine like a blinding beacon when unleashing his power. Today, it was almost indistinguishable from the surrounding wilderness. It couldn''tpletely fool a D-grade cultivator, but the slight dy to the spearmaster''s reaction sealed his fate. A keening cry shook the forest as a sh of unbending finality split the cultist in two. It was like the ruler of the jungle had woken from their slumber, and the first interloper became an offering to its altar.


    Streams of gold and steel swirled around Zac''s right arm, forming a shroud resembling a familiar figure��Verun. It was like a hazy miniature of his Tool Spirit had wrapped itself around his arm, instilling it with power and potential. In reality, it wasn''t actually an effect of his upgraded Spirit Tool. Rather, the Dao-Empowered haze was entering his axe rather than vice versa.


    It was the appearance of [Evolutionary Edge], the upgraded version of [Nature''s Edge]. It was one of the first skills he upgraded after returning from the Perennial Vastness, and Zac had long since excavated every aspect and ability of the skill. His idea was to create a semi-passive skill that could boost his lethality when infighting, and it had allowed him to execute a Hegemon and his Heart Curse with a simple swing.


    However, imbuing [Verun''s Bite] with sharpness and strength was far from its limits.


    Zac disappeared like a ghost, a single step moving him into a tree and transporting him to another section of his domain. The Pyromancer nearby was trying to incinerate the whole forest, but both vines and trees disyed a shocking resilience. Burnt bark and scorched vines fell like ashy rain, but stronger wood grew to rece what was lost.


    The fire cultivator was a lesser threat than their leader, but it would take the poison master a while longer to break free. The leader didn''t seem able to avoid the formation, which meant his only other option was to use a taboo escape treasure. That was fine by Zac. Using something like that would neutralize the threat to his, and that was Zac''s true goal anyway.


    The raging storm of tainted mes had spread hundreds of meters, almostpletely blocking Zac''s vision. However, Zac calmly swung his axe upon spotting a small gap in the inferno, and a streak of deadly Life shot forth. The energy moved like it was alive, weaving through the web of destruction as it approached its target. At thest moment, it pounced on its prey by transforming into a fractal edge.


    There wasn''t much difference between the edge and its predecessors when it came to appearance or function, but upgrading the skill to D-grade automatically came with a fundamental improvement. Energy. Ten times the energy waspressed into the small de, making it incredibly resilient and a better carrier of the Dao.


    The Pyromancer had already discovered the iing threat, but even a normal strike empowered by two Late Dao Branches pushed the limits of what they could endure. Furthermore, the de hadn''t been weakened at all by the fiery domain, opting to dodge rather than sh until thest moment. Still, the Hegemon hadn''t cultivated in vain his whole life.


    A burning shield intercepted the fractal edge, giving the cultist enough time to activate a defensive treasure. The shield proved insufficient to exhaust Zac''s attack, but the life-saving treasure finished the job. However, the impassable inferno had destabilized during the desperate defense, creating multiple openings. A figure emerged from the mes, his weapon already descending toward the weakened treasure.


    Two halves of the Pyromancer fell into a golden tree crown below, a yet-not-activated escape treasure tightly gripped in his hand. The inferno faltered, exposing Zac surrounded by swirling ash. He didn''t bother with the corpse or his spatial tools, knowing he was running out of time. Two out of five trapped Hegemons had died in the span of a few seconds, and a third was about to sumb to nature''s onught without Zac tipping the scales.


    The cultists had known the situation was bad, but convention had given them a false sense of security. Killing a Hegemon was easier said than done unless there was a massive disparity in power, and most shes ended with the weaker party escaping after paying a price. That delusion had finally shattered, and they knew they''d been targeted by a god of ughter. What was convention to them?


    The golden forest was already showered in sanguine light. Zac sensed the fluctuations that had be all too familiar by this point��the Hegemons were borrowing power from their Heart Curses at the cost of longevity and their futures. Their actions would give them a significant boost in strength, but they had a high chance of losing control even if they survived.


    Zac didn''t bother with the underling, making a beeline for the leader, who looked positively terrifying. His figure had grown into a bloated titan over ten meters tall, and an unceasing cascade of putrefying liquid poured out of his mouth. A manmade gue ripped through the jungle, causing a wave of rot to spread outward. The remaining floating heads exploded one after another, joining the destruction in ast-ditch attempt at survival.


    No tree remained in the leader''s vicinity, but a few aerial steps took Zac into the poisonous domain. Zac was about to deliver judgment but was surprised to find his vision lurching and his energy scatter. There were few things he was less afraid of than poison, especially after awakening his Draugr Constitution all the way to Early Shallows. But shockingly, his multipleyers of defenses couldn''t fully withstand the Poison Master''s toxins.


    Zac felt himself rotting from within, where the poison tried to destroy his pathways. His Hidden Nodes were furiously consuming the gue, and boundless Vitality revitalized what was infected. He''d quickly recover if he left the poisonous haze, but there was no time. A thin silver band on one of his fingers lit up, creating a barrier over his skin. Even his High-quality Defensive Treasure failed to contain more than half the poison. What remained would be a death sentence to some, but was easily dealt with by Zac''s body.


    Arrows of ck water pierced the storm just as Zac recovered. Their appearance or aura was nothing impressive, but Zac''s Danger Sense exposed the truth. Those arrows contained more poison than the whole toxic storm, but it had been concentrated and sealed to hide their lethality. The captain might look like he had lost his mind, but it was clearly just an act. As expected, all Middle Hegemons had at least a few tricks up their sleeves, especially those who could survive on the frontlines.


    Normally, Zac would have shattered the arrows with Vivi''s vines and deflecting blows, but he instead activated an amulet just as they were about to collide. Space inverted, where Zac and the arrows instantly switched positions. The Kan''Tanu leader urgently exploded his projectiles, but Zac had already shed out of the arrow''s range to appear before their controller.


    The poison was incredibly dense at such close proximity, but Zac was certain his axe held far greater lethality. The captain seemed to havee to the same conclusion. A pitch-ck snakehead appeared to block Zac''s attack while a storm of energy erupted in the cultist''s chest to trigger a final ze of glory.


    Zac had faced countless enemies over the past decade, where both sides knew the conclusion of fate and karma had arrived. He''d seen it all. The cultist before him disyed the excitement of a fanatic about to drag a heretic with them to the afterlife. It was nothing new. Thousands of Kan''Tanu had tried to infect him with their Heart Curses, their go-to method when all else was lost.


    Something was different this time. Zac''s instincts screamed of danger. [Spiritual Void] opened wide, and a storm of Dao entered [Evolutionary Axe]. The intercepting snakehead went from barely resisting Zac''s strike to immediately splitting in two. The axhead continued into the cultist''s head, and arge surge of energy confirmed his kill. It was too easy.


    As expected, the cultist''s chest exploded the moment he died, but no vengeful tendrils emerged. Instead, a pulse of concealed Spatial Energy burst from within, forming a sanguine cage before Zac could escape. Zac swung his axe but realized the barrier was powered by all the cultist''s remaining life force and the umted energy of the Heart Curse. He''d be able to break through it in a couple of seconds, but a few seconds would be toote.


    He quickly homed in on the source of his unease. A seemingly unordinary piece of debris had fallen through the atmosphere in the distance, but Zac instantly sensed the extreme danger it represented. Like a veil being lifted, the piece of rock transformed into arge skull that opened its maw. It had already been gathering its attack for a while, and an immense ball of purple destruction burst forth.


    The ball didn''t contain as much energy as the attack that cost them thousands of lives before, but it was extremely condensed and fast. It was an orbital bombardment designed to take out a single person.


    Trees and vines were turned to dust as the beam entered [Apex Jungle], his domain utterly incapable of stopping its advance. There was no way he''d be able to block that thing. An ancient aura momentarily filled the sealed cage before a towering trunk winked into existence. Roots and canopy didn''t fit in the cage, but the trunk was all Zac needed.


    The spatial cage was consumed, and space instantly buckled. It looked like a purple star had imploded, taking half the forest with it. Zac emerged from a faraway tree, right by the final Hegemon about to escape. The shockwave almost knocked Zac unconscious, but his opponent was even worse off. An unadorned swing finished the job.


    The final Hegemon had died, and [Apex Jungle] copsed with him. However, some of the orbital attack had escaped the implosion and crashed into the ground. Zac briefly lost control from a shockwave throwing him upward, and he had to take a few urgent steps to dodge a storm of spatial scars left in the ball''s wake.


    The army below didn''t have that luxury. The spatial tears and shockwave had ripped into the rear of his army, killing hundreds of reserves and support staff. The scene was heartbreaking, but Zac knew they were lucky. The st would have decimated his army below if not for its angle of descent.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Who could have expected a normal Middle Hegemon to control such a dangerous weapon? That skull was clearly at Lage Hegemony and had to cost a fortune. Zac had encountered much stronger World Lords than this captain, but he''d never been faced with such a powerful weapon during months of campaigning.


    The core strength of the enemy army had died in seconds, yet Zac somehow felt like he''d lost. He hadn''t expected to use Void Energy on the very first encounter, but the trap had left him no other options. He might have been able to break the cage if he had gone all out, but failure would have meant death. It was a poignant reminder they no longer fought on the manicured battlefields of the System. There was no telling what they''d encounter going forward, and luck yed as big a role as strength for their survival.


    Thankfully, such powerful means were expensive and thus rare, and the Cosmic Vessels in the sky were working overtime to clear them out. Zac''s danger sense indicated they were temporarily safe from attacks in the sky, allowing him to focus on the battle around him. The goretide had been exhausted, and the Acheron Company was tearing through the Kan''Tanu defenders.


    The situation to his left was especially lopsided. An enormous eye looked down at the war ves like an indifferent god, and its effect was shocking. It was as though the Kan''Tanu had gone mad, gleefully killing each other or letting their Heart Curses go out of control. Meanwhile, a Kan''Tanu Hegemon was unleashing death on her men with such ferocity that her Cosmic Core and foundations were being damaged.


    This was the terror of a Mentalist Hegemon. It had only been a few days since Vri broke through, but she was likely the most dangerous person in his army apart from himself. The Kan''Tanu were already teetering at the brink of madness because of the cursed things growing in their chests, and a skilled Mentalist could easily push them over the edge.


    Most terrifying was her control of emotions, where drowning a target in despair while suppressing their souls made the enemy lose their sense of self. It allowed Vri to temporarily hijack their bodies, using them like puppets. Kan''Tanu Hegemon had killed tens of thousands of her own, though her twitching body indicated she was about to regain control over her body. Suddenly, she dug into her chest, destroying her core and Heart Curse in one go. Vri didn''t even spare her a nce as she floated further ahead, and no Hegemon dared get close.


    Rhuger also performed valiantly. He had already killed his D-grade opponent and turned his attention to the soldiers below. He radiated immense waves of darkness, resembling a lunar eclipse. The thousands of cultists below seemed to have lost their senses, randomly attacking in every direction in fits of panic. Such a scattered response left them utterly exposed to the veterans of the Acheron Company, and thousands died without knowing what hit them.


    There were simr disys of extraordinary might taking ce all across the battlefield. Still, Emily was the only one who could get close to Vri''s wide-scale destruction. An enormous smander tore through the Kan''Tanu''s ranks, resembling an ancient god of mes. Attacks and Heart Curses were utterly incapable of stemming its advance.


    Emily herself was no less of a threat. A totem pole the size of a skyscraper had crashed into the heart of the Kan''Tanu army, bing the heart of a vast storm hiding thousands of swirling axes. Within, Emily had be a goddess of death, opening a path for her subordinates.


    Zac couldn''t sit still while his subordinates fought so hard. A step cut through thousands of meters, putting him in a dense region of Kan''Tanu reserves. Soon, widespread carnage erupted around him, and the brutal reality of evolution was enforced on the battlefield.


    With their leaders dead and the goretide exhausted, the army of E-grade cultists quickly crumbled. Their rear scattered, trying to reach neighboring battlefields where their side still stood strong. Some tried to group together and at least take a few enemies with them, but it was futile. The Acheron Company moved as one, acted as one. Meanwhile, the small pockets of resistance were uncoordinated and without support, and they were consumed one after another.


    Just a few minutes had passed since they appeared on this cursed world, and the Acheron Company had already proven themselves more than able to survive in this hellhole. Yet a sense of foreboding premonition crept into Zac''s heart as he gazed across the horizon.


    A storm was brewing.

 Chapter 1125 - Suns Descent

    Zac held his axe in one hand and a Cosmic Crystal in the other as he tore into the remaining cultists. He retained most of his energy, but this isted skirmish was just the beginning. And as he upgraded more and more of his skills to D-grade, the higher his energy consumption would be.


    It was worth it.


    His dealings with the Undead Empire felt like walking a tightrope, where one misstep would lead to death or bing a puppet to their schemes. However, his experiences had undeniably broadened his understanding of his path and cultivation. Whether it was his experience in the Abyssal Pond or his loss against Kator, both had shown that his view was too narrow and his path iplete.


    He''d felt that not everything needed to bepletely attuned. After all, not everything could be exined through his stances, and forcing things into a certain box would only leave him weaker. Or so he thought. But even the inheritance of Mez and Azol could be parts of his Inexorable Path, and Kator could integrate every aspect of his cultivation into a singr purpose.


    So why couldn''t he? The Abyss exined the whole Heavens through Death. Zac was obviously nowhere near that point, but it was a worthy goal. The concepts of Evolution and Inevitability were the crystallization of his Dao, and his path was confirmed through his Cosmic Core. The more he could put under that umbre, the better his skills and fighting style would mesh.


    Just adding the Dao of Conflict to the many nature-aspected skills on his human side wasn''t enough. He needed to instill the idea of evolutionary struggle, of breaking fate and ceaseless rebirth. It still restricted him to some degree, but as hisprehension deepened, he''d be able to express more and more ideas through his path.


    It had taken him a lot of work to rework [Ancestral Forest] into [Apex Jungle], but it might have taken him years without the [Court Cycle Token] to provide inspiration. But infusing all of his understanding into the skill had been enough to create its natural formation, strengthening the skill beyond what Zac had originally expected. And thanks to its harmonization with his technique, he could instinctually understand how the trees would move and act.


    Simrly, [Forester''s Constitution] had seen such a transformation that the System named it [Inborn Predator]. The passive buff still provided attributes, but instead of 15% to Endurance and Vitality, it improved Strength, Endurance, and Vitality by 10% each.


    The transition had drastically weakened his connection with nature, and the passive improvement to his natural recovery was gone. Losing the former was more than made up for by the experience he''d umted over the years, and the Void Vajra Constitution reced any need for thetter. What the skill provided instead was the instincts of a predator.


    Survival always came first in the wild, so the skill now amplified his danger sense. Its effect was simr to the [Lucky Beads] but focused more on direct threats. It was [Inborn Predator] that had allowed him to pinpoint that the inconspicuous piece of falling debris was the source of his unease.


    The skill also strengthened his attunement to his Evolutionary Stance. The effect wasn''t anything new��it was the very phenomenon he first encountered when fighting Commander Kaldor inside the Orom World. He''d used his [Thousand Lights Avatar] to amplify his connection with the Dao and his path, elevating his technique. Thanks to [Inborn Predator], the effect was permanent and steady and could be further boosted using the spiritual framework.


    This harmonization also strengthened Zac''s connection with all skills based on his Evolutionary Path. It made his aura harder to spot when surrounded by [Primal Edict], [Apex Jungle], or any future skill he created. It even improved his control of the vines and trees, though the effect wasn''t as pronounced as strengthening his soul.


    [Earthstrider], now called [Skystriker], had also seen some changes. The most obvious was that it no longer depended on the ground to work��a fundamental requirement forbat-oriented D-grade movement skills. Furthermore, reshaping it based on his Evolutionary Path changed its method of movement.


    The original design he''d prepared inside the Perennial Vastness barely incorporated the Dao of Conflict. His old movement skill only leaned on his Dao of Life, but it perfectly matched his requirements. Even a conservative upgrade would have given him a powerful skill that fit with his pathways well enough to work without issue.


    Conversely, trying to force a new Dao into the delicate bnce that made up the Skill Fractal was extremely difficult��a risk that wouldn''t add much, if any, utility. Nothing said a skill based on two Daos was stronger than a skill based on one. It all depended on what you could create with the insights and your understanding of energy and fractals.


    But pushing himself to fully realign the skill had provided far more than the few extra percent''s utility from higherpatibility with his pathways. The difference didn''te from efficiency or speed. It came from harmony, for ack of a better word. [Skystriker] had be more than just a movement skill; it was now an extension of his technique.


    He no longer shifted between bursts of rapid movement and attacking his enemies. It was all one flow, where activating his movement skill didn''t disrupt the momentum he built through the Evolutionary Stance. Beyond that, it had a surprising side-effect that proved very useful on the battlefield.


    Zac was like a vengeful ghost, passing through a clump of cultists with incredible speed. He didn''t even swing his axe, yet streams of Kill Energy constantly entered his body. The cultists copsed one after another, their bodies destroyed by invisible cuts. By that point, Zac was already hundreds of meters away, eviscerating another group.


    [Skystriker] had blurred the line between a movement skill and an attack, where Zac himself became the axe. [Loamwalker] and [Earthstrider] had enabled rapid bursts of movement bypressing space and forcing their way through it. [Skystriker] didn''t justpress space; it also cut through it.


    Zac had quickly learned he could control this phenomenon to some degree. If hepressed his energy and Dao, he could increase the speed a bit further. Conversely, if he let it disperse as he moved, he''d create a trail of destruction filled with invisible axe cuts. The effect was mostly useless against skilled enemies, but it let him wreak havoc on weaker enemies who could barely follow his lightning-quick movements.


    Thest roars of battle eventually abated, and Zac flew into the air while his men wrapped everything up. The victory was swift, but it left Zac feeling lost. What were they supposed to do now? Reinforce the other armies? He had already gotten a quest for his mebearer of Zecia designation, but it was just a general mission to take out as many Kan''Tanu as possible.


    Thankfully, Zac saw Tussar fly over. He hadn''t expected the wounded veteran to actually enter the battlefield with them, but his experience would prove invaluable.


    "I don''t know what to say. Never seen such a scary bunch of juniors," Tussar said with a shake of his head upon reaching Zac.


    "What now?" Zac asked without preamble.


    His army had already activated their mobile defense arrays and shrouded their army to hide from the enemies in the sky, but they couldn''t just turtle up here. Death could rain down from above at any moment, and the longer they stayed stationary, the higher the risk of a powerful fortification locking in on their position.


    "It''s messy when you haven''t been properly connected to our channels," Tussar asked him to wait a second as he took out a series ofmunication devices.


    It didn''t take long before Zac sensed a mental nudge indicating that the old warrior was trying to share a quest with him.


    [Special Operation (Alliance, Campaign): Seize the Transference Array of Wolf Teeth Camp. Reward: Contribution and Alliance Merit based on contribution.]


    "Take down Wolf Teeth Camp," Zac mused. "Transference Arrays?"n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "The biggest danger to any mission is powerful entities rushing over. Our job is to prevent that from happening. Transference Arrays are like beacons, letting the Kan''Tanu home in on this region and perform long-distance jumps and teleportation," Tussar exined. "Simr beacons are ced across multiple worlds, each making it easier for the cultists to reach us. If we break theirs while installing our own, we''ll eventually overwhelm the enemy."


    Zac rxed upon hearing the exnation. They still didn''t know the operation''s main goal, but their objective wasn''t much different from the numerous conquests he''d led his men through. Of course, this frontline base would likely be better fortified than any world in a unified sector, but he wasn''t working alone. There were Cosmic Vessels in the sky and higher-grade armies participating in this mission. The Acheron Company didn''t need to take a central role.


    "Our target is in that direction. Looks like it''ll be quite a trek," Tussar pointed in the direction the Kan''Tanu spawned from.


    Zac frowned at the chaotic environment they''d have to pass through. "Why not teleport us closer?"


    "Control over space is one of the facets of this war. This whole is acting like a jammer because of these nasty thorns, and space around the camp is further sealed. Just forcing our way onto the is hard enough."


    "Flying treasures��"


    "I know you''re a shipwright, but I rmend against it," Tussar said. "If you userge barges, you''ll be a prime target for both fortifications on the ground and the defenses above. If you take out enough smaller vessels to stay spread out, you''ll expose your wealth and status. That might attract even deadlier attention. Besides, why would you want to go fast?"


    "You''re saying we should ignore the mission?"


    "What ignore? Just work your way toward the base like the rest. Do you see anyone rushing or taking out their ancestral treasures to force a path? We were lucky enough to be dropped off some ways from the target. Let the big shots deal with the fortifications. It might lead to less contribution, but you have to be alive to enjoy your riches. Besides, taking out these bastards on the way helps lessen the pressure on the vanguard."


    "What about the fights around us? Do we help them?" Zac asked.


    "If you can," Tussar said. "But don''t try to be a savior. You also risk drawing too much attention if you gather up multiple armies. If you see our side having a small advantage, just let them deal with it. If you see us losing, consider helping out to avoid leaving a threat behind us."


    Tussar''s words were callous, essentially using the other factions as meat shields. However, Zac knew he was right. Idealists didn''tst long on the frontlines, and every move he made came at the price of his soldier''s lives. And was he ready to trade his soldiers for some strangers? Obviously not.


    "Still, you shouldn''t dally too long. You want to be close to where our elites are gathered. That''s where we''ll be safest and where the extraction points will appear. The situation can shift in a heartbeat, and we''ve been forced to leave people behind before. I''m sure you have some ships prepared for emergencies, but I doubt we''ll get the chance to set them up if the alliance is routed," Tussar continued, briefly scowling at the sky. "Thank the Heavens Jusis still has a conscience. He really sent us to one of the safer worlds."


    Zac had to give the old captain a double-take, thinking he''d heard wrong. "This is a calm battlefront?"


    "I see no motherships, and the Hegemons are mostly Early and Middle stage. We seem to have a slight edge in the sky, lessening the risk ofary bombardment. And the Kan''Tanu clearly haven''t had time to fortify this world properly. The World''s Blight is in an early stage, and you shouldn''t have much trouble dealing with it," Tussar exined. "But we can''t rx. The stakes must be very high for the headquarters to take such drastic measures."


    Zac wholly agreed with the sentiment. His instincts had warned him that there was more at y since the start. The Kan''Tanu would likely push back hard against such a forceful y. If nothing else, it was a good opportunity toy waste to a whole Field Army.


    The region around them had been drained to summon the huge army, letting the Acheronpany advance unopposed. Even then, Zac''s nerves were drawn taut, and it felt like death could appear at any moment. It was undoubtedly even worse for the soldiers marching below him. They could do nothing if another streak of death descended from above except pray Zac and the others would be able to block enough of its force to give them a fighting chance.


    Dozens of orders were ryed through an intricatework of mental connections, allowing the huge army to move as one. Zac didn''t involve himself in the details, content with staying in the middle of the pack, ready to reinforce his men in case something dangerous cropped up. They advanced steadily, cutting and burning their way through the cursed environment.


    A preliminary path had already been plotted, and they moved toward arge umtion of corruption that had formed a miniature mountain range. It was clearly a semi-living formation holding a lot of Kan''Tanu inside, but avoiding it would put them too close to conflicts involving multiple Middle Hegemons.


    It would take them thirty minutes to reach their target, but Zac''s eyes opened wide when they reached halfway.


    "Barriers!" Zac ordered, and shimmering walls immediately rose to protect their frontline.


    The shield formation had barely linked up when it looked like a sun was born before them. Not a life-giving sun, but a primordial sun full of chaotic energies, where the Dao of Space was most dominant. Rays of destructioncerated thends, where both Kan''Tanu and Alliance armies were struck by the fallout. The Acheron Company was actually lucky, as the Kan''Tanu formation stood between them and the explosion.


    The mountain range was swallowed whole, and their sacrifice drastically weakened the assault. Even then, the barriers barely managed to block the wild storm of energies that swept forth, and more than one War Array was overloaded and damaged. Hegemons and defensive cultivators moved as one, reinforcing the breach withyers of defensive skills.


    The initial onught abated after a few seconds, but Zac would have to be a fool to resume their march. Their path was cleared of Kan''Tanu, but what remained was even more dangerous. That terrifying st had unraveled the Dao and exhausted the spatial integrity. A spatial storm remained, holding immense amounts of chaotic energy.


    "What the hell was tha��" Emily muttered, but her words caught in her throat when an ancient and overbearing aura swept through the region.


    The feeling went as quickly as it came, but that ephemeral eruption was enough to force the whole Acheron Company to their knees. Zac''s insides churned, but he managed to stay afloat thanks to [Conviction of Eoz]. The other Hegemons weren''t so lucky. Even Tussar was pushed toward the ground, though he''d likely been able to resist if it weren''t for his damaged core.


    Everything had stopped when the aura descended like subjects freezing before an emperor. However, the winds of war were still blowing, and the battles spanning the region quickly resumed. It was clear the memory of the explosion and its aura was still fresh in everyone''s mind, though, as the neighboring shes were inching away from the epicenter.


    The tacit ord between cultists and alliance soldiers also created arge pocket around the Acheron Company, who were the closest force to the explosion. Zac gave no orders, silently observing the situation. That aura had been enough to exhaust the lingering energy from the explosion, and he could tell space was already mending. Eventually, he felt Vri fly over, and they shared a look of mutual understanding.


    The aura of the Left Imperial Pce.

 Chapter 1126 - Bleeding Through

    It was impossible to mistake the overbearing aura that just suppressed the whole region with anything but the Left Imperial Pce. However, as impressive as it were, there were undeniably some important differences. Despite destroying miles ofnd, the explosion was like a matchstickpared to a sun in front of the Left Imperial Pce.


    Had a seal appeared on the battlefield? No, there would be signs. The explosion felt different to the pulses of annihtion brought by the seals. Besides, the seals he''d encountered so far hadn''t an aura resembling that of the Left Imperial Pce. The two were connected, but Zac didn''t know exactly how.


    "��Shit," Tussar exhaled as he returned to Zac''s side in the sky. "So that''s what triggered this all."


    Zac turned to the old veteran with surprise. Zac should be one of the people with most inside information to this matter, and even he wasn''t sure what was going on. Why did a captain from the Allbright Empire seem to have the answers? The man''s eyes briefly wandered before taking a steadying breath.


    "I can''t say for certain, but there''s been some rumorstely. About this ancient aura. The constant fighting at the edge of the Million Gates Territory has weakened the barriers between dimensions and even stirred the Void. Ancient things have been dragged to the surface��powerful tools from a war preceding our sector. Most of it has broken down already, but a few terrifying treasures have emerged.


    "This is not made public yet, but the Sixth suffered disastrous losses after the Kan''Tanu unearthed an ancient weapon. It was just a rusted sword with a shattered edge, but it released such a murderous aura even Monarch had to stay clear. Those bastards somehow managed tounch it towards us. It tore through our defenses and disintegrated one of our War Fortresses before disappearing into a spatial tear. I bet the aura we just felt is rted to that mess."


    "But this explosion just now was nowhere near that level of destruction," Emily muttered.


    "It must''ve been a small sliver that bled through to this dimension," Zac said, and Tussar nodded in agreement. "So, the Alliance ordered this sudden assault because they noticed something was emerging?"


    "Probably. Can''t let the Kan''Tanu get another inheritance. It''s also an opportunity to get our hands on something that can turn the tides."


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. It was true, any random array or treasure from the Limitless Empire could have a huge impact on a frontier war. A few of the manuals they''d found in the Ensolus ruins had be core techniques of his Atwood Army, others were soplex he could only hold onto them until their foundations grew deeper. And those ruins had belonged to simplemoners living in the vicinity of the Left Imperial Pce.


    "But it''s already wreaking havoc," Emily countered. "Doesn''t that mean someone is already in control of the weapon and using it on their enemies? What if they hit this world with a direct st the next time?"


    Zac shuddered at the thought. umtions, treasures, and being an elite were useless in the face of such destruction. He''d be no different than the E-grade cultivators around him when faced with something like that. At best, his Danger Sense might give him a brief window to activate [shfire Flourish] or Sendor''s seals, but survival was up to the Heavens.


    "No idea," Tussar said with helplessness. "I''ve only heard some rumors, so I''m mostly guessing here. But it shouldn''t be? The operation just started a few minutes ago. I can''t imagine it''s that easy to take over these ancient relics. I bet there''s an intense battle going on right now."


    Zac sighed, gazing at the huge crater in the distance. "Fate is gathering."


    His anxiety only increased after learning their mission might involve a war machine built by the Limitless Empire. They were already under immense pressure after being flung into such a dangerous battlefield the moment they arrived, and now they had to fight for a relic that could impact the whole war?


    They''d already known this sh involved huge man-power, but Zac realized they''d only seen the tip of the iceberg. All nearby field armies were undoubtedly mounting all-out offenses of their own, hoping to stop reinforcements from joining the fray. But the past months had proven the Kan''Tanu were anything but pushovers, and there were also the outsiders to worry about.


    Prehistoric weapons were not the only thing that would emerge from the Void. There was a good chance for seals to be unearthed along any relics rted to the Left Imperial Pce. And if he could realize that from a single nce, then so could the other established factions. Sealbearers and promising elites would be dragged together by the winds of fate and hunger for power.


    Was this situation orchestrated by the System? Was his arrival on the frontlines the trigger for the carnage around him?


    Zac wasn''t sure what their best move was, but he ultimately ordered the Acheronpany to increase their pace by half. The army passed the ttened mountains but had to circle around the enormous crater. A dense storm of chaotic energies had gathered within, making it resemble an active caldera. Ultimately, it was just a small dy on their road toward the Wolf Teeth Camp.


    The sea of soldiers moved like locusts through thend. They were swift but kept a sustainable pace. Zac wouldn''t forget the most immediate threat because of the glimpse of that ancient aura. Their War Machines were ready to attack or defend at moment''s notice, and all tainted ground they passed was burned and purified. The World''s Blight would eventually undo their work, but the Acheron Company would be long gone by that point.


    Even then, it proved impossible to avoid conflict or prevent more cultists from teleporting over. The sea of thorns seemed almost sapient, gathering spatial energies to summon hordes of war ves as they advanced. It was also impossible topletely avoid the surrounding conflicts, and the Acheron Company was repeatedly embroiled inrger conflicts.


    The fierce resistance had essentially locked most of the Alliance armies in ce. Only the strongest managed to advance, but not even the Acheron Company had managed to reach their target after a day of struggle. Half of that time had been spent fighting, the other recuperating while on the move.


    Their strength and equipment had made them a core force among the Alliance armies. Moving by their side was an army of Springsteel Demons, an elite race from the Ar''Khar''Khit Horde. More alliance factions had tried to join their protective umbre, but Zac had ruthlessly rebuffed any forces that wouldn''t be able to hold their weight.


    Just like Tussar said when they first arrived, a lot of the fighters sent to the frontlines were barely better than the Kan''Tanu war ves death. These weak factions opted to trail behind Zac at a distance, essentially using him them as a meat shield. Some had suggested they forced these armies to take the lead for a bit, but having arge clump of soldiers trailing behind them had its uses.


    By now, the rear was ten times the size of their Acheron Company. The orbital bombardments were still going, and this huge clump of soldiers became a more promising target than their smaller, spread-out squads. The World''s Blight had also proven just how fast it could recover and send over more people, and the rear had been forced to rebuff multiple assaults.


    Only the demons had proven their mettle as they pushed toward their destination. They weren''t as strong or well-quipped as the Atwood Empire, but they were a grade higher on average. Zac would still have preferred to go at it alone, but the roadblocks between them and the Wolf Teeth Camp had grown increasingly difficult to ovee. The Springsteel Demons helped share the pressure, and they had multiple Middle Hegemons who could deal with the stronger cultists.


    Zac was still in good condition, and he hadn''t been forced to use any of his aces so far. His new skill, [Adaptive Symbiosis], had proven its worth ten times over already. Haro still slumbered inside the Worldring, but the Half-step nt King was constantly feeding Zac with Vigor. In return, Zac supplied streams of his Dao and the bloody aura that gathered on battlefields.


    His soldierscked his unique methods to sustain their energy. Rotating squads and getting capable helpers wasn''t enough to alleviate the umting exhaustion. And judging by the immense energy fluctuations they could sense beyond the horizon, the battle for the Wolf Teeth Camp had entered a fever pitch.


    The good news was that the Cmity Company had avoided being dragged into this mess. As reluctant as he were, Zac had a deadline to follow. Their second elite army had teleported over half a day after the first, appearing in the 33rd Field Army. From there, they''d smoothly transferred using the prepared decree and were currently undergoing orientation and group drills under the Allbright Empire.


    It was with mixed emotions they finally reached their target three hourster. Coming this far meant rtive safety as the sky above the Kan''Tanu base was clearly in control of their side. But the ongoing war was of an almost unbelievable scale as dozens of units had gathered around the Wolf Teeth Camp.


    It was an almostical understatement to call the Kan''Tanu base a camp. Let alone Port Atwood, the militaryplex dwarfed his whole ind. But it had clearly seen better days. Its towering walls were destroyed, their apanying array towers forming rubble the size of hills. A heated war was raging within, with hundreds of powerful auras shing in the sky.


    Innumerable alliance soldiers were pushing toward the central district from every direction, but the Kan''Tanu weren''t giving in. Ash and dust obscured the exact situation, but even Zac could sense the immense spatial fluctuations. The Kan''Tanu was clearly unwilling to give up the Wolf Teeth Camp and was still transporting reinforcements.


    The war wasn''t just taking ce inside the camp. An outer perimeter of alliance armies had formed a wall between a sea of Kan''Tanu and the Wolf Teeth Camp. Their side were essentially surrounded, furiously fighting cultists and enormous curse constructs to stop them from reaching the camp. The situation looked dire when looking at raw numbers, but the alliance held an advantage in quality and equipment.


    Neither side enjoyed a clear advantage, but the World''s Blight would keep teleporting over people and growing new goretides. Their side needed to thin out the hordes and create an unshakeable position. Besides, standing by the sidelines wasn''t an option. The cultists had already noticed their approach, and a flood of warriors were ready to meet them.


    "Go!" Zac ordered, and the Atwood Empire war machine roared into action.


    The Kan''Tanu were forcibly drawing on the World''s Blight to empower their side, but huge swathes of tendrils and thorns were shredded with every swing of Zac''s axe. Only a small part of [Evolutionary Edge]''s fractal design were responsible to create des, but it was ultimately a Peak Quality D-grade skill. Each attack could create as much destruction as the E-grade skill''s special burst just based on the huge discrepancy in energy.


    The strongest fighters among the cultists were already held up by the alliance defenders, giving the Acheron Company free reign to the rear. A few Early-stage Hegemons tried to bar Zac''s path, but they onlysted a few seconds against [Verun''s Bite] before dying. All forms of tricks andst-ditch measures, from self-destruction to escape treasures, were useless in the face of overwhelming power.


    Zac dug deeper and deeper into the Kan''Tanu ranks. The cultists fell in droves, and the mayhem only grew worse when the vines of [Primal Edict] joined the fray. World''s Blight rose in the pockets of death Zac created, trying to use corpses as fodder to grow. However, the lingering Dao inside Zac''s victims were too brutal, and the few tendrils that managed to take root were strangled by vines before they could grow.


    The Kill Energy from an E-grade cultivator was so small that Zac barely noticed it now that he had reached level 164, but the sheer quantity of ughter over the past day had put him right at the threshold of leveling up. The System must have made teleportation to Zecia almost free for the Kan''Tanu bring over so many.


    His people had already ughtered half the swarm of cultists by the time Zac made his way back twenty minutester. He unleashed a furious burst of violence that eradicated all stronger targets within a few miles before returning to his ranks. Zaa still retained almost half his Cosmic Energy, but he needed to focus on his core for a little bit.


    The process of leveling up was effortlesspared to the struggle Zac had faced in the E-grade. That was especially true considering the quality of his Cosmic Core. However, each level meant more energy would be crammed into the small core, and he had to be careful about the bnce between conflicting elements.


    Zac gingerly guided the Kill Energy into theplex pathways beneath the core''s surface, his Draugr side mirroring his actions on the pathways he couldn''t control. The process required understanding of his core and his Daos, but it ultimately wasn''t nearly as difficult as building the core itself. One minuteter, the final sections were activated, and Zac felt a small burst of power coursing through his body.


    The war still raged on, and the conflict inside the Wolf Teeth Camp seemed to have reached new heights. Zac was about to rejoin the battle, but a pang of danger and primal fear made him look to the sky. Six magic circles appeared one after another, each teeming with horrifying power.


    Each had to be a dozens of miles across, and they formed an intricate array above the Wolf Teeth Camp. He wasn''t the only one to notice their appearance. Millions of faces gazed upon the spectacle with hope and fear, unsure what was going on. But while the power contained within the array made Zac''s senses scream of danger, he breathed out in relief.


    "As expected! The headquarters even brought out such a powerful Spirit Array for a subsidiary battlefield!" Tussar guffawed as he flew over. "It''s over for these cultists bastards!"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac nodded in agreement. The array was clearly not connected to the heritage of the Kan''Tanu, which meant their side had managed to deploy an incredibly powerful array right at the heart of the battle. The circles lit up, and not even Zac managed to stay afloat from the pressure they exuded. A silver palm appeared the next moment, crashing down toward the military base.


    The hand was massive enough to tten half of Port Atwood, but that wasn''t what made it so extraordinary. It was instilled with incredible amounts of truth, to the point that it left illusory images in its wake. Thousands of smaller hands were formed by the Dao. Some formed mudras, others seemingly in the middle of a strike.


    The illusory hands formed, dissipated, and were remade in the wake of the main hand''s descent. Zac mutely looked on with awe. He hadn''t expected to see such profound insights into the Dao of Pugilism.


    The truths on disy were useless to Zac, and his incredibly steady Dao Heart prevented them from influencing him. However, he suspected that more than one observer today would have their path altered by the silver hand. Therge array was likely Peak D-grade, but whoever created it had to be a Monarch whose path were based on the art of pugilism.


    Even then, the array''s power obviously far beyond what one could expect, and for good reason. Just like Tussar said, it was obviously a Spirit Array��an array with a soul. The first time he encountered such a thing was when meeting Anzonil in the hunt back during the integration. However, the huge Spirit Array meant to cleanse the Splinter of Oblivion''s corruption wasn''t a true Spirit Array since Anzonil had grafted his soul into it.


    True Spirit Arrays were extremely rare and significantly harder to craft than Spirit Tools. Most Array Spirits were born inside arrays installed in unique environments for extremely long timeframes. In that way, they more resembled Realm Spirits than Tool Spirits. For a Realm Spirit to appear in a mobile array, something incredible must have happened during the crafting process.


    A treasure like the array before them would be considered a top-tier hidden ace even in a C-grade faction, and Zac doubted there''d be more than a few hundred of them in the whole sector. For a grand treasure like this to be expended on a Middle D-grade battlefield proved just how important this mission was.


    The mesmerizing scene briefly made Zac forget why the fist had appeared, but a resounding rumble reminded him. The silver palm had crashed into the haze surrounding Wolf Teeth Camp. An intense eruption of cursed energy rose to meet the attack, and the sh unleashed a storm that covered the whole battlefield. Visibility had be zero, but there were multiple clues to the result.


    The powerful spatial fluctuations from within the Kan''Tanu camp were gone, and the sinister energy rising from the ground had be chaotic and directionless. Whatever controlled the growth of World''s Blight had been destroyed along with the rest of the camp. And if Zac needed any conclusive proof of their victory, he only needed to open his quest screen to confirm the alliance mission waspleted.


    Zac was relieved he wouldn''t have to send any of his men into the high-grade conflict within the camp. Yet, he couldn''t feel any joy over the fact their mission had seeded. They were just part of a subsidiary battlefield, tasked with one of multiple side goals on this world. But more than fifty million soldiersin down their lives to create the opening needed for the Alliance to destroy the Transference Array.


    Such a heavy price, yet the fighting was far from over.

 Chapter 1127 - Wolf Teeth Camp

    "The bigshots have dealt with the Transference Array and the World''s Blight, but there are still a lot of Kan''Tanu here," Tussar grunted, echoing Zac''s thoughts.


    Zac nodded, and the Acheron Company resumed its push. The sea of thorns had lost their strength and ability to bring over reinforcements, and the trapped Kan''Tanu had lost their morale. It only took an hour for thebined alliance armies to utterly cleanse the region. There was no surrender, and no prisoners of war were taken. It was gruesome, but months of fighting with these crazed cultists had proven there was only kill or be killed.


    The dust eventually settled, and Zac looked down at his exhausted soldiers. They were worse for wear but held enough reserves in case something happened. If anything, their eyes burned fiery retribution, some even looking around for targets to vent their anger on. Zac felt the same way. They''d lost over 80,000 soldiers since arriving and there were twice as many wounded.


    If not for the high-quality Healing Pills and defensive talismans, that number would have been significantly higher. Still, it was a far better oue than most. The spread-out camps of Alliance armies told a tale of immense struggle and suffering. Some must have lost half their men judging by their size, and Zac knew there were dozens of armies who fell on their way to the Kan''Tanu base.


    No one moved for the next two hours. The only sounds from the sprawling camp around Zac were muted discussions and ripples from cultivators breaking through. The hard push had led to another round of breakthroughs, especially among those who''d recently been integrated to the elitepany.


    Zac wasn''t as lucky. He was one of the few who had participated in every single battle, but the opponents he''d faced weren''t enough to stir any particr insights. Seeing a whole embroiled in war had resonated with his Branch of the War Axe, but not to the point it had be anything tangible. It was still much-too-early to think about Peak Branches.


    He had gained a good chunk of contribution points, though. Each Hegemon he''d killed was worth twice as much on the frontlines for some reason, and he''d killed way more than he did in any campaign. It was no wonder he''d been falling on thedders until now. The losses were great, but the survivors would grow at an elerated pace.


    The tranquilitysted for two hours until Tussar came knocking at his door. "Young lord, we''ve been called."


    "Why? By who?" Zac asked as he got to his feet.


    "Themander. He''s waiting for us in the center of the Wolf Teeth Camp," Tussar said. "As for why? I''m guessing we''re about to get new orders."


    "It''s not to go back and rest by any chance?"


    "Wouldn''t keep my hopes up," the veteran scoffed.


    Zac called over his captains, and the small group flew into the conquered base. Zac looked down at the destruction below, thanking his lucky stars they hadn''t arrived any sooner. Hours had passed since the fighting ended, but using [Cosmic Gaze] almost blinded him. The city was absolutely covered in lingering Dao and energy, proof just how intense the battle had been.


    The dust had already settled, but the alliance had erected huge istion arrays covering its center. They were stopped on their approach, but a few words from Tussar let them pass through the barrier. Their surroundings shifted, but they weren''t met by the expected crater. Instead, they found themselves at the edge of a huge square with thousands of Alliance members scuttling back and forth.


    The whole square was an enormous array. It was dozens of timesrger than the already huge battlefront arrays, and there were innumerable array pirs teeming with spatial energy. Zac was shocked how quickly the alliance had cleaned up and set up such aplex array. But on second look, he realized something was wrong.


    For one, the array was clearly of Kan''Tanu origin. Secondly, most of the core pirs had huge silver hands grabbing them.


    "Was it fake?" Emily muttered. "What''s going on?"


    "The attack was real, but we didn''t want to show the whole picture while there still were so many Kan''Tanu around," a deep voice said.


    Zac looked over to see a Dravorak General fly over. He looked no older than 20, but his aura and strength indicated he was a powerful Late-Stage Hegemon at least a few thousand years old.


    "As for what we''re doing? We''re rerouting it," the general continued. "Rather than turning the Transference off, we''re connecting it to a beacon of our own. It''ll cause a disturbance that''ll hopefully throw some cultists into a deadly spatial storm should they transfer over."


    "Ah, this is Rastorik Hersafir, one of the 128 generals of the sixteenth," Tussar introduced.


    Zac nodded in greeting. He didn''t know the man but vaguely remembered that the Hersafir n was a powerful faction in the Dravorak Dynasty. They were considered a C-grade faction by Zecia standards, but it was unknown whether they actually had any living Monarchs in their ranks.


    "Zachary Atwood," Zac said with a nod.


    Rastorik''s eyes widened a bit, but his face soon became an impassive mask again. "I knew your army had to belong to a powerful faction, but I didn''t expect it to be led by Baron Atwood himself. I have to give you my thanks. You''re not even part of the sixteenth, yet your valiant effort helped lessen the pressure on my men."


    "It''s what I should do," Zac smiled. "Can I ask why you''ve called us over?"


    "I''ve just received orders from centralmand," Rastorik said. "Due to its nature, I decided to call you over to discuss it in person."


    "What''s going on?"


    "I''m sure you have a decent idea of our goal by now," Rastorik said. "A small Mystic Realm has appeared in this region. It''s currently grinding against the main dimensions, causing tears and pathways. You should have seen it on your way over."


    Zac nodded. He''d sensed the aura of the Limitless Empire three more times after the first, though the following encounters hadn''t been as intense.


    "Why are you speaking in such a roundabout way, you old man?" Tussar said. "What''s the relic you''re fighting over, and what does it got to do with the lord? Just spit it out."


    Rastorik sighed. "We''re indeed fighting over a relic left from the Limitless Empire, and we absolutely can''t fail this time. Our target is an ancient war fortress whose power far surpass anything we''ve managed to build. If we can seize it����


    ��An ancient fortress?�� Tussar said with a sharp intake.


    Zac was equally shocked. If a broken sword from that ancient war could decimate a whole field army, then what about a whole fortress? Whoever got their hands on it would be able to sweep through the frontlines.


    ��As for what it has to do with Baron Atwood���� the Dravorak Hegemon continued. ��The fortress is generating a manmade Mystic Realm to travel within the Void. But its dimensional barrier is weakening and we can''t send high-grade inside. The battle for the entrances is also still raging. Thus, I''ve been ordered to send Baron Atwood to the main battlefront to assist with the recovery of the fortress."


    "You want to send me to the main battlefront?" Zac asked, his eyes thinning with suspicion.


    "To be exact, I''ve been ordered to transfer a fifth of your army as soon as we''ve set up the Teleportation Array," Rastorik said.


    "What? Are you crazy?" Tussar roared, his spittle flying. "You want to send an Early D-grade army to one of the main battlefronts?! Why not just ask them to take out a Kan''Tanu central base? Besides, these people haven''t even been integrated to our army! How are they to cooperate with the others?! Bastard, just wait until I recover!"


    "Why are you screaming at me? We both know this operation is controlled by central operations. I''m just rying their orders. This is a critical mission, and they desperately need soldiers who can fight above their grade," the Commander said before giving Zac a pointed look. "Besides, some things are just fated."


    "Fated my foot!" Tussar swore.


    Zac sighed, knowing there was truth to themander''s words. The Acheron'' Company''s smooth advance and rapid umtion of contribution had clearly raised some brows back in the alliance headquarters. Holding back more might have avoided this situation, but Zac''s instincts told him it would have backfired one way or another.


    With a Limitless Empire War Fortress as prize, there was no way his faction could stay on the sidelines. The System had repeatedly shown that it''s mandate of ''Struggle for Supremacy'' wasn''t optional for those it had its eyes on. Zac even suspected that the weakened spatial barrier was arranged by the System. It was the perfect way to let sealbearers and candidates duke it out without interference from the older generation.


    "What about my other men?"


    "This world has two more strongholds and hundreds of weaker bases. They''ve temporarily been cut off, but we need to root out the threat before they can reconnect with the Kan''Tanuworks."


    "Cleanup is nasty, but not very dangerous," Tussar added. "With control over the sky, these bases are sitting ducks. Your men will just need to deal with the cultists as they run for their lives."


    "I understand," Zac said. "How much time do we have?"


    "It''ll take roughly two hours for Senior Silver to absorb enough spatial energy," the Dravorak Commander said.


    "Senior Silver?"


    "The Array Spirit," Rastorik exined, bowing at the hands. "We can set up the arrays and find the right coordinates, but this world is too exhausted because of the World''s Blight. And having Senior Silver''s assistance will make the pathway far more stable."


    "The Array Spirit can even help with other arrays?" Emily muttered with surprise. "Still, this doesn''t seem safe."


    Zac had to agree with the assessment. While most of the established empires could build rudimentary arrays without the System''s aid, they were generally quite limited. Most only worked within a, and only to one specific location. To set up a transfer array on a newly imed world and use it to reach a battlefield with unstable space? That sounded like a deathtrap.


    "Child, I was already adept in the profound art of spatial formations during Polbi''s reign. You should thank your ancestors I''m around. These ipetent brats might have sent you into a ck hole, but nothing will go wrong under my watch," a rich voice said, seeminglying from every direction.


    "Uh, I''m sorry, Senior Silver," Emily said with surprise, giving Zac a pointed look.


    Was there something wrong in the head with all sentient Tool Spirits?


    "Senior Silver has been an elder of the Imperial College for six dynasties and an instructor for multiple seniors of the court. Your transfer would have been far more dangerous If not for her expertise," Rastorik nodded. "However, we will provide all your men with a [Voidwalk Talisman], Atmosphere Arrays, and rescue beacons in case you are deposited in space."


    "Isn''t that a relief," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    The Dravorak general paused a moment, ncing at the axe in Zac''s hand. "I''m not trying to make things difficult for you. Your vessels have saved the lives of my men countless times."


    "I know. So what''s the situation? Where are you sending us?"


    "The main battlefront is spread across sixs closest to the Mystic Realm," Rastorik said. "We are sending you to one of the Late D-grade battlefields.


    "Late D-grade," Zac muttered with a frown.


    The Acheron Company had managed to take down a Late D-grade world as part of his campaign mission, but he''d spent a whole month resetting battlefields until encountering a weaker target. That had still been a tough fight only made possible through his armada of Cosmic Vessels. Stepping onto a hectic battlefield with multiple Late D-grade factions was another thing entirely.


    "I won''t lie to you, the situation over there will be dangerous," Rastorik said. "However, with the spatial turbulence, neither side dares to go overboard and use powerful weaponry."


    "That''ll only hold until one side starts losing," Tussar muttered.


    Zac didn''t feel optimistic either, but there was nothing to do. He could ignore the order, but that would brand his faction as deserters during a critical mission. At best, his soldiers would be penal warriors pushed to the frontlines. At worst, they''d be branded traitors to Zecia and executed. It was not just Alliance rules, but something enforced by the System.


    Their group stayed for another 20 minutes to go over details and orders were sent back to the army. Zac stopped just as they were about to leave the illusion array and thoughtfully looked at therge silver hand holding the main array pir. He slightly nodded in thanks before leaving. The Acheron Company was covered in a haze medicinal energy upon their return, andrge braziers were constantly releasing more.


    It was an extravagant measure that would increase their recovery, but two hours was too short a span to fully recover. But there was nothing else they could do. The orders had been given and it was time to set out. The first division, led by Vri, stood ready, each soldier a handpicked elite.


    "Emily and Ra''Klid, have your seconds-inmand take charge of your divisions. Janos, you''re in charge. Follow the arrangements of the Alliance."


    ''Your job should be rtively safe, but don''t take any unnecessary risks,'' Zac added in a mental message. ''If it seems you''ve been given a suicide task, then stall until reinforcements arrive. If you''re pushed against the wall, use the emergency items and drown the enemy with money. Your lives are more important than this mission.''


    Zac led his men back toward the base and was relieved to see he wasn''t the only one. Seven more groups had been called, each looking quite impressive. A whole block had been cleared out over the past hours, and a simplified version of the array that took them here had been installed. It was already humming with power, and one army after another stepped onto the podium and disappeared.


    "Are you sure about this?" Zac asked as their turn came up.


    "I feel responsible, so I''ll see this through to the end," Tussar said with a solemn expression.


    "I understand."


    The array activated and the world turned into a nauseating hurricane of erratic patterns. Zac felt a tight pressure on his intangible form, but it wasn''t to the point it was threatening. Senior Silver lived up to her reputation, forming a spatial tunnel through such a chaotic patch of space. Furthermore, their destination was in the same neighborhood, and their surroundings soon changed once more.


    Zac had already learned his lesson, and his army was ready to go the second they appeared. Thankfully, they''d appeared inside a military base, and the region seemed to be fully under alliance control. It was just a temporary stronghold like those erected in the graded battlefield, but it proved the situation was at least somewhat stable.


    "Baron Atwood?" a Dravorak liaison asked Zac led his men off the teleporter.


    "That''s me," Zac said while stowing the defensive talismans he''d prepared.


    "I''m Hask Serlin. Your army will be under General Dossin''smand for this operation. I''ve been ordered to lead you and your second-inmand to meet with the others."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac nced at Vri, and the trio flew toward to a reinforced structure nearby. Over twenty people were already gathered, most of them Middle Hegemons. General Dossin was another Dravorak soldier had the strongest cultivation in the room, though her aura seemed more like that of a magician or Array Master than a straightforward soldier.


    She was in the middle of discussing something to a seated warrior, but indicated for Zac and Vri to take two open seats. It soon became clear that more than half of the gathered leaders were neers like himself, gathered from four different subsidiary battlefields. Only one of the faces were familiar though. It was a stalwart woman wearing loose robes, her aura crackling with lightning. She was the first to pass through the teleportation array at Wolf Teeth Camp, while the rest seemingly had been sent elsewhere.


    Judging by an iratement from an elderly n Leader, they''d been incredibly lucky to be assisted by Senior Silver. Some transfers hadn''t been as smooth, with the unlucky ones losing over twenty percent of their people to spatial turbulence. Even now, they didn''t know if the lost men were dead or lost in outer space.


    "It seems like everyone is gathered. Our time is limited, so I''ll keep things simple. You''re all talents who''ve proven you can aplish more with less, which is why you''ve been picked for this mission. But rest assured, you are not carrying this burden alone. There are over a hundred simr units spread across this and a few more worlds. And while there are great risks with this mission, there are also incredible rewards."


    A bloodwood box appeared on the table before the general, and a gust of highly condensed energy spread through the room when she opened its lid. A single green pill was ced upon a bed of white pebbles. It waspletely in uniform in appearance, except for an unfamiliar sigil imprinted on one side. Zac didn''t recognize the pill at all, but his pores screamed for it.


    "Our main goal is to seize the ancient fortress, but there are more things at stake. This pill was retrieved from the body of a Kan''Tanu who emerged from a pathway. We don''t know its name, but we''ve confirmed it was once a C-grade Pill of a quality surpassing anything ever produced within our sector. Even today, it''s the equivalent of a Supreme Late D-grade Pill."


    It was possible the Dravorak general had taken out an old treasure of her dynasty to trick them, but Zac doubted it. Zac could tell the pill was incredibly old. Its aura gave a weak hint of antiquity matching the Limitless Empire. It was almost like it held a glimpse of the original, untamed Dao within.


    "Everything you find inside the fortress is yours, be it ancient relics or the loot of your enemies," Dossin said as she closed the lid. ��This is an unprecedented opportunity. For you, and for the alliance as a whole. Victory will allow us to finally push back against the invaders. Defeat will be the nail in our coffin.��

 Chapter 1128 - Into the Maws

    General Dossin spoke of victory and defeat, but it was greed rather than righteousness that shone in the eyes of the assembled leaders. Zac wasn''t surprised, and neither was the Dravorak leader by the looks of it. Concepts like the direction of the whole war were too far removed from early and middle Hegemons. Neither could glory keep you and your kin safe when marauders were kicking in your door.


    Inparison, the promise of ancient treasure was far more ptable. Most soldiers were constantly wracking their brains to gain an edge, anything that would allow them to survive another day on the frontlines. The pressure was just as real for the leaders who faced not only the Kan''Tanu elites but also carried the weight ofmand. And what Hegemon didn''t have an obsession for cultivation and an unquenchable dream of walking further down their path?


    "Of course, the alliance is willing to purchase or exchange anything you may find," the Dravorak general continued. "Furthermore, we''ve already confirmed the System is awarding everyone on these critical battlefields quadruple contribution. In other words, you''ll be richly rewarded even should you fail to enter the Mystic Realm."


    "Fail to enter? Is the entrance contested?" a fiery-looking youth asked.


    Speaking of, Zac realized most of the leaders in the room were quite young. And those who were older were invariably apanied by an elite of Zac''s generation. It made sense, considering the mission called for elites who could fight above their weight limit. However, Ogras once mentioned that one should be wary of two types of elites��the ruddy-faced youngsters and the spicy old gingers.


    Thetter were those hopelessly bottlenecked who never gave up on the martial path. Instead, they spent millennia polishing their foundations and braving dangers in hopes of finding an opportunity to take that next step. Most such cultivators ultimately failed to reforge their fate, but a few umted enough fortuitous encounters to give them incredible fighting prowess.


    The room was veritably teeming with youthful exuberance yetcking the measured experience of the skilled veterans who''d ovee countless obstacles. Was the System really gathering candidates for the inheritance, or was this part of some gambit devised by the alliance? Either case, the imbnce only increased Zac''s misgivings, but there was not much to do but keep his eyes and ears peeled.


    "Entrance? There is none," Dossin said. "Strictly speaking, the space surrounding our target is so unstable that it''s impossible for a stable entrance to form. Neither have we sessfully managed to install a doorway ourselves. The only way to reach the fortress is to stumble onto a temporary pathway."


    "A temporary pathway? Like a Spatial Tear?" anothermander frowned.


    "In a nutshell."


    Zac and Vri shared a hesitant look. It was obvious they couldn''t just jump into any random Spatial Tear and expect they''d reach the Mystic Realm they sought. However, they''d "enjoyed" front-row seats to one of the rare spatial anomalies connected to the Limitless Empire War Fortress just yesterday. They had better chances of survival flying into a sun than that terrifying explosion.


    Others had simr doubts, but Dossin eventually lifted her hand to still the heated discussions in the room.


    "The pathways I speak of differ from the chaotic eruptions many of you have witnessed. Those are formed by the fortress''s protective barriers bleeding into our dimension, forming unstable energy exhausts. The pathways are rather gaps in these same barriers. You''ll know when you''ve encountered one. Our challenge is that they onlyst a second or two, and it''s up to fate who reaches them before the opportunity''s gone."


    "So we''re just supposed to wait around and pray a pathway appears next to us?"


    "No. Some regions have more promise than others. The situation is in constant flux, but it''s notpletely random. Our schrs are constantly monitoring the spatial deterioration and other clues to pinpoint potential hotspots. We''ll move out the second they find a target near our base."


    "I''m guessing the Kan''Tanu have simr means?" another leader asked.


    "War will break out wherever a window of opportunity appears," Dossin confirmed. "Only a few will enter Mystic Realm while the rest of us deal with the Kan''Tanu. The more elites we kill, the fewer they can send into the fortress. And the further we push back their ranks, the more of the pathways will be used by our people."


    "So we''re just supposed to jump blindly into an unstable vortex when it appears? What if we don''t wish to take the risk?" a thin elder asked.


    "Everyone here was picked for their strength and ambition. Our assessment is that few among you would turn down this opportunity should it appear before you. Remember, there are no powerful War Machines or Late Hegemons inside the fortress. Furthermore, the alliance will provide incredible rewards to those who provide even the smallest assistance to the fortress''s takeover. Just entering a passage entitles your faction up to 250,000 Alliance Merit," Dossin said. "Everyone present for this meeting will trigger the full award, while warriors of lower grade or rank will lead to smaller payouts."


    Her calm face and t delivery would make it seem she was covering some inconsequential details, but another wave of shocked and excited discussions erupted within the room. The dangers were still there, but the juicy carrot the alliance had dangled before them would make it even harder to pass up on the battle for the war fortress.


    Alliance Merit was a copy of the official Contribution Stores as an additional frontline perk. Instead of the System, it was the established factions who opened their coffers to provide treasures. The items weren''t as good as the best things in the Elite Exchange, and the exchange rate was worse, but the treasury was still full of items that were highly sought after even by Late Hegemons.


    It wasn''t that the people presentcked the funds necessary to fuel their cultivation. All were picked because their faction stood above their peers. It was rather that they simply couldn''t get their hands on too many items useful for D-grade cultivators. Even Zac, who could freely traverse the whole sector, had found it impossible to convert his growing fortune into materials good enough for his Cosmic Core. Just acquiring D-grade Natural Treasures that could speed up his body-tempering and Soul Cultivation was a huge challenge.


    The best materials went to those with the biggest fists, and that was the established forces of the Multiverse. Zecia wasn''t any different, and the shortages of good cultivation materials had only been exacerbated by the war. The powerful empires or ns would never let the good stuff reach the open markets. They''d either keep the materials for themselves or trade for equivalent resources with other factions. It was only now that the ancient empires faced the threat of extinction they''d been willing to make some concessions.


    250,000 Alliance Merit wasn''t enough to reforge your fate, but it was enough for a leader or a group of strong subordinates to make noticeable strides in their cultivation. Not to mention the fact this mission would awardrge amounts of real contribution on top of the Alliance Merit. Even Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t tempted. There were just so many desirable items in the System''s Elite Exchange, but he was almost tapped out after histest round of purchases. The Alliance Treasury was one of the few remaining ces where he could gather the materials necessary for his breakthrough.


    ruing enough Alliance Merit also provided unique perks on the frontlines. More autonomy, higher authority, and the option to choose your battlefields��all things that could prove more important than raw strength when it came to survival.


    The meetingsted for another twenty minutes, but Zac was still carrying a belly full of unanswered questions by the time they emerged from the meeting room. There was surprisingly little to go on regarding the situation within the fortress and how they were supposed to take control of the thing. Only a few reports had made their way back to the outside, even after a whole day''s struggle.


    The entrances were rare and random, and the same seemed true for the exits. Not to mention, there was a decent risk of appearing in the middle of a Kan''Tanu army if you jumped into a random vortex. Still, the Mystic Realm wasn''tpletely isted, and Dossin ryed some pertinent information.


    The fortress was badly damaged, both from an ancient conflict and more recent spatial turbulence. That was the only reason they had a chance to pass through its barriers. Furthermore, the fortress had awoken on its own for some reason, and it considered everyone a hostile target. In fact, the Kan''Tanu wasn''t the greatest threat inside��it was the fortress itself.


    The assembled leaders repeatedly asked for more detailed descriptions but could only glower in frustration when Dossin rejected or sidestepped any such requests. Only those who managed to enter would be appraised of the actual situation, with fear of critical intelligence being stolen by spies cited as the reason for the secrecy.


    The information lockdown didn''t just extend to the fortress, either. Even the battles outside were kept vague, and they would only learn of their role right before shing with the cultists. Dossin assured them that The Alliance had provided several aces, but she also implied neither side wanted to make any big moves at this stage.


    Any high-energy attack came with the risk of backfiring spectacrly, what with space already being weakened by the War Fortress''s dimensional barriers. Everyone was ordered to use War Machines sparingly and only to use models that spread their force over arge area. The focus was on securing and defending spatially active regions rather than killing cultists.


    "The more things change, the more they stay the same," one of the old retainers muttered as they left themand center.


    "Grandpa, what do you mean?" the valiant-looking youth to his side asked.


    The young man appeared slightly na?ve, but he was a Peak Early Hegemon with an aura as steady as bedrock. Hisbat strength might palepared to Zac''s, but fighting with amon Middle Hegemon shouldn''t be a problem. Furthermore, going by his exquisite gear and the respectful attitude of the Middle Hegemon to his side, he was likely a core descendant of their n.


    "Young master, I''ve participated in many simr meetings before receiving your third elder''s grace. Wild Mystic Realms, unpredictable Danger Zones, and newly-formed Grand Formations��they all need someone to sound out the dangers and bring back the harvest. But why would those in control send their own men, the talents they''ve arduously raised? Why not dangle some rewards and let outsiders take the risks?"


    "That''s right," another warrior snorted. "They say this is a critical mission, so why are there only unaffiliated factions in our group? Where are the imperial armies or members of the Eight Grand ns? Hell, I only recognize a couple of faces here. They''re sending us into the maws of our enemy blindfolded."


    The man was right. Dossin was a Dravorak General, but she led a mixed army of the sixteenth rather than a Dravorak elite regiment. Furthermore, representatives from Zecia''s top factions, from empires to sects and ns, were conspicuously absent. Of course, this was only one of hundreds of simr camps, but it was still a worrying sign.


    "But what can we do but enter those maws?" the youth sighed. "Militaryw aside, I can''t pass up on this opportunity. No matter if it''s for the n or myself."


    The other leaders woreplex expressions, but the young n leader''s words rang true. One by one, they returned to their armies to prepare themselves. Zac was no different, but they only got another ten minutes before a ring rm broke the calm.


    "It''s here!" Dossin''s voice spread through the camp. "Assemble within 30 seconds!"


    "Go!" Zac ordered, and the Acheron Company moved as one.


    They appeared on a designated spot outside their barracks, every warrior teeming with conviction and killing intent. They knew the uing battles would be grueling, but they''d also entered the Atwood Empire''s strongest unit for these kinds of opportunities. Contribution, merit, and treasures were all up for grabs, and those who survived would have taken another step forward on the road of cultivation.


    Dossin had already taken up a position in the center of the square, but she didn''t give any order to set out. Zac looked around with confusion, wondering if the hotspot was right in their backyard. A spatial copse would undoubtedly impact the environment, and Zac didn''t have to wait long for signs to appear.


    A deep rumble soon shook the camp, and one barrack after another crumbled as waves of incredible energy surged through the ground. The only structures surviving were two ck pirs Zac assumed were Array Towers.


    "We''re moving," Vri suddenly eximed, and Zac sharply inhaled upon realizing what was happening.


    Themotion wasn''t created by spatial turbulence. The whole square slowly rose into the air, casting off all temporary structures connected to it as it rotated. The whole base was actually a supersized flying vessel and not a simple one, judging by the energies involved.


    "Get ready. This ship is made for speed and little else," Dossin warned.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There was no time to ask for rifications before one of the towers shattered with a deafening bang. A sharp tug rocked the whole tform, but the soldiers of the makeshift army were all Late E-grade or stronger. A few had to take a steadying step, but that was about it. Of course, the situation would have been very different without the sleek barrier a few meters above their heads.


    Zac was shocked to find they were moving at a speed approaching the levels of an escape treasure, leaving a mile-long streak of spatial chaos in their wake. Their eleration had been nigh-instantaneous, shattering both space and the atmosphere. Mountains and rivers were reduced to shes of light as they roared across the continent, but the indistinctndscape suddenly became clear.


    Most seemed to think their mad dash had already led to the hotspot, but Zac''s brows furrowed as he gazed upon a massive storm formation in the distance. This couldn''t possibly be their destination. He could tell space was incredibly solid, to the point their vessel had lost most of its speed. The kind of environment that could endure powerful War Arrays.


    This was an ambush.


    A stone bell the size of a city block emerged from the vortex, and even the reinforced space buckled from its mere presence. It seemed to be made from emerald-green jade, but it had seen better days. It was covered in cracks, and one section waspletely missing. The whole pper had also fallen out, leaving a rotten rope within.


    Its state wasn''t good, and there were no cultists around to box them in or control the huge treasure. Still, you''d have to be blind to not realize the bell, damaged or not, was a terrifying treasure. It alone was more than enough to deal with their motley army.


    The whole bell reeked of forbidding power, but the most terrifying emanations were released by the lines of engravings covering its surface. The bottom row had been ruined by the missing section, which seemed to prevent a mirrored engraving on the bell''s top from activating.


    However, the three bands in the middle remained intact and left Zac''s soul shuddering. Two were bands ofplex scripts Zac didn''t recognize, but something about them made Zac''s skin crawl. They were sinister but in a different way from the Kan''Tanu''s heritage. It felt more like a force of nature than a heretical treasure.


    The middle band wasn''t another formation but rather an exquisitely depicted scene. The bell was dozens of miles away, but Zac could see every detail for some inexplicable reason. And it filled him with an immense sense of wrongness.


    The engraving portrayed a motley procession approaching a small cave entrance. The cave lookedpletely normal, like something you''d find on any mountainside. Yet it filled Zac with much greater dread than the arcane scripts. It was like a primordial evil lurked within, staring back at him from within the bell.


    The procession wasprised of beings of all shapes and sizes, from powerful cultivators to small critters. All different, yet all the same. Everyone was decked in matching robes of finest red silk, even the small mice, and they had joyful smiles stered on their faces. They could have been a wedding procession, but the celebratory gifts in their hands were their own beating hearts.


    Zac had no idea what this kind of treasure would do, but he had a looming feeling they would find out sooner rather thanter.


    So much for not usingrge-scale weaponry.

 Chapter 1129 - A Joyful Gift

    The bell''s formless pressure grew with intensity as their vessel continued its approach. Those with weaker mental fortitude were already suffering, and a quick scan showed that no less than a third of the soldiers were twitching erratically or holding their heads. More rmingly, a few disyed smiles resembling those on the carving, even when their eyes were wide with horror.


    Zac felt fine beyond a profound sense of wrongness, but [Immutability of Eoz] desperately tried to fend off something he couldn''t sense or see. Neither his overwhelmingly powerful soul nor recently upgraded Soul Defense skill seemed to be of any use against the mysterious threat. In other words, it wasn''t a mental attack, but neither was it strictly a curse.


    Considering their enemy, most elites carried some form of ward against curses. They should at least have shattered upon failing to block the attack, but not a single one so much as shook despite one soldier after another adorning a macabre smile.


    The situation was bad, but Dossin made no attempt to turn or evade. The flying treasure pressed through the solidified space like a moth to the me. Zac doubted that turning around would save them from their predicament or that the vessel was even capable of such a feat. It was more like they''d strapped themselves to a rocket andunched it toward their destination.


    Zac furiously went over his means and stockpiled treasures in search of a solution. The most obvious was to jump ship and run away, but that would be like jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. They were no longer moving at dangerous speeds, but that only proved just how impassable their environment had be. It was impossible to tell whether space had solidified because of the bell or if the bell had been used because of it.


    Either way, most E-grade cultivators would find moving impossible when they left the vessel''s protective barriers. There was no way that themon escape talismans his men carried would work either. Even if activated, they''d disce their users a few dozen meters at best. They''d still be exposed to the bell, which seemed to be stirring from its slumber.


    "Shield your mind and infuse the tform with Cosmic Energy!" a clear voice boomed in Zac''s mind.


    It was Dossin, but her voice contained a mysterious power that made her order feel like an imperial edict or a God''s decree. Millions of soldiers instinctively followed hermand, flooding the tform with streams of energy. Even his undead followers followed suit but quickly stopped after Zac sent an urgentmand.


    Whatever treasure Dossin used to cut through the bell''s influence wasn''t enough to pass through Zac''s mental defenses, but he still joined the effort. For now, their best chance at survival was the safeguards provided by the alliance. If even that failed, Zac could only sacrifice his strongest lifeline and ask Sendor for assistance.


    Creaks and rumbles shook the floating barge as it struggled to endure the immense umtion of Cosmic Energy. It was so dense that a knee-highyer of shimmering light formed on the square. And that was just the spillover that the vessel failed to contain. Most of the energy was dragged toward three distinct locations on the vessel��toward the fore, to Dossin, and to the still-standing Array Tower.


    Radiant streaks of destruction lit up the desert as an array of hidden weapons all activated at once. The disy was far more overbearing than the Acheron Company''s lineup of War Machines, but Zac frowned upon seeing that none of the attacks targeted the bell. Instead, Dossin seemed content with randomly firing at empty space.


    No, not random. The Dravorak general was using the weapons like an icebreaker, weakening the spatial blockade that had reduced their speed by over 90%. As a result, the vessel was rapidly picking up speed, though that only meant they were hurtling toward their doom with increasing velocity.


    "Stop!"


    Zac''s head snapped around just in time to see a grinning soldier push arade aside. More people tried to restrain him, but it was like he''d been imbued with intractable power. The smiling man''s eyes were bloodshot with strain and struggle, and tears streaked down his cheeks as he dug into his chest. The next moment, he was holding a still-beating heart in his hand in a gruesome reproduction of the bell engravings.


    The horrific scene was like the trigger for a mental gue sweeping through their ranks, where the first casualties were the soldiers who had tried to stop their friend. Chaos quickly erupted as more and more warriors dug into their chests before presenting their gift to the sky. Zac moved to stop a few of them, but a scream of danger made him freeze with hesitation when he was about to grab a man''s arm.


    "Close your eyes! If you touch a possessed, you''ll be the next! Focus on nothing but infusing!" Dossin shouted, her voice hoarse with strain and determination. "Hold on a bit longer! It''s almost ready!"


    Zac wanted to scream with frustration as he helplessly watched his men sumb one after another. Such wretched endings, and there was nothing he could do. Worse, the bell didn''t even grant its victims death. It should be impossible for Late E-grade Cultivators tost long without a heart, but their auras were steady as they stood frozen with extended hands.


    The only sce was that the struggle on their faces was gone. The profound terror in their eyes had been reced with joy,pleting their transition into the heretical imagery. Hopefully, it meant these poor men had fully sumbed to the bell and didn''t need to suffer any longer.


    Most terrifying was that all the extracted hearts beat in perfect sync, where each thud was a toll that empowered the bell even further. The phenomenon created a negative spiral that was rapidly going out of control. Dossin had urged them to hold on, but their armies would be wiped out within the minute unless something changed.


    None dared to interfere with the dead, but they tried everything to save those who remained. Talismans, War Arrays, and Defensive Treasures were thrown out without any care for expenditure. A few leaders even took out mysterious items to shield their men. But despite their best efforts, the sacrifices only grew more frequent.


    The only one who had a semnce of sess was Vri. A nket of spiritual pressure covered the Acheron Company and two neighboring forces as Vri activated arge-scale domain. She didn''t possess anyrge-scale defensive skills, so she used her emotional maniption tobat self-harming actions with sloth or nihilism. Unfortunately, a terse shake of the mentalist''s head indicated the effect was limited and that she couldn''t hold on for long.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Then, a pulse of pure light was released from the middle of the barge, and a high-pitched sonorous call echoed through the region. The light formed a huge celestial bird whose song swept the madness aside. Dossin had finallye through, but Zac swore upon seeing cracks appear on the summoned avatar. Whatever Dossin activated stopped the coerced deaths, but it was clearly not a match to the heretical bell.


    The bird seemed to understand its plight and shot toward the bell as it sang with increased fervor. However, Zac didn''t get to see the creature''s final stand, as he felt a tremendous pull from below. The ship crashed into the ground, but instead of an explosion, there was a sh of brown light and an embrace of the earth itself.


    It was the second Array Tower that had been activated��a bird to buy a window of opportunity and an earth movement skill to take them away. Zac had be part of the stones they passed through, and he felt his speed rapidly increase.


    But not even deep underground could provide sanctuary from the heretical bell.


    Immense vibrations shook the very essence of Zac''s being. It was like the world was whispering in his ears, whispering ancient secrets of boundless terror. He was ovee with despair, to the point there was nothing left to do but rejoice as he embraced the inevitable end. If you can''t defeat them, then join them.


    Zac wailed when reality shattered, but the only sound was the ebbing voice of earth''s madness. Thoughts eluded him, and the passage of stone and sand provided little context. It might have been a second or an hour before dry darkness gave way to light, and the disjointed impressions solidified into a harried consciousness while clumps of mud became flesh and bone.


    The surroundings were utterly foreign when Zac opened his eyes, which was the biggest gift he could ever hope for. He unsteadily got to his feet among a sea of sprawled-out soldiers and broken debris. A voice in the back of his head screamed at him not to look up, to not invite that horror back into his life. Zac calmed his beating heart before warily peering at the sky.


    The bell was gone, and the space around them was so fragile it almost felt like he could tear a hole in the dimension with his bare hands. It should be impossible for such a powerful treasure to appear anywhere close��its mere presence would copse space and deposit it in another dimension.


    Besides, even for a Monarch, the heretical bell had to be difficult to control. It might even be impossible to collect for a good while after being deployed. Zac couldn''t imagine anyone getting close and living to tell the tale after it had been awakened.


    Zac turned back to the broken pieces of the flying vessel scattered about. Their exit from the ground was not meant to have been so chaotic, but there was no doubt in Zac''s mind the ship had saved everyone''s lives. His back became slick with sweat from remembering his mind being fully consumed by madness. Those unstoppable impulses must havee from when they passed right beneath the bell.


    If his body hadn''t been in an intangible state, he would have dug his heart out with a smile. And if even his Dao Heart and Hidden Nodes proved insufficient to protect against the bell, then who could possibly have survived the brief encounter? Whatever was hidden within the bell was simply on such a high level of existence that it made any resistance irrelevant.


    Zac turned his sight inward as the people around him got to their feet. Everything appeared normal after scanning himself head to toe with every method in his arsenal, but that wasn''t nearly enough to fully assuage his fears. But his Hidden Node had fully calmed down, which hopefully meant the bell didn''t leave any lingering threats behind.


    In other words, those who still lived when they entered the ground should have all survived. Still, no matter where Zac looked, he saw smiling corpses gripping their hearts. At least a tenth of their recently assembled army had fallen in less than a minute, and many more would undoubtedly walk away with Heart Demons.


    Zac was still shocked at how powerful a weapon the Kan''Tanu had managed to deploy, but he had survived enough terrifying and inexplicable ordeals for the bell not to leave asting impression on his Dao Heart. However, not everyone was the same. Being exposed to this kind of cmity differed from life-and-death battles on the battlefield. The helplessness could nt the seeds of fear that would poison one''s path, preventing you from going any further on the road of cultivation.


    "How do you guys feel?" Zac asked with a low voice as hismanders gathered around him.


    "I''m�� I''m fine," Emily said, but Zac hadn''t seen her face so grim since the day they first met.


    "We''ll make them pay for what they did," Zac said, his voice rising into booming thunder as roiling Killing Intent spread through the region. "We''ll capture that damn fortress and blow up the bell and every single cultist who had anything to do with it."


    Confused, fearful faces hardened, and eyes shone with a promise of bloody retribution. It wasn''t just his men who stirred from Zac''s forceful promation. Fury spread through the ranks like the mental gue before. Smaller gusts of Killing Intent joined the overwhelming amounts of murderous air Zac deliberately released. It fused, forming something akin to amunal desire. A desire for steel and fire, of vengeance and murder.


    Zac was happy that so many had been dragged out of their mental prisons by his actions, but his words weren''t just empty posturing. He meant what he said with every fiber of his being.


    Until now, he''d been so focused on survival and potential conspiracies that he''d lost sight of the big picture. Zac even felt ashamed as he recalled his behavior in the meeting half an hour ago. He''d listened to the discussions like an outsider, silently judging the othermanders for focusing on personal benefits over the war effort.


    But how was he any different?


    The thought of seizing the ancient War Fortress hadn''t even crossed his mind. If anything, he''d felt it an unnecessary risk, especially since he''d have to hand the thing over to the alliance if he seeded. He better focus on keeping himself safe and potentially harvesting some seals or treasures.


    But how could Zecia possibly win if no one ever stepped up? How could he say he''d done everything in his power to keep his friends and subjects safe if he didn''t try to make a difference, an actual difference, to the war? This wasn''t about Contribution Points or quests.


    Like it or not, he was one of the people with the highest chance of seizing the fortress. With the Mystic Realm being limited to Middle Hegemons, only the vanishingly rare monsters like Kator could pose a threat to his life. Besides, taking over the fortress might note down to strength but rather fate and luck. And how many couldpete with him on that front?


    ''Thank you.''


    The voice came from Dossin, and Zac slightly nodded before turning to Vri.


    "Can you tell if there are any lingering dangers?"


    Vri looked lost in her thoughts but shook herself awake after a second. "There shouldn''t��"


    "LIAR!" an enraged roar reverberated through the valley, silencing all discussions.


    Zac nced over and found one of the youngmanders standing before Dossin with fires in his eyes and a sword trained at her throat. He had six Hegemons standing behind him, ready to back him up. They were all from the same faction, but Zac sensed they wouldn''t be fighting alone if a battle truly broke out.


    His call for vengeance had momentarily unified their allied army, but reality was bound toe crashing back. They had been sent into this mission blindly, and they''d encountered something terrifying and inexplicable right out the gates. A tenth of their men had died before seeing a single Kan''Tanu, and General Dossin was ultimately responsible for their mission.


    "You said neither side would userge-scale treasures! So, how do you exin that cursed thing? And where was the alliance when we were almost wiped out?!"


    "Since when has war been predictable?" Dossin said. "Our enemy managed to outy us this time, but they ultimately failed. They activated such a powerful taboo treasure but only managed to kill a small number of our men. What if they had used it on arge-scale battlefield instead? Hundreds of millions could have died.


    "I have already reported the situation to headquarters. The alliance will surely make them pay for exposing such a powerful item."


    "The alliance," the young man scoffed. "Who but the alliance knew where we were going? What regions we would cross? I wonder how the Kan''Tanu could set up an ambush with such speed and precision..."


    Dossin''s eyes thinned. "I would be careful about your following words."


    The young man''s chest still heaved like bellows, but one of his retainers knew they couldn''t let their Lord go any further.


    "The young master is justmenting the fallen. If we''d entered the ground a bit earlier��"


    "It takes some time to charge and deploy the [Eightfold Earth Traversal Array]. Secondly, the ancient bell created mysterious ripples in the ground. I suspected they would damage the ship, and reality proved me right. We barely got through the bell''s sphere of influence. Had I activated the traversal any earlier, we would have been crushed or spat out right beneath the bell. Everything I did was to minimize our casualties and give us a chance at survival."


    Zac nodded in agreement. Dossin was only following orders just like the rest of them, and she did the best of a bad situation. If anything, her judgment and quick thinking were extremely impressive. Her calm and rational exnation also helped defuse the tense situation.


    "If you feel my actions or leadershipcking, you are wee to petition aint upon our return. However, despite our ident, our mission is ongoing, and I am themanding officer. Our vessel failed to take us the whole way, but we''re only ten minutes from our destination. The Kan''Tanu didn''t have any covens nearby, so we still have a chance to reach our destination first. Collect the fallen and ready yourselves for battle. We move out in two minutes."


    Zac turned back to Vri, only to find her dazed off again.


    "What''s wrong?" Zac asked as he pulled the mentalist to the side. "Did you harm your soul by using your skill? Or did you notice anything from the bell?"


    Vri almost flinched at his words, and Zac''s worries only intensified. He''d thought Vri would be the one who could handle that cursed influence the best, but Zac now realized he might have had it backward. Her soul was incredibly powerful, but that was ultimately useless when it came to the bell. Conversely, the sense of despair that blossomed into deranged joy had a lot ofmon ground with Vri''s path. The way theirpanions had ended their lives was even simr to Vri''s puppeteering ability.


    However, the bell contained a form of evil that had twisted the Emotional Daos. It resembled the Lost ne and how it had tainted the pure truths of Ultom. Had Vri''s Daos been damaged, or had the corruption somehow taken hold within her?


    Vri seemed to understand the thoughts going through Zac''s mind and shook her head.


    ''I�� I''m fine,'' she answered in his mind. ''But I fear the bell might havee for me.''

 Chapter 1130 - Embers of Seven Sensations

    ''You don''t think the bell is rted to the Kan''Tanu?'' Zac asked.


    ''I''m not certain, but think about it. It''s like General Dossin said��imagine if our enemies deployed the bell on arge-scale battlefield instead. Why use such a mysterious object to ambush us? And what would be the point? Whoever has the strength to wield that ancient bell could just annihte us with a wave of their hands.''


    Zac slowly nodded in agreement. The situation was undeniably odd. It had only taken a single look to understand there was no way the Kan''Tanu had made it themselves. The bell hadn''t even activated, but its mere presence killed so many elite soldiers from miles away.


    It was undoubtedly a C-grade weapon despite being so damaged. Who knew what grade it had when in perfect condition?


    Even if it were the Kan''Tanu''s, they had no reason to deploy it like this. It almost felt like the Kan''Tanu had deployed a nuclear warhead to deal with a minor threat, only to forget to arm it. There had to be hundreds of better strategies avable if they knew when and where toy a trap.


    ''Still, why do you think it came for you? What''s going on?''


    Vri hesitated. ''I could feel a connection even before the bell emerged. When it appeared, I heard a deep toll in my mind. Before I knew it, the sound transformed into an incredibly mysterious technique called the [Embers of Seven Sensations].''


    Zac''s eyes widened in rm. He was so horrified he almost forgot they were speaking through a mental connection.


    ''You absolutely cannot practice it! Don''t even try to analyze the concepts within!''


    Any method stored within such a powerful treasure would undoubtedly be astonishing, but there was something profoundly wrong with it. The evil symbolized by that cave felt like a primordial devil. Practicing any method with such a dubious origin would invite a disaster unto yourself.


    ''I know. I have already conditioned myself to not think of the details within.''n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac exhaled in relief, but the situation only made him more confused. Where the hell had the belle from if it wasn''t the Kan''Tanu''s? Was it rted to the War Fortress, or was it perhaps another ancient relic dredged from the depths of the Void? Or could it be��


    ''Could it be rted to your bloodline?'' Zac eximed.


    Iz had recognized the young Mentalist who almost killed him in the Battle of Fates as a descendant of the Ignus n. He hadn''t dared inquire any further, but any faction known by Iz Tayn had to have some renown, even in the hearnds. He hadn''t expected to hear from them in this remote corner of the Multiverse, but it was no longer so farfetched with the Left Imperial Pce appearing in Zecia.


    Zac fearfully nced at the sky, wondering if a C-grade Mentalist from the Ignus family was currently bearing down on their position. He couldn''t imagine what they''d do to him after finding out he not only killed their descendants but even turned her into a Revenant. The Undead Empire had suffered more than one cmity by turning bodies withplicated origins.


    ''No, that can''t be,'' Zac said after taking a calming breath. ''I remember the original owner of your body. Her bloodline wasn''t evil or heretical at all. It more felt like something inherited by a high-tier race or a unique being born from the cosmos.''


    ''You''re right,'' Vri said. ''It''s difficult to say what about me attracted the bell since I''ve unified my path and bloodline through Ultom''s inspiration. But I believe it''s connected to the inheritance left by my master rather than my body''s origin.''


    ''The Crown of Despair?'' Zac said with bewilderment, but a thoughtful look slowly appeared on his face.


    Indeed, the Mentalist inheritance left in his Dao Repository was more closely rted to the bell''s true nature, even if there were several critical differences. But at the same time, it sounded ridiculous for such a terrifying treasure to be connected to Bra and the Towers of Myriad Dao. Then again, the details surrounding the Crown of Despair had always eluded them.


    Zac had gathered clues to Bra''s origins over the past years and reached a few conclusions. Towers of Myriad Dao undoubtedly originated from the frontiers, but the original Bra should have lived in a more established frontier sector.


    Bra had been an unattached cksmith with above-average skill thanks to a fortuitous encounter. Still, he should mostly have been dealing with other Hegemons. C-grade materials were almost impossible to find in these neighborhoods, and no Monarch would let a D-grade craftsman touch them unless they were absolutely out of better options.


    Yrial''s situation was slightly special. He may have been ate Monarch, but Zac had seen snippets of Yrial''s road to the peak. He''d been constantly hunted, barely scraping by through deception, swindling, and outright robbery. Yrial had repeatedlymented that he would have easily be a Divine Monarch or even an Autarch if he''d even enjoyed a fraction of Zac''s lucky encounters.


    Zac inquired why Yrial went to Bra for help during hisst visit. As expected, his ascent into Late Monarchy hadpletely wiped out Yrial''s entire fortune, and he''d even been forced to steal a few incredible treasures from multiple C-grade factions. He found himself hunted from every direction and was forced to make a desperate gambit.


    Yrial knew of a certain opportunity. It was incredibly dangerous, but there was a chance of confirming his Dao if he managed to seize the fortune within. He''d approached Bra to craft a set of special items that would improve his odds. Unfortunately, Zac and Yrial''s soul wisp had no idea whether he seeded or not, and Yrial refused to tell him any details about the opportunity.


    The details surrounding the Crown of Despair were harder to understand. Vri had a seal preventing her from divulging most details of her two encounters with her in-name master, but everything about Ralz Calzood screamed ''mysterious powerhouse.'' Her means and inheritance were incredibly profound, and Vri even suspected she was a Divine Monarch. Why would someone like that approach Bra?


    A Divine Monarch Mentalist would be unstoppable in a sector like Zecia. She could have walked right into the ancestral homes of the Dravorak Dynasty and abducted their artisans. There was no way anyone would dare raise an issue. So why Bra? And why would a Mentalist agree to sever a part of their soul to pay a D-grade artisan?


    They hade up with two potential scenarios. One, Ralz had stumbled onto a material or Natural Treasure that was critical for some goal of hers but wouldn''tst long after being harvested. Bra was simply the best craftsman she could find before it was toote, and Ralz had been forced to go along with his demands because of it.


    That theory would exin how Bra died and how the Towers of Myriad Dao became a System reward. Extorting a Divine Monarch as a Hegemon was simply asking for trouble. The second theory was that Ralz Calzood had another purpose for leaving behind a piece of her will. Perhaps it was simply a test of fate in search of a disciple, one that Vri passed.


    More importantly, Ralz Calzood was still alive, which made the bell''s appearance more problematic. Was the Crown of Despair embroiled in the contest over Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce? If so, was she hidden among the Kan''Tanu, or was she one of the outsiders? Had Vri unwittingly be a pawn in an borate y for the Eternal Heritage?


    ''How certain are you?''


    ''Without a shadow of a doubt. The bell''s technique is very unusual, but I am almost certain it shares amon root with the original version of my Cultivation Manual.''


    ''You''re thinking Ralz Calzood''s inheritance was derived from the bell?''


    ''No, they are too different for that. It''s possible that master found an iplete inheritance of an ancient faction while journeying, and the bell was made by the same people.''


    ''Do you think the Crown of Despair is an unorthodox cultivator?''


    ''Maybe, but there''s something else wrong with the bell. It''s like an artist has painted a masterpiece, but then someone else came along and added a few minor details. The additions seem innocuous on their own, but together, they''vepletely subverted the original intent behind the painting. I felt it on the bell, and I felt it within the technique.''


    ''The second painter, could it be the Kan''Tanu?''


    ''Perhaps,'' Vri hesitated. ''I''m too inexperienced to guess what a Monarch can and can''t do. But I believe the bell''s subtle corruption would require an almost godlike understanding of the soul and the Daos of the Seven Sensations.''


    Zac agreed with Vri''s assessment. The aura of evil had reached the levels where it had essentially be an indelible truth like the forces of nature. Reforging an ancient treasure and a whole heritage in such a sublime way required incredible skill. If the Kan''Tanu had such lofty beings within their ranks, the war would have looked much worse than it already did.


    ''What should I do?'' Vri asked, the worry evident in her eyes. ''If I stay with you, I might implicate everyone.''


    ''I doubt we''ll see the bell again in the short run. We would have seen some signs by now if it really wanted to hunt you down. Honestly, I think we''d have to be more worried if the Kan''Tanu controlled it.''


    Zac wouldn''t say it now, but he felt the real danger came from the [Embers of Seven Sensations]. Sure, the bell may have sensed someone walking the path of its creators and imparted a technique to continue the lineage. But meat pies rarely just fell from the sky, especially not when the delivery method made people rip their hearts out of their chests.


    ''But what if��''


    ''Then we''ll cross that bridge when ites. I''ll bring you out of here if ites back. We''ll see if it can outrun my teleportation arrays,'' Zac smiled. ''Don''t worry, we''ll figure this out together after we return. If all else fails, I''ll just blow it up somehow.''


    ''That thing should have known better than to mess with a professional demolitionist,'' Vri smiled as she grabbed his hand. ''Thank you.''


    ''Of course, always.''


    There were still no signs of the huge bell returning or space solidifying, but everyone was still eager to create more distance. Even rushing headfirst toward an army of elite Kan''Tanu was far preferable to the certain death the bell represented. It took less than a minute to stow the fallen, and they were on the way soon after.


    Dossin ordered a breakneck pace where the Late E-grade Soldiers ran close to the limits of what their attributes would allow. Doing so back on old earth was a surefire way to lose a battle, but E-grade cultivators wouldn''t even be slightly winded when they arrived. For Zac, it was like a casual stroll.


    He had joined the othermanders at the vanguard to better coordinate the response to any subsequent threats or traps. Everyone''s eyes were mostly roving the sky, and not just because of the ancient bell. The battleground was a remote corner of an uninhabited world, so aerial bombardment was the greatest threat they''d face.


    "You don''t have to worry about attacks from above," Dossin eventually said while pointing to the sky. "Look."


    It was a streak of shifting light hovering in the sky, resembling the northern lights from back home. It was a beautiful phenomenon, but Zac didn''t understand what the Dravorak general was driving at.


    "It''s ancient Dao bleeding into this dimension," Dossin exined. "The Mystic Realm is pushing against our reality, but the ambient energy of this world reinforces the dimensional barrier. The emptiness outside the atmosphere does not have the same advantages. It''s just an insignificant phenomenon now, but that''ll soon change."


    "A spatial storm?" amander ventured.


    "One that will soon cover this whole continent," Dossin confirmed. "Truth be told, this whole ster system is incredibly fragile. We''ve already lost dozens of Cosmic Vessels, and any items we''ve deployed were destroyed within minutes. The Kan''Tanu have fared even worse since this region was originally under their control."


    "Luck is an important part of war," one of the strategists nodded.


    "True. Now, all fighting is done on the ground, where each side brings in reinforcements whenever we manage to form a link to this unstable region."


    "So what about the bell? The Kan''Tanu haven''t used it before?" Zac asked, and Dossin shook her head with a small frown.


    "Never. I still can''t exin the events surrounding the bell. But it should be impossible for it to appear now that the storm is about to break out."


    Zac slowly nodded, not pressing the matter further. They''d have to delve into the mysteries of the bell and Vri''s masterter. For now, there were cultists to fight. Zac could already feel Spatial Energy among the''s energy, which meant they were getting close to the hotspot. Meanwhile, the Dao streaks in the sky were rapidly multiplying.


    "They''re here," Dossin said, and Zac suddenly felt a spiritual nudge from the army''s War Array.


    He epted and suddenly felt as though his Soul Sense expanded from one hundred meters to stretch far into the horizon, where a huge monstrosity rapidly approached. It looked like a centipede as wide as a mighty river, but a second nce indicated it was a construct created through the familiar arts of the Heart Curses.


    The centipede exuded a dark shroud as it advanced, but Zac could vaguely make out an army sitting on its back. A sharp red light released from within the shroud shattered the scene, but it didn''t take long before he could see the moving river with his own eyes.


    The Kan''Tanu''s approach looked more overbearing, but Zac could tell their army was roughly the same size and strength as theirs. Zac returned to his men, his mind already filled by a rapid-fire peppering of instructions. The Acheron Company took up a position at the left nk, setting up a solid line designed for a steady advance.


    The orders were detailed and exhaustive, which drastically lessened the pressure on Zac and his, admittedly, inexperiencedmanders. Dossin''s team of tacticians also showed surprising insight into their strengths and equipment, including War Arrays they hadn''t showcased on the frontlines or mentioned in the short briefing.


    It was unnerving to know there likely was a dossier on him and his budding faction in the headquarters, but the detailed strategy also proved Dossin was well-prepared for the uing battle.


    Suddenly, the huge centipede exploded, turning into a cascading tangle of rapidly advancing thorns. It was a strategy they''d dealt with many times before, so Zac wasn''t worried, even if it contained a stronger aura. His people had already proven their strength, and Dossin had already anticipated this move.


    Two dozen enormous ss spheres thumped down on the ground, and a cascade of ster mes rippled forward. Their unrelenting mes collided with the advancing tide, creating a writhing inferno spanning more than a mile. The other armies unleashed simr attacks, and the iing cascade was stopped in its tracks.


    The cursed ground was rapidly withering away, but Zac''s eyes thinned upon seeing hundreds of huge shadows in the smoke. Hulking figures soon emerged, their heavy steps suffocating the lingering effects of the War Machines. Each was dozens of meters tall and teeming with energy.


    These goliaths were wrought from the dense tendrils of Heart Curses, but these creatures differed from the cultists who chose to enter a berserk state. Theplex patterns covering their fleshy appendages exposed where these miscreations came from��The Chapter of Hallowed Flesh, one of the seven core units of the Kan''Tanu.


    Each chapter was the equivalent of a powerful C-grade empire, and their elites used higher-quality Heart Curses. They also possessed methods to utilize the parasites beyond cultivation elerators and double-edged berserking methods. Hallowed Flesh focused on the physical manifestation of the Heart Curses, using sacrifices and rituals to rece their bodies or create constructs to fight for them.


    Zac couldn''t tell which of the two the lumbering creatures were, but their energy levels were shocking. They were like mobile Array Towers, shooting thousands of tendrils toward the advancing line of alliance soldiers. The goretide was reborn with redoubled ferocity through their appearance. A bloodthirsty growl escaped from [Verun''s Bite] as Zac gripped its handle tighter, while a savage smile spread across his face.


    These enemies werepletely different from the uncoordinated and ill-trained war ves who weren''t good for much else than human wave tactics. It was the kind of enemy he had worked so hard to prepare his men for.


    They were ready.

 Chapter 1131 - Faith and Thorns

    The deste tundra was painted in myriad hues as the Dao-wrought northern lights grew into huge dimensional fissures that spread across the horizon. However, it wasn''t the Void that waited on the other side. It was a mnge of chaotic truths and unstable energies. It reminded Zac of the Void Star, both when the Spatial Nexus blew up and when they escaped Gemmy''s world.


    Even today, Zac didn''t fully understand what those realms of chaotic spacetime represented, but it seemed to be the result of two realms pushing against each other. The immense energies involved opened up a temporary space filled with energy and Dao from both realities. Entering such a space was incredibly dangerous, and whether you found your way back before the spatial bubble burst depended on luck and strength.


    The scene above was both beautiful and harrowing, but it seemed as though it had nothing to do with their battle. Space still held within the''s protective atmosphere, though Zac could vaguely feel an ufortable pressure. It came and went like a storm that couldn''t be seen with the naked eye, but it was more noticeable whereverrge amounts of energy had been unleashed. The sensation filled Zac with trepidation, like they were fighting on top of a thinyer of ice.


    If you took a wrong step or exerted too much power, you might identally break through and be plunged into the icy depths below. Dossin''s subordinates had released thousands of deep-blue crystals that hovered above their ranks. They released subtle ripples that seemed to help stabilize space, but their effect was limited. It was no wonder. How could a couple of low-grade arrays nullify the force exerted by a moving Mystic Realm?


    Attacking was fraught with danger, but to avoid fighting wasn''t an option. Over a hundred monstrous goliaths were bearing down on their position, each a walking cmity with enough strength to indiscriminately ughter their E-grade soldiers. In fact, they wouldn''t even need to breach their lines to devastate their ranks.


    Thousands of tendrils grew from their towering bodies, forming an impassable wall of sin. The terrible aura within the thorns and flesh was simr to themon Heart Curses they usually fought, but it was deeper, more refined. It didn''t escape anyone''s notice, and it drastically increased the pressure they found themselves under.


    Taking the brunt of a war ve''s Heart Curse was still lethal for most. However, E-grade cultivators could survive being grazed or lightly wounded by tendrils or most forms of cursed ground. Of course, it depended on them not being imnted with too much corruption and that they sought treatment in time.


    These tendrils were different. Whatever methods the Chapter of Hallowed Fleshed used to create these monsters made the cursed energy they carried far more potent. Zac almost felt a hunger from the sea of fleshy vines that slithered toward them with incredible speed. It would be extremely bad if their lines were breached.


    A storm of long-distance attacks pelted the giants as soon as they came in range. It did little to exhaust their boundless energy. Only the Hegemons managed to damage their hardened flesh, but only a handful copsed from the initial barrage. The rest trudged on, and even grievous wounds closed with a speed that rivaled the recovery of nt Kings. Worse, much of the energy from those who fell was siphoned off by their brethren.


    Millions of E-grade warriors couldn''t aplish much individually, but they would be able to exhaust the giants if given time. Unfortunately, there were too few targets, and one of the headaches ofrge-scale battles reared its ugly head. Dossin''s orders were precise and exhaustive to maximize the damage they caused, but there were simply too many people targeting the same spot.


    Space became too congested, and many attacks actually helped the giants by shing with other skills in an unintended friendly fire. Such a scene rarely urred when the Acheron Company fought alone, but this army had been cobbled together half an hour ago. Getting the timing right was impossible.


    Most E-grade soldiers were ordered to target the iing goretide instead. It was constantly growing denser, and a constant rain of attacks was barely enough to maintain a status quo. The situation wasn''t looking good. They were barely keeping the goliaths at bay, but more were already stepping onto the battlefield. The pressure increased, and their soldier''s energy wasn''t endless. It was just a matter of time before their defensive line was breached unless something changed.


    Zac was worried, but he didn''t set out alone to lessen the pressure on his men. He could guess why General Dossin adopted such a conservative approach. Part of it was that the approaching goliaths were just empty meat shields meant to exhaust their elites and War Machines. These fleshy monstrosities were all very powerful, but there were still the cultists themselves to worry about.


    There was something else too. Dossin had to adapt their response to the constantly shifting spatial pressure. Activating so many War Arrays at once had pushed the dimensional integrity to the limits. They had no choice but to slowly advance while attacking just enough to deal with the threat. Only when they''d exited the danger zone could they deal a decisive blow to Kan''Tanu''s vanguard.


    Zac inwardly sighed, thinking back to the powerful weaponry installed on the alliance''s flying treasure. Dossin had likely nned to unleash a powerful barrage at the enemy and escape the spatial decay beforending. They might even have been able to dodge the first goretide with the earth traversal. Unfortunately, the bell''s appearance ruined those ns, and they found themselves in a passive position.


    Now, they would have to endure another culling before seizing the opportunity to turn things around. Until then, Zac couldn''t do anything that might ruin her ns. He could only grit his teeth and endure as the pressure mounted, and the fleshy tide was soon within 100 meters in some sections.


    They were carving a path to life in a sea of death, and the smell of blood and putrefaction was suffocating. The thorns were already within throwing distance of the Acheronpany at the nk, while others had been forced to activate a wall of defenses. The shields held for now but shuddered precariously under the goretide''s relentless pressure.


    "Stop!" an enraged roar shook the army while hundreds of the hovering crystals simultaneously lit up.


    Six swords wrapped in engraved bandages appeared above Dossin, each teeming with incredible force. But instead of targeting the looming goretide or the giants beyond, she shed into her own ranks, killing thousands in the blink of an eye. Zac had kept a low profile until now, but he swore and unleashed a barrage of fractal des that cleared out a huge swathe of tendrils. They needed the breathing room to deal with the sudden betrayal.


    However, it wasn''t Dossin that Zac worried about, but rather the hot-tempered youth who had confronted Dossin before. He floated at the front of his army, a sea of tendrils banging against a shield before him. His warriors were furiously unleashing everything in their arsenal to push them back, but it was clear they''d be among the first to suffer the Heart Curses of the Hallowed Flesh.


    The young leader was facing tremendous pressure and was clearly no longer in the mood to listen to Dossin''smands. He was holding a withered branch burning with umber mes that made Zac''s eyes tear up. Dossin''s attack was bearing down on him with lightning-quick speed, and Zac was shocked at the force and brutality it contained. Even he would be hard-pressed to block that sudden attack, and the young man had not expected to be targeted with such decisiveness.


    "You��" he screamed as a powerful barrier sprung up around him, but his words died with him as Dossin''s attack pierced straight through.


    The attack cleanly dismembered the general before six runes formed a seal around his corpse. Her subordinates were already following up to reinforce her shield, but it was toote. The branch was an extraordinary item, and that fool of amander had already unsealed it. The world was drowned in red, and Zac had to squint to barely determine what happened.


    The cage was incapable of containing the force, so Dossin shattered one rune to direct the onught forward. A monstrous wave of mes swept through the goretide, consuming sixteen goliaths at once. A single attack of the mysterious treasure punched a hole in the Kan''Tanu''s vanguard, but no one was celebrating the achievement.


    That burning branch was norger than a shortsword but held dozens of times as much energy as his Early D-grade War Arrays. Even after its outburst, its mes had only weakened by half, but there would be no opportunity for the exotic treasure to showcase its might again. Space imploded, swallowing both treasure and its wielder''s corpse. Dossin had cut straight through her own subordinates for a chance to stop arger tragedy, but her sacrifice was instantly undone as hundreds of crystals were reduced to dust.


    The copse was like a sh in the pan, covering no more than a few meters and disappearing in the wink of an eye. But a ripple spread through the young man''s ranks just as space mended. The soldiers had no chance to react, and Zac looked on with dismay as half a million men shattered like they were made of stone.


    All were equal before the ripple, and Hegemons fared no better than the weakest support staff. Most victims came from the culprit''s own faction, but the neighboring armies were also impacted. Worse, Zac could feel how the whole region had destabilized. The burning branch had broken through the treacherousyer of ice, and cracks were now spreading in every direction, undoing Dossin''s n in one go.


    "Nothing more dangerous than a pig-like ally!" Petrus swore, his eyes zing with hatred.


    Zac wholeheartedly agreed and even regretted not killing all the troublemakers before setting out. Risking a rift between the army''s factions was better than leaving such a troublemaker to their own devices.


    At the same time, it wasn''t hard to understand the man''s thoughts. It was easy to brand him a traitor, but the situation was more likely the consequence of an arrogant man under a whole lot of stress. The bell had reaped the lives of a tenth of their men, but the death toll wasn''t evenly distributed. Part of it might have been bad luck and a difference in mental tempering, but Zac believed some races were more susceptible than others.


    Acheron Company only lost three or four percent, with not one of them a spectral cultivator. A golemoid race was even better off, where less than a percent had ripped out their cores. In contrast, the annihted army had lost at least 15% of their men, including a few Half-Step cultivators. Then, they had the bad luck of facing more goliaths than most, yet Dossin staunchly denied any requests tounch another salvo with War Machines.


    The young lord had already been dissatisfied with the Dravorak General''s leadership and chose to unseal a powerful treasure rather than see his men be sacrificed to aplish the n of an outsider. That critical misstep cost him everything, and his actions had turned the whole army''s path of retreat into a minefield.


    They had advanced more than a mile since unleashing their first barrage of the War Machines, following up with just enough attacks to not tip the scales. New fault lines spread through already weakened space, and Zac could vaguely sense energy and Dao bleeding into their reality through invisible microfractures. It wouldn''t be difficult for the Kan''Tanu to shatter the region altogether.


    Zac growled as he shot forth. "Go!"


    More than a hundred Hegemons tore into the goretide, each cleaving a path through the thorns on their way to the lumbering goliaths. Dossin had asked the strongestbatants not to expose their positions but had no choice but to activate their hidden reserves early. By hook or crook, they needed to move the battlefield before the Kan''Tanu could take advantage of their mistake. The E-grade soldiers were forced into a sprint, desperately cutting their way through the impassable wall of brambles.


    The members of the joint army were all handpicked by the alliance, and you''d see disys of valor and skill no matter where you looked. But the tendrils were endless and unrelenting, fearing neither death nor damage. Screams of pain and cries of despair echoed through the battlefield as the goretide reaped its first round of victims.


    The Acheron Company performed better than most, but soldiers still fell one after another. Zac gritted his teeth with fury as he heard infected soldiers plead for death before they lost their rationality. In a normal battlefield, they might have chosen self-detonation to open a path for their brothers-in-arms, but even that final act of defiance had been taken from them. Now, they could only die with regret and anger.


    Zac did what he could to lessen their pressure by unleashing as much destruction as possible with [Skystriker], but his goal was the goliaths. The quicker he destroyed the tide''s source, the more of his men would survive. The sea of thorns was not able to deal with the alliance''s strongestbatants. They either tore straight through the curtain or flew above, reaching their targets in seconds.


    An ethereal sigh echoed through the battlefield to Zac''s left as Vri unleashed a skill. Zac could vaguely sense a spiritual wave passing through three of the constructs, but it had absolutely no effect. The goliathscked souls, which meant they were most likely remotely controlled puppets. It was still possible they had a controller within who was protected from mental attacks, and there was one easy way to find out.


    Zac shed forward, his axe lighting up as it drew an upward arc. A roar of war and dominance echoed through the battlefield as arge de cut a goliath apart. Its innards were only more madness, and Zac frowned when a wall of stench hit him. It had undoubtedly taken thousands of human sacrifices to create these undying things.


    He couldn''t find any core, and the two halves were already trying to merge back together. Zac grunted in annoyance as his arm turned to a blur. A storm of violence descended on the construct, quickly reducing it into dozens of parcels. Their previous approach had been crude, but it really looked like they had no other options. Only shredding these giants seemed to keep them down for good.


    A sudden, earth-shattering explosion leveled everything within three hundred meters of the fallen giant. Zac had expected something like that to happen and was already moving toward his next target. This time, he activated [Apex Jungle], and a sphere of vibrant trees created an ind of life in a sea of corruption. Two constructs were trapped within, and another was blocked from advancing further.


    "Be careful, they explode," Zac said as a squad of soldiers entered his domain.


    It was an elite vanguard of Mavai Demons led by Ra''Klid. Zac had already learned how to prevent his autonomous skills from attacking his men, but it required less mental effort with the Life-attuned demons. They almost seamlessly blended into his forest, joining vines and streaks of axelight inbating the enemy.


    More and more warriors caught up by following Zac''s trail of destruction, and actual fortifications were added to the forest''s edge. Zac''s skill was bing a true beachhead where his men could rest and regroup. But it was ultimately a trap where they''d bury these oversized monstrosities.


    The third giant had already forced its way into the forest, but Zac ignored it as he methodically dismantled the closest one. Ra''Klid was already following on his heels, leading his men to shred, burn, and purify every piece Zac cut off. Others were working together to erect a series of barriers. When the giant eventually fell, it only managed to topple and destroy a single line of trees.


    More giants converged on his location, but that was for the best. Thanks to Zac''s Late Dao Branches, they barely needed to use any energy to deal with the giants. Of course, Zac doubted the Kan''Tanu would let him dismantle their flesh puppets unopposed for long. It was for that reason Zac instantly acted when he sensed something amiss.


    ''Watch out!'' Vri''s warning echoed in Zac''s mind as he cut into another giant.


    Zac had already activated [Empyrean Aegis] and was moving away, but the golden barrier proved useless in the face of the rune that shot out from the goliath''s body. Zac''s danger sense had gone from a muted whisper to a ring siren, and he desperately dodged with everything he had.


    The early warning and quick reaction were barely enough. The rune passed right by him, though his shoulder was lightly grazed. Zac felt [Immutability of Eoz] heat up, but unbearable pain quickly overwhelmed the sensation. It was like a mesh of barbed wire had snuck into his pathways, and someone was trying to control him with the strings.


    Meanwhile, a smaller form emerged from within the damaged goliaths. It resembled an evil god, with six arms and a swarm of tentacles instead of legs. At first, its aura was indistinguishable from the giant, but it shifted in nature as it rapidly rose. Zac''s pathways were still in disarray, but he forcibly channeled energy into [Rapturous Divide] to create a line of annihtion through the avatar.


    The six-armed creature shattered, but Zac sighed in disappointment. He''d hoped to turn his near-death experience into a decisive victory, but his opponent was too slippery. The avatar had turned into innumerable floating fingers that spread through this jungle. The rune before was already a strong indicator, and the energy emitted from the swarm of fingers confirmed Zac''s fears.


    "Retreat!"


    The soldiers urgently followed his order, but the fingers moved too fast. Agonized screams immediately echoed through the forest. The fingers had only tapped whoever they reached, but the victims were already convulsing on the ground. Some managed to rebuff their advance, but there were still thousands more that deftly avoided Zac''s attacks in search of targets.


    They were dealing with a Hexmaster, and a strong one at that.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 1132 - Tripartite Truth

    Dozens of strings of Mental Energy entered Zac''s skill fractals as he forcibly ordered his domain to destroy as many floating fingers as possible. They were like living things, dodging and weaving among a storm of vines and blocking trees. Most were destroyed, but many still reached the soldiers fighting within [Apex Jungle].


    The sudden and indefensible attack had taken Zac by surprise. Nothing remotely simr had happened to all the goliaths they''d destroyed until now, and neither his Danger Sense nor [Inborn Predator] had given him much warning. Only those with powerful treasures or skills that hid your presence and Killing Intent could aplish something like that.


    There were still many secrets surrounding the Seven Chapters of the Kan''Tanu, and they knew even less about the mysterious leader who had yet to appear. However, Zac was certain these methods weren''t something the Chapter of Hallowed Flesh possessed. Most likely, this hidden attacker came from the Chapter of Tripartite Truth.


    Despite being the chapter with the fewest core members, Tripartite Truth was possibly the most feared among Zecia''s elite. After all, just like Vri, they all possessed means that few on the frontiers could effectively block. Their ranks included Hexmasters, Array Masters, Mentalists, and a few neighboring sses. However, it would be a mistake to consider them mages.


    The way they fought was a lot more like assassins. They asionally appeared to wreak havoc on the battlefield with strange and unpredictable methods, but their focus was almost exclusively on taking out enemy leaders. This Hexmaster had embedded himself within a goliath, waiting for a leader toe close.


    It was simply bad luck he''d encountered Zac. He had a Hidden Node custom-made to deal with these kinds of threats, yet Zac had to forcibly stop his body from twitching and his Cosmic Energy from going out of control. Most Hegemons present would have died or been grievously wounded by the ambush.


    New severed fingers appeared among the trees, most of them targeting Zac. It looked like the Hexmaster was trying to take down Zac from the shadows, but Zac wasn''t convinced. First of all, the fingers weren''t fast enough to pose any real threat to Zac. If nothing else, they were physical skills, and [Empyrean Aegis] was still running.


    More importantly, the first rule of an assassin was to never fight an enemy head-on, especially not if it was a one-on-one situation. If the attempt failed, you needed to flee without hesitation. Everything after the initial strike was a diversion.


    Zac hadn''t moved an inch after the initial exchange. He silently sensed the surroundings while directing his forest, searching for something that didn''t belong. Finally, a clue. He stepped into a tree, appearing in a different section of his forest. Zac targeted empty air, unleashing a whirlwind of attacks that nketed the whole region in violence.


    It didn''t take long before one of his Dao-infused des shattered, exposing his target. The six-armed creature had somehow hidden within one of its severed fingers, and his whole body spilled out when it was destroyed. Zac was about to step forward and finish the job before the Hexmaster disappeared again, but a scream of danger ruined those ns.


    He forcibly changed his trajectory, narrowly avoiding a translucent hand twice his size. It grabbed right where he stood, and Zac''s mind spun from the sound of hundreds of knuckles crunching. The grab was both physical and spiritual, leveling dozens of trees while extinguishing the souls of the soldiers unfortunate enough to be within a hundred meters of the attack.


    Zac was right next to the epicenter, and [Empyrean Aegis] didn''t fail him this time. It blocked the physical aspect at the cost of half a pir. He endured a bout of vertigo and unleashed a lightning-quick swing, but the Hexmaster''s grotesque avatar dodged as he rushed for the forest edge. Zac pursued and was immediately met with another grab.


    The source wasn''t the Hexmaster himself but the three goliaths trapped inside his forest. They had frozen in ce, and it looked like an invisible hand had remolded their flesh into enormous chalices.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A severed, pale hand with thin, unusually long fingers floated above each chalice. The hands were without blemish and could have been mistaken for marble sculptures if not for the bloody stumps. They were constantly forming seals that should be impossible if you had bones, and Zac could tell they were rapidly absorbing the cursed energies stored within the former giants.


    Zac never took his eyes off the Hexmaster. That guy was too dangerous to be left alive, so the chalices could only wait. Zac unleashed a barrage of attacks while manually controlling the final lines of defense. The Hexmaster proved agile like a monkey despite hisrge frame, and he wasn''tcking in physical strength. A tree that moved to block the cultists'' path was ripped apart with his bare hands, while others withered and were reduced to ash with simple gestures.


    The jungle was slowing him down but failed to prevent his escape entirely. They were already approaching the forest''s edge despite Zac furiously channeling Dao and Energy into [Apex Jungle] and [Primal Edict] to stop his prey. Heunched one fractal de after another, some aimed at the Hexmaster while others cut off his path.


    Suddenly, a third pale hand appeared. Instead of targeting Zac, it opened a small path out of the forest, providing a glimpse of the situation outside. As expected, the Hexmaster wasn''t the only Kan''Tanu to step onto the battlefield, and shes between Hegemons raged all around them. The goliaths were strong but slow, unable to effectively counter the all-out offensive by the alliance''s elite Hegemons.


    The appearance of cultivators to coordinate with the goliaths drastically increased the pressure their army faced. The cultists held up their Hegemons and protected the giants, leaving them free to spawn more cursed tendrils. It was no wonder so many soldiers stayed at his forest''s perimeters despite the Hexmaster''s deadly skills.


    Emily was furiously battling two Hegemons just a few hundred meters from [Apex Jungle]. Her axe array looked like the apocalypse, where some axes burned while others released lightning. The Kan''Tanu were like iron towers, forcibly resisting the unrelenting assault while trying to break the swirling array.


    The Hexmaster was about to escape, so Zac knew he had no choice. He took out a mottled talisman from his Spatial Ring and flooded it with Cosmic Energy. He also used his other hand, temporarily relinquishing his hold of [Verun''s Bite] to take out a pitch-ck javelin. A line of scripts lit up across its haft just as heunched the weapon with all the force he could muster.


    The throwing weapon shot forth like a cannon, aimed straight at the Hexmaster''s back. The assassin realized the javelin was far deadlier than Zac''s normal attacks and swiftly shed to the side. The javelin punched through the air just a second toote and left the forest''s perimeter with unstoppable momentum. A tunnel of incredibly turbulent air was left in its wake, rendering most movement skills unusable.


    The cultist was unscathed, which was within Zac''s expectations. The important thing was that the javelin throw prevented the Hexmaster''s escape long enough for Zac''s talisman to activate. A towering deity wrought from stone and steel appeared at the forest''s edge, forming a final line of defense.


    It pushed its arm forward in an unadorned manner. Nevertheless, grandeur hid within simplicity, and the movement held a conviction to move mountains and seas. The Hexmaster tried to sh past the strike using a movement skill, but the push was like an inviblew of rejection. It formed an impassable shockwave that pushed the cultist right back into the jungle. Where Zac was waiting.


    A ruthless strike descended with both power and precision. It dug into the avatar''s head as he flew past, but Zac''s vision twisted in a mysterious subversion of reality. The head was made anew, and [Verun''s Bite] finished its trajectory without causing more damage. In return, two of the Hexmaster''s six arms withered and fell to the ground.


    The Hexmaster had used an unknown method to turn a deadly strike into a grievous wound. Zac knew such skills came at a cost, and losing two arms was likely the least of the Hexmaster''s problems. However, Zac didn''t get the chance to capitalize on the opportunity before a third arm exploded, creating a pulse of darkness that crashed into the golden barrier enclosing Zac.


    [Empyrean Aegis] failed to fully block the strike, but the remaining force wasn''t enough to harm him. The problem was that the strike wasn''t solely physical. The darkness entered his body and transformed into a swarm of small pebbles inside his Soul Aperture. They were parasites drawn to the immense Mental Energies of his Soul Cores, only held back by swirling nebe.


    An intractable force mmed into Zac right after the exchange. The source was his own talisman rather than the Hexmaster sacrificing another arm. They were both pushed toward the forest''s center until the wave stopped, forming a huge blockade resembling a City Defense Array. The Hexmaster had used his spiritual attack to slip away, but Zac was certain he hadn''t managed to escape his domain.


    The barrier wouldn''tst forever, so Zac forcibly channeled [Apex Jungle] to regrow the destroyed section of his forest. He strained his senses to pinpoint his target''s location, but his eyes were still on the battle outside. Or rather on the pitch-ck javelin as it pierced into Emily''s axe array, unerringly moving toward the strongest of the two Hegemons.


    The spear was filled with his Dao andunched with over 400,000 effective Strength. It contained the force to shatter mountains. Nothing would remain if the javelin connected, even if the Hegemon belonged to the Chapter of Hallowed Flesh. The cultist unhesitantly chose to dodge upon discovering the iing cmity, but Emily''s tempest had obscured Zac''s ambush until it was toote.


    The body cultivator lost an arm and half his torso when the javelin shed past, and Emily pounced on the opportunity. The whole array subtly shifted, and the fiery inferno gained a sense of decay. Two tomahawks shed, leaving a swirl of red leaves in their wake. Two heads flew into the air, and the leaves ignited, consuming the corpses in a congration before the Heart Curses could emerge.


    Thest Zac saw of the battle outside was Emily emerging from the inferno unscathed, her face a calm mask as she inspected the surroundings for threats. Zac nodded in appreciation, gratified that the rambunctious kid had turned into a steady warrior who did not hesitate to punish mistakes.


    Emily was done while Zac still had his own foe to deal with. He''d prevented the Hexmaster from escaping and destroyed half his arms, but they couldn''t pay this game of cat and mouse forever. If nothing else, a cornered rat was bound tosh out, and there were still a lot of soldiers inside his forest.


    Zac knew the assassin had more cards up his sleeve. The six-armed avatar was most likely a skill rather than his real body, and the flesh chalices still stood tall despite the best efforts of his two domain skills and hundreds of his men. The hands had stopped moving yet exuded tremendous waves of energy that formed a mysterious resonance. It hindered Zac''s attempts to pinpoint the assassin''s location, though that was likely a side-effect than the arrangement''s true purpose.


    [Immutability of Eoz] was growing increasingly agitated despite having already cleared out the initial curse. There was something else brewing like the whole forest had been hexed. He had no choice.


    ''Can you help me with this guy?''


    There was no telling how long it would take to deal with this slippery eel. It wasn''t a problem that could be solved with superior strength, and every second the Hexmaster wasted would leave the alliance in a worse position. He needed someone to break the stalemate and let him rejoin the battle outside, and Vri was best suited to counter the Hexmaster.


    A brief scene appeared in his mind''s eye. Vri was facing three Hegemons from the Chapter of Hallowed Flesh, singlehandedly preventing them from reaching the Acheron Company. None were Middle Hegemons, but all were far above the norm and demonstrably resistant to her methods.


    Even Vri was having trouble gaining an advantage, yet she didn''t hesitate to offer her assistance. ''I''lle as soon as I can.''


    ''No, don''t worry about me. I''ll figure something out.''


    Despite his reluctance, Zac still took out a blue feather and filled it with enormous amounts of Divine and Mental Energy. The reluctance wasn''t because of the cost or rarity of the item. Months of campaigning, taking out World Lords and looting their treasuries, had let Zac umte an incredible stockpile of D-grade methods. Each was once a lifesaving treasure, unable to showcase its might before its owner was felled.


    The problem was the huge energy expenditure of repeatedly activating D-grade treasures. Their incredible power came at a cost, and that cost was inefficiency. Each talisman used far more energy than equivalent skills, so using one was ast-ditch measure for most. Even Zac was feeling the burden, and he needed to save something in the tank for the war outside.


    Zac felt like the world inverted, where the physical became spiritual and part of his Soul Aperture. The Hexmaster had perfectly concealed his breath and aura, but his soul lit up like a beacon in Zac''s perception. He was already halfway out of the forest, but his escape was cut short with Zac moving to block his path.


    The hidden Hexmaster was immediately drowned in a storm of axelights and Zac''s furious assault. The Hexmaster was ready for his appearance, and innumerable fingers formed a protective cocoon that blocked out most attacks. The Middle D-grade defensive skill was incredibly tough, blocking blocked the peppering of axelights. Thankfully, Zac still had [Evolutionary Edge].


    Each attack held the essence of his path and unbelievable sharpness, allowing it to pierce right through the macabre shield. The beleaguered avatar within had otheryers of defense, but grisly wounds rapidly appeared across his body. The cultist''s repeated attempts to get away were quashed thanks to the lingering effect of the blue feather. It gave Zac an additional sense to predict his opponent''s actions, allowing him to preemptively ruin those ns with his Evolutionary Stance.


    He''d be a pack of wolves methodically ripping their prey apart, leaving no path of survival. Of course, Zac would have preferred to take his opponent out in one go, but he couldn''t find an opening tond a decisive strike. Even if he did, it might be subverted again, so he approached the Hexmaster like he did the giants��cutting them apart piece by piece until there was no chance to get back up.


    Unfortunately, every moment in battle came with the risk of unforeseen variables. A scream of danger warned of impending doom asrge cracks appeared across the hands floating atop the chalices. The feather''s spiritual domain shattered the next second, but Zac saw three knives emerge through the vision provided by [Apex Jungle].


    The knives were covered in dried blood that released such a sinister aura Zac''s hair stood on end. They were tools of torture rather than tools of war, and years of practicing the evil trade had left a patina of deep-rooted resentment on their edge.


    The weapons didn''t move fast, but any attempt to bar their path failed. Worse, their deadly payload could be delivered even at a distance, and Zac''s Soul Aperture and pathways were already under assault by thousands of invisible cuts. It was a spiritual attack of incredible potency that only grew worse as the knives drew closer.


    Even then, escape was never on Zac''s mind. Any skill would lose most of its potency so long as its controller died. Zac chose to go all out, and arge amount of Cosmic Energy surged from his core toward [Arcadian Crusade]. However, what was supposed to be a power-up left him with a damaged Skill Fractal and a crack in his pathways.


    The soul-rending pain made Zac keel over, which led to another discovery. The cascade of spiritual attacks relented when Zac froze up and stopped channeling Dao and energy. Now, the assault had already resumed as Zac continued to channel energy into his skills. It was obviously not the Hexmaster acting gentlemanly.


    The knives had a simr effect to [Empyrean Aegis], where his use of Cosmic and Mental Energy caused a powerful bacsh. It was still bearable for low-energy and ongoing skills, but his berserking method worked by overloading his body with energy. Activating it was like asking for trouble.


    Zac''s woes only mounted when his predatorial nose for danger warned of another threat bearing down at him from above. He endured the agony of activating [Skystriker], instantly taking him twenty meters away.


    It looked like the sky had split in two when a line of demonic red dug into Zac''s domain. It carried monstrous force, carving a huge hole in his jungle. It passed right by where Zac stood moments before, and Zac''s eyes widened with fear when small dimensional fractures appeared.


    No deadly ripple formed from the fracture, but Zac knew he was in trouble. The neer was already bearing down on his position through the hole in the jungle. It was a de master wielding arge saber, the air around him crackling with barely contained power��another Middle Hegemon, one possibly stronger than the Hexmaster himself.


    His brutal aura carried a trace of familiarity with Zac''s own. The man possessed a Branch of conflict and had made significant inroads with some form of body tempering.


    The sudden appearance wasn''t bad luck. The strike had almost perfect timing, and the Hexmaster hadn''t used the brief respite to escape. Instead, he''d taken control of the three knives, prompting their speed and aura to more than double.


    Death approached from every direction, and space was falling apart. This was a true cmity, and Zac knew he could no longer fight hobbled by his self-imposed restrictions to protect his secrets. The floodgates opened, and the spiritual attacks were suffocated by the touch of the Void.


    The Void Emperor had stepped onto the stage.

 Chapter 1133 - Takedown

    Zac''s roar shook the forest as he lunged at the Hexmaster using only the physical strength in his body. It looked like he was trying to deal with the familiar threat before worrying about the neer, but reality quickly proved that theory wrong. A huge axe emitting an archaic air had already appeared above the swordmaster without warning, immediately going in for the kill.


    Its utterck of Cosmic Energy made it easy to mistake the axe for an apparition, but the force it contained was very real. The saber master quickly caught on, but there were no real defenses against the instant and untraceable peril that Zac''s Void Energy represented. The E-grade skill still packed plenty of power, but it required strict conditions to ever reach a Middle Hegemon.


    Void Energy''s instant activationpletely side-stepped these limitations. The axe was right upon its target the moment it appeared, and the huge sigil in the sky dyed his response. A resounding crash shook the forest as the oversized axe hit its mark. The already strained [Apex Jungle] could hold on no longer, and the remaining trees dissipated into golden smoke.


    The tumultuous scene far overshadowed Zac''s own actions, especially since he hadpletely stopped circting Cosmic Energy. His turbid aura, bereft of any signs of skill activations, gave the illusion that the huge attack came from somewhere else, and Zac nned to make the most of that fact.


    Zac reached the Hexmaster''s fingerstorm the moment [Arcadia''s Judgment] struck. The impervious wall had endured dozens of strikes from [Apex Jungle] and even more from [Primal Edict]. Throwing yourself against it with your own body was tantamount to suicide, or so the Hexmaster thought. [Verun''s Bite] lit up with radiant luster without so much as a flicker of Cosmic Energy, carving a huge hole in the churning wall of flesh.


    A surprised but fierce face stared back at Zac as he squeezed inside, but the cultist''s response died in its cradle when the cocoon was cut off from the Heavens. Zac had activated [Void Zone] the instant he confirmed the three-armed Hexmaster was within range. The swirling fingers didn''t dissipate as Zac had hoped. Instead, they lost their luster and slowed down to a crawl.


    The energy inside the Hexmaster was momentarily interrupted before resuming at a reduced pace. It might have been enough to disrupt the three daggers, though Zac could no longer observe the situation outside after his jungle copsed. Of course, he knew the chances of [Void Zone] dealing with the knives weren''t great.


    His E-grade Bloodline Ability simplycked the punch to shut down the incredible amounts of energy coursing through a Middle Hegemon''s pathways. Its use was downgraded from nullification to suppression against foes at this level. That was more than enough. It had never been ack of firepower that prevented Zac from dealing with his enemy. It was the Hexmaster''s varied means of survival and uncanny instincts that had foiled him at every turn.


    Now, they were once more face to face, and [Verun''s Bite] was already descending. It dug into flesh, cleanly severing two of the remaining arms before continuing into the Hexmaster''s chest. It differed from Zac''s normal approach that went straight for the head, but the cultist had the uncanny ability to sacrifice arms for power and survival.


    Rampant Dao wreaked havoc within the oversized humanoid. Zac even added a flood of his Branch of the Pale Seal to create a war within the cultist''s body. At that moment, the ground heaved, almost throwing Zac off his feet. It was the second half of [Arcadia''s Judgment] going off in conjunction with his melee attack. It was the finale of his lightning-quick blitz aimed at taking out two troublesome opponents at once.


    So where was the Kill Energy?


    Zacmented that [Arcadian Crusade] had failed to activate because of the knives'' interference, but there was nothing to do. His gambit had failed to kill either elite, and he could only deal with the cards he''d been dealt. The Hexmaster was closest, so he would start with him. The man had already sacrificed his final arm to survive Zac''s attack, but the technique aplished little more than field repairs because ofcking offerings and being operated within [Void Zone].


    A second swing followed up on the first, but the Hexmaster let loose a desperate wail as his belly exploded. Zac was mentally prepared to fight off the high-quality Heart Curse of an elite reincarnator, only to find the demonic Hexmaster to shoot out like a cannon. It wasn''t because of a Heart Curse. The lunatic had sacrificed most of his organs to escape Zac''s grasp.


    The gory explosion was subdued like it took ce underwater, and it left a trail of tainted blood. It burrowed into Zac''s skin as he pursued, but he barely noticed it. The blood was a mix of corrupted energy and a living curse, and thebination triggered no less than three of his Hidden Nodes.


    Zac''s target may have escaped, but he was an arrow at the end of its flight. It was a miracle the Hexmaster was even alive, especially considering that Zac''s Daos were still destroying what little remained within his body. It was unlikely he could even channel his energy in such a state, but Zac didn''t want to give his opponent more time to develop new schemes. He''d been surprised enough by this fight.


    However, an erratic aura behind gave him pause. A region over one hundred meters across was utterly demolished, with arge scar digging deep into the ground and innumerable jagged stgmites reaching for the sky. There was even a spot of nothingness at its center, confirming Zac''s hunch his attack had damaged space. And in the middle of it all, an unkempt figure unsteadily got to his feet.


    Normally, he would have risked opening a spatial fracture within his body whenunching such a powerful skill where space was already exhausted beyond its breaking point. Today, his Void Energy had proven its use in another way. Skills activated with Void Energy appeared instantly in a way Zac still couldn''t exin, but it didn''t involve any energy within his body.


    It was a shame that even a spatial copse failed to do in the saber master. Zac had to admit, whatever method the Chapter of Hallowed Flesh used to temper their bodies was very impressive. Of course, the warrior wasn''t like the ancient protector from Zac''s Dao Vision all those years ago. He couldn''t just shatter spatial tears with his body, especially not after taking a hit from [Arcadia''s Judgment] head-on.


    The neer''s state was better than the Hexmaster''s, but that wasn''t saying much. He was missing both saber and right arm, and it looked like a beast had taken arge bite out of his torso. The wound teemed with spatial energy and ancient Dao, confirming it was the result of the spatial fracture. Should he swap targets? The Hexmaster might actually die even if left alone, but this guy would not.


    ''I got it!''


    Emily looked like aet crashing into the beleaguered Saber Master, who barely managed to block two fiery tomahawks aimed at his head. Zac gave a brief warning about the spatial decay before continuing his pursuit. The body-tempering reincarnator was undeniably stronger than Emily, but he''d be lucky to exert even a third of his power in his current state. Emily should be able to stall him while Zac wrapped things up with the other target.


    Zac had briefly stopped when the Saber Master reemerged, but that time was more than recovered thanks to a crackling tomahawk entering his body. Emily had already upgraded her buffing skill, where the Lightning-aspected version improved one''s speed. Part of it was a simple buff to one''s Dexterity, while the other half was slightly harder to exin.


    Warm arcs of harmless lightning cycled through Zac''s limbs, invigorating his cells and filling them with vigor. It triggered his body in a way that provided aprehensive boost to his speed. The effect felt simr to the benefits of awakening one''s constitution, like how his Draugr heritage had made his skin more durable and provided resistance to all sorts of ailments.


    Emily''s buff obviously wasn''t permanent like a constitution. Itsted a minute, which was more than enough for Zac''s needs. No forest remained, but [Primal Edict] was still running just fine. Boundless vines intercepted and bogged down the Hexmaster as he escaped toward the Kan''Tanu''s lines, and groups of E-grade soldiers added insult to injury.


    It only took two seconds for Zac to close in on his target, at which point a tremendous surge of Kill Energy almost made Zac give up on his chase. His first guess was that the terrible wounds had done the Hexmaster in, but Zac realized he was still hanging on. The only other possible source of such a huge influx was the Saber Master. He must have drastically underestimated Emily''s capabilities and made a deadly mistake.


    Zac was extremely curious about how Emily had taken out her opponent at such record speed, but there were more pressing matters. A familiar aura was already brewing within the Hexmaster''s chest. He was nning to go out with a bang, and there was no telling what terrifying methods a true member of Tripartite Truth used.


    There were more than just himself to worry about. Half the soldiers who had entered his domain had died, most of them to the cursed fingers. However, there were still many soldiers nearby who had no way to counter arge-scale curse fueled by life force. Zac moved like the wind, reactivating [Void Zone] when he reached his target. It temporarily quelled the rising force within the cultist''s chest, and Zac quickly followed up with two rapid shes.


    One shattered the Cosmic Core, and the other tore into the emerging Heart Curse. Zac was about to lob off the avatar''s head for good measure, but a scream of danger made him activate [Skystriker] with Void Energy. A powerful pull from within the Kan''Tanu''s chest almost managed to hold him in ce��the Hexmaster''s parting gift.


    Zac felt like he was being sucked into a ck hole, but thebination of [Void Zone], the lightning axe, and his movement skill''s piercing momentum allowed him to break the hold. It was just in time, as the three bloody daggers collided right at Zac''s previous location. The daggers shattered, releasing a shockwave of resentment that ground everything within a hundred meters to dust.


    Zac barely got out of the way in time. The Hexmaster''s broken body wasn''t so lucky. It was utterly destroyed, reduced to a bloody pulp filled with sinister energy. Resentment and remnant curses mixed, resulting in a hurricane roaring with the anguish of a thousand souls. Zac felt like his head had been split in two, and his vision turned dark as he lost control of his flight.


    Blood poured down his nose as Zac crawled back to his feet, but his splitting headache quickly dissipated. His wretched state wasn''t because of the wail but the pebbles left in his soul. They had exploded when the daggers were detonated, attacking his soul from within. Luckily, it only had the strength to give Zac''s soul a painful shock, a small price to pay to take out such an annoying enemy.


    No! Where was the confirmation?!


    Zac furiously looked around, realizing he''d been had once more. However, a second surge of Kill Energy let him breathe out in relief. Zac flew to a patch free of vines nearby and was surprised to find Ra''Klid standing with axe in hand over an unfamiliar corpse. The face was different, but the dissipating aura confirmed it was his enemy. The Hexmaster had somehow sacrificed his body and Heart Curse to escape with a clone, but it had left him teetering at the brink of death.


    Ra''Klid had been at the right ce at the right time, finishing the job once and for all.


    "Can''t believe I failed to kill him after all that work," Zac muttered as hended next to Ra''Klid. "Good job."


    "Just wrapping things up for you, my Lord," the demon grinned. "Damn, I wish I wasn''t level capped."


    Zac was about to ask about Ra''Klid''s men, but Emily''s sudden appearance derailed his thoughts.


    "Are you okay? What happened?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Oh, nothing much," Emily grinned. "I remembered I had a little Technocrat toy left from my days in the Wild West. Good thing about those trinkets is that they don''t emit Cosmic Energy. So I dropped it by that guy''s feet just before he punched me. He really did me a solid flinging me away since the whole region shattered the next second."


    "You," Zac said with a wry smile. "Be careful about using those��"


    Zac''s voice caught in his throat because a radiant light suddenly emerged from the Hexmaster''s mangled chest. It wasn''t a remnant Heart Curse or trap, yet Zac''s heart lurched as he threw a ss sphere into the ground. It shattered, prompting the region to be shrouded in a dense haze that could iste most energies. The Hexmaster might not have booby-trapped his body, but what he left behind represented a far greater danger in the middle of a high-grade battlefield.


    After all, who could resist the call of an unimed Ourter Court Seal?


    The nearby vines writhed with excitement, and it looked like they barely contained an innate desire to consume the seal. The impartment of Ultom was undoubtedly the greatest fertilizer, but Zac knew the truths within weren''t meant for him. One wrong move and they''d all be reduced to ash. Zac and Emily warily backed away out of fear of triggering the Starfall Court''s seal.


    The seal would disintegrate most people upon contact, but that didn''t mean it was willing to remain hidden among vines and smoke. A beam of utmost truth illuminated the whole area, making it impossible to miss. Zac looked at the scene with mixed emotions, having seen it many times before.


    The disy was nowhere near the scope of the terrifying pir of corruption he identally conjured back in the Void Star. However, it easily surpassed what they experienced when encountering seals on the graded battlefronts. It wasn''t that this seal was of higher quality but that it had sensed more eptable candidates in the surroundings.


    They''d long since figured out a thing or two about seizing seals from the bodies of others. Or rather, the Undead Empire had performed a series of experiments and shared some of the findings. First of all, bing ownerless didn''t mean that just anyone could pick them up. The only one guaranteed sess seemed to be the sealbearer''s killer, provided they were under 100 years of age. Others risked the same treatment as the scout who''d tried to snatch Zac''s first seal.


    The first rule was a small loophole, where people like Zac could let his chosennd the finishing blow on a known sealbearer. Meanwhile, it wasn''t exactly clear how the seal chose among the rest. Some would feel an inexplicable attraction, but that didn''t mean they were guaranteed to avoid getting dusted.


    To make things more confusing, Tavza had reported a few of her subordinates seizing seals without feeling its call. It was truly a matter of fate, and fate''s machinations weren''t easily exposed. People like Ventus might have some means of estimating sess or failure, but Zac hadn''t found a method to open a safe line ofmunication with the Numerologist.


    Lastly, and most pertinent to their current situation, seals wanted to be captured. They would release increasingly powerful fluctuations in an attempt to attract candidates from further and further away. And the more people it approved of nearby, the stronger the disy. Zac knew that his obscuration sphere couldn''tpletely hide its call, and other methods had proven simrly fruitless.


    In a perfect world, Zac would have sealed it away while going over his options, but that was the biggest taboo. Trapping a seal in an array or treasure would immediately trigger a deadly pulse.


    "This..." a hoarse voice whispered, and Zac saw Ra''Klid look at the floating lines with a burning gaze.


    Zac gave it a thought before nodding. "Take it."


    The Mavai Chieftainnding the killing blow meant he could safely take it, and the unusual circumstances strongly indicated Ra''Klid had a natural affinity with the Starfall Court. If not for fate''s meddling, how else would a Peak E-grade cultivatornd a killing blow on a Middle D-grade Reincarnator from the Chapter of Tripartite Truth?


    Besides, who better exemplified the title ''Reignender of Ultom'' than Ra''Klid, a man who killed his own father to end his reign?


    The demon understood they couldn''t leave such a treasure unattended for long, and he quickly moved back toward the corpse. However, Ra''Klid froze when Zac suddenly appeared before him, grabbing something that had shot out from the haze.


    "So you really couldn''t hold yourself back," Zac sighed as he discarded the throwing dagger aimed at Ra''Klid''s throat.


    "You knew?"


    "I had my suspicions from the beginning, but I only learned the truth recently," Zac said with a shake of his head. "It''s a shame. Regardless of your motives, you''ve been a great asset since we arrived."


    "If you''re so grateful, why not cede this opportunity to me?"


    With those words, Tussar emerged from the mists.

 Chapter 1134 - Sacrifical Determination

    "It''s you?" Emily blurted, confusion and disbelief written all over her face.


    Zac understood what was going through her mind. Her surprise wasn''t over the betrayal. Emily had experienced much over the years, and there was no way she''d ept an outsider''s words at face value. Especially when the old veteran had gone so far out of his way to provide assistance, even risking his life by joining a dangerous special military operation. Few who reached Late Hegemony were so selfless and generous.


    Tussar''s actions could have been exined with Zac''s unique status and connections. He had an ongoing cooperation with the Allbright Dynasty, and Monarchs were personally drawing writs of order for his use. Tussar could have seen Zac as his ticket to the Allbright Empire''s inner circles, where he might find the chance to repair his damaged core and even take the next step on his path.


    That may well have been his backup n, but Zac knew it wasn''t his foremost goal. Tussar had always been after the seals. If this one hadn''t appeared out of the blue, he might even have targeted one of his people. It was this goal that was the cause of Emily''s confusion. After all, Tussar was old��very old, at least 20,000 years by Zac''s estimate.


    It wasn''t just Tussar''s appearance. Even his aura was showing signs of age-rted decline. It was a premature aging brought on by Tussar''s semi-crippled state. A Hegemon''s lifespan was connected to their Cosmic Core. When the core was damaged, so was their longevity. It was clear as day that Tussar was well beyond the limitations of the seals and uing trial.


    "You want this thing?" Emily said, a smile tugging at her lips. "Go ahead. I''d like to see you im it."


    "Hoping to make a fool of myself, child? You might get your wish, but I''ve made my preparations," Tussar said before turning to Zac. "How about it, young man?"


    "You think you can target my people and live to tell the tale?" Zac said, ncing at Ra''Klid. "Ignore him."


    "I wouldn''t do that if I were you," Tussar said when the demon stepped toward the seal. "If you steal my opportunity, then every single person on this battlefield will know about it. Same thing should I die."


    "You''vee prepared," Zac said with a t voice. Indeed, this was why he hadn''t attacked right away. Tussar knew his strength, so there was no way he''d dare approach them without some safeguards. "It doesn''t matter, though. Sooner orter, everyone will know the situation whether we like it or not."


    "That''s true," Tussar said, ncing at the floating seal. "But I''d say we have a while. Of course, we could avoid this headache if you took a step back."


    "This is a waste of time," Emily interjected. "You idiot, haven''t you read the bounties your own empire put out? Only those below 100 years of age can take this. You''re causing trouble for nothing!"


    Zac inwardly sighed as a ruthless smile spread across Tussar''s face.


    "Nothing is absolute, little girl."


    "Sacrificial Rebirth," Zac muttered, not hiding his disgust.


    "You know even that?" Tussar said, his eyes wide with suspicion. "Don''t tell me��"


    "Senior Silver warned me about you. You''ve already been marked as a potential spy because of the mysterious disappearances around you. However, I only realized the truth moments ago."


    It was only when Zac used the mysterious feather he''d been appraised of the full picture. Tussar had actually disguised himself as one of his men and hid inside [Apex Jungle]. That was suspicious on its own, but it was nothingpared to the horrifying thing he''d sensed within Tussar''s body. Thousands of souls, trapped inside a sinister array engraved on his Cosmic Core''s surface.


    Zac was no expert on heretical rituals, but everyone had boned up on the subject since the Kan''Tanu invaded. With this knowledge and his sturdy foundations on patterns, it wasn''t hard to put the pieces together and intuit what Tussar was up to.


    "Sacrificing your cultivation, countless treasures, and thousands of our allies to build a seed of rebirth?"


    Tussar had turned his core into a womb feeding on sacrifices and his own lifeforce. His core wasn''t actually as badly damaged as his appearance indicated, but the sacrifice had consumed so much the old veteran was nothing more than a living husk. There was already burning life hiding within the array, and Zac had felt a strong sense of eviling from it.


    Zac didn''t know the exact mechanics but understood Tussar''s n. He''d shed his old self and be reborn, using his newborn body and reformed soul to ess the opportunity.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "What a waste."


    Since when was the System so easily fooled? Would Ultom not see through such a crude method? If it were possible, Zac wouldn''t have been dealing with Tavza and Kator. He''d be stuck with some old monsters reborn through far more exquisite methods than what some Allbright captain could concoct.


    Tussar must have lost his mind after his injury, deluding himself that this was his chance to make aeback. Zac didn''t let him touch the seal because he would trigger a pulse of rejection that would expose the situation to anyone in the know.


    "True, my metamorphosis will leave me almost crippled," Tussar nodded. "But so what? What does a broken soul and crippled core count for in the face of this opportunity? I''d give up far more for this chance, so don''t try to stop me!"


    Zac only shook his head.


    "You may disdain me, but what does a heaven-blessed child like you understand of themoner''s plight?! You think you''ve struggled, but can itpare to millennia of service and sacrifice?! I can''t even remember how many desperate situations I''ve endured, just to im what you nobles deem low-quality dregs!"


    Tussar''s eyes were bloodshot, and his aura flickered precariously. Zac was no Mentalist, but he could feel the veteran''s soul crumbling before his very eyes. He''d triggered the process.


    "Out of millions of brothers, only I reached these heights. The rest were chewed and spat out by the imperial war machine!" Tussar roared as bleeding cracks covered his body. "How can you understand my��"


    "Determination."


    Thest word came from within Tussar''s chest before a naked figure burst forth. He was drenched in blood and his own viscera, and his skin was covered in twisted runes filled with heterogenic spirituality. Zac was shocked at the sudden turn. He''d been waiting for an opportunity to knock out the old veteran during his transformation. Who would have thought the rebirth would be so fast and seamless?


    There was nothing to be done. Zac followed his gut and moved to intercept. The iing homunculus opened his mouth, and a storm of virulent blood burst forth. It was dregs left from the ritual yet seemed more potent than the Hexmaster''s blood.


    A piercing scream of mortal danger almost made Zac''s mind nk out, but years of ughter made his body move by instinct. Instead of dodging the noxious liquid, Zac lunged straight into it. He didn''t even bother to intercept Tussar. Instead, he moved to the cracked husk he left behind.


    Most would see it as a nonsensical course of action, but it was that unexpected choice that saved him from hundreds of streaks of light that pierced through the haze. They came from every direction, forming a twenty-meter kill zone around Zac''s previous location.


    A sh of warmth was followed by an agonizing burn. Zac had been a hair too slow, and his left foot had been severed. It was proof of the lights'' terrifying power and how close he''de to dying. He would have been carved into a dozen pieces if the kill zone had been just one meter wider.


    Emily fell over with a pained groan. She had been outside the kill zone, but one of the lights had passed right through her left shoulder, creating a hole three centimeters across. Ra''Klid was the only one avoiding direct damage, no doubt due to his close proximity to the seal. The fishermen hiding in the shadows had consciously avoided that region when targeting the snipe and the m.


    The most pitiful one was Tussar. Zac was the main target, but the old veteran''s grab for the seal hadn''t gone unpunished. Two dozen streaks of finality ended his ambition and made his sacrifice null and void. Tussar''s face still had a look of fierce determination when his head fell onto the ground, and there was only a brief flicker of horrified realization before the head split in two and the light in his eyes faded.


    The overbearing attack had almost wiped them out without warning, and Zac knew this was just the beginning. The ambush had swept away the haze, exposing six figures flying toward their group. All had the same golden figure floating behind them, an emperor wielding a thin sword overflowing with the Daos of Light and Space.


    Why was it them? What the hell was going on?


    One was a lieutenant of a three-eyed race in their allied army, and another a Half-Step Hegemon from the army neighboring the Acheron Company. Only now, both radiated the aura of Late Hegemony that easily surpassed General Dossin''s. The other four were unfamiliar, but they all wore familiar livery belonging to the soldiers of the different factions in their group. Equipment only E-grade cultivators would wear, a stark contrast to reality. All four were Middle Hegemons stronger than the reincarnators they had just fought.


    The six hadn''t stopped to see if their first attacknded. They were already mid-action when Zac spotted them, where the floating avatars pointed their swords toward him. Zac''s mind wailed with danger as hundreds of glimmering lights emerged from the weapons.


    Meanwhile, one of the Late Hegemons had opened a scroll in his hand. There was only one rune painted on the ancient parchment. It wasn''t a fractal but a single word written in the script of the Limitless Empire.


    Solitude.


    The world instantly grew utterly silent, like Zac had been rendered deaf. Something had shifted with the space around them as well. It was like they''d been separated from the universe. Even space had perfectly solidified after showing signs of copse just before.


    It was them. The sigil, the powerful cultivators whose hardened eyes indicated they were ready to throw their lives away to aplish their goal. It was the same as his battle against Valsa nur in the Perennial Vastness. These were deathsworn soldiers from one of the Seven Heavens.


    Knowing the identity of his attackers didn''t help. He was still trapped like a beast, and Emily and Ra''Klid were trapped with him. If anything, their identity meant any chance of negotiation or intimidation had gone out the window. He''d seen how these deathsworn worked. They wouldy down their lives without blinking if they had been given an order. And judging by their actions, their order was to kill, not capture.


    It was almost like time had stopped as Zac gazed upon the iing attacks. An overwhelming feeling of impending doom had forced his mind into overdrive in its search for a path to victory. He quickly concluded there was none. He had wasted a lot of Cosmic Energy on the previous battle, and half his skills were on cooldown.


    Zac still had plenty of treasures in his Spatial Rings, but so what? Wouldn''t an elite unit from one of the Imperial ns have simr methods prepared? Just look at the barrier they''d used to trap him. If anything, he would only fasten his demise if he wanted to prepare talismans and treasures. This wasn''t like the Perennial Vastness, where everyone was at the same level. The two leaders likely had Late D-grade treasures beyond the scroll.


    Not that any of this mattered��these deathsworn were too powerful on their own. Zac wasn''t confident in surviving the iing attack, let alone a protracted battle. He couldn''t even protect himself, and he had two more people to worry about. Ra''Klid, especially, would die just from the fallout of a battle at this level. There was only one way to get out of this alive.


    They needed to get out of here.


    They were trapped using a method beyond Zac''s understanding, and there was no time to n properly. Zac knew without a shadow of a doubt they''d die if he took a measured approach. Madness shone in Zac''s eyes as his aura exploded. He would have to risk it all.


    Every floodgate in Zac''s body was opened. A storm of Dao poured out of [Spiritual Void] while the Void once more harkened his call. The inverted mountain in his mind shuddered as it suddenly found Void Energy storming its slopes.


    Zac knew this wasn''t the right way to use the Void Mountain. There was even a decent chance he was damaging it, shortening the time he had to ponder on the Voids of Life and Death. He was trading long-term gains for a short-term term potential, but so what? You needed to be alive to enjoy your benefits.


    The Branch of the Pale Seal approached the mountain, prompting a shift in the Void Mountain''s aura. As a result, pockets of his bloodline''s Void Energy turned into Void of Death.


    Months had passed since his fight with Kator, where he first saw the potential of this route. Since then, he''d made some inroads into the nature of the Void by studying the isted Voids of his path. Zac was still miles away from naturally integrating the Void of Death into his Evolutionary Stance, but briefly elevating the technique when the Void Mountain provided fuel was easily done.


    The golden hurricanes within his cells roared as Zac pushed his Void Vajra Constitution to its limits. Boundless Life coursed through his body and was further kindled by the Branch of the Kalpataru. Even motes of deep-rooted Creation Energy were roused. He was a bonfire burning with the primordial essence that pushed the era forward and sparked the birth of civilization.


    [Void Zone] had already been condensed to only cover his body, and it nketed the raging waves of life like a suffocating curtain of darkness. It birthed a ferocious struggle the Branch of the War Axe fanned on, where two domains fought for dominion over Zac''s body. However, the Void transformed when Zac infused it with the Void of Death provided by the inverted mountain in his soul.


    The final key was added, and Zac moved in ordance with the triumvirate truth. Ra''Klid yelped as he and Emily were thrown away by Vivi''s vines while Zac advanced. One step, one swing. The actions were simple and unadorned, yet subverted all expectations. The step took Zac right through the inescapable web of attacks, five of which simply dissipated despite holding incredible power.


    The second attack had targeted Emily and Ra''Klid. If they hadn''t moved out of the way, they wouldn''t have looked much different from Tussar. Their new locations were safer, but one streak would have killed Ra''Klid if left alone; two others would have boxed in and killed Emily. Now, it was like they''d never existed.


    The action may have seemed effortless, but there was a price for his protection. Not even the addition of Void to the Evolutionary Stance could turn the tables against these six hardened killers. It could only dy the inevitable. A deep gash had appeared on his chest, destroying armor and exposing bone. Zac could tell one of his lungs had been punctured, but he kept going.


    Just a little more.


    The deathsworn were clearly confused about how Zac had moved in a way that defied the fundamentalws of the Heavens. However, they didn''t ask any questions or retreat. They just adjusted their array and attacked again. The speed and power confirmed Zac''s hunch the avatars were powered by something more than their users. There was simply no way to unleash such destruction, at least not for the Middle Hegemons.


    The temporary harmony within Zac''s body was already falling apart due to pain and stress, but another infusion of Void of Death restored order. Zac''s heart hammered with anxiety, but he didn''t let it affect his actions. The next step decided life and death. Another step shifted his position, and the world briefly turned white.


    Zac swung his axe despite his temporary blindness, ignoring the searing heat from his right as he moved once more. He appeared right beside Ra''Klid, who was sitting atop the Hexmaster with a nk look on his face. Zac''s right ear was missing after a sharp cut narrowly missed his head. Ayer of skin had been shaved off, and a deep wound dug into his shoulder.


    If Zac''s understanding of the Void had been even slightly off, the wound would instead have split his head in two. However, the risk had paid off. A weak groan escaped from the closest deathsworn as he slumped onto the ground, his head falling off his shoulders.


    The death of a controller caused a brief bacsh to all avatars, and Zac knew this was do or die. He seized a blob of energy gathered under the cover of his technique, and it poured into the freshly drawn fractal on his right shoulder de. The fractal lit up and became a ck hole that greedily absorbed the energy and Dao used to power his technique.


    The sense of harmony was gone in an instant. The gold in his cells faded, and [Void Zone] became food. Even the Void Mountain receded further into his Soul Aperture like it was hiding from a predator. Zac went from being a perfect vessel of his path, burgeoning with power and promise, to a hollow husk echoing with weakness. The profound loss felt worse than death, and Zac almost lost control over the unstable energy.


    Thankfully, the immense force concentrated on his right shoulder helped anchor his mind, though the pain it brought was enough to go mad. Zac said a silent prayer as he activated the fractal.


    The never-tested, defective fractal, holding enough energy to blow a hole in the sky.

 Chapter 1135 - Facing Destiny

    Zac''s left shoulder de promptly exploded, unleashing a storm of opalescent Creation unsessfully caged by his Evolutionary Path. One moment, the deluge resembled a leafy branch. The next, a sharp-edged wing wrought from unfettered possibility. The sudden eruption almost blew his arm off, and he felt like a jet engine had been fastened to his back. Unwilling to give in, Zac gritted his teeth and swung his axe through willpower alone.


    The counterforce provided direction to the rampaging energy, allowing Zac to direct some of it into his right arm. Zac could feel bone, muscle, and even his Spiritual Avatar morphing under the tidal wave. Thankfully, the familiar nature of the energy kept the mutations at a minimum. Havingpleted the journey, the torrent of finely woven force poured into [Verun''s Bite].


    The Tool Spirit yowled with pain as the energy entered the wooden haft, but it willingly epted the dangerous payload. This was only possible thanks to Verun officially stepping into the path of Life and discarding conflicting elements. Even then, [Verun''s Bite] couldn''t endure for extended periods, and Zac was not much better off.


    Luckily, a moment was all he needed.


    A shimmering energy de appeared, barely reaching beyond Verun''s true edge. It was incredibly crude, a mockery of his old skill [Chop]. The de flickered like a dying me, utterly incapable of maintaining a solid form. Yet, as his old skill said, there was greatness in simplicity.


    The de was small and chaotic, but Zac could see a glimpse of his lofty aspirations within. Creation was joined by three forms of fuel; Divine, Cosmic, and Void Energy, where Creation was the outsider who broke the deadlock and breathed new possibilities into his path. The Daos of Life and Conflict joined the Void of Death to keep order and give direction.


    Zac understood this bnce was tenable at best, and the fuel was rapidly leaking out his back. He didn''t try to mold the Origin de into something greater. Just keeping it together as he finished his swing pushed his Soul and Heart to their limits. There was only one thought in Zac''s mind as he gazed upon the iing web of inescapable death.


    ''Open!''


    The opalescent edge tore into reality and carved open a wound to expose its secrets. Zac felt like a painter, his axe the brush that overturned convention and redrew fate. Not even the Edict of Solitude could withstand Creation''s exuberant will, especially not when the Void directed it from the shadows.


    Space was cleanly opened like a surgical scar. The opening was no longer than a foot, but it became a loose thread in the fabric of space. Just a small defect, but that was sometimes enough. The perfect istion was no more. And through that w, madness spilled forth.


    Dozens of fractures opened through the cage as the breach turned into a full-blown tempest. The cage of solitude had been turned into a microcosm of the storm in outer space. Vast amounts of foreign energy poured into the cage as the dimensional pressure finally found a ce to vent.


    The web of light only exacerbated the chaos, and the deathsworn''s great momentum was turned against them. The avatars turned into deadly faultlines, spawning spatial tears right on top of their controllers. Two immediately died, one from sudden bisection. The other narrowly escaped the same fate, only to have their torso turned into ash by a burst of foreign Dao.


    The final Middle-stage Hegemon barely held on, but both Late Hegemons survived the upheaval through quick wits and ruthlessness. Like Zac, they narrowly avoided certain death by epting gruesome wounds. Not even losing limbs was enough to create a ripple in their eyes. They were still hellbent onpleting the mission, turning into streaks of lights moving toward Zac.


    The Edict of Solitude flickered precariously, but Zac sensed its mysteriousw was still in effect. His attack hadn''t destroyed the barrier separating them from the outside world. It had only changed the situation within. It didn''t matter. Zac''s gambit was never meant to kill all his enemies or break him out. It would just have been a wee surprise.


    His true goal was to create a path to survival, no matter how narrow.


    Vines pulled while Zac grabbed a shellshocked Ra''Klid. He jumped, or rather stumbled, into the spatial fracture directly formed by his attack. It was thergest and most stable, and hopefully, their ticket out of here. He could barely believe his n had worked.


    However, a sudden snap made his heart drop. Another spatial tear had opened up, severing Vivi''s vine and cutting Emily off. There was no time. Space was nearing utter copse, and none would survive if they stayed a moment longer.


    Their eyes briefly met, and Emily grinned. She leaped into the smaller tear just as Zac passed through his. A shaky voice echoed in his mind, holding a mix of fear and anticipation.


    ''See you on the other side.''n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Then, there was only chaos.


    ----------------


    The connection was severed, and the shock almost exposed Vri to the wing grab of her opponent. It wasn''t the first time she''d been left without theforting touch of her father''s soul, but it was the first time their connection had been cut off unannounced and so abruptly. It left her empty, exposed, a trembling leaf subject to the winds of fate.


    She desperately wanted to follow, to find a clue to what transpired. But her retreat was blocked by the three Hegemons who refused to give in. If anything, they had been emboldened by her shattered momentum, considering her a sheep to the ughter. Her heart was in turmoil, but she turned despair into fuel for her path.


    A deste smile spread across her face as she looked at the three Kan''Tanu elites. They might be reincarnators from the Chapter of Hallowed Flesh, sporting constitutions capable of isting their souls. But so long as they could feel, they would never be safe.


    "It''s a trap!"


    Vri shook her head, but the deprecation was as much directed at herself as her enemies. Struggle as you might, destiny would eventuallye calling. She had so desperately wanted to believe in the earnest conviction in her father''s eyes that she had ignored the signs. That he would sweep the dark clouds away and make everything right.


    Perhaps it was for the best. She''d long known she would eventually have to step out from Zac''s shadows and face the winds herself. To drag him into this chapter of unfinished Karma would be selfish.


    A distant toll echoed as she undid the seal, and the depths of her heart answered the call. Her bloodline surged, and the [Emancipation Eye] opened. This time, it looked slightly different from normal. The vertical pupil still consumed all thought, but it was joined by a horizontal scar that bled the woes of the world.


    Struggle appeared on the face of the three reincarnators, but it was fleeting. One by one, they bowed toward the eye before entering the intersection of her pupils. There was no sorrow or joy, only predestination. Eyes closed and fate was sealed, but Karma would never be severed.


    A turbulent wave of impressions flooded Vri''s mind, each a shackle reminding her of the price of her choice. She remained willing, and there was not a ripple in her heart as theirst embers of cognizant self became fuel that nourished her soul. The fading light would soon burn out, reduced to pure Mental Energy bereft of the Seven Sensations.


    Vri opened her eyes, and a sh took her to the edge of the spatial copse. There was no sign of her father or his attackers. It was like the whole battle had been erased from the river of time. Her first instinct was to unleash a wave of destruction to reopen the path. Vri shook her head, reining in the magnified rage in her heart.


    Sometimes, it was worth risking everything in your fight against fate. However, ignoring facts and giving in to the dark whispers in one''s heart was only degeneration. Vri knew she would have to do better than this.


    ''Sister, what should we do?!''


    Vri took a calming breath before turning to Rhuger. Three moons rotated behind his back, swallowing the lights of the storm above. He was covered in fresh wounds, where one had almost imed his left eye. Like her, he sensed what happened and fought to break free.


    ''Is he...?''


    ''Haven''t you learned the way our father operates by now?'' Vri answered with a smile. Even she couldn''t tell whether her tranquility was real or feigned. ''Thepetition for the fortress started over a day ago, so there was never any chance of Dad staying outside for long. He has his destiny to fulfill, and we have ours.


    ''I know youck confidence, but you have no reason to. You were chosen by Ultom, proving you''re qualified to stay by Dad''s side. You might not be our strongest fighter, but you are the greatest general that''se out of Elysium. It is time for you to spread your wings. The Acheron Company will be relying on you until Father returns.''


    ''Me? What about��''


    ''Like you, I have a destiny I must face.''


    The heavenly dome shattered as the enormous bell broke through. It almost looked like the spatial fractures hade alive as they stormed the heretical treasure. Yet not a single blemish was added to the broken surface, making Vri absentmindedly wonder what kind of experiences had reduced it to such a sad state.


    Space repeatedly copsed and was forcibly reforged through the weight of the bell''s aura. Each round of destruction let the treasure squeeze further into the atmosphere, and its intangible pressure had already caused great upheavals on the ground. The vast tangles of cursed thorns stopped their advance, cowering into a defensive curl.


    Vri soon saw the first streak of spiritual light get pulled to the sky and knew her time was already up.


    ''Tell Dad�� I''ll see him soon.''


    A spiritual mote burst forth from her be like an arrow. Vri activated [Soulshift] just before it copsed under the bell''s aura, letting her appear halfway up the sky in a single bound. She looked down at the sea of warriors, seeing many familiar faces look up at her. Or rather at the bell looming above her like an evil god.


    Demons, humans, Zhix, and a hodgepodge of different races. All from different circumstances, many even separated by the great divider that was Death. However, they shared onemonality that rendered their many differences irrelevant. They had amon root, a ce they fought to protect. Home. The Atwood Empire, the creation of her father.


    She would do her part.


    Another bound, and she found herself directly beneath the bell. She could feel the overwhelming waves of ancient thought burrow into her consciousness, trying to corrupt the feelings she held dear. She gingerly touched the ancient stone and sighed sorrowfully as only turbidity answered her call. Vri knew her path would break if she stayed any longer, so she unhesitantly took the third step.


    The dust of relinquished sensations lining the bell''s inside stirred, gathering beneath the rotten rope. It formed a simple gate made from pure emotion. Vri stepped through, and the pressure was no more. Recing it was an utter darkness, one not limited to her senses. Even her heart and soul were closed off, leaving her in a state of nkness.


    Then, a voice appeared, guiding her back to reality.


    "Child, I expected you to struggle longer."


    It was impossible to make any deductions of the speaker. Its words were crafted with pure emotion, upending Vri''s understanding. There was not a hint of energy or Dao in the words, but Vri desperately held onto the core of her being. A simple sentence had almost managed to twist her emotions in an even more grotesque manner than the poor soldiers who sacrificed their hearts with a smile.


    This entity was corruption manifest, a subversion of the Dao itself. It didn''t need to do anything to attack her path. Its mere existence was poison to anyone climbing the Peak of Impetus. Despite the danger, she had to face this head-on.


    "What wille wille," Vri said. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t afraid. She was just a child trapped in the web of an evil entity. Truth be told, its power was a small source offort. It could have killed her with a thought, so the fact she was still standing meant there was still a fighting chance. "My seals wouldn''t havested more than a day, and the longer I waited, the more my heart would corrode."


    "True. Some threats are best dealt with alone. Some think themselves clever, hiding in the shadows to deal with their problems after reaching a higher stage. Ignorant that their retreat had already sealed their fate," the entityughed. "But, child, why are you so sure I''m a threat and not an opportunity?"


    "Opportunities rarely force themselves on others."


    "I would argue they almost always do. Few can choose their direction in life."


    "Are you going to pretend you didn''t have an ulterior motive in forcing a connection between us? Then let''s not waste any more time," Vri said as she ignited her soul.


    She reached into the darkness, guided by the mark she''d left behind. And there it was, the slumbering thought.


    "You wish to use the lingering sentiments trapped in the bell tobat me? Feisty," the voice cackled. "But why do you think they''re yours to control? That they''re even real and not a way for me to supnt your heart? Do you even know the true nature of those who toiled and tolled, fruitlessly praying for substantiation?"


    "Know? No, but I have a feeling," Vri said as a smile spread across her face. "And I know your goal is not possession. Your existence is evil, taboo, and entering my body won''t change that. It''ll only expose you to the Heavens, and I doubt you can survive its attention in your current state."


    Vri knew the entity could see right through her intentions, but that was just what she wanted. It would confirm she was ready to shed all pretenses if she wasn''t given any way out. Vri wasn''t sure about the details but had clearly felt it before entering the entity''s domain.


    The bell''s true spirit had been tricked or forced into slumber, likely meaning the entity needed it alive. What would happen if the spirit woke up, only to find its body so utterly corrupted? The shock alone might drive it mad, severing the entity''s control over the bell. Could a snail really survive without its shell?


    "Ah, whatever," the entity said after a brief impasse. "I suppose I should be happy the one I''ve been waiting for isn''t a fool. And the fact you dared enter my domain means you''re willing to brave dangers."


    The darkness receded, and Vri found herself sitting in a simple cottage face-to-face with her opponent.


    "Still ying games?" Vri said, a hint of steel in her voice.


    "I thought you''d relish a familiar face during this stressful situation," Zac said, his eyes dripping with malignant intention. "And I wouldn''t call it games. You should understand that our paths, more so than others, require us to act in tune with our hearts. You say I''m evil, but the only evil is denying your true nature. Or recing the true nature of others withforting lies."


    Vri''s eyes were like bottomlesskes as she silently looked at the twisted misrepresentation of her father. Of all the things it could have chosen, it had chosen the utterly incorruptible truth in her heart. Eventually, the entity seemed to get bored, and his appearance turned into a hunch-backed olddy dressed in unfamiliar ceremonial robes.


    "So what do you want?"


    "You wanted me to put the cards on the table, so why y coy with me now?" the kindly olddy countered. "As you implied, I''ve seen better days, and you have ess to something I need."


    "Is it inside the main inheritance or an outer court? And what can you give in return?"


    "Clever girl," the entity smiled. "What I''m searching for should be in the Mercurial Courts. It was those ephemeral dreamers who most benefitted from Pasho''s Songs. If you can call that benefit. Child, can you imagine? A whole race denouncing reality and retreating into a dream. They thought they''d found a shortcut to transcendence, stretching a single slumber into eternity. Do you want to know what I saw when I peeked through the curtain?"


    "I want the true version of the method you imparted."


    "Who''s to say what''s true?" the olddy said as she looked out the window. "Those who invented the [Embers of Seven Sensations] couldn''t even withstand the changing seasons. They could have saved themselves but chose to wait for something that would never happen."


    The olddy turned back, her eyes burning with madness as an impossibly wide grin spread across her face. "Meanwhile, I am still here as we approach the Zenith."


    Horror threatened to overwhelm Vri''s mind, yet her lips curved upward. But the feeling passed before she reached a point of no return, and she eventually disarmed the trigger.


    "Well, suit yourself. You need more strength to aplish what I need. But I wonder, will you be able to hold onto the sorrows of old when salvation is waiting around the corner?"


    "You believe the thing you seek was hidden somewhere else," Vri exhaled. "Anima Courts?"


    "Karmaing full cycle," the olddy nodded. "Now, it''s time for us to leave. Our time is short, and there is much you need to experience."


    "Deal with my enemies before you go."


    "Are you sure? Every offering will help me recover a fraction of my power," the entity said as the world darkened. "Who knows what might happen if the bnce is broken? Will your safeguard still work?"


    "I''ll risk it."


    "Then let''s go, my little tyrant," the discarnate soulughed. "Let''s see if there''s joy or despair waiting at the end of the road."

 Chapter 1136 - Storm Curtain

    An echoing silence lingered in the chamber as thest motes of Imperial Qi dispersed.


    "Interesting. A year of nning, yet the fish slipped through our," Yselio hummed as he gently stroked his pet''s head. "I wonder what caused the interference. That forcepletely eluded my senses. Zachary Atwood... Not simple, indeed."


    "This is my mistake," Werui said, his face pale as he knelt on the ground. The demeanor of a noble and a consecrated knight was swept away in the face of this critical failure. "I underestimated our target. I should have ordered them to back down when we lost one of our threemanders."


    "Who could have expected an [Epiclesis Bell] would appear out of nowhere and ruin our ns?" Yselioughed. "It''s a gift, in a sense. Seeing it is like being given a glimpse of history. The Beseechment Pavilion was lost to the river of time shortly after the Anima Court was built. At least, that''s what we were led to believe. Too many secrets were buried in those turbulent times."


    ''And just what was that entity hiding within?'' Yselio thought.


    Had it been sealed inside by the Pavilion Master, or had it used the bell and its lingering power to avoid Heaven''s gaze? Its aura was weak but profoundly deep. Just a wisp remained, but it had almostpletely corrupted the lost teachings of Seven Sensations. And it hadpletely eluded his calctions like it was fully disconnected from the river of fate.


    Two mysteries appearing in less than an hour. Who knew what kinds of ripples they would cause? Yselio''s eyes glimmered with anticipation. He really made the right choiceing to this deste corner of space. Where else could he encounter such interesting things? Where else could he hide behind fate''s machinations to act however he pleased?


    Yselio was eager to discover what benefits unraveling these mysteries could bring, but he kept his desires in check. He''d need to make special preparations to observe any trajectories involving such a malignant creature. As for the other... was there any point? Fate was gathering.


    Yselio turned to the subordinate who had followed him into this realm. One of Ylvin''s new in-name disciples, if memory served him well. Perhaps it was fated. His next steps needed to be taken without a chaperone anyhow.


    "The fault lies not in you, but you''ve ultimately been discarded by fate," Yselio sighed. "Keeping you by my side will steer our trajectory off-course."


    Werui froze a few seconds before his pallid expression gained a transcendent calmness. "I beg Your Highness to leave a path for this unworthy one''s line."


    "Their fates have no connection to me or our mission. You will be given a grade-two burial."


    Of course, Yselio wouldn''t mention the hidden caveat. A grade-two burial might allow glory to be inherited, but the stain of tarnished fate would render it useless. The Tobrial Dynasty wouldn''t risk leaving any blemishes on their Imperial Providence in such a critical time. But why worry this man with the matters of the living?


    "Many thanks to Your Highness! Glory to Edge of the Seventh Heaven and the Tobrial Dynasty!" Werui said as his soul crumbled.


    "Eat up," Yselio gently said.


    The Deste Elsofir purred and slid down from Yselio''sp. Soon, pieces of the martyr''s corpse disappeared one after another, as though whisked off to another dimension. With every bite, Karma dissipated until there was none. It was a shame they were so far from home. Would this man''s family still remember his name? Gauging Ylvin''s reaction would have to do.


    "Fate''s whimsy," Yselio smiled before his thoughts drifted away.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    As expected, the experiment ended in failure. Any mebearer carried a seed of possibility. That they one day might possess the qualifications to pick up the torch of the forebearers. Such potential was bound to be difficult to seize in a roundabout way. You''d be fighting against the river of fate all the while. He would have to move personally and with sincerity if he wanted to enter Ultom''s Courtyards.


    What was more surprising was the way fate fought back. The appearance of the [Epiclesis Bell] was undeniably beyond his expectations and proof he''d misjudged the influence of the cycles. The Outer Courts protected the me of hope and prevented the pir from toppling. And by the looks of it, its candidates fulfilled the same role. He would have to make some adjustments to his helpers after returning. As for the mebearer, he just had to iste the candidate to reduce the number of variables. It wouldn''t be long before he had this chance.


    The Elsofir opened its eyes, and there was a new spark of intelligence in the dark pools. Most of it would soon fade, but it was a shame to waste such a valuable specimen.


    "You have one hour to digest your experience. After that, you have work to do. There are a few secrets I need to unearth before that malignant star descends on this ce."


    The beast nodded and turned into a bracelet on Yselio''s arm. The wheels had been set in motion, and there was no point in staying in this room with its faded glory. However, Yselio stopped before leaving, turning to look at the ancient crest hanging on the wall.


    "You were all so proud back then. We were barely qualified to run errands or be fodder for your ambition. Even now, my blood marks me as nothing but a lowly messenger in this decrepit fortress. But where are you now? Purple Qi is rising from the east. The Tobrial Dynasty is shining like the North Star while ignorant rats are gnawing at the corpse of your fallen house.


    "I wonder if you regretted your choice when you faced the Terminus. Would you have reined in your ambitions if you knew the price?"


    Yselio smiled as he left the room. "No, I bet you wouldn''t."


    Some things were more important than life or the chance at reincarnation. You could only get swept up by your desire like a moth to the me.


    ''What did you see at that final moment of rity? Will this be my chance to peek through the curtain?''


    ---------------


    It was like the whole allied army released a collective pent-up breath when the terrifying bell rose into the storm above. They''d feared the Kan''Tanu wouldn''t satiate its profane hunger and turn its attention to them. It was a reasonable assumption, considering only a handful had been able to see the figure entering the bell. Even Dossin would have missed it without the War Array augmenting her senses.


    "Clear out the remnants and set up the perimeter," Dossin said, her heart weary despite their fortuitous encounter.


    She''d have to be a fool not to realize she''d be an unwitting pawn in a muchrger game. And it wasn''t hard to deduce who stood at the center of the plot. Her gaze slowly shifted to the unique army of living and dead. The Acheron Company and the Atwood Emperor.


    No one had said it outright, but her mission spoke louder than words. They were a second-string army at best. The alliance wasn''t expecting them to send any elites into the ancient fortress. Their only job was to ensure the Kan''Tanu didn''t get free ess to a spatially active region. So why had such a monster like Zachary Atwood been sent to her side?


    More importantly, who were those traitors? Dossin was born without any peerage. She only seized a chance at a higher life by surviving the ckwind Camp''s harsh training, which had left some gaps in her understanding. However, she knew enough to understand that those six weren''t part of Zecia''s forces. Outsiders.


    The question was whose plot she''d been madeplicit to and what steps she should take now. The wrong step wouldnd her in a shallow grave, but the right could be the opportunity she''d been waiting for.


    "I need to make a report. Seal the area and set up an Empyrean-grade Array."


    "Empyrean Grade?" her subordinate said with surprise. "Directly to headquarters?"


    "No. Directly to Archduke Everfast."


    "We only have materials for one Empyrean Grade signal," the Array Master hesitated. "Moreover... there is a risk our beacon will interfere with the Archduke''s ns."


    "I''m aware. I''ll take all responsibility. Set it up."


    It was time to roll the dice.


    ------------


    Old wounds were immediately joined by new when Zac fell into the storm of turbulent space and ancient destruction. The chaos resembled the aftermath of the destroyed node inside the Void Star, though there were noticeable differences. Beneath the madness, there was a deadly undercurrent that felt focused. Deliberate.


    It wasn''t aimed at him specifically. It more resembled the tumultuous aura born onrge-scale battlefields. Whether the source was a War Array or lingering intent from the Limitless Empire remnant was difficult to say. It was, however, confirmation that his mad idea had merit. That despite what Dossin said, it might be possible to force your way into the ancient fortress.


    You just needed to survive the passage.


    Zac''s ragged state didn''t inspire much confidence. His brush with death had done a number on his body, not just his missing foot and bloody gashes. His body was parched like a desert after forcing everything into his ultimate attack, andrge sections of his pathways throbbed painfully after being overloaded. Adding the telltale hollowness of usingrge amounts of Creation Energy, Zac felt like he would be better off on a sickbed than traversing ancient Dao storms.


    Thankfully, activating the sessor to his [Origin Mark] had only drained the free energy in his body and not all his reserves. He still had almost half his Void Energy left, while his Cosmic Core retained a third. Meanwhile, his undead half was already furiously absorbing Crystals and Voidstones to replenish what was lost. It was a useful ability that boosted his already monstrous energy reserves, though hisck of affinities severely limited his absorption speed.


    Ra''Klid wasn''t much better off despite not being directly hit by the deathsworn''s ambush. At least two Peak Dao Branches had powered their War Array, likely one from each Late D-grade leader. Just being in the vicinity was deadly to a peak E-grade cultivator like the Mavai Chieftain.


    Now, he was dragged into this mess. Seizing the fate of the Left Imperial Pce didn''te without a price. The demon had covered his body with radiant golden scales, but the storm tore through Ra''Klid''s defensive skill like butter. Zac knew the already wounded demon wouldn''t make it, so he roused his bloodline while pulling Ra''Klid closer.


    The neighboring storm calmed while Ra''Klid''s scales faded until they were barely visible. Completely nullifying the unrelenting barrage was impossible, though. Zac dipped further into his reserves to reactivate [Empyrean Aegis], and the rapid consumption of Void Energy actually lowered as a golden barrier helped deal with the onught. Unfortunately, the skill was not well suited to the environment.


    Only the central pir of the defensive skill was within his nullification zone, while the others were exposed to the unrelenting storm. The skill wouldn''tst more than twenty seconds, but it gave the two a much-needed breather. Zac searched for Emily but couldn''t see her anywhere. The tear she entered was right next to theirs, but space wasn''t linear in this confusing realm.


    He was extremely worried, but it was undeniably a small blessing in disguise that it was Emily and not one of his other subordinates who''d entered the spatial fracture. Her misadventures in the Million Gates Territory had imparted his disciple with experience and precaution. Zac knew her Spatial Ring contained a veritable arsenal of treasures meant to deal with this exact situation.


    While Emily was gone, Zac quickly confirmed they weren''t alone in the storm. The two Late-stage Hegemons had followed him into the spatial fracture, only faring marginally better than Ra''Klid. They were grievously wounded, separated, and their defensive skills and treasures were rapidly being exhausted.


    A perfect opportunity.


    The turbulent environment made it nigh-impossible for Zac to exert any control, but he staunchly inched closer with the help of [Skystriker]. Suddenly, he and the leader were pushed closer, and Zac''s arm turned into a blur as Void Energy and Dao entered [Evolutionary Edge]. The Late-Stage Hegemon noticed the strike, but dealing with the storm took up most of his energy.


    He tried to activate a skill to counter while repositioning the sword he took out when their War Array failed, but then he entered [Void Zone]. Defensive barriers faded, exposing the captain''s back to the storm''s full might. Thebinationpletely disrupted his preparations, and Ra''Klid was poised to strike. He growled as he swung his axe with everything he got. His strength was far below the Late Hegemon''s, but it was enough to force his weapon slightly out of the way.


    Zac''s attack was right on the demon''s heels, but an unpredictable gust came to the captain''s aid. Zac had been aiming for her head, but the axe bit into her shoulder. Still, a damaged Middle D-grade War Regalia unable to channel energy couldn''t block a melee strike empowered by [Evolutionary Edge]. The storm drowned out the axe''s roar, but a torrent of blood proved its ferocity.


    A flood of rampant Dao poured into her wound, destroying pathways and attacking her core. Zac and Ra''Klid were dragged away before they could follow up, but Zac doubted it mattered. As expected, he didn''t have to wait long before an immense influx of Kill Energy. The attack hadn''t killed her, but it was the straw that broke the camel''s back.


    The infusion was thergest source of Kill Energy he''d ever encountered. It wasn''t even close. He would have to kill at least twenty powerful Middle Hegemons to enjoy such a bountiful harvest or hundreds of themon Hegemons you normally ran into on the battlefield. It was almost enough to forget his pains as he turned his attention to the next sitting duck.


    Unfortunately, the storm dealt with the problem before Zac got the chance. The Hegemon''s armor shattered, fully exposing him to the cutting des. His body briefly turned into a streak of light, but it onlysted a moment before his dismembered body appeared nearby. Out of better options, he''d tried to activate an escape treasure.


    Only half a pir of [Empyrean Aegis] remained by the time the two Hegemons had died, but Zac could already sense the storm''s edge. He activated [Skystriker], forcibly cutting through the final stretch. The kaleidoscopic storm twisted as immense spatial forces shattered his defensive skill and overwhelmed his nullification zone.


    Zac refused to be ripped apart by the dimensional crossing aftering so far, so he activated a Half-step defensive treasure. It almost instantly failed, but it was just enough to break through and appear in a turbulent sky. Above, a churning thunderstorm roiled and raged, though Zac knew it was ayer of densely packed broken space.


    It felt like the unstable barrier could fail at a moment''s notice, releasing the apocalyptic energies they''d just escaped. Zac wanted to create some distance to be safe, but the aura below gave him pause. He turned his gaze, finally focusing on the fortress that had triggered the massive mobilization of both sides.


    The War Fortress didn''t carry much resemnce with the Left Imperial Pce Zac saw in his Vision, but it still left a deep impression. The bulk of the fortress''s size was made up of a spherical city, though many of the structures were ancient weapons or arrays. Every single surface was covered in ancient scripts radiating unyielding power.


    It looked like the fortress was fighting an invisible enemy as one terrifying attack after another wasunched into the sky. Most held enough force to obliterate Zac and the whole Acheron Company, and it was all swallowed by the churning clouds. It was no wonder the whole sr system was on the verge of copse.


    Zac suspected the erratic attacks were the result of damaged wiring rather than someone having gained control of the weapons systems. It was clear that the fortress had seen better days, just like Dossin had said. If anything, her description could be considered an understatement.


    There was not a single structure spared of the ravages of war. The fortress''s outer rim was supposed to be lined with a mile-high wall, but less than half of it remained. Whole sections were simply gone, while others had be deathtraps filled with deadly energy. More than one turret had failed, blowing up or striking other parts of the fort.


    Most blemishes told a tale of bitter struggle, yet they all paled before a huge, jagged scar that had almost managed to cut the whole fortress in two. The wound was ancient yet still teemed with such intense murderous intent that it affected the whole realm.


    On top of the Killing Intent, Zac could vaguely feel a helplessness hidden within. The intent was so rife with meaning Zac could almost see the battle before him. It was revenge. Revenge for severing their future and murdering the Dao.

 Chapter 1137 - Killing Intent

    Zac was almost certain the cultivator who left the immense scar was the equivalent of an early Autarch in the pre-system era. He simply didn''t think it possible for a Divine Monarch to leave such an indelible mark. At the same time, the attack couldn''t havee from anything higher than an early B-grade cultivator.


    The fortress was undeniably much stronger than any weapon system he''d seen in Zecia, but it should still be a C-grade construction. Anything stronger than an Early Autarch wouldn''t just have left it in a crippled state. Not even dust would have remained if it had faced the wrath of a Supremacy.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The fortress''s sad state wasn''t a result of the endless war of expansion the Limitless Empire fought, judging by the sentiment instilled into the attack. It was retribution during the earliest days of the Dark Ages.


    The System''s birth had instantly wiped out the whole upper echelon of the Limitless Empire. The emperor, his court, and his powerful generals became the fuel that kickstarted their creation. What followed was a million-year epoch where the Dao was shrouded, and almost all energy was stolen.


    This period didn''t arrive in a day or two. Not even the System could drain the whole Multiverse that quickly. However, it was impossible to miss the signs, and it didn''t take long for the ancient forces to pinpoint the culprit. Some, like Sendor and the current imperial ns, figured out ways to seal themselves or hide away, waiting for the Dao to recover.


    Others went mad and targeted the perpetrator. Factions who''d cowered in fear of Emperor Limitless and his armies tore through the dimensional barriers and descended on the Limitless Empire. Nothing was spared during that crusade, and the once-glorious empire was almostpletely erased from history. This fortress was likely a target of that punitive expedition and had somehow survived through a stroke of chance.


    Zac''s musings were abruptly swept away as his mind screamed of lethal danger. He didn''t need [Inborn Predator] to pinpoint the source. A spire covered in crackling runes and metal prongs wasing alive, and it had locked in on their position. It felt like being stared down by a Primordial Beast, and the intent was so palpable that even the Mavai Chieftain noticed.


    "Shit! Iing��" Ra''Klid screamed as ance of crackling lighting shot toward them.


    The attack was almost as powerful as the pir of ice Catheya''s master once used to save his life, and it moved nearly as fast. Zac tried to move out of the way, only to find small lightning runes sealing his movement. His horror only mounted upon realizing his bloodline was utterly incapable of extinguishing them. Out of better options, Zac turned to the illusory seal hidden in the depths of his body.


    It was a huge blow to expend the life-saving grace Sendor left him before the trial started. It was his absolute fallback for situations that not even his bloodline or remnants could remedy. It was so valuable he''d even gone with his untested [Origin Revolution] against the deathsworn.


    Certainly, that was partly because Sendor had indicated his unwillingness to kill participants, getting his fate entangled with Ultom and the factions that contended for its ownership. Most likely, the mark was something like an absolute defense, and there was not much point blocking the deathsworn''s War Array if he remained trapped in the Edict of Solitude. When Sendor''s protection expired, he''d be back at square one.


    Just as Zac was about to activate the brand, he felt the familiar aura of Ultom ripple forth. The screaming danger was immediately reduced to a susurrus, and the lightning bolt twisted like a snake. It created a wide berth around Zac''s location before disappearing into the spatial storm. Zac exhaled and slowly retracted his Mental Energy.


    "Uh," the demon hesitated while rapidly blinking to adjust his eyes. "Never mind. About time we caught a lucky break."


    Zac grunted in agreement despite knowing it was more than just luck. His eyes shifted to the Spatial Ring on his left hand, and he took out a small token. The [Court Cycle Token] looked no different than usual, but Zac was almost certain it had saved their lives. Nothing else in the ring could have produced that unmistakable aura.


    The fortress actually epted the token as proper identification. The realization added ayer of safety inside the crumbling realm and clearly hinted its purpose within the real trial. Would each cycle increase his credentials inside the Left Imperial Pce?


    Still, Zac knew that staying in the air was to tempt fate. You couldn''t rely on proper documentation when the fortress was in such bad shape. But where should they go?


    Zac''s main concerns were Emily and the Acheron Company. Emily''s situation was undoubtedly precarious, but his army also faced great danger. It wasn''t just the elite Kan''Tanu army to worry about. He had been schemed against by the Seventh Heaven, and only someone high up in the alliance could have arranged his army to join four infiltrated factions.


    His heart gnawed with worry, but there was no way to reach or even contact his people. Returning the way he came was out of the question, and he couldn''t spot any of those safe pathways leading out. There was no telling where he''d appear even if he found one. The battle for the fortress spanned a whole sr system, so he might not even end up on the same as his army.


    Now that it hade to this, he''d have to trust in his people''s capabilities and focus on the fortress. Dossin''s mission might have been a sham, but the war for the fortress and its treasures was very real. The ancient arrays were not the only things wreaking havoc on the ground. Fierce battles between cultivators were taking ce throughout the city.


    A quick sweep indicated hundreds of people were already here, an even mix of Alliance forces and Kan''Tanu. There were undoubtedly even more inside the structures themselves. None dared to take to the sky, though, and for good reason. Every second came with the risk of being hit by an ancient War Array, and only the ground seemed to provide a semnce of safety.


    There was little order as far as Zac could see. Each side had erected a few temporary camps, but the vast majority were roaming the streets alone or in small groups. Capturing the fortress or even stopping the War Arrays had taken a back seat to the hunt for treasure.


    It was easy to see why. The dense Killing Intent seeping from therge wound couldn''t hide the fact that the crumbling Mystic Realm was filled with incredible amounts of ambient energy. It even surpassed the general environment in Kavista, whether in density or Dao. The fortress must have been locked in stasis to maintain such an environment after so many years. Or perhaps it had entered a powerful temporal field where millions of years passed on the outside for every year inside.


    The ambient energy wasn''t the only thing worthy of note. Zac could feel a weak pull of fate from almost every direction. It was the treasure sense awarded by his immense pool of Luck, which was further augmented by his [Lucky Beads]. It wasn''t often he felt such a strong calling. Years of exploration in the Perennial Vastness had only elicited such a feeling a few dozen times.


    Meanwhile, the fortress contained so many treasures it all blended into a halo of opportunity. Zac wouldn''t be surprised if even normal cultivators could vaguely sense the phenomenon at a subconscious level. Zac made his decision and set out, following the enormous scar toward the fortress''s center. It was the most chaotic and fiercely contested part of the fortress, but it was only there he could aplish his goals.


    A lofty tower upied the inner core, reaching at least a dozen times taller than any other structure. The juxtaposition made Zac think of his visit to the Tower of Eternity. Both had a huge tower surrounded by a circr city. He even felt they were designed based on the same set of principles. Perhaps it was to be expected since they were built by the same faction.


    Obviously, this tower was nowhere near the reality-bending height of the real thing. Still, its tip was not far from touching the turbulent clouds, and Zac suspected it might actually reach it soon. Not because the realm was shrinking but because the humongous building wasn''t static.


    It was slowly spinning and looked like it was rising from the ground. The theory was corroborated by the fact that only the uppermost third was struck by the sword strike. Interestingly, even that section had only been damaged rather than destroyed. The tower was clearly built with sturdier materials and outfitted with stronger defenses. If the fortress had a main control, it was definitely in there.


    Zac had no idea why the tower was rising, but it couldn''t be good. Both the fortress and its Mystic Realm were barely hanging on. Any big move could disturb the fragile bnce, and there was no telling how things would shake out.


    He didn''t manage to fly more than a second before the dread of being targeted by an array returned. The feeling quickly passed, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. The token had dispersed the threat much faster now that it was hidden beneath one of his bracers. Still, Zac''s nerves were drawn taut as he tore through the sky.


    Targeted destruction was only one of the dangers of flight. It was like all the realm''s energy and intent were drawn toward the tower, forming a slow-moving cyclone of pure power. The closer they got, the more unstable the air became. Meanwhile, random waves of destruction tore through the sky, leaving errant bursts that would turn most Hegemons to ash.


    Ra''Klid''s eyes were wide with terror as Zac navigated the increasingly deadly environment. Landing would be much safer, but Zac suspected something beyond the arrays was preventing the people below from briefly taking to the sky. No one was even jumping over buildings to save time or avoid dangerous regions. His instincts told him that the closer they got to the tower beforending, the better.


    Finally, Zac knew his shortcut had been exhausted. He felt a looming threat from the tower itself, and it didn''t go away. It wouldn''t tolerate his airborne approach any further, so hended between two structures that blocked vision to the central tower. Zac felt a weak ripple just beforending, and his eyes widened in rm.


    Ra''Klid had already slumped to the ground, but he yelped with shock upon being dragged away by Vivi. It was just in time as three energy bundles appeared from a nearby house. The air was shredded for dozens of meters around them as they released a deadly pulse. Zac knew blindly fleeing mightnd them in even bigger trouble, so he put himself before Ra''Klid and held out the token.


    The three bundles froze briefly before returning to where they came from, soundlessly moving through the wall. Neither Zac nor Ra''Klid dared move for ten seconds, but it looked like they had given up. Zac sighed and shed to a secluded culvert.


    "Thank you, Lord. For everything," Ra''Klid said as he warily looked around.


    "Don''t mention it," Zac said. "It was me who dragged you into this mess. I expected someone would target us sooner orter, but I didn''t expect to run into such a strong squad right out the gate."


    "Outsiders?" the demon asked and got an affirmative nod. "What should we do?"


    "For now, let''s just take a breather and recover," Zac said.


    Ra''Klid looked like he''d received an imperial pardon and slumped onto the ground like the air had gone out. Zac wasn''t much better off. Urgency and adrenaline had carried him through the series of near-death experiences, but the state of his body had finally caught up to him.


    The stump beneath his leg was the most gruesome. Luckily, dying from blood loss was almost impossible with his Vitality, and he had already sealed the wound with energy. His missing ear and surrounding skin looked grisly, but it was ultimately a cosmetic wound. It wasn''t much worse than thecerations and burns that covered his body. It hurt like hell, but it wouldn''t affect his effective strength.


    The real dangers were all within. The lesser of the two was the foreign Dao causing trouble. A small amount corresponded to the Deathsworn''s War Array, while most came from the chaotic crossing. The problem was halfway solved, thanks to repeatedly flushing his body with Void Energy. His Hidden Nodes and Daos were already dealing with the remains, and his body would be cleansed within an hour or two.


    Zac was more worried that [Immutability of Eoz] was still running. It had already dealt with the lingering threats from his battle with the Hexmaster, and Zac couldn''t feel anything else wrong with his body. Had the Imperials done something without his notice, like marking him in case their ambush failed? If so, he was likely dealing with a tracking brand.


    Unfortunately, Zac couldn''t find it, no matter how hard he looked. You really couldn''t underestimate people from the Multiverse Hearnds. Even their underlings were so terrifying. Thankfully, [Immutability of Eoz] could sense the problem, meaning the mark would be dealt with sooner orter.


    Zac ate a cleansing tonic just in case before turning his vision to his left shoulder. The fallout wasn''t as bad as he''d feared. The Skill Fractal was destroyed as he''d expected, but the surrounding pathways only sported some light damage.


    The explosion on his shoulder wasn''t an ident. He''d known the risks when engraving a defective fractal, so he''d installed a pressure valve that''d go off if the fractal failed to contain the energy. It meant far less energy entering the actual skill, but the small edge wouldn''t even have formed without it.


    The need for a stronger ace had loomed in the back of Zac''s mind for a while. The [Annihtion Sphere] and, to a lesser degree, [Origin Mark] had been his fallbacks since the Tower of Eternity. They let him turn things around whenever he found himself at the edge of ruin. Unfortunately, they were increasinglying up short.


    The strength of the remnants was still enough to deal with his opponents, but the delivery method was simply too crude. His battle with Valsa had acted as a proof-of-concept for the path forward, but he needed a solution that wouldn''t harm his Dao Molds. It would have taken years for his Inexorable Mold to recover if not for Sendor reverting the damage.


    Zac had been working on a permanent solution every chance he got, even using the weak wisps of inspiration from his [Court Cycle Token] to speed up the process. Unfortunately, he ran out of time and was forced to settle for what he had. He''d felt that the frontlines were too dangerous without powering up first. And since his attempt to make Haro battle-ready failed, he could only turn to his iplete blueprints.


    The gambit saved his life but also harmed his long-term goals. Engraving a Skill Fractal on your body was like getting a tattoo. You couldn''t just engrave, remove, and reform them willy-nilly. The original Pathways of [Cyclic Strike] had already been transformed, or rather scarred, by repeatedly using the remnants. Forcibly redrawing the imperfect pathways had left an even deeper mark.


    It would be decades before he could make any significant modifications again, and that was only thanks to his unusually malleable constitution. Most cultivators couldn''t even rece Skill Fractals once, which meant each skill represented a permanent choice. You either kept the skill or closed the slot.


    Zac shook his head. That was a problem forter. For now, it gave him a faster and deadlier method to use the remnant''s refined energy. Next time, the fractal might even survive, and the delivery wouldn''t need him to stall so long.


    After all, it wasn''t designed to use Void Energy.


    The idea for [Origin Revolution] was tobine an Evolutionary Dao Braid with Creation, Cosmic, and Divine Energy. Adding Void Energy based on his experimental stance had made it incredibly unstable. Less than 20% of the energy had reached the conjured edge, and Zac failed to contain even that into a stable de.


    Adding Void Energy this time made sense since the spatial cage relied on concepts beyond his understanding. It felt simr to the Orom World, and only Chaos had worked against that restriction. However, using Void would probably make the skills less effective in most scenarios. It also required him to drain the Void Mountain since he couldn''t independently form the Voids of Life or Death.


    It would take a few months to reform the broken skill. Zac''s shoulder was like a radioactive hotspot after the experiment, and he would have to let it cool down naturally before working on the fractals. Thankfully, the fractal on his right side was fine. Zac nced at the tower in the distance. He had a nagging suspicion it would be needed soon enough.


    Before then, he needed to make some preparations.

 Chapter 1138 - Myriad Paths

    "He''s ready to see you," Joanna said as the doors to Zac''s temporary cultivation chamber slid open.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac emerged from a dense swirl of Miasma, though the observant onlooker would realize there were hints of Divine and Cosmic Energy in the mix. He had to give it to them. The Endemire Sage was quite amodating, going so far as to set up a small death-attuned section in his War Fortress as soon as the Cmity Company joined his ranks.


    It was more out of respect for the Atwood Empire''s wares and its allies than for him, but Zac didn''t mind. It was only thanks to such bargaining chips he had the chance to even ask for a meeting with the leader of the Fourty-Seventh Field Army.


    "Wait here," Zac said before turning to the Late Hegemon standing by Joanna''s side.


    Zac was led to a teleporter, which transported him to a tform beneath a sea of stars. It was possible he''d been sent to outer space, though Zac suspected it was a special chamber in the depths of the-sized fortress. The stars were possibly real, but more likely a projection released by the enormous astrbe floating in the middle of the room.


    Beneath it, an elderly figure sat in silent meditation. He was wrinkly and diminutive, with ears toorge for his head. The old mancked the appearance and aura of a powerful cultivator. The only thing that made him stand out from the crowd was his eyes. They contained profound wisdom and power, making it impossible to mistake him for anything but a Monarch.


    The Endemire Sage wore clean but unadorned robes thatcked any spiritual aura, and he sat on the ground instead of a prayer mat or array. The only other item nearby was a wooden pail, whose apparent simplicity only added to the strong contrast with the powerful Spirit Tool floating above his head. Zac nced at the bucket curiously but failed to see what secrets it held.


    Zac had heard some cultivators choose to return to simplicity during their long lives, either as a break from their cultivation or permanently. Some did it to clear their heads and let go of obsessions, thus tempering their hearts. Others sought to understand mortality so that they could transcend it in their pursuit of the Dao.


    It was a valid approach, but Zac felt it almost delusional when practiced in the middle of a C-grade War Fortress on the frontlines of an intergctic war.


    "Such a condensed aura. No wonder you''ve stayed on thedder since joining our struggle. Now that you''re here, you''re bound to be the shining beacon of the forty-seventh."


    "You''re too kind. How can Ipare to the seniors who keep us safe," Zac smiled as he walked over.


    "Nonsense. Young men such as yourself are the future pirs of our sector. There is no need to contact Mistress Janodrok or Lord Kavriel in the future if you need to see me. You can just call for my little granddaughter. She knows how to contact me unless I''m deep among the gates."


    "I apologize. The matter was urgent, and I was afraid any dy would mean unnecessary deaths," Zac said with a small bow as he went straight to business. "As you know, the twenty-second recently started a critical operation. As it happens, half of my forces joined under the Everfast Monarch''s banner just moments before."


    "So I heard," the Allbright Monarch nodded. "I understand your concerns, but I''m afraid I can''t share details about the operation as it''s still ongoing. Not even I can ess much information after the alliance purchased the War System''s regional lock."


    "That''s not why I''m here," Zac said.


    "Oh?"


    "I just received a report from Zachary Atwood."


    "A report?" the Endemire Sage said with a frown, and it felt like the room temperature had dropped to the biting cold of outer space. "How? You know breaking the seal counts as treason."


    "Treason? It''s interesting you should say that," Zac said with a neutral expression as he threw over an information crystal. "The how is irrelevant; we both know there are no such things as absolutes. This is the report I received."


    Of course, the report was just his shared memories, but he couldn''t say that. It was easier to pretend they had some specialmunication methods. He even had the perfect alibi since the Void Priestess and the Lord of the Kavriel Province had just contacted the Endemire Sage.


    "Kan''Tanu outsiders within our ranks? This��" the Monarch said, his eyes burning with intensity like zing suns. "Is this report true? Have you verified the sender?"


    "It''s verified, and Lord Endemire should know how hard it is to get word through the blockade. My co-emperor wouldn''t waste our time and resources sending false information."


    "High-ranked traitors��" Endemire muttered as he looked at Zac in a new light. "No wonder��"


    The old Monarch didn''t say it outright, but Zac understood what he was thinking. Zac hadn''t just contacted his powerful backers to facilitate this meeting. It was a warning meant to restrain the alliance and ensure they didn''t sweep the matter with the Seventh Heaven under the rug.


    In reality, he would have preferred not toe at all since there was still a small risk the Endemire Sage was part of the plot. However, both the Undead Empire and the Void Gate were istionist forces and only alliance members in name. They may still have the means to ferret out the traitor, but it would likely take much longer. By then, the Acheron Company might be dead already.


    In contrast, the Endemire Sage was very suited to the task. While only an early Monarch, the old man was very well-respected. ording to rumors, he was also a sworn brother of some incredibly powerful ancestor of the Allbright Empire.


    "Young man, these are serious allegations with wide ramifications," the Monarch said solemnly. "As a small token of apology, please ept a drink from this old man. I believe it will suit your tastes."


    Zac curiously looked on as the old man took out a woodendle and a small, cracked ceramic cup. It wasn''trge enough for a single mouthful, yet pain and reluctance were evident on the Monarch''s face as he carefully scooped water from the pail.


    "I don''t know if it has a true name, but I call it [Myriad Paths Water]. You could consider it simr to a Core Formation Pill, but it leaves no toxins behind. I can tell you''re approaching Middle Hegemony. This will help your endeavors. I''ll take this opportunity to contact the council."


    The Monarch said nothing else. He had already closed his eyes, and the astrbe started spinning faster. The cup floated into Zac''s hand soon after, yet he still failed to discern anything special. From outward appearance, it really was just normal water.


    However, the longer Zac looked, the more certain he was the liquid was extraordinary. Even the cracked old cup was hiding some secret. It was just that its spirituality was so perfectly contained that not a wisp could escape.


    There were only two things that proved the old man''s words. The first was his bloodline, which screamed at him to drink the water. The second was his elevated Luck, which almost created a hallucination where the water released vapor of pure fate.


    Zac looked down at the liquid thoughtfully. It didn''t trigger any sense of danger, but could he just drink it like that? He knew better than to blindly ept the graciousness of strangers. Then again, this was different than his experience with the [Essence of the Abyss].


    The Endemire Sage was sitting right before him. Whether it was to kill him or imnt some invisible brand, why bother with the water? If the old man could hide his attack this perfectly, then he wouldn''t need to use the water as a medium. Zac would already have lost the moment he stepped off the teleporter.


    But it was, indeed, very beautiful. The more he looked at it, the more Zac felt great secrets hid within the gentle ripples atop the surface. They were so close he could taste it.


    Zac''s eyes widened in rm, only now realizing he had swallowed the [Myriad Paths Water] to thest drop. It was like the waves had hypnotized him, and his body acted on instinct. His danger sense was still deathly silent, but his heart beat like a drum as he felt the mortal water transform into a raging tsunami as it ran down his throat.


    The Endemire Monarch hadn''t reacted, and it almost looked like his soul had left his body. Zac had no time to worry about the old man. The mortal water was now a raging sun, releasing a ripple that spread through his body and entered his Soul Aperture. It didn''t trigger Zac''s defenses and was gone in no time.


    Nothing happened? Zac was ready tobat the water with his bloodline or [Void Heart], but he gasped with marvel as the energy transformed. It was no longer a hyper-condensed ball of undefined energy.


    It was him.


    The [Myriad Paths Water] lived up to its name, having created three distinct energies that were utterly indistinguishable from his Daos. It wasn''t just Miasma. It was the exactposition of Death-attuned energy his Cosmic Core released. Yet it was also fuller, like Zac''s own energy was the mimicry.


    Zac was now almost certain the Endemire Sage hadn''t fooled him, and he couldn''t resist the temptation anyway. Turbid pathways rapidly awakened as the [Myriad Paths Water] flooded his Cosmic Core. He''d never made such rapid gains before, not even when eating handfuls of pills just after breaking through.


    At the same time, Zac barely felt like he was making improvements. After transforming, the energy was an indistinguishable part of him, and it felt like it was justing home. The sensation was exhrating, and Zac''s only regret was that he''d only gotten enough for a sip. He was quickly running out of energy, but he wasn''t ready to stop yet.


    Luckily, he had just the thing to ride the wave a little longer.


    Zac was holding onto so much Kill Energy he could barely contain it. The second Late-stage Hegemon hadn''t directly been killed by him, but he''d engineered the situation that led to his death. Thus, he''d been given half of the contribution for all those killed by the spatial fractures or the dimensional storm.


    The remaining energy of the [Myriad Path Water] acted as a guide and allowed Zac to incorporate the Kill Energy dozens of times faster than normal. His Cosmic Core gave off increasingly powerful pulses of power. It was like a starving beast, epting everythinging its way. However, no partysts forever. Zac soon ran out of fuel, and he released a turbid breath.


    Zac slowly opened his eyes, waves of shock still coursing through his heart. What an amazing treasure. He''d never encountered such pure and unadulterated energy. It had perfectly adapted to his needs without Zac infusing a drop of Dao. It was like the water already held the true essence of his path and just brought it to the surface.


    Come to think of it, Zac had encountered something simr once��the motes of Primal Dao in the Twilight Chasm.


    They''d been like an unblemished piece of Heaven dragged down to the mortal ne. The moment it escaped its containment, it transformed into whatever Dao it touched. He''d known it was incredibly precious, but it was only after meeting Yrial again he realized just how rare and valuable Primal Dao was. His mentor said the Primal Dao would have let him be a Divine Monarch or higher, which exined why the Eveningtide Asura had made it part of his ascent.


    This water wasn''t exactly the same, but it shared simr characteristics. The difference was that one treasure contained truth and the other energy. The Endemire Sage had called it [Myriad Paths Water], but Zac would rather call it Origin Energy. Or perhaps the water was a product made with Origin Dao.


    Either case, it was good stuff. One sip allowed Zac to gain four levels in one go, putting him at level 169. It was almost unthinkable for a Hegemon to gain so many levels in twenty minutes, even if one was fueled by Kill Energy. Top-tier pills wouldn''t aplish such a feat, and they''d take far longer to absorb.


    And shockingly, the levels weren''t the greatest benefits the [Myriad Paths Water] brought. It had rushed into his Cosmic Core like a cleansing wave, its energy more in tune with his path than what his Cosmic Core could produce. And his core adapted.


    The System had confirmed his core was Middle Quality with ten to one hundred imperfections when he broke through. Being a mortal, that had remained true to this day. Only Cultivators could steadily refine their cores with their Cultivation Manuals.


    In one go, the [Myriad Paths Water] had removed roughly half of the imperfections guing his core. Zac wasn''t sure if it was enough to elevate his Cosmic Core to High Quality, but it had, at the very least, pushed the core right to the threshold. For a cultivator, that meant saving decades, possibly centuries, on cultivation.


    For a mortal, the gain couldn''t be measured in time. He''d already scoped out a few treasures with simr effects in the Limited Exchange, but few boasted such pronounced effects. Zac estimated that sip was worth the equivalent of 750,000 merit, and that didn''t even take into ount that the [Myriad Paths Water] would work on anyone.


    The only other way for a mortal was to improve the quality of their core while upgrading it. However, most had their hands full just surviving the breakthrough. Let alone removing imperfections, not adding new ones was considered a pretty good oue.


    It was no wonder the Endemire Sage said the water would be useful. Removing imperfections didn''t just help pave the path toward Late Hegemony. It also meant he''d gained a sturdier foundation for his uing breakthrough at level 175. He''d made ample preparations already, but he wasn''t fully confident. After all, he wouldn''t have ess to the Perennial Vastness and its arrays when attacking Middle Hegemony.


    One sip had already increased his chances by a lot. What if he had a few more��?


    "Don''t even think about it."


    Zac quickly looked away from the wooden bucket like a thief caught in the act. It wasn''t the Endemire Sage who had spoken. He was still in meditation, though a deep frown marred his face.


    "Master found this bucket after risking his life 50,000 years ago. Even back then, there was only enough water remaining for two dozen elixirs. Between offering some to the Allbright Dynasty and his promising descendants, how much could possibly remain today?"


    "I was just looking at the pail. It''s remarkable to contain such a spiritual liquid all these years," Zac said as he bowed at the astrbe.


    "Drinking more wouldn''t do you any good," the Tool Spirit continued, not bothering with Zac''s lies. "Do you think there''d be any left if the old man could repeatedly reap its benefits? You should know, the water can even fix imperfections of Inner Worlds."


    "That amazing?"


    "s, only the first sip brings benefits. The second will leave you bedridden for a century. The third�� we''ll never know."


    "Your master..." Zac hesitated.


    "Your report caused huge waves. They are scrambling to deal with the fallout."


    Huge waves? Zac frowned. Was there more to the issue than some corrupt general selling him out to the Seventh Heaven?


    Eventually, the old man opened his eyes, his expression solemn. "We owe you a debt of gratitude. Your early warning may have prevented a disaster."


    "Early warning? My men have already been attacked, and their fate remains unknown," Zac said.


    "Rest assured, we have already sent reinforcements to your army. Unfortunately, the ambush on Zachary Atwood was only part of arger plot. You weren''t the only one targeted. We''re still investigating the extent of their plot, but we fear it covers the whole battlefield," Endemire said, his eyes burning with anger.


    "How''s that possible? Whose plot?"


    "Technocrats," the old man spat. "Those heretics really picked their timing. They somehow killed and reced one of our hidden strategic councils. They''ve been controlling arge part of the operation since it began."


    Zac''s heart shook at the familiar name but kept his expression steady. "Strategic councils?"


    "You could see them as middle management," Endemire sighed. "These highly vetted strategists and generals are the first eyes on the confidential reports from the sealed operation. Smaller matters are dealt with by them directly, while the important decisions are passed up the chain with the pertinent information.


    "These heretics have subtly influenced individual events and the overall direction by manipting thousands of reports and altering orders. Your men being rerouted was just the tip of the iceberg. It''ll take weeks to unravel exactly what they''ve done. By that time, it''ll be toote."


    Zac could picture the mess the alliance had on its hands. Some Intelligence-based sses essentially turned cultivators into supeputers, but few couldpete with the Technocrats in this department. At any moment, dozens of small, seemingly unrted, alterations could coalesce into a deadly trap.


    The only way to avoid it was topletely redraw their strategy, which risked giving the Kan''Tanu free rein across the battlefield. Zac had a feeling the bnce between Kan''Tanu and alliance cultivators inside the fortress wouldn''tst much longer.


    Ultimately, this mess wasn''t one he could fix. He''d already done enough providing intel, and he''d already aplished his goal here. However, there was one thing he needed to rify before the next step of his n.


    "The water�� Why?"


    "It''s a gamble," the old man said with a gentle smile. "A cup of Karma, you could say. I believe young master Umbri''Zi is a man who remembers favors and grudges. So I hope you''ll look after my granddaughter in the future."


    "How? With you by her side, what use am I?"


    "Not here," Endemire said with a pointed look. "Left Imperial Pce."


    "You..."


    "Inda is the most talented descendant I''ve had, and she was chosen by the Anima Court. As a result, she''s been epted as a disciple of the Radiant Temple."


    "Then what''s the problem?"


    "We''re both men of the world," the Endemire Sage sighed. "How can I not know her role in the uing trial? What is my face worth in front of these outsiders? Even the Radiant Temple are nothing but hired hands ording to little Inda."


    "I can''t promise anything, but I''ll do what I can," Zac said, not bothering to y ignorant.


    "That''s all I ask. You can return to your men. We will take care of things on our end," the old man said.


    "Actually, I need to head back to the Atwood Empire and make some arrangements."


    "That''s�� I understand," the Monarch slowly nodded. "But be careful. The System won''t tolerate your absence for long. If one could just return after being forced to the frontlines, our ranks would have been much thinner."


    Zac''s abyssal eyes looked like frozen ck pools when he stepped onto the teleporter. However, hiding beneath the veneer of tranquility hid ruthlessness and determination.


    "It shouldn''t take more than a day."

 Chapter 1139: The Dragon’s Tail

    <h4>Chapter 1139: The Dragon''s Tail</h4>


    Zac opened his eyes back in the ancient war fortress. He couldn''t believe how well his meeting had gone. His goal was to help the Acheron Company, yet ended with him making significant gains. Certainly, Zac understood the Endemire Sage''s gift was an investment rather than an act of benevolence. The pail was already there when Zac entered the room, which meant the impartment was premeditated and unrted to the military operation.


    The old man''s word choice was really apt. He''d been served a cup of Karma without proper exnation. The Endemire Sage forcibly tied him and his granddaughter together during an event that heavily revolved around fate. Who knew what kind of ramifications that could have?


    Unfortunately for the Endemire Sage, his n was bound to fail since Zac''s body would never form Karmic Bonds after entering Hegemony. He''d still help Inda if they ran into each other during the trial, but Zac sincerely doubted Karma would pull them closer because of the gift.


    Zac was more worried about his new enemy and their plot. He would never have guessed that the Tobrial Dynasty would cooperate with a Technocrat faction. The Seven Heavens may have deserted the Limitless Empire, but there should still be bad blood with the Selvari.


    Furthermore, these Technocrats weren''t simple. Not just anyone could infiltrate an alliance base and rece a group of high-ranking officers without notice. There was no way they belonged to one of the unaffiliated Technocrat organizations in the Million Gates Territory. They should havee from one of Sanctuary''s powerful factions. Could it be Firmament''s Edge?


    Zac hadn''t thought of the name in a long time, but he hadn''t forgotten about their search for the Digital Nexus. Had he identally exposed his connection to the Kayar''Elu during the war, prompting the Technocrats to work with the Seventh Heaven to sound him out? Or was it all just a coincidence? He prayed it was thetter since he had repeatedly used Void Energy during thest battle.


    Were Firmament''s Edge already here, waiting for him?


    He needed to get back to fighting condition sooner rather thanter, and the first step was dealing with his foot. Unfortunately, the time constraints didn''t give him many options. essible treasures required over a month to regrow a limb, and Zac was too stingy to use War Merit on the top-quality treasures in the Limited Exchange.


    Relying on his body''s natural recovery would be even slower unless he constantly channeled <strong>[Surging Rebirth]</strong>. Zac looked down at the stump with reluctance, but he knew there was only one option. He''d have to return to that tainted well.


    Zac took out a shimmering Longevity Pearl, overruling a strong wave of subconscious rejection as he channeled most of his remaining Creation Energy. His ear and left foot rapidly regrew, though Zac ignored all his scrapes and bruises. Pills and his Void Vajra Constitution were enough to deal with those.


    "That energy��"


    Zac opened his eyes and saw Ra''Klid looking at him with longing and confusion.


    "It''s Creation."


    "I can''t believe you''ve already transcended the Dao of Life," Ra''Klid muttered as his brows furrowed. "The Mother of Life�� Is our path limited?"


    "I haven''t actually cultivated Creation. It''s one of my aces, but it''s from an external source," Zac exined after realizing what the demon was worried about. "And I wouldn''t call Creation the mother or evolution of Life. It might be the conventional interpretation, and I used to share that belief. Now, I rather feel they''re two sides of the same coin. Nothing says that you and the Mavai can''t take the Dao of Life to the very end."


    The easiest way to understand the Dao was to see it as seventeen pyramids or mountains. At the top, you''d find the unified expression of that peak, such as the Dao of Chaos. This Dao could then be further split into myriad facets, where some were considered higher than others. This interpretation was mostly correct, and it didn''t help most cultivators to delve any deeper.


    A profound Dao like the Dao of Creation was undeniably far greater in scope and depth than the shallow truths that could be Dao Seeds. However, did Life really need to be subordinate to Creation? If so, how could the Undead Empire rise to the top while actively shunning Oblivion? And how could the Dao of Death inside the Abyssal Lake epass all creation?


    Zac had pondered the Daos of Oblivion and Creation at great length while working on his new aces. His conclusion was that these Daos could only truly exist in a vacuum. Not the vacuum of space but of purpose and direction. They were a lot like the <strong>[Myriad Paths Water]</strong> he''d just consumed. They''d either disappear or transform into something else the moment they came in contact with the world.


    This was likely why the Spark of Creation remained stuck at the threshold until the day it was destroyed. Its desire for Creation ironically made it impossible to ever grasp it. This paradox was why so few cultivators transitioned to Creation or Oblivion, whether it was as pure or mixed-meaning Daos. Who didn''t have desires and goals that drove their cultivation? Even an earnest pursuit of the Dao was a form of desire.


    In contrast, Life was affected by a will, a purpose. It couldn''t exist as a clean te since it was a vehicle for progress. Simrly, Death was a form of causality. It would never appear without context.


    Certainly, there was more at y thanprehension difficulty regarding the Undead Empire. Zac suspected the ban on cultivating Pure Death or Oblivion was rted to themandments. The notion was born when he created <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>, where his bond with Haro was formed through and reinforced by the Dao of Life. Themandments could very well work the same way.


    Perhaps those who cultivated Pure Death or Oblivion could ignore themandments, or possibly even influence those under its bindings. Themandments were the Primo''s tool to control his empire, and he wasn''t a benevolent ruler based on his eternal war. Such an old monster wouldn''t cede his authority without good reason.


    "I was worried I''d wasted my opportunity for a moment," Ra''Klid said with a crooked smile. "But you''re right. Life is boundless; how could its potential possibly be anything but? There is no reason for the Mavai to abandon their past. It''s the key to our future."


    Zac nodded in agreement. As expected, Ra''Klid had enough affinity with the Starfall Court to gain inspiration when iming the seals. By the sounds of it, he chose the same path as Rhubat, using the inspiration to create a cultivation system for their race. In other words, Ra''Klid gaining a seal didn''t just mean Zac getting another elite. The whole Mavai Tribe would benefit.


    "Reignender of Ultom," Ra''Klid continued. "I finally caught onto the dragon''s tail. I can''t believe the mysteries contained within that light. No wonder the ancient tribes are offering up such generous bounties. And there''s more to this, no?"


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    "I''ll exin everything when we get out of here," Zac said, "Until then, be careful if you encounter more seals. Only approach if you can feel a connection to it. They''ll disintegrate you otherwise, sealholder or not."


    "We can''t collect them for others?"


    "I haven''t found any methods, and I doubt there are any," Zac said. "This thing is heavily based on fate. I don''t think it''s random that you happened to be��"


    Zac stopped mid-sentence, suddenly shing forward and punching. It looked like he hit empty air, but Zac felt his fist connect with something. A small shockwave erupted as a thin figure appeared. It was a humanoid alien, a Half-Step Hegemon judging by her aura. Of course, having just experienced an ambush from the imperial death squad, Zac took no chances.


    The assassin crashed into a nearby wall with incredible force, and the wall came out ahead. Zac heard bones crack, but there was not a mark left on the wall. As expected, these structures were made from incredibly durable material. Damaging them would be easier said than done, and digging a path into the tower was out of the question.


    The wretched form suddenly shattered, but Zac was already on the move. He''d moved to another patch of empty space, and the target found her throat grabbed and limbs sealed by Vivi''s embrace. Her skill had left no trace or ripple of energy, but it had failed to hide from Zac''s powerful Soul Sense. He''d seen her creep closer during their conversation and only made his move when she was in range.


    "Alliance! Alliance," the alien croaked in a desperate voice.


    "Then why are you skulking around us instead of announcing yourself?" Zac countered.


    "This ce has no rules," she cried. "We have no way toplete the mission, and these buildings hold ancient treasures! People have gone mad. I just wanted to skirt around you to avoid trouble. Please, I just want to leave in one piece."


    Zac grunted in understanding but made no move to release her. She would have attacked the second she saw an opening, even if she were telling the truth. The System frowned upon betrayal during the war, butpetition for resources and opportunities was its core t. This realm was likelywless, just like she said.


    "I wouldn''t hurt any member of the alliance. Answer my questions, and I''ll send you on your way. How long have you been in here?"


    "Thank you, thank you! I''ve been stuck here for six hours."


    "How many pathways have you encountered?"


    "Only one," she cried. "Just twenty minutes after arriving. I should have taken it. Now, who knows if I''ll get the chance? Death is around every corner."


    Zac slowly nodded, inwardly doubting she was as distraught as she let on. After all, she dared move alone, going so far as to approach strangers this close to the tower. Furthermore, the assassin was wounded, and the wounds came from battle rather than turbulent space. Perhaps she''d sessfully ambushed a couple of people already.


    They probably looked like easy targets. He and Ra''Klid looked like they''d just fought a grizzly bear and lost, and Ra''Klid''s E-grade cultivation was easy to discern. Meanwhile, his cultivation was very difficult to gauge when he contained his aura unless they were significantly stronger. His utterck of natural affinity made him appear weaker than he was.


    He asked a few more questions, and her story corroborated everything from Dossin''s briefing. A channel had opened in front of the assassin''s unit, and they''d all been ordered inside. Even if stable, the pathway wasn''tpletely safe. Half had died during the crossing, most of them E-grade cultivators, while the rest were killed inside. The assassin had only survived by relying on stealth.


    "Why not head to one of the camps if you''re so scared?" Zac asked. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Never! I can''t!" she said with fear. "I''d like to help the war effort, but I want to live even more! They don''t let anyone out, and the leaders use us as expendable array breakers to test the doors. I don''t think they''re even trying to reach the tower. They''re just having unaffiliated people break into buildings that look promising."


    "Anything else?" Zac asked.


    "No, that''s all I know," she cried. "Please��"


    "OK. Safe travels."


    Her eyes lit up but then bulged with shock and despair as her neck snapped. A swing destroyed the Heart Curse bursting from her chest, and silence returned to the street.


    "She should be ours. Spy?"


    "If not before, then now," Zac said. "She might have been imnted in here. It''s an effective way to get helpers in a sealed environment when the stakes are so high."


    "I think she was telling the truth despite the curse."


    "For the most part," Zac agreed.


    "The steppes are burning, yet these fools are digging for steelsoil instead of escaping to the mountains," the demon muttered as he looked at the sky. "What should we do? Try to find a channel and escape?"


    Zac fully agreed with the Mavai Chieftain''s assessment. It was hard to say what would happen first��the rampaging fortress blowing up or the whole dimension copsing. Either scenario was exceedingly dangerous, yet Zac had no thoughts of finding a path out.


    "I need to give it a try," Zac said, pointing at the storm surrounding the main tower. "There might still be a way to turn things around. And I have to keep looking for opportunities. Things will only grow more dangerous as the war progresses. Our little empire''s footing is still far from stable."


    "Then join a camp? I spotted one up ahead. With your strength, you can just seizemand if they try anything. Could be useful with some helping hands."


    "No," Zac said without hesitation. "I think my chances are better if I go at it alone. Besides, I don''t trust that our men are really ours after what happened outside."


    "I��" Ra''Klid hesitated. "I''m afraid I''ll drag you down."


    Zac nodded. There was no point in ignoring reality. The demon had potential, especially now that he was a sealbearer. However, Ra''Klid joining the next step was no different than throwing his life away. At the same time, Zac couldn''t babysit the demon until they stumbled onto a pathway.


    "You''ll have to be careful," Zac said, handing Ra''Klid amand token that might help if he ran into a Dravorak unit. "Don''t trust anyone. If you can''t find an exit, hide inside one of the fortified buildings. That way, you have a better chance of surviving."


    Ra''Klid shuddered, but his eyes soon calmed down as a smile spread across his face. "This is the price of power. Don''t worry about me, Lord. We both have tribtions we must face and paths we must take. I know what I need to do."


    A familiar item appeared in his hand. It was the Temporal Chamber most of his elites had bought. Ra''Klid was already over 60 years old and in the E-grade when the Integration urred. He''d spent over a decade shoring up his foundations, and getting the seal was thest piece of the puzzle.


    "Good idea," Zac said as he handed over a set of Life-attuned treasures useful for Core Formation. "Do you need me to stand guard?"


    "No, I feel I need to face this alone. I have relied on you or the tribal elders long enough," Ra''Klid said as a grin spread across his face. "I hope the Lord can help me with something else. If you could help me pick a building with good providence? Lord Azh''Rezak told us at great length about your golden hand during our travels."


    Zacughed and looked around for a bit. "Come with me."


    The two didn''t walk for long before Zac found a good candidate. The house was in good condition, with its protective engravings active and intact. More importantly, he could feel a weak pull of fate within.


    "There should be an opportunity in this building, but it''ll depend on you whether you can get it. Don''t overdo it. Focus on breaking through first."


    Ra''Klid frowned as he inspected the door. "The spy said the restrictions are very powerful. It''s almost impossible to open the ones that are this intact and trying will trigger a deadly response."


    "Let me try something. Stay back, and be ready to run."


    Zac slowly walked closer to the door, the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> already in his hand. This was a good chance to test his theory. The door opening wouldn''t guarantee the token would work inside the tower, but it meant his n was worth trying. If not, he''d have to figure something else out.


    The door soundlessly slid open before Zac even reached it, and Zac exhaled in relief. However, he felt a vague sense of threat as powerful energies coursed through the arrays. Were the defenses realizing something was wrong with the token?


    "It won''tst long," Zac said.


    "Golden hand, indeed," Ra''Klidughed as he shed inside. "Safe travels, my lord."


    "See you on the outside."


    Zac backed away, and the door closed. He waited a minute to confirm the defensive arrays had calmed down before turning toward the tower. It held a fatal attraction, holding far more ripples of fate than the rest of the fortressbined.


    Everything was in ce, and nothing was holding him back. It was time to see if this tower was as generous as its F-grade brother.

 Chapter 1140: Resentment

    <h4>Chapter 1140: Resentment</h4>


    Zac''s eyes roved back and forth for threats as he crept toward the tower. There were no direct streets leading him in the right direction, but that was fine since Zac preferred using walls and buildings as cover. Powerful bursts of deadly energy and the rumbling sky were a constant reminder of the disaster that could strike without notice.


    A piercing scream of danger made Zac''s head whip around, putting him face to face with a ghastly sight. An army made from turbulent energy and ancient Killing Intent poured through the streets like a vengeful tsunami, shing at doors and anything else that stood out. It looked like the sword scar''s intent had mixed with a pool of energy to birth this disaster.


    The tidal wave''s projections were constantly shifting and distorting, but each temporary figure held enough energy to contend with a Middle Hegemon. asionally, enough energy and intent coalesced into constructs, even surpassing the deathsworn captains in aura. Zac didn''t even try to fight it, instead relying on his token to escape into the closest building.


    The door slid shut, allowing Zac to release a pent-up breath. He hadn''t evensted three minutes after dropping off hispanion before mortal danger came knocking. Thank the Heavens for his cheat. Anyone else would have been forced to gamble their lives by fleeing into random paths in hopes the murderous tide would choose another direction. But who knew if something more dangerous waited in the streets they picked.


    The interiors differed greatly from what little Zac saw of Ra''Klid''s hideout. His had been a spacious room with two consoles and an ornate set of stairs leading to the upper levels. Meanwhile, Zac found himself in a narrow service corridor that was all function over form. He still scanned the vicinity, but it didn''t appear to have any traps or weapons. The real danger was outside, and Zac''s eyes narrowed upon hearing a scraping sound from the other side of the door.


    The Killing Intent outside was growing to the point Zac sensed it despite the wall''s powerful istion. It was so dense it felt as though it would permeate the walls, so Zac hurried further inside. The building was the size of arge factory, yet the space meant for humans was limited to a web of cramped corridors. The only exception was a spacious room right in the middle, which Zac suspected doubled as a break room and bunker.


    The whole building was shaking by that point except for the saferoom with its additionalyers of protection. Zac opted to wait the storm out, taking the time to make some final preparations. Face shifted into a variation of the disguise he used in Void Gate, that of Gaun Sorom. Of course, his features were altered just in case someone was keeping track.


    Zac felt it said something less-than-ttering that he kept returning to orcish disguises, but they were simply the most simr race to humans who could exin his build and aura. Certain golemoid and beastkin races would also do, but they were much too difficult to copy. Actually, even half-blood orcs were getting rough to mimic since he had yet to evolve <strong>[Million Faces] </strong>into something better suited to his pathways.


    Following his face-swap, Zac used an Aura Modtor to appear as a seasoned Middle Hegemon. It didn''t take much energy since it wasn''t far from the truth. Next, a thick bone carapace covered his body. The sudden ambush had prevented him from equipping <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong> in time, and he didn''t want to be caught unprepared again.


    Finally, Zac opened a stopper and poured a silver mixture on himself. It almost looked alive as it spread to cover every inch of his armor, giving it a metallic sheen while partly hiding its life-attuned aura. It was a small trick to temporarily change the appearance of his armor in case someone was keeping track of his equipment.


    The shakes had stopped by the time Zac finished his disguise, and he soon found an exit closer to the tower. Zac stowed the token before approaching, taking the opportunity to test the building''s reaction. The door didn''t automatically slide open, but neither did it attack or summon any energy guardians.


    There were no consoles or buttons on the thing, so Zac eventually took out the token again. The door slid open withoutint. A pang of danger made Zac step back, narrowly avoiding a bundle of Killing Intent shaped like a skull lunging at him. Zac furiously swung his axe as he retreated further into the corridor, but there was nothing to kill.


    The skull was dispersed into a reddish cloud before reforming into a sword. It held a vast resentment against anything living, and it followed Zac through the building like a vengeful ghost. Eventually, Zac gave up running, letting the sword run him through. Thankfully, the swordcked the immense energies of the ghastly army. It was just condensed Killing Intent,cking the ability to cause him physical harm.


    The threat was to his heart and, to a lesser degree, his soul. The ancient grudge tried to subvert his will and fill his mind with destructive impulses. If you lost, your goals and rationality would be reced with the desires left behind by that ancient Autarch. Most likely, you''d be a raving lunatic attacking anything at sight.


    Ultimately, it wasn''t much of a threat to Zac. He could whittle it down with his own Killing Intent, and <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> worked even faster. The intent dispersed, exposing a sliver of reddish force Zac hadn''t sensed before. He couldn''t tell whether it was Energy, Killing Intent, or Dao. He could only tell it was very powerful since simply having it in his body made his vision go red.


    A hungry thump answered the question; the red sliver was an unfamiliar form of energy hidden within the intent. <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>gobbled it up after some struggle, yet it took Zac over a minute to calm down from his agitated state. The sliver piqued his interest since he stillcked any method to refine or utilize his immense killing intent. Perhaps it was an alternative route to the Killing Intent Arrays he''d seen the reavers use.


    That was a matter forter, though. Zac returned to the exit, relieved to see the ambient intent had decreased to a level where it couldn''t take form. Zac still didn''t want to be exposed more than necessary, and exploring a building left him much more confident in taking a shortcut.


    It also solved the issue of being targeted by the tower, whose constant watch grew increasingly difficult to elude. More than once, Zac felt something lock onto his position, forcing him to take cover. He couldn''t discern any weapon systems installed on the rotating tower, but he trusted his danger sense. Too long in the sun would spell death.


    The next ten minutes confirmed most buildings were more of the same,cking any safeguards after the initial check. Perhaps it was different if he tried to meddle with the massive arrays hidden within the walls, but Zac wouldn''t do anything so foolhardy.


    Oddly enough, he couldn''t find a single route leading beneath the surface level, whether it was on the streets or inside the oversized buildings. The enormous scar had cracked open the fortress wide open, exposing that these buildings were only the tip of the iceberg. However, entering the enormous underbelly through the scar was impossible. The intent alone would drive him insane, even if he somehow survived the immense energies.


    Then, there was no point going there. Zac was making incredible time despite being dyed twice by other cultivators. One encounter was aplete ident, where Zac emerged from a building to find two cultists right around the corner. A furious blitz provided a modest influx of Kill Energy, though one of the two managed to flee.


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Zac didn''t bother hunting him down. Running like that was liable to get you killed when every other block was a death trap. The second encounter was with a cultivator who had lost their mind to the pervasive intent. However, it was just a Peak E-grade cultivator. The fact they were still alive likely meant they''d just entered, only to have their mind immediately overwhelmed. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Then, disaster struck. Zac looked at the token in his hand with horror as he opened the door leading out of the sixth building. Why did its aura suddenly grow weaker? Zac tried to tell himself he was misjudging things because of the energy-dense environment, even if he knew that wasn''t the case. He''d used the token for months, and there was no way he''d mistake it. He had lost the equivalent energy of one sealbearer in one go.


    Zac''s heart clenched in worry and regret. He''d never considered the possibility that using the token would exhaust the sealbearer energy. After all, it had never shown any such inclination during his cultivation sessions. Its truth-imparting aura was constant and ever-flowing.


    What if it was permanent? Had he just wasted a seal on taking a shortcut? Perhaps it was just a temporary effect, but Zac couldn''t use it lightly until confirming the details. If nothing else, he would have to use the token inside the tower if he wanted the slightest chance of taking control of the thing.


    Luckily, Zac was already quite close to his destination. He was only a couple of blocks away from the tower after passing through the building, and he could already feel the winds kicked up by its gentle rotation.


    To his left was another impassable region. Rampant energies from a broken Array Tower had consumed dozens of buildings, forming an impassable blockade. It was ufortably close to the sword scar, meaning it could turn into another tidal wave at any time.


    Zac decisively went in the opposite direction, toward an intersection in the distance. Using it would briefly expose him to the tower, but it was better than daring the sentry array again by jumping over the buildings. Suddenly, Zac spotted something amiss.


    It was almost seamlessly integrated with a pile of rubble, but its minute spiritual ripple couldn''t escape Zac''s senses. One of the pieces of debris was actually an array disk. Zac inwardly sighed as he destroyed the item with a swing of his axe. It was a sentry array, which meant he''d already been exposed. Following his instincts, Zac decisively turned around.


    His approach hadn''t been too difficult, but he''d seen the environment everyone else had to deal with. Weak targets like those he''d faced had to be the minority. If the sentry array was part of a trap, then the attacker had to be very confident in their strength. So was Zac, but any battle at this juncture was a waste of energy while risking exposure.


    A massive explosion within the mist made Zac swear with rm. The eruption was like someone poking a ho''s nest, and a brutal wave of energy poured toward him. It fully consumed the building he came from without losing any momentum.


    Entering the mist was out of the question, and none of the other buildings were intact. Hiding in them meant waiting for death, so Zac chose the best of many bad options. He rushed into the intersection, knowing he was being corralled like a wild beast.


    Zac found himself facing the spinning tower in all its glory, and the encroaching danger from behind was overwhelmed by a profound sense of danger from ahead. One building after another was slowlying alive around him. Zac knew he was out of time, so he heedlessly shed into a side street a few hundred meters ahead, where the arrays were still dim.


    A dense wall rose behind him, seamlessly closing off his exit. Not that Zac could dare head back in that direction anytime soon. Continuing forward wasn''t an option either, as Zac found himself face-to-face with twelve Hegemons armed and ready. He could also tell he was standing atop an array, which would undoubtedly activate in case he made the wrong move.


    The lineup was even stronger than he''d expected, yet their appearance rxed Zac slightly. Half of the warriors wore the liveries of the Dravorak Imperial Guard, while the rest were a mix of elites from different established factions.


    Five were Middle Hegemons, two of which had very condensed auras. They weren''t at Kator''s level, but either should be more than a match to the Saber Master Reincarnator from before. Zac was still confident in victory if it came to blows, but it would be a pyrrhic victory where he''d be forced to go all out.


    "Alliance, you dog-eyed bastards," Zac swore as he threw an Allbright nobility token at the Dravorak leader. "Are you trying to get me killed?"


    The Dravorak Captain briefly inspected the token before throwing over an item of his own. "Activate this talisman."


    Zac nced at it, confirming it was a simple purification talisman that had be very popr because of an unintended side effect. Its energy signature was very good at agitating Heart Curses. Even the elites from the seven chapters would have a hard time fully suppressing any evidence of their situation.


    This particr talisman seemed of higher quality than those circting on the open market. Zac was quite happy to see it and activated the talisman withoutint. A cleansing wave spread through his body, finding nothing to purify.


    "Apologies. Your strength didn''t let us take any risks," the Dravorak captain said. "A moment of leniency could undo our undertaking."


    "If you''re sorry, why not let me spar with you boys for a bit?" Zac muttered as his helmet retreated into his armor, exposing his orcish appearance.


    "If time permits," the Dravorak Captain said with a slight smile. "But please, restrain your anger, or you''ll attract the ancient intent."


    "Fine, let''s go then," Zac grunted, brusquely inviting himself into the group.


    Since using the token didn''te without a price, Zac figured he might as well see what this group was up to. They had to be one of the groups working toward the main mission, and helping him out was the least they could do after almost getting him killed.


    The aura he exuded was only matched by the Dravorak Captain, and the two made some small talk as they made their way through a dizzying number of streets. Each side was investigating each other, but neither gained much. Zac gave a usible excuse for his identity that couldn''t be verified inside the tower, that ofte reinforcements from another Field Army.


    Their journey took almost an hour, partly because they stopped to take out no less than six groups of Kan''Tanu while picking up four stray Alliance cultivators. Zac asionally looked back at the direction he came from, yet there were no signs of Ra''Klid breaking through.


    Or anyone else, for that matter. Making a few inquiries helped lessen his worries. It turned out the fortress was installed with arrays that hid breakthroughs. Zac hadn''t expected to see it here, but it wasmon in high-grade settlements. After all, people would go mad if Tolls of Hegemony disrupted their meditation every other day.


    Finally, they reached their destination, a mostly hollowed-out building at the very center of the fortress. Just twenty meters beyond was a five-hundred-meter chasm separating the rotating tower from the rest of the fortress. Zac was curious to peer into the depths, but a stormy curtain blocked everything below.


    "You can''t just fly across the gap and enter the tower?"


    "Impossible," the captain said. "The chasm is a separate spatial zone, and you can see how it''s constantly swallowing more energy."


    "So we''re stuck outside?" Zac frowned.


    Finding an entrance below was impossible if the chasm was an absolute divide, and <strong>[Apex Jungle] </strong>wouldn''t work either.


    "No, we believe there are two ways to enter," the captain said. "One, find a teleporter. I refuse to believe none of these buildings is equipped with one. We are constantly on the lookout for the spatial fluctuations of teleportation arrays. We''ve forced open a few already, but no luck so far."


    Zac slowly nodded, feeling that was a good option. It was worth using his token again if it meant getting sent right into the tower. However, he couldn''t just mindlessly open one building after another. His token would be reduced to an ornament before he''d explored a single district. "The other?"


    "The same way we entered this realm. The chasm is hiding a dimensional storm created by the tower''s rotation. It''s essentially twisting space into a spiral, creating a protective divider," the captain said before waving his hand.


    A simple de empowered with the Dao of the Sword shot forth, and Zac looked on with interest as it disappeared upon entering the chasm. The scenery shattered like a mirror the next moment, where a frenzied hurricane of unbridled energy reced the gentle wind and pockets of mist.


    "As you can see, it''s not nearly as stable as the barrier to this domain. The tower is damaged, and it hasn''t finished setting up its shield. We believe it''s possible to turn those weaknesses into temporary paths with enough preparation. The problem is that space inside is��HEY!"


    Zac barely heard the captain''s words as he burst forth with unstoppable momentum. He was briefly overwhelmed by an immense sense of acute danger from fully exposing his position, but it was quickly drowned and swept away by the hurricane''s raging roar. Recing it was blood and pain, yet there was no regret in Zac''s heart as he wildly looked around.


    How could he sit idly by after sensing Emily''s rescue beacon within the storm?

 Chapter 1141: Guiding Light

    <h4>Chapter 1141: Guiding Light</h4>


    There was one more potential exnation for the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>''s energy loss, apart from the drain of opening doors��an exnation Zac had staunchly refused to entertain until now. However, sensing Emily''s rescue beacon within the storm forced those insidious whispers to the surface. It might have been one of his sealbearers dying, where Emily and Ra''Klid faced the greatest danger. And Ra''Klid couldn''t be the reason for the dip since Zac had yet to infuse the demon''s seal into the token.


    Sensing Emily''s beacon through the turbulent storm filled Zac with fear and hope. Waiting for the Dravorak to find a stable path into the tower was out of the question, but his impulsive action left him floundering. He''d lost the signal the moment he entered the hurricane, and it was impossible to gain his bearings.


    Zac''s energy was rapidly consumed by <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>, despite its defensive domain being only marginally better at defending against the onught than <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. It protected his body, but scars were constantly added to his armor while streams of chaotic energy slipped right through the cracks. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> still hadn''t returned the mysterious force from before and was unwilling to stop its refinement to deal with the new invading energies.


    The influx was still manageable by relying on his Daos. The real headache was the unusual spatial pressure. Space wasn''t linear inside the chasm, and there was a powerful force trying to twist him like a rope. Nothing he did seemed to reduce the painful pull, leaving him with nothing to rely on except his body''s basic durability.


    Not even his Soul Sense was spared, and a painful bacsh made Zac cough up blood inside his helmet. His Mental Energy had been dragged beyond its breaking point when it expanded from his body. He''d effectively been blinded, and direction couldn''t be trusted any more than inside the Void.


    Should he just leave and regroup? <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> should still be able to reach outside, and using Void Energy should let him teleport out before the domain was ripped apart.


    It was almost like the universe could hear his thoughts. The beacon''s signal returned just as Zac considered retreat, and he furiously channeled <strong>[Skystriker]</strong> to force his way further into the storm. The turbulence worsened, putting increasing pressure on <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>. Meanwhile, the Killing Intent dragged into the chasm was growing increasingly concentrated, approaching the levels where it gained a will.


    The good news was that the signal gradually grew stronger, confirming Zac sessfully navigated the chasm while giving him a better sense of direction. Purpose burned as he forcibly activated his movement skill over and over until a warning call echoed in his mind. It came from his gear rather than danger sense, cautioning that the beastcrafted armor was approaching a point beyond its self-recovery capabilities.


    Zac still forged ahead, recing bone armor with the suppressive force of his bloodline. He condensed <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> to only reach a hand beyond his body to conserve energy and slightly strengthen the nullification field. It was still woefully incapable of dealing with the onught, but that didn''t change Zac''s conviction. He pressed on, constantly channeling <strong>[Surging Rebirth] </strong>with Kill Energy. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It wasn''t often that Eoz''s parting words resonated with him as much as it did today. Zac''s ancestor had found purpose through his descendants, and through purpose came strength. Zac felt that same strength as he fought to reach his disciple.


    Purpose and iron will brought Zac further than he''d reach on his own, but his Draugr Nodes weren''t without a limit. He was eventually forced to swap out <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> with the absolute defense of a D-grade Defensive Talisman. It gave him a breather against the chaotic energies, but the Killing Intent had already reached critical mass. Murderous intent so dense it gained physical form and malignant will crashed into the barrier. Some of it seeped through, which finally stirred the slumbering <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to action.


    It was a smallfort but painfully inadequate to turn the situation around. A pang of danger provided ast-minute warning before a wraithlike warrior stepped out of the rampaging winds, shing at Zac with overly long fingers. The attack tore through the exhausted talisman, but a golden domain rose to meet the attack. <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong> managed to block the ambush at the cost of three pirs, but more vengeful ghosts were already forming around him.


    The situation was unsustainable.


    Zac had no choice but to finally activate his Hail Mary. Large amounts of Void Energy were spent to conjure a vast jungle within the storm. Zac stretched the skill as far as he could, even if that meant its copse woulde sooner. Hundreds of trees were shredded the second they appeared. Zac forcibly regrew them, unheeding of the strain it put the skill fractal under.


    The ghosts were barely affected by the domain, and a swipe destroyed the remaining pirs of Zac''s defensive skill. He used the attack''s momentum to fly into the closest tree of his rapidly crumbling domain. Zac had no frame of reference as to where the tree he teleported to was located. He only knew the emergency beacon was loudest here.


    The jungle had already been ripped apart by wraiths and spatial distortion when Zac emerged. The tree behind him was thest of its kind, bravely holding on until it finished its mission. The winds were much calmer where he appeared, but it was reced by something even worse.


    He''d entered a world of overwhelming Killing Intent, filled with jagged screams and discordant memories. He''d fallen into a sea of blood which broke down his body and corroded his sanity. Yet the rescue beacon was like a lighthouse''sntern, urging his body forward. Suddenly, he felt his hands and knees touch solid ground, but it barely registered over the war raging in his mind.


    Too much intent had flooded his body. Dozens of red streaks had formed, and<strong> [Void Heart] </strong>was utterly incapable of containing them. It slowly nibbled away at the energy, but Zac knew he''d go mad before it was done unless something changed. He tried to enter a Void State tobat the roaring madness, only to find his sanctuary repeatedly encroached and destroyed.


    He unsteadily got to his feet, stepping forward while forming a familiar mudra. One position followed the next as Zac let muscle memory lead him through the firstyer of the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. The familiar movements and their conditioned effect helped Zac take better control of his state of mind.


    The crumbling Void eventually stabilized, bing a stone that resisted the river. The only thing he epted into his Void was the stable call of Emily''s beacon, which represented his self and his purpose. Everything else was held at bay.


    Zac had no idea how long it took before the Killing Intent was exhausted and the fiendish energy consumed. He slumped onto the ground, his body once more a bloody mess. The remaining Kill Energy flooded <strong>[Surging Rebirth]</strong>, rapidly closing hiscerations.


    It was only now he''d gotten a look at his surroundings. Zac knew he''d passed the chasm, but he hadn''t expected to reach the tower interiors directly from the storm. However, there was no other exnation for the densely engraved walls of the wide hallway he found himself in. The details and materials differed from the buildings outside, and he only needed to turn around to confirm his location.


    The hallway abruptly ended just ten meters behind him, giving a spectacr view of the miniature world. The buildings were so far below him they looked like small toy blocks. He hadn''t just entered the tower; he had already reached one of the upper sections damaged by the immense sword scar. There was no hint of Killing Intent around him, but Zac knew that taking a few steps toward the opening would put him right back in that torture chamber.


    Thankfully, Emily''s beacon wasn''t asking anything of the sort. Its signal was still weak but significantly stronger than inside the hurricane. It clearly indicated for him to go up and further into the tower. Which coincidentally was the same direction his treasure sense urged him to go. Far more fate was gathered in the upper reaches than the rest of the towerbined.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    Had his luck finally rubbed off on his disciple, sending her right past the finish line to im the prize?


    He tried to send her a message without any luck. Perhaps she wasn''t in a state to answer. More likely, the tower blocked unauthorized means ofmunication. Zac took a shuddering breath as the tracker suddenly began moving. She was neither getting closer nor further away. Emily was moving back and forth in a space of roughly fifty meters.


    She was alive, and she was trying tomunicate through the signal. Zac''s heart flooded with relief even greater than after surviving the passage. The signal was bidirectional, so she should have sensed his arrival. Was Emily saying she was okay by moving back and forth? Or that she''s trapped? There was only one way to find out.


    Zac ignored his body''s protests as he moved further into the hallway. He didn''t give the dozens of identical doorways a single nce as he passed them by, though his Soul Sense ensured he didn''t miss a single detail. It quickly became apparent the fortress''s damage wasn''t limited to the immediate vicinity of the sword scar.


    Most inscriptionscked Cosmic Energy even further inside. Meanwhile, others were so overloaded they had be ticking time bombs, where cracked walls and scorched hallways impressed just how much force they were talking about.


    And while Zac couldn''t sense any spatial instability right now, it clearly hadn''t always been so stable. Wherever he looked, there were the small, clean incisions of spatial tears. Only a few contained lingering traces of Spatial Energy, though. The damage was recent but not ongoing. Had the interiors stabilized when the tower began spinning?


    Zac''s Soul Sense couldn''t prate the walls or the doors he passed, but the damage provided ess and allowed Zac to confirm he''d been deposited into something like a sealed cultivation corridor. He passed a door every ten meters, and the only thing on the other side were small cubic rooms covered in odd arrays Zac didn''t recognize. Odd in the sense they seemed designed to extract energy rather than deposit it.


    It was curious, but Zac wasn''t in the mood to solve the mystery or waste his token on opening one of the intact chambers to confirm. He soon reached the hallway''s end, finding himself before a much sturdier door. Zac had already mentally prepared himself to use more of the token''s energy to reach Emily, but a few jarring details made him stop ten meters away from the door.


    First of all, the door exuded a palpable sense of danger. Its design differed greatly from those outside. It was covered inplex patterns that made it resemble a piece of art. Zac could tell it was made from Peak D-grade materials, at the least, and the energy coursing through it indicated it was being actively guarded or reinforced by arrays. There was also a control rune to the side, indicating it wasn''t automated like the doors outside.


    None of that was enough to give Zac pause. The two corpses slumped on the ground, however, were. They were Alliance Hegemons by their appearance. They were wounded, but not to the point it could exin their deaths. There was simply no way they''d entered the same way as he. Like Emily, they must have been deposited right inside the tower.


    Were they early arrivals from when the spatial instability still reigned, or was it possible for pathways to form inside the tower despite its additional protections? It was likely thetter based on a few clues.


    Zac had hoped Emily would be the exception to the rule because of their unorthodox method of entering the fortress, but Zac feared it might not be the case. Perhaps there were already hundreds of people fighting for the opportunities within. Or would any new arrival end up trapped like Emily and the two men before him?


    The Hegemons must have realized the dangers of leaving through sword scar and opted to break through the door. Zac could sense lingering energy on three sections of the doorframe, and there were piles of dust right beneath the spots��array breakers, most likely, and not used more than a couple of hours ago.


    The result was evident. The door remained closed while the Hegemons were deader than dead. The bodiespletelycked any spirituality or energy, like an invisible pulse had annihted their souls and dispersed all energy within their cores.


    Zac inched closer while monitoring the door, ready to sh away at the slightest sign of danger. He grabbed the closest hand to ess the Hegemon''s Spatial Ring, only for the hand to crumble like dry wood. The door''s defenses were no joke to kill a D-grade cultivator so utterly.


    The Spatial Ring wasn''t in much better shape. It didn''t crumble to Zac''s touch, but cracks began to spread when he infused some energy. There was no time to worry about seals or traps. Zac urgently scanned its contents for clues and treasures while the subspace crumbled, knowing he could only extract one or two items before the whole thing crumbled. There was a little bit of everything, from manuals to crystals and treasures.


    All normal things you''d find on any Hegemon, yet Zac knew something was off.


    Zac had long since lost count of how many Cosmos Sacks and Spatial Rings he''d looted since the integration. He''d seen everything from mountains of treasures to such meager reserves it made Zac wonder whether his opponent had even been a cultivator. Some spatial treasures were all business, containing only the items needed for a mission or their ongoing cultivation. Others carried their entire lives on their fingers.


    Some held the tools of hobbies or secondary trades. Others, thousands of worthless trinkets and mementos. He''d found one with tens of thousands of leaves, none from Spiritual nts, yet all carefully organized. Another, thousands of self-drawn portraits. All different, but they had one thing inmon. They told a story. A Spatial Ring was a window into its owner''s psyche, exposing their background and pursuits.


    And the story Zac was seeing rang false.


    Zac didn''t know why he felt that way since nothing stood out. It simply felt too intentional and synthetic. Zac chose to follow his hunch since there wasn''t anything valuable in the ring anyway, so he extracted the item that gave him the strongest sense of wrongness: a wooden wardrobe holding five sets of casual robes.


    The wooden armoire was only made from F-grade materials and crumbled from the unstable extraction. Zac shed away as a gust of energy spewed a pile of items. It wasn''t the robes, though, but a slew of items he hadn''t noticed before.


    The wardrobe actually held a second subspace, something Zac didn''t even think was possible. It couldn''t have beenrger than a bucket, but it was still an incredible aplishment. Could it have used a different storage method than the Dao of Space? Zac hadn''t heard of anything like that before.


    But if there were Cosmic Vessels based on various Daos, why not storage devices? Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t jealous. Who wouldn''t want a hiddenpartment for their most important treasures and secrets in case their Spatial Ring was searched?


    It wasn''t hard to guess why this seemingly average Hegemon had needed such an extravagant hiding spot. The items that spilled forth were wholly unfamiliar, yet they brought back memories of Kenzie''s workshop and theboratories inside the research base. The corpses were Technocrats.


    Zac swore as he looked at the pile of gadgets, knowing his fears hade true. The technocrats were really a step ahead of thepetition. It increasingly looked like they were his greatest adversary rather than the cultists. But so what? Emily was waiting for him, and some Technocrats wouldn''t change anything. He''d cut them all down, no matter how many got in his way.


    The door shared his antipathy, and Zac urgently created even more distance as the arrays on the doorframe lit up. A powerful pulse shook the corridor, and Zac was forced to activate <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> when a nearby rune broke and added to the chaos. The chaos only worsened, so Zac squeezed into one of the side chambers through a broken door and barricaded the gap with a block of Spiritual Metal.


    Themotion only abated after thirty seconds. Zac ate another set of Healing Pills as he returned to the doorway, even if the effect was limited. He''d been overindulging the past hours, and the effect would only get worse until his body had stabilized and flushed out all the medicinal dregs.


    He should''ve known a Limitless Empire War Fortress would be installed with defenses against the Dao of Technology. The question was, would it be able to sense the stain of technology on his body? After all, he was technically a descendant of the Kayar-Elu, one of the original Selvari ns chosen by the Technocrat Codex.


    Wouldn''t he be considered enemy number one? Would the whole tower go berserk if it recognized his bloodline?


    Zac looked down at the <strong>[Nine Courts Token]</strong> with hesitation. He hadn''t been fully confident if it''d work inside after the token failed to prevent the danger of being exposed to the tower. Now, there were suddenly more variables at y. No, it shouldn''t be like that. He wasn''t a real Kayar-Elu, and every part of him was within Heaven''s purview by design. He was designed to trick even the System, so a C-grade fortress shouldn''t be a problem.


    The pile of Technocrat tools had been reduced to dust, as were the corpses. Zac sifted through the piles, but there was nothing to salvage. Besides, would he even dare activate a Technocratputer if he found one? He was extremely curious why a bunch of Technocrats were so interested in a dpidated fortress, but hecked the imnts and skills to look for answers.


    Zac looked at the control array for a few seconds before moving the token closer. The door felt like an agitated beast about tosh out again, with its energy precariously fluctuating. His heart thumped when he put the token right against the sigil. His worries only increased when energy surged toward the gate from the surrounding walls.


    Finally, he couldn''t take it any longer. He disappeared, instantly moving halfway across the corridor with <strong>[Skystriker]</strong>. However, no soul-destroying pulses or lethal lights pursued him. The door slowly opened, though it stopped halfway when its arrays failed. Zac stepped forward, his axe already in hand.


    The gates were open and destiny was calling.

 Chapter 1142 - Caches

    Zac took in therge hall he''d entered, finding it grander in scale and make than the corridor he''de from. It reminded Zac of a cathedral, its ceiling reaching over 50 meters into the air. His guess was likely not far off. Their exploration of the Ensolus Ruins had already shown that the Limitless Empire cultivated faith to some degree. There was also a hint of lingering will gathered in a few of the pirs.


    Its character was a stark contrast to the decaying murderous intent of the sword scar. Despite being faded, it maintained rity and strength of will, which was doubly impressive since there were traces of the corrosive Killing Intent in the hall. The Faith Energy gave Zac the impression of an ancient war god''s blessing, its mark all but gone after eons of abandonment. Just standing in the cathedral helped wash away some of Zac''s doubts, filling him with motivation to forge ahead.


    He finally understood the engravings within the small cultivation chambers. They were Faith Catchers that nurtured the cathedral and possibly the whole fortress. Zac felt mixing war and faith was a two-edged sword, simr to relying on the Emotional Daos when fighting. Every victory would strengthen the fortress, leading it to greater glory.


    However, losses would dampen an army''s spirit, weakening the faith gathered in the halls. Just encountering a powerful enemy could weaken its defenses before it even was hit. Of course, it was possible to forge an unyielding faith that would stand tall against any threat or tribtion. The Limitless Empire could very well have reached that stage, which would exin how the faith had withstood the superior Killing Intent all these years.


    It was slightly odd that a sealed hall was infected while the hall directly exposed to the sword scar was not, though Zac suspected it could be exined by the chasm. When the tower started spinning, the intent was dragged out of all open areas. Meanwhile, whatever intent had made its way to the inner regions was trapped, thus safe from the hurricane''s pull.


    Zac walked further inside, a slight frown on his face. The intent was there, but its creators were not. Like the hallway, the only damage came from broken arrays and spatial tears. There were no signs of battle, nor were there any corpses.


    There were even unusually little signs of habitation. He was only guessing therge hall was once a war cathedral because of its design, but there were no furniture or installments that could help corroborate his theory. It was swept clean, with not even ayer of dust on the ground.


    Had some Technocrats swept through the region, picking everything in their path? Zac shook his head. Why would they bother with random items without value? It felt more like the room had been emptied during an evacuation.


    However, that theory didn''t make much sense either. Zac could feel the pull of at least one hundred valuable treasures spread through the tower. And that was just the best stuff that could trigger his [Lucky Beads]. It was probably just the tip of the iceberg. Why leave all that wealth behind but take worthless furniture? Perhaps some logbooks or reports could shed light on the mystery.


    The cathedral had dozens of doors lining its sides, but Zac suspected they led to hallways like the one he came from. Instead, he flew into the sky and entered a gallery after confirming it led further into the tower''s heart. Just as Zded, he sharply twisted and shot forth with [Skystriker].


    A spatial tear appeared without warning, and two harried cultivators emerged. Both were Hegemons dressed as alliance members. Their apparent allegiance didn''t stop [Verun''s Bite] from finishing its trajectory. The first died before his whole body had emerged from the tear, while the other had an arm cut off before being punched in the head with enough force to knock him out. The attacks had destabilized the tear, and Zac finished the job byunching a series of Dao-Empowered Fractal des into it.


    The high-pressure situation wasn''t enough to make Zac give in to paranoia and strike at anything that moved. He could tell something was wrong with the spatial gate. There was a familiar energy mixed with the powerful Spatial forces��the refined energy Technocrats used to power their machines. He''d seen it both aboard the Jaol''s old ship and in the research base.


    Zac considered throwing a bomb into the gate just as it closed but ultimately decided against it. There might be actual allies on the other side, unaware their ranks had been infiltrated. Zac turned to his unconscious captive, who''d already been wrapped up in Vivi''s vines. Since the mere presence of their tools angered the tower, he''d simply have to drag the truth out of this guy''s mouth.


    A st of energy destroyed Vivi''s vines and Zac''s hopes for answers, and he flung the body further into the cathedral while escaping further into the hallway. A tremendous explosion threw him off his feet, but an overbearing pressure subdued and contained the inferno to the cathedral. Zac sighed after confirming nothing of the Technocrat remained. These guys could even trigger self-destructs while unconscious? Or was someone remotely observing their actions?


    It looked like it would be harder than expected to figure out the Technocrat''s schemes. Then again, their goals didn''t matterpared to finding Emily. Their presence would make it difficult to take control of the fortress, but did that matter?


    Zac couldn''t imagine the fortresssting long, especially if used in battle. Less than half the arrays were functioning, indicating widespread damage to the energy channels within the walls. Besides, Zac had his backup ns if things went south. He would ensure the tower and those inside wouldn''t survive the day.


    For now, securing Emily and finding an escape route was priority number one. Zac resumed his journey, eventually finding a path leading further up that wasn''t protected by new barricades. Emily''s signal was still some distance away, and his token wouldn''tst if every corridor had a safety door.


    It was quickly bing clear that the tower was muchrger than it looked from the outside, though the difference wasn''t at the level of the Tower of Eternity, where each level held a whole world. Zac ran back and forth through thebyrinthian design, eventually concluding its diameter was roughly ten timesrger than it appeared. The dimensions were normal, though, meaning it wasn''t the result of spatial expansion like the research base. More likely, it was the work of the chasm.


    The first five floors forced Zac to use his token four more times, and the only thing he found was more chambers and rooms rted to the Faith of the Limitless Empire. Zac ignored all rooms that didn''t provide easy ess, even two doors that released a steady wave of alluring aura. There was no inexplicable pull indicating the presence of a top-tier treasure, but there were likely resources whose spirituality had seeped through the materials.


    Zac wouldn''t trade his token''s lifespan for some random resources. Furthermore, the fact he could sense the energy from the hallway meant the materials had lost most of their spirituality. However, Zac couldn''t help but stop when he stumbled upon a grand door marked with ''Sixth Library'' in the script of the Limitless Empire.


    What kind of books would be ced inside a C-grade Fortress''s Library? Cultivation Manuals, skills, Arrays, and blueprints for War Machines. There might even be the blueprints for the whole fortress waiting inside. Gathering the materials required would be tough in Zecia, but what really made the construction of facilities at this level impossible was theck of knowledge.


    They were missing the methods to create high-grade minerals and alloys, not to mention the millions of arrays needed to erect an impregnable fortress. Zac couldn''t resist the attraction and ced the [Court Cycle Token] against the sigil.


    "Shit!" Zac swore and shed away, his eyes wide with rm after a wall of rejection rebuffed his mind.


    It wasn''t apanied by an attack or a sense of threat. It felt like a brusque warning that he didn''t have the credentials to enter the library. Zac looked at the sigil with a frown. Was the problem that he had too few sealbearers infused, or did some facilities require specific credentials? Either case, Zac wasn''t ready to give up just yet with an invaluable repository just a stone''s throw away.


    The fractal for [Apex Jungle] had multiple cracks after being forcefully used inside the hurricane, yet Zac pressed on. Cramped trees exuding an archaic air filled the hallway, filling every nook and cranny with nigh-impassable verdure. However, when the jungle tried to spread into the library or any other sealed rooms, it encountered an impassable barrier.


    Zac refused to give in, and the domain rapidly expanded beyond the immediate vicinity. It continued down the stairs he came from, searching for a point of ingress through a dizzyingwork of connected paths. There were none. Zac gave the stalwart door a final reluctant look before disappearing into a tree.


    His go-to cheat didn''t work, though Zac sincerely doubted the fortress was equipped with methods to block the Void. The problem was that the stones were imbued with a natural istion that trumped whatever theories his Void Energy utilized. It was just like the Orom World. He''d tried the same thing to escape through the spatial barrier at the world''s edge, only to realize the trees couldn''t grow beyond a certain point.


    It was still a worthy experiment, though. Better know now than in a pitched battle. And while he couldn''t get his hands on the repository, there were some other goodies.


    Zac appeared inside arge room and swiftly stowed a holstered sword and a box before entering the tree he came from. The next room was liberated of a bookshelf full of dusty tomes and a b of green stone that had been used as a prayer mat. Zac was like a mischievous forest nymph who stole a few items from twelve rooms in rapid session before teleporting to a tree next to a set of stairs.


    The jungle dispersed, and Zac continued on his way. The walls could block his skill, but age and frayed space had created small openings. A few doors had be slightly tilted, while wall cracks created an opening to some other rooms. The slightest gap was enough for [Apex Jungle] to squeeze through.


    None of the rooms he essed held overly precious materials, and they had lost much of their spirituality. Still, they were relics from an ancient era, half made from materials Zac didn''t even recognize. There was no way he''d leave such goodies lying on the table. Unfortunately, the tomes were only ledgers and purchase orders from the floor''s quartermaster.


    Zac forged ahead, his appetite for plunder whetted, and his worries slightly alleviated. Five floors and one skill activationter, he hadn''t seen a shadow of the Technocrats or their operation. He''d been worried after encountering two groups at such close intervals, especially when it looked like they had a method to direct the pathways. Luckily, they seemed limited in method or manpower.


    In fact, the whole tower was almost suspiciously safe. He''d half-expected to run into energy sentries or get sted by hidden turrets when rounding a corner. There seemed to be no such safeguards beyond the safety checks at the sealed doors.


    The tower provided other surprises instead. Zac stopped and looked around in wonder after exiting the stairs, almost wondering if he''d been teleported off-world without noticing. Why was there a rustic city square this far up a military facility? There even seemed to have been flowerbeds and trees lining the streets once upon a time, though only a few calcified trunks remained.


    Zac looked around with confusion as he passed dusty storefronts whose wares were either looted or long since turned to ash. It was clear that these civilian buildings could not preserve their interiors like the reinforced chambers. He could even use Soul Sense to sweep the buildings without meeting any resistance. Perhaps the city square was only a temporary installment meant to be reced with other forms of entertainment after a while.


    It was undeniably odd. He''d somewhat assumed the tower would be a pure military facility while soldiers lived in the vast protected spaces underground. But the rooms he''d looted indicated some really lived in the tower, and he remembered seeing simr arrangements inside the Technocrat Mystic Realm. Perhaps it was a requirement to maintain the mental health of those stationed.


    High-grade cultivators had incredibly tough mental fortitude, but the damage they could cause if their Dao Hearts and mental state deteriorated was devastating. Using a few floors to give these warriors a sense of normalcy wasn''t a high price to pay.


    Zac walked through three levels of the simted town. It became increasingly clear it was just for enjoyment. His Soul Sense exposed that most buildings were empty above the restaurants or storefronts on the ground floor. Normally, those floors would be offices or living spaces for the owners, but there was no evidence they''d ever been upied.


    Only a few buildings diverged from the norm. Zac nced at a faded sign of a woodworking shop. Most wares had turned into dust on the ground except for a few carvings made from Spiritual Wood. The shop looked no different than its neighbors, but it was outfitted with a massive living space that continued into the neighboring buildings.


    There was also a damaged top-tier cultivation chamber in the basement, whose arrays were far more intricate than anything Zac had encountered in the tower thus far. Perhaps some higher-up came down to y woodcarver as a stress relief? There was nothing of value left behind, but the woodshop wasn''t the only ce that stood out.


    Zac found himself drawn toward a small store hidden in a corner of the makeshift vige, even passing the stairs leading to the next level. He felt like a monster constantly being side-tracked on his rescue mission, but Emily''s beacon moved every ten minutes. It had already taken him an hour to navigate theplexyout.


    What was a few minutes more when fate pulled at him with such urgency? He''d ignored multiple buildings holding the promise of treasure on his way to the tower, but none had been so essible or powerful. His stomach rumbled, and his cells itched as he passed through the door and an invisible barrier. Even Haro stirred through [Adaptive Symbiosis] because of the irresistible scent of primordial life.


    The dusty storefront looked the same as the others, but Zac followed the scent until he reached an office in the back. The small room would have looked wholly ordinary if not for the erosion of time. One of the walls flickered, asionally exposing the hiddenpartment the scent of life originated from.


    Zac observed the broken set of arrays for over five minutes beforeing up with a solution. However, he didn''t even have time to infuse the first talisman before a scream of danger forced Zac to sh away. He was too slow.


    A silver streak punctured a hole through his gut as an eruption of energy consumed everything in the office. The stormsted a few seconds before abating, at which point Zac reentered. The wound hurt like hell, but Zac knew he was lucky.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Thepartment was outfitted with a concealed array Zac hadn''t noticed at all, but the damage made it fail before it could properly go off. He would have been hit by dozens of silver pellets if it had worked properly. But intentional or not, his solution worked.


    A small cubby had been exposed on the other side. It was covered in sublime engravings from floor to ceiling, and some still seemed to be working. The arrays used a lot of patterns that diverged from those Zac was familiar with, but he could vaguely understand their function. They were an archaic form of treasure-nurturing arrays.


    Most materials and Natural Treasures lost spirituality over time. Putting them in containers and spatial rings drastically slowed the process, but it wasn''t nearly as effective as having arrays nurturing them. It was the second-best option after nurturing the treasures in the unique environment that gave birth to them.


    That was why established factions had proper treasuries instead of some elders keeping everything inside their rings. The best items would even have custom-designed arrays to create an optimal environment. For whatever reason, someone had constructed such an arrangement here and hidden it behind abination array.


    Were the three engraved containers ill-gotten gains that needed to be hidden from the officers? Their markings perfectly blended with the cubby''s arrays, showcasing exquisite workmanship. Unfortunately, two had already broken down, and the treasures they held only emitted the aura of E-grade.


    The third box''s array had also failed, but it looked like it had held on far longer than the other two. A tendril of vibrant energy seeped out of a crack, and a gurgling sound confirmed it was what he''de for. He opened the broken chest, finding a single quill encased in a crystal covered in the markings of a natural formation.


    On second look, Zac realized it might be the spine of a cactus. Furthermore, it wasn''t the spine that was valuable, but rather the liquid it held. Zac greedily inhaled the aroma, marveling at how well the ancient Dao of Life had been preserved. It was rugged and primal but incredibly pure.


    Haro''s vines moved in his sleep, and not even Vivi could sit still. Zac was just as interested in the shockingly pure essence of life. He could tell it could provide a much-needed boost to his [Void Vajra Sublimation], saving months of arduous cultivation. Furthermore, the spine was rapidly losing spirituality now that it had lost the treasury''s protection.


    But he was already halfway to Emily. Zac gritted his teeth and sealed the box the best he could. Absorbing it would have to wait until he''d confirmed Emily''s situation. Waiting an hour or two shouldn''t worsen the effect that much.


    A stabbing pain made Zac groan and clench his chest as he emerged from the inner room. Not the pain of regret but of his chest being flooded by a malevolent storm. Once more, Zac was attacked by dozens of red streaks of Killing Intent. His eyes were wide with panic upon realizing [Void Heart] couldn''t save him this time.


    After all, it was his Hidden Node that cracked, unleashing its contents unrefined and ahead of schedule.

 Chapter 1143 - Malevolent Potential

    A feral growl escaped Zac''s throat, brought forth by the streams of malevolent energy rampaging through his body. The world was drowned in red, and the discordant roars in his mind pushed him toward a deviation. Zac furiously fought back as he searched for a solution. The painful throbbing in his heart was a poignant reminder that practicing the [Void Vajra Sublimation] wouldn''t help. Last time, it let him endure the assault, yet it was [Void Heart] that dealt with the root of the problem.


    He had to deal with it some other way. But how? Eons of slumber had weakened the anger that drove the sword through the fortress, but its source was ultimately an Autarch. Even scraps of such powerful beings were enough to threaten a Hegemon''s life. His Void Emperor bloodline had worked against all odds, but it was only E-grade. Using his own Kill Energy was like smashing eggs against a rock and only aggravated the onught in his mind.


    Could he only do that?


    The deep groan of ancient wood interrupted his thoughts, warning him that the situation had worsened. The huge chamber holding the city square wasing alive, flooding it with gravitational forces. An insistent warning of imminent danger pierced the madness. Flying had be impossible, so Zac ran out of the building, each step leaving deep imprints on the ground.


    A pir of light descended from the sky, reducing the building to ash. The sudden attack helped subdue the intent, and it gathered into a ball like it was facing a great threat. Still, the red tangle retained its fiendish nature. mors for violence shook Zac''s Soul Aperture, urging him to let go, to strike back at the oppressors who almost burnt him alive.


    Muscles trembled with barely contained explosive force, and Killing Intent seeped out of Zac''s body. However, there was still an unyielding core of rity that let Zac calmly analyze the situation. Part of his resilience was thanks to the brush with death, triggering deep-rooted survival instincts.


    Most of the credit had to be given to [Void Heart]. The fiendish energy had ultimately broken out of the Hidden Node, but not before a third was refined. With the remains being suppressed by the tower, he temporarily had some leeway. He needed to seize the opportunity to get out of this mess.


    Not even the reinforced treasury survived the st, and the lingering aura of life was reced by destion and ash. The neighboring buildings were already straining under the increased gravitational force, and the following shockwave leveled half the neighborhood.


    Local pandemonium became the trigger for wider turmoil. Enormous runes glowing with steel and conviction had appeared on the chamber''s walls and ceiling, but their state was no better than the rest of the fortress. Some fluctuated precariously while others had gone dark. Sustaining a powerful gravity chamber while releasing powerful bursts of energy was asking too much of the run-down arrays.


    A whole range of runes exploded on the other side of the township, unleashing a wave of light and immense pressure. Zac discarded all attempts to deal with the fiendish energy in favor of immediate escape. He ran toward the exit, even going so far as to stow [Verun''s Bite] to weaken his ingrown battle-readiness.


    Zac only got three steps before he was forced to his knees. The gravity cascade contained enough force to make the whole tower strain and shudder, and Zac was given a front-row seat. Its immense weight kept it contained to the other side of the hall, but Zac felt like he was drowning. The vortices in his cells had slowed to a crawl, and even his Soul Aperture shuddered precariously.


    A deafening tearing was like a heavenly trumpet. The eruption had copsed unto itself, forming a singrity that tore right through the reinforced floor. With it gone, Zac sprung to his feet, taking a gasping breath as his body came alive.


    The whole township was gone, crushed into dust. The only lingering proof of its existence was the handful of instations made from the same reinforced stone as the tower, such as the woodworker''s residence. Even those were twisted and broken, proving just how immense the pressure had been. If the cactus spine had been ced in the middle of the town, Zac would have been turned into red paste.


    He''d narrowly escaped death, yet Zac knew the interruption had dashed any hopes of escape. Two dozen energy constructs had emerged from the swirling dust, forming a half-circle around him. They were twice the size of the sentries they summoned when entering the fortress proper and more closely resembled humanoid figures. They even held arge amount of Faith Energy, which gave them a holy aura.


    Not the aura of a saint but that of a pdin on a mission to purge evil. They were the swords of judgment that would deal with any sinners who targeted their homes. Even one felt like a threat to his life. Taking out twenty was out of the question. Zac did the only thing he could.


    "I''m an ally!" Zac hoarsely roared as he waved the [Court Cycle Token] back and forth like a white g. "I''m dealing with the threat right now!"


    The sentries stopped their approach, but they didn''t back off. They silently floated in ce like they were trying topute the unexpected turn of events. Zac scanned the exits, inwardly swearing upon confirming his fears. Trapdoors had blocked all exits except for the hole in the floor. However, it still exuded immense gravitational force, making an approach impossible.


    Worse, the energy fluctuations were growing increasingly unstable. It was just a matter of time before another singrity formed. That time, he might not be as lucky.


    Zac barely had time to examine the surroundings before the token''s energy dropped, turning his face a shade whiter. He was actively losing energy to keep the guardians at bay. He needed to deal with the fiendish energy, and quickly.


    It wasn''t just to deal with the sentries. He was reaching his limits resisting the corrosion with willpower alone, and he''d only be asking for death if he started practicing the [Void Vajra Sublimation] with such a bloodthirsty audience.


    Zac turned to his bloodline for help, yet the Void remained indifferent to his plight. A second ripple weakened the token further. Zac channeled the desperation as he delved deeper, using it as kindling to illuminate the path. And with a furious pull, he brought the Void to the surface.


    A small ck swirl formed right by Zac''s chest, its appearance not causing so much of a ripple of energy. Instead, there was only a bottomless hunger. Debris and dust were dragged inside. Even the sentries flickered precariously from the pull.


    The sense of impending peril skyrocketed as the constructs advanced, but Zac didn''t dispel the ck hole. Just conjuring it was pushing the limits of his bloodline; stemming its voracity was beyond his ability. Instead, he focused on finishing his task.


    Zac''s body shuddered with strain as he forced the bundle of malevolent energy out of his chest. It was reluctant to leave theparative safety of his body, but it couldn''t overpower Zac and the ck hole''sbined force. The bundle was stuffed into the vortex and swallowed. Then it was gone, and the sentries froze in ce.


    "I''ve defeated the invader," Zac gasped, his mind still a mess from the murderous intent.


    A deafening silence reigned in Zac''s nervous standoff against the tower. Finally, the arrays flickered and deactivated, and the immense pressure disappeared like a figment of his imagination. The sentries also left by sinking into the floor.


    Zac''s heart bled as they took a third sealbearer piece with them on their way out. But what could he do? It was preferable to death.


    As expected, the root of the problems had been the sword Autarch''s intent. It made sense, considering it was made from the intent of the tower''s enemy, but Zac hadn''t expected its senses to be so keen to even notice it while trapped inside his body. Or that it would react so violently.


    He''d activated multiple skills and used his Void Energy without any reaction. Even the Technocrats arrived through gates marked by their Dao of Technology without creating a stir.


    Zac put away his token, suppressing the pain in his heart. It was time to cut his losses and get a move on. Themotion had gotten way out of hand. It was impossible for any nearby party not to notice. Worse, the powerful vibrations had probably spread through walls. He needed to leave before someone came to investigate, so he threw out a handful of aura-removing powder and escaped into a hallway.


    Worries gnawed at Zac''s heart as he resumed his ascent. It wasn''t the threat of exposure but rather the price of his actions. There was no telling what ramifications coulde of sending the fiendish energy into the Void Spiral. Zac knew next to nothing of what existed on the other side, except that it wasn''t just some random dimension or ne.


    It was a hidden space belonging to his bloodline, where all materials were sent during his breakthroughs. Zac also suspected that all the energy [Void Heart] kept for itself went there. Zac knew he hadn''t expelled the dangerous energy. He had just hidden it deeper within his body, where not even the tower could sense it.


    Doing so felt like injecting yourself with a dangerous virus, but Zac didn''t have a lot of options. His only other idea was to use his Oblivion Energy, which was out of the question. With Technocrats and possibly Imperials skulking the hallways, he needed a proper fallback. Besides, who knew how the sentinels would react if he suddenly conjured a de of pure destruction? And what would happen if the fiendish energy entered the fractal? At least he was safe for now.


    Or so he thought.


    Zac swore with rm and used his token to escape into a sealed room, unheeding of the cost. He briefly scanned the interiors to confirm there were no threats before turning his gaze inward. An ochre mist had begun seeping out from his damaged node. Zac felt like he was caught in a loop, reliving a nightmare.


    However, it didn''t take long for Zac to realize there was something very different about the fiendish energy. It still emitted a brutal aura, but itcked any hint of the ancient Autarch''s will. The mist had to be the part [Void Heart] finished refining before the red streaks broke free.


    It didn''t rush through his body or assault his mind. Instead, it fused with his blood and joined its journey through his body. Zac looked on with horror and urgently created a Mental Energy trap around his Hidden Node. It sessfully isted the emerging mist from the rest of his body. But so what? It was still there, and more was escaping his Hidden Node every moment.


    It wasn''t certain the refined energy would trigger the tower''s defenses, but Zac didn''t want to take the chances. At best, it meant another drain on the token, which he absolutely couldn''t afford. Not to mention, there was no guarantee the sentinels would ept his exnation after emitting the aura of their enemy a second time. But what should he do? Open another vortex?


    Corralling the mist would be easy. It had been stripped of its will, so it didn''t resist being trapped or moved around. But the gas was seeping out so slowly. It would take at least half an hour for it all to emerge. Zac could barely open a vortex as things stood, so holding it open that long was out of the question.


    Zac was also reluctant to throw it away. Getting his hands on the mist had almost cost him his life. Besides, he''d always benefitted from [Void Heart], no matter what it spat out. Even Tribtion Lightning became a tonic most cultivators could only dream of. And while the ochre mist may not be sourced from the heavens, it was still the product of a B-grade cultivator''s evolved Killing Intent. It had to be useful to someone cultivating the Dao of Conflict. If Zac could figure out the benefits of this energy, perhaps he could eventually do the same with his own Killing Intent.


    If only [Void Heart] had spat out an instruction manual along with its creation. Zac found himself stumped as he looked at the sanguine blob that had formed inside its cage. His cells weren''t screaming with hunger, and the mist didn''t react to his Mental Energy or soul. It didn''t seem useful for his Cosmic Core or gaining levels, either.


    A prickling sensation provided the answer. The mist that mixed with his blood was entering cells throughout his body. Difort transitioned to outright pain as more fiendish energy entered his cells. It was a pain Zac was familiar with. It was the sweet agony of Body Tempering, of being broken down to be rebuilt stronger.


    The torture brought him back to those early days of his struggles, where hisck of Death-attuned resources forced him to turn to crude concoctions like [Bone Forging Dust]. The red haze acted like a catalyst for his cells, forcibly expanding the golden whirlpools by making them spin faster.


    Zac looked at the change with interest. Only a sliver had entered his bloodstream, yet he could feel his limits being broken and surpassed. What would happen if he released all the energy he''d collected? However, Zac soon realized there was a problem.


    The golden whirlpools weren''t actually getting stronger. The fiendish energy performed half the steps of a body-tempering method. It broke down his cells in a way that would let him surpass his limits, but itcked the materials to build it back up. If nothing changed, he''d just end up with damaged foundations.


    Sometimes, you simply couldn''t avoid fate.


    Zac gritted his teeth as he took out the box he stowed just minutes before. A powerful gust of ancient, unyielding life filled the room when he opened the lid. Without the containment array, the thorn was rapidly losing spirituality. It might as well be the fuel for his rebirth.


    There was no time to figure out the best way of extracting the liquid, so Zac did what felt natural. The spine reminded Zac of the spikes he''d taken from the faceless assassin back in the Tower of Eternity, so he might as well use it the same way.


    Zac''s eyes shone with determination as he shattered the protective crystal. His hand moved like lightning, grabbing the thorn before stabbing it into his chest. The thorn proved its lofty origins by effortlessly piercing Zac''s reinforced skin to deposit its contents right into his heart.


    Meanwhile, Zac opened the cage, letting the ochre mist back into his heart. The two ancient forces joined, and the effect was instantaneous.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac crashed out of the room like a rampaging bull, the veins on his forehead writhing while every muscle in his body twitched. The root of the spine was still sticking out of his chest, and expanded veins had formed a golden rootlike pattern around it.


    Letting a sliver of the mist into his cells had been painful. Opening the floodgates was a hellish torture that made the [Bone Forging Dust] seem like a joke. Every part of his body was dying and being reborn. Zac wanted to curl into a ball. Or better yet, practice the [Void Vajra Sublimation] to escape the woes of his mortal coil.


    But Emily was waiting.


    Delirious, bloodshot eyes scanned for threats before moving out. His gait was convulsive, like he''d been struck by lightning. And yet, each step echoed with the cadence of life, borrowing from his body tempering manual without practicing it outright.


    Zac was barely aware of his surroundings. He desperately held onto his Void State while following the movement patterns he''d invented. Just the act of movement helped take Zac''s mind off the torment, which was exactly what he needed. He was running out of time, but he had to make the most of the heavenly materials he''d been given. Because that was what they were.


    Every breath was the equivalent of practicing a whole cycle of [Void Vajra Sublimation]. Fiendish energy broke the shackles holding him back, while ancient life imbued him with the power of the Cosmic Behemoths born from the primordial Dao.


    Corridors and stairs blurred together. A distant pang of danger warned him of an ambush, but it didn''t matter. The power to shatter mountains and swallow stars was coursing through his veins. The six Technocrats were reduced to broken bones and torn flesh, while the wounds on Zac''s body closed in seconds.


    Another group was ughtered before Zac was left alone. Perhaps they''d given up, or perhaps they''d simply lost him. Not even Zac knew how many corridors he''d passed or how many floors he''d ascended, and he had the token to ess areas outside the reach of others.


    Zac realized he was just a few hundred meters from Emily''s beacon by the time he came to. He''d run out of ochre mist and golden energy around thirty minutes ago, but it had taken him until now to finish digesting it. He felt wrung out, but his body was in pristine condition. He even exuded a vibrant aura that could be mistaken for a Natural Treasure.


    He was curious about his gains, but it would have to wait. Zac was almost at the finish line, so he willed his body to finish thest stretch. Soon, there was only a single door separating him from his disciple. He''d used up another sealbearer''s energy reaching this point, despite keeping its use to a minimum. In total, five out of eight were lost.


    Zac threw any distracting thoughts out of his mind and readied himself. There were no guarantees that only Emily was waiting on the other side. There might be a whole swarm of Technocrats keeping her captive. Yet there was no hesitation as he put his token against the sigil, and the door soundlessly slid open.


    "Wee. We''ve been expecting you."

 Chapter 1144 - Imperial Envoy

    The unfamiliar, monotonous voice and the dense stench of blood permeating the room were enough to ignite a fire in Zac''s chest. Seeing a bloodied Emily turned those smoldering mes into a zing inferno. Cascading waves of power coursed through his reforged body, and any lingering sense of exhaustion was swept away. However, a shaky voice pre-empted Zac''s ns.


    "Wee, Imperial Envoy!"


    Emily''s unexpected form of address made Zac stop in ce and take in the situation properly. The room smelling like a torture chamber seemed to be a canteen. Dozens of metallic tables were soldered to the ground, and Zac believed the dusty scraps in one corner were the remnants of a lounge area.


    On the opposite side, there was a semi-open back room resembling an ancient industrial kitchen. The stench didn''te from Emily, but rather from five utterly destroyed corpses to the side. Their heads had been disintegrated, leaving nothing behind but a scorched neck. However, their attacker hadn''t been satisfied with such a clean end. Someone had cut and torn into their corpses until only piles of flesh and broken bones remained.


    The scene was so gruesome even Zac grimaced. This wasn''t the work of a warrior. Only a lunatic would go so far, and this lunatic was holding his disciple hostage.


    Emily was sitting at one of the tables, her face pale from blood loss. Zac''s heart ached upon seeing the manycerations across her body. One, in particr, had almost cut her left arm clean off. Thankfully, her aura was still stable, if significantly weakened. Her Cosmic Core shouldn''t be damaged. She would recover with rest and medicine, but the fact that she still didn''t dare move despite his appearance was incredibly rming. He forcibly calmed down, knowing that the wrong move might trigger another tragedy like the six presumed Technocrats.


    Despite Emily''s obvious duress, it looked like she was attending a dinner party. The table was richly decorated and set for five people. Food had already been served, and Zac''s eyes widened in horror upon realizing what had been put on the tes. Pieces of Technocrat. Four of the chairs were already upied, while the ce at the head of the table was left open.


    Was it for him?


    "Join us, lord Envoy," Emily entreated.


    Emily nodded at him to y along, so Zac slowly approached while inspecting the other dinner guests. Two were puppets who were familiar yet incredibly confusing. They seemed to be the D-grade sparring puppets used in the Atwood Army. However, their facial features had been altered to bear a striking resemnce to himself and Joanna.


    They were badly mutted, yet Zac felt a vague threat emanating from them. Normally, his unexpected doppelganger would be Zac''s main point of focus, but that mystery paled in the face of the final guest at the table.


    Zac had expected Emily''s captor to be a Technocrat or possibly an Imperial, but he was way off. The lunatic who had desecrated the Technocrat corpses was another puppet, one of ancient make. It was this automaton who greeted him when he opened the door, and it was now silently staring at him while holding a mottled knife.


    It appeared to be made from a reddish alloy, but it was hard to tell beneath the coatings of blood and viscera. Zac''s instincts still told him to destroy the butcher puppet with a swing of his axe, but he held himself back upon seeing the frantic look in Emily''s eyes.


    "Imperial Envoy?" the puppet muttered, its voice slowly rising with intensity. "Imperial�� Imperial�� Where��?"


    Emily''s eyes widened in rm, and Zac paled in fright upon feeling a familiar pressure. The door behind him banged shut as immense weight was imposed on his body. The feeling was the same as in the fake town. No, the pressure was even greater as it was limited to a much smaller room.


    "General, time is limited! We need to discuss the mission!"


    This puppet was a general? Zac inwardly shook his head. There was simply no way. The puppet was the equivalent of an Early D-grade cultivator at best, barely enough to be considered a soldier in a fortress of this grade. The only threat it posed was its apparent connection to the fortress defenses.


    Judging by their location, the knife, and the gruesome banquet, its real identity was clear. They were dealing with a cooking golem.


    Clearly, the golem was suffering from the same mental illness as Bra, where it had lost grip of its real identity. However, the chef was in a far worse state than the Tool Spirit of Zac''s Dao Repository. The golem''s spirituality had to be on the verge of total breakdown for it to act in such an unhinged manner.


    It looked like the golem considered Emily''s words, and it slowly nodded. However, Zac almost threw caution to the wind when its arm turned into a blur. An erratic flurry of shes left a new set of wounds on the Joanna puppet. Thankfully, the mechanical chef and the room''s arrays calmed down soon after. Zac gradually rxed, though his pent-up anger only grew.


    He''d been telling himself Emily''s miserable state was mainly caused by crossing the dimensional storm not to explode from rage. It was getting very difficult to hold onto those beliefs. No wonder she''d ced durable training puppets beside and opposite the malfunctioning chef. They might have saved her life by taking the brunt of its outbursts.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac would have to be a fool not to understand Emily''s n. She had given him a lofty identity, and he needed to use that to get out without triggering the tower''s defenses. He chose to trust her. For her to act this way despite his ability to instantly destroy the automaton meant there was more at y. Of course, if things went south, he''d have to go all-out and pray his token could deal with the fallout.


    "I am the Imperial Envoy," Zac said, trying to give the imposing air of a dignitary as he sat down. "Identify yourself."


    "Yes�� Protocol��" the puppet drawled. "I am Sibel Urnovok, general of the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse of the Tethered Phnx. Thank you for responding to my call."


    Zac''s eyes lit up at the chef''s words. He''d never heard of the Tethered Phnx, but it wasn''t hard to put two and two together. He knew a massive war had been waged to prevent the erection of the eight pirs. Each Outer Court defended one direction, controlling armies that dwarfed anything happening in Zecia. This Peak C-grade fortress was likely a subsidiary of the Starfall Court, though Zac had no idea why the golem called it a lighthouse.


    It might be nonsense conjured by a damaged spirit, but Zac doubted it. After all, he''d actually seen the name Sibel Urnovok in the ledgers he found earlier. Even if insane, the chef seemed to remember some real details of the fortress. Perhaps it could rify some things that had bothered him until now.


    "It''s my duty. The Empire would never abandon its defenders," Zac nodded. "On that note, where are your men? No one came to meet me when I arrived."


    "A-A��"


    "The attack," Emily quickly interjected, prompting the chef to calm down before it went berserk again.


    "Yes. Attack. We lost contact with the Empire during our mission. I tried to contact��ah�� I did? No."


    "I''m sorry, we didn''t receive the call. It must have been intercepted," Zac said. "Go on."


    "Yes�� Blocked. No signal. Stranded. We thought the Selvari had found out about our mission. About the project."


    "What proj��" Zac said, but quickly cut his words short when Emily shook her head in panic. "Ahem. What happened next?"


    "Betrayal!" the puppet roared, unleashing a wild barrage with his knife.


    The puppets received the brunt of it, but not even Zac was spared. Bleeding gashes were opened across his chest and left arm, but he didn''t so much as blink. The chef knife might have once been a D-grade tool, but its edge had been eroded by time and excessive use. The puppet barely broke his skin, and the wounds closed in no time.


    What was more disturbing was that the puppet had leaned forward, its face suddenly inches away from Zac''s.


    "Wee, faraway guest. Our chefs have prepared a banquet in your honor!"


    "Thank you, general, but I''d like to finish the briefing," Zac said, working hard to maintain a steady gaze. "The Empire is facing enemies in every direction. There''s no time to waste."


    "Tell Lord Envoy about the man with the sword," Emily said.


    "The sword," the puppet muttered as it leaned back. "The sword�� Intent. Treasonous natives! The colonies dare bite the hand that feeds it! Ah��all gone."


    "The traitor will be dealt with," Zac said. "Did the traitors take your people away?"


    "A great pressure, and the room twisted. The guests disappeared, even taking master��ah? Who?"


    "What happened next?" Zac pushed.


    "I�� shes of darkness�� Gods hiding between the cracks. Watching�� Watching."


    Zac frowned. He''d been able to keep up with the puppet until now, but it was getting harder and harder. The Sixth Centurion Lighthouse must have lost contact with the Empire because of the System''s activation, and the Autarch of a conquered region attacked them out of anger. What happened next? It sounded like the puppet was describing its real memories at that point.


    It had been working in the canteen when the Autarch struck. However, great pressure and the room twisting didn''t match with the sword scar or its Killing Intent. It rather sounded like the attack had been powerful enough to tear a hole in space, and the whole fortress was thrown into the Void. But what the hell were shes of darkness and the hiding Gods?


    "Was it Selvari who took the people?" Zac asked. "Did you see the Dao of Technology?"


    "All lost�� I''m�� I''m General Sibel Urnovok�� Yes. I am a Half-Step Celestial. I must have ovee��"


    "You resisted the abduction but were badly wounded," Emily said with a soothing voice. "You have a n. A n that needs Lord Envoy''s help?"


    "Yes!"


    "Traitors�� Selvari�� All eye my fort. Everyone knows it''s not ready, but the cracks��" the puppet said, suddenly looking at Zac with eerie solemnity like it had really be the general. "I request Lord Envoy to work with the others and activate the beacon. Call them from the depths, and we''ll destroy our enemy!"


    "I��" Zac hesitated. He wanted more information, but his instincts told him it was time to go. Something was happening inside the puppet. It had grown too agitated, prompting its arrays to go into overdrive. "On behalf of the Empire, I agree. However, the fortress is damaged, and I need to survey the situation before we strike back at our enemies."


    "I shall assist you," the puppet said, entuating his statement by cutting off the head of the Zac puppet.


    "Thank you, general, but this is an important matter. We can''t allow any mistakes, and your talents are better used elsewhere. Why don''t you return to your ce of work and finalize our attack n while we deal with the minor matters on our end?" Zac said, pointing at the kitchen in the back.


    Zac looked confident, but the silence was nerve-wracking. The puppet''s eyes flickered ominously, making Zac wonder if he''d pushed things too far. Eventually, the automaton turned toward the kitchen.


    "Yes. My�� domain. I will return."


    The puppet got to its feet and stumbled toward the kitchen as though it was drunk. "�� in the cracks�� in the cracks��"


    Zac nodded at Emily, and the two appeared right by the door. Zac shed his token, and the two were halfway down the corridor before the gates had fully swung open. They only stopped after putting a floor and dozens of corridors between them. Zac still felt unsafe and kept scanning the surroundings in case the general picked up their scent.


    However, he was stopped by two arms wrapping around him. "You really came."


    "Of course," Zac said. "Are you okay?"


    Emily only let go after half a minute. Her face was still pallid from umted stress and terror. Zac was surprised she was keeping it together at all. His nerves felt like they were on fire after staying a few minutes in that canteen. Emily had been stuck there for hours.


    "Thank god you came when you did. That lunatic went crazy every time I rejected his ''food,'' and I was running out of ways to distract him. Anyter, and I''d either have to be a cannibal or get turned into dinner. Not sure I''ll ever be able to eat again."


    "Will it follow us?" Zac asked, warily looking at the way they came from.


    "I don''t think so. Honestly, I wouldn''t be surprised if it has already forgotten about us. Its short-term memory seemed to be non-existent. I kept having the same conversations over and over."


    "Crumbled spirit. The price of longevity," Zac said.


    "Should''ve had the decency to get abducted with all the others," Emily muttered as she inspected the hallway. "Wait, where''s Ra''Klid? He''s not��?"


    "He''s fine. We had to split up since it would have been too dangerous for him to enter this ce. You''ve been held hostage since you came here?"


    "Not exactly," Emily said. "After I jumped into the scar, everything was chaos. I thought I was going to die, but I suddenly saw this ce appear out of nowhere. I jumped inside and ended up trapped in that house of horror."


    "Appear out of nowhere?"


    "It was weird; it almost looked like a mirror whose frame was made from an odd energy circuit. It looked like the energy was growing the gateway, but it was alreadyrge enough for me to squeeze inside."


    Zac thoughtfully nodded. It seemed like Emily had encountered a stroke of good fortune by finding a Technocrat pathway. It let her bypass most of the storm, though it exposed her to another form of danger.


    "There was nothing here when I arrived, and I couldn''t contact you or Ra''Klid. So I tried to get out by blowing up the door. Very bad idea. The door almost killed me, and it made the puppet appear."


    "The puppet came from the outside?" Zac asked with a frown.


    "No, it came from the kitchen, knife swinging. Shouted about invaders and the glory of the Empire, waking the whole room up. Weirdly enough, I had already searched the whole ce. Not sure how I could have missed it."


    "I found some fake walls before. It might have been inside one of those. What about the corpses?"


    "They arrived at that exact moment, poor bastards," Emily said with a shudder. "I shouted at them not to do anything stupid, but they didn''t listen. They attacked the ''general,'' but some energy guard rose from the ground and blocked their skills before turning their heads to ash. Actually, they saved my life by targeting me too. It made the puppet consider me a friend. It asked me if I came bearing news from the Empire. I didn''t want to have my head blown up, so I said yes."


    Zac could guess how things went from there. The schizophrenic golem had tried to fulfill both its roles, leading to the macabre dinner-turned-interrogation.


    "I know they attacked me, but I feel bad leaving them like that. They were our people. They probably thought I was a cultist."


    "Don''t feel too bad," Zac said. "They weren''t real alliance Hegemons. They were Technocrats."


    "Technocrats?" Emily said with a look of utter confusion. "What''s going on?"


    "A lot," Zac said before going over his experiences since they split up.


    "So that scheming guy finally got his seal," Emily grinned. "Guess he won''t have to skulk the corridors any longer."


    Zacughed, remembering Ogras'' stories of his trip to the Million Gates Territory. Ra''Klid was no fool, and he''d quickly realized there was more to their expedition than just getting some early war contribution. He''d tried various methods to figure out what the others were up to, but fate hadn''t been on his side. Those efforts had only intensified after the rumors and bounties popped up.


    "Well, it''s good he got one, and you needed a second Reignender anyway," Emily said before her face sobered. "So those people were Technocrats. I know they''re technically unorthodox cultivators, but I didn''t expect them to join up with a faction like the Kan''Tanu. Well, it shouldn''t be too bad, right? There''s no way the System will let them officially join the war. Those imperials sound like the bigger threat."


    "We can''t underestimate the Technocrats, even if those we''ve encountered so far haven''t been too impressive," Zac sighed. "The Imperial ns are powerful, but they''re bound by the System''s rules. They have limited manpower, and their elders will restrain themselves because of the trial."


    "I guess," Emily thoughtfully nodded before her eyes widened. "Wait, how did they even get here? Aren''t the outsiders blocked from entering as they want? That means��"


    "That''s exactly what I''m worried about," Zac sighed. "The System would never let Technocrats through Zecia''s blockade, yet they''re still here. They must have figured out a way to sneak into Zecia unnoticed."


    "Probably through the Eternal Storm," Emily agreed. "And that means they might not be limited in manpower like the other outsiders. But they''ll be shooting themselves in the foot if their target is the Left Imperial Pce. All those powerful factions can''t be wrong about using limited force to seize the inheritance."


    "Who knows if they''re even after the inheritance? And if they are, they might just try to snatch it in the winner''s hands," Zac said. "I''m more worried about what their goal is with the fortress. It never felt like they would care about this crumbling piece of ancient history, but after listening to the robot..."


    "The project!" Emily eximed.


    "Exactly," Zac said. "They''re not here to seize the fortress. They''re after its secrets."

 Chapter 1145 - In the Depths

    "The fortress is already powerful enough to make the alliance go crazy. Can you imagine how dangerous the ''things in the depths'' are? They must have the power to blow up half of Zecia," Emily said.


    Beads of sweat had appeared on the shaman''s forehead from applying medicinal paste to her wounds. Thankfully, the chef puppet only possessed raw strength, so the wounds would heal quickly and without leaving any seque.


    "Well, it''s been a long time," Zac said as he infused another stream of his Branch of the Kalpataru into his disciple. "The odds of those things being functional and close enough to be summoned are pretty low."


    "The Technocrats might be after schematics or blueprints rather than the finished product. We won''t be able to build it, but they probably could," Emily agreed before looking at Zac askance. "Then again, doesn''t it feel too coincidental? A war involving the System and the Limitless Empire breaks out, and here''s one of their old fortresses?


    "That alone is enough to make my instincts tingle. And adding you to the mix, isn''t it a done deal already? I''d bet what''s left of my left arm the ''project'' is just waiting for someone to light the beacon."


    "I��" Zac wanted to refute her im, but he had to admit that what she said made sense. The pir''s ascent was dredging up more than just the inheritance. "It''s possible. Did you find out anything more about it before I came?"


    "Not much. I bet the puppet''s knowledge was limited to random scraps of information it overheard while working. Mentioning the project or details of the lighthouse''s mission made it lose its mind," Emily sighed. "It went berserk every time I tried to dig further, using me of being a spy. I gave up after I almost lost my arm."


    Zac nodded in agreement. What the puppet knew should be limited unless it had somehow been given ess to the tower''s database. It was unlikely, but notpletely impossible, since it seemed able to trigger the defenses based on mood swings.


    "It did mention two things, though. ''They should be dead,'' and ''taming a cmity.''" Emily said. "It screamed those things when I asked about the gods in the cracks. I think the soldiers knew who took them."


    "Gods in the cracks that should be dead. A project in the depths. Taming?" Zac muttered in thought before looking up. "Do you remember Salvation?"


    "You think that''s the project? The Limitless Empire was trying to refine a bunch of godlike beings into puppets?" Emily said with interest. "But some of them survived to take revenge on the Sixth Lighthouse? Or perhaps they regained part of their sentience when the empire copsed."


    "It''s one possibility," Zac agreed, thinking back to what he''d learned of the chaotic age at the beginning of their Era. "There was nock of such beings back then."


    The Dao was young, wild, and unpredictable. The dimensions were more separated than today, where a few were showered by the majority of Heaven''s favor. These prime dimensions gave rise to powerful civilizations like the Limitless Empire and the Selvari. More importantly, they gave birth to incredibly powerful Innate Existences. The Spark of Creation and the Heart of Oblivion were most likely two such examples, and Zac suspected the Primo was another.


    Innate Existences are born from the Cosmos and endowed with unfathomable power. A few of these unique beings were Supremacies at birth, and even the weakest would naturally step into Autarchy in adulthood. Their downside was that their future was limited. Stepping beyond their inborn potential was almost impossible.


    These Innate Existences were essentially mythological creatures in modern times. They might still appear in the depths of the Eternal Storm, but the environment within integrated space didn''t allow for their birth. The Heavens were already imed, and any seed of potential would be a lucky encounter for some established faction long before it could turn into a creature.


    Rounding up a group of such powerful beings to turn them into weapons sounded ludicrous. But was well within the realms of possibility for the Limitless Empire. And even if the ''gods'' weren''t Innate Existences, they could be some powerful race like the Starbeasts or Giants.


    "You might be onto something," Emily said. "So what should we do? Try to stop their ns? There''s already fighting going on up there, so we might be able to deal the finishing blow."


    "Fighting?"


    "Yeah. There''s been three majormotions in the tower since I arrived. One shortly after I came. Then there was you an hour ago. Finally, there was that thing twenty minutes ago."


    "There was?"


    "You didn''t notice?"


    "I, uh, was slightly preupied with my body almost blowing up from that spine I mentioned."


    "I still can''t believe you," Emily red with mock anger. "Since when does the knight in shining armor make treasure-hunting pitstops before saving the damsel in distress?"


    "I''m sorry," Zac grimaced. "I only nned to pick up one or two things on the way. Didn''t expect things to escte like that."


    "I''m kidding," Emilyughed. "You''d have to be crazy to ignore a supreme treasure in arm''s reach. Anyway, thest thing was three smaller shockwaves in short session. It felt like a battle rather than a bomb. I tried to have the puppet investigate, but it ignored me. I figured it was alliance versus Kan''Tanu. Now I''m thinking it was Technocrats dealing with tower guards or imperials."


    "Could be infighting over the information," Zac agreed, his brows furrowing. "But that''d mean there are two powerful forces to worry about. I''m still hoping their schemes are limited to stealing seals on the outside."


    "We could just try toplete the alliance mission if the outsiders are too dangerous to deal with," Emily offered. "If our guess is right, they won''t care what happens to the fortress, and the amount of contribution we''d earn is crazy."


    "This has turned into a fine mess," Zac sighed. "My original n was just to loot the tower. If I felt there was a chance to seize the fortress, I would give it a try. If not, I''d sabotage it before leaving. Now we''re suddenly talking about beacons and God Puppets."


    What Zac said was mostly the truth, but he didn''t mention his real end goal. The tower was supposed to be his ticket to finally evolve his Void Emperor Bloodline to D-grade.


    The fortress was a treasure trove far surpassing the Twilight Chasm, easily solving the immense resource requirements. Furthermore, Zac''s control over his Void Emperor bloodline had reached the point where he was confident he could at least partly control the breakthrough.


    Suppose he managed to im the tower, great. He''d just collect as much treasure as possible before handing it over to the alliance. If it was unimable, or worse, about to fall into the hands of the enemy? A few well-ced vortices should blow the whole thing up. That would dash the hopes of anyone using the fortress against him or the alliance.


    However, his n had be wed. For one, blowing up the tower might not be enough. It might even backfire. What if his breakthrough destroyed the defenses protecting the information? It didn''t even matter who their hands on it. The information being brought out would spell disaster for Zecia.


    But how was he supposed to stop the outsiders? Whether Imperials or Technocrats, a mission this important would be led by top-tier individuals like Tavza and Kator. Zac still wasn''t ready to face experts at that level, especially if they had helpers. He''d have to figure out a way to use the tower against them.


    Zac also had Emily to worry about. How could he rip the tower apart when she was in it? Even he didn''t have full confidence in walking out in one piece. At the very least, he needed to send her out of the tower before triggering his breakthrough.


    "We need to figure out an escape path before worrying about what the Technocrats are up to."


    "Can we leave the way you came?"


    Zac considered a few moments before shaking his head. "It''s too risky. I mostly got across the chasm by following your rescue beacon. We have nothing to lead us back, and there''s still the Killing Intent to deal with. I think we''re better off looking for the tower''s emergency exits. They should still be around since the original owners were abducted."


    "So let''s keep going," Emily said, pointing upward. "The main control room should be somewhere above, maybe along with the private chambers of the big bosses. Sounds like a good ce to look for escape pods or teleporters. That way, we can pick up some good stuff while investigating what the outsiders are up to."


    "Sounds like a n," Zac agreed. "If all else fails, we''ll just have to cut our losses and jump into a spatial tear and take things from there. They should start popping up when the realm starts to fall apart."


    Of course, finding a teleporter would be best. That way, he could send Emily off before going with his original n.


    "Good thing you''re here," Emily giggled. "I''ve never heard of anyone with as much experience blowing up and escaping Mystic Realms as you. You should have a good idea of what to expect."


    Zac rolled his eyes, but he had to admit his track record wasn''t great. It had even be such amon urrence that he always carried some items that woulde in handy in case he got stranded in the Void. It was half the reason he dared attempt a breakthrough in such a vtile environment.


    "Well, no time to waste," Emily said as she got to her feet. "You''ve saved the cheerleader; now it''s time to save the world!"


    "You''re chipper, all things considered," Zacmented as they set off, searching for a passage that would take them further up.


    "I''ve been hearing about all your lucky encounters for decades," Emily said, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I finally get to join one."


    "We''ll see if you say the same after having enjoyed one of my ''lucky encounters'' first-hand," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    Zac kept a more measured pace now that he''d reunited with Emily. He''d encountered a few more sections damaged by the sword strike during his ascent, and the clouds were already so close it felt like he could reach out and touch them. There couldn''t be more than a few dozen floors left to climb. Possibly even fewer since Zac doubted the tower would have floors all the way to its tip.


    Every sealed door he opened going forward could release a whole gaggle of Technocrats. Luckily, his lucky encounter hadpletely fixed up his body. The internal wounds had disappeared during the frantic cycle of destruction and rebirth. Even the damage to his foundations caused by channeling so much Creation Energy had mostly been fixed. Of course, that was only a bonus on top of the real gain.


    Thebination of refined high-grade Killing Intent and ancient Life-attuned cactus sap far exceeded his expectations. The golden storms within his cells had almost doubled in size and teemed with vibrant force. They had even gained a hint of ancient aura that reminded Zac of his Void Emperor bloodline.


    Zac could tell that some of the energy wasn''t fully integrated, but that only meant his body would be as unkible as a nt king until the excess energy was exhausted. And while it wasn''t enough to finish the fourthyer of the [Void Vajra Sublimation], it put him very close to the threshold. Much of that progress came from months of hard work, but it had saved four or five months.


    Another month of practice and digesting the opportunity should be enough, which should finally fix the sense of imbnce that had gued him for close to half a year. To this day, he hadn''t dared work on his Undead Constitution since the Abyssal Pond, despite having found the method to advance his Eoz bloodline.


    Simrly, the seed left in his Soul Aperture by Eoz still floated about like a wayward meteor in space. Zac fought his burning curiosity, neither investigating nor nurturing, fearing its germination would bring about a second awakening that wouldpletely break the bnce between life and death.


    Speaking of burning curiosity.


    "Uh�� By the way," Zac said, his gaze averted out of embarrassment. "Those puppets�� Do I need to be worried?"


    Emily stumbled a bit as the tips of her ears reddened. "It''s not what you think��I haven''t gone crazy. It''s an idea I''ve been tinkering with��lifelike boobytraps looking like the leaders of our army. Imagine that ambush from before. What if the enemy triggered that expensive-looking trap, only to discover their target is a puppet with a doomsday device installed in their belly?"


    "You turned me into a bomb?" Zac said with disbelief.


    No wonder he felt a vague threat from the sparring puppets. Whatever Emily had put inside had to be unstable and at the level of multiple D-grade talismans for him to feel atent threat. She must have gotten her hands on one of the Ishiate Tinkerer''s experimental bombs. It had their smell all over it.


    "How else would capture your essence?" Emilyughed. "There are still some things to figure out. How to rece yourself without being noticed is the big one. I also need a stronger bomb."


    Zac hummed as he kept scanning the hallways. He wasn''t sure how viable the idea was. Like Emily said, swapping your position with the puppet without notice was easier said than done, especially with enemies so strong you''d need to use the puppet in the first ce. However, there was no point in shooting down the idea. Who knew, it might lead to something impressive down the road.


    "So, how do we know which rooms to open?" Emily asked, seemingly eager to change the subject. "How do you usually look for treasure?


    "I just follow my guts," Zac said. "I have a fate-augmenting treasure that helps focus myrge pool of Luck. Why?"


    "We only have a few tries with your token, right? That reminds me, let me take a look at that thing."


    Zac handed it over, equally curious to see the result. His eyes lit up upon sensing a wisp being transferred over, which pushed the seals to four charges.


    "Roughly two-thirdspared tost time?" Emily hummed as she handed it back. "Looks like it''s rechargeable."


    "Thank god," Zac exhaled.


    Two-thirds was just right, considering how much energy he''d spent reaching their current floor. In other words, he should be able to use up the whole thing before leaving. It was a bit of a headache collecting the infusions with how spread out they were, but the small inconvenience was nothingpared to the benefits it could bring.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Better yet, it might mean they had unlimited ess, provided Emily could continuously recharge the token without any drawbacks.


    "How are you feeling? You didn''t feel a drain on your longevity or anything, right?"


    "I don''t think so?" Emily said. "I feel no different thanst time."


    "Can there really be such a good thing?" Zac muttered as he looked at the token skeptically.


    "Might be an unintended effect. I doubt it''ll work like this during the real trial. Seems like a cheat if you can continuously top up the token to im more treasures."


    "That''s fine. I wouldn''t be surprised if we lose our seals upon entering, like we''re handing over a ticket."


    "So we have a key and your treasure nose. But that won''t lead us to any teleporters, right?"


    Zac nodded. The next moment, a small gerbil with four oversized ears appeared on her shoulder. The turbulent energy seemed to frighten it, and it activated an ability that made it invisible. Of course, Zac could still see it with his Soul Sense.


    "You have a contracted beast?" Zac said with surprise.


    "It''s a Wavecatcher Gerbil," Emily smiled. "Most call them Treasure Rats. They have a simr ability to the Zhix, where they can hear all kinds of energy fluctuations. This one is trained to search for arrays and Natural Treasures. I got it to help me find troves in the graded battles, but it should be able to find teleporters with some guidance. Hey, give me a Spatial Crystal."


    Zac handed over the crystal and snorted when the gerbil stuffed it into its mouth, prompting its cheeks to bulge. Two minutester, the Treasure Rat indicated a sealed door with a weak squeak. Zac tried to figure out what was different about this door, but itpletely eluded his senses.


    He looked at Emily, whose eyes spoke volumes. He wasn''t sure if she even remembered the matter with the teleporters. Her mind was fully upied with the promise of ancient treasure.


    Zac coughed and took out the [Court Cycle Token]. "Well, I guess this is as good a ce as any to start."

 Chapter 1146 - Teamwork

    "It looks like a captain''s quarters," Emilymented as they observed the room. "God, this aura. Is this what you were talking about?"


    Zac ced a copsed piece of wall in the doorway to prevent it from automatically closing before stepping inside. The interiors weren''t opulent, but it was at least 100 square meters with multiple rooms. Far more generous than the smaller domiciles Zac passed on his way. However, it looked like a hurricane had passed through the room, leaving it in utter disarray.


    It wasn''t the result of previous looting. Rather, the inner wall was covered in familiar cracks. A few sections had crumbled entirely, giving a glimpse of the outside. The apartment had only narrowly avoided the sword sh, leaving it flooded with Killing Intent.


    "Yeah, it''s from the sword scar," Zac confirmed. "I didn''t expect to see so much of it here."


    There was no clear reason why it hadn''t fully dispersed in this particr room. Could the intent have sensed this was the room of a high-ranking officer, and refused to be dragged out by the hurricane? Or was the chasm''s pull weakening the further up the tower they went? It left the room significantly more affected, though not to the point condensed streaks would form.


    Zac tried prodding [Void Heart] to see if it could absorb the intent, but it remained lifeless. Being showered in Life-attuned energy hadn''t done anything to repair its damage. Surrounding it with Void Energy or using it to activate [Surging Rebirth] didn''t help either, leaving Zac helpless. It wasn''t like he had any Void Healing Pills or Natural Treasures to repair his bloodline. Hopefully, it''d recover on its own.


    He dropped the matter and turned his attention to the room. "Let''s see what your helper sniffed out."


    The living room had nothing of value, so they continued into an office. It had avoided being directly hit by the attack, yet they only found one treasure within��an ancient Spatial Ring. Whatever books, crystals, or reports ced on the stone desk had been destroyed by the intent already.


    "What a shame," Emily sighed as she inspected the ring. "It looks like it''s about to copse. If there are restrictions ced on it��"


    "Would be nice to have someone take a look at it, but it doesn''t look like it''llst the journey," Zac muttered as he reached for the ring. "We''ll just have to take a gamble."


    "Wait! Don''t do anything hasty," Emily urged and took out a jelly-like blob.


    She pushed the ring inside before squeezing the blob into a cylinder that snugly fit in one of her pouches. Zac looked on with interest, realizing the cylinder released weak Spatial Ripples. The arrangement protected the brittle treasure from shocks while providing it with nurturing energy.


    "This way, we can open it when we get back."


    Zac had nned to deal with the ring the same way as the Technocrat''s since he didn''t get any particr feeling from it. He''d quickly scan it and attempt to extract whatever looked the most impressive. But this was much better.


    "Good job," Zac smiled. "But wait for me to be present when you crack that thing open. I think it might be flooded with Killing Intent."


    Emily nodded, and the two continued their search. There was nothing in the two bedrooms. The two finally reached a sealed door that the gerbil had marked. The door was closed, and its arrays had been fully corroded, rendering the token useless. Setting off a small incendiary created a small crack, but the door still wouldn''t budge.


    Zac was about to activate [Apex Jungle] but stopped and looked at his disciple. "Do you have something that can let us squeeze inside?"


    "Of course," Emily grinned as she took out a pouch holding arge number of deep-blue fish scales with a soothing aura. Each had a simple rune engraved on top of it.


    Zac followed Emily''s instructions and ced it against his forehead. A chill spread through his body as flesh transformed into water. The element was unfamiliar, but Zac didn''t face much difficulty controlling his temporary form, thanks to his powerful soul. The only issue was that he was woefully slow, barely moving at the pace of a mortal''s sprint.


    The scales would be useless in battle, but they were just as useful as [Abyssal Drive] for most forms of exploration.


    "Good stuff," Zacmented after dispelling the scale. "What?"


    Emily was looking at him with a face caught betweenughter and sorrow. "They say never meet your heroes. Aren''t you supposed to be Mr. Adventurer? But you don''t even have any morphing items?"


    "Honestly, I hadn''t thought of this issue before. Before, I''d just swap over to my other form and activate my movement skill," Zac said a bit sheepishly.


    [Apex Jungle] could fill the same role as [Abyssal Drive] to some degree, but it ultimately wasn''t made to traverse tight spaces. For one, he couldn''t use it to travel further than his domain''s width. And he could only shrink the trees so much before the skill failed to activate. It also had a minimum size of roughly 100 meters in diameter, making it very conspicuous. Compared to Emily''s pouch full of scales, it was woefully inadequate.


    Zac had always considered himself a paragon when it came to looting, but he realized he''d gottenzy. His rapidly umting fortune could exin part of it. Fewer things managed to draw his attention, and he could barely be bothered with most spatial rings. That was why he''d almost ruined the ring before.


    He''d also been leaning too heavily on his Luck and the unique perception he''d gained by absorbing ake''s worth of insights. Thebination let him brute force most opportunities, leaving him woefully ill-equipped beyond the piles of storage items he always carried around.


    Compared to him, Emily was like a scout, always prepared. She might not have his extraordinary Luck, but she made up for it with tools and preparation.


    "I guess weplement each other," Emily smiled. "You deal with the big picture stuff, and I''ll take care of the details."


    "Sounds good," Zacughed as he inspected the cultivation chamber.


    The ambient energy was, in a word, terrifying, thanks to still-working gathering arrays and great istion. The unattuned energy formed a dense mist, and Zac had to actively seal his pores so as not to get energy poisoning. Emily was simrly affected, though she could use the situation to her benefit by circting her Cultivation Manual.


    The chamber reced all energy Emily absorbed without effort, and Zac suspected the arrays could provide significant benefits even to Late Hegemons. It made Zac want to cut out the whole room and take it home. Of course, that was both impossible and unnecessary. The ambiance could only be kept at such astounding levels by drawing from the tower''s energy stores. cing it on Earth would leave it drastically weakened.


    As expected, there was no teleporter installed in the cultivation chamber, which might be for the best. Zac doubted Emily would agree to leave this early. Especially not when they''d finally found some interesting stuff. Two treasures were ced inside the chamber, and Zac walked over to the first one��a prayer mat ced in the Gathering Array''s nexus.


    "Natural gathering formations toplement the chamber''s?" Zac muttered as he looked at the mat with interest. "Such high quality. My own mat can''tpare when ites to raw energy absorption. It should be an array that transformed after eons of nurturing. It''s even on its way to forming a spirit."


    "It''ll only be able to show its real worth whenbined with this particr gathering array," Emilymented, taking out a crystal to copy the arrangement. "Do you want it?"


    "Not much use to me," Zac shrugged. "Besides, I think it''s best used with unattuned Cosmic Energy."


    "Maybe we can recreate this setup at the Academy or something," Emily said as she stowed the mat. "We barely have any premium cultivation grounds. We can''t have our citizens spend all their local contribution points on pills and materials. There''s no way we can keep up."


    Zac wholeheartedly agreed. The Atwood Empire surpassed even Middle D-grade forces in terms of wealth and resources, but they were severelycking in cultivation infrastructure. There was almost nothing to spend Atwood Empire Contribution Points on except for resources. Sure, there were a decent number of manuals, but his men had already been provided those upon enlisting.


    To wage war was to burn money, and Zac was hemorrhaging resources. Local production couldn''t hope to keep up, and the stockpiles brought back from Twilight Harbor were dwindling by the day. His Cosmic Vessel Sales could cover the cost, but sourcing evenmon cultivation resources was turning into a headache.


    Every day, hundreds of feeder worlds fell into the Kan''Tanu''s hands. Mosts were recaptured, but that didn''t mean much when the cultists employed scorched-earth tactics. Most worlds were ruined, and the rest needed years to recover and resume production. Time they didn''t have.


    Setting up better cultivation grounds was the first step in lessening the Atwood Empire''s over-reliance on cultivation materials. It wasn''t anything unique for Earth, either. All factions needed to invest in everything from High-grade cultivation chambers, pill chambers, andprehension-boosting environments to Mystic Realms, trials, and inheritances.


    Selling ess to valuable opportunities was the best way to keep one''s treasury well-stocked without curbing the growth of your subordinates. If anything, it was much more effective than cramming pills and Natural Treasures down their throats. It was also a good way to ensure your talents didn''t run off. The freedom of a wandering cultivator wouldn''t be as tempting if it meant losing the blessed grounds that nurtured their Dao and doubled their cultivation speed.


    Zac sighed as he turned to the second item in the chamber. He was a long way from setting up blessednds like the opportunities peppered throughout the Orom World. Of course, he was aware those heritages grew and matured over hundreds of thousands of years. His little empire was already doing very well for itself.


    The only item apart from the prayer mat was a grimy-looking ss box. It looked like a small fish tank, and the engravings vaguely visible beneath ayer of dark mud indicated it was an incubator. Not for an animal or egg, though, but for a ded glove lying in the middle.


    "It looks like it''s been sealed in some sort of liquid," Emily said. "High-grade blood?"


    "Seems to be a concoction, but blood was definitely part of it," Zac said as he infused a sliver of his will into the w. A fragmented roar of indecipherable impressions filled his mind, and he decisively cut the connection. "The Tool Spirit has crumbled. A cksmith and Medium will have to work together to rece it."


    Even low-grade Tool Spirits couldst incredibly long periods by entering hibernation, but Zac suspected only A-grade Tool Spirits could be considered pseudo-immortal. The thing inside the w couldn''t even be called a spirit any longer. It was more a storm of chaotic spirituality trapped within the weapon. It was even more fragmented than the lingering Killing Intent, unable to even rouse a response to Zac''s infusion.


    In a ce like Zecia, where materials and skilled craftsmen were equallycking, much of the high-grade equipment was sourced rather than crafted. Adventurers exploring ruins and Mystic Realms often encountered simrly damaged goods, to the point certain cksmiths exclusively focused on reforging ancient equipment.


    "Those guys are expensive, and they might ruin the glove," Emily said as she looked at the gleaming edges on the sanguine glove. "But it might be worth it. These materials aren''t simple, and they''ve been tempered by the energy-rich environment. It might be possible to restore it to a Late D-grade Spirit Tool."


    "Let''s keep going. There''s something even better on the next floor."


    "Oh?" Emily perked up and quickly stowed the whole tank.


    Back in the corridor, the two only managed to walk thirty meters before the gerbil squeaked again.


    "What is it, Bandit? Another one already?" Emily eximed before turning to Zac. "This might take too long."


    Zac hesitated, ncing upward. It was calm right now, but that only filled Zac with foreboding. They couldn''t spend hours checking every room they passed on the off-chance they held a teleporter.


    Besides, his token wouldn''t be able to handle it, even if this particr room wasn''t sealed. He needed to keep some in reserve in case they ran into the energy sentinels again.


    "Let''s limit ourselves to two per floor," Zac said. "Unless we find something that sticks out."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Good," Emily said, and the two turned into streaks of water squeaking through the narrow gap.


    The second room''syout was identical to the previous but vastly differed in decoration. There were at least fifty pots in the living room, each covered in engravings. In addition, six glowing spheres were hanging from the ceiling, their light long since faded. Its upant had turned the whole room into a greenhouse, though not even fossils of the nts remained.


    Zac swept the room with his senses, failing to find so much as a shred of life in any of the seeds. They still made a killing by collecting a set of tomes and a World Ring left inside the cultivation chamber. Like the ancient spatial ring, it was in a very bad state, but the room wasn''t flooded with Kill Energy. It was actually possible ancient herbs still lived inside, having received ample nourishment from the gathering array. Like the Spatial Ring, it entered Emily''s cylinder.


    On the next floor, they entered another unguarded chamber, this one arge room designed for body refinement. There were a dozen spherical depressions in the ground covered in engravings. None of the arrays were running, yet the gravity inside was between five and twenty times the normal. They were gravity wells, likely able to support shocking amplification levels without leakage.


    There was no way to take the wells with them, but they did find a sealed chest full of refined Gravity Crystals. They were dark brown, covered in engravings, and showcased their attunement in a mind-bending way. Zac almost pulled a muscle taking one out of the box, yet it floated in the air when he tried to put it back.


    Like Soul Crystals, Gravity Crystals had no stable supply in Zecia, though they had a small chance to form naturally in spaces with very high gravitational forces. Zac knew they were scarce because Ilvere had a standing order with Calrin. Over the past decade, Calrin had only managed to source a few hundred, none as high quality as the thousands stacked before him.


    Zac also snatched a group of dummies standing in a corner before leaving. They had to be made from very durable metals to be used in a gravity-attuned body tempering facility. A few minutester, they reached the source of fate''s pull, though one didn''t need extraordinary Luck or perception to see this room was special.


    The gate was twice the height of normal doors, and the hallway had been expanded to a small square. A tablet was hanging to the gate''s left, though its markings had be indecipherable. Therge, bold runes atop the gate were still more than legible. They emitted intense Faith Energy and streaks of lightning.


    The name was equally imposing��Tribtion Throne.


    "Look! Someone has tried to break inside," Emily whispered, pointing at a scar close to the doorframe.


    Zac inched closer, realizing Emily was right. It was a deep scar created by a spatial tear, but someone had tried to expand it with fire. Zac could sense the Dao of Fire within, and they had actually made some progress. s, their attempt had run into a wall��literally. There was a sheet of an unknown alloy hidden within the stone wall, something Zac hadn''t seen in any other rooms. Like the runes, it flickered with lightning, and Zac had a good idea what happened to the driller.


    Two foot-shaped scorch marks closer to the wall confirmed his hunch. Zac doubted the previous treasure hunters had been reduced to ashes, though. More likely, they''d realized they couldn''t get through and moved on.


    Zac scanned the surroundings again, but there were no signs of people lying in wait. Neither could Zac find any booby traps or observation arrays. Still, standing in the open left him feeling exposed. They needed to go for it or move on. Zac leaned toward the former. These gates were the most impressive he''d seen since entering, and it reeked of providence.


    "It''s worth checking out," Emily whispered, echoing his thoughts. "A tribtion hall might be outfitted with a teleporter. Some would have one foot in the grave after getting tormented by lightning and in urgent need of medical assistance."


    Zac rolled his eyes, knowing Emily was just inventing justifications to open the door. However, what she said wasn''t without reason. Zac nervously looked at the crackling runes as he presented his token. The doors opened with a deep creak, and Zac was pushed back a few steps by the immense Lightning-attuned energies trapped within.


    It far surpassed the cultivation chambers, and just touching it left Zac''s skin numb. It was familiar yet undeniably different from the Dao of Lightning Cultivators practiced. Had the Limitless Empire managed to trap Tribtion Lighting? Or did they know how to generate it?


    There was only one way to find out.

 Chapter 1147 - Tribulation Throne

    "Behind me," Zac said, hefting [Verun''s Bite] as he stepped into the crackling mist.


    Emily kept close, warily scanning the surroundings for Technocrats or different threats. The immense Dao of Lightning that suffused the interiors was almost blindingly bright, and it only took a second to confirm they were alone. The gates behind them closed, sealing them in arge circr chamber fifty meters across.


    The room, from floor to ceiling, was made from the same alloy as the sheet Zac spotted before. It seemed to act as both a conductor and istor, keeping the energy active and contained. It clearly had extraordinary isting capabilities, too, since the Tribtion Throne was the first room he''d seenpletely free from spatial scars.


    "It''s really a throne," Emily eximed. "I thought it was a metaphor."


    The ''throne'' Emily referred to was the only item inside the chamber. It was ced in the middle and the sole exception to the monochromatic surroundings. While metal, the throne was made from a different material. Instead of the bright blue, it was a mottled brown and ck and undoubtedly of higher grade than the rest of the room. It exuded an intense pressure, but not one of lightning.


    It held the mark of the mysterious Earthly Peak.


    "Earth�� And the Heavens," Zac muttered as his gaze shifted to the twenty-three metal spikes hanging from the ceiling.


    They formed a circr pattern over the throne, with the two central spikes being thergest. The ceiling was roughly ten meters, and the main spikes would only be a meter from the head of those seated on the metal chair. The second ring held four spikes, one in each cardinal direction. Then came eight, and finally nine, each circle formed with smaller spikes than the one before.


    "Nine Seals, Eight Pirs, Four Laws, but why are there two equal spikes in the middle?" Zac muttered, ncing at the throne. "The Sangha''s Cosmic Chart only holds twenty-two paths. What could be at the same level as the one Destiny? Is it the self, equaling the Heavens, for a total twenty-threeyers of existence? Just like..."


    "What''s that?" Emily said. "Why are you speaking all cryptic-like? You''re not an old monster just yet."


    "I''m just saying that this setup is not simple," Zac said, his main focus returning to his human side after a brief intermission. "Its design draws from the fundamental truths of the universe. Perhaps that''s the only way to simte true Tribtion Lightning."


    Zac was certain that was the case after seeing the arrangement. The previous owners hadn''t trapped tribtion clouds to fuel the throne, though there was some sort of treasure within one of the central spikes. Still, the Tribtion Throne was generating its own lightning, which exined why he couldn''t feel the primordial wrath of the old heavens.


    The Heavens'' anger of having its longevity and providence stolen had been reced by Faith, just like the sign outside. Looking at the spikes felt like gazing upon an indifferent God. The feeling was very simr. It resembled the System''s attention.


    Perhaps the Tribtion Throne was a side product of the Limitless Empire''s work on the System. That massive undertaking had taken millions of years, and it wouldn''t be surprising if their findings had spawned thousands of side projects.


    "Don''t go too close to the throne. Let''s check out the other rooms first."


    Emily nodded, and they followed the room''s edge to the first of three other doorways in the chamber. None of them were guarded by locks, and it smoothly slid open to expose a soothing chamber carrying a simr aura as the throne.


    "A meditation chamber?" Emily said as they entered. "There''s not a speck of lightning in here."


    "Look," Zac said, nodding at the wall next to the door.


    A tablet identical to the one outside had been hung there, and this one hadn''t been eroded by time. The title said ''Centurion Earthly Devas �C Pure Lords,'' and was followed by ten names and their apanying times.


    "So it was a leaderboard," Emily said. "I guess people were supposed to sit here and ready themselves, using the feats of previous experts as motivation. But what''s Earthly Devas and Pure Lords?"


    "I don''t know about the Devas, but Pure Lords is referring to Late Hegemony," Zac said. "The Limitless Empire called D-grade Golden Core and based their titles on the concepts of discovery, gathering, purification, and dissolution. A Late Hegemon would be a Pure Lord, whose focus is getting their core ready to form an Inner World."


    "I guess those sketchy missives you''ve bought over the years are finallying in handy. I have to say, Pure Lord is a lot more stylish than Late Hegemon," Emily grinned as she tapped the tablet. "We should��Ah!"


    Zac dragged Emily away upon sensing energy entering the tablet, but they breathed out in relief upon seeing it was simply redrawing the leaderboard.


    "Was that you, or is it just rotating information?"


    "I think it was me. I felt the tablet release a weak pulse when I touched it."


    "No wonder," Zac said and looked at the new list.


    [Centurion Earthly Devas - Awakened Lords]


    Meso Helo - 3 minutes 32 seconds.


    1st ss Corporal Zer Esodor - 2 minutes 42 seconds.


    1st ss Corporal Eli Qeron - 2 minutes 28 seconds.


    ��


    Ensign Tur Pesko - 1 minute 49 seconds.


    "So we''re Awakened Lords? The best guy at our levelsted just three and a half minutes," Emily said. "That''s a full two minutes worse than the 10th spot at Late Hegemony."


    "Their bodies are much more durable," Zac said. "And it looks like it''s quite the feat, considering how the other fared."


    "Anyway, this proves we can use the throne," Emily grinned. "You want to give it a go? See who''s better��the current generation or the ancient experts?"


    Zac was tempted, his eyes darting to the chair. "Let''s keep looking for now."


    Emily shrugged, and the two continued to the next side chamber.


    "Damnit!" Emily said, her face scrunched up like a raisin.


    Zac''s reaction was the opposite upon seeing the Teleportation Array. It was in pristine condition, gently humming with power that formed a pale blue sheen. Zac walked over and sent his mind into the array. A frown appeared on his face, and he took out the [Court Cycle Token] again.


    "Wait! You''re not sending me back already! At least give a turn on the throne!"


    "Don''t worry," Zac sighed as he stepped back. "It''s sealed. We''re not going anywhere."


    "It''s sealed?" Emily hooted before her face sobered up. "By the tower or the Technocrats?"


    "Don''t look so disappointed," Zac snorted. "And by the former, I think. The rejection I got was confusing, but it seems the tower has sealed all teleportation arrays, including escape arrays, as a midunch safety precaution."


    "Midunch? We''reunching?" Emily said, her brows arching as she felt the ground for vibrations.


    "The fortress seems to think so, at least," Zac grimaced. "I guess the spinning is part of aunch sequence?"


    The two spent the next minute analyzing the array, hoping to undo the seal while keeping the array operational. Unfortunately, they were inextricably interlinked. Destroying one would destroy the other.


    "That''s a shame," Zac sighed. "I''m not sure we''ll find another one in this good condition."


    "This might be a good thing," Emily offered. "The original owners wouldn''t seal even escape arrays without good reason. The fortress must be doing something that has turned all teleportation into a sure-fire deathtrap. And that might mean we''re not the only ones stuck here right now."


    "That''s true," Zac concurred, trying to figure out the next step.


    The information had implications beyond the need to find another escape route. What Emily said made sense. If teleportation arrays linked with the manyyers of defenses were unsafe for use, then simr methods had to be even deadlier. On the flip side, it hopefully meant the Technocrats were stuck until the fortress finished itsunch sequence.


    "Looks like we''ll really have to go to the top," Zac muttered. "Either to shut off theunch sequence or figure out some other solution."


    "Let''s deal with this ce first," Emily said, eagerly dragging him to the third side-chamber.


    Thest room was the control center for the Tribtion Throne. Projections showed the main chamber from four directions, and there were two consoles in perfect condition. There were no buttons, only two smooth crystals to ce one''s hands on. Zac hesitated a moment before walking over to the left one.


    A stream of information filled his mind without using the token. The console held the controls and diagnostics of the Tribtion Throne, thankfully designed in a way that even a meathead like Zac could understand. Most systems were in working order, except for two ring warnings that forcibly took up a corner of his mind like apulsive thought.


    The energy pathways outside the reinforced chamber had been damaged, and the Tribtion Throne could only draw 8% of its required energy during operation. Luckily, the room was equipped with a backup source to prevent a power outage mid-activation, though it only retained enough energy to use the equipment for ten minutes.


    More than enough time for both of them to get sted twice over, judging by the leaderboard.


    The second warning was not too surprising, either. The connection with the main systems was severed, forcing the chamber to operate independently. There was no exnation of what that meant, but Zac suspected it was a good thing. Though possibly limiting their options, it was no doubt the only reason they could freely use the chamber and its consoles without further security checks.


    "Wow, it''spletely unlocked!" Emily eximed, echoing Zac''s thoughts. "Look!"


    Emily had checked out the second console while Zac fiddled with the first. Arge map reced the four screens of the throne. It was their current floor''s floorn, with more than half the rooms named or categorized. Zac''s eyes gleamed as Emily shifted the view to the floor above.


    One after another, theyout wasid bare until they reached the top.


    "Only twelve floors left," Emily said. "Unless there are hidden floors, I guess."


    "Can you see the situation inside?" Zac eagerly asked.


    "No, it''s an offline map," Emily said. "This thing isn''t connected to the mainwork, it says."


    "Same as this," Zac said. "Anything about the project or a mission log?"


    "No, there''s nothing," Emily said. "But take a look at this."


    The five uppermost floors appeared side by side, where roughly half the rooms turned blue and the other yellow.


    "Military operations and project operations," Emily recited.


    "They''re kept separate," Zac said, realizing what Emily was getting at.


    There were only one or two doors on each floor connecting the divisions. The topmost floor, where the Fortress Main Command Center was located, was fully separated.


    "Probably a security measure," Emily nodded. "We might be able to avoid the Technocrats altogether on the way to the control room. If those consoles are unlocked like this one, we might be able to turn things around without lifting a finger."


    "We''d already be running for our lives from energy sentinels if it was so easy to take control over the defenses," Zac said, but he had to say it looked pretty good.


    They had a good chance to avoid the main Technocrat party so long as they were careful and kept to their side. As for what they''d do after reaching the top, Zac had no idea. It all depended on what state the control center was left in.


    There wasn''t any other useful information on Emily''s side. Her console seemed like the external connection, while Zac''s managed the internal system.


    "You think it''s working?" Emily said expectantly.


    "The automated diagnostics giving the go-ahead," Zac said. "One has to stay here and activate the throne after the other has formed a temporary bond with the chair. There are safeguards and a manual override if you pass out or refuse to give up. So if you see me��"


    "Alright, that''s my cue," Emily interjected as she moved toward the door. "Wish me luck."


    "Don''t joke. You''re not going first," Zac staunchly said. "We don''t know if it works like it should just because the systems say so."


    "That''s my point!" Emily countered with a stubborn re. "If the thing malfunctions and you can''t get out, what am I supposed to do? You have a much better chance to save me. Besides, don''t you think I know how you operate? Will there even be any throne left to sit on after you''re done with it?"


    "The spikes might be incorrectly calibrated for all we know!" Zac almost shouted. "What if it alles flooding out, hitting you with the equivalent of a C-grade tribtion?!"


    "In that case, better me than you," Emily shrugged. "Way more people are relying on you than me, and only you can lead Earth through this mess. So, either I go first, or we don''t go at all."


    Zac glowered at his disciple and got an equally fierce look right back. He eventually deted and shook his head in defeat. She was right. "When did you get so stubborn?"


    "I learned from the best. Now, watch me tame the Heavens."


    "Be careful," Zac reminded. "This device is designed to mimic Boundless Tribtions, not the System''s. They''ll hit fast and hard, and it''ll only get worse from there."


    "But the longer I endure, the greater the rewards," Emily said. "Don''t worry, I know my limits. I won''t get myself killed or crippled over the first opportunity we run into. There''s more good stuff waiting for me."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Fine, then go," Zac said. "Good luck."


    Emily winked and headed for the throne. There wasn''t much to do. It only took Emily a minute to form the required bond and stabilize her mind. Zac took a calming breath before pressing start with his mind.


    A deep rumble made the whole chamber vibrate as the throne activated. Four sharp thuds followed as metal panes fell down to protect the doors from the rising energy levels, which made Zac''s rm bells go off. He''d seen how durable that alloy was. How was he supposed to get Emily out in case something went wrong?


    Should he just cancel it?


    No, Emily had the right to fight for her opportunities and decide what risks she was willing to take. Besides, just the activation had drained three minutes of energy. There might not be enough juice for two more tries after this, provided each activation was this costly.


    Zac didn''t blink as he scoured the monitors for any signs of problems. He found none, and the console wasmunicating everything was operating smoothly as one of the outermost spikes turned blinding white. It looked like it had be a solidified lightning bolt. Then it struck, and the whole chamber was drowned in boundless fury.


    Emily satpletely unmoving in the center of it all, but her muscles strained like she was trying to break free from invisible restraints. Her face was locked in a feral growl, with veins bulging on her forehead. She was in agony, yet she held on. A second spike lit up ten seconds into the baptism, doubling Emily''s torment. Every ten seconds, another spike lit up, and it soon looked like Emily was submerged in a pir of lightning.


    Zac''s hand was covered in sweat as he gripped the control crystal. The fourth spike had pushed her to the breaking point. The fifth overwhelmed her endurance, making her readings fluctuate wildly. Zac was about to press the emergency halt, but the chamber calmed down without his input. After realizing she couldn''t deal with the fifth spike, Emily voluntarily stopped the tribtion.


    Every second felt like an eternity as the alloy absorbed the unbound energies. Errant arcs of lightning still filled the chamber when the protective panel rose, but Zac didn''t care. He squeezed through the doors the second it was possible and forcibly punched through a lighting cage to drag Emily out.


    He kept going, running right into the waiting room on the opposite side. He gently ced Emily on one of the mats, relieved to see the lighting being dragged out of her body by the arrays. She came to a minuteter, her eyes wildly looking around.


    "H-How long?" she asked with a weak voice, unable to get up from the floor.


    Zac hesitated a moment before telling the truth. "Fifty-two seconds."


    "Not even a minute?" Emily eximed, her eyes turning to the tablets on the wall. "Monsters."


    "You''re not a body cultivator, and your Soul Cultivation Method is mostly focused on control. Your result is already very good. There''s no point inparing yourself to the best of the best, who all had experience dealing with the real thing," Zac said.


    However, Zac had to admit that these old soldiers were the real deal. They had all reached the second circle, which Zac suspected came with a qualitative change to the lightning. As for Meso Helo, he was clearly in a league of his own. Three and a half minutes, did that mean he managed to activate all but the veryst spike?


    And what about those in Late Hegemony enduring over six minutes? Monsters was an apt description.


    Zac shook his head and looked down at Emily. "How''s is it? Can you walk?"


    "I''ll be fine in a minute," Emily said. "My body isn''t damaged. It''s just like my synapses were overloaded, and my brain needs to reboot."


    "That''s one way of putting it," Zac smiled. "Were there any benefits to go with the pain?"


    "Yeah, this is good stuff," Emily grinned. "Every part of me has been purified. I feel like I''ve taken a shower after a day of fighting in the trenches. Much of the impurities I''ve umted with pills and treasures over the past year have been dealt with. It''s just a shame; my core was about to reach a malleable state, like when I broke through. I could have fixed a few of my mistakes."


    Zac whistled appreciatively. The Tribtion Throne was the real deal, providing the same benefits as [Void Heart]''s refined Tribtion Lightning. And while Zac wasn''t confident in reaching as far as the record holder, he should have no problems dealing with the nine outer tribtions.


    He''d already made great strides on his core thanks to the [Myriad Paths Water]. Just a few hours had passed, and he''d already found the opportunity to finish the job.

 Chapter 1148 - Lightning and Law

    "You ready?" Emily''s voice echoed from the control room.


    Zac sent a mental tendril into the metallic throne beneath him to double-check. The temporary binding was solid, and there were no signs of it having been drowned in Tribtion Lightning just minutes ago. Everything was ready.


    "Do it."


    A familiar hum shook the hall as the protective gates slid shut. It was apletely different experience being in the center of it. The first spike lit up, and Zac closed his eyes.


    Rampant lightning coursed through his body, not sparing a single inch. It was painful, but Zac felt he was looking at the events as a bystander. A cleansing wave at this level couldn''t breach his Void State. Zac was more interested in observing the white Tribtion Lightning to understand how the Limitless Empire replicated Heavenly Lightning''s unique benefits.


    The first impurities were already being uprooted from their entrenched positions and whittled down. Certainly, the method turned his body into a battlefield, where 800 were sacrificed to kill one thousand. Any Cultivator would take that deal. Injuries were temporary, but impurities could follow you throughout your life.


    Zac believed every lightning cultivator had, at least once, tried to aplish what was now happening inside his body. They''d alle to the same conclusion��it was impossible. Yet the Tribtion Throne proved you could actually emte the effect, though how it worked differed from the real thing.


    The benefits the lucky few reaped during breakthroughs could be considered an unintended side-effect of encountering a cosmic phenomenon of the highest order. Cultivation was to steal providence from the Heavens. Tribtions were the opposite and equal reaction to the Laws of Bnce and Impermanence being encroached.


    Those, like Zac, who had the strength to benefit from the tribtion, were essentially taking the opportunity to steal a bit more while they had the chance. Doing so was to tempt fate, but the Heavens weren''t a true consciousness. It wouldn''t notice when some piddling D-grade cultivator stole a bit more.


    In the grand scheme of things, nows were truly broken since the Cosmos would get even sooner orter. Most were forced to spit out what they''d stolen right away, while a few managed to hold onto it for a little longer. And if the running deficit became too big, the cosmos would forcibly clean the te by ending the Era to reim all that had been stolen.


    This cosmic phenomenon was impossible to emte unless you grasped the Heavenly Dao and the Four Laws. The Tribtion Throne obviously took thews into consideration, judging by the arrangement above, but it used them for a different approach. As they''d already seen, the main ingredients were thebination of the Earthly Peak and Faith Energy. Faith focused the lightning and imbued it with purpose. It acted like an antibody, directing the lightning''s anger on the dregs hidden throughout all cultivators'' bodies.


    The throne was equally important. Even Zac would have been electrocuted if he''d taken on the onught without first forming a temporary contract. The Earthly Peak lived up to its reputation by adding a second nature to the Dao of Lightning. A seed of hope had been imnted in the heart of destruction. The idea was ingenious, but Zac felt there were more interlocking parts required to make the opportunity possible.


    Zac''s vision pierced the sea of lightning to take in the twenty-three spikes looming above. His instincts told him thatprehending the arrangement would deepen his understanding of the universe. How grand was the Limitless Empire once upon a time, to distill the world''s essence into a random body-tempering chamber on a C-grade fortress?


    It filled him with awe and then sorrow. The Tribtion Throne was an astounding feat, but so what? The Limitless Empire still fell, and their great aplishments had be the toys of those who rifled through their ashes. Zac pushed the matter aside, focusing on making the most of his sole attempt.


    The benefits from [Void Heart]''s refined lightning were undoubtedly much greater than what he currently enjoyed. Of course, he''d only started. One spike after another activated, and a frown appeared on Zac''s face by the time the fifth added its punishment to the tally. Not because the pain was bing hard to deal with��Zac was still just fine��but because his experience didn''t line up with his disciple''s.


    Emily mentioned she was at the threshold of improving her core when giving up, but Zac couldn''t feel a thing. The lightning was still busy umting through his body. It hadn''t even touched his Cosmic Core or Soul Aperture yet. Zac didn''t worry too much. It could be a good thing, proving his constitution was extraordinary.


    A grunt of pain escaped Zac''s lips upon reaching the eighth stage. His Void State could no longer block out the tearing pain of being submerged in a sea of lightning. However, good came with the bad as the torment came with the change he''d been waiting for. The umtion of energy inside his body had reached the point where the Tribtion Lighting was forced into his Quantum Spaces whether they liked it or not.


    The value of removing impurities from his Cosmic Core was self-evident, yet Zac looked forward to purifying his Soul Cores just as much. Moss Crystals and Natural Treasures had left his soul with a great amount of impurities. He had no choice; Soul Cultivation was simply too slow unless you had a special constitution like Vri.


    The only way he''d have a sliver of hope of keeping his soul up with the rest of his cultivation was to rely on treasures. This n depended on regr baptisms from tribtions to keep going, but Zac had already realized his n wouldn''t work much longer. The impurities umted faster than he could break through grades, despite [Purity of the Void]''s best efforts to remove them before they fused with his body. He''d have to slow down his Soul Cultivation sooner rather thanter.


    But could he do so?


    Maintaining bnce aside, Zac was bing increasingly aware of the looming threat lurking in his Soul Aperture. The four sets of remnants were growing stronger every day as they recovered from his ascent into Hegemony. The cage keeping them captive might as well have been made from sticks and strings.


    Getting the fifth set and surviving the Atavism was supposed to stabilize the situation, but he wasn''t ready. The Tribtion Throne was an opportunity to rekindle his momentum and continue his dash toward the Fourth Reincarnation. So long as he reached that point, Zac was confident in suppressing the remnants even if they broke out early.


    He was still a long way off, but he wasn''tcking opportunities to make rapid progress. The Merit Exchange had items far better than the Moss Crystals, and who knew what kind of amazing treasures the uing inheritance held? Readying his Soul Cores for another leap in strength was the first step, but the white arcs of lightning weren''t ying ball.


    Zac could barely believe his eyes when they made a U-turn instead of targeting his soul. However, they didn''t rejoin the sea of lightning inside his human body. Instead, the Tribtion Lighting poured into his Draugr body on the other side of the sector.


    Confusion was soon reced by tion. His Undead side hadn''t eaten as many pills and treasures because of the Abyssal Pond, but he still had umted a significant number of impurities during the war. Getting a cleansing round for his other half was a wee bonus, and the Tribtion Lightning should have no choice but to target his cores when both sides reached capacity.


    The first arc was followed by hundreds, forming a pool in Zac''s chest. Why wasn''t it moving? Zac could tell something was wrong. The ancient Faith Energy became agitated, umting power while sending intangible ripples. Was it because it had sensed the body of an undead cultivator, or was it because it had lost the connection to its source?


    Zac didn''t get the chance toe up with answers or solutions. The growing thunder ball shot out a thick, radiant arc, like a viper striking its prey. At first, it looked like it would hit his Cosmic Core, but the streak passed it by and actually left his body. A painful jolt pushed him to his feet, and an immense pressure threw him off the perched spot he''d upied for thest hour.


    He only managed to resist the sudden pressure halfway down by releasing a storm of lightning-infused Miasma. He floated silently in the air, his abyssal orbs observing the twenty-three waves carved into the monolith and the changes they were going through. Eachyer was made from a different type of rock, making the huge statue resemble a rainbow. The first time Zac saw it, he''d judged it a decorative structure bereft of spirituality.


    He should have known better. What kind of decoration had the strength to resist the disintegration pulses of the Left Imperial Pce?


    Nine waves at the statue''s bottom were lighting up one after another, and the Ensolus Ruins wereing alive. Zac''s eyes were wide with shock as he looked around as the winds of fate gathered over the long-abandoned city. At the same time, he knew he couldn''t get distracted. Ny seconds were almost up, which meant the tribtion was about to jump a notch in power.


    Zac was wrought with hesitation but gritted his teeth and forced his way back to his spot atop the enormous block, inwardly thankful the Ensolus Ruins had already been emptied. Hopefully, the Tribtion Throne wouldn''t mess with his other ns.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It hadn''t taken more than a minute to figure out the fortress was the perfect ce to deal with his bloodline. However, that realization came with some unanswered questions. Exactly how would his breakthrough work now that he had two bodies? Would each side form a set of treasure-eating vortices? His control over his bloodline had improved since practicing Heart Cultivation, but it wasn''t perfect.


    The Endemire Sage''s War Fortress undoubtedly had enough treasures stockpiled to fuel the process, but Zac wasn''t tired of his life just yet. At the same time, few environments had the energy and materials his bloodline required. If anything, that was why he''d been stuck with an E-grade Bloodline half a year into the war. Zac''s best backup option was these ruins, which still held thousands of sealed buildings.


    He didn''t feel the pull of treasures like he did back in the War Fortress, but there should be enough to supplement while the tower became the main source. If nothing else, many of the ancient structures were made with high-quality materials, which might be eptable as fodder.


    Any errant thoughts were thrown out the window when nine became ten and white turned pale blue. As he''d expected, the activation of the second circle transformed the lightning. The first nine could be considered separate building blocks stacked on each other. The addition of the blue lightning arranged them into a singr whole before flooding it with more power and deeper truths.


    Zac shuddered atop the throne as the lightning across his two bodies transformed. Golden hurricanes and rippling ponds fought back as the invading force dug into the depths of his cells. Bones turned into unwilling conductors, and Zac could no longer see the world beyond the limits of his Soul Sense. His vision had been reced by a ubiquitous blue where closing his eyes changed nothing.


    The pain was still within his tolerance levels, but those limits were being tested as another spike added to his suffering. It only took two secondyer spikes to push the energy density across his bodies to the levels when it all was concentrated in his human half. Even then, the agony was far greater. Comparing the two was likeparing identical attacks where one was fueled by a Dao Fragment and the other a Dao Branch.


    The third spike activated, and his thoughts briefly scattered. His Soul Aperture had finally gone from being used as a warp gate to bing the Tribtion Throne''s target. The enormous swirls of Life and Death crackled and condensed as impurities were expunged. The cost was the heart-wrenching agony of having his soul electrocuted.


    The next thirty seconds felt like an hour as every inch of his aperture was flooded. Thankfully, the Void Mountain showcased a surprising foresight by retreating into the mists at the edge of his mind. Meanwhile, the Tribtion Throne provided a much-needed reminder it was a man-made opportunity. Whenever the lightning encountered the subspaces holding his inheritances and the prison, it was like the Faith Energy marked those spots off-limits.


    With nothing else to inundate, the lightning finally flooded the intricate pathways of his Cosmic Core. By the time all eight spikes formed aplete cycle, Zac could no longer tell where the lightning ended and he began. Even his Soul Sense had be lightning, officially sealing him from the outside world.


    Then came thews.


    Zac screamed, he rolled, he cried. At least, he thought he did. It was impossible to tell over the devastating wave of pure, unadulterated lightning that crashed into him. The light blue had been strangled by the dark depths of the Heavenly Peak as azure destruction shook Zac to his very core. Not even his path or beliefs were spared when they faced such a monstrously refined Dao of Lightning.


    It was like the Tribtion Lightning had be the arbiter of the Law of Truth, and it was judging everything heterogenous as uwful. It was a horrifying rejection that felt like an exile separating Zac from the cosmos. His Dao Heart might have shattered then and there if not for his unique connection to the Void. He was already an outsider, so expulsion from the Heavens didn''t hit nearly as hard.


    The attack on his heart was deflected, but the twice-evolved lightning was deadly enough that it didn''t need any tricks. Zac furiously fought back, knowing he was so close topleting the cycle. Just fifty more seconds, and he would have surpassed the ancients. And he could tell the benefits had taken a huge leap after being subject to a bolt imbued with one of the fourws. His body was being tempered and aligned with the cosmos.


    Would he be a perfected being if he passed the whole trial?


    Greed and anticipation were quashed and reced with horror when the neenth spike woke from its ancient slumber. The Law of Bnce joined the Law of Truth as the azure blue deepened. A piercing scream of mortal danger pierced through the storm, only to be swallowed up by the crackling roar of his soul. The Tribtion Throne was recing his essence with lightning in a twisted act of equal exchange.


    Should he give up?


    He could tell he''d already benefitted greatly, and he had to remember this was just a pitstop on their way to the real mission. Emily''s words rang in the back of his head. Zac refused to sacrifice his body in search of answers, and he couldn''t let personal gain cloud the true purpose that brought him here. Not any longer, at least.


    The fortress was a rare chance to make significant contributions that would impact the whole war effort. The sudden appearance of the Technocrats or the revtion of the ''project'' hadn''t changed that. If anything, it made his original goal more important. Being blinded by lightning had let him see the situation more clearly than before.


    Unknowingly, he had been steered off-course by fate''s siren call. He''d be the moth to the me, pushing the war effort aside as he jumped from treasure to treasure like he was possessed. How was he supposed to face his soldiers if the Technocrats got their hands on the beacon while he was busy looting dusty dorms and training rooms?


    His rational mind had spoken, but an unwilling and upromising me had ignited in Zac''s chest, the same one that had pushed him beyondmon sense many times before. It was the me that urged him to keep going, to seize fate and create a better future than the one you could expect by ying it safe.


    Zac could tell something was building within. The nine sealsid the foundation. The eight pirs added power and stability. Now, the four truths were forcibly aligning his body with the Cosmos. It was yet iplete. He was still iplete, like an array missing its core. The only way to reap the true reward of the Tribtion Throne was to reach its terminus.


    But how?


    Eachw-empowered tribtion added more torment than half the second-circle spikes. He had already reached Emily''s stopping point, where his body couldn''t keep up with the punishment. Zac steeled his heart. The lightning had shocked him awake, but there was one more thing he could try before throwing in the towel. He''d be selfish for just another thirty seconds.


    His two constitutions roared in defiance, and Life and Death rose to meet the heavenly punishment. The curtailed cyclones and the suppressed ponds no longer silently endured the onught. They reached down and connected to that hidden space somewhere in the depths of his body. The sole ce the lightning had not yet overwhelmed. The Azure catastrophe froze in hesitation instead of pouring into the new passages. They had sensed the danger in the darkness.


    It was toote. Predator became prey as the lightning was dragged into the Void.

 Chapter 1149 - Destiny

    Billions of cells, from skin to marrow, replicated [Void Heart]''s devouring ability. Golden cyclones sped up while rippling ponds grew darker, dragging all matter to their depths. Each could only swallow a minute amount of lightning, but small streams make great rivers. The unbearable levels of destruction that the neenth spike and the Law of Bnce levied were brought to bnce as the Void epted what Zac could not.


    It actually worked.


    It was an idea born from desperation, but not one without merit. Zac''s experience in the Abyssal Pond and its aftermath had proven there was a yet unexined connection between his attuned constitutions and the Void Emperor Bloodline. First, the Void siphoned the energy from his cells during his dip in the pond. Only by connecting with the true Abyssal Lake had he absorbed enough Abyssal Energy to satiate the Void and advance his Draugr bloodline.


    A few dayster, [Void Heart] finally released the vast amounts of energy it had refined. It left Zac in a simr situation to the one he currently faced, except he was dealing with overwhelming amounts of refined Abyssal Energy instead of simted Tribtion Lightning.


    Left without better options, he''d forcibly pushed the excess Abyssal Energy into his cells to replicate the events in the pond. The Void epted the offering and even returned a mysterious force that helped nurture his Eoz bloodline, leading to the discovery of how to elerate the growth of his constitutions.


    Zac wasn''t necessarily expecting that he''d reap simr benefits by consuming the Tribtion Lightning. His goal was simply to use the Void as a storage facility where he could offload some excess energy, which would allow him to keep going. Then again, the azure lightning certainly had some simrities to [Void Heart]''s refined energy. It was man-made and designed to help rather than harm. Perhaps his bloodline could really use it to advance his Void Vajra Constitution and Eoz Bloodline.


    The destruction of equal exchange still transformed flesh into lightning, but Zac no longer felt like he was facing death. The intensity was kept in check, and he felt his consciousness stabilize. Feeling his body disappear was terrifying, but Zac knew you sometimes had to break down something to rebuild it better. He''d survived something simr when entering Minor Sublimation, and he''d survive it today.


    The Law of Bnce finished its work and the Law of Cosmos took over. Zac''s newfound confidence almost shattered as a wave of navy-blue lightning swept through his bodies, turning Miasma, Cosmic Energy, and Divine Energy into more lightning. Not even the Mental Energy was spared, and his Soul Cores dimmed like dying suns.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The same happened to his Cosmic Core. The unceasing font of energy Zac had relied on during the war saw its pathways forcibly drained of energy before being filled with crippling lightning. His constitutions had survived his body''s transformation, but they suddenly felt hollow and distant. Without Dao, form, or energy, what else remained?


    The Law of Truth governed Dao and how it shaped the world, while the Law of Cosmos governed energy. While being targeted by both, Zac felt like he''d been stripped of his hard-earned power and reduced to a pre-cultivation mortal again. It was a terrifying experience that affected his Dao Heart more than the Law of Truth did before.


    Zac felt so small and insignificant when faced with the fundamental precepts of the universe, but he knew he had to keep going. Stopping at the 17th spike or at the beginning of the 18th would have been fine. He would be worse for the wear, but therge number of impurities cleansed would more than make up for the torment. However, it was different now that he''d pushed so far into the third circle.


    Tribtion Lightning holding punishment of the cardinalws was called the Four Destes Tribtion. It wasn''t something a Hegemon shoulde in contact with, at least not with how cultivation currently worked. Zac wasn''t even sure if Monarchs had to defend against thews. It was simply too early toe in contact with such lofty concepts, and eachw would damage an aspect of his cultivation if he stopped early.


    However, the Tribtion Throne wouldn''t include them for ''Awakened Lords'' without reason or a n. Zac guessed that passing all four destes would return what was taken and more. At least, he hoped that was the case. He''d endured three already, proving they only carried a sliver of the true destes power. And despite his wretched state, Zac could still feel a steady stream of Tribtion Lightning being dragged into the Void, keeping him above water.


    Just one more.


    A fourth wave of extermination descended,pressing and darkening the lightning. Zac felt himself rapidly wither in a way that would scare any cultivator witless. It was his life force being targeted, the very thing cultivators fought so desperately to seize. Zac could feel his longevity be lightning and his providence scattered by thunder. It was the work of the Law of Impermanence, the final hurdle of the third round of tribtion.


    Impermanence was the invible rule his Evolutionary Path railed against and his Inexorable Path emted. Nothing was Eternal, not even the Cosmos itself. Cultivators could siphon longevity and y tricks to extend their stay, but the Law of Impermanence couldn''t be cheated forever.


    The only way to break free from the chains of mortality and achieve Eternity was to surpass the Heavens and thews that bound it. So far, none had seeded, yet cultivators kept trying Era after Era. This pursuit stood at the center of the conflict between the Thrones and the Seals, and even Zac had been dragged into the struggle by the fifth pir''s ascent.


    Seventeenyers of tribtion impressed the Grand Dao onto his body. The cardinalws expunged the four dimensions of cultivation, leaving only a seed of fraught self in a sea of lightning. Yet Zac held on, trusting himself and the Void to take him to the other shore.


    Thest embers died. He was nothing, yet everything, when all extraneous had been removed. The agony that threatened to break his mind and spirit faded as his consciousness rose to a higher state of existence. Zac felt like he''d been sent to the first day of the Era, perhaps of all Eras, seeing it in its most primal and pristine state.


    He finally understood. Passing the four destes allowed the trialtaker to briefly fuse with the Cosmos and glimpse its true nature. Only by letting go of the anchors that bound you to the mundane could you peek behind the curtain. It was a concept Zac was more than familiar with, thanks to the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. Relinquish all to be one with all.


    That teaching was a genuine approach to enlightenment and not limited to the Buddhist Sangha. However, that concept almost became the backdoor, recing his will with an unthinking Arhat. It left Zac wary of the Tribtion Throne''s final stage as his consciousness drifted in the origin of all creation.


    Time had lost all meaning. Zac rationally knew he hadn''t been in this state for more than a second, but it could just as well have been decades. It wasforting, yet lonely, so Zac weed the change to his brief existence of non-existence.


    Not one, but two spikes lit up simultaneously, each filling up half his consciousness and the primordial space the Tribtion Throne had conjured. One was so radiantly white Zac felt it transcended the concept of color, exuding faith, strength, and unbending purpose. The other was darker than ck, but not the cold, deathly gloom of the Abyss. It was the alluring night sky that drew Eoz''s attention the day he emerged from the depths, holding boundless mystery and possibilities.


    It wasn''t hard to guess the next step��a choice must be made.


    Zac would have snorted if he wasn''t a discarnate consciousness locked in an unfathomable tribtion. He finally understood the truth of the twenty-threeyers. Nine Seals, Eight Thrones, Four Laws, and the One Destiny. Zac had guessed the twenty-third was the ''self,'' representing the will of man and the struggle of cultivation. But he''d looked at it from his own vantage, forgetting to consider who built the Tribtion Throne.


    Who but the Limitless Emperor deserved to stand at the very summit, surpassing the Dao and all Laws?


    Imperial Fate or Cosmic Destiny. War or self-discovery. Those were the choices presented. Whichever he chose would add the finalyer,plete the circuit, and finish the tribtion. Neither was objectively better. The lighting in the two final spikes held such immense profundity that the previous arcs paled inparison.


    Zac couldn''t even begin to fathom the concepts hidden within. It was no surprise, considering he still didn''t understand what the ''One Destiny'' referred to. Zac only knew it was ced above Dao and Law and was represented by Buddha''s awakening inside the Sangha''s doctrine. The dark lighting didn''t promise anything. It was a vast ocean filled with secrets and opportunities. What you''d find depended on fate''s winds.


    The radiant lightning of the Limitless Empire didn''t pale inparison. Looking at it filled Zac with a sense of purpose. It made him feel part of something greater than himself, something that could withstand the test of time, even the passing of Eras. He''d pick up where the ancestors left off, each generation reaching new heights.


    Both held a fatal attraction, yet Zac instinctively recoiled at their gifts. He didn''t think the choice was a trick question, even if it seemed odd to disregard the Emperor''s path in favor of the Cosmos. Neither did Zac believe it was a trap like the one hidden within the [Boundless Vajra Sublimation]. The lightning wouldn''t change his heart or his will. It was more a test of character, fate, and suitability.


    And that was precisely the problem. He had already made his choice, one that precluded both paths presented. How many times had he railed at being used as a pawn, bing an unwilling cog in someone else''s schemes? How many times had he cursed fate for pushing him and those around him into dangerous situations? His struggles were all aimed at taking control of his destiny.


    Picking either side felt like carving an unsuitable pathway onto his body. Zac was certain either choice would still improve his cultivation, but he was unwilling to betray his path like that. Zac''s instincts told him this was one of those situations wherepromising would leave a shadow in his heart. It was better to choose neither than betray his path.


    He was the Void.


    What did it matter if he gave up on the wisdom of the ancestors? He''d forged his own path and would continue to do so until he reached its end. It didn''t matter how long it was, so long as it was his.


    So what if he rejected destiny? He would create his own fate, seizing what hecked with his two hands. He had no regrets, even if it meant stepping off the road to enter untamed and unexplored wilderness.


    Crashing thunder shook the primordial Cosmos, and the two seas of lightning no longer felt profound and inviting. His deration was an act of apostasy, angering the Gods and inviting their judgment. The soul-rending agony came crashing back with redoubled force, sweeping away his connection with the cosmos. It was like the trial had turned into a true Tribtion. Zac knew this was his time to cut his losses, only to find the Tribtion Throne ignoring his deactivationmand.


    He tried to escape or ask Emily for help. However, he couldn''t even feel his body, let alonemunicate with the outside. Zac despaired, wondering if his death-defying behavior had finally caught up with him. No, he wouldn''t go down without a fight! He pushed back against the lightning, unleashing the floodgates to his bloodline to fight back against the Heavens. He''d chosen Void over certainty in the face of all reason. Having it reciprocate wasn''t too much to ask, right?


    Sometimes, a determined heart can even move mountains.


    An immense pressure descended on the cosmic realm, freezing the lightning. Reality shifted, and the Heavens became the earth. The ck-and-white seas towering above were now suppressed beneath his feet. And floating above was an inverted mountain vast beyondpare.


    It was silent, waiting. Waiting for Zac to follow the voice in his heart and do what needed to be done. To be the Void, take what he needed and discard all else.


    Innumerable streaks of unwilling white and ck were forcibly dragged from the ground toplement the iplete system in his body. They buckled and resisted, their wrath enough to incinerate the sky. However, Zac''s will carried the weight of the Void Mountain, and the lightning was unable to break free from the hold.


    Meanwhile, a third force rained down from above, turning duality into a triumvirate. Together, they''d open the path he sought. Zac felt he was at the precipice of greatness, but an rming realization struck him like a punch to the face. He had no idea what to do, and the Void Mountain didn''t provide any answers.


    It was too soon. He was just an Early Hegemon, and this undertaking involved concepts that stumped even Supremacies. It touched upon the Terminus, and a single mistake would copse the whole system like a house of cards. The trapped streaks of lightning were already exploiting the imperfections to break free. Zac frantically asked the Void for instruction and was met with deafening silence.


    However, someone else answered the call.


    ''Old friend��'' an ancient sigh echoed through the universe.


    It felt like it came from a time before time, stretching to the very end of all existence. It transcended the Dao, yet was one with it. It was unstoppable, unfathomable, and too much for Zac''s mind to contain. Even Sendor paled before the unquestionable might embodied within those two words. Had someone actually reached Eternity already?


    Time was reversed to redirect the river of fate down another trajectory. The twenty-three forms of lightning stopped their destructive rampage like they''d be docile kittens. Imperfections smoothed out to pave the way for an unbelievablyplex pattern. Zac gasped at its intricacy and beauty. He couldn''t evenprehend a corner, but he knew the road he looked for had appeared��the unique road of the Void Emperor.


    The pattern sank into his consciousness, and Zac was beset with an immense sense of loss as he was dragged back to his mundane reality. The rity was gone, and theplex pattern slipped through the cracks in his mind and disappeared. It was like when he encountered the Chaos Pattern and the Void Mountain, leaving him agonizingly curious and desperately wanting more.


    Zac could barely tell what was real and what was imaginary as he suddenly was made aware of his immediate surroundings. He was still stuck on the Tribtion Throne in his human form, but he hadn''t expected a throne of lightning to have appeared atop the monolith in the Ensolus Ruins. Atop them were his two incorporeal forms, resembling unmoving Gods of Thunder.


    All twenty-three waves on the sculpture were glowing, radiating a transcendent force like a celestial beacon. Only a sliver entered his body, but that was enough to trigger a great rebirth. Meanwhile, unprecedented waves shook the Tribtion Throne. It flooded him with the Dao of the Earthly Peak with such force the metal throne twisted and began melting.


    Zac epted it all and even called upon the remnant energies left by the cactus spine and the [Myriad Paths Water]. He was like an arid desert, a deste wastnd without a future. He''d stayed alive through willpower alone, but it was finally time to take back what was his.


    Divine flowers burgeoning with untainted lifeforce bloomed in the sea of lightning. Their celestial nectar rushed forth, recing what was taken and more. Longevity contained the life-giving waters of possibility, allowing Zac to reembark on the path of cultivation. The parched canals of his Cosmic Core filled with pristine waters that traveled through every corner of his bodies to awaken them from their slumber.


    Wherever his energy passed, lightning reverted to flesh and bones. It was like the great rivers of his energy reimed the desert and transformed the continent into a lush forest. A forest taller and stronger than the one that stood there before. Finally, a gentle rain of truth fell from the skies on the reformedndscape. Life, Death, and Conflict painted Zac''s body in the shades of his path.


    Never before had Zac felt so connected with himself. He had been realigned with his path and the cosmos, and it seemed every aspect of his cultivation had seen some form of improvement. However, a dark cloud of premonition covered the skies before Zac had the chance to celebrate.


    The process was still ongoing, and Zac was still unable to move. However, a deep rumble joined the apocalyptic chaos of the crumbling Tribtion Throne. It was his stomach incessantly growling, and it was just the tip of the iceberg of the unfathomable hunger that suddenly tore at his insides.


    Zac tried to quell it by redirecting some of the immense energies coursing through his body, but it only made his cells more agitated. They were like baby birds screaming for nourishment, and their call only grew louder and more urgent. It had been a while since hest felt this unrelenting and unbearable craving, but it was a sensation he''d never forget.


    The unexpected events in the Tribtion Throne had triggered his Bloodline Evolution. He''d chosen the Void and received its aid. Now, it demanded Zac prove his conviction. He could tell there was no stopping this train; he could either jump aboard or get run over. At best, he could suppress it a while longer, but it was just a matter of time.


    He had an hour at best.

 Chapter 1150 - Void Road

    The growing hunger could be endured, but it couldn''t be fully denied. The already shocking amounts of lightning that had entered its cells weren''t enough. Nothing could ever be enough. Zac''s Void, to take what was needed and relinquish all else, was a lie��a retreat born from weakness.


    The Void Emperor took what he wanted. He seized the Heavens and devoured the Earth, ughtering any and all that stood in his way.


    Hunger warped his perception, but a loud explosion shook Zac awake. Remnant lightning was being forcibly pulled from the ceiling, prompting a violent response. His Draugr body was trying the same thing, but the mysterious monolith in the center of the Ensolus Ruins actually rebuffed his demands.


    It had withstood Ultom''s destructive pulses and now endured the call of the Void. Its origin couldn''t be simple. Zac only needed to look around to understand there was more than met the eye to the Ensolus Ruins, but that particr mystery would have to wait. There were more pressing matters on his human side.


    One spike after another shattered above the Tempest Throne. Despite two consecutive uses, each spike still held immense amounts of energy, and it was all pouring into the chamber. Zac knew he couldn''t let things go on, and he forcibly stabilized his mind and suppressed his body.


    The frenzied swirls in his cells gradually slowed down, though they were still in an agitated state. The insatiable hunger was still there, too. It was a half-measure that proved just enough to stop the destruction that would drown him in unfiltered Tribtion Lightning.


    It was just in time. rm bells were going off in Zac''s mind as he looked at the crackling storm around him. It looked simr to what he''d used to fuel his rebirth, but its force was far greater. The spikes had adjusted their strength based on his grade during the trial, and those safeguards had failed when the spikes exploded.


    Entering the storm meant death without a shadow of a doubt. Absorbing it might work, with the caveat that it would instantly trigger his bloodline evolution. With Emily trapped in the next room, that was a step he could only take as ast-ditch solution. Thankfully, it didn''t get to that point.


    The twisted Tribtion Throne provided a small sanctuary through its Earthly domain, though only a pile of molten metal would remain in ten minutes. It should be enough, considering the metallic ting covering the chamber was working hard at absorbing the excess energy. He just needed to stay put for a bit longer. Of course, that n was out the window if more spikes blew up. Seven was already pushing it.


    Zac took a calming breath as he felt himself gradually regaining control over his bodies. The transformation had continued despite his bloodline''s interruption, and it was about to wrap up. It would be a while before the lightning dispersed, so Zac took the opportunity to properly scan his body to figure out what the mysterious rebirth had done to him. If nothing else, it would help distract him from the gnawing hunger that constantly fought for supremacy. The part of him that looked at the lightning as fuel rather than death.


    The most obvious change was that he''d shrunk. While retaining his height, he''d lost around 30% of his muscle volume. He was stillrge but not as aggressively beefed up as before. The mass remained equal��what his reforged musclescked in size, they more than made up for in barely restrained power. His muscle tissue had been rearranged and concentrated, further optimizing them for battle.


    More surprising was that he''d gained a couple of new muscles and tendons humans normally wouldn''t have. At least not Earth Humans, anyway, whose fundamental physique Zac still shared. It wasn''t anything that noticeably changed his appearance. It seemed as though he''d gained a support system that would let him bring out more explosive force. Zac could not test it out while trapped atop the throne, but he could somewhat intuit he would be able to better utilize his attribute pool as soon as he got used to the changes.


    Ultimately, humans weren''t particrly suited for cultivation beyond having the basic physiology most cultivation races shared. If anything, they were considered aggressively mediocre, and many factions sought to improve their genealogy by introducingplementary attributes from other races.


    Take Earth Humans, for instance. They had be the apex predator of Earth by developing great endurance and energy conservation. But were those features really the most suited for cultivators with their godlike attribute pools and Cosmic Cores providing energy? Zac guessed the transformation followed that logic, though it failed to exin a few other changes. For instance, why did he suddenly have more teeth than before?


    The body transformation left Zac conflicted, even if it was a clear upgrade. It was a step away from his origin, the ''Earth Zac.'' It was the part that held his mortal heart, acting as a spiritual anchor in a world that grew increasingly grim and confusing.


    Then again, if Ogras could deal with bing a shadow being, then he could deal with some extra teeth and muscles. At least the optimization didn''te with new limbs or gori arms, and the added teeth looked normal enough.


    Shape wasn''t the only thing new in his body. His cells were pure, dense, and incredibly stable, like he''d spent thest decade solidifying his foundations. Zac sensed he could break through in his [Void Vajra Sublimation] tomorrow if he had the time, and progress with his Body Tempering Methods would be swift in the short term. The biggest difference, however, was that his constitutions seemed to have formed a stronger connection to his Void Emperor bloodline.


    The golden whirlpools had started filling with elusive shadows of Void Energy, and there were hidden currents in the Abyssal ponds. Was it a temporary change because his bloodline was about to break through, or was it rted to his choice at the end? Zac''s thoughts drifted back to the primordial cosmos and thekes of lightning, inwardly shuddering at how close to disaster he''de.


    Recalling the experience almost dragged him out of his Void State, so Zac quickly shifted his attention to his Cosmic Core. Like his body, it had been given the expected cleansing, removing impurities and a good chunk of the remaining imperfections. If his Cosmic Core wasn''t High-quality before, it certainly was now, which meant one of the major roadblocks to Late Hegemony had been dealt with.


    More troubling was that his Cosmic Core had undergone a subtle transformation like his physique. A few pathways had been added, and others rerouted or reformed. The difference was less than 1%pared to its original state. One percent was both little and too much, bing an unwee and worrying surprise now that he was so close to Middle Hegemony.


    The small alterations meant his prepared blueprint wouldn''t work. He''d encountered simr problems more than once with his Skill Fractals. Even a slight difference would lead to a chain reaction of issues, creating a negative spiral of imperfections and patchwork solutions that left you with something far worse than nned. Zac needed to understand the changes, the theories behind them, and what alterations they necessitated before he could step into Middle Hegemony.


    The easier solution would be to revert the changes, though that would also take time. Furthermore, Zac was hesitant to do so since the benefits were undeniable. Somehow, the small alterations improved his energy generation, storage, and transfer by around 10-15%. It even felt like the energy it produced had be slightly purer.


    It was a clear buff, but a reshaped body and altered core weren''t enough to fully exin why Zac felt like his body was overflowing with power. He had already formed a hypothesis, and Zac opened his Status Screen to confirm.


    Name Zachary Atwood


    Level 171


    ss [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    Race [D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    Alignment [Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquestn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Titles [...] Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender, Destined, Cosmic Introduction


    Limited Titles Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth, Void Road


    Dao Branch of the War Axe - Late, Branch of the Kalpataru - Late, Branch of the Pale Seal - Late


    Core [D] Evolutionary Core


    Strength 125,618 [Increase: 224%. Efficiency: 451%]


    Dexterity 56,732 [Increase: 166%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Endurance 72,010 [Increase: 190%. Efficiency: 472%]


    Vitality 63,369 [Increase: 183%. Efficiency: 450%]


    Intelligence 11,393 [Increase: 145%. Efficiency: 300%]


    Wisdom 19,678 [Increase: 147%. Efficiency: 315%]


    Luck 1,315 [Increase: 174%. Efficiency: 393%]


    Free Points 200


    Nexus Coins [D] 19 345 883


    The Tribtion Throne had provided two more levels, though that obviously wasn''t the reason why his attributes had jumped forward. His eyes moved from the unchanged line for his bloodline before stopping at his Titles. Hegemony hadn''t provided much in the way of Titles thus far. Today, Zac got two. More importantly, one appeared in a manner that made even Zac''s heartbeat elerate.


    [Cosmic Introduction: Achieve Pseudo Low-grade Cosmic Attainment. Reward: All attributes +10%. Effect of Attributes +5%.]


    [Void Road (Limited): Reject destiny in pursuit of the unknown. Reward: Luck +100. Exclusive. Upgradeable.]


    One normal title and one limited. That alone wasn''t anything special. What made Zac''s eyes burn and heart thump was that it didn''t rece any of his five old ones. It had actually expanded his slots by one, which had only happened twice before despite all he''d been through.


    The title itself was nothing to scoff at, either. Despite doing nothing for hisbat effectiveness and only providing t attributes, Void Road was indubitably his strongest title. One hundred t Luck was a shocking number, and it was the main reason his Luck had increased by a whopping 30% in one go. It provided a monstrous multiplier on one of his strongest points. Certainly, Luck was a double-edged sword where dangers and opportunities came hand in hand, but Zac would take that deal every day.


    As if that wasn''t enough, the title sported something Zac had never seen before. It had two descriptors; Exclusive and Upgradeable. Did Exclusive mean it was exclusive to him, or that he could only have one path, like the choice he faced at the end? And was there a different approach to evolving itpared to the other titles he''d upgraded? If he figured it out, could he keep tacking on more Luck to the already incredible tally?


    Zac stilled his galloping thoughts and shifted his attention to the other title he''d gained. It provided a decent boost, though not one that would make Zac raise his brows. He found description of the feat more interesting than the title itself. ''Pseudo Low-grade Cosmic Attainment'' no doubt referred to the changes in his body, further confirming Zac''s hypothesis.


    It was bing clear the Tribtion Throne held two benefits. The first came from the outer circles and their seventeen spikes representing the Heavens. They replicated Tribtion Lightning to shed impurities and imperfections.


    This part could only be considered a decent opportunity in today''s cultivation world unless you were a mortal like Zac. However, it was far more valuable in the era of the Limitless Empire. Zac remembered his bloodline visions and the struggle a young Laondio Evrodok was trying to solve��therge amounts of impurities guing all cultivators.


    The ancient cultivators didn''t have pure Kill Energy to propel them through grades, and even their ''Dragon Veins'' contained impure energy. Even those who took the slow path and only absorbed energy from the universe would be gued by impurities. The System hadrgely solved that issue. Today, the only impurities most people had to deal with were Connate Impurities, Pill Toxins, remnants from Natural Treasures, and seque from wounds.


    The diluted Four Destes Tribtion provided the Tribtion Throne''s second benefit. This half was far, far more dangerous than the former, with only Meso Helo having passed it. Zac even suspected those on the higher-gradedder hadn''t reached that step. Their higher timings were rather the result of each tribtion stage needing more time to unload its energy.


    Coming in contact with the Four Destes early was an invaluable experience to prepare for the real thing, but the Tribtion Throne''s goal was still to provide immediate benefits. It broke down and rebuilt one''s body to better align with the fourws, improving its potential. It was simr to how Catheya''s appearance improved after she awakened her bloodline and improved her affinities, though based on even more profound concepts.


    Certainly, the term "Pseudo Low-Grade Cosmic Attainment" meant he''d just dipped his feet in the water, if even that. It still felt like he''d taken the first step in dealing with a troubling roadblock far down the road. Iz once mentioned elite cultivators spent most of their time in the lower grades, shoring up their foundations and umting.


    Could this be part of it? Ensuring one''s path was aligned with not only the Daos but the Four Laws early could potentially be instrumental in stepping into Divine Monarchy or Autarchy.


    The experience also made Zac think of his first meeting with Catheya. Back then, she''d asked what he thought the difference was between modern and ancient cultivators. That question led to the discussion of titles, where Catheya defined them as excavated potential. Wasn''t this pretty much the same thing?


    The Tribtion Throne was an archaic Title Generator for the empire''s elites. The method was so dangerous the process could be considered the achievement needed to qualify for a title. In return, its effect would be far more impressive than any of themon titles most people would ever see in today''s age.


    Melo Heso had also reached that final stage, though he probably picked one of the options immediately and thus finished thest stage two seconds in. Zac, as Emily predicted, had instead caused trouble, dragging the Void and the Ensolus Ruins into the mix. Zac felt his body''s alignment could exin the additional Limited Title slot, but it could also be rted to the unorthodox way he finished the trial.


    It was still almost unbelievable how a series of coincidences had worked together to save his life and bring unexpected benefits. If his body hadn''t split during his breakthrough into Hegemony, he would have been forced to give up on the Tribtion Throne early.


    Zac only passed the seventeen spikes by spreading the Tribtion Lightning. And if not for his experience in the Abyssal Pond, he wouldn''t have known the method to pass the Four Destes Tribtion. Not to mention that voice. Zac had consciously avoided the topic since even thinking about such a powerful entity risked drawing fate''s attention.


    Because even when dead, the Limitless Emperor was undeniably the main character of this Era.


    The aged voice barely sounded anything like the Laondio from Zac''s vision, but who else could it be? Who but the Limitless Emperor could exude such monstrous strength that even beings like Sendor and Eoz paled before them? And who else would say "old friend" whening in contact with the Void? It could also be Karz, but that made less sense, considering his location.


    Zac wasn''t sure if the wisp of Laondio''s will came from the Ensolus monolith or therge amounts of Faith Energy gathered inside the tower. Either case, it had been attracted by his bloodline and how he used the Void to fight the two choices to create a new answer.


    It was ironic. He''d rejected the Imperial Fate to stake out his own path, only to have his life saved by the Emperor himself.


    Now, every aspect of him had seen subtle alterations. Was that a natural effect of aligning with the Laws, or was it part of some plot? The exact rtionship between Karz and Laondio was still a mystery. They were just E-grade cultivators when Zac saw them in his vision, and it would be millions of years before the Limitless Empire would shake the multiverse.


    Had the trajectories of his fate been meddled with, like how the Remnants put him on a collision course with their brethren? The System hadn''t warned him of the ''Terminus,'' but could it be trusted when the conspirator was its creator? The thought filled Zac with exhaustion. He kept fighting to break the chains of fate, yet new fetters kept recing the old.


    The good news was that the Tribtion Throne was limited in its power. The synthetic Four Deste Tribtion only held a wisp of the real thing, limiting his rebirth to a Pseudo-stage. He also had his inherent resistance to meddling with his Karma, which was likely to grow stronger over time. The Kayar-Elu would undoubtedly have contingencies against the lingering will of Emperor Limitless if they nned to topple the System.


    Still, he''d have to keep his eyes peeled. It was a shame Iz hadn''t returned yet. There was no one else he could turn to with matters. Well, there was one. The very notion filled Zac with reluctance and a storm ofplicated emotions. He''d talked so big just a few months ago, denouncing and drawing lines. Would he really have toe crawling back now?


    Who beyond Leandra held the answers he sought?

 Chapter 1151 - Breaking Out

    Zac had already been grappling with the idea of contacting Leandra because of the sudden appearance of powerful Technocrats. It was part of why he returned to Earth with his Draugr side. He hadn''t pulled the trigger yet, partly because of the emotional baggage that came with it and partly because he knew too little. What faction did the Technocrats belong to, and what were their goals in Zecia? Were they targeting him and Kenzie, or were they joining the struggle for Ultom?


    With the new questions stemming from his transformation, Zac figured he didn''t have much choice. It could be years before Iz returned, and he didn''t dare wait that long for answers. Then again, Zac might have to, considering there were no guarantees she''d even bother answering his call.


    Ultimately, making contact would have to wait until he dealt with the tower and his breakthrough. The lightning was still receding, so Zac closed the Status Screen and shifted his attention to his Soul Aperture.


    The improvements to his soul didn''t pale inparison to the constitution or core. Zac felt it might have surpassed the changes to his Cosmic Core. The swirling nebe of opposing elements had shrunk to two-thirds their original size, while the number of glimmering specks resembling attuned stars had increased by a third.


    The Evolutionary and Inexorable Cores shone with splendor like ayer of dust had been wiped off their surface. They had undergone a rebirth with far more changes to their internal structure. Zac wasn''t surprised, considering they were significantly more wed than his Cosmic Core. Their creation hadn''t benefitted from nearly as much nning or as expensive materials.


    Part of it was due to necessity, where the stringent requirements for his Cosmic Core were far greater than forming a Three Fates Soul. It was also a matter of priorities. Taking the time to form a perfect Soul Core wasn''t as critical since they weren''t physical objects. They were Mental Energy, Soul, and Dao, and thus more malleable.


    The imperfections would gradually resolve themselves as he evolved his Daos and practiced the fourthyer of the [Nine Reincarnations Manual]. It was simr to how a Cultivator could gradually improve their Cosmic Cores, so this was an aspect where Mortals weren''t quite as disadvantaged. The Tribtion Throne had cut that work in half, saving him time down the road. Effort spent on refinement could instead be used on avancement.


    More importantly, it removed many impurities and properly integrated the refined Oblivion- and Moss Energies. The rebirth hadn''t wiped away all signs of heterogeneity but more than Zac dared hope for. It would have taken at least a decade to see simr results if he''d relied on nothing but practicing his Soul Strengthening Manual.


    The three Dao Apparitions were one of the few aspects of his cultivation that hadn''t seen any real changes. They felt more spirited than before, but that was about it. Zac could tell that, despite theprehensive overhaul to his body, he hadn''t improved his connection to his Daos or gained any affinities. If anything, he felt even more detached from the Heavens now that the Void had invaded his cells.


    Perhaps that meant his affinity with the various Voids had improved, but that didn''t help much when he had no method of cultivating it. That notion made him think of something else, and his gaze shifted to his Soul Aperture''s edge. Zac sighed and retracted his senses soon after. As expected, the Void Mountain was gone.


    Zac had guessed this would happen when the mountain appeared during his vision. Confirming it was still a disappointment. It wasn''t just his method of studying the Voids of Life and Death that had been cut off. It also meant losing his ability to temporarily imbue his Techniques with the Void.


    On some level, Zac felt it might be for the best, even if it left him with one fewer ace in the short run. The mountain had quickly be a bit of a crutch, like how he overly relied on the Remnants during the E-grade. It was all too easy to get used to outside assistance, often at the expense of your progress.


    And it wasn''t like the mountain waspletely gone. Part of it was there, swirling about in his cells, hiding in the shadows of his Soul Cores. Zac believed it was an important key to recing the Void Mountain with his own abilities. If he could learn to harness the Void that lived in his Life- or Death-attuned cells, he should be able to generate the Voids of Life and Death with his own body.


    Sure, he hadn''t had much luck regarding his Cosmic Core in that department. Zac felt he should be able to extract the Voids of Life and Death from it, considering how it was constructed, but that wasn''t the case. Even if the Death-attuned third of his Cosmic Core was in a Void State when observed from his human form, it still provided normal Miasma rather than Void Energy.


    Perhaps that would change when his bloodline finally caught up. The thought helped lessen the worries that came with involuntarily triggering his breakthrough, and it was just in time. Twelve minutes had passed since Zac regained his body, and the sea of lightning had finally reached the threshold of being considered safe.


    Zac felt his connection to the broken throne sever as the protective te to the control room opened. Or rather, it rose halfway before getting stuck. A sooty form squeezed out beneath before rushing at Zac while waving arge metal spike.


    "Uh," Zac said upon seeing Emily''s bedraggled form.


    His disciple looked like she was the one who had just undergone the tribtion, with her clothes, hair, and skin being scorched. The half of her hair that hadn''t been singed off stood straight out and refused toy down even while she waved therge spear to disperse the lingering lightning. At least her aura was stable, and the fires burning in her eyes indicated her soul was intact.


    "I��"


    "Lunatic! What did I tell you?! What kind of fool would I be if I let you take the lead? It wasn''t enough beating those��" Emily snarled, but she lost her train of thought upon getting a better look at Zac. "Hey, what happened to you? Did you shrink? And why does it feel like I''ll get eaten if Ie any closer?"


    "Sorry, I guess you were right. A few things happened," Zacughed, knowing her outburst came from a ce of worry.


    "Don''t they always with you?" Emily muttered as she cocked her head. "So weird."


    "How do I look?" Zac asked as he took an investigative step forward.


    Movement felt smooth and natural, and energy cycled through his pathway with minimal spige.


    "I don''t know," Emily hesitated. "A bit better, I think? You feel like a volcano about to erupt. And it''s like you''ve fused with your surroundings. No, wait, like you''ve been separated from your surroundings. Huh, so weird."


    "You could say it''s a reward from passing the whole trial."


    "It''s good that you passed, but why did you have to blow it up?" Emily red. "We might have been able to excavate something from it."


    Excavate? Zac''s eyes widened, and he turned around to look at the inner spikes. Gone? His Luck had increased by 30%, but Zac couldn''t even sense a hint of the treasure he discovered upon first entering. The Faith Energy was also fully depleted, leaving only wild lightning in the spike.


    Was the hidden treasure a Faith Treasure, perhaps something blessed by Laondio himself? That would exin how a wisp of his will could form and how a Trial ground in a C-grade Fortress could harness the Four Laws and the One Destiny.


    "Hello? Did your head get fried, too?"


    "Ah? Well, things happened. I guess the throne wasn''t designed to deal with people split into two bodies," Zac slowly said, putting the matter aside.


    Perhaps it was for the best that the treasure was gone. Zac wasn''t sure if he would be able to resist consuming it now that his movements weren''t restrained. Just the thought made Zac''s stomach clench with desire.


    "So you cheated?" Emilyughed, unaware of Zac''s inner struggle. "I guess Meso Helo is still the top dog."


    "If you say so," Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "Though I''m not sure I''d agree that using my body to its full potential should count as cheating."


    "I guess," Emily said. "Would be stupid to limit yourself with self-imposed rules when benefits are on the line."


    "So what happened to you? Are you okay?" Zac asked as he stepped closer. Suddenly, a stabbing pain of hunger made him grunt and grasp his shrunken stomach.


    "S-stop!" Emily eximed as she took a fearful step back. "Ah? What just happened? It suddenly felt like a primordial beast was staring me down."


    "I''m sorry," Zac sighed and retreated. "It''s my bloodline. The Tribtion Throne triggered its evolution, and I can''t stop it. I have 40 minutes at best before I need to break through."


    "Oh?" Emily nkly said. "Isn''t that a good thing? Why not just break through here? This room is double-reinforced."


    Zac staunchly shook his head. "Remember the Memorysteel Mountain? Imagine that but two grades higher. I''m not breaking through before I get you out of here. Let''s check the Teleporter again."


    Zac didn''t hold much hope, but the situation was even worse than he''d feared. The safety door had given out, and the array was devastated. He''d figured they could rush back here after stopping theunch protocol if all else failed, but that option was now out the window. There was no way to tell what state the waiting room was left in as the security shutter had failed.


    Soon, they turned to the door they came from, and a look confirmed they shared the same concerns. His breakthrough hadn''t exactly been discreet, and the vibrations had probably reached the upper floors. There was no telling what awaited them on the other side since fifteen minutes had passed since he began his breakthrough. It could be nothing, but there could also be Technocrats or guardian sentinels ready to turn them into Swiss cheese the second the doors opened.


    Zac cracked his neck, readying himself for a tough battle. He might get to test out his new body sooner rather thanter.


    "You know, I have just the thing," Emily said with a ferocious grin. "You don''t care if thest spikes would blow up, right?"


    "Uh, no?" Zac said, looking over dubiously. "But we''d be the first to get hit if we detonate them."


    "Not necessarily," Emily said, her smile widening as apact [Godyer Cannon] thumped onto the ground.


    It wasn''t as big as the ones they used on the battlefield, but it was made from better materials and covered in denser engravings. Zac didn''t understand what Emily was nning, but a mix of pride and horror filled his heart as Emily rapidly took out one item after another. First, she filled the cannon with something resembling a bundle of metallic javelins that stuck out a meter from the barrel''s edge.


    Next, she took out arge box and attached three thick tubes to sockets normal [Godyer Cannons]cked. It wasn''t hard to figure out the rest.


    "A lightning cannon? Where did you get this?"


    "The Munitions Guild lets me take some experiments to get them field tested," Emily exined as she smoothly assembled the pieces. "The tinkerers got very excited after someone showed them a modified taser from the old world. They wanted to make a big version that could st a whole army."


    "Of course they did."


    "They couldn''te up with a good solution for the electricity, though. A normal [Godyer Cannon] is way more practical at lower price ranges, and they simply couldn''t generate a strong enough current to turn it into a high-grade weapon. So one of them figured she''d borrow nature''s power instead, turning the [Godyer Coil] into a conditional weapon until they found a better solution."


    Zac''s gaze shifted to the dozen-odd lightning rods arranged around the broken throne, inwardly shaking his head.


    "Even if it works, the cannon won''t hold up long. That lightning even melted the throne."


    "So what? Isn''t that always the deal with the stuff those guys make?" Emilyughed before her face grew grim. "Besides, do we have much choice? If we can take out a cannon, can''t they do the same? I''m afraid we''lle out on the losing end without relying on the Tribtion Throne."


    Zac grunted in agreement. If Technocrats waited on the other side, there was a high risk they''d find themselves in a situation simr to the deathsworn ambush. Outsiders simply had better equipment. Emily''s n was dangerous, but it could sweep aside all opposition. If he went out axe swinging, he might have to use Oblivion Energy to break through their defenses. Provided he didn''t get himself killed first.


    Emily rapidly set everything up while Zac inspected the remaining spikes. Most of the stockpiled energy had been unleashed by his breakthrough, but a decent amount was left in the spikes themselves. And the fact that the Faith Energy was gone actually worked in their favor. They wanted the lightning as wild and ferocious as possible.


    "So why are you looking like that?" Zac asked while he decided on which spikes to hit and where.


    "I''m not sure if I should be angry or thankful," Emily said as she shot Zac a reproachful look as he floated by the ceiling. "The istion failed when thest two spikes activated, flooding the control room with lightning. I thought I was toast, but there was an emergency protocol. A hiddenpartment spat out a mini-throne and a pill just before the consoles broke down."


    "An unknown pill?" Zac frowned. "You ate it?"


    "Of course I ate it! I was getting barbequed, you know," Emily red before a smile tugged at her lips. "Anyway, it was good stuff, filled with the same Dao as the throne. And since my body was still malleable from my own run, the experience resumed where my trial left off. With better lightning, at that. My gains are actually bigger than before, including improvements to my core."


    "There''s such a good thing?" Zac eximed.


    "Your lucky halo''s getting stronger," Emilyughed. "Alright, I''m finished."


    "Get ready," Zac said as he moved to the doorway. "Shoot, even if there''s nothing on the other side, then follow on my heels."


    "Got it!"


    Emily and her cannon disappeared the next moment, and the lingering lightning helped mask the energy fluctuations. Zac already had [Verun''s Bite] in hand, and streaks of Dao and Energy danced around its edge. A small frown appeared on his face as he looked at [Evolutionary Edge]. The skill activated fine, but his bloodline was cannibalizing his energy, forcing Zac to expend twice as much.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Zac pushed away all errant thoughts as [Ossuary Bulwark] closed around him while a defensive talisman formed a glimmering barrier around his body. shing the [Court Cycle Token] elicited a groan as the doors slid open. Zac unleashed a torrent of attacks at the inner spikes the moment the door had opened at least enough to activate [Apex Jungle] if needed.


    The already damaged spikes had barely been holding on, and it looked like the roof copsed when six spikes shattered at once. An almost solid waterfall of lightning was dragged into the lightning rods and transformed in the converter before being deposited in the cannon. At least, that was the idea. The box exploded into a blob of molten iron held in suspension by the immense current coursing through it.


    Zac''s hair stood on end, partly from fear and partly from the immense amounts of Lightning-attuned energy that once more filled the chamber. Suddenly, ance of orange energy burst through the gates, but Zac barely had time to register the attack before the Technocrat weapon was swallowed by a pir of blue that engraved itself on Zac''s retinas.


    Even his Soul Sense became blurry when faced with Emily''s attack, yet he still rushed forth, dodging red-hot shrapnel from the [Godyer Coil]. His senses were going haywire, indicating danger in every direction. However, nothing came close to the mayhem building within the Tribtion Throne.


    The six spikes he''d shattered were those already sporting significant damage, which gave them a small window before all hell broke loose. However, that window was less than one second, and the cannon was gone the moment it fired. As expected, channeling the synthetic Tribtion Lightning was far beyond the capabilities of the Tinkerer Death Ray.


    A toasty Emily was hot on his heels as they lunged out the gate just before the protective barrier mmed down. Zac had feared they''d be greeted by a sea of lightning of their own making, but the lightning beam had mmed into the opposite wall before splitting. Some lingering energy was left behind, along with molten scraps and two scorched corpses.


    Three more had survived the onught, though Zac wondered if they wished they hadn''t. Their bodies were covered in third-degree burns, while their eyes were dted and unfocused. Zac could even see the lightning ravaging their insides. A furious blitz ended their struggle. Zac nned on looking through their items but was horrified to find his cells siphoning the Technocrats''s energy.


    It felt too close to cannibalism forfort, and Zac felt himself losing ground to the hunger the more he consumed. Better move on.


    ''Follow me!''


    Zac rushed down the hallway, using his Dao and defensive talisman to force a path through the lingering lightning. He led Emily down the path they came from before taking a series of turns. It wasn''t the fastest way to the next floor, but the route took them further away from the wing with the mission operations. Neither Emily nor Zac bothered scanning the side chambers during their mad dash. The clock was ticking, and time was running out.


    One way or another, the chapter on the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse was about to close.

 Chapter 1152: Falling Out

    <h4>Chapter 1152: Falling Out</h4>


    The corridors turned into a blur as Zac rushed forth, guided by the memorized floor ns. Emily buffed herself with her speed-elevating buff. She tried the same with Zac, but his bloodline rapidly consumed the foreign energy. Itsted less than a minute before copsing, so they gave up on the idea. She would only hasten his breakthrough if she kept feeding him like that. Furthermore, whenever his cells feasted on high-grade energy, Zac felt the hunger grow more intense.


    The only solution he found was relying on his Draugr half. He was still sitting atop the monolith, busying himself by stuffing his mouth withrge amounts of low-grade Death-attuned food. It somewhat alleviated his cravings without elerating his bloodline awakening by a noticeable degree. Unfortunately, this was one time his fortune was working against him.


    His rings had plenty of provisions, but it was almost exclusively high-grade food that could be considered Pseudo D-grade tonics. It was mostly made from Beast King meat and prepared by real Cultivator Chefs. What little non-spiritual food he had was prepared in case he stumbled onto some starving low-grade cultivator and didn''t have time to dilute the energy in his meals.


    The Technocrats eithercked manpower or had other priorities, and they didn''t encounter any more men on the floor. They soon reached the stairs leading to the next level, where a sudden scream of danger forced Zac to lunge back around the corner. An orangeser was only a touch too slow, incinerating the air where he had just stood. Zac had already scanned the corner with his Soul Sense, finding nothing amiss.


    The Technocrats once more unted their varied methods as a chest-high turret appeared from a camouge array. Zac tried tounch fractal edges around the bend, making use of the D-grade <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong>''s greater maneuverability. Most were destroyed by the gun, while the few that got close failed to break through an energy shield.


    Zac grunted in annoyance. They couldn''t waste time like this. If nothing else, the sentry was likely informing its owners that it was under attack. Thankfully, the tower had his back. The turret used technology to mask its origin and elude the tower''s senses.


    That method quickly failed, thanks to Zac''s bombardment destabilizing its barriers and a stretch of arrays lit up in the hallway. Zac urgently backed away before he was lumped in with the turret, swearing when he saw it was no use. The corridor wasing alive, so Zac changed course, pushing into the mounting gravity by the stairs.


    The turret tried to shoot him, but its barrel exploded under the tower''s attention. It was the straw that broke the camel''s back. The barriers failed, and the contraption buckled, allowing Zac to destroy it with a series of quick swings. He pushed through the sea of orange mes and threw the scraps into a disposable Cosmos sack.


    Zac crushed the Spatial Tool to discard the turret in the Void, exhaling with relief when the hallway calmed down. Emily had already caught up, scattering dust to hide their traces before throwing out array disks that blended with the ground. Magical mines. The <strong>[Godyer Coil] </strong>was clearly only the tip of a very dangerous iceberg. Zac nodded at his cmitous disciple, and they made their way to the next floor.


    It quickly became apparent the turret was only the first of many. The Technocrats had ced them at major intersections and chokepoints, causing constant dys and headaches. And while Zac''s keen danger sense let him avoid their ambushes, he still had to worry about an increasingly irate fortress.


    After dealing with three turrets, it became abundantly clear that his efforts didn''t expose the Technocrat weapons to the tower''s scanners. They were intentionally designed to draw attention when their ambushes failed to injure their target. Turrets were cheap while lives were precious, so going for mutual destruction was a sound tactic.


    Even then, Zac found the traps more annoying than deadly. His greatly boosted Luck had sharpened his instincts further, allowing him to make urate judgments and move with pinpoint precision. Sometimes, he deposed of the machines like the first he encountered. Other times, he simply grabbed Emily and ran away while the sentinels wrapped things up.


    The real problem was the beckoning call of treasure, which had only grown more potent after gaining his Limited Title. Even the string of illusory <strong>[Lucky Beads] </strong>around his neck seemed to have been energized by the Tribtion Throne, though Zac didn''t have time to study their transformation. Right now, they were bing a problem, to the point that Zac would have unequipped them if not for their assistance in pinpointing danger.


    There were supreme treasures on almost every floor at the top, with a few sporting more than one. Just being in the same hallway made Zac gradually lose reason. Even some normal rooms they passed made Zac shudder with hunger, proving they held something energy-dense. However, it wasn''t as good as whatever was hidden further down the hall.


    They were so close, and he was still iplete. The monolith and the things it brought forth in the Ensolus Ruins were already resisting his ascent. Now, this decrepit old tower wanted to do the same. Rusty doors and broken circuitry tried to cut off his path to perfection? Laughable. Evolution was Heavenly Mandate, and his Apotheosis was inevitable.


    Hunger shaped reality and sealed secrets were exposed to the Void. Vague desire morphed into a vision of a box hidden in a spatial fold, protected byyers of arrays. He was the Void,ing and going where he pleased. Nothing under the Heavens could prevent him from taking what was his. Space held no meaning, and he reached for the first piece of perfection.


    A stinging pain across his cheekunched Zac off his feet and made him crash into the wall with the force of a cannonball. Zac took a shuddering breath, his eyes wide with rm over losing control so quickly andpletely. It was a humbling reminder his inroads to Heart Cultivation could only help him so far. Like any other trick, it was helpless when faced with overwhelming power.


    Emily''s well-timed p had brought him back to reality, but it was already toote. He''d blindly rushed to the chamber holding a supreme treasure and reached into the Void. Now, the Void refused to let go. Zac could no longer see the interiors through the mysterious vision that seemed abination of the Void and his Luck, but he could hear and feel themotion inside the sealed room.


    The real problem wasn''t the triggered safeguards. It was the vortex he''d formed in his delirious state. It was about to swallow the tightly defended box, and Zac knew that would push him closer to the point of no return. Perhaps it''d make him cross it entirely, depending on what treasure it held. He couldn''t let that happen. They still had some ways to go.


    Zac growled with defiance as he imposed a steely will of rejection on his bloodline. <i>He </i>was the Void, and none but him would decide what would be taken. This box, it was not for him. It was not part of his path, and thus, could only be rejected. The hunger of the Void fought back, and Zac felt his vision blur as he fought a losing battle.


    Out of better ideas, Zac could only take a gamble on something he''d vaguely gleaned during his rebirth. He stopped his struggle, and the box was dragged inside. Simultaneously, a vortex appeared before his hand, aimed at a shocked Emily.


    "Out!" Zac growled.


    The vortex shuddered and struggled, but Zac pushed with every fiber in his being. The box emerged, propelled by the force of its pull. A profound circle was engraved on its lid, which made Zac think of the wheel of reincarnation. Each side was made from a different material, forming a mysterious cycle that showcased many of the truths Zac had drawn from the <strong>[Book of Duality]</strong>. It was mesmerizing, and seeing it with his real eyes made the madness return.


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "Stow it," Zac croaked, his eyes veritably burning.


    He could barely stop himself from lunging at Emily. A part of his mind screamed at him to strike her down for taking what was rightfully his, though those thoughts were quashed and banished the moment they appeared. His mind rejected the notion so vehemently that their mere appearance shook his mind awake. Emily was pale from the attention and quickly put the box away.


    Only then did the madness recede, allowing Zac to take back control over his mind.


    "You"


    "I''m sorry. You did the right thing," Zac exhaled. "If I lose control, throw some Natural Treasures at me and run far away. I''ll do my best to not impact you."


    "Don''t talk like that. We''re almost there. Let''s keep going."


    Zac nodded, and they set out again. They were forced to take an even more roundabout path to avoid the same issue from cropping up again. The change forced them to waste even more time on their final ascent, increasing the risk of running into more cultivators. As expected, their luck finally caught up to them when there were only four floors left from their destination.


    Shouts reverberated down the hall, stopping Zac and Emily in their tracks. They couldn''t back down. They''d left a trail of broken turrets like breadcrumbs, and the corridor ahead was the only path to the wing where the control center was located. Instead, they hunkered down and prepared for a siege.


    However, no Technocrats came barreling down the corridor. Instead, the shouts grew more urgent, while powerful energy eruptions caused vibrations on the floor. A battle?


    <i>''It''s the aura of the imperials!'' </i>Emilymented through a mental link.


    Zac nodded with a heavy heart. So the imperials had reallye all this way, making their mission even more difficult. However, it looked like their cooperation had broken downpletely. Had they turned against each other now that the prize was within reach?


    <i>''Around ten of them? What should we do?''</i>


    Zac listened for a few more seconds before answering. <i>''It''s five versus four, with the four being imperials. Let''s wait for now. They''re still feeling each other out.''</i>


    <i>''So they came to blows in the end. That''s great,'' </i>Emily grinned.


    <i>''Makes our life easier,''</i> Zac agreed.


    The battle continued, and the fluctuations grew increasingly intense. It soon passed the threshold of life and death. The imperials were one man short, yet they suppressed the opponent with an all-out offense. Zac had expected as much. The Technocrat''s auras were by no means weaker, but their methods were restrained inside the tower.


    Zac''s eyes shot open as the arrays around them activated, triggered by a whirring sound and an outburst of energy unmistakably teeming with the Dao of Technology. Emily looked around with fright, only rxing upon confirming the tower''s ire was concentrated on the fighters.


    <i>''Get ready!'' </i>Zac instructed. <i>''I''ll take point. Focus on stopping anyone from escaping.''</i>


    Zac tensed, waiting for the right moment to strike. Several earth-shattering explosions stopped the whirring. The walls dimmed, and the pressure relented. It was time. Zac shot forth, moving through the corridors like a streak of death. Emily kept pace, her form fading inside a storm of tomahawks that filled the hallways.


    It only took a second to reach their destination, where they found four Middle Hegemons fighting tooth and nail. Five bodiesy unmoving on the ground, two of which were killed by the tower''s sentinels. Piles of molten scraps surrounded them, the remains of the machines that triggered the defenses.


    Zac had hoped the sentinels would finish the job, but the outsiders wouldn''t have reached this far if theycked any methods to deal with the tower. The reinforced doors that required the<strong> [Court Cycle Token] </strong>would have stopped them in their tracks. Therefore, Zac made his move the moment they used up their aces.


    A floating rune saying "authority" shrouded the remaining deathsworn in golden radiance. Meanwhile, a clearly Technocrat drone generated a rippling bubble around itself, muting any signals from the weapons in its owner''s hands.


    The Technocrats were fighting to kill the deathsworn while the imperials targeted both Technocrats and their drone. Their battle froze upon spotting a third party entering the fray, but Zac gave them no time to figure out what was happening.


    A brutal arc tore into the most wounded deathsworn, powered by all the pent-up stress Zac had umted since they ambushed him. The soldier seemed incredibly shocked but blocked the strike with her shield. The force was far too overbearing to absorb. Bones snapped, and the deathsworn was forced to her knees, where an armored foot was already waiting. It crashed into her face, sending her right through the floating rune before smashing into the wall.


    Zac''s figure disappeared like the attacker had been a hologram, only to reappear next to the Technocrats. Zac felt a cold sensation as he passed through the bubble, knowing he''d just phased through another physical barrier. His breakthrough had left him with one foot in the Void, making his body exhibit some of its properties.


    The barriers had been rendered moot, and <strong>[Skystriker] </strong>showcased its true strength in the cramped, chaotic battle. The kick that had almost caved in the deathsworn soldier''s face still packed plenty of momentum, and a pained wail followed a gruesome crunch.


    The kick shattered one of the Technocrat''s knees, and the sudden, blinding pain made him forget to stay aloft using energy. The infiltrator fell over, and <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> was there to catch him. It almost looked like the Technocrat was presenting his throat to the gleaming edge of Zac''s de. In reality, it was the product of the Evolutionary Stance and a mountain of experience.


    The furious blitz hadn''t even taken a second, yet it left onebatant unconscious and another dead. Only two remained, and they reached amon split-second decisionescape. Each turned into a streak before Zac had finished his swing, escaping in opposite directions.


    Zac could feel Emily''s intent in the storm and made a beeline for the imperial, taking out the Technocrat drone on the way. Streaks of axelight hounded the man, repeatedly forcing him to stop or dodge. With Zac''s elevated body and superior attribute pool, it took no time for him to catch up.


    Madness shone in the soldier''s eyes as he stopped and swung his sword in a final act of defiance. The target wasn''t Zac. It was a flickering rune on the wall. Zac''s brows furrowed, but he made no attempt to escape. His axe dug into the soldier''s skull just as the sword flooded the unstable rune with foreign Dao and energy.


    Zac was already moving away, using his Movement Skill to focus on speed. However, the rune shattered, unleashing a wave that carried the weight of a mountain. Its gravity field was so dense that <strong>[Skystriker]</strong> failed to carve a path. Zac''s mind screamed of danger as he was forced to his knee.


    The Void and his aligned body had pushed his body beyond its previous boundaries, but it was not yet enough to withstand the crushing pressure within the tower arrays. He rolled the dice, calling forth Void Energy to reactivate the movement skill. Suddenly, the pressure was gone, and Zac flitted through the corridors like a ghost separated from the cosmos.


    He was back by the unconscious soldier in no time, his body hunched over by fatal hunger. He swung his axe to finish the job before stepping away from the corpses. His body reached even further to siphon energy from its surroundings. Soon after, Emily returned with a bloodied tomahawk in hand.


    "It''s dealt with?" Zac asked with a heaving breath.


    "It''s dealt with," Emily confirmed as she ran her hand through her scorched hair. "He threw out his whole spatial ring when he was about to die. Too bad they''d already used thatholy crap!"


    Zac was already on the move, fleeing down the corridor they came from. Emily appeared by his side, and the two looked on in surprise as a seal rose from the soldier''s body. The imperial soldier was actually a Reignender of the Starfall Court, but neither Zac nor Emily was happy to have another seal appear before them.


    "What should we do about this thing?" Emily urged, nervously looking around. "It''s going to attract people, and it''s blocking the path forward."


    "What can we do? We can''t take it. It''ll dissipate on its own," Zac whispered, as much to convince himself as to answer Emily. "It''s not for us no"


    "You''re not thinking!" Emily wheezed with rm as she grabbed Zac''s arm.


    Zac could barely hear her as his body shuddered with barely contained desire. So what if it was a seal? Could it bepared to the boundless grandeur of the Void? If anything, it was his birthright. He was the one who made Ultom stir. His ancestor was part of the undertaking to raise the pirs. What was one bite?


    The senseless idea was rendered moot when the seal suddenly released a familiar pulse. The incredibly durable stone was utterly incapable of resisting, and a sphere thirty meters across instantly disintegrated. A rain of dust fell through the hole in the ceiling, and Zac took a shuddering breath as he woke up from his delirious state.


    "Dissipate my butt," Emily muttered. "I can''t believe you managed to scare it away."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 1153: Breaking In

    <h4>Chapter 1153: Breaking In</h4>


    Zac nkly looked at the spherical hole left in the wake of the seal''s escape, the surprise so great he was brought back to reality. Had his bloodline really scared the seal to the point it escaped prematurely?


    "Uh," Zac said as he stepped forward to inspect the damage. "Maybe?"


    It was extensive. The seal hadn''t just carved a hole through the ceiling, but also the two floors above. The devastation below was the same, giving the two a good cross-section of the tower''s makeup. The space between the levels was asrge as the floors and filled with a dense, weblike metal mesh that had to be part of the tower''s arrays.


    It was clear that not even these inessible floors had been spared from the dimension''s copse. Zac observed multiple spots damaged by spatial tears in the small section. Other sections had exploded, likely because of the damage to the arrays. The ancient fortress must have incredible redundancyyers to still operate with such extensive damage.


    However, not even the tower could shrug off a 30-meter bite being taken out of its upper levels. Hundreds of runes were flickering precariously, and energy was rapidly building in the surroundings.


    "Damnit!" Zac swore as arrays in every direction came alive.


    The eruption had destroyed the door they nned to enter, saving him a token charge. However, the corridor beyond had fully activated its defenses, and it was just a matter of time before the sentinels appeared. The same was happening in every direction.


    Except for one ce.


    "Let''s go!" Zac urged, flying straight through the dusty haze.


    The hole had no arrays to activate, and it provided a path straight to the top. However, gravitational forces poured into the gap from every direction. Soon, it felt like they were trying to ascend the Heavens. Emily faltered first, but Zac caught her with an arm as he activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. It was barely enough to keep ascending, though the price was the hunger growing more intense.


    The sphere had barely reached the final floor, so Zac had to temporarily unequip <strong>[Ossuary Bulkwark] </strong>and modify his body shape with <strong>[Million Faces]</strong> to squeeze through. They found themselves in a dark, silent room, exactly what Zac hoped to see. Themand center''s defenses hadn''t been triggered, leaving only the hole to worry about.


    "We need to do something about this," Emily said nervously, echoing Zac''s thoughts.


    Zac''s face scrunched up with reluctance as he took out a Longevity Treasure. He''d consciously saved a sliver of Creation Energy when recovering his lost limbs. He''d hoped to keep it in case he got hurt inside the tower, but it looked like he''d have to use it to patch up the floor.


    A small surge of Creation Energy was extracted, and Zac quickly pushed it out of his body before his bloodline could steal it. His mental state was in disarray, but he had enough experience to sessfully fill the breach with an exact replica of the floor.


    Of course, the simrities were just cosmetic. He didn''t have the Creation Energy to create the real thing, so he had to settle for looks. Not to mention that Zac doubted the Shards of Creation could replicate such strong materials. Even if they did, the life force drain would probably kill Zac where he stood.


    Emily covered the patch with a door she''d picked up on the way, and Zac ced almost a hundred Gravity Crystals on top. The extravagant arrangement made Zac feel the pinch, and the shimmering crystals made his cells scream with hunger. At least it afforded some protection while they figured out the next step.


    While the arrangement was hastily put together, getting past them would be a herculean task. Even he wouldn''t be able to budge the door with the immense weight pushing down on it. Not to mention, Zac could still sense the immense energy fluctuations on the floors beneath them. Still, they''d have to be fools to underestimate the outsiders, and Zac knew their setup couldn''t stop the sentinels. They had to hurry.


    There was a clear difference between the dusky room they''d appeared in and the rooms they''d explored over the past hours. For one, it waspletely untouched by the ravages of space, just like the Tribtion Throne. The dark grey tiles on the wallscked any engravings, but looking at them felt like gazing into a ck hole. There was an immense weight hidden within, but not a speck of it leaked out.


    Zac suspected they were C-grade materials, though the long years might have depreciated their strength. Still, they''d never be able to break into this room if not for the seal''s timely assistance.


    The room was roughly fifteen meters across, holding five tables that were bigger versions of the consoles in the Tribtion Throne. Four tables still appeared to be in working order, but Zac didn''t dare approach without a n. They had essentially broken in, and the fact the room was silent didn''t mean it was safe. One wrong move could spell disaster.


    "This isn''t right," Emily muttered. "We''re in the right ce, but the Command Center should be the size of a football stadium. This room wouldn''t take up more than a small corner."


    "This must be some side chamber not on the map," Zac said and nodded at the sole door in the room. "The real thing should be out there."


    "Let''s go," Emily nodded.


    Zac took out the<strong> [Court Cycle Token]</strong>, finally feeling a sliver of hope upon reaching the finish line. A sliver that quickly shattered when Zac felt a powerful rejection in his mind. The token didn''t work. Zac mutely looked at the door, his mind nk over the abrupt end of their journey.


    "Should we go back?" Emily ventured.


    "Doubt it''d help," Zac frowned. "If the token doesn''t work here, it probably won''t at the other entrances, either."


    "There''s no way we can st this guy open," Emily said before turning to the consoles. "These things, then?"


    "Let''s check it out," Zac said. "Don''t activate anything just yet."


    "By the way, two Starfall Courts in a row? What are the odds?" Emilymented as they walked over.


    "Higher than you''d think," Zac said. "Remember the name of this ce?"


    "You think Reignenders have some special ability in here?" Emily eximed.


    "I think it''s possible, if not likely," Zac nodded. "Who knows? It might not be the token that lets me open the doors, but the mark of the Starfall Court on it."


    "They are way more prepared than us. Even the Technocrats have ways to hide from the tower defenses," Emily said. "A shame Ra''Klid isn''t here. He might have been able to take us out."


    "Well, no one has more experience in dealing with the Limitless Empire than the Technocrats," Zac shrugged before shaking his head helplessly. "This is pointless. I have no idea how to check whether these consoles are guarded."


    "Where is Kenzie when you need her," Emily sighed before looking at Zac apologetically. "AhI''m sorry."


    "Don''t worry about it," Zac said as he looked around with a smile. "You''re right. How could this fortress have stopped her? She would have built some master key, opening doors left and right."


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    "Right?!" Emilyughed. "She would have seized those guardians and have them round up all these troublemakers."


    Zac grinned, but his smile turned crooked when whirring sounds came from the doorhad their boastful conversation angered the tower to the point it sent sentinels to teach them a lesson? Of course, the far more likely answer was that the outsiders had already imed the Command Center. Had they heard them somehow? Or had his attempt to open the door been exposed?


    There was no time to prepare like thest time they found themselves in a simr situation. Emily disappeared within a camouge array while Zac shot forth, his axe already on the move when the door abruptly opened. Five gruff men were waiting on the other side with gleaming weapons.


    Their reactions were surprisingly sluggish when they saw Zac burst through the door, which gave Zac the window of opportunity he needed. Zac felt a weak flicker as he passed through an invisible barrier, and <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>descended on the leader in the middle. However, a spark of recognition made Zac freeze in ce, stopping his axe just before he lobbed off his target''s head.


    "It''s you?!"


    The burly soldiers quickly regained theirposure. They red at Zac with murderous gazes, but they didn''t dare move with the axe levied against the throat of one of their own. Zac barely spared them a nce, his mind abuzz as distant memories of a squirrely merchant gradually converged with the ferocious warrior before him.


    "Gu? Is that really you?" Zac asked to confirm as he released his orcish disguise and retracted <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>''s helmet.


    How did his old friends keep popping up in the least expected ces? First Ogras, and now this oldpanion who elicited their services back in the Tower of Eternity. He hadn''t heard from Gu since they split ways in the Base Town. Pretty Peak had expeditiously whisked him away to save Gu from his own family.


    After all, Zac''s renown was far from its current level back then, and he had just killed a whole lot of scions, including a Dravorak prince. Thest update he got on Gu was when he met Pretty Peak inside the Void Star. Gu had been given a new identity before being sent into the Million Gates Territory along with Greatest and Average Peak. They were among the vanguard who sought to discover where the Kan''Tanu came from, but something happened to their army before the war even began.


    "Wait, this is where you ended up after disappearing?" Zac said, recalling Pretty''s original purpose in visiting the Void Star. "Is Average here as well?"


    Zac scanned the gruff men standing behind Gu. None matched the features of the young Pugilist he met during a quest in the early stages of the Integration. Zac sighed, vaguely understanding the situation by the state of the soldiers. All but one were missing limbs, and odd spiderweb scars covered their skin.


    It was almost iprehensible how Gu and his squad had not only survived inside the fortress for years but even reached itsmand center. The aplishment must havee at a heavy price, and Zac feared Average was among those lost. It was a huge disappointment. It was Greatest who provided the bangle, which kept his identity safe until Leandra gave him the array to hide his Duplicity Core.


    Pretty had helped him in various ways, too. Zac still felt indebted to the Peak family, and he''d hoped to be able to bring back better news than this.


    Gu slowly blinked a few times, seemingly having even greater trouble adapting to the sudden appearance of an old acquaintance. The soldiers to his sides had be increasingly tense, and it looked like they were about to risk their lives to save theirpanion. However, Zac finally saw a flicker of recognition in Gu''s eyes, so he removed his axe and stepped back.


    "It''s fine. Stone pir," Gu said with a trembling voice, which made the soldiers rx and look at Zac curiously.


    "Arade? Really?" the strongest of the warriors said. "This boy knows the littlemander? Never seen him."


    "You''ve heard of him. Remember the guy I met in the Tower of Eternity?" Gu said before his wandering gaze stopped at the patched-up hole Zac came from. "Shit!" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "You''re that bloodthirsty lunatic?!" the middle-aged soldier eximed. His words were harsh, but his face veritably shone with adoration and excitement. "Little Shartermaster has told us all about you!"


    "Nice to meet youWhat are you doing!" Zac shouted.


    He wasn''t talking to the soldiers. His outburst was triggered by Gu, who had rushed to one of the central consoles of the Command Center. That was worrying enough, considering the wrong move could summon a slew of sentinels. However, Gu went even further, ripping off one of the metal covers on the back to dig around inside.


    "Are you trying to get us killed?" Zac screamed.


    If it were a stranger, Zac would have unhesitantlyunched a killing blow upon seeing such a foolhardy measure, but the familiar face made him hesitate. Emily wasn''t tied down by such sentiments. She burst forth from her hiding spot, turning into a streak that deftly dodged the surprised soldiers to ce a tomahawk against Gu''s neck.


    "Not another move."


    Zac was prepared to block the soldiers before things took a bad turn. However, none of them moved to save theirpanion. They looked at Emily like she was a goddess descended from the Heavens.


    "A beauty! A warrior queen!"


    "Bubbur, you traitor! I have an axe trained at me, you bastard!" Gu growled at the grizzly veteran who had spoken. More rmingly, his hands didn''t stop moving despite the tomahawk drawing blood. "And the rest of you? Useless!"


    "We''ll name our firstborn after you to honor your sacrifice," the grizzly veteran grinned.


    Emily looked at Zac, who hesitantly nodded. These people had possibly survived in the fortress for years, and the soldiers looked absolutely rxed despite Gu''s actions. They should know what they were about. Emily shrugged and removed her tomahawk, teasingly ncing at Bubbur.


    "You think I''d give my child such a disgusting name? And I''m not interested in weak men. We can talk about dating after you beat my teacher."


    "Young lord, I''ve collected some good stuff over the years. How about letting me have this one? We can make the spar look real enough," Bubbur whispered.


    "This isn''t the time to joke around," Zac said, desperately pushing down a pang of hunger. "What are you doing? A single mistake will bring a cmity on our heads."


    "That''s what I''m trying to prevent," Gu said as he deftly manipted a set of runes. A jolt of energy suddenly scorched his fingers, and Zac immediately regretted trusting these castaways. Gu didn''t seem disappointed, though. He exhaled in relief and put back the backte. "There. I modified the automated defenses. The guardians will guard the hole you lunatics created. It should buy us some time."


    "You''re pretty good, <i>Shartermaster</i>," Emily said as she looked at Gu with interest.


    "Thank you," Gu coughed. "And my name is actually Gu, quartermaster of the Muscle Brigade. Or former quartermaster, maybe? I don''t know."


    "The muscle brigade still exists," Zac said, realizing what Gu meant. "The you visited suddenly disappeared, causing a huge Spatial Storm. Your ship was destroyed, but Greatest Peak managed to save most of his men and bring them out of the Million Gates Territory. The experience actually let him break through."


    "That''s great, that''s great!" a soldier said with a shaky breath. "Little lord, did you hear?!"


    Zac followed the man''s gaze, his mouth opening with surprise when three more soldiers appeared from a camouge array nearby. They''d done the same thing as Emily, but Zac hadn''t sensed their presence at all. Not even when he was holding Gu hostage, which was shocking considering how strong his danger sense and Luck were.


    He should have sensed at least a flicker of Killing Intent, letting him realize someone else was hiding in the room. The array had to be far greater than anymon arrangement for Zac not to sense a thing.


    "I told you, how could the old man possibly die before he got the chance to wreak havoc on the battlefield?" Average grinned as he walked over. "Long time no see. I should have guessed a troublemaker like you would appear at the eleventh hour. Damn, you ok? You look like a starving beast."


    "I''m suppressing a breakthrough," Zac said. "You need to"


    "Ah, boss? Why did you change your clothes?" one of the soldiers leered, interrupting Zac''s train of thought.


    "Bastard, don''t talk about unnecessary stuff!"


    "Thank the Heavens it was friendlies," another soldier muttered. "Those Technocrats are no joke. I don''t think we''d be able to deal with a whole gaggle of them."


    "You''ve already encountered those guys?" Zac asked, noticing that Average and the soldiers who''d just appeared all had unstable auras.


    So, part of the reason they hid was because of their wounds.


    "Not in person," Gu said as he made a beeline for the consoles in the side chamber Zac came from. "I''ve been throwing up roadblocks for those bastards since they began cropping up, but they take them down one after another. They''ll eventually deal with my tampering, so we have to be quick."


    "Quick with what?" Zac asked. "What''s going on? What are you up to?"


    "Shouldn''t that be our question?" Average countered. "We ended up in thishersted prison years ago. So how did you reach this ce, and when did those meddling heretics get mixed up with the war? I thought we were fighting cultists?"


    Zac took a steadying breath to center himself before recounting the situation in broad strokes. The sudden twists had almost made him lose control over his bloodline again. Luckily, there were no treasures nearby to push him over the edge.


    "So things have already reached this point," Average muttered before his eyes lit up. "At least it sounds like our n has a good chance of working out, provided the heretics don''t kill us first."


    "What n?"


    "Uh," Gu coughed, looking at Zac apologetically.


    The merchant seemed to be feeling bad for him and Emily, though not to the point his fingers stopped moving as he tampered with one of the consoles in the side chamber. Zac started to get a bad feeling, one that only grew stronger upon seeing bloodthirsty grins appear on the soldiers.


    "We''re blowing this ce up and taking as many damn cultists with us as we can!" Averageughed, confirming Zac''s fears.


    Emily groaned and clutched her head in despair. "You really do know each other."

 Chapter 1154: Blaze of Glory

    <h4>Chapter 1154: ze of Glory</h4>


    "You''re nning on going out in a ze of glory?" Zac grimaced. "There''s no way out?"


    Zac looked at the huge room with its hundreds of consoles, pirs, and the screens disying the situation outside. The storm had drastically worsened since he escaped into the tower, and long streaks of broken space danced through the air. The Mystic Realm wasn''t long for this world, and there was no way out?


    Would he have to throw Emily and the others into a Spatial Tear and hope for the best? Or should he stop Gu''s n? Did he even have the ability to? Who knew how many arrays and settings the merchant had manipted before they arrived?


    "Don''t worry, it''s not quite as stupid as it sounds," Gu quickly said when he saw Zac''s brooding silence. "We''ve arranged an escape route. It''s just that it''s, uh, theoretical. It''s not designed to withstand the mayhem we''re about to unleash."


    Zac breathed out in relief. He could live with theoretical or unsafe so long as they weren''t trapped. "You had me worried there. Catch me up to speed."


    "Like you said, our unit was trapped here, what, four years ago? We were split up. Average and his men were stuck in the underbelly for long. Our luck was slightly better. We found ourselves in a repository containing a lot of information on the arrays that run this ce. And with it, there was a mysterious opportunity."


    Zac was about to tell Gu to skip to the important part, but thest word caught his interest. "An opportunity? A seal?"


    "You know about it." Gu nodded. "It gave me the foundations in arrays to gradually ovee the defenses of this ce. My initial n was to find Average and then get the hell out of here. Simple enough, but it proved easier said than done. The fortress was in lockdown, and we couldn''t activate the teleporters we found."


    Seeing that everything was in hand, the soldiers spread out. Two took up posts by the main door while the rest left through an unlocked door on the opposite side of the hall. Only Bubbur stayed behind to keep watch over the breach and guard Gu while he continued his work on the console.


    "We needed to turn off the lockdown, which could only be done from the main switch up here," Average continued with a wave. "But we weren''t strong enough to enter the tower. It took us years of collecting resources and training to get here, all while dealing with this old trash heap''s self-destructive tendencies."


    "Only the eight of us remain," Gu sighed. "The rest gave their lives to let us reach this point. Two days ago, we finally broke into the Command Center."


    "Two days ago?" Emily eximed. "So just before signs of the fortress appeared on the frontlines?"


    "Yeah, that was probably us," Gu sighed. "The only way to undo the lockdown was to activate the fortress. We didn''t expect it to cause such chaos on the outside. We believed we were still in the depths of the Million Gates Territory. A dayter, people came pouring through spatial tears, and we figured the war had already spread to the region where we disappeared."


    "You said you activated the fortress to use the teleporters," Zac interjected. "But the one we discovered was still sealed? It didn''t work?"


    "Well It did," Average slowly said. "But Gu found something while going through these consoles. A way to deliver a painful blow to our enemies."


    Zac and Emily shared a look. Could it be that Gu andpany had already discovered the project and nned to activate it? Zac had to admit their sacrifice made sense if that were the case. How could the lives of a few low-grade cultivators bepared to unleashing an ancient weapon on the Kan''Tanu?


    "It''s the right call from what you told us. These cultist bastards are too strong. Can''t let them dig any deeper into the empire," Bubbur growled. "We''ll have them choke on the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>."


    "Unfortunately, activating the weapon drastically hastened the spatial copse," Gu said. "The fortress understands that and has been trying to shift into a main dimension as a safety precaution. Of course, nothing works like it should on this old thing. It''s essentially banging its head against the wall and registering the damage as an outside attack. It''s like a snake eating its own tail."


    "That''s why our escape route is so dangerous?"


    "Exactly. I''ve tried to stop it, but it''s impossible. Theunch sequence has been activated as an emergency and can''t be interrupted by any means."


    "So even if we stop this <strong>[Centurion Spear] </strong>of yours, we won''t be able to safely escape?" Zac concluded.


    "I''m sorry, we didn''t think things would y out like this when we activated the weapon," Gu said with a helpless smile. "We nned on activating the thing before sailing off into the sunset."


    "So what exactly is your n?" Zac asked. "And how can we increase our odds of survival?"


    "The <strong>[Centurion Spear] </strong>is what''s destroying the fortress, but it''s also our best chance at survival. If activated sessfully, it''ll tear a massive hole right through the dimensional storm, onerge enough for the whole fortress to slip through. We n to jump ship at that exact moment. There are escape pods in the next room."


    "Jumping out in the wake of such a powerful attack is incredibly dangerous," Emily frowned. "Why not hide inside the tower a bit longer? This room should be the safest ce when we fire the weapon."


    "Well, uh," Gu coughed. "The tower doesn''t fire the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>. The tower <i>is </i>the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>."


    "Wait, what?"


    "We''re throwing the whole tower at the Kan''Tanu," Averageughed. "So it won''t be safe for long. It''ll rapidly pick up speed until it hits a target or explodes. We need to leave before it''s toote, even if it means braving the spatial turbulence."


    "Can''t we use the escape pods now?" Zac asked, even if he knew the answer by looking at the screen.


    "They''re also locked down as part of the tower''s futileunch protocol," Gu said. "Besides, what good would going outside do? Space is springloaded to catapult us forward. The vessels will get ripped apart. I feel bad, but there''s no way to stop our n and let you out. We''ve entered the final stage, and trying to disperse the umted energies will probably disintegrate the whole Mystic Realm."


    "I get it," Zac said. "Might as well go for it and see if you can take out some cultists. But how will you throw the tower at them? Even I have no idea where the Kan''Tanu bases and motherships are hiding. You''re just as likely to hit our own as our enemies."


    "This navigation room was the final missing piece," Average exined. "We have records of the Kan''Tanu''s cursed aura, and Gu is installing a module that''ll train the spear on the strongest matching source within range. We originally hoped to blow up the Space Gate that way, or at least the base protecting it. Now that we''re outside the Million Gates Territory, we''ll probably have to settle for some of their frontline bases."


    "We had to take a risk forcing the door open when we noticed there had been a breach," Gu said. "Luckily, it was just you. How did you tear a hole through the floor, by the way?"


    "Not me. I killed a guy who turned out to be a sealbearer. The seal did the rest."


    "That''d do it," Bubbur grunted. "We saw one of those things take out an entire building."


    "What kind of range are we talking about here?" Zac asked. "There should be a C-grade base and motherships in the region, but there''s nothing like that in this sr system."


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    "Sr system?" Gu said with a ruthless grin. "There''s no ce in Zecia the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> can''t reach."


    Zac shuddered, and he looked at the merchant with shock. The Limitless Empire was really not ying around when it came to war.


    "Well, that''s if it was still working order," Gu added. "Now? Who knows? It might blow up before aplishing anything, taking us with it. We still thought it was worth pursuing."


    "No, I''m all for it," Zac said as a smile appeared on his face. "I''m just shocked at how much you''ve changed. Every little thing made you have a panic attack back then."


    "Ha! Don''t trust that disguise," Bubbur guffawed. "Did you know this shifty bastard tricked you and your friend? He told us all about it the day we emptied thest of our drink."


    "What?"


    "Why are you talking about unnecessary things," Gu red. "In fact, why are you just standing there? Don''t you think this guy can guard the breach? Go look at the pods to see if there''s anything else you can do."


    "Not much I can do about those things, though," Bubbur said as he scratched his chin. "Up to the Heavens now, really."


    "How longurgh," Zac groaned as he fell to his knees.


    Repeatedly using his bloodline during the final dash hade at a price. The hunger was overwhelming, forcing Zac to shut out everything to keep it in check. Only a few breathster did his body calm down, and he unsteadily got back to his feet.


    "Not sure how reliable this guy is," Bubbur muttered, quickly raising his hands in defeat when Emily and Gu red at him. "I''m kidding. Repairs, right? I guess I can''t make things worse."


    Zac took a few deep breaths as he retracted his senses. They had spread out to the resources on the floor below, and he almost opened another vortex. He''d managed to stop it, but it was still there, calling him.


    Finding Gu and Average was a blessing, though one thatplicated his situation. He''d envisioned himself pushing some big stop button and sending off Emily before beginning his breakthrough. Now, he was stuck waiting for Gu to install thest pieces of a Kan''Tanu-seeking tower bomb.


    "What the hell were those energies? Never felt anything like it, and that''s after finding all kinds of odd things in here," Average said with round eyes. "You''ll explode if you keep forcing it down. Why not just break through?"


    "The process is extremely energy-hungry. There''s a high risk I''ll identally extract all energy-dense materials nearby," Zac sighed as he pointedly looked at Average''s stomach.


    "Damn, you''re still doing crazy things," Average muttered and took another step back.


    "How much longer?" Zac asked again.


    "Ten minutes, tops," Gu said fearfully. "Can you"


    "I''ll manage," Zac grunted. "Is there anything we can do to help?"


    "Help the others strengthen the shields on the escape pods," Gu said without hesitation. "They don''t even need to be stable. We''re all Hegemons. It''s fine even if the ship blows up, so long as it takes us through the energy storm. Do you know anything about barriers or Cosmic Vessels?"


    "Not even a little. I only know how to hit things with my axe," Zac said, which awarded him a nod of approval from Average.


    "Then how did you get this far?" Gu asked with a confused look.


    "I found a Limitless Empire authority token," Zac exined, fudging the truth since the true nature of the <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>couldn''t be made public. Even if their cockeyed n worked, they''d definitely be interrogated after leaving. "Emily might be able to help, though."


    "I have a few things in my ring that might work," Emily nodded before walking over to Zac to whisper. "What about you? You''re not thinking of staying behind, right?"


    "I" Zac hesitated.


    Thanks to the Tribtion Throne, he wasn''t strictly required to stay behind. A new source of treasure and energy had appeared on the home front, spreading around his Draugr half. The view from atop the monolith was drastically different after he came to, and not just because he suddenly found himself hundreds of meters higher up. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The monolith no longer stood in the city''s central square but atop the central dome of an enormousplex that stretched a few miles in every direction. Zac had missed its appearance because of the lightning, but it didn''t seem like the building had risen from the ground. It felt more like it had appeared from a spatial fold.


    The whole city had undergone a tremendous change, where dozens of grand buildings untouched by the mark of time had joined the root-covered ruins. Despite that, there were no signs of buildings being destroyed or pushed aside to make room.


    The buildings below appeared spiritual rather than military. Most of the subsidiary buildings wererge temples, with a few possibly being the homes of nobility. Even the enormous citadel below should be a cathedral, though the line between clergy and nobility had to be blurry when the Emperor was considered both an earthly leader and a heavenly deity.


    The transformation made Zac think of a paper fortune teller. His best guess was that the whole region was crisscrossed by spatial folds that had eluded their investigations. Activating the monolith had unraveled them all in one go, exposing their hidden fortunes. At least Zac assumed the activation had unraveled all folds, but who knew? There might be even grander buildings waiting to be unsealed.


    There was not much point in doing so, though. The buildings that had appeared were all protected by immense barriers reinforced by Imperial Faith. Zac wasn''t confident he''d be able to force his way inside even after reaching Peak Hegemony. Their appearance felt more like a liability, considering how the alliance had reacted upon discovering the fortress.


    More to the point, dozens of treasures emitting fate''s pull had appeared among the buildings while the ambient energy was rapidly rising. If it came to it, he could use the Ensolus Ruins as a main energy source for his breakthrough.


    However, Zac was incredibly reluctant to do so, especially after learning of the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>. Why ruin a huge opportunity he could collect when things had calmed down when he could use the tower treasures instead? It wasn''t like the stockpiled materials or hidden treasures were needed for Gu''s n to work. Leaving them behind felt like setting fire to a mountain of money.


    Besides, what if the armies waited on the other side? He would be breaking through right in front of a bunch of Monarchs.


    Better do it inside the tower if possible. Any lingering evidence would disappear when the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> did. The question was, could he escape the tower after the weapon had activated, and was he confident he could control his breakthrough well enough not to ruin Gu''s n? The answer to both was a resounding maybe.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll figure something out," Zac said. "For now, help"


    His words were interrupted by a deep thump, and Zac whirled around with his axe at the ready. The sound came from the door in the distance. The soldiers guarding it were tense, but one eventually gave them a thumbs up.


    "What the hell was that?" Zac said. "Are people trying to break in?"


    "For thest couple of hours," Gu sighed. "Usually not by force, though. They should know better. I''ve done my best to block their tampering, but I''m running out of tricks. We''ll have to pray the doors will hold until I''m done. At that point, it doesn''t matter if they break inside. It''ll be impossible to stop or redirect the attack."


    "Is it the Technocrats? Are they after the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>?"


    "It might be them, but it''s not their main goal," Average said. "We''ve followed their movements. First, they broke into a subsidiary control station for the Scouting Division. That''s how we noticed we hadpany. Actually, they arrived even before the others came falling out of spatial tears."


    "They targeted the scanners? They didn''t try to hijack the tower?"


    "Weirdly enough, they only extracted a bunch of old logs before moving on," Gu said. "They didn''t even try to ess the main systems, as far as I can tell."


    "Are they in the project operations wing now?"


    "Oh, you found out about that as well?" Gu eximed with surprise, briefly looking up from the confusing mesh within the console.


    "Do you know the details?"


    "I''m afraid not. We only found some bits and pieces over the years. This ce is called the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse. There are supposedly seven more, but who knows if they''re still around. All eight were involved in a secret weapons research project at the empire''s edge. They had to keep a rotation because the environment in the experiment''s dimension was extremely dangerous.


    "We tried to extract their research before leaving. We''d be immortalized as Zecia''s heroes if we brought back that kind of firepower," Average said with frustration. "We lost three men before we were forced to give up. I don''t understand how those heretic bastards made it past the defenses so quickly. That wing is like a fortress within a fortress."


    "I heard that the Technocrats were one of the main enemies of the Limitless Empire," Zac said.


    "No wonder," Average spat. "No one knows you as well as your greatest enemy."


    Zac nodded before turning to Emily. "For now, see if you can help patching up the ships. No matter how things shake up, we''ll need them in perfect condition."


    Emily nodded, and Average led her to the corridor the soldiers entered earlier. Zac was left alone with Gu, who furiously engraved new paths to hotwire an Array Disk into the navigation console. Zac stayed close to the doorway of the side room, where he could keep watch on the breach and the door that had just been attacked.


    The minutes passed in silence. Zac was left alone to fight his personal war, a war he was rapidly losing. The Void was already moving on its own. He could feel its hidden tendrils spread through the tower, floor by floor, in search of sustenance. He''d be like a small tree with a rootwork the size of a city. He''d given up on all else, settling for keeping the vortices shut just a little longer.


    Zac could feel his body gradually exerting a stronger pull, and his mind twisted as his gaze stopped at the merchant. Gu had a treasure within his body, and who knew what kind of items he''d stockpiled during his years of stay. He was a walking pill that could push him toward...


    An excited exmation thankfully interrupted that taboo line of thought.


    "I''m done! It''s all set!"


    Zac exhaled and got to his feet. He''d made it. Now, he just needed to get these people as far away from him as possible. Because like a tree, Zac knew he was stuck. The Void wouldn''t let go of the riches it had discovered.


    Like it or not, he''d have to break through inside a rocket hurled at the strongest cultists in Zecia.

 Chapter 1155: Light and Darkness

    <h4>Chapter 1155: Light and Darkness</h4>


    "This is the central console for the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>. When I activate it, it''ll trigger all the protocols I''ve installed over the past day," Gu said, looking at Zac nervously. "After that, it shouldn''t take more than half a minute before it''sunched."


    "If I stay longer?" Zac said, his voice hoarse from tension. "How long before it''ll reach its target?"


    "Uh," Gu hesitated. "I don''t know. Half an hour, maybe? It''ll continuously speed up after piercing through the dimensional storm, though. Why are you asking? The rtive speed will rip you apart if you stay any longer than our window."


    "My situation isplicated," Zac grunted. "Activate it and escape with the others. Don''t worry about me. I have my methods. I''ll see you on the outside. And don''t expose your identity as a sealbearer."


    Gu opened his mouth to argue, but something about Zac''s gaze made him sigh and nod in agreement. Instead, he took out amunicator. "Get ready, everyone! I''m activating the spear."


    <i>''I''m afraid I cannot let you do that, my friend.''</i>


    An intense scream of peril prated Zac''s hazy consciousness. Ingrained experience made Zac''s body move on instinct, dragging Gu to the side of the room just as a small golden sigil appeared on the main entrance. Then, there was only blinding white and a sense of immense majesty. Zac felt his back beingcerated, and millions of small des pierced him as he shielded the merchant with his body. Thankfully, miniature projectiles were made of energy and Dao, which reduced them to fuel before they could cause any damage to his insides.


    The overwhelming light disappeared as quickly as it came, and Zac''s heart sank upon seeing the fallout. A good chunk of the console was gone, including the control crystal Gu was about to use. The console was dim and without energy, and it was impossible to say whether the situation could be salvaged. That wasn''t the only problem they faced. Zac grimly turned to the door, <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> already in his hand.


    While the voice hade from a speaker inside the room, the attack came from the outside. Nothing remained of the two soldiers who had kept watch of the door. They had been disintegrated by the sudden burst of light, leaving only a few scraps of their equipment behind. Worse, the attack had carved a small hole through the reinforced security door, a testament to its immense power.


    The sizzling breach was norger than a needlepoint, but that wasn''t any different from it being blown wide open for most cultivators. As expected, an unfamiliar figure appeared in a sh of light and curiously looked around the room before focusing on Zac and Gu.


    He was human, though the man made Zac think of an angel with his golden locks, matching irises, and long flowing robes. His features were immacte, and his expression was soft. There was even a golden halo of the Dao of Light behind him. Yet, Zac felt a fatal threat as he looked into the neer''s eyes.


    This person was dangerous.


    It wasn''t because he clearly was a high-ranking imperial or that his Middle D-grade aura greatly surpassed that of the Late D-grade deathsworn captains. There was darkness hidden within the light, an evil that would strike you down if you weren''t careful.


    "To think I had to expend the blessing of my Royal Father to open a door. They''re in short supply, you know," the imperial said with a helpless smile. "I suppose that''s a miscalction on my part. I didn''t expect you natives to manipte these systems with such speed andmand."


    "Bastard!" Gu roared as he threw out an ancient array disk.


    A flickering flood dragon with the power of stars poured out of the disk, drowning themand center in a lofty aura. However, it only got halfway to its target before a bracelet on the imperial''s arm morphed into a demonic creature. Zac frowned at its appearance because it actually had a simr aura to the Qriz''Ul goblins of the Lost ne.


    It wasn''t exactly the same, but it definitely shared amon origin. Had this man found a ce simr to the Ra''Lashar Kingdom? There wasn''t any time to glean anything else. The dragon was cleanly ripped apart before the creature returned to the imperial''s arm.


    The battle waspletely lopsided, but the brief distraction had been enough for Gu to sh to the damaged console''s side and infuse it with his will. Zac opted to guard Gu from ambush instead of attacking. Activating the weapon took priority. Thankfully, the imperial seemed content to watch. He maintained his smile while observing Gu''s actions, like he was following an amusing y.


    Nothing happened.


    Zac paled as he was well aware of the ramifications. Failure to initiate the final step meant the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> wouldn''t activate properly, which meant the fortress would stay stuck in the crumbling subdimension. Energy would keep building until the weakest link broke, and the whole Mystic Realm would be wiped off the map. They were dead meat, even if this powerful stranger didn''t deal with them first.


    He had to buy some time while Gu came up with a solution.


    "Royal Father? You''re the prince of the Seventh Heaven?" Zac said as he positioned himself between the imperial and Gu.


    "I''m Yselio Tobrial, and I''m indeed lucky enough to be a son of the Seventh Heaven," the man smiled as his eyes left Gu. "You must be Zachary Atwood. I''m very happy the Heavens has blessed me with the opportunity to make your acquaintance. If not for your triumphant ascent, it would have been difficult to deal with the Sindris n. Ah, before I forget, I also have to thank you for teaching my dear cousins a small lesson in the Perennial Vastness."


    "Buddy, I have no idea what you''re talking about," Zac grunted with an impassive face.


    "Don''t worry," Yselioughed with a dismissive wave of his hand. "I''ve contained the news, though you should understand nothing is forever."


    "Let me guess, some rumors might find their way back to the Seven Heavens if something happens to you?"


    "Of course not. I never believed in making arrangements after one''s death," Yselioughed as he stepped further into themand center. "What do I care about the fallout after I die? And wouldn''t I look the fool in case my Royal Father brought me back if I''d given away all my cards? Besides, the more value I hold, the greater my chances of resurrection.


    "Therefore, I''m more about nning for victory. That way, I''ll be the one to reap all the benefits when I seed," Yselio continued, and it suddenly felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room. "And I don''t need to rely on threats to seize this relic of a bygone era. I just need strength."


    Zac''s mind screamed of danger from the man''s mere presence, to the point his bloodline showed signs of retreating into his body. He unleashed the full weight of his Killing Intent, hoping it''d give Yselio pause. Unfortunately, there was not a ripple on his face as he walked closer.


    "If you stop us, this whole ce will blow up!"


    "Not before I''ve achieved my goals," Yselio smiled as his aura rose. "Normally, I''d be happy to let you aplish your goals. The idea of igniting a fading beacon of that glorious era is quite romantic, and it can potentially create interesting ripples. Unfortunately, it would make my matters difficult. There are still answers I seek, so blowing it up won''t do." n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That thing!" Gu suddenly urged in a frantic whisper, and Zac mmed the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> on an outstretched Array Disk without missing a beat.


    "You!" Yselio eximed, the congenial faade cracking when the console fully came alive. "Why do you have that thing?!"


    Zac ignored the princeling, his eyes beating with hope and anxiety as he felt a huge energy pull. The broken console lit up, and its resurrection was a trigger that spread throughout the room. An intense quake almost threw Zac off his feet, and small bubbles of space and gravity began falling like slow-motion rain.


    It had begun, but they weren''t out of the woods yet.


    "Go! I''ll hold him off!" Zac roared as golden-white runes appeared across his skin.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    Torrential amounts of Cosmic Energy poured through Zac''s pathways, rekindling his weakened body that had seen most of its spirituality sapped by the vortices in his cells. The effects of <strong>[Arcadian Crusade] </strong>wouldn''tst long, with his bloodline eroding the patterns it added to his spiritual body. However, it was enough to let him unleash a burst of empowered skills.


    A primordial jungle took over the Command Center, and Zac pushed Gu into a tree that deposited him by the emergency exit with the others.


    <i>''Leave without me!'' </i>Zac urged Emily in a mental transmission. He''d noticed their presence just beyond the emergency door, ready to ambush Yselio. <i>''I''ll see you on the outside.''</i>


    <i>''Be careful!''</i>


    A red-eyed Emily understood her presence would only hinder Zac against such a powerful enemy. She ushered the others into the hallway, leaving only Zac and Yselio in therge hall. Zac muttered a short prayer they''d escape safely as he shot forth in a furious blitz.


    Zac knew he wasn''t Yselio''s match despite his recent gains. He could already tell the prince''s Dao of Light had surpassed the level of Dao Branches, and that was only the tip of the iceberg. A careful approach to sound out the enemy would leave him at a helpless disadvantage, so Zac could only pursue a more dangerous path to victory. He''d go all out from the start, forcing an opportunity before Yselio could unleash his full power like Kator did at the end of their duel.


    "Hold me off?" Yselio said, his eyes cold as ice as his halo exploded. "Are you worthy? Disrupting fatees at a price, even for a mebearer. Return what you''ve squandered."


    Themand center faded and was reced by an imperial hall with two rows of tables facing each other. Further behind, rows of celestial soldiers formed, their golden eyes already looking at Zac like he''d encroached on the Heavens. A great golden throne stood at the seat of honor, with Yselio standing before it.


    An emperor and his court.


    The celestial court swept the forest away without any struggle. The suppression was absolute, whether you looked at energy or Dao. In addition, the court was filled with immense amounts of Faith Energy, which gave the soldiers life and purpose. Gradually, outlines of magistrates and generals began forming by the empty tables. Their auras were shocking, like Yselio had conjured the great leaders of the Seventh Heaven.


    The spores of <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong> simrly dissipated under the radiant splendor. No matter how much energy Zac pushed into the skill, it was all the same. He unleashed a furious barrage with <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong> in an attempt to destabilize the domain. However, he couldn''t find any weakness to target, and destroying the soldiers only resulted in new ones forming from bursts of light.


    Zac couldn''t even tell whether it was an illusion, a domain, or if a separate space had been formed. The approaching soldiers had passed through spots where consoles and array pirs should be, and he couldn''t see the falling gravity spheres from before. The only thing Zac was somewhat certain of was that they were still within themand center since he could still feel the Void Network spreading through the tower.


    "You seem confused?" Yselio smiled. "It''s understandable. You shouldn''t have seen a true expression of Imperial Qi before, considering such abilities are banned inside the Perennial Vastness. Valsa must have mistaken her Dynasty''s glory with personal strength and believed herself infallible even without the support of her subjects. The First Heaven has ruled unopposed for a long time, leaving themcent.


    "Our family is different. We are the Seventh, the veryst. It''s almost a miracle we weren''t consumed by the others in those early days. We''re aware of our inadequacies, and we''ll never forget that we have slowly climbed to our current heights through our subjects'' grace. Emperor and Empire are one; the former cannot exist without thetter. I''d never set foot in a ce where I couldn''t use the true power of the Imperial Destiny."


    It was suspicious that Yselio seemed content talking despite the dangerous situation, but Zac couldn''t figure out what he was up to. But suddenly, he felt something passing through hiswork of Void Tendrils, and his eyes widened in rm. Yselio was also branching out, though he was targeting the nearby consoles rather than treasures.


    The powerful domain left Zac helpless to stop their advance, but it couldn''t stop the Void. He roused his bloodline, sicking it on the invading streaks of light like a pack of bloodhounds. The Void was more than happy to oblige after being denied sustenance for so long, and tendrils of nothingness began consuming the threads that spread from the Tobrial Prince.


    "Hm?" Yselio muttered with a frown. "What"


    Zac couldn''t let him investigate, so he threw caution to the wind. An immense drain on his Cosmic Core let him simultaneously activate three D-grade Talismans, one with Miasma, one with Divine Energy, and one unattuned. It was his most extravagant method to use his trinity core and the energy transmission was greatly elerated by <strong>[Arcadian Crusade]</strong>.


    Thousands of madly spinning des joined two shrouds of opposing Dao, which created an out-of-control storm that swept through Yselio''s domain. The paradox of his path was put on open disy, destroying anything it touched. Golden soldiers were destroyed by the hundreds, and the radiant splendor of the court faded under the onught.


    Zac didn''t care about exposing his ability to use Miasma. He couldn''t. He''d already been losing control, and using the Void to fight this way was like having a sword hanging over his head. Zac needed to finish the fight before his breakthrough started. They didn''t take long, but Zac waspletely helpless during that time. He''d be like amb to the ughter before Yselio.


    Suddenly, three runes appeared above the empty throne, reading ''Faith,'' ''Strength,'' and ''Unity.'' As far as Zac could tell, they weren''t true edicts, but they still radiated unquestionable might that greatly stabilized the court. Zac didn''t care that the domain held, nor that significantly tougher counterparts reced the destroyed soldiers.


    The talismans had paved the path and temporarily nullified the suppression of Yselio''s superior Dao. Zac''s surroundings were painted the color of his path, and he used the opportunity to the fullest. Destructive forces coursed through his body as he shot straight for his target, with multiple Skill Fractals activating at once.


    The resummoned soldiers were temporarily stalled by a repeatedly resummoned jungle in an epic struggle between the wilds and civilization. Zac swung his axe, unleashing two churning clouds. One was death, the other was life, each bolstered by the lingering energy from the talismans and the dimension''s spatial decay. The unbridgable boundary between Life and Death clove through the courtyard, rapidly picking up strength and speed as it swept toward its target.


    The corrupted beast reappeared, seemingly intent on taking the empowered<strong> [Rapturous Divide] </strong>head-on. Zac feared it would seed, considering its disy against Gu''s Array Disk. A streak of white, gold, and red shed right past the growing line of severance, and the creature was pushed out of the way when a second beast appeared with incredible speed.


    It was Verun who had emerged in its spiritual form, radiating a bloodthirst that could shake the Heavens. The Tool Spirit didn''t have the towering size it showcased during its breakthrough. Instead, it only reached three meters over the ground to match its opponents. Still, it had condensed the energy and power of its immense form into a smaller size, turning Verun into a weapon of matchless ferocity.


    The domain''s suppression couldn''t stop the primordial hyena, nor could the radiant lights. They only served as a foil to its anger, and Verun unleashed it all on the demonic beast. A furious and brutal exchange of bites and swipes wreaked havoc on the surroundings, with dozens of golden soldiers bing coteral as Verun forced the creature further from its master.


    Zac saw his opportunity, adding oil to the fire by activating another skill he''d been channeling. Demarcation from the front and judgment from above struck simultaneously like a beast''s maws snapping shut. Yselio''s face never faltered as a radiant barrier enclosed him. The ground heaved from the collision, kicking up a storm of tumultuous energies.


    The barrier effortlessly withstood both <strong>[Arcadia''s Jugment] </strong>and <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>, leaving Yselio unruffled and unscathed. The second stage of the skill didn''t even activate, with the dais blocking the spikes from below. Still, the two skills had flooded Yselio''s surroundings with a fog made from Zac''s Daos and Energies.


    Suddenly, a blurry form burst through the chaos, his aura perfectly blending with the surroundings. It was Zac, his eyes steely with murderous intent as he flew right into the barrier. The shield held without a ripple, though only because Zac slipped right through it. He''d already released the breaks on his bloodline, and the Void freely coursed through his body, shifting him further out of phase with the Cosmos.


    Vinesunched with suicidal determination to bind their opponent for at least a fraction of a second. Zac''s heart bled upon sensing Vivi burning her very limited life force to assist. Still, he turned the anger into an unbending conviction as he flooded hispanion with Divine Energy bolstered by his Eoz nodes running at overdrive.


    Determination and sacrifice wouldn''t be enough. The gap between Vivi and their opponent was simply too great. However, she wasn''t working alone. Three bloody vines sprung out of thin air, their steely wood adding anotheryer of restriction to share the load. It was the empowered creepers of <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong>, summoned with a mix of Cosmic and Void Energy to skip the incubation period.


    Yselio seemed genuinely shocked that Zac had passed through his impermeable barrier to unleash a volley of instant attacks. It confirmed Zac''s theory that Yselio hadn''t discovered the nature of his bloodline, or at least that he wasn''t privy to the full picture. It was the difference between life and death since Zac''s whole n hinged on timing and the element of surprise.


    Void Energy flooded the surroundings as Zac activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. Simultaneously, a goldenurel emitting an archaic aura instantly appeared on his head as a golden luster different from the celestial court''s radiance flooded the area. <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong> had been activated with Void Energy, adding another skill to the tally.


    Zac hadn''t activated the defensive skill with protection in mind. It was all to deliver his most disruptivebination with <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. Yselio grunted as his energy bacshed while the Heavens were shrouded by the Void. Zac''s right shoulder de exploded at this exact moment, releasing streaks of utter nothingness that tore right through <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>.


    The sudden eruption acted like a booster that pushed Zac forward as the refined mix of Oblivion Energy, Miasma, and Cosmic Energy poured into <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. A de of condensed Annihtion formed, and it was as though time had stopped when it descended on Yselio''s forehead. Every scrap of Zac''s power and experience had crystallized into a singr moment where he put everything on the line.


    The princeling''s eyes were nk as Oblivion destroyed thought, fate, and future. Then, a greedy smile appeared on Yselio''s lips as light turned into darkness and good into evil.


    "Alone through a strange sea of thought... The legacy of the Void!"

 Chapter 1156: Overwhelmed

    <h4>Chapter 1156: Overwhelmed</h4>


    An ominous presence filled the court when light and darkness were inverted, and the three glowing runes above the throne seemed to have taken on an entirely different meaning. The dusk was pervasive and suffocating, leaving Zac stunned at the realization that Yselio possessed not one but two Earthly Daos from the Peak of Taiji.


    The prince''s path appeared surprisingly simr to his own. Two opposing Daos from one peak, while Yselio used the Dao of Faith to give shape and context, instead of Zac''s Dao of Conflict. Of course, their cultivation ultimately waspletely different. Light was not Life, and Darkness was not Death. They held entirely different truths, and Yselio''s path had nothing inmon with Zac''s.


    Yselio''s path seemed to reflect human nature, at least ording to his personal worldview. Everything had two sides, and no one was purely good or evil. Perhaps it was his understanding of Imperial governance, where an Empire needed both glory and ruthless callousness to survive.


    The sudden revtion of the true scope of Yselio''s Daos was a huge blow, considering dealing with one Earthly Dao was hard enough. Fusing his Daos with his Dao Mold and elevating them with <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> would let them contend with Peak Branches, but the next step was an almost unbridgeable gap. Worse, Yselio had discerned Zac''s path just as Zac had understood Yselio''s. The Void had remained hidden since all who faced it had died.


    Warning sirens red in the back of Zac''s mind from having his secretsid bare, and Yselio''s cruel smile gave the impression of a spider having trapped its prey. But what could he do? Zac knew he was like a released arrow. Every skill in his repertoire had been used to create this opening, and he''d crammed most of his Oblivion Energy into the skill fractal he''d named <strong>[Extinction Event]</strong>. Backing down only meant all that effort being wasted, and initiative would be in Yselio''s hands.


    He''d have to forge ahead, ensuring his sacrifice yielded some result.


    Time paradoxically moved excruciatingly slow and shockingly fast as Zac''s mind ran in overdrive. His muscles and sinew groaned withint as he pushed his aligned constitution to unprecedented heights in an effort to hasten the Oblivion de''s final stretch on its journey. Zac could no longer see Yselio''s eyes because of the pervasive darkness, but it felt like they were mocking him from the shadows.


    A small bacsh and a transferred notion of pain indicated the two sets of vines sealing Yselio''s limbs had simply disappeared. The darkness shifted, and the bones in Zac''s right arm creaked when his swing was abruptly stopped like it had hit a solid wall. <strong>[Extinction Event]</strong> was already an experimental skill, and the sudden collision made Zac lose 20% of its energy.


    A billowing shockwave of Annihtion became a blight on its surroundings. Even the darkness was annihted, giving Zac a better look at what''d happened. His ultimate strike had been blocked by a sword in Yselio''s hand. The weapon was utterly ck except for a singr dot of unblemished light above the hilt.


    It emitted no aura, more acting like his Void by consuming all around it. Still, it wasn''t hard to tell it was an unfathomable relic surpassing any of Zac''s Spirit Tools. How else could it block a strike made from so much Oblivion Energy, with the only price being its edge fading a bit? In fact, the sword acted like a ck hole, rapidly draining the energy of his strike.


    Yselio looked different, draped in a robe darker than the Abyss, while his face hinted at unspeakable evil. Still, there was a small hope of salvation hidden in the depths of the brutal eyes, like the dot of light on the inky sword.


    A stalemate meant loss, and loss meant death. Luckily,<strong> [Extinction Event]</strong> wasn''t a physical manifestation. It was directed Annihtion unfettered by shape or form. The Oblivion Edge cleanly split in two, passing the sword by when it couldn''t destroy it. Yselio''s eyes widened slightly, but there was no panic.


    Reality split in two as light joined darkness, where a white-robed Yselio swung a second de, this one a radiant white. It unleashed a cascading wave of light that consumed <strong>[Extinction Event]</strong> and Zac alike. Zac held on as long as he could, but he knew it was futile. He was already focusing on a hidden spot within his body when he lost the connection to his skill.


    Zac couldn''t see anything, even with his Soul Sense, but theck of Kill Energy confirmed his gambit had failed. Yselio had proven too powerful, resisting Oblivion and Void alike. Zac had a few cards left, but none were as strong or reliable as those he''d already used. His only remedy now was to rely on Sendor''s protection while finishing his breakthrough. By that point, he might be able to turn the tables on the Imperial Prince, if the Void hadn''t already consumed him.


    He acted decisively, but Yselio was even faster. Three arms and three swords fused into one that pierced toward Zac''s torso. The stab moved with the speed of light and contained the weight of an empire. <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> barely managed to dim the de''s radiance as it skewered its nullification zone, and <strong>[Ossuarby Bulkwark]</strong> may as well have been made from brittle y when faced with its tip.


    A trinity of Dao and energy flooded Zac''s body before his danger sense had the chance to activate, and not even the Void could approach the invading force. Blinding light irradiated his Soul Aperture, and Zac''s Soul Cores began eroding under the unrelenting glow. It was like the light wanted to cleanse his whole aperture, leaving behind nothing but a nk te. Cruel darkness buried his cells to stall the golden hurricanes within.


    All the while, a towering majesty of Imperial Judgement overwhelmed his thoughts in an attempt to shatter his Dao Heart. The lightning-quick thrust simultaneously targeted the Soul, Body, and Heart, where a single weakness meant death. Zac would have instantly sumbed if not for his unusually holistic path.


    Decades of hard work narrowly awarded him the resilience needed to endure while the vortices in his cells began consuming the three entrenched Daos. Zac desperately tried to disengage while refocusing on the Sendor''s seal, but a wave of despair almost gave the Imperial Judgment an opening upon realizing killing him wasn''t even Yselio''s goal. Three miniature seals had formed around Sendor''s hidden impartment, stopping Zac''s attempts to activate the life-saving grace.


    "Don''t be hasty," Yselio''s voice carried through the blinding light. "Show me what else is hiding within your body."


    The Tobrial scion gave no quarter or respite, following his taunt with a deadly thrust aimed at Zac''s forehead. This time, he was only targeted by the white sword, but that was bad enough. Zac parried, relying on instincts and Luck since his eyes couldn''t keep up. At that moment, a ck de pierced his back, wreaking havoc on his insides while injecting more hostile darkness.


    It was the beginning of a desperate and confusing fight in the boundary between light and darkness, where just staying alive was asking more than Zac could give. He was fighting three Yselios at once, each possessing a Dao and power surpassing Zac''s. They were both real and mirages, resulting from the prince''s unbelievable speed and the Earthly Daos blocking Zac''s senses.


    Yselio''s methods were furious, unforgiving, and unpredictable, where two swords asionally fused into an empowered thrust before seamlessly separating again. Dozens of Dao-infested wounds had racked up within a second, and Zac was constantly forced to retreat and ept injuries to avoid death. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac kept trying to contact Sendor''s seal, but the barrier was impregnable. It would take at least a few minutes to grind down the barrier, even with the Void''s assistance. Time Zac absolutely didn''t have. Activating skills with Cosmic Energy was out of the question, with a well-timed estoc disrupting the energy rotation. It was the same technique Zac had used many times on his enemies, though Yselio relied on raw speed rather than technique.


    Void Energy couldn''t be blocked, but what was the use? <strong>[Evolutionary Edge] </strong>was already running, powerless to turn the tides. His other skills were either on cooldown or unable to endure Yselio''s domain. Verun fought furiously to break free and help out, but the corrupted beast was already a huge threat. It could consume spirituality, exining how it so effortlessly had destroyed Gu''s Array Dragon.


    Zac couldn''t keep backing down, even if he urgently needed a breather. The domain had drastically changed when the Dao of Darkness mixed with the Dao of Light. One moment, he saw the celestial court shrouded in darkness, defended by the imperial guards. The next, he stood in the middle of a twisted dungeon filled with blood-soaked inquisitors wielding macabre tools of torture.


    Guards and inquisitors were bearing down on him, ready to push an already helpless situation to certain death. Zac knew he''d have to take another gamble before it was toote, this one even more dangerous.


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    One rune on the wooden handle of his axe already glowed with sanguine light, and the second one finally joined it after months of slumber. A roar from the ancient wilds shook Yselio''s domain. Blinding light flickered and dimmed, and suffocating darkness dispersed. Out of nowhere, hundreds of smaller beasts formed, like a pack answering their leader''s call to the hunt.


    Soldiers and jailors were ripped to shreds, and Yselio''s assault temporarily halted as the princeling found himself drowned by a frenzied pack that only kept growing. The three forms fused into one true form as his movement became restricted by relentless carnage.


    Five swipes became a dozen bites, which grew and morphed into an unfettered storm of violence when dozens of primordial hyenas fused into a force of nature. Even space buckled under the assault, but Zac didn''t hold any hope <strong>[Primordial Call]</strong> could contain Yselio for long, let alone take him out. It was a testament to the prince''s power; even an ultimate skill with a month''s cooldown requiring the blood of a hundred D-grade opponents to recharge couldn''t change anything.


    It was fine, so long as Zac got the small window needed to follow through on his n. Arge stone appeared in his hand, and a vortex instantly formed as Zac almost cked out from hunger. It was the <strong>[Stone of Celestial Void]</strong>, the treasure Zac first saw in the Orom Exchange andter got from Iz Tayn. Zac was no longer holding back his breakthrough; he was kicking the doors wide open in hopes his bloodline would rip Yselio apart before he lost consciousness.


    It was a desperate gambit, considering he couldn''t control the Void well enough to use the vortices in battle. Especially not against an opponent moving so fast, Zac''s eyes couldn''t keep up. Unfortunately, it was the only solution he had left. He was all out of cards, and the only move left was to flip the whole table.


    Hopefully, it would at least give Yselio pause and make him back down. Every second wasted meant a new lease of life, where new variables could provide a path to survival. Twenty-eight seconds had passed since Gu activated the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>, though he''d only endured Yselio''s onught for five. The rest of the time was through Yselio''s stalling, which meant the <strong>[Centurion Spear] </strong>would fire any moment.


    Hundreds of vortices opened as the tower''s ransacking officially began, dragging treasures and piles of materials into the beyond with redoubled effort after having been held back so long. Zac gave his tacit blessing, only demanding one thing: bring the Void to him. He exerted his will, picturing a vast vortex ripping the whole domain asunder.


    Zac felt blood vessels in his eyes burst as he strained with every fiber of his being, and he almost cried with relief when a ten-meter-vortex popped up in the middle of <strong>[Primordial Call]</strong>. It instantaneously consumed all around it, leaving a pocket of nothingness like an <strong>[Annihtion Sphere] </strong>had gone off.


    A streak of exhausted spirituality poured into <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. The Tool Spirit had already lost much of its spirit to the corrupted beast''s attacks, and activating <strong>[Primordial Call]</strong> had exhausted what it had left. Its opponent was not much better off after having been pincered by Verun and its pack.


    The situation hadpletely turned around, like it had many times before, thanks to Zac''s bloodline and Void''s inherently unpredictable nature. However, Zac barely had time to register theck of Kill Energy before an immense beam tore through the Void. It shattered the vortex, depositing a pile of items and Void Energy before bearing down on Zac with undodgeable speed.


    Zac saw death''s approach and desperately tried to form another vortex. The Void resisted, like it understood it had just been damaged by the approaching force. Then, a huge halo of vibrant Life flooded the court, its splendor even surpassing the Dao of Light. Within, a familiar yet foreign flower swayed.


    It was Vivi, looking as young and vibrant as a sapling as she grew thousands of vines to form an imprable wall before him. Zac''s eyes briefly lit up before being clouded by despair. The beam was blocked, but not because of an opportune breakthrough. Verve was reced by decay as Vivi''s true form expended herst mote of life force.


    The vine flower shattered like a mirror, her husk unable to endure the remnant energies. Zac''s already frayed rationality almost snapped when he felt the mental connection break. Towering fury overwhelmed the hunger and took control of his bloodline. The Void had denied him when he needed it the most, so he would take from it what he needed, just like he took from the heavens.


    The surroundings shifted as the distance became Void, and Zac found himself before a startled Yselio who had just returned from the beyond. The prince reacted instantaneously, but his thrusts passed through Zac without connecting with flesh. When the attack failed, Yselio decisively retreated, but the Void blocked his way. Zac stood behind him, before him, around him. His hands were vortices of cold retribution and connected to the one thing that best resonated with his mental state.


    A deluge of murderous intent from an ancient era joined Zac''s own, mixing and fusing into hatred manifest. The ancient Autarch''s lingering will seemed to sense the target was a descendant of his enemy, and it stopped resisting Void''s pull. Thebined Killing Intent poured into Yselio, its quantity and focus surpassing what Zac previously endured many times over.


    Yselio''s eyes lit up like beacons, and writhing veins twisted his graceful features. He unleashed a bestial roar instilled with his full path, and the shockwave pushed even Zac away. But Zac wasn''t ready to let go, and neither was the creature roused from his slumber by Vivi''s demise.


    Haro was wide awake, and his rage burned so hot that the sun in Zac''s chest almost exploded. An immense pull on Dao and Mental Energy almost shattered Zac''s Evolutionary Soul Core, but Zac gave no heed to cost or damage as he provided what Haro needed.


    The World Ring on Zac''s finger wasn''t designed to endure a rampaging Heavenrender Vine or the drain from its blinding growth. A scream of intense danger forced Zac awake from his rage-addled state, and he hurriedly ripped off his left ring finger and threw it at Yselio while letting the shockwave carry him further away. The World Ring had already twisted on itself because of the immense spatial energies pouring from its cracks.


    The ring exploded, unleashing a tempestuous spatial storm that swept the iing sword away. Zac didn''t see exactly what happened. One moment, there was only chaos. The next, a bowl-sized hole had been punched right through the chest of a delirious Yselio. The method had escaped Zac''s senses, but the source was clear. The attack came from the blood-red bulb in the storm''s center that released such intense Killing Intent the air twisted around it.


    It was Haro, having forced his way through the spatial seal in his desire to exact revenge. A full quarter of his body was withered, which was shocking considering how much life force a Peak-quality nt King held. It was the price Haro had paid to unleash an unstoppable attack the moment it appeared. Even then, Haro wasn''t satisfied. Vivi was still dead, while Yselio remained alive.


    Zac could hear a primal scream as hundreds of vinesshed out at everything that moved. The sinister devils were grabbed and ripped apart by unyielding vines, but their bloodless deaths only seemed to make Haro angrier. Even Zac had two vines shoot toward his chest like bullets, though they stopped at thest minute to target something else.


    The wounded corrupted beast became the first true casualty, its body reduced to meaty pulp. Yselio bore the brunt of Haro''s anger. Half the vines wereshing and ripping at the Tobrial prince. Unfortunately, even with his mind overwhelmed by corrosive Killing Intent, he became an impregnable wall through reflexive, lightning-quick swordy.


    Such movements should have worsened his already lethal wounds, but a ne had shattered, releasing a storm of Imperial Qi. It felt like Yselio was being propped up by billions of citizens ready to share his burdens. Zac''s anger still burned red-hot, and he refused to let Yselio escape.


    However, nothing happened when he tried to join Haro''s onught. He was locked in ce, with the Void fully seizing his body. The same was true for his Draugr half, who had been gorging on Void Crystals and high-quality treasures the moment he decided to go for broke.


    Yselio''s face was pallid. His long hair was in disarray, and his luxurious robes were drenched in blood from the terrifying wound in his chest. He leaked energy like a sieve because of a crack in his Cosmic Core, and his aura flickered precariously as ancient Killing Intent tore apart his soul piece by piece.


    Yet his defensive swings grew increasingly refined, like he was gradually reiming control. Yselio soon emitted such a dangerous aura that even Haro snapped out of his mania and retreated. The zing fury was still there, but the Heavenrender Vine was a natural predator. He understood that he could only exact revenge if he survived.


    "mebearers" Yselio slurred with a jarring voice as trails of blood and spittle ran down his mouth. "Dangerous... Indeed."


    Zac struggled to stay awake, but his vision was already closing in. The tower was picked clean, and he could tell he had reached the quota. An exhausted smile appeared on Zac''s face as he thought of Emily and Ra''Klid. At least they were safe. He could feel the immense torrents coursing through the tower and the aura of a true dimension peeking through the cracks. The weapon had been activated sessfully, and the whole base of the fortress should have been deposited outside.


    The rest was up to the Heavens. Zac couldn''t move a finger and was forced to look on as Yselio ambled closer. His eyes shone like beacons from the depths of hell, and a twisted smile grew on his face as he lifted the terrifying sword to deliver a final blow.


    A crack of a familiar origin silently opened behind Yselio. It had the same archaic air as skills imbued with Void Energy, but the breach was not made by Zac or his bloodline. Neither was it made from Void Energy. Four ck des emerged from Yselio''s chest before he could react, and a pulse of unidentifiable energy scattered the Imperial Qi keeping him safe.


    The attacker was a young woman wielding a w in one hand and something resembling a detonator in the other. Floating behind her were two exquisite drones that emitted the same aura as hers. A Technocrat, one far more powerful than the others he''d encountered.


    "You!" Yselio roared, the rest of his words growing indistinct as the final tethers of reality were severed.


    The boundary between self and Void disappeared as Zac''s consciousness was dragged into the depths of his bloodline. Hundreds of vortices formed around him, forming an alien constetion. Yselio, held aloft by the w on the neer''s hand, could no longer hold onto his domain. The celestial court shattered, and they returned to themand center.


    Somethingnded by Zac''s side as the drones formed a sphere of blue sigils, enclosing the Technocrat and her prey. They were gone the next moment, teleporting through unknown means.


    ''<i>Hurry, hide!'' </i>Zac urged with hisst shred of consciousness, prompting the Heavenrender Vine to disappear into a spare Worldring on his hand.


    Then, nothingness.

 Chapter 1157: Raindrops

    <h4>Chapter 1157: Raindrops</h4>


    The ship gently sailed atop the clouds that stretched across the horizon. Dusk was approaching, painting the horizon in orange and pink. Hidden formations kept most of the wind at bay, and the only clear sign of their great velocity were the gaps in the clouds that asionally shed by. They provided a wee change to the monotone view by showcasing an untamed expanse untouched by human hands.


    The Void Herald had called it the edge of the Thousand Beasts Ridge. It was a region full of opportunities, ording to the other passengers. Immense Dragon Veins and blessednds gave birth to endless treasures, and many had discovered ruins full of hidden knowledge and paths to hidden realms.


    Despite the riches, few cultivators dared travel beyond the outer perimeter. Even Void Heralds feared the beasts who had made the mountain ranges their domain. There were also plenty of death traps formed naturally by the Heavens. As such, a region surpassing the Blue Spring Sect''s domain by thousands of times remained unimed for millions of years.


    Even the Hur''Vaz Empire, the home of their old sect, couldn''t bepared to the Thousand Beasts Ridge''s size. Eight factions bordered the region, each so vast their homnd wouldn''t be considered more than a remote province.


    Karz had always been acutely aware of his humble origins, but he''d still underestimated how high the peaks could go. Reading the iplete and mostly made-up missives back in the sect had left him ignorant of the fact that the Hur''Vaz Empire was just a small force on a satellite of a far-grander continent.


    The only reason the Hur''Vaz Dynasty could im themselves ruler of their little fiefdom was a tenuous connection to a real sect on the Grand Expanse ContinentThe Serene Sea Sect they were currently headed for. It was the second-smallest of the factions bordering the Thousand Beasts Ridge, yet it represented a huge opportunity for himself and his ''young master.''


    Another gap in the clouds whizzed by. Karz barely spared it a nce, having long lost his interest in observing the wilderness. His heart had been moved by the stories during their first weeks of travel, and he''d half-expected to encounter something amazing during their journey.


    But how could there be unimed treasures on one of the public, regrly trafficked routes? The only break from the monotony was meeting the asional vessel. Even that had grown boring. The vessels controlled by subsidiary factions kept a wide berth because of the overbearing sigil on the sides of their ship, and boarding the mercantile vessels usually left a sour taste in Karz''s mouth.


    The greatestmotion came when they encountered a young woman standing on the clouds with a spear in her hand. A Peak Void Herald, and such a young one, at that. There was apparently not a single one in the Serene Sea Sect, though there were rumors their elusive Sect Master might have reached that stage.


    She must havee from an even loftier faction to wield such power at her age. The others believed she was out gaining experience. Luckily, her goal had been the ridge rather than their vessel. Their lofty guide hadn''t even dared breathe as he provided direction, bowing deeply enough to touch the ground until she was out of sight.


    There was always a greater mountain. It wasforting, in a way, since it meant he could keep climbing without causing any waves.


    "Hey, what do you think about the old man''s question?"


    Karz turned over, finding Laondio sitting in his self-made chaos of messy notes and medicinal dregs. It was almost impressive how he managed to maintain the unkempt and dazed appearance of a schr who had stayed too long within the archives during their journey.


    "The greater purpose of cultivation?" Karz said as he began tidying up. "Who cares? Even if there is one, what does it have to do with me?"


    "Junior Brother, you were a lot more likable when you pretended to be meek," Laondioughed. "Then again, you wouldn''t have umted the necessary resources without your feigned arrogance."


    It was true. Collecting alchemical dregs and garbage eventually proved insufficient for his cultivation. As his affinities improved, they grew more discerning. But where would a rat born in a pile of refuse get their hands on expensive treasures? Completing Sect Tasks and trading with merit was just a way for the sect to secure cheapbor. You wouldn''t amount to much even if you continuously risked your life. The good things were kept in the hands of the silver spoons while the have-nots fought over the scraps.


    Karz found it more effective to orchestrate a series of enmities with the young masters of the sect, manufacturing justification to lift the treasures from bodies. It wasn''t hard. Cultivators were the same everywhere, be it the Blue Spring Sect or the Grand Expanse Continent. Arrogant, bored, and trapped by convention. It was no wonder most factions were stagnant.


    Some fools sought trouble simply because of his origin or unttering nickname. Others could be made to lose all reason with a smile and a few words directed at the right girl. ying with fire had almost cost Karz his life more than once, but it allowed him to gather enough materials to pursue power through other venues.


    "There''s nothing?" Laondio pressed.


    "Not everyone is like you," Karz shrugged. "What''s wrong with searching for power for power''s sake?"


    "Power for power''s sake," Laondio sighed as he looked up at the stars. "Raindrops falling through the deste, unknowing of their origin. The status quo isn''t enough."


    Karz had no idea what hispanion was talking about, but he had long gotten used to the inscrutablements and lofty ideals.


    "You''ll figure something out," Karz grunted as he got to his feet. "This won''t work, though."


    Karz was talking about the pile of notes he''d stacked and ordered. As always, he''d taken a peek to see if there was anything useful for his cultivation. This time, Laondio was researching a purification formation where you''d install a pir in your backyard.


    As for the medicinal dregs, they were already tucked away in his Cosmos Sack. They wouldn''t help much, but it was better than nothing. Besides, Laondio didn''t let propriety limit his experiments, and the Void Herald''s inner world was seemingly bottomless when it came to Laondio''s needs. These scraps were much better than what he used back then.


    "Oh? You''ve finally read the books I lent you?" Laondio said with interest.


    "Just enough to not get myself killed around you," Karz grunted. "This thing is much more effective than normal purification arrays, but that''s because it''s just pushing the taint away. Whoever dares put that thing in their courtyard would have their throats slit in the middle of the night. Unless it''s the Sect Master, I guess."


    Laondio looked taken aback at the conclusion. "Ah, you''re right. I got too caught up in the theory, forgetting to consider the application. Perhaps if I strengthened it to cover the whole sect."


    "That''ll start a war," Karzughed. "Even if it didn''t, wouldn''t you just surround your home with corruption, destroying your cultivation grounds and polluting the Earth? Maybe if you built onerge enough to cover the Cosmos."


    "Maybe you''re onto something," Laondio grinned.


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    "Whatever," Karz said. "I''m going to cultivate."


    "Junior brother, I hope you one day can find a real answer. Even if it''s one in conflict with my vision," Laondio said. "Until then, I''m happy to have you by my side."


    "What if I''m just using you for power''s sake?"


    Laondio justughed. "What if I''m just using you?"


    Karz scoffed before emptying his ss and walking away. It was simple, really. If their ambitions ever put them against each other, they''d have to see who had the bigger fist. Of course, Karz refused to believe the cosmos wasn''t big enough for the two of them. At least, he hoped it wasn''t because he''d rather go against a whole sect than that outwardly harmless schr.


    It was clear that Laondio carried great secrets, secrets possibly surpassing his bloodline. Laondio maintained his lead no matter how much Karz improved his cultivation speed despite spending most of his time on various projects. There was also that uncanny way that reality bent to Laondio''s will. Everything just worked out, like he was being swept forth by predestination.


    Could a man really be that beloved by the Heavens?


    Karz sometimes felt like he was living a dream, one where he wasn''t even the protagonist. It was Laondio, who repeatedly overturned convention without anyone asking why and how. How could he invent pill forms that awed even the Serene Sea Sect with their ancient history? Why did his detractors disappear one after another? How could he see through almost any item, method, or technique?


    It seemed as though only Karz could see these discrepancies while the rest of the world just went with the flow. And Laondio didn''t even seem to care about his bubble of immutability being exposed. If anything, he seemed happy to have a confidant, though it was a topic they never broached. Just like they never discussed why Karz''s Heavenly Root had improved by two grades between his admission to the Blue Spring Sect and their visit to the Hur''Vaz Academy.


    The world was cold, and Laondio''s warm treatment sometimes made Karz feel like a pig being raised for the ughter. Still, it was undeniable that Laondio had been instrumental in his rise. He would have died a few times over if not for Laondio helping him from the shadows. And how many times had Laondio just so happened to mention he''d heard rumors of a promising treasure ground, or that he''d found some scribbles that invariably led Karz to treasures he needed to advance?


    Even the rare opportunity to leave their homeworld for greater heights wasrgely thanks to Laondio. Karz''s official strength wasn''t enough to contend for a real slot when the Serene Emissary visited the Hur''Vaz Academy. The only way he''d gain the Void Herald''s attention was if he exposed some of his bloodline.


    Karz knew he''d reached an impasse and had seriously considered taking the risk. Laondio effortlessly side-stepped the issue by passing a special trial, directly bing the Sect Master''s direct disciple. From there, he''d appointed Karz as his Sword Attendant, allowing him to tag along to the Grand Expanse Continent.


    The role didn''te with any benefits, but what did that matter? He could make his own fortune so long as he had the right stage. The same held for Laondio''s intentions. The garbage piles atop the incineration tforms would always be part of him, reminding him that one couldn''t be picky where the food came from. What mattered was that it''d let you survive and fight another day.


    It was a fool''s dream to hope for any semnce of control. Civilization and the rule ofw were made from thin, brittlecquer. The slightest shock to the system would turn gentlemen into beasts and sages into devils. He''d keep going, keep surviving, until the day he was the king of the jungle. At that point, he could consider matters like the ''greater purpose of cultivation.''


    Karz sealed his room before taking out the wooden gourd he''d bought for a pittance the other day. He wondered what the trader would think if he knew the old thing hid a natal seed bursting with Nature''s Dao. It had eluded even the appraiser''s discerning gaze, but nothing could escape the limitless hunger of his blood.


    Green wisps were slowly extracted, each providing greater benefits than the circle of medicinal dregs he drew around himself. It took only two hours for his body to reach satiety. He''d ideally continue with a different element, but Karz was running woefully short of fuel despite his best efforts to supplement his reserves along the way. He asionally struck gold, but few merchants would sell wares of unknown providence and value.


    He turned his gaze inward, finding the nine sigils silently floating within the mysterious mist. Most were ethereal, barely casting a shadow. Only one stood out from the others, a five-colored rune resembling a lotus flower. It was the first sigil to form after he reached Golden Core, and the only to undergo an evolution in the thirty years since.


    It wasn''t a coincidence. The Blue Spring Sect''s most famous arts were the Tidal Resurgence Mantra and the Steelstar Compendium. As such, most treasures that entered their gates contained the spirit of the Grand Materia. Adding the alchemical mes left inside wooden alchemical dregs, and you had four out of the five elements.


    The only one that came close was Nature''s Sigil. Not because of the gourd, but because it was an inescapable part of medicinal herbs.


    Karz observed the sigils a few minutes before summoning the strongest. A surge of searing heat spread through his body as patches of skin reddened. A ferocious aura joined the searing heat, and dark patterns resembling scales gave texture to the angry red. Karz nced into a mirror, seeing the unique pattern on his forehead.


    It was a mix of the two sigils forming something beyond the sum of its parts. It was only one of a vast number of possiblebinations, though the one he most often used when facing danger. Part of it was because the manuals he cultivated meshed well with his transformation. However, it was mostly a natural consequence of Nature and Grand Materia being the strongest sigils in his collection.


    He could maintain this state for ten minutes if needed, but Karz wasn''t nning on working on his control today. A third sigil was called, and white markings appeared upon the scale-like formations as the patterns grew more orderly. Karz felt his body move toward a state of equilibrium where his will aligned with the Era.


    The transformation only got halfway before disorder appeared among the scales. A bulbous growth appeared on his arm, and Karz quickly retracted his will from the runes. A small pop painted the nearby wall with blood and pus. Soon after, Karz''s skin was back to normal, and the rune on his forehead had retreated into his mind.


    Karz shook his head and spread ointment on his wound before taking out his worn-out notebook. He drew the final state of the rune with pinpoint precision, along with the resulting fault line on his arm. Finally, Karz jotted down his thoughts and new theories. Altogether, they only made up a few lines, far from the pages of insights he gleefully scribbled in the beginning.


    Progress with his third integration was woefully slow, but there was no point in getting impatient. They''d reach their destination in a few months, where resources and knowledge overflowed. He''d absorb it all, taking him closer to his goal. He might even manage to form a few new seals, depending on what resources he could get his hands on.


    During one of his lectures, the Void Herald had exined that the Heavens were split into Seventeen Kingdoms, and Karz suspected each sigil represented one. The Kingdom of Order stood at its center. And while it wasn''t necessarily the strongest, it acted as the lynchpin of the Heavens. That was why Karz staunchly tried to integrate the corresponding sigil into all his experiments, despite it being his least-condensed rune.


    He could already see the road leading to the very end. The day he reached seventeen integrations to form the Ultimate Truth, he''d truly be limitless and break the shackles of mortality and fate. Until then, he was happy being just Karz, the humble sword attendant none would spare a second thought.


    The experiment ended early, leaving him with most of the energy in his Heavenly Reservoir intact. His head throbbed after forcing the third integration, yet he still took out a bundle of cheap herbs. Karz drew upon the runes again, though this time only the rune of the Grand Materia. And instead of evolving his body, he poured meaning into the dry stalks.


    The process was tedious and time-consuming but necessary for his goals. Thirty infusions could turn a worthless stalk into a 500-year-old herb, while one hundred infusions birthed a true millennial herb. He''d been forced to sell a few to the traveling merchants they encountered, and those ckhearted profiteers took advantage of their remote location to rob him blind.


    Most were stowed away. They could be sold for at least ten times the price when they arrived, and would set him up without relying on Laondio or anyone else. Ultimately, cultivation was a solitary path where you were locked in an eternal struggle against fate and the Heavens. You were bound to be disappointed if you put your trust in someone else.


    Karz eventually reached his limits, with his Heavenly Reservoir as dry as a desert. One millennial herb with a fiery aura and a 500-year stalk with a steely sheen was added to the pile. Karz got to his feet and took an unsteady step toward the crude gathering formation in the inner chamber. It would take a few days to recover and replenish his reserves.


    It was the Heavenly Cycle, an equal exchange where he benefitted without adding to the innate sin of cultivation. The Heavens themselves were assisting him on his road to the peak. He sat down on the mat, hearing a few haunting notes from the deck above. Laondio had taken out his self-invented instrument again. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Karz enjoyed the unfamiliar melody for a few minutes, feeling it resonated with something deeper.


    "Why does it matter if the raindrop doesn''t know its origin?" Karz muttered as he sealed his ears. "What matters is whether it can grow into a boundless ocean."

 Chapter 1158: Truth and Empire

    <h4>Chapter 1158: Truth and Empire</h4>


    "We survived?" Bubbur muttered with disbelief when the escape pod''s screams from having its hull twisted and rent calmed down to a cautionary susurrus.


    The vessel seemed just as surprised to have survived the journey through that chaos, and the atmosphere was suddenly sucked out of a breach. Emily quickly grabbed Gu and another soldier before the whole thing copsed, and they were spat out into the boundless expanse of outer space.


    She had seen which way the wind blew and had already put on her spacefaring kit. Two talismans activated, formingyered defensive shields that allowed them to be swept away on the spatial winds, adding more distance from the tower. The moment Emily thought it safe, she took out a pod of her own and dragged the two inside.


    Wayward soldiers were picked up in quick order, but Emily refused to steer her skipper away from the tower. She was waiting, her attention fully on the screens disying the outsides.


    A two-hundred-meter-long stretch of ancient stone silently floated behind themthe upper section of the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse. The rest of the tower or the huge scarred tform Zac described were nowhere to be seen. Neither were there any hints of Zac. Her heart was gripped with anxiety, wondering if something had gone wrong.


    Thankfully, it was impossible to mistake the tower section for a piece of rubble separated from the rest of the structure. There were no hints of damage, apart from the severed section still reeking of ancient Killing Intent. Neither were there any signs of the spatial storm they''d narrowly passed through. Instead, the tower was surrounded by a spiral of gently flowing lights.


    New motes of spatial splendor were continuously appearing from a radiant haze at the tower''s bottom end. Emily could barely discern a foreign sky and another section of the tower withina different dimension. The lights traveled along the structure to a simr gate on the other end, and it seemed as though the tower was being transformed before their very eyes.


    "He won''t appear here," Gu said with a somber expression. "The twisted space is unraveling, stretching space across millions of miles and multiple dimensions. Every second will take him further and further away."


    "Is that why we all had to cram into one pod?" Emily said, her frazzled emotions amplified by the memory of passing through the storm while packed like sardines.


    "You saw the state of the third one," Average shrugged. "Doubt it''d have survived."


    "That token he used" Gu hesitated. "I saw markings of the Starfall Lighthouse and that of my"


    "Forget about that thing," Emily snapped as she levied a murderous look on the group of castaways. "In fact, don''t mention anything about the seals on the outside until you''re back with your people. Probably not even then."


    "Why not? Just what are those things?" Average asked with a frown.


    Emily shot a hesitant nce at the shimmering tower before taking a steadying breath. The situation had already reached this point. She couldn''t help Zac against that smooth-faced monster, but she could at least make sure these meatheads wouldn''t get him in trouble after he emerged. So, Emily briefly exined the situation with the trial and how it had impacted the war.


    "You''re saying sealbearers have be amodity, and the Peak Family wouldn''t be able to protect me even if they wanted," Gu sighed. "Sounds like another prison is waiting outside. Or worse, we''ll be pawns used to reveal the trial''s hidden dangers."


    Emily pursed her lips as she looked at the crestfallen merchant. Or rather, Array Master, a skill that they sorelycked back home without Kenzie around. Someone who could fix all the defective weapons she''d stockpiled, who could provide insights into her Axe Array. He didn''t even look half-bad.


    And while the rest of these people looked a bit dumb, they all had incredibly stable auras and great survival instincts. They were even better than the talents they''d snagged in the Red Sector. Instead of worrying about things she couldn''t control, maybe she should do some recruiting.


    "Hey, Shartermaster, which seal did you get?" Emily asked as she leaned closer with big eyes. "Do you need a ce to stay?"


    "I thought we weren''t supposed to talk about it?" Gu countered, his shifty eyes rife with distrust. "And what do you mean"


    "Ah, little queen, I''m a Sealbearer of the Tethered Court," Bubbur quickly interjected as he squeezed over. "Not bad, right? So how about"


    "What? You''re a sealbearer?" Emily said with shock before her eyes thinned with suspicion. "Wait. You''re less than a hundred years old?"


    "Only a kid just shy of 90," Bubbur grinned. "I don''t know? We just end up looking like this after entering the Muscle Brigade."


    "Were they just handing out seals to anyone in there?" Emily muttered while flicking an arc of lightning at the overly enthusiastic barbarian. "Come on, what about you, handsome?" n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Gu rolled his eyes but relented. "I guess Bubbur would rat me out anyway. I''m a Threadwinder of the Daedalian Court."


    "Daedalian?" Emily said, her eyes gleaming.


    Could this be the answer to the riddle that had gued Zac for over a decade? When he first got the quest to collect Outer Court Cycles, progress was already 4/6. At that time, the only known sealbearer by his side was Ogras, which left them incredibly confused.


    As time passed, they had solved parts of the mystery. She was obviously one of the four, having already gotten her first piece of the Radiant Court. But to this day, the numbers failed to add up. The cycle wasplete whilecking a Threadwinder. Was it Gu all along?


    "Why not go with them? We know you weren''t nning to return to the army, anyway. You''ve even mentioned hiding out with the boss on his System-shrouded," Average grinned, further cementing Emily''s theory.


    Someone would only be included in their cycle if they felt they belonged to their side. The only other Threadwinders Zac knew were his undead girlfriend and some guy in the Radiant Temple, but they were already spoken for by their respective factions.


    "You too, Bubbur. I need to go back to my family, but there''s no reason you should be a pawn to the outsiders."


    "We can protect you," Emily eagerly nodded at Gu. "Uh, you too, Bubbur."


    "Protect me? I haven''t forgotten why Zac came to the Tower of Eternity," Gu said with a roll of his eyes. "Or how many people he ended up offending instead of finding a backer for his newly integrated. And there''s no way such a troublemaker has kept a low profile while we were trapped. Can you even protect yourself?"


    "We''re a young faction, but we''re doing alright," Emily grinned as she took out a couple of identity tokens, including those of the Allbright Empire and the Dravorak Dynasty. "Things have changed since you guys met in the Tower of Eternity. Teacher is doing pretty well for himself these days. Our faction has diplomatic rtionships with half the top factions of the sector.


    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it


    "That old Redeemer guy hasn''t dared show his face for years, and the elders of the Heliophos n have already sent us a bunch of apology gifts. We''re rich as all hell, our armies are the best decked-out in the sector, and we have multiple people on the war contributiondders."


    "How in the" Gu muttered as he looked at the tokens with suspicion.


    Bubbur wasn''t as hard a sale. "I''m willing!"


    Emily nodded with satisfaction. Her pitch was already a well-oiled machine after years of practice. Unfortunately, her real target wasn''t as easily convinced.


    "This smells like a sales trick. Is anything you said true? About you, about the seals."


    "It''s all true, you paranoid bastard," Emily swore. "You''ll find out the truth as soon as you return, anyway. The bounties are public. You''re literally a walkingmodity right now."


    "Then what are you guys relying on?" Gu countered. "Have you already sold yourself to the outsiders? Or do you have some valuable resources? Because there''s no way a little D-grade faction will garner much attention from the established factions, no matter how impressive your teacher is."


    Emily was surprised at how quickly Gu figured it out, which only made her want him more. Zac had raised a faction with fine warriors and standout elites. But she had to admit, most people at the top were good at fighting and nothing else. Just look at their sealbearers. Zac''s meathead camp so overwhelmingly outnumbered the ''coalition for reason'' that her fellow Lightbringer, Carl Elrod, had a mental breakdown and began calling himself a janitor.


    "A little bit of both. We have a working agreement with the Undead Empire, but we''re more like independent contractors. It was teacher who ended the eternal war and brought the Kavriel Province to Zecia''s side. Without his contribution, the war would have looked a lot different right now. Oh, teacher also happens to own the best Cosmic Vessel Shipyard in the sector. Our wares have proven pretty effective on the battlefield."


    "As expected of the man who summoned the Stele of Conflict," Gu sighed as he nced at the soldiers around him. "It''s not impossible for me to join you. However, I have a few demands."


    "What''s that?"


    "I umted a lot of knowledge in there. Schematics, blueprints, weaponry. I need you to find a way to disseminate those methods. I don''t care about money. I just want the inventions I''ve carried for years to kill as many invaders as possible. Myrades gave up everything everything to get me and my knowledge this far. I want them to matter. I want their sacrifice to matter."


    A subdued silence filled the room as eight sets of eyes focused on Emily. She almost felt she could see the outlines of their fellow brigadiers standing behind them and the unbreakable determination in their eyes.


    "I promise," Emily solemnly nodded. "If we can make them, we''ll sell them at cost. If we can''t, we''ll find the right partners so that the blueprints won''t reach the Kan''Tanu."


    Any further discussion was interrupted by a beeping signal. Emily swore at the console and quickly took out a change of clothes and forged identities for Bubbur and Gu.


    "Remember! In case we don''t get killed in the next minute, you two are soldiers of the Acheron Company of the Atwood Empire!" Emily urged before ring at the others. "And not a word from you guys!"


    Emily solemnly gazed at the screen as a monstrous dreadnought, unlike any Cosmic Vessel she''d ever seen, tore through space, appearing just a few dozen miles from their position. It was impossible to tell whether it belonged to the Alliance, the Kan''Tanu, or some outsiders. The only thing she knew for certain was that it was ancient and that it held the power to take on a whole armada.


    Escaping was out of the question. The earlier warning was a two-hitbo of space being sealed and a spatial breach. Thank god the tower had already shifted out of their dimension as it continued its activation. Neither did the others seem to recognize it. The Muscle Brigade mutely stared at the iing vessel, their eyes as wide as saucers.


    "Holy crap."


    -----------


    The cloaked men were unmoving like statues as Yrin gazed at the Royal Orb in his hand. They were witnesses of the Seventh Edge, their role just to observe. For now. The cardinal stood by Yrin''s side, eyes half-closed as he sensed the changes in the Imperial Qi. Suddenly, his eyes shot open as pupils and sclera were reced by radiant purple.


    "There has been a shift in the order," an ancient voice came from the young clergyman''s throat.


    It was a necessary step, even if Yrin didn''t require any outside input to confirm the changes. He could feel how the clouds of Purple Qi darkened before being forcibly stabilized by the umted providence of the Tobrial Dynasty. Yrin briefly closed his eyes before turning to Ylvin. The Monarch looked back with aplex gaze, understanding what must be done.


    "Call him home."


    There was neither joy nor sorrow upon learning that his younger brother had failed. Not even the fact that his Imperial Qi had been forcibly dispersed, which could only mean regicide, created a ripple in his heart. It was part of the natural order and the cycle of any dynasty. Rulers came and went, bing a link in an ever-growing chain. Hopefully, they would leave behind something greater than what they inherited. Even if not, that was just another hurdle to ovee.


    Empires had their ebb and flow, and session was a chance to turn fate around.


    "Yes, Your Highness," Ylvin sighed before activating the crucible.


    A flood of Imperial Qi poured out of the Royal Orb and entered the ancient stele, and Yrin added a drop of his blood. A gate through time and space, connected through lineage, formed. A bedraggled figure surrounded by immensely fell air appeared before the crucible, and it took a moment for Yrin to connect the figure with his mercurial brother.


    Yrin thoughtfully looked at his brother''s wounds, trying to envision the battle that brought him to this state. It wasn''t easy. Therge hole in his torso held lingering hints of nt-based lifeforce, while his Soul Aperture was flooded with ancient Killing Intent. Finally, there were multiple traces of Technocrat presence, including something drilled into his skull.


    Ylvin growled with anger and forcibly dispersed the sinister energies with a wave of his hands before reducing the device to ash with a burst of light. It made Yselio''s eyes flicker open, and they soon focused on Yrin.


    "Ah, so you''re the one they picked, brother," Yselio wheezed as a bloody smile appeared on his face.


    "You knew?" Yrin said before slightly shaking his head. "Of course you did."


    "Competition is the Heavenly Path, and this mission can''t be shouldered by me alone," Yselio said as he tried to sit up, only to fail and fall back down.


    His red eyes turned to the band of stars above like he was searching for secrets hidden within their constetion. Or perhaps he simply didn''t have the heart to look at those present after being discarded by fate. A roughugh more resembling a groan escaped Yselio''s throat, and small red bubbles formed around his mouth.


    "You ousted one outside party and weakened two more. And despite your failure inside the fortress, we managed to seize four more seals on the outside," Yrin calmly said. "I will report your achievements in hopes that our Royal Father will recover you when this chapter is concluded."


    "You always were a straight arrow," Yselio smiled, his eyes unmoving. "I hope my small contribution has smoothened the road ahead."


    "Your wounds hold the taint of the Selvari," Yrin said. "Are they responsible for your current state?"


    "The Selvari? You could say that. The price of curiosity is steep," Yselio muttered, his gaze growing distant as he finally turned back to Yrin. "My dear brother, between truth and Empire, what''s most important?"


    Yselio''s cultivation was rapidly dispersing while the ancient Killing Intent consumed his soul. Despite that, a sense of unease shook the normally impermeable fortress of Yrin''s heart. Who better knew how dangerous Yselio was than his siblings?


    "Empire is truth."


    A streak of unstoppable swordlight split Yselio in two. Dao of Technology and Killing Intent were crushed by imperial might, leaving only Yrin''s intent and Imperial Qi behind. Yrin sheathed his de and lightly tapped the air to redirect the iing attack.


    "You heartless bastard, what are you doing?" Ylvin glowered. "Despite his failure, Yselio should have been given his rites."


    "The trajectory has changed, and I have my instructions," Yrin said as he covered the bisected corpse. "My brother has always been capricious, and I couldn''t let him do anything that might harm our efforts."


    "I''m sure it has nothing to do with the opportunity," Ylvin snorted as he pointedly looked at the glowing light pouring from Yselio''s wounds.


    A momentter, a mysterious rune rose from his chest, prompting the Imperial Qi to form a swirl of fate and future.


    "The Seventh Edge greets Lord Vindicator," the observers intoned, and Yrin stepped forward.


    The swirling Qi weed his approach, though Yrin frowned upon feeling a slight disturbance within. He wanted to destroy it and the seal before they could taint the dynasty''s providence. But he couldn''t. He''d been chosen, so he would bring the Ultom Courts back to the Seventh Heaven, destroying all obstacles in his path.


    He touched the rune, and the world turned dark.


    "So, how is it?" Ylvin asked when Yrin emerged from the dissipating haze. "I hear those things contain amazing truths for the fated."


    Yrin nced at the empty husk bereft of soul and future and shook his head before turning to the sky.


    "Truth..." he muttered, a small smile tugging at his lips.

 Chapter 1159: Foreign Gods

    <h4>Chapter 1159: Foreign Gods</h4>


    Zac''s consciousness loathed being pulled from the past to face the ufortable realities of the present. A powerful rocking rendered the resistance futile, and Zac was shocked wide awake. The confused state of ovepping lives was forced away by memories flooding back. Memories of the fight leading up to his breakthrough.


    His body was still covered in wounds from Yselio''s onught and drained of energy, but it was nothingpared to the pain he felt from the hollow sensationing from <strong>[Link of Demeter]</strong>. Zac crammed a bunch of Soldier Pills into his mouth as he desperately channeled the skill, hoping he''d missed something in the heat of the moment. There was no response and no link to trigger.


    Intense grief welled forth, one not solely of his own making. He followed the feeling to <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>, where he found a chaotic consciousness. The Heavenrender Vine seemed to sense his presence and extended a vine to wind around his left arm like he was looking forfort. However, Haro suddenly recoiled like he''d been burned, and it almost looked like it had suffered frostbite. There was something wrong with his body.


    The breakthrough was already finished, but he was still drawing onrge amounts of Void Energy. Zac followed the feeling to his Soul Aperture, where he found the illusory image of a familiar mountain. The Void Mountain was back in the form of a new ability, though it was so faded Zac barely could discern its outline.


    Zac didn''t fret about the matter since he could feel Haro was on the verge of losing control and entering a deviation. He quickly roused his Void Heart to control the apparition, which prompted it to flicker out of existence. The drain stopped, and Zac quickly focused on the Heavenrender Vine.


    "Hey, hey," Zac whispered as he caressed the startled vine while sending soothing thoughts into <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>. "It''s okay. We''re okay."


    Haro gradually calmed down, though his aura was still unstable after the sudden breakthrough and using lifeforce. Zac infused his consciousness into the World ring to check his wounds, but a shocking scene threw those thoughts out the window. There were dozens ofrge withered vines and petals strewn about, and the Heavenrender Vine dragged one after another into its maw.


    "You''re eating her?!" Zac said, aghast and enraged. "She was your"


    The words caught in his throat upon seeing a familiar flower growing on a newly formed vine. It was Vivi, or rather a flower from Vivi''s species. Zac scanned the vine, confirming there was no separate spirituality within. It was only a transnt. Vivi''s spirit had already dissipated from blocking Yselio''s strike, and the only thing that could return her was a Supremacy crossing the river of time.


    "You wanted to keep a piece of her?" Zac sighed. "Good."


    Zac was answered by a brutal Killing Intent that almost overwhelmed Zac''s defenses, and vines harder than steel wildly iled about inside the World Ring. Haro couldn''tmunicate with words, but Zac could see a rough image of Yselio surrounded by a halo of hatred. The real person Haro wanted to consume.


    "You''re right," Zac said, his bloodthirst matching the nt King''s.


    One after another, these imperials targeted him, full of self-righteousness and greed. Now, Vivi had paid the ultimate price to keep him safe. It didn''t even matter that arge amount of Kill Energy confirmed Yselio''s fate after being dragged away. This grudge wasn''t over.


    "That bastard is dead, but so what? They''ll keeping, and I''m not finished either. We''ll have them all apany Vivi in the afterlife."


    Zac''s words were resolute, but he was still shaken up over how close to death he''d juste. He thought he roughly understood what to expect after dealing with Valsa nur and the deathsworn, but Yselio Tobrial was another league altogether. Yselio was almost unstoppable thanks to the Imperial Qi, and he had the personal strength to back it up. Zac had thrown everything but the kitchen sink at his enemy withoutnding a finishing blow, relying on his breakthrough and the tower to exhibit far greater lethality than his own.


    Yselio blocked Oblivion and forced his way out of the Void. Not even flooding him with enough Killing Intent to kill ten lesser men had stopped his advance. Sure, the onught left the princeling grievously wounded, but Zac would still be dead if not for the intervention of that masked Technocrat. That begged another question.


    Why would she help him, a stranger, after he''d killed a dozen of her men? ording to Yselio, Zac''s actions had even let the imperials seize the advantage and ''deal with the Sindris n.'' Even then, Zac was all but certain she''d moved to save him as much as to deal with Yselio. Was it because of the familiar archaic aura he''d felt from her? He''d always assumed it came from his Void Emperor Bloodline. Could it be rted to his Selvari Heritage instead?


    Another shake forced Zac to table the matter, and he turned his attention to the surroundings. He was still in the control center, sitting at the bottom of a small crater. The depression was nowhere the size of the bite he''d taken out of the Memorysteel Mountain, but Zac was surprised he''d managed to whittle it down at all. He knew just how durable the reinforced chamber was.


    It could be attributed to the transformation of his surroundings. Thousands of gleaming spheres of spatial gravity looked like suspended raindrops. They were more stretched out than what Zac remembered, though that may have more to do with the tower than the spheres themselves. Themand center seemed to have undergone a simr spatial expansion as the Technocrat Research Base, except it only expanded vertically.


    The ceiling was three times farther than before, while the consoles had turned into trees. And it was still slowly expanding, which was a poignant reminder his time was limited. His breakthrough only seemed to have taken five minutes, far below Gu''s estimate of half an hour. However, that was just an educated guess, and every second he wasted would make his escape more dangerous.


    Zac shot to his feet and was surprised to find an unfamiliar item hidden beneath his legs. It was a simple Cosmos Sack without a mark of damage. A hazy memory surfaced of the Technocrat throwing something in his direction just before he cked out. It was amazing that it had survived when the reinforced stone had not, but Zac had bigger fish to fry. The sack flew into a pocket as he leaped out of the crater.


    Unsurprisingly, Yselio hadn''t left any seal behind, even if Zac''s guts told him the prince was another mebearer. If it were true, the seal was now in the Technocrats'' hands. The missed opportunity didn''t bother him much. He could still get his final piece through the System''s quests, and part of him felt unworthy of iming Yselio''s seal. Zac couldn''t call it a victory despite the oue.


    Zac made a beeline for the exit. Surprisingly, the pile of materials that had been spat out when Yselio destroyed the vortex remained, and Zac threw them all into his Spatial Ring without missing a beat. However, he froze just as he was about to enter the emergency corridor, even if the door opened just fine.


    The hesitation came from scanning the Technocrat''s Cosmos Sack to ensure he didn''t bring something dangerous onto the escape vessel. There were only two items inside; a hastily scribbled note with two sentences and an unfamiliar insignia with the same archaic aura. The emblem was curious since Zac didn''t recognize the design, but it was the note that had stopped him in his tracks.


    <i>''The Centurion Beacon is in the inner chamber.</i><i>North, East, South-west, North-west, South, South-east, West, South-west, Center.''</i>


    Zac surveyed therge bridge and realized a hidden door had opened opposite the entrance. Its presence shed with the schematics he''d seen in the Tribtion Throne. A reinforced wall should have been there, which kept themand center separate from the project operations.


    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    He needed to make a decision. The shakes were growing worse, and more raindrops were appearing every moment. The incredibly durable materials could not fully iste the raging energies gathered outside the tower. The escape pods were waiting on the other side of the corridor.


    "Damnit!" Zac swore while pivoting, rushing toward the mysterious door.


    Zac was ying with fire, but the Technocrat had thrown out the one bait he couldn''t resist. He understood she might be using him to extract the beacon after she was forced to leave in a hurry. But so what? The beacon might be able to call forth a power surpassing even the Centurion Lighthouse. How could he possibly ignore it?


    A circr room without doors waited on the other side, and Zac noted it wasn''t affected by the changes the tower was undergoing. There were no gravity spheres or signs of spatial distortion. Was the room hidden inside a folded space? It would exin how such arge chamber could appear between the two wings.


    An ancient round table was ced in the room''s center, lovingly engraved with intricate patterns. Zac stowed it without giving it a second look, his eyes frenziedly scanning every nook and cranny in search of the real prize. The room was empty apart from the one piece of furniture. There were no other pathways, and his Treasure Sense may as well have been broken.


    Had he misunderstood the note, or was it a ruse? Zac couldn''t wait much longer, so he took ast look around before heading back. Suddenly, his gaze stopped at the exquisite mosaic formerly hidden beneath the table. Zac''s mind throbbed from theplex motif. At the surface, it looked like a map of an ancient kingdom. It had one central region and was surrounded by eight subsidiary provinces.


    The map was arranged with excruciating detail, to the point Zac could almost hear the rustle of trees and feel the weight of the mighty mountains. There were also hundreds of ancient beasts, grand buildings, and mighty warriors added as decoration, each life-like enough that Zac wouldn''t be surprised if they leaped out of the marble.


    The arrangement was solid rock and without any energy, but there was more at y. He''d have to be blind if he didn''t realize the map was only a faade hiding the schematic of an immenselyplex array. He even felt like the arrangement exposed some profound truths of the Cosmos.


    His first instinct was that the map depicted the Left Imperial Pce and its subsidiary courts, but his eyes widened when he spotted his seal''s rune atop a provincial capital. From there, he soon discovered all nine outer courts fused with the surroundings throughout the province. His heart shuddered upon remembering Leyara''s words back in the Void Star, how the Limitless Empire had raised Eight Pirs in the corners of reality.


    Was this a map of the System?


    "Directions," Zac muttered, realizing what was going on.


    He aligned himself with the mosaic before infusing a wisp of Mental Energy in the first provincial capital, following the order on the note. Blindly following a stranger''s instructions was risky, but Zac had no better solution. Since he only had one try, he might as well put his trust in that girl.


    Nothing happened, so Zac took out the <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>and repeated the process. The response was immediate. One after another, a province came alive, filling the room with scattered scenes hinting at ancient secrets.


    With every added pir, the illusions grew more iplete, and Zac had to channel his Void Heart to keep going. Soon, only the mosaic was left dark, surrounded by a tapestry just as grand as what he''d seen inside the Tribtion Throne. Zac took a shuddering breath as he infused the Imperial Capital.


    The room went dark as immense amounts of Faith Energy flooded the room. Zac inwardly panicked, but it all poured into the imperial capital, making it look like the whole Cosmos was fueling it with providence. Suddenly, a pir of light shot from the mosaic, and Zac spotted two items floating within. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The first was a tome called <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong>, and the other apass made from unknown metal. Zac urgently stowed them before the room ran out of faith and rushed back to where he came from. Just as he was about to leave the folded space, Zac threw out the Cosmos Sack with note and insignia still inside.


    The emblem could be a way for the Technocrat to contact him, and her intentions could be good for all he knew. However, it could also be a tracker so they could snatch the goods from his hands. He needed the token to extract the beacon, which possibly meant the Technocrat had been unable to get it herself. He couldn''t take that risk, so her gift would have to stay behind.


    Zac made a beeline for the escape room, and Zac breathed out in relief upon seeing that his outburst hadn''t managed to reach the escape vessels. Two remained, which meant the others had squeezed into just one. Not only that, but it looked like Emily and Gu had left him the best ship.


    Zac inwardly swore at their stubbornness as he closed the hatch behind him. Emily, especially, should understand how hard he was to kill and have taken the vessel for herself. Of course, Zac would do the most of their generosity. The escape pod was shaped like a small shuttle and didn''t require any expertise to pilot. Emily even left a note beside a lever saying, ''Pull me!''


    So why didn''t it active?


    Zac repeatedly pulled the lever with increasing force and frustration. Had the array broken? Or did it realize the conditions outside were too dangerous to open the hatch? Zac urgently opened the pod''s hatch and threw out a fist-sized clump of metal. The chunk flew onto a manual override with the help of telekinesis, which immediately brought about the apocalypse. A shaky gate had opened, meant to let the vessel outside. But instead, a flood of chaotic energy poured into the room.


    It crashed into the vessel, blowing its hatch wide open. The sudden shock almost threw Zac out the door, but he grabbed a handle and pulled himself inside. The ship groaned under the strain, and Zac worried it would buckle before it could even beunched. Out of better options, Zac drew upon his bloodline.


    An immense sphere of nothingness covered the whole ship, dousing it in silence. The gateway kept spewing more inside, but the brief respite was enough to pull the hatch shut and return to the pilot seat. He retracted <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, simultaneously activating a soldered-on booster that bore Emily''s mark. The ship shot forward like a rocket while Zac furiously cranked the lever like an oldwn mower.


    The ancient console sputtered to life, and a gleaming barrier surrounded the ship just as it passed through the gate. A deadly yet beautiful storm waited on the other side. It resembled a hurricane formed by trillions of fireflies, except the motes of light contained shocking amounts of spatial energy.


    The shielding proved woefully inadequate to fully iste the intense spatial forces. Cracks spread across the hull and console, and bleeding gashes were forced on his body. Zac used what little energy he''d recovered by repeatedly activating defensive talismans. It helped, but not for long.


    A piece of the hull was suddenly ripped away before Zac could activate another talisman, triggering the instant and total copse of the escape pod. Zac found himself in the midst of the storm, and he knew he had to rely on his bloodline to survive. His energy was almost tapped, but he could feel an ocean''s worth of Void Energy hiding in the depths.


    The nullification sphere spread out, and thousands of fireflies suffocated. It confirmed<strong> [Void Zone''s] </strong>range had increased to almost twenty meters and was noticeably stronger. The spatial forces were too powerful, and spatial fractures opened new wounds across Zac''s body.


    The expenditure was terrifying, and Zac feared he''d run out of juice before he made it through. He contracted the sphere, but it didn''t help. At least not in the way he intended. The expenditure remained the same, but Zac noticed the nullification grew more overbearing the smaller the sphere grew.


    Hisck of control only allowed him to decrease its size to five meters, but that was enough to lessen the pressure enough to figure out his next step. He wildly looked around for a path out until he sensed something familiar from his ring. It was actually Emily''s rescue beacon going off again.


    She''d made it through, and she was probably trying to help him like when he''d entered the tower. Zac tore through the storm using Void Energy and <strong>[Skystriker]</strong>, enduring the umting wounds across his body. Just when he thought he''d reached his limits, the pain dwindled.


    The deadly beauty of the spatial storm had been reced by oppressive darkness, but Zac almost cried with relief upon seeing theforting emptiness of outer space. He kept going, heedlessly expending his dwindling stock of Void Energy.


    While putting more distance between himself and the tower, Zac nced back at where he came from. The tower was nowhere to be seen. Instead, he found himself looking at an ethereal streak of light that seemed to shift in and out of reality. Or rather, in and out between dimensions like a spatial needle pushing through the fabric of reality.


    The beam was already longer than the circumference of New Earth, yet it kept expanding at a breakneck pace. Then, Zac''s heart shuddered, and he urgently activated an escape talisman despite the spatial turbulence. It only held for a second before the teleportation failed. Zac would have been turned into meat cubes by the spatial copse if he hadn''t anticipated the situation and reactivated <strong>[Void Zone] </strong>at thest moment.


    The spatial flux he appeared from was crushed by the Void when he reemerged a dozen miles away from his original position. Even then, his body was almost twisted in a knot when the pir of light released a powerful pulse and disappeared. The <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> had entered the next stage of his journey, which would hopefully end in the middle of a Kan''Tanu base.


    "Godspeed, you broken piece of junk," Zac muttered as he took out a rescue barge with shaky hands.


    He was out. Now, he just needed to get back without being caught by cultists, outsiders, Technocrats, or any other opportunists who wouldn''t mind taking him out for his fortune.


    Easy enough, right?

 Chapter Book 12 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    <h4>Chapter Book 12 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!</h4>


    It''s that time again! Book 12 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Amazon and Audible! As usual, most of the older books are on sale to celebrate the release. Links are in the author note.


    <i>The war against the Kan''Tanu is drawing closer, and Zac can''t wait any longer. Only by stepping into D-grade does he have a chance to keep Earth safe.</i>


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    <i>Fusing life and death is thought impossible, but Zac has no choice but to achieve a miracle. And if there''s one ce where he might seed, it''s the Perennial Vastness.</i>


    <i>The mysterious realm holds unique opportunities and resources. A final opportunity to power up. However, the fifth pir of the System is emerging, and an Eternal Heritage is up for grabs. The ancient factions are willing to go to any length to im the prize.</i> n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <i>Zac''s ascent to Hegemony is bound to be a bumpy one.</i>

 Chapter 1160 - Void Mountain

    The raft''s atmospheric array kept the cosmic chill at bay, but Zac didn''t activate its floodlights or rescue beacons. He was wrung dry, experiencing a bone-deep exhaustion as he slumped onto the floor. It was hard to believe less than six hours had passed since he left the bulk of the Acheron Company at the Wolf Teeth Camp. It felt like an eternity, considering how much he''d experienced.


    The boundless expanse stretching around him felt like aforting nket shielding him from all the world''s troubles. No matter where he turned, he only found darkness. It didn''t look like he was inside a sr system or even close to one. He was truly in a cosmic no-man''snd with boundless nothingness stretching forever in every direction. The convenience of teleportation made it easy to forget just how empty the Multiverse was and the kind of distances involved.


    Zac took out his oldpanion and ced it in hisp, tracing the minute cracks left from channeling Oblivion. A tired spiritual nudge answered the touch. Verun was even more drained than he after fighting the corrupted beast and activating [Primal Call]. Feeling his presence was still afort after losing Vivi, and he took out a vat full of high-quality blood to help Verun replenish some of its energy.


    Simrly, Zac transported a pile of Longevity Treasures and Beast King carcasses to Haro''s World Ring. The nt had lost a good chunk of longevity, but the Heavenrender Vine was a tyrant among nt Kings. While the loss couldn''t be fully recovered, Haro should be able to gain back part of what he lost.


    Finally, he dealt with his own state, using the remaining Kill Energy to channel [Surging Rebirth]. Zac always felt reluctant to use such a hard-earned resource on recovery after the battle was over, especially when his bloodline had already stolen most of it to fuel the breakthrough. Zac didn''t have many options, though. He was still racing against the clock.


    Zac hadn''t forgotten about his predicament, even if he wasn''t worried about being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Outer space couldn''t harm him now that he was a Hegemon, and he had the Yphelion stowed away in his Spatial Ring. Besides, his escape bangle had long since recovered, and he could erect one of his Teleportation Array tforms as soon as the spatial turbulence calmed down.


    He was more worried about Emily and the others. She was out there waiting for him, uncertain whether he was even alive. There were no signs of her vessel or the rest of the fortress. Zac had expected as much. Her rescue beacon was still going off, but it remained very faint even after he''d passed the spatial turbulence. She should be in the same dimension, though very far away.


    Emily carried a Starsh Vessel, but those took two days to unfold. That was more than enough time to be discovered by hostiles, especially if the Technocrats and Imperials with their superior equipment lingered in the area. In fact, Emily had put herself in great danger by activating the beacon.


    They were coded, but Zac wouldn''t dare guarantee the signals couldn''t be traced. For that reason, he didn''t activate his own beacons, and he was hesitant to follow the signal. Emily understood the dangers just as well as he, so there was a high likelihood she''d deployed the beacon before moving far away. If he went, there was a high risk of encountering enemies instead of friends.


    He did have amunicator strong enough to cross dimensionalyers to contact someone in the immediate vicinity, but using carried the same risks. Zac was wracked with indecision, intensely regretting his Void-addled brain had made him forget to work out a solution beforehand.


    A deep vibration from his spatial Ring put the matter to its edge. Emily was trying to contact him. Zac was far frombat-ready but gritted his teeth and took out the bulkymunicator. He couldn''t bear ignoring Emily''s call. Zac activated the array, and words instantly poured from the other side.


    "You''re okay! Thank the seven stars!" a relieved voice said on the other side. "We saw the spear activate, and I was afraid you were still on it."


    "Don''t worry. I''m aces," Zac said, a frown marring his face.


    It was a weight off his shoulders confirming Emily had made it through the spatial storm, but ''seven stars'' was code. It meant she wasn''t alone. Worse, seven stars instead of six meant outsiders were involved. Of course, she wouldn''t have used code if she trusted these people.


    "How are things on your end?"


    "Your friends are safe," a robust, unfamiliar voice answered. "I happened to be nearby and picked them up."


    Zac decisively cut the connection before sealing themunicator in an istion container. The situation wasn''t good. He''d essentially been given proof of life before this stranger took over the call. He knew he was taking a gamble by simply cutting the connection, but he needed to stall.


    He simply wasn''t in any state to deal with someone who could capture Emily''s whole group. If he went in blindly, he''d only end up captured along with hispanions. This way, he''d buy some time in case she was captured by hostiles, time he could use to figure out a counter-attack. And if the man was friendly, what did his small faux pas matter?


    At least Emily knew he was fine and currently undiscovered, and she should understand why he acted as he did. Now, he needed to save himself. Sealing themunicator wasn''t enough if the enemy was prepared to track the energy transmission. Zac took out a talisman and looked at it with hesitation. He gritted his teeth and flew off the raft, heading toward a dense patch of lingering Spatial Energy.


    A huge explosion tore the raft apart just as he activated the talisman. Tearing pain assaulted him as space buckled like it was forming a deep ditch. A deafening pop almost burst Zac''s eardrums, and deadly terror almost made Zac pass out. He desperately shed away just before a pir of monstrously condensed Spatial Energy burst from the Spatial Tear he''d formed.


    Zac looked at the scene with wide eyes, realizing the umted Spatial Energy he''d passed during his escape was only a drop in the oceanpared to what the tower had deposited in the void between dimensions. Passing was impossible, and using his portable teleporters was tantamount to suicide. Even using [shfire Flourish] was out of the question since it passed through dimensions.


    He was stuck.


    Zac''s heart beat with anxiety as he grappled with another solution. He''d hoped to shift dimensions and teleport away, reactivating themunicator when the Yphelion was up and running and he''d called for backup. That n was now impossible.


    Judging by the rescue beacon''s distance, he had an hour or two. If the one who''d captured Emily owned a top-tier vessel, that number might be less than ten minutes. Out of better options, Zac''s Draugr half sent out arge number ofmands. Once again, he needed to call on hiswork, hoping someone was nearby.


    His human half focused on recovery, desperately absorbing energy from three types of crystals. He needed to be somewhatbat-ready before Emily''s captors showed up. As a small grace, [Void Heart] had recovered during the breakthrough. It began gleefully feasting on Beast Cores at an unprecedented pace.


    While his drained Cosmic Core was replenished, Zac opened his status screen to better understand his gains. He knew there wasn''t much one could do when faced with absolute power, but his bloodline had made the impossible possible more than once. Perhaps his breakthrough held the key to saving Emily and the others.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    There was nothing new on his status screen, confirming his evolution hadn''t provided attribute points or titles. Zac wasn''t overly surprised, considering it was the same during his previous evolutions. It would have been nice to gain another small boost, but raw attributes weren''t what hecked right now.


    Yselio had dominated him during their battle despite having lower attributes overall. Only his Dexterity had surpassed Zac''s, though probably not as much as the gap indicated. It was Zac''s Daos and unique advantages that were falling behind thepetition. The former was a thorny issue without clear solutions, but evolving his bloodline had hopefully helped with thetter.


    There was one piece of good news beyond the bloodline. The tally at the bottom indicated he''d gained just over 390,000 Merit since appearing on the battlefront, most of it over the past couple of hours. It was almost as much as he''d rued over the past six months of constant fighting. It wasn''t that the battlefront was that lucrative, though he''d gained more from a couple days of fighting than he usually did over a month.


    The real windfall came from running into three sealbearers. The Kan''Tanu Curse Master and the imperial deathsworn were both sealbearers of the Starfall Court, with a bounty of 50,000 Merit on their heads. The reward came from his mebearer of Zecia designation, and he had already confirmed he got the full bonus even if he didn''tnd the finishing blow.


    The two Starfall seals had been more than enough to finish the quest. But that was just the beginning.


    [mebearer of Zecia (Campaign, Inheritance (2/?)): umte 500,000 Merit through Fated mebearer Campaign Missions within your faction. Conquer one Middle D-grade end node. Reward: Lesser Enlightenment. (763,389/500,000)(1/1)]


    He''d overshot the target by over 250,000 Merit, which confirmed Yselio was truly a mebearer of Ultom. The ''Lesser Enlightenment'' reward held a fatal attraction to Zac after having been beaten ck and blue. Unfortunately, he needed to turn the quest in at the Merit Exchange. Besides, using it in his current state would be a waste. Instead, Zac opened his bloodline screen to investigate the more pressing matter.


    Bloodline [D - Corrupted] Void Emperor, [D] Children of Draug - Eoz


    Talent Force of the Void - 31%, Void Zone, Void Mountain


    Bloodline Nodes [D]Void Heart, [D] Spiritual Void, [D] Purity of the Void


    Nodes [D] Adamance of Eoz, [D] Conviction of Eoz, [D] Immutability of Eoz, [D] Alpha Link, [D] Omega Link


    Constitution [Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (Third Layer): Base Attributes +50. Vitality +500. Endurance +250. Base Attributes +5% Vitality +5%. Effect of Vitality +10%.


    Everything looked roughly as he''d expected. His bloodline was still corrupted, though Zac increasingly felt his situation was a variation rather than corruption. The name of his new talent was [Void Mountain], and he already had a vague idea of what it would do after recalling how Haro reacted to his touch.


    His old talents had improved, too. He''d already field-tested [Void Zone], confirming it now sported a radius of fifteen meters. It was a huge difference from the old nullification sphere, which only had a radius equal his height. The benefits weren''t that noticeable when traversing dangerous regions like the Spatial Storm or the Twilight Chasm, where he got the talent.


    It didn''t help him much if he could weaken the environment further away. The real benefit would be seen inbat, since the biggest headache to using [Void Zone] in battle was to get in such proximity. He''d even used tricks like increasing his stature with [Vanguard of Undeath] to solve the problem. Upgrading his bloodline hadrgely solved that issue.


    The nullification was only twice as strong as before, but Zac had already figured out the mechanics when escaping the tower. The further he contracted the sphere, the stronger it got. Middle Hegemons would find it incredibly difficult to counter the effects if he shrank it to his current minimum of five meters.


    Who knew how strong it would be when he could shrink it to melee range? Even Peak Hegemons might have to be careful. The downside was the same as most D-grade abilities. It cost more than twenty times as much Void Energy to run after evolving.


    Thankfully, [Force of the Void] had taken a significant leap forward after gorging itself on the tower''s treasures. However, Zac couldn''t find anything else new with the Bloodline Talent. Perhaps it didn''t need any.


    All his Void Nodes had evolved in step with his bloodline, which was a wee surprise. The same had happened when awakening his Eoz bloodline, but he''d already confirmed that wasn''t the standard, not even among Draugr.


    [Void Heart] was already disying what it could do. Like [Force of the Void], it didn''t seem to have gained any new abilities. It was a straightforward upgrade to better meet the energy needs of the D-grade. The refinement speed had been elerated more than thirty times, and it could refine far more energy with each round. Zac also suspected it''d be capable of refining higher-grade energies, such as the ancient Killing Intent, but this wasn''t the time to test that theory.


    His second node, [Purity of the Void], had seen a more interesting upgrade. Zac could tell its efficiency hadn''t improved nearly as much as [Void Heart], but there was a mysterious space when focusing on the Hidden Node. Zac thoughtfully inspected the subspace a few seconds before his Draugr body took out an F-grade herb.


    It looked like the stalk melted into his palm when he activated [Purity of the Void]. In reality, the stalk had been transported to the new subspace. He could still exert some control on the herb, and moving it around let Zac confirm the subspace was a sphere no more than half a meter across. It didn''t seem to aplish much of anything except slowly withering the herb.


    Zac had an idea, and he took out a death-attuned Healing Pill. It slipped into the subspace and disappeared momentster. Only this time, it appeared in the hand of his human body. Zac''s eyes gleamed excitedly, and he tried the same thing with a few other items. The transfer worked wlessly each time, and it barely cost any Void Energy.


    Low-grade items saw some erosion, simr to what you''d see inside the Void of Space. Higher-grade items weren''t damaged in the slightest from such short exposure to Void Energy. He only ran into trouble when trying to send over a whole Spatial Ring. The subspace followed the standard rules of space-within-space.


    Zac hesitated a few seconds before transferring the [Court Cycle Token], the Centurion Beacon, the [Foreign Gods] tome, and a few other treasures to his Draugr half. When he reached the dusty book, there was suddenly a noticeable change. Zac felt an immense pull on his Void Energy, prompting steam to rise from the pages.


    The smoke gave off an eerie, alien aura. An aura that, once again, was familiar to Zac. The aura of the Lost ne. A theory immediately formed regarding the Centurion Lighthouse project. The fortress was a subsidiary of Starfall Court, which guarded the Left Imperial Pce and the Ultom Courts. The so-called Lost ne was something like the leakage of dead Dao from the Eternal Heritage, so it should have existed during the Limitless Empire''s time.


    Were the Foreign Gods, or the ''Gods in the cracks'' as the deranged chef puppet called them, actually powerful corrupted beings like the Qriz''Ul?


    After ten seconds, the book stopped releasing smoke, and Zac took it out back in the Ensolus Ruins. As expected, the subspace''s purpose wasn''t really to transfer items. It was a convenient side-effect of the quantum state the Kayar-Elu had introduced to his bloodline. The real purpose was the same as before.


    The subspace was a Purification Chamber that allowed him to cleanse items, removing various forms of tainted or hostile energy, just like how the Hidden Node worked on his body. The book probably contained some corruption from the Foreign Gods. Perhaps the knowledge within was so taboo it had naturally formed.


    It was a warning to tread carefully in the future. In the short run, the subspace provided a wee two-for-one bonus. Shifting items between his bodies was just as useful as the purification. The only downsides were the limited space and its inability to deal with Spatial Items.


    Zac''s mind still raced with the possibilities. Hiding away important treasures was only one. He could also use the ability to smuggle things into environments where he wasn''t allowed or unwilling to bring his Spatial Rings. He could provide his other half talismans and crystals if he found himself with his back against the wall.


    With the first two Hidden Nodes providing more than he could''ve hoped for, Zac eagerly turned his attention to the final node in his Soul Aperture. However, he didn''t find anything new with [Spiritual Void]. Had it simply evolved to the point where it could store higher-grade Daos? Zac refused to believe that was it, but he didn''t find what had changed until he gave up to finally inspect [Void Mountain].


    The illusory mountain''s reappearance created a weak resonance from [Spiritual Void], though nothing happened beyond that. Could this be the key to reiming his lost ability, generating the Voids of Life and Death? Right now, the answer was no, but Zac remained hopeful. There wouldn''t be a resonance without reason. Maybe his Daos were too weak.


    More likely, the problemy with the new sigil.


    Karz''s Dao Sigils had multiple features, including the ability to evolve as he absorbed Dao. Zac''s sigil wasn''t strong enough to stay in his Soul Aperture permanently like his Dao Apparitions, so it might not be able to showcase its full use yet. However, Zac could already feel a looming presence, so he urgently began investigating what benefits [Void Mountain] could bring in a fight.


    He channeled the talent, remembering the feeling of when he had just woken up. A ferocious Void Energy surged from the mountain, and Zac directed it into the stalk from before. Its color rapidly faded until the stalk shattered like it was made from coal.


    [Void Mountain] didn''t just suppress energy and Dao like [Void Zone]. It extinguished it. Zac''s eyes flickered in thought. If he figured out how to imbue his skills, then [Void Mountain] could add a unique corrosive effect to his abilities.


    Cutting through enemy skills without losing energy, turning expensive defenses into scrap. Zac grinned at the thought of encountering Kator again. How would the reaver react if his prized War Bones suddenly turned into brittle ster? Most importantly, the ability could prove instrumental in a potential prison break.


    The discovery was exactly the kind of power-ups he needed right now, so Zac kept looking. Karz had used his sigils two ways, and Zac held great hope for the other. He had seen what kind of impact fusing with the Void had in battle. He had passed right through barriers while breaking through. What if using the sigil on himself gave him that ability?


    However, a great pressure forced Zac to quickly retract his bloodline. Momentster, space shattered, and a monstrous battleship forced its way through a storm of spatial chaos. Zac solemnly looked up at the ancient construction, unable to trace its origin.


    He would find out sooner rather thanter.

 Chapter 1161 - Audience

    Therge chamber resembled a throne room like Yselio''s celestial court more than anything you''d expect to see in a Cosmic Vessel. It was wrought from stone, with massive twenty-meter pirs hanging identical banners. Elite soldiers in exquisite gear lined the walls, seemingly blind to the tense atmosphere in the room. Instead of a throne, Zac stood before arge, multyered dais surrounded by dozens of attendants and officials.


    It had only been a few minutes since the enormous warship appeared before Zac. It had sealed space before pulling him into a hatch where a dozen Late Hegemons waited. Zac had been ready to fight for his life, but the familiar sigil emzoned on their surcoats made Zac stay his hand. They were members of the Dravorak Imperial Guard.


    Seeing that it wasn''t the Imperials of the Seven Heavens or some other outsider faction was great news, but it didn''t mean Zac was out of the woods. The Dravorak''s stance was unclear, and they were currently in a remote corner of space. It wasn''t unthinkable they''d target him without considering their connection with the Havarok Dynasty.


    Yrial''s hardships were ample proof you couldn''t trust the benevolence of orthodox factions. Forces simr to the Dravorak Empire had hunted Yrial for centuries because of lesser treasures than those in Zac''s hand. Unfortunately, he hadn''t been able to glean anything from the guards on their way over. They almost acted like automatons, ignoring his questions with expressionless faces.


    Even now, Zac didn''t know what to make of the situation, though it was a relief to find Emily and the others seated to the side. They were in good condition with a feast set up before them. Zac noted with interest that both Gu and Bubbur had changed their clothes to the gear of the Acheron Company. He understood Emily''s intentions, which were perfectly in line with his ideas.


    In a perfect world, he would have swooped up all of them, but Zac knew it was impossible. The Muscle Brigade already had a ce to call home, and just getting Bubbur was a surprise. Besides, they needed to get off the ship before he could worry about recruitment.


    Despite their precarious situation, the burly soldiers had clearly not held back on the hospitality. A boozy haze surrounded the former castaways, and some of the men standing around the raised tforms had disgusted looks on their faces when ncing their way. Right now, none of the soldiers were drinking, and their eyes were clear as they observed the stand-off.


    It was obvious the officials were split into two camps, where a clear majority looked at him with animosity. Zac didn''t care about their hostile gazes, even if most of them had cultivations surpassing his. What mattered was the attitude of the man sitting in the seat of honor.


    The central position was upied by a stalwart middle-aged man with a strong military aura. Prostez Dravorak, or the Everfast Monarch as he was moremonly known. He wore an unadorned uniform, though Zac could tell all his essories were incredibly valuable Tool Spirits.


    A sheathed sword was lying by his side, and Zac could feel the dense, bloody aura even through the isting scabbard. [Verun''s Bite] had seen an extraordinary amount of carnage, but Zac could tell it was nothingpared to how many lives the Everfast Monarch''s weapon had reaped.


    The Field Marshall of the Twenty-Sixth lived up to his name. Unfortunately, his attitude was inscrutable. He was unmoving as a statue with his eyes closed like he''d shut out the world. It almost felt like he was unwilling to get involved with the situation before him.


    Technically, he was the ultimate authority on this section of the frontlines, but Zac knew the situation wasn''t quite that simple. If nothing else, there was no way the Everfast Monarch was the real owner of the vessel they were aboard. It was one of the few C-grade Vessels in Zecia, and its quality almost seemed to match those of his own.


    Certainly, its ancient air meant it might have been a lucky discovery inside some remnant, but it wouldn''t be Prostez''s turn to get such a ship. He was strong enough to surpass most of Zecia''s faction leaders, but at least four Monarchs within the Dravorak Dynasty were stronger than he.


    Zac felt it was more likely the ship belonged to someone else. His gaze shifted to the other person on the central dais, a woman whose features were obscured by a muslin veil. She was demurely sitting a few meters from the Everfast Monarch; her eyes also closed in meditation. Her role, strength, and status were unclear. Zac only knew she was unlikely to be the Monarch''s Dao Companion, as the noblewomen of the Dravorak Dynasty rarely dressed in clothing that made Zac think of the Void Star''s nuns.


    The Dravorak Dynasty was a faction with a strong martial tradition, one which covered all its citizens. A talented general like the Everfast Monarch would at least be matched with a peak D-grade Marshall with impressive military feats. She''d be wearing the army uniform of the Dravorak Royal Guard or some simr designation, and her position on the dais would be based on her own rank and contributions.


    In contrast, this woman felt more like a servant, though no servant would be allowed to sit in such an esteemed position. Not to mention, Zac sensed an intangible pressure from her, despite her not releasing even a speck of aura or energy. Most likely, she was another Monarch, possibly one stronger than the Everfast Monarch himself.


    A reasonable exnation was that she was the guardian of the trio of Havarok noblemen sitting on the dais'' thirdyer. All were Hegemons with the tell-tale purple irisesmon in the Havarok Empire. Zac''s eyes were involuntarily drawn to the familiar face on the right. It was Ykrodas Havarok, the princeling he loosely cooperated with inside the Twilight Ocean. He looked back at Zac with aplex expression, and for good reason.


    Thest time they saw each other, Zac had been channeling the full power of his remnants, and he''d killed Uona by forming a glimpse of Chaos. Such an encounter would leave a shadow on anyone''s heart. The events also led to disastrous losses for the Havarok Empire because of the Umbri''Zi n''s scheme. A scheme Zac had no part in yet ended up taking part of the me for.


    Their leader was likely a peak Middle Hegemon, and he shared many simrities with Ykrodas. However, he gave off a very different air, wearing a mask of haughty indifference Zac had seen on people like Valsa. Of course, he had grounds to be arrogant, boasting a stronger aura than any Zecian Middle D-grade Cultivator or Kan''Tanu Remoulded Zac had encountered. Most likely, only the Reincarnators of the Seven Kan''Tanu Chapters could match up to him.


    However, Zac could tell he was a significant step below Middle D-grade Cultivators like Yselio or Kator. He was strong by frontier standards, but not enough to stand out in the Multiverse Hearnds.


    Most of the officials on the ground gravitated toward the three youths, which was expected considering the Dravorak Dynasty was in a simr situation as the Kavriel Province. However, their connection was even more tenuous. The Havarok Dynasty couldn''t be bothered with their distant branch at all. That was, until they suddenly became useful.


    A quarter of the attendants were gathered around the tform on the opposite side of the Everfast Monarch. On top of it sat four valiant soldiers, all solidly in Peak D-grade. Zac hadn''t seen them before, but it wasn''t hard to recognize them. They were the strongest generals under the Everfast Monarch and his right-hand men.


    Their leader''s aura even emitted a heavy pressure that reminded Zac of his spar with Pavina. The weight of a world. In other words, he had already taken the first step toward Monarchy by opening a proto-space within his Cosmic Core.


    Opening a proto-space wasn''t the only path to the C-grade. One could even say it wasn''t the right one, since it apparently limited the Inner World''s size and potential. Furthermore, taking that step was irreversible. If this general failed to open an inner world within 1,000 years or so, the proto-space would copse, destroying the Cosmic Core and taking his life.


    Despite the downsides, almost all Monarchs on the frontier used this method instead of the orthodox paths. After all, it split the breakthrough into two steps with a consolidation period between them, which drastically lowered the difficulty. And if you survived opening the proto space, you''d enjoy a millennia of Half-step power.


    For all Zac knew, the general might have had zero confidence in breaking through to Monarchy yet chose to open the proto space to gain a burst of power. Unfortunately, this was a far toomon urrence among Zecia''s Peak Hegemons. Only a vanishingly small number of Zecian Peak Hegemons would normally consider Monarchy.


    The heritages, environment, and opportunities were not good enough on the frontier for more than a very limited number of Monarchs to appear. In contrast, reaching Peak Hegemony was enough to live a life of abundance and luxury for nearly 100,000 years. Why take the risk, considering failure meant death?


    The war had changed everything. Death was suddenly waiting around every corner, and the Limited Exchange provided ess to treasures that would never appear in Zecia. Arge number of Hegemons chose to take the gamble. If they survived, they could rely on their proto spaces to drastically speed up their merit umtion. Perhaps they could even cross that hurdle they hadn''t dared dream of before.


    But the house always wins. The Alliance lost hundreds of Peak Hegemons for every Half-step Monarch they gained. And of those who crossed the threshold, only a handful would seed in taking the next step before their time was up. It absolutely wasn''t worth it, considering hundreds of Peak Hegemons were much more useful than one Half-step Monarch.


    Among the four generals, only one seemed hostile toward him. The others were either smiling or neutral. They had probably heard of his aplishes and were unwilling to hand him over to the Havarok princelings. But could their opinions change anything?


    This situation was exactly what Zac had worried about and why he wanted to move the Acheron Company from the Twenty-sixth to the Thirty-seventh Field Army. Zac''s gaze returned to the two atop the central square. Curiously enough, the veiled woman sat closer to the friendly camp, though she seemed removed from either clique.


    The silence was oppressive. Zac didn''t speak up, either. He was waiting to see the attitude of those in the middle. Finally, one of the generals shook his head with a wry smile. He looked quite unassuming and humble, but he had an intelligent gleam in his eyes. Judging by Tussar''s descriptions, he should be Warlin, one of the main strategists of the Twenty-sixth.


    "We''re happy to see you''re safe and sound, Lord Atwood," Warlin smiled. "The Marshall was quite worried when the connection broke and we failed to reconnect."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Must have been the work of the tower," Zac said with a staid expression. "The spatial turbulence is quite strong."


    "So it is," the strategist nodded, not bothering to call him out on his lie. "The young heroes here just finished their report."


    "Destruction of a valuable relic. Dereliction of duty. Treason," the man next to Ykrodas said.


    Zac threw the man azy look, somewhat certain of his identity. It should be Ardos Havarok, who once held the eighth spot on the Early D-gradedder. He was pushed down to the tail of the top ten when Zac registered with his two identities. Since then, he''d kept losing positions and was now in the 23rd spot. Judging by the hatred in his eyes, it almost felt like he med Zac for his fall from grace.


    "This is one creative bastard, turning white into ck," Bubbur muttered,pletely indifferent to the murderous looks from the Havarok Camp''s officials.


    "More like brain damaged," Emily added.


    A smile tugged at Zac''s lips. The two weren''t oblivious to the situation they were in. They had intentionally thrown a rock into the calmke to show Zac the ripples, and it confirmed Zac''s suspicions. The Havarok Dynasty were supposed to be the superiors of the Dravorak Empire and had the numbers on their side. Despite that, these scions were clearly restrained.


    Ardos looked ready to unleash a massacre but suddenly stopped and looked away.


    "We did the best of a bad situation," Zac smiled. "It''s a shame you guys weren''t around to help us. Might have ended differently then."


    "Indeed. While it''s regrettable that the fortress couldn''t be brought under the Alliance''s control, you all performed valiantly. Even if the [Centurion Spear] fails to achieve its goals, it''ll be impossible for our enemies to turn the weapon against us," the strategist nodded.


    "You''re the guy who sells those ships?" another general suddenly interjected. He was human yet bigger than Billy and looked like he''d fit right in with the Muscle Brigade. It was Tusko, the ''Twenty-sixth''s Iron Wall.'' With Warlin, he was one of the two generals seemingly on his side. "The ones with the dynamic energy weapons."


    "That''s me," Zac said.


    "Those little skippers are amazing. You have any more?" Tusko said, leaning forward with anticipation.


    "Unfortunately, no," Zac sighed.


    The general sighed with disappointment, and a few hostile officials began muttering about greed and insubordination. However, a blue screen made them choke on theirints.


    "But as you can see, I''m pretty close to upgrading the Shipyard to Middle D-grade. It will increase my production capacity, so I might have another answer for you in a couple of months."


    The screen was the [Mercantile Empire] quest with some details obfuscated for privacy. However, it was clearly visible that his quest progress was at 1,858/2,000 and 3793/4000. He was right at the finish line, though he also needed to upgrade the Atwood Empire to a Middle D-grade faction.


    "Shipyard upgrade?" Tusko roared as he shot to his feet, his eyes veritably burning. "Does that mean you''ll sell Middle D-grade Cosmic Vessels? Will they have as high quality? Can they take on Late D-grade destroyers?"


    "Yes," Zac sinctly said.


    It was one word, but it held great conviction. Tusko drew a sharp breath and tugged at the strategist''s sleeve. The hostile officials looked apprehensive, while the Havarok princes frowned with displeasure. More importantly, it was enough for the Everfast Monarch to finally open his eyes.


    That was exactly why Zac shared the shipyard quest. Time was too short to get any response to his calls for aid. And even if they answered, what could the other factions do now that he was ''a guest'' of the Dravorak Dynasty? That meant his shipyard was his greatest lifeline, and its uing upgrade could be the key to pushing a conflicted Everfast Monarch into his camp.


    "Troubled times create capable leaders," the Everfast Monarch said, his voice a perfect match to the one from themunicator. "Your contribution to the cause is great."


    "I''m embarrassed to hear such praise from the Everfast Monarch," Zac said with a bow, inwardly celebrating the stormy expressions on the Havarok dais.


    "There''s no need to address me in such a cumbersome manner. Just call me Prostez," the man said. "The others told us you stayed behind to secure the activation. Can you tell us what happened?"


    Zac hesitated a moment. He didn''t know what these people already knew. He wanted to nce at Emily for some cues, but it was suddenly as though he couldn''t see anything but the dais. Prostez or someone else was using an ability to prevent him from corroborating with the others.


    "There''s not much to say. A powerful outsider broke into the Command Center as we were wrapping up. I had the others go ahead while I tried to hold him back. Things worked out, but I cked out for a couple of minutes. After that, I barely managed to escape with my life intact."


    "What happened with the outsider?" Prostez asked.


    "He should be dead."


    "You killed an Imperial Prince from the Hearnds!" Ardos Havarok sneered, his face a mix of suspicion and victory. "How dare you stand here after betraying our race!"


    "Betrayed my race?" Zac scoffed, though he was inwardly worried.


    So they''d already figured out Yselio''s real identity. Zac didn''t think anyone from the Muscle Brigade had willingly ratted him out, but hiding secrets in front of such a powerful group of cultivators was easier said than done. Zac had already entered his Void State, so he didn''t give anything away with a careless word or expression, but that didn''t guarantee anything.


    "Humans are everywhere," Zac said. "Most of those cultist bastards are humans, too. Are you saying they''re our allies?"


    "Humans are everywhere because of the hard work and protection from humanity''s leaders, like the Seven Imperial Heavens. How dare you conte them with unorthodox heretics!" Ardos retorted. "Then again, I guess we shouldn''t be surprised at yourck of fidelity. After all, can a miscreation like you even be considered human? You''re morefortable among the other unholy things, aren''t you, Arcaz Umbri''Zi?"


    Zac inwardly groaned when he saw the expressions of the other Havarok scions. Ykrodas still looked conflicted, with a hint of annoyance, but their leader had no change in expression. He was clearly the one fanning on Ardos from the shadows. Zac had been uncertain of the Havarok''s stance since they''dpletely ignored him since they appeared in Zecia.


    He was painfully aware now.

 Chapter 1162: The Pull of Destiny

    <h4>Chapter 1162: The Pull of Destiny</h4>


    Zac''s situation, or rather his public exnation for his split, had already spread outside Earth. The more he aplished, the harder the established factions worked to install spies among his ranks. No matter how hard Julia worked to root out traitors, it was impossible to catch them all.


    Besides, even if he hadn''t exined the circumstances to the leaders of Port Atwood, there were simply too many breadcrumbs for the Havarok Empire not to connect the dots. The Havaroks would haveunched an investigation after seeing Arcaz Umbri''Zi appear on thedder, especially since his affiliation was listed as the Atwood Empire rather than the Kavriel Province.


    The factions that had gained an incursion on Earth had already made a fortune selling information on Zac and the Atwood Empire. Half of them had been routed by him in his Draugr form long before the became death-attuned. He and Catheya were also seen together in the Tower of Eternity, where she''d helped him by killing arge number of Tsarun scions.


    The Havaroks Empire had even more to go by than the natives since they knew about his actions in the Twilight Ocean. He''d met Ykrodas in his undead form, but there should be multiple records of his human side.


    "Arcaz is Arcaz and I am me," Zac said. "And I''d say I''m more human than some outsider who teams up with the Kan''Tanu to harm Zecia. I did what I had to do to protect our sector."


    "You dare speak of protecting your sector? Killing one of their heirs will bring a cmity to this whole region. Can you bear that responsibility?" the Havarok scion retorted.


    "I never said I killed him. I said he''s dead," Zac said with azy expression. "A powerful Technocrat showed up shortly after the others left. She was the one who took him out."


    "You worked together with those Heaven-cursed heretics to kill someone from an Imperial n?" Ardos Havarok sneered.


    "We didn''t work together. The Technocrats just popped up and started fighting with the Imperial. We saw simr battles on the way to the Control Center. Why should I stop them? My goal was to prevent anyone from essing the controls until the weapon couldn''t be stopped," Zac shrugged.


    It was difficult to exin how he''d resisted someone like Yselio Tobrial without exposing his secrets. Luckily, the mysterious Technocrat had given him the perfect excuse that would alleviate some of the pressure on him. By choosing his words carefully, he could paint a picture of himself as an innocent bystander in a struggle between the Seventh Heaven and the Sindris n, and he wouldn''t even be lying.


    "If anything, the Imperials were the ones who worked together with the Technocrats until they had a falling out," Zac added.


    "The Imperials and Technocrats working together?" the Havarok youth sneered. "You should have devised a better excuse to cover your crimes."


    "Oh, is that so?" Zac smiled as he nced in the strategist''s direction. "You should already have some preliminary findings, right?"


    "Young master, I fear what he says is true," Warlin, the Chief Strategist, said with a helpless look.


    The general clearly didn''t relish being dragged into this mess, but Zac wouldn''t get anywhere by relying on his word alone. He was obviously not an impartial witness, and the Havaroks had it out for him. Zac was more curious whether there was any connection between the Imperial ns and the Havaroks. The Havarok Dynasty hadn''t joined the struggle for the Left Imperial Pce of their own volition, yet Zac still hadn''t uncovered the party behind them.


    Things would get thorny if they belonged to the same camp. Hopefully, the annoying princeling was only using the situation to their advantage to get at Zac. Otherwise, an imperial fleet could very well be on its way already.


    "You arrived in such a hurry we didn''t have the chance to exin the whole situation," Warlin exined. "The Heretics infiltrated ourmand center with the help of deathsworn soldiers already embedded in our ranks. In return, the Technocrats manipted our orders to send potential sealbearers into deathtraps."


    As expected, Zac wasn''t the only target. He wouldn''t be surprised if several rankers had disappeared when thedders updated in a few hours. He''d only survived by the skin of his teeth by taking a huge risk; how could a normal sealbearer survive an ambush arranged by such powerful parties?


    "Why did they have a falling out at such a critical moment?" Prostez asked.


    "It''s possible both sides nned on seizing all the fruits of their cooperation from the beginning," Zac offered, nodding at Ardos. "Like he said, it was an unusual alliance, bound to fail sooner orter."


    "Is that it?" the Everfast Monarch asked with a neutral expression.


    It was technically within reason the Imperials and Technocrats would betray each other for no other reason than they saw an opportunity to deal a blow to an old enemy. The ancient grudge between the Limitless Empire and the Selvari shaped the world to this day. However, why would those people rush to the top of the tower when all the sealbearers were either at the outer fort or fighting on the outside?


    Zac was yet unclear whether Yselio was involved in dragging the fortress to the frontlines as part of his plot. He could just have been waiting for fate to gather before making his move. However, one thing was for certain. Those two would never be willing to jeopardize their main mission over a crumbling C-grade fortress. For them, the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse didn''t matter. The only thing they cared about was Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce.


    The Everfast Monarch and the others could figure out that much, so Zac knew he had to give them something.


    "They were fighting over information on a weapons research project," Zac said.


    Truthfully, even such a prize seemed worthlesspared to harvesting more seals. Most likely, it was only upon realizing the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse''s secret project was rted to the Lost ne that Yselio and the Sindris n turned against each other. For all they knew, it might be a back door leading straight into Ultom. If that were the case, its value would greatly exceed any number of seals.


    "What kind of weapon?" the Everfast Monarch asked with a somber expression. "Who seized it?"


    "I''m not sure what kind of weapon," Zac said, only half-lying. He was still really just guessing at this point. "And I''m not sure either side got it. The Imperial said he was still looking for something when he intercepted us. Our activation of the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> might have interrupted their ns and forced them to hurry to themand center."


    "Sounds like you were thest man off the ship," Ardos said with a ruthless smile. "And ording to my cousin here, they found a castle picked clean and a Realm Spirit gone berserk when the Twilight Ocean copsed. <i>Someone </i>had absconded with the trove while the rest suffered. History often repeats itself, does it not?"


    "Me? You think I got the weapon?" Zac said with a raised brow. "I wish."


    "And we should just take your word for it?"


    "He''s right," one of the generals who had been silent until now said. It was the one who seemed more aligned with the Havarok scions. "A weapon that can move even the hearts of such powerful factions is a critical matter. It can change the course of the whole war. Your word alone is not enough. Better wemit a small taboo by searching your belongings than letting a critical strategic resource slip through our fingers."


    Zac frowned in anger while inwardly celebrating his obscene Luck. <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>''s upgrade was a huge lucky break, and he''d already moved any sensitive items to his other body. These people could look all they wanted. They wouldn''t find a thing.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    "I''m sorry, young friend. We''ll have to impose on you," Prostez sighed, nodding at Tusko and the hostile general. "Both of you. Only scan."


    Zac suddenly felt a pulse spread through his body while all his backup Spatial Rings flew out of his bags. Someone had scanned him for Spatial Skills like those most Merchants owned. Zac didn''t resist. The Void had already retreated to the depths of his body, and even most Autarchs would fail to uncover any of his secrets.


    The two generals appeared before him the next moment, going through his rings one by one. One looked increasingly displeased, while the other appeared about ready to defect and join his camp.


    "There''s nothing," the first general eventually said and flew back to his seat.


    "Holy hell," Tusko eximed, his eyes as wide as saucers as he turned to Zac. "How?"


    "The Cosmic Vessel business is pretty lucrative," Zac smiled.


    He''d already transported all resources critical for his breakthroughs and half of the top-tier treasures he''d gathered at the end. What was left was far less impressive, but it was still enough to make most Peak Hegemons go green with envy.


    "I bet it is," Tusko muttered as he returned to his seat.


    "There is still one suspicious spatial treasure on his hand, and you barely checked it! " Ardros said. "It reeks of energy."


    "Young master, it''s a World Ring housing a nt King," the general said. "There are no items inside."


    "It might be hiding the weapon inside," Ardos said, turning to Zac. "Take it out and cut it open."


    "You want to cut open mypanion?" Zac said with a chilly smile as he held up the World Ring. "Why don''t you do it yourself, mister twenty-three?"


    Ardos'' eyes thinned into slits, and he rushed down the dais with a growl, his hands suddenly covered in cracks that spread into the surroundings. Haro had already stirred from the murderous intent in Zac''s heart, and boundless wrath flooded Zac''s mind as Haro realized they were under attack.


    Zac had no intention of calming Haro down. Instead, he unlocked the spatial seal, and a storm of deadly vines covered in serrated thorns burst forth. Not stooping to the level of others was a virtue, but some would just keep taking and taking until nothing was left.


    Ardos fought with far greater ferocity than any of the werewolves he''d encountered inside the Mystic Realm, his hands turning into primal ws infused with the Daos of Nature and Earth. They bit into the slithering vines, but Haro''s appendages were more durable than the roots of ancient oak. Still, more and more vines fell onto the ground as Ardos forced his way over. The problem was that Haro was blindlyshing out, guided by blind rage.


    As despicable as Adros was, he was ultimately an elite warrior of a B-grade faction. Such a crude fighting style couldn''t threaten him.


    <i>''Follow me!'' </i>Zac urged in his mind, showing the way to the Evolutionary Stance through their shared Dao.


    The Heavenrender Vine resisted at first but soon began listening to his calls. The reluctance disappeared when a surprise turnaround drew a line of blood on the princeling''s forearm. Zac could feel Haro''s desire for power, pleading with Zac to show him the way of unleashing carnage on their enemies.


    Zac was happy to oblige, but a pang of danger warned him things were about to take a turn for the worse. A frown had appeared on the Havarok leader''s face. One of their elite soldiers had been wounded by a young and inexperienced Early nt King in front of arge audience. Even if Ardos wasn''t using any skills or equipment, it was a huge blow to their prestige.


    Rekodes Havarok, the ninth-ce holder on the Middle D-gradedder, was about to enter the fray.


    Things had already reached a point of no return, so Zac could only keep going. He stepped into the writhing storm of vines with incredible speed, seemingly fusing with the Heavenrender Vine through perfectly synced movements. A burst of energy surged around Ardos, but his n was thwarted by a punch that would have thrown the princeling across the room if not for Haro.


    Instead, the semi-conscious princeling was dragged back with such force his arm was ripped off. Zac didn''t care about the bloody scene as he grasped his neck with enough force to hear bones creak and groan, turning him into a human shield against Rekodes, who had finally stood up with a spear already in his hand.


    "You piece of trash, you want to cut open mypanion?" Zac growled as he levied <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>against Adros'' midriff. "How about I cut you and your cousins open instead? If the Havarok Empire has a problem with it, they''re wee to ask the Undead Empire or the Tayn Family forpensation."


    A mor erupted around the dias, calling for Zac''s immediate execution, but themotion was immediately quashed by immense pressure.


    "Enough. This matter is over. If you enter a fight, you better be prepared to lose. Your name and background will not protect you on the battlefield," Prostez said with an unmistakable glint of appreciation in his eyes. "That''s a fine specimen."


    "Thank you," Zac said as he hurled his captive at the Havarok tform like he was a piece of trash.


    He didn''t like using Iz''s name for protection, but his situation wasn''t great. And it might have made the Everfast Monarch step in and deal with the matter.


    "Such nonsense," the Everfast Monarch sighed. "How could my generals fail to sense the weapon if it were inside the World Ring?"


    "The matter of the fortress and its presumed weapon can be put aside, but this man cannot be spared. He''s an enemy of the empire," Rekodes interjected.


    "Let''s not pretend this is about some distant war," Zac snorted, looking at the prince with a mocking smile. "That''s right. I''m a sealbearer. You''re wee to test whether my fate or yours is stronger."


    A sharp killing intent gleamed in Rekodes'' eyes, and the banners in therge hall fluttered from a growing wind.


    "As I said, this matter is over."


    The words contained unbending determination that pushed down on the room like a thunderstorm.


    "Zachary Atwood has contributed greatly to the war effort this time. First, he sent a warning of the Technocrat infiltration, saving the lives of innumerable soldiers. Secondly, he was instrumental in the battle for the fortress. An unthinkable cmity could have struck our frontlines if not for his efforts. Not to mention the vessels his empire is supplying the frontlines. How could the Alliance show its face if we turned our backs on such a hero? Who''d be willing to contribute?"


    "Lord Dravorak, this is a matter of the upper dynasty," Rekodes frowned. "Lord Refus tasked you with assisting us in this endeavor. Are you rebelling?"


    "Rebelling?" Everfast repeated with an icy voice while his four generals looked at the Havarok youths with undisguised Killing Intent. Not even the general who leaned toward the Havarok''s camp was any different.


    "It''s true. You have your pursuits, and the Dravorak Empire is a subject of the Havarok Dynasty," the Field Marshall nodded, but there was a biting chill in his eyes. "But so what? Is lord Refus here? Even if he were, would he dare break the seal on his power to ignore my orders?"


    "You"


    "This is just a game for you little brats. An opportunity," the Everfast Monarch pressed on, his momentum growing increasingly overbearing. "You avoided the battlefield while our men bled, only teleporting over upon hearing potential sealbearers were dropping from the sky. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Do you think I''d let you touch Zecia''s heroes just so that you can reap some benefits without exerting any effort, in tant vition of your agreement, at that? Audacious! How could I face my ancestors if I sold my honor like that? How could I face my martyred soldiers?! Speak of this again, and I''ll break your limbs and throw you onto the frontlines."


    "I hope Lord Dravorak won''t regret this decision in the future," Rekodes slowly said as he led his men out of the hall.


    "This trial... It''s hard to say whether it''s a blessing or a curse for Zecia," Everfast said with a shake of his head as he watched more than half the officials scurry after the trio. Eventually, he turned back to Zac. "I apologize for our unseemly behavior. Even with our recent victory, disaster looms just beyond the horizon. We depend on outside assistance, even if their goals are not aligned with ours."


    "I understand," Zac said.The initial instance of this chapter being avable happened at n(0)vel(b)(j)(n).


    It was impossible to say whether Prostez''s intervention was because of his namedropping or whether he felt bad. Still, the Monarch had undeniably stuck his neck out for him.


    "Is there anything else you can tell us about the weapon or our new enemies?" the Field Marshall asked.


    Zac thought for a moment before throwing out a piece of intelligence. "The Imperial called the Technocrats the Sindris n. From how he talked, it sounded like he''d defeated them before intercepting us. I''m not sure if that''s of any use?"


    "Sindris? It''s not a name I''m familiar with," Everfast muttered, but Zac noted someone else recognized it.


    The veiled woman, who hadn''t so much as opened her eyes during the previousmotion, stirred upon hearing the name. Zac could suddenly feel two piercing eyes stare at him, and it felt like they could see through his past and future.


    Oddly enough, no one else noticed her reaction. Come to think of it, it was almost as though she didn''t exist. Not a single one had nced in her direction since Zac arrived, from Prostez to the dozens of attendants standing at attention. What was going on? Zac quickly averted his gaze, fearful making eye contact would result in a disaster.


    It was toote.


    "I will forward this information to the Alliance. There might be recordings of these heretics somewhere," Prostez said, but Zac could barely hear him.


    It was like the timeline had split, where Zac had one foot in each reality. In one, the generals continued discussing the Sindris n as though nothing had changed. In the other, time had stopped except for him and the veiled woman. He found himself unable to move as she stood up and walked over, her steps sounding like the ticks of a clock.


    "History repeats itself," she said. "How will you respond to the pull of destiny, young Void Emperor? Will you fight back? Or will you swim with the current? What will your heart tell you when you gaze upon the Terminus?"


    "You''re from the Vigil," Zac squeezed through a locked jaw, having confirmed her appearance wasn''t just a passing resemnce thanks to her aura. "Aren''t you people supposed to stay on the sidelines?"


    "Oh?" the woman said as she looked at Zac with an inscrutable gaze. "You are right, for the most part. We are wed, and there is no such thing as a truly neutral observer. Look at our local chapter, participating in a war whose fate has been entwined with the Era''s direction. However, I am just here to observe."


    "Observe me?"


    "In a sense. I''m here to witness the shift," the woman said before her gaze grew distant. "It has begun."

 Chapter 1163: The Shift

    <h4>Chapter 1163: The Shift</h4>


    The rustling fields of Relver Serenity Grass stretched across the horizon in every direction. Only the cubic processing nts equally spaced along the enormous farming tform provided a break in the liminal nightmare. Floating barges were constantly funneling recently harvested crops to be processed or bringing back the refined dust.


    Perhaps it would have been better to lose grip of reality. What dignity was there in crawling around in the mud, removing the flower buds that wouldpete for nourishment and slow the elerated growth? All while having his energy sapped by the demonic nts and the Feeder Curse in his chest.


    The only thing that kept Nn going was the notion of funneling the indignity and rage into acts of sabotage. To go out in a ze of glory, wreaking as much havoc as he could. He''d only have one shot before the Heart Curse triggered and ripped him apart. He needed to make it count.


    Although, it was getting harder to ignore the whispers of defeat in the back of his head. Four weeks of this hellish existence, and he hadn''t seen the shadow of an opportunity. And even if he somehow managed to blow up the whole tform, what did it matter? There were dozens just like it surrounding the Worldfort.


    The serenity grass was a necessary resource that helped manage the Heart Demons of thesehersted cultists, but it was woefully easy to cultivate. It just needed space and sacrifices to grow like weeds.


    "Hurry up, you bastards, or we''ll pick the next batch of bloodbags from your cohort!" a gruff voice echoed through Nn''s quadrant.


    Maybe he should settle for taking out that cruel bastard. It wouldn''t change anything, but Nn felt he could meet his ancestors with a smile as long as Entu joined him in the afterlife. He''d have to endure a bit longer. His semi-awakened bloodline hadn''t fully recovered its hidden energy stockpile after that final battle.


    Nn would normally keep his head down and keep working, as the vedrivers would use any excuse they got to torment the captives. It was the only avable pastime of these pathetic little tyrants deemed too ipetent to handle anything but oversee Relver fields and sealed ves. Just a few more days.


    Today, Nn broke the unspoken rules of the captives as his head rose above the stalks to look at the sky. A radiant light showered the purple fields in a refreshing white splendor. Nn vaguely sensed that work had practically stopped with thousands of ves straightening hunched backs. All eyes were on the white streak piercing the cosmos with unfathomable speed.


    An immense aura erupted from the Worldfort as a gate the size of a continent formed in its exosphere. It dispersed like a shadow exposed to light as the blinding spear approached. In the blink of an eye, the celestial streak had gone from a distant dot of overwhelming radiance to a line of utmost white that split Nn''s vision in two.


    It consumed the Worldfort''s central tower and continued out the''s other end. For a moment, it was as if time had stopped, and Nn''s thoughts ground to a halt as he looked at the impaled world. Then, the world shattered, releasing a tidal wave of glorious light.


    The wave looked like a swarm of trillions of fireflies, and they moved even faster than the rubble left from the ruined world. The remainders of the Worldfort were consumed first, and then the moons and defensive satellites that could repel a Monarch''s assault. The armada tried to escape, but any attempt to break through the dimensional barrier created tears from which more fireflies emerged.


    The wave looked gentle at this distance, but Nn understood it moved with shocking speed. Nn''s eyes shifted, spotting Entu staring at the sky with horror in his eyes. A smile spread across Nn''s face as he hunched over, and painful lessons allowed him to creep closer unseen without causing so much as a ripple on the serenity grass.


    "You!"


    Entu didn''t get any further before a bloody hand burst through his chest, covered in pieces of his shredded heart. An unbearable agony assaulted Nn, and he tasted metal as blood filled his mouth. He pressed on, his other hand forming arge circle. His fingers were filled with the crumbling pieces of his soul, bing the de that severed Entu''s limbs.


    Nn and the crippled cultist fell over at the same time, one forward and one back. Both sported huge holes in their chests, and neither were long for this world. The only difference was that thest thing Entu would see was dirty soil and darkness while Nn looked up at the approaching ocean of stars.


    It was the most beautiful thing he''d ever seen.


    -------------


    "What shift?" Zac asked, realizing toote the veiled woman had disappeared when he followed her gaze.


    The feeling of the timeline being split disappeared soon after. Even now, there was no hint on the Everfast Monarch''s face that he''d noticed anything. Was the Vigil observer that strong? Could they hold such a special position that the System didn''t hinder their movements, allowing even Autarchs to pass through the seal?


    More shocking was that she called him Void Emperor. Until now, only Sendor had figured out that identity, and that was only after performing a thorough scan. This nun had seen through his secret while he actively was trying to hide any traces. Zac suddenly felt even more exposed and was relieved to see her gone, even if his mind was gued with new questions.


    Zac put the matter aside as Warlin suddenly shot to his feet, his expression wide with shock. He wasn''t the only one; even the Everfast Monarch''s impassive faade had cracked.


    "It worked!" the strategist shouted.


    "Is it the spear?" Average asked with a shaky voice, his eyes red. "Did it work?"


    "It worked, it worked!" Warlinughed. "We just received a report from our sentries keeping watch on the Kan''Tanu''s Warfort. They saw a streak of light passing through the. The next moment, an earthshattering explosion destroyed half the sr system. The base, the armada. It''s all gone! They don''t believe even the residing Monarchs survived!"


    Zac mutely looked at the general. He''d caught a glimpse of the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>, but even he couldn''t believe it held such immense power. A Worldfort wasn''t some random base. The Kan''Tanu had only erected ten inside Zecia and a few more in the Million Gates Territory, with each directing the war against four to six Alliance Field Armies. Losing one had to be the Kan''Tanu''s biggest setback since the war started, and it wasn''t even close.


    If Zac was shocked, it was nothingpared to the officials gathered in the room. It looked like they''d been struck by lightning. Some turned to Warlin like they couldn''t believe what they''d just heard. Others looked at Zac like he was a reincarnation of a War God. Even some officials who had been overtly hostile before suddenly looked at him like he was their first-born son. Even the staunch soldiers standing guard along the walls broke ranks and muted whispers spread through the halls.


    "We did it," Average whispered as he slumped back on the chair. "We actually did it."


    "Wait, did you say pass through?" Emily interjected. "It''s still going?"


    "It looks that way," Warlin grinned.


    "This is an immense, unprecedented contribution," the Everfast Monarch said. "As I said, the Alliance will not fail its heroes. We will deliver the reward you deserve as soon as possible. The Twenty-Sixth will always remember your service. Any outsider will have to go through us if they wish you harm, even if it''s the Havarok Dynasty."


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    "Thank you," Zac said with a bow. "I haven''t decided on my next step. Right now, I''m more worried about my people scattered through the battlefield."


    "Your people are safe," Warlin said. The strategist already had hundreds ofmunication tokens floating around him. He was undoubtedly sending out new sets of orders because of the news. "In fact, an event took ce shortly after you entered the fortress, one we''d hope you could shed light on."


    "What''s that?"


    "An ancient treasure shaped like a bell appeared."


    "Again?" Zac eximed, feeling like someone had sshed him with freezing water. "How''s our losses?"


    "Among our people? Almost zero. However, not a single Kan''Tanu survived."


    "How''s that possible?" N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "That''s what we''d like to know," Warlin said. "We received a high-priority report from a subordinate called Elena Dossin. She reported a series of suspicious circumstances, from the appearance of an ancient bell and you being betrayed by extremely powerful cultivators. Finally, that bell reappeared just moments after you disappeared. However, an undead captain from your ranks suddenly flew to the sky and entered the bell. We believe her name is Vri ckwood."


    "What?!"


    "The bell flew to the Kan''Tanu''s side after a few seconds, and they all ripped their hearts out of their chests. After that, the bell disappeared."


    "What about Vri? Did she return?"


    "She did not."


    "Is this a weapon of yours, or one that has been borrowed from your allies?" the Everfast Monarch asked. "Don''t misunderstand; we have no intentions of taking it from you. However, its power is immense, and we hope to invite you for certain covert missions in the future."


    Zac barely heard Prostez''s words, his mind abuzz from the news. The ancient bell and its evil aura were still fresh in his mind. To hear that Vri had entered it was beyond horrifying. Zac quickly opened his quest screen, breathing out in relief when his <strong>[One by Nine]</strong> quest remained listed asplete. Vri was his only sealbearer of the Anima Court, which hopefully meant she was still alive.


    "It''s not mine," Zac sighed as he closed the screen. "The only thing I know was that Vri felt it resembled an inheritance she''d stumbled onto. However, it was like the bell had been corrupted by an evil entity. Can I ask, has there been any news of it since?"


    "No," Prostez said. "The spear has made it difficult tomunicate in this region. Many matters will remain unclear until the turbulence has calmed down."


    Zac took a steadying breath before shifting the topic. "I have anotherpanion inside the fortress base. Has there been any news of it?"


    "It''s been located, and we''re heading there now," Warlin assured.


    "I have to leave you now. The others will fill in the gaps," the Everfast Monarch said, giving Zac ast look as his body faded. "Stay or transfer; I will support your decision."


    Zac and the others bowed, and Prostez Dravorak was gone the next moment. The generals kept asking questions for another ten minutes, and Zac answered the best he could without exposing any sensitive secrets. On a few asions, Average was asked to rify. No one questioned Gu or Bubbur''s affiliation, though that could just be Everfast Monarch and the others looking the other way.


    Suddenly, the half-step Monarch opened his eyes and disappeared. From the moment Zac entered until now, he never said a word. First the Everfast Monarch, and now him?


    "Is there something wrong?" Zac asked.


    "Nothing major," Warlin smiled. "There are some rats skulking about in our vicinity. We''ll have to stop here for today."


    "Do you require our assistance?"


    "Where would the Twenty-sixth put its face if we let you youngsters do all the work?" Tuskoughed.


    "Then, with your permission, I''d like to seclude myself," Zac said. "I''ve pushed myself too hard over the past couple of hours and need rest."


    "Of course," Warlin said, ncing at one of the attendants by his side.


    "Oh, we might have to call on you in an hour or so," the strategist added as Zac and the others were led away.


    "Is there something else?"


    "We''re already at the coordinates of the fortress base. We''re just waiting for our shields to recover enough to force a path through the dimensional turbulence," Warlin exined. "Seeing as you and yourpanions have the greatest understanding of its intricacies, we might have to lean on you again."


    "The base how''s the situation?" Zac asked.


    "The boss went there ten minutes ago," Tusko grinned. "What problems could there be?"


    So that''s where the Everfast Monarch disappeared to. Zac finally rxed, feeling everything was in hand. The Kan''Tanu should be in disarray after losing their Worldfort. Their Monarchs should have bigger things to worry about than the scraps of a broken fortress.


    Their small group was quickly led to a private wing withrgemon spaces and twenty individual apartments.


    "You guys okay?" Zac asked as he looked around.


    "We''re fine," Average grunted. "Not sure how we''d fare if the spear failed to activate, though. Good job there, boss."


    "It was the least I could do."


    "I can''t believe I used to feel a bit bad for those Havarok jerks after hearing the stories," Emily muttered. "You should have kicked them while they were down back then."


    "Well, I had my hands full just staying alive," Zac said with a wry smile.


    "I knew you didn''t just sit around after disappearing," Average grinned. "To think you''ve already managed to make a B-grade faction your enemy. Even my crazy grandma would be lost for words. I''m looking forward to hearing the stories."


    "We''ll catch up over a drink or twoter. Right now, I really have to rest for a bit," Zac said, ncing at Average with a small smile tugging at his lips. "Speaking of, your grandmother actually left seclusion while you were trapped. She''s also a Monarch now. Unfortunately, she was wounded in an earlier battle, but I''m sure seeing you will lift her spirits."


    Average''s face turned pale as a sheet, and Zacughed as the door closed behind him. Kantaja Peak, or the Knuckle Butcher, had created some waves during the war, prompting some unbelievable stories from her past to resurface. The Peaks all had a screw loose, and the partners they chose were even crazier.


    Zac spent the next few minutes reviewing everything he''d experienced since stepping onto the frontlines, identifying mistakes and lingering threats. He wasn''t too worried about his conflict with the Havarok scions after the Everfast Monarch made his stance known. None of them posed a real threat, and Zac sincerely doubted the Monarch behind them would dare target him.


    The Havarok Dynasty''s backer would never let a Monarch directly involve himself in a struggle of fate between the younger generation. If he acted on his own and ruined their ns, the whole empire might be eradicated.


    The real problem was the Imperial ns, now that his involvement in Yselio''s death had been exposed. He''d hoped any trace of his actions would have disappeared along with the tower, but that didn''t pan out. It didn''t make a difference whether the Havarok Dynasty followed the Imperial ns or not. The news would reach their ears sooner orter.


    Yselio''s gambit cost him his life, but that defeat didn''t mean the Seven Heavens would give up. There were still over two years before the inheritance started, which was more than enough time to turn things around. Ancient factions like that wouldn''t blink at sacrificing a whole generation if it gave them a small chance at seizing an Eternal Heritage.


    Shifting the me to the Sindris n wouldn''t protect him against retaliation, and this was a threat that could haunt him after Ultom was dealt with. It wouldn''t take any effort on their part to send a punitive squad to Zecia after the sector was unsealed. Zac needed to figure out safeguards for the Atwood Empire beyond the Assimtion.


    The second problem was borrowing the Tayn''s prestige when he felt the situation was going south. Iz probably wouldn''t care, but Zac knew her family wasn''t so easygoing. The Tayns wouldn''t be feared across the Multiverse for no good reason. He would have to figure out a way to repay the debt before they decided to test Earth''s or Zecia''s fate.


    Powerful gathering arrays had sprung to life while Zac mulled things over, and Zac''s parched body greedily swallowed it all. The speed was significantly faster than before, almost reaching the levels of normal cultivators. He had already noticed the difference during the interrogation, but it was far more noticeable inside a cultivation ground.


    It was all thanks to the shadowy motes in his cells. He was still unable to cultivate, but his body exerted an inherent pull on the ambient energy. Zac was curious to see whether the pull would continue when his Cosmic Core was satiated or whether the ability was limited to recovering energy.


    Human eyes closed to focus on recovery while Abyssal eyes opened in the Ensolus Ruins. While one half fought off Havarok scions and answered questions, the other had focused on consolidating his breakthrough and taking control of his bloodline. He couldn''t let any hints of the Void leak before a Middle Monarch.


    With his human side taking over the baton, Zac could deal with the pressing matters back home, the first of which was the transformation around him. The Ensolus Ruins were fortunately spared Void''s full attention, though Zac sensed that a handful of treasures had disappeared during his breakthrough. Around 15% of the breakthrough had been fueled by Ensolus, leaving most of the temples intact. That number would have been even lower if not for the chaotic events leading up to the breakthrough.


    The ambient energy was still improving, already approaching the equivalent of Middle D-grade. It was the work of an incredible Gathering Array. It was even gathering the''s providence into one spot, meaning anyone cultivating inside the ruins would enjoy a temporary boost to their effective Luck.


    The ruins were fast bing a holynd, but Zac only felt a headache as he flew toward the exit, keeping a wide berth around the new additions. He still didn''t have any good solution to how to deal with the situation. The cathedral possibly held something that could help the war effort, but getting through it might require the strength of a Monarch. Teleporting such a powerful being to his budding empire was like inviting a fox into the henhouse.


    But could he live with covering it up when so much was at stake? Was it even possible?

 Chapter 1164: Answers

    <h4>Chapter 1164: Answers</h4>


    Zac scratched his head with frustration while ring at the treasure houses locked behind imprable barriers. Thankfully, it wasn''t like he waspletely out of options. The safest was to wait for his toadpanion to reach Zecia. Esmeralda would only be somewhere around his level when she arrived, but she was the incarnation of an A-grade thief. If anyone could find a weakness and sneak inside, it was her.


    The problem was, he had no idea when she''d arrive. Esmeralda was nning on entering the trial by hitching a ride, so she had no intention of collecting seals. By the sound of it, she nned on arriving at thest moment, meaning the Ensolus Ruins would remain locked away for years. Could he really wait that long? He had one more solution, though, one that could be enacted within a month or two. He''d have to put aside the time to have that drink with Average after he''d returned.


    Zac took onest look at the majestic temples before entering the perpetual storm surrounding the Ensolus Ruins. Fierce galesshed at him as he made his way through, to the point Zac opted to take out<strong> [Love''s Bond] </strong>and use the chains totch onto the ground. The winds had grown significantly stronger since the transformation, a change Zac weed.


    Before, essentially anyone could pass through and enter the ruins. Now, you at least needed the cultivation of Peak E-grade or ample preparations to safely pass through. By the time the ambient energy stopped increasing, it might rebuff everyone beneath Hegemony. Perhaps they could make the storm even stronger to create a natural barrier protecting their secrets.


    Zac emerged from the other side soon after, finding the group of Valkyries waiting for him.


    "My lord," Tamira bowed.


    Zac nodded with a smile, though he couldn''t help but feel a pang in his heart upon seeing the unfamiliar faces behind her. Tamira was one of the twelve original Valkyries remaining. Of the other sixty-eight, half had passed away. Most fell inbat during the integration and the war, while a few fell during off-world training in the interim. The rest had chosen to give up their identity, though it rarely was willingly.


    Ultimately, only nine of the original Valkyries were cultivators, and the options for real mortals couldn''t bepared to Zac''s. Most of the original Valkyries found themselves increasingly unable to keep up with the Valkyries'' cultivation despite enjoying the best resources in the Atwood Empire. Ultimately, materials can only take you so far when talent iscking.


    Rather than bing a weakness during critical missions, they opted to enter the Atwood Army as normal soldiers. This was the ending for most mortals who''d stood out during the integration. Another regrettable example was Ling Tian, the heroic warrior who''d continuously risked his life fighting the Undead Incursion. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Despite Zac providing him with a steady stream of resources, he was still stuck in the earlier stages of Middle E-grade. Reportedly, Ling Tian spent most of his time in a sickbed after forcing open nodes, just like the Mortal Monarch whose biography Zac got from Thea.


    Zac''s progress through E-grade had felt arduous, but it was worth remembering mortals generally needed centuries to reach Peak E-grade. Of course, only a vanishingly small portion even got that far. Forcing open nodes duringte E-grade, especially, was like ying Russian Roulette. And even should you reach the end, your Daos would be hopelessly behind even the worst of cultivators unless you encountered a series of lucky opportunities.


    The Multiverse simply wasn''t equal, even if the System had somewhat bridged the gap between mortals and cultivators.


    "How''s the situation here?" Zac asked.


    "Roughly half an hour ago, we felt extremely powerful spatial fluctuations, along with another force. It''s hard to exin. It reminds me of the Church of the Evesting Dao but far grander," Tamira frowned. "We have reports it was noticed all the way in Silverwood Crest. The storm has grown fiercer, too, and it seems to be absorbing energy."


    Zac inwardly grimaced. The Silverwoods were halfway across the continent, meaning millions had noticed the transformation.


    "It''s under control. For now, seal the ruins. Let no one but the most trusted enter," Zac said.


    "We''ll handle it," Tamira said. "Do you need us to apany you back to Earth?"


    "No, I have a mission for your team," Zac said. "Have someone fetch our strongest camouge arrays. As soon as security has been tightened, try to hide the new buildings inside the ruins."


    Tamira''s brows rose. "New buildings? Which district?"


    "You won''t be able to miss them," Zac said helplessly. "Be careful. Their shields are fully operational. Keep a wide berth and immediately retreat if you notice anything odd. And if the big thing in the middle is too big to obscure, surround it with Mist Arrays or something."


    "We''ll be careful," Tamira assured, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.


    Zac''s entered his cultivation cave twenty minutester with a frown on his face. He''d spent thest minutes talking with his contacts from various forces, sending out feelers about Vri while thanking them for assisting him with the Endemire Sage and Everfast Monarch. Unfortunately, no one had answers or ideas, and could only promise they''d keep their ears to the ground.


    How was he even supposed to look for Vri? The bell seemed able toe and go as it pleased. Worse, such a powerful treasure would attract the attention of Monarchs from both camps. He''d seen how eager the Everfast Monarch was after learning of its power. After all, even Hegemons were helpless before its influence. Despite his contributions, the Alliance would be more interested in controlling the weapon than saving its passenger.


    The only clue he had to go on was his conversation with Vri before they separated. She''d believed the bell was rted to the Crown of Despair inheritance, or rather the Mentalist who set it up. Should he force his way into the trial to speak with Vri''s master? Or was that sending himself to an early grave? Ralz Calzood was still alive, and she might be the reason why Vri was taken.


    Even if only a wisp of her soul was left with Bra, it belonged to a Peak C-grade Mentalist. Zac knew his odds of survival were almost nil if Ralz wanted to kill him inside her realm.


    It might be possible to talk with her without entering her inheritance realm. He''d discuss it with Bra, but he could only put out one fire at a time. Zac cleared his head as he took out the emblem he kept stored in a sealed part of his Cultivation Cave. Looking at it now, Zac saw some simrities between it and the Sindris token he left in the tower.


    The situation aboard the ancient vessel had stabilized, but the Sindris n was clearly operating in the area. They could pop up at any moment, and Zac frankly wasn''t confident the Everfast Monarch could protect them. Technocrats weren''t ying by the System''s rules. They may have snuck Autarchs into Zecia, for all he knew.


    If youe across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    It was about time he had another talk with his mother.


    Zac infused his will into the token. Nothing happened, except his spirituality being expelled. Zac snorted with annoyance. It almost felt like Leandra had screened his call, but he wouldn''t give up just because of that. He kept infusing his will with increasing determination until there finally was a change.


    "How disappointing. Only a few months have passed, yet you''ve already reached a dead end?"


    Leandra''s projection looked the same as before, her eyes nk and emotionless as she looked at Zac up and down. Zac couldn''t glean anything about Kenzie''s situation from her appearance, though he could tell Leandra was real rather than an AI.


    "That''s not it," Zac said.


    "Have you called me just to unt your evolved bloodline?" Leandra said with a shake of her head. "There is a great cost to connecting across such vast distances, not to mention the dangers of exposure."


    "Can you let me talk? Do you think I''d contact you if I didn''t have to? If anything, my problem is probably of your making," Zac growled as he produced a replica Sindris sigil he''d carved while taking with his contacts. "These people have popped up in the Zecia sector and seem interested in me. I need answers."


    Leandra said nothing for a while as her projection stared at the token. A small furrow had appeared on her face. She was worried, but Zac held no illusions her fears were for his safety. An unwee and seemingly unexpected variable had appeared, which threatened her undertaking.


    "Have they discovered you?"


    "Yes, they got a front-row seat to my breakthrough."


    "Careless. The eyes of the world are on your sector right now," Leandra said. "You should have understood your origin isn''t simple. One wrong step will lead to disaster. Remember your mission. Your sister will be struck down by the System if you die or get captured."


    "You don''t need to remind me," Zac said. "And it''s not like I had any option. The situation here is out of control. I did what I had to do to survive. I need you to tell me who these people are and whether they''re friends or foes."


    "Friend or foe" Leandra slowly said. "It''s impossible to say. I doubt even they know."


    "At least you''re not making it as cryptic as possible," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    "Fate''s hold" Leandra muttered as her gaze grew distant. The silence stretched for twenty seconds until she sighed. "Remaining ignorant and free from influence in these times might do more harm than good. It''s time you understood your origins."


    Zac''s heart shuddered. He''d been prepared to threaten Leandra with his assignment if she didn''te clean. Now, that seemed unnecessary. He didn''t say or show anything on his face, afraid of doing something that could change her mind. He silently waited while Leandra arranged her thoughts.


    "I''m sure you''ve pieced some things together already. You''re my son, but you''re also not. You carry the biological inheritance of the Kayar-Elu, but that''s less than a third of your gic makeup. It''s mostly a mix of two lineages, one of which is the owners of that token. The Fallen. The Sindris n.


    "Humanity and The Technocracy share amon origin; an ancient empire called the Selvari. We fought against the Limitless Empire, desperately trying to thwart their mad ambitions. The Kayar-Elu is a prime lineage of the Selvari, as were the Sindris n."


    <i>''The Fallen? They "were" a prime lineage?''</i>


    Leandra kept talking about the Sindris n in the past tense despite them being alive and well. Zac had a dozen questions at the tip of his tongue, but he kept his mouth shut as Leandra continued.


    "The Selvari fought long and hard, resisting the Limitless Empire for millions of years. Countless sons and daughtersid down their lives to protect our homnds while our researchers worked themselves to the bone in attempts to build stronger defenses against the onught. And yet, we were losing.


    "During the height of the war, a grievously wounded man appeared before the Technocracy Council. Despite his state, he emitted a terrifying aura that eclipsed even our forefathers. They had never seen anything like it. Except for one person. The Limitless Emperor. It seemed impossible, but the man actually stood before the council and introduced himself as such.


    "The council was ready toy down their lives to strike down their enemy, even if it meant tearing apart the fabric of reality. However, the Emperor said he came in peace. He imed he wasn''t the one who''d ruled over the Empire for the past eons. A man named Laondio Evrodok had usurped the throne and banished the original Emperor''s identity from the rivers of time and fate."


    Raging waves coursed through Zac''s heart from having multiple answers answered at once. He had to force down his racing thoughts to not miss anything as Leandra pressed on.


    "The ancestors wouldn''t believe such a fanciful story at face value, but some of his words were quickly proven. His identity was truly taboo, impossible to remember or store. To this day, we don''t know his name."


    "After much deliberation, the forefathers let the deposed Emperor stay with the Selvari. The Sindris n was chosen to guard him. Eventually, he gained the epithet ''Void Emperor,'' being the Emperor of nothing. It was also impossible to give him an actual name since it, too, would be erased.


    "The Void Emperor joining our ranks was the beginning of the end. At first, everything went well. His power was undeniable, and the intelligence he provided led to significant victories that gave the Selvari the breathing room needed to finalize life-saving projects. The deposed Emperor was also the one who first exposed Laondio''s ns for building the System.


    "After confirming it was true, the ancestors knew they faced an existential threat that couldn''t be avoided or ignored. They had to risk everything for the sake of the universe. They also built great arks to protect themon popce and keep the me of hope alive in case something went wrong.


    "The ancestors were running out of time, but a n was finally drawn up. The Selvari ancestors, the direct inheritors of the Technocrat Codex, were ready to sacrifice themselves to stop the Emperor''s experiment. The Void Emperor led them to the depths of his old Empire, using secret backdoors he''d left for himself. Everything was proceeding ording to n.


    "Then, disaster struck. At a critical juncture, the Void Emperor betrayed us. It led to the demise of most forefathers, including the Matriarch of the Kayar-Elu," Leandra said, her frosty expression veritably oozing with hatred. "The System was born soon after; you should know the rest by now. Our only sce is that the founders didn''t go down without a fight. The usurper was grievously wounded. Neither he nor the Void Emperor were seen after that cataclysmic battle over the Era''s direction.


    "Most likely, they became fuel for the System''s awakening, like the rest of the Empire''s upper echelon. After all, we can see that the Void Emperor''s unique constitution has be an integral part of the System''s growth algorithm."


    A pent-up breath escaped Zac''s lips. The exact details of that ancient past might have been lost, but what Leandra said lined up with Karz''s observations during histest bloodline vision. Reality already bent to Laondio''s will when they were Hegemons. He might really have been able to banish an identity when he reached the peak of his power.


    And it wasn''t like Zac never considered Leandra''s exnation of Karz''s final end. At first, Zac thought Karz was the Limitless Emperor because of his bloodline. That theory had taken a serious hit when the Void Priestess said his name was Laondio Evrodok. Since then, he''d brainstormed various answers, one being the one Leandra now presented.


    The Kayar-Elu didn''t want Karz''s bloodline to use the Limitless Emperor''s authority as a backdoor. They wanted the Void Emperor bloodline because it was the bloodline of the System itself. It simply made sense. Zac remembered the desire the System exhibited any time he offered a Glimpse of Chaos. Wasn''t it the same as the endless hunger of Karz''s bloodline?


    "The Selvari almost copsed with the System''s birth," Leandra continued. "We had just lost our greatest minds and leaders, and the providence of the Heavens was being robbed. The only option left was to hide in the seams of reality, waiting for a day when we could return. The Void Emperor became the greatest sinner, and the Sindris Family got a share of the me."


    Zac was about to ask why, but Leandra raised her hand to let her finish.


    "The Sindris n was chosen for two reasons. For one, they were one of the three strongest ns of the Selvari, and their homeworld was our strongest fortress. Secondly, they inherited a technology that rendered them almost unkible. If the Void Emperor suddenlyunched an attack, they''d survive long enough to call for help.


    "The Sindris Founder was one of only three founders to survive, and his state was much better than the others. One died during the dark ages, and the other burned her soul to help erect Sanctuary."


    "Spection of betrayal soon flourished as we toiled in the darkness. It wasn''t just blind scapegoating. The Void Emperor stayed with the Sindris Family for five hundred thousand years before everything went wrong, even marrying one of the Sindris Patriarch''s daughters."


    "Wait" Zac said, his eyes widening with realization.


    "Yes, your biological father is from the Sindris n and a direct descendant of the Void Emperor."

 Chapter 1165: Exchange

    <h4>Chapter 1165: Exchange</h4>


    Zac felt like distant explosions were going off his mind. Leandra had severely misunderstood him when dropping such a bomb on him. He''d just remembered the archaic aura emitted from the Technocrat who saved his life and wanted to ask whether the Sindris n descendants also possessed the Void Emperor bloodline.


    "You cannot be surprised your lineage isn''t from Earth?" Leandra frowned upon seeing Zac''s shocked face.


    "Of course not," Zac said after taking a calming breath. "StillI I actually have a biological father?"


    "Synthetic life is cursed with imperfection," Leandra said. "At least with the current limitations of the Heavens. For our undertaking to work, we couldn''t rely on a crafted homunculus with the correct gic makeup. Instead, we found a Sindris descendant matching our requirements and bolstered his genes with innumerable infusions."


    Zac inwardly shuddered at Leandra''s unfeeling description of what had to be mass abduction and experimentation on the Sindris n''s descendants to replicate Karz''s DNA. It wasn''t just Leandra who had be a cold-blooded zealot after losing her family. It seemed to run in the family.


    "And among the Kayar-Elu, I was chosen to carry you," Leandra continued.


    Zac wasn''t sure what to think about the revtion. Ever since the day Leandra brought Kenzie away, he''d essentially considered himself a test-tube baby born in some ndestine Technocratboratory. It had weighed on his mind for a long time, but it had also been liberating. It freed him from any Karmic fetters that would hold him back in his mission to rescue his sister.


    To find that Leandra not only was his birth mother but that he even had a biological father left his heart unsettled.


    "Then my father"


    "Your father left the Sindris n long before he joined our cause, and I can guarantee he''s not involved in your current situation. Don''t see him as a new backer to rely on. Any outside influence will only chain you down and narrow your path."


    "I''ve seen the way the Kayar-Elu operate." Zac scoffed. "I''d be surprised if he survived, having lost his usefulness."


    Leandra said nothing for a few seconds, calmly returning Zac''s stare. "If you wish to know the truth, you''ll have to find it in our hidden bases."


    Zac should have expected Leandra to use the opportunity to hook another sinker into him. This time, it wouldn''t work. Even if his father were still out there, what did it matter? Their connection was no different than that of a child and a sperm donor. Robert Atwood was his true father, so Zac felt nothing beyond an idle curiosity about this Sindris defector. Zac was far more concerned about the rest of the Sindris n.


    "Does that mean there''s more of them out there? People with my bloodline?" Zac asked.


    "No. The Void Emperor never passed on his bloodline, either by design or because of unknown restrictions. The Sindris n spent an unfathomable amount of time and effort trying to reintroduce the Void Emperor''s ability among their descendants by any and all methods. They only managed to create cheap mimicries in the end. However, these efforts became a critical part of our endeavor. Your Sindris heritage became the bridge preventing rejection when we fused it with the real Void Emperor bloodline," Leandra said.


    "Where did you get the Void Emperor''s bloodline if he never left it behind?" Zac asked.


    "From the Sindris n, of course. No other Selvari family would have ess to it."


    "What?" Zac said. "Didn''t you say he didn''t pass it on? What''s going on?"


    "As I said, the Void Emperor joined the Sindris n on the council''s orders. The union between the Void Emperor and Naeva Sindris was a political marriage meant to give him a sense of belonging by creating a lineage. Ultimately, it''s more urate to say the Void Emperor assimted the Sindris n than the other way around. His immense power was enough to raise a personal faction within the family, one loyal to him rather than the Technocracy.


    "After the Selvari Empire''s tragic loss, the Sindris n couldn''t be trusted. However, they were too powerful to eradicate. The Selvari lost too much in that defeat, and the Dark Age had arrived. Ultimately, the Sindris n was exiled, and their banishment remains to this day. They''re The Fallen, hiding in the Utmost Expanse at the edge of reality. Most have already forgotten their existence, even among the Selvari.


    "Of course, the Kayar-Elu and the other founding families remembered. How could we ever forget? Eonster, the greatest Technomancer since the Founding Matriarch was born in the Kayar-Elu n. He created the foundations for what would be the Root Compact Project. A method to heal this broken sky.


    "That great sage knew the Void Emperor''s bloodline was the key to achieving our goals. Our ancestors worked long and hard to find and infiltrate the Sindris n, at which point we discovered their simr experiments. At first, we thought we''d hit a wall after seeing how little their extensive efforts had yielded. However, just as we were about to give up, one of our spies happened on an incredible secret.


    "The Sindris Founder didn''t return empty-handed from the Limitless Empire. He''d somehow stolen a drop of the Void Emperor''s Eternal Essence Blood. It was this drop that was the origin of their synthetic bloodline experiments.


    "Suffice to say, we eventually seeded in taking the Essence Blood away, but getting the drop of blood wasn''t enough. The Sindris n''s repeated failures proved just how daunting our goal was. Reintroducing the Void Emperor''s bloodline to the world had proven insurmountable; fusing it with our heritage was impossible. Despite millions of years of ceaseless effort, we eventually hit a wall. However, Firmament''s Edge approached us about another inconceivable project at that time."


    "The Digital Nexus."


    "Just so," Leandra nodded. "Firmament''s Edge had hit a wall, just like us. They couldn''t continue their research, as such a taboo subject would attract the ire of the Heavens. The Kayar-Elu are unmatched at dealing with such problems, so they reluctantly approached us."


    "Reluctantly?"


    "The Technocracy is unified against outsiders, but there''s internal strife like with all other factions," Leandra said. "A different coalition than ours founded Firmament''s Edge, so they would obviously be reluctant to expose their most precious technology to us. Simrly, we weren''t enthused by the idea of exposing our core heritage to improve another faction''s invention.


    "However, the more we learned about the Digital Nexus, the more we understood the Root Compact and the Digital Nexus were meant to be together. Each project was imperfect on its own, even if we overcame our bottlenecks. The Digital Nexus could only guide and mold. Even if imnted into an Eonic Seed of unmatched talents, it would only result in a being at the Forefather''s level. Perhaps slightly abovestill far from awakening a Machine God that could contend with the System.


    "Our n had simr limitations. Our heritage could hide the Void Emperor''s bloodline as he grew under the Cursed Heavens. However, the System has continuously expanded its power since its inception. It''s stronger and smarter than when weunched our undertaking, and it kept growing while we hit roadblocks. We feared the System would have changed so much by the time we finished the Root Compact that it wouldn''t recognize the Void Emperor bloodline.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "But together, they could break the status quo."


    "Only the Void Emperor, with his unlimited potential, could fully take advantage of the Nexus''s abilities. Only the Digital Nexus could let the Selvari''s champion surpass all predecessors, including the original Void Emperor, by truly perfecting the Dao. Each would be one half of the whole, the Zero Affinity Container facing the Heavens while the Digital Nexus grew in the dark. Furthermore, only the Digital Nexus could integrate the Void Emperor''s Essence Blood without killing you.


    "It''s fair to say we became too greedy, tantly ignoringws and heavenly trajectories to achieve our goals. We believed we''d only get one chance at shattering the Heavens, so we chose to take the risk."


    Leandra looked at Zac, and a mix of emotions flickered in her usually impassive eyeshope, anger, disappointment, resentment.


    "You wouldn''t just shatter the false dome obscuring the Heavens. You would break through the Terminus and usher in an era of prosperity. Now, it''s all for nothing. All for nothing..."


    "So why aren''t you leaving Kenzie alone? Like you said, she can''t aplish what you''re hoping for with her limitations. And in case you haven''t noticed, the System has already corrupted my bloodlineI can''t gain affinities. Your n will never work," Zac frowned.


    "You think we should just stop, give up, after all we''ve sacrificed?" Leandra said. "Our ancestors toiled generation after generation. Impossible is not an option. Even if I''m doomed to fail, your sister will carry on the torch of hope. One day, our work will pay off."


    Zac sighed, knowing it was pointless to press this matter. Truthfully, he could appreciate Leandra''s steadfast determination to achieve the dream of her ancestors and give their sacrifice meaning.


    "What about the Sindris n of today?"


    "I assume they came to Zecia in search of the Essence Blood, though I doubt they expected to find it inside a living container. I am surprised they appeared at all. As far as I know, they gave up their investigation over 200 million years ago. I assume they''ve discovered some clues through my pursuers."


    Zac''s mind was a mess, but he could tell the projection was weakening. Leandra had decided to finally put the cards on the table, so he needed to get more answers before she disappeared.


    "The Void Emperor''s exile was fake all along?" Zac asked.


    "Who knows?" Leandra said. "It''s impossible to say what went through his head. Perhaps he was the real Emperor''s agent. Perhaps he used the Selvari to achieve his goals, only to fall to Laondio''s schemes. The history surrounding the System''s awakening is imperfect and iplete. Worrying about it will not solve your current predicament."


    "So you robbed the heritage of the Sindris n and abducted their people to perform your crazy experiment. And now, I have to deal with the fallout?" Zac muttered.


    "Don''t y the martyr," Leandra countered. "All you''ve aplished is only made possible by our ''crazy experiment.'' Would Earth be safe if not for our gift? Would you be able topete for opportunities like the fifth Pir''s Ascent? You were given everything, and the Kayar-Elu paid the price. Dealing with some loose ends is the least you can do."


    Zac took a calming breath before answering. "What do the Sindris family want? Kill me? Capture me? Help me?"


    "As I said, it''s impossible to tell. The Kayar-Elu''s infiltration of the Sindris n took ce over thousands of generations before me. What little I know of their current circumstanceses from your father," Leandra said. "Simply put, they are divided. One faction wishes to return to the fold, and they might see you as the key to achieving that."


    "Is Firmament''s Edge looking for me?"


    "They shouldn''t be. You should be presumed dead. No, you were dead. I don''t know how you survived that day. How you returned," Leandra said, a hint of apprehension appearing in her eyes as she looked at Zac.


    "But since the Sindris n recognized me, they might find out sooner orter," Zac surmised.


    "Most likely," Leandra nodded. "Your aura is unrecognizable from your original state, but they would still not let you go if they found out."


    "I always expected as much," Zac sighed. "What about the other Sindris faction?"


    "They remain loyal to their ''Supreme Ancestor'' to this day, despite the damage the Void Emperor caused. They''re even hostile to the Technocracy, believing we unfairly pushed the me on them after the mission failed."


    "Kind of sounds like you did," Zac muttered. "So, the one who gave me the token might be a loyalist? Would they be friendly, then?"


    "Friendly?" Leandra said with a raised brow. "There is only power and benefits in this world. You''re still a tool in their eyes. The only thing that differs is their goal. As for what that is, I cannot say. Ultimately, it doesn''t matter which faction those you encountered belong to. You shouldn''t get mixed up with them. They can''t help you with your mission."


    "I''ll be careful," Zac said, quickly continuing when he saw Leandra''s form fading. "Wait! There''s one more thing. I think I encountered a wisp of will of the Limitless Emperor, the usurper, inside the fortress. What should I do?"


    "Getting mixed up with that entity will not end well," Leandra said as her body disappeared. "Some believe the Limitless Emperor cannot truly die since he''s be a fulcrum of the Era, but his influence in the present should be extremely limited. The Dark Age was a cmity, but it''s also protecting our age by trapping some dangerous existences in the past."


    "So what should I do now?"


    "I have provided the necessary context. The path forward is still yours to decide."


    The token dimmed and shattered, leaving Zac''s eyes wide with rm. Had their conversation overdrafted the token, or had Leandra intentionally severed their connection? Either case, it looked like this would be thest time he saw his mother until he tracked her down. Or at least until he visited her hidden base inside Sanctuary.


    Her exnation at the end left more questions than answers. She hadn''t seemed overly worried, but his encounter with Laondio''s lingering will felt far more ominous now. Was the Emperor''s help just raising another pig to the ughter? While Karz provided the Daos, would Laondio have Zac provide the Voids?


    Was that what the repeated warnings to ''Beware the Terminus'' meant? Was it a lingering wisp of Karz''s will, trying to protect a descendant from meeting the same end? n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The notion made Zac shudder, but the fact that she felt confident staying on the sidelines was good news. Leandra was adamant aboutpleting her n''s undertaking, which he was once a critical part of. He didn''t believe she wanted him dead since that would squander a resource that could prove useful in the future.


    Zac wanted to stay angry at his mother for what she''d done, for betraying his childhood memories. It was getting increasingly difficult. No matter her intentions, it was undeniable she''d helped him time and time again.


    He still didn''t know why that Sindris descendant gave him the beacon or token, but knowing her background and their connection was enough for now. He would have to figure out the rest if their paths crossed again.


    As for what exactly happened between Karz and Laondio, it still was impossible to say. Leandra''s guesses were as good as his, even if his visions gave him unique insight. His Dao Vision showed how Laondio might have usurped Karz''s throne, but it was entirely possible Karz was a traitor as well.


    Karz''s harsh origins had left him cynical, looking at the world in terms of benefits and threats. Laondio''s n to build the System could have interfered with Karz''s goal of surpassing the Heavens through his bloodline. It would have made sense to join the Selvari at that point since they were the only ones strong enough to oppose the Limitless Empire.


    It was even possible that Karz approached the Selvari Forefathers with the sole intention of consuming them. He''d mentioned that the demands on resources grew along with his strength. The Selvari Founders were among the most powerful beings in existence, so Karz might have considered them and their inventions the perfect fuel to take the next step of his cultivation.


    Zac had a harder time understanding the origin of the title ''Void Emperor.'' Did his bloodline''s name reallye from a sarcastic nickname? Zac refused to believe it, even if there weren''t any hints of Void Energy in his Bloodline Visions. There was more at y, beyond the fact he was literally a Void Cultivator.


    Karz might not cultivate Void Energy, but he was a lot like the true Void Mountain. In every Era, the Dao eventually copsed to be rebuilt atop the ancient foundations of the Void. Karz was the same. His existence was just like the birth of an Era. He started with nothing but a solid foundation, on which his personal Heaven steadily grew moreplete.


    That theory could also exin what the ''corruption'' meant. Like Karz, Zac started at zero affinities, which was theoretically impossible. However, while Karz grew toward the Heavens, Zac''s bloodline dug into the soil toward the Void. Perhaps his Void Affinities were steadily growing as he progressed; he just didn''t have any good method to measure it.


    An urgent vibration from his spatial ring snapped Zac out of his thoughts. His followers knew he was busy, so they wouldn''t call him if it weren''t important.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "Y-Young lord! The exchange, it''s" Ilvere''s frantic voice came from the other end.


    "The exchange?" Zac said, shooting to his feet in anger. "Has someone broken through a battlefront?!"


    "No, it''s the Merit! It''s unbelievable!"


    "Oh, the Acheron Company is participating in an important battle. I''m sure it''s awarded more than" Zac said with some annoyance, but Ilvere cut him off.


    "What kind of operation awards millions of Faction Merit? Are our people safe?"


    "It''s still too early todid you say millions?"

 Chapter 1166: Nouveau Riche

    <h4>Chapter 1166: Nouveau Riche</h4>


    Zac crashed through the Merit Exchange''s doors with such momentum the guards believed they were under attack. They exhaled in relief upon seeing it was just Zac rushing toward the side room holding the Faction Exchange. On his way over, Zac had already confirmed his merit had taken a great leap.


    <strong>[mebearer of Zecia (Campaign, Inheritance (2/?)): umte 500,000 Merit through Fated mebearer Campaign Missions within your faction. Conquer one Middle D-grade end node. Reward: Lesser Enlightenment. (1,513,389/500,000)(1/1)]</strong>


    In less than 40 minutes, the quest had jumped by another 750,000 Merit, almost doubling his total progress. The only possibility was that he''d been awarded contribution when the <strong>[Centurion Spear] </strong>hit the Worldfort. But why so much? He''d already confirmed the maximum reward in early D-grade was double that of peak E-grade, meaning 250,000 contribution per instance.


    Then what counted as a separate instance? Warlin mentioned the spear had taken out a whole armada and multiple instations along with the Worldfort. Not to mention all the Kan''Tanu hiding inside. If they counted as separate instances, shouldn''t the merit have been much higher? Had the tower taken out two more major Kan''Tanu strongholds before running out of steam?


    Was it still going?


    The door of the Faction Merit room closed behind Zac, who lunged for the floating crystal like a starving beast. Ilvere wouldn''t have said ''millions'' if the Atwood Empire had only earned the same amount as he. Zac''s heart hammered with anticipation as the blue screen popped up. However, even with his hopes high, Zac couldn''t possibly have anticipated the number waiting for him.


    <strong>[Faction Merit: 62,505,179/62,632,517]</strong>


    A buzz filled Zac''s ears, and he felt faint as he read the line over and over to confirm he wasn''t dreaming. He''d expected the mission to count toward Faction Merit since capturing the fortress was part of a collective mission for the frontlines. But what was this number? Around Six million would have made sense if the System awarded Emily, Bubbur, and Gu as much merit as him and counted all that toward the Atwood Empire. This was ten times that already optimistic number.


    Wasn''t Faction Merit capped like individual merit?


    Zac''s mouth opened and closed a few times before a deep p echoed through the room. He''d pped his cheeks before he spiraled out of control. He''d already nned on passing the exchange on his way back to the Cmity Company to turn in his quest and get the follow-up. The shocking number had thrown that matter to the back of his mind, and the good news just kepting.


    The sixty-two million Faction Merit wasn''t the only surprise. Every item in the exchange had seen a significant price reduction after a new feature was added: a factiondder. The windfall had unsurprisingly catapulted the Atwood Empire to the peak of all Early D-grade factions.


    Before, the Atwood Empire probably wasn''t even in the top ten thousand. If you counted Faction Merit per citizen or Battlefront, the Atwood Empire would already have beenpeting for the top position. However, they were ultimately a small faction, even among Early D-grade forces.


    There was nock of organizations that had spent eons growing horizontally after failing to nurture Middle Hegemons. There were also declining factions who''d been pushed down from Middle D-grade yet still had the raw numbers of a higher-grade force. Some had hundreds of billions of members across multiples. Even performing at 1%pared to the Atwood Empire would let them rue Faction Merit faster.


    True to form, the System cared for high performers like a loving mother while the ordinary were left to fend for themselves. Their ranking came with a t markdown of 30% in the Faction Exchange. The second-ce holder got 20%, the third 15%, and the rest of the top ten enjoyed 10%. Everyone else had to pay full price. Unfortunately, Zac didn''t see the same phenomenon in his individual exchange, even if his gain should have catapulted him to the first position.


    Zac had to sit down and calm his racing heart. It wasn''t easy. He''d told Ilvere not to worry about the merit before hanging up, but Zac felt feverish as he began analyzing his options from every angle. Like Karz once said, they were limitless.


    He''d already calcted his expenses. His breakthrough into Middle Hegemony would cost around 200,000 Merit if he purchased everything hecked through the Limited Exchange. He could cut that number down even further by getting some of the required materials from the Alliance Treasury.


    That left him with around 1,400,000 merit, enough to purchase almost any listing on the Limited Exchange. Sure, it was far from enough for the <strong>[Celestial Aperture Constetion]</strong>, which cost 12,500,000, but that treasure was useless to Zac anyway.


    However, 1,500,000 merit was enough to afford three of the top ten treasures. All of them were extraordinary items, with only one in stock, representing an earth-shattering opportunity. Zac doubted even the ancient treasures brought from the fortress couldpare.


    Zac hadn''t even dared think about those items until now. Just scrounging up enough merit for his Middle D-grade breakthrough before he reached level 175 would have been a daunting task. Now, he suddenly had the capital to either get one of these items or get something simr from the Middle D-grade exchange after breaking through. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The situation with the Faction Merit was even more absurd. Upgrading a''s energy was, by far, the most expensive item in the exchange. Even then, upgrading his two worlds would only cost around eight million after the leaderboard discount. He could even upgrade Earth to Late D-grade with almost half their merit to spare.


    Seizing and relocating Peak E-grades from the Kan''Tanu''s sector could be considered a rounding error. He could even snatch Early D-grade worlds wholesale. By the time the assimtion came around, the Atwood Empire could already have hundreds of worlds under its banner.


    You only needed one Late D-grade and a handful of middle D-grades to create a proper hierarchy. Any talents discovered on the lower-grade worlds would be funneled to academies and cultivation grounds on the upper worlds, while Earth would be the Atwood Empire''s holynd.


    And if the rewards were this generous for activating the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>, what if he managed to activate the Centurion Beacon and summon the Foreign Gods? It wasn''t unthinkable to turn Earth into a C-grade continent if he could have them wreak havoc on the Zurbor sector.


    Zac''s breath grew ragged as he envisioned a glorious future, but he quickly reined himself in. While they had the money, expanding too quickly would only bring about their own destruction. Neither he nor his subordinates were strong enough to protect such arge domain.


    That wasn''t just true after Earth''s 100-year grace period ended. The mores he added to his faction, the more battlefronts he''d have to defend. And if he upgraded Earth, the System would regrade it and send stronger enemies their way. His faction wasn''t ready. They''d have to draw up a roadmap of sustainable growth, bncing consolidation and expansion.


    Still, upgrading Earth was a priority. Middle D-grades didn''t juste with more energy. Its spirituality would grow stronger, making it easier tomunicate with the Dao. More cultivators would be born, and bottlenecks would be crossed with greater ease. It might be the difference between having 50 and 500 new Hegemons by the time he left for Ultom.


    However, Zac needed to pass one checkpoint before pulling the trigger; finishing his shipyard quest. That, in turn, required him to be a Middle Hegemon. It was thest checkbox for the Atwood Empire to cross before being considered a Middle D-grade faction. At that point, he could upgrade his shipyard ands together. With top-quality Middle D-grade Cosmic Vessels defending his Battlefront Arrays, he almost dared the Kan''Tanu to invade his empire.


    There would be a hump before the first ships rolled off the production line, but that could be tided over by purchasing battlements inside the Faction Exchange. Even if the items were limited in quantity and of middling quality, they were Middle D-grade War Machines.


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    Zac gradually calmed down as he drew up the outlines of a path forward. There were a lot of details and moving parts that needed to be fine-tuned, but he had capable subordinates for that. His time was better spent on cultivation.


    Fate had already put him in the crosshairs of one mebearer, and there was no telling when the next one would crop up. At that point, Zac wouldn''t have a copsing tower, bloodline breakthroughs, or mysterious Technocrats to save him. He needed to reach a level where he didn''t need to rely on gimmicks to survive encounters at that level.


    The<strong> [mebearer of Zecia] </strong>quest was the first step in that direction, so Zac spent the next ten minutes observing blueprints for skills and his Cosmic Core. The reward for his mebearer quest was "Lesser Enlightenment," though there was no exnation of what lesser meant. It might be nothing, but the System could consider the partial seal impartments lesser enlightenment for all he knew.


    Zac really hoped that were the case. He still had trouble pulling the gun on his finishers and pathbound skills, feeling there was room for improvement. He couldn''t hold off any longer. His opponents were Middle Hegemons or greater, and E-grade skills simply didn''t cut it. Zac had been aware of the problem for a while, but his fight with Yselio was the nail in the coffin. They had barely been enough to create a distraction, let alone pose an actual threat.


    Originally, Zac nned to use the quest reward for at least one finisher in each ss. If there were any inspiration left over, he''d try to set the foundation for transforming <strong>[Thousand Lights Chapter] </strong>into <strong>[Thousand Axes Chapter]</strong>. His experience in the Tribtion Throne had thrown a wrench in those ns. Ensuring he had a working Middle D-grade Core Blueprint took precedence.


    Soon, everything was in ce, and Zac infused his will into the crystal to turn in the quest. Streaks of light emerged from within and time ground to a halt. Zac found his soul inundated with the utmost rity of Ultom. It couldn''t be described in the same breath as the tainted enlightenment of the Lost ne''ske water, reaching halfway to the illumination of a true seal.


    Thousands of ideas and avenues sprouted like a field of blooming flowers, each emitting an enticing fragrance one could get lost in. With Zac''sprehensive cultivation system, issues and roadblocks were always umting in the back of his head, waiting for an epiphany to break the stalemate.


    Zac dispersed all distracting thoughts as he focused on his Cosmic Core. It only took a nce for the secrets of the inexplicable alterations to beid bare before him. Compared to the old pathways, it was like looking at two routes to a destination. Both would take him where he needed to go, but his old pathing now felt like a circuitous route taking rural roads. The changes hadn''t turned his core into an expressway, but their road was mostly straight.


    Mapping out the necessary alterations for his Middle D-grade blueprint came so easily and effortlessly Zac was almost dragged out of the epiphany. It didn''t take the enlightenment of an Eternal Heritage to figure out whythe Tribtion Throne''s realignment and the light in his Soul Aperture shared amon origin.


    He should have realized that Ultom''s light was rted to the Four Laws and the One Destiny. They were pinnacle truths despitecking even a shred of Dao. Most likely, thews were static, remaining the same across the Eras, which exined why the insights of such an ancient heritage worked without issue in the present.


    More than two-thirds of the light remained in Zac''s Soul Aperture by the time he''d memorized his new blueprint. Zac kept going, moving to the next item on the docket. His internal gaze moved toward <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgment]</strong>, but it suddenly stopped at a skill that had fallen long since into disuse<strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>.


    There was nothing wrong with the skill. It was among the best skills he''d gotten from outside sources. It was also very flexible, providing different benefits depending on what avatar Zac picked. The skill''s issuey in the simple fact that it filled the same role as <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong>, and he couldn''t use both simultaneously.


    After he formalized his path andbat style inside the Orom World, it simply didn''t make much sense to use <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>. The other harmonized with his technique and Daos far better. But what if he didn''t need to choose between one or the other?


    What type of ability did his Draugr side have that Evolutionary Precursorcked? A skill like <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong>. What if instead of transforming his attacks with aspects of supremacy, he instead transforms himself? Like his Evolutionary Stance, he would be everchanging and unpredictable as he evolved during a battle.


    A new road opened up before Zac''s eyes, and he eagerly followed it to the end. Everything superfluous was shed while the essence was expanded and aligned with his path. A beautiful web of possibility quickly took form, and Zac had to resist an almost unstoppable desire to immediately turn theory into reality. Instead, he memorized the reborn Skill Fractal before moving on to the original target.


    <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgment] </strong>packed quite a punch, but Zac felt it too unwieldy and telegraphed for battles at the D-grade. A skilled enemy would have time to figure out a counter-attack unless he used Void Energy to trigger it. The skill''s second stage was also useless when fighting in the air. The upgrade needed to be faster, more ruthless and unpredictable. Like a predator going in for the kill the moment the prey''s throat was exposed.


    A million ideas were born and discarded as Zac closed in on the solutions he sought, and thest motes of light dissipated just as a third skill fractal waspleted. Zac opened his eyes, and a wide smile spread across his face. He would have considered the epiphany a sess so long as he fixed his Cosmic Core blueprint. Anything beyond that was a wee bonus.


    The revtion of Ultom''s true nature was a godsend. It had essentially confirmed there wasn''t anything wrong with his alignment. As far as Ultom was concerned, the changes were pure improvements. His Cosmic Core had moved closer to a state of harmony with the Cosmos, like the difference between a man-made array and a natural formation. The Limitless Emperor could still have his reasons for lending a helping hand, but this step, at least, wouldn''t cause problems for his cultivation.


    Returning to the Four Laws'' embrace through Ultom also answered a question Zac didn''t know he had. Walking the path of the Void did not sh with aligning with the Four Laws. While the Void wasn''t under the purview of the Heavens, it still followed the fundamentalws of the universe. A Minor Epiphany was insufficient to grasp anything more tangible, but that was enough.


    Zac hade away like a bandit, figuring out upgrades for the strongest attacks of his two sses, <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgment]</strong> and <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong>. Both fractals had seen enough change to warrant a new name, but it was nothingpared to <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>''s transformation.


    While not nned, it was long overdue Zac added some skills to his Human ss to fill its gaps. The skillset of Inexorable Apostle had already been expanded with <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> and <strong>[Fatehew]</strong>, two amazing skills that had been formed with the help of Supremacies. Meanwhile, his Human side only had <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong>, which was still stuck in E-grade.


    Unless Zac had been deluding himself during his elevated state, <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> had turned into something that could boost his whole ss, depending on which avatar he chose. The exact details would remain unclear until he performed the upgrade.


    Unfortunately, now was not the time. Zac could feel a low vibration rising through the floor on the ancient warship, and a gentle chime echoed through the Cultivation Chamber. It was a wake-up call designed to drag all passengers from meditation because the ship was about to jump. Cultivating while crossing dimensions was normally fine, but it was another matter when subspace was crammed full of chaotic energy left from the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>.


    Back in the Merit Exchange, Zac took out pieces of wood and carved replicas of the four new designs. It was a way to confirm his idea and better understand the theories behind the pathing. After finishing, he got to his feet and touched the crystal, prompting the next step of his quest to appear.


    <strong>[The me of Hope (Campaign, Inheritance): Find the breach inside the Eternal Storm. Light the Centurion Beacon. Reward: Seal of the Left Imperial Pce. (0/2)]</strong>


    Zac looked at the quest with mixed emotions. He''d been hesitant whether he should actually try to awaken the slumbering guardians left by the Limitless Empire, even if the potential gains were insane. They could be the key to saving Zecia, but the road to hell was paved with good intentions. There was a chance he''d be inviting a far greater threat than the Kan''Tanu by messing with that ancient piece of history.


    Now, it looked like he didn''t have much choice but to activate the beacon. But how was he supposed to find a breach to the Lost ne inside the Eternal Storm? It seemed orders of magnitude more difficult than finding a needle in a haystack. Thankfully, there was still time, and the answers could be waiting inside the <strong>[Foreign Gods] </strong>tome he looted. He''d only go when he was good and ready and after the Yphelion had been upgraded tote D-grade.


    A sudden great heave inside the ancient warship almost threw Zac into the ceiling. The Dravorak Dynasty had set out, meaning they were about to reach the fortress base. Zac''s Draugr half returned to his Cultivation Cave to upgrade his skill after making a single purchase in the Faction Exchange.


    It was an added module for 50,000, allowing rankers on the localdder to hide their exact merit like on the sector-wide one. Zac had always wanted that feature to hide his progress from all the spies, but he couldn''t motivate such a high expenditure with their limited resources. Now, it was definitely worth it.


    Meanwhile, his human half got to his feet and stepped out from the cultivation chamber. He was worried, unsure what scene would greet them after passing through. The <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> had blown up a Worldfort and kept going, proving just how dangerous the energies he unleashed were.


    Would there be anything but scorched rubble waiting for them?

 Chapter 1167: Cleanup

    <h4>Chapter 1167: Cleanup</h4>


    Zac found Emily and the others sitting with a handful of soldiers in themon area upon emerging. The neers wore the surcoats of the Dravorak guard, though they could have been cousins of the burly men of the Muscle Brigade. They were from the same rough stock, bearing barely any resemnce to the Royal Guard he''d seen before.


    Their clothes were scuffed, bloodied, and dirty, carrying the mark of intense battle. Their strength was quite varied, ranging from Late E-grade to the peak of Middle Hegemony. All emitted an air of ughter, one that even outshone the strongest soldiers of his elite squads.


    Zac wryly smiled as he walked over. Birds of a feather, indeed. "Hello."


    "It''s the Deviantuh, greetings, lord," the Middle Hegemon said, giving an awkward salute. "I''m Tirbas, under the Iron Wall. Sorry about barging in and all."


    "That''s fine," Zac said as he thumped down, not even a little surprised these rough-looking men were subordinates of the towering general from before. "Still calling me a deviant, though? Shouldn''t I have earned a new nickname by now?"


    "I think it fits. Only an absolute deviant would manage to blow up a Worldfort in Early D-grade," Emily grinned, eliciting nods of agreement.


    "Whatever," Zac sighed. "What are you guys up to?"


    "Your disciple and our new friends here have updated us on your activities since we got stuck," Average grinned. "You deserve to be the star of our generation. How about it? Pretty lives up to her name, right? Why not turn our friendship into a blood bond?"


    "You''re selling out your cousin like that?" Zacughed, shaking his head. "Never mind my dating life. How''s the situation outside?"


    "Everything''s fine," Tirbas said. "We''re just waiting."


    "For what? The Everfast Monarch?"


    "Nah, the big boss has already moved on, it looks like," another Dravorak soldier grinned. "You beat him to the punch, I guess."


    "What?" Zac said with confusion.


    "The spear identally killed two Kan''Tanu Monarchs before setting off for the Warfort!" Averageughed. "They were apparently hiding within the storm between dimensions when we activated the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>, searching for a way to seize the whole fortress without the whole thing imploding. Only scraps are left of them now."


    "The Goldcloaks are already ransacking their crumbling worlds before it''s toote."


    "The Royal Guard," another soldier exined upon seeing Zac''s nk look.


    "That''s not the only thing," Emily added. "After destroying the Worldfort, the spear seems to have continued into the <strong>[Million Gates Territory]</strong>. Powerful energy fluctuations were recorded further within, so it might have struck something else. We''re still waiting for scouts to bring back news."


    "It passed right through the Worldfort, so blowing up another base or two is definitely possible," Zac slowly said, hiding the unease he suddenly felt.


    He didn''t really care what happened inside the Million Gates territory. His worry came from the fact that the numbers suddenly didn''t add up. The two Monarchs should have died by the time he escaped the tower, before he first checked the progress of his quest. Which meant he either didn''t get merit from either their or Yselio''s deaths.


    Since he received merit from the Worldfort, the same should have been true for the Monarchs. Did that mean Yselio was alive? He''d never heard of tricking people with fake Kill Energy, but there were all kinds of techniques out there. Or was the problem that Yselio died by a Technocrat''s hand, rendering the bounty invalid? Zac sincerely hoped it was thetter.


    Otherwise, there was a vengeful Imperial Prince out there, one who knew the secret of his bloodline.


    "So we''re waiting for them to finish?" Zac said, putting forth a calm front.


    "Not really. The death of a Monarch always creates a mess, what with their Inner Worlds spilling into the surroundings. The chaos is even worse with thesehersted cultists who carry Heart Curses. Those C-grade parasites are extremely resilient. They''re still struggling after being ripped apart," Tirbas exined. "Then there''s the fortress that''s still firing on all cylinders. The two are actually fighting each other, so we''re just waiting for the dust to settle before starting the clean-up."


    <i>''The fortress base is essentially a life raft now. The Gathering Arrays were part of the tower, and the base''s energy stockpiles were depleted long before we arrived. That''s why charging the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> took so long,'' </i>Gu exined through a mental message.


    "What about the people stuck in the fortress?"


    "There are at least 400 life signatures spread through the base," Tirbas said. "No way to tell who''s friendly and who needs killing yet, though."


    Zac nodded with relief. Ra''Klid wasn''t necessarily among the 400 strongest among those who''d reached the fortress base, but he had a unique advantage through his seal. The Mavai Chieftain should be fine unless he''d gotten himself killed before he activated the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong>.


    "Actually, we should get going," the burly Dravorak soldier said. "You probably should avoid any more touring. Most of the bosses are off dealing with this mess, so some of the brownnosers might get the idea to try something. Some of them are pretty strong."


    The Dravorak bowed and walked out in file, leaving just their group behind.


    "Touring?" Zac asked with a raised brow.


    "Oh, most of us got bored, so we toured the ce and ran into those brothers. The soldiers were a lot more talkative now that we''re wartime heroes," Average grinned.


    "Found out anything useful?"


    "Lots of things. For one, this ship is a gift from a mysterious outside force. The Havaroks were the ones handing it over, but the Dravorak were the actual recipients. Those princelings from before are apparently not very happy about it."


    "Yeah, I assumed it was something like that. This ship is too advanced to appear in Zecia," Zac nodded.


    "No kidding," Average said. "If the Dravorak Dynasty would have been even more overbearing before if they had this thing."


    "I guess the outsiders are trying to form Karma with this sector through gifts. Anything else?"


    "Well, there''s a war base aboard, so we got ourselves registered," Average continued, his smile growing wider. "Thedder will see a big change in a couple of hours. You better watch your back, boss."


    "That good, huh?" Zac smiled.


    "Don''t be shocked, but I got 250,000 Merit as a sign-on bonus. We all did."


    Zac couldn''t help but nce at Emily, who looked at Average and the Muscle Brigade pityingly. As expected, she didn''t think the reward was too impressive. While they got three or four instances of merit, the unregistered only got one. The System had clearly capped their pre-registration contribution, just like Zac''s during the events in the Void Star.


    By all means, 250,000 was a huge number. It shouldn''t be enough to enter top ten, but top fifty was essentially guaranteed. It was also enough to outfit them with useful treasures to keep their momentum going. Between the Peak Family''s resources and the things they brought back from the fortress, these warriors would keep soaring higher into the sky.


    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He was more curious about Emily''s situation, even if this wasn''t the time to ask. Truth be told, she hadn''t really been a critical part of the operation. However, the operation was worth 62,000,000 Faction Merit, which was harder to umte than individual merit. Even if the System only considered her contribution 1%, she might have reached the merit cap, too.


    "Our actions have affected the whole frontline," Gu added. "We heard the neighboring Field Armies are already on the move, hoping to capitalize on the chaos."


    "It doesn''t involve us, though," Emily added. "The Twenty-Sixth is on clean-up duty. There''s still a whole lot of stranded cultists spread through the region."


    The group spent the next half-hour discussing their next step. Finally, there was a knock on the door, and one of the burly soldiers from before walked inside.


    "Our boss is wondering if you cane to the deck?" the guard said to Zac.


    "Ok. Give me one moment," Zac said, ncing at the others. "What about you guys?"


    "There''s a treasure I want to absorb," Emily said as she took out a familiar box. It was the one Zac pulled through the Void when he almost lost control on the way to the Command Center. Looking at it with clear eyes, its cyclic pattern seemed to mesh well with Emily''s season-based cultivation system. "You can go without me."


    "I''m not going back there after I''ve finally escaped," Average adamantly said.


    The uninterested expressions on the Muscle Brigade spoke volumes, so Zac turned to Gu. "I might need your help."


    "Of course," Gu agreed, and they set out.


    "How''s the situation?" Zac asked as he followed the soldier to a lower floor.


    "The outside has calmed down, and everything''s dealt with. The hiding cultists didn''t stand a chance against all our Peak Hegemons. It''s be a gold rush now," the soldier grinned. "Finding a hidden trove will get you a bonus. Shame only Hegemons can participate."


    Zac wanted to know about the Havaroks, but he wouldn''t put the E-grade soldier in that position.


    "What does General Tusko need from me?"


    "Oh? Nothing, I think," the soldier said. "We picked up a demon who seems to be with you guys?"


    "You found Ra''Klid?" Zac eximed, picking up pace.


    Soon, they reached the ship''s bottom, where a piece of the hull had extended by a few hundred meters to create a detached deckrge enough to house thousands of men. Soldiers were constantly shuttling back and forth between the ship and the dormant fortress base floating in the distance. It looked like the tform had be a midway station to report gains and receive orders.


    "I''ll leave you here," the soldier said. "And, uh, thank you again. For your service."


    "You''re wee. We just did what all of you would do if given the chance," Zac smiled before jumping toward the deck.


    It was impossible to miss Tusko on ount of him being a meter taller than any other human and twice as wide. However, Zac''s eyes quickly homed in on the demon fidgeting to the side. Ra''Klid''s eyes lit up when he saw Zac walk over.


    "You''re back," Zac smiled, but a flicker of killing intent appeared in his eyes upon seeing the still-fresh wounds across Ra''Klid''s body. "What happened? Who did this?"


    Had the Havaroks gotten to him already?


    "Nothing big, just some scuffles over treasure," Ra''Klid grinned before his face grew somber. "I''m sorry, I couldn''t find the girl."


    "Don''t worry, she''s with me," Zac said. "I found her inside the tower. I''ve talked with the Alliance; our people are fine, too."


    "Thank the ancestors," Ra''Klid sighed, ncing at the fortress base with mixed emotions. "I can''t believe you two survived the tower going ballistic like that."


    "It was by the skin of our teeth," Zac grimaced. "How did things go on your end?"


    "Well, you picked a good building. I found a Life-attuned treasure that helped me a lot. I entered the Time Chamber and broke through around twenty minutes after you left. At first, I considered staying put until the battle was over, but I identally discovered something About those things"


    "I think I know what you''re talking about," Zac nodded. "You could suddenly open doors?" n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Exactly!" Ra''Klid said with excitement. "When I realized I couldn''t stay put any longer. So, I spent the next few hours trying my luck while looking for General Larkin. I found a few good things but eventually ran into trouble. A group of cultists rounded a corner just as I emerged from a door. Luckily, the tower went berserk before they could do me in. I took the opportunity to throw off my pursuers and escape into another building. I hid there until these guys broke inside."


    "Good job," Zac said, waving at the soldier who had guided them there. "Don''t worry about the rest. Head back and rest. Remember what to say and what not to."


    The Mavai Demon nodded in understanding and followed the soldier back to their wing.


    "Young Asura!" a boisterous voice echoed through the tform, and Zac saw Tusko making his way over.


    "General sticky-fingers," Zac greeted, only partly feigning annoyance at having his rings searched before.


    "Don''t remind me," Tusko said with a sour expression. "Do you think I wanted to rifle through another man''s belongings? It was the only way to put the matter to rest."


    "I know, I''m just kidding," Zac said. "Where are the other Generals?"


    "Busy," Tusko shrugged. "Handil is apanying the young princes as they search for treasure, Esoro is still hunting down scouts and stragglers, and Warlin is busy sending out orders. So I''m stuck directing the excavation."


    "Alright," Zac nodded, ncing at the sea of cultivators flying toward the fortress base. "It looks like a swarm of locusts."


    "Treasure-hunting locusts," Tusko agreed, looking at Zac with unmasked envy. "You lucky bastard."


    "What''s that?"


    "The Alliance has given out a decree. Ten percent of all resources sourced from the fortress will be awarded to the Atwood Empire and the Peak Family for your contribution."


    Normally, Zac would have lost his mind by such a windfall. Even if the items remaining in the fortress base couldn''tpare to the treasures he''d swallowed, their value was still counted in multi-digit C-grade Nexus Coins. However, Zac had already seized so many benefits that he was starting to feel numb.


    Zac remembered reading about System-sanctioned wars and their generous rewards before setting off for the Perennial Vastness. Those missives paledpared to the real thing. The struggle for Zecia and the inheritance amplified gains to the point it almost got ridiculous.


    Normally, he''d have to be content with the opportunities he seized with his own hands inside the tower. Now, Individual Merit and Faction Merit were tacked on top, their value greatly surpassing the items he consumed for his breakthrough. He''d also get an enormous amount of Alliance Contribution after the dust had settled.


    Taking down a Warfort was a huge aplishment, and the Alliance would definitely go all out with rewards. It wasn''t even about him. It was about the Alliance bolstering morale and showing their generosity. Today''s news would soon spread to every corner of Zecia, driving home two ideas.


    One, things were finally turning for the better. Two, good performances would be richly rewarded. His circumstances made the perfect recruitment ad at a time when most factions resisted sending their men to the frontlines.


    "You don''t look impressed?" Tusko said, his eyes lighting up as he''d thought of something. "How about this? As an apology for before, I''ll help supplement your ie."


    "What do you have in mind?" Zac asked curiously.


    "There''s no need for us to sit around here, right? So, let''s join in on the fun. Any treasure you find will be yours, but it''ll be up to your own ability to find it. I''ll tag along, making sure those princelings don''t try anything in case you stumble onto each other."


    "A treasure hunt?" Zac said, his eyes gleaming.


    Getting five percent didn''t mean he''d actually get the fortress treasures. The Alliance would tally up the harvest and pay him an equivalent amount, likely in Nexus Coins or normal treasures. It wasn''t enough to get Zac excited. However, keeping whatever he found was another matter entirely.


    "Are you sure? Or do you need to ask Duke Everfast first?"


    "Do I look that useless to you?" Tusko red. "You think I can''t decide on such small matters on my own? Bah! Let''s go!"


    "If you say so," Zac nodded before turning to Gu. "Buddy,e with me for a bit."


    A small smile tugged at Gu''s lips as he joined Zac. Tusko seemed confused at their reaction, but he still arranged everything. Soon, the three flew across the empty expanse and passed the fortress''s outer wall. Navigating the streets with the towers deactivated or destroyed was effortless, and it didn''t take long for Zac to sense a weak pull of fate.


    "We might as well start here," Zac said and flew toward a gatehouse just at the tform''s edge.


    Gu scurried forward to investigate the door Zac indicated.


    "The arrays are in a passive energy-conservation state," the merchant muttered as he pushed a silver needle into a small gap. "Five seconds, tops."


    "Here?" Tusko said with confusion. "Why not go to the center? The security is stronger, but the trea"


    Tusko''s words caught in his throat when a veritable tsunami of Dao rushed out of the door as it slid open. It felt as though someone had crushed a dozen D-grade Dao Treasures. Even Zac''s eyes momentarily zed over, but he gathered his wits before he identally advanced his Daos based on the surrounding truths.


    He was painfully aware his Dao Branches weregging, but there wasn''t much he could do about it. He upgraded his Branches of War Axe and Kalpataru just a few days ago. His chaotic introduction to the front lines had left him with many new insights, but he was still far from taking the next step.


    So he held onto his path and convictions as he stepped into the mysterious shroud, using the<strong> [Lucky Beads] </strong>as guidance. Tusko kept pace, hisrge shield shining with energy in case of a sudden ambush or automated defenses.


    It didn''t take long before he found the source of the Dao. Like the small shop where he found the cactus spine, a hidden cupboard was inside the captain''s quarters. This one hadpletely broken down, likely during the final jump into the main dimension, going by the fresh energy around them.


    "To think you managed to sense the energy through the thick walls," Tusko said with awe upon seeing Gu extract a treasure box from the array. "Or was it just dumb luck?"


    "I don''t know about dumb, but I am a pretty lucky guy," Zac grinned as he stowed the box. "Let''s see what else we can find."

 Chapter 1168: Fiend Crystals

    <h4>Chapter 1168: Fiend Crystals</h4>


    Zac didn''t bother examining the treasure. It''d still be there when he returned, and every second counted. He had a huge advantage between his Luck and Gu''s expertise, but at least five thousand Hegemons were scouring the city, with more joining every minute. Zac led them through a couple of blocks, pretending to investigate the sealed doors along the way. Eventually, he stopped before an inconspicuous building.


    "This should only be an Array Station," Tusko said, scratching his beard.


    Gu made a short work of the door like before. There was no gust of energy greeting them this time. Instead, they found a dusty corridor like those Zac had passed on his way to the tower. Like Tusko said, it was one of the array stations with cramped pathways and the bomb shelter in the middle.


    "See?" the general grinned. "Nothing."


    "I don''t know; I have a good feeling about this ce," Zac said as he led the trio inside.


    Zac could already sense where the pull of fate came from, but it still took some twists and turns before he found a path to the second floor. Eventually, they stopped before a sheer te.


    "Can you open it?" Zac asked. "Be careful; it might be booby-trapped."


    "No problem," Gu nodded. "Step back for a bit."


    "Why here?" Tusko said with bafflement.


    "Isn''t this the point where you''re supposed to say something like ''I''ll eat my shield if there''s a treasure behind that pane?''" Zac smiled.


    "You think I''m that stupid?" Tusko guffawed. "You sprinted here like a bloodhound on the scent. I''m not sure what technique you''re using, but this isn''t random. Damn, I didn''t expect a battle maniac like you to be so shifty."


    Zac was about to answer, but his eyes steeled when the pane opened with a click, and an ominous sigil formed by a hidden array. Tusko moved his shield to block, but his actions proved superfluous. The whole hallway came alive, and the glowing rune was ripped apart as its energy was consumed by the circuits in the wall.


    "I knew it! You little bastards fooled me." Tusko sighed, eyes glued to the ss canister holding a suspended flower waiting inside. "You evil star! Are you really shameless enough to take advantage of me like this?"


    "You''re not going back on your promise, are you?" Zac countered as he quickly stowed the treasure.


    "Little devil, you don''t have to goad me," Tusko huffed. "Go ahead. What do I care? These things wouldn''t be mine anyway. I look forward to seeing if your guts are as big as your appetite."


    "Be careful what you wish for," Zacughed as he led the trio out of the house. "Even if I hate to admit it, my nickname isn''tpletely without cause."


    Tusko followed with a magnanimous expression, like an elder humoring unruly descendants. However, new cracks appeared in the general''s indifferent facade with every magnificent treasure Zac and Gu dragged out of well-hidden nooks and crannies. The famed Iron Wall of the Twenty-Sixth mechanically followed in Zac''s wake, eventually looking like he was trapped in a nightmare, not even bothering to guard hispanions.


    It wasn''t that Tusko wished them harm to stop the wanton looting, but that most traps and safeguards had stopped working when the fortress lost its energy source. Gu used his ample experience to effortlessly disperse or redirect what little energy remained. Only two times did he find himself helpless before an arrangement, where they opted to trigger it out of harm''s way.


    Both attempts destroyed the treasure within, though Zac didn''t even feel the pinch. They were making off like bandits, to the point they probably would have been beaten up by the Dravorak soldiers if not for Tusko''s presence. Fame and reputation didn''t matter to these warriors who saw Zac and Gu mess with their bonus.


    Tusko only awakened from his robotic state when Warlin flew by with a group of administrators in tow.


    "Young master, you''ve already done so much," Warlin said as he stopped before the trio. "There''s no need for you to bother yourself with simple clean-up."


    "I figured I''d help out," Zac said. "Some of these doors are a bit tricky. It would be a shame if someone else got to them first."


    "Howmendable," Warlin nodded, though there was a suspicious glint in his eyes as he nced at Tusko. The Iron Wall''s mouth twitched, but he actually kept his mouth shut.


    "Are you joining the exploration?" Zac quickly asked before his back-room deal could be exposed and reneged on.


    "No," Warlin said with a shake of his head. "Repositories were discovered closer to the center. We''re hoping to extract valuable intelligence before the base fully runs out of energy. We fear we might be unable to reactivate the arrays after the lingering Faith Energy has dispersed."


    "I won''t keep you, then."


    "Good luck with your hunt," Warlin said as he flew away with his entourage. "This is a rare opportunity. The Alliance is always in dire need of materials, and we''ve already found many resources never seen before in Zecia."


    "I''ll do my best," Zac assured before turning to Tusko. "You heard him. There''s no time to waste."


    The towering man had already withered under Warlin''s scrutinizing gaze, and Zac''s words were the nail in the coffin. He looked like he''d taken a punch to the gut, his face pale and flustered.


    "Iuh," Tusko stammered. "How about we take a break? You just fought a tough battle."


    "Don''t worry," Zac smiled. "I feel like a million bucks. Gu?"


    "It''s nice to stretch my legs after being cramped up in the ship for thest hour," the merchant stoically agreed.


    "AhW-Well" Tusko stammered, his huge form shrinking even further as he nced in Warlin''s direction.


    "I''m just kidding," Zacughed.


    Tuskar looked like he''d received an imperial pardon upon seeing Zac relent. He''d realized he''d been tricked long ago, but he couldn''t have imagined the matter growing this thorny. By now, they''d snatched so many treasures Tusko was in more trouble than he. Zac was only following up on a promise given by an esteemed general of the Twenty-Sixth, while Tusko had let a pile of rare treasures slip through his boss''s fingers.


    To Tusko''s credit, he hadn''t stopped them, even when his hands began shaking from the stress. Zac would feel bad if he pushed the matter any further. Besides, there was not much point to keep going. The hidden troves were close to being wiped clean already. He had his Luck to show the way, but there was nock of discerning eyes among the soldiers. They had their methods to search for fortune, and the defenses grew weaker by the minute.


    There were still many unopened buildings without fate''s pull, but the chance of running into something good there wasn''t very high.


    "You know, the corridors beneath the surface are harder to navigate, but they remain mostly untouched," Gu offered. "I bet I can find one of the hidden trapdoors to take us down."


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "Let''s go back!" Tusko decisively interjected, looking ready to drag them back to the mothership even if he had to stuff them in a sack.


    "One moment. There''s still something I want from this ce," Zac said, lifting his hands in a calming gesture when Tusko''s frantic stare bore into him. "Don''t worry; it''s not a treasure. I want some of that Killing Intent."


    "Ah? That ancient intent?" Tusko said with confusion. "Why? To create a weapon?"


    "I have my uses for it," Zac said, unwilling to exin further.


    He''d seen firsthand the intent could be weaponized as Tusko suggested. Considering the intent''s source, its lethality wasn''t that impressive. Zac had poured a fortune''s worth into Yselio, and the prince only seemed to grow angrier from it. Sure, Yselio was an Eonic Seed from an A-grade faction, but so was everyone else Zac would need to use that kind of ace on.


    Zac felt its valuey in its potential as a Body Refinement Material. If Zac could figure out a method to store the intent, he could elerate his Body Tempering by a significant degree. The ancient Killing Intent had damaged <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>st time, but that was before he broke through. It shouldn''t be a problem now that the node had evolved to D-grade.


    "Do you have any ideas?"


    "I know a ce that has what you need," Gu said before Tusko could answer. "It''s a bit dangerous, though."


    Zac nced at Tusko, who shrugged. "It''s fine; it can barely be considered a resource."


    Gu led the trio toward the scar, the only section still giving off a dangerous air. While there was no energy for the intent to fuse with, it could still pose a threat to one''s Heart and Soul.


    "I saw it somewhere around here," Gu muttered as he led them toward a district right by the scar.


    Zac could already feel some pressure from the ambient Killing Intent. If not for his Void Heart, his mental state would gradually erode like he''d eaten a Berserking Treasure. Hispanions had their ways of dealing with the environment. Tusko''s eyes were clear, like the Killing Intent wasn''t even there.


    It was a worthwhile reminder. Despite acting casual, bickering and messing around like amon soldier, Tusko was anything but. He was a seasoned veteran at the very peak of Hegemony and strong enough to stand out among his peers. There were just over a hundred Hegemons with his rank in the whole sector. Zac wouldn''t stand a chance if they fought seriously. It was possible that not even a monster like Kator was Tusko''s match until the Reaver had broken through to Late D-grade.


    Zac was more surprised that Gu appeared just as immune. The more Zac saw of his new follower, the more mysterious he felt. Zac could barely see a shadow of the man he traveled with years ago. Then again, the same could be said about him. Would anyone from his old life recognize him if they met today?


    The only one reacting to the increasingly hostile environment was Haro. The nt King stirred upon sensing the dense Killing Intent outside, and a thin vine wound itself around Zac''s arm. The tip waved back and forth like a snake tasting the air. Zac momentarily hesitated before letting Haro absorb the diluted energy from their surroundings.


    Killing Intent was great nourishment for an aggressive nt like Heavenrender Vines, especially now that he''d woken up prematurely and needed to stabilize his foundations. However, Zac worried Haro''s nature would grow even more bestial and chaotic if he continued to absorb Killing Intent, whether from the battlefields or this ancient intent.


    Zac realized there was a problem during their fight against the Havarok prince. Haro had just gained sapience, and his mental state was very unstable after losing Vivi. Initially, the nt King ignored Zac''s attempts to direct the vines. He had been overwhelmed by rage, acting solely on instinct. Zac could have forcibly seized control through <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>, but that would have created endless problems down the road.


    Adult Heavenrender Vines were impossible to tame, and even newborns were a handful. Zac would never reach the smooth control he enjoyed with Vivi if Haro grew hostile and constantly resisted his input. Zac had been able to control her vines like they were his limbs because she willingly synced and harmonized her soul with his.


    If Zac had to overrule Haro''s much stronger spirit to use his vines in battle, he would have to upy a significant part of his mind. He''d be fighting Haro in tandem with his real enemy. Haro''s pure desire to understand Zac''s techniques had set the foundation for true cooperation, but they weren''t there yet.


    <i>''Take what you need, but be careful,'' </i>Zacmunicated through the link. <i>''Remember how the bad guys easily fought you off when you let the anger control your actions? You must remain clearheaded when you face a powerful opponent. Otherwise, you''ll be their food.''</i>


    Haro''s vine froze briefly before coiling tighter around Zac''s arm. The vine seemed to understand what Zac meant, and its absorption slowed down. By that point, Gu had stopped before arge, derelict warehouse.


    The mottled floor was covered in cracks, its structural integrity weak after eons of exposure to the Killing Intent. The damage was soprehensive they could peek through the scars into the floors below. The underground levels seemed to hold even denser Killing Intent, yet Gu simply jumped inside.


    "Hey!" Tusko eximed and followed behind with his shield. "We haven''t cleared these floors! There might still be cultists hiding."


    "Their mental states are pretty weak," Gu said.


    "That''s right, but that doesn''t mean this environment will kill them," Tusko said as he scanned the warehouse basement. "At least not immediately. Before that, they''ll be frothing beasts."


    Zac also jumped down, his axe out and ready. Thankfully, nothing but a reddish haze was waiting for them, and Haro kept his wits about him. Gu led them through a hidden corridor connecting a series of enormous storage rooms until they found one that wasn''t just filled with dust and haze.


    "This is it," Gu said, pointing at a pile of crystals radiating an ominous red.


    "Interesting," Tusko hummed. "They resemble something I read about in an ancient Body Tempering Manual. Fiend Crystals. However, those things should have disappeared along with the ancient races that appeared in the beginning of time."


    "Fiend Crystals?" Zac asked with interest.


    "They were supposed to hold the primal power of ancient beasts. The first warriors absorbed it to strengthen their bodies. You know, I bet Body Tempering came before the pursuit of the Dao. Who has time to gaze at the stars when a monster is trying to eat you?" Tusko said before shaking his head. "These things are different. Almost seems like something the heretics would use."


    "I think they were Gravity Crystals before. Perhaps they were the only ones durable enough to contain the Killing Intent. All this was other attuned materials before," Gu said, pointing at the thickyer of dust on the ground before turning to Zac. "These things have absorbed Killing Intent for eons. Don''t let their appearance fool you. They are chock-full of it and very vtile."


    Even if they weren''t real Fiend Crystals, they held a fatal attraction to both Zac and Haro. The mound of crystals didn''t emit much energy to go with the sinister appearance, but that was because they retained some of their original attunement. Immense forces of gravity had sucked the Killing Intent into its depths and condensed it further.


    One crystal with a rtively weak light floated over to Zac, who grabbed it and infused some of his will. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Don''t!" Gu shrieked and jumped out of the way.


    Tusko lunged for the crystal with rm, but he was too far away. The crystal shattered as the ball of Killing Intent went berserk after sensing Zac''s soul. It mmed into his mind, dragging some of the ambient intent. Zac had already sensed the danger yet did nothing to stop it. He took a deep breath as he let the killing intent flood his Soul Aperture.


    The Killing Intent raged against the newly reforged Soul Cores, yet the nebulous clouds guarding them became quagmires, slowing the intent''s advance. The attacking force didn''t even get the chance to reach the cores before a deep, primordial thud shook Zac''s spiritual world like a drum calling for war. Intractable force pulled the intent out of his soul, each thud preventing its escape.


    It just took five bites for <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>to consume it all, even when the amount of Killing Intent was close to a third of what he''d been subjected to when breaking into the tower. What was a deadly encounter just hours ago had been reduced to an evening snack.


    "Don''t worry, I''m fine," Zac said upon seeing hispanions'' worried expressions.


    "Crazy brat," Tusko muttered. "Are you really okay?"


    Zac nodded. "I didn''t expect the intent to be so active despite being sealed."


    "Good thing you stood some distance from the rest," Gu exhaled. "Otherwise, you would have triggered all of them in a chain reaction. Not rmended."


    Zac shuddered as he looked at therge pile. The faux Fiend Crystal he took was on the weaker end, with some seemingly having stored significantly more Killing Intent. Even then, Zac was confident in surviving a dozen now that his bloodline had entered D-grade. However, there were thousands in the pileholding more than enough to drive him insane a few times over.


    "I''ll have to figure out a way to stabilize them," Zac said, turning to the general. "These Fiend Crystals are just what I need. You don''t mind me taking them, right?"


    "Go ahead," Tusko said with a grand wave before looking at Zac suspiciously. "Wait! Give me a few. Can''t let you scam me again."


    "There are at least a dozen simr repositories spread along the scar," Gu offered. "Probably more."


    "Even so."


    "Take it," Zac said. "But could you do me a favor in return?"


    "You want these things for your cut, right?" Tusko said as a tenth of the converted crystals were suddenly encased by a shimmering barrier. They floated over to Tusko, who stored the pile without any issue. "I''ll ask, but I can''t promise anything. Everything passes through the Alliance. If their researchers figure out a use for these crystals, they might be a strategic resource."


    Zac carefully stowed the rest of the crystals in a spare Spatial Ring. The job took five minutes, at which point he found Gu and Tusko staring at Zac with strange expressions.


    "What?"


    "Have you forgotten what time it is?" Tusko grinned. "Thedder''s updated, may the Heavens help you."

 Chapter 1169: Bringer of Change

    <h4>Chapter 1169: Bringer of Change</h4>


    "Wee back," Qul''Uster said, looking up from the terminal as Nutzu entered his office. "You''ve seen better days."


    "Wouldn''t mind a vacation," Nutzu grunted while slumping into a chair. "Here''s the reports you wanted. It should be all there."


    "What an unexpected harvest," Qul''Uster said with satisfaction.


    "Why would you even want those old pieces of junk?" Nutzu muttered, still annoyed about losing so many of her men to that devious bastard''s plot.


    "Junk?" Qul''Uster said with a shake of his head.


    "Yeah, junk," Nutzu said. "It should be a ss-4 floti using outmoded technology. And that''s provided the things remain functional. Damn, I almost got killed over garbage."


    "These things aren''t garbage. True, theyck the advancements we''ve developed over the Era, but bear in mind the environment in which they were constructed," Qul''Uster said. "It was during a time when the Selvari were still united, fighting a losing war. With the Limitless Empire breathing down their necks, would there be the squabbles our spies have reported among their descendants?"


    "You think they might hold core technologies of multiple families?" Nutzu said skeptically. "If true, we could use that as a reference for our research. But would they have put anything interesting in such a minor fleet?"


    "It''s worth a try. ss is not always the best indicator of value. The floti was targeting a project connected to the False Heavens. There is no information about it in our records, but my instincts tell me the ships won''t be of simple stock," Qul''Uster said. "Recovering even an iplete heritage will more than make up for the setbacks on our end."


    "Setbacks? What happened?" Nutzu said with exasperation.


    "Our nk tes were discovered sooner than expected, and the natives responded with great determination. We only ended up aplishing 43% of our subset goals."


    "Well, I''m pretty sure I killed that princeling if that''s any constion," Nutzu grinned. "I tried to install a Root Device before he died, but he somehow shifted out of our spacetime."


    "Oh?" Qul''Uster said with surprise before nodding thoughtfully. "These new Imperials also rely on Faith Energy. He was likely summoned for the rites of session. Is this why you refused a debrief through long-distancemunicators? Or is it about the key?"


    "Both. Neither," Nutzu said, scratching her head with frustration.


    "It was only a limited cooperation bound to end sooner rather thanter. I''ll deal with it. You shouldn''t face any punishment," Qul''Uster said. "Did you find it?"


    "Only the coordinates. I ran out of time before I could get the key," Nutzu said.


    "That''s a shame," Qul''Uster sighed. "It took a lot of effort unearthing these threads, but we might be able to discover another Lighthouse. The False Heavens seem to be aiding us, dredging items from the dimensional depths."


    "Wait, I wasn''t finished," Nutzu said.


    "There''s no way to go back and retrieve it now," Qul''Uster said with a shake of his head, and Nutzu could already tell he was moving on to the next subject. "We will have to make some simtion"


    "Do you want me to simte a punch so you can settle down?"


    Qul''Uster raised his hands in defeat before indicating for her to continue.


    "The reason I disconnected wasn''t because of that shifty bastard. I''d like to see those old goats try to censure me for taking out an Imperial," Nutzuughed before her face grew somber. "I found it. The missing remnant."


    "What? Already?!" Qul''Uster said, his eyes wide as he shot to his feet. "Where is it?"


    "Not it. He."


    "He? What?"


    "The remnant is a human male."


    "You''re saying they actually did it? The Kayar-Elu managed to bring back the Supreme Ancestor?"


    "No," Nutzu said. "More like raise a true descendant."


    "Impossible," Qul''Uster rejected. "You''re aware of the founder''s parting words. There can only be one per Era. Hundreds of experiments have proven him right."


    "Well, he''s here, and I watched him awaken the Void Emperor''s bloodline to ss-3. Consumed enough resources to raise a ss-4 Dominator," Nutzu said. "Besides, if the elders didn''t think there was any hope of sess, would they have led the spies to the Essence Blood?"


    "It''s impossible to know what went through their minds when they made such a dangerous gamble. They said passing the torch to the other inheritor ns was the only chance we had at sess, but I see it as an attack on their resources."


    "Have the Kayar-Elu and the other haughty bastards go broke trying to extract the bloodline?" Nutzuughed. "Not a bad n. Whether they seeded or not, we would have achieved our goals."


    "To think there''s a living descendant walking thends. History repeats itself. We''re approaching the zenith," Qul''Uster said, his eyes like radiant torches. "Tell me everything you saw."


    "We only saw each other for a second or two," Nutzu said, sharing her experience and the readings from her drones'' scans.


    "The Void is brought to the surface? I don''t understand," Qul''Uster muttered. "How would the Kayar-Elu invert the bloodline? And why? Was that the only way to pass the restriction?"


    "It might not be them," Nutzu said. "Remember how it all went down? The Cursed Heavens barged into the Hearnds to wipe out their n? Four thousand yearster, this guy suddenly pops up, just in time to see the pir''s ascent. He could be a nt."


    "It''s suspect," Qul''Uster agreed. "The Cursed Heavens supposedly annihted everything rted to the project, yet here he is. Do you know his identity?"


    "No, but I think he''s a local. There''s no way he''s not famous already, seeing how he almost managed to keep pace with that princeling while still in Early ss-3."


    "Local? There''s no need to investigate, then," Qul''Uster smiled and opened a file on his terminal. "Is this him?"


    "Zachary Atwood" Nutzu muttered. "That''s the remnant, alright. He''s famous?"


    "He''s Very high profile," Qul''Uster said with a shake of his head. "Just minutes ago, he jumped to the top of the sector rankings."


    "Makes sense, considering what he did with the fortress. Those parasite cultivators must be losing their minds right now," Nutzu snorted. "Oh, by the way. He probably has the key."


    "Untouched by fate''s river, creating his own path," Qul''Uster sighed.


    "So what should we do?" Nutzu asked. "I gave him amunicator, but it''s already destroyed. He also killed a few of my men in there."


    "For now, don''t do anything," Qul''Uster said. "I need to speak with my mother."


    "Are you going to tell Serpasir?"


    "What do you think?" Qul''Uster scoffed, and his usually calm demeanor frosted over. "Those people have been rapidly gaining momentum since the Kayar-Elu''s destruction. They think they can use the Technocracy Council''s sudden vacancy to move back home. They''ve gone mad with desire; The interim leader said there have been hints of them researching ways to shed the Oath."


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "Blind idiots," Nutzu swore, her heart churning with anger. "It''s because they never visit the Edge any longer. Someone should drag them out there and have them face the beyond. Our end. That''ll help them remember why we chose exile." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Ultimately, too much time has passed," Qul''Uster sighed. "It wasn''t supposed to be like this. We may be deluding ourselves."


    "Whatever. I''d rather take it to the end and find nothing waiting for us than give up halfway," Nutzu said. "If he''s a descendant, we must bring him to the fold. He''s our best chance. He might be even more suited than the original."


    "What a mess this has be," Qul''Uster groaned before his eyes snapped open with realization. "Wait, if he''s really from back then"


    "Maybe you should call him Eldest Cousin?" Nutzuughed before her eyes grew somber. "What if Maseri finds out?"


    Qul''Uster groaned and pinched his brows. "Who knows what that madman will do if he discovers his son might be alive? I hear he almost blew up Sanctuary after being dumped by the Kayar-Elu Princess. Let''s pray they''re still keeping that unkible lunatic isted."


    ----------------


    A simple sh descended toward the rampaging Beast King''s neck. It didn''t look strong enough to cut through wood, let alone the reinforced scales of the crocodilian monstrosity. Yet, the greatest truths hid within the mundane, as they represented the true nature of the universe. The sword finished its arc, and the bus-sized head fell off. Even in its death, the Beast King hadn''t noticed anything amiss.


    Thea sighed as she looked across the battlefield. Killing one beast was barely a blip on the radar before the endless tide that came out of nowhere. Yet, she couldn''t sit back and ignore the suffering around her like most of the haughty monks. They spoke of natural course and not stepping into the sea of suffering. They simply didn''t want to sully their providence with the Karma of the local factions they hopped between.


    Useless locusts.


    Well, not all of them. A golden palm crashed into the ground, turning a thousand beasts into ashes. The palm was followed by a ringed staff the size of a skyscraper. It swept through the chaotic lines, forcing order on the wilds. Amanthi was like a god of war as he advanced, delivering salvation through rebirth.


    Her mentor singlehandedly stabilized arge swathe of the battlefield before the locals were overrun. There was still a chance to turn things around. The beasts wererger, faster, and stronger, but man never imed dominion over the cosmos through raw force. Battlements were being erected, weapons assembled. They just needed to hold out a little longer.


    A single word made those thoughts shrivel up and die.


    <i>''RUN!'' </i>


    Hearing the horror in her fearlesspanion''s voice made Thea activate her ultimate escape skill without hesitation. Two rounds of adjustments had left it slightly weaker, but it no longer cost her levels to activate. She didn''t have much choicebetween the dangers on the Goldde continent and the war, she would have been pushed back to level one just to stay alive.


    It was still a unique top-tier Skill, which even borrowed from the Sangha''s understanding of the river of fate. However, Thea''s swore upon finding herself stuck in ce. A hand the size of a had reced all surroundings, destroying any fate she had with the outside world.


    "You''re the key, aren''t you?" a gutturalugh shook Thea to the core. "I can feel your fate entangled with the fulcrum."


    Thea ignored the voice as she tried to break free from the mysterious method. Everything she did proved futile, and the hand kept shrinking. Yet she fought on, adamant to struggle until thest breath.


    "Benefactor, it is not toote to turn back," an emotionless voice invaded the separated world, rewriting the past and opening a path to the future.


    Thousands of pure-white lotus flowers bloomed in the darkness. The gentle rustle of their petals formed a monastic cadence that could enlighten or lead you astray, depending on your heart''s convictions. Suddenly, he was there, standing among the flowers with a string of beads in his hand.


    Sacred Insight, the leader of the Sangha and the first-ce holder of thedder after he finally overcame the mysterious Kelvinios two weeks ago.


    "I knew it," the attacker scoffed, and Thea''s eyes widened when she saw the source step out of the darkness. "Turn over a rock, and one will find you bastards hiding in its shadows."


    It was that stubby monster that had be a living nightmare on the frontlines. Wherever she appeared, carnage followed. The number of soldiers who had died at her hands was already in the millions, most of them ending up in her stomach. Dozens of Late Hegemons had been ripped apart, and even a few Peak Hegemons had failed to escape her grasp.


    The most shocking fact was a little-known secret Evesting Peace shared. A wandering Monarch had tried to assassinate the so-called Primordial, likely in search of the secret of why she was so monstrously strong for a Middle Hegemon. The sh had resulted in the Monarch''splete and utter death, to the point the cultivators of the Zecia sector had forgotten of their existence. Only the Sangha could see the erasure from history and discover what had happened.


    The method sounded like that uncanny power hiding within Zac, where Thea had felt her memories being erased after he killed the Dominator. Oblivion. However, this was on another scale entirely.


    "One of the worst things about waking up to this false sky was finding out that you disgusting parasites were still around to soil the river of fate," the ugly creature spat before her mouth curved up in a wicked grin. "I guess I shouldn''t be surprised. It was that exalted existence who dashed your schemes in that ancient past, wasn''t it? Is it revenge? Or do you think you can reim what you lost by seizing the court?"


    "Amitabha," the monk calmly said. "Buddha''s love is Eternal and can never be lost."


    Thea didn''t make a sound. She was more than happy to let these two first-ce holders duke it out. Well, not that happy. While the Sangha''s leader was unfathomable, he was ultimately just an Early Hegemon like her. Could he even hold back this creature long enough for her to escape?


    It might seem callous, but Thea knew Sacred Insight hadn''t saved her out of goodwill. He was cold and calctive, not even bothering to maintain the smiling guise of his brothers. He was also the reason her presence was kept a secret, creating circumstances that prevented her from getting her name on thedder while blocking her attempts to send a message back to Earth.


    Perhaps she''d get her chance if the Primordial could knock him out for a few weeks.


    "Slippery tongues as always," the Primordialughed. "Your talk makes me want to return to the seas and take a dip. I still remember the sweet taste of sanctimony."


    "The Sangha will never turn away an esteemed guest. Every meeting is an opportunity for enlightenment."


    "Whatever," the beast grunted. "Are you bastards the ones who meddled with the preordained trajectories?"


    "Fate cannot be meddled with. It can only be," Sacred Insight said with a calm gaze. "And benefactor should sense the bringer of change is separate with the Sangha."


    "Should I?" The beast said, her bestial eyes turning to Thea. "Then why are the Heavens pointing me to this one? Why do I feel your repulsive mark hiding in the river of fate?"


    "All is one, and one is all," Sacred Insight said. "The trajectories may have changed, but the destination remains the same."


    "That''s right. All paths lead to my belly," the beast said as an unnaturally wide grin spread across her face.


    Warning signals were going off in Thea''s mind, and she inched away despite knowing it was futile. There was no escaping the suffocating pressure before them.


    Two men suddenly stepped out of Sacred Insight''s shadows. The first looked almost identical to the original, but his aura was many times greater. The second was barely a hazy outline, yet that glimpse was almost enough for Thea to lose her path. What terrifying attainment in the Dharma.


    What was going on? It almost felt like Sacred Insight had invited incarnations of himself from the future. Or was it his current form that was false? The middle avatar kept growing more tangible, while the original felt more and more like a dream.


    One thing was certain. He was now a better match to the stubby monster looking ready to swallow them whole. The standoff went on an ufortably long time until the Primordial snorted.


    "You will die by my hands like the others," she said as the enormous hand faded. "But not before you''ve helped me open the path."


    "Amitabha. What will be, will be."


    "Thank you forwait!" Thea shouted with exasperation upon realizing Sacred Insight was already floating away on a cloud. She had to strain herself just to keep up. "What were you talking about? What''s happened?"


    The monk slowed down and turned to Thea. She didn''t flinch before the intense scrutiny, ring right back even if she knew it was empty posturing. She might have be a Soultaker of Ultom, but she held no illusions that''d allow her to contend against this man. It had only made the huge chasm slightly smaller.


    And while his face was impassive, Thea had spent enough time among these monks to glean that he was extremely annoyed.


    "Fate has worked to keep the mebearers separate, but your friend went against the natural order. Fate''s tide is rising, and the trajectories are in flux. Our time is running short."


    "Running short? What does that mean?" Thea said, but the question was thrown into the back of her mind ."Wait, my friend? You mean Zac fought a mebearer?"


    Thea urgently opened the screen.


    <strong>[Stars of Zecia: Early D-grade]</strong>


    1st Zachary Atwood, Atwood Empire


    2nd Emily Larkin, Atwood Empire


    3rd Kelvinios


    4th Ynar Solefair


    5th Kerokas, Kavriel Province


    6th Helian Ailo, Allbright Empire


    7th Nori Vera, Starforge


    8th Fateblight, Hanor n


    9th Arcaz Umbri''Zi, Atwood Empire


    10th Keshka''Vur, Entroso n


    []


    100th Uroso Kavriel, Kavriel Province


    Thea nkly looked at the update, even more shocked to see the second-ce holder than the first.


    "You" Thea said, realizing the monk was already gone.


    Since he was alive and well, he must have been forced to step into Middle Hegemony to make the Primordial back down. Was that why he looked so annoyed? Thea''s lips curved into a smile at the thought, but the glee was soon reced by confusion and loss.


    It seemed extremely unlikely for the Zac she knew to surpass the monsters at the top of thedder, but that was over a decade ago. Achieving the impossible was right up his wheelhouse, so it almost felt expected to suddenly see him shoot to the top like a rocket.


    But what about Emily? Thea felt a pang of regret as she saw the familiar name. The only way Emily could have reached such a height was through having her fate swept up in Zac''s, something she''d weed in contrast to Thea. Would that have been her if she''d fought a bit harder to get back home?


    No, she had her path to walk while he had his. She would be the one to choose the direction, even if that meant her journey ended earlier. And while a slew of new names on thedder had made it harder to thwart the Sangha''s plot, she suddenly had a feeling she''d reunite with Zac and the others sooner than she''d expected.

 Chapter 1170: Return

    <h4>Chapter 1170: Return</h4>


    Zac took his and Emily''s appearance at the top of thedder in stride. Anything else would be a surprise, considering the situation. He was more curious about the other changes. For one, the previous first ce-holder was gone rather than pushed down two pegs, and he wasn''t alone.


    Six more entries had disappeared since thest update. It wasn''t unheard of for rankers to die, especially among the bottom fifty of thedder. However, there was rarely more than one per week. Those who managed to break into the <strong>[Stars of Zecia]</strong> leaderboard were the best of the best, possessing strength and means.


    For six to die in one day, including the twelfth-ce holder, would have been considered a disaster if the Kan''Tanu hadn''t lost so much more. Recing the seven were Gu and the others. They took up a whole block between positions 39 and 46, pushing down those below a full eight spaces.


    "Sacred Insight was caught in the trap?" Zac muttered as the trio made their way out of the underground levels.


    "It doesn''t look good for the others, but the baldy''s fine. I''ve already gotten a report. He''s just broken through and is currently sitting in the 34th position on the Middle Hegemon Ladder," Tusko said, looking at Zac with a toothy grin. "Perhaps that baldy felt a foul winding from behind and opted to quickly break through before he lost his face?"


    "He wouldn''t be much of a monk if his heart were that brittle," Zac snorted.


    "I suppose," Tusko shrugged before looking at Zac curiously. "How does it feel? Standing at the peak?"


    "Like there''s a whole lot of even taller mountains all around me."


    "What a bore!" Tusko snorted. "You should live it up a bit. Heavens knows you have the resources. If not, you''ll regret itter."


    "Regret?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    "Being the strongestes with all kinds of hidden benefits, but heavy is the crown," Tusko shrugged. "To cultivate is to go against the Heavens. To reach for the peak. Your mere existence is blocking their way. How can one dream of ascension before proving themselves strongest among their peers?"


    "People will being for your secrets, too," Gu added, getting a gleeful nod of agreement from Tusko.


    "I get that," Zac said, looking at the lumbering general askance. "What I don''t get is why you look so damn happy about it."


    "I''ll take what I can get after you scammed me that badly," Tussar guffawed. "That''ll teach you to be greedy."


    "We''ll see who ends up being taught a lesson in the end," Zac snorted as he closed thedder.


    To think that Sacred Insight''s merit wasn''t even enough to break into the top 30 at the next grade. It was hard to say exactly how much merit the mysterious monk had. Zac had a decent understanding of thedder''s tail, especially now that the Muscle Brigade had added a data point. However, the top ten was still a mystery.


    Zac had fought tooth and nail since day one, yet he''d lost positions. Sacred Insight could be sitting at twice his original contribution. Perhaps even more. However, Zac couldn''t imagine Sacred Insight couldpare to his current tally, even considering his presumed background.


    Sacred Insight officiallycked any affiliation, but there was only one ce such a mysterious, immensely powerful monk woulde fromthe Sangha. There was no way the Buddhist monks would sit out thepetition for the Fifth Pir, but their actions were hard to follow.


    They kept popping up randomly across the sector like they''d walked out of thin air. asionally, they entered the fray to save a struggling faction. Mostly, they simply watched ass were ughtered before driving out the Kan''Tanu. They''d bury the corpses, administer rites of passage, and move on. Calling them an ally would stretch the term.


    However, the Sangha had to be doing something in the shadows that the System considered meritorious. They still had two names on the Early D-gradedder and now three in Middle D-grade. Either they were fighting in the dark or had found another way to aid the war effort. Outright fighting wasn''t the only method to rue merit. It was just the most lucrative, though there were bound to be exceptions to the rule.


    The tower was a great example of that. Gu and the others would have walked away with just as much merit even if Yselio hadn''t shown up. Perhaps even more, considering Zac ended up taking most of the contribution by holding back the Tobrial prince. And if Ibtep actually managed to raise his space-devouring maggots, he might shoot right to the top of thedder like Emily.


    Zac took onest look at the fortress base as the three stepped onto the tform. It had appeared out of nowhere and hadpletely upended many of his ns. Even his fundamental understanding of the cosmos and himself had taken a hit. He had walked away stronger from the experience, but the road ahead seemed more difficult than ever.


    "I''ll have to stay here and wrap things up. I''m curious to see what we managed to save before Hurricane Zac swept through the city," Tusko sighed.


    "Don''t worry. I haven''t forgotten our deal," Zac said as he took out two treasures and handed them to a confused Tusko.


    "The Atwood Empire will remember this great <i>favor</i>, General Tusko," Gu somberly added as he offered the guardian a deep bow, prompting a few nearby soldiers to furtively look over before quickly turning away. "It''s only right we provide a small token of appreciation."


    Zac''s mouth tugged upon seeing Tusko nch at Gu''s words, but he kept his face impassive. It really was convenient to have smart people by his side. Like it or not, the Alliance ran on favors and connections. Between the ''gift'' and Gu''s words, a hasty promise suddenly looked like a shady backroom deal between the elites of the upper echelons.


    It was underhanded, but the rice had already been cooked. Zac needed the items, and frankly, they wouldn''t have been the Alliance''s to seize if not for his and Gu''s efforts. This way, Tusko at least got some remuneration for his misstep.


    "Ai" Tusko grimaced as he stowed the items. "Fine, I''ll eat this loss. Can I ask what you bastuh, young masters, will do with the items? Warlin wasn''t lying before. The Alliance always needs unique treasures, and we have many things to exchange with. The Dynasty is also looking for items to help our elites break through."


    "It''s not impossible to exchange some of the things. Do you have any appraisers aboard the ship?" Zac asked.


    "I''ll send someone right over," Tusko said before hurrying away, barking orders.


    Tusko once more exuded the air of a domineering general, but Zac still felt he''d turned tail and escaped before he was taken advantage of again.


    "No wonder your pupil boasted your wealth. We racked up more treasures in one hour than I did over months," Gumented as they continued toward their private wing. "You''re like a locust. Insatiable and without shame."


    "What kind of locusts have you encountered?" Zac snorted. "And times are tough. We have to be a little shameless to stay afloat."


    "It''s rarely the righteous who live the longest," Gu agreed. "It''s a shame we didn''t get the chance to enter the depths. Some interesting items should still be hidden there, waiting for the right person toe along."


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    "You don''t seem very surprised?"


    "Over your exceptional ''nose?'' Why should I be?" Gu shrugged. "I''d have to be a fool if I still measured you withmon sense. Since I''ve decided to board your pirate ship, I''ll just have to get used to the waves."


    "After your time in the Muscle Brigade, I think you''ll fit right in," Zac smiled.


    The two soon reached their chambers. Emily was still busy absorbing the treasure, so he didn''t get the chance to see her reaction to thedder update. However, all the members of the Muscle Brigade were constantly ncing at her door like they were waiting for her toe out. It was impossible to tell whether they wanted to fight or marry her by their heated gazes.


    Their attention was finally diverted when Zac began taking out the things they''d looted. Altogether, they managed to snatch twenty-eight treasures of high enough quality for Zac to sense them. However, six emitted such a weak pull Zac doubted he would have noticed them before getting the<strong> [Void Path] </strong>title and the apanying boost of Luck.


    Apart from that, there were piles and piles of rare resources they''d picked up along the way, many of them materials without any supply in the Zecia sector. They would sell for a fortune, even with most of their spirituality lost.


    Zac directly put aside roughly half of the boxes. Two held materials he believed useful for his Core Formation, while one was already marked by Verun. A fourth box held an incredibly ancient stone with a crack in it. It seemed even older than the Limitless Empire, from the chaotic era when the Dao was still reforming.


    Something had attacked the stone, leaving a scar reminiscent of the huge chasm cutting through the fortress base. However, there was no Killing Intenting from the stone. Instead, there was a spiritual aura of war. The stone was just an E-grade material, but its spirit was incredibly pure and profound. Zac believed it could be a core material when he finally figured out his <strong>[Thousand Axes Avatar]</strong>.


    The rest were meant for his sealbearers rather than himself. For instance, there was a bronze scabbard holding immense amounts of Faith Energy. Since it was a path Rhubat was researching, Zac felt they might be able to glean something from its aura. If that wasn''t enough, there was also a scroll stowed in the sheath instead of a weapon.


    Another was an orb of immense darkness, which also held a hint of the Ster Peak. Zac felt he was looking at a star that had copsed to the point it radiated darkness. He had no idea what its use was, but he felt it was a perfect fit for Rhuger.


    The Muscle Brigade eagerly took out some treasures of their own. Most of the things they''d found had been used up to survive the tower''s onught, but they still had a surprising amount of impressive items. The secluded wing quickly became a bazaar where Zac and brigadiers traded for more suitable items. Zac pulled out more and more treasures from his rings until he''d traded for everything he wanted.


    The Appraiser arrived soon after, and she gasped upon seeing the piles of rare treasure filling the room. And that was just the treasures they were willing to trade, while the best stuff had already returned to their rings. Still, she disyedmendable professionalism and began working through the fortune. Scrolls, tomes, and measurement tools appeared and disappeared in rapid session like she was putting on a magic show.


    There was even a grand finale at the end when the Appraiser''s domain suddenly spiked as a marvelous aura spread through the room. It was like she''d be a human nurturing array, showering the treasures with an energy that helped them rekindle some of their lost glory.


    "Thank you, young master," the Appraiser said with flushed cheeks.


    Thest step wasn''t nned. Encountering so many ancient treasures and unusual items had let the Appraiser gain an epiphany and upgrade her Dao Branch.


    "I''m the one who should thank you," Zac smiled. "So, what are we working with?"


    The Appraiser studiously went through the items one by one, even though she could only name a single Natural Treasure among those with fate''s pull. It was rough metal called a <strong>[Termic Lever]</strong>, and she only knew it because she''d read about it in an ancient tome the Dravorak Dynasty had picked up in a ruin. Despite looking like a rusty block, it could nurture fire attunement by rubbing it against materials or other equipment. Essentially, it was an affinity booster for weapons rather than a cultivator.


    The Appraiser also provided a decent approximation of most of the remaining treasures he and the Muscle Brigade had put forth. Ultimately, Zac handed over most of the raw materials and eight treasures. A few would go to the Alliance and the rest to the Evest Monarch and the Dravorak Dynasty. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    It wasn''t a gift. It was a trade where Zac asked for simr-graded treasures in return. He''d only found items for half his sealbearers, so he wanted to get something for the others. The brutality of the past few days had driven home the dangers of the frontlines and that he wouldn''t always be there to protect his people. His sealbearers needed to be able to stand on their own as soon as possible.


    The brigadiers traded some but kept everything that wasn''t leaking spirituality. They probably wanted to deal with the Allbright Empire or the Peak Family instead. They barely had time to finish the exchange before being ushered out of the ship with great urgency.


    It wasn''t that the Everfast Monarch had kicked them to the curb now that he had the items he wanted. It seemed as though he''d received top-priority orders and had to set out immediately. They even left behind the thousands of soldiers exploring the lower floors of the fortress.


    The battle over the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse wasing to a close, with the Alliance seizing the greatest victory. Space was still too unstable to safely teleport, so Zac and his men boarded one of the Alliance''s Starsh ships to take back.


    The journey would only take a couple of hours instead of three days if he took out the Yphelion, but Zac refused to expose his ship to save some time. Besides, it wouldn''t change anything. It would take the Acheron Company a few days to return while everyone aboard the ship was busy absorbing the treasures they''d gathered.


    Back on Earth, Zac opened his eyes and took a deep breath of the miasmic mists surrounding him. After eight hours, he''d finished upgrading <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong>. The new fractal wasn''t the mostplex, but it had the highest number of runes and connections of his skills. Even then, the upgrade had gone without a hitch, thanks to Ultom''s enlightenment almost branding the knowledge into his brain.


    Zac opened his skill screen to inspect the transformation.


    <strong>[D] Desperation''s End - Proficiency: Early. The verdict is Death. Upgradeable.</strong>


    Of the three skills he used Ultom''s insight on, <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> retained most of its original patterns. Still, there were significant overhauls, to the point it was somewhat surprising that it retained its name. Then again, the new vor text proved it wasn''t the old skill.


    On paper, <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> was perfect with his ss, especially after the five floating spheres reced the unwieldy wings at Peak Mastery. It restrained the enemy and cut them down, embodying the essence of his Inexorable Stance and his Inexorable Apostle ss. The problem came from the restriction.


    Simply put, it wasn''t needed.


    His Draugr''s ss still carried echoes from its defensive origins, and he already had multiple ways to restrain his opponent. Between Alea''s nigh-unbreakable chains, his restraining technique, and skills like <strong>[Pir of Destion]</strong>, having that feature on his finisher was redundant. A fractal could only carry so much meaning, so any space used on restriction took away from its lethality.


    He''d already realized that Inexorable Stance wasn''t just a slow suffocation of the enemy back in the Orom World. He was the arbiter of life and death; his axe needed the power to mete out judgment. Like the vor text said, <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> was the skill meant to deliver the verdict after the other skills had done their job. It was an executioner''s edge, and that didn''t need any frills or pomp.


    It needed speed, sharpness, and intractable power to cut through anyst attempts at resisting fate. Zac felt that was exactly what he''d aplished with his new <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong>.


    The better part of a day had already passed since he left the frontlines, so Zac needed to head back sooner rather thanter. He feared the System would throw a tribtion his way if he stalled any longer. Or worse, it would punish Earth with harsher enemies.


    If nothing else, hismunicator was already going warm. The Undead Empire was wondering what the hell was going on, why ''Zac'' had suddenly overshadowed ''Arcaz'' in such an overbearing manner. Even his dreamer disciple had passed their chosen partner on thedder.


    Zac didn''t know how to deal with the situation. The fortress''s sudden appearance hadpletely ruined his n of letting Zac half trail slightly behind Arcaz to keep Kator and the others happy. Now, his human side had overshot him by over one million merit. It was impossible to catch up without crippling his progress. Even then, it''d take years unless a simr event came along.


    The thorny situation made him think of Catheya and Ogras. They might have bickered like an old married couple, but they had been an important factor in his rapid progress inside the Perennial Vastness. They had swept aside all minor inconveniences, allowing him to focus wholeheartedly on his cultivation.


    Zac sighed and looked to the sky as he walked through the forest of his privatepound. How were they doing now? They should have finished their Cores already, meaning they would be in the middle of whatever opportunities Sendor provided the two. He sincerely hoped they had the chance to return before the trial began. They had a chance to catch up and reap the war''s rewards if the mission for the Centurion Beacon was as lucrative as the tower.


    "Oh, the great emperor finally deigns to visit his poor subject? What an auspicious day."


    Zac sighed and turned to the gaudy tower before himthest stop before going back.

 Chapter 1171 - Finding an Answer

    Catheya''s eyes snapped open, and she took a shuddering breath. It was a big mistake. Icy liquid poured into her lungs, nourishing the frigid chill that had already invaded her body. She was drowning, entombed, in the dark waters far beneath the surface. Desperate and confused, her mindtched onto aforting memory.


    Her plight was oddly familiar to her first visit to the depths of the Abyssal Lake, even if this experience had ensconced her in utmost cold. Back then, she''d been overwhelmed by boundless Death to the point she''d questioned her heritage. Thankfully, she eventually found themon thread, and theke grew more hospitable.


    The simrity helped Catheya rein in her confused and panicky state. The liquid gate suddenly felt like a womb. The change in perception didn''t award a sudden immunity to the immense chill, but it let her rouse her Three Purities and harmonize with the surroundings. It was a feeble defense since the past days had left her utterly drained. As luck would have it, she had another item to protect her.


    Catheya shifted her attention to the three crystals secured within her robe, each exuding ancient cold that resonated with the pod''s turbid waters. They were still there, existing as physical objects. Catheya had been uncertain they''d be waiting for her when waking up, considering she still couldn''t tell whether her journey had been taken with flesh or spirit. Hopefully, three was enough.


    She held onto the feeling of Ice and Death bing one as she dug through the tundra. Unfortunately, the sense of ovep was gone when she reached the surface. Death receded when faced with the blistering winds, mimicking the retreat of Death before Ice within her body. Yet a smile spread across her face as she looked at the swirling belts of glimmering ice overhead.


    Her idea was feasible.


    Catheya''s abyssal eyes turned to the deste fields before her. It was the same view as the one greeting her when her return from the Perennial Vastness was interrupted.


    She''d pushed herself to the brink of copse in her desire to return to Zac''s side. More than forming her core, Catheya had looked forward to seeing the shock on his face when he saw what she''d aplished. A liquid corebining the essence of Abyssal Death with frigid waters like those she''d endured for years inside the Tears of Belsim. A core that was an ocean while her pathways became tributaries.


    Those desires were dashed when the transportation sphere spat her out in this hellish environment, where her newfound pride was quickly pushed down a peg. The cold was so overbearing she only managed to rotate a trickle of energy. The rest was frozen solid, like a river enduring a blistering winter. It was the same for her soul, even her heart.


    Taking a single step had felt like a tribtion as punishing as Heavenly Lightning. Thank the Heavens she''d already stepped onto the path of Harmonization. It was barely enough to avoid being frozen solid, though it didn''t solve her predicament. There was no contacting home or calling for help in this cial world, and Catheya would die the moment her soul was drained, and the Harmonization failed.


    She''d refused to give in, stubbornly taking one step after another in the direction that best resonated with her path, hoping it would lessen her burden. She wanted to walk out of the tundra that way or at least find a spot that wasn''t so monstrously cold. Flying would have been faster, but how was that possible with her energy frozen solid? Not to mention, the sharp winds above the valleys would have frozen her into an ice cube.


    Any thoughts of home, Zac, her cultivation, and the future were eventually trapped in ice. Only the cold remained, upying the entirety of her mind. No, the cold and her determination to keep going. It was onlyter she realized her trek took two months, when the distance traversed could have been covered in a couple of hours.


    The person who stumbled into the small abode that day was different from the one who began the journey. Every part of her had been harshly tempered by the environment. It was a rebirth through suffering. Even her Daos had jumped forward because of the intense strain. Her [ck Ice Cosmos] had seen the greatest transformation, where the fusion between Ice and Death seemed refined over decades.


    Today, that Earthly Domain was strong enough to seize control over a small piece of the tundra, and she moved like the wind between crags and frozen trees. The journey was still arduous, and it almost felt like the damp robe caressing her body was on fire. It was the lingering cold of the ce she almost failed to escape. A realm that could possibly match the Abyssal Lake in power.


    The simple abode eventually came into view, and the unbearable cold suddenly disappeared. It was still all around her, even stronger than before. However, it was as though the cold itself had been frozen and rendered unable to act on its surroundings.


    Catheya exhaled and drove the chilly water out of her robes before entering, creating a sparkling shroud of ancient water in her wake. Unfortunately, she couldn''t do the same with the cold that had dug into the depths of her bones.


    "Teacher," Catheya said, bowing with genuine deference.


    The woman sitting in the back of the simple wooden cottage looked the same as when they first met. Beautiful, tranquil, and distant. Catheya called her teacher, but there was no official bond of discipleship between the two. Catheya didn''t even know her full name. It had taken her over a month of wheedling just to get the name Hivissul.


    Hivissul was like the world around her, unchanging. She rarely moved, except once a week when she watered the y pot by her side. She wore a deep-blue robe made from icy silk, her horns looked like dead trees covered in frost, and her graceful features could have been cut from white marble. Despite her elegant appearance, hiding the domineering aura her body passively exuded was impossible.


    The brutal air only pureblooded dragons possessed.


    It had been a huge shock to stumble onto such a peerless existence at the end of her arduous journey, and the stubborn determination that had kept Catheya going almost copsed from an innate, primal fear of the predator before her. There were many races of dragons, but a pureblood adult should be at least an Autarch. Hivissul''s mere presence would have disintegrated Catheya if she hadn''t allowed her approach.


    There was one more thing that gave Catheya some confidence she''d survive their first meeting.


    "How was it?" Hivissul asked, opening her eyes.


    The miasmic azure felt like the true face of Death, and Catheya was close to having her path realigned to the path in the depths of Hivissul''s pupils. Her teacher might be a dragon, but she was also undead. Unfortunately, that was pretty much all she''d been able to gather since arriving. Hivissul ignored any inquiries into her background, though she had confirmed she wasn''t part of the Undead Empire. Neither did it seem she''d awakened naturally.


    The vast difference in cultivation made it difficult to find the usual clues, but Catheya believed she''d been realigned in the prime of her life. Whether it was the work of a Supreme Lich or a blessed ground was impossible to say, though the fact she remained unattached indicated thetter.


    Catheya didn''t know why Hivissul stayed in this small homestead despite her overwhelming strength. Catheya didn''t even know whether the woman before her was the reason her teleportation had failed. The dragon had taken her appearance in stride, seemingly not caring what Catheya did. Catheya couldn''t even pretend to be so indifferent.


    It had only taken a nce to realize Hivissul''s cultivation and Dao far surpassed any being Catheya had ever encountered, and their affinities were even a match. Despite being anxious to return, Catheya knew she couldn''t ignore such a monumental opportunity. She still hadn''t worked up the courage to officially ask for discipleship, fearing it would prematurely end this huge opportunity.


    However, her recent trial was hopefully the first step in that direction.


    "I only found three," Catheya admitted, taking out the [Permafrost Lodes]. Suddenly, the small pieces she''d suffered to find felt somewhatckluster, so Catheya quickly added something she hoped would better her chances. "But the visit allowed me to confirm my idea was feasible. I will be able to stay longer in the future after incorporating what I learned into my Earthly Domain."


    When Catheya first arrived, the dragon had simply ignored her. Unwilling to give up, Catheya spent the next few weeks cleaning and beautifying the surroundings. The cultivation environment was unmatched, but it was simply too dull. Catheya assumed Hivissul enjoyed gardening since she was watering a pot, so she''d built a whole garden around the house.


    Finally, Hivissul awarded her efforts by handing her a manual called [Three Purities] and a gem-studded ne. Its name was simple, but the technique was extraordinary. It was an Ice-Death Fusion Manual that cleansed and harmonized one''s three fundamentals: Body, Heart, and Soul.


    It was Body Tempering, yet it wasn''t. The same could be true for the Soul and Heart. Cultivating it wouldn''t put your constitution on par with a powerful Body Tempering Cultivator, and your soul wouldn''t be a match to a Mentalist''s.


    It was a unique method Catheya hadn''t seen before that purified and linked Heart, Soul, and Body into one unbreakable whole. No aspect would stand out, yet none would becking. You would be wless like a pristine piece of ice. Bottlenecks would be easier to ovee, and she wouldn''tck in any aspect of her cultivation. And with her fundamentals evolving and harmonizing, every aspect of her cultivation would benefit.


    However, Catheya quickly ran into a problem. The technique was a perfect fit, having already been modified to use Death and Ice to cultivate. And yet, Catheya was unable to practice the method without drawing from the limited energy contained in the ne''s twelve gemstones. She could use her Draugr heritage to barely provide pure enough Death for [Three Purities], but neither Dao, treasures, nor the tundra could provide the cold she required.


    The issue was very simr to the one Catheya had encountered with her own creation of fusing Earthly and Heavenly Harmonization and Dao Domain into an Earthly Domain she called [ck Ice Cosmos]. Just getting this far was already a huge aplishment, but Catheya wasn''t satisfied with just this. Her creation was taxing to use and limited in effect if channeled in a hostile environment.


    How was her Dao supposed to contend with the true cosmos before she reached the peak?


    She needed to add a power that would let her Earthly Domain fully override the ambient Dao for long enough to finish her battle. Relying on her ancestry was the obvious choice. She''d infuse the Abyssal Lake into her domain, using her bloodline as the conduit. However, doing so would skew its nature too heavily into Death, shing with the direction she''d decided.


    The Earthly Domain needed bnce, but few things could match up to the power of the ancestralke hidden within her bloodline. As with the [Three Purities], the problem was the Dao of Ice. She had the affinity yetcked the heritage and foundations.


    Catheya wracked her brain trying to figure out a solution, hoping the unique environment held the answers she sought. The ne couldn''t be relied on. She''d only be able to set foundations before running head-first into an unbridgeable bottleneck. Practicing a manual to such a shallow degree was worse than not practicing at all. At the same time, Catheya sensed that refusing to practice it meant rejecting Hivissul''s teachings, severing their tenuous Karmic Link.


    The problem consumed Catheya''s every waking moment, but she ultimately came up short. Ultimately, she approached Hivissul to exin her problem rather than doggedly searching for solutions out in the wild. The impartment had been a test of character, or as Hivissul put it, ''Blindly following severs the future. Traveling alone will send you down winding paths.''


    The dragon then provided the path forward. There were dozens of gateways beneath the tundra, leading to a realm Catheya had never heard of before. The Permafrost Gorge, a lower ne holding the chill of multiple Eras. Using one of the gateways to collect lodestones could solve her problem with the ice, with the caveat being that the gorge was incredibly dangerous for a low-grade cultivator such as herself.


    The only way to survive her was by reaching preliminary mastery of [Three Purities], which was what the ne was for. Even then, she''d only survive a short visit. Worse, the gorge''s deadly chill would infiltrate one''s body, bing a poison that would severely damage her foundation.


    It was a gamble. Either pass on the opportunity or bet your life on it. The lodestones were the key to dispelling the cold poison and practicing [Three Purities]. Finding enough meant solving her bottlenecks and continuing her tutge. Failing meant death or her foundations so damaged she might not recover in time for Ultom. Perhaps ever.


    Catheya chose to roll the dice, and the jury was still out on the result. She found the lodestones, but the ancient frost was still digging deeper into her body.


    "Feasibility was never the issue," Hivissul calmly said, not bothering to look at the stones Catheya faced true death searching for. "Fate is key."


    "Are three enough?" Catheya asked nervously. "I can feel the chill digging into my bones."


    The dragon didn''t answer for almost a minute. "Of the three, which do you feel is best suited?"


    Catheya''s brows furrowed in confusion as she looked down at the three pieces of unmeltable ice in her hand. Was it another test?


    Hivissul never exined how to use the [Permafrost Lodestones]. The dragon said exining it before proving herself was meaningless. Catheya had assumed the more stones, the better. She found one the first day, so she''d set a goal to find five before the realm overwhelmed her. If that weren''t enough, she''d train and head back until she had bags full of the things.


    Now, it looked like only one was needed. So which one should she use?


    Catheya scrutinized the three pieces. They all looked roughly the same, resembling uncut gemstones the size of a fingernail. If one looked closely, you could see their uneven surfaces were a tapestry of natural runes. Should she pick the one with the densest runes? Or the one whose icy energy was slightly stronger?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    One held superior truth, the other superior energy. And yet Catheya''s gaze stopped at the one that excelled at neither. It was thest one she found just before escaping. The ce she found it wasn''t special, and it didn''t harmonize with her in a way the others failed. Yet, there was something about it that pulled her closer.


    "Fate��" Catheya whispered as she picked up the stone. "This one, I guess."


    "Good. To have been chosen by three lodestones is decent. For one of them to be a True Faestone proves you''ve been chosen," Hivissul said, and a rare smile appeared on her face as the other two stones floated into the air. "It wasn''t meant to be."


    Catheya looked on with surprise as immense waves of energy burst from the small crystals before they copsed onto themselves. The lingering aura of spatial ice indicated they had gone back home, without Hivissul''s help. Catheya looked at the remaining crystal with marvel. These little things hid such amazing power?


    "Chosen for what? And by whom?"


    "As a friend of the gorge by its denizens."


    "There are actually beings living there? It looked and feltpletely lifeless," Catheya said.


    "Some would consider the Fae of the gorge as Natural Formations or unusual energy loci. However, as a being of Death, you should understand that the rules of existence are not cut in stone."


    "So this is a living thing?" Catheya asked.


    "You will have to figure out that answer yourself," Hivissul said. "Remember never to betray the trust. You are not strong enough to pay the price of disloyalty. When the Earth turns its back against you, so will the Heavens."


    "What should I do now?"


    "As I said. You have to find the answers for yourself," Hivissul said as a gate opened before Catheya. "Only then will the triumvirate path open."


    Catheya inwardly grimaced but didn''t let any displeasure show on her face. Her teacher seemed unwilling to exin further or even solve the creeping frost. The test wasn''t over.


    At least the dragon hadn''t discarded her. The gateway didn''t lead to the Permafrost Gorge or off the tundra. The cultivation cave she''d dug for herself in a mountain right at the edge of Hivissul''s domain waited on the other side of the portal. Half of it held the full fury of the blistering cold outside, while the other was under the control of Hivissul''s domain.


    The unique environment had given her plenty of insights into the Dao of Ice, and the remote location allowed her to cultivate without disturbing her teacher''s rest. It looked like she had to seclude herself and figure out how to use a True Faestone before the ancient frost crippled her.


    Catheya was anxious to get started, but she stopped just as she was about to pass through.


    "If I seed��"


    "Then I''ll uphold my promise," Hivissul said, her eyes closing. "I will take you to the Fifth Pir."


    "As I said before, The Starbeast Alliance is contending for the pir..." Catheya hesitated. "What if��"


    "The Starbeast Alliance will not stop my advance. As for the trial itself, I will not interfere," the dragon said, and Catheya felt a wind push her through the gate. "Remember, face the Earth, face the Heavens. Only an open heart can let divinity inside."

 Chapter 1172: Sacrifice

    <h4>Chapter 1172: Sacrifice</h4>


    Zac felt a surge of annoyance re up at the grating voice, yet it was followed by a flicker of guilt. Bra''s sarcastic remark hinted at an undeniable truth. He had only visited Bra twice over the past six months, having been too busy with the war. And Zac wasn''t much better during his years of seclusion, despite only being a stone''s toss away.


    It wasn''t like anyone else visited either, except for the asional soldier trading their Atwood Empire Contribution Points for one of the repository''s skills or to peruse theplete heritages. Zac couldn''t help but recall the w he and Emily found in the tower and the chaotic storm that was all that remained of the Tool Spirit''s mind. Eons of loneliness until it couldn''t hold on any longer, copsing into a storm of anger and regret.


    "You know, I''ve been thinking," Zac slowly said as he entered the Towers of Myriad Dao. "It''s like you said, I''m an important person. So important that mypound has be a taboo area people don''t even daree close."


    "Big talk for a child emperor of a two empire," Bra scoffed.


    The Tool Spirit was still drabbed in gold and gemstones, but there was a hint of destion hiding behind the haughtiness as hezily floated in the air, surrounded by coruscating waves of golden lights. The scene made Zac even more certain of his sudden idea, even if he knew it would raise some waves.


    "Nevertheless," Zac said. "The defenses are a necessary evil, but it also means themon popce has fewer and fewer opportunities to marvel at the wonder that is the Tower of Myriad Dao."


    "What are you suggesting?" Bra said, stopping to look down at Zac with a raised brow.


    "How about we move you to the Atwood Academy instead?" Zac offered. "We can set up an identical environment there, and the 50,000 students will get the chance to interreact with you without being cleared by security and apanied by soldiers. We could even make you a resident professor of the Academy. Who else is better suited to hold lectures and teach the next generation?"


    "Hold lectures? Teach?" Bra hummed, clearly interested.


    "Isn''t that what this ce is all about? It''s a repository of great knowledge. It''s a waste to have someone of your expertise tucked away here. And haven''t you alwaysined about theck of good conversational partners since my sister departed?" Zac crooned. "I''m afraid those kinds of people don''t grow on trees. But they could appear again if they had had the right guidance."


    "Indeed, who but the great Bra could" the Tool Spirit muttered before looking at Zac suspiciously. "Youe bearing gifts and speak sweet words. Since when were you so agreeable? What scheme have you cooked up this time?"


    "I''m just trying to use our assets to their fullest," Zac said. "Though now that you mention it, there''s a grave matter where only you can help."


    He wasn''tpletely lying. The idea to have Bra be a resident lecturer had never crossed his mind until today. However, meeting ''Senior Silver,'' the powerful Array Spirit of the Dravorak Dynasty, had proved it was a viable solution. And while Zac often sang Bra''s praises to solicit help, he was undeniably very knowledgeable. Especially when it came to the inheritance of his creator.


    Sending him over to the Atwood Academy would let him interact with the world again, helping his spirit stabilize while the students got ess to a new source of knowledge. It was a win-win scenario that might even help heal Bra''s fractured mind.


    Of course, all that didn''t mean Bra was wrong about his suspicions. Zac did have something he needed the Tool Spirit''s help with.


    "Spit it out."


    Zac didn''t put on any more pretenses and exined the situation with Vri and the bell the best he could.


    "Oh? An <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> has appeared?" Bra scoffed. "I didn''t expect to hear of that fell thing again. You''re about to have a bad time."


    "Do you know something?" Zac said, his heart beating with anticipation and anxiety.


    "My creator mentioned it once. Such a bell appeared in our original sector, causing havoc for 30 years. Wherever it passed, misfortune followed. Crops wilted. gues spread. Flourishing worlds turned into wastnds, and people went insane."


    "It appeared in your sector, too?" Zac frowned.


    "Yes. And shortly after, the Crown of Despair inheritance was installed," Bra nodded. "Your suspicion is likely not without merit."


    "Are you able to bring a wisp of her consciousness out?" Zac asked. "Not with her power, or she might kill us both."


    "Not forcibly, no. She''s long since reinforced her realm, making it impossible for me to even enter," Bra said. "But I could ask her."


    "There''s no need. I''ve heard it all."


    "What!" Bra and Zac shouted in unison, and their actions were equally synced.


    Both ran for their lives, with Bra diving for the ground while Zac ran for the door. Neither had any desire to face the Crown of Despair while the extent of her reach into the main dimension remained unknown. Zac cursed under his breath at the unreliable Tool Spirit, whose seals had been tampered with without his notice. The System, who loved repurposed items as quest rewards despite their ws, also received a few choice words.


    Zac lunged for the still-open door but encountered an impassable barrier made from pure Mental Energy. Bra fared no better. He may as well have taken corporeal form by his utter failure to sink into the ground. Meanwhile, an oppressive gloom spread through the halls. If not for Zac''s powerful Dao Heart and Soul, he would have copsed in abject despair.


    Instead, he solemnly looked at the translucent woman who stepped out of her muchrger replica in an uncanny recreation of Leandra''s descent the day she took Kenzie. Her face was shrouded in darkness, making it impossible to guess her intentions. Should he make a run for it? Zac could tell there was no way he had the strength to cut through the Mental Barrier, but that didn''t mean he was out of options.


    He only managed to scratch the surface of his upgraded bloodline before the Everfast Monarch interrupted his experiments. For instance, he hadn''t tried infusing the Void Sigil on himself. Zac still held out hope it would let him enter an out-of-phase state like when he was breaking through. If it worked, he could step right through the barrier.


    Yet he didn''t move. It wasn''t because of fear of the Soul Wisp of Ralz Calzood, even if it was rted. Seeing the Crown of Despair in the flesh brought Vri''s plight to the forefront. He couldn''t just walk away when answers were right before him.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "It can only mean one thing if one of the remaining <strong>[Epiclesis Bells]</strong> is descending without a Beseechment Ritual," Ralz calmly said as she looked at Zac. "It''s hunting. An immense opportunity has appeared in the region, am I correct? Perhaps even an Eternal Heritage?"


    Zac didn''t answer her question, still unable to tell whether Ralz was friend or foe. "Your disciple has been taken, and this is what you''re worried about?"


    "Your Soul has seen remarkable tempering for a warrior, but you cannot hide the truth in your heart," Ralz said. "As expected, it all leads here."


    "Is this why you set up this inheritance? To follow the bell? Did you use Vri as bait?"


    "This inheritance is but a seed of potential," Ralz frankly admitted. "Though one I hadn''t initially nned on nting."


    "So you set Vri up," Zac growled.


    "I knew this was a possible oue. Suffering is inevitable on the road of cultivation," Ralz said. "Knowledge holds power and binds through Karma. Only if she can survive in the depths of despair can she face the long road ahead."


    Zac took a calming breath before he lost control. It almost felt as though the Mentalist intentionally channeled the speech patterns and mannerisms of Leandra to push his mental state off-bnce. Had Ralz Calzood been spying since day one? Perhaps she hoped to create a weakness to target. Perhaps it was only a quirk connected to her path, like Yrial''s narcissism.


    "I came here hoping you could help me save her."


    "By your ount, she entered the bell willingly," Ralz said with a shake of her head. "Taking her out will do more harm than good. The <strong>[Epiclesis Bells] </strong>holds the true heritage of the Beseechment Pavilion." N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "The what?" Zac asked. "Is that the force you belong to?"


    "s, no," Ralz said. "The Beseechment Pavilion is long gone, destroyed by their pursuit. An ancestor of mine found a fragmented heritage and some ounts of the pavilion. It became both the blessing and curse of House Calzood."


    "Please, anything you could do to help me get her back," Zac pleaded. "I''m not sure if you encountered the same bell before leaving your imprint here. You can''t imagine the evil that hid within. There''s no heritage to find in that darkness."


    "I believe in your daughter''s discernment and conviction," Ralz said. "And fate is working in her favor. I can feel the storm of destiny descending on this region. You seem untouched, yet you are the eye of the storm. You and my disciple are embroiled in the struggle for the Eternal Heritage. As long as that is the case, Vri will be safe."


    "What''s the<strong> [Epiclesis Bell] </strong>and Beseechment Pavilion got to do with the Eternal Heritage?" Zac frowned.


    "It''s an ancient story, one of which I have limited knowledge," Ralz said. "As I said, my heritage is iplete, and millions of years of effort did little to fill those gaps. All it left us with was misfortune and despair."


    "Still."


    "Wery well. Time will tell whether your fate can withstand the curse of knowledge," Ralz nodded. "The Beseechment Pavilion was a powerful faction from the age of the Limitless Empire. Despite their great strength, they failed to emerge from the great darkness. No true lineage remains today."


    "How can you know that if you just stumbled onto a remnant?"


    "Because they didn''t slowly fade away during the darkness like the other factions. Desperate, they brought about their own destruction when faced with a dying Cosmos. The remnant we found was left by a ''Grand Caller'' of the pavilion, scribbling down notes while fighting the throes of madness. The rest had already met simr ends to the men you described before.


    Ralz turned to look up at her statue, which held her head in her hands. "Only by reaching profound levels of despair could he stave off the joyful madness long enough to leave a flickering me for the future."


    Zac took a shuddering breath as his eyes widened in realization. Was that what the Crown of Despair-heritage referred to? It wasn''t just cultivating the soul by witnessing and experiencing the woes of the world. It was a way of defense against the terrifying evil that made people dig out their hearts with a smile.


    "Caller Beseechment," Zac hesitated. "Were they Summoners?"


    "In a sense," Ralz nodded. "However, not of the spirits of the lower nes. They were summoning God."


    "God?" Zac said with confusion. "Which one?"


    "The hand behind the curtain," Ralz said. "The Beseechment Pavilion had glimpsed the Terminus and concluded that no Cultivator could ever hope to cross that threshold. Only a grand Creator could wield such power, and only such a being could give birth to our reality. So instead of fighting against nature, they decided to ask for help."


    "They reasoned that the Multiverse would be no more than a speck of dust to such a transcendent existence. They might not even realize civilizations had grown in the shade of their glory. The pavilion wished to create a bell that could be heard beyond the curtain, to garner God''s attention so that they could beseech his teachings and salvation."


    "I''m guessing it didn''t work," Zac snorted.


    "But it did."


    "What? Impossible!"


    Zac would have to be crazy to reject the notion of an even greater existence when Cultivators more powerful than Gods walked thends. What was Sendor, if not a God? However, there was no way this Beseechement Pavilion would seed when far greater factions failed to ovee the Terminus.


    Not to mention, Zac had seen what waited beyond the edge of reality when he visited the Void Mountain. There was no higher Heaven beyond the curtain. There was only nothingness, a destion so profound it had almost destroyed Zac''s mind.


    "Of course, not the way they intended," Ralz said. "The pavilion had sought their creator''s attention for eons without sess. The fall of the Limitless Empire and Heaven''s demise became the source of despair and desperate hope. They believed they had one final opportunity to toll the bells before it was over. One final Beseechment Ritual whose song wouldn''t be blocked by the Heavenly Dao.


    "They rang, and something answered," Ralz said. "You''ve seen a wisp of it first-hand."


    Zac nodded, having expected that oue.


    "They had no idea what they''d attracted, but they knew it wasn''t God. If anything, it was the Devil. Horrified at what they''d unleashed on the world, the upper echelon trapped most of its spirit in the main bell and sacrificed themselves to destroy it. But it spread like a gue through the 72 subsidiary bells and lives on to this day."


    "So why is this remnant spirit looking for the Eternal Heritage?" Zac asked.


    "This matter is outside the scope of our original heritage, and its answer is solely a deduction of House Calzood. We found records of <strong>[Epiclesis Bells]</strong> while searching for more remnants of our heritage. There were twomon denominators. One, misfortune follows in their wake. The bells feed on providence to survive, so they target rising factions and flourishingnds.


    "Secondly, destroying a bell will call forth an immense Heavenly Tribtion. The records detailed seas of purple and gold."


    "Both the System and the Heavens work together to attack the spirit?" Zac eximed. "How did it draw such ire?"


    "I believe it''s an invader," Ralz said. "The Beseechment Pavilion managed to guide something from beyond the Terminus, and the Heavens cannot abide its existence. The bell can hide its aura from the Heavens, but they are old and damaged. If it recovers too much energy, it''ll be exposed. Only unique environments such as Eternal Heritages can hide its existence and allow it to recover."


    Zac slowly nodded. It was impossible to say whether what she said was true or false, but it was suspicious how she''d put the card on the table without any fight. While Leandra was a zealot, she was still his mother. If that wasn''t enough, she still needed Zac''s help. So what did Ralz Calzood need?


    "Why are you telling me all this?" Zac asked. "What''s your objective?"


    "House Calzood has fallen. Only me and a few others are holding on," Ralz said. "I came to the frontier based on a clue. Before the Beseechment Pavilion fell, they were drafted by the Limitless Empire for one of its undertakings. They had to build something to stabilize a ''pir.'' We believe it was rted to the System itself. I can tell you d,o too."


    Zac inwardly swore. He''d held onto his Void Heart since being exposed before, yet it proved useless before this old expert. Her guess was right on the mark. The pavilion''s situation sounded all too familiar. The same thing happened to the Primo, ording to Lova. Laondio had demanded he help build the Hollow Court, even leaving behind a supreme treasure of his.


    "We''re looking for lost pieces of the Beseechment Pavilion''s heritage to rid ourselves of the curse of joy that has infiltrated our bloodline. I believe the pavilion left something behind when stabilizing the pir. I want it."


    Veins throbbed on Zac''s forehead as yet another task was added to his Ultom Itinerary.


    "I can''t promise anything," Zac said. "You''re right; I''m chosen for a trial set up by the System that involves the pir. That doesn''t mean I''lle across the thing you''re looking for. And I''m not looking for anything while Vri remains trapped by that thing. Help me get her out first, and we''ll do our best to find your heritage."


    "I can teach you a modified Beseechment Ritual used to call the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. The Heavens will do the rest so long as you damage it. However, to beseech the Devil, you must embrace the Devil. Are you willing to pay the price?"

 Chapter 1173: Inversion

    <h4>Chapter 1173: Inversion</h4>


    Zac stepped out of the Tower of Myriad Dao, his mind a mess. Ralz Calzood had fulfilled her promise by teaching him how to set up a Beseechment Ritual. The <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>''s true spirit had fused with and been twisted by the evil entity, but Vri''s captor was forced to take on some of the bell''s characteristics. Otherwise, the bell would lose its function, exposing the entity. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Unfortunately, Ralz''s warning was right on the money. The original ritual wasn''t enough to summon the bell. It would only act as a warning to the entity, exposing Zac''s location and intentions. The bell could still be attracted so long as the ritual provided a delectable enough offering to have the entity''s instincts overwhelm reason and follow the call.


    Human sacrifice.


    The bell craved providence, and Ralz knew no other method of offering that than capturing talented cultivators to use their potential as bait. And with fate gathering across the sector, there were promising prey everywhere for the entity to feast on. The offering would have to be significant to draw the entity''s attention.


    Zac definitely wasn''tfortable doing what Ralz proposed, even if he used Kan''Tanu cultists to power the evil ritual. Even if he did, there were many other roadblocks in the way. The ritual was incrediblyplex and required rare, specific materials to work. There was no way he''d manage to set it up alone. Gu could probably do it, but it would take months of preparation.


    That left the biggest hurdlewhat to do when the bell appeared. Zac could always invite a bunch of Monarchs, relying on their greed upon seeing the bell. He remembered therge cracks covering its surface, with two array patterns already broken. It shouldn''t take too much effort to push it over the edge and summon the Heavens.


    Which begged the question; what then? How could Zac possibly guarantee Vri''s safety in such a chaotic situation? Ralz felt he was better off leaving the matter alone, leaving Vri to fend for herself until the trial began. The entity''s goal was the inheritance, so the Crown of Despair believed the entity would keep her alive and sane to guarantee ess.


    Zac wasn''t willing to wait that long. Ralz''s ideas and suggestions werergely based on guesswork rather than fact. Zac sincerely doubted that the creature was some overwhelmingly powerful being who had crossed the boundless nothingness. If it possessed such strength, then the Beseechment Pavilion wouldn''t have been able to take out its main body. People like Karz and Laondio would have to step in.


    It seemed far more likely that the entity came from the Lost ne or a simr hidden realm. Iz had called the corruption "Dead Dao of a previous Heaven," leaking out of a crumbling Eternal Heritage. If it was happening to Ultom, it could happen to the other heritages spread throughout the Multiverse. That would exin Heaven''s anger. The entity would be a creature born in a previous Era or formed from its Dao. It could be considered an enemy of the current Dao, just like an invader would.


    Zac still didn''t know exactly what the deal was with Eternal Heritages. Someone unfathomably powerful had to expend immense effort to let a remnant survive the Dao''s copse. Would these ancient cultivators, who had likely transcended Supremacy, go through all that trouble to give their heritage to some strangers far in the future?


    Some might, but Zac felt Eternal Heritages made more sense if you looked at them as Arks designed to cross a stormy sea. The cultivators of the previous Eras weren''t willing to go quietly into the night, having all their aplishments erased along with the Dao.


    If that were true, then the heritages might not be unimed treasures waiting to be discovered. They were dimensions upied by immensely powerful beings from a previous era and their descendants. Maybe that was why the Undead Empire still hadn''t seized control over the Heart of the Empire. Were its original owners fighting back, leaving the Primo locked in a stalemate?


    Perhaps he could find some answers in [Foreign Gods], but more important than the entity''s origin was the fact that Ralz''s priorities weren''t aligned with his. Ralz''s simr personality to his mother was possibly fake, but Zac could tell she prioritized the Beseeshment Pavilion''s heritage and House Calzood far higher than Vri''s safety.


    Truthfully, it was understandable. Many masters were quite callous when it came to their disciples. They provided guidance and materials, but the disciple''s life and death were up to themselves. This chasm between high- and low-grade cultivators could be seen everywhere. Generations woulde and go in the blink of an eye to those at the top of the pyramid. You only qualified for true impartment and nourishment when you reached a high enough stage.


    This harsh reality was doubly true for the masters of the Tower of Myriad Dao. The cultivators who left their inheritances with Bra did so under duress to solicit his services. It was a transaction, and Ralz Calzood had lived up to her side of the bargain by providing manuals and treasures like Yrial.


    Just as Zac was about to step onto the teleporter and return to the Cmity Company, he stopped in thought. Being trapped by the Crown of Despair was another reminder that threats could appear anywhere and anytime. And the mention of invaders from beyond the Terminus made Zac''s thoughts turn to the Void Mountain. He hadn''t needed to rely on his Bloodline Talent to escape this time, but this was thest time he''d be alone and unmonitored in a while.


    Zac hadn''t dared infuse <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> on himself while aboard the Everfast Monarch''s ship, fearing some of it would leak into his human body like what happened with <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>''s refined energies. However, the strongest man aboard the Cosmic Vessel taking his other half to the floating barracks of the Swenty Sixth was only at Late Hegemony.


    Better yet, Zac still possessed the master key to all Creator-made Cosmic Vessels. He never removed that feature on the ships he sold, and no faction and Zecia had discovered the back door ess. It was meant as a safeguard for the future. If any of his business partners turned on him, he could take back his goods or even unleash them upon his former allies.


    The absolute authority came in handy today, even if Zac doubted anyone had time to bother with him right now. A simple order turned his chamber into a fortress, and all attempts to use the ship''s systems to spy on him would return falsified data. Continuing his experiments on his Draugr side wouldn''t leave any clues to discover aboard the ship.


    Zac returned to his Cultivation Cave and activated his Bloodline Talent, determined not to leave any stone unturned. The illusory mountain returned, and Zac slowly savored the feeling now that he wasn''t as pressed for time. The Void Mountain was a part of him now, which ultimately was preferable to having yet another external object lodged in his mind.


    The effect of <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> on external objects had already been confirmed; pure destruction of spirituality. It was an interesting ability, yet it couldn''t be the Void Sigil''s only use. Perhaps it wasn''t even the intended effect, just something that happened when used on the wrong items.


    The mountain was weak and hollow right now, but it had room for growth. At least, Zac assumed it did. His new Bloodline Talent was essentially the same as the one in Karz''s vision, though his predecessor formed sigils of the seventeen Dao Peaks. True to form, Zac''s corrupted bloodline rather conjured the Void Mountain that propped them up.


    Another difference was the permanent presence in Karz''s Soul Aperture,pared to Zac needing to actively summon it at the cost of Void Energy. The contrast might be a temporary stopgap. Karz hadn''t automatically formed his seals when entering D-grade. The rune representing the Peak of the Grand Materia formed first, thanks to Karz''s steady ess to matching materials.


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    Meanwhile, half the sigils remained unformed at the time of the vision despite Karz having been a Hegemon for decades. Zac believed his situation was the same. He could form a permanent Apparition of the Void Mountain as soon as he''d absorbed enough Void Treasures.


    Or was he supposed to go the same route as Karz, forming one sigil for each Void Peak, if there even were such a thing?


    Zac hoped that wasn''t the case, since such an arrangement wasn''t suited for him. Karz sought an almost unthinkable path of omniscience by grasping every Dao under the Heavens. Meanwhile, Zac was only cultivating the Peaks of Conflict and Chaos, and he would possibly add their respective Voids down the road.


    It was impossible to say which route his bloodline would take by looking at the illusory mountain. However, Zac had a feeling he might have inadvertently altered its trajectory over the past months. He still didn''t understand why he''d been sent to the true Void Mountain during his duel with Kator, but it resulted in its apparition taking up residence in his mind.


    Then, just minutes before his breakthrough, the Void Mountain fused with his body with the help of the Limitless Emperor and the Tribtion Throne. Maybe that was enough to transform his Bloodline Talent. After all, his apparition looked like an actual mountain, while Karz''s sigils more resembled runes or skill fractals.


    One thing was for sure. Karz''s method of progress was a lot more straightforward. The original Void Emperor could absorb the spirituality of any treasure, and the responding affinity and sigil would improve in tandem. How was Zac supposed to do the same for his Void Mountain? Void Treasures were incredibly scarce, only asionally appearing in unique environments such as the folds between dimensions.


    It was impossible to replicate his feat of repairing <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>''s Omnitool. He''d only managed to get treasures of all seventeen peaks because of the unique environment inside the Perennial Vastness. He could spend a thousand years on the outside without finding such a wide variety of high-quality Void Treasures.


    Wait, high-quality treasures?


    Recalling the second half of his vision, where Karz created what he called Millenium Herbs, Zac realized he might not have to look for Void Treasures. Maybe he could make them.


    Zac took out an F-grade Void Stone and activated <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, trying to replicate Karz''s money-making scheme. Nothing happened. The Void Mountain generated streams of energy, but infusing the Void Stone proved impossible. It felt like the energy had be solid matter, refusing to budge or enter the stone. His Bloodline Talent didn''t work on Void Treasures? Unwilling to give up, Zac took out a piece of Death-attuned wood.


    "What the hell!" Zac swore ten secondster as he threw the block onto the ground.


    It shattered like a piece of coal, just like the first herb he experimented on. The scene only made Zac more annoyed. This time, he''d used an E-grade material attuned to his Dao, hoping that a careful infusion would create a different effect than the wanton destruction. It was no use. The only difference was that the spiritual extinction took more time and energy.


    Zac''s bloodline corruption felt like a practical joke sometimes. His ancestor had essentially invented an infinite money glitch where he could turn trash into treasure. So why was he instead given the ability to turn treasures into trash?


    Sure, having Void Energy raise the spirituality of treasures seemed far-fetched, but couldn''t it have turned items into Void Treasures? Like his bloodline was inverted from Karz''s, he''d create a Void of Death Treasure. However, there were no signs of the item crossing over from Dao to Void when it became mundane without a shred of spirituality. When no spirituality was left to extinguish, <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>switched to eroding physical matter.


    Zac frowned at the ruined scraps, wondering if the ability only worked as a weapon. Item conversion seemed hopeless, and Zac couldn''t fathom the talent working together with <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>. <strong>[Essence Extraction]</strong> required much more finesse than the overbearing destruction of <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>.


    Then again, maybe he was basing his theories on the vision too much. Come to think of it, Zac might not even have to rely on Void Treasures to upgrade <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> just because Karz used Dao Treasures for his Dao Sigils. Void Treasures were undeniably the best fuel for his bloodline breakthroughs, but most of the materials that went into the furnace were normal treasures filled with Dao. Whether it was through relying on <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to transform the energies or directly absorbing Natural Treasures, he''d find a path forward.


    Finally, Zac moved on to the most important matter; testing the Bloodline Talent on himself. Zac drew upon the Void Mountain, relieved to see nothing changed to his human half when the Bloodline Talent integrated with his undead form. Zac felt the abyssal ponds in his cells darken as the shadowy streaks of Void expanded to cover its surface.


    The sense of disconnect from the cosmos he''d felt since having his body realigned by the Tribtion Throne amplified, and Zac''s eyes glimmered with excitement as he ran over to his museum of failures. He jolted like he''d been zapped by a stun-gun as he pushed into a hidden barrier, yet he actually squeezed through.


    The effect wasn''t as good as his state mid-breakthrough, and he felt some of the stored Void Energy in his cells being expended. But it worked. He had be the Void, removing the need to rely on skills like <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> to cross through Dao-empowered barriers.


    Arge mirror thumped onto the ground, confirming what Zac noticed through his Soul Sense. In contrast to Karz''s ability, <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> didn''t leave a sigil on his forehead or transform his appearance. Like the true Void Mountain, it was hidden beneath the surface, supporting the firmament unseen. This effect was so pronounced that the Void Energy coursing through his body had be invisible, removing any hint of its unique calling card.


    That gave Zac another idea, and streams of the Branches of the Pale Seal and War Axe flowed through his body along the pathways of his <strong>[Thousand Lights Avatar]</strong>. There was no resistance and no loss through mutual destruction when Void and Dao intersected. This didn''t change when he passed through the barrier again, though Zac noticed the drain on his body''s Void Vigor was substantially greater.


    Activating skills didn''t cause anyplications either, proving how marvelous his transformation was. Until now, he was generally forced to choose between Void and Dao, since using abilities like <strong>[Void Zone] </strong>would restrain his energy as much as his opponent''s. This issue was incredibly pronounced when he tried to infuse the Void into his technique.


    The Void Energy and his Daos shed, creating bursts of power while they fought against each other. It resulted in a potent burst of power, but it wasn''t a sustainable method of forming a Void-empowered technique. If Zac could figure out how to improve <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, where the infusion took the form of Void Life or Void Death, he''d only be missing the <strong>[Thousand Axes Avatar]</strong>.


    He''d embody the three pirs of the evolved Evolutionary and Inexorable Stances he''d invented during his duel with Kator without borrowing from a Void Apparition or suffering from energy ipatibility.


    Even his <strong>[Origin Revolution] </strong>and <strong>[Extinction Event] </strong>would benefit if he could use the Void in this more stable form. He''d seen the power of adding Void Energy when fighting the deathsworn. Zac could already tell<strong> [Void Mountain] </strong>could easily be used to solve the instability he had to deal with during that battle.


    The benefits didn''t end there. Using <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> while infused with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> resulted in a noticeable boost in its nullification strength. Even <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> benefitted, though it wasn''t as shy. If anything, it was the opposite. <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>helped obscure Void''s aura, making it harder for his opponents to expose his secrets when activating skills with Void Energy.


    The talent didn''t seem strong enough to affect his Hidden Nodes yet, but Zac confirmed the change he''d hoped to see. The resonance with<strong> [Spiritual Void] </strong>had grown much stronger when infusing his body, and it felt like the node was at the cusp of transforming. Zac tried to push it a bit further while pushing his Branch of the Pale Seal toward it.


    The harmonization broke, but Zac almost leaped in joy after seeing a flickering mote of Void of Death appear from <strong>[Spiritual Void] </strong>before his Dao Branch snuffed it out. The Hidden Node in his Soul Aperture had seen an upgrade after all, providing what he criticallycked: converting Dao to its matching Void.


    This ability could be more important than any other aspect of his bloodline, skyrocketing <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>''s importance. Reliable ess to the Voids of Life and Death wasn''t just a means to temporarily strengthen his remnant-powered skills or buff his stances. It was the key to unleashing his path''s full potential for both sses.


    Right now, the Branch of the Pale Seal was just an attribute boost to his Human side, with the same being true for his Draugr form and the Branch of the Kalpataru. He was fighting at only two-thirds of his strength, using two Daos out of the three he practiced. If he could do the same thing with Dao and Mental Energy as with his core, he could apply its theories to every aspect of his cultivation.


    The sky was the limit.

 Chapter 1174: Emptiness and Life

    <h4>Chapter 1174: Emptiness and Life</h4>


    Zac walked through the sprawling camp, returning the enthusiastic greetings of his soldiers. The Starsh Vessel had let him and the others off on a fortified instead of the floating army bases they first appeared on. The Atwood Empire had been designated a proper garrison on a Middle D-grade world instead of the crude barracks they''d seen, one of the many perks they got to enjoy after his contribution to the cause.


    Emily had already brought Gu and Bubbur back to Earth to get oriented. Zac had also asked Gu to bolster the arrays around the Ensolus Ruins until they figured out how to best crack open the temples. Average and the rest were eager to go home, while Ra''Klid rushed off to discuss his Ultom-empowered insights with his tribal council. It left Zac alone with his thoughts, even when surrounded by a sea of his people.


    Seeing his subordinates had returned even before he did was a relief. Many sported injuries of varying degrees, but it wasn''t much worse than how they usually looked after one of his blitz campaigns through the battlefronts. The Dravorak Captain at the Wolf Teeth Camp assured him they wouldn''t be put in a deadly situation before leaving. It looked like he''d kept his word.


    The elite soldiers Zac brought to the next world were even better off. Their fighting ended just after he left for the fortress, and Dossin''s unit hadn''t encountered any new enemies after the bell took care of the Kan''Tanu. ording to what he''d heard during his four-day journey back, that whole army and a few others had been put under quarantine while the Alliance investigated how powerful deathsworn and Technocrats could have appeared within their ranks.


    Zac eventually reached the garrison''s heart, where he spotted a forlorn Werewolf waiting for his arrival. Janos stood by his side, his face inscrutable as ever.


    "I''m sorry," a shamefaced Rhuger said before Zac had the chance to greet them. "I just watched as big sister flew into the bell."


    "It''s not your fault," Zac sighed. "Did she say anything before she left?"


    "She only said we all have a destiny we must face," therge werewolf said with a helpless look.


    "Destiny," Zac muttered with a stubborn gleam in his eyes. "Well, destiny can be changed. I''ve already discovered some clues on how to save her. We''ll find the bell and bring her out even if we have to turn the whole sector on its head."


    "Of course," Rhuger quickly nodded before ncing at themand center to their left. "Until then, what should we do? With big sis gone, IElysium is without a leader."


    "What are you talking about? Elysium still has you. You haven''t realized your greatness because you''ve walked in Vri''s shadows since the two of you were born. This is an opportunity for you to grow by facing the spotlight. I believe the experience will let the darkness in you grow deeper," Zac said, patting Rhuger''s shoulder. "And don''t forget, you''re never alone."


    Zac held a quick meeting with the Acheron Company''s leaders to debrief them before excusing himself. Their only orders were to rest up and make use of the amazing environment. The Alliance currently had bigger matters to worry about than their little faction. Zecia had reached a boiling point during his trip home, and the whole frontline was performing an unprecedented push. n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The scouts had already confirmed what the <strong>[Centurion Spear] </strong>aplished in the Million Gates Territory after blowing up the Worldfort. The weapon shattered an important ry station that acted as a nexus in the Kan''Tanu''s teleportationwork between the Space Gate and the Allbright Empire''s frontlines.


    Destroying it wasn''t as good as blowing up the Space Gate, but it severely limited the Kan''Tanu logistics and reinforcements. The cultists did have backup routes, but the tower''s final ze of glory had created such a storm that subdimensional ripples spread through the territory, sending spatial storms into the previously stable paths.


    The Kan''Tanu in Zecia were stranded, and the Alliance was determined to capitalize on the momentum. World after world was ripped back from Kan''Tanu hands, and Monarchs attacked en masse. The cultists had suffered major setbacks on the frontlines since the push began, but they showcased the advantage of being a unified force.


    The Space Gate wasn''t the only path to Zecia. The Kan''Tanu countered byunching a brutal sector-wide assault through the graded battlefronts. They spent money and contribution like water to increase their army effectiveness, causing chaos within the fractured Alliance. There were already countless reports of factions copsing. The pressure on the Alliance was quickly mounting, with n leaders and faction heads demanding to recall the men they''d sent to the frontlines.


    Zac and the Atwood Empire were mostly isted from the carnage. Their contribution was more than enough to sit out the frontline push, and the Kan''Tanu had no hopes of conquering Earth''s battlefronts with the means at their disposal. Who couldpare with the Atwood Empire''s almost boundless resources? Zac had his people lock down the battlefronts, stalling as long as possible while relying on their fleet of portable Cosmic Vessels to hold absolute advantage. If the situation worsened, they had a terrifying war chest of over sixty million faction merit to quickly bolster their defenses or reset the battlefront arrays.


    The situation was worrying, but there was not much Zac could do. Opportunities like the tower, where an Early Hegemon could impact the whole war effort, were vanishingly rare. And truth be told, he was exhausted. He''d constantly fought since returning from the Perennial Vastness while his subordinates rested in shifts. With two bodies, the carnage he''d experienced was doubled.


    He didn''t get the chance to digest that umted stress before he was thrown into the struggle over the fortress. But Zac could feel it all had caught up with him during the journey back. He exhaled as the doors to his private residence closed behind him. The small garden was so silent you could hear a pin drop thanks to the powerful istion arrays, but he still felt he could sense the presence of his subordinates outside. It was afort, yet it failed to stave off the bleakness that had taken hold.


    Walking through the garrison was a reminder of the costs that came with the unfathomable gains from his adventure. He still felt like a piece of his soul had been cut off where his connection with Vivi once existed. The warm, gentle presence had been a steadyfort since his days in the Orom World, apanying him through thick or thin during his journey. The new treasures lining his pocket were nothingpared to that.


    She''d been by his side for almost two decades if you counted the Temporal Chambers. It might not be much in the eyes of the Multiverse, but Zac wasn''t even sixty yet. He''d epted her, knowing their time together was limited, but part of him always believed he could turn the situation around. That he''d somehow reforge Vivi''s fate as he had the others around him.


    Zac hadn''t just failed that ambition; he''d hastened her death by decades by bringing her into increasingly dangerous situations. And yet, she sacrificed herself to save his life. Guilt and doubt gnawed at Zac as he recalled escaping the Orom World. When he threw Heda''s seed into the Chaos Gate.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    The botanist''s parting words were, ''Please take care of Vivi.'' Vivi might have already broken through to D-grade if she had stayed by Heda''s side. What Heda could aplish inside the Orom World and on the outside were very different. After all, the botanist was an elite among Monarchs to survive inside the Orom for so long, and she''d no longer be restricted by limited resources and the constant need for personal growth to avoid relegation.


    Vivi''s death made him hesitate about Verun and Alea. He''d never considered swapping them out as he progressed. Their journey was one. As long as he kept going, so would they. But the day coulde when Verun shattered under an overwhelmingly powerful attack or when Alea''s defenses were broken. The only thing he knew for certain of his future was that it would be a bloody road filled with danger.


    Was it a mistake to consider his Tool Spirits closepanions, brothers in arms? Would it be better to switch to weapons he didn''t have such an important ce in his heart?


    Some said his providence was like a whirlwind. Some benefitted immensely from being swept up in his wake, but others had paid the ultimate price for having their fates entangled. Vivi and Vri were only thetest victims, and he was afraid recent events were just a taste of what was toe. There were over two years of intense battle until the trial began, and the battle for the pir was bound to be an even bloodier struggle.


    It wasn''t just his closestpanions and sealbearers who suffered, either. Thousands of his men had fallen over the past days, including captains he''d gotten to know over months of relentless campaigning. How many of the men who''d greeted him upon his return would be here in a month? A year? Zac wouldn''t even know if they''d died. They''d be another number in the reports piling up in his Spatial Rings.


    Zac shook his head, snapping himself out of his state. They were at war, and people would die whether he was there or not. He couldn''t me himself for this inescapable reality. And both Verun and Alea had made their desires perfectly clear. They knew the risks of their chosen path, and they didn''t back down. So, how could he falter now? Instead, he should keep working on his cultivation to better keep everyone safe.


    Like on cue, a surge of energy flooded his body as the gates to the Hidden Node in his heart opened wide. Zac quickly activated <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> on himself, hiding <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>''s refined energy from any prying eyes. Zac''s cells greedily mored for the refined energy, which felt like an amorphous force holding something resembling the Void of Death.


    The source was a top-quality Death-attuned treasure he''d bought on credit from the Alliance, as his contribution still hadn''t been tallied. The refined energy joined the golden hurricanes in his cells, and they grew a shade darker as motes of Void Energy joined the vibrant life. Soon enough, he was fully topped off.


    The shielding ability of his new Bloodline Talent had allowed Zac to continue exploring with impunity during his return journey. The annoyance of being unable to create Void Treasures was long gone, reced by excitement over the talent''s broad scope of use. Between using the talent to infuse other things and infusing himself, Zac felt thetter held greater use.


    However, that ability came at a price. The external <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> purely ran on the Void Energy stores from <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>. Using the sigil on himself also drained the motes of Void that had infused to his cells. It was just like how his Eoz nodes cost Vigor to use. Luckily, recing what was lost wasn''t very difficult.


    His Human body needed to feed <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> Death-attuned treasures to stock up on Void Vigor. The Hidden Node returned something simr to Void of Death, which harmoniously joined the golden swirls. The phenomenon perfectly matched the situation with his core and the path he''d envisioned after realizing <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>''s new ability.


    It all meshed together so perfectly that Zac almost felt he was being led by the nose. His bloodline had been corrupted, and his second body bing a Draugr was supposedly an ident. He had to invent an unprecedented core to step into Hegemony. His path was defined by struggle and setbacks.


    Now, everything suddenly fit like a glove. It didn''t feel right, but Zac couldn''t tell whether these feelings were warranted or the result of being schemed against multiple times already. Had he be so addicted to suffering that he couldn''t ept something working without a hitch?


    No, there was more at y. Zac thought back to his experience in the Tribtion Throne. It increasingly looked like the realignment to his personal ''Void Path'' was the key to his current situation. The wisp of Laondio Evrodok''s will saw through his path and made the necessary adjustments. As for why, Zac had no idea and no way to find out. The question was added to the ever-growing pile of multiversal mysteries in the back of his head.


    For now, he had a constitution to evolve. The golden swirls in his cells had never been so full of energy. His body had been drained after evolving his bloodline, but that didn''t take away the amazing transformation brought by the cactus spine, Fiend Energy, and the Tribtion Throne. After four days of recovery and stabilization, his Life-attuned constitution had fully recovered and stabilized at a point that had transcended the supposed limit of the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>''s fourthyer.


    Zac walked further into his residence, finding the stairs leading him to the cer. There was only a small hallway and three reinforced gates belowground. One led to a small smithy, the other a customized Cultivation Chamber matching his element. Zac was curious how well his forwarded requests had been met, yet he passed them both, heading into the room the furthest inside.


    Vibrant, fiery energy rushed out of the inner chamber as its gates slid open. Zac nodded in satisfaction as he walked inside,pletely unfazed by the sweltering heat. The leaders of the Alliance had their hands full, but his unique status within the Twenty-Sixth had its advantages. The supply department had been more than happy to refit his residence based on his requests, and they had seasoned Artisans and Array Masters who could create miracles in no time.


    Zac was already leaning toward staying with the Twenty-Sixth instead of joining his other army, and this kind of VIP treatment was definitely a point in favor. There was also value in separating Earth''s two strongest armies in case disaster struck. The battle for the ancient fortress had turned out well for them this time, but there was no telling what kind of struggles the Field Armies would see over the next years.


    The inner chamber was a dual-purpose chamber designed to help with his Soul- and Body Tempering. Four great braziers were ced at the chamber''s corners, and an array drew their mes toward a central cultivation tform five meters across. The mes had a clear touch of Life attunement, making them a perfect supplement for tempering his body. In addition, gathering arrays were infusing significant amounts of Divine Energy into the chamber, further elevating the environment.


    Zac took off his clothes as he walked to the central array. The pure mes weren''t quite at the level of his previous breakthrough, but it was enough to lend a helping hand. And it wasn''t the only thing he''d prepared for today. A set of crystals teeming with fiendish energy appeared from his spatial ring, and Zac absorbed the ancient Killing Intent until <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> reached capacity.


    The next forty minutes were spent in silent meditation, where Zac calibrated his mental state. He''d already measured the time it took <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> to refine the Fiend Crystals. With this dy, the fiendish energy would be returned at the end of the process. It would help fuse therge amounts of Life with his body and dig into its potential.


    The final step was drawing the runes on his body with life-attuned paste. This time, both the paste and pattern were switched up. The Natural Treasures that had gone into the dense mix he''d prepared aboard the Cosmic Vessel possessed far greater spirituality and energy than what he normally used. Simrly, the patterns he drew across his body were much more detailed to facilitate his breakthrough.


    With everything in ce, Zac walked over to a cubby in a corner to ce his Spatial Rings for safekeeping. He also took out four pieces of Middle D-grade Life-attuned wood and threw them into the braziers to bolster their mes on his way back. Zac stopped in the middle of the tform, taking a few steadying breaths as he let the mes lick his body.


    It was impossible not to recall the desperation he''d felt during his previous breakthrough inside the Perennial Vastness. His body failed to contain the massive amounts of energy and exploded into a golden haze. He quickly realized it was part of the process and drew himself together, but the experience still left a shadow on his heart.


    All distracting thoughts were set aside, and Zac''s heart was calm as he took the opening step of the fourthyer of his Body Tempering Method. The many matters weighing on his mind faded as he became the Void surrounded by Life. It had begun.

 Chapter 1175: Falling Stars

    <h4>Chapter 1175: Falling Stars</h4>


    The thirdyer of his Body Tempering Method represented a major threshold, taking you into Minor Sublimation. The fourthyer further built on that reforged foundation. The original <strong>[Boundless Vajra Sublimation] </strong>said that the fourth to sixthyers represented the Shackles of Man, Earth, and Heavens, respectively.


    The Shackle of Man represented one''s past, distractions, and ''lowly pursuits.'' Only by earnestly facing the Dao with a clear heart could one be reforged by the Dao into a pure Vajra. It also referred to the mortal flesh you were born with. The Minor Sublimation set you on a path forming an unmatched constitution, where flesh was not flesh but an endless fount of Life.


    The Shackle of Earth referred to one''s reliance on factions and the desire for political power. The boundless Cosmos would be closed off to anyone who''d sullied their heart with court intrigue. It also seemed to refer to the Lower nes, but Zac didn''t quite understand how and why. He had only scratched the surface of the Fifth Layer, and he hadn''t even begun to redraw it.


    The meaning behind the Shackle of Heaven was even more of a mystery, but Zac did know breaking it meant achieving Major Sublimation and reaching the next stage of Heart Cultivation. Zac wasn''t too worried about it. The Sixth Layer could only be cultivated after forming an Inner World. He believed he''d better understand the method''s intricacies by then.


    Zac''s reinterpreted version of the Fourth Layer would still break these chains, though the symbolism behind them had changed. To Zac, breaking the Shackle of Man referred to one of the central ts guiding his path; taking control of his fate. By bing a Void Vajra, he''d stand outside the schemes of the mundane world, pursuing the Dao and his goals.


    mes and the smoky haze of burning wood swirled around Zac as he transitioned from one step to the next. They formed matching patterns echoing the truths hidden within the movements, and those truths formed transient runes that reshaped the room''s energy.


    Zac''s heart remained a tranquilke as the minutes passed, and his muscles barely felt any strain when progressing into the more demanding positions. His body had already reached the apex of the fourthyer, and his constitution was further bolstered by his two bloodlines.


    What made the biggest difference were the motes of Void Energy fused with his cells. They had made his body far more suited to practice the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>, helping him exert a greater pull on the surrounding Life-attuned into his body. Of course, that came with increased agony, though that was a small price to pay for speeding up his cultivation.


    Even then, Zac felt his carefully maintained Void State ripple as his cells resisted the infusion with increasing insistence. The cactus spine had already pushed his body to the limits of the amount of Life-attuned force it could hold. Taking on any more was like trying to squeeze something into a suitcase already stuffed to the gills.


    Something had to give, or he''d burst at the seams. Zac staunchly kept going, enduring the tearing pain of having millions of tiny cracks spread throughout his body. Breaking free from the Shackle of Man didn''te without a pricein a sense, it was discarding your mortality to be a being forged by the Dao. The first shackle would take you closer to the Innate Existences who naturallymuned with the cosmos.


    Each sutra came slower than the one before. Zac felt like he was being physically restrained by hundreds of real chains as he kept going. He struggled with everything he had, yet it wasn''t enough. With just ten sutras short of finishing the circuit, Zac found himself unable to move so much as an inch.


    His Draugr Hidden Nodes had already pushed him further than he could have gone on his own, but they could take no further. Zac''s body shuddered under the strain, worsening the cracks covering his body. Oily sweat poured down his body, forming plumes of haze as it was vaporized by the raging inferno. The swirling mes gradually calmed down as the rhythmic cadence Zac had built up over the past hours waned.


    It was at that moment a deep thud from Zac''s chest reignited his stalled momentum. A primal force poured out of the Hidden Node and into his true heart, spreading to every inch of his body through his bloodstream. The refined Fiend Energy had been released right when Zac needed it most. It acted like gasoline to the fire as it entered the overstuffed hurricanes.


    They shuddered and began spinning with unprecedented ferocity, pushing against the boundaries of their confined space. Zac felt like the raging storms were tearing him apart, but the agony brought new power. Zac staunchly held onto his Void State while his arms continued their measured circuit. The invisible chains holding him back groaned withint when the impossible was made possible.


    Then, Zac heard a snapping sound, and the resistance lessened. A smattering followed the first, and Zac almost lost control. Part of it was the unfamiliar power coursing through his body, making familiar movements seem foreign. Most importantly, each shattered chain brought agony simr to forcing open a node.


    Thankfully, he was almost there already. With a final stomp, the circuit closed, and thest shackle snapped. He was unbound, unburdened, andplete. Billions of hurricanes roared as thest barriers were broken through, and they rapidly expanded. A burning hurricane erupted in the sealed chamber with Zac as its eye. The immense amounts of ambient energy were all dragged into his body and became fuel for the eternal storm within.


    Zac remained unmoving in his closing sutra, yet felt his form growing tall enough to touch the ten-meter ceiling before shrinking to the size of a Sky Gnome. Contraction and expansion followed each other, each cycle dragging more energy into his body. With each contraction, arge number of cells split. When thest mote of energy in his supreme-quality paste was siphoned off, the number of his cells had increased by fivefold without changing his stature. However, Zac believed he would break any conventional scale if he stepped onto it right now.


    The process was over. Zac stayed in ce for the next twenty minutes, savoring the changes in his body. The fourthyer was just a minor bottleneckpared to the previous breakthrough. That didn''t mean the transformation wasn''t noticeable. It almost seemed as though his cells had formed individual miniature worlds, creating a paradoxical scene where the hurricanes had grown a few times, despite the cells being concentrated to a fifth of their original size.


    Boundless Life coursed through his veins, and Zac could tell he''d reached a point where he could regrow limbs without relying on any skills. The small cracks that had formed during his breakthrough were already closing on their own, leaving not a trace behind. Finally, Zac opened his Status Screen to inspect the changes.


    <strong>Name </strong>Zachary Atwood


    <strong>Level </strong>171


    <strong>ss </strong>[D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    <strong>Race </strong>[D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    <strong>Alignment </strong>[Zecia] Atwood Empire Baron of Conquest


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Titles </strong>[...] Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender, Destined, Cosmic Introduction


    <strong>Limited Titles </strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, Big Axe diator, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth, Void Road


    <strong>Dao </strong>Branch of the War Axe - Late, Branch of the Kalpataru - Late, Branch of the Pale Seal - Late


    <strong>Core </strong>[D] Evolutionary Core


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Strength </strong>124,477 [Increase: 219%. Efficiency: 451%] n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <strong>Dexterity </strong>59,560 [Increase: 171%. Efficiency: 300%]


    <strong>Endurance </strong>74,239 [Increase: 193%. Efficiency: 472%]


    <strong>Vitality </strong>77,573 [Increase: 206%. Efficiency: 470%]


    <strong>Intelligence </strong>12,250 [Increase: 150%. Efficiency: 300%]


    <strong>Wisdom </strong>20,707 [Increase: 152%. Efficiency: 315%]


    <strong>Luck </strong>1,363 [Increase: 184%. Efficiency: 393%]


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Free Points </strong>0


    <strong>Nexus Coins </strong>[D] 19 348 395


    <strong>[Life] Void Vajra Sublimation (Fourth Layer): Base Attributes +300. Vitality +3250. Endurance +550. All Attributes +10% Vitality +25%. Effect of Vitality +15%.</strong>


    Zac nodded in satisfaction. His Life-attuned constitution had finally caught up to his Draugr bloodline, and the fourthyer provided a sizeable chunk of attributes. The strong skew toward Vitality actually allowed the attribute to surpass Endurance after all this time. There were no twists or mysteries like with his Void Emperor Bloodline, which felt very wee after these past days.


    The only surprise was that unyielding resistance when he tried to cross the threshold on his own. He''d expected to almost seamlessly step into the next stage. The Fiend Crystals had sidestepped the issue today, and he had more fallbacks in case they proved insufficient. However, it was important to keep in mind for the future. He couldn''t allow himself to growx just because his triple constitutions made Body Tempering far easier.


    Thest flickering mes in the braziers went out, dragging Zac out of his thoughts. A nce confirmed the array was still in working order. It had simply run out of energy during his breakthrough. He closed the screen and got dressed before moving to the normal cultivation chamber.


    Streams of Life- and Conflict-attuned energy swirled inside. Someone had even ced a number of matching nts along the walls, creating a simr feeling to his <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong>. Zac took a deep breath as he sat down with a Divine Crystal in Each hand. His upgraded constitution was clearly able to hold far more Life, and his cells needed to be topped up. Life-attuned Beast Crystals would have provided much better nourishment, but Zac wanted to give <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>a breather after the refinement.


    Zac''s mind wasn''t really on cultivation, though. His body would recover on its own soon enough. Meanwhile, Zac felt it was time to finally turn his attention to one of the items that had stayed hidden inside <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> since his Draugr half returned to the frontlines; the ancient tome called <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong>.


    The purification sphere had proven quite useful for long-term storage, especially after Zac realized he could suppress the space to drastically weaken the corrosive Void Energy inside. Not that it was necessary when it came to high-grade items like the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> and the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong>. They were made from incredibly durable materials that effortlessly endured Zac''s bloodline. The thick tome was no different than the metallic objects despite being made from ancient hide. It silently floated in the hidden space, waiting to share its secrets.


    Zac had no ns of taking it out. There still was a small chance he was being observed. More importantly, he was afraid the book would release more sinister energy when flipping the pages. He was better off perusing its contents while it stayed in the Purification Sphere, where he could crank up the Hidden Node in case something went wrong.


    A mental nudge opened the cover, exposing a page written in majestic letters of the Limitless Empire''s script.


    <i>''On the 15,323th year of the Seventh Hexagram Order, the Foreign Gods were discovered hiding in the cracks of reality. </i>


    <i>After twenty years of study, the Starfall Court determined the origin of the corroded realm that had given them birth. It was the fragment of a Ster Wanderer, one of its three races of Ancient Arcana. The glory of the Ancient Arcana isrgely upheld by the Eternal''s mark through the river of time, reducing these gentle giants to obscurity.</i>


    <i>However, the might of these beings born from the eddies of our Grand Kalpa cannot be overstated. Towering over the Primordial Fiendgods of our age, wielding the strength to tear apart the Chaos Apostles from the Era of Disorder with a simple tug. They were suppressed by the Terminus from birth, forever wandering the cosmos in search of a higher Heaven.''</i>


    Zac briefly paused, and not just because of the many unfamiliar terms. A deep groan, like the shifting of ancient wood, rang in his ears, and Zac realized his nose was actually bleeding golden drops. The power imparted within these words was immense. The person who wrote <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong>, or at least its introduction, couldn''t possibly be someone stationed on the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse.


    He was far too powerful, quite possibly a genuine Supremacy under the Limitless Empire''s Banner. How could the fortress have fallen so such a state if the author was there the day it was attacked? He would have annihted the enemies with a flick of his fingers. Zac shook his head to clear his mind of the overwhelming pressure and read on.


    <i>''Sediments of undying will have mixed with Fallen Dao, giving birth to the Foreign Gods. Cruel, bloodthirsty, and vengeful, these miscreations are a blight and a mockery of the vaunted existences they were molded from. However, while only wielding a shadow of the true Wanderer''s might, they possess several desirable characteristics.</i>


    <i>These constructs made from corrosion are neither living nor dead, forever locked in a tormented existence. They also showcase the incredible resilience of their source, requiring the work of multiple Imperial Preceptors to disperse. One of the Elder Gods even survived the strike of a de Cardinal passing through.</i>


    <i>Cruelty and drive can be wiped. Purpose can introduced. Order can quell the Corruption. It would be a blessing for these pitiful existences and an act of positive Karma with the Lost Era if the Foreign Gods were given purpose beyond base instincts born from the Fallen Dao. The Empire will light a torch in the darkness for the Foreign Gods, just as we do for the Cosmos. With the authority of the Starfall Court, I establish the Centurion Project. May they act the lighthouse and guide the path toward the zenith. </i>


    <i>The stars are falling, unknowing of their origin. We are running out of time. The pirs will hold up the vault of Heaven, and the Foreign Gods shall be their eternal guardians.</i>


    Zac''s vision was already swimming by that point, but he pressed beyond the introduction in search of answers. Finally, he found what he was looking for a mention of the beacon. Zac endured the deafening roar as he skimmed the next page before decisively cutting the connection with his Hidden Node. He took a shuddering breath and swallowed a Soul Nurturing pill to alleviate the splitting headache.


    The book resembled the <strong>[Book of Duality]</strong>, where each word was imbued with powerful meaning and endlessyers of truth. However, there was something wrong with the pages beyond the first. Only the introduction was protected by the unbending Faith of the author. The rest seemed penned by the same hand, yet their truths had been tainted by the Corruption.


    <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> had only managed to cleanse the actual tainted energy that seeped out of the pages. The source was still there, its grade or nature resisting his Hidden Node''s efforts of purification. The problem wasn''t unbridgeable, but he would have to go through the book bit by bit while monitoring his mental state.


    Zac''s first session brought many new questions, but it thankfully provided some much-needed answers. The Limitless Empire had really found these "Foreign Gods" in what seemed like the Lost ne. Or more likely, a higher-grade fragment than the one the Ra''Lashar Goblins stumbled onto. The whole Ra''Lashar kingdom would have been wiped off the map by a single Foreign God, let alone one of the ''Elder Gods'' mentioned.


    Despite their factions being diametrical opposites, the Limitless Empire had actually chosen the same route as the goblinsto seize control of the entities born from ancient taint. Of course, the Limitless Empire was far better equipped to deal with the mental Corruption with their Faith Energy. The Corruption was powerful, but Zac couldn''t see it stand up to the Imperial Faith of the Limitless Empire in its heyday.


    Most importantly, he found a brief introduction to the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong>. It was more urate to call it a tracker, as it wasn''t the actual beacon that would let him unleash the Foreign Gods on the Kan''Tanu. Zac had already suspected something of the sort after getting his new quest. The quest told him to find a breach in the Eternal Storm, and the tracker was the key to locating it.


    In other words, he had to follow its guidance to find the real <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong> inside the breach. Lighting it up should technically let him summon the refined Foreign Gods from wherever they were being stored. And provided they actually were still around, which didn''t seem clear, considering the fortress seemed to have run into some of their former test subjects at the end.


    Zac was also curious about the author and the things he mentioned in the foreword. What was a Grand Kalpa, and who was the Eternal to leave such an impression? They must have been the Lost Era''s leading figure. And someone who stood out among their peers by the looks of it. In fact, it almost seemed as though the cultivators of the Lost Era were decisively stronger than the peak existences of theter Eras.


    Was that what the author indicated at the end? <i>''Stars are falling, unknowing of their origin.''</i> It almost matched the cryptic words Laondio muttered in Zac''s Bloodline Vision to a tee. Were they saying that each time the Dao copsed, it was left a little weaker?


    And if the Ster Wanderers were born in the ''eddies of the Grand Kalpa,'' did the author mean the Lost ne was the actual first Era, not just the oldest known Eternal Heritage?


    Zac''s mind churned as he felt himself drawing closer to monumental secrets buried in an ancient past. He almost dove back into the tome despite feeling like he''d taken a long bath in taintedke water. Luckily, a light chime provided a much-needed distraction. Someone had rang the bell of his residence.


    "What''s wrong?" Zac asked as he opened the door.


    "Everything''s fine," the Valkyrie said and handed over an information crystal. "The Administrators said you asked for some information, and they''ve finishedpiling it."


    "Oh, it''s done already?" Zac said with excitement, temporarily shelving the mysteries of <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong>.


    It was theplete tally of the current Middle D-grade Limited Exchange. With his breakthrough around the corner and a mountain of merit, Zac needed to decide whether to splurge in the Early D-grade shop or save his money for the higher-graded store. After all, the resource scarcity in Zecia grew exponentially more noticeable at every stage of Hegemony.


    Zac briefly scanned its contents as he returned to his cultivation chamber, suddenly stopping in his tracks as he reached the middle. His lips twitched as he nced at the ceiling, or rather at the System hiding in the sky. It couldn''t wait any longer for another bite?


    The items were a Splinter of Oblivion and a Shard of Creation, each prized at a very reasonable 250,000 merit. Their descriptions were foreboding enough to be left alone, calling them cursed and possessed by undying will that would corrode one''s rationality. That may have exined why they were left alone until now if not for the annotation indicating they''d been added just four days ago. Right after he left the tower.


    It felt like such an obvious bait, making Zac inclined to reject the notion out of principle. However, various threads began to weave together into a n. The beacon, the Foreign Gods, the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>, and now the remnants and the chance at Atavism. Perhaps there was a way to deal with all these matters in one fell swoop. Zac would have to get a whole lot stronger before enacting such a dangerous scheme. He also needed capable helpers and some scapegoats to pave the path and shoulder the fallout.


    Luckily, he knew just the people.

 Chapter 1176: Light from Darkness

    <h4>Chapter 1176: Light from Darkness</h4>


    The roiling oil of the upper seas created a nauseating green light show on the windswept range below. Theck of sound forced by the region''s current taboo amplified the kaleidoscopic torture, but Ogras preferred it over having any of his other senses sealed. Attackers wouldn''t make a sound before striking in either case, and the unusual light from the noxious seas dispelled most obfuscation skills.


    The tearing pain finally abated. Ogras spat as he recalled his illusory lifelines from the surroundings while ripping out the rune dagger from his enemy''s chest. The underlings created with the Dreamgeist''s Bloodline Talent could be his true body in case of a deadly ambush. It looked like there would be no need for that today.


    There were no movement or signs of more faceless lunatics in the area, though that didn''t mean much. It wouldn''t be the first time <strong>[Worldly Cognizance]</strong> failed to expose these intrepid assassins despite being a Supreme-level scouting skill. Ogras thought his horizons had been plenty widened after years of struggle inside the Perennial Vastness. Months of painful and deadly lessons had proven there was always more to learn.


    At least the benefits matched the dangers. Ogras had never heard of a realm like this ursed ce. How could there be a world under Heaven''s purview where fundamental functions such as Kill Energy were subverted? How could the Ruthless Heavens abide what the Heart Burial Domain provided instead? Stealing the foundations of the in to temper one''s Heart, Soul, and Body came awfully close to the heretical methods of the Kan''Tanu and simr cults.


    Ogras still wasn''t sure whether he should thank or curse the mysterious assassin who abandoned him here. Well, not so mysterious, it turned out. It didn''t take much digging to learn his new teacher was called Ponel Pustori. The name was known by every single assassin he''d fought since entering the Heart Burial Domain. Some had even visited his homeworld as part of a pilgrimage, leaving a red handprint on the walls of his courtyard.


    An assassin having his identity exposed normally meant death, but Ponel was an exception to the rule. Ogras couldn''t me the rtives of Ponel''s innumerable victims. Who''d be foolish enough to seek revenge from one of four known assassins who''d sessfully dragged down a Supremacy from their throne? Might as well skip the middleman and jump into theherworld yourself.


    Famous or not, Ponel''s guidance left much to be desiredno exnation or preparation before dumping him in this barghest pit. Ogras shuddered at the memories of his first days after arriving. Before he understood the rules of survival, the shifting taboos adding uncertainty and danger, or how to benefit from the realm''s sinister blessings.


    Ogras was initially reluctant, but he didn''t have much choice but to partake. His core was just formed, and there were thousands of established Hegemons skulking about in this demented world. It was another tally on his mottled Karma, but so what? He was already so deep in debt that some new additions wouldn''t make much of a difference. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <i>''Took you long enough. But that means this is a good''un,''</i> K''Rav gleefully hummed, gazing at the fallen assassin like he were a delectable meal.


    Ogras grunted in acknowledgment as he spread corpse-eroding dust over the body while the goblin extracted his soul before it could dissipate. Ponel was a right bastard. Ogras thought he''d at least get to enjoy some peace and quiet after enduring K''Rav''s incessant chattering for years, only to find out the <strong>[Shadewar g]</strong>''s<strong></strong>seal was limited to the trapped spirits. The annoying goblin could stille and go as he pleased.


    Then again, it would have been impossible to decipher the ancient scribbles hidden throughout the Heart Burial Domain without K''Rav''s help, giving him a much-needed up on thepetition. Enduring some sarcastic remarks was a small price to pay for life and power.


    Cascading waves of resentment pushed against his sanity as another soul was added to the rising tide inside the g. A bout of darkness gripped him, different from the agony of heretical refinement or the lost windows of time where his alter egos took over.


    This was a darkness that had to be fought with tooth and nail, as sumbing meant joining the ranks of his Shadewar Army. The torment relented, and Ogras took a shuddering breath as he reoriented himself. Two seconds lost. Not bad, not great. Ogras sank into the shadows, picking a route at random. If he didn''t know where he was going, then neither would any daggers hiding in the dark.


    Ogras wanted nothing more than rest after months of looking over his shoulder, of ying a deadly game of cat and mouse with the other participants. Unfortunately, he was fighting against the clock in more ways than one. Ponel had given him a year in the Heart Burial Domain. Half that time had passed, and there was still much to do.


    And Ogras had a sinking feeling that seemed more likely by the day. If he didn''t finish the transformation in here, the chained spirits would drag him under. Almost all the souls inside the <strong>[Shadewar g] </strong>were reced by Faceless Assassins by this point, and their numbers had grown a few times over. Ponel hadn''t been lying when he said this was the perfect ce to raise an army.


    Ogras had been fearful his unorthodox cultivation methods would make him stick out like a sore thumb and attract the overseers of the training ground. Laughable. At least two-thirds of these insane bastards practiced various forms of heretical cultivation. The rest were no better. The amount of fell Karma they carried was strong enough to blot out the sky, making his dabbling in unorthodoxy appear as nothing but an innocent dalliance.


    Did Ponel know the n for the <strong>[Shadewar g]</strong> was doomed to fail when he threw out his hint? No, how could he? He must have thought that such foul auras would be a good match to such a foul weapon. Ponel shouldn''t have realized unorthodox souls were necessary to turn the g into an orthodox weapon that wouldn''t umte a karmic debt every time it was used.


    Even Ogras didn''t at first. Not until they deciphered the first set of scribbles. Ogras''s original n was to turn umted sin into an illusion, recing darkness with light when real became fantasy. However, even if the crazy n cooked up under Ultom''s guidance had the legs to stand, it was only a piece of the puzzle. The best lies held a seed of truth, and the strongest illusions were based on something real.


    The <strong>[Shadewar g]</strong> broke the Laws when it trapped the souls that should have been returned to the cosmos. Bnce was broken, and the crime would only get worse the stronger the g grew, and the more it affected the river of fate. Ogras needed to generate merit if he wanted to subvert the sin of the g''s operation. The scattered mentioned a cruel road of spiritual cannibalism.


    If practicing a heretical method went against the natural order, then ughtering all other practitioners would help restore bnce. Sin as much as you wanted, so long as you enforced the samew as you broke. This was what the <strong>[Shadewar g] </strongcked, what prevented him from transforming its innate nature.


    Going forward, it would be a purgatory punishing those who went against the Heavens. It would generate merit by stopping heretics from breaking the Laws any further. The fouler the Karma of those he captured, the higher the chance of sess.


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    He only had to survive until then. He hadn''te close to the levels of trapped sin required for his n to work, and K''Rav was years from brainwashing the stubborn assassins. Yet every sinner he added to his prison added to his spiritual burden. Giving up wasn''t an option, either. K''Rav was right. His fate was indelibly stanied now that he''d set down his path. He''d have to see it through to the end, or the resentment would drag him under.


    The key to sess, or at least survival, could be found in the Heart Burial Domain. The fourth of seven rune daggers should be nearby, the next fragment of the <strong>[Red Hand Avinasa]</strong>. One of the seven strongest methods strewn across the training realm and the inheritance left by his introducer. The simplified version he practiced when wielding the rune daggers was already overturning his understanding of what was possible, and allowed him to advance far quicker than the other trialtakers.


    Ponel probably hadn''t been exaggerating when saying his foundations were much too weak to endure his methods. The tempering method was the key to surviving his true heritage while giving him the strength and resilience needed to drag the <strong>[Shadewar g] </strong>into the light. He''d truly be the Shadewar Sovereign, a ruler of the underworld who guarded the order through steel and blood.


    A natural predator to those heart-cursed bastards.


    ----------


    <i>''It''s time.''</i>


    Per''s eyes slowly opened, the storm in her heart mirrored by the blight ravaging her Inner World. She briefly considered using her injuries as an excuse to avoid facing reality but soon rejected the notion. The river of fate would keep flowing, uncaring of her thoughts on the matter. How could she not be there for her disciple at this time?


    A sh of anger ignited in Per''s heart as she ripped open a passage. Why did that young man insist on creating problems? Why did he have to steal what little time they had left? If not for him, wouldn''t her old friends still be alive today?


    Per adjusted her mental state before it affected her Inner World. It was easy to me Zachary Atwood for thoughtlessly throwing oil on the raging mes of war. However, there was nothing that said they would be any better off if the fate of the Centurion Lighthouse went another direction. Still, it was hard topletely erase the seed of resentment as she stepped into the small courtyard.


    They were still inside the War Fortress, but arrays and foliage had given the illusion of a countryside manor far removed from the woes of the frontlines. The truth couldn''t be hidden from Per''s senses. The empty cultivation chambers, the nuns anointing the few fallen who left a body to put to rest. The suppressed atmosphere of an army whose belief in victory had been suppressed by superior force.


    "Y-Your Eminence," Vai stuttered as she shot to her feet.


    "Master! You shouldn''t be running around with your wounds!" Leyara fussed as she rushed over to her side, her eyes wide with worry. "What''s wrong? Is he back?"


    "No, he''s gone," Per said with a gentle smile, hiding the pain in her heart.


    So many had died in that sudden burst of violence. Per could still see Kantaja''s zing eyes as she stood by the unmoving body of her husband, the hatred burning in her heart as she struggled with the harsh reality of her insufficiency. How many in Zecia could withstand the Chapter Heads of the Kan''Tanu? Ten, maybe.


    A newly ascended Monarch was nothing before them, and four Chapter Heads had been deployed to break the Alliance''s offensive and Zecia''s will. And they were just the appetizer used to draw out the real targets.


    "The Lord of the Kan''Tanu should be unable to emerge again for the time being. Our final attack destabilized his Inner World enough to force him back into seclusion. He can''t leave a single blemish on his foundations with that monstrous curse he''s nurturing."


    In truth, their sacrifice had only bought them a year or two, and it cost them four of the most powerful Dao Reserves hidden in their sector. There would be no Eimon Dravorak, Tasil Allbright, or Aposto Heliophos to push him back. With the other sacrifices, Zecia lost over 30 powerful Monarchs to kill one Chapter Head and buy some time. She was supposed to be detached from this mundane struggle, but Per''s heart bled at seeing the flickering hope of her home die out.


    And now, destiny hade for her disciple.


    "It''s something else. Come with me."


    Another gate opened, and Per led Leyara into the chamber hidden in the War Fortress''s depths. A solemn air swallowed all sound as they stepped onto ancient stone. Leyara opened her mouth, yet no words came out until Per covered her disciple in a protective barrier.


    "This ce" Leyara muttered as she looked around.


    Soon enough, her gaze stopped at the illusory me silently burning atop a small podium. Unfathomable barriers protected its essence, yet it was impossible to fully iste the tremendous truth hidden within. In that flickering me, the past, present, and future converged, forming a bridge to the beyond.


    "Is this a seal? No, it shouldn''t be," Leyara said with a frown, looking at Per with unanswered questions. "Unless it''s a mebearer seal? Why would such a thing be here?"


    "Because we are the Vigil," a third voice answered, and Leyara jumped in shock upon noticing a woman standing by her side.


    "Who are you!"


    "The Vigil''s core t is non-interference," the woman continued like she hadn''t heard Leyara''s question. "However, asionally, we have to light a candle in the darkness to illuminate the path. Simply watching when fate''s led astray could undo untold sacrifice."


    "Silsea Tromok, Emissary of the Eternal Watch," Per said with a neutral expression.


    "Eternal Watch? The headquarters?" Leyara said before her face rapidly shifted, and she turned to the ancient altar. "Then this is"


    "A me of Destiny. <i>The</i> destiny," Silsea confirmed, finally turning to Leyara. "We all have a destiny we must carry, and I admit our burdens aren''t made equal. I understand you have misgivings regarding the matters of the Vigil. That you feel your life''s path has been subverted by distant matters with no connection to you. Yet we can wait no longer, or we''ll be consumed by fate''s rising tide."


    "That''s" Leyara hesitated, unable to meet the intense gaze of the nun.


    "I''ve met the man who left a mark in your heart," Silseamented. "He''s a storm, rudderless and unpredictable. Dangerous. He''s already hastened the pir''s ascent by half a year, causing tremendous ripples on fate''s tapestry. Steering us into an unknown sea. Many will rail at having their trajectories and ns undone. This is your chance. You can calm the storm and lead him back to the light."


    "You want to control him through me? Forget it," Leyara red. "I''ve already gone against my beliefs over and over to live up to your rules despite being kept in the dark. That''s nothingpared to Master''s grace over the years. But I won''t betray Zac. He''s not just a friend or a participant of some event. He carries the fate of Zecia! You might not care what happens if the Kan''Tanu wins, but I do!"


    "This is not about control. It''s about bnce," Silsea said. "The Vigil does not wish to dictate which mebearer enters the court or what choice they make. Your friend is no different in that regard. However, with destiny in flux, he might uncouple the river altogether. The pir would return to the depths, delivering an irrecoverable blow to the Heavens.


    "Where would that leave him? He''d be an eternal sinner, an enemy of the cosmos. Thrones or Seals, destruction, rebirth. It won''t matter if the gates remain closed. Destiny''s river must be allowed to keep flowing."


    Per''s heart trembled as she saw the confusion in her disciple''s eyes. She''d tried to exin, to prepare her, since the first signs appeared. However, Per only knew a corner of the truth. She was only an outer disciple stationed in a deste corner of the frontier. Leyara''s connection with the Vigil was even more tenuous. Asking her to take on such a mission was asking too much.


    "You don''t"


    "If I absorb this, I''ll be a mebearer as well? Will I be able to enter the Left Imperial Pce?" Leyara interjected, her eyes somber. "Master said my identity is unique. That it would award me certain influence?"


    "You will gain entry, but not as a mebearer," Silsea confirmed. "You''ll be the Vigil''s meguard, protecting the me of hope from the winds and rain."


    "Will <i>I </i>remain?"


    Silsea silently looked at the mes for a few seconds before lightly shaking her head. "I don''t know. You will be annealed in the purpose of our undertaking, reborn to withstand the weight of destiny. Part of you might remain, but you could fade under its light. It depends on the strength of your conviction."


    Leyara silently looked at the flickering mes for over a minute before a radiant smile appeared on her face. She turned to Per, who found it harder to meet her eyes than face the assault of the Chapter Headers.


    "No matter what, I''m confident I''ll always remember you."

 Chapter 1177: Blackwood College

    <h4>Chapter 1177: ckwood College</h4>


    Zac stepped off the tform, taking in the fresh air of Earth. It felt like the sweetest perfume after smelling nothing but ash, steel, and blood for over two months. The honeymoon phase after dealing a blow to the Kan''Tanu had been woefully short, and the shocking appearance of the Kan''Tanu Pope hadn''t stopped the battles at the lower levels. If anything, the Alliance was desperate tomunicate they weren''t backing down.


    The worry hidden in the corners of the frontline soldiers'' eyes was present in his subordinates back home. Alliance had tried to keep things under wraps, but how could the Kan''Tanu pope''s terrifying prowess be kept under wraps? Three Field Armies had been annihted to thest man, turned into fodder for a Heart Curse the size of a.


    Even then, themon popce didn''t know just how bad it actually was. Zac had pieced together the truth by extracting snippets from his many connections over the past month. Dozens of Monarchs had fallen during the assault, including three of the extremely limited Late-stage Monarchs of the sector. Two more Late Monarchs were grievously wounded. With their advanced ages, they were essentially out for the count.


    In addition, multiple n-protecting relics had been expended to drive back the bloody pope and his subordinates. Altogether, it was a devastating blow to Zecia''s peak strength and a painful reminder that numbers couldn''t make up for raw strength in the Multiverse. When the pope returned, there would be fewer guardians to hold him off. If they failed, Zecia would have another Eventide Asura event on their hands.


    The outsiders didn''t participate in the battle, though Zac had to admit they had a hand in making the Kan''Tanu back off. It wasn''t out of benevolence or camaraderie. They couldn''t let the war end early, as it was the best way to form Karma with the uing event. Ideally, they wanted a stalemate, where their champions could gather fate by wantonly butchering natives in a locked war.


    If you needed to find something gooding from the disaster, it would be that the added pressure acted as a catalyst for growth. Everyone was feeling the pressure, the abject weakness before the Kan''Tanu''s peak masters. It broke the spirits of some, but hearts had been tempered by close to a year of constant battle.


    His subordinates were no different and used the suffocating pressure as fuel for change. They worked harder than ever, and not just the soldiers. Zac could barely recognize the war camp as he passed through it on his way to the teleportation station. It had beenpletely rehauled, turning into a monolith of steel and impregnable strength.


    The ingenious designs would be familiar to anyone who had visited the Ensolus Ruins or any other remnant of the Limitless Empires. The bases were simplified versions of the ancient schematics Gu brought back from the fortress.


    The designs collected in the Sixth Centurion Lighthouse and Gu''s insights into arrays triggered an industrial revolution. Ishiate Tinkerers, Volor Sturtles, and artisans worked tirelessly to expand their operations. Millions were hired to open up huge foundries on Pangea and Ensolus, and the first prototypes had already left the production line. It wasn''t enough to change the overarching direction of the war, but it would make the Atwood Empire''s uing ascension smoother.


    The three designs far beyond the Atwood Empire''s capabilities, which they provided the Alliance free of charge, could potentially nudge things in Zecia''s favor, though Zac wasn''t overly optimistic. He''d seen the schematics and their unbelievable intricacy. Construction would take years of trial and error, if it could be done at all.


    Nevertheless, Gu was personally making great strides since joining his ranks. His war designation became Chief Engineer, and his seal quests were progressing even faster than Zac''s shipyard quests. He''d given up on any hopes of bing a true Merchant already, shifting his goal to bing a titan of the arms industry.


    There were still a few hours before the meeting, and Zac didn''t want to seclude himself in his cave until then. The course had already been set, and he would spend enough time in seclusion already. Instead, Zac toured his Empire, visiting cities on both Ensolus and Earth. It was impossible to escape the notices stered everywhere, and the messages were always the same.


    Half were the recruitment posters for the army and its support branches. The second was the upgrade notice. In three days, Earth would ascend, bing a Middle D-grade world. The notices urged everyone to stay calm during the upheavals. Zac had already seen recordings of F- and E-grade worlds. The upgrade didn''t create much of amotion, but the energy levels involved were far lower than what Earth would face.


    Zac walked unnoticed among the popce despite his unique Draugr appearance, thanks to the shrouding items he wore. Eventually, he found himself before an institution he hadn''t visited before; ckwood College. It made him recall a few matters. He deactivated his equipment, which caused somemotion among the guards until they realized who had just popped out of nowhere.


    "Emperor Umbri''Zi!" the Revenant soldiers greeted with respectful bows.


    ckwood College was one of Elysium''s elite training grounds and where many of the martially endowed Revenants ended up after their six-month general orientation. Raising undead citizens was quite different from their living counterparts, at least in Port Atwood, where the naturally-born undead still made up less than one percent.


    A Revenant raised from a cultivator could technically restart their journey the moment their spirit awoke, and madness gave way to sapience. However, these people were nk tes, ignorant of everything you''d normally learn as you grew up. As such, newly awakened had to go through aprehensive course that would allow them to function in society.


    It sounded almost impossible to impart the upbringing, experience, and basic education that young adults possessed in such a short time. Then again, awakened Revenants were born with fully-formed minds and bodies, and the orientation''s first two weeks were a training course that allowed them to get used to their bodies while gaining levels and a few titles.


    At that point, they''d have enough attributes to be considered unprecedented geniuses in a pre-integration society, and they rapidly soaked up everything they needed to know. It even seemed as though they were re-learning as much as learning, with their predecessors'' experiences bing something akin to instinct. Still, orientation would normallyst three full years to provide better foundations and give them more time to find themselves.


    That wasn''t possible with Zecia''s current situation. They had no choice but to elerate the process so the awakened could graduate to military training camps, factories, or the many other departments that screamed for manpower. Only those disying the greatest potential could continue their studies in elite institutions such as the ckwood College or the Atwood Academy.


    "Good work. Don''t mind me," Zac said to the guards, smiling as he saw Pika run over.


    "Lord Atwood, we weren''t expecting you today," Pika said. "Are you performing an inspection? Is it the Echelon ss?"


    Zac nodded after some thought. "In a bit. I''m here to see Max first. Where is he?"


    "Max? He should be on the Sword teau," Pika said, her head gaining a hesitant tilt before continuing with a whisper. "He''s confused. There is something wrong with his weapon."


    "I heard. I''ll deal with it; you don''t need to apany me," Zac said.


    "I''ll arrange everything with the Echelon ss, then," Pika said and hurried away.


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    The world darkened and time slowed to a crawl as Zac activated <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong>, careful not to impact the students and teacher with its domain. It wasn''t difficult finding the Sword teau despite not knowing theyout. It resembled arge sparring tform in the woods behind the main building. Three array pirs surrounded it, each emitting sharp auras.


    It was a training array that could conjurerge numbers of flying swords that would attack anyone atop the tform. You could meet the onught alone or in the group, and you could train anything from battle technique to evasion within. Since the arrays were made based on the Dao of Swords, cultivators could also search for inspiration in the heat of battle.


    Right now, the array wasn''t running, and the area would have felt abandoned if not for the young man sitting atop one of the pirs with a shortsword in hisp. Zac felt a twang in his heart as he saw the familiar features. He didn''t know why he felt the need to see the young swordsman, but he knew better than carrying this knot when entering seclusion. He might be overprepared for his uing breakthrough, but that didn''t mean it would be easy or fast. This time, he didn''t have the Perennial Vastness to help out.


    There were also troubling reports of Max talking with the sword when he thought no one was looking. There were no signs of mental issues, but the doctors felt it possible something went wrong because of the rare resources that went into Max''s awakening. That splinters of his previous soul were lodged in the depth of his aperture, causing a mental illness resembling schizophrenia.


    Seeing Max this close up, Zac had another theory. The easiest way to uncover the truth was to apply some pressure. Zac shot right for the boy, only returning to his corporeal form at thest second. Murderous intent covered the teau as <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>descended<strong></strong>toward the boy''s head in a brutal arc.


    ------------


    Max sat in silence, feeling the buffeting of <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> against his mind. It helped calm his nerves. He didn''t know why he''d been so on edge today. He''d heard the whispers among the custodians. Something had gone wrong with the war. However, those matters felt distant and abstract. It wasn''t the source of his unease.


    He sometimes missed the days before the clouds in his mind parted. It was only him and hispanion, free from any errant thoughts or troubling matters. Every day, he learned something new, and the joy of discovery had started to turn into a suffocating pressure. The world was growing too fast. He didn''t even know himself, so taking it all in was bing too much.


    These escapes into the wilderness, where it was only him and the Dao, were the only thing that kept it from spilling over. Max smiled as <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> incorporated another sliver from the pir. At least he wouldn''t be alone forever.


    The tranquility was broken by a roiling wave of deadly peril. Max gaped in fear upon seeing a terrifying man appear before him, reeking such bloodlust the ichor in his veins froze over. Yet Max''s arm moved on instinct like he''d been in this situation a thousand times before. The shortsword rose to meet the descending edge. More than ever, <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> felt like an extended part of him.


    Reacting in time wasn''t enough. Instructor Dwayne would have shaken his head,ining about form without purpose. How could you bring out your true strength when your heart was in turmoil?


    Rationally understanding the problem didn''t magically solve it. The immense force within the axe was like a copsing mountain, and Max felt like every bone in his body would break as he was thrown off the pir and into the arena. The pain helped dispel all errant thoughts, at least, allowing the training to kick in. Max rolled to his feet, his sword held in a defensive position as he found his bearings.


    His attacker was already standing before him, his features hidden by a cloak and a haze of Death. Powerful, incredibly powerful. Max listened for the footsteps of guards running over, but the forest was deathly silent. It was as though the arena had been cut off from the world and his chances at survival with it. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Who"


    His question was answered with more violence. The gleaming axehead moved in for the kill, the intent imbued in the strike far surpassing the murderous air of the visiting veterans. Yet the sharper the Killing Intent levied against him, the louder the swordhymns grew in his ears. Max followed its urgings, meeting the overbearing attack with a ncing deflection that allowed him to move within hisrger opponent''s reach.


    Where a fist was waiting.


    Max saw his impending doom, yet his body wasn''t ready to give in. A narrow dodge reset the battlefield, yet the pressure immediately returned. Max desperately endured, but he felt his grip on reality slipping. The swordhymns were joined by roars and shes of unfamiliar scenes of foreignnds. Of furious struggle, of twisted faces ring at him from the other side of a set of shing weapons. <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> felt burning hot in his hands, a fire that gave him the courage to fight back against this terrifying opponent. Dreams and reality converged as Max followed the call as though possessed.


    Yet it wasn''t enough. Whether real or fake, Max was being suffocated as he steadily lost ground. Max could as well have been fighting ten people from how the axe seemed to be everywhere at once. Even then, his mind settled as he was pushed closer to the inevitable end. Now that a few seconds had passed, Max understood the truth. If this man wanted him dead, he''d be dead after the first exchange.


    This was a test.


    "Not bad," the man said when Max finally couldn''t resist and removed the cowl hiding his features.


    The previously calmed heart threatened to jump out of Max''s mouth as he stared into the pitch-ck eyes of the warrior. They felt like the true expression of Death. The true face of the verynd he stood on.


    He was such an idiot! Why didn''t he realize sooner?


    "Hhello, Emperor!"


    Max had assumed it was another veteran Headmistress Pika had brought to share their experiences and insights with the students. Maybe he''d seen Max sitting atop the pir and decided to test him out. To think it was Arcaz Umbri''Zi, the ruler of the whole Empire!


    The realization brought a new dimension to the questions he''d grappled with over the past months. Of the inexplicable treatment he enjoyed. He was no slouch, and he did work hard on his swordy. But he couldn''t hold a candle to the talents of the Echelon sses. So why the special treatment? And what about the other odd things he''d noticed?


    Was he really someone special in his past life?


    "Do you know me?" Emperor Umbri''Zi asked as his axe transformed into a beautiful ne.


    "Uh," Max hesitated, his soul trembling under the intense stare. Was it a test? "Nno. I don''t remember anything from my past life. But there''s only one person with your eyes. Ththere''s a painting of you in themissary."


    "Hm," the Emperor nodded, his expression growing distant.


    Max couldn''t bear the silence or the questions rattling in his mind.


    "Cancan I ask who I was before I died?" Max asked.


    "You should have been given the report."


    All reanimated citizens were given a file on their old life, containing a brief description of their past selves. It was up to them whether they read the report or not and whether they wanted to apply to meet their predecessor''s family. The situation with the Echelon ss seemed different, but Max was normal in this regard.


    Of course, he''d looked. Who wouldn''t be curious about their background? Max also believed it held the answers he sought about <strong>[Second Wind]</strong>. Why did he awaken with a weapon already bonded with his soul? However, the short life story in the file had left Max sorely disappointed.


    "It doesn''t make sense," Max pressed. "ording to the report, I was a nobody. So why do I retain more of my cultivation than the others? Why do I have ess to better resources? Is the report fake? <i>Who am I?</i>"


    Emperor Umbri''Zi didn''t immediately answer. Eventually, he sighed and shook his head. "A nobody? He had friends, family. Companions who trusted their backs to him. He was hard-working. He had aspirations. He wasn''t a nobody. His journey simply ended early. That doesn''t mean he didn''t leave a mark or matter."


    "Then it''s true?" Max said, his eyes zing over as he felt the fantasies he''d builte crumbling down.


    He''d often daydreamed his differences came from a hidden identity. Maybe he was the son of one of the Empire''s generals. The truth of his origin was obscured to protect him, and he was left <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> as a safeguard. One day, they''d step through the gates of the ckwood College and bring him home.


    It was all nonsense.


    The Emperor shook his head, and Max gasped as he felt <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> fly out of his hand.


    "I understand things don''t make sense right now. The best exnation I can give is that Karma connects us. I was the one who gave you this sword when you were a human child who hadn''t stepped onto the road of cultivation. It was a chance encounter, and I didn''t see you again until the moment you fell in battle. You died the day I returned."


    The sword returned to Max''s side, and he breathed out as he felt whole again. Yet he didn''t know what to think. His treatment was simply the result of a coincidence? A simple word from the Emperor, and he could enjoy unearned benefits. However, the next words from the Emperor blew the gloom away.


    "Are you willing to take me as your master? You''d be my second disciple after Emily Larkin."


    "Disciple?" Max''s eyes lit up before a cloud of hesitation put a lid on the excitement. He nced at the ne around the Emperor''s neck. "Would I have to?"


    "You don''t need to switch to an axe," the Emperorughed. "I''m walking the path of conflict. The axe is how I understand this Dao. There is nothing preventing you from doing the same with the sword. Besides, I''m pretty hands-off. I won''t interfere with what direction you take."


    What else were there to say?


    "I''m willing!"

 Chapter 1178: Echelon Class

    <h4>Chapter 1178: Echelon ss</h4>


    Zac nodded, feeling the knot in his heart loosen. He initially had no ns to take Max as a disciple, and the young swordsman''s strength, frankly, wasn''t impressive enough to warrant it. His affinities had clearly risenpared to his human counterpart, thanks to the special attention that went into his awakening. It was still only at the level of an elite, a noticeable gap from people such as Vri and the Echelon ss.


    Reaching Hegemony was up to fate, and rising above would depend on the unique bond he''d formed with his Spirit Tool. Or perhaps, it was more urate to call it a Soul Sword now. The nascent spirit in the sword Zac gave Max after returning from the Orom World had somehow fused with Max''s original soul. The sword was now closer to <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> than a normal Spirit Tool.


    Max''s connection with the sword might be even stronger despite the spirituality still being weak. There was some sort of unique entanglement happening. Zac had no idea what woulde of it. Perhaps it was a blessing; perhaps it was a dead end. However, he saw an echo of his situation in Max. With their Karmic entanglement already there, Zac felt it made sense to take him as a disciple.


    Or was Zac just seeing what he wanted to see?


    "You have been nourishing your de with thetent energy of the Sword teau. However, the effect is limited, and the sword is of average quality. It will not be able to keep up with your advancement as things stand. I have better swords"


    "I''d like to keep using <strong>[Second Wind]</strong>!" Max said with dogged determination, though the young Revenant failed to hide the panic in his eyes.


    Zac was gratified yet worried, his thoughts returning to Vivi. What would happen if the sword snapped? Max''s dependence on <strong>[Second Wind] </strong>was far greater, to the point his soul might as well live and die with the de. Would he even survive its destruction?


    "What if you face a strong enemy like me? Taking <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> into the battlefield will only harm you both."


    "I''ll find a better way to make it stronger!"


    Zac slowly nodded. "Let me take a look at it."


    Max was hesitant, but he still handed back the shortsword. Zac scanned the Spirit Tool for over ten minutes,paring it with the materials avable in his spatial ring. Its grade was low, and the materials that went into its creation were ordinary. The craftsmanship was solid, at least. Giving it a boost with <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> was child''s y.


    "There is currently a mismatch. The spirit you''re nurturing is marked by death, something that the materials that went into <strong>[Second Wind]</strong>ck. How about I strengthen its spiritual nature and infuse the Dao of Death?" Zac said. "It will deepen <strong>[Second Wind]</strong> ''s foundations and make its transition into E-grade smoother. Of course, you will still have to figure out the way to nourish the de and its spirit yourself."


    "I will, thank you, Master!" Max said with excitement.


    Zac nodded, and dozens of attuned materials flew out of his Spatial Ring to form a constetion around him. The Omnitool came next, and Zac began the delicate process of extracting heterogenic strings of from the weapon before weaving in an intricate pattern of Death and Conflict. Crafting Dual-attunement equipment was much harder than just sticking to one Dao, but Zac could craft this particrbination in his sleep. It was essentially his Inexorable Path, with some minor alterations to remove any connection with axes while reinforcing the budding Dao of Sword the Soul Sword already held.


    Layer afteryer was added with pinpoint precision. Zac''s skill in <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> had reached new heights after three months of diligent preparation. Zac still wasn''t at the level where he couldplete the quest to unlock <strong>[Essence Union]</strong>. Still, there were noticeable improvements to his control over the fragile tendrils of essencepared to his time in the Perennial Vastness.


    The newfound ability didn''t juste from practicing the method during any breather he had. Much had happened in the ten months since he emerged from Sendor''s domain. He''d elevated both constitutions, moving them closer to the Daos of his path. His Daos had also broken through, bing Late Branches. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He''d even touched upon the Four Laws and the One Destiny when using the Tribtion Throne, an experience that couldn''t bepared to the illusory hints he''d witnessed atop Mount Illumination. With deeper foundations, progress came easy. At least when dealing with refinement connected to his path.


    The upgrade only took an hour, at which point Zac had infused one and a half cycles into the sword. It wasn''t its limit, but Zac felt it better to leave some room. The more spirituality he infused, the more it would mirror his path. Max should be the one who decided the sword''s direction. Besides, gathering the materials to upgrade your equipment was a fundamental aspect of cultivation. It would just harm his progress if Zac just handed everything to him from the get-go.


    "This should let you go a bit further," Zac said as he handed over the sword.


    Max lovingly looked at the de, which had gained a darker hue while its inscribed edge emitted a cold sharpness.


    "This is my first gift as your master. My second gift is an opportunity," Zac continued. "There is a Dao Repository in the Atwood Academy in the capital, and there is a sword inheritance inside. If there''s anyone in my Empire who knows how to nurture a sword and its spirit, it''s the de Emperor.


    "However, nothing in this worldes for free, even if you''re my disciple. Only seven individuals in the Empire can ept the inheritances of the Towers of Myriad Dao. Half the slots are already taken. You currently have a Late Seed of Sharpness and an Early Seed of Hardness. Form a Fragment of the Sword aligned with your path within six months, and the opportunity is yours."


    He''d expected reopening the doors to Irei''s inheritance to dredge up some unwee memories, but his heart remained calm. Instead, he recalled those days when he sat under a tree, pondering on his path while Thea swung her sword in the yard. Those tranquil years between the Integration''s end and Leandra''s return felt like a distant dream most days, but they suddenly felt very real. It was bittersweet.


    "de Emperor" Max intoned, nodding with determination. "I''ll work hard and prove myself worthy! Master, could I join the Military Camps? That way, I can visit the battlefields and gain experience."


    "Don''t be too eager to step onto that stage. There are other ways to umte experience andprehension," Zac rejected. "Your predecessor made the ultimate sacrifice. Don''t let his gift be in vain. You walk the path of the swordyou''ll see enough bloodshed in your life whether you want to or not. For now,e with me. I''m speaking before the Echelon ss, and you should listen in."


    Zac grabbed Max''s shoulder and took him away from the Sword teau. The two appeared before the doors leading into a small auditorium, with Pika and a group of lecturers and instructors waiting outside.


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    "They''re all assembled," Pika said. "Is there anything you need from us? We have prepared some activities in case you wish to gauge their progress."


    "That''s okay," Zac rejected. "I''ve read the reports; you''re doing great work. I''m just here to see them and share some of my experiences."


    "That''sDo you think we could..." Pika said, ncing at the eager-looking teachers behind her.


    "The more the merrier," Zac smiled as he pushed open the door.


    Zac led a nervous Max inside, and the silence was deafening as sixty-two sets of eyes focused on him. Zac pointed for his disciple to take a seat at the side while the instructors lined up in the back. He didn''t say anything for a minute after taking his ce behind a podium, silently taking in the familiar faces and recalling the memories that came along with it.


    A trio of humans sat in the front, together in death, just like they were in life. They emitted a dark but stable aura, making Zac think of a tomb that had endured the winds for ages, soaking up the Death and Earth of the cemetery it stood in. They were the believers in Azra who targeted him at the beginning of his visit to the Perennial Vastness.


    Not that far away sat a reptilian cultivator with a line across the scales of his throat, whose aura almost perfectly blended with the environment. Sendor''s seal had locked away the specifics of the zones he visited during his training, but Zac could still recall the series of events. He''d broken through with his soul, at which point the reptilian tried to ambush him.


    He''d found the life-death <strong>[Cmity Core]</strong> thatter became the nucleus for his Cosmic Core, and the three Earth Cultivators had tried to intercept him on his way out. Each face carried a simr story of conflict and struggle at the edge of life and death.


    Zac''s eyes shifted to a muscr Revenant resembling a statue. Astara, or Lesindi as she was now called. They''d arrived around the same time, and the spearmaster was the strongest opponent who became attracted by the global notice targeting him.


    She''d approached him again after he imed <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>, proudly dering she''d be the one to leave her name behind in the end. Zac hadn''t put her promation to heart and moved on with his matters. It turned out he''d taken up a muchrger ce in her heart. His series of explosive achievements became daggers stabbing into her Dao Heart until she couldn''t bear it any longer.


    His second run-in with Astara was a full six years after his arrival, making her the secondst guest he killed before forming his core. She''d tracked him down during an outing for resources. What followed was a short but brutal battle where she sought to kill him to disperse the demons that formed in her heart. Now, Lesindi was one of the standouts of the Echelon ss.


    Astara''s fate left a bitter taste in Zac''s mouth. She was a rare genius who had managed to nurture both Intent and Technique. With her immense foundations, she had easily climbed to the ninth echelon. For her to fall in the E-grade felt like a huge joke. At the same time, Zac didn''t feel pity. The weakness in her Dao Heart led her down the wrong path, where she tried to murder him solely to reinforce her convictions before breaking through.


    The Echelon ss was fully made up of the elites he''d killed inside the Perennial Vastness, except for a handful who''d been dealt with by Catheya and Ogras. Imperial Deathsworn, handpicked by Valsa nur, carefully nurtured scions from vaunted backgrounds and rare geniuses who had seized a Vastness Token one way or another. Each was a talent that would easily have broken into the Stars of Zecia Ladders were they still alive.


    Zac hadn''t spared any expense for their awakening. Catheya had worked on the corpses for years inside the Perennial Vastness, and he used the best avable methods and rare treasures to facilitate the transition. Furthermore, the catalyst of their awakening was Zac''s fully awakened Draugr bloodline, which awarded them an even greater affinity with death.


    They quickly gained sapience and were put on specialized training programs based on his memories of their talents and the methods he found on their bodies. Boje, who was still relearning his Alchemy by starting at F-grade recipes, provided top-tier medicine to expedite their growth.


    Like Max, they weren''t strong enough yet to join the war effort. He could tell they were all at Peak F-grade, currently in the stage of building sturdy enough foundations to target Hegemony and beyond.


    The former Heaven''s Chosen silently looked back at Zac with emotions ranging from veneration to fear. Pika, Vri, and Rhuger all believed that exining their origin was for the best. Their uniqueposition of races, some of which didn''t exist in Zecia, would quickly expose that they weren''t like the other newly-raised Revenants of the Atwood Empire.


    Zac felt odding face-to-face with a roomful of people who''d tried to kill him before, whose life he''d ended himself. He could only imagine how it felt for these children. If nothing else, the mythos of the dual Emperors of the Atwood Empire had only grown greater during the war. His human persona stood in the limelight when it came to the sector atrge, but Arcaz Umbri''Zi was figuratively and literally the founding ancestor of Elysium.


    "I''m Arcaz Umbri''Zi," Zac simply said. "While this is the first time we meet, I have been following your progress from a distance. I''m sure this is all confusing, and I know we''ve pushed you kids hard. I''m sure you''ve understood the reason already. Your talents are extraordinary, and you carry seeds of great potential.


    "However, the Atwood Empire doesn''t employ deathsworn. We are at war, but we are far from reaching the point where we need to force children onto the battlefield. Neither is there any grudge between me and you all. It''s true that I''ve fought most of your predecessors, which is why you''re sitting here today. But remember. They are they, and you are you.


    "Your predecessors can only give context to your being, but the future is solely in your hands. You can choose a different path than the ones detailed in your inheritances. All of your predecessors were great warriors, but that doesn''t mean you have to follow in their footsteps.


    "There are as many roads as there are cultivators, and those who travel the furthest aren''t necessarily the most talented. It''s those who have found their calling, whose conviction and drive let them brave the winds of their long journey. I gathered you here today because I wanted to dispel these doubts and share some pieces of my journey in hopes you can find something simr for yourself."


    Zac began sharing the stories and insights he''d gathered over the years, starting when he was alone and fumbling in the dark on Demon Ind. He hid nothing, smiling while retelling some of Emily''s favorite stories that greatly shed with his current status and renown. Those mistakes and misadventures were his first lessons in the realities of cultivation.


    He didn''t speak on the Dao beyond the joy ofing closer to the truths he sought and of the struggles he''d faced when formalizing a path that resonated with the essence of his being. Instead of techniques, skills, or battle, he covered heart, aspirations, and purpose.


    Soon enough, Zac was speaking to himself as much as the captive audience. The words just kept flowing. It was a reaffirmation of his path, of why he stood here today, and what he needed to do. By the time Zac finished half an hourter, Zac found more than a few students had the zed-over, distant gaze of someone swept up in their cultivation and at the cusp of an epiphany.


    A few had gone even further, closing their eyes as their auras gave hints of breaking through. The teachers in the back were simrly affected, but they quickly isted these students with arrays, making sure they wouldn''t be disturbed by or disturb the others. Max was in this group, his eyes shut as he tightly gripped his weapon.


    Disappointed looks appeared on many of the remaining students as they furtively nced at their ssmates.


    "There''s no point in being jealous of others when ites to cultivation. We all have our own roads to walk. Today, these children managed to take another step forward. Tomorrow, it might be your turn," Zac smiled. "What''s important is that you find something you''re passionate about and work hard at reaching it."


    The silence stretched for a few seconds before one of the Revenants eagerly raised his hand.


    "Uh, Mister Emperor," the scarred man asked, leaning forward with excitement. "Is it true you have visited many amazing ces? Other worlds? What are they like?"


    The one asking was once one of Valsa''s deathsworn, and the bubbly youthfulness looked incredibly off on the face of a hardened warrior. It was doubly so for Zac, who remembered his steely demeanor during their desperate deathmatch.


    "It''s true," Zac grinned. "All kinds of ces. I''ve seen things you wouldn''t believe. Worlds fully underwater, worlds so hot an F-grade cultivator would turn to ash. Stars holding thousands of worlds inside. I''ve even been swallowed by a fishrger than this whole continent."


    "What, really?!"


    Soon, another lecture took ce, with the elites of the Echelon ss more resembling a gaggle of schoolchildren who hollered and giggled as Zac shared some more misadventures. It was only an hourter he left the group with a smile. He was alreadyte for the meeting. It was worth it.


    His heart felt full, clear, and ready to face Middle Hegemony.

 Chapter 1179: Facing the Bottleneck

    <h4>Chapter 1179: Facing the Bottleneck</h4>


    Zac hadn''t realized how much he''d needed a short break from the pressures of office. The bloodshed and constant threat of death were bad enough. He also had to y the roles of the Atwood Empire''s tyrannical emperors. Any hint of weakness could ripple through the ranks of his men or invite trouble from those eying their wealth and position.


    The wide-eyed innocence of the newly awakened allowed him to put all that aside. He''d felt like an uncle entertaining a gaggle of kids at a family gathering. Zac was also happy to see his impromptu appearance helped the Echelon ss let go of some worries. More than one had carried misgivings about their purpose and role in the Atwood Empire.


    Just knowing that no one was out to get them had helped as much as his lecture on cultivation. Altogether, eight managed to elevate their Daos, while two rekindled the abilities of their predecessors. One was Lesiti, who formed her first sliver of Spear Intent. The other was the curious deathsworn, who was now called Wright. He''d actually triggered a bloodline resonance, awakening a Bloodline Talent that seemed very useful for scouting.


    Max''s gains were harder to nail down. He didn''t seem to understand it himself. It seemed as though the link between himself and his Soul Sword had grown stronger, forming a give-and-take simr to his <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis] </strong>with Haro. It was interesting, but Zac had no ns to delve deeper into Max''s secrets.


    Ultimately, Zac had too much on his te to give point-by-point instruction to his new disciple, and he couldn''t very well bring Max back to the frontlines. He''d already provided a path forward, and Max would have to prove himself by aplishing the task he''did out. Hopefully, the challenge would be his first step in formalizing a path of his own.


    Zac was even less worried about the Echelon ss. With their talent, it wouldn''t be long before they made a name for themselves, no matter if it was on the battlefield or in other departments. They did, however, hint at a worrying trend. The undead side of his empire was starting to be too powerful, eschewing the bnce between Life and Death.


    Their poption was just a fraction of the number of living citizens, but Elysium was producing an excessive number of extraordinarily talented cultivators because of him. It hadn''t been an issue when there was only Vri and Rhuger who stood out. But the Echelon ss would ze through the ranks until Peak E-grade, as the foundations for the first two grades had already been set by their predecessors. Between their talents and Earth''s uing upgrade, they wouldn''t need to waste much time before pushing for Hegemony.


    Furthermore, the Echelon ss was only thetest addition to Elysium''s ranks. There were also the Revenants and Corpselords from high-quality corpses collected during the war. The Kan''Tanu rarely left usable corpses, but Zac wasn''t limited to only collecting those his soldiers slew.


    The Kavriel Province already had an agreement with the Alliance to buy any usable corpses. However, it wasn''t easy to forget the eons of enmity. Many were cautious about providing their old nemesis with too much ammunition, afraid it woulde back to bite them in the future. The Atwood Empire didn''t face simr resistance, and they''d been able to set up multiple channels to discreetly procure bodies for cents on the dor. Then there was Ultom and the elites who''d participate. Zac''s Corpse Sack would soon fill up again.


    How was the living supposed to keep up?


    Certainly, Earth had an unusual number of cultivators possessing bloodlines. But so what? The purity wasn''t very high. The locals wouldn''t measure up to the Echelon ss even if they managed to trigger a bloodline awakening. Their predecessors would be considered talents anywhere in the Multiverse, and most had stronger bloodlines than the descendants of the Tsarun n''s research subjects.


    Let alone Earth, barely anyone in Zecia could stand shoulder to shoulder with the Echelon ss in terms of pure talent. Even the established ns in the Undead Empire Hearnds would fight tooth and nail for such an incredible batch of corpses. Any one of the sixty-two had the potential to be the ancestor of a powerful branch.


    If nothing changed, the Atwood Empire would eventually be divided into a small group of powerful undead ruling over arger poption of living citizens. Take it further, and a day mighte when the undead feel it is a waste to have a bunch of dreamers running around. If all the leaders and guardians of the empire were undead, why not just realign the whole faction?


    Zac could quash any such developments while around, but he couldn''t stay on Earth forever. There was his mission to Sanctuary, which could take decades, depending on the distances involved. Furthermore, his road was growing increasingly narrow on the frontier. Zecia couldn''t provide the resources and facilities needed for someone like him to target Peak Hegemony and beyond. Just Middle Hegemony would have been a headache if not for the contribution store and a few established factions opening their private treasuries because of his performance in the lighthouse.


    These were all problems forter, though, and the imminent rise of the Echelon ss did help him in the short run. As expected, Kator had been on his case since Zachary Atwood shot straight to the top of thedder. Giving his undead followers some extra attention was one way to show he hadn''t forgotten his Draugr side. Thank god the Reaver sessfully stepped into Late Hegemony two weeks ago, and his human side wouldn''tpete with Kator for the top spot on the Middle D-gradedder.


    The other participants were already waiting in the meeting room when Zac arrived. Representatives from all races were present, as were the branches of government and military. His human half was already sitting at the seats of honor, and Zac nodded at himself as he took his seat to his left.


    "I''m sorry about the dy. Let''s begin."


    At this stage, there was not much left to discuss. The ns had already been drawn up and implemented, so the meeting was more of a once-over to confirm everything was in ce. Zac hadn''t been very involved in the nitty-gritty, leaving the details of Earth''s upgrade in more capable hands. He''d read the reports and provided general direction. The short of it was that they''d purchase the energy upgrade for Earth the moment Zac''s sessful breakthrough was confirmed. Meanwhile, Zac would trigger the shipyard''s upgrade.


    Some final details were ironed out, and Zac added a few notes on his own. Altogether, they were done within two hours.


    "Is there anything else before we wrap things up?"


    "There is," Ilvere said. "We just received a report. The bell was spotted again."


    "Is it still only attacking Kan''Tanu?"


    "Yes, but a Monarch appeared to snatch it. He failed, but the bell seemed to have taken some damage before it slipped away."


    Zac frowned for a few moments before shaking his head. "It''s fine if it managed to escape. Its actions prove that Vri is still in control. She''ll be more careful going forward." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac was only making educated guesses, but there was not much else he could do. He wasn''t ready to deal with the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>, which was one of the reasons he was pushing himself so hard. Vri''s plight reignited the urgency burning in his heart. He stood up and turned to the door when a hesitant call stopped him.


    "Wait! Should Should both of you really break through at the same time? The risks involved..."


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    The one who asked was Julia. It was a valid question for those who didn''t know the truth of Zac''s split existence. If something went wrong, the Atwood Empire would lose both pirs at once. The empire would descend into chaos, and their riches would be eyed by Kan''Tanu and locals alike.


    "That''s precisely why we have to go at it as a team," Zac said while his other half nodded in agreement. "We were once one. Our Mental Energy is still indistinguishable, and we have aplete understanding of each other''s paths. One might be able to help the other through the process, significantly reducing the risks."


    "But using a Temporal Chamber is too dangerous."


    "What choice do I have?" Zac sighed, even if he wholeheartedly agreed with Julia''s warning.


    He was taking a big risk by stepping out of the river of time once again. He had already borrowed too much between his seclusion and the Perennial Vastness. The disjointed time flow he''d experienced after returning was his final warning. With another infraction, the river woulde to collect.


    "It''s not just Vriwe''re all running against the clock. You have grown immensely over the past year, but the past months have proven how quickly disaster can strike. Even if I were willing to hand over the reins and seclude myself for a few months, how am I supposed to focus on my breakthrough with constant worries rattling around in the back of my head? Don''t worry; I have found some methods to weaken the temporal imbnce. One quick seclusion should be fine."


    There was one more reason Zac reluctantly decided to take the risk, one not suitable for such an open forum. Suddenly and without warning, the Sealbearer quest''s deadline had jumped 197 days closer. Instead of two and a half years until the trial began, they now had just under two.


    The shift was rted to his actions inside the fortress ording to Tavza. Zac didn''t understand why that should make any difference. The Lighthouses and Centurion Project were only tangentially rted to Ultom. At the same time, the timing and that nun''s presence on the Everfast Monarch''s vessel couldn''t be a coincidence. The fact that the Void Gatepletely cut ties with him shortly after gave Tavza''s theory more credence.


    Since the deadline could change once, there was nothing that said it wouldn''t happen again over the uing months. There was also his mission to call forth the Foreign Gods and seize the final piece of his seal. If a Lighthouse could cut six months from the Fifth Pir''s ascent, what about the real thing? It could immediately trigger the trial, depending on when he took action.


    Middle Hegemony was only his minimum requirement. Ideally, Zac wanted to reach the peak of the stage and upgrade his Daos before it was time to set off. He no longer had the luxury of spending months on core breakthroughs and redrawing his pathways.


    Zac left for the closest teleporter, with both bodies appearing in the lobby of his Cultivation Cave. Triv was already waiting for him, while Gu arrived soon after.


    "How is it?"


    "We''ve gone over the arrays and installments twice over the past week. Everything is in order," Triv assured.


    "Or damaged with in a way that''s beyond our capabilities to discern," Gu shrugged.


    "How can you curse the lord right before his seclusion!" Triv chided.


    "It''s fine," Zac said. "Thank you for your hard work."


    "Then, good luck, master," Triv bowed. "I will stay nearby should you require my assistance."


    "Be careful about getting too close. I might generate dangerous energy storms," Zac said before turning to Gu.


    "I''ll be careful. I always am," Gu said before his brows furrowed. "I spoke with Average and the others."


    "How is he?"


    "Not good. Ultimate was their pir for so long. The family is floundering without his leadership. Most of them are meatheads, so they''ve thrown themselves at the Kan''Tanu like they''re holding the answers."


    "We all have our process to grieve," Zac sighed. "Our n?"


    "Average doesn''t think it''s a good idea. At least not now," Gu said with a shake of his head. "Kantaja is out of her mind, and Greatest is facing immense pressure to hold it all together. He''s desperate for power. If we bring him here..."


    "He might do something drastic," Zac filled in. "Alright, we''ll table the matter. Please keep looking for other ways inside when you have time."


    Apart from rehauling Earth''s defenses over the past months, Gu had also dealt with the Ensolus Ruins. The majestic temples were now properly hidden, but he hadn''t found any way inside using the knowledge gathered in the fortress. Zac''s backup solution was to roll the dice and bring Greatest to force open the barriers. The only other Monarch Zac could even consider bringing to Earth was the Void Priestess, but that was also out the window since their attitude changed.


    It looked like the temples would stay locked down for the foreseeable future. Zac had already tried using the beacon to pass through the barriers, but the two didn''t seem connected. In fact, he''d already confirmed the breach wasn''t anywhere near Zecia by activating it in different regions. The beacon''s only response was imparting a sense of incredible distance. The quest wouldn''t be solved with a quick skip into the Million Gates Territory.


    Zac went over the details of the arrays with Gu before entering the inner section alone. The cave had seen arge overhaul since he visitedst time. Gu and Triv had worked in tandem to upgrade and expand the arrays and natural formations. The energy density was more than twice as high, though it still couldn''t quitepare to the environment atop Mount Illumination.


    Improved energy wasn''t the only difference. Zac walked to the cave''s nexus, where his prayer mat had been reced by a scarred totem pole over five meters high. It emitted an incredibly fierce aura, to the point Zac felt small scars appearing on his skin when he came within ten meters. It stirred the ambient energies, generating a storm far greater than anything Zac triggered while cultivating.


    The pir was called <strong>[Might of Ourombos]</strong>, and one of the awards he received from the Alliance for his contribution. It was a unique treasure excavated from a special realm under the control of the Deonsir n, one of Zecia''s ''Eight Grand ns'' and a founding member of the Alliance. The realm was called Tribtions of Ourombos, and it was a System-controlled trial zone like Twilight Ascent.


    It was only essible by Peak Hegemons and only opened once every 83,000 years<strong>. </strong>Since it held opportunities that could increase the chances of opening a proto-space, the Deonsir n was forced to hand out some of the entry slots every time.<strong> [Might of Ourombos]</strong> had been brought out three trials ago by a talent from the Tribal Constetion. The troll had paid an immense price to seize it and died soon after from his wounds. His tribe quickly declined without his protection, and they opted to pawn off the totem pole before it was stolen.


    It wasn''t clear how it found its way to the Alliance coffers, but it didn''t much matter. It was a powerful Conflict-attuned amplifier, taking unattuned energy from the Nexus Veins below and turning it into Conflict-attuned energy.<strong> [Might of Ourombos]</strong> was extra valuable because it didn''t add any will or resentment to the energy, something which was often a problem with treasures attuned to Conflict.


    Because of it, his cave finally had all three elements of his path, where Conflict in the middle kindled and elevated Life and Death. The pir wouldn''tst forever, but it was a Peak D-grade treasure that could keep chugging along for millennia before being exhausted.


    Surrounding the pir were nine densely engraved boxes as tall as Zacthree for each of his elements. They were Spatial Treasures holding immense amounts of stockpiled energy. They were also connected to pure Nexus Veins on Pangea and Elysium through spatial gates, allowing them to bring over even more energy if needed.


    Zac didn''t want to recreate the deste scene around Mount Illumination, even if he didn''t think his breakthrough would be as energy-demanding. Most of the energy from the drained mountains went into upgrading his Duplicity Core and erecting his quantum spaces. Without their pull, Zac would provide most of the energy needed through the treasures going into his core. The Spatial Batteries were a safeguard in case his estimates were wrong.


    Continuing into the heart of the Life-attuned half of his cave, Zac found the next addition in the form of an ancient array tformanother reward from the Alliance. Actually, most of their rewards were centered around facilitating his breakthrough.


    Sharing his Shipyard quest had clearly made them burn with anxiety, and the recent setback only increased their desire for strong weaponry. If his Cosmic Vessels could lessen the pressure from the Kan''Tanu''s general assault, then the Alliance could divert more resources to prepare for the pope''s return.


    The tform was an ancient relic extracted from a treasure realm, a Core Formation array borrowing certain concepts from the Limitless Empire. The array had been repaired and further modified by a Monarch Array Master following Zac''s specifications, and there was an identical one in the Death-attuned half of the cave.


    His unexpected split into two bodies had thrown many of his ns on their head, but Zac believed it worked in his favor when it came to his core. One of the biggest struggles Zac faced during his Core Formation was that one of the three elements in his core was always in a quantum state and impossible to manipte. With two bodies, he''d be able to manipte his core from both directions. It would speed up the process and drastically lessen the risk of the imbnces that lead to explosions or imperfections.


    It was a much-needed advantage, considering the other hurdles he needed to cross.

 Chapter 1180: A Battle Against Fate

    <h4>Chapter 1180: A Battle Against Fate</h4>


    Hegemony only had three bottlenecks to E-grade''s seventy-five. In return, each was like walking a tightrope where the smallest mistake meant death. The only way to upgrade one''s core was through a process of breaking down and rebuilding. Pathways needed to be multiplied and expanded, and schematics needed to be upgraded to amodate higher energy levels and loftier Daos.


    Tackling the minor bottlenecks of Hegemony could be broken down into three stages: ignition, ascension, and formation. The fuel for the process was already stored within the core. It was the spirituality you''d infused into your somewhat barren Cosmic Core during the first twenty-five levels of Hegemony. Ignition meant unleashing those umtions to return the core to a malleable state.


    A cultivator''s Cosmic Core had natural fault lines that allowed for a controlled release, lessening the risk of damage or death from the ignition. Even then, the forces involved were far too great for the core to withstand. Like a tree bending with the winds instead of forcibly enduring, the core would actually copse into a set number of pieces. Ascension meant upgrading those pieces individually, while formation was to put it all back together.


    Simple enough, in theory, at least. The reality was seldom so neat and clean. Pretty much all Cultivators had imperfections in their cores, stemming fromckingprehension, Daos, and mistakes or mismatches in the Cultivation Manuals. Using treasures or pills to assist the Core Formation also left its mark.


    Every blemish was an unnned faultline during the ignition. As a result, the controlled release usually devolved into a chaotic explosion. Some turbulence was fine, even expected, so long as you kept the overall situation in check. Yet most who challenged the bottleneck died from the ignition.


    Mortals, true to form, were even worse off. Their cores were mashed together with foreign materials. They absolutely had faultlines, though they were rarely nned. Beyond the imperfections they shared with cultivators, they also had to deal with the seams of improperly fused materials and seque from the crude Core Formation Method useda far cry from the natural breakpoints formed by the Dao.


    Even in the best of scenarios, triggering a breakthrough could be likened to activating a bomb. That was why mortals, and most cultivators on the frontier, aimed for as weak a Cosmic Core as possible. It was the only way they''d survive the initial eruption. If they somehow survived, they could try to reform something better from the rubble while adding new materials to raise its grade.


    Whether Cultivator or Mortal, everyone wanted to minimize the danger of the first step. A popr method on the frontier was to bring the Cosmic Core out of your body and dismantle it in a reinforced pressure chamber simr to a Skill Upgrading Array. It would lessen the dangers, but it would severely worsen the quality of the finished product.


    Not that it was an option for Zac, who couldn''t take out his Cosmic Core from the quantum space. Established factions had better methods to assist through the three stages, relying on amon heritage or bloodline. Zac had actually gotten a few such methods from Tavza, but they were useless for him. His path was too different, and you had to be a cultivator to use them.


    Zac considered reworking one of them for his future breakthroughs, considering each bottleneck would be deadlier than thest. Today, he''d opted for a simpler process, and the difficulties he''d face would let him adjust for the future.


    The Core Formation tform before him was the best solution Zac could find. It was based on designs from a Pre-system age when energy was impure and cultivation more heterogenic. Cultivators faced danger levels simr to the mortals of today, so the Core Formation Array came with unusually sturdy barriers. Hopefully, they''d be sturdy enough to contain the ignition of Zac''s immense foundations.


    Surrounding the main array were refinement arrays, just like during his first breakthrough. They were obviously not as good as those in the Perennial Vastness, but they had been custom-designed to deal with the materials going into his breakthrough.


    Zac inspected every single array twice over. He trusted in Gu''s discernment, but the unique insight awarded from the taintedke water had a penchant for finding things others missed. Truthfully, he''d already performed these scans when getting the arrays, and everything still looked in order.


    Instead of rushing into things, Zac sat down atop the two refinement arrays and closed his eyes. Dense clouds of Death and Conflict surrounded his Draugr half while his human side enjoyed the vibrant air of the Life-Conflict attuned forest.


    Zac''s two bodies were rarely in the same ce, mostly by design. Dealing with the confusion brought by ovepping sights and sensations had gotten easier, but he still fought better when keeping his halves separate. As such, each side was always off doing its own thing, and Zac had long since grown ustomed to having two trains of thought run parallel. It helped him aplish more during his limited time, but there couldn''t be such a disconnect during his breakthrough.


    Gradually, it all crystallized into a singr. Thoughts harmonized, and the line between Zac and Arcaz disappeared. Zac remained unmoving for another five hours, taking in the surrounding Daos before the Temporal Chamber distorted them. Finally, it was time. His two bodies moved as one, converging in the cave''s center.


    Zac took out a glistening orb thrumming with Temporal Energy and activated it. A storm of time rippled out from the cave''s center, covering more and more ground. The Temporal Chamber he''d used was one of the best avable in the Merit Exchange, costing more than ten times as much as the single-upant versions his subordinates used.


    Paying over 150,000 Merit for a Temporal Chamber hurt, but it was the only way to cover his whole arrangement. Luckily, he''d only needed to spend another 55,000 on materials as the Alliance and the Undead Empire provided everything else hecked. The cave and its clouds of energy froze in his vision before regaining its momentum when swallowed by the expansion.


    The Conflict-empowered war between Life and Death shook the two-thirds of his cave that had be temporally locked. Some slipped through the Temporal Chamber''s barrier, instantly freezing because of the difference in time flow. Leakage was impossible to avoid since the Spatial Batteries were still running, readily recing what was lost to maintain the required density.


    The escaped energies were quickly forming an opaque bubble. When his cave returned to the river of time, the umted leakage would be a bomb that shook the whole mountain. Zac didn''t have the time to worry about that, facing a more immediate threat.


    Zac groaned as time unraveled around him, trying to simultaneously enforce two trajectories on his bodies. Part of him was being pushed to rejoin the natural velocity, while some remained outside time''s domain. It was impossible to exist in two separate times at once, and Zac felt his body being ripped apart on a molecr level.


    Having expected the oue, Zac threw out a small y puppet that grew into an alien figure with four arms. Glowing runes appeared on its hands that absorbed the temporal paradox appearing around Zac. Cracks rapidly appeared across the puppet as it took on the punishment meant for someone else. It shattered in seconds after having borne the brunt of the gathered forces. Zac was still facing his bodies'' disintegration, but he was confident now that energies had reached manageable levels.


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    Time, ultimately, was Dao rather than Law. And Dao could be countered. Two spheres of <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> doused the energies in the Temporal Chamber''s center, superimposing as Draugr and Human stood right next to each other. Releasing his bloodline talent from both bodies simultaneously actually strengthened its nullification, and the tearing agony was reduced to dull pain.


    Zac kept <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> running for the next thirty minutes until the punishment relented. Zac exhaled as he got to his feet. He''de out mostly unscathed, except for the thousands of micro-tears that had opened up within his body. The small wounds were already closing thanks to the monstrous recovery awarded from his Void Vajra Constitution.


    Still, this was just the first temporal infraction. He''d have to endure an even greater cmity upon returning to normal time, one that would grow deadlier for every second he spent on the inside. He''d exhausted two-thirds of his Void Energy to tide the lesser of the two bacshes. Would his energy stores be enough when he emerged? Zac shook his head as he took out a Void Core. Like the energy umting outside, that was a problem forter.


    Time was limited, yet Zac spent the next twelve hours recovering to a perfect state, using the pause to review his blueprint and Cosmic Core. The temporal fluctuations around him had mostly stabilized at that point. He still felt slightly out of phase with the Temporal Chamber, though not to the point where he had to dy his breakthrough.


    Zac was already sitting atop the individual Core Formation tforms. He couldn''t see his other half through the dense energy and trees, but his Soul Senses could just barely touch in the cave''s center. Not that he was interested in looking around. His attention was turned inward, on his Duplicity Core, to be exact.


    The Kayar-Elu presented him with a shocking surprise thest time he broke through. As this day crept closer, Zac often found himself scanning the indecipherable patterns covering his Duplicity Core, trying to discern or intuit if something simr would happen again. He never found anything suspicious, though it didn''t do much to alleviate Zac''s fears.


    His current state of two separated bodies wasn''t part of the original script, which could cause unexpected problems when reforming his core. There were no indications that was the case, and Leandra''s tepid reaction to his two-body situation actually felt quite reassuring.


    There was only one way to find out the truth. Zac took a steadying breath as he pushed against a particr spot on the Duplicity Core. A hatch opened withoutint, and Zac suddenly felt a tremendous drain on his Void Energy and Dao Avatars. A sh of panic galloped through Zac''s mind before he noticed a mysterious undtion. One was followed by another, and Zac felt the energy within his Cosmic Core stir. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Kayar-Elu hade prepared.


    A Cultivator only needed to rotate their manual and channel their Daos to trigger the spiritual ignition. A Mortalcked that kind of connection with their core and had to rely on more forceful methods. Zac had prepared pills and talismans just for the asion, but it looked like they wouldn''t be needed today. His Duplicity Core was actually mimicking the effect of a cultivation manual perfectly attuned to his core. His core would ignite when the ripples grew strong enough.


    Zac took out another Void Core to refuel through <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> while monitoring the progress. He had no first-hand experience with what woulde next, but he understood his core better than almost any cultivator. When Zac felt the ignition imminent, he finally activated the Core Formation Arrays.


    Hundreds of glimmering runes echoing his Evolutionary Path appeared in the life-attuned forest, forming a bubble around him. Meanwhile, Inexorable Runes drenched the Miasmic forest in darkness. All ambient energy was dragged over, and it looked like it simply disappeared when touching the runes.


    In reality, the energy was absorbed and funneled into matching sets of runes that had sprouted inside Zac''s bodies. Initially, they formed a protective barrier enclosing his Duplicity Core. Zac activated <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> before pushing the arrangement through the hatch inside a blob of Void Energy. It worked.


    Life, Death, Conflict, and Void joined together, and two spheres became one. An impregnable barrier based on the same concepts as his Cosmic Core shielded the Duplicity Core''s inner wall, just like <strong>[Hollow Core] </strong>did during his previous breakthrough. Zac grinned at the effortless formation. His new Bloodline Talent was truly a gift from the Heavens. It unified Dao and Void, effortlessly replicating the harmonizing effect of the Chaos Motes.


    No, it went one step further. The illusory mountain disappeared, yet the trinity barrier remained as stable as can be. All the requirements for forming a stable structure inside the quantum space were already in ce. The Duplicity Core''s undtions also passed through the barrier without issue, pushing his core closer to ignition.


    Zac''s core wasn''t like a normal mortal''s. It was made from outside materials, but each addition had been woven into a whole with skill and precision. The core was already qualified for a second breakthrough after its formation, and it had seen great improvements since. With his Duplicity Core triggering a more harmonic ignition, he was even better positioned.


    Yet Zac felt beads of sweat trickle down his backs as the energies within his core grew stronger. Soon, his core was vibrating from the pent-up pressure. He might have everything in ce, but his core was far beyond the norm. The System had categorized it as S-grade Energy Capacity and Potential, and he had needed shocking amounts of energy for every level. Even elites could have reached level 175 ten times over on the energy he''d umted. Now, ten months of struggle were about to be unleashed in one go.


    The first cracks finally appeared at the seams between materials, releasing terrifying discharges of spirituality like sr res painted in his Dao. Zac was prepared, covering the spots withyered Mental Energy to contain the leak and bnce the energy distribution. It was futile. His barriers may as well have been paper when the first cracks triggered a destructive chain reaction.


    The explosion felt like a true death, with Zac''s vision momentarily going white. Like a sun going supernova, his core rapidly expanded while a shroud of supercondensed energy and Dao took the vanguard. The pain was unbearable, but the shock to his mind was actually greater. His soul hadn''t been damaged. However, the scene taking ce in the quantum space was breathtaking.


    Zac felt like he was witnessing the birth of a universea universe fully crafted ording to his path. The feeling only grew stronger as the shockwave rapidly expanded, warping Zac''s perception until it seemed as though the small quantum space held an arearger than his mountain range. And it actually was.


    The immense forces released from the spiritual ignition created a temporary subspace. It wasn''t wrong to say it was the embryo of the Inner World you''d form when stepping into C-grade. This was just a taste of what Monarchs experienced every day. Zac''s thoughts couldn''t help but drift to the distant future when he formed the real thing.


    How extraordinary would that scene be? Of course, this subspace wasn''t stable enough tost very long. Exactly how long you had mainly depended on the number of imperfections in your core and your control over the process.


    Anything over thirty days was generally considered a perfect ignition. If you barely survived or other missteps urred, you only had days to somehow put everything back in ce. If you really messed up, the space would copse and take you with it.


    The sobering notion cleared Zac''s mind. He rallied his soul, pushing Void Energy and dozens of mental tendrils into the storm the moment it crashed into the Core Formation Array''s barrier. The array was among the best Zecia had to offer and tailored to his needs. And yet, the shield groaned and strained under the monstrous amounts of unleashed energy.


    The arrays fought back, forcibly drawing immense amounts of energy to bolster its defenses. But the full weight of Zac''s Cosmic Core couldn''t be denied. Cracks spread in the shield, and streaks of energy pushed through the gaps. Zac looked at the Duplicity Core with worry and swore when the streaks passed right through it. Instead, Zac''s bodies were the ones to withstand the st.


    Curses turned into wet groans as Zac''s midriffs exploded with almost perfect symmetry. The rampaging energy only lost traces of its momentum from digging through his flesh, and the Core Formation Array''s outer barrier only managed to trap half. The rest continued into the forest, undoing Triv''s efforts in one swoop.


    Every streak escaping his arrangement meant his core was permanently losing some spirituality while the temporary subspace was growing more unstable. It was regrettable, even if Zac knew from the get-go this was an inevitable oue with his foundations. Not being knocked unconscious while your core ripped you apart from within was considered a rousing sess.


    Blood and ichor pooled atop the tform, triggering soothing energies to rise from below. They helped his natural recovery, yet new wounds opened as old ones closed. The storm was only growing fiercer after being rebuffed by the barrier. Zac needed to take charge of the process before he became another cultivator dying from overestimating their capabilities.


    This was a battle against fate, one Zac intended to win.

 Chapter 1181: Step of Destiny

    <h4>Chapter 1181: Step of Destiny</h4>


    The unfettered storm raged within Zac''s quantum space. He was the universe, ripped apart and reborn in a Big Bang of his own making. The next minutes would decide whether the road that led him here was paved with discernment or hubris. The cmitous mayhem mostly adhered to his path, but there were hundreds of discordant notes in the mixdisarray brought from the core''s imperfections.


    His Cosmic Core may have been High Quality in terms of qualifications, but there were still weaknesses to its makeup. Even he faced the unavoidable problem of ipatibility brought about by using external materials to forge his core. These hidden daggers of heterogeneity were now trying to impose their beliefs on the universe. If left unchecked, they would destroy what he''d created with blood, sweat, and tears. He wouldn''t let it.


    His first set of Mental Tendrils had already been shredded, so he conjured a second one. Many were destroyed before they even reached his Duplicity Core because of the energies ravaging his body. Each loss felt like a cut on his soul. A few fared marginally better and sessfully entered the quantum space. Where the destructive forces of dimensional genesis waited.


    A miserable cycle of destruction and reformation began, where Zac desperately tried to connect his Dao and Mental Energy with the struggling barrier to bolster its defenses. With every defeat, Zac''s resources dwindled while the opposition grew fiercer. Zac''s plight only worsened when the first pieces of his shattered core crashed into the barrier.


    The array had already shown incredible resilience withstanding the energy shockwaves. However, it simply wasn''t capable of dealing with the monstrous force released from Zac''s Trinity Core. Cracks multiplied and spread, worsening the punishment Zac had to bear. Blood and ichor fell like rain, to the point Zac had to keep his bodies together with willpower and energy. Any other mortal would already have died from the onught.


    The situation far exceeded Zac''s expectations, but treacherous thoughts and seeds of fear were strangled and reced with determination and purpose. So what if his ignition surpassed any recordings or estimates he''d seen? It only proved his path was one aimed at the peak. And like many times before, he''d prove he had the qualifications to tread this path of supremacy.


    Zac roared as Hidden Nodes went into overdrive, and space buckled when he unleashed his constitutions to their limits. Human skin turned resplendent gold as grievous wounds wriggled and closed, and archaic scripts echoing the bottomless darkness of the Abyss covered his Draugr body. The unbreakable strength and conviction of the Vanguard joined the enduringposure of the immutable Void Vajra to turn him into an evesting kingdom.


    Abyssal ponds and lifegiving hurricanes flooded his bodies with primal power, generating an immense pressure. Errant streaks of spirituality were caught and pushed back into the quantum space, and the mayhem was corralled into a retreat. Following in the wake of the rallied defenses was a storm of Dao-Empowered Mental Energy.


    Zac knew grit and determination alone couldn''t tide him through this cmity. It would, however, suppress the ignition long enough to connect with the Core Formation Barrier. Stabilizing it would be the first step in creating a stronghold that would let him mount a crusade of remation on the quantum space.


    Dao descended on failing runes like rain replenishing parchednds. The essence of Zac''s Life, Death, and Conflict strengthened and subtly reformed the shield, allowing it to betterbat the ignition''s matching energy signature. The tides were finally turning.


    A tremendous p of thunder shook the Temporal Chamber, disrupting the energy streams supplying the Core Formation Arrays. The sudden st was like a hammer to Zac''s consciousness, almost forcing his soul out of his Soul Aperture. The connection with the Core Formation Array was cut, and dozens of flickering runes were destroyed when the array failed to supply the necessary energy.


    Zac came to and desperately pped a talisman against his chest, generating an immense gravitational force. Bones snapped, and new imperfections were introduced into the unstable storm. However, it was enough to temporarily force back the escaping energy before he reached a point of no return.


    Wrath matching his attacker burned in Zac''s eyes as he red at the ceiling. It felt as though his stare pierced time and space to gaze upon the storm gathering abovea Heavenly Tribtion, something that shouldn''t appear when stepping into Middle Hegemony.


    The why didn''t matter. He''d been targeted, and the Heavens weren''t done with him yet. The animosity almost felt personal, and the timing ruined the ace he''d prepared. It wasn''t easy to ignite his constitutions to that level, and it cost huge amounts of Vigor. Recreating the effect in the short run was impossible, and both barrier and spiritual storm were in a worse state than before.


    Zac gritted his teeth as fury almost overcame reason. The burning anger helped rouse his defenses and somewhat stabilize the situation, but it wasn''t enough. Zac''s mind moved a mile a minute as he went over ns and contingencies, but none of them was suitable. How could he possibly have expected a tribtion to appear, especially when his breakthrough had barely started?


    The world had gone insane, so he would embrace the madness.


    A primal axe burning with desire to break the chains of fate and tear the Heavenly veil appeared in a hand scarred by endless ughter. The darkness grew deeper atop the other tform as a gleaming edge released a keening cry filled with such inviblemand neither Dao nor destiny could escape.


    Together, they pointed at the Heavens in an undisguised challenge. The Heavens wanted to stop his ascent? It could try. A second p of thunder answered, resounding like a war drum heralding the primordial forces of abrogation.


    Zac''s eyes gleamed with insanity as he swung hispanions. Three streaks of Dao and fury ripped apart the lingering woods as they converged in the cave''s center. Three Spatial Batteries exploded, unleashing a hurricane of stored energy andpressed space.


    Time and Space converged and copsed, releasing a paradoxical blue light that led to the crossroads of Destiny. The Dao of Continuum. The sh was gone before it appeared, but Zac''s fate and memories refused to be rewritten. An aura older than time itself had joined Life and Death in Zac''s bodies as the illusory Void Mountain dered its defiance against the Heavenly wrath.


    A grabbing motion formed Void Vortices where the Spatial Batteries once stood, forcing their way into the echoes of the Spatial Tunnels. Waiting on the other side was the fuel Zac needed to take control of his breakthrough and fate. Pristine Nexus Veins on the other side of the copsed in a puff of paradoxical spacetime as they were dragged out of the river of time.


    Torrential amounts of Life, Death, and unattuned energy poured out of his cells as the Voidplied with his demands. There was no Nexus Vein holding the Dao of Conflict on Earth, but Zac didn''t need it. Facing the rumbling sky, he embodied the most fundamental conflict of cultivation. Man against Heaven. Desire against fate. He was both source and terminus for his path.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    Energies wild enough to match the storm raging within the quantum space threatened to rip Zac apart before his ignition could. Meanwhile, the Soul Cores in his aperture were releasing blinding light. The gctic shrouds surrounding them spun with such speed they''d almost fused with the cores.


    "Go!" Zac roared, and his Soul Cores took flight.


    Like the previous time they moved, they crashed into each other with apocalyptic force. Zac''s thoughts and memories fractured when a tsunami of Mental Energy was shaken loose. He kept it all together and extracted the spiritual ocean from his Soul Aperture. Soul, Dao, Void, and limitless Energy joined into an unstoppable army with billowing momentum.


    Even the Duplicity Core seemed subdued, turning illusory to not get caught in the crosshairs. Zac''s all-out assault flooded the quantum space. The destructive storm that had effortlessly destroyed his Mental Tendrils became prey to a fiercer predator. Imperfections were swept away, destroyed, or consumed. Zac didn''t try to control the storm. He became it, seizing authority to dictate fate.


    The chaotic mix of energy and shrapnel was put under control with unprecedented speed, and the immense infusion of energy added to the virgin dimension''s stability and strength. So long as the space didn''t copse from energy overload, the added spirituality would help him through the next steps.


    The Heavens appeared personally affronted upon seeing him continue with his breakthrough. The pressure mounted, and Zac couldn''t help but shudder as he saw red strings of distilled extermination form just a few meters away from him. Their appearance was the beginning of the end, and the Temporal Energies keeping his chamber stable began to unravel.


    It was the same sort of sanguine rift that formed just before the final bolt of his previous tribtion. He''d been absolutely helpless before that level of destruction and only survived thanks to his Duplicity Core hiding his location. This time, the strings actually appeared before the first bolt had formed. Just how much animosity did the Heavens hold against him? What Laws was he viting to elicit such a response?


    This time, no Kayar-Elu barrier sprung up to save the day. The Duplicity Core may as well have be an empty casing from how it hadpletely erased its presence. Zac snorted and took out a gleaming crystal covered in golden runes.


    "This isn''t right! This isn''t bnce!" Zac roared over Time''s copse as he infused his will into the portable Nexus Node. "If you want to see the Void Emperor''s bloodline reach maturity, you''ll block the Heavens for me!"


    Zac was pissed off, but he hadn''t lost his mind. How could he possibly defy the Heavens while the ignition tore him apart and the Temporal Chamber copsed? His confidence came from the second presence hiding in the shadows of the heavenly wrath. The System had already descended, attracted by him or Heaven''s unexpected appearance.


    It hadn''t intervened so far, seemingly content to observe the events unfold. Zac wasn''t sure what it was waiting for or what it wanted to see. After having some light shed on his origins by Leandra, Zac often wondered if he really was a crop being raised by the System. If that were the case, then the System would have to protect its investment from the winds until it was ready for harvest.


    So Zac had shown his increased control over his bloodline, conveniently using it to deal with the mess with his core. The rest was out of his hands. Zac still held Sendor''s seals, but there was no way such an ancient existence was willing to go to bat against the Heavens for him. Interfering with another''s tribtion was a good way to conjure one on yourself. And the Realm Spirit had somehow achieved false immortality, which seemed to be one of the greatest taboos.


    Each second felt like an eternity, but Zac breathed out in relief as an immense silence swept away the chaos. The heavenly wrath was still there, but its advance had slowed to a crawl. Time stabilized, and the red strings shifted into purple before disappearing. The System hade through, restraining the Heavens for him. The suppression wasn''tplete, but the situation didn''t seem hopeless any longer.


    It was a stay of execution.


    Zac had no idea how long the protection wouldst, so he was determined to make every second count. The further he got with his breakthrough, the better he would be positioned when all hell broke loose. However, a screen appeared just as he was about to resume his work.


    <strong>The First Step of Destiny (Void Road): Form a High-quality Middle D-grade Cosmic Core of the Void Road. Reward: - (0/1) [17:00:00:00]</strong>


    The sudden quest came with both answers and questions. Most importantly, the System had given him a seventeen-day deadline. It was decidedly less than what his subspace could survive, so there had to be something else behind the specific time. Seventeen days for seventeen Dao Peaks? Even Zac felt the pressure from such a tight schedule. His estimates put him at over 20 days to reforge and reassemble his core, and that was before all these problems cropped up.


    The Void Road was the path he chose for himself when rejecting the Imperial and Heavenly Destiny in the Tribtion Throne. It was the source of his only upgradeable Limited Title, but he would have to be a fool not to understand it held deeper implications. Now, the term had be a quest type, rifying the System''s stance on the matter. It wanted to see where his road led.


    The quest had no reward, though protecting him from the Heavens could be considered a reward of its own. Passing it would keep things going, and it was possible the next quest woulde with the title upgrade or other benefits.


    The quest also provided an important clue to the root of Heaven''s sudden antipathy. It no longer seemed as though the Kayar-Elu and their Heaven-defying experiments were to me. At least not in the way he previously thought. He''d believed his Duplicity Core was what triggered the unnaturally fierce Tribtion Lightning when stepping into Hegemony.


    That may be part of it, but his Technocrat Heritage had been almostpletely silent this time. The only answer Zac could think of was his bloodline, or rather his cultivation of the Void. His tribtions had always been more powerful than the norm because of his heavy foundations. Still, it was only after officially integrating Void into his path that the tribtions felt like no-holds attempts at extermination.


    Void and Dao couldn''t coexist, so it would make sense if the Heavens wanted to purge his existence to restore bnce. If his theory was correct, Zac was in trouble. Utilizing the Void wasn''t just a temporary stopgap to get his core blueprint to work. It had be the glue that held his path together, and his bloodline breakthrough had opened new ways to weave the Void into his cultivation.


    He was still far from Monarchy and forming a real Inner World, but seeing the embryonic subspace confirmed Zac''s beliefs the Void was there to stay. Did that mean the Heavens woulde knocking every time he broke through, where the tribtions far surpassed what was normal? This time, the System came to his aid, but could he put his fate in the System''s hands?


    Absolutely not. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac shook his head, discarding any distracting thoughts as he wholeheartedly focused on his quantum space. He would have to survive this tribtion before having the qualifications to worry about the future. He had seventeen days, and Heaven''s lingering presence indicated the System wouldn''tpletely keep it at bay.


    Order had been restored in his subspace thanks to his daredevil gambit. Thousands of shrapnel pieces formed dozens of interlocked asteroid belts, and their trajectories controlled the immense amounts of energy that still filled the subspace. The cycle was stable, though the unnaturally high energy density created eruptions that rocked the shielding. That much was well within bounds.


    The next step was originally to have the Core Formation Array shift from solely defending to also infusing his subspace with energy. There was no point in doing so for the next few days now. Perhaps at all, considering the Core Formation Array wasn''t the only source of energy.


    His body was instinctively nourishing the subspace with Dao. In addition, energy was being funneled into the quantum space directly by the Cosmos. The subspace was like a true universe, seemingly drawing energy and truth out of thin air. In reality, it came from other dimensions and lower realms.


    Zac ate a handful of pills to nourish his damaged soul and heal his physical wounds. He was exhausted, yet he formed a Dao Braid and delved further into the subspace than he had gone before. The tendril continued unimpeded, thanks to Zac''s intuitive understanding of the energy flow, until it reached the subspace''s center.


    The area was shrouded by ayer of energy so dense it had almost be liquid. Zac pierced the veil, breathing out in relief upon finding what he was looking forhis Core Nucleus, scarred and disfigured from withstanding the ignition. Despite its wretched appearance, it was whole, functional, and retaining most of its spirituality. A bloody grin spread across Zac''s faces, and the devastation around him no longer seemed so bad.


    Many of his ns were out the window, but this part had worked out just fine.

 Chapter 1182: Unexplored Path

    <h4>Chapter 1182: Unexplored Path</h4>


    Like the rest of the Cosmic Core, the nucleus was supposed to be dismantled and rebuilt. You could argue it was the most important step, considering the nucleus was the foundation that kept the core stable. Zac had no intention of adhering to convention on this matter, so it was an immense relief to see it survive despite his failure to protect it during the ignition.


    The nucleus''s resilience only proved the merit of Zac''s untested idea. It was made from materials so incredible they couldn''t be properly graded and forged with the help of true Chaos and one of the best arrays in the Multiverse. From there, it had been further tempered by his fortuitous encounters. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The transformed paths, courtesy of the Tribtion Throne, were especially ingenious and elevated it beyond its original limits. Dismantling the nucleus couldn''t possibly produce something better with his current resource limitations. Zac had always been reluctant to dilute it with more materials, and his Minor Enlightenment from the quest confirmed there was another path he could take.


    Zac wouldn''t break it down, but that didn''t mean it could stay the same. Zac ate four pills after confirming his Soul Cores weren''t too damaged to keep going. A tempest of energy resembling a gxy full of primordial vigor coursed through his body. It didn''t need much prodding to enter the hatch of his Duplicity Core, and Zac dragged it to the nucleus. Following it on its heels was a leaf resonating with the Temporal Chamber.


    A Peak-quality Longevity Treasure. His cells screamed with desire, but Zac ignored the mor as he had its essence join the cosmic swirl in the depths of this quantum space. With everything in ce, Zac took out a ghastly spike covered in esoteric runes.


    Taking a steadying breath, he stabbed the pick into his stomach, tearing through just-reformed flesh and muscle until the edge reached the Duplicity Core''s hatch. Like a swarm of critters, the runes skittered off the spike and into the space. Some glommed onto the swirling fragments of Life, Death, and Conflict, resisting Zac''s attempts to drag them off. Most continued into the depths, attracted by the superior energy signature emitted by the Core Nucleus.


    The parasitical runes ran into the swirling gxy from the <strong>[Realm Ether Pills] </strong>before they could reach their prey. The runes tried to break free, only to find themselves caught in a quagmire. As more runes joined the unstable soup, they grouped into repeating patterns that formed a shell around the nucleus.


    The struggle between Pill Energy and runes released unstable bursts of power that tainted the harmony of his microcosm. Zac continuously had to put the pieces back into order to prevent the immense energies from ruining the hard-fought bnce. Eventually, the runes stabilized into aplete array.


    Unfamiliar waves of energy joined by the pure force of the ster dust showered the nucleus, which began vibrating and spinning with increasing velocity. The pill-spikebination ran out of juice after ten minutes, having aplished the purpose. The nucleus shone like a star in the heart of his quantum space, showering it in gold, steel, and ck.


    The nucleus was ready to be remolded without having sacrificed any of its spirituality for the ignition. This was something considered almost impossible, or at least so prohibitively expensive and difficult that there was no point. It had taken Zac time and effort to find the materials needed to give the nucleus the final push. The spikes, for instance, were sourced from the hands of Remoulded from the Chapter of Glorious Ascent.


    True to the Kan''Tanu''s aggressive cultivation system, the spikes would forcibly agitate a core with a unique array. It would speed up the formation process by sacrificing longevity. Adding the nourishing <strong>[Realm Ether Pills]</strong> removed the side effects, while the <strong>[Pexor Leaf]</strong> reced Zac''s lifespan to fuel the ignition.


    The asteroid bands began spinning quicker on Zac''s order. Soon, they looked like solid bands. Their revolutions generated a natural pressure on the subspace''s center. The whole subspace shook when Zac activated the second feature on his Core Formation Arrays, adding anotheryer of pressure on the nucleus to ensure it would stay malleable.


    <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s illusory peaks reappeared, allowing the Void to spread through his body without shing with the energy flows. Next, dozens of tendrils of Mental Energy descended from his aperture, seemingly fusing with strings of Void Energy.


    The tendrils entered his Duplicity Core from both bodies, acting as surgical tools splitting and weaving together theplexwork of paths within the nucleus. Apart from increasing the number of pathways, Zac also mended damage from the detonation and imperfections left by his previous breakthrough.


    The reformation was akin to splitting strands of hair into ten strings of identical width before joining them into intricate braids. Zac''s fine control was normally far from the level required to aplish such a feat, especially when he didn''t have the unique arrays of the Perennial Vastness to help. And yet, it looked like he''d performed the experimental remodeling hundreds of times before.


    It was all thanks to thebination of <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> and <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>. Dasorm''s crafting technique could only be used with Void Energy, where Zac possessed far greater control. If not, he wouldn''t have made such rapid progress with <strong>[Cosmic Infusion]</strong> and <strong>[Cosmic Extraction]</strong>. In fact, his skill with <strong>[Cosmic Forge] </strong>had improved noticeably as a result of evolving his bloodline.


    However, the firstyers of <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> only dealt with energy and refinement. They couldn''t even interact with physical matter. That was why Zac had to use the Omnitool to engrave patterns on the materials he worked on and why he hadn''t used <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> much when forming his core.


    Gaining <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> changed all that. Zac could actually use the crafting method to guide the Mental Tendrils when his Bloodline Talent was running, allowing him to use them like the array provided by the Perennial Vastness.


    Thebination technique wasn''t perfect since Zac still couldn''t fully fuse the threads with <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>. It was more like the Mental Energy had be mittens that were controlled with hands made of Void Energy, resulting in a slight unresponsiveness. This dy meant he couldn''t use <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> to weave intricate Dao Arrays in the heat of battle, but it worked just fine when dealing with core refinement.


    Zac suspected he could even use <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> to redraw Skill Fractals with greater precision than his arrays in the future. Perhaps it would be the key to turning his spiritual framework into his theorized <strong>[Thousand Axes Avatar]</strong>. With the tight schedule, he hadn''t had the opportunity to put these theories to the test, though.


    Between the superior method and two selves working with perfect rapport, Zac was progressing more than three times faster than when he first formed his core. Meanwhile, the subspace was readily providing the energy to fill up the reformed paths. Even his Duplicity Core woke up and began infusing Void Energy into the nucleus.


    This phenomenon was the reason you couldn''t back out even if your ignition went badly. It wouldn''t take long before his subspace would hold more energy than an Early-grade Cosmic Core could withstand. Creating an identical core to the one you dismantled would only lead to an explosion from energy overload.


    This knowledge brought some mental pressure, but all that energy entering the nucleus dide with benefits. His rapid pace allowed his nucleus to absorb more energy than the cosmos provided. The pressure in his overstuffed subspace weakened, and the explosions rocking the barrier were cut in half. Of course, if he drew too much, the energy starvation would make the subspace copse. It was a bncing act and a race against time.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    The preliminary work was eventually finished, at which point a number of boxes appeared on the tforms. Zac opened a few and threw the Natural Treasures onto the refinement arrays. Next, he turned to two of the boxes covered in dense scripts. Each held a bone, though they looked opposite to each other. The first seemed crafted from gold and was covered in odd growths like it had kept transforming after its owner had died.


    The other was dark grey with veinlike patterns of ck runes. Both exuded immense spirituality, though a round of refinement had already removed any lingering hints of will left from their previous owner. Both were Middle D-grade Supreme Treasures, one Life and the other Death. They weren''t quite at the level of the three treasures that went into his nucleus, but they were qualified to take up a supporting role.


    Zac carefully engraved a set of runes on the golden bone, and the ancient patterns from the First People formed a naturalplement to the seemingly random growths. The small hammer disappeared in a flourish the second the engravings wereplete, appearing in his Draugr half''s hand thanks to <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>. A simr pattern was added to the deathly bone before the Omnitool jumped back.


    A powerful shockwave in his subspace reminded Zac he couldn''t grow distracted for a second, or the subspace would devolve into an unstable storm again. At the same time, he couldn''t just pause the engraving since they were already destabilizing the treasures. As such, the hammer jumped back and forth, where one side added to the runic tapestry while the other maintained order inside the quantum space.


    Finally, Zac extracted a pristine string of essence holding the distilled truths of Life. He nced at the Core Formation Array''s transportation disk, shaking his head before pushing the essence against his belly. It moved into his body without causing any trouble, and Zac exhaled when he sessfully picked it up with a Void-controlled Mental Tendril. Zac carefully infused the essence into his nucleus, adding to the already incrediblyplexwork of connections.


    The nucleus'' aura subtly shifted, growing deeper. By the time the delicate work wasplete, a Death-attuned string of essence was already moving in to restore the failing bnce. For the next hours, one side extracted, while the other infused. Altogether, the essence of six Supreme Treasures was added to the mixtwo for each Dao. Zac even managed to extract two essences per item, an incredibly difficult feat.


    When using <strong>[Cosmic Extraction] </strong>on your equipment, you only took the heterogenic spirituality that would then be discarded. The focus was on maintaining the stability of the weapon. Extracting essence from a raw donor treasure with <strong>[Cosmic Infusion]</strong> was the opposite. You only wanted the best of the best, and it needed to be a coherent whole. It didn''t matter if the material became scrap afterward since it had served its purpose. Zac only seeded thanks to ample preparation and the overflowing spirituality in the Supreme Treasures.


    Between the infused essences, redrawn pathways, and energy influx, the nucleus waspletely reborn. The unique spirituality of the <strong>[Cmity Core]</strong>, <strong>[Warstone]</strong>, and <strong>[Void Engine]</strong> remained intact while the nucleus as a whole had ascended into a High-quality Middle D-grade nucleus. Zac smiled at the sight. The hard-earned lessons learned when stepping into Hegemony paid dividends today.


    Surviving the ignition and dealing with his nucleus were the most difficult hurdles. What came next simply built on the stable foundation he''d set. That didn''t mean Zac could rx as he turned to the asteroid belts surrounding his nucleus. Their trajectories had gone slightly off-course while he dealt with the nucleus, so Zac spent the next thirty minutes getting everything back in ce.


    When he was finished, the first set of outer treasures was refined and ready to be incorporated. The rest of the core needed an infusion just like the nucleus, but using <strong>[Cosmic Infusion]</strong> on thousands of pieces was impossible. He was already using arge amount of Void Energy to control the tendrils, and he couldn''t keep <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>running around the clock.


    It wasn''t much of a loss. The treasures that went into his Core Nucleus had the potential to carry the weight of his cultivation all the way to Peak Hegemony. The same couldn''t be said for the rest. They needed to be reformed with the help of Middle D-grade Materials.


    An optimal solution would have been to rece all the damaged pieces with better ones. Unfortunately, that wasn''t possible. His core was still one unit despite being turned into a field of debris. Each piece held a sliver of the core''s essence, and swapping them out was like using pieces from another puzzle.


    Days passed as Zac integrated new with old. Refinement Arrays were constantly running while two sets of tendrils dragged one piece after another from the asteroid belts. It was crushed by the immense gravitational forces and joined with white-hot Middle D-grade treasures before being added to his growing Cosmic Core.


    Meanwhile, <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>was refining and spewing out incredible amounts of Void Energy. Having evolved the Hidden Node to D-grade drastically lessened the pressure Zac faced. Even then, the core formation only became more taxing as time passed. The biggest strain came from using <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>to control the Mental Tendrils.


    It wasn''t designed to keep going indefinitely, at least not at its current stage. Three months of experimentation had shown the path forward. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> could be upgraded, and it wasn''t very difficult. He simply needed to have <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> consume Peak-quality treasures of all seventeen Dao Peaks. A small amount of the refined energy would bolster his Bloodline Talent.


    Unfortunately, it had be painfully clear the upgrade was a long-term project. The sigil had barely seen any improvements despite <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> running around the clock. It was obvious some treasures worked better than others, but Zac hadn''t figured out the rules behind the differences. It seemedpletely random, where some mediocre treasures worked better than top-tier materials.


    <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>wasn''t the only way for him to refine his core, but it was much better than relying on the Core Formation Arrays and supportive tools. They were slower and imprecise, leading to mistakes and imperfections.


    The other problem Zac faced was the deteriorating situation within the subspace. As a temporary dimension, the subspace became less stable by the day. The energy infusion grew erratic, which created constant disturbances. Even the core formation process made exerting control more difficult.


    It was the asteroid belts that kept the energy flow stable and helped generate the gravitational pressure. Zac lost some of his control with every piece removed and integrated with the core.


    All this was ounted for in his original n. He''d nned to slow down the formation process while recovering his Void Vigor, taking that time to reinforce his subspace. It wouldn''t be a problem so long as the ignition formed a subspace strong enough to give a few days'' worth of leeway.


    With a seventeen-day deadline, that wasn''t an option. Zac had to keep going, even if it meant making somepromises and relying on outside help. Pills, Talismans, and Natural Treasures began sharing his burden as he passed the ten-day mark. Each came with side effects, though some were better than others. For instance, Zac had some that destabilized the subspace and shortened its lifespan. Since he had to wrap up his work ahead of schedule, that wasn''t much of a downside.


    Eventually, Zac saw the light at the end of the tunnel. The asteroid belts had been reduced to one solitary piece each, and those were added to the almost fully formed Cosmic Core. It was more than five timesrger than his old core, and thest pieces added some additional heft.


    The core looked incredible, like a newly forged world teeming with energy and potential. It wasn''t just appearance. Despite the rushed process, Zac had managed to aplish everything he''d set out to do. Relying on so many treasures to make the deadline had added more imperfections than he''d anticipated, but he was still in a good position. <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> had let him remove some of his old mistakes, so it should still be counted High Quality.


    Its size wasn''t a good thing, though. It couldn''t even fit inside his Duplicity Core after the subspace dispersed. It wasn''t a mistake on his part; it just meant there was one step remaining to the formation.


    Zac ate a pill teeming with Spatial Energy and put a matching talisman against his belly. Coruscating waves of Space entered the Duplicity Core, fusing with the failing dimension. It began convulsing, which kicked therge amounts of ambient energy into a frenzy.


    Each contraction unleashed the force of a world on the newly formed core. More energy was crammed into its pathways while the immense energies forced the core topress. The process was incredibly painful, and Zac held on for dear life while guiding thepression the best he could. And then the universe imploded.


    Zac briefly passed out from the shock, but an angry thunderp immediately woke him up. He urgently turned his gaze inward after confirming the System still held the Heavens at bay. And there it was: his upgraded core floating within his Duplicity Core, surrounded by a haze of energy. The subspace was gone, having aplished its purpose.


    The formation was a sess, which meant it was time to face the music.

 Chapter 1183: Cry of Glory

    <h4>Chapter 1183: Cry of Glory</h4>


    Zac was mentally and physically exhausted after madly pushing through the breakthrough. Time waited for no man, so Zac steeled himself as he faced the rumbling sky. Nothing happened beyond the palpable feeling of anger being stronger than before, and a smile spread across Zac''s lips as he opened his quest screen.


    <strong>The First Step of Destiny (Void Road): Form a High-quality Middle D-grade Cosmic Core of the Void Road. Reward: - (0/1) [00:18:46:24] (COMPLETE)</strong>


    He was wrong. Time <i>does</i> wait for some men. The System was still keeping order, which meant he had some options. Zac sat back down and took out a vial containing a special set of recovery pills. They were called <strong>[Cry of Glory]</strong>, a product of one of the Grand ns. Their effect was amazing, like a hearty meal and a nourishing pill cocktail wrapped into one. And yet, few would take them unless they were left with no choice.


    Normal recovery pills used materials with gentle energy and focused on minimizing Pill Toxins. Any seque left behind had to be the easily-removed kind. After all, most warriors were forced to eat such pills every other day. If they leftsting damage, the pills would be useless. Leveling or Dao Pills, in contrast, were used so seldom that most cultivators were willing to ept some stubborn Pill Toxins in return for extra progress.


    <strong>[Cry of Glory]</strong> was the exact opposite of the norm, providing immense recovery at the cost of riddling the body with toxins. Even his D-grade <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> couldn''t fully deal with the unique pills. As such, warriors would only use it when staring death in the eye in hopes of unleashing a final cry of glory.


    His furious blitz through the Core Formation had already added a significant amount of impurities, and using <strong>[Cry of Glory]</strong> would only add to the mess. But so what? There was a tribtion right around the corner that would deal with that headache.


    Zac groaned in a mix of pain and pleasure as the pills exploded in his stomach, releasing fiery waves that swept through his body. Body and soul were rapidly being invigorated as the medicinal energy burrowed into cells and Soul Cores. No pill could let him return to peak condition in such short order, but <strong>[Cry of Glory] </strong>was a good start.


    The real question was what he should do next. Zac opened his Quest Screen again, his eyes turning to the two other quests marked asplete. He shook his head and closed the screen. This wasn''t the time to upgrade his Supreme Pathbound Skills, even if it was part of his original itinerary for the Temporal Chamber. It wasn''t like skills were very useful when facing a tribtion, and his limited time was better spent on something else.


    It all depended on how high his ambitions were. Danger and opportunity often came hand in hand, and the tribtion did present some unique opportunities. One was the extra round of cleansing lightning. However, the big one was the chance to let his Cosmic Core go through a second round of refinement. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Facing the tribtion was a necessary step when forming your Cosmic Core, where it provided a final round of tempering. Zac remembered how the harrowing experience had furtherpressed his core and fused some materials that hadn''t fully meshed. Zac was overall satisfied with his current result, but that didn''t mean it couldn''t be improved.


    At the same time, his Cosmic Core was currently like a piece of metal rapidly cooling after being taken out of the furnace. The core would have long since solidified if he spent the whole deadline on recovery, running his chances of rebirth. There was also the Temporal bacsh to worry about. He hade up with a few theories and ideas over the past weeks, but there were still many questions that remained unanswered.


    What kind of tribtion would he face? Would the System restrain it to a reasonable level if the Heavens went out of control? Could he leave the Temporal Chamber without triggering the quest?


    Zac scanned his Spatial Ring to confirm what resources had left as greed fought with caution. His eyesnded on a set of talismans, and greed won over. He was already in deep, so he might as well take a gamble on himself. Besides, another 18 hours of rest wouldn''t make much difference if the Heavens sted him with a tribtion far beyond his means.


    Arge box appeared on the Core Formation tform. Zac opened it and threw out its contents in every direction. He also turned off the Spatial Batteries and activated a set of arrays. The dozens of engraved crystals he''d thrown began drawing on the ambient energy, and Zac nodded in satisfaction when nothing was supplied to replenish. The effect wasn''t big right now, but the Temporal Chamber would be an energy wastnd by the time its one-year istion ended.


    Zac shed away, taking a steadying breath as he approached the Temporal Chamber''s edge. A screen suddenly appeared, forcing his two bodies to a screeching halt.


    <strong>[WARNING: Reentering Multiversal Timeflow will end limited quest.]</strong>


    One question answered, at least. Zac shook his head with regret before returning to the tforms. He''d hoped to leave early, giving him a chance to deal with the Temporal bacsh before facing the tribtion. That wasn''t an option, so he''d just have to pray his theory was correct.


    Back at the arrays, Zac took out the <strong>[Golden Spark Talisman] </strong>and ced it against his belly. It turned into a streak of light that shot into the quantum space. Inside, it caused a hugemotion by igniting the remnant energies surrounding the core. Meanwhile, Zac reactivated the Core Formation tforms, triggering a huge influx of energy that drained the chamber far quicker than the hollow energy crystals.


    His core shook from the sudden mayhem, and Zac felt like he was getting stabbed. The pain was worth it, considering the <strong>[Golden Spark Talisman]</strong> would let his core stay in a moldable state for half a day. The talisman was normally used forst-minute repairs after detonating the subspace, though the damage it caused usually left you in a worse state than when you started.


    Zac would obviously make use of the opportunity to make some alterations. If he didn''t, the core would probably be pushed back to Middle Quality. However, the real reason he used the talisman was to deal with his pathways. He''d done what he could over the past sixteen days, but they were still in disarray after the ignition and the constant energy eruptions during the reformation.


    The sections around his core were unsurprisingly the most damaged, severely limiting the amount of energy he could draw. If he wanted to benefit from the tribtion, he first needed to ensure he could utilize the added strength from his breakthrough. Disintegrated connectors were redrawn at a rapid pace, sturdier, and more sophisticated than before.


    Upgrading the pathways before he''d seen his Cosmic Core''s final iteration was to put the cart before the horse. Even disregarding the tribtion, most Cultivators held off on upgrading their pathways for a while. This time, the System wouldn''t lend a helping hand and make the first adjustments, and many needed to use their core for a while before figuring out what kind of alterations they needed to perform.


    Zac''s understanding of his Daos, ss, and Path was more than enough to skip that step. Even if the uing lightning bath altered his core like the Tribtion Throne, it wouldn''t greatly impact the pathway design.


    The Middle D-grade overhaul wasn''t asprehensive as when you first stepped into Hegemony. Still, Zac was far from finished when he stopped after five hours of frantic construction work. The effect of the <strong>[Golden Spark Talisman]</strong> was running out ahead of schedule, unable to keep Zac''s core malleable nearly as long as advertised.


    Still, Zac was much more confident as he felt dense rivers of energy course through his bodies. Most of his pathways remained in Early D-grade, but the main circuit had been fully upgraded. Furthermore, all the damaged sections were mended, leaving his energy flow smooth and stable. He''d even taken the opportunity to deal with some of the imperfections in his core, though the damage caused by the <strong>[Golden Spark Talisman]</strong> canceled out most of his progress.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    It was time to get going.


    Zac''s two bodies gathered by the exit, each gripping a <strong>[Time Devouring Puppet]</strong> despite their limited reusability. Zac grabbed the shoulder of his Draugr body and shed forward, cutting through the curtain of Temporal doldrum and the umted wall of frozen energy beyond. The Void shielded their bodies from the temporal difference when passing through the barrier, but it wasn''t enough to quell the tearing pain.


    A tremendous explosion left Zac''s ears ringing, and he was flung into the hidden hallway. The energy vacuum created by the hollow crystals wasn''t enough to pull back the immense amounts of leakage that had already left the Temporal Chamber. The force was terrifying, andrge cracks spread across the ceiling and floor. Only the emergency hallway was spared, thanks to a coffin blocking the mayhem long enough for the Teleportation Array to whisk him away.


    The transfer was nigh-instantaneous. Malevolent red reced gold and ck as Zac appeared within an illusion array in the secluded mountain valley. A deafening crash turned four mountain peaks to dust as the Heavens pursued him into flowing time. Its churning clouds were already so overstuffed with extermination that Zac was given no warning before a pir of lightning came crashing toward him with blinding speed.


    The puppets had already crumbled, unable to withstand the immense Temporal bacsh, forcing Zac to bear the full weight of his sins. His tempered bodies fought back with everything they had, yet he found himself dying piece by piece. <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> could have helped, but Zac kept his bloodline in check while ring at the iing tribtion with agonized determination.


    He wed at the sky, using his right hands to conjure huge des disying his path. Evolutionary and Inexorable axelights tore through the sky, bing one just as they met the descending lightning. The valley shook, Dao was exterminated, and the pir poured into Zac with most of its energy intact.


    A familiar agony tore through Zac''s body, seeking to extinguish his path and rip back what he''d stolen from the Cosmos. Whether spirit or physical body, they were drowned in a sea of crackling red. Arcs of lightning burrowed into his cells, targeting the golden hurricanes and bottomless ponds. His body was covered in gruesome wounds and angry scars in no time, making Zac look like a crumbling statue as he stood rooted in ce from the sensory overload.


    Not even Time was spared from Heaven''s relentless assault.


    Zac''sughter joined the thunderstorm''s deafening roars as he was cleared of temporal debt through Heavenly intervention. This was why he''d taken the first bolt head-on after measuring its strength. Tribtion Lightning could purge pretty much anything, and it turned out the Temporal bacsh was no different.


    It was as though the lightning realized it had been tricked, and it rallied with redoubled vigor as it poured into his quantum space. Facing the tribtion with two bodies had caused the punishment to split, but it fused back into one before descending on his Cosmic Core. His newly formed core shook and crackled as it withstood the punishment with dogged determination.


    The pain was like having nerve endings set on fire, spreading across Zac''s bodies through his pathways. Zac called on the immense power of his Middle D-grade Core, and the lightning was submerged in a sea of energy that filled his Duplicity Core before pouring into his Pathways. Faced with such an overwhelming resistance, some of the lightning sought other targets to destroy.


    Just as the tribtion was about to break into his Soul Aperture, a second sea poured out of the hidden space. Dao joined energy, forming an unbreakable army that began a war of mutual destruction. Wrathful lightning was subdued, diluted, and dispersed, though only after exacting a price of flesh.


    This was the normal way tobat Tribtion Lightning when youcked special methods like <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> or Technocrat arrays. It was nowhere near as effective, but Zac couldn''t blow his best cards on the first bolt. The tribtion destroying the temporal energies was his best-case scenario, and the System was clearly holding back some of Heaven''s power. However, the energies gathering above confirmed this would be a tough fight.


    A second bolt descended before Zac had fully routed the first, holding as much energy as the final bolt of his previous tribtion. It only took a look for Zac to activate both <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> and <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, and he shrunk the superimposed nullification spheres as much as he could to maximize their effect.


    Most Middle Hegemons would be rendered utterly helpless within such a powerful domain of anti-Dao, yet it wasn''t nearly enough to deal with Heaven''s wrath. It tore into the domain, only losing a fifth of its force as it drew closer. The oversized bolt mmed into Zac''s raised palms, and it briefly looked like time had stopped again.


    The illusion onlysted a fraction of a second before Zac spewed blood and stumbled to his knees. The lighting continued into his body, noticeably weakened. Despite the mysterious loss of energy, Zac had his Soul Aperture overrun with furious lightning, momentarily surpassing even his quantum space. The Heavens were out for blood, but their target disappeared before they could cause any real damage.


    Zac''s Soul Cores became the victim of the seething extermination when the tribtion couldn''t find its real target. Luckily, the lightning was bound to its purpose, and it continued toward his Cosmic Core before causing permanent damage. Zac thanked the stars he''d deactivated <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> before it was toote.


    He was shocked at how effective his Bloodline Talent was at dealing with the Tribtion Lightning. He''d activated the external version, and any lightning touching his palms had simply disappeared. Zac would have saved it for the final bolt if he knew how strong it was. The consumption was just as shocking, though, and he''d used up all but a tenth of his <strong>[Void Energy]</strong> in that short window.


    Worse, his actions seemed to have truly pissed off the heavens. The clouds shuddered, formingplex patterns that caused a sharp, throbbing pain in Zac''s mind. Meanwhile, a familiar aura appeared in the depths of the storm, one that almost made Zac forget that half a lightning bolt was still rampaging through his core. It was Law, all four of them mixed into one terrifying force.


    Had he actually summoned a real Four Destes Tribtion in Middle Hegemony?


    Zac was about to lodge aint with the System, praying it would step in again. However, the words died in his throat upon realizing the flicker of Law didn''t grow stronger. Few would even notice it without previous experience.


    Such a small amount should be within his limits, right? Even if it were the real thing and not an imitation like the Tribtion Throne. He might even have formed some natural resistance because of his rebirth.


    Wasn''t this what he came for?


    Zac panted, his bodies twitching from the remnant lightning while red strings appeared all around him. He''d felt despair thest time he faced a simr scene. This time, there was only determination. He was still an ant before the Heavens, but he was not the same person as before. The System wanted him to prove his Void Road? Then he''d oblige by taking a bite out of the sky.


    What little Void Energy Zac had left flooded his body as he fully opened the floodgates, and all lingering arcs outside the quantum space were summarily snuffed out. It was like the Heavens had caught his scent, and the final bolt came without dy. It looked almost the same as the previous one except for a slightly darker hue. However, Zac could vaguely discern illusory runes floating in its center. They flickered like theycked the energy to fully express their meaning, yet they held far greater horror than the rest of the bolt.


    Zac pushed with everything he had, and space shuddered between himself and the iing lightning bolt. There was a powerful resistance like the Void didn''t wish to be dragged into this matter. Zac broke through the opposition, ripping open a vortex fifty meters across just in time to block.


    The tribtion lightning seemed equally reluctant to face the nothingness within therge swirl, but Zac didn''t give it a chance to avoid a collision. Extermination poured into the beyond until Zac couldn''t hold on any longer. Less than a third remained as the bolt continued toward Zac, who finally unsealed the frantically struggling <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>.


    The Hidden Node had been forced to witness its favorite food being squandered, and it seemed adamant to take what remained for himself. It thumped with enough force to create actual winds and the remaining, and most of the remaining lightning was swallowed before it could even enter the quantum space.


    Zac nced at the clouds reluctantly parting, confirming the Heavens didn''t have a fourth bolt in the chamber before turning his gaze inward. <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had gone silent like it always did after overindulging. Lingering lightning still crackled along his newly formed pathways, but the Law Runes were mysteriously gone. Zac frowned until he felt a chill of premonition.


    It was at that time a figure suddenlynded before him. It was Joanna, her eyes scanning the surroundings for dangers.


    "I''m fine, but it''s not over. Give me a minute," Zac said with a hoarse voice before sitting down.


    His words became prophetic as he was beset by intense prickling pain, like he''d fallen into a barrel of burning needles.<strong> [Void Heart] </strong>was holding steady, but the Tribtion Lightning had found another outlet. It wed its way out of the depths, emerging from Abyssal pools and golden hurricanes. The Void couldn''t or wouldn''t consume the full wrath of the final bolt, and Zac finally felt the aura of Law return.


    But why was it slightly different?

 Chapter 1184: Drain

    <h4>Chapter 1184: Drain</h4>


    Billions of dark red trickles poured out of the depths of Zac''s cells as the Void regurgitated its unptable fare. The lightning looked innocuouspared to the tyrannical arcs that had ravaged his body just moments before, yet they held whispers of a far greater terrormorsels of eradication sanctioned by Law.


    Whatever they touched seemed to fade away, whether it was flesh or the spiritual elements that made up his path. Even the Abyssal ponds turned into a faded grey after the lightning had passed through. Zac saw how he was being removed from existence. It didn''t hurt in the slightest, but Zac would have preferred the agony of the previous posts to this terrifying erasure.


    This was different from his experience in the Tribtion Throne. That ancient trial had built-in safeguards, like the earthly aura rising from the throne to keep his state steady. This time, Zac was facing the Four Destes all alone. Energy and Dao rallied tobat the onught, only to be dust in the wind. The Laws were immutable as they gathered on their way to his Cosmic Core.


    The only reason Zac wasn''t losing his mind with fear was the subtle change to the aura hidden in the lightning''s depths. It was clearly still Laws manifest, yet it felt inverted. Intimately close, almost. Zac felt he could move even closer if he added the Void to his body. Perhaps it could even revert the faded state spreading through his body.


    But he was plumb out of Void Energy after conjuring the vortex. His backup generator, <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, was no use either. It was fighting its own war, refining the rest of the tribtion lightning, unable to supply Void Energy. Neither did he have any Void Pills for obvious reasons.


    In desperation, Zac could only turn to his Cosmic Core. The first streams of Law-sanctioned lightning had already entered its pathways, and it groaned under duress. Wait, duress? Zac grasped onto the incongruity like a drowning man, pulling with everything he had. And the Void answered.


    A soothing nothingness emerged from his core, passing through the walls of his Duplicity Core before spreading through his body. It was pure Void Energy, unmarked by the ancient aura of his bloodline. It seemed to exist in another ne than the lightning, where the two coexisted without any interaction. His body was different, and Zac looked on as sections erased by Law slowly recovered like paint being added to a nk canvas.


    The reformation wasn''t as quick as the destruction, and his work was constantly undone as new streaks of lightning passed by. It was enough to give him a fighting chance. There was only so much lightning to spit out, and the first wave was already fading after impressing the Laws on his Cosmic Core.


    It was all thanks to <strong>[Void Engine]</strong>. Each piece entering his Cosmic Core had unique features, where the <strong>[Void Engine] </strong>could continuously produce Void Energy. Simrly, Sendor said that the <strong>[Warstone] </strong>would let him recover energy in the heat of battle, providing an inherent ability simr to <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>.


    Those features had been conspicuously absent during the past ten months. He''d worried his unorthodox core formation method had ruined the spirituality, but that wasn''t the case. Igniting his core had put its inner workings on full disy, and the familiar auras were still there. With the added spirituality and strength from the upgrade, the core was finally able to disy at least one of these abilities.


    Zac held on for dear life, forgoing any attempts to direct the changes in his Cosmic Core. Whether it was a blessing or a curse, he would have to take what he got. Luckily, Zac was almost certain it was the former, provided he had the strength tost to the end. The small changes taking ce throughout his core looked random, but he felt an echo of the realignment he''d undergone.


    A sudden and immense energy draw forced Zac''s attention away from his core. It was the Duplicity Coreing alive, stealing both refined Tribtion Lightning and what little energy he''d saved from being erased. Worse, it drew on the Void, preventing any from leaving the quantum space.


    Zac''s thoughts grew hazy as his very existence faded. It would have been easy to curse the Kayar-Elu for stealing his lifeline. However, Zac knew they weren''t the perpetrators behind his current plight. He roused his fading consciousness as he glowered at the starry sky.


    It was almost as though he could see a set of eyes gazing down at him from far above. Zac''s hand shot forth while the illusory Void Mountain reappeared in his Soul Aperture, fueled with what little Void Energy hadn''t been siphoned off.


    The ''unaffiliated'' Void Energy was slow to follow hismands, especially when he tried to use it for a Bloodline Talent. Fear and urgency broke through all restrictions, and a pulse of severed fate spread through the valley with him as the epicenter. The overbearing Karmic thread held at bay by his Duplicity Core had been destroyed by the [Void Mountain]''s unstable infusion.


    Thest tribtion clouds dispersed the next second, severing the bridge between Zac and the mysterious intruder. The Specialty Core calmed down, and Zac slowly exhaled as Void Energy once more began undoing the destion. The crackling reformationsted another ten minutes before the trickle of lightning finally stopped.


    The first two bolts had left his Cosmic Core wretched, shrunken, and burnt. The final bolt was even more terrifying. The core currently looked like a hologram, like it didn''t exist in either quantum state. But, like Zac, it was slowlying back to reality.


    Zac nced at the starry sky with lingering fear. Was thest-minute addition of Law Runes really a response to using <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> tobat the second bolt? The wrath had felt so palpable and targeted, almost making Zac forget the Heavens wasn''t a conscious entity like the System.


    Cultivating Void shouldn''t go against the Laws any more than cultivating Dao. They were cardinal rules governing both sides of the coin. It made more sense if it rted to the Void Road, his rejection of Cosmic Destiny.


    Zac had tried to get a better understanding of the Laws and Destiny since returning from the Centurion Lighthouse. Remaining ignorant was too dangerous when Laws had remolded his core, and he had stepped onto an unprecedented path of forming his own fate.


    Unfortunately, Zecia didn''t have the answers he sought. Most considered the ''One Destiny'' as the natural order and not something that rted to cultivation. That was more or less true for a ce like Zecia, but it obviously wasn''t the full picture. The Limitless Empire had formed an independent Imperial Destiny, and wasn''t the struggle between the Thrones and Seals an attempt to shift the natural order?


    Zecia''s understanding of the Four Laws was not much deeper, and the few avable insights were hoarded as core secrets by the peak faction''s Dao Reserves. However, Zac had discovered that Four Deste Tribtions was even rarer than he''d thought, thanks to Tavza. Most Monarchs would never encounter one, instead facing Grand Minor Tribtions and two-cycle tribtions like Saeward.


    This was cause for both relief and regret among C-grade Cultivators. In fact, Zac had only recently realized just how big the opportunity presented by the Tribtion Throne was.


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    The problem all Monarchs faced, whether Cultivator or Mortal, Boundless or Heavenly, was the constant energy drain. Inner Worlds could draw energy from the cosmos, but no C-grade cultivator could form a perfect dimension. ordingly, what leaked through the imperfections was more than what they received.


    Just staying afloat required diligent cultivation to supplement the natural influx. Even that wasn''t enough for Monarchs on the frontier, where heritages were shallow and the energy thin. They also had to supplement their Inner Worlds with mountains of treasure.


    Mortals such as himself would feel this uphill battle far more since they had no Cultivation Manuals tobat the drain. In addition, their Inner Worlds were unstable and filled with imperfections. Zac hadn''t found a single example of a Mortal going beyond Early C-grade to this day, proving just how hopeless the situation was.


    Zac still had no n on how to deal with that problem. Any Inner World formed with his heavy foundations was bound to require terrifying amounts of energy, especially if you ounted for how voracious his bloodline was. His only idea was to rely on the Void the same way he did with <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. He would take what he needed from the Cosmos while giving nothing back. Zac didn''t have the faintest how that was supposed to be aplished in practice, though.


    Technically, crossing each threshold of Monarchy was an opportunity to alleviate the drain by improving your Inner World. In reality, the deficit usually got much worse. A breakthrough drastically expanded the Inner World, increasing its power and energy requirements alike. You would have a harder time keeping up even if the world quality remained the same.


    Just surviving the bottleneck was difficult enough, so most Monarchs saw their Inner Worlds deteriorate rather than improve. Only the utmost geniuses throughout the Multiverse had the luxury of improving their foundations while expanding their world.


    However, there was one circumstance that could significantly stem the drainthe Four Destes Tribtion.


    There seemed to be no rhyme or reason for who got picked to be tested by Laws. It affected both cultivators walking the Boundless and Heavenly paths. Some only got picked once; others faced it at every step. It did target Heaven''s Chosen and Eonic seeds to a higher degree, but there were records of second-rate Monarchs being targeted by the Four Destes.


    It even seemed random who survived and who perished, though the vast majority died. Zac wasn''t surprised after having just a taste of the real thing. You weren''t getting through that experience without something unique to fall back on.


    The few who didn''t get erased would see benefits simr to Zac in the Tribtion Throne. Their Inner Worlds would be realigned, improving their ability to pull energy from the Cosmos. This surplus often snowballed into great momentum that let the chosen Monarchs progress through the grade.


    No one had ever found a method to call down the Four Destes, and not forck of trying. Consequently, it was considered a matter of fate. In fact, the term ''Heaven''s Chosen'' originally came from this phenomenon, though its meaning had long since shifted to include any talent with the potential to rise above their generation.


    After today, Zac understood how correct this notion was. Those who faced the Four Destes probably had the potential to influence Destiny and the Era''s direction, no matter how small. Perhaps the reason he was targeted so early was that he''d picked an entirely new road to follow. Perhaps each minor bottleneck would add a bit more of the Laws.


    What kind of core would he have after annealing it in two more rounds of Law-empowered lightning? Any C-grade Cultivator would go insane with envy if they learned he got to align his core with the Laws three times before assaulting Monarchy. It would make for the perfect foundation for his Inner World.


    And yet, Zac found it hard to get excited over the subtle alterations within the Cosmic Core. Was he overestimating himself? Three times now, he''d required assistance to survive these high-grade tribtions. First, it was his Duplicity Core protecting him atop Mount Illumination. Then it was Laondio who saved his life and forced open the Void Road. This time, he only got to reap such a big harvest because the System restrained most of Heaven''s power.


    What if he broke through inside the Eternal Storm the next time? Or some part of Ultom where the System couldn''t reach? Who was supposed to save him then? He needed to figure out a way to deal with the problem himself. But how? Dealing with that intractable erasure head-on seemed impossible, especially if it would keeping at the beginning of his breakthroughs.


    Not to mention, his actions were obviously drawing unwanted attention. The presence gazing in his direction across the river of fate was neither the System nor Heavens. It was a cultivator, a very powerful one. His Duplicity Core''s anti-karma protections had almost been overwhelmed despite the immense distance between them. Zac was almost certain he''d prevented his identity from being exposed, but that didn''t mean they came away empty-handed.


    Were they looking for him, or had they noticed something unusual happening and tried to find out what? Zac frowned, opening his Quest Screen. Nothing had changed except for the <strong>[First Step of Destiny]</strong>-quest being gone. He''d been worried he''d somehow dragged the trial closer yet again.


    Zac shook his head and got back to his feet. He had no way to investigate that spying presence. The Sangha was an obvious suspect, considering they tried to bind him with Karma. However, it could be any old faction who kept watch for changes in the river of fate. Zac could only be careful and keep his ears to the ground. Which changed nothing, considering he''d been on full alert since getting his hands on the first seal of the Left Imperial Pce.


    Zac turned to Joanna, who stalwartly stood guard with spear in hand. He left her at the frontlines, so she must have returned to act as a Dao Guardian during his pre-breakthrough meditation. Deathly Miasma seeped out of the ground, seemingly drawn by her immovable figure. It was no surprise, considering the amount of carnage that spear had caused over the past month.


    "Congrattions," Joanna said as she walked over.


    There was not a hint of surprise or confusion on her face. The fact that he''d sessfully stepped into Middle Hegemony was a matter of course, and an unnned tribtion wasn''t enough to shake her unwavering belief in him. Zac inwardly grimaced upon seeing thetest scar on her face. This one had almost taken her left eye. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He didn''t know what to think of the transformation that began after she emerged victorious from her Sealbearer quest. The differences weren''t too noticeable at first. It felt like she was simply getting used to her newfound power and the frontlines. Yet with each battle she led, the baleful air around her grew more intense while new wounds were added to the tally.


    Passing the trial and Seizing the Indomitable Seal showed her a path forward and pushed her strength to the next tier. However, she intentionally suppressed her breakthrough and kept honing herself by treading the edge between life and death. Thankfully, it was soon over. Her baleful aura had begun transforming into something else.


    Faith Energy, where he was the target. Joanna had chosen to fully embrace the path that allowed the Limitless Empire to lord over all creation, and her path was already spreading among the Valkyries. He''d already seen hints of the terrifying power brought by her beliefs. Her Endurance was nowhere near his, yet she''d almost seemed harder to kill as she tore apart one Kan''Tanu Hegemon after another in bloody melees.


    "Thank you," Zac said, once more swallowing his misgivings. "Has your domain grown stronger?"


    "When the Emperor prospers, so will his subjects," Joanna said, a small smile finally appearing on her face. "I''m breaking through as soon as we''ve confirmed the situation is stable."


    "Good," Zac nodded. "How''s the situation?"


    "The Atwood Empire was upgraded to a Middle E-grade Faction in the War System twelve minutes ago," Joanna said. "The twenty-four hours have started."


    The twenty-four hours referred to the Battlefront Arrays. After that short window, they would match his armies with enemies one stage higher, whether you were in the middle of a campaign or not.


    "Any new Battlefronts opening?"


    "Not as of right now."


    "Good. Order the full reset and the upgrade," Zac said.


    "Wait, there''s something else," Joanna said, taking out a Cosmos Sack. "I received a package just before returning, along with a note to not drop this on your head? I had the Warfort quartermaster scan it for danger to make sure. It should be safe."


    "Not drop on my" Zac muttered as he took the sack, eyes suddenly widening with realization.


    Ventus Kvan. Their duel in the Twilight Ocean ended with the Numerologist''s abacus dropping on his head. Was this about their agreement? Wasn''t Ventus supposed to perform a divination only right before they entered the Inheritance? Something must have changed. Zac wanted to investigate before upgrading Earth, but Joanna''s next words made his minde to aplete stop.


    "Furthermore, Mr. Trang left his post three hours ago, handing overmand of his beast to his grandson. He''s entered terminal seclusion."

 Chapter 1185: Terminal Seclusion

    <h4>Chapter 1185: Terminal Seclusion</h4>


    "Terminal seclusion?" Zac said with a sinking feeling, trying to recall the old man''stest reports. "That can''t be right. He should have centuries left."


    Almost any breakthrough came with a very real risk of death, but Terminal Seclusion referred to a specific scenario. It referred to aging, bottlenecked cultivators who chose to risk everything before their lifespan ran out. It was a final, desperate gamble to w back some longevity from the Heavens. They''d either breakthrough or they''d die.


    "He can''t be pushing for Hegemony, right?"


    "No, it''s not that. Mr. Trang is still in Late E-grade," Joanna sighed. "I made some inquiries. It turns out he made a trade with one of our captains, exchanging local contribution points for a pill in the Public Merit Exchange. You know how he''s beentely."


    Zac slowly nodded in defeat. Sap Trang had always felt guilty about not joining the war, and those feelings had only grown stronger as the death toll increased. Zac and many others had tried to assure him it was fine. Sap Trang''s role had actually be increasingly vitaltely. The number of Beast Kings in the oceans was growing by the day, and he was the best suited to maintain order when coastal garrisons were emptied to fight the Kan''Tanu.


    He hadn''t listened. Or perhaps it was more urate to say that he''d listened too well. He''dunched an almost suicidal crusade against Earth''s wildlife as if trying to make amends. Zac could see the old man doing something drastic when facing the threat of aary upgrade.


    "What pill?"


    "<strong>[Burning Youth Pill]</strong>. It''s already underway."


    "That fool," Zac groaned.


    <strong>[Burning Youth Pill]</strong> was a forced breakthrough pill for those with limited potential or exhausted momentum. It had a small chance of raising one''s race and reigniting momentum as a result. However, the pill''s cost was right in the nameyou sacrificed your lifespan for a chance at resuming your journey. Even if the breakthrough seeded, you would barely gain any longevity because of the steep cost.


    And if the breakthrough failed It was truly a Terminal seclusion if that pill was involved.


    With such horrible drawbacks, the pill didn''t even deserve to appear in the Limited Exchange. It was amon good, costing just a few thousand Merit. Worse, <strong>[Burning Youth Pill]</strong> wasn''t designed for the elderly, which should have been evident from its name. Their longevity was too weak, even if they technically had many years left on the clock.


    Zac sighed. He''d already offered the old fisherman far better pills, but Sap Trang always said there was no need. Why couldn''t that stubborn old man have contacted him if he''d changed his mind and wanted to rekindle his momentum? Why take it upon himself to cook up such a hopeless n?


    "It''ll be decades before we see wide-scale growth in Beast King poptions," Zacined. "He''s rushing into things."


    "The captain who provided the pill?" Joanna asked when she saw Zac''s overcast expression.


    "He broke no rules," Zac waved, feeling a different exhaustion than from his breakthrough.


    There was nothing Zac could do if Sap Trang had already eaten the pill. The slightest distraction could lead to disaster. Zac couldn''t even add any arrays or treasures to his environment since the shift might put the old man off-bnce.


    "It''s up to fate now," Zac said, steeling his heart. He had billions of people depending on him, and he couldn''t put everything aside because of his oldpanion''s decision. "Send Lily and Verana to Little Bao''s side. They might be able to help if something happens and the Kraken goes berserk."


    Joanna nodded and sent a few orders through her Communication Crystal while Zac turned his attention to the Cosmos Sack. Inside was a box with an unusual seal. Zac took it out, inspecting it for a few moments before realizing what was going on. He infused energy in a particr order, essentially recreating the flow of their duel.


    The box clicked open, exposing a letter and an information crystal.


    <i>''You''ve be the me leading fate down an unknown path. However, some constants remain in the everchanging calctions of fate. I''ve peered through the curtain, and I hope my findings will help you on your quest. Your journey is linked to two outside variables. You have 403 days before the window closes. I shall see you on the other side.''</i>


    Zac turned to the crystal, and his eyes zed over as his mind was flooded with thousands upon thousands of linked orders. It took him over a minute to even understand what he was looking at.


    "Do we need to alter our schedule?"


    "No. This is about something else," Zac said, handing over the crystal. "See for yourself."


    Joanna soon frowned when faced with the immense amount of data. "Such detail. But what''s the purpose of micromanaging our battlefronts to this level? And in this direction? We''ll lose millions of Faction Merit no matter which route we pick."


    "Help me on my quest" Zac mused as he held the letter. "I think I understand. You haven''t recalled the armies yet, right? Do we have any battlefronts currently active in the Zurbor Sector?"


    "The Eighth," Joanna nodded. "You''re too high-leveled to enter now."


    "I know, but you can," Zac said, handing over the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong>. "Take this and head to the Eighth. Then go to our recruitment station in the Allbright Empire and do the same."


    "I''ll be back in twenty minutes," Joanna assured after Zac had shown how to activate the tracker.


    "Thank you. Don''t let anyone see what you''re up to," Zac said. "A better world will await you when you''re back."


    Joanna left to investigate Zac''s hunch while he sent out the orders for advancement, only excluding the Eighth from the reset. The response was nigh-instantaneous. The fog shrouding the valley thickened as more energy seeped out of the ground. Meanwhile, shimmering streaks of Dao formed in the night sky, showering the mountains in ethereal light.


    Zac flew to one of the shattered peaks, taking in the spectacle. Color seemed clearer, the air fresher, and the Dao had never been closer. The changes would be the most obvious in the energy hotspots like his ind, but simr scenes should be appearing across the globe. Earth was awash in Origin Dao for the first time since the integration, though it was only a brief visit this time.


    The upgrade would take around one day, and it presented a rare opportunity. The sudden influx of energy and Origin Dao would shake loose bottlenecks and trigger epiphanies on a wholesale scale. Most likely, that was what Sap Trang banked on to survive the destructive pill.


    The upgrade would also birth numerous Natural Treasures. Since they were advancing to Middle D-grade, many of these treasures would be beneficial for Hegemons. They could be considered natal treasures born from the Cosmos with unusually pure Daos and almost no heterogeneity. While tempting, Zac wasn''t about to go on a treasure hunt. He already had people stationed at all high-grade cultivation grounds, and he didn''t feel the need topete with his subordinates over these opportunities.


    Neither had Zac expected to gain much from the Origin Dao, believing he had a better chance to find the answers he sought by facing powerful enemies on the frontlines. However, Zac felt his drained mind quake as the multiplying streaks of Life and Death above the mountain range shed. His experiences on the frontlines crystallized, from the fortress to the following months of bitter struggle.


    Joining them was the truth of Conflict he embodied when facing Heaven''s unexpected descent. Even Joanna''s burgeoning aura added a piece to the puzzle, and it all clicked into ce. Zac turned his vision inward, locking onto his axe-wielding Dao Avatar. His miniature replica was faded, bent over. Spent.


    And willing.


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    To live was to fight, and few had the luxury of picking which battles they''d face. Struggle was Heaven''s mandateit didn''t make a difference whether you pursued the Dao of Conflict or not. What mattered was how you faced the trials and tribtionsing your way, knowing Conflict was without end. It was eternal, so your willingness to face fate had to be eternal, too. If you let defeats or near-death experiences twist your heart, whether it was by filling it with bloodlust and hatred or with fear and doubts, you''d end up sacrificing a part of yourself for every step you took. Eventually, nothing would remain.


    The Dao Avatar got to its feet, the action weakening its illusory form even further. Still, it exuded a ruthless aura that dered it wouldn''t back down even if the Heavens returned, which was a distinct possibility if Zac followed through. Who knew what rules governed when he''d be targeted by a tribtion now? Forming a Peak Branch shouldn''t be enough, but neither should entering Middle Hegemony.


    Grasping the truthsid before him came with a real threat of death. He was exhausted and utterly unprepared for another round of heavenly wrath. However, backing down now meant discarding the Dao he''d envisioned, giving up on that aspect of his path. How could you nurture an unbreakable fighting spirit while hiding from the Dao? How could you aim to break the chains of fate and control your destiny?


    The choice was easy. Zac sent out a series of alteredmands before taking out a set of Dao Treasures. Streams of Origin Dao had already formed an invisible swirl around the mountain peak, but it wasn''t enough to fuel Zac''s unusual constitution. Time lost all meaning as Zac became one with the Dao under the shimmering sky.


    A p of thunder could shatter the calm at any moment, announcing Zac''s next war. It never came, and Zac eventually opened his eyes. Hours had passed, yet the night sky remained the same. If anything, the Daolights had grown clearer. Zac enjoyed its simple beauty for a few minutes, not trying to deconstruct the Dao lights with hisprehension. But soon, curiosity trumped tranquility, and Zac opened his Dao Screen to inspect his gains.


    <strong>[Branch of the War Axe (Peak): All attributes +50, Strength +17500, Dexterity +10000, Wisdom +2500. Effectiveness of Strength +25%.]</strong>


    Zac looked at the numbers with satisfaction. He''d jumped over 10% in raw attributes thanks to the huge influx of t attributes provided by a Peak Branch. The distribution had seen a small shift, adding to Wisdom at the cost of Strength. It was an expected result of the insights added to the Dao Branch and a wee change in Zac''s book. He would face the Atavism soon enough, and everything strengthening his soul or heart woulde in handy.


    "You were right."


    Zac closed his screen and nced over, catching the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong>. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "So it''s outside the Zurbor sector," Zac nodded.


    "You think the rearrangement will lead us to the Foreign Gods?"


    Joanna, being one of his closest confidantes, already knew about his quest and the events in the Centurion Lighthouse leading to them.


    "Lead us to the right part of the sector, at least," Zac said. "Ventus really did us a solid if this works."


    The Zurbor Sector was, just like Zecia, right at the edge of integrated space. However, that didn''t mean the whole sector shared borders with the Eternal Storm. The System wanted to keep the frontier separated from the outside as much as possible, so there were only a scant few ces that touched. The rest actually pointed toward the Multiverse Hearnds, no matter which direction you set off in.


    In Zecia, the borders were the Million Gates Territory and a region called the Sallow Sea. Thetter was almost the opposite of the Million Gates Territory''s wild mix of risk and opportunity. It was a huge neb filled with sand that made dimensional travel extremely difficult. Entering it was like stepping into a quagmire that slowly drained your energy.


    There were some opportunities hidden within, but the vast distances and difficulties involved left the Sallow Sea mostly abandoned. And beyond the sea waited the full chaos of the Eternal Storm, a region far deadlier than the Million Gates Territory.


    The situation in the Zurbor Sector was mostly the same. Zac knew of three borders, one of which connected to their Million Gates Territory through the Spatial Gate. It was easier said than done reaching either, no matter which of the three held the rift for his quest. Even after upgrading the Yphelion, he couldn''t just set off from any random Kan''Tanu world.


    He''d have to spend months crossing the sector just to reach the Eternal Storm''s edge, and there was no telling how deep the rift was located. All the while, he''d risk exposure and being hunted down by Kan''Tanu Monarchs attracted by his unique Cosmic Vessel.


    What Ventus had provided was essentially a treasure map that would let him manipte the battlefront system to the right position, avoiding most dangers of such a voyage.


    "You upgraded your Dao of the Axe. I think I saw some of myself in it," the Valkyriemented as Zac stowed the beacon. Her spear tore through the air, formingplex swirls in the mist.


    "Well, you were part of my inspiration," Zac smiled, seeing his path in her stabs. "Alright, I''mte. We''ll discuss our next moveter. Don''t bother with the rest, focus on your breakthrough."


    Zac''s Draugr half went to one of his private Death-attuned inds to bathe in the surging Energy and Dao of Death. His living side would soon do the same, but there was one thing he couldn''t outsource.


    "The world is ascending before our very eyes, and yet you''re here," Karunthel grinned as Zac stepped into the shipyard reception. "Shouldn''t you be out looking for freebies?"


    "I''ll leave this one to my people."


    "Not enough to catch your eyes now that you''re a Middle Hegemon?" Karunthel grinned, his mechanical eyes scanning Zac up and down. "What a freak. I can''t believe how far you''vee since we first met. And a minor stage in ten months? Are you really a Hegemon and not an F-grade brat?"


    "Wouldn''t have been possible without the war," Zac shrugged.


    "I guess that''s true. War is a furnace that will incinerate a thousand to temper one," Karunthel said with the callousness of someone who had experienced winds and rain. "Be careful. Even the best of opportunities will create a rickety vessel if they''re not properly integrated."


    "You''re right, but the System isn''t giving us much choice," Zac sighed as he looked at the spectacle outside. "There''s no stopping until we''ve won. We''ll just have to patch up our mistakes whenever we catch a breather."


    "Such is the reality of cultivation," Karunthel agreed. "The Heavens rarely wait for us to be ready to defend our path. Anyway, I guess you''re here to get some stronger toys."


    "Exactly," Zac said. "Mymunicator might blow up from all the requests for your vessels."


    "How can some frontier tin canspare to our beautiful designs?" Karunthelughed before growing somber. "However, don''t expect one upgrade to drag you out of this pit. It takes much longer to craft Middle D-grade vessels, and they won''t be strong enough to deal with the real threats you face."


    "I know. But every bit helps," Zac said. "How long will it take?"


    "Same asst time. Two weeks."


    "Can you share the new catalog? Or the next quest?"


    Karunthel nced at Rahm, who shook his head.


    "Guess not. They will follow the same standard and purpose as your current catalog, though. Oh, you''ll still be able to build the Early D-grade vessels. Our production capacity will see a big boost, and I''ve petitioned to add a dedicated after-service division. Repairs, recements, and upgrades will go much faster. It''s a good opportunity for both of us to make some extra money now that your wares have seen some action."


    "Upgrades? Like the Yphelion?"


    "No, that''s a separate matter," Karunthel said. "But you''ll be able to provide full or partial upgrades for our ship. Like giving a Starsh with a Middle D-grade hull or adding an elite unit to a drone carrier. It won''t interfere with our regr production line, and it can give your enemies a nasty surprise after having gotten used to a certain performance."


    "That''s amazing," Zac said with wide eyes before looking at Karunthel with suspicion. "You can just add something like that?"


    "Well, our department has to pay a small price to the Heavens," Karunthel shrugged. "You could say we''re making a bet you''ll let us recoup the investment and more. Not to mention, there''s a lot of good potential customers here nowadays, making the war an opportunity to showcase our craft."


    "Thank you," Zac said, knowing altering the System''s rules couldn''t possibly involve a ''small price.'' "I won''t forget the favor."


    "Don''t mention it. Are you leaving your skipper with us?"


    "I can''t waste your production lines on upgrading the Yphelion right now. Things are too chaotic. I''ll keep it with me until I get a break," Zac said.


    "That''s fine. Don''t get it blown up, though. We can''t upgrade a pile of scraps," the spidergolem said, ncing out the window. "It''s a waste for you to stay here. Go, we''ll deal with the upgrades."


    "Then I''ll take my leave," Zac smiled. "I''ll be back when the upgrades areplete."


    "Have fun," Karunthel waved as Zac shed to the teleporter and disappeared.


    The orderly interiors were reced by a wilderness teeming with Life, facing a great revival from theary upgrade. A nce was enough to confirm it wasn''t enough to make a simr push with his Branch of the Kalpataru, but Zac didn''t mind. Between the dense Dao of Life and the lingering rity of his breakthrough, it was the perfect opportunity to make his skill upgrades.


    It was over forty days since he reached level 175, at which point he received the first and only set of ss quests in Hegemony. Normal cultivators would get one more, but an Arcane-ss cultivator was expected to mostly deal with their skills themselves. Zac had held onto the upgrades until now because of his impending breakthrough.


    He''d been worried the incrediblyplex Skill Fractals would be damaged during the ignition, rendering them unusable for months. This was especially relevant for <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong> because the fractal was ced almost right next to his Cosmic Core. He''d been absolutely right. The fractal was ravaged after facing thebined wrath of the ignition and tribtion.


    <strong>[Pir of Destion] </strong>was slightly better off thanks to its cement by his sr plexus, but it would take a lot of effort to fix it himself. It wasn''t the first time these skills were damaged, but it was always a headache because they contained sections based on Creation and Oblivion that Zac didn''t fullyprehend. If they were already upgraded to D-grade, it would have been even harder.


    The ss quest was the perfect shortcut. Zac had already confirmed that the System wouldn''t penalize him for using the quest reward on damaged Skill Fractals, and it''d always create a skill in perfect condition. This was actually something cultivators often utilized to fix damaged or broken skills.


    Zac wordlessly sat in the heart of the two inds, showered in Life and Death as he waited for the transformation to reach its zenith. Every breath filled his drained body and core with vigor. Every minute filled him with inspiration.


    "Four hundred days" Zac muttered, feeling the winds of fate growing stronger.


    Was it enough?

 Chapter 1186: A Well-deserved Beating

    <h4>Chapter 1186: A Well-deserved Beating</h4>


    "You''re still alive? Let me see."


    The Thousandme entric sat at the same spot as before, locked in the same position, holding the same leaf. It was as though a month hadn''t passed since she hurled him into that pit of despair to reforge his core. Kruta stuffed down the choice words that were always bubbling just beneath the surface.


    "You don''t have to sound so surprised every time," Kruta sighed as he rotated his cultivation base.


    Steel and mes coursed through his body, fueled by his Middle D-grade Cosmic Core. An illusory me appeared on his head, spreading down his torso and into his hands. Kruta felt his muscles straining with barely repressed destruction, and the burning spirit of his ancestor appearing behind him exuded a matching ferocity.


    Kruta had to admit that while staying by his Master''s side meant constant suffering, the gains were more than a match. The path she''d illuminated, or rather kicked open, held boundless potential while perfectly matching his heart. Even the benefits brought from the seal of the Indomitable Court paled before the rebirth she''d guided him through.


    "Little Candle, when did you be so confident?" the mad Supremacy grinned as she stuffed the leaf into her mouth.


    "Please, just call me"


    The universe shook, and Kruta saw his life sh by when a tendril of living mes shed past him, entering the mountain range he''d spent thest few months in. Space copsed, the Dao unraveled, and the Cosmos cried as a piece of its fabric was forever lost to the monstrous congration. Kruta groaned and fell to his knees, his memory repainted with fire and fate''s culmination.


    That wasn''t a controlled demolition of his training ground. A sliver of energy had escaped through his Master''s teeth while chewing her treat. Thank the ancestors she hadn''t felt peckish while he was undergoing his breakthrough. His ancestral spirit copsed, retreating into the depths of his Soul Aperture. If it were possible, his ancestor would have dug a pit and hid inside.


    Who''d ever heard of a soul burning with the mes of war being afraid of fire?


    "Ah? What''s that?"


    "Little Candle," Kruta said with resignation. "Please call me Little Candle."


    He hated the nickname he was given after his <strong>[Thousandwar me] </strong>was awakened. At that time, he''d only been able to release the mes on the top of his head. His dear Master hadughed for ten straight minutes. Meanwhile, he''d been halfway through death''s door, greeted by ancestors adorning pitying smiles. Then he was dragged back, denied the final escape from his nightmare.


    "So weird," Thousandmes scoffed, oblivious to the destruction she''d caused. Her face had gained a mesmerizing blush as she swallowed the terrifying treasure. "That''s the stuff."


    "So, about the small vacation master promised No, I mean seclusion to incorporate Master''s teachings." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Ah? A break?" Thousandmes said, her eyes going apart while scratching her ear. "That doesn''t sound like me. And why would you need a break? The fact that you''re acting so confident can only mean my efforts have borne fruit. We should look into intensifying your training. You''re not pushing yourself hard enough if you can''t feel the shadow of death creeping closer."


    As expected, avoiding disaster was all but an impossibility with his Master. There was no point inining or railing against her broken promises. She wouldn''t mind the outburstin fact, she''d wee it. However, her rewards for ''showing mettle'' still haunted his dreams. He couldn''t believe he longed for his grandma''s punishments. What was hog duty to being flung into the horrifying realms this scourge had collected throughout the Eternal Storm?


    "Actually, training will have to wait," the beautiful orc said with regret, igniting a small me of hope against Kruta''s better judgment. "We''re picking up little Iz. I can''t have you looking like a toasted rump; it will reflect poorly on me."


    "Ah?" Kruta said, finally seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. "I passed?"


    "Don''t get ahead of yourself. Only the ancestors know whether your fate is strong enough to glom onto the family," Thousandmes scoffed. "However, something''s changed, and we have to hurry up."


    "Is it the trial?"


    "Your little friend is messing with fate," Thousandmes grunted, a hint of displeasure appearing on the entric''s face. "He stole half a year from the little miss, and fate''s still in flux from his meddling. He''s lucky his little region is protected by the Ruthless Heavens."


    Kruta''s face paled, knowing all too well the fate of those who displeased this maniac. The penal colony he woke up in only represented a corner of the gallery of suffering in this-sized Cosmic Vessel.


    "I''m sure he had his reasons! I even bet it was on ident. Zac''s just as dumb as me. What does he know about messing with fate?"


    "Whatever the reason, we need to leave ahead of schedule. We can''t stay on the sidelines, or fate might slip through our fingers. I''m sure the others feel the same way."


    "Others?"


    "Some joined the party early. Others have their own ideas, hoping to use side doors to grab onto fate''s tail," the orc shrugged as she got to her feet. She stretched, creating a mesmerizing ripple of chiseled muscles. "How do I look?"


    "Perfection," Kruta whispered, his breath swept away.


    "This olddy''s still got it," Thousandmesughed. "If you only knew how many chieftains were running after my skirts back in the day. Maybe I should visit a few of them when this is all over."


    "The Red Sun Council was rooted out during the war," Kruta sighed, a re of grief and indignation flickering in his chest.


    "Why look like that?" Thousandmes said with a roll of her eyes as their surroundings exploded. "It''s not like you knew those irascible old goats. They would probably have killed each other if the Second Heaven hadn''t gotten to them first."


    "It''s just The tribes were scattered, and now we''re essentially subordinates to the Imperial Heavens." Kruta said with sorrow. "We only grow more dependent while our oppressor grows stronger."


    His Master didn''t say anything for a few moments as they passed through a tunnel of spatial mes, but Kruta noticed a dangerous flicker in her eyes. "Fate''s a tricky thing. umte too much, and you''ll be crushed under its weight. The Imperials have pigged out on the providence of others for a very long time. Eventually, bnce will be restored."


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "You" Kruta said with hope but groaned when a painful flick to his forehead shook his soul.


    "Don''t look at me. Even Master would have to think twice before setting the Heavens aze. Besides, the Imperial ns did help us out during our rough patch. It would reflect poorly on the Empyrean Quadrant if I caused trouble."


    "More like took advantage of your conflict to expand their borders," Kruta muttered.


    "So? Enemy of an enemy, and all that. If you don''t like it, do something about it," Thousandmes scoffed as the mes deposited them in a garden. "Make a good impression, and you''ll get the chance to kill some imperials in the uing years."


    Kruta didn''t get the chance to ask what that meant before an immense pressure almost crushed every bone in his body. The trees before him had disappeared, giving way to a mountain burning with golden mesa living mountain whose re threatened to erase Kruta''s existence.


    "This is the kid? You better not act out of turn with my niece, or I''ll"


    "Little Rock, you''ve grown since I saw youst," Thousandmes grinned as worldending force gathered in her fist. "You even dare threaten my disciple."


    The mes shrunk, and the mountain transformed into a hulking golem twice Kruta''s height. "Wait, Mistress Valisa!"


    The Thousandmes entric answered with a burning punch that forced the wailing golem into another dimension.


    "I don''t like that name," Thousandmes muttered, ncing in Kruta''s direction.


    "Ah, KruuhLittle Candle heard nothing."


    "Good. Anyway, what Little Rock said was right. Eruz Tayn was like a daughter to me, so Iz could be considered my only grandchild. How could I face Ruru in the future if her child suffered under my watch? You better be smart and alert."


    Kruta eagerly nodded.


    "She''s here. Go on, make me look good."


    "What? How?" Kruta whispered as a fiery portal opened up before them.


    "That''s perfect. Just keep looking stupid, and I''lle off in a better light."


    His Master''s scathing remark became a distant whisper as Kruta mutely took in the being stepping out of the mes. He''d heard the rumors. To think they paled before reality. How could the Heavens tolerate such a beautiful being? Her appearance was truth, subverting the natural order.


    "Mistress Thousandlmes?" the Heavenly Creature asked as she looked around. "Uncle''s not here?"


    "Just call me Aunty Valisa," Thousandmes said with a warm smile as she grabbed the neer''s hands. "Valderak had a few things to take care of. Now, look at you. What a pretty child! I can see Ruru in you. And you''ve even awakened your father''s mes. How marvelous."


    "It''s nice to finally meet you, Auntie," she smiled, prompting the Dao to bloom. "I''ll do my best to live up to your expectations and hard work."


    "What expectations?" Thousandmes said with a gentleness that shouldn''t exist. "Just living well is enough. Is there anything you need before we go? Should we visit Lord Mohzius?"


    "I just said goodbye to Grandpa. Everything else is ready," the Celestial Spirit said. She turned to Kruta, who once again lost himself in her sapphire eyes. "You''re Aunty Valisa''s disciple? The one who knows Zac?"


    For the first time in Kruta''s life, he cursed his suave grandfather for another reason. Why couldn''t he use his chiseled frame and slick mouth to charm another human instead? Then Kruta would also have been human, increasing his odds of courtingA painful stab quashed the taboo thoughts, and Kruta inwardly thanked his ancestral spirit for saving him from the pyre.


    "You do somewhat resemble him," Iz Tayn continued with a small smile. "Going by convention, I should call you Eighth Uncle."


    The fear gripping Kruta''s heart when sensing his Master''s nce far surpassed what he''d experienced during his numerous brushes with death. His soul shook as the walls closed in. It felt like the Ancestors turned their backs on him across the river of time, drawing a clear line in the sand to protect the tribe. Even the Dao was abandoning him, unable to bear the weight of his new title.


    Kruta had never felt so exposed and alone. His instincts told him to shake some sense into this beautiful cmity before she got him killed. His brain screamed at him to prostrate on the ground and plead for mercy.


    "N-no! We''re the same generation, so Mistress Tayn does not need to worry about honorifics," Kruta stuttered, settling for wringing his hands and smiling pitifully. "It would be unnatural if I became the uncle of my friend''s friend. Kruta is just Kruta. Or Little Candle, if Mistress Tayn prefers."


    Iz''s head tilted in thought, and Kruta almost cried with relief when she nodded. At the same time, Kruta felt he''d lost something as her expression subtly changed. The distance between them suddenly seemed as great as the endless steppes.


    "I''ll bring you to Zecia. You will also join my subordinates in their training over the uing year to better prepare for fate''s culmination. In return, you''ll avail yourself inside the trial, should I require assistance."


    "Of course! Thank you, Mistress Tayn! Kruta will work hard!"


    Kruta shrugged off the disconcerting feeling, his heart singing with anticipation. He''d crossed the hurdle, and he only needed to endure one more year. By then, he should be strong enough to give Zac a well-deserved punch.


    ----------


    "Not bad," Ponel said without looking up from the parchment before him. "You actually earned yourself a Four Star Bounty. I didn''t think you had it in you."


    "What! Faceless Monarchs areing for me? I didn''t even kill that many. Well, maybe things got a bit out of hand in the end, but that wasn''tpletely my fault," Ogras said, his excuses giving him the unsettling feeling he was turning into that brute back home. He pushed down the terrifying notion, shing an ingratiating smile. "Surely it would only require a word from Your Excellence to remove a kill order?"


    "You''re right."


    "My sincere"


    "1,474 C-grade Nexus Coins, or treasures of equivalent value if you prefer."


    Ogras nkly looked at the youthful assassin for a few breaths before shaking his head. "Nevermind. The pressure will help sharpen my instincts."


    "So it will," Ponel agreed. "I received word from your benefactor. The deadline changed, and you''re running out of time."


    "I am?" Ogras frowned, his intuition telling him this was all because of that troublemaker. "How do I get home?"


    "Here," Ponel said, throwing over a crystal and a teleportation Token.


    Ogras scanned the list of names and locations, not recognizing a single one. "This is?"


    "Targets. The kind of people who would make perfect additions to the little underworld you''re building," Ponel said with a pointed look.


    "Uh, you saw that?" Ogras coughed. "I''m simply"


    "I don''t care. It''ll hold impressive power, but it will forever be bound by strict rules and restrictions. One misstep and you''ll be dragged under," the assassin said. "How can that headachepare to a simple stab?"


    <i>''Easy to be picky when you''re sitting at the top of thedder,'' </i>Ogras inwardlyined, though he didn''t show any displeasure on his face.


    "I''ve had one of my disciples ce a Teleportation Token and a piece of my technique in each of their Spatial Rings. You''ll be back in your neighborhood by the time you''ve made your way through the list, having fully digested what you seized from the Heart Burial Domain. Don''t dally. The targets are very tricky, some having eluded capture for millennia."


    "Uh, what if I can''t find them? Or if they get themselves killed before I reach them?"


    "Then I guess you''re out of luck," Ponel shrugged. "You can always try to get to the next target if one slips through the. You''ll probably have to rob a couple of factions to afford the teleportation fees, though. The distance between each jump is quite big for a Hegemon."


    "Fine. These are all Heretical Cultivators with great fell karma. They must have massive bounties ced on their heads," Ogras said, his eyes gleaming.


    "Of course. 1,474 C-grade Nexus Coins, to be exact," Ponel nodded, his next words stifling the madugh already escaping Ogras''s lips. "Don''t worry, I''ve already imed the bounties in your name. So work hard."


    "You''ve" Ogras wheezed, looking wide-eyed at the crude doodle of a fountain held up by his Master.


    "I can finally have my winter garden renovated," Ponel said, a dangerous gleam appearing in his eyes. "You better not mess up my budget."


    "Your budget? Wait, the bounties exceed a thousand C-grade Coins? Just how powerful are these heretics?"


    "It should be within your capabilities so long as you and your g improve fast enough," Ponel said as the Teleportation Token triggered in Ogras''s hand, dragging him into a spatial rift.


    The extremely fast teleportation was agonizing despite the resilience awarded from sacrificing half the Heart Burial Domain. Ogras didn''t dare make Ponel the target of his bellyful of anger, afraid the assassin''s supernatural senses would pick up on it. So he could only settle for the next best thing.


    One more year before he could thank Zac with a well-deserved stab.

 Chapter 1187: A Thread of Potential

    <h4>Chapter 1187: A Thread of Potential</h4>


    A small settlement had formed at the breach, with dozens of grand pces of varied origins floating in space. The settlement had an air of expectancy and youthful vigor, with dozens of heated duels taking ce on specifically erected tforms. Others sat right at the edge, silently searching for Karma.


    True Destiny took in the weak swirls of fate. Some carried seeds of potential, yet none came close to the disy his Eminence ryed four weeks ago. The Arhat stopped before the invisible boundary, the trail''s terminus obscured by the Boundless Heavens.


    His six brothers emerged from golden portals soon after, exposing their presence to the onlookers. Youthful vigor was reced by crushing power as the young cultivators rushed to the sides of the entities observing them from the pce depths. True Destiny paid it no heed, and his brothers formed an impassable wall separating him from the mundane world. For seven days and seven nights, he listened for fate''s muted whispers.


    "The young benefactor is directly connected to the Pirs of Trthika."


    True Merit and his other brothers took the news in stride. "Shall we contact the acolytes beyond the curtain? They are sent under his Eminence''s order."


    "Their trajectories are fraught with uncertainty. Involving them in the investigation of the obscured Candidate might do more harm than good," True Destiny slowly said. "We''ll only involve them if left no choice."


    "Forceful interference before the path has been decided may simrly cause a Karmic bacsh, harming the Sangha''s fate," True Benevolence said.


    "We still have time. The Cosmos will provide a path, even if we have to wait for the curtain to fall," True Destiny said, ncing at the thousands of young elites peering at them from within protective barriers. "Until then, we can minimize the number of variables."


    The seven chose a spot overlooking the divider, and True Destiny led his brothers through the opening chants. Lotus flowers radiating immeasurable merit bloomed beneath their seated positions, and a golden temple echoing the true path materialized.


    Horrified shouts came from the group of misguided travelers hoping to form Karma with the fifth pir. Buddha''s Love was Heaven''s path. How could physical barriers hold it back? It was regrettable that the young mistook benevolence for malice, but they''d eventually understand the gift.


    "You got some guts, you bald bastards, trying to influence the children!"


    Space shattered like a mirror, exposing two malevolent eyes staring down at them. The temple shook, and red veins appeared on the lotus leaves. True Destiny shook his head with regret, seeing falsehoods had obscured the eyes of the wayward.


    "Every being holds the potential for Buddha''s love, benefactor," True Destiny calmly responded. "One simply has to open their heart to grasp it."


    "Warison of the Seven Severance Grotto greets the Esteemed Arhats of the Boundless Ocean," a deep voice seeminglying from the depths of the Cosmos spread through the region as a cave mouth formed. "ording to our understanding, the Sangha doesn''t use these pathways into the sector, and I see no acolytes among your ranks."


    "This humble one has no design on the emerging threads of Karma," True Destiny confirmed.


    "Then could the lords give us some face and proselytize further to the side? Your hymns will make it impossible for our young to search for their opportunities," the voice said as two more presences joined.


    "Regrettably, this one cannotply," True Fate calmly said despite the immense pressure on the temple. "We exist to safeguard the bnce, and fate led us here."


    "So you''re just here to cause trouble because your young has already found a way into the trial?" a third Autarch interjected with anger.


    "Enough nonsense! Your actions are breaking the agreement! Do you think the Sangha can cover the sky? Dozens of factions have divided the pathways, and more people are arriving by the day!" the first Autarch growled as a roiling sea of wrath seeped out of the hidden dimension.


    "Amitabha," True Destiny said. "Benefactor should remain focused on the inconstancy of all fabrications. Only then can ignorance be abandoned, giving rise to clear knowing."


    "Then you leave us no choice!"


    The mundane ne couldn''t withstand the pressure and copsed. Boundless darkness spread across the horizon, only illuminated by the protective spheres surrounding the young. True Destiny calmly took in the scene, his hands sped in a mudra.


    A world was born from his heart, bringing the gift of Akaniha to the void. Mountains rose to meet the descending apparitions; rivers poured into the roiling ocean. Reality stabilized, yet the violence threatened to disrupt the fraught bnce.


    "The sea of regret is endless," True Destiny sighed as four of his brothers silently stood up.


    Twenty dayster, darkness gave way to light. The flickering stars returned as the dimension healed under Dharmic blessings. Pces, domains, and tforms were gone. Instead, the small temple floated above an ocean of blood containing the broken ruins of a world. A shattered sword floated in the distance, its sharp edges bleeding Heavenly Dao. Like the ocean, the sword was gradually giving back to the Cosmos what had been borrowed.


    The air was awash with truth, and the region was full of promise. Yet the few remaining supplicants didn''t dare search for opportunities within, nor did they dare so much as nce in the direction of the Boundless Heavens'' barrier. The unrepentant had been purified, and the observers hiding in the dark had retreated like shadows put under the light.


    Weeks turned to months as tranquil chants reverberated through the frontier. Each sutra delved into the river of fate in search of an answer.


    "Hm?" True Destiny said, opening his eyes.


    He''d finally caught onto the thread of potential and turned his attention to one of the supplicants abandoned months before. Like the others, he''d been trapped by indecision, neither advancing nor retreating.


    "Young benefactor, I can see that fate connects us. Tell me your name."


    "I" the golem stuttered, his aura and Heart unstable. "Please, great Lord. I don''t" n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    True Destiny traced the golem''s Karma to a different sector of the frontier, vaguely sensing the possibilities hidden within. "Fate has brought us together, and we''ll have to rely on each other to navigate these troubled waters."


    ----------------


    The boiling seas strained under the mighty auras exuded by the floating pces. The metallic waves were tamed and turned into passable ground for the engineering corps of the Chapter of Noble Pursuits. Of course, most of the sprawling army below was made up of guardian ves tasked with protecting the church''s greatest minds. Ker''Ero felt like an esteemed Chapter Master as he stood atop the walls, looking up at his creation being guarded by thousands of stalwart warriors.


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "The increase in activity is not random. They know we''re here," Jezho muttered as she scanned the sky for iing threats.


    "So?" Ker''Ero grunted. "We should be happy these fools are willing to be live targets for a live experiment."


    "Don''t let our recent victories blind you," Perl frowned. "Our enemies are faltering, but they still have more than enough firepower to wipe out our unit from the map. Worse, they have been targeting our locations as ofte."


    "Because they understand we pose the greatest threat," Ker''Ero grinned, his heart surging with pride. "We''ve already begun unraveling the secrets of their most recent toys. Without those toys, they''ll be like sheep for the ughter."


    Certainly, their individual strength fell short of most of the other chapters, and they hadn''t been able to take out as many high-tier targets as Tripartite Truth or Warborn. But who could im the honor of reaping the most lives but Noble Pursuits? Most of the War Machines and Cosmic Vessels were either crafted in their workshops or derived from their designs.


    Hell, even the Gateways leading to the Zecia sector was their creation. Noble Pursuits were the ones who''d break through the final resistance, and he was one of the esteemed Grand Mechaneers making it possible. What were some Remoulded before the steel and blood beneath his feet?


    "That''s what I''m saying," Jezho said. "They know our research is bearing fruit and are adamant on stopping our progress. Worse, they are somehow sniffing out our hidden locations. We might have a breach, or they''ve gained ess to powerful scanners that can pierce our shrouds. Maybe another Variable-signal Vessel?"


    "Speaking of, I heard that one of those bastards might be in the area," Ker''Ero said. "The bounty on their heads"


    "Ignore it. Our task is to scout for threats and nothing else. Our research is finally bearing fruit after the immense investment. We''ll deal with the Atwood Empire through our inventions rather than fists," Perl said. "Not to mention, the information is most likely false. How many times have our people tried to track down the armies of the Atwood Empire only to find Monarch waiting for us?"


    "I supposed. Still, I''d like to see that maniace to our neck of the woods," Ker''Ero grinned. "There wouldn''t be anything left for the brutes below after my<i></i>inventions are done with him."


    <i>"Then I shall oblige."</i>


    Ker''Ero''s heart lurched when the abyssal voice appeared out of nowhere.


    "Defend!" Perl roared as the sky was swallowed by destion.


    The arrays came alive, shifting the passive defenses into an alert state. And yet, ance of utter Death passed right through the powerful barriers. Ker''Ero''s eyes bulged at the sight, and he felt his worldviewe crashing down along with a dozen Array Towers. The <i>Seafarer</i> was his greatest aplishment and proof of his expertise. He knew every bolt and array like the back of his hand.


    What had just happened was supposed to be impossible. It was as though the irondws of energy and Dao had be a joke before the towering murderous intent. Ker''Ero''s confidence was long gone aftering face to face with their attacker. Emperor Arcaz Umbri''Zi of the Atwood Empire. The nightmare of the Remoulded, who even had the blood of Reincarnators on his hands.


    Why had he insisted on joining the maiden voyage? He was just a researcherKer''Ero was supposed to wreak havoc from the safety of hisboratory. It was toote for regret and too early to dissect the impossible breach. A deathly shroud fell down the slopes of the pyramidical fortress, and the neural feedback indicated damage was rapidly umting within the haze.


    Meanwhile, a deafening explosion created huge squalls as the subsidiary fortresses found themselves under a crossfire. A full armada had eluded their scanners, raining hellfire from above. Their side fought back, but a shimmering barrier blocked the barrage.


    "Shit, they have an Aegis, no two!" Jezho swore as dozens of screens appeared around her. "It''s a full Starswallow Armada! Only the <i>Seafarer</i> is equipped to deal with them!"


    "What are you fools doing? Fire the disruptors!" Ker''Ero roared into amunicator. Only screams answered.


    "They''re already inside!" Jezho inhaled, looking with horror and confusion as another deep grove was carved into the <i>Seafarer</i>. "He''spletely disrupted the energy flow already! Most weapon systems are crippled. How does he know which sections to target?!"


    "Defensive formation!" Perl growled as a pitch-ck hammer appeared in his hand. "We''ll win if we can drag this out for ten minutes. Don''t let the target escape!"


    Perl was right. The unliving maniac had appeared out of nowhere and breached their defenses, hoping to wreak havoc in a blitz before they could mount a resistance. Then, he''d escape under the cover of the protective bombardment. However, his inventions weren''t so easily ovee.


    Thousands of gargoyles came alive, shrieking with malice as they red at the intruder. Some took flight to block the Draugr''s descent while the rest unleashed a storm of ranged attacks. All the while, Jezho rapidly reconfigured the arrays to circumvent the damage.


    It wasn''t enough. Pitch-ck chains indiscriminately ripped apart guardians and engineers en masse. Their controller was a blur of unfettered violence, ripping apart Ker''Ero''s creation piece by piece. His heart bled, but the Mechaneer knew there was no backing down now.


    "Bastard," Ker''Ero growled as he adjusted a set of arrays.


    "Wait"


    An earthshattering explosion drowned out Jezho''s warning. A whole section of the <i>Seafarer</i> blew up thanks to Ker''Ero''s changes, yet he only felt vigor as he saw their attacker being swallowed by the congration. His sense of victory was short-lived. The cursed creature emerged from the mayhem unscathed.


    Four skeletal minions reeking of danger had appeared behind his back, one of them holding a coffin covered in scorch marks. Perl was already on the move, unleashing a wailing storm of spirits with a herculean swing of his hammer. The attack ripped apart anything that stood in its path, from gargoyles to axe-wielding specters. And yet, Arcaz Umbri''Zi didn''t spare it a second nce as he resumed his dismantling of their experimental fortress.


    Ker''Ero couldn''t believe his eyes when the all-out attack of their Late D-grade captain was covered in a swirl of darkness and disappeared.


    "No!" Perl screeched, stumbling backward like he''d taken a hit, just as Ker''Ero felt a whole section of arrays going dark.


    It was at that point dozens of powerful auras burst through the shroud, destroying the axe-wielding specters that had formed. Ker''Ero breathed out in relief, seeing that the first batch of reinforcements had arrived ahead of schedule.


    "Go!" Perl roared, his skin wriggling from activating his Heart Curse. "Take him down!"


    "It looks like we''re all here," Arcaz said, his voice filled with an eerie calm despite being attacked from every direction by their elites.


    And for good reason. Ker''Ero was beset by mortal dread as a sacrilegious eye formed atop the <i>Seafarer</i>. It was over fifty meters across and made from utter darkness. Just being drowned in its darkness chipped away at Ker''Ero''s fraying sanity, erasing his thoughts and future. Those unlucky enough to be caught in its vicinity were simply erased.


    Surrounding the darkness were two thick bands of carved bone, depicting countless anguished victims caught in the eye''s orbit. It seemed as though the chained sculptures tried to break away yet were forever trapped by the gravitational pull. Others sought release, looking longingly at the ball of nothingness as they revolved around it. Release that would nevere.


    The whole fortress seemed to have been swallowed by the darkness. The sounds of pitched fighting outside were gone, and Ker''Ero''s connection to the numerous control units was severed. It felt like they''d been dragged to the depths of hell, and none of Ker''Ero''s scans could pinpoint a weakness. Neither could he spot its controller.


    Both the Draugr and Perl were gone, leaving Ker''Ero utterly alone. Screams of despair echoed through the fortress as thousands of warriors found themselves caught by unbreakable chains. Ker''Ero considered hiding and waiting things out, but a stabbing pain quashed that train of thought. He gritted his teeth, attention returning to the sculptures. They were the ones wreaking havoc on his men and the only obvious target.


    Ker''Ero unhesitantly detonated another energy purifier, unleashing a powerful wave of destruction on the closest band. Cracks appeared across the sculptures, and the Grand Mechaneer grinned with a manic gleam in his eyes.


    That''s right, they weren''t dealing with a Monarch. The young Emperor was only a Middle Hegemon. How could his skills possibly withstand the stockpiled energies within the <i>Seafararer</i>?


    However, Ker''Ero lost his train of thought before he could trigger another explosion and shatter the band. His eyes were drawn to one particr sculpture chained to the cycle of suffering by a band of thorns. Time seemed to have stopped for everything except the statue, which slowly turned to meet Ker''Ero''s gaze.


    Ker''Ero mind was overwhelmed by existential dread as his twisted doppelganger grinned, the scene only made more horrifying by the cracks covering the statue. It was onlyter the Grand Mechaneer vaguely realized a chain had prated his chest, impaling his curse and shattering his core.


    Then, nothing mattered as he entered Oblivion''s embrace.

 Chapter Schedule Update

    <h4>Chapter Schedule Update</h4>


    The main goal with this change is to fix my messed-up work-life bnce, which I''m hoping will have cascading positive effects for me and the story. It''ll give me more time to refine each chapter and properly n out scenes/arcs instead of chasing the daily needed word count.


    I''m also assuming the chapters will get better if I''m not stressed/tired all the time. Honestly, I should have seen the writing on the wall months ago and made the swap then, instead of doubling down by working extra on weekends to keep my head above water.


    This is the first big shake-up since the Twilight Harbor Arc years ago, where I went from six ~2.2k word chapters to five ~3k every week. I think it changed the story for the better, where the added room to work with made it easier to add enough content for the chapter to feel plete" and moving the story forward.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    I''m hoping the same will happen with this change, where the added time will allow me to say more in each chapter.


    This also means I''ll stop doing the monthly editing days, or catching-up-after-falling-behind-days as they''ve kind of be as ofte. In practice, I''d say that the story will go from 17-18 chapters/month to 12-13, depending on how the days fall. I also hope I''ll be able to go back to doing asional bonus chapters when the situation calls for it, instead of having to do these dy/cancetion posts.


    The nned release schedule is <strong>Mon-Wed-Fri</strong>, and this change will affect both Patreon and RoyalRoad. The Amazon release schedule will have to see some adjustments from Book 15 or so.


    Thank you for your patience and understanding,


    TFDn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

 Chapter 1188: Falling Apart

    <h4>Chapter 1188: Falling Apart</h4>


    Miasma was rapidly exchanged for Kill Energy as one cultist after another fell victim to thebined onught of Zac''s ovepping domains. Keeping five D-grade skills running, four of them at middle D-grade, would normally be pushing it, even for a cultivator at level 186. However, thebination of <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> and his Cosmic Core''s <strong>[Warstone]</strong> was almost like having a second energy battery.


    Zac''s first domain skill had seen some changes with its D-grade evolution, though its energy recovery andrge-scale debuff were retained and strengthened. Zac had ultimately given up on omniscience in favor of something more useful since he had Soul Sense to fill that function. Instead of strengthening his vision, <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> now impeded that of his enemies. The dense shroud acted like a confusion array, and the effect only grew stronger when adding his other domains.


    Now that he kept both <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> and <strong>[Deathmark] </strong>running, even Middle Hegemons would get turned around and have their senses severely restricted. It wasn''t at the level of the An''Azol''s branch''s absolute deprivation, but it was enough to let Zac operate in the middle of hostile territory without getting overrun. Of course, the engineers of the Chapter of Noble Pursuit had their hands full holding off death, making it impossible to mount a proper resistance against his blitz.


    Large scars marred the <i>Seafarer''s </i>reinforced ting, and the backup energy barriers were useless before Zac''s Void-empowered <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>.<strong></strong>His spectral minions had free rein on the thousands of nonbat personnel hidden within. The trained soldiers and warves grouped up to resist the assault, but activating <strong>[Eye of Destion] </strong>had dismantled their War Arrays before the cultists could show off their might.


    Zac moved through the darkness, seamlessly shifting between the two realms formed by the upgraded version of his Supreme Pathbound Skill. Half the Kan''Tanu were trapped on each side, forced to independently fight for a path to survival.


    Less than a minute had passed, yet all E-grade cultivators had already fallen to Zac''s lethal skillbination. The corrosive element of <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> alone was enough to deal with them after evolving the skill to Middle D-grade. Most of the Early Hegemons didn''t fare much better. Defending against either skill pushed them to their limits, and being pincered between specters and life-seeking chains quickly proved too much.


    Only the Middle and Late Hegemons were able to fight back with some sess. The partitioned domain of <strong>[Eye of Destion] </strong>was incredibly difficult to escape, but the sculpture bands weren''t indestructible. The targeted explosion from before had severely damaged one despite all damage being uniformly spread across the whole band.


    The Kan''Tanu elites furiously worked together to finish the job while Zac picked them off one after another. However, there were dozens of targets that each required some effort, and the bands had a diameter of over 500 meters. The sculptures tirelessly resisted the hail of attacks, but the construction finally couldn''t take it.


    An immense explosion pelted the whole fortress with innumerable bone shards empowered by Zac''s Daos. Meanwhile, Zac''s ovepping vision converged as the two separate prisons copsed into a single space. The sudden eruption imparted another surge of Kill Energy, and Zac took advantage of the confusion to pounce on two of the four remaining Late Hegemons.


    The elite warves had survived the explosion by growing an imprable wall of flesh. One protected against the front while the other warded off the vengeful specters who''d formed around theman even more dangerous task, considering he faced three seventh-generation specters that had gained power with each rebirth.


    A singlebatant and small parties could counter <strong>[Deathmark] </strong>by restraining instead of destroying specters. There was a limit to how many specters could form per target, so the danger would only cross a certain threshold if the enemy messed up. However, even if some observant opponents figured out this strategy, it was almost impossible to follow on a chaotic battlefield.


    Zac emerged from the darkness, joining his specters for a pincer attack. The Late Hegemon roared as cracks formed across his skin, which unleashed a powerful soundwave. The powerful specters turned into dust before the self-mutting attack, but a blue gem on Zac''spel released a soothing hum that countered the attack.


    Losing hispanions didn''t make any difference to Zac. He was Inexorable Death, and he wouldn''t be denied. He passed through the soundwave, his axe digging into a chattering skull blocking his path. The defensive skill narrowly managed to block Zac''s axe, but a barely visible pulse passed straight through it.


    The Hegemon roused his mental defenses to block the intangible edge while desperately swinging his sword at Zac. However, the de suddenly lost its momentum as the cultist''s manic re became cloudy. Zac was already on the move, sliding under the jagged sword to unleash a lightning-quick swing.


    The Late Hegemon''s head flew into the air, his face still sagging after having his soul jolted by the spiritualponent of <strong>[Fatehew]</strong>. His chest burst open, but Zac ignored the emerging curse as he continued toward his second target. Instead, a pitch-ck chain covered in dense runes punched into the wound.


    A fierce struggle between ownerless curse and Abyssal links ensued, and the victor quickly became evident. The intractable chains of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> were like a boa constrictor, expertly winding around the struggling tendrils and squeezing the life out of the curse. A few tendrils escaped their bondage and tried to stab into Zac, but they moved sluggishly as though fighting their way through quicksand.


    This was the work of <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>, the reformed version of <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>. Thecking lethality of his undead ss had long since been remedied, where <strong>[Fatehew]</strong> and <strong>[Desperation''s End] </strong>better fulfilled <strong>[Blighted Cut]</strong>''s original function. As such, Zac hadpletely removed the cutting aspect of the skill, turning it into a skill purely meant to augment his chains.


    <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong> provided aprehensive boost to <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>, increasing the speed, durability, and control of his armament. That alone wasn''t enough to let his new skill stand shoulder-to-shoulder with his Peak Quality and Supreme skills. <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation] </strong>also imbued the chains with the essence of his Inexorable Technique, where he restricted and sealed his opponent''s options and, eventually, fate.


    The effect was simr to a mix between a gravity array and an energy blockade. It was enough for Zac''s chains to touch his opponent for them to be affected by the skill, and the effect would be more pronounced the more chains he used. And since <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong> could be used together with <strong>[Fatehew]</strong>, the chains could both suppress one''s mind and body.


    Zac''s sses faced a simr weakness, one that was only partly remedied when Alea and Haro entered D-grade. His Armaments tended to provide the least utility when he needed their help the most. <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong> was a way to ensure his armament could provide assistance even when he faced opponents strong enough to break out of <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s binding.


    With the Late D-grade Heart Curse restrained, Zac could deal with the second Hegemon without worries. The cultist had already erected a protective barrier while blinding amounts of energy coursed through his body. Void Energy churned, and Zac passed through the barrier to stand before a gobsmacked enemy.


    The warve acted decisively despite the shock, unleashing a turbulent storm of energy from his mouth. The guebringers were a recently added terror on the battlefield, relying on the virulent diseases they carried in specially imnted organs. The gues also made their Heart Curses incredibly dangerous, undoing much of Zecia''s hard work to counteract their threat.


    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Unfortunately for the warve, Zac was his worst possible opponent. Zac calmly pushed through the virulent deluge relying only on his constitution, his axe digging into a hardened arm. The warve''s eyes turned bloodshot when a spiritual edge passed through his arm and into his head. He only managed to keep his consciousness by maiming himself by unleashing a dozen infected tendrils from his chest. Even then, his soul was left unstable after losing a significant chunk of Mental Energy.


    The Abyssal swirls surrounding <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> had already turned into small rivers after harvesting the souls of dozens of powerfulbatants with <strong>[Fatehew]</strong>. The Weapon Imbuement skill had umted enough fuel to essentially be a ranged skill. Better yet, the overbearing attack on his opponent''s Dao Heart grew stronger with every use, requiring more Mental Energy to ovee. The feature hadn''t made a difference when sparring with Pavina, but it had be Zac''s bread and butter when dealing with the Kan''Tanu.


    The cultists possessed stronger will and Dao Hearts than the average Zecian cultivator from constantly fighting off the influence of their Heart Curses. It was simr to Zac''s struggle with the Remnants. However, their cruel cultivation method often left imperfections in their minds, and <strong>[Fatehew]</strong> was incredibly suited for disrupting the delicate bnce between cultivator and curse.


    <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> easily blocked the Heart Curse, though Zac noted his coffin-bearing skeleton was nearing its limits after blocking the explosion and dozens of subsequent attacks. Zac could tell his opponent was about to finish infusing his ultimate skill with energy, so he briefly activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> just as <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s chainsshed the cultist. The timing made it seem as though <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong> was the cause of disrupting his skill.


    Having a skill fail just as it had umted enough energy to activate caused a powerful bacsh, one that cost the Late Hegemon his life. A bted warning of danger narrowly preceded a river of vengeful spirits swallowing him whole. The <i>Seafarer''s </i>captain had sacrificed his two strongest subordinates to create an opportunity.


    A barrier sprung up around Zac, lessening the deathly chill spreading through his body. Zac shook his head upon realizing the cultist had imbued the attack with arge amount of life force. It was an unusual move since the Heart Curses usually prevented such actions.


    <strong>[Profane Exponents] </strong>desperately fought against the tide through direct defense and discement. The coffin in the skeletal warrior''s hands soon shattered, followed by the skeleton itself. Both turned into a stream of energy enclosing Zac, creating ayer of ting covering Zac''s exposed left shoulder.


    Zac snorted and had the tome-wielding pygmy empower the discement effect, throwing the raging river onto the other Late Hegemon. The action exhausted thest of the swirling darkness, and the second pygmy became gleaming armor.


    The iing skill had lost most of its force, and Zac dispersed what remained with a powerful swing while taking in his opponent. The captain''s bulging muscles twitched from having fully ignited his curse, and his aura flickered precariously. An baster chain had impaled his left leg, but the sculpture wasn''t strong enough to pull in its prey. Still, it was the beginning of the captain''s end and dividends to Zac''s immense investment.


    Zac had allocated a huge amount of resources to restrain the captain since activating <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>. He''d dedicated a whole stretch of sculptures to targeting him, which exposed the skill to harassment from the others. Meanwhile, two of his skeletons had almost exhausted themselves, making the captain''s life a living hell.


    <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> was one of the E-grade skills Zac was the most satisfied with. As such, it had seen very little change after entering D-grade. The pygmy skeletons had mostly seen a general boost to autonomy, capability, and range. Thetter had turned thentern- and darkness-wielding skeletons into long-range turrets.


    One continuously dismantled the captain''s defenses, from skills to talismans and equipment, while the other redirected his attacks with swirls of darkness. Even their timing was impable, which repeatedly left the man exposed to <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> and <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>. Even an above-average Late Hegemon like the <i>Seafarer''s</i> captain had eventually made a mistake and been gored.


    It was just in time, as the flickering me inside thentern winked out, and its wielder became a set of leg bracers. This feature was the only real change to <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong>. When the skeletons ran out of energy, they''d be armor pieces that generated a passive protective domain. Zac could even shatter the pygmies prematurely if he wanted to add new pieces of armor.


    Zac still had multiple cards left to y, but there was no point. The Chapter of Noble Pursuits didn''t pose much of a threat when their machines were taken out, and he had already crippled the <i>Seafarer''s </i>energy transmission and killed its high-ranking controllers. The battle was already over when they started detonating pieces of the fortress. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The captain seemed to understand as much, and he did not attempt to follow up on his desperate life-force-imbued skill. He even seemed to suppress his heart curse to prevent its self-destruct feature.


    "Your star might be shining now, but so what?" the captain spat through bloody teeth. "A Middle Hegemon can''t change destiny. Zecia is falling apart. You won''t be able to hide much longer."


    "We''ll see about that," Zac said before ending the man''s life with a clean strike.


    Thest pockets of resistance were already crumbling, where Zac''s energy reserves won out against the Kan''Tanu''s firepower. The second band of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> was covered in cracks, yet it didn''t stop the sculptures from gleefully pulling in their prey for an eternal embrace.


    And yet, Zac felt a sense of impending peril. Wasting no time, Zac turned into a streak and entered one of the <i>Seafarer''s </i>cracks. The location of the Axe Wraiths had already given Zac a roughyout. It was obvious the pyramid-shaped fortress was mostly the same as themon models, where only a few modules and weapon systems had been swapped out.


    The core was in the same ce as usual. Zac dismantled the final defenses with practiced ease and installed Gu''s and the Ishiate Tinkerer''stest joint creation. He only stopped running after creating a few miles of distance with <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong>, at which point a loud thump shook the <i>Seafarer</i> from within.


    A crackling band of explosions followed as the bomb''s chaotic shockwave ignited the remaining energy repositories through the fortress. The fortress fell from the sky, and Zac''s mission was marked asplete. It was just in time. A terrifying aura had just entered the atmosphere, making a beeline for the Cmity Companya Kan''Tanu Monarch.


    "Return."


    The mercury world and its descending guardian disappeared in a sh of light. The next moment, Zac stood on familiar soil. Zac took a deep breath, feeling Earth''s pulse beneath his feet. He eventually turned back to the sea of people standing behind him. The whole Cmity Company had been teleported with him, along with the fleet floating above their heads. Even the wounded left on others and back at the War Fortress had been teleported over, though Zac feared there were none left among thetter.


    Zac pushed the troubling thoughts aside and tried to put up a calm front for his soldiers. They were back safe and sound after a hellish year, though less than half remained of their original ranks. They were also aware of the general outlook. Zac didn''t agree with the Kan''Tanu captain''s im a middle Hegemon couldn''t change the war. But he was, unfortunately, right about Zecia''s current situation.


    It didn''t look good. Another Field Army had fallen, exposing another path into Zecia''s inner regions. The Allbright Empire wouldn''t be able to stop them, considering they were forced to abandon everything but their central region two months back.


    "You did good. Head back and rest up," Zac said. "Don''t worry about the rest for now. We''re far from giving up hope."


    He desperately wanted to believe his own words, but the worries came creeping back as he teleported back to hispound. Earth was safe for now, but their budding empire would be assimted into cult-controlled ruins in eighty years unless something changed. Zac wanted to give them some assurances, but the n he''d worked on for the past ten months couldn''t be exposed.


    Zac was in desperate need of rest after the past couple of weeks, so he headed for his mansion rather than the cultivation cave. The doors swung open on their own, and Zac found his butler waiting inside.


    "Ah, my Lord, you''re back!" Triv eximed upon seeing Zac.


    "We''re back, for now," Zac sighed. "Anything new?"


    "Nothing new on the war front," Triv said and handed over an inscribed box. "I, however, did just recieve a coded message from your merchant. I was about to forward it to you when I sensed your return."


    "A coded message?" Zac said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.


    They were running low on time, yet a few important variables remained unresolved. Could this be the change he''d been waiting for?


    A smile tugged at Zac''s lips as the recorded message oozing with indignation yed through his mind. Thest months had been trying, but meeting an old friend could hopefully help lift his spirits.

 Chapter 1189: Old Friend

    <h4>Chapter 1189: Old Friend</h4>


    "Fancy meeting you here," Zac smiled as he sat down on a lush pillow.


    The tracking signal had led him to the deck of arge teahouse overlooking dozens of glistening waterfalls. The establishment was clearly popr because of the scenic view, but the hundreds of patrons didn''t seem to notice the Draugr in their midst. More impressively, they appearedpletely oblivious to the gargantuan toad sprawled atop a mound of pillows, taking up a good chunk of the tform.


    "I thought the System''s restrictions couldn''t <i>possibly</i> restrict the great Esmeralda?"


    An infuriated series of croaks shook the teahouse, and great gusts of wind threatened to throw the F-grade patrons into the misty clouds as Esmeralda peppered off a string of what Zac could only assume were signnguage curses.


    "The System has strengthened Earth''s shroud? What does that have to do with me? You made it sound like I intentionally was making it difficult for you," Zac said, helplessly shaking his head when Esmeralda frically signed a retort. "Wait! I can''t talk with you like this. You have to do something about your size."


    The current Esmeralda towered at over fifteen meters,rge enough to stuff half the tourists into her mouth. Facing her was like looking into a hill of ck flesh, and he couldn''t even see her hands without relying on his Soul Sense.


    The toad''s antics were causing amotion, yet the patrons seemed to think sudden gusts of wind were to me. It was like the whole area around them had be a blind spot they both mentally and physically avoided. The effect actually went beyond that.


    They were sitting right in the open, yet Zac felt as though everything within twenty meters was hidden from Heaven''s gaze. The feeling was actually a bit reminiscent of his Void State, and Zac was all but certain not even Monarchs could listen in on their conversation.


    The effect surpassing any illusion array Zac had seen was obviously made possible by Esmeralda''s bloodline. Spots of mysterious runes had appeared on her cheeks since they metst, which were currently emitting an unusual energy signature. Otherwise, her appearance hadn''t changed much since theyst met in the Perennial Vastness.


    The only noticeable improvement was the mysterious vats on her back. The ck liquid inside had be even darker and emitted a dense aura of Death. It almost felt like the old thief had visited the Abyssal Shores to siphon some of theirke water. Despite the liquid''s apparent upgrade, it failed to perfectly contain the ripples of time from within.


    Looking at the vats resulted in an ufortable throb, where Zac felt a weak temporal pull. It was like something was trying to drag him back to a prehistoric age, triggering his overexposure to temporal fluctuations. Thankfully, the effect didn''t go beyond a mild inconvenience.


    Esmeralda herself didn''t emit a speck of aura, though Zac''s instincts told him she''d recently stepped into Middle Hegemony. Such advancement speed wasn''t very impressive, considering Esmeralda''s current incarnation was already an Early Hegemon when theyst met. Then again, beasts required far more time and energy to gain levels, and stronger bloodlines demanded even more.


    An ancient beast like Esmeralda had to require terrifying amounts of time and effort to advance, possibly to the point her Early D-grade levels needed as much energy as Zac did in Middle D-grade. Zac was painfully aware of just how harsh those demands were.


    It had been eleven months since he stepped into Middle Hegemony, so he''d only averaged one level per month. Actually, it was half that, considering six of his levels hade using the best Natural Treasures and Pills money and merit could buy. This speed was considered shocking and only made possible by his two bodies fighting without rest on the frontlines. Had he progressed just by adventuring in Zecia, visiting danger zones and Mystic Realms, he might not have gained a single level in that time frame.


    Reaching peak Middle D-grade before the Left Imperial Pce seemed all but impossible. It had taken two rounds of pills to gain just six levels: one after upgrading his Supreme Pathbound Skills and one after <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> finally spat out the refined Tribtion Lightning two monthster. Considering each level required exponentially more energy, a third round wouldn''t make much of a difference, even if he figured out a way to use leveling pills again in the short term.


    The slowdown was to be expected and generally not considered much of a problem when your lifespan was measured in millennia. However, it left Zac lost on how he was supposed to progress in the future. The kind of targets he''d need to kill to reach Peak Hegemony didn''t exactly grow on trees, even in the Multiverse Hearnds.


    Monarchy posed an even greater challenge. Suppose he formed an unprecedented Inner World thanks to his encounters with the Four Destes, reducing the drain to a minimum. Then what? Nurturing a world requires vastly more energy than a core. He could be the second Eventide Asura and wipe out a whole sector without gaining more than a level or two.


    A scathing croak dragged Zac out of his thoughts. Despite her attitude, Esmeralda did shrink to a more manageable size as she kept forming signs.


    "I didn''t mention someone has already breached the shroud, triggering a failsafe?" Zac muttered. That was actually true, though Zac wasn''t about to throw Iz under the bus to appease Esmeralda. "I don''t know anything about that. And how have you still not learned to talk? I only understand half of what you''re saying without Lova tranting."


    <i>''Why should I use crude forms ofmunication, limited by the lowestmonality, to cate some featherless heron? Movement is truth, and truth is meaning. Feel instead of see,prehend instead ofin,'' </i>an ethereal voice shook Zac''s mind. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    At that moment, Esmeralda made her move. Her tongueshed out, and thebyrinthianyers of meaning hidden in her voice made Zac''s mind lock long enough to get tapped on his forehead. Zac was startled awake by the nudge, a sh of anger igniting in his heart when<strong> [Immutability of Eoz]</strong> briefly triggered before losing trace of whatever Esmeralda marked him with.


    "What the hell did you do?" Zac growled, <strong>[Death''s Duality] </strong>already in his hand.


    <i>''Guiding light for a fumbling fool.''</i>


    Zac''s thoughts of retaliation were forgotten. Esmeralda hadn''t used her mesmerizing voice again. In fact, she hadn''t used a voice at all, and words weren''t words. Zac''s eyes were glued to Esmeralda''s hands, struggling to make sense of the intense rity of the message they''d imparted.


    That''s right, how did he usually understand what the toad wanted to convey despite her seemingly random gestures? Esmeralda obviously wasn''t using real signnguage. There was no structure, syntax, or repetition as you''d expect fromnguage.


    It wasmunication through Dao, following the Laws of the Cosmos instead of the rules ofnguage.


    Esmeralda''s gestures expressed the fundamental basic building blocks of all Daos, transforming them into context and meaning by linking them together. The realization was like curtains parting, and Zac understood what she meant by feeling andprehending. The Dao epassed everything and could thus convey anything.


    <i>''That''s better.''</i>


    Stolen novel; please report.


    "Could have given me a warning," Zac muttered, stilling his beating heart.


    He''d momentarily felt like he''de into contact with the Grand Dao, though that clearly wasn''t the case. Curious, Zac tried to replicate Esmeralda''sment with his hands.


    <i>''A Mortal trying to speak in Dao Script? </i>Esmeralda signed as a braying croak full of jibing joy echoed through the valleys. The old thief was clearly delighted at pulling one over on him after having her grand entrance to Earth foiled. <i>''That''s like That''s like''</i>


    "Like a toad trying to eat swan meat?"


    <i>''You mock, but I''ll have you know I </i>have <i>eaten swan meat. Bony birds without merit. Wait, it''s here!''</i>


    Zac frowned, readying himself for battle as he saw Esmeralda''s eyes turn serious. Esmeralda''s demand toe pick her up had led him to ate F-grade world, but that didn''t guarantee no threats were lurking in the dark.


    However, no Kan''Tanu assassin popped out of the shadows. Instead, it was arge insect emerging from a hidden cave behind a waterfall. It resembled a flea carved from cobalt, the sun reflecting on hiscquered chitin. It looked novel, but that was about it. It was alone, weak, and it didn''t appear aggressive since the other patrons took its appearance in stride.


    Then, it disappeared. Zac would have assumed it had been teleported away if he hadn''t vaguely seen a streak of ck sh between the nearby cliffs. Crunching sounds emerged from Esmeralda''s mouth as she chewed with relish.


    <i>''See how convenient? You can eat and talk this way. I''d like to see you do that while pping your gums,'' </i>Esmeralda signed. <i>''Too bad, this is beyond your ability. How can you speak the truth when you have only seen a corner of it? Before you''ve made it your own? You can give it a try if you ever manage to Defend your Dao. You''re kind of stupid, but you do have the structure down, thanks to the gift of the Lost Era.''</i>


    "I''ll try to endure until then," Zac shrugged, not overly concerned.


    Esmeralda''s ability was impressive, but it didn''t seem to have much use despite requiring the insights of an Autarch. Zac guessed it also required immense practice and study, possibly more than practicing one''s Soul. You had to reach a certain level ofprehension of all Daos and their connection to weave the Grand Dao intonguage. After all that, Zac could only vaguely intuit her words until she marked him with a trantor. It didn''t seem worth it.


    <i>''Ignorant.'' </i>Esmeralda gave him a pitying look. <i>''Language is truth, and truth is possibility. It''s ess. Do you think I only relied on my bloodline to pass through taboo regions and supposedly unbreakable Defensive Arrays? If you control thenguage of the Cosmos, you''re qualified to rewrite Destiny.''</i>


    <i>''And just so you know, I still could have entered your hovel if I wanted! I just didn''t want to draw unnecessary attention. An experienced extractor only takes risks when the rewards warrant it!''</i>


    "Alright, alright," Zac smiled, raising his head in defeat upon seeing Esmeralda''s intense look. She looked ready toe to blows to defend her thief''s honor<i>. </i>"Anyway, it''s good that you''re here. The trial has already been brought closer once. It might start at any moment."


    <i>''I''m not surprised. This region''s providence is dwindling, and the System will invariably pick the path deemed to hold the greatest returns. Fate''s direction has been thrown into chaos. I bet it''s costing that old thief an arm and a leg to keep the pir''s ascent entangled with your war. It might just cut its losses and let fate take its course at this point.''</i>


    Zac''s eyes briefly widened, feeling like he''d just been shown a glimpse of the vantage of someone who''d stood at the peak. The feeling was ruined shortly after when Esmeralda caught another insect, her face full of bliss as she chewed on her treat. Having been given the key to deciphering Esmeralda''s method ofmunication had only made her seem odder.


    The sense of dealing with a mischievous child was still there, but it was now mixed with hints of an ancient mind. Was the immaturity part of her personality, or was it the result of her regressive curse?


    Esmeralda''s analysis also shed some light on the plight Zecia currently faced. The heroic advance where the Alliance pushed back the invaders after unleashing the <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> amounted to nothing but a brief moment of glory in a bottomless downward spiral. Only half their Field Armies remained, with the rest being annihted or crippled to the point it had to be joined into another.


    Every month was worse than thest, despite the Pope never returning. One appearance had been enough to cast a shadow over Zecia''s war efforts, a shadow that had only grown over time. Many Monarchs, fearing for their lives, became increasingly unwilling to participate in critical missions and raids. This led to a series of missed opportunities and disastrous losses, where each setback was another chink in their cohesion.


    At first, the outsiders tried to stabilize the situation through various means, from mobilizing their Monarchs to infusing capital and resources to bolster the local forces. With new powerhouses sneaking into Zecia every day, it looked like they''d at least maintain the status quo until the trial.


    However, their presence all but disappeared three months ago. They still fought on the frontlines but seemed content to have their youths engage in minor skirmishes. Anytime the danger reached a certain threshold, the outsiders disappeared, leaving the locals to fend for themselves.


    It was like the outsiders hade to a mutual agreement that Zecia was the loser. Conquering a Sector was a long-term undertaking, even if one side held a clear advantage. With only 380 days left before the trial began, why waste time helping the losing side?


    As Iz would have said, Zecia wasn''t fated, and helping them might even harm their Karma with the Left Imperial Pce. Fishing in the muddy waters of a sector''s gradual copse held better chances of awarding sealbearers, including from those supposedly on the same side.


    Of course, the Kan''Tanu were well aware of these considerations, so they kept a steady pace to not rock the boat. They were slowly spreading through the sector, isting therger factions without delivering a fatal blow. They were setting the stage to pounce after the trial had begun and the outsiders were gone, removing one threat at a time.


    Thetest target was the Thirty-seventh Field Army, the ce the Cmity Company had called home for over a year. The Endemire Sage had fallen, his War Fortress destroyed. The Cmity Company would have met the same fate if they hadn''t been out on a campaign at the time.


    The Thirty-seventh''s fate meant they''d been stuck in enemy territory with a huge bounty. Their many seals had been the bait for multiple sessful operations with those who still fought the good fight. Without a Monarch watching their backs, their next ambush could prove theirst.


    Normal teleporters had long since stopped functioning in the war-torn region, rendering his escape bangle''s feature useless. Thankfully, the System provided a path to survivaldestroy the <i>Seafarer </i>to earn an army relocation. That was why Zac had pushed deeper into Kan''Tanu territory to take out the experimental fortress<i>, </i>even relying on the Void to bring it down.


    Zac still wasn''t fullyfortable openly using his bloodline in such a public forum, even if <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> let him mask its unique aura and energy signature. He could only pull so many impossible feats before someone figured out the truth. Ultimately, keeping secrets couldn''t bepared to the life of his subordinates. Besides, Zac already had so many targets on his back that it wouldn''t make much of a difference if someone figured out his connection to the Void.


    If anything, he was more worried about having to call in such a troublesome favor to get the location of the <i>Seafarer</i> before his location was exposed. The Sindris n weren''t fools, and Zac hadn''t managed to glean their intentions from their brief exchanges. Friend or foe, each encounter held the potential for disaster.


    <i>''You look like someone has snatched the food from your tongue,'' </i>Esmeralda signed. <i>''Don''t lose your mind over something so small like a border region''s copse. It happens all the time. You''re rich and connected. Just bring your people away from here if you''re worried.''</i>


    It was true, though only to a certain point. Many were already looking for ways to leave the sinking ship. Doing so was easier said than done. Even factions like the Dravorak Dynasty would have to sacrifice their foundations to gain refuge with their main branch, where only the top talents and Monarchs would be brought back.


    The Kavriel Province was no different. He''d already heard rumors of a nned exodus unless something changed. The Kan''Tanu were probably not foolish enough to target a branch of the Undead Empire, but there wasn''t much point in staying if all dreamers in Zecia were infected with Heart Curses.


    The Undead Empire would extract the spirituality of the Kavriel Province''s continent and cultivation havens before relocating the Kavriel n and a few others to another frontier sector. The trillions ofmon citizens would be abandoned, as they weren''t even considered true citizens of the empire. With the established factions being so ruthless to their own, how could Zac possibly secure passage for over a billion people? He''d be lucky if he could bring away a few thousand, and the assistance woulde with strings attached.


    "Let''s not talk about this," Zac exhaled. "I''m not ready to give up on Zecia yet, and much can happen over theing years. How are your preparations?"


    <i>''I had to give up on some of my ns, but the most important matters are dealt with. I just need you to provide passage,'' </i>Esmeralda signed, a teasing grin spreading across her face. <i>''How''s my temple looking, little priest?''</i>


    "Just missing the final touches," Zac grunted as he got to his feet. "Let''s go back and wrap things up."

 Chapter 1190: Enshrinement of Kanba

    <h4>Chapter 1190: Enshrinement of Kanba</h4>


    Esmeralda''s ticket into the inheritance was through the <strong>[Enshrinement of Kanba]</strong>, the unusual beast-contracting technique Lova discovered in the Eternal Storm. The Kanba priests formed small subspaces within their bodies to house their beast deities and gained some of their abilities in return. Esmeralda had picked this particr method to form a contract as it had less impact than most pet contracts. There was no need for any System-authorized link or a Skill Fractal like <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>, and the space could be dismantled as soon as they were done with the trial.


    Zac had vigorously scoured the technique both inside the Perennial Vastness and after, and there really didn''t seem to be anything amiss. As such, he''d erected the shrine''s foundations after stepping into Middle Hegemony, but it was impossible to finish the process without Esmeralda''s help. Activating the shrine required the ''deity''s anointment,'' meaning Esmeralda had to infuse her blood and Dao to stabilize it.


    <i>''Then let''s go. Do you have anything tasty on your world?'' </i>


    "I''m not sure what you''d consider tasty, but you''ll probably get along with my friend Ibtep. Hey, where''d you go?"


    Zac looked around with confusion. Esmeralda had disappeared so thoroughly that she may as well have winked out of existence.


    <i>''Down here.''</i>


    Zac felt a weak nudge, and was shocked to find a ck bracelet added to his left hand. He hadn''t noticed at all, and his Soul Sense still couldn''t tell it was there. It was affected by the same mental blind spot she''d used to sit openly among hundreds of humans. If Esmeralda hadn''t nudged him, he might never have noticed the bracelet was there.


    "What are you doing? And how are you stillmunicating through Dao?"


    <i>''Why can''t I? The Dao''s still here, isn''t it? And this is just a small trick any decent thief should know. Do you know how much work it is to break into certain ces? More often than not, it''s easier to have a rube bring you along. You should understand the concept, being one of the rubes.''</i>


    "So why bother with the subspace if you can do this?" Zac sighed as he left the teahouse, once again wondering if he was making a mistake taking on this shifty troublemaker.


    <i>''I''m just a little tadpole who''s forgotten the upperyers of my techniques. How could I trick the System like this? But I''ll be back.''</i>


    The answer contained an intense mix of emotions. Sorrow, longing, and existential weariness held at bay by unbreakable conviction. Zac felt the ichor course with greater vigor as his bloodline resonated with Esmeralda''s firm certainty she''d return to her prime one day. Zac nodded, shing past the guards protecting the teleporter.


    He had to stop letting his guard down because of Esmeralda''s antics. No matter how she acted, she was a master who''d conquered a corner of the Heavens. That wasn''t something you just stumbled into while messing around. Even the greatest Innate Existences needed immense determination, luck, and smarts to avoid bing some old monster''s ingredient before reaching adulthood.


    The teleporter activated, prompting shouts of rm. Zac didn''t bother with the iing guards as they were whisked away. They soon reappeared in hispound, where his human half already waited. The Acheron Company had already returned two weeks ago, shortly after news of the Endemire Sage''s fate became known.


    Doing so hadn''t taken nearly as much effort as taking out a Warfortress hidden on a distant moon. The Everfast Monarch had kept true to his word to this day, remembering the favor even during adversity. He''d used his status as a Field Marshall to sign a release order, allowing the Acheron Company to return without being marked as deserters by the System.


    <i>''I heard from that dusty old spirit you got split in two,'' </i>Esmeralda said, returning to her normal form to curiously study his doppelganger. <i>''How did you aplish this? I can''t figure it out.''</i>


    "We all have our secrets,"<i></i>Zac<i></i>said as he walked toward the undead side of thepound. "Let''s go."


    He wasn''t surprised Esmeralda knew about his situation already, and it didn''t matter much. The contract they''d signed was no joke, and it included extremely harsh uses to protect any of his secrets. Besides, she was bound to have figured it out one way or another. If nothing else, she could probablye and go as she pleased without anyone being the wiser on Earth. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <i>''You''re up to some mischief, aren''t you?'' </i>Esmeralda grinned. <i>''I can smell the stink of a plot from a mile away.''</i>


    "Well, two bodies means I can split up and loot more effectively, right?" Zac said.


    <i>''I''ve tried that. Easier said than done,'' </i>the toad signed. <i>''So, which one am I bonding with?''</i>


    "Me," Zac said from his Draugr half. "Makes more sense for undead to stick together. It''ll be easier for me to provide Miasma when necessary."


    <i>''Fine, though I''m not undead. I''m just slightly dead to slow down the curse. It''s strictly temporary.''</i>


    "What? Really?" Zac said with surprise. "Do you have a way to turn back?"


    <i>''It''s not very hard. I just need to borrow a couple of treasures from some stingy old guys.''</i>


    "Do you know any method that''d let a Tool Spirit regain their life?" Zac asked, ignoring the wave of displeasure filling his mind.


    <i>''Regain life? That weapon of yours?'' </i>Esmeralda said, ncing at the ne around Zac''s neck. <i>''Reforming a vessel is easy. Any decent treasure connected with the Heavens is enough to birth a body that can house true life. Turning an immortal spirit into a soul is another matter. I can''t remember any solution, but I know it''s possible. You''d have to look into Serelius... Uh... Serelius something.''</i>


    "Who?"


    <i>''An ancient Tool Spirit who seized true life. Forgot hisst name.''</i>


    "That''s fine. Thank you," Zac said, engraving the name in his heart.


    Alea had made her stance perfectly clear, but the path of cultivation was long and full of turns. Who was to say how she''d feel in a thousand years, in a million? And there was also the question of whether the Heavens would tolerate her continued advancements. Her tribtions were almost as bad as his. Just having a name was a weight off his shoulders, a clue in case something should change.


    The trio soon reached his courtyard, which was shrouded in dense puffs of Miasma. The energy density was almost as high as his Cultivation Cave before upgrading Earth, despite only being supplied by a decent Gathering Array. It was a huge step up, one that everyone across Earth had benefited from.


    <i>''Okay, let''s do it,'' </i>Esmeralda urged. <i>''I''ve been running around for months. I need a nap.''</i>


    "Wait. Before we start, we need to make some changes to our deal to ount for thetest developments," Zac said.


    <i>''Changes? Your deal is more than fair already,'' </i>Esmeralda looked at Zac with suspicion. <i>''I knew it. You''re up to no good.''</i>


    "You''re overthinking things," Zac said and threw over a paper. "It''s just a small expansion on our agreement, nothing that will impact you overly much."


    The toad caught the document, ncing at the short uses. "This is it? No binding contract?"


    "That''s it," Zac said. "You''ll help me break into a set of temples connected to the trial, and we share the opportunities within, except for anything that might help in Zecia''s war efforts. Of course, if it''s beyond your abilities, we''ll leave it be. You <i>do</i> seem a bit rusty."


    This tale has been uwfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    <i>''Do you think I''m so easily goaded?'' </i>Esmeralda said<i></i>while angrily<i></i>stomping her feet. <i>''Bah, some dusty old ruins won''t be a problem. The Limitless Empire''s arrays have been dissected and studied for eons. But exin the other use.''</i>


    "I want to use the shrine to store something, so we need to expand its dimensions. I''ve already done the heavy liftingyou just need to expend a bit more energy than the original method requires to fill it up."


    <i>''A bit more energy?'' </i>Esmeralda huffed. <i>''Everyone could be a Monarch if it were so easy to open subspaces. And you''d have to add the essence of whatever you wanted to bring inside to the scroll, which will destabilize the method. I''d have to sacrifice even more blood to keep it stable.''</i>


    "I know, but I don''t need much. Just enough to fit a"


    <i>''A clone? I see where you''re going with this.'' </i>Esmeralda smirked, ncing at Zac''s other body. <i>''It''s not impossible, but I see no mention of what I get in return. How can there be trust without reciprocity?''</i>


    "I''ll use my human body to help you look for the thing you need inside the Lower Courts, depending on how the trial is designed. Although, protecting the lives of my subordinates will take precedence if the two goals sh."


    <i>''What good are you for my mission? Staying with me longer than nned will benefit you more than me.''</i>


    "You don''t know that. The only thing we know about this trial is that it''s dictated by fate, and I''m standing in the middle of it. Meanwhile, you''re sneaking in through the back door. Can you guarantee you can aplish your goal with your current limitations?"


    <i>''With these terms, I would have to pay up now. Meanwhile, your thing is only after the trial begins. Worse, you don''t wish to sign an official agreement.''</i>


    "What''s the point? We''re almost the same level and have unusual means. We can both find ways to break any agreement we enter alone. You''ll have to take a leap of faith. How can there be reciprocity without trust?"


    The toad seemed to be struggling for a minute until she croaked with annoyance. <i>''Fine!''</i>


    Zac grinned and activated the ancient scroll holding the <strong>[Enshrinement of Kanba]</strong> before the toad could change her mind. A weak pulse made his right lung vibrate, and six unusual runes lit up. They were the foundation he''d built over the past month through a process that mixed chanting, Mental Energy, and very specific breathing patterns. It wasn''t actually that different from his <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>, with a ssh of <strong>[Thousand Lights Avatar]</strong>, making the process very smooth.


    "I''m starting!" Zac shouted as he began the contracting chant.


    The humming runes added an otherworldly cadence to Zac''s voice. He almost felt like a priest as he held up the scroll before his patron saint. Six runes had appeared on its edges, with smaller scripts forming weblike patterns leading toward an empty circle in the scroll''s middle. Esmeralda still looked reluctant as she spat out a blob of shimmering blood that exuded an immense, ancient aura.


    The toad''s aura flickered, and the liquid in her vats receded by over 30%. The bloodnded in the middle of the scroll and was rapidly absorbed by the old parchment. The script gradually lit up under Zac''s chants, and energy streamed toward therger runes, gradually activating them. Esmeralda looked exhausted, but she readily supplied the required energy and Dao.


    It wasn''t just a bargaining trick when Esmeraldained of the difficulties. The enshrinement required Esmeralda''s Essence Blood, a pure extract holding her bloodline. You only had so many drops of it, and adding a few more would further weaken the toad. She''d have to waste weeks on recovery instead of progress when the trial was drawing closer.


    But what could he do? He needed that extra room as a safeguard. Minutes passed as one rune after another lit up, forming a resonance with the ones in his chest. When the fifth one came alive, Zac spat out a drop of golden blood holding his Void Vajra Constitution. It was a necessary evil, as only those bonded by blood could enter Kanba''s Shrine.


    "Just a little bit more!" Zac urged from his human body while his Draugr half continued the chants.


    An angry croak was followed by a small spurt of blood adding to the scroll, and the final rune lit up after five more minutes of energy infusion. The writings atop the scroll came alive, and the scripts dragged therger runes into the center. The runes fused into an incredibly intricate pattern, and the scrollbusted.


    A powerful shockwave interrupted Zac''s tantric chants as a rippling ball of energy appeared within his lung. It looked like it would copse at any moment, but the six runes he''d crafted melted into the shrine and stabilized it. A connection simr to Haro''s formed, and Zac felt a surge of ancient power pour into his body. Zac enjoyed the sensation of being imparted the gift of Esmeralda''s bloodline. Any one of her talents could be a huge asset during the trial.


    The feelingsted for roughly one second before Zac''s eyes snapped open with rm.


    "What the hell is this? <i>What is this?" </i>Zac almost shrieked while pulling on the ck, coarse skin on his suddenly paunchy cheeks. His horror only mounted upon spotting the almost translucent webbing between his fingers, reaching up to the second knuckles. "What did you do?!"


    He''d be part-toad, and his cheeks weren''t the only spots looking like they''d suffered necrosis after frostbite. An urgent scan found four simr spots on his back. Worst of all, he''d actually gained a stubby little proto-tail at his tailbone, jutting out roughly an inch.


    <i>''Ah, so tired,'' </i>Esmeralda said, almost looking like she''d melted on the spot. <i>''What? Your beauty marks? I think it''s an improvement.''</i>


    "Don''t mess around!" Zac shouted. "Why did my skin change? Where are the bloodline talents?"


    <i>''Look, you wanted a nice expansion for your alter ego. Do you know how much energy it would have cost to pick one of my bloodline''</i>


    "Pick?! A talent should have been extracted at random from the Blood Essence," Zac squeezed through grit teeth. "You manipted your blood? You''re already breaking the agreement!"


    <i>''Huh? There''s nothing covering this scenario in the contract. I infused the energy and essence like I was supposed to. It never mentioned which part I had to use,'' </i>Esmeralda countered. <i>''And hey, I did give you one of my skills. Didn''t you see your hands?''</i>


    Zac nced down at the webbings, desperately trying to find some light in the darkness. Perhaps the webs were part of why Esmeralda became such a sessful thief? If hebined it with his own techniques


    <i>''They can secrete a sticky substance that''ll let you climb up the smoothest surface without any problem.'' </i>


    "WHY WOULD I WANT TO CLIMB UP A WALL WHEN I CAN FLY?!"


    "Pft!"


    Zac swirled around, <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> already tearing through the air where theugh came from. His attack hit nothing, and he only narrowly avoided a sh of steel going for his throat. His Danger Sense gave nothing, his Soul Sense remained blind, yet dozens of more stabs were already descending on him from every direction with very real force within. He was under attack by a powerful assassin, yet a smile crept up Zac''s lips as rattling chains began weaving an inescapable web.


    A storm was kicked up in the courtyard as Zac flickered back and forth, trying to catch his unseen attacker. The assassin showed incredible skill, holding his own against Zac''s refined technique while constantly attacking from unexpected and hard-defended angles. However, death was inexorable.


    "Do you want to keep going? You''re about to run out of room," Zac smiled, ncing at the nearby corner.


    "Damnit! Couldn''t even let me have this, could you?"


    The attacks stopped, and Ogras stepped out of thin air, looking like he''d swallowed a fly. He wore an exquisite set of ck leather armor beneath a hood covered in silver fractals. Both were obviously of extremely high quality, with the former being a proper War Regalia. Zac couldn''t make much of the demon''s aura, but their brief spar clearly indicated the demon''s progress was more than enough to retain his position as the Atwood Empire''s number two.


    The biggest change was in the demon''s demeanor. Ogras still carried himself like a shifty hoodlum, but Zac could feel stability and confidence he hadn''t seen before in his friend.


    "One was a headache, and now there''s two of you? How are the rest of us supposed to live?" Ogras continued, a teasing grin tugging at his lips. "Well, At least the Heavens have some conscience, giving you such a unique makeover."


    Zac gritted his teeth and entered Void State to take control of his new ability. He suppressed the link with the shrine and almost cried with relief when his body returned to normal. Zac couldn''tpletely stop the transformation without also severing his connection with Esmeralda. The huge splotches were reduced to small ck dots at least, while the webbing almost fully disappeared.


    "That''s better," Zac exhaled with immense relief as a smile spread across his face. "It''s good to have you back, buddy."


    "It''s good to be back. You don''t know half of it," Ogras grinned, pping Zac''s shoulder. "Senior Esmeralda, you''re looking more beautiful than ever!"


    <i>''This is a good one,''</i> Esmeralda grinned, clearly pleased.


    "How did you get inside without triggering any of my rms?"


    <i>''He hid in the shadows of this building''s arrays,'' </i>Esmeraldazily said, looking at Ogras up and down. <i>''Why do you have Ponel''s smell on you? That greedy guy''s no good.''</i>


    "Ponel? Who''s that?"


    "Ponel Pustori. The Faceless Patriarch, The Hidden Heart. yer of Supremacies and the bane of my existence," Ogras said, his eyes veritably burning as the grip on Zac''s shoulder turned into a vise. "Bastard, just let me stab you once, or I might just form a Heart Demon. Sending me to such a lunatic, do you have any conscience?"


    "I''m sorry about that. I only asked the owner of the Perennial Vastness to provide an opportunity that could help you before the trial," Zac coughed.


    "Don''t mind me; I''m just a bit strung up after a hectic couple of years," Ogras shook his head. "Thank you. I do appreciate the chance you gave me. I''d say I''ll pay you back, but I don''t know how."


    Zac smiled and took out a vat of incredibly expensive wine he''d prepared for just this asion. "Sounds like you have a few stories. Tell me about it over a ss, and I''ll catch you up to speed on this end?"


    "A drink doesn''t sound bad at all," Ogras said, his eyes gleaming upon smelling the exquisite aromaing from the D-grade liquor. However, he shook his head and looked at Zac seriously. "But before that, I need you to do me another favor. Can you bring me home?"

 Chapter 1191: Internal Affairs

    <h4>Chapter 1191: Internal Affairs</h4>


    "You didn''t have toe, you know."


    "And miss the chance to see what kind of environment could nurture such weaponized paranoia?"


    Ogras scoffed, ncing at his hoodedpanion. "Don''t act like it hasn''t served you well over the years. Who knows what kind of mess you''d found yourself in without at least one voice of caution reining you in."


    "I know, I know," Zacughed while looking around. "It''s nice. I see where Azh''Rodum got its inspiration."


    Ogras took in the familiar sights of living homes, noting how little differences two decades of absence made. It almost felt like Azh''Rezak had been trapped in a Temporal Chamber during his absence. It was the same, yet different, after being observed through the lens of experience.


    The capital''s grand buildings and unmatched energy density had felt like the peak of civilization, proof of his noble birth. He could still remember the envy he felt over the main branch monopolizing such benefits, and the schemes he''d weaved to extract just a sliver without attracting unwanted attention.


    Azh''Rezak, the glistening pearl of his childhood memories, was barely fit to be called a hovel. A rational part of his mind had already been aware of this fact, but it was only after his arduous journey home he''d fully understood it.


    He''d passed through over two dozen kingdoms, big and small. He''d seen true grandeur on continents holding greater poptions than all of Zecia, where being a Hegemon didn''t even award high enough status to fly through the air. Even the remote worlds Ogras visited when tracking down his targets blew anything he''d seen in Zecia out of the waters.


    The Azh''Rezak treasury wasn''t even worth the space it would take up in his Spatial Rings today. That bastard had stayed true to his word, iming the bounties in his name. Thankfully, Ponel wasn''tpletely heartless, leaving their treasuries intact. Most of the heretics were dirt-poor, which was an important reason why they relied on such sinister methods of progression in the first ce.


    A few had gained sizable fortunes through piging, though. Sinister traps always guarded the hoards, but few defenses could withstand K''Rav''s maniptions. While far from the 1,474 C-grade Nexus Coin bounties, he should have umted over 50 C-grade Nexus Coins in treasures and materials. Perhaps even more, provided the potential buyers hadn''t already emptied their coffers. It was a real risk if this was the state of affairs across Zecia.


    While the city''s bones remained the same, there were clear signs of n Azh''Rezak''s current predicament. Few walked the streets, and those they passed shared one of twomon traits. Either they were missing any hint of spirituality, making them the lowest rung of mortals, or they carried grievous wounds from battle. The asional child peered out from windows or tree crowns, but the bustle was all but gone.


    All capable hands had been drafted into the n''s failing war machine. The n had initially fared rtively well, ording to Zac''s ounts, but two years of constant struggle had left its mark. Azh''Rezak wasn''t the Atwood Empire. Theycked resources and foundations, which meant victories were hard-won and paid for in blood.


    The gains from ruing contributions couldn''t outweigh the constant drain on manpower, and recing veteran n members with hastily trained civilians only weakened the armies. It had finally reached a breaking point where n Azh''Rezak could endure no longer.


    You could say he''d appeared just in time. But to do what? Ogras still didn''t know.


    "And you''re sure you didn''t hear anything?" Zac asked, saving Ogras from facing that nagging question.


    "No, there were no signs of your little wife where your backroom deal sent me," Ogras sent with a roll of his eyes. "I''m sure she''s fine. Maybe she''ll even be back by the time we''re done here."


    "Let''s hope so. We''re running out of time," Zac muttered.


    Ogras grunted in agreement. He couldn''t believe how bad things were after just a few years. War seldom was this cut-and-dry. The Horde had fought against its mortal enemies for eons without either side gaining an edge. The same could be said about the Undead Empire''s eternal war against the living.


    Was it even possible to get his hands on the final piece of his seal? It seemed as though the window had closed for seizing opportunities. It wasn''t that he was dissatisfied with what he gained instead, but what kind of fool would be content with their lot? Well, Zac mentioned he had a n to deal with this mess. He and the rest of Zecia could only pray that the Deviant Asura could pull off another miracle.


    "So how do you reckon she''ll react to suddenly having two men in her life?" Ogras grinned. "Actually, I did find an interesting dual cultivation technique involving clones during my travels. Want to take a look? Or are you half-single now? Is that fiery beauty back?"


    "Alright, alright," Zacughed. "I have no idea, honestly. I haven''t thought that far. And no, Iz isn''t here yet. I''m also waiting for word on Kruta too. Oh, he''s the"


    "I remember," Ogras said, getting a surprised look from Zac. "I don''t know. A lot of the details from the Perennial Vastness just became clear after I saw you and your new Deity. It''s like your special deal spread to me."


    "Interesting. Let''s hope that doesn''t extend to my enemies."


    "Well, most of them are your children now," Ogras said. "I toured the ind while waiting for you toe back. I saw some of them in the academy. Little monsters."


    "They''re growing up so fast. I''m not sure whether I should be relieved or regretful they''re too young to participate in the war. It would have been a huge opportunity for them," Zac said before stopping. "So, decided what you wanted to do?"


    Ogras sighed as he turned to the Ancestral Gate towering before them. It was crafted from the <strong>[Deeparc Steel]</strong> their founding patriarch collected during his travels and held the outer core of their n Protection Array. An array that currently wasn''t running, further proof of the n''s strained situation.


    "I guess I''ll just have a talk with the old goats and take it from there," Ogras said, releasing the obscuring shroud around the two.


    "Halt, who goes there!"


    "A ghost from the past," Ogras smiled and activated <strong>[Gloaming Tide]</strong>.


    A sea of spear shadows welled from the ground, forming a twenty-meter tsunami that crashed into the gate. The early E-grade guards would have been ground to paste by the Middle D-grade skill if a group of illusory shadows hadn''t thrown them out of the way at thest second. The gates that had stood for 40,000 years were ripped from their foundations and punctured full of holes.


    A resounding crash shook the ancestral mansion as a dust plume rose to the sky. Ogras nced at hispanion, who returned the look with a raised brow. Zac said nothing, but Ogras could see the unspoken question. <i>''This is what you mean by talking?''</i>


    "I guess we''ve rubbed off on each other. I have to say, it doesn''t feel bad acting the brute for once," Ogras grinned as they stepped over the rubble. "And a proper disy of strength can solve most issues. This way, we won''t have to wait for long."


    Thousands of warriors poured out of the nearby buildings, yet none dared approach the two strangers who had forced their way into the manor. Neither did they dare desert their post, so they warily formed a half-circle at a distance. Ogras ignored the F- and E-grade warriors. Instead, he activated his scouting skill, quickly finding what he was looking for.


    "You don''t have to exin yourself to me. It''s up to you to decide how this chapter of Karma should be closed," Zac said. "I''m just here as moral support."


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    "You mind dealing with the trio hiding in the corner in case they dare show up?" Ogras said, sharing the vision of his skill.


    "Late D-grade?" Zac said, surprised rather than worried. "That''s fine. Shouldn''t be a problem for you, though?"


    "I have a good idea who those people are. They''re not part of this, so it''s easier if you scare the outsiders away. Oh, here theye. Huh, they''ve improved."


    Twelve auras rapidly approached in the air, all of them familiar. Of course, thest time Ogras saw nine of them, they were just Peak E-grade Cultivators who''d been stuck at their level for centuries. Meanwhile, three of the old elders were missing, having fallen during the war. At the front, a stalwart warrior showing signs of age flew, surrounded by arcs of ck lightning. Kerto Azh''Rezak, the fifth-generation patriarch of the n.


    "Lords, may I ask why you''ve visited my humble family this day? If one of my unfilial descendants has caused any unhappiness, Azh''Rezak will surely remedy the situation," Kerto said with a bow, unable to hide the misgivings of having two powerful strangers pop up in such an overbearing manner.


    Ogras had a sudden urge to embrace the role of a mysterious stranger and cause some trouble, but the worried yet determined expression on the old man standing to the side softened his heart. Ograsughed as he removed his hood.


    "I never thought I''d see such a look on your face, you hoary old bastard. Didn''t you always say that a warrior can bleed but never bend when you sent my siblings to their deaths?"


    The elders looked at Ogras with confused apprehension, clearly unable to connect his current appearance with the young wastrel they sent away decades ago. Ogras couldn''t me them. Because of his series of transformations, he only carried a passing resemnce to Torrid Demon. Even his features had changed for the better after multiple affinity-boosting encounters. However, one among the group was different, looking like he''d been struck by lightning.


    "Oggy? Is that you?" a rough voice eximed as the old man took a hesitant step forward.


    "Long time no see, Gramps," Ogras grinned though his heart twanged with pain.


    His Grandpa looked even more worn than before, with new scars covering his face. Okral Azh''Rezak lost his first horn long before Ogras was born, fighting as a mercenary for the n. He was now also missing his second one, taken from an attack that had also imed his left arm. It was generally considered a huge dishonor to be dishorned, and Ogras knew it had to weigh on a traditional mind like his grandfather''s.


    There were ways to grow them back, but would the n pay such a price when they wouldn''t even help him recover from wounds that had harmed his foundations? War was supposed to provide opportunities for those who fought and survived, and Ogras knew his grandfather wouldn''t have shied away from battle. And yet, his aura was weaker today than when Ogras saw himst.


    His appearance, and that of the two other outer branch elders, was a stark difference from the rosy faces and clean robes of the main branch Hegemons. Knowing how things worked with these craven bastards, they must havemandeered his Grandpa''s merit, toting nonsense like the ''greater good.'' The same was likely true for the resources Zac had secretly sent over.


    "Look at you. You should have just used the Teleportation Token and left these old fools behind," Ograsmented.


    "It was really you," Okral said with a shaky voice. "You''re really alive."


    Ogras sighed. Communication had been intentionally cut after the incursion ended. The n knew some had stayed behind out of fear of returning, but he was presumed to be dead with the others during the fight over the <strong>[Fruit of Ascension]</strong>. Ogras had chosen to keep things that way, embracing his role as Zac''s shadow.


    He knew his grandfather had faced some punishment for the way the incursion yed out. Thankfully, Rydel was the one who led the disastrous expedition that killed the main forces, despite his recorded disagreement. But if it became known Ogras survived and helped their killers? n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Part of him had somewhat expected the Azh''Rezak n to figure out the truth anyway, but he''d underestimated how ill-connected his family was. The explosive events in the Tower of Eternity never reached his little home, and they never realized their incursion had been foiled by the famed Deviant Asura. Hell, they didn''t even know who he was until the Stars of Zeciadder came along.


    However, rumors of Torrid Demons among the famed Atwood Empire eventually reached n Azh''Rezak, so they had likely begun suspecting a thing or two.


    "But child, themotion you''ve caused"


    "You! You actually betrayed the n back then?!" an infuriated growl cut his Grandfather short. "I knew something was wrong! Where''s my son?!"


    "Oh? I guess Rydel''s where I left him after I ran my spear through his heart. Well, his bones are, at least," Ogras said, a ruthless smile appearing on his face. "I can''t believe a dog like you managed to step into Hegemony, if barely."


    "Bast"


    Words were swallowed, and anger was reced by a brief flicker of horror when shadows ripped apart the patriarch''s second son. With such crude foundations, Ogras didn''t even need to use one of his skills. His shadows were more than enough. A shockedmotion shook therge square before a suffocating silence took over.


    "The Main Branch is the same as ever," Ograszily said as a calm nce passed between the elders. "I hoped some setbacks would have been enough to temper your attitudes."


    "Child, no matter what you''ve been through, your roots are with n Azh''Rezak. If you have grievances to address, we are willing to listen."


    "You want to talk?" Ogras said with a raised brow. "Can conversation bring back my siblings? I think it''s better to send you all on your way so you apologize in person."


    "Your siblings?" the patriarch said with a confused expression utterly incapable of fooling Ogras. Some of the elders were even worse, sharing worried looks full of guilt.


    "Oggy, the n has treated us well, and we''re facing a crisis. Why don''t we all take a step back?" his grandfather urged.


    "Grandpa, I''m not you. I can''t suppress these matters," Ogras gently said, turning back to the main branch elders. "I''ve always felt uncertain about what I should do if I returned. Well, seeing you all today finally gave me my answer."


    "Oggy, don''t"


    "I can''t erase the shadows of the past," Ogras continued as the sky darkened, shrouding the manor in the gloom of his wrath. "But I can make them mine by killing all those who cast them."


    "Yyou! The council has officially met with the Lords of Erz''Kerus and epted their gracious invitation!" the second elder shrieked as shadows began to climb up his legs. "The Lords will not tolerate this!"


    His words were soon proven right. The three powerful auras who''d been content observing from a distance until now were finally on the move.


    "Kick the dog, and the masters appear," Ogras grinned.


    "I did not know n Azh''Rezak had given birth to such an excellent descendant. Impressive, impressive!" the elder in the middle smiled as a fiery aura rebuffed the shadows around them. "Though I have to inform the young master that you are wrong on one point. n Erz''Kerus has raised the banner, sincerely inviting friends across the region to band together. The proud warriors of Azh''Kir''Khat can only survive this tribtion if we fight as one."


    "Save the recruitment speech," Ogras snorted. "I''ve no interest in bing a warve for some local tyrant."


    The Heavens were ruthless, and those beneath it were no different. ''Banding together'' was just a nice way of saying ''recruiting cannon fodder while robbing their heritages.'' Erz''Kerus was only one of thousands of established ns doing the same. Most factions were pushed to the limits after two years of fighting, and the battlefronts didn''t relent.


    Many saw no other way to survive than to disband their n and sell themselves to a stronger faction that still had energy left to spare. Of course, these factions would only take the useful ones, leaving the rest to fend for themselves. The battlefronts would be split between the new and old factions. And since most of the poption would be left behind, the abandoned would also have to carry most of the weight.


    Ogras hadn''t expected a Late Hegemon to appear in their little fiefdom, but he guessed they weren''t specifically here for Azh''Rezak. They were making the rounds, snatching all Hegemons and talents across the. It was an easy sales pitch, considering the world would be teeming with cultists soon enough.


    "Young man, we''re sincerely extending an olive branch," the Middle D-grade apanying the elder frowned. "We''re happy to hear you out, but any further disrespect will"


    "Will what?"


    It was Zac, and his question was punctuated by an explosion of monstrous killing intent, which even made Ogras''s hair stand on end. It roiled through the mansion, forcing thousands of hardened warriors to their knees. Not even the elders could fully withstand it, paling before the onught. The awe-inspiring disy aplished its goal, yet it only left Ogras hollow. Just how much ughter had his friend been forced to endure over the past years to keep the ship afloat?


    "YouWho are you?!" the Erz''Kerus elder eximed while contracting his defensive domain to shield only himself and his twopanions.


    "Zachary Atwood of the Atwood Empire," Zac said, removing his hood. "The one who''s been selling Cosmic Vessels to your bosses."


    The old man froze for a moment before his eyes grew into saucers. "Lord Atwood, I''m sorry I didn''t recognize you. It''s a great honor to meet the Star of Zecia! Can I ask what brought you here today?"


    "Ask my friend."


    "I want the fourth and seventh branches," Ogras calmly said when the attention was back on him. "Every man, woman, and child. As for what happens to the rest of n Azh''Rezak, I don''t care. But the Main Branch has conspired against me and my family, so I''m notfortable leaving such a threat behind. Even if they join Erz''Kerus."


    "My lord!" Azh''Rezak''s patriarch eximed with horror. "The resources"


    "Ai, this old man has made a fool of himself, interfering in the internal matters of others," the envoy cut the frantic patriarch off, taking out a shimmering token. "We have many more ns to meet, so we will not intrude on Emperor Atwood any longer. Should the young lords ever find themselves in this area again, we would be honored to host a banquet in your honor."


    "Mh," Zac nomittally said.


    Ogras inwardly snickered when the trio escaped with all the speed they could muster. A proper disy of strength could really solve anything. He turned to the horrified elders, darkness swirling in his eyes.


    "Now, where were we?"

 Chapter 1192: Ruthless

    <h4>Chapter 1192: Ruthless</h4>


    There was no suspense after the envoys from the Erz''Kerus n made their hasty escape. Zac calmly watched as Ogras descended on the Main Branch Elders like a vengeful ghost. This chapter of Karma wasn''t his to deal with, so Zac didn''t join the ughter. He only had Haro encircle the manor while pulling Ogras''s grandfather and the fourth branch''s elder to his side. Thetter was frozen solid from shock, while Zac had to restrain Okral Azh''Rezak from jumping into the mayhem to stop his grandson.


    "There''s no returning now. Azh''Rezak was fated to disappear today, one way or another," Zac said.


    "Killing kin to alleviate resentment is to rece one poison with another," Okral said with a shake of his head, though he stopped struggling against the Heavenrender Vine''s restraints.


    "Perhaps. But this way, it''s Ogras who got to pick the poison."


    "Ai, little Oggy," Okral whispered with sorrow in his eyes. "I failed you."


    "Bah, what''s the point of feeling broken up for those shameless bastards? We''ve bled until our veins ran dry to keep the n aloft. And what''s our reward? Bringing fifty descendants to Erz''Kerus to their five thousand, and only young women to be married into other families. Our lines would have ended," the other elder growled, his face full of resentment.


    "I know...I''m sorry. I thought I had lost all my direct descendants, and I didn''t consider your side. I just felt that it was an eptable sacrifice, so long as a seed of our ancestors would live on," Okral sighed before turning toward Zac. "Young lord, can I ask how you know my Oggy? How did he be so powerful?"


    "I think thetter is best exined by Ogras himself. As for how we know each other n Azh''Rezak''s incursion dropped right on my head. Your reared barghest were my first enemies in the integration," Zac said with a crooked smile, continuing when the faces of the elders paled in fright. "Ogras saved my life and brought the former members of your n to my side. They became the first citizen of my empire. He''s my close brother now."


    "Then, what that rascuh, young master Ograssaid" the other elder asked hopefully.


    "Azh''Rezak has fallen, and yournds will be part of the Atwood Empire. However, defending this will waste too many resources, and I can''t use the War System to relocate it to our side," Zac said. "Not to mention, I don''t believe that''s Ogras''s intent." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "That''s right," Ogras said as he appeared in a puff of shadows, looking refreshed.


    Zac couldn''t sense any energy fluctuations from him despite seeing shadows rip apart scores of main branch warriors. Zac wasn''t even sure if it was the real Ogras standing before them. The demon hadn''t just stepped into Middle Hegemony in this short duration. He had also mastered some very powerful abilities that meshed perfectly with his fighting style.


    "We''ll just have the fourth and seventh swear allegiance to the Atwood Empire and teleport them over to our world," Ogras continued. "What happens next is none of my concern."


    "Bastard! You''ve been living well, I see! Yet not a word to your grandpa!"


    Ogras grinned and easily dodged a couple of half-hearted swings. "I figured you could use the break, old man."


    "Ai, the days I wasted sitting before your grave."


    "Should have spent that time siring a few new descendants."


    "Don''t think I can''t hit you just because you''ve turned into a shadow!" Okral red before his eyes softened. "Boy, it''s good that you''re alive."


    "It''s good to see you again," Ogras smiled.


    "But this... it''s enough... Any more will only be chains weighing you down," Okral said, the screams of fear and despair around them underlining his point.


    Ogras nced at the ruins, eventually nodding. "I guess I deserve to get killed if any of these fools gain the strength to take revenge."


    Zac had to agree with the assessment. All the elders were dead, along with most elites and budding talents. "Then I''ll return for now. I''ll send some people over to help with the transfer."


    "I''ll talk to youter," Ogras agreed.


    Zac was soon back in hispound, where he took a much-needed rest. He still felt drained after extracting some essence of his Life-attuned constitution, so he took a midday nap. He only woke up four hourster, unable to remember thest time he slept for so long.


    Life on the frontlines had never allowed for real rest. He was either traveling, fighting, or cultivating in an endless cycle of carnage. Zac even felt lost now that there wasn''t anything requiring his immediate attention.


    Normally, Zac would take the opportunity to work on some aspect of his cultivation. His Soul, for instance, hadn''t seen much improvementtely because of his time constraints. The two seals hidden in his Spatial Ring were a reminder that it would soon be put to the test.


    Each seal led to a hidden cave, one on Earth and the other on Ensolus. Each held one of the remnants which he''d already bought from the Merit Exchange. Just purchasing them had almost woken up the slumbering remnants despite the System''s absolute seal. Buying them early was an insurance, but also a test of sorts. For his n to work, he would have to bring the sealed remnants with him to the Zurbor sector.


    Despite being aware of the uing challenge, Zac chose to wander across his ind. The flourishing streets filled with people were a stark contrast to the repressed atmosphere on Ogras''s homeworld. Eventually, his meandering journey led him out of the city and toward the militaryplex. He didn''t enter, instead turning toward the shores.


    There was a small residential district nestled between the academy and the attached military base, mostly upied by officials and lecturers. Zac passed by the buildings unseen, eventually reaching a secluded cliffside leading into the ocean. He jumped down and disappeared, leaving ripples of an illusion array in his wake.


    The waves gently pushed against the reinforced pier, forming a soothing song of the sea. The distant gleaming lights of civilization formed a starry backdrop in ce of the overcast night sky. Zac silently stood atop the small tform at the pier''s edge, unthinking as he looked at the deep-sea stone erected in its center.


    "There you are."


    Zac nced over, finding Ogras stepping out of the night sky. It was only then Zac realized he hadn''t moved for almost half an hour.


    "There was something about your grandfather that reminded me of him," Zac sighed. "Is everything settled?"


    "It''ll take a while to gather and ferry everyone over, but that part doesn''t need me. Grandpa is overseeing the exodus with the help of your soldiers."


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    "How is he?"


    "Angry and disappointed, but he''lle around. The relief and excitement of those who''ll live will wear him down," Ogras said as he ced a small sk by the memorial tablet. "Do you agree with him? Too ruthless?"


    Zac understood what Ogras was getting at. He had only killed a few thousand demons in his purge, but the actual death toll would be far greater. There was no way Erz''Kerus would dare take away the remnants of n Azh''Rezak, not that they had any reason to after Ogras removed anyone of value.


    Meanwhile, the Atwood Empire would rescind its im on the distant as soon as everyone had been sent back to Earth, leaving the vast majority of the n to fend for themselves. Ogras could have easily saved those people. Teleportation wasn''t cheap, but transporting a few hundred thousand people within the sector wasn''t much of a hit to their finances.


    And yet, Ogras decisively severed their path to survival, sticking to his promise of only taking his branch and the ones that had stood by their side and faced suppression as a result.


    "What qualifications do I have to talk about ruthlessness at this point?" Zac sighed. "Their fate would be the same even if we hadn''t appeared. Besides, the Kan''Tanu aren''t culling poptions now that they have such a decisive advantage. They still have a chance of survival if my n works, even if they have to go through some suffering first."


    The silence stretched for a minute until Ogras sighed.


    "It''s nice. I think the old man would have liked it."


    "I think so, too."


    "I''ve only been gone a few years, and there''s so many faces missing. Both here and back at the n," Ogras said, taking a swig from another bottle. "How''re you doing with everything?"


    "I''m tired. Tired of fighting, of the death all around me," Zac said, looking down at Sap Trang''s final resting ce. "But we can only keep going."


    "The lonely road of power," Ogras said. "Alright, enough of this. I''m still waiting on that drink, you know."


    "Let''s go."


    The two returned to his courtyard, where Ogras shared his experiences since they parted. Zac was surprised to learn he''d been training under the Faceless Assassins he encountered in the Tower of Eternity and that the Ponel Esmeralda mentioned was its founding patriarch. The demon''s exploits as a bounty hunter paying for his return fare with heretical cultivators ignited Zac''s longing for adventure, one that didn''t involve so much bloodshed as the soul-numbing ughter of the war.


    In return, Zac shared his experiences since he secluded himself to form his Cosmic Core, from the general progression of the war and his dealings with the Undead Empire to the events in the Centurion Lighthouse. The only part he didn''t mention was his recent involvement with the Sindris n, who had repeatedly approached him by infiltrating the Field Armies.


    His split bodies had unsurprisingly failed to trick them, considering they knew all about the Kayar-Elu''s heritage. For now, things hadn''t progressed much, though the Sindris n had agreed to help by gathering intelligence and taking on a peripheral role in his n. Zac hadn''t given anything tangible in return, and the Sindris n hadn''t asked for anything.


    They had repeatedly mentioned there was a ce for him back at their home and that returning with them was his best bet at understanding his bloodline. Of course, Zac wouldn''t take them up on such an offer with or without his mother''s warnings. It was perhaps possible to facilitate a cooperation agreement like the one he had with the Undead Empire, though it seemedden with pitfalls. Unlike the empire, he didn''t have protection from allies like the Abyssal Shores when dealing with the Technocrat outcasts.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust the demon with these matters, and Ogras was one of the few who knew of his Technocrat heritage. Zac didn''t want to inform Esmeralda of this aspect of his background. She already knew enough of his secrets, and there was no way to know what coulde back to haunt him in the future.


    It was a liberating feeling to exchange stories by a campfire with an old friend, especially now that he''d fully withdrawn from the frontlines. Battles were still raging on the graded battlefronts, but the dangers and losses were far lower there. Eventually, they were all caught up, at which point Zac moved to his ns for the future and his quest to awaken the Foreign Gods.


    "What a mess," Ogras eventually exhaled. "So we have around 50 days, ording to the Numerologist? What happens then?"


    "I''m not sure. At first, we thought it might have to do with shifts in the Eternal Storm making ess impossible or that someone would get to it before us. We''re not the only ones looking for opportunities in that area. Buttely I''ve been wondering if it''s the war that''s the problem."


    "You''re thinking the Ruthless Heavens will close down the battlefronts?"


    "Either that or start another phase of the war that will restrict our path to the Zurbor Sector. Maybe the battlefronts will be shifted to only lead to contested areas in the Zecia sector. A final defense, of sorts."


    "Seems as likely as anything else. Why would the Ruthless Heavens waste energy teleporting us to another sector when we can''t even protect our back garden? But why do you want to include outsiders in your scheme? It spells trouble."


    "I don''t have much of a choice," Zac sighed. "I needed something to get the Undead Empire off my back. The events in the lighthouse left our cooperation rocky. Our trade channels were being squeezed, and I worried they''d assassinate my other half if they didn''t see a path for ''Arcaz'' to reim the top spot."


    "That can''t possibly be the full picture," Ogras concluded. "You''d rather take your chances and hoard the opportunity than involve people with suspect motives. You need them for something."


    "You know me well," Zac smiled and threw over an Information Crystal holding the intelligence gathered by the Sindris n. "It''ll be almost impossible to reach the Foreign Gods without their help. See for yourself."


    "What the hell? Why are there so many Kan''Tanu stationed near our target? And there are even outsiders running around? Have they discovered your n?"


    "No," Zac said. "Well, not this particr rift, at least. It turns out the border we''re aiming for is pretty special."


    "The Imperial Graveyard," Ogras muttered as he read on. "Well, it makes sense the puppets would be found in such a ce."


    Zac had initially worried Ventus had made a mistake when his detailed battle n led his battlefronts away from the three known border regions of the Zurbor Sector. However, he''d kept going after measurements confirmed he was gradually closing in on their destination. It was only two months ago they''d discovered they were approaching a hidden fourth border by interrogating a connected World Lord.


    The Imperial Graveyard was the remnant of an ancient battlefield where the Inner Worlds of thousands of fallen Monarchs and Autarchs had mixed with the turbulent space of the Eternal Storm, forming a unique region full of danger and opportunity. The Kan''Tanu World Lord had no idea who''d fought in the ancient battle, but it wasn''t hard for Zac to realize the Limitless Empire was involved after hearing some descriptions.


    Exploring the area was incredibly dangerous because itbined the dangers of the Million Gates Territory with the sort of threats he''d faced in the ancient lighthouse. Spatial storms, attacks from malfunctioning weaponry, and War Arrays that had turned into dangerous Natural Formations fought to take out any explorers entering the graveyard.


    And yet, the Kan''Tanu constantly kept significant forces there. It wasn''t an exaggeration to say the Kan''Tanu lost more men to the Imperial Graveyard every day than any given Field Army. Even one of the seven chapters had its headquarters blocking the entrancesthe Chapter of Carnal Resolution, the defenders of the cult doctrine.


    The cement was both strategic and symbolic, considering more than half of the Kan''Tanu''s heritage came from the Imperial Graveyard. The Kan''Tanu''s pope had discovered the graveyard back when he was only a discarded disciple of the ck Heart Sect. He''d been a Late Hegemon whose core was almost crippled during the intense internal struggle of the sect.


    Knowing he would just be fertilizer to a Remoulded or Reincarnator if he returned, he chose to flee to the frontier. Discovering the Imperial Graveyard was the lucky break he needed to be reborn. The pope slowly took control over the nearby factions of the Zurbor Sector, using Heart Curses to enve key members of the ns.


    Eventually, the Church of Kan''Tanu was born, and it only took him sixty-thousand years to takeplete control over the sector by relying on the techniques and manuals he''d extracted from the Imperial Graveyard. Since then, almost a million years had passed, and nothing remained of Zurbor''s original factions.


    Even with the war raging, the excavation was in full swing. The pope was most likely desperate to find an opportunity to break through. He was over a million years old already, having surpassed the natural lifespan of a Monarch. He was running out of time, even if he''d extended the time he had through normal and unorthodox means.


    Meanwhile, the nature of the ruins made the Imperial Graveyard the prime source of seals for the Zurbor Sector, much like the Million Gates Territory used to be for Zecia. The outsiders had already caught on, and some opted to explore its depths instead of joining the war.


    "This is insane," Ogras vehemently rejected. "Why not just rob the Kan''Tanu Grand Cathedral while we''re at it?"


    Zac remembered the shock he''d felt upon reading the reports the first time. Even the usually boisterous Kator had been subdued upon realizing the dangers he''d face if he wanted to join Zac on his mad caper.


    "Please tell me you have a n."


    "Oh, you''re going to love this," Zac grinned, and Ogras''s face copsed.

 Chapter 1193: Caper

    <h4>Chapter 1193: Caper</h4>


    "I should have known better than expecting my suffering to be over after making it home in one piece," Ogras groaned. "Fine, I''ve already boarded this pirate ship. The first problem is the barrier. I''m guessing this is why you needed to bring in outside muscle?"


    "It''s an important reason," Zac nodded. "The Great Wall of Resolution spans the whole entrance to the Imperial Graveyard. A normal Monarch can''t force their way inside, let alone us."


    "So what good are those skeletons? Zurbor is sealed just like Zecia. Their sealed Monarchs won''t be enough, if they can even teleport them over. Isn''t it almost impossible?"


    "It''s prohibitively expensive because the highest battlefronts are Peak D-grade," Zac nodded. "Any determined Monarch let loose behind enemy lines could wreak havoc. Just bringing one will eat up a good chunk of the Kavriel Province''s umted Faction Merit, though they are trying to have more sneak into Zurbor from the outside."


    "So what then?"


    "Their Monarchs aren''t the important aspect. Only they have the means to drag the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> to the Zurbor Sector. The bell''s the key to breaking through the barrier."


    "I was wondering why you hadn''t dealt with that thing yet."


    Zac carried a ball of shame over still having done nothing to help Vri despite Gu having mastered the ritual more than five months ago. He''d even turned the core features into an array disk. If Zac''s understanding of the necessary bait was correct, he could have reced the sacrifices with himself and easily pulled the bell over.


    Yet he''d held off, watching from the sidelines as it consumed more and more Kan''Tanu. Some of its damage had already been mended ording to reports, which probably made the danger Vri faced even greater. Ralz Calzood maintained her belief it was for the best, that the benefits outweighed the dangers for her disciple. Zac wasn''t convinced.


    "Uh," Ogras coughed upon seeing Zac''s face. "So how do the Undead Empire factor in?"


    "Sacrifice," Zac sighed, exining the method to summon the bell.


    "What a nasty thing," Ogras said with scrunched brows. "But why would we need the Undead Empire for that? If you''re willing to go that far for your n, can''t you pick a world in the Zurbor Sector with particrly nasty cultists and call it over?"


    "Zurbor is too far away. Even if the bell manages to sense the summon, the pull will be so weak that it can resist the attraction. Instead, we have to create a trail of breadcrumbs to follow."


    "You''ve had the Undead Empire set up sacrificial rituals at worlds between Zecia and Zurbor," Ogras eximed. "The logistics involved..."


    "We''ve picked six unorthodox factions at the border of the Eternal Storm. The advance forces should have arrived already."


    The System clumped together habitable regions into sectors, withrge chasms of nothingness between them. The Eternal Storm was more random, and you could find isted worlds peppered throughout if you looked carefully. Even Ogras, who''d left a trail of bodies on his long journey home, looked slightly taken aback.


    No matter how you massaged the facts, the reality was that six factions unrted to their struggle would be ughtered on his order. Unorthodox or not, some innocent people were bound to live on those worlds. Zac wasn''t proud of it, but neither did he waver in his decision.


    This was a war for survival. For Earth, for Zecia as a whole. Summoning the Foreign Gods was perhaps their only shot left at making it through alive. Getting the final piece of his seal was nothing before that fundamental desire for survival. If somes had to fall for that to happen, so be it. Zac would carry that weight. If anything, he would go even further to save his people.


    "All this effort Is the bell really that powerful?" Ogras muttered.


    "It''s the thing hiding inside I''m after. There''s something very wrong with that entity. It might be a spirit from a previous Era. Both the Heavens and the System have gone berserk every time those things have been exposed, and they''ve devastated whole regions to take it out. The Great Wall is strong, but not strong enough to withstand true Heavenly wrath."


    "What if the Undead Empire doesn''t hold up their part of the bargain? Or if they mess up?"


    "It''s a risk I have to take," Zac sighed. "I''m betting on Kator''s greed and the importance the Undead Empire ces on this trial. Gaining ess to the Imperial Graveyard and a huge amount of merit should far outweigh the value of the bell and ensure there''ll be no trickery. If they betray us, it''s most likely after we''ve entered the graveyard."


    "So I think I get it," Ogras said, massaging his be. "We sneak as close as possible, and the skeletons summon the heretical bell. We crack it open and unleash Armageddon, somehow surviving the thunder and the cultists who will no doubt sense the intense energy fluctuations."


    "While also saving Vri."


    "Of course. So we sneak inside during the chaos, praying themotion and our allies can stall any pursuers long enough as we follow your tracker to the ancient puppets. And then what?"


    "Well"


    "And then what?" Ogras repeated, his eyes thinning with suspicion when the silence dragged on. "Don''t tell me"


    "Uh, yeah. The details aren''t really ironed down beyond that point," Zac coughed when he saw Ogras''s incredulous expression. "I mean, I''ve already had to change the n a couple of times. We''ll have to take things as theye."


    "As theye? In the middle of a deadly region where even Monarchs must tread carefully? Which is heavily guarded by our enemies? Can we escape the Zurbor sector through the Imperial Graveyard after we''re done?"


    "It doesn''t look like it," Zac scratched his head. "There seems to be an incredibly dangerous region in the depths, essentially cutting off ess to the real Eternal Storm. That''s why we can''t sneak in the back door."


    "So we''d have to return<i></i>the<i></i>way we came to reach a teleporter? Past our enemies'' stronghold, where a whole lot of very angry cultists will probably be waiting."


    "Something like that."


    "Well, the best of luck to you."


    "What are you talking about? You''reing with, of course," Zac said. "As is Esmeralda."


    "Are you crazy?!"


    <i>''Absolutely not!''</i>


    Esmeralda appeared in a sh, clearly having listened in on their conversation from some hidden spot.


    "I have no idea how difficult it''ll be to activate the Foreign Gods or what kinds of defenses might be blocking my way. I will need my two most skilled infiltrators on the job," Zac smiled.


    <i>''Why should I join you on such a dangerous mission? I''m already hiding from the Heavens as is! This is not part of our contract.''</i>


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "Well, I can''t force you," Zac said with an innocent expression. "But the pir''s ascent was brought forward by half a year because of the Centurion Lighthouse. Who''s to say what''ll happen when the real Centurion Project is dragged to the surface and activated? The System might whisk us away to the inheritance right away. Are you sure you want to stay behind and risk missing the boat? My undead body has no choice but to go because of my agreement with Kator."


    <i>''Thisthis'' </i>Esmeralda frantically signed while stamping the ground in agitation. <i>''You''re forcing my hand, breaking the spirit of our agreement!''</i>


    "I''m simply exining the situation. Also, this scenario isn''t covered by our agreement," Zac said, feeling a great sense of satisfaction from throwing back Esmeralda''s words in her face.


    Honestly, Zac wasn''t too broken up about losing out on the ancient toad''s bloodline talents. He''d never included them in any of his ns, and her trickery gave him the perfect excuse to bring her along on this admittedly half-cooked caper. Since he was already on a roll, Zac turned his attention to Ogras, who looked ready to run for the hills.


    "I know you''ve enlisted and checked out the exchange by now. There are some pretty amazing things, aren''t there? Things you''d need to keep up your momentum when our resources run dry. But how will you get the merit to get your hands on the good stuff? We''ve already abandoned the frontlines because it became too dangerous. Oh, you also need another piece for your seal."


    Ogras''s face flickered with indecision until greed overcame caution. "What if the trial doesn''t start when you finish your quest?"


    "I don''t know," Zac admitted. "Depends on the Foreign Gods. Maybe we can ride on their shoulders as we steamroll the Zurbor Sector. If that doesn''t work out, we''ll have to hide inside the Imperial Graveyard until the trial begins. It shouldn''t be hard. It''s almost asrge as the Million Gates Territory and way more chaotic. The Undead Empire is nning on sending multiple units with that strategy."


    Of course, Zac wasn''t nning on telling Ogras these units who''d sneak inside on separate vessels were disposable deathsworn. They''d act as a diversion while searching for seals. Coming back alive, whether they became sealbearers or not, was not something Kator nned for.


    "I guess it''s about time you advanced to blowing up whole sectors," Ogras sighed in defeat. "And I admit the n seems feasible in a deranged way. I bet those curse-cultivating maniacs will turn into natural lightning rods when the Heavens descend on the area."


    "That''s what I hope."


    "So when are we going?"


    "We have a hard deadline to set out with Kator in a month," Zac said. "We could go even sooner if something changes."


    "And until then?"


    "We''ll keep at it, figuring out ways to increase our chances of survival," Zac said. "And first on the docket is cracking open the Ensolus Ruins."


    "Well, the ruins will still be there tomorrow," Ogras said and took out a ceramic vat covered in odd scribbles. "I think I need another drink after hearing your master n."


    Ogras stayed a few more hours before returning to Azh''Rodum. Zac dispersed the alcohol from his system and teleported to his own cultivation cave. His chat with Ogras had helped settle his heart, and seeing the demon''s exaggerated reactions even helped alleviate Zac''s misgivings about the mission.


    Zac spent the rest of the night cultivating his soul, letting the vast amounts of Mental Energy wash through his spiritual body. The <strong>[Thousand Lights Avatar] </strong>had long since reached the limits of the technique he''d picked up from the Eidolon elite. Going any further required an actual spirit body, while the upperyers remained exclusive for Eidolon.


    The spiritual form spanning both his bodies was slightly different from the original. There were weak hints of his Branch of the War Axe in the previously unattuned framework. Adding it wasn''t very difficult. He cultivated his soul with a war between Life and Death, which he harnessed and amplified with his Dao Branch as he let the shockwaves from his Soul Aperture spread through his body.


    It was still far from bing anything close to the <strong>[Thousand Axes Avatar]</strong> he''d envisioned, nor did it have any effect inbat. Zac still kept at it to observe the transformation conflict brought to spirit. Achieving his goals would require aprehensive rehaul of the Eidolon technique, for which he only had some theories so far.


    The rehaul would require a herculean effort of trial and error or Ultom''s epiphany. But even thetter wouldn''t work without a foundation and direction to build upon. The suns had already been up for hours when Zac appeared in hispound, and he enjoyed the fresh sense of rity of rotating his Mental Energy.


    <i>''You should practice this method every night going forward,'' </i>Esmeralda said from within her subspace.


    "You think my soul will be important for the trial?"


    <i>''Who knows? But I felt like I was given a luxurious mud bath when you practiced.''</i>


    "So that''s it," Zac scoffed before teleporting over to his other.


    The group was already assembled and waiting outside when Zac arrivedmore than half his sealbearers. Ogras was missing, but a flickering shadow indicated he was nearby.


    "Let''s go," Zac said and flew into the sandstorm.


    The rest followed behind, and they soon found themselves in the Ensolus Ruins. A haze covered the ruins, limiting vision and making it look like the root-covered city was in the middle of monsoon season despite being ced in the middle of a desert. Zac nced at Gu, who nodded and took out an array disk.


    The illusions popped like soap bubbles, exposing one magnificent temple after another. The temples and mansions of the Ensolus Ruins looked exactly as grand as they did when Zac first unearthed them. No, that wasn''t strictly correct. They were even more resplendent, having benefited from Ensolus'' upgrade to Middle D-grade Energy.


    "To think these things were hidden among the rubble," Ogras eximed as he stepped out of the shadows, drawing surprised looks from the others. "Makes one want to start digging for treasure."


    "You''re back! No wonder all those demons popped up over the night," Emily eximed, looking at the demon expectantly. "Do you have a way to pierce the barriers? Is that why we''re gathered today?"


    "We''ll see," Ogras muttered, only half-listening as he directed hundreds of shadowy strings to burrow into every nook and cranny.


    "It''s no use. We''ve already scanned the area in various ways. If there''s still subterranean ruins or spatial pockets hiding, they''re sealed so tightly even a Spatial Monarch would find it hard to unearth them."


    "Guess I''ll have to take your word for it. Who could have imagined a worrywart like you would be a blinding sun?" Ogras grinned and put his arm around Gu''s shoulder. "I was sure you''d get yourself killed after you were sent off to the army."


    "It wasn''t easy, but we got him on the right path," Bubbur nodded, looking at Gu like a proud mother.


    "Grand Formation Master. Weaponsmith. I even hear you''ve conquered this feral little thing. A real triple threat."


    "Want to test if your shadows are mmable?" Emily glowered. "If anything, I''m the conqueror here, alright?"


    "That''s what you''re worried about?" Gu rolled his eyes. "And I don''t know about a triple threat or sun. I was simply fortunate enough to get swept up in this mess and survive. Most are not so lucky."


    "I heard there''s been casualties?" Ogras grunted, ncing at Zac.


    "We''ve lost five. More than ten times that number if you count repeated casualties to the same seal," Zac confirmed.


    "It''s like it''s be harder and harder to hold onto the seals," Emily sighed. "Meanwhile, it''s like those who got picked early have a guardian angel. Oh, I''m sorry."


    "Don''t be. It''s true," Lissa said with a weak smile.


    "It''ll be ok," Carl muttered, seemingly telling himself as much as his wife.


    Zac could empathize with Carl''s fears. Not a single of his original Sealbearers had fallen, even if Rhubat and Ra''Klid were on bed rest, recovering in specialized arrays after nearly dying in battle. Rhubat was the worst off, having their body almostpletely shattered shortly after seizing the second piece of their seal. The Zhix leader had been in a sealed state for over four months, only kept alive through the enduring nourishment of Faith Energy from the hives.


    Meanwhile, it almost felt like the seals had be death sentences to those who got themte. Fate was testing the candidates and their worthiness, and most came up short. The seal-inflicted deaths had hit his second-generation Hegemons the hardest, including two Valkyries and Harvarth, the demon captain who''d fought by his side since day one.


    Lissa was his most recent sealbearer and an idental one at that. The demoness had stepped down from active duty to care for her daughter, instead taking up a job as an elite guard in Purgatory. An ill-fated prison escape had cost Zac a Zurbor-native navigator and Ogras the final piece of his Hollow Court seal.


    Admittedly, Lissa was the final piece of the puzzle. He now had two full cycles, with two sealbearers to spare. Zac had already given up on forming a third, even if there was a small chance of sess through the Imperial Graveyard. Instead, they''d focus onpleting the seals they already had.


    Only two had already aplished that featEmily and Janos. Their experience was the same; the final epiphany was even greater than the first two. Janos was still caught in a near-catatonic state as he digested the insights. Zac hoped he could provide the same thing to a few more of his sealbearers before running out of time, which was why he''d brought so many today.


    "Can you get inside?" Zac asked when he saw Ogras inspecting a barrier.


    "No way," Ogras said without hesitation. "I have learned some infiltration techniques, but they won''t work against this kind of absolute defense."


    Zac had expected as much. He''d visited a few times over the past months, hoping his umted experience and progression with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> would be enough. It wasn''t. His keen senses couldn''t find a weakness in the barriers, and neither could the Void force a path. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <i>''Can you do it?'' </i>Zac asked through the mental connection with Esmeralda.


    <i>''''</i>


    <i>''What is it?''</i>


    <i>''You never said the ruins were a blessed city! These temples are the training grounds of Imperial Temrs!''</i>

 Chapter 1194: Templars

    <h4>Chapter 1194: Temrs</h4>


    Zac could feel Esmeralda''s agitation and embarrassment through the link. It would have been funny if it didn''t mean something had gone wrong with his n.


    <i>''Imperial Temrs, what''s that?''</i>


    <i>''The Limitless Empire had many Monastic and Temr Orders,'' </i>Esmeralda said as she emerged from the shrine in his Draugr half''s chest.


    None in the group reacted to the sudden appearance of a bison-sized toad, meaning Esmeralda''s stealth worked even against his strongest subordinates. Zac asked the others to give him a minute as his two halves and Ogras stepped to the side. The contract said he had to keep Esmeralda''s identity hidden, though he would have done so without the stiption. She and the <strong>[Shrine of Kanba]</strong> were a hidden ace. The less people knew, the better.


    Esmeralda gingerly tapped the nearby barrier a few times and shook her head. <i>''They were special organizations separated from their armies. Esteemed, mysterious, and very dangerous. This seems to be a remote training base. The Temrs erected bases like these at the frontlines and in extradimensional colonies toward the end of their reign.''</i>


    <i>''It contains all the facilities needed to recruit, train, and equip the local elites, raising the next generation''s heroes and generals who''d continue the expansion. </i>


    "So it''s like a predecessor to the System?" Zac said with excitement as his vision roved across the horizon and its many towering temples.


    He''d been worried they''d find empty manors abandoned by their masters or ces of worship for a faith that had been long since forgotten. A training ground to nurture elites was far more practical. Wouldn''t it mean every temple had something like the Tribtion Throne?


    "What? What did she say?" Ogras urged.


    "Oh, sorry," Zac said, conveying Esmeralda''s words.


    Esmeralda was either unable or unwilling to give others the tranting mark. Ogras, whose theoretical foundations weren''t quite as strong, could only make out bits and pieces without a trantor.


    "So?" Zac said. "These buildings can make us stronger?"


    <i>''They should. The Temrs were the handpicked holy warriors of the Limitless Empire. Many of its top generals came from their ranks. I''ve only heard of these instations in passing, but I figure the Temrs knew what they were doing. But that''s not the point. These bases are always blessed by Imperial Faith.''</i>


    "So? Sounds like everything rted to the Limitless Empire is?" Ogras said, echoing Zac''s sentiments.


    <i>''Of course not! Having faith is one-directional and does not provide the believer with any strength. Cultivating faith is different. The poption generates faith and its chosen harness that limited resource. If too many did that, there''d be nothing left. Many Hearnd factions have no spiritual warriors because those at the top are hoarding the Faith Energy.''</i>


    "So what about the blessing?"


    <i>''A blessing means the Deity or their representative reciprocated that faith, permanently imbuing a person or object with a sliver of their power. It''s like a Dao Impartment. Depending on the blessing''s strength, it can cause a huge transformation. A normal rock blessed by the Limitless Emperor would be a divine weapon that could tear a hole in the Heavens.''</i>


    The concept was new yet familiar, and not just because of the Dao Impartment Zac received from Yrial long ago. The concept sounded identical to the Tribtion Throne. It would also exin why his breakthrough managed to unearth all these buildings. The throne''s blessing must have resonated with the one here.


    "You''re saying the Limitless Emperor has marked this ce?" Zac asked.


    <i>''I would already be running for my life if this frontier station had been personally blessed by the Mad Emperor,'' </i>Esmeralda signed while croaking nervously.


    "Are you sure? What about the Tribtion Throne I mentioned yesterday?"


    <i>''That refinement chair was probably created by some Monastic Ascetic and sent to the fortress.''</i>


    Was he mistaken? No, Zac was certain he''d felt Laondio''s presence even if what Esmeralda said was correct. More likely, the Limitless Emperor''s lingering will had sensed his presence through the Imperial Faith and used the throne''s blessing to form a spiritual bridge.


    "What about this ce?"


    <i>''The faith imbued in this barrier should be on the lower end. Still, any Monastery or Temple would be blessed by someone at the Cardinal level or above,''</i> Esmeralda continued. <i>''Those are not figures we can discard at our current level.''</i>


    "Cardinals," Zac muttered, remembering the introduction in the Foreign Gods tome.


    It mentioned a ''de Cardinal'' having passed the region, almost annihting an Elder Foreign God with a single swing. Zac guessed they had to be Autarchs, at the very least, extraordinarily powerful ones if they were empowered by the immense Imperial Faith of the Limitless Empire. It was probably a lucky break he never invited a Monarch to forcibly break the barriers. Who knew what could happen if the lingering willshed back?


    "So would we be able to use these facilities? I don''t want to turn my followers into zealots," Zac frowned.


    <i>''I think so? Only a few graduates would earn consecration and be actual Temrs. Most would take up other roles within the empire. If nothing else, there should be a treasury and repository somewhere.''</i>


    "So what''s the problem? You can''t deal with the cardinal''s imprint?"


    <i>''How can some outer temples stop me!'' </i>Esmeralda huffed.<i> ''But you''d have to brand a stele inside the main cathedral to im ownership of the whole city. I wouldn''t dare mess with that building even if I''d undergone another bloodline awakening. It''s like an ancient powder keg full of deadly conviction.''</i>


    "So we''ll skip that ce and hit the smaller temples one by one?"


    <i>''One. I can open one barrier in my current condition. I have to trigger a Bloodline Talent beyond my current level to subvert the blessing, and I''m already drained after helping you expand the shrine.''</i>


    "Don''t you think I can tell your exhaustion''s feigned?" Zac scoffed. "You did something yesterday to rapidly recover. The temporal ripples are still messing with my perception."


    <i>''One and no more! This is my limit before the trial, or it might impact my mission. Besides, blessings are an impartment of will. They are intelligent like an Array Spirit. It''ll notice something''s wrong if I keep at it.''</i>


    Zac grimaced as he looked around. One was better than nothing, but not quite what he''d hoped for.


    "Manuals and techniques would take too long to showcase their worth. Even skills might need to be refitted to work with our current system," Ogras muttered. "Equipment or Treasury? Or something simr to the throne? Most of our sealbearers have empty Limited Title slots or very weak ones taking up space."


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    "Do you have any suggestions?" Zac asked Esmeralda.


    <i>''There is one way you can get around the limits. Everything seems to be in working order, so you could target the Hall of Service.''</i>


    "What''s that?"


    <i>''Registration and missions. My technique will make it so that anyone entering the Hall of Service is considered a candidate rather than an intruder. If you pass the initial screening, you''ll be a low-level trainee. I''m not sure if the Hall of Service can give out missions now, but the Temrs were big on trials and feats of strength. You could gain ess to the other buildings if you perform well enough.</i>


    <i>''This way, you and your followers can get a bit of everything, reaping the rewards in subjects where you excel. However, you''ll have to follow the rules and only take what your performance awards. If I unseal another temple instead, we can pick it clean.''</i>


    "What do you think?" Zac asked.


    "It might be our best option," Ogras slowly nodded. "I doubt there''ll be anything here that can impact the war if it''s a high-grade training base. And if there is a secret temr weapon hidden somewhere, it''ll probably be in the main cathedral, which we can''t ess."


    <i>''I don''t know about any weapons, but you will be able to enter the cathedral if you perform well enough. There might be an opportunity to snatch something then, though you''ll definitely be marked as a traitor. And before you ask, I won''t get involved with robbing that ce. That''s how a thief ends up on the gallows.''</i>


    "Let''s go with the Hall of Service then. We''ll be strong enough to seize the cathedral sooner orter. We can extract the rest of the benefits at that point." Zac turned to Esmeralda. "Where to?"


    <i>''''</i>


    "You don''t know which one it is, do you?" Ogras sighed.


    <i>''How am I supposed to remember every little thing! This is your expedition, you figure it out!'' </i>Esmeralda scowled before escaping into the shrine.


    Zac helplessly looked around. How was he supposed to know?


    "Let''s ask the merchant," Ogras shrugged. "He''s spent some time investigating these buildings, no? And he''s lived inside a fortress with a shared origin."


    Zac agreed, and they reconvened with the group. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "A Temr training facility? How do you suddenly know all this?" Emily asked after Zac had exined the situation.


    "I can''t exin why or how we''re going to open the temple," Zac said. "Suffice to say, we want to find the Hall of Service, or at least eliminate as many buildings as possible to improve our odds of picking the right one. I think everyone here has visited the ruins once or twice to see if you have affinity with any of the temples. Any impressions and ideas are wee. For instance, I don''t believe it''s that pce."


    Zac pointed at a domed ceiling in the distance. The temple had six braziers with blue mes burning at equidistant locations. He''d felt it reminiscent of the building where he inherited the <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> and given an extra look. The simrities ultimately ended with the braziers and the spherical nature. Any aura was prevented from leaking, but Zac had felt his soul throb upon looking at the six abstract sculptures that lined its entrance.


    "I don''t know why, but I feel that building rtes to cultivating souls. And another on the opposite side should be a smithy."


    "I know the one!" Emily nodded. "With the t ted ceiling, right? It''s always made me think of an anvil for some reason."


    "I believe the temple made from blue stone, with five spires, rtes to rearing beasts or bloodlines."


    Zac turned to Ibtep with surprise. "Really? It looks like a church to me."


    "The engravings on each tower make me think of different lineages of ferocious beasts. One, in particr, seems to attract my pets."


    "I think I can safely exclude a few," Gu said. "Do you know the names or features of some other structures?"


    <i>''Esmeralda?''</i>


    The group excluded one structure after another, relying on deduction, intuition, and Esmeralda''s scattered memories. Eventually, they were left with three, which gave off a neutral aura that gave no hint of their purpose.


    "This one seems like the best bet, right?" Zac eventually said as they gathered before one of the outermost temples that had appeared. "The whole city is forming a huge array."


    The temple didn''t look much different from any others. It resembled a gothic church with pitch-ck spires, buttresses, and arge rose window covered in dense engravings. Its entrance was a huge arched vault, and there was another one on the other side. One gate let you into the Temr Order, while the other was pointed right at the main cathedral.


    "And this should be one of its mouths," Gu agreed. "Registration at the entrance, where you can take up missions and immediately set out."


    "Everyone back away for a bit. No onee over until I give the go-ahead."


    Everyone clearly held onto unanswered questions, but they quickly followed the order. Soon, only Zac''s two halves and Esmeralda remained by the barrier.


    <i>''I''m a bit rusty, so this might take a while,'' </i>Esmeralda said as she jumped forward and ced her hand on the barrier.


    She remained unmoving for over three hours, but subtle changes to the barrier indicated she wasn''t just meditating. The Faith Energy Zac had seen on full disy when the temples emerged was being drawn to the surface, and it actually looked like the barrier was bing stronger.


    The barrier''s radiance eventually reached a level that triggered the other temples. Fate was gathering like a hurricane, and a dangerous pressure descended on the ruins. It was like a primordial beast was waking from a long slumber and was searching for the culprit who interrupted its sleep.


    Just as Zac was about to tell Esmeralda to stop, she grew to match the grand hall before her. She emitted a heart-palpitating aura, and the vague runes that had appeared on her skin spread across her body. Six profound magic circles formed over the vats on her back, and Zac was amazed to find them a perfect blend of Imperial Faith and deathly time.


    The toad moved like a blur, pping the barrier at dozens of precise spots. Zac could only vaguely make out the six circles fusing with the barrier before Esmeralda was back where she started. The burgeoning storm of fate copsed, and the six ck circles gathered at the barrier''s front, superimposing to form a six-meter-wide gap.


    The barrier didn''t seem damaged. In fact, the hole felt like a natural feature of the shield, and the temple actually seemed to reinforce it.


    Esmeralda looked tired, but she wasn''t done. Her throat bulged, and she spat out tworge poles covered in the viscous liquid from her vats. She stabbed them into the ground, and runes resembling those on her skin lit up across their surface.


    <i>''It''s done.'' </i>


    Esmeralda''s exhaustion was clearly not feigned this time. Her vats were almost empty, and her aura felt hollow.


    "Amazing work. Thank you," Zac said. "We can just enter? What about the defenses inside?"


    <i>''It should be safe. The doorstops will warn you if otherwise. But like I said, I''m no historian,'' </i>Esmeralda signed beforeshing her tongue at his human body. <i>''I''ll be able to share your sight now and warn in case something goes wrong.''</i>


    Esmeralda disappeared into her shrine, triggering a powerful pull of Miasma.


    Zac slowly approached the entrance with his Human body, afraid an undead might trigger something. The powerful faith gathered around the barrier felt like a god staring down at him. Zac kept going, worried that backing down would backfire on him. He passed the doorstoppers and sensed an invisible swirl of energy emerge. And then, he was through the gate, standing before the entrance as a Temr.


    It was as though a lifetime''s worth of slumbering memories had sprouted. Zac was filled with faith and valor, remembering how he''d fought the empire''s enemies in the eight directions. Zac blinked, and the memories of his life as an Imperial Temr were gone. They were clearly fabricated, but it didn''t matter. Zac could tell the experience had marked him, allowing Esmeralda''s portal to forge an identity and connect it with the blessing.


    Zac exhaled and continued up the steps. The grand arched doors automatically opened to his approach, but Zac stopped with hesitation when he saw a wall of shimmering spatial energy. It wasn''t a barrier but rather a spatial gate like the one that led to the Twilight Ocean.


    <i>''What''s going on?'' </i>


    <i>''What? Did you think these small buildings could hold a whole training center without some spatial maniption?'' </i>Esmeralda scoffed from the safety of the shrine. <i>''The main cathedral could very well hold a whole artificial Mystic Realm.''</i>


    Zac shrugged and stepped through, finding himself in an enormous atrium. He turned around, exhaling with relief upon seeing the shimmering spatial gate behind before inspecting the interiors. There had to be over a hundred doors lining the room, along with dozens of steles filled with names. There was also a shimmering gate at the opposite end emitting much stronger spatial fluctuations.


    Long-distance teleportation, perhaps? But where?


    There was an intangible forbidding power when Zac focused on the various features in therge hall, preventing Zac from looking too closely. The only exception was therge service desk at the center and the raised tform behind it.


    <i>''That''s the one. You have to step onto the tform and be scanned. It''s like a sect entry test. After that, you can start knocking out trials behind the doorways.''</i>


    "Will I be okay?" Zac whispered. "I mean, I''m a mortal."


    <i>''I can help you feign some affinity in case it tests for it.''</i>


    Zac nodded and walked toward the testing tform, but he only got halfway before his path was barred.


    "The Emperor spoke, and I answered. Yet a thief rather than prophet steps through our gates. Exin your presence."


    Profound horror was transmitted through Esmeralda''s link as Zac nkly stared at the vaguely humanoid entity that had formed before him. It contained such terrifying amounts of energy and faith that Zac''s soul had frozen. Only a frantic shout in his mind shook him awake.


    <i>''Why''s there an Eternal Servant in this kind of ce?! RUN!''</i>

 Chapter 1195: Eternal Servant

    <h4>Chapter 1195: Eternal Servant</h4>


    Esmeralda''s warning was entirely superfluous, considering the very core of his being screamed of mortal peril. The voice of the ghost before him had been calm, but there was a chilling killing intent hidden in her question. The kind he''d felt from his mother when she talked about the System or those who betrayed the Kayar-Elu.


    Zac would have loved nothing more than to follow Esmeralda''s urgings to escape. But did he dare, knowing running was an admission of guilt? He''d be lucky if he got halfway to the gate before a st of faith turned him into consecrated ash.


    This ''Eternal Servant'' possessed power far beyond Hegemony, possibly beyond anyone in Zecia. And even that terrifying power felt like the tip of a bottomless iceberg. Zac wasn''t an unfettered thief like Esmeralda, who could disappear when she was exposed. A simple thought could annihte his team waiting outside, and Zac didn''t dare give any indication through his other body.


    Besides, escape where? A barrier made by Faith Energy had blocked the exit. Worse, a hidden array had activated when the Eternal Servant spoke, sealing his Cosmic Core and Soul Aperture. Even the brand holding Sendor''s lifesaving mark had been sealed, preventing him from using one old monster to fight another. Seeing it triggered a sh of anger as it made Zac recall Sendor''s reluctant face when he imparted them.


    That old Realm Spirit had really pulled one over on him. Zac had already discovered the reason why Yselio had so effortlessly blocked its activation. It wasn''t that Sendor had betrayed him and shared the secret with the Imperial Heavens. Rather, Sendor had taken advantage of Zac''scking experience, knowing the letter and spirit of Zac''s request were very different.


    What Hearnd Chosen didn''t have one or two lifesaving imprints on their bodies? Localizing and neutralizing them was an important aspect of life-and-death battles between scions of high-grade forces. It was a constant battle where opposing factions investigated and reinvented their seals to gain an edge. Meanwhile, Sendor had ced his seals right in the open without protection or obfuscation.


    That way, the Realm Spirit wouldn''t have to worry about Zac activating the seal against powerful outsiders, creating unwanted enmities. Only the barbarians on the frontier would fail to recognize the seal for what it was, and Sendor wouldn''t mind saving him from some local Monarch.


    Without any escape route or protection, Zac could only fall back on old tricks.


    "Wait, wait!" Zac urged as he took out the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>. "I''m not an enemy of the Empire or the Temrs! I identally unearthed these buildings, but we thought they were long abandoned!"


    Using the token as credentials seemed like the best route. It had gotten him out of simr situations inside the Centurion lighthouse, even if the energy sentinels back then were nothingpared to this so-called servant.


    Exposing his bloodline was more likely to backfire than not. Even Zac didn''t know whether Karz joined the Selvari as part of a plot or if he truly became the Emperor''s enemy. But to the outside world, his ancestor had publicly been part of the Sindris n for hundreds of thousands of years and greatly assisted them in slowing down the Limitless Empire''s advances. If this servant recognized the Void Emperor bloodline, she would most likely know it as a high-priority enemy.


    <i>''It''s pointless! These servants are lunatics who have given up on everything to serve. Their soul, their self, even reincarnation! Their minds have fused with their Emperor''s mad crusade; they can''t be reasoned with.''</i>


    "A wed creature exiled from the lower nes think they can understand our undertaking, our sacrifice? Impudent."


    Zac didn''t have the chance to react before a sh of light preceded blinding pain. Esmeralda''s mark had been destroyed, taking a chunk of flesh with it. There didn''t seem to be any Dao behind the attack, and Zac''s dual constitutions would normally have healed such a wound in no time. And yet, Zac felt cracks spread from the scorched wound as a mysterious force destroyed him from within. His Hidden Nodes fought back, but it did little to help. It felt like he was being banished by the universe, crumbling bit by bit.


    <i>''What should I do?'' </i>Zac''s Draugr half frantically asked Esmeralda while struggling to slow down the spread.


    <i>''I told you, escape, whatever it takes! Eternal Servants have be a part of faith based on endless conquest, where everyone not sharing their goal is an enemy. They''re almost immortal, but they can only exist where the Imperial Faith does. If you escape the Hall of Service, it shouldn''t be able to follow.''</i>


    <i>''Shouldn''t?!''</i>


    <i>"What do I know? I''m only going on hearsay. I''ve always been extremely careful not to trigger these things any time I''ve visited a ce that might hold one. And before youin, this isn''t my fault! Eternal Servants are only supposed to guard critical functions and holy relics of the Limitless Empire, not hang around in long-forgotten forgotten training camps. Stumbling onto one was as likely as finding a pureblood dragon napping inside the temple.''</i>


    Zac didn''t get the chance to ask anything else as a wave of weakness he hadn''t felt in years swept through him. His connection with his other body had been severed, reducing his shot at survival even further. Sweat poured down his back as he held up the token, silently enduring the pain. The Eternal Servant looked at the token, and Zac''s heart sank when she slowly shook her head.


    "Stolen valor and heterogeneity, a parasite feasting on our history."


    More cracks opened across Zac''s body as the chamber''s restrictive array joined the wound to reject his existence. Zac knew he was out of options, and a primordial aura exploded from his body. The Void suffocated the invading force, drastically slowing down his slow and agonizing death. Therge hall was instantly covered in trees from <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> as the array failed to contain the Void.


    The skill was still torn apart with prejudice by the chamber''stent power. It didn''t matter. A fraction of a second was all Zac needed. He had conjured a tree on top of his position, whisking him away. The Void Energy had failed to pass through the faith barrier barring his way back, so he emerged right before the spatial gate at the opposite side of the building.


    Its Spatial Energy was far greater, and there was no telling what waited on the other side of the shimmering film. Most likely, it would malfunction from having lost connection with its other end. Rolling the dice was better than staying. His gambit was as much a way to gauge her reaction to his bloodline as an actual escape nher reaction would decide whether he stepped through the gate.


    The burgeoning Killing Intent that almost twisted the pure nature of the immense Faith Energy was all the answer Zac needed. And yet, Zac didn''t step through. A spear holding a sea of death and boundless conviction had torn through the faith barrier on the other side of the hall like it was made of paper.


    Uwfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.


    Propelling it forward was Joanna, radiating unbending faith that bravely fought against the far-greater Imperial Faithtently emitted by the Eternal Servant. Joanna''s faith rapidly transformed into an illusory avatar, also pointing a spear at the servant, an ability Zac had never seen before.


    Everything about the avatar was blurry and hollow except the eyes. They held a sea of blood and mountains of corpses. The monstrous umtion of death and carnage made the whole chamber shake, causing disruptions to its arrays. Even the Eternal Servant seemed to take the threat seriously, forming a radiant shield made from pure faith.


    <i>''Go!''</i>


    Zac followed Joanna''s desperate urging, except not in the way she hoped. She wanted to use some hidden method to exchange her life for his, but his conscience couldn''t stand for such a thing. This wasn''t the battlefield where death waited around every corner. He was the one who had been too desperate for power, unsealing something that should have remained buried. How could he let someone else take the fall for his greed?


    Madness shone in Zac''s eyes as he shot toward the Eternal Spirit for a pincer attack. Of course, he held no delusions that their attacks would be able to harm this being. However, he did have something that had a small shot at creating an opening. A box radiating both Merit and Mara appeared in his hands, and he rapidly began undoing its seals.


    It was the very box Esmeralda gave him when she and Lova fist visited him in the Perennial Vastness, having just stolen it from the ghost temple where he got his <strong>[Lucky Beads]</strong>. Zac had kept the box by his side since he got it, asionally infusing it with his Dao to whittle away at the sinister energies inside. Years had passed, and his efforts had barely yielded any results. It was to be expected since Lova had said it would take centuries of work before the cmitous item could be a Dharmic Instrument.


    He''d never considered using it during his many desperate situations. After all, the cursed item clearly had some form of sentience that resisted his refinement. It was more likely to target him than his enemies if he undid the seals. However, this was the best thing he could think of. Maybe faith and sin would cancel each other out, giving him and Joanna a chance to escape.


    Another sh of light dashed any hopes of opening Pandora''s box and unleashing a storm of mutually assured destruction. The Eternal Servant proved that neither Void nor hidden aces mattered before utmost power. Zac had been transported to Joanna''s side, and they were forced to the ground under an intense suppression. Meanwhile, the Eternal Servant was holding the box, which seemed to struggle to escape her grasp.


    "You" Joanna said while fighting against the pressure.


    "You know me better than that," Zac smiled, knowing what she wanted to say. "How did you figure out I was in trouble?"


    "I suddenly saw through the barrier and acted on instinct," Joanna said. "Maybe my Faith Energy resonated with this room."


    "Thank you for trying. Sorry for getting you dragged into this mess," Zac sighed, maintaining a faade of helplessness as he sought other ways out.


    "I have no regrets, except you not taking the chance to escape."


    "Don''t be too sad," the entity said, and Zac''s heart lurched upon seeing her throw the box with the force of a cannonball.


    Zac felt a powerful force crash into his back the next moment. Lying on the ground was the box, having been spat out of the other exit. Zac wryly smiled as he picked up the box, seeing a set of Faith-based seals had been added. He wasn''t opening this thing anytime soon.


    As expected, escaping or defeating this unfathomable guardian was futile. Everything had been under her control from the beginning, which was incredibly good news. After all, they were still alive.


    "This was all a test?"


    "I figured I could use the toad''s disdain of my mental faculties to get the answers I needed," the servant calmly said. "Only at the edge of death can you see a man''s true nature. And if you couldn''t ovee such a small hup, I could only assume the Emperor''s voice was an enemy in disguise. There''s nock of forces trying to sabotage our undertaking."


    "So, did we pass?" Zac asked.


    The Eternal Servant ignored the question and turned to Joanna. "You carry the legacy of Godking Eyler. Your path is bound to be filled with struggle, but that is the case for any worthy goal. Are you willing to suffer to save this man?"


    "I am."


    "Then go," the servant said, and a nearby gateway lit up. "Pass the trial and prove your faith, and you can both leave. Of course, you''re free to leave on your own. The temrs owe the Emperor''s Spear that much."


    "I''ll be back," Joanna said and shed away.


    Zac smiled with relief when Joanna disappeared through the gate. It wasn''t that he was confident in Joanna''s ability to pass whatever test waited on the other side, but he believed she would be safe whether he lived or died. As for the Eternal Servant''s promise, he treated it as air. Imperial Faith was already digging into his body now that Joanna had left.


    "Your bloodline carries dangerous implications," the servant said. "I cannot tell whether your existence is a blessing or a curse. You''re a variable that shouldn''t exist. The whispers from the past urged us to help you, but I can''t ascertain whether it''s the right path. Not even the Emperor''s word can supersede the undertaking, and the eddies of time have created uncertainties."


    "What can I do to nudge your judgment in my favor?" Zac sighed.


    "First, how fares the empire?"


    "That''s" Zac hesitated. "It''s gone. Has been for a very, very long time. The Emperor awakened the System and disappeared, ushering in the Dark Ages. There was nothing left when the Heavens returned. No one seems to know exactly what happened back then."


    Zac steeled himself, afraid the Eternal Servant would go berserk. But he also didn''t dare lie. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Flesh and stone crumble. Faith remains. I can sense it. How marvelous. It''s too early, but the Zenith approaches," the servant said as she looked to the sky. Only muchter did she speak up again.


    "Exin how you awakened this realm without the mark."


    Zac felt like the servant had dug another pit for him to jump into. The burning purpose of Laondio''s Imperial Destiny made up the very core of the Eternal Servant''s being. Meanwhile, he had rejected that path to forge his own, even using the Imperial Destiny as fuel. If that wasn''t heresy, then what was?


    Even then, he dove into the exnation he''d already arranged in his mind. He didn''t hide much, exining how he''d attracted the wisp of the Emperor when using the Tribtion Throne. It required him to partly expose the connection with his other half, but Zac suspected the Eternal Servant already had a decent idea of his situation.


    "You rejected the Imperial Destiny yet were blessed by it," the servant said, shaking her head. Another silence passed before she spoke up again. "Nothing is as it should be, so I''ll remain neutral. The Eternal Pir is rising, and you came to the Halls of Service in search of power. Very well. Go ahead."


    "What?" Zac eximed with disbelief as the pressure disappeared. He felt like a mouse caught by a cat, only released to be toyed with again. "You''ll help open the other temples?"


    "Of course not. Destiny led you here, so I will give you an opportunity to plunder our temples," the servant said as five of the more exquisite steeles in the hall lit up. "Of course, you will have to prove your worthiness by taking on the test of knighthood. Only those who pass the pilgrimage qualify to join our order. You must do the same."


    "Pick one of the five?" Zac said, looking at the spatial gates that had opened up before the steles.


    "The Pilgrimage of the Empyrean Chalice will test all aspects of a Temr. Mind, Body, Heart, Strength, and Faith. Pass three, and you may live. Pass four, and I will let you use your umted merit to trade for opportunities. Pass all five, and I will fully awaken the Halls of Service for you and your subordinates."


    "Only three to pass?" Zac asked to confirm.


    He didn''t have much hope in passing all five, seeing as he had no faith to speak off. But three or even four seemed more than doable, considering he was quite confident in all of them.


    "Don''t look down on our Order," the servant said. "I can see that the Imperial Tutor has widened the path, but that does not solelye with benefits. There is a weakness in you and your subordinates. And weakness means death on the battlefield."


    "Fine. Any order is fine?" Zac slowly said and walked toward the stele with the ancient rune for Strength after getting an affirmative nod.


    Zac only stopped right before the swirling gate, which still didn''t give any hint of what waited on the other side. He turned back, looking at the flickering mass of faith and power. "How should I address you?"


    "Your beast was right about one thing. I discarded my name when I took the Eternal Vow," the spirit said, cocking her head. "You can call me Instructor, provided you survive."

 Chapter 1196: Pilgrimage of Strength

    <h4>Chapter 1196: Pilgrimage of Strength</h4>


    "Stop, it''s okay!" Zac shouted, using Dao to cut through the sandstorm''s roar.


    Zac kept a calm demeanor, but he had to hold back tears of relief when memories and power came rushing through the <strong>[Omega Link]</strong>. Looking death in the eye and having his link severed had almost thrown him into a pit of despair, one that only worsened when Joanna broke through the gate in an unexpected burst of violence. Not knowing whether the Eternal Servant had killed his other half, he could only urge his remaining sealbearers to run from the taboo being they''d awoken.


    "What''s going on?" Carl asked, warily looking around with bow in hand.


    "That''s" Zac hesitated. "I got word from the other side. The guardian spirit didn''t kill Zac and Joanna. It chose to test them instead, and it''ll all be fine if Zac passes."


    "What about Joanna?" Emily asked.


    "The spirit seemed to recognize her heritage. She''s been given an opportunity instead."


    "We should have known," Ogras exhaled as he appeared from the shadows. "The Heavens wouldn''t let its darling fall in such an ignoble way. Should we head back?"


    Zac gave it some thought. "Just you. Everyone else, please head back to the base for now. We''ll call everyone back if Zac manages to unlock the Halls of Service. Of course, I understand if you wish to pass after recent events."


    "Are you sure you don''t need help? What''s going on?" Emily asked with a low voice.


    "It''ll be fine. I have certain restrictions ced on me," Zac whispered. "Only Ogras is exempt."


    "Fine, but just call if you need our assistance!" Emily said before leading the others through the storm.


    Zac and Ogras turned into streaks that tore through the sand, quickly reappearing on the outskirts of the Ensolus Ruins.


    "Come out," Zac grunted. "I need an exnation."


    A tired and shamefaced Esmeralda soon appeared. <i>''This doesn''t make sense. An Eternal Servant isn''t supposed to retain so much of their identity, making deals and using misdirection. Their method of immortalityes at a steep price; they are supposed to be mindless killing machines guarding their domain. Could it be an Array Spirit that has lost its mind? No, it''s too powerful, and there''s no mistaking that aura.''</i> n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Well, whatever''s going on, we''ll just have to y by her rules. Can we do something to help?" Ogras asked.


    "Maybe," Zac said, exining the five-part pilgrimage and the rules.


    "Shouldn''t be a problem if some ancient trainees could pass, no?" Ogras said with a raised brow.


    "That''s the thing. The spirit had seen my strength and still didn''t seem convinced I''d survive the trial," Zac said, turning to Esmeralda. "Have you heard of the trial? Or do you know the strength or stage required to be a temr?"


    <i>''I don''t know about grades, but I know you can''t be a temr before reaching a certain level of power. Being baptized and bing a Temr meant joining their legionsyou can''t have weaklings creating weaknesses in your formation. Even if the order epted a talent at a very young age, they would only be called a seed or a trainee until they met the prerequisites.''</i>


    "So it could be a set-difficulty trial?" Ogras frowned, voicing Zac''s worries.


    Zac hadn''t even considered that possibility when stepping through the spatial gate. He was so happy to escape death''s clutches that he forgot to consider the ramifications. This wasn''t an individual trial designed by the System, which was often calibrated to your level or grade. It was an entry test to an elite army, so it could have a set difficulty level regardless of who took it.


    <i>''I remember!'' </i>Esmeralda suddenly eximed. <i>''A historic remnant I visited had a poem. It mentioned ranks of a million Perfected Lords holding back the darkness.''</i>


    "Perfected Lords? Peak D-grade?" Zac grimaced.


    Zac might be able to pass abat test designed for Peak D-grade temrs by relying on the biggest advantage he hadpared to ancient cultivatorsTitles. Certainly, cultivators of the pre-System age weren''t quite as unrefined or weak as Zac was initially led to believe. They could unlock their body''s potential through various training regimens, lucky encounters, and devices like the Tribtion Throne.


    Ultimately, those gains couldn''tpare with the System''s structured and perfected boosts through the Title System. An elite today, especially someone like Zac, who had such an extraordinary umtion of titles, would hold a clear advantage over the elites of that age. Adding all his other strengths, he should at least measure up to the weakest among the ancient Temrs.


    Zac was also confident in his soul, body, and heart, but he had to be realistic. His foundations were very good for his age and level. Butpared to an elite candidate who might have tempered their minds and bodies for millennia, using the methods provided by the temrs themselves? He couldn''t even pass the Tribtion Throne without ''cheating,'' and that opportunity wasn''t designed to sift out the best of the best like the pilgrimage.


    "How much time do you have? Are you in a temporal chamber or an Inheritance Realm?" Ogras asked.


    "I think it''s normal space. It feels like I''m standing in a real waiting room with my real body, though I can''t confirm I''m not in an illusion. There''s no temporal difference, though," Zac said as he looked around with his other half. The Spatial Gate had taken him to a chamber looking like a smaller version of the Hall of Service. The circr room was only ten meters across, holding five pathways instead of hundreds. "The first trial has a one-day deadline, but it hasn''t begun ticking down. The trial will start when I pass through another doorway."


    "You could y it safe," Ogras offered. "Just hang around and cultivate until you''re confident to keep going."


    Zac slowly nodded. There was barely any Faith Energy in the chamber, which might exin why the link had been reinstated. Perhaps the trial areas were outside of the Eternal Servant''s reach.


    Staying put would throw a wrench in his ns, but it wouldn''t ruin them altogether. His Draugr half wasn''t trapped, so he could still go to the Imperial Graveyard. He could even pass items back and forth between his bodies through <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>, ensuring he wouldn''t run out of cultivation materials.


    "It might work, but I can''t trust that servant. It might decide I failed because I took too long. I''d have to wait it out until the trial started to be safe. And there''s no guarantee I won''t be sent right back afterward," Zac muttered. "Well, we''ll find out more after I step into the trial, though I might lose connection again."


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Not to mention, the very idea to back down from this challenge triggered a fierce reluctance in Zac''s heart. It wasn''t just about losing out on the benefits hidden in the other temples. It was about giving up on himself before he even tried, harming his Dao Heart and conviction.


    "I''ll just stick around in case you need some ideas," the demon offered.


    "Thanks," Zac said before focusing on his human side.


    The only thing in the trial waiting room was a copy of therge tablet representing the Pilgrimage of Strength. It had no rules or exnations written down, though the fierce aura emitted gave Zac a rough instinctual understanding of the trial. The Pilgrimage of Strength was abat trial, as he''d expected, which was why Zac chose it. If he couldn''t pass a trial ofbat, the others would be absolutely hopeless. The amount of effort he''d have to put in would provide a baseline for the other trials.


    Each gate lead to a different trial, depending on which path you took. For example, an offensive fighter like Zac wouldn''t have to face the same challenge as a general. He only needed a nce to find the one suiting himthe Path of Carnage, whose doorway said <i>''salvation through ughter.''</i> The record-holder of that path was called Sepum Eldor. His entry was just shy of two hours, which put him in third ce overall on the stele. To appear on the stele''s top 100, he needed to pass within 9 hours.


    Zac wasn''t nning on stalling things out, but he also wasn''t in a hurry. He hadn''t quite finished healing the wounds covering his body after his meeting with the Eternal Servant. Thankfully, it proved very easy since there was no lingering Dao fighting back, and he''d managed to make some guesses based on the stele.


    Waiting any longer would harm his momentum and sow seeds of doubt in his heart. He got to his feet as durable bone enclosed his frame while <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> appeared in his hand. Sensing Zac''s fighting intent, Haro emerged from the World Ring after having been scared by the servant''s aura. Together, they stepped into the darkness of the Path of Carnage.


    Zac felt a mysterious undtion before he found himself in a ruined town square. The buildings looked a lot like the intact remnants of the Ensolus Ruins, even if the environment was foreign. The sky was beyond anything Zac had ever seena whole continent shaped like a tube was staring down at him. The horizon was equally marvelous. He could vaguely see the ground bending far in the distance.


    He was inside a manmade world shaped like a tube with multipleyers. How many, Zac had no idea, but it was clear the world was under attack. A crack the size of a city loomed in the distance, exposing the environment to outer space. The sky was constantly lit up from the heated battle, and Zac could sense C-grade fluctuations that easily matched anything he''d experienced in the intersector war.


    The world''s defenders were holding the strongest enemies at bay, but raiding parties had slipped through the defensive lines and were wreaking havoc on the inner regions. There were screams and sounds of struggle, though the only nearby beings Zac could sense were civilians hiding in cers around him.


    The experience was incredibly real, even if it was an illusion or recording of some pre-System war. The ambient energy was tainted in a way that Zac had only encountered in his bloodline visions, and he could feel the rough state of the Heavens.


    At the same time, it was more than a simple illusion. He was there as himself rather than taking someone''s ce, and the trial hadn''t done anything to mess with his perception or memories. His Hidden Nodes were already in a constant state of cleansing against the mortal filth of the ancient era. It was highly likely he had physically stepped into the illusion like Janos during his trial rather than standing in some empty hallway with zed-over eyes.


    There were no quest prompts or clear guidelines, but Zac didn''t need to wait long to find direction. Five humanoid warriors were rapidly approaching, flying at a low altitude. Each emitted fierce, archaic auras, yet Zac exhaled with relief. Real or not, the energy coursing through their pathways indicated they were Late Hegemons who had just stepped into the grade.


    It was clear they were enemies. They werepletely unfamiliar, yet their appearance triggered a deep-rooted hatred and desire for bloody vengeance. The trial was urging him on, though not with such intensity it could muddy his faculties. Zac restrained his aura as he observed the iing quintet, remembering the sentence on the gate.


    Did the Path of Carnage require him to ughter these interlopers before they reached the town, thus saving the hiding civilians? Zac rose to the sky, shooting straight for the enemies. He didn''t bother with stealth or subterfuge against such a small group. They were just the first stage of the trial, so he needed to take them out beforeplications arose.


    The ancient warriors looked surprised to find a Hegemon in this remote corner, and Zac gave them no chance to figure out a proper response. He activated multiple skills at once. The resilient trees trapped the raiders within <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong>, whose size and natural formation had grown greater since reaching Middle D-grade. It was enough to stop the Hegemons from splitting up.


    Meanwhile, Zac lookedpletely different as he moved in on his prey. The refined and expertly crafted bones of <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong> had gained a rough and brutal appearance, like someone had crammed together the sharpest and sturdiest bones from whatever animals they''d felled. And it was as though the souls of these fierce beasts had been trapped within the armor as primordial spirits kept jumping out of the bones before being pulled back in.


    Even <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>had seen a small transformation, having grown one-half in size just like Zac, while the counterbnce teeth had multiplied. Furthermore, both armor and axe were covered in rough scripts that wriggled like worms, constantly changing to allude to different truths.


    The enemy leader shouted something <strong>[Primal Polyglot]</strong> failed to decipher, but his meaning was obvious. All five raiders were fire cultivators, and the ancient jungle was consumed by a raging wildfire as five opposing domains ovepped. Their energy utilization was clearly not as refined as what you''d expect from modern skills, but the massive amounts of energy a Late Hegemon could wield more than made up for it.


    Zac''s trees were made from Life and Conflict rather than wood, and thuscking any innate weakness against fire. Even then, <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> skill almost fully copsed from the onught, while Zac was forced to expend a lot of energy to cut a path through the mes. He only managed to stop the raging mes just before they escaped the jungle and continued into the vige.


    The smell of burning flesh filled his armor, but Zac didn''t mind. What did some burns matter when his enemies had fallen into his trap? <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> was a retaliatory skill, and hitting the whole forest at once would bring a cmity down on the raiders. Thousands of trees sumbed to the inferno, each unleashing a fierce axelight as a final act of defiance.


    A beast tide made from Dao and energy had appeared in the congration, digging into the heart of the storm. The pyromancers barely had time to unleash their attacks before finding themselves attacked from every direction by hundreds of attacks holding Zac''s Daos and immense attribute pool.


    Zac felt a sense of cruel satisfaction upon seeing his opponent''s confidence, taking his counter-attack head-on instead of splitting up. They somehow pulled back the sea of mes, transforming it into an imprable barrier. Their n had some merit, considering the mes held enough energy to endure <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong>''s death throes. However, they had failed to take into ount <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>.


    The ny-nine runes covering Zac''s body skittered down his right arm, entering <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>before fusing with the swirling haze of <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong>. His arm turned into a blur as he unleashed six attacks in rapid session, each holding over fifteen runes. The des formed by his skill looked different from usual, almost resembling waves of vengeful ghosts crammed together.


    The attacks ignored the enemies hiding within the barrier, instead leaping into the densest umtions of axelights targeting the me curtain. A nudge made the primal spirits spread into the storm of iing attacks. Zac shielded his eyes and braced himself for what was about to happen.


    Even then, Zac felt as though a giant had punched him in his chest as one hundred spheres of destruction fused into an ephemeral sun formed by ny-nine aspects of evolutionary brutality. Space trembled, and blinding white overwhelmed Zac''s physical senses. Even the distant battles seemed to have stalled as the world bore witness to the disy.


    The sun disappeared as quickly as it formed, leaving an eerie silence in its wake. The sea of mes was gone, as was the barrier and its controllers. Zac rapidly blinked to regain his sight and turned into a de that cut into the terrifying explosion''s expanding shockwave. A swing of <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> decapitated a grievously wounded pyromancer, and another one died soon after from another swing from <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong>.


    It was jarring to fight without the certainty of Kill Energy. This time, Zac needed none. If anything, Zac was surprised one managed to survive. Let alone Late Hegemons just 15 levels above him; even Peak Hegemons would have to be careful when facing the supremacy of his Evolutionary Path put on full disy.

 Chapter 1197: Weakness and Strength

    <h4>Chapter 1197: Weakness and Strength</h4>


    Taking out five Late Hegemons rarely went so quickly or smoothly. Reaching that level was reserved for the top talents on the frontier. Even the weakest ones who''d reached such heights had millennia of experience and all kinds of tricks that had kept them alive during their cultivation. This had to be especially true with ancient cultivators, who aplished the same without the System''s help and the orderly progression envisioned by the Apostate of Order.


    Zac only dared to use such a direct method because he''d seen how crude their skills were. They did possess runes that felt like proto-skills, but most of their energy maniption was done manually. Complex multi-function skills you''d see in modern times were far too difficult to use, at least without long casting times. As such, they hadn''t been ready to face such a powerfulbination attack.


    <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> hadn''t changed name since his epiphany, but almost nothing about it remained the same. The transformed skill had only unlocked one avatar upon reaching Early D-grade, which was the cause of his current appearance. It had no official name, but Zac called it the Ancestral form, and it didn''t look very different even if he didn''t use <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>.


    The skill didn''t rely on a specific memory or impression, like the axe and shield he''d used with the old skill. The things he''d borrowed from his Dao Visions were ultimately outside help. The new skill was instead an imaginary avatar embodying his evolutionary path. It was the first human, born in an age before order or cultivation. A small creature surrounded by primordial beasts wielding the power to level mountains and swallow seas.


    Despite humanity''s lowly start, their tenacity and adaptability let them survive by ying the beasts around them. And in a battle for survival, they found a path to power. The beasts became weapons and armor, and the spirits of the fallen were tamed and turned into spiritual totems. And as the prey grew stronger, so did the ancestors.


    The transformation''s purpose was simplrge-scale destruction. The transformation didn''t provide any attributes or boosts to one''s Dao, though the transformed armor was slightly stronger than the original. The real benefit came from the wriggling runes, which provided both active and passive benefits. It was the active effect that had ended the battle in only a few seconds.


    The runes could add an axe detonation to any of his cutting attacks or skills. The damage from the explosion was set, so a stronger attack wouldn''t unleash a more powerful secondary strike. The explosion''s radius, however, was based on the original strike''s power and Dao empowerment. A full-powered swing could decimate everything within a hundred meters, not to mention the terrifying shockwave he could add to his D-grade finisher. That explosion stretched for over a mile, allowing it to take out a whole army as a side thought.


    Even melee attacks could generate secondary sts that would put any enemy under additional pressure. Thankfully, the runes could absorb any attack generated by <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, so the skill only resulted in mutual destruction when he''d exhausted all his ammunition.


    Adding a weakerrge-area effect to his attacks was a great way to whittle down defenses or take outrge numbers of enemies in a cost-effective manner. However, the Ancestral form could also create a terrifying stacked attack when enough des ovepped. It was almost impossible to line up things as well as just now, but stacking attacks before detonating dozens at once had be amon strategy. At the very least, a stacked explosion would exhaust some defensive measures while often creating an opening to finish the job.


    The passive effect hadn''te into y during his blitz. The spirit totems within the runes could autonomously attack any enemies that came within a few hundred meters. These attacks didn''t expend the rune, provided the target didn''t manage to destroy or exhaust it. Retaining more runes meant more automated attacks, turning Zac into a mobile turret. Zac could even detonate the beasts mid-attack to trigger their explosion.


    Of course, the skill wasn''t without limitations. For one, the runes were a shared resource, affecting the second form he unlocked when evolving the skill to Middle Mastery. It took almost twenty seconds for a rune to form, and each cost a significant amount of energy. In other words, it would take just over half an hour to top up his reserves, provided he didn''t use any more during recovery.


    Resetting the skill couldn''t bypass this cooldown whether he used Cosmic or Void Energy. The only exception was <strong>[Arcadian Crusade]</strong>. Its ability to reduce cooldowns worked extremely well with <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>, allowing for a full recharge within its duration.


    It was also impossible for Zac to control the passive effect. Like his Evolutionary Stance, totems were everchanging and unpredictable. It was like the skill was equipped with a random number generator, where Zac only had a slight edge over his opponents since the attacks were limited to actions based on his path.


    There were no signs of more enemies, and rummaging through the pockets of the two raiders who survived the st yielded nothing. Zac looked around with a frown. Should he just keep going, picking a random battle to assist or settlement to save? Then what were the criteria for passing? It couldn''t possibly be to rebuff the whole invasion since the Monarchs fighting by the breach would decide that matter.


    A tremendous roar shook the artificial world, and a scorching wave swept the area with such speed Zac didn''t have time to react. Something entered his body, glomming onto his Soul Aperture. Both <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> and <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> furiously fought against the burning brand without much sess. His soul had been fully sealed, barring him from using his Daos. It would take at least ten hours to whittle it down.


    Zac frowned as he inspected the infernal sigil. Losing his Daos was extremely punishing to someone like him, who had ample Mental Energy, high aplishments, and a full set of skills perfectly tuned to his path. And It wasn''t just his Daos that had been sealed off. Two of his bloodline abilities stemmed from his Soul Aperture; <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> and <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>.


    Thetter was an importantponent of dealing with higher-leveled enemies, and the former was perhaps his most versatile ace. Losing them and his Daos at once would drastically weaken him. Unwilling to wait half a day, Zac opted to take a risk and remove it with Void Energy. The Void Servant had already seen him use his bloodline, and the illusions wouldn''t tell anyone.


    The burning sigil shuddered the moment he roused his bloodline, and Zac was beset by a scream of mortal peril before he even had a chance to activate <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. Ignoring everything else, Zac shed away, pushing <strong>[Skystriker]</strong> to its limits. His quick reflexes narrowly saved his life as a streak of mes came at him from outside the world tube. It entered through the breach and crossed the equivalent distance of a country in less than a second.


    The world shook, and Zac desperately activated <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong>. A golden wheel appeared behind his back, but the Early D-grade skill and its barrier cracked like an egg before the tremendous shockwave that swept through the area. Thankfully, the skill had absorbed enough energy to only leave Zac with some broken bones and damaged armor.


    Zac looked back at the mile-wide crater and its still-burning mes that could incinerate the dimensional fabric. That attack definitely came from a Monarch. It looked like the burning seal had sensed danger from his bloodline and be a homing device. Zac''s back was slick with sweat as he got to his feet and kept going, afraid another attack was just around the corner.


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    Thankfully, a huge golden barrier sprung up to block any follow-up from the unidentified Monarch. A distorted voice spread through the world. Zac couldn''t make out any words, but he understood its meaning. It was an order to intercept an army of elementals that had slipped through the cracks. Zac immediately set out, happy to add more distance from the crater.


    Zac was alive and only lightly maimed, but it was clear his bloodline had been effectively sealed. Was it the Eternal Servant manipting the trial from the shadows, or was it some built-in safeguard against taboo techniques? Taking out energy beings like elementals without the help of Dao was a headache, but he didn''t have much of a choice.


    It took ten minutes of rapid flight to spot his target. There were around a thousand of them, and a tenth had stepped into D-grade. The lineup looked intimidating, but the warband was actually weaker than the group of raiders from before. Only the leader in the front was a Late Hegemon, and it had ten Middle Hegemon lieutenants.


    A hundred D-grade opponents would still be rough without the assistance of Dao, especially if the smaller elementals could help empower their elders with war arrays. Even then, Zac didn''t feel overly worried as he descended on the elemental army. After travel and a few minutes of observation, Zac had already recovered half of his runic sigils, and they''d be enough to take a bite out of their numbers.


    Roars and earthshattering explosions shook the area as Zac dismantled enemies scores at a time. Early Hegemons were almost helpless before him, and three Middle Hegemons fell in rapid session. The Elementals cared nothing for their lives, though, maniacally unleashing everything they had. The leader also foiled Zac''s ambush before disappearing among its subordinates.


    Zac was durable but not unkible. The damage was quickly adding up, and <strong>[Empyrean Aegis] </strong>was still on cooldown. Worse, <strong>[Surging Rebirth]</strong> was hobbled inside the trial since there was no Kill Energy to power its mid-battle recovery. He had no choice but to switch tactics after culling a third of the army in his opening salvo.


    The creaking groans of the wild reced the explosions and roars from spirit totems. His bone armor transformed again, suddenly looking like fossilized bark. Stony branches jutted out here and there, and his helmet sprouted a small crown of leaves. This was the form of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> he''d unlocked when upgrading the skill to Middle D-grade.


    The forest he''d held back on summoning sprung up with unprecedented vigor. Meanwhile, dozens of vines burst from Zac''s left arm, each rushing for nearby targets like beasts on the hunt. Few of the elementals could withstand Haro''s bloodthirsty assault. Even the Early Hegemonssted less than a minute despite Haro also being Early D-grade.


    The Heavenrender vine had greedily absorbed Zac''s teachings over the past year, bing an eager participant in the war. Haro hated the Kan''Tanu because of their aura, and he hated them even more after Zac exined they were allies with Yselio. Haro had indiscriminately ughtered any Kan''Tanu he saw since then, not even sparing the weakest E-grade warves.


    The nt''s kill count was simply terrifying, yet it had only managed to reach halfway into Early D-grade. Zac hoped abination of treasures and opportunities in the Ensolus ruins would let him step into Middle Hegemony, even if it seemed like a long shot. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The elementals set the whole area alight in a desperate attempt to fight back. It didn''t stop their rapid copse. Haro was like a fish in the sea, freely entering and emerging from trees to target his prey from unexpected angles. And no matter how many times they burnt off his iron-like vines, the Heavenrender Vine would just produce more. And with each kill, Zac felt a small amount of energy enter his body.


    It wasn''t Kill Energy, but a benefit from <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>. The second avatar of supremacycked any active attack, but it added significant benefits to drawn-out battles. For one, the Ent Elder form increased his defenses, providing a passive alternative to the long-cooldown <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong>. The main benefit came from his nt-based attacks, whether they were his ntpanion or skills like <strong>[Apex Jungle] </strong>and <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong>.


    Like himself, they received buffs to their durability. More importantly, his enemies would be fertile soil, providing nutrients for him and his nts. Each kill provided a small amount of pure, vibrant energy that could heal wounds and recover energy. The effect on his skills was equally interesting, as it helped his summoned nts propagate and grow faster.


    The hundreds of elementals fiercely fought back, but trees were already sprouting to rece those that had burnt upwithout any energy being drawn from his Cosmic Core. Zac wouldn''t simply sit around, and he began moving through the jungle to deal with the stronger foes.


    Ten minutester, Zac floated above a field of devastation. He hadn''t expected the elementals to have the ability to join and rapidly increase their strength before the unstable fusion resulted in a tremendous explosion. Zac was starting to realize why where there was such a huge difference in times on thedder. The previous battle against five strong opponents could only take so long. You either won, or you''d have to flee.


    Dealing with a whole army was different. Few candidates would be able to endure the onught of a thousand opponents, forcing them to fight with gueri tactics. Such a strategy could take hours instead of minutes. The weakest would have to wait even longer, avoiding danger until they''d whittled down the burning curses. For the first-ce holder to only need two hours, he must have crushed each stage like Zac had until now.


    Ten minutes was eptable, and he''d retained most of his energy and cooldowns for the uing battles. Just as he was about to look for targets, a familiar roar shook the world. Zac grimaced when he saw fiery sigils appearing around every single one of his Skill Fractals. He couldn''t help but look at the fierce fighting in the distance withint. If the opponent could send outrge-scale curses, why couldn''t some temr bigshot provide him with some blessings?


    Of course, the situation didn''t look good. The defenders were losing ground, and the artificial world was bing more of a hellscape by the minute.


    It looked like he''d given himself extra work for nothing, holding back on using his stronger skills. There was nothing to do but keep going. He''d already received another order, and he moved further into the trial. This time, Zac was intercepted thrice before reaching his real targets. Thankfully, these victories didn''t add more burning seals to his body.


    asionally, he passed defenders desperately trying to prevent the base''s seemingly inevitable defeat, either in groups or alone. A lone temr had even lost all his limbs yet flew straight into a group of raiders to detonate his Cosmic Core. Zac couldn''t help but be swept up in their frenzied desire to protect their home.


    One group of invaders after another was torn apart with brutal efficiency. The third task was passed after an hour, awarding Zac with a curse that lowered his attributes by over thirty percent. Zac couldn''t even see the breach any longer, his vision blocked by dense plumes of smoke.


    A fourth group was dealt with, and a wave of mes incinerated his equipment. Zac almost went berserk upon seeing <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> being reduced to ash. Thankfully, his mental connections with Verun and Haro confirmed it was just part of the illusion. Finally, Zac even lost ess to his Cosmic Core, where nothing but a weak trickle seeped through a burning barrier.


    Zac was like a mortal as he stumbled through a burning forest, sweat pouring down his soot-covered face. He couldn''t even defend himself against the ambient heat, let alone the mes that had spread everywhere. His eyes scanned the sky as he advanced under the cover of the smoky curtain, his heart thumping any time he heard the shes of battle or eruptions of energy in the area.


    He may be restrained, but the enemies were not. Even an E-grade cultivator could snap his neck like a twig in his current state. Had he misunderstood the trial? Was he supposed to deal with the seals before he kept going? No, it couldn''t be. Their resilience made it impossible unless they were susceptible to Faith Energy.


    Zac eventually had to give up. Not on the trial but on reaching the next checkpoint. He was already approaching his limits and would be burnt to a crisp if he kept forcing it. Even if he hated the idea of adding twelve hours to his tally to deal with the seals, it was still well within the trial''s deadline.


    A deep thud and a groan made Zac stop in ce before he could set out in search of a hideout. A raidermander had fallen to the ground, his body riddled with wounds. His core and pathways had been shattered, and his soul was already dispersing. In a sense, the fallen warrior was a mortal just like him. The raider seemed content to lie down and wait for death until he spotted Zac behind a tree. A cruel smile appeared on his face as he struggled to his feet.


    Eyes locked, and Zac knew he''d found the final boss.

 Chapter 1198: Body

    <h4>Chapter 1198: Body</h4>


    The acrid smell of salt, ash, and despair was overwhelming. Zac furiously tugged, and the desperate struggle ended with a crunching snap. The raider''s grip on Zac''s forearm weakened as his final vestiges of life escaped his lips. Zacy panting on the ground, too tired and weak to even push the corpse off his chest. A tremendous rumble forced his eye open, and he could vaguely see a river of stars sweep the mes away.


    "Salvation through ughter," Zac wheezed as the world faded.


    He was back in the waiting room, lying right before the stele. Seals and soot were removed, but the wounds covering his body remained. The weakness was swept away by the rivers of truth and energy. And yet, Zac didn''t move for over a minute, his hands shaking as he nkly stared at the ceiling.


    Zac had lost count of how many times he''de as close to death. And yet, the brutal, almost intimate, grapple had shaken him. It was the utterck of fallbacks, of feeling truly exposed. At that moment, they''d been like beasts wrestling in the mud, caught in a deadly dance where Attributes, Dao, and hidden aces meant nothing. Even his refined technique meant little without the energy and Dao to enable its movements. It had been a brutal brawl where ferocity and experience reigned, and Zac only barely managed to get the upper hand.


    Was this the weakness the Eternal Servant referred to? Even frontier cultivators were coddled in a way you wouldn''t see back in the day. The path toward the Terminus had be gamified, and there were often safeguards in ce to fall back on. Like how the System teleported his whole army across the sector when a Monarch was bearing down on them.


    He had carved his path in a way that the scions of the Hearnds wouldn''t understand, but even he had benefitted greatly from the System''s arrangements. It had even personally intervened to save his life on multiple asions. There was always thatforting notion in the back of his mind that the System valued his existence and would step in to protect its investment. The ancient cultivators never had that safety. Each step was a struggle against the Heavens, the Earth, and yourself, and death was a constantpanion on their journey.


    Zac eventually exhaled and sat up, feeling surprisingly bnced after the surge of fear and adrenaline had settled. The experience had helped unearth an aspect of himself he thought had died years ago. He didn''t know exactly what to do with it, but he felt there was something in it that spoke to his Daos of Life and Death and possibly his techniques.


    The stele''s energy was gradually fading, indicating he needed to leave for the next trial before the one-day deadline was up. Zac tried to glean something from its aura in case it was like the Gates of Rebirth. Zac didn''t sense anything he could use, so he turned to inspect the surroundings.


    The waiting room wasn''t exactly the same as before. There were only four doors upon his return, none of them looking the same as before. Instead, they led to the four remaining trials. The trial stele had also been updated, adding a new time without a name.


    Seventeenth ce with a time of 3 hours and 34 minutes. It was a respectable yet disappointing number and not what Zac had expected whenparing himself with pre-System cultivators. He couldn''t me the trial difficulty for taking almost twice as long as the top name. The challenge had obviously been adjusted for his level rather than a Peak Hegemon. The final sh was precisely calibrated to his level.


    Zac could have shaved off another ten or twenty minutes if he''d known about the seals and their order beforehand, using more of his firepower before it was taken away. Still, it would only have improved his cement with a few spots at best, definitely not enough to enter the top ten. You really couldn''t look down on the ancient cultivators.


    The experience was both humbling and uplifting. The seventeenth spot was most likely as good as it would get, but Zac was confident in passing at least two more trials after the Pilgrimage of Combat. The only thing that left Zac wary was theck of an exit.


    Zac nced at the right-most door, whose arch was filled with Faith Energy. Would he really have to step into that trial no matter what, even if passing three was enough to satisfy the Eternal Servant? Was that the real reason the Eternal Servant doubted his chances of survival?


    The burns and cuts covering his body were gradually mended over the next hour. Meanwhile, he went over his experience and the lessons he''d learned. Finally ready, Zac turned his attention to the four doors, his gaze eventually stopping at the Pilgrimage of Body. Out of Soul, Heart, and Body, Zac was most confident in his triple-empowered constitution.


    The stacked benefits of two constitutions, terrifyingly high Endurance and Vitality, and a full deck of Hidden Nodes made him almost as durable as a Beast King. Zac got to his feet and ced his hand on the stele, adding his name to thedder before stepping through the gate.


    A flicker transported him to a new environment. He was still in a waiting room, though this one looked slightly different. It was a murky, rectangr hall surrounded by rough stone walls, the ceiling only three meters. There were no gates, only crude openings leading into winding hallways. He''d been transported to the middle of a maze, by the looks of it. There was no aura of death, but the gloomy atmosphere made it seem as though he''d been thrown into a guarded crypt.


    The teleportation had left him severely weakened, even with his connection to his Draugr half remaining intact. A quick calction indicated that all attributes from skills, sses, levels, and Daos had been sealed. All his items were gone, reced by a simple set of pants and tunic. Unsurprisingly, his connection with Haro had been blocked, stopping the free influx of Vigor.


    Even then, the situation was better than Zac had expected. This was a test of the body, so all attributes from his constitutions remained. Better yet, the trial considered the attributes from his titles as a part of his body''s strength. That had to give him a leg up on thepetition.


    The trial stele was ced in the middle of a small basin, making it look like a fountain. The basin was filled with a shimmering liquid, which felt like a candle holding back thebyrinth''s gloom. The liquid emitted a fragrant aroma that left Zac''s cells shuddering with desire. Just taking a deep breath of the steam rising from the waters filled him with energy. It was clearly a tonic that could rapidly recover his Vigor, but it was slowly dissipating.


    The stele was equally inscrutable as the previous one, its aura only giving a vague hint of the trial''s rules. He had to pass before the pond ran out of elixir, relying only on his body. In other words, the trial had already started. Between the limited rest time and being thrown right into the action, the fallback scheme to hide in the waiting room until Ultom was rendered moot.


    The arrangement could be part of an overall score where rest time was added to the tally. Or perhaps the Eternal Servant had managed to overhear his earlier discussion and threw a wrench in the ns. It didn''t matter much to Zac. The first trial had only left him with surface wounds, and the many restrictions meant his reserves were almost full.


    Thedder results didn''t give Zac any idea of how difficult the trial was. The entries were graded with points, and Zac had no way of knowing how the points were tallied. The only other clue was six grooves on the stele, the number matching the six pathways. Zac conveyed the situation, agreeing with Ogras''s assessment that the trial required him to retrieve a key from each passage.


    Zac immediately set out, picking a path at random. Deste wails filled with hunger emerged from all six corridors the moment he entered the maze, and the gloom seemed to grow deeper. That much couldn''t shake Zac''s heart, but he did keep a careful pace as he assessed the dangers. Zac peered into the dark tunnels, finding no traps or beasts.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    He soon rounded a corner, and the weak light from the starting point was reced by darkness. Theck of a light source didn''t do much to limit Zac''s vision as a Hegemon. However, the darkness almost felt like a nket on his shoulders.


    No, not almost.


    Zac inspected the gloom, finding no Dao to exin the very real pressure he felt. He did, however, notice specks of dust blending into the darkness. Zac waved his hand, creating a gust in the hallway. It had no effect on the microscopic motes, but that didn''t mean they remained unmoving. They were drawn to Zac like moths to the me.


    Suddenly, both <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> and <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> came alive, releasing cleansing waves through his body. It was only then Zac realized that hundreds of motes had already snuck into his body without his notice. The two Hidden Nodes working in tandem meant the specks were both considered hostile energy and a curse. And they were resilient.


    The Hidden Node''s tireless work only managed to cleanse a third of the specks that infiltrated his body before they seeped into his cells. They fused with the golden swirls like parasites and began generating weak ripples. It was no wonder he felt like something was weighing on him.


    It wasn''t quite a gravitational restriction, but the effect was close. Each added mote felt like a small droplet of lead added to cells. It would be a while before it became a problem, but Zac had only explored a small corner. He might be unable to even move by the time he reached the edge.


    It wasn''t hard to find the solution. He only needed to rouse his constitution, and the golden hurricanes began grinding down the specks, disying an efficacy almost matching his Hidden Nodes. It wasn''t the vibrant life of his Void Vajra Constitution that cleansed the specks, though. It was Vigor that erased them through mutual destruction.


    There were an endless number of racial perks, bloodlines, constitutions, specialty cores, and other things that could strengthen one''s body. These advantages could have all kinds of effects, but almost all forms of body tempering and innate advantages would result in higher amounts of Vigor. This was true for Zac long before he awakened his bloodlines and constitutions, where his Draugr side greatly outshone his human half.


    In other words, measuring Vigor was a decently equitable way to test one''s body. Even those whose body tempering came with attribute advantages instead had an advantage. Zac believed he could carry more than twice as much dust as most trial takers, thanks to his titles, and keep a higher pace.


    The hungry wails steadily drew closer. Zac used the sound as a beacon, believing it was the crux to quickly passing the trial. Following the sound led him down paths with the greatest amount of restraining dust, and the density only kept increasing. That didn''t mean the side paths were dead ends. Esmeralda posited that all roads lead to the key, with the guarded path being significantly shorter.


    This gave the trialtaker optionstake the short, difficult route for a better result or take the route with fewer restrictions at the cost of sacrificing time. Some dexterity-based cultivators might even see better results choosing such a strategy. It was an easy choice for Zac, though he began doubting himself aftering face to face with the howling guardian.


    The ghost looked just like the unthinking, often malevolent wraiths that could appear in sealed environments. The ghastly figures formed from the Autarch''s resentment in the Centurion Lighthouse was one variant. This creature was instead made from the same curse that suffused thebyrinth. Just being in the same corridor flooded his body with sealing dust, to the point Zac had to spend twice as much Vigor as before.


    The wraith noticed Zac''s presence at the same time, and it released a gleeful howl. Zac almost found the situation funny, wondering if he should be looking for cherries as the wraith hurtled toward him. But it was difficult tough, seeing just how much ck gunk the creature had umted.


    The closer they came, the faster the ghost got, and Zac unleashed a powerful punch after confirming he couldn''t circumvent or outrun it. It aplished nothing, but it felt better than just passively letting it pounce.


    A flood of darkness entered his body, greedily sapping his strength. The golden swirls turned into a murky brown and were almost forced to a halt from the umtion. Zac groaned, and his knees almost buckled from the immense weight suddenly tacked onto his body. Zac unleashed his constitution to its fullest, triggering a war between light and darkness throughout his body.


    Zac''s vast reserves of Vigor were gradually gaining an edge, though it was a pyrrhic victory. Zac took a few stilting steps, feeling as though his muscles and tendons were full of rust. The good news was that the darkness found it harder and harder to squeeze into his cells as his restrictions increased, making it easier for his Hidden Nodes to deal with them.


    Eventually, Zac was able to run again, at which point he suppressed his cells and <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong>. Only <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> kept toiling away. He only had so much Vigor to spend, and the Eoz Hidden Node used it as fuel, too. Meanwhile, <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> only ran on Void Energy, which he had ample reserves of.


    The Void Node barely managed to maintain the status quo with the asional burst of Vigor. Zac still felt like he was carrying a boulder on his shoulders as he reached the maze''s depths. It was a small square, looking like an inverted version of his starting point. But instead of a stele and elixir, there was a floating crystal above a basin of roiling darkness.


    The crystal was obviously the source of the darkness, and dust so condensed it had be liquid dripped into the pool below. Zac nced at the waters, feeling something stirring. Another wraith would be born with another twenty minutes or so of the crystal''s nourishment.


    Zac''s bones creaked as he went into a sprint and lunged over the basin, snatching the crystal beforending with a crash. A steady stream of darkness burrowed into his hand, and nothing he did helped stop it. The crystal exhibited a fierce resistance to being taken away. It felt like there was a maic pull between it and the pond.


    Between the curse and resistance, the journey back became a lesson in suffering and resilience. Zac doggedly put one foot in front of the other until he reached the starting point. He was utterly exhausted, and the sweet aroma from the fountain was delectable enough to almost drive him mad. He hurried over and slotted the crystal in its matching groove.


    Zac greedily took a deep swig of the shimmering waters, finding its taste even better than his almost delirious fantasies over the past twenty minutes. A cleansing wave spread through his body, expunging the taint far more effectively than he could on his own. Just as he''d expected, saving his energy by carrying as much restriction as possible on your way back was the way to go. n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Meanwhile, a single mouthful had recovered a third of his spent Vigor. Zac took another gulp, estimating the efficacy had decreased by almost ten percent. Repeated use came with diminishing returns. Not to mention,pletely recovering one''s Vigor this way was impossible, just like eating Soldier pills couldn''t rece natural recovery.


    In a way, the fountain was part of the test. A high-quality body was like having high affinities. Some could extract more benefits from pills and treasures; others could consumerger quantities before they built up a resistance. Zac had both. A sixth of the trial was over, and less than five percent of the water was lost.


    Each round would get harder, and he would probably have to spend some time dealing with the ghosts before the third or fourth round. The wails from the remaining five corridors were noticeably closer, and he had a strong feeling that letting them reach the fountain was a very bad idea. Still, passing was more or less a given.


    The question was how he''d measure up to the names on the leaderboard.


    Hourster, Zac wobbled out of the hallway, veritably dragging himself into the fountain to slot the final key. He fell into the waters, his body screaming withint. He forcibly held onto his fading consciousness, eager to see what score his performance would trante to. The stele''s aura rapidly rose after thest crystal was inserted, and Zac felt the water being absorbed by the que.


    A powerful pulse of cleansing faith burst from the stele, sweeping away all taint in Zac''s body before continuing into thebyrinth. The ravenous shrieks that had apanied him for the whole trial were cut short, but Zac barely spared it a thought as he looked at the stele with disbelief. He''d been mentally prepared his cement would be worse. But to this point, while having ess to his titles and <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>?


    To think his run only amounted to a 58th cement. How did the top-ranker have a score almost 40% higher than his? More than half the elixir remained when Zac wrapped things up, so the leader must''ve had around 75%.


    Had he missed some aspect of the trial, or had the maniacs at the top bulldozed right through the walls to pick up the pieces at record pace? Or were they simply so strong that the erosion couldn''t exhaust their reserves or slow them down? Zac turned to thebyrinth entrances, which had been blocked or reced with gates to the remaining trials.


    Zac was tired, but hispetitive spirit burned. Not to mention, he was growing increasingly curious about the facilities outside which had helped raise these monsters.

 Chapter 1199: Faith

    <h4>Chapter 1199: Faith</h4>


    Zac took a deep breath as he emerged from the hell of his own making. He''d hoped the Pilgrimage of Heart would resemble the trial he overcame to get his hands on the Shard of Creation and the <strong>[Boundless Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. Facing a superior path would be even better, as his Void State was excellent at rebuffing that kind of influence.


    In reality, the Pilgrimage of Heart was a lot closer to the tribtion he overcame when reaching E-grade. He''d been forced to face the victims of his path, and there were a lot of them. A sea of anguished souls had forced him to witness futures that would never be because of his bloodthirst. Each family torn apart and dream cut short became a fetter, making his steps heavier.


    Zac knew that his bloody path was born out of necessity and survival, not savagery or bloodlust. And the rough road to his current level had nurtured a far stronger Dao Heart than those who grew in the shade. However, the pilgrimage had turned what should have been a strength into a weakness, twisting and amplifying his deeds. It had almost been enough to push him over the edge.


    The stele''s energy had almost faded. Its aura left him with nothing but an indication he''d passed with less than ten minutes to sparenot even close to getting a spot on the stele. Zac had realized the Pilgrimage of Heart would pose a challenge after thebat trial, but to think it was this bad. Maybe he''d be arrogant after the surprisingly good showing in the Pilgrimage of Mind, where he actually seized the 34th spot.


    Finishing with ten minutes left of a whole day was undeniably a disappointment after reaching this point. It would drag down his grade, reducing the rewards he''d secured after passing four trials. But like the previous pilgrimages, passing came with some benefits. The trial had almost done him in, which would have resulted in death or insanity. But it also helped him process the carnage he''d been forced to participate in since the war began.


    A trial wouldn''t miraculously fix the umted mental toll, but it had helped him expose some spiritual cracks and begin the healing. It was possible those wounds would have slowly recovered on their own after the war. They could also have been left to fester until they turned into Heart Demons or weaknesses to be exploited by the remnants or Heart Cultivators.


    The experience had left him unraveled in a way a few minutes of rest couldn''t fixnot what Zac had hoped for with the final trial right around the corner. As expected, there was still no exit provided after the fourth trial.


    "Hello?" Zac shouted. "Can Ie out? I''ve passed four like you said."


    The Eternal Servant didn''t respond, and Zac turned to the final door and the uncertainty it represented; faith. How was faith tested? He tried picturing recing faith with the resources in the other trials. He would die if the Pilgrimage of Faith were anything like the Pilgrimages of Heart and Combat. The Pilgrimage of Mind, where he used Mental Energy and his Daos to lead a group of refugees through a snowstorm, was iffy.


    He wouldn''t be able to progress, and his protectees would have died. But with his other advantages, he could survive and run out the clock. It was the same with the Pilgrimage of Body. He could have stayed by the fountain or in a side passage until the wraiths drained the elixir, and he failed.


    The odds of passing a Pilgrimage of Faith were essentially nil unless there was a huge loophole in the trial. It definitely wasn''t worth gambling his life on such a long shot.


    "I concede! Please teleport me out," Zac tried again.


    Still nothing. Zac refused to give up on giving up. The waiting room wouldn''tst much longer. Maybe he''d be sent out after the timer ran out.


    Minutes passed, and the surroundings grew increasingly unstable. Just as Zac thought he''d seeded, the runes lining the trial gate lit up, unleashing radiant waves of faith-attuned light. Zac swore and grabbed onto the ground as the light formed hundreds of appendages dragging him toward the trial. Resistance proved futile.


    Zac sighed in defeat as he took in the new environment. He couldn''t see the trial stele, but he was obviously not back in the Halls of Service. He''d been sent to a grand corridor exuding an air of profound dignity, where every inch of floor, walls, and ceiling had been lovingly formed by master artisans. Every few meters had a niche on either side, disying relics radiating undying glory.


    Together with the dense Faith Energy, the hall gave off an intensely sacrosanct aura. Even Zac, who didn''t share in themon belief of the Limitless Empire or their temrs, was swept up in the atmosphere. It truly felt like he''d embarked on a holy pilgrimage, and he was beset by an incredibly strongpulsion to walk down the corridor toward the gates waiting at the other side. Zac only barely managed to resist the coercion to look behind him.


    Not an exit. The corridor just stretched toward infinity, and Zac couldn''t even will his body to turn around. His exhausted Dao Heart was already fraying from resisting the pull, and Zac eventually had no choice but to take one reluctant step after another. Only when he reached the first alcove did the pressure relent.


    The enshrined relic was an azure-blue sword snapped right above the hilt. The engraved array lining the alcove flickered, and a solemn voice spoke in Zac''s mind.


    <i>''The sword of Her Holiness Eleani Ano, Cardinal of the Twenty-fourth chapter. Her holiness embraced the Origin in the year 133,305 of the Fourth Trigram Order. Her sacrifice saved the lives of 3,847,318,324,521 citizens of the Rosini Colony.'' </i>


    Zac''s vision shifted, and he was almost overwhelmed by terror as he found himself facing a sea of flying beasts. Paradoxically, it was their overwhelming aura that quickly helped Zac calm down. After all, this swarm couldn''t possibly be the trial he was supposed to face. A beast tide this size could probably devastate all of Zecia if given enough time.


    The swarm almost seemed endless, filled with too many Beast Kings to count. There were also hundreds of Beast Emperors, eachrger than a city. Massive armies of smaller descendants apanied therger beasts, some of them even clinging to their bodies.


    Their goal was evidentthey might look like reptilian birds imbued with the Dao of Space, but they acted like locusts. Drained shards of over a hundred D-grades drifted in the distance, an appetizer before the swarm set its sights on the main course. Zac turned around, seeing a massive continent stretching as far as Zac could see.


    A sole guardian floated at its edgea human temr, holding a whole version of the broken sword he''d just seen. One moment, she felt like a mortal lost in space. The next, she was the embodiment of Heavenly Judgment, her aura reducing millions of beasts to dust. Zac had only seen such a disy of power once before; when he escaped the Orom World and encountered Iz''s guardian.


    Beast Kings died by the millions as the temr unleashed a one-woman crusade against the swarm. Each of her attacks had the power to destroy Earth, yet it was barely enough to make a dent in the sea of beasts. The temr didn''t relent, nor did she back down, and not a single beast made it onto the continent.


    Days passed, and Zac couldn''t begin topute the number of deaths he''d witnessed. However, even an Autarch would eventually run out of energy if put under a relentless and unending assault. The Cardinal was clearly reaching that point, with something having changed about her attacks. They contained a different aura, which made Zac think of attacks imbued with life force. If Zac had to guess, she was sacrificing pieces of her Inner World to keep attacking.


    It would have been easy for her to escape. The beast tide was endless, but the strongest Beast Emperors were Middle Monarchs. Yet, like the ancient protector from Zac''s Dao Vision, Eleani Ano refused to abandon the trillions of lives behind her.


    This tale has been uwfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    An earth-shattering wail filled with turbulent Spatial Hunger shook the universe just as it looked like she might pull through. Enormous cracks tore toward the continent, and the temr''s waning aura grew erratic as she narrowly prevented the ambush from getting past her. Space buckled as three gargantuan birds emerged from hiding. Each was the size of a small D-grade world, and their auras had clearly surpassed the C-grade.


    The swarm had been reduced to a third of its original size, and it looked like the true leaders couldn''t sit around any longer. Or perhaps they were happy to thin out their herd after it had grown too big, especially when it let them exhaust a dangerous enemy.


    With such a difference in aura, Zac would have run for his life. He couldn''t see any path to victory when cing himself in the temr''s shoes. Of course, Zac knew that wasn''t how things would y out after hearing the introduction.


    There was no joy or sorrow on Eleani''s face as she pointed her shimmering sword at the three iing giants. A six-winged avatar evenrger than the Primordial Beasts formed behind her, and it was like the gates to the Heavens had opened above the continent. Innumerable streams of prayer rose to the sky as a whole civilization prayed for salvation.


    Faith and sacrifice gathered into a singr point at Eleani''s sword tip, and the cosmos dimmed before the destruction that was unleashed. The echo of a sword snapping echoed through the vacuum of space, followed by a heavy silence. The three giants were utterly annihted, and only a few wayward beasts remained from the swarm.


    It was a victory, but it cost everything. The temr was slowly disintegrating, breaking apart into motes of azure light. She had sacrificed her Life, Dao, and Soul, joining them with the world''s faith to wipe out the threat. Zac witnessed her final moments, entranced by the tranquil conviction of her gaze. The scene faded, and a woman''s voice echoed in the darkness.


    <i>''The blood of the Empyrean Chalice feeds the me.''</i>


    Zac was back in the hallway, facing the broken sword. The days of struggle had only taken a minute in real time. The pull urged him to keep going to the next relic, and heplied after bowing at the sword.


    Not all scenes were as overwhelming as the Eleani''s final stand. A few of the relics had even belonged to Peak Hegemons, though Zac didn''t have a shred of confidence in taking any of them on. They were monsters through and through, one of them even ying ten Monarchs before detonating his core to stop an evil ritual. N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The enshrined saints had one thing inmon. They had paid with their lives to create a miracle, saving uncountable lives and preventing deadly cmities. Just as shocking was that every single one of the interred temrs belonged to the same chapter, and Zac recognized a third of them from thedders. These amazing, terrifying people weren''t even the greatest martyrs of the Order of the Empyrean Chalice. They were just the local standouts.


    Zac''s opinion of faith-based cultivators had always been strained. His first encounter with the concept was the Church of the Evesting Dao, the body-snatching lunatics who''d caused mayhem during the Integration. Then there was the Great Redeemer, who used faith to form a Karmic link with his chosen. Not to mention Salvation, his crazed apostle. Even the Monks of the Sangha reeked of holy malevolence, hiding their ruthless schemes behind congenial smiles.


    These temrs felt different. They seemed like true guardians of civilization, no matter what Laondio''s ultimate goal was or what the Imperial Destiny entailed. Sure, the temr order would want to convey an image of righteousness, and this journey through history could be considered conditioning or even propaganda. Zac still felt the core of it was genuine and that these feats weren''t fabricated or embellished.


    Eventually, Zac reached the end of the hallway where the golden door waited. The short walk had only taken an hour, but he''d spent weeks apanying the saints on their final journey.


    On each door was arge rune in the script of the Limitless Empire''me'' and ''uphold.'' There was an unbelievable amount of meaning stored in those words, returning Zac to when he faced the Imperial Destiny in the Tribtion Throne. Whoever carved those runes must have been an Autarch, and a Faith-based cultivator could likely gain far more from them than Zac did from the wall in the Big Axe Coliseum.


    The gates swung open on their own, and Zac almost stumbled back when a cascade of pent-up Faith Energy came pouring out. It was far beyond the hallway or what he''d faced in the Halls of Service, though it thankfully wasn''t weaponized against him. Even then, Zac had to safeguard his mind to avoid having his path led astray. The holy atmosphere might give him the final push to ept consecration after witnessing those feats of valor if he wasn''t careful.


    "Hello?" Zac hesitated as he stepped inside. "Uh, Lady Instructor?"


    The only response was the m of the gates closing behind him. Zac looked to his left, finding a familiar face looking down at him. It was one of the saints he''d just seen, carved from a white stone with perfect detail. It almost felt alive because of the immense amounts of Faith Energy it held.


    Perhaps it was. Zac could vaguely sense a hint of spirituality within, which was constantly being nourished by the room. Unfortunately, the high-grade materials andrge amounts of energy coursing through the statue made it difficult to glean anything specific. Zac took a step closer before quickly moving away.


    The energy inside the statue stirred from Zac''s proximity, exuding a minacious aura. It was like the fallen saint roused himself from his eternal rest to y another enemy of the empire. Zac continued, relieved to see the statue calm down from the added distance. However, the hall was lined with simr statues, and another slumbering presence stirred when he moved into reach. It carried a simr forbidding threat, forcing Zac to keep going.


    It didn''t take long to get a full scope of the inner sanctum. It was a catb of interred temrs shaped like a T. There were only statues, and no graves. Maybe they had no choice, considering only a few of the saints left a body behind. The trial stele stood in the sole intersection. One hundred and eight candles were burning before it, one for each saint.


    Apart from the 108 statues and the stele, the central crossing was also furnished with three oversized weapons. A scepter and a sword to his left and right, while a human-sized chalice had been ced at the ce of honor behind the trial stele. They didn''t emit any spirituality like the statues, but Zac could tell they were anything but ornamental. If he had to guess, they were all powerful Peak D-grade weapons. The chalice might be something even greater.


    Thankfully, they were inert, only giving Zac a vague sense of danger. The intersection also seemed to be a blind spot for the slumbering saints. The closest ones didn''t stir so long as Zac stayed within a few meters of the stele.


    Taking in the stele''s aura finally imparted the rules for the Pilgrimage of Faith. Recognition. Zac needed to gain the blessing of at least one statue before the candles burned out. It didn''t sound very hard, but the saints were obviously very discerning. Even the topdder holder had only gained sixteen blessings, and four was enough to get on thedder.


    Of course, none of that mattered to Zac. He might havemon beliefs with most of the saints, and a few walked simr paths. However, he wasn''t a temr, and he had no Faith Energy tomune with the statues. More importantly, he had fully rejected the Imperial Fate of the Limitless Empire to create his own path, essentially marking him as an enemy of the faith.


    His failure was already a given, let alone appearing on thedder. Zac wasn''t too broken up about it. Just passing through the hallway had been an eye-opening experience that broadened his horizons.


    More importantly, the trial held no danger so long as he stayed close to the stele. He just needed to withstand the ambient Faith Energy for a couple of hours before being sent out with a failing grade. Having passed the other four pilgrimages, he would be spared and even get some benefits. This was already the best-case scenario.


    Zac was content standing next to the stele doing nothing. His Heart had already stabilized after the many visions, but he saw no point in rocking the boat. He could try some alternative methods to gain the eptance of the D-grade saints just before the mes went out. All his items and abilities were unlocked, so he''d be able to endure a short time even if he triggered a violent rejection or awakened the weapons.


    Half an hour passed. Zac had all but be the 109th statue in the catbs. He kept his aura sealed, silently watching the candles while his other half discussed possible ways to gain a blessing with the others despite the overt antipathy from the interred spirits. Unsurprisingly, Esmeralda suggested stealing one by extracting the wisp of spirituality inside one of the statues.


    Zac had no idea how he''d go about something like that or if the spiritual wisp was the actual blessing. Not to mention, desecrating a saint seemed like a good way to get ripped apart by the Eternal Servant upon his return. Ogras had a few ideas to trick the statues, like faking faith with an Aura Modtor. Ultimately, they agreed the best solution was to disy his path to the statues Zac felt the most affinity with, hoping it would outweigh hisck of faith.


    Their discussion was suddenly interrupted by a vague sense of foreboding. Zac shed out of the way, feeling like a ghost had been breathing down his neck. He was almost right. A spiritual tendril had emerged from the closest statue, its aura almost indistinguishable from the ambient energy. It had just been a few inches from entering the back of his head.


    Zac knew well enough to trust his instincts. The feeler didn''t appear dangerous and the statue appeared calm, buting in contact with it was a very bad idea. That notion only grew stronger as the statues came alive, one by one releasing tendrils like they were searching for the interloper that previously eluded their grasp.


    Trouble hade knocking.

 Book 6 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible!

    Book 6 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Amazon/Kindle Unlimited/Audible!


    Hey everyone!


    This is, unfortunately, not an announcement of a surprise chapter in the middle of the summer break, but perhaps something even better?


    <em>The Lich King Adriel is gone and Earth has avoided being drowned in deadly Miasma.</em>


    <em>Yet an even greater danger lurks in the dark, and Zac is running against the clock. The Great Redeemer bears down on their, guided by Void''s Disciple and his children.</em>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    To celebrate the release, Books 1-5 are all discounted to only 99-cents in the US & UK on countdown deals.


    So if the days are growing long without your daily dose of DotF, be sure to check it out! Links in author notes!

 [BOOK 8 START] Chapter 688: Stocking Up

    [BOOK 8 START] Chapter 688: Stocking Up


    They probed our souls with some sort of treasure, Vri muttered a few moments after the trio had left the balcony. I wasnt able to block it out.


    They did? Zac eximed. I didnt notice anything.


    Young masters soul is strong, but you ultimately arent a Soul Cultivator, Vri said with a slight smile.


    Whats your take on the situation? Zac asked.


    Her soul was stable throughout. I think she was mostly truthful in her words, Vri slowly said. Therge one was threatening, but it would be the small one you would have to worry about. I sensed wild fluctuations in his soul every time you were disrespectful to the Draugr.


    A real mess, Zac sighed. Well, no point in staying here. Are you feeling better?


    Much better, thank you, Vri nodded.


    Alright, let''s go, Zac grunted as he stood up. "The ce Catheya is putting us up in doesn''t sound too bad."


    The two left the incensary a momentter and found a subdued N waiting outside. He needed to consider his next step, and he had N take them to the high-quality hotel on a disk partly owned by n Sharva''Zi. There was no point in avoiding that ce now that he had already been spotted, and it truly was a luxurious ce.


    The hotel was actually a vast forest, where each room was a mansion surrounded by wilderness. The forests were not the deathly and seemingly haunted forestry of the Dead Zone back on Earth either, but rather beautiful trees with silvery leaves and white trunks. There were also simrly-colored bushes that made up some of the undergrowth, and they grew what looked like metallic pinecones which sounded like chimes when they were rustled by the wind.


    They didn''t have to slog through the forest, but an attendant rather handed them unique teleportation tokens that took them to a small square outside the walled courtyard leading to his mansion. He sent the attendant away after having him provide N with a token as well. He sent N away as well, though asked her toe back in twelve hours before he and Vri went inside the mansion.


    Catheya suddenly appearing had put him a bit on the spot even if he had prepared a bit beforehand. He had been forced to make some decisions quickly, but he felt things worked out for the best. The deal she offered was really fair as far as he could tell. Catheya''s party would get the first three Life-Death Pearls they found as payment for providing the path and method to push away the restriction of the Twilight Ocean.


    After the first three, the group would draw lots and then distribute the following pearls thereafter. Furthermore, the group would consist of 8 members at most. Seeing as there were up to 100 pearls to gather, which usually grew in the same area ording to Catheya, he might get his hands on more than ten Life-Death Pearls. These kinds of items generally lost their efficacy after a few uses, so it would probably be more than enough for him.


    Still, the mission would mean traveling with both Catheya and strangers for months. Not only were there risks of betrayal, but also of his real identity being exposed. It didn''t look like Catheya managed to find anything out during their meeting, but that didn''t mean she bought his spiel hook, line, and sinker.


    Thankfully, they had onlye to a verbal agreement, and Zac would only have to sign a proper contract before getting the VIP-skill.


    Before then, he needed to figure out his n. One of the main goals for this trip had been to find some basic methods and treasures for himself and the Einherjar. The second goal was to search for opportunities to strengthen himself. The return of Leandra had driven home just how weak he was, and visiting this magical metropolis only reinforced that realization.


    But joining Catheya to visit the depths of the Twilight Ocean Was perhaps more than he had bargained for. The lethality in there was definitely high, but the risk of exposure weighed even heavier on his shoulders. Going at it alone was no doubt a much safer option, as he could stay closer to the entrance if he found the challenge too great.


    However, Zac soon found his resolve. The whole reason to set out was to get stronger, and those pearls seemed almost tailor-made to push at least two of his Dao Fragments to the next level. With his odd constitution progressing in Dao would require rarer and rarer treasures, so he couldnt just back away when an opportunity presented itself.


    Still, going in blind and dumb was out of the question. There were still two months before the Twilight Ascent started, and he needed to make the most of it. Catheya had thankfully set aside a slot for him, which allowed him to avoid the qualifier which seemed like a huge timesink. A quick scan of the crystal N provided mentioned the qualifier.


    There was nock of E-Grade cultivators in a ce like this. In fact, they could be counted in the billions. The qualifierssted one hundred rounds where you would be matched with random warriors, and each victory awarded one point. Finally, the ten million people with the highest points would get to enter the Twilight Ascent, along with the one million seeded warriors.


    Each warrior would fight five battles a day, with one day of rest in between every fight-day. That meant it would take forty days to just get a spot. He didnt have time for that, he needed to focus on his cultivation instead.


    The question was what he should do with Vri.


    Are you interested in the Twilight Ascent? Zac asked as he turned to his follower who had sat silently as Zac mulled things over.


    No, Vri said after some thought. It would require me to break through within two months, and it is simply too short a time. I am not ready to harm my foundations for this trial, and I feel that I would be a hindrance to you even if I evolved.


    Alright, Zac nodded. But staying in this ce after I leave...


    How about you send me back before you enter the Trial? I can bring any items you procure back for Port Atwood, Vri ventured. It will give me time to shore up my foundations before you return.


    Sounds good, Zac nodded, and the two went over everything they had encountered so far and set up a n for theing two months.


    He might have decided to tie himself to Catheyas chariot, but her umbre of protection would also allow him to act with less restraint over the next months. This was a huge opportunity for him and Port Atwood. His pockets were filled with money and there were so many things to spend it on. He didnt have ess to any ce as flourishing as Twilight Harbor back home. In fact, he wasnt sure if one even existed.


    Vri had a far better understanding of not only his undead forces, but even his living ones after spending ten days with Joanna. She helped him put together a shopping list, after which Zac started reading the information missive on the Twilight Ocean with greater scrutiny.


    He had been at a disadvantage during the negotiations just now since he didnt really understand all the details of the Twilight Ascent, and he needed to shore up that weakness before he ran into Catheya again.


    After reading the whole missive twice he could conclude that Catheya had essentially spoken the truth. The Life-Death Pearls were well-documented high-quality treasures of the Twilight Ocean, and they were just as rare as she indicated, perhaps even more so. Finding them wasrgely dependent on dumb luck ording to the missive.


    Of course, that didnt mean Catheya was lying about her n. The Twilight Ocean had been around for millions of years, and it opened up once every thousand years or so. That meant that the ancient factions had sent their members into the Mystic Realm thousands of times. There was no way they hadnt figured out some hidden methods that werent detailed in the public missives.


    Zac had also found out why Catheya wanted to enlist his help. He was pretty confident in his strength, but it was suspicious that she was ready to fork out so many resources just to get him to join her party. Part of it was definitely his connection to her Ancestor, but Zac had found that he did have some unique benefits in the Mystic Realm.


    Catheya had mentioned an array to weaken the pervasive pressure inside the Twilight Ocean, but she hadntpletely exined what a detriment it was. She had made it sound like the only reason people didnt go to the depths was the risk of running into enemies, but that wasnt the case at all.


    Most of the people simply wouldnt survive in the depths of the Mystic Realm.


    Rather than a restriction, it would be more apt to call the invasive energy a poison. The undead were poisoned by the life-attributedponents in the atmosphere, and the living the opposite. Everyone was able to filter out the unwanted parts to some degree, but they were ultimately weakened by the environment.


    There were thankfully various ways to counter this effect. First of all, there were the pills that helped filter Twilight Energy. There were also arrays and some skills that could weaken it. But ultimately, the deciding factor on how deep you could go was your own body. The Twilight Ocean was a System-controlled Mystic Realm, and as such, it had probably been modified for it to have its current effect.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The higher level you had, the more the Twilight Energy tried to burrow into your body, essentially turning the whole thing into a level-based trial. That meant people with greater aplishments would get further. Even better, soul strength helped as well. It didnt really mean all Mentalists had an advantage though since their bodies were usually weaker than normal cultivators and therefore less resistant to the corrosion of the Twilight Ocean.


    But Zac was probably the perfect member for them. He couldnt be certain, but between his high Efficiency and unusually powerful soul, he should be among the best at resisting the poison. Meanwhile, he wasnt so powerful that they felt him capable of taking them all out.


    What Catheya didnt know was that Zac probably was in an even better position than she assumed. The weird muddled energies of the Twilight Ocean might be a troublesome poison to her, but to him, it was just food for his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. Furthermore, if the umted life-attuned energies ever got too much, he could simply swap races. It was like he was entering the Mystic Realm with cheat codes.


    There was only one caveat to this though; this advantage wasn''t as pronouncedpared to other elites who could resist the effect almost as well as he did. So the kind of elites Catheya mentioned, running around with Dao Branches and high Efficiency, would still be a big threat to him.


    Still, that risk wasn''t enough to dampen Zac''s excitement. The Life-Death Pearls was just one of the innumerable valuables that waited in the Twilight Ocean. He''d definitely regret it if he didn''t go, so it was with extreme vigor he and Vri set out the next day.


    Which is the best pill house in this ce? immediately asked when they found N already waiting outside their courtyard.


    The Karabas n, N said without hesitation. They are just a local faction of Spectrals, but rumors are they are backed by an Imperial Eidolon-n. Their heritage in the Dao of Alchemy is extremely deep, and their wares have low toxicity.


    Hm, Zac nodded. Take me there.


    There wasnt actually any rush in buying pills or other necessities, but Zac wanted to fill his Spatial Treasures with necessary items as quickly as humanly possible. You never knew if Catheyas master or one of her elders would suddenly appear, forcing him to immediately activate his escape bracelet.


    The trip took three hours even with the spatial maniption that ran along the Twilight Rivers, but they eventually reached a death-attuned tform with a decent position to the Twilight Ocean. This one was actually covered by a dense haze, making it impossible to guess at its interiors.


    The miasmic wall was pretty unweing, but Zac simply indicated N to shoot straight through, and a vast metropolis soon appeared on the other side. There were tens of thousands of crystalline towers covering the surface, and they made Zac think of the onyx pirs that surrounded the Splinter of Oblivion during the hunt.


    Did ghosts prefer to stay inside these types of crystals rather than proper houses?


    There was one building that looked different though, a twenty-kilometer wideplex that was surrounded by medicinal clouds rather than a miasmic haze.


    Young Master, I cannot enter this ce, so I will wait outside, N said as shended. "This time, I think young master''s attendant..."


    "That''s fine, you two stay here," Zac nodded as he got off the small vessel, and a dense deathly aura started to swirl around him.


    It was just like how Catheya and her Titan follower acted, using a small hint of their aura to act as some sort of proof of their standing. Most people could glean all kinds of things from the aura, most importantly how condensed it was.


    For example, Cethaya and her followers auras were almost as powerful as each other, but Catheyas was far more condensed. That meant that Catheya was at a lower level than her follower, yet had the samebat strength. What did this signify? That she was an elite, that she had powerful backing. It was pretty easy to mask this phenomenon, but very hard to mimic.


    Catheya gave a clear aura of an elite, but even the Draugr scions aura was a lot less condensed than Zacs when he didnt mask it. It was almost like space around him congealed with his Dao as he stepped off the vessel, and N released an audible gasp from behind. He appeared in front of a huge arch a secondter, where a ghost already waited for him.


    She looked like a beautiful Revenant, her form far more corporeal and defined than Triv''s or any of the other ghosts that had appeared on Earth.


    Does Young Master have a Membership Token? the ghost asked.


    I just arrived in this Sector, Zac said with a small shake of his head, trying to emte the aura of someone with a formidable background.


    Of course, the attendant smiled as a ck crystalline token appeared out of nowhere. Please ept this Token, it will make Young Masters future purchasing experiences easier.


    Zac nodded and took the token before he entered the luxuriousplex that even eclipsed the Big Axe Coliseum. Just like that, he was a VIP customer, simply by shing his face. He hade a long way since having to force his way through themoner''s entrance over at the Zethaya Pill House.


    Zac was met by an enthusiastic clerk and immediately taken to a private room. There was a lot of undead wandering around looking at disys or perusing the stores inventory recorded on crystals, but being a pureblood Draugr clearly had its advantages.


    My name is Yilian. What can we assist young master with today? the clerk, another spectral who took the form of some elf-like humanoid, asked as she handed one of the inventory crystals to Zac.


    I am partaking in the Twilight Ascent and wanted to see if your store has some items that could be of use, Zac said.


    Our stock definitely cant match that of the grand establishments of the Hearnds, but it is at the level of a Kingdoms medium-tier establishments, housing up to Peak D-Graded pills andpounds thanks to a certain patronage, Yilian smiled, clearly with some pride.


    Zac slightly nodded, actually a bit surprised. To boast a stock that could match a B-grade Kingdom''s mid-tier Pill House was quite a statement for a shop in a remote sector like this. Zac had already asked N to make sure, but the Sector housing the Twilight Harbor, the Zervereth Sector, was just C-Grade. It seemed a lot more powerful than Zecia, but it was ultimately just a slightly more bustling frontier sector.


    Zac doubted the Zethaya n would dare to make such a promation andpare itself to stores in a B-Grade Human Empire, and it made him look at the inventory crystal with even greater enthusiasm. Of course, he tried to y it cool at the surface as he scanned the endless rows of products.


    Perhaps you could make some suggestions, Zac eventually said after a few minutes. I am bringing a few followers, so I need a few sets of Healing, Soul-mending, soldier pills, and perhaps berserking pills. Top quality, of course.


    Zac obviously wasnt bringing any followers, but would a vaunted pure-blood Draugr hailing from a proper Kingdom need to buy his pills in a store here? Wouldnt his n provide? So, he rather made a fib about followers. He needed arge number of pills in either case since there was no telling when he would get ess to buy items for his undead side after leaving the Twilight Harbor anyways.


    The Twilight Ascent is a Heaven-controlled event, and the E-Grade Ascent has a limit of quasi D-Grade pills, the clerk said. Our top pill line is called the Dawn-series, and it is avable both as Peak E-Grade pill and quasi D-Grade. The line has everything you require, except berserking pills. We currently sell special kits at discounted prices if the young master is interested.


    Zac nkly looked at the attendant for a few seconds, trying to hide his confusion. Quasi D-grade? What the hell was that?

 Defiance of the Fall Book 8 now out on Audible!

    Defiance of the Fall Book 8 now out on Audible!


    Sometimes life throws you curveballs. Curveballs like Audible messing up your pre-order and just release your next book over 3 weeks ahead of schedule. On New Year''s Eve, when there is no personnel avable to fix the error.


    So surprise to all of us! Defiance of the Fall Book 8 is now out on Audible (<strong>Link in author note above!</strong>)N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Wee the new year in the best way possible; shutting yourself in, listening to some Twilight Ocean adventures.


    The ebook release on Kindle Unlimited is still on <strong>January 24th</strong>, so you can consider this a little sneak peek.


    With a messy, unnned situation like this, any and all support, including just sharing the release, is greatly appreciated!

 [Book 9 Start] Chapter 764: Blood and Soul

    [Book 9 Start] Chapter 764: Blood and Soul


    There was nothing else of interest in the hollowed-out mountain, so Zac immediately set out the same way he came. Besides, the invitation might be a misdirect, and it was possible that an insane bloodsucker was bearing in on his position at this very moment. If so, he would rather fight somewhere else, than in this restrictive ce.


    Zac emerged at the top of the ravine a few minutester, and he immediately crushed an escape talisman to move away. The moment he reappeared he turned into his wraith form and shed away with <strong>[Abyssal Phase]</strong>, not forgetting to make use of the slowed-down environment to look for threats.


    However, there was no blood tide crashing toward him, and no other signs of a trap waiting to be sprung. It really looked like she wanted him to head to that city. Zac was just about to return to his normal form, but an odd flickering of light far in the distance caught his attention. He immediately changed course and rushed over to the small hill he had spotted.


    Normally, Zac wouldnt have cared about some random glimmer, since there was an endless number of herbs and materials that gave off some light after gaining spirituality. The expansive reef back by the Twilight Chasm had almost looked like a rave, for example, without any of the corals being anything much of value.


    However, this was different, since he actually recognized the energy  it was not Twilight, but rather the power of stars.


    Zac turned back into his corporeal form and swam over until he was in front of the source of the anomaly. It looked like a couple of fireflies were dancing upon a random rock on top of a hill, but it was rather small stars that winked in and out of existence. He scanned it over and over, and there was no doubt.


    He had been sitting at first row when Ventus had formed his Dao Branch, how could he possibly mistake his Dao for something else?


    The question was why there was a small mote of his Dao on this deste stretch ofnd in the middle of nowhere. Ventus was a numerologist from a B-grade faction, making Zac believe there was a deeper purpose for it. Most likely, the elf had somehow managed to calcte that Zac would pass by this area, and left this marker here to be found.


    But whether Ventus left this thing for Zac Piker or Arcaz ck, he had no way of knowing. Could he have calcted that the two were one and the same? Zac doubted it. He didnt have any proof, but he was somewhat certain that his mothers array contained anti-divination capabilities. Otherwise, it would be useless in preventing others from finding out his secret.


    Whichever of his identities this mark was left for, Zacs instincts told him it wasnt a trap. Even then, he summoned the three pygmy skeletons of <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> and even started charging up <strong>[Pir of Destion] </strong>as he moved his hand toward the shimmering starlight.


    It was almost like a mirror cracked as a small area on top the stone shifted, and the starlight was suddenly reced by a small box. Zac opened it, which prompted a recording to immediately start ying as a hologram of the annoyingly handsome elf was conjured by shimmering starlight.


    Greetings Mr. ck. You do not know me, but I hope youll trust me when I say our fate is connected. I am Ventus Kvan, Starseeker of the Radiant Temple. By the time you see this, I will have been captured by Ykrodas Havarok in his efforts to enforce his will on this trial.


    "I am not asking for you to save me. I am simply bringing a word of warning in hopes you will reciprocate in the future. I spent a decade of my lifespan to calcte some major events in this trial, and if youre seeing this particr message, you have failed in whatever mission that brought you to the Twilight Ocean.


    "Do not worry, calcting the details of your mission is far beyond my abilities. It is rted to Chaos, making any divination unreliable at best. But I do believe that you are heading toward the City of Ancients in hopes of resolving your matters.


    "My gift to you is divulging the true nature of the City of Ancients. As you probably know, this realm is not a natural formation of nature. It is the result of realms of opposing elements colliding, resulting in this odd ocean. What you might not know, is that these two ancient worlds both had a spiritual will, and these wills survive to this day. One of them is hiding in the heart of the City of Ancients.


    "The Realm Spirits are weak and susceptible to sabotage by this point. The faction that manages to decide the fate of this spirit, will have a leg up on the events that follow. The Eidolon is nning to either turn it into a soul ve or rece it with a spirit of their own, and the Eternal n should have a simr goal.


    "The Havarok wants the spirit to live on for a while longer, and I think you can figure out the goal of the Radiant Temple yourself. I do not know exactly what will await within the gates of the City of Ancients, but the stars warn me of a cage of soul and blood. This is the limit of what I can calcte at this juncture. I hope we will meet again."


    Zac thoughtfully looked at the small box for a moment before he crushed it and shed away. The moment he reappeared he applied another round of karma-breaking powder across his body. The message left by the Numerologist was extremely helpful, but it was still extremely diforting that he had been read to the point that Ventus had managed to ce down amunication crystal like that.


    Soon enough he set off in his vessel again, heading straight for the City of Ancients. The information that Ventus had shared didnt change his goal, but it had given him a better idea of the situation. He didnt know exactly what a Realm Spirit was, but he guessed it was something simr to a Tool Spirit.


    It wasnt hard to connect the dots from there. If there was a spirit having some sort of control over this Mystic Realm, it would probably affect the Eveningtide Asuras ns. Meanwhile, it sounded like the undead factions wanted to turn the Realm Spirit into a backdoor to snatch the opportunity for ascension.


    Zac didn''t care about the struggle over the Realm Spirit''s fate, but he had a feeling that he would be dragged into it whether he liked it or not. And from what he had gathered, it sounded like the best option was if the spirit survived, allowing it to act interference on Alvod. He sighed with exhaustion as he looked at the state of his body.


    Thankfully, he had only been forced to activate a single Annihtion sphere to break into the heart of the ravine, and the single set of cracks was fast being eroded by the Creation Energy in his body. But Zac had hoped hed have managed to form an equilibrium by now with the help of the Second splinter, which was impossible in the short run.


    Thankfully, the brush with Oblivion had somewhat calmed down the Shard of Creation for the time being, and it was currently sitting motionlessly in his Mental Energy cage. But that didn''t mean it had been subdued or that it had given up. The shard was still agitated, but more in the sense of a cornered beast preparing to pounce.


    Its demeanor waspletely different from how the shards acted in all those visions. The shard holders had all met a miserable end eventually, but they didnt seem as pressured as he was. It was more of a slow grinding down where thoughts of desires were fulfilled, but in a way that brought unintended and often horrible consequences.


    His situation wasnt just a matter ofpleting his quest any longer. If he didnt manage to regain equilibrium within a few months, something bad would happen. The shard kept gaining energy out of nowhere to continue its assault, while he was constantly expending Mental Energy to resist.


    The best theory he coulde up with was that the new shard kept acting out because it failed to merge with the one locked in his cage. He had already passed the Cmity by surviving the outbursts and wresting control, but the process was only half-finished. At the same time, he didnt dare let the second shard into his cage, causing an imbnce like that.


    As precarious as the situation was right now, Zac had a feeling it could get exponentially worse if he opened the cage before having collected the splinter. So for now, he was stuck in this weird state of limbo, as half a cmity on two legs. Hopefully, Catheya would have some answers for him soon enough.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Two weeks passed, at which point he suddenly felt a change in one of his talismans, prompting him to immediately take out amunication crystal and infuse some Miasma.


    Mr. Chaos, Zac said with a modified voice through the crystal, a small smile spreading across his face.


    Blue Lily, an unrecognizable voice responded, confirming that it was Catheya on the other side. How did it go? Is it done?


    I got your message, Zac sighed. It failed, it was like you expected.


    Can you meet up? Catheya asked.


    Im on my way, Zac responded as he cut the connection.


    Not far from here, hundreds of thousands of warriors had gathered, and it was impossible to know what kind of capabilities they had. Just like bugging telephone lines was possible back on Old Earth, it was apparently possible for inscription masters to lock onto themunication crystals of others. They might even be able to use the signals to pinpoint the speakers.


    Thats why they disguised their voices and didnt go into any details. Some things could only be discussed in person. Even if someone had managed to listen in, it didnt warrant any additional attention. With so many people and groups gathered in one ce, there were bound to be tens of thousands of schemes taking ce at any given time. Why waste time on a random one when there were no hints of there being a payoff, especially when he mentioned the operation was a failure?


    Zac soon enough reached the spot his tracker indicated, this time a small de in a forest of dense reeds. It was located almost two weeks travel from the City of Ancients, no doubt because it would be a bit risky setting up a camp any closer. A hole appeared in the ground, and Zac jumped inside.


    A momentter the four of them sat together like they did a few months ago. However, the atmosphere was more subdued, with Zacs ns having gone awry.


    What happened? Catheya eventually sighed.


    Uona had figured out my goal, and shes stolen the item in the ravine. She left a message for me. Shes forcing me to enter the City of Ancients, Zac mumbled with some distraction as his shard had finally started to wake up after weeks of inactivity.


    Well, the road of cultivation is full of setbacks. This chance might have passed, but new ones wille, Catheya said on the other side. Are you ready to leave this trial?


    I cant, Zac sighed. If I leave without that item, I will probably die.


    WHAT?! Catheya shouted with shock as she dropped the ss in her hand. Why didnt you tell me?


    "Not only that," Zac grunted. "Without it, I will not be able to contact your ancestor."


    "Never mind that," Catheya said with exasperation. "You should have told me the ravine was that important to you. I might have been able to distract that witch for a while."


    Well, I hoped things would work out somehow, but I guess I was a bit optimistic, Zac grunted. Anyway, Im heading to the City of Ancients.


    Wait, take a breath, and calm down. You know how powerful she is. We need a n! Catheya hurriedly said.


    Dont worry, this is not your fight, and I wont try to implicate your n. Besides, I have my methods, its not like all hope is lost. I almost killed herst time, and this time I have the means to finish the job, Zac said with a weak smile.


    "How could you possibly... Wait," Catheya muttered before she seemed to realize something. "Like that time?"


    Zac didn''t exactly know what she talked about, but he guessed she might be referring to when he raged out at the Zethaya pill house. However, he didn''t have time to answer before he felt a surge building in his mind. His eyes widened in rm, and he immediately started making his preparations.


    Watch out! Zac roared as he rushed toward the exit, his breath turning into opalescent gas full of creation. Get away from me!


    Catheya caught on quickly, andyers andyers of ice enclosed the three as Zac pushed his hands into the wall. He needed to contain it, he couldn''t let it spread and hurt the others. He furiously imposed his will on the storm of Creation that erupted, pushing it all into the stone.


    For a second, a huge chunk of the wall turned into an empty hall full of a dozen statues, each one depicting a person he had met inside the trial and made from a different material. The next moment, the chamber had turned into a confusing maze made from bronze, but it didn''tst any longer.


    Zac strained his mind and imagination to the limit as he cycled over a dozen scenes in an instant, each transformation exhausting some of the energy and preventing it from ballooning out of control. It took just two seconds, but Zac slumped down on the ground with a throbbing headache and shaky hands when he was done, leaving a wall of Memorysteel behind.


    What was that? Catheya asked with a shuddering breath before she emerged from her protection while repeatedly sniffing in the air. "This smell..."


    Zac smiled weakly in return as he got back on his feet and sat down again. "It''s safe now. For a while at least."


    Is it really safe? Qirai asked with a frown as she stepped in front of her master while Varo red daggers at him from the side. Are <em>you </em>safe?


    A side-effect from my mission, Zac grunted. As soon as I get what I need from Uona, it will be fixed. For now, I''m a bit vtile. Sorry, I thought I had it under control.


    Of course, he wasnt quite as optimistic as he tried to let on. Getting his hands on the splinter was nowhere near as straightforward as he would like. Certainly, he almost managed to kill Uonast time with a simple Annihtion Sphere, and this time he was armed with a fully charged Shard of Creation.


    But at the same time, she was now ready for him to use that kind of attack, and she had probably spent a full year figuring out a counter.


    His best chance was that he would be able to create an opening with the help of the unpredictable nature of Creation. She was probably expecting a ball of Oblivion, but he was going to attack her with the opposite. He had to make that count.


    Is there nothing you wont blow up?! Catheya cursed as she thumped down on her chair again. We havent even covered how you managed to cause a volcano to erupt. Are you allergic to some peace and quiet?!


    Zac only smiled weakly in return, not sure how to respond.


    Well, were still going, Catheya said after taking a few calming breaths. We might not be able to help you in a direct conflict, but we can help you gather intelligence and provide anciry support. Besides, we''ve stayed by the City of Ancients for over a month by now, you will save a lot of effort having us around."


    Alright, Zac reluctantly agreed. Im sorry, I keep putting you guys in danger. Ill try to find a way to make it up to you all.


    No need to be so distant, were all friends, right? Catheya countered with a smile. "And I''ve already gathered some tidbits I think you''ll find interesting."


    The two proceed to exchange what they had learned since they met thest time, which ended with Catheya ring at him usatorily.


    How is it that you keep finding out more about whats going on while off traveling in deste regions,pared to us who actually spent a month in the temporary city? Catheya muttered with annoyance.


    Lucky, I guess, Zac smiled.


    So it is a trap, after all, Catheya muttered. "A lot of people have simr thoughts, but there hasn''t been any clear proof either way."


    People know, yet they stick around?


    The city has essentially been confirmed to predate the Twilight Harbor, and everything points to it being untouched. Even if Aia Ouro has managed to set up some sort of trap, they believe that with enough participants, the smart ones will walk out with ancient treasures while using the foolish as shields," Catheya exined.


    And everyone sees themselves as the smart ones, Qirai added with a snort.


    A disaster waiting to happen, Catheya agreed before she released a deep sigh. Blood and souls Realm Spirit What a mess. And now with a walking powderkeg joining the fray, ancestors have mercy on us.

 Book 8 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    Book 8 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!


    Some of you might remember my ill-timed idental New Year''s Audible release of Defiance of the Fall Book 8. Well, today''s the official release day, which means Book 8 of DotF is now released in all formats! Polished, edited, and better than ever!


    <em>The Twilight Ocean holds unfathomable treasures, but you need strength to seize them...</em>


    To celebrate, Books 1-6 are on a US/UK countdown deal, so it''s a great opportunity to pick up the series in case you''ve been thinking about adding the series to your collection. Links are in the author note.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 [BOOK 10 Start] Chapter 836: Stacked

    [BOOK 10 Start] Chapter 836: Stacked


    It almost felt like a dream when Zac stepped out from his teleportation room and stepped into hispound. Six years. It had been over six years since he left Earth with not a single update on the state of things, except for the notification that his followers had somehow epted an incursion in his name.


    Thankfully, there were no smoldering ruins or screams of battle greeting his return, indicating that things should be under control. It was something that had constantly worried him for the past month as hey low at a remote corner of the Zecia sector.


    He should have guessed that infusing a tool with Chaos would make its functionality unreliable.


    Still, having appeared in a deste spot at the edge of the Sector after weeks of being hurtled through some subdimension was far better than he could have hoped for from an item that would normally only work inside the sector itself. Unfortunately,rge chaosden cracks had appeared all over the bangle, making Zac leery about using the thing again.


    However, he didn''t have much choice as he had been dropped off in the middle of space, and with air running out he had used the Teleportation Array on his back to teleport to a remote trading hub he had frequented before. He hadnt dared immediately return to Earth out of fear that the Orom, the golem, or Iz herself would show up at his doorstep.


    Zac couldnt bring those monsters back to Earth, so he had rented a top-tier cultivation cave, once more reminded how amazingly cheap things were in this remote corner of the Multiverse. Every day he had spent cleansing himself of karma and looking for marks left in his body, trying to recover his broken and chaos-addled pathways as much as he could while keeping an eye on the sky.


    When a month had passed, Zac figured people either wouldnt or couldnte after him, and he had finally returned home. Zac immediately wanted to find someone, but a p of thunder above his head made him look up with solemnity.


    It hade, just as he expected. The gathering clouds didnt contain the vast indifference of the System, but rather the fury of the Boundless Heavens. Zac knew it hadnte for him though, but rather for someone else; Alea. He had noticed something brewing over the past week as Zac gradually whittled down the Oroms seal on his Tool Spirit.


    Perhaps by design, it was quite easy to deal with after having left the Orom World. After all, most of those who left were either scions with powerful backing or powerhouses who had confirmed their Daos in the limited environment of the Orom World. There was no point in angering these kinds of people.


    However, as theyers of restrictions were removed one by one, Zac had felt that sense of premonition that fate was gathering on his location. He could somehow tell it was rted to <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong>,<strong></strong>so he had eventually left thestyer of restrictions and hurried back home. As expected, she was breaking through.


    For almost five years she had been digesting the enormous ball of blood and Oblivion, joined by Temporal Energy and continuously bolstered by the Ambient Energy inside the Orom World. And this was as a Peak F-grade Spirit Tool. Her umtions were shocking, and this step was long overdue. However, Zac hadnt expected a minor Lightning Tribtion to arrive because of this.


    Then again, it was undeniable that <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> was an unorthodox weapon, no matter if you talked about its origins or what it had fed on. Zac wondered if the same would happen to Verun in the future, considering the axe had been marked by pure life inside the Twilight Chasm.


    A wave of hunger filled Zacs mind, and he didn''t hesitate as he started emptying his Spatial Rings of anything he could think of. There were mountains of rare materials, from things he had found in the Spatial Rings in the Void to the supreme treasures he had found in the Twilight Ocean and QiSars treasury.


    The piles kept growing as Zac took out one thing after another, just like when Alea''s coffin was turned into a Spirit Tool the first time. Altogether, the value of the mounds surrounding the coffin was probably inching toward three million D-grade Nexus Coins, a ludicrous sum for an F-grade Spirit Tool. Even the passive energy the treasures leaked was enough to create a chaotic storm in the sky.


    However, Alea didnt take too many of the treasures. First, she picked up the <strong>[ckearth Steel] </strong>from<strong></strong>QiSars treasury, the chains barely able to drag them toward the lid, along with the supreme-quality death-attuned wood Catheya had identified for him. Next, she picked up five other unnamed Death-attuned metals Zac had found in the Twilight Ocean, along with a few dozen Death-attuned natural treasures.


    She did, however, leave Uona''s corpse behind, though Zac did feel the axe on his waist perking up when he took the body out.


    Seeing the decidedly one-sided nature of the materials, Zac was a bit surprised considering how she had feasted on Twilight Fruits for years. He had expected her to want at least some life-attuned materials to bnce all that death, but it looked like he was wrong. Or had her needs changed after first being marked by Pure Death, and then swallowing Oblivion?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    And if so, how would that impact her soul?


    By the time Alea had finished gathering everything she needed, the sky was dark with tribtion clouds while purple clouds crackled. However, Zac was inwardly relieved when he sensed the clouds were decidedly weakerpared to the punishments he had endured to evolve his two Dao Branches.


    The familiar rattle of chains moving echoed out through the area, but it was followed by a groaning sound Zac had only heard a few times; the opening of the thick coffin lid. Zacs heart beat an additional time as the lid swung almostpletely wide open, but he couldnt see Aleas body at all. Instead, there was only vast darkness that almost reminded him of the Abyssal Lake.


    For now, the darkness was only a shadow of the real thing, but was <strong>[Loves Bond]</strong> moving in that direction, toward the Abyssal Death of the Draugr? Was it he who had influenced her path that way? Or was it the System who had imnted the Spirit Tool with this path upon its creation, to make the coffin better match Zacs Draugr persona?


    Zac didnt know what the truth was, and he didnt even know how to feel about it. So he could only look on with mixed emotions as tendrils of Darkness quickly consumed all the materials, dragging them into the coffin like a hungry vortex. The lid quickly closed after that, but a dark shroud covered the Coffin as it rose into the air.


    Alea had finished her preparations just in time, and the first bolt of purple lightning mmed into the coffin a momentter, instantly dispersing the darkness. The whole coffin shuddered as Zac felt a pang of pain in his mind, but he could sense that both Alea and the Spirit Tool itself had endured the first strike just fine. There was just a scorched spot on the lid and some small cracks across its surface.


    The lid opened slightly again, releasing a second puff of darkness, this one even more condensedpared to thest. Unfortunately, just like Alea''s defenses grew stronger, so did the bolts of lightning, and the second tribtion left deep cracks across the whole lid. Luckily, there should only be one more to go, and Zac was relieved to see the lid open a third time.


    However, relief turned into confusion and fear as the ten-meter avatar of Aleas torso appeared, her ck eyes staring up at the sky as she stretched her arms out in a familiar gesture.


    Are you crazy?! Zac shouted with horror, but he didnt dare go closer. Doing so would just infuriate the Tribtion Cloud, making things harder for Alea. Don''t copy me! Absorbing that thing is extremely dangerous!


    However, Alea didnt seem to listen, and Zac could only pray she knew what she was doing. He looked on with worry as the final bolt of lightning descended, drenching the avatar in a sea of purple death. The demoness held on for a moment, but Zac was horrified to see that she eventually cracked and broke apart, absolutely incapable of containing the punishment with <strong>[Death''s Embrace]</strong>.


    Zac felt like he was back on that mountaintop again, helplessly watching Aleas soul fall apart. The only thing keeping him from going crazy was his connection with the demoness. It was weakened, but her consciousness was still there, so he stayed his hand as he saw the coffin drag the fragmented pieces of the spirit back inside.


    Along with a mote of lightning.


    The Tribtion Lightning seemed infuriated, and it showered the whole coffin in lightning,pletely obscuring Zac''s vision. Thankfully, it only had so much energy to expend, and Zac sensed reluctance as the bolt dissipated. Left behind, was a pitch-ck obelisk of condensed darkness, reminding Zac of the times <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>had enclosed itself in a bloody crystal.


    <em>''Soon,''</em> Zac heard in his mind before the connection was cut.


    You just woke up and youre already going into seclusion again? Zac helplessly muttered as he looked at the ck cocoon, but he was inwardly awash with relief.


    It looked like she had broken through sessfully, and judging by the materials she had consumed, it was bound to be a big leap in power.


    Who goes there?! a ferocious shout broke the calm just as it settled, and Zac looked over with bemusement to see a spectral apparition float over with furious momentum.


    Or rather hide behind two hulking puppets that emitted the power that even surpassed the Half-Step cksmith golem he fought to open up the Dao Repository.


    My Lord! You''re back! a surprised voice eximed as the ghost peered over the shoulder of one of its bodyguards.


    Its been a while, Triv, Zac smiled. How are you?


    Nothing toin about, now that young master is back, Triv said as he hurriedly flew over. Your aura is like the radiant sun, and your return is like the parting of the clouds, a great-"


    Alright, alright, Zac snorted. What is it?


    Incidentally, I was wondering if the young master has joined the Undead Empire? I was shocked to hear you once more met up with the noble Draugr mistress who visited our province a decade ago, Triv said. It truly is fated.


    Well, shes putting in a good word for me, Zac smiled as he started carrying the ck cocoon toward his courtyard. I am not sure how things stand though. Things spiraled out of control a bit in Twilight Harbor, and Ive been stuck in an isted world for the past four years. How is the situation on Earth? You guys actually started an Incursion?


    There have been some problems among the dreamers, from what Ive heard, Triv slowly said. Unrest on the main continent of this world. Infighting, seizing territory. Of course, no one has dared make any big moves even with master gone and much of our forces being upied on the other world. But I hear there are rumors of you sumbing off-world, and there is just a matter of time the elites of this world start fighting for your supposedly empty throne.


    Well, as long as nothing has happened, its fine, Zac nodded before he stopped and looked at his butler with a frown. "Wait, the elites are still offworld? Whats going on?


    Zac had always assumed that the Incursion would be over by now. Over four years had passed since it started, far longer than the situation on Earth to reach a critical point. If his people still hadnt returned, it usually meant one of two things; either, they had been eradicated by the natives orpeting factions.


    If not, they had been dragged into a drawn-out battle, which also indicated the situation had turned thorny.


    They are still there, though the situation is mostly stable from what I hear, Triv sighed. The Invasion Gate has long since stabilized, and the elites spend most of their time on the other side. The level restriction has been increased all the way to level 150 already, but it is still very expensive to go back and forth. So most stay there permanently since the environment over there is still far superior as there is still some lingering Origin Dao."


    Zac wasn''t surprised. Even he had felt just how much worse the environment became after Earth lost itsst specks of Origin Dao, and the situation was far more palpable to cultivators who depended on their affinities and meditation to seize Dao Seeds.


    For example, among the demons who joined the Azh''Rezak incursion, only a handful had Dao Seeds by the time they arrived, but after a few years on Earth, almost seventy percent had formed their first Dao Seed, and a few had formed multiple. And that was despite the Dimensional Seed siphoning off a good chunk of the Origin Dao the System awarded Earth.


    If he was a cultivator, he wouldn''t want to spend any time on Earth either as long as there were Origin Dao to be had somewhere else.


    "Is young master interested in heading over? Triv asked.


    Soon, but not right now, Zac slowly said after some thought.


    Zac wanted to meet everyone, but now that he had finally returned, he suddenly felt extremely exhausted like he had been carrying a heavy load for years. He needed to settle down a bit first and stabilize his mental state. Besides, while he had managed to repair most of his broken pathways the month he stayed off-world, he had reopened some internal wounds during the teleportation just now.


    For now, I need to recuperate for a while, Zac continued. It took some effort escaping the ce where I was trapped. Can youpile a report of all major events and changes since I left? Oh, and dont tell anyone I am back, except Abby and Adran. Come back in three hours.


    Certainly, Triv hurriedly nodded, and he was gone in a sh a momentter.


    Seeing the ghost disappear while the two guardian golems, who clearly had been upgraded somehow, lumbered off, Zac turned toward his courtyard. As he walked through thergepound, he was filled with a mix of emotions. At a secluded spot between two trees, Zac spotted an antique telephone booth painted pink, left behind by Thea during the time she lived in this ce.


    The wholepound was filled with these kinds of things, especially the area around his living quarters. Seeing the installment made Zac stop for a while with a sigh. Close to seven years had passed since Leandra returned, her appearance an even deadlier cmity than the Tribtion Lightning.


    The hurt had slowly faded over the past years, but the guilt remained. Zac still wondered if Thea would have been caught in the crosshairs if he had been more forthright about the secrets he kept. He should have realized that Thea would have noticed therge researchbs and factories underground, no matter how ingenious Kenzies means to hide them were.


    Zac hesitated a bit, but he ultimately chose to keep the telephone booth and the other items where they were as he returned to his courtyard. The walled-in mansion was exactly as he had left it, except for two additions. The Ambient Energy had increased by a noticeable margin, no doubt the result of Trivs hard work. Zac couldnt exactly put his finger on it, but he was reasonably certain that the trees in the whole inner area of Port Atwood had been rearranged to be a massive formation.


    And his courtyard was in the eye of the formation, the hotspot for ambient energy.


    The second change was that the courtyard had more than doubled in size, adding a second building drenched in Miasma. However, this half was shrouded in high-powered arrays, and it looked like a hedged-off garden from the outside. Zac guessed that Triv was afraid Zac would forget or discard his undead side, so it added this ce.


    The encased coffin wasn''t absorbing any energy at the moment, but he still chose to leave it at the heart of the miasmic zone of his courtyard just in case. After that, he took out one of the folding chairs from his old camper and sat down, taking a deep breath as he took in the moment.


    He really was back. Finally.


    The road had been far bumpier than he had expected, no matter if you looked at the Twilight Ascent or what came next. In return, the gains were almost unfathomable for a trip that was initially just meant as a shopping spree to look for skills and some way to upgrade his undead side to D-grade race.


    He had already looked at his screen dozens of times the past month now that it wasn''t restricted any longer, but he still couldn''t resist taking another look. Sometimes it almost felt like a delirious fever-dream thinking back on what he had been through over the past years, but numbers don''t lie.


    <strong>Name</strong>


    <strong>Zachary Atwood</strong>


    <strong>Level</strong>


    <strong>145</strong>


    <strong>ss</strong>


    <strong>[E-Epic] Edge of Arcadia</strong>


    <strong>Race</strong>


    <strong>[D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)</strong>


    <strong>Alignment</strong>


    <strong>[Earth] Port Atwood -ary Lord</strong>


    <strong>Titles</strong>


    <strong>Born for Carnage, Ultimate Reaper, Luck of the Draw, Giantsbane, Disciple of David, Overpowered, yer of Leviathans, Adventurer, Demon yer I, Full of ss, Rarified Being, Trailzer, Child of Dao, The Big 500,ary Aegis, One Against Many, Butcher, Progenitor Noblesse, Duplicity Core, Apex Hunter, Heaven''s Chosen, Scion of Dao, Omnidextrous, Eastern Trigram Hunt - 1st, Tyrannic Force, Achievement Hunter, The First Step, Promising Specialist, Tower of Eternity - 8th Floor, Heaven''s Triumvirate, Fated, Peak Power, Sovereign-Select, Frontrunner, Apex Progenitor, Pathstrider, Runebinder, Runic Erudition, Grand Fate</strong>


    <strong>Limited Titles</strong>


    <strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, The Final Twilight, Equanimity, Heart of Fire, Big Axe diator</strong>


    <strong>Dao</strong>


    <strong>Branch of the War Axe - Early, Branch of the Kalpataru - Early, Branch of the Pale Seal - Early</strong>


    <strong>Core </strong>


    <strong>[E] Duplicity</strong>


    <strong>Strength</strong>


    <strong>18177 [Increase: 123%. Efficiency: 287%]</strong>


    <strong>Dexterity</strong>


    <strong>7526 [Increase: 88%. Efficiency: 206%]</strong>


    <strong>Endurance</strong>


    <strong>14540 [Increase: 124%. Efficiency: 287%]</strong>


    <strong>Vitality</strong>


    <strong>12512 [Increase: 112%. Efficiency: 273%]</strong>


    <strong>Intelligence</strong>


    <strong>3058 [Increase: 82%. Efficiency: 206%]</strong>


    <strong>Wisdom</strong>


    <strong>5995 [Increase: 89%. Efficiency: 216%]</strong>


    <strong>Luck</strong>


    <strong>632 [Increase: 106%. Efficiency: 229%]</strong>


    <strong>Free Points</strong>


    <strong>0</strong>


    <strong>Nexus Coins</strong>


    <strong> [D] 933 662 </strong>


    As looked at the numbers, a smile slowly spread across his face like it had many times before. He knew he was just an antpared to the old monsters littering the Multiverse, but he had to admit - he was getting kind of stacked.

 Book 9 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    Book 9 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!


    Hey all, the next one in the series is finally out, continuing where we left off in January! As usual, there''s also a sale on the older books for the collectors out there.<em><strong> Links in the author note!</strong></em>


    <em><strong>Chaos is descending on the City of Ancients.</strong></em>


    <em>The Twilight Ascent ising to a boil. The Eveningtide Asura''s ns are nearing fruition, while powerful factions try to block his ascent. The survival of Twilight Harbor and its citizens depends on who''s victorious. Zac finds himself tied to the asura''s chariot, but that''s only one of his problems.</em>


    <em>Uona Noz''Vdir has stolen the Splinter of Oblivion, leaving Zac with a ticking time bomb of Creation in his body. A trap has been set within the City of Ancients, but Zac has no choice but to enter the belly of the beast.</em>N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <em>A final battle awaits, and Zac is determined to show everyone the price of meddling with his path.</em>

 Book 10 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    Book 10 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!


    No, unfortunately not a chapter.


    But good news! While there are no new chapters this month, Defiance of the Fall is never truly on break. Book 10 out now in all formats! So if you''re missing your regr DotF fix, check it out! n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <em>Having escaped the Orom''s prison, Zac has finally returned to Earth. Much has changed during his years off-world, with war brewing in the Zecia Sector. Struggle is the System''s mandate, where the strong thrive, and the weak suffer.</em>


    And since August is the perfect month for a re-read, Books 1-9 are all on sale for just 99c/ea (UK/US only)! Links up in author note.

 Chapter [BOOK 12 START]: Null

    Chapter [BOOK 12 START]: Null


    The moment Zac infused his energy into the token, a deep hum like the moving of tectonic tes filled his ears as a series of runes sprouted around him. A storm of Cosmic Energy gathered above, almost covering the wholepound. It raged and roiled, and it only got worse when Ogras activated his token. It was almost like the sky was trying to eat itself.


    Zac hadn''t expected such a scene from activating the token, and he shared a look with Ogras.


    "See you on the other side." the demon said before disappearing.


    Zac nodded at the trio before rushing in the opposite direction. He only stopped at the edge of hispound and nodded in satisfaction upon seeing that the storm had stabilized and split into two. It was just a precautionary measure to ensure there wasn''t any interference or issues with the teleportation.


    The runes being conjured by the token grew more numerous by the second. They soon began attaching themselves to his body, forming a cocoon before a slit in space appeared below him. It wasn''t some random spatial tear, though. It was lined with incrediblyplex golden runes, far surpassing the patterns on any Teleportation Array he''d seen. Zac didn''t get the chance to make any sense of them before being dropped inside, and he soon found himselfunched through the Void of Space.


    The experience waspletely different from using the Teleportation Arrays. There was a palpable sense of speed even in the Void, and Zac suspected he was traveling hundreds, if not thousands, of times faster than when he was teleported with the standard arrays provided by the System in the Zecia sector.


    It was a relief, though Zac was a bit confused. He''d expected that the System would perform one of its instant teleportations to send him to the Perennial Vastness, like when he visited the Hunt or the Tower of Eternity. Instead, he found himself shuttled at a speed beyond light for roughly thirty minutes until he saw light in the endless darkness.


    A magic circle?


    Was it something the token had conjured for him? No, if it had, why wait for half an hour? Besides, it was simply huge, at least the size of a, and it radiated such incredibly dense Spatial Fluctuations that the Void was pushed back. Something like that couldn''t possibly be contained in his little token.


    The runes on his body flickered, and Zac looked on with interest as a wheel turned in the middle of the circle. It almost looked like the gear on a bank vault, but the whole circle didn''t open like a huge door. Instead, a small vortex, not muchrger than Zac''s cocoon, appeared right in front of him, and he shot through.


    Zac didn''t know exactly what just happened, but he believed it was one of those shortcuts Iz had mentioned. Looking back, he saw either the same or another magic circle shrink in the distance as Zac continued on his way. A simr scene happened twice more over the next two hours, until Zac saw an identical golden ring light up at his feet.


    The next moment, the frantic movement was gone, and Zac found himself floating in endless darkness. It wasn''t the Void, but rather a proper dimension that didn''t try to rip him apart. He wasn''t sure what was going on, but the token he''d held onto lit up, and a simple screen appeared in front of him.


    <strong>[Please Wait]</strong>


    So Zac waited for another ten minutes until he suddenly felt a vast presence descend upon him. It almost felt like receiving the attention of the System or the old Heavens, yet there wasn''t the cold indifference of the former or the wrath of thetter. Instead, it felt like a calm ocean, almost soothing and weing.


    Zac felt the consciousness spread through him, and he didn''t try to fight it. For one, he knew there was no way he could, even if he wanted. Not even Mossy couldpare to this presence. Secondly, he knew most of his secrets would be exposed whening here one way or another. After all, he would potentially have to spend years forming his core, continuously swapping between his races.


    What did it matter if his secrets were exposed now orter?


    There was no other way. His chances at reaching Hegemony weren''t great, even with the Light of Ultom creating an amazing Core Blueprint. Actually building it was simply tooplicated, and he was just a Mortal. Even if he somehow seeded in breaking through back home, he''d probably waste years in the process and end up with a Low-quality core at best.


    By that point, the struggle inside Ultom might already have started, and he would havepletely missed any chance at catching up with the elites who would enter.


    The Perennial Vastness was his only shot at breaking through properly, forming a powerful enough foundation he''d be able to burst forth to the Peak Middle D-grade. At that point, he believed he''d be able to deal with almost any Frontier Hegemon, which would be an important lifeline for Earth.


    So he watched on, fighting his instincts as he let himself get scanned, including his Specialty Core. Leandra''s Array was active, but the presence saw right through it. Leandra had said it would work against most Autarchs, proving just how powerful this presence was.


    The scan didn''t linger too long on his Duplicity Core, though. It moved on after just a few seconds, leaving Zac with mixed emotions. Part of him just wanted to scream, ''<em>Take a good look at the core! Isn''t it amazing?</em>'' now that someone finally could see it. It was so powerful it was almost a cheat, and Zac had almost expected the owners of the Perennial Vastness to appear in front of him.


    Yet, the presence seemed to deem it not very interesting. It actually spent twice the time looking at the constetion of Soul Cores dancing around in his Soul Aperture. Ten secondster, both tendril and presence were gone, leaving Zac alone in the emptiness of space. The screen telling him to please wait appeared once more until the darkness suddenly cracked.


    "Wee!" a bubbly voice said as the world was filled with color. "Wee to the Perennial Vastness!"


    "Uh, thanks," Zac said as he looked around with confusion. "What''s going on?"


    Zac didn''t know what he''d expected of the Perennial Vastness, but it wasn''t this. The name conjured images of endless ins or oceans stretching toward the horizons. Neither of them matched reality. Instead, he found himself in the middle of a swarm of cosmic fireflies, thousands of them all around him. Everything was hazy, making it impossible to know whether the lights were the size of a person or if they were suns far away in the distance.


    "Some things are being prepared for your arrival, so you will have to wait a bit," the voice answered. "You can consider this the orientation."


    "Alright," Zac hesitated as he looked around. "And who are you?"


    "Isn''t it polite to introduce yourself first?"


    The voice was a bit childish and mischievous, making Zac think of Emily when she was still a teenager.


    "I''m Zac," Zac said, not bothering toe up with another pseudonym.


    From what Zac had gathered, thepulsions that guarded the secrets of this ce were extremely thorough. The whole visit was subject to a confidentiality use enforced by the System and empowered by whoever ran this ce. Zac wouldn''t even be able to discuss things with Ogras afterward, apart from the cultivation aspects and his gains in this ce.


    Not even the Undead Empire elites knew what was happening inside. Any attempts at breaking the restriction ended with the whole visit to the Perennial Vastness being wiped outincluding your memories of your core formation and other gains. An A-grade Eidolon had tried to uncover the secrets without sess, proving just how exquisite the seal was.


    The Monarchs of the Undead Empire might have been holding back on him, but Zac doubted it. This ce had been around for hundreds of millions of years, yet not a single piece of tangible information had spread out. It was safe to say that most things that happened here wouldn''t leave the trial. As such, he''d decided not to be overly secretive, especially considering he''d be forced to showcase his two forms in either case.


    Just as importantly, Zac was tired of running around taking on fake identities, hiding who he was while fearfully looking over his shoulder. That kind of behaviorpletely shed with his path. In a sense, the Perennial Vastness was the perfect ce to gauge the reactions from people all across the Multiverse as he showed more of his true self.


    Of course, only an idiot would unt all their secrets for anyone who could see, but there had to be a middle-ground between paranoia and carelessness. While Zac wouldn''t share his full name, he could at least go by Zac. He''d also modified his appearance so that no one could easily connect his identity to Zachary Atwood of the Zecia Sector.


    "Zac, huh? You''re kind of a weirdo, Zac of the Frontier," the voice giggled. "Then again, I shouldn''tin. I wouldn''t have been born if you hadn''t been a weirdo. Hum, since you''re so weird, what should I call myself? Alright, you can call me Null."


    "Null," Zac asked with confusion. "What does that have to do with me?"


    "Look around you," Null said. "See all those lights?"


    "Of course."


    "Some of those are guests like you waiting to be sent down, others are beings entering the Perennial Vastness for other reasons. The lights are guides such as myself. Normally, we''re sent to guide guests with matching affinities."


    "Oh," Zac said with a wry smile upon realizing there was no light around him.


    "Exactly," Nullughed. "The boss had to specially create me since you''re a weirdo with no affinities. Don''t worry, though. I have been imparted with all the knowledge I need. I won''t be any worse than the others. Perhaps even better since I was handcrafted."


    "Can I ask who the boss is?" Zac asked.


    "Huh? It''s the Perennial Vastness, of course."


    "I know, but who owns it?"


    "No one. The Perennial Vastness is the Perennial Vastness."


    "The world itself is sapient?" Zac said with surprise.


    "Something like that. It''s beyond me, but the lines get blurred at the top. Either case, it''s the Perennial Vastness that''s reached an agreement with the System, and it''s the one who sends tokens into the universe."


    "Can I ask why?"


    "Isn''t it a bitte for that after alreadying all this way?" Null snickered.


    "Humor me," Zac smiled, feeling no animosity from the odd guide.


    "Simply put, your cultivation system is imperfect because the Dao is yet imperfect. But with every generation, the Heavens mend and evolve, and the paths of cultivation evolve with it. Furthermore, this recovery process can be sped up, and the boss is one of the System''s helpers. And you, in turn, are helping the boss with his task. In a sense."


    Zac exhaled, finally putting two and two together. If what Null said was true, it was no wonder no faction had imed this ce, even if it was a top-tier Immemorial Realmsomething that would attract even A-grade factions. Trying to snatch this ce was to steal from the System, and few were foolish enough to do something like that.


    And even if they dared, did they have the strength to do so? The System alone was enough of a deterrent, but the World Core was most likely monstrously powerful on its own. If the World Core had evolved to the point it could freely control the energy of its realm like a cultivator, it could absolutely steamroll any cultivator.


    "So it was like that," Zac muttered, feeling more confident about his ns for this ce. "Are you here to help me during this trial? Like a Tutorial pixie?"


    "Yeah, that''s a good analogya Tutorial Pixie, like on the outside. I''ll be your guide and administrator until you leave. If you do good, my life will get upgraded. If not, I''ll die."


    "What?" Zac blurted. "What''s up with those rules?"


    "I don''t know, I was just born," Null said. "My memories tell me that some of us prefer to hide it and then tell itter after we''ve bonded to get a better effect. But why not tell you from the start? In either case, let''s work hard at creating your core. I''ll do my best to guide you in the Perennial Vastness. You just focus on cultivation."


    "Just to be clear, will anyone find out about my actions in here?" Zac asked.


    "You''re nning on creating trouble?" Null giggled. "That''s fine. The Perennial Vastness is neutral, and we will help sever any Karma and remove any tracking marks before you leave. Of course, even if the other guests can''t talk about you, they''ll certainly remember certain aspects of you. So you''ll have to figure out a way to kill them before they leave or bear their grudge.


    "I''m going a bit ahead of schedule here, but I can add that the boss has covered the whole ce in a couple of special arrays. People will not be able to remember your face or name on the outside. So even if you pass each other on the street, you''ll not notice each other. But if you two sh and expose your auras, you''ll be able to tell."


    "I understand," Zac said. "Killing is allowed?"


    "There are some rules and restrictions in ce, but essentially yes. Struggle is Heaven''s Law," Null said.


    As expected, it seemed like you couldn''t just seclude yourself for a couple of years and form your core without a care in the world. Even then, Zac wasn''t nning on staying low-key. Trying to stay unnoticed might just end with him not getting the resources he needed to form his incrediblyplicated Cosmic Core.


    Furthermore, this trial wasn''t like the Twilight Ocean. There weren''t any old monsters around who could turn him into ash with a look. Secondly, he wasn''t the same person as he was back then. He''d entered the Twilight Ascent as a Middle E-grade cultivator with mostly F-grade skills, imperfect techniques, and Dao Fragments rather than Dao Branches.


    By this point, almost all of his skills were already pushed to E-grade Peak Mastery, he had three Middle Stage Dao Branches, and his Combat Technique was already at Middle Integration. Even if he couldn''t guarantee he was the strongest participant in this ce, he was definitely up there. This was doubly true when you considered that many peak factions, like Iz''s family, had their own unique methods of forming Cosmic Cores. Iz could obviously get her hands on a Perennial Vastness token if she wanted it, but she had no interest or need to go to a ce like this.


    He was at the top, and most of his actions here would be sealed away. So why shy away from taking what he needed to seed in his breakthrough? Even if he had created a blueprint after years of work, only half the battle was won. And nothing came for free in the Multiverse. Why would the Perennial Vastness be any different?


    He would have to be both ruthless and shameless to snatch as many benefits as possible.


    "You have the aura of a bloody conqueror," Null said, but there was no reproach in her voice. "That''s good. I think I''ll be one of the survivors. But don''t get ahead of yourself. The ce is notpletelywless. Are you ready for the tour?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Absolutely," Zac said, inwardly relieved that his unique constitution seemingly hadn''t elicited much of a reaction except getting a tailor-made guide.


    Zac hadn''t gained much from the Undead Empire regarding the Perennial Vastness over the past years. If there were any factions with an inside scoop, the Undead Empire wasn''t part of them. Instead, they had been forced to infer what little they knew about this ce. For example, people knew it was a time-dted trial by measuring the temporal energy inside the bodies of those who had returned.


    ording to the delegates from the Undead Empire, the average cultivator seemed to have spent 17 years in this ce, at a temporal ratio of 1:10. Oddly enough, there didn''t seem to be a strong corrtion between how good a core the people got and how long they stayed in this ce.


    In fact, those who stayed the full 50 years generally emerged with suboptimal results. Conversely, there had been many examples of people emerging after just a few years with great cores. That was exactly Zac''s goal so that he could return before the war started in earnest.


    "Just one question, though. I want to join up with two other guests. Is that possible?"


    "Of course. Some choose to go at it alone, while others team up. Both are viable options as you fight for Mana."


    "Mana?"


    "That''s right," Null said as a gate opened in front of Zac. "The next few years of your life will be spent obsessing over Mana. Of how to get it and how to protect what you have. Only with enough Mana can we both reforge our fates. Now, let''s go."


    Roiling clouds shrouded the situation on the other side of the gate, but Zac almost nked out from the incredibly dense energy that wafted over him.


    So far, the Perennial Vastness lived up to its name.

 Chapter Book 11 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU!

    Chapter Book 11 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU!


    It''s that time of year again! Book 11 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Amazon and Kindle Unlimited! As usual, there''s also a sale on the older books for the collectors out there.<em><strong> Links in the author note!</strong></em>


    Unfortunately, the tight release schedule has finally caught up to me. I finished work on the manuscript a tad toote, so <strong>the Audiobook wille out on the 15th instead</strong>. Preorder is open, though!


    <em>Ultom stirs and the Era turns.</em>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <em>The sector is gearing up for war, unknowing the enemy has already reached their doorstep. The Void Star will be a springboard for their invasion unless Zac can stop them.</em>


    <em>Meanwhile, a mysterious inheritance is rising from the depths of history, one connected to Zac''s origin. Ancient ns areing to fruition as the Multiverse''s elites flock to Zecia. Zac has finally reunited with his oldpanion, but will it be enough to survive the gathering storm?</em>

 Chapter: Drafted

    Chapter: Drafted


    Zac stepped into the meeting room with Vri and Emily in tow. His alter ego and the leaders of the Cmity Company were already seated, along with Ilvere and the Undead Empire''s liaisons. His Draugr persona sat with his eyes closed in meditation, shutting out the surroundings.


    It was a small trick Zac had adopted over the past months after having grown tired of talking with himself in these meetings. He let the mounting pressures and his already irond reputation as a cultivation maniac work in his favor.


    "Wee back," Joanna said, frowning upon seeing Zac''s expression. "What''s wrong? Did something happen at the battlefront?"


    "No," Zac said with a helpless shake of his head. "No surprises this time. I just spent all my money again. Hate the feeling."


    "Don''t let the cycle of consumption drive you off the cliff," Ilvere guffawed. "My grandma met her end that way. Found a good hunting spot, but the riches it brought only increased her expenses. She had to take greater and greater risks as the easiest targets were gone. One day, she simply didn''t return."


    "Maybe she was tired of providing for her money-burning descendants and ran away," Emily said with a wink.


    "Aye, that might be the case. She could be off living the good life somewhere right now," Ilvereughed, but his face soon grew somber. "Then again, none of us are having a good timetely."


    "No changes in the prompt, right?" Zac ventured as he sat down.


    "Nothing," Ilvere grunted, ncing up at therge map floating in the middle of therge conference table. It was a smaller replica of the one in the middle of themand center, showcasing the current situation in Zecia. "Conquests don''t seem to prolong the deadline. At least not the ones we''re doing."


    Zac sighed as he looked up at the map. By now, the Red Zone of the Allbright Empire was red in reality, with thousands of worlds conquered or contested. Worse, the defeats indicated on the gctic map were weeks old, and the situation hadn''t improved since. If anything, the defensive line had been pushed back even further after the Kan''Tanu erected a beachhead.


    "Any big changes?"


    "Much of the information is restricted, but rumors are that another War Fortress fell two days ago," Ilvere sighed. "Everyone is sending reinforcements and supplies, but the Kan''Tanu is doing the same. I hear new Kan''Tanu vessels are appearing all over the ce."


    "They have portable vessels?" Emily eximed. "Have they stolen our technology?"


    "They don''t," Petrus rejected. "But that doesn''t mean they can''t teleport Cosmic Vessels over. They just need to send them over in pieces and assemble them at location. Then, their Array Masters only need to put the finishing touches on the Spatial Arrays."


    "That''s right," Ilvere nodded. "I talked with our contact in the Allbright Army. The Kan''Tanu have set up factories on hundreds of worlds. Our side is trying to take them out, but we have trouble just holding onto thend we have."


    "We''re really losing?" Emily frowned.


    "The first sh proved that the enemy has deeper foundations and more dangerous means," Serzo said. "Monarchs are incredibly difficult to kill, yet Zecia lost more than a dozen in the first day of battle, one of them our own. Sure, we''ve killed a couple ourselves, but we''ve undeniablye out on the losing end. However, that doesn''t mean the war is over. The defeat has stirred some reclusive Monarchs into action, and the frontlines actually have more C-grade cultivators than before now."


    "So what are they doing?" the young shaman glowered. "Are those old things waiting for millions of us low-grade cultivators to sacrifice ourselves before they strike back?"


    "In a sense, yes," Petrus calmly said, lifting his hand when Emily was about to continue. "This is the reality of war. Victory or defeat will ultimately be decided by those at the top, but that doesn''t mean the battles between the lower-grade cultivators are without purpose."


    "We are chess pieces," Zac said.


    "Exactly," Serzo nodded. "The Monarchs don''t want to die any more than the rest of us, but that''s not what''s holding them back. War is a game of chess. If the queen rushes into the enemy lines, they''ll be taken out without a doubt. If too many fall, the bnce will break, and the Kan''Tanu will flood the sector unhindered."


    "That''s where youe in," Petrus continued. "The System is aiding both sides by allowing teleportation to the frontlines through the Battlefront Arrays. Each world we recapture will weaken the Kan''Tanu''s hold on our sector, especially if we manage to take out their Curse Farms or factories. Of course, the more important a location we''re targeting, the higher the risk of being targeted by peak D-grade elites. It''s even possible to run into a true Monarch if unlucky."


    "Which is exactly what our side''s Monarchs are hoping for," Zac sighed.


    The Monarchs weren''t hoping for their subordinates to die but to force the Kan''Tanu''s hands as the armies targeted the strategic positions of the beachhead. It gave the Monarchs hiding in the shadows an opportunity to strike, dealing a huge blow to the cultists. Sacrificing a whole army to take out a single Monarch was a worthwhile trade from a strategic standpoint.


    "And you shouldn''t underestimate yourselves," Serzo said. "Monarchs aren''t infallible, especially not here on the Frontiers. It''s not impossible for D-grade armies to kill them, and they aren''t immune to the concentrated attacks of a fleet of Cosmic Vessels. Themon Early Monarchs, anyway."


    "Still, that''s a rough deal," Emily said. "Our equipment won''t save us from the attack of an angry Monarch. I hear casualty rates in some engagements exceeded 90% in some cases. Even if we manage to drag one down with the help of our allies, it''ll be after taking disastrous losses."


    "Like it or not, we have to go," Joanna calmly said. "When life gives you lemons"


    "System''s lemonade, bitter indeed," Carl muttered, and Zac could only agree.


    The System was clearly in favor of the development on the front. It had given everyone the option to join, and Zac had opted out. The situation was even more chaotic in the first weeks of the sh, and blood had flowed like rivers. If Zac needed any further proof of how crazy the situation had be, he just needed to check his Quest Screen.


    One of his shipyard quest''s subgoals was for the sold Creator Vessels to destroy enough enemy vessels. It wasn''t even halfway finished before, but it had finished four days after the Kan''Tanu reached the Red Zone. Calrin was being overwhelmed by requests for more vessels and spare parts, but there wasn''t much they could do. The Creator''s quotas were set by the System.


    Zac definitely wouldn''t send his people to that ce if he had the choice. As he''d said to Kator, his little faction had already contributed more than their fair share. Besides, his elites were steadily growing stronger and umting merit by taking out one Kan''Tanu world after another through the Battlefront Arrays.


    Unfortunately, the System had run out of patience, and the Atwood Empire''s participation was no longer voluntary. They had been given a quota; six battlefronts needed to be fused into two, where each would be sent to the frontlines. Zac had tried to stall as long as possible until the situation stabilized, but the System had added a deadline. He needed to make the adjustments within two weeks, or the System would make them for him.


    All D-grade factions across Zecia were in the same situation, though their quotas and grace periods differed depending on the System''s evaluation. The Atwood Empire were among thest to be forcibly merged, all thanks to their ster performance and non-stop campaigns. The first factions were forcibly merged and sent to the frontlines over a month ago, just hours after the initial sh.


    "Well, at least the returns are good," Joanna offered. "Those who survive are rolling in it. Pretty much everything has strategic value and bonus merit."


    "A faction like ours would be attached to a Middle- or Late D-grade army," Ilvere nodded. "It''s dangerous, but the potential gains are indeed far greater. One day of fighting can surpass the reward of a week''s campaign."


    "That''s right," Emily said, shooting Zac a mischievous grin. "Just look at Zac and Arcaz. They''ve already been pushed down to the 9th and 10th positions."


    Zac answered with a roll of his eyes, once more feeling the pain of his empty pockets. But she was right. Over the past month, his monthly gains surpassed 40,000 for both his identities, a huge improvementpared to when the twopanies were first set up. However, it actually wasn''t enough to maintain his position, let alone climb any higher on thedder.


    "Fate is gathering," Vri added, her tranquil voice like a calmke that spread through the room. "The frontline is the true stage for the seals."


    A few in the meeting weren''t sealbearers, but everyone had already been appraised of the situation. They would have found out sooner orter, even if Zac hadn''t told them. As Vri said, one sealbearer after another popped up on the front. The situation had already reached the point where rumors spread among the elites of Zecia like wildfire.


    Few knew the truth about Ultom or the Left Imperial Pce, but it wasmon knowledge that somebatants were carrying mysterious seals. Finding one on the battlefield meant getting your hands on an unimaginable opportunity. Some were initially skeptical, but that all changed when all the established factions put out monstrous bounties on the seals. Even information of sightings was worth a fortune, and it had attracted numerous elites who would normally have stayed far away from the frontlines.


    The Atwood Empire remained unmoved, even if it had be clear that stumbling onto Starstorm had been a lucky break. After four months of constant fighting since the duel, Zac had only encountered two more. The first was a Soultaker of Ultom. It would have been nice to get a second member of the Anima Court, but the sealbearer had been personally discovered and killed by Vri. She had offered to give up the seal, but Zac wouldn''t snatch Vri''s opportunity like that.


    This way, she''d gained her second seal early, and she was ready to break through at any time. Zac was extremely worried because of her heavy foundation and mysterious bloodline, but there was nothing he could do to help except provide some rare materials he''d found in the Perennial Vastness.


    The second seal was a piece of the Farsee Court. The sealbearer was a Kan''Tanu this time, and he was currently sealed on the bottom floor of Purgatory with Starstorm. Zac wasn''t sure what to do with that one. He already had Ibtep and Jaol for his cycles, and he frankly felt it a waste to give them a second piece of the seal.


    Jaol wasn''t trustworthy enough, and Zac worried it might harm rather than help Ibtep. The Grub Knight might be a Hegemon, but he wasn''t a purebat ss. He didn''t have the strength to be even a minor yer inside the Left Imperial Pce, so reinforcing his connection with Ultom could very well result in the Zhix never returning.


    "You have to make a choice."


    It was Petrus who had spoken, steadily looking at Zac. The choice was simple; should he enter the fray in earnest, or should he sacrifice six of the weaker armies to protect his elites and his core strength? Many had done just that, judging by the reports.


    But that wasn''t Zac''s path, and it wasn''t the culture he wanted to foster in his empire. Strength was a gift but also a responsibility.


    "I''ve already discussed this with Arcaz. The System has made its will known, and we have to listen. We''re joining the battle in earnest," Zac said.


    His Draugr half opened his eyes and spoke up for the first time in the meeting. "Cmity and Acheron can''t continue as they are. Our string of victories has been too eye-catching in either case. We barely avoided that headhunting squad thest time, thanks to Vri''s early warning. The System is also sending us to increasingly dangerous ces. It''s only a matter of time before disaster strikes, so we might as well take our chances."


    "It''s true," Petrus nodded. "Someone has managed to grab onto the patterns, and your faction is like a shining beacon. If I were the Kan''tanu, I''d station a Half-step Monarch in the region we were active in. A good way to snatch a whole faction of sealbearers."


    Zac nodded in agreement. "Give out the order. The Fourth and Sixth will merge with the Cmity Company in ten days. The Eighth and Twelfth will join the Acheron Company."


    "If there''s resistance?" Ilvere asked.


    The situation on the battlefront was public knowledge, so the soldiers of the other battalions knew what getting picked meant. They were mostly manned by normal warriors, many of which weren''t even Late E-grade. Each battalion had a core of elites, though many had intentionally avoided the two elitepanies until now. They definitely wouldn''t be happy about being sent to the Red Zone.


    Even victories woulde with heavy casualties among thesemon troops; the superior equipment of the Atwood Army couldn''t change that. Zac was helpless to do anything, but months of warfare had numbed him to the cost of war. You could only keep trudging on, praying that the light at the end of the tunnel was hard-won peace rather than death.


    "This is not an open forum. They''re soldiers; they don''t get to pick where they''re sent," Zac said. "Quash any resistance. Deal with deserters the usual way. No transfers will be approved beyond the scheduled cycling."


    "We''ll deal with everything, " Ilvere agreed.


    "Are we finishing another campaign before setting off?" Joanna asked.


    "No," Zac said. "I''m giving bothpanies the full grace period to recover and consolidate. We could all use the break."


    "Good," Petrus nodded. "I''m certain the break will pave the way for thousands of breakthroughs. It''s not easy to connect with the Dao when you''re always on the move and fearing for your life."


    "That''s what I''m betting on," Zac said. "I hear many have scrounged up enough merit for Temporal Chambers. I hope we''ll see some more Hegemons that can help shore up our lines."


    "Don''t get your hopes up too much," Ilvere said. "I know those seals have let a few smoothly pass through, but Hegemony is a massive watershed. I know the Atwood Empire has far surpassed the Azh''Rezak n already, but it wasn''t like the n was solely made up of wastrels. Even then, the n only had six Hegemons, most barely worth the name."


    "I know," Zac said.


    Admittedly, Zac didn''t have huge expectations for the second generation of Hegemons. The first batch were all his closest confidants, elites who had relied on the insights of Ultom to create unique, top-quality Cosmic Cores. The next batch would likely be the exact opposite.


    Those who entered the E-grade first on Earth weren''t the elites who had dominated the variousdders. It was those with shallow foundations who had chosen Common E-grade sses. In contrast, many of the talents from the first year were still stuck in F-grade even a decadeter. They had picked powerful sses and dominated the early months but hadn''t umted the Dao and achievements necessary to get a matching E-grade ss.


    Simrly, those who would form their Cosmic Cores were likely those who followed one of the Atwood Empire''s basic Heritages. Elite soldiers who were strong, but not too strong. They''d use simple Cosmic Cores, barely making any alterations. It was far easier than creating something suited for your path, but these cultivators were unlikely to even reach the peak of Early D-Grade.


    Not only that, but most would fail. They didn''t enter seclusion equipped with the sublime understanding awarded by the seals. Most barely understood how the Cosmic Cores functioned and simply followed their Heritage like it was a cookbook. But that was how things worked in established factions. If anything, the Atwood Empire was extremely unconventional in how many unique paths their leaders had. It was something you almost only saw on newly integrated worlds.


    The meeting ended two hourster, but Joanna stopped Zac just as he was about to leave for the teleporter. Zac saw the determination in her eyes and knew she''d made her decision.


    "You''re going?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "I wanted to say goodbye," Joanna said. "And thank you for everything."


    "Don''t talk like you''re noting back," Zac frowned.


    "Still."


    "I''m the one who should thank you," Zac said, feeling extremely helpless. "You read the reports from the Undead Empire and the Alliance. The trials are all different, but the lethality rates"


    "That''s all the more reason for me to go," Joanna said. "If it were easy, the reward wouldn''t be worth it."


    "If it''s just a seal, we''ll find more," Zac couldn''t help but say. "Especially when we head to the frontlines."


    "No, it''s not about the seal," Joanna said. "Not really, anyway. I feel I need to do this, for myself, for my path. I have to prove to myself that I have the qualifications to strive for the Dao. That I''m more than the scared girl you picked up in Greenworth all those years ago."


    "You''ve already proven that a thousand times over."


    Joanna just looked at him with fierce determination.


    "Alright, go," Zac sighed, pushing down his anxiety to smile at his captain. "Show them the mettle of the Atwood Valkyries. I''ll be waiting for you to lead us to the front lines."


    "I''ll be back."


    Zac wordlessly looked at Joanna''s departing back as she headed for her home at the academy. They''d have the answer in ten days. If sessful, Joanna would return at that point, stronger than ever. If not, she wouldn''t return at all.N?v(el)B\\jnn

 Chapter [BOOK 13 START]: The Path Forward

    Chapter [BOOK 13 START]: The Path Forward


    Zac''s body was absolutely wrung dry after enduring the tribtion, yet he felt like a million bucks as he dragged himself toward the Nexus Node. He only briefly stopped, looking hesitantly at his core. It had shrunk to two-thirds of its original size, emitting a condensed aura of power. However, it was also covered in small cracks, and it still released the asional burst of unstable energy.


    The insides of the Duplicity Core were the only spot that hadn''t been drained by his Hidden Node and the Duplicity Core, and his core had just finished rooting it all out. Zac knew picking a ss with a damaged core wasn''t an issue, but should he wait a bit longer? It would give him some time to recover.


    No, that wasn''t an option. A deep rumble shifted his insides as yet another mountain crumbled in the distance. The Duplicity Core was insatiable, but Zac wasn''t sure how much it could take. It had stopped its transformation while waiting for him to pick a ss, but what if he dyed too long? The Technocrat invention had already provided enough surprises. He didn''t want to wait to find out if some fail-safes were installed to avoid overloading the Duplicity Core with energy.


    Better he pick now before his mother somehow picked for him.


    The Nexus Node was different from the one he had back home. For one, it was only the size of a football, making it feel like a portable version. The dense golden scripts across its surface proved it was anything but simple, though. Between the runes and the stable aura it emitted, Zac even suspected it was far superior to the normal ones he''d encountered thus far.


    This was the moment he''d been eagerly expecting, and his heart beat with anticipation as he ced his hand on the smooth surface. This was thest step. Having already endured the tribtion of the Boundless Heaven, the System wouldn''t target him with another trial of its own. Only cultivators within Heaven''s Path would have to deal with the tests he''d endured when entering E-grade.


    Zac had originally been disappointed by that fact. Entering Hegemony would simultaneously attack you with all three types of tribtions, but so what? All aspects of his cultivation were beyond ordinary, be it his body, soul, or heart. Conversely, the experience had uncovered some sealed memories of his past. This time, he wouldn''t get such an opportunity. Now, Zac was only relieved. The process and tribtion had left him in a far worse state than he''d expected. He just wanted to get things over with now so that he could rest.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was actually a small risk you wouldn''t have any options waiting for you if the System didn''t deem you worthy. But that was quite rare and generally reserved for those who had cheated their way into Hegemony,pletely relying on pills or treasures. If you managed to form a core based on your Daos, you''d generally have at least one ss waiting for you.


    Zac felt a pulse enter his body, and it was suddenly like the Duplicity Core had entered a Quantum State as it hid from the presence. Zac could feel the Nexus Node investigate his pathways and core, and a screen soon appeared.


    <strong>Core Formation Sessful</strong>


    <strong>Design: 87% unique. </strong>


    <strong>Imperfections: Low (10-100).</strong>


    <strong>Evaluation: Middle Quality, S-grade Energy Capacity, S-grade Potential, S-grade level of Innovation.</strong>


    Zac hadn''t expected to get a report card, but he was flush with pride at the evaluation. Besides the middle quality, which Zac had already known about, every evaluation was top-notch. Capacity and potential were the most important ones. The former meant he''d be able to draw far more power from his core than normal Hegemons, and thetter undoubtedly meant potential for upgrades.


    These two being valued at S-level meant there were absolutely no problems taking his core all the way to Monarchy. Zac was the least surprised over the S-grade Innovation evaluation. His core was unique across the Multiverse. If his core didn''t warrant S-grade, none did. However, Zac felt that particr evaluation was more for the System than himself.


    The line reminded Zac of his time in the Technocrat Research Base, where getting the Pathstrider-title marked him for further training. S-grade Innovation felt like being branded an excellent experimental subject, which probably meant the System would throw more trouble your way to nurture you. Then again, that wasn''t anything new, so Zac didn''t mind too much.


    The System seemed to be tabting the results before showing his ss options. Each second felt like an eternity, but Zac breathed in relief when the screen finally updated. It was official; he wasn''t one of the unlucky few. Zac hadn''t been worried his Daos or aplishments would be insufficient, but rather that his odd core would make it difficult for the System to generate suitable sses.


    He''d been tormenting himself for nothing. There was not one, but three choices avable to him.


    ---------------


    <strong>Base Attributes Per Level: </strong>


    Epic: 100 / 150 / 200.


    Arcane: 115 / 170 / 225.


    <strong>[Option 1] </strong>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Epic] Arcadia''s Champion.


    <strong>Fixed Attributes:</strong> Strength +300 / 450 / 600, Vitality: +150 / 225 / 300.


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> +100 / 150 / 200.


    <em>Even Paradise needs a champion, an unrelenting storm of violence.</em>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Epic] Destion''s Warden.


    <strong>Fixed Attributes:</strong> Strength +250 / 375 / 500, Endurance +150 / 225 / 300, Wisdom +75 / 100 / 150.


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> +75 / 125 / 150.


    <em>Bind them to your cmity. Pave your path with blood and bones. Emerge stronger.</em>


    <strong>[Option 2]</strong>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Epic] Primeval Edge.


    <strong>Fixed Attributes: Strength +</strong>250 / 375 / 500, <strong>Dexterity +</strong>75 / 100 / 150, <strong>Vitality +</strong>200 / 300 / 400.


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> +50 / 75 / 100.


    <em>As Life was born, so was struggle. Be the primeval de, reborn through battle.</em>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Epic] Predestination''s Judge.


    <strong>Fixed Attributes:</strong> Strength +275 / 400 / 550, Dexterity +50 / 75 / 100, Endurance +200 / 300 / 400.


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> +50 / 75 / 100.


    <em>As Death was born, so was struggle. Be the judge''s de, the cessation of all.</em>


    <strong>[Option 3] </strong>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    <strong>Fixed Attributes: </strong>Strength +300 / 450 / 600, Dexterity +100 / 150 / 200, Vitality +150 / 225 / 300


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> +100 / 150 / 200


    <em>Progress through struggle, future seized, not given.</em>


    <strong>Name:</strong> [D-Arcane] Inexorable Apostle


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    <strong>Fixed Attributes: </strong>Strength +325 / 475 / 650, Dexterity +75 / 125 / 150, Endurance +150 / 225 / 300.


    <strong>Free Attributes:</strong> 100 / 150 / 200


    <em>Explosive stillness, fate be nourishment to your ascent.</em>


    ---------------------------


    The vortices around him were a reminder his time was limited, but Zac still went over his options word by word. There were not many surprises after having spent years inside the Perennial Vastnessthe gaps in his knowledge that came with being a frontier cultivator had been filled long ago. The only point of interest in the basic information was how the data was presented.


    Like with the nodes, his Base Attribute gain had been separated from the ss options. Normally, the text wasn''t presented this way, and Zac guessed it resulted from the System adjusting to his unique situation. The biggest takeaway was that he''d unlikely get two sets of base attributes, just like how he only got attributes for opening nodes once.


    Neither was Zac sure how it''d work in practice. There was no clear event per level, like when nodes were opened. His core would stay the same until it was time to upgrade it to the Middle stage. Each level would just let him tap into a bit more of its power. Cultivators would slowly refine their cores when practicing their manuals, but that only affected their quality.


    Would the Base Attributes be awarded when one of his sides gained a level, or did both sides need to reach that step? Or was it perhaps impossible for him to level only one side at a time, considering his Quantum Core relied on a state of bnce? Zac guessed he''d find out soon enough after gaining his first levels. Gaining levels with pills was far more inefficient in the D-grade, but he should be able to get a couple after his core stabilized.


    Not getting two sets of Base Attributes was a disappointment, but in no way a surprise. After all, he only had the one core, even if it was unique. He''d held onto a lingering hope his Quantum Core''s dual states would provide dual bonuses, but it looked like it wasn''t meant to be. Zac didn''t feel he was losing out. If anything, his situation could be considered better in the D-grade.


    A normal Epic E-grade cultivator gained 25 base attributes, 10 free points, and around 70 ss attributes per level at thete stage, for a grand total of 230 raw attributes per level. Looking at the numbers, an early Hegemon gained almost five times that. From there, every stage would increase the gain by 50%, meaning a Late Hegemon gained double the attributes an early Hegemon did.


    In other words, a Hegemon''s attribute advantage against E-grade cultivators wasn''t as pronounced as an E-grade cultivator''s advantage over an F-grade cultivator. Neither did attributes scale as well through Hegemony, only doublingpared to the E-grade''s tripling. It was the same with Earthly Daos, meaning the attribute difference wasn''t as noticeable between the ranks.


    In this case, Zac''s advantage came from the distribution of attributes. Going through the E-grade was to prepare your body for cultivation and reform it with Cosmic Energy. As such, it providedrgeprehensive improvement to every aspect of your body with every node opened. In practice, this tranted to two-thirds of the attributes being allocated when opening a node.


    Only 33% of your attributes came from leveling your sses in the E-grade. This changed as you became a Hegemon. By this point, you''d stepped onto your path, or at least found a style suited to you. Hegemony leaned into your specialization, where you focused more on useful attributes while giving up on those who brought fewer benefits.


    It was like Zac with his Intelligence and, to a lesser degree, Wisdom. He had over 4,000 Intelligence already, far more than even the greatest F-grade mages. But that barely helped him at all; it was essentially a dead attribute for him. The same was bing increasingly true for his Wisdom. The strength of his soul and defenses against mental attacks mostly came from his <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> rather than his attribute amplification.


    The same held true for all cultivators. By the time you reached Hegemony, you were expected to shore up your weaknesses by relying on your strengths. Like Billy, who gained a skill to transform his Strength into explosive speed, making up for hiscking Dexterity. Simrly, you could use your Cosmic Core to power defensive treasures to protect your body and soul.


    Focusing your attention on where it could be leveraged the most was more efficient. As such, half of your attributes woulde from your ss choice. For Zac, with his two sses, it meant a greater attribute superiority. Part of the advantage would be countered by D-grade Cultivation Manuals providing significantly stronger amplification, but it would still be noticeable.


    Did that mean his advantage against thepetition would only grow as he passed through the ranks? Both yes and no.


    By raw numbers, Zac would beparatively stronger the further he stepped through Hegemony. However, attributes weren''t the only thing that mattered, and not just because of advantages like his techniques. There were only three true bottlenecks in the D-grade, but each transformed your Cosmic Core. A Middle-stage core would hold roughly five times the energy of an Early-stage one, and the same was true further down the road.


    In other words, a Peak Hegemon wielded over 100 times the Cosmic Energy as an Early Hegemon. If you had no way to leverage this and turn your vast sea of energy into strength, then your advantage wouldn''t be that big. But through Skills, War Regalia, and various unique means, you could absolutely dominate the lower-stage Hegemons even if your attributes weren''t that much higher.


    That was an important distinction between Hegemony and the lower grades. Skills and equipment were linked to your core. You normally needed a Middle-stage Cosmic Core to power a Middle-proficiency skill, and the same was true for War Regalia. In return, these skills and tools would channel far more energy, which meant greater offensive and defensive power.


    Against Hegemons in Zecia, where most didn''t have regalia or the ability to upgrade their skills, Zac was confident in dealing with almost anyone by the time he entered Middle Hegemony. Against well-trained and well-equipped Hegemons from the Multiverse Hearnds? That was another story altogether. The Multiverse was divided between the haves and have-nots, and Hegemony was no different.


    Since the attribute distribution provided little new information, Zac focused more on his ss choices. Only being presented with three options was a step down from his previous breakthrough when he got the full set of five. Of course, it made sense.


    Back in the F-grade, he''d still been finding his way. His power came from a mottled assortment of opportunities that had yet to crystallize into a cohesive system, let alone a path. Today, his understanding of cultivation was leagues ahead, and he had already picked the direction he wanted to take. There was no confusion, no hesitationonly faith and determination.


    What would be the point of the System offering a bunch of sses that would diverge from his path? In reality, the screen presented Zac with a different choice; did he want to confirm his path, or did he want to keep his options open?


    Confirming his path meant getting the Arcane sses, which came with higher attributes and more advanced forms of nurturing. But it also meant his future would grow narrow. It would be almost impossible for him to change course like he had multiple times in the E-grade. He would instead enter the refinement stage of his cultivation, where he slowly removed imperfections while moving toward the peak of his path.


    The Arcane sses, Evolutionary Precursor and Inexorable Apostle, were clearly modeled after his stances, which were the truest expression of his path. The vor text reflected his understanding of Life and Death, where Life represented possibility and Death represented dominion. One broke the chains of fate, while the other seized control over fate.


    The Epic sses represented freedom. Who knew what the future held? Perhaps there would be something inside Ultom thatpletely threw his path on its head, making him strive for something even greater. It would mean a smaller boost of attributes, but that wasn''t that big of a deal. He was already getting far more attributes than anyone else by having two sses.


    The two sets of Epic options were quite straightforward. The first duo, Arcadia''s Champion and Destion''s Warden, seemed to be straight upgrades of his current sses. They would add more of the same, their attribute distribution almost identical to Edge of Arcadia and Fetters of Destion. Picking this choice would likely provide the smoothest transition, and he would be able to hit the ground running.


    Primeval Edge and Predestination''s Judge moved his sses toward his path without fully stepping onto it. Its attribute distribution better aligned with his Daos and the set of Arcane sses. It was the best of both worlds, adapted to his style without locking him in like an Arcane ss.


    Three options, all with their own advantages, and none with any direct ws like many of his optionsst time. No matter what he picked, he would be well equipped for the uing war and the trial inside the Left Imperial Pce. Yet for Zac, it wasn''t a difficult choicehe''d decided the second he saw the sses.


    He was going with the Arcane sses.


    His path had be an indelible part of his very being. Zac would see this road to the end, and he felt the safety of an Epic ss would distract rather than help him. So Zac only took 20 seconds to enter his Void Self-state, ensuring he wasn''t acting hastily or out of greed. No, picking Evolutionary Precursor and Inexorable Apostle was the right path forward.


    Whether it was long-term potential or ess to the quick powerups needed for Ultom, Arcane was simply the best option. After all, Arcane wasn''t the end of the road; it was just the starting point of the next one. There were even higher-ss rarities above, but those required you to confirm your path first.


    Thetest you could do so was when you confirmed your Dao and became a Divine Monarch, but there were disadvantages to waiting that long. The longer you dyed the switch, the longer you would be stuck in the lower tier of ss rarities. Picking Arcane now meant he could upgrade the rarity when forming his inner world and once more when bing a Divine Monarch.


    Doing so was exceedingly difficult, and Arcane sses were by far the mostmon rarity, even among Autarchs. But so what? Reaching the goal might be impossibly difficult, but since when had cultivation been easy? You had to dare grasp for the stars if you wanted a chance at rising above.


    A surge of energy filled Zac''s body as he provided the Nexus Node with his answer, this one provided by the cosmos itself rather than through the forceful extraction of the surrounding spirituality. He saw mysterious runes sink into the channels he''d arduously crafted while waves of change rippled through his pathways. Fractals expanded and grew more exquisite, where ten patterns became one hundred to amodate greater energies and deeper Daos.


    The transformation of his core and pathways were soon mirrored on the Duplicity Core, confirming Zac''s suspicion it was waiting for his ss choice to finish the transformation. It formed a mysterious resonance with the evolving core, and Zac gasped as he finally sensed a weak connection to his Cosmic Core. It felt like a bottomless ocean of pure power, right there for the taking.


    However, two discordant pulses threw Zac out of his marvelous state, and unbelievable pain suddenly wracked his body.


    A storm of foreign energy had appeared in his chest, and Zac felt like he could hear the whirring tter of millions of gears turning as his whole body seemed to phase in and out of reality. The System was still imprinting his core at full steam, but Zac barely noticed it as he desperately tried to understand what was happening. It wasn''t difficult to find the culprit.


    The Kayar-Elu was not yet done meddling with his breakthrough.

 Chapter 1200: Incompatible Destinies

    Chapter 1200: Ipatible Destinies


    More and more statues wereing alive, including those Zac hadn''t passed yet. It didn''t take long before Zac was forced to stay on the move to avoid the feelers emerging all around him. But the space was too narrow, and his movements stirred up the Faith Energy, exposing his position. There was no way he''d be able to avoid detection until the candles went out.


    Zac narrowly avoided being pincered and appeared before the stele. He reached for one of the candles but shied away like he''d been burned when the vague threat turned into overwhelming wrath. Hidden runes on the ceiling and floor had briefly appeared to weaponize the immense amounts of Faith Energy.


    Even the <strong>[Lucky Beads]</strong> around his neck hummed with warning, telling him in no uncertain terms that snuffing out the candles ahead of schedule would only result in death. The catbs thankfully relented when he backed down, but his actions had awakened thest of the saints.


    He was left with two optionshide his presence even further with his Void Emperor Bloodline or interact with the hostile saints. Each came with very real risks. Activating his Void Emperor Bloodline could be considered putting his Void Road on full disy, grantly unting his rejection of the Imperial Fate that nourished the interred souls. Thetter seemed marginally safer.


    He might have been making a mountain of a molehill, where the sealed spirit''s actions were a response to sensing an unidentified presence. They might lose interest aftering into contact and confirming there was no threat. Right or wrong, Zac had no time to perform a deep analysis with over a hundred feelersing his way. He zigzagged further into the right corridor, appearing before a certain statue.


    It depicted a rough-looking warrior holding onto a bardiche. He was a human, just like Zac, and one of the few Peak D-grade saints. He''d fallen defending a teleportation array far beyond his breaking point, allowing reinforcements to arrive. Among the many saints, Zac felt this man was the one closest to him in path and strength, which would hopefully count for something. Zac touched the D-grade saint''s spiritual thread, channeling his Evolutionary Path while conveying his beliefs and desire to protect his home from invaders.


    Rejection.


    The saint''s answer was a fierce, murderous rejection that made the statue vibrate with Killing Intent. It was like the spiritual wisp inside was so angry it tried to force its immobile housing to strike down the interloper. The reaction spread like a wildfire, passing through the gallery of saints in less than a second. The feelers were retracted, apparently knowing all they needed about the intruder.


    Zac''s heart hammered as he directly touched the statue''s chest, desperately trying to findmon ground with the agitated spirit as his Danger Sense grew increasingly urgent. The three weapons hanging in the central crossing wereing alive, pulling in vast amounts of Faith Energy to light up golden runes across their bodies. The Killing Array was even faster, zing to life and kicking up a storm.


    The ambient faith poured toward Zac like a swarm of angry wasps. Cracks identical to the wounds he got in the Halls of Service returned with twice the speed. The rejection of his presence was so absolute and determined that the damage spread to his other body, making Zac curse with fear and anger. Ogras and Esmeralda tried everything to slow down his copse, even hiding his presence from the Heavens. Nothing worked against the unrelenting judgment of the Imperial Faith.


    Zac''s eyes were wild as he unleashed his bloodline to the limits. What was the point in holding back when things hade this far? Activating his imperial bloodline did nothing to calm down themotion in the catbs, but neither did it make it worse. Channeling his bloodline wasn''t enough. It only made his torment more drawn-out, so Zac also activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>.


    A five-meter sphere of nullification formed around him, hiding the area from the Heavens and weakening the Imperial Faith. Only a hollow husk was left as the Killing Array entered his body, which only barely overcame his body''s natural recovery rate. His D-grade bloodline would never have been able to aplish such a feat when the Limitless Empire was still around to nourish and bolster theirmunal faith. Today, it was rootless and greatly weakened.


    Unfortunately,<strong> [Void Zone] </strong>didn''t offer a permanent solution to his plight. Holding back the catb''s seemingly inexhaustible Faith Energy came with a huge drain on his Void Energy reserves. Meanwhile, the inert guardian weapons were feeding on the palpable Killing Intent. It was only a matter of time before they joined the attack.


    The slow-burning candles indicated there was over an hour before the trial ended. How was he supposed to endure that long when his Void Energy wouldst half that at best? Escape to the outer hallways? Impossible. He''d never make it through those high-grade gates. Even if he did, so what? Some of the relics outside belonged to Autarchs. Even damaged, they posed a far greater threat than the defenses in here.


    A loud snap interrupted Zac''s thoughts. Arge crack had appeared on the statue before him, which rapidly spread and forked.


    "Wait" Zac''s gasped.


    The saints were already angry enough to eat his flesh and drink his blood. He didn''t want to even imagine how they''d react if he destroyed one of their brothers. A quick inspection confirmed he was the cause. His nullification sphere had disrupted the internal energy flow, creating dangerous leaks and faultlines. The Void had also damaged the spiritual wisp, making therge amounts of energy it controlled go berserk.


    Was it a sh of ipatible Destinies? These saints weren''t necessarily the strongest temrs, and they weren''t the only ones who had sacrificed their lives for the cause. There had to be something else about them that warranted this kind of immortalization. Each might have grasped an aspect of the Imperial Fate, which qualified them to pick who qualified to be a temr.


    Zac was the progenitor of his Void Road, a solitary path that rejected outside influence, holding the same status as Laondio did for the Imperial Fate. His Destiny had barely formed, andparing himself to the Limitless Empire was almost delusional. However, he wasn''t facing Laondio today. He was dealing with an iplete, discarnate soul following a path at its nadir, and the disparity was evident.


    The statue crumbled before Zac''s eyes, releasing a gust of gravelly dust and ancient faith. The already intense Killing Intent bearing down on Zac reached unprecedented heights. Zac''s brows rose when he felt the pressure grow marginally weaker. A streak of light emerged from the statue''s core, preempting the n that had begun forming in the back of his mind.


    The shimmering sphere held faith, yet it felt benevolent, invitinga stark contrast to the rest of the room. The light filled Zac with the same desire as when he encountered top-tier treasures. There was even a hint of providence swirling around the blob, proving the mysterious energy was extraordinary. There was no hint of the spiritual will, which could only mean this was the thing the saint was guardingits blessing. Zac instinctively reached out, and it was like the wisp was drawn to him.


    Releasing <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> for even a second was out of the question. Thankfully, the light only partly dimmed as it passed through the Void to enter Zac''s body. The Faith Energy had protected the mysterious force hidden within. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> stirred while <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> and <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> remained calm, confirming the light was beneficial.


    More crackling sounds made Zac turn his head before he got a chance to investigate the blessing. The statues next to the baldriche-wielding saint had partly been within <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>''s sphere of influence, turning them into coteral damage. The pressure further lessened with three statues down for the count, and two more lights snuck into Zac''s body.


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Zac''s cells were veritably screaming with desire at this point, and he had to stop his Void Emperor bloodline from absorbing the blobs calmly floating in his chest. Judging by the makeup, thergest benefit from the lights was the incredibly pure Faith Energy. Zac suspected it could catalyze and refine a temr''s umted faith. Even someone like Joanna should be able to benefit greatly despite having a different faith.


    That part wasn''t of much use to Zac, and he let it be extracted and absorbed by <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. Expelling such pure energy seemed like a waste. The rice was already cooked, and spitting out a part of the blessing wouldn''t make any difference aftering this far. It was better used as nourishment for <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, which hadn''t gotten to absorb many Faith-attuned Natural Treasures.


    The Faith Energy didn''t resist at all, voluntarily entering his Hidden Node to be refined. The mysterious force that remained was even more interesting. The closest aura Zac could think of was Attribute Fruits, though the lights felt far purer and more profound. Esmeralda had said that a real blessing could impart a permanent raise in power, whether it was a person or treasure. This had to be it. Getting a saint''s recognition in the Pilgrimage of Faith wasn''t just a requirement to pass. It was an opportunity to gain an actual powerup.


    The three lights were like raw bundles of potential. Better yet, the energy seemed wholly detached from anything rted to the temrs or Imperial Fate. He could use the blessings however he wished to improve. Interestingly, they weren''t quite unattuned like Origin Dao, instead carrying their own characteristics without emitting any real sense of Dao. His Soul Cores only seemed to be interested in one of the lights, while his Cosmic Core wanted two. Of course, his voracious bloodline wanted them all.


    Zac''s eyes shone with madness and greed as he looked at the neat rows of heroes and guardians. identally destroying three statues had lessened the pressure he faced by an equal amount. If he took all of them out, wouldn''t he have stopped the Killing Array entirely? And each pinatano, sainteven held easily-refined powerups?


    "I''m sorry, but you''ve left me no choice."


    Three more statues came under the attack of the Void as Zac switched positions. The sense of periling from the guardian weapons grew more urgent as the statues resisted his domain, and Zac frowned with impatience. Hungry tendrils shot out from his World Ring as one vine after anothertched onto the saints on the other side.


    Haro''s efforts weren''t enough to even budge the statues, let alone drag them into Zac''s nullification zone. Zac felt the Heavenrender''s fury through their link, but his attempts to tear the statues apart didn''t leave so much as a scratch. Faith protected the statues like armor, and only the Void could deal with the vulnerable sections within. That didn''t mean <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> was his only option.


    The illusory mountain descended in his Soul Aperture, and Zac droverge amounts of Void Energy into his arms. He ced his hands against the statue''s chest and flooded it with his Bloodline Talent. Infusing the stone with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> was almost too effective. It exploded like a shrapnel bomb, hurling Zac into the opposite wall with enough force to make him see stars.


    Zac shook his head and lunged back, snatching the blessing before it could escape or disperse. Only then did Zac notice the palpable hunger from <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>. His newest bloodline talent seemed just as interested in the blessings as his cells and was willing to take on all four blessings without <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> refining them first. Zac didn''t need any deliberation before funneling the blobs into his Soul Aperture, forcibly quelling the hunger from his cores.


    One by one, the blessings seeped into the mountain, which released grand ripples of anti-truth in return.


    "Holy crap," Zac whispered, almost forgetting the predicament he was in.


    How could the blessings be so effective? They weren''t even refined and inverted into a semi-void state by <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. The first blessing he got added more progress than a month of constant refining and infusing Natural Treasures. The blessing from the C-grade Saints was even more useful, providing almost twice the gains.


    The discrepancy should stem from the deeperprehension of a Monarch. A blessing was an imprint of someone''s cultivation. Even if the lights contained roughly the same amount of energy, one was made from better materials. It was just like the Life and Death he''d generated by splitting a Chaos Mote during his D-grade breakthrough. On the surface, the truths were no different from normal Life and Death, but something deeper was encoded in their DNA.


    Then what about the B-grade cardinals like Eleani Ano? Would the benefits be twice that of Monarchs? Or even more?


    If he let <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> absorb the whole sanctum, he would save decades of work on his Bloodline Talent. It might be enough to make it permanent or even unearth the hidden feature of <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. It wasn''t just a matter of saving time and money. Having <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> constantly refine energy for <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> had a high opportunity cost. Whether it was his Cosmic Core, <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, or his Eoz bloodline, all could benefit from <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>''s tempered energy.


    Any lingering misgivings about the Eternal Servant''s deadly response were thrown out the window as Zac tabted the benefits. The servant still hadn''t appeared, but his human half was probably already ted for death. So why not make the most of the situation? Who knew? It might even be possible to reform this half like a missing limb so long as the other side survived.


    Zac''s vision of a bright future was interrupted by a scream of danger. One of Haro''s vines dragged Zac backward, allowing him to narrowly avoid a terrifying de formed by the guardian sword. The attack was formed by a huge amount of pure Faith Energy, and it had to be imbued with something equivalent to an Earthly Dao. The de hadn''t even fully awakened, and it was already releasing attacks at the level of Peak Hegemons.


    The scepter was just a step behind. The empty chalice needed more time, but Zac''s hair stood on end as he sensed its well-contained aura. It was drawing extraordinary amounts of Faith Energy, condensing it into a shimmering liquid. The chalice was only half-full and already held enough power to threaten his life.


    Zac turned into a blur, rapidly pping six statues with the Void. At that moment, an illusory crystal sprouted right in his face, expanding to take up half the wing. The scepter''s attack didn''t harm a hair on the statues, but both Zac''s figure and space tore apart. The real Zac appeared on the opposite side of the inner hall, ncing fearfully at the dummy formed by a discement treasure.


    Another five statues received a touch of death before Zac used <strong>[Skystriker]</strong> to return to his original position. His movement skill was so fast it looked like he teleported in the confined environment. In reality, he had not. The guardian weapons were ced in the catb intersection, and unbearable pain almost made Zac lose control of his skill when he passed the stele.


    He appeared in a burst of blood, picking up the six blessings waiting for him before touching a few more statues. The sword had generated a hidden domain, and passing through left him with deepcerations. He was given no time to recover as another de tried to cut him apart. The attacks grew increasingly frequent, forcing Zac to change strategy.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    An armor of bark appeared over his body as the small crypt was filled with trees. They rapidly withered under the unrelenting onught of the Killing Array, but they did help Zac briefly lessen the pressure by taking on most of the punishment. Zac emerged in the intersection by the chalice, stepping out from a tree just before it was shredded.


    A wheel made from golden wood appeared behind his back. It was norger than a manhole cover, and its golden luster made it look like a divine halo. Five densely engraved spokes connected the wheel with its hub, recing the pirs of old. The center of the wheel was a round wood cutting depicting the cycle of nature.


    The D-grade version of <strong>[Empyrean Aegis] </strong>had instantly crumbled when protecting him in the Pilgrimage of Combat. However, that fireball had beenunched by a Monarch, and just surviving the shockwave was a blessing. And while Zac wouldn''t trust the golden barrier to fully deal with the faith-imbued attacks from the guardian weapons, it was enough to temporarily block out the Sword Domain.


    Zac looked at the sloshing waters of pure faith within the chalice, his brows furrowing with determination as he activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. The nullification zone fellpletely t in its attempt to snuff out the glowing runes on the chalice''s surface, though it did ruin the efforts of drawing Faith Energy. It was like the chalice had been sealed in an airtight container, unable to reach the dense energies waiting on the other side.


    That wasn''t enough for Zacthe other weapons were dangerous enough. He didn''t want to see what kind of mayhem the most powerful treasure would cause when the chalice was filled. Zac knew his n would drastically exacerbate his growing list of sins, but what else could he do? He''d need to get out of the trial before he could worry about getting a death sentence. So long as it gave him a slim chance at survival, he''d tear down the whole crypt.

 Chapter 1201: Collapse of Faith

    Chapter 1201: Copse of Faith


    The extinguishing force of <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> poured through Zac''s arms and entered the massive chalice. A tremendous rebound answered, and Zac grunted with pain when his arms broke in multiple locations. The only thing he got for almost crippling himself was three runes briefly fading before they regained their glory by using an inch of the liquified faith. There was simply no way it would work.


    Streams of Creation Energy mended Zac''s bones, and he switched to his backup n. A step took him into the heart of the sword domain, and he noted it had expanded by over a meter since before. If it kept going like that, it would soon cover the whole sanctum. The domain put <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong> under immense pressure. Zac reactivated his Bloodline Talent, this time targeting the de instead. It proved far more resilient than any statue, but it was within his tolerance.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Each second felt like an eternity. The wheel behind him creaked and groaned as it was forced to withstand thebined assault of the Killing Array and Sword Domain. Zac kept regrowing trees to carry some of the load, but most were torn apart before they could fully emerge. Meanwhile, Zac''s danger sense grew increasingly urgent.


    Just as the warning bells reached a crescendo, the wheel turned 180 degrees. The etching on the hub distorted in a disorienting flutter before settling on apletely new motif. A powerful pulse of gold and Void burst from his defensive skill, spreading through the whole crypt. Most of the damage to the wheel had been mended, and the golden barrier shifted to gain a steely hue.


    The Faith Energy grew turbid wherever the pulse passed, and the runes on the guardian weapons dimmed. The chalice lost arge amount of Faith Energy and was forced to restart its absorption array, and the devastating attack the scepter was about tounch was fully canceled. The same was true for the sword, giving Zac a much-needed window to continue wearing it down.


    The pulse was an intentional change when upgrading <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong>. The restrictive domain of the old skill was also good, and it had allowed him to turn the tables more than once. However, he''d found the initial surprise when activating the skill was the most useful part, and that most experienced cultivators quickly adapted to the domain.


    Therefore, Zac chose to rece the continuous restriction with a sudden pulse packed with greater power. He''d also incorporated his Evolutionary Path into the skill, where turning the wheel recovered much of the sustained damage in a faux-rebirth. Doing so also shifted the defensive properties, making it harder for the enemy to discover a weakness.


    Seconds passed until the threat level returned to unbearable levels, at which point the wheel turned again and threw the weapons back to square one. Even a prepared cultivator would have had a hard time defending against the pulse with its randomized energy signature.


    Two pulses was the skill''s current limit, but it was enough. The sword shattered before it got the chance to unleash a real attack or grow its domain beyond the intersection. The weapon seemed intent on dragging Zac with it to hell, and its destruction unleashed a tremendous de storm fueled by its stockpiled spirituality and faith. It was like dozens of sword domainsyered at once, more than enough to tear Zac apart a few times over.


    A vine tugged, and Zac was dragged into a nearby tree before the fallout could consume him. He appeared on the far end of the hall, his danger sense still ring. Layers andyers of empowered trees were reduced into splinters, utterly incapable of stopping the shockwave. Zac''s armor transformed, and the responding axelights erupted inrge explosions that pushed back against the sword tide.


    The contained space made the mayhem even more appalling, yet Zac fanned the mes by adding <strong>[Evolutionary Edge] </strong>on top. Together with <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>''s explosions, the attacks were like hyenas nibbling at an elephant. Their strength couldn''t bepared to the guardian''s revenge, but the vast quantity did help exhaust parts of the iing shockwave.


    Having almost spent all his runes, Zac swapped back to his Ent Elder form and threw out a Life-attuned Defensive Talisman. A wall of thorns filled up the hallway, blocking Zac''s vision. Haro emerged from the World Ring, sacrificing a mile''s worth of vines to lessen Zac''s load. The defensive blockade was torn apart, and the sword tide crashed into <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong>''s golden barrier.


    The five spokes on the empyrean wheel snapped in rapid session until the skill copsed. Having been forced to use both resets to interrupt attacks meant he couldn''t reset the skill to prolong its defenses. Still, only a shadow of the original tsunami remained by that point, and even that was weakened by <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>''s erosion. It was barely enough.


    Pieces of <strong>[Ossuary Bulkwark]</strong> fell like rain, and deepcerations were carved across Zac''s body. Zac grimaced, but rest wasn''t an option. He dove into the wake of the shockwave, worsening his wounds even further. His previous location was torn apart by another golden crystal just a secondter.


    Zac appeared close to the intersection and crammed a handful of healing pills into his mouth. He branded the nearby statues before moving out again. He ignored the scepter, even when it began spitting out arge number of smaller crystals that followed him like heat-seeking missiles. He had no choice. Destroying the sword had cost him too much Void Energy and time.


    Since he couldn''t deal with the chalice, he needed to escape before it filled up and came alive. The good news was that the candles went out as statues crumbled. And with the sword gone, he only needed to avoid the scepter''s attacks while alternating between picking up blessings and destroying statues. It was getting harder as the room filled up with floating mines.


    Eventually, Zac didn''t have time to split his attention on the blessings. A few of them had also been rejected by <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, so he simply let them umte in his chest to investigateter. Sixty, Eighty, and finally one hundred statues crumbled. Zac was right at the end, but his face was pallid, and his eyes were dark as he shattered another statue and snatched its blessing.


    He couldn''t even see the sanctum''s other end because of therge number of bombs. He''d tried to keep their numbers down, but they were intangible balls of faith. Haro passed right through them without triggering an eruption, and his skills were equally useless. Only one thing worked. Zac''s face remained unmoving as he cut off strips of muscle from his thigh and threw them at bombs blocking his path.


    Each crystal unleashed a contained st upon sensing Zac''s aura in his tissue. He was literally paying a pound of flesh to absolve his sins. Zac shed forward the moment the path was clear, already collecting more grisly tributes as he dismantled the next saint. It took almost two seconds, forcing him to keep throwing out more flesh to stop the approaching crystals.


    He''d already reached the bottom of the barrel for his Void Energy, and <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s aura was unstable from overusesomething infusing blessings couldn''t resolve. He''d long since been forced to turn off <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> to continue his work. Thankfully, the Killing Array was already so weakened it didn''t pose much of a problem. He was doing more damage to himself than the arrays were.


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    Again and again, Zac dug deeper when his Void reserves were tapped out, and the whole sanctum floor was painted red by his sacrifice. Eventually, there was only a single saint left to deal with. Eleani Ano. It wasn''t just because she stood next to the scepter he''d saved her forst. She was the first saint he''d encountered, and seeing her end had left the strongest mark. He''d subconsciously picked other statues when she stood nearby.


    Now, there was no one else to pick, and he was out of Void Energy. It was nothing short of a miracle he managed to extract enough energy to activate <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> for the past three statues. But he had nothing left to give, no matter how hard he squeezed. Zac''s vision swam, and he found himself losing bnce from the strain, forcing him to grab onto the statue with a bloody hand missing multiple fingers.


    His mind screamed with danger, but his body no longer listened. Zac tried to rouse himself onest time, to try something, at least. He had to lean against the saint for support as the crystals drew closer, and he went with the only thing with a chance of breaking the statue. Chaos.


    Streams of Oblivion and Creation were dredged from the depths and moved toward his shoulders. However, a rumble and something heavy touching his head stopped his attempt to activate thest-ditch skill he hadn''t dared use since the Void Star. Zac''s drifting consciousness was shaken wide awake, and his eyes widened when he saw the statue look down at him with a gentle smile. The thing touching his head was the statue''s hand.


    <em>''me''</em>


    The weak, distant whisper seemed toe from the past. The statue crumbled, thest candle went out, and the guardian weapons dimmed. Zac exhaled as thest blessing entered his chest, bringing with it a spiritual surge that had been absent from the blessings he stole. It swept through his body, giving him the strength to keep going a bit longer.


    It was at that moment Zac realized the trial wasn''t fading like the previous four. The catbs rumbled, and Zac quickly swallowed another set of soldier pills as he warily looked around. The threat came from below this time. The floor gave way, exposing a bottomless darkness. It was like an enormous sinkhole had formed beneath the cathedral, swallowing it whole.


    Bricks and pieces of marble fell like rain around Zac as he plunged into the trial''s hidden underbelly. He tried to control his descent, but the environment overruled his control. Then, his whole body disappeared, reducing him to a discarnate consciousness caught in a storm.


    The waters collected by the almost full chalice spilled out, forming rivers of faith that snaked through the hurricane of rubble. Zac looked on with confusion and shock as the sanctum''s falling pieces rearranged themselves into the statues he''d destroyed. Most were only half-formed and partly made of floor tiles and pieces of wall, and liquified Faith Energy filled in the nks.


    The saints looked broken and worn down. And yet, they felt more alive than the statues he''d faced moments ago. There was true consciousness in the gazes thatsted a second or two before the statues were returned to the storm. The wrath and Killing Intent were gone. Recing them were conviction and anticipation.


    The rain of rubble was gradually thinning out, with piece after piece being swallowed by darkness. Soon, there was just Zac, who kept scanning the surroundings for threats. His Danger Sense had calmed down, but that didn''t make him feel much better. Had his desperate gambit dismantled the whole trial, forcing the environment to unravel like a video game bug? Or was it responding in kind, throwing him into the Void after Zac used the Void to destroy it?


    Finally, there was a spark of light in the distance. Zac warily watched it grow until it took up most of his vision. He rxed after confirming it wasn''t a st of faithing to do him in, but his guard soon went up when he sensed another familiar aurathe Heavens, the current one and not a vision from the pre-System era. Zac desperately tried to get away, but he was pushed into the grand tapestry all the same.


    Zac didn''t dare so much as think, afraid he''d draw another tribtion on himself. Thankfully, he passed through without causing so much as a ripple. The light faded and was reced by dark oceans made from iprehensible patterns. It was the Four Laws, engulfed by boundless radiance before Zac had a chance to derive anything.


    The Imperial Fate he faced in the Tribtion Throne was back with a vengeance. It exuded a boundless conviction that could overturn fate and usher in a new era. Amon thread, amon goal. A prime undertaking made possible by the grace of the Emperor.


    This time, there was no Cosmic Destiny to curtail its expansion. The boundless ocean ofmunal belief covered all reality, and Zac''s soul groaned from being forced to take in just a sliver of its scope. It was like he once more was facing the silent, enduring power of the iprehensiblyrge Void Mountain.


    A flickering aura different from the rest gave Zac something to focus on, which helped alleviate the pressure. It was the closest anomaly of many, and Zac vaguely sensed more than ten far in the distance. It soon became apparent he was moving, or rather being pulled, right toward the congregation of undying will.


    The particr aura congealed into a familiar rune. It was sigil for the Order of the Empyrean Chalice. The brand was like an array g, helping sustain and stabilize the fading faith of a long-gone era. Like the Imperial Fate, the rune showed signs of age. It wouldn''t fail today or tomorrow, but it couldn''t ovee the Law of Impermanence. Zac shot right into the sigil''s center, expecting the vision to end there. It didn''t.


    Zac passed through the shimmering curtain,ing face to face with an endless expanse of nothingnessutter, absolute nothingness. It was the same horrifying void as when his inspiration took him to the Void Mountain. Zac felt his very being erode from being exposed to the boundless beyond. Thankfully, the suffering didn''tst long before something pulled him back.


    In the heart of the order''s sigil was an unadorned chalice filled with the waters of destiny. A drop fell into the cup, and the gentle sloshing conveyed a universal yearning. It stemmed from the earliest eddies of the Grand Kalpa and stretched to the unknowable haze of a distant future. Zac could vaguely sense the marks of the exalted existences that had contributed to the cup.


    <em>''In ordance with the Pact of the me, we name you the Terminal Son of the Empyrean Chalice.'' </em>


    The vision faded. Zac was back in his own body, his wounds already healed. He stood atop a tform in the middle of a round church, showered in multifarious light from zed windows. Surrounding him were the five steles of the Pilgrimages of the Empyrean Chalice and an exit leading to the Halls of Service. Lofty faith seeped out of every corner of the building, and the ambient energy was no less than in the Pilgrimage of Faith.


    The swirl of faith wasn''t threatening. Instead, it was almost protective, weing. The sense of safety didn''t do much to calm his nerves. The Pilgrimage of Faith had given him too many shocks, from narrowly escaping death to the shocking vision that followed.


    "Feeding the me," Zac muttered as he turned to the fifth stele.


    His name was already added right at the top. The entry loomed above the other candidates like an unreachable peak, but it did little to lift Zac''s spirits. The Eternal Servant had called him a thief, and he really felt like one now that the dust had settled. He''d piged the catbs and was shown a vision meant for someone else. Like rejecting his notion, a screen appeared before him.


    <strong>[Holy Son: Wielder of the me]</strong>


    Zac sighed in defeat as he looked at the title. It wasn''t the first time he''d gained a title that didn''t provide any attributes. He received the Pathstrider in E-grade, which ''marked him for further training.'' Then there was his hidden Terminus title, whose purpose was still unknown. Zac scanned his body, finding no brand or impartment.


    Even then, Zac had a strong hunch he''d been tricked again. By Laondio and the Eternal Servant waiting outside. The title had put a im on his future in a way that his heritage failed to defend against. This encounter was another piece in the Laondio''s vast plot, and Zac had been dragged further into the conspiracy. He was still clueless about the details, but he was almost certain his life wasn''t at risk anymore.


    Zac tried to glean something from the vision while the memory was fresh. The Imperial Fate was at the highestyer of reality, above the Dao and Laws. It would have made sense if it was part of the System, but it didn''t seem like it. The System''s aura was distinct from the Imperial Fate, and the former was at its strongest while thetter was waning.


    It had almost felt like the Imperial Fate acted as a barrier covering all creation, protecting the Multiverse from the erosion. Was Ralz Kalzood actually right? Could there be threats lurking in that endless expanse?

 Chapter 1202: Holy Son

    Chapter 1202: Holy Son


    Whether guarding against outside threats or plots involving the whole Multiverse, Zac was in it now. Then again, was he ever out? How much was coincidence, and how much was design? Getting Ensolus from an unexpected Incursion just a few years into the integration. The war and the remnants rising from the depths of history. Awakening the Ensolus Ruins with the Tribtion Throne, and now being given a title he didn''t understand or want.


    Step by step, he''d been led to this point. His so-called Void Road and its independence almost felt like a joke. And it wasn''t over. There was no way that the me the temrs referred to wasn''t the same one as his mebearer title for the Left Imperial Pce. The whole Limitless Empire waged an eternal war for some unknown purpose, and the torch had been passed onto him and a few others.


    A shudder of hunger forced Zac to table the matter and turn his vision inward. Even if he didn''t hold up much hope, maybe the Eternal Servant could provide some answerster. For now, he needed to deal with the blessings before his body did it for him.


    His body had seen some improvements, which could be exined by the dozens of lights drifting about. He didn''t have time to infuse <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> with more than a third of the blessings during his fight against time. A few had been consumed when his mind grew hazy by the end, and even more had been absorbed during his vision.


    His Cosmic Core had seen enough progress to let him advance a level, and a few stubborn imperfections to his core had been fixed. It was well within the range of a High Quality Core again after having seen some degradation from his breakthrough. His Soul Cores had seen simr improvements, removing heterogeneity and imperfections left from his heavy reliance on Moss Crystals and Oblivion Energy.


    In addition, he felt like he''d gained a few years'' worth of practice from the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>, which was a wee boost with the Atavism around the corner. Together with the stabilization brought from the Pilgrimage of Mind, he was well-positioned to make another leap of strength before he set out for the Imperial Graveyard.


    A few blessings had entered his cells, sinking into the unfathomable depths beyond the golden hurricanes. Zac couldn''t spot any benefits it brought, but he was sure it had improved his bloodline somehow. If lucky, the Void would return somethingter. The thought made Zac inspect <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>. It seemed fine despite having swallowed so many bundles of high-grade faith, though Zac suspected it''d be a while before it finished the job.


    There were currently forty-one blessings left in his body. They could evidently be put to good use no matter where they went, yet Zac chose to stick with his original n and corralled them toward <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>. Summoning the illusory mountain wasn''t easy, even with <strong>[Void Engine]</strong> having replenished a bit of Void Energy during the vision.


    It grudgingly descended, still flickering precariously after the massive over-reliance. Luckily, it indicated its interest in more than half the blessings. Its drained state couldn''t hide how it had be significantly more corporeal after having absorbed over thirty blessings. The improvements didn''t seem to taper off as new blessings were added to its spirituality.


    However, Zac noted that it lost interest in a particr blessing after having absorbed two more. The mountain had likely reached its needs for specific Dao Peaks, though Zac had a hard time telling which ones. Five minutester, <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> was fully satiated. Zac looked at the Void Sigil with a mix of gratification and regret as it faded away.


    The talent was right at the cusp of some form of breakthrough, but Zac wasn''t able to push it past the goal line since the mountain wasn''t interested in any of the twelve remaining blessings. The good news was that Zac had a pretty good idea of what was missing��the Dao of Faith. <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>had siphoned off everything rted to the Peak of Faith, leaving the pieces that were based on the saints'' other Daos.


    Zac was confident that he''d fill in the nks the moment <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> finished its refinement. And if not, it wouldn''t take too many treasures. Zac looked at the twelve remaining blessings, steering three to his Soul Aperture and four to his Cosmic Core. A surge of strength rippled through his body, confirming he''d gained another level. It was a wee bonus, but the improvements to his core weren''t quite as good as he''d hoped. The imperfections that remained after all the treasures and encounters he''d been through were incredibly stubborn.


    One blessing fused with his spiritual body, strengthening it and furthering its transition toward a conflict attunement. The rest could only be given to his cells, which had been moring after seeing such delicacies being given to everyone except them. A deep hum emerged from the steles the moment the final blessing was absorbed.


    Zac warily looked on as each released a beam of energy that converged right before him. The strongest beam undoubtedly came from the Pilgrimage of Faith. It felt like a ray of pure providence. The streaks from the Steles of Combat, Body, and Mind were roughly equal, while the Stele of Heart barely released a trickle.


    Together, they formed an illusory rune, its strength and bnce based on his performance in the trials. Zac calmly grabbed onto it, knowing this part at least didn''t differ from what the other temr candidates experienced. For him, the blessings were thergest gain, but this rune was likely the big one for most of the temrs. The rune froze just as it was about to enter his body, and a set of screens appeared.


    <strong>[Chosen of the Empyrean Chalice (Limited): Pass the five pilgrimages of the Empyrean Chalice. Reward: Base Attributes +500, Luck +15. Strength +13%, Dexterity +11%, Endurance +11%, Vitality +7%, Intelligence +6%, Wisdom +7%. Luck +15%. Effect of Attributes +10%.]</strong>


    It was a limited title, a shockingly powerful one at that. It wasn''t that the System graded his achievement higher than the feats that got him the other Limited Titles. Rather, the ranges became higher on Limited Titles as you advanced through the grades, and most of his other titles were awarded in E-grade.


    It was easy to deduce why the attributes were so unevenly distributed. The Pilgrimage of Faith boosted Luck, and his almost impossible record got him a full mark of 15. The Combat score was at 12, and the next two 11. Finally, there was the Pilgrimage of Heart, which dragged down the boost to his Vitality, Intelligence, and Wisdom. The average score was 10, so he got that as Attribute Effect.


    The missed-out potential stung, but it was just the cherry on top of his other gains. Zac chose to swap out <strong>[Big Axe diator]</strong> after some deliberation. It was between that and <strong>[Equanimity]</strong>, which he got from reaching the bottom of the Havenfort Chasm. The former focused more on Strength and Dexterity, while thetter gave a smaller boost to all Base Attributes. He''d already reached a point where focused allocation provided diminishing returnsck of raw strength was rarely the cause of the problems he faced.


    <strong>Name </strong>Zachary Atwood


    <strong>Level </strong>188


    <strong>ss </strong>[D-Arcane] Evolutionary Precursor


    <strong>Race </strong>[D] Human - Void Emperor (Corrupted)n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <strong>Alignment </strong>[Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Baron of Conquest


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Titles </strong>[...] Arcane Ascension, Pathbound Core, Peakmender, Cosmic Introduction, Exalted Destiny


    <strong>Limited Titles </strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth, Void Road, Chosen of the Empyrean Chalice


    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    <strong>Dao </strong>Branch of the War Axe - Peak, Branch of the Kalpataru - Late, Branch of the Pale Seal - Late


    <strong>Core </strong>[D] Evolutionary Core


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Strength </strong>218051 [Increase: 236%. Efficiency: 521%]


    <strong>Dexterity </strong>103232 [Increase: 176%. Efficiency: 346%]


    <strong>Endurance </strong>98856 [Increase: 206%. Efficiency: 546%]


    <strong>Vitality </strong>101799 [Increase: 215%. Efficiency: 543%]


    <strong>Intelligence </strong>21248 [Increase: 156%. Efficiency: 346%]


    <strong>Wisdom </strong>39542 [Increase: 159%. Efficiency: 363%]


    <strong>Luck </strong>1510 [Increase: 199%. Efficiency: 466%]


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Free Points </strong>300


    <strong>Nexus Coins </strong>[D] 87 548 227


    Zac thought he''d unearthed all his gains, but there were a few surprises on his Status Screen. The Holy Son title was missing, being hidden like the Terminus title. Even odder, his<strong> [Destined] </strong>title was gone and reced with a new one.


    <strong>[Exalted Destiny: Reach 1,500 Luck while in D-grade Reward: Effect of Luck +10%.]</strong>


    The change was unexpected for multiple reasons. For one, the previous luck-based titles in the chain didn''t remove their predecessor. Secondly, the next stage should have been 2,000 or 2,500 Luck. It looked like the System provided a 3% bonus after he''d overshot the D-grade goal by a wide margin. Lastly, while the new Limited Title had awarded a significant chunk of Luck, it shouldn''t have been enough to cross the 1,500 threshold. Zac looked around and soon found the reason.


    <strong>[Void Road (Limited): Reject destiny in pursuit of the unknown. Reward: Luck +110. Exclusive. Upgradeable.]</strong>


    The Void Road title had actually improved. He''d been waiting for something to happen after getting a rted quest by the System when breaking through. However, the System had never given him any follow-up. Now, he finally had some clues on how to upgrade the title. The boost should havee either from shing with the saints or facing the Imperial Fate in the vision.


    There wasn''t much else beyond the changes to his titles. He had gained two levels from the blessings, and <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> had advanced another 4%, reaching 35%. Zac felt his Dexterity was in a good spot, so he allocated his free points into Wisdom and closed the screen.


    Three days had passed since he entered the Halls of Service, and he had already reaped enough rewards for the excursion to be considered a sess. It wasn''t enough to make him forget being plotted against, but it was a start. Zac took a final look inside the room before turning toward the exit.


    It wasn''t without some fear he approached the spatial gate. He had good reasons for thinking the Eternal Servant tricked him the same way she did Joanna, where the ancient temr knew the only way he''d survive was to act as he did. At the same time, it was undeniable he''d demolished a whole crypt full of interred saints.


    His Draugr half and Ogras had already escaped when he began smashing statues. Not that they had any hopes of orchestrating a prison escape in case the Eternal Servant actually chose to target him. Esmeralda''s entrance had been dealt with, and he''d already experienced the extreme disparity of strength.


    There was no point in holding off the inevitable. Zac stepped through the gate, appearing before the stele of faith ced in the Halls of Service. The Eternal Servant hovered next to him, looking at his leaderboard entry of 108 blessings. The silence stretched until Zac could bear it no longer.


    "I''m back."


    "So this is our Terminal Son? A cmitous thief believing only in himself."


    A ball of fire ignited in Zac''s chest upon hearing the servant''s scathing words and despondent tone. "Did I ask for this? You were the one who left me no choice."


    "You always have a choice," the servant said, turning toward him. "The saints you profaned all had a choice. They could have escaped or given in. They chose death to uphold their values and beliefs. You could have done the same."


    "I should haveid down and epted death?" Zac spat through gritted teeth.


    "You could also have stopped early. If you destroyed the scepter after the sword, along with sixty statues, you could have waited out the trial by the chalice inside your heaven-shrouding ability. Instead, you opted for greed, not sparing a single soul."


    "That''s��" Zac was about to refute her im, but his voice lost its fight as his brows furrowed.


    She was right. Dealing with the shockwave after destroying the scepter would have been rough, but it was by no means impossible. He could have used <strong>[Extinction Event]</strong>, the upgraded version of his Annihtion Sphere, to erase it. With only the chalice remaining, he could have taken his time to destroy statues with <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>.


    That would have cost less Void Energy, leaving enough to resist a weakened Killing Array and block the chalice''s energy collection until the candles went out. If he''d gone that route, his rewards wouldn''t have been as impressive, but he also wouldn''t have been marked as a Holy Son. Zac''s convictions faltered, but he shook his head.


    "There was no way for me to know that would work, and there was no guarantee the chalice was the final threat I''d have to face. What if the relics outside the crypt came alive? I couldn''t take that risk, so I had to end the trial as quickly as possible."


    "Righteous words to motivate plunder is no better than faith used to lead the virtuous astray."


    Zac red at the Eternal Servant, reluctantly choosing not to push the matter further. It was clear she''d achieved her goals, yet acted like Zac was the one at fault. But what could he do except hold onto hisints until he was strong enough to do something about it? He was asking for a beating, trying to argue with a being multiple grades above him.


    "Well, like it or not, I''m apparently the Holy Son of your order now," Zac said. "So what''s next?"


    An entirely too long silence stretched before the Eternal Servant shook her head. "I don''t know."


    "Uh, what?"


    "I had destiny decide your fate, and it did. But the world I woke up to is foreign and unexpected, and only an echo remains of my faith. You want me to tell you what it all means, but who am I to ask? The sages are gone, lost in the river of time. We are both making our way through the darkness in search of a guiding light."


    "So you have no mission for me? No holy quest?"


    "Would youplete it even if I did? And not just seal off these ruins the moment you left?"


    "Then�� Are there any rewards for bing the Terminal Son?"


    "Consecration upon reaching the minimum threshold."


    "Uh, anything else? Like treasures, inheritances, or opportunities?"


    "Insatiable and shameless. Whatever benefits you believe your new status deserves, perish the thought. Even the two previous Holy Sons were treated no differently from ordinary temrs. Their resources and rewards were based on their contribution to the cause."


    "Fine," Zac said. "But your promise from before is a separate matter. Will you honor it and activate the Halls of Service?"


    "No. The agreement said that passing four pilgrimages would allow you to exchange rewards based on your performance. I shall award you Glory Points ordingly."


    "What? I passed all five!"


    "That may be, but you also said you conceded on multiple asions before and during the Pilgrimage of Faith."


    "How does that count when you didn''t ept my surrender?" Zac said, feeling his blood pressure rising.


    "A shame, really. You should have believed in yourself, or at least in your affinity for destruction."


    Zac mutely looked at the servant for a few seconds. There was something about their inexpressive face that made Zac''s eyes narrow with suspicion. "�� Wait, are you messing with me?"


    "A small punishment for your actions, even if the trial was held inside a dream realm. It will take weeks for the ancestral souls to recover, you know."


    "What the hell�� Are you really an Eternal Servant?"


    "Perhaps. Perhaps not. I took my Eternal Vow after the Fall, and this realm was sealed immediately after. My soul has been dispersed, yet I have not fully integrated with the Imperial Faith. I will not survive long."


    Zac didn''t know how to respond to the servant''s candid confession, though it did lessen his ire a bit. Even if it might be because of Laondio''s plot, he was the one who awoke the not-so-Eternal Servant, potentially ruining her chances of fulfilling whatever mission she took the vows for. If he were in her shoes, wouldn''t he have grasped at any opportunity to aplish her mission?


    "Rava."


    "What''s that?"


    "You may call me Instructor Rava. I have decided to keep my identity since that part of me remains."


    "Instructor Rava," Zac nodded. "Where''s Joanna?"


    "The Godking''s inheritor is still undergoing her test. I expect it to take a week. Now, I have awakened the halls. The rest is up to you and your subordinates. I can sense that the Imperial Tutor has made the road of cultivation smoother, so I will adjust the criteria and requirements ordingly."


    "Thank you," Zac said, looking around with anticipation as steles and gates wereing alive by the dozens. "My performance in the pilgrimage, how many points was it worth?"


    "The information stele has the answers you seek," the servant said, pointing at one of therge tablets behind the testing tform. "Now, I must leave."


    "Instructor, wait! Can I ask��" Zac eximed, stopping her dissipation. "Eternal Servants are supposed to safeguard important treasures and institutes. And since this is a normal training facility��"


    "You are wondering if there is a Holy Relic hidden here," the Eternal Servant said. "Does your cupidity know no bounds?"


    Zac forged ahead despite the evident displeasure on Rava''s face. "There''s a war on the outside�� We''re leaving for a critical mission in three weeks. It might decide the fate of trillions of civilians."


    "A Holy Relic? There is, and there isn''t," Rava said after some thought.


    "What does that mean?" Zac said with exasperation.


    "The prerequisites are not yet met, so it cannot exist. It depends on fate and faith."


    "Fate and faith��" Zac muttered. "And if the conditions are met?"


    "Then��" Rava nced in the direction of the main cathedral. "Then a seed of the Apocalypse will be unleashed upon the world."

 Chapter 1203: Training Regimen

    Chapter 1203: Training Regimen


    There really was a Holy Relic hidden in this remote training facility, and it seemed even stronger than Zac expected. Could it be part of a contingency where the temrs hid their greatest relics, nning for a resurrection when the Dao recovered? But if that were the case, why did it have such an ominous name?


    He''d pictured something like the three guardian weapons, not a ''Seed of the Apocalypse.'' Then again, its name didn''t matter. There seemed to be many restrictions surrounding it, but it could be another lifeline in case their Foreign Gods gambit didn''t pan out.


    "I suggest you give up. The seed holds enough destruction to reshape the Heavens. Are you worthy of wielding such power? Do you think ites without a price?" Rava said, her voice full of reproach. "That said, the appearance of our Terminal Son is the first criterion of its manifestation. I will not stand in the way of destiny, but I suggest you forget about the matter until you Confirm your Dao. Before that, you''ll likely end up a puppet to its will."


    "Confirm my Dao?" Zac sighed, realizing his desire to solve the Kan''Tanu threat had gotten the better of him.


    Rava''sment about puppets and will made the Seed of the Apocalypse sound like the Heart of Oblivion and its archnemesis. Zac was worried aboutbining five measly splinters of those ancient entities. How was he supposed to wield aplete item and use it to take out the Kan''Tanu armies across Zecia?


    And honestly, he shouldn''t have to. Zecia would have to pick up the ck if he managed to unleash the Foreign Gods. If they couldn''t even do that, then Zecia was bound to copse anyway. Would the System bother to protect Zecia after such a shameful disy? More likely, it would open the gates wide open to let outsiders search for opportunities in the wake of the pir''s ascent.


    Zac dropped the subject, turning to something else that had been rattling in the back of his mind for the past few days.


    "You said that my bloodline carries dangerous implications before I entered the trial. What does that mean?"


    "I''m sure you have many questions, but why should I answer? You''ve chosen a path of independence, and your unwillingness to pick a side in the Zenith War is evident. Make no mistake, we are not allies. We are both getting something out of our exchange. If you want more, you need to offer something of equal value. Eschewing bnce will harm us both.""Bnce��" Zac whispered, his eyes zing over.


    Rava''s words carried a unique cadence that pushed Zac into a transcendent state. Suddenly, the curtains parted before his eyes.


    To cultivate was to steal from the Heavens. The further you diverged from the Law of Bnce, the greater the universe would suppress you. The greater the deficit, the greater the bacsh. Unorthodox Cultivators wantonly broke it in their pursuit of power, using sinister methods to hide from the Heavens.


    What did it mean to be orthodox? You couldn''t cultivate without breaking the Law of Bnce, but perhaps you could mitigate the bacsh by aligning your actions with thews. Didn''t he have countless examples of this?


    The System always maintained bnce in its operations. The same was true for all the old masters he''d encountered. Sendor, one of the most powerful beings in the Multiverse, strictly adhered to a principle of equilibrium in their dealings. The Realm Spirit didn''t have to give Zac anything if he didn''t want to. What was Zac supposed to do if Sendor said no?


    The same was true for Laondio''s wisp. Zac had his suspicions of events being manipted, but Laondio had provided something in return at every step of the way. Iz was adamant about maintaining bnce, from trading attacks for information to reciprocating when Zac shared his quest. Rava had paid for her trickery by opening the Halls of Service.


    Even Ogras followed this logic when reforging his g, as had his mother when she took Kenzie away. They all formed virtuous cycles by enforcing bnce on themselves and others. Certainly, it was impossible to always maintain bnce, and the acts of reciprocity shouldn''t be confused with acts of charity.


    So what about him? His vision for the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>, which had spread to other aspects of his path, was to take what he needed and seal off everything else. There was never any concept of bnce, of reciprocity. But the Void wasn''t above the Law of Bnce, and neither was he.


    His path was wed.


    The Eternal Servant must have discovered the imbnce and decided to help him see it, too. The epiphany didn''t have an answer on how to reform this aspect of his path, and it wasn''t something that needed to be immediately addressed. Just being aware and conscious of the concept was enough for now. Zac slowly exhaled and bowed in gratitude.


    "Thank you."


    "So long as you understand," the servant said and handed him a token. "You will not pass the screening with your affinities, so I''ve issued a token directly. You can discover the rest on your own. I need to leave and gather information."


    Rava disappeared, leaving Zac alone in the fully functional Halls of Service. Zac tabled the matter of upholding bnce, focusing on the matter at hand. He updated Ogras on the situation before walking over to the information pir. He infused his will, and a stream of information gave Zac aprehensive rundown of the base. By the time he''d given it a quick once-over, he found the demon standing by his side.


    "You got in?" Zac said with surprise. "And you actually dared enter?"


    "The barrier around this building is gone. The others remain intact," Ogras said, looking around with interest. "As for daring�� If you say it''s safe, I''ll trust you. Who has a better nose for trouble? Where is the senior?"


    "She said she needed to find information and left."


    "I can imagine, after being sealed longer than the Ruthless Heavens have existed," Ogras nodded. "So what happened? Seemed like you were hiding something before. Don''t worry; I highly doubt that toad dares take one step into these halls. She still seems deadly afraid of the Eternal Servant. I''ll spell my name backward if she hasn''t robbed a few temr treasuries in her day."


    The demon was definitely onto something. Esmeralda had staunchly refused to go with Ogras, instead returning to the shrine after confirming Zac''s Draugr half wasn''ting along. Giving it some thought, Zac told Ogras about his new designation and its potential connection to his mebearer status.


    "A Holy Son, you?" Ogras snickered. "Well, you can look at it like apliment. Their evaluation of you must be high if they put this much effort into tying you to their chariot. And if you ask me, it''s better to be manipted by the Emperor''s ghost and the Ruthless Heavens than some outsider faction. If you''re going to be someone''s stooge, you might as well pick the faction with the biggest fist."


    Zac rolled his eyes. "Yes, I''m very ttered. So what do you think?"


    "This is so far beyond me I don''t know which thread I should pull. I''d suggest you don''t tell another soul and forget about it until it bes a problem. Bing a chosen of these temrs could be construed as an attempt to revive the Limitless Empire. That doesn''t just pose a threat to the Imperial Heavens. Everyone cultivating under the Ruthless Heavens will try to prevent the return of its architects. They control the System, and the System controls us."


    "You''re right," Zac said. "I guess I''ll just have to keep working. The stronger we get, the more we''ll be able to control our fate."


    Stolen story; please report.


    "On that note," Ogras said as he eagerly looked at the various gates. "How are things here?"


    "You need to pass the screening to get an ess token," Zac said, pointing at the tform in the middle. "All the other buildings require merit to enter. The list of facilities is pretty damn impressive. If we survive the pir and its aftermath, we''ll have the foundations to be a peak faction in Zecia."


    "It''s that good?" Ogras whistled.


    "It''s that good. We won''t be able to ess the best stuff in the short run, though."


    "Maybe the Holy Son gets to go for free? Perhaps while bringing a friend or two forpany?" Ogras grinned.


    "You''d think, right? Well, I''m better off with my starting bonus. Anyways, the hallways are feats or simpler trials. Their rewards aren''t very high, but they are mostly safe if you enter prepared. Repeated use costs merit points."


    "Sounds like a basic contribution system. You prove your cultivation has reached a certain threshold and receive the equivalent rewards," Ogras nodded.


    "The real rewards are in the steles and missions. Don''t know about thetter, though."


    "Give me a second," Ogras said, appearing atop the testing tform.


    "Easy," Ogras grinned two minutester, waving an identical token to Zac''s.


    "Well, the order does have a desperate personnel shortage. I guess they can''t be choosy and test for things like personality."


    "Whatever," Ograsughed and touched the information pir. "Alright, let''s check out the mission board."


    The mission board was located in an empty spherical room with a pir in the middle. Or rather, the room was the board. The walls were absolutely covered in glowing runes.


    "There''s actually missions? And so many?" Zac eximed.


    "There''s hundreds of beast-ying quests," Ogras whistled. "But I don''t recognize a single species or location. What''s going on? Are they old quests from before the ce was sealed?"


    "Instructor Rava?" Zac said, shrugging when the Eternal Servant ignored his call. "They seem recently added. Maybe there are Mystic Realms inside? This is a top-tier training facility. They can''t just send their temrs-in-training to the frontlines, right?"


    "Mystic Realms left untouched since the Limitless Empire''s era?" Ogras said, sharing a knowing look with Zac. "Look at the grades."


    The missions were assigned stars for difficulty, ranging from one to seven. There were barely any extermination quests below three stars, where the targets were Early Beast Kings. Late Beast Kings were mostly five stars, six if there were special circumstances. Six Star Missions and above were ced on the pir in the middle. They dealt with Peak Kings or Half-Step Beast Emperors. The few seven-star quests targeted genuine C-grade beasts.


    If their theory was correct, the mission rewards were the least of the potential benefits. Such ancient Mystic Realms could very well hold treasures and resources that didn''t exist or had gone extinct on the outside. If their energy was dense enough to raise Beast Emperors, there should even be the kind of C-grade Natural Treasures that required millions of years to form.


    "Let''s not get too excited. Top-level beasts will guard any top-level treasures," Zac said. "And these quests might not even be real. It could all be inside illusion realms like the trial."


    "I assure you, they are real. Our facilities have been left unattended for too long, leaving them in a state of disrepair. Clearing out the mission board is but the starting point of your remation work."


    Both Ogras and Zac swirled around, finding the Eternal Servant floating behind them.


    "You," Rava continued, her gaze trained at Ogras. "You''re not temr material."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "My apologies. Then I shall just��" Ogras said, but a wall of faith stopped his hasty retreat.


    "However, the world is not ck and white, and people like you fill an important role. While such soldiers were generally raised elsewhere, we still have ways to temper your edge," the Eternal Servant said, and a streak of light entered Ogras''s token. "Yourmander said you have three weeks. Here is your progression n. Expect punishment if you don''t live up to my expectations."


    "My progression��" Ogras repeated, his eyes wide with confusion as he nced at Zac, who didn''t know what to say.


    "Uh, Instructor Rava? I thought you left? What''s this about a n?"


    "I thought I was clear when I asked to be addressed as instructor? I have a training n for you, too," Rava said as another light entered Zac''s token. "I took a look outside to better understand your cultivation and the current era. These are the people I find eptable."


    There was a lot to unpack in Rava''s answer. Zac began by infusing his will into his token, and he found two sets of information added. One was an incredibly detailed training regimen with step-by-step instructions and his expected performance. The other was a list of names. It was thetter that was the cause of the frown that slowly appeared on Zac''s face.


    Rava had only listed two hundred of his subordinates, meaning it was impossible to use the Ensolus Ruins to train his soldiers en-masse. The bigger problem was that a good chunk of the names on the list belonged to the Echelon ss, none of which were on Ensolus at the moment. Had Rava visited Earth? Just how far could this supposedly restricted entity move? Zac shuddered upon realizing there was no escape if Rava actually wanted to kill them.


    Zac copied the list onto an information crystal and handed it to the demon. "What do you think?"


    "Priority for those who are joining the graveyard mission. Compulsory among the enlisted. As for the rest�� Not sure."


    "The children," Zac said, turning back to Rava. "Their paths are still not set. What would their training entail?"


    "You''re worried I''ll fill their heads with nonsense?"


    "I''m sorry, but I can''t have them joining a long-gone temr order. It''ll add a target on their backs, and it''s not right to put that kind of weight on their shoulders."


    "The birth of a temr requires both Faith and Fate. Lacking just one means they have no affinity with the order, so they can only find another path for themselves. And if they have both, is it your ce to stop their pursuit?" Rava said, and Zac felt the double meaning behind her words. She lightly nodded before turning to Ogras. "Are you still here?"


    "Ah?" Ogras said, withering under the servant''s intense stare.


    "Just go. I''ll update the other sealbearers first. We can decide what to do with the rest after we''ve experienced the training for a week."


    "Two trials and seven feats to umte merit. Of course, right away," Ogras said and slunk away.


    "You seem confident in your ability to escape. You''re wee to try, though you should be aware that it will mark you as a deserter. I''m sure you''d discover if I ced a mark on your body," Rava calmly said just as Ogras was about to leave the Mission Halls.


    The demon momentarily froze before scurrying toward one of the hallways.


    "For a righteous temr, you seem to really enjoy tormenting us youngsters," Zac muttered.


    "Whenever did I say us temrs were righteous? When has righteousness ever aplished anything?" Rava countered. "We were willing to sacrifice everything to further our cause, so why would we restrict ourselves based on a rigid code of conduct?"


    "Fine. Why do you want to control our training n?"


    "Fate brought you here. I cannot see what role you''ll y in the future, but I refuse to be the reason you''re found wanting now that we''ve embarked on this path."


    "I''ve already chosen my path, as have most of the stronger people on your list. Taking outside input��"


    "You have three weeks," Rava scoffed. "Do you have time to rework your cultivation? You''re leaky vessels, and I''m a shipwright performing emergency repairs. You and the demonling are the best bnced, but your frantic progress has left hidden weaknesses. Before adding more weight to your path, you first need to mend the cracks in your foundations.


    "Three weeks is not enough to aplish that��you''ll need centuries of refinement and consolidation. But my regimen will let you advance a bit further without harming your future. The others are walking imperfect paths, a few wholly missing some of the building blocks required when pursuing the Dao. Controlled suffering will let them see the truth while shoring up their greatest weaknesses."


    Zac could see what Rava meant after going through the pilgrimages. He was considered an odd one out for cultivating Soul, Body, and Heart, even if his Heart cultivation was only a minor part of his Body Tempering Manual. Zac wasn''t confident a single one of his followers could do it, even after reaching Peak Hegemony. As Rava said, Ogras was the only one who might seed, thanks to this training under the Faceless Patriarch.


    It was a stark contrast to the temrs, who all seemed to have tempered all aspects of their cultivation. Even the weakest temrs who failed to appear on a singledder would need rock-solid foundations to pass all the trials. It was a very different approach from what you saw today, where cultivators focused on their strong points and shored up their weaknesses with skills, equipment, or even banding up with Dao Partners.


    "Cultivation is different today," Zac offered.


    "The Imperial Tutor has not changed the nature of cultivation. Its teachings and unfathomable methods may have raised the cosmos to a level of unprecedented prosperity. However, its assistance seems to have made some of you forget the invible truths discovered by your predecessors.


    "A tripod cannot hold up the Heavens when it''s missing a leg, and the path of an elite cannot rely on outside strength. It will leave a gap in their armor that an enemy will eventually discover. The Era is approaching its Zenith with unexpected speed. The struggle and suffering you''ve seen is just a prelude. Most of your followers will perish no matter what you do, but a few might get to see the conclusion if you begin your preparations early."


    Rava''s cynical evaluation felt suffocating. Was she right? Was the struggle for the fifth pir the start of the war over the Era''s direction? That struggle had felt like a distant concept when he first heard of it in the Perennial Vastness. Zac had subconsciously expected to be long dead by that point.


    "Well, what are you waiting for?" Rava said. "Let me be clear, punishment for failing to live up to my expectations was not an empty threat. A Holy Son, especially, cannot be found wanting. I''ll make sure of that."

 Chapter 1204: Molding Talent

    Chapter 1204: Molding Talent


    Zac groaned and stumbled backward, his body instinctively escaping the floating mask adorning a devilish smile. Feeling its prey escape the magic circle, the cursed mask turned inanimate andnded on its cemat. Zac''s heart was hammering, and his mind was an absolute mess after listening to the sinister whispers until he reached a breaking point. He quickly entered his Void State, which gradually soothed the chaos in his heart.


    Lasting just under thirty minutes of real-time under the assault of the <strong>[Second-stage Mask of Seven Sins]</strong> wasn''t very impressive��it wasn''t even enough toplete one cycle, making the cost of 100 merit per activation sting even more. Still, it was a noticeable improvement from his previous attempt. He first faced the Heart Demons based on the seven sensations on the second day of training, and the experience made him run for the hills in only twelve minutes.


    The past week of torture was already showing significant results. Most of his merit had been spent on two buildings; the Inverse Observatory and the Hall of Heroes. The facilities tackled the same field��tempering one''s Dao Heart. His pilgrimage had shown with painful rity how far his Dao Heart was from his other cultivation, and it posed a huge danger to his ns. Luckily, Rava''s training regimen was almost exclusively focused on remedying this shoring.


    The Hall of Heroes refined one''s heart by targeting their path. It was filled with recordings, illusion realms, legacies, and unique treasures. Each held lofty Daos or extremely refined paths. Facing the instations was like visiting the Buddhist Sangha. Your Dao Heart was constantly under assault, forcing your path to solidify or break.


    The Inverse Observatory rather dealt with mental states and traumas. The Peak of Impetus did the heavy lifting, like with the mask. It was actually a Natural Treasure and one of the more dangerous tools in the museum of madness he currently trained inside. Its whispers could dredge the weaknesses in one''s heart with pinpoint precision. The mask pushed and pushed until you formed a Heart Demon, sealed the spiritual crack, or ran out of time.


    The treasure''s cruel training perfectly suited his current needs, exposing and sealing the weaknesses in his heart. In reality, his Dao Heart was extremely strong for someone as young as him. Most cultivators hadn''t even left their homes at his age, still considered children who needed to train under the protective gaze of their elders. They''d still be in E-grade, focusing on building sturdy foundations, grasping Dao, and searching for their path.


    Life-and-death battles and oveing harsh challenges were the most effective ways to make quick improvements, and Zac''s swift but rough ascent was the main source of his Dao Heart''s strength. However, his hectic ascent had worked against him. If you looked at his Dao Heart right now, it''d resemble a huge uncut gemstone.


    Struggle and bloodshed needed to be alternated with meditation, consolidation, and tranquility. Meditating on your past, your future, and your path was needed to refine the gemstone into an unbreakable diamond. Normal seclusion would work. Cultivating your path was a way to reinforce your conviction. Millennia of practice would stack up, especially if you used Heart Sutras or simr techniques to multiply those gains.


    This was the main reason he barely passed the Pilgrimage of Heart. The average age of temr candidates undergoing the pilgrimage was around 2,500. They had seen as much or more bloodshed as he, but they''d also spent thousands of years processing their struggle while cultivating in seclusion. Zac didn''t have time for that, so he had to burn merit and use forceful methods like facing the Seven Sins Mask.Neither the Inverse Observatory nor the Halls of Heroes helped bolster the Void State formed with <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. That technique was more like a Soul Defense skill for his Dao Heart. So long as his fundamental heart improved, so would the benefits from Void State.


    "Have you decided?"


    "Not yet." Zac looked up, finding Rava floating nearby. "I already have a lot on my te. My body tempering technique might have to suffice."


    "Few are the Sangha''s equal in cultivating one''s heart. Even a subsidiary refinement of theirs will yield decent results. However��"


    "I know, I know. It''s not the real thing," Zac said. "But I''m already struggling to keep up. I''m not sure if I can bear the extra weight of another method."


    "An Evolved Lord less than sixty years old worrying about time," Rava said with a shake of her head. "Very well. Your break ends in seven minutes."


    Rava''s suggestion was to add another form of Heart Cultivation to his path. The <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation] </strong>did provide benefits in this regard, but most of it was concentrated on the major bottlenecks. Secondly, most of those gains came in the form of Void State and its evolved versions rather than directly refining his heart.


    A traditional Heart Refinement Sutra would be a perfectplement, refining his foundations and removing imperfections. It was the same thing he was doing right now, except he wouldn''t always have ess to the temr facilities. Zac was rapidly burning through the merit he received from the pilgrimage, and his progress would grind to a halt after the three-week boot camp was through.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It wasn''t just about erecting stronger defenses. Heart Cultivation nurtured a stronger harmony with your path, which essentially helped all aspects of progress. Heart Cultivation was inborn enlightenment, something Zac definitely could use with hisplex, multyered path.


    There were multiple top-tier manuals avable for exchange in the repository, though these training stations only had the early- and middleyers. Most of the Heart Refinement Sutras were rted to harnessing faith, but they could be reforged just like the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. Better yet, the repository freely provided most manuals so long as you passed the requisite feats or trials.


    The problem was, beyond the added baggage, Heart Cultivation was incredibly unpredictable. One day, you might gain enlightenment and make drastic improvements. Or, you might find yourself stuck at an impasse where millennia of diligent practice yielded nothing. It was also quite dangerous, where mistakes could damage your Dao Heart or give birth to demons.


    Being a mortal came with the "benefit" of not having to put any time into normal meditation, but his schedule was already full. As apromise, Rava suggested reworking one of his methods to add Heart Tempering like the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>. Doing so would shore up a weakness at the cost of progress speed.


    Scanning the vast repository of manuals had shown that pre-system methods generally worked that way, and some inventions had really opened Zac''s eyes. There were Domain refinement methods that also nourished the heart,bo techniques that strengthened both Soul and Body with the help of Dao Intent, and hundreds of methods Zac had never even heard of. Some temrs eventually fused everything into a singr manual that epassed every aspect of their path.


    It was the System''s push for efficiency that drew clear lines between the different branches of cultivation, where each method or manual improved one thing as quickly as possible. The System must have figured that quickly raising the strength of cultivators was better, even if it left them slightly lopsided. Those who actually reached greater heights would deal with their shorings when it became an issue like Zac was doing now.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    Rava''s proposal was tempting, and the most obvious candidate was the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>. He had already diverged from its original design, so it would need to see significant revisions anyhow. He had considered integrating his updated <strong>[Thousand Axes Chapter] </strong>after it was finished, but fusing a Heart Refinement Sutra might be better.


    Adding it to a Bloodline Refining method for his Draugr half would make symmetrical sense, though that would impose too many restrictions. He''d only get full use of such a manual while cultivating inside the Abyssal Lake. Either case, he had a big epiphanying up, and there should be simr opportunities inside the trial.


    But then what? He''d eventually run out of epiphanies, at which point he''d have to deal with the upperyers of the technique on his own. The more he added to a single manual, the moreplicated it would get. Overextending himself could leave him stuck in a bottleneck of his own making.


    Zac reluctantly got to his feet when his scheduled break was over and stumbled into another hall. He paid the fee, and a swirl of purple dust surrounded him. Zac suddenly found himself back in Greenworth, standing before his childhood home. Zac sighed and walked inside to face the realization of his father''s death again.


    Hours passed as Zac was forced to relive every trauma in his life, where his emotions were cranked up to eleven by the array. Every illusion gave him a choice. He had to be the one who stepped through the door. He was the one who had to enter the courtyard where Kenzie was breaking through. He could turn around and walk away, but doing so came at a price.


    Over and over, Zac chose the punishment, stanchly advancing in an endless cycle of suffering. Eventually, the scene faded. Not a minute to soon. Zac''s body was in perfect condition, yet he stumbled like a drunk as he fled the Inverse Observatory. He felt brittle like ss after having his Dao Heart pushed to its limits for the better part of a day. It was as though he''d juste out of a long bout of sickness.


    Spotting a fellow victiming his way did enliven his spirit a bit, though.


    "How are you��"


    "Don''t even talk to me right now," a hollow-eyed Emily muttered. "That cra- Instructor Rava will hang me by my ankles again if I don''t wrap up my mission in time."


    "Well, keep at it. Instructor Rava mentioned she''s built some sort of gauntlet for those she felt werecking motivation," Zac said, which made his disciple''s face copse.


    Zacughed as Emily scampered into the Inverse Observatory after throwing him an usatory look. The eager excitement of his subordinates had been quickly tempered by Rava''s personalized training regimens. It was like the Eternal Servant knew all his followers inside and out, knowing precisely how far she could push them without causing permanent damage.


    No one would darein about the Eternal Servant, who seemed omnipresent throughout the Ensolus Ruins. As a result, some of the pent-up resentment was disced onto him. Of course, they weren''t actually angry. The Empyrean Chalice Barracks represented an opportunity toe into contact with concepts far beyond Zecia, something only he and Ogras had really experienced.


    A few had decisively expanded their paths after having their inadequacies exposed by Rava, with Emily being one of them. She had even dyed her breakthrough into Middle Hegemony to go through a second round of refinement first. She nned on finding a window in the Imperial Graveyard instead.


    Zac was done with Heart Tempering for the day, but there were no true breaks in Rava''s schedule. He soon reached his next stop and effortlessly moved through the barrier that had rebuffed any attempts at breaking through over the past year. At the same time, he felt a weak flicker from the token in one of his pockets, signifying that 10 points of merit had been deducted.


    Beyond the barrier waited the Bathhouse. Zac was greeted by a dense aroma that made Zac''s cells hum with contentment as he stepped through the teleporter. The temple, true to its name, looked like a city-sized Roman bathhouse. There had to be over a thousand pools and baths within his vision alone, and that was only a corner of the sprawlingplex. It wasn''t his first visit, so he directly made his way toward the inner region.


    Most of the pools around the entrance held healing arrays of varying types and strengths. The weakest ones were free to use, requiring only the 10-point entry fee. The better ones either added a one-time or umting charge. There were even pools that could calm and nourish an embattled Dao Heart, and enduring their tantalizing scent was a trial on its own.


    The free pools grew increasingly sparse as Zac kept going, and their designs and auras grew more varied. The Bathhouse had all kinds of special ponds, many of them filling simr purposes as the top-tier cultivation grounds in the Orom World. Most of them were rted to tempering one''s body.


    There was everything from pools holding molten liquid or mes to more exotic resources like liquified sound. There were even pools infested with flesh-eating parasites. Thankfully, these types of baths were generally blocked by seals since the parasite poptions had long since died out.


    Zac hadn''te to the Bathhouse for body tempering. His results in the Pilgrimage of Body were slightly worse than he''d expected, but not to the point it was a priority. Rava had already confirmed his suspicions in that regard. The difficulty of the trial was adjusted based on his grade, but not age. His body tempering was far from reaching its limits. He could technically fully awaken his Eoz Bloodline if he had unlimited time and resources.


    Practically, he should be able to advance at least one major stage with a millennium of practice by theke. The same was true for his <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>, though eachyer required far more energy and resources. It would be far more efficient to wait until he had Earthly Daos and a Peak Stage Cosmic Core before continuing to temper his body. With so much potential untapped, it wasn''t too bad being a standout among eons of thousand-year-old elites chosen by the Empyrean Chalice.


    A few twists and turnster, Zac found the ce he was looking for��an empty pond. Zac ced his token against a que, and a swirl of mist sealed off the area. Bubbling liquid poured out of multiple fonts, causing the ambient energy to skyrocket. Zac had never seen the type of energy the bubbling waters were made of. Even then, it felt familiar, and not just because he''d visited this pool every day since the training began. It was something like a middle-ground between Kill Energy and the chaotic energy you''d find inside a Beast Core.


    The more Zac discovered about the Limitless Empire, the more Zac realized how much remained the same. Whether Titles or the Kill Energy the System used, it was all based on something that had already been invented. So much knowledge was lost during the Dark Ages, which led to an inurate understanding of the past. It was like how most underestimated how people lived in the Middle Ages before the integration.


    The general consensus was that the elites of today were much stronger than in the past. While most likely urate, Zac didn''t believe the gap was nearly asrge as most were led to believe. Perhaps that wasmon knowledge in the upper echelons of the Hearnds, but why would they admit something like that to themon popce?


    Three weeks was not a lot of time to grasp greater power. The most essible route was to gain a few levels, but Zac''s progress had ground to a halt now that he''d left the frontlines. That was something he was remedying with daily baths, pills, and a few extraordinary treasures. Reaching the limit of Middle Hegemony before setting out was impossible, but a couple of levels was fine.


    The raw energy pool had certain downsidespared to modern Kill Energy. The first was that it was a natural resource. Like with most things, you could only absorb so much before your body formed a natural resistance. Kill Energy, inparison, could theoretically let you advance a whole stage if you took out someone strong enough.


    The second problem was that it contained some impurities, though that wasn''t an issue for Zac with his bloodline. A little gunk would enter his Cosmic Core, but it would be dealt with sooner orter. The third problem was no longer relevant. The raw energy also held arge amount of the ''earthly energy'' that the System had removed from integrated space.


    Zac''smunication token hummed just as he was about to disrobe and sink into the depths. His subordinates knew he was in the middle of an important training session and would only contact him if it was something important. Zac infused his will into the crystal, and it suddenly was like the exhaustion had been swept away.


    "Instructor Rava, I need to take some time off as we discussed!" Zac shouted, having finally gotten the call he''d been waiting for.


    "Finish your quests, and I''ll permit one day of absence for one of your bodies."


    Zac burned with anxiety, yet he knew better than to argue with the Eternal Servant. He entered the pond, and the energy attacked him like he were an invader encroaching on its domain. The pain exceeded the level of his body tempering sessions, and the waters around him became red as shallow wounds were opened across his body.


    As human eyes closed, Draugr eyes opened, gazing at a boundless cityscape from his hiding spot. He was supposed to rest a bit longer to recover from the Heart Tempering, which affected both bodies. But how could he sit still with Catheya waiting for him? He shot out from his hiding spot like an arrow released from a bow. Just a little bit of massacre before he could see his love.

 Chapter 1205: Anxiety

    Chapter 1205: Anxiety


    Zac moved like the wind, burning with anxiety to wrap up his visit early. He hadn''t beenzing around with his Draugr half while his human side used the Eternal Chalice training camp. In fact, they''d been constantly switching back and forth. One side was always knocking off missions in the Mystic Realms, either alone or with Ogras.


    Rava told him to finish all his quests if he wanted a vacation, and he still had over a dozen on his quest screen. Rava must have at least partly connected the training base with the System, for the missions to show up in his quest screen. Either way, it was quite convenient, with the System managing the whole mission system now that there were no clerks around.


    Thirteen missions sounded daunting, but it wasn''t actually that bad. Rava helped him pick quests with high synergy, where killing one Beast King often advanced multiple quests. And many quests were already halfway done, only needing a final spurt to cash in on merit and leave the Ensolus Ruins.


    Seizing the first spot on the Faith Ladder hade with a bonus of 2,500 merit��more than five times what he got from the other four trialsbined. But with some facilities costing 100 merit for half an hour''s use, the stocks were rapidly dwindling. The mission rewards weren''t very lucrative individually, but he still earned between 80 and 150 merit a day.


    Even that was only possible thanks to having free rein in realms that hadn''t seen humans in eons. It had quickly be apparent that the Ensolus Ruins were only the top of the iceberg. Each time he''d set off with a gaggle of missions, he''d been sent to a new city with quest monsters to grind right by the entrance.


    Zac wasn''t even sure if he was visiting the same Mystic Realms since the topography lookedpletely different on asion. The ruins of a whole civilization were spread across the dimensional pockets. Rava didn''t deign to give any exact numbers, but a conservative estimate put its peak poption in the hundreds of billions.


    The city Zac currently traversed stood out even among the grand echoes of great capitals he''d visited. It stretched further than the eye could see and had likely been one of the major hubs going by the intense D-grade energy. The Energy Density alone approached the levels of Kavista, and that was without any working City-scale Gathering Arrays.


    The Dao felt slightly weak, iplete, even. Of course, that was weak by context. The Dao easily surpassed Earth''s levels,nding somewhere between what you''d expect on a Late-to-Peak D-grade world.


    The megalopolis had consumed a whole mountain range to what he called west, where some of the mountains appeared manmade. Bridges carrying whole city districts stretched between the peaks, only two having copsed from time''s erosion. One could vaguely spot floating structures hidden among clouds, but the details eluded him.


    To the east, there was an ocean-sized freshwaterke. A few broken spires pierced the waters, indicating the presence of an underwater city or sunken pces. Zac hadn''t investigated the mountains, seas, or the inds far in the distance. Partly because there were more than enough tasks in the immediate vicinity of the hidden spatial gates. Partly because of the current rulers of the Mystic Realm.


    Even now, Zac could see the tail of a Beast Emperor that had made one of the taller mountains its home. Just the tail was over a hundred meters long, and it radiated a hair-raising aura. It hadn''t moved an inch in the three days he''d been there, with the beast most likely slumbering. Simrly, he had seen something huge cause a tsunami that crashed into the shorefront.


    Thankfully, C-grade beasts seemed very rare. There were no more than four sharing the boundless city, and they cared nothing about his presence. He was just another ant scurrying about. The city had been fully reimed by the wild, with some trees stretching hundreds of meters into the air. Neighborhoods had be territories, and the energy-dense districts went to the strongest.


    It was impossible to estimate just how many beasts lived inside the city''splex terrain, though Zac believed he could keep finding targets until he died of old age. There was nock of Beast Kings among them, even Middle- and Late-stage beasts. Few such opponents posed much of a threat, but Zac still had to tread carefully.


    Some Beast Kings lived alone, unwilling to share their Nexus Vein and Natural Treasures with others. Most had thousands of descendants to whittle down intruders. Furthermore, any battle had a very real risk of attracting neighbors, and hunting required nning and patience to avoid unnecessary risks.


    Zac was currently in short supply of both. Ogras, who''d been responsible for information gathering in their joint ventures, was currently exchanging his umted merit for a few opportunities. Of course, Zac had ample experience of going at it alone, and smaller mistakes could bepensated for with brutality and money.


    It was as if time had ground to a halt as Zac whizzed between the multyered ruins and oversized nt life sprouting from its cracks. Soon, he spotted his target beyond a half-copsed residence. It was arge, ck centipede just having emerged from a crack in the ground. The Late Beast King had sensed his presence and it turned toward its burrow with lightning-quick speed.


    No animal that had reached that level was a bloodthirsty foolshing out at everything around it. Zac''s unfamiliar aura made it wary, making it opt for the safer option. However, itscking experience worked against it. A pulse of utter darkness made it briefly freeze in confusion, allowing Zac to catch up. Zac had activated the secondary function of <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong>, dragging the Beast King into the Abyss and sealing its senses.


    Zac used the brief window to reach the monster before it could escape underground. The beast screeched in fury upon realizing it was do or die, and its body coiled up around Zac like a trap being sprung. Its whole body emitted an intense gravitational pressure, which almost prevented him from reactivating <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> to escape the trap. Therge sectioned body squeezed shut with enough force to damage space. Even Zac would have taken on some serious damage if he hadn''t moved out in time.


    The centipede was incredibly quick on the uptake, its body unfurling and repositioning itself for another squeeze. Meanwhile, its domain increased with power to seal down space while an endless number of earthen spears grew from the surroundings. Its kit was clearly aimed at equal-size targets, though, and only the domain caused any trouble. Furthermore, the Beast King wasn''t the only one who excelled at restriction and suffocation.


    Six unbreakable chains wound around the centipede''s body, each representing a fetter sealing its fate. The strength provided by <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong> wasn''t enough to fully subdue a trashing Beast King. Still, the suppressive effect of six chains was significantly stronger than the centipede''s powerful yet crude domain. Zac''s muscles strained as he fought against the gravitational pressure, avoiding serrated legs, spears, and squeezing pressure to reposition himself atop its head.


    The thick ting protecting its skull rebuffed Zac''s fully powered strikes, but the soul-harmingponent of <strong>[Fatehew]</strong> was another matter. The centipede twisted and shrieked with agony. Having its soul attacked while <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> reduced visibility to almost zero made itpletely lose sight of its surroundings, and it repeatedly crashed into neighboring buildings at full speed. It even began stabbing itself with its spears, though its ting prevented any real damage.


    Zac was asionally forced to give up his position to avoid being turned into mush against the durable buildings, but Alea''s chains effortlessly let him get back in position to keep swinging away. The centipede grew increasingly erratic and unstable as deep thuds echoed through the miasmic haze like a drum.


    Soon enough, themotion gave way to a deathly silence as the struggle stopped. The centipede''s body was shockingly durable, to the point Zac hadn''t bothered trying to corrode its carapace with <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>. In contrast, its soul defenses were frankly pathetic, allowing for a quick kill that wasted very little energy.


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    You couldn''t really fault the centipede for its obvious weak spot. Beasts utilizing spiritual attacks were even rarer than Mentalists. Not to mention, such beasts were often targeted because of the threat they posed to the region, allowing the poption to grow even with souls on the weaker side. This phenomenon was even more apparent in a sealed environment like a Wild Mystic Realm, where the beasts hadn''t faced the threat of cultivators with their refined skills and varied means.


    Any Beast King Bloodline would have to reach a minimum threshold of Soul Strength to grasp the Daos necessary to advance, and their souls would naturally grow stronger with age. However, it wasn''t umon for beasts not to go much further than what was strictly necessary, which was how Vri so easily got the Apex Hunter title.


    A dense stream of a Late-stage Beast King''s Kill Energy joined the violent torrent from the raw energy bath. The centipede''s death had progressed two quests, and Zac was almost certain he''d find the resources for a third in its burrow. Zac threw the whole carapace into a spatial ring before disappearing in a streak of darkness.


    Zac pushed himself to the limits, bing a grim reaper, cleansing everything in arge circle around his base. The level ofmotion he was causing would destabilize the whole region, making the capital too dangerous to visit in the short run. Zac didn''t care. There was nock of cities to reim, and this one was too dangerous for most of his people to visit anyhow.


    Eight hourster, he shattered a dark red crystal, and the final quest was marked asplete. The crystals were the corpses of certain energy creatures that roamed the abandoned cities. The creatures fed on the Faith Energy that seeped from below-ground, and their corpses acted as disruptors, preventing Faith Energy from gathering.


    A few minutes of twists and turns led Zac to the sealed entrance of the underground base with the Spatial Gate. The real teleportation hub, which the citizens had used to teleport between cities and possibly Mystic Realms, was destroyed. Repairing thework was one of the avable missions, though Zac wondered if it''d ever be finished.


    It wasn''t just a matter of understanding the Dao of Space and Arrays enough to repair the arrays. You also needed to clear out the Half-step Beast Emperor that fed on the leaking Spatial Energies. The pack of spatial beasts was spread throughout the teleportationwork, and they could easily provide reinforcements when necessary through their bloodline talents.


    It was an unfortunate reminder that these hidden worlds far eclipsing Earth''s environment would remain untamed wilds for the foreseeable future. The two hundred people on Rava''s list were simply not enough to deal with such a massive remation project. Not that there was much point in driving out all the beast, anyway. Rava only let her chosen through the Spatial Gate, so there was no way to transfer his armies into the hidden realms.


    That would all change the day Rava passed on, but Zac had discovered that the Eternal Servant''s definition of ''notsting long'' was drastically different from his. Let alone Monarchs, Rava would outlive most Supremacies of the current age. It might not be muchpared to the pseudo-immortality of true Eternal Servants, but her remaining lifespan was still counted in the millions of years.


    Zac activated the gate and transferred to the Halls of Service. He turned in all the quests by touching the Mission Board''s pir, getting 187 merit in return. It was on the lower end for over two days of work, but he''d onlypleted the bare minimum on a few quests with dynamic rewards. He didn''t bother looking at the new mission that had reced the old as he rushed out of the ruins and into the sandstorm.


    "Lord Umbri''Zi," the guarding Valkyries said with bowed heads when Zac emerged in the nearby station.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac reined in his impatience and stopped when he saw the expectant looks in their eyes. "We''ve confirmed that everything is in order. There is a risk of death or deviation, but it''s limited. I''ll have someone send over an information packet shortly. You can send in the first batch after you''ve gone over the materials."


    "We''ll arrange everything," Tamira said with excitement.


    It was impossible topletely hide the secret that a huge opportunity had appeared inside the Ensolus Ruins. All but a few sealbearers had already entered, and over 100 elites had been recalled from the battlefronts. It created a noticeable gap in their armies. It was a problem that could be temporarily countered by spending money, but any discerning eye would realize something was up.


    Tamira and another ten Valkyries were among the few who caught Rava''s eyes, and they had the greatest understanding of what was hidden within the ruins. But more and more were putting together the bits and pieces. He''d already received discrete inquiries from multiple sources, from the Zhix Hive Council to the Marshall n. Rava didn''t seem to hold the insectoids in overly high regard, only listing Ibtep and Rhubat despite their apparent affinity with Faith Cultivation.


    He''d also gotten multiple messages from Petrus, no doubt on Kator''s orders. He''d held off any deeper inquiry until now, but Zac knew the Reaver enough to know he might have to give them something. He didn''t like the idea of exposing the training camp, but Rava''s indifference to the matter did inspire some confidence. She didn''t seem the least worried about the Undead Empire or simr factions turning their attention to the ruins and the Holy Relic it held. She''d only reiterated that their deal only extended to Zac and his subordinates, not any outsiders.


    Just how powerful was Rava to show such tant disregard? Peak Autarch? Even stronger? She might be as unshakeable as Sendor inside the Ensolus Ruins. The Imperial Fate had faded, but what remained should be more than enough to terrify even Supremacies. Zac knew she wouldn''t fight for his sake, Holy Son or not, but maybe he could use the Ensolus Ruins as a sanctuary after the Left Imperial Pce.


    There was no telling how things would shake out when the System''s protective blockade around Zecia was lifted. Even if the outsiders didn''t target him, there was still the Kan''Tanu to worry about. After all, there were no guarantees that the Foreign Gods could solve all their problems. But the Ensolus ruins were like an impregnable fortress. His little empire could hide out until the dust had settled, or they were strong enough to contend with the Kan''Tanu directly.


    Zac had even started to wonder if this was all part of Rava''s scheme. Sending him into the Mystic Realm had given birth to these ideas, making him wonder if genuinely epting his role of Holy Son might be for the best. If he could save all of Earth and Ensolus by joining Laondio''s cause, wouldn''t he be crazy to stubbornly refuse?


    Knowing himself, he would probably be dragged into the Zenith War one way or another anyhow, provided he hadn''t already fallen by that point. And as Ogras said, being a henchman to the strongest faction wasn''t too bad a fate. It might even elerate his progression, giving him a greater chance of catching up to Leandra and saving Kenzie.


    Of course, the presumed safety and benefits were contingent on Laondio actually having a master n and more helpers hidden through the Multiverse. If Rava was a lone crusader like his mother, he was better off staying clear. Zac shook his head and tabled theplicated mess as he appeared in his army''s main camp on Earth. After a shower and change of clothes, he appeared by the open-air teleportation station.


    "Seal!" Zac roared, and dozens of formations and War Arrays sprung into life.


    Soldiers poured out of the barracks, armed and ready for any potential threat. A dozen Cosmic Vessels gathered around the square, their weapon squarely pointed at the teleportation arrays. A Peak Hegemon would be ripped to shreds when faced with such a lineup, and even Monarchs would have to be careful.


    "Lord Umbri''Zi!" a general eximed as he hurried over. "Are we initializing the n early?"


    "No, not yet," Zac said. "I''m bringing someone over with a token, though. I figured it was a good opportunity to test our routines."


    "Of course," the general nodded. "What protocol are we following?"


    "If you see the fluctuations of a Monarch, don''t wait for my order. Immediately destroy the teleporter before they can emerge."


    "I understand," the general said and barked a few orders into a crystal.


    His System title was still only ''Baron of Conquest,'' but he was also the sole leader of two Middle D-grade worlds. It wasn''t a problem for him to generate a couple of Teleportation Tokens per year, and he''d already set up a proper System with citizenship-granting quests for the ever-growing number of outside hires.


    Zac stepped onto the teleporter and ced a box, his hands shaking slightly as he activated the array. Every second felt like an eternity until the array finally lit up. Zac''s words caught in his throat as Catheya stepped out, looking more radiant than ever. Their eyes locked, and it was as though time had stopped.


    "You''re back," Zac said with a hoarse voice and pulled her into an embrace.


    "I''m home," a content murmur appeared from his chest.


    It was only muchter that Catheya noticed the surroundings and grew stiff.


    "What''s going on?" Catheya whispered, looking half-amused, half-mortified as she looked at Zac. "So many defenders to see me? Just what have you been up to?"


    "Stand down," Zac said and reactivated the teleporter. With a sh, they were transported to hispound.


    "Some necessary precautions," Zac smiled. "I''ve missed you."


    "Really? I wasn''t sure after you sent me away like that," Catheya pouted yfully.


    "Then I guess I''ll have to prove myself."


    "Oh? How will you��Hey!"


    Catheya''s pealingughter echoed through thepound as Zac carried her to his mansion at a sprint.

 Chapter 1206: Fire and Ice

    Chapter 1206: Fire and Ice


    "What a weirdo," Catheya giggled as she lifted Zac''s upper lip. "It''s true! Why would getting zapped by lightning make you grow more teeth?"


    "I guess the Heavens have a specific taste," Zac smiled and kissed her fingers. "You''ve never seen something simr on Draugr elders with multiple awakenings?"


    "Never," Catheya said, snuggling closer to Zac beneath the covers. "I like the sleek model of you better. Well, sleeker."


    "And you keep getting prettier."


    "I have no choice. You have no idea how fierce thepetition for good men is," Catheya said, looking at him askance. "Or maybe you do. I heard the Kavriels worked <em>very </em>hard to win your favor?"


    "Don''t worry, I protected my purity," Zacughed. "If nothing else, I was busy upgrading my skills."


    "Of course you''d pick cultivation over some random skirts," Catheya said. "What about you? You''re not worried some dragon princeling wille to snatch your woman?"


    "Not really. I''ve killed dragons before."


    "Braggart," Catheyaughed.They''d talked about everything and nothing for a good while, both reluctant to leave their little bubble of bliss. Eventually, they shifted to their experiences since they parted. Zac was surprised to learn Catheya had been sent to an ancient undead dragon who seemed no less powerful than Ogras'' master. He had expected someone strong, but to think Sendor had found a master who matched Catheya''s path so perfectly. Then again, the circles at the top might be very small, especially among seemingly unaffiliated Supremacies like the dragon and assassin.


    Zac shared what he could of his experiences, mindful of themandments Catheya was bound by. It was a punch to the gut not being able to confide some matters to his girlfriend that even some of his subordinates knew. Catheya was more than understanding of this, and they had long since developed a form ofmunication to skirt these sensitive matters. Zac kept what he needed vague, like how his two bodies worked. Catheya perfunctory asked for rification in ways that let Zac know she''d been ordered to investigate beforeing over.


    Catheya was shocked to find how quickly things had gone south for Zecia, and she had already been debriefed about the uing mission before contacting him. Kator was even happy to see her teleport over to Port Atwood, telling her it was fine to stay until they reconvened in a couple of weeks. Hearing the Reaver act so amodating left Zac more wary than grateful. It reminded Zac of how Kator dealt with Boje after their duel.


    Their conversation grew a bit stilted when they finally reached the topic of their uing mission. It almost felt like discussing it would bring the inevitable forward, bursting the bubble. A hum from Zac''smunication token eventually forced him back to reality. He leaned over the bed, fishing out the crystal from his robes scattered on the floor.


    "They''re here."


    "What? Who?"


    "Iz Tayn and Kruta."


    "Tayn!" Catheya said, sitting straight up in the bed. "You''re not thinking of inviting her here, are you?"


    "Well��"


    "It makes sense," Catheya said with an entirely too-sweet voice. "How can one of me be enough when there''s suddenly two of you?"


    "You know it''s not like that," Zac smiled as he got up. "And you don''t have to worry. Kator is keeping me on the straight and narrow. I''ve already agreed not to invite the Tayns on the mission to the Imperial Graveyard."


    "So why does it look like you''re heading over?"


    "I have to go back to the ruins in six hours. Before that, I want to fetch Kruta. And while we can''t bring Iz, I can still exchange some information with her. Fate is gathering, and the Imperial Graveyard is probably the best ce to look for seals now. Four of my sealbearers already have quests leading there."


    "You''re hoping to use them as a diversion?" Catheya said, a smile tugging at her lips. "You''re pretty heartless, using a renowned beauty like that."


    "I''m not using her," Zac said with a roll of his eyes. "We''re both benefitting. The more people that enter the graveyard, the less attention each of us will have to bear. But it''s up to Iz whether she wants to join in or look for seals elsewhere."


    "Is it a good idea to go in person?" Catheya asked. "Iz Tayn is a monster, and she''ll have powerful helpers. She''s even a mebearer like you. Why not send a token for Kruta instead of taking such a risk? You can''t trust anyone when the stakes are this high."


    "You''re right, she''s powerful. So powerful she won''t have to resort to trickery like this if she wants my seal," Zac said. "Iz is able to find Earth, so she could just break in if she wanted."


    "Fine. But I''ming with."


    "Are you sure?" Zac hesitated. "They''re friendly but a bit crazy. Someone might throw fireballs at you."


    "I''d like to see them try," Catheya huffed as a shimmering veil of intense cold spread around her. "Besides, Kator won''t be able to fault you if I''m present as a witness. Are we going right now?"


    "We have some time," Zac said. "How about an actual tour?"


    "I wasn''t sure I''d ever get to see this ce," Catheya said as they walked through Port Atwood a few minutester.


    "Why not?"


    "I don''t know," Catheya sighed, grasping Zac''s arm tighter. "It feels like we''re caught in a storm constantly pushing us forward. We said there''d be rest after the trial, but is that really the case? You''ll have to leave for the Abyssal Shores."


    "I have to?" Zac said with a raised brow.


    "Honestly, I think the Abyssal Princes woulde to fetch you if they realized you were dragging your feet. It would be for your protection as much as anything else."


    "Did Tavza say something?"


    "No one tells me anything. They think I''mpromised, which I guess is true," Catheya sighed. "But�� Master told me to be careful before she dropped me off. There are dangerous undercurrents in the Undead Empire right now, and you could touch the tension between the two camps in Kavista."


    Zac had suspected as much. He didn''t need any particr news to know something was up. The pir''s ascent was bound to cause ripples throughout the Multiverse, resulting in a power reshuffle among top-tier factions. You just had to look to the First Heaven to see a practical example. The potential effect on the Undead Empire was no less pronounced, even if they weren''t aiming at the main prize.


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    If the Primo could get his hands on whatever supreme treasure he was forced to give up to the Hollow Court, he''d be able to consolidate his power even further. It might be all he was missing for iming the Heart of the Empire, the Death-attuned Eternal Heritage propping up the Undead Empire. With both treasure and Eternal Heritage in hand, the Primo might even be able to set his sights on a Throne or Seal.


    Currently, the Primo was an emperor in-name, rarely involving himself with the empire''s matters. He didn''t do anything to umte faith either, despite its apparent benefits for Supremacies. From what Zac understood, the Primo mostly acted as a deterrence and an asional arbitrator. It was the Divine Races that actually controlled the four quadrants of the empire.


    But if the mission for the fifth pir was sessful? He might seize direct control and set himself up like Laondio or the Emperors of the Seven Heavens. Zac hadn''t exposed the Primo''s connection to the Hollow Court, but the Divine Races had both smarter and better-informed minds than his. Even if the Reavers and the others didn''t know the specifics, they''d have to be blind not to realize something was up.


    The trial might be theirst chance to stop the Primo''s plot. If anything, Zac was surprised at the restraint they''d shown so far. Perhaps they didn''t dare make a move while things were in flux.


    "The Abyssal Shores should be safe even if something happens with the empire. And we''ll be together," Zac said.


    "I hope you''re right, even if I doubt we''ll be able to stay clear of the politics. Your bloodline alone makes the situationplicated," Catheya said, looking up at Zac. "Are you really going to invite Kator here? He might��"


    "I have to bring him over, letting three people from the Empire onto the Yphelion is part of the deal," Zac helplessly said. "It''ll be fine. You saw the wee packet I''ve prepared in case he tries something. Kator''s bones won''t save him from that kind of onught. And he''ll only be here for a few minutes. We''ll head straight to the Battlefront Array."


    "Still, be careful. He''s not foolish enough to attack you on your home turf, but he might be plotting something else."


    That was Zac''s concern, too. Kator was far stronger now than when they sparred, but he wasn''t at the point where he could run rampant on Earth. It was far more likely he''d try something sneaky like leaving a tracker on Earth. His whole empire was protected against conventional beacons, but Kator might possess some unique ability like forming a Karmic link with the.


    "I''ll keep my eyes peeled," Zac nodded.


    The two toured his ind for an hour, with Zac showing some of the ces he''d mentioned in stories. They also visited the Echelon ss, where Catheya handed out some gifts andpliments left and right like an aunting to visit. Eventually, it was time to go.


    The message from Kruta exined that they''d taken up residence on a D-grade world under the Dravorak Empire''s rule. Iz not staying in their capital made things easier for him. He did have Teleportation Tokens leading to Dravok City, but his presence would be exposed. The Everfast Monarch''s faction that had protected him was a clear minority, especially now that the war was going south. The imperials were cozying up to the Havarok Dynasty, hoping to be whisked off to safety. It would be far too easy to be a tribute.


    Zac even had the in his exhaustive list of teleportation destinations, and they set off without warning to not alert any potential spies ced around Iz. Zac nced at Catheya as they stepped off the teleporter, surprised to see her seeming almost as unbothered as him by standing on a High D-grade world without a speck of Miasma.


    A small domain of frigid chill had sprung up around her, sealing off the hostile environment. No, what she was doing was different. Zac curiously observed, realizing that the Cosmic Energy actually gained an affinity to the Dao of Ice as it got close to Catheya.


    "Is this what you mentioned?" Zac whispered as he threw a Cosmic Crystal to a shocked guard, who left the two hooded strangers pass without further questions.


    "It''s not perfect, but it''s a start," Catheya said, and he could feel the excitement in her voice. "Pure Ice is just the start. When I figure out mixed-meaning energy, I''ll be able to go anywhere."


    "And it doesn''t cost energy?" Zac marveled.


    What Catheya was doing was essentially the same as the engine of the Yphelion and the remnants. But while they pulled energy from the lower nes, transcending dimensional restrictions, Catheya pulled pure Dao. That way, she could form a natural Domain around her.


    "Not at this level. But it''s another story if I use it to fight or if the environment bes too intrusive."


    "Lower nes..." Zac muttered. "Interesting."


    It wasn''t hard to find the ce. Rather, it was impossible to miss. A whole mountain was set on fire just outside the city, with dozens of Hegemons floating in the air nearby. None dared to fly close, yet they seemed reluctant to leave. Perhaps they hoped the lofty people on the mountain would need some local helper, which could be the start of having their fate reforged.


    A few even tried to bar their approach. Unleashing some of his Killing Intent and aura saved Zac and Catheya from having to deal with the fools trying to take up the role of guards. It also served to announce their arrival. A gap in the empyrean mes opened, exposing a luxurious pce within.


    While looking like the summer residence of a wealthy cultivator, it emitted an intense aura of fire and destruction. It had to be a flying fortress or a portable manor since there was no way it was a local residence. An enterprising Hegemon tried to follow in their wake, only to be turned into ash as the entrance closed behind them. Zac grimaced and pulled Catheya closer, fearing she might not be deemed fated by the burning barrier.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    There was no clear main entrance to the pce, and there were no servants or guards to point them in the right direction. The pce almost felt deserted. Zac couldn''t sense a single aura in the building; neither could his Draugr vision spot any hints of Life. It was all fire. Thankfully, they didn''t have to go around knocking on doors as one opened for them.


    "Acting all mysterious," Catheya huffed as the chill around her intensified.


    Zac wryly smiled as they entered, where a floating me waited.


    <em>''We apologize about the reception, Miss Sharva''Zi,'' </em>the me said. <em>''The Dao here is so polluted that the young miss chose to seal the inner residences so as not to harm the training of her subordinates. She only just learned of your arrival. This way, if you please.''</em>


    "Thank you," Zac said, and they were led into the heart of the pce.


    The heat grew increasingly intense and filled with profound meaning. Zac looked at Catheya with worry. "Are you okay? Should I��"


    "No need," Catheya smiled. "If anything, this is a valuable experience to temper my Domain."


    "If you like it, you''re wee to stay as long as you wish," a crystalline voice spread through the hallway as the final door opened. "Wee."


    "What in the..." Catheya whispered, though Zac barely heard her.


    The inner sanctum was a small garden filled with flowers. Zac didn''t recognize a single one, but he could tell each was worth a fortune. They were all Peak D-grade Natural Treasures, with most emitting a vague pressure indicating they had begun the transition toward the C-grade. Together, they formed an intensely spiritual atmosphere, though not one purely of mes as he''d expected.


    The flowers had created an actual replica of the Heavens, forming a natural formation utilizing all seventeen Dao Peaks. With all Daos present and in perfect harmony, none stood out. Instead, the garden formed a supreme cultivation environment Zac suspected would stand out even on B-grade continents.


    The disy of wealth and knowledge wasn''t what had taken their breath away, though it did leave Zac''s cells shuddering with hunger. It was the woman sitting in the garden''s center. Iz''s appearance had already been blessed enough by the Heavens that it almost gained a pathbreaking feature. Zac had thought her beauty approaching the limits of what was possible, but he realized he''d been naive.


    Iz outshone the field of flowers, making them look likemon weeds. She had clearly advanced in both bloodline and Dao. The marks from the Dao of her family had grown more profound, but that wasn''t the only thing. He could sense an echo of his own experiences in Iz''s features. There was a hint of Law.


    A well-aimed elbow woke Zac up from his stupor.


    "Hello, it''s been a while. I''m sorry we dropped by unannounced. Things have gotten a bit crazy since you left. This is..."


    "Catheya Sharva''Zi," Iz Tayn said, looking at Catheya with interest.


    "Miss Iz Tayn," Catheya bowed. "You''re as beautiful as the rumors say."


    "Likewise," Iz said, pointing at the chairs that had been set for them. "You have my sympathy. It cannot be easy being a Dao Companion to this troublemaker."


    "Hey��"


    "You don''t know the half of it," Catheyaughed.


    "Your fate will be tested so long as you stay by his side."


    "Maybe. But I''d rather live an interesting life than a long one. Of course, both would be the best."


    "Indeed," Iz slowly nodded before turning back to Zac. "You''ve changed."


    "You''ve heard about my dual bodies," Zac said helplessly as they sat down.


    "I did, and I look forward to learning how such a thing came to be. But that is not what I''m referring to," Iz said, leaning closer as the markings on her face glimmered. "Law and�� Authority."

 Chapter 1207: Authority

    Chapter 1207: Authority


    Authority? Zac had never heard the term before. He had gained an aura ofmand after leading his armies into battle for two years, but that wasn''t it. This seemed like something else, considering it was broached in the same sentence as the Four Laws.


    Could it be rted to fate? His Luck had grown inordinately high, with an effective luck of over 6,000. It was natural that one''s providence grew stronger as you did, but not to this point. His Luck-advantage was far greater nowpared to when he was just an F-grade cultivator. Zac felt it had begun going beyond sensing dangers and opportunities, especially after histest gains in the Ensolus Ruins.


    People around him called him a storm that threw fate on its head. It certainly seemed true, but that didn''t mean he had control over the process. He was just as much a victim to the whims of fate as everyone else. Perhaps he was approaching a point where his will would nudge fate in his favor, like an extremely watered-down version of what Laondio seemed capable of.


    A tremendous pressure preempted Zac''s question to confirm. He felt like he''d been ced in the middle of a burning sun, yet neither Catheya nor the gently swaying flowers seemed affected.


    "Enough."


    Iz''s light voice dispersed the pressure, and Zac realized a golden-haired man stood at her side. Had he been there all the time, eluding Zac''s senses when even the Vigil''s mysterious nun couldn''t? This was a big boss, emitting a martial aura no weaker than Brigadier Toss. He might have the aura of an Early Monarch because of the System''s restrictions, but Zac suspected he was actually a Peak Monarch.


    There was a clear animosity in his gaze, which was decidedly unnerving. Thankfully, he had some experience from his exchanges with Kvalk, her former guardian. Iz''s status within her family was clearly far higherpared to Kator or Tavza in theirs. If Iz didn''t attack, neither would he.


    "I''m sorry," Iz said with the same helpless expression she had when dealing with Kvalk in the Void Star. "This is Salou, a grand disciple of Grandpa''s. He''s tasked with my protection while here. Your mark of Authority alerted him."


    "Senior," Zac said with a bow before turning to Iz. "You''re right about the Laws. I encountered an old contraption from the Limitless Empire that let me reforge my body with a weakened Four Destes tribtion. But I''m not sure what this about Authority is."


    "Limitless Empire? No wonder," Iz slowly nodded. "Authority is��"


    "Wait," Catheya interjected, making the two look over. "I shouldn''t be hearing this."


    "The Undead Empire hasmandments. She might be forced to expose information about me if it''s deemed in the interest or protection of the empire," Zac exined upon seeing Iz''s confusion.


    "Few can see Authority in others, but the concept is not a secret. It is impossible they are unaware," Iz smiled. "Especially so, considering they are the ones who have marked you."


    "What?!"


    "To cultivate is to seize the Dao. Eventually, one will stand equal with the Heavens, with a few even surpassing it. Authority is just what it sounds like. Dominion over a territory."


    "Territories? Supremacies?"


    "Indeed. A Supremacy will form a Heavenly Territory, where they are an Authority at the level of the Heavens. Mostmonly, the territory is then anchored in reality by forming a n or empire. Those who are chosen will be loved by the Heavens, having their strength and progress improved. Those who offend the Supremacy will be rejected by the Heavens while within their territory.


    "You have multiple marks on you. One should be from Lord Primo himself. From another, I sense ancient, suffocating darkness closely matching your bloodline."


    "The Abyss?" Zac said. "Do you feel anything on Catheya? "


    "Only the former."


    Zac looked down at his hands in thought. The second had to be rted to the impartment he received from the Abyssal Princes and Eoz. But when had he been given the Primo''s Authority? And Catheya, too.


    "I''m not sure what''s going on," Catheya hesitated before her eyes lit up. "Maybe it''s that? I''ve received special dispensation to cultivate Pure Death. You should have, too, even if you''re not an official member of the empire."


    "So the ban on cultivating pure death might be enforced with the Primo''s Authority? Anyone without the go-ahead would have their progress harmed?" Zac muttered, thinking back to Be''Zi. Was that why she escaped into the depths of the Eternal Storm? To avoid the Primo''s blockade on her path?


    "I don''t feel any different, though. Unless you count the improvements from awakening my Draugr bloodline."


    "Being marked by Authority can take many shapes and forms. Usually, it will have no effect outside the Heavenly Territory."


    "Usually?" Zac said, suddenly remembering Iz''sment after their duel."Was it Authority that let you break through my defensive skill back then?"


    "I would have broken it regardless. But yes," Iz said, prompting an embarrassed cough from Zac. "Supremacies have no clear-cut stages. It''s a gradient. The more Authority over the Dao you hold, the stronger you will be. However, there are two major thresholds. At a certain point, you can im a corner of the Heavens, allowing your Authority to influence the Dao."


    Zac nodded. This was exactly what the Primo seemed to be doing with the Dao of Death.


    "My family wields Authority over certain concepts used in your defensive skill. As such, it was weakened whening in contact with my Dao. The skill would also disy greater strength if I or someone connected to my family used it," Iz continued. "At the second threshold, your path bes Law, and your will can shape reality. The Dao has room for seventeen Utmost Authorities."


    "Seventeen slots?" Zac said, his eyes widening in realization. "The Thrones and Seals? So, those at the top have fused their path with the Four Laws, surpassing the Dao? Which means those seventeen people can dictate thews of cultivation?"


    "Yes and no. Each Throne or Seal represents an opening, but not all of them are imed by cultivators. For instance, each Apostate ceded one of the slots to the System. The First Defier broke convention, forcing open a path of cultivation for mortals. It''s technically possible to overrule his Authority by wing back his Throne, but none have ever managed to take what''s in the System''s hands.


    "Also, the seventeen slots only represent a part of the picture. The Heavens are growing more crowded, but there''s still much unimed. Other forces than cultivators also holdrge pieces of the Heavens. Taboo zones, ancient formations, the lower realms, and so on."


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    "I think I understand, thank you."


    Zac had often heard mentions of seizing a corner of the Heavens, and he finally understood what that actually meant. The battle between the Apostate of Mercy and the Buddhist Sangha over the nature of the Peak of Grand Materia was clearly a war over one of the seventeen slots of Utmost Authority.


    Judging by Iz''s words, that control was now in the System''s grasp. Zac was certain the Sangha hadn''t given up on it. Even if they couldn''t snatch it back, they might be able to influence the System enough to nudge things in their favor.


    Iz''s exnation also confirmed what Zac already knew. Her family possessed an incredibly powerful Supremacy whose Authority stretched beyond their Heavenly Territory at the least. That was the only way she could use it in a fight far out on the frontier. Of course, it was also possible that Iz possessed something greater than a simple mark or blessing from her elder. Who knew, she might have inherited an actual piece of her family''s Authority.


    Zac still leaned toward the former exnation, considering the Tayns'' reputation. Everyone feared them, no matter their origin, to the point they might even have one of the Seals or Thrones. It was a terrifying notion that an elder of the woman before him was one of the absolute peak entities in the Multiverse��a group even smaller than he''d thought, considering the System apparently hogged five of them.


    No. Most likely, the System held even more. The most powerful cultivators of the ancient era, including Karz and Laondio themselves, had disappeared when the System was born. It didn''t seem too far-fetched that the Limitless Empire held at least a couple of slots.


    What would happen if the System imed them all? Zac didn''t dare stay on the subject, feeling he was approaching dangerous grounds again.


    "I can''t upgrade the marks on me to help me in battle, right?" Zac asked to confirm.


    "No. That would require the one leaving the mark to expand their Authority beyond their territory. Mind you, many at that level intentionally avoid taking that step as seizing a corner of the Dao puts you at a direct collision course with the Heavens."


    "Thank you," Zac exhaled. "This is very valuable information. What can I give you in return?"


    "The information isn''t very valuable. Much of it ismon knowledge where Authority is involved," Iz smiled. "Seeing your situation has helped me understand a few things, opening a new path to the future. If anything, I feel I owe you."


    "Then let''s call it even," Zac said, feeling Catheya grip his arm a bit harder.


    He understood what she wanted to say. The information definitely wasn''t as simple as Iz said. At the same time, Zac felt Iz was telling the truth when she said sharing the information helped her. Zac didn''t think Iz was plotting against him, but there was also some critical part she''d left out.


    "We''re approaching the deadline. Are you ready?" Iz asked, dragging Zac out of his thoughts.


    "As ready as I''ll be," Zac sighed. "Do you have a n for collecting a seal?"


    "The mebearers have been chosen," Iz calmly said. "That does not mean all are fated to enter. Only one tributary will be the river, and some might be swallowed before the true battle begins. I shall simply test my fate against another''s."


    "Uh," Zac hesitated while Catheya tensed.


    "It makes no sense targeting an ally, especially when you''re not after the main heritage," Iz said, looking at him with a raised brow. "Of course, it''s impossible to tell what will happen with an aberration such as you involved. I''m taking a gamble that the chaos you bring to the table will benefit me."


    "I''ll do my best to send some good chaos your way," Zac scratched his chin. "About Kruta��"


    "Little Candle has be a nominal disciple of my Great Aunt, but we are not fated," Iz said. "He shall stay in your cycle. In return, I only ask that you provide me with one count of assistance should I need it during the trial. Of course, if doing so goes against your interests, the oue will be decided by fate."


    "That''s it?" Zac said with surprise and confusion.


    He''d been worried about losing his second Blooddancer of Ultom if Iz brought him over. It was a reasonable payment for their assistance, yet it would have rendered his second cycle iplete. Luckily, Iz seemed uninteresting in keeping him around despite his evident affinity with the Tayns.


    "Wait, Little Candle?"


    "It''s what my aunt calls him," Iz smiled. "And you underestimate your value. Little Candle is talented, but his path is his own. I believe your promise has a higher chance of giving returns."


    "I''ll help out if I can, but I do have other obligations. Like the Undead Empire," Zac said, feeling a bit sad for ''the Great Kruta'' who''d been reduced to Little Candle. Then again, was he any better? It was only recently he''d graduated from his status as Mr. Bug.


    "That''s not a problem. I''m not interested in forcing fate."


    "Then I ept," Zac said. "I also wanted to see if you''re interested in another exchange. Same asst time. I have some intelligence that could prove useful in gathering seals. You can exchange with resources or information of simr value."


    "Hm?" Iz said, a smile tugging at her lips. "You''re about to cause trouble again. No wonder we felt a rise in the winds of fate and had to hurry over."


    "I''m trying to quit, but it''s not easy," Zacughed. "Do we have a deal?"


    "We do."


    "I can''t share all the details as there are agreements in ce, but there''s a ce in the Zurbor Sector called Imperial Graveyard."


    "We''ve heard of it from some of our contacts," Iz nodded. "It''s stirring, and many unexplored remnants are appearing. However, you need the cultists'' permission to enter, and I refuse to make deals with Heretics."


    "What if you don''t have to?" Zac said. "I''m not at liberty to say the exact time. But in a few weeks, we''ll break open the barrier and sneak inside. Everything is already in ce."


    "You''ll break open the barrier? How? I hear it''s quite impressive, and a lot of the cult''s elites are stationed in the region."


    "I can''t say."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Do you need my assistance?"


    "No."


    "So why are you bringing this to us?" Salou asked.


    "Spreading the risks," Zac frankly admitted. "The more people we can get to enter, the more the Kan''Tanu will have to spread their resources if they want to catch us. As for what we aplish or find inside, it''ll be up to fate."


    "Interesting," Iz hummed. "It shouldn''t prove too difficult to find a path there, though your actions might also open up opportunities elsewhere."


    "Without a specific time, how would we know when to strike?" Salou asked.


    "Let''s just say�� You''ll know it when you see it, so long as you''re in the area."


    "Chaos," Iz said with helplessness and took out an Information Crystal. "This information is very helpful. Let me reciprocate."


    Zac briefly scanned it, his brows rising as he saw a mix of familiar and unfamiliar names. It was a report on arge number of sealbearers, including three mebearers that hadn''t appeared during the war. Just where had they cropped up from? While the war was the main road into the trial, it looked like there were a few side entrances for the powerful and motivated.


    The three chatted for a bit longer, but Zac could tell it wasn''t the time or ce to catch up properly. Iz had just arrived and needed to move quickly to catch up with those who''d been gathering fate since before the war started. He was the same. He''d spent the better part of the day with Catheya and only had two hours left before he needed to return to Rava''s side.


    "We should head out," Zac eventually said. "It was nice seeing you again, Iz."


    "Likewise," Iz smiled. "Life seems to be more interesting when you''re around."


    "You need to head back to the�� thing, right?" Catheya said and thoughtfully turned to Iz. "Is the offer to stay for a bit longer still open?"


    "Of course. The power of ice you''re wielding is exquisite. I think both me and my subordinates could benefit from exchanging pointers," Iz said. "Little Candle is also in the middle ofst-minute training. You can leave him here unless you have a special task that requires his assistance. I''m sure he wouldn''t mind."


    Zac was reluctant to part with Catheya so soon, but he needed to go anyhow. Rather than having Catheya be left alone on Earth or return to Kavista, staying with Iz didn''t seem like a bad option. They could only benefit from staying a few extra days, considering just the flowers in Iz''s garden were worth far more than his whole empire.


    "I''m out of Teleportation Tokens, so I''lle get you two a few days before we set off, then?" Zac said.


    "No need. Flies will soon swarm this. I''ll send them over in two weeks."


    "You can do that?" Zac said with surprise. "I heard the istion around Earth has been upgraded."


    "No matter. The path is already explored, and transporting allies will not draw the System''s ire," Iz said, turning to Catheya. "I need to seclude myself for a bit. The mes will lead you to Little Candle and the others."


    "Thank you."


    "Oh, uh��" Zac hesitated just as they were about to leave. "I kind of borrowed your name to threaten the Dravoraks a while back. I''m sorry about that."


    "I''m aware. Don''t worry. What is our name worth if it can''t be used to protect our allies? Little Candle has already providedpensation," Iz said. "I look forward to seeing the surprise you''ve nned out for the heretics."


    "Don''t worry; this has the potential to be my best work yet."

 Chapter 1208: Complications

    Chapter 1208: Complications


    The door closed behind the two guests, stirring a gentle wind that sang a melody of Dao within the garden. The flowers stilled, leaving Iz alone with her thoughts.


    "He''s found apanion. I''m not confident she''s fated, but I''m happy he''s happy," Iz said, ignoring the worried look from her advisor. "Did you see how tired he was?"


    "I did."


    "Is it really worth it? Protecting the lives of the unfated."


    "There is no right or wrong answer to that, miss."


    "Will his hard work amount to anything? The providence of this sector has all but dried up."


    "Their performance is too wretched. The general trend has been set despite the best efforts of Young Miss''s friend. The Heavens have already abandoned this region. The interwar will be over in two months at most."


    "It''s impossible?"


    "I wouldn''t dare say so when that young man is involved. I have never seen a providence like his. If Young Miss and the other candidates are radiant stars, then he''s a ck hole."


    Iz wasn''t surprised. There had always been something odd about his providence since the first time they met. It was nowhere near what she sensed today. She didn''t need Salou''s unique vision to understand Zac had undergone a tremendous change since she left for training.


    The curiosity was almost unbearable, to the point she briefly regretted giving back the mirror to her Grandpa. However, the memory of Zac standing alone, broken and exhausted, after dealing with the energy golem from the Lost ne doused those feelings. He''d be too real, making it impossible to use his struggles as entertainment.


    Iz still felt embarrassed and anxious over the matter, fearing he''d see the truth in her eyes or piece together her excuses. Couldn''t he have exploited their name a bit more to level the imbnce? Aunty Valissa had suggested giving him some treasures or testing the fate of his enemies to alleviate the guilt. Iz felt it was the wrong way to go about things.


    Now, there was anotherplication to the tangle in her heart. It looked like her guardian couldn''t hold back any longer.


    "Young miss, are you truly letting him leave like this? Ignoring his status as a mebearer is one thing, but he''s encroaching on the exalted one''s Authority. The family rules are very clear on how to deal with any attack on the Empyrean Throne."


    "That man always brings surprises," Iz sighed. "Just how did he get marked? Is it part of a bigger tapestry?"


    "Any such vition should be nipped in the bud. He''s weak now, but he gives me a bad feeling. Like he holds a seed of our downfall."n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Is it your Third Eye?" Iz asked, getting a hesitant shrug in response. "Grandma can take care of herself. And I''m not convinced this is a bad thing."


    "Is young miss thinking of bringing him into the family to richen the blood?"


    "It would be interesting to see what would happen. The Empyrean Quadrant is very quiet and uneventful," Iz said with a slight smile. "But no, I''m talking about something else. You said he''s encroaching on our Throne, but you could argue it''s the other way around. The mark on him is ancient."


    "Ancient?" Salou said, his eyes flickering. "Is Young Miss referring to the Temrs of the me? Then, there''s even more reason to sever his fate."


    "I will do no such thing. Zac is a friend, and killing him will not release Emperor Evrodok''s hold on Grandma''s Throne. It''s only a weak mark now, but given time��"


    "He might seize or destroy the fragment of ancient Authority," Salou said, slowly nodding in agreement. "I''m sorry, miss. I was shortsighted. But shouldn''t you have informed him if you wanted his help? He might not know he''s being targeted by the remnants of the Empire."


    "His mark was tenuous at best. I think he''s wavering on whether he should ept the Empyrean me or not. I don''t want to influence his decision or path," Iz said. "Fate cannot be forced��we''ll let it run its course. It does not seem ready to materialize just yet, but I believe Ultom will give us an answer."


    "He might be your enemy."


    "He promised to send some good chaos our way," Iz said with a smile. "I am willing to take a bet on him. I will face the oue head-on, no matter what it is."


    "I will have to report this matter to Lord Mohzius. I believe he''ll agree with your assessment," Salou said. "Fate truly works in mysterious ways. To think a chance encounter in an F-grade trial would culminate into such convoluted threads of fate."


    "I think it''s much too soon to say culminate with that troublemaker involved," Iz said.


    "What does young miss think about his suggestion?"


    "What will happen to this sector when it''s deemed unfated?"


    "If it were another enemy than the ck Heart Cult, the System would have handed the sector over and closed the matter. It would keep the Space Gate open for a set number of years or directly fuse the sectors, depending on performance. With such a resounding victory, I''d guess thetter."


    "It won''t do so for heretics, even if they''re integrated?"


    "Not if it can find a way around it that doesn''t break its operational rules. The System generally picks one of two approaches. One, it''ll give a neighboring sector a chance to take over after the heretics have been given a minimum window of plunder. Second, it''ll abandon the sector on the basis ofcking energy and potential."


    "Discorporation," Iz muttered with a slight frown.


    "It''s the most likely oue. The connection with the fifth pir will likely influence the System''s operations somehow, though. It will not do anything before that chapter has concluded."


    "Then it''s settled. If Mister Bug is nning to go to the Imperial Graveyard, that''s where we have to be," Iz smiled. "He is nning something big. I can''t wait to see if he can overturn the fate of a whole sector."


    --------------------------


    <em>''This way, miss,''</em> the bobbing me said.


    "One second," Catheya answered. "You''re really okay with me staying?"


    "Of course. Just be careful. Talk with Kruta to make sure you don''t break any unspoken rules."


    "I know how to carry myself," Catheya winked before lowering her voice. "What do you think about what she said?"


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    "There''s not much point in worrying about Authorities and marks. I think she''d have said something if they posed a risk to my life."


    "It''s not like we could do anything about them even if we knew they were there," Catheya agreed. "Still, we don''t know the full picture. There might be dangers we''re still not aware of."


    Zac understood what Catheya meant. She was reminding him not to take the information at face value. Iz had only provided a brief overview to exin the concept, but how could a few sentences encapste the abilities of Supremacies? Whether it was because of family rules or other limitations, there was much that remained unsaid.


    The biggest concern was whether Supremacies could track their marks. He''d felt somewhat safe thanks to hisbination of anti-Karma capabilities and Void bloodline. It would be easier said than done to track him down if he escaped into the Eternal Storm or another region of the Multiverse. But those maneuvers were useless if he carried around a tracking signal directly connected to the Dao.


    "What did she give you?"


    "Take a look," Zac said, taking out the information crystal.


    "Are you sure?"


    "It''s not a problem. I''ll probably share this with Kator anyhow. No matter what undercurrents are stirring in the Empire, they''re unlikely to take action before they know the oue of the trial. This information gives us a chance to survive long enough for him to betray us."


    "I hate that such a gloomy outlook sounds reasonable," Catheya said and took the crystal. "So many powerful people. Those mebearers, especially. I don''t think Kator alone can deal with them alone, let alone us."


    "We always suspected the waters were deeper than we could see. Outsiders have been entering Zecia and Zurbor for two years. Some didn''t join the Intersector War. Others kept their movements hidden. Now we have names and faces, at least, and the mebearers should be aiming for the Left Imperial Pce."


    "So long as it''s not a ughter trial," Catheya sighed.


    Zac nodded in agreement. That was his worry, too. The biggest risk to his people is if there were a ughterponent like the Eastern Trigram Hunt. Their being uninterested in the Eternal Heritage wouldn''t matter if killing other candidates improved one''s fate with Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce.


    His current strength still wasn''t enough to win against Yselio without relying on his bloodline breakthrough or outside assistance, let alone kill him. He might be able to fight to a draw, provided Yselio had shown all his cards in their previous fight. However, the three mebearers on Iz''s list were clearly stronger than the Imperial Prince. Escaping with his life intact was the best oue if he fought today.


    One was the direct descendant of someone called the Centigrade Pryer. Iz had only provided a brief introduction, exining that the Pryer was an ancient elemental who''d achieved pseudo-immortality like the Primo. The descendant''s level was a question mark, but the report said the unique elemental race were all monstrously talented. It was estimated the young Pryer would have four Earthly Daos on top of their other ungodly advantages.


    Another candidate was the Holy Daughter of a terrifying Insectoid species. The report said each generation''s Matriarch wielded the strength to fight to a draw with most Thrones or Seals, and the Holy Daughter had specifically been raised to take over in a few million years. How could someone like that be normal?


    The third mebearer had the shortest introduction, mentioning neither gender nor race. Their name was Eouso, and they came from something called the Pesvati Rift in the Eternal Storm. Zac had never heard of it, but any unintegrated faction that dared contend for opportunities directly rted to the System had to be extremely powerful.


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked when he saw Catheya''s look.


    "I''m fine. It''s just that it''s all bing very real, very fast now that I''m back. I always knew the trial would be dangerous, but it''s another thing now that there are names and faces to thepetition. Do you think Iz can get it? The Eternal Heritage?"


    "She has the qualifications. I couldn''t gauge her strength at all this time. She might have already stepped into Late D-grade," Zac slowly said, not worried about the me listening in. "Then again, Iz seeding would only be the first step. The Tayns would have to defend the prize. I''m sure some old monsters are just waiting for the dust to settle to rob the winners rather than muck about with the trial."


    "At least the matter will be out of our hands at that point," Catheya smiled, sping Zac''s hand. "I cannot believe we only got half a day to ourselves."


    "Maybe we''ll get some time to ourselves in the Imperial Graveyard," Zac said helplessly. "Just give me a call if you want to go back, and I''ll figure out a way to pick you up."


    "Go, do your thing," Catheya grinned. "I''ll see if I can find some answers here. It''s an interesting juxtaposition after spending thest years in a world of ice and a reminder of why I''ve chosen this path."


    Zac made his way back from the castle after saying his goodbyes. His safe exit from the burning mountain was enough deterrence to prevent any of the lingering Hegemons from having any ideas. He spent an hour getting updates and reading reports before returning to the Ensolus Ruins.


    He passed five shell-shocked soldiers hurrying toward the temples on his way. The addition of almost 100 soldiers had added some life to the training camp, though it still gave off a deste air. Eventually, he found himself at the entrance to the Halls of Service.


    His human side had kept training all the while, having already emerged from the raw energy bath and returning a dayter. The only difference from the norm was he''d swapped out the more strenuous exercises with things that wouldn''t incapacitate his Draugr half. Rava would no doubt make him pay back for lost time, but the day off was definitely worth it.


    Zac looked into the sky. He could vaguely see a river of providence connecting the Ensolus Ruins with the distance��the Imperial Graveyard or perhaps the pir itself. Catheya was right. It all felt more real now that everyone was back and everything was in ce. He only had two more weeks to prepare. He''d better make it count.


    "There is a lingering aura of flowers and powerful mes on you. One of the outsiders you mentioned?"


    "A friend of mine just returned to Zecia, so I visited her before I had to return," Zac said, ncing at Rava, who had appeared to his right.


    "A friend��? No wonder."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "You have the aura of a man who''s fought a fierce battle. But to think your Obsidian-eyedpanion wasn''t enough. Being young and full of vigor is natural, but do not forget what''s important."


    "That''s not��" Zac coughed. "I have a question. Does the repository have any information on Authority that I can exchange for merit? I should have some left over after going through the schedule."


    "Why concern yourself with the matters of Deities and Godkings? You''re just an Evolved Lord. Your glory points are better off spent on strengthening yourself."


    Autarchs in the pre-system era were referred to as Celestials, with each stage having its own name like the stages of Hegemony. Zac guessed that meant Deities were the name for Supremacies. Godkings were likely something even greater. He recalled Rava calling Joanna''s master Godking Eyler.


    Zac had tried figuring out what that meant during his short visits to the repository, but he was only able to research his own subjects during his very brief breaks. He had a better idea after meeting Iz, though. A Godking should either be a Supremacy who''d extended their Authority beyond their Heavenly Territory or one who''d seized a slot of Utmost Authority.


    "I just learned I''ve been marked by two Undead Supremacies, possibly more," Zac exined. "I want to understand what dangers I''m facing, if they can use the marks to control or track me."


    Rava spoke after a few moments of thought.


    "Don''t waste your time in the repository. Authority only has a marginal impact on the masses��not even Deities can dictate the will of the Heavens. It is easier if you think of Authority as the final stage of Dao, and not as a special ability. The Dao is boundless, but only one cultivator can control the full extent of each expression. Someone reaching the limits of a path butcking Authority will exhibit a fifth of its strength at best. Few had the luxury of wielding the full Authority of their Dao in my era. I believe it''s even more difficult today.


    "You have little reason to worry about the marks left on you. Even a Godking would have a difficult time tracking down its chosen through a mark alone. Your unique bloodline and Void Destiny will make it even harder, if not impossible. Frankly, I doubt anyone would be willing to try even if you ran off with the whole pir."


    Zac didn''t understand why Rava was suddenly so amodating after stonewalling him for over a week, but he wasn''t about to ruin things with questions.


    "The Heavens is not a servant. Using it as such will cause a bacsh and trigger a premature tribtion. If unlucky, pieces of Authority they worked a million years on seizing will escape their grasp."


    That was a load off his shoulders. The threat of facing a tribtion or crippling bacsh would keep the Primo and everyone else on their best behavior in these critical times.


    "Of course, there are exceptions to everything," Rava added. "I recall a Holy Relic from a previous Era that could aplish such a feat without drawing the ire of the Heavens."


    "Those things can''t be verymon," Zac muttered before looking at Rava with suspicion. "What''s changed?"


    "My job is to teach you and ensure you''re ready for whatever fate has in store. I believe this knowledge might be part of that."


    It was obviously not the truth, but Zac still felt the information was urate.


    "I''ve been thinking. I want to go through the Endless Crusade before I leave."


    "You''re not ready."


    Zac looked at the river of providence a final time before stepping into the halls.


    "Everything worthwhilees at a price. And I might not be ready now, but I still have two weeks."

 Chapter 1209: What is Dead

    Chapter 1209: What is Dead


    Furious roars shook the dojo, and the oppressive aura of itsbatants made the observers lining the walls strain to remain upright. The murderous intent pounced on Tavza as she stepped inside. It was swallowed by the Abyss before it coulde close, leaving her mind unaffected.


    "What''s this?" Tavza icily said, ignoring the onlookers while holding up themunication token.


    There was no response except deep thuds of fists crashing into leathery skin and ws grinding against bone and stone. Three circles of utter darkness appeared without a sound, forming an array around the struggling Beast King. Three shes disintegrated the head of the Peak D-grade simian before it could react, ending the battle prematurely.


    "Poor guy," a muffled voice said from beneath the headless carcass before it was flung out of the way. "I promised it could live if it managed to pin me down."


    "What is the meaning of this?" Tavza repeated.


    "Isn''t it self-evident?" Kator said. "I''ve reorganized our group."


    "You''ve removed me from the mission, recing me with one of your sycophants."


    "Right-hand man, but yes," Kator said as he applied some paste to remove the shallow marks on his armor. "You''ve been sealed in your crypt so long I didn''t know if you''d emerge in time."


    "I was training for our mission."


    "And I appreciate your dedication. Nevertheless, I realized that having both of us aboard that brat''s ship was a bad idea. What would happen to our mission if something went wrong? This way, there''s still hope for our undertaking in case I should fall in the line of duty."


    "You might be in charge, but this is a joint operation. Removing me is breaking the agreement. Remember, you are still on Draugrnd."


    "<em>Relocating. </em>Someone needs to lead our sealbearers and remaining candidates into the graveyard. You have ample experience in that regard��your experience in the Million Gates territory makes you perfect for the assignment. Of course, you''re wee to stay behind if you feel the task beneath you."


    "If only one of us can stay with Arcaz Umbri''Zi, it should be me. Your strained rtionship with the asset is well-documented."


    "We don''t need to get along to work together. Rather, it''s you who''s too close to him. How can I be sure you don''t try to run off with the little bastard?" Katorughed. "I''m not convinced your allegiance with the Empire supersedes that of yourke, so I''ll be the one to make sure he finishes his quest andpletes his seal."


    "You have the audacity to talk about allegiance at this time? It''s you who��"


    "You shouldn''t believe every rumor you hear," Kator said with a shake of his head. "Either case, my decision is final."


    "I will��"


    "Oh, I''ve imposed a seal on Kavista. This mission is of extreme importance to our cause. We cannot have any information fall into our enemies'' hands."


    "So that''s it?" Tavza said, the Abyss in her eyes growing darker.


    "That''s it, Draugr," Kator rumbled as patterns formed across his Warbones.


    "I hope you don''t choke on your appetite."


    Tavza turned around and left, unwilling to stay with the insufferable Reaver for another second. Giving in to the desire to rip him apart would do her no good. Her chances of victory were slim, and it would aplish nothing. Despite her best efforts, there still hadn''t been any word from the Heart. Kator was still in charge of the mission, which had been created by Lord Primo and ratified by the four races.


    Lashing out was no different than breaking the cardinalws of the empire, so long as his orders were within reason. They were out of options. Tavza soon reached her study, where Laz was already waiting.


    "He''s not budging."


    "I guessed as much. That daredevil used the Primo''s writ to create a blockade, so he must be ready to face the fallout. He''s digging himself deeper if they''re truly nning something."


    "It''s a small price to pay for the White Sky Phnx if it means furthering their goals. There is no way around the seal?"


    "Not by anyone bound by themandments."


    "Still no word from home?" Tavza asked.


    "The Lake remains sealed per thest report, and we''ve received no word of any big changes on the outside. Garrisons close to our empires are still seeing a constant influx ofmon-race soldiers."


    "The lower races would never dare act out on their own," Tavza said.


    "True. And yet, such movements cannot be faulted under anyw or regtion."


    "Do you think they''d actually dare attack?"


    "If they see an opportunity? Absolutely," Laz said. "For now, they should only be exerting pressure. Rattling their spears and attacking are two very different things. They want us to join their camp or remain neutral at the very least."


    "Have the others made their will known?"


    "No. The Serpentine Sea Phnx is still ignoring the actions of their race. If anything, they''ve escted their war with the Primal Council. The Blood Progenitor remains silent, and the Eternal Court appears to be split down the middle. Who knows what the Eidolon are thinking?"


    "They move as one," Tavza sighed. "The Hiveminds must have given some form of assurance if two Phnxes and half the Sanguine aristocrats dare raise their weapons."


    "It might not necessarilye to war," Laz said. "This is not the first time this has happened. Even the Abyssal Shores have participated in simr activities in the past."


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    Laz''s words were meant tofort. Unfortunately, they both knew this time was different. The Primo had been seen less and less frequently over the past generations. His true body didn''t even appear to officiate when the Imperial Supremacies left on their final journey.


    The once-unmentionable rumors were now openly discussed among themon popce. That true Death had finally caught up with the Primo. That his Dao Heart could no longer take the eternity it had been forced to endure. That the Heart of the Empire had finally bested him and that it was time for the next chapter of the Undead Empire. No emperors, no futile wars, and an era of prosperity.


    Even now, the Primo remained quiet, adding oil to the fire. His reticence had left the Abyssal Shores in a difficult position. This was the worst possible time for a civil war. Her ancestor was approaching his limits, with none being ready to pick up his mantle. Worse, discovering the missing branch was a ring weakness until it had the chance to mature.


    A single order from the Primo could have pulled the Abyssal Shores to his side��to let her bring back the son of Eoz andplete their bloodline. Even handing her backmand of the mission would have sufficed. The Primo had done neither. Was his position truly so weakened he didn''t dare push back against the Reaver''s grab for control? Was he unable tomunicate with the outside world, as some suspected?


    Tavza felt the crushing burden ofmand weighing on her. As much as she hated to admit it, she wasn''t as skilled as Kator in leadership. Her path was another. She prayed that would be the key to avoiding disaster.


    "We have no choice. I''m going to perform the ritual."


    "You''ve managed to finish it?" Laz eximed with shock.


    "I believe so."


    "You believe? Death lookspletely differentpared to the Limitless Empire''s era. Just the slightest error in your calctions, and��"


    "We are out of options. We cannot sit idly by while the world moves forward," Tavza said with determination. "I have to speak with the lord."


    "Let me or Sepravo do it."


    "Impossible. Youck the required affinity with the Dao of Death and the precise knowledge to channel it. There might only be ten people in the Shores who have a chance of getting a message through," Tavza said. "Please help hide my actions."


    "Of course."


    Tavza made her final preparations before activating a hidden array that disced her into another room. A series of transfers usingplex and everchanging patterns and her bloodline took her into a hidden chamber in the depths of Kavista, a ce not even Tassar Kavriel knew of. It teemed with Miasma, far surpassing what the local holynds could provide.


    Part of it came from Tavza''s efforts over the past years, another from the fact it was a hidden vein drawing from the continent''s very essence. In the middle of the cave was an enormous sphere made from an intricate mesh of thousands of strings. It was one of the most iprehensible arrays she''d ever encountered and the culmination of her efforts.


    Being stripped ofmand had awoken her from herfortable dream of superiority. She knew there would be little chance of her reimingmand during the war��she was a historian and Array Master, while Kator was a skilled general and fierce fighter. She''d still believed she could have achieved her goals as a vicemander, keeping the seed of Vanguard safe from the backlines.


    That was before she fully understood the storm Arcaz had stirred. Seeing the Abyssal Pond explode was like a p to her face that had shattered any lingering notion of safety or surety. Not even the Abyssal Shores were safe when facing theing storm. Since then, she''d worked herself the bones, fighting, cultivating, and scouring the depths of the Million Gates Territory for anything that could help. Then she found it.


    An array created by the Primo himself in an era preceding the System''s birth. A gift left to a benefactor who had extended a helping hand at his lowest. Tavza didn''t know the details, and she hadn''t dared prod too deep, fearful of triggering a hidden safeguard in themandments. Still, the array had be a beacon of hope when the Heart grew increasingly distant.


    <em>''When all options are exhausted, and all you see is darkness, light the pyre. Death will bring life.''</em>


    The message was not an empty promise. A year of research had deduced it was Law infused into the array. Activating it without the prerequisites in ce would cause a powerful bacsh that would rip even Monarchs to shreds. Tavza believed she''d checked all the boxes, yet her hands shook as she ignited the logs of ancient wood.


    ck mes were sucked into thebyrinthian mesh, and millions of archaic runes lit up. The Miasma around her twisted and transformed, regressing into a primal state. Past and present connected through the tapestry of Death, forming an illusory gate. Tavza took a steadying breath and stepped through.


    The river of time tried to rip her apart. She staunchly held on, her personal Abyss holding off the bacsh of the paradox she''d formed. Space stabilized, and madness was unleashed. She stood on a deste expanse under an utterly foreign sky. Decay and madness had taken up all reality, twisting her senses and perception. It didn''t ept anything else, and Tavza would have been instantly remolded by foreign Death if not for the small, ck me in her hands.


    <em>''Child of Azol, you should not havee.'' </em>


    The wastnd shook as it spoke. The ground rose, forming a sphere made of bedrock. One eye after another opened on the dusty stone until a million gazes were trained upon her. Not two were alike, except for the profound Death their pupils were made from. It was a different darkness than theforting ckness of the Abyss and not any weaker.


    Eyes opened and closed, forming a pattern that epassed all life''s terminus. Dimensions lost their meaning as the eyes bent and expanded into dimensions where Tavza''s mind couldn''t follow. The undivided attention was just as fatal as the Fallen Death, which was still whispering in Tavza''s ears. It waspletely different from the Founders, the homunculi carved in their lord''s mortal image.


    She was facing one of the true facets of the Primo��Galgallim.


    <em>"</em>My Lord, I was out of options, and all I can see is Death in our future,"<em></em>Tavza groaned, struggling to keep herself from eroding.


    <em>''You are traversing on ancient Karma. What befell the original owner?''</em>


    "Their descendants sumbed early in the Dark Ages. They died before they could finish the sphere."


    <em>''Fate inherited�� and epted. Speak.''</em>


    "There is unrest on the outside, and we could not contact you. We feared something had gone wrong."


    <em>''The Heart has been sealed.''</em>


    "What!"


    Just who was powerful enough to trap the Primo inside the Heart of the Empire?


    <em>''No matter. Heart and empire is one. Kingdoms crumble, civilizations fall. Death reigns eternal.''</em>


    Tavza held back a gasp. Was the Primo happy to stay in his cage, depriving the empire of its lifeline to fight back? Their poption had grown far too great to survive without the Eternal Heritage''s constant infusion of Miasma. Even the colonies couldn''t survive without its gift.


    It would lead to cmity, especially so for Draugr. The Abyssal Lake was the empire''s second-greatest source of Miasma. The other races couldn''t enter its depths, but the shores could provide sanctuary. The longer the Heart remained closed, the more danger they would face.


    "Lord, the Abyssal Shores have not moved against you! However, the son of Eoz is being targeted by the other races. His fate is tied to our race. If lord could extend a helping hand, the Abyssal Shores will stand with��"


    <em>''I cannot help you.''</em>


    Tavza''s heart sank even further.


    <em>''His fate is not yours to control, nor anyone else''s. He is gathering Chaos; the tapestry has already been corroded. I can only sense he will face mortal danger.''</em>


    "Is there anything I can do?"


    <em>''Perhaps. Perhaps not. Child of Azol, are you willing to face the unknowable? In Chaos, seize life.''</em>


    "I''m willing!"


    <em>''Very well. Thus, Karma dies.''</em>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Pitch-ck runes poured out of the myriad eyes, forming a web that expanded space toward infinity. The madness was swept away, reced by the pure bliss of the Grand Tapestry of Death. Tavza only got a brief moment to take it in before she felt a tug, pulling her across further into the tapestry until she reached a writhing knot.


    It was a small gathering of Chaos, causing unpredictable changes that spread through the tapestry. Tavza felt she could aplish anything if she grasped that power. Correct the past, save the future. She shook her head, remembering her goal. The key to her predicament should be inside. She''d seize it, no matter what.


    <em>''Remember, fate is not set, and what is dead may rise anew.''</em>


    A gap opened, and Tavza entered the broken peak.

 Chapter 1210: Eternal Crusade

    Chapter 1210: Eternal Crusade


    Invir parried the stab, pushing the spear into the ground. His retaliatory lunge turned into a stumble by legs betraying him from exhaustion. His arms burned, yet he managed to raise his de, letting it sink into the chest of his enemy. Madness gleamed in the Krovath''s eyes as he grabbed the hilt and dragged Invir closer.


    The masked barbarian pulled a bone dagger from his belt as his lifeblood seeped out the wound. Invir saw his doom in the sharpened edge yet was unable to mount even a perfunctory resistance. Warmth followed cold as blood seeped down his throat. It mixed with the Korvath''s blood and they fell onto the ground. The roars of war raged all around, with Lords and Heralds battling in the sky above.


    How did ite to this? He''d joined the town guard for its steady pay and reputable enough status to court Dara. If he''d made sergeant, he could have afforded a house in the third district in just fifty years. Everything was in ce, so why did he ignore Dara''s pleas when the recruiters passed through town?


    Greed. He''d seen the Lords flying in the sky, their lifespan counted in millennia. Making captain wasn''t enough toe in contact with the mysterious truths and profound methods required to reach that step. He''d sacrificed happiness for the chance of power. Now, he''d die like a cockroach on the ground, his strength not even at the level of his old instructor back home. War was a sickness of the mind!


    The fragments of Invir''s life passed through Zac''s mind in a sh, reced with another in an unending stream. A hundred wars, a thousand lives, a million deaths. Some lives were heroic, others ignoble. The Eternal Crusade enshrined everything from F-grade cultivators who''d barely stepped onto the road of cultivation to Peak Hegemons with eons of experience.


    There were as many causes as there were beings. Justice, wealth, revenge. Some experiences could be tales of valor and bravery, others tales of caution.


    The memories of war and their origins stacked, forming mountains that overshadowed everything else. Each revolution tried to wash away Zac''s path and rece it with its own. Zac desperately held onto a core of self. It grew harder and harder when facing a millennium of memories, and his own life became nothing but a footnote.


    Finally, there was release. Thest glimmering light in the towering crystal faded, and no more memories were added to the storm raging in his mind. Separating what was his and what was outside influence would have been impossible without his Void State. Even then, he''de awfully close to having his life scattered among the ancient cultivators.


    With the self extracted, tranquility returned, allowing the mountains of a thousand lifetimes to sink into the depths of Zac''s mind. The encyclopedia of experiences added to the struggles Zac had endured to reach his current heights and the insights he''d gained into Conflict from his personal crusade.A box appeared on the ground, and a storm was kicked up in the Halls of Heroes when Zac opened its lid. It was a Supreme-quality Dao treasure attuned to the Dao of Conflict��one of the treasures he''d bought from the Middle D-grade Limited Exchange. All the fuel he''d need to form an Earthly Dao of Conflict.


    Zac could see the path forward, and he knew that an Earthly Dao would be a huge help in oveing the dangers he''d face in the near future. And yet, his hand didn''t move, no matter how much his body screamed at him to consume the treasure. He sighed in defeat and closed the lid, stowing the box before the enticing fluctuations could change his mind.


    "You did the right thing."


    "I failed in the end," Zac said, looking up at the enormous crystal with regret.


    It had been just under a year since he advanced his Branch of the War Axe in the wake of his breakthrough into Middle Hegemony. Aiming for an Earthly Dao after such a short window could be considered greedy, but war was an incubator for the Dao of Conflict. He''d spent every day on the battlefield fighting for his life, finding the truths of Conflict at the edge of life and death.


    Hisprehension had gone through multiple cycles of broadening and sharpening, advancing far quicker than his Branches of Pale Seal and Kalpataru. It hadn''t been enough. Forming an Earthly Dao was a huge step, where you created a Dao uniquely yours. Dao Fragments could be considered prefabricated snacks provided by the System, and Dao Branches dinners made by following a recipe.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An Earthly Dao was a dish of your invention, designed to perfectly suit your taste based on your understanding of ingredients, pte, and cooking technique. That was the true meaning of the slightly confusing name. It didn''t have any connection with the Earthly Peak. The Earthly in Earthly Dao referred to the distinction between man and the Heavens.


    An Earthly Dao was aplete, man-made Dao. It was the very first step of the journey that would end with bing a Seal or a Throne, where your personal Dao rewrote reality. Zac hadn''t quite reached that point, feeling hisprehensioncked something to qualify as a signature dish.


    The issue was hisck of time. A few more years of battle or a few decades of digesting and refining his experiences would have done the trick. Zac didn''t have that luxury, and he didn''t want to fill in the gaps by relying on treasures. He''d hoped the Eternal Crusade would provide the answer. Understanding and deconstructing the experience of others could help him better understand his path.


    It had worked. His understanding of Conflict had taken another step forward. Unfortunately, he''d realized he wasn''t ready to crystallize an Earthly Dao just as he stood at the threshold. The things he remembered were not fully his yet, and the fractured memories had left a few nks that caused imperfections.


    Borrowing concepts that he didn''t fully understand to add the Void into his core had worked out well. Doing the same with his Dao would be no different than poisoning his path. Dao was the lynchpin of cultivation, and Conflict stood in the center of his path. Any weakness would ripple into every aspect of his cultivation, creating cracks in his foundations that would be extremely difficult to fix.


    "It would have been nice having an Earthly Dao before setting out."


    "Which makes it all the more important you didn''t take it," Rava said. "A moment of weakness will lead to a lifetime of regret."


    "Did you know it wouldn''t be enough?"


    "You''re wrong. It was enough��you just need more time. My reservations came from your age. You''re but a child who has lived for a moment. How can you take in millennia of experience so easily? Now that you''ve survived without losing yourself, you only need to give it time to internalize."


    "Time is exactly what I don''t have," Zac said with a shake of his head. "Those memories�� they were real, weren''t they?"


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    "They were."


    "Why were there so many unrted memories? Most of them weren''t battle or training. And so many low-grade cultivators?"


    "The experiencese from the copsing souls of fallen soldiers. The memories that survived were those that had the greatest impact��good or bad. Love, camaraderie, happiness. Setbacks, betrayal, regrets. These core memories formed their paths and shaped their future. Conflict does not exist in a vacuum��there is always a causality, even if it doesn''t make sense to an outsider."


    "The order went around and reaped the souls of the departed?"


    "It is more urate to say we presented a choice, and they were volunteered," Rava said as she looked at the crystal, where lights had begun to ignite. "For many, being forgotten is more terrifying than death. Through the Eternal Crusade, they have a chance to live on forever in the memories of others."


    Zac grunted and got to his feet. It was disappointing not to form an Earthly Dao. Even then, he didn''t regret spending hisst merit on the Eternal Crusade. Rava was right in that his age was working against him. A thousand years'' worth of memories had suddenly been crammed into his head. Most temrs who used the relic were already a few thousand years old, and their minds were already used to dealing with such a wealth of memories.


    He almost felt like machines were whirring in the back of his mind, extracting the insights hidden in the stream of memories and adding them to his own experiences. He would not break through before they set out, but he should do so before reaching the Foreign Gods. At least, he hoped so, just like how he prayed<strong> [Void Heart] </strong>would finish its refinement sooner rather thanter.


    His heart had benefitted greatly in addition to the boost to his insight into the Dao of Conflict. The Eternal Crusade was one of the special training devices ced in the Hall of Heroes, which had first required passing a series of other feats. Surviving it added ast round of tempering to round out his boot camp.


    "Do you regret not focusing on your other branches? Your odds of sess were far greater if you chose the Altar of Revival instead."


    "I have another n for them. Besides, it wouldn''t have made much of a difference," Zac said. "Late or Peak��it''s still Dao Branches, even if I boost the concepts with Dao Braids and other methods. It can''t bridge the qualitative difference of possessing an Earthly Dao."


    "Are you leaving?"


    "For now," Zac nodded. "I''ll leave my elites in your care."


    "I''ll fulfill my end of the agreement," Rava said. "On that note, I have a mission for you."


    "Is it rted to the pir?" Zac frowned. "I already��"


    "Do not worry, Voidwalker. I''m not asking you to revive our order or strike down our enemies," Rava said with some helplessness. "You and the others are nning on desecrating the remnants of our empire and piging our treasures."


    "Uh��"


    "Any relics rted to the empire and its orders can be traded in for glory. There is no upper limit."


    "Thank you. I''ll see what I can do," Zac said.


    He had no reason to decline such a win-win task. Rava got to reim some lost artifacts of her people, and Zac got a chance to replenish his exhausted merit pool. The things left by the Limitless Empire that had survived until today were often powerful. That didn''t mean they were useful for him or his subordinates.


    Instead of letting unidentifiable and unusable relics collect dust in the Atwood Empire''s treasury, they could be directly converted into opportunities with Rava. Three weeks had given him the chance to drastically strengthen his foundations while gaining a full five levels. And yet, he and the others had only scratched the surface of what the temples had to offer.


    "And thank you for all your help over the past weeks. I''ll hopefully be back in a few months."


    "Be careful. History is repeating itself, gathering momentum for the Zenith."


    Zac left the Ensolus Ruins and returned to hispound. The boot camp had officially ended a few hours ago, with the rest of the sealbearers having returned already. Three weeks in temr training had taken the years of bitter struggle and sharpened it into strength and purpose. There was so much to do and so much potential to excavate. Unfortunately, they''d run out of time.


    They were three days away from the start of the mission, and everyone needed to rest and prepare. The very first step of their n was to break through the Wall of Resolution, and the Imperial Graveyard would be filled with danger. Going in physically and mentally exhausted was suicide.


    The others had all retreated to their homes and were no doubt in a deep sleep after having been deprived of rest for weeks. Zac was no different, though his rest was interrupted too soon when an rm went off. He reluctantly roused himself and lit a small fire in his courtyard.


    Twenty minutester, the me shuddered. An ember leaped into the air, causing space to shudder. The floating me expanded, consuming space and distance to form a steady gate. Zac mutely looked at the spectacle, not knowing what to say as he took a step back to avoid the zing heat. Iz never failed to impress, forming a direct tunnel instead of using a Teleportation Array.


    "You made it," Zac smiled as his Draugr half went up to greet Catheya.


    "Buddy!" Kruta grinned, his face flushed red as he rushed forward. "I''ve missed that face of yours!"


    "Ah?" Zac said, his exhausted mind suddenly wide awake.


    A zing me erupted atop Kruta''s head as he unleashed a herculean punch. Zac raised his hand to block, surprised to find himself pushed back a few steps. He was even more surprised by the cascade of Conflict-imbued mes that swept over him. There was no time to ask about the transformation. An enormous de covered in spiritual me descended on him. Axe met de, and the collision would have leveled his manor if not for the defensive arrays that sprung into action.


    "Use your words!"


    A frigid chill swept through thepound, leaving ayer of frost while extinguishing the remaining mes. Zac waved his hand to disperse the dense mist formed by the collision of opposing elements. He smiled sheepishly at Catheya before getting a proper look at his attacker.


    The most attention-grabbing thing was the Ancestral Spirit standing behind Kruta. He was farrger and corporeal than before, almost looking like he was made from flesh and blood. However, the spirit had seen a drastic transformation, where it was made from extremely fierce mes instead of an unattuned spiritual energy.


    Kruta''s physical transformation wasn''t nearly as obvious. The burly orc had gained a slight reddish tint, otherwise looking mostly the same as before. His transformation came from the mes that still burned atop his head. They had spread across his body, forming a semi-opaque armor that seemed to fulfill the same function as his spiritualwork.


    "Wee to Earth, Little Candle."


    "Evil star!" Kruta said, his eyes wide with indignation.


    "What''s wrong?" Zac asked, a helpless smile tugging at his lips. Zac obviously knew some of it. He still remembered the kind of training Ogras had been put through. How could the attention of one of the top elders of the Tayns be any less hair-raising?


    "You, what kind of friend are you?! Do you know how I''ve suffered toe to your aid? Do you know how close to death I''vee from having my fate tested on a daily basis? I''m surprised I don''t already know the ancestors on a first-name basis. Two weeks ago, I thought I was free. I could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. I could smell the grass after years of nothing but ash and blood! <em>And you leave me behind?! </em>Come, let Kruta give you one good punch!"


    Zac scratched his chin under the unrelenting re of his orcish friend. "I''m sorry about that. I figured you wouldn''t mind after bing a disciple of one of their elders."


    "Ai, it was Little Ca��<em>Kruta''s</em>��fault for being greedy," Kruta exhaled. "I knew that grabbing the seal back then would send a tribtion my way. I didn''t understand how much I would have to suffer before I even got to the trial."


    "Your aura is a lot stronger," Zac offered.


    "I am!" Kruta said, his harrowed expression giving way to almost childish glee. "I never expected to surpass the ancestors. Coming close would have been enough to be a member of the tribal council, get a nice world tent and enough wives to keep Kruta busy. Now? There''s no limit! And hog duty for all who crossed me!"


    "Well, I''m d you''re here," Zac smiled, not wanting to know what hog duty entailed.


    "So, your wife updated me on your ns. When''s the skeletoning?"


    "In a couple of days."


    "Can he be trusted?"


    "Not in the slightest."


    "I''ll give you this. I never have to worry aboutcking excitement with you around," Kruta said as he curiously looked around. "Now, will you <em>please</em> offer Kruta something to drink? Something icy-cold and refreshing!"

 Chapter 1211: Change of Plans

    Chapter 1211: Change of ns


    The next few days passed in a blur. Their mission could change the direction of the war, giving Zecia a final chance to turn things around. There couldn''t be any mistakes. Zac was going in and out of meetings, going over thetest intelligence and ironing out the details of their mission. Unfortunately, information about the Imperial Graveyard remained sparse.


    The only thing they''d been able to confirm was that Iz was correct. The spatial turbulence in the region was rising to the point they could measure it on their conquered worlds. The changes went beyond the randomness of an unstable region, and it wasn''t limited to the Imperial Graveyard. There was a simr phenomenon currently taking ce in the Million Gates Territory, giving them a hint of what to expect.


    The storms had be fiercer, and the number of Spatial Tears leading to Mystic Realms and remnants was increasing. Simr things were happening throughout Zecia, although not at as great frequency. It was still enough to further weaken their fractured defense against the Kan''Tanu''s offensive.


    Instead of throwing their lives away on the frontlines, many sought opportunities in these newly-emerged realms. It was difficult to say whether these people hoped to find the resources needed to fight back or to escape Zecia before they were caught and imnted with a Heart Curse.


    The whole situation left Zac bitter and frustrated. Luckily, he had found an outlet in the relentless sparring sessions with hispanions. Those who''d trained in the Ensolus Ruins needed to get used to their newfound strength, and Zac needed to better understand the gains Ogras, Kruta, and Catheya had gained during their tutge off-world.


    "How is it?" Zac asked as he sat down next to Kruta, who was watching Joanna fight back against the ice age Catheya had conjured.


    "I don''t know what to say," Kruta said after a pause. "I thought you were the exception to the rule. How are there so many little monsters on the frontier, in one little D-grade faction less than 20 years old? Just what kind of providence are you carrying?"


    "Hard times birth strong men," Zac said. "For better or worse, our home got integrated at the perfect time. Zecia didn''t fully understand it back then, but the whole sector had already entered a golden era from fate gathering. If they''d better seized the opportunity, our situation might not have looked as grim as it does."


    "You know, you could ask for passage from the Tayns if things don''t work out," Kruta offered. "Your tribe has no real connection to Zecia, right? You just got integrated. Master''s ship can easily fit your twos. Even if you don''t join the Tayns, you can have them relocate your tribe to a better region.""It''s a good idea, but I don''t have anything to offer in return," Zac said. "And I think it''s too early to decide our path."


    "It''s your decision. Remember, thingse and go. There is no point inining about fault or injustice when the steppes are on fire. You just need to find a path to survival before it all goes up in smoke."


    "I know," Zac sighed. "I''ll do what I can, but I''m not going down with the ship."


    "I''m guessing it''s time?" Kruta asked, getting an affirmative nod. "Well, your people are as ready as they''ll be. I can''t believe I let you drag me into another harebrained adventure."


    "Our memories might be partly sealed, but we both know you were the one who dragged me into the mess with the Imperials," Zac scoffed.


    "Hey, I just brought you an opportunity," Kruta said with a haughty look. "You were the one who brought the trouble. And you''ve just kept prodding the imperials since."


    "It was just the one princeling," Zac smiled.


    "You''d be treated a hero if you ever visited my homnd," Kruta grinned. "Officially, you''d be a fugitive, of course."


    "Of course," Zac smiled. "Did you hear anything back home?"


    "Not much," Kruta grunted. "I didn''t even get the chance to say hello to my fianc��es before Master came and whisked me away. But I heard from some of the others that dozens of empires are preparing for war. It''s like a mind gue is spreading through the Cosmos."


    "Conflict is Heaven''s Mandate," Ogras said as he stepped out of the shadow. "Which faction doesn''t have a few old enemies or targets they wouldn''t mind wiping out? Civilization is a thin veneer atop thew of the jungle."


    "The pir''s ascent is like a rock thrown into a calm pond," Zac agreed. "The ripples will spread from the top to the bottom, setting the universe afire."


    "You two seem awfully calm, considering," Kruta said with a raised brow.


    "What can we do?" Ogras snickered. "When the steppes are burning, you don''t raise your hands at the Heavens. You take advantage of the chaos and loot what you can. We can find reasons and assign me after the dust has settled."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "No wonder you hid in the shadows the whole time we stayed in the Perennial Vastness," Krutaughed. "But you''re right. This is a rare opportunity. Those who survive the chaos will have a chance to rise beyond their station, and ancient lines will be redrawn."


    "Let''s get ready to meet our guests," Zac said. "Whether there''ll be anything to loot depends on our cooperation going smoothly."


    The orders were sent out, and the team assembled before the teleporter, along with the reinforced defensive perimeter. Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t worried as he waited for the teleporter toe alive. Kator hadn''t thrown anyst-minute demands his way, but the whole Kavriel Continent had been sealed.


    It was impossible to contact anyone but Kator since two days ago. Even the Mercantile System was sealed off. A few inquiries indicated this was not solely directed at them. The whole Kavriel Province had gone dark, shutting off allmunication with the outside world. ording to Kator, it was a safety precaution to prevent any idents. Zac wouldn''t trust the Reaver as far as he could throw him, but they were caught between a rock and a hard ce.


    The Undead Empire was still needed to bring the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> into the Zurbor sector, at which point Zac would lure it a final time to bring it to the Great Wall. Kator already had people ready to call the bell away at the smallest signs of betrayal. All their nning and preparation would be for nothing. He wouldn''t get the final seal, Zecia would be doomed, and Vri would have to fend for herself.


    This was what it was like to make a deal with the devil. Zac only prayed his preparations were enough to counter any schemesing his way.


    The array eventually activated, and Zac exhaled when the energy density failed to trigger any rms. However, Zac''s eyes hardened upon seeing the three people who had appeared on the teleporter.


    "So this is the ce you prefer over the Abyssal��"


    "Stop. Where is Tavza?" Zac asked, having already taken out his axe. The reaction spread like wildfire through the ranks, and the trio would be blown to kingdome in case they made any sudden move.


    "What kind of reception is this?" Kator scoffed, seemingly oblivious to the threat to his life. "And don''t mention that foolish girl. She went and had a deviation. Now, she''s no good to anyone. She''ll join the other squad, but it''s up to the Heavens if she''ll be back in shape in time for the mission. This is why you don''t bring pampered aristocrats when there''s work to be done."


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    "What a weird coincidence," Zac said with an even voice. "Tavza is out and is reced by another one of your subordinates."


    "I couldn''t have written a better script myself," Katorughed and threw over a Communication Crystal. "See for yourself."


    Zac scanned the contents, his frown deepening upon hearing Laz Tem''Zul mostly confirming the situation.


    "You forgot to mention you''d already reassigned her before she was wounded."


    "Does it matter? The foolish girl couldn''t take such a small setback and harmed our undertaking. So now, you''re stuck with us. Take it or leave it."


    Catheya didn''t say anything, but Zac could sense how she tensed up to his side. The story was very simr to how Kator had manipted events before the Perennial Vastness. Had Kator done the same against Tavza? Abination of angering her by the reassignment and some hidden trap to make her cultivation go out of control.


    Zac hesitated a moment before waving his hand.


    "Good choice," Kator said as the army lowered their weapons, his gaze passing through the smaller group standing behind Zac. "Is this everything you''re bringing to the table? Fifty people, most of them nonbat personnel?"


    A tremendous wave of Killing Intent billowed out, putting the whole base camp under pressure. Only two appeared oblivious to the mental attack��Joanna and Ogras. Kruta and Catheya had no problem dealing with it, though only after mes and ice appeared on their bodies. The rest were forced a step back, even Emily, who could break into Middle Hegemony at any time.


    "You two are not bad," Kator said, looking back and forth between Joanna and Ogras. He studiously ignored Kruta, who shot him a baleful look. "Interested in Awakening? Death would be a suitable addition to your paths, and our Phnx values strength over anything else. Revenants face far less suppression with us than in the other camps."


    "I''ll keep young lord''s offer in mind in case things don''t work out in this life," Ogras smiled while Joanna stoically ignored him.


    "Enough," Zac said. "Our goal is to infiltrate, not battle. Adding a regrpany of soldiers will only increase our danger without providing tangible benefits."


    It was true that Zac''s contribution didn''t look like muchpared to the vast resources the Undead Empire had poured into the n. Zac had decided to bring the bare minimum, manning the Yphelion with a skeleton crew of talents taken from every department of his army. From pilots to healers and engineers, they had just enough to cover their bases without bringing too many people into such a danger zone.


    The only realbat force was the sealbearers: Ogras, Emily, Joanna, Carl, Rhuger, Ra''Klid, Janos, and Bubbur. Even if he added Catheya and Kruta, their force wasn''t enough to make much of a ssh in the Imperial Graveyard. Still, they were the strongest people he had, and everyone was armed to the teeth.


    Zac didn''t expect there to be much fighting. They were mostly there in hopes of finding the final piece of the seal, and on the off-chance Zac needed a full cycle to activate the Foreign Gods. In addition, Zac brought Gu, Jaol, and Ibtep. The three wouldn''t be much use in a fight, except Gu if he got the chance to bring out his weapons of mass destruction. However, all three had unique skill sets that would be a great help to their mission.


    Jaol had long since reced his Technocrat bodyparts and stepped into Early Hegemony the proper way. He also had more experience in traversing the Eternal Storm than the restbined, and he was a navigator to boot. Gu had spent years in the Centurion Lighthouse, and his expertise could prove critical when they finally found the Foreign Gods. As for Ibtep�� Well, it remained to be seen if his experiment would work out like he believed.


    "I thought some time on the frontlines would toughen you up, but you''re still this softhearted," Kator snickered, looking around. "Where''s your other half?"


    "He''s training," Zac lied, not worried the least that Kator could see through Esmeralda''s shroud around the shrine in his chest.


    "Oh?" Kator said, looking down at Zac with his towering stature. "And he''s fine with that? You''re fine with that?"


    "What does it matter? You were the one who wanted him to stay behind."


    "Since when have you cared about the wants of the empire?" Katorughed. "If I were a betting man, that boy''ll pop up sooner orter."


    "You''re free to check the Yphelion before we set out."


    "It''s fine. You have your ideas, and I have mine," Kator said, leaning closer for a whisper. "Did you know that you have a shocking bounty on your head? Onerge enough to make even me consider taking a risk and breaking the oaths."


    "Eternal n?"


    "No, it''s all of us," Kator said, the creaking of his bones sounding likeughter. "Not everyone is enthused by the idea of the missing bloodlineing home. For Draugr to rise, someone else must fall."


    "Why are you telling me this?"


    "It''s a reminder and a warning," Kator said. "I don''t mind your selfishness��in fact, I prefer it to the false righteousness you often see. I am just as selfish. I''ll strike the moment the value of your head eclipses the value of our mission. So you better do everything in your power to ensure sess. With the graveyard and the pir."


    "You don''t have to y these games," Zac said, turning away. "Transfer us to the twelfth."


    A Cosmic Vessel Picked them up and dropped them off at another battlefront a few minutester. Not wanting to give Kator any chances to y any more tricks, he ushered everyone through the Battlefront Array. Zac couldn''t stop himself from grimacing when the array activated. Even with the battlefront having been upgraded to Middle D-grade, the cost of ferrying over Kator was enough to make his stomach ache.


    Between his level and belonging to another faction, Kator cost almost 1 million Faction Merit to send into the Zurbor sector. His two peak Middle Hegemons added another 250,000. It paled before the 4.3 million Faction Merit they''d spent resetting, splitting, and fusing battlefronts to shift their targets to those closest to the Imperial Graveyard. Still, Kator insisting on joining them early cost him as much as iming multiple D-grade worlds would have.


    "What''s with that look?" Katorughed. "Do you know how much we''ve paid to fulfill our side of the agreement? Can itpare to what you stand to earn if we seed?"


    Zac rolled his eyes and led the group to a huge warehouse with powerful istion. He took out the massive block of metal from his Spatial Ring the moment they entered, and it slowly began unfurling into a Cosmic Vessel.


    "How long?"


    "Six hours. We should reach our destination in another ten."


    "Just ten?" Kator asked. "Our tacticians estimated a Late D-grade Iliex Yphelion would require twelve to fourteen hours from the deadzone''s edge. You should know the timing is important."


    Zac nced at Kator, not the least surprised he knew of his ship''s origin. The small redesigns might have been enough to obscure his Cosmic Vessel''s models and make when dealing with the local factions. But how could the outsiders not realize his fleets were made by the Creators? The Iliex Golems were recognized as some of the best System-affiliated shipwrights even in the hearnds.


    "My Yphelion''s performance is slightly above average thanks to using specialponents, and we stumbled onto a that had drifted closer to the wall."


    The deadzone was a defensive measure by the Kan''Tanu, where they had drained alls in the vicinity of the wall. There was barely any spirituality, making most vessels stick out like a sore thumb on their approach. It made their mission far more dangerous, to the point Zac wouldn''t have dared attempt his n with any vessel but the Yphelion.


    Six hourster, the Cosmic Vessel had fully unfurled, showcasing the upgraded version of his personal Cosmic Vessel. The sleek design resembling a catamaran was mostly unchanged, and it was only 50 meters longer than the Middle D-grade version. The most noticeable difference to its outside appearance was its propulsion.


    Six ten-meter-wide crystals covered in engravings and teeming with Spatial Energy were released through special chutes, forming a powerful spatial field around the vessel. They only remained visible for a minute before disappearing in a sh, having entered a subspace directly connected to the vessel. The Yphelion suddenly appeared almost illusory, like it only had one foot in their current dimension.


    It was urate, in a sense. The Yphelion utilized constant dimensional phasing. It greatly increased the ship''s speed while also making it harder to spot with tracking arrays or simr methods. Adding its other means of camouge, the Yphelion could move unnoticed and unhindered almost anywhere on the frontier.


    C-grade arrays still had a chance of picking it up, especially a powerful one like the Great Wall of Resolution. However, the Yphelion should be able to get very close without raising the automated rm, which was key to their n.


    "Let''s go," Zac said, and the expedition members were teleported into the ship one after another.


    The Yphelion left the Kan''Tanu world behind, turning into a streak as it set course for the Imperial Graveyard. The route was already plotted and the scanners indicated everything was in order. And yet, trouble quickly arrived. Zac barely had time to install his crew before Kator started throwing his weight around.


    "You want to perform a full sweep?" Zac asked with a raised brow.


    "Of course," Kator calmly said. "Didn''t you tell me to?"


    "Fine, do whatever you want," Zac said, barely managing to finish the sentence after a deep thump interrupted him halfway.


    Unfortunately, Kator saw right through his guise. A dangerous aura immediately began radiating from the Reaver''s hulking body.


    "You, what are you up to?"


    "I''m having a minor breakthrough," Zac grunted as Faith Energy came flooding out of his heart. "Go, do your sweep. Have fun."


    Zac turned around to leave, but a heavy hand on his shoulder kept him in ce.


    "Do you take me for a fool?"

 Chapter 1212: Interception

    Chapter 1212: Interception


    Zac red at the Reaver, trying to understand why he was acting this way. The Reaver had been relentlessly henpecking him and their mission for the past six hours despite having signed off on most aspects already. Kator was trying to get a rise out of him all this time, and there was no way he was just bored. Interfering with one''s breakthrough could cause a bacsh or even death.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    It was impossible to not draw parallels with Tavza''s situation. ording to Laz''s exnation, something had indeed gone wrong with Tavza''s cultivation after Kator had infuriated her. Most of her pathways were damaged and twisted, and some inexplicable mutation had damaged her foundations. She could barely exhibit the strength of an Early Hegemon right now.


    Tavza would recover much of her strength after fixing her pathways, though that was easier said than done. Zac had discovered over the past two years just how superior he was to most cultivators in this aspect. Damage that Zac fixed within a day could take a week for his elites. This had always been the case, and it was only recently he learned the truth.


    It was not a benefit of the Void Emperor bloodline or the Kayar-Elu experiments as he''d believed for most of his life. It was a benefit of his Sindris n heritage. The Sindris n was famed for their resilience and recovery, so this advantage was something he''d inherited from the biological father Leandra had mentioned.


    Tavza didn''t have those abilities, and the Azol bloodline didn''t appear to excel in this regard. Kator wasn''t lying when saying that she might not recover in time for the trial, depending on how bad the damage to her foundations was. Was Kator trying to force a simr situation on him, thinking he would be easier to control in a weakened state?


    If so, Kator was doomed to fail. Energy refined by his <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> wouldn''t harm him, especially not when the source energy was so gentle. On the contrary, the refined Faith Energy was so beneficial it caused another problem. Some of it was already being dragged into his cells and toward his Cosmic Core. If he waited too long he might miss hisst chance to upgrade <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> before he had to face the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>.


    "Do we have a problem?" Zac said, Killing Intent slowly seeping out of his body.


    "Scary, scary," Katorughed.


    His casual tone didn''t match his actions. The immense force of multiple Earthly Daos exploded from his body, making the whole corridor shake. Just itstent pressure dispersed Zac''s intent and suppressed him to the point his Miasma grew turbid. He would only be able to exhibit half his strength unless he activated <strong>[Void Zone] </strong>tobat the assault.It was the first time he''d fully experienced Kator''s overbearing aura since their duel. His improvements weren''t quite as noticeable as Zac''s. Unfortunately, that didn''t mean much if they came to blows. Kator''s attributes and Daos had been suppressed when they fought, which was no longer the case. And while Kator hadn''t made as many breakthroughs as Zac, his gains could still be considered extreme for two short years.


    Iz had warned him about this before she left for training. The elites of the Multiverse were more focused on foundations than practicalbat strength in the early years of their cultivation. With the uing trial, their focus would shift to leveraging their inborn and rued advantages into actual power.


    The current Kator was far deadlier than before and undoubtedly among the strongest sealbearers. Only the mebearers mentioned in the report seemed to have a clear edge on him, which was the whole reason he''d been picked for the mission. Worse, Kator had already experienced Zac''s usage of the Void. He''d slowly adapted to the unpredictability of Zac''s Void-imbued technique during their duel, and he''d had two years to n for counters.


    Zac couldn''t fight him now. But he wouldn''t have to endure that much longer.


    "You want to slink away the second we''ve entered the deadzone?" Kator sneered. "How am I supposed to know you''re not nning on contacting someone? Perhaps the Tayn n? You''re not leaving my sight until you''ve upheld your part of the bargain and taken us into the Imperial Graveyard."


    "Are you trying to prevent my breakthrough?"


    "When did I say that? Although I am concerned. You''re making a breakthrough out of nowhere, and your body is suddenly flooded with foreign energy. What if you follow in Tavza''s footsteps? How will you call over the bell then?"


    "You''re acting like we don''t have a safeguard in ce. And you don''t have to pretend to worry about me. People have tried to stop my ascent from the beginning. It never takes."


    "I guess I should be careful then?" Kator snickered. "Go, have fun. But this guy ising with."


    Zac nced at the floating sphere which had appeared by Kator''s side. It was made from greenish bone and covered in dense engravings that formed an abstract eye. Its runes lit up, and Zac immediately felt a sensation simr to a spiritual consciousness locking onto him, except it never relented.


    Kator''s demand clearly overstepped the norms of cultivation. This level of invasiveness was something you''d only see on penal cultivators and deathsworn. Zac''s veins bulged from resisting the urge to smash the drone. Instead, he disappeared in a sh. He couldn''t waste any more time. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> was pumping out more and more refined Faith Energy by the second, and some was already seeping into his cells and Cosmic Core.


    The orb had no problem keeping up with Zac, maintaining a distance of five meters with pinpoint precision.


    "Will the spy device be a problem?" Zac asked from his nook in the small space erected in his Draugr half''s chest.


    "The device is nothingpared to the defenses I''ve breached in my days," Esmeralda assured from the seat of honor in her shrine.


    Rather than a shrine, the small subspace looked like a mud pond surrounded by a dense haze. Zac was sitting in a hollowed-out trunk to get some privacy, but it still felt very cramped. They barely had twenty-five square meters between them, of which Esmeralda took up over twenty.


    "This is important. There can''t be another situation like the Ensolus Ruins."


    "That was different!" Esmeralda furiously signed. "This tool is a Peak D-grade observer��it can''t aplish something beyond its grade. It won''t notice anything amiss as long as you don''t let anything leak more than two meters from your body."


    Esmeralda''s assurance provided some relief as he entered his cultivation chamber. Kator''s dy didn''t cost him too much energy, and his past weeks of training let him quickly find his center and give up on the bubbling anger. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> activated, and he infused himself. It would be hard to notice anything amiss with his body even if Esmeralda''s obfuscation failed at that point. He roused the Faith Energy, gently steering it toward the waiting mountain.


    A river of faith formed between Heart and Mind, where the illusory mountain epted what <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> supplied. Thest nks were rapidly being filled in, and Zac breathed in relief when he felt the Void Sigil shudder and stop epting energy. The Hidden Node released thest of the refined energy soon after, and Zac steered it to his Cosmic Core to be used as Kill Energy.


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    The remnants were far from enough to provide another level. The requirements now that he''d reached level 193 were immense, and he''d barely crossed the threshold before finishing his training. Having the Cosmic Core did remove any distractions from his body at least, allowing him to focus fully on <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s transformation.


    Zac didn''t know what to expect now that the Bloodline Talent was about to evolve. Karz''s vision hadn''t shown that part, and none of his other talents shared this feature. <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> was static, and <strong>[Force of The Void]</strong> gave absolutely no indication of having been improved. Zac generally only realized he''d gained a few percent after opening his status screen.


    Slowly but surely, the mountain''s aura rose. It energized the Void Energy infused throughout his body, and even his Void Emperor Hidden Nodes began to hum. It finally looked as though the mountain imploded, which released a wave of extremely condensed Void Energy that carried <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s unique aura.


    The energy wave crept forward like a tsunami reachingnd. What would happen when it left his Soul Aperture in his current state, entering his two bodies? Esmeralda could safeguard everything within two meters. What if it spread further? More importantly, his other body was hiding inside the Shrine of Kanba, a space that definitely wasn''t immune to the spiritual extinguishment of<strong> [Void Mountain]</strong>.


    Zac shuddered at the thought of the space copsing, depositing a toad and his other body right in his chest in a gory explosion. Thankfully, the pulse was slow enough to give him some time.


    "We have to get out," Zac said from his cubby. "Can you keep hiding us?"


    "Why do you insist on making trouble," Esmeralda groaned. "I''m already fearing what you''ll do to this ce when you absorb those cursed thingster."


    "You should have known what you were getting yourself into when you approached me back then," Zac scoffed. "Can you do it?"


    "Two minutes at the most, and don''t move! I can only trick the sentry so long. Our safe range will shrink to just over a meter."


    "That should be enough."


    Zac was already spying on the Reaver through the Yphelion''s security system. He''d actually stayed true to his words. The Reaver was seriously scanning room by room with the help of his two assistants. Ogras was keeping thempany, and Kator''s barbedments slid off without leaving a mark.


    Space rippled, and Zac''s alter ego appeared with Esmeralda in tow. Following the thief''s instructions, Zac didn''t move an inch. He remained seated in his ownp, with a pocket-sized toad sitting in his palms. It was highly ufortable, and Zac thanked the Heavens that Kator hadn''t insisted on a human guard. It would have been incredibly hard to exin the scene, and not just because his human half was supposed to stay on Earth.


    Zac didn''t have time to worry about optics. The wave had already reached the edge of his Soul Aperture and continued into his body. Golden vortices and abyssal ponds absorbed a little bit wherever it passed, adding to their stockpiles of illusory motes of Void Vigor. It quickly became apparent he''d been worried about nothing. The amount of energy contained in the pulse was impressive, but so was the hunger of his bloodline. Zac even had to restrain his body to make sure his legs and arms didn''t get shortchanged.


    The process was quick and uneventful. Zac gently squeezed the toad after thirty seconds, and they were gone without leaving any hints of their aura. To the outside world, they had never been there. Zac remained unmoving the entire time, asionally releasing ripples of Deathly Dao to make the room''s energy more turbulent.


    The mountain in his mind had already calmed down, and everything looked stable. There were no measurements to<strong> [Void Mountain] </strong>like <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>, but Zac estimated his breakthrough had increased his stockpile of Void Vigor by roughly 40%. Zac was still more interested in the mountain itself.


    He deactivated the Bloodline Talent to confirm his hunch. The mountain didn''t disappear as before. Instead, it somehow inverted in a way Zac couldn''t quiteprehend. It was there, yet it was not. Rather than seeing it with his mind''s eye, he sensed it through his bloodline. Zac somewhat felt it was the same as with the real Void Mountain. It was right there, yet out of reach even for Supremacies. There was no fate without affinity.


    Zac reactivated the talent, nodding in appreciation when it cost less Void Energy and not more. It was a small benefit of inverting instead of summoning the mountain. He infused himself, letting the Void fill his body. It was impossible to properly test things out while being under surveince, yet Zac could tell the energy density was significantly higher.


    He didn''t sense any new features added, indicating aprehensive boost to the talent. It would let him phase through sturdier barriers and stronger Daos while improving his camouge and fusion with his other cultivation aspects. Interestingly, it didn''t seem to draw any more Void Vigor than before, meaning the addition to his reserves was a pure boost to how long he could keep the talent going.


    Finally, Zac turned to the part he''d been looking forward to the most. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> rippled, and <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> answered. Streams of Void of Life, Void of Death, and even Void of Conflict streamed out of the Hidden Node, each a perfect mirror of his actual Daos. Zac struggled to keep his expression impassive while roaring in triumph within the shrine of Kanba.


    His theory was correct, and his prayers had been answered. Zac finally had a stable source of the Voids that belonged to his path. Adding Void to his technique had proven incredibly powerful. It almost allowed him to turn his duel with Kator around. Unfortunately, he''d lost the ability to replicate the technique since the original mountain was consumed during his bloodline evolution.


    The ability to generate Void was back, stronger than ever. A few tests indicated it was quite draining to convert the stockpiled Dao into Void. Even then, it was clear he could draw far more from his Hidden Node than he ever could before. It was also incredibly easy to replenish <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>pared to the old mountain that needed to rest for a week after moderate use.


    The only downside was that it was impossible to draw Void and Dao simultaneously, even when using different Daos as sources. He''d have to pick between adding Void to techniques or empowering skills with <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>''s original function. It was a shame, as thebination would have been absolutely deadly.


    Zac stayed in his chambers for another hour, partly because of his reluctance to deal with Kator. Eventually, he couldn''t stall any longer.


    "Had your fun?" Zac asked when returning to the bridge.


    "For now," Kator said. "I asked around. None of your people even know how to repair this vessel."


    "Where would I get shipwrights of that level?" Zac shrugged.


    "You''re underestimating the dangers in the Imperial Graveyard."


    "All of us are carrying spares in our spatial rings. And I''m more worried about the troubles inside the ship than those outside it right now."


    "Ha! Fair enough," Katorughed. "Don''t worry, I won''t tease you anymore. I can''t have you mess up the next step. I''m too handsome to die in this blighted corner of the Cosmos."


    The Reaver stuck to his word, and the bridge remained blissfully quiet as everyone mentally prepared for the uing storm. A beep made everyone open their eyes after a few hours.


    "Ten minutes out, huh?" Kator said and took out a box. "Are you ready? Because there''s no backing out afterward."


    "We''re ready," Zac said.


    Ten minutester on the dot, Kator opened the box. Inside was a crystalline flower that instantly withered when exposed to the environment. In another area of the deadzone, a butterfly would just have died, alerting the others it was time to drag the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell] </strong>into<strong></strong>the Zurbor sector. The timing was important. They couldn''t be too early or toote.


    The bell''s aura was almost blinding after two years of joyful sacrifices. The Chapter of Carnal Resolution was bound to notice its appearance. If everything went ording to n, a Monarch or two would be sent to investigate, at which point Zac activated a second ritual.


    Another hour passed, and Zac had to calm his beating heart. He''d be lying if he said he wasn''t nervous. There was so much that could go wrong in the next steps. Even if everything proceeded as it should, he would still have to face the Atavism of both the Spark of Creation and Heart of Oblivion in quick session.


    There was also the entity inside the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell] </strong>to worry about. It was highly likely that sinister thing had nned a counter after being forcibly dragged so far across the frontier.


    A sudden tremor interrupted his thoughts, and Zac shot to his feet with rm. "Activate the shields!"


    It was toote. The lights had already dimmed, and the consoles went dark. Zac could only ess a few emergency routines. The rest was locked down by an incredibly powerful Karmic lock that reminded Zac of his meeting with the 84th Lord. It wasn''t that their ship had been sealed. Rather, any future where the ship was working had been blocked by an immense amount of opposing fate.


    "We''ve been caught!" Jaol said with shock, disying an image he''d recorded just before the Yphelion''s systems failed. "I swear, this thing came out of nowhere! Not a hint of it on the scanners."


    The seven-storied pagoda glowed with celestial lights and radiant shrouds. It was as though they were being shown a glimpse of paradise, a grandeur that shouldn''t exist on the mortal ne. Zac swore, knowing his fears had been realized. They''d been intercepted by the Buddhist Sangha.


    "Damn! What are those bald lunatics doing here?!" Kator roared, his body turning into a blur. Zac felt himself lifted from the ground when Kator grabbed him by the cor. "Bastard, what have you done?"

 Chapter 1213: Invitation

    Chapter 1213: Invitation


    A bloody atmosphere filled the room when weapons appeared and auras were unleashed. Kruta faced off against one of Kator''s subordinates and was joined by two of Zac''s sealbearers. Catheya did the same, the rules of themandments working in their favor. Kator made the first move, so protecting themselves broke no oath.


    Ogras had already disappeared into the shadows, while Joanna radiated a monstrous Killing Intent as she ced herself at Kator''s back. Swirls of bloody conviction danced around her spear, and Zac could feel an echo of the skill she''d used to save him in the Halls of Service. Kator appeared oblivious or uncaring about the explosive situation he''d caused, his three crystalline eyes staring into Zac''s.


    "I can honestly say I have no idea how they found us," Zac said, resisting the urge to test the spiritual extermination of his upgraded <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>against Kator''s warbones.


    Zac wasn''t lying. He was hiding certain aspects of his n from others. This wasn''t one of them. The pagoda''s appearance had struck at their brittle cooperation at a critical juncture, ying right into Kator''s previous usations. If it had been anyone except the Sangha, Zac would have assumed this was all part of Kator''s schemes.


    Not to mention the irreconcble differences, the Sangha had powerful and mysterious means. If anyone could track them down, it was them. Even then, Zac hadn''t expected such a forceful and poorly-timed response after ignoring him for two full years.


    It seemedpletely outside their normal mode of operation, where they manipted events and people until their goals were met. You could even argue their blockade assisted the Kan''Tanu, which should bepletely uneptable to them. Whether you leaned toward the Sangha being benevolent or sinister, they were undoubtedly an orthodox faction. Some branches of the Sangha did nothing but deal with heretical factions.


    "Amitabha, benefactors," a rumbling voice spread through the Yphelion. "This poor monk hopes to invite almsgiver Atwood for a talk. If young master coulde out and grace us with his presence?"


    A swirl of Dharmic light appeared in the middle of the bridge. It created a screen that matched Jaol''s recording, except that the pagoda''s gates had already opened. The previous speaker was actually arge metal golem wearing a golden kasaya. It emitted a soothing aura of Karma and Nature. It momentarily felt like the embodiment of Cosmos, but Zac quickly shook the feeling.


    The golem was powerful. Very powerful. The profound aura it emitted couldn''t possibly belong to a contender of the trial. It was clearly a Monarch, likely a Late or Peak Monarch suppressed by the System, like Iz''s guardian and Brigadier Toss. And the gate exerted a pull that grew stronger by the second. The invitation was clearly not voluntary.The golem''s appearance was both concerning and confusing, not just because he''d never seen a golemoid monk before. Why had a Monarch stepped out for matters that should be dealt with by the younger generation? They should be aware there were no Monarchs aboard the Yphelion since they managed to seal the ship so perfectly.


    Even Kator seemed at a loss and put Zac down. Just intercepting them was pushing the bounds of the unwritten rules for the battle over seals. Hadw and order crumbled along with Zecia''s frontlines? Or did the Sangha feel their mission was such a threat to their ns that they chose this route?


    Their situation wasn''t unsalvageable, at least. His n relied on raising a storm of fate, and not even the Sangha should be able to divine the future when Chaos was involved. If they yed things right, their cage would be fuel to the fire.


    "Damn it, why now?" Kator growled, clearly not sharing Zac''s outlook.


    "It''s not necessarily a bad thing."


    "Not bad?" Kator spat. "We have a ship full of sealbearers, and these sanctimonious bastards are going all out. You''ve either made a deal with the Sangha, or they''re no longer ying by the rules."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Why would I screw up the n at this juncture? If I wanted to work with these people, I''d have them meet up with me after we entered the Imperial Graveyard. We still have options. Having a talk with the monk won''t hurt," Zac said with exasperation as he made a few signs.


    "Now, here?" Kator said, ncing at the waiting golem.


    "What choice do we have?"


    "Will it work?"


    "No idea," Zac admitted. "Then again, I didn''t really have any idea before, either."


    The bridge was locked in a tense standoff for a few seconds before a rumble emerged from Kator''s body��augh. "Fine! I''ll y along, Draugr! But that monk is not simple. One minute. That''s it."


    "Fine."


    There was nothing else to say. Zac took out a sinister-looking array disk, and Kator exploded into action. He turned into a grey streak that stormed through the Dharmic gate with such force it broke down behind him.


    "Gather up! We''re going!" Zac roared, and a circle of sealbearers formed around him.


    Zac activated<strong> [Void Zone] </strong>and the array disk. It was the lure to attract the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]. </strong>The sign he''d made was to start the mission early while Kator dealt with the monk. The Reaver wasn''t strong enough to defeat a Monarch, at least not a powerful one like the golem. However, he was the only one strong enough to stall him while they performed the sacrifice.


    Rounds of testing had let them perfect the Crown of Despair''s method of sacrifice, and they''d found that the <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>was the perfect fuel. It was immune to <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, allowing him to fuel the sacrifice while hiding from the Heavens. At least, that was the idea.


    A powerful consciousness locked onto Zac the second he activated the array, and he was forcibly pulled away within seconds of fueling the Array Disk. Space twisted, and Zac was suddenly floating in outer space, the Yphelion more than five miles away. He''d even moved further than Kator, who looked like a roiling wave of violence approaching the monk.


    "You!"


    Zac said nothing, only ncing at the disk in his hand. Its pace of gathering fate had slowed down after he''d been dragged away from the sealbearers, but it was still running. Kator growled with annoyance as he took a protective position.


    "Esteemed monks, may I ask why you''ve stopped our journey? Zachary Atwood isn''t here, I''m afraid," Zac said, hoping to buy a few extra seconds.


    "Blessings, blessings," the golem sighed, its attention clearly on the Array Disk in Zac''s hands. "The call of fate has brought us together. We had no choice but to impose on benefactor''s time. Without bnce, there can only be suffering."


    Zac imperceptibly frowned as he looked at the unfamiliar golem and the pagoda behind it. He had neither seen its race nor did he recognize its aura. And yet, there was a familiarity that triggered a powerful sense of danger. Entering Void State only amplified the feeling. And while nothing changed about the golem and its temple, his heart told him he wasn''t seeing the truth.


    Something was wrong, making Zac leery of making any sudden moves.


    "Is that so?" Zac said, looking around. "Where''s Sacred Insight?"


    If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the vition.


    "Benefactor is mistaken. While we are here for you, our purpose is unrted to the pir''s ascent."


    "What?" Zac blurted, and even Kator''s bodynguage spoke of confusion.


    "Benefactor''s providence is blinding, illuminating fate and future," the golem said with a bow. "This poor monk believes benefactor''s Karma holds great promise to be an instrument for great merit, bringing salvation to countless lives."


    "I''m doing my best, but you''re blocking our path," Zac said, ncing at the Array Disk. It was still far from activating, and it would take even longer for the bell to arrive.


    "s. Suffering brought by ignorance is no better than suffering brought by greed. This poor monk can see the light in benefactor''s heart, and this one urges you to turn back from the sea of regret before it''s toote. We sincerely invite benefactor to find his path on the Fourth Mountain."


    "And if I''m not willing to join your side?" Zac said.


    "For the sake of the Cosmos, we can only sin. Almsgiver will understand the necessity of our actions after seeing the truth."


    "When did you parasites start to abduct people?" Kator scoffed. "I didn''t think your corruption hade this far. Maybe it''s to be expected. There has to be a price to pay for feasting on the rotting flesh of your fallen God for so many Eras. For hiding your sins from the Heavens."


    "What can a Yin creature understand of Buddha''s boundless Love and sacrifice? Your existence is a blight on the Samsara, and your influence can only lead the benefactor down the wrong path. I shall purify you before we continue this discussion."


    "Good! I was growing tired of your nonsense!" Katorughed as a nged mace grew from his hand.


    Space strained when Kator unleashed his battle form, and Zac had to move away to protect the disk from his brutal aura. The Reaver activated his Miracle Bones from the get-go, except for the final ability he used right at the end. The power the Reaver exuded approached that of some of the weaker Monarchs Zac had seen, onlycking that additional pressure of carrying the weight of a world.


    It looked like Kator had stepped out from the river of time as he advanced on the monk. His right arm turned into a blur, after which he slowed down almost to a crawl. A cascading wave of explosions rushed toward the golem. At the same time, a swamp covering more than a mile spread out from his location. It was a temporal quagmire, which seemed empowered by Kator putting himself under a simr temporal restriction.


    Even the radiant lightsing from the pagoda slowed down when they were swallowed. The only thing unaffected were the attacks Katorunched in lightning-quick bursts of eleration. Explosions and swamp were joined by an enormous eye made from bone, and Kator gained the aura of an unstoppable general.


    The disy of multiple skills and Miracle Bones beingbined into a terrifying assault wasn''t enough to give Zac any sense of safety. The domain had slowed down the golem, but it somehow seemed like that was the monk''s natural state. The golem was still in perfect harmony with the cosmos and unrestricted by any oppression. The golem didn''t lift a finger to deal with Kator. Instead, a six-armed deva formed behind its back, each hand rebuffing Kator''s skills with a mudra.


    Neither had gone all out, yet Zac could tell Kator''s estimate of one minute was highly optimistic. The hidden threat remained, and the golem hadn''t even made use of the immense Dharmic energy surrounding the pagoda. Zac was even a bit surprised Kator dared to keep going with the deck so stacked against him. Did the Reaver have such confidence in his ability to generate enough fate for the sacrificial array?


    The <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>wasn''t fast enough, and it looked like it would run out of infusions before the lure had grown strong enough to ovee the bell''s reservations. Was it time? Zac hesitated, ultimately deciding to trust the heart he''d worked so hard to temper over the past days. Something would go very wrong if he fueled the sacrificial array with an atavistic breakthrough right now.


    Zac took out another box, which generated a powerful swirl of providence that spread for hundreds of meters. Hidden streams of Dharma were pulled out of the air, adding to a growing storm of fate with the Array Disk. Even some lights from the pagoda became part of the sacrifice.


    The box opened, and the pagoda''s lights pounced like they''d found prey. Its gates swung open, and Zac looked on with iprehension when four elementals emerged. Their auras put them solidly in Late D-grade, yet they were clearly young enough to contend for seals. That wasn''t the confusing part, and neither was it the fact they traveled with a golem guardian. Elementals and golemoid species often had strong bonds out of necessity since they were a small minority in a Multiverse dominated by flesh-and-blood humanoids.


    The iprehensible part was that Zac had read about this specific race of elementals just two weeks earlier. They were Silzurians, a subordinate race of the Centigrade Pryer. There were no indications of the Pryer being in cahoots with the Sangha. If anything, they were opponents. The information crystal mentioned the Pryer had tried to seize an Utmost Authority multiple times.


    The Centigrade Pryer''s goal was likely to leverage the Left Imperial Pce into another attempt, which meant the Sangha should be their biggestpetition. So why did the Silzurians emit the Dharmic aura of monks, just like the golem? Worse, Zac got the same feeling of wrongness and danger from the D-grade elementals as the C-grade golem, even when their auras were significantly weaker than Kator''s.


    Zac''s danger sense told him they weren''t a big threat, yet something deeper screamed of mortal peril. Even the golem moved after Zac took out the Fate Treasure. He ced his hands together, a sea spread out from his feet. It enveloped Kator''s swamp and continued toward Zac. It felt bottomless, endless, and able to take on all the sorrows of the world. Just looking at it scattered Zac''s thoughts, like they were sinking to the depths.


    A fierce rejection from his bloodline quickly snapped him out of it, and a roar indicated Kator had ovee it as well. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> infused Zac''s body, and he channeled the talent down his leg. The waters that had reached his knees shattered, their spiritual nature extinguished by the Void. More water poured in to fill the nks. Zac had already risen enough to avoid the ocean at that point, and the Fate Treasure had already been reduced to a hollow husk by the sacrificial array.


    There was still no sign of the bell, and the elementals were almost upon him. Zac gritted his teeth and grabbed the bead ne hanging down his chest. The <strong>[Lucky Beads]</strong> resisted being removed, which only furthered Zac''s desire to destroy them. They could very well be the reason for his position being exposed, and they were the best fuel for the array anyhow.


    The Elementals were already upon him at that point. Zac''s danger sense was still quiet, though that was only because they targeted the disk rather than him. Fighting back wasn''t an option. Just releasing his aura risked damaging the array in his hands. He could only dodge.


    He had only broken through hours ago, but circumstances didn''t give him the chance to ease into his new power. <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>formed a connection with <strong>[Spiritual Void], </strong>andrge amounts of Void Life poured into his body, joining Abyssal Death and unrelenting Conflict.


    They fused, giving Zac a glimpse of true Inexorability. He took a step forward, effortlessly escaping the elemental''s encirclement. He only left the shards of broken beads and a tail of fate in his wake. Zac could feel the storm growing. The array was approaching critical mass, and there was more than enough fate to go around. Zac wouldn''t even need to feed it much longer; he just needed to keep it safe.


    The temporal quagmire exploded, prompting a deafening scream of danger. The golem couldn''t sit still after seeing the elementals fail to deal with Zac and unleashed an earthshattering palm strike. Kator''s aura exploded with boundless bloodthirst, and a twisted monstrosity made of bone appeared to block the golden palm. Its tailshed out at the elementals while dozens of arms lunged at the Monarch in an unhinged barrage of violence.


    Kator had bought a few more seconds by going all out. Zac followed up on his end, five more beads in one go. The flood of fate made the whole array disk groan, and cracks appeared across its surface. It was enough.


    Space buckled, and a tremendous pressure subdued even the glowing pagoda. The <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> emerged in a storm of des. The significant cracks and structural damage Zac had seen had been fixed by years of sacrifice. They had been reced by multiple new scars. Some likely came from the natives, whose factions were used as bait. Some seemed even newer, and the chaotic air around the bell indicated something had happened on the other side.


    Zac exhaled in relief upon seeing the bell, but his joy became the chink from which madness sprouted. The Heart-protecting arrays and treasures were all installed aboard the Yphelion. They were supposed to lessen the bell''s influence, allowing him to deal with the next step with an open mind.


    A smile tugged at Zac''s mouth, and a twitching hand closed in on his chest. However, histest training had borne fruit. This time, he didn''t need the earth to escape or Captain Dorsin''s vessel to avoid mutting himself. There was still a core of rity in the joyful madness generated by the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. It wasn''t enough to stop his actions, but it didn''t matter.


    He only needed to take out the Splinter of Oblivion from his spatial ring before he ripped his heart out. Time would stop, and nothingness would sweep the madness away. Then, Zac froze. The madness was gone, but so was his freedom. A powerful brand had appeared out of nowhere, locking down his Daos and Miasma.


    There was no time to register what had just happened, let alonee up with a new n. A bone fist the size of a mountain crashed down from above, each finger farrger than the pagoda. Kator''s malevolent beast and the golem''s vajra looked like ants before its descent. Zac would have gasped if he hadn''t been rendered immobile. It was impossible to mistake the strength behind the iing strike.


    A genuine Autarch had descended, one wholly unaffected by any of the System''s restrictions.

 Chapter 1214: Ghost and Bone

    Chapter 1214: Ghost and Bone


    Zac''s mind was a mess as he looked at the mountainous fist. It contained blinding amounts of Dao and conviction, putting him under far greater strain than any of the training devices in the Halls of Heroes. The threat to his path was nowhere near the immediate physical peril. He''d witnessed the destruction caused by a battle between Divine Monarchs in Twilight Harbor, but this attack was significantly stronger.


    The hidden attacker was likely a First- or Second-step Autarch. It might not be muchpared to the power of Be''Zi or Iz''s guardian, but it far eclipsed the Havarok General who''d tried to stop the Eventide Asura''s Dao Defense. That frontier Autarch had been wounded from forcing his way to the harbor in time while this was a full-powered strike by someone with far greater foundations.


    The still-trapped Yphelion five miles away could be considered point-nk range for an Autarch, not to mention Zac, who was right beneath it. Death was certain if so much as the fist''s shadow grazed him.


    Zac couldn''t rouse any other feelings than despair and regret at that moment. He''d known he was tempting fate by plotting a scheme based on chaos and gathering fate, but this was too much. He hadn''t even started the real n, yet variables, one deadlier than another, kept popping up. There was no point in looking for a counter. Zac couldn''t hold onto any thoughts when exposed to the Autarch''s path, and the fist was faster than lightning.


    The pagoda lit up with golden splendor, raising a grand wall of Dharmic Karma to block the attack. It couldn''t even resist the bloodthirsty punch for a fraction of a second. Then, an enormous finger was all Zac could see. Hymns were silenced, Karma was crushed, and fate pressed down on the whole region. And yet, Zac didn''t feel a thing.


    Boundless destruction and berserk power surrounded him. Zac couldn''t tell whether he was inside the fist or if it somehow split to avoid harming him. It was as though he''d fallen into a training bath designed for a Temr Cardinal, and not so much as a thread of energy or Dao touched him. The fist had be Life and Death''s arbiter. Whatever it wanted dead would be destroyed, and whatever received a pardon would live.


    The attack came and went in a sh. At the very least, it should have caused Spatial Tears that spread for hundreds of miles in every direction. Just as likely, it should have copsed space entirely, causing a semi-permanent fracture like those you''d find in the Million Gates Territory. In lieu ofmon sense, the attack didn''t leave so much as a mark on space or any of hispanions. Neither was there any trace of the brutal force contained in the attack.


    It would have been easy to chalk the whole thing up as a powerful illusion. Zac knew they would have been wrong if he did. There was one significant change to the surroundings; not a smudge remained of the Sangha. The golem, pagoda, and elementals were gone, as was the Karmic seal on the region. It by no means meant they were out of the woods. The sealing brand didn''te from the Sangha.


    Zac was still under lock and key, where the restriction was an absolute suppression of his energy and Dao. It hadn''t managed to spread to his human side, but the seal had a spatialponent. It was most likely a measure to deal with escape treasures, and the Shrine of Kanba had inadvertently be a prison.Only the Void remained unbound. The seal had suppressed his Draugr bloodline, but he still felt a connection to his Void Emperor talents and nodes. He could use <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong> to activate skills or take out treasures from his Spatial Ring. He could also target the brand with <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>and <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>.


    To what end? The restriction was more powerful than the Orom''s prison seal, and even a blind man could have figured out the Autarch''s affiliation. The Autarch was here for him, and they could kill him a thousand times before he could do anything about it.


    "Greetings, esteemed Lords!" Kator said with a deep bow. "My apologies about the unexpectedpany."


    "The Sangha has always been impossible to predict," a voice sounding like a chorus of a thousand souls answered.


    Space bent, and an unfamiliar Izh''Rak Reaver stepped out from a crack no wider than a strand of hair on the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. His overbearing aura was a perfect match to the fist, and his Warbones shimmered with an ethereal glow that made Zac''s soul shudder. Zac''s guess it was a treasure or Miracle Bone that shielded him from the bell''s madness was quickly proven wrong.


    The glow separated from the Reaver, turning into aplex fractal made from Mental Energy and Miasma. It was actually an Eidolon whose aura wasn''t far beneath the Reaver''s. The fluctuations were also a perfect match to the seal that trapped Zac.


    Zac knew since he saw the fist that the White Sky Phnx had managed to send an Autarch into the Zurbor sector. That was terrifying enough on its own, and the fact that there was a spectral Autarch at his side carried deadly implications.


    The Eidolon was likely the reason the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> had remained unmoving since it descended. It was trapped like him. There was a barely discernible film of miasmic spirituality that covered every inch of the bell, including the five array bands. Zac hadn''t noticed it before because of the chaotic manner it appeared in.


    The bell shook with minute tremors. It was struggling to break free, and Zac inwardly cheered it on with every fiber of his being. As paradoxical as it sounded, he needed the bell''s assistance to create an opening.


    By coincidence or fate, the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> actually shook off the restraints. A deep toll filled with twisted jubtion rang in the darkness, and Zac was suddenly immensely thankful that the Yphelion was quite a distance away.


    "You have to assist me!" the Eidolon urged as it grew.


    The Eidolon reached over five miles in an instant, resembling the maw of a Beast Emperor as it bit down on the bell. Its actions released no aura like the Reaver''s attack. It looked like it imploded onto the bell. The next moment, the Eidolon crystallized.


    Zac couldn''t tell whether it was a skill or if the ghost had turned into a mountain-sized amethyst. Its insides were hollow, and Zac could vaguely spot the bell trapped within, looking norger than a dot. There were Spatial Dao no weaker than the Orom''s affecting the space within.


    The crystal''s interiors were no smaller than an E-grade world, and its walls were strong enough to trap all energy fluctuations. Zac was quickly forced to avert his gaze. Theplex patterns covering the crystal''s surface were too much, and he feared thoughts would fully seize up if his eyes lingered any longer.


    Zac didn''t so much as breathe, hoping his presence would be forgotten as they dealt with the heretical bell. It was futile, of course. He felt an immensely powerful consciousness lock onto him, and a stream of brutal energy dug into Zac''s body. It far eclipsed the Killing Intent at the Centurion Lighthouse. The B-grade Reaver wasn''t necessarily stronger than that ancient Autarch who took out the fortress, but he was alive and well.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Fighting back with the Void would be no different than using an egg to smash a rock. Zac could tell he''d run out of Void Energy ten times over before he could exhaust the invading energy. Just that small tendril held more energy than his Cosmic Core, and it was guarded by Daos beyond Earthly Daos. Thankfully, the control was no less precise than the fist strike from before.


    The energy sliverpleted a cursory scan before leaving without causing any damage. Zac even felt a bit better than before. The tendril had subtly adjusted the Eidolon''s brand, releasing the physical seal. Of course, it was only a small gesture of goodwill after confirming there were no threats in his body. With his energy and Soul Aperture locked down, Zac was still not much stronger than an F-grade cultivator.


    "Not bad. Kid, we''ll talkter."


    A gargantuan cage made from bone sprung from below, trapping the crystal, Zac, and even the Yphelion in the distance. Its bars split and fused, giving the cage the appearance of a line of closely nted trees whose branches had been entwined. A dense canopy formed a ceiling far, far above. An eerie silence rolled out as the Reaver stepped into the crystal to unleash a series of attacks on the bell.


    The intense silence was not physical. It was a silence of Dao, simr to his <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, though relying onpletely different concepts. The whole cage had been hidden from the Heavens, like a lower in where the only Dao avable was the Reaver''s own.


    The gaps between the cage''s bars were hundreds of meters wide, more thanrge enough for the Yphelion to squeeze through. However, his Late D-grade vessel had reced one seal with another. Zac could feel a simr brand through his control link, and he suspected even those trapped within had been targeted. Otherwise, it wouldn''t have remained so silent.


    It was for the best. The gaps in the cage weren''t actual weaknesses. He couldn''t see or sense any barrier, but one had to be there for the area to be uncoupled with the cosmos. Zac didn''t hold out much hope he could pass through the barrier when using <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, so how would the Yphelion replicate the feat?


    "You did well, Draugr."


    Kator had moved to his side, and his teasing posture indicated he was here to gloat as much as stand guard. Zac tried to figure out the best way to deal with their situation. He wasn''tpletely out of options. So long as he could call down the System, he had a chance of borrowing its strength to intimidate the Autarchs. Unfortunately, any tricks were useless when faced with such an utter, unbridgeable disparity in strength.


    Eluding Kator''s watch was enough of a headache, and that paled before the Autarchs themselves. He was already in their range, and they could or cripple kill him with a thought before he could fuse with the remnants. He needed to create a window or distraction before making his move. Until then, he might as well gather some information.


    "It looks like I underestimated you yet again," Zac sighed.


    "You cultivation maniacs are often simple that way. The more you despise someone, the more you''ll underestimate them."


    "I thought I had my guard up, but I didn''t expect you''d figure out a way to sneak people into Zurbor using the bell. Or that you''d be crazy enough to bring in Autarchs under the System''s nose. Just what are you people thinking?"


    "We''re struggling for supremacy, just like we''re supposed to," Kator shrugged. "The Ruthless Heavens have always been impartial that way. It''ll look the other way if you pay the price or ovee its restrictions through ingenuity."


    "Is that so?"


    Zac wasn''t convinced. He''d assumed the pressure of fate he''d briefly sensed during the attack was rted to the bell''s descent or the Sangha''s demise. Seeing how securely the region was sealed off now, another exnation seemed just as likely. The bone cage was way overdoing it if it was only meant to confine Zac and his subordinates while they dealt with the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>.


    Their entry was not as sanctioned as Kator wanted to make it seem, and the System wouldn''t be nearly as amodating if the Autarchs started to throw their weight around. Zac could see the battle raging within the spatial crystal, but he couldn''t sense a whiff of the tremendous powers that were being unleashed. They were being extremely careful.


    It was only a theory as of yet, but it might be the key to getting away in one piece. After all, there was no way the appearance of two non-Draugr Autarchs after losing contact with Tavza and Laz was a good thing, if the seal wasn''t clue enough. A plot was brewing.


    "The System might look the other way, but you''re putting the mission at risk. And colluding with Eidolon? You''re breaking the terms set in the Writ."


    "We''re breaking nothing, Draugr. The agreement encourages sending any and all reinforcements into the sealed sectors. We even informed you of our goal of bringing seniors into the Zurbor Sector to assist. The Writ only disallows the other branches of the Empire from interfering. General Eimal is uncoupled. She has been fighting for the White Sky Phnx for over three million years, so her presence is within bounds."


    Zac looked at the crystallized Eidolon with surprise. While not unprecedented, it was very rare for the Divine Races to join other camps. Between the status of an outsider and the suspicion of being a spy, it was usually better to stay home even if you faced suppression from some opposing faction within the race. Furthermore, the Eidolon was undoubtedly the most cohesive among the divine races of the Undead Empire, a natural consequence of them being part of a Hivemind.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    It wasn''t difficult to understand what the term uncoupled meant. This Autarch had severed her connection with her Hivemind, striking it out on her own as an individual. Zac didn''t even know that was possible, but he didn''t suspect Kator''s words in this regard. Whatever they were plotting, they weren''t ready topletely fall out with the Primo just yet.


    "You might not have broken the letter of the agreement, but you''re clearly breaking its spirit. Who knows what effect bringing in Autarchs will have on fate? There is no way the Primo has sanctioned your actions. Are you betraying the Empire?"


    "Betraying? We''re here fighting for its future. The Eternal 108 were unavable, and time was of the essence. We simply picked the route we felt held the most promise," Kator snickered, cocking his head at Zac. "You don''t seem surprised? Did Tavza manage to send you a message? Is that why she ended up in such a wretched state?"


    "Weren''t you responsible for that?" Zac countered, his eyes thin with suspicion. It was getting increasingly difficult to figure out the Reaver''s thoughts. "I didn''t need some warning to put two and two together. I just didn''t expect things to fall apart this early. Has something changed?"


    "What do I know? I''m just following orders. I only found out about this part a few days ago." Kator patted Zac''s shoulder. "You don''t need to be too worried. Our agreement holds for now. The Divine Alliance has no intention of interrupting our quest. On the contrary, we''ll do our best to help you achieve your goals in the Imperial Graveyard."


    "Raising a pig to the ughter?" Zac snorted.


    Kator might be telling the truth about not being killed today. However, the White Sky Phnx was also aware that his reward for finding the Foreign Gods was his final mebearer piece. After that, his future was a big question mark. His importance for the trial might be considered a threat rather than an asset if civil war had broken out, especially if they suspected what the Primo sought in the Hollow Court.


    "Your words. But hey, anything can happen. Just sit back and rx. We''ll deal with everything from here. The Lords will drag out the entity and throw it at the barrier for us."


    Zac said nothing, reluctantly biding his time. Every second brought his camp closer to its doom, but it was still too early to make a move. The Eidolon could undoubtedly sense his every action through the brand, and the two Autarchs had a clear advantage. All attempts to escape had been foiled, and the bell was covered in cracks and dents. Only one of its five formations remained intact after the Reaver''s battering.


    Still, the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell] </strong>had put up a fight with a ferocity far surpassing Zac''s expectations, to the point he felt the intervention might have been a blessing in disguise. The bell had been hiding its true strength. Or perhaps, the entity dared use more of its strength thanks to the sealed environment. In either case, its unexpected power meant his original n might have been wed.


    His opportunity was fast approaching. No matter the risks, he''d stake everything when the final seal on the entity snapped, and the chaos reached a crescendo.


    A deep hum threw Zac''sst-ditch n out the window. Two lotus flowers had appeared where the pagoda once stood. They were translucent andcked even a speck of energy, seeming like a dream or an echo of the past. And yet, the flowers were utterly, irrevocably true. Five threads of fate poured into the flowers. Four came from where the elementals fell and entered the left lotus. A thicker stream came from the golem''s resting ce, entering the other.


    The illusion became real, the past connected to the present, and the flowers bloomed. A Buddhist warrior emerged from each lotus, their strength nearly on par with the Reaver''s. They sped their hands, and a world was born.


    <em>''Namo Buddhaya.''</em>

 Chapter 1215: Hunger and Desire

    Chapter 1215: Hunger and Desire


    The voice was filled with patience andpassion. It was everything and everywhere, from the de of grass to the boundless Heavens. Zac screamed as two radiant halos rewrote reality, turning the deste space of the deadzone into a part of Buddha''s kingdom. He became one with the cosmic consciousness, where time held no meaning.


    Mountains rose, seas surged, and civilizations rose and fell in an endless cycle of Samsara. With each reincarnation, the world grew moreplete. A thousand generations passed in the blink of an eye; Zac could no longer tell whether the world was real or not. History created context, and a pure Buddhist tradition was born. Centuries passed, and the monks reached true enlightenment.


    Merit was umted and pooled. Holy temples were erected and reinforced by millennia of prayer. Arhats emerged, and true saints sailed through the sky. The Wheel of Samsara kept turning, and eminent monks returned to the dust. And then he appeared.


    A normal monk, no stronger than an E-grade cultivator, sat beneath a tree in a minor temple. His gentle gaze was fixed on the rustling tree crown above. A leaf fell into his hand, and he saw the past, present, and future within. It first looked like the epiphany was too powerful, winking out his life''s fires. It did, but what remained was pure and unblemished.


    Boundless merit rued over thousands of lifetimes had been unlocked, and the dukkha that had followed him through reincarnation was discarded. The monk''s aura rose without end, his ascent creating auspicious omens that spread for thousands of miles. All beings stopped in prayer, and the whole world celebrated their first Bodhisattva''s nirvanic ascent.


    Bolstered by a world steeped in history and consecrated by eons of devout prayer, the Bodhisattva shed his mortal coil. His celestial form grew to the size of a mountain. He stretched out his hand to pluck a star just as he did with the leaf that triggered nirvana.


    The world darkened, and the star gained a sinister purple hue. For a moment, it looked like an eye. Then it shattered, and a bone spear asrge as the Bodhisattva emerged. The apocalyptic sh between the Izh''Rak Reaver''s spear and the Buddha''s palm snapped Zac out of the dream.


    Zac''s body was slick with sweat after realizing he''d been swept up in the attack of a true Heart Cultivator at the B-grade. He only slightly rxed upon realizing there seemed to be an implicit agreement not to expose Zac and Kator to the energy outspill. Perhaps this was simply how skilled Autarchs fought. Wantonly releasing their energies and Daos wouldn''t just scatter the force of their attacks. It would cause almost irreparable damage to the fabric of space. It was the same when Zac saw Iz''s guardian deal with the Orom.


    That didn''t mean he could stick around. He''d never fought a Heart Cultivator before, but the past weeks had given him a glimpse of their terror. The paradisial world with its thousands of temples was still there, pressing against the cage''s walls. He could feel it try to pull him back, making him be part of it once more.That was how many Heart Techniques worked. The growth of the Sangha from primitive ritualism to the Buddha''s ascent had never urred. It was more apt to consider it a backstory that strengthened the attack. The more real the world was in the monk''s heart, and the more it affected those around him, the more power the skill would exhibit.


    The power of the B-grade Arhats was utterly terrifying. He clearly wasn''t the target of their attack, and he was still a hair''s breadth away from giving in to the Buddha''s majestic aura. The brand that kept Zac trapped became a saving grace, resisting the intense righteousness. However, the brand was faltering, and every flicker cost a significant chunk of his Miasma.


    The culprit, if you could call it that, was his Specialty Node going all out to resist a Karmic connection. Even then, Zac vaguely felt a towering mountain far, far in the distance. Zac would have thought it was one of the pirs holding up the Multiverse if he hadn''t already seen the Void Mountain first-hand. It wasrge beyondprehension, where continents were nothing but small outcroppings.


    Zac swore, realizing what the monks were up to. It might look like they were helping him out, but they were using that to force a Karmic Link to the Fourth Mountain the golem mentioned. His Specialty Core would only dy the inevitable for a few seconds, and that was provided the Eidolon''s brand didn''t suddenly fail.


    Whoever won, he''d lose. Zac couldn''t wait any longer. He''d been waiting for a distraction, and this situation certainly qualified. However, Zac suddenly felt two sets of eyesnd on him. He quickly suppressed his bloodline just before he heard the powerful voice echo from his heart.


    <em>''Amitabha, benefactor. We meet again.''</em>


    It was like a curtain had parted, and Zac''s eyes widened inprehension. He finally understood where the threat and familiarity came from when facing the elementals. The monks looked like identical twins, and their auras may as well have been one. It was the very same aura that had spied on him during his breakthrough to Middle D-grade.


    Zac couldn''t help but wonder if Kator''s scathing remark was actually right on the money. It seemed as though the monks had been parasites hiding in the hearts of the golem and elementals. Zac wouldn''t even be surprised if the hosts hadn''t been Buddhists before. The Centennial Pryer''s subordinates might just have been the unlucky people picked by these Arhats.


    It was impossible to say whether they''d been turned into puppets or if their will was subverted by carrying B-grade Dharmic will. It was very simr to how the entity used the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. And when their vessels were destroyed, their true forms were forced into being. Even then, they didn''t seem too worried about being exposed.


    <em>''Let us have a proper exchange after the seas have calmed.''</em>


    The monks turned back toward the Crystal, which was guarded by the Izh''Rak Reaver. He radiated a monstrous Killing Intent that unraveled the world all around, while the Eidolon seemed to target the opponent''s souls. It quickly became clear that the Sangha''s approach was the opposite of Undead Autarch''s. It was as though they wanted the whole cosmos to witness Buddha''s glory.


    They held nothing back, pushing their Heart World against the bone cage, making it strain with duress. Its bars twisted under the invisible onught of Dharmic truth, transforming by the hundreds. The spectacle resembled Creation''s unfettered transformation but was founded on the theories of the heart. The bars became the chains of ignorance that trapped the world in the wheel of Samsara. The Botthisavha''s ascent meant shedding the mortal coil, breaking these very constraints.


    Whole sections were demolished, creating ring weaknesses in the Reaver''s shroud. A distant rumble and a familiar pressure indicated the System was about to descend. It was at that moment Kator turned into a blur, mming the cudgel into Zac''s chest. He was unable to put up any resistance with his energy still locked, and a deadly mix of Earthly Daos left bloodycerations across Zac''s body.


    Zac thoughtfully looked at the Reaver as he disappeared in a sh but quickly discarded any errant thoughts. Another door had opened after the monks closed the previous one. A deluge of Void Energy spread through his body, filling him with power. It was far from enough to deal with the faltering brand, and his personal Void wasn''t strong enough to reject the Sangha''s invasion.


    However, it did open the door to new possibilities. Zac''s human half appeared by his side, not as bound by the imposed restrictions as the first. The difference allowed him to trigger the ace he''d held onto for years, and the world was suddenly calm.


    This story has been uwfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Little troublemaker, you''re asking for too much."


    Sendor smiled at the chaotic scene like he was looking at a performance. He looked the same as when they met, except for the clear difference in aura. Zac felt nothing when looking into the old Realm Spirit''s eyes or at his antlers. Theycked the supreme Dao of the original. Thankfully, even the shadow of such a powerful being was enough to stabilize the situation.


    "Please, senior, the sealing brand," Zac said, resisting the temporal vertigo of being ced inside Kator''s time-elerated domain.


    "That I can do," Sendor nodded.


    The brand and wounds on his body were gone the next moment. Even the nascent Karmic Link had been removed after Sendor rewound his state before being sealed, though he didn''t get back the three-quarters of his energy pool that had been used to resist the Karmic Link. Zac knew there was no point in asking the ancient Realm Spirit to give the four rampaging Autarchs a good thrashing.


    Their background had nothing to do with it. Just shielding him and dealing with the seal had noticeably weakened Sendor''s projection. It was just as Zac expected. Sendor had already warned him the saving seal was not like the Edict Valsa used. The old spirit refused to go beyond the limits of what the System allowed, so the projection''s aura was roughly Early C-grade.


    Certainly, the C-grade wisp of a Peak Supremacy waspletely different from the Monarch guardians traveling with the outsiders. This sliver of Sendor''s will seemed like it could deal with Brigadier Toss with a wave of his hand. Even then, facing Autarchs was far beyond its capacity. It didn''t matter. Zac had never expected Sendor''s brand to do more than what he''d already aplished, and he was already moving on to the next step of his n.


    Multiple tendrils locked onto Zac as he took out two boxes, each presence so powerful he felt a mountain was pressing down on him. His flurry of actions had caused a pause in the battle between the Sangha and undead Autarchs. They''d realized Zac was up to something, and Sendor''s barrier wouldn''tst long against anything more than their indirect auras.


    A moment was all Zac needed. The run-down prison in Zac''s mind shattered when he grabbed the fifth Shard of Creation with his human body. Simultaneously, his Draugr side weed Oblivion. He hadn''t dared to directly remove the remnants before, fearing the Eidolon''s brand was strong enough to seal them before they could activate. With the seal gone and his bodies protected from the Karmic entanglement by Sendor''s protective mark, there was nothing holding him back.


    <em>''Please protect my vessel with any leftover strength you have,'' </em>Zac urged in a mental message.


    The sky rumbled again, this time much closer, and time ground to a halt. Even the Autarchs were frozen in ce, their gargantuan avatars staring at Zac with inscrutable expressions. Zac red right back until his vision faded. These bastards had broken the rules by sneaking into Zurbor, causing a disaster that risked their mission and hispanions. He had no idea if Vri had survived the Reaver''s battering or if his crew aboard the Yphelion had enjoyed the same protections as he.


    He couldn''t wait to pull down the Heavens onto their heads.


    ------------


    A frantic, scattered heartbeat echoed throughout the void, each thump bleeding with the primordial Dao. For untold ages, the Heart of Oblivion had<strong></strong>grown, with each cycle inching closer to that impossible threshold. All to dust. A single breath annihted Oblivion; reality became ash with a thought.


    The heart was angry but also relieved. Death was destruction, and destruction was life. Not even Oblivion could ovee the ancient Law of Bnce, and every end had its beginning. Hatred. Destruction. Desire. The splinters diverged, their madness tainting every corner of the myriad nes.


    Oblivion was never over.


    ------------


    A crackling sound full of dejection echoed throughout the void, each snap leaking the primordial Dao. For untold ages, the Spark of Creation had left its mark on the universe, its conceptions inching ever closer to that impossible threshold. A single breath brought stillness; marvels beyondpare faded with a thought.


    The spark didn''t mind. Death was Creation, and Creation was life. Not even Creation could ovee the ancient Law of Bnce, and every beginning had its end.


    Hunger. Growth. Desire. The shards shed, their tendrils transforming every corner of the myriad nes.


    Creation was never over.


    ------------


    Two simultaneous visions assaulted Zac, their ovepping intensity nearly enough to end the Atavism before it began. It was never Zac''s intention to undergo both at the same time. He was supposed to deal with the first and then call the bell over. The moment it appeared, he''d freeze it with the second Atavism. The Sangha andter Kator''s ''Divine Alliance'' had thrown those ns on their heads, and Zac was left suffering for it.


    Using two bodies would lessen the strain on his body, with the shards entering his human form and splintering the undead. It was a small benefit, though it did nothing to help with the real threat he was about to face. If anything, he was in far greater danger.


    There was no stream of scenes showcasing the miserable end of resisting the remnants. Now that they''d reached this point, there was no purpose. Instead, the original vision lingered, intensified, and expanded as they showed the aftermath and the birth of the immortal will.


    Zac felt his mind pulled beyond its breaking point as he was forcibly integrated into two vast, opposingworks. They were tapestries formed by the remnants scattered through the Cosmos. Together, they emted the Grand Dao, the obsession of their existence. Most dots on thework were weak and insubstantial, having only drained some unlucky stragglers to nourish themselves.


    A few shone brighter, and their radiance bolstered a section with sturdier truths. Zac could even sense a familiar aura from a few lights. They were the cultivators whom he''d seen when absorbing the second and third pairs of remnants. Their auras were mottled and mixed with dozens of foreign markers, meaning the fates he''d witnessed were only one of many tragedies these clumps of remnants had caused.


    Twelve marks shone like bonfires in the night on both tapestries, pushing back the darkness and bing major nodes. Their auras were clear and unblemished. Again, Zac sensed a few familiar auras: the minstrel, the flickering me, the Dragon King, and so on��carriers of great conviction, one and all. And yet, they''d ultimately failed to resist the ancient madness, instead bing a major node of the tapestry.


    Some auras were missing, like the inquisitor who''d sacrificed everything to y the mad God. He was one of the few to survive the Atavism, seizing a corner of the tapestry for himself. It made him the exception to the rule. Over the endless eons, the remnants had lured countless people desperate for power, and the vast majority met a wretched end.


    The day the tapestry of Oblivion was made whole, the heart would beat once more. Simrly, the Tapestry of Creation would ignite the spark, ushering in another era of Creation. They were close, and Zac was a prize that would let them take a tremendous leap forward��the number of carriers who could survive until the Atavism were too few and far in-between.


    Zac knew he''d cheated his way to this stage. Collecting both pieces certainly added to his difficulties in some aspects, but it helped him in others. The remnants had restained each other as much as Zac had restrained them, and generating Chaos let him keep the remnants in a perpetually weakened state. It would have been significantly harder to have to deal with the one seal.


    Only this time, the two sides were working against him. Zac could feel his mind and bodies being taken over by the ancient will of the Innate Existences. He wasn''t fighting thebination of five remnants. He was currently no different from the fallen bonfires, so he was fighting the whole tapestry.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    He tried to resist the creeping Obliteration of his mind and seize the tapestry''s corner for himself. It felt like trying to hold back floodgates with his bare hands. Worse, the crazed drive of Creation simultaneously invaded his mind, turning his thoughts of resistance into twisted nightmares. Resisting the Creation with temperance only invited Oblivion.


    He was being destroyed from both ends, and his Heart Cultivation only prolonged his suffering. Of course, he hadn''t taken such drastic measures without a n, even if Autarchs were bearing down on him. Zac had considered his Atavism from every conceivable angle and turned to the n that best suited the situation. Like before, he needed to have the remnants fight each other to lessen his load.


    It was easier said than done. He might only have one soul, but the visions were fully separated. It was like Zac was watching two separate windows, and the Dao Tapestries didn''t actually touch each other. Zac furiously rallied, resisting Oblivion and Creation''s delineated nature. He could feel the other half of his soul in the distance, and he pushed beyond the vision''s bounds, carving a tunnel through nothingness.


    The closer he came, the fiercer the resistance. Zac had no choice but to cede more and more territory of himself to lessen the load. Eventually, nothing but a core of unyielding will remained. Zac roared without a voice, piercing the curtain, and two visions became one. Tremendous explosions rocked Zac''s consciousness, almost knocking him unconscious.


    Zac desperately held on. He''d created the path, but the fight wasn''t over. He needed to survive the uing sh. Opposing wills met, and mayhem ensued. Zac''s mind was rocked by a st of Chaos. Another wave followed, but the pain never arrived. A hand had appeared in the darkness, shielding his frayed will. Zac''s muddled mind rapidly cleared. Or did it? Zac looked at the neer standing before him, unable topute what was going on.


    "Tavza? Is that you?"

 Chapter 1216: Fates Approach

    Chapter 1216: Fate''s Approach


    "It''s about to start."


    "Ironic, isn''t it? For our kin to have the Cursed Heavens at his beck and call," Qul''Uster said with a smile. "No mishaps on your end?"


    "It''s all taken care of, and the signal remains stable," Nutzu said, her face scrunching with annoyance beneath her mask. "I wouldn''t have saved that little shit if I''d known it would make me his helper."


    "Yes, you would," Qul''Uster said. "If nothing else, the pay is quite generous, no? I hear you''ve been awarded ess to the Sixth Outer Band."


    "So what? Doesn''t mean I have to enjoy it," Nutzu huffed. "You should''ve just taken over negotiations with that slippery bastard."


    "You have to see things from his perspective."


    "What? As a test tube baby? Most of us are. Or as an integrated cultivator?"


    "No. I mean his loneliness. Look," Qul''Uster said before activating the hologram.


    Nutzu had to admit, hermander wasn''t just here because of his pedigree. To think he''d managed to improve their ship''s scanners to such an extent. They were over a week''s travel away in a spatially unstable region. And yet, he''d somehow managed to extract the relevant energy fluctuations through subspace and interpret it into an actual disy."The Sangha is fighting the unliving?" Nutzu muttered before taking a sharp breath. "Wait, are those ss-5 energy signatures?"


    "Yes. He''s all alone. Abandoned even by Leandra Kayar-Elu, facing threats and schemes from every direction. If we push too hard, we''ll just be another party, and our dealings will be nothing but transactions. He might even cut and run. How are we supposed to find him again?"


    "You''re still on that? Shouldn''t we contact base?"


    "We can''t provide any tangible reinforcement in time for it to matter. We''ll do our part as agreed upon and trust he''ll deal with things on his end. If he''s truly the Void Emperor''s inheritor, he shouldn''t be stopped by something like this."


    "How did they sneak inside? Even our elders didn''t dare take the risk."


    "The world is full of mysterious arts and powerful people. The Edge has made us strong, but the cosmos is different from the one our ancestors left. You need to be carefulter."


    "I know," Nutzu shrugged. "So, we''ll just do him some favors now and pray he reciprocates? Is this the best your family coulde up with? We should just pummel him a bit and drag him back, like how we do with those who try to shirk their Oath."


    "He''s Sindris, but he''s also Kayar-Elu. Any attempt to force fate will most likely fail. See? Even the Sangha is having trouble dealing with him," Qul''Uster said with helplessness. "For now, we''ll try to show him that not everyone is out to get him."


    "Not counting those traitors," Nutzu muttered.


    "True," Qul''Uster nodded. "Either case. The elders activated the Eclipse. She said he has a strong connection with the Eternal Storm. Maybe he''ll approach us himself at that time."


    "Sounds ky," Nutzu said, looking at her captain. "By the way, can you tell me what those things were now? I couldn''t make heads or tails of them. They only felt dangerous."


    "A special model of Heavenly Disruptors."n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "They were disruptors?" Nutzu said, her body tensing. "After all that talk, you''re actually betraying him?"


    "Of course not."


    "Then why are we spending a fortune on hiding the fortress when we''re supposed to mark it for the Cursed Heavens?"


    "As I said, they''re a special model. Grand Aunt and Grand Uncle have made some modifications and asked me to field test it."


    "The twins?" Nutzu shuddered. "Are you nning on blowing up the whole graveyard?"


    "They haven''t installed any of their proprietary weapon systems," Qul''Uster exined.


    Nutzu exhaled in relief, but she still felt a pang of fear. Not only had shee into contact with something made by those two lunatics, their next mission would take them into the neighboring region.


    "They''ve simply reced the shielding with a newly-designed amplifier."


    "So they''ll try to wrest the Cursed Heaven''s control over the Heavenly Dao without hiding their traces? That''d do it," Nutzu nodded. "But without the shielding, they''ll be destroyed instantly. It might not be enough to cause a lingering effect."


    "The elders were of the same opinion, so they ced the innards of a ss-4 Outer Beast in each disruptor for good measure."


    "Bastard, you actually had me carry around such a dangerous item?" Nutzu red, though her mouth started tugging upward as she nced at the screens disying the Fort of Resolution.


    "Serves you right for making me waste four of my puppets."


    ------------------------


    The distant rumbles reached all the way to the chamber in the depths of the hidden base. Or maybe not so distant. It had only been two hours, yet the eruptions from pitched battle hade much closer. The energies funneled into the room would have been soiled by the Dao of Conflict if not for the stabilizing arrays.


    Thousands of schemes and countermeasures were born and refined every second. Yzum discarded them all. Now that things hade this far, there was no need to perform feasibility calctions. Their Royal Father had ensured there was only one path forward. Only time would tell whether he had what it took to face his destiny.


    The twenty-sixth rune was added, finalizing the circuit. Yzum exhaled as his Soul Aperture was shrouded in a primordial haze. Imperial Fate was swallowed by the building storm, subtly altered by its Grand Tapestry. Thread by thread, Yzum bound his Imperial Soul to the Heavens, anchoring his path to its mighty river.


    The rumblings grew louder, mirroring the tearing pain in his head. One by one, the defenses of his base were run over, torn apart by unstoppable force. Yzum''s heart bled as he felt the soul brands on his carefully nurtured subordinates shatter one after another, yet he knew ruthlessness was his only chance at survival.


    Eventually, the fighting stopped, and a deafening silence spread through the room. The final door wasn''t locked, and it slid open soon after.


    "You''re here," Yzum sighed.


    Yrin''s eyes held their usual disdain for the world as he stepped into Yzum''s inner sanctum. His shoes left sanguine prints on the ground, and his sword was still dripping after ying the two final guardians. Yrin''s appearance and armor were otherwise spotless, like he''d taken a stroll through a garden instead of breaking into Yzum''s carefully arranged base. Proof of the monstrous power locked within his eldest brother''s frame.


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    Not that any reminder was needed. Yzum had observed his brother''s brutally direct actions after picking up the mantle. Building on the foundations set by Yselio, Yrin ughtered everything in his path. The Seventh Heaven was unable to rece the steady loss of manpower, leaving them with just a skeleton operation on the inside. Yzum inwardly railed at the misuse of their limited resources, especially when he knew the truth.


    "Fate approaches," Yrin calmly said. "There can be no loose ends threatening the Empire''s goals."


    "Empire''s Goals, is it?" Yzum gently smiled. "Or did you realize you couldn''t take the next step while remaining iplete? After all, a strong constitution won''t help you see the whole picture."


    "How long have you known?" Yrin asked, seeming content to wait a while longer.


    "My whole life," Yzum calmly said. "Just like I''ve always known you''d be the one to eventually knock on my door, second brother."


    A familiar smile spread across Yrin''s stony face��a smile that had given Yzum nightmares since he was a child. It was the smile of a devilish heart that wouldn''t hesitate to sacrifice anything, even the Dynasty, to achieve their goals.


    "As expected of you, Youngest Brother. You overcame our blind spot. Your incisive mind always left me in awe. I''m embarrassed to admit, I didn''t realize the truth until the very end," Yrin said. "But you shouldn''t call me Second Brother. Yselio is dead."


    "Then why are his wordsing out of your mouth?" Yzum said. "I''ve observed you over the past year. You''ve hidden it almost perfectly, but I estimate that Eldest Brother only ounts for four or five percent of your personality. The rest is you putting on a show."


    "Nevertheless," Yrin, or rather Yselio, said with a smile. "The smallest things can have unexpected effects, and change cane from the most unexpected of ces."


    "A body without direction holds blind power. A soul without purpose will be a stagnant pond," Yzum said, looking at his brother with a profound gaze. "A heart unfettered will be led astray."


    "Do you think the experiment was a failure? That the three returning to their origin is futile because our experiences have tainted us?" Yselio said, his smile growing wider. "Have you ever considered it was our Royal Father''s intention? Many say my heart is wicked, but so what? Righteousness doesn''t trante to power. It''s just another shackle. And won''t I have your soul to expertly calcte the bounds, keeping us on the right side of the Law?


    "I know you''re tired, little brother. The weight of your soul has burdened you for so long, leaving you infirm. I also know you''ve made your preparations. It may very well be you who''ll form the final nucleus. You''re curious, aren''t you? About the missing variable that has eluded you, the source of the disturbance��the answers are hidden in my mind."


    Yzum gripped his robes, but he quickly calmed down his racing thoughts. "There''s no point dragging this out. Do it."


    "At the very end, I asked Eldest Brother whether Truth or Empire was most important," Yselio said as he raised his de. "What do you think?"


    Yzum looked into the dark eyes of his brother, suddenly feeling a great weight off his shoulders.


    "Empires crumble. Truth is eternal."


    ----------------


    "You!"<em></em>Zac eximed in shock. "How can you be here?"


    Zac initially suspected his overloaded mind was ying tricks on him, but he was almost certain his first guess was correct. The entity before him was formed from pure Chaos, a churning mass of steely confluence that remained unable to stay static. Nevertheless, it was Tavza who had somehow forced her way into his Atavistic Tribtion through the Dao of Chaos.


    There were hints of the Abyss in the chaotic mesh, acting like glue on the mercurial energy. It was the pure aura of the Abyssal Lake that only the Azol branch wielded. How was she doing that? Zac tried the same, but neither his Eoz nor Void Emperor Bloodlines were essible to him. He was just a spiritual wisp, equipped with nothing but determination and grit.


    <em>''I��'' </em>Tavza''s words were drowned out by a deep groan.


    The pathway Zac had forced open had be a faultline between two opposing realms. Deep, chaotic cracks had already appeared, and Zac could feel the deranged hatred from the tainted tapestries.


    Neither side was backing down, and the tapestries generated a pull far greater than his small tunnel could endure. Theyer between realities shattered like ss. Tapestries were suddenly superimposed, with Zac and Tavza caught in the middle.


    The consciousness from thousands of remnantsbined, awakening a presence far greater than what Zac previously faced. It didn''t feel like he was looking at a sprawling tapestry erected across the Multiverse. He was looking at the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation in the flesh.


    The active erosion of his mind was gone, but an equally oppressive domain reced it. Unlike the Autarchs from before, the two entities didn''t care whether he lived or died. They unleashed their auras to the fullest, using their nodes to destroy or take over the Heavens.


    Each sh unleashed tremendous waves of tainted Oblivion and Creation that dug right at Zac''s mind. The bombardment was constant and unrelenting, and it only seemed to grow with intensity. Zac was already on hisst legs, and he could barely withstand the Chaos by relying on his Void State.


    Tavza was faring far worse. Her bloodline wasn''t enough to make up for herck of experience. She''d never dealt with the remnants before and was suddenly forced to face two Atavisms from the get-go. Her incorporeal body was growing increasingly unstable. She wouldn''tst long. In fact, even her short visit might cause irreversible damage.


    <em>''Wh��at��'' </em>


    Tavza''s voice was incredibly unnerving. The voice was indistinguishable in that it constantly changed cadence, pitch, and direction. Zac even felt the sybles came from different timelines. It should be the result of using pure Chaos as a conduit.


    <em>''I��Hel��p''</em>


    Zac gritted his teeth and made his decision. At this point, how she was here didn''t matter. It was clear she''de to help him through this tribtion, and he wouldn''t waste her noble gesture.


    "Cover me! Just for a second or two!"


    Tavza''s voice and figure were disjointed, but her actions were swift. Her grey mesh of Chaos darkened, forming a thick wall infused with the Abyss. Shockwaves were almostpletely nullified, and Zac made his move. He fiercely tugged at the hundreds of invisible threads that connected him to the tapestries.


    A third of the strings were dislodged, and he reeled them in like a fisherman pulling in his catch. A surge of power filled his weakened spiritual body. He pulled again, this time with far greater strength. Again and again, Zac repeated his actions as quickly as he humanly could. The remaining tendrils were lodged much harder, but Zac was also growing stronger with each sessful catch.


    Tavza acted like a Dao Guardian all this while. Zac could sense she was being tortured by the hostile Daos. Thankfully, his goal was achieved even faster than he''d expected. The entities were no different from the individual remnants. They had onlyshed out in his general direction when small snippets of their tapestry were removed, their minds fully upied by their nemesis.


    "Thank you. I will repay this favor,"<em></em>Zac said with utmost sincerity before pushing with all his might. Tavza''s consciousness was ejected from his vision. Hopefully, her short visit wouldn''t cause any permanent damage.


    Once more, Zac was left to fend off the encroaching desire of Creation and the eroding nihilism of Oblivion on his own. However, thanks to Tavza''s intervention, his situation waspletely different. A few tugs retrieved the final threads, making him whole.


    A failed Atavism meant that the remnants extracted everything you had and turned you into another node on the tapestry. You survived by seizing the power of the remnants and extinguishing their will. He''d already relinquished almost 90% of his mind to create the tunnel, putting his back right against the wall.


    Zac could probably have survived until now without Tavza''s aid, but it would have been a pyrrhic victory. Getting back two-thirds of what he sacrificed before severing his connection would have been a good oue. It meant losing millennia of longevity, along with a significant chunk of his memories, emotions, and desires.


    Retrieving everything would have been almost impossible. Even if he had the strength, it would have taken too much time. The intensity of the battle between Creation and Oblivion was reaching a point of no return, where an errant shockwave could snuff out Zac''s soul in one go.


    He''d already gotten everything he wanted. Thest link between him and the ancient madness was severed. He couldn''t feel his body in his current state, but he instinctively knew the remnants had be part of him now. He was already feeling his mind being extracted from the vision since there was nothing holding him back.


    Zac resisted, his gaze trained at the lofty tapestries. His very being shuddered with hunger, though he remained careful not to let his emotions leave a gap. The Grand Daos of the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation were awfully close to perfection. They might be sullied by their undying obsession, but didn''t he have ample experience extracting benefits from tainted sources?


    So why stop now? The remnants had seen him as prey, whittling away at him for decades. Why should he settle for breaking even after Tavza had paid such a heavy price to let him reach for something more? Why not treat it like a Dao Impartment like the one he received from Yrial at the beginning of his journey?


    The environment was still incredibly dangerous. Zac furiously resisted the chaotic eruptions as he scanned the tapestries for what he sought. His soul was already exhausted, and he could feel his Soul Cores being drained beyond their safe limits to scan the seemingly unending paths for insights matching his path. Just as when he feared his search was for nothing, he discovered it.


    Zac pounced, ripping a thread of pure Dao from each tapestry. Murderous wrath shook the realm as the battle stopped. Zac groaned, feeling cracks appear on his soul. He didn''t care because it had worked. The next moment, he was gone, ejected from the vision after he''d stopped resisting the pull.


    Left were two fractured and damaged creatures who resumed their battle with a redoubled frenzy.

 Chapter 1217: What is Life?

    Chapter 1217: What is Life?


    Zac felt like a burr, narrowly escaping before the security doors mmed shut, when he was pulled out of the vision. He''d undeniably made off like a bandit, and the day wasn''t even over. The madness of two destabilized Dao Tapestries and their infuriated owners was reced by tranquility. His vision had been split once more, and he faced familiar scenery. He was back where it all started, two spiritual threads floating before Be''Zi and A''Zu.


    He was brought here for the first time during the Eastern Trigram Hunt. At that point, he hadn''t reached level 75, nor had he discovered all the Dao Seeds that would eventually be the foundations of his path. He had experienced enough major events tost multiple lifetimes since. And yet, his decades of struggle almost felt like a dream when he faced the two Autarchs.


    Everything remained exactly the same in the mountain. The Miasmic river of liquified energy slowly swirled around Be''Zi''s subterranean ind, while gentle winds carried the whispers of possibility around A''Zu on the mountain peak. For all Zac knew, they might not have moved since their previous meeting. A decade or two was nothing for an Autarch, who would often seclude themselves for millennia at a time.


    Their promise was straightforward; survive the Atavism within 100 years, and they would impart him something from the Daos of Creation and Oblivion unblemished by the remnant''s ancient madness. Zac had aplished that with flying colors. He was eager to find out what that entailed, but there was something he needed to deal with first.


    Or so he thought. There was no hint of the pieces of the Dao he''d stolen. It only took a moment to realize why. The visions came from him being pulled into the remnant. So when he took something back, it should have been deposited within the remnants rather than with his soul. And since he couldn''t sense his actual bodies in his current state, he''d have to wait until he was back to investigate his haul.


    "Child of Draug, you have��"


    Be''Zi stopped and gazed into the cave''s ceiling with a slight frown. The surroundings shifted, and Zac suddenly floated inside a grand hall made from baster and obsidian. Two thrones were ced on opposite ends, with husband and wife ruling over the side formed from their Dao. Zac was ced on a circle in the middle which looked just like the yin-yang sign of Earth. Profound energy rose from the stone, transforming Zac''s spiritual threads into fully-formed avatars.


    "You. All this time, you were one?" A''Zu asked, a slight tremor discernible in his voice.


    "I''m sorry for keeping it from you. My situation has caused a lot of trouble over the years," Zac said with a bow. "Is�� something wrong?""It''s nothing," A''Zu said, a small smile tugging at his lips as he nced across the hall. "Just a small side bet with my wife."


    "He''s alive," Be''Zi calmly countered.


    "Fine, it''s a wash."


    Zac blinked, looking back and forth between the two. They''d actually been betting on him, even whether he''d survive. Zac was slightly annoyed at their cavalier attitude. Then again, neither one owed him anything, and they had guided an outsider brought to them by the System. Be''Zi was even the one who first erected the cage in his mind before the System came along and reinforced it.


    "Uh, anyway. I made it through."


    "Life�� Death�� Chaos," Be''Zi muttered as swirls of Oblivion danced around her throne. "Ripples on theke."


    The Aetherlord nodded, his four eyes seemingly trying to peer into Zac''s soul. "What have you done?"


    "What do you mean?" Zac asked. "I survived the Atavism and was sent right here."


    "Don''t worry, child. We have no intention to renege on our promise, even if I found it unlikely you''d reach this point. However, something is happening to the Peak of Chaos. We''re currently outside time, but we can feel its trajectory changing."


    "The timing of your appearance is not coincidence. We need to understand the source of the disturbance," Be''Zi added.


    "Oh," Zac said, thinking back to how he survived the process. "I think I might have sent the Spark and Heart down a path of no return. Or at least wounded them badly."


    "You? Impossible," A''Zu scoffed, and Be''Zi''s usually impassive face revealed doubt.


    Their reaction was reasonable, even if they wouldn''t have been as quick to dismiss his im if they''d known the storms he''d kicked up during his short career. Zac still had a strong suspicion that what he''d experienced was more than a vision. At that moment, he''d been faced with the full tapestries of the Daos of Oblivion and Creation, at least as how the two unique entities saw them.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac had been almost fully consumed by their collective will, which gave him far deeper insights into their nature than what the short visions provided. He''d realized that Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation had never met before. In fact, they couldn''t.


    The nature of the Peak of Chaos could be exined through the theory of the Three Purities. The Dao produced the one; the one produced the two; the two produced the three; and the three produced all things. The one referred to the Primordial Chaos, the Terminus of the broken peak he climbed. The two referred to Creation and Oblivion, the delineated Dao.


    The three could be interpreted in multiple ways, where Zac leaned toward the addition of ''Man.'' Man didn''t necessarily mean the interference of cultivators. It was any outside input on the unblemished Dao that Creation and Oblivion embodied. When Man was mixed in, Life and Death were born, creating one of the fundamental facets of the cosmos.


    The concept of Three Purities could be observed in most peaks. For instance, the Earthly Peak and the Lower nes were inextricably linked to the Heavenly Peak, with Man forming the bridge in the middle. It was also part of the conflict between the Sangha and the Apostate of Mercy when they fought over the nature of the elemental Daos.


    The Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation were the broken avatars of the delineated Dao. Separation was part of their fundamental nature, even if it filled them with a sense of being iplete. Their existence was exactly like the yin-yang symbol beneath him: forever in motion, their trajectories not fated to intersect.


    That had been the case until Zac came along and broke that bnce. First, it was through having remnants duke it out. Their fused state could only have one oue��the delineated Dao would return to its origin, in this case resulting in the appearance of hollow Chaos.


    It wasn''t that the remnants were stupid by repeatedly falling for his tricks. They had no choice. The Innate Existences couldn''t stay delimited when meeting its opposite. Merely encountering each other had broken their inherited nature of separation. It was one thing when it only involved isted slivers. This time, he had managed to connect the wholework with their collective consciousnesses.


    Zac had no idea what woulde of that. The undying creatures were extremely powerful, so they might be able to overpower their nature and disengage before it was toote. Even then, it would probablye at a price far greater than the small section he managed to snatch. If something was happening to the Peak of Chaos, that was likely the cause.


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    "No wonder the Cursed Heavens tried to force our hands, even setting up this Temporal Tributary," A''Zuughed after Zac exined the series of events, only skipping Tavza''s involvement. "Worth it. Definitely worth it."


    "The what?"


    "You should be aware time has stopped, no?"


    Zac nodded. "I actually can''t stay too long because of that. I''ve overused Temporal Chambers recently."


    "You don''t need to worry. What the System has done is something far more impressive. It hasn''t separated our domain from the temporal river. It has created a tributary, allowing time to flow naturally while keeping us in ce. It has all the upsides of a Temporal Chamber without the downsides.


    "And before you ask, only the System and Temporal Supremacies do something like this. From what I know, thetter are unable to create a perfect loop��at least not a stable one like this. The costs are unimaginable, and the river will fight back with increasing ferocity."


    "Why is the System paying such a heavy price?" Zac asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "Bnce," A''Zu said. "Those things have been a blight on the Heavens for too long, making everyone''s lives harder."


    "The creatures you faced were born in the earliest period of our Era. The rules of cultivation were different," the Aetherlord continued. "The Heavens were an unstable tangle. Moving the Dao toward its natural state of equilibrium caused great upheavals that gave birth to the first generation of beings. The Heavens was weaker, and there was no one to contend with them. As such, they were blessed with a far stronger connection with the Cosmos than what can be observed in the present. They are often referred to as the Primordials."


    Zac mulled over the exnation for a moment before it clicked. "The first generation of Innate Existences were born with Authority?"


    "Oh, you know of the concept?" A''Zu said. "Yes. That''s correct, in a sense. Even B-grade creatures were born with something resembling Authority. However, that Authority was wed, just like the primordial Dao. And since few Innate Existences ever advanced beyond the level of their origin, neither did their insights.


    "The Peak of Chaos took the longest to reach a stable state, and the Heart of Creation and Spark of Oblivion should be two of thest Primordials to appear. They were lucky, in a sense. Most of the original Primordials had already disappeared one way or another, and the next generations of races had yet to figure out the rules of cultivation of the higher grades. They were left to their own devices until the world caught up."


    Zac sighed in awe. It was no wonder those things were considered Pseudo Supremacies with unusually highprehension of the Dao.


    "What do you think happens when wed Authority blocks the path to the Terminus?"


    "The peaks can''t mend," Zac answered, his thoughts turning to the hand he''d seen in the visions, which had effortlessly crushed the Innate Existences.


    Zac had never delved too deeply into why that mysterious Supremacy had destroyed the Heart and Spark. He''d always felt the scene came from a pre-system period or at least during the first stretch of the System''s expansion. He''d even guessed it might be Laondio or Karz who did the deed. It was hard to imagine anyone else wielding such power.


    As for why, Zac assumed it was retaliation or protection. Those things were wandering cmities that left utter destruction in their wake. Who knew how many regions their obsession had turned into ruins? Someone was bound to strike them down sooner orter.


    "One individual cannot stop Heaven''s reformation, especially not such broken creatures. They can, however, slow down the process. The pieces of Authority they wield are like pools of stagnant water. And with one section blocked, the road for others has grown narrower."


    Zac nodded, his notion that the creatures were killed by Laondio or perhaps one of his generals bing stronger. Reforming the broken peaks was one of the System''s prime directives, so it stood to reason the Limitless Empire had a simr goal. They might have hunted down any remaining Innate Existences born with wed Authority they could find, liberating the Dao from imperfect masters. In fact, that might be why they targeted peak existences like the Primo, too.


    "These two have proven exceedingly difficult to deal with. Destroying a fragment will only result in the birth of a new one after some time. You might have found the only way to cause permanent damage. I''m of a mind to kick you out so I can witness the change you''ve brought," A''Zu continued. "s, I''ll have to be patient a while longer. First, let me ask you a question.


    "What is Creation? What is Life?"


    The Aetherlord''s tone sounded uninterested, but the question was anything but simple. It epassed the crossroads Zac faced now that he''d survived the Atavism.


    The remnants had caused a lot of trouble over the years, manipting his fate to put him on a collision course with the Spark and Heart. They had also saved his life innumerable times, and they''d been instrumental in strengthening his body and soul. Ultimately, the remnants and the Daos they held were an external strength that approached the limits of their use.


    His Creation- and Oblivion-fueled abilities wouldn''t be much stronger than his normal skills by the time he reached Peak Hegemony and started to n for his Inner World. He''d also need dozens of splinters to provide any tangible benefits after his soul and constitutions had evolved again.


    It was time to rify what his path entailed. Was it one of orthodox purity, where his Daos of Life and Death were just the first stop of a longer journey? One that continued into Creation and Oblivion before fusing into the Dao of Chaos. Or should he stake out a path of his own, ignoring the Dao''s natural order?


    The most relevant example of this path was the Undead Empire, which subverted the traditional hierarchy to make Death a Terminal Dao. There was clearly nothing stopping you from reaching the peak this way, but his recent interactions had given him a better idea of the downside. The price was a greater push-back from the Heavens.


    You were trying to impose your path on the Heavens, and the resistance would grow fiercer the higher you climbed. Iz had mentioned that many Supremacies avoided expanding their Authority beyond their Heavenly Territory, and Zac felt this was part of the reason. It was a road that entailed greater struggle. It was also the road Zac saw for himself.


    "Life is possibility given shape. Creation is the motor. They are the sun and the moon, two sides of the same coin. Only when they''re together can they disy the full extent of their power."


    This was the answer he''d ultimately reached for his Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal. Rather than evolving them to Creation and Oblivion, his path would epass both. Like the Void upholding the Dao, so would Creation and Oblivion uphold his paths of Evolution and Inexorability.


    The first step was infusing the concepts of Creation and Oblivion into his Daos. For this, he''d stolen fragments from the Grand Dao that best suited his path. He was certain they were enough to rify some of his confusion, enabling him to push the Daos to Peak Branches. Depending on how his words were received by Be''Zi and A''Zu, they might even set the foundations for his Earthly Daos.


    Zac understood he was taking a risk with this answer. It was clear that A''Zu and his wife were on the path of fully embracing the Daos of Creation and Oblivion, discarding their inborn Daos of Life and Death. There was a clear difference in the aura Be''Zi exuded from any other Draugr. She had begun integrating Oblivion into her very bloodline, though it was still in an early stage.


    Their determination could also be seen in how they''d sealed themselves off in the depths of the Eternal Storm. They''d ridden themselves of any entanglements that would taint their path of purity. Be''Zi had given up on the empire and her n, and A''Zu appeared simrly unfettered.


    In a way, Zac''s exnation was a rejection of their path. He was saying there was no need to do what they did, sacrificing one to grasp the other.


    "Your vision goes against the natural hierarchy. Life is Creation tainted by Earthly desires. Death is Oblivion diluted with the sorrows of the world," A''Zu said. "It''s impossible to travel with someone walking down a different path. If you insist on this answer, we will not take you as our disciple."


    Be''Zi''s silence was a tacit confirmation of A''Zu''s decree. Zac remained unmoved. Rava''s guidance over the past weeks was a reminder of the benefits of having the guidance of an experienced senior. A true master-teacher rtionship would go even further than the rtionship of quid-pro-quo between him and the Eternal Servant.


    "Fate cannot be forced," Zac said. "My path is set. I''ll follow it to the end, for better or worse."


    An oppressive silence lingered in the throne room for almost a minute until a smirk appeared on A''Zu''s face.


    "Good! Only trash would give up on their Dao to follow in the footsteps of someone else. So what if that means going against the Heavens? How can someone mend a broken peak if they''re afraid to face the Terminus head-on?"


    Be''Zi slightly nodded in agreement, speaking up after a long period of silence. "We are not fated, yet Karma still binds us. Your gift isrger than what we anticipated. Nevertheless, all things must end, including this chapter of fate. This is Heavenly Law. You have survived the Atavism and excised the lingering will of the ancient apostles. Have you decided on a path forward for the power trapped in your body?"


    "I''m nning to keep it contained for now," Zac said. "I''m still not at a stage where I can freely control that power, and their truths need to be refined to better suit me."


    "As expected," A''Zu nodded, and a glimmering light of pure Creation appeared on his finger. "This is the first of the four gifts we''ve prepared."


    Zac only had time for one fleeting thought before the glimmering light flew into his forehead and overwhelmed everything else.


    <em>''Did he say four?''</em>

 Chapter 1218: Impartments

    Chapter 1218: Impartments


    The streak of light was joined by a swirl of utmost darkness entering Zac''s Draugr avatar, pushing his soul to its limits. It took Zac over ten minutes to gather his wits, and that was just from amodating the impartment. Digesting it would take far longer, possibly his whole life. He''d only managed to scratch the surface of what was held within, yet what he''d found left him in awe.


    "This should prove useful whatever direction you choose."


    A''Zu''sment could be considered the understatement of a century. The repository of information that had taken up a corner of his mind was more valuable than aplete Heritage in Zac''s eyes. There were no skills, manuals, or techniques inside, nor were there any actual insights into their Dao. There was something even better. The two marks contained a terrifying amount of data.


    Just the reports and calctions from a mind-boggling number of experiments would put the Void Gate''s nuns to shame. They were also filled with notations, conclusions, and unconfirmed directions of thought. In addition, there were mountains ofmon research drawn from multiple outside sources Zac had never heard of.


    The library was simr to the <strong>[Book of Duality]</strong> he got from Yrial, except the information was solely focused on the Peak of Chaos. The recording method was ingenious, too. The information was transformed through the lenses of his Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal.


    Zac couldn''t even read the contents in his current state. Almost everything except the introduction was missing critical context without infusing his Daos. He could only intuit that what he saw was the surface of a bottomlesske of information. Zac had no idea how deeply the information went, but he could tell most of it would remain hidden because of his limited level ofprehension.


    The repository left Zac humbled. It drove home the efforts and dedication required to approach the peak of cultivation, especially when climbing a broken peak like Chaos. At their level, it probably took thousands and thousands of expensive and time-consuming experiments just to take a small step forward. These two were no doubt performing countless experiments within their Inner Worlds even now.


    A whole chapter also covered the remnants, discussing theirposition, nature, and usage. Those notes were clearly not just theory. There was practical experience behind the concepts, meaning they must have found some remnants for experimentation. This chapter was created with him in mind rather than the result of this powerful couple''s own cultivation.


    Thest section on the remnants posited dozens of ways they could be utilized after surviving the Atavism. Zac already had very strong theoretical foundations for his level, and he could tell they all held great promise. He wouldn''t even need the help of an epiphany to create a working technique from many of the concepts introduced.The possibilities were endless. The libraries would be extremely helpful for most aspects of his cultivation going forward. He could draw from them when upgrading blueprints, creating or upgrading skills, and dealing with his cultivation methods. Zac even believed the wealth of information would prove instrumental to one of his most important long-term goals��fusing his two bodies into one.


    Being split into two had proven unexpectedly useful in the war. It would also allow him to visit Sanctuary and the Abyssal Shores simultaneously after Ultom, though the current situation in the Undead Empire had introduced uncertainty to that n. Despite the benefits, Zac had never given up on returning to normal. Being a duality simply didn''t feel like his natural state. Bing one was also required to unlock the true power of his path. Evolution and Inexorability needed to be fused to disy the limits of his path.


    Zac had already begun drafting a basic framework for reverting the split. Progress was slow because hecked the theoretical foundations, and Ultom''s inspiration couldn''t solve these deficiencies. Ultom held all the answers, but the key was knowing the right questions. If you used it blindly, you''d only be able to build on something that already existed.


    There were three subjects Zac needed to master before sessfully fusing: his Origin, the Void, and the Peak of Chaos. He still only grasped bits and pieces of the Kayar-Elu''s experiment. He needed to actually understand how his Specialty Core and the Quantum Spaces worked before he dared fuse himself back to one body. He also needed to know if any more surprises were waiting for him in theter stages of his journey.


    It was highly likely he''d need to modify the Duplicity Core to suit his Human-Draugrbination to avoid an even worse fate than what he encountered during his D-grade breakthrough. Doing so without knowing theplex schematics that went into its creation was bound to backfire. Thankfully, he already had a lead on uncovering these secrets. They were the supposed reward forpleting Leandra''s task to infiltrate Sanctuary in the Eternal Storm.


    Relying on the Void was unavoidable if he wanted to fuse beforeprehending the Dao of Chaos. He''d formed his core by borrowing truths from Ultom and relying on the quantum space. If he wanted to fuse his two halves, he''d need to understand the Void and tailor a solution that worked without the help of a special environment. He had finally made inroads on this aspect after upgrading <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> and activating <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. There was also the uing trial and possibly the Sindris n to provide further rity.


    That left the Peak of Chaos. It was his Daos of Life and Death and ipatible constitutions that almost killed him back in the Perennial Vastness. His Branch of the War Axe amplified the conflict, but it wasn''t really part of the problem. He''d need a much better understanding of the mechanics of the Peak of Chaos, even if he had the Void to act as a mediator. The library he''d just received would do the heavy lifting in this regard.


    Zac''s ambitious goal of fusing back together when stepping into Monarchy suddenly felt a lot more achievable. He would have been more than satisfied with this impartment alone, and it was only the first of four.


    "Thank you," Zac eventually said. "This is extremely helpful."


    "Experience can only save time. It cannot solely be relied on," Be''Zi reminded. "The fine details of your Dao can only be explored on your own."


    "I understand."


    "Next��"


    "I''m grateful, but this is already more than I expected," Zac said.


    He squeezed out the words with great reluctance. However, he''d be more conscientious about the importance of bncetely. He felt he''d be taking too much if he kept epting gifts from these two. He''d feel in debt, and they''d fail to sever Karma and wholeheartedly focus on their path of purity.


    "Providing these records came at no cost or difficulty to us. Its value is negligiblepared to the value of you passing the Atavism."


    "Why would that��" Zac said, his question stalling as multiple pieces of information crystallized into an answer.


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    Zac''s actions had struck a grievous blow to the Primordials. Since these two could already sense changes in the Dao, he might actually have cost the Primordials some of their Authority over the Daos of Creation and Oblivion. This represented a huge opportunity for those who were searching for the deepest truths on the Peak of Chaos.


    Surviving the Atavism the normal way wouldn''t have nearly that kind of impact. However, it still meant ripping a piece out of the tapestry of Grand Dao and damaging its owner. With the Primordials being so intimately connected with the Heavens, it would likely create ripples on the Dao. Observing those changes might be more valuable than eons of normal experiments for cultivators at A''Zu and Be''Zi''s level.


    "Ripples on theke," Be''Zi murmured, understanding the thoughts running through Zac''s head.


    "I think I understand. But why the 100-year deadline if you''d benefit either way?"


    "Speed is critical," the Sharva''Zi Matriarch said.


    "The longer a carrier takes, the more they will have sacrificed by the time they make their final stand. You''d already be halfway integrated into the tapestry. Passing the Atavism after 300 years is impossible. One hundred years is the limit of seeding without crippling yourself," A''Zu nodded. "You''re intimately connected with the Cursed Heavens and swept up in its schemes. We needed to be careful about what we said not to be targets of its ire. So we chose to present an incentive instead."


    "Thank you," Zac said again.


    Zac was certain he would have reached this point no matter what. Whether by fate''s or the System''s design, he kept running into the remnants. However, Be''Zi''s mention of surviving the Atavism and putting a seemingly harsh deadline on passing it changed his frame of mind, making him put greater efforts into preparing for it.


    "The second gift is a helping hand. We can see the shadow of a great suppression on your spirit. You are currently facing a great threat on the outside."


    "My situation on the outside is a bit tricky," Zac coughed. "I''m currently trapped between four Autarchs fighting over me."


    "Aren''t you popr?" A''Zu said, his brow slightly raised.


    "Well, one side wants to enve me while��"


    "Stop. The circumstance does not matter," A''Zu said. "We do not wish to have our sanctuary tainted by the woes of the outside. Like you, we''ll follow our path to the end. We''ll imbue your spirit with a thread of our power. It should be enough to deal with the threat you face. How you use it is up to you."


    Zac felt a weight lifted off his shoulders upon seeing the Aetherlord''s calm expression. In terms of long-term value, a wisp of B-grade power was nothingpared to the library. However, it was exactly what he needed right now. There were a lot of moving parts on the outside, and there was no guarantee that calling on the System could solve his problems.


    Autarchs were ultimately beings who''d formed adder to the Heavens, giving them some ability to resist it. The System wouldn''te in full force for his Glimpses of Chaos like during his talk with Sendor. Exposing the entity within the bell would definitely do the trick, but that would take a moment. Between the bell, Vri, and his crew aboard the Yphelion, there was a risk someone would be harmed or captured before he could have the System and the old Heavens swoop in and deal with things.


    The absolute power of the two Autarchs before him could remove the risk entirely if he yed his cards right. He wasn''t the same person as the one who stood before these two Autarchsst time. For one, he could better gauge their strength than before. They were far more powerful than the Autarchs who''d snuck into Zurbor.


    If Zac had to guess, he''d say A''Zu and Be''Zi were fourth or fifth-step Autarchs. It might not sound like muchpared to Peak Autarchs at the Eighth Step like Iz''s guardian or the mythological Ninth-step Autarchs that almost only existed as a theory. Even then, it made them bigshots within the grade. Only one percent of all Autarchs managed to advance beyond the first step.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    B-grade factions neighboring the frontiers, like the Radiant Temple and Havarok Dynasty, would generally only have First-step Autarchs, with the leader simply being someone with deeper foundations or stronger equipment. The strength of the married couple before him would be a huge deal even in the Multiverse Hearnds. Be''Zi could be one of the leaders of the Zi branch of the Abyssal Shores if she returned, and Sharva''Zi''s status would skyrocket.


    "The third gift is connected with the second. You''ll receive both upon leaving," A''Zu continued. "It''s the thing we originally promised��a glimpse of true Oblivion and Creation unsullied by that ancient madness."


    "A Dao Impartment will damage your foundations. It''s a waste of such a precious gift since we walk a different path. I even got a piece from the Primordials already."


    A''Zu''s outer eyes rapidly blinked in a way that Zac, for some reason, felt mocking. "You might have your own ideas for the Peak, but you need to learn to walk before you can run. No matter how you arrange things in the end, you have to begin with the basic building blocks."


    "The ord cannot be broken. It was spoken with the Heavens as a witness," Be''Zi added.


    "You don''t need to worry about us. Our difference in level is great, and neither of us has left an impartment before. We''ll fully recover in a few millennia, and we''re mostly forgotten by the world. Our wisps will take you to the Grand Dao before bringing you back," the Aetherlord said, settling the matter.


    "I won''t waste the opportunity," Zac said with determination.


    "Good," Be''Zi said, taking out an item. "The final gift we leave represents our gratitude for going far beyond our expectations and our aspirations for your future. In ordance, it is the most valuable by far."


    Most valuable<em> by far</em>? Zac gulped, looking at the nondescript item in Be''Zi''s hand with a mix of expectation and confusion. That thing was more valuable than two Dao Impartments, a lifetime''s worth of experience, and a killing blow of a Mid-stage Autarch?


    "What is it?" Zac couldn''t help but ask as he looked at the mottled key in Be''Zi''s hand.


    It looked like something used to lock up an old toolshed rather than a supreme treasure. It appeared crudely made and disfigured, having been bent and scratched up after extended use. It didn''t emit a speck of energy, either, to give a hint of its purpose.


    "<strong>[Chaos Cipher]</strong>," Be''Zi said. "A relic from a bygone time."


    "Chaos cipher��" Zac said, his eyes gradually widening in rm. "Don''t tell me it''s rted to an Eternal Heritage?"


    "Yes and no," Be''Zi said, drawing a confused look from Zac.


    "You should be aware we''re currently in the Era of Order since you know of Eternal Heritages," A''Zu said, continuing after Zac nodded in affirmation. "Order has brought structure. A hierarchy of established factions controls all integrated space, and society gravitates toward the order of Empires. The torch of cultivation is passed on through familial bonds, and a delicate bnce is enforced.


    "The Era of Order could be considered a reaction to the previous one, which ismonly referred to as the Primordial Era. Primordial Chaos forming the lynchpin of reality led to a very different environment. Factions neither grew asrge nor as enduring as what we''ve witnessed in our time. Those seeking the Dao more often resembled Wandering Cultivators.


    "They traveled alone or in small groups of like-minded people. The weak walked the earth, and the strong traveled beyond the stars. They were generally referred to as Demonic Cultivators. Mind you, they were not intrinsically evil. They followed their inner voice, ignoring thew of man or the Heavens.


    "This chaotic environment wasn''t necessarily worse than the road of cultivation we have today. Fewer reached the peak because they relied on nothing but their hands and determination to seize a corner of the Heavens. However, those who did were generally stronger than the cultivators of today. Of course, our generation also has the System, so it''s impossible to make a perfectparison."


    What A''Zu described lined up with Iz''s description of progenitors. The few who managed to rise to B-grade and higher often wield greater power than normal while having stronger Dao Hearts. They had built their path through greater effort since they didn''t have any elders or ready-made Heritage to fall back on.


    "The downside of the Primordial Era''s environment was the limited culture of inheritance. You may not be aware, but Eternal Heritages can be separated into two categories. True Eternal Heritages are likely those you''ve heard of. ces of ultimate power that surpass the Dao, allowing it to survive Era after Era."


    "The <strong>[Chaos Cipher]</strong> is not rted to one of them," Zac concluded.


    "No," A''Zu sighed. "Not a single faction of today has the resources and strength necessary to erect a True Eternal Heritage. The Limitless Empire was the only one that possessed the qualifications, but they created the System instead. So, how could the solitary cultivators of the previous era aplish something like that? As far as we know, there are no True Eternal Heritages left from the Primordial Era."


    "That brings us to the second category of Eternal Heritages. They''re called Cataclysmic Heritages, and the <strong>[Chaos Chipher]</strong> we''re bequeathing you will provide ess to one called the <strong>[Waking Nautilus]</strong>."

 Chapter 1219: Completing the Cycle

    Chapter 1219: Completing the Cycle


    "Cataclysmic Heritage?" Zac muttered, his eyes drawn to the key. "What''s the difference?"


    "A Cataclysmic Heritage does not surpass the Dao," A''Zu exined. "Instead, it uses tricks and umtion to survive the cataclysm. This method can generally only be used once by exhausting a special invention or resource. It''s not Eternal in the truest of sense, so they''re named after the cataclysm it was designed to ovee."


    "That means all Cataclysmic Heritagese from the Primordial Era?" Zac said with interest.


    "That''s the general rule. Cataclysmic Heritages wille from the previous Era. The ones hiding across the Cosmos todaye from the Primordial Era. The remnants the demonic cultivators of that age discovered came from the Five Elements Era, and so on."


    "Nothing is absolute," Be''Zi said.


    "That''s true. One should be careful about making sweeping derations," A''Zu nodded. "I''ve heard of one Cataclysmic Heritage surviving multiple Eras, the Temple of the Emerald Sky. It has endured four cataclysms without surpassing the Dao, and thus dying its copse. However, many consider it a True Eternal Heritage because of that ability."


    "Enduring the cataclysm," Zac muttered, giving the Aetherlord a second look.


    Apart from A''Zu''s obvious strength, he seemed very well-informed. The Aetherlords were a small yet powerful race, but the hidden knowledge he possessed seemed to go beyond the norm, even among Autarchs. He must have held a powerful position before bing a hermit, possibly one rted to research like the Vigil or one of the neutral schstic factions.


    "It almost sounds harder than surpassing the Dao.""It''s still a monumental feat, which is why they''re not named False or Lower Eternal Heritages," A''Zu said. "Nevertheless, there is an unbridgeable gap between the two. There are a few factions with the means to create Cataclysmic Sanctuaries if the Heavens began showing signs of an early copse."


    Zac nodded in thought. It sounded like one could liken Eternal Heritages to a boat caught in a storm. A Cataclysmic Heritage would keep rowing, scoop water, and mend leaks until the storm calmed down. A True Eternal Heritage would simply rise to the sky and stay above the clouds until it was safe to descend. Of course, it wasn''t a perfect analogy.


    The Technocrat Codex was the first thing that came to mind. The Technocrats of the Primordial Era hadn''t endured the cataclysm; they had transferred information through time to avoid it. Still, it was definitely a Cataclysmic Heritage by this definition. The information had already been disseminated, and it would be gone by this Era''s end unless the Technocracy built another time machine.


    The term also made Zac think of the Abyssal Lake and the things hidden in its depths. Could the wholeke be another Cataclysmic Heritage? It would exin why theke closed down when the System was born andter reopened without any issues. A Cataclysmic Heritage would be designed to withstand a far greater loss of Dao, so what was a million years of drought?


    These two supposed heritages also confirmed that Cataclysmic heritages weren''t anything to scoff at, even if they weren''t as impressive as ces like the Ultom Courts. The Technocrat Codex almost allowed Selvari to fight on equal grounds with the Limitless Empire and Laondio Evrodok. Even today, they were a seemingly unshakeable power hiding in the depths of the Eternal Storm. Meanwhile, the power hidden in the depths of the Abyssal Lake had left a powerful impression on Eoz himself.


    The subject was very interesting, and not just because of the <strong>[Chaos Cipher]</strong>. Zac knew that not all Cataclysmic Heritages would be rted to the Dao of Chaos, just like those practicing the Dao of Order were just a minority in the present. Even then, A''Zu''s description indicated there might be even more heritages rted to the previous Era than he''d previously expected.


    Even if he didn''t find what he needed in this <strong>[Waking Nautilus]</strong>, there might be more chances of discovering methods and resources rted to the Dao of Chaos.


    "Can I ask what kind of realm the <strong>[Waking Nautilus]</strong> is?"


    "That''s..." A''Zu said, scratching his chin in thought. "We''re not certain."


    "A ce of beginnings," Be''Zi calmly said.


    "Yes, that''s where my wife and I first met. It''s also where we found the method and courage to reinvent ourselves sote into our journey."


    Zac blinked as the staid Aetherlord gently smiled at his wife hundreds of meters away. Be''Zi didn''t show much of a reaction, though Zac felt he could see a hint of warmth appearing in her Abyssal eyes.


    "Uh, anything could help," Zac coughed, slightly ufortable with the ambiguous atmosphere. After all, Be''Zi was almost the spitting image of Catheya. At best, it was like watching your grandmother-inw flirt.


    "We almost died forcing our way into the Nautilus," A''Zu grunted. "We did, however, get what we came for. We also unearthed the Cipher, which let us avoid the defenses on our second visit. We broke through our shackles and prepared for over a hundred thousand years. And yet, we never reached further than the outer reaches."


    "That dangerous?"


    "Weck the qualifications to cultivate Chaos. Bloodline binds us, and our Terminus will be found in Creation and Oblivion," Be''Zi said.


    "The Cipher should hold greater value for you," the Aetherlord agreed. The coordinates and our experiences inside are hidden within the repository. You''ll be able to read it when you''ve reached the minimum threshold. Don''t be too eager to rush into things. The key can only be used once more, and the first visit will yield the greatest results. Not to mention, the dangers cannot be overstated, even if yourpatibility with the Nautilus is much greater than ours."


    "I''ll keep it in mind," Zac nodded, looking at the key that had floated into his hand.


    The <strong>[Chaos Cipher] </strong>was essentially the equivalent of his mebearer seal. In a way, it was even more valuable. Ultom might be one of the greatest Eternal Heritages in existence, but there was the matter of fate and suitability. The Awakening Nautilus was a peak heritage rted to the Dao of Chaos. The things inside should be more useful than anything he could get in the lower courts of the Left Imperial Pce.


    He felt like it weighed as much as a mountain. The fourth gift was simply terrifying, to the point a voice of caution urged Zac to take a step back before his greed consumed him. Even if it seemed like this was a matter for a distant future, inheriting the key meant he''d also inherit the troubles that it came with. He''d seen how the established factions had acted over Ultom already.


    "It''s not altruism that made us give up on the Cipher," Be''Zi said upon seeing Zac frown in thought.


    "We''ve already visited and failed twice," A''Zu smiled. "Our fate with the Nautilus is dried up. Going again would be an act of desperation no different than entering terminal seclusion. In contrast, leaving the key in your hands might yield surprising results," A''Zu said with a slight smile. "I wonder what would happen if that thing exploded, releasing the Chaos it has carried all this time."


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    Zac scratched his chin, opting not toment on thest part. "I''ve read about the struggles over True Eternal Heritages. There''s enough blood to form rivers."


    "There''ll always be risks with a grand opportunity. However, the Nautilus is constantly on the move and incredibly difficult to locate without the right knowledge and Dao. Not to mention, the struggle over Cataclysmic Heritages is nowhere near the level of True Eternal Heritages. A few are well-known Taboo-zones imed by no force since the risks outweigh the reward."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "I thought the established forces would do anything to im these things," Zac frowned.


    "Many of the resources and techniques found in Heritages are useless in our current Era, or they''ll require immense effort to redesign. The True Eternal Heritages are so valuable because they contain the dream of all Supremacies. They''ve surpassed the Heavenly Dao, grasping actual Eternity. They represent the possibility of going beyond the Terminus.


    "Inparison, Cataclysmic Heritages are just peak troves, not much different from the ruins and troves of this Era''s Supremacies and A-grade factions. In fact, they''re often worse because of their ipatibility with the Era of Order."


    So it came back to the pursuit of Eternity. Indeed, that was the only thing that could truly move those ancient Supremacies who''d already reached the limits of their path. What did methods and treasures mean to them? Ultimately, it was too early for him to worry about those matters, though it was an important warning and reminder of just how far the outsiders would go in their battle over Ultom.


    "Is the Heart of the Empire a Cataclysmic Heritage?" Zac asked out of curiosity.


    "The Primo''s yground?" A''Zu said, shaking his head after a short pause. "No, it''s a True Eternal Heritage at least ten Eras old. You should be careful of that thing."


    "Most heritages carry a spirit of hope. Or at least one of defiance. The Heart... is a thing made of despair."


    "This thread of fate is concluded," Be''Zi calmly said, preventing any follow-up questions.


    The audience was over. Which meant it was time to head back.


    "Again, thank you for this gift. I will not let you down," Zac said with a bow. "Is this thest time we meet?"


    "Only time can tell whether a new thread will form."


    "The top is quite narrow, and those climbing the same peak are more likely to have their fates intersect," A''Zu shrugged. "You might encounter us if you climb far enough. At that time, we''ll discuss the Dao as equals,paring our beliefs."


    "I''ll do my best."


    Zac hesitated as he looked at Be''Zi, who might as well have been Catheya''s older sister if you solely went by looks. A''Zu had made their stance clear. They wished to sever their past and pursue the Dao without mortal chains weighing them down. But could he just leave without saying anything about his rtionship with Catheya? Without mentioning the unrest in the Undead Empire and how the Abyssal Shores already face pressure from all sides?


    "You are only responsible for your own path. We are secluded, not isted. My presence will not change the course of destiny. I would only be swept up in a struggle I have no interest nor stake in. Remember, even if the empire falls, the Abyss will remain. And with the Branch of Zi being connected to your chariot, I am confident they wille out stronger. Follow your conviction."


    "Good luck," A''zu said, and the throne room was swallowed by streaks of boundless power.


    They formed a cocoon around his spiritual threads and shot to the sky. A momentter, Zac felt his vantage shift. He could tell he was no longer in whatever hidden realm the two had secluded themselves in. Zac didn''t even know if he was in a physical ne.


    He had, however, regained his connection with his body. There was no other choice. How was he supposed to advance his Dao without being connected to it? Thankfully, the scene back by the Imperial Graveyard was locked in stasis, no different than when he left. Zac put any distracting thoughts aside, focusing wholeheartedly on the impartment.


    The streaks pulled him higher and higher, to the point Zac felt he''d soon reach the shimmering barrier of the Imperial Faith he''d witnessed at the end of his pilgrimage. Of course, that never happened. Zac''s vision was gradually filled byrger andrger stars made from Creation and Oblivion, respectively.


    And then, he floated right before the Grand Dao of the two Autarchs he''d just met, the essence from millions of years of struggle and discovery. Zac had been worried he''d encounter another situation like when he faced the tapestries of the Primordials, where their scope and pressure almost tore Zac''s soul apart. His meeting had let him recover a bit, but he wasn''t sure he was ready for another round.


    His fears proved unfounded. The tapestries were only a few percent the size of the vastworks formed by the Heart of Oblivion and Spark of Creation. Taking in their mysteries as a whole was still far beyond his ability, but Zac didn''t feel like he was being pulled under and torn apart by a deadly current.


    He also had the protective field of the energy slivers that had carried him here. They formed something akin to a filter that held back the more dangerous aspects of their almost perfected paths. It let him observe the tapestry without being overwhelmed, making his mission much easier.


    The fact that the tapestries were only a fraction the size of the Primordials'' didn''t make them any less impressive. Zac could fully appreciate what A''Zu meant when he called it pure, untainted Creation. Not only did the two offer theirprehension while holding their own opinions to themselves. They walked a path of purity, leaving almost nothing but the orthodox version of the delineated Dao.


    Which was exactly what Zac sought. His goal wasn''t to fully fuse Creation with Life and Oblivion with Death today. It was too early. One would support the other, like the Void upholding the Dao. They would be separate parts of arger whole. He needed to erect a stable, pure foundation and connect it with his current Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal. Only when his Daos held all the concepts they needed could he work toward an actual fusion.


    Time was still frozen back in his body. Even then, Zac couldn''t waste time. The System''s patience wasn''t unlimited, and every second he dragged his feet would worsen the bacsh A''Zu and Be''Zi would face. Keeping their bacsh to a minimum was the least he could do after receiving their incredible gifts.


    There were critical differences between the two sets of tapestries he''d observed. However, they shared the same root, and the experience made Zac''s search easier. Besides, Zac felt as though the pertinent snippets of truth were calling out to him. There was no need to rob. Zac called, and the tapestry answered, freely providing the answers he sought.


    The protective filter faded, exposing Zac to the unblemished Truths. Light and darkness rained down on him, filling his mind with familiar warmth. This was the Dao he''d sought for years, the Dao he''d never dared to reach for. All because of the insidious whispers that had always apanied him from the prison in his mind.


    A strengthened soul and tempered heart had made him impervious to the bouts of uncontroble rage that had haunted him after he was first saddled with the Splinter of Oblivion. However, there had always been a seed of suspicion lingering in his heart and a fear that refused to be ovee.


    Most of the cultivators in the visions were blind to the insidious effect the remnants had on their mental state. They had walked down a road of no return, forgetting why they grasped the remnant''s power in the first ce. Some destroyed what they once sought to protect without blinking. Even those who''d avoided the unchecked corruption understood they were fighting a losing battle. Could he be certain he was any better?


    The Dao couldn''t be approached with a dagger behind your back and misgivings in your heart. It required sincerity, something Zac couldn''t afford with the remnants lurking in their cage. There was a very real risk that any insights he incorporated rted to Creation or Oblivion would add new links to their Grand Dao. With Karma severed, there was no need to hold back.


    Creation was the spark of hunger that let the beast break the shackles of their bloodline, igniting their me of Life. It was the unyielding ferocity that let the sapling hold on in the shadows of towering trees, living on nothing but darkness and desire to grow. It was the inherent drive of the cosmos given form, moving toward greater heights.


    Life without Creation was doomed to wither away. Creation without Life was possibility without purpose. When joining forces, they held the power to ovee everything. Fate would be reborn, evolving to match the vision in his heart. This was his Dao of Evolution; a cycle of perennial improvement. An improvement that would only stop when he broke through the curtain and gazed beyond the Terminus.


    Oblivion was the impartial judgment that equalized everyone in Death. It was the intractable hand that pulled on the chains of mortality, delivering release to even the staunchest of struggles. It was the inherent finality of the cosmos given form, closing a chapter to open the path for the next generation.


    Death without Oblivion was an empty threat. Oblivion without Death was destruction without purpose. When joining forces, they held the power to bnce the scales of destiny. Fate would be seized, inexorably moving toward the vision in his heart. This was his Dao of Inexorability; a cycle of perennial control. A control that would only be relinquished when he broke through the curtain and gazed beyond the Terminus.


    Together, they formed a loop. Creation brought Life, putting its mark on the world through evolution. Life reached its end, facing the inexorability of Death. Flesh, purpose, and memories faded, sinking into the depths of Oblivion. It was from this void of thought that possibility was born, creating Life anew.


    The cycle wasplete, and the Heavens rumbled with warning. It would have to wait.

 Chapter [BOOK 14 START]: Killing Intent

    Chapter [BOOK 14 START]: Killing Intent


    Zac was almost certain the cultivator who left the immense scar was the equivalent of an early Autarch in the pre-system era. He simply didn''t think it possible for a Divine Monarch to leave such an indelible mark. At the same time, the attack couldn''t havee from anything higher than an early B-grade cultivator.


    The fortress was undeniably much stronger than any weapon system he''d seen in Zecia, but it should still be a C-grade construction. Anything stronger than an Early Autarch wouldn''t just have left it in a crippled state. Not even dust would have remained if it had faced the wrath of a Supremacy.


    The fortress''s sad state wasn''t a result of the endless war of expansion the Limitless Empire fought, judging by the sentiment instilled into the attack. It was retribution during the earliest days of the Dark Ages.


    The System''s birth had instantly wiped out the whole upper echelon of the Limitless Empire. The emperor, his court, and his powerful generals became the fuel that kickstarted their creation. What followed was a million-year epoch where the Dao was shrouded, and almost all energy was stolen.


    This period didn''t arrive in a day or two. Not even the System could drain the whole Multiverse that quickly. However, it was impossible to miss the signs, and it didn''t take long for the ancient forces to pinpoint the culprit. Some, like Sendor and the current imperial ns, figured out ways to seal themselves or hide away, waiting for the Dao to recover.


    Others went mad and targeted the perpetrator. Factions who''d cowered in fear of Emperor Limitless and his armies tore through the dimensional barriers and descended on the Limitless Empire. Nothing was spared during that crusade, and the once-glorious empire was almostpletely erased from history. This fortress was likely a target of that punitive expedition and had somehow survived through a stroke of chance.


    Zac''s musings were abruptly swept away as his mind screamed of lethal danger. He didn''t need <strong>[Inborn Predator] </strong>to pinpoint the source. A spire covered in crackling runes and metal prongs wasing alive, and it had locked in on their position. It felt like being stared down by a Primordial Beast, and the intent was so palpable that even the Mavai Chieftain noticed.


    "Shit! Iing��" Ra''Klid screamed as ance of crackling lighting shot toward them.


    The attack was almost as powerful as the pir of ice Catheya''s master once used to save his life, and it moved nearly as fast. Zac tried to move out of the way, only to find small lightning runes sealing his movement. His horror only mounted upon realizing his bloodline was utterly incapable of extinguishing them. Out of better options, Zac turned to the illusory seal hidden in the depths of his body.It was a huge blow to expend the life-saving grace Sendor left him before the trial started. It was his absolute fallback for situations that not even his bloodline or remnants could remedy. It was so valuable he''d even gone with his untested <strong>[Origin Revolution] </strong>against the deathsworn.


    Certainly, that was partly because Sendor had indicated his unwillingness to kill participants, getting his fate entangled with Ultom and the factions that contended for its ownership. Most likely, the mark was something like an absolute defense, and there was not much point blocking the deathsworn''s War Array if he remained trapped in the Edict of Solitude. When Sendor''s protection expired, he''d be back at square one.


    Just as Zac was about to activate the brand, he felt the familiar aura of Ultom ripple forth. The screaming danger was immediately reduced to a susurrus, and the lightning bolt twisted like a snake. It created a wide berth around Zac''s location before disappearing into the spatial storm. Zac exhaled and slowly retracted his Mental Energy.


    "Uh," the demon hesitated while rapidly blinking to adjust his eyes. "Never mind. About time we caught a lucky break."


    Zac grunted in agreement despite knowing it was more than just luck. His eyes shifted to the Spatial Ring on his left hand, and he took out a small token. The <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> looked no different than usual, but Zac was almost certain it had saved their lives. Nothing else in the ring could have produced that unmistakable aura.


    The fortress actually epted the token as proper identification. The realization added ayer of safety inside the crumbling realm and clearly hinted its purpose within the real trial. Would each cycle increase his credentials inside the Left Imperial Pce?


    Still, Zac knew that staying in the air was to tempt fate. You couldn''t rely on proper documentation when the fortress was in such bad shape. But where should they go?


    Zac''s main concerns were Emily and the Acheron Company. Emily''s situation was undoubtedly precarious, but his army also faced great danger. It wasn''t just the elite Kan''Tanu army to worry about. He had been schemed against by the Seventh Heaven, and only someone high up in the alliance could have arranged his army to join four infiltrated factions.


    His heart gnawed with worry, but there was no way to reach or even contact his people. Returning the way he came was out of the question, and he couldn''t spot any of those safe pathways leading out. There was no telling where he''d appear even if he found one. The battle for the fortress spanned a whole sr system, so he might not even end up on the same as his army.


    Now that it hade to this, he''d have to trust in his people''s capabilities and focus on the fortress. Dossin''s mission might have been a sham, but the war for the fortress and its treasures was very real. The ancient arrays were not the only things wreaking havoc on the ground. Fierce battles between cultivators were taking ce throughout the city.


    A quick sweep indicated hundreds of people were already here, an even mix of Alliance forces and Kan''Tanu. There were undoubtedly even more inside the structures themselves. None dared to take to the sky, though, and for good reason. Every second came with the risk of being hit by an ancient War Array, and only the ground seemed to provide a semnce of safety.


    There was little order as far as Zac could see. Each side had erected a few temporary camps, but the vast majority were roaming the streets alone or in small groups. Capturing the fortress or even stopping the War Arrays had taken a back seat to the hunt for treasure.


    It was easy to see why. The dense Killing Intent seeping from therge wound couldn''t hide the fact that the crumbling Mystic Realm was filled with incredible amounts of ambient energy. It even surpassed the general environment in Kavista, whether in density or Dao. The fortress must have been locked in stasis to maintain such an environment after so many years. Or perhaps it had entered a powerful temporal field where millions of years passed on the outside for every year inside.


    The ambient energy wasn''t the only thing worthy of note. Zac could feel a weak pull of fate from almost every direction. It was the treasure sense awarded by his immense pool of Luck, which was further augmented by his <strong>[Lucky Beads]</strong>. It wasn''t often he felt such a strong calling. Years of exploration in the Perennial Vastness had only elicited such a feeling a few dozen times.


    Meanwhile, the fortress contained so many treasures it all blended into a halo of opportunity. Zac wouldn''t be surprised if even normal cultivators could vaguely sense the phenomenon at a subconscious level. Zac made his decision and set out, following the enormous scar toward the fortress''s center. It was the most chaotic and fiercely contested part of the fortress, but it was only there he could aplish his goals.


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    A lofty tower upied the inner core, reaching at least a dozen times taller than any other structure. The juxtaposition made Zac think of his visit to the Tower of Eternity. Both had a huge tower surrounded by a circr city. He even felt they were designed based on the same set of principles. Perhaps it was to be expected since they were built by the same faction.


    Obviously, this tower was nowhere near the reality-bending height of the real thing. Still, its tip was not far from touching the turbulent clouds, and Zac suspected it might actually reach it soon. Not because the realm was shrinking but because the humongous building wasn''t static.


    It was slowly spinning and looked like it was rising from the ground. The theory was corroborated by the fact that only the uppermost third was struck by the sword strike. Interestingly, even that section had only been damaged rather than destroyed. The tower was clearly built with sturdier materials and outfitted with stronger defenses. If the fortress had a main control, it was definitely in there.


    Zac had no idea why the tower was rising, but it couldn''t be good. Both the fortress and its Mystic Realm were barely hanging on. Any big move could disturb the fragile bnce, and there was no telling how things would shake out.


    He didn''t manage to fly more than a second before the dread of being targeted by an array returned. The feeling quickly passed, allowing Zac to breathe out in relief. The token had dispersed the threat much faster now that it was hidden beneath one of his bracers. Still, Zac''s nerves were drawn taut as he tore through the sky.


    Targeted destruction was only one of the dangers of flight. It was like all the realm''s energy and intent were drawn toward the tower, forming a slow-moving cyclone of pure power. The closer they got, the more unstable the air became. Meanwhile, random waves of destruction tore through the sky, leaving errant bursts that would turn most Hegemons to ash.


    Ra''Klid''s eyes were wide with terror as Zac navigated the increasingly deadly environment. Landing would be much safer, but Zac suspected something beyond the arrays was preventing the people below from briefly taking to the sky. No one was even jumping over buildings to save time or avoid dangerous regions. His instincts told him that the closer they got to the tower beforending, the better.


    Finally, Zac knew his shortcut had been exhausted. He felt a looming threat from the tower itself, and it didn''t go away. It wouldn''t tolerate his airborne approach any further, so hended between two structures that blocked vision to the central tower. Zac felt a weak ripple just beforending, and his eyes widened in rm.


    Ra''Klid had already slumped to the ground, but he yelped with shock upon being dragged away by Vivi. It was just in time as three energy bundles appeared from a nearby house. The air was shredded for dozens of meters around them as they released a deadly pulse. Zac knew blindly fleeing mightnd them in even bigger trouble, so he put himself before Ra''Klid and held out the token.


    The three bundles froze briefly before returning to where they came from, soundlessly moving through the wall. Neither Zac nor Ra''Klid dared move for ten seconds, but it looked like they had given up. Zac sighed and shed to a secluded culvert.


    "Thank you, Lord. For everything," Ra''Klid said as he warily looked around.


    "Don''t mention it," Zac said. "It was me who dragged you into this mess. I expected someone would target us sooner orter, but I didn''t expect to run into such a strong squad right out the gate."


    "Outsiders?" the demon asked and got an affirmative nod. "What should we do?"


    "For now, let''s just take a breather and recover," Zac said.


    Ra''Klid looked like he''d received an imperial pardon and slumped onto the ground like the air had gone out. Zac wasn''t much better off. Urgency and adrenaline had carried him through the series of near-death experiences, but the state of his body had finally caught up to him.


    The stump beneath his leg was the most gruesome. Luckily, dying from blood loss was almost impossible with his Vitality, and he had already sealed the wound with energy. His missing ear and surrounding skin looked grisly, but it was ultimately a cosmetic wound. It wasn''t much worse than thecerations and burns that covered his body. It hurt like hell, but it wouldn''t affect his effective strength.


    The real dangers were all within. The lesser of the two was the foreign Dao causing trouble. A small amount corresponded to the Deathsworn''s War Array, while most came from the chaotic crossing. The problem was halfway solved, thanks to repeatedly flushing his body with Void Energy. His Hidden Nodes and Daos were already dealing with the remains, and his body would be cleansed within an hour or two.


    Zac was more worried that <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> was still running. It had already dealt with the lingering threats from his battle with the Hexmaster, and Zac couldn''t feel anything else wrong with his body. Had the Imperials done something without his notice, like marking him in case their ambush failed? If so, he was likely dealing with a tracking brand.


    Unfortunately, Zac couldn''t find it, no matter how hard he looked. You really couldn''t underestimate people from the Multiverse Hearnds. Even their underlings were so terrifying. Thankfully, <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> could sense the problem, meaning the mark would be dealt with sooner orter.


    Zac ate a cleansing tonic just in case before turning his vision to his left shoulder. The fallout wasn''t as bad as he''d feared. The Skill Fractal was destroyed as he''d expected, but the surrounding pathways only sported some light damage.


    The explosion on his shoulder wasn''t an ident. He''d known the risks when engraving a defective fractal, so he''d installed a pressure valve that''d go off if the fractal failed to contain the energy. It meant far less energy entering the actual skill, but the small edge wouldn''t even have formed without it.


    The need for a stronger ace had loomed in the back of Zac''s mind for a while. The <strong>[Annihtion Sphere]</strong> and, to a lesser degree, <strong>[Origin Mark]</strong> had been his fallbacks since the Tower of Eternity. They let him turn things around whenever he found himself at the edge of ruin. Unfortunately, they were increasinglying up short.


    The strength of the remnants was still enough to deal with his opponents, but the delivery method was simply too crude. His battle with Valsa had acted as a proof-of-concept for the path forward, but he needed a solution that wouldn''t harm his Dao Molds. It would have taken years for his Inexorable Mold to recover if not for Sendor reverting the damage.


    Zac had been working on a permanent solution every chance he got, even using the weak wisps of inspiration from his <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>to speed up the process. Unfortunately, he ran out of time and was forced to settle for what he had. He''d felt that the frontlines were too dangerous without powering up first. And since his attempt to make Haro battle-ready failed, he could only turn to his iplete blueprints.


    The gambit saved his life but also harmed his long-term goals. Engraving a Skill Fractal on your body was like getting a tattoo. You couldn''t just engrave, remove, and reform them willy-nilly. The original Pathways of <strong>[Cyclic Strike] </strong>had already been transformed, or rather scarred, by repeatedly using the remnants. Forcibly redrawing the imperfect pathways had left an even deeper mark.


    It would be decades before he could make any significant modifications again, and that was only thanks to his unusually malleable constitution. Most cultivators couldn''t even rece Skill Fractals once, which meant each skill represented a permanent choice. You either kept the skill or closed the slot.


    Zac shook his head. That was a problem forter. For now, it gave him a faster and deadlier method to use the remnant''s refined energy. Next time, the fractal might even survive, and the delivery wouldn''t need him to stall so long.


    After all, it wasn''t designed to use Void Energy.


    The idea for <strong>[Origin Revolution]</strong> was tobine an Evolutionary Dao Braid with Creation, Cosmic, and Divine Energy. Adding Void Energy based on his experimental stance had made it incredibly unstable. Less than 20% of the energy had reached the conjured edge, and Zac failed to contain even that into a stable de.


    Adding Void Energy this time made sense since the spatial cage relied on concepts beyond his understanding. It felt simr to the Orom World, and only Chaos had worked against that restriction. However, using Void would probably make the skills less effective in most scenarios. It also required him to drain the Void Mountain since he couldn''t independently form the Voids of Life or Death.


    It would take a few months to reform the broken skill. Zac''s shoulder was like a radioactive hotspot after the experiment, and he would have to let it cool down naturally before working on the fractals. Thankfully, the fractal on his right side was fine. Zac nced at the tower in the distance. He had a nagging suspicion it would be needed soon enough.


    Before then, he needed to make some preparations.

 Chapter Book 13 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    Chapter Book 13 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!


    Defiance of the Fall Book 13 out today on Kindle & Audible! As usual, that also means we''re doing a massive sale. Books 1-12 are all priced down to .99 for the next couple of days (US only, I think). It''s the perfect opportunity for those looking for something to read during the DotF summer break��more DotF!


    <em>Zac returns from the Perennial Vastness, finding Earth already embroiled in war. The Kan''Tanu Cult pouring into the sector, determined to make it theirs. The System is fanning the mes with treasures and opportunities, using the conflict to choose candidates for its trial. </em>


    <em>The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.</em>n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    <em>A strong arm and a sharp axe isn''t enough to keep Earth safe. Zac has to secure the resources and alliances necessary for his empire, all while dealing with the fallout of Leandra''s schemes. </em>


    <em>But who can he trust? The appearance of the Ultom Courts has set the Multiverse astir. Powerful outsiders are flocking to Zecia in search of fortune, where the local Sealbearers are prey. One wrong move and it''s over.</em>

 Chapter 1220: Void Divide

    Chapter 1220: Void Divide


    Zac''s soul was back, bringing with it its priceless cargo. The <strong>[Chaos Cipher] </strong>was diverted into the subspace of <strong>[Purity of the Void] </strong>to protect it from the uing storm. Zac only had time to slightly refine the n in his mind before time resumed. Heavens drummed in warning as motion and chaos reced stillness.


    The already pressured cage groaned from an outside strain as two towering presences descended at full force. The System had already honed in on the region when he''d taken out the remnants. It was now joined by the ancient Heavens that were out for blood. The immense bone cage had be a pebble in a storm without end. The overbearing scene left Zac wondering if Heaven''s descent had spread across the whole deadzone.


    The canopy of sealing bars snapped when golden and purple clouds pushed down with the weight of the cosmos. Space twisted and frayed, forming angry red scars dripping down like bloody rain. Even the Laws wereing undone as the arid spirituality of the frontier found itself pressured by forces beyond what they could sustain.


    Zac stood in the middle of it all, his two bodies side by side. Layers of unprecedented power coursed through his pathways, where the ferocious might of an Earthly Dao was the least tyrannical source. The vast amounts of Creation and Oblivion overshadowed its glory. After all, it wasn''t these Daos that had advanced to the next stage. It was his Branch of the War Axe that had crossed the threshold.


    He''d already been pushing against the bottleneck since the <strong>[Eternal Crusade]</strong>, and his recent experience let him ovee it early. Conflict held a central role in his Daos of Evolution and Inexorability, and having his mind connected with the Spark of Creation and the Heart of Oblivion greatly furthered his insights into the nature of their obsessive struggle. Later, confirming his understanding of Creation and Oblivion provided the final push he needed.


    Zac''s personal Dao of War had been born, a Dao of ceaseless, unrepentant struggle. Whether it was breaking free from the chains of fate or taking control over your destiny, you needed an indomitable will and the courage to face any threats or opposition. Even if that put you against the Heavens themselves. So he did nothing to hide his transformation, willingly epting his role as a harbinger of Chaos and the eye of the storm.


    Sendor''s translucent avatar smiled and disappeared. He followed Zac''s previous request by forming a protective barrier around the Yphelion, leaving Zac fully exposed to the four Autarchs. He was norger than a speck of dust when facing four domains connected with the Heavens and even smaller whenpared to the ever-expanding clouds filled with hunger and wrath. And yet, there was no fear in his heart.


    He was no longer prey or prize to be fought over. He was the predator. Zac felt like a sun before flickering mes, holding the power to repaint reality in any shade he desired. His mind was still awash by the crystallization of his path, and the powers of Evolution and Inexorability harmonized with the streaks of perfected Oblivion and Creation.


    The Heavens roared as Zac''s Dao was put on full disy. Arcs of sanguine lightning rained down to put his conviction to the test. The bone cage was in the way, bing a lightning rod for the Heavenly Wrath. Everything happened too fast. The tribtion had already begun the moment time resumed, and the Reaver had inadvertently been dragged into Zac''s tribtion.Interfering with someone else''s tribtion was to go against the Laws, a cardinal sin in the eyes of the Heavens. The power inside the clouds skyrocketed when the embodiment of heavenly punishment sensed a high-grade blockade hampered its mission, and the cage instantly crumbled. Red destruction spread like a wave, and the Heavenly Wrath only grew more intense when it encountered the Dharmic world that had formed a separate microcosm within its domain.


    The four Autarchs had already paused their battle upon seeing Zac take out the remnants. Even then, they hadn''t been prepared for the impossibly quick turn-around, where they were faced with a deadly punishment from above. It gave Zac the brief window he needed to take charge of the situation.


    Five remnants floated in each body, having taken up key positions in his pathways. It was most likely the first step of their nned takeover. The cmitous items should have been bereft of any tainted will by now, but that wasn''t the case for Zac. He could feel a frantic yet unyielding consciousness spread between the five.


    It wasn''t a mistake caused by an imperfect Atavism. Rather, it was the result of his counterattack at the end. He''d stolen a piece of the remnants'' tapestries. It was unavoidable that it woulde with some corruption attached. Luckily, these slivers of consciousness were different from the ones before. They were rootless after the connection between the remnants and the tapestry had been severed.


    That didn''t mean it was impossible to connect to their origin. They would never get the chance. The remnants that were supposed to be going haywire with their huge umtion of energy were like weak kittens before a far superior source of their existence. It was the threads of spirituality imparted by Be''Zi and A''zu.


    They didn''t just rebuff the dangerous energies in the air; they also dealt the remnants a critical blow without trying. The remnants''st threads of will were like moths to the me after being faced with such pure and powerful exhibits of their Dao. Malevolent desire was twisted and reborn, torn apart just like how the Spark had terrorized its surroundings for uncountable years. The will inside the splinters faded away, eroded by the powerful aura of Oblivion.


    At that moment, two bolts of crackling lightning crashed into his head, and Zac was flooded by boundless destruction. Zac was simultaneously relieved and disappointed. The tribtion''s power was enough to make most Hegemons'' hair stand on end, but it was well within reason. There were no hints of Law in the crackling lightning coursing through his body, and its intensity was nowhere near the levels of the unhinged resistance he faced when forming his core.


    Zac was still exploring the rules of his being targeted by the Four Destes, and it appeared as though Earthly Daos were spared. Zac had somewhat expected as much, considering they had no rtionship with the Void. It meant the danger he''d face was negligible, but it also meant he''d missed out on additional rounds of Law tempering.


    The tribtion had grown stronger by half to punish Zac for outside interference��one of the reasons Tribtions were rarely used as a weapon against one''s enemies. It didn''t change much. Zac realized he''d developed a natural resistance to Heavenly Lightning after being repeatedly reforged and tempered by the Four Destes. His body alone was enough to withstand the first bolt.


    He only used his Void Energy to seal off the two streaks of B-grade force, as theming in contact with the Heavenly Lightning risked attracting the terrifying punishment the Autarchs suffered. He did the same for the entrance to the Shrine in his lungs, even if Esmeralda already had set upyers of defenses to tide the storm outside.


    The mayhem surrounding the four Autarchs was blinding. His two measly bolts were nothing before the sea of lightning. They came from everywhere, pouring out by the thousands from the sanguine scars in reality. The annihtion within the bolts was far beyond anything he''d seen as well, to the point they reminded Zac of the deste nothingness beyond the Void Mountain.


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    Zac wouldn''t be surprised if the whole deadzone could sense the energy fluctuations now that the cage was broken. The Eidolon abandoned her crystalline form, once more fusing with the Reaver like when they emerged from the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. Thebination of impervious skeletal armor and unbreakable spirit formed an imprable defense against the onught. Even then, Zac couldn''t imagine they''de out unscathed.


    The monks managed to avoid being directly targeted. Furious lightning descended on the Heart World instead, and Zac was almost dragged into another hallucination to witness a civilization''s end and their conclusion of Karma. The denizens of the simted world would take on the punishment in the Arhats'' stead, though doing so would have to cause some damage to their hearts.


    The tribtion swept through Zac''s bodies like a storm, and the remnants were not spared. The few remaining motes of stubborn obsession were purified by Heavenly Dao, nipping thetent threat in the bud. One thorny issue cropped up the moment time resumed, and Zac refused to let new problems rece the old.


    The monks had sacrificed their world, while the Undead emissaries hadpletely sealed their auras after discarding their protective measures. They might still be in the System''s crosshairs, but they shouldn''t be targeted by a second bolt. Before that, he needed to make his move.


    The chaos had gone far beyond what he had originally nned with the unwee introduction of these infiltrators, but it didn''t matter now that things had reached this point. Fate and Dao were aligning with his will. Who was qualified to control the chaos but him? Giving the Autarchs no time to adapt after being targeted by Heavenly Wrath, Zac unleashed the full force of his borrowed power.


    Zac had initially nned on using the energy with the special fractals on his back. However, he was still in a devilish state of enlightenment, and it was as though the imparted energy was sentient. It told him he could use it for something greater. Something spectacr.


    <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> fell, and [Death''s Duality] rose. His swings embodied the dualistic beauty of his Dao, where his axes moved in perfect harmony. Each side activated a skill fractal thatplemented one another. Life and Conflict entered one, Death and Conflict the other. So did all three energies his Cosmic Core could produce.


    Finally, the streaks of borrowed power were added, one in each fractal. They had the power to vastly overwhelm everything else, yet they were content in following Zac''s lead. They even helped fill in the gaps in Dao and theory, bringing his skills to new heights. A <strong>[Rapturous Beginning]</strong> formed and was joined by a <strong>[Sonorous End]</strong>.


    Two primal forces augmented by A''Zu''s authoritative conception were born in the wake of<strong> [Verun''s Bite]</strong>. A mirrored version shaped by Be''Zi''s tranquil destion appeared by its side, and the two forces joined in unholy matrimony. A deafening crack shook the Cosmos, and Zac suddenly felt like his two bodies stood in different dimensions.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    An unbridgeable gap had been carved in reality, stretching further than Zac could see. The meter-wide scar even stretched for dozens of miles behind him, and that was nothingpared to its reach in the intended direction. The attack was instant and unstoppable, severing lingering Dharmic Will and Deathly furor. Even the Heavens were torn apart, creating a gap in the roiling clouds.


    Zac hadn''t nned on using his most recent skill today, but he''d felt destiny urging him on. It would be a huge missed opportunity if he didn''t test his new fusion skill in this state. The <strong>[Void Divide]</strong> before him may as well have been a blueprint for the future.


    The divide was just the start. Each side of the boundary was reinforced by the energy of a Fourth-step Autarch. Wherever they touched, change followed. The Daos of A''Zu and Be''Zi supnted Samsara, bing the utmost expression of destruction and rebirth. The two Arhats were subsumed by a sea of Oblivion, like two wayward souls falling into the Styx River.


    The Undead Autarchs fared no better. They''d been swallowed by a primordial soup of Creation, bing the target of its boundless drive for reinvention. Zac''s vision was split between these two opposing realities. In the middle was the utmost demarcation, the unpassable chasm of delineation. Even the Dao had been cut, leaving only the Void. Or rather, the Void and one more thing.


    Space cracked, exposing a crumbling <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. The Undead Autarchs had already shifted their focus to the Arhats before, lessening the pressure it faced. The moment the spectral cultivator retreated into the Reaver''s body, the heretical bell had decisively torn through space to get away before it was discovered. How could Zac let it leave just like that?


    <strong>[Void Divide]</strong> had cleanly cut off a section of the bell, severing the final formation while opening arge incision across its body. The fusion skill had severed its escape route and power, yet it felt more dangerous than ever. A boundlessly evil aura radiated from the shrouded interiors. The entity had been exposed, and the reaction was instantaneous.


    A fury unlike anything Zac had ever felt before pushed down on the world. He''d thought he was enemy number one after cultivating the Void, but his previous breakthrough was nothingpared to the anger Zac could feel from the Heavens right now. The System was no better. The impartial, almost disinterested presence had gained a ruthless determination that could cut steel and sever bone.


    No billowing surges of Kill Energy poured into Zac''s body after unleashing <strong>[Void Divide]</strong>. Autarchs were ultimately almost impossible to kill. He might have seeded if he targeted one of them, but what was the point? He wouldn''t gain anything from it. The energy used in the skill came from an outside source, making it no different than using an Array or a Cosmic Vessel in the System''s eyes.


    Targeting the bell instead had aplished his main goal, and the Autarchs were by no means out of the woods. Between the tribtion and being swallowed by the mirrored worlds of Oblivion and Creation, they would be on theirst legs. Meanwhile, the heavenly clouds had turned pitch-ck, exuding a tremendous desire for destruction.


    It was like the entity''s mere presence had tainted everything in its vicinity, and the Heavens were ready to burn down it all to ensure nothing remained. The Autarchs were already put under scrutiny by the System by sneaking into a sealed region. The Undead Autarchs had the worst of it. They''d actually snuck into the sector through the bell, and Zac saw how a shroud of utter darkness descended on them.


    With the entity exposed, the System would likely hunt them down to the ends of the earth. Since they dared target the bell in the first ce, they likely had some fallback. Whether it would work in the current chaotic circumstances depended on their luck. It didn''t look good for them since they hadn''t even managed to extricate themselves from the roiling sea of Creation yet.


    Zac didn''t have time to worry about his enemies'' fate. He wasn''t spared from the malignant attention from the sky, knowing neither he nor hispanions were any safer. Even his tribtion had been hijacked by a greater wave of destruction as pitch-ck lightning began raining down from the sky. It wasn''t Tribtion Lightning. It was the Heavens going to war, unleashing pure extinction. He didn''t have much time.


    Thest tendrils of B-grade power became elerant for the tremendous amounts of energy still coursing through his body. The B-grade impartment was mostly expended, but Zac had intentionally avoided using any of the energy released by the remnants. With the addition of the Grand Dao he''d stolen, they held stronger and more profound energy than ever before.


    Thest streak of A''Zu''s might pushed half the Creation into his Draugr body, using his Soul Aperture as passage. Meanwhile, half of the Oblivion was corralled to his human side through his Specialty Core. Each body finally held an even mix of each, and Zac rallied his exhausted mind to drag the rampaging energies into the fractals on his shoulders before they could sh.


    With the lingering will of the remnants gone, there was no concerted resistance. And as soon as the process started, it looked no different than the previous times he formed a Glimpse of Chaos. Only this time, he was doing it in both bodies. The energy might have been insufficient if it had been his second or third attempt. With five remnants, a piece of Grand Dao, and thest scraps of B-grade power, the situation was the opposite.


    An unprecedented Glimpse of Chaos was born, and a hint of extreme desire appeared in the darkness. Zac smiled, knowing he''d seized a path to Life in this sea of Death.

 Chapter 1221: Chaosbringer

    Chapter 1221: Chaosbringer


    A profound and singr Chaos was born, bringing with it a gift of tumultuous rity that transcended time and space. Last time, Zac was able to harmonize with the Cmity within the Perennial Vastness, exposing its true nature and purpose. Today, his mind was stretched even further, making him catch a glimpse of a potential future. Zac could almost touch it��the illusory, yet-formed tapestry representing the broken Peak of Chaos.


    If he could just reach a bit further, he could��


    Zac quickly guarded his heart and turned his sight away from the magical transformations in his chest. The allure of a perfected Dao was no less than the Sangha''s promise or the insidious whispers of the remnants. Zac was painfully aware he was far from qualified to grasp those concepts at his current level. If nothing else, he would put himself in directpetition with both the System and the Heavens if he wanted to take the Dao of Chaos for himself.


    Just approaching one of the seventeen peaks provided a unique vantage, even when he stayed in the shallows. The improved Glimpse of Chaos brought him closer to the Heavenly Dao, allowing him to understand what his benefactors meant before. Zac could sense changes in the tapestries of Creation and Oblivion. Authority that had been arrogated and monopolized for untold years was being relinquished.


    This rotting dam of ancient wood had finally sumbed after Zac came along, allowing the water to flow into the tributaries on the other side. It wouldn''t immediately mend the cracks covering the Peak of Chaos, but it would make the System''s job easier. A stabbing pain forced Zac to retract his consciousness, and he realized streaks of Chaos-filled blood poured down his nose and ears.


    Observing the Heavenly Secrets didn''te without a price. If he''d let his mind linger, his soul would most likely have shattered.


    After retracting his consciousness to the mortal ne, Zac''s vantage point remained extraordinary. The roiling clouds above acted as a bridge, allowing him to see whatever they covered. The clouds covered even more ground than he''d anticipated. They stretched well into the Zurbor sector, far beyond the they set off from.


    Thousands of worlds had been drowned in darkness, and the animosity was so palpable that thes trembled. The Kan''Tanu must be wondering whether final judgment had arrived, whether Karma had finally caught up to their ways. Thankfully, his subordinates had returned and closed the battlefronts hours ago.


    In the other direction, the heavenly clouds dug deep into the outer rims of the Imperial Graveyard. Zac could see the cracks appearing on the endless line of repeating towers. They were the pirs of the Great Wall of Resolution, the impassable barrier that could hold off even Late Monarchs. It was impassable no longer, with the sections in the immediate vicinity flickering precariously.It just needed a final push, and the fortress in the wall''s center was the key. The Chapter of Carnal Resolution''s headquarters was the main node and controller of the wall. So long as it was suppressed and isted, the wall would lose most of its power. The pirs would crumble when losing their protection, and a gap would be opened until someone mended the weakness.


    The Kan''Tanu were already an unorthodox faction that unted the Law of Bnce with their sacrifice-based cultivation, making them an enemy of the Heavens and the System alike. However, the Heavens could be avoided, and the System wouldn''t directly act against unorthodox factions without proper justifications. It would rather use them as training devices, just like in the intersector war.


    So factions like the Kan''Tanu were safe from retribution, though they had to deal with fiercer tribtions and heart demons. Zac had set out to shatter this frail bnce. Justification could be engineered, and light could be shed on those who hid in the darkness. The only problem was that the fortress was more than a week''s travel from their current location, which was pushing it even for the boundless clouds.


    Zac still had his misgivings about the Sindris n, but they were undeniably the best suited to solve this issue. The Sindris would infiltrate the stronghold, fanning the mes with Dao of Technology. It would draw the System''s attention, which would likely result in the Heavens also descending.


    The Sindris n had clearly gone above and beyond with their task. Zac couldn''t sense exactly what was going on, but the gathering of Heavenly Wrath was almost as strong over the Chapter of Carnal Resolution as his immediate vicinity. Blinding shields and Guardian Treasures surpassing anything Zac had seen tried to resist a rain of pitch-ck lightning.


    It was a one-sided ughter. Let alone suppressed, Zac wouldn''t be surprised if the whole Chapter was erased from existence. Levying a permanent, devastating blow to the Chapter of Carnal Resolution was part of his best-case scenario. A significant portion of the Kan''Tanu''s elites were gathered in that area. Taking them out should drastically lessen the pressure Zecia faced, allowing them to hold on a while longer. It would also reduce the dangers they''d face in the Imperial Graveyard.


    None of that mattered if he didn''t seed in the next step of his n. The scene of his immediate surroundings was no different than the ones the cultists faced far in the distance. The roiling cloud and their slow-moving arcs of annihtion were almost enough to make Zac''s mind shut down from despair.


    The oppression was so overwhelming that Zac wondered if his n would even have worked without the extra ingredients that went into the Glimpse of Chaos. Zac''s fifth and final fusion was different from previous rounds in multiple ways. It contained far more energy and Dao than ever before, and being split between two bodies did nothing to dilute the depths of the truths they held.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The him who got the fourth pieces from the Cmity would have been grievously wounded, possibly even crippled, by the formation process alone. Even the fourth creation had almost left him crippled, causing a lot of headaches during his core formation. And that was after immediately extracting the glimpse from his chest. However, it wasn''t wrong to say Zac had changed even more than the glimpse since then.


    His Draugr bloodline had awakened, and he''d taken another step forward with his Void Vajra Constitution. His Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal had also taken another leap forward, advancing them to Peak Branches with solid foundations to begin looking at Earthly Daos. Just as importantly, his pathways were greatly reinforced, and a Cosmic Core supported his cultivation.


    The fused Remnant Energies that were far beyond what an E-grade cultivator could withstand only put him under strain, and his insights allowed him to exert a semnce of control. There was no need for him to release this treasure and expose it to storms outside. The glimpse would stay with him until the System upheld bnce and gave him what he needed.


    Zac moved in perfect sync, and his two bodies looked like puppets connected to the same strings. Yet, when influenced by Chaos, they moved in opposite directions. His human half appeared above the Yphelion. Almost no time had passed since his mind returned from A''Zu''s and Be''Zi''s side, and Sendor''s barrier was still almost fully extinguished.


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    The close proximity to the Cosmic Vessel allowed Zac to reconnect with the internal systems. Zac''s heart burned with fury upon realizing more than a dozen of his nonbat crew were dead. Most of his sealbearers had been knocked unconscious, seemingly by the resurrection of the monks and their Dharmic world.


    Kruta sat in a pool of blood, the scorched corpse of one of the Revenants by his side. The other was contained by Ogras and Joanna, who seemed to have resisted the Heart World''s influence with sheer force of will. No one was moving, and not just because Zac felt his mind move dozens of times faster than usual.


    They had their hands full resisting the impressions and Daos that had seeped through the special dampeners installed throughout the Yphelion. They were only meant to resist the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>, but it had be a saving grace when the Buddha was born.


    Zac snorted as he sensed the anomaly in one of thepartments. This wasn''t the time to clean the te. Sendor''s protective bubble broke just as Zac appeared, and the old Realm Spirit left a final warning before dissipating.


    <em>''Be careful of the bnce. The price of abiding creatures of a foreign sky is steeper than you realize.''</em>


    Zac took the warning to heart. Zac didn''t understand exactly what Sendor was saying, but it wasn''t hard to understand the gist of it. Sendor knew about his deals with the System, where he traded Chaos for favors. He also seemed to understand what the entity was, and that things were moreplicated than Zac expected.


    Still, could itpare to the Karmic Debt the System owed after Zac released the wed Authority? Zac refused to believe that was the case, and he extracted a sliver of the Chaos from his chest. The mote was dragged into a skill, and Zac groaned with pain when a sprawling jungle rose to enclose the Yphelion.


    Zac wasn''t deluded enough to think that <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> could withstand the crushing pressure that had exhausted Sendor''s protective mark in seconds, let alone block the iing bolts intent on erasing the whole quadrant. It was him marking his territory while disying his determination.


    The jungle looked decidedly different than normal. It was constantly shifting, looking like something conjured from a nightmare. Zac had no control over the alien trees that sprouted and disappeared, but he was still connected to the skill.


    Zac looked at the roiling clouds in defiance, daring the Heavens to strike his domain. He was ready to fill any tree about to be struck by the pitch-ck lightning with pieces from the glimpse. This was the only way he could think of that would let him protect the whole vessel and his crew within.


    "Time to pay up."


    The System''s presence pressed down on him, and Zac felt some of its ruthless determination turn toward him. This was the angriest it had been since the Technocrat base, when Zac rejected its mission and focused on saving Kenzie instead. It wasn''t even about about holding the glimpse hostage.


    It was about preventing a cleansing wave of destruction from sweeping through the region. Sendor''s warning echoed in the back of Zac''s mind, but he refused to back down when the lives of his followers were on the line. Thankfully, the System relented, and a golden barrier appeared in a sh of light.


    Zac exhaled in relief, even if his job wasn''t finished. He could tell the protection would onlyst as long as his Chaos-formed skill. He furiously held onto the unstable connection while urging his other half forward. The sooner he wrapped things up, the sooner they could leave.


    While one side became a sentinel standing guard over the Yphelion, the other moved through the copsing corridor of Void. The fusion skill had left a meter-wide gap in reality, but such an aberration was doomed to quickly copse. The oceans of Creation and Oblivion couldn''t rebuff the dimensional pressure, and Zac''s route to the bell was quickly bing a death trap.


    The mountain in his Soul Aperture descended, and he infused himself with the Bloodline Talent. His Chaotic Aura receded, triggering a warning thunderp from the System. Zac paid it no heed, more focused on the transcendent feeling as his speed skyrocketed. Using Chaos Energy already let him move at a frantic pace by ignoring the logic of linear space. Activating his Bloodline Talent took it one step further.


    He''d be one with the Void in a more palpable way since upgrading <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>. He could feel the whole scar left from <strong>[Void Divide]</strong> like it was part of his body, and a slight push moved him through hidden paths that ced him right before the crumbling <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>.


    A rippling curtain of devilish energy fought against a sea of even darker lightning. Zac''s mouth curved upward as he entered the gauntlet, seeing the end of his suffering in the sh. He only needed to let go, and it would all be over. He''d reached the end of his journey, and his heart sang with bliss over finally reaping the rewards. The storm of joyful sacrifice suddenly crumbled under Zac''s staunch resistance and the protection of Chaos. Not even the entity''s heretical madness could tame the Dao of Chaos.


    Chaos rejected form, order, and definition, making it almost impossible to corrupt. The return of rity brought agony, and Zac realized he''d already lost chunks of his body to errant streaks of annihtion. The power that had left Uona trembling with despair couldn''t deal with the Heavenly judgment imposed on the foreign creature that had hidden inside the bell all this time.


    The madness was already creeping back, the darkness seemingly attracted by Zac''s rity of mind. Zac knew he couldn''t win a war of attrition with the entity, even if he somehow found a way to resist the lightning. The Glimpse of Chaos might hold a corner of a Peak Dao, but the glimpse''s energy was at Half-step C-grade at best.


    Surviving a moment was enough, and Zac didn''t even have to voice his demand. Streams of golden lightning formed something like a Faraday Cage, fully separating him from the mayhem outside. The ck arcs of annihtion were rebuffed as they tried to weasel their way through. They weren''t exhausted, though, and they refused to give up. More and more gathered, bing a secondyer of protection against the entity''s corroding influence.


    The protection allowed Zac to gain his bearings, and he honed in on the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> in the heart of the storm. The curtain of evil energies couldn''t safeguard its sanctuary. Streaks of lightning pushed deeper and deeper in search of its target. The ancient metal that had survived countless years was rapidly crumbling under the relentless attacks.


    Each shpletely disintegrated a piece of metal or a sliver of energy. The annihtion was absolute in a way that even eclipsed the Dao of Oblivion. Seeing the carnage made Zac''s heart clench. Zac may have held back far longer than he wanted after the bell descended, but he''d never forgotten his goal of saving Vri.


    Zac had hated himself, or rather the loss of agency hiscking strength caused. Every breath wasted dyed Vri''s rescue and lowered her chances of survival. There was no telling what kind of effects a rampaging entity would have on its captive. Zac wouldn''t wait a second longer, desperately holding onto the hope that it wasn''t toote.


    The System''s protection had infuriated the Heavens, just like when it intervened during Zac''s breakthrough. The Heavens were adamant to mete out punishment, and it actually seemed to have found a loophole. Streaks of purplish-ck lightning formed a thin band of light in the curtain of crackling darkness.


    It was the second strike of his tribtion, which had been byed when he cracked open the bell. Only now, it absorbed slivers of the punitive lightninging, growing darker and darker as it approached. The System''s protection wouldn''t prevent the tribtion. It was a separate matter and something unavoidable.


    Zac ignored the iing tribtion, diving toward the fiercely guarded crack he''d opened up with <strong>[Void Divide]</strong>. The golden arcs of lightning flickered precariously as Zac entered the heart of the conflict. They held, and Zac was soon right in front of the crack. It was impossible to see anything inside, nor were there any hints of Vri or her aura.


    <em>''Wee, Chaosbringer,'' </em>aughing voice emerged from the darkness. <em>''Is this what you envisioned? Does it live up to the desires in your heart?''</em>


    The rumblings of the copsing oceans of Creation and Oblivion were cut off, as was the more immediate mor of the entity''s war against the Heavens. There was only suffocating darkness and an intense aura of wrongness.


    <em>''Of course, a hero needs to save the damsel to fulfill his destiny,'' </em>the voice taunted,ing from every direction. <em>''Only, what if the hero''s quest was misguided? Where his hasty actions brought everything crumbling down? How would he feel, knowing he''d ruined everything with his own hands? Ignorance is the greatest of evils.''</em>

 Chapter Defiance of the Fall Book 1 is Getting an Illustrated Deluxe Hardcover!

    Chapter Defiance of the Fall Book 1 is Getting an Illustrated Deluxe Hardcover!


    Defiance of the Fall Book 1 is getting an illustrated deluxe hardcover! This is a project that''s been in the making for years, and we''re going all out. High-end offset printing, Smyth-sewn binding, an attached ribbon bookmark, and gold gilding of the page edges. And, of course, multiple canonical illustrations of Zac and some of the monsters andpanions from Book 1. All books alsoe hand-signed by yours truly.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The project is already fully funded and about to hit its second stretch goal. So, this is the perfect opportunity for the collectors here to pick up a unique copy of Defiance of the Fall! You can read more about the project on its Kickstarter page! /projects/wraithmarked/dotf1/


    This novel is published on a different tform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Not in the market for fancy collectors editions, but still itching for some more DotF? You can read the current arc in its entirety on Patreon!

 Chapter 1222: Balance Upheld

    Chapter 1222: Bnce Upheld


    The simple taunts wouldn''t normally have fazed Zac in the slightest, even with the great pressure he was under. However, the entity''s words wereced with hidden barbs of malevolence. Thepletely foreign magic tried to form seeds of artificial Heart Demons while fomenting a schism in his mind. Each attack held the potential for corruption and possession.


    The subtle attack would have posed a real threat if the circumstances were different. The entity was nowhere near as carefree as it wanted to appear. It had fused with the<strong> [Epiclesis Bell]</strong> to survive under a hostile sky, and damaging the bell meant damaging the creature. With the heretical bell almostpletely gone, the entity was already on itsst legs. The Heavens were adding insult to injury, erasing its existenceyer byyer.


    The bell''s isting properties were almost gone, too weak to even sever the link with Zac''s other half. Sensing his location and the differences in time flow indicated he''d been dragged into an illusion rather than subspace. The System''s protection remained around his real body, and only a fraction of the evil energies managed to pass through the lightning cage.


    A wave of nothingness spread through the darkness, causing the evil domain to turn sluggish. Zac''s answer to the entity was a call to war, which began by activating <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. The bloodline talent was immediately followed byunching a third of his skills using <strong>[Force of the Void]</strong>. He was holding nothing back, using his Void Emperor bloodline to its fullest.


    A miasmic shroud reeking of antiquity poured into the bell, and the darkness of the Abyss fought for supremacy through <strong>[Deathmark]</strong>. The two domains reached beyond his nullification sphere, while <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> and <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> erected newyers of defenses within. Zac also activated three rings on his fingers, causing a significant chunk of his core''s Miasma to be drained.


    Finally, Zac threw out a pitch-back crystal, which shattered and unleashed a sea of Miasma and Death-attuned Mental Energy. Zac was throwing everything at the oppressive darkness, and it was nowhere near enough to put him on even ground with the heretical creature. The entity''s imminent demise didn''t change the fact it was an existence as old as the System. Zac''s actions were only enough to briefly contest its domain.


    Soul Sense and scouting rings pierced the curtain, scanning every corner of the crumbling bell. Zac almost cried with relief upon sensing the familiar spiritual fluctuations. He disappeared in a puff of Abyssal haze, using <strong>[Abyssal Drive] </strong>to follow the signal to Vri''s location. She didn''t react to his sudden appearance.


    Vri was caught in a trance-like state, her soul almost fully drained tobat an onught of darkness. Scanning her insides made Zac reel. Everything, from her organs to her pathways, was covered in a murky patina of evil. Her situation was awfully simr to Zac''s after being dragged to the tapestries of Oblivion and Creation. She had been forced to retreat over and over and was left defending the final bastion of her being with thest of her strength.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You came," Vri smiled, her eyes briefly opening."Of course. Always," Zac said, knowing she''d already fallen unconscious again.


    Zac forcibly calmed down, recapturing the turbulent ball of Chaos in his chest that had momentarily slipped out of his grasp upon seeing Vri''s plight. Calming down also let him grasp the situation more clearly. The entity''s influence was still limited to a surface infiltration. The patina hadn''t seeped into the depths of Vri''s cells, soul, or Cosmic Core. The attack must have started recently, considering how quickly Vri was losing ground.


    The situation was bad but not irredeemable, though the System didn''t share his outlook. The lightning cage buckled when he drew closer, intent to strike down Vri like she was part of the invasion of foreign Dao. Zac was infuriated and immediately absorbed a number of Chaos Motes to mark his conviction, almost buckling under the pain it caused.


    "If you kill her, I won''t just keep the Chaos for myself," Zac growled. "I''ll tear down the Peak of Chaos with my own two hands."


    <em>''How fierce,'' </em>the entityughed. <em>''I pray you won''te to regret your choice.''</em>


    Zac kept ignoring the voice, afraid that entertaining its antics was part of its unfamiliar skill. He reached forward, gingerly grasping Vri''s hand when the lightning cage parted. Zac quickly dragged her to his side, his mind screaming of immediate danger.


    A final, cacklingugh shook Zac to his very core, just before the darkness shattered in an explosion that ruptured Zac''s eardrums. The entity had chosen to detonate itself and the bell in a final act of joyful sacrifice. Zac desperately held on, shielding Vri''s unmoving body in a tight embrace. The protective band of lightning crumbled, and the Void couldn''t withstand the iing onught.


    Just as they were about to be swallowed, a steely sun bloomed with Zac and Vri in the middle. A million eyes opened and closed across its surface, their chaotic stares eroding the wave of madness before they could reach. Zac only managed to see the twisted beauty and mad grandeur of his chaos-infused <strong>[Eye of Destion] </strong>for a brief moment before the cage shattered. Thankfully, that brief resistance was enough for another cage of golden lightning to appear.


    It wasn''t just the entity that had shattered the protective bands and destabilized Zac''s skill. It was helped by a streak of dark red, taking up the vanguard of an army of angry ck lightning bolts filled with erasure. The Tribtion Lightning targeting his Draugr body had finally caught up when his human side had almost finished dealing with his half.


    There was no time to weigh the risks. Zac only saw the solution he sought hidden within the tribtion bearing down on him. Zac lifted the Mentalist at thest moment, seemingly using her as a shield while flooding her with Void and Chaos. A furious p of thunder answered, and the lightning grew in intensity by half. Vri had been deemed interfering with the tribtion, increasing the punishment for them both.


    Zac''s heart hammered with worry, but it was the best solution he could think of. He''d nned on the System cleansing her as part of their trade, but its limit was letting her live while she remained steeped in sin. Sendor''s warning hade back to haunt him, and it was up to him to find a solution.


    It wasn''t a problem his bloodline could solve.<strong> [Void Zone] </strong>and <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>couldn''t discern friend from foe, and Vri would die from having her Daos suppressed long before Zac could strangle the stubborn energy.


    The Chaos Energy was a possible fallback, but it was ast-ditch solution if all else failed. He could barely control it within his body. If he infused Vri, there was no way to tell what would happen. The most suitable candidate was the ck lightning, which was exceptionally efficient at rooting out the entity''s aura. However, it was too overbearing, to the point it erased pieces of his body after lightly grazing him.


    But what if it were diluted by tribtion lightning? It was still pushing the boundaries of what Vri could be expected to endure, but it gave her a shot at survival. Any wounds or missing limbs could be fixedter with some of his leftover Creation Energy.


    Barriers infused with Zac''s upgraded Daos and a sliver of Chaos safeguarded Vri''s Core as the crackling lightning tore through every inch of her body. Zac faced an even greater punishment, though it still wasn''t enough to push him over the edge. He let it rampage through his body, focusing on Vri instead.


    Zac tried to direct the tribtion to target the web of corruption, but it buckled at his interference. Manipting his Mental Energy and Dao inside Vri''s body without harming her was incredibly difficult in her fragile state, and Tribtion Lightning was already something that approached being uncontroble.


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    Luckily, the ck streaks of annihtion remembered their prime purpose. They took charge of the red tribtion, targeting the entity''s mark on Vri''s soul and pathways. Zac furiously flooded her with soothing energy from his Branch of the Pale Seal while using slivers of Creation to mend whatever was broken.


    The lightning was soon exhausted before finishing the job. There was simply too much buildup for one round of diluted lightning to cleanse it all.


    "Please, help her!" Zac shouted.


    His words fell on deaf ears, though Zac could tell the System''s hostility had noticeably been reduced by removing more than half of the sinister patina. Zac wildly looked up, hoping to see a third bolt to provide another round of cleansing. Even if a little remained at that point, it should be enough to ovee the immediate threat.


    Instead of a final arc of dark-red judgment, Zac was greeted by a full dimensional copse. The region had already been teetering at the brink of copse after enduring a series of shes beyond its limit. Entity''s death was the straw that broke the camel''s back.


    A tsunami of evil tore apart the fabric of reality, swallowing the remains of the oceans created by Zac''s fusion skills. The entity knew it couldn''t win against the Heavens and that Zac was under the System''s protection, so it had chosen to at least bring down the others who had participated in its demise.


    The Autarchs were still struggling in the heart of the domains of Creation and Oblivion. Their grand auras were already unstable after being forced to resist the deadlybination of an attack powered by Middle B-grade energy and Heavenly Judgment. They had been forced to rely on their Inner Worlds to survive, which was a dangerous gambit on the frontier.


    Zac didn''t understand the exact mechanics, but there were reasons beyondcking resources that B-grade cultivators and above avoided the regions as much as possible. The might of their Inner Worlds had kept them alive until now, but it now worked against them. Their resistance had turned them into dimensional faultlines, and the entity pushed them off the cliff.


    The chaotic mix of powers was pulled into two blindingly powerful singrities. Zac couldn''t imagine anything surviving that madness, but the Autarchs weren''t ready to go down without a fight. A six-armed Buddha, evenrger than the previous one, appeared in the heart of the storm, holding back against copse. The giant grasped the singrity between his hands, and Zac briefly felt it looked like a seed of rebirth.


    Cracks immediately appeared on its hands, and golden flesh grew pustules. Even the benevolent gaze gained a malevolent sheen as the entity''s corrosion spread through the construct. The undead infiltrators fared no better. A mind-bending maze made from thousands ofplex arrays crumbled, and the four ivory sentinels the Reaver conjured weren''t able to uphold the dimensional integrity.


    <em>''Blessings,'' </em>the monk from before sighed, his voice reaching the depths of Zac''s heart. <em>''Bnce is upheld. Benefactor, remember our discussion. The Sangha''s doors are always open for those willing to listen.''</em>


    A blinding sh of light overwhelmed all senses except for the sixth sense of his Luck. A scream of danger let Zac ready himself for the final tribtion bolt that struck him at the most inopportune time. The final bolt was far more powerful, and it held even more streaks of annihtion. Zac released his hold on <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, which pounced with voracious glee.


    The Hidden Node drastically reduced the pressure Zac faced, allowing him to fully focus on dealing with Vri''s situation. And yet, Zac felt the situation go out of control. The fierce lightning bucked at being used as a tool, and Vri''s already precarious state was rapidly worsening through the brutal cleanse.


    It was at that time that Vri''s soul erupted with a tremendous wave of deste will. It flooded her body, shaking loose the taint and throwing it into the crackling pyre. Zac switched from leading to following, supporting her actions as best as he could.


    The mayhem within gradually calmed, as did the chaos around them. Zac blinked a few times and looked around, even if it was superfluous. He could feel the familiar environment of the Void of Space, hiding beneath the raging waves of the energies that had fallen through the cracks with him. Zac shook his head and turned to Vri.


    After the final round of purification, there was no corruption left. It wasn''t just Zac''s diagnosis. The golden lightning that had kept them alive through the copse had gone from overt hostility to the System''s default mode of indifference. The worst had passed, though Vri had clearly overdrafted her already exhausted soul to finish the job.


    The Yphelion was kept safe through the upheavals, though it had been dragged into the Void with everything else in the area. The Cosmic Vessel wasn''t designed to travel the Void of Space, but it wouldn''t have to if everything worked out.


    An impatient p of thunder showed how the System was running out of patience. The pitch-ck heavenly clouds had followed them into the Void, and millions of ck arcs of annihtion were still swimming about like vengeful snakes in search of prey. All energy that had been deposited in the region was targeted, and it didn''t look like the judgment would end before every speck was dealt with.


    Heaven''s attention on Zac had drastically lessened after the tribtion was over and Vri was cleansed. It didn''t mean he was spared, but he was only a D-grade cultivator in a sea of higher-grade energy. He was a low-priority target, and Zac used that to his advantage. He turned into a streak of Abyssal Darkness, carrying Vri through abyrinth of safe pockets.


    The confusing nature of the Void of Space couldn''t stump Zac any longer. It may as well have been his backyard, a testament to his efforts since he was deposited in the Void during the Eventide Asura''s ascent. It took no time to navigate back to the Cosmic Vessel, where his other half was already waiting with a box in each hand.


    One held a small vial of purple liquid that made Zac''s Soul Cores shudder with hunger. The other was a pill covered in dense engravings. Zac ced the pill in Vri''s mouth and gently guided its medicinal energies to the most damaged sections of her body. Meanwhile, his human side opened her eyes, dripped two drops of the purple liquid into each eye, and used the Branch of Pale Seal to guide it into her Soul Aperture.


    The treasures were the top-tier elixirs he''d prepared for Vri. It was almost a given she''d be in a bad state after a year of captivity, and a plethora of treasures and arrays had already been prepared. Zac looked for a spark of consciousness in her eyes but soon shook his head in defeat. A proper reunion would have to wait.


    "Please help her," Zac said, this time not talking to the System.


    He activated the Yphelion''s Teleportation Array to ce her in the medical ward.


    "I''ll do what I can," Catheya assured from the other side as she hurried to Vri''s side.


    Catheya didn''t have much knowledge of medicine, but the doctors were all unconscious or dead. Catheya could also seal Vri in ice in case she noticed something was wrong. At least it wouldn''t be a repeat of Alea''s situation. Vri''s soul was only damaged and overtaxed, but it had shown no hint of copse. Zac''s real worry was whether the experience had damaged her in a less visible way.


    A stabbing pain brought Zac back to the present. The tribtion hade and gone without causing any real problems. The issue was the Glimpses of Chaos. He''d held onto them far longer than ever before, even using skills with them as fuel. Enduring the streaks of annihtion damaged his pathways, and his soul was approaching dangerous levels after forcibly containing the glimpses for so long.


    It was time to let go. The jungle around the Yphelion copsed as Zac finally lost control over the skill. The System didn''t make a move.


    "Get us out of here, and we''re even," Zac said with a hoarse voice.


    The answer came in the form of a lighting pir hundreds of meters wide,rge enough to consume him and the Yphelion whole. Zac''s eyes were wide with rm, his heart suddenly full of horror and doubt. The System couldn''t be done with him after he''d released the wed Authority, right? What about its schemes for his bloodline to mature?


    "You��!"


    Zac''s furious roar was cut short when he realized the System hadn''t actually decided to smite him. The pir of lightning was painful, but not like the ck eradication. The Heavenly lightning almost felt gentle as it swept through his body, seemingly performing a final check. The same thing was happening to his crew and even the Yphelion.


    The next moment, they were back in the deadzone, only an hour''s distance from their original position, judging by the immense cloud of darkness. There was still ck lightning all around, but it seemed to avoid the Yphelion after it had been annealed by the System. It didn''t appear to be a temporary protection, either.


    Zac looked down at his vessel, barely recognizing it. It had received aplete overhaul by the pir of lightning. The basic features were still there, though elevated, following concepts far beyond Zac''sprehension. It couldn''t even be considered a Creator Vessel any longer. It felt more like a Natural Treasure born from the cosmos.


    Uncovering its transformation would have to wait. Zac teleported into an empty corridor and instructed the Yphelion to set off, using every method in its arsenal to increase its speed. The ck lightning had be a protective cover, and they needed to use it to cover as much ground as possible before any outside parties caught up.


    Zac''s human form disappeared in a puff of spatial energy, having returned to the Shrine of Kanba.


    <em>''You lunatic!'' </em>a deted Esmeralda signed inside.<em></em>


    The toad was so exhausted that she had turned grey, and the vats on her back werepletely empty. Protecting the shrine had taken its toll, even with Zac doing his best to shield it.


    "I''m sorry," Zac sighed. "You saw how it was outside. Things far exceeded my expectations."


    <em>''Isn''t that always the case with you?'' </em>Esmeralda said with a wronged expression.


    "Well," Zac coughed. "At least it''s over now."


    <em>''Not quite,'' </em>Esmeralda said, her eyes serious. <em>''I can''t help you.''</em>


    "Don''t worry; I can handle it," Zac said with a determined expression. "It''s time Kator and I had a heart-to-heart."

 Chapter 1223: Hidden Plots

    Chapter 1223: Hidden Plots


    Zac was in a sorry state, especially his Draugr body, after rushing into the sea of lightning to enter the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. Multiple skill fractals were damaged from cramming Chaos Energy into their delicate circuits, and his pathways were a mess. He''d even damaged his soul and Cosmic Core. It wasn''t just the ck lightning or the tribtion. The biggest problem was the dozen Chaos Motes he''d absorbed at once as a warning.


    His Mental Energy was equally drained. The exhaustion from oveing the Atavism and digesting the Dao Impartment was fast catching up with him now that he wasn''t running on Chaos and adrenaline. Containing the Glimpses of Chaos for so long had provided Zac with valuable insights at the cost of overdrawing his reserves. His Soul Cores looked like dying stars, and swallowing a handful of recovery pills did little to help.


    Zac wanted nothing more than to sleep, but having such a dangerous stowaway aboard the Yphelion was an issue that couldn''t wait. The audacious Reaver hadn''t actually teleported away after mming him with his mace. Kator had snuck aboard the Yphelion, hiding his presence from the security systems by installing an unfamiliar array directly to one of the vessel''s power lines. It created a bubble of istion that perfectly matched the Yphelion''s energy signature.


    In hindsight, it was definitely the correct choice. Zac had seen just how far the Heavens and the System were willing to go to erase the threat. Top-tier escape treasures could certainly ovee such a vast distance, but that was when space was normal. The immense pressure from the Heavenly cloudsbined with the weakened spatial integrity made any teleportation incredibly dangerous.


    Not to mention, activating an escape treasure risked drawing the System''s attention. It was a far safer choice for Kator to hide inside the Yphelion, betting on Zac''s refusal to let his peoplee to harm. As such, he was safe and sound, having retreated to safety before Zac even cracked open the bell.


    Luckily, Zac had caught him early. Kator''s measures couldn''t elude Zac''s Chaos-augmented senses after activating <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong>. Kator was a being of Death, and he''d lit up like a beacon. His subterfuge was even more hopeless after the System had upgraded the ship. Kator''s array had to be custom-made to work with the Yphelion model, and it had lost much of its efficacy now that it was plugged into something else.


    "I''m back. The n worked, but we have a problem," Zac said with a muted voice into amunicator. "The Reaver is still here."


    "Damn, I was forced to retract my shadows when the monks reappeared," Ogras swore on the other end. "They wereing alive."


    "He used the chaos to his advantage," Zac sighed. "Knock out the other one and bring some people."Zac kept a measured pace toward Kator''s hiding spot. His state was far worse than the Reaver''s, and Kator remained content to stay put for now. Every second gave Zac the chance to recover a bit more energy and figure out a n. The problem was that Zac still couldn''t figure out what Kator was thinking. It was clear that Kator''s final attack was a disguised attempt to help him out.


    Kator knew about his n of using the Remnants even if Zac hadn''t exined it outright. His uncle Kaldor had already seen Zac use them once in the Orom World, and it was impossible to hide the fact that he''d bought the set from the Limited Exchange after stepping into Middle Hegemony. Kator wanted to facilitate their activation by putting Zac in a time-elerated domain. He would most likely have managed anyway, but the assistance made his job a lot easier.


    That olive branch wasn''t enough to discern whether Kator was friend or foe. Zac didn''t have enough information on the White Sky Phnx and the brewing conflict within the empire to understand Kator''s position. He could be caught in a plot he wanted no part of or turned into a sacrificial pawn.


    There were aspects of their recent interactions that supported that notion. Kator had always been annoying, but he''d been unusually infuriating since the mission began. Kator had also given him hints of the threat Zac faced from the Hearnds by mentioning the bounty, and there were simr clues hidden in their discussion when Zac was trapped by the Eidolon''s seal.


    Kator was also a ruthless opportunist. He''d called himself selfish, and Zac didn''t doubt that part for a second. His actions had painted his faction in the worst possible light, and Zac hadn''t thought twice about attacking the Undead Autarchs with the borrowed power of A''Zu and Be''Zi.


    Now that things had calmed down, Zac was left with misgivings. The sudden appearance of Autarchs was absolutely not a good thing, but Zac felt Kator had led him toward the wrong conclusion. Were they really nning on killing him and taking the mebearer seal after he wrapped up his quest? Zac wasn''t convinced after having some time to think it over.


    A warning beep dragged Zac out of his thoughts, and Zac swore with rm. "Hurry, he''s targeting the ship arrays!"


    Zac forced his body into action, setting off into a sprint. Kator had ripped open a panel of the Yphelion, and he was already digging around inside. This went far beyond siphoning some energy for his array. It was outright sabotage. Zac had hoped he could trust the Reaver''s sense of self-preservation and that he''dy low at least until ck lightning had dispersed.


    Kator must have realized the problem with his array and concluded his situation was so unfavorable that he had to take drastic measures. His actions didn''t pose an empty threat, either. The Yphelion wasn''t the most durable of Late D-grade Vessels, and he''d seen Kator''s offensive might just moments ago.


    The situation was even worse when the ship was targeted from within. Any critical arrays were guarded with additional protection, and there were multiple redundancies in ce. However, Kator clearly had an intricate knowledge of the ship, going by his earlier inspection and how he could install the obfuscation array.


    Kator''s choice of hiding ce shouldn''t be random. There were hundreds of rooms and service tunnels throughout the ship, some even harder to ess than his current location. Had they discovered a weakness in the design? If so, then an all-out attack could very well cripple the Yphelion.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The ship was only so big, and Zac appeared before the chamber in no time. Ogras stepped out of the shadows while Kruta, Emily, and Gu caught up soon after. Emily wasted no words before imbuing Zac with a set of tomahawks while a miniature totem pole appeared behind her back. Zac felt a rush of vitality from Emily''syered buffs as they stabilized and strengthened his body.


    "Your right-hand woman is guarding the other one. She''ll kill him if he makes the wrong move. I left one of my shadows just in case," Ogras whispered as he looked at Zac up and down. "What''s our n?"


    "Be ready, but don''t do anything hasty. He might not be an enemy," Zac said before opening the door.


    "The locals kept gossiping about you, and the tales grew taller by the day. I even heard someone call you the reincarnation of an Abyssal Prince in Kavista before setting off. I was never convinced, even after you somehow activated that ancient piece of junk."


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "And now?" Zac said as he stepped inside, <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> firmly gripped in his right hand.


    "Seeing is believing. Suffice it to say that my horizons have been broadened. I''ve never heard of someone bickering with the System anding out ahead. The road was a bit bumpy, but it looks like you got everything you wanted."


    "Not quite."


    "I suppose. Can''t get rid of me that easily," Katorughed.


    "Then let''s talk," Zac said. "But first, get your arm out of the wall."


    "I think I won''t," Kator shrugged.


    Killing Intent began leaking from Zac''s body, and two simrly ruthless auras appeared in the room as Kruta and Ogras entered. Emily took up a position in the doorway, ready to provide support from the backlines. Gu remained outside, working remotely with the shipwrights on rerouting any critical systems and energy away from the area.


    "Quite the line-up," Kator said as a shield grew on his free arm. "Are you sure you want to fight right now? I can tell you''ve taken arge step forward, but you''re in a wretched state. Can the Yphelion withstand our battle? It''d be a shame everything fell apart now after you managed to navigate those dangerous waters."


    "I will if I have to," Zac said with determination.


    The silent standoff grew tenser by the moment, with neither side moving. Kator didn''t take his hand out of the hole he''d created, but he also didn''t channel any energy. Eventually, Kator''s body began creaking and rumbling. He was actuallyughing.


    "I''m just joking. You''re right. We need to talk, so I prepared a little something. Call it a bted greeting gift. Take a look."


    Kator stepped aside, leaving Zac lost and suspicious. The Reaver''s frantic dismantling had removed multipleyers of protective ting to expose a section of the arrays that made the Cosmic Vessel run. Theplex, interlocking system was far beyond Zac''s understanding, and the System''s alterations had made them even more aliens.


    However, even Zac could tell there was something odd going on with the exposed spot. The Yphelion had beenpletely reborn from the golden pir. Zac had asked the System to bring them to safety, expecting it to teleport them or open a spatial tear. He''d never expected that the System would interpret Zac''s request in such an oddly generous way.


    Perhaps it felt the bnce was skewed and added extra benefits. As such, the System didn''t half-ass things as it did with some rewards. Anything Zac inspected with his administrator ess or Soul Sense said the same thing. Not a single inch had missed the System''s attention. Light fixtures, decorations, anti-dust arrays, storerooms��everything had been touched up.


    Everything except a small section hiding in the wall of this remote service room.


    The blockish fractal patterns that were the calling card of the Iliex stood out as a sore thumb in the middle of graceful patterns engraved by the System. Zac pushed his sense deeper into the hidden crawlspaces to confirm. The exposed spot was the only aberration, and it didn''t seem like an external addition like Kator''s obfuscation array.


    The Iliex-designed section was fully integrated with the main array, and running diagnostics indicated everything was in working order. Pulling up schematics stored in the Yphelion''s database even disyed this part, indicating it was part of the propulsion system of one of the subspace generators. Still, Zac had a bad feeling as he looked at it. The System wouldn''t make a mistake like this.


    "The Ruthless Heavens did me a solid," Kator said as hezily scratched his chest, where a scar from his fight with the Golem remained. "It would have been harder to convince you otherwise."


    "What��" Zac said, only stopping himself at thest moment. He''d been led around the nose enough by Kator today. "Step aside."


    Kator shrugged and sauntered over to the far side of the room, with Kruta and Ogras taking up defensive positions.


    "Gu,e over," Zac said, and the merchant peeked over his girlfriend''s shoulder soon after. "What do you make of this?"


    "Huh, what''s this?" Gu said, his wariness over Kator''s imposing presence gradually giving way to academic curiosity. "It''s part of the schematic, but why is this pathing suboptimal? No�� don''t tell me��"


    "Can you identify it?"


    "There is something odd going on, but it''s hidden in an ingenious way. I need some help to figure out what the secondary function is. Can you call over Jaol?" Gu asked, his eyes never leaving the Iliex runes.


    It didn''t take long before a ssy-eyed Jaol stumbled through the door, clearly having troubleing out of the Dharmic vision. The tense atmosphere woke him right up, and he scurried over to Gu''s side. Ogras had already thrown out an istion array to mute their discussion, but their confused expressions indicated their analysis would take a while.


    "Don''t look at me," Kator said. "I have my suspicions, but I''ll wait for your helpers to confirm them. We wouldn''t want our new partnership to start off on the wrong foot because of a mistaken guess, now would we?"


    "Alright, what games are you ying? One minute you''re antagonizing me, the next you''re acting buddy-buddy."


    "Why not just throw him overboard?" Kruta said. "The easiest way to deal with stowaways."


    "Forceful teleportation is easier said than done, Blooddancer. Especially when the target is wearing a spatial anchor," Kator snickered. "Besides, doing so would have nasty consequences for everyone involved. You can exin it, one barbarian to another."


    "The binding uses of our agreement are still active," Zac sighed. "Throwing him overboard now is a death sentence, so I''ll be hit with a bacsh. The contract was witnessed by more than half the Undead Empire''s Surpemacies, including the Primo."


    "How is that possible?" Kruta sputtered while Ogras looked thoughtful. "Is the agreement still standing? They sent Grand Elders into the region!"


    "Even so."


    Zac had tried to make Kator admit to breaking the agreement or rebelling against the Undead Empire, but he''d been extremely careful with his words and actions since the get-go. Kator was correct in that he hadn''t broken a single use, and Zac could still sense the magic stamp that meant the Primo''s Writ remained active. Conversely, simply attacking Kator without proper justification risked triggering a bacsh, as it would be a form of insurrection against their official party leader.


    It would have been one thing if Kator had actually tried to damage the Yphelion, as that was equivalent to an attack on everyone aboard. But even that turned out to be a false opening. Zac felt a headacheing on, and he looked at Kator with annoyance. It felt like he was dealing with awyer rather than an elite soldier.


    "Buddy, you need to read everything twice over when dealing with old schemers," Krutamented. "Otherwise, you''ll end up digging trenches in some penal colony for a few Nexus Crystals a month."


    "I guess I missed this loophole."


    "That''s a pretty big loophole to miss," Kruta muttered. "Ai, whatever. I knew what I signed up for."


    "So you''ll be the one who faces the bacsh if we want this guy gone?" Ogras snorted. "Like a bone stuck in the throat, this one."


    "I can''t rte, but I''ll take your word for it," Kator said.


    "We got it! It''s a tracker!"


    Everyone''s attention was drawn to Gu, who''d emerged from the istion array.


    "What did you say?" Zac growled. "A tracker? Is it active? Can the Autarchs use it to follow us?"


    The fate of the four Autarchs had suddenly be the most pressing issue. Their positions had imploded into unstable ck holes filled with malevolence and heavenly wrath. Zac couldn''t imagine even an Autarch surviving such a deadly concoction. However, there were no signs of them inside the Void.


    A Monarch was essentially a walking Mystic Realm, and Zac remembered how specialized units hurried over any time a Monarch fell during the war. A Low-grade Monarch''s Inner World could survive for a couple of weeks after its creator''s demise, bing a time-limited trove holding the wealth of a C-grade cultivator.


    Of course, it was a risky venture, considering it was almost impossible to kill a Monarch without also crippling their world. It could copse at any time, and whole sections could split off and disappear without notice.


    No matter how weak or stable their worlds are, there would be signs of spatial instability. This wouldn''t change when an Autarch fell. If anything, themotion would be hundreds of times greater. Yet there wasn''t a whiff of spatial fluctuations or broken pieces of an inner world around the st site.


    Zac had been too preupied with Vri at the time and simply figured they''d managed to escape by the skin of their teeth. He hadn''t been too worried, as their main priority should have been to escape Heaven''s pursuit. By the time things calmed down, they would have been forced out of Zurbor, and any trail leading to them would have gone cold.


    However, things were very different if they were being tracked.


    "Don''t worry; it doesn''t work after the ship broke," Gu assured Zac, allowing him to breathe out in relief.


    "What, you still think this is rted to us? How are we supposed to have installed this thing?" Kator scoffed. "You''ve been monitored by someone else."


    "Who?"


    "The Centigrade Pryer must have had his eyes on you for a while."

 Chapter 1224: Heroes and Martyrs

    Chapter 1224: Heroes and Martyrs


    "The Pryer?" Zac said, remembering the four Buddhist Silzurians apanying the C-grade Golem. They were indeed a subordinate race to the Centigrade Pryer. "It seems awfully convenient to me some dead elementals. How can I be sure one of your spies didn''t install this thing? I have been forced to use the Yphelion a few times since the war started, and you seem to have both the means and knowledge."


    "Exin it to him," Kator said with azy wave, prompting Zac to turn to Gu.


    "See how seamlessly it''s connected in the original blueprint, to the point it''s impossible to see anything wrong? That''s because there isn''t. This tracker is an actual part of the Main Array, fulfilling the function it''s supposed to. Removing it will cause a malfunction.


    "This array is not something you can just add on. The untransformed module here could be considered a control unit of sorts. Apart from this section, you''d have to make thousands of precise alterations to the engine and surrounding pathways to generate the actual signal. It would have to be done during construction or aplete engine overhaul."


    "The Yphelion has never needed that kind of service," Zac said, the veins on his forehead throbbing.


    It was impossible to miss the implication. Anger and betrayal surged in Zac''s chest as Karunthel and Rahm shed before his eyes. They''d actually dared install a hidden tracker on his personal vessel as part of their modifications. Was that why his upgrade quest was so easy? Maybe it wasn''t about the war; it was about protecting their investment.


    "It gets worse," Gu sighed. "I checked the original schematics for the Middle D-grade version�� It seems the tracker was there since the start."


    Zac was even more enraged upon hearing that. He couldn''t believe he had been walking around with a tracker since returning from the Void Star. No wonder they were so willing to work with him on a custom model, pushing the reward beyond what his quests were meant to give. So much for making an investment on ount of his potential.


    With anger came the cold realization of how close to ruin he''de. His original n was to take the Yphelion into the Million Gates Territory and search for seals. Staying on earth to focus on his blueprint might be the only reason he was alive. He was also lucky he''d only used the Yphelion for short stretches during the war, and never close to popted areas."It doesn''t make sense," Zac muttered, looking at Kator with suspicion. "Only the Undead Empire and possibly the Starbeast Alliance should have known about me when I got this ship."


    "Well, whoever installed this thing might not have targeted you directly," Jaol said, shieing away when Kator looked at him with interest. "We call it a tracker, but it''s moreplicated than that."


    "It''s looking for seals, isn''t it?" Kator said, sounding profoundly pleased with himself.


    Zac nodded at Jaol to answer. "Short version? Yes."


    "And the long version?"


    "We haven''t figured out all the details yet, but we have a pretty good idea what''s going on," Gu said. This instation uses extremely exquisite techniques to form a conditional array of a type I''ve never even heard of. There are no nodes, gs, or physical pathing. It''s just profound understanding of energy flow, where thousands of seemingly random variablesbine into something intangible and invisible."


    "And almost impossible to discover," Zac surmised.


    "Exactly. This particr array needs two conditions to activate. One is for the ship to be running. The other is for the Yphelion''s scanners to pick up one of several specific signals. When that happens, this module will intercept the information before it reaches the navigation systems. This is where we''re not certain, but we think the array actually turns the whole subspace engine into a beacon."


    "And the signals it''s looking for are the seals," Zac grimaced. "I was already a sealbearer before I got it."


    It was very difficult to uncover whether someone was a sealbearer. For instance, Zac still couldn''t find any clues of where his seal was hidden, and he''d never sensed anything from his subordinates. The only exception was Yselio and Iz, where he sensed a vague pull of fate.


    Difficult didn''t mean impossible, as Valsa had proven. However, the scanners he''d seized from her subordinates reached no more than a hundred meters and only gave a general direction. He doubted even the best scanners could spot sealbearers at great distances. Covering the Yphelion wasn''t very difficult, though.


    "That''s why it functionally became a tracker," Jaol nodded. "If the ship were piloted by someone without a seal, the Yphelion would only release subspace signals when discovering the fluctuations of an unimed seal in the area. I''m not sure how far those signals could reach, but it''s technically possible to cover a whole sector with awork of receivers.


    "From there, you can build a system to triangte all signals. With enough scanners and receivers, you would be able to tell where every single seal was located."


    "You''re thinking there are trackers out there?"


    "If I were me, I''d cover the whole frontier and the neighboring sections of the Eternal Storm. The more data points, the better."


    "Damn, we''ll have to check our whole armada," Emily grimaced.


    Zac also grimaced, though for another reason. He nced down at the prayer beads around his neck. Only a third of the original beads remained. The rest had be fuel for the Beseechment Array. It was a necessary sacrifice, but he''d crushed more than he needed because he believed it was the reason the Arhats discovered him.


    Even if <strong>[Lucky Beads]</strong> still worked because he''d saved the main bead, it wouldn''t be nearly as effective. Furthermore, who could possibly repair it except the Sangha? It was annoying, but not all items could survive until the end. He''d traded his <strong>[Cat''s Eye Agate] </strong>for the beads and the bead for the upgraded vessel. He still came out ahead.


    "If you weren''t a specific target before, you''re definitely one now," Ogras said, dragging Zac out of his misery. "With so many sealbearers onboard, this ship must have been lit up like one of your Christmas trees."


    "Could there be more trackers installed?" Zac asked with a dark expression.


    "This particr design would only work next to this engine. The Yphelion''s scanning arrays are nearby, so this engine is equipped with additional istion to prevent any signal interference. The hidden module is part of that system," Jaol exined. "Of course, someone this clever should have other methods to blend arrays into a Cosmic Vessel."


    "Perform full sweep," Zac said. "We can''t count on the ship upgrade to have disabled any potential fallback systems. After you''re done, plot a new course just in case."


    "I have a few ideas on how to track these things down," Gu nodded. "It''ll take an hour or two to perform a full sweep. Do you need us here?"


    "Go ahead, we''re fine here."


    <em>''Wait,'' </em>Zac sent a mentalmunication to Jaol after he''d moved out of sight. <em>''Investigate the scanner that picked up the sealbearer signals and see if it can be repurposed. It''s probably much better than anything we have. Confirming we''re safe takes priority, though.''</em>


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    <em>''Got it, boss.''</em>


    "Not bad, huh?" Kator said. "Would have been even better if it still worked, though."


    "Thank you��" Zac said after taking a calming breath. "But why are you convinced it''s the Pryer that put the Creators up to this? Any of the Sealbearer factions could be responsible."


    "For example, the Undead Empire," Emily piped in.


    "I can''t prove anything. But it makes, doesn''t it? The Iliex are a bunch of craftsmen. Their ships are famous, and they are no good at fighting. They''re rich, skilled, and weak��perfect prey. Even their ''Allfather'' confirmed his path through craftsmanship and can be considered a hybrid cultivator at best. They would have been enved long ago without the protection of someone," Kator said. "Who better than the Centigrade Pryer?"


    "They''re aligned with the System, but I see your point," Zac said.


    He didn''t need to look further than Calrin and the Thayer Consortia to see how much the System''s protection was worth when faced with a determined foe. Selling themselves to the System isn''t enough to gain protection for their homnd. And while he hadn''t heard of the connection before, it certainly made sense. The Centigrade Pryer was the natural choice of a golemoid faction like the Iliex.


    "There''s more. What do you know about that old monster?"


    "Almost nothing," Zac freely admitted.


    "Well, he''s one of the Multiverse''s greatest Formation Masters. And Alchemists, for that matter," Kator said.


    "Dual paths?" Zac asked with surprise.


    "No, he''s got a hundred of them," Katorughed. "ording to rumors, his talents aren''t very good. However, he''s relentlessly diligent and effectively immortal. His path to the peak is mastering one thing after another. Formations are his main subject, though, and the Array Alchemy he''s invented is a subset of that. So he''s got the connections and skills to modify the proprietary blueprints of the Iliex."


    "If he''s so amazing, how did you discover the beacon? And why didn''t you say something? You clearly knew about the beacon before we were intercepted."


    "I followed a hunch, and it wasn''t impossible to find when you knew what to look for. As for why I didn''t say, why should I? We both brought reinforcements without telling each other, didn''t we? I wasn''t sure whether this beacon was part of your schemes. It was only after seeing the possessed elementals I realized what was going on."


    "Pretty gutsy to face them alone if you thought it might be a trap," Ograsmented. "If Zac nned on crossing you, he could simply have skipped or dyed summoning the bell."


    "Do you think I''d gamble my life on this troublemaker?" Kator guffawed. "Why do you think I brought two subordinates? There''s more than one way to summon an ancestor. By the way, what happened to them?"


    "They''re dead," Zac said. "The Yphelion wasn''t designed to withstand the kind of battle we just saw. There are casualties on both sides."


    It wasn''t a lie. Ogras had finished off the still-living captive before Kator had finished his sentence. The Reaver''s core, soul, and pathways were already shattered, and K''Rav had erected a sealing formation with the help of a few spectral servants that slithered through the shadows.


    It was exactly in line with Zac''s initial reaction, but he hadn''t given the order. He couldn''t because of the agreement. Ogras wasn''t under any restrictions, though, so he''d taken matters into his own hands. And Kator wouldn''t care about details.


    "Dead, huh? I''ll miss those two," Kator said with an exaggerated sigh."You best destroy the bodies. There might be lingering threats after sumbing to a high-grade Buddhist technique. We can''t have more Arhats popping out in our midst."


    "We''ll let the Heavens cleanse their bodies," Zac said.


    "How does the Sangha figure into this mess?" Kruta interjected. "If what you say is true, we should have been blocked by the Centigrade''s descendant and his elite subordinates. Not a Dharmic Golem and foot soldiers from a subordinate race."


    "Shouldn''t you ask your boss that?" Kator said. "They were clearly there for him, and I don''t think they lied about this not being rted to the pir. I guess they want your disgusting providence for themselves."


    "I have no idea," Zac said. "Is the Sangha connected to the Pryer?"


    "They''re not," Kator said. "The Pryer should be targeting the unimed Seal that belongs to the Peak of the Grand Tapestry. The Sangha already has a Seal for the Peak of Karma. I hear they''re after a Throne next, likely the one belonging to the almost-mended Heavenly Peak. Those Arhats must have peered into the river of fate and realized the Silzurians had a way to find you."


    "That''s probably why they stopped us at such a bad time," Ogras grunted. "Between the Chaos, the Heavenly Intervention, and interference of the Imperial Graveyard, we''ve be incredibly hard to pin down. They couldn''t wait any longer."


    Ogras indicated he mostly believed Kator''s exnation, and Zac felt the same way. It wasn''t Kator who had installed the tracker, and the Pryer was the most likely culprit. It wasn''t a good feeling to be on the radar of yet another ancient faction, but it didn''t change his ns.


    His mebearer seal was already enough reason to be targeted by the Pryer''s descendant, and the scanner had been dealt with before Zac even knew it existed. There was a chance the Pryer''s minions were lurking in the graveyard. Still, Zac was more worried about the variable standing before him.


    "I''ve received your gift. Now what? Why did you go this far?"


    Kator didn''t immediately answer, instead turning his gaze to the others in the room. Zac gave it some thought before shrugging.


    "There''s no need to stay in this cramped room. There''s a lounge nearby; we can have a one-on-one there."


    "Lead the way, <em>captain</em>," Kator said with an exaggerated wave.


    <em>''You sure?'' </em>Ogras asked.


    <em>''Yes, but stay ready. Can you deal with the Revenants and make a pass through every room Kator visited?''</em>


    <em>''He doesn''t strike me as someone without an exit n or fallback,'' </em>Ogras agreed.<em> ''I''ll bring the goblin this time.''</em>


    Zac led Kator to the unused lounge, leaving Kruta and Emily outside. He sealed the door and took out one of his Istion Arrays.


    "We''re alone. What couldn''t you say in front of others?"


    "Nothing particr, but the Orc was right. One has to be careful when the stakes are this high," Kator said as he slumped down on a too-small sofa. "You asked me why I went this far? Simple. I want to pursue my Dao. I want to live, and I''m willing to do anything to find a road that won''t end with me dead or discarded."


    Zac sighed. "I guessed as much. Is the bounty you mentioned real?"


    "Sure," Kator said. "It''s a big one, too. Of course, I should mention that it''s not the route the White Sky Phnxnded on. They fear killing you would drive the Abyssal Shores right into the Primo''s arms. It''d be a real headache if Aewo An''Azol went mad. General Nesko was tasked with bringing you back to the phnx if you survived the pir''s ascent."


    "As a political prisoner?"


    "Let''s go with guest," Kator said. "Honestly, I think you would have liked it there more than the stuffy necropolis of your kind. You might be Draugr, but you have the temperament of a Reaver."


    "Not much chance of visiting now after you goaded me into taking out two of your Autarchs," Zac snorted.


    "They''re alive. Don''t ask me how because I have no idea. I think they might have used some desperate method to escape into the Lower nes. The Dao is iplete there, so it''s easier to hide from the Heavens," Kator said. "I doubt either of us will have to worry about those two again. I wouldn''t be surprised if they have to seclude themselves for eons. Even then, theirdders might have cracked or copsed."


    "You sound pretty cavalier. Even the White Sky Phnx should feel some pain from having two Autarchs taken out ofmission."


    "Ah well," Kator shrugged. "Like Toss said to me, any great cause needs heroes and martyrs. I guess they''re thetter."


    "So I''d stay with you people, and that was supposed to make the Abyssal Shores join your rebellion?" Zac said. "You overestimate my importance."


    "Our strategists are rarely wrong."


    "And yet you worked against their wishes."


    "Everything is a mess when you''re involved," Kator sighed. "One day, I''m ordered to create negative Karma. The next, to find a way of killing you. Now, I''m supposed to lead you through the trial again, and then bring you back to the Hearnds. Who knows what the future holds? I''d be in deep trouble if the winds changed while you were under house arrest."


    "Why?"


    "Can you imagine the bacsh of breaking the Primo''s writ and facing the bacsh of fate simultaneously? And I can''t even benefit by iming your seal. What good is a crippled, Heaven-forsaken soldier to the elders? Someone would appear to rece me, reaping all the benefits without suffering the bacsh. I''m sure one of my rivals was hiding inside General Nesko''s world, just in case."


    "Sounds like you''ll be killed either way when you get back."


    "Why?" Katorughed. "I''ve fulfilled my duty. You might even say I went above and beyond by facing the Sangha to ensure the bell''s descent. It''s not my fault the monks came and messed everything up. And aren''t I here now, fulfilling my part of the agreements?"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "History is written by the victors, huh?"


    "Exactly. I don''t care about the situation back home. It''s just a fight over benefits like everything else. No matter the oue, the situation won''t change much for the grunts. I''m only interested in surviving and using this opportunity to grow stronger. That''s the only thing I can control. The more strength I wield, the better my position will be, no matter who ends up iming the crown."


    "It sounds like you want to stay with us in the graveyard and for the mission?" Zac said, his eyes cold. "You''ve exined the troubles you face, but I haven''t heard anything that makes me want to take you along. If anything, you''ve only proven you''re unreliable."


    "I thought you might say that," Kator said, his aura growing darker. "You''ve been given the carrot. Now, here''s the stick."

 Chapter 1225: Actions and Consequences

    Chapter 1225: Actions and Consequences


    Zac had no time to react before a chain shimmering with the System''s golden radiance and a dense aura of Order connected Zac and Kator''s arms. The illusory chain only appeared for a moment before it disappeared, leaving a mark on his left hand. His danger sense remained quiet throughout, as did his Specialty Core and bloodline.


    It was expected, considering Kator hadn''t attacked him. Zac swore as he looked at the familiar mark, which made Katorugh. Theugh was abruptly cut off when Zac''s leg crashed into his chest with the force of a speeding train. The Reaver mmed into the wall on the opposite side, leaving a deep indent. Zac grunted and took a step back himself, feeling like he''d been punched in the heart.


    "You��!" Kruta said, his body already alight as he stormed through the door.


    "It''s okay," Zac said, massaging his chest as he sat back down in his chair.


    "Just a friendly exchange," Kator added as he stumbled back to the sofa.


    <em>''Are you sure?'' </em>Emily asked, getting an affirmative nod.


    Zac hadn''t actually nned on fighting it out with Kator. He needed to confirm his suspicions, and pummeling the infuriating Reaver seemed like the most satisfying method. A second form of confirmation came in the form of a warm stream of energy that nourished Zac''s drained soul. Emily and Kruta left again after giving the hulking skeleton a warning look.


    "And thus, our fates align."


    "You crazy bastard," Zac said in defeat. "I can''t believe you''re the one who bought the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>."The <strong>[Solidarity Link] </strong>was a special treasure in the Limited Exchange, costing a whopping 750,000. Zac remembered it clearly because he''d actually considered buying it for himself. He''d been surprised to see it disappear one day, considering its significant downsides. Zac was even more surprised that Kator was the person who bought it.


    Kator had reveled in ughter since the war began. He''d unearthed multiple sealbearers and imed their bounties, and that was just the beginning of his many aplishments. He''d climbed to the second spot on the Late D-gradedder after advancing, despite thepetition being incredibly fierce. Late Hegemony held dozens of generations of Zecia''s greatest elites, and the strongest outsiders were also in that bracket.


    Even then, the purchase must have taken a significant chunk of Kator''s umtions. He didn''t even use it the way it was intended, and it looked like the Reaver suffered from a pretty bad bacsh. After all, Zac''s kick wasn''t powerful enough to actually hurt Kator to the point of making his aura fluctuate erratically.


    "Why not?" Kator snickered. "I knew I had to get it the second it appeared in the exchange. It felt like destiny, like the System put it there just for me. I''ve been searching for something simr since I first saw what kind of bastard you were. I''d nned on saving it until the trial, but I feel it''lle more in handy during this mission."


    "We have to cross an incredibly unstable environment on the way to the Centurion Base. One spatial anomaly, and we''re screwed," Zac said with a re.


    "Not if we stick together." The Reaver onlyughed harder when he saw Zac''s agitated expression. "Now, don''t look like that. I called it a stick, but you''re not walking away without benefits. Am I not generously helping you right now?"


    <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> was a unique treasure designed for Dao Companions who''d chosen to advance and retreat as one. It formed an incredibly strong connection simr to <strong>[Adaptive Symbiosis]</strong>. But instead of the Dao of Life, the bond was forged through the Peak of Impetus. The connection was even stabilized with a System-enforced oath based on Order.


    epting the link had significant upsides. It had two main features. The first was that it provided a boost equivalent to a Top-tier D-grade title while the bonded fought side by side. The second was an incredibly powerful damage transference.


    Part of any damage would be split between the linked, just like some of Zac''s old skills. It wasn''t a simple split, either. The link sought bnce, so the more wounded would transfer away more damage while the one in a better condition would retain more of the damage. With someone as durable as Kator on the other end, Zac could divert extreme amounts of punishment if need be. It was like getting a second life.


    The link even worked on things like Vigor, Mental Energy, and Cosmic Energy. It was also far easier to absorb than any recovery pills. That was what Zac was feeling right now. Kator had emerged almost unscathed from the previous battle, so the link was already feeding Zac Mental Energy. Zac inspected the stream warily, but it really was pure energy without any hidden dangers. The link had even transformed it, making it ownerless and without any defining features.


    Zac had once felt the item might be a good fit for himself, adding a second link. The energy transfer was useless, but the attributes and damage transfer would be very useful. Ultimately, he''d felt the drawbacks were too steep, and there was uncertainty about whether it would work properly when used on one person.


    The price of such a powerful bond was enough for anyone to think twice about using it. The most important was that the link had no limits on the damage transfer, even though there were limits on its healing effects. It couldn''t regrow a lost limb, for instance. So, if you lost an arm, the damage would be continuously transmitted through the link until your Dao Companion''s arm rotted off.


    If one was crippled, so was the other. If one fell, so would the other. Just like its name said, it was a link of true solidarity. This part wasn''t enough to faze Zac since his situation was mostly the same already. He''d been more worried about the second downside. The bonded couldn''t stay separate from their bondedpanion for long.


    If the bond snapped, the other side would treat it as if yourpanion had died. It would self-destruct in an attempt to have thepanions enter the afterlife together. Zac and Kator might survive because of their extraordinarily durable constitutions, but they''d be lucky if they were back in fighting condition within a year or two.


    This was what prevented Zac from buying it. If it didn''t work through his quantum connection, Zac would have been forced to always keep his bodies together. That would ruin many of his ns, and the upsides weren''t enough to risk it.


    To think that he''d encountered the item anyway. Kator''s idea was evident. He might as well have attached himself to Zac with an actual chain. It was impossible to kill or discard the Reaver until Zac could deal with the link.


    "This is an insurance to keep us both on the straight and narrow," Kator said. "My demands aren''t excessive. I took a huge risk helping you out, and I need a return on that investment. You''ll take me to the Limitless Empire base without any tricks, and you won''t prevent me from getting a piece of the war contribution those things will generate.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "You''ll also assist me in finishing the quest for myst piece, but only if we find an opportunity on the way. We''ll part ways after Ultom is dealt with."


    "Part ways?" Zac said. "You should have thought of that before you linked yourself with me."


    "Let''s not pretend this restriction is permanent. The <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> is not designed to be used against one''s will. It hasn''t fullytched on because weck love and brotherly bond. It''ll erode on its own in a few months."


    Kator was right. The oath couldn''t properly form without an actual emotional bond between the two users. That was most likely why Zac couldn''t feel any attribute boost from the link. The fact that it transferred energy proved it was at least partly functional, though. If anything, that made their situation more precarious. Who knew what was enough to make a precarious link like this copse?


    "Don''t forget, I''ve seen your methods," Kator continued. "The so-called Eoz abilities you showcased are the nemesis of any Dao. You should be able to whittle down the seal with them. Whether you can do it without me noticing or triggering a bacsh is another matter, of course."


    Zac kept his face impassive, trying hard not to give any hint of the truth.


    "Ah, then again. I can''t help but feel worried after seeing the winds of fate you''ve kicked up. Someone once warned me not to go too far, or I might find myself dragged under by the currents. I hope this little trinket will help me stay afloat."n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac mutely looked at the item ced on the table for a few seconds, his hair standing on end from the intense sense of danger it emitted. Not only that, but a series of rms from the Yphelion had been triggered. It autonomously tried to teleport the thing out, but the treasure was rooted in ce. No, not treasure. Bomb.


    "You''re a right bastard."


    "Many of my cousins said the same thing when I ripped this opportunity from their broken hands," Kator said. "In a way, I did them a favor. Those straight-backed simpletons would have been swallowed and spit out by you a long time ago. And who knows? This might help us stay on the straight and narrow until we all get what we want."


    Zac looked at the sinister contraption, trying to understand the incredibly intricate contraption. The only thing he could glean was that it seemed to seal an unstable scar that emitted the Dao of the Earthly Peak. If the bomb went off, a rift leading to the lower nes would most likely tear apart the Yphelion.


    There was no way his bloodline could contain or eradicate the energies trapped inside. He would be like an ant before a chariot. Worse, it looked damaged, judging by the two broken runes on its front.


    "Ah, those are the seals," Kator exined when he followed Zac''s gaze.


    "Let me guess, if the third seal breaks��"


    "��you''ll get to see something extraordinary, yes," Kator said with a sigh. "My subordinates and I needed to be in agreement to trigger this toy. Just one dissident would prevent its activation. Now, I have to shoulder this burden alone."


    Zac looked at the doomsday device for a few more seconds before slowly exhaling and getting to his feet. "Wee to the team."


    There was nothing else to say. Zac knew he couldn''t get rid of Kator right now. Anything else could wait until he was in better shape. And Zac worried he might do something rash if he stayed with this maniac any longer.


    "d to be on board," Kator said as Zac walked toward the door. "I''m not unreasonable, so I''ll just leave this thing here. Feel free to investigate and disarm as you wish. Just remember, actions have consequences."


    "I''ll remember it well," Zac said as the door opened. "I look forward to seeing what consequences fate has in store for you."


    "As do I, Draugr."


    Two minutester, the core of his group had gathered in another section of the Yphelion. Kator had been led to his chambers, and the lounge had been sealed off with multiple barricades.


    "How''s the situation?" Zac said with a steely expression.


    "They''ve scanned for sources of disharmony simr to the one the unevolved section has caused," Joanna said, her whole demeanor reeking of bloodlust. "There''s none. Gu is still performing a deeper scan, but it seems we''re safe for now."


    "Safe," Zac muttered with a crooked smile.


    "Well, how did your talk with the skeleton go?" Emily asked. "What was that thing we sealed?"


    "Not great. I keep getting the short end of the stick when he''s involved," Zac grimaced and exined the situation.


    "He used the couple booster on you?" Emily gawked. "I would have made a joke if it wasn''t so messed up."


    "He''s as scheming as the heretical fugitives I hunted but with the means of an ancient faction," Ogras exhaled.


    Zac had hoped the meeting would go better, but he was relieved he''d been the main target of Kator''s plot. Zac had been worried that Kator''s stick involved his subordinates or even Earth. If worse came to worst, he could simply put his people on another ship and stay with Kator and the bomb.


    "What do you want to do?" Ogras asked.


    "For now, keep the peace," Zac said. "Luckily, I have some experience in dealing with shifty frenemies and troublesome brands."


    "Hey��"


    Zac smiled at Ogras'' re before his brows furrowed again.


    "For now..." Joanna said. "We''re striking back?"


    "Of course," Zac said. "He''s a ticking time bomb, literally, and his goals keep shifting. We have to get rid of him. We just need to figure out a way that doesn''t get us killed, too. There can''t be any mistakes."


    "There''s no point in dismantling the bomb while the skeleton is running around," Emily said. "He can just bring out another one or take hostages."


    "It won''t be easy. He won''t let down his guard," Ogras added.


    "We have time toe up with something better," Zac said. "I just checked the beacon. The signal is confusing, but it should take us at least two months to reach our destination. I''ll work on the link from my end. I''m not sure about defeating, but I should be able to hold down Kator by the time we''re approaching the target."


    "We''ll investigate the device from a distance. He seems confident since he''s left it in the open. Maybe that confidence will be his downfall," Ogras said with a sinister gleam in his eyes. "We''ll get through this one, too."


    "I need to rest, so I''ll hand things over to you guys. Stick to the original n," Zac said. "Call me if Vri wakes up or something big happens."


    The meeting adjourned, and Zac almost had to drag himself to his quarters. His vision was swimming, but he forcibly kept himself awake and turned his gaze inward. Some things couldn''t wait until he''d rested.


    Five smoldering pyres of ancient power lingered in his body, tainting their surroundings with foreign truths. They were the ownerless remnants, mostly drained of their energy after forming the Glimpse of Chaos. Like before, they were drawing energy out of thin air, just like a. The process was noticeably slower now that wills filled with boundless desire were not controlling it.


    Zac would normally have taken advantage of their drained state to shove them back into their mental prison. That wasn''t an option today. The prison was gone, as was its subspace. They''d both copsed during thest prison escape. Zac wasn''t confident in putting them together without damaging them, anyway.


    Leaving them as they were wasn''t an option, either. They were currently like a recently-formed core or skill. The Atavism had left them malleable, and the window was closing. He needed to at least set the foundation for the future before he copsed, and Kator had already wasted half an hour of his time.


    Zac roused his exhausted Mental Energy,bining Mental Energy and the techniques of <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> to create the precise spiritual instruments. Tendrils poured out from his Soul Aperture, targeting two splinters and two shards. Complex runes were rapidly added to their surface, rippling with the Void and Zac''s Daos.


    While his Draugr half had dealt with Kator, his other side had scoured the recently awarded library with the help of his upgraded Daos. He already had a n for the remnants, but there was a lot of room for improvement. The answers were hidden in A''zu and Be''Zi''s exhaustive notes, and the engravings appearing on the remnants were abination of new and old.


    One after another, the remnants were marked, ensuring they would keep providing benefits until he formed his Inner World, at the least. Zac felt his vision close in on him as he drew on more and more Mental Energy. The fifth set was soonpleted, and Zac pushed it into his Quantum Space where his Cosmic Core waited.


    Zac breathed out in relief and keeled over. He''d made it through in one piece. He looked at the tattoo on his hand before falling into a deep slumber, a final thought flitting through his mind.


    <em>''Be careful what you wish for, bastard.''</em>

 Chapter 1226: Fallout

    Chapter 1226: Fallout


    A burnt chip of a shattered bone floated through the vastness of space. It was so innocuous that even the lingering streaks of annihtion ignored its voyage as it sailed further and further from the epicenter. Suddenly, it slowed down, as though trapped by a sinkhole. Space rippled and it was gone.


    The shard continued through a slipstream between the folds of reality, using the broken, forgotten roads of a bygone age. Soon, it emerged in a different corner of space. Aquamarine halos of utmost power emerged from its depths one after another. Each was a seal undone, and together, they formed an intricate maze maze that obscured the chip from Heaven''s scrutiny.


    The broken bone grew beneath the protective canopy. What wascking was made whole, and a figure with barely constrained power soon stood in thebyrinth''s heart. Tendrils of evil danced across tes of unyielding bone, making the Dao shiver with discontent. Waves of Mental Energy emerged, dragging the wayward streaks back into the shell.


    It wasn''t enough. The Heavens had picked up the scent, and it was narrowing down on his position.


    "Interesting, interesting."


    He nced in the direction of the abandoned sector, peering through the veil. Such an unusual convergence of fate. It was the greatest of sorrows that he''d only get to witness the opening act. The rumbles grew more urgent, and the hulking skeleton began twitching.


    "That''s enough of you."


    Radiant lights of Dharmic will joined the Miasmic Array Structure. It severed thest tethers connecting him to the Heavens, and four inner worlds darkened. Two of them even began fading. Stopping a Heart''s death was outside his ability. He muttered an ancient chant, and six hundred spikes attached the crumbling worlds to the others.


    "So you were just Heart Puppets all along. I should have figured. Your kin is more slippery than anyone," he muttered with annoyance, tapping the runes engraved on his chest. "Well, real or not, you''ll have to do."The three pirs were sealed, and any hint of his existence was erased. A furious p of thunder shook the sky, but there was no follow-up.


    "Empowered byws and trapped by convention," heughed. Or at least he tried.


    "This won''t do," he hummed, and a pitch-ck nail grew from his finger.


    A sharp grind pierced through the area as a mouth was carved on the vessel''s face. He could feel the pained screams from its original owner, and the newly formed mouth curved upward, causing splintering cracks. Within, there was only darkness.


    "That''s better."


    The smile widened as he finished the rest of the engravings across his body, until the modified <strong>[Epiclesis Seal]</strong> was finished. The three pirs were twisted into a knot of mutual suppression. He would only be able to use a few percent of the original''s strength, which was more than enough. It was only a temporary vessel, one that wouldn''tst more than a few years.


    A carefreeugh reverberated through the region as he disappeared into the air, following a random thread of fate. So what if he''d boarded a sinking ship? There was no point worrying about the future when one could enjoy the present. His little disciple had sessfully escaped the mayhem, and she''d understand what needed to be done.


    All things considered, it was hard to be disappointed. He nced at the stream of fate. It was so thick it resembled a river, winding toward the region he''d just escaped. Little Vi would have to struggle with all her might not to be carried toward her fate when in the presence of such a fine specimen.


    "So I''m called Nesko? That''s perfect. I seem to have forgotten my name," Nesko said as he traversed the stars. "Izh''Rak Reavers. What an interesting species. And that Abyssal-eyedd. I thought those dour things fell during the previous Era. Was epting death your method of passage? If so, what''s the point?"


    "We''ll meet again," he cackled. "I can''t wait to see what happens when the Terminus Council makes its move. The final round is about to begin."


    ----------------


    Sothorom''s veins bulged as he looked at the scene conveyed through the array. If not for the coordinate array and a few clues floating about, he''d have thought the probe had made a wrong turn somewhere. But no. The asional piece of rubble was all that remained of the once-indomitable fort that had suppressed even the greedy hearts of the scheming outsiders.


    Eons of effort and investments reduced to nothingness. The lower-tier workers could be reced, and he had enough C-grade subordinates to fill the gaps. More importantly, he''d already disconnected the chapter from thework after hearing the whispers from the spies. The destruction was far worse than the previous setback, yet he barely suffered a bacsh.


    It didn''t do much to assuage his fury. The Chapter of Carnal Resolution was just a tool, like the other branches of the Kan''Tanu. But it was <em>his </em>tool. Destroying it was no different than pping him across the face. It was even that same bastard who stood at the center of it all��the child who''d thrown his carefully arranged ns overboard.


    Sorothom had been so close to finally suppressing his insatiable passenger, only to have his work undone and his foundations damaged. Sorothom bitterly regretted not pushing himself a bit harder, using more Zecian blood to mollify his alter-ego. The outsiders wouldn''t have been able to stop him, and their so-called righteousness had proven far more flexible than he''d anticipated. Reaping a few more Monarchs would have let him stay long enough to hunt down that bastard before sealing himself again.


    The whispers for vengeance were almost overwhelming. Sorothom''s vision turned jagged, and the walls twisted. Theughing faces of his senior brothers were back,ughing at his struggles over something as simple as Confirming his Dao. Saying he was no different than the walking dead who''d escaped all those years ago.


    His thoughts grew erratic, and Sorothom felt himself losing the thread. Another face grew from his arm, looking at him with a hungry gaze. This one was not a hallucination.


    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any urrences.


    "Is this your grand n?" it snickered. "What you suppressed me for?"


    "It doesn''t change the big picture," Sorothom spat.


    "Little mes of fate, flying into the pyre. Blind to what''s toe," Moro grinned as fleshy tendrils poured out of his eyes. "But are you any better, grasping at straws after your Grand Array was destroyed? You''ve been looking for so long, and you''re no closer than when you first started. Instead of blind faith, just ept my offer. Your chances of sess are far greater, even if we use the iplete version of <strong>[Fall of the ck Heart]</strong>. It''s the orthodox path, far better than chasing shadows."


    "Enough," Sorothom growled, his skin wriggling from his resistance.


    His Inner World shook. Moro was trying to use his anger as a bridge to his consciousness. Sorothom had yed this game many times before. The parasite may already have surpassed his strength, but it was ultimately held back by its dependent nature. Sorothom may be fighting a losing battle, but he had a bit more fight left in him.


    An acid rain showered Moro''s gargantuan body with poisons and curses whose value could bankrupt a kingdom. Together, they formed an intricate array that dug at the Heart Curse''s consciousness. If Moro continued his attempt to be the main consciousness, it risked bing a discarnate soul. The avatar snorted and began rotting away.


    "It''s just a matter of time. Think it over. My terms will not be as generous if I have to forcibly im what''s mine."


    Sorothom was left panting in his hidden chamber. The walls had calmed down, and the monstrous resentment spread through the depths of the Imperial Graveyard hadn''t noticed the sh. He was safe, and fate''s tide was approaching.


    "You might have managed to evolve into an iplete Royal Heart, but don''t delude yourself. You''re nothing like the Flesh Elders of the sect," Sorothom muttered. "Just you wait."


    -------------------


    "Extraordinary," Salou said as the connection fizzled out, unable to bear Heaven''s wrath any longer.


    "How is he?" Iz asked.


    "The connection with you remains strong," Salou said, his eyes glimmering with forbidden power.


    Iz nodded in thanks, unable to fully let go of theplex feelings in her heart. He''d been joking around when theyst met, but Iz was all too aware of the dangers Zac had to face to generate a storm of such proportions. The Grand Dao was astir, and the Heavens had exposed an infiltrator. It was one of the few things that would trigger such a powerful response, and it wasn''t difficult putting two and two together after seeing the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> disappear before her eyes.


    The connection remained strong. It meant he was alive. But what price had he been forced to pay? Iz''s thoughts returned to that day years ago. When he stood broken and victorious in a crumbling world, radiating Chaos and destion.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    She sighed in regret. Once again, she''d failed to put her thumb on the scale in her friend''s favor. Hesitation had gnawed at her, and she''d observed too long. If she''d just attacked from the beginning, she could have attached a mote of Empyrean mes to the bell before it shifted again. It should have been able to purify some of the danger Zac must have faced.


    "Hm?" Salou said, dragging Iz out of her musings.


    "What is it?"


    "We have picked up a pulse in the folds between realities. It seems to belong to the Lu Family."


    "That exhausting lunatic? What is he doing?"


    "It appears he searched for something in the targeted region."


    "Oh? Where Zac was?" Iz said, her mouth curving into a smile. "Did we catch the thread?"


    "We did," Souza nodded, calmly looking down at her.


    "It appears fate has given us the answer."


    "The young Pryer is not an easy opponent."


    "I''m aware. Is that not the point? Fate that cannot withstand the test of time and the tribtions of life is not worth holding onto."


    "Are you doing this for him or yourself?" Salou asked. "Your friend encountering the young Sage will end in tragedy."


    "I''m just following my heart like Grandpa urged me to," Iz said. "Honestly, I''m not too worried about him. He''s resilient like a cockroach, and his Luck is extraordinary. Grabbing onto him in this chaotic environment is easier said than done."


    "We''ll path a route."


    "No. Activate the <strong>[Empyrean Wing]</strong>," Iz said as three sets of wings grew on her back. "We''re testing fate right now."


    ------


    "Young Master, not good!" Lompo said, his storm body darkening with worry. "Our arrays have picked up��"


    "You found them, Lompo?" Kaltosa Lu eximed with glee, his six hands never stopping as he worked on the four-dimensional array. "I knew you were good. You''re promoted to Sixth-grade Casten."


    <em>''I was twelfth-grade before, but whatever. It''s not like it means anything,'' </em>Lompo inwardlyined. <em>''At least he remembers my name by now, though I don''t know if that''s a good thing.''</em>


    "Thank you, Young Master. Unfortunately, it''s not the lost beacon," Lompo said. "The Tayn Family discovered our actions."


    "She has finally epted my sincerity!" Kaltosa Lu eximed, his primal runes radiating joy and hope for the future. He even looked up from his experiment, a rare sight. "My twentieth��


    "Two hundred and second."


    "My two hundred and second wife has been chosen," Kaltosa Lu said, looking at the array of monitors on the other side of the workshop. "Why did we have to find each other in such a wretched ce? We''ll have to terraform one of these subspaces for the ceremony."


    "Young master, hold that thought. I''m afraid she''s not here for matters of matrimony. Our measurements indicate she''s attacking. I fear she''s targeting you for your mebearer seal."


    "Impossible. Why would she target me?" Kaltosa Lu rejected. "I''m the most handsome of all the sealbearers."


    "The standards of fleshy species differ from ours," Lompo said. "Lord, may I suggest you activate the foundries?"


    "You really think she''s after me?" Kaltosa muttered as he began pacing back and forth with a downcast expression. "How could she do this to me? After I sent her an <strong>[Evanescence Orb]</strong>. I had to give up on two of mys to awaken those things."


    "Young master, Lady Tayn was not on your bequeathment list at the time."


    "How is that possible?" Kaltosa Lu red. "She''s my 18th candidate, and I crafted twenty-seven orbs."


    "Lady Par''asta voiced her displeasure during the Endon Raul Banquet, calling the Young Master frivolous," Lompo gently reminded. "As such, Young Master temporarily shortened the Dao Companion Candidate list to 17 names. The other orbs were sold."


    "Ah, right, one for every peak," Kaltosa Lu said, looking down in thought. "Could it be Miss Tayn is jealous? I''m certain I sent a congrattory letter when I added her back to the list."


    "The heart is mysterious," Lompo sagely said.


    <em>''Some trinkets are fine, even if Lord Pryer hasined about the overhead. But if we sent out those insane letters of yours, we''ll face attacks from all eight directions.''</em>


    "Never mind then. Secretary of Love Lompo, hear my decree," Kaltosa Lu intoned, his aura full of majesty.


    "I hear and obey."


    "Remove Miss Tayn��ah, no��move Miss Tayn to the 44th position."


    "It will be done."


    "I''ll have to draft another letter exining myself," Kaltosa Lu said, his eyes lighting up with excitement. "Let''s follow another signal. I need to get myself in the right state. Pick the neswalker. I think it will help me attain the breadth of mind I need."


    "We will arrange a course," Lompo said. "In the meantime, the foundries?"


    "Ah, yes," Kaltosa Lu hummed as hundreds of arrays formed around him.


    Lompo sighed with awe, forgetting hisints as an uncountable number of interlocked machines and arrays joined in perfect harmony. It didn''t matter if the Young Master forgot his name or rank so long as Lompo could stay by his side. Where else could he witness the majesty and mystery of the <strong>[Grand Centigrade Foundries]</strong>?


    The Dao hadn''t been solved just yet, but the foundries could already produce almost anything between the Heavens and Earth. It was a Cosmic instrument of untold potential, and Kaltosa Lu was the greatest conductor born from Lord Pryer''s line in countless generations. There was nowhere else he would rather be, though Lompo wished he could join the researchers instead of maintaining lists and sourcing gifts.


    "Some cryo-poison for the firebug seems proper," Kaltosa Lu said. "I did recently find an interesting iteration in theyers of possibility. I think it will cool Miss Tayn''s mes of avarice and ignite the mes of passion instead."

 Chapter 1227: Taking Stock

    Chapter 1227: Taking Stock


    A powerful jolt dragged Zac out of his deep slumber, followed by constant shakes and rumbles. Zac looked around for the threat with wild eyes, his groggy mind''s initial assumption being a battle taking ce inside the Yphelion. Activating his connection with the Yphelion confirmed neither Kator nor someone else was attacking the ship. It was simply turbulence so strong that the Yphelion''s buffers couldn''t fully absorb it.


    Checking the time indicated he''d actually slept for the better part of a day. Zac rubbed his cheeks, feeling like a bear that had been roused from its hibernation too early. One day or two wasn''t enough to recover his drained soul, even with a steady supply of Mental Energy from Kator. The knowledge that he''d caused a significant drain on the Reaver''s mind did improve his mood a bit, especially after confirming the Reaver was meditating inside his quarters.


    Kator''s soul had no doubt been tempered to some degree, but there was no way he practiced a pure Soul Cultivation Manual like Zac did. The drain from someone whose soul approached the level of a Mentalist must have been quite a headache, even for Kator. He would have to suffer for a few more days before Zac was back in perfect condition, and Zac made a mental note to practice his Soul Cultivation method whenever an opportunity arose. Why not make use of his free Soul Battery?


    Zac scanned the Yphelion bit by bit, sending out a few inquiries. His crew had the situation well in hand, a benefit from Zac''s hands-off leadership. Vri remained unconscious in the ward, enclosed in a Death-attuned Healing Array. Her vitals were far better than before, mostly thanks to digesting the Supreme Treasures Zac used on her. Still, there was no telling when Vri would wake up.


    There was no need for Zac to micromanage their work, and someone would call him if they needed his input. He needed to take advantage of this brief window to deal with his cultivation. The doors of his cultivation chamber opened, and Zac stopped and looked at the room with wide eyes. His old chambers were quite generous, befitting his title as captain. It was nothingpared to the room before him.


    Zac slowly entered, looking around in shock. The System had expanded his Cultivation Chamber by more than ten times. Furthermore, it was designed to match his cave back home, with one side pouring Life-attuned energies while the other was flooded by miasma.


    There were no trees in this one, though. Instead, hundreds of densely engraved crystals floated in the air. They gently traveled through the room, their movements releasing swirls of energy that sparked a hint of recollection. There were clues to his path within, and Zac could even sense wisps of Creation and Oblivion.


    The System''s intentions were clear. It urged him to keep going, not stopping just because he''d survived the Atavism. It also felt like an indication of the future. The System had made his vessel far better suited for long-term travel. Was the System closing the book on his Zecia chapter?


    The environment was head and shoulders above what the Creators had built for him. It wasn''t just a matter of skill. A proper life-death Cosmic Vessel was far beyond the bounds of the quest. They had simply created pathways that let Zac fill anypartment or hallway with either Life or Death. Anything beyond that had been installed by himself and his subordinates.The upgrade left Zac wanting to practice the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> to put its energy supply to the test. Still, there were more pressing matters to deal with. Zac found the central meditation array in the middle and sat down, turning his attention toward his Soul Aperture. There were no additions or surprises waiting for him. Nevertheless, the changes it had gone through were eye-opening.


    It was alive.


    That was the best description Zac could find. If the old gxy in his Soul Aperture felt like a simtion, then the new one felt more like the real deal. The previously static Soul Cores were slowly moving through the small gxy he''d created. The clouds of opposing energy looked more like aet''s tail than a swirling band around the core. Thanks to the addition of smalls orbiting the suns, none of the energy was lost.


    It was four of the remnants he''d engraved before passing out, two dancing around each Soul Core. Zac hadn''t chosen to put the splinters around the Inexorable Core and the shards next to his Life-attuned side. Instead, each core was orbited by one splinter and one shard, which seemed to be searching for each other. Due to their nature, they would never intersect unless Zac willed it.


    The modified remnants released even streams of energy as they moved. Pure Creation was dragged toward the Evolutionary Core, stirring up the energy spinning around it. The crude array atop the shard was a filter of sorts, filling a simr function as the old prison seal. Each remnant had a different type of filter.


    This one removed as much energy as possible, leaving only the Dao. It even produced Dao conducive to his path, thanks to snatching the most suitable section of the Grand Tapestries before escaping. With the sinister will already gone, the stream of Creation became a nourishing tonic for his soul.


    The only caveat was that the filter and preparations weren''t quite enough to make the infusion perfectly suited to him. He would have to practice his Soul Cultivation Manual now and then to realign the core. This was nothing specific to the remnant; all Soul Cultivation Treasures required this type of work.


    The shard empowered the Evolutionary Core while its paired splinter fed the nebic cloud surrounding it with Oblivion. Both needed to advance in tandem, or it would cause an imbnce. Of course, an identical process was taking ce by the Death-attuned Soul Core.


    The Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal kept their positions by the cores, forming a mutually beneficial exchange. Their transformation was still significant. The life-giving tree had grown taller, and its golden leaves had gained an opalescent hue echoing the possibilities of Creation. Zac felt that if he could pluck one of those leaves, he could turn it into anything.


    The branches rustled under his scrutiny, filling Zac''s mind with inspiration. It was the imagination born from Creation, untainted by the greedy obsession of the Spark.


    The Iron Maiden had grown more oppressive. The ck swirl that reced its head was reminiscent of the anti-light atop <strong>[Pir of Destion]</strong>, a swirl of Oblivion that held the promise of the end. The rattling chains inside had grown muted. Anything entering the casket would be eroded and swallowed by an invisible abyss.


    The Dao Avatar of his Earthly Dao stood in the center of it all like an Emperor overlooking their domain. The avatar still looked like a miniature version of himself, except having grown significantly more lifelike. It exuded an unyielding fighting intent that suffused his whole soul. Zac felt as though the avatar''s drive and determination had forced his soul into constant motion, where his soul was ever advancing on his path.


    When Zac''s gaze met the avatar''s, he saw the ethos of war within. His perception twisted, and Zac was shown a boundless continent embroiled in a terrifying war. Countless battles were fought to the death, and new warriors stepped up to rece those who''d fallen. Zac could see himself and his enemies in the faceless armies.


    Most fought using axes, though some used methods Zac couldn''t recall ever encountering. Perhaps they represented the unknowable on the battlefield. The armies moved in patterns that represented various aspects of his Earthly Dao. Zac even felt as though he could observe the past and glimpse the future through the conflict. It was causality manifest.


    The continent was more than a figment of Zac''s imagination or a hallucination born from the intense truths hiding within his Dao Avatar. It represented the bedrock of his path. It was the Earthly bedrock his path would be built upon, and one of the core ingredients of forming an Inner World.N?v(el)B\\jnn


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    Currently, the foundation was hollow, both in truth and width. It only held the Dao of Conflict,cking the other two pirs of his path. However, his other Daos influenced his Avatar of War as they passed by, and the battles shifted to favor Life or Death. Zac couldn''t hold back after seeing the changes to his Soul Aperture and impatiently opened his Status Screen. The rewards from a triple breakthrough didn''t disappoint.


    <strong>Name </strong>Zachary Atwood


    <strong>Level </strong>197


    <strong>ss </strong>[D-Arcane] Inexorable Apostle


    <strong>Race </strong>[D] Draugr - Void Emperor (Corrupted)


    <strong>Alignment </strong>[Zecia] Atwood Empire �C Viscount of Conquest


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Titles </strong>[...] Peakmender, Cosmic Introduction, Exalted Destiny, Atavistic Defier, Valiant Viscount


    <strong>Limited Titles </strong>Tower of Eternity Sector All-Star - 14th, Equanimity, The Final Twilight - 1st, Gates of Rebirth, Void Road, Chosen of the Empyrean Chalice


    <strong>Dao </strong>Earthly Dao of Defiant War - Early, Branch of the Kalpataru - Peak, Branch of the Pale Seal - Peak


    <strong>Core </strong>[D] Inexorable Core


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Strength </strong>284489 [Increase: 251%. Efficiency: 542%]


    <strong>Dexterity </strong>130100 [Increase: 191%. Efficiency: 346%]


    <strong>Endurance </strong>152992 [Increase: 221%. Efficiency: 546%]


    <strong>Vitality </strong>157318 [Increase: 230%. Efficiency: 543%]


    <strong>Intelligence </strong>26775 [Increase: 171%. Efficiency: 346%]


    <strong>Wisdom </strong>66163 [Increase: 174%. Efficiency: 363%]


    <strong>Luck </strong>1743 [Increase: 214%. Efficiency: 466%]


    <strong></strong>


    <strong>Free Points </strong>600


    <strong>Nexus Coins </strong>[D] 87 831 997


    <strong></strong>


    Zac looked at the status screen with gratification. Years of nning and effort had gone into the numbers. It was one of his greatest boosts to hisbat power. His attributes had advanced by almost 40%. Most of it naturally came from advancing all three Daos at once. Zac opened the Dao Screen to get a better look at the result.


    <strong>[Earthly Dao of Defiant War (Early): All attributes +100, Strength +22500, Dexterity +12000, Wisdom +3000. Effectiveness of Strength +30%]</strong>


    <strong>[Branch of the Pale Seal (Peak): All attributes +50, Strength +3000, Endurance +18000, Vitality +5500, Wisdom +3500. Effectiveness of Endurance +25%]</strong>


    <strong>[Branch of the Kalpataru (Peak): All attributes +50, Dexterity +3000, Endurance +5500, Vitality +18000, Wisdom +3500. Effectiveness of Vitality +25%]</strong>


    The most interesting line was naturally his new Earthly Dao. Zac looked at the name with a smile, feeling it suited him well. Like before, his Conflict-based Dao held no mythological connotations like the Kalpataru or Pale Seal. It was simple, driving at the essence of his path. The most significant change was that he''d officially stepped away from the Dao of the Axe to epass all battle.


    It didn''t change the fact that the axe was his main weapon or that most of the insights into the Earthly Dao revolved around the axe. It simply broadened the scope, integrating everything that went into his fighting style. The axe didn''t move on its own. His armaments, technique, movement, and strategy were all required for the axe to reach its target. It also held the concept of the unyielding warrior, strengthening the drive and force behind his attacks.


    The attribute boost from Dao of Defiant War was less impressive, having only increased by 25%. The only positive was that the boost to all attributes had doubled, giving his Luck another noticeable jump. This smaller attribute increment would remain throughout theyers of Earthly Dao, meaning a Peak Earthly Dao only provided roughly 150% more attributes than an Early Earthly Dao. Like advancing to Hegemony, the main benefits didn''te in the form of attributes.


    These concepts were more than just packets of inspiration that you crammed into your skills. An Earthly Dao was aplete Dao made by his hands. It was the embodiment of him, which meant it had a direct effect on one''s body. For instance, the ''defiant'' nature of the Dao should have boosted his natural resistance against Heart and Soul-based attacks.


    It was a shame that one could only perform the Pilgrimage of Heart once. It would have been interesting to see how he measured up by now. He might still be some distance from cing in the top 100, but he certainly wouldn''t pass by the skin of his teeth.


    Researching simr Daos back in the Training Camp indicated a few more potential benefits of an Earthly Dao of this nature. The mostmon was an improved affinity with his weapon. Developing and practicing Techniques woulde more easily, and his Earthly Dao of Defiant War would speed up the Tool Spirit''s evolutions.


    Furthermore, most Temrs following the path of conflict were generally able to exert more strength while wounded or drained of energy. It would even alter one''s personality if you let it, which was one of the reasons many cultivators developed extreme personalities as they grew older. Of course, the most obvious effect was the drastic boost to one''s attacks, where the difference in power was far more noticeable than the gap between Dao Fragments and Dao Branches.


    His two other Daos had advanced to Peak Mastery, roughly doubling their respective attributes. The only thing of note was that his Wisdom had received arger boost than before. It was a wee sight, considering Zac had put most of his Free Attributes into Wisdomtely. The attribute benefited both his Soul and Heart, making it a worthy investment when his Strength and survivability were already so high.


    Truthfully, Zac felt he could have pushed his Daos of Life and Death to Earthly Daos together with Defiant War. The insights he''d stolen and inherited were more than enough after he''d held back his breakthrough for so long. The only reason he stopped was that he needed to digest the lessons and make them his own. He also wanted to peruse the Chaos Library before formalizing anything.


    Zac closed the Dao Screen. The Daos were just the main source of his massive attribute boost. There were also the four levels gained from absorbing a handful of chaos motes. It was actually more than he''d expected, considering how much energy each level-up required nowadays. Finally, there were two new titles to his tally.


    <strong>[Atavistic Defier: Defend against a hostile Atavism. Reward: All Attributes +10%.]</strong>


    <strong>[Valiant Viscount: Be a viscount through warfare. Reward: All Attributes +10%.]</strong>


    Zac was slightly surprised by the title for surviving the Atavism. He hadn''t expected to get one in the first ce, considering how massive his other gains were. But if he was going to get one, it should arguably have beenrger.


    The second title was more straightforward and also a relief. It meant things had proceeded ording to n back on Earth. Zac had no idea how his actions yesterday would affect the war and the uing trial. Therefore, he''d authorized Ilvere to purchase fallens through the Faction Exchange.


    The Atwood Empire had already imed a Peak E-grade world to investigate how it worked with the System''s shroud. The shroud actually extended to the acquired worlds, though they didn''t seem ced in Earth or Ensolus'' vicinity. This time, they''d gone even further. The n was to seize over a dozen E-grade worlds and two Early D-grade worlds.


    It would make up the foundations for his Empire, adding both citizens andnd. It was a risk taking such a big bite with most of the Sealbearers off-world, but the Atwood Empire was growing stronger by the day. With the frontlines abandoned, they could simply use therge Cosmic Vessel fleet to defend against insurrections and the new battlefronts.


    The System had apparently judged his performance during the war along with the increased size of his faction enough for a promotion. It was actually part of the reason why Zac sent Ilvere on a spending spree. Bing a Viscount provided a wide array of benefits, of which the most important was a higher priority from the System. It could prove critically important in case Zecia lost the war. If the System created a path for survival, it would only do so for those it deemed worthy.


    The only real disappointment was that he did not receive a reward or title for orchestrating the entity''s death, nor had he gained any War Merit. His vision had cut out early, but Zac was certain the enormous fortress and its subsidiarys had taken massive damage from the Heavenly annihtion. It looked like the purge took precedence over any war-rted systems or matters.


    The Status Screen contained nothing else of note. The sealbearer quest hadn''t changed, meaning he hadn''t identally hastened Ultom''s ascent again. Closing the status screen, Zac continued inspecting his body. His pathways were a bit of a mess, yet surprisingly well-kept considering what he''d gone through. His previous brushes with Chaos had all left him worse off than this.


    Just as he reached his hearts, where his third set of remnants waited, hismunicator buzzed. It was Ogras on the other end.


    "Sorry to disturb you. Looks like there''s trouble."


    "There always is," Zac sighed, giving up on any hopes of consolidating his gains in peace. "I''m on my way."

 Chapter 1228: Shared Burdens

    Chapter 1228: Shared Burdens


    "How is it?"


    The bridge was full of activity, with a dozen people controlling the Yphelion''s many systems. None among them emitted very strong auras, and most of his sealbearers stood to the side so as not to get in the way. Like himself, most of his direct subordinates specialized in battle. Unfortunately, few issues inside the Imperial Graveyard could be solved with a well-aimed cut.


    "We''re being squeezed between two major storm formations. The turbulence will only grow worse before it gets better. It should be within our shielding capacity," Mark Marshall answered as Zac walked over.


    The earlier chaos and high pressure didn''t seem to have broken the former fighter pilot''s concentration, even if his face was pallid like most of the other nonbat personnel. Thea''s uncle was the pilot inmand, and now also their only one. Over a dozen of Zac''s crew members had their minds destroyed by thebination of the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell] </strong>and the Sangha''s Dharmic world. Among them was one of the most promising outside hires, a D-grade pilot who''d lived in the Million Gates Territory for over a millennia.


    His skill in traversing unstable regions like the Imperial Graveyard far eclipsed Mark''s. The Marshall descendant had stabler foundations and a better ss thanks to the Atwood Army''s heavy investment, but that wasn''t enough to make up for the huge gap in experience. Mark was only the head pilot because Estra Wind was such a recent hire and couldn''t be fully trusted yet. Mark had also trained in the Yphelion before, and understanding the vessel you piloted was of utmost importance.


    With Estra Wind dead, Mark had to carry the responsibility on his own. Others could take over when he needed to rest, but their control was not nearly as good. A pilot didn''t just steer in a certain direction. Energy and array management was a critical aspect of their job. They constantly calibrated the motors and arrays to achieve the greatest results with the least amount of strain and energy consumption.


    The Yphelion could automate this process, but a seasoned pilot could reduce consumption and strain by as much as thirty percent. That was of critical importance in a region like the Imperial Graveyard that would push any Cosmic Vessel to its limits and beyond. A D-grade ship''s arrays couldn''t possibly react to sudden and unpredictable changes either.


    Zac thanked their lucky stars that the System had upgraded the Yphelion. Everything from engines to energy generation had seen significant improvements, which gave his novice pilot better margins to work with.


    "So what''s the problem?""The lightning stirred up the spatial energies in the region. It''s caused a domino effect that destabilized the traversable paths. It''s like we''re flying inside a maze with constantly shifting walls. We''d be in deep trouble if we didn''t use a scouting vessel," Jaol, whose station was right next to Mark''s, exined. "It was manageable until recently."


    A series of screens appeared, disying the incrediblyplex environment of the Imperial Graveyard. Even that was a simplified version of the immense amounts of data a navigator had to analyze on the fly, considering space flight in the Multiverse included dimensional shifts. Zac frowned at their mapped-out path, seeing the reason for the constant shakes.


    The Million Gates Territory was very dangerous since anomalies could appear at any moment. However, most of the territory remained rtively calm. It was possible to set up small bases, and Emily had survived being adrift for over a year. There were also rtively safe pockets that even held worlds, though these spots generally moved about. That wasn''t the case with the Imperial Graveyard.


    Calling it abyrinth was apt. The Yphelion was a dot traversing a tunnel surrounded by two shing storms filled with resentment. Their neighboring dimensions were even worse. They would have to keep going inside the calmer corridor until they reached an intersecting path. If they missed it, they would have to endure the brunt of the storm for at least ten minutes until reaching the next exit.


    The anomalies, from spatial storms to dangerous natural formations, were ced far more densely. There were no true calm spots, putting any explorers under constant pressure. The path they entered was long gone, and they would have to find a new one if they reached a dead end. It was all in flux, and no D-grade vessel''s defenses would do you any good if you got stuck in the wrong ce.


    "The fragile bnce received a second shock just before we called you," Jaol said as the map expanded to showcase arger section of the region. The further the map went, the less detailed it became. Eventually, the expansion stopped, and a marker appeared on the map. "Somewhere around here. There was an incredible burst of energy. It agitated the environment, causing ripples even further than our location."


    "Two Mystic Realm colliding?" Zac asked.


    "No, it should be manmade. It''s impossible to get a proper reading through all this interference, but I think it might be a battle between Monarchs. Or a Monarch who''s been forced to unleash their strength to break through," Jaol said.


    "Monarchs?" Zac frowned. "Are they heading this way?"


    "It doesn''t look like it. However, the strong burst has awakened some things, and we''ve been targeted."


    "Shit."


    "Our path is being intercepted, and we''re left with no room to maneuver."


    Zac understood the crux of the problem. The density of energy and dangerous formations were just the first of the dangers explorers faced. The Imperial Graveyard''s name wasn''t random. It was the remains of one of the Limitless Empire''s high-grade battlefields, leaving it filled with powerful resentment and animosity. The Mystic Realms were fragments of Inner Worlds and shattered dimensional fragments from the shes between high-grade cultivators.


    These realms still held some of the wills of their original owners, except they had been twisted after being forced to linger for such an incredibly long time. He''d seen what had happened to the Tool Spirit in the Centurion Lighthouse. Time was a cruel mistress, and not even the will of Autharchs could endure the test of time. Furthermore, there were no pure wills left. The constant storms had mixed and matched, destroying any real ego left behind.


    Between malignant Troves and ambient resentment, it was like the whole graveyard had the instinct of a rabid animal. They were trapped in a long-forgotten war,shing out at anything that came close. These broken spirits were usually slumbering and spread out through the spatial storms. However, high bursts of energy or Dao risked waking them up, and even Monarchs were reduced to prey to the stronger entities.


    Thankfully, C-grade storms were quite rare ording to their limited intelligence, and Jaol would have looked far more worried if that was what they were dealing with. Still, being targeted by anything posed a huge threat when the slightest dy could trap you in a spatial storm.


    "So we need to deal with the blockade or retreat?"


    "Which would move us toward the Monarchs and the chaos their battle is causing."


    "What are we dealing with?" Zac asked. "Natural Formation or Trove?"


    "Energy signatures indicate a small Trove with Late D-grade energy signatures," Jaol said.


    "I''d hoped we had more time before facing this headache," Zac said before turning to Gu. "Have you guys figured out their method?"


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    "I''m afraid not," Gu said. "But these Troves should have some form of core. If we destroy it, the resentment should lose its anchor and disperse into the storm. Even destabilizing it should give us a window to escape. Our best guess is that the Kan-Tanu are using specialized strike squads or sacrificial soldiers to deal with them so quickly."


    They knew being intercepted this way was amon urrence, even if the timing was worse than usual. However, Zac had never managed to find out how the Kan''Tanu explorers dealt with the threat. There had to be a special method to quickly deal with the threat before the surrounding storms caught up with you.


    "I guess we''ll have to figure things out ourselves," Zac muttered, turning to Ogras and the others. "Are you guys ready for an excursion?"


    "Ha! This is the adventure and excitement I''ve been waiting for! It''s time for Kruta to plunder some ancient treasure!" Kruta grinned, turning to Ogras who looked at him askance. "What?"


    "Well, enjoy this moment," Ogras said. "I have a feeling you''ll be sick of these opportunities soon enough."


    "How is that possible?" the barbarian guffawed. "Don''t worry, I''ll pick up any baubles you leave on the ground. A chieftain has to be frugal and enterprising, or his wives will start sneaking into other tents when he''s away."


    Zac didn''t have the heart to tell the orc that most Troves held nothing of value, holding risk and no rewards. Any treasures that might have been left behind had long since been corrupted or extracted by the Kan''Tanu. There was always the chance for a jackpot, especially now that the whole region was stirring. New and unexplored pockets were unearthed all the time, so even the thoroughly plundered outer reaches could hold unexpected riches.


    "How much time do we have?" Zac asked.


    "Thirty minutes, give or take," Jaol said. "You need to deal with it in less than twenty. Any longer, and we''ll have to retreat and pick you upter."


    "Got it," Zac said. "Squads one and two, gather in the hangar in fifteen minutes."


    <em>''Boss, wait!'' </em>Jaol''s voice appeared in Zac''s mind just as he was about to leave.


    <em>''What is it?''</em>


    <em>''I got the hidden scanner to work without exposing our location! There''s good news and bad news.''</em>


    <em>''Well, I could use some good news.''</em>


    <em>''There should be a seal of the Daedalian Court inside the Trove.''</em>


    Zac''s brows rose in surprise. To think they had struck gold right from the beginning. Their journey had been bumpy until now. This was hopefully a sign things were turning for the better. Gu already had two seals after zing through his designation quests. Getting the third and final piece would provide a huge boost to his abilities.


    Considering a seal was hidden inside the approaching Trove, it should be in a decent state as well. There might actually be treasures for Kruta to plunder.


    <em>''And the bad?''</em>


    <em>''Uh, it kind of looks like using the scanner stirs up resentment. It''s like they sense the aura of the courts.''</em>


    <em>''Wait, were you the one who attracted this thing?'' </em>Zac red.


    <em>''That''s... No. But suffice to say my actions didn''t help.'' </em>


    "That''s perfect," Zac muttered.


    "What is?"


    The voice came from behind, and Zac turned around to face Kator looking down at him.


    "Nothing. It''s time to earn your keep, <emrade</em>."


    "I feel I''ve contributed plenty already," Kator said, his bodynguage reeking of annoyance.


    Zac''s mouth tugged upward, but he didn''t antagonize the Reaver more than necessary. It wouldn''t do them any good if Kator decided to stay behind on the Yphelion. With the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> in y, they would have to enter any Trove or spatial pocket together.


    "A Trove has targeted us. We need to enter and deal with it," Zac said. "Unless your side had figured out a better idea?"


    "We had," Kator nodded. "We would use Autarchs with exceptional energy control to disperse them."


    "Well, that''s not happening."


    "Already caught like a fly in a web. Well, let''s get on with it," Kator shrugged.


    Zac had nothing to prepare, so he led Kator to the hangar where their smaller boarding ships waited. Minutes passed in silence as they waited for more information from Jaol and the scientists.


    "So how is it, Draugr? Figured out a counter yet? Hiding the brand from the Heavens should have some effect. Then again, it should take a while for a D-grade bloodline to exhaust it."


    Zac nced at Kator with annoyance. The Reaver was the worst person to have catch onto the secrets of his Void Emperor bloodline. Thankfully, Zac had been careful about disying <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> since he got it, especially the external infusion with its incredible efficiency at destroying spirituality. It might have been useless against the Eidolon''s B-grade seal, but against the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>? That was another discussion entirely.


    Even then, Kator was correct in that Zac couldn''t destroy it right now. For one, it would only cause trouble until they could also deal with Kator and his bomb. The link was also empowered by something simr to the Apostate of Order''s contracts. That didn''t mean he had to ovee the System to sever the link, but it did add significant durability to the seal.


    The brand also held a massive amount of energy. Zac would be in trouble if he identally destabilized it in its current state. He''d have to let it weaken on its own for a while before he could destroy it in one go.


    "Why would I scheme against a valuable teammate?" Zac said. "Especially one so generous with his Mental Energy?"


    "Be careful. Two can y that game," Kator said. "Would you like a taste of the bone-grinding agony of the <strong>[White Sky Discipline]</strong>? I''d like to see how a being with soft skin will endure the punishment it inflicts on our bodies."


    "The <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> suits you," Emily muttered from the side. "Bickering like an old couple."


    The two dropped the subject and focused on the task at hand. Of course, that was only on the surface. Kator had nned things out for almost a year, giving him a worrying head start. Zac had <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, but there was no way the Reaver wouldn''t have prepared something with a simr effect. There were many ways to deal with the Apostate of Order''s contractual bonds or at least minimize the bacsh for breaking them.


    Zac couldn''t even rely on the information the Merit Exchange provided about the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. He had no way to discern whether the treasure had been tampered with. The contractual bond would have stopped working if Kator made the link too lopsided. It was still possible he''d managed to weaken any bacsh he''d face or add something like a one-directional tracking function.


    There was no way Zac could wait until the brand degraded to safe levels. He needed to deal with the threat before that. Thankfully, he did have another ace up his sleeve beyond <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, and he was currently negotiating terms with her.


    <em>''What do you think? How could the greatest thief in the Multiverseck methods of getting out of binding agreements and unwanted seals?'' </em>Esmeralda signed, looking incredibly pleased with herself. <em>''The question is what you can offer in return.''</em>


    Zac looked at the toad with annoyance from his cramped corner, hiding his glee as best as he could. The toad hadn''t exposed her presence throughout the earlier ordeal, and only Ogras knew of her existence. She was a variable that should be well outside Kator''s expectations.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Esmeralda was a repository of knowledge that eclipsed even the Library he''d inherited. Most of her memories were blocked and fuzzy, but dismantling seals and arrays was part of a thief''s skillset. There were many ces you couldn''t enter without taking oaths or being branded by the sigil of the force it belonged to. An infiltrator would have to possess methods to deal with this to reach the treasuries.


    Therge toad had recovered by a noticeable degree while Zac had slept. She''d returned to her original color, and the vats on her back were already a quarter-filled. It was a disy of the incredible resilience beasts hadpared to cultivators, especially those with high-grade bloodlines like Esmeralda.


    <em>''Isn''t it interesting? Testing your cleverness against this unfamiliar seal,'' </em>Zac said as a projection of the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> appeared before the toad. <em>''It''s almost like breaking into a treasure vault.''</em>


    <em>''Ha! Don''t try to goad me,'' </em>Esmeralda huffed with disdain, utterly incapable of hiding the interest glimmering in her eyes as she nced at the unique rune.


    Zac hadn''t forgotten Lova''s words back in the Perennial Vastness. Esmeralda was ancient, and her thievery was not as much about the treasures as the enjoyment nowadays. It was part of her path, her very nature. It turned any restrictions into great temptations, like a puzzle that needed to be solved. The scare of encountering an Eternal Servant did nothing to quell that instinctive attraction.


    <em>''You know everything I have,'' </em>Zac said. <em>''Name your price.''</em>


    <em>''You''re essentially a beggar.''</em> Esmeralda rolled her eyes. <em>''Well. I suppose dealing with this will help me as well, and that skeleton should have a decent background. I want the first pick if you manage to deal with him. Two items, the rest is yours.''</em>


    <em>''Deal.''</em>


    <em>''Happy hunting,''</em> Esmeralda signed as her mouth opened wide, extracting a scroll from god-knows-where.


    Zac reluctantly epted the sticky parchment, but he forgot about the toad mucus as he unfurled the scroll. He had never seen theplicated patterns on it before, but a smile crept up his face as he unearthed some of its secrets.


    The unusual magic circle drawn on the paper should help him give the damned Reaver a nasty surprise. Zac didn''t even care that Esmeralda likely had discovered some incredible treasure on Kator''s person and used this opportunity to im it for herself. It was worth it.


    "We have visuals!"


    The squads had already gathered. They turned toward Gu, who had been added to the second squad. He disyed the Trove on arge screen, causing murmurs to erupt in the room. Zac didn''t know what he''d expected, but it wasn''t that. Simr looks of confusion and disgust appeared on the others.


    "Is that... a rotten eye?"

 Chapter 1229: Flames and Foundries

    Chapter 1229: mes and Foundries


    The intense friction between fire and ice generated a deep groan. It joined the gathering storm, and the mor could be mistaken for the roars of the ancient masters who''d be part of thementable tapestry of the Imperial Graveyard. Iz paid it no heed as she observed the expanding spatial cracks and the frigid chill pouring out of them.


    Kaltosa Lu had disyed a surprising ability to rally the forces of the ancient battlefield, infusing the resentment with purpose and Dao. The disarray had been tricked intopliance, and the flimsy dimensional barriers had been bolstered by pervasive cold. Nevertheless, hours of dogged pursuit were about to bear fruit.


    The poisonous chill couldn''t withstand the enshrined mes of the <em>Vermillion Song</em>, the Fire-attuned Cosmic Vessel prepared for the mission. The final blockade was about to copse, and the Centigrade Elemental''s cumbersome Foundry Vessel couldn''t hope to match her ship in raw speed.


    "I''ll test their fate myself," Iz said as she prepared the fiery sigils to teleport her into range.


    "The followers of the Empyrean Throne move as one," Salou rejected. "A test of fate goes both ways."


    Iz briefly closed her eyes before nodding. She had decided to target the Lu n, so she would have to see it through. Even if that meant seeing her subordinates fall. Understanding didn''t alleviate the difort. Years of mock practice had done little to prepare her for the burden ofmand when the stakes became real, despite Iz having discovered this shoring long ago.


    She remained quiet, unable to vocalize the simple orders as the spatial cracks grewrger. The silent presence of subordinates behind her felt different this time. She''d led this group through tribtions before, but those were training excursions arranged by her family.


    They had already proven themselves fated by rising above, iming their ce after fiercepetition. If they fell now, it would be hermands and choices that caused it. And yet, there was nothing but flickering mes and burning conviction in their eyes as they silently waited for the orders that she struggled to issue.


    Her actions represented the will of the Empyrean Throne, and the ripples would spread to every corner of the Multiverse. Was she doing the right thing? For the right reasons? Or was she still walking a dream, treating the lives of others like fleeting dreams?It wasn''t just the lives of her followers that were at stake. The Centigrade Pryer''s connections were far-reaching, and he''d always been fiercely vengeful to protect his corner of the Heavens. A war between the Elementals and the Empyrean Quadrant would impact trillions of lives.


    Were they truly unfated, or were their fates stolen by the ze of her ipetence?


    This couldn''t go on. Her family was putting themselves against the top forces of the Multiverse to send her here. The greatest sin would be not doing her utmost after asking for this. Even if her decisions were wrong, she''d have to make them right through sheer force of will.


    "Our target is Kaltosa Lu, this generation''s controller of the <strong>[Grand Centigrade Foundry]</strong>," Iz said, her voice steadily gaining conviction as her hair ignited with radiant mes.


    The cleansing heat of the Empyrean Throne illuminated the deck, dispersing the creeping frost.


    "The Pryer''s agents have been moving in the shadows for years, silently gathering seals and ying thepetition. Our sources believe they are one of the top four factions in terms of umted seals. Meanwhile, our Empyrean Quadrant only has two sealbearers with the trial approaching. Their umtion follows a crooked path, and it falls to us to right this wrong.


    "They shall escape no further. The Empyrean me will test their fate, and we''ll im our right should they fail," Iz said. "You have two targets; the Man-grade foundries and the Pryer''s sealbearers. Our priority is seizing fate, so those who unearth a seal will im it for themselves. Choose your opponents ordingly."


    "Yes, Young Miss!"


    Iz nodded, turning back toward space cracking like a mirror. She could hear the whispers of the millions of streams ofpeting Dao. It was time.


    "<strong>[Crow''s Descent]</strong>!"


    Ten streaks of fire fused into a majestic three-legged crow that crashed right into the crumbling dimensional barrier. The final vestiges of cohesion crumbled before its keening call. The following spatial copse could be considered a death trap even for a Monarch. And yet, not a sliver of the chaotic mix of energies targeted the crow.


    The Heavens held few secrets when your affinities andprehension reached a certain level. Iz navigated their avatar through one of the few paths of life in the storm, continuously adjusting the crow''s aura to manipte the surroundings. A corridor of space formed under the urging of mes, shifting the location of the exit by dozens of miles.


    The crow emerged in a tremendous explosion of space and resentment. The bacsh destabilized the powerful barriers of the mountain-sized Foundry Vessel waiting on the other side, and the burning crow snuck inside. Heat and purpose rained down on the deck as the crow dropped the sun caught in its third leg. The avatar released one final call to war before splitting into the fighters within.


    Iz sent out a few orders before focusing on the matter at hand��the Centigrade Elemental who''d drowned the sun''s rays with a river of interlocked arrays. Any distracting thoughts were put aside as she looked down at Kaltosa Lu with a fiery chill in her eyes. The simplicity she''d searched for had been there all along, hiding in the furious gaze of her six-armed enemy.


    "You witch! I gave you many opportunities to back down! Forget removing you from my list of potential wives. You''ve made my list of enemies," The elemental growled as the primordial runes across his body flickered with fury.


    The Centigrade Elementals were an extremely rare existence, their poption forever limited by the number of runes born from the long-gone Centigrade Constetion. The Pryer himself hoarded more than half the runes while the rest were recycled for his descendants. Every destroyed primordial rune was a tremendous setback for their race, a loss that could never be recovered.


    Most Centigrade Elementals only had one rune to their name, where its unique pattern and the primordial powers it held became the basis for their cultivation. A singr rune was enough to be the foundation of a Heavenly Territory, and each added rune would provide an additional surge of power.


    This power came at a price beyond the race''s loss of another son or daughter. Each rune added another dimension ofplexity to their path, no different than a bloodline or constitution. Kaltosa Lu had six despite only being a Late-stage Hegemon, proof of how much the race valued him and his incredible genius.


    Seeing his burgeoning aura allowed Iz to feel something she hadn''t since she finally caught Zac after years of pursuit. Excitement.


    "The Empyrean Quadrant has never backed down from a challenge or threat," Iz said. "Show me your worthiness."


    She wasn''t deaf or ignorant to the truth behind the looks of the elementals who''d emerged to deal with her warriors. She knew what kind of reputation her family had, and she was aware that most of it was warranted. The uncles and aunts who always treated her with such care had stepped over a mountain of corpses to reach their height and to protect their way of life.


    The world''s hatred didn''t matter. Theirs was the Empyrean me. Power was truth, and victory was fate.


    There was no point in wasting time on words when their time was limited. The <em>Vermillion Song </em>couldn''t endure the mounting pressure from the environment for much longer. They needed to seize what they could before retreating.


    Two sets of wings unfolded behind Iz''s back as her Natal Regalia, the divine armor forged from Ster mes, seeped out of her skin. Three halos emerged, each generating a Domain painted in her image. The waning heat of the fallen sun was reinvigorated as torrid heat spread across the deck, instilling her subordinates with power as they descended on their designated targets.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    Iz unleashed a destructive salvo,unching hundreds of ming butterflies at the churning foundries. Kaltosa Lu wouldn''t let her target his greatest advantage without a fight. Thousands of runes poured out of his incorporeal form, assembling into an Array Construct. A river of attuned matter rose from the foundries below, giving the creature form.


    A wave of utmost frost dispersed the butterflies. Iz hadn''t expected the attack tond. She only sought a first-hand understanding of the Foundry Vessel''s operations and the elemental''s methods. Iz felt like she was facing a true Like Nymph as she gazed upon the Array Construct, one of the long-lost second-generation species of their era.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    The Like Nymphs had their bloodlines crumble after their natural habitat was destroyed, unable to sustain their race beyond their age like the Centigrade Elementals. The nymphs'' descendants were nothing more than humanoid beasts, ignorant of the greatness buried in the depths of their blood.


    Iz would be lying if she said she wasn''t impressed by Kaltosa Lu''s disy. His arrays and control over the <strong>[Centigrade Furnaces]</strong> were exquisite to the point he managed to conjure a sliver of the nymph''s original bloodline. The churning sky was rapidly freezing over, even trapping the inbound resentment in frigid stasis.


    The Likes Nymphs'' permafrost aura held the potential to freeze the Grand Dao. A D-grade construct couldn''t mimic that feat, but it still posed a great threat to cultivators walking the path of mes. Even her Vermillion Bird heritage stirred, having sensed the cold of its ancient enemy.


    The three primal pyres in Iz''s Soul Aperture zed into life as the bloodline avatars stirred within. The Magmatic World of her Earthly Daos held the beginning, the Zenith, and the end. She reached out, and the Dao answered. She guided wisps of Dao from the braziers. The mes understood her wish,bining with exacting precision.


    Thousands of streams of mental energy were attracted by the glistening me, forming aplex tapestry matching her inherited memories. The Hidden Nodes of <strong>[Apocalyptic Beginnings]</strong> and <strong>[Infernal Decree]</strong> provided further power and elevated the tapestry with Empyrean Authority and Primordial Might.


    The two Middle-stage Earthly Daos that went into her creation wouldn''t pale before Late Earthly Daos, let alone Kaltosa Lu''s Dao Array of Middle-stage Daos.


    The fiery tapestry entered her Origin Nexus, and a unique skill was born. An archaic cry shook the Foundry Vessel as an angry-red arrow created a river of mes in its wake. Its tip was crafted from the first stars and its feathers were of the vermillion bird.


    The arrow pierced the heart of the nymph, utterly destroying the bnce necessary to maintain it. The creature copsed, unleashing a world of frost. Iz had already taken out <strong>[Empyrean Dawn]</strong> to meet the onught, and space tore as the three-meternce''s tip moved. Her wings fluttered, and she turned into a streak of mes that pierced the cold.


    Hidden arrays tore under her lunging strike, and artificial matter was incinerated. Kaltosa Lu wouldn''t stand around and let Iz close in. Countless mental threads spread into his surroundings. Each thought birthed a fully formed array thrumming with power. Together, they looked like a starry sky, and the destruction they unleashed represented Heaven''s wrath.


    Iz refused to relent, her momentum continuously building. She suddenly flickered, appearing right before her target. A Dao-infused stab shattered the elemental''s body, but Iz knew it was just a surface wound. Kaltosa Lu had intentionally split into dozens of magic circles that formed an ever-changing array that epassed half the deck.


    Immense gravitational force and elemental decay transformed the frozen world into a taboo zone. Her radiant mes faced extinction from every direction under the suffocating force of Kaltosa Lu''s living array. Iz scanned the whizzing streaks of runes with <strong>[Sungod''s Third Eye]</strong>. Only six of them were actually her target, with the rest empty nodes or life-like clones snuck into the array as a diversion.


    A premonition of danger forced her to burn a few of her feathers to shift away just before twelve pirs of utter destruction pierced through the domain. Each teemed with the paradoxical energy of elements and nature. Iz could tell that even she would have been seriously wounded if she had taken that strike head-on, and it was only the beginning of the attack.


    The pirs generated a deadly resonance that turned the few safe spaces into the deadliest spots where twelve pulses were superimposed. Iz saw no option but to enter one of the pirs, relying on her Regalia and Dao. They weren''t enough to nullify the damage, and painful streaks of turbulence burrowed into her body.


    Destroying theplicated array wasn''t a viable option. Her opponent far surpassed her understanding in the study of formations, and it was kept stable with his very lifesource. She couldn''t even tell if the eyes she''d identified were real or traps designed to worsen her predicament. The only way to guarantee sess was to destroy them all. It wouldn''t just destroy the array but also kill the elemental who made up its heart.


    Except, her only method to unleash enough destruction was to detonate her cultivation, and she was far from having reached that spot. Iz endured the agony as she scanned the storm. Finally, she caught onto a thread, and she burst forth with her stockpiled momentum.


    Six bands of runes lit up on <strong>[Empyrean Dawn]</strong>, and Iz felt her mes wane to give birth to a crackling sun at its tip. The target was one of the primordial runes hiding in a spatial pocket. A shimmering constetion of stars blocked the sun, but Empyrean mes had already locked down the rune''s path of escape.


    The sun copsed the moment it was rebuffed, unleashing a fiery shockwave that consumed everything in its path. Iz became one with the destruction, moving through the inferno like a vengeful wisp. She reformed, <strong>[Empyrean Dawn] </strong>already stabbing forward, its golden runes alight.


    Another miss, yet Iz didn''t back down. The bangle on her arm lit up, and Iz drew a sigil with thence. Another Tapestry formed in the primal fires of her soul, and she stabbed forward. A volcanic pir of red-hot fury barreled toward the Primal Rune struggling to escape.


    At the same time, a beak asrge as the Foundry Vessel pierced through the storm of resentment above, aiming straight for the foundries. It was the ultimate attack of the <em>Vermillion Song</em>, aimed to destroy the source of the elemental''s fighting prowess.


    "Idiot! Stupid!" Kaltosa''s roar echoed from every direction. "Do you know what you''re doing?! You''re bringing disaster down on our heads!"


    The foundries'' low churn turned into a roar as twelve enormous runes appeared. They drew on their full capacity to block the strike. A pained groan confirmed it didn''te without a price.


    Kaltosa Lu appeared in a puff of mes. He''d been forced to redirect much of his power to keep his vessel safe, exposing him to Iz''s attacks. Unfortunately, he was too slippery, escaping into the closest chimney before she could follow up.


    "Hateful! Spiteful!" an infuriated screech emerged from within, but he''d clearly had enough.


    Rivers of Spatial Energy poured out of the intact foundries, triggering an acute sense of danger in Iz''s heart. She knew he''d activated a powerful spatial shift. If she stayed any longer, she''d be dragged into the chaotic crack Kaltosa Lu was forcing. She wasn''t confident in surviving such a foolhardy maneuver without the protection of a Cosmic Vessel''s barriers, and there was no need to mention her subordinates.


    "Retreat!"


    Nine streaks of fire soared toward the <em>Vermillion Song</em> that had emerged just above. The ship sped off the second they''d boarded, using the Founrdy Vessel''smotion as cover. Iz looked at the ship escaping into another dimension with regret. She might havee out slightly ahead in their battle, but hoping for the deadly environment to finish the job was futile.


    The Foundry Vessel was already releasing calming mists that disoriented the resentment while hiding their tracks. Soon after, her vantage was gone when <em>Vermillion Song</em> briefly sank into the Infernal Realm to escape. Their ship groaned under the strain from hostile mes, but Iz could sense none of the Lords were near enough to take charge. They safely left the Lower ne soon after, having appeared in another section of the graveyard.


    Iz turned to her subordinates, inwardly sighing upon seeing their numbers had dwindled by one. The others sported noticeable wounds, proving Kaltosa Lu''s subordinates weren''t just empty vases hiding behind their advanced array systems. Even then, the mission could be considered a sess. Iz turned to Anderid, who''d led the charge of her budding cycle.


    "You recovered a seal?"


    "Yes, by your grace, I managed to be a Lightbringer of Ultom," Anderid said with a bow, the happiness evident in his eyes.


    "Lightbringer," Iz said, slowly nodding. "I saw your battle. You carried yourself with skill and purpose."


    "Thank you, Young Miss," Anderid said. "Do we follow?"


    "What do you suggest?" Iz said, turning to the spindly man standing by the warrior''s side.


    "I urge patience," Tryponi said, his gaze calm despite having imed a seal of his own. "Our pursuit had causedrge upheavals, and we''ll soon overstay our wee by relying on the Infernal Realm. If we insist on continuing, we''ll harm ourselves as much as our target."


    "You''re right," Iz nodded. "Set course for the depths. We''ll resume our hunt after the graveyard has settled. One of their furnaces is damaged after forcing open a path. It should take at least twenty days to repair it. We''ll give up if they manage to elude us that long."


    Iz left her subordinates and walked over to Salou''s side.


    "Do you want my honest opinion?"


    "Always."


    "If your friend possessed your strength, then Kaltosa Lu would be dead now," Salou said.


    Iz stifled the flicker of annoyance. Her guardian was correct. She was moving in the right direction, but shecked that ruthlessness she''d seen in Zac. Where he risked everything, embracing ruin to bring down his foe. It was almost impossible to kill enemies like Kaltosa Lu without putting everything on the line.


    "But you are making improvements," Salou continued. "Experience can be umted, while your foundations cannot emted. So long as you continue down this path with purpose, you''ll shine brighter than anyone else."


    "Thank you," Iz said, gazing at the boundless expanse. "I''ll keep searching for the answer."

 Chapter 1230: Eye of Resentment

    Chapter 1230: Eye of Resentment


    Zac didn''t know what to think as he observed the Trove. Theirck of information was working against them. The Kan''Tanu had the graveyard on lockdown, and those they''d interrogated only knew surface information. Why an anomaly would look like this or how to deal with it was well outside that scope.


    "It looks human," Ograsmented. "Big fe, too."


    The eye did indeed look mostly human, except it was at least ten timesrger than the Yphelion. It had seen better days. The white had be murky grey, and it was shrunken like it had lost most of its water. A string of rotten nerves was still attached, looking like a tail as it navigated through the storm.


    "It''s not real," Gu said after a few moments. "It''s energy given shape around a spatial gate. Something in the lingering will made it take this appearance."


    "Maybe the outer shape takes after the spiritual anchor," Zac said.


    "The main source of resentment could be an Ocr Cultivator," Emily offered. "It looks sort of normal, though."


    "What is your approach, Draugr? Go in and break anything that looks like an eye?" Kator asked.


    "Something like that." Zac took out an Array Disk. "We''ve brought scanning arrays. They look for gatherings of resentment and energy. We''ll split into two teams, and you''re with me."


    Each squad originally had five members, and Gu and Kator added another two. Zac led team one, whose main objective was dealing with the Trove. Kruta helmed the other, with Joanna as second-inmand. Gu joined this group along with Rhuger, Bubbur, and Janos, and their main task was to look for the seal and any other treasures. Meanwhile, Zac had Ogras, Emily, Carl, and Ra''Klid to back him up.Catheya wasn''t joining this particr mission, even if she wasn''t needed by Vri''s side any longer. Zac wanted to keep Catheya and Kator apart as much as possible. She was officially a subordinate of his, while Zac was only really required to follow the Reaver''s orders after they''d entered the trial. That didn''t mean Kator could order Catheya to do anything he pleased, but Zac didn''t want to risk anything until they had all their ducks in a row.


    The preparations were quickly finished, with each squad entering anding vessel specially modified to better withstand the dangers of the Imperial Graveyard. They could probably make it to the eye without them since all were Hegemons, but they provided an extrayer of protection.


    The reinforced vessels left through a hatch the moment the eye was within reach, prompting a series of curses and worried looks. The constant tremors had made it seem as though the Yphelion''s shields were barely doing anything, but that was absolutely not the truth. The pod ships groaned under the strain from the cosmic turbulence, and a sinister aura immediately permeated the insides.


    Zac had expected the environment to resemble the sword scar in the Centurion Lighthouse, but this resentment was far more chaotic. It had been possible to get a sense of the Autarch who left the enormous chasm. In contrast, the resentment burrowing into Zac''s body and mind was such a mottled mix that it had lost any defining traits. It was more like the madness of the Lost ne, except without the profound insights to match.


    The corruption wasn''t enough to faze Zac, who''d dealt with far more insidious attacks on his mind and heart. <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> was working in concert with <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> to purify the infiltration. <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> would normally have helped out, except it was still upied with refining the third bolt of Tribtion Lightning from yesterday.


    Zac observed his followers, gratified to see everyone dealing with the infiltration without a problem. Rava''s teachings and the preparations for withstanding the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> were bearing fruit.


    "The entrance is the pupil. The spatial fluctuations are quite weak, so the Trove shouldn''t be more than a few timesrger than the eye," Jaol said through amunicator, his voice crackling from static.


    "That doesn''t matter if we''re dealing with an Ocr cultivator''s world," Kator grunted. "They can be asrge as their imagination."


    Zac agreed. The saying that the eyes were the windows to the soul held water even in their current reality. If they were dealing with the lingering resentment of an Ocr Cultivator, the odds of finding an illusory realm on the other side were quite high.


    Ocr Cultivators had three main branches, Scouts, Illusionists, and Mentalists. Other paths, like the Temporal Eyes of the Cartava n or purely offensive techniques, were quite rare. The idea of destroying your enemies with a nce was enthralling, but it wasn''t very practical. Simply using one''s hands or a Spirit Tool was generally more effective than forcing the eye to be something it was not.


    "I''m sorry, we don''t have anything more useful for you," Jaol continued. "We''ll try to find out more after you enter, but there might be interference."


    "It''s okay. We''ll manage," Zac said.


    The pods were equipped with more powerful scanners than the Array Disks they''d brought. However, they relied on the Yphelion''s Main Arrays to interpret most of the data. Without a proper scout like Jaol to join the mission, the arrays were essentially big recorders.


    The groans of corrupting winds calmed as they approached the aberration. Or rather, it approached them while the Yphelion added more distance��the Trove moved far faster than their pods could. A gossamer of twisted memories reced the storm''s roar, windows into a long-lost world. Zac entered a Void State while his subordinates activated various defenses.


    It didn''t change anything. He kept seeing snippets of battles intermixed with jarring patterns and colors.


    "It''s really an illusory trove. It''s all risk, no reward," Kator spat with annoyance. "We''ll be lucky if we manage to take out a single item."


    "The normal Troves usually aren''t much better," Zac muttered as the vessels pierced the pupil''s swirling darkness. "Get ready; anything can wait on the other side."


    Space rippled, and a powerful force rocked the vessel soon after.


    "We''re under attack!" Ogras alerted before turning into a streak of shadows.


    The hatch had already opened, and Zac shot out with his weapon in hand. He was greeted by a scene that was both foreign and familiar. An all-out war raged all around them, seemingly over a domed building in the distance. The soldiers numbered in the millions and were tearing into each other with a ferocity that had tipped over into insanity.


    The bloody conflict was between cultivators donning blue-crested robes��soldiers of the Limitless Empire��and an unfamiliar faction who seemed equally matched. They appeared indifferent to the sudden appearance of a third party, and the attack on their vessel appeared to be incidental damage from a sh between two Late-stage Hegemons far in the distance.


    However, their presence had been noticed in the most unsettling way. Every single soldier was looking straight at Zac as they fought against their enemies. Some even had their heads turned 180 degrees like they had snapped their necks to maintain eye contact. Zac couldn''t help but shudder at the unnatural attention, especially upon realizing the millions of eyes were identical to therger one they''d just entered.


    There was a profound wrongness with the whole situation beyond the unnatural stares. The topography was constantly shifting, and the soldiers were constantly reced. An imperial soldier could be a barbaric fighter drabbed in furs the next second, like multiple battles and memories had been mashed together without care for continuity.


    Zac felt he was in a waking dream, finding something amiss any time he focused on a detail. It was drastically different than most illusions, which were designed to pull you in by perfectly mimicking reality while suppressing any attempts to question it. Even then, Zac saw no weakness to exploit. The illusory realm may as well be real, relying on snippets of Dao far above what their group possessed.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Thankfully, the wee stopped at unnerving attention, giving Zac the opportunity to gauge the situation properly. They had less than half an hour to deal with the illusory realm, so if they rushed in blindly they risked ruining their only chance at aplishing their mission.


    There was no sign of the entrance nor the other vessel. Every squad member carried a life-signal ring, though, confirming the other squad was fine. They were likely trapped in anotheryer of the illusion, and Zac trusted them to fend for themselves. Having Janos on their squad, they were even better equipped to deal with the situation.


    The only thing that seemed immune to the constant recement was the domed building in the distance, and it was also the direction the Array Disks pointed.


    "The core is in the dome!" Zac said.


    Focusing on the building was all it took to be dragged into the war. The illusion shifted, and Zac suddenly found himself facing an insane Early D-grade Imperial Soldier while the others were matched against simr foes. A burst of brutal swings dismembered the warrior in no time, only for him to be reced by another one before Zac could finish the attack.


    There was no Kill Energy reward, even if it felt like a real sh. The endless stream of warriors didn''t pose a threat, but Zac soon noticed something odd. The others were ripping apart enemies one after another, just like him��except Carl. He remained unosted as he kept watch of the surroundings, firing arrows at anything approaching their vessel.


    Carl possessed abilities and equipment that lessened his presence, but Zac could tell there was more to it than that. Zac had an idea and put the dome out of sight and mind as he destroyed the next warrior. This time, there was none to take her ce.


    "Ignore the dome!" Zac said, swearing with annoyance when his words dragged him back into battle.


    The others quickly caught on, turning their group into spectators again. Over the next minute, they tried various methods, hoping to save time on their approach to the core. It was impossible. Anything they attempted conjured new enemies. Using skills also proved troublesome as channeling energy seemed to attract more attention.


    "We can''t sit around here," Kator said.


    "Emily and Ra''Klid, guard the vessel. Ignore the thing as best as you can. The rest of us are breaking through," Zac said.


    Emily nodded and unleashed a flourish of tomahawks while a protective totem appeared above the pod. Her buffs would eventually run out of energy without reapplication, but they''dst at least fifteen minutes��at which point they needed to have wrapped things up anyhow.


    Zac rushed forth, ignoring the confusing surroundings. The only thing that mattered was the dome and the enemies that barred his path. Chains rattled as they wound around the staring warriors with crushing force, tearing them apart or simply hurling them out of the way. He''d be the Underworld''s apostle, where each swing brought an end to their suffering. Rightful conclusion had been denied these lingering wills for too long.


    The Defiant War churned through his body, imparting him with seemingly inexhaustible energy. The war around him stimted his Earthly Dao, allowing Zac to bring out more of its untapped power. Meanwhile, the evolved Pale Seal far better epassed the concept of finality now that his Dao contained a first set of truths rted to Oblivion.


    Zac could tell that each kill exhausted the illusory realm by a small degree by destroying the thoughts they had sprung from. However, most were retained and repurposed. He''d have to fight for weeks topletely exhaust such arge umtion, and that was provided the illusory world didn''t draw nourishment from the outside.


    The idea of being steeped in battle for days on end wasn''t without its allure. It would be the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with his recent gains. Every swing was a revtion, allowing Zac to discover a new aspect of his upgraded Daos.


    Just being based on greater Daos allowed his Inexorable Stance to showcase greater might than ever before. And yet, Zac felt dissatisfied when <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> wove an intricate dance to open a path to the dome. He felt he wasn''t utilizing his Daos to their utmost anymore. Part of it could be exined byck of experience, but there was also a more fundamental issue at y.


    His technique wasn''t able to utilize the added profundity of an Earthly Dao, nor did it properly incorporate Creation and Oblivion. Thetter was something that could be fixed with slight adjustments. The former required moreprehensive overhauls.


    A technique didn''t need to have reached Late Integration to use Earthly Daos. For instance, Kator had only reached Middle Integration, and his ferocious advance through the sea of warriors indicated he was still trapped at this stage. The problem was that Zac had created his stances before understanding what an Earthly Dao meant.


    Zac had given his stances room to grow since his path had beenid out for years, but the jump to Earthly Daos was beyond his ability to anticipate or incorporate before he wielded one. It was like asking a fish to describe the sky. He''d expected there to be a problem, though not to this degree. He''d have to deal with it before facing a real threat, whether that was through an upgrade to Late Integration or expanding his current stance.


    Thankfully, the opponents weren''t enough to cause any real problems, even when they grew stronger as they drew closer to the domed building. It looked like Middle D-grade would be the limit, even if Monarchs were duking it out in the sky. They were just hollow illusions with nothing but the form to show. Otherwise, the Trove''s energy signature would have been far stronger.


    They reached the stone dome in just five minutes, at which point shutting out the surroundings was no longer enough to stop the harassment. Zac was about to ask Ogras and Carl to look for a path inside when he felt a powerful pull. Zac could resist it with his bloodline but opted not to when seeing the others disappear.


    Zac looked around the spherical building, noting that the dense scripts on the ceiling were nothing but gibberish. The dome appeared to have been a powerful War Array, but whatever conjured this vision didn''t remember the details. That probably exined why the whole thing was almost empty except for a pulsating swirl of spatial resentment in the middle.


    The core.


    The lonely silence inside the chamber was a stark contrast to the deranged war outside. Only one enemy was waiting for them, standing between them and their target. The haggard man was covered in blood after having wed his eyes out. Guttural sounds escape his mouth. There was the asional word or phrase between the grunts and growls, but it was impossible to glean anything from the ravings.


    The man wasn''t fluctuating between different appearances, making him feel more real than the warriors they''d fought. It had to be a wisp of the Trove''s main consciousness. The entity possessed terrifying energies despite his wretched state, eclipsing even Kator''s when he fought the golem monk. They would have been in for a tough fight if the madman hadn''t beenpletely oblivious to his surroundings.


    No one did anything to attract his attention, restraining their auras as much as possible. Carl slightly shook his head when Zac looked at him. The sniper wasn''t confident in destroying the core with a ranged attack, nor did Kator step up to the te. It wasn''tziness or intentionally making trouble, though the Reaver was likely using the opportunity to get a better look at Zac''s abilities.


    The issue was the dense swirl of resentment surrounding the core. There was no telling how a skill would react when entering its domain, except it would probably awaken its guardian. It was also unclear whether the core was a tangible object or susceptible to attacks.


    Zac cracked his neck and got ready. There was only one way to find out, and it was clear he was the best suited to the job since he had his bloodline in case brute force didn''t work. A dense shroud of shadows hid his presence, courtesy of Ogras. Zac was about to sneak forward when he felt a looming presence behind him.


    "Wai-" Zac wheezed, but his word of caution fell on deaf ears.


    Kator''s nged mace crashed into his back,unching him forward like a Temporally elerated cannon. The Reaver used the same method as before, except he applied even more force now that his attributes weren''t sealed. Things had already reached this point, so Zac turned into an abyssal streak to increase his speed further.


    He shot past the eyeless guardian at breakneck speed. Thetter still didn''t react, though the whole chamber shook when two pirs of force passed by him to his sides. It was Carl and Ograsunching powerful ranged skills that dug into the curtain of protective resentment just before Zac arrived.


    The guardian finally stirred, releasing a screeching wail that held a thousand voices and destroyed Carl''s attack with a swipe. It was like the skill had be an illusion and winked out before doing any real harm.


    The eye-less guardian didn''t see the same level of sess when dealing with Ogras'' attack. It tore a huge hole in the curtain, giving Zac almost free ess to the core. Zac appeared in a puff of darkness, shrouding the surroundings in Abyssal Darkness. A swing holding the limit of Zac''s path tore into the core.


    Zac''s n to follow up with a second swing proved unnecessary. The core shattered, unleashing a storm of resentment. Kator''s temporal domain instantly crumbled and was reced by a sphere of utter nothingness. Torrents of Spatial Energy and resentment tried to pull him under. Thebination of [Void Zone] and [Profane Exponents] proved enough to tide over the sudden burst.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Looking around, Zac realized the chamber was gone, as was the whole illusory world. He was floating in outer space, with no sign of the eyeless guardian or the Trove. The others were spread out in the area, with the second squad just a mile away. The pods were also fine, barring some minor damage.


    Kator was just a few dozen meters away, while Ogras and Carl had backed away to avoid the brunt of the attack.


    "Don''t you have any better ways to apply your Temporal Domain?" Zac red.


    "I do, but where''s the fun in that?" Katorughed as he looked around. "I guess that''s it? Not bad for a first run."


    "Not bad, huh?" Zac sighed as he flew toward the pod.


    Detonating the Trove had caused a shockwave of resentment that was pushing into therger storms around them. He could already feel the winds intensifying. Soon enough, the umtions would reach critical levels and form new aberrations. There was no guarantee the next one would only be at the eye''s level, so they would need to be long gone before then.


    It would be a long couple of months.

 Chapter 1231: Four to Six

    Chapter 1231: Four to Six


    An elerated step to the side avoided Zac''s slicing chop. His attack pursued without giving pause, but the muchrger reaver was as slippery as an eel. He dodged again, disrupting Zac''s tempo with a lightning-quick jab before resuming his oppressive siege. The heaviness of Kator''s punches belied their speed, and their rhythmic thuds couldn''t be fully absorbed by the reinforced steel walls.


    Joanna followed every movement and every transformation of Dao from the sidelines, even if she knew it was impossible for her to follow in their footsteps. Her understanding of Dao and how it influenced reality was toocking to achieve true integration.


    If it had been before, she would have been overwhelmed by a sense of inadequacy by the beautiful yet deadly dance before her. Today, she only felt pride over Zac''s rapid progress. It was like a new person stepped into the sparring chamber every morning. It still wasn''t quite enough to create a perfect counterbnce against Kator''s refined technique, which clearly had borrowed much from a powerful Heritage. At least the jeering taunts had been reced by focused silence.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Besides, she had no reason to mourn the loss of something she never had now that she''d found a road of her own. Observing the daily spars was a ceaseless font of inspiration to her <strong>[Eight Hells Suppression]</strong>, theprehensive set of techniques imparted by her master. She''d opened the first gate of Hell through ughter on the battlefield and was enlightened to the second with the help of Rava.


    Joanna could tell the Eternal Servant hoped Indra Eyler''s purpose and allegiances would rub off on her. Joanna wasn''t against the idea of helping Rava to reciprocate her grace, but it would depend on the path Zac chose. The Limitless Empire and its grand design meant nothing to Joanna, who''d chosen to live and die with the Atwood Empire.


    "Time!" Joanna said.


    The battle continued, though a sharper song reced the meaty thuds. It would take a casual observer a few moments to realize the two had taken out practice weapons. Their auras and movements had made it feel as though they''d been fighting with weapons all along. Zac continued his relentless, suffocating advance, refusing to be trapped in Kator''s restricting quagmire.


    Every swing was a sermon on the Dao of Conflict, every feint and counter fundamental truth that could be utilized byrge armies as well as individual champions. It had a natural flow that the brutal and practical killing techniques of <strong>[Eight Hells Suppression]</strong> couldn''t mimic. Even then, it was impossible to say which approach woulde out on top if the fighters were equally matched.


    Generalizedbat systems couldn''t keep up with a true Dao Technique. Even elites following peak-quality Heritages would be one or two minor grades behind. Indra Eyler, whose affinity with the Dao was simrly unimpressive as hers, hade as close as humanly possible to breaking that established truth when creating <strong>[Eight Hells Suppression]</strong>.<strong></strong>Killing Intent, Faith, and umted will of ughter reced the integration of Dao. Even while only grasping the first two gates, Joanna could match an average Integration stage infighter. More importantly, the potential was nigh-infinite. The <strong>[Eight Hells Suppression]</strong> could suppress the Dao and pierce the Terminus so long as you survived until the end.


    Joanna could veritably see the road before her widen inch by inch as she and her emperor advanced. She had to hold back the instinctual urge to join him in battle and take down this unwee passenger. She prayed she''d be there when the false truce crumbled and that she''d have advanced enough to push the scales in their favor.


    The sparring session stopped after thebatants had cycled through the full extent of their stances. If Joanna had to grade the match, she''d give Zac four to the skeleton''s six. At this pace, they''d fight evenly in two weeks, though Joanna suspected Kator was hiding his true strength.


    ording to Catheya, the reaver had already been at Middle Integration when he arrived in Zecia. Shouldn''t he have made some progress during years of warfare? Then again, wasn''t it the same with Zac?


    "Not bad, but you need more than that to topple this tower," Katorughed, looking at the swirls of utter darkness around Zac. "You''re walking a dangerous path, rejecting your origin."


    "All roads that can reach the peak are lined with death and danger," Zac countered, and Joanna nodded in agreement.


    "Granted, but you''re muddying the waters, taking an unnatural direction. Why fumble in the darkness when the road has been paved and lit up for you?"


    Zac nced at the reaver before turning toward the exit.


    "Because that road wasn''t meant for me."


    The door opened, and Zac walked out, leaving Kator and his audience. The silence lingered a few seconds before Kator scoffed.


    "They all strut around arrogantly until they smash right into a wall," Kator scoffed. "So, who is it this time? It''s you again, isn''t it? My bones have been itching from your murderous stare for a while now."


    Joanna nced at Kruta and Ogras, who both shrugged with helpless smiles. It was Kator who''d demanded sparring partners, but there was nock of willing participants after the first couple of days. It wasn''t easy to find an opponent this skilled. The only one who could truly measure up was Zac, and he had too many things on his te.


    "This is our fifth duel," Joanna said as Killing Intent leaked from her body, ushered by her desire to keep pace with her lord. This time, I''ll leave a mark on those bones of yours."


    "How? Have you been possessed by one of the spirits wandering outside?" Katorughed as he conjured four sigils made from Killing Intent to block Joanna''s momentum. "Very well, show me what you got."


    ------------


    A loud eruption added another tremor to the constant shakes of traversing the Imperial Graveyard. Zac could even feel the billowing Killing Intent seeping through the door. As expected, it was Joanna who had stepped up again. She''d taken any chance she could get to throw herself against Kator.


    So far, Joanna hadn''t managed tond a single hit against the reaver despite disying more of her strength than the others who pit themselves against Kator''s technique. This did nothing to temper her determination. Each loss was a lesson and further fuel to the zing fire of her desire for power. Zac would normally have stayed to watch while going over his session, but he was already runningte.


    "Oh, sorry," Zac said, narrowly avoiding walking into Janos, who was sitting outside. "Keep up the good work."


    The illusionist gave no indication he''d heard him. Janos appeared lost in a daydream, nkly staring at the door leading to the sparring hall. In fact, the demon almost felt like a figment of Zac''s imagination, and Zac had to strain to remember the encounter as he turned away.


    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    Janos''s path was making him increasingly distant. Theplex illusory world he''d crafted in his mind was extraordinarily powerful, but it was a double-edged sword. It could act as a basis for almost any of his skills, giving an effect simr to adding the weight of a Monarch''s Inner World. The effect wasn''t as strong as the real thing, but it was still powerful enough that it could take Zac a second or two to realize he''d been dragged into an illusion.


    The downside was that the power came from Janos believing the illusion to be real. He''d willingly relinquished his grip on reality by trapping part of his consciousness in his own illusion. If Janos made a single mistake, he risked bing a prisoner of his own making. It was a danger more than a few illusionists had fallen victim to. Reality became increasingly drab and disappointingpared to the scenarios they crafted with their Dao.��


    Zac sent out a message through themunicator as he walked away. The sounds of intense battle faded, but Kator''s words still rang in his ears. It wasn''t the first time Kator had broached the subject of him following in Be''Zi''s footsteps to pursue Oblivion. Even if he wasn''t walking a path of purity as she did, he was still aiming for a Dao that diverged from the Dao of Death of the Abyss.


    It was a rejection of the conventional path that both the ns of the Abyssal Shores and the Undead Empire pursued. Whether Tavza or Catheya, their understanding of Death was heavily influenced by the Abyssal Lake, as were the profound impartments he got in the Abyssal Pond. This was the lit-up path Kator mentioned. Relying more on the Abyss would lessen his burden, where cultivating his Bloodline meant cultivating his Dao.


    In contrast, fusing Oblivion and Death into one Dao would create a mismatch between his Eoz constitution and his path. Giving up on his Draugr''s racial affinity to Abyssal Death didn''t matter since he couldn''t use it anyhow. Still, it could potentially cause disharmony to his energy flow, like skills with lowpatibility with one''s pathways.


    Zac wasn''t overly worried. He doubted he''d face any noticeable issues until advancing beyond Earthly Daos, which meant there was a lot of time to prepare. Bloodlines represented a path that had been perfected enough to be passed on to future generations. That didn''t mean you had to follow it blindly. If anything, Eoz hoped for change, where his descendants would lessen their dependence on the Abyssal Lake.


    If your Bloodline didn''t suit your path, then you''d change it to one that did. In fact, one didn''t need to do anything. The more powerful your Daos grew, the greater effect they would have on your body. The changes he''d gone through after forming his Earthly Dao of Defiant War were just the beginning. Of course, an Earthly Dao was probably not enough in his case.


    The stronger the Bloodline you carried, the harder it would be to reform. Be''Zi had proven it was possible to change the nature of a Draugr bloodline, though she only possessed the Branch of Zi.


    The wheels were already in motion. Zac nced at the Splinter of Oblivion, continuing its slow circuit around his heart without a hint of the malice of old. Simrly, a shard was set on a matching orbit in his human body. This set of remnants was the only one that wasn''t ced inside his quantum spaces, with thest four providing fuel for his Cosmic Core.


    The engravings covering the remnants were starkly different from those in his soul. They weren''t just designed to filter and release. They also drew Vigor from his blood and Ichor, mixing it all up. The fusion wasn''t stable because Zac hadn''t refined the arrays yet. It didn''t really matter, as the energy would go through a second round of refinement before it could destabilize.


    Passive energy infusion was the direction Zac had chosen for all ten remnants. Four strengthened his soul, two his bloodlines, and thest four worked on his core. Thetter doubled as batteries for his skills, though any of the remnants could fill that role in a pinch.


    The engraved remnants couldn''t provide as many benefits as practicing his tempering manuals or a real cultivator''s meditation. It lessened the gap, at least, providing constant progress even when he was too busy to seclude himself. The Remnants would naturally assist with his body tempering and the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>even better than before.


    Zac chose this path over the many other ideas posted in the Chaos Library for two reasons. His bodies and soul would automatically adapt to the change in his Daos over time, but the transformation would be slow and unable to match his cultivation pace. Creation and Oblivion Treasures were incredibly rare, which meant the Remnants were his best method of elerating the process.


    The setup also helped him rush toward his next set of Earthly Daos. Thanks to the Atavism, Zac had all the raw materials for the upgrade. He''d already been on the precipice of upgrading his Daos, so most of the insights he''d stolen from the Grand Tapestries and gleaned from the Impartments were left for his Earthly Daos.


    However, he hadn''t figured out the ''blueprint'' for his next two Earthly Daos, how to fuse Creation with Life into Evolution and Death and Oblivion into Inexorability. Having Creation and Oblivion blend with every aspect of his cultivation system, from soul to cells, gave him a lot of insight into the matter.


    The Heart Remnants were currently turned off, though they were still drawing energy from the other dimensions. The energy they released was meant to be taken by <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> and refined into an energy tailormade for his constitutions. The Hidden Node was still upied with the Tribtion Lightning from five days ago, so he hadn''t been able to test it out.


    Zac didn''t actually need to use the Hidden Node. He could take the energy as is, but he''d have to refine it himself with the <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong> and one of the Draugr Bloodline Methods. He didn''t have time for that, and he needed to stockpile some Creation and Oblivion Energy for his ultimate attacks anyway.


    He expected the refined lightning to appear any moment now, and he''d already prepared for the release by snacking on Leveling Pills and Soul Strengthening Pills until he was filled with Pill Toxins. He was already level 199, approaching the limits of Middle Hegemony.


    Zac had prepared everything necessary for a breakthrough on the go, though he was still leery about facing that terrifying tribtion in such an unstable environment. As things were going, he might not have much of a choice. At least he had the Yphelion''s upgraded Cultivation Chamber to help.


    Only the blueprint for his Late D-grade core still eluded him. He needed all three Earthly Daos and some of Ultom''s rity to fit everything together. The former was well on the way, and the beacon''s signal was growing stronger by the day.


    The only headache was Kator. He''d yed nice since their initial exchange. Nevertheless, Zac felt the odds of a smooth mission worsening by the day, and not just because of the bomb still nted aboard the ship. He didn''t need the <strong>[Lucky Beads] </strong>to feel fate''s rising tide and conspiraciesing to fruition. The graveyard was a pot about to boil over.


    Zac hoped Gu had some good news. He navigated a series of rarely used corridors, moving further and further from the quarters andmon areas. Eventually, he reached a secluded room in one of the catamaran''s hulls.


    "It''s finished?" Zac asked as he stepped inside.


    "As much as is possible while hiding our actions from the skeleton''s gaze," Gu said. "I''m certain he has some method to observe the outside, so it''s impossible to perform certain stress tests. Some of our findings are strictly theoretical, though they shouldn''t be far from reality."


    Zac nodded in understanding. He''d asked Gu to give the Yphelion a full rundown while scanning for trackers or any other hidden threats since the ownership connection only provided so much information. The better they understood the ship, the safer they would be. And if they could keep some features from Kator, all the better.


    Of course, their first days of travel indicated they might not be able to hide any lifelines for long. Since the eye, they''d been forced to deal with or escape four more anomalies, far surpassing what they expected from their intelligence.


    They weren''t particrly targeted or unlucky, either. If anything, the Yphelion employed certain cloaking arrays that lessened the ambient resentment''s ire. The problem was that the whole region acted like they''d kicked up a ho''s nest, causing the number of anomalies to skyrocket. It was like eons of stockpiled madness were rising to the surface.


    "What''s the verdict?"


    "In a word��amazing," Gu said. "As we assumed, the Yphelion is a true Peak D-grade Cosmic Vessel now, and one with specs surpassing anything you''d see on the frontier. It even exceeds my projections of a standard Iliex version by at least 30% in all measurements."


    "Then shouldn''t we be moving even faster?" Zac said with confusion.


    "I think it''s because we''re too weak. We''re deemed incapable of using the ship to its full potential, so we''re throttled at around half of our maximum speed. We''re locked out of some new systems entirely," Gu said with a grimace.


    "New systems?" Zac said, leaning forward with interest.


    "You were right," Gu said with excitement. "We''ve confirmed it. The System actually turned the Yphelion into a Life-Death-Space Vessel. You might have the frontier''s only Cosmic Vessel not solely reliant on the Dao of Space."

 Chapter 1232: True Attunement

    Chapter 1232: True Attunement


    Zac first noticed that the Yphelion''s upgraded integration of Life and Death had gone much further than expected inside his cultivation chamber. It had triggered a hunch, but he didn''t even get the chance to investigate before Gu approached him with the same idea. He''d been pouring over the Yphelion''s schematics and blueprints when the eye appeared, and he''d sessfully seized the final seal for himself.


    Having the Yphelion in the back of his mind while awash with Ultom''s rity had triggered a notion there was something different about the ship beyond the obvious. Confirming the hunch had proven surprisingly hard to confirm, but it looked like Gu had finally uncovered the secrets.


    The reborn Yphelion was actually an attuned Cosmic Vessel.


    Gu was probably right about its rarity if what Karunthel said about such crafts was true. Relying on other Daos than the Dao of Space to create a Cosmic Vessel was incredibly difficult. Just creating normal Cosmic Vessels was a rare skillset, which was why Zac had be such a hotmodity with his shipyard.


    An Attuned Vessel was out of the question. It required far greater skill and deeper understanding, to the point it was impossible to find on the frontier. Even if a craftsman capable of such a feat appeared, he wouldn''t be able to gather the necessary materials. An Attuned Vessel was hundreds of times more expensive than a normal Cosmic Vessel of the same grade.


    They were rare even in the Multiverse Hearnds, which was no surprise considering the awful price-to-performance ratio. The only way they''d encounter one on the frontier was if the outsiders had brought it.


    "It''s really an attuned ship," Zac sighed with amazement, feeling like he''d won the jackpot. "We''re traveling using the Daos of Life and Death now?"


    Attuned Vessels did have certain advantages that could warrant the usurious price tag. For one, they weren''t Spatial Treasures, so they could be stowed in a Spatial Ring without needing to turn off the main arrays. Zac wasn''t sure if that was the case with the Yphelion, though, since it appeared to be a hybrid vessel.


    They were also extremely suitable for exploring inhospitable regions, providing the attunement matched. A fire-attuned ship could freely travel and possibly draw power from fiery environments that would burn normal vessels to a crisp. The aspect that was most important for Zac was that they weren''t as susceptible to spatial turbulence as a normal Cosmic Vessel.N?v(el)B\\jnnThe whole Imperial Graveyard was like abyrinth because of the spatial instability and the dimensions being all twisted in a knot. Only a few pathways were safe, and shifting dimension was only possible at certain spots. They might be able to cut straight through the chaos by utilizing Yphelion''s other elements to find an alternative route.


    It could save them a huge amount of time, and it would make traveling through the Eternal Storm far more convenient.


    "Well, no. Those systems arepletely inert. They aren''t even connected to the main propulsion system," Gu said, dashing Zac''s hopes.


    "Can you turn them on?" Zac asked, unwilling to give up.


    "I''ve gotten pretty good at tampering with arrays. I think I can bypass the restrictions and activate it," Gu said. "The problem is, I''m not exactly sure what these new modules do or how to operate them."


    "If they''re not connected and their function is uncertain, how do you even know this is a real attuned vessel?" Zac said helplessly. "It might just be a weapon."


    "No, it''s propulsion; I''m sure of that much, at least," Gu said and took out two Array Disks. "You might have better luck figuring it out."


    Zac scanned the disks, and his eyes zed over from the incrediblyplex patterns. He couldn''t make heads or tails of their purpose. He focused on the disk copying a Death-attuned system, almost feeling as though it was something else that was masquerading as the Dao of Death. More likely, it was apletely different branch than the one Zac followed.


    The Peak of Chaos had pitifully few pure Daos to its name. Especiallypared to Peaks such as Conflict and the Grand Tapestry, both of which had thousands. Even the morepact Peak of Continuum had over a dozen. The Daos Time and Space were the equivalent of Creation and Oblivion, each with a handful of subordinate Daos.


    The seventeen Dao Peaks didn''t cover an equal domain of the Heavens, but Chaos wouldn''t be called a peak without holding significant sway. Part of it was exined with the ''three produces all things,'' how Life and Death branched toward all other peaks to form mixed-meaning Daos. Even on their own, the Daos of Life and Death were among the broader Daos, holding arger number of interpretations than most.


    However, Zac felt he should have understood the patterns on the Array Disk if the arrays simply held a different aspect of his Daos. Something else had to be mixed in with enough skill that Zac couldn''t tell where the Daos of Life and Death ended, and the other Dao began. Suspecting that it was the Dao of Space didn''t help, at least not without an aura to observe. That was impossible since the array disk was just a copy of a muchrger system.


    "Uh, well. It''s Life and Death, alright," Zac coughed, slightly embarrassed he couldn''t provide any useful insights. "The only thing I can intuit is that it should drain a huge amount of energy. I don''t think it can be used continuously."


    "That makes sense since the Yphelion retains the old propulsion system," Gu said. "Rather than fusing the two concepts, it might be more of an overdrive for escape or pushing through dangerous regions."


    "How do we unlock it?"


    "I think this might be connected to you," Gu said. "Perhaps if you advance to Late or Peak Hegemony? Or maybe your Daos need to reach a certain stage."


    "Your guess is as good as any. Prepare a bypass, just in case. Better to roll the dice than ept death if we find ourselves with our backs against the wall," Zac said.


    "I''m on it. Who knows? The Main Array might unlock the control features or enter auto-pilot if the hidden modules have been activated," Gu said, clearly giddy at the prospect of experimenting.


    "Be careful. On that subject, what about the bomb?"


    "That''s��" Gu sighed. "It''s a tricky one. I have a few ideas, but none I''d dare bet my life on. I have confirmed it''s equipped with a Scanning Array. The skeleton is able to observe any changes to its surroundings. It might be connected to a trigger. Draining the bomb of energy, as you mentioned, won''t work. It''ll only unleash the payload inside."


    Zac had already nned out a few contingencies depending on how things yed out. None were viable unless they also figured out how to defuse Kator''s safeguard. Zac was unwilling to sacrifice the Yphelion to get rid of the reaver, and confirming that the ship had be an Attuned Vessel only made him more reluctant.


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    The more they looked into Kator''s safeguard, the more obvious it became that Kator had done his homework based on the spar where Zac used <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. If they were dealing with a deadly array, Zac could have nullified it and stowed the bomb in a Spatial Ring. The sealed spatial rift inside the device made that n impossible, and there was no way he could exhaust it with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>.


    "Don''t rush, and don''t get discovered," Zac sighed. "We still have time."


    Zac spent the next twenty minutes going through the Yphelion''s exact specifications. The ship hadn''t gained any new features except the two unidentified modules, one each for Life and Death. The Yphelion wasn''t like Zac, able to fuse Life and Death with the help of the Void. However, the two modules seemed to have a connection. Whether that meant they should be used together was difficult to tell.


    They also went over Gu''s ideas to deal with the bomb, where Zac threw the ns against Esmeralda to see what stuck. Herments provided Gu with new ideas to pursue, and he left with an excited gleam in his eyes.


    The meeting was over just in time. Zac had to rush back to his quarters after a deep thud shook his chest. Zac quickly formed a barrier around the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Esmeralda''s blocker hadn''t been customized for the seal yet, so he couldn''t actually do anything to the link. The barrier was intended to keep the lightning away since Zac was afraid it would damage the connection and trigger a bacsh.


    The cleansing storm swept through his body, burrowing into the depths of his cells and Soul Aperture to purify the toxins along with a surprising amount of hidden sequ. Much of the impurities seemed to stem from the raw energy baths he''d used to elerate his leveling speed. It was a shame the link couldn''t transfer Pill Toxins. Zac wouldn''t have minded gunking up Kator before purifying himself.


    Zac was well acquainted with the process by now, and the tribtion for his first Earthly Dao had been quite gentle. The only real problem was the streaks of annihtion hidden inside the bolts, but <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>hadn''t eaten any of those. Zac expected that he''d face harsher punishment with his next Earthly Daos, though.


    After all, his Dao of Conflict was included in the Heavenly Path, the System''s range of incorporated Daos. The only reason he had to face the tribtion was that his other two Daos made his Dao of Conflict guilty by association. Zac stayed in his chamber after wrapping up the purification.


    His human half emerged through a spatial ripple, taking the chance to stretch his legs and practice his techniques. Zac observed himself from the sidelines as he cycled through a series of swings. They followed the same pattern as his previous spar, except he countered Kator''s advance with the Evolutionary Stance. Instead of suffocating the temporal quagmire with Inexorable Death, he fought to sweep it away with the winds of change of his Evolutionary Stance.


    It eventually became too disorienting to observe himself while practicing his technique, so his Draugr half closed his eyes and sealed his Soul Sense. Only his Evolutionary Path was left in the chamber. He flitted back and forth among the crystals, reliving the experience to find the points of improvement. Eventually, he reached the endpoint of the sparring session, but Zac kept moving.


    The illusory mountain in his soul descended, prompting a subtle transformation to his aura. The Void mixed with Life and Conflict as he activated his bloodline talent. Initially, the only difference was that Zac''s aura became harder to discern. It would provide a small advantage in a heated battle where each side predicted their opponent''s movements by observing their spiritual fluctuations.


    Then, <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong> shuddered and released a stream of Void Death from storage. It fused with the Void Energy spread through his body, giving it the required vor. There was no need to push or force things at that stage. Divine Energy and Conflict-attuned Cosmic Energy fused with Void Death like they were long-lost siblings.


    Zac disappeared, unleashing another set of swings. The integration of Void felt far more natural than what he used against Kator during their first duel. Zac kept going for half an hour, at which point he released his other body''s senses mid-swing. He continued for another four seconds before the doubled vantages made him lose the integrated state. The spirituality crumbled, bing ugly and mundane.


    Still nothing. Zac grunted in annoyance as he looked down at <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong>. He couldn''t figure out what was going on.


    Refining the Void-imbued version of his techniques was a top priority now that he had a steady source of Void Death and Void Life. The element of surprise it brought to any in-fight eclipsed even <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. He''d tried it against Ogras and Joanna over the past days. The Void-imbued strikes had taken thempletely by surprise, and they had floundered longer than Kator while trying to adapt.


    So far, they hadn''t managed to find a proper counter. Ogras described the experience as being forced to ignore every instinct that kept him alive, and Joanna''s only way to keep going was to fight reactively and give up any attempts at attacking. Itpletely shed with her fiercebat style, so it wasn''t much different than losing.


    Only, Zac couldn''t see what made the Void-imbued swings so special. It was like he had a blind spot, where the ''impossible'' attacks looked no different than his normal Dao-imbued techniques. He''d hoped to observe himself as a third party to get a better sense of the Voids of Life and Death and how they fit with his technique.


    That n was a wash, and his attempts to record himself didn''t work either. It was like the Void couldn''t be captured. Other observers could tell something odd was going on, but it was impossible for hispanions to understand or put to words. The Void being so difficult to dissect wasn''t the end of the world. He could still progress andprehend by feeling the changes in his body, and the difficulties in pinpointing what he was doing would help keep his secrets protected.


    Zac switched to practicing the Inexorable Stance, once more going through the spar while adding the Void of Life. He only got halfway through when hismunicator buzzed with a high-priority message. Zac sighed with defeat and stopped. His annoyance disappeared when he realized it wasn''t another anomaly to deal with.


    Any thoughts of practice were thrown into the back of his mind. His human body returned to the Shrine of Kanba, and he disappeared, even using <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> to reach the ward as fast as humanly possible. Anticipation and fear went hand in hand as Zac stepped inside, finding Vri sitting up in her bed.


    "You''re awake!" Zac said as he rushed to her side.


    Vri had remained stable but unconscious since he extracted her from the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. Seeing her sitting upright without any signs of madness in her eyes was a huge weight off his shoulders, partly alleviating the intense guilt he''d felt for years. However, the smile on Zac''s face grew strained as he saw the helpless look in Vri''s eyes.


    "Could you give us a moment?" Zac said to the Revenant doctor staying by the side.


    "Of course."


    Zac set up a series of barriers and sealed the ward before speaking again.


    "What''s wrong? Are you okay?"


    "I''m sorry. It looks like I overestimated myself and fell to temptation."


    "Temptation?" Zac frowned. "I''m sure the lightning thoroughly purified you."


    "It did. Unfortunately, I partook in Jch''s forbidden fruit long before that," Vri said, gently smiling upon seeing the fury and guilt on Zac''s face. "I''m the only one to me. I knew I shouldn''t have practiced it, but I began coveting power. I studied it over and over, thinking I''d removed all the traps. It was all a ruse to trick me into bing his disciple."


    "Jch? I''m sorry. If I only was faster��"


    "No," Vri said. "This was a tribtion I had to face if I wanted to perfect my path. His words and gifts held sinister intent, but he might be the only one in possession of theplete version of my heritage. Only, the price is proving steeper than I expected."


    "Whatever happened, we''ll deal with it together," Zac said as he sat down next to her. "At least the thing''s dead and buried."


    "Dead? No." Vri shook her head. "He knew he was being led toward a trap, so he cut off his tail to throw off the pursuit. With the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell] </strong>gone, he''s on borrowed time."


    Zac connected the strings. "He''s forcing you to solve his problem."


    "There''s a treasure rted to the origin of my inheritance inside my trial. It should be in the Anima Court, but he''s not sure. It''ll allow him to gain recognition from our Heavens and stop its pursuit," Vri exined. "I''m hoping it can solve my predicament too."


    It was clear Vri didn''t hold much hope for that solution. The Entity wouldn''t be stupid enough to coerce Vri with a threat that could be solved with the item she was sent to fetch. She''d have to trade the treasure for the antidote. The other option was to reject the Entity at the cost of her life.


    "We''ll add it to the list," Zac smiled. "We''re already nning on looting one outer court, so what''s another?"

 Chapter 1233: Realmsinger

    Chapter 1233: Realmsinger


    The entity seemed confident that the treasure could act like an imperial pardon, saving him from Heaven''s pursuit. No ordinary treasure could aplish that, so it was likely a supreme item like the one the Primo was forced to leave behind. And that wasn''t even covering the dangers of the courts themselves. There was no way they would be empty pces with the relics on open disy.


    There was no such thing as a free lunch, and that was especially true for era-defining treasures. But so what? Zac wouldn''t abandon Vri again after letting her face the evil entity on her own for years. He''d turn the whole trial upside-down if he had to, let alone raid another court.


    "The troublesome ones should be focused on the main court," Zac said with a confident smile, not wanting to worry Vri. "It should be fine if we can meet up."


    The promation wasn''t blind hubris after forming his first Earthly Dao. Zac was in the middle of his final burst of rapid progress, harvesting the fruits of years of hard work. He should have evolved his Daos of Life and Death before reaching the Foreign Gods while getting another boost from the mebearer seal. After reaching that point, Zac was confident in dealing with any second-string sealbearers and below.


    The only real threat was the devilish talents among the other mebearers and potential dark horses of equal power. They should be focusing on Ultom, lessening the risk of running into them. At least that was what Zac hoped, though he knew he might be overly optimistic. Would those talents really ignore the Outer Courts? They still contained peak treasures that could make Supremacies drool.


    Furthermore, seizing the Eternal Heritage should not be as simple as reaching the heart of the Left Imperial Pce. It could very well require something like a key from the lower courts, possibly all of them, to prove themselves worthy.


    "I''m grateful, but I believe this is a challenge I have to face myself," Vri said with a determined expression.


    Zac didn''t like the idea of Vri facing this challenge alone, but he held his tongue. She''d just woken up, and it wouldn''t be toote to revisit the topicter. And there were other ways he could help than joining her in person.


    "What do you know about the item?""It''s the bell of the Pasho''Har, a powerful faction during the First Era," Vri exined. "It should be rted to the Mercurial Courts, but Jch believes the Beseechment Pavilion stole it. They''re the faction who built the <strong>[Epiclesis Bells] </strong>and whose heritage I''m following."


    "And they''re the ones who helped build the Anima Courts," Zac surmised. "Makes sense since they were a Mentalist n. How can the bell help that creature? And what can we do to make sure he doesn''t harm you if you fulfill your end of the bargain?"


    "The bell''s song can create a universe," Vri said.


    Zac''s eyes widened slightly. "Realmsinger..."


    "The titles shouldn''t be random," Vri said. "They should refer to the purpose of each Court''s defining treasure."


    "You might be right. But how can a universe-creating bell help the entity?"


    "A new universe will create a surge of Primal Dao and providence. He''s nning to use that energy for himself and be reborn."


    "An Innate Existence with the strength of a universe?" Zac grimaced.


    "And the rebirth would integrate him with the current Dao, so he wouldn''t have to hide any longer," Vri nodded. "Frankly, I don''t have any solution beyond giving him what he wants and running for my life. His n might not even work. The rebirth would take eons if it does, and I will be dead or powerful enough to protect myself when he awakens."


    Zac could empathize with the helpless look on Vri''s face. He''d been on the receiving end of the schemes of old monsters more than once. Usually, it was dumb luck rather than foresight that let him slip through the.


    "Did you discover anything that could help us? As to why the Heavens went ballistic from its appearance," Zac asked. "Maybe we can trigger another crusade after dealing with the danger. It won''t have time to worry about us if it''s running for its life."


    "My ''master'' ims he''s from the great beyond, but he also seems to have connections to the previous Era. I think he''s the remains of a powerful being or possibly the amalgamation of resentment from multiple such masters. It felt like he held more than one set of memories and personalities.


    "He also said that creatures of foreign paths are like carriers of a gue. Their Dao will cause discordance in the Grand Dao, damaging the perfected bnce that has formed over dozens of Eras. The Heavenssh out as a form of self-preservation, like a body fighting an infection."


    What Vri said mostly lined up with Zac''s theory of Jch''s origins, that he was something like the ''Gods in the cracks'' that the Limitless Empire turned into the Foreign Gods. The tome he snatched from the Centurion Lighthouse exined the twisted creatures were born from the corpse of a gargantuan species from the Lost Era. The ancient, rotten Dao had twisted them into malevolent miscreations.


    A simr process could have taken ce with Jch, except the Primordial Era was much closer. The Dao sealed in the Eternal and Cmity Heritages was still in a decent enough state that it could be used for cultivation, so any surviving entities would probably retain more of their sanity.


    There was only one issue with the theory.


    "Foreign paths," Zac muttered. "He might have a connection with the Primordial Era, but there should be some truth to what he said."


    "You really think he''s from beyond the Cosmos?" Vri asked with surprise. "Have you discovered something?"


    "In a way. I''m not sure how much of the outside you could see while trapped in the bell. A lot has happened since you were taken," Zac said, briefly recounting where they were and their current mission.


    "We''re actually in the Zurbor Sector? No wonder it felt as though we had traveled a great distance over the past weeks. It''s really fate. The bell''s connection to me gave us a final opportunity to save our home," Vri said, wistfully looking down at her hands. "And you say it was Ralz Calzood who helped you devise the n?"


    "You need to be careful of her," Zac said. "She came to the frontier for the bell. I think she might have left inheritances all over to act as bait. She should be unable to reach us because of the war, but we''ve already seen the barriers can be fooled."


    "My luck in picking masters," Vri said with a rueful smile. "Well, I will keep fighting. The Centurion Project might even have a way to deal with Jch if they''re the same kind of creature."


    If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    "Possibly," Zac said, handing, handing over the <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong> tome. "There are some differences between the two, though."


    Vri''s brows knitted as she skimmed the introduction and the first chapter. "There are no mentions of the Heavens attacking the Foreign Gods."


    "Exactly," Zac said, flipping the pages toward the end. "This chapter mentions a realignment process. The Starfall Court altered the Foreign Gods so they wouldn''t face suppression from the current Heaven. But it doesn''t sound like the kind of purge we saw when the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong> cracked."


    "The Dao of the Primordial Era would be closer to ours than a distant one. The suppression Jch would face should reasonably be lower," Vri said, echoing Zac''s misgivings.


    "He might be from the previous Era, as you say, but there is something different about him too. He might have managed to escape beyond the curtain when the Heavens copsed. And when he returned, he''d already been altered in some way that''s driving the Heavens insane."


    "�� Or he''s an invader who arrived during the Primordial Era and somehow survived."


    "Exactly."


    Zac couldn''t imagine anything surviving in the boundless destion beyond the Multiverse''s edge. The destion he''d seen went beyond a taboo zone. It was an endless expanse of anti-reality, where no Dao or other forms of magic could exist, which was why he''d rejected Ralz Calzood''s theory. He wasn''t so sure after experiencing the purge. Even the System exhibited a monstrous hatred that it didn''t even exhibit when dealing with Technocrats.


    "It''ll take me another day or two to recover," Vri said.


    "Don''t be in a rush to get back into things. You''ve been through a lot," Zac said as he stood up. "Just rest up."


    "Thank you. Can I keep this for now? I might be able to discover something."


    Zac nced at the <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong> tome, nodding after some thought. "Of course. Just don''t let anyone else see it. Especially Kator."


    "Again, thank you. I never doubted your words," Vri smiled. "And you really blew up the bell."


    "Of course. That''s one thing I''m good at," Zacughed. "Get some rest."


    Zac''s smile faded as he navigated the corridors. It was reced with exhaustion. It wasn''t Vri''s fault another burden had been added on his shoulders. There was simply no ce to hide when the stakes had grown so high.


    "How is she?"


    "She''s fine, but there areplications," Zac sighed as he stepped into his quarters.


    "It''s not your fault," Catheya said as she walked over. "Bad things will keep happening. We can only do the best we can with the tools we''re given."


    "I know," Zac said. "How are you doing with everything?"


    "I''m annoyed that I barely get to see my man after years apart."


    "I''ll try to make it up to you," Zac smiled. "And the other thing?"


    "Still nothing. I can''t tell whether it''s because Tavza didn''t enter the graveyard or if the interference is too strong," Catheya said.


    "It''s probably thetter," Zac said. "My gut tells me the graveyard is teeming with operatives by now, and our scanners haven''t picked up a single ship."


    "I''ll keep trying," Catheya said.


    Zac wasn''t exactly sure why the contract enforced by the Primo was still active when the civil war had begun. It should at least be in his interest to boot Kator from his role as mission leader. Zac desperately wanted to know exactly what was going on, but entering the Imperial Graveyard had cut any contact with the outside world. The only information he could ess came through his Status Screens and the daily update of the wardder.


    Tavza had, in a spat of extraordinary foresight, given Catheya a long-rangemunication device before she left for Earth. Catheya had tried to get in contact with the An''Azol descendant since the mission started, even if it was like looking for a needle in a haystack. For one, Zac wanted to thank Tavza for her help during the Atavism and make sure she was okay.


    In addition, finding that needle could solve one of the issues they faced.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "If she''s been able to contact the shores��"


    "It''s a chance at least," Zac nodded.


    The first to break the pact would face a tremendous bacsh, which was why Zac had repeatedly attempted to make Kator slip up and openly admit to the rebellion or that he''d betrayed the mission. The reaver remained vignt, though he seemed to delight in hinting at the situation without admitting anything outright. But if Tavza could bring news or new orders, they''d be rid of one of Kator''s holds over them.


    "I''ll keep trying," Catheya said, dragging him toward the bedroom. "Come on."


    "Uh��"


    "Not that. You need sleep," Catheya said, throwing him onto the bed and wrapping him intoyers of nkets.


    Zac was about to pull the covers away but found himself unable to move. A creeping frost had spread across the bed, turning the covers as unbudging as if they were made from anointed steel. The added weight felt quite nice, and the chill was more soothing than anything. Zac shook his head. He didn''t have time to��


    "No," Catheya red when Zac started to struggle. "You''ll turn into one of the vengeful ghosts outside if you keep running yourself ragged like this. You haven''t slept a wink this whole week, have you? I''ll release you in three hours."


    "If another anomaly��"


    "Then your subordinates can deal with it. And if they can''t, they''ll let you know."


    "Fine, just this once," Zac muttered.


    "Petnt," Catheya giggled, patting his cheek before sitting down to meditate next to him.


    Zac nned on continuing his preparations inside the Shrine of Kanba. The cold embrace simply felt too nice. His eyes slowly closed, and then there was nothing. Zac woke up with a start, feeling refreshed and disoriented. He''d only closed his eyes, but more than four hours had passed in the blink of an eye. It was clear he''d needed the break.


    The ice had already released its hold, though Catheya was still by his side. He could tell from her aura she was finishing up her cultivation cycle, so he slipped out to not disturb her. There were a few messages waiting for him, none of them urgent. Zac nced at the cultivation chamber, slowly exhaling. Instead, he walked over to a table, and a mentalmand transformed the silver wall into a screen disying the outside.


    The Imperial Graveyard was quite beautiful as long as you didn''t get hung up on details. The cluster of storms they were braving looked like dancing nebs full of vibrant colors. Streaks of spatial cracks appearing and disappearing like shes of lightning kickedplex patterns in the clouds, keeping the scenery in a constant state of transformation.


    For some reason, it made him think of his gazebo back home and the many mornings he''d started by gazing at the ocean��first alone andter with Thea. It had been a sanctuary of sorts, where he''d tuned out the pressures he faced. Somewhere along the line, he stopped going. Over the past years, he''d only visited a few times to reminisce, and the perg had be a symbol of a time long gone.


    Zac gazed at the scenery for a few minutes before taking out an old coffee maker. It was a product of Old Earth, with enough years under its belt to be considered an antiquity by now. It was one of the first sessful attempts at engraving old-world tools with simple arrays to rece the need for an electric grid. Like the perg, it hadn''t seen much usetely. Zac infused a wisp of Cosmic Energy, and it sputtered to life.


    Crystalline water and a bag of Death-attuned beans followed. Zac crushed them by releasing a bit of aura, and the rich aroma of a spiritual blend soon spread through his living room.


    "Smells nice."


    "I''ll make some more," Zac said as Catheya sat down. "You were right. I needed a break."


    "It''s okay to stop once in a while. Heavens know you''ve earned it."


    Zac poured another cup, and the two sat and talked about nothing for a few minutes. It felt refreshingly normal, almost like Zac was sitting at a kitchen table with a girlfriend before the world went mad. Of course, the Zac of back then would probably have been scared out of his mind by the Abyssal eyes of the woman on the opposite side of the table.


    Or that they were hurtling through a storm made from damaged dimensions and the resentment of ancient warriors as powerful as gods.


    "I never got the chance to ask. That being that protected us back there. It was the Lord of the Perennial Vastness, wasn''t it?"


    "It was," Zac nodded. "Well, a wisp of him."


    "A shame I had my hands full. I wanted to give him a piece of my mind," Catheya huffed.


    "Ah? Why?" Zac said. "Sounds like you had a much better experience than Ogras."


    "Oh, not that," Catheya said, waving at the scenery. "This made me remember the dates you took me on back in the vastness. But I can''t remember the view! It''s so frustrating having the feeling of having seen something spectacr but being unable to recall a single detail. It''s like an itch that I can''t scratch. Why does he have to be so stingy? Couldn''t he have left those memories alone?"


    "I''ll forward yourint the next time I run into the old man," Zacughed, though his smile turned crooked when a high-priority transmission broke the spell.


    He scanned the message. It was the expected one. Zac sighed, stowing the coffee maker and cups.


    "Well, I guess that''s that. Another renegade Trove is approaching."


    "You keep doing what you have to do," Catheya said. "I''ll make sure you don''t burn yourself out, even if I have to throw you in a sack and take you away."


    "I''ll be counting on you then," Zacughed. "I''ll see youter?"


    "Of course. Have fun."

 Chapter 1234: Grubs in Space

    Chapter 1234: Grubs in Space


    An exhausted group rushed through the crumbling spatial channel, ignoring thecerations opening up across their body. Even Zac could feel the sting from the rotten viscera and swirls of resentment digging into the wounds, not to mention the others. The gate copsed only moments after they emerged.


    They were ready this time after a painful lesson from a few excursions. A standby crew erected a sturdy barrier that redirected the final burst of matter and energy that squeezed out of the copsing world. Zac cleansed his body of scum before jumping into the pod.


    Another blockade barring their path was knocked down through effort and teamwork. It did little to raise morale in the shuttle as they flew toward the approaching Yphelion. Zac wanted to raise their spirits, but what could he say? The only things they had to show for risking their lives were a few tainted relics and a handful of dubious D-grade nts that reeked of evil and sets of foreign patterns copied from a wall.


    The anomaly was another trove, a standard fragment of an Inner World filled with putrid blood and zombies. They were likely descendants or servants of the ancient cultivator who fell in battle. Their end was likely even worse, seeing the world copse around them as hostile Dao flooded their home. The dense resentment in the Imperial Graveyard prevented any normal Revenants from awakening, instead turning them into mindless monstrosities filled with killing intent.


    "Good job. Get some rest," Zac said before lumbering back toward his quarters.


    Catheya had already left, having her own matters to deal with. Zac nced at the table where they''d had coffee just hours ago, wondering how many such chances they''d get over theing weeks. Shaking his head, he entered the cultivation chamber to begin another round of practice. Rest was important, but so was diligence.


    Days passed one after another, and the pressure on Yphelion and its crew never relented. It only mounted, making Zac long for the calm days at the graveyard''s edge by the time another ten days had passed. There was simply no rest to be had as the storms grew increasingly vtile. The ones having the worst of it were Jaol and Mark Marshall, who were responsible for navigating the ship through the troubled waters.


    Ogras and Emily both had experience in piloting Cosmic Vessels through turbulent regions, but they were struggling to fill Mark''s shoes during his short bouts of fitful rest. The Yphelion''s journey seemed stable to the passengers, barring the constant shakes. It was a false safety. The Yphelion was constantly swirling back and forth, making turns so sudden and sharp the centrifugal forces would knock out half the crew if not for the Inertia Arrays.


    It was clear that the Beacon was leading them toward one of the most dangerous regions of the graveyard, and their situation was starting to remind Zac of how he tried to avoid the hundred-odd mental tendrils in the Pilgrimage of Faith. Sharp winds could appear out of nowhere, and even the Yphelion''s upgraded shield would have trouble blocking many of them.Thankfully, there was enough good news to keep everyone''s spirits up. For one, they were making much better time than they originally nned. The ship''s improved shields and speed let them punch through storms that would have forced them to retreat and search for alternative routes with the old Yphelion. Any such maneuver would have cost days of travel, adding to their risk and exhaustion.


    There were also a shocking number of seals peppered through the storm. Six of his sealbearers finished their seals over the four weeks after Gu got his, while Kruta got his second piece. The Indomitable Court was the one Zac had been the most worried about as Kator, unsurprisingly, was a Blooddancer like Kruta and Joanna.


    Zac''s schemes to distract the reaver had proven unnecessary. He''d ceded the first piece of the Indomitable Court after a bet with Joanna. And the Valkyrie had a quest connected to his, so she gave up her im on the piece in exchange for some rare materials Kruta had brought from the outside.


    Most of the seals were uncovered through the scanning array installed without his knowledge. It had almost gotten to the point that Zac had forgiven the Centigrade Pryer and the Creators for installing the spying device.


    Their own scanners only managed to spot two when the Centigrade Scanners picked up eight. The reason they''d only seized five was that the paths to the others were deemed too dangerous or would make them lose ess to the critical windows they needed to make to progress. They also spotted dozens of spatial fluctuations leading to Mystic Realms or Troves, but Zac chose to ignore everything that didn''t hold a seal.


    Zecia was crumbling, and there might be nothing left for him to save if they took too long to activate the Foreign Gods. The unspecified 400-day deadline mentioned in Ventus'' missive was fast approaching, and Zac was hoping to reach their destination before that. More importantly, his soldiers were using their blood to buy time to let Zac and most of his elites set out on the mission.


    Completing designation quests was the source of the two seals they didn''t find in the wild. Zac had wondered how they could possibly finish the tasks assigned when their only method of navigation was following the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong> and making the asional detour for picking up seals.


    It turned out the quest holders would feel a strong pull that sounded a bit like attraction from Supreme Treasures that Zac sensed. Both led into Troves, though the missions were very different. Carl had to sneak inside alone and extract an ancient war bow while they had to help Ra''Klid unearth a set of Life-based scriptures from a haunted temple.


    Neither had found a seal inside. Instead, they appeared inside sealed boxes the moment they''d returned to their quarters. The System''s immediate handing out of the Reward was a huge relief to Zac. It would have been a huge hit to his ns if he had to return to a Merit Exchange to get his final mebearer seal.


    While exhausting, they were making steady progress. Until they suddenly weren''t.


    "What are our chances if we force our way through?" Zac asked as he looked at the gargantuan storm formation blocking their path.


    It was, by far, thergest one they''d seen, more than a dozen timesrger than any individual cluster they''d encountered so far.


    "I give it ten percent at most. And that''s just based on the sections we can actually scan. It''s probably lower if there''s a high-energy cluster in the middle holding everything together," Gu said with a shake of his head. "Our shields are too worn down to take the risk."


    "Look at it from the bright side," Ogras said. "We would have turned into space debris if the Ruthless Heavens hadn''t equipped its favorite son with a stronger skipper."


    "Not necessarily," Gu countered. "Much of the draines from taking dangerous shortcuts to save on our manpower. Our shields would have been in roughly the same state as the old ship as well, except we wouldn''t be this far in."


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    "Anyway, crossing isn''t an option," Zac surmised. "Find another path."


    "There is one, it''s just��" Gu said, ncing at Mark in the pilot''s chair.


    The stalwart pilot''s eyes were angry red, while his skin was sallow and pasty. He looked like he''d been fighting a serious illness for months. It was a side-effect of eating stimnts to keep himself going when his soul andputational power had been overtaxed for so long.


    "There are no decent paths going forward," Jaol sighed. "A retreat will save our shields, but it''ll be a rough journey that will waste at least three days."


    "Something has to give, or they''ll fall asleep at the wheel and sail us right into theher realm," Ogras said. "I''ve tried to learn, but the twists and turns are too quick. That Mark must have a sixth sense to dodge the spatial tears that quickly."


    "We can''t go forward, and we can''t retreat?" Zac grunted. "So what do you propose? That we stay put?"


    "Exactly," Jaol said. "The storm blocking our path is too powerful for us to deal with. But it''s also moving extremely fast. The worst of it should pass if we wait for roughly four hours. We might be able to set out even earlier if we''re willing to take a bit of a risk."


    "I think it''s time," Ogras said with a somber expression.


    Zac took out the <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong> and infused it with some energy. They were close, but judging by the signal, it should be at least another couple of weeks. Would he really have to bring it out this early? The only other option was to trigger the ck boxes hidden in the ship, praying they were a warp system that wouldn''t get them all killed.


    "Call Ibtep."


    The Zhix liaison appeared on the bridge soon after. Zac realized it was the first time he saw his old friend since they set out on the mission. Ibtep hadn''t joined any of the outings. Instead, they''d taken up one of the unused hangars, turning it into a pen for his pets.


    "You called? Is it time?" Ibtep said, a mix of anticipation and grief on their face.


    "We need to stay in ce for a few hours," Zac exined, disying the scene outside. "Is everything ready?"


    "It''s ready," Ibtep sighed. "Poor creatures. They will meet a painful end protecting us."


    Ibtep joined the mission for his space-eating beasts. The preliminary tests over the past weeks had been promising, but their numbers were limited. Zac had hoped to save them until thest moment, paving a path to the<strong> [Centurion Beacon]</strong> in case it was guarded by a fierce spatial blockade. Still, using some of the brood to give their pilot some much-needed rest and save multiple days of travel was a worthy use.


    "They might survive," Ogras offered, his words clearly ringing hollow.


    "That''s even worse. What good cane from surviving taking on such tainted fare?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I''m sorry, but we have no choice," Zac said. "Our pilot is about to keel over, and we''re about to enter an even stormier region. He needs rest."


    "I understand," Ibtep said. "Their sacrifice will bring glory to the Hive. Let me get my things."


    "Uh, just checking. You do have a backup n, right?" Ogras whispered as Ibtep scurried away.


    "Yes. I''ll pilot the ship myself, relying on my good looks and even better Luck."


    "Heavens above, please give the grubs your strength," Ogras whispered, his hands sped in piety.


    Ibtep quickly got everything ready, joining Zac and Ogras outside the Vessel. It looked like they were in the middle of a greenish sandstorm, where each grain was a fusion of unstable space and the lingering effects of some extremely powerful attack. They''d tried to find as calm a spot as possible near the passing storm, but even Zac would only step outside the barrier if necessary.


    The unstable energies were relentless, and its powerful spatial properties made it very hard to defend against. The dust would shift in and out of space, and it could easily take your flesh with it if you weren''t careful. They''d already lost two pod ships to simr storms, and most visits to the ward came from the short stints they''d been forced to take in open space.


    The hodgepodge resentment was at least slightly weaker than the average of their current depth, and there were still no signs of an anomaly or other dangers nearby.


    "Go ahead," Zac said.


    Ibtep nodded, lifting something that looked a lot like a beehive. It was a custom-made beast-holding tool for Ibtep''s pets, fulfilling the same function as a World Ring. Ibtep also had a special space simr to the Shrine of Kanba from his ss. It was reserved for the Grub Knight''s steed, which also came with certain benefits.


    Six streams of pebbles poured out of the hive, forming blue shimmering rivers that expanded the further they went. The pebbles were the adolescentrvae Ibtep had prepared. They released minute spatial ripples as they instinctively moved toward their food source. The streams left the shielding, andrvae died by the thousands when exposed to the unforgiving environment.


    Zac looked at Ibtep with worry, only calming down upon seeing the tranquility on the Zhix''s face. Their confidence was soon proven well-founded. The spatial winds didn''t rip apart most of thervae who died. They curled together and darkened, resembling actual pebbles. Zac didn''t exactly understand how, but the small carapaces solidified space around them.


    The effect wasn''t strong and definitely not enough to stabilize the fractured space enough to create a safe harbor that could provide the much-needed rest. It did, however, provide a foothold for their brethren outside the barrier. Zac looked on with interest as the first round ofrvae began absorbing green streaks of spatial havoc.


    The frontrunners only needed half a minute to grow from the size of a grain of rice to a finger, and they showed no sign of stopping. Therger the space-eatingrvae grew, the more voracious their appetite became. Their auras increased in step, though they more resembled the unfocused energy of a Cosmic Crystal than that of a beast or cultivator. It made sense, considering their only purpose was to eat Spatial Energy and store it in their bodies until they died from overeating.


    Cracks started to appear across the bodies of some of the gluttons by the time they reached the size of an arm. Then they shattered, turning intorge rocks with far greater stabilizing properties than the small pebbles. These were the ones with the weakest talent for devouring spatial energies. The rest kept growing. They were like locusts, advancing further and further from the ship while leaving a curtain of increasinglyrge carapaces in their wake.


    "What''s their limit? Just howrge can they grow?" Zac eventually asked.


    "That''s�� A good question," Ibtep nodded. "The size of a hive? Maybe more?"


    "A hive?!" Zac eximed, looking at the thousands of feasting critters with a mix of fascination and rm.


    Even the smaller Hives were decent-sized settlements, while the expansive system of tunnels and chambers ruled by Rhubat dwarfed most cities on Earth.


    "Of course, that''s in ideal conditions," Ibtep continued. "The impure feed impacts their absorption."


    "Impressive. But what''s the catch?" Ogras said, looking at Ibtep with suspicion. "Why haven''t the Kan''Tanu done something like this already?"


    "It''s only borrowing time," Zac said. "It''ll be paid back in fullter."


    The Spatial Larvae was Ibtep''s top-secret project, initially meant to help with the war effort. Zac was one of the very few in the know, having received current reports. He''d be lying if he said he understood the unique critters'' ins and outs, but he did know of their strengths and drawbacks.


    "Paid back how?" the demon asked with suspicion.


    "The carcasses are chock-full of energy. Right now, they''re acting like weights holding down the buckling spatialyers and creating a safe zone," Zac exined. "But how can some body parts resist the forces of nature? It only works for now because Ibtep is controlling them and supplementing their numbers. When we stop, the winds will quickly push back."


    "I haven''t figured out how to permanently make the absorbed energy inert. It might not be possible," Ibtep added. "The stabilization will fail, and all the trapped energy wille bursting out."


    Ogras scanned the expanding barrier of deadrvae. It already surrounded the Yphelion and grew by the second. In a few hours, it would have formed an asteroid field more than a mile across. All that energy, unleashed at once�� Zac could see the thoughts running through the demon''s head as he turned toward Zac with his signature look of disbelief and exhausted eptance.


    "You��" Ogras sighed. "You could have kept me in the dark, you know?"


    Zac was about to answer, but Ipbtep preempted him.


    "Oh, that''s not good. You should get ready."


    "Not good? What''s going on?" Zac said, not remembering any part of Ibtep''s exnation that required his participation.


    "I told you. The grubs were better off dead than tainted. And now, some of them are tainted. They have no mind of their own, so their basic drive for food will be reced with whatever desire is trapped in the clouds. You need to deal with the troublemakers before they cause a mess."


    "And by mess, you mean a dimensional eruption that will send us straight to the afterlife?" Ogras sighed.


    "Well, the weather has calmed at least," Zac said, taking out his axe. "Call the others. I guess we have some possessed grubs to deal with."

 Chapter 1235: Corpse Sealant

    Chapter 1235: Corpse Sent


    Zac marveled at the growing brood ofrvae. By appearance alone, they were qualified to be called a beast tide. There were already hundreds the size of Beast Kings. Zac didn''t see any signs of trouble, but Ibtep wouldn''t be wrong. If he couldn''t see it, then it was brewing beneath the surface.


    "You should only cull the possessed ones who have fed to their limits or areshing out," Ibtep added. "If they keep eating, ignore them. It takes time and effort to breed the small ones. I barely have enough for the task."


    "I''ll try, but it might cost more if we wait too long," Zac said.


    The others soon arrived. His subordinates were all aware of Ibtep''s ss, and even those who didn''t know about the space-eatingrvae quickly figured out what was going on. Only Kator was out of the loop and looked around with confusion.


    "What''s this?" Kator said.


    "Space-eatingrvae. We brought some to deal with the spatial turbulence," Zac said, surprised to see the small nick on his left wrist. Joanna''s strike still hadn''t healed after over a week? Or was it intentional? Zac didn''tment on it, continuing before Kator could start an interrogation. "We had to stop; the crew needs rest."


    "That''s what happens when you bring weaklings on a critical mission."


    "Beats bringing people with dubious allegiances," Zac said, ncing at the Reaver. "I''m talking about our new hires, of course."


    "Of course," Kator scoffed. "So what''s the problem?""Some of them are about to lose control after ingesting too much resentment. We''ll be in trouble if they go berserk or explode with all that stockpiled energy, so we need to identify and neutralize them before that. Everyone will cover a section of the barrier."


    "Seems easy enough. They''re like sitting ducks," Emily hummed as dozens of tomahawks poured out of an armament pouch on her belt.


    "I don''t know about that," Kator muttered as a pitch-ck javelin appeared in his hand.


    Zac had never seen the Reaver use it before, and it didn''t appear to be a real treasure. Its materials were high-quality, but the engravings weren''t anything special. It appeared to be a disposable ranged weapon. The Reaver hurled it at a randomrva in the distance, and it shot forth with enough speed to look like a ckser.


    The Time-and Conflict-imbued javelin pierced straight through the fake Beast King, unleashing a spatial explosion that destroyed dozens of its neighbors. The number would have been far greater if the critters hadn''t been designed to withstand strong spatial winds.


    "The corruption makes their storage cells that unstable?" Ibtep muttered. "This is valuable data. Thank you, Bonewalker."


    "These things are your invention?" Kator said, curiously looking at Ibtep for the first time. "So someone this interesting was hiding among the faceless."


    "Please bring back some of the corrupted corpses of those with greater ability to integrate the chaotic force into their flesh," Ibtep said. "I will study them and see if I can improve on the next generation."


    "I will," Zac said, turning to his warriors waiting aside. "You saw what happened. The corrupted ones need to go, or we''ll run out of grubs in minutes. Just kill anything that looks suspicious, but don''t overdo it. These creatures are expensive and difficult to breed. Don''t pass the feeding line and contain your strength. There might be issues with the carapaces, too, so don''t disturb them."


    "How nostalgic," Kator sighed as he grew his cudgel, and Zac felt he''d be grinning if he had a mouth. "It''s like I''m a recruit thrown into a war gate again. I''ve lost count of how many times I''ve endured."


    "Then I''ll be counting on you," Zac said before flying in a different direction.


    Kator''s words weren''t an empty boast. The Izh''Rak Reaver waged a perennial war against multiple forces, the strongest of which was the Primal Council. It was a loose organization made up of beastkin tribes and Atavistic Beast factions. If you thought beastmen were gentler toward their animal cousins than other cultivators, you''d be wrong.


    The Primal Council followed thew of the jungle. Beasts without a spark of intelligence were turned into cannon fodder and thrown against the Izh''Rak Phnxes without rest or respite. The council kept whole sectors as rearing grounds, using unknown means to transport them en masse.


    It was a simr strategy to what Ogras employed in his ill-fated Incursion, except the numbers were enough to blot out the sun. The council was known to send beasts for centuries until the defenders ran out of resources and whole continents were ravaged and run over. The real warriors would swoop in at that time, crushing the faltering resistance in one swoop. The situation suited the war-like Reavers just fine, and they''d even turned it into a training method.


    The chaotic situation was starkly different from the orderly war the Draugr waged. They were matched against a human-led alliance of empires, of which the Havarok were a member of. The Draugr were by no means pacifists, as the Sharva''Zi n had proven. If given the chance, they''d realign the whole coalition to bolster their ranks.


    Zac''s eyes roved the feeding line in search of targets. It wasn''t difficult. Order was rapidly crumbling among the mindless critters. Hundreds of therger ones were twitching erratically from all the tainted energies they''d consumed. Most were simply suffering from overeating, but Zac''s Draugr vision saw how erratic the lifeforce had be among a few.


    The world slowed down as Zac turned into a streak of Abyssal Death, crisscrossing through the debris field. He almost doubled in height upon reappearing, and the cloak and armor of <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss] </strong>appeared above his usual robes.


    Six chains emerged from his back, each teeming with the suppressive force of <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>. The critters whose lifeforce looked ready to explode saw their churning energies slow to a crawl when the chains connected.


    One of the chains suddenly diverted, piercing through the meaty head of arva just as it pivoted with surprising speed, aiming to bite into its neighbor with its huge, vortexlike maw. It was utterlycking any skills or innate abilities to defend itself against almost anything except the Dao of Space.


    Most of the targeted beasts died immediately. They''d already been on the verge of copse, and a surge of the Dao of Death through the chains weed the suffering creatures into the eternal beyond. The carapaces hardened, barely leaking a speck of the stockpiled spatial energies thanks to the sealing ability of <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>.


    The method worked as intended, and Zac dragged the skyscraper-sized carapaces away from the encroaching storm. A few swings with his axe split them into smaller chunks that joined the other debris. Zac still kept the pieces nearby, wanting to observe them a while longer to confirm if they were actually stable.


    The approach didn''t work as intended against all his targets. Terrifying amounts of energy was leaking from the one that had attacked its brethren. It was clearly about to go supernova. If allowed to detonate, it would take out far more than the smaller critter Kator killed, costing them precious rest time.


    A pulse of rejection traveled along <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s chain, and the rampaging insect suddenly shot out with impossible speed. Even the chaotic streams of spatial energy pouring out of the cracks across its body changed direction, adding further propulsion. The insect sailed into the churning storm which swallowed it whole.


    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Momentster, a shockwave full of spatial turbulence came rushing back. It mmed into the meaty wall of supersizedrvae, whose natural endowment nullified the effect almost entirely. Of course, it would have been a very different scene if the storm hadn''t absorbed most of the force.


    Newrvae moved in to take the ce of the fallen, uncaring of their ultimate demise. Only the hunt for sustenance existed in their brains. Zac had already moved on, dealing with another set of insects just like the first. Some beasts would be killed and added to the debris; others would be repulsed and thrown into the storm with the help of <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong>.


    Zac''s transformation skill was thest skill to be upgraded to E-grade. As such, it had been better aligned with his path than his earlier E-grade skills. The work he''d put in back then paid off when it was time to upgrade the skill again to D-grade. Zac was quite happy with the skill, so he''d only made some minor alterations when evolving the Skill Fractal.


    The basic features remained the same. The taunting domain had grown over ten times the size, and its control was far more overbearing. Zac wasn''t using it at the moment, afraid the pressure would damage the carapaces and make them start leaking energy early. The spectral chain was still wound around his left arm, waiting for a target to strike. The only noteworthy change was the added synergies. <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong> now worked with<strong> [Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>, the upgraded version of <strong>[Blighted Cut]. </strong>


    Each physical chain from <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> could now mimic the features of the spectral chain. The effect wasn''t as powerful as the real thing, but it was enough to cause a headache for anyone targeted. <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation] </strong>added suppression while the redirection of <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong> manipted their actions.


    It was all part of Zac''s aim to let his armaments make a greater impact during his infighting. They were supposed to be his means of exerting control over his enemies, but for a long time, they''d almost been relegated to minor inconveniences like buzzing flies. Between <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s incredible durability and theyered skills, ignoring the chains now spelled certain doom for anyone caught.


    Zac''s only regret was that his Spirit Tools remained at Early D-grade. Both Verun and Alea had made a lot of progress, pushing them closer to the next threshold. However, it took time to digest and incorporate the many materials that went into their evolutions. Just mending the nicks rued during Zac''s years of non-stop carnage required quite a bit of energy and effort from the Tool Spirits.


    There were treasures to forcibly elevate them a grade. That would be no different than propping up one''s cultivation with pills and Natural Treasures. Zac had done just that with <strong>[Ossuary Bulwark]</strong>''s recement. One treasure turned the D-grade armor into proper War Regalia, and another set of items forced it into Middle D-grade.


    Doing so cut off its future path of advancement unless Zac made significant improvements with<strong> [Cosmic Forge]</strong>. It likely wasn''t worth the effort, even if he gained the necessary skills. The Life-attuned armor''s spirit was of the lowest grade,cking any real sapience. The treasures needed to awaken it to the level of Verun would have been better used in crafting entirely new armor or fed to his realpanions.


    Being stuck at Early D-grade wasn''t much of a hindrance for <strong>[Love''s Bond] </strong>thanks to the incredible materials that had gone into its creation. It was almost overkill against the possessed grubs. The rattling of Alea''s chains created a haunting melody that joined the chorus of battle spread through the area.


    Zac was the conductor, weaving the symphony with his Inexorable Stance. The field of carapaces didn''t so much as stir as he passed. Rather, they stabilized further when Zac let his aura seep into his surroundings. He was the Inexorable Apostle, and Death was under his jurisdiction. What was dead would lie, note back to disturb the living.


    He was liberated, free of the cramped environment on the Yphelion and the stifling deadlines when dealing with the Troves. Zac could exhibit the full extent of his technique, which let him grasp insights that had eluded him during his spars and excursions. He wished the possessedrvae would put up more of a fight beyond trying to blow themselves up or attacking with bursts of unrefined energy.


    Simr scenes were taking ce around the Yphelion with varying results. The ones performing the best were Catheya, Kator, and Ogras. Kator had his Dao of Continuum to discern whichrvae to pick off, and his technique allowed him to move extremely quickly without causing any disturbances. Catheya''s skillset was quite suited, too.


    She simply froze anyrvae that were on the verge of exploding, buying enough time to push them away. Ogras''mand of shadows made him perfectly suited for the task. It looked like he had over a hundred chains stabbing intorvae. He even lessened the pressure on those whose skillset weren''t as well-tailored to precision strikes.


    Ogras had another advantage. Over the past weeks, he had proven uniquely tuned to fell Karma and resentment, allowing him to uncover dangerous situations well ahead of time. Even Zac''s vision and danger sense asionally failed, resulting in a grub exploding. Not a single explosion came from Ogras'' side.


    Hours passed, and the idents gradually decreased as everyone got better at picking up clues. It was reced with another problem. As expected, some of the debris proved less stable than others, and it was very difficult to discern ahead of time. Zac had already lost count of how manyrvae he''d ughtered, but he was soon spending more time hurtling carapace pieces past the feeding line.


    Each loss meant the spatial seal had lost a little bit of its power, and they eventually reached a point where new pieces weren''t added at the same pace as old pieces were lost. Ibtep''s supply was running low, and the rivers of grain-sized beasts had turned into trickles. Too many had died prematurely, and those who survived didn''t absorb as much as they''d hoped because idents kept getting in the way.


    Getting better at preventative measures wasn''t enough to remedy therge drain on their resources. Zac helplessly observed the feedline grow thinner and be gradually pushed back toward the Yphelion. He couldn''t couldn''t think of a way to lessen the pressure on thervae.


    Zac would have much preferred it if they were facing a sea of enemies. That he could do something with, but how was he supposed to push back spatial corrosion? <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> was his strongestrge-scale blockade, and it would onlyst seconds exposed to the winds outside.


    <em>''I can only supply grubs for twenty more minutes,''</em> Ibtep reminded through amunicator. <em>''Any more, and I''ll have to use the breeders. And that will only buy a few more minutes.''</em>


    Zac sighed. The mission had seemed easy enough, but they wouldn''t evenst the projected four hours despite Ibtep using significantly more beasts than projected. Thervae were only designed to eat space, and the Zhix had been given too little time to adapt them to the unique graveyard''s environment.


    Judging by how quickly the feedline was thinning, they would have to leave almost immediately after they stopped sending out newrvae to rece the fallen. Leaving even earlier would be preferable, but it was not possible. The Yphelion was huge, and pushing through the debris field and feed line would most likely trigger an early copse.


    Zac contacted the bridge. "How do the readings look? Any change?"


    <em>''It''s�� suboptimal,'' </em>Gu answered. <em>''Leaving half an hour early is very different from waiting the full four hours.''</em>


    "No such luck, huh?" Zac sighed, taking a look around.


    He could feel the building pressure. It was like space was buckled inward, and his Danger Sense had been at a low roar for thest ten minutes. The carapaces would soon reach their expiry date faster than they could clear them out. More importantly, they''d soon lose the strength needed to suppress the area.


    There was no point in using the breederrvae. They couldn''t stay much longer anyhow.


    "We''ll have to rough it. Awaken Jaol and Mark and have them plot a course."


    The duo faced the most exhaustion, so they were put in a specialized array simr to inducing aa. Itpletely knocked them out, allowing them to recover faster than simply lying down and sleeping. The drawback was that it took a while to awaken someone from the arrays, making them unsuitable for someone on constant call.


    Everyone knew what it meant to enter such a huge storm formation, and they fought tooth and nail until the very end. Even just a few seconds extra could be the difference between life and death.


    "Return!" Zac eventually shouted, and a dozen streaks shot straight for the Yphelion.


    It only took a second for the first explosion to erupt behind them. Zac paid it no heed, teleporting everyone into the ship. A sharp tug indicated that the vessel had set off, but it wasn''t enough. Zac''s danger sense spiked, and he looked on with horror as the corridor bent. Space was already copsing, forming a dimensional well. Being dragged inside wouldn''t be much better than entering a ck hole.


    Zac rushed toward the bridge, tightly grasping Gu''s trigger for the still-unidentified Death-attuned system in case they couldn''t break free. A sudden jolt forward allowed Zace to breathe out in relief. They''d broken free from the spatial pull, though that was just the start. Such a formation wasn''t stable. It''d copse, spitting out everything it had gathered and crushed together, including all the energy stored in thervae.


    The doors opened, and Zac stepped onto the bridge. Mark was back in the pilot''s chair, looking much better than before.


    "Thank you," he said without taking his eyes off his console. "Hold on,dies and gents. This''ll be a bumpy one."

 Chapter 1236: Stormwall

    Chapter 1236: Stormwall


    The Yphelion hurtled forward at full speed, only narrowly outpacing the explosion triggered by their forceful seal on space. Zac looked at the monitor disying the position they''d just left.


    Two streams of supercondensed energy poured in opposite directions like a miniature quasar. Even if the scales were smaller, the torrential streams already stretched thousands of miles and kept going. Thankfully, neither pointed in their direction. The billowing shockwave of unfettered energy was more than enough to make Zac''s hair stand on end.


    It was a churning mix of the greenish energy cluster they''d parked inside and a mottled concoction of purple and grey. The other energy came from whatever dimension pushed against thervae''s seal until it gave way. The whole thing incessantly flickered from thousands of Spatial Tears forming and shattering every second.


    Massive pieces of rubble were also in the mix, rapidly ground to the fine dust that suffused the Imperial Graveyard. Zac suspected a Mystic Realm or Trove had been dragged into the spatial well and torn apart, which would exin the rife resentment. An anomaly like the rotten eye was sure to condense as soon as the mayhem calmed down. Only it wouldn''t get the chance.


    Zac turned to therge projection disying the view ahead, seeing a towering wall peeking through the haze. It was the storm formation they''d hoped to avoid, appearing like a smooth barrier because of the distance. It wasrge beyond belief, stretching in every direction seemingly without beginning or end.


    "It''s like a wall guarding the inner parts of the graveyard," Joanna said.


    "Are you certain it''s thin enough to pass through? Something that size looks like it could take days to traverse," Zac said.


    "The dense section we avoided would have taken us just over an hour to pass. The optimal window was a weak spot that only needed half that time. Right now, we''re looking at a full crossing in forty minutes, with energy intensity roughly in the middle."


    "I don''t know much about space, but can this really be a natural formation?" Kruta asked. "Never heard of anything like it. Seems like it should copse in this wretched ce.""Nothing in this ce makes any sense," Ogras grunted. "We''ve seen giant eyes; we''ve walked inside distorted memories. There have been false safe zones trying to lure us in, avatars of cultivators the size of stars. There was even that bubbling ocean that cried when we passed it by. A storm resembling a wall is among the more normal things we''ve encountered."


    "This curtain could hold the remnants of an ancient battlement used during the war," Zac guessed.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Brace yourselves," Mark said just before the Yphelion pierced the curtain.


    Zac thought he was prepared. They''d crossed dangerous regions before, where the Yphelion was nothing but a toy before the immense winds trying to drag them away. This was something else entirely. The ship rocked with such force Zac felt like he''d been punched in the gut. He barely managed to hold on by increasing the rotation of energy, rooting him in ce.


    Not everyone was so lucky. A few of his weaker sealbearers lost control and were hurled into nearby walls. Mark, being the physically weakest person on the bridge, would have shared a simr fate if the pilot''s seat hadn''t been equipped with a special set of arrays to ensure safe operations.


    The tremendous push came from the Yphelion suddenly facing the brunt of the stormwall''s velocity. What they''d just tasted was just a fraction of the pressure applied to the outer barriers, and the bridge even enjoyed a secondyer of instion. The E-grade cultivators aboard would have been torn apart if they''d stayed in the less-protected sections of the ship.


    Thankfully, they''d already entered a specialized emergency chamber in the ship''s center. The protections there were roughly the same as those on the bridge, though they would also be strapped in for extra protection.


    The interiors of the storm weren''t any better. Zac had no choice but to continuously circte Miasma to endure the turbulence. The whole vessel was constantly groaning from enduring a beating it wasn''t designed for. Zac returned to the screens after ensuring everyone was okay, and the warnings through his link were within bounds. He almost wished he hadn''t.


    The outside looked like a psychedelic strobe, shing with such intensity that even Zac got nauseated. Realizing that a few of the streaks passing by were energy swirls or spatial tears holding enough power to rival a Monarch''s Inner World only made things worse. The Yphelion being a High or Peak Cosmic Vessel wouldn''t make much of a difference in that situation.


    A slight dy would damage the ship and exhaust the already struggling barriers. A mistake meant death, especially after a few minutes had passed and they''d forged even deeper. Zac hated the feeling of impotence as he mutely stood there, unable to do anything to help.


    The room was utterly silent, with a dozen strained faces silently watching Jaol, Gu, and Mark work in tandem to navigate the constantly shifting winds. Not even the usually talkative reaver dared speak up, afraid he''d cause a slip in concentration. Mark''s soul was lit up like a bonfire from the constant stream ofmands sent to the ship. Zac could actually see the air around his head vibrate from the heat.


    Jaol had already been forced to go all out as well. Bloody tears ran down his cheeks from activating his Ocr Talent to sift through the mountains of everchanging data and provide Mark with only the relevant information.


    Zac felt the familiar fluctuations from the Cartava n''s temporal eyes, thanking his lucky stars he''d taken the time to follow through on his promise with the Technocrat Navigator. The agreement was that Jaol would join the Atwood Empire, in exchange for Zac helping him rece the bionic eyes he''d used before.


    It had ultimately proven beyond Zac''s ability to perfectly rece the Cartava Elder''s DNA with Jaol''s through Creation Energy. However, bybining some Lich techniques, Creation Energy, a few concepts from <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong>, and a body-regrowing treasure, they''de pretty close. The eyes worked like they should, except Jaol couldn''t utilize the time-based talent without a painful bacsh.


    Of course, the ability Jaol possessed wasn''t Levi''s heaven-defying ability to rewind time. It simply allowed Jaol to slow down his perception of time to better observe and analyze the information fed to him through the arrays. Without it, Jaol would have been incapable of warning for sudden swells or spatial tears in time.


    Meanwhile, Gu was constantly recalibrating the ship''s arrays to lessen Mark''s burden. He''d already rerouted every morsel of extra energy from non-critical functions to shielding and engines, even if it put the energy circuits under greater duress. He was the reason for the constant jolts that left Zac queasy.


    Gu only kept the barriers at minimum strength, letting just enough seep through that it didn''t cause permanent damage to the ship or harm to the crew. That left more energy to crank the shields beyond the safe limits whenever they hit a dangerous spot that was impossible to avoid. Which was more often than Zac would like.


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    Zac''s mind was constantly abuzz with an ever-increasing number of warning signals from the administrator''s ess. Not a single spot of the once-gleaming hull was spared the ravages. It already looked like something destined for the scrap yard, and there were already damage promptsing from the interiors.


    It was kept within bounds throughout. Zac didn''t care if a kitchen was ripped apart by errant streaks of Spatial Energy so long as the shields and engines remained in working order. Anything else could be fixedter.


    Themotion never crossed that critical threshold, though, and Zac slowly began to rx as the other end drew closer. Eventually, they were only a couple of minutes away. Their first month inside the Imperial Graveyard had given them the skills and experience necessary to tide over this tribtion.


    "Damn it!" Mark suddenly growled, and Zac cursed himself for his inauspicious thoughts.


    Zac infused his will into his connection to better understand the problem. His heart thudded in shock upon seeing a demonic-looking flood dragon dozens of timesrger than the Yphelion emerge from a spatial tear. Shock turned to horror upon realizing it was an actual beast and not another entity formed from lingering resentment. It was the first living creature they''d encountered outside the troves and Mystic Realms. To survive inside this environment, it had to be a Beast Emperor��a C-grade beast.


    And it was trying to gobble them up like a snack.


    <em>''Don''t!'' </em>Gu<em></em>urged just as Zac was about to press the panic button to activate the Death-attuned propulsion.


    The Yphelion jolted forward the next second, and the dragon''s enormous maw closed around empty space with enough force to cause a series of spatial cracks. Mark had activated an engine overdrive for a burst of speed, which was apanied by a series of critical warning signals.


    Zac swore upon realizing two of the subspace drives had broken down, and the additional pressure on the ship from the eleration forced Gu to crank the shields to unsafe levels. A deafening roar shook the bridge, and Zac lost connection to his ship as it wentpletely dark. The shakes suddenly stopped, and Zac didn''t dare so much as breathe. He briefly felt as though time had stopped.


    Then, the lights came back on, along with all the other systems. The screen disying the outside looked starkly different than before. It was uncharacteristically clear, with barely any pollution nearby. The familiar storms were still present but far in the distance.


    "We did it," Gu exhaled as he slumped down on the ground, prompting Emily to hurry over.


    "Good job," Zac said with a hoarse voice while looking for any signs of the dragon. "Amazing, even."


    The desperate dash had simultaneously saved them from the beast''s maw and crossed the final stretch. The C-grade dragon was traveling along the current, so it was long gone since it hadn''t emerged with them. The others hadn''t seen how close to disaster they''d juste, and Zac wasn''t about to tell them. At least not until they were out of this ce safe and sound.


    "We''re fine for now," a pale Jaol said, the shock of encountering the beast evident in his eyes. "The wall has absorbed all nearby energy already, creating a temporary pocket."


    "How''s the Yphelion?"


    "The shields are mostly fine, just depleted and overheated," Gu grunted as he got back on his feet. "But we have to bring the subspace crystals back onboard to perform repairs. We can only use the subsidiary propulsion until we''re finished."


    "That''s no different from not moving at all," Ogras frowned.


    The subsidiary propulsion systems were meant for precision maneuvering, such as entering a dock or descending onto a. Early Hegemons, let alone Monarchs or cosmic vessels, could catch up since they weren''t designed for speed.


    "Not good!" Jaol suddenly eximed.


    "What in the nine hells is it now?!" the demon swore.


    "I just got the long-range scanners online, and they picked up an unidentified vessel. It''sing right for us!"


    Zac nced at Catheya standing in the corner. She slightly shook her head. It wasn''t Tavza, so they were likely dealing with an enemy unless they''d managed to stumble onto Iz through sheer luck.


    "Go!" Zac said while giving themand to retract the subspace crystals, and Gu rushed out of the bridge with Emily in tow.


    "How long?"


    "An hour, tops," Jaol said, looking positively sick.


    <em>''I''m here!'' </em>Gu''s voice soon appeared in the inte.


    "Can you fix them within the hour?"


    On the other end, the ngor of the Array Master ripping out panels to ess the wiring behind could be heard. A few secondster, Emily unleashed a vitriolic curse, making Zac''s heart sink.


    <em>''No way. It''ll take twice that at the very least,'' </em>Gu answered.


    Zac took a steadying breath before sending another order. "Send one of the engineers to perform field repairs on the shields. We need them ready for battle within the hour, whatever it takes. Use our surplus treasures to refill the tank."


    "Shielding won''t be enough," Kator said. "Any ship able to this far deep is Late D-grade at the very least. They''ll break through long before the repairs are finished. We have even less time if there''s a Monarch on board."


    "We have a visual!"


    Zac finally rxed upon seeing the rough depiction based on energy readouts on Jaol''s screen. It was an Elite Kan''Tanu Destroyer made by the Chapter of Noble Pursuits. Out of many bad options, it was the one that gave them the best odds of survival. With the Yphelion''s lineup, they had a high chance of victory, even if the vessel was filled with Kan''Tanu elites. The only real threat was if there was a Monarch onboard.


    "Finally, some good news. It looks like it''s in an even worse state than us," Ogras said.


    "I''m not surprised," Zac said. "It must already have been inside the Imperial Graveyard when we entered. This kind of ship can''t match the pace we''ve kept, no matter how many modifications it''s seen. Not to mention the System blew up their base, so where would they havee from?"


    "They might have been forced to venture deeper when the Heavens went crazy," Joanna guessed.


    "Either that or a spatial tear gobbled them up and spat them out in this region," Ogras agreed. "The same thing happens all the time in the Million Gates Territory."


    Zac turned to Jaol. "Have they identified us?"


    "Not if their ship followed the Kan''Tanu standard specs, but the energy signature indicates they''ve made some modifications to the base model. I would expect installing better scanners would be one of them. They shouldn''t have figured out our identity, though. The Yphelion''s anti-tracking abilities are quite good, and the storm would have overwhelmed any detailed readings. They probably only discovered us because of the engine explosion."


    "So they might be thinking we''re allies?" Joanna said with a ruthless gleam in her eyes.


    "If it were you, would you care whether it was friend or foe?" Kator said. "The only way they''re surviving the next couple of days is by jumping ship. And this deep into the madness, it''s every man for himself. They should be readying themselves for a fight for their lives no matter what faction their target belongs to."


    "Then we need to do the same," Zac said, activating themunicator. "Can we fire the main cannon while you''re working on the engine?"


    <em>''The cannon? You can, but our circuits are already damaged. The energy surge will cause more damage, weakening our shields. One full-powered st at most, or we might lose our protection from the winds.''</em>


    "One shot?" Ogras grimaced. "The ship has been strengthened and all, but will it be enough? We saw what happened when we tried to destroy that barrierst week."


    Zac wasn''t sure either. The exploration vessels of the Imperial Graveyard shouldn''t be equipped with the Kan''Tanu''stest countermeasures against the Iliex weaponry. The environment was working against them, though. The stronger one''s attack was, the more damage it would cause to the brittle dimensionalyer.


    The incident Ogras mentioned ended with their full-powered attack piercing right into another dimension, ending up not hitting their target at all. Kic weapons would likely work better, but they didn''t have any, and the few drones couldn''t endure the harsh environment.


    "Disperse the maintenance shroud," Zac said with a somber expression. "Get ready for a blitz. We might have to finish the job ourselves."


    Six hatches opened on the Yphelion and began releasing a shimmering mist. The mist was meant to be deployed during open-space maintenance. The dust was made from a special alloy that created natural istion, hiding the ship from scanners and predators while its arrays were offline. It also physically obscured the ship, which Zac hoped would make the Kan''Tanu draw closer.


    The minutes passed, and Zac''s nerves grew tauter until Jaol finally confirmed there was no Monarch aboard. There was, however, a Half-step Monarch, two Peak Hegemons, and dozens more Hegemons aboard. Zac sighed in defeat, knowing the Yphelion''s weaponry couldn''t take them all out before they abandoned ship.


    Kruta looked at the readout, a fierce grin spreading across his face. "Finally. I''m tired of fighting ghosts. About time I see for myself if these ck Heart bastards live up to their reputation."

 Chapter 1237: Preemptive Defense

    Chapter 1237: Preemptive Defense


    A powerful, opalescent beam painted the bridge in hues of deadly beauty. The st carried tremendous force, blowing away the isting shroud as it rushed toward its distant target. The engines needed another 40 minutes before they could be deployed, so Zac had opted to creep closer to their target while hidden by the Yphelion''s shroud, hoping it would catch their prey unaware.


    They''d even found a dense pocket of ambient energy to add to their disguise. Everything was perfect except the location. Zac grimaced upon seeing the weblike cracks that spread out from the beam. The leakage was bad even in the unusually calm region they''d stopped in, and only a third of the energy remained when it reached its target.


    The Kan''Tanu Destroyer''s purple barrier lit up like a sun to block the ambush. Zac looked on with rapt attention, waiting for the second stage. The next second, theser transformed, its colors shifting darker. It was now a literal Death Ray, a unique feature the System had added to the Iliex schematics. The alternation between Life- and Death-attuned beams followed the pendulum concepts he''d read about in<strong> [Book of Duality]</strong>, creating an effect greater than the sum of its parts.


    The damaged shielding was unable to endure the sudden shift. It popped like a soap bubble, prompting an explosion near the ship''s aft. The damage was immediately overshadowed when theser dug into the ship. A ripple of explosions spread along the breach as the destroyer''s engine was ripped apart, spewing out all its fuel.


    Streaks of chaotic energy mixed with rapidly propagating spatial tears. Zac could only imagine the mayhem taking ce within the ship. The destruction quickly reached critical mass, and the oblong ship blew apart in the middle. Half the ship immediately fell into another dimension, but it wasn''t enough to make Zac rx just yet. The Yphelion''s subsidiary cannons unleashed a second salvo after the main cannon had paved a path, straining the ship''s energy circuits further.


    These smaller armaments would normally be useless against a ship like the Kan''Tanu destroyer. They were designed to deal with small, fast-moving targets or intercept raiders. They found another use now that they were dealing with an exposed wreckage without any protection. Their gunner shot a dozen streaks of smaller projectiles against any energy-dense spot. It would either be a strong cultivator who''d survived the initial st or a piece of the Cosmic Vessel to blow up.


    Zac almost dared hope they could deal with the threat without a fight. However, a huge, fleshy tendril appeared from a rift to dash those hopes. The thorn was almost asrge as the destroyer, allowing it to form a resilient wall against the bombardment. The next moment, a stream of cultists came pouring out of the wreckage.


    "What in the zes is that!" Bubbur swore.


    "And how much is hiding beneath the surface?" Kruta said, ncing at a pale-faced Jaol.Zac couldn''t fault his scout for the unexpected appearance. The hidden Heart Curse was clearly something specially bred for the Imperial Graveyard. It was covered in runes that rippled with Spatial Energy and emitted a foul aura of Resentment indistinguishable from its surroundings. It was a perfect stalker, hiding in subspace. Or rather, the Void, judging by the familiar air that seeped from its spatial crack.


    Protecting the ship had exposed the monstrosity early, potentially preventing a disaster. With its deactivated engine and drained shields, the Yphelion would have been in big trouble if it appeared before them instead of by the destroyer. The tendril didn''t show any inclination to pursue them either, nor did the Kan''Tanu opt to stay under its protective umbre.


    The survivors sped toward the Yphelion to seize a final chance at survival. Specialized cultivators in the vanguard activated identical skills that resembled swarms of red fireflies. They rapidly expanded to cover the whole army, and the frayed environment solidified long enough to pass through.


    <em>''We can''t fire again!'' </em>Gu shouted, seemingly reading Zac''s thoughts through themunicator.


    "The graveyard is helping us out, at least," Ogras muttered. "Those shrouds aren''t enough to fully defend against the spatial damage."


    "Then let''s them enjoy it some more. Retreat and activate the blockers," Zac said.


    Sixrge vats stored throughout the Cosmic Vessel began releasing waves that solidified the dimensional barrier. They were Zac''s backup in case Ibtep''s grubs didn''t live up to their task. Their drawback was significant: They prevented the subspace engines from running. With them down for repairs, it didn''t matter much, and they would make it harder for another tendril to pop out of nowhere.


    Outrunning the Kan''Tanu with the subsidiary engines was futile with the pace they kept. They had to use a special tool designed to traverse the graveyard. Even then, every second added to the pursuit would drain them a bit more.


    "I found it. It''s actually a parasitized Void Beast!" Jaol eximed. "It should have a hard time finding the right spot to strike without the Kan''Tanu ship acting as a beacon."


    Zac took the news in stride, already suspecting the unique Heart Curse was rted to the creatures he''d seen in the Technocrat Research Base.


    "That crest! Not good!"


    It was Kator who''d spoken this time, his aura fluctuating like he''d suffered a great setback.


    "What now?"


    "The ones wearing ck robes aren''t Kan''Tanu," the Reaver spat, and Zac could even hear a slight tremor in his voice. "They''re members of the ck Heart Cult."


    Kruta nched at the deration. Zac didn''t feel any better when he saw there were eight such people among the survivors on the screen. The situation was almost as bad as could be, considering the Half-step Monarch and one of the Peak Hegemons were among them.


    "I knew they wouldn''t be content with staying on the sidelines," Ogras spat.


    The Kan''Tanu''s origins weren''t a secret among Zecia''s leaders. The news had long since spread from the outsiders, along with the assurance that the ck Heart Cult had already been forced to give up on Ultom and the intersection war. Their im was corroborated by the fact that they hadn''t seen their shadow in all this time.


    Zac remained skeptical throughout, and his suspicions had proven true with the worst possible timing. He wasn''t sure if they''d snuck into the sector recently or if they''d lurked in the Imperial Graveyard throughout. In either case, their tough but certain victory had turned into a cmity. He nced at Ogras and Kruta, both of whom shook their heads.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <em>''Peak Hegemons from one of the Seven Chapters is beyond our capabilities, not to mention the ck-robed one. We should be able to hold up the Kan''Tanu, but that would require three of our strongest. And then the rest would be overrun.''</em>


    Zac sighed, knowing there was only one option. "Can you take the Captain if I upy the two Peak Hegemons?"


    "I''m not sure," Kator frankly admitted.


    "You''re acting up now after boasting you could take out all three yourself? You fought off a Monarch from the Sangha before! He was way stronger!" Joanna growled, looking ready to deal with Kator before the cultists.


    "Girl, that was different. The Arhat wasn''t fighting with his life on the line, and I only needed to stall until backup arrived," Kator said, his voice incredibly solemn. "I''ve fought a Half-step Kan''Tanu before. Let me tell you, they''re no easy prey. Almost all of them are Reincarnators, and their Heart Curses have undergone a metamorphosis. They''ve grown hundreds of timesrger by filling up their nascent Inner Worlds. I don''t want to know what''s hiding within that man''s chest."


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    After over two years of constant fighting, Zac could count his encounters with true Reincarnators on his hand. The first was the Hexmaster, just before the Centurion Lighthouse. Thest was a Late D-grade madman from the Chapter of Warborn half a year ago. The Middle D-grade Hexmaster had given Zac a huge headache while the psychotic w-wielder put up one of the fiercest struggles since Zac faced Yselio.


    These elites were only a pale mimicry of the real monsters raised in the ck Heart Cult. The bloody winner-takes-all rituals that raised Kan''Tanu Remoulded and Reincarnators had 1,000 participants. The ck Heart Sect used ten times that number. With the higher-quality Heart Curses and their A-grade Heritage, the Reincarnators would be in another league than their frontier cousins.


    The ck Heart Sect even held a terrifying third round of carnage, where ten thousand Reincarnators fought to the death to elect the generation''s leader. Zac could barelypute the loss of life, callously sacrificing a trillion cultivators to nurture one peak warrior. Or what kind of Heart Curse would be born after consuming so many of its brethren.


    The odds of the ck-robed cultivators being one of these existences were extremely low, even if the cult very well may have sent one to fight for the inheritance. Someone like that wouldn''t travel aboard a normal Kan''Tanu vessel. Zac still expected that at least one or two of their opponents were ck Heart Reincarnators, with the rest being Remoulded.


    Should they run? The untested modules were still there, their use ready to be explored. No, that was even riskier. They''d bet the farm by using the main cannon, so they had no shield to protect the Yphelion from the forces, even if the modules worked. And them working was definitely not a given, considering they had to draw energy from somewhere. Zac''s jaw set with determination. They could only fight.


    "Send out the drones; it doesn''t matter if they''re sacrificed. Push them together and st them with the cannon again. Gu, you have one minute to make sure the Yphelion doesn''t blow up."


    "Our shielding won''t be more than a decoration afterward, and it might alert the creature to our location!" Jaol eximed while a string of curses answered from themunicator.


    "We have no choice. Half of us will die unless we exhaust them further."


    Ready or not, their opponents wouldn''t give them any more time to figure things out. They''d crossed half the distance already. If they waited much longer, they''d be forced to fight with the Yphelion too close forfort.


    "Go! Zac roared, teleporting his warriors just as he saw the Yphelion''s drones appear on the screen.


    Their tight squad of Sealbearers appeared below the Yphelion just in time to see over a hundred drones perform a suicidal dive toward the approaching Kan''Tanu. Even more attacks rose to meet them, and the drones werepletely outmatched. Most were blown up before they couldunch an attack of their own.


    That was exactly what Zac expected to see, and his eyes gleamed with ruthlessness when the first booby-trapped drone exploded. It was packed to the gills with explosives, and its destruction tore apart space. It was toote for the Kan''Tanu to stop their retaliation at that point. More drones were destroyed, and a second explosion was followed by a third.


    The explosions forced the Kan''tanu to clump together for protection, and Zac knew it was time. He raised his axe and shot forward, feeling a surge of power when Emily''s tomahawk entered his back. <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s chest te was already releasing its protective shroud to ward off the deadly environment. Leaving the Yphelion''s protective domain still felt like passing through a steel bath. The good news was that the enemy should be even worse off, having been forced to travel much further whilecking his racial and acquiredyers of defense.


    A second streak of opalescent destruction appeared overhead, piercing right into the iing swarm of cultists. Zac made a mental note to give Gu a raise after seeing how he''d worked another miracle with the ship. The sanguine fireflies were utterly incapable of holding up before its fury, and space was suddenly working against the Kan''Tanu. Spreading out again meant little when the focused beam splintered into thousands of deadly branches.


    An enormous six-finger hand holding a tuft of hair suddenly stopped the beam''s advance. A huge shockwave billowed outward, and the beam died down the next moment. The cannon couldn''t evenst until the alignment switch before it ran out of energy. A scream of danger warned of a threat hidden in the blinding light, prompting Zac to move urgently before his sealbearers.


    Axe and chains were already in motion, and <strong>[Death''s Duality] </strong>mmed into an almost invisible strand of hair that stretched all the way from within the group of cultists a dozen miles away. The sh felt like striking a wall of C-grade iron, and Zac''s wrist bones groaned inint. The recoil threw Zac away, though that was partly intentional.


    It put him within range of another strand of hair, and he used the momentum to add even greater force to his second swing. Sharp screeches pierced his ears when his chains simrly targeted invisible attacks, where <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation] </strong>slowed them down enough for their intended targets to hurry out of the way.


    The cultists had already emerged through the spatial mayhem at that point. The Kan''Tanu Peak Hegemon had activated a huge domain that exposed him as a rare Spatial Cultivator. Zac inwardly swore, knowing his job had be even harder. Dealing with the ck Heart Cultist would already be difficult enough. Adding a Peak D-grade Spatial Cultivator in this environment was a huge added handicap.


    Kator nced at Joanna, giving her a look that said, <em>''See?'' </em>before his body exploded with power. He''d activated three of his Miracle Bones, turning into a deadly asura reeking of mayhem. He shot forth like a meteor, flying right toward the Half-Step Monarch, who had singlehandedly blocked the Yphelion''s final attack. It looked like Reaver wanted to bring the fight to his enemy, embroiling the hundreds of weaker cultists.


    Zac was already on the move, having the same idea as Kator. Around two hundred cultists had died from the drones and cannon, but there were still over three hundred enemies to deal with. If they could each annihte just 50 of the weaker ones before being locked down, the pressure on the others would lessen drastically.


    He unleashed his aura, bing the spearhead of a billowing wave of Killing Intent as he rushed toward his targets. Six chains wove through the vacuum by his side, reeking of death and bloodlust like a pack of deathly dragons on the hunt. Small spatial fractures formed a trail behind him, and their shape twisted into gleaming edges from the undisputable truth of his Earthly Dao of Defiant War.


    A flurry of ranged attacks tried to slow down his approach. Zac wouldn''t have it. The four pygmy skeletons of <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> appeared behind him, adding an impregnableyer of defense that rebuffed the hastily activated skills and talismans. His eyes never left the few targets who could actually harm him.


    Noticing the obscured fluctuations gave the early warning needed to avoid disaster. An odd portal opened by his side without making a sound. From it, a fist emerged with enough force to blow a hole in the sky. The pygmies wouldn''t be enough, so Zac disappeared in a puff of darkness, finally activating <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong>.


    The world slowed down, but not enough to stop the punch. It released a cascading wave of destruction like a nuclear bomb, creating a st wave that rippled forward for miles. It was filled with nightmares and ughter��Daos from the Peaks of Conflict, Dream, and Chaos. There was a hint of the Dao of Death in the mix, along with the tell-tale malevolence of a Heart Curse.


    The energy was profoundly evil, to the point Zac felt its mere existence should trigger another Heavenly Punishment. The attacker was clearly the Peak D-grade ck Heart cultist. As expected, their methods were a notch above the Kan''Tanu''s. Zac grunted in pain from being caught in the skill''s edge, where a strong pull tried to drag him into the epicenter. He fought back, holding onto his movement skill despite the pain it brought.


    Zac managed to tear himself free, only to be greeted with a spatial de. He veered again and found space resisting. It was the Spatial Cultivator adding insult to injury. Zac had no choice but to deactivate <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> early to block the de with a herculean swing. Conflict fought with space, and neither came out ahead. The opponent also had an Earthly Dao, countering Zac''stest advantage.


    The shing forces created a deadly storm with Zac caught in the middle. Zac shot forth without missing a beat, leaving the storm eye''sparative safety to enter the dangerous winds outside. Grisly wounds and pieces of flesh were the price of punching through the storm at record speed. His determination saved his life, as the Spatial Cultivator used the storm as fuel to create a ck hole.


    Zac disappeared again through a Void-activated <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong>, crossing the final stretch to reach the enemy lines. However, his targets were gone, and Zac felt an incredibly powerful spatial pull before he could target the weaker Kan''Tanu before him. The Void could have stopped him from being dragged away. Zac didn''t use it.


    He left a deadly gift for the cultists in the form of a Void-activated <strong>[Deathmark] </strong>before allowing himself to be whisked away. There was no point in resisting, and not just because Zac could tell it was futile without relying on his bloodline. The Spatial Cultivator was pulling him into a dimensionally reinforced pocket where his enemies would tear him apart.


    And a cage match was exactly what Zac wanted.

 Chapter 1238: Cage Match

    Chapter 1238: Cage Match


    Evo Ponson inwardly cursed at his bastard ofmander as another crack appeared on his soul. He''d been forced to toil like a dog for weeks because these haughty tyrants wouldn''t heed his warnings. They thought themselves above the dangers of the graveyard because of the creature they''d brought and the grandeur of their background. Foolish. He was the one who''d spent over eight centuries in this treacherous environment.


    No one was above it, not even the Pope.


    Had they just listened when he said something was wrong with currents, they wouldn''t have been reduced to such a sad state. Now, the <em>Lucent Voyage </em>was destroyed, and the Void Leash controlling their guide had snapped. And yet, Pantiro was still ying around. What could he do except hear and obey, ignoring that the crew he''d painstakingly raised was growing even thinner?


    They might both be Remoulded, but Evo knew his home-field advantage would do him little good in case they came to blows. Pantiro wouldn��t need to bother ripping him apart personally. The scene of Lord Evori detonating their old Captain''spanion with a single look remained fresh in Evo''s mind. Being a member of the Chapter of Tripartite Truth meant nothing when the ck Heart Curses held absolute dominion over all Kan''Tanu curses.


    The poor man had been sacrificed the second he went against their orders, and Evo had no intention of following after having endured so long. So he erected the domain against his better judgment. The pain from the dimensional pressure added to his misery and made hispanion writhe with fury. Evo''s overtaxed mindcked its usual ability to fight back, and his thoughts grew chaotic as he was forced to fight an inner war of control. He held onto his sanity by focusing on their target: the undead bastard who''d been caught in his.


    Evo was in a bad state, but not bad enough to miss the greed and tion in Pantiro''s eyes when their target entered <strong>[Hidden Domain]</strong>. Evo was too far removed from the war, and he had no idea who these people were. Pantiro clearly did, and this ck-eyed creature had to be a sealbearer. Three seals had already slipped through Pantiro''s fingers in the months Evo had guided the outsiders from the breach, and he would rather sacrifice half their crew than let another one go.


    Their target had managed to leave a domain skill in his wake. It had to be a Late D-grade skill, further empowered by an Earthly Dao. The spatial instability would deal with the skill even if his subordinates couldn''t. Only, dozens would be dead at that point��something they could ill afford in their current situation.


    They were already running precipitously low on the personnel necessary to make it out in one piece. Aplishing the task sent out to all vessels in the region was even more out of the question. Thankfully, they should meet the minimum quota of sacrifices today. Since there was one sealbearer, there were most likely more. Such as that skeletal monstrosity duking it out with Lord Evori.


    The faster they dealt with this mess, the sooner Evo could return to his original n; sifting for benefits on the bodies of the Early and Middle Hegemons. Being too old to ept a seal didn''t matter. Just the merit from unearthing one would let him trade for enough tonics to deal with decades of umted sequ and w back centuries of longevity lost to hispanion.The ck-eyed humanoid''s resistance wasn''t enough to escape the pull of <strong>[Spatial Flow]</strong>. He was quickly moved into position, where Pantiro was waiting. Evo activated <strong>[Forced Stasis]</strong> the moment he appeared, turning space around their captive into something harder than steel.


    Paviro''s hands wriggled as they rushed forward in a brutal double-palm. He''d activated his curse to create a secondyer of muscle and skin, adding its power to his skill. Nightmarish powers bloomed, and Evo was no longer looking at a palm strike. It had be a dreadful maw of a creature too evil to exist in reality, its serrated teeth closing around its target.


    The axeman wasn''t epting his fate lying down. Enough killing intent to make Evo''s hair stand on end poured out of his body. Evo had never even seen such an aura of ughter before, not even on the Warborn Reincarnator he encountered a few millennia ago.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Evo couldn''t silence the misgivings appearing in his heart. The problem was no longer that they''d held up two of their strongest warriors on a single enemy. They''d jumped into a cage with a monster. His fears were immediately realized when space around the undead warrior fractured, unable to stop his advance.


    <strong>[Forced Statis]</strong> shattered, seemingly through the exertion of raw physical power. Evo could barely believe his eyes. The suppressive effect might be weakened in the Imperial Graveyard, but it was still a Late D-grade skill. You''d need a shocking amount of Strength to overpower it in such a crude manner, far more than a Late D-grade Cultivator should have.


    Evo repurposed the spatial turmoil from the broken skill into cutting des. The attack that could have dismembered a Middle Hegemon only amounted to a new set of flesh wounds that triggered the warrior''s murderous aura further. A mist of Miasma rose in the pocket space. It didn''t work on Evo, who was lord of this domain.


    Everything in his space was within Evo''s purview, which allowed him to see something odd. The warrior''s anthracite axe dripped with darkness, and it tore into the beast with unmatched ferocity. There was an odd, ancient aura Evo couldn''t ce, which interfered with how Evo perceived the swing. He''d never seen anything like it, which made his premonition worse.


    The six chains emerging from the man''s backshed out like deadly whips. Two of them wereing straight for Evo, moving with blinding speed. Evo cast distracting thoughts aside, teleporting out of reach. His instincts told him to leave the pocket entirely, except that meant certain death. Their enemy was stronger than he''d expected, but Paviro was no pushover himself. Evo would have to make sure the scales were tipped in their favor. Anything less meant punishment.


    Attacks shed, and it looked like a purple and ck sun had been born, each color fighting for hegemony over the pocket space. Evo pushed his mind to its limits, manipting the shockwave to turn around and attack the enemy. A foreign spatial ripple made Evo teleport again, narrowly a cmity. Half the explosion had been transported to his previous location. Thankfully, centuries of exploration in the graveyard had made him extremely tuned in to sudden dangers.


    A bedraggled streak of ck shot out of the explosion. It was the bloodied undead, with Paviro hot on his heels. Evo finally rxed upon seeing the victor from the initial exchange. Furthermore, Paviro had already activated his <strong>[Nightmare Asura]</strong> form, having grown four extra arms with his Heart Curse and two heads with his Daos. It was a far superior method of utilizing theirpanions than the crude methods their frontier off-shoot possessed.


    Evo suppressed the pang of jealousy. Instead, he added to their enemy''s worries by activating <strong>[Vacuum Grinder]</strong>. Space twisted and broke, turning into thousands of spatial tears that werepressed into a deadly vortex. If <strong>[Forced Stasis]</strong> was weakened by the weak spatial fabric, then <strong>[Vacuum Grinder]</strong> was the opposite.


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    The sphere could have expanded to consume the whole battlefield if Evo wanted it to. Instead, hepressed it further, exponentially adding to its deadliness. The axeman was pincered, and Paviro tightened the. The two illusory heads released a soundless wail, and two enormous avatars emerged from the Nightmare Realm. One was a rune candle burning with an ivory me, the other a twisted doll looking awfully simr to their target.


    Each blocked off one side, and the unmoving me unleashed an area curse even deadlier than being directly infected by a bloody tendril. Meanwhile, the puppet twisted further, causing creaks toe from the undead warrior''s body. Paviro advanced, his body a bonfire of barely contained power.


    Their target was weakened,pletely boxed in, and ready to be ughtered. Or so Evo thought. Evo''s worry about the bacsh from enduring Paviro''s strike was soon forgotten. He gawked upon seeing the undead turn into a streak of darkness without so much as a ripple of warning.


    How was that man activating his movement skill so fast? It broke Evo''s understanding of energy and cultivation. Were the rules different when practicing death, or was it a racial trait? No, something so amazing would have reached him even in the depths of the graveyard.


    The sudden transformation allowed their target to slip right past the puppet that was supposed to hold him in ce. It shrieked with fury as boils and bloating appeared across its body. It looked like whatever connection kept its form had been destroyed, which pushed the summoned creature toward an early grave.


    The voodoo doll exploded, and the eruption was enough to interrupt their enemy''s movement skill. Unfortunately, the target had crossed half the distance toward him in that short window. Evo swore as he wove a dimensionalbyrinth between them. So his goal was to take out the helper first?


    Evo knew enough about Paviro by now to know he''d let it happen. That instant skill activation was too eerie, and a callous bastard like Paviro would rather stay back a few seconds to observe than risk his life. It would be up to Evo himself to survive in that interim. Luckily, surviving was what he did best.


    Evo could tell his attributes were far inferior to his opponent''s. It was also evident by his opponent''s paradoxically vibrant aura he was a youngster, further cementing the theory he was a participant in the uing trial. Evo needed to leverage his experience and drag things out. If Paviro waited too long, he could make a small tear in the cage appear naturally, and he could have his squad ''stumble'' through it to provide backup. At that point, Paviro would have to make a move, if only to protect his seal.


    A cold weight around his ankle threw his ns out the window. A chain had somehow managed to elude his perception, and it tacked on the weight of a mountain. The connection also provided a clear path through the invisible dimensional maze between them, allowing the man to approach with zing speed.


    The chain was flooded with Dao, making teleportation borderline suicidal. ying it safe, Evoshed out with a spatial de powered by panic and his Earthly Dao of Space Fracture. It actually failed to cut all the way through, only digging halfway into the sturdy link. Evo urgently conjured another de to finish the job. A powerful tug made him miss. Worse, it pulled him into range of the chain''s owner.


    Evo''s mind almost stalled when faced with the unspeakable darkness of his enemy''s eyes. The target was too close and too fast to mount a proper response. Evo''s survival instincts told him in no uncertain terms there was no time to hesitate. He opened the floodgates, ignoring the added damage to his soul while swinging his arm with ruthless determination.


    <strong>[Empty Expanse]</strong> activated first. The iing axe slowed down to a crawl when thest stretch was expanded to miles of empty space, as did the other chains that moved to bind him down. However, deathly mes poured into his defensive skill, setting the expanse aze with corrosion. The spatial barrier was rapidly crumbling, but it had bought enough time.


    The relentless pressure abated when the pitch-ck fetters suddenly held onto a severed foot. Evo timed everything perfectly. Ance of supremely condensed space pierced toward his opponent''s midsection while he used the hard-fought freedom to teleport away. Meanwhile, six gates opened within the cage, granting ess to his direct subordinates.


    Evo had to take his chances with angering Paviro, or he would be dead long before this superior could find the answers he sought. He needed the boost of his War Array, or he''d be cut down in less than a minute. He hadn''t expected to find himself so utterly helpless before the methods of a lower-graded outsider. He was a seasoned Peak D-grade Remoulded! Even if victory was off the table, he should have been able to hold his own for a short while.


    Then, everything went from bad to worse. Evo heard the groan of a wooden wheel and was beset by an acute impression of the seasons turning, where his future was turning with them. Summer gave way to winter''s chill, and Evo was blinded by pain when his teleportation failed. Something was very, <em>very</em> wrong. The Dao suddenly felt foreign, distant. Even his ever-presentpanion had be an unmoving stranger.


    There was only a hollow emptiness. And Death in the form of a ck-robed man.


    Darkness shed, the world split in two, and everything started to spin. Aforting cold flooded his Soul Aperture, acting like a healing balm on the thousands of wounds umted over his lifetime. A single discordant thought ruined the perfect harmony as Evo entered eternity''s embrace.


    <strong>[Empty Expanse]</strong> was still running, so why didn''t the axe slow down?


    ----------


    An unprecedented surge of cosmic energy poured into Zac''s body, allowing him to exhale in relief. The Spatial Cultivator was clearly wounded from the ship''s explosion, but he retained more than enough power to pose a significant threat with the ck Heart Pugilist breathing down his neck.


    A familiar scream of danger followed the cultist''s demise, and Zac grunted in pained surprise over a sudden stab of pain to his side. He was shocked to see the Kan''Tanu''s Heart Curse emerge from a spatial rift instead of the corpse. Heart Curses'' ability to borrow the Daos of their owners was incredibly rare, and Zac could only imagine it was doubly true for a Spatial Cultivator.


    Then again, this was the first Peak D-grade elite he''d killed during the war. He''d dealt with a few more, but they were neither Remoulded nor members of an elite chapter. It only made sense that the opponent was outfitted with a superior curse to match. Virulent tendrils rushed toward his Cosmic Core, showcasing tremendous resilience against Zac''s inherent defenses.


    Dozens of spatial mirrors joined the first, and Zac found himself assailed from every angle by the dying Heart Curse. Its tendrils were already withered from hiding in the void between dimensions, and it desperately sought a new host. Zac formed an imprable wall with chain and axe, destroying the bloody thorns with such prejudice they formed a sanguine haze.


    Years of experiments and attempted possessions let Zac confirm it wouldn''t aplish anything too dangerous before being whittled down. Some internal injuries would be the extent of it. Ideally, he''d have manually worked on it to lessen the dangers even further. Except, would his opponents give him the opportunity?


    Zac had opted to use multiple hidden cards from the start, and it wasn''t without reason. He almost had to activate <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> immediately upon arriving. His Eoz nodes had thankfully roared into action, providing an unstoppable burst of power in exchange for a couple of broken bones. Still, he''d felt just how much strength his true opponent wielded. He couldn''t have another enemy harassing him from a distance.


    Everything went even better than expected. Zac hadn''t had the chance to test his recent ideas on using the Void in realbat until now, and the result was staggering. Activating <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> purely with Void Energy had given the cultists pause, and his hesitation created the opportunity Zac needed.


    Controlling one of Alea''s chains with a Void-imbued Inexorable Stance allowed it to briefly move through a mental blind spot to reach the spatial cultivator unnoticed. That was enough to seal his fate, but he''d even used <strong>[Empyrean Aegis]</strong> from within the Shrine of Kanba to interrupt the teleportation and ensure there weren''t anyplications. It was a risky move, and Zac hoped the spatial cage and <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>had hidden and obscured any hints of life.


    It was too early to celebrate. The Peak Hegemon had died an ignoble death, but not before exacting a price. Arge dent had appeared on his heart protector, but Alea couldn''t fully absorb the rampant spatial energies from the final desperate strike. He''d also summoned six more Hegemons, though none of them looked like they could put up much of a fight.


    The real threat hadn''t been scared off by his dominant disy. The ck Heart Pugilist was quickly approaching, his face a mask of greed and bloodlust. Zac cracked his neck and got ready. He''d already spent quite a bit on his shock-and-awe tactic, but he had a few more cards up his sleeve.

 Chapter 1239: Peak D-grade

    Chapter 1239: Peak D-grade


    Seeing hispanion die in seconds did nothing to make the ck Heart Cultist back down, though his expression indicated his fighting spirit was fueled by more than bloodlust or survival. The pugilist seemed aware of Zac having a seal. Possibly even of his mebearer status by the almost deranged hunger in his eyes.


    His desire was perhaps the most shocking part of the situation, even if it worked in Zac''s favor. The spatial cage was gradually crumbling with its creator dead, and the worst thing that could happen was the cultist escaping to target the Yphelion or someone else.


    This was the first time Zac had encountered a Peak Hegemon qualified to join the battle over Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce. The situation wasn''t like with Tussar. Judging by his aura, the pugilist really was less than a hundred years old. Reaching that far in a century went beyond the natural order. Late D-grade should have been the limit, as evidenced by Kator and the other elites who''d popped up.


    Peak D-grade was the final stage and the hardest to cross. It waspletely different than simply reaching the limits of Late Hegemony. Peak D-grade meant perfecting your core and setting the stage to assault Monarchy. The demands were exacting and required more refinement and preparation than the other stagesbined.


    When you had heavy foundations like Zac and the other Eonic Seeds, not a single aspect could becking. Picking a shallow path to rush through the grades wouldn''t work either. Hegemony was a watershed where each bottleneck would forever stop those withcking qualifications. If anything, such a cultivator would take longer to reach Peak D-grade since they''d have to stop and rework their foundations every step of the way.


    Peak D-grade within a century seemed like something only Heretical Factions willing to break the Law of Bnce could aplish. His enemy must have forcibly raised his grade through rituals simr to the one Boje was forced into. Of course, it must have been through a much superior method. The approaching pugilist showed no hint of the damaged foundations his Alchemist still suffered from.


    The ck Heart cultist also had the strength to match. Coming out on the losing end during their initial exchange wasn''t fake. The cultist''s Daos wasn''t superior to Zac''s, nor was his attribute pool. However, the added benefits from a monstrous Heart Curse and a Peak D-grade Cosmic Core were enough to create a small disadvantage in a straightforward sh.


    The Void would help tip the scales in his favor, though it had lost some of its use. His Void-rted abilities were still best used to suddenly create an opening, like how he took out the Spatial Cultivator in one go. Now, the jig was up. The pugilist didn''t need to understand what concepts the abilities were based on to be prepared for them.


    Thankfully, the ck Heart Cultist''s path was restrained by Zac''s, further improving the odds of victory. The pugilist''s nightmares couldn''t disy their full power, thanks to <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual] </strong>and<strong></strong>the training he''d undergone to survive the Atavism and the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. Meanwhile, the cultist''s Dao of Death was more of a hindrance than a help when fighting a pureblooded Draugr, especially a descendant of Eoz who was almost immune to curses.Zac pushed through the pain of having a Space-attuned Heart Curse rampaging through his body, activating <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong> for an additionalyer of control and protection. The pugilist had already unleashed a series of punches, each instilled with enough power to make space buckle. The protective coffin of <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> was rapidly drained to block the attacks.


    Dozens of demonic fists appeared out of nowhere as the enemy drew closer, just like the initial attack that had almost blown Zac to smithereens. The coffin-wielding pygmy skeleton had its hands full, and the ck swirl skeleton had exhausted most of its energy to transport the previous explosion to the Spatial Cultivator''s location.


    Six Abyssal chains tore through the air, forming a deadly blockade. It wasn''t enough. The hands moved with incredible speed and were instilled with a mysterious power. They shifted in and out of reality, countering the imprable movements of Zac''s Inexorable Stance. Half of the fists locked down <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> while the rest went in for the kill.


    Dealing with the fists wouldn''t aplish much; neither could Zac ignore them. Each attack held as much power as a normal Middle D-grade Skill, and they emitted an incredibly foul aura that messed with Zac''s mind. Zac felt himself being dragged into a waking nightmare as more and more attacks joined the first.


    Zac didn''t want to wait and find out what woulde from it. Breaking the odd voodoo curse had already left his body riddled with small wounds. His situation would have been even worse if not for his Specialty Core''s Karma-avoiding ability and <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong>, though their protection came with a significant drain of Vigor and Cosmic Energy.


    The fists were forced to a crawl as Zac cranked the repulsive domain of <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong> to its limits. The attack appeared partly illusory, like some of Ogras''s skills. Zac already had a counter for such methods after repeatedly sparring with the demon over the past months. He rushed forth, delivering Death to any limbs within reach, each swing lessening the mental influence.


    The deathly swirls surrounding <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> grewrger as <strong>[Fatehew]</strong> fed on the Mental Energy imbued in the attacks. And yet, Zac''s sense of wrongness only increased as he made a beeline for the real target. Zac soon couldn''t take it, even if his danger sense remained at a low roar. Death was looming, eluding his senses.


    Zac activated the fourth pygmy''s ability of empowerment, prompting the shield-bearing pygmy to erupt with power. A huge, crystalline coffin enclosed Zac just before the surroundings changed into a huge, hollow tower, with Zac caught in the middle.


    Thousands of twisted denizens lined the winding path leading toward the depths of hell. Their angry staresbined into a tremendous devilish aura that flooded Zac''s surroundings, where the tower acted as an amplifier. The pressure already pushed the mental defenses of <strong>[Indomitable]</strong> to their limits, and that wasn''t even the real threat. The pugilist was nearby; he could feel it.


    Zac furiously tried to break the illusion,ing up utterly short. A world-ending punch interrupted his attempts, mming into Zac. The coffin conjured by <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> shattered after absorbing most of the force, causing the whole skill to copse. Madness and violence flooded through the cracks, and Zac let himself be submerged as he dug toward its source. The pugilist had been unable to perfectly mask his aura when going in for the kill, and Zac chose to retaliate rather than focus on defenses.


    Agonizing, festering wounds were carved across Zac''s body, with <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong> failing to fully tide through the overspill. Moving with the Void helped, but the ability wasn''t omnipotent. He was facing an unfamiliar technique, and there were no safe spots to speak of.


    It did let Zac get close enough without being torn apart, though he was forced to activate two healing brands from <strong>[Undying Seal]</strong>, his upgraded version of <strong>[Undying Mark]</strong>. The skill could now be empowered by his Dao of War, adding a boost to his power depending on how badly he was wounded. The change meshed extremely well with his Eoz bloodline, allowing him to live up to the name of the Vanguard.


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    Zac unleashed a lightning-quick swing the moment he crossed the gauntlet. He stopped himself from also activating <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> at thest moment upon realizing something was wrong. His chains had already reached their target. The first ched on just as Zac''s attack reached the pugilist''s head, only for him to copse into a putrid water that expanded to the size of an ocean.


    Zac tsk-ed with annoyance as he looked around. He''d been almost certain he was dealing with the real target. All of his senses said the same thing and the energies were indisputable. Hisbat experience was the only thing leaning the other way. The cultist had been all too willing to enter a melee despite the evident dangers, meaning he had a powerful counter, or the whole thing was a feint. It appeared it was thetter, which meant Zac had taken all that punishment for nothing.


    A twistedugh echoed through the depths. "Arcaz Umbri''Zi, you''re very different from the reports. I''m curious about your uncanny ability. Did you get it from Ultom? Tell me, and your death will be faster."


    The voice came from every direction, making it impossible to narrow down the source. Zac would normally have used the opportunity to extract some information, such as how the ck Heart Cult had appeared in the Imperial Graveyard. However, hispanions were no doubt in a desperate battle on the outside.


    Worse, Zac could already feel a drain of Miasma and Vigor through <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, and wounds were being added to the bloody canvas drawn across his body. Zac was having a rough go at it, and it looked like Kator wasn''t faring any better.


    "Big words for someone afraid to face me," Zac scoffed while changing his approach.


    The ck Heart cultist wasn''t following the same path as he. Instead of Technique, the pugilist relied on unpredictable nightmares to attack his opponent''s mind before going in for a kill. An opportunity would present itself so long as Zac could keep his target close. Which was easier said than done, considering Zac had no way to pinpoint his target within the dreamscape.


    A slight ripple in the water made Zac swirl around. Another punch emerged from the darkness, which Zac deflected with the chains wound around his left arm. He felt like every bone on his left side broke from the enormous force within. His axe clove the waters in half, exposing the pugilist within.


    The world changed once more before Zac could seize on the opportunity, cing him in a vast torture chamber whose deafening screams of agony rattled Zac''s soul. Another series of attacks wasunched and blocked, where Zac was dragged through one world after another.


    Knowing he was dealing with a dreamscape did little to counter the skill, and each scenested too briefly to pinpoint any weaknesses. Entering a Void State didn''t change anything. The skill was too powerful, creating a true dreamscape that couldn''t be peered through. The tactic was clearly the counter the pugilist had devised. Instant activation of skills and uncanny movement were useless if youcked a target.


    Zac refused to give in. If smarts didn''t work, then he could only rely on brute power. Torrential amounts of Mental Energy poured into <strong>[Fatehew] </strong>as heshed out at everything in his surroundings. Every world was ripped apart with utmost prejudice, causing mutual destruction of the spirit.


    <strong>[Fatehew]</strong> had smoothly entered Middle D-grade already, and its ability to drain Mental Energy had increased exponentially. It had be a very effective weapon against higher-graded enemies. He couldn''tpete with a Peak Hegemon in normal energy reserve. Mental Energy was another matter.


    Someone who''d rushed to Peak D-grade within a century couldn''t possibly also have a powerful soul. Zac could feel every swing tear away a chunk of Mental Energy from his opponent while destabilizing the skill. It was impossible he''d be able to endure much longer.


    The blind rampage didn''te without a price. Causing such wide-scale destruction created many openings, and new wounds reced those he''d closed. Zac wasn''t sure if it was good or bad news that the cultist had learned his lesson after the first exchange. He didn''t dare use another big skill out of fear of being exposed.


    A scream of danger made Zac move his axe to his leg, narrowly blocking a strike meant to sever his limb. He was still pushed further into the next dreamscape by the great force, where a familiar tentacle waited to snatch him. It rose from the depths, covered in innumerable hands sutured onto a leathery hide.


    It was the Collector, the miscreation he hadn''t seen since the Technocrat Research Base. Of course, it wasn''t the real thing, but it still left Zac extremely rmed. Seeing it meant he''d been dragged deeper into the pugilist''s techniques than he''d expected, to the point his subconscious had been rallied against him.


    Zac ferociously shed at the grasping tentacle before shing away, straining his senses to their utmost to find his target. He still failed, which meant he had to take a gamble. Zac kept up his destruction until the next strike arrived, using <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>to hide his Remnants stirring.


    At that moment, Zac finally unleashed <strong>[Void Zone] </strong>to its limits. A forty-meter-wide sphere turned opaque inside the dreamscape, exposing a figure just meters away. He seemed prepared for something like that to happen and forcibly turned into a streak to escape.


    It didn''t matter. Zac had been forced to expose <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, but it aplished its goal��confirming the real pugilist was nearby. Utmost darkness was born in the crumbling spatial pocket, erasing the damaged dreamscape with Oblivion and Death.


    Zac briefly saw arge book made from human skin, each page inside holding a different illustration. He guessed that was the true appearance of the skill he''d finally broken. The Supreme Pathbound Skill turned the region into a separate dimension where Zac was king. Hiding inside was nigh impossible.


    The summoned Kan''Tanu Hegemons hiding in the corners of the crumbling dimensional pocket were no longer safe. The deste statues on the two spirals threw out their chains, ever eager to add new members to their ranks. The strongest among them were Middle D-grade. He was barely able to fend for himself, let alone help the others, especially when they''d been split up into the two separate realms of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>.


    The pugilist fared much better, destroying any chains that came close. Upon realizing he couldn''t escape or hide in a dreamscape, he directly targeted the skill. Zac snuck closer under the guise of darkness, stopping just over one hundred meters away. A spectral chain gingerly moved forward, following the same Void-imbued concepts as the one that caught the Spatial Cultivator.


    Zac grimaced with pain upon seeing huge cracks appear on <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>''s band of statues. It was unable to endure the pugilist''s punches and finally exploded, taking two of the Hegemons with it to the afterlife. It was at that exact moment the spectral chain of <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss] </strong>reached its target.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The ck Heart Cultist realized something was wrong toote. He''d been on guard for a deadly ambush, not a gentle tap on his back. Knowing he faced a cmity, the three heads and six arms fused into his physical body, prompting it to bulge and then wither. Monstrous energy gathered in his fists as he unleashed a barrage of punches in Zac''s direction.


    The whole domain heaved under the assault. The force was too much to redirect, and Zac felt like he was trying to manipte an oil tanker with the spectral chain. It was like the pugilist had rooted himself in space, turning into a deadly array tower. Zac had no choice but to temporarily back away as the two dimensions of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> merged.


    The pugilist''s dominant disy gave the trapped cultists a small hope for survival.


    "Lord, save me!" a disfigured soldier with wriggling muscles wailed as he flew toward the ck Heart Cultists with multiple chains in pursuit.


    "Get aw��" the ck Heart Cultivator''s words died in his throat when the soldier unleashed a ferocious swing with an axe that lit up with Divine splendor.


    It was like reality was being overwritten, where the axe either grewrger or the cultist smaller. In no time, it was like a gash in the Heavenly Dome, from which the deadly vengeance of Arcadia descended. The man tried to move away, but they were already too close. Running away was no different than trying to escape the Heavens.


    The cultist roared, and his body grew into a towering giant that could meet the attack. He''d clearly drawn from the full power of his Heart Curse, and Zac could sense its sinister aura course through his veins. At that time, another de arrived without a sound.


    If the first one came from the heavens, then the second was sent from the underworld to bring an end to the cultist''s desperate struggle.

 Chapter 1240: Storm in a Bottle

    Chapter 1240: Storm in a Bottle


    The unforgiving divinity of Arcadia shone with golden splendor, creating a pocket of light in the darkness of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>. The axe of <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgment]</strong> could barely be called a de since being upgraded to D-grade, nor were there any signs of the wooden hand from before. Instead, the huge gash in the sky had be the actual attack. When the light descended, so did the judgment.


    Therge suppressive magic circle was also gone, though its effect remained and was stronger than ever. Arcadia''s influence now reached wherever its light did. Gaseous clouds of distant dreams poured out of the hulking behemoth to teleport away or hide within a dreamscape. It aplished nothing. The golden rays dispersed the clouds the moment they formed, rejecting all falsehoods and preventing anything froming between themselves and their target.


    There was no escaping judgment, and the pugilist was no exception. His actual strength was roughly on par with Zac''s, and not even a Peak D-grade Cosmic Core could rally enough energy to easilybat the power of a Void-activated Middle D-grade finisher.


    Seeing he was stuck with an earthshattering strike descending on his head, the ck Heart Cultist''s aura soared even higher. He was putting everything into tiding through the descending strike, including talismans and forming a flesh wall with the help of his curse.


    Themotion allowed the second danger to arrive unnoticed from below. It resembled the de of an upside-down guillotine, sent straight from the King of Hell to end the desperate struggle of whoever had been marked by Death. Dense runes covered its gleaming edge, and it looked like an actual gate to the underworld formed wherever it passed.


    The scene was only visible to Zac''s eyes. Its form was obscured within the darkness of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>, and not even <strong>[Judgment of Arcadia]</strong> could pierce through its innate gloom. Furthermore, its aura was almost perfectly contained within the de, making it incredibly difficult to discern when the cultist''s immediate surroundings were drowned in torrential amounts of energy.


    Its subdued appearance was a stark difference to the skill''s form in the E-grade, where it conjured wings andter spheres. Zac had done away with all of that, even the skull that delivered the final strike. All the focus was on increasing speed and lethality. That wasn''t to say Zac saw no changes from activating <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong>.


    A pitch-ck scroll had emerged from a deathly vortex to his side. It was covered in lines written in blood, using scriptspletely alien to Zac. Their meaning was still clear; it was a line of names whose time hade. A new line had already been added, and Zac could feel a hint of the pugilist''s aura within.


    It was like Zac had be the controller of the pugilist''s future the moment his name was engraved. The scroll didn''t restrict or bind. It only showed a glimpse from the river of fate, allowing Zac to adjust his strike as needed to aplish its goal.The golden de of Arcadia arrived first. It tore into the meaty wall with unquestionable might, and the unbridled Life stored in the light caused the barrier to mutate and lose its cohesion. The scene was simr to the effect of Creation, except more targeted. It drastically weakened the blockade, allowing the judgment to cut closer to its real target.


    The scene was new and easy to understand. Many of his undead skills had seen subtle changes since Oblivion was added to his Daos, in a weak echo of the changes his skills had seen when used with Remnant Energy. The most noticeable improvement was to [Eye of Destion], which already relied on Oblivion to function. Having an actual Dao incorporating those truths made the skill far sturdier. Without it, the crumbling dimension outside would already have broken through.


    Zac hadn''t gotten the chance to try out the effect with his human body until now, and <strong>[Jugment of Arcadia] </strong>appeared to take on more of Creation''s aspects than most of his skills. Even then, it wasn''t enough to take out the pugilist in one go. A tattoo lit up on his chest, and a thick que appeared to block the descending strike. Zac weed the sight, seeing as the hidden defense wasn''t omnidirectional.


    The scroll had already indicated there were no obvious defenses protecting the pugilist from below, and the timing was perfect. The pitch-ck edge tore into the giant with incredible momentum, almost cutting him clean in two before he could react. An explosion of fleshy tendrils desperately tried to exhaust the skill before it could reach the Cosmic Core, but the ambush made the pugilist lose control of his defensive tattoo.


    The que destabilized, giving <strong>[Jugment of Arcadia]</strong> the window it needed to break through. Life dug into the grotesque head covered in wriggling veins, severing the storm of dreams that flooded out of his damaged Soul Aperture. The mayhem of Zac''s full power was too much, and the resistancepletely crumbled.


    Life and Death met in the center, resulting in an apocalyptic explosion that almost made <strong>[Eye of Destion] </strong>break down. Cracks rapidly spread across thest sculpture band as deadly streaks of entangled Life and Death flooded every corner of the cage. Even Zac was forced to dodge and weave, so there was no need to mention the Goliath from whose chest the explosion originated. Not even scraps remained.


    Zac''s human avatar appeared by his side, the wooden wheel still floating behind his back. <strong>[Verun''s Bite] </strong>was in his hand, dripping with blood. He''d taken the opportunity to finish off the other enemies inside the pocket dimension. They''d already been at death''s door, so it hadn''t required any effort. Space rippled, but Zac didn''t immediately send his other avatar back into the Shrine of Kanba.


    They stood side by side, observing the beautiful spectacle before him. It was theplete opposite of the clean delineation between Life and Death when using <strong>[Rapturous Beginning] </strong>and <strong>[Sonorous End]</strong>, the fusion skill he''d created based on <strong>[Rapturous Divide]</strong>.


    The original target was all but forgotten. Life desperately warred with Death for hegemony, each side rallying everything in their repertoire to swallow the other. Everchanging Creation joined the war to resist the destion brought by Oblivion. Zac took a shuddering breath, finally seeing the answers he''d strived for put on open disy.


    It was a shame he couldn''t wait any longer. The line on the scroll hadn''t been crossed out, and there was still no surge of Kill Energy. Zac''s human body finally disappeared before his Draugr half rushed forth, right toward the heart of the madness.


    Void, Conflict, and Death coursed through his pathways, making him an embodiment of his inexorable path. The rampant streaks from <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> and <strong>[Jugment of Arcadia]</strong> were unable to touch so much as the hem of his robes, as were most of the spatial tears formed in the storm''s eye.


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    He was like a specter, separated from the Dao. In reality, his actions only worked because he was the origin of the explosion. He understood the concepts behind the seemingly out-of-control frenzy around him, and the Void allowed him to walk in its blind spots until he reached the very center.


    Where a huddled form waited. The cultist was grievously wounded but alive. Thousands of discarnate souls swirled around him for added protection, sacrificing themselves to exhaust any dangering his way. Behind them, a final barrier protected the ck Heart warrior from any further harm.


    The cultist was back in his original form, though his skin looked ruddy like a baby''s. Zac, having regrown his limbs many times, could tell the whole body was new. He must have used a special survival technique, simr to being reborn from a drop of blood. Judging by the spiritual fluctuations, he was already preparing an escape.


    It was lucky he hadn''t taken anything for a given, even if both his Void-activated finishers had hit him head-on. An inexorable step put Zac before his target, and Abyssal chains tore apart the wailing souls before they could get close. Murky eyes filled with hatred stared at him from within the purple barriers as a mysterious rune appeared between his sped hands.


    He was already fading away, but his relief was bound to be short-lived. Vengeance turned into shock and confusion when Zac stepped right through the shield as though it wasn''t there.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "How��"


    The sound of a wooden wheel turning echoed in the darkness, and the dream rune shattered. A tug on Zac''s spectral chain pulled his maimed target back from the dream world, and a seemingly simple swing delivered true finality.


    Zac swiped all treasures and spatial items with expert precision before moving out of the way, a wave of exhaustion and pain hitting him now that he''d aplished his job. The battle hadsted less than a minute, where the short duration might have made it seem like a steamroll.


    The crisscross of wounds across his body told another tale. He''d also used almost all his cooldown skills, which were significantly draining his reserves now that they were Middle D-grade skills. Resisting the curses had exhausted another chunk of his energy and Vigor.


    It was lucky he had multiple energy stockpiles. It allowed him to spend Cosmic Energy instead of miasma on the Specialty Core''s Karma-warding ability, avoiding the undead species'' inborn weakness of energy insufficiency. Unfortunately, Zac knew he wasn''t out of the woods yet. The host was dead; its passenger was not.


    His attack would have killed any normal Kan''Tanu Heart Curse before it could emerge. The ck Heart Curse clearly worked differently, as he couldn''t find its core. A spike of danger made him sh away, leaving a D-grade talisman in his wake. A tremendous explosion rocked one side of <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> while Zac appeared on the opposite side.


    Zac had learned his lesson after the spatial curse and would keep his distance until he knew what he was dealing with. He barely had time to reposition before a second scream of danger shook his mind. A wing swing aimed at his throat had appeared out of nowhere, infused with enough power for the nails to create spatial tears as they moved. Zac narrowly dodged but found himself unable to extricate himself from his new enemy.


    Or rather, his old enemy. Zac briefly wondered if his kill had been part of another dream when he saw the ck Heart Pugiliste at him with unhinged madness in his eyes. No, it wasn''t a dream. The scar of being cut in two was still there, as were the scorch marks from his talisman. Not to mention, he''d already received the kill energy.


    The ck Heart Curse actedpletely differently than the Kan''Tanu versions, which burst out like parasites desperate for a new host. The real thing was far more integrated with its host, allowing it to use the original body much longer. Zac could sense a slight drain of Life Force in every swing, but a young Peak D-grade cultivator would be able to keep going like this for hours.


    The pugilist used the same Daos as when alive, but hisbat style hadpletely transformed. He fought like a berserker, unleashing 120% of his strength. Zac was almost overwhelmed by the storm of violence, reduced to a passive defense that pushed him and <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> to their limits. He would have been overwhelmed if not for<strong> [Arbiter of the Abyss] </strong>and <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> resuming their suppression.


    Zac neither had the time nor energy to whittle down such an opponent, so he looked around for ways to deal with it. Luring it into the ball of Oblivion in his skill''s center would be the best solution, but the possessed body clearly wasn''tpletely mindless. It fought with the ferocity of a beast, which included perceptivity for danger.


    Suddenly, Zac roared and swung with everything he had. The corpse realized something was amiss and veritably exploded with power to shake off the many chainstched around its limbs. However, the sole, pitch-ck rune on <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> lit up at that exact moment.


    The corpse froze in ce as a projection of Alea appeared behind him. Serrated chains dangled from her hands. The other ends were already wound around the pugilist, who desperately struggled against the restraint. However, the seal was one on fate and future, making the binding absolute.


    A burst of spatial madness almost took Zac''s head after tearing a hole in the dimensional fabric. The immobilized Heart Curse waspletely consumed by the storm, and the body was once more torn into thousands of pieces. Zac urgently activated <strong>[Abyssal Drive] </strong>to escape in the other direction as his Supreme Pathbound Skill copsed around him.


    The spot Zac chose wasn''t random. It was the dimensional weak spot created by his finishers shing, hidden by <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong>. There had been a price to pay for Ibtep''s grubs to seal space. The Spatial Cultivator creating a stable pocket was no different, even if not at the same scale. Zac''s swing called forth the bacsh early, destroying both the dimensional pocket and Zac''s domain.


    Fierce forces ripped into Zac''s intangible body from every direction as he escaped back to the main dimension. Thankfully, the pocket was closely linked, and Zac soon found the way. He was greeted by a gallery of carnage of struggle.


    Kruta was closest by; his burning ancestor lit up like a sun behind him. His two brutal shortswords were hacking at two ck-robed cultivators who fought back with an exquisite Sword Array. The whole area around him was set aze, and the dancing mes made Zac think of burning steppes.


    The icy domain nearby was a stark contrast. Catheya had be an apostle of icy Death, locking down and siphoning the Life out of three Middle D-grade Hegemons, one of them another ck Heart Cultist. Crystalline spirits that made Zac''s heart clench danced across the cier, each instilled with an unnatural cold.


    Streaks of gold were continuously released from the Yphelion''s side. It was Carl who assisted all the ongoing battles with well-timed snipes that disrupted momentum or put enemies at a disadvantage. A few corpses floated nearby, which meant he''d dealt with assassins who''d tried to sneak aboard the ship. Vri and Emily were defending his nks, ensuring the sniper''s and the vessel''s safety.


    Most of the weakerbatants had fallen already. Zac had taken out a good chunk with <strong>[Deathmark]</strong> while fighting inside the Dimensional pocket. The skill bing a fixed-area ability instead of following him around had worked in his favor this time. The skill had already run out of energy, and someone else had continued the job he started.


    Zac shuddered upon seeing dozens of specters harass the final pockets of resistance among themon personnel, their aura so evil that even the Heart Curses seemed scared. Zac knew Ogras hadn''t given up on the <strong>[Shadewar g]</strong> even if the demon hadn''t used it since they set out. On the contrary, he''d made huge strides in upgrading the g, going by the waves of fell Karma it exuded as it floated above its prey.


    It was the same wherever Zac looked, with hispanions fighting for their lives. Zac was relieved to see all of his Sealbearers alive. However, the same was true for more than half of the enemy''s upper echelon, forcing his people to fight against multiple enemies. Everyone sported grievous wounds or had auras flickering precariously to signify spiritual damage.


    Normally, Ogras would have acted as a floater, using his stealth to jump between battlefields to finish off weakened targets. A few shadow tendrils were still trying just that, but the greatest gathering of shadows was by Kator''s side. Zac could see why. The reaver had already activated all four Miracle Bones Zac knew of in his battle against the ck Heart Half-Step Monarch.


    And he was still at a disadvantage.

 Chapter 1241: Upending Balance

    Chapter 1241: Upending Bnce


    The cultist captain had conjured an enormous domain resembling a diatorial ring made from flesh. It emitted the unmistakable weight of an Inner World, giving it a weight and power no Hegemon could emte. It wasn''t at the level of the real thing, not even a frontier Monarch''s, but it was far beyond what Zac had personally experienced when sparring with Pavina.


    Countless beasts poured from a dozen portals lining the coliseum. Zac initially thought them part of a skill because of their sheer numbers and matching energy fluctuations. However, he quickly realized they were actual, real beasts imnted with a Heart Curse. Or rather, they seemed to carry a piece of the ck Heart Cultist''s curse inside their bodies.


    All of them were Beast Kings, and they drew power from the coliseum through their curse, though it seemed to push them into a frenzied state. Oddly enough, the beasts came in all shapes and sizes. It was different from most beastmasters who, like Ibtep, focused on a specific type of beast to nurture. The only things that unified the motley pack were the nasty wounds covering their bodies and the dense stench of blood they emitted.


    It made Zac think of the rituals to raise Remoulded and Reincarnators. Was the Half-Step Monarch doing the same with these creatures? Pitting thousands of beasts against each other inside World Rings, keeping whoever came out ahead? Raising the requisite number of Remoulded beasts had to cost a fortune, not to mention the time. Then again, was that a problem for a faction like the ck Heart Sect?


    The beastmaster was no slouch himself. His aura was steady and refined, resembling the old generals Zac had encountered over the past years. The captain was undoubtedly thousands of years old, not another youth forcibly raised through the ranks. Like the pugilist, the beastmaster fought with his hands, albeit in apletely different manner. He''d entered a bestial transformation, only his aura and appearance made him seem more like a devil.


    He was over six meters tall and had a hunched, bulky build. Six jagged horns adorned his head, and glistening scales had reced his skin. His hands were oversized even for his stature, with ws the size of short swords. His aura held the familiar brutality of the wild, where the main Dao came from the Peak of Nature. It was a direction Zac had courted before deciding to cultivate Pure Life.


    The ferocious swipes and bites weren''t enough to suppress Kator. If anything, the Half-Step monarch couldn''t keep up with the reaver''s aggression. He was a force of nature that kept pushing forward, happy to trade blows for blows thanks to his extremely tough defenses. Chunks of flesh were constantly ripped off from the bestial captain''s body as Kator sought an opening to finish the job.


    However, the power of a Half-step Monarch couldn''t be ignored, especially not one from a powerful faction like the ck Heart Sect. If Kator relied on superior defenses, then the cultist relied on superior regeneration. He was an unkible alpha lording over his pack, with wounds rapidly closing and scabbing over.


    Kator was caught between a rock and a hard ce, failing to seize a significant advantage against the Half-step cultist while reinforcements continuously joined the fray. His skeleton armor was durable, but he had no choice but to exert some effort to thin the beasts before they overwhelmed him. Zac was well aware of how detrimental that was to an infighter relying on their Technique. The momentum kept getting reset, making it incredibly difficult to move the battle in their favor.Adding insult to injury, every beast Kator killed made the beastmaster stronger. The curses inside the animals didn''t try to target Kator, instead returning to their origin. Zac even guessed the infusions were what allowed the beastmaster to recover his wounds as quickly as Kator could leave them. The ck Heart beastmaster''s personal strength was another difference from other beastmasters Zac had encountered.


    Most lived and died with their beast, literally. Verana was a poignant example of that. Herpanions had fallen one after another during the months of bitter struggle on the frontlines. Finally, Verana''sstpanion was too exhausted to protect her when an assassin struck, ending her journey at Peak E-grade. Let alone Verana, most of the Tel-dar warriors who''d joined his ranks had shared a simr fate. Beasts were simply targets that stood out unless there were enough of them to form a tide.


    The ck Heart cultist''s path was more bnced that way, provided you were willing to sacrifice yourpanions. The beast tide could counter arge number of enemies, and their strength could be resorbed if facing a strong enemy.


    Kator did what he could to revert the tide. The enormous warbeast wrought from bone that he''d summoned in his battle with the Arhat was already out. However, it was already on itsst legs from holding off the ck Heart leader''s strongest beast. Another spatial crack had appeared close to the coliseum, from which the tentacles of the curse-imnted Void Beast had emerged.


    The task of dealing with the beast overflow had fallen into Ogras''sp, preventing him from helping the others. With his g still upied by the struggling clumps of cultists, he had his hands full. Even then, the asional beast had managed to slip through the cracks, and Zac could see both corpses and still fighting animals all over.


    Zac never stopped moving as he took in the chaotic scene. He''d shot out of the spatial tear like a bullet, cramming a set of Healing and Soldier Pills into his mouth as he made a slight adjustment to his direction. He descended right upon Kruta''s targets, chains and axe at the ready. The orc was covered in cauterized wounds, though he''d clearly given as good as he''d gotten.


    Molten scrap from dozens of broken swords floated all around him while one of the cultists had their arm reced by scorched tendrils. Zac''s state wasn''t much better. His whole body was covered in wounds and Ichor after breaking out of the dreamscape, and he''d used up all his cooldown skills except <strong>[Sonorous End]</strong>.


    Zac knew it wouldn''t do him much good. The skill wasn''t very strong on its own, barely qualifying to be considered a High-quality skill. Only by using it with <strong>[Rapturous Beginning]</strong> could it bring out its true power, and Zac had no intention of bringing out his human half again unless absolutely necessary. The two ck Heart cultists weren''t worthy of exposing that card, even if one of them was a Late Hegemon.


    The ck Heart Cultists were shocked to see Zac arrive and not their two Peak D-gradebatants. They clearly understood the implications, and Zac felt the fluctuations of Heart Curses being fully activated. The Late Hegemon''s face paled as he summoned eight enormous swords by sacrificing longevity while hispanion activated a treasure to form a sturdy barrier.


    It was too little toote. Zac''s mere presence had upended the bnce, and a few swings left huge cracks in the hastily erected shield. Kruta went from losing ground to tearing through the Sword Array when Zac forced the duo to redirect more than half the attacks his way. The shield soon couldn''t endure Zac''s wrath and shattered.


    The longevity-imbued swords didn''t even get the chance to showcase their might before <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> tore through the ck Heart cultist''s head. The second cultist fell at the same time, held aloft by the burning sword impaling his chest. His body turned into a human torch from the immense heat stored in Kruta''s weapon.


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    Warning of the dangers of the Heart Curses proved unnecessary. The sinister tendrils couldn''t even get close to the me armor covering Kruta''s body. Kruta nodded and set off, heading toward Rhuger, who was on hisst legs. Zac flew in a different direction to help Ra''Klid, who had already lost an arm and a leg. It didn''t slow him down much as he furiously hacked at his opponents with a beastcrafted axe covered in golden sigils.


    Zac wasn''t overly worried about the Mavai Chieftain''s state, either. Between the second seal under his belt, Zac''s support, and the resources of his whole tribe, Ra''Klid had already elevated the Mavai heritage to new heights. He''d mainly focus on their Life-attuned bloodline, unearthing its potential while inventing new techniques based on its power. While replicating Zac''s rapid recovery with Creation Energy was still beyond him, regrowing limbs in short order was well within Ra''Klid''s abilities.


    Ra''Klid''s focus on Vitality and Life made him an enduring tanker at the cost of lethality. He''d barely left any wounds on his opponents so far, opting for a defensive war until backup arrived. None of the targets were ck Heart cultists and fell in no time after Zac arrived. Kruta had simrly wrapped up the battle on his end, freeing yet anotherbatant.


    The Kan''Tanu understood how close to disaster they were. The warriors had been content at maintaining the status quo, expecting their Half-Step captain and two Peak Hegemons to clean up the battlefield as soon as they''d dealt with the enemies on their end. Instead, their side was the one being routed.


    Rare treasures and longevity were thrown out without a care. How could the sealbearers of the Atwood Empire lose out in a battle of wealth? Zac''s people had rued mountains of Merit by following him from one battle to another all this time, and the Alliance Treasury was filled with life-saving treasures.


    The Half-Step Monarch tried to help, activating more gates to unleash a tide of beasts on the area. Most of them weren''t even imnted with a Heart Curse. Zac guessed they were future batches of beasts who hadn''t gone through whatever training process the beastmaster used. Ogras was like a living domain, trying what he could to contain the deluge. Kator followed suit, and a boisterousugh echoed through the region as the reaver activated his temporal quagmire. It wouldn''tst long while contending with a domain empowered by a nascent Inner World. It didn''t have to.


    Space and order utterly copsed from the immense forces unleashed. It looked like a constetion of newborn suns had appeared in the calm belt. Not that it could be called that any longer. The Imperial Graveyard had noticed the battle. Streams of resentment had detached from the huge wall, and more came seeping through the dimensional cracks spread everywhere.


    Chaos was fine with Zac��it even gave him a home-field advantage. The Kan''Tanu''s desperate resistance didn''t amount to anything. Zac moved through the battlefield like the Grim Reaper, harvesting lives left and right. Each time, one of his subordinates was freed up and joined Ogras to deal with the beast tide.


    In less than a minute, only the Monarch and his minions remained. The whole crew descended on the coliseum like a pack of hungry wolves, and the portals became nothing but Kill Energy dispensaries. The Half-step Monarch clearly understood the gravity of his situation, and a huge sigil appeared in the middle of the coliseum.


    "Back away!" Zac shouted just before a huge energy pir lit up the sky.


    It was covered in red floating runes, and its appearance made Zac remember the pir he''d identally summoned inside the Void Star. The pir back then had been filled with the energy of the lost ne, but this one seemed to be filled with blood and resentment.


    The beam didn''tst long. When it faded, the hundreds of beasts kings were nothing but husks. Even the coliseum was withered while its gates had crumbled. All the blood and energy had been siphoned off to the captain, who now was asrge as a beast king.


    The cultist''s aura was unstable yet incredibly powerful. He turned into a blur before anyone could react, and Zac doubled over when it felt like his soul had been torn apart. Meanwhile, a huge wound had opened up in his gut, courtesy of <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. The Monarch had actually managed to pierce Kator''s warbones by expending a chunk of his umted power, which doubled as a mental attack since a reaver''s soul was stored in their bones.


    Zac''s vision was swimming, but he knew he had to move. Zac urgently entered the fray, focusing solely on suppression through his Inexorable Stance and <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>. His swings were designed to worsen the instability of forcibly absorbing so many beasts, continuously interrupting skill activations.


    Kator was clearly holding onto a bellyful of anger after being wounded and took it all out on the cultist. The brutality in his swings reached new heights, and the cultist had no more beasts to use for recovery. And with Zac binding him down, much of the advantage he''d gained through his drain was countered.


    Ultimately, two hands couldn''t win against four, especially not with the bombardment of a dozen sealbearers at a distance. Zac sensed how his energy fluctuations grew erratic, and his eyes widened in rm. He was nning on self-detonating. With this much stockpiled energy, he''d blow them all to kingdome.


    "Not a chance!" Kator guffawed as he rushed forth while Zac restrained the target with everything he had.


    Three of Alea''s chains snapped, unable to cross so many stages. The sacrifice paid off. It created enough of a window for a temporally elerated Kator to squeeze past the cultist''s defenses and m his bone shield into the cultist''s midsection.


    Zac briefly saw an incrediblyplex rune appear on the shield before his mind screamed of danger. A huge hole was punched open right through the cultist''s chest, almost taking Zac with it. Zac couldn''t tell whether it was a skill, Bloodline Talent, or Miracle Bone. He only knew he''d have lost his left arm if he''d been even slightly slower in backing away.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    One of [Love''s Bond]''s chains hadn''t been as quick, adding a set of deep cracks. They would heal soon enough, but the scene left Zac fuming. A flustered Jaol spoke through themunicator, preventing Zac from giving the reaver a piece of his mind.


    <em>''Danger! Come back!''</em>


    Jaol''s warning only barely preceded terrifying energy fluctuation seeping through the spatial tear from which the Void Beast''s tentacle came. Ominous cracks leaking tremendous amounts of energy were rapidly spreading across the oversized appendage. Even space was bulging upward as the small fractures spread throughout the battlefield rapidly expanded.


    Zac swore and disappeared in a puff of Abyssal darkness, with half of the group simrly escaping in streaks of light or spatial ripples. The other half were swallowed by shadows and whisked away by Ogras as they made a beeline for the Yphelion. Their ship was already flying away using the subsidiary thrusters, and for good reason.


    Space finally couldn''t take it any longer. A region a dozen miles across burst just after Zac entered the Yphelion''s protective shielding, creating another bloody pir farrger than the one before. The st wasn''t even directed at them, but the shockwave was enough to leave Zac rmed.


    "Defensive talismans!" Zac shouted, and over a dozen D-grade barriers appeared outside the Yphelion''s overdrafted shields.


    The barriers broke one after another. Thankfully, it was enough to endure most of the onught, saving the Cosmic Vessel from having to endure yet another cmity.


    "Is it dead?" Zac spoke into themicator. With the Half-step Monarch, he got the stream of Kill Energy to confirm. He wasn''t as sure with the Void Beast.


    <em>''It''s dead, but I''m afraid there''s bad news,'' </em>Jaol answered. <em>''There was a very powerful, artificial, signal mixed into the energy fluctuation of the self-destruction.</em><em>It should have been able to travel very far in subspace.''</em>


    "A dead man''s switch?" Zac frowned. "We need to leave. What''s the status of the engines?"


    <em>''It''s the same,'' </em>Gu answered from another channel. <em>''I''ve barely got the general energy system up and running after overloading it with the cannons. The engines still need the better part of an hour.''</em>


    "Keep working at it. Let us know if there''s anything we can do to help," Zac sighed before taking out two treasures from his Spatial Ring and swallowing them.


    "Good job, everyone," Zac said. "Unfortunately, it seems the captain used his pet to send out a message. Rest up; we might have to fight again sooner than we''d like."


    "I knew our journey went too smoothly the past weeks," Ogras muttered as he dragged a streak of sweaty hair out of his eyes.


    "You call that smooth?" Emily said with a raised brow.


    "I do when this guy''s involved."


    One by one, the sealbearers teleported back onto the Yphelion. A few stayed on a bit longer, Kator one among them.


    "Are you okay?" Zac asked, ncing at therge crack in the reaver''s midsection that exposed the pitch-ck sinewy muscles behind.


    "It''ll take more than this to do me in," Kator guffawed before waving his scepter at Zac. "Why? Do you feel this is your opportunity to strike?"


    "Not at all. I''m happy you''re in such good spirits," Zac calmly said as roiling clouds began gathering above, already crackling with angry, red lightning. "I''m hoping you can share some of the burden of whates next."

 Chapter 1242: Sealed and Reborn

    Chapter 1242: Sealed and Reborn


    "You''re breaking through? Now?" Kator said, and Zac could see how the muscles beneath his armor clenched. "Have you forgotten about our situation? You''re putting all of us at risk."


    "If anything, it''s the opposite. Look around. The heavenly presence is subduing the region, scaring away the resentment that wasing our way," Zac countered. "Seeing as we''re stuck anyhow, I might as well get it out of the way. I''ll be better equipped to protect our crew in case we run into more of the cultists."


    Zac had already been pushing against the threshold of his Earthly Daos since the Atavism. Weeks of bitter fighting inside the Imperial Graveyard had let him digest the insights at a record pace. He''d still been some ways off from taking the step,cking the spark of inspiration to fully fuse the two aspects of the Daos of Life and Death.


    His battle with the pugilist solved that issue, pushing him ahead of schedule. The beautiful tapestry when <strong>[Desperation''s End] </strong>and <strong>[Judgment of Arcadia] </strong>shed filled in the nks, and Zac wanted to advance while the inspiration was fresh in his mind. He''d even been prepared to break through while fighting the beastmaster in case the battle dragged out, or they started to lose.


    The ck Heart captain fell without Zac needing to use his tribtion as a weapon. Zac could have managed, but it would have been a waste of an opportunity. Forming an Earthly Dao was a major step forward that would greatly impact his cultivation. He wanted to fully focus on the Dao, ensuring the Dao Treasures or distractions didn''t lead his path astray.


    The only thing standing in the way of a breakthrough now was the spiritual damage he''d suffered because of the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Kator''s warbones cracking meant cracks had appeared on Zac''s soul. Thankfully, the damage had been split between his two Soul Cores, making the situation manageable. He''d been in a far worse state for other breakthroughs, and his cores were already on the mend.


    Zac looked at Kator with a raised brow, seeing him veritably oozing with irritation. "Why? Do you feel this is your opportunity to strike?"


    "That''s funny," Kator spat, ncing at the sky. "Are you trying to take me out using a borrowed dagger?"


    "You''d be long gone if something as simple as an Earthly Dao Tribtion could do you in," Zac scoffed, waving his hand with the seal. "Remember, you were the one that forced this thing on me. You should have seen thising since I dealt with the Remnants."Kator said nothing for a few seconds until a loud p reminded them they didn''t have much time. "Be careful about choking on your greed."


    The reaver teleported into the Yphelion the next second, and Zac rxed upon seeing him make a beeline for his chambers. Kator locked the door, but his actions couldn''t escape Zac''s administrator ess. He took out arge vat Zac hadn''t seen before. It was filled up with something resembling milk, and Kator jumped inside after activating a set of arrays on the tub.


    Zac felt no feedback through <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, assuming the vat was a specially designed healing bath for reavers with damaged skeletons. Seeing that the reaver wasn''t nning on causing any trouble, Zac focused on the task at hand. A series of recently installed isting arrays were activated throughout the Yphelion, which should prevent any spying from within.


    Still not fully satisfied, Zac released a canister of isting haze while reactivating <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>. Zac grimaced after leaving the Yphelion''s protective shielding. The spatial integrity was way worse after the Void Beast blew up. Deadly winds of turbulence whirred about, putting him on edge.


    "I need your help again," Zac said within the shrine of Kanba.


    <em>''Fine. Remember, no more than two meters.''</em>


    The tribtion lightning could most likely find its way into the hidden spatial pocket in his chest, but Zac didn''t want to take the risk of undergoing a tribtion within. He had no backup scroll in case the shrine was damaged, and there was no way he was going to add more toad-like features to his appearance, even if Esmeralda had one. Catheya had already teased him enough over the added webbing between his fingers since she''d noticed, asking if he was preparing for his visit to the Abyssal Lake.


    The tribtion clouds had already reached saturation at that point, and a huge reddish vortex was staring down at him like Heaven''s eye. Zac stared right back up, his eyes filled with determination and solemnity. Forming his Earthly Dao of Defiant War hadn''t posed much of a challenge. He could even use it as a tool for purifying Vri.


    Now, no one intervened with his tribtion to boost its power, yet the energies forming above were already approaching the levels of the third bolt. It was unavoidable. The Peak of Chaos belonged to the Boundless Path, not yet integrated with the System. Cultivating Pure Daos of this peak required him to bear the full brunt of the tribtion.


    There was another reason for the cataclysmic scene. Zac had chosen to do things differently this time by forming hisst two Earthly Daos simultaneously. It was one fewer thanst time when he advanced all three, but only his Dao of Conflict elicited a tribtion that time. Today, Zac faced a two-for-one punishment.


    Fusing two tribtions into one was possible, though there weren''t many good reasons for doing so. You generally wouldn''t see better results than enduring them sequentially, and the dangers involved weren''t a simple one plus one equals two.


    Zac still felt taking the risk was the right move. For one, it would allow him to hide Branch of the Kalpataru''s breakthrough within his Dao of Death, giving him another hidden card. Zac didn''t need the <strong>[Lucky Beads] </strong>to sense how fate was moving toward a crescendo, and the sudden appearance of the ck Heart Cult only increased his feeling something big was brewing in the Imperial Graveyard.


    Their destination was also drawing closer. The <strong>[Centurion Beacon]</strong>''s signal had grown noticeably stronger after crossing the storm curtain, and Zac expected they''d arrive in two weeks unless something else went wrong. If Kator nned something, he would make his move there. Zac was the same. He wasn''t willing to maintain the status quo of being held hostage with his people, knowing it would only get worse if they dragged the conflict into the Left Imperial Pce.


    The biggest reason for fusing his tribtion wasn''t rted to Kator, though. Life and Death had increasingly be mirrors of each other. One was light, the other darkness, yin and yang. One couldn''t exist without the other. Zac felt simultaneously advancing them to Peak Branches had brought great benefits, further adding to their symmetry.


    Zac wanted to keep that going into Earthly Daos, provided he could deal with the increasingly ferocious tribtions it would elicit. Every little bit on that end would help with his long-term ns, whether it was fusing his bodies or forming an Inner World.


    A deafening roar shook the region, overwhelming the tearing whistles of the spatial winds. The clouds heaved, releasing the first pir of angry red. Zac absentmindedly noticed the Heavenly Thunder didn''t damage space as it passed before it was upon him. If anything, it cauterized the tears on its descent.


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    Neither isting haze nor <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>could do anything to stem the descent, and the tribtion pir only split at thest second to target Zac''s bodies standing side by side. Zac''s vision went white as the lightning swept through his body, purging the embedded pieces of hostile Dao in its desire to tear Zac apart. Zac''s teeth ttered from muscles spasming, and small cracks were forced open.


    It was within Zac''s limits, and he methodically exhausted the lightning with sheer willpower and resilience. Thergest contributors were his Dao Avatars, which acted as lightning rods. Their rebirth had already begun, ushered on by the sea of lightning.


    A second bolt descended just as Zac dealt with the first. A groan escaped Zac''s lips as the damage to his soul worsened. He staunchly held on, putting his heart and soul into the two Dao Avatars in the center of it all. Truths he''d held onto since the Atavism were being fused into his Daos of Life and Death one after another, using the Dao Treasure energy as a medium. The moment the infusion waned, Zac threw another set into his mouth.


    The vibrant Kalpataru Tree began radiating a hunger for change, for something more. Zac''s Dao of Life was one of Evolution, of ascension through a cycle of rebirth. Stability was stagnation; contentment meant death. To live was to struggle, to push beyond the boundaries you and the world put on you. It was to paint beyond the lines, to explore the unknown.


    The tree writhed and twisted in an elerated evolution, a stark contrast to the deafening stillnessing from the other side of his Soul Aperture. Death had be an ind in a stormy sea of heavenly lightning, enduring and weing. Streaks of lightning were dragged into the darkness, never to escape.


    It reflected the inexorable Death of his path, where strength and certainty set the path toward the future. Death was the end of struggle, the ultimate divider that would evene for the cosmos one day. It was the boundless unknown, the final destination of the journey.


    The third bolt descended, and Zac almost passed out from the pain. Wounds opened and were scorched shut in an agonizing cycle of destruction and rebirth.<strong> [Void Heart] </strong>keened with hunger. Zac endured with all his might, annealing his Daos in the heavenly judgment as long as possible. Only when his Soul Cores approached levels of debilitating damage did he release the hold on his Hidden Node.


    A dual tribtion fared no better than a normal one against the voracious ck hole in Zac''s heart. Most of it was dragged into the depths in four gulps, and the rest turned tail and escaped back into the atmosphere. An impotent, furious p of thunder shook the area. Zac found it difficult to celebrate the clouds reluctantly dispersing. His vision was swimming to the point his human side almost stumbled out of Esmeralda''s obscuring domain.


    He quickly righted himself and disappeared into the shrine. He sat down, focusing on recovery. Meanwhile, Draugr Zac flew back toward the Yphelion, too drained to deal with the deadly environment much longer.


    Zac''s mind was a messy mix of truth and pain. He only woke up upon realizing he''d reached his quarters, with Catheya standing before him.


    "Are you okay?" Catheya asked with worry in her eyes.


    "I''ll be fine after some rest," Zac said, his voice dry as parchment.


    He was about to continue toward his cultivation chambers, only stopping when he noticed a few spots of immense chill on Catheya''s body. He recognized those marks. "Are you wounded?"


    "I''ll be fine after some rest," Catheya mimicked with a wink. "I can''t believe you helped that brute of an orc instead of me, though. Chivalry is dead."


    "I knew my amazing wife could handle herself," Zac grinned, his smile turning crooked when a wound in his side opened.


    "It''s good that you remember," Catheya said. "Go, rest up. Your navigator is all in a tizzy."


    Zac nodded and stumbled into the energy-dense cultivation room. Even Zac was worse for the wear after enduring two simultaneous tribtions. The pain was worth it. He first turned to his Deathly Dao, seeing the Iron Maiden was gone. It had melted and been ttened, now looking like an obsidian gate held closed withyers of chains.


    There was a narrow gap between the gates, allowing Zac to catch a glimpse of darkness so absolute it swallowed everything that touched it, including thought. Zac pressed further and suddenly saw the sprawling continent locked in a deadly war. Zac felt as though he saw the scene from a new lens, where each death on the battlefield led to a ripple of change.


    Switching his focus, Zac observed his Life-attuned Dao Avatar. It hadn''t seen quite asrge changes as his Dao of Death. It was still a tree, though its snaking trunk more resembled a bonsai tree than the Kalpataru from before. Trunk and branches remained golden, while its canopies had be explosions of vibrant colors.


    Not two leaves looked alike in shape, and they kept changing as they rustled under an invisible wind. Focusing on any leaf took Zac''s consciousness to a particr warrior on the illusory continent. Like the leaves, they were transient, soon to be reced with something else. The experience was truly novel, giving Zac ess to an everchanging gallery of his Dao.


    It was impossible to miss the changes even if he turned to his Dao of Conflict. He feltplete after twoyers had been added to the Earthly Realm he''d erected when forming his Earthly Dao of Defiant War. The illusory continent felt, for theck of a better term, alive. The sprawling sea of warriors weren''t just wisps of conflict.


    They were living, breathing beings, with drives and convictions. The deste, war-ridden continent was already transforming as a result. The soldiers weren''t fighting without reason. It was to protect their homes, seize the resources needed to expand, or simply settle grudges. Civilizations rose and flourished, as did primal kingdoms governed by beasts. And like a hidden hand, Death waited for them to stumble.


    Those at the summit would eventually fall under the de of the next generation, and their Death became fuel for the next round of war. Such was progress; such was fate. Life, Death, and Conflict formed the virtuous cycle that drove all existence toward the Zenith. Zac took in the scene with satisfaction, feeling he''d been shown a glimpse of his future Inner World.


    His Cosmic Core would be the canvas; his Earthly Daos would be the brush that would paint a world in his color.


    Zac observed a while longer before opening his eyes. He opened his Dao Screen, eager to see the result.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <strong>[Earthly Dao of Sealed Death (Early): All attributes +100, Strength +3500, Endurance +23000, Vitality +6000, Wisdom +5000. Effectiveness of Endurance +30%.]</strong>


    <strong>[Earthly Dao of Reborn Life (Early): All attributes +100, Dexterity +3500, Endurance +6000, Vitality +23000, Wisdom +5000. Effectiveness of Vitality +30%.]</strong>


    Zac was slightly surprised at reading the names of his Earthly Daos, and not because they''d moved away from their original naming sense. He''d already expected as much after seeing how much the Avatars had changed. Not to mention, he''d still been reliant on outside concepts to express his understanding of Life and Death when forming the preceding Daos, leading to the Branches of Kalpataru and Pale Seal. Today, his Daos were a self-sufficient, self-made system.


    He was, if anything, relieved to move away from the Buddhist symbology with his Dao of Life. The meeting with the B-grade Arhats was an unwee reminder they still wanted to mess with his fate. Furthermore, the monk''s words indicated their interest stretched beyond Ultom and the Left Imperial Pce. The sooner he drew a line with that shady cabal, the better.


    Zac was more surprised the Daos hadn''t been named Inexorable and Evolutionary after his path. Then again, his vision of Evolution wasn''t Life alone. Conflict was equally needed, and the same was true for Inexorability. To name a Pure Dao after those mixed-meaning concepts meant ignoring half their truth.


    The naming sense was still rted to his path. Sealed Death echoed the restrictive aspects of his Inexorable Stance, of controlling fate of yourself and others. Reborn Life carried the meaning of growth through reinvention while breaking the chains of fate and Samsara.


    There wasn''t much to note with the attributes, except the boost to Wisdom was higher than he''d expected. Perhaps it was the result of focusing so hard on the matters of Heart and Soultely. It was a wee change, seeing as he had more than enough Endurance and Vitality to spare. A higher growth in Wisdom would help round out his defenses.


    Apart from the Dao, he''d also gained another level, finally pushing him to the peak of Middle Hegemony. There weren''t any titles or added benefits to doing so, and he didn''t get any new ss quests like normal ss rarities would. Not that it mattered, considering he had no more skills to upgrade. Besides, he didn''t need the System''s help any longer if he found himself needing a new ability unless it was something far from his usual wheelhouse.


    Zac eventually put the free points into Dexterity and closed the screen. For a while, he didn''t do anything. He felt lost, his mind empty as he looked at the crystals gently gliding about around him.


    Now what?

 Chapter 1243: Enemy Spotted

    Chapter 1243: Enemy Spotted


    The peak of Middle Hegemony with Life, Death, and Conflict upgraded to Earthly Daos before Ultom. That was the ambitious target Zac set for himself and what he''d been desperately rushing towards, always feeling like he was falling behind. The past couple of months hadpletely changed that.


    The Empyrean Chalice''s training internalized and stabilized the huge amount of experience he''d umted through years of bitter fighting on the frontlines. The Atavism built upon his reinforced foundations, leading to a harvest of insights he''d been gathering since firsting in contact with the Remnants during the Eastern Trigram Hunt. The following series of breakthroughs allowed him to reach his goal with months to spare.


    While somewhat expected since passing Rava''s test, it left Zac at a loss. Sure, there were still things to improve, from his Technique to Soul and Constitutions. Honestly, Zac could have filled his day five times over with things that needed his attention. And yet, he was finished. Done. He felt tapped out like he''d spent all his money in a delirious shopping spree.


    Except, instead of hard-earned money, it was his umtion and momentum that had been exhausted. Just forcing his Daos of Life and Death to the next stage had squeezed out every little bit of his insights. The path forward was a haze so dense that Zac couldn''t tell which direction to take his first step.


    He''d advanced too far too quickly. Rava had repeatedly warned him her training regimen was only a patch and that he''d soon need to slow down. Zac wasn''t foolish enough to disregard her teachings, and crossing two minor stages of Hegemony in as many years was indisputably too fast. Still, he''d always held onto the notion that he was the exception to the rule, like with so many other things.


    So long as he had the resources and opportunities, why shouldn''t he be able to keep going? There shouldn''t be anyck of either now that they''d reached the inner parts of the graveyard, provided they didn''t get embroiled in a conflict with the ck Heart Cult. He wasn''t reliant on the Heavens for progress, only his two hands and his determination.


    Now, Zac wasn''t so sure. It might just be the exhaustion from surviving a heated battle just after facing death in the storm curtain, but Zac really felt like he''d reached a mental bottleneck as much as a cultivation one.


    He even hoped that the Centurion Project was the key to triggering the trial early. He was raring to go, knowing the current situation held nothing for him. The thought of staying months inside the Imperial Graveyard waiting for the timer to reach zero was almost too much to bear. Zac wasn''t convinced some troves would be enough to rekindle his momentum.


    The only cure was time. Time to digest, rest, and regain a sense of normalcy after years of never stopping or slowing down. The same was true for his followers. And yet, rest would elude them until they''d dealt with the trial and its aftermath.Zac shook his head, focusing on the present. There was no point in fretting about what would happen after reaching their destination. Whatever happened, he would deal with it, and the experience would set the stage for his next breakthrough.


    For now, Zac needed to recover. Jaol was slightly neurotic, but he was rarely wrong. If he believed they''d been exposed, then that was likely the case. Zac ate another set of powerful Healing Pills and Natural Treasures, uncaring about theirrge amounts of Pill Toxins now that he had another batch of refined lightning cooking. Scabs and scars dried out before falling off, exposing smooth skin beneath.


    Meanwhile, liquid resembling glistening moonlight filled the cracks in his Soul Aperture, mending the cracks while leaving Kintsugi-like patterns. It was courtesy of a powerful Soulmending Treasure he''d bought in the Limited Exchange. It was a forced recovery, though not that big of a problem, so long as he didn''t overindulge. Part of it would be dealt with by the refined tribtion, the rest through practicing the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>. Until then, he would be able to use his Daos without much issue.


    Seeing the cracks rapidly mend made Zac think of his bondedpanion, and he suddenly felt a lot better after observing Kator through the administrator ess. The reaver''s state was far worse than Zac''s, as not even the Tribtion Lightning was spared from their bond of solidarity. The healing vat had exploded, and he''d been forced to take out a spare.


    He was still sitting in its bubbling liquid, almost in a catatonic state. The damage to Kator''s warbones had worsened, with nasty scorch marks and the cracks reaching almost twice as far. His spiritual fluctuations were unstable, too, indicating his soul had taken hidden damage. There were no signs of any lightning or Heaven''s aura. As expected, the link transferred the damage, not the physical attack.


    Kator''s soul wasn''t as powerful as Zac''s, even if Izh''Rak Reavers'' souls benefitted from their bone-tempering methods. The <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> didn''t take that into ount when sending over half the damage. What was manageable damage to Zac was a significant setback for Kator. Zac assumed the reaver possessed some top-tier healing treasures, but he didn''t have <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> or refined lightning to deal with the drawbacks.


    It was highly unlikely Kator would be able to make anyst-minute improvements before the trial in his current state, which was exactly what Zac hoped to see. Gaining another two Earthly Daos instilled Zac with confidence in case they really came to blows, but it would be for nothing if Kator broke through on his own.


    Zac kept monitoring Kator with a sliver of his consciousness as he resumed his observation of his Dao Continent. He might be unable to see the path forward, but there were still discoveries to be unearthed of the road he''d already walked.


    The engines kicked to life forty minutester, allowing the Yphelion to resume its journey. Gu hade through again, doing the work of a full crew in half the time. Zac knew it was only possible by taking some shortcuts, but so what? They could worry about returning the Yphelion to a pristine state after they were safe.


    Three more hours passed before hismunication token buzzed, and Zac got to his feet with a grunt. He was far from having recovered his energy and healed his wounds, but the past month had already ustomed him to constant interruptions. He took a steadying breath before emerging from his chambers.


    "They''re back?" Zac said, seeing the bridge was almost empty with mostbatants still in recovery.


    "Nothing yet," Jaol said. "We needed your opinion. We''re about to leave the calmer stretch. We''ve already plotted a preliminary path based on the trajectories you''ve sent. It''s just, if we enter and��"


    "If we encounter another enemy on the tight corridors, it won''t be as simple as dealing with a trove," Ogras said as he emerged from the shadows. "You''re okay?"


    "Everything went well, thank you," Zac nodded, turning back to Jaol. "Can our ship handle it?"


    "The energies are growing denser. We''ll surpass what we dealt with before the curtain in a day or two," Jaol said.


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    Zac turned to Gu, who scratched his chin. "The shields aren''t in a great state right now, but they''ll be ready when we reach the more dangerous sections. That''s provided we don''t enter another firefight, mind you."


    "So storms or cultists, we can''t do both?" Zac summarized.


    "We can try to find a calmer path by traveling along the storm wall," Jaol offered.


    "A calmer path this deep in?" Ogras said. "How can there be such a good thing? We''ll just increase the odds of running into whoever received that signal."


    "I agree," Zac said. "The Yphelion''s advantage lies in its speed, so that''s what we''ll have to rely on. Knowing we''re here won''t help if they can''t catch up, and entering the storm will let us shake off any potential pursuit."


    "Understood," Mark said, and the Yphelion resumed its journey.


    Soon, they were back in the more familiar environment of the Imperial Graveyard, navigating narrow paths of rtive calm with storms surrounding them. Zac stayed on the bridge, following the dizzying screen with a grim expression, half-expecting a boatload of ck Heart Cultists to pop up at any turn.


    Hours turned to days, and Zac finally started to rx, believing the signal never managed to reach its intended target. There were no signs of Kan''Tanu or their masters anywhere, nor any other ships for that matter. Then again, the environment was growing increasingly chaotic and full of interference. Some stretches were so turbulent that a whole armada could have hidden an hour away without the Yphelion picking anything up.


    Without any cultists to muddy the waters, their daily life went back to the hectic schedule of fitful bouts of training and recovery between clearing the paths of hostile Troves and aberrations. It quickly became obvious there was a difference in both risk and reward beyond the storm wall. The Troves grewrger, and they often held actual ruins and heritages.


    Jaol believed an untouched cluster of Mystic Realms and Inner Worlds had emerged from the Void, simr to the Centurion Lighthouse. The unstable region had torn them apart, but the resentment hadn''t had time to taint these remnants yet. Zac''s Spatial Rings were rapidly filling up with ancient relics. He was picking up everything not bolted to the floor, even if itcked any spirituality or clear purpose.


    Rava had given him the task of bringing back items from the Limitless Empire, and Zac had no way to tell what she''d value and what was junk. He had plenty of spare rings, so there was no need to be discerning.


    The others were also enjoying a bountiful harvest, including finding two more seal pieces. One of them belonged to the Anima Court, allowing Vri to finish her seal. She used the insight to redraw the twisted version of the <strong>[Ember of Seven Sensations]</strong>. Reworking it would hopefully help against any lingering dangers, though Zac wasn''t convinced it was enough to deal with the entity.


    Despite their gains, they were forced to leave most valuables behind as they pushed through the storm at a breakneck pace. They entered the breaches to disperse the umted resentment or Spatial Energies, not look for loot. There wasn''t time to break through the defenses of the real treasuries, whether it was ancient arrays or swarms of beasts and ghosts.


    Not to mention, everyone was running on fumes. They were never given enough time to recover from the cultists, and the troves appeared with increasing frequency. Zac did what he could to cover for hispanions with his newfound strength, a task easier said than done. His new Earthly Daos had given a boost to his strength and endurance, but it wasn''t enough to keep going at this pace.


    It wasn''t a sustainable pace. Thankfully, they wouldn''t have to keep it up much longer. The beacon signal kept growing stronger. One week in, it suddenly activated on its own, dragging Zac out of his meditation. He didn''t infuse his will��it was seized��and Zac felt a powerful connection form.


    Zac gasped when the tool turned to dust in his hands, only calming down when he could clearly feel their destination like a thread of fate. They were slightly further than he''d hoped, but they were still less than ten days away. It was at that moment Jaol rang again, this time with the message Zac hoped to never have to hear.


    <em>''Enemy spotted!''</em>


    "They came after all?" Zac said after rushing to the bridge.


    "More like we came to them," Jaol sighed, opening a series of screens. "There''s a heavy presence in the area."


    "Can you see if it''s Kan''Tanu or ck Heart Cult?"


    "Not yet," the navigator said, and a few taps lit up spots on the maps. "I haven''t discovered any vessels, but there appears to be awork of satellites set up here."


    "Satellites?" Emily said. "How''s that possible? Wouldn''t the storms tear them apart?"


    "I�� think it''s native corpses controlled by Heart Curses," Jaol exined. "Their energy signature is indistinguishable from the resentment. Our scanners only noticed them after they began sending signals simr to the Void Beast''s."


    "So the storm might be full of spies?" Zac grimaced. "When they started sending signals, was it rted to us?"


    "Definitely. Our cloaking methods clearly don''t work against them. They might be noticing the energy we''re stirring up with our flight rather than the ship."


    "Should we destroy them?" Joanna suggested.


    "No, they''re deep in the storms, and it won''t do us much good," Zac said after looking at the screens. "We''d lose more than we''d gain."


    "Is it possible to block the signal?" Ogras asked.


    "Impossible," Jaol said. "Even if I had the means, such a blockade would probably be just as noticeable to our enemies. Our scanner range is far greater than theirs, though. If we can figure out a way to discover them ahead of time, we might be able to navigate around them."


    "Won''t help us much if we''re already discovered," the demon muttered, ncing in Kator''s direction.


    The reaver had been silent and brooding since being wounded, even if his bones had already healed up. He shook his head. "You''re expecting too much of me, demon."


    "Do what you can," Zac said to Jaol.


    "I''ll see if I cane up with something," Jaol nodded, though his face wasn''t optimistic.


    "We''ll lead them right to the Foreign Gods if we''re not careful," Joanna cautioned. "It might not be random that we encountered these things so close to our destination."


    "I know, but we don''t have much option but to keep going," Zac said. "If getting hold of those things was so easy, the Kan''Tanu would already have seized them."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "It might be for the best," Emily said. "Pull them all together and then unleash the Gods on them."


    "You never know," Zac nodded.


    Unfortunately, things didn''t turn out as they hoped. Signals from hidden satellites kept going off as they advanced. Another six hourster, Jaol discovered the first vessel moving to intercept. Later, the Yphelion warned of a Monarch blocking their route, forcing them to cut through a storm to reach an alternative path.


    No matter what they did, they couldn''t shake off the pursuit. Their situation only grew more hopeless.


    "Is the whole cult hiding out here?" Ogras spat after a day of dogged pursuit, seeing the seven vessels picked up by their long-range scanner.


    "They''re corralling us," Joanna eximed. "If we follow their arrangements��"


    "We''ll get surrounded and taken out," Zac nodded, glowering at the screen.


    The path they came from had already closed like a trapdoor mming shut. They only had two routes forward, each blocked by cultist vessels. Braving the storms was an even worse option. They''d picked up multiple C-grade fluctuations from aberrations. Even if their shields could endure the storm, they couldn''t endure that level of resentment.


    "Pick the weaker side and head straight toward it. We''re breaking through!"


    "Wait, I managed to break through their shielding," Jaol said, his face pale as snow. "There are Monarchs hidden in each camp!"


    Zac drew a sharp breath. Facing a genuine Monarch was asking too much on a good day, let alone in their current state. It''d be no different than smashing an egg against a rock if Zac insisted on forcing their way through. Neither was backing down an option. Zac nced at Gu, who grimly nodded in agreement. They were out of options, so they could only roll the dice and hope for the best.


    "Brace yourselves!" Zac roared as he triggered the backdoor module hidden in his sleeves.


    "Draugr, what are you��"


    Kator didn''t have time to finish his sentence before a wave of Death spread and flooded every room and hallway of the Yphelion. It felt like they''d plunged into an icyke.


    "��doing?" the reaver continued, warily looking around as a foreign aura permeated the bridge. He suddenly stood ramrod straight and released his Dao. "You madman! What have you done?"


    "I used another method to escape. What are you doing?" Zac said, his mind mostly on the surge of information that had poured into his mind.


    "Escaped? You''ve doomed us," Kator said with a hollowugh as dark threads began to appear.


    They were everywhere: on the walls, ceiling, and the instruments. Even on the people around him. Zac looked with trepidation as a line appeared on his left wrist, and his shock only deepened upon realizing he was utterly incapable of removing it. He quickly turned to the reaver, who seemed to be the only one to understand what was happening.


    "Where is this?"


    "If I''m not mistaken, you''ve brought us to Ks��tra."

 Chapter 1244: Kālasūtra

    Chapter 1244: Ks��tra


    "Ks��tra," Zac said, not recognizing the name. "A Buddhist realm? Is it rted to Samsara?"


    "No," Kator growled as he took out a piece of wood. "It''s one of the Eight Hells��the Threaded Hell."


    Zac looked at the nk with confusion, seeing how the ck threads spread far quicker on it than anywhere else. It only took moments for them to join into a pattern filled with deathly intent, one almostpletely separated from Zac''s understanding of the Dao of Death. Then, it was reduced to pitch-ck ash that drifted onto the ground.


    There was not so much of a speck of lingering spirituality or aura in the dust, the effect rivaling Zac''s <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>infusion. Sharp intakes could be heard through the room as people fearfully looked down at the lines on their bodies and the Yphelion itself.


    "It was mortal Wood," Gu said, taking out a series of raw materials ranging from Mortal to D-grade.


    Zac rxed upon seeing the stark difference between the weakest and strongest materials. The patterns began as dots that gradually expanded into threads, where the higher the grade or Dao you wielded, the slower the process. Zac estimated even the weakest crew had half an hour before they''d meet the same fate as the nk. Hegemons wouldst twice that, at the very least, while the Yphelion could withstand the Threaded Hell even longer.


    That didn''t mean they could sit around. The threads were slow-moving but unrelenting. Even Zac came up empty, whether it was using Void Energy or his Eoz bloodline. Furthermore, the Death-attuned module was gradually losing energy. The lines'' slow growth might elerate if they lost the Yphelion''s protection.


    And that wasn''t even mentioning the other dangers that might lurk in this unfamiliar ce.


    "Jaol," Zac said."I��these readings�� what?" Jaol muttered.


    "It''s useless. The Threaded Hell is an ancient Lower ne. It doesn''t follow the same rules as the prime dimensions, rendering all your readings obsolete. We can''t even trust our senses beyond the vessel''s protection," Kator said, staring at Zac. " You lunatic, what were you thinking?"


    "I was thinking that we''d be dead unless I took a chance," Zac said. "This feature was something the System installed, and it wouldn''t send us to our death. Give me a second to figure things out."


    Zac scoured the surge of information that the Yphelion provided through the link. There was no manual, only arge set of seemingly encrypted or iplete data. Was he supposed to activate the second module to ess all the information? No, releasing a burst of Life in a Death-attuned Lower ne was courting death. The ship might explode right away, or it might attract dangerous denizens.


    He''d keep it in case everything else failed. Zac instead activated his Earthly Dao of Sealed Death, pouring it into the administrator link. It was the same approach he used to decipher the secrets in the Chaos Library. It worked. A part of the chaotic data became legible, and Zac quickly transferred some of it into the bridge console.


    The pitch-ck screen disying the outside lit up, albeit barely. A gloomy, monochromatic world appeared on the screens. There was no sense of up or down, partly because of the endless number of ck threads that stretched beyond their vision in every direction. It was like they''d appeared in the middle of an enormous Array Disk, with pathways hundreds of meters across all around them.


    The scene was silent and ominous. Thankfully, there were no signs of any beasts or denizens of hell, though their vision didn''t reach very far.


    "That''s the Ks��tra, alright," Kator groaned. "What are you doing now?"


    "Driving the ship, of course," Zac said.


    More than half the data remained iprehensible. Zac guessed he''d have to evolve his Dao at least once more to decipher everything, which exined why the modules had remained locked away. What Zac did have was barely enough to make do.


    He''d sent the ship forward, using one of the huge threads as a tunnel to advance. As scary as the threads were, the hollow emptiness between seemed even more dangerous. Zac could already feel a growing pressure on him, one that stirred his danger sense.


    It was manageable for now, but Zac''s instincts warned that the Yphelion could only remain hidden thanks to the Death Module masking the ship as part of a thread. They''d stick out like a sore thumb if they popped out for too long.


    "Going to explore the underworld, are you?" Kator said.


    "What will I aplish if I jump back out now? The cultists are sharpening their spears as we speak. We need to travel some distance and leave through another node."


    "It doesn''t look like we''re traveling very fast, though," Emily hesitated. "We won''t cover much ground before we have to emerge. Should we prepare for another battle?"


    "We''re actually traveling extremely fast," Zac said. "We''re getting closer to our destination with incredible speed. We''ll be days away from our pursuers by the time we emerge."


    It wasn''t an exaggeration. One minute in the Threaded Hell was equivalent to hours of travel on the outside. They werepletely cut off from the Imperial Graveyard, excepting one aspect. It was the bond that reced the <strong>[Centurion Beacon] </strong>a few days ago. Zac could feel it still giving direction, and the feedback gave a good estimate of their pace.


    "So we''re safe so long as we''re not unlucky enough to appear in the middle of another pack of those bastards? And we''ll even reach our destination early?" Ogras nodded. "I''m starting to understand why these toyse with such a hefty price tag."


    Zac already knew Attuned Vessels used modes of travel that didn''t rely on the Dao of Space. He just hadn''t expected the Yphelion to use such a spectacr method. He''d pictured something like his <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> or possibly traveling through a Dao Tapestry like the great Tree of Life he saw when forming his bond with Haro.


    Using the Lower nes as a shortcut seemed both foolhardy and extravagant, especially for a measly D-grade vessel.


    "This is a realm governed by Death. It''s to be expected that Space does not work the same way here," Kator said. "And I wouldn''t say we''re safe. The outside looks empty now, but the Threaded Hell is not unupied."


    "The Yphelion is masking its aura so long as we stay inside the threads," Zac said. "I''ll send us out early if the situation bes dangerous."


    <em>''See if you can figure anything else out now that the module is up and running,'' </em>Zac added in a mentalmunication that only reached Gu''s ears.


    <em>''I''m already tapped into the system. I''m afraid I''m not much better off than Jaol. This all reads like gibberish to me. Is there something specific you''re looking for?''</em>


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.


    <em>''Yes. How to get back out.''</em>


    <em>''You��'' </em>Gu eximed, only barely managing to hide his shock.


    That was the part Zac left out in his exnation. He had no idea how to leave. The information he could understand through his Early Earthly Dao didn''t cover anything of the sort, nor could he sense exits through the Death-attuned scanners. Simply turning off the Death-attuned module wouldn''t solve anything. It would only remove the film that hid and probably protected them.


    "Tell us what you know," Zac said as he steered the Yphelion.


    "It''s not much. The eight hells are not ces you can freelye and go to," Kator said. "I know all eight have an owner."


    "ne Spirits?" Catheya said with surprise.


    "That or extraordinary Innate Existences. I don''t know much about them, except they''re extremely hostile to outsiders. The Empire has always kept its distance from these particr realms for that reason. There are safer nes to scour for opportunities."


    Catheya slowly nodded, borating when seeing Zac''s curiously. "Lower nes are veryrge. Even the smallest would beparable to Immemorial Realms, with the greatest ones approaching the scope and energy levels of a true dimension. Anything having absolute control over a ne would have to be at the level of the Perennial Vastness'' Realm Spirit. Some would be even stronger."


    "That powerful?" Zac eximed, suddenly feeling the looming pressure even heavier.


    "They''re not a threat to the natural order. As powerful as they are, they''re imperfect. Most are trapped in their ne. The ones able to leave will be severely weakened the moment they step outside, bing prey to Supremacies looking for unique resources," Kator said, ncing in Zac''s direction. "Of course, it''s another matter entirely if you barge into their domain uninvited."


    Zac was about to answer when the signal suddenly took a sharp twist. One that would force him to jump over to a nearby thread, continuing in another direction. Zac hesitated, putting the matter to the floor.


    "I''d rmend following the signal," Jaol said. "It''s our only point of direction. Who knows? We might end up outside the Imperial Graveyard if we take the wrong turn."


    "Do it," Kator agreed. "We''vee this far; we might as well use it to our advantage."


    Zac nodded, and the Yphelion emerged from the protective darkness. A deep groan shook Zac to the core, and more than one person in the room was forced to their knees. The sound disappeared as quickly as it came when the vessel entered the other thread.


    "What was that? A creature?" Ogras said.


    "No idea," Zac said, noting that the intangible pressure had increased after the maneuver. Nothing else changed over the next couple of minutes, though Zac''s nerves kept growing tighter.


    "There''s something in the distance!" Jaol eximed.


    Zac soon understood what Jaol noticed in the pile of data and adjusted the monitors, prompting a structure toe into view. It resembled an ancient Corinthian temple cut from obsidian instead of marble. Its floor n was open, yet it was impossible to see anything beyond the pirs. It was as though it was a space of its own, resisting the Yphelion''s camera.


    It didn''t take long before a second and third item came into view, silently drifting between the threads. One looked like an enormous star forged from ck metal, the other a stone feather that dwarfed the Yphelion. The structures emitted no energy or aura, nor were there any signs of any beings upying them. It didn''t stop Zac from breaking into a cold sweat after looking at any of them too long, and he didn''t dare keep the Yphelion''s scanners in their direction.


    "What are those things?" Joanna asked, surreptitiously ncing at thenky reaver.


    "Don''t ask me," Kator shrugged. "Might be ancient relics that have fallen into hell or something built by the locals. I''d guess thetter."


    "Relics of a forbidden ne," Ogras muttered with a greedy gleam in his eyes. "Sounds valuable."


    "The Lower nes hold incredible resources that can''t be found on the outside," Catheya said. "They''re one of the two most popr destinations for Autarchs stuck in a bottleneck."


    "And the other?" Emily asked curiously.


    "The Eternal Storm."


    "They have to travel so far for resources?" Emily said. "So much for the Hearnds:"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "The Hearnds are a cultivation paradisepared to the frontier, but resources at that level are incredibly rare anywhere. What appears naturally is far from enough and is usually imed by those with the biggest fist. The rest must find other avenues to progress, and these remote ces are the only ones that aren''t picked clean or under observation," Ogras shrugged.


    "Exploring those structures will have to wait for another time," Zac said. "We have to leave before our crew turns into dust."


    "Good. It feels like someone is reaching for my throat." Catheya said.


    "I thought I was the only one," Gu said.


    Zac looked around with a somber expression. Even the crew was starting to notice the growing threat. It felt as though a vast presence was gradually honing in on their location through the sense of rejection. Could it be the ne Spirit Catheya mentioned? As bad as the threads were, they paled before being targeted by such an entity. They might have to leave earlier than nned, even if Zac was reluctant. If wasn''t actually impossible to reach their destination before the E-grade staff reached their limits.


    Minutes passed, and the conversation eventually died downpletely. It was like everyone feared so much as a whisper would garner further attention. That subdued silence deepened with each jump between threads and reached a crescendo when they encountered the first denizens of the Threaded Hell. Eyes wide as saucers stared at the monitor, taking in the scene.


    A long line of creatures traveled on a neighboring thread, with every ten rows holding up a banner of darkness. The dark shrouds over their faces couldn''t hide the fact they came in all shapes and forms. There were everything from gargantuan Beast Emperors dwarfing the Yphelion to humanoids smaller than the Sky Gnomes back on earth.


    Big or small, they moved with incredible speed. They''d caught up with their ship in no time, and the first rows became distant dots in seconds. It didn''t look like the strange procession was there for them, making Zac hesitate whether he should try to escape. They were so close to the beacon''s destination that Zac felt he could almost touch it. If they could endure a few more minutes...


    Then he saw the coffin.


    It was only three meters or so, yet the enormous beasts carrying it seemed to struggle under its weight. It was simple and unadorned, hewn from ck stone. Its design paled before the dozens of extraordinary weapons stabbed into the lid. All of them emitted hair-raising auras that made Zac think of the vision of the Left Imperial Pce and the scars that had adorned its walls.


    And yet, none of the weapons had managed to prate the simple lid, and eons of erosion had reduced the once-glorious equipment to rusty scrap. The scene was so gripping that it took Zac a second to realize the funeral procession had slowed down when the coffin aligned with the Yphelion.


    A scream of rm was muffled and strangled when the coffin shuddered. The world stopped, from the Yphelion to the endless row of undead. It was locked in stasis by the ancient aura that spilled out from the small crack that had appeared when the lid shifted. Countless eyes gazed in his direction from within, piercing right through the Yphelion.


    <em>''You�� returned��''</em>


    The voice exploded like a series of bombs in Zac''s mind, and his surroundings were reced by a sea of eyes.


    <em>''To�� us��''</em>


    Zac didn''t have the luxury of pondering on what the interred being meant by "returned." He wasn''t even able to move, let alone ask what he meant. It was possible the corpse wasn''t trying to kill him, but that didn''t change the fact that his mere words threatened to tear Zac''s soul apart.


    They needed to leave, even if Gu had yet to find a safe way to exit the Threaded Hell. Void Energy coursed through Zac''s body as<strong> [Void Mountain] </strong>descended. It was like an ant trying to stop a chariot, but it let him extract a sliver of Divine Energy. Zac desperately infused the trickle into the Life-attuned trigger.


    A surge of Life swept through the ship, which immediately started to groan and shake. Each second felt like an eternity, where Zac waited to see if the corpse would try to prevent their exit. It didn''t. The eyes closed, returning the bridge to its original state. Meanwhile, the threads turned into puffs of smoke that left nothing behind.


    "GO!" Zac croaked, unable to hear his voice over the rumbling thunder of ''<em>TO US</em>'' being repeated over and over in his head.


    The Yphelion jolted, and the screen recalibrated. The deadly turmoil of the Imperial Graveyard had never felt soforting.


    "We''re back!" Jaol said, his victorious grin immediately copsing into a mask of horror. "We''re in the middle of a storm! Damn, this is the worst one yet!"


    Screams and barked orders joined the cacophony, along with urgent warning signals of shields failing and sections being damaged. It was too much at once. Zac felt like his mind was being torn apart by barbarians fighting over the scraps. He held onto a path to salvation as his vision closed in.


    It was the beacon, having transformed again now that they were mere hours from their destination. He pulled at the sensation with all his might, praying it would help them through their plight.


    "Follow," Zac whispered before passing out.


    The coffin continued its eternal journey, waiting for the destined day.

 Chapter 1245: Follow

    Chapter 1245: Follow


    "Follow��"


    Ogras swore upon seeing Zac copse on the floor, only to be hurled into a wall by a powerful jolt. Too much was happening all at once. Something extraordinary had clearly just happened to their captain, overloading his mind. The physical dangers were more manageable. Getting knocked around wouldn''t do anything to that brute, and people were already moving to assist.


    There were bigger fish to fry, and it wasn''t the copsing tin can around them. A critical opportunity had presented itself, and he needed to capitalize on it. Ogras had kept his eyes on the bomb throughout the nerve-wracking journey in the Threaded Hell, both hoping and fearing thehersted threads would do it in.


    It turned out the high-grade contraption had resisted the threads even better than the sealbearers, and he''d noticed how Kator''s watch grew morex by the minute. Ogras had also given up hope, but their sudden exit had thrown everything on its head. They needed to act fast.


    <em>''Do it!''</em>


    There was no sign of Janos hearing hismand, nor were there any fluctuations of Energy or Dao. He remained all but forgotten in his corner on the bridge, which just so happened to be right behind the glowering Izh''Rak Reaver.


    A small piece of augmented reality fused with truth under the guise of beeping rms and nerve-wracking heaves as the Yphelion was thrown to and fro. Only Ogras was equipped to truly appreciate the genius of the method and how hard Janos had worked to bring it to fruition. Their n was over a month in the making, where Janos had spent every waking moment gradually incorporating the Yphelion with his Illusory World.


    The illusionist''s presence had grown fainter by the day as Ogras and Janos worked in concert to erase him from the mind of the crew. Even Zac seemed to have mostly forgotten about his existence by the time they''d passed the storm curtain. Kator was a much easier mark, even if his series of victories over Zac had failed to lower his guard. It came down to strength. Only a handful could enter his eyes. The rest were so far beneath him that they were irrelevant, where his strength was all the safeguard he needed.


    Zac remained oblivious to their plotting throughout. Such was the way of things. For the Emperor to stand in the sun, someone had to move in the shadows. Threats and problems needed to be cut down as they sprouted, lest they be towering trees that blotted out the sky.Their solution wasn''t without limitations. Janos would immediately be discovered if he did something big that diverged from reality or if he pushed too hard against the inborn desires of the target. Only the lightest suggestion would pass unnoticed. It wasn''t enough to make the reaver forget about his safeguard, but it should be enough to briefly ensure he focused elsewhere when so much was going on.


    A moment was all Ogras needed. The shadows stirred in a remote corridor on the opposite side of the Yphelion, sneaking into the sealed-off room where the bomb waited. A puff of ash appeared in the room just as Ogras''s doppelganger took shape. It looked no different from what they''d seen throughout their voyage to the Lower nes, when everything from furniture to damaged ting was imed by the deathly threads.


    What had felt like a countdown to the end now looked like an auspicious cloud heralding a boundless future. In reality, it was a piece of the device that had been held over their head that had been imed in ast showing of prowess by the Threaded Hell. It was even the spatial tear sealed in the middle of the device that had been done in, the very one meant to erupt and swallow the ship if triggered.


    Ogras had no idea what brought about the change, why the spatial tear was suddenly flooded with death while the threads disappeared from everything else. Was it a power struggle? Zac had said the Spatial Tear led to an unknown Lower ne. Maybe the Threaded Hell sensed the breach and attacked it to protect its borders? Those mysteries were well beyond Ogras.


    He knew one thing with certainty. If thehersted skeleton noticed what''d happened, he would bring out a backup that they didn''t have time to counter. With their leader out for the count, he might even go crazy and attack.


    Not on his watch.


    A fake spatial tear almost indistinguishable from the original was formed through Ogras'' Branch of False Truths. That ''almost'' was the critical w that would have made the n impossible if not for his old subordinate. With reality augmented, fake had be real. The bomb was now nothing more than a very expensive piece of decor.


    The doppelganger retreated, and the reaver showed no sign of noticing the switch. That wasn''t enough to make Ogras rx. Kator was slippery and would have to be kept under constant watch until they could leverage their opportunity.


    Not to mention, it was difficult to rx when their lifeline''s shields were on the verge of copse. The storm they''d been caught in was far beyond anything they''d seen so far, and the Yphelion was already an arrow at the end of its flight. Unless something changed, they were done for.


    Another minute passed. Ogras sighed, looking at the duo who''d fought tooth and nail to safely bring them to their destination. There was strength beneath the weakness, the kind of talent that only a stable faction could nurture. The ones with fierce warriors guarding the gates so that other skills could be allowed to develop.


    Unfortunately, they were too young��all of them. Ogras couldn''t read the ring signals that popped all over the bridge. His shadows were spread throughout the ship, showing the reality with painful rity. They had a minute, maybe two, before it was over.


    Was this how it all ended?


    "Go back!" Kator roared, grabbing Gu with one hand while throwing Catheya out of the way with the other to reach Zac. "Better take our chances with the Threaded Hell than being ground to dust!"


    "Impossible!" Gu croaked, almost having his neck crushed by Kator''s tightening grip. "It''ll take weeks before it can be activated again."


    "Release him!" Emily roared, her eyes dripping with bloodlust.


    Joanna seemed equally ready to go to war, uncaring that they were about to face the music. She''d protect her Emperor to the end. Even the Abyssal-eyedss appeared to have found her temerity and looked ready to fight, even if it meant betraying her empire. A ruthless smile spread across Ogras''s face. Could he be any worse?


    His aura faded as the <strong>[Shadewar g]</strong> began unfurling within his sleeves. Kator might be a bastard, but he wasn''t a heretical cultivator. Using the g on him would ruin his hard work. But what did it matter if they were all going to die? Might as well rectify one regret before they all entered the great beyond.


    "Iing!" Jaol screamed, stopping the melee before it could start.


    An utter silence followed his words. Even the storm had died down.


    "What''s this?" Kator said, releasing his grip on Gu.


    "Didn''t you hear the boss?" Ogras said with a refreshing smile, his Killing Intent already back in the shadows. "Follow."


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    ---------


    Zac woke up with a start, his heart hammering in fear. The sudden jerk would have knocked out one of Ogras''s teeth if he hadn''t turned into a shade in time. Zac wildly looked around, only rxing upon realizing he was still on the bridge. He''d been dreaming he was trapped in a coffin like the one they escaped from, carried toward an unknown destination.


    "How long?" Zac asked as he got to his feet.


    "Eight hours," Ogras said. "I was considering stuffing a <strong>[Gentleman''s Helper]</strong> down your throat to see if it''d get your blood pumping."


    "What? That long?" Zac said, blearily looking around.


    The bridge was almost empty. Only Jaol, Mark, Catheya, and Ogras remained, though the demon''s faded appearance indicated he wasn''t there with his main body.


    "Eight hours, and you left me lying on the floor?"


    "We didn''t dare to disturb you in case it broke the spell," Catheya said with a weak smile. "Are you okay?"


    "My head''s killing me. Feels like I''ve drunk a bathtub''s worth of moonshine," Zac grunted as he downed a set of soul-nourishing pills. "What''s going on? What spell?"


    "See for yourself," Ogras said, pointing at the screen.


    Only then did Zac fully remember the situation before he passed out. They''d been in a terrifying storm, easily surpassing the storm curtain. And yet, the Yphelion was sailing so smoothly he''d briefly forgotten they were inside the Imperial Graveyard. He turned to the monitor, seeing a huge rune floating before the Ypelion''s tip.


    "It''s holding off the storm?" Zac eximed, realizing the sigil had created apletely safe wind tunnel for them to follow inside. "Who''s doing that?"


    "We thought it was you?" Ogras said. "You told us to follow before passing out. The light appeared a few minutester."


    "Oh." Zac didn''t need to ask where it was taking them.


    He could feel how they were drawing closer to their destination, which meant the seal had been sent to fetch them. It was a very good sign, as far as Zac was concerned. The Centurion base appeared to be in much better shape than the Centurion Lighthouse if it could send out a guiding rune. It also meant they''d passed a preliminary screening and been cleared for approach.


    "Was I the only one who passed out?" Zac asked as he observed the unfamiliar seal.


    It reminded him of the Seal of the Starfall Court, except it containedpletely foreign elements that seemed detached from their system of cultivation. Could the markingse from the Lost Era, something they extracted from the Foreign Gods?


    "Yes. We figured you drained your soul after summoning the seal."


    "How are all of you fine after that��" Zac said, giving up on deciphering the seal. It was far tooplex for him to understand, to the point he couldn''t even tell which Daos it utilized. "You didn''t see it? Before we escaped?"


    "See what?" Ogras asked. "We were watching that line of shades pass by when suddenly being filled with a sense of crisis. You dragged us out before anyone could figure out what we were dealing with. Did you notice something?"


    Zac frowned in thought. "You could say that. It''s probably for the best if we leave it at that."


    The corpse''s voice was long gone, yet Zac could still feel the "to us" rattling in the back of his mind. Meanwhile, he could see the myriad eyes staring at him every time he blinked. If he''d been any slower breaking out, he might have seen his Dao subverted or rewritten. There was no telling what would have happened to the weaker crew members if faced with the same thing.


    "Some stones are better left unturned," Ogras agreed, though the curious gleam remained.


    Zac had no real answers even if he were willing to share them. He was no clearer what that corpse meant now that things had calmed down. Both the Threaded Hell and the overwhelming aura sealed inside the coffin werepletely foreign. Zac''s best guess was that the corpse wasn''t talking to him. It was rather talking to Karz, just like the wisp of Emperor Limitless when Zac used the Tribtion Throne.


    "Huh?" Zac suddenly muttered.


    "What''s wrong?" Catheya fussed, looking him up and down.


    "My connection to the Yphelion is on the fritz," Zac said. "I can''t ess most of the systems, not even the internal scan."


    "I''m not surprised. We took a beating before the seal found us," Catheya nodded. "Most are off helping Gu with repairs. Even Kator."


    "I guess the prospect of stumbling at the finish line put a fire under his ass," Ogras snorted. "Don''t worry, I''m keeping watch on him."


    "How bad is it?"


    "It''s bad," the demon grimaced. "The Merchant said we''re toast if we lose the outside help. The shields failed, and whole sections were torn open. We lost five more people. We better pray there''s a safe spot to perform proper repairs where we''re going. There''s no way we''re making it out alive if we have to leave the way we came."


    "Well, we''re almost there," Zac said. "Another hour at most."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Guess we need to get ready," Ogras said, ncing at Catheya.


    "I''ll inform the others," Catheya said, leaving the bridge without another word.


    Ogras brought Zac to the side, shrouding them in shadows. "What about��"


    "It''s his move," Zac said, not needing to ask what the demon was asking about.


    "Staying passive on this matter presents a huge risk, both for you and the others. Especially the Indomitable sealbearers," Ogras cautioned. "I''ve��"


    "Striking first is no different. Esmeralda can''t do anything about the agreement with the Undead Empire, and it was mostly designed to keep me on the straight and narrow. I''ll be heavily wounded, at the very least, possibly taken out ofmission. We''d be in deep trouble if we failed to take him out in one go. Even if we manage to drag him down, he''d take a few of us with him."


    Ogras looked into his eyes for a few seconds before nodding. "Fine. I''ll y nice. With your Luck, he might stumble and break his neck the moment he acts."


    "Would save us the headache," Zac smiled.


    News spread quickly, and their desperate straits couldn''t quell the sense of anticipation growing among the crew. Over a dozen of theirpanions had given up their lives toe far, while the rest had been pushed to their limits. The next hours would decide whether their sacrifice was worth it, whether the key to saving Zecia and Earth could be found in the graveyard''s depths.


    "We''re approaching the edge. Ten minutes out," Jaol finally eximed.


    "Anything else?" Zac asked.


    "Nothing. There''s a barrier blocking our scans. I can only confirm space is incredibly solid. Far beyond the norm on the frontier, let alone the Imperial Graveyard."


    "What about the cultists?"


    "Same there. The storm we''ve crossed is too intense to make out anything. Our scanners can only reach a few hundred miles through all that interference."


    "I can''t imagine anyone making it through that storm in one piece without protection," Ogras spat. "Even a C-grade vessel would crumble in no time, and we''ve traveled for almost half a day. Who knows how much further the storm stretches?"


    "The storm isn''t natural," Jaol agreed. "Itcks the characteristics of the ones we''ve passed. It should be the result of the base we''re approaching. It has formed a stable region by pushing away all turbulence."


    "Like a miniature version of the System," Zac mused, remembering Laondio''s purifier from his Bloodline Vision.


    The arrays could only remove the earthly taint from an area by expelling it, and the System worked the same way when it integrated sectors. Most of it was pushed into the Eternal Storm, forming a dangerous band of turbulence around integrated space. It was because of this phenomenon that regions like Million Gates Territory and the Imperial Graveyard formed in the first ce.


    Everyone worked on the Yphelion until the veryst moment, at which point the sealbearers returned to the bridge while the rest took their position in the reinforced shelter in the vessel''s core. They were all full of questions, and the bridge collectively held its breath when the sigil punched through the storm''s finalyer to disy the scenery beyond.


    "What in the..." Kruta gawked.


    Zac had seen some odd phenomena since his journey took him into the cosmos, things far exceeding anything known about space before the Integration came. Even then, not even the Void Star could match the odd sun before them. It wasn''t even spherical, nor any conventional three-dimensional shape.


    The sun was shaped like a hollow tesseract, with enormous pirs of fiery-hot golden sunlight. In the center of the cubic construct was a pitch-ck sphere. Or perhaps it was a t disk; Zac couldn''t tell when the sun seemed to exceed three-dimensional space.


    "It has to be man-made, right?" Emily said, looking at the orc. "Are there things like this in the Hearnds?"


    "I''ve seen some modified stars, but never anything like this. Not even in the Heavens. I can''t begin to understand how it works or if it''s even a star."


    "It''s a true star." It was the usually reserved Rhuger who''d spoken. "It''s enormous, far beyond what we can see. I believe it would take up half the Imperial Graveyard if it were allowed to appear in its true form."


    "That big? I''ve never heard of a star that size on the frontier," Zac eximed. "If it went supernova, wouldn''t a good chunk of Zurbor��"


    "Don''t even think about it!" Ogras wheezed, giving Zac a pointed look. "At least not while we''re still here!"


    "I''m not going to blow it up, alright?" Zac muttered.


    His promise was met with anticipation, suspicion, and defeat, depending on his subordinate. The only thing that unified his sealbearers was the utterck of confidence in his statement. And Zac had to admit, the idea did have some merit. It wasn''t toote to get back to basics in case the Foreign Gods didn''t pan out.

 Chapter Patreon Update

    Chapter Patreon Update


    Hey all,


    There are some updates over on Patreon that I figured are worth also sharing on RoyalRoad. Simply put, Patreon is being forced to adapt to Apple''s Terms of Service. Below is a copy-pasted summary:


    <em>As we</em> first announcedst year<em>, Apple is requiring that Patreon use their in-app purchasing system and remove all other billing systems from the Patreon iOS app by November 2024.</em>


    <em>This has two major consequences for creators:</em><ul><li>


    <em>Apple will be applying their </em><strong><em>30% App Store fee to all new memberships purchased in the Patreon iOS app</em></strong><em>, in addition to anything bought in your Patreon shop.</em></li><li>


    <em>Any creator currently on first-of-the-month or per-creation billing ns will have to </em><strong><em>switch over to subscription billing to continue earning in the iOS app</em></strong><em>, because that��s the only billing type Apple��s in-app purchase system supports.</em>


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.</li></ul>


    This is both good and bad news for RoyalRoad readers thinking of subscribing or resubscribing to my Patreon. The good news is that you always get full bang for the buck when subscribing going forward. If you subscribed today with the previous system, you''d only get six days of early ess before getting charged again on the 1st. Now, you always get one month of ess.


    <strong>This change is already in effect. So, if you want to read the conclusion of the current arc and a good chunk of the next in one go, now''s a good time to check out my Patreon!</strong>N?v(el)B\\jnnNow, to the bad: If you subscribe through Patreon''s app on iOS, you''ll have to pay significantly more than if you subscribed on any other tform. So you shouldn''t. If you want to support the story or read ahead, you really should get the subscription directly on Patreon''s webpage. You can still read the early ess chapters on the iOS app if you make the payment elsewhere. From what I understand, this change will be implemented in November, but don''t quote me on that.


    <strong>EDIT: Note, Patreon has given creators a grace period for switching to the new billing model. I''ve already done so, while some RR authors might have chosen to wait a while longer. So, the information in this post doesn''t necessarily extend to all authors on this tform.</strong>

 Chapter 1246: Hidden Star

    Chapter 1246: Hidden Star


    Zac reined in his fantasy of triggering a wave of ster destruction that swallowed half the Zurbor Sector. As Ogras said, they''d be the first ones to die, considering they had no escape measures prepared for such a n. Hiding out in the Lower nes could work, except Gu had already confirmed the deathly module waspletely exhausted and would need weeks to recharge.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The Life-attuned module was in better shape, but would they even dare use it? With the Deathly Module drained, it wouldn''t have the strength to bring them back to the surface. And that didn''t even cover whatever dangers they might face in a Life-attuned ne.


    Even if they solved all those issues, it still wouldn''t be enough. Zac estimated the death engine could havested another hour inside the Threaded Hell if they hadn''t been forced to leave early. That was only enough to cover a couple of weeks worth of travel, not enough to escape the st zone. They''d probably pop out in the middle of the explosion, and there wouldn''t be a rune to protect them that time.


    The only alternative was if he managed to instantly activate the trial along with the explosion. However, that meant sacrificing the non-sealbearers aboard the ship. Unleashing the Foreign Gods was the far preferable option, especially if you included the uncertainty of the supernova working and that he had allies inside the Imperial Graveyard.


    "That thing in the middle, is it what we came for?" Ogras asked.


    "The signal points towards it," Zac nodded. "It should be a gateway to the true realm where the project took ce."


    Excited discussions spread through the bridge until one dissenting voice cut through the chatter. "This might not be what you wish to hear, but maybe we should wait?"


    Zac turned toward Carl standing in the corner, who slightly withered under the attention. He still pressed on. "The Yphelion is damaged, and the crew is still exhausted after our mad escape from the cultists. A few days of recovery would put us in a much better position to finish the job."


    A few seemed to agree, such as Gu, Ra''Klid, and Rhuger. The majority leaned toward pressing on, their eyes radiating purpose and adventure. Zac nced at the surroundings. The tesseract sun was surrounded by an incredibly stable space the size of a sr system. There were nos or structures, and there wasn''t a single passage leading into the sanctuary from the storm. It was the perfect ce to recover after their journey."How''s the Yphelion?" Zac asked.


    "We''ve patched up the circuits with spare materials, so the shields technically work."


    "Technically?" Zac said.


    "I wouldn''t rmend raising their strength beyond 10 percent," Gu said. "Furthermore, there are still dozens of unpressurizedpartments. With the shields as they are, we should probably avoid those sections as we approach the sun. The heat and radiation would be deadly even if the rune lets through so much as a sliver. Oh, and we haven''t even begun working on the hull."


    "Well, that''s great," Zac muttered before turning back toward Carl. "You''re right. It would have been a good idea to rest up. Unfortunately��"


    Zac nced at Mark, who confirmed Zac''s suspicion. "The rune is dragging us forward. I can''t stop it."


    The rune hadn''t disappeared after paving a path through the storm. It had only slowed down on its approach toward the sun.


    "We''ll reach the sun in twenty-eight minutes," the pilot continued.


    "�� I''ll see if I can reinforce the shields," Gu sighed before hurrying out, and most of the sealbearers followed in tow after seeing they still had some time.


    Zac stayed on with Ogras, Catheya, and Kator, reviewing the many ns they''d ironed out during their brief bouts of downtime one final time. The twenty-eight minutes passed in no time, and Zac silently watched on as the Yphelion entered the sun''s domain. Nothing happened, allowing Zac to release his pent-up breath.


    The sun''s hollow interiors were like the Spatial Nexus he''d seen back in the Void Star, the contraption the Kan''Tanu blew up as part of their n. Space inside had more than three dimensions, and Zac had no idea how the Yphelion would react. Thankfully, the sigil''s protective tail worked equally well for the star. Neither heat nor energy reached the ship, and they were spared from being twisted into pretzels by space twisting on itself.


    "That''s odd," Jaol said. "I can''t actually pick up any spatial fluctuations. Not even from the gate."


    "How''s that possible inside a multidimensional space?" Zac asked.


    "Why would the Dao of Space be required?" Kator countered. "Your vessel used no Spatial Energy to enter and leave the Lower nes. This is no different. The sun should have been repurposed as an energy source, so the formations should be reliant on the Ster Peak."


    "I guess you''re right," Zac shrugged as he took out amunicator, feeling it was the least of the mysteries present. "Brace yourselves. We''re about to fly through the gate."


    The screens had bepletely ck as the huge sphere drew closer. Zac felt as though they were flying into a ck hole and prayed he was wrong. The others returned, opting to stay in the reinforced bridge as a precaution.


    Zac didn''t even notice when they flew through the gate. The darkness gave way to light, and the screens disyed a twilight realm with drifting clouds of purple. Gleaming stars were visible far in the sky but not below, indicating they might have been transported to a proper world despite there being no sign of any ground. There were no signs of danger or their destination. The seal was still there, guiding them through the clouds. The tranquil view was beautiful, which only added to Zac''s unease.


    "What''s going on? Weren''t we inside a star?" Emily muttered.


    "It''s��" Zac said before his words caught in his throat.


    Stolen from its rightful ce, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Streaks of purple had appeared inside the bridge, ignoring the protective sigil and the Yphelion''s shielding alike.


    "What in the nine hells is this?" Bubbur eximed, his face scrunching up like a raisin. "It feels like someone is taking a dump in my brain. Wait, is it making me smarter?"


    "Oh, I know exactly what this is," Ogras spat, ncing at the former Muscle Brigadier. "And I would be careful about any ideas popping into my head right about now."


    "Ogras is right. Everyone, seal your Daos and paths. Ignore the whispers; they''re lying. Any truths you think you''ve grasped will only bring about your doom," Zac said. "You don''t want to know what''ll happen if this madness is allowed to take root. I''ve seen it turn an elite Kan''Tanu squad into vegetables."


    "Is this what you encountered inside the Void Star?" Kator asked.


    "The vor is slightly different, but it''s the Dead Dao of the Lost Era," Zac confirmed. "This could be considered a good opportunity for you all. Take your time in figuring out long-term countermeasures. We''re bound to encounter more of this during the trial. Practicing with this diluted version might save your lives when facing the real thing."


    "The real thing''s worse than this? Did I make the right decisioning all this way?" Kruta grimaced.


    Zacughed before sharing the insights he''d gathered from his years of relying on the taintedke water. Of course, there was one thing he kept to himself. The corruption wasn''t the only thing present in the energy from the so-called Lost ne. The truths of Ultom were nestled inside, though the concentrations were closer to his <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> than theke water.


    He didn''t mention that part out of fear one of his subordinates would overestimate themselves and attempt extracting the good stuff, something which was only made possible thanks to his bloodlines. Zac wasn''t under the same restrictions, and his D-grade Hidden Nodes made the process far more effective.


    If the situation were different, he would have cranked his Void Emperor bloodline to the limits, forming Void Vortices to gobble up all the free insights. Now, he was reduced to siphoning off what little he could from his surroundings, which was only enough to help clear his head.


    Finally, they saw their destination in the distance. A glistening tower had pierced the clouds, reaching into the starry sky far above. Zac looked on with interest, though his expression grew odd as the minutes passed. It had barely changed even after ten minutes of travel.


    "Are�� we moving?" Ogras eventually asked.


    "Just how big is this thing?" Catheya whispered.


    An hourter, the distant tower had grown by half on the screen, and three smaller towers had be visible.


    "It has to berger than a," Emily said.


    "It should be approaching the D-grade bounds of a three-dimensional world," Jaol nodded. "Much more, and space will buckle."


    "The Limitless Empire sure wasn''t messing around," Ogras whistled. "Imagine the cost. Why not just reposition a world instead?"


    "I don''t think they had a choice," Zac said, remembering how the [Foreign Gods] tome mentioned how the lighthouses couldn''t stay in this realm for too long. "They needed to build something that could resist the corrosion of Dead Dao."


    "Resist... or contain?" Emily said. "Have you noticed? The clouds are getting denser the closer we get."


    It took another hour before the whole base hade into view, or as much as was possible with the incredibly dense clouds surrounding the structure. Emily''s theory was looking more likely by the minute. Rather than a base resisting the Dao of the Lost Era, it seemed like the base was built around a breach like the one he''d closed.


    The central tower was almost toorge topute, yet it was floating in the air without causing so much as a ripple. Surrounding it were seven subsidiary towers. A structural band connected the outer pirs, and it wasrge enough to overshadow the ringworld he''d visited during his pilgrimage back in the training camp.


    "Uh, boss? Doesn''t that look like��"


    "It does," Zac agreed, ncing at Ra''Klid.


    The central tower was unattached, just like the central tower in the Centurion Lighthouse. In contrast to its much smaller cousin, the main station showed no signs of battle. The base seemed to be slumbering, emitting barely any energy, but it remained in pristine condition. It almost felt like ancient cultivators could pop out of a window at any moment to see who''de knocking at their door.


    "If we canunch a <strong>[Centurion Spear]</strong> this size," Bubbur wheezed, his face red with excitement. "Will there be anything of the Kan''Tanu afterward?"


    "Don''t get your hopes up. There are some critical differences in the design. I don''t think it''s equipped with a that kind of propulsion," Gu said. "That''s not to say it won''t have a simr feature."


    "Isn''t that what the Foreign Gods are for?" Ogras said.


    Zac listened in on the discussion, his eyes never leaving the monitor. "The tips of the outer towers are roughly the size of the Centurion Lighthouse."


    "There were seven Lighthouses," Emily agreed. "So its ultimate form is with all the outer bases docked at the tips?"


    "Looks like we''re being directly taken to one of the outer towers," Ograsmented. "Could it be the one connected to the lighthouse you raided?"


    "It should be," Gu said.


    New details were exposed every minute as the clouds shifted. The first damaged section came into view shortly before an outer tower got in the way. It was on the opposite side of the base, where a whole section of the outer band had been ripped open. There were no rampaging energies or resentment in the breach, nor did it appear to be the source of the billowing purple clouds.


    "That''s one big hole," Ogras frowned. "Big enough for a trapped God to slip out?"


    "I would expect so," Zac said. "It''s bigger than Earth."


    "We knew some of them must have escaped after what happened to the Centurion Lighthouse," Emily said. "Maybe that wing held the ones that hadn''t been turned into puppets yet."


    "I''m surprised they just left after breaking out," Ograsmented. "If it were me, and I had the power to cause that kind of damage, I wouldn''t have left before the base was turned to rubble. And these Foreign Gods were supposed to be vengeful and bloodthirsty."


    "Maybe they were afraid their captors would return," Joanna suggested. "And this ce should have sunk to the depths of the Void shortly after the escape, making it impossible to find their way back."


    "They should be dust by now," Ogras said. "At least, I hope so."


    Zac wasn''t so sure. The whole reason the Starfall Court started the Centurion Project was that the Foreign Gods were essentially undying, partially a gift of the Ster Wanderers they''d sprung from. If they were dead, it would be from targeting the wrong person or entering a taboo zone. The good news was that the Multiverse had seen so many changes over the eons that it should be impossible to find their way back.


    "A hatch is opening!" Emily said.


    "Incredible," Zac muttered upon seeing the gate was over a mile thick.


    The Yphelion looked like a fly as it entered the enormous hangar. Zac couldn''t help but sigh in regret upon seeing it was empty, and his disappointment was mirrored on more than one face. Any Cosmic Vessel moored in this base would have a huge chance of being a C-grade vessel, possibly something even greater. It could have be the gship of the Atwood Empire, acting as a deterrent even against Monarchs.


    "This might be a guest entrance," Ogras said, unwilling to give up. "Even if not, there has to be more docking stations in a building this size. I refuse to believe not one was left behind."


    A deep hum precluded any answer. Their guiding rune had disappeared after finishing its task. One by one, powerful illumination arrays activated in the ceiling, and runes asrge as cities appeared on the walls. A dizzying array of floating lights appeared in the air, seemingly there to direct traffic that didn''t exist.


    It wasn''t just the hangar, either. Zac could feel tremendous amounts of energy stir as the whole base wasing online. Zac had never felt anything like it, not from the War Fortresses nor the continental disks in Twilight Harbor. It felt like a primordial beast wasing out of its slumber, and there was no telling what the effect would be on them or the world outside.


    "I''ve regained control," Mark said. "What should I do?"


    "Follow the guiding lights," Zac said, cracking his neck. "We''re setting out the moment we''ve docked."

 Chapter 1247: A Bloody Message

    Chapter 1247: A Bloody Message


    Sorothom shuddered, unable to prevent the fluctuation in his aura.


    "What is it?" Eisorn spat.


    "It''s nothing, sir," Sorothom said, arduously stifling his anger. He was the Founding Pope of the Kan''Tanu yet forced to grovel like a servant. "Moro is struggling against the restraints. And with the expenditure of setting up the nodes for the ritual��"


    Eisorn looked at Sorothom for a few moments before scoffing. Still, he took out a red-and-ck braid, which greatly surprised Sorothom. It looked like his handler was anxious enough to dip into his own stock, going so far as to take out a <strong>[Selfless Braid]</strong> that only B-grade Heart Elders could fashion.


    Sorothom was just an acolyte when breaking off from the main sect, but he knew just how expensive they were. It wasn''t just a matter of having the money, either. Heart Elders were rare, and creating a braid was both time-consuming and taxing. A Reincarnator would have to ''assist'' in their experiments or aplish deadly tasks to even get their foot through the door. Unfortunately, Eisorn was likely spared that torment, being the leader of their covert mission.


    "This is the only one. If you still can''t hold it together until our mission is aplished, then our promises won''t matter. The true mantras won''t save you if you can''t regain the ground you''ve lost. You will fall from the defense, and yourpanion isn''t qualified to ascend on its own."


    "It''s just a temporary setback," Sorothom assured. "I''ve spent too much time in the graveyard, and some of the turbulence has seeped into��"


    "I''m not interested," Eisorn cut him off. "Your ineptitude let the Empyrean Throne escape. If you further harm our undertaking with your instability�� "


    "It won''t happen," Sorothom assured the ck Heart Hall Master.Sorothom''s expression was ingratiating, only a hint of resentment from being made an assistant to a measly Early Monarch leaking through. Eisorn might be a Reincarnator, but that wasn''t enough to bridge the chasm to someone who''d prepared for their Dao Confirmation for eons. Not to mention, Sorothom was the Kan''Tanu Pope with trillions of citizens under his banner.


    Eisorn delighted in suppressing his frontier cousins, especially those stronger than him. Sorothom had almost control for real from the many times this haughty bastard had waved his Curse Authority in his face.


    What would Eisorn think if he found out it was all a guise? Sorothom''s avatar was madlyughing inside his world as he looked at the ancient array disk in his hand. It was this thing that had started his long, unsessful search in the graveyard. For the first time, it was releasing a low hum after connecting with its Mother Array.


    The Intersector War hade like a blessing from above just as he''d given up any hope of ever finding where the disk led. Sorothom could instead ascend using a grand sacrificial array by using the war as fuel. The joy was short-lived. His carefully arranged tapestry was torn asunder just before he''d make his move, returning him to square one.


    He had been reluctant to ept the ck Heart Sect''s offer, holding onto a lingering hope the graveyard''s nexus would show itself now that fate was reaching its Zenith. It was at that time he received the message that changed everything. Sorothom had been skeptical throughout, but everything was happening just like it said.


    There was hope yet.


    The next hours were critical. There couldn''t be any mistakes, and Sorothom couldn''t let his taskmaster know an extraordinary opportunity had appeared nearby. Thankfully, Eisorn was fully absorbed with ensuring their preparations were up to standard. What they were about to do was liable to draw the attention of the Ruthless Heavens and, by extension, those who could catch glimpses of its operations.


    They couldn''t have that. The ck Heart Sect had been suppressed to the point they couldn''t even get a seat at the table, forcing them to sneak in through a hidden pathway from the Eternal Storm. The orthodox factions would band together if they realized what they were up to.


    The Heaven-obscuring tform was already active, and thousands of Stygian Anchors had stabilized the area. The storms of the inner Imperial Graveyard were redirected by their aura, forming a vast, stable region. Everything was prepared for the next step.


    "Activate the Fate Severance," Eisorn ordered.


    The Hall Master''s subordinates obeyed without a word, and a wall of separation isted fate and Karma of the one thousand Hegemons spread across the Heaven-obscuring tform. Whatever actions took ce within would be no concern of the Heavens, and it wouldn''t implicate the observers outside who''d arranged everything.


    "The children are ready," the Blood Priest said from his altar, his toothless mouth curved upward in a raving smile.


    Sorothom could smell the stench of putrid blood and fell Karma from his position. He really didn''t miss these lunatics, even if they were necessary to bring out the full potential of the ck Heart Rituals.


    "Strength is the only creed of the ck Heart Sect," Eisorn said, his voice echoing through the region. "Prove yourself worthy. Turn the weak into fuel for your ascension. Begin the ritual."


    Rivers of blood poured onto the etched teau as the pawns fought for their lives, ughtering and being ughtered by their brothers and sisters. The tform was only two miles across, making the desperation and ferocity far greater than during a traditional ritual that utilized whole dozens of miles of varied terrain. There was no scheming, no nning, no time to set up an ambush. There were enemies breathing down their necks from every direction, and it was only kill or be killed.


    All the while, Eisorn''s fingers twitched within his sleeves. His actions might seem innocuous to others, but they couldn''t fool Sorothom''s experienced gaze. The Hall Master was subtly influencing the flow of battle, ensuring none of his picks ended up with a seal early. Instead, it was the elites Sorothom had mustered that were the ''lucky'' ones to find seals in the chests of their enemies.


    One burst of transcendent light after another showered the tform in glorious truth. For the participants, it was a beacon, their sole hope of survival. Paradoxically, finding one was a death sentence. The participants descended on the lights like starving ghosts, and those who unearthed the seal almost invariably died first under a cavalcade of attacks.


    There were twenty-seven seal pieces spread among the thousands, which meant no more than twenty-seven would walk away alive. More likely, it would be fewer than that as the strongest would collect more than one. Not to mention, some would be ash from overestimating their fate or picking the wrong court.


    Most seals were collected from years of warring. They''d sold off most to keep up appearances while hiding away some for themselves. A dozen had been imed through the frenzy the graveyard was going through, and those who''d joined in on the feast.


    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the vition.


    Soon, the free-for-all reached the expected bnce. The weaker participants had be fuel for the tform, their blood already filling the etched pathways. The stronger ones each surrounded a seal, though none dared to im it. Only when the numbers dwindled a bit further would they make their move.


    The unimed seals released increasingly powerful pulses of truth in an attempt to attract a suitable bearer. With each pulse, the tform trembled, and Sorothom sneered as he heard the excitable chatter from the Array Masters.


    "How is it?" Eisorn asked with feigned diffidence. Sorothom knew very well the Hall Master''s reward depended on the answer.


    "It''splete!" the leading Threadweaver eximed. "The signal is being sent out through the Stygian Array as we speak."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Moments passed before a light lit up on therge crystal sphere the Array Masters huddled around.


    "It works," Eisorn exhaled, ncing in Sorothom''s direction. "Your idea of connecting the teau with your Stygian Anchors to extend the reach was quite good."


    "Just a small contribution after learning some tricks of this ce," Sorothom said with a bow, inwardly cackling. They hadn''t noticed!


    "Today''s feat would still be impossible without the Main Sect''s profound means."


    "That''s true," Eisorn nodded.


    New lights appeared on the crystal one after another as its controllers scanned different sections of the Imperial Graveyard. Each new light added to the excitement, and Eisorn looked about ready to host a banquet after the fifteenth light had appeared. Sorothom acted appropriately impressed, even if the signals were all fake. After all, the Stygian Anchors weren''t designed to look for seals.


    They were doing something else entirely.


    The carnage had greatly slowed down by the time they''d reached the half-hour mark. Less than two hundred candidates remained, almost all of them exhausted and covered in wounds. Some had managed to seize a ticket through sheer brutality. With less blood spilled and fewer lights in the open, the efficacy of the array would also slow down.


    Sorothom worried they''d notice the discrepancies after they''d calmed down from their fever pitch. It was a bit early, but he might as well go. Sorothom had waited long enough for this moment.


    "This is taking too long. The anchors will give in before we''ve reached the end. I''ll help things along," Sorothom growled as veins bulged and blood-red teeth grew on his arms, mimicking a mental schism.


    "Fool, stop!" Eisorn roared as a wall formed between them.


    Sorothom inwardly snickered, maintaining the visage of someone losing control. This little tyrant was a thousand years early to stop him when he''d made his decision. The cascade of acid he''d sent out suddenly disappeared after eating a hole through the dimensional fabric, appearing right above the tform. Toxic rain descended, and participants fell by the dozens, leaving only putrid blood behind. Twelve seals were unearthed in an instant, most of them from the elites Eisorn had been subtly assisting.


    "No!"


    "Cry! Despair!" Sorothom howled withughter as mouths formed all over his body. "The lights��! The lights are glowing!"


    "You''ve tainted fate, you backwater bastard! I knew we couldn''t count on a stray dog like you," Eisorn growled, his eyes turning into wriggling sigils. "Use your life to appease the River of Fate."


    And nothing happened. Moro wriggled with displeasure within Sorothom''s Inner World, which was the extent of what the Hall Master''s sacrificial trigger managed to aplish. The duo had been waiting for this moment. Moro withered from instilling Sorothom with almost all its strength, showing no hints of the many seals andyers of suppression he was supposed to be under.


    Sorothom became a blur, leveraging his superior attributes andprehension even further. His hand was already inside Eisorn''s chest before he could react, sealing down hispanion and Inner World with the weight of a nigh-perfected world.


    "You''re immune��" Eisorn gasped. "That''s impossible!"


    "Nothing is impossible, <em>sir</em>," Sorothom grinned as his fist clenched, unleashing a wave of destruction that<em></em>tore apart the ck Heart Elder''s inner world and scattered its pieces into the void.


    A narrow-minded fool like Eisorn would never understand how a frontier cultivator could ovee their methods, and there was no point in exining. The things he''d discovered in the depths might not have been enough to be a Divine Monarch, but they had given him certain unique advantages.


    "Lunatic," Eisorn wheezed while leaking life and strength like a sieve. "The ck Heart Sect knows what happened here. You will not get what you seek."


    "Is that so?" Sorothom leered, grabbing the crippled Monarch by his throat. "I''m tired of hearing from you. Use your life to appease the River of Fate."


    Sorothom exhaled, releasing a swarm of critters that burrowed into Eisorn''s body. He twitched from pain, but the <strong>[Lifelink Beetles]</strong> wouldn''t let him die. Sorothom tore off one of his fingers and used it to draw a series of bloody runes on the Hall Master''s chest. Karma became tainted, and most of Sorothom''s me for interfering with the seals was ced on Eisorn''s shoulders.


    A wave of hollow exhaustion almost made Sorothom copse. He''d offset too much, too many times. Longevity aside, he wasn''t long for the world if he couldn''t advance and seize more providence. Today had to be worth it.


    Every single cultist atop the tform had been reduced to blood by the time Sorothom had dealt with Eisorn''s subordinates outside. The toxic rain had indiscriminately swept through their ranks. Not even Sorothom''s grand disciple was spared. What were such fragile bonds worth before the Grand Dao and his pursuits?


    Sorothom waved his sleeve, and hundreds of engraved heads flew toward the teau. Each took its position following the provided pattern. Meanwhile, dozens of hooded warriors emerged from one of the seized Cosmic Vessels, with no signs of the brands that were supposed to seal them. They flew toward the tform, but a snort from Sorothom stopped them in their tracks.


    "Have we done something to displease Your Eminence?"


    Sorothom turned to the source of the question. "Not at all. Neither have you made me very happy."


    "Our Lord''s message should have proven urate for Your Eminence to strike," the Imperial Envoy said. "The next step��"


    "Where is that shifty little princeling, anyhow?" Sorothom said with a raised brow. "He doesn''t strike me as one to hold back when presented with such a spread."


    "He is fulfilling his part of the agreement, waiting on our end," she answered with a bow. "The seals will soon disappear unless our people are let through the curtain. As we agreed upon, the seals will be imed by our side."


    "I remember. But I''m still not seeing your end of the bargain. Where is it?"


    "A nk Writ of Peerage, as promised," the Envoy said, disying an archaic scroll teeming with power. "Beware, should your condition be exposed��"


    "I know, you''ll wash your hands off me," Sorothom said.


    The warning was unnecessary. There was no way he''d settle down in the Seventh Heaven after this. He was a loose thread and an unsavory character. He''d be lucky tost the day. The writ could, however, be traded for simr status elsewhere, where his identity wasn''t known.


    Sorothom''s eyes gleamed with greed upon seeing they''d actuallyplied with his demand, and he had to fight the instincts to seize it by force. He could ughter these imperials with a wave of his sleeve, but doing so risked ruining the real prize. Having the writ was useless if he let the opportunity to break through slip away.


    It was Yvin Tobrial who had approached him with a n, even providing schematics only Sorothom knew about, schematics he''d seen when finding the daughter array in the core of the Imperial Graveyard. The princeling seemed to know almost as much as Sorothom, including some details he hadn''t managed to piece together.


    Yvin''s message was simple. The infernal brat who''d ruined Sorothom''s ns was gunning for the same thing as he, and he even had the key. However, that would be his downfall. Reaching his destination would awaken the base, which Sorothom''s Daughter Array had confirmed. It was no longer a fool''s hope to find it.


    However, it was ultimately a ndestine base created by the Limitless Empire. Knowing where it was only solved half the problem. Reaching it without the key was impossible for him, let alone the little princeling. They needed someone else to create a path, which was where the ritual came in. The Stygian Anchors were never meant to look for seals. They were meant to amplify a signal while stabilizing space enough to let it reach its distant destination.


    The engraved heads altered the arrays engraved on the Heaven-obscuring tform, allowing it to fully connect with the Stygian Anchors. A concentrated pulse holding the aura of the Left Imperial Pce shot toward a distant location, a seemingly normal storm formation full of spatial tears and resentment.


    Only an experienced traveler in the graveyard would notice there was something different about it, something dangerous. They weren''t normal rifts. They were tears leading to the cracks between realities.


    The message had been sent. Now, they only needed to wait for the answer.

 Chapter 1248: The Problem and Solution

    Chapter 1248: The Problem and Solution


    The Yphelion came to a gentle stop in its assigned dock. Zac was about to order immediate disembarkation when the screens suddenly became a uniform beige. Connecting to the ship systems did nothing to improve Zac''s vantage.


    "What''s going on?" Emily asked.


    "It looks like a barrier''s been put up around the ship," Zac said.


    "There''s an iing transmission," Jaol said. "Uh, it uses an unknown format. Give me one second."


    Jaol''s eyes flickered for a few seconds before a static voice appeared in the inte.


    <strong>[Wee, guests. Please be advised, ---------- is currently facing a Tier ------- containment breach. For your safety, only personnel and authorized guests are allowed to disembark. Remain cautious and practice the <em>[Starfall Scripture]</em> provided during orientation. Should you notice any irregrities, immediately inform nearby staff.]</strong>


    Zac grimaced at the sharp tone that cut into the message, making certain words impossible to make out. The voice was a gentle woman''s, and he couldn''t tell whether it was an old recording or a synthetic voice installed into the security systems.


    "To think those two words were blocked out," Ograsmented, his suspicious tone speaking volumes.


    <strong>[Security will remain at an elevated state until the breach is contained. Certain sections might be cordoned off. You can consult your liaison on how your station is affected. They will be with you shortly.]</strong>"What liaison?" Kruta scratched his head. "And are we even authorized? Coming here won''t do us much good if we''re considered invaders."


    "We wouldn''t have been brought all the way here if we weren''t considered authorized," Zac said, suddenly looking around. "The corruption is abating."


    "It''s the shield. It''s added a filter that blocks out most of the madness," Gu said as he fiddled with a console. "And that''s not the only thing it''s doing. The Yphelion is being fed materials and energy. Its natural recovery arrays have more than tripled in speed."


    "Such a generous secret base," Ogras whistled, his suspicions growing deeper.


    "If they can afford to build superstructures, they can afford to fork out the money for ship repairs," Emily shrugged, not nearly as bothered.


    "Let''s hope you''re right and that they won''t stick us with a bill after the fact. I don''t relish the idea of being held captive until the debt is paid off," Ogras said. "I doubt Nexus Coins were legal tender back when this oversized tin can was built."


    Kator, who''d been silent until now, cut through the chaff. "What now?"


    "I think we''ll have to go with Scenario Two. Strike teams one through three will set out while the rest stay put," Zac said. "I don''t trust the Yphelion''s teleporter in its current state, so we''ll have to leave through the hatch."


    There was nothing else to prepare for. While they still didn''t know what waited for them inside the base, they''d been as ready as they could be since the rune led them out of the storm. Those who would set out were already gathered in the bridge, so they moved toward the closest hatch at once. It opened without issue, and Zac exhaled upon seeing the corruption wasn''t much worse outside.


    The Yphelion''s hull and shielding were clearly incapable of dealing with the corruption, which was good news in Zac''s book. The concentration would no doubt be higher inside the base, but they should have already faced the brunt of it during their final approach.


    Zac was confident in dealing with much greater concentrations. The same couldn''t be said for the others. Safety concerns aside, things would beplicated if Kator was forced to stop early. Zac had already modified and prepared Esmeralda''s bypass on the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, but he didn''t actually know whether it would work as intended. Things rarely worked out exactly as how Esmeralda envisioned it because of her scrambled memories.


    Using it would also bring about a copse of their cooperation, something Zac wanted to avoid until he''d lit the Centurion Beacon and ordered the Foreign Gods to deal with the Kan''Tanu. Seeing the-sized hole in the superstructure only strengthened Zac''s determination toplete his mission. The base was made from an unknown C-grade alloy, and the walls were miles thick and undoubtedly reinforced using formations.


    If the Foreign Gods had the strength to cause such severe damage here, what could the Kan''Tanu bring out against them? A few Foreign Gods should be able to level all of Zurbor if given enough time. Kator didn''t care in the slightest what happened to Zecia and Earth, and he was well aware Zac did. It gave him another advantage over them. For now, the reaver seemed content with following along, though he clearly intended to let others pass through the barrier before him.


    "Let me," Ra''Klid said, and Zac nodded after some thought. Beyond himself, who''d somehow swallowed the beacon, Ra''Klid and Rhuger were those least likely to trigger any rms. Ra''Klid had already showcased the benefits of being a Reignender of Ultom in the Centurion Lighthouse, and they already knew the Centurion Project was under the Starfall Court''s authority.


    Ra''Klid warily passed through the barrier, which did nothing to stop him. Beyond nching at the much-denser corruption, he was clearly fine, nor were there any signs of defensive arrangementsing alive. Zac followed, and then one sealbearer after another. They only ran into trouble when it was Ibtep''s turn to pass through. Therge opaque barrier shuddered, and it actually denied Ibtep passage.


    <em>''Another recording just came through. It reminded us that only authorized personnel can disembark. She didn''t sound pleased.''</em>


    "Alright. Come over for a bit," Zac said.


    <em>''Me? I''m not a fighter,'' </em>Jaol squeaked.


    "Neither is Ibtep. You''re my only other neswalker," Zac said.


    Jaol arrived a few momentster, his face a mask of horror and reluctance. He looked like he''d won the lottery when the barrier acted the same way toward him, not even bothering to feign disappointment.


    "The Farsee Court isn''t allowed inside?" Ogras said with surprise, looking in Kator''s direction. "Was there animosity between the two?"


    "How should I know?" Kator asked. "Everything about the Left Imperial Pce is obscured in mystery. Intentionally so, I think. The details have been obscured, and that extends to the lower courts. The bits and pieces we''ve managed to gather over the past years don''te close to covering a topic like that."


    "We''ll have to make do without them," Zac said, slightly regretful they couldn''t bring a full cycle into the base.


    The <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> had almost been fully depleted by the time he wrapped things up inside the Centurion Lighthouse, and he didn''t want to encounter that scenario in the farrger Centurion Project Headquarters. If that happened, they''d be stuck until the trial started, provided they survived that long.


    There was some good news, at least. The Farsee court was his most expendable court for the mission. Ibtep and Jaol had aplished their tasks on their way here, and their skill sets were unlikely to be needed during the next step. And if they were locked out, their authority wouldn''t count for much on the inside. It would have been a far bigger headache if Gu or Ogras had been held back, or the trio of the Indomitable Court for that matter.


    Zac felt like a speck of dust in the unfathomablyrge hangar as they floated down toward an attached pier. There were rows of structures built atop it, enough to make up a vige. They were in perfect condition, and the signs indicated they were a mix of shops, hotels, workshops, and a support center. It was clearly meant for the bulk of the crew, which would generally be muchrger with a ship the Yphelion''s size.


    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.


    There were hundreds of simr arrangements throughout the multi-level hangar. Therger docks that could house mile-long Motherships had entire cities arranged. A whole civilization could fit inside the hangar without feeling cramped. The scene was outside Zac''s expectations. Did a secret base really have enough foot traffic to warrant this kind of setup?


    It didn''t mesh with the understanding they''d gathered either, where the Lighthouses rotated, dipping into the dangerous dimension where the experiments were performed.


    "Maybe it''s a repurposed base," Ogras shrugged as his shadows descended on the buildings. "Nothing inside the shops. Not so much as a speck of dust. This base might only have entered the Foreign God''s dimension at thetest stage of the experiment. Before that, it could have been a normal army headquarters."


    "It could have fallen inside during the dark ages, like the lighthouse," Emily added. "It''s clearly not that good at containing the corruption. Just look at the gate. It''s seeping right through."


    "Nothingst forever. Half an Era is more than enough time to corrode alloys and warp formations," Zac said as he followed Emily''s gaze.


    There was arge gate waiting at the end of the vige''s main street, presumably leading into the base proper. Purple mist was constantly pouring out of it, seemingly passing right through the metal. The discussions suddenly died down when the gates slid open with a creak, and a figure emerged from the mists.


    "There''s actually a liaison?" Ogras whispered. "What now?"


    "Get down," Zac urged, and not even Kator made any trouble as they lined up behind Zac.


    The ''liaison''s'' leisurely gait belied their great speed. Its movement resembled Zac''s old <strong>[Earthstrider]</strong>, except it relied on the Ster Peak, evidenced by the starry curtain left in its wake. The disy wasn''t anything special for a Hegemon. Seeing a puppet aplish the same was another matter.


    An automaton could easily be equipped with all kinds of arrays, but fusing them so perfectly with the construct that it became indistinguishable from a skill required effort and skill. It actually felt like the puppet before them practiced the Dao of Stars, which was impossible since it evidently didn''t possess a true spirit.


    "Wee, friends. I pray the journey was not too taxing," the puppet said with a slight bow.


    The puppet looked <em>almost</em> human, down to having real skin and eyes that felt alive. It even wore the kind of robes you''d see on attendants inrger factions. The puppet did, however, have a few intentionally inanimate details to distinguish its true nature. There was a daughter array branded on its forehead, along with a noticeable joint on its neck.


    Just as they were observing the puppet, so did the puppet observe them. It first looked Zac up and down before inspecting his followers one after another. There was no hostility in its gaze, only curiosity. It was reminiscent of how Ibtep had looked at Zac when they first met, except it left Zac disconcerted this time. This puppet was too human, to the point it had entered uncanny levels.


    "It has been too long since we received guests," the puppet continued. "Come, let me show you to your quarters."


    Seeing that they''d passed the first inspection didn''t lessen Zac''s sense of unease. He could tell the puppet wasn''t just going through the motions. It stopped slightly longer on all non-human targets and the longest on the undead quartet in the group. It understood the difference but didn''t question the situation at all. The puppet floated into the sky, heading toward one of therger hangar cities.


    Zac subtly indicated for his followers to stay alert before following. "Have we been assigned rooms here in the hangar?"


    "No," the puppet said, and Zac noted it slightly adjusted its course, now heading more toward therger gate connected to the hangar city. "We are performing some repairs; I''m afraid we have to take a small detour on our way to your quarters."


    "Repairs? We got a message that there''s been a containment breach," Zac said, noting it could carry a proper conversation.


    "There''s nothing to be worried about. This is a regr urrence that will be swiftly dealt with," the puppet answered without missing a beat. "Now, please stay��"


    It didn''t get to finish its sentence as <strong>[Death''s Duality] </strong>empowered by two Earthly Daos split it in two. Rattling chains dragged the two halves away from the gate and away from the blinding danger Zac sensed lurking on the other side. The bisected puppet briefly struggled against the restraints, only to gopletely still.


    It wasn''t because it had finally died but because a familiar form rose from theplex innards and fused into one. It was a Qriz''Ul or at least a close cousin of the creatures they''d encountered in the ruins of the Ra''Lashar Kingdom. While the Qriz''Ul back then were mostly fashioned after the Ra''Lashar goblins, this one looked almost identical to the puppet it''d hidden inside.


    It was dark purple, and thousands of unfamiliar runes floated about its body. Zac briefly paused, feeling he could almost grasp something from the ever-changing patterns. He shook his head, but a shadowy spear preempted his n to take it out.


    "Practice makes perfect. I''ve had my fair share of dealing with these things," the demon grinned before his brows furrowed. "Never seen one nearly this intelligent, though."


    "Maybe��" Zac was interrupted by a cautioning shout from Carl.


    "Behind!"


    More than a hundred Qriz''Ul flooded out of the hangar city, moving toward them like a wave of starving ghosts. None of them had a physical body like the puppet. And the two strongest were only the equivalent of Middle Hegemons.


    "These ones are more familiar. All brutality and no brains," Ogras said before raising his voice. "You need to destroy their life rune, or you''ll be fighting these things all day!"


    "They all look the same to me," Kruta growled, his arms bing a blur to grind them into dust.


    Zac was about to join in the ughter when his head suddenly snapped around. "Wait, stop!"


    "I don''t think these guys will listen," Emily said, her tomahawks shredding Qriz''Ul by the dozens.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Our fight is waking up the whole hangar," Zac said. "Contain your energy."


    "Let me deal with it," Ogras said as hundreds of shadows extended from his legs.


    The others entered a purely defensive stance to hold back the onught while the shadows struck like vipers that left no trace as they came and went. There were only so many creatures gathered in the city, so it didn''t take long for Ogras to finish the job with Zac''s assistance. Zac noticed that he could intuit where their core hid, something he''d been unable to aplish when first encountering these things. It was likely a by-product of using so muchke water to cultivate.


    Their swift victory didn''t change the big picture. Settlements were waking up one after another. The ambient corruption was being dragged toward therger citadels, including the one nearby.


    "Damn, they''re everywhere!" Ogras wheezed.


    "Go back!" Zac urged before rushing toward their own hangar vige.


    "Shouldn''t we return to the ship?" Emily asked.


    "No," Zac said. "They didn''t react to the Yphelion or the shield. We''re the ones who woke them up, so we''ll keep going."


    "You''re picking the door that thing came from?" Kator asked. "You saw how dense the clouds were when it emerged."


    "I bet the environment is the same everywhere. The puppet clearly didn''t want us going that way, and I felt the threat of death behind the gate it led us toward," Zac said. "I think the base is at least partly working as it should. We were in the right ce from the start."


    "I agree," Ogras nodded.


    Zac led the group toward the door, only stopping at thest moment. "Prepare yourselves for a drawn-out battle. We might be forced to fight these things all the way to the center, so conserve energy."


    The gate opened when they got close enough without needing Zac to even bring out the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>. The dozen Qriz''Ul pouncing on them the moment they entered were quickly dealt with, and Zac rxed upon confirming there wouldn''t be a follow-up. The gate had already closed, though a quick check confirmed they could open it without issue.


    "Can you hear us?" Zac said with a low voice through hismunicator.


    <em>''No problem!'' </em>Jaol<em></em>answered. <em>''Whatever you woke up before is already calming down.''</em>


    "Thank God. It''d be over if they besieged our ticket out of here," Gu whispered. "Could you give me a refresher course on these things?"


    "Nasty things, these bastards," Ogras said before sharing his experiences and the things he''d discovered in the Ra''Lashar Heritages he''d scoured.


    "Don''t put blind faith in my experiences," Ogras cautioned at the end. "These Qriz''Ul are familiar, but they have a different ''vor'' than the ones we encountered. I don''t know what kind of changes that could mean. I''ve never seen one that smart, either."


    "I''m not sure that one was, either," Gu said. "I think it borrowed the puppet''s intelligence. Or rather the intelligence of the Mother Array that was supposed to control it."


    "That doesn''t make it much better," Emily said. "Who knows how many puppets there are in here or the grade of the best ones? And what if one has fused with a Computing Array to be hyper-intelligent?"


    "There might be a whole hierarchy of Qriz''Ul with humanoid intelligence. Even the Foreign Gods might have gained a new consciousness," Ogras somberly nodded, looking around. "And seeing how the mist is growing denser, the dumb ones will be getting stronger, too."


    "We''d already be overrun if they were that organized," Zac said. "It doesn''t hurt to be extra careful, though, especially as the corruption grows stronger. It''ll be harder to trust our ideas and opinions."


    "Is there any room to take a remedial orientation course? Wouldn''t mind having that <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong> right now," Bubbur grimaced. "This sted mist is driving me up the walls."


    "Don''t force yourselves," Zac said, looking around at the group. "That goes for everyone. If you feel the density growing too high to handle or if you feel you''re about to lose control, tell me. You going insane won''t help anyone when we already have Qriz''Ul to worry about."


    "Don''t worry, boss," Bubbur assured. "This much won''t do me in."


    "His idea isn''t bad," Ogras said. "Finding the scripture would make exploration easier, and it can''t be too rare if they handed it out to all guests."


    "A map wouldn''t hurt, either," Carlmented.


    Zac looked at the many buildings around them and the dozen paths leading further into the tower. "You''re right. Ogras, Carl, Rhuger, and Vri. Spread out and investigate the area. Avoid fighting if possible. The normal Qriz''Ul are perceptive of energy."


    "What about the rest of us?" Emily asked.


    "Check out the neighboring buildings for clues while our scouts push deeper. I refuse to believe it''s all picked clean by these creatures," Zac said. "We''ve identified the problem; now we just need to find the solution."

 Chapter 1249: Puppets and Ghosts

    "There''s nothing," Emily said with annoyance as she walked over to Zac''s side. "Not even dust from corroded furniture. It''s like this ce came right off the production line. Did these creatures eat everything? Would exin why they''re popping out of every corner like cockroaches."


    Their search of the nearby offices and rooms had drawn more unwanted attention. A huge number of ghastly creatures lived inside the walls, only emerging when someone got close or when they sensed energy fluctuations. A few of his followers already sported flesh wounds from sudden ambushes, though they were quickly getting used to the threat and pinpointing their weaknesses.


    They''d also encountered a few more possessed puppets who acted very differently from the Qriz''Ul''s mindless aggression. Some posed as base workers like their fake liaison, while others attempted to slink away. They all lost their rationality and ability tomunicate the moment they were dragged out of their shell, confirming Gu''s theory of their intelligence being borrowed.


    "Did you have any better luck?"


    "Not really," Zac said. "Ra''Klid, Kator, and I checked out the hangar just before we reconvened. The other entrances are locked. We couldn''t open them no matter how we tried. This is our only way deeper into the base unless we can get a puppet to open them for us."


    The only positive discovery Zac had made was a personal one. He''d been curious about what''d happen if he poured the ambient corruption into the pocket space belonging to [Purity of the Void] instead of having his body passively break it down. The result was startling. The bad parts were swiftly dragged out of the purple mist, leaving something resembling microscopic droplets suspended in a vacuum.


    It was the small amount of insights stored inside the mist. It showed no signs of deterioration or dissipation so long as it stayed inside the pocket space, allowing him to stockpile the insights onmand. One hour''s exploration was enough to form a bead the size of an egg, and it had gone from looking like murky ss to radiating a slight shimmer of Ultom''s truth.


    Another hour or so would be enough to reach the equivalent of the baths he''d taken back in the day, and there was enough space to collect insights for at least a day before he had to use it. It still wouldn''tpare to the enlightenment imparted by the seals, but it should be enough to solve one or two of the many issues he had with his methods and skills. The more minor issues he could iron out early, the better positioned he''d be when getting the final seal.


    "Your method from before didn''t work, either? That''s no good," Emily whispered, bringing Zac back to the present.


    Zac nodded somberly. The [Court Cycle Token] failing to open even the hangar doors had cast a pall over his insight-collecting discovery. He''d assumed it would act as a master key, just like in the Centurion Lighthouse. Now, Zac wasn''t even sure how they''d reach the beacon, considering it had to be in a restricted area.


    "Let''s wait for the others. They should be back soon."


    Soon enough, Zac saw Vri appear around a corner. The Mentalist''s ss didn''t really possess any scouting skills, but she was still effective at infiltration thanks to her powerful soul. She could use it to hide her aura and Daos better than others while creating a domain of subconscious redirection that worked even on the Qriz''Ul.


    "I couldn''t find a path forward," Vri said, dashing their hopes. "I discovered a service path leading to a neighboring wing, though. I found these inside."


    Zac looked at the puppet taken out of her ring. It was identical to their guide, except it showed advanced signs of age. Gu shook his head after inspecting it for a minute.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "It''spletely dead. It''s missing some parts. Maybe the possessed ones cannibalized them? What remains might as well be gone. The materials have lost all their spirituality."


    "I have dozens of them in my ring," Vri said. "Couldn''t find a working one that wasn''t possessed."


    "And possessed?" Zac asked.


    "Hundreds," Vri said, making Zac''s eyes widen. "It looked like they yed pretend in the neighboring sector, running empty shops and or making notations in empty air. I also spotted a squad of possessedbat puppets. They emitted significantly stronger auras."


    "How strong?"


    "Elite Middle D-grade to normal High D-grade. Their ting seemed very durable, too. A squad wouldn''t pose a threat, but if the numbers reached a certain point��"


    "Let''s avoid that direction unless necessary," Zac said. "Maybe the others had better luck."


    Carl certainly did not. "There is at least one Half-step C-grade creature in this sector. I found it blocking off what looked like a main corridor to take us further in."


    "Inside a puppet?" Zac asked.


    "No," Carl said as he activated an array disk.


    A blurry recording showcased a distant Qriz''Ul that resembled a six-meter-tall human. He floated above a massive dias made from random knick-knacks. Zac looked at the throne of garbage with confusion. This creature might be the reason the region was picked clean. Was it satiating some sort of desire by collecting scrap?


    Swirls of purple clouds floated around him, and dozens of zing runes formed a halo. His ''eyes'' were closed in meditation, but Zac still felt there was a spark of intelligence to him that clearly elevated him above the dozens of smaller Qriz''Ul seated on the ground.


    The huge goblin he''d fought back in the Void Star had been able to form simple sentences. The D-grade Qriz''Ul herecked that ability, but Zac suspected this leader was much smarter than the goblin king. The recording onlysted a couple of seconds before cutting off.


    "I had to leave," Carl exined. "His aura was far worse than the purple clouds, and the runes floating around him were like passive attacks on my soul."


    Ogras arrived soon after, and his shadows allowed them to create a semiplete map of the whole region. He''d found another two Half-Step Qriz''Ul, one of them too close forfort.


    "Draugr, we can''t go on like this. The trial will start before we''ve mapped out this section, let alone the whole fortress," Kator rumbled. "We need a better approach."


    "I''m aware," Zac grimaced.


    The guidance from the [Centurion Beacon] hadpletely stopped after they entered the star, and there was nothing to pick up where it left off. Even an attraction from his Sealbearer quest would have worked, but neither he nor Joanna could sense anything.


    Zac couldn''t even sense the pull of fate from any treasures as he did in the fortress. He didn''t know whether it was because of the scale and make of the base, the corruption, or if there really was nothing.


    "There''s still Rhuger," Zac said. "Here he is."


    "I might have discovered something," Rhuger said with a low voice when he arrived, slightly ufortable from all the attention.


    "What is it? Anything can help," Zac encouraged.


    "There is arge room in one corner of this wing with only one corridor leading inside. I felt a fluctuation simr to the gate inside the hollow sun. It''s weak but stable. I couldn''t investigate it further because there were dozens of Qriz''Ul blocking the way."


    "I think I saw that ce," Ogras muttered. "An odd ce to have a teleportation hub. I would have expected it to be closer to the hangar. Then again, I didn''t find anything fitting the description nearby."


    "This ce is far too big to go without one," Emily said. "It''d take me years to fly around the outer band."


    "It seems better than anything else we have," Zac said, looking at their map. "Where is it?"


    "Here," Rhuger pointed at a corridor at the edge of Ogras''s map.


    "That''s not too far from the Half-Step C-grade Monarch I encountered," Carl cautioned. "It might sense our battle, depending on how sharp its senses are."


    "I can set up Istion Arrays to lessen the risk," Gu said.


    The group went over their options a while longer. Ultimately, Rhuger''s discovery was much better than picking a random service corridor to follow. Zac sent a final update to the Yphelion before they set out, their auras hidden by domain skills and arrays.


    It was impossible for such arge group to move without attracting any attention. Thankfully, over a month of bitter fighting inside the Imperial Graveyard had improved their coordination by leaps and bounds, and any Qriz''Ul popping out was swiftly and silently dealt with before they moved on.


    "I feel it," Zac nodded when they looked at the upied corridor. "There''s definitely something special inside."


    "Two Peak D-grade Qriz''Ul in the way," Ograsmented. "I can''t see their weakness."


    "They''ll take a moment to deal with," Zac agreed. "Clear the surroundings, especially toward the Half-Step Monarch."


    Ogras disappeared in the shadows and spent the next thirty minutes silently taking out Qriz''Ul. Gu coordinated the instation of arge istion array in the safe pockets. Everything went smoothly until Zac suddenly received a message from Ogras.


    ''Not good!''


    Zac didn''t need to ask for rifications. A loud screech was followed by a wave of corruption flooding toward them. It looked just like the waves of resentment he''d seen inside the ancient fortress. Only, instead of ghosts made from lingering intent, there were hundreds of Qriz''Ul spread through the tsunami.


    "Go!" Zac growled as he rushed into the corridor, followed by four pygmy skeletons.


    Streams of Fate and Death swirled around Zac''s axe as he crashed into the first Peak D-grade Qriz''Ul, and the air screamed from Zac swinging dozens of times in an instant. The huge expenditure of Mental Energy proved enough to destabilize the creature, and the other guardian was simrly dealt with by Kator activating two of his Miracle Bones to empower an attack.


    The other Qriz''Ul weren''t able to stop their furious advance. Their attacks were suffocated by a storm of deathly violence, where Zac never stopped for a second. He didn''t have the luxury of finding the right rune on the Qriz''Ul. His only focus was destruction. He needed to create a path through the creatures, even if only a temporary one.


    The rising levels of corruption inside the corridor were nothingpared to the threat rapidly catching up to them. A coffin-shaped barrier formed behind Zac''s back, rebuffing the dense haze for his followers running right behind him. The blitz allowed them to reach the central chamber in seconds.


    "What the hell!" Emily swore when they were greeted by three thin ck streaks behind a swarm of Qriz''Ul.


    The gates eithercked energy or were damaged, definitely not something they could use in their current state. This was why he''d tried to avoid barging in like this.


    "Which one?" Gu urged.


    "Middle!" Zac shouted as he pivoted, expanding his shield to cover the whole corridor.


    [Profane Exponents] almost crumbled when the tidal wave of corruption caught up the next moment. Zac could tell the whole tsunami was part of the Half-Step Monarch''s body. Beyond the sinister energy of the Lost ne, there was an unmistakable pressure simr to the weight of an Inner World. It put Zac''s skill under far greater strain, to the point it would have copsed if not for his Earthly Dao of Sealed Death.


    The pressure wasn''t enough to kill the flush of excitement mixed with the surge of adrenaline. Zac finally felt the attraction he''d been waiting for��the same sensation that had guided the other sealbearers toward their quests in the Imperial Graveyard.


    Ogras didn''t question Zac''s decision. He took over the vanguard while Zac and Kator guarded the corridor. A river of specters poured out of the demon''s sleeves and pounced on the blockade. The Qriz''Ul had an incredibly difficult time dealing with the prisoners of the [Shadewar g], which wasn''t a surprise considering it was designed to be the Ra''Lashar''s ace in dealing with the Qriz''Ul uprising.


    The harried ghosts looked starved as they ripped corrupted creatures apart, seemingly feeding on their corruption and sin. Shadowy spears moved in the gaps, stabbing and destroying runes. Gu was right on Ogras''s heel with a diagnostic Array Disk in his hands. He would have been torn apart on the chaotic battlefield if not for the protection of Kruta and Ra''Klid, allowing him to reach the central gate safely.


    The pressure was unrelenting and growing, and the assistance of Joanna and Catheya did little to lessen the pressure. The hundreds of Qriz''Ul had fused into one entity that filled up the whole corridor. Zac felt like he was trying to hold back the ocean with his hands. He only had time to rebuff the strongest surges while others dealt with the weaker ones that slipped through the.


    It wasn''t a sustainable situation. Zac wouldn''t be the weak link. He fought tooth and nail, unheeding energy expenditure. A deep hum soon after caused a collective sigh of relief. Gu had reced a few circuits beneath a damaged te, allowing the gate to channel enough energy to open up properly.


    "It won''t hold long!" Gu said. "We might not be able to go back."


    "Go through!" Zac urged.


    It wasn''t like they had a better option than taking their chances with the shifty-looking gate. Thebined might of the swarm was too much to deal with. If they wanted any chance to kill the Half-Step Monarch in its center, they''d have to unleash their full strength. However, Zac could already sense a second powerful aura rapidly approaching. They''d attract the whole wing if they used their finishers, possibly including the far-deadlier entity the puppet envoy had tried to lure them toward.


    "Bastard!"


    The [Solidarity Link] transferred a throbbing headache when a purple streak resembling a spatial tear glommed onto Kator''s shoulder. The Half-Step Qriz''Ul had decided the Izh''Rak Reaver was the biggest threat because of his overwhelming strikes with his mace, and it kept ambushing him from within the wall of corruption.


    The wound was enough to properly piss off the reaver, triggering six flickering runes made from Killing intent behind him. One by one, they entered Kator''s arm as he unleashed a herculean swing that left his front fully exposed. Zac knew well how treacherous that apparent opening was.


    The tsunami condensed into hundreds of humanoids, including the Half-Step Monarch. Its neck extended like a snake toward Kator''s chest for a deadly bite. Zac could have intervened with his chains. He didn''t, instead using the sudden shift in the battlefield to attack the two Peak D-grade Qriz''Ul who had already reformed.


    A deafening series of ps shook the hallway. Space groaned as explosions tore the whole army of Qriz''Ul into shreds. Most reformed, but a second explosion was followed by a third. Each eruption of Kator''s murderous skill permanently dispersed a tenth of the Qriz''Ul.


    That destruction unleashed on the army was incidental. Kator''s main target was the Half-step Monarch, who was pushed back dozens of meters. Zac felt a sense of d��j�� vu as the creature blew up, only to be instantly reborn over and over. It was the same as his fight with the goblin king, except the ceaseless energy likely came from the leader''s nascent inner world instead of the Lost ne.


    Even now, Zac couldn''t figure out its weak spot. It seemed as though every single rune had been destroyed at least once. He could uncover more information by submerging the creature in [Void Zone] to see which part resisted the most, but Kator''s attack had already aplished its job. The offensive line was in disarray, and the dy had let most of them pass through. Only Joanna and Carl remained to protect Gu as he maintained the gate.


    A scream of danger prompted Zac to activate the empowering pygmy of [Profane Exponents]. The coffin-wielding pygmy was almost spent already, so Zac used the boost on the next one as he dove toward the ground. A swirl of darkness lingered at his previous position. It barely managed to divert a streak of honed destruction that came from outside the building.


    Instead of hitting the central gate, it tore into the left one. Neither the gate nor the array tform it stood on survived. The lights dimmed, and a siren red in the room. Zac shot to his feet upon seeing the Qriz''Ul freeze in fear.


    "Go!" Zac shouted, making a beeline for the gate, studiously ignoring the cracks spreading across the tform.


    He picked up Carl with a chain on the way. He wasn''t hurt, but the shockwave had been enough to leave him disoriented. Joanna was already standing right by the gate, waiting until Zac and Kator caught up. Zac could feel the danger breathing down his neck as they leaped through the crumbling gate. The second Half-Step Qriz''Ul was clearly much stronger than the first.


    The corruption was suddenly gone, reced by the crushing pressure of a crumbling pathway. It didn''tst long, and Zac found himself standing before a towering archway beneath an overwhelminglyrge sun. Zac was more focused on the threat behind. He was already on the move the moment he appeared, only stopping [Death''s Duality] mid-swing upon realizing there was no gate behind them.


    "This ce isn''t bad," Kator, who''d appeared next to him, nodded in appreciation.


    "It''s just you three?"


    Zac looked over, seeing Ogras and Emily emerge from the shadows.


    "Three��" Zac stopped upon realizing only Kator and Gu had made it through with him.


    There was no sign of Joanna or Carl, nor any of the other sealbearers for that matter.

 Chapter 1250: Polaris Vault

    Chapter 1250: Pris Vault


    "A bunch of nothing," Bubbur said, looking about ready to bite into the engraved antenna he''d taken out. "What about you, big guy?"


    Rhuger shook his head and stepped back. "The lingering energy has already dissipated. There''s no way to reopen a pathway or see where the others were sent."


    "What dogshit luck! With so many freaks around, I get struck with you two? Might as welly down and die before one of those revolting things finds us," Bubbur grumbled before catching himself. "Uh, no offense."


    "I get it," Rhuger said. "We''re not exactly the first string here."


    "So what should we do? Stay put?" Bubbur said, looking around the cluttered warehouse. "As far as an infested base goes, this ce isn''t too bad. Less gunk than in the chambers before, and I''m carrying enough liquor to keep me going for a decade."


    Rhuger turned toward Carl, who''d only half-listened to the conversation. The werewolf had been neurotic since his resurrection, which made sense considering how his predecessor''s fearlessness led to his demise. Being separated from his dad and sister was bound to leave him floundering. Meanwhile, the musclebound brute hadn''t followed their Emperor long enough to appreciate the nuances of being swept up in his storm of providence.


    Carl was more interested in the buckets filled with tools and wires on the closest shelf than in figuring out why the gate separated them. Because why wouldn''t it? This was how the boss operated. He''d disappear for days or years to do whatever madmen did. They''d probably reconvene when the boss was ready to blow up the base, the star, or perhaps the whole gxy.


    "Hey, snap out of it," Bubbur said, poking Carl with the antenna. "The scare didn''t make you lose your marbles, right? Should we set up camp until someonees to pick us up?"


    "We can''t," Carl said. "Not when we have a mission toplete.""Ah?" Bubbur said, looking between Rhuger and Carl with suspicion. "What mission? Some secret task ol'' Bubbur wasn''t worthy of knowing?"


    "I haven''t received any mission beyond our briefings," Rhuger said with equal confusion.


    "You have to read between the lines," Carl said, realizing he needed to teach these two how to survive an Atwood-sponsored mission. "Don''t worry about the boss. Let him do what he does best. We just need to mop up the mess and tie the loose ends before this ce goes up in mes."


    "Up in mes? You''re talking like the boss is a force of nature."


    "He is," Carl said with utter confidence. "And you don''t control the whims of nature. You n around them."


    Bubbur looked at the rusty coil in Carl''s hands. "Then what would those loose ends be? Taking inventory of spirit-drained junk?"


    "Look at it. And this," Carl said, picking up a mottled metal sheet from the bottom shelf. "There are thousands of these. It''s a sign."


    "He stayed the longest. Poor guy must have swallowed too much of that purple stink," Bubbur whispered. Carl felt the veins in his forehead throb when an ugly smile spread across Bubbur''s face as he inched closer. "That''s a great sign, buddy. How about you keep that one, and we''ll look for more while you rest up for a bit. You''ve been through a��NOW!"


    Carl rolled his eyes and shed out of the way before Bubbur could catch him in a bear hug.


    "You hairy ox, help me restrain him!" Bubbur swore while scrambling to his feet. "We got to cram a couple of tranquilizers down his throat before he starts howling at the moon and attracts even worsepany."


    "Uh��" Rhuger said, snout wide open at the sudden turn.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "Bastard, you''re the one who''s going mad!" Carl threw the bundle of wires at the grizzled veteran. "I''m telling you simpletons that these shelves are stocked with parts that go into Cosmic Vessels. We''ve been sent to another hangar or a shipyard. Do you get it now?"


    "Uh��" Rhuger repeated, scratching his bushy throat in embarrassment and confusion.


    Carl took a deep breath before patiently exining. "The boss said he wanted an ancient ship, so the Heavens sent us to a ce where we could get one for him. Consequently, we have tomandeer whatever''s waiting outside that door before he blows up the base."


    "You shit-brained lunatic, that''s your takeaway?" Bubbur wheezed incredulously. "You see some scrap metal and cook up some crooked undertaking? These items are as simple as refined productse. They could serve recement parts for almost anything, including this fae-kissed base."


    "Dors to donuts, I''m right," Carl said. "Why keep all this junk in the open? It would be more convenient to store it inmon Spatial Coffers. They were stocked here because they had a hint of Spatial Affinity before they corroded, making normal storage difficult. And feel the spatial integrity. It''s much higher here than before. This warehouse has been reinforced to store Space-attuned items. That''s probably why there''s so little corruption, too."


    Bubbur''s brows furrowed in thought. "You might be right about the warehouse, but you''re out of your mind if you think we''re fit to seize an ancient ship. Maybe if we had Shartermaster or the guy you pretend isn''t a Technocrat. Even the demon would do. But this team? You clearly have a few screws loose, he''s barely ten years old, and I spent all my luck on getting this handsome face."


    "Some luck," Carl said beneath his breath. "Anyway, I''m going, with or without you. It''d be suicide going against the river of fate."


    "He does have a point," Rhuger hesitated, quickly continuing upon seeing Bubbur about tounch another tirade. "I don''t know about this mission, but we''ve seen how the Qriz''Ul are attracted by energy. Staying in one spot for long could be dangerous. We might end up surrounded, and this room only has one exit."


    "Fine! Let''s go," Bubbur growled. "If only to keep you two fanatics from getting yourselves killed."


    "You''re still new, but you''ll soone around to the way things work," Carl said. "Well, either that or you''ll die."


    "Isn''t that nice? Now, follow my lead. I spent years breaking through doors just like this one. We might have to rip out the frame and fiddle with��" Bubbur''s words reached an abrupt halt when the reinforced door smoothly slid open from their approach.


    "Fate will lead the way," Carl pointedly said as they took in the scene outside.


    "I''ll be damned," Bubbur whispered, his eyes wide with awe and confusion. "There''s really a ship waiting for us."


    Carl smugly looked at the fleet of ancient vessels moored to the branches of something resembling a metallic World Tree. There had to be over two hundred of them, all of them looking more oppressive than any vessel Carl had seen during the war. The enormous beast floating near the crown was especially intimidating. It had to have been a C-grade ship at its prime. Even with age and material degradation, it''d surpass anything in Zecia.


    "You know what? I''m in," Bubbur said, looking at Carl in apletely new light. "I still can''t tell whether you''re a madman or genius, but you actually got everything right from a couple of wires and blind, dumb faith."


    "I''m just a janitor who''s gotten familiar with these kind of messes," Carl said. "Let''s go for the big guy and work our way down in case it doesn''t pan out. Do you have any ideas?"


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "The Ster Energy in here is very weak, and the vessels appear drained," Rhuger said. "That maintenance tower is supposed to provide them with energy, but it''s dark. The energy supply has been turned off or damaged."


    "The hangar door is also sealed shut," Carl added. "We''ll probably want to take the ship outside after stealing it. Both to avoid Qriz''Ul and in case we need to bring the others away."


    "So turn on the lights, pick the locks, save the day?" Bubbur said. "Doesn''t sound too bad."


    "Well," Rhuger coughed. "A maintenance tower this big has to draw immense amounts of energy. Themotion is bound to attract a huge number of creatures."


    Bubbur blinked a few times before shaking his head. "I''ll just pretend you didn''t say that."


    -----------


    "There''s only five of us left? No more freeloaders to worry about, eh?" Kator snickered, briefly ncing in Emily''s direction. "Well, almost none."


    Emily had been holding onto a bellyful of fury since Kator threatened Gu a few hours ago, and she looked about ready to release it all. Ogras smoothly stepped between the two while Zac tried to make sense of the situation. Ogras, Catheya, and Ra''Klid were the first to use the gate in case the other side proved dangerous. Emily was somewhere in the middle, while three out of five were sent here from thest batch. In addition, the pull he''d sensed from his quest was gone.


    "I''m assuming you were thest ones through?" the demon asked. "We first guessed that different seals would be sent to different locations. I guess that''s out of the window now that the Blooddancers and Lightbringers have been split up."


    Zac briefly recounted what happened at the end while fruitlessly trying to contact the others or the Yphelion. The only reason he wasn''t panicking was theck of change in his quest or the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>. He also had life brands of all his sealbearers, though he wasn''t confident they''d register a death when themunicators failed to pierce the powerful walls of the Centurion Base.


    If they were even still within the base.


    Their current surroundings were a stark contrast to the city-like wing they''d entered from the hangar. The floor being made from the same gray stone was the only resemnce, though it was covered in intricate patterns made from differently-colored rock. Zac couldn''t tell if the arrangement was decorative or functional. Perhaps it was what maintained the invisible barrier protecting them from the huge sun hanging overhead.


    The sun was another indication they might have been transported further than expected. It hadn''t been visible during their approach to the base. It emitted the same fierce energy as the hollow tesseract sun, though, so Zac assumed they were seeing another piece of the same thing.


    Going strictly by appearance, they''d been transported to a tform in the depths of space. The only thing of note beyond the sun and distant stars was the huge arch. It was carved from an unfamiliar stone that emitted a far purer Dao of Stars than the actual sun above. Zac wouldn''t be surprised if it were made from true C-grade material, not an alloy mimicking its effects with the help of formations and a few C-grade shavings.


    Zac couldn''t quell the flicker of greed as he subconsciously calcted just how much the arch might be worth. Even slightly depreciated, it likely eclipsed Zac''s full worth if it could be brought back. Of course, it was just a distant dream. For one, most C-grade materials needed an Inner World or C-grade Spatial Tool for storage, as their immense energies and weight would copse the subspace of lower-grade items.


    More importantly, it was likely their only ticket out of here. While currently inert, the runes hidden among the detailed engravings on its sides indicated it was a gate of far higherplexity than the one they''d just passed through. And the destination was cause enough to keep his desires in check. It wasn''t the beacon chamber Zac looked for, but it still made Zac''s heart beat with anticipation.


    Pris Vault.


    If the entrance was made from pure C-grade stone, then what about the treasures it protected? Zac had to enter a Void State to prevent his thoughts from running amok. While enticing, there were the mission and his subordinates to worry about. Furthermore, the base was at least in a semi-operational state. It wouldn''t hand out its riches without a fight.


    "Why would a teleportation gate send us here? Seems like the kind of destination that should only be essible from the central tower," Zac muttered.


    "That thing was already on itsst legs," Ogras shrugged. "It might just have picked a random spot within reach and its capability. Or maybe it was a going-out-of-business feature? The base is facing its end, so it sent people to pick up the valuables before they were lost."


    "When did the ruthless Limitless Empire be so generous? It''s more likely we''re being controlled. Either by one of those creatures or by an Array Spirit," Kator said. "Perhaps it took us where we wanted to go. Were you thinking of riches or duty when you jumped into the darkness, Draugr?"


    Zac ignored the jab. "Any way to get back? Or at least connect with the others?"


    Gu had been observing the patterns on the floor and arch while the others talked. He shook his head upon hearing Zac''s question. "Not from here, at least. I doubt Escape Treasures would work. I believe this space is spatially sealed. As you said, it would be impossible to reach this ce except under very specific conditions if the base was in working order."


    "We need to enter the vault and see if there are consoles or another way out," Ogras said, not looking particrly broken up about it.


    "Finally some good news," Kator said, not even trying to hide his good mood. He couldn''t care less about the mission or the state of the others. The Reaver was in it for himself, and he looked ready to reap the rewards of forcing his way onto the crew. "I knew sticking to you was the right call."


    "There''s no point in sticking around here," Zac said and set out.


    With each step he took toward the gate, the stronger the sun''s rays became. Zac could barely see a thing by the time he was a hundred meters away. There was no sense of rejection or danger. Zac still turned to Gu, who shrugged. An instation of this level was ultimately out of his league.


    Soon enough, there was nothing but golden light. It even overwhelmed Zac''s Soul Sense, leaving him functionally blind. He sent out his chains to grab onto the others, but he couldn''t actually find them. Zac opened his mouth to ask if the others were okay. Nothing came out��the light even burned away all sound. Stepping back didn''t weaken the light either.


    Zac decided to hurry forward instead of unleashing the Void. His danger sense remained calm, but his intuition told him that fighting back was bound tond him in a heap of trouble. It didn''t take long before he''d walked more than a dozen times further than the distance to the arch. Then, the light disappeared, reced by intense madness.


    "No��" a weak groan awakened Zac from the sudden sensory overload.


    Gu was there, clutching his head in pain. Emily was fiercely struggling by his side, and a shimmer of mes protected the two. It wasn''t enough. The purple haze was far denser than when they faced the Half-Step Monarch, its intrusive influence feeling as tyrannical as in theke. It was also fresh and active in a way the previous encounters hadn''t. The streaks of purple mist almost looked like it was alive despite there not being a Qriz''Ul in sight, trying to fight its way past Emily''s defenses.


    Zac soon understood why. There was a breach inside the Pris Vault. He could feel it in the distance, a streak of otherworldly energy and profound madness. Was this why they''d been sent here? If Kator was right, then an Array Spirit might want them to close the breach.


    Another groan forced Zac to table the matter. This wasn''t the time to worry about keeping his secrets. Two of his followers were about to buckle under, and there were no signs of the other two. Zac activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, which stopped the nearby clouds in their tracks. Dead Dao or current, it didn''t matter. The Void was the antithesis of both.


    It provided a safe harbor for Emily and Gu, but it wasn''t sustainable. Trapping them in the Void would make it difficult to fight back using their Daos, and nullifying a 10-meter domain crammed full of hostile energy was draining Void Energy at a perilous rate. He needed a better solution, and he had just the idea.


    "Emily," Zac said, his voice empowered with the Void.


    His disciple was shaken awake.


    "I need your help," he continued. "Form a cyclone with your Axe Array. Drag everything to me."


    "Are you sure?" Emily said. "This much energy��"


    Zac felt a spatial ripple, seeing someone was about to emerge from the walk of light. He''d expose <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> if it were Kator. "Hurry."


    Zac deactivated his bloodline talent and was immediately surrounded by a swirl of tomahawks. They became a blur that dragged everything toward its center. Zac roused his Void Emperor bloodline again, only stopping short of actually opening Void Vortices. His cells were wide open, epting everything that was provided.


    A second storm was born in Zac''s mind, but it was suppressed by <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>descending. Seizing the opportunity, Zac pushed with everything he had, depositing it in <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>. It was like the action created a negative pressure in his body, and dozens of streams formed that poured the purple taint into the purification space the moment it appeared.


    The corruption in Zac''s body reached manageable levels, and the moring voices were reduced to a whisper. Meanwhile, his nugget of insight was growing a dozen times faster than before. The whole space would fill up with insights in a couple of hours unless something changed.


    "What in the��" Ogras yelled as he appeared in a puff of light with Kator right on his heels.


    Zac was like a ck hole pulling a neb into its event horizon. Anything that got close was dragged in and consumed. The method would never be enough to cleanse the room as the breach was continuously replenishing some of what Zac absorbed. It did at least lower the density by a few notches, enough for the others to make do.


    "Not bad," Kator nodded before turning to the Vault that wasing into view now that the purple mist was weakening. "Not bad, indeed."

 Chapter 1251: Stars and Corruption

    Chapter 1251: Stars and Corruption


    With Zac creating a safe zone that greatly diminished the purple mist in the immediate surroundings, they got a proper look at the Pris Vault. It almost looked like they''d been sent to a graveyard rather than a treasury, or a crypt since they were back in a room with proper ceilings and walls.


    There were over a dozen pedestals resembling tombstones nearby, with even more hidden by the haze. Around half were protected by barriers identical to the one that appeared around the Yphelion, though these were of significantly greater make. Runes flickering with starlight floated in the shields, incinerating any corruption that came close.


    "The nodes differ in size and material, and they''re ced seemingly randomly instead of in neat rows," Gu mused. "I think it''s a star map."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Let''s go. I can''t keep this up forever," Zac grunted with a constipated expression.


    "I can''t believe you''re even alive," Emily said.


    Zac wasn''t as bad off as he wanted to appear. <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>''s pocket space was cleansing the corruption as quickly as it was provided, showcasing the incredible capacity of his Hidden Nodes after they''d evolved to D-grade. That wasn''t to say he wasn''t facing some trouble; the significant drain on his Vigor and Void wasn''t faked.


    Running <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> came with a noticeable drain on the Void Vigor stored in his cells. Either body could provide the energy necessary for his Void Emperor Nodes, but it was a finite resource. Meanwhile, he had to rely on <strong>[Immutability of Eoz]</strong> and <strong>[Adamance of Eoz]</strong> to withstand the taint until it entered the purifying space.


    His situation would have been much better if <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> had finished digesting thetest round of tribtion lightning. It could help him replenish the Void Vigor he lost by refining Life- and Death-attuned Natural Treasures, both of which Zac had ample reserves of. Unfortunately, he had to wait another day, at the very least, before it was done.


    "Same solution asst time?" Ogras said."We don''t have any escape treasures this time. We need a way out of here first," Zac said.


    "What''s that?" Kator interjected.


    "We destabilized the breach we found inside the Void Star with spatial bombs," Zac exined. "Destroying the breach in here would stop the inflow, but it''s hard to tell how this subspace would be affected."


    "It should be extremely reinforced," Gu offered.


    "Well, we''re not," Kator said.


    "We don''t have to do anything right now. There doesn''t seem to be any Qriz''Ul here, so let''s get they of thend," Zac said.


    Zac inched toward the closest pir with the storm of tomahawks following in step. Gu had taken out four Array Disks that floated around him, each scanning for various threats. Ogras was doing the same by sending shadow tendrils beyond the limits of their sight. Only Kator remained unupied, looking like he was taking a stroll in the park. Then again, he''d be the mainbatant in case something happened.


    The closest pir was made from a sparkling mineral, and while its shielding had failed, the Star-attuned material seemed to inherently rebuff the corruption. It was funneling energy into the box atop it, and Zac didn''t need Gu to confirm the tomb-like stone was a treasure-nurturing array.


    Ogras gingerly extended a tendril after Gu gave the go-ahead. The box turned into dust at the moment of touch, making the group tense up. No trigger traps were sprung, and the demon picked up the five identical crystals that fell out of the box without issue.


    "One each?"


    "That''s fine," Zac said before infusing his will. "Huh? The <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong>? The thing they handed out during orientation?"


    "This one is the same," Emily said. "Wait�� just how much is stored on here?"


    "Amazing�� This is the real deal��a top-tier heritage covering multiple aspects. Everything but the topyers are on here. There are even insights from previous masters," Ogras excitedly said.


    "There are damaged sections in mine," Kator said.


    "Same here," Zac said.


    "We mighte close to a full version if we fill in the gaps with the others," Gu said. "I don''t have anything that can store this much information, though."


    "It won''t matter," Kator said. "A Supremacy engraved these crystals, and the words hold remnants of their insights. Any copy we make will miss the essence."


    "Look at the adjustment exercises before the firstyer," Emily said.


    "So that''s it," Zac nodded after scanning the mentioned section. "That would be enough for orientation."


    The adjustment was a mix between Heart Cultivation and energy molding. Many features of today''s cultivation didn''t exist back in the day. Pathways weren''t as intricate, and skill fractals didn''t even exist. Cultivators used various methods to mimic the effect, including the introductory technique of the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong>.


    It had you channel energy in a specific way while mentally intoning a particr sutra. The effect was your whole body would act like a tuning fork, remolding one''s energies to better suit the other techniques in the scripture. It was a temporary version of the benefits one received by practicing traditional cultivation manuals, which meant anyone could use it without any long-term downsides.


    Zac guessed that the method had two effects on the corruption. First, the heritage was evidently good at resisting the influence of the Lost Era''s Dead Dao. Meanwhile, chanting the scripture was simr to self-hypnosis, which helped reject the mental influence.


    "I can''t believe this. We just stepped through the door and got handed a top-tier technique," Ogras whispered as he looked at the hundreds of tombs waiting. "If this is a dream, don''t wake me up."


    "This doesn''t look tooplicated. Let me try it out," Emily said before closing her eyes.


    It took less than a minute before her aura subtly changed, and Zac could see how half the nearby mist was rebuffed. The others quickly followed suit. Even Kator, who utilized Miasma, sessfully adjusted his aura. Only Zac remained, repeatedly trying and failing to replicate the effect with either body.


    "I guess not," Zac said when the others looked at him with surprise.


    "It''s easy to forget you''re a Mortal," Emily said with a helpless smile. "Well, you won''t have to push yourself as hard with us maintaining the scripture."


    "Let''s keep looking," Zac said.


    Zac wasn''t particrly disappointed. Using the scripture would mean cutting his insight umtion in half. And if he could analyze the technique, he might be able to replicate the effect in a way that worked with his restrictions.


    The group avoided the closest pedestal as it was protected by a barrier. It was damaged and could likely be overwhelmed, but why take the risk for an unknown reward? The vault was clearly in decent enough condition that they should expect retaliation from a forced extraction. Furthermore, the shields made it impossible to see what, if anything, waited within.


    Their caution proved insufficient to avoid disaster. The whole vault trembled as gleaming lights appeared in the mist. Zac barely had time to blink before the starlight had multiplied by the hundreds, forming a wave of ster wrath that swept the chamber.


    The vault was being purified, and they were standing in the middle of it. A skeletal bulwark sprung up around them, empowered by three Earthly Daos. It groaned and creaked, but it held. It was not thanks to Kator''s strength. The wave was clearly designed to counter Dead Dao rather than intruders, and the mist was dispersed at a record pace.


    This tale has been uwfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    It was something else that overwhelmed Kator''s defenses the moment they thought themselves safe. A punch of corruption tore a hole in the wall, providing a clear line of sight to the breach. Zac nced over and almost lost himself in its growing light. He felt so small and helpless before it, like when he faced the coffin in the Threaded Hell.


    "Don''t look!" Zac screamed as he activated <strong>[Profane Exponents] </strong>and <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong>��skills that could block their view of the breach without implicating the vault or its defenses.


    The others quickly followed suit, addingyers uponyers of instion. Their quick reaction saved their lives, though what made it through the blockade was bad enough. Zac felt like he''d been plunged into the purple pir he''d identally released when getting the second piece of his mebearer seal. He was a leaf in the wind, unable to even control his bloodlines properly.


    The vault''s cleansing procedure was still running, and Zac could sense how the Ster Energy was rapidly pulled toward the breach. Then, there was only silence��no purple light and no stars. Their skills copsed soon after. The Lost ne''s aura had twisted them beyond their breaking point, and holding on would only have damaged the skill fractals.


    The chamber was utterly void of any corruption. The breach remained, already fast at work recing what the stars removed.


    "I officially retract my idea to destabilize the tear," Ogras said with lingering fear. "I''m not sure it''s even possible. The vault hit it with far harder than we could, and it didn''t even budge."


    "Something about it is different," Zac agreed.


    "We''ll be free from corruption for at least half an hour at least," Emily said, taking in the vault. "So there''s 168 treasures."


    "More like used to be," Ogras said. "Only 103 remain standing. Damn, not even the best ones survived."


    There were three tombstones far grander than the others in the middle, each with more than five times as much space around them as the normal ones. The ground was also covered in dense runes around them, proving they were a notch above the rest. It hadn''t protected them from the test of time. In fact, it looked like the breach had sprung from one of the tree items, as the purple gash had split one of the pirs right down the middle.


    A second central pir had also copsed, leaving only one standing. It exuded a silent yet unyielding aura as the lingering ster energy was being drawn within. Zac suspected thest grand treasure was the source of the cleansing wave, and it was the only reason the whole vault hadn''t sumbed long ago. Even the barriers seemed to have regained some of their spirit after the outburst.


    "Over there!" Gu pointed to their left, where the chamber''s sole door waited.


    "We''re not leaving just like this," Kator rejected. "We should have ample time before another wave is released."


    "Let''s do a quick sweep," Zac agreed.


    It didn''t take long to inspect the unguarded pirs with the corruption gone. Not a single copsed tombstone held anything of value. Their luck with the still-standing treasure-nurturing pirs was a little better. They discovered two intact items. One was a Natural Treasure that showed markings of a copsed domain. In other words, it was once at least a C-grade treasure that had degraded enough to be relegated.


    Even then, it could be considered a considered Supreme Quality D-grade treasure of inestimable grade. Its use wasn''t evident, but the grand spiritual aura it emitted indicated it was an unattuned Soul Treasure. It was far beyond a normal Soul-Strengthening item, too. Gu theorized it was simr to the top treasures in the Limited Exchange. Eating it would transform your soul, providing a boon simr to gaining a constitution.


    It was useless to Zac, who already practiced a Soul Strengthening Manual, but it could potentially provide a significant boost to anyone else. The same was true for the reaver in their group, as their unique bodies made most Soul Treasures worthless.


    The other item was an incredibly overbearing Body Tempering Manual called <strong>[Ster Dominion]</strong>, which allowed you to make rapid progress by swallowing ster mes andter whole stars. Zac suspected it was based on the predecessor of the Foreign Gods. Like the previous manuals, it was missing some sections, and there were only three copies of it. Kator kept one crystal while the rest went to Zac''s camp.


    In addition, there were six items of more dubious value. There were two pieces of unique equipment, one sword and one War Cauldron. Rather than Spirit Tools, they appeared to be unique creations holding extreme power. They were the kind of treasures a n would take out when facing the threat of annihtion.


    Such items generally had unique requirements to be activated, and they either had a limited number of uses or extremely long cooldown times��dozens of millennia at the minimum for items at this level. In addition, they found one scroll, two natural treasures, and a singr Information Crystal.


    All six treasures appeared intact, which wasn''t enough to hide how they''d been utterly twisted by prolonged exposure to the Lost ne. The Tool Spirits inside the equipment had been turned into mindless monstrosities simr to Qriz''Ul. There was no telling what would happen if they managed to activate the weapons. Most likely, the user would end up dead rather than their enemy.


    The other treasures had simr issues. The words on the scroll had been twisted, and Zac almost lost his mind trying to decipher a few runes. It wasn''t even possible to guess the original Dao of the Natural Treasures. They might as well have been born in the Lost ne. Even Zac doubted he could absorb one without going insane.


    Zac still held onto the two Natural Treasures. He couldn''t use them today, but he might be able to slowly extract insights from them when he no longer had a free supply of tainted mist. Kator ended up taking the cauldron and Emily the Sword. Gu randomly picked the indecipherable crystal, which he wordlessly handed over to Zac.


    The crystal was worthless to him but not to Zac. <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> had cleansed his <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong> tome without issue, so he hoped it could do the same with the crystal. That way, he''d get another free top-tier technique. He would have taken the scroll, too, if Ogras hadn''t indicated he wanted it.


    Zac wasn''t nning on using any of the manuals they''d found, but advanced and detailed methods like these were great reference material for upgrading his methods. <strong>[Ster Dominion]</strong>, especially, seemed very suited to his voracious bloodline.


    "Are you really nning to leave the rest?" Kator said when Zac turned toward the door. "The best items are still waiting for us, and they shouldn''t be corrupted."


    "We need to be alive to enjoy them. Crack one open, and the next star wave will target us instead," Zac said as the door slid open to expose a small room. "You''re free to stay behind; we''re leaving."


    "I''m afraid we''re not," Gu grimaced as he rushed toward the only console inside. "I knew it. It''s fried."


    "How long?"


    "To fix it?" Gu said. "A day or two to even get it up and running. And there''s no guarantee that''ll be enough to take us out of here."


    "You can!" Emily eximed, holding a tome that had been ced on a desk. "This is a guard room. The console is used to let us back to the lobby and open a gate!"


    "I guess you have your job cut out for you," Zac said, turning to Emily. "Anything else?"


    "There''s not much," Emily said as she browsed the book. "It''s just a record of people entering, what item they took, and when they left. Wait! Here''s something. <em>''Perfected Lord Peonsi Urma entered. Chosen by the 74th star after 14 minutes and removed the <strong>[Loop of Requital]</strong>. Left with 8 hours of rued Beseechment time.''"</em>


    "Beseechment time? Chosen?" Zac said, looking back at the protective bubbles spread through the vault.


    "It''s worth a try if we''re going to be stuck here for a few days," Ogras said.


    "How would you even get picked?" Emily said.


    "We have the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong>, don''t we? I guess we''ll just practice it in front of them and see if they''re suitably impressed. Maybe release our Dao, too?" Ogras said. "There''s 68 of them. Do we split up or move together?"


    "Might as well stick together. The corruption will reach dangerous levels in less than an hour or so," Zac said.


    "Twenty minutes each? That way, we''ll have passed through the chamber in a day," Ogras suggested. "Any longer, and we''re probably not fated anyhow."


    "Sounds good," Zac said, ncing at Kator. "Half will go to me and Gu."


    "You must be joking," the reaver scoffed.


    "I''m the one keeping us safe and Gu is the one who''s getting us out of here. Half is fair."


    The reaver relented after a few seconds of pause. "Fine, but the first pick goes to me. And we''ll only divide after we''ve finished."


    "That''s okay," Zac nodded.


    He didn''t hold much hope they''d get chosen by any items after his experience in the Pilgrimage of Faith. The only reason he didn''t stop the idea was that he didn''t feel any threating from the pirs. He simply wanted some safeguards in case the arrays malfunctioned and began spitting out treasures left and right.


    Gu set about repairing the damaged Teleportation Array while the others sat down before a guarded pir. Zac didn''t mind that he had no scripture to rotate. He had a belly full of insights and some time to spare. Why not use it? He first turned his attention to the Chaos Library left by Be''Zi and A''Zu.


    There''d been no time to properly study the repository since getting it, especially not during their hectic days following their battle with the ck Heart Cultists. Upgrading his Branches of Life and Death to Earthly Daos unlocked a wealth of new knowledge, which was incorporated into Zac''s knowledge at incredible speed thanks to <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>.


    He''d already found the answers to a few major issues with his Late D-grade core blueprint after an hour. Another was enough to reach a minimum working schematic, though he''d exhausted most of his refined inspiration by that point. It was for the best. His mind wrung dry after condensing months'' worth of study and insights into two hours.


    Not a single treasure had responded while Zac kept himself busy, not so much as a ripple. He was the only one making tangible gains as they moved from one treasure to the next in hopes of eptance.


    A loud crash was followed by a ring rm as the ambient energy dropped by a few notches. Zac initially feared Gu had messed up, but he popped out of the guard room with a bewildered expression. "It wasn''t me. This ising from the outside!"


    "Another wave on the way?" Emily said with false hope.


    "No. This is different. It''s almost like��" Ogras didn''t want to finish his sentence.


    He didn''t need to. Zac understood exactly what the demon meant.


    "It''s like the base is under attack."

 Chapter 1252: Disruption

    Chapter 1252: Disruption


    "Damn, these things are relentless! Grass should know its ce," Kruta swore as he released a halo of mes. "Would you hurry up?"


    "It''d go faster if you stopped disrupting my Domain with your outbursts," Catheya snarled as waves of fiery warmth put further pressure on her <strong>[ck Ice Cosmos]</strong>.


    She knew Kruta didn''t have much of a choice since they were being attacked from every direction, and her actions were undeniably the reason they were under attack. Catheya still found it difficult to rein in her frustration over the situation. Being separated from Zac and the others was already bad enough. Adding the vibrant environment that felt liketles on her soul, she was already about to blow a gasket.


    She''d even prefer the corruption to the burgeoning life and Ster Energy exuded by the jungle around them. <strong>[Three Purities]</strong> had proven quite effective at limiting its corrosion, and it was only a matter of time before she figured out the right cadence to have <strong>[ck Ice Cosmos]</strong> reject the taint while keeping the insights.


    Catheya channeled her anger into digging into the steel-like roots barring her path. Finally, she found what had triggered her sensation. It was a bulbous pod hidden within one of the ridge''s main roots. Cutting it open with a de of ice exposed two rows of seeds that emitted an irresistible aura.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Extracting the pod made the frantic resistance taper off. The roots retreated into the ridge, curling up for protection. Kruta looked like a fiery God of War as he tore off thest sets of branches restraining him before jumping over.


    "How practical. They immediately slunk away to conserve energy after losing the prize," Kruta hummed. "This is it?"


    Catheya took a calming breath before extracting one of the seeds from the pod. "Here, don''t choke on it."


    "Girl, staring at me with those spooky eyes won''t work," the orc grinned while inspecting the frozen seed. "Kruta has lived through far scarier things than you. Have you ever seen a mountain range destroyed by spittle?""Quick, before it''s toote," Catheya said with exasperation.


    Kruta threw it into his mouth with augh, almost failing to swallow it from the surprise. "These nts can store the insights?"


    "Don''t get too excited. The mountain is still our target," Catheya reminded.


    "I know, I know. These outer pods aren''t enough to help us anyway," Kruta nodded. "More importantly, it confirms our suspicion. The nts in this jungle are really feeding on the purple muck. No wonder this ce ispletely clean."


    The two had been deposited in a dead sector of the base, where nts had taken over everything. There were no rooms nor arrays. Even the "sky" was verdant green. Since they were in an enormous open space eclipsing the "ring-world" Zac once described, Catheya deduced they''d either been sent to a residential section or Spiritual Farms. Such quarters would have the arrays and materials necessary to kickstart such a transformation.


    Dozens of meters of vengeful overgrowth made it nigh impossible to say for certain, though theck of ruins or defining structures made Catheya lean toward thetter. Catheya also suspected the species bred here had been modified to be resilient against the Dead Dao of the Lost ne. With eons of expansion and mutation, resistance had evolved into predation.


    It was the only exnation as to why the air was so utterly void of purple mist. The nts were taking it all in, somehow turning it into sustenance without being corrupted themselves. And if seeds at the level of Peak F-grade Natural Treasures appeared on the periphery, what would they find in the center?


    Catheya nced at the towering mountain a few hours about. The jungle on its slopes was the densest one Catheya had ever seen. In fact, it shouldn''t be a mountain at all. The nts had simply kept growing because of the boundless energy provided by the structure within.


    "Doesn''t this mean our n ought to be changed?" Kruta said.


    "This again?" Catheya said with a raised brow.


    "I''m not saying we should turn back. We knew these guys were feeding on Ster Energy," the orc said as he kicked at the ridge they''d been rushing along for the past hours. "The only reason root systems will form such unnaturally straight hogbacks is if there''s something tasty along the route. Energy channels beneath the surface make the most sense."


    "And the source has to be that thing," Catheya said, pointing at the mountain. "The generator can''t bepletely dead��the ambient Ster Energy has toe from somewhere. There is certainly enough to teleport away, seeing how root systems this far are benefiting."


    "Provided there''s a teleporter to use," Kruta nodded. "But now we''ve found stockpiled insights this far out. There must be a huge amount of corruption hidden inside the mountain. Who knows how that''ll affect the nts? What if there are Qriz''Ul nt Emperors waiting for us? Ones smart enough to see us flying over."


    "That''s a possibility," Catheya aceeded.


    "So why not start looking for alternatives?" Kruta said. "Such arge construct ought to have supporting structures. If we dig around the periphery, we might find a service tunnel or such."


    "Who knows how long that will take? This ce is huge," Catheya said. "We can split up if you feel it''s too dangerous."


    Kruta rolled his eyes. "Kruta isn''t blind. There''s another reason you''re insisting on this route. If you want my help, you need to properly exin things first. If you treat me as an outsider, that''s what I''ll be."


    Catheya slowly nodded. "��I''m sorry, you''re right. I have another reason to go there. We''ve already seen how the base is only semi-operational. The teleportation gate wascking energy, and the precautions against the corruption have clearly failed."


    "Ah? You''re not looking for a teleporter? You want to fix up the power nt?" Kruta gawked.


    "Why not?" Catheya said. "Let''s face it. We''re not finding the others anytime soon, even if there''s a functional gate waiting for us. Just a single wing is the size of a world, not to mention the tower in the center. So, I''m looking for ways to help Zac from afar. Restoring the energy supply is my only option, so that''s what I''ll do. I''ve expected it to be extremely dangerous since the start, so I nned on sending you away first."


    Kruta looked at Catheya with awe. "You know how to fix Ster Extractors?"


    "Well, no," Catheya blushed. "But I know how to freeze nts and rip out roots that have gotten stuck in the machinery. I''m hoping that''ll be enough. You''d be even better at it if you decided to join me. You''re a natural weed whacker."


    "It would be nice to be the one burning down a mountain for once," Kruta mused.


    A tremendous shockwaveing out of nowhere made the whole junglee alive. Catheya urgently transformed her domain, focusing on erasing their traces. The two looked on in stupor as shimmering fractures spread across the mountain. Cascading mes filled with Ster Energy poured out of the cracks, perfectly resembling a volcano eruption.


    Smaller bursts took ce along the dozens of ridges moving out of the mountain. It had to be the energy circuits below being overloaded by the sudden surge. Thankfully, the even spacing of the mes indicated the activation of release valves rather than damage to the channels.


    "Was that us?" Kruta whispered, fearfully looking at the pod still in Catheya''s hands. "It was just a couple of seeds."


    "Impossible," Catheya frowned. "Something''s happened elsewhere. Has the extractor received orders to draw more energy? Or is it the sun acting out, causing additional strain?"


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the tform they originally published on.


    "Uh, so you''re still��"


    "Yes. More than ever." Catheya threw away the pod and rushed forth, even activating a movement skill.


    "I knew it," the orcmented as he caught up. "Like husband, like wife."


    -----------


    The utmost limit of exuberant joy was crushed with a thought, dragging it down to the depths of despair. The vast yet unrefined consciousness trembled from the sudden turn. Some of it darkened to never light up again, unable to endure the heart-wrenching rollercoaster.


    A trickle of ichor ran down Vri''s nose. It was part of the price she had to pay. Only by stepping into the extremities of the Seven Sensations herself could she convey it to the enormous mind. Practicing <strong>[Ember of the Seven Sensations]</strong> couldn''t fully inure her from the effect. A few times wouldn''t cause her any harm. Keeping it up for eight straight hours was another matter.


    She ignored the agony, using it as fuel as she began another cycle.


    "It''s futile."


    Vri nced at the severed puppet head ced on the altar. "You said the same thing when I faced you and your thralls. Now they''re scrap maintaining the connection."


    She had been shocked toe face to face with the goal of their journey the moment she stepped through the gate. The fleshy power exuded from the slumbering giant below was beyond Vri''sprehension. She was certain the giant could rip apart stars with its bare hands without relying on energy or skills. Without the faded runes covering its rough skin, its mere aura might have caused a spatial copse.


    It was the embodiment of Body Refinement, especially since itcked a mind or heart. Or at least it was supposed to. Seeing a group of Qriz''Ul Puppets maintain aplex array that interfaced with the giant was more rming than facing its tyrannical aura. There''d been no time to worry about where the others had been sent. She''d been forced to go all out to take out the group of puppets and interrupt the ritual.


    She was lucky, in a sense. All sixteen puppets were once C-grade Qriz''Ul, but the ritual had taken almost everything from them. Four had crumbled from a single touch. The leader had been drained to the level of a Late Hegemon, and their puppet bodies had helped maintain the ritual so long they''d lost the ability to move.


    They were still far smarter than normal Qriz''Ul, and they''d been extraordinarily skilled at defending against her mental attacks. Meanwhile, their mere existence was poison to a Mentalist, who''d have to face the madness of Dead Dao and twisted desire with their soul.


    Vri would have sumbed in minutes if not for her experience in the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. It still took an hour of silentbat before she narrowly eked out a victory. That would have been enough to thwart their plot if not for the sudden attack on the base.


    "This is different. The predecessors will not give up, and there is no one to stop them. Proximity will stir the seed we''ve nurtured. Your efforts will be undone, and our lord will lead us into the great beyond. It''s the start of a new era. One you will not get to witness."


    Vri ignored the Qriz''Ul''s crude taunt. Its digs were nothing after years with Jch. Unfortunately, the talking head was right. The Foreign God''s artificial Ego had grown increasingly active since the base came under attack. Each shock stirred the consciousness, prompting it to draw more corruption from the breach on its forehead. She had no chance of strangling the budding life in its cradle.


    That didn''t mean she could stop. If anything, her efforts were more important than ever.


    She only needed to stall until her father lit the beacon and triggered dense inscriptions across the giant''s body. The consciousness would be purged so long as it hadn''t taken control already. Failing meant giving it the opportunity to undo the ancient restraints. Vri couldn''t allow that, and not just because of the immediate threat of having to face another Foreign God.


    Vri had scoured the <strong>[Foreign Gods]</strong>pendium since she woke up from her nightmare, searching for simrities and differences between the Centurion Project and Jch. It was clear that the Foreign Gods and Qriz''Ul were not truly creatures of a previous era like her malevolent master. It was more urate to call them an unholy mix of this Era''s Dao and the twisted energy of the Lost Era.


    It allowed them to avoid the fierce retaliation from the Heavens, but it also left them restricted. Neither Foreign Gods nor Qriz''Ul could survive in the wild for long. They needed continued sustenance from the other side��especially the Qriz''Ul with their energy bodies. It was different with the refined puppet before her. Vri had no idea how, but the Limitless Empire had removed the God''s dependence on Dead Dao while maintaining its strength. It was fully integrated with this Era.


    If the Qriz''Ul God left the base before the beacon was lit... Vri shuddered at the thought of a Foreign God without its safeguards activated leaving the Imperial Graveyard. Where Jch waited. The misgivings in her heart came creeping back. The Pasho''Har Bell, the Anima Court�� Was it all a ruse? Couldn''t Jch get everything it needed by possessing this Foreign God? It was the perfect vessel.


    This wasn''t a new suspicion. Coming face-to-face with the Foreign God had put the matter to its edge. Vri had grappled with it since learning about the mission, and she''d discussed the matter with the others a few times. Thinking back to those talks made Vri wince. She''d confidently said that possessing a Foreign God exceeded Jch''s capacity, especially now that he was grievously wounded.


    Anybat puppet would have methods to stop possession or enemies from wresting control. The <strong>[Centurion Guardian Array]</strong> integrated with the giant''s body would tear Jch apart long before he could settle in. Likewise, if a living Foreign God appeared, its consciousness would easily overwhelm a discarnate soul like her master.


    A Qriz''Ul God was a variable she hadn''t considered. The puppets must have done something to the <strong>[Centurion Guardian Array]</strong> to put it in a passive state. Even while slumbering, the puppet should have stopped any attempts at possession. Worse, a huge, newborn consciousness wasn''t a problem for Jch. It was a gift. The Qriz''Ul God would be a tonic to aid his recovery.


    Vri could almost hear Jch''sughter from the shadows as he waited to reap his reward. She would nip this problem in the bud. No matter what.


    ----------


    Zac grunted when <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> failed. It had onlysted three minutes, and the damage to the fractal had worsened further. A shroud of shadows reced the coffin, protecting them from the ring light. The gapsting less than a second was enough to add another set of blisters on Gu while Emily''s skin turned a shade redder.


    "That''s it. We can''t wait any longer," Zac said with a grim expression. "We need to pick one option and go."


    "We can endure a bit longer," Kator said.


    "Maybe so, but the vault can''t."


    Another shockwave drove home Zac''s point by copsing a part of the ceiling. A finger-wide crack had grown to the width of a thigh, and more streaks of starlight managed to pierce Ogras'' curtain. As bad as it looked, it wasn''t even the most damaged section of the Pris Vault.


    Not a single tile remained whole after 18 hours of increasingly intense shocks to the subspace. Radiant gold poured from roughly a third of the cracks, courtesy of the immense sun they''d seen hanging overhead. Its appearance had been both a blessing and a curse when the vault''s defenses ultimately failed.


    The Pris Vault fought back for eight hours before going dark, but the Lost ne breach began growing after just three. It was the size of a barn door at this point and the amount of corruption it spewed matched. The Ster Treasure and Zac had furiously worked to keep them safe, but they would have been overwhelmed long ago if not for the addition of direct sunlight.


    The bad was that the light was undiluted and raw, a stark contrast to the somewhat gentle starlight that had kept them safe. It was beyond what Hegemons could endure, and even Zac would quickly turn to ash if directly exposed. They had long since been forced into the guardroom, which was a slightly better off. Even then, the light pierced right through the wall, forcing them to constantly maintain barriers while Gu furiously worked on the console.


    There was no point in staying, especially since the remaining treasure pirs had sunk into the ground and disappeared the moment the arrays failed. Except, leaving was easier said than done. Eighteen hours wasn''t enough for Gu to find a solution, especially with new damage being added all the time.


    "We would have been sent out long ago if this deathtrap nned on lending us a helping hand," Ogras added. "Any emergency functions are either missing or broken."


    "Still nothing, human?" Kator growled. "This is not the time for games."


    "I''m nowhere near," Gu said with despair, his hands and chest scorched from being zapped by the circuits over and over. "I''ve been trying to bypass the console to open the exit for the past hour. It just won''t activate. The damage is too great."


    "Hey, it''s not his fault," Emily red when Killing Intent began leaking from Kator. "You haven''t been any help this whole time, only stuffing your pockets without contributing."


    "Maybe we should settle our differences so we can wee the great beyond without regret?" Kator sneered, his bones rumbling menacingly.


    "Enough," Zac growled, ready to activate his safeguards at a moment''s notice.


    Kator wasn''t the person tosh out from frustration, but he was a ruthless survivor. He would sacrifice them all if he thought it would give him a shot at survival, and there was no telling what kind of methods he had prepared.


    "I vote the breach," Ogras said. "Between the sun and the Lost ne, I''d have to go with the corruption. If lucky, we''ll find another breach that takes us back to the base."


    "If not, we''ll be twisted horrors," Kator said.


    "Sure, but high risk beats certain death," Ogras said. "Because I can''t see any path to survival from jumping into the sun."


    Zac sighed. "I''m with Ogras. You''ve all improved on the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong> over the past hours. Between that and my abilities, we shouldst a few seconds."


    "��Fine!" Kator growled, cing himself between Zac and hispanions. "You better not have any funny ideas, Draugr."


    "That''s rich,ing from you," Zac snorted.


    Gu made a final, desperate attempt to resurrect the dead console. It melted the circuitry, dashing theirst hope of a safe exit.


    "Let''s go. Never stop rotating the scripture and stay close to me no matter what," Zac said as he fastened the others with at least two chains each. "Kator, you''ll have to block the light."


    "Go," the reaver grunted.


    The door slid open, sting them with blinding light. Zac rushed right into the mayhem while Kator conjured a huge dome above their heads. It wouldn''tst even a second against the unrelenting pressure from above. A moment was all Zac needed. They appeared before the breach in a single step. The next took them into one of the deepest corners of history.

 Chapter 1253: The Grand Mist

    Chapter 1253: The Grand Mist


    The purple breach allowed entry without resistance orint, saving the group from having to endure its purple beams of concentrated corruption point-nk. The blindingly bright remnants of the Pris Vault were instantly gone, with not so much as a wisp of starlight leaking from the main ne.


    It was like the Dao knew better than entering this god-forgotten chasm. Zac wondered if they made the wrong choice picking this confusing, deadly vista over the sun. The scorching mes were at least quantifiable, understandable. This bubble of twisted memories was simply chaos, and not the kind Zac was familiar with.


    At least, that was what Zac believed he was seeing. There was no purple mist to block their vision, but that didn''t do much to help Zac orient himself among the millions of visions phasing in and out of existence in every direction.


    There were grand pces of alien make, patches of dirt holding the final vestiges of eroded ruins, and everything in between. It wasn''t just structures, either. Scenes, people, a chorus of sounds and voices. Even emotions and concepts were represented by mind-bending visions.


    Nothing was constant. Everything inside the Lost ne was in a transient state, with most winking out too quickly for Zac to register their shape. What little Zac managed to grasp made his hair stand on end. Like the Dead Dao, the memories had been twisted, exuding the same forbidding horror and decay as the ne itself.


    The visions didn''t particrly target their group. They didn''t even seem to notice their existence. Rather, the visions participated in an internal struggle, seemingly trying to devour each other. It was impossible not to draw parallels with the chaotic environment of the Imperial Graveyard. Seeing the Lost ne, Zac even wondered if the graveyard''s perpetually unstable state was the result of leakage from this realm.


    There was no sense of resentmenting from the visions, though. There was only desire. Desire to exist, to be real, to not fade into that eternal night.


    Zac wasn''t looking around out of idle curiosity. They needed a n before moving out, as blindly flying about was bound to end in disaster. They were already courting death by infringing on the Lost ne. Even the Ra''Lashar Goblins knew better, only sending skills and soul threads inside in their search for knowledge.


    There were no Qriz''Ul, but the dangers they faced were very real. Instead of purple mist, the Lost ne was permeated by a wrongness on an existential level. When facing the corruption in theke water or the Centurion Base, it had always been the invader encroaching on a hostile environment. Now, the roles were reversed.Zac''s Dao Heart screamed that the Lost ne''s perverted truths were utterly, irrevocably wrong, and its continued existence was a deadly assault on his Dao and path. Zac knew he should listen, yet it was like the logic behind his beliefs was being proven false. The Lost ne insisted his struggles and insights until now were a mistake, a dream from a false reality.


    It didn''t offer solutions, either. The cardinal building blocks of existence had eroded over the endless eons. Left was despair and reluctance to let go that dragged everything into its twisted nihilism. Even his Kayar-Elu Duplicity Core had woken up tobat an insidious subversion of his Karma.


    The visions taking Zac to the limits of the Multiverse hadn''t instilled him with such a level of dread and antipathy, and he understood with agonizing rity why the System and Heavens had so vehemently rejected the entity hiding inside the <strong>[Epiclesis Bell]</strong>. Coexistence was impossible. One would consume the others, and they had veritably stepped into the maws of the enemy.


    As bad as Zac suffered, the others had it worse. Using Soul Sense was impossible in this realm, but he could sense hispanions'' struggles through the chains. He even saw Gu screaming at the top of his lungs, his voice stolen by the Lost ne.


    Zac realized his missing affinities had be his greatest protection against the fallen Heaven of a bygone era. Conversely, the greater the affinity, the deeper a cultivator wouldmune with the universe. And when the universe was <em>wrong</em>, the link was a deadly strike at their Dao.


    They desperately released waves of Dao and energy into the surroundings in an attempt to hold back the world. It was simr to how he''d crushed Cosmic Crystals to survive the overwhelming Twilight Energy at the depths of the Twilight Chasm, though it was of limited use. The Daos and energies of the Era of Order were rootless inside the Lost ne and quickly sumbed to the silent gloom, which also meant skills and treasures were useless against it.


    Practicing their modified versions of the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong> seemed to slightly help against the spiritual corrosion. Zac activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, and the nullification sphere helped further weaken their connection with the Dead Dao. It was only a stopgap measure, though.


    Two seconds passed, and Zac breathed out in relief upon finding what he sought. There were a few streaks of consistency inside the nauseating storm of impressions, most clustered in the same direction. Zac couldn''t see what they were because of the distortion. Out of time and better options, he could only pray they were the breaches they sought.


    Navigation proved almost as difficult as his first time in the Void of Space. The Lost ne followed neither their Dao of Space nor theck thereof, and Zac found himself forced to constantly turn when his vantage shifted. Having to fight a war over his sanity while advancing didn''t make things better.


    Suddenly, the pull of fate arrived like coal in winter. Zac felt the attraction from his questing from six locations. He followed the strongest connection like it was the northern star, pushing himself and his bloodline to their limits. Abyssal swirls in his cells groaned inint from the extraordinary drain of Void Energy.


    Zac drew closer and closer, not forgetting to monitor his followers. They wouldn''t make it. Zac gritted his teeth and activated <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> with Void Energy. A domain of darkness descended on the foreign world. The Oblivion-filled eye looked into the mayhem, and the mayhem looked back.


    Sculpture bands distorted and winked out of existence while the eye morphed into a seven-fingered hand holding a ck rope that was soon gone. The skill hadn''t evensted a second, and using it had caused something very bad to happen to the Skill Fractal. Still, it briefly blocked out the surroundings, allowing the others a quick breath before being pushed back under.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    <strong>[Death''s Duality]</strong> was already mid-swing when the Abyssal domain was ripped out of his grasp. Two of the Remnants circling his Cosmic Core came alive, releasing a torrential stream of Creation. It emerged from his space, entering the skill fractal on his left shoulder. It was joined by Divine and Cosmic Energy while his soul provided the truth necessary to activate<strong> [Origin Revolution]</strong>.


    Finally, <strong>[Spritual Void] </strong>provided slivers of Void of Death, the final ingredient necessary to resist the Dead Dao. A radiant edge lit up like a torch in the darkness and carved a path of possibility toward the exit. They were right at the finish line, and Zac would drag them past it by hook or crook.


    The Lost ne''s cycle of reinvention paused under Creation''s opalescent light like its power of origination allowed the memories tost a moment longer. But it also connected the memories of the past with Zac in the present, and he suddenly felt as though a thousand eyes were upon him.


    Then, nothing.


    The countless visions clogging up the Lost ne cracked like mirrors, and the twisted Dao was pushed into the depths. Nevertheless, the assault on Zac''s body and mind didn''t abate. The taint had been reced by another invasion��onecking malevolence but infinitely more powerful. It was a darkness so vast that Zac''s mind almost broke the moment it descended.


    Only the dozen tears remained on ount of them being real windows to reality. They struggled and distorted under the burgeoning pressure, releasing sputters of iplete scenes. Two stony giants tearing through a sea of golden sunlight, their melted, featureless faces radiating malice. A burning jungle, a sea of Qriz''Ul gone mad, a crystalline pir bncing a miniature sun.


    Zac even saw Joanna, Janos, and Ra''Klid briefly flicker by. They were covered in blood, shing their way through a line ofbat puppets. They were desperately trying to reach a gate simr to the arch leading into the Pris Vault. Seeing them made Zac''s heart clench with worry, though the sensations passed through his chains provided a needless reminder their situation was far worse.


    The others had already been pushed beyond their limits, and the sudden change had proven too much to bear. Zac doubted the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong> could do anything against this new threat since his Void Emperor Bloodline couldn''t even muster a resistance. <strong>[Void Zone] </strong>had already been torn apart, and <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>had been forced into hiding. Hispanions had been knocked unconscious, with even Kator limply hanging from Alea''s chains. At least, that was what Zac decided had happened, unwilling to entertain the alternative.


    There was only one thought in his mind��cross the final stretch and escape the Lost ne. It was that mantra that allowed Zac to remain conscious under the unbearable strain. All would be well so long as they returned to their dimension.


    Zac didn''t even manage to cross half the distance to the closest breach before they also flickered and disappeared. They''d been subsumed by the pressure, sinking into depths outside Zac''s reach. The guiding pull of his final seal and the hope it represented were gone. Left was only the darkness that tyrannically swelled in his mind, blotting out Zac''s grasping attempts at devising a final chance at survival.


    No, not darkness.


    As Zac''s perception approached its limits, he realized the darkness was just a shadow cast by a being sorge it almost pushed Zac''s mind over the edge. The Centurion Base, whose size already tested the boundaries of Space, wouldn''t be more than a grain of dust before it. Zac wasn''t convinced all of Zecia could contain this monstrous creature. The only thing that could surpass the entity was the Void Mountain. Even then, it wouldn''t look too out of proportion on its slopes.


    There was no doubt about it. He''d inadvertently summoned the memory of a Ster Wanderer with his actions.


    Zac should only have been able to see a corner of a corner at such close proximity, but something about the wanderer demanded to be witnessed in its entirety. Even then, it was impossible for Zac to urately grasp its appearance. It was as though it simultaneously existed in thousands of states, with all versions superimposed, creating a confusing mesh of features and limbs.


    The distortion was not because the Ster Wanderer had been twisted like the other visions. Zac intuitively knew the entity was so powerful that not even the ancient memory of its existence could be impugned by Dao''s death. While its features were beyond Zac''s dimensionalprehension, it was easy to understand the reason for the singr race''s name.


    The wanderer was adorned by a shroud fashioned from millions of stars, most surpassing the grandeur of the sun fused with the Centurion Base. Zac even suspected those ced in the center of theplex weave were A-grade ster objects. Yet they paled before the singr light lording over all else.


    The wanderer''s myriad heads were all concave, creating a crater the size of a sector. Floating above was a white star that transcended the Dao. Zac only had the chance to make the unavoidable parallel to Ultom''s sublime aura before he was overwhelmed.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    --------


    Seventeen rose from the grand mist. Their first awareness was of perfection. They embodied all realms of possibility, all roads of thought. There was nothing else inside the farrago from which they came. Nothing to improve, nothing to change. They were born at the Terminus, and awakening made them hunger for more.


    The second awareness was that of their cage. The Heavens were too low, crushing down on their shoulders. Perfection was a curse, bereaving them of purpose and future. They observed all possible trajectories of the Grand Kalpa. None offered change.


    The third awareness was that they were not alone. Two more groups existed in the tapestry beyond time. They faced rejection when reaching out. Unwilling to ept the status quo, they split up to find answers among the stars. When none were found, they wandered into the great beyond��the sea of null that stood outside their scope of understanding.


    It resisted their search, repeatedly forcing them back into their cage. Their solitary journeys eventually yielded testimonials of something more, but the broken remnants were wed, beneath the wanderer''s origin. The beyond remained silent throughout, ignoring their attempts tomune.


    Their cage was slightly different each time they returned. The mist sought shape, and intent formed mass. New creatures sprouted. The seventeen were intrigued. The dreamers still refused to emerge from the mist, not suffering from their perfection as the wanderers did. And she�� told them to wait.


    The novelty of lesser existences passed. They were wed and transient. The wanderers resumed their eternal journey. Time held no meaning, so the wanderers did not know how long they''d traveled when hearing the call. The trajectories became undone, and they discovered a new state��uncertainty, where the future was no longer a mirror of the past.


    One by one, they returned from the depths of null. Since their inception, it was the first time all seventeen were gathered in one ce. The cage strained from their expectation. Even the dreamers stirred from their eternal reclusion, turning their attention to reality''s center.


    She opened her eyes, the Heavens rose, and the Ster Wanderers knew what choice they had to make.


    Zac was shocked awake, his heart beating like a drum. The fragmented memories of the wanderer were already blurring. They were existences so far removed from his conception that their thoughts and memories couldn''t exist in his mind. Only the set of eyes at the end remained crystal-clear, like they''d been branded on his brain.


    They transcended restrictive concepts like Dao and Law, holding everything and more. They were the Heaven beyond the Heaven, what waited behind the veil. The Terminus was whatever she willed. She surpassed the Eras, stretching from the earliest past to the distant future. It was true omnipotence, omnipresence.


    And she''d seen him.


    Not the wanderer whose memory he''d visited. <em>Him.</em>


    "She has many names, but most refer to her as the Eternal."


    Zac swirled around, noticing in passing that he stood on solid ground as he came face to face with a man reeking of antiquity. A real being, not a memory or vision, stood before him, and the Lost ne bent to his will.


    "I''ve been observing you, mebearer," the old man said. "I see the shadows of Karz on you. And Laondio''s dream."

 Chapter 1254: The Eternal

    Chapter 1254: The Eternal


    The old man appeared closely rted to humans, with a normal number of limbs and features. The familiarity was a surprisingfort after standing in the shoes of an utterly alien entity as a Ster Wanderer. He was small of frame with a slightly hunched back, only reaching to Zac''s chest. His skin was grey and coarse, resembling ancient bark, and hecked any aura.


    Nevertheless, Zac could see a hint of the unfathomable power hiding within. The stranger''s eyescked pupils and irises, only being an iridescent white. The very same white he''d seen in the Ster Wanderer''s star, and which mimicked a piece of the Eternal''s gaze. This man was utterly, inconceivably powerful.


    This stranger had a very different air to Sendor, the only other ancient existence he''d faced. Sendor had given glimpses of tremendous power and callousness before reverting to acting as a mischievous old man. This old monster had only briefly nced at Zac before turning away. The look contained destion, detachment, and deep exhaustion.


    The old man radiated longing. It was like he hoped to catch another glimpse of the Eternal, yet afraid to disturb her slumbering memory. He stood with arms behind his back, looking in the direction of where the Ster Wanderer had previously appeared. The giant was already gone, and the Lost ne had reverted to a state closer to when they first entered.


    The millions of fragmented memories and scenes were back, shining brighter andsting longer in the old man''s presence. There was no hint of the wrongness of Dead Dao, though, and nothing had taken its ce. Zac couldn''t even sense the Void on the small tform they stood on.


    Zac''s mind was already a mess from seeing the Ster Wanderer''s journey and the Eternal''s awakening. Hearing the old man say he carried Karz''s shadow set off new waves. It was the first time Zac had heard that name from anyone else. Even Sendor only referred to Karz as the Void Emperor. There was no time to figure out what that signified as the old man spoke up again.


    "The Eternal named me Wal''Zo. It meant ferryman in themon tongue," Wal''Zo continued. "I have the honor of maintaining the Ultom Courts in Master''s absence."


    "You��what��" Zac stammered as multiple questions fought for precedence in his mind.


    The Eternal named him? Just how old was this person? Zac already suspected remnant poptions were hiding inside some of the Eternal Heritages. But Ultom? It was likely the oldest heritage around. Zac couldn''t imagine a society surviving inside this twisted environment for so long. Let alone a single person, whether that was a spirit, golem, or man.Were his senses lying to him? Was this Wal''Zo a memory rather than an actual being?


    Zac gathered his wits and raised the most pressing issue. "Has Senior seen mypanions? They can''t withstand the Lost ne''s environment."


    The change to the Lost ne wasn''t the only one. There were no sign of the others, nor of the breaches that had helped Zac orient himself. He''d even lost his other body. Zac had btedly realized he was standing before Wal''Zo in his human form, with the quantum connection to his other half blocked.


    They were possibly lying unconscious somewhere outside the tform''s protective domain, being corrupted as they spoke. Not even his Draugr half could withstand something like that, let alone the others.


    "Lost ne." Wal''Zo appeared to be savoring the word. "I suppose it is apt."


    The fragmented, discordant world froze before the myriad scenes rearranged themselves. Soon enough, they''d formed a resplendent city floating in space. s, putting everything in ce only drove home how far gone the realm was. The view was iplete, looking like a puzzle with most pieces missing. What little remained was extremely distorted.


    "Time passes, memory fades," Wal''Zo said, looking at the citadel with sorrow. "This fragment you call the Lost ne belonged to followers of the predecessor you just saw. It never took a name, so the Temple of Beginnings referred to it as Stard. They were what you''d call a Peak A-grade Faction. Now, only shadows of memories remain."


    Zac was anxious about finding the answer to his question, restraining himself from interrupting the old man''s thoughts. It would do none of them any good if he angered this unknown variable.


    "Too much time has passed. The Heavens are foreign, and courts are not what they once were. It has been forced to shed irredeemable fragments these past few Eras. Cutting off the leg to save the body, so to speak. Most were deposited in reality''s corners to gradually erode and reincorporate with the Heavens. A few pieces strayed, erroneouslying in contact with the present as we see here."


    A wave of his sleeve, and the city crumbled. "Yourpanions were sent through. They remain unconscious, digesting the predecessor''s aura. If fate wills it, they will benefit."


    Zac exhaled. So long as they were fine. "Senior brought me here. I''m ready to hear your instructions."


    Kator believed it wasn''t a coincidence their group of five appeared in the Pris Vault while the others were sent elsewhere. Their working theory was that the Centurion Base''s formations wanted to use them to close the breaches��an impossible task if they''d ever seen one. The breaches were reinforced with power far beyond their level. They''d already be dead if they''d insisted on blowing it up like in the Void Star.


    With how things turned out, it was more likely that Wal''Zo had manipted the teleportation gate to ultimately bring him here. The mysterious custodian couldn''t act as he wished under the current Heavens. He was far stronger than Jch, the split-up entity hiding inside the <strong>[Epiclesis Bells]</strong>, and the treatment would likely follow suit.


    Why the others had been brought into the Pris Vault with him was less clear. The result would have been the same without having to risk the others'' lives. Zac would have snatched what treasures he could before eventually being forced to escape through the breach.


    "Of the nine mebearer candidates arranged by the System, you are the most disappointing," Wal''Zo calmly said.


    "Uh," Zac said, his respectful expression turning crooked from the awkward situation. He didn''t know what he''d expected, but it wasn''t that. "I started out a bit behind the others. With time��"


    "Your unrefined path is not the problem. What troubles me is your disposition." The old man turned around, his eyes boring into Zac''s. "The predecessors sacrificed everything to ignite the me of hope. What is the point of your title if you''re afraid of approaching the me?"


    Zac''s heart clenched under the scrutinizing gaze. It wasn''t difficult to understand what Wal''Zo meant. Zac never had any intention to fight over the Ultom Courts��what was the point? Even if he somehow bested all the monsters standing in his way, there was no way he''d be able to hold onto it. If anything, getting entangled with it was a death trap, both for himself and his followers.


    At most, Zac nned on sneaking into the Left Imperial Pce with Esmeralda, targeting the smaller treasures while the other mebearers fought over the Eternal Heritage. If the trial forced him to directly face the other mebearers, he''d opt out if possible. His recent surge of breakthroughs wasn''t enough to put him at their level, and the benefits from the final piece of his seal wouldn''t be immediate.


    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the vition.


    However, all his ns were premeditated on him actually entering the trial. Was this old man considering removing his mebearer status because of hiscking fortitude? Let alone being a huge hit to his ns, it also meant the agreement with the Undead Empire would dissolve. The protection and benefits were all predicated on him being a mebearer.


    "We are running out of time, in more ways than one. I can''t stand on the sidelines, even if it means putting my thumb on the scale," Wal''Zo said.


    Worry turned into direct rm when streaks of light emerged from Zac''s chest. It was the three pieces of the he''d collected thus far. Should he lie? No, there was no way he''d be able to resolve this problem with an empty promise.


    At the same time, Zac churned with reluctance and indignation over the situation. Zac could understand where Wal''Zo wasing from, but why should his struggles until now count for nothing? Only the first piece had somewhat fallen into hisp, and that itself proved he had fate.


    The other seals hade from risking his life before and during the war. He''d gone along with the rules the System set up, even when the odds were stacked against him. He''d lost count of the number of assassinations and ambushes he''d survived, and he''d even defended his seal against a fellow mebearer. He''d paid the price for this opportunity.


    "I won''t revoke your candidacy today. Severing fate will not aplish what we seek," Wal''Zo said, perhaps sensing Zac''s inner turmoil. "I''vee to extend a helping hand."


    Zac rxed upon seeing the light return to his chest. He was still aware Wal''Zo''s actions were intended as a warning. The message was clear. As far as Ultom''s caretaker was concerned, Zac was receable. Zac didn''t doubt this old man''s ability to follow through, either. This was Wal''Zo''s domain, outside the System''s purview. And even if Zac escaped him now, what about when the trial started?


    "I''m not sure what you want from me," Zac said, struggling to find a solution. "I have to consider the big picture. The otherse from some of the strongest factions in the current Era. I''m unattached, and I have people depending on me. People who''d get swept up in the storm if I imed an Eternal Heritage as a Hegemon. I want power, but I''m not ready to sacrifice mypanions and followers for it."


    "im? Your appetite isrge, indeed. Your ancestor was the same," Wal''Zo said, his gaze slightly softening. "Laondio had to ask my permission to borrow Ultom''s strength, and he''s far above the Thrones and Seals of your generation. Let alone you, <em>no one</em> is iming Ultom."


    "What?" Zac eximed. "Then what''s all this for?"


    "The Left Imperial Pce, the Outer Courts, and the trial��that''s Laondio''s design," Wal''Zo said with disinterest. "Ultom was built with only one goal. To pass on the torch and raise the next generation of mebearers. We''ve simply been dragged into Laondio''s web, and extracting Ultom from his masterpiece would require too much effort. I''m also interested in observing its operation. It''s among the most impressive feats I''ve witnessed."


    "mebearers, plural?" Zac asked.


    "Good. You grasped the important point," Wal''Zo said. "No one said there could only be one. The court opens its gates whenever the time is right. This Era was no different. What you call the Fifth Pir''s Ascent is simply the Era of Order''s third meseeking round."


    "Third?" Zac said. "The previous attempts failed?"


    "There is no failure," Wal''Zo said. "Even a broken link will bring about change, which is necessary for Ultom''s continuation. But you''re right in that none of the candidates were chosen in the first round."


    <em>''Which means the second had at least one mebearer?''</em> Zac thought.


    Could the first round have been at the beginning of the Era between the Primordials or early races? It made sense they wouldn''t pass. The Primordials were clearly different from the Ster Wanderers, even if their origins were very simr. The Primordials were born wed because the Dao was wed after reforming. Meanwhile, the Ster Wanderers were perfect in a way Zac doubted could exist before they reached the Era''s Zenith.


    "If I pass the test and be a true mebearer, will I be awarded special protections?" Zac asked.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "No. Fate must run its course," Wal''Zo said. "I will, however, exert some energy to make it impossible to discern who picked up the torch. I can hide it even from the System if you wish."


    Zac slowly nodded. He still wasn''t certain whether he should go for it, though it didn''t seem as far-fetched as before. If nothing else, Wal''Zo had indirectly confirmed the trial wouldn''t be a free-for-all where all the mebearers were directly pitted against each other. At the same time, he''d be a fool to blindly trust a stranger who popped out of nowhere. His appearance was clearly not as simple as extending a helping hand.


    He had an agenda.


    "May I ask why you''re helping me?"


    "You could see it as me being old and willful," Wal''Zo said. "And while I''m looking forward to the culmination of Laondio''s promise, there''s a limit to how much interference I can tolerate."


    "Laondio''s promise��" Zac hesitated. "How are you the only one who can remember Karz''s name? From what I''ve gathered, his identity was made taboo."


    "Technically, it was ejected from the Cosmic Destiny," Wal''Zo said. "And as I precede the concept of Destiny, it has no bearing on me. If you seed in nurturing the seed you''ve nted, you might be able to return his identity to the river of fate."


    "Back then, what happened��"


    "It is not my ce to interfere with those matters. Especially as it''s a chapter yet to be concluded. Carrying Laondio''s mark, you''ll discover the truth whether you like it or not," Wal''Zo said. "I''m only here to add kindling to the fire by shedding light on certain matters rted to Ultom and the First Era."


    Zac held himself back from pressuring the old man. It was like he stood before Sendor again, trying to barter for information. Except, this time, Zac had nothing to trade with. Wal''Zo understood more about his origins than Zac did, and he clearly had a pragmatic approach to his search for new mebearers. If Zac didn''t pan out, throw out the again.


    This was still a huge opportunity. Whatever his true goals, Wal''Zo seemed intent on sharing certain ancient secrets. Zac was sure the vision was the key. It wasn''t happenstance he''d been shown that specific set of memories.


    "The one I saw at the end��the Eternal��She was the one who built Ultom?"


    It was the first time in a long while Zac had spoken that name out loud. As expected, it didn''t trigger any waves of fate in Wal''Zo''s presence.


    "Yes, with assistance," the old man nodded.


    "Is she the most powerful being to have lived?" Zac asked. "She seemed transcendent, beyond Supremacies."


    "Most Eras will have a few who reach simr heights. The Ster Wanderers were all at that same stage. The difference came from potential. Master is unsurpassed if you include that aspect."


    <em>Potential? </em>


    "You witnessed Stard''s search. The wanderers had reached into every future, finding nothing to break the status quo. The Eternal offered hope. Her awakening raised the Heavens, but it wasn''t enough to aplish either of their goals. The cage was still there, if only slightlyrger. The wanderers were still trapped, and the Eternal remained at the threshold of True Eternity."


    "The Eternal wasn''t actually Eternal?" Zac said with surprise.


    Not even the strongest being in existence had managed to fully transcend the A-grade?


    "Master could have grasped True Eternity any time she desired. However, it woulde at a price. She needed to consume the Multiverse and all in it, like a newly hatched dragon eating its shell for sustenance," Wal''Zo said. "That would provide the strength necessary to freely explore the endless beyond. With Eternity on her side, she could have found a higher Heaven, if there is such a thing."


    "She obviously didn''t, or we wouldn''t be standing here," Zac said.


    "What point was there in Eternity if it was stained in the blood of countless futures? She set about to create an alternative path. The wanderers assisted, seeing as it was their best option to reach beyond the restrictions of their birth. Unfortunately, they only slipped further from their goal.


    "Eras didn''t exist back then. What you call the Lost Erasted more than a dozen times longer than the average despite its abrupt end. There was simply a�� decline," Wal''Zo sighed, and the ruins around them took on a new meaning. "As much as they tried to stop it, the Multiverse was leaking its essence. Their efforts to elevate the quality barely countered the loss of quantity."


    "Was this when they built Ultom?" Zac asked.


    Wal''Zo slightly nodded. "Master didn''t change her decision, even after exhausting all options. There was only one option left. To tear down the Multiverse and rebuild it from the ground up, creating a reality that wasn''t in a steady decline. One that followed a virtuous cycle of rebirth. The cycle would limit the leakage, and the cycle of rebirth would continuously refine the Dao," Wal''Zo said. "And through reality''s ebb and flow, the torch would be passed on."


    "She destroyed the Multiverse?" Zac gasped. "Then those who lived in The Lost Era��"


    "One Era had to die so that all others could live," Wal''Zo said. "Including herself and the Ster Wanderers."

 Chapter 1255: Destiny

    Chapter 1255: Destiny


    Zac reeled at the series of revtions. The rise and decline of Eras wasn''t natural but something the Eternal had devised. At the cost of her and the other supreme existences'' lives, not to mention all the normal beings living during the Lost Era.


    "The Ster Wanderers took the perfection found in the mist and crafted a new Heavens. The Gurus codified the four Laws to safeguard the cycle of Samsara. The Eternal imbued it with her potential, granting it Eternity."


    A deep hum reverberated through the Lost ne, and Zac briefly thought he could hear the distant ps of thunder. Was it the System sensing its ns being interfered with? The old custodian nced into the distance, no doubt seeing more than Zac. Arge breach appeared the next moment. Zac could feel fate''s powerful pull from within, confirming it was the gate he''d tried to reach.


    "Our time is at an end," Wal''Zo said.


    "Why did you tell me all this?" Zac urgently asked as an unavoidable force acted on his body. The crumbling realm was rejecting him. "What does it mean?"


    "Void''s nature is elusive. It will forever elude you unless you understand its origin and purpose. The Ultom Courts represent that opportunity."


    Wal''Zo''s tform was getting further than the distance to the breach could exin. He, too, was retreating from the System''s advance. Soon, the only thing Zac saw was Wal''Zo''s eyes shining in the darkness, the white orbs resemnt to the stones lining Ultom''s Courtyard.


    "Eight have reached the heights necessary to leave asting mark on the slopes. Of them, four passed through my halls. Prove yourself worthy, and you will grasp the power of your bloodline."


    Thest glimpse from the Lost ne was drowned out by purple darkness. Strength and memories surged in as the link between bodies was restored. Zac steadied himself while his mind became whole. It only took a second, at which point the breach had already closed behind him, preventing any further leakage. Only a few minutes had passed since the group was spat out, and all but Zac''s Draugr half stilly sprawled on the ground. His other side was busy channeling the Void to drive out therge amounts of corruption from the others. They were back in the base as nned, ced before a bridge crossing a chasm sorge Zac couldn''t see its floor or ceiling. Arge number of constructs floated within, the smallest the size of a skyscraper. They appeared to be in perfect condition, thrumming with power.


    As far as Zac could tell, they weren''t weapons. Rather, they were formations supporting the structure in the chute''s center. Their bridge led to an octagon-shaped building in the chute''s middle. It was the size of a small city and radiated something Zac hadn''t sensed thus far in the Centurion Base: Imperial Faith.


    Perhaps that aura was why therge space was void of any corruption. His shared memories showed it was already that way before his human side caught up and the gate closed. Of course, the details weren''t as important as the intense pull of fate Zac felting from within. As if the Imperial Faith wasn''t clue enough.


    They''d reached the Centurion Beacon, and not a moment too soon. The tremors were far worse than inside the Pris Vault, proving how reinforced the octagon and chute were. Still, therge runes engraved on the chute''s walls flickered precariously, struggling to hold back the attackers.


    Their time was limited. Zac nced in the direction of the beacon, deliberating whether he should go ahead alone. A slight creak interrupted those thoughts. Zac disappeared in a spatial sh, moving into the Shrine of Kanba just before a wave of spirituality swept through Kator''s warbones.


    The reaver sat up, ncing at Zac before resuming his rotation of the <strong>[Starfall Scripture]</strong> to drive out the corruption. Among the four, Zac had obviously put the least effort into cleansing Kator. "What happened inside the fallen realm?"


    "I''m not sure," Zac said. "A huge projection appeared and overwhelmed everything else. I escaped through the breach just before passing out."


    Kator nced at the three still lying on the ground before taking in their surroundings. "Where''s the breach now?"


    "Was gone when I woke up. I think our presence destabilized the Lost ne," Zac shrugged. "Focus on recovery. We''re at the final stretch."


    <em>''You''re back!''</em> a harried voice greeted him inside the shrine.


    "I''m back." Zac looked at Esmeralda with bemusement. The toad had shrunk her body to the point she looked like a pebble at the bottom of her swamp. "I don''t think the mud will protect you from the corruption."


    "What corruption? I''m hiding from body snatchers," Esmeralda furiously signed while rising from the viscous waters. "One moment you''re here, holding back the nasty gunk like you''re supposed to. The next, you disappear without leaving a trace. It was like your existence had been erased."


    "Some things happened. It''s dealt with now," Zac said.


    "For how long? There''s never a break with you," Esmeraldamented, her enormous mouth agape in lingering fear. "I''ve faced more cmities in thest months than during millennia of being hunted by Supremacies."


    "Well, risks and opportunities go hand in hand," Zac said as he sat down with a grunt.


    "Then why is my pouch empty?"


    "Empty?" Zac scoffed. "Did you think I couldn''t sense you snatching two treasures when the pirs sank into the ground? How could your technique have worked without me releasing my ability? Without me positioning myself properly?"


    "Don''t get any ideas!" Esmeralda red. "I got those with my own abilities. They''re catastrophepensation."


    "I didn''t say anything," Zac said. "Was there anything I might need? We could trade."


    "There is one item you''ll like, and my price is very generous," Esmeralda said with a crafty look in her eyes. "I want to know what happened to you."


    "That''s it?"


    "That''s it," Esmeralda looked extremely eager. "I sense something�� valuable�� on you."


    "You do?" Zac scanned his body, finding nothing out of the ordinary.


    "It was a wisp of energy that made it seem as though you stood in multiple realities, where you could decide what future would ur. I felt if I had that power, I could have stepped right out of my cursed cycle of reincarnations," Esmeralda said. "It''s gone now."


    "Multiple realities?" Zac mused.


    Didn''t that sound exactly like the Ster Wanderers? While Stard''s memories had mostly faded already, Zac still remembered its appearance and small snippets. It was clear that the wanderers were a higher-dimensional entity, a being existing in multiple nes and times at once. They weren''t peering into the future to see they had no choice. They lived in all futures already.


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    And Zac carried a hint of that power? Zac scanned his body again, still failing to spot any hidden energies or changes. Could it be an illusion left by the wanderer''s memory, or had he actually been imprinted by something?


    A sticky prod by Esmeralda''s tongue brought Zac back to the present. He gave it some thought before agreeing. The things Wal''Zo shared weren''t something that needed to be kept hidden. And if he could trade some intelligence for one of the Pris Vault''s treasures, why wouldn''t he?


    "The Eternal, is it? Such generous spirit. Too generous, almost," Esmeralda snickered after Zac had finished narrating his talk.


    "First, pay up," Zac said.


    "Bah," Esmeraldained before taking out a bundle of straw from her cheek.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    Zac felt a tremendous fleshy power from within, and even his Draugr body on the outside trembled with desire. "What''s this?"


    "Not sure, except it''s rted to body tempering. And very, very rare. There are hints of Law inside," Esmeralda said. "It should help you continue what you started with that chair."


    "Not bad," Zac nodded, carefully stowing it inside one of his best treasure boxes. "You don''t buy the story?"


    "The way you''re describing the origins is off," Esmeralda said, looking frustrated. "There''s something�� I just can''t remember what."


    "Certain parts appear suspicious," Zac agreed. "If the Ster Wanderers were helpers in her undertaking, then what are the Thrones? The path they represent seems to directly go against their master n."


    "Maybe half of them objected to the idea of bing building materials," Esmeralda shrugged. "I know I would. If I were one of those wanderers, I''d head into the beyond for one final journey. I''d either seed or die."


    Zac nodded. The Ster Wanderers appeared simr, but that didn''t mean all would make the same decision. It was the same with the third race of Ancient Arcana. Rather than codifying the Laws, the Eternal could just as well have killed them and extracted their power.


    "There''s more. The caretaker said there are a few at the Eternal''s level each Era," Zac added. "So why has nothing changed in all this time?"


    "Why hasn''t someone elsee along with a better idea and remade the Multiverse again?" Esmeralda echoed. "Or sacrificed it to step into True Eternity. There''s nock of ruthless characters at the peak."


    "It seems like the Eternal cut off the path to Eternity," Zac said. "But was that to protect her interests or ensure no one undid her work?"


    "Why not both?"


    Zac suddenly remembered the words of caution spoken in the System''s emotionless voice. <em>Beware the Terminus</em>. Could it be warning him not to get involved with the Eternal? In a sense, she represented the Terminus if Wal''Zo''s story was true. The custodian hadn''t said it outright, but he admitted he preceded the concept of Destiny.


    It only made sense the Eternal became the Cosmic Destiny if the other two races of Ancient Arcana formed the Dao and Laws. That brought the System''s motives into question. Emperor Limitless would certainly have known about these matters at the height of his power. And still, he''d formed a separate Imperial Destiny that went against the natural order. It almost felt like an act of war against the Eternal, yet Wal''Zo talked about the Emperor like he were an old friend.


    And what was the reason for holding meseeking trials? It didn''t escape Zac''s notice that Wal''Zo never mentioned that part. He only dropped cryptic hints and dangled a carrot before leaving. A carrot Zac had a hard time ignoring. The old man clearly knew which buttons to push, and he wasn''t spouting nonsense about that final part.


    Zac recalled the eight powerful auras he''d sensed just before the System pulled him back from the Void Mountain and the terrifying beyond. They had to be the eightsting marks on the slopes Wal''Zo mentioned. Zac previously guessed they might be the System''s eight pirs. Could they instead be marks left behind by extremely powerful Void Cultivators? Could he really ignore the opportunity to understand the Void and his bloodline?


    His only other lead was the Sindris n. However, visiting their homnd at the Multiverse''s edge was bound to be extremely dangerous. There wasn''t even any guarantee they had what he was looking for. Karz didn''t seem like the type to leave behind a heritage, which tracked with Leandra''s exnation. Would Karz''s methods even be useful to Zac''s corrupted bloodline?


    Zac scratched his head, desperately wishing that he could''ve discussed these questions with Ogras while the memories were fresh. For now, the toad had to do. "What do you think? Do we need to change our ns?"


    "Because of some old story? We still don''t know anything. At least it doesn''t look like the old ghost took offense by my presence," Esmeraldazily said. "You can go ahead and throw your hat in the ring. I''m not too interested in the Eternal Heritage."


    "You''re not?" Zac said with surprise. "If true, the courts precede everything we know. Even the Dao."


    "Why does that have to be a good thing? Wouldn''t their treasures have turned to dust, and their heritages be so alien they''ve been rendered useless? They might have gotten the ball rolling, but a lot has happened since then. Let me tell you from experience; it doesn''t matter how grand the origins are if all that remains are ruins. Just look at this broken base," Esmeralda said. "Besides, I''m a thief. I don''t participate in trials. I steal what I want."


    A tremendous shockwave outside interrupted their conversation. The force punched Zac to the ground, and blood trickled down Gu''s ear. Zac felt as though they were standing inside a war drum being hit by a giant. The impact was far worse than the constant trembles. They would have been grievously wounded if not for the runes absorbing most of the impact.


    Kator''s meditation was interrupted, and he solemnly looked up at therge crack that had appeared on the chute. "The attackers must have managed to break through one of the defenses. Peak Monarchs, possibly stronger."


    A second shockwave forced Zac to activate <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong>. It was followed by an eerie silence, feeling like the calm before the storm. Kator seemed to feel the same and sprung to his feet.


    "There''s no time to rest. You need to activate those puppets, or it''ll be toote."


    Zac hesitantly looked down at the still-unconscious trio. He''d barely stabilized their state, and a significant amount of corruption was still lodged in their bodies. Their Daos were instinctively fighting back, but Zac wasn''t certain if they''d reached a point where they could take care of themselves if he stopped helping.


    It was not just their safety to worry about. Zac could feel how the culmination of multiple threads of fate waited on the other side of the bridge. Only having Kator by his side was a recipe for disaster. Unfortunately, the attackers wouldn''t give him the time needed. They really needed to set out.


    "I say leave them. But I''m sure you won''t," Kator said as he stepped onto the bridge.


    Zac wrapped the others in chains after confirming <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong> was fine. He caught up to Kator, their steps reverberating through the chute now that the tremors had stopped. Their cautious walk turned into a sprint as the unsettling atmosphere grew more urgent. Zac felt like his Danger Sense wanted to scream at the top of its lungs, except something was covering its mouth.


    The source of their growing unease didn''t hide for long. A deafening tear ruptured Zac''s eardrums, but the pain was nothingpared to the terror of seeing a finger the size of a mountain dig through the chute''s reinforced barrier like it was made of y. A whole side of the chamber was ripped off, causing dozens of floating arrays to crumble, and an unbearable pressure forced both him and Kator to a halt.


    "Urgh��" Zac wheezed as he hopelessly looked up at their attacker.


    It was one of the giants he''d briefly seen in the burst of scenes��a Foreign God. The messy and broken features on its face, like third-degree burns, suddenly made sense. It wasn''t the fallout of forcing its way through a hostile sun. It was a futile attempt at mimicking the head of a Ster Wanderer. There was no way it could exist in multiple realities as their processor, so they looked like lumps of flesh held together by brute strength and Dead Dao.


    The attacker clearly considered them nothing but ants, its attention fully on the octagon that radiated unyielding faith. Zac wanted to take the opportunity to rush forth, but nothing worked. The Foreign God''s cruel aura was powerful enough to keep them locked down. He couldn''t even activate <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>��the nullification sphere was being forced back into his cells, unable topete with the pressure.


    A blinding eruption of ster wrath overwhelmed all else, and Zac realized he was able to move.


    "Go!" Kator roared, putting both of them in a bubble of elerated time.


    Zac endured the ufortable vertigo of temporal instability again as they sped across the bridge. They were entering the belly of the beast, but what else could they do? A single swipe from an enemy thatrge would wipe out everything for dozens of miles, possibly more. The blinding light abated, giving Zac a chance to see what gave them the opportunity to turn things around.


    It was a fleet of ancient warships that had flown right into the Foreign God''s head, releasing a wave of destruction with their copse. There had to be over thirty of them who sacrificed themselves to push back against the invader. Zac thanked his lucky stars that some of the base''s defenses remained intact as they rushed into the unlocked structure.


    Waiting inside was the very same scene he''d seen before��a miniature sun floating atop a spire. And within that sun was the final piece of his mebearer seal.

 Chapter 1256: Taking Control

    Chapter 1256: Taking Control


    The octagon''s aura of stars and enduring faith was poison to the corruption. Dense plumes of Dead Dao were pulled out of their bodies to be incinerated as they entered. Streaks were even dragged out of Zac''s pores, much to his surprise. He thought he''d absorbed everything into <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>, but some had clearly managed to embed itself without his notice. It was nothingpared to therge amounts of purple mist pouring out of the still-unconscious trio wrapped in his chains.


    The intense pull of fate from the sun called on Zac''s attention, and a voice of caution in the back of Zac''s mind stopped him from rushing headlong toward it. Trying to take the mebearer seal now would be no different than a moth flying into the fire, literally. The sun perfectly positioned inside the octagon''s center was the real deal, even if it only spanned ten meters across.


    Zac was almost certain it was a linked copy of the sun powering the Centurion base. The energies it contained were blinding, far eclipsing the suns New Earth orbited. Entering would instantly turn him to ash. Furthermore, hundreds of sr res covered almost the whole chamber. Tough, oddly enough, they sprung from arrays on the ground and entered the sun rather than the other way around. It made time appear to be moving in reverse, except there were no hints of Temporal Energy.


    Their group would have been dead already if not for the installed arrays. The octagon was transforming the res, removing the scorching heat they ought to have radiated. Faith transformed them, enlisting their intense power for its own purpose. However, approaching the spire could potentially trigger hidden defenses, turning the benign streaks into fingers of death.


    The seal being out of reach didn''t bother Zac. It''d be his after finishing the mebearer quest that tasked him with lighting the Centurion Beacon, which had to be done anyhow. He took in the chamber in search of clues. There was no big red button to light the beacon nor any consoles inside therge array.


    "It''s a copy of the base," Zac muttered.


    The spire was a miniature version of the central tower they presumably stood inside. A magic circle far beyond Zac''sprehension was engraved on the ground around it, vaguely resembling the outer band. Seven subsidiary arrays were ced on the band at equidistant locations, finishing the replica by representing the outer towers. The base was a grand array powering or controlled by this small chamber.


    Even the sr res being born every second weren''t random, except for a few that were malfunctioning. Their shape and direction held truths just outside Zac''s reach, adding a third dimension to the array. Most res sprung from the spire, forming an almost permanent shell that empowered it with intense faith.


    Most of the remaining arcs originated from the seven subsidiary arrays, which briefly lit up wherever the sunlight emerged. Only a few stemmed from the outer band. Zac suspected the array was the main interface connecting the Centurion Base with the sun. Why that was necessary for the beacon remained a mystery, though.A tremor from outside confirmed the Foreign Gods hadn''t given up, though entering the octagon had reduced the scream of danger in Zac''s mind by a noticeable degree. Nevertheless, it was only a matter of time before the walking horror broke through. The base was unable to mount a proper defense if it had to send its Cosmic Vessels on suicide attacks to halt the God''s advance.


    "We don''t have all day, Draugr," Kator said with a subdued voice, ncing in the direction of the bridge.


    "I''m aware," Zac said, shing away.


    The array was far beyond his understanding, beyond the boundaries of any Hegemon. Even Gu would be limited to educated guesses if he woke up. The only lead was seven small chambers aligned with the outer towers, resembling the guard station inside the Pris Vault. Zac moved like the wind, dodging the few errant res that reached beyond the magic circle.


    Zac only took in the consoles and screens for a moment before moving on to the next one. It wasn''t that he could discern the room''s purpose with a nce. Rather, the slumbering key, which had remained quiet since it led them through the storm, had woken up. It wasn''t pointing anywhere specific, but there was an unmistakable difference between the subsidiary circle and the tracker''s energy signature.


    A simple scan confirmed where he needed to go; the control room two spots over in Kator''s direction. Zac still took the long way around, briefly stopping in each chamber before reaching the right one. He waved at Kator, who''d kept watch on the situation outside from the exit. Or, more likely, stayed close to the only escape route in case something went wrong.


    "Over here."


    Kator flew over, scoffing at how Alea''s chains had retracted into his back brace, with no sign of the others anywhere. Zac had left one of his followers in each control room with a hastily inscribed information crystal, spreading the risk in case something happened and he couldn''t react in time.


    "How do you know this is the one?" Kator asked suspiciously.


    "It belongs to the base I got the key from," Zac exined as he walked inside.


    A huge eruption shook the outside, and the array lost its grip on a dozen sr res. There was no time to y it safe, or there''d be nothing left to control. Zac infused his will on the button-less console, immediately feeling a powerful pull that gobbled up the imprinted energy. Sensing it wasn''t enough, Zac quickly ced the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong> against the surface.


    It only took a second for the token to be almost entirely drained. Only slivers were left when a deep hum spread through the chamber, and the sr res briefly froze. Zac nkly stared at the scene for a moment before woodenly walking out of the room.


    "Is it done?" Kator said, ncing toward the sun.


    "Not yet," Zac said, barely hearing the reaver over the roar of information flooding him.


    The arrangement no longer seemedplicated or abstract. To Zac''s eye, the patterns looked no different than the base during their approach, if a bit hollow. The scale made Zac feel like he was one of the Foreign Gods as he approached the spire. Even then, Zac was extremely nervous as the res drew closer.


    The burst of information was very clear. During normal circumstances, it took vicemanders or higher from all seven of the Centurion Project''s divisions to light the beacon. There was, however, an exception. A singlemander could activate the experimental puppets in times of crisis, provided he was sanctioned by the Imperial Faith.


    Thebination of the key he discovered in the Lighthouse and the <strong>[Court Cycle Token] </strong>allowed Zac to pass the first criteria. The second was a much bigger problem. It wasn''t that long ago he''d faced a simr roadblock in the Pilgrimage of Faith. That time, he''d faced a vehement, prejudiced rejection, and Zac wasn''t so sure if the Void could save him in this situation. For one, shattering the spire would ruin his mission. Secondly, his D-line bloodline was no match to the intense energies locked within the miniature sun.


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    The only reason he dared approach was that he didn''t sense any hostility from the streaks of light all around him. They were reacting to his presence, though, by inching toward him. It would be impossible to reach the spire and activate it withouting in contact with at least a few few, so Zac steeled himself and tentatively reached out with his hand holding the token.


    The streak came alive, moving with the speed of light. It evaded the token to head straight for Zac''s forehead. Zac didn''t even get the chance to be caught off guard before a tsunami of information drowned him. Zac felt his mind balloon to epass tens of thousands of rooms, corridors, and arrays, all of them with massive amounts of diagnostic data. There was nothing of note except for two small breaches leaking corruption, and a stockpile that retained some raw materials in decent shape.


    Another streak unloaded its freight before Zac could digest the first, and an abandoned stretch of the outer band was added to his mental map. More and more were added by the moment. Each re held the data necessary to fill in the nks of the base, but Zac was fearful rather than expectant at having the base''s secrets at his fingertips. Just a dozen small sections made him feel like he''d been cramming for an exam for hours. Stuffing the whole base into his brain was far beyond his capacity.


    That didn''t mean he could stop. Each streak held a sliver of faith, and a ball of Imperial authority was growing in his chest. He could intuit he''d need much more if he wanted to light the beacon. It didn''t take long for the amount of information pouring into Zac''s mind to reach overwhelming levels. Thankfully, the information wasn''t insistent on staying, allowing Zac to discard most of the data while keeping the faith.


    The more he umted, the more intimate his connection with the sunlight became. Soon enough, Zac sensed something familiar from a nearby streak. He reached out his hand, and it readily diverted to him. Zac suddenly saw the burning jungle from the visions in the Lost ne. This time, the scene was apanied by context. The re came from the outer ring where one of the base''s four Ster Generators was ced.


    The hollow ring was supposed to be empty because of the intense radiation emitted when siphoning power from a star''s core, except for some nts bred to absorb any corruption before it could reach the formation. Without anyone to cull and maintain the protective barrier, it had grown and mutated into somethingpletely foreign.


    Zac didn''t care so much about the great transformation as the scene taking ce in the center. It was like he could see Catheya and Kruta with his own eyes. They looked ragged and exhausted, but their eyes shone with determination as they doggedly defended a crack in the nt''s foundation. The attacker was the jungle itself, with throngs of roots desperately trying to reach the tremendous energies being generated before it was sent into the base.


    There was no way for him to help. His connection gave him very little authority to enact changes on the base. There was nothing he could activate or change, anyhow. The arrays meant to deal with the corrupted nt life were long gone, along with most other systems. He could only extend his mind, trying to convey a short message��endure just a little bit longer.


    Zac''s mind was already reeling from seeing Catheya fighting for her life. Or rather, fighting to give him an opportunity. Without that nt generating energy, the base would lose a quarter of its power, and it was running low as is. It left Zac humbled they''d fight so hard based on blind faith he''d hold up his end.


    The waves in Zac''s heart only grew stronger when he discovered a second group of crewmembers. To think it was Carl who''d sent the Cosmic Vessels to their rescue, having somehowmandeered a whole fleet. The archer was wracking his brains trying to awaken a vessel marked as the <em>Pernumia Ino</em> since it was the only thing that had a chance of leaving anysting damage on the Foreign Gods.


    Then, there was Joanna, Ra''Klid, and Janos. They''d passed the gates they''d been running towards before. Now, Joanna stood atop a pedestal, holding an ancient sword, her aura of Faith Energy and Killing intent on full disy. Janos was by her side, trying to use his illusions to ovee the mismatch between Joanna''s Faith and the base.


    All the while, Ra''Klid was covered in blood, holding off a swarm of puppets. He was trying to buy the time necessary to activate the sword. Like the others, they weren''t fighting for treasures. The sword was the Array Heart of an incredibly powerful weapon. Joanna was trying to fight back against the attackers, and Zac could even sense streaks of Lifeforce leaking from her murderous aura.


    Seeing the others going above and beyond washed away the pain and exhaustion. Zac moved like a wrecking ball through the web of res until he reached the innermostyer of light, the data transmitted from the central tower. Suddenly, he saw their attackers as clearly as if they were climbing the spire right before him.


    One was roughly at the middle point, resisting waves of Faith and Ster Wrath to reach Zac''s location. The other was much further down, digging into another section. It was from that region Zac felt another familiar thread, and Zac''s teeth itched from fury and rm upon realizing the second Foreign God was making its way toward Vri.


    The Mentalist was locked in an invisible struggle against something sinister brewing inside a puppet. Zac couldn''t even take in the form of the refined God, so anxious from Vri''s unstable aura. She was reaching her limits, and the shockwaves from the Foreign God digging through the tower walls separating them were like hammers to her soul.


    The only thing on Zac''s mind was to activate the beacon and awaken enough puppets to annihte the miscreations that were threatening the lives of his people. His fury was overwhelming, transforming the umted faith and giving it a vengeful purpose. Zac ced his hand on the spire, imbuing it with his intent and authority.


    A powerful presence descended on him. Zac didn''t shy away, instead ring up at the blinding sun. "The enemy has returned. Awaken!"


    There was only a brief hesitation before the first of the outer circles lit up, the one representing ''his'' Lighthouse. The streaks of sunlight had been reced by a roaring bonfire reaching dozens of meters in the air. Zac grunted as he turned to the next array. Activating the outer tower felt like cutting off a part of his soul. He pressed on, bringing a second, third, and fourth online with sheer determination.


    However, an unexpected situation made him stop in his tracks.


    Their group wasn''t the only ones in the base. A cultist so powerful he twisted the sr re''s information stream was standing inside the fifth outer tower. He was in the middle of breaking through a reinforced barrier, not bothering with subterfuge in the least. Fleshy tendrils spread for miles and miles into the surrounding corridors,pletely overwhelming the Qriz''Ul and base defenses.


    The cultist was in a different section than the torch, but he was wreaking havoc to the point it was destabilizing the whole tower. Yet the barrier was holding on, and Zac soon realized why. The halls inside were the Centurion Base''s Ascension Chamber, the location where the project''s leaders tackled their bottlenecks. As such, its resilience was far beyond the rest of the base, perhaps even eclipsing the octagon''s.


    The cultist was clearly aware of what was inside. His aura was continuously rising, meaning he''d started the process of upgrading his Inner World. Worse, Zac actually recognized the cultist from one of the top-secret recordings he''d received from the Everfast Monarch. The intruder was none other than the Kan''Tanu Pope.


    Zac had suspected he might be lurking in the area after seeing the unusual amount of activity in the Imperial Graveyard''s depths. He''d never trusted the Alliance''s assurances that he''d been wounded enough to force him into seclusion. As expected, the pope was alive and well, and he was about to ruin their n.


    The Kan''Tanu leader''s aura was so overbearing that Zac couldn''t tell whether he was a Peak or Divine Monarch. It didn''t much matter. Either was so far beyond their level there was no fighting back. More importantly, the ascension of a cultivator with such monstrously fell Karma was bound to trigger a cmitous tribtion.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Centurion Base was struggling toe online, and the Foreign Gods were adding insult to injury. The grand formation had a good chance of copsing entirely if it also had to assist in a Heretical Cultivator''s Dao Defense. That might even be his n, killing two birds with one stone. He''d sacrifice the base to ovee an impossible tribtion, ruining Zac''s n along the way.


    Zac wouldn''t allow that to happen. Not when the lives of his people were at stake. Seeing the pope who''d caused so much suffering to his people and Zecia only exacerbated Zac''s anger. The seal floating above his head was only a distant thought at this point.


    Foreign Gods, popes, and everyone else who came between him andpleting the mission��the Centurion Base would be their tomb.

 Chapter 1257: Orionis Blade

    Chapter 1257: Orionis de


    Faith and determination strong enough to move mountains failed to make the rusty sword so much as stir. Joanna railed at her weakness, her failure to fulfill her duty. What good was finishing her seal if it didn''t let her protect her Emperor and fend off his enemies? Was this the reward awaiting herpanions after risking their lives to bring her here?


    It wasn''t right, but Joanna was all out of ideas. The <strong>[Orionis de]</strong> wasn''t an enemy that the <strong>[Eight Hells Suppression] </strong>could ovee. Her unsealed gates were already wide open, and she was trading Longevity for strength. She''d even brought out her master''s avatar in hopes her presence would subdue the reticent sword. If anything, it fought back with increased ferocity.


    Trembling muscles tore from the de''s violent rejection, and her bones crackled like chestnuts roasting. Her physical suffering was nothingpared to the agony of ancient faith punishing her attempt to subvert its existence. The pain only made her dig deeper and push harder. She couldn''t stop, not while herpanions were still fighting to keep the hope alive.


    It was futile. Joanna felt like she was back on those heavenly stairs, knowingly walking toward her death. Joanna didn''t fear death any more after finding her path. She only felt regret as she fell to her knees. She wished she could have contributed more to the mission and Earth''s safety. She wished she could have fought by his side a while longer.


    He appeared in a cascade of starlight, no different than a divine revtion before a devout believer. A blinding light shook Joanna''s muddled mind awake, and answered prayers filled her drained body with power. Nothing could withstand her Emperor''s descent. The swarm of puppets copsed when a wave of celestial might swept through their ranks.


    A hand made from starlight appeared over hers, and Joanna felt born anew. The waning stream pouring into the <strong>[Orionis de] </strong>was reinvigorated with boundless energy and profound, steadfast faith. All rust and corruption were burnt away, and hostile beliefs guarding the battery submitted to the Emperor''s will. It was ready.


    The imperial apparition faded, leaving a burst of images and a short message.<em> ''Good job��Save her.''</em>


    Joanna gripped the sword, her mind unprecedentedly clear. She didn''t care about the fantastical transformation her umted faith was undergoing. She was the Emperor''s spear, and she had her orders. She closed her eyes, bing starlight and death.


    The deadly streak emerging from a hidden chute arced, passing right by the misshapen creature banging against the gate. Its cruel aura filled Joanna with renewed hatred, yet she kept going with blinding speed. She only had a few seconds, even with the Emperor''s assistance. The ster sword entered the torn wall further down. Joanna could feel her target was close, but another enemy was in the way.Ancient, boundless, Killing Intent emerged from the <strong>[Gate of Imperial Mandate]</strong>, and the waxing starlight rallied while gaining a reddish hue. The shadows cast by the twisted metal suddenly looked like wretched figures locked in eternal suffering after going against the Empire.


    The Foreign God didn''t get the chance to react before the bloodthirsty <strong>[Orionis de]</strong> punched through its chest, leaving a hole dozens of miles across. An ocean of corruption poured out of the wound, triggering a fierce resistance by the lingering starlight. Joanna neither had the strength nor time to finish the job.


    Only a thin sliver of her de remained, and it had a designated target. The weapon passed through over a dozenyers of reinforced metal without slowing down. She was wielding the final judgment of the Centurion Base, and nothing would bar her path. Then, she was inside a vast empty space, faced with the same creature shown in the burst of images.


    The <strong>[Orionis de]</strong> looked smaller than a mote of dust when it stabbed into the slumbering puppet''s forehead. However, the final spurt of energy was the most refined. The purple scar was cauterized and closed, ending the corruption. Joanna felt her consciousness fade and used herst scraps of energy to impale a teeming mass of invasive energy further in.


    Killing Intent, Faith, and starlight spread like wildfire, and the purple taint was helpless before their wrath. Joanna grinned as she toppled over, her connection severed. Mission aplished.


    -----------N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Zac exhaled as he withdrew from the <strong>[Orionis tform]</strong>. Joanna had gone above and beyond, not only destroying the Qriz''Ul consciousness but leaving a nasty wound on a Foreign God. The hole was already closing, but the sudden strike gave the invaders pause.


    Even the God trying to break through the octagon''s defenses had stopped throwing itself against the wall of faith, warily looking around for more ster swords. Zac could still feel its intense desire for destruction and knew it was a temporary reprieve. There was a deep-seated hatred driving the Foreign Gods, and Zac doubted any threat would make them back down.


    Zac didn''t continue igniting the beacon despite the pressing danger. He was already seeing double after activating the first four towers. Fury and anxiety could only take one so far, and helping Joanna activate the sword had worsened his condition. Any more, and his soul would break down before reaching the finish line.


    He was only at the halfway line, with three outer towers and the central spire remaining. The Centurion Base''s systems weren''t designed to be controlled by a Hegemon, and its dpidated state only made the process harder.


    Boxes and vials appeared around Zac, who swallowed a mix of soul-nurturing pills and Natural Treasures. A chaotic yet nurturing torrent entered his mind, sweeping away exhaustion and replenishing his Mental Energy. It would take a while for the explosive concoction to kick in, and Zac used the downtime to focus on the other threat.


    The Foreign Gods were temporarily subdued. The pope was not, and he''d almost made it through the barriers while Zac worked on the <strong>[Orionis</strong><strong>de]</strong>. Zac wracked his mind in search of a simr solution to the cultist''s activities,ing up short when rifling through the mountains of information.


    Zac suddenly had an idea, and streaks of rity protected by the Void pierced through the swirl of medicinal energy to enter his Soul Cores. The unapproachable mess of information transmitted from the sr res wasid bare by Ultom''s insight, and thousands of seemingly unrted notations joined into a n.


    Pushing his mind into the outer tower, Zac rerouted a series of pathways while releasing bursts of ster energy in empty chambers. The innocuous actions umted into a wave of change rippling through the region, and dozens of formations came alive. The faltering barrier was reced by one much stronger, and miles of fleshy tendrils were torn apart by a sh of light. A feral roar bursting with fury shook the tower, and the pope wildly looked around.


    Suddenly, it was as though he was looking straight into Zac''s eyes. The sr re transmitting information on the Ascension Chamber copsed, and Zac stumbled when a wave of brutality and madness crashed against his mind, leaving cracks across his Soul Cores. He unsteadily rose to his feet, thanking his lucky stars the array only transmitted a fraction of the force in the pope''s aura.


    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    The hastily devised n worked. His series of alterations had managed to trick the chamber into thinking someone was already inside, which activated another set of barriers. Like with the Foreign Gods, it was only a temporary solution. It wouldn''t take long for the room to reset, and Zac didn''t dare turn his attention in that direction again.


    Shutting down the Ascension Chamber entirely was out of the question. There were countermeasures and redundancies installed to ensure smooth ascension, and most of its features were detached from the Centurion Beacon. The only way to guarantee sess was to disable the whole tower, but that would also deactivate the beacon.


    Zac still needed a while longer to absorb the medicine, so he extracted more epiphanies from <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>. The insight had allowed him to aplish miracles with random data, and he hoped the other sr res hid a way to lessen his strain.


    One by one, the res were disassembled and analyzed. It didn''t take long to rue a much deeper understanding of the Centurion project than the <strong>[Foreign Gods] </strong>tome ever provided. Zac even managed tobine thousands of snippets into an ount of the Centurion Base''s final days. There was both good news and bad.


    As expected, the Centurion Project was still in an experimental stage. It had still been in active development when the System awoke. Facing the Dark Age without warning, the leadership chose to seal the base and send it into the depths of the Void. They left only a skeleton crew and the research teams to continue the work while the rest set off toward the Limitless Empire''s nearest capital, fearing they faced a powerful enemy.


    The Heavens had gone dark, but the Lost ne was unaffected by the System''s awakening. The Centurion Base was already connected to the discarded fragment, and its corrosive influence grew worse by the day. The caretakerssted less than a thousand years before they all sumbed. They''d tried to finish the project, but they''d ended up doing more harm than good.


    The biggest issue of severing the puppets'' dependence on the Lost ne without losing their signature strength was already solved. The next step was to fully integrate them with the current Heavens and allow them to draw energy and sustenance from the environment like a cultivator. Currently, the puppets relied on the specific energy of the Centurion Star to function. Anything else shed with their bodies'' uniqueposition.


    In other words, one dependency had reced another, which wasn''t what the Centurion Project envisioned. The Starfall Court was aiming much higher. Their goal was to use the Lost ne to raise Foreign Gods like cattle and station their Eternal Guardians in every corner of the Empire. That wouldn''t work if the puppets had to return to the remote star to recharge.


    That was the problem the caretakers tried to solve. Only, they were already half-mad from spending too much time inside the Dead Dao, leading to addled ideas like the puppet Vri kept in check. It was the researchers who''d imnted the breach into its forehead, hoping to use the Lost ne as a mobile battery. A dozen more puppets were destroyed during simr experiments, including one of the two Elder God puppets.


    The good news was that there were still more than enough puppets in working condition, and their unmatched constitutions held enough energy to keep going for decades on a single charge. That was more than enough time to deliver a devastating blow to the Kan''Tanu, especially if they could take out the pope before setting out.


    Taking charge of the whole puppet army was unfortunately out of the question. Like Joanna, he could only bring out a fraction of the Centurion Beacon''s power at his current level. Sending out multiple batches with rest in between was also impossible since the energy from the tracker had already been expended. Not to mention, Zac wasn''t convinced the worn base wouldst much longer. It was already well past its expiration date, and the recent activity was adding insult to injury.


    Zac finally recovered enough Mental Energy to continue his work. At that point, the tremors from the Foreign God''s attacks had already resumed. Zac could even sense its aura through the protective web of sunlight. Half the sr res were unfettered, leaving Zac blinded regarding much of the base. It didn''t impact his work beyond acting like a countdown. So far, only non-critical sections were affected, but he was running low on those.


    The understanding attained through <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> became Zac''s saving grace. It allowed him to grasp the underlying points rather than blindly follow a n that didn''t quite work with the base in its current state. Thousands of energy channels were rerouted, drastically lessening the leakage and damage, and the process became as much a matter of skill as grit.


    The measured approach made the ignition take a full minute instead of a few seconds. In exchange, Zac only expended a fifth as much Mental Energy, and he kept going without pause. The sixth tower was in slightly worse condition, but not to the point it made activation impossible. Uncaring of the long-term damage, Zac even flooded residential corridors with starlight, turning them into makeshift energy circuits.


    A deafening p of thunder shook the octagon just as the sixth bonfire ignited, and Zac almost cked out when an overwhelming amount of information flooded his mind. The Ascension Chamber had already been breached and activated, and there was nothing Zac could do to stop the pope''s actions. Vast clouds seething with fury gathered overhead.


    It was only a matter of time before the first bolts descended. Seeing it was a Dao Confirmation wasn''t enough to lift Zac''s spirit. The pope''s breakthrough caused even more instability than Zac had anticipated, with pieces of the outer ringpletely copsing from the pressure.


    Heaven''s descent also pushed the Foreign Gods into a frenzied state, and the faith barrier groaned under the assault. More and more corruption found its way past the defenses, and Zac''s hair stood on end from its aura. It was refined Dead Dao released by the Foreign God himself, far more dangerous than the purple mist they''d dealt with before.


    An urgent inquiry confirmed Joanna remained unconscious, and Carl still couldn''t ess any major weaponry. Zac could only rely on himself, and there was no more time to worry about finesse. Zac felt like his soul was being ripped apart from forcibly activating the final beacon, triggering a drastic change in the chamber.


    The sun, which had remained locked atop the spire, looked like it was melting. Liquid gold dripped onto the spire and was absorbed, and thousands of previously hidden runes lit up. The seven bonfires surrounding them were next. One by one, they poured into the spire, adding further strength to the runes.


    Zac''s heart sank when one rune after another dimmed. He only somewhat calmed down when just over twenty runes remained, each emitting a stable light. All that work, and he only managed to rally one percent of the Centurion Beacon''s true strength. It would have to be enough.


    Direction and purpose poured into the spire, with Zac picturing the Foreign Gods and Kan''Tanu Pope. The runes fused one after another, turning into an unbreakable set of orders. A fifth of the runes were used up to brand the trio as targets to be eradicated, which was more than Zac had hoped for.


    It meant he could send out five puppets at most, but only if he limited their orders to deal with the immediate threat. Zac duplicated the instructions after a brief deliberation. Two puppets would have to do.


    From there, Zac infused the increasinglyplex runes with his experiences in the Imperial Graveyard, warning of the dangers it posed. Finally, he imprinted the Zurbor Sector and the varying auras of the Kan''Tanu Chapters, marking their heretical path as enemies of the Empire. Zac grunted and was forced back a step right in the middle of the transfer, making him realize he''d run out of runes.


    Zac had no way of telling how well the overly sinct orders would work. The only way to find out was by putting theory into practice. Taking a stabilizing breath, he pushed the tremendous amounts of energy held in the spire downward, where the Eternal Guardians waited.


    Pragmatism overcame greed. Zac reluctantly ignored the enormous Elder God ced at the bottom of the tower, knowing his crudemand runes were utterly insufficient to awaken that behemoth. Instead, he picked two puppets just slightlyrger than the Foreign Gods, bncing power with control.


    The runes sank into the depths of the slumbering giants until they reached the center of their extraordinarywork of linked arrays. They seamlessly merged with the core like the final piece of a puzzle, and a surge of primordial force rose through the tower. The puppets lived up to their name. There was not a mark of time on their ancient bodies. They were ready to serve long after their masters had passed on.


    Zac drew a ragged breath as two links were erected. He felt as though a primordial fire from the dawn of time reced his ichor, and he saw the world through new eyes. His body held the power to shatter mountains and overturn seas. Not even the churning clouds above were safe from his might. They actually froze whening in contact with the majestic aura pouring out of the tower.


    The Eternal Guardians had awakened for one final mission.

 Chapter 1258: Closing Windows

    Chapter 1258: Closing Windows


    Kator grimly looked on from the sidelines as thest motes of sunlight entered the Draugr''s hand. The ominous dark encroaching from outside grew deeper as the central spire''s radiance faded. Left was only the mebearer Seal floating in the ster dusk, its splendor filling Kator with desire and irreconciliation. He could see its truth, hear its promise.


    He knew he should be happy. While his gains weren''t at the level he''d hoped, he wasn''t walking away empty-handed. Just as important, the madman had seeded against all odds, judging by the monstrous aura rising from below. There was no joy in Kator''s soul, only pain and anger. And premonition.


    The past month was a repeated lesson in fate''s mercurial nature, starting with the unbelievable events surrounding the cursed bell. The idea of sneaking two Autarch into the trial was a calcted risk. Still, the two being routed before they could implement any of the backup measures? The failed schemes hoisted on him had forced Kator down this ill-fated path, where each day left his future less certain.


    The strategists had analyzed Arcaz Umbri''Zi and Zachary Atwood inside and out. The dossier on them was thick enough to be considered a Heritage, and Kator had memorized it cover to cover. They''d even managed to confirm the uncanny Dao erasure and his unforeseeable Technique were rted, stemming from the Void of Dao. From there, it wasn''t difficult to pinpoint its weaknesses.


    However, those dusty old fools failed Kator where it mattered most. They''d chalked up the frontier barbarian''s unlikely journey to three factors. First, extremely high Luck brought from inborn advantages and monopolizing a world''s titles. Second, assistance from his hidden benefactor, likely the Empyrean Throne or a force from the Eternal Storm. Finally, being at the right ce at the right time.


    With the pir appearing in Zecia, he''d been swept forth on fate''s rising tide. All that was part of the equation, certainly, but there was something more. What Kator had witnessed went beyond Luck. It broke convention. Destiny wasn''t ushering this bastard on. He was walking along its shores, only taking a swim whenever he pleased.


    There was no order, no logic, and the irregrities even affected those around him. The subordinates following him had already surpassed their lot without showing any signs of slowing down, especially the one who made Zachary Atwood the avatar of her faith.


    Everything was consumed and turned into fuel for his progress. Not even the eroding Imperial Faith that most Supremacies avoided like the gue was an exception. Each sr re held enough faith to rewrite a Hegemon''s destiny. A Monarch would be marked at the very least. Unless they found someone powerful enough to break the chains, they''d be dragged into the machinations of the mostly forgotten empire.


    Arcaz''s resistance saved Kator that headache, but he''d still been forced to pay a heavy tax for his involvement. He felt as though his bones had be brittle y after enduring the brutal process of igniting the beacon. Who knew how long it would take to cleanse the massive amounts of corruption that had seeped into his body while his mind was overwhelmed?The cosmos kept pushing Kator down while raising this malignant star to the Heavens. Why did the chamber give this Abyssal anomaly a hero''s wee, like he were the Limitless Emperor''s long-lost son? Kator shuddered, feeling he''d finally grasped the thread that had eluded them all this time. Imperial Faith�� Cosmic Destiny��


    No wonder he kept subverting their expectations. No wonder the Threaded Hell''s Jade General sanctioned their escape. Arcaz Umbri''Zi wasn''t a henchman of the Tayns. He was an agent of the Limitless Empire itself.


    The more he thought about it, the more obvious it became. The epiphany came with the realization he needed to make a decision. The n of using the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> to appropriate Arcaz''s extraordinary Luck and fate during the trial was dead. The notion of keeping him captive and ransoming him to the empire afterward was even more farfetched. Ignoring his Luck, Arcaz was growing too fast.


    Kator needed to pick another direction, right now. The target was at his weakest, though that would soon change. Kator could almost see the threads of Destiny swirling around the Draugr. His next powerup was within arm''s reach, representing Kator''s window closing��this was his final opportunity. The Imperial Faith was at its nadir, obscured by the ancient Heavens and the fallen Dao. Only this kind of irreplicable environment could counter Arcaz''s ability to overturn fate.


    He only saw two paths forward. Follow in the shade demon''s footsteps by bing a genuine follower. Doing so would let him continue reaping the benefits from their entanglement. Exchange control for a glorious but unpredictable future. The other was to nip the threat in the bud, risking everything on their unconfirmed report being correct.


    Focusing on the floating seal, Kator felt a transcendent calme on. He knew what to do. Truthfully, he''d known since seeing Zachary Atwood sneak out of the Lost ne wielding that inconceivable power. It was the never-ending and constantly changing orders from his superiors that had left him muddled.


    Kator was seeing clearly now. Instead of worrying, he only needed to follow his heart.


    -----------


    A ray of Ster Wrath containing orders of magnitude more energy than the <strong>[Orionis de]</strong> tore through a series of walls to reach the Foreign God. The evil creature was prepared this time. A thin, misshapen appendage grew into a w lit up with veins of intense purple. The collision between starlight and twisted Dao contained enough force to turn Early Monarchs into ribbons, yet the tower didn''t so much as shudder.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The Foreign God''s tyrannical physique crushed the shockwave before it could expand. Only snippets escaped its domain, which was enough to twist the reinforced walls nearby. Zac felt his newly erected connection flicker, and he briefly lost visuals of the area. It didn''t impact the Eternal Guardian he''d awoken. The orders had been engraved on the puppet''s very core, and it would uphold it whether Zac was there or not.


    A lightning-quick blur followed in the starlight''s wake, oveing the suppressed space with an equally iron-fisted force. A gauntleted fist crashed into the creature''s extended w,pressing the resisting starlight into a blinding singrity. The Foreign God lost and was ejected from its breach with enough velocity to cause ring wounds in reality. Sunlight and purple mist poured out of the tears, adding to the growing chaos.


    Burning fury shook the octagon as the second Foreign God saw itspanion get pushed back, and hostility so intense it became a physical phenomenon descended on the beacon when the Eternal Guardian stepped out to continue its pursuit. A good chunk of the stockpiled Imperial Faith had already gone into igniting the beacon, and the chamber was approaching its limits.


    Cracks appeared across the ceiling, allowing more of the Foreign God''s malevolence to seep through. Even Zac began hearing dark whispers urging wanton destruction, a release of the pent-up stress he''d umted. To ignore the burdens of duty and focus on his own benefits. The seal was right there, waiting to be imed. He''d set the stage inside the Pris Vault. It was time to im his right.


    Stolen novel; please report.


    A primal force or vehement rejection interrupted the intrusive thoughts, allowing Zac to brace himself just before a tremendous shockwave forced him to his knees. The second Eternal Guardian had reached its target, and the Foreign God had been ripped away from the tower. Another herculean battle between brawn and brutality had begun.


    The Heavens were indifferent to the sealed dimension already straining from battle, and an enormous cyclone had formed above the ascension chamber. Zac felt a vast presence simr to what he encountered in the Twilight Harbor from within. It was the Grand Dao reluctantly descending for the Kan''Tanu Pope''s Dao Confirmation.


    Zac had never encountered a Dao like the one on disy. It was paradoxical, nihilistic, yet desirous. Zac couldn''t be certain, but he suspected it belonged to the Solitary Peak from the feeling it instilled and the user.


    The Solitary Peak was a very rare direction of practice despite holding more concepts than the average peak. It embraced all Daos that couldn''t be categorized as part of a group, which distinguished it from all other Dao Peaks. There was a restricting and enkindling bond between the elements, and most Daos of Conflict were connected. The Solitary Peakcked that coherence, with its parts sharing nomon ground. It wouldn''t be wrong to call it the surplus peak, filled with Heaven''s excess Dao.


    There was also a second meaning to the name��The Solitary Peak held the Daos of Solitude, Sacrifice, and Severance. The concept of giving up something to achieve your goals, whether that was your freedom, familial bonds, or even your life. The effect was far more extreme than what you saw from the Peaks of Faith or Impetus, as it could only be considered a sacrifice or severance if the effect was permanent.


    This was the main reason it was rarely practiced. Giving up anything for the sake of power bordered on the unorthodox. As a result, the Solitary Peak''s Daos were much more popr among Heretical Cultivators than the orthodox path, to the point most righteous factions began to avoid it. It wasn''t worth the risk of being branded as a heretic. It was safer to integrate the concept of sacrifice or severance into cultivation manuals without cultivating its Dao.


    It was simr to how the <strong>[Boundless Vajra Sublimation]</strong> worked better when practiced inside special mes without needing a Dao of Fire. The mostmon method of utilizing the Dao of Sacrifice without grasping it was burning your Longevity for a temporary burst of power. The drawback of this approach was that the effect wouldn''t be nearly as pronounced as if you actually practiced the Daos of Sacrifice or Severance.


    A cultist who was willing to do anything for power wouldn''t be satisfied with such half-measures. If anything, they pushed the Dao beyond its natural limit by breaking the Law of Bnce. Zac should have expected the pope''s path to be upheld by the Dao of Sacrifice after seeing the society he''d spawned.


    Spatial tears were opening as the Grand Dao descended. Even then, Zac felt something wascking. While majestic, the Dao felt distant and weak. It was at that time a pir of crystalline starlight surrounded by aplex web of fleshy tendrils rose from the Ascension Chamber. It rose into the cyclone and seemingly merged with it, though the tendrils stopped halfway.


    Zac donned a grim expression as the Dao grew deeper while section after section of the Centurion Base went dark. He''d desperately hoped the chamber wouldn''t work, but it looked like they''d run out of Luck. Zac understood why the old cultists had so desperately scoured the Imperial Graveyard all these years.


    Reaching Peak C-grade was almost impossible on the frontier. Going any further was impossible, period. The Heavens weren''t high enough, unable to support the breakthroughs. It had taken the Eventide Asura half a lifetime of preparation to create a single opportunity for a Dao Defense. The fact even the Eidolon and Eternal n fought for the chance proved how rare such opportunities were, even in the hearnds.


    A Dao Confirmation wasn''t nearly as demanding, but the pope was a thoroughbred unorthodox cultivator with immensely fell Karma. The Asura only skirted the line in that regard and thus didn''t face as powerful resistance. Nothing could becking for the pope''s attempt. He''d found the opportunity through the Ascension Chamber, which could strengthen one''s connection with the Heavens while weakening the bacsh.


    He wasn''t even satisfied there. The fleshy tendrils were attuning themselves to the starlight while the Dao of Sacrifice spread through the base. Zac didn''t understand exactly how, but he suspected the pope was using an unorthodox method to hide from the Heavens. Some of the tribtion intended for his Inner World would instead strike the base.


    The first bolt was already forming, meaning Zac was running out of time. The beacon was lit, but that didn''t mean that the base had served its purpose. On the contrary, the experimental guardians were still tethered to the base''s grand array, and Zac had no idea what would happen if the base suddenly blew up. With such weakmand runes, the shock could return them to their slumber.


    Not to mention, Zac''s people were spread all through the base. He''d already sent them the escape routes found in the sr res, but it would take a while for them to reach safety. His group was no different. The nearest teleporter had copsed, and the next one was over ten minutes away. There was no way they''d reach it in time, so he needed to stop the tribtion before it was toote.


    The problem was, while the Eternal Guardians were clearly stronger than the Foreign Gods, they failed to eke out a significant advantage. It wasn''t their fault��the me could only be ced on Zac. His barebonesmand runes left them dumb, forck of a better word. They were like Zac before he walked down the path of Technique, having plenty of raw strength but no effective method to utilize it.


    The old cultist would finish his breakthrough uninterrupted unless something changed, and everything would be for nothing if he were allowed to escape into the Imperial Graveyard. Zecia would fall even if they managed to survive. Who could stop the pope after he became a Divine Monarch? Even the Eternal Guardians would probably lose if the pope could rally the Kan''Tanu elite chapters. At the very least, he could hide until the guardians ran out of energy.


    Zac needed to free up one of the guardians and use it to disrupt the Ascension Chamber. Zac infused his will into the connection and sensed the twomand runes. He focused on one and was suddenly awash with unfettered power again. He was the size of a world where each cell held an ocean of starlight. Zac tried to wield that strength, only to find himself locked out.


    He refused to believe the connection was just for show and tried another approach. Soon enough, there were some results. Channeling his Daos through the bond altered the puppet''sbat style, though the connection weakened as a result. Was themand rune rejecting all outside interference, or was the problem his borrowed authority?


    Seeing the change, Zac quickly stopped to pull out one of his Dao Molds. The vibrant starlight didn''t seem like a good match with his Dao of Death, so he infused the connection with his Evolutionary Dao.


    The result was instant. The Imperial Guard conjured an enormous halberd wrought from mes and swung it in a fluid motion, echoing Zac''s Evolutionary Stance. The whole subspace shook as an absolute edge split the world in two. One of the Foreign God''s arms was cut clean off and burned as it fell to the depths.


    Zac looked on with anticipation as the de continued toward the Ascension Chamber but swore upon seeing the Heart Curse''s tendrils grow into an enormous face. It swallowed the starlight and instantly exploded. However, much of the force was disced, appearing outside the base. A fraction struck the tower, which was only enough to make the Ascension Chamber''s barriers flicker and dim.


    It looked like the connection allowed for another infusion, but a temporal ripple took priority. While furious at the timing, Zac wasn''t surprised. He''d never forgotten the threat lurking nearby, and the vignce paid off. Kator could no longer sit still.


    Zac threw out an array of time-absorbing sacrificial dolls before decisively activating Esmeralda''s switch. The <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> was severed, but Zac was stunned to feel a new bond rece the old, one even sturdier than the one before.


    "You��"


    Kator''s answer came in the form of blinding agony as time unraveled. The dolls exploded in unison, utterly incapable of absorbing the epoch transmitted through the modified link. Desperate, Zac activated <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> before his body was torn apart by the bacsh while infusing the brand with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>. It wasn''t nearly enough. His Void Emperor Bloodline struggled to deal with the temporal bacsh during his Middle Hegemony breakthrough, and whatever Kator had unleashed was far worse.


    Zac was caught in a loop where each cycle worsened his disconnect with the river of time. The nullification sphere could only slightly weaken the effect, and <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>was limited to erasing some of the temporal flow that poured into his body.


    "It looks like you''re facing some trouble, <em>friend</em>?" a voice distorted by the temporal flux came from the control room. "Don''t worry. I''ll help out as soon as I''ve absorbed this treasure."

 Chapter 1259: Insane or Genius

    Chapter 1259: Insane or Genius


    Cracks teeming with temporal mayhem spread across Zac''s body, and his human half inside the shrine wasn''t faring much better. A surge of hostile Dao and Energy at this level would be incredibly dangerous no matter which affinity it held. It being the Dao of Time simply made it so much worse.


    The Dao tearing him apart was at least at the level of a Late Earthly Dao. It could be even higher, seeing how effortlessly the invasion overwhelmed his attempts at fighting back with all three of his <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>-empowered Daos. There seemed to be no end to the truthsing from the resurrected <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Worse, just holding out took everything Zac had.


    Zac could only hopelessly watch on as the twomand brands crumbled, unable to withstand the differing time flow between guardian and controller. Zac tried to infuse another surge of Dao before it was toote, but only scraps got through the temporal gauntlet before it was toote. The connection was severed, and Zac''s vantage of the outside disappeared.


    The situation far surpassed Zac''s expectations, even if he''d been aware of his weakness against Time since his breakthrough into Middle Hegemony. He''d searched high and low for treasures to recover from the bacsh. Unfortunately, such specific items were rarer than Longevity Treasures and just as popr. Who didn''t want to abuse time to prolong their life or catch up with thepetition?


    He''d only secured two with average effect from Limited Exchange and had to let his body relimatize on its own. It was no different from how he''d overindulged on Cosmic Water shortly after the integration. Time heals all wounds, even those made from time. Unless someone like Kator came along and ripped that wound open before it could fully recover.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Esmeralda was desperately trying to help, heedlessly consuming the stockpiled liquid on her back. Unfortunately, time was also Esmeralda''s nemesis with the curse afflicting her. Zac could see how Esmeralda aged months in a second because of her attempts to help. Her sacrifice did at least help somewhat by filtering the influx, lessening the temporal shes.


    With the root cause still not solved, Zac activated equipment and talismans in a flurry. The air around him solidified, bing a temporal anchor. It barely changed anything because the attack came from within his body. Not being the only one suffering didn''t bring Zac any joy, either.


    Zac darkly looked on as Kator emerged from the control room, draped in a shroud of purple Killing Intent. He radiated identical temporal fluctuations as those that were tearing Zac apart. They were in lockstep, equally dislodged from the river of time, and his torment wasn''t enough to hide the truth from Zac''s eyes.


    He''d taken some pleasure in transferring spiritual damage and mental drain through the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> when advancing his Daos, especially after confirming it didn''t trigger a bacsh from their contract. Kator, with his weaker soul, had suffered much more than he had from the tribtion. Now, Kator was using the very same method against him.Kator was holding a small ss sphere covered in engravings. Inside was a churning storm, and Zac''s pain grew much worse simply by witnessing the extraordinary Temporal Energies trapped inside. The storm had to be a Temporal Natural Treasure, one at the very limits of the D-grade. Worse, it didn''t seem like the kind of treasure that benefited cultivators. Its turbulent nature more resembled the unusable energy inside Beast Cores.


    It didn''t discourage Kator from drawing upon the item, resulting in Zac suffering from the same temporal storm. Equal treatment didn''t mean equal oues. Kator hadn''t overindulged in temporal chambers, and he wielded a Dao of Time. Zac even saw a previously innocuous bone on Kator''s throat radiating an archaic aura.


    It wasn''t like the signature mark of Zac''s Void Emperor bloodline. The sense of antiquity was more literal. It had to be a fifth Miracle Bone rted to the Dao of Time, the ace Kator had kept hidden until now. It brought the disordered Temporal Energies under control and drew them into his body. All that, and Kator still struggled, so it was no surprise Zac was on the verge of copse.


    Sensing the huge amounts of energy left in the sphere, Zac knew he had no chance to hold on until the attack stopped. He''d be overwhelmed and torn apart long before that. He had no choice but to take drastic measures.


    A stream of Dao melded with Void emerged from his Soul Aperture, and streaks of Oblivion joined in to form a deadly spear��a spear aimed at his own heart. Zac grunted as a sharp pain joined the tearing agony. The suffering was followed by intense relief as a river of lightning gushed into his bodies. The rampaging Temporal Energies were swept away by the cleansing storm.


    Forcing <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> open half a day early had damaged the node, but its work was almostplete. Only errant streaks retained their original will, while the bulk had been transformed by the Void. It dug deeper than the Imperial Faith, purging hidden corruption while routing time''s cruel mark.


    It even unearthed something else, something hidden in the depths of Zac''s cells. He was shocked to see stars norger than specks of dust. They radiated a transcendent aura that surpassed the Dao, no different than the star atop Stard''s head. Only, they were so small and weak that it was impossible to notice any effect on his body.


    For now. The hidden suns looked like inert particles, unable to cause any harm. And yet, the refined tribtion was utterly incapable of dislodging them. Nothing happened as the lightning passed them by, and Zac suspected they''d escape his senses when the lightning ran out of steam.


    Zac didn''t get the chance to consider the implications because a huge crack leaking Temporal Energy suddenly opened across his chest. The energy came from nowhere, as the lightning had already cleansed his body of temporal Dao. And yet, the bacsh hadn''t stopped, leaving Zac rmed and confused.


    "Why doesn''t it work?" Zac wheezed inside the Shrine of Kanba, struggling to retain the lightning as long as possible. While it didn''t fix his problems, it did drastically lessen his strain.


    "If you put out a forest fire, will the trees be unburnt?" Esmeralda signed. "Your body has received a temporal wound approaching the point of no return, and the River of Time is pushing back. What you''re doing is only buying time, not solving the root cause."


    Zac wasn''t sure what to think. It was the Tribtion Lightning that had saved his life after breaking through to Middle Hegemony. The first bolt had swept away the temporal bacsh, allowing him to focus on his core. Was the refinement the issue, or was it a matter of quantity? The bacsh he faced now was far more severe, while the lightning was only a shadow of what he faced back then.


    "The link, any ideas?" Zac grunted.


    Esmeralda shook her head, the fear and helplessness evident in her eyes. "No. He''s reinforced the bond by epting more of the downsides on himself. He''s technically taking twice the punishment right now. Even the Dao of Sacrifice permeating the air is helping him."


    A deafening p of thunder made the remaining lightning trapped within his frame shudder. The first bolt was descending toward the Ascension Chamber. Zac didn''t need to see the distant sector to sense the overwhelming power it contained. Whether it was Law or raw power, it infinitely surpassed anything he''d faced.


    Zac didn''t have the luxury of worrying about the pope at the moment, though his tribtion gave Zac an idea. His eyes gleamed with madness as he pushed against the Duplicity Core, wrenching open a hidden chute.


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    "What are you��"


    Esmeralda''s voice was overwhelmed by another thunderp, this one seeming much closer. It was like the roiling clouds had turned around, sensing a threat from behind. Zac could feel hostility far more palpable than before. He also sensed anticipation from the System observing from within the Heavens.


    "Change of ns. Try to make the bond unbreakable," Zac growled as he began preparing.


    "What are you�� Fine," Esmeralda signed with a somber expression. "I will bet on you. Again. After this, I''ll fall asleep. Think of a way to repay me."


    Thest liquid was drained from Esmeralda''s vats, and she spat out an odd hourss that had three chambers. The upper held blue sand, the lower green, and both poured toward the middle. The item left the Shrine of Kanba, cing itself atop the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>.


    "The link will revert to its current state no matter what happens for the next five minutes," Esmeralda said before passing out.


    Kator didn''t seem to notice the change. Or perhaps he didn''t care. He clearly wasn''t thinking straight, and not just because he''d activated the Berserker Miracle Bone that made him reek of Killing Intent. There was a subtle yet unmistakable change to his demeanor, resembling the malevolence of the Qriz''Ul.


    He''d been corrupted. Its subtlety indicated Kator hadn''tpletely lost his rationality, but even a small shift in perception could lead to disaster.


    "Why?" Zac asked as he got to his feet inside the octagon. "You have nothing to gain from this."


    "Sometimes you have to fight, even if are no benefits beyond reinforcing your path. There can��t be two tigers on a mountain," Kator said, though Zac noted Kator''s attention was repeatedly drawn to the mebearer seal.


    "You''re not fated for that," Zac said with exhaustion, knowing it wouldn''t make a difference.


    "You, if anyone, should know Fate can change," Kator snickered. "Changing courts is indeed not possible. But upgrading them? I''m not so sure."


    Zac wasn''t sure whether Kator was right. There were far-too-few mebearer Seals in cirction, and it was as though the candidates had been chosen early on. As far as Zac knew, Yselio was the only mebearer to have fallen. Was Kator guessing, or had the White Sky Phnx managed to figure something out with their widerwork?


    Kator wasn''t making any moves on the seal despite his confident tone, and Zac understood why. Kator was waiting for his demise, nning to loot his seals first. Theoretically, it would decrease the risk of rejectionpared to iming the unaffiliated seal above the spire. Zac would haveughed if the circumstances were different. Fate wasn''t so easily seized, and it often required a leap of faith. It was that caution that would provide the window Zac needed.


    The Duplicity Core was drawing more and more energy, causing the resonating ripples it released into the Quantum Space to grow stronger. Ignoring the dangers, Zac consumed a huge amount of Natural Treasures inside the Shrine of Kanba, directing all the energy into his Quantum Space. He needed to light the fire, and quickly.


    The tribtion clouds were growing darker. The others would think it was a result of the pope enduring the first bolt. Only Zac knew better. The Heavens, once burned already, were rallying its forces to strangle a threat in the cradle. Zac would be lying if he said he wasn''t nervous. The System''s presence was still weak, and there was no way of knowing if it wouldply.


    Even then, Zac kept going. He only needed to stall a little longer.


    "You''re sick," Zac said. "You need to circte the <strong>[Starfall Scripture] </strong>and clear your head before you go insane."


    "Insane, genius�� Those are epithets decided by the victor," Kator said, looking Zac up and down. "I''m surprised you''re chipper enough to hold a conversation. I''d been worried my advancement would cause you some trouble. The Void really holds marvelous power. I pray it can endure."


    Zac''s heart clenched upon hearing those words, knowing there was no point in refuting Kator''s statement. The trail of breadcrumbs he''d been forced to leave over the years had finally caught up with him. Moreover, the refined lightning had finally run out, and he once more had to face the temporal attack head-on. Nevertheless, Zac wasn''t too worried. If anything, he felt liberated.


    The future might hold troubles because of his abilities being exposed. For now, Zac was content with shattering Kator''s delusions. He understood certain aspects of the Void Emperor bloodline, ignorant that the snippets Zac had shown were only the tip of the iceberg.


    "It''s not bad, except it draws unwanted attention," Zac said, raising his left hand.


    A mysterious sigil appeared on his palm, one holding the essence of the Void. It was aimed right at the roiling sky in an open challenge. The clouds immediately grew so dark and oppressive that even the Centurion Sun''s rays failed to prate the gloom, and the octagon shook when it received Heaven''s full attention.


    It was at that moment Zac''s second body emerged from hiding, holding arge array disk already thrumming with power in each hand.


    "Stop!" Kator''s roared, realizing something was wrong.


    The reaver rallied the Time spread through his body, turning into a blur as a deep-blue javelin appeared in his hand. With the short distance between them, his throw would reach its mark almost instantly. Almost was all Zac needed. He drew from his waning reserves of Void Energy to activate <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> and <strong>[Empyrean Aegis] </strong>in tandem.


    The wooden wheel safeguarding the natural order turned, and the spear briefly stalled as a plume of time was shaken loose from its haft. A thick coffin formed before the weapon''s tip before it could pick up speed. Unfortunately, it was not amon treasure, and the blockade couldn''t withstand even its weakened power. Another pygmy moved to disce the weakened attack while the wheel turned again.


    The javelin suddenly leaped forward, avoiding both counters. Zac''s vision turned white when a blur whizzed past, taking his Draugr body''s left arm with it. The pain was bing too much, and Zac had to enter Void State to prevent his mind from shutting down. He blearily held on, keeping his eye on Kator''s next move.


    There was none because a ball of eyes appeared above his head. The apparition felt like apact Heaven, one solely wrought from Death. Zac had briefly felt this aura when his agreement with the Undead Empire went into effect��the mark of the Primo. Zac wasn''t the source of its attention��it was solely ced on Kator, who threw a crystalline bone in its direction.


    The eyes suddenly looked faded as the bone froze in the air. The two objects had clearly entered an invisible struggle. It was like the items had shifted to a separate dimension, and Zac wouldn''t known anything was happening if not for his Danger Sense screaming of existential peril. It was no different than when he stood beneath Vastermal nur, facing the full extent of a Supremacy''s displeasure.


    The bunched-up eyes closed one after another as cracks appeared and spread across the small bone. The bone finally shattered when five eyes remained. Kator stumbled, but his aura remained stable. He''d only been forced to endure a fraction of the intended bacsh, which wasn''tparable to Zac''s wretched state.


    Zac was exhrated despite the setback, and not just because the bacsh wasn''t transmitted. His actions had tricked Kator into making the first move. Kator had finally slipped up after mockingly staying just within bounds for over a month, which meant all bets were off. Zac was no longer constrained by the agreement. He''d be safe from punishment no matter how he dealt with the reaver. While not a solution to his impending bacsh, it was a step in the right direction.


    Releasing a month of frustrations with his axes would have to wait. Zac suppressed the blood loss of his missing arm to fully focus on what was going on within. His Cosmic Core had already passed the critical point. Blinding streaks of energy leaked through thousands of cracks, and it was only held together by sheer determination.


    Zac could only think of one remedy to the Temporal Bacsh after the refined lightning failed to deal with the threat. Since a refined Earthly Dao tribtion didn''t do the trick, he had no choice but to bring out the big guns by breaking into Late Hegemony. This was a counter uniquely possible to him, who drew Heaven''s ire before his breakthrough even started, and something Kator couldn''t possibly have anticipated.


    If one bolt failed, then he''d eat two. And if that wasn''t enough, there was still the punishment of Laws. If anything, he weed it. Kator wanted to kill him through the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> loophole? Two could y that game. He looked forward to seeing how Kator dealt with a doubled Four Destes Tribtion without the assistance of the Void.


    Zac''s only other option was betting everything on the body-refining treasure he got from Esmeralda, or rather the hint of Law she''d discovered within. Zac''s instincts told him it wouldn''t work. It wasn''t the Laws that had saved himst time. It was the purifying force of the Heavenly Peak overwhelming time''s hold on him. Not to mention, a body-refining treasure wouldn''t harm a famously sturdy Izh''Rak Reaver. If anything, it might do the opposite.


    As for upgrading his Cosmic Core post-tribtion in a subspace being torn apart by leviathans duking it out, while somehow taking out the pope? That was a problem for after he''d wrapped up the thread of Karma standing before him. Provided he survived the next couple of seconds. Zac could already feel the Heavens breathing down his neck, and he dragged the Core Formation Arrays'' protective barriers through his Duplicity Core''s hatch, at which point he finally let go.


    The ignition had begun. Genius or insane, there was only one way to find out.

 Chapter 1260: Desperate Measures

    Chapter 1260: Desperate Measures


    A web of cracks spread across Kator''s left arm as he advanced on Zac. The reaver might have expended a supreme treasure to avoid bacsh from their contract, but he was still under the effect of the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Since Kator hadn''t relied on the bond''s loophole to destroy Zac''s left arm, he faced a simr bacsh. The effect wasn''t at the level Zac hoped to see, though.


    Kator was resisting the effect through the huge amounts of Temporal Energy in his body. The transmitted damage was being slowed down while his recovery was elerated, drastically mitigating the impact. While the Lost ne''s madness might have sent Kator down the wrong path, he clearly had long-going preparations for his betrayal.


    Those preparations undoubtedly included severing the bond. It would stop the damage transmission, allowing Kator to whittle down the transferred and decelerated damage without facing any lethal threat. Even so, the reaver didn''t get the chance to follow up on his javelin throw. Hundreds of runes conjured by Zac''s Core Formation Arrays lit up the dusky chamber.


    The runes matched Zac''s Evolutionary and Inexorable Paths, heralding his sudden ascension. In reality, they were the funnels meant to draw on his Cultivation Cave''s ambient energy. With no matching energy around, they mostly became an empty ornament, though they did draw in an unexpected catch.


    Hidden pockets of Imperial Faith that had survived the Centurion Beacon''s activation were drawn into the runes and deposited into Zac''s body. That did nothing to bolster the Core Formation Array''s barrier, which was what Zac desperately needed with his core about to blow. Luckily, the recement was ready.


    The Remnants usually orbiting his Cosmic Core had been pulled from the Quantum Space the moment Zac came up with his n, and they readily supplied all the energy they''d stockpiled since the Atavism. The same was true for the other sets spread across his bodies. The energy was only a decent match with his tailored Core Formation Array, which was better than nothing.


    Still not satisfied, Zac threw out a pile of Fiend Crystals just as a deep groan came from the depths of his Cosmic Core. The next moment, Zac''s mind was overwhelmed by a blinding white as his core exploded. The ignition was so intense that the weight of its force briefly held back the shockwave, and Zac used that small window to crush the Fiend Crystals with a wave of his arm.


    A profoundly brutal aura spread across the octagon like a starving beast let loose from its cage. The bloody air shook Kator awake. He''d toppled over from the intense pain that must have been transmitted through the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Zac''s foolhardy action appeared to have left him stunned, not knowing whether he should attack or let Zac tear himself apart. Kator chose the former.


    "Stop, or I''ll trigger the bomb," Kator threatened, taking out his mace to unleash a wave of destruction rushing forward.Zac had no time to worry whether the threat was real, and he had no way to stop, even if he wanted to. He rallied his Void Emperor bloodline to its limits, bing a ck hole that swallowed the huge amounts of fiendish energy. No small amount of corruption snuck inside, too, but there wasn''t much Zac could do about that.


    Inexhaustible, primal power coursed through Zac''s veins, even suppressing the temporal storm still raging within. He felt as though he''d been forged and tempered in the prehistoric mes of the Era''s birth, his body the perfect vessel of ughter. Not even the Heavens could deny his��


    Hundreds of red-hot projectiles filled with the essence of his Cosmic Core woke Zac up to the reality of his situation. They''d escaped the copsing reality at the heart of his Quantum Space, shooting out with doubled ferocity. Worse, they were just the first wave, with the bulk of his coreing on their heel in the form of an expanding cloud of utter destruction.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    The pieces were too fast, too deadly, and Zac had learned his lesson fromst time. He didn''t attempt to block all of them. In fact, he intentionally let half of them go by creating soft spots in his barrier. Being too greedy in this situation would only backfire and cause greater losses. Better save the diamonds in the rough while sacrificing the most damaged pieces. That way, the loss of spirituality would be kept at a minimum.


    While pragmatic, the approach meant hundreds of projectiles emerged from his Quantum Space with the speed and ferocity of shooting stars. Two gory flowers, one red and one ck, bloomed, spewing seeds of blinding power. As if by a stroke of luck, only a few targeted the control rooms while most rushed toward Kator.


    The reaver was already dealing with the pain of having two midriffs exploding, and he was too slow in reacting to the new threat. The debris tore apart the concussive wave of destruction without it putting up much of a fight before mming into Kator''s Warbones with a deafening ng. The reaver might have been in a better state than Zac, but even he couldn''t nullify the iing force. Kator was pushed halfway across the chamber beforeing to a stop, a new set of cracks adorning his baster tes.


    The sudden turn-around wasn''t a coincidence. The force unleashed from the ignition was no different than a Beast King detonating their Beast Core in a final act of defiance. Zac used that to his advantage, turning his core into a weapon by ignoring all pieces flying in Kator''s direction. It was a pyrrhic victory.


    Zac made for a ghastly sight, where his legs and upper torso were only held together by cracked pieces of spine and strips of mangled flesh. Reinforcing his body with the Fiend Energy had only been enough to avoid being fully bisected, and Zac was given almost no time to recover. The ignition''s main shockwave was still advancing toward the edge of his Duplicity Core, holding far more pieces of his Cosmic Core.


    A string of thunderps was an ominous reminder Zac didn''t just have his Cosmic Core to worry about. The pressure from above had been skyrocketing from the moment Zac triggered his breakthrough and familiar streaks of angry red crystallized throughout the chamber. Zac staunchly held onto his Void State as he pulled from his waning stockpile of refined insights inside <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong>.


    Zac''s drained mind was once more kicked into overdrive, giving the illusion of time slowing down. It gave him the much-needed wriggle room to navigate this deadly tightrope. Blobs of opalescent Creation dislodged from his Core Formation Barrier were repurposed to regrow broken flesh. His stomach was doomed to be destroyed again, but Zac had no choice but to invite another round of suffering.


    His core upgrade was already destined to be an almost hopeless uphill battle, and every piece of debris he lost would further worsen his chances of sess. He needed to retain as many pieces as possible, even if that meant using his flesh to slow down their escape.


    The ceiling copsed to provide passage to a pir of dark-red extermination. Zac weed it despite having his hands full with the ignition. The temporal bacsh made every attempt to exert control exponentially more difficult, and the pain it wrought had reached the point where an overpowered bolt of lightning seemed preferable.


    Even so, Zac couldn''t help but second-guess his idea when faced with the Heavenly wrath. His mind was still working overtime because of Ultom''s wisdom, giving him more time to appreciate just how much force was crammed into the first bolt. While he couldn''t sense any hints of the Four Destes, its raw force far surpassed the final bolt of his previous breakthrough.


    Likest time, the Heavens had produced a punishment far exceeding the crime. Zac saw little hope in surviving it, let alone the ones that would follow. Having Kator taking on part of the punishment didn''t matter if the churning sky held enough fury to overwhelm them both.


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    "Void Road! Bnce!" Zac croaked, his voice barely a whisper.


    The message was still heard loud and clear, and the silent observer behind the curtain finally stirred. The System didn''t overwhelm the Heavens this time. Zac wasn''t sure if it could. Its presence seemed distant and hollow, perhaps because of the special environment. The sh between Eternal Guardians and Foreign Gods had caused such extensive dimensional damage that the base may as well have been halfway submerged into the Lost ne.


    It was willing to help in another way. Zac felt a vibration from his pocket where he stored the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>, which in turn stirred the Imperial Faith absorbed by the Core Formation Arrays. A radiant sigil simr to the control runes he''d lost appeared in his Soul Aperture, and Zac suddenly felt a connection with thousands of fiery rivers.


    No, not fire. It was the Imperial Faith spread throughout the Centurion Base, forming awork ofkes and tributaries. Zac could intuit the System''s intentions and pulled with all his might, especially targeting the intense Imperial Faith upholding the Ascension Chamber''s operations. The whole base darkened to ignite a beacon of providence in its center.


    A new sun was born atop the octagon''s spire, this one without so much a speck of Ster Energy. It was all Imperial Faith, radiating an unquestionable authority that could even overturn the Heavens. The mebearer seal retreated like it couldn''t stand the rays, and the descending tribtion faded significantly as it made its way through the sun''s domain. What remained was a cmity, only not an insurmountable one.


    The red pir formed a connection between man and Heaven, a connection where each side fought for dominion. No preparation in the world would allow Zac to perfectly deal with a simultaneous ignition and tribtion. He could only put his faith in his constitution, letting the lightning sweep through his body while focusing on the more immediate threat. Zac held on for everything he was worth, pushing his Soul, Heart, and Body to their limits to take charge over the miniature universe born inside his Quantum Space.


    The Core Formation Barrier trembled, and dozens of punctures were ripped open when the ignition''s shockwave came crashing down. However, Rava''s instructions on the nature of cultivation proved true once more. His body had the resilience to endure the barrage, and his soul possessed the prerequisite strength to suppress the errant Dao.


    With a strengthened Heart, Zac also found it far easier to connect with the wayward debris. Last time, he''d imparted order through force. Now, he was spared half the effort by harmonizing with the Quantum Space. Unfortunately, that wasn''t enough when a sea of lightning joined the mix.


    The tribtion had already swept through his body, leaving a wastnd in its wake. His bodies had instinctively fought back, exhausting nearly half of its force through Dao and Void. What remained gathered in his stomach and poured through the Specialty Core''s hatch. The Heavenly Lightning refused to be suppressed by his soul or harmonize with his Heart, and its addition was like throwing gasoline on the mes. The pieces that had begun arranging themselves were destroyed or swept away, and Zac''s stomach was ripped open again as a result.


    "I knew it!" Kator roared as he mbered to his feet, undeterred by the terrifying punishment transmitted through the link. "You''ve sold your soul to the fallen Emperor and his zealots."


    Zac was almost delirious with agony as he held on for dear life. Between the hasty ignition and facing the tribtion mid-breakthrough, the damage was far worse than he''d hoped. He''d already lost a full ten percent of his Cosmic Core''s spirituality, and the Heavens seemed intent on iming what remained as it ravaged the Quantum Space.


    Seeing so much work undone pushed Zac''s fury to new heights. The fact that more than half of the temporal bacsh had been purged did nothing to improve his mood. He wouldn''t have a bacsh to deal with if not for Kator''s betrayal anyhow. And yet, there was nothing he could do to his enemy. If Zac didn''t get control over his Cosmic Core before the second tribtion descended, there would be nothing left to salvage.


    He submerged his will into his Quantum Space, enduring the electrocution to resume his work. He became the lighthouse in the night, leading his broken core to safer waters. Gradually, the pieces began resisting the sea of lightning, once more lining up to form rotating asteroid belts. Zac was exhrated to discover that with each piece joining thework, it became easier to resist the heavenly lightning. From the beginning, the pieces were part of something greater.


    Kator wouldn''t give him the time he needed toplete the arrangement. Smoke rose from the joints of his Warbones, and he emitted such intense Killing Intent that Zac wasn''t sure if he''d finally snapped. This time, there was no debris to block Kator''s advance, and Zac had his hands full. The clouds above were already signaling that the second bolt wasn''t far off.


    Suddenly, a curtain of darkness swept through the room, forming a thick barrier separating the two opponents. Meanwhile, hundreds of tendrils rose from the ground to grab onto Kator. Zac exhaled and turned his attention inward, ignoring the shadow wall being torn apart by a Dao-empowered swing with Kator''s mace.


    Hiding within was another form of darkness��purple mist so condensed it was almost ck. The fog turned into four misshapen goblin heads that released a wordless screech in Kator''s direction. The reaver froze as a cavalcade of discordant impressions was transmitted into Zac''s mind, almost undoing his work.


    Kator''s Killing Intent kicked up a storm that scattered the goblins, and the mist was pulled into his hulking frame. He''d countered madness with savagery, which was now trained right at Zac. It was at that moment a weak crackle barely audible above the roaring storm made Zac''s Danger Sense scream.


    Ogras dragged his spear from the Temporal Treasure in Kator''s now empty hand, returning to the shadows just before a mace tore him apart. An explosion of darkness threw Kator into the distance with enough force to cause a dent in the octagon''s wall. Something like that would have been inconceivable before, proving just how far gone the structure was.


    Meanwhile, a bloodied Ogras appeared by Zac''s side. He''d narrowly outrun the unsealed temporal storm, but it was clear that Kator''s strike hadn''tpletely missed its mark. Zac was unable to spare any attention to themotion. He was still fighting the battle within, furiously imposing order on the debris. Ogras understood as much.


    <em>''I''ve already dismantled the bomb aboard the ship.''</em> The message entered Zac''s mind as he vaguely sensed the Core Formation Arrays being lifted into the air and moved away from the approaching storm.


    The demon was gone the next moment, wisely extricating himself before he became entangled with the tribtion.


    A deep, cruel growl shook the crumbling chamber as Kator''s mace tore through the shadows left in the demon''s wake. An axe teeming with barely contained power rose to block. The devastating sh swept away the darkness, and even the winds of time were forced into a retreat.


    Zac had no choice but to allocate part of his attention to Kator during his ignition. Ogras''s timely appearance had allowed him to tune out the noise and fully focus on his core. His efficiency had skyrocketed. The remnant lightning couldn''t disrupt theplexwork of interlocked asteroid belts that kept his growing Quantum Space stable.


    The price had been steep, but he''d passed the first hurdle already. With his foundations set and half the temporal paradox gone, the next waves of the tribtion woulde easier. He hadn''t even used <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> yet, and it looked like <strong>[Void Heart]</strong> would be able to consume at least a small amount of lightning despite its damage. He was no longer a sitting duck who had to take whatever Kator threw his way.


    He could finally mount a counteroffensive.


    Kator''s overhead swing narrowly won out in raw force, but the sudden introduction of a third party stopped Kator from seizing an advantage. Verun barreled into Kator like a wrecking ball, its furious bites and swipes conveying its master''s desire for death and destruction. A savage melee erupted,cking all the finesse of their previous duel.


    Neither side was in any state to properly fight ording to their technique with wounds and Heavenly lightning disrupting the cirction of Dao. Refinement was reced with brutality, where each side was willing to sacrifice flesh and bone to eke out an advantage. The furious exchange ended with new sets of wounds but no victor when the Heavens heaved.


    This time, the very air trembled, and Zac was filled with a familiar sense of doom. The destes had already joined in on Heaven''s inquest. Verun urgently retreated into its home, but Zac wouldn''t let Kator disengage.


    "What have you done, Draugr?" Kator growled as Zac stuck to him like glue with his Draugr half, clearly shocked at the brewing judgment.


    Zac felt the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> tremble before he could answer. Kator was trying to sever the link since it had be a hindrance to his goals. Even if he had more Temporal Treasures like the one before, it would just be washed away by the next bolt. There was no point for him to face the tribtion, especially not when it held the Four Laws.


    Kator wasn''t fated to get his way this time. The grains of sand inside Esmeralda''s hourss changed direction, and the link stabilized like nothing had happened.


    "You��"


    A bloody grin spread across Zac''s face as the world grew blindingly bright. "No going back now."

 Chapter 1261: Cutting off the Future

    Chapter 1261: Cutting off the Future


    "What is going on?!" Sorothom swore under his breath. His connection with the Stygian Anchors spread throughout the Imperial Graveyard was rapidly weakening.


    Some were even trying to return the debt they were holding instead of passing it on to the cult. Sorothom''s wrath only grew when the innumerable streaks of lightning diverted into the Centurion Base disappeared through invisible cracks. The next moment, his Inner World was inundated with Heavenly Wrath for a second round of punishment from the same wave.


    Moro fiercely resisted the Eternal Laws as they sought equilibrium and repayment of Sorothom''s debt. Its existence was already in defiance of the Heavens, and the destes grew more severe whenever they encountered the Heart Curse''s domain. Their fates being entwined, Sorothom had to endure his parasite''s suffering on top of his own.


    This much wasn''t a threat. Sorothom had spent eons preparing for this day, and half a tribtion wasn''t enough to leave a crack in his foundations. The problem was what the changes signified. This was only the second bolt of nine, and the Ascension Chamber was already fading. It should have worked.


    No, it did work until something changed. Sorothom suppressed the cmity befalling his world, using Dao to subvert Law as he infused his will into his Daughter Array. There were some warnings of damage but nothing that could exin why the Imperial Sacrificial Rite he''d refined for so long had lost its connection with the base.


    Without the rite to lessen the load, he''d have to face the full extent of Heaven''s rejection. That would have been eptable if there were only two or three strikes remaining. With more than two minor cycles remaining, there was no way. If he could pass this hurdle with just treasures and his foundations, he wouldn''t have needed to go through all this effort and waste his golden years.


    This couldn''t go on. Thousands of tendrils burrowed deeper into the channels and circuits, trying to extract more power for the Ascension Chamber. It changed nothing. The ancient arrangement was like a punctured balloon. No matter how much Ster Energy Sorothom dragged into its arrays, it barely managed to rouse a response.


    "Alone, beneath this fairy work of sky," a gentleugh echoed through the chamber.


    Sorothom''s eyes widened as he saw a familiar figure emerge from the treasury, holding a box he didn''t recognize. It was ancient, and its aura matched the Centurion Star. How had he missed it? Sorothom was certain he''d sacrificed everything inside the Sagittarius Vault to kickstart the rite and trick the Ascension Chamber.Was this box the key? Had taking it out of its ce altered the bnce, severing Sorothom''s fate with the Imperial Graveyard?


    "You? What have you done?" Sorothom growled, almost going insane with anger over the princeling''s confident smile.


    "Your method is interesting. Using the Centurion Project to impersonate a representative of the Starfall Court. Then having the trapped spirits of the graveyard willingly take on Heaven''s Wrath, thinking they are furthering the Empire''s cause. It''s the same as your original n, isn''t it? Create a Grand Formation based on willing sacrifice through the Intersector War, and then shift that willingness to you."


    The prince ruefully shook his head. "s, without faith, there can be no cause. Without purpose, there can be no Empire."


    With the next bolt gathering above, its focus almost solely on Sorothom, he wanted nothing more than to tear the smug child to shreds. Unfortunately, he was more use alive. A bloody string emerged from Sorothom''s nail, effortlessly piercing Yrin Tobrial''s protective sigil appearing from a ne. The little imperial didn''t even get the chance to draw his sword before the thread was firmly embedded in his heart.


    Sorothom drew in the dispersed Imperial Qi, using it as a bridge for his Minor Dao of the Red Thread. He could immediately sense two gatherings of supplicants in the same space. He ignored them, as theirbined fate couldn''t measure up to the mark of Imperial Qi on the prince''s person. The hasty connection wouldn''t allow for subversion at the level Sorothom needed, nor was there enough meat on the bone tost until the Heavens were satiated.


    Having the princeling take on some of his punishment would, however, buy enough time to right the ship. The torment Yrin Tobrial would suffer was a wee bonus, though Sorothom found it difficult to enjoy impaling the boy''s spirit with barbs of supnted fate. If anything, it robbed him of the opportunity to reward the betrayal with a proper response.


    "You should have stuck to your promise, child," Sorothom said with a dark look as the ancient box floated into his hands. "Your little guardian, who''s been chasing my shadows all this while, can''t save you now."


    "The eradication of sin is the duty of the orthodoxy, and the Seven Heavens are leading those efforts. I''d shame my ancestors if I honored an agreement with a heretic," Yrin said, a slight tremble to his voice the only indication of his immense suffering.


    "Orthodoxy? We can smell your sin." A second head grew on Sorothom''s shoulder, looking at the suffering prince with ghoulish hunger. "The seal was yours for the taking. Now you be Moro''s food instead."


    "Why would I target that man? He woke me up when I''d strayed. And I believe his presence will introduce interesting variables to the pir''s ascent. I don''t want to miss that," Yrin Tobrial said with a smile, his face pale and covered in sweat. He was losing the battle.


    Another rumble shook the sky. Sorothom was running out of time, so he pushed harder to transnt his sin. At that moment, a sealed Spatial Ring gave off a scorching heat. The seal he''d carefullyid proved useless, and Sorothom had no time to avoid the flicker of light that burst out. It burrowed into his inner world, leaving Sorothom aghast. The sigil emitting suprememand didn''t harm Moro or destabilize their assailed world.


    It was worse. The sigil acted like a locator for the Heavens. His Grand Sacrificial Array stalling had already uncovered more of his cultivation to the Heavens than he would''ve liked, and the sigil was rubbing salt in the wound. If he didn''t stop it, he would be fully exposed. After having spent a million years avoiding Heaven''s direct gaze, Sorothom didn''t dare imagine what would happen.


    How was this possible? Sorothom had carefully investigated the Writ of Peerage, confirming it held no trackers nor hidden arrays. Even then, he''d submerged it in <strong>[Filthfaith Extract]</strong> and sealed it in an isting ring to prevent any tampering or divination. For it to notice the situation outside and transform in this manner beggared reason.


    "The emperor''s will may be capricious, but it may never be wrong," Yrin said, shaking his head in reproach. "You consider yourself above these frontier barbarians, forgetting you left the Hearnds in your youth. Your understanding of the peak is limited, leaving you worse off than the blind in some regards. The barbarians are at least aware of their ignorance."


    Fury overtook reason. Sorothom clenched his hand, turning the prince into a ball of goop. Regret immediately reced the sense of satisfaction when the prince reformed in a puff of Faith and Imperial Qi. Sorothom''s face grew even uglier when a shockwave rocked his Inner World, adding new cracks from which lightning seeped.


    Sorothom felt like he was going insane, and he couldn''t help a seed of fear sprouting as he faced this tribtion in the shape of a man. The prince was right. He''d left the Hearnds as an outer disciple, before gaining ess to the sect''s true teachings and the hidden truths of the world. There was no telling what other means a son of the Seven Heavens had in store, leaving Sorothom with an unbearable frustration.


    Why had this bastard chosen to interfere? Was it all for the treasure box? Sorothom doubted it. He didn''t seem to care about losing it. Neither was there anything on Sorothom that was worth going to these lengths, wasting the culmination of fate. He''d already used all his treasures to set the stage for his breakthrough. An imperial prince could summon greater wealth with a wave of his sleeve.


    Stolen story; please report.


    Neither was it a sense of justice. This kid was wet behind the ears, but Sorothom could see the truth in as day. He was nurturing a devilish heart more fearful than most heretics. He didn''t care the least about heretics or the orthodoxy. So what else was there? Sorothom feared that if he couldn''t figure that out, he''d be led right into an early grave.


    "Fate''sing. The others should be scrambling to add more seals to their name," Yrin sighed as he dusted off his cor. "I''ve been more interested in the System since the beginning. It wasn''t coincidence or convenience that had it integrate such an important event with an irrelevant frontier skirmish. The causality is far-reaching."


    The prince''s eyes gained a cruel edge Sorothom had seen many times before. The willingness to do anything to aplish their goals, even if that meant breaking the Law of both man and Heaven.


    "Truthfully, I don''t much care about that. The Zenith is still a distant problem. What matters is the hidden benefits of assisting in the System''s undertaking. Until now, most of us have been woefully underperforming in this regard, too focused on the meseeking trial. Only the Sangha seems to have understood its will."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Sorothom was barely listening, throwing everything he had against the seal. Every second it remained, Heaven''s attention grew more focused. Even then, the prince''s parting words as he disappeared in a swirl of Qi may as well have be engraved on his soul.


    "I wonder how much my destiny will change after cutting off your future."


    Sorothom roared in fury as the box opened on its own, exposing its empty insides. His aura exploded, crossing dozens of miles in an instant, only stopping short of plunging into the churning clouds. He hadn''t lost his reason to the point he''d so tantly taunt the Heavens.


    The sea of putrid blood finally overcame the seal, and Sorothom immediately took out twelverge crystals. Encased within each was a finger belonging to his descendants whose fate best matched his. He discarded two after a quick scan. While Sorothom had trained them since birth, they weren''t fools. They understood the path of Sacrifice better than most Kan''Tanu.


    Aivea and Wirbli had managed to weaken their familial bond. Sorothom doubted their skill had reached the point where they could trigger a bacsh. That uncertainty was enough for them to live, as Sorothom couldn''t afford another setback. The nostalgic circumstance even tempered Sorothom''s anger, making him recall the many schemes that let him escape his master''s grasp.


    "My children, I require your aid," Sorothom whispered as he infused streaks of trapped lightning into the remaining crystals.


    The containers grew dark red before disintegrating into an obscuring mist, and Sorothom felt Heaven''s attention weaken by a third. It was a step in the right direction, but not enough to survive. The crafty prince already out of his mind, Sorothom sought a path forward. A de streak of sunlight illuminating the overcast sky provided the answer.


    It was a desperate gamble. That had never stopped him before.


    -----------------------------


    A pir of angry red descended, splitting in two to target Zac''s human form still sitting atop the Core Formation tform. He needed at least one person atop the array to keep it running. Having his Draugr half step away didn''t weaken the array much, as itcked the Attuned Energies to utilize its multiyer barrier anyhow.


    Screaming danger forced Zac to give up on having Kator directly face the bolt. Zac moved out of the way, his body reeling from the item that had appeared in Kator''s hand. Kator did the same, appearing on the chamber''s opposite side. Zac didn''t have the luxury of worrying about Kator''s actions any longer. The second tribtion had arrived.


    The temporal bacsh that the first bolt couldn''t expunge was swept away. It left Zac with one less worry, though he''d traded one torment for another. The small part of the lightning holding the powers of Law transformed the whole punishment. It tried to erase every aspect of Zac''s path, from cultivation to Dao, even targeting his Longevity.


    The pain was something else, but Zac realized he was resisting the destion much better than he expected. The benefits of his repeated brushes with the Four Destes were starting to make themselves known. Each encounter left him more aligned with the Four Laws, lessening the damage from their tribtion.


    That wasn''t the only reason. The small motes of starlight that had remained unruffled throughout the upheavals were acting as stabilizers, increasing his resilience against having his cells erased by Law. The effect wasn''t too impressive as the motes were simply too small and weak.


    At its current stage, it was only a proof of concept that left Zac both curious and suspicious. Figuring out a way to strengthen the motes would drastically improve his resistance against tribtions, alleviating his dependence on the System for his breakthroughs. The stars didn''t even seem to lose any energy to resist the Four Destes, something Zac didn''t know was possible.


    Only, going down that path was like making a deal with the devil. Zac had no idea how or why the stars had appeared in his body after his meeting with Wal''Zo. Had he left them there, or was it Stard reaching across time? epting their presence without getting to the bottom of things could lead to his doom. He hadn''t forgotten the Sangha''s plot against him with the <strong>[Boundless Vajra Sublimation]</strong>.


    The lightning acted like a pack of hounds that had caught a scent, with some targeting Zac''s Soul Aperture until he hid his <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>. Another chunk veered toward the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, which had moved to his mangled shoulder after his left arm was destroyed.


    The Four Destes weren''t after the link itself. It was the hourss that drew its attention, which didn''te as a surprise to Zac. Esmeralda''s treasure seemed to spit in the face of the Law of Impermanence by anchoring an object to a previous point in time.


    The falling grains of sand elerated when the lightning drew closer, weakening the lightning in return. The price of that exchange was much too steep. If the sand ran out, Zac would lose his greatest advantage against Kator. Luckily, the tribtion was bound by its purpose and reluctantly turned toward Zac''s core, leaving the hourss safe albeit drained. Whether it could endure the next bolt was anyone''s guess.


    The second bolt found its way into his Quantum Space, causing another wave of upheavals. Mounting a concerted resistance was much easier with his asteroid belt circuits protecting his nucleus, but that wasn''t enough to keep him safe.


    While holding their position, each piece of debris was still exposed to Heaven''s wrath. Being wed pieces of the bigger picture, they had a hard time enduring the test. One by one, they disintegrated, each loss weakening Zac''s core and prospects. Grasping for a solution, Zac honed in on the huge amounts of energy flooding the temporary subspace to reinforce his core.


    It was the pristine energy supplied by the Cosmos, meant as fuel for the next step of his breakthrough. Out of better options, he borrowed the energy to create a counter-bnce to the rampaging lightning. The two opposing sides exhausted each other in an act of mutual destruction. The loss made Zac wince, even if it did more good than harm.


    Wasting some of the supplied energy didn''t matter, considering how many pieces of his core he''d lost already. If anything, it alleviated the growing pressure within his Qantum Space. The energy would quickly build up to deadly levels since there was nowhere for it to go until he resumed his breakthrough. And that delicate work couldn''tmence before the tribtion was dealt with and Kator neutralized.


    Distancing himself let Kator avoid direct exposure to the tribtion, but he still received his allocated share though the link. He hadn''t been prepared to face a sudden tribtion, especially not one at this level. Clearly, he was even less prepared for one imbued with the punishment of Law. Patches of Warbones were erased, and his aura grew even more erratic.


    Time shuddered. The next moment, it looked like the air around Kator imploded to instantly consume all the chamber''s corruption. Zac keeled over as waves and waves of pain were transmitted through the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, which repeatedly fluctuated until the hourss had lost almost half its sand. Zac fought back with Void and Vigor, mimicking Kator''s method of restraining the transmission through his own means.


    His eyes swimming, Zac saw Kator stepping out of the explosion, broken yet whole. His Warbones weren''t cracked any longer, but the previously smooth surfaces were pockmarked and misshapen. In addition, a lc pattern had appeared atop Kator''s Warbones, prompting his Killing Intent to inch even closer to the Qriz''Ul. His aura soared, and the whole octagon began heaving as the enormous bone dragon stepped out of the ether.


    Zac was still reeling from thebined punishment of the tribtion and <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>, but he could only take out his axe and prepare for the next round. The deadly threat before hadn''te from an attack, not in the traditional sense. Kator had produced a Temporal Chamber identical to those Zac had bought from the Limited Exchange and activated it after the second tribtion had been transmitted.


    Only a moment had passed for Zac while Kator had spent a year or more licking his wounds. All while staring at a Zac frozen in time as corruption permeated his bones. The shocks to the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> no doubt came from Kator repeatedly trying to break the connection. When it''d failed, he''d begun mutting himself, and it was all transmitted the moment Kator emerged from the temporal bubble. Thankfully, the strategy didn''t appear to be repeatable.


    Kator was already exhibiting signs of temporal bacsh, and using another temporal chamber so soon would have dire consequences. Furthermore, his twisted bones proved that Kator failed to recover from the Four Destes even after a year of rest. It looked like not even an Izh''Rak reaver could match the undying resilience that had kept Zac alive all this time.


    Facing an even stronger rejection by the Four Laws could cost Kator his life, so he was going all out to deal with the threat at its roots. That was fine by Zac.

 Chapter 1262: Tag Team

    Chapter 1262: Tag Team


    The octagon had already been forced to endure the assault of a Foreign God and Heaven''s increasing pressure. With the remnant Imperial Faith beingmandeered by Zac, it was only a shadow of its former glory. The bone dragon''s tremendous aura already pushed its limits, and they were fully crossed when Kator''s temporal quagmire spread through the hall.


    The floor gave way, exposing the seemingly bottomless chasm. Walls and ceiling followed, and a rain of rubble crashed into the floating constructs. Only the spire and control rooms remained, kept aloft by hidden mechanics. The Core Formation Arrays had no such function, and Zac took out two of his flying treasures to stop them from falling to the depths.


    Zac had no choice but to stay behind. Stepping outside the spire''s protective domain of Imperial Faith with either of his bodies would expose him to the true power of Heaven''s wrath. He finally got a full view of the situation outside through the capital-sized hole ripped open by the Foreign God. The sky could''ve been a stormy sea made from the darkest ichor. The tribtion clouds were extremely unstable, looking like they were consuming themselves.


    The seas heaved, and the pressure decreased as hair-raising forces were unleased far in the distance. Was his n working? Zac had focused on siphoning off Imperial Faith from the Ascension Chamber, hoping it would get in the way of the pope''s Dao Confirmation. Judging by the steep jump in his tribtion''s intensity, it worked better than expected.


    The flip side was that his own tribtion had slowed down after Heaven''s wrath had been redirected. Zac hadn''t been forgotten, but the slow buildup meant he''d have to wait a while longer before the third bolt arrived. It was like the tribtion clouds were lending Kator a helping hand. Zac wouldn''t mind a quick conclusion either, but he clearly fared much better against the Four Destes than his opponent.


    The heavens weren''t the only dangers lurking outside the warming rays of Imperial Faith. The amount of ambient corruption had skyrocketed since they fled into the octagon. In the war between the Centurion Star and the Lost ne, the Lost ne wasing out ahead. At least two-thirds of the innumerable tears outside were leaking corruption instead of starlight.


    Dense mist blocked Zac''s view of the Eternal Guardians and their prey. Their battle was still ongoing, though. Distant eruptions shook Zac to his core. He prayed the imbnce between light and dark outside wasn''t a reflection of their battle, as there wasn''t anything he could do for them at this point. Even if he could, he already had his hands full.


    The dragon''s jaws opened in a silent shriek that spewed forth a virulent plume filled with Kator''s mixed Daos and corruption. Both dragon and quagmire were like Kator, changed after drawing in too much purple mist. The scene reminded Zac of himself when the remnants were ravaging his body, though it remained to be seen if there was anying back from Kator''s brush with ancient madness.


    Zac was different from Kator, who had been given a year''s worth of preparation and recovery. His body was a mess, and the second tribtion still hadn''t been routed from his Cosmic Core. Thankfully, he wasn''t alone. An immense column of sunlight tore through the madness. It held the scorching warmth of high summer, dispelling gloom and drying out the swamp.The attack intercepted the dragon''s breath. It fell woefully short of stopping it in its tracks, but it managed to exhaust some of its overbearing energy. Its radiance also made the quagmire cast another set of shadows that stirred the moment they formed. They shimmered and became false, turning the very real domain that cast the shadow into an illusion.


    Emily''s and Ogras''s concerted efforts weren''t enough to disrupt the suppressive domain, but every bit helped. With the outside pressure on him reduced, Zac once more drew on the pristine energy seeping into his quantum space. Some was already being used to resist the tribtion. Even more was yanked out of the open hatch to fuel his skills.


    Zac''s options were limited, with almost half his Skill Fractals damaged beyond functionality. The biggest losses on his Draugr side were <strong>[Eye of Destion]</strong> and <strong>[Arbiter of the Abyss]</strong>. The good news was that Kator likely toiled under simr restrictions, as he''d only activated two of his skills along with his Miracle Bones.


    Activating <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong> took priority. It barely worked, though the mismatch of energy added another set of cracks. A vibrant jungle sprung up at the same time, enclosing Kator and his creature in a violent embrace. The swamp fiercely resisted their growth, but the new set of shadows cast by the saplings sacrificed themselves to allow Life to expand freely. Finally, a dense shroud spread between the trees as <strong>[Fields of Despair] </strong>added anotheryer of confusion.


    The skills couldn''t do much against the dragon. The huge figure was like the king of the jungle, and a corridor of trees was reduced to ash from wood as its breath closed in on Zac. Each loss triggered a defiant strike of axelight, and the plume of deathly corrosion had lost half its force by the time it reached <strong>[Profane Exponents]</strong>''s defensive coffin.


    While weakened, the breath was still released by one of Kator''s signature skills and fueled by Dead Dao. Zac''s defensive skill was covered in cracks after blocking, and a sharp bone tore through it. It was ash from the dragon''s overlong tail stabbing forward like a scorpion. It only found empty air when going in for the kill. Zac had already stepped into one of the trees and teleported away. Using the teleportation with his Draugr body posed no problem beyond the ufortable caress of Life.


    A swarm of shadows rose to bind the dragon while a burning smander the size of a Beast King emerged from the dense overgrowth. Behind it was a totem pole no smaller than a skyscraper, which empowered Life and suppressed Death. The duo even appeared in person, going all out to pin down Kator''s summon while Zac dealt with the controller. At least, that was the unspoken n.


    Zac didn''t have time to emerge on the other end before Kator appeared in a shroud of Miasma leaking from a bracer on his left arm. <strong>[Fields of Despair]</strong> had utterly failed to hide Zac''s position, turning his ambush against him. There was no time or space to maneuver. He had to meet the threat head-on. A field of nullification suddenly expanded, trapping Kator within.


    Kator onlyughed as the shroud of Miasma skyrocketed in power. Zac inwardly swore upon seeing Kator use quantity to overwhelm <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>. The talent was still running, but Kator barely had to face any of it himself. Zac could only keep going. Chains reeking of inexorability pierced the shroud, aiming to slow Kator down through <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>.


    The reaver''sugh only grew deeper as Zac helplessly had his perception overwritten. Kator suddenly towered above him, his size almost a match to the Foreign God. He emitted an equally brutal aura to match, one of utmost dominance. Zac felt like a grain of sand standing before a towering mountain, and knowing it was an attack on his mind couldn''t stop the sense of despair creeping into his heart.


    An explosion rocked his Quantum Space, waking Zac up. He''d briefly lost control from the mental attack, and that was all Kator needed. Zac''s automatic defensive treasures failed to activate because of <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>, leaving Zac almost fully exposed. Alea''s chains formed a protective web at thest moment, slightly weakening the mace through a defensive use of <strong>[Inexorable Subjugation]</strong>.


    The mace struck with the force of a speeding train. At least five of Zac''s ribs snapped, and he briefly felt like he was drowning as the air in his lungs was reced by hostile Dao. It could have been much worse. For one, Kator was aiming for his Cosmic Core rather than his torso. The berserk powers infused in the strike would have flooded his Quantum Space if not for hisst-moment adjustment to tank the blow with <strong>[Love''s Bond]</strong>''s heart protector.


    Zac let the force in Kator''s strike push him away, narrowly avoiding his chains being caught as Kator pursued to finish the job. He was too close, and Zac could sense another skill activate through the dense wall of Miasma. Zac had no choice. The Void stirred, and a pitch-ck streak of Death silently rose from beneath.


    It entered the jungle without causing a stir, aiming straight for Kator. The scroll of <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> barely had time to form before the strike was upon them. Zac felt death''s grip closing in despite it being his own skill, and he urgently manipted his chains. Kator growled and retreated hundreds of meters in an instant.


    This novel''s true home is a different tform. Support the author by finding it there.


    It was like gravity had shifted and exponentially increased, making Kator fall sideways with enough speed to make it look like teleportation. It was his movement skill, which relied on abination of his Daos of Gravity and Time. While he moved back, another Javelin shot forth. Only its tip managed to cross the distance before the huge gash of Death separated thebatants.


    A sh of pain bloomed in Zac''s side. He dragged out the mangled spearhead and disappeared into a tree. It was a huge loss to waste <strong>[Desperation''s End]</strong> to force a disengage, but Zac couldn''t take the risk of letting Kator close in. Zac still wasn''t clear about all of Kator''s skills, let alone his other means. The first strike had been a test to see his counter worked against the Void and whether Zac''s apparent weakness was a trap. The second strike was meant to kill.


    Knowing that wasn''t enough to make Zac back down. Ogras and Emily were risking their lives to keep the dragon upied. The dust didn''t have time to settle before a tangle of vines burst out from a tree that had survived the pitched battle. Streaks of axelight poured out one after another as a different Zac radiating Life and Conflict emerged, drabbed in the bone armor of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>''s Ancestral Form. Meanwhile, Zac''s Draugr half sat down on the Core Formation array, taking over its maintenance while nursing his wounds.


    Time''s erosion couldn''t quell Life''s unyielding drive. Innumerable vines grew out of the trees and the air itself, swarming Kator like a horde of starving snakes. Kator was like a fallen god of war, wreaking destruction and wielding death. Anything that came close was destroyed, which only let the vines be reborn stronger and more adapted to this specific predator. Dozens of generations passed in the blink of an eye, and each added to <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong>''s resistance to the Daos of Time and Death.


    The Pathbound skill had limitations to how many vines it could grow and their improvement. Thetter was limited by Zac''s Daos, the former his energy supply��neither of which Zac didn''t have in spades. Zac didn''t expect the skill to singlehandedly deal with his enemy. He only hoped it could create an opening to exploit.


    It didn''t, not even when adding Haro''s ferocious assistance and a barrage of fractal des conjured with <strong>[Evolutionary Edge]</strong>. It almost looked like Kator was burning, except it was purple Killing Intent and the devastatingly powerful Domain created with his Miracle Bone halo. He destroyed everything barring his path as he closed in, forcing Zac to consider another retreat.


    A loud p of thunder warned Zac he was running out of time. The clouds were crowding so low that therge bulge right above their heads was about to squeeze into the Centurion Base. The gathering forces were horrifying, exceeding anything he''d faced before.


    Even the sun of Imperial Faith flickered in duress, and Zac felt an existential threat from the crackling lightning. Kator was the same. He roared, and a white curtain emerged from his body. Despite its pristine appearance, it exuded a horrifying Killing Intent. It filled Zac with greater pressure than the most blood-drenched armies he''d faced during the war.


    Was this the ''White Sky'' of the White Sky Phnx? It couldn''t be anything else, as it gave off an air like it was ready to go to war with the Heavens. The second sky was too powerful to be a Bloodline Talent, though it wasn''t quite at the level where it could be considered a special method like Valsa nur''s imperial sigil.


    Wherever it passed, Zac rapidly lost connection to his skills, whether it was the vines of <strong>[Primal Edict]</strong> or <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong>. Only Haro managed to resist, if briefly. Zac felt a set of transmitted scenes��skeletal hands ripping apart the vines or bone weapons severing them. It was like a whole legion was hidden within that opaque white. It was also expanding incredibly fast.


    If nothing was done, it''d soon consume the whole battlefield. Worse, Zac felt his connection with the Imperial Faith sun grow weaker by the moment, like it was suppressed by the Izh''Rak sky. Zac didn''t know what Kator was nning. Perhaps he felt the only way to survive the next bolt was by hiding within his ancestral ability. Maybe he believed the Imperial Faith was only really helping Zac.


    Kator might even have realized he couldn''t kill Zac in time, and this was his idea to drag his opponent into the afterlife. Either case, something had to be done, and fast. Zac''s eyes shone with madness as huge swathes of <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> exploded, this time by his hand. The shockwave pushed into the encroaching white, which only paused its expansion.


    Growing more desperate as the lightning gathered in the clouds above, Zac unleashed a barrage of fractal des to form a web of destruction. The des dug into the boundless white, quickly having their momentum stifled. Just before losing connection, Zac triggered all 99 runes of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong> in one go, causing an earth-shattering eruption.


    Not even the White Sky could perfectly endure the full might of <strong>[Conformation of Supremacy]</strong>. The domain bulged outward, like it struggled to contain the force, and began flickering. Zac suddenly spotted Kator in the distance. He was holding his hands outstretched, palms upward, like he was praying. Having his location, Zac struck without hesitation.


    A streak of light appeared in the true sky''s oppressive gloom. It wasn''t the sun peeking through the clouds but a window opened to Arcadia. While the light held a transcendent celestial air, it was not a gentle one. It was filled with unbending judgment that seemed to resonate with the tribtion clouds.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    <em>''Watch out!''</em>


    Ogras'' warning came just as Zac unleashed<strong> [Arcadia''s Judgment]</strong>, barely preceding an explosion rocking both Zac''s bodies. The Core Formation Arrays would have been destroyed if not for his quickly throwing out a defensive talisman. The same couldn''t be said for his human half, who couldn''t outrun the force from the bone dragon exploding. Zac pushed <strong>[Skystriker]</strong> to its limits yet had dozens of broken bones before he outran the shockwave.


    What little remained of <strong>[Apex Jungle]</strong> was ground to dust by a hurricane of blunt bones holding as much kic force as one of Kator''s all-out swings. The bone storm entered the White Sky, and the two fused into a taboo domain. It destroyed everything in its wake, finally intercepting <strong>[Arcadia''s Judgment]</strong>.


    The shing forces approaching the limits of Hegemony finally overwhelmed the spatial integrity, creating a series of Spatial Tears. Sunlight and sin joined in, creating an unholy mix right in the White Sky''s center, and the unbridled chaos made it impossible to crown a winner. It was at that time the Heavens chose to release their third lightning bolt. The clouds heaved, and arcs filled to the brim with the Four Destes were dragged to its center.


    More rmingly, Zac once more spotted Kator in the middle of the storm. His being alive wasn''t the bad part, though Zac was shocked at Kator''s resilience. His bones were growing with speed visible to Zac''s naked eyes, recing broken tes whenever they were damaged by the tumultuous surroundings. What scared Zac to his core was the reaver''s actions.


    Kator was braving the storm not to escape but to reach the mebearer Seal caught in the middle.


    Zac could let it be and allow Kator to target the seal. It had a decent chance of solving all his problems, with Kator bing dust from the seal''s rejection. Zac wasn''t even convinced that the <strong>[Solidarity Link] </strong>could transmit that kind of fundamental annihtion. And yet, Zac couldn''t let go of the nagging suspicion things wouldn''t go the way he hoped. Not mentioning the White Sky''s isting effect on the Imperial Faith, Zac felt giving his opponent this chance would be a monumental mistake.


    Kator had already brought him to his wit''s end, and there was no telling what he''d do if he were given a mebearer Epiphany mid-battle. Even if Zac managed to win, it would be after sacrificing his cultivation. Trusting his instincts, Zac moved with only a framework of a n. This wasn''t the time for fear or deliberation. It was time for a leap of faith.


    Zac''s Draugr half was actually quite close to his seal, having already moved the tform closer. Still, there was a storm filled with hurtling bones and the still-standing white sky in the way. Zac channeled his Void-activated <strong>[Abyssal Drive]</strong> to its limits, but the skill''s Abyssal domain fell hopelessly short before the reforming White Sky.


    It was barely enough to avoid the fist-sized shrapnel hurtling by, but thousands of invisible hands were tearing apart his intangible body. Zac had no choice but to deactivate the movement skill mid-way, which immediately exposed him to the storm. Zac forged ahead, using both talismans and the remaining skeleton pygmies to buy him a moment of sanctuary.


    In that window, <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> descended, and Zac drew on the Voids of Life and Death from <strong>[Spiritual Void]</strong>. The Void of Death permeated his body along with the Earthly Daos of Defiant War and Reborn Life. They fused into true Evolution, and Zac suddenly looked like he was walking through a calm field. The bones narrowly missed him, their Dao and Zac''s Void traveling trajectories fated to never meet.


    Meanwhile, Void of Life joined a surge of Dao and Energy on his right shoulder, entering <strong>[Extinction Event]</strong>''s fractal. A de made from extreme darkness bit into the white sky, silencing the wordless pressure of the skeletal legion hidden within. It passed right by the mebearer seal, heading for Kator, who approached from the opposite end.


    The lc runes atop his skull lit up when the de struck. Whatever it did allowed Kator''s damaged Warbones to resist Oblivion''s deadly force. It even destabilized the Oblivion de, making it copse in a puff of untargeted annihtion. However, Kator briefly paused when he pushed through the cloud, his fingers just inches away from the mebearer seal.


    Oblivion was not only a physical phenomenon that could destroy anything. It was the purest exhibit of annihtion, capable of consuming even thought. Most couldn''t even remember the attack after seeing it. And while Kator showcased terrifying strength, he was also fighting a losing battle of the mind��a perfect weakness to exploit.


    Fingers made from scarred flesh caught up with those of scorched bone, and the transcendent light disappeared. The Cosmos slowed down as its truths wereid bare. Kator was within arm''s reach, his aura exuding a deep, smoldering anger. Right above was an almost ck lightning bolt filled with Law and extinction. Even the burning sun of Imperial Faith became an unmoving sculpture of enduring Destiny.


    Zac briefly felt the scene was a microscopic replica of the Cosmos before discarding all useless thoughts. He weed Ultom''s light into his Soul Aperture, just as awed as the previous times. If there was a way out of this mess, it could be found within.

 Chapter 1263: An Inch

    Chapter 1263: An Inch


    Had he forgotten the grandeur of Ultom''s gift over the decade since hest imed a seal? Or was this the difference frompleting the picture and confirming his fate with the meseeking trial? There were five lines of enlightenment currently hovering in his soulpared to the three he''d seized during the previous rounds.


    Neither seemed able to fully exin the profound rity Zac felt, and he realized it was the sole benefit of his desperate situation. Void Emperor or not, Zac was still a mortal who found the answers to his path by walking the razor edge between life and death. It was no different now than during the first years of his journey when he seized the means to survive in the heat of battle.


    It was almost impossible to advance mid-battle as you rose through the grades, as his current predicament proved, but Zac still umted most of his insights when he had his back against the wall. Currently, Zac''s mind was forced into that primal state of survival which let him break the chains of his mortality. Zac was in a much better state than when he grabbed the third piece in the Ensolus Ruins if you looked at it from that vantage.


    Not only that, but his theoretical foundations were lightyears ahead of when he sought solutions for his Cosmic Core. The Four Laws were a distant concept he''d only heard mentioned in passing. Today, his body was reborn in their image, and echoes of the Four Destes could still be found in every corner of his body. It gave him a more memorable lesson on the nature of Laws than centuries of meditation could.


    Zac even felt closer to grasping the nature of Destiny through the conflict between the Tribtion and Imperial Faith. Seeing the faded bolt of lightning slowly inch closer let Zac grasp the corner of an important clue about the Eternal and the ns of Laondio Evrodok. He reluctantly put it aside, stifling the whispers of rity to figure out his next step.


    A decade''s worth of struggle was dragged through the filter of purpose as Zac scanned his body through a new set of eyes. He had his goals, and Ultom would show the way. Void and Dao coursed through his bodies, which exhibited the very limits of their constitutions to endure thebined threat of Kator and the tribtion. Zac briefly stopped at the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> and the hourss upholding its connection before moving on, his heart growing calmer as answers came to questions he hadn''t even thought to ask.


    Zac followed the paths of destruction carved by the lightning across his limbs and torso. He saw golden hurricanes stubbornly blowing new Life into withered cells and Abyssal ponds sealing damage with Death. Compelled by reasons unknown, Zac strained his consciousness, delving deeper than ever before. A fierce resistance eventually pushed him back, though only after Zac caught a glimpse of the realities beyond.


    Moving to his Quantum Space, Zac took in the devastation with sorrow. The second tribtion hadn''t caused asrge a loss as the ignition and getting his core under control, but Zac had still lost over 15% of his core. That didn''t ount for the energy he''d used to channel his skills. The surviving debris being tempered by the Four Destes wasn''t much use either, considering he''d have to add new materials as part of the upgrade process. The added imperfections would undo whatever benefits he saw now.


    There was a small silver lining to the loss. The temporary space where core upgrades takes ce had been drowned in Law. A fundamental transformation was taking ce, and Zac felt a familiar aura through a few of the scorched cracks. Zac''s mind shook, and thest piece clicked into ce. Was it possible?Zac''s biggest regret was wasting the singr opportunity of his final epiphany on survival instead of progress. He now believed they were one and the same. Following the spark of brilliance, hundreds of impressions emerged from the depths of his subconscious. Even sealed memories and experiences that his mind had failed to retain came crashing back one after another.


    The underpinning truths he''d seen in the Eternal''s eyes and Stard''s sun merged with Rava''s lessons. The vast grandeur of the Void Mountain was contrasted with five motes of Chaos. The defining moments in his life all came together, ending with two seas shing against each other.


    Zac heard Laondio''s sigh echo in his mind. It felt so clear he almost believed the Limitless Emperor had returned and that Zac wasn''t just recalling the final bolt of the Tribtion Throne. It had urged him to pick a side��Imperial Faith or Cosmic Destiny. He didn''t understand exactly what he''d done back then by choosing a path of his own.


    Not even the five shimmering lights in his mind could answer that question, but the road he''d picked no longer felt shrouded by an opaque mist. With the past being filled in, the route to the future became more solid. Each impression became a brick on the bridge stretching into the darkness.


    Dao, Law, Destiny. Body, Heart, Soul. There was no superior or subordinate. Everything was connected, reliant on each other.


    <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong> was dissected and contrasted with his memory of Eoz, along with the pieces of Draugr Heritage he''d been given. Even the chapters of <strong>[Ster Dominion]</strong> he''d deduced while stuck in the Pris Vault added to give enduring stability and growth. The fusion was contrasted and corrted with the <strong>[Thousand Lights Chapter]</strong> and the Order of the Empyrean Chalice''s Heart-nurturing methods.


    Zac knew he was being greedy, grasping for everything at once. At the same time, that kind of ambition was the only way to open up his Void Road. Like Chaos, some things could only materialize when conditions were perfect. The answer he sought couldn''t miss a single aspect, at least not at this stage. Unfortunately, that meant he wouldn''t find aplete answer today. He''d need hundreds, perhaps thousands of streaks tobine the many threads with hiscking foundations and time.


    Four lights were barely enough to find the direction he needed to walk. The fifth would add nothing, as Zac needed Ultom to provide something else. He pulled with all his might, and the final streak of unblemished truth was dragged out of his Soul Aperture and into his Draugr body. It was crushed and spread, with its unfathomable light pouring into the innumerable suns hidden in his cells.


    With the final light of Ultom consumed, Zac''s mind began to settle. Zac knew the next second would decide everything as time gradually resumed its pace��life or death, genius or insanity. The third bolt crossed thest stretch of its journey, and furious lightning entered apetition with the boundless white over who could destroy Zac''s body the fastest.


    Zac furiously held on, both to his structural integrity and the far-reaching idea that had just been born��the unifying method that was the sum of his existence. The miniature suns were key to his survival. Swallowing one of Ultom''s streaks had let them be born anew, turning them into blinding floodlights that kept his body anchored in the storm.


    Using the profound stability, Zac extended his will into the sigil imparted by the System, connecting him with the dyingwork of Imperial Faith. He pulled with every fiber in his being, and a series of vortices opened throughout the Centurion base. They ignored vast distances and spatial instability to consume left-over treasures and Imperial Faith, just like when he advanced his bloodline.


    Zac wasn''t finished there. Hundreds of small gashes appeared throughout his body that gobbled up chunks of Law-empowered lightning. He could have done the same with his cells, except that would only harm him. The sense of rejection was instantaneous. Zac felt like a pressure cooker about to blow as lightning, faith, and all tumultuous mix of energies began leaking from his cells.


    This book''s true home is on another tform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    They came from the depths of the Abyssal Ponds, from the bottom of his golden hurricanes. He would already have exploded if not for the suns keeping everything together, but Zac felt himself quickly approaching his limit. There was no other way. He needed to use his bloodline as a strainer tobine a discordant mix of concepts and bind them to his mission.


    Kator didn''t back down this time, despite the third tribtion having already fallen. The hand extended toward the now-gone seal clenched into a fist imbued with the fury and hopelessness of Kator''s situation. It dug into the column of lightning surrounding Zac and used Killing Intent and madness to reach his head. Zac narrowly dodged, feeling a burning sting as the fist tore up his skin along the left side of his face.


    Zac''s vision doubled when the bulky reaver followed up on his swing by brutally bashing his ted head into Zac''s. Zac''s nose was broken and almost pushed into his head. He used the sharp pain to clear his head, and a screaming warning of danger focused Zac''s elevated state even further. Kator had taken out another Temporal Chamber, intent to encase them both.


    Kator would likely die from the bacsh of stepping out of time at this juncture. Zac definitely would. And yet, Zac didn''t try to extract himself from the vise-like embrace Kator had caught him in. Zac took the melded Dao, Law, and Destiny, circting it in ordance with the pattern he''d traded for four streaks of enlightenment.


    Suddenly, it was like his two bodies were one, a four-armed deva which each formed a distinct mudra. The Heavens and Earth connected, and Zac was the bridge. The chaos paused. Even the roiling sky grew quiet, holding off its desire for destruction. The cosmos became a silent witness to the primordial aura that stirred. The true aura of the Void Emperor was on full disy and in defiance of the Heavens and the trajectories it enforced.


    Zac saw a version of himself standing beyond the curtain, on the other side of the mirror. He reached out his hand, and the Void reached back. The mirror shattered, giving birth to a singrity. Dao copsed, Law unraveled, and Destiny was rewritten. A vortex crackling with lightning and burning with the mes of destiny opened, and the two enemies locked in a deadly embrace fell into the darkness.


    The White Sky faded, having lost its connection with its controller. It was like the cosmos released the breath it''d held, and bones rained down when the hurricane lost its momentum. Zac observed everything from his position atop the Core Formation Array, enduring the sense of weakness as he waited for the connection to be reestablished.


    He nced at a hidden corner of reality, snorting when it grew hollow. It looked like his audience had seen enough.


    "You��" Ogras whispered as he appeared next to Zac''s human half.


    The demon was covered in wounds flickering with shadows, his aura weak but stable. It looked like he was trying to reform his missing flesh by turning wounds into illusions, except the hostile Dao fiercely resisted. Emily was in an even worse state; holding onto the control room''s walls, she leaned out to see if everything was okay.


    "It''s fine, for now. There''s one more." Zac nodded at the sky, taking out another handful of pills and treasures.


    Figuring out a path forward didn''t magically solve all his problems, and he couldn''t just sit around waiting for the Quantum Link to stabilize. The Heavens had recovered from its stunned silence and was already roaring in fury over having its punishment dragged out of its domain. Zac needed to perform what field repairs he could to prepare for the fourth and final bolt.


    "Another one? Since when��" Ogras muttered in confusion before shaking his head. "Never mind. This dimension is about to go up in a big way. Gu is coordinating with Carl and Jaol to pick everyone up. What about you? The reaver?"


    "He won''t be joining us," Zac said, his eyes steely with determination as the connection was reestablished.


    In a space beyond space, a heated exchange had resumed. Zac furiously swung his axe against a faltering Kator who leaked corruption and Dao like a sieve. The collisions created muted sounds like they were fighting underwater, and the sense of looking at the Dao from outside strengthened that impression.


    The reality was far moreplicated. Swirling clouds of Void-touched energies and enough rubble to rebuild civilization floated all around them. It was the hidden Void Realm he''d always known existed yet hadn''t managed to find until today. And for good reason. Zac knew it was too early, yet he''d forcibly opened a path to a realm that shouldn''t exist.


    The Void Realm''s current appearance was materialized with Destiny and stabilized through Law. It also relied on the temporary space for his core formation. This realm wouldst until his breakthrough was over at the longest, most likely failing much sooner than that. After that, it would return to its original inessible state. Before that, Zac needed to wrap things up.


    Kator had first lost the seal, then his ace, as the White Sky failed to follow him into the Void Realm. The Temporal Chamber he''d tried to erect as ast-ditch effort had copsed before it could stabilize. He''d even lost his connection with the Heavens, causing him to lose the war against the Four Destes. Even the Dead Dao of the Lost ne abandoned the ship as whole bones became pitch-ck before disappearing.


    Zac fared much better. Using the tribtion to stabilize the Void Realm had allowed him to avoid more than half the punishment. The remainder was being handled by his human half, who had begun using <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s imprint to erase swathes of lightning. There was no reason not to, as significant amounts of Void Energy poured into his Draugr body from the surroundings. Was this how it felt to be a cultivator?


    Against all odds, Kator fought tooth and nail, not giving an inch. Ultimately, his determination couldn''t ovee his fate. His temporally elerated swing stalled when a section of his right shoulder disappeared. Kator tried to recover with a shield m, except his pivot was preempted by Alea''s constrictive bondage.


    Zac saw his chance and took it.<strong> [Death''s Duality] </strong>descended, bringing with it the inexorable finality embodied by his path. The anthracite edge bit into Kator''s shoulder right where he''d lost a battle against the Four Destes. A pang of pain was transmitted through his bond with Alea. Tearing into Kator''s body, she was also forced to face the heavenly wrath lodged within. Alea''s pain dispelled any lingering hesitation, and Zac pushed even harder.


    A distorted snap echoed through the realm as Kator was split in two. Zac''s axe had carved a diagonal line running right through his bones, Cosmic Core, and the central nervous system that controlled the sinewy muscles hidden within the bone ting. Huge amounts of energy poured into the darkness, along with errant arcs of confused lightning.


    Kator''s bones faded, and Zac felt his aura rapidly dwindle. Being bisected wasn''t necessarily the end of a battle when it came to Hegemons��many could survive with much less. That wasn''t the case with Kator. His soul had essentially been split in two when his bone carapace was destroyed, and he could no longer mount a resistance against the Laws. The battle was over.


    Zac felt a band of agony matching Kator''s wound, a final gift from the harried <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong>. Zac furiously fought back with his bloodlines and the Void while turning to the hourss. Knowing it was time, Zac rallied his bloodline once more. He''d exhausted most of the starlight already, but there was barely enough to form a small vortex above Esmeralda''s treasure.


    The hourss was gone the next moment, and Zac felt a flicker of time in the distance when it was deposited in a random corner of the Void Realm. Zac let it be, focusing on the <strong>[Solidarity Link]</strong> as it unraveled before his very eyes. At the veryst moment, he infused the crumbling sigil with <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>, blocking a final shockwave. The sigil was gone, and Zac''s suffering immediately began decreasing.


    Esmeralda''s treasure, if you could call it that, had wound back time repeatedly. Even then, echoes of the damage refused to be fully erased. Between transferring the Four Destes and Kator''s repeated attempts at severing the connection, the link had been living on borrowed time for a while. The dying reaver sighed, and Zac turned to Kator with aplex gaze.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Don''t look at me like that, Draugr. I don''t need your pity," Kator wheezed, his voice hollow as pieces of him disappeared.


    "You should have cleared your head when I gave you the chance. The situation was still salvageable," Zac said.


    "Tell yourself that if it makes you feel better," Kator snickered. "In your heart of hearts, you should know better. We''ve been moving toward this moment since we met. There can''t be two tigers on the mountain. Your very existence is poison to my path. I don''t know why. The only way to avoid this oue would be for one of us to take a step back, to make concessions to our nature. This is the answer we chose."


    "Our grudge is our own. I won''t hold it against the White Sky Phnx as long as they do the same," Zac sighed.


    "What do I care? I''m no one''s pawn. I lived for my dream until the end," Kator said. He stretched out his hand toward the sky, hisst words barely a whisper as he copsed. "Only an inch from oveing the current."

 Chapter 1264: Reversal

    Chapter 1264: Reversal


    Yselio stumbled out of the Faithgate, the mor in his mind amplified by the agony wracking his body. The chains leading to the depths of his subconscious tried to drag him under, to have his Ego join the duality waiting for him. Not today. Pain became pleasure as darkness became light, and the chains were stopped in their tracks.


    Yselio took a steadying breath and severed the connection. "It''s done."


    "What''s done? You waited until the lingering faith is but a trickle, only toe back empty-handed?" Ylvin said with a shake of his head. "Silly boy."


    "I''m simply following my instincts," Yselio smiled. "It''s served me well so far. Generally."


    "Generally, he says," Ylvin scoffed. He nced upward like he was peering through the endlessyers of steel. "Are you really leaving him be? If you''re correct, this will be your final opportunity. Having twopleted seals would put you head and shoulders above thepetition."


    "Perfection is an illusion, and the tallest trees have to face the wind. I have my own path to follow," Yselio said, slightly bowing at the veiled woman who''d silently stood with her hands sped. "I also fear our esteemed guest would take offense."


    "The Vigil will not get involved in the meseeking Trial," Leyara responded, her eyes flickering with the fires of destiny.


    "Oh? Even when it involves an oldpanion?" Yselio said.


    "I''ve already severed my mortal bonds to fulfill my duty.""How admirable." Yselio apuded while inwardly snickering.


    For calling themselves impartial, these haughty nuns sure liked to put their thumb on the scale. Not that Yselio minded. It would have been impossible to seed without the Vigil''s assistance. Without her prayer, there would have been no way to connect the Tobrial Dynasty''s Imperial Qi with the slumbering faith of the Starfall Court.


    Certainly, this little chosen wasn''t enough to deter Yselio from pursuing his goals. However, seeing the young Void Emperor step out of reality to deal with the Izh''Rak Reaver reaffirmed his belief. Zachary Atwood was a yet-unripe fruit covered in thorns. Targeting him now would bring little benefits while potentially ruining something good in the long run. Zachary Atwood was like a window to the past.


    Who stood better positioned to reap the harvest of a resurgence of the Limitless Empire than the Seven Heavens? And who more personified their fate than Yselio?


    "I cannot believe you wasted one of your resurrections on taunting a dying old monster. What if he realized the writ only held enough Imperial Qi to release one shockwave? What if my intelligence was wrong?"


    "Then that would have been my fate," Yselio said with equanimity as he bared his chest for the priests. "How can I seize fate without epting the apanying risks? And while I couldn''t be certain about how Sorothom would act after his repeated setbacks, I never feared you would have failed in your task."


    "How is it?"


    "His demise will be linked to me, and his sin will be my providence."


    "The providence of the Tobrial Dynasty," Ylvin reminded with a raised brow. "Be careful not to confuse the two."


    "A slip of the tongue," Yselio said as the priest finished up the sigil around the wound left by Sorothom''s nail.


    "Well, you left him well and truly infuriated. I''ll be surprised if he survives the second cycle with how his Dao is faltering." The gruff guardian didn''t press the issue, instead turning to the clerics standing before the door. "Is it done?"


    "We''re only awaiting Lord Vindicator''s authority," the pandit assured, his ancient voice echoing through the subterranean corridor.


    "Then let''s not dally," Yselio said, cing his hand on the thick gate.


    The priests began chanting, and sigils wrought from the Imperial Qi of the Tobrial Dynasty sank into the sealed door one after another. Yvin infused his will while Leyara became the bridge between old and new. The door smoothly slid open, and a wave of brutality came wafting out.


    "Shit!" Ylvin swore, urgently cing himself before the Hegemons as he unleashed his Inner World to its limits. The second Monarch was only a step slower, forming a protective Sanctuary for the group.


    Yselio took a deep breath, feeling the ancient aura of the Elder Guardian was the most exquisite of perfumes. "How marvelous. It should be equivalent to a Fifth-step Autarch in its current state."


    A B-grade puppet wouldn''t make much of a difference to the Seventh Heaven, even the exquisite one the Starfall Court had left for them. Its valuey in its undying frame that had achieved False Eternity. Its value was inestimable, whether as a vessel for the Princes and Archdukes or as a crafting material.


    Even more valuable was the source of Ancient Arcana slumbering beneath it��a key to seize Ultom and Destiny.


    -------------------------


    Zac felt no joy from the unprecedented surge of Kill Energy flooding his body. He only felt a deep, spiritualssitude as Kator''s words rattled in his mind. Was he right? Were all his efforts in bncing benefits and deterrence futile before fate''s whims? Was there noing back from shing destinies?


    There had never been a true grudge between the two. There was just a mutual antipathy since day one, one that had grown and festered until it became something more. While Katorrgely was the instigator, Zac hadn''t helped. Zac almost felt like he''d woken up from a dream, recalling just how much of his mind had been upied with ns for Kator''s demise since they set out. It was a hatred strong enough it could be called poison.


    Right or wrong, the chapter was closed. He''d survived, and Kator was dead. Zac could make up whatever justifications he pleased, and the inch Katorcked let Zac devise the n that led him here. He''d considered his problem from every angle and found no way for his Draugr half to survive the third tribtion while grappling with Kator in the middle of the White Sky domain.


    He''d barely managed to reach the seal unscathed by infusing his technique with the Void, but he wouldn''t be able to maintain that state with the Four Destes ravaging his body. The only way was to avoid the danger altogether. Meanwhile, Zac''s breakthrough faced a huge problem. Even if Kator died, Zac had lost or spent too many of the limited resources meant for his core. Unless he figured out a way to reverse the damage, he would walk away with a broken core at best.


    The Void Realm was his solution to both problems. Ever since he swallowed a decent chunk of the Memorysteel Mountain and its treasures, Zac had wondered where everything went. As his grades increased, so did his bloodline''s voracity, going so far as to consume mountain ranges and enough treasures to blow Zac up dozens of times over. It was all here for the taking, provided he survived the final bolt.


    The churning sky had gone mad after Zac had opened the pocket of Void and escaped. The clouds had intensified as the Heavens directed more of their attention to this forgotten corner of space. Zac had already sensed two rapid discharges since taking on the third bolt, meaning the pope was still alive and undoubtedly suffering from guilt by association.


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    Zac would have liked nothing more than to send even more trouble his way, but he had his own punishment to worry about. He''d already sensed the Heavens weren''t done with him when he looked up at the sky through Ultom''s lens. Zac suspected it was building toward a two-cycle tribtion for his attempt at Monarchy, meaning he''d have to face five bolts at Peak Hegemony and six when erecting his Inner World.


    Each bolt exponentially added to the tribtion''s lethality, but Zac was more confident now that Kator wasn''t in the way. The sky trembled, releasing its final wave of destruction. The column of pitch-ck lightning only briefly paused after entering the Imperial Domain, seemingly looking for the target that disappeared. It failed, causing the whole bolt to target Zac''s human side.


    Zac had expected as much and was prepared. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> rippled with power and Zac infused space itself. Inside the Void Realm, Zac felt a nearby ripple and shed over. He pushed from the other end, managing to open a small slit that connected his bodies. The lightning bolt shuddered, and two-thirds plunged into the vortex, destroying the pathway as a consequence.


    What remained in the main dimension crashed into <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong>''s sigil, triggering a costly mutual eradication. Zac held on for everything he was worth, heedlessly spending what the Void Realm provided. Whatever slipped past the sigil was weakened by <strong>[Void Zone]</strong> and consumed by a struggling <strong>[Void Heart]</strong>, leaving only a trickle of punishment.


    Being only able to use <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> with one of his bodies at a time, Zac had to face the brunt of the tribtion head-on inside the Void Realm. Thankfully, the subspace came to his aid, causing a second round of erosion stacked on top of the Imperial Faith. Still, what remained was almost grotesque, far surpassing the third bolt''s intensity.


    The third tribtion was the final strike of the first cycle, while the fourth began the second. It was a full tier higher, holding a much higher ratio of Law over Heavenly Dao. Even with the Void Realm helping out, Zac could do little as it ravaged every corner of his body. He soon began exhibiting simr signs of erosion as Kator, where he lost whole chunks of flesh and bone to destion.


    With Zac''s body facing such devastation, there was no need to mention the main target for punishment. Zac rallied everything in his arsenal to resist, yet whole swathes of debris were turned into nothing but memories of former glory. Seeing the heavy losses despite his best efforts was almost enough for Zac to give in, yet he staunchly held on against all odds and reason.


    The moment his human side was safe, he activated <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>on the other end. Any dense gathering of Law throughout his body was swept away before he focused on his core. With the lightning being a finite resource, Zac eventually gained the upper hand. Momentster, the Four Destes began escaping his body. This time, Zac did nothing to hold them back, immensely relieved to feel the crackling clouds reluctantly turn their attention to the other transgressor.


    Inspecting the state of his body, especially the scorched ruins within his Quantum Space, added another feeling to the relief��futility. Almost half the pieces of his Cosmic Core had been destroyed, and the energies still flooding the temporary space had nowhere to go now that the lightning was gone. It could only umte, putting further strain on the space and his damaged Specialty Core.


    Even if Zac got things under control, there was no way to form a satisfactory or even functional core with what remained. He hadn''t even begun the second step of his Core Formation, and he''d already fallen hopelessly behind. It''d take a miracle to turn the situation around. Since the System didn''t seem intent on providing any added benefits, Zac would have to create the miracle on his own.


    Zac moved out, following the familiar ripples until he found what he sought among all the rubble. The hourss had lost more of its sand resisting the Void Realm''s erosion, though the passive pressure couldn''tpare to the direct harm of directly facing the Four Destes. Seeing it intact, Zac said a silent prayer before triggering the hidden mark in his body, summoning the only one who could help in his current situation.


    "Look at you, a leaking sieve reeking of destion." Sendor shook his head. "What do you have against breaking through like a normal person? Taking on more suffering doesn''t necessarily mean a greater reward."


    "It''s not like I asked for this," Zac muttered.


    "I will not shield you from the Heavens," the Realm Spirit said, looking at the remnant arcs of lightning escaping Zac''s body.


    "I''m not asking you to."


    "That''s good," Sendor nodded, taking in the Void Realm with curiosity. "Void Emperor, indeed. How did you��"


    "First, please heal me before I fall apart."


    "Most of your wounds have the mark of the Four Destes. Healing you is not as simple as regrowing flesh."


    "I saw you revert the damage of a Supremacy. Surely, this is child''s y."


    Sendor looked at Zac for a moment before shrugging. "I suppose it doesn''t cross the threshold."


    Zac felt his pain melt away as limbs and flesh reformed. This was why he used his Draugr side to endure most of the punishment while his human half stayed safe through his Void abilities. He''d already decided on summoning Sendor the moment he came up with this n, even if it meant having no safeguard for the uing trial.


    "Now, what scheme have you cooked up? What''s this, then?" Sendor said, ncing at the hourss.


    "No need to pretend," Zac said with a roll of his eyes.


    Analyzing the hourss during his epiphany immediately exposed its true nature. It wasn''t a supreme treasure like he''d assumed. It was pure Temporal Energy left by an incredibly powerful being. It was something simr to the Imperial Edicts he''d faced a few times, transcending skills or conventional forms of Dao. Not like the Eternal, but there was surely Authority in the hourss.


    Not only that, there were even hints of Sendor''s aura mixed in. Zac could have intuited the rest even without Ultom''s assistance. Esmeralda suffered under a curse, and she''d gotten Sendor and another Supremacy to suppress it. She''d sacrificed most of her remaining reincarnations to help Zac deal with Kator and make it through his tribtion.


    It was a huge gamble, making her mission inside the trial one of life and death. After all, Zac couldn''t give it back even if he didn''t desperately need it. The moment Esmeralda extracted it from her body, it had be rootless. It would soon fade away, and the Authority would return to its owner.


    "I need you to modify this seal to revert the damage to my core."


    "I knew it," Sendor grimaced. "Reversing a failed breakthrough is not something a C-grade brand can aplish. Removing wounds doesn''t break the bnce as you''d heal anyhow. What you''re asking for is a reversal of fate simr to resurrection. I would need the strength of my true body, provided I was even willing to pay the price for you."


    "Not when you have this," Zac said as he pointed at the hourss.


    Sendor wordlessly looked at the hourss for a moment before sighing. "It looks like that littless bet everything on you. Are you aware of what this is?"


    "I am," Zac said. "And I will repay her."


    "So long as you know," Sendor nodded. "Your idea has ramifications. Old Man River will notice this. Notice you. If he wills it, time will move in his direction. Your Karmic protection will not work if you''re the one extending a hand. Even then, there''s not enough to undo the damage that''s been done."


    "I''ll take what I can get," Zac said. "As for the senior, I''ll just have to add him to my list of entanglements and debts."


    "Very well. That old codger probably won''t bother with you in the short run. He''s content waiting for the Zenith like most of the old guard," Sendor said as a thread of light entered the hourss. "Direct it into ce and I''ll do the rest."


    Zac dragged the hourss into his body and through the Quantum Space''s hatch. Time reversed, and the destion began teeming with Life and Death. Scorched ash became debris radiating barely contained power. However, the hourss was losing sand quicker than the debris was restored. Just ten secondster, thest grain reached the central container, and the hourss winked out of existence like it had never been there.


    "That''s all I can do," Sendor said, his avatar almost entirely translucent. "The rest will be up to you."


    The hourss hadn''t managed to return any pieces that left his body. While regrettable, it was a huge improvement from before. His state was roughly between the first and second bolt. It was still bad, with almost 15% of his core lost. Any core he built on such shaky foundations was bound to have problems.


    But so what? That was a problem all Mortals faced. Zac was confident he could find enough treasures to repair today''s damage, like the water he got from the Endemyre Sage. So long as his core could produce and release energy, he could keep forging ahead.


    "Wait!" Zac said, realizing Sendor''s apparition was about to disappear after having expended all the sigil''s energy. "The Eternal, her sacrifice. Can you tell me anything about it?"n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "You''ve met that dusty old spirit, haven''t you? I knew the Terminus Council wouldn''t be able to sit still after you popped up," Sendorughed.


    The Realm Spirit was gone by the time he''d finished the sentence. Zac was still happy with the clue Sendor provided on his way out. For one, there was the mention of the Terminus Council again, and it sounded like Wal''Zo was part of it. Secondly, Sendor didn''t seem too worried about it.


    Zac still had some misgivings about incorporating the heritage of the Ster Wanderers into his unified method, but Sendor''s calm made him calm in turn. Maybe he could treat it like what he''d taken from the Sangha. Worrying about the details of his n would have to wait. The clock had been reset, and he needed to take advantage.


    It wasn''t difficult to localize what he needed. The Void Realm was literally overflowing with materials already refined by his bloodline.

 Chapter 1265: Revenge and Refuel

    Chapter 1265: Revenge and Refuel


    Rivers of white-hot gold poured through the cracks, melting steel and incinerating wood. The unthinking roots were bing victims of their gluttony, unable to adapt to the overloaded Ster Extractor. Them pouring into the endless starlight like moths to the me provided a much-needed respite.


    "Just a little bit more, we''re almost there!" Catheya urged, floating just above the ground.


    The small expenditure of flight was a cost she could ill afford, but she had no choice. Her left leg was encased in ice to prevent the embedded saplings from sprouting, and even more of her body was frozen to hold together her wounds and elerate her recovery. She couldn''t run even if she wanted, and Kruta was in no state to carry her.


    The orc was an arrow at the end of its flight after having disyed a tenacity and ferocity that would make his ancestors proud. It was almost a miracle he managed to put one leg before the other. He''d taken the vanguard throughout their protracted battle, unleashing wave after wave of cutting mes to keep the wilderness at bay. Kruta distractedly grunted, his mind focused on keeping himself moving.


    Catheya''s promise wasn''t an empty reassurance. Zac''s short telepathic message hade at the right time. The shakes had begun just momentster, and the whole station was already about to go supernova. If they hadn''t gotten the route to the emergency chamber at the end of the corridor, they''d be done for.


    The doors to the teleportation chamber slid up withoutint, and Catheya almost cried with relief upon seeing an active gate waiting for them. Catheya had no idea if it was correctly calibrated. She didn''t care. The streaks of starlight had already joined into a rising tide that was rapidly catching up.


    Kruta''s cloudy eyes regained their sharpness upon seeing the gate and the two drew upon their reserves for a final spurt. A painful constriction tried to tear Catheya apart as the world flickered in ck and gold. The next moment, she felt solid ground beneath her feet. More importantly, the intense starlight''s poisonous radiation was gone.


    Catheya slumped onto the ground, unable to muster so much as a thought. Thankfully, the swarm of sparkling roots right on their heels was dealt with by the gate itself as it turned off. Most likely, it had been overloaded by the starlight.


    "Finally," Kruta gasped as hey to her side. "Never doing weed duty again.""Well, we didn''t make our lives easier by stealing their precious fruits," Catheya said with a weak smile, enjoying the sweet caress of Death against her skin from crushing two Miasma Crystals.


    "I don''t know why. Fruits are meant to be eaten," the orc huffed as he wearily looked around. "Wait, does this look right to you?"


    Catheya blinked and turned her head, properly taking in the surroundings for the first time. "That''s��"


    The gate was supposed to be an emergency teleporter leading to a major hub, where the others hopefully would be waiting. Instead, they were inside a small chamber, with only a single teleportation tform. Worse, the thunderous collisions that started the extractor''s copse seemed significantly closer.


    "Don''t tell me we''ve been sent off-course again," Kruta groaned.


    "There''s no corruption, at least. I only sense��" Catheya''s words caught in her throat as she felt a distinct pull of fate. Was this the reward waiting for her after the extremely challenging couple of hours?


    <em>''Everything is in order. Wee aboard the </em>Pernumia Ino<em>.''</em>


    "Is that�� Carl?" Catheya hesitated as she looked for the source of the familiar voice.


    <em>''It''s me,''</em> the voice on the inte confirmed. <em>''Gu helped reroute the gate. You''re aboard a Cosmic Vessel.'' </em>


    A deep rumble threw the two off the ground, and one of the severed roots took the opportunity to strike.


    "No you don''t!" Kruta growled as he snatched the snaking vine from the air.


    Catheya was about to freeze it but looked on in confusion as she saw the warrior bite into the spiritual root with a wicked grin. "Just what are you doing?"


    "Two birds with one stone," Kruta said, looking very pleased with himself. "Revenge and refuel."


    <em>''Ahem��</em><em>As I said, you''re aboard a Cosmic Vessel we''vemandeered. I''m sorry to impose, but I need your help, and quickly. Follow the guides.''</em>


    It was at that moment two floating balls emerged from the wall, and a series of screens popped up above each. Mechanical guides, by the looks of it. It was nice to see the four familiar faces, though Catheya was disappointed that Zac wasn''t one of them.


    "What''s going on?" Catheya asked. "I''m afraid we''re not in any condition to face another enemy."


    "Not in any condition to move," Kruta added.


    Catheya desperately needed rest after having fought the wildlife''s increasingly frantic assault. Her mind was utterly drained after having maintained her Heavenly Domain for so long, to the point she had to crush crystals to ward off the hostile energy around her.


    "I don''t need you to fight. I need your help to control this old piece of junk," Carl answered, his voiceing out of the ball now.


    "Then you''re in even worse luck, buddy," Kruta sighed. "What do I know about ancient Cosmic Vessels?"


    Another shockwave threw the two into the air, causing Catheya to gasp with pain. Waiting no longer, the small spheres flew and hoisted her and Kruta into the air using energy tethers. Catheya gawked at having herself whisked out of the room like she were a recement part for the dusty old ship.


    "I''m sorry, but we''re really on a tight schedule," Gu said. "And don''t worry, you won''t have to do a thing. We need your authority."


    "Authority? Our seals?" Kruta asked.


    "Exactly," Gu said. "By some miracle, Carl managed to convince the resident Ship Spirit to set out."


    "The mad prophet can be quite convincing," Bubbur muttered under his breath.


    "Anyhow," Gu coughed. "The ship is running, but we''re locked out of almost everything. However, we found out that sealbearers can activate one or two features each using their authority."


    "And we need the two of you to activate the weapons battery," Carl said, his eyes gleaming with malice.


    Catheya felt the attraction from her final seal grow weaker. She ignored it, knowing this wasn''t the time to be selfish. "Who''s the enemy? Foreign Gods or Qriz''Ul?"


    "Neither," Carl said. "It''s the Kan''Tanu pope. We need to do something, or he''ll ruin the boss''s ns."


    "The Kan''Tanu Pope?" Kruta sputtered. "Are you crazy? That''s a Peak Monarch. Do you know how fast they are? How quick their reaction is? It doesn''t matter how powerful this old skipper is if we can''t hit him. Everyone would just build ships instead of cultivating if it was so easy to kill those kinds of old monsters."


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    "It''s notpletely crazy. The circumstances are a bit special," Gu said. "You''ll see soon."


    They were soon deposited into chairs facing a huge screen and arge number of controls.


    Catheya ced her hands on a control crystal, and her mind was filled with information. There was detailed data on and feedback from the weapons systems, but Catheya''s mind was mostly upied by the screen. For the first time since their approach to the base, she had a full view of the outside.


    It looked like their vessel was floating in the middle of a thousand waterfalls pouring gold and purple. It would have been impossible to see anything beyond the dense, churning mist if not for the vessel''s arrays adding detail.


    Catheya almost wished she''d been allowed to retain her blissful ignorance. Scarier than the shing Ster Energy and corruption were the pitch-ck clouds above. A vortexrge enough to swallow dozens ofs was almost directly overhead, and Catheya felt an intense heavenly presence within. She hadn''t seen the phenomenon before, but she recognized it at a nce. It was a Dao Confirmation, an unusually fierce one at that. The cultist would see a huge transformation of his Dao if he managed to survive it.


    The Cosmic Vessel was hidden by arrays, directly facing four gargantuan creatures locked in a pitched battle. The energies they wielded easily surpassed a One-Step Autarch''s, though their application was extremely crude. They were like barbarians banging at each other with enough force to copse worlds.


    One of the puppets had a clear advantage. It was tearing into its opponent, and the battle wouldn''tst much longer unless something changed. The other duel was the direct opposite, with its puppet in a much worse state. It was like its joints had been eroded by sand, with its movements stilted and slow. Its state exposed it to the fierce barrage of the equally impressive Foreign God, which drew from the purple mist to gain further strength.


    The puppet had already lost an arm, and its chest was covered in huge scars teeming with corruption. The reason for the puppet''s faltering response was clear. Carl''s target was floating nearby, enclosed in the embrace of a thousand withered hands. The shadows they cast hid his sins from the Heavens, creating a sinister sanctuary. Even the puppet didn''t seem to notice his presence, despite the enormous flesh flower thrumming with fell Karma blooming on its forehead.


    "I can''t take us any closer than this," Carl said. "Our camouge will deactivate when the weapons activate. We only have one shot before we have to run for our lives."


    Kruta nced over at Catheya. "The flower?"


    "The flower," Catheya agreed.


    "Alright, onest round of weed duty," Kruta sighed.


    -------------------


    The Void Realm was littered with treasures imbued with all Daos, not just those of Zac''s path. However, there was a distinct skew toward Life, Death, and Conflict thanks to Zac having favored environments suited to him. First, there were the mountains hidden in the depths of the Twilight Chasm. Then, there was the mountain Buddhist range during his breakthrough into Hegemony.


    With so many materials already perfectly attuned to his path, Zac still had a decent chance of making up for the lost time. Even his breakthrough inside the Centurion Lighthouse had prioritized treasures harmonized with his path. Being a fortress, he''d swallowed quite a number of Conflict-attuned materials.


    The same could be said for thetest infusion. Not all the materials he''d just consumed by opening vortices across the Centurion Base had been sacrificed to open up this space. Dozens of treasures remained, though it was too early to use them for his core. They were still being transformed by the Void. Zac would be better off using the treasure pairs he''d prepared for the asion.


    Stealing treasures from his future self was bound to have consequences. It was like he was taking out a loan, not knowing the interest or when the principal would have to be returned. Certainly, the alternative was much worse. Zac would have to make sure he reced what he''d taken and more, which should hopefully strengthen the Void Realm.


    Zac stowed Kator''s body after some hesitation, cing his Spatial Rings in a pouch. It''d be a waste to leave him in the Void Space, and Zac didn''t know if he might need it down the road. After, Zac rushed forth like a starving beast, fiercely suppressing any discontent in his body. He appeared before a blob of darkness surrounding pieces of an aquamarine rock��vaguely recalling swallowing something simr in the Centurion Lighthouse.


    Zac ced a talisman on his chest and pulled. Both energy and matter poured into the talisman and appeared in the quantum space. Spiritual Tendrils were already waiting to make use of the infusion while Zac continued toward the next piece. The next step would normally be upgrading his nucleus. Ultom''s enlightenment had only reinforced his belief that retaining his Core Nucleus was the right way to go.


    Only, the order of his breakthrough had been thrown on its head, forcing Zac to make some changes on the go. Esmeralda''s bet on him had let him recover much of his core, though its state remained precarious after the lightning was gone. Winding back the clock to remove the ravages of the Four Destes was easier said than done. Many pieces of debris were still so damaged that they couldn''t properly ept any cosmic energy.


    Zac needed to perform a quick round of field repairs on these pieces before they copsed from the energy pressure. Only when they were stabilized could he move on with his ascension. The process wasn''t difficult, provided Zac didn''t have to deal with any more external threats. Even with Kator gone, it was asking for the impossible.


    "Damn it!"


    A swirl of shadows surrounded the Flying Treasure before Zac needed to act, dragging it beneath one of the control rooms. It wasn''t enough topletely avoid the tremendous shockwave that reached them the next moment, but it lessened it enough for Ogras to deal with the rest. Zac couldn''t stop his restoration work, so he turned to the demon for answers.


    "Damn, that old skipper has some kick to her," Ogras whistled as he emerged from the shadows. "That should have left a dent at least."


    Zac looked into the distance with a frown. "It''s not enough."


    The tremendous shockwave had pushed away the purple mist, giving him a clear view of the distant battle. Adding his still-active connection to the Imperial Faith, he had a good idea of what hispanions were up to. The pope had tried to parasitize one of the Eternal Guardians, and his team had used the ancient vessel to sever the connection.


    Unfortunately, their attack wasn''t powerful enough to destroy the roots. The pope hadn''tpletely lost his connection with the guardian, and the others were now exposed to his wrath. Zac sighed, knowing he had no choice. He conjured <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> and infused the Imperial Faith brand in his mind with everything he had.


    The sun, still floating atop the spire, promptly went supernova, and the spire followed. It was the starting call of a wave of destruction that swept through the Centurion Base as the glue that kept everything together was gone. Every scrap of ster energy and lingering faith ignited for one final burst of glory. The bnce inside the subspace was immediately upended as endless gold crushed the purple infiltration.


    Most radiant were the two Eternal Guardians. Theplex runes across their skin burned brighter than any star, radiating unbending conviction and triumph. Zac''s heart shook at the scene, feeling like he''d been brought back to the Pilgrimage of Faith, witnessing the final stands of the interred saints.


    The situation far surpassed his expectations. He''d simply nned on blowing up the faith pathways, hoping the disruption would strike the pope''s mind. After all, he was still connected to the Ascension Chamber, relying on it to manage the Heavenly descent. Instead, it ignited a fire of purpose that roused the struggling guardians.


    Nothing could stand in the way of the holy undertaking engraved on the Eternal Guardian''s very essence. Even the Heavens were subdued by their radiance. Zac blinked, suddenly seeing an endless sea of warriors decked in glistening armor. They were echoes of the undying will that had birthed the Imperial Faith.


    "The pirs which will uphold the Heavens," Zac muttered, feeling the river of fate buckle and its waters froth.


    All corruption withered in the me''s presence, and the pitched battle was pitched no longer. The first Foreign God was reduced into dust by a copsing sun before it could react. The other didn''t get much further as endless energy poured into the guardians. An exacting swing tore reality to shreds, taking the corrupted creature with it.


    The pope had no time to worry about the Cosmic Vessel that had interrupted his ns. He was desperately trying to add distance from the Eternal Guardians and their radiance. The hands keeping him safe were crumbling like dry wood before the righteous environment. The Heavens once more found its prey, and a tremendous pir of destruction overwhelmed all else.


    "Holy hells, what did you��" Ogras breathed, his shock only increasing when the air around them shimmered with ripples of Destiny. "What now?!"n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    "Hey, it''s not me," Zac said upon seeing the demon''s usatory look.


    He didn''t have time to finish his sentence before a familiar aura erupted from Zac''s pocket. The <strong>[Court Cycle Token</strong>] hade alive on its own and flew out on its own. Zac saw small streaks of hollow light emerge from his pores, fusing with the shimmers of destiny. And he knew.


    "Uh-huh," the demon said after a simr disy appeared on his body. He wasn''t the only one, judging by themotioning from within the control room.


    Zac coughed, opening his status screen to confirm his hunch.


    <strong>One by Nine (Unique, Inheritance): Form a full cycle of Sealbearers. Reward: Entry to the Left Imperial Pce (9/9) [Complete] [34:11:28:49] [NOTE: Multiple cycles can be formed.]</strong>


    As expected, the trial had been brought forward once more. The system had cut off over three months from the quest, and it wasn''t done there. The pir''s ascent was clearly connected to the Centurion Base for some reason. Each time a piece of it crumbled, the timer lost a couple of seconds in one go.


    "Tell everyone to get ready. The trial is starting early," Zac said. "We have some time unless this whole ce blows up."


    Ogras closed his eyes for a second before releasing a long-suffering sigh. "I wish you''d stop saying things like that."

 Chapter 1266: Grand Undertaking

    Chapter 1266: Grand Undertaking


    The universe responded to Ogras''sint before Zac could. An inhuman shriek that made Zac see double shook the whole tower. Zac would have lost control over his core if not for his Draugr half remaining in the isted pocket space. The scream came from within the distant lightning pir that cast a gloomy pall on the fading radiance of faith.


    Then, it was like space was punctured, and a huge tangle of badly scorched tendrils was thrown into the heavenly furnace. The Heart Curse didn''t even get the chance to mount a resistance before it was ripped apart and turned into nothing. It was a rejection different than the absolute erosion of the Four Destes. It was a rejection of one''s path, of the Grand Dao turning its back against you.


    That was the danger posed by a failed Dao Confirmation. You put everything in the line to prove your path. It was divinity or death. A being at the Peak of Monarchy was essentially an avatar of their Dao, so having it ripped away meant losing yourself in a literal sense.


    The column flickered and disappeared, though Zac could still see it from the image burned into his retina. He could feel a familiar spatial fluctuation, and the Heavens were jubnt��aplete opposite of the anger Zac always felt after surviving a breakthrough.


    "The clouds are parting," Ograsmented while cleaning off a streak of blood running down his nose.


    Zac nodded in agreement. "The spatial fluctuations should be fragments of a copsed Inner World."


    "I can''t believe I participated in a mission to y the general without knowing," Ograsughed, a greedy smile gradually spreading across his face. "Why does the contribution point update have to be hours away? My efforts should surely be worth a few million, no?"


    "It''s not over yet," Zac said. "The pope is a heretic who''s mastered the Dao of Sacrifice. There''s a risk this is all a ruse to hide from the Heavens."


    "You think he sacrificed his Heart Curse to escape?" Ogras slowly nodded. "It''s possible. What do you think? Your kin were better versed in this stuff.""None of us ever survived that step," K''Rav sighed as he appeared from the demon''s sleeve. "The spatial energies are truly his Inner World. Even if that old thing survived, he must have sacrificed a good chunk of his cultivation. Not falling into aa would be a miracle."


    "He''s not a threat to Zecia if he''s been pushed down a stage or two. He''ll probably die before having recovered from his wounds, let alone make another attempt at Divine Monarchy," Ogras snickered.


    "Let''s hope the Heavens finished the job. A dying, vengeful Monarch lurking in the area would still be a huge threat to us," Zac said before giving K''Rav a curious look. "Was that you before? Who conjured an attack made from corruption?"


    "A small trick." K''Rav looked quite pleased with himself. "The taste of this purple stuff is slightly different from what I''m used to, but the Ra''Lashar techniques work just fine with it. Want to learn? I''m sure it coulde in handy in the trial, and my prices are quite reasonable."


    "Don''t encourage this little bastard, or we''ll all end up as vengeful ghosts," Ogras said. "We''ve absorbed too much of that stuff already."


    "No guts, no glory," the spectral goblin said with disdain.


    "Famousst��hey, what are those big bastards doing?"


    Zac followed Ogras'' gaze and frowned in confusion. The Eternal Guardians were drawing in the sunlight and golden faith to form a huge rune between them. Zac didn''t recognize it at all. It wasn''t part of the simple instructions he''d imnted when awakening them, nor anything he recognized from his interaction with the Centurion Beacon.


    The sigil seemed insatiable, and more and more was dragged inside. Zac''s confusion only deepened when it began absorbing the innumerable spatial tears. Were they repairing the subspace? Zac wasn''t sure if that was good news or bad. There was no chance he would be able to hold onto the Centurion Base even if it survived, which meant it''d fall into the hands of someone else.


    Most likely an enemy, considering their location. It wasn''t just the pope to worry about. Zac had sensed someone spying on him before. They were gone now, but they likely lurked in the area. And he hadn''t forgotten that more members of the Kan''Tanu and the ck Heart Sect should be in the area. He''d only spotted the pope when connected with the base, but that didn''t mean there wasn''t an armada waiting outside.


    Stabilizing the base would slow down the countdown on his quest screen, though, and time was something Zac desperately needed. His previous breakthrough had taken less than twenty days, so the thirty days on his quest timer were technically enough, even if his situation was moreplicated this time around. However, they''d be lucky to get ten days at the current rate the quest was ticking down, which definitely wasn''t enough.


    "Whatever they''re doing, we need to be ready for it," Zac said.


    "We''re working on that part. They''ll pick us up in ten minutes. Maybe faster now that your puppets are mending the dimensional damage," Emily said as she emerged from the control room, continuing with a lower voice. "Are you okay? What happened with your other half? And that bastard?"


    "I''m fine. Arcaz is in the Void," Zac said, looking at Emily with confusion. "And Kator is dead. Didn''t you get any Kill Energy? You helped in the fight."


    "No, nothing," Emily said, and Ogras corroborated her situation.


    Zac felt the clue was important. Kill Energy was a fundamental part of the System that worked everywhere within Integrated Space. Mystic Realms, Lower nes, and the Void of Space were no exception. However, the pocket he''d managed to create wasn''t just outside Heaven''s purview; it was even outside the System''s reach.


    It was only then he realized that Kator never released his Blooddancer Seal. He''d been so caught up with other matters he''d forgotten all about it. He took out the body again, but there was still no sign of the seal emerging. Perhaps it would appear after his Draugr half returned to the main dimension.


    Zac didn''t have any direct uses of a spacepletely hidden from the universes at the moment, but he knew the feature carried important implications. He strongly suspected the phenomenon was rted to Destiny as much as the Void or his bloodline. It was a space without Cosmic Destiny or Imperial Fate, where his Void Road was the thing acting as the glue to reality.


    Something like that could have huge ramifications on the way Laws and Dao functioned inside the Void Realm, and it somewhat tied into the glimpse of truth he''d seen within Ultom''s light. The details were blurry again, but he better understood how Destiny rted to Cosmos''s other building blocks. It was direction.


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    That wasn''t even the important realization. Destiny was different from Laws and Dao in one critical aspect. It wasn''t static. Zac had already understood the concept on a surface level, that Destiny could be created, after his experience in the Tribtion Throne. The epiphany today hinted at why that mattered when he observed the sh between the tribtion lightning and the Imperial Faith domain.


    Different from Dao or Law, Destiny could only grow or change. It could change ownership. Zac recalled his talk with Wal''Zo, feeling he''d already taken another step toward the truth. Even with the Eternal''s n, the Multiverse was likely losing some of its energy between each Era. If the Eternal couldn''t figure out a solution when the Multiverse was at its peak, how could the weaker generations in the following ages?


    The answery in the umtion of Destiny.


    Zac could picture it. Era after Era, the greatest beings would train their swords at the Terminus, determined to break the shackles of mortality. Era after Era, they failed, and their providence was torn apart and consumed by the Eternal Cosmic Destiny. The key to Eternity was a growth of Destiny that outpaced the loss of energy. The greater the aplishment, the more the Cosmos would benefit.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Someone like Laondio must have been a godsend to Wal''Zo. Zac couldn''t imagine the amount of Fate he''d generated with his grand undertaking, how much the System generated for him. Provided nothing changed this Era, most of it would be consumed and turned into Cosmic Destiny.


    Those distant matters were of little concern to Zac, but the idea of Destiny being malleable was. That notion was why he''d sighed with regret when sacrificing all the lingering Imperial Faith. Zac had instinctively felt that pieces of Destiny had be ownerless during the sh. And while he was by far the weakest party, he might have been able to siphon off some for himself��literally seizing Fate.


    If sessful, he might have been able to push his Void Road further, adding more permanent stability to the Void Realm while improving his Luck-boosting title. Unfortunately, the moment was lost. Zac shook his head and tabled the matter. He had a core to worry about, and there''d be more chances now that he''de closer to understanding the truth.


    "Can I leave the rest to you guys? I have to focus on my core," Zac said.


    "Don''t worry, do your thing. I''m not going anywhere without my lucky charm," the demon grinned as he enclosed the flying treasure in a shroud of shadows.


    The world grew silent, and the gentle swirl of grey allowed Zac to tune out all distractions. Talking with Ogras hadn''t upied much of his attention, and he''d been continuously operating dozens of mental tendrils to repair pieces of his core throughout. Still, every bit counted when you were racing against the clock.


    Stream after stream of precious energies poured into Zac''s quantum space, each infusioning from a treasure that could drive Frontier Hegemons wild. Withered bands of rotating debris rapidly regained their luster as a result, radiating powerful waves of Life, Death, and Conflict. It worked as he''d envisioned, except Zac realized it would take hours to reach a satisfactory state.


    It wasn''t much in the grand scheme of things, but it was too long for the nucleus to sitpletely unattended. It was already losing the heat and malleability gained from the ignition. In a few hours, it would be back to square one. Weighing his options, Zac took out a box that failed to perfectly contain the fierce winds of Life of the treasure it held. He opened the lid to expose what looked like a wriggling golden egg about to hatch.


    It was actually a crystal traded with the Alliance Treasury for some of the almost mindboggling stockpiles of items he''d pilfered throughout the war. The treasures he got from his visit to the Centurion Lighthouse were the most unique and had the highest grade on average. However, their value still paled before the sheer quantity of Spatial Rings he''d seized when fighting on the battlefronts and frontlines.


    Most Hegemons on the frontier were pitifully poor, but Zac was always the one who dealt with the enemy camp''s leaders. Whether elites from the Seven Chapters or World Lords, most had some valuable treasures squirreled away. There were a few among these who''d hoarded surprising levels of wealth.


    Zac already possessed sixteen Peak D-grade treasures, not including whatever waited in Kator''s sealed Spatial Ring, though only two of which were of use to his cultivation. Late D-grade treasures personally owned by him already numbered over a hundred, and the Atwood Empire''s treasury had even more. All of the materials came from ughter, and they''d proven just as useful as Merit.


    It was nigh-impossible to buy resources a Middle or Late Hegemon needed with Nexus Coins or Cosmic Crystals. Trades at that level were almost exclusively done through the barter of treasures or favors. His rampage had let him secure most of what he needed through trade, though a few pieces could only be found on the Limited Exchange.


    As for his breakthrough to Peak Hegemony, Zac would likely have to search beyond Zecia unless the System Exchange store remained when he returned from the trial. It wasn''t that there were no materials, but finding ones of high enough quality and suited for his purpose could take dozens of millennia when you had to turn over a war-torn and poverty-stricken sector to find them.


    Zac took out his <strong>[Cosmic Hammer] </strong>and began extracting useless streaks of spirituality from the Life-attuned Crystal. Zac felt the Flying Treasure move mid-way through and guessed the huge Imperial Destroyer hade to pick them up. He didn''t bother with the details. This part was different from the simple infusion of spirituality. The slightest mistake would ruin the treasure meant for his Core Nucleus.


    It took twenty minutes to extract as much spirituality as he could without destabilizing it. Zac would normally have gone a bit further before throwing it into the refiner, but he couldn''t this time. His Draugr half was still busy collecting materials in the Void Realm, preventing Zac from performing a simultaneous refinement of the matching Death-attuned treasure.


    Zac transported the miasmic box from his Draugr side through <strong>[Purity of the Void]</strong> but didn''t immediately start refining it. He first extended his Soul Sense beyond the shadowy curtain, realizing his Core Formation Arrays had been moved into a roomy hangar. Gu was in the middle of setting up an array mimicking his cultivation cave around him. Emily was resting while a swirl of tomahawks danced around her, which added some conflict to Gu''s infusion of Life and Death.


    Ogras stood some distance away, discussing something with two new faces��Carl and what appeared to be a ghost. They were arguing about something, so Zac dispersed the shadows. "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m sorry, did we disturb you?" Ogras grimaced as the trio walked over. "Can you talk for a second?"


    "Not long. A minute or two."


    "That''s all we need," Carl quickly said, turning to the ghost. "This is him. As you can see, he''s in the middle of a breakthrough. Interrupting him any further will harm our grand undertaking."


    <em>''Grand undertaking?'' </em>Zac sent a mental message.


    <em>''Lord, please y along. We still can''t ess most of the ship unless you can win this blockhead over. It shouldn''t be too difficult. He''s slightly stupid, and our shimmer already has him half-convinced,'' </em>Carl exined.


    "Sir, please present your credentials, or I will have no choice but to imprison you all for impersonating an Imperial Officer," the gentlemanly-looking spirit said with a slight bow.


    Zac gave it some thought before taking out the <strong>[Court Cycle Token]</strong>. The destroyed Imperial Faith rune the System imparted would have been even better, but it didn''t prove necessary. The spirit looked like he had been struck by tribtion lightning, taking a step back in shock.


    "Greetings, your Eminence," the spirit said with a much-deeper bow. "I apologize for the dyed response. The Centurion Base has been sealed off for overly long, and I have been unable to run the customary verifications. Your manservant thankfully informed me of your arrival, though he failed to inform you of your esteemed affiliation."


    "That''s okay," Zac said, ncing at Carl, who shook his head in confusion.


    "May I ask what brings the Holy Son of the Empyrean Chalice to my humble vessel, and what can I do to assist?"


    Zac coughed upon seeing Carl''s eyes briefly widen in shock before gaining an ufortable calm. Even Emily and Gu stopped what they were doing to look over in surprise. They were all too familiar with Instructor Rava and the Empyrean Chalice, but Zac had never shared how he identally became their Holy Son. He''d simply said he''d passed Rava''s test, allowing others to use her facilities.


    How some ancient Ship Spirit had managed to suss out his status was beyond Zac, and he guessed it didn''t really matter in their current situation. What mattered was that they''d just gained a very powerful helper.

 Chapter 1267: Opening a Path

    Chapter 1267: Opening a Path


    Zac had already dyed the work on his nucleus too long. He needed to quickly cover his bases and have the Ship Spirit provide the assistance they needed. If that meant impersonating a Holy Son, then so be it.


    "I''m surprised you recognized me. Much time has passed, and the Heavens have changed. The Empire is not what it once was," Zac said, trying to emte the atmosphere of Rava and the Temrs he''d seen. "The me is still burning, and the Left Imperial Pce is about to return. We need your assistance until then."


    "Certainly," the spirit said. "The Starfall Court remembers its promise."


    Zac had no idea what that meant, and it didn''t seem suitable to ask. Instead, he focused on the more pressing issue. "Too much has been lost, and I''m not very familiar with the Eternal Guardians. Can you exin what the two I awakened are doing?"


    "They are creating a pathway," the spirit said. "Their strength iscking, so they are borrowing the Spatial Energy from the surroundings."


    "A pathway? Wh��" Zac stopped, realizing he knew the answer. It was a Spatial Bridge to Zurbor.


    The orders Zac engraved were very simple. Kill the Foreign Gods and the pope and then deal with the Kan''Tanu in the Zurbor sector. Knowing the Imperial Graveyard was the biggest hindrance to their mission, Zac had tried to convey as much as possible about the dangers outside the pocket realm. It looked like the Eternal Guardians had taken him at his word and were opting to skip it entirely.


    "Can you estimate how long it will take?"


    "Three days at the current rate," the spirit dutifully said."Will it harm this subspace?" Ogras asked and was met with studious silence until Zac repeated the question.


    "No. This realm has received an Imperial Blessing. It will recover so long as the Centurion Sun exists, and the raiders hiding outsideck the strength to damage it."


    "Raiders?"


    The spirit nodded, and a screen appeared, showcasing a fleet of twelve ships floating in the safe region surrounding the hollow sun. Zac didn''t know if he was relieved or disappointed to see the exteriors remaining mostly the same after all that had happened. It meant their path of retreat remained open, only it was blocked by Kan''Tanu and ck Heart cultists.


    Thankfully, none of them dared approach the Centurion Sun or the gate it held, though seeing the portal remain open left Zac leery. "Can you close the gate?"


    "No, but the defenses remain in operation. They cannot enter without proper credentials," the Ship Spirit said. "They''ll face the wrath of the Centurion sun if they fly any closer."


    "Then how did the Peak C-grade heretic enter?" Zac asked.


    "I do not know. He arrived before I awakened. I suspect the traitors brought him in," the spirit said, his face red in anger.


    Zac grunted, already knowing who the spirit referred to. He''d sensed another presence in the web of Imperial Faith before. They''d used unknown means to travel through thework, even briefly appearing inside the octagon. However, they left right after Zac imed the seal, never stepping out from their fold in space. After that, Zac had no idea what had happened.


    As for who, it was most likely the one who''d reced Yselio to represent the Seven Heavens in the trial. Zac didn''t know why he didn''t make a move in the end, but he might not have felt confident after what happened to their predecessor. Or perhaps they simply didn''t want to get stuck with the rivers of faith drying up.


    "Where are the traitors now?"


    "I believe they''ve left already. I sensed a temporal fluctuation indicating they escaped just before you boarded, " the spirit said, looking conflicted.


    "What''s wrong?"


    "The signal came from the Centurion Tower''s lowest floor."


    "The lowest floor?" Zac grimaced, remembering what he saw when connected to the spire.


    The lowest floor was where the remaining Elder Guardian was located. Not only that, but Zac had sensed there were tightly guarded chambers even further down, floors that weren''t connected to the spire. He suspected they held some critical part of the Centurion Project. Was that why the princeling didn''t make a move?


    Rather than the seal being his target, perhaps he was looking for something else. Something connected to the Foreign Gods and the Lost Era. Zac sighed. At least they were gone, if the spirit''s scanners could be trusted. With the Foreign Gods and Pope dealt with, they finally had the subspace all for themselves.


    "Were you able to confirm what happened with the heretic who used the Ascension chamber?"N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "I recorded nothing that would indicate survival."


    Zac nodded. "Can you do something about the people outside?"


    "I''m afraid not. I have no authority over the base itself. I do not rmend direct conflict, either. I''ve stayed dormant for too long. Large sections require repairs and recement of degradedponents," the spirit said. "My calctions indicate a 53% probability of defeat when facing a fleet with four Monarchs in our current state."


    "Four Monarchs? There''s no way," Ogras frowned.


    Still, the spirit''s estimate showed just how powerful the <em>Pernumia Ino</em> was. Even with extensive damage and a non-existent crew, it was somewhat confident in taking on such a lineup. It had to be at least a Middle C-grade vessel for that to be possible, likely even higher. This was exactly the deterrence the Atwood Empire needed.


    A gship of this dignity wouldn''t make a difference to the outsiders during the battle over the Ultom Courts, but they needed to prepare for the future. No matter what happened to Zecia and Earth, his people would need something to protect themselves against outside threats. Zac couldn''t provide it, as his ns required him to set out as soon as the trial was settled. An imperial destroyer would be the perfect deterrence.


    Zac nced at Ogras. "Send word to the Yphelion. Have them unfold a Moonpiercer and prepare to follow."


    The Moonpiercer was the smallest of the Middle D-grade models that had been added to his Creator Shipyard after the upgrade. It was an all-rounder taking up roughly the same function as Starsh, though it was more geared toward raids behind enemy lines. As such, it possessed decent speed and a very capable cloaking array��the perfectbo for a small group to sneak back home. It could also be unfolded in time.


    "Much better than leaving them stranded in the depths of the Imperial Graveyard," Ogras agreed, giving Zac a ruminating look. "You''re nning on staying here."


    "I haven''t decided yet," Zac said. "But probably."


    Returning to Earth in his current state wasn''t an option��how was he supposed to teleport in the middle of his breakthrough? Not to mention, there wasn''t just the Kan''Tanu to worry about if he returned to Zurbor. Time was running out, and this was thest chance for the outsiders to improve their odds of seizing Ultom.


    From the Imperials and Sangha to the factions that had stayed hidden until now��everyone would be eyeing juicy prey like their party. Staying hidden in this realm might be their best option since it seemed rtively safe inparison. Not to mention, they''d only scratched the surface of the wealth hidden within its crumbling walls.


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    "Well, the System dragged us here. It should take responsibility and send us back home after the trial." Ogras offered. "Or at least to a more stable spot in Zecia."


    Zac felt the same way. They had barely reached this ce despite Yphelion''s upgrades, and one day of repairs after they reached the Centurion Base definitely wasn''t enough to bring it back to working condition. Meanwhile, they didn''t have the levels, skills, or authority to pilot a proper C-grade vessel through such a dangerous gauntlet. Crossing the Imperial Graveyard once more was a death sentence.


    "What about the sealbearers?" Ogras asked.


    Zac took out an Information Crystal and branded a slew of information on it. It was information he''d gathered from the streaks of information-filled starlight and when connecting with the base through Imperial Faith. Essentially, it was a treasure map leading to hidden treasuries and storerooms��all ces that should have lost their defenses without faith or Ster Energy to power them.


    "It''s up to you. Safety or opportunities."


    Ogras eyes shone, and Carl''s calm demeanor grew more strained as they scanned the content. Eventually, Ogras turned to the archer with a knowing grin. "Like a devil whispering on our shoulders, this one."


    "Indeed," Carl sighed.


    It was at that time the doors opened to let Catheya inside. Her state looked just as bad as his, yet she hurried over upon seeing Zac. She only stopped in confusion upon seeing the arrangement surrounding him.


    "It''s nice to see you again," Zac said, looking at her frozen body with worry. He felt multiple spots of stubborn Life and starlight embedded within. "Are you okay?"


    "I''ll survive," Catheya said, looking at the array beneath Zac. "What''s going on? Are you breaking through?"


    "Kator forced my hand," Zac sighed.


    "So it came to that," Catheya sighed before ring at Ogras. "Why are you disturbing him at such a critical juncture?"


    "Some things needed the boss'' input," the demon said.


    "We''ll get out of your way," Catheya said. "I just wanted to check something with you. There is a seal aboard the ship. A Threadwinder seal."


    "Take it, it''s yours," Zac smiled.


    "Thank you," Catheya said. "Call if there is anything I can do. I''ll be nearby."


    The meeting was soon after, with Zac asking the Ship Spirit to assist his subordinates to the best of his abilities. The others would have to figure out the rest themselves. He couldn''t dy any longer. Zac tuned out all distractions to fully focus on his core, taking out his primary set of assisting tools. It was the same items he''d used thest time: the Kan''Tanu spikes covered in sinister runes, <strong>[Pexor Leaf]</strong>, and a bottle of <strong>[Realm Ether Pills]</strong>.


    There was no point in reinventing the wheel every time, and knowing the process saved some time. Parasitical runes fed on the vibrant life force in the leaf. With their hunger triggered, the runes dove toward the next-best source of nourishment��the nucleus waiting in the Quantum Space''s center. Likest time, the runes were all caught in the neb formed by the <strong>[Realm Ether Pills]</strong>.


    Increasingly powerful waves shook his Quantum Space as thepressing array formed around his nucleus. It pushed tighter and tighter, the forces threatening to throw Zac''s fragile bnce off-kilter. Through grit and experience, the process went smoothly, even if the result left some to be desired. The previous time, his nucleus had shone like a bright star after being triggered, ready to be molded and infused with spirituality.


    Now, it looked like a fading red dwarf, its luster and intensity noticeably weaker. Infusing the prepared Late D-grade treasures would still be possible, but it would be twice the work for half the result. The difference in grade couldn''t fully exin the subpar oue. The main problem was the fifteen-minute dy between his ignition and now, which had given the nucleus harden.


    Not satisfied, Zac swallowed a handful of pills that deposited huge amounts of energy in his Quantum Space. The already overstuffed pocket realm groaned withint, but Zac had no option. He''d sacrificed a lot toe this far, and he needed the boost of attuned energies to elerate the asteroid belts.


    The debris was agitated into spinning at a breakneck pace, which further added to the pressure on the nucleus. It helped, though not as much as Zac had hoped. While shining brighter, there was still a noticeable gap from before. Zac hesitated whether he should take even more drastic measures, ultimately deciding against it.


    Perfect was the enemy of good. If he had to take a few shortcuts to finish the job, then he would. And not using more treasures for little effect didn''t mean there wasn''t anything he could do to save time. Zac quickly went to work on the Death-attuned treasure that wouldplement the wriggling crystal, using the Omnitool without hesitation or error.


    The good news was that he felt his understanding of <strong>[Cosmic Forge]</strong> had seen significant strides after absorbing the seal. Zac hadn''t spent any of the epiphany actively pondering on his Void-based crafting technique, it had just advanced as an incidental benefit from thisprehensive enlightenment. It added further stability to his runes, evidenced by the Life-attuned crystal.


    Death eventually caught up to Life, and Zac began to move back and forth on working with the treasures. Soon enough, Zac extracted the first streaks of unblemished spirituality and pulled them directly into his nucleus. Zac had already used some of his attention to redraw the pathways in one of the nucleus''s sections, and unblemished Life and Death added the finishing touches.


    Zac exhaled in relief as the upgraded section drew in some of the unbearable levels of energy clogging up the temporary space. Not resting for a second, Zac began work on the next. Upgrading the pathways as he went was rough and hectic, but it saved the time Zac desperately needed. He was already having trouble properly infusing the spirituality because of how hardened the nucleus was, and any second he wasted would make his job more difficult.


    It was only the first of many suchpromises he''d have to make. Calming his heart, Zac continued to extract string after string of pure Life and Death. The first hour went smoothly as Zac used all his attention and two Soul Cores'' worth of mental tendrils to keep a rapid pace. However, the passing of time confirmed Zac''s fear.


    The Void Realm wasn''t as stable as he''d initially estimated. It was already starting to feel hollow, and he only had himself to me. His constant pilfering of materials and Void Energy was hastening its copse. Not drawing Void Energy wasn''t an option, either. <strong>[Void Mountain]</strong> was required to upgrade the nucleus, and <strong>[Void Heart] </strong>was both damaged and upied.


    Zac was trapped in a negative spiral without a solution. He had to resume his hunt for treasures as he didn''t have enough material to reform his core, but doing so left him with less time to benefit from the Void Realm.


    Hours passed this way, and Zac forgot all else as he fought his desperate battle against his hardening nucleus. Despite a few major setbacks, the nucleus was upgraded to Late D-grade. Zac found it difficult to be happy even if he''d seeded and gotten the rampant energy under control. His work was rushed, leading to imperfect integration and pathways in multiple spots.


    Each blemish meant an unnned fault line that couldn''t be fully fixed during the final stage of the Core Formation, a weakness that would affect energy generation and flow. Zac''s vision was already swimming at that point, and he was forced to stop even if he didn''t want to. The delicate work of redrawing pathways didn''t mix well with a mind drained from battle and being struck by tribtion lightning.


    The Void Realm didn''t fare much better. It had already shrunken to half its original size, with much of the stockpiled materials already out of bounds. His Draugr half kept going despite a desperate need for rest. His human side threw a set of Natural Treasures onto the refinement arrays as he ate another round of soul-nourishing pills to recover.


    The surroundings had seen significant changes while he''d focused on his core. Gu had used the time to finish the hangar''s transformation, and there was a haze of Life and Death shing all around him. The Ship Spirit must have helped out as an archaic aura of war seeped out of the walls, adding conflict to the mix. No urgent messages were waiting for him outside, only a brief update.


    All crew was collected and ounted for. The Yphelion had been moved to another hangar with a stronger repair function, and a group led by Ogras had already set out to explore some of the locations Zac detailed.


    Zac took another twenty minutes before resuming his work. The nucleus was a difficult hump, but the next part came easier. Zac alternated between using the refined Treasures Void-refined debris to build upon the nucleus while his Draugr half worked on repairing as many pieces as possible before it was toote.


    One dayter, Zac knew he''d overstayed his wee. Using the same method asst time, he pushed against empty space with <strong>[Void Mountain] </strong>while pressuring from within the Void Realm. He only had enough spare energy to create a coin-sized slit this time, but that was all he needed.


    Zac activated<strong> [Abyssal Drive]</strong>, pouring out of the gash just before it closed. Zac felt a wave of weakness hit him the next moment like he was standing at death''s door. The feeling passed, but he still felt hollow, like he''d used Longevity to power a skill. Zac even felt the connection to his Hidden Node weaken. Such was the price of greed.


    The disturbance caught the attention of Joanna, who had appeared to take up her position as Dao Guardian.


    "Is everything okay?"


    "Not really, but I''m alive," Zac sighed. "Is your seal finished?"


    "It is," Joanna said, looking slightly confused.


    "Then, could you call Kruta over?" Zac said, feeling the dangerous vibrations from his Corpse Sack.


    The orc arrived momentster, just in time for Zac to throw out the broken twisted and broken pieces of bones that were all that remained of Kator. The orc swore and took a step back, only stopping upon seeing what it was. "Nine hells, remind me to never piss you off."


    Zac didn''t get the chance to respond before a powerful pulse pushed away the swirls of Life and Death.


    "This��!"


    "A small thank you for keeping Catheya safe."


    "No problem, no problem," Kruta assured, never taking his eyes off the emerging Blooddancer Seal. "Not that she needed much looking after. That''s a tough one."


    "Go on, take it before it turns my chamber to dust," Zac said with a strained smile, struggling to just stay awake after the Void Realm''s copse.


    Kruta didn''t stand on ceremony. He reached out and grasped the seal, experiencing a lifetime of rity in an instant. "So that''s how it is. What now?"


    "Now?" Zac sighed. "Now we pray nothing else goes wrong."


    Krutaughed. "Not much chance of that, is there?"

 Chapter 1268: Lords Glory

    Chapter 1268: Lord''s Glory


    Tavza tapped the eroded wall again, prompting a dark ripple to pass through the stone. It was gone as quickly as it appeared, though specks were trapped by the lingering spirituality. She studied the iplete tapestry and wrote down notes in her small journal. The stubborn spots faded soon after, at which point Tavza took out an ancient tome.


    She was certain they were dealing with <strong>[Lord''s Glory]</strong>, though an enterprising Array Master hadbined the battlement array with something else. After two days of searching, she''d finally found the final pieces of the puzzle on a piece of debris. Tavza''s heart beat faster at the rush of uncovering another secret that was hidden in in sight. The answers would onlye to those who''d taken the time to learn the universalnguage of decay and time.


    Tavza took out an ancient tome, flipping the pages to an image matching the crude blueprint she''d drawn in her notes. It was a <strong>[Twelve Day Reversal] </strong>array. To think they''d fused a Nature-attuned repair array with the defenses of a stone fortress. Was itcking understanding? No, it had to be an act of desperation.


    Turning walls into living stone that could recover on its own would greatly add to their resilience. Until it began to mutate. They''d understood as much, judging by the installed safeguards meant to dy the inevitable. The ancients did what they had to survive another day. It made Tavza''s life harder, but it wasn''t like the desperate warriors of the Limitless Empire had any obligation to consider her difficulties.


    Tavza spent the next twenty minutes finalizing her schematic. The excitement of solving another puzzle let her forget her torment until a sudden movement triggered waves of agony. She couldn''t prevent the slight gasp as she fought back against the growing waves of pain. Uroso Kavriel instinctively reached out to stabilize her, but his hand froze midway from the cold stares trained on him.


    "Let''s return," Tavza said.


    The five deathsworn wordlessly set out, forming a vanguard that cut down the grabbing stone hands from the twisted walls around them. Tavza couldn''t help but marvel at the scene. There really was nothing that could beat ancient ruins when it came to novelty. Where else could you find something like a castle that had be a hivemind homunculus? Only time and coincidence could birth something like this.


    It took their group two hours to reach the temporary campsite they''d set up in a stabilized chamber. The living walls couldn''t impugn on the small sanctuary, though standing inside felt like being stared at by hundreds of invisible enemies. The stifled atmosphere was no doubt why Usoro had begged toe along, even if his argument held merit.


    The sudden betrayal by more than half the crew aboard the <em>Riversee </em>had left them sorelycking in personnel. The medical bay had been especially hit, leaving Usoro as their most skilled healing Lich. He had no hope of helping with the problems ailing Tavza, but he could alleviate the pain if it became too much.Surprisingly, Pizru had returned before they did. Seeing the new set of wounds across her captain''s body, he must have pushed himself beyond what was safe or reasonable to aplish his mission. Judging by his expression, it wasn''t good.


    "It''s a failure, your grace," Pizru said. "Communications have been repaired, but the channels are empty. We could neither reach the outside nor Lord Sepravo."


    Sepravo had dragged the two traitors off the <em>Riversee</em> before the Monarchs could destroy the ship, and the vessel had been swallowed by a spatial anomaly soon after. Even now, Tavza had no idea where they were.


    It was regrettable for her followers, who desperately hoped to rejoin thefort of the Empire''s embrace. Tavza truthfully felt relieved. The Imperial Graveyard''s istion had sequestered her from the political turmoil. Considering the full-blown mutiny she had to quell, Tavza didn''t even want to know how it looked back home.


    "We expected as much," Tavza said as she looked at the shimmering motes of light dancing around Pizru��a sign that Pizru held two pieces of a seal.


    The number of seals her expedition had found over the past month was almost shocking, though most of the lights surrounding her crew members were much weaker. For whatever reason, the lights around Tavza were by far the densest, easily eclipsing the two others withpleted seals. Her followers took it as a matter of course, while Tavza felt it held an important clue that yet eluded her.


    Some of her subordinates believed her understanding of the Imperial Graveyard''s natural formation was the cause. She knew better. Her study of the everchanging winds asionally helped them avoid disaster, and her skill with ancient formations only became useful after they''d located what they sought. The plentitude of seals was something else.


    It almost felt like the seals were throwing themselves in their path. Part of it was likely due to the trial drawing closer with unexpected speed. The other�� Tavza''s mind was once more drawn to the struggling figure overturning the convention, returning the delineated Dao to their origin. Was it Heaven''s reciprocity for lending a helping hand? Or was his gratitude reshaping reality for her sake?


    "Your grace?"


    "It''s nothing," Tavza said. "We''ll have to leave it up to fate. We''ll continue the mission no matter if we can contact the other ships or not. For now, help me install the key."


    "Certainly, your grace," Pizru said and epted a copy of her schematic.


    Her subordinates had followed her since she was born and had been trained to assist in her archaeological pursuits since she disyed such interests. She wordlessly looked on as her guards engraved her key onto the tumorous stone, a feeling of loss joining the aching pain that had apanied her since her brush with Chaos.


    They didn''t have identities until weeks ago. Even now, theycked a surname. They were just tools raised to serve An''Azol, and these five were among those chosen among millions because they exhibited good results in the test arranged by the Ur''Mez patriarch. They would follow orders withoutint and die for the cause if need be. They were called an Honor Guard, but were they any different than ves?


    Tavza couldn''t help but think back to Arcaz''s reluctance whenever she broached him joining the Abyssal Shores, the disdain in his eyes toward established factions. Tavza was certain his followers would go just as far for his sake without the harsh methods of nurturing deathsworn. And while their actions would be the same, the weight and meaning would be diametrically different.


    She understood it wasn''t healthy how she''d begun questioning the order of things since having her fate entangled with that man. Seeds of doubt had infiltrated theforting certainty awarded by strength and birthright, just like the malignant tumors spreading through her personal abyss. Doubt was poison to one''s path.


    Tavza embraced the darkness, suffocating all distractions. Their short excursion had left her winded, and the pain would grow worse unless she performed repairs. Thousands of Abyssal runes throughout her body were restored or reced, suppressing the festering wounds left by her brush with Chaos.


    "All nodes are installed, your grace."


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the vition.


    Tavza nodded, and twenty-eight array disks flew out of the small figurine fastened to her sash. They joined the engravings made by her subordinates, and the immense energies trapped within the walls began to flow in reverse. It was like time was turned back as the undomesticated formation returned to its natural state.


    Layers of hardened stone sloughed off, exposing straight lines filled with purpose. The transformation only covered a few hundred meters of the cursed castle, and it was only a temporary shunt. Completely undoing a Natural Formation that had gathered energy for millions of years would take years of effort. Tavza only needed to mimic the effect for a few hours.


    Waves of wailing wraiths teeming with resentment flooded out of the exposed pathway, their twisted faces a mockery of the stalwart defenders whose desperation had given them life. Their small group of elites had long since grown ustomed to the dangers lurking in the Imperial Graveyard, and there was no need for Tavza to join or supervise the battle.


    "Good job," Tavza said after Pizru had returned to her side. "How is it?"


    "I sense fate''s pull, your grace," Pizru confirmed.


    "As expected," Tavza said. "Record all markings and retrieve anything of note. I want to know how this fortress rtes to the Hollow Court."


    Pizru arranged a guard for Tavza before leading a squad into the catbs. He would have to face another challenge, but Tavza was in no condition to assist. Reversing such a powerful formation, even only temporarily, had forced Tavza to draw upon her bloodline, aggravating her condition once more.


    The suffering was a gift, in a sense. She only recently understood why she was drawn to the ancient past. It wasn''t just the sense of discovery. It was because her world was stagnant. The Abyssal Shores, her n, herself. They were all in a state of stagnation, perhaps even decay. Nothing had truly changed for hundreds of millions of years, and it had felt like nothing would change for millions more.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    Her era was one that would be glossed over in the history books, and her generation''s only aplishment would be passing on the torch to future generations. Compared to that, the mysteries of the past seemed much more alluring. The pir''s ascent was supposed to have been the fresh wind of reinvention and adventure she''d been waiting for. Except, not everything is a fairy tale.


    Witnessing the torrential winds of fate and history at the Abyssal Pond, she''d once more felt like a footnote in the history annals. Since then, she''d seen herself being pushed further and further onto the sidelines until it felt like she was barely part of history. Her pain was confirmation that wasn''t true.


    She''d wed her way back. She would no longer be discovering history, nor would she witness it. She would be writing it. How could dusty tomespare? For that, she needed to survive, and it didn''t look good. Only he could wield Chaos. Only Arcaz could help her. Tavza prayed she could endure until they reunited.


    The pir couldn''te soon enough.


    ------------------


    The group of five navigated the enormous cracks that ran along the tower''s length; a grievous wound opened during the cataclysmic battle between titans. They ignored the beckoning call of the countless cracked-open living spaces and storerooms they passed. Many no doubt held stowed-away riches, but there were enough real treasuries to keep them upied until the deadline ten times over.


    There were also dangers to consider. Zac detonating the energy channels and faith throughout the base had identally caused a genocide of the Qriz''Ul that had made the base their home. A few of the strongest ones had survived, though, and Ogras was in no mood to deal with an irate and wounded miscreation in his current state.


    They''d only rested a few hours before setting out on their own sweep, picking up treasures from the rubble. Three dayster, most were still showing clear signs of wear and tear. Thankfully, the few remaining Qriz''Ul stayed far from any sections exposed to the outside, like the deep scar they were currently following toward the next trove.


    The two giants hadn''t moved since they began forming the space gate, but their mere presence was the best Qriz''Ul repent. Not to mention, most of the purple mist had been cleansed already. The stubborn cracks were already supplying new corruption, but it would take time to rece eons'' worth of umtion. The survivors had mostly holed up by these connections to the Lost ne, using the channels to recover.


    "I figured you wouldn''t join us for this one," Ogras casually said to stave off the boredom.


    "Why?" Carl asked, never stopping his scan of the surroundings.


    "Look at them. They''re just about finished," Ogras said, pointing at the two oversized puppets behind them. "The ship will have set sail by the time we return. I figured you would be the first to board."


    "And split off from all the other sealbearers? That''s asking for trouble," Carl snorted. "Besides, it won''t be smooth sailing for them. We still don''t know where in Zurbor they''ll appear. What if it''s next to one of the chapters? The puppets might take the heat but look at the destruction they cause. I''ll take my chances staying by the Emperor''s side."


    "I guess you''re right," Ogras nodded. "That man is a walking cmity, but the eye of the storm is usually the safest ce."


    "Hey! If you have time to gossip, you have time to look for energy hotspots while we move," Catheya said with a re.


    Carl shrunk his neck and joined Rhuger and Gu further behind.


    "I''m afraid I''ll catch fire if you look at me like that," Ogras rolled his eyes and moved closer. "You visited him before we set out, right? Is it that bad?"


    "The exhaustion from his battle has caught up with him," Catheya said with a tight expression. "He can''t slow down because the timer keeps speeding up. He''s a candle burning from both ends. Pills are losing their effect, and there''s only so much Vri and Emily can do. If we can buy him an hour, even a few minutes��"


    Ogras sighed and conjured another batch of shades. Creating one felt like cutting off a strip of flesh. Which made sense, considering that was exactly how they were formed. It was the only way to make them strong enough to endure deep dives into the corruption while maintaining contact.


    As Catheya said, there wasn''t much one could do but look on with helplessness when apanion was fighting a losing battle against themselves. Usually, anyway. The problem was the trial''s elerated timeline, and there actually was a solution to that.


    The real reason they were targeting this particr trove wasn''t even for the treasures it held. It was because of the damaged auxiliary generators that were supposed to maintain its barriers. Except, they were currently funneling deadly levels of Ster Energy into random circuits, blowing up whole neighborhoods. And with each hit the base took, Zac was pushed slightly closer to the cliff.


    Along the way, there would be simr fault lines that risked bing bigger problems if left unattended. The giants had sucked up most of the realm''s energies, but there was no knowing what would happen when they left. That ingratiating Ship Spirit even admitted a powerful rebound was possible.


    The others were already hard at work putting out fires elsewhere, doing everything they could to stabilize the base. It was a win-win, really. The harder they worked to help the boss, the more time they''d have to line their pockets.


    A tremendous eruption of spatial energy made the group stop and take cover.


    "Here we go," Ogras whispered as the rune flickered and transformed into a gate.


    Not a vortex or spatial tear. It was an honest-to-god gate looking a lot like the one leading into the Pris Vault, only hundreds of timesrger to fit the Eternal Guardians. It was covered in runes, and even more buzzed around it like a swarm of flies. This was what Zac called simple brutes? What did that make them, who couldn''t hope to create such a perfect pathway.


    Zac was proven right just momentster when one of the guardians punched the gate with enough force to create a web of spatial tears stretching dozens of miles in every direction. The doors swung wide open, and Ogras swore upon seeing what waited on the other side. It was a huge War Fort that had clearly been aware of their iing guests.


    A storm of attacks was alreadying their way, but their view was blocked by a sea of golden mes pouring out of the Spatial Tears. The starlight moved like it was alive, flowing into the gate and filling it up. The giants stepped into the mayhem and disappeared, leaving a growing web of spatial damage behind.


    Ogras looked on with a grim expression as more and more starlight poured through. Soon enough, the gate couldn''t contain it all, and fiery rivers began trailing in every direction. With the gate erected within the base''s outer band, some of them were bound to strike true soon enough. Ogras sighed and retracted his shades. What was the point of looking for breaches now? They could put out a thousand fires, and it wouldn''t make up for the damage a single river would cause.


    A sh of silver joined the sea of gold. It was theirpanions who snuck through the pathway just before its gates closed. Ogras knew all too well just how hot those mes were, but the Moonpiercer wouldst a minute or two inside without issue. More than enough time to get out of the way. What happened after that depended on how equipped the Kan''Tanu were to deal with two determined giants.


    Ogras nced at Carl, who looked positively sick as the golden rivers grew twice as wide after losing their main outlet. The spatial tears were slowly closing now that its creator was gone, but the damage was already done. There was more than enough to crack the base open like an egg.


    "Well, look on the bright side. I don''t think we''ll have to worry about the Qriz''Ul rallying against us."

 Chapter Book 14 of Defiance of the Fall is now out on Kindle/KU/Audible!

    Defiance of the Fall Book 14 out today on Kindle & Audible! That means we''re doing a massive sale on the old books for the next couple of days (US only, I think). It''s the perfect opportunity for those looking for something to read during the DotF winter break��more DotF!


    <em>Years of struggle have left Zecia weakened in their war against the Kan''Tanu Cult. Negotiating for peace is not an option when the System is in control. It can only be purchased through blood and steel. No one is spared from the winds of war.</em>


    <em>The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.</em>N?v(el)B\\jnn


    <em>Zac and his elite armies have been forced to the frontlines just as opportunity strikes. An ancient war fortress has risen from the dimensional depths. </em>


    <em>Built by the Limitless Empire, it holds power and secrets far beyond what''s seen on the deste frontiers. Seizing it could be the key to changing the winds of war. Zac finds himself in the heart of the struggle.</em>


    <em>No matter what, he won''t let it fall into the Kan''Tanu''s hands.</em>

 Chapter 1269: Settling Dust

    "Anything?" Ilvere asked upon seeing Tamira entering the conference room.


    "Still nothing. Our liaison said the council is still investigating ''our im.'' None of our independent sources are reporting any movements or secret preparations, either."


    "Useless!" Little Bolt mmed his hand onto the table in anger. "We bring word that the Kan''Tanu''s leader is dead and a recording of a second Chapter being razed to the ground. And they do nothing?! Does Lord Atwood have to bring the whole cult to their knees before they get their act together?"


    "It''s not only that," Tamira sighed. "We''ve received multiple reports of World Lords and chapter elites appearing on battlefronts throughout the sector. They''re pushing hard."


    "Rats abandoning a sinking ship," Ilvere spat. "It''s been almost a day since the Chapter of the Broken God fell. News of the Eternal Guardians should have spread among the Kan''Tanu elites by now. I bet the smart ones are spending all their Faction Merit to escape through the battlefronts."


    "Did Lord Atwood say if the giants would continue to Zecia after wrapping things up in Zurbor?" Carva asked.


    "I don''t know much beyond the report and orders I''ve already ryed." Mark Marshal shook his head. "But I Doubt it. From what I understood from our brief exchange, Lord Atwood was limited to imparting a very simple set of orders. Kill the Foreign Gods and then wreak havoc on Zurbor. They can''t think for themselves beyond that. I assume they''ll stop or try to return after they can''t find any more targets within range."


    "And how far is that?" Ilvere asked.


    "Your guess is as good as mine," Mark said. "At least it looked like they should have sensed the other chapters. I''m assuming that''s why they crushed all those stars to build a road, ignoring the whole continent and its citizens."Ilvere shuddered, still barely able to believe what he''d been shown an hour ago. The twin Emperors and his sealbearers had been tightlipped about the purpose of their mission, only divulging it could change the course of the war. Wasn''t that the understatement of the century? Ilvere had seen one punch annihte four Monarchs, leaving nothing behind. Another had killed the Chapter Master and torn apart the devilish god he''d conjured with a Grand Array.


    The battle between the two giants and the Kan''Tanu Chaptersted less than five minutes. The Eternal Guardians had imposed a spatial lockdown with raw physical strength and punched away until only a crater remained. There was no discussion and no mercy. The moment they were done, they left for the next target, nary a mark on their bodies.


    Mark Marshall was lucky to be standing there. The ship he manned had been clipped twice by errant energies during the lockdown but narrowly avoided a direct hit. He''d used the power vacuum to pilot the damaged ship to the nearest active battlefront. They''d made short work of the local World Lord with a salvo of orbital bombardment, and the Zecianbatants had been more than happy to provide passage home in exchange for the Cosmic Vessel.


    "Orders aside, there''s also the issue of energy," Boje said. "I can''t imagine the amount of energy required to teleport a-sized puppet between sectors. The distance is perhaps millions of times greater than their previous jump. You should understand the costs involved from seeing how the established factions are only sending away their best and brightest."


    The mere mention made Ilvere''s blood boil. Their Lord''s secret mission had worked even better than expected, delivering a devastating blow to the Kan''Tanu. Who knew? Even more chapters might have been dismantled by now. And what did the Alliance leaders do with the opportunity brought from the Atwood Empire''s elites risking their lives? Nothing.


    The Dao Reserves of half the Alliance members had already escaped, including the Dravorak Dynasty and Allbright n. The situation was even worse in Zecia''s Mercantile alliance, which had more or less caused a logistical copse. These weakwilled bastards had emptied their treasuries and made off like bandits in the night.


    The Atwood Empire would have remained ignorant of the betrayal, like most of Zecia, if not for their Lord''s widework. Even now, the Alliance outwardly acted like nothing had changed, calling for unity and to endure. They were using the lives of the less fortunate to cover their escape, to buy more time to extract Zecia''s riches.


    "Perhaps they''ll return now that there''s been a change," Ciru Volor said. "The pope is dead, at least two chapters are eradicated, and most won''t be able to afford the battlefront passage fees. With such limited strength, they won''t be able to conquer the whole sector. I expect they''ll find themselves in a simr situation as the Kavriel Province of before."


    "Return? Why would they? To rule over the rubble? To fight a drawn-out sector war against the Kan''Tanu who made it across?" Braughed. "The trial was their opportunity to interact with organizations that wouldn''t normally give them the time of the day. Those Monarchs would rather be coolies of these B-grade factions than deal with this headache."


    "He''s right. There''s little benefit to staying now that the System is wrapping things up. At best, they''ll leave a few more powerhouses behind to maintain a resource channel," Ilvere said.


    Anyone with eyes had seen which way the wind blew for a while. The added notices that appeared in the Merit Exchange a few days back were simply the final nail in the coffin. Merit would no longer be awarded starting in one month, and all ongoing designation quests would have to be finished within three to reap their rewards.


    The Ruthless Heavens was done with the war. There was still a chance it would start the next round, but Ilvere doubted it. Every cultivator alive could feel it. It was like the Heavens had turned its back on the whole sector, and the Dao was growing more distant by the day. Boje believed it was the Ruthless Heaven reprioritizing its resources as a result of their loss, and Ilvere tended to agree.


    Ilvere wanted to scream at the Heavens at the injustice of it all. They''d fought, they''d bled, they''d triumphed. Their Lord had achieved the impossible twice over. Yet the river of fate kept dragging them toward ruin.


    No, Ilvere refused to give up on the home they''d built. And it wasn''t necessarily over for the Atwood Empire. There was a critical piece of information that let Ilvere hold on. There was no mention of the Limited Exchange closing. On the contrary, the notice said there''d be a final update of its offerings when the war ended. One of those offerings should be a way out, and they had more than enough Faction Merit to spare.


    "We can''t pin all our hopes on those two giants. Nor can we put our faith in Zecia. We can only rely on ourselves," Ilvere said, gathering his thoughts. "I vote for closing all but one battlefront to conserve our strength."


    "You want to turtle up?" Bra said, ignoring the annoyed nce from Ciru Volor.


    "No, the opposite," Ilvere said. "Emperor Atwood told us to follow our judgment when ites to our expansion ns. Let''s begin immediately."


    "Quartermaster, are you proposing we upgrade our world again?" Rhubat said, leaning forward with interest.


    "Yes," Ilvere nodded. "Not only that, but I think we should buy at least a dozen feeder worlds. We have well over a hundred million Faction Merit thanks to the Emperors. We should use some of it before the update to be on the safe side."


    "If we go ahead, may I suggest recruiting more locals?" Little Bolt said. "People are getting more desperate by the day, and even themoners are starting to realize something is wrong. It''s not just wandering cultivators that are approaching us any longer. There are whole ns hoping to relocate to escape the Kan''Tanu."


    "Bringing some outside help could be useful if we n on expanding our number of worlds. We need the help, and it could be considered a test," Alyn said. "It''s also an opportunity to gain heritages in areas where we''recking."


    Almost everyone in the room agreed on the general direction. There was no telling how circumstances would change now that the mysterious opportunity that had attracted the outsiders had been pushed forward. They needed to take the opportunity to shore up their strengths and foundations before it was toote. If nothing else, upgrading Earth to Late D-grade was a global opportunity for their people to advance.


    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    There were some disagreements as to how much should be spent before the update and how quickly they should move. The group debated each point, gradually moving toward a consensus until their meeting was interrupted.


    "What''s this? Why do we have to hear in passing that members of the expedition have returned?"


    Ilvere frowned as Petrus and Serzo barged into the room, his headache turning into surprise upon seeing a simr shimmer around Petrus as Rhubat. The grizzly military advisor was a sealbearer? How was that possible? His aura was clearly... young? Since when was his energy so vibrant?


    <em>''Quartermaster, activate the array.''</em>


    <em>''You��''</em>


    <em>''He''s a subordinate of the betrayer.''</em>


    Ilvere gritted his teeth and followed Rhubat''s order. Thousands of previously hidden runes on the walls, floor, and ceiling lit up before the two neers could react, rendering them immobile. Rhubat was already on his feet, a small spear radiating brutality and righteousness in his hand.


    "I worried the Heavens had abandoned me when I couldn''t join Warmaster''s mission. That it had abandoned the Zhix. I see now I had to stay behind for a reason," Rhubat said, stopping before Petrus. "The answer I seek can be found right on our soil."


    A wave of deadly destruction suddenly erupted from within Petrus, pushing the carefully arranged defenses to their limits. However, the shockwave suddenly copsed on itself, exposing the scene within. Rhubat''s spear had already pierced Petrus'' forehead, and death was expelled through the numerous throughout his body by faith and Killing Intent.


    "Why?" Serzo calmly looked on as Petrus lifelessly slumped to the ground. "Your actions will trigger a war."


    "Trigger a War? Toote for that," Ilvere scoffed and threw over an Information Crystal. He effortlessly caught it, no longer restrained by the damaged array. "Read for yourself."


    Serzo drew a sharp breath momentster. "This is impossible! Autarchs breaking into Zurbor, civil war in the Hearnds? Kator betrayed us and is dead?"


    "I guess the maintained radio silence makes sense now," Ilvere shrugged. "Anyway. Our boss knows to separate grudges and gratitude. He mentioned receiving help from your mistress, so we''ll treat you fairly. Only��"


    "Only what?" Serzo said.


    "How do we know you''re still with the Draugr and not another of that skeleton''s spies?"


    Serzo didn''t move for a few seconds before sighing. "I''ll give you a list of all known and suspected operatives."


    "Good," Rhubat said, his aura rippling with purpose. "We''ll begin with the purge of spies and continue onto the new worlds. There shall be no lingering threats when the Heavens call me away."


    Ilvere inwardly sighed. He said nothing to refute the Zhix despite knowing the kind of storm they''d kick up. Rivers of blood would flow by the time they were done. So be it. Ilvere had no problems with getting his hands dirty to protect what was his. Especially now that he had something greater to fight for.


    Home.


    --------------


    The sonorous chants brought forth years of memories, and the voices melded into a cage that cut off all avenues of escape. Resisting felt like a rejection of the universe, a denunciation of the natural order. Invisible swirls of Dao and Dharma tried to hold her in ce and ept the inevitable. She wouldn''t let it.


    Thea had hoped it wouldn''te to this, knowing there''d be a heavy price to pay. Fighting back against the Sangha only left you more entangled in their Karmic web, where grudges and blood would bring you back to their doorstep. However, she hadn''t felt as certain about anything since saving those children from Onadar before this sordid affair started.


    Discard the self to be one with the sword. Cut through all distractions. The chants fell on deaf ears as Thea entered a marvelous state; the gleaming edge cared nothing about merit or benevolence. It only had one purpose: to cut.


    The swing was slow and deliberate, giving no indication it posed a threat to the nun standing more than fifty meters away. It barely emitted any energy until it was time to strike. Like the sharp edge suddenly drawn from its sheath, a murderous energy condensed into singr sharpness.


    "No!"


    The nun''s rity came toote. The chants were cut, as were the Karmic bonds trying to impose their will. Nothing survived the bright radiance of the half-moon that was born and faded in the blink of an eye. The world briefly stayed locked in stillness before reality caught up. The hands held in a mudra fell to the ground, followed by dozens of pieces of cleanly dissected flesh. While invisible to the eye, even the nun''s soul had been cut into cubic pieces, quashing any chance of survival.


    The sword in Thea''s hand remained steady as a mountain after disying its true essence. No frills, no pomp. Speed, sharpness, and singr devotion were Thea''s conception of the Dao of the Sword and her path. It was the first lesson Irei taught her and a fundamental truth she saw clearer every day.


    Thea''s legs didn''t share her Dao''s indomitable conviction, and she slumped onto the ground. The battle was short, but she''d been running for a day. More importantly, she''d poured everything into that swing. Her heart, her beliefs, and her intent. What remained felt hollow and iplete.


    A deep sigh stopped Thea from catching her breath. She followed the sound, and anger reced the emptiness in her heart. It was Amanthi who stood nearby, looking at the fallen nun with sorrow in his eyes. Scanning the perimeter, Thea saw no one else from the Sangha, though that didn''t make much of a difference.


    Thea had narrowed the gap through ceaseless effort on the battlefield and collecting two pieces of her seal, but the gap was undeniably still there. There was a chance she could eke out a victory against Amanthi if she were in perfect condition. There was no hope in her current state. Thankfully, her escape skill was almost off cooldown, so she only needed to stall for a minute or two.


    It was just as well, as she had more than a few questions she needed to get out.


    "How could you?" Thea said, her eyes stinging from barely held-back tears. "All those evils, and for what? Just to undo everything that Zac has tried to aplish? To quash the hope we''ve all fought for?"


    Thea was still reeling from the revtion of what she''d been unknowinglyplicit to over the past years. She''d almost formed a Heart Demon from the pent-up frustration of seeing Zecia flounder so badly during the war. That feeling had be unbearable after Zac managed to demolish a whole Chapter of the Kan''Tanu and cause utter mayhem in their ranks. He''d flipped the entire table, no doubt after oveing insurmountable odds.


    And nothing changed.


    That was by design, it turned out. For years, the Sangha had traveled across Zecia, arbitrarily saving some while abandoning others. Only it wasn''t random. They''d been nudging the fate of the whole sector with surgical precision. A butterfly pped its wings, and a hurricane appeared on another world.


    Thea wasn''t blind. She''d known these smiling monks weren''t altruists and that their every action held a deeper meaning. But she''d thought their inscrutable actions were designed to uncover more seals. To learn it was all to push Zecia toward a point of no return was almost too much to bear. Hearing how far they''d gone, especially over the past month, was shocking.


    They''d sent out Teleportation Tokens and Nexus Coins like they were candy, getting the ball rolling on the exodus currently taking ce. And for every Monarch epting, two more would follow. Who''d stay behind and fight to the death after seeing their peers run for the hills? Of course, there were many warriors ready to fight to the bitter end, but the Sangha had a remedy for them, too. Genocide.


    Nothing was off the table, from inciting conflicts between Zecian neighbors to obscuring the advance of Kan''Tanu units until it was toote. When such circumspect methods didn''t work, they''d resorted to direct assassination of key figures. Thea had no idea of how many of Zecia''s champions had fallen already. No one did; who were more skilled at erasing their tracks than these demonic monks?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om


    Thea would have remained ignorant to it all, happily preparing for the uing trial, if Evesting Peace hadn''t found his conscience at the eleventh hour. He''d divulged the truth and helped her escape the Sangha''s ever-watching eyes. Except it didn''tst for long. First Still Veneration and now Amanthi.


    Perhaps that was what hurt the most. Amanthi knew. He''d known all along, in contrast to Evesting Peace, who''d only uncovered the whole truth a few weeks before her. Thea had seen Amanthi as a mentor and friend, an anchor of reason and stability when surrounded by the acolytes'' insufferably fake congeniality.


    "Evil�� I''m sure we appear that way to you. And perhaps you''re right," Amanthi sighed.


    "Then why��"


    "Would you take an innocent life to save one hundred? To save a million?" the Dharmic Guardian asked. "That''s what we''re doing. That''s The Sangha''s mission. We''ll bear the sorrows of the world to ensure the Cosmos moves in the right direction. For the sake of all creation."


    Thea sneered. She''d spent enough time listening to the Sangha''s self-serving bullshit to know there was no point in arguing.


    "Believe what you will. Zecia has be a lynchpin in the river of destiny," Amanthi said, looking up at the night sky. "Its fate will have ramifications that stretch to every corner of the Multiverse. Zecia must fall so that the Heavens can rise."


    The confirmation hurt more than she''d thought. Perhaps she''d still held onto hope for something more. Some exnation that would mitigate their actions, or rather her own actions. With all hope lost, she was left with a venomous tranquility. Thea steadied herself, raising her sword toward her formerpanion. "Are you going to stop me?"


    "You misunderstand," Amanthi said after a brief pause. "No one has given an order to bring you back. Still Veneration acted on her own ord, I think you can guess why."


    Thea snorted, ncing at the Soultaker Seal emerging from the corpse. No wonder that bitch had always stayed close by on the battlefield. She''d been ready to snatch the pieces she were missing.


    The arhat threw out a shimmering dust on the body, and it disintegrated into streaks of Sanskrit that rose toward the sky. After a quick prayer, Amanthi conjured a golden shroud.


    "I hope to see you again. And that time can heal the wounds we''ve caused," Amanthi said with a sorrowful smile as he stepped into the Dharma. "Peace be with you."


    Thea spat before shing toward the seal. There would be no peace before she''d righted this wrong. Not for her, not for Earth.

 Chapter 1270: Curtain Call

    "We have it! We''re on our way back now." Ogras'' voice was barely audible through the static, but his message was received loud and clear.


    Zac could cry, except he was too exhausted for anything beyond an affirmative grunt. Finally, there was light at the end of the tunnel. The past seven days of his breakthrough had been almost unbearable, where he''d been forced to keep going despite his tank running on empty. Zac didn''t know it was possible to be this exhausted. His Soul Cores felt so drained that a slight nudge would reduce them to dust, and his bodies had shrunk to half their original size from extracting every little scrap of excess energy and Vigor.


    He''d reached the wall that even sessful cultivators were eventually forced to face. Zac wielded power far beyond the norm, and he had spatial tools filled with enough treasures to trigger bloody wars. He had trustedpanions who would go to the ends of the earth to help him. And yet death crept closer and closer.


    For the lucky few, that insurmountable wall was advanced age and their lifeforce drying up. Most who wholeheartedly pursued the Dao didn''t get that far. Their journey reached its end after they failed to ovee the many challenges on the road of cultivation. Zac had amplepany in that sense.


    Zac looked at the devastation on the screen hovering before him. The dozens of-sized pieces of rubble had somewhat stabilized. They moved in locked trajectories around the five ster rivers that had turned the subspace into a furnace. How long the scenery wouldst was impossible to say. Debris was constantly pulled in by the rivers'' immense gravity and dragged off into the spatial tears at their end.


    The exit of the Eternal Guardians was the final nail in the coffin for the Centurion Base. The outer band was gone, ripped into pieces by the destruction the puppets caused on their way out. Some pieces remained afloat, more had fallen into depths to never be seen again. The ster rivers weren''t powerful enough to destroy the outer towers, but the force of the collisions had pushed half of them out of sight. The others were left in a wretched state.


    Only the central tower looked roughly the same as before, though the ster rivers wound around it had left it superheated to the point that space around it kept bending. All throughout, there were streaks of deadly heat and pieces of burning debris darting about. The trajectories and Daos involved werepletely different, but Zac felt the infernal scenery matched the microcosm inside his Quantum Space quite well.


    It was this environment his subordinates had kept braving to give him a fighting chance. Zac had wracked his brain for ideas to ovee his breakthrough before the trial began, consulting with hispanions every chance he got. The consensus was that he couldn''t. Even if the countdown had stabilized by now, they only got 18 days out of the 31 Zac''s quest initially showed. It was more than what he got for his previous breakthrough, but not enough considering the addedplexity and effort needed to reach Late Hegemony.


    With three days left on the clock, Zac estimated he had a week of work remaining on his core. That was if he were in a decent enough state to work on his core normally. It also didn''t take into ount the final step, the Formation, when the newly formed core waspressed and stabilized into a final product.Conventional Natural Treasures and recovery pills were of no help. His mind and body were too drained, to the point that the fierce energies in D-grade pills and Natural Treasures would do more harm than good. Not that it mattered much. His body had already built up an immunity to get him this far.


    The logical answer was to finish the breakthrough after the trial had begun, except that meant putting his life in the System''s hands. There was a high risk of losing control of his unstable, overloaded core when whisked away by the System. The sudden change in environment could also cause tears in the subspace, triggering its copse or a deadly influx of energy.


    Worse, another change had urred over the past few days. Zac nced at the motes of destiny floating around him. They''d more than tripled in number since they first appeared, and their luster had grown stronger. Some had already gone beyond being ornaments. Each evolved light held a lifetime''s worth of experience. Literally.


    It wasn''t the rity of Ultom. It was like the motes were aplete soul, holding memories and emotions. Janos was the first to discover the phenomenon. A dayter, it was impossible not to notice. It had be a constant struggle to stave off the faux souls'' attempt to resonate with him, especially the memories that resonated with his path.


    A few of his sealbearers had already lost themselves for hours after a slip of concentration. Zac had relied on his Void State to avoid such a fate, but he feared it was only a matter of time. They were growing more insistent by the hour.


    Zac doubted holding them off to the end would change anything. It couldn''t be random that these visions appeared. They believed it was meant as an opportunity to get a leg up on the trial, where finding the right set of memories would be useful somehow. The theory also lined up with full sealbearers getting more memory motes than those with iplete seals.


    For Zac, the opportunity was a disaster. He suspected the first stage of the trial would take ce within an illusion. The moment he was dragged into a memory was the moment his core would go supernova. Despite the odds being stacked against him, Zac hadn''t given up. If convention said his breakthrough was impossible, then he''d overturn convention.


    He stubbornly kept going, using his dwindled resources to their utmost. Zac wasn''t making much headway by now, but each piece of debris he upgraded and added to his growing core would stave off disaster a bit longer. The me of hope would keep burning so long as he kept struggling, which was exactly what Ogras'' message had proven.


    Each second felt like an eternity until the doors finally slid open to let Ogras and Catheya inside. Zac''s heart clenched upon seeing their state. Both were covered in burns, their auras flickering precariously. The item he needed was located in a treasury inside one of the burning pieces of debris. Reaching its depths had clearly been a brush with death. And yet, they didn''t take a moment to rest,ing straight to deliver salvation.


    "Buddy, are you ready?" Ogras asked as he hurried over with a crystal carafe in his hands.


    "As ready as I''ll be," Zac said, looking at Catheya. "What about you?"


    "I''m��I still don''t know if it''ll work. It was never designed for this. I''m afraid you''ll��" Catheya''s voice trailed off as she looked conflicted and scared. ?


    "Girl, don''t jinx it," Ogras muttered under his breath.


    "You''re giving me a chance at life. To turn a cmity into an opportunity. What else can I ask for?" Zac said with a smile.


    "That''s right," Ogras grinned and winked at Catheya. "Who are we dealing with? This is just another Tuesday for him."


    Zac made a final mental check of his state, ensuring that he hadn''t missed anything. Simr checks were taking ce around him. Gu and K''Rav were inspecting the chaotic mesh of arrays set up, where Jaol and Ship Spirit had helped with theplex calctions. Vri and Kruta were sitting nearby, ready to assist when needed.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    Everything was in ce. The treasure in Ogras'' hand was the only thing missing, and they''d recovered just in time. Zac felt the universe urging him on, telling him it was now or never. If he waited much longer, he would have too little energy left to endure the next step. Zac took out an ancient box and began unlocking its intricate seal.


    Warning signals went off in Zac''s mind the moment he unsped the lid, and a fierce aura filled the hangar. It almost felt like they''d let loose a Beast Emperor, and the suppression brought forth reserves Zac didn''t know existed. Rejecting his primal instinct to flee, Zac ensconced the box in an embrace between his bodies.


    Undoing the ancient lock was like introducing a weakness to a pressure cooker, and treasure jade turned into shrapnel when the box erupted in a tsunami of pent-up energy. A cloud of blue dust utterly bereft of any energy fell onto the ground, forming a neat pile between Zac''s halves. It was the only thing remaining of the box and its contents.


    Zac didn''t get to see the Body Refining Treasure''s true appearance or figure out the best way of absorbing it. The problem had solved itself, with the medicinal force pouring into his wounds like it was attracted by his tempered flesh. The relief was short-lived and quickly reced by utter, inconceivable agony.


    The pain was close to the levels of his temporal bacsh, and it grew worse when he felt the horrifying bite from the Four Laws. The experience waspletely different from enduring the Four Destes, though. The Laws found in the Body Tempering Treasure he traded from Esmeralda weren''t pure. Instead, they were with a fleshy force reminiscent of the Fiend Crystals he''d collected in the Centurion Lighthouse.


    There was even a hint of resentment and madness mixed in. Its origins were clearly different, though, and closer to what he felt from the Eternal Guardians. Zac also felt the lingering power of stars inside. Likely, the Starfall Court had managed to extract some of the force that birthed the Foreign Gods. From there, they''d purified as much of the corruption as they could without damaging its nature, like with the puppets.


    Left was an unattuned Body Tempering Treasure containing a sliver of Stard''s perfected power. Zac would have normally been exhrated by the pain, knowing it brought tremendous benefits. It was different now. His body was starved for the very energies spreading through every inch and corner, but the hurricanes and ponds in his cells were too weak to extract it.


    It was a losing battle where his body was being ground to dust before it could digest the benefits. Zac had already entered his Void State to endure the pain, and unbreakable will forced his limbs to move when his muscles had stopped listening. A deep thump reverberated through the hall as Zac stomped down onto the array disks while forming mudras with shaking hands.


    It was the first step of something both foreign and familiar, echoing concepts from <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong>, <strong>[Ster Dominion]</strong>, and various Draugr bloodline methods. Death and life moved in perfect sync, and Zac''s suffering reached new thresholds as the energy was drawn deeper into his cells.


    He had to keep going. Zac nced at Ogras, who moved over the carafe. It stopped right between the Core Formation arrays, and a hand made from shadows pulled out the stopper before disappearing. A shroud of starlight resembling Stard''s cape poured out of the vase, and Zac''s soul shuddered with both fear and hunger. A second source of Law had appeared in the room, one mixed with profound, enduring spirituality.


    The newly engraved runes surrounding Zac''s arrays lit up, and the Core Formation Arrays interlocked with patterns Zac had seen thousands of times. They were almost identical to the arrays Zac used when practicing <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>. The liquid Soul Treasure was already drawn by the hunger in Zac''s mind, and the arrays helped drag it all inside before it could get sidetracked.


    Zac put theory into practice by activating his Soul Nurturing Technique. The twin gxies in his Soul Aperture were soon invaded by an overbearing star system seemingly intent on consuming the existing system. Zac''s Soul Core trembled as they were drowned by their radiance, and Zac couldn''t even think from the pain.


    He didn''t need to. Zac''s heart knew what he had to do. Pure will kept him going, maintaining the <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> while he transitioned to the second stance of his redesigned body tempering method. The movement caused a shockwave that reached the depths of his soul, rallying its faltering forces, and Zac''s mind was once more clear.


    The heart drove the body, the body nourished the soul, and the soul strengthened the heart. The Void was the bridge, forming aplete cycle of nourishment and stability. This was what he''d seized from Ultom''s light. A grand unified method where everything could be part of something greater.


    Zac had discussed this issue with Rava more than once, whether it would help or harm to expand a method to include more aspects than one. Zac had initially believed it a bad idea. The System''s path was one of specialization, extracting the most out of each technique for efficient advancement.


    Combining all one''s manuals into one technique could be likened to an even distribution of attributes. The total attribute tally would be the same as someone like Zac. However, thatck of focus meant no aspect would stand out, leaving you worse off than if you specialized. Instead of cramming Heart Cultivation into his <strong>[Nine Reincarnation Manual]</strong>, it would be better to nourish the heart separately.


    That parable didn''t capture the whole picture, even if Zac suspected that was the mostmon oue with the ancient manuals. There were instances where one plus once didn''t equal two and where the fusion of two separate aspects could bring forth somethingpletely new. That was the purpose of the <strong>[Void Emperor Apotheosis]</strong>��divinity from the mundane, a unifying methodbining his path.


    What Zac exhibited was only a crude prototype of what he''d envisioned, but it managed to aplish what he needed. A weak cycle had formed, synchronizing his Heart, Body, and Soul. None could withstand the destruction of the two Law-imbued treasures on their own. Together, they barely managed to hold on.


    More importantly, his methods suddenly exhibited a trait exclusive to his bloodline��the hunger of the Void Emperor. The uncontroble forces rampaging through his bodies briefly paused as threads of pure energy were absorbed by his cells and Soul Cores. All the energy didn''t disappear into the Void Realm, either.


    It was his <strong>[Void Vajra Sublimation]</strong> and <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong> that had gained the hunger of the Void, so it was they who drew on the unimed energy to improve their efficacy. Of course, the Supreme Treasures wouldn''t let themselves be refined without a fight, and Zac didn''t have the strength to keep the fight going for much longer.


    "Do it," Zac wheezed, and Catheya sped her hands.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    A boundless chill came like a punch to the gut, forcing the others to retreat to the edges of the hall. The source was a small blue scale that had emerged from Catheya''s forehead. It looked like it could have been hewn from primordial ice, but its unmistakable aura exposed its origin. It emitted the tyrannical might of dragons.


    The scale flew forward, taking the empty carafe''s position. Zac''s skin immediately began freezing over, eliciting a feeling of being stabbed by a million daggers. The cial chill crept deeper and deeper, guided by Catheya''s will. Zac showed the way, leading the bulk of the cold into his Quantum Space. It swept forth like a time-elerated avnche, covering every inch with terminal chill.


    Life halted, Death was dyed, and all Conflict ceased as the Quantum Space entered an artificial ice age. Even the inflow of energy from the Cosmos ground to a halt when the spatial fractures froze over and became impermeable walls.


    The scale was something given to Catheya by her master, a safeguard at the same level as Sendor''s brands. Even if its strength was limited to that of a Monarch, its source was a genuine top-tier Supremacy wielding the Authority of Ice. Nothing could withstand its power, least of all Zac. Catheya had tried to aim as much of the scale''s power into his Quantum Space, but perfectly controlling such power was impossible for her.


    Thankfully, that was part of their calction. The destruction of his bodies stopped as his cells froze over, and the ebullient lights harassing his Soul Aperture were rooted in ce together with his nebic swirls. Zac felt his mind slow to a crawl as even his thoughts froze over, but he retained enough presence of mind to hold onto the effect from <strong>[Void Emperor Apotheosis]</strong>.


    After two weeks of unrelenting struggle, an absolute calm had descended on Zac''s harried bodies. He was frozen solid, helpless, and at the precipice of true death. He was also alive, struggling, and growing stronger by the minute. Things were finally moving in the right direction.

 Chapter 1271: Fates Culmination

    Chapter 1271: Fate''s Culmination


    An absolute cryogenic state of this grade was a death sentence for a Hegemon, and Zac was no exception. The only reason he was able to hold on was the two treasures he''d swallowed just prior. Their Law-imbued energies were fighting back, like candles keeping him just warm enough to stay alive. Even that was only possible thanks to his deep foundations and Sindris Heritage.


    Zac wanted to assure those around him he was fine, but the cold had isted him from his surroundings. Eyes frozen shut, he couldn''t see, and his Soul Sense barely extended beyond his bodies with his soul locked down. They''d have to make do with the weak flicker of spirituality emanating from him and the fact that the motes of destiny around him hadn''t disappeared.


    Keeping track of his internal state was still possible, even if his thoughts moved so slowly it was difficult to hold onto a thread. Ichor and blood had be ice, and his withered muscles had hardened into glistening rubies. His soul, which had been in a constant state of movement since he began cultivating <strong>[Nine Reincarnations Manual]</strong>, had fully stopped, looking like a still picture.


    Their n hade from a ce of desperation and was partly based on assumptions and pure guesswork. Still, there was precedent. Back in the E-grade, Zac had used various means to get through the deadly hurdle of breaking open nodes. One of them was relying on Spiritual Ice to freeze the node, lessening the damage from the breakthrough.


    Zac''s current situation was based on the same concept, except infinitely moreplex and dangerous. Their main goal was to press the pause button on his breakthrough, stopping the inflow of energy and ensuring his quantum space would survive the teleportation into the trial. He''d thaw out after things had stabilized and finish the job afterward.


    Catheya''s scale was the only thing in their possession that could aplish such a feat, except it was too powerful. Zac needed a safety to survive being frozen for so long. The problem had made Zac think of the microscopic suns still burning in the depths of his cells. During the tribtion, they had showcased a hint of the amazing resilience that allowed the Ster Wanderers to even travel the great beyond. Not even the Four Destes could faze them.


    The suns were much too weak to resist a Supremacy''s Dao, even after they''d marginally grown from feeding on Ultom''s light. The treasure he''d gotten from Esmeralda was the closest thing since its origins were clearly rted to the Ster Wanderers and the Lost ne. They''d either strengthen the suns or provide a simr effect on their own. Observing the results, it was thetter.


    With one treasure covering his bodies, he also needed something for his soul. Hispanions had pursued every avenue, even browbeating the Ship Spirit into hacking into a few of the Centurion Base''s restricted terminals. Finally, they found a lead on a Soul Nurturing treasure and where it was stored��the carafe that Catheya and Ogras had managed to bring back at the eleventh hour.


    Any of the three treasures would have killed Zac outright if used on their own. Together, they formed a system of mutual restraint, just like <strong>[Void Emperor Apoteosis]</strong> brought mutual promotion between heart, soul, and body. Starting up the method before freezing also allowed him to slowly siphon some of the medicinal energy.Zac hadn''t just consumed the treasures to survive being cryogenically frozen. He was tapped out, mentally and physically. Surviving the cold wouldn''t matter if he woke up a weekter in an even worse state. If things remained this way, he wouldn''t have to worry about that. So long as he maintained his Void State, he would slowly absorb the energies.


    Keeping the right pace was the key. Take too much, and he wouldn''t have enough to resist the cold. Too little, and he risked thawing out prematurely. If things worked out, Zac would not only have recovered most of his energy upon awakening, but he would have strengthened his body and soul.


    Furthermore, his whole crew hade together to lessen the dangers. The Core Formation tforms were surrounded by multiple arrays that contained and kept the cold stable. Vri was monitoring his soul''s state, and Kruta was ready to use his mes to temporarily weaken the chill if Zac''s state worsened. Zac forgot all else, sinking into the depths of the Void.


    The next time he opened his eyes, he''d already be inside the trial.


    -------------


    "You''re going to burn a hole through his chest if you keep that up."


    Catheya ignored thement, once more inspecting Zac''s state. There was still no change. It should be a good thing, yet Catheya found it impossible to rx. It had been an hour. Shouldn''t she have been able to see some form of improvement by now? Had they miscalcted? Were the treasures keeping him alive but too weak to also nourish him? If so, they needed��


    "It''s minute, but his soul is growing stronger," Vri assured before Catheya''s mind could run amok.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    "See? He''s fine," Ogras said. "Better focus on what you can control."


    "You''re right," Catheya sighed. Her part of the n was over the moment she released her master''s blessing. Catheya had no way of controlling the cial domain now that it was out there. Instead, she turned her attention to the shimmering lights around her.


    "Have you discovered anything?" Catheya asked.


    "What Janos said should be true. The one I touched the other day is still with me. The others have been swapped out," Ogras said. "Do they want us to build a squad? Or is it winner takes all?"


    "Isn''t this what the trial is about?" Kruta said. "Seizing fate. So if you seize a strong one, your opportunities will be better?"


    "I''d prefer to seize whatever spark that puts me next to the boss," Ogras grinned. "The opportunities woulde on their own that way."


    "Seizing fate," Catheya slowly said, ncing at the dense swirls around the two men encased in ice. "I''m going in."


    Catheya extended her will, touching a particr light that had tried to harmonize with her for a while. It was like she''d fallen into a whirlpool of foreign impressions, and Catheya had to hold on for dear life not to be dragged under. And yet, it was impossible to get anything tangible that could help with the trial. The memories were too blurry, only giving off a vague sensation.


    She felt a closeness to the unnamed stranger the mote represented, but there was ultimately an unbridgeable gap. There was something about its destiny that didn''t align with Catheya''s path, so she began pushing back. She shuddered and opened her eyes soon after. It felt like weeks had gone by, but a quick check confirmed three hours had passed.


    Ogras had a vacant look in his eyes, indicating he was in the middle of seeking his fortune. Catheya turned to Joanna instead, who showed no interest in the lights surrounding her. The spearmaiden only had eyes for her Lord, her eyes giving off a sparkle that filled Catheya with as much pressure as Iz Tayn''s celestial beauty. "Anything new?"


    "They had to add some mes an hour ago. He''s stable since," Joanna said. "Thest crew is about to return."


    "Is everything prepared on that end?"


    "The ship is ready to be packed up at any time, and we''ve found a safe spot to park," Joanna confirmed. "We''re setting out the moment they''re aboard."


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    "Not a moment too soon. I can feel the heat through the walls," Catheya grinned. "It''s finally happening, isn''t it?"


    Joanna slowly nodded. "Fate''s culmination."


    -------------


    <em>''It''s time.''</em>


    The meguard exhaled and stood up. Her movement broke the silence that held the chamber in its grip.


    "Are you going ahead?"


    She nced at the Tobrial prince, who was barely visible inside the gentle swirl of building blocks. The ancient thread was still in his hands. Its aura was weakened, but it was clear he''d only managed to pierce its surface. The real prize was still deeply embedded in the fabric. Only time could tell whether he''d be another link in the chain or if his preparations would benefit someone else.


    "It''s time," the meguard confirmed as a me ignited on her finger.


    Her hand danced through the air, following the inherited rites. The meguard felt a weak rejection, but the conviction in her heart burned it away. It didn''t take long for theplex sigil to be filled in. It copsed onto itself, bing a radiant mote resembling those surrounding the sealbearers. Except, its luster was slightly different, as was its color.


    The me flickered, casting a shadow in the form of a veiled nun. They bowed toward each other in a greeting that crossed time, and the mote expanded into a gate.


    "Safe travels," the prince smiled from his dais. "I hope we''ll get to work together again."


    "If fate wills it."


    Leyara found herself standing on a trail of burning footprints. The path prepared by <em>her </em>predecessors��the other her. The path stretched into the darkness like a chain made from responsibility. It would take her where she needed to go, avoiding most of the pitfalls the candidates would have to face. The mes urged her to go ahead, to perform her duty.


    For years, she''d followed its will without question and without injecting personal beliefs. Today, she would not. The reluctance and anger she''d held onto so long burst forth from a hidden corner, shrouding the burning radiance that held her captive. Leyara felt like she''d woken up from a dream, and a rush of emotions came bursting forth. Anger, fear, and determination.


    Leyara turned around, facing a river of lights that flowed through the darkness. A few of the weaker wisps were lost to the cosmos, the destinies reimed by the wheel of Samsara. Only a shadow remained of what once had been a mighty stream so vast it could have been mistaken for an ocean. Leyara felt a pang of sorrow at the scene, even if she knew the sentiment was inherited.


    "So few of your followers remain, Emperor Evrodok," Leyara mumbled as she scoured the river.


    Leyara felt her thoughts grow hazy. Willpower alone was not enough to suppress the me of Destiny. She desperately fought back against the inevitable, buying as much time as she could. So long as she could see him.


    And there he was.


    "Always up to something," Leyara smiled, using herst strength to nudge one of the lights.


    Grunting in pain, the meguard formed a calming mudra. Confusion was washed away and reced with purpose. She began walking down the path of mes, each step perfectly aligned with an identical footprint. The river soon faded into the darkness, and its matters were already forgotten. Her heart was nk like a mirror. Reflected on its surface was the destiny that had to be.


    ------------


    Blessed Fate sped his hands and the ocean stilled. It was done. Order was restored, and the trajectories followed the will of the Cosmos. The weave had grown tooplicated to interfere any further, with ancient threads obscuring the path to the future. What would be, would be.


    "Will you step in?"


    <em>''...''</em>


    The silence was expected. The Supreme Seal hadn''t left their Lord''s side for the previous pirs, and they wouldn''t now that he''d stirred in his slumber. The unknown variables resisting their efforts weren''t enough to draw the Seal''s attention. Looking at the pages of history would say it was the right decision. A river was a living thing, and it was natural for it to asionally shift in unexpected ways.


    Over time, bnce would be restored. Not even Laondio Evrodok could ovee the course of nature, and the Sangha would face the winds no matter which way it blew. As they always had.


    And yet, Blessed Fate felt a shadow on his heart. He couldn''t shake the feeling of arger plot eluding his gaze, masquerading as randomness within the flux of fate. He shook his head, drawingfort from the endless waters. Imperfection was natural and expected in an imperfect world. Where hecked, the Dharma would intercede.


    A great Buddha was born with a thought. Blessed Fate''s deified form sank into the waters and their Lord''s embrace. It took thest of his apprehensions to be washed away by the eternal dream. Blessed Fate''s empty vessel remained on the surface, his form not reflected on the waters. The monk set out when he couldn''t feel his true spirit any longer, each step spanning an equal distance to the boundlessness of his heart.


    Blessed Fate crossed the four seas, his immovable Dharma resisting Samsara''s call. The ocean''s end drew closer, and reality inverted when he reached its edge. Water becamend, and the boundless nothingness beyond became a mighty river without beginning or end. The past was like the trunk of a mighty oak. The future was its crown, with rivulets branching out in every direction.


    He stopped at its shore, unmoved by the beckoning call of the possible futures. Their truths were illusions when the trajectories remained uncertain. Drawing conclusions from what could be gleaned within was bound to lead one astray. Blessed Fate was here for the present, though the thick stream of history held its allure.


    If his blemish had remained, Blessed Fate might have been tempted to pry into the hidden streams. The frothing waters were just passing clouds to him now. He turned away, cupping his hands toward a nearby spot.


    "Amitabha, benefactor. It''s a rare blessing to see you, old friend."


    Time twisted, revealing an old man almostpletely covered in a worn and faded robe. What had once been the deep azure of the bottomless depths had be the pastel blue of a summer sky. The only feature discernible within the deep hood was the long beard that looked a lot like the river he usually guarded.


    Two hands knotted by age yet blessed with impably smooth skin peeked out from the wide sleeves. Blessed Fate smiled and shook his head upon seeing the wooden rod in the old man''s grip. How many among the current generations knew that no less than five Primordials had been impaled upon that humble fishing pole after failing to escape its unbreakable line?


    Of course, bnce was always restored. Old Man River could only leave his prison for short durations. It was the price for abusing causality to hunt in the river of time''s headwaters.


    "This poor monk can only admit his inferiority. I would not dare to fish in these muddy waters."


    "I don''t know about that," the old man grunted as he threw out the line. It sank into the river of destiny without causing so much as a ripple. "You''re still alive, huh?"


    Blessed Fate''s gaze curiously followed the String of Time as it sank into the depths. Pinching his fingers confirmed nothing. It was impossible to uncover who the string sought without offending.


    "I see no future in you," the fishermanmented. "Still trapped in that nightmare of yours?"


    "It is the path we chose," Blessed Fate smiled. "May this one inquire what brought benefactor to this gathering? I see no fate between you and the Fifth Pir, nor any desire for Ultom in your Heart."


    "Just bored," the old man shrugged. "Figured I''d catch the show."


    "Benefactor is always wee to try his luck in our waters. Perhaps the remedy you''ve been seeking is waiting for you there," Blessed Fate offered as a prayer mat appeared by the fisherman''s side.


    "Not interested in getting scammed by you people. I''ll watch the show and go home," the old man said. "Something interesting is bound to happen with so many lunaticsing this way."


    Blessed Fate smiled as he followed the threads of Karma. The old fisherman was absolutely right. The shores were about to be quite crowded. And with some of the oldest existences making an appearance, there was nock of bad blood.


    "Before that, perhaps a trade?" Blessed Fate said, nodding at the glistening string.


    "I think she''d take offense," the old man said and pointed to the sky.


    Blessed Fate sighed at the enormous crack opening in the sky. "It''s this poor monk''s great honor to finally meet you, Mistress Tayn. I''m delighted to see your merit shining brightly. It should not be long until you can bless us with your presence once more."


    "Delighted, are you, monk?" the sky rumbled as golden mes descended like an apocalyptic rain. Blessed Fate sped his hands and drew the suffering toward himself. The Empyrean Throne snorted with annoyance and withdrew her mes before they added to her debt. "Shifty old thing, you better not get any ideas. That goes for the rest of you, too. I''ve been good for too long, and I''m itching for a fight."


    "The benefactors gathering today all know the price of interference," Blessed Fate said.


    "If we were reasonable people, we wouldn''t be here," Kolsara Tayn scoffed.


    The sky mended, leaving only her presence as a warning to those who arrivedter. One by one, ancient existences stepped onto the shores, appearing from every corner of the cosmos. Some towered toward the sky, their frames straining against the Terminus. Others hid in the folds of reality, their presence only exposed by the river''s pull. All waited in silence, hoping to find answers from the shift.


    The river grew increasingly agitated until it split in two to give room for the continent rising from its hiding ce beyond reality. The waters frothed, creating a thick mist that obscured the world and the branching futures. The war for the Kalpa''s direction would begin inside, and the oue would redraw the paths beyond. Blessed Fate smiled and began chanting.


    The board was set, and the future had be the present. The game had started anew.

 Chapter 1272: Guided by History and Fate

    Esmeralda reluctantly stirred, resisting the chill and exhaustion''s attempts to drag her back into theforting darkness. Bleary eyes opened, and thoughts resisted being put into a coherent order for a good while. She felt as lost as when she woke up in her next incarnation, her physical form unable to bear the weight of her consciousness. Thankfully, rity returned much faster. It was the sixth time she��d awoken over the past weeks, and she sensed that it had been herst rest.


    She once again felt shocked at the tribtions she''d been forced to endure since hitching her wagon to this ill-fated chaperone. Esmeralda was once known as an irredeemable troublemaker, but she couldn''t help but feel like ayman attempting to replicate the feats of a true master. At least it looked like things had stayed stable since she fell asleepst.


    The barrier still staved off most of the draconic cold, and what seeped into her shrine was turned rootless enough to be a tool for suppressing her curse. Zac also appeared in stable condition. Esmeralda could feel his current state was simr to that of nt cultivators, thoughts moving at cial speeds as he stayed attuned to his Heavenly Path.


    The calm wouldn''tst much longer. She could barely see the surroundings through a dense curtain of lights, and Esmeralda didn''t need to calcte Heaven''s secrets to know they were just minutes from being sent away.


    Esmeralda couldn''t stop the cold grip of trepidation from creeping into her heart as the moment of truth drew closer. They''d been quite confident in their theories, that she could gain passage as a contracted beast, and that her age issue had been circumvented through her endless reincarnations.


    What if they were wrong?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om


    The seal suppressing the <strong>[Timescape Spiral]</strong> was only a shell after lending Zac its strength, and they were stuck in a Heaven-forgotten corner of the frontier. She was doomed if the System shut her out. She didn''t even have something to barter with those greedy old bastards for another seal, should she somehow reach them in time. It had to work.


    Esmeralda urgently covered herself in talismans that could obscure one''s presence. She didn''t hold much hope in their efficacy, but the familiar arrangement brought somefort. She gingerly took out the ancient statue, its vibrant blood mark still pulsating. Finally, she roused her drained bloodline to temporarily add unfathomable distances between her soul and any threads of Karma.


    The outside waspletely consumed by the soulnterns only momentster, and Esmeralda felt a subtle shift. She didn''t dare breathe, move, or think for a good while. Minutes offorting consistency ayed some of her fears, and she gingerly extended her senses outward. With her guide encased in draconic ice, she needed to ensure he wasn''t steering them both down a cliff.There was a powerful resistance that prevented her Soul Sense from stretching further than a few meters. Meanwhile, physical sight was still overwhelmed by a blinding light from innumerablenterns burning with Fate fueled by Faith and ancient memories. Esmeralda grunted in annoyance and blinked rapidly. A set of runes appeared in her left eye, and distances became irrelevant. The surroundings were suddenly on full disy.


    Esmeralda audibly gasped as impressions almost forgotten over countless reincarnations emerged from the haze at the familiar scene. The Grand Tapestry of Time was flowing right beneath her, the river so wide that it looked like a boundless sea. She shivered at the unfathomable forces it held and added a few extra seals on the <strong>[Timescape Spiral]</strong>. She''d be in deep trouble if it were allowed to draw sustenance from those waters.


    Thankfully, they were quite the distance from the River of Time, sailing down on a much smaller stream filled with glimmering soulnterns. Peering into the waters, she spotted both familiar and unfamiliar faces. A few were covered in golden light and seemingly in trance. Others were looking back and forth, trying and failing to understand the situation.


    A few strangers stood out. There was an ugly thing that stuffed a burning light into its mouth. A vicious expression appeared on its face, and Esmeralda quickly moved her gaze before it was toote. Her eyesnded on a stone-faced baldy surrounded by three illusory avatars. Each one held antern in its hands. The monk noticed something even faster, and Esmeralda helplessly turned away. When did youngsters be so scary? Both spotted her and were ready to strike back.


    Both river and stream were moving in the same direction. It even looked like the stream of Imperial Fate used the unfailing flow of the Temporal River to advance. They ended far in the distance, where a huge continent waited like an ind. The Grand Tapestry of Time was crashing right into it, causing great frothing clouds that obscured most of the continent.


    Such a scene should be impossible, yet there it was. Even more surprising was that the continent was winning the sh of powers. A mysterious force kept it rooted in ce, preventing it from being swept away. The river couldn''t stop flowing, so it could only go around into an unknowable future.


    The continent was clearly their destination, and Esmeralda used every tool avable to search for clues. Unfortunately, the churning waters of time cast a shimmer that constantly changed what she saw. It was impossible to say whether she was looking at the present or a glimpse of the past.


    The more the decrepit old world resisted her inquiry, the angrier Esmeralda got. Nothing had been going her waytely. Now, even an old block of stone was looking down on her. She refused to believe she was unable to unearth any of its secrets, and her hands turned into a blur. shes of ancient runes appeared, echoing the long-lost power of her fully awakened bloodline.


    For eons, Esmeralda had avoided using her true abilities. Instead, she��d made do with the undead shell constructed to throw off the curse��s scent. Now that things hade this far, what was the point in holding back? To aplish her goal, she would even unseal the loop if need be. An illusory rune joined the others in Esmeralda��s eye. The curtains parted, her eyes exploded, and cracks spread from the bleeding sockets to cover her entire body.


    The damage was nothingpared to the shock to her mind. If Esmeralda hadn��t maintained a sliver of her original soul��s strength, she would have been wiped from existence. Heaven��s secrets were not so easily seized. Yet Esmeralda grinned with excitement. Wasn��t this what it was all about?


    For a brief moment, the continent hadn��t looked like a crumbling piece of rock holding against the flow of time. It had transformed into an altar sorge it strained against the terminus, marred by innumerable scars. ce atop it was a chalice surrounded by nine unlit candles, each emitting a distinct, hair-raising aura.


    The scene was majestic, but it was clear the altar wascking something. Currently, it could at most be considered a taboo future rejected by the cosmos. The altar was suppressed by seventeen chains and four mountains hidden within the folds of reality. The altar was like an undying, unyielding beast chained down for ages. And its hidden struggle was about to bear fruit.


    Seven of the chains had snapped while rust covered the rest. Meanwhile, the altar was slowly building strength, graduallying into being. The River of Time was a sea of blood, crashing against the mountainous altar. Some of it seeped into the scars, leaving behind part of its power. Some sshed onto the still-standing chains, adding newyers of sanguine rust.


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    The much smaller river of memorynterns and Imperial Fate instead poured toward the yet-unignited candles, slowly imbuing their runes with power. Most importantly, something terrifying was growing within the chalice, something that could alter the course of history. Only, its true appearance eluded Esmeralda��s gaze even after paying such a steep price.


    ��Emperor Limitless, just what are you scheming?�� Esmeralda gasped as small illusory spirals rippling with time appeared in her hollow eye sockets, regrowing the set she��d just lost.


    At that moment, a tremendous consciousness passed over the river of Imperial Fate. It held ancient, unending power. A mere thought could extinguish the countless memorynterns and the trialtakers they transported. Esmeralda yelped and pushed deeper into her isting pool, activating a series of runes hidden throughout her shrine.


    The river briefly shook before a film of System-controlled Destiny separated the memorial river and the outside world. It also prevented her from gauging the consciousness''s identity, not that Esmeralda minded. Knowing what old bastards were hiding in the cracks to observe the battle for the Fifth Pir wouldn''t do her any good. If anything, it was the opposite.


    Even some of the participants could sense her gaze, so there was no need to mention those old bastards. Worse, more than one had methods to kill through the most tenuous of connections. Such methods would have been a joke to Esmeralda at her height. Avoiding pursuit and retaliation from such beings was often more exciting than the theft itself. Now, she could only hold her temper in check.


    Esmeralda��s mind was still a mess after witnessing the scene, and the many presences added to her confusion. There was no way that the observers would fail to notice what was going on. If anything, they should be able to delve much deeper. Yet none of them seemed ready to intervene. Were they so confident in oveing Emperor Limitless��s machinations? Or was the time not yet ripe? Were they waiting for that thing inside the chalice toe into being?


    The sweeps kept going, and Esmeralda soon got used to them. Curiosity and desire getting the better of her, she carefully extended her senses once more. The distant continent was drawing closer with great speed, and Esmeralda realized that the motes weren''t all heading in the same direction. The soul river branched into nine rivulets, which continued into the maind. They didn''t reach much further, ending in churning clouds holding the power of discement.


    The soulnterns were sorted and sent ind. Was their destination random? A few surreptitious calctions said no. There was a connection betweennd andnterns. It all formed an exceedinglyplex system rted to the vision. Everything held meaning, and everything moved ording to design. Even the trialtakers had be part of the machine.


    Soon enough, they''d been dragged to the continent''s periphery. Broken-off splinters formed bands of inds, just like you saw with any continent. The energies the inds held easily surpassed that of a C-grade continent. Thankfully, the scales were nowhere near the endlessnds of Ancestral Realms or Primal Heavens, though the inds still dwarfed conventional D-grade worlds.


    One ind in particr exerted a great attraction, causing some of the weaker lights to split off from the river. Esmeralda didn''t take the scene to heart until she saw one brat after another being dragged out of the river and toward the world. Most of them wore shocked expressions and tried various tricks to get back to the river. Nothing seemed to work.


    Esmeralda cursed when the pull on her frozen ferryman grew stronger, prompting them to sink deeper into the river. The thing she sought definitely wouldn''t be found on some minor world. Thankfully, she had various measures to mitigate most forces that would try to bind her down or trap her.


    A lighting from a hidden spot near the Shrine of Kanba''s entrance in Zac''s chest preempted her resistance. They stabilized, continuing on their journey. Esmeralda spotted a few others avoiding being dragged under, including most of Zac''s subordinates. She looked at the falling cultivators, putting two and two together.


    "Should''ve worked harder," Esmeralda sniggered.


    Those being pulled down were no doubt the trial takers who''d failed to assemble aplete entrance ticket. Esmeralda wouldn''t be surprised if a bloody gauntlet waited for them below, a final chance toplete their seals and join the real trial. She didn''t care. There were bigger fish to fry.


    Esmeralda turned her attention to the splitting river mouths. The first trialtakers were already being split up, and it was clear their treatment differed. Those enclosed in lights were gently guided to specific rivulets, while those without were simply dragged into the closest one. A scant few managed to change river through special means while most were unable to resist the river''s pull.


    With nine branches, each should represent one of the lower courts, one of the candles waiting to be lit. Entering the wrong one wouldn''t necessarily ruin her ns, but it would definitely make her life harder. But which one to pick? They all looked the same, and none emitted any special aura. Activating her special vision again was out of the question. This close to the continent, the bacsh would be far greater.


    The continent remained obscured, giving no further clues to go by. The deadline grew closer and she frantically looked around her. Thenterns were the key, but she wasn''t a trialtaker. She could barely gain anything from observing the lights. With so many bobbing about, discovering the right one was like finding a needle in a haystack.


    Esmeralda wouldn''t give up because of that. Oveing all odds and overturning fate were the fundamentals of cultivation, and she was destined for greatness. She''d suffered for eons because of one little mistake, and the universe owed her reparations. Eyes bloodshot, her senses roved over the surrounding lights, using the scant energies she''d recovered to glimpse their secrets.


    It was there! Esmeralda almost jumped out of the shrine on instinct as her full attention honed onto antern that shone much brighter than the surroundingnterns, only stopping herself at thest moment. She was just sensing a memory of what she sought, not the real thing. That was enough. Whoever thatntern represented hade in contact with the item she sought, and the encounter had left an indelible mark on their soul.


    Eyes wild, Esmeralda made a grasping motion. Nothing happened. <strong>[Nab]</strong>, the amazing innate ability that had apanied her from a tadpole to the peak, grasped nothing but air. The radiantntern continued its journey, drifting further and further away. Increasingly desperate, Esmeralda tried various methods, finally even extending her tongue to wrap it up.


    Worse, she could tell it was moving toward a different branch than herself. Should she jump out and follow it? No, something about her status was clearlycking. More likely than not, she''d fall right through thenterns and be swallowed by the temporal river below. Provided none of the old bastards noticed the item on her first. She needed help.


    Stamping with anxiety, she shouted with her Daovoice, hoping Zac could hear it in his current state. "I found a clue, but I can''t get it alone!"


    After a brief silence, Esmeralda got the answer she''d hoped for in the form of a distant ''<em>go.''</em> A series of runes appeared on the unmoving Draugr, adjusting his course before elerating toward the escapingntern.


    Further up the river, Zac slowly roused from his slumber. With the chill holding him in its grip having be rootless, the bnce was already breaking. The mes of Life were gradually expelling the cold while his Soul Cores creaked, showing the first signs of movement in over a week. The process would take a while, though he could still vaguely sense how Esmeralda led his Draugr half into the dense cloud in pursuit of whatever clue she''d found.


    Already, Zac could tell what would emerge from the ice wasn''t the same as what went into it. Only scraps remained from the ring light assailing his Soul Aperture, and the fiendish energy tearing his bodies apart was just an echo of its former self. He''d managed to hold onto his Void State, instinctively channeling the <strong>[Void Emperor Apotheosis] </strong>throughout his<strong></strong>rest.


    As such, the Law-imbued treasures he''d consumed just before freezing himself were almost fully absorbed, bing nourishment and progress. Zac even sensed he could forcibly elerate his recovery if need be. He didn''t. Zac would have to resume his core formation the second the ice failed to fully seal his Quantum Space, and the journey wasn''t over.


    The quantum connection trembled as his Draugr half sailed into a churning cloud, and an opaque haze covered his shared senses. Zac had no time to ponder the implications. At that moment, a radiant mote pushed its weaker neighbors aside and mmed into his forehead. The sudden intrusion shook his turbid mind, and his first instinct was to rebuff it. However, a familiar scent made him stay his hand, and a golden light soon ensconced him.


    A series of memories came pouring in as he floated down another path, guided by history and fate.

 Chapter 1273: Under a Fading Sky

    Kristvan''s frown deepened from the information transmitted through the hundreds of runes floating around him. He sought the source of the anomaly, digging toward the depths of the earth and reaching far into the sky. There was no earthly reason to be found for the slight butprehensive drop. The cosmos was still providing enough to maintain the node''s operations, but it was getting more difficult by the minute.


    It was only a matter of time before they''d have to start topromise. Kristvan turned toward the central tower, his heart filled with misgivings. Why now? A series of slight alterations ensured a smooth supply of Spiritual Energy for the next few hours. The prospect of facing censure for his actions didn''t even register. Nothing could be allowed to go wrong at this juncture. He only released the connection after confirming no changes beyond the gradual decline.


    "Baron Wendimar!" the two guards saluted when Kristvan stepped out of his office. "Themander is requesting your presence."


    Kristvan inwardly grimaced, only showing the transcendent dignity of a cloister-trained Formations Master on the outside. Was he caught already? "Good."


    He stepped through the Void, his misgivings only growing from the weak resistance. He found themander standing atop the central tower, looking out across the endless sea of orange verdure.


    "You''ve altered the allocation."


    It wasn''t a question. Kristvan nodded. "I have."


    Commander Andrak held his gaze for what felt like an eternity before continuing. "Do you have any insights regarding the changes?"


    Against all odds, themander wasn''t questioning the clear transgression. Kristvan''s relief was short-lived. A hardliner like Commander Andrak didn''t bother upholding militaryw? Their rtionship was nowhere near close enough for such treatment, and the Wendimar name had fallen so far it had long since been forgotten.Which could only mean themander had much bigger fish to fry.


    "A drained or damaged Dragon Vein isn''t enough to exin the phenomenon, and it shows none of the tell-tale signs of a blight or curse. I fear we''re looking at a deeper issue," Kristvan said, the wheels in his mind turning. He''d been too preupied by the implications to properly analyze the cause. "Have you contacted the other nodes in the region?"


    "They''re all reporting simr issues," Andrak said. "The locals are also reacting. Base Firona and Pak are facing tides. Pak will hold even with weakened defenses. Firona will not."


    Kristvan grimaced. Firona was situated in the middle of the Cloudripple Mountains, which was crawling with beasts. Their defenses were moreprehensive than the normal nodes, but that also meant greater energy requirements. A tide would put great strain on their base, and with the supply weakened��


    "Any sightings of the forest spirits?" Kristvan asked.


    "Not yet, but we expect it''s only a matter of time," Commander Andrak said, looking at Kristvan meaningfully. "We''ve received orders from headquarters. We''re leaving for Seventh Vestige Point in one hour unless the situation has reversed."


    Kristvan felt a distant roar in his mind, causing a small storm in his Inner World. No wonder themander wasn''t pressing the issue. They were abandoning Base Pango, retreating to the regional headquarters. What would Andrak care about him siphoning off some of the base''s energy? This was a disaster.


    "I can''t leave."


    The grizzledmander was cut off before he could respond.


    "I''m not leaving," Kristvan pressed, budding panic reced by steely determination. "If you try to make me, I''ll��"


    "No need for threats," Andrak grunted. "I respect your decision, even if it''s unlikely to change the oue. I can feel it; we''re entering a turbulent chapter."


    "All the more reason."


    Commander Andrak slowly nodded before taking out a chest rippling with foreboding energy. "I''ll return this to you. You should understand its restrictions better than me." ?��????��?


    Kristvan epted his Master''s creation with mixed emotions, finally understanding why themander was acting so amodating. He fully understood Kristvan''s situation and nned on using it to protect his men. Kristvan didn''t mind as it aligned with his own goals. "Thank you."


    "I have to prepare the exodus," Andrak said, giving the Formations Master a final look as he faded from view. "They will keep the gate open as long as possible. Good luck."


    "Who knows? We might be worrying over nothing," Kristvan said with a weak smile. "You might be back before this is over."


    "Hm," Andrak grunted and disappeared.


    Kristavan sighed and caressed his long beard. His words echoed hollowly even in his ears. Andrak''s focus on the physical path didn''t change the fact that he was also a genuine Void Herald. How could he not notice the same thing? Their Inner Worlds suffered the same treatment, and the Dao was growing hollow.


    It was as though the Heavens were slowly turning their back on thesends. Even an energy-dense environment like the Pangonian Wilds would eventually be reduced to a wastnd from such treatment. What was the point in maintaining the node, then? The grand formation wouldck the energy necessary to function even at the basest of levels.


    The usually silent base was soon bustling with activity as the hundreds of guardians usually staying in secluded cultivation emerged. Kristvan ignored it all. He entered the central tower and was buffeted by the dense energies within. He soon stood before a sealed door, resisting the temptation of forcing his way through the barriers to spy on the situation within.


    With the order being of the highest priority, the hubbub was reced with an almost eerie calm less than an hourter. The base itself held little value beyond the impact it had on the vastwork of Dragon Veins beneath the ground. There was nothing to dismantle or extract, allowing the unit to leave without dy.


    Only a small rearguard remained to keep watch over the forest. Kristvan didn''t ce any hope on their assistance. They were just there to give early warning in case a tide showed potential to catch up with the main squad. They would leave as soon as Commander Andrak had created enough distance from the base.


    Kristvan sighed and returned to his office, where he started aplete overhaul of theplex formations. Everything extraneous was turned off to benefit the central tower and Base Pango''s defenses. Even the scouting formations were turned off��there was no point in knowing how big the uing tide was. He would face it all the same. Only themunicator was left intact in a desperate hope headquarters could deliver news and remedy.


    When Kristvan finished his alterations, the base meant for long-term habitation had been transformed into an impregnable War Machine. In the five hours it took, the energy density had decreased by a quarter.


    "Baron," one of the advance guards bowed when Kristvan emerged.


    "Are you leaving?"


    "Within ten minutes," the guard nodded, handing over a report.


    Kristvan sighed upon skimming its contents. He only had six hours before the denizens of the forest reached the outer perimeter. "Thank you."


    "We wish you two the best of luck," the captain said before departing.


    Kristvan continued his work. The potential of the Imperial arrangement had been exhausted, but n Wendimar wasn''tpletely without means despite its sad state. Towers and array gs flew out of his Inner World one after another, expertly joining with the defenses. Four defensiveyers became six, all of them thrumming with deadly deterrence.


    Any hopes the grand disy would dissuade an attack were ultimately dashed. The towering trees beyond the clearing swayed as the mists thickened, yet it was impossible not to notice what hid within. A sea of orange-haired nymphs were gliding toward the base, unfettered by gravity. They weren''t alone.


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    One by one, beasts ranging from the size of a fingernail to mountain ranges came within view, setting aside their differences to fight theirmon enemy. Even the solitary spirits of the forests had arrived, not two of them looking alike. Two things unified the mottled army��intense fluctuations of corruption and burning rage, rage aimed at him and the Empire.


    Any great undertakinges at a cost. The nodes required pure Spiritual Energy to function properly, which meant the Earthly Taint had to be pushed into the surroundings until the whole tapestry was finished. Only then could the road disy its purpose.


    The residents of Pangonian Wilds had seen their environment grow increasingly twisted and impure over the past millennia. They''d tried resisting the Empire''s expansion more than once, except they''d never managed to form a united front. Until now. The absolute drain afflicting the region was thest straw, the threat that forced the natives to unite.


    Kristvan knew there was no point in trying to exin they weren''t the reason for the Dao''s copse. He wouldn''t believe him either if he were in their shoes. In fact, he wasn''t certain they weren''t at fault. Who else but the Limitless Empire wielded the power to obscure the Heavens themselves? The Selvari, perhaps, but they were sequestered on the opposite side of the universe.


    No matter the truth, there was no going back. Rumbles like Heavenly thunder shook the forest as the tide crashed into the outer barrier. Automated defenses illuminated the night sky, carving mile-long scars in the ground. It changed nothing. The wilds had more than enough inhabitants to fill whatever gaps Kristvan created.


    Mind splitting, a projection appeared before the sealed gate. Kristvan activated a rune that would allow his voice to reach inside. "We''ve encountered a minor setback. You might feel some tremors. Don''t worry about it; we have everything under control. Focus on what''s important."


    Blood painted the forest green, yet the intensity of the attack only mounted. Kristvan held nothing back, personally controlling thousands of arrays to extract every ounce of strength. All that effort only dyed the inevitable. The outermost perimeter was soon swallowed by a sea of verdure, and towers that Kristvan had spent centuries crafting were torn down by vines and swipes of subjugated beasts.


    Kristvan''s heart would normally be bleeding at the loss of what was meant to be part of his ancestral home, but his desire made him detonate them all without a shred of regret. A halo of unfettered power bloomed around Base Pango, overwhelming thebined might of the tide.


    Millions of creatures were incinerated by the roiling waves of destruction that rippled outward to form a sea of mes. More than a dozen Void Heralds were among their ranks, having reacted too slowly to the sacrificial attack. The firested the better part of a day until it was brought under control, at which point the siege started anew.


    Anything Kristvan could do to slow down the encroachment, he did. The Forest Barbarians didn''t care. They acted the role of Nature''s emissaries, determined to expunge the blight on theirnds at any price. The world itself couldn''t sustain such a grievous battle. On the sixth day, the first Dragon Vein shattered, and its copse brought the others with it.


    With thend no longer sustaining the arrays, Kristvan had no choice but to power them himself. A dozen cracks appeared throughout the base, each of them pouring energy into its arrays. Kristvan''s very soul cried from the agony of his Inner World bleeding out, yet he kept cutting off one chunk after another. Under no circumstances could the central tower''s operations be interrupted.


    Ultimately, only the Emperor and his Generals had the strength to ovee the forces of nature. Kristvan was far from that level, and his sacrifice wasn''t nearly enough to turn the tides. Nine days was his absolute limit, yet he had persisted for ten. Soul leaking, Inner World copsed, resources fully expended, Kristvan could do nothing but nkly pour energy into the final barrier.


    He didn''t even notice when a small imperfection appeared in the shield, and he was too slow to react to the root impaling his chest before crashing into the tower behind. The pain and horror stirred him awake, just in time to see a swarm of creatures pouring in. He didn''t care about the beasts. The only thing in his eyes was the huge scar running the tower''s length, including the sealed chamber.


    Almost going insane with worry, Kristvan stirred his soul for a final sacrifice. However, an explosion of monstrous anger made his mind seize. He wasn''t the only one. The army that had managed to breach the barrier''s weakness before it mended had frozen in ce after being inundated by the roiling tide of Killing Intent that came pouring out of the damaged tower.


    Kristvan felt like he''d been transported to the brutal frontlines where blood flowed like rivers as the Imperial Legions fought the barbarians encroaching on theirnds. Even the sky darkened as the figure responsible for the bloody aura appeared from the scar. Kristvan nkly looked on as a hand descended, triggering a rain of destruction that tore apart countless Beast Kings and nymphs. The constant bombardment of the army trapped outside the barrier grew distant as a singr thought upied Kristvan''s mind.


    When did his daughter be so powerful?


    ---------------


    Newfound power and white-hot rage coursed through Zac''s veins as he emerged from the damaged cultivation chamber. The mix of confusing memories and raging emotions made it difficult to hold onto his sanity. Nevertheless, Zac didn''t quash the memories and desires of Terea Wendimar. He made them his own, where her will was his.


    Zac wasn''t sure he could stop her if he wanted. They''d spent the past ten days in an odd sh of realities, simultaneously working on Terea''s Peak Core while Zac worked on his own. Her thoughts had been his, as were her memories. And they''d both seen how far their father had gone to keep them safe.


    Yes, his father. Whether he was trapped in an illusion or the memories of a light mote, it was impossible to ignore the selfless act of fatherly love. Kristvan Wendimar, a Formation Master with barely anybat ability of his own, had single-handedly faced an army to buy his daughter the time needed to break through.


    Even at death''s door, there was no indication of him backing down. Therefore, Zac wouldn''t stop Terea''s vengeance on the attackers. Rather, he urged it on, fueling it with his own Dao and cultivation. Two paths converged, and a rain of hellfire became a rain of burning axes. Axelights became red scars of searingly hot sharpness.


    The world lost its color as Zac painted the base in blood, only stopping when the final invader had been reduced to burning rubble. Zac understood it was too little toote. There was no way he could deal with the still-growing tide outside the weakening barrier. Facing it was suicide even for him. And yet, what filled Zac''s mind at that moment weren''t thoughts of escape. There was only concern for the withered man who had slumped onto the ground.


    "Good�� good," Kristvan said with a pale smile when Zac appeared by his side.


    "Dad!" The words came out of Zac''s mouth, and he wasn''t sure whether they came from him or the one he shared consciousness with. "I''m sorry�� Because of me��"


    "What are you talking about, silly girl?" Kristvan said with reproach, unable to mask the precariously flickering aura of his dissipating Inner World. He exhibited no indication of confusion about Zac''s appearance or the axe in his hand. There was only pride and relief in his eyes.


    "I��" Zac said with a choked voice.


    Another storm of intense emotions assaulted his mind, with grief and doubt holding the central stage. Most of it came from the temporary identity fused into his soul. Some of it was his own. He might have been focusing on his breakthrough over the past ten days, but he''d witnessed everything that had happened outside.


    Zac had been unable to see anything outside the cultivation chamber where he''d spent the past ten days. The same wasn''t true for his alter ego. Terea possessed a jade token that provided ess to some of the base''s formations, including surveince. He''d seen how something went horribly wrong, prompting the unfamiliar army to flee. Borrowed memories had provided context, letting him realize they were a specialized unit of the Limitless Empire.


    More importantly, Zac had seen how her father had chosen to stay behind to protect his daughter as she broke through. He''d seen his bitter struggle from beginning to end, how he sacrificed both lifeforce and his Inner World to buy time. Zac could tell that Kristvan Wendimar would soon die, even if he''d already dealt with the attackers who snuck inside.


    "Don''t look like that. We don''t have much time," Kristvan said, the constant rumble of fierce attacks striking the barrier underlining his point. "I''ll send you out of here in a moment, but there are a few things you need to know."


    "We''ll go together!" Zac urged, grasping Kristvan''s hand.


    "Space is sealed, but I shall create an opening. Now, listen up," Kristvan said, his voice hardening. Something deep-rooted in Terea''s consciousness made Zac straighten his back as the tumultuous waves of emotions quelled.


    "You are a Wendimar, whiches with both prestige and responsibility," Kristvan said as he took out an ancient-looking seal. "Our glory has long since faded, but the Empire has not forgotten the price in blood we paid to stabilize its foundations. Take this seal and go to the pce. Present it to a representative of the Grand King."


    The words came faster and faster as Kristvan''s face grew deathly white. He felt like he a punctured balloon, deting before Zac''s very eyes. It wasn''t just him. The whole world was growing hollow and washed out like it had reached the end of its cycle.


    "Our n has used up most of our umted favor. However, we still hold one Limitless Merit. The past 87 generations of n Heads have held onto it to this day, waiting for an Eonic Seed to appear among our descendants. Seeing your performance just now, the wait was worth it. Use it and reforge your fate."


    Zac suddenly found himself trapped as a rune glowing with spatial energy appeared before him. Zac recognized it with a nce. It was the same as the pattern Kristvan had spent every free moment carefully engraving. It created a mysterious dissonance that disentangled Zac''s immediate surroundings from the rest of the world.


    "Be careful, little Tea. The sky is darkening, but don''t lose hope. The Empire will provide shade, as it always has," Kristvan said, his usually stern face softening as he hefted a box that made Zac''s senses scream of mortal peril.


    Great upheavals shook Zac''s heart before an unbending determination almost managed to push Zac out of his own consciousness. Zac didn''t fight back, willingly handing over control one final time. He felt his hands sp as he deeply bowed in a ceremonial farewell.N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Safe travels, father!"


    Kristvan nodded with a smile before disappearing. "You were always my greatest pride."


    The next moment, his aura zoned to life in the distance, far outside the final perimeter. He felt like a sun going supernova, and it wasn''t far from the truth. Zac''s eyes reddened, knowing the dying Monarch had ignited his very being, from soul to Inner World��all to create an opening in the domain formed from Nature''s wrath that kept space sealed. A seed of unbridled destruction sprouted in the middle of Krisvan''s aura, and the Teleportation rune lit up.


    Zac faded away, and the world ended.

 Chapter 1274: Changing History

    The surroundings exploded in a chaotic mix of Faith and Space. Zac was unscathed, finding himself standing in the middle of a shallow crater fifty meters across. Beyond was a sea of orangeplemented by nine pirs grasping for infinity. The new environment came with the influx of memories he''d hoped for. The shared state with Terea Wendimar had ended, reced by his normal twinned existence.


    Even so, the grief of parting with his ''father'' lingered. It even intensified after the memories were transferred to his Draugr side to experience. It was impossible not to be touched by the love and concern Kristvan Wendimar had shown. It made Zac think of his real father��Robert Atwood, not the biological father that Leandra mentioned.


    A small book appeared in Zac''s left hand. Being made from mortal materials, it didn''t emit a speck of spirituality. It was the diary he''d found in Greenworth, journaling Robert''s final days. Its edges were worn by now, and it was only a matter of time before the pages would start to yellow. Staying inside a Spatial Ring couldn''tpletely halt the passage of time.


    Zac sighed and put away the diary. It was hard to believe decades had passed since hest saw his father. His image was still fresh in Zac''s mind, but how long would thatst? Most of his memories from his life before the integration had grown hazy, like a dream before he awakened. Would Robert Atwood fade like his book, severing another link to mortality?


    He turned his attention to the item in his other hand. It was the Wendimar n Seal, and its existence presented hard-to-answer questions. It was real to the touch, and it exuded a deep, unmistakable aura. It was Imperial Fate. Zac could picture generation after generation of Wendimar n leaders carrying the seal, each sessor adding to its spirituality through conviction and service.


    The seal resonated with something within Zac''s body. It was a radiant ball of light that emerged from his chest, growing into the face of a stalwart woman sharing more than a few traits with Kristvan Wendimar. At the same time, she was slightly different from the Terea Wendimar of Zac��s memories.


    There was antiquity in her gaze, one you wouldn''t expect to see in a Hegemon or even Monarch. Without the light emitting any aura, Zac suspected this Terea was one who lived after the scene he''d witnessed. Someone who had survived the cmity and risen to transcendent heights. Zac smiled. It looked like Kristvan Wendimar''s wish hade true.


    <em>''Thank you��''</em> Terea said, her ethereal voice seeminglying from a distant past.


    "I''m d I could help," Zac said, knowing exactly what she was talking about.The strain from sharing identity with Terea had drastically increased by the end of the vision. Thergest reason was her intense emotions from seeing her father impaled, but it wasn''t the only one. It was like the timeline had split in two the moment the cultivation chamber was breached. Originally, Terea hadn''t emerged to ughter the enemies before making her escape.


    Terea was breaking through to Peak Hegemony, and she didn''t have the luxury of two bodies simultaneously working on her core. Adding the deterioration of her mental state from seeing her father sacrifice his Inner World, it was no surprise she hadn''t been finished when time ran out. The root had crashed into the tower while she was still rebuilding her core, causing her to lose control over her breakthrough.


    Kristvan had somehow managed to suppress her rampaging energies before it was toote, though it pushed his soul over the edge. Out of time, Kristvan detonated the terrifying weapon inside the chest. With his dying breath, Kristvan ced the n seal in Terea''s hand and threw her into a spatial tear. There had been no time to say goodbye or use the escape rune. Throughout, Terea hadn''t been able to so much as open her eyes.


    In contrast, Zac had already finished his breakthrough when the attack came. He could have emerged from the tower half a day earlier, only choosing not to. No matter how infuriating the scene ying out was, Zac wouldn''t waste his breakthrough on protecting an illusion. One''s core would only stay malleable for so long, providing a final opportunity to remedy some of the setbacks he''d faced.


    Stepping out at the eleventh hour still allowed Zac to rewrite the ending. He had given Terea the chance to say goodbye. That was the cause of the gratitude in the spirit''s eyes. Even if it wasn''t real, Zac had helped the memoryntern resolve Terea''s regret. The spiritual avatar made from faith sublimated, and Zac''s brows rose upon feeling the Imperial Fate on her and the Wendimar token growing stronger.


    Terea faded, her Faith and Fate melding with the world. Only a sliver returned to Zac, turning into a streak of light that went into his left hand. Looking down, Zac briefly saw four sets of lines appear, together forming a rudimentary version of the Seal of the Left Imperial Pce. Zac recognized the lines well. They were the lights he''d seen when absorbing pieces of his seal, except they held none of the insights.


    Terea''s soul light filled in one of the sets, turning it into a permanent brand while the others faded. The same marking appeared on Zac''s other body, but he wasn''t given the chance to inspect it. A scream of danger was apanied by a deep rumble as the ground began to heave. Meanwhile, the ancient trees surrounding the pit leaned toward Zac like predators eyeing prey. Their orange leaves darkened to a deep ochre that thrummed with malevolence.


    The rustling leaves whispered ancient secrets, generating an immense pressure that made Zac''s bones creak and his soul tremble. It was a powerful domain, and it was only the extension of something even scarier stirring underground. Zac activated <strong>[Skystriker]</strong>, turning into a razor-sharp de of life that cut through the restrictions as he shot out of the crater. <strong>[Verun''s Bite]</strong> shed, and one of the trees was cleanly severed.


    Vision swimming, Zac used the window he''d opened to squeeze out of the trap. He kept his movement skill going, rushing through the forest at top speed for over ten minutes. All the while, the aura behind him grew more powerful, even eclipsing that of an Early Monarch. At that point, Zac deactivated his movement skill and covered himself in <strong>[Void Zone]</strong>.


    A deste scream from an invisible wind subdued the whole forest. Zac was no exception, doing his utmost to blend with the surroundings. A scan reeking of ill intent swept by, feeling like a torchlight made from pure hatred. It roved the area over and over until it reluctantly gave up. Zac exhaled, yet kept his aura hidden as he carefully resumed his escape. Far behind him, an arm over five hundred meters long had risen from the ground.


    Its hand had over a hundred fingers that bent at impossible angles, each looking at the ground below. The fingers were already turning away from the ground to face the sky. The arm sunk back into the ground, allowing the forest to release a collective breath. The songs of birds and roars of beasts gradually returned.


    Zac had no idea what kind of creature he''d identally disturbed, or whether it was attracted to him or the fluctuations his entry had caused. Judging by the intense hatred, Zac suspected it had sensed the Imperial Faith��the unmistakable mark of its arch-enemy. Not taking anything for granted, Zac set course for a mountain range in the distance.


    While doing so, Zac sorted through the memories he''d gained from his Draugr half to avoid any further pitfalls. Only his human side had entered a vision. Esmeralda had dragged his frozen Draugr body directly to this realm, where she''d set up a temporary cultivation cave for him to finish his breakthrough.


    What little Zac''s Draugr side had seen of his surroundings differed greatly from what his human side currently experienced. It was a domain cursed by perpetual acidic rain and unyielding thunderstorms, a ce as hostile as could be. Meanwhile, Zac was certain he was currently escaping the same forest he''d seen in the vision, the Pangonian Wilds.


    It was impossible to mistake the distinct orange leaves. Even the general ambiance was the same, though joined by a new sense of disconnect that made Zac think of the Centurion Lighthouse. It was the sense of standing in a ce that had been kept in a time capsule for a long, long time. Even so, the forest by no means emitted a sense of death or decay. Zac was amazed by the thick pulse of chaotic spirituality he felt from the trees.


    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.


    Any random tree in the Pangonian Wilds would be considered a treasure to most of Zecia''s D-grade factions, and they stretched as far as the eye could see. He''d already sensed as much from his shared memories, but the ambient energies were simply shocking. They weren''t necessarily much denser than what he''d experienced in Kavista. The difference came from a fullness and rity of meaning.


    Even Zac could tell how close and attainable the Dao was. It also exuded a rough and primordial aura, like it still held the mark of ancient times. Zac wouldn''t be surprised if some trial takers broke through on the spot after arriving, especially the Zecia locals who''d ever only felt the hollow Dao of the frontier. After all, Zac could tell the trial wasn''t being held in a temporal chamber.


    The Dao wasn''t the only thing that held the mark of antiquity. The energy wasn''t actually pure. For one, streaks of Ultom''s corrupted Dao spread through the region, though at much lower quantities than Zac had expected. It was unable to gain a foothold in such a spiritually blessed environment. Surprisingly, there were also small amounts of Earthly Taint in the Cosmic Energy.


    The System had changed the nature of cultivation in more ways than one. Most had an idea of the challenges ancient cultivators faced, but few from Zac''s generation were aware of one of the System''s greatest aplishments��theplete and absolute removal of impurities in Cosmic Energy. Before, even the best environments augmented by formations would carry some taint, and dealing with that fact was part of every cultivator''s struggle.


    Zac still remembered his second bloodline vision, where Karz had joined the Blue Spring Sect. The courtyard he''d picked for himself had stood empty for centuries because it was located on a spot with extremely impure energy. Any normal cultivator who practiced there would be harming themselves, like someone who propped up their cultivation with pills. Impurities would umte until they formed an impassable bottleneck.


    Thankfully, the System wasn''t nning on having the trial takers experience all the hardships of the ancient cultivators. A small amount of impurities were constantly invading Zac''s body, only to fade away like they never existed.


    The whole trial ground was a time capsule from the Limitless Empire''s age, just like the memory he''d just experienced. Seeing how his surroundings perfectly matched the illusion, Zac wondered if the rest of the trial was the same. It was a shame the memories he''d shared were extremely scattered and didn''t include a map. Then again, his destination was impossible to miss.


    Far ahead, a huge pir of light stretched into the sky. It exceeded Zac''s senses, preventing him from properly taking in its dimensions. Halos of glowing runes surrounded the pir, and Zac could spot the sigil of the Indomitable Court. There were eight more pirs just like it, spread out evenly in every direction. It wasn''t difficult to guess they acted as beacons for his fellow trial takers.


    There was no sign of a tenth and final pir to mark the Left Imperial Pce. Neither were there any prompts to exin the rules like during the Eastern Trigram Hunt or Twilight Ascent. Zac''s intuition told him that the requirements to unearth the Left Imperial Pce had yet to be met. Stepping into Terea Wendimar''s shoes and the brand on his hands were his first clues on how System had arranged the trial.


    As luck would have it, hispanion had just returned to their hideout on the other side of the trial.


    "Aren''t you worried you''ll trigger a deviation hovering like that?" Zac scoffed, pushing back Esmeralda''s huge head. She''d been lurking right by his side, observing the new brand on his hand.


    "I''m not stupid. Your aura stabilized a while ago. I stayed put since I figured you were busy with something," Esmeralda scoffed. "But what''s this? It smells the same as those wretched lights."


    "I''m guessing you didn''t find it?"


    Zac hadn''t seen much of the toad since the trial began. She''d left in search of the memoryntern the moment Zac was settled, only returning once every day or two. Her extremely annoyed expression told all Zac needed to know about how the hunt was going.


    "Nothing!" Esmeralda stomped her feet with annoyance. "Not that it would matter. There are lights all over, but I still can''t touch the things. It looks like you''ve figured something out?"


    "I think so," Zac said, sharing his human body''s experiences.


    "You stepped into the life of the memoryntern''s originator?" Esmeralda mused as she looked at the brand. "You and your Luck. Imagine if your frozen body got dropped off directly into the forest. You''d have to finish your breakthrough inside a Beast Emperor''s stomach."N?v(el)B\\jnn


    "Lucky, huh?" Zac muttered.


    It was a fair assumption. Zac would also have chalked everything up to his extraordinary Luck, if not for the clear indicator the memoryntern had been sent his way. Zac had absolutely no idea how Leyara knew about his situation or how she''d managed to send him such a suitable illusion. However, there was no mistaking the mark she''d left on the mote.


    Zac was aware something weird had happened to Leyara. He hadn''t heard from her since meeting the mysterious nun hiding aboard the Everfast Monarch''s ship, and the Void Monastery''s attitude to him hadpletely changed after the events in the Centurion Lighthouse. It didn''t matter if it was part of some bigger n or a genuine attempt to help him.


    He''d chosen to trust Leyara, and it was absolutely the right decision. Zac would try to return the favor if given the chance.


    "What you experienced is definitely not as simple as a dreamscape or illusion. Did you sense any hints of Temporal Energy?"


    "Nothing," Zac said. "However, I did notice something toward the end. The further my actions diverged from the original script, the more faded the world felt. It was like the illusion was drained by having its timeline altered."


    "Drained of what?"<em></em>Esmeralda asked, her expression solemn.


    Zac thought a moment. "Faith, I guess? I think the whole vision was held together by Imperial Faith, even if I don''t understand how."


    "Past and present diverging��" Esmeralda''s eyes widened in realization. "So that''s why we''re right on top of the River of Time. Change the future by altering the past�� That madman!"


    "What are you talking about?"


    Zac gaped upon hearing Esmeralda describe the continent sitting atop the River of Time, and how she''d seen it be an altar with nine candles. The candles had to be the huge pirs of light, representing the Lower Courts. Which meant the chalice was the Left Imperial Pce or Ultom. Could it be the one he saw when being chosen as a Holy Son of the Empyrean Chalice?


    "Light the candles and fill the chalice with power." Zac started to get a bad feeling. The feeling of trouble knocking on his door. "Is it a ritual? What will happen if it''spleted?"


    "I think�� this trial is a contingency. The memorynterns are more than immortalized memories. They might be beacons linked to the past, using Imperial Faith and the River of Time as the bridge. Emperor Limitless is messing with causality."


    "The memorynterns can actually change the past? That''s impossible," Zac said.


    Certainly, impossible wasn''t the right word. Zac had experienced Levi Cartava using her Temporal Eyes to send back memories to her former self, allowing her to change events. He also remembered the terrifying bacsh she suffered as a result, and that was from going back a few seconds.


    A more recent example was Eoz reaching through time to help him during his bloodline awakening. Eoz was an extraordinarily powerful Supremacy, yet he barely managed to ovee Heaven''s suppression when pressing his hand onto the Abyssal Lake. Zac didn''t even dare imagine the kind of cosmic bacsh countless temporal paradoxes would create.


    "If there''s someone who can do it, it''s Emperor Limitless," Esmeralda said with a mix of reverence and fear. "Of course, I don''t think you actually changed the past. If my theory is correct, then it''s more urate to say you''re changing the <em>memory</em> of the past."


    "Changing the memory? Whose memory, and to what end?" Zac asked.


    "The Multiverse''s memory, of course! And you''ve already seen why. Didn''t you say that the Imperial Fateing from that baroness grew stronger after you helped her out? Your actions created a theoretical timeline where she avoided mental demons and a botched breakthrough. ordingly, her destiny would grow stronger."


    "And something on this continent is able to harness this theoretical Imperial Fate, making it real."


    As farfetched as it sounded, Zac suspected Esmeralda was onto something. Changing the Multiverse''s memory? Didn''t that sound a lot like Laondio''s uncanny abilities that only Karz seemed to notice? Or how Karz''s identity had been removed from the River of Destiny, rendering it taboo? Zac''s heart thumped harder and harder as he considered the ramifications.


    Was this all a plot by Laondio to rekindle the fading mes of Imperial Fate?


    "Look at you. Why are you getting all jittery for?" Esmeralda scoffed, rolling her eyes upon seeing how tense Zac looked. "What? We always knew this trial was connected with the Era''s direction. Isn''t it expected that the biggest boss would want a say? More importantly, what does it have to do with us? Do you want to enter those murky waters, or do you want to ransack this ce and make off like a bandit?"


    Zac blinked a few seconds beforeughing. "You''re right. I guess it doesn''t matter. We only need to figure out the rest of the rules so we can get our hands on the loot. It''s not our problem what happens after, even if the Emperor himselfes jumping out of the woodwork."


    "That''s the spirit," Esmeralda grinned. "What can go wrong with Esmeralda leading the way? In fact, I''ve already found the perfect ce to gather information."


    "You did?" Zac eximed. "Ruins of the Limitless Empire?"


    "Even better. I found a city full of ancient cultivators."


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